Ascending Fortitude

The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: White in America

2009-06-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

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Obama Names Black Man Head of NASA

2009-06-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

By Associated Press May 23, 2009 12:03 pm

President Barack Obama on Saturday named former shuttle commander Charles Bolden to lead NASA at a critical time for the space agency.

The White House has ordered a complete outside review of NASA’s manned space program, including plans to return astronauts to the moon.

Bolden flew in space four times _ twice as shuttle commander _ and once was assistant deputy administrator at NASA headquarters in Washington. The 62-year-old Bolden left NASA in 1994.

If the Senate confirms Bolden, he would be the space agency’s first black administrator and the second astronaut to hold the post.

Obama also announced that he was nominating Lori Garver to be NASA’s deputy administrator. Garver was Obama’s NASA transition chief and is a former associate administrator at the agency.

“These talented individuals will help put NASA on course to boldly push the boundaries of science, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st century and ensure the long-term vibrancy of Americas space program,” Obama said in a statement.

White House science adviser John Holdren said in early May that the new panel will look at the design of new spacecraft to replace the space shuttle and go to the moon, as well as consider possible alternatives to the current design.

Also to be studied is the five-year gap between the shuttle’s retirement and the new moon vehicles, with the first new space capsule flying in 2015. During that time, starting in late 2010, NASA would have to rely on the Russians for space travel. The review will look at extending NASA’s use of the multibillion-dollar international space station beyond 2016.

NASA has spent $6.9 billion on its plan to return to the moon, which then-President George W. Bush presented as a response to the 2003 space shuttle Columbia accident.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 18TH, 2009

2009-05-24T22:03:00.001-05:00

Good news for Natalie Cole. She received a kidney transplant this week. Cole had been on dialysis three times a week after her kidneys failed following her treatment for Hepatitis C. Cole’s publicist says she’ll postpone her summer tour while she recovers.

The King family drama continues. Why can’t Dexter, Martin, III and Bernice get along, and why are they fighting in the first place? The children of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King are out of control. At this point, the fighting has gone public. Can someone get these three together? Where is Jesse Jackson or Reverend Al? The latest drama involves a big screen movie that Steven Spielberg wants to produce about the life of Dr. King. Spielberg has the permission of The King Foundation, which Dexter heads up, but Martin, III and Bernice say they will sue Spielberg and DreamWorks Studios if they proceed with this project. It all boils down to money. I wish they would get it together. This is so embarrassing for the legacy of their parents.

Alicia Keys….. the other woman? Apparently so. Keys has always been notoriously quiet about her private life, but now she has hooked up with a man who wants the world to know she cooks him breakfast naked. Yes, in a new song, Producer Swizz Beats talks about his love for Keys and revealed this surprising tidbit. I sure hope she’s not fryin’ up bacon in a pan. Swizz Beats is an award-winning producer who is currently going through a nasty divorce with his wife. The wife, R&B Singer Mashonda who Beats has a son with, is not going away quietly. She says if her husband wants to have a life with Keys, he is going to have to pay her to go away. So what does Keys has to say? So far she has been quiet, but I’m sure her record company is not pleased that their star is caught up in some home-wrecking mess….hmmmmmmmmm!

Will Chris Brown be joining Michael Jackson for his London concert series? It could happen since Brown looks to revive his career after the Rihanna drama. The King Of Pop continues to make headlines leading up to the London shows in July. In a meeting last week with his father, Jackson made it clear his brothers were not welcome to join him for his concert series. Jackson says this about him and not the family. Papa Joe was begging Michael to include his brothers. Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine Tito and Randy could all use the exposure and the money, but Michael said no. He won’t even allow Janet to participate. Papa Joe tried all the tricks, even saying it would make his mother Katherine so happy to see her children come together while she is alive. Michael’s response: No. The family is likely getting sued because someone signed an agreement for the family to do a reunion concert in 2012. Michael’s response was to please leave him alone. Dang Michael!

Speaking of the Jacksons, Janet will forever be immortalized by boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. For her 43rd birthday, he got a tattoo of her on the right side of his body. Do you think she would do the same for him? Just asking……(smile).

Wanda Sykes is a new mommy. Sykes and her wife recently welcomed twin girls to their family. Sykes says she is excited about the expansion of her family. Despite the uproar she caused at the White House Correspondence Dinner, Sykes says the FOX network is fully committed to her Saturday, late night show, which kicks off in the fall.

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta is set to return to the Bravo network this summer, and the ladies will be armed with money. I hear the ladies are being paid close to $200,000 for the second season, and this does not include their numerous personal appearances.

Basketball Star turned Jazz Musician Wayman Tisdale died last week. Tisdale, 44, had been battling cancer for the past two years. Last year, he had his right leg amputated in hopes of stopping the cancer. Tisdale played three years at Oklahoma, and 12 years in the NBA, with stints in Indiana, Sacramento and Phoenix. When he left the NBA, he returned to his first love, music. He released eight albums as a jazz bassist. Tisdale is survived by his wife Regina and four kids.

This fall, Comedian Chris Rock will be releasing his hair documentary simply titled Hair. Rock goes behind the scenes and brings us the story behind our fascination with hair. Rock traveled all over the world conducting interviews with everyone involved with the hair business.

When will Jennifer Hudson admit the truth, and why is she mad at Essence magazine? She is currently on the cover, but she doesn’t appear to be happy with the story. She has also resumed her tour with Robin Thicke, and she is now sitting down throughout the concert and wearing flats. She is getting bigger and bigger. At this point, it’s like the elephant in the room. Admit it! You’re pregnant! What’s the big deal, and why are you being so secretive? Hudson is due to get married this summer to reality star turned wrestler David Otunga.

Sherri Shepherd is turning into the hardest working woman in show business. Shepherd has just signed a deal with the Lifetime network for a new show. The show, Sherri, will be loosely based on her life. Shepherd has often talked about how her husband cheated on her and got his mistress pregnant. Well, in the show, the girlfriend and baby move in with Shepherd. Shepherd will also be featured in the new Lee Daniels’ movie Precious, which comes out this fall. She will also continue her hosting duties on The View.

Speaking of Lee Daniels, guess who was the real star of the Cannes Film Festival? Apparently, it was Mariah Carey, along with her diamonds and her ego. Carey was there with Lee Daniels promoting their movie Precious. Carey goes ugly for this role as a counselor helping a troubled young girl. You gotta see the trailer. Carey actually looks good…. I mean she is really acting....go to our website at Wdasfm.com and click Patty’s Page and check out the trailer. Anywho, back at Cannes Film Festival, Carey had on five million dollars worth of jewelry. Sources say her ego was a little out of control. Carey had hubby Nick Cannon in tow, and they had their airs on.

Happy anniversary to The Cosby Show! Bill Cosby’s family sitcom remains the most watched series in TV history and marks its 25th anniversary this year with a special DVD box set, which is in stores now. It’s also the 20th anniversary of the movie Do The Right Thing. On June 20th, the Oscar nominated movie is being re-released on High-Def, Blu-ray and DVD. The new release will feature deleted and extended scenes, plus commentary from Writer-Director Spike Lee.

At the movies this week, two generations of the Wayans family spoof the teenage music films with Dance Flick. Keenen, Shawn and Marlon co-wrote the film, which stars Damon Wayans, Jr.

The CW network has cancelled the TV show The Game. The cast had hoped it would be spared, but the show is no more.

Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns returns to TBS on May 27th.

Whatever happened to Singer Michel’le? Well, she is currently suing her ex-husband, Record Mogul Suge Knight. They have a child together, and she has gone to court seeking spousal and child support payments. Michel’le is best known for her hit songs No More Lies and Something In My Heart. Michel’le also used to date Knight’s former business partner, Dr. Dre.

Congrats to Smokey Robinson! The legendary singer/songwriter is being honored at The 22nd Annual Rhythm And Soul Awards. Robinson is getting The Heritage Award. Previous winners include Earth Wind & Fire and Bill Withers.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Kirstie Alley talked about her recent battle with the bulge, and how she has the hots for Jamie Foxx. Alley proclaimed, I Would Love To Have A Booty Call With Him. I wonder how Foxx feels about this. He is currently planning a music tour, which will bring him to Philly on September 13th.

Vanessa Williams is hard at work on a new CD. The Ugly Betty Star says her new CD, The Real Thing, is a collection of songs with a jazz and Latin flavor.

Shaq has gone back to school. Shaquille O’Neal is preparing for life after basketball. He is currently enrolled in classes at Syracuse University, where he is studying how to be a sportscaster and commentator. Shaq is no stranger to the cameras with his TV commercials and acting roles. He has a great personality, so it’s just a natural next step for him.

Lil’ Kim needs a publisher for her new tell-all book. Kim reveals all about what led to her stint in a federal prison, and how she went from jail to Dancing With The Stars. The book is called The Price Of Loyalty. Kim served a sentence at a federal facility in Philadelphia for committing perjury involving a shooting in Manhattan a few years ago.

The TV One network is gearing up for the second season of its popular documentary series Unsung. The series features well known singers, and the real story behind their rise and fall. The second installment of the series kicks off June 7th, and will feature Melba Moore, Minnie Riperton, Shalamar and Florence Ballard of The Supremes.

Get Ready for the latest DeBarge music sensation. 19-year old Kristina DeBarge is the daughter of James DeBarge, and she just released a new album.

Lionel Richie is back with a new CD. Just Go is the title, and he’s also featured on the new issue of Jet magazine. Lionel says he is always asked about a Commodores reunion. He says the guys are talking about it, and it will happen.

LL Cool J is coming to a TV near you this fall. His new cop drama, a spinoff of the NCIS series debuts on CBS.

Jamie Foxx will be hosting The 2009 BET Awards. The show airs June 28th on BET. Beyonce is scheduled to perform, and The O’Jays are getting a lifetime achievement award. Ne-Yo and Maxwell are also scheduled to perform.

Look for the latest Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes To Jail, on DVD when it comes out June 16th.

Teena Marie’s latest CD, Congo Square, arrives in stores on June 9th. Check out Teena Marie this year at The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival. Teena Marie and The Whispers were just added to the lineup. It all takes place June 19th -21st on Ogontz Avenue, between 70th and 74th.

Beyonce is releasing a new video anthology based on her CD I Am….Sasha Fierce. Wal-Mart is carrying it exclusively starting June 16th.

Tavis Smiley is coming out with a new documentary called Stand, which arrives in stores on May 25th. The Stand documentary is a road trip featuring Smiley and ten of his friends, including Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and BeBe Winans, to name a few.

Get ready for the Neely’s. Pat and Gina Neely, from the Food Network show Down Home With The Neelys, have a new cookbook out filled with delicious recipes. Down Home With The Neelys is available in bookstores now.

Check out who’s coming to Good Morning America: Lionel Richie on May 29th, John Legend on June 5th, Jamie Foxx on June 19th and Queen Latifah on July 10th.

Singer Will Downing is marking his 20th anniversary in the music business with a new release called Classique. The album, his 14th, arrives in stores on June 16th. The new CD will feature Downing recording some classics including David Ruffin’s Statue Of A Fool and Barry White’s I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More. Downing says he’s excited about the project, and his health has been progressing since being diagnosed with the muscle disorder Polymyositis.

Will Smith and Samuel L. Jackson will be appearing in a new ABC money special called Unbroke. Unbroke is everything you need to know about money, credit cards, mortgages, the stock market and investing. The special airs May 29th on ABC.

Gladys Knight is coming out with a jewelry line. The singer/actress and business woman is exited about her new venture. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line will be sold at major department stores and through The Home Shopping Network. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line debuts in December. Also check her out in the new Tyler Perry Madea movie I Can Do Bad All By Myself, which opens in theatres in September.

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.

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, which originally starred Walter Matthau, about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage. We also have the exclusive trailer of the new Lee Daniels’ movie Precious. The movie stars Mo’Nique and Mariah Carey, and is due out this fall. The trailer is powerful. This is another must see for me. Check both these movie trailers out on line at wdasfm.com under Patty’s page.

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?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do some Stars look different when they are not performing? It’s because they leave their booty pads at home.

When will older male Celebrities learn that most young girls only want your money? The new trick is getting pregnant by the older boyfriend, and will be set for the next 18 years. The older boyfriend looks foolish grinning in public….. ‘cause he already has grown children. These men have no idea how everybody is snickering behind their back about how they are getting played.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11TH, 2009

2009-05-24T21:56:00.001-05:00

Michael Jackson is back. The King Of Pop is making news about everything. Just to sum up this past week, he was hit with two major lawsuits. One was from Ola Ray, his co-star in the Thriller video. After 26 years, she feels she deserves a share of the royalties from the Thriller video. Jackson ex-publicist and assistant, Raymone Bain, hit him with a lawsuit as well. She is seeking $44 million for unpaid services. Bain claims Jackson stiffed her after years of loyal service. It was Bain who served as his spokesperson during his child molestation trial. Jackson is also dealing with promoters who claim he promised to do a reunion show with his brothers. The promoters claim they will derail his scheduled concerts in London if their contract obligations are not met. Jackson says he never signed an agreement. He has been busy rehearsing and trying to gain weight. Jackson has been told to put on some weight so he can handle his upcoming schedule. He has 50 sold out shows to do in London starting in July. He has been rehearsing with Director/Choreographer Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), who is staging the London shows. I hear Jackson may even do a duet with his 12-year son Prince Michael.

In other Jackson news, get ready for the Jackson brothers reality show. The show is scheduled to air on the A&E network and will star Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy. The show will focus on them as sons, fathers, entertainers and entrepreneurs. Now here is my big question, will the show deal with the tension between Jermaine and Randy? They both have children by the same woman.

Shaquille O’Neal is also doing a reality show for A&E called Love Shaq, which will focus on his family. And, then there’s a new reality show with MC Hammer. Hammertime will show his life after fame and fortune with his wife of 23 years and six kids.

Who leaked the nude pictures of Rihanna? The photos featuring her and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown are quite explicit. Chris Brown says don’t look at him. Meanwhile, Brown’s ex-dancers are speaking out on the issue of Rihanna. They are saying she caused the violent outburst involving Brown earlier this year, and that she was crazy and seeking publicity.

Jamie Foxx will be hosting the 2009 BET Awards. The show airs June 28th on BET. Beyonce is scheduled to perform, and The O’Jays are getting a lifetime achievement award.

Lil’ Kim is ready to tell all. The Price Of Loyalty is the name of the book that will go into detail about what led to her stint in prison a few years ago.

Get for latest Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes To Jail, on DVD when it comes out June 16th.

KeKe Palmer, the star of the Nickelodeon show Tru Jackson, VP, has a hit on her hands. The live action comedy show has been renewed for a second season.

Congrats to Tina Campbell of the gospel duo Mary Mary. She is expecting baby number 4 with her husband.

Beyonce is releasing a new video anthology based on her CD I Am….Sasha Fierce. Wal-Mart is carrying it exclusively starting June 16th.

Tyrese says he’s having a problem with a stalker. The woman has targeted Tyrese since his recent divorce telling him now that you’re divorced, you can be mine. Tyrese says the woman is a certified loon, and he needs protection. Tyrese recently divorced Norma Gibson, the mother of his young daughter.

Orlando Jones, Dawnn Lewis, Tichina Arnold and LaChanze have been added to the cast of the revival of The Wiz. Ashanti is starring as “Dorothy.”

Jennifer Hudson is on the new issue of Essence magazine. Hudson recently gave her fiancé a five-carat ring when she proposed to him. For the record, he proposed to her first a few months ago. A summer wedding is planned.

Jada Pinkett Smith is on the cover of the new issue of Ebony magazine. Her new TNT series, Hawthorne, debuts June 16th. In her Ebony interview, Jada talks about her marriage to Will Smith, their children and her career.

Reverend Run has his hands full these days. His 19-year old son Jo-Jo was arrested last weekend for possession of marijuana. To make matters worse, Jo-Jo crashed into a police car trying to get away from the cops. If you have watched the MTV show Run’s House, you know that Jo-Jo is not a bad kid. He is more of a follower than a leader, so I’m sure this did not sit well with his parents or his Uncle Russ.

Aisha Tyler, the popular actress/comedienne, is in line to get a daytime talk show on ABC.

Actor Courtney B. Vance is getting a new show on ABC. It’s a sci-fi drama called Flashforward. Vance is married to Actress Angela Bassett.

Vin Diesel (Fast and Furious) has signed on for the new John Singleton movie Wheelman. The live action movie is based on the videogame.

Is Rapper/Actor Common the new Mr. T? The A-Team movie is finally being made, and it appears Common is playing the role of “B.A. Baracus,” made famous by Mr. T. When Director John Singleton was attached to the project, Ice Cube was rumored to be playing the role. Then there was talk of Tyrese getting the part. When Singleton turned down the project, a new casting search was launched, and it appears the role is going to Common. The A Team movie is based on the hit 80’s TV show which, along with Mr. T, starred George Peppard, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz.

Tavis Smiley is coming out with a new documentary called Stand. Stand arrives in stores on May 25th. The stand documentary is a road trip featuring Smiley and ten of his friends, including Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and BeBe Winans, to name a few.

Nick Cannon, stop while you’re ahead! Cannon is participating in a public feud with Rapper Eminem, who may or may have not dated his wife, Singer Mariah Carey. Cannon will be hosting the NBC talent show America’s Got Talent. He should be concentrating on this, and not feuding with a rapper who has a new album to sell. In a series of interviews, Eminem has said some horrible things about what he supposedly did to Carey. He is probably lying to sell that new album. The past is the past! Whether he dated your wife or not, if you and Mariah are happy, go live your life. You don’t have to justify anything. Let Eminem talk his trash. He needs to rebuild his career. You’ve got Mariah Carey, her money and a new show. Don’t stoop to Eminem’s level.

Comedienne Wanda Sykes shook up a lot of people with her recent hosting stint at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner. Did Sykes go too far with some of her comments? She has a new talk show debuting in the fall on the Fox network, and she recently came out of the closet. Will this hurt her chances to launch the next phase of her career? Sykes is best known for her TV work with Chris Rock, The New Adventures Of Old Christine and The Wanda Sykes Show.

Ginuwine is trying to jump start his career. He has a hot new song out called Last Chance, and he is hoping this is the breakout song he’s been waiting for. In the meantime, he is suing his former business manager. Ginuwine says his former manager ripped him off for $400,000.

Congrats to Maya Rudolph. The former Saturday Night Live star is expecting her second child. Rudolph is also the daughter of the late Singer Minnie Riperton.

Essence magazine is joining forces with the CNN network to report weekly on issues important to African Americans.

Check out who’s coming to Good Morning America: Lionel Richie on May 29th, John Legend on June 5th, Jamie Foxx on June 19th and Queen Latifah on July 10th.

Ruben Studdard wants his fans back. Twenty million people voted him as their American Idol, and now he wants them to buy his new CD. Love Is will be a collection of romantic ballads. The CD is due out May 19th. Love Is will be Studdard’s fourth CD and features production from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Studdard does some remakes, including Michael Jackson’s I Can’t Help It and Al Green’s For The Good Times.

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

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

When this female Singer first came on the scene, she was the talk of the town. She was stylish, fun and fearless. Then she decided to change her style, her choice in men and her management team. Her latest album flopped. Maybe she should call up her old management to get her career back on track.

When these two media Superstars hooked up, many thought it was a match made in heaven. He was going to be her next big star, but there was one big problem. One media star has a troubled past and it is coming back to haunt him. Now the other media star won’t have anything to do with him.

Wanda Sykes at White House Correspondents' Dinner

2009-05-10T23:04:00.001-05:00

President Obama at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

2009-05-10T23:02:00.000-05:00

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 4TH, 2009

2009-05-10T21:01:00.006-05:00

Michael Jackson is being sued. Remember his Thriller video? Remember the lady who played his girlfriend in the video? Well Ola Ray is back. The former Playboy beauty is suing The King Of Pop saying she is owed money royalties from the video. In the meantime, how is Jackson preparing for his London shows which start in July? He’s been spotted getting hair plugs and minor plastic surgery. He has also been shopping, which has a lot of people concerned. Is he rehearsing? Is he taking this seriously? We don’t know? He has auditioned dancers, but what else is he doing? The backstage crew being hired for the shows has already been told to not touch The King Of Pop because he is delicate.

What is going on with comedian Eddie Griffin? The comic, who is known for drinking during his comedy act, recently broke down during a show in Connecticut. Griffin started talking about his family problems, including the fact that he just found out one of his kids that he was raising was not his. Griffin has 8 children, and friends say he is questioning their paternity.

When will Jennifer Hudson reveal all? Is she suffering from a throat ailment, or is she pregnant? Hudson has had to postpone her tour with Robin Thicke to deal with her health issues. Hudson is supposed to do a big promotion with The Today Show for a concert next week. Will she be able to do it? Will she reveal that she is pregnant?

Check out who’s coming to Good Morning America: Lionel Richie on May 29th, John Legend on June 5th, Jamie Foxx on June 19th and Queen Latifah on July 10th.

