Ernie Barnes Dies

Acclaimed artist Ernie Barnes, best known for his unique figurative style of painting and whose work was immortalized on classic television and album covers, died last night, according to reports. He was 70 years old.

According to his official biography, Barnes was born July 15, 1938 to Ernest Sr. and Fannie Mae Geer Barnes during the Jim Crow era in Durham, North Carolina. As a child, young Ernest would accompany her to work and was allowed to peruse the extensive collection of art books. One day in junior high school, a teacher found the self-admitted fat, introverted young Barnes drawing in a notebook while hiding from the bullies who taunted him daily.

For over 40 years, his art has been admired and collected internationally. His national traveling “Beauty of the Ghetto” exhibition in the 1970s featured some of his timeless works as “Storyteller,” “High Aspirations” and “The Graduate.” His famous 1971 “Sugar Shack” dance scene appeared on the “Good Times” television show and on the Marvin Gaye album, “I Want You.”

Who Knew?! Black Female Navy Admiral Thwarts Pirates

Rear Admiral Michelle Howard

While we were so focused on the captain of the U.S. cargo ship that was rescued from the Somali pirates, our attention was diverted from the very person that lead the charge to get him back to his family.

The Navy Times ran a story on Rear Admiral Michelle Howard who took command of the Navy’s counterpiracy task force only three days before the pirates attacked the U.S. cargo ship Maersk Alabama and snagged the captain as a hostage.

The U.S. Navy hadn’t seen this type of action in a very long time and piracy hasn’t been something the Navy has had to counter attack in over 100 years. Howard’s expertise and illustrious Navy career showed her to be the perfect person for this mission. She is the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to be promoted to Rear Admiral.

In the article, she said, ““Right now, the policy is, fight piracy, and I am all about that policy … We are quite capable of staying out here and doing this mission.”

Check out the story here, but also peruse her many accomplishments as career Navy personnel. We salute you Rear Admiral Michelle Howard. Also, a big ol’ thank you to Rhonda Mitchell (Pasadena, CA) for hipping us to this story.

Robin Harris - BeBe's Kids

Robin Harris - Partners in Crime

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20TH, 2009

Ebony and Jet magazines are under reorganization. Due to the economic climate, the magazines are suffering and staffers have had to reapply for jobs. The magazines have been staples in the African American community for over 50 years. I cannot imagine these publications not being a part of my life. Jet magazine, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has named a new editor in chief. The mag is best known for entertainment features and the Jet Beauty Of The Week. To save money, the magazine has been combining printings by putting out double issues. Linda Rice Johnson, the daughter of the late Publisher and Founder John Johnson, says they will remain committed to making Jet and Ebony magazines a part of the community. An internet campaign is currently underway urging people to buy subscriptions to save the magazines.

When one door closes, another one opens for Mo’Nique. She lost her radio gig, so now she is returning to TV. Mo’Nique has just signed a deal to host a late night show on BET.

Tyler Perry has had his stalker arrested. Dawn Wilson has been listed as a very dangerous person who has been stalking Perry for awhile. He had a restraining order against her, but she would show up at his Atlanta studios anyway. Wilson has been charged with a felony aggravated stalking count, and she is currently in jail.

I recently had a chance to give an Oscar winner one of my special dishes. True to my word, I gave Jamie Foxx some of my famous peach cobbler. He gave me my props! Check out the pictures on our website at WDASFM.COM and on my Facebook page. Jamie’s new movie The Soloist with Robert Downey, Jr. is in theaters this week.

It’s a boy for Singer Jill Scott and her fiancé Lil’ Jon Roberts. Hamilton Jett Roberts, a.k.a. Jack, arrived earlier this week. Scott was in labor for two days. Lil’ Jack arrived at 7 pounds, 8 ounces and 21 inches long. Scott is currently starring in the HBO series The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency.

Hey Jennifer Hudson, do you have something to tell us? Is Hudson pregnant? Some people in her circle say yes she is. Others claim she isn’t. Hudson is currently on tour with Robin Thicke. Could it be an insurance issue because she is on the road? Her clothes are tight around her stomach, and when people see her in concert, that’s all they talk about. After her recent tragedies with her family, maybe she isn’t ready to reveal. Hudson is engaged to former Reality Star David Otunga who played Punk on VH 1’s I Love New York.

Is Janet Jackson taking human growth hormones to lose weight? According to published reports, this is the secret element Jackson has been using to lose weight. Jackson is known for her fluctuating weight. Human growth hormones have a big fan in Actor Sylvester Stallone. HGH is known to slow aging, decrease fat and boost stamina.

A new unauthorized biography is coming out about Diana Ross. The Supremes: A Saga Of Motown Dreams, Success And Betrayal will talk about her relationship with Motown Founder Berry Gordy, and her strained relationship with her fellow Supremes Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and Cindy Birdsong. Their 2000 reunion tour never took off because they ladies couldn’t agree. I’m sure The Boss is not worried about another book right now. She has bigger fish to fry. Her young 20-year old son Evan Ross, the actor, recently married his girlfriend, and he didn’t make her sign a prenup. Evan’s dad is the late Norwegian Adventurist Arne Naess, Jr., and he was very wealthy.

What’s happening with Basketball Great Allen Iverson, and why is he turning into a shell of his former self? Iverson has seen better days. The former 76er and Denver Nugget is now with the Detroit Pistons. He is out for the season with a bad back, but don’t look for him to return to the Pistons. He has added nothing to the team, and they want him and his attitude to go. Iverson was recently banned from two casinos in Detroit. Apparently, he loses a lot. When he loses, he goes crazy, acting loud and disruptive. The casinos in Detroit have banned him and his bodyguards.

Congratulations to Supermodel Heidi Klum and her husband Pop Singer Seal. They are expecting baby number three. They already have two sons, and she has a daughter from a previous relationship he adopted. Congrats also to Grey’s Anatomy Star Ellen Pompeo and her husband, Music Producer Chris Ivery. They are expecting their first child.

