{IT'S OFFICIAL!!! I'M GOING WILD!!!}

Well!! It happened!!! 

I cannot even begin to tell you the anticipation and the number of reminders I had going on!  There were a few snags in the registration process however the admin team with Go Wild made it happened while they worked diligently in working thru it! I tip my hat to you friends because having 100's of women with anxiety coming at you with panic....whew! You guys handled it well!

Many have had much to say about the ticket price....however....me personally the reason I am going is because of the experience ALONE, the speaker line up looks AMAZING, meeting many people I have established relationships with via internet, and its in my back yard! DUH! Viva Las Vegas Baby! I do believe Cali will be representing in a major way! Whoop Whoop!!

I'm thanking all of my alumni planner friends in advance who have already given me great info! I am excited and can't wait! I will be bringing back great stuff for sure!

Let the countdown begin!!

PLEASE! If you are an alumni, please give me some info, tips, advice below in the comments below!

{Just One Word Winner Announced!!}

Thank you to all who participate in our "Just One Word" Blog Hop! 

 I totally appreciate you stopping by! 

And the moment we have been waiting for.....DRRRUUUUUMMMROLLLLL!!!!!

Congrats Sue D!!!

Please claim your prize by sending me your email address either in the comments section or send me an email at patriciabarnett7877@gmail.com! 

{Just One Word Blog Hop!}

Thank you for joining us for  

the very first"WhoGivesaScrap?!" Blog Hop

Just One Word!

"WhoGivesaScrap!?" is an online Facebook community of crafters who LOVE to indulge 
in our passion which obviously is paper crafting! Each of our talented ladies will be 
creating projects based on their word for the New Year!

You should have arrived from Connie, but if you need to start over,

Connie Can Crop , is the beginning of this Special hop so you aren't too far off track!

This is a one day blog hop, but you have until Sunday at 10pm to finish hopping and leaving your love for all of these talented crafters.

Each Blog will be offering their own special prize!!

For completing the below rules, you will  be entered into a random drawing to win a gift certificate to The ScrapRoom! I love my kits from there! I have been a loyal member for 10+ years!

What do you need to do to have a chance to win? Two things: Easy... 1.) become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects. 2.) Include in your comment here your one little word for the year if you have chose one. 

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments on every blog to be eligible to win. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 1/23/19 at each individual blog so be sure to check back. Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

My One Little word for 2019 is: BOUNDARIES 
Last year was an odd one. One thing I learned in 2018 was that I MUST draw BOUNDARIES in all that I do. If there are no BOUNDARIES, I will continue to feel ran down! Self Care will be an absolute must moving forward! 
A little about my project....I love to scrapbook, which is my number one passion! I periodically do group hikes at Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside, Ca in which depending on the day you go, you will get a gorgeous view! This day was one of those days! The view was amazing, with the sun in the distance rising up, and there it was....BORDERS and BOUNDARIES!

Be sure to hop over to Liz's blog to continue on with the hop!

Here's our line up in case you get lost along the way.

Connie- conniecancrop.blogspot.com  

Patricia- https://supahwomanadayinthelifeof.blogspot.com/

Liz- lizwithlove.blogspot.com

Jenny- https://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com

Katherine- https://kateblue.blogspot.com

Karen- https://pageswithheart.blogspot.com

Julia- https://createteachrepeat.blogspot.com

Debra- https://dvancepaperartdesigns.blogspot.com

Nikki- nikkiscreativenook.blogspot.com

Kim- pinkzebrapapercreations.blogspot.com

Thank you for letting us inspire you!

{Yes! Still Crafting / WhoGivesaScrap!?}

WhoGivesaScrap!? is still in the game!!! We will be turning 14 years old this coming April! Seems like just yesterday, we were celebrating our 10 year Anniversary! How shall we celebrate??? Hmmm...my wheels are turning!

I have met THEE most amazing friends, in person an virtually! You all rock! 

Now let me clarify a few things....I'm not sure if it is just me, but when your friends an family see you scrapbook or do cardmaking, there is an automatic assumption that we can DO ALL THINGS! Not necessarily true people! LOL...I cannot do it all. My main squeeze is scrapbooking and then here comes this planning thing! So yeah needless to say....I got sucked in by the planner monster!