At the movies, it’s Star Trek: The New Adventures Of The USS Enterprise. This movie is focusing on Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock in their early days. Director JJ Abrams has breathed new life into this movie series. Also check out Tyler Perry. Yes Tyler has a cameo! Don’t blink. You may miss him, but he is in the movie. This is the first time he has done someone else’s film. Perry says he has been a fan of Star Trek for years.

Also at the movie, it’s Next Day Air. The comedy, directed by West Philadelphia native and Temple Graduate Benny Boom, stars Donald Faison, Wood Harris and Mos Def. Director Boom is best known for his work with music videos. He says directing a movie has always been a lifelong dream.

It felt like the 80’s last week when Singer Al B. Sure breezed through town. Sure has a new CD coming out in June called Honey, I’m Home. It was 22 years ago when he burst onto the scene with the hits Nite And Day and Off On Your Own Girl. It was fun seeing him. He still looks good. You can check out the photos on our website, wdasfm.com, or on my Facebook page. I had to chance to talk Sure about his current project, and the personal drama surrounding his son (by Kim Porter) Quincy. Quincy has been very vocal about the strained relationship with his father. Al says he will not play out his relationship with his son in public. He says it is a family matter, and is asking for prayers for him and his family.

Can you see Actor Idris Elba as the first black James Bond? I can, and so can Elba. Elba, currently starring in Obsession with Beyonce, says he would be the perfect black James Bond. Elba, best known for his role as “Stringer Bell” on the HBO series The Wire, is actually British, but he does a great American accent.

Ashanti is off to see the wizard. Ashanti will be playing “Dorothy” in the musical revival, The Whiz.

Gospel sensation Marvin Sapp is joining Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge. Sapp says he has struggled to lose weight all of his life? He says now is the time to set a good example for his church and family.

Despite her need for a new kidney, Singer Natalie Cole says the show must go on. So, she is embarking on a music tour that will bring her to this area in the fall.

Get ready for the Milli Vanilli movie. Back in the 90’s, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan were the rage: the hair, the eyes and those songs. In 1990, they won a Grammy for the song Girl You Know It’s True. Then their world came crashing down when they were exposed as frauds. Rob and Fab were not the real singers on the recordings, and it became the music scandal of the 90’s. The two were quickly pushed aside. Rob later died of an overdose in 1998. A deal is currently on the table to bring their story to the big screen.

When you think of great radio Dee Jays, you think of Jocko Henderson, and you think of The Guy With The Goods: Georgie Woods. Woods was so much more than a Dee Jay. He was good looking and smooth, but he also played a significant part in the civil rights movement. I would not be where I am today without the work of a Georgie Woods. A movie about his life is in the works. The movie Georgie Woods: The Forgotten Legend is due out in 2011.

We have to vote EVERYTIME! I bring this up because of how unfair it was when Lil’ Kim got bounced from Dancing With The Stars. A sistah can’t catch a break on that show: Mel B, Laila Ali and now Lil’ Kim. Meanwhile on America Idol, Paula Abdul is finally fessing up about her addiction to pain killers. In an interview with Ladies Home Journal, Abdul says she went under detox last fall. She says she became addicted to painkillers to deal with the pain resulting from her dancing and cheerleading days. In other Idol news, how are they going to ease the new fourth judge out? Kara is not fitting in. In a recent interview, she admitted she only signed on for one season.

Regina King’s new NBC cop drama Southland has been extended on the network. 13 more shows have been ordered. Also look for Actor Derek Luke in the fall debut of the NBC drama Trauma.

This fall get ready for Cleveland. This is the animated spinoff of the FOX hit series Family Guy. Cleveland will feature the voices of Actresses Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long.

En Vogue is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Dawn, Cindy, Terri and Maxine are back together working on a new album.

Jamie Foxx is looking to secure the rights to do a movie about famed Boxer Mike Tyson. Foxx says he is the person to bring this story to the big screen. In addition to producing, Foxx would also star. Tyson is currently out promoting a new documentary on his life. In the documentary, Tyson doesn’t hold back as he talks about the rise and fall of his career.

Dennis Rodman has had enough. The former basketball great has decided to enter rehab for his alcohol addiction. Since retiring from the NBA, Rodman has been involved in one bad incident after another. Rodman’s wife, family, former coaches and friends all played a part in staging an intervention to get Rodman to get his life together.

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.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts June 16th on the TNT network.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

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

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

This Comic Legend needs help. He is in poor health, but he won’t admit it. In addition to his mental state, he acts very strange in public. He needs to see a doctor immediately.

Dick Gregory at the State of the Black Union

2009-05-10T21:01:00.005-05:00

The Ties That Align Administration's Black Women Form A Strong Sisterhood

2009-05-10T20:25:00.001-05:00

By Krissah Thompson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 18, 2009; C01

Like two old girlfriends catching up, they ignored onlookers, hugged and laughed.

Donna Brazile, the political strategist and Washington veteran, peppered Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson with questions.

"How are the kids?" "Have you contacted the church? I don't go every Sunday but they know me."

Before she left, Jackson had an open invitation to Brazile's place for home-cooked red beans and rice, served up every Monday night.

"The sisterhood in this town, there's deep history here," Jackson said.

The "Obama women" -- as African American women who've taken big jobs in his administration have been nicknamed -- mark another step in the long journey of black women from outsiders to gatekeepers in political Washington. They have quietly entered their jobs with little attention paid to the fact that they are the largest contingent of high-ranking black women to work for a president.

Many are firsts -- as in the first black woman to run the Domestic Policy Council, the first black EPA chief and the first black woman to be deputy chief of staff. Last week, Obama tapped Margaret (Peggy) Hamburg to lead the Food and Drug Administration. If confirmed, Hamburg -- who is biracial (her mother is African American, her father Jewish) -- will also be a first.

Seven of about three dozen senior positions on President Obama's team are filled by African American women. Veterans in town see them as part of the steady evolution of power for black women, not only in the White House but also across the country -- in the business world, in academia, in policy circles.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a District native who served in the Carter administration, said the significance of Obama sending Valerie Jarrett to represent the administration at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, days after he took office, was not lost on her. There, Jarrett was introduced by economist Klaus Schwab as "President Obama's personal representative; influential adviser; trusted confidante. . . . When she speaks, she speaks really with his voice."

To Norton, it was an indication of the broad authority that black women now wield.

"I'm not sure there's ever been a black woman who has enjoyed as much of the president's confidence as Valerie Jarrett. She has not been compartmentalized and is used in a variety of ways that I think is a first," Norton said. "The Obama women are a sign of how far we've come."

Inside the young administration, the women said they have been slammed with work and left with little time to think about their place in history. But there are moments.

When Jackson, with bodyguard in tow, walks through the corridors of the EPA's vast complex in the Federal Triangle, she invariably is stopped by one of her employees, often an African American woman, who says, "Thank you for being here." She is reminded not only of the history Obama made but also of the history she is making. Black women make up about 192,000 of the more than 1.7 million members of the federal workforce, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

"It's an indication that I'm one of theirs," Jackson said.

It's at church on Sundays that Melody Barnes, who heads Obama's Domestic Policy Council, is reminded. So many people want to stop and talk that her receiving line at the end of service is often as long as the pastor's.

"I certainly feel it when someone my grandfather's age stops me to say, 'Sweetheart, I'm proud of you,' but at the same time we are here to do a job," Barnes said. "For the most part, when we walk into the West Wing, we are focused on that job throughout the day."

Barnes was a principal figure behind the passage of the $787 billion stimulus package, held interviews with the media and called on allies in Congress -- where she worked for many years as chief counsel for Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) on the Judiciary Committee. Her next priorities are to help shepherd plans for universal health care and improving public education.

Mona Sutphen, the president's deputy chief of staff and a foreign affairs expert, has been an advocate for loosening the long-standing Cuban embargo. Her ideas became law last week when less restrictive travel and trade rules were added to a spending bill passed by Congress.

White House Social Secretary Desirée Rogers parses guest lists, largely shapes the Obamas' social profile and orchestrates the Washington dance of dinners where politics are served around the table. In all of the busy-ness, there are times, Rogers said, when her old friend Jarrett will stop her in the hallway and dwell for a second on the import of their experience as African American women in the top echelons of the White House.

"I'm so fast. I'm always moving, and Valerie will say to me, 'Slow down. Just think about what we're doing,' " Rogers said. "It is important to maintain those friends and relationships -- that lifeblood that sustain you as you work in a very historic time."

Not so long ago, the appointment of a black woman to a senior position in any administration was a historic marker, a first. But the collective arrival of the women serving in senior positions in Obama's presidency has been noted only in small ways and mostly within the "sisterhood." A few weeks before Obama's inauguration, one anonymous admirer sent out an e-mail with photographs of seven senior staffers under the title "Sisters in the White House."

It listed Jarrett, Jackson, Barnes, Sutphen, Rogers, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice and Cassandra Butts, deputy White House counsel.

It read like a dishy letter passed among girlfriends: "Did you know this sister is Valerie Jarrett, Transition Team Co-Chair? Did you know she's the 4th generation of educated professionals in her family and is a Stanford and U of M graduate? (A former corporate attorney, as the Chief of Staff in the Daley Administration, she hired an Ivy-Leaguer named Michelle Robinson!)"

"Most of us had met each other, but seeing the e-mail made me step back and think this is a really diverse and compelling group of women," Sutphen said.

The message was a small nod to progress, a barometer of the advancements of women and minorities.

"It's like we have a garden out there, and it's been watered," Norton said. "Black women have been preparing themselves for this day. They are more than ready."

Women earn about two-thirds of the associate and bachelor's degrees awarded to black students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and Bureau of Labor data show that more than 2.6 million black women were employed in management and professional jobs last year. The women working for Obama have helped run Chicago city government, led nonprofit organizations, held top jobs at think tanks and influential positions on Capitol Hill.

Even so, women and minorities still lack representation in proportion to their numbers on the federal level. In Congress, only 90 members are women, 42 are African American, 28 are Latino and nine are Asian. Of late, black women have done better in Cabinet-level appointments and senior White House positions. President Bill Clinton appointed two black women to his Cabinet and several served in senior White House positions. President George W. Bush named Condoleezza Rice his national security adviser and later secretary of state, making her the highest-ranking black woman in the country's history.

It was only 32 years ago that President Jimmy Carter appointed Patricia Roberts Harris to serve as secretary of housing and urban development, making her the first black woman in the presidential line of succession. Harris said at the time of her HUD appointment that her gender and race made her a "two for one" and called the hoopla around her nomination the result of "tragic exclusion." In stories about her experience as the first, she described herself as lonely.

Carter later named Eleanor Holmes Norton head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and she recalls being "marketed" as the first woman to hold the position.

She still has a framed photo in her congressional office of herself posing with both Shirley Chisholm and Coretta Scott King, who came to see Norton and celebrate her EEOC post.

A cadre of black women were introduced to national politics during the Rev. Jesse Jackson's unsuccessful bids for the presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. They included Brazile, the first African American to direct a major political campaign, and Minyon Moore, who was an assistant to Clinton and served as director of White House political affairs and the Office of Public Liaison.

"We kind of burst onto the scene," Moore said. "It became more normal to see an African American woman in a position of power."

In their days in the Clinton administration, Moore would lean on Alexis Herman, the first African American woman to serve as labor secretary, and Hazel O'Leary, the first to serve as energy secretary.

"You never felt alone," Moore said.

Now, the Obama women call on their predecessors and say they are getting to know one another as they find their way in Washington. Jarrett and Rogers have a deep personal friendship forged in Chicago. Others are acquaintances or work friends who met during the Clinton administration, on Capitol Hill or during Obama's campaign. Some are hoping lasting bonds will form, which could leave Washington with a good old sisters network.

"We are fortunate that we are in a time where it isn't new that African American women would have important roles in Washington. It is not becoming old hat, but it is something people are more comfortable with," Butts said. "It is both absolutely as it should be, and it is also a bit surreal."

Butts put an interview on hold to pick up a call from Cheryl Mills, who in the Clinton administration became the first black women to serve as deputy White House counsel. Mills, now Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's chief of staff, understands Butts's job and the dynamic of working in the White House bubble.

When Jackson moved from New Jersey to take up her EPA post, she phoned Herman, who now owns a District-based company that advises corporations on workplace diversity.

"She's been through some of what I'm seeing," Jackson said. "She knows what it's like to have to figure out this town. . . . It's definitely nice to be in a place where there are more of us."

Jackson said the advice Herman gave her is private but, as a whole, the Washington sister-friends have done everything from recommend churches and hairstylists to offer fashion advice and babysitting services, Jackson said.

"As one of them put it: 'We're honest. We will tell you, that suit does not work. It makes your butt look big. That would work for somebody else but not you. No, don't show up looking like that,' " Jackson said, smiling. "I don't have sisters so I always loved close girlfriends. They have made it much, much easier for the first few weeks here."

They also share hard-earned wisdom for surviving the political game.

O'Leary passed on a story about her early days at the Energy Department. During her first month, she had a poster made with photos of all the previous department secretaries and herself. Face after face was a white man, ending with O'Leary's picture. The line at the top of the poster read: "This is not your father's Department of Energy."

"In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have done that," she said with a laugh.

Free KFC Coupon from Oprah until May 6th

2009-05-05T20:57:00.003-05:00

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Letting Go

2009-05-01T19:48:00.001-05:00

Letting Go does not mean to stop caring-it means not to take responsibility for someone else.

Letting Go is not to cut myself off from others-it's realizing I can't control others.

Letting Go is not to enable others-it's to allow learning from natural consequences.

Letting Go is to admit my own powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

Letting Go is not to try to change or blame others-but to make the most of myself.

Letting Go is not to care for-but to care about.

Letting Go is not to fix-but to be supportive.

Letting Go is not to be in the middle of arranging-but to be on the sidelines cheering.

Letting Go is not to be protective-it is to permit another to face reality.

Letting Go is not to deny-but to accept.

Letting Go is not to nag, scold or argue-it is to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

Letting Go is not to adjust everything to my desires-but to take each day as it comes, and cherish myself in it.

Letting Go is not to criticize and regulate others-but to be what I can become.

Letting Go is not to regret the past-but to grow and live for the future.

Letting Go is to fear less, and love more!

(I don't know who wrote it, but it is the perfect message for me today!)

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27TH, 2009

2009-05-01T19:11:00.000-05:00

The debate rages on about who should be the first black “James Bond.” Well Idris Elba says it should be him. Elba is currently starring in the movie Obsessed with Beyonce. Elba is best known for his role as “Stringer Bell” in the HBO series The Wire. I think he should play 007. He’s sexy. He’s fine, and he can act. Sean “P Diddy” Combs wants to play the part, but I have two words for Puff: SIT DOWN!!! Elba should get it. A lot of people don’t know his true background because he plays an American so well, but Idris Elba is British. He’s currently in talks with producers to let him try out for the part.

Let’s ask a question about Elba’s movie co-star. Is Beyonce the new Box Office Queen? This past week, she was when her movie, Obsessed, took in over $28 million. So, what’s next for the megastar? She may have a role in the new Avengers movie. The movie is due out 2012. If she gets in, she would play She-Hulk and be all green. In the meantime, Beyonce is coming to Philly on June 26th. She’s in concert at the Wachovia Center.

Al B. Sure is getting ready to release his new project, Honey I’m Home. Sure is best known for the 80’s hits Nite and Day and Off On Your Own. He is currently working as a radio host at a station in Los Angeles. Recently, he’s been making gossip blogs because of his strained relationship with his son, Quincy. Quincy’s mother is Kim Porter. Whatever is going on, Al needs to rectify the situation and make amends with his son. This should be done privately, and not through internet blogs. Sean “P Diddy” Combs has raised Quincy, now it’s time for Sure to do what he has to do. The situation is giving his public profile a beating.

Whether she is pregnant or not, Jennifer Hudson is getting married this summer. Hudson is engaged to be married to David Otunga. He is training to become a professional wrestler. Otunga is best known for his role as Punk on the VH1 reality show I Love New York. Fantasia is going to serve as a bridesmaid, and Hudson’s sister Julia will be her maid of honor.

Look for Mary J. Blige in the season finale of the NBC comedy 30 Rock. Mary’s episode airs Thursday, May 14th.

Maxwell is back! The new single is Pretty Wings from the upcoming CD Black Summer Nights. The new CD comes out July 7th.

Will Michael Jackson look different when he hits the stage for his London concerts? The King Of Pop was seen leaving a Beverly Hills hospital, and his hair was wrapped. Jackson may have gotten a hair transplant because he is tired of wearing wigs.

Terrence Howard is still bitter about losing the role of “War Machine” in the new Iron Man movie. Contract negotiations did not go well, and Howard was released from the project. Howard says Marvel Comics made a big mistake by dropping him from the project. Howard says he is happy for Don Cheadle, who is replacing him in the movie, but Howard also says he was misled by producers.

We had some notable passings this week. The Godfather Of Gospel Music, the Reverend Timothy Wright succumbed to injuries from a car crash he was in earlier this year. Wright lost his wife and grandson in that accident. TV Legend Beatrice Arthur died from cancer at the age of 86 over the weekend. Bea Arthur was best known for her Emmy-winning roles as Maude in the 70’s and as “Dorothy” on The Golden Girls. Artist Ernie Barnes also died this week. Barnes had a great career as a pro football player, but it was his artwork that put him on the map. When you think of the classic album cover of Marvin Gaye’s I Want You and of course the TV show Good Times, you see the infamous painting The Sugar Shack. Barnes had a unique painting style that was known all over the world.

Singer/Actor Tyrese got some good news in court. Tyrese is not required to pay his soon to be ex-wife any additional money. Tyrese’s wife, Norma Gibson, has to abide by the prenup because they were married for less than a year. She gets no money, and she will have to move out his house. Tyrese and his wife have a young daughter.

Gloria Gaynor is best known for her disco anthem, I Will Survive. I call it the women’s national anthem. Well, Gaynor is getting ready for a comeback. She is working on a gospel album due out next year.

BeBe and CeCe Winans are reuniting. The popular brother and sister recording duo stopped recording together years ago, but they recently reunited for the song Close To You. CeCe is on her way to town when the McDonald’s Gospel Tour comes to Deliverance Evangelistic Church at 21st and Lehigh on May 14th.

The ABC Network is bringing back Ugly Betty. The popular comedy show was put on hiatus, and now it is back. Betty will also return for a new season in the fall.

Mike Tyson is being hailed for a new documentary about his life. Tyson, the larger than life boxer, talks candidly about his controversial life, and the many dumb decisions he has made.

What made Tyler Perry’s stalker snap? 36-year old Dawn Wilson faces 100 years in jail for stalking Perry. In addition to her menacing letters describing death, she would also hang around his Atlanta studios and not leave him alone. Wilson is currently in jail. She used to work for the government, and her former co-workers expressed surprise at her behavior. I’m sure the government did extensive background checks on her. Who knew she was off? Her co-workers say this is not the Wilson they know.

Oprah says stop hating on her hair. She doesn’t wear a weave. In a recent episode of her show, Oprah talked about her hair and how she doesn’t wear weaves, wigs or hairpieces. She says she has always had hair, and she showed never before seen photos to prove it.

The holiday classic Black Nativity is coming to the big screen. Director Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou) is adapting the production as a movie.

Taraji P. Henson will be teaming up with Rapper Common for the new movie Date Night. Date Night arrives in theatres next year and will also star Tina Fey (30 Rock), Steve Carrell (The Office), Mark Wahlberg and James Franco.

The Michelle Obama Stylebook is coming out next week. The First Lady will be featured in Michelle Style: Celebrating The First Lady Of Fashion.

Mo’Nique and Gospel Sensation Vickie Winans are all part of the new changes at the BET network. Mo’Nique’s late night talk show debuts in the fall, And Vickie Winans will host a gospel variety show, which debuts next year. BET is also introducing a new network for adults. Centric will be geared to adults 25-54 years old and launches in October. Execs at BET say the new adult network will compliment the original BET network, which celebrates 29 years on the air this year.

Teddy Riley says look for a Guy reunion later this year. Teddy along with Aaron and Damien Hall are going to try to get it together and put their differences aside. Guy was best known for the hits I Like, Goodbye Love and A Piece Of My Love. The guys have all experienced financial difficulties, so they should get back together and make some money.

“Mr. Big” will be back. The contract squabbling is over and Actor Chris Noth will be returning as “Mr. Big” in the new Sex And The City movie. In other Sex And The City news, congrats to Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick. They are expecting twin girls via a surrogate this summer. They already have a six-year old son.

After Dancing With The Stars, Football Great Lawrence Taylor wants to see his life on the big screen. “L.T.” had a great career with the New York Giants, but he also battled and conquered his demons with drugs and alcohol. He is currently in talks with producers to make the movie project happen.

At the movies this week, the X-Men’s Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine, and Alfre Woodard, Charles S. Dutton and Nicole Beharie star in American Violet.

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

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

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

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

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

This Media Personality is doing everything she can to stay relevant. She is keeping up with the latest social networking sites. She has even befriended her enemies, but it’s still not working. No one is interested in her.

Ernie Barnes Dies

2009-04-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-26T19:12:00.002-05:00

Robin Harris - Partners in Crime

2009-04-26T19:03:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

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.