Brandy has just signed a deal for a new comedy show on ABC. The show, This Little Piggy, debuts in the fall. In the show, Brandy will play a high maintenance wife.

Fantasia is also coming to TV. The former American Idol winner will be featured in her own reality show, which is set to debut next year. Fantasia also starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. She’ll reprise her role as “Celie.”

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire not only has fabulous hair, but he is going to have fabulous eyes. White and his wife, Shelly, have designed a new eyewear line. The Verdine White Diamond Eyewear Line is coming out this summer.

Are there too many judges on American Idol? If so, who will go? This season, producers wanted to shake things and add a new judge, Songwriter Kara DioGuardi. Well it has been a disaster. The shows have been running over, and some nights all the judges can’t make comments to fit in the show on time. Changes are coming, and there will only be three judges next year. In a recent interview on Nightline, Paula Abdul talked about the controversy. She says she loves the show and what she’s doing. She says she cannot be replaced. Her contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Abdul also shot down stories about drinking and prescription pill abuse. Abdul stated she has never been drunk or high. She says she spends her money on clothes and shoes. Last season, there was a lot of weirdness surrounding Abdul. This year, it appears she has gotten her act together. Would anybody be willing to leave Idol on their own? According to Simon, he would if the rating went down on the show. He had no comment on whether he gets along with new Judge Kara. But, if you watch the show, you can see the tension between him, Kara and Randy Jackson.

The stars of Everybody Hates Chris are already plotting their next career moves. The show is ending on May 8th at the request of Creator Chris Rock. The character is in the 10th grade, and the show is based on Rock’s life. Well, in real life, he dropped out of school in the tenth grade to become a comedian. Terry Crews, who plays the dad, has already lined up a reality show on BET. Tichina Arnold is lining up projects as well. She currently owes the state of California thousands in back taxes, so she has to find a job.

So guess who is back together on the quiet tip? It’s former Football Star Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy, the ex-wife of Eddie Murphy. Strahan recently retired from the New York Giants and he lost a ton of money in his last divorce. Strahan and Murphy made headlines a few weeks ago when Strahan caught Murphy cheating on him with a record executive. Strahan had a tracking device placed in her car, and she got busted. So you’re probably saying, so why are they back together? Nicole Murphy is loaded. She is one of the richest divorcees in town, and Strahan loves all the perks. Plus, her five kids by Eddie Murphy really like the former football star.

Teena Marie’s new album, Congo Square, arrives in stores on June 9th. In addition to singing with her daughter, Teena teams up with Faith Evans, Howard Hewitt, MC Lyte, Shirley Murdock and George Duke.

Singer/Producer/Songwriter Babyface is getting ready to start up a new record label. Soda Pop Records is set to debut later this year.

The King Children are at it again. The children of the late Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are seeking a cut of the money raised for the monument being built in their father’s honor on the National Mall. Private monies are being used for this project, which will feature a 28-foot sculpture of Dr. King. The King children want to be compensated for their dad’s words and image.

The Rev. Creflo Dollar is being investigated for cruelty to animals. The multimillionaire televangelist was found to have malnourished horses on his Georgia property. Many horses were found to have no water while others had dirty water.

Author Karrine Steffans, a.k.a., Superhead is back with a new project. Steffans is now married to actor Darius McCrary (“Eddie Winslow” of Family Matters), and she is gearing up to release a new book. The Vixen Manual, a how to guide for women, is due out in July. Steffans has made many changes in her life since releasing her explosive Confessions Of A Video Vixen. In the 2005 book shocker, she named names of the celebrities she has affairs with. She followed that up with The Vixen Diaries. In addition to being married, Steffans is now attending The Church Of Living Waters Of San Fernando Valley, where Barry Lyons is the pastor.

So what is Vivica A. Fox looking for in a man? Well, she says she loves younger men. Fox, 44, says she is looking for a well established 20 something because she doesn’t want to be left with the check. Fox is currently hosting the TV Land reality show The Cougar.

Robert Brookins has died. The singer, songwriter and producer died last week at the age of 46 from a heart attack. Brookins is best known for his work with The Whispers, Stephanie Mills, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, Bobby Brown and George Duke.

Will Smith has just signed a deal with the Sci-Fi network. He’s going to be the executive producer of a crime drama called Unfinished Business. The show is about an ex-cop who helps dead people deal with their unfinished business.

Stephen A. Smith has left the building. The popular sports analysts for ESPN couldn’t reach a deal with management. I hear they wanted him to take a pay cut. In a statement, Smith said it was a wonderful ride with great memories, but nothing lasts forever and it’s time to move on. Smith was both loud and informative. He knows his sports. I hope he lands something soon.

Angela Bassett will be on hand as The TV Land Awards salutes Earth, Wind & Fire with their Entertainer Award. The awards show will air on the network this weekend.

It’s a Buff Bam on the May issue of The Washingtonian. The magazine is featuring a shirtless President Obama on the cover wearing only his swimming trunks. The subtitle simply says, Our New Neighbor.

Comedian/Actor Mike Epps says he should have been given the title role in the new Richard Pryor movie. Epps claims Pryor told him if a movie version was ever made, Epps should play the role. The current project about Pryor’s life is currently underway with Eddie Murphy in the starring role.

Lebron James is ready for his closeup. The basketball phenom of the Cleveland Cavaliers has a new movie coming out in October. The movie, More Than A Game, is a coming of age movie about friendship, loyalty and the love of the game.

The first single from the forthcoming Whitney Houston album was written by famed songwriter Diane Warren. The song, I Didn’t Know My Strength, is tailor made for Houston, who is on a comeback after years of drug abuse. Houston is clean and hard at work on her return. This will be her 7th solo album. Producer David Foster is producing the project, which is due out later this year.

VH-1 is bringing back their Divas Live project. The new special will air in September. Past honorees include Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Cher. I wonder who they honor this year.