So, yes, WhoGivesaScrap!? still meets once a month for our monthly crops! At these crops you can come do whatever it is your heart desires! Scrapbooking, card making, quilting, reading, journaling, mixed media, sewing, needlepoint, planning...OR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! 

Although our group is nationwide, our meetups are held in La Puente at the Scrapbook Cafe! If you are in Southern Cali or ever visitng, please feel free to come play with us! If you are out of state, you can still join in on our fun virtually!

We had a great time at our last crop this past weekend with a few pics below:

Our next crop will be February 9, 2019! Come join the group and get some work done!

Thanks for stopping by! Will catch ya lata!

{2018 Entertainment Recap - What's the 4-1-1!?}

Many of you loved reading my entertainment  sposts which would get you super caught up for the entire week. Well here is a recap of 2019. ***All credit of news comes from Patty's Page... from WDAS! I did not write this!!**

Black Panther crossed the billion dollar mark worldwide at the box office news, and Marvel/Disney has confirmed plans for a sequel are underway.  Black Panther marked the biggest debut by an African American director in history (Director and Co-writer Ryan Coogler). Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whitaker and Sterling K. Brown led the cast. Filmmaker Ryan Koogler has confirmed his participation for the sequel. When Black Panther passed the billion dollar mark worldwide, it broke all taboos for foreign and domestic distribution in which African Americans are told within the industry the false idea of a weak box office.

Ocean’s 8 ‘s starring Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Rapper/Comedienne Awkwafina, Anne Hathaway and Sandra Bullock brought in $270 million at the box office.

Oscar Nominated Director Ava DuVernay is now a member of the $100 million club. A Wrinkle In Time has become the first movie to be directed by a black woman to hit that mark. Now the filmmaker has signed a reported $100 million deal with Warner Brothers.

Actress/Comedienne Tiffany Haddish had three movies out this year, the most successful was with Kevin Hart (Night School) which grossed over $100 million plus her book debut called The Last Black Unicorn.

The Philadelphia Eagles, who want another bite of the apple in 2019, took their very first Super Bowl championship in February of this year after defeating the New England Patriots.President Trump disinvited our Super Bowl champion Eagles from a celebration at The White House after learning how many players wouldn’t show out protest against Trump policies.

The Villanova Wildcats won their second NCAA Basketball Championship in a row this year.

The Metoo movement in 2018 saw both Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey get charged in the wake of a host of sexual misconduct allegations. Les Moonves was forced to resign his position as CBS CEO amid sexual misconduct allegations and the network says he’s not entitled to his $120 million severance. Nelly is under a new sexual assault criminal investigation for an incident that allegedly happened in England. In this country, police dropped an investigation after another Nelly accuser Monique Green decided a civil suit was the best way to go and stopped cooperating with the police investigation. Tavis Smiley sued  PBS after the network dropped his show. The activist and long time TV personality contended that PBS acted too when they fired him following a sexual misconduct investigation. PBS is countersuing. Morgan Freeman, the reigning dean of acting on the big screen, now stands accused of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment toward eight women. Love Is and Black Lightning Producer/Director Salim Akil, married to Mara Brock Akil, was accused of abuse and sued for allegedly stealing the idea for Love Is by an ex, Amber Dixon Brenner, who claims the affair was extramarital on both their parts. OWN cancelled Love Is immediately. And now, TV Personality and Astrophysicist Neil de Grasse Tyson by three different women. The Biggest story of all was the conviction and sentencing of legendary Entertainer Bill Cosby, who’s serving 3 to 10 years for sexually assaulting former Temple University Employee Andrea Constand. Cosby’s lawyers are appealing and vowed to win his release.
 
Geoffrey Owens, the former Cosby Show actor who was job shammed then job praised, has turned lemons into lemonade in 2018. The Cosby Show was widely cancelled from cable and syndication back in 2014 when the Bill Cosby sex scandal rumors re-circulated. That cancellation hit the pockets of the rest of the cast members, including Owens who played son-in-law Elvin on The Cosby Show for seven years. Owens recently took a job at Trader Joe’s as a cashier to keep things afloat. When a woman tried to embarrass Owens by putting his picture on social media, it backfired and he won rave admiration from fans and new found interest from the industry. Now, he’s working steadily including Tyler Perry/OWN’s The Haves And Have Nots and CBS’s CSI: New Orleans.