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 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

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

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!

2009-04-26T14:29:00.000-05:00

Family of boxer fights for pardon of 1913 racist conviction

2009-04-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-26T13:41:00.001-05:00

© 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!

2009-04-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-19T22:04:00.001-05:00

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.

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 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

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

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?

2009-04-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

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?

2009-04-19T19:29:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-18T16:21:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-04-17T21:32:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-13T22:07:00.001-05:00

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

2009-04-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

2009-04-02T18:53:00.000-05:00

celebrity report....3-23-09

2009-03-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 23rd, 2009

Tyler has got two new leading ladies. Filming has started on Tyler Perry’s new Madea movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Taraji P. Henson stars along with Singer Mary J. Blige. Blige will play a waitress. The movie opens in theatres this September.

“The Don” stays out of jail. Don Cornelius, the 72-year old founder of Soul Train, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor spousal battery charge. During an incident last fall, Cornelius was charged with attacking his young, brunette wife, Viktoria. Cornelius got three years probation, and he will have to attend a year-long domestic violence course.

When is Michael Jackson coming home? Will he do any concerts in the United States? After he’s finished up with a new round of plastic surgery, The King Of Pop is set to start a 50 night concert stand in London. If all goes well overseas, Jackson is expected to do a series of shows in New York and Los Angeles. Jackson is working to repay his debts, plus he misses the spotlight. There is even word he may pop up on American Idol this season. It depends on how much plastic surgery he gets because his face has to heal. Now speaking of plastic surgery, have you noticed a change with Rapper Lil’ Kim since she joined Dancing With The Stars. She looks a lot better. Well, that’s because she had more work done, and she’s looking a Lil’ cute. I love her on the show: her attitude, her dance moves. Bruno the judge looks like he wants to snatch her up when she dances. I think she’s going to go far in the competition.

Spike Lee is doing a telepic for ESPN about Kobe Bryant. This look at a day in the life of the Lakers star is called Kobe Doin’ Work.

Actress Alfre Woodard is coming back to TV. She will be one of the stars of the FOX show Maggie Hill. Woodard will play a doctor.

And they said it wouldn’t last. I was one of them. The first anniversary of The Cannons is coming up. Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey are getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary. The two are rumored to be buying a mansion in California. Despite pregnancy rumors and the fact that she has Cannon on a leash, he has made out great. Not content to rest of his laurels, Cannon recently signed a deal to develop shows for Nickelodeon where he got his start. Plus, this summer he’s hosting NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Jennifer Hudson is returning to American Idol. In a segment that will air later this year, Hudson will return to the stage that booted her off four years ago. She didn’t win American Idol, but she is the most successful contestant. In addition to the Oscar, Grammy, movies and new album, she also made headlines with the unfortunate murders of her family. Ruben Studdard is also returning for a special show later this year. Hudson will sing something from her Grammy award-winning album. She is getting ready for her national tour with Robin Thicke.

Jennifer’s sister Julia is also making headlines. Julia Hudson has started her modeling career. With the help of Fashion Maven Harvey Star Washington, Julia Hudson wants to make her mark on the modeling world. Reppin' the big girls, Julia says after her family tragedy five months ago, she is ready to move on with her life. Her former husband has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her family members.

Oprah Winfrey is sharing again. First, she teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama. Now she’s sharing a cover of O magazine with fellow Talk Show Hostess Ellen DeGeneres for the May issue.

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

Congrats to Actor Taye Diggs and his wife, Broadway Star Idina Menzel. They are expecting their first child.

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy back together! HUH?! It was just a few weeks ago that the former NFL star caught Nicole Murphy cheating on him. Strahan, who just retired from the New York Giants, had a tracking device installed in Nicole’s car. That’s when he found out she was seeing another man, a young record executive. The record executive broke things off with Murphy, and now it appears Murphy and Strahan are getting close again. Murphy’s children really like Strahan, and he recently accompanied Murphy and her children to the premiere of Monsters Versus Aliens. It was a fun, family night, but a lot of people were shocked to see them together. Why would Strahan take her back if he’s spying on her? It’s obvious he can’t trust her. Well, Nicole Murphy has long money, long, long Eddie Murphy money. Since divorcing the entertainer, she is one of the richest divorcees in town. Strahan is trying to jump start a TV career, but he lost his money divorcing his last wife, Jean. I guess he figures if he can track her, he might as well stay and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Whatever happened to Chico DeBarge? Since his release from prison, the popular singer has been named the managing director of People Reclaiming Ourselves. He is planning to travel across the country helping other people make the transition from prison life to regular society.

Whoopi Goldberg is tired of people criticizing the way she dresses. Since taking the helm of the daytime talker, The View, ratings have soared, but, so has the criticism regarding her fashion sense. Goldberg is fed up. She says Don’t Judge Me By What I Wear, Judge Me By What I Say. Basically, she is telling the critics to kiss her behind.

Since getting fired from Grey’s Anatomy, times have been tough for Actor Isaiah Washington and his family. Washington, along with his wife and kids, may be losing his home. He is five months behind on his rent. He owes $100,000 to his landlord. Reports say he has been arguing with his financial consultants, and that’s why he doesn’t have the money.

Check out Jill Scott on the new issue of Heart And Soul magazine. She’s expecting her first child, a son, any day now, and this Sunday her new TV series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency debuts on HBO. I loved the kickoff. Anika Noni Rose co-stars as her assistant and is very funny. Jill is amazing. She brings the precious character, “Mma Ramotswe,” to life. The movie was filmed in Botswana, Africa. It was very beautiful. If you like mysteries, this is the show for you. The show debuts this Sunday, March 29th 8pm on HBO.

Legendary Entertainer Ben Vereen has signed on to be the new spokesperson for Diabetes awareness. Vereen was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and he will be starring in the new Take The Stage For Diabetes Awareness campaign.

Comedian George Lopez is coming to late night TV. Lopez has signed a deal with the TNT network for a late night show starting in the fall.

Does Beyonce wear butt pads? According to designer Thierry Mugler, B has a little back there. He says he always adds padding with her corsets so she can have an hourglass figure.

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.

Get ready for more Stevie Harvey. Harvey says with the success of his bestselling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, he will be doing a follow-up. Meanwhile the WDAS-FM morning man is coming to town. On April 1st, Harvey will be signing copies of Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man at Borders Bookstore, Broad and Chestnut Streets. He’s also hosting his Radio Star talent competition April 2nd at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets. Tix are on sale now. Chrisette Michele will be performing. Celebrity judges include Singer Ginuwine, Philly International Records’ Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and WDAS’ own Butterball.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

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

On March 31st, Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson hits the shelves with 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 all sharing their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice 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.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

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.

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

This Celebrity Couple is trying to fool the public. They may be on different coasts, but they are still a couple. They are taking a breather from their controversial relationship to salvage their careers.

This woman wormed her way into this celebrity family. She had her children by two brothers, and is still broke. This celebrity family has no money. Maybe she should have hooked up with their sister. She has the money.

America's Skin-Deep Crush on Michelle Obama

2009-03-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

Carlos Watson of the Huffington Post

Posted March 16, 2009 | 08:21 PM (EST)

America has fallen for Michelle Obama. Fashionistas love her style. Ivy Leaguers love her class. Moms love her priorities. Even white guys are crushing on her. The First Lady is everywhere: Vogue, O, this week's New York Magazine. Like her husband, Michelle is a canvas onto which people can paint whatever they like, a mirror in which we can all glimpse something of ourselves. What do I see? Not those famous arms.

I see dark skin.

America may be falling for Michelle, but it wasn't love at first sight. When I heard her described as "intimidating" and "angry" or as Obama's "baby mama," I often looked at her rich, brown skin and saw the reason. In this country, you're less likely to get a job if your skin is dark. I can tell you from experience, you're less likely to get a cab. Think of the A-list African-American cover girls whose ranks Michelle has joined: Beyonce, Rihanna, Halle Berry -- none share her complexion. Academic studies show that Americans of all colors associate light skin with attraction and intelligence, and dark skin with poverty and fear.

Those "Americans of all colors" include African-American men, who are often criticized for preferring light-skinned or white partners. The literature on this is explosive and exhaustive, from Morrison to McMillan, Essence to Encarta. No doubt many black women, when they first heard of Barack Obama, assumed he followed the trend: prominent black man, light-skinned or non-black wife. Then they saw Michelle.

More than 1 in 5 of the votes that put Obama in office were cast by African-Americans, almost two-thirds of them women. African-Americans made the difference in critical states: Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana, among others. Would the black community have supported Obama that enthusiastically if his wife had been lighter? I don't think so. And if she had been white? Forget it. Obama's ship would have sunk before it left the shores of Lake Michigan, his presidential run impossible without the early and deep backing of so many black women who believe that successful black Americans should work and love together in order to advance the community as a whole.

To be clear, I'm not saying that all black women feel this way, or that all white Americans initially hesitated to embrace Michelle because her skin is darker than Beyonce's. But Michelle's complexion has helped shape the way the world sees the Obamas, moving the national and international conversation on race forward in the process.

And I admire her for that.

celebrity report....3-16-09

2009-03-19T14:16:00.001-05:00

Patty Jackson's 411 Report -105.3 WDAS-FM Philly

So how is Michael Jackson getting ready for his 50 night concert stand? He’s getting more plastic surgery. The King Of Pop is about to go under the knife again because he wants to look his best when he hits the stage. Jackson has had a ton of plastic surgery, but in his head he has only had a nose job, and he did that so could breathe better. The Gloved One returns to performing on July 9th. There is still no word on whether he will bring his shows to the U.S.

Tameka Foster-Raymond wants her surgery too. Mrs. Usher almost died a few weeks ago when she snuck off to Brazil to get plastic surgery. Tameka suffered a heart attack during the procedure. Usher had to rush by her side, and he couldn’t believe her betrayal. How could she leave behind their babies to get surgery? Why would she lie to him? Tameka feels that after having five children, she needs to have plastic surgery. She is planning to get the lipo and a tummy tuck performed on her later this year in the states that she couldn’t complete in Brazil. So how does Usher feel about this? Last week, he was photographed with go-go dancers in Paris having a good time…… without his wife.

Are Chris and Rihanna taking a break? Rihanna has been spending time on the east coast while Chris Brown is staying behind on the west coast. The young couple is busy working on salvaging their careers after their recent blow up. Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna after an argument in early February. Rihanna was left battered and bloodied after the attack. Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, looked like the ultimate couple, but behind the scenes it was chaos. Was Brown having an affair with Tina Davis, his older manager? Did Rihanna suspect this? Did the manager’s booty call text message lead to their fight? Sources say Brown’s mother tried to end the affair between her son and his female manager. She was horrified that this older woman had taken advantage of her son. Even though the two are now apart, will the public still support them or their records?

Tyra Banks says she is going to give the short girls another chance. Last weekend, Tyra Banks and the producers of America’s Next Top Model had a casting call for short, petite women 5’7 and under to try out for the show. Well hundreds upon hundred of women showed up. The Manhattan Park Central Hotel couldn’t handle the crowd. There was pushing and shoving, and then the fights started. A melee broke out, and there was blood and mascara everywhere. Three people were arrested, and six people were injured. Hundreds of girls were shut out, and now Banks says she will have another casting call to give them a chance. The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, is furious. He feels the producers of the show underestimated the first casting call. Bloomberg doesn’t feel confident they can handle a part two. Banks promises things will be handled differently this time with all women getting a chance to audition safely.

Brandy is looking to re-start her career, and she is turning to Rap Mogul Jay-Z. Jay-Z is a platinum-selling rapper, an NBA owner, a real estate mogul, a business manager and Beyonce’s husband. He’s now turning his talents to Brandy. Brandy started out as a child star in her teens. She had a hit show with Moesha and a hot recording career. Then it all ended. For years, Brandy had been managed by her mother. But, during the past few years, Brandy has had a lot of career mishaps that were not handled well. When Brandy got pregnant, she lied about being married to protect her image. Her baby daddy subsequently put her on blast for all of her lies. This was a PR disaster because Brandy lied to a lot of notable news figures about this charade. Then there was the car accident that she was involved in where a woman was tragically killed. It wasn’t Brandy’s fault, but because she was the celebrity, she took the brunt of the blame. She subsequently lost her job as a judge on America’s Got Talent. Her love life has been on and off. She was engaged to Basketball Star Quentin Richards. She even had his image tattooed on her back, but he broke things off. She has a new album out, but it has not taken off the way she had hoped. Can Jay-Z help Brandy get her mojo back and put her career in gear?

Now, Morgan has to stand alone. Oscar-winning Actor Morgan Freeman is still feeling the effects of his car crash last August. Freeman, 71, almost lost his life that night. He was in the car with a woman who was not his wife. The woman in the car is suing him for negligence. Demaris Meyer says Freeman was drinking that night when she left a bar with him. They were on their way to a rendezvous when he crashed the car. While in the hospital, Freeman’s wife shows up. They decide to divorce days later, and Myrna Freeman is looking to gain half of his fortune. Freeman’s wife had enough with his cheating. So after 24 years, she decided to take the money and get out. In addition to the woman in the car, Freeman was fooling around with a friend of his wife. The woman in question was Freeman’s mistress, and now she has dumped him. She can’t believe he was about to cheat on her with a woman he just picked up in a bar. After years of being the other woman, she realized he never loved her. Wow!!! Easy Reader was getting his Mack on! First there were three, and now there are none.. Freeman is currently filming a new movie about Nelson Mandela with his friend and fellow Oscar Winner Clint Eastwood.

Last week was not a good one for Gospel Sensation BeBe Winans. Winans was arrested and booked on a domestic assault charge after an argument with his ex-wife. The 46-year old Winans allegedly pushed his wife to the ground. Apparently, the Winans are in a custody dispute over their children. Earlier this month, Winans had to get an order of protection against his ex-wife after a judge ruled she was a very disturbed woman. In a statement, Winans said he just wants his rights as a father protected.

Daddy’s getting married, and we don’t like it. Tennis Sensations Venus and Serena Williams are not happy with the fact that their dad/manager, Richard Williams, is getting married to a much younger woman. Williams, 67, is marrying a 30-year old woman in a few weeks. The girls are urging their dad to protect his money by making his young cutie sign a prenup.

Get ready for more Stevie Harvey. Harvey says with the success of his bestselling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, he will be doing a follow-up. Steve is on a roll because he is also teaming up with Oprah Winfrey. He is doing a show about his book. Oprah will be turning her show over to Steve.

Not content with just being “Mr. Mariah Carey,” Nick Cannon has a series of jobs lined up. In addition to his summer hosting duties on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Cannon just signed a two-year deal with Nickelodeon to create, star, produce and direct original programming for the network.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Charles Barkley says getting arrested and going to jail was the best thing that ever happened to him. The former NBA great just got out of jail for his New Year’s Eve drunk driving conviction. Barkley says his arrests and jail sentence was a wakeup call for him to get his life in order. He says drinking and driving will never happen again.

Is there an American Idol scandal brewing? Does the show practice favoritism? Is the winner already in the bag at the beginning of the season? A former American Idol employee is shopping around a tell-all that could be embarrassing for the show. The book talks about the gallon-size Ziploc bags that Paula Abdul carries around with her. Inside are orange prescription bottles. The book alleges that some contestants are preselected plants, and they must sing certain songs. If the book comes out, it could be damaging to the show.

Speaking of reality show problems, is there a Dancing With The Stars curse? Two of this season’s contestants, Rapper Lil Kim and Comedian/Actor David Alan Grier, are having tax problems. Kim owes almost a million dollars in delinquent state and federal taxes. Reps for Kim say she is working on her debt. Grier owes $50,000 in state taxes.. Reps for Grier say he is also working on his debt.

Actor Donald Faison of Scrubs will be joining Cedric The Entertainer on his new ABC show The Low.

Courtney B. Vance has signed on for the Harrison Ford sci-fi thriller project. The movie will air on the CBS network.

The Simon And Shuster Publishing Company is suing M.C. Hammer. Hammer was supposed to write a family-inspirational book. He took the advance money, but he never finished the book. Reps for Simon And Shuster want their advance money back. Hammer is currently gearing up for his new reality show on the A&E network.

Congratulations to The Miracles. The group that Smokey Robinson founded is getting a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The Motown group is best known for their hits with Smokey, such as Track Of My Tears, Ooo Baby Baby, Shop Around and Tears Of A Clown.

So what does a man do after he catches his woman cheating on him? If you’re Michael Strahan, you head to TV. Last week, Strahan, the former NFL great, made headlines after he caught Nicole Murphy cheating on him. Nicole is the ex-wife of Eddie Murphy. Strahan put a tracking device in her car, and it led him to her jumpoff, a young record executive. Strahan is filming a new show for the FOX network with Darryl “Chill” Mitchell. He will also continue his hosting duties on NFL Sunday.

Former NBA Great Norm Nixon is out of jail after getting arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Nixon is married to Actress/Dancer/Director Debbie Allen. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, Nixon was a star with the L.A. Lakers.

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

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.

Speaking of Idris, he’ll play Jill Scott’s love interest in the series opener of Scott’s new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The show debuts on HBO March 29th.

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.

Prince recently signed a deal with Target retail stores. Prince is releasing a three-disc set of new music, which will be sold exclusively at Target. The set comes out March 29th. Prince is also doing a series for shows for Jay Leno. Prince will be performing live on The Tonight Show on March 25th, 26th and March 27th. Prince is also helping Jay say goodbye to Tonight. Prince will be performing on May 28th. After 17 years, Leno’s last night on The Tonight Show is May 29th.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

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

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

The buzz is going to off this reality show. The ladies on the show are ignoring the gag order, and are spilling all the show’s secrets. The show is set to air this summer. But by the time summer rolls around, everyone will know what is happening on the show. Ladies, shut up!

Nephew Tommy's Prank Call 2.23.09

2009-03-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

View Full Clip

The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: March 3, 2009: A Party in Limbaugh

2009-03-18T22:18:00.001-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

A Party in Limbaugh

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

More than the Bible: Blacks say church should have role in social issues, politics

2009-03-17T20:58:00.000-05:00

by Dante Mozie
March 12, 2009

celebrity report....3-2-09

2009-03-09T22:57:00.002-05:00

This is the weekend, March 6-8th, for daylight savings time. Before you go to bed on Saturday night, set your clocks ahead one hour. We will lose an hour’s sleep, and the days will get longer as the sun sets later.

In a shocking letter from a writer at the Village Voice, Tyler Perry is being scrutinized about his private life. Despite his amazing success, Perry has never discussed his private life in detail. He has never talked about his sexuality, but he says he is looking for the right woman to marry. In the letter, the writer urged Perry to come out of the closet, stop being on the “downlow,” and stop showing up at premieres with leggy models. Perry is at the height of his fame so the scrutiny on his love life is opening up. Perry turns 40 in September, and he says he would like to buy his own island. As more people pry into his business, he may need that private island.

Singer/Actor Tyrese is going to have to pay up. His 10-month marriage is over, and it is costing his big time. Tyrese married his baby momma, Norma Gibson, 10 months ago. They have a two-year old daughter Shayla. A judge recently ordered Tyrese to pay his ex-wife $65,000, her $3,000 rent, her $800 car note and over $6,000 in child support.. Norma Gibson claims Tyrese was an absentee dad, and she was actually seeking more than she got because she contested their prenup. Norma Gibson says she was forced to sign a prenup. She says she didn’t know any better because she was taken from her family in London with the belief that Tyrese would take care of her forever.

Why would she take him back? That’s the question being asked around the country. Pop Singer Rihanna and Teen Sensation Chris Brown are back together. It was just weeks ago that Rihanna suffered a beatdown at the hands of Brown. The photos were shocking, but Rihanna never filed charges. Her family is outraged by her decision to stand by Brown, but her father has stated he will stand behind his daughter and her decision. Rihanna has forgiven Brown, and she is happy to be back with him. What does the future hold for Brown? Will the reconciliation help his image and career? The stigma of being a woman beater will not just go away. Could it happen again? For many women, the abuse continues. Let’s hope this is not the case with Rihanna.

More drama on the set of American Idol: new Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi was stung by the recent comments of fellow Judge Paula Abdul. Abdul says there are too many judges on the hit show, and that American Idol made a mistake in hiring a fourth. DioGuardi says she is happy with what she brings to the show. She says she wishes Abdul would have made her comments to her face and not to a magazine writer. Abdul claims she as misquoted.. This is the last year of Abdul’s contract on the show.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson has just signed a nine picture deal to star as “Nick Fury” in the new Marvel Comics movie series. Jackson will play “Fury” in the following movies: Iron Man II, Captain America, The Avenger and The Shield.

The Simmons have stopped fighting over money. Now that their divorce is final, Russell and Kimora Lee have finally reached an agreement about child support for their two daughters. Russell will have to pay his ex-wife $40,000 a month until their daughters turn 18. Kimora is currently expecting her third child. She is married to Actor Dijmon Hounsou.

The new ad campaigns for Vitamin Water featuring Alicia Keys is out, and Halle Berry’s new fragrance, “Halle” is in stores now..

Beyonce is on the cover of Ebony magazine talking about marriage and movies. Her new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th.