At the movies this week, it’s Obsessed with Beyonce and Idris Elba. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Plus, the Philadelphia leg of Beyonce’s summer tour stops at the Wachovia Center on June 26th.

The X-Men series continues as Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman, opens in theatres May 1st.

Bill Cosby has yet another big honor coming up this fall. He’s getting The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. Previous winners of this award include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin.

For a record fourth time, Samuel L. Jackson will be hosting the ESPY Awards. Sports biggest night is set for July 19th on ESPN.
Get ready for the movie version of the stage classic, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The 70’s classic by Author Ntozake Shange was originally a book telling the stories of women of color through a series of poems, and now it’s coming to the big screen.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.” Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some couples crave publicity and attention and will do anything to get it. A certain celebrity couple is wearing people out. No matter what they do or what lies they tell the media, they are deemed too boring to care about. Most people wish this couple would sit down and go away.

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson joined Ellen for an unbelievable bathroom performance!

Family of boxer fights for pardon of 1913 racist conviction

By Alan Silverleib
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- To this day, Linda Haywood recalls the shame she once felt for her great-uncle.

Jack Johnson was convicted of transporting a white woman across state lines for "immoral purposes."

"I could see from the expression on my mother's face that it pained her to tell me about him," she recalled, "but it wasn't just her. The shame was there for all the members of my family."

Haywood's great-uncle, Jack Johnson, shocked the nation in 1908 by becoming the first African-American world heavyweight champion. Yet the boxer was arrested not long afterward for taking a white woman across state lines for "immoral" purposes.

That case fell apart and the woman later became his wife, but then investigators charged him with a similar offense involving a woman he had dated years earlier. An all-white jury's decision to convict him in that case has come to be widely viewed as a symbol of racial injustice.

Now Haywood is working with Sen. John McCain and others to try to clear her great-uncle's name. McCain wants the Senate to pass a resolution urging President Obama to grant Johnson a presidential pardon.

It would represent a final vindication for Haywood, a 53-year-old seamstress in Chicago who now views her great-uncle with pride.

Her parents didn't tell her until she was 12 that she was related to Johnson, even though she saw his photo at school during lessons on black history.

"I remember seeing his picture on the wall of my sixth-grade classroom in Chicago in 1966," Haywood said in a voice tinged with sadness. "It was up there next to pictures of Sojourner Truth and George Washington Carver as part of a black history week my teacher put together. I didn't have the first clue who the man was. My parents didn't want me to know."

Her parents, she said, were trying to protect her from a legacy of racial injustice at a time when the country had yet to emerge from the long shadow of segregation.

Haywood was stunned when she learned her great-uncle's story.

Less than five years after winning the heavyweight title, Johnson was convicted for violating the Mann Act, which outlawed the transportation of women across state lines for "immoral" purposes.

Johnson was black and the woman was white -- enough to get even a champion imprisoned in early 20th century America. Justice Department lawyers decried it as a "crime against nature" for him to have a sexual relationship with a white woman.

Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, later to become the first commissioner of Major League Baseball, set Johnson's bail at $30,000 -- the equivalent of more than $660,000 today. When a bail bondsman showed up, Landis jailed him, too, according to an account that filmmaker Ken Burns relays in his documentary, "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson."

An all-white jury convicted Johnson in less than two hours.

"Mr. Johnson was perhaps persecuted as an individual, but ... it was his misfortune to be the foremost example of the evil in permitting the intermarriage of whites and blacks," one of the prosecutors later said.

Johnson's real crime, in the eyes of many, was committed three years earlier, when he successfully defended his boxing title against Jim Jeffries, a white boxer who came to be called the "Great White Hope" because many white fans saw him as the best chance to wrest back a boxing title from the African-American champ.

Jeffries, a former heavyweight champion, had come out of retirement intending to reclaim a title that many Americans believed Johnson had no right to in the first place.

Johnson beat Jeffries on July 4, 1910, before a stunned, almost entirely white crowd in Reno, Nevada.

Race riots followed.

More than 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Most victims were black.

So when they "couldn't beat him in the ring, the white power establishment decided to beat him in the courts," Burns said in his documentary.

Johnson fled to Europe in 1913 while free on appeal. But after years of fights overseas -- including the eventual loss of his title in Havana, Cuba, in 1915 -- Johnson came home. He turned himself over to U.S. authorities at the Mexican border in 1920 and served ten months in prison.

He died in a car wreck in 1946.

"Back then, if you were black and you were told that you did something wrong, you really had no recourse," said Haywood.

"You just accepted what was done because black people were basically powerless and voiceless. Jack may have been a rich boxer, but he couldn't fight the system."

Today, in a very different America, Haywood's family is seeking justice.

They've teamed up with Burns, McCain and Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican, to urge the nation's first African-American president to grant Johnson a rare posthumous pardon.

McCain and King introduced resolutions calling for a presidential pardon in 2005 and last year. The House passed it, but the Senate did not.

The White House declined to comment when asked Obama's views on a possible pardon for Johnson.

McCain, who says he made a mistake by once voting against a federal holiday for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., sees the pardon as a way to right an old wrong.

"The Jack Johnson case is an ignominious stain on our nation's history," he said on the Senate floor this month, while introducing a new version of the resolution.

"Rectifying this injustice is long overdue. [The resolution recognizes] the unjustness of what transpired, and sheds light on the achievements of an athlete who was forced into the shadows of bigotry and prejudice. Johnson ... deserved much better than a racially motivated conviction."

King, himself a former boxer, said in a written statement that Johnson was a trailblazer who became "a victim of the times."

For Haywood, the proposed pardon is also personal. It's about wiping the slate clean for future generations of her family.

"My mother used to say Jack was defiant," she remembered. "No disrespect, momma, but he was being his own man. And I'm so proud of him. To think -- of all the families in the world, God gave him to us."

Haywood has made sure her four children know the story of the country's first black heavyweight champion.