Essence Magazine kicked off 2018 with a brand new purpose as they've become a black owned publication once again. 48-year old entrepreneur and founder of SheaMoisture, Richelieu Dennis created Essence Ventures and bought Essence magazine.

Wild times at NBC’s Today Show. First the announcement in January that Hoda Kotb is the permanent co-anchor for 7am to 9am. And in December came Kathie Lee Gifford announced she stepping down from her co-hosting gig on the fourth hour of Today. The biggest splash was Megyn Kelly. She moderated a panel on political correctness on Halloween costumes. When Kelly told her all-white panel it was OK to dress in blackface, social media erupted. She was even called out the next day by her NBC News Colleagues Craig Melvin and Al Roker, who particularly schooled the audience on the history of blackface’s ties to Jim Crow. Kelly has been accused of racism previously during her stint at FOX News. One example is when she said on air that Jesus and Santa Claus were white. NBC is scrambling. They quickly released an apology from Kelly followed by assembling prominent African American pundits Roland Martin and Amy Holmes to talk with Kelly on air about the controversy. Despite Kelly’s near tearful on air apology, calls for her firing continued. Her talent agency representation also parted company with her. Now comes word the cast of House Of Cards cancelled a visit to Kelly’s show as well. Remember, NBC hired Kelly and replaced the 9am show that was previously hosted by Al Roker and Tamron Hall. Hall promptly left the network after her show’s cancelation and is now prepping her own daytime talker with ABC for next year. Kelly’s 9am hour of Today has not lived up to ratings expectations anyway. Networks are especially concerned these days with any appearance of a sexist or racist workplace. NBC ceased production with Kelly, and sources say the network is trying to finalize her exit.  

Roseanne Barr cancelled! The biggest TV comeback had the biggest fall when ABC cancelled their # 1 hit sitcom Roseanne. The show returned to huge ratings, but it all came to a crash after Barr sent out a tweet stating former Obama Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett was a child of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet Of The Apes. Barr deleted the tweet and replaced it with an apology. Too Late!! Then ABC’s Entertainment President Channing Dungey, the first African American woman to hold that post, made the announcement that the comments weren’t ABC’s values and the show was cancelled. Producers regrouped with ABC and came up with The Conners without matriarch Roseanne Conner, formerly played by Barr. Producers negotiated with ABC to bring the show back, but Roseanne could have no part in it nor enjoy any proceeds. Producers bought her out, and Roseanne agreed to let the show go on without her.

Speaking of ABC, the reports are true that the former ABC Chief, Channing Dungey, is the Netflix VP Of Original Content. Dungey was the first African American broadcast network chief for three years at ABC before she stepped down.

Mo’Nique called for a Netflix boycott, but couldn’t quite garner the support. The Oscar winning comedienne said that after offering multi-millions to Dave Chappelle ($20 million), Chris Rock ($20 million) and Amy Schumer ($13 million), Mo’Nique was only offered $500,000. Mo’Nique also called out Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Lee Daniels. 

Debra Lee has left the building at BET. The long time CEO and Chairman of Black Entertainment Television called it quits after 32 years and has resigned her post.

ESPN’s Jemele Hill has been ousted from her co-anchor spot on the weekday edition of SportsCenter, but then she left ESPN all together. ESPN has cut talent and staff recently, but many are wondering if something else is involved here. Hill was suspended last year by ESPN after she used her personal twitter to call President Donald Trump a white supremacist. White House Spokesperson Sara Huckabee Sanders said such tweets were a fire-able offense. Hill apologized for the fact that ESPN was involved, but not for the tweet. Hill has departed ESPN after making a reported strong exit deal for herself.

In 2018, stars opened up about an important health issue: mental illness. Mariah Carey revealed she suffers from bi-polar disorder. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also opened up earlier about his battle with depression. Destiny’s Child Singer and Actress Michelle Williams has gone public about seeking out and being under the care of mental health professionals. Taraji P. Henson  established The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, a nonprofit organization named for her father whose mental health challenges arose from his military tour of Vietnam.