Speaking of Idris, he’ll play Jill Scott’s love interest in the series opener of Scott’s new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The show debuts on HBO March 29th.

Fresh from his role as “Puffy” in the movie Notorious, Actor Derek Luke is coming to TV in the new NBC drama, Trauma. Luke is on a roll. He’s currently co-starring in Tyler Perry’s number one box office hit Madea Goes To Jail.

Has Al Reynolds found a new love? The ex-Mr. Star Jones recently bought a ring from a jewelry store. Was it an engagement ring for his new lady, a Miami attorney, or a ring for his mother? Spokespeople for Reynolds say it was a ring for his mom. Al is currently in talks to do a new reality show.

Congratulations to Actor Dondre T. Whitfield and his wife, Actress Salli Richardson. They just welcomed a new baby boy, Dre Terrell Whitfield. Dre joins his big sister, Parker, who is two and a half. Whitfield and Richardson were married in 2002.

Singer Jazmine Sullivan will be featured in the new George Lucas film, Red Tails. Sullivan will play a jazz singer in the movie about the Tuskegee airmen. Singer Ne-Yo is also starring.

A new movie about Comic Legend Richard Pryor is in the works, and Eddie Murphy is being attached to the project. Writer-Director Bill Condon from Dreamgirls fame is behind the project, and he is pulling for Murphy. The two worked together on Dreamgirls. In a recent poll on our WDAS website asking who should play Pryor, readers expressed their hopes of Steve Harvey portraying the late great comedian.

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.

Jermaine Jackson is fighting for custody of his two kids, Jermajesty and Jaafar by his ex-wife, Alejandra. The kids claim there mother has hit them. Jackson is seeking full legal custody.

Speaking of the Jacksons, Michael may be reviving his career in London. He is in talks to sign a deal where he would do a series of shows in London raking in millions of dollars.

In more Jackson sibling news, Janet has come out of hiding. She’s been hanging with Singer Johnny Gill. Since she started gaining weight again, Janet had been in hiding.

Prince recently signed a deal with Target retail stores. Prince is releasing a three-disc set of new music, which will be sold exclusively at Target. The set comes out March 29th.

Toni Braxton was the recent victim of an imposter. According to police reports, a woman by the name of Trina Johnson was taken into custody along with her husband after setting up concerts around the world claiming she was Toni Braxton. Police were able to nab Johnson. When she showed up to perform on stage, audience members quickly realized she was not the real Toni Braxton. They started throwing things on stage. In a statement, Braxton said she was saddened by the situation, and is glad that her imposter was stopped from bilking others.

The other woman in the car with Morgan Freeman on the night of his accident is speaking out and suing him. According to Demaris Meyer, Freeman was drinking and visibly drunk when they left the bar they were at. The two were on their way to a rendezvous. That’s when the car they were in crashed. Meyer wants it known she was not his mistress, but his friend for the night. Freeman had no comment on the suit. He is currently on location filming a movie about Nelson Mandela. Clint Eastwood is directing.

DeShawn Snow is out, and Big Poppa is in. Filming has started on the second season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. DeShawn Snow is the wife of Basketball Player Eric Snow. She was let go from the show because she was nice but boring. Producers preferred the cattiness and outrageousness of the other ladies. Big Poppa was often talked about, but never seen. This season, he will make his debut. Big Poppa was the married boyfriend of Kim Zolciak. In the new season, Big Poppa leaves his wife, and moves in with Kim and her two daughters.

Get ready for the Broadway revival of The Wiz. The smash musical is returning to The Big White Way this summer.

Keyshia Cole’s mom, Frankie, is getting ready to release her autobiography, Two Sides To Every Story. She tells the story of her life from drug addict to TV star. Frankie became an instant hit on her daughter’s BET’s reality show, The Way It Is. Word has it she may get her own spinoff show.

Tyra Banks is looking for the short girls. On the next cycle of America’s Next Top Model, the focus is on models 5’7 and shorter.. Banks says her modeling show is known for breaking barriers, and by searching for shorter models, they continue to do so.

Angela Bassett will be stepping behind the cameras for her next project. Her stint on ER is up later this month, and she’s set to direct the movie, United States. Her husband, Actor Courtney Vance, will be her producing partner.

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 has suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The new season of Dancing With The Stars kicks off Monday March 9th. Rapper Lil’ Kim, David Alan Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are part of the cast. Lil Kim will be introducing her new look blue eyes during the season. In a recent interview Kim says it was her stint in prison that led to her decision to appear on Dancing With the Stars. Kim says that during her 10 month sentence in a federal prison she became friends with the other inmates. She says Dancing with the stars was their favorite show and they would always say to her Kim you should be on the show. She says once she got it she thought about it and now her dream has come true.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

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

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

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 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 former high profile TV Personality is so happy to have a man, she can’t contain herself. When they appear at public events, she is often loud and boisterous. When friends make suggestions to her to tone it down, she just rolls her eyes and gets louder. She wants everyone to see her and her new man.

The high rolling life of this Baller could soon be coming to an end. Years ago, he was the best on the court, but now his career is fading along with the big contract offers. His money is dwindling, and family members are losing their homes. Some family members never thought they would have to work again. Now, they are getting a rude awakening.

First All-Black Female Flight Crew Flies To Nashville

2009-03-03T21:24:00.005-06:00

Monday, March 02, 2009

On February 12, 2009, Captain Rachelle Jones and First Officer Stephanie Brown Grant made history for being the first all African-American female crew to operate a commercial jet revenue flight Atlantic Southeast Airlines(ASA).

ATLANTA -- Four African American women made history this month when they took an ASA flight from Atlanta to Nashville. They weren't passengers. They were the nation's first all black all female flight crew.

Meet airline captain Rachelle Jones, first officer Stephanie Grant, and flight attendants Diana Galloway and Robin Rogers. When they worked that ASA flight from Atlanta to Nashville they never expected to make history. In fact, it was a matter of chance.

"The first officer became ill and was replaced with Stephanie," said Galloway.

"When I got to the cockpit and I saw Rachelle -- we just met a few weeks prior," Grant said. "And I was just ecstatic when I saw her in there."

"We did not realize the historic ramifications of it," Rogers said. "We were just like, okay this is gonna be fun."

But Captain Rachelle Jones got it right away. She and Grant in the cockpit, Galloway and Rogers in the cabin -- all black, all female.

"I said this could be a first, so let's be on our P's and Q's," Jones said.

"I think we had a little more pep in our step," said Galloway. "I think we were just so proud."

They took a lot pictures because their history just happened to be during Black History Month.

"I'm still tingling about it," said Rogers. "This is great. It's spectacular."

"It still hasn't hit me now," said Jones. "I was just excited. I called my mom, my family and said guess what happened today."

Jones is one of only ten black female airline captains in the country. She used to be a customer service agent for Delta. Piloting was never on her radar until a friend suggested it.

"And it paid off -- and this was my goal -- to be here where I am today," she said. "And I'm so happy at what I've accomplished."

As little girls, they'd never seen anyone who looked like them piloting a plane. Now for other little girls, they're proof you really can be whatever you want to be.

"Fate may have a little bit to do with it, but for everyone that will look at us as role models or look to aspire to be what we are today, they need to know that it was hard work and dedication to get here," Grant said.

"Young girls need to see that yes they can be flight attendants and yes they can be pilots," said Jones. "The sky is the limit."

Atlantic Southeast Airlines has three black female pilots. Only one has made Captain so far.

People are invited to congratulate the crew at http://www.flyasa.com/contact/crew-contact.php

Source: 11Alive.com Mar 02, 2009

Michelle Obama's Official White House Portrait

2009-03-03T21:05:00.003-06:00

Dress by Michael Kors

Managing the Highest-Profile Social Scene

2009-03-03T20:56:00.002-06:00

By Lois Romano

Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 27, 2009; Page A15

She ran a billion-dollar utility company in Chicago and now is the most influential event planner on the planet, a woman empowered to use 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to set the cultural tone for the Obama era.

Desiree Rogers, 49, is the White House's glamorous new social secretary, a title that belies the magnitude of the job. She is responsible for arranging all the high-profile ceremonies and dinners for the first couple, and she has the power to summon the world's top cultural icons on short notice.

No detail escapes her eye. She says she is planning for the first time to ask the public to sign up on the Internet for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll instead of forcing 36,000 people to wait in line and she wants to have a regular online lottery to get ordinary Americans to state dinners. While her responsibilities are different from those she had as a prominent African American businesswoman, she candidly says, "Had I not had that experience, I would not be able to do this job. The jobs I've had have given me a certain amount of maturity to be able to handle all of the input."

The following are excerpts from an interview with Rogers on Wednesday as part of The Washington Post's "Voices of Power" online video series. Watch the full interview and read the transcript.

-- Asked if she has found Washington to be a place where a lot of business gets done after hours.

Rogers: Just sitting with the governors, hearing them talk, hearing them relax a bit, seeing them dance, seeing them walk through the house and meet each other. . . . I really feel that we had great success with that group, and I had heard that they were a more, you know, difficult group."

-- Commenting on Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.'s remarks that the United States is still a segregated society and the opportunity she has been afforded to help change that.

Rogers: I come from the Deep South. I was educated in the Northeast, spent 20 years in the Midwest. I think you have to work at it, and what I would say is my friends . . . are all different races, all different age groups, but I work at that. . . . I mean, I sat between two white males on Sunday night. I think what they would say is, not to pat myself on the back, but, "She was delightful."

-- Asked how she will help Michelle Obama shape and define her role as first lady.

Rogers: Michelle is shaping her role just fine. . . . I think we have someone that is very sure of who she is and is thinking . . . very carefully . . . what role and what impact she wants to have. . . . She's very self-assured and very confident in the role that she's taking.

The Ladies in Red

2009-02-26T21:35:00.001-06:00

By ANDIE COLLER | 2/26/09 4:29 AM EST

If a woman in red demands to be noticed, a thousand women in red are impossible to ignore.

At least that’s what the members of Delta Sigma Theta are counting on when they head to the Hill next week, clad in crimson and cream, to lobby their senators and representatives on the African-American sorority’s national agenda.

Don’t let the word “sorority” fool you: The Deltas won’t be pushing to lower the drinking age or fighting for their right to party. Most of the women who will attend the 20th annual four-day legislative seminar known as Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital are long out of school, and they’re coming to learn how to be effective advocates on issues like poverty, affordable housing and education.

“It’s an awesome sight to see so many black women here on the Hill,” says Nicole Williams, communications director for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). “There’s a powerful message, I think, that black women have a place at the political table.”

Deltas such as Williams have helped make sure of that.

From Hill staffers like Williams to elected officials like Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), members of the sorority formed in 1913 by African-American women at Howard University have followed trailblazing sorors — as Delta sisters call one another — including former Reps. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.) and Barbara Jordan (D-Texas) and former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.) to become a quiet force in the nation’s capital.

Delta and the other “Divine Nine” African-American fraternities and sororities serve as built-in career networks, support systems and social clubs for many of their members in the capital, but Delta has a particular history of political action that its sorors are committed to paying forward. Its founders broke away from Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first black sorority, at Howard in part because they wanted to be more civically engaged. Their first public action was to take part in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington — although, because they were black, they had to march at the end of the line.

For African-American women on the Hill, the Deltas’ brand of political sisterhood is a powerful resource. “I can definitely say that, living in Washington just in general, in the political circles, it’s very exclusive,” says Velvet Johnson, counsel for the Senate Federal Financial Management Subcommittee. Being a Delta, she says, “helps in connecting to people — and not just people, but the right people in the right places.”

Shrita Sterlin, director of communications for Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), has been on the Hill less than a year. For her, the Delta network has been like a map to a maze.

“For me, when I first got on the Hill — you know, the Hill can be an interesting place,” she says. “The ceilings are tall, the hallways are wide, there are thousands of people in the building at one time, and you just are navigating through the labyrinthine processes here.”

Early on, she recalls, she wore a dress with a little elephant on it — an unofficial Delta symbol — and she was approached by another staffer, who invited her to a Delta luncheon.

Since then, fellow Deltas have helped her with everything from where to go to find information on a particular bill to where to go for food. It has been especially important, Sterlin says, to know that there are others around who understand her struggles — and also to “see someone on the other side that has been successful.”

Not that long ago, says Sterlin, when the barriers African-American women faced were even higher, the Delta connection was even more crucial — and less overt. “Back in the day, it was almost like an Underground Railroad network of sorts, an opportunity to be brought through and brought up,” Sterlin says.

Today’s Deltas on the Hill are freer to be loud and proud: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), who died last year, was an outspoken Delta who made red her signature color and was buried wearing her DST pin.

They are, however, no less committed to bringing their members through.

“It’s an organization of leaders, and we expect to continue to bring leaders along,” says Fudge, herself a past national president of the sorority. “We think that’s our responsibility and our obligation.”

Fudge, who served as Tubbs Jones’ chief of staff, recalls that when she and Tubbs Jones first arrived in Washington, former secretary of labor and soror Alexis Herman held their first fundraiser. Fudge and Tubbs Jones shared an apartment but didn’t have any furniture. The Deltas brought them some. When Fudge ran for mayor back in Ohio, it was the Deltas who raised the money for her campaign. And after the loss of her friend and mentor, Fudge says, it was the Deltas who persuaded her to run for Tubbs Jones’ seat.

“We really focus on political awareness and involvement,” she says. “We talk about why it’s important to have our own members in positions of authority. And we start out by saying, ‘Anybody can run for school board or city council. Be the head of your PTA, be involved in some policymaking arena that will allow us to get our agenda out.’ So we really do try to start people at the most basic level, and then hopefully continue to move them forward.”

Those who come to Delta Days hear from experts in various issue areas — then-Sen. Hillary Clinton was among those who spoke last year — and they learn skills such as how to prepare legislation so they can help move agenda items through their city council or county government. Then they hammer out the sorority’s agenda and head to the Hill to ask their representatives how their priorities will be addressed.

When they return home, says Fudge, they are charged with sharing what they’ve learned with the rest of their chapter — and with making themselves known and their voices heard in their communities.

And when they’re in Washington, Fudge says, as long as a Delta is in her seat, “they know if they can’t be heard anyplace else, they’re going to be heard here.”

celebrity report....2-23-09

2009-02-26T19:05:00.000-06:00

The dress stays on! Tyler Perry wants to let go of his on-screen alter ego. But after raking in over $43 million at the box office, the dress and wig will stay on. Filming starts next month on a new “Madea” movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. It’s based on his 1999 hit play. Tyler has a lot of projects coming up: a role in the new Star Trek movie; a 1940’s period piece, Jazz Man’s Blues; and a movie project designed for Jennifer Hudson. Despite all of this, there is too much money in "Madea" to stop dressing in drag.

Chris Brown is gearing up for his March 5th court date. He has started taking anger management classes. It was almost three weeks ago that Brown was arrested for assaulting Pop Singer Rihanna. During the past week, photos were leaked showing a bruised and battered Rihanna. Rihanna recently turned 21, and friends say she received flowers, a diamond bracelet, necklace and an IPod Touch from Brown. The big question being asked this week is: is the pop princess pregnant? So far, Rihanna has been refusing to answer any questions about Brown and their relationship, but she thanks her fans for their love and support.

Tameka Foster Raymond is out of the hospital, back in Atlanta and begging for forgiveness. Tameka almost died three weeks ago during a plastic surgery procedure in Brazil. She snuck off to Brazil, leaving her babies behind and never said a word to her husband Usher. Tameka recently gave birth to their second child two months ago. She went to Brazil to undergo a lipo and tummy tuck procedure. Tameka suffered a heart attack and had to be placed in a medically induced coma. Usher mother, Johnetta Patton, was livid. Why would this woman do this to her son? Why would she leave her babies? Is she that vain? Since retaking the management reigns of her son’s career, Johnetta has tried to stay away from the goings on in the marriage. But this time, Johnetta realized she couldn’t stay quiet any longer. She made it clear to Tameka these antics have to stop: Straighten Up And Be A Wife And Mother To Your Kids. Let Usher do his job. There is no room for you in his career. You are his wife, so act like a wife. Usher is clearly in the middle of this on going saga, but he was livid with his wife. How could she embarrass him like that? He has a new album that he is working on, and he doesn’t need distractions.

Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman is finding out the hard about a woman scorned. At 71-years old, Easy Reader is finding out that jumpoffs talk. Back in August, Freeman almost lost his life in a car crash. He was in a car with a woman who was not his wife. After he was released from the hospital, he decided to divorce his wife and take up with yet another woman. Well, the woman in the car said WTH! Oh No Morgan, I have been quiet too long. In a recent press conference, Demaris Meyer stated that she was seeing Freeman while he was married. Now, Meyer is suing him for damages.

Singer Keith Sweat is being sued by his ex-wife. Sweat used to be married to Lisa Hartwell, a.k.a Lisa Wu of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Wu is not only suing her ex-husband, but she wants custody of their two sons, ages 11 and 14. Wu has since remarried, and she has a young child with her husband, former NFL Star Ed Hartwell.

Is Oprah ready to step aside? Well not so fast. The Mighty O has stated she is tired of being on the cover of her O magazine, and she is in talks with First Lady Michelle Obama to appear on the cover. Well, it appears Oprah will now be doing a joint cover with the First Lady, if it happens.

Gary Coleman is in trouble with the law again. Last week, the former child star was arrested for drunk driving. Coleman is best known for the 1980’s classic TV comedy Diff’rent Strokes and his character “Arnold.”

Halle Berry’s new Fragrance “Halle” debuts in stores in March. Check her out on the new issue of Essence magazine.

Tracy Morgan’s Manhattan apartment was left in ruins last week. A fire that started with a broken light bulb in his fish tank destroyed his luxury apartment. The 30 Rock star says he is glad no one was injured during the blaze.

Chris Rock’s brother Tony Rock was arrested last week on suspicion of drunk driving. Rock says it was all a big misunderstanding. Rock says he doesn’t have a problem with holding his liquor.

Get ready for the reunion of Bell Biv DeVoe. A reunion album is in the works for Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition fame.

Basketball Star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat wants to clear his name. Wade is going through a nasty divorce with his wife Siovaughn. During the proceedings, Siovaughn released a statement claiming Wade gave her a nasty STD. Siovaughn later retracted her statements when she got her divorce settlement, but the damage was done. Wade has filed a defamation suit against his ex. Wade is claiming he is the victim of a reckless campaign spearheaded by his ex-wife. He says she deliberately wanted to publicly humiliate him and damage his reputation.

Is Singer Lauryn Hill pregnant again? Word has it she is pregnant with baby number six. This would be the sixth child for Lauryn and Rohan Marley. Hill is currently living with her parents.

Stevie Wonder’s wife, Fashion Designer Kai Milla is in talks with the Lifetime Channel to do a reality show. Milla is one of the favorites of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Paula Abdul revealed her true feelings during a recent interview. Abdul was asked how she felt about a fourth judge (a female) being added to the American Idol mix. In the beginning, Abdul said she didn’t have a problem, but now she is stating that a fourth judge just doesn’t work. She says having a fourth judge disrupts the flow of the show. This is the last season of Paula’s contract, which makes you wonder will she be staying on as a judge for American Idol?

In more Idol news, Ruben Studdard is branching out on his own. The former American Idol winner is having money problems. He owes the I.R.S. a lot of money, and he was recently dropped from his record label. Studdard is launching his next project on an independent label. The album, Love Is, is due out May 19th.

Speaking of American Idol alum, Jennifer Hudson is gearing up for her first tour. She is hitting the road on a mini-tour with Singer/Songwriter Robin Thicke. Once Hudson finishes up the tour, she wants to head back into the studio to work on a gospel music CD.

Luther Campbell, a.k.a…Uncle Luke, had to spend a little time in jail. Campbell owed $11,000 in attorney fees in a child support custody case. He had been refusing to pay the attorneys for his baby momma. In the 1980’s, Campbell spearheaded the free speech movement with his raunchy rap act 2 Live Crew.

Former Basketball Great Charles Barkley is going to jail. Barkley recently pleaded guilty to drunk driving and running a red light after getting arrested late last year. Barkley starts his 5 day prison sentence on March 21st. He will also have to attend alcohol rehabilitation classes.

Eddie Murphy is looking to redeem himself in Hollywood. Realizing his crass behavior cost him an Oscar, Murphy is looking to turn things around. He has agreed to support his baby with Spice Girl Mel B. She is getting $52,000 a month in child support, and he also agreed to visitation rights. Murphy surprised a lot of people when he showed up to present a humanitarian award to Comedy Legend Jerry Lewis at this month’s Academy Awards. Murphy was on his best behavior, backstage he said he was humbled to be able to honor Lewis.

Speaking of Murphy, remember his comedy hit Coming To America? Well, Martin Lawrence is putting a different spin on it. 21 years ago, Coming to America joined the ranks of one of the great comedy classics, and now, Lawrence is putting together Back To America. Martin will produce and star in the movie about a working class guy from Queens who discovers he’s an heir to an African country.

Congratulations to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. They will be receiving the BMI Icons Award on May 19th at the 57th Annual Pop Awards.