"They love him," she said. "Especially my oldest son. He was a bit of a pugilist in high school. He got into his fair share of scraps. I think we know where he got that trait."

Haywood says she'll go to Washington if Obama issues a pardon. With a bit of laughter, she promises to give a gracious, eloquent speech thanking him.

With or without a pardon, she emphasizes, the stigma and the shame are gone.

Today, Johnson's family feels only pride.

UT Austin to unveil Barbara Jordan statue

© 2009 The Associated Press April 20, 2009, 10:32PM

AUSTIN, Texas — A statue of pioneering lawmaker Barbara Jordan will become the first of a woman on the Austin campus of the University of Texas when it is unveiled Friday.

Jordan was the first black woman in the Texas Legislature and went on to become the first black woman from a Southern state in the U.S. House of Representatives. She died in 1996 at age 59.

In 2003, students approved a $1 student fee to raise money for a statue of Jordan and one of farm worker leader Cesar Chavez.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the unveiling ceremony of the eight foot tall statue created by California artist Bruce Wolfe is scheduled for noon.

Wolfe is the same artist commissioned to create a sculpture of Jordan located in the main terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Jennifer Hudson & Jennifer Holiday Duet On “And I Am Telling You” In Atlanta!

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 13TH, 2009

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 13TH, 2009

Is it over for The Game? Officials at The CW network won’t comment until May 21st, but the popular show is on the chopping block. A new campaign is underway to save the show, and word has it that it may be brought back as a one hour drama/comedy show. Another popular CW show is the Chris Rock comedy Everybody Hates Chris. Rock may be ending the show after the season four finale on May 8th. The show is based on Rock’s life, but he dropped out of school in the 10th grade to become a comedian. Well, on the show, the character is a sophomore, which means the show is over. I love this show. Maybe Chris will rethink things and give it another year.

David Alan Grier says no more reality shows for him. Even though he lost 20 pounds, he says his stint during Dancing With The Stars was humiliating and degrading. He felt the judges never gave him any respect.

What’s up between Oprah Winfrey and Steve Harvey? Harvey has the number one book in the country with Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, and he has been appearing regularly on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Winfrey loves to take people under her wing and give them a TV platform (Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, and Dr. Oz). Is Steve Harvey next? Harvey is no stranger to TV with his popular Steve Harvey Show and the comedy Me And The Boys. He is doing very well with his radio show, but sources say he longs to return to TV. Winfrey just may be his ticket. Is The Steve Harvey Show coming to TV?

Let’s talk babies…..it’s going to be baby number three for Boris Kodjoe and his wife, Actress Nicole Ari Parker…. She’s expecting a boy, but will it turn out to be twin boys for Kimora Lee Simmons and Actor Djimon Hounsou? ….. Jill Scott’s baby boy is due any day now….. and Mariah Carey is ready to be a mom. She and hubby Nick Cannon were recently spotted leaving an invitro clinic. Mariah says she is ready to be a mom.

Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart has been added to the cast of the comedy Death At A Funeral. Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan are also starring.

Major league baseball will be honoring Muhammad Ali, Bill Cosby and Hank Aaron during their Civil Rights Game. The game takes place June 20th as the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago White Sox. Previous honorees include Spike Lee and legendary Actress Ruby Dee.

Whitney Houston is suing her stepmom, Barbara Huston for $1.6 million. Since her dad died, Whitney has been feuding with her stepmom. Last year, Barbara Houston sued Whitney claiming Whitney stole money from her Dad’s insurance policy. Whitney is suing her stepmom over money that was owed on a brought for her dad when he was alive.

Jamie Foxx is on the new issue of Jet magazine. He is promoting his new movie The Soloist with Robert Downey, Jr. Foxx caught a lot of heat this week when he criticized teen queen Miley Cyrus during a comedy bit on his satellite radio show. Foxx’s radio show is raw, uncut, uncensored and funny. Before the albums, before the Oscar, he was a comedian. And, for some people, his humor is hard to digest. In an appearance on Jay Leno, he did apologize to Cyrus for his rude comments, claiming he should know better because he has a teenage daughter.

Actress Gabrielle Union is shooting down reports that she is pregnant. Union has been seeing Basketball Star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat. Wade is still going through a divorce with his wife Siohvaughn. Wade and his wife have two kids. The youngest is almost two-years old. Their divorce has been messy with allegations of Wade cheating repeatedly on his wife. Wade and Union have been quietly dating for a while. In a statement, the 36- year old Union stated she was too busy with her career and margaritas and she is not ready for babies.

Singer Randy Cain of The Delfonics died last week. Cain, 63, helped found the group along with brothers Wilbert and William “Poogie” Hart. Cain leaves behind two children and his mother.

Legendary Phillies Broadcaster Harry Kalas also passed away this week. In a career that spanned over four decades, Kalas, a nice man with an amazing voice and a great spirit, became the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and a baseball legend. He will be missed.

There are new details coming out about the Sex And The City movie sequel. It looks like “Mr. Big” will be back. Actor Chris Noth was playing hard to get during negotiations. It appears “Mr. Big” will be cheating on “Carrie” in the movie!! Oh NO!!! And, “Samantha” will fall victim to the recession, and we will see how she copes in these down times.

Anthony Beverly, the son of Frankie Beverly, is putting together a CD-DVD tribute to pay honor to his dad’s musical legacy. For over 40 years, Frankie Beverly & Maze have been the backbone of R&B music, and they are known for their fabulous concerts.

Dr. Jan Adams has lost his license to practice plastic surgery. Adams operated on Kanye West’s mom, Dr. Donda West, before she died. Adams has given up his license to practice medicine in California. Adams had a celebrated career. He was a well respected doctor who was a big hit on the TV and talk show circuit. Over the years, he has seen his share of problems, including two drunk driving arrests and arrests for failing to pay child support. When Kanye West mom died a day after he operated on her, all of his problems came to light.