In 2018, Peabo Bryson celebrated over 40 years of music with a brand new album, Stand For Love, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on their reactivated label Perspective Records.He’s already got two hot singles off the album: Love Like Yours And Mine and his latest All She Wants To Do Is Me.

We bid farewell to many icons of stage, screen, music and community in 2018: Dennis Edwards of The Temptations (I Can’t Get Next To You; Memories; Papa Was A Rolling Stone: Ball Of Confusion) has passed at age 74; Ethel Ayler who played Carrie Hanks, Clair Huxtable’s mom on The Cosby Show. Her career stretched back to Broadway in 1946 when she was cast in Porgy And Bess through the late 1990’s including Little Foxes and August Wilson’s Fences; R&B Singer/Songwriter Denise LaSalle passed away at the age of 78; ABC Sports Broadcasting Great Keith Jackson, 89; South African born Legendary Trumpeter Hugh Masekela passed away at 78 (Grazing In The Grass); Civil Rights Icon Reverend Wyatt Tee Walker; Emmy winner Olivia Cole (Roots); NBA Player and Philly (Point Breeze) Native Rasual Butler and his wife former American Idol Contestant and Singer Leah LaBelle; Actor Reg E. Cathey (House Of Cards and Fantastic Four); Ensa Cosby, the daughter of Bill and Camille Cosby; Rapper Craig Mack; Barbara Summers, longtime Power 99 personality; Talent Manager and Record Executive Iris Perkins; Rita Owens, actress/businesswoman and mother of Queen Latifah; TV Writer/Producer Steven Bochco; Singer and Manager Yvonne Staples of The Staple Singers;  The 41st President, George Herbert Walker Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush; 76ers Legend Hal Greer; Actress Margot Kidder (Superman/Superman II, Some Kind Of Hero; Songwriter/Producer Reggie Lucas; Designer Kate Spade; Entertainment Entrepreneur, Management Legend and Jackson Family Patriarch Joe Jackson; Actress Charlotte Rae (Facts Of Life); the founding director of The Dance Theater Of Harlem Arthur Mitchell; Bandleader/Musician/Songwriter/Trumpeter Roy Hargrove; legendary Comic Book/Movie/Television Icon Stan Lee; Model/Actress Kim Porter; Oprah Winfrey’s mom Vernita Lee; Co-founder of The House Of Umoja David Fattah; Singer/Actress/TV Personality Nancy Wilson; Actress/Producer/Director Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley; Big; A League Of Their Own); Winnie Mandela, the Mother Of South Africa; And The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin.

Franklin’s funeral became controversial: first,  Arianna Grande in a super short skirt singing her tribute from the pulpit. Even Smokey Robinson mentioned her camp should have reminded her it was a funeral, but he loves her anyway. That focus changed quickly to Bishop Charles Ellison. He issued apologies not only for making fun of Grande’s name to her and the Latino community even though she Italian, but he was accused of groping her in video that went viral.

Idris Elba, newly engaged to Sabrina Dhowre, was named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2018. He was also named by his ex, Singer K Michelle, as quite a skilled ….Former Boyfriend bedroom wise. Elba also made his directorial debut with the film Yardie.
 
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is out and 24-year old Danielle Herrington, becomes just the third black woman to grace the cover after Tyra Banks and Beyonce.

Speaking of Bey, Coachella turned into Beychella. Beyonce’s appearance at that music festival included a historically black college/university-themed performance. She also did a New Orleans themed salute, brought out her current touring partner and  hubby Jay-Z, and topped it off with a Destiny’s Child Reunion as Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined Queen Bey on stage.

In 2018, LeBron James signed a 4-year deal to go out West for $154 million with the L.A. Lakers.

2018 proved quite eventful for television. The CW’s Black Lightning and BET’s The Bobby Brown Story were huge. John Legend (Jesus Christ Superstar), Tiffany Haddish (Saturday Night Live), Katt Williams (Atlanta), Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us) and  Samira Wiley ( HULU’s A Handmaid’s Tale) all won Emmys. American Idol returned to ABC with new Judge Lionel Richie.