Lionel Richie is going to be a grandpop again. Richie daughter Nicole is pregnant with her second child. Nicole and her rocker boyfriend, Joel Madden, are going to have company for their one-year old daughter Harlow. Nicole is due in the fall.

Congrats also go to Singer Deborah Cox. She and her husband recently welcomed their third child, a baby girl.

Kelly Rowland is proving there is life after Destiny’s Child. Rowland has just signed on for the reality show, The Fashion Show. The show will air on the Bravo Network and will co-star designer Isaac Mizrahi.

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 has suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The new season of Dancing With The Stars kicks off March 9th. Rapper Lil’ Kim, David Alan Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are part of the cast. Lil Kim will be introducing her new look blue eyes during the season.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

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

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice returns this Sunday, March 1st. This year’s participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show’s executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July.

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

Does your mother hate you! This is the question being asked about a certain Diva who follows her mother’s advice religiously. It is time to cut the apron strings and stop relying on mommy’s tacky style sense.

Please fire your stylist! This Singer sometime Actress wore a tacky wig to the Oscars. Apparently, she didn’t want to offend her new stylist, so she wore the wig. She looked a mess.

I Pay The Bills Around Here! Despite getting a high profile job, this man can’t catch a break with his superstar wife. He still has to wait on her hand and foot and act like he’s one of dogs.

celebrity report....2-16-09

2009-02-21T20:13:00.000-06:00

What's next for Chris Brown and Rihanna? Will they ever reconcile? Chris Brown released a lame public apology this week. He says he's very sad about what happened, and he is seeking counseling with his pastor. He says with God's help, he hopes to emerge as a better person. Brown never mentioned Rihanna in his press statement. He is doing major damage control now. Brown hired the attorney who helped Mel Gibson during his anti-Semitic rage that was caught on tape. Will this help Brown? Only time will tell. Rihanna has not made a public appearance or statement, but her family is talking. Rihanna's dad says his daughter will speak soon and will be back performing. He says he hopes his daughter will stand up for women around the world regarding violence in relationships. Some close friends of Rihanna claim the Umbrella star still loves Chris, but doubt if she will ever reconcile with him. Even thought they only dated a year, sources say it was a volatile relationship.

What was Tameka thinking, and why did she lie to her husband? Tameka Raymond, the older wife of Singer Usher Raymond, has a lot of explaining to do. Two weeks ago, she almost died during a plastic surgery operation. Tameka went to Brazil to get a liposuction procedure and tummy tuck. She left her babies behind, and never mentioned to her husband that she was leaving the country to get plastic surgery. Friends of Tameka say she wanted to be perfect for her husband. She just had a baby two months ago, and she wanted to be slim and trim. Because she is older than Usher, Tameka always felt insecure about him being in videos with younger models. Once she arrived in Brazil, Tameka proceeded to lie to the doctors telling them she gave birth four months ago when it was actually two months ago. Doctors prefer that women wait at least six to eight months before undergoing plastic surgery. During the procedure, Tameka suffered a heart attack and had to be put in a medically induced coma. Usher is beside himself. He can't believe his wife would lie to him and risk her life because she is so vain. He could have been left a widower with two babies if she had died. What was she thinking? Usher's mom tried to do damage control, but she realizes this is a public relations nightmare that has brought great embarrassment to her son.

Michael Misick is resigning as prime minister of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Citing it is in the best interest of the party, Misick will step down on March 31st. Misick's reign as prime minister was marred by sex scandals, misappropriated funds, secret babies and a high profile marriage. Misick's fairytale wedding to Actress LisaRaye turned into a nightmare marriage that made headlines around the world. LisaRaye testified in court about his infidelities and babies he made with other women during their courtship and marriage. She also talked about the hundred of thousand of dollars he spent on her and their lavish lifestyle. She also talked about the sex scandal that finally destroyed their marriage.

Is it another Norwood publicity stunt, or is Ray J the daddy? Ray J is laughing off reports that he got one of the contestants on his reality show For The Love Of Ray J pregnant. One of the contestants, Danger, is claiming she slept with Ray J every night during the taping of the show. Danger, whose real name is Monica Leon, says the condom broke and her pill failed. Now she is three months pregnant with Ray J's child. Ray-J's mom, Sonya Norwood, guides his career and she is known to run with fake stories to keep her children's name in the spotlight (remember Brandy's fake marriage). So is Ray J gonna be a father, or is this just a ploy to make people tune into his show on VH1?

Years ago, he was one of the most celebrated athletes on the planet. He was good looking, funny and a natural in front of the cameras. Yep, years ago Jayson Williams was the man. But trouble began when he accidentally shot his limo driver to death. Was it really an accident? He went on trial for murder, but he was acquitted. During this time, Williams got married and had two children by a woman he barely knew. A lot of people were surprised by this quickie marriage. Many wondered if this was love. Well, now the truth is coming out and Tonya Williams wants out. Tonya is divorcing Williams citing cruel and inhumane treatment. She stated in court papers how her husband sexually assaulted and threatened to kill her. She says despite their two kids, they barely had sex, but he had cocaine and condoms stashed everywhere. She says during their marriage he faked illnesses (stomach cancer) and suicide. Tonya says it was unsafe to stay in the marriage, and she wants a divorce immediately.

Phoenix Suns Center Shaquille O'Neal had a nice present for President Obama. He recently gave The Commander In Chief a pair of his size 23 sneakers.

Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, is about to make magazine history again. Look for Mrs. Obama to grace an upcoming issue of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. Oprah usually graces the cover herself, but she says it was time for a change. The Mighty O feels our First Lady is the one to do it. So, for the first time in the history of O magazine, Oprah is going to step aside and let Michelle Obama grace the cover. Oprah and Gayle recently visited the White House for the historic photo shoot and interview.

Gary Coleman is in trouble again. The pint size former child star was recently arrested for drunken driving. In interviews, he has stated how unhappy he is with his life, and it is showing in his recent run-ins with the law.

Nicollette Sheridan is leaving Desperate Housewives. Sheridan played the popular "Edie" character, and sources say that character is going to die. Look for her exit in April, and look for some girl on girl love with two of the main characters.

Marlon Jackson of The Jackson Five has stirred up controversy with his latest venture. Jackson has teamed up with investors to build a slavery theme park in Africa. The proposed park will be built in Nigeria along the site of a famous slave port. Jackson is proposing building a Jackson Five museum along with casinos, shops, condos and a golf course. Needless to say locals are outraged at his plans. Jackson has been trying to rebuild his career for years. During his last job, he was stocking shelves at a supermarket.

Some of today's biggest comedians are joining forces to star in a new comedy film. Chris Rock, Kevin James, Adam Sandler and David Spade will be teaming up for a movie featuring four friends from high school going to their 30th year reunion.

Despite a D.U.I. controversy hanging over his head, Charles Barkley is moving on with his life. Late last year, the former basketball star was arrested for a second time involving drinking and driving. He was suspended from his job as an analyst on the TNT network and lost of couple of endorsement deals, but he is not letting his troubles stop his career. Barkley loves the game of golf, and he will be starring in a new reality show on the Golf Channel. Barkley says he needs to work on his swing.

Bishop T.D. Jakes has gathered his family together to save his son Jermaine. Jakes has been on a roll with his TV ministry, books, movies and upcoming talk show, but the recent arrest of his son has stopped the Bishop in his tracks. Earlier this year, Jakes' 29-year old son Jermaine was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. According to police reports, Jermaine was in a park known for picking up men and he exposed himself to two undercover cops. The shock waves were heard around the country with the news of the preacher's son. Jakes regularly speaks out against homosexuality, and now he finds his faith tested as he deals with this controversy regarding his son. The Jakes family has pledged to stand by their son during this time of crisis.

Two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise, could be joining forces. Word has it they are scheduled to do a spy thriller as two enemies bought together.

Stevie Wonder was recently award the Gershwin Prize For Popular Song. This award was created by the Library Of Congress, and Wonder was honored by President Obama and First Lady Michelle during a special White House ceremony.

The plastic surgery paid off. Vivica A. Fox is no stranger to plastic surgery, and her recent good looks can be attributed to Botox, a face lift, an eyelift and nose adjustment. Fox's new reality show, The Cougars, debuts on the TV Land network in mid April. The show is about older women looking for love with younger men.

Russell Simmons recently unveiled his new men's clothing line at Wal-Mart. The line, called American Classics, is priced to sell.

Congrats to Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. They are expecting their third child, and congrats to Rhonda Ross. She's the daughter of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. Rhonda is expecting as well. Speaking of The Boss, Tyler Perry wants her to star in his next movie. But, Ross won't return his calls or respond to the gifts he has sent her.

Former Sixer, now Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson debuted his new look over the weekend at the NBA All-Star Game. For years, Iverson sported cornrows and braided styles, but he said he wanted a new look. Now he is sporting a low top fade.

Isaac Hayes passed away last August, and his estate is in turmoil. His home in Memphis has fallen into foreclosure and is headed for the auction block.

MC Hammer is back. Hammer has just signed a deal for a new reality show on the A&E network. Hammertime will feature Hammer, Stephanie, his wife of 23 years, and their five kids. In the 90's, Hammer was a celebrated rapper with a huge fortune. In 1991 alone, he made $33 million. Five years later, he was broke.

Will Smith has signed on for the movie Monster Hunter. Smith will play a psychiatrist in the family comedy.

Halle Berry has signed on for the true story of international jewel thief Doris Payne in the movie Who Is Doris Payne.

Lil' Kim is coming to Dancing With The Stars. The new season kicks off March 9th. David Allen Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are also part of the cast.

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. Starting March 1st, their latest project called RELISH will open its doors at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki's. RELISH will feature live jazz music Thursday through Sunday.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Queen Latifah will be performing on the Oscars this Sunday. She'll be doing the memorial segment remembering those industry legends who have died in the past year. Hugh Jackman is hosting this year's ceremony, and he is scheduled to do a musical performance with Beyonce and Zac Efron of High School Musical fame.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

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

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

At the movies this week, it's Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail. The movie also stars Derek Luke, Keisha Knight Pulliam and Oscar Nominee Viola Davis.

Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show's executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told you not to marry her! These words are coming back to haunt a Singer who was warned he was marrying a crazy woman. Her recent lies almost killed her.

This Manager/Mom is trying to pull a fast one on the public. She will do anything to keep her client/son in the spotlight, including paying off hoochies to make up stories and keep him in the press.

Is she or isn't she? This beautiful Actress is keeping her name in the press by staying close to another celebrated Actress. Are the two having an affair?!! Probably not…. but they have a lot of people interested in them and saying hmmmmmmmmmm!

celebrity report....2-9-09

2009-02-21T00:37:00.002-06:00

What is going with Chris Brown, and can his career survive this scandal? Brown is in a lot of trouble. With his recent arrest regarding the assault on girlfriend Rihanna, where does he go from here? Once you get the reputation for hitting women, it never goes away. Brown and Rihanna have been an item for over a year. I personally thought it was a publicity stunt. Rihanna had been rumored to have been secretly seeing Jay-Z, and Brown was rumored to be secretly dating his much older, female manager. To get the heat off what was really going on, publicists came up with plans to throw people off. The two singers were brought together and presented as a couple, but a strange thing happened along the way: someone caught feelings. Published reports say Rihanna was punched, choked and threatened by Brown after she found other girls' numbers in his cell. She threw his phone and car keys out the window of his rented Lamborghini, and that's what set off the altercation. Brown has been dropped by numerous advertising companies, but he remains free on $50,000 bail. Rihanna is back in Barbados with her family, and she has canceled numerous appearances, including her 21st birthday party. Sources say she may possibly need plastic surgery to cover her bruising.

What happened in Brazil, and will Usher's wife survive? Usher's wife, Tameka, flew to Brazil to undergo plastic surgery. She was getting lipo and a tummy tuck, but something went wrong. She suffered a heart attack and had to be put into a medically induced coma. At press time, Tameka is in stable condition. Usher had to leave the country immediately to be by his wife's side. Tameka just gave birth in December to their second son. Friends say she wanted to get her body back because she is older (early 40's) than Usher and feels the pressure to compete with younger women. There was also the issue of her being forced to stay in the background so that her husband's career would flourish again. The Grammy festivities were supposed to have been a big comeback for Usher. He now has to worry about the condition of his wife and the mother of his sons. Usher's mom, Jonetta Patton, has never gotten along with Tameka. Patton recently returned to her position as Usher's manager. Needless to say Patton isn't happy as she wonders what kind of woman would leave the country for risky plastic surgery less than two months after giving birth. Usher's career will now have to wait as he must now tend to his wife.

Changes are coming to Grey's Anatomy. Actors and best buds Katherine Heigl ("Izzy") and T.R. Knight ("George") are leaving after this season. Both have expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent storylines for their characters. Heigl has a prospering movie career she wants to pursue, and Knight still has bruised feelings over Actor Isaiah Washington's use of gay slurs on the set. Washington was let go from the show and the controversy forced Knight to come out of the closet.

Mr. Carey Goes To Hollywood…and gets a job! Mariah's hubby, Nick Cannon, has just signed a multi-project deal with the NBC network, which includes becoming the new host of America's Got Talent. Cannon will take over for Jerry Springer when the new season begins this summer on NBC. Incidentally, you can call Nick Mr. Carey. He doesn't care. Cannon is a happy man being married to Mariah. He has her name tattooed on his back. Plus, he's been directing her videos, acting as her bodyguard and he has an unlimited bank account. Yes indeed, he doesn't mind you calling him Mr. Carey at all.

Lil' Kim is coming to Dancing With The Stars. The new season kicks off March 9th. David Allen Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are also part of the cast.

Basketball Star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat has settled things with his ex-wife Siovaughn. A few weeks ago, Siovaughn made some shocking claims against Wade, accusing him of giving her a sexually transmitted disease. These charges have been dropped, and Siovaughn just got a nice payday for her and her kids.

Speaking of getting paid, Spice Girl Mel B is getting a nice payment from her baby daddy, Eddie Murphy. In addition to paying out $52,000 a month until the kid turns 18, Murphy will also get visitation rights for his daughter. Murphy's daughter with Mel B, Angel Iris, was born on his birthday two years ago. The scandal and Murphy's denial he was the father was not good for his career. Now that he is doing the right thing, hopefully his public perception will turn around.

Spike Lee is continuing to prepare for Wesley Snipes' post-tax troubles comeback. Lee wants Snipes to play The Godfather Of Soul James Brown, but will use Brown's real voice for all the singing.

Janet must have heard me! She is returning to her Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for a new album that could hit stores this spring. It was her time with Jam and Lewis that gave her the Sound of Minneapolis classics like What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, Control, Rhythm Nation and That's The Way Love Goes. Miss Jackson is also close to signing a deal with Live Nation and resuming her tour.

Singer Anthony Hamilton wants to team up with the legendary Singer/Songwriter Bill Withers for a blues album. Hamilton also wants to put out a gospel CD. He's on a roll because his latest album, The Point Of It All, is topping the charts and features the hit Cool.

First Lady Michelle Obama graces the new issue of Vogue with a respectful cover shot from sometimes controversial Photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Halle Berry graces the new issue of Essence magazine. Berry talks about family, life and finding love. Berry says she tried dating black men, she even married two, but she found love with a white man (Model Gabriel Aubry). She also talked about wanting more babies.

Terrence Howard is on the cover of Ebony magazine. Howard says he wants to get married again. He talks about why he won't be in the Iron Man sequel and how misunderstood he is.

Tyler Perry wants to do a sequel to his 2007 hit Why Did I Get Married. Perry says he plans to reunite the entire cast, including Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith.

Is Actress Nia Long dating Singer Raphael Saadiq? The two were awfully close during the Grammy parties.

Congrats to Actress Tisha Campbell and her husband Duane Martin. They are expecting their second child. They couple have been married for twelve years and have an 8-year old son.

Singer Natalie Cole made an appearance at the Grammys and looked fabulous despite her battle with Hepatitis C. Her treatment left her in need of a kidney transplant. The 58 year-old Cole is currently on dialysis three times a week. Things are looking up as her 31 year-old son, Robert, has been listed as a candidate to give Cole one of his kidneys.

Bobby Brown is excited about the arrival of his fifth child. Brown and his girlfriend/manager, Alicia Etheridge, are expecting their bundle of joy this summer.

Vivica A. Fox may not want to talk about her involvement with the Psychic Friends Network, but she is talking up her new reality show. Fox will be hosting the TV Land reality show The Cougars. The show is about older women seeking love with younger men.

Etta James, the comedienne! I don't think so! James lashed out at Beyonce during a recent concert. She didn't appreciate Beyonce getting all the shine during the inauguration festivities, and she proclaimed she wanted to kick the younger diva's behind. A couple of days later, James tried to laugh off her comments claiming she was only joking. She says she still sings better than Beyonce though. Spokespeople for Beyonce had no comment on the Etta James controversy, but sources say Beyonce was hurt by the legendary singer's comments. When Beyonce did the remake of the song At Last and played Etta James for the film Cadillac Records, she considered it one of the highlights of her career. Now the whole experience has left a bad taste in her month. Cadillac Records comes out on DVD March 10th.

Fantasia wants her high school diploma. Fantasia says it's about time. She's working on a new album, and she's about to join the D.C. road production of The Color Purple. Fantasia is ready to step back into the role of "Celie" during the three month stint.

Singer Regina Belle is sick, and she's going to be sidelined for most of the year. Apparently, she is going to have to undergo a series of surgeries, and the recuperation time is long. Our prayers go out to Belle. She's a wonderful singer and great lady.

Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band is opening up about his battle with prostate cancer. Wilson was diagnosed last fall, and he is currently in remission. He is urging men to get tested, and he's working with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Wilson's new album, Uncle Charlie, comes out on February 17th.

Queen Latifah will be performing on the Oscars Sunday, February 22nd. She'll be doing the memorial segment remembering those industry legends who have died in the past year.

Clay Aiken is getting a dream job. Aiken is going to serve as a guest judge on the 12th season of America's Next Top Model.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

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

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air tonight, February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, the Vanguard Award, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations. Hudson is scheduled to perform that evening. Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali is getting the President's Awards.

Donald Trump's celebrity apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This prominent mega church Figure is well regarded for his counsel of the community and guidance for others. But, he has his hands full on the homefront with his own children. An indecent exposure arrest for his son won't bode well with church members.

T.D. Jakes’ Son Arrested for Lewd Behavior

2009-02-21T00:33:00.000-06:00

Feb. 12, 2009

By BET.com News Staff - click here for original article

The 29-year-old son of popular TV evangelist T.D. Jakes was arrested after allegedly whipping out his private in front of two undercover vice detectives in a Dallas park last month, CBS 11 News reports.

Jermaine Jakes, son of Dallas pastor T.D. Jakes, was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure in January, 2009. This mug shot is from 2003.

According to a Dallas Police report, Jermaine Jakes was charged with indecent exposure on Jan. 3 after the incident at Keist Park.

The police affidavit says that Jakes walked up to one of the two detectives at the park with his pants unzipped. He then began to masturbate while making eye contact with the detective, according to the document.

Faith Johnson, an attorney for Jermaine Jakes, issued a statement that read: "We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time. Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."

Jermaine’s father is the renowned pastor of the 30,000-member mega-church Potter’s House in Dallas.

White House social secretary

2009-02-19T22:01:00.000-06:00

Source: CNN
Added On February 9, 2009

CNN's Lola Ogunnaike speaks to Desiree Rogers, the first African-American White House social secretary.

celebrity report.....2-2-09

2009-02-13T16:18:00.001-06:00

LIAR, LIAR Pants on fire! What's up with Vivica A. Fox? Is she the new spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network? Auntie Viv says this is all a big misunderstanding, but new prints ads and infomercials rolled out this week starring Vivica as the new spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network. Move over Miss Cleo! Move over Dionne Warwick! Auntie Viv is featured in the commercials urging you to call to find out what your future holds. I don't think Fox was expecting the harsh public reaction, and now she is trying to back track. Tapes don't lie. Now there is money to made from endorsing this service, but the damage to your career is harmful. Can someone hook Auntie Viv up with a movie?

Prime Minister Michael Missick doesn't stand a chance in his corruption trial. His soon to be ex-wife Actress Lisa Raye McCoy Missick is telling all, including the jumpoffs and secret babies. Apparently, the prime minister got a Miami woman pregnant while he was courting Lisa Raye. Then he got the same woman pregnant during their marriage. There is also another woman, a resident of the island, who is expecting the prime minister's child. Lisa Raye also spilled the beans about how he spent the taxpayers' money on her, including a $200,000 wardrobe and $100,000 in traveling expenses to fly her back and forth to Los Angeles. During her court testimony, she declared there was no limit to the couple's spending. The Missicks are divorcing, and for him, it can't be soon enough. The prime minister had to find out the hard way: Watch Out For A Woman Scorned.