Get ready for a Fast And Furious V. Yes. There will be another movie. The recent fourth installment took in over $100 million at the box office. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker will be back for the new movie.

Kelly Rowland says there will be no Destiny’s Child reunion. Since the group broke up, Beyonce has done quite well, but it has been quite struggle for both Kelly and Michelle. Over the past few weeks, Rowland has had to deal with rumors of her true parentage. Is Matthew Knowles her biological dad? Rowland has lived with Beyonce and her family since childhood, and they were raised like sisters. Rowland recently dropped Knowles as her manager. He never had her best interest at heart, and she was always treated like a stepchild in regards to her career. Rowland wants to make her own path, and she has no interest in participating in a Destiny’s Child reunion. She is tired of being in Beyonce’s shadow.

Chilli from TLC has signed on to be the new spokesperson for Coca-Cola. She will be representing their Dasani water.

Singer Oleta Adams returns with a new project. Her new CD, Let’s Stay Here, comes out Tuesday, April 21st.

Halle Berry has made another list. The Oscar winner came in third in a new poll by Vanity Fair magazine as one of the most beautiful women in the world. Beyonce came in at No. 5, and Angelina Jolie topped the list at number one.

The Michael Jackson auction is off. The King Of Pop gets to keep over 2,000 items that were due to go on the auction block. He had been fighting this auction. He said the items were stolen from him. A judge agreed with Jackson, and a settlement was reached. If the auction had gone through, the auctioneer would have made millions.

Vivica A. Fox is excited about her new reality show. Fox is hosting The Cougar, a dating show about older women who date younger men. The show airs on TV Land. Remember when Fox dated Rapper 50 Cent.

Notorious, the movie about Rapper Biggie Smalls, is coming out on DVD April 21st.

The X-Men series continues as Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman, opens in theatres May 1st.

Bill Cosby has yet another big honor coming up this fall. He’s getting The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. Previous winners of this award include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin.

For a record fourth time, Samuel L. Jackson will be hosting the ESPY Awards. Sports biggest night is set for July 19th on ESPN.

Get ready for the movie version of the stage classic,"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The 70’s classic by Author Ntozake Shange was originally a book telling the stories of women of color through a series of poems, and now it’s coming to the big screen.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson has a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson, herself. The women all share their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice to today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour, and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe as "Precious." Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This 80’s Heartthrob is finding out the hard way you should never abandon your kids. When they grow up they come back to haunt you….. and make you look like a fool!

This Actress/Singer/Rapper hates the spotlight on her private life, but a new lawsuit could bring the truth out. The people suing her say they want to reveal all.

Is Condoleezza Rice Relevant to Black America?

Posted Feb 25th 2009 11:35AM by Karen Hunter

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice just signed a $2 million deal with Crown last week for a trio of memoirs -- the first about her years in the Bush administration; the second about her extraordinary life including growing up in Birmingham, Ala.; and the third geared to young adults.

As perhaps the closest person to former president George W. Bush, Rice knows where many of the skeletons of that administration are buried. She may be able to shed some light on numerous topics such as the real reason we went to war in Iraq. But will she? And another question: Will we care?

While she has had an illustrious career (provost of Stanford, concert pianist, Russian scholar) filled with many historic firsts (first black woman national security advisor and first black woman secretary of state), she hasn't held such a welcome position within the black community.

Some have accused Rice of being a sellout just by being part of the Bush administration, while others have been confused by her disconnect from the community from which she hails. That may be the reason why she has never graced the cover of Essence magazine -- the premier magazine devoted to the African American woman. (Queen Latifah was on the cover of the issue in which Rice was featured in 2006.)

When she received an NAACP award in 2002, it sparked controversy and protests among civil rights leaders. Rice is controversial and perhaps even divisive, but does she deserve the support of blacks?

"I will definitely be buying her book," said literary agent and former senior editor for Simon & Schuster Tracy Sherrod. "While I may not agree with her politics, I feel that she is relevant, and I am interested in hearing her views on a host of different issues. I think it will be an important book. And I don't feel we have the luxury to not support her or anyone else in our community, particularly now."

With the first black president of the United States, perhaps it's time we reexamine what it means to be black. Maybe it's time to accept those who don't necessarily share the same views.

"Black people often complain about being viewed as monolithic, and here is someone who is different, and I don't think she should be attacked for being different," said Melody Guy, a senior editor at Random House's One World, who recently published 'Numbers,' a novel by rapper Dana Dane.

"Now more than ever, people are so clued into our political landscape. Her book should be as relevant to blacks as it will be to anyone else. She is a part of our community. I would love to have the opportunity to publish someone like her."

Can Mara Brock Akil Change The Game?

Producer and cast of network TV's only black show campaign for expansion to a one-hour time slot
By Alfred Edmond, Jr. - April 10, 2009

Against the backdrop of The CW Television Network’s plans to abandon the half-hour comedy genre at the end of this season, television producer Mara Brock Akil and the cast of the show she created, The Game, are engaged in a bold gambit: to convince the network to expand the show to a one-hour time slot. The show, developed by Brock Akil and husband Salim Akil’s company Akil Row Productions (formerly Happy Camper Productions), revolves around Melanie Barnett (played by Tia Mowry), who leaves medical school to follow her boyfriend as he pursues a pro football career. If Akil, listed among the Black Enterprise Top 50 Hollywood Power Brokers, is successful, it will be the latest milestone in a career of barrier-breaking achievements in the television industry.

The “Change The Game” campaign includes an appeal, including a YouTube video featuring Mowry, Pooch Hall, Wendy Raquel Robinson and other cast members, to fans of the show to register 1 million posts to The CW Lounge message boards by April 15, the day the cast says Brock Akil herself is slated to make her pitch for the one-hour format to The CW. A secondary message of the YouTube campaign is to end “rumors” of the impending cancellation of The Game, after the announced cancellation of Everybody Hates Chris, which it followed in The CW’s 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. time slot on Friday nights.