In 2018, Dionne Warwick says the accusations against her sister are hogwash, and she’ll never forgive those promoting it.The legendary singer made her first comments publicly to Larry King on his internet show.  Dionne’s late sister, Singer Dee Dee Warwick, has been accused of molesting her late cousin Whitney Houston in the documentary Whitney.

In 2018, three legendary acts announced stepping off the stage. First Neil Diamond who has stopped touring because of Parkinson’s but will continue to record. Then Elton John, who is currently on a farewell tour. Finally The O’Jays, the legendary ambassadors of the sound Of Philadelphia,  revealed their plan to walk away from it all in 2020.

Throwbacks were also a problem for three comedians. “My nephew,” Kevin Hart, stepped down as host of 2019’s Academy Awards after previous homophobic joke tweets were reposted and he refused to continuously apologize for them. His friend and fellow comedian Nick Cannon defended Hart and unearthed previous homophobic tweets from Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler. Plus, Cannon called out Oscar’s own history with barring the first ever African American Oscar Winner from the ceremony, Hattie McDaniel (Gone With The Wind). Then Comedians Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais and the embattled Louis CK saw a previous 2011 HBO TV appearance in which everyone used the N-word except Jerry Seinfeld come back and get them dragged on social media.

In 2018 Oscar news, Jordan Peele (Get Out) and Kobe Bryant (Dear Basketball) took home their first Academy Awards.

Michelle Obama’s Becoming is the top selling book of 2018.She even trumped (SMILE) Omarosa Manigault-Newman’s tell all, Unhinged, about her time in the Trump White House. Mrs. Obama and Former President Barack Obama, who came to North Philly’s Dell Music Center for a Rally at summer’s end, signed a deal with Netflix. The Obamas will be both in front and behind the scenes with projects based on common values and promoting the art of storytelling. As for Omarosa, she was ousted from the White House and told her story in the book Unhinged. POTUS Trump responded by calling her a dog.

Tyler Perry announced taking Madea on a farewell tour. Everybody’s favorite gun totting elder has been on stage, TV and film, but after twenty successful years,  Perry says it’s time for the character to end. Perry has played Madea all this time, and says he’s getting older too.

Congratulations to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union on the birth of their daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade,  to add to their family of boys. They had their child via surrogate and kept it way under the radar.

Congratulations to Eddie Murphy on baby number 10! The 57-year old comedy legend welcomed Max Charles Murphy with his fiancée Australian Actress/Model Paige Butcher, 39. Max’s middle name is for Murphy’s late brother Comedian/Actor Charlie Murphy.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were wed this year and the couple confirmed all the rumors and are expecting a baby. The child, the first for both, is due in the spring of 2019 right around their first anniversary.

Congratulations to Faith Evans because she jumped the broom again. The Soon As I Get Home singer tied the knot in Vegas with Reality Star/Music Producer Stevie J. Stevie

Singer/Songwriter/Actor Tank tied the knot with his long time love Zena Foster. The couple has a ten-year old daughter, Zoey, and a three-year old son, Zion. Tank also has three children from a previous relationship.

Speaking of weddings, congrats to Singer Miguel and Model/Artist/Actress Nazanin Mandi who were married earlier this fall.

The fourth time’s the charm for a founding member of The Jackson Five. Jermaine Jackson is taking the plunge once again. The 63-year old singer will marry his 23….YES…. 23-year old girlfriend Maday Velazquez.

Now for the splits:
Duane Martin (Real Husbands Of Hollywood) and Tisha Campbell-Martin (My Wife & Kids; Dr. Ken; Martin);  

Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower have reportedly called it quits after twenty years.

After nine years of marriage, Tamar Braxton and Vince Herbert have separated.

Usher, 39, and his wife Grace Miguel, 48, have announced their separation. The separation announcement comes after months of multiple people accusing the Let It Burn singer of having the STD herpes and either exposing or transmitting the disease. The surfacing of a reported million dollar settlement from a 2012 accuser ignited more accusations. Speculation is that situation may have been the last straw for Usher’s second marriage.