According to published reports, Fantasia is returning to The Color Purple. The road production for the Washington, D.C. shows will kick off June 30th. A three-month run is scheduled for The Kennedy Center. Last year, Fantasia made headlines with her many missed performances. During her Broadway stint, she missed 50 shows. Fantasia needs a career boost right now, so maybe she will take this seriously and be ready to perform. In other Fantasia news, it appears American Idol Judge Simon Cowell, a.k.a "Mr. Mean," is the mysterious guardian angel who came in and saved her North Carolina home from going into foreclosure. Cowell has always had a soft spot for Fantasia, and he didn't want her to go through anymore public embarrassment about her finances.

It's going to be baby number five for Singer Bobby Brown. He and his girlfriend/manager, Alicia Etheridge, are expecting their first child together. The baby is due this summer.

The full cast of the new season of Dancing With The Stars is going to be announced any day now, but I can you that a football legend is going to be a part of the new season. Football Great Lawrence Taylor (LT) has signed on for the new season which kicks off March 9th. Taylor joins a long list of football stars who have danced on the show, including previous Winner Emmitt Smith, Warren Sapp, Jason Taylor and Jerry Rice. Taylor is considered one of the all-time greats of football, and he played his entire career with the New York Giants.

The publishers of Essence magazine have released a new book, Essence: The Black Woman's Guide To Healthy Living For Women In Their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's And Beyond. The book features top medical experts plus lifestyle and fitness professionals. The book is in stores now.

Meet The Browns is a Hit! The Tyler Perry sitcom starring David and Tamala Mann did so well in the ratings during their ten-week trial run that 80 more episodes of the show have been ordered. The new episodes start this summer on TBS.

The producers of the Notorious movie are turning their attention to the story of Run DMC. Tougher Than Leather chronicles the rise of Run DMC and the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay. The proposed movie could be in theatres late next year.

Everybody wants the Queen of Soul's hat, including the Smithsonian Institute. The infamous hat that Aretha Franklin wore during President Obama's inauguration festivities is the talk of the town, and the demand has been high. Now the hat could be on display in a permanent exhibit.

Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx is currently in Philadelphia filming his latest movie, Law Abiding Citizen. Oscar Nominee Viola Davis and Regina Hall (Scary Movie) have been added to the cast, which includes Gerard Butler. The movie is due out next year. Later this spring, Jamie teams up with Robert Downey, Jr. for the movie The Soloist. In addition to his hot movie career, Foxx is topping the charts with his latest album Intuition. The latest single is Blame It, and the video features Cedric The Entertainer, Quincy Jones, Forest Whitaker, Ron Howard and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Samuel L. Jackson is reteaming with Kerry Washington in the movie Mother And Child. Last year, they co-starred in the thriller Lakeview Terrace.

Congrats to Singer Erykah Badu because baby number three, a girl, is here. Badu named her little girl Mars. She joins her other siblings Seven and Puma.

The worldwide recession is affecting the world of entertainment in a major way. Things don't look good for the TV shows The Game and Everybody Hates Chris. One of these shows may not make the lineup for the fall schedule on the CW network. The BET network has already signed a deal to air episodes of The Game once it hits syndication next fall. Some of your favorite magazines are also being affected. Vibe magazine may not publish a March or April issue because of slow advertising. There have been layoffs at both Ebony and Jet magazines. Word has it Jet will go from weekly to bi-weekly.

Whitney Houston is gearing up for her comeback. This Monday she's featured on the BET Honors awards show. Whitney is back, and she's looking great. Her new album is scheduled to be released this spring. I hear the mood for the album is upbeat and happy. No sad songs because she wants to reflect what's going on in her life. The BET Honors show airs on Monday the 9th at 9pm on BET. This year's honorees include Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige and Dancer/Choreographer Judith Jamison.

We are still waiting to hear about the second season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, but one spinoff that is definitely happening is the one featuring the 6th Housewife. Dwight Eubanks, a.k.a. "Mr. Fabulous" and NeNe's gay BFF, is getting his own reality show. In addition to owning The Purple Door Salon in Atlanta, he's opening a new boutique.

Producer/Director Lee Daniels latest movie Push could be in theatres this fall. The movie was a big winner at the Sundance Film Festival. The Philadelphia native's movie was the talk of the town. In a recent deal with Lions Gates Films, it appears Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey will be joining forces to help promote this movie. Push is based on the novel by Sapphire, and it follows the tale of an abused young girl who, with the help of others, turns her life around and finds happiness. The movie stars newcomer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe as the abused teen. Comedienne/Actress Mo'Nique won a special award at the Sundance Film Festival for her role as the abusive mom. In the movie, Mo'Nique shows us a side of her we have never before. There is a lot of buzz surrounding Mo'Nique in this movie, and next year she could be the buzz around Oscar time as well. The movie Push also stars Mariah Carey, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

Model Gabriel Aubry has let it be known he wants more babies with his girlfriend, Halle Berry. Aubry and Berry have a daughter, Nahla, who turns one next month. In a recent interview, Aubry spoke of his love for big families, and he wants his daughter to have a sibling. Berry is loving motherhood, so don't be surprised if you hear baby news soon.

Shonda Rhimes, the creator behind the ABC hits Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, is developing a new show based on the world of TV news. The show, Inside The Box, could be included in the fall lineup.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, the Vanguard Award, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations. Hudson is scheduled to perform that evening. Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali is getting the President's Awards. And, since we mentioned Jennifer Hudson, following her triumphant performance at the Superbowl, look for her to embark on a mini tour and do a performance at the Grammys with Carrie Underwood.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce is the first musical guest announced. 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 Male Celebrity loves the spotlight. He will do anything to stay in the headlines, including using his family and friends. He is always in fake relationships. He only cares for himself. His latest target is an older, well established Singer. He is riding the tails of her comeback hoping he can cash in.

Fantasia Performs "Lady Marmalade" and "Somebody Loves You" in a Tribute to Patti Labelle

2009-02-01T00:18:00.001-06:00

celebrity report....1-26-09

2009-01-30T17:39:00.000-06:00

Has the Beverly Hills Cop given up on the sistas? Can a sista get a date with Eddie Murphy? Sources close to Murphy are questioning his latest romantic conquests. Numerous African American women have let it be known they are interested in him, but Murphy turns a deaf ear as he has been seen of the company of other women, including many blondes. After numerous high profile romances with African American women, Murphy feels as though he has gotten the short end of the stick. His marriage to Nicole Murphy produced five children but ended in divorce. Then there was his baby momma drama with Spice Girl Mel B. And, there was his 17- day marriage to Producer Tracey Edmonds. Murphy feels as though he was not appreciated, and that he is targeted because of his high profile life and money. C'mon Eddie! You can love whoever you want, but don't give up on the sistas! Just be honest with yourself.

Tyler Perry is being sued by six constructions firms who claim the famous entertainment mogul stiffed them on their money. Liens have been placed against his Atlanta movie studio and new home. Perry says the work done by the firms was shoddy, and he feels as though they are extorting him. The unpaid bills total over $200,000.

When one door closes, another opens, this could very well be the mantra of Comedienne/Actress Mo'Nique. Her radio show was recently dropped in this area, but don't fret for Mo. Her acting career is about to take off in a major way. Philadelphia native Lee Daniels latest movie, Push, was the big winner at the Sundance Film Festival. In addition to walking away with the most prestigious awards, Mo'Nique won a special acting award. In Push, Mo'Nique plays an abusive mother. This is not the usual Mo'Nique we are used to seeing. Her character is horrible and mean, but her performance is getting a lot of buzz. Next year, Mo'Nique could be the buzz around Oscar time. Push could be released in theatres by late this year. The movie is full of great performances by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as the abused teen, as well as performances by Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd. Lee Daniels directed the movie. The West Philly native brought us Monsters Ball, which won an Oscar for Halle Berry.

Patti LaBelle has been named the latest spokesperson for Rolex Watches. LaBelle is the first African American to endorse the brand. Look for the print ads and billboards soon. LaBelle has been quite busy. Her new cookbook, Recipes For The Good Life, is in stores.

Janet Jackson's Rock With U tour has run into more problems. Last year, the tour bombed in the U.S., and now, with the world wide economic crisis, the tour has run into a roadblock overseas. The Jackson camp wanted to start the European leg of the tour, but poor tickets sales have forced the cancellation of those shows.

Lisa Raye McCoy Missick, the First Lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is speaking out about her recent troubles. Her fairytale wedding to Prime Minister Michael Missick was seen around the world, and so was their nightmare marriage. Their headlining making- marriage was filled with fights, scandals, corruption and cheating. As Lisa Raye prepares for her divorce, she wants the world to know she is not a wild, ghetto-acting gold-digger. She believed in her husband and their marriage. She says she knows she will get through the hurt and disappointment of the past two years.

Get ready for The T.O. Show. Former Philadelphia Eagle and current wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys is getting a reality show on VH1. What is life like for the controversial wide receiver during the off season? Well, we are about to find out. With the help of his publicists, who doubles as his matchmakers and therapists, we will get to know the real T.O.

Michael Jackson's 14 minute Thriller video is coming to Broadway. Thriller, The Musical could be on Broadway by late next year. The King Of Pop has given the O.K. for a musical based on his famous video to come to the stage. The music for the musical would feature the songs of both the Thriller album as well as his 1979 classic Off The Wall.

The popular ABC comedy/drama Ugly Betty is being put on hiatus. After late March, the show will be put on hold and will return in June. The show, starring America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams, was the critics' darling when it first debuted a couple of years ago, but lately the show has suffered a rating slump.

No one is supposed to know yet, but Donny Osmond is coming to Dancing With The Stars. Osmond will follow in the footsteps of his sister, Marie, who previously did a star turn on the show. Osmond is looking to reinvent himself. His last big screen movie was College Road Trip with Martin Lawrence and Raven Symone.

Queen Latifah is always evolving with her career: rapper, actress, Oscar nominee, talk show host, model, and now, author. Next year, look for Latifah's new inspirational book.

This is going to be a huge weekend for Jennifer Hudson. Hudson will be returning to performing for the first time. She'll be at the Superbowl in Tampa, Florida. This will be her first time performing publicly since the tragic murders of her family in October. Hudson has made some major changes in her life. She recently purchased a home in Florida with her finance David "Punk' Otunga, and she is looking forward to moving on from her personal tragedy. Jennifer loves performing, and she knows her mom would never want her to let go of her career. She is currently taking medication to help her fight off depression. Hudson will be busy next week. She is performing at the Grammys, and she is taking part in a tribute to Music Legend Neil Diamond.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards are taking place Sunday, February 22nd. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader and Slum Dog Millionaire are leading the pack as best picture nominees. Congrats to Tariji P. Henson for her supporting actress nomination. She's up for her role as Brad Pitt's mom in "Benjamin Button," and Actress Viola Davis, who's also nominated in the best supporting actress category, is up for her role in Doubt.

It's going to be a boy for Singer/Actress Jill Scott. Despite her amazing career, she has longed for motherhood for some time. She's due to give birth to her first child in late April. Scott is engaged to Drummer Lil' Jon Roberts. In late March, her new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, debuts.

Jennifer Beals will be co-starring with Denzel Washington in the action thriller The Book Of Eli. It's a reunion. Washington and Beals co-starred in 1995's Devil In A Blue Dress. Beals just wrapped up the final season on the Showtime series The L Word. It was back in the 80's when she burst onto the scene in the movie Flashdance.

Spike Lee is determined to have Wesley Snipes star in his movie about the Godfather Of Soul James Brown. It is an odd casting choice, but Spike says Snipes is the man for the role. Lee is prepared to wait it out to make it happen because Snipes is facing a three-year prison sentence for tax evasion.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, the Vanguard Award, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!

Why is this pregnant Fashionista not revealing that she is married to her Actor boyfriend? Sources say she is keeping quiet because she is still trying to get money from her rich Ex-husband.

Since no one guessed the first one from last week, I am reposting it...

What's the next step for many reality show contestants who appear on dating shows? For many it's a career in porn. Guess who is already going in this direction?

Dear Confused White People, Malia and Sasha Obama are NOT 'bi-racial'.

2009-01-28T21:17:00.000-06:00

26 Jan 2009 Author: rikyrah

I'm reading in the comments, and I see this discussion going on.

I was reading Jezebel earlier and they were talking about the Obama girls and I notice this on other sites as well and want to ask a question. Since when are the Obama girls "biracial"? When did this happen?

Yeah, when did this happen?

This reply was given by our ever astute Town:

I think "biracial" is being pushed around by white people to divorce their non-white offspring/non-white person they like from the "undesirable" minority group they came from.

That's why it confuses many whites when Obama willingly, conciously CHOOSES to self-identify as black, marry a black woman and have two black kids. Why would he do that, they wonder?

I think the "biracial" movement is being pushed by whites who don't want their offspring stigmatized and by those non-whites who don't want to be stigmatized.

By calling the Obama girls "biracial" they are totally erasing Michelle from the mix. Which I guess is the point, huh?

Town, always comes around to the point of things.

In yesterday's discussion about Patricia J. Williams and Melissa Harris-Lacewell, I wrote this in the comments as a reply to a poster:
Obama is BLACK. This bi-racial mess is coming up because he's successful, and because he made the choice, and I do think it was a choice to be Black. Everyone knows what Lacewell means by it; well, I do. That is what startles so many about Obama - who, if given a choice, would CHOOSE to be Black? I mean, come on, Tiger Woods is darker than Obama and has a made up term for himself. While some purport that Obama is ' obviously bi-racial', to which I call BULL, because if we had done a 'Barbershop' test in 2004, passing around the pictures of Barack Obama and Harold Ford, Jr., asking which one was ' obviously bi-racial', who would have chosen OBAMA over the at least 2 shades lighter, green-eyed, born of two BLACK parents- Ford? Come on, now.

And, what does this sudden ' he's bi-racial' stuff really have at its core? It's to divorce Obama from the Black community, because we've ALWAYS been a multi-racial people, from the first time the Slave Owner went down to the slave quarters. That's how we can claim everyone from late NAACP head Walter White to Bernie Mac.

When White folk claim bi-racial Pookie that just robbed the store and shot a couple of people, I'll know it's about this ' bi-racial' category. Until then, it's about divorcing Obama from the Black community.

Now, folks aren't just satisfied in their attempt to divorce Barack Obama from the Black community. Now, they're trying to do it with Malia and Sasha?

Well, here's the skinny Confused White People.

Malia and Sasha are Black.

Because their Daddy is Black, and their Mama is Black. Two Black people produce BLACK children.

This is a picture of a Black mother with her BLACK children.

You want a picture of a bi-racial child, here it is:

Her mother is Black, Her father is Mexican. SHE is bi-racial.
She will speak Spanish and English. She will grow up eating tamales and collard greens. She will learn how to make flan and sweet potato pie. She will grow up hearing tales of Mexico and the Jim Crow South. When she gets older, she will begin making the trips that her mother did to our family home in Mississippi, and go to the cemetary where her ancestors, beginning with her great-great-great grandfather, are buried. Her mother has already booked the room next year for homecoming at Tuskegee.

Here's an FYI:
The Black community has ALWAYS been multi-racial. Has been ever since the first Slave Owner strolled down to the slave quarters. That's why when two Black people the only real hope that you can have with a child is that they be born ' normal and healthy'. You never know if a ' throwback' gene will kick in.

But, let's get back to Town's supposition that this is about Michelle.

Funny how it always gets back to Michelle.

I've written several articles over the course of the campaign about Michelle Obama as a Racial Rorschach Test.

Last summer, New York Magazine did a foul piece on the Obamas called " Black and BLACKER: The RACIAL Politics of the Obama Marriage."

When I did this post, I found a most appropriate quote from over at Michelle Obama Watch:

Sisters Gina and Nichelle summed it up well at Michelle Obama Watch:

The message from the article is that Black women are not suitable mates for successful Black men and you can't trust him because he married HER.

Exactly. That is always the undercurrent in coverage of Michelle Obama. I guess the media is so used to seeing successful, educated Black men like Barack with women who are non-black or very light-skinned if they are Black. Historically, that has been the case so to see Barack with brown-skinned-clearly-black-not-mixed Michelle is making a lot of people lose their conservative AND liberal minds.

Good:)

I, too, believe this is half of the crux when it comes to Michelle Obama. The other half comes in what Chris Matthews described as ' all the bad stuff' associated with race that supposedly doesn't come when Barack comes to the table; you know, chattel slavery, the Middle Passage, the 3/5 of a human being thing, rapes, beatings, Jim Crow, legal oppression under the guise of Separate, but Equal'.

You know…all THAT 'bad stuff'.

Otherwise called AMERICAN HISTORY.

So, try as you might, it's a no go.

The President is Black. The First Lady is Black. The First Daughters are Black.

In case you haven't gotten the gist of this post: there's nothing wrong with being Black. What's wrong is that you'd actually think someone would want to divorce themselves of the Black Community, because YOUR definition of it is so narrow, so pathological, that it doesn't encompass the depth and breadth or beauty of the complexity of our humanity.

http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/01/dear-confused-white-people-malia-and-sasha-obama-are-not-bi-racial/#more-6987

celebrity report.....1-19-09

2009-01-25T22:23:00.001-06:00

Get ready for the Month Of Jennifer Hudson. The Oscar-winning actress and singer will be everywhere in February. Hudson's return to public stage follows the October tragic murders of her mother, brother and nephew. Hudson is performing at the Superbowl on the 1st in Tampa, Florida. She's singing the national anthem. She's also performing at the Grammys's on the 8th. Hudson will be doing a duet with American Idol Winner Carrie Underwood. Hudson will also be on hand for pre-Grammy ceremonies and the NAACP Image Awards. In other J-Hud news, her ex brother-in-law, William Balfour, has pleaded not guilty to the murders of her family. Balfour was indicted on 3 counts of first degree murder. His next day in court is January 27th.

Another big return is Whitney Houston. Her new album is scheduled to be released in March. Houston will also be performing at pre-Grammy parties and at the BET Honors Awards next month. Speaking of the The BET Honors 2009 is set for February 9th. This year's honorees include Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, Magic Johnson, Homestyle Maven B. Smith and Dancer/Choreographer Judith Jameson. Scheduled performers include Yolanda Adams, Anita Baker, Ne-Yo, Anthony Hamilton, Queen Latifah and The Alvin Ailey Dance theatre. Actress Gabrielle Union is hosting.

Basketball Star Dwayne Wade is being sued by his wife Siohvaughn. Despite marriage and family counseling, the six-year marriage between the Wades is over. Siohvaughn has filed court papers stating that wade abandoned his kids, committed adultery and gave her a nasty S.T.D. Wade plays for the Miami Heat and is often seen in the company of Actress Gabrielle Union. Siohvaughn claims she suffered physical, emotional and mental injuries during the marriage.

Congrats to Kimora Lee Simmons! She and actor Dijmon Hounsou are expecting their first child. Kimora is the ex-wife of business Mogul and Hip Hop Pioneer Russell Simmons. She has two children by Simmons. Kimora is four months pregnant.

Back in the 80's he was one of the biggest Pop stars in the world. Now he's in jail. Boy George was convicted of falsely imprisoning a male escort. George was sentenced to 15 months in jail. He was best known for his makeup, stage outfits, and his hits with Culture Club (Karma Chameleon, Time and Do You Really Want To Hurt Me).

Spokespeople for Mary J. Blige are shooting down reports that Mary is having issues with other female singers. Sources say that during the inaugural festivities and galas, Mary felt somekind of way about Beyonce stealing the spotlight with her big finale performance at the Lincoln Memorial concert where she sang for the first dance between President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Mary felt her performances and contributions would be over looked. Then there was the incident at the BET Honors where singer Keyshia Cole was told she couldn't participate in the tribute to Mary. Under orders from Mary's husband, Kendu Isaacs, Cole's performance was nixed from the segment. Isaacs felt the two singers share too many similarities, and he wants his wife to shine on her own.

What's up with Janet Jackson's new look. Recent photos show Jackson on a recent trip to Europe. She looked tired and she has gained weight. Is she pregnant? No. Janet is not happy with the way she looks. That's why she left the country during all the inaugural festivities. She was not invited to perform, and she didn't feel like appearing at parties. Her weight continues to go up and down and friends are worried about her health as she gains weight again.

One person who did have fun at all the inaugural festivities was Star Jones. Jones showed up at the parties with her new man, Chef Herb Wilson. Star is in love and it shows. She has never been happier. When recently asked about ex hubby, Al Reynolds, she responded, Al Who?

Actor Idris Elba is coming to the NBC comedy show The Office. Elba is best known for his role as the handsome "Stringer Bell" on the HBO series The Wire. In The Office, Elba will play a rival to the Steve Carell character "Michael Scott," and this six episode storyline begins this spring. Elba will also be starring in the thriller Obsessed. The movie also stars Beyonce and Ali Larter, and opens in theatres next month.

Actor Don Cheadle has just signed a new two-year TV deal. He will be developing projects for Universal Media Studios. Cheadle is currently starring in the movie Hotel For Dogs. He is also developing a biography on the late Jazz Great Miles Davis. Don is also gearing up for his starring role in the new Iron Man II movie.

After her successful work on the movie about her late husband, The Notorious B.I.G, Singer Faith Evans wants to try her hand at acting. In the past, she has appeared on various sitcoms. Evans is currently in talks to develop a sitcom loosely based on her life.