“As of today [April 10], The Game is not canceled,” Brock Akil says. “However, due to The CW phasing out of the half-hour sitcom business, it is highly unlikely the show can return in its current form. Dawn [Ostroff, president of entertainment at The CW] and I are meeting so she can hear what The Game could look like in the hour format and give it strong consideration as she plans her schedule for next fall. And it certainly feels good knowing the fans are trying to do their part by getting a million hits on The CW web site before I go in to meet, so that I not only go in with a new idea, but I go in with a lot of fan support.”

If the show keeps its half-hour time slot, it begs the question of how the other half-hour would be filled by The CW. However, the fact that The Game deftly blends comedy with serious dramatic themes and does not have a studio audience favors Brock Akil’s proposed expansion to an hour-long format.

Mara Brock Akil

“The Game is ripe for an hour format because the show has already evolved into a single-camera style, the subject matter often takes a dramatic turn due to our desire to remain authentic to the subculture of professional sports, and the serial nature of the relationship arcs have turned the show into somewhat of a nighttime soap opera, leaving our dedicated audience starving for more and, in some instances, dissatisfied with the nineteen minutes of air time they are currently getting each week,” Brock Akil explains. “The hour format would also allow us more time to juggle the compelling story lines of our current cast members, while making way for new characters in the world of football, which we all know is larger than life and full of drama.”

With the cancellations of other CW shows with urban themes, including Girlfriends, One on One, All of Us, and now Everybody Hates Chris, The Game would be the last show on network television with a predominantly black cast. (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne is on cable’s TBS.) In its first two seasons, The Game averaged more than 2 million viewers each week. This season, after being moved to its current Friday-night “death” slot, average weekly viewers fell to 1.68 million. Between seasons two and three, The Game’s ratings in the 18-49 demographic fell from .96 to .07. The CW moving Chris and The Game to Friday nights, when everybody is getting ready to go the club—I mean (ahem), Friday night worship service—probably didn’t help the ratings of either show, to say the least.

To say that Brock Akil’s bid is a bold one is an understatement. Network television has a decades-long track record of limiting black shows to half-hour sitcoms—if it has any programming with black casts or urban themes at all. And with few exceptions, even these shows have been treated shabbily—pimped as a quick way to build viewership (African Americans watch more television than most other groups), shifted to the most difficult time slots, and then unceremoniously dumped as networks fill out their line-ups with “mainstream” programming featuring black and minority actors as secondary characters at best. Past attempts at breaking the 30-minute sitcom time barrier for black shows with anything approaching authentically written, high-quality, hour-long dramas featuring black actors in principal roles and culturally diverse themes have been few and short-lived.

Keep an eye on Brock Akil. Come mid-May, when The CW is slated to announce its new fall lineup at upfronts in New York, she could literally change the game. I, for one, hope she succeeds.

To go to The CW Lounge message boards click here.

Alfred A. Edmond Jr. is the editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com

Sheila Johnson States Women Should Never Lose Sight of Who They Are

See video

Transcript of video
I can't emphasize it more or enough, that women should never lose sight of who they are. And I heard a great quote. I was at a commencement address at Bennett College. And I think as the president of Delta Sigma Theta she says, never stand behind a man. For he will block your vision. Which I thought was terrific. It is important. I don't care where you end up in life, that never lose sight of who you are. And you know. I can say that. But I see so many women, they fall in love, or they think they are in love. And they let so many other people define who they are. Because that one person would say oh, I don't like your hair that way. Or you are too fat. Or you are too thin. And then suddenly, you are going, well maybe something is wrong with me. And at that moment you are starting to lose a grip. Instead of saying, I like my hair the way I am. And I like the way my body looks. Don't tell me how - I don't tell you that. But you - it is very important that you keep a hold with the tightest grip you can on who you are. And learn. I think more mothers should teach their daughters how to love themselves. Because there is so many things going on in society from looking at fashion magazines, to letting people - boyfriends or husbands dictate who you are. And that is not what is important. It is all about you. It may sound selfish. But it is not selfish. It is the most loving thing you can ever do to yourself. Or for yourself.

Lift Every Voice and Sing!

celebrity report.....4-6-09

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 6TH, 2009

How did a stalker get close to Jamie Foxx? The Oscar-winning actor had to fight off an intruder while he was in Philadelphia filming his movie Law Abiding Citizen. The man was arrested after the incident, but you have to wonder how did he get so close? Where was security on the hotel’s side and Foxx’s own security detail? The man had tried to break into Foxx’s hotel room three times. He claimed he was Beyonce’s producer. The 49 year-old homeless man, Steven Taliver, faced numerous charges, including burglary. Taliver has a long police record, including 24 prior arrests. A judged ruled Taliver incompetent to stand trial and ordered him transferred to a hospital for treatment. Foxx has a new movie coming out in two weeks called The Soloist. The drama co-stars Robert Downey, Jr.

Will Chris Brown cop a plea? He pleaded not guilty to assaulting girlfriend Rihanna. Rihanna is willing to cooperate with authorities, but she wants the incident to go away. Brown is looking to avoid jail time, and he is due in court on the 29th. When will this case wrap up? If a deal isn’t reached, it could drag on for months. Meanwhile, the images of a beaten Rihanna will forever haunt him.

Singer Natalie Cole is appealing to the public for a new kidney. Her past use of drugs and her battle with Hepatitis C have damaged her kidneys. She is currently on dialysis three times a week, and she needs a donor. After a recent appearance on Larry King Live, Cole received hundreds of offers from her fans.

A judge is allowing Wesley Snipes to leave the country for work purposes. In a new ruling, Snipes, despite his conviction on tax evasion, will be allowed to work overseas. So, when will his jail term start? Who knows? He has a three-year sentence.

Tyler Perry has another new leading lady. Singer Gladys Knight has been added to the cast of his new Madea movie I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Filming is already underway with Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige and Gospel Singer Marvin Winans. The movie opens in theatres in September. Knight is also scheduled to do an appearance on the NBC comedy show 30 Rock.