T-Mobile is cutting former Basketball Star Charles Barkley from their advertising campaign. Since his second D.U.I. arrests on New Year's Eve, Sir Charles has been forced to reexamine his life. He is currently taking a voluntary leave from his duties with the TNT Network as a basketball commentator. Barkley commercials for T-Mobile were very popular, but in light of his recent problems the sponsors feel it's best not to use him in their campaigns.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. If you love "Madea," go see the movie because Perry is ready to hang up the dress and makeup. He loves "Madea," but he is ready to move on and show the world he is much more than the ever popular Madea.

Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations.

Action Star Jackie Chan is in talks to join the cast of the new Karate Kid movie. Chan would play the role, made famous by the late Pat Morita, of "Mr. Miyagi." Will Smith's son Jaden will play the new Karate Kid. Filming is set to start this summer in Beijing.

Actor Ricardo Montalban passed away last week. The 88-year old Mexican-born actor was best known for his work on the TV show Fantasy Island. Montalban was the host, "Mr. Roarke" on the popular show that always featured him in his elegant white suits.

Singer D'Angelo is gearing up for his return. The last album he put out was in 2000 with Voodoo. Now almost ten years later, he's back with James River. The album features collaborations with Raphael Saadiq and Prince. The album is due out this summer, and he is planning a tour of the U.S. in the fall. The past few years have been difficult for the singer he almost died in a serious car crash and he had numerous drug arrests.

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

Patti LaBelle is the big honoree as the UNCF celebrates its 30th anniversary of An Evening Of Stars. The show will air locally this Sunday, January 25th at 3pm on FOX 29. Some of the performers include Yolanda Adams, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson. Patti will also be joined by her LABELLE family, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, who will perform along with her. A special tribute is also being planned for the late Ray Charles. Charles is receiving the Founders' Award.

Steve Harvey will be back hosting BET's Celebration Of Gospel. The show will air on BET January 25th.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's the next step for many reality show contestants who appear on dating shows? For many it's a career in porn. Guess who is already going in this direction?

This Gospel Star has a lot of explaining to do. She blew off a major awards show to attend the inaugural festivities in DC.

celebrity report.....1-15-09

2009-01-24T15:28:00.002-06:00

A major shakeup is coming to The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. When the Bravo show returns for its second season, don't look for Deshawn Snow. She was married to NBA Player Eric Snow. Deshawn was the quiet one: very nice but a little naïve. Deshawn was let go this week from the popular show. Deshawn says she didn't see it coming. The producers felt she was too human, and for the new season they wanted to pump up the drama. Deshawn says she has no hard feelings. She thanks the Bravo network for the opportunity. The new season is set to air later this year. Now the big question is: who is going to replace Deshawn? Will it be Usher's wife Tameka Foster? Foster says no. She admits she was approached, but she turned them down. Will Dr. J's young wife join the show? Dorys Erving, the doc's brand new wife, is rumored to be joining the show. One of the more popular housewives is Nene Leakes. Leakes has proven to be so popular that she may be getting her own spinoff next year. Sheree Whitfield, the housewife who is looking for a new husband, has given up trying to get money out of her ex, former Football Player Bob Whitfield. She was happy with her initial divorce settlement, but Bob is broker than broke. Sheree can't get any more money out of him.

Jennifer Hudson returns. Hudson is set to perform at this year's Superbowl on February 1st in Tampa, Florida. This will be her first public appearance since the tragic murders of her family members.

Wedding bells are in the air for Jill Scott. The wedding is happening soon. Congrats Jill!!! Scott is marrying Drummer Lil' Jon Roberts. They are expecting their first child on April 25th. Scott's new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, premieres in late March.

Fantasia saves her home. The former American Idol Winner almost lost her million dollar North Carolina home this week, but she cut a deal to save it. Fantasia apparently ignored the phone calls and court orders, but all is good now. Fantasia gets to keep her home, but the big question is: what will her financial future hold? She has a new album coming out later this year.

Does Tito Jackson have a secret daughter? A 25-year old New York woman is suing the "quiet" Jackson claiming he's her daddy and he won't acknowledge her because he's ashamed. Tito Jackson is not known for scandal. He is the one Jackson who has not had surgery. Tito just plays his guitar and lives quietly. He is the father of three sons. Their mother was killed in a suspicious drowning when they were young kids. Her boyfriend was eventually charged in the murder.

Was Jermaine Dupri betrayed? Last week, Dupri was fired from his job as president of Island Def Jam Records. He had amazing success with quite a few acts, particularly Mariah Carey. But, when it came to Dupri's own lady love, Janet Jackson, it was flop after flop. After Janet's dismal year (a flop album and tour), sources say Dupri just stopped working. He was still collecting a paycheck, but he wouldn't show up for work. Well, Dupri is speaking out. He says there was a lot of jealousy going on at the label, and his creativity was being held back. He hasn't spoken to label head LA Reid in months, and after this departure, he doesn't expect a call anytime soon.

Charles Barkley is talking a leave of absence from his sports commentating duties at the TNT network. Barkley will be gone for several weeks with no return date scheduled. Barkley had an interesting News Year's holiday with his latest D.U.I. arrest. Barkley, who is married, claimed he was chasing a woman for a sex act when he ran a stop light. Barkley was quite drunk that night. His blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. This was Barkley's second D.U.I. arrest.

A new album from Whitney Houston is due out in March. There is a lot riding on the comeback of Ms. Houston.

Hey is that Jamie Foxx! Yes! It probably is. He's in Philly for the next two months filming the movie Law Abiding Citizen. He co-stars with Gerard Butler and F. Gary Gray is directing. Foxx plays a district attorney in the drama. So far, Foxx has been making the rounds at the clubs, restaurants and sporting facilities.

Congrats to Bobby Womack and Run DMC. They are among those being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The ceremony takes place on April 4th.

Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards. Tyler Perry and Halle Berry will be the hosting the show, which will air February 12th on FOX. Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations.

Has Reality Star Flavor Flav abandoned his kids? In a recent interview, one of his oldest teenage children has accused his dad of favoring his new west coast family and abandoning his east coast children. Flav says he has a new life now and owes his children nothing but love, so stop asking him for money.

Dr. Jan Adams will be spending the next year behind bars. The plastic surgeon is best known as the doctor who operated on Kanye West's mom the day before she died. Adams had a promising career which expanded into TV, but he has a drinking problem. That led to his downfall. Adams was arrested last year for drunk driving and was convicted. He was sentenced to a year in jail. This was his third drunk driving arrest.

R Kelly is a free man in more ways than one. His divorce from Andrea Kelly was granted last week. During their 11-year marriage, they had three kids and plenty of scandal. Will Andrea Kelly ever talk about her marriage to "Kells?" Andrea was paid off very well to the tune of $50 million to not talk about her marriage to "The Pied Piper."

Show Me The Money! Will Samuel L. Jackson be in the new Iron Man movie? Jackson says negotiations have broken down due to money, and he doesn't know if he will play the role of "Nick Fury, Military Man." The same thing happened with Terrence Howard, and he was replaced by Don Cheadle. Iron Man II will be released next year.

An old boyfriend of Oprah Winfrey is causing her trouble. Randolph Cook used to date Oprah back in the day, and now he is writing a tell-all book about their relationship, including how they got high together.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide.

Chris Rock is hard at work on a new comedy book, which is scheduled to be released later this year.

Basketball Star LeBron James is on the cover of the latest issue of GQ magazine. The 24-year old shows off a new sophisticated style with his cover shot. Sources close to James confirm that the basketball star may be marrying his baby momma of two, Savannah, later this year. He recently gave her a 23-carat ring.

The Obamas are on the cover of the latest issue of Ebony magazine, and the third time's the charm for Tyler Perry as he covers Essence magazine.

Even though the ratings were down, the audience seemed to like the new female judge Kara DioGuardi on American Idol. Changes are happening this season to pump up audience interest and keep the show exciting.

At the movies this week, it's Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. The movie stars Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Jamal Woolard as Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie. Biggie mom, Voletta Wallace, admits she was surprised to learn about the other side of her son, and she had no idea how violent his relationship was with his mistress, Rapper Lil' Kim. Ms. Wallace says she was angered, disappointed and shocked because she never saw this side of her famous son. She says Lil' Kim didn't deserve to be treated this way, and she would like to sit down with Kim to learn more about their relationship. Lil' Kim is not happy with the way she is portrayed. Kim says she is going to write a tell-all book and give the real story of her and Biggie.

Patti LaBelle is the big honoree as the UNCF celebrates its 30th anniversary of An Evening Of Stars. Some of the performers include Yolanda Adams, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson. Patti will also be joined by her LABELLE family, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, who will perform along with her. A special tribute is also being planned for the late Ray Charles. Charles is receiving the Founders' Award.

Sinbad will be hosting the 21st Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel Sensation Marvin Sapp is leading the pack with nine nominations, including song and male vocal. The show is taking place January 17th.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This year's awards season is going to be interesting as these two Divas battle it out for awards. For one Diva, it's going to be Karma. It looks like she is going to pay the price for disrespecting her fellow Diva during her time of grief.

This Pop Superstar from a famous group came to America looking for success. Well, she got all that and more, including a baby and a shady husband. This female loves kinky sex. The More-The Merrier is her motto, and now the stories of her sexcapades are starting to come out.

'What I Want for You — and Every Child in America'

2009-01-24T15:12:00.002-06:00

By President-elect Barack Obama

Publication Date: 01/18/2009

Photo By Kwaku Alston/Corbis
Barack and Michelle Obama with daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10.

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

Sasha (l) and Malia Obama at play in New Hampshire in 2007.

Bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair in August 2007.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

President Barack H. Obama Inaugural Address - 2009

2009-01-21T21:11:00.001-06:00

celebrity report.....1-5-09

2009-01-13T21:28:00.001-06:00

There is a lot of buzz about the new movie Notorious based on the life of rapper biggie smalls the notorious B.I.G. but one person who isn't excited is rapper Lil' Kim. Kim was Biggie's long time mistress, and she is crying foul about the way she is being portrayed in the movie. Kim says she comes across as a hood rat in the movie and not as a woman who loved Biggie. Kim says Biggie's, mom Volletta Wallace, and his widow, Singer Faith Evans, are too blame. Kim says she is going to expose Ms. Wallace and Faith. Kim says it's time for the real truth to come out because she has been quiet for too long. The movie opens in theatres January 16th. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie's mom in the movie.

Janet Jackson is not happy with remarks made by Beyonce in the new issue of Elle magazine. Jackson feels Beyonce needs to grow up and stop trying to impress everybody. In the article, Beyonce compared her family and parents to the Jacksons, Joe and Katherine. Beyonce claims Joe and Katherine basically used their children for their own gain. Well, this did not go over well with the Jackson clan, especially Janet. Janet is proud of her family, despite their problems, and she is proud of the way they grew up.

The list is made up and the stars are getting ready for the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. Two stars who won't be on the list are Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce. Hudson was asked to perform, but since the deaths of her family, she is still not ready to face the public. Beyonce tried her best to get an invite to perform, but she will have to be on the sidelines watching her hubby Jay-Z perform at an event on the 19th. Some of the scheduled performers at various events include Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, The Temptations, The O'Jays, Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers.

Get ready for Tyler Perry…. Everywhere! He's gracing the cover of Essence magazine for the third time. His movie, The Family That Preys, comes out on DVD on January 13th. His new movie, Madea Goes To Jail, opens in theatres next month. And, his new TV show, Meet The Browns, just debuted on TBS. Perry is on a roll, and now he's getting ready to move. He just put his mansion in Georgia up for sale. The Georgia mansion was used in his hit movie Diary Of A Mad Black Woman. It's on the market for $6 million. The mansion has six beds, six bathrooms, a theater room, a gym and a gourmet kitchen.

In more Tyler news, he and Halle Berry will be hosting the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The show airs February 12th on FOX. Jennifer Hudson leads the pack with six nominations. Beyonce has four nominations. Cadillac Records and The Secret Life Of Bees are also leading in the nominations. Hip Hop Pioneer Russell Simmons is getting the Vanguard Award.

Former Basketball Star Charles Barkley has hired a criminal defense attorney in his latest arrest for suspicion of drunk driving. Barkley is due back in court on January 20th. It wasn't a good New Year's Eve for Barkley, who was stopped by cops after he ran a red light. Barkley told cops he chasing a woman for sex. He said he met the woman a week earlier, and it was the best sex he ever had. Barkley is married with a child. In addition to his TV commentator job, he has been vocal about his political plans. He says he wants to run for governor of Alabama in 2010. In the past, Barkley has battled a gambling problem. Even though he has never been convicted of drunk driving, this is not his first arrest. Barkley has released a statement thanking his family, fans and friends for their support during this difficult time.

Queen Latifah is going to continue being the spokesperson for Jenny Craig. Latifah joined the campaign last year and lost 20 pounds. Her focus was on healthy living and not weight loss. Latifah was more than ready to jump back into work after a bad experience during a recent vacation in Trinidad with her lady friend. Thieves broke into her hotel room and stole $10,000 worth of jewelry. Island officials claim it was an inside job.

Oprah Winfrey says this year, it's all about having a life that is brighter, healthier and more balanced. During her New Year kickoff, she talked about her 40-60 pound weight gain, and she admitted she had given up on herself. She admits she needs more balance in her life. Winfrey's advisor and fitness expert, Dr. Bob Greene, says Oprah is likely experiencing a mild form of depression. In other "Mighty O" news, she recently gave the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta a nice gift, a $365,000 donation. The students from the school became media darlings last year with their election rap which was a hit on Youtube. The students are taught through rapping, singing and drumming.

The late Godfather Of Soul, James Brown, recently got a new honor. There was a street named for him right behind the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. The Apollo Theatre was like a second home to Brown during his extraordinary career.

Spokespeople for Michael Jordan deny that the sports legend is getting married soon. Jordan, 45, has been dating Yvette Prieto, a 30-year old Cuban model, and they recently moved into a new home in Miami. Friends of Jordan are concerned about how fast he is moving with his new lady love. It was just a couple of years ago that his ex-wife, Juanita, won $150 million in their divorce settlement. This was one of the largest celebrity divorce payments in history. How serious is he about his new lady? Prieto's only claim to fame is dating Julio Iglesias, Jr. There's also the issue of her mother, who has spent time in state prison for insurance fraud, racketeering and grand theft. Let's hope Jordan does his homework and protects his fortune.

The year of 2009 is going to be big for Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan. She is up for five Grammy awards with her debut album, Fearless. Later this year, she is going on tour with Ne-Yo. They'll be at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby Sunday, February 22nd.

So how is O. J. Simpson holding up in jail? Since his recent conviction, he is not doing well. Simpson has been refusing meals, and he has lost a ton of weight. He is having a hard time adjusting to prison life. Sources say he often bangs his head against the wall to get attention.

Does Michael Jackson have a special surprise in his will for Paul McCartney? 24 years ago their friendship and music relationship came to an abrupt halt when Jackson bought the rights to the Beatles' catalog right under McCartney's nose. The John Lennon-Paul McCartney song book is worth $700 million, and the 1985 bidding war tore McCartney and Jackson's relationship apart. In the 80's, they had the hit duets The Girl Is Mine and Say Say Say. But when Jackson purchased the catalog, McCartney swore he would never speak to Jackson again and he hasn't. Sources close to The King Of Pop claim there is a provision in Jackson's will that would allow to McCartney to get the remaining shares of the catalog at the time of Michael's death. Despite his problems, Jackson can be a shrewd businessman. Right now, that catalog is the only leverage he's got in his waning career. He never meant to hurt McCartney. Maybe this is his way of making up.

Mel B wants you to get fit. The Spice Girl and Eddie Murphy's baby momma has a fabulous body, and she wants to help you get in shape. Mel B has released a new, 3 set DVD of workouts called Totally Fit. Mel B says the workout DVD is fun, inspirational and motivating. She says her goal is to change your life and your body.

Get ready for three new released from Prince this year. The first of the scheduled projects will be released by this spring.

Toni Braxton is hard at work on her upcoming album. The project is coming out this spring with music from the likes of Famed Producer Rodney Jerkins.

Oscar Winner Forest Whitaker has signed onto the action film Expendables. The movie is being written and directed by Sylvester Stallone.

Steve Harvey is coming to town. Steve's got a new book chock full of advice for the ladies titled Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man. Steve is doing a book signing Thursday, January 29th, 7:00pm at the Barnes And Noble Bookstore on Easton Road in Willow Grove. Speaking of Steve, he will be back hosting BET's Celebration of Gospel. The show will air on BET January 25th.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th, 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie's mom, Volletta Wallace.

Sinbad and Yolanda Adams will be hosting the 21st Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel Sensation Marvin Sapp is leading the pack with nine nominations, including song and male vocal. The show is taking place January 17th.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This young Comedian is talented but out of control. He is having a hard time handling his success. He often lashes out at colleagues. And, if he keeps up with his mean-spirited comedy routine, it could hurt his career. He was recently slapped in the face by a fan after one of his club antics.

This reality TV Judge recently strong-armed her bosses for a major raise. Won't they be surprised when they find out she is negotiating to do a talk show for another network.

It's going to be an interesting Father's Day for this well known Sports Commentator. Both his jumpoff and girlfriend recently revealed their baby plans.

The Presidents' Club

2009-01-13T20:51:00.002-06:00

Jamie Fox on Terrence Howard

2009-01-01T01:31:00.001-06:00

celebrity report year in review...

2009-01-01T00:43:00.002-06:00

The Jennifer Hudson family murders. The year started out great for the Oscar winner. She had a role in the hit movie Sex And The City, she released a top selling album and she teamed up with Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys for the movie The Secret Life Of Bees. She was on magazine covers all over the world. And, she fell in love and got engaged to a reality star. Hudson was on top of the world, but it was tragic day in October that changed her life forever when her mother, brother and seven year-old nephew were murdered. Hudson's former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was charged with the grisly murders. Balfour was married to Hudson's sister Julia. How will Jennifer pick up the pieces of her life? She tried to go to back to work before the holidays, but she decided her grief was too much too bear. What will 2009 hold for her? Jennifer has been nominated for four Grammy awards, and she has a new movie coming out with Forest Whitaker.

The Morgan Freeman car crash! The 71 year-old Oscar winner was driving on a wet, slick Tallahatchie County road in Mississippi. When he crashed his automobile, Freeman was trapped inside of the car with a woman who was not his wife. Rescuers had to use the Jaws of Life to get him out. When he was admitted to the hospital, Freeman's wife, Myrna, showed up and the truth came out. The woman in the car was someone he just met. His jumpoff was a woman who was a friend of his wife. The Freemans are currently divorcing, and Myrna stands to get half his fortune. It's cheaper to keep her! Mrs. Freeman could get upwards to $170 million.

The death of Sean Levert. The Levert family has seen its shares of triumphs and tragedies. The family was still dealing with the unexpected death of Gerald Levert a year and a half earlier when word came down that his younger brother Sean had died in prison. Sean was behind in his child support payments, and a judge sent him to jail. Sean was not well at the time of his incarceration. He reportedly was denied his anti-anxiety medication. The coroner said his death was not a homicide, but his Sean's widow, Angela Lowe, went ahead and filed a federal wrongful death suit. The suit accuses county officials of neglecting Sean's medical needs. A new policy was recently put in place that provides more flexibility in giving out anti-anxiety medications so that inmates can get their medicine.

We remember those we lost in 2008: Legendary Singers Levi Stubbs (The Four Tops), Al Wilson (Show & Tell); Pervis Jackson ("Mr. 12:45" of The Spinners), Odetta (Civil Rights Folk and Jazz Songstress) and Oscar Winner Isaac Hayes (Shaft); Oscar Winning Actors Paul Newman & Charlton Heston and Oscar Nominee Roy Scheider (JAWS); Legendary Comedians Bernie Mac and George Carlin, Pioneering Musicians Ike Turner and Bo Diddley; Legendary Music Producers Jerry Wexler (Atlantic Records) and Norman Whitfield (Motown Records); Luther Vandross' mother Evangelist Mary Ida Vandross, NBC 10 and Philadelphia Pioneering Journalist Edie Huggins, NBC Journalist Tim Russert (Meet The Press) and Fashion Critic Mr. Blackwell.

The feuding divas. The night of the 2008 Grammys was filled with music and stars. But, when Beyonce took the stage and introduced Tina Turner as "the queen," the real of Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin had a fit. Re-re said Hold Up, Where's The Respect? There Is Only One Queen, And It's Me! Tina Turner responded: Titles Are Silly. I Don't Need A Title To Define Me. Re-re responded that Beyonce was disrespectful, and she was surprised that Turner would resort to controversy to sell concert tickets. Despite their fabulous careers, the two legends have never met, so don't count them in at next year's cookout.

Eddie Murphy gets married for one minute. In what will go down as one of the quickest marriages in history, Eddie Murphy married longtime girlfriend Tracey Edmonds. It was long suspected that this was just a publicity stunt. Eddie needed a wife for his battered image (dumping pregnant Spice Girl Mel B, getting caught with a transvestite), and Edmonds was looking to further her producing career after divorcing Babyface. What went wrong? Was it Eddie's demanding ways? Tracey's demanding mother? Or, did Tracey disrespect Eddie's mom? In any case, the marriage went belly up, and the two have not spoken since.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The adventures of Nene, Sheree, Lisa, Kim and Deshawn had us in stitches. Were these women really like that? The surprise hit series on the Bravo Network has us feening for more for the 09'.

Star and Al divorce. The wedding was huge. He was beaming with joy. She gushed she married a stallion. In the end, the hype died down when Al wouldn't work and star lost her jobs. Someone had to go to work. Star Jones said they couldn't overcome their problem, and they quietly divorced. They are currently dating other people.

Don Cornelius gets arrested. The 72-year old founder of Soul Train faces some serious jail time if he is convicted next year. This past fall Cornelius was arrested for beating up his young Russian wife, Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius. He also had his gun collection taken away. What happened to The Don? He claims he's innocent, but what did he get himself into when he married this woman?

Wanda Sykes comes out. After the passing of Proposition 8 in California which bans same sex marriages, the comedienne and actress decided to let the world know she was angry. So, she revealed all about her private life. Sykes says she couldn't believe it because she recently married her longtime partner.

LABELLE Reunites. After 30 years, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx decide to reunite. Best known for their 1975 hit Lady Marmalade, the trio came back with the new CD, Back To Now. The ladies are still looking good, and will be touring in the '09.

Beyonce and Jay-Z get married. They are the leading superstars of the music world. With the perfect blend of hip hop, R&B and dance, they tried to throw off their fans with a quiet ceremony but weeks later Beyonce revealed she is Mrs. Carter.

On the mend: It was a tough year for Singer Toni Braxton. Despite her stint on Dancing With The Stars, Braxton had to deal with a heart condition which forced her to cancel her Las Vegas revue, and she had a non-cancerous lump removed from her breast. Singer Natalie Cole revealed she has Hepatitis C. Cole says she probably contracted it during her years of heavy drug use. Cole underwent chemo and lost her hair and a lot of weight. She is currently awaiting a kidney transplant.

The feuding families. Despite his death two years ago, the family of James Brown continued to fight for their share of his money. A DNA test cleared the way for Tomi Rae Hynie to proclaim her seven-year old child a rightful heir and numerous other adult children were found to be Brown heirs as well. After much legal haggling, there is not much money left in the Brown estate. Meanwhile, the King family exploded this year. The surviving children of Martin and Coretta are not getting along. In this corner, there's Martin III and Bernice King in the other corner their brother Dexter King and his Malibu estate. The children are fighting over memorabilia, mismanaged funds and the future of the King estate.

R Kelly beats the rap! After years of public scrutiny and legal hassles, R Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges. A jury found Kelly not guilty of videotaping himself having with a 13-year old girl. Kelly says the past six years have been hell for him. He has pretty much stayed under the radar, but look for Kels in the '09 with a new album.

Janet Jackson's career crisis. This was not a good year for Ms. Jackson. A flop album and a disastrous tour have left her career in shambles. Can she please find Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and get her music career back on track. Janet's career has been off track since the infamous Superbowl wardrobe malfunction, and now she's gaining weight again.

Prophetess Juanita Bynum and her husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks divorce! It was the beating heard around the world in the summer of '07. The Prophetess was beaten, stomped, kicked and choked by her husband. After numerous legal proceedings, the two realized that this marriage could not be saved. They divorced, and now Bishop Weeks is looking for another wife.

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff get inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The legendary songwriting/producing team received the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The award was named after the acclaimed Atlantic Records co-founder.

Marion Jones goes to jail. The former Olympic darling fessed up to lying about her steroid use and was sentenced to six months in jail. The mother of two lost everything including, her mother's home, her gold medals and her reputation. Look for the Marion Jones tell-all book next year.

2008 was a year of milestones: Dr. J got married to a young girl. Mariah Carey married a very young guy (Nick Cannon). Lisa Raye McCoy left her cheating husband, the Prime Minister Of The Turks And Caicos Islands Michael Misick, Shaquille O'Neal reunited with his wife Shaunie. Katt Williams had a mental breakdown and had to take a break. Usher and his wife welcomed their second son. Jill Scott got engaged and is expecting her first child. And, Oscar Winner Halle Berry gave birth to her first child, a little girl named Nahla Ariela.

celebrity report....12-29-08

2008-12-31T23:50:00.002-06:00

Did Beyonce really say that? Beyonce graces the cover of the new issue of Elle magazine. She talks about her life growing up, and she takes time to diss the first family of music, the Jacksons. Beyonce talked about her upper middle class upbringing and compared her family, the Knowles led by patriarch Matthew Knowles, to the famed Jacksons. Beyonce basically accused Joe and Katherine Jackson of using their children for their own good. The hissing you hear is probably Janet and Michael saying WTH! How dare she?!! Why did Beyonce go there? Doesn't she realize how bad she dissed the Jacksons? This is not a good time for the family. Janet's publicity stunts are becoming a bad joke, and she is starting to gain weight again. Michael keeps pretending he's sick. He's really just broke. As for the other family members, they are trying to find their way. Maybe this is "Sasha Fierce" talking and not Beyonce. In other Beyonce news, she desperately wants to be added to the ticket for the Obama Inaugural Ball. Aretha Franklin is performing. Rihanna is performing, but as of press time, no Beyonce. Beyonce and her people can't believe it. She is the hottest chick in the game. Where is her invite? Beyonce is pulling out all the tricks, including recording a song called Proud To Be An American. In the promo shot, she had her face painted red white and blue. Will this get her an invite to the inauguration?

Jennifer Hudson will be making her first public appearance in February after the tragic murders of her family. Hudson will be performing at a music event honoring the legendary Singer/Songwriter Neil Diamond. The festivities are happening during Grammy week. Hudson is up for four Grammy Awards. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards air on February 8th.

Is she or isn't she? What's up with Mariah Carey? Is she pregnant by her hubby Nick Cannon? Her spokespeople say no, but she is trying to get pregnant and have a baby next year.

Will Ashanti take it all off? Playboy magazine is offering "Thick Ums" thousands of dollars to pose nude, and she says she is thinking about it.

Since the tragic death earlier this year involving Singer Sean Levert, a new policy has been put in place allowing more flexibility in giving out anti-anxiety medicine. Inmates in Ohio will now be able to get their medication when they need it. Levert's widow, Angela Lowe, has filed a federal wrongful death suit accusing county officials of neglecting her husband's medical needs.

After a quiet 2008, Fantasia is looking to get her career back on track. Fantasia has enlisted Singer/Producer Raphael Saadiq to help her with her next album. Saadiq says he wants to give Fantasia an updated, fresh and soulful sound.

The new T.D. Jakes movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres on January 9th. The movie stars Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart and Wood Harris. Acclaimed Director Bill Duke (Cover, Rage In Harlem, Hoodlum) helmed the movie.

Who knew these two were married?!!! Darryl M. Bell ("Ron" from A Different World) and Tempest Bledsoe ("Vanessa" from The Cosby Show). Bell and Bledsoe have signed on for the new reality show Hollywood Husbands. The show is about men who marry successful women.

Oprah Winfrey is poo pooing reports that she wants to move to Washington, D.C. to be closer to America's new first family, The Obamas. It was reported that Winfrey was looking to buy a $50 million mansion in D.C. Spokespeople for Winfrey say "The Mighty O" is staying in Chicago.

The Disney movie Old Dogs will feature the final screen appearance of Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac. Mac filmed the movie with John Travolta and Robin Williams before he became sick. The movie will be released in 2009.

The entertainment world lost a legend on Christmas Day with the passing of Earth Kitt. Kitt, 81, died from colon cancer. The Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and dancer led an incredible life that was filled with many highs and lows. She was sexy, sensual and scandalous. Kitt was an outspoken advocate for peace, and she was against the Vietnam War. Some of her most notable work included the Christmas classic Santa Baby, her role as "Catwoman" in the 60's TV series Batman and a comeback in the 90's calling Eddie Murphy "Marcus darling" in Boomerang.

Bobby Brown has signed on for another reality show. Brown will be joining the cast of the U.K. show Celebrity Big Brother.

Montel Williams is back on TV. Williams is hosting the infomercial Living Well with Montel. Williams is promoting better health through his topics, books and products.

Congrats to Eva Marcille and Actor Lance Gross. They got engaged over the holidays. Marcille was known as Eva Pigford when she won America's Next Top Model. She is currently starring in the soap opera The Young And The Restless. Gross stars on the Tyler Perry TV show The House Of Payne.
Now speaking of Tyler Perry, his new TV show, Meet The Browns, debuts Wednesday, January 7th 10pm on the TBS Network. And, Dr. Phil makes a cameo in his new movie Madea Goes To Jail, opening in February.

Eddie Murphy is on the prowl again. It was just a year ago, when he made headlines with Producer Tracey Edmonds. Their marriage lasted for 17 days. Now, Murphy is back on the prowl hooking up for Arsenio Hall looking for the ladies.

Two music projects to look forward to next year include a Gospel CD from Singer Heather Headley. The project, Audience Of One, is due in January. India.Arie will also be releasing a new CD. Her project, Love And Politics, is coming out in February. The first single is Chocolate High featuring Musiq.

Congrats to basketball Legend Dr. J. The Doctor got married a few months ago to Dorys Erving. Word has it the Doc's young wife may be joining the new season and cast of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta.

Steve Harvey will be back hosting BET's Celebration of Gospel. The show will air on BET January 25th.

Queen Latifah will be hosting the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards to be held January 7th on CBS.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. He's fine, rich and a sports legend. He's set to get remarried. Hope he checks his lady's past. She's been round the block a couple of times. Hope he gets a prenup.

These two celebrities make a nice looking couple. Despite their looks, marriage and babies, they are a boring couple. To revive interest in their careers, they are leaking stories about problems in their relationship to get headlines. Let's hope their publicity stunt doesn't backfire.

celebrity report....12-15-08

2008-12-31T22:08:00.001-06:00

The Bravo network has announced there will be a new season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Season number 2 will start filming next year, and new episodes will probably be ready by late spring. Now the big question is: will all the ladies be back, even the ones who were exposed as frauds? Hmmmmmmmmmm!

Rapper Doug E. Fresh is the latest celebrity facing hone foreclosure. The popular rapper has three homes in Harlem facing foreclosure. He owes over $3.5 million in unpaid mortgages, $400,000 to the I.R.S. and $60,000 to American Express. Apparently, Fresh's financial woes are not stopping him from opening a new chicken and waffle restaurant in Harlem.

Speaking of money problems, T-Boz from TLC went on record last week revealing her financial woes. T-Boz says a home listed in her name is in foreclosure, but she does not live in that home and is in no danger of being homeless. T-Boz says during her recent divorce, she had to clean up a lot of things that were left in her name. T-Boz will be appearing next year on the new season of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice. She says she is very happy raising her daughter and enjoying the new man in her life, Takeo Spikes a linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers.

She tried to go back to work, but at the last minute, she decided she couldn't do it. Jennifer Hudson is trying to put the pieces of her life back together after the tragic murders of her family. Since the death of her mother, brother and seven-year old nephew, Jennifer has tried to remain strong, but her spirit is broken. Family members are urging her to seek counseling to deal with her grief. Hudson has various projects coming up. She tried to throw herself into work to forget her pain, but she needs help from a professional level. Hudson's family meant the world to her, and the violent way they were murdered has left her wounded. How could this happen? One minute, she's on top of the world. An Oscar winning-actress with a hot album and a slew of movies under her belt and then everything came crashing down. Her former brother-in-law has been charged with the murders, but she wonders how she'll be able to go on with her life and resume her career.

Congratulations to Usher and his wife, Tameka Foster. They are the proud parents of another baby boy, who will join his year-old big brother.

All of the original members of The Time are reuniting for another album. Producer Jimmy Jam says the guys who brought us Jungle Love, 777-9311, Jerk Out, Cool and The Bird will be back with another smash in the '09.

Oprah Winfrey has just a new exclusive deal with HBO. Oprah will be developing movies and miniseries for the cable network.

The CBS Network is loving Actor Laurence Fishburne. In addition to his new role on C.S.I., he will be developing projects for the network.

Congratulations to Actor Blair Underwood. He's been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his work on the HBO series In Treatment. The Golden Globes air next month.

The new season of American Idol kicks off on January 13th. Look for changes this season including more contestants. 36 singers will be competing for the top spot, and season 8 will focus less on the bad singers. Also, the charity Idol Gives Back will not be held this year. And, despite her complaining and threats, Idol Judge Paula Abdul will be back probably as wacky as ever.

Everyone's favorite TV mom Phylicia Rashad will be the new spokesperson for Jenny Craig. Rashad's new commercials for the diet chain will debut early next year. Rashad is best known for her role as "Claire Huxtable" on The Cosby Show.

Halle Berry and Tyler Perry will be hosting The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The show will air on Fox February 12th. This is the 100th anniversary of the NAACP.

Speaking of Tyler Perry, he'll be one of the honorees at the Second Annual BET Honors February 9th on BET. Along with Perry, Mary J. Blige, Home and Style Maven B. Smith, Dancer/Choreographer Judith Jamison and Magic Johnson will also be honored.

Singer Brian McKnight will be unveiling his one hour weekly syndicated TV variety show next year. Look for The Brian McKnight Show to debut next fall.

Chris Rock has decided he wants his daughters to be playmates with Sasha and Malia Obama. Rock says his children are eager to get to know the girls, and he hopes they can strike up a friendship.

What has happened to Boxer Mike Tyson? The former heavy weight champ has gained an alarming 50 pounds, and he appears sloppy and out of shape. Sources say he has turned away from drugs and now finds comfort in food.

Lionel Richie, Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke and The Jonas Brothers are just some of the musical talent lined up for 37th annual edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Steve Harvey will be back hosting BET's Celebration of Gospel. The show will air on BET January 25th.

Queen Latifah will be hosting the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards to be held January 7th on CBS.

At the movies this week, Lee Daniels' film Tennessee with Mariah Carey.

Sinbad and Yolanda Adams will be hosting the 21st Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel Sensation Marvin Sapp is leading the pack with nine nominations including song and male vocal. The show is taking place January 17th.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Oscar winners versus Oscar nominees. First the ladies: this Winner and this Nominee filmed a classic movie together, but haven't spoken in more than a decade. The Winner takes this feud so seriously, she won't even speak the Nominee's name. In this corner, the men: this Winner is angry that this Nominee took a jab at his second career. The Nominee is trying to launch his own second career at the expense of the Winner.

Blagojevich names Roland Burris to Obama's Senate seat

2008-12-30T16:32:00.001-06:00

BURRIS FACES A FIGHT | US Senate Dems, Ill. secretary of state plan to block Blago's choice

December 30, 2008
BY DAVE McKINNEY Springfield Bureau Chief

Ignoring threats from the U.S. Senate Democratic leadership to block his pick, Gov. Blagojevich this afternoon said he's appointing Roland Burris to President-elect Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat.

"The people of Illinois are entitled to have two U.S. Senators," said Blagojevich, whose arrest on corruption charges earlier this month places Burris' appointment under a cloud. "If I don't make this appointment then the people of Illinois will be deprived."

During a downtown news conference, Blagojevich called Burris, 71, an individual with "unquestioned integrity" and a "senior statesman of Illinois."

Later, Blagojevich said, "Please don't let the allegations against me taint this good and honest man."

In his remarks, Burris didn't rule out trying to seek re-election in 2010 should he somehow make his way into the Senate seat. He also gave no idea what his strategy might be to avoid his appointment being blocked by Senate leadership.

"I have faith in the record I have accomplished in the past four decades," Burris said. "I am humbled to have this opportunity. I will uphold the integrity of this office."

Burris and his lobbying/consulting firm have donated about $15,000 to the governor's campaign fund. His firm has done work for the Illinois Department of Transportation under Blagojevich, and a law-firm to which he is "of counsel" has been a recipient of state bond business.

Burris, however, ridiculed reporters who asked questions about whether his relationship with the Blagojevich administration might have played a role in the governor appointing him. Burris said the two talked about the appointment Sunday night.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) made a surprise appearance at the press conference to give Burris a vote of confidence and urge the U.S. Senate not to stand in Burris' way.

It is imperative the Senate have an African-American replace Obama, Rush said.

"Separate, if you will, the appointee from the appointer," said Rush. "Roland Burris is worthy. He is the only one that can stand in the gap during these tumultuous times and reestablish the confidence of the people of the state of Illinois."

Before the Blagojevich and Burris news conference, which was aired live on multiple national news channels, Democratic leaders in the Senate issued a statement saying any Blagojevich appointee would not be seated. And the leaders urged Blagojevich to resign.

"It is truly regrettable that despite warning from all 50 Democratic senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety," the statement read.

"We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris's ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."

The statement said the Senate is preparing to embark on "one of the most important debates of the year outlining an economic recovery plan to create jobs and invest in America" ‹ and Illinois needs two sitting senators "without delay."

"We again urge Gov. Blagojevich to not make this appointment," the Democratic leadership said. "It is unfair to Mr. Burris, it is unfair to the people of Illinois and it will ultimately not stand. The governor must put the interests of the people of Illinois and all Americans first by stepping aside now and letting his successor appoint someone who we will seat.

Now that Burris has accepted the appointment, he faces the likelihood of becoming entangled in Blagojevich's unfolding impeachment drama and, in a political sense, would be viewed heading into the 2010 election as a placeholder because of his age.

The ranking Republican on the House impeachment panel, Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), told the Chicago Sun-Times he'll urge Burris to turn down the job and, if he accepts it, "to make himself available" as a witness before the committee.

"I think that Mr. Burris should really think long and hard about accepting this under the circumstances when this very process he's part of is subject to a federal investigation and an impeachment inquiry by the House," Durkin said.

Adding to Tuesday's drama, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he would not certify the appointment -- although White's spokesman acknowledged there is not specific law requirement White's approval.

"I have previously stated publicly I cannot cosign a document that certifies any appointment by Rod Blagojevich for the vacant United States Senate seat in Illinois," White said. "Although I have respect for former Attorney General Roland Burris, because of the current cloud of controversy surrounding the governor, I cannot accept the document."

White spokesman David Druker acknowledged there is no constitutional or statutory requirement that the secretary of state sign off on a gubernatorial appointment to the U.S. Senate ‹ only longstanding precedent.

In 1969, then-Secretary of State Paul Powell signed off on then-Gov. Richard Ogilvie's appointment of Ralph Smith to succeed U.S. Sen. Everett Dirksen (R-Ill.) after he'd died, Druker said.

Burris, who did not immediately return phone calls, was state comptroller from 1979 to 1991, then served one term as the state's attorney general.

Burris ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Chicago in 1995 and was a loser in gubernatorial bids in 1994, 1998 and 2002. In that 2002 race, Burris got 363,591 votes but finished last in a three-way primary that Blagojevich won and that propelled the now-indicted governor into the state's highest office.

In 2002, Burris became a lobbyist and has had a portfolio that has included Commonwealth Edison, Comcast and the state's funeral home industry. His lobbying firm -- Burris & Lebed Consulting, of Chicago -- also has snared $294,545 in state contracts under Blagojevich since 2004, state records show.

He, his lobbying firm and his law firm -- Burris Wright Slaughter & Tom -- have contributed $20,296 in cash and services to Blagojevich's campaign fund since 2002. The most-recent contribution, $1,000, came last June. It was already widely known at the time that Blagojevich was a target of federal investigators.

Burris didn't appear to be among the candidates under consideration for the post before the governor's Dec. 9 arrest. But Burris did indicate to attendees at the City Club Christmas Party earlier this month that he thought he was in the running, along with U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Chicago Urban League chief Cheryle Jackson and Valerie Jarrett, a confidante of Obama who took herself out of the running.

Contributing: Abdon Pallasch, Natasha Korecki

Bush Dodges Shoes Thrown by Iraqi Journalist

2008-12-14T21:37:00.001-06:00

Ascending Fortitude

The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: White in America

Obama Names Black Man Head of NASA

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 18TH, 2009

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11TH, 2009

Wanda Sykes at White House Correspondents' Dinner

President Obama at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 4TH, 2009

Dick Gregory at the State of the Black Union

The Ties That Align Administration's Black Women Form A Strong Sisterhood

Free KFC Coupon from Oprah until May 6th

Letting Go

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27TH, 2009

Ernie Barnes Dies

Who Knew?! Black Female Navy Admiral Thwarts Pirates

Robin Harris - BeBe's Kids

Robin Harris - Partners in Crime

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

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

Family of boxer fights for pardon of 1913 racist conviction

UT Austin to unveil Barbara Jordan statue

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

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

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

Is Condoleezza Rice Relevant to Black America?

Can Mara Brock Akil Change The Game?

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

Lift Every Voice and Sing!

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

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Fantasia Performs He's Done Enough

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America's Skin-Deep Crush on Michelle Obama

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Nephew Tommy's Prank Call 2.23.09

The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: March 3, 2009: A Party in Limbaugh

More than the Bible: Blacks say church should have role in social issues, politics

by Dante MozieMarch 12, 2009

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