Denzel Washington is in New Mexico filming his latest movie The Book Of Eli. The Boys And Girls Club of New Mexico recently benefitted from the Oscar winner. The Boys And Girls Club holds a special place for Washington. He grew up in the club in Mount Vernon, New York. When he heard the New Mexico branch was having financial difficulties and was on the verge of closing, he made a donation of $50,000 to keep it open.

Say goodbye to the CW show The Game. The show is being cancelled. The network is blaming it on low ratings. But, the show never found its footing after being moved to Friday night.

Filming has started on the new Iron Man II movie. Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson as “Nick Fury” have all reported to the set. The movie comes out next year.

Will Will Smith sign on for a new Men In Black movie? A third sequel is being discussed, but filmmakers are just waiting for Smith to commit.

Notorious, the movie about Rapper Biggie Smalls, is coming out on DVD April 21st.

The X-Men series continues as Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman, opens in theatres May 1st.

Check out some of your favorites on your favorite magazines. Halle Berry on Harper’s Bazaar, Jennifer Hudson on Entertainment Weekly, Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis on the new issue of Ebony magazine and First Lady Michelle Obama and her mom, Marian Robinson, on the May issue of Essence.

Congratulations to Fox 29 Good Day Morning News Anchor Sheinelle Jones and her husband Uche Ojeh. They are expecting their first child in September. The baby boom is also hitting 6ABC Morning News Anchor Tamala Edwards. She and her husband are also expecting their first child.

A gala celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Apollo Theatre is taking place in June. Patti LaBelle and Quincy Jones are getting inducted into The Apollo Hall Of Fame. Bill Cosby and his wife Camille are getting The Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Arts And Humanitarian Award. Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Anita Baker will be performing for the celebration happening June 8th. Bill Cosby has another big honor coming up this fall. He’s getting The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. Previous winners of this award include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin.

Congratulations to Michael Jordan, Rutgers Coach C. Vivian Stringer and David Robinson. They are going to be inducted into The Basketball Hall Of Fame this September.

Filming has started on the new George Lucas film about The Tuskegee Airmen called Red Tails. Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tristan Wilds, Ne-Yo and Singer Jazmine Sullivan co-star in the movie which opens in theatres next year.

For a record fourth time, Samuel L. Jackson will be hosting the ESPY Awards. Sports biggest night is set for July 19th on ESPN.

American Idol Judge Randy Jackson is known for his fancy eyewear, and now he’s coming out with his own line. With the Randy Jackson Collection, he designed 22 styles of eyewear.

Get ready for the return of Al Reynolds. Proving there is life after Star Jones, Reynolds is ready to talk about his life in a new TV One special. The show, Life After, will feature Reynolds talking about his life after the bling, parties and celebrity of Star Jones.

Is there trouble with the Sex And The City sequel. I hear Actor Chris Noth (“Mr. Big”) is holding out. He wants more money, and contract talks have stalled. Can they do a Sex And The City movie without Noth? Can you see “Carrie” with another man? She married “Mr. Big” in the first movie version of the TV classic.
Get ready for the movie version of the stage classic, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The 70’s classic by Author Ntozake Shange was originally a book telling the stories of women of color through a series of poems, and now it’s coming to the big screen.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Jimmy Rollins in Playboy magazine? Yes! Rollins, a.k.a. “J-Roll,” of the Philadelphia Phillies is doing a fashion spread with his beautiful fiancée, Johari Smith. Look for the issue in June. Rollins proposed to Smith earlier this year, and they look to get married in 2010.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson has a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson, herself. The women all share their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice to today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour, and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.” Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s hard getting old in Hollywood. This Female Celebrity is trying to hang on after a failed marriage and public humiliation at the hands of her husband. She is very bitter, and can’t find an acting job. She has been around the block a few times. Her friends want her to move on with her life, but she still clings to the bitterness. Can she find a new man and a new job in Hollywood?

This famous Baby Momma gets a little frisky with the female models on her photo shoot. She had on a bikini and kept removing her top for the other ladies to see. Apparently, her husband doesn’t mind, he figures the more the merrier…..more money and more women.

With her movie roles drying up this Hollywood Actress figures she better get pregnant with her Baller boyfriend.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 30TH, 2009

Is Kobe Bryant married to a monster? According to his former maid, he is. Vanessa Bryant is known for her spending sprees and fiery temper. Vanessa is being sued by her maid for physical and emotional abuse. The maid claims she was referred to as a liar, dumb and lazy. She says one day Vanessa ordered her to stick her hand in dog poop, and then she was charged for ruining an expensive blouse. Spokespeople for Bryant say the maid is just looking for attention and money, but sources close to the couple claim Mrs. Bryant is not a pleasant person. She has been known to curse out reporters in front of her young daughters if she doesn’t like what they wrote about her. Will Kobe ever leave his wife? No!!! She stood by during his rape scandal, and she never signed a prenup. In the words of Johnnie Taylor, “It’s cheaper to keep her.

A second sex scandal has hit The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy School For Girls in South Africa. Winfrey opened the girls’ boarding school two years ago with a lot of fanfare. Last week, seven students were suspended for sexually harassing their schoolmates. Winfrey released a statement this week saying she saddened by the news, but this a private matter. She said students know they cannot violate the Leadership Academy’s code of conduct.

Jennifer Hudson has kicked off her national tour. Once the tour is over, she will marry longtime boyfriend David Otunga. He is best known as “Punk” from the VH1 reality show I Love New York. Otunga is about to embark on a career as a pro wrestler. He stood by Hudson’s side through the good times and the bad times. Hudson is designing her wedding dress. She’s even going to have her three dogs in the wedding. Now the big question is will Hudson sing to her hubby? She says she hasn’t decided yet, but she probably will.

This was an up and down week for Queen Latifah. She recently celebrated her 39th birthday, and she announced plans for her new movie. The Queen will play a physical therapist who falls in love with a basketball player in the romantic comedy. It’s kind of like a modern day Cinderella story. Latifah was also hit with a million dollars lawsuit. A former makeup artist and stylist claim they were never paid for their work on her Cover Girl ad campaign or her ad campaign for her Curvations lingerie line. Spokespeople for Queen Latifah say the lawsuit is without merit.

Taye Diggs has been voted as having the sexiest body on TV. Diggs first burst onto the scene with his hot bod in the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back. He is currently starring in ABC’s Private Practice, and he is expecting his first child with his wife, Broadway Star Idina Menzel.

Star Jones proclaims she is free, black and grown. She has a new blog where she gives a fresh perspective on today’s important issues called Positively Star.

Wesley Snipes has been ordered to stay in the United States. Snipes, who is due to start serving a three-year prison sentence since his conviction on tax charges, was caught sneaking out of the countries for parties. He claims he was doing work, but a U.S. district court judge ruled that he is not allowed to leave the country for any purpose. He may be starting his prison sentence later this year.

Terrence Howard is speaking out against colon cancer. Howard lost his mother to the disease last year, and he is urging people to get tested. Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer.

The life story of Lou Rawls is coming to the big screen. Lou Rawls, Jr. is telling the story of his famous dad. Actor Isaiah Washington of Grey’s Anatomy fame has signed on to star in the movie. Washington needs the work. He and his family were just evicted from their California home. He owed over $100,000 in back rent. The Lou Rawls movie could be just what the doctor ordered. Despite having a great career, Lou Rawls had a lot of personal problems in his private life, including multiple bad marriages. Rawls had an amazing voice, whether he was singing or talking. He gave us some great music, including The Sound Of Philly classics Lady Love, See You When I Git There and You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.

Speaking of The Sound Of Philly, congratulations to Leon Huff. The legendary songwriter, who is one half of the famed music team of Gamble & Huff, is getting a street named in his honor in Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Huff was born in Camden, and his birthday is April 8th. On that day at 12 noon Ferry Avenue and Mulford Street is being renamed Leon Huff Way. Mr. Huff and Kenny Gamble started The Sound Of Philly and teamed up to write many classics. And separately, Mr. Huff’s songs include Mixed Up-Shook Up Girl, Backstabbers, Let’s Groove, It’s Forever and I Ain’t Jivin’ I’m Jammin’.
Get ready for the movie version of the stage classic, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The 70’s classic by Author Ntozake Shange was originally a book telling the stories of women of color through a series of poems, and now it’s coming to the big screen.
Ever wonder how much money contestants make for dancing on Dancing With The Stars? Well, they start off contestants with $125,000. For each week, you get an additional $10,000. If you go further, another 20 grand…..then 30. If you make it to the finals, you get an additional $50,000. It really does pay for B list celebrities to dance on the show…… because they will get paid.

Jill Scott is being hailed as a breakthrough star with her role on the HBO series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The latest issue of Heart & Soul magazine features a very pregnant Scott talking about her role as a detective on the show. Have you seen the show yet? I love it. The stories are very good, and I love a good mystery. Let me know what you think. Send me an email Pattyj1053@aol.com or reach out to me on Facebook under Patty Jackson.

Mel B is having family problems. The Spice Girl and Eddie Murphy’s baby momma is having problems with her family. According to her sister, Mel has not spoken to her mother in over five months. The sister is blaming the strife on Mel’s husband. She says Stephen Belafonte doesn’t work and that all he does is control Mel. Mel just got a huge payout from Eddie Murphy in a recent child support ruling. She is being paid $52,000 a month. Mel is also promoting her new fitness DVD. Spokespeople for Mel claim the situation with her mom is a private matter.

Rihanna is cooperating with authorities in their investigation against Chris Brown. For the time being, the couple has decided to take a break. Since their fight and her beatdown on February 8th, they have been under intense public scrutiny. Brown is scheduled to be arraigned next week.

Michael Jackson may be joined on stage by his 12-year old son Prince Michael when The King Of Pop takes the stage in London for his 50-night concert stand. Jackson said he wanted his children to see what he did for a living, and it looks like his son will see firsthand. Now everybody is not happy about The Gloved One’s return. Jackson patriarch Joe Jackson is said to be miffed that he has not been included in any plans. Jackson’s brothers are also not happy. They’re broke and need financial assistance. They haven’t been asked to join Michael on the tour, and, at this point, they can’t even tickets.

The remake of the 1984 movie The Karate Kid is getting a redo. Jackie Chan will be starring in the new version along with Jaden Smith, the young son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. The new Karate Kid will be renamed The Kung Fu Kid. The term “karate” is so 80’s. And, since the movie is being filmed in Beijing, the filmmakers want to go along with the proper term, “kung fu” not “karate.”

Wanda Sykes is coming to late night TV. Sykes recently signed a deal with FOX-TV to do a late night show on Saturdays. If all goes well, it could be expand.

Get ready for the return of Destiny’s Child. In 2011, Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle will reunite for a new album.

Nicole Richie is not only expecting baby number two with boyfriend rocker Joel Madden, but next year, she will be unveiling her new clothing line. In addition to the clothing line, she’ll also present a new show collection.

Bobby Brown ….with a Mohawk? At 40, many wonder if this is a mid-life crisis. He is anxious to be a dad again. He and girlfriend/manager, Alicia Etheridge, are expecting their first child together.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Jimmy Rollins in Playboy magazine? Yes! Rollins, a.k.a. “J-Roll,” of the Philadelphia Phillies is doing a fashion spread with his beautiful girlfriend, Johari Smith. Look for the issue in June.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson has a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson, herself. The women all share their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice to today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour, and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.” Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Songwriter’s dream job has turned into a nightmare. Since joining this top-rated reality show, she has alienated the top stars and fans. No one likes her, and she adds nothing to the show. Will she back for another season?

Fantasia Performs He's Done Enough