Jill Scott’s divorce is final from Mike Dobson. After not quite two years, the couple called it quits. Later in 2018, Jilly From Philly broke the internet when she simulated ….showing a fella a good time on stage with her mic check.

Mary J. Blige’s divorce is finalized. The 47-year old Queen Of Hip Hop Soul and her now ex-husband and former manager Kendu Isaacs came to an agreement. After 13-years of marriage Blige filed for divorce in July of 2016 and the process was not pretty. Accusations of reported infidelity on his part, false accusations against Isaacs in songs on her part and the temporary $30,000 monthly spousal support Blige had to pay along with the $100,000 legal bill complicated this case.

After nine months of court appearances and testimony that included wild sex parties, drugs and alcohol, abusive behavior and restraining orders, Mel B and Stephen Belafonte got their divorce finalized. A shocking confession from Singer/Reality TV Star Mel B, who called Comedian Eddie Murphy the love of her life in her book Brutally honest. The two broke up after Mel became pregnant with their child. She married Belafonte afterward. The former Spice Girl  also suffered injuries from a mysterious accident including severing her hand. She endured an hours long surgery to repair it.

Finally, Cardi B and Offset have broken up….maybe. The rapper/singer/songwriter/reality show star married the high profile member of the rap trio Migos last year after he proposed to her in Philly at Power 99’s Powerhouse. They welcomed a daughter, Kulture, in July. Then announced a split amid cheating rumors on his part. Then Cardi hit the net and mentioned a quality she missed about Offset (SMILE). Shortly after that,  they’ve been spotted out and about together, but Cardi says they’re not back together. Hmmmmmm!

Allow Me To Re-introduce Myself!

So....I'm trying my best in 2019 to try reviving this thing I once loved! Before Facebook  & Instagram took over, I was faithfully posting to my blog! I always loved to write and share. I consider myself a pretty open book. If you follow me on Social Media then you already know! You know my life story if you do follow....ain't no shame in my game.

2018 was a whirlwind to me...crazy....good times and my share of not so good times. But guess what....there is always a testimony to my tests!! I'm still here!

2018 consisted of:
* a very unexpected layoff in January (Happy New Year to me!!...like 4 days in!)
* 1st time in my life I was unemployed...but for less than 30 days praise God!
* Came to terms with scheduling a hysterectomy (for my 40th birthday)...shop closed!
* Became employed with a great company that respects my value and worth!!
* Turned the big 4-0! Wasn't in the best shape to celebrate how I wanted, but....I celebrated with important folks!
* Was close to losing my dad (step)...close enough where DNR papers were on the kitchen table. Dad pulled thru praise God!

I experienced alot of growing pains last year....learned alot about people as well. Gained a few naysayers and double that amount in cheerleaders. With all I experienced in 2018...I promised I would have a better 2019, IM CLAIMING THAT...starting with Self Care. Anyone or anything toxic in my life will be handled accordingly!

So, I'm the same girl! Just older and wiser thanks again for following me all these years and hope you return!!

What's the 4-1-1!? Entertainment News!

Wow, it has been awhile...here is some entertainment news!

The First Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk will take place Saturday, June 17th at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, 201 North 17th Street. All the registration info and details are on the wdasfm.com page.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joins the 5 Timers’ Club when he hosts the season finale of Saturday Night Live this week with musical guest Katy Perry. It’s part of the whirlwind publicity for his new big budget movie adaption of the popular 90’s TV series Baywatch, coming out in theaters this month. Johnson’s got the momentum at the box office. The latest Fast & The Furious installment, The Fate Of The Furious with Ludacris, Tyrese and Vin Diesel, crossed the $1 billion mark at the box office. That makes its director, F. Gary Gray, the first African American director to hit the billion dollar mark at the box office. He also is on the cover of the latest issue of G.Q. magazine. Inside, the ex-wrestler talks about translating Baywatch to the big screen. Johnson also talks about a possible career change ….to politics. There has been a strong current of talk from those who know him about his savvy in political circles. Not to mention how popular he is at home and abroad. Could the man once known as The Rock run for the Presidency of The United States in 2020? Johnson won’t confirm or deny, but says he loves his country and is committed to seeing it win. Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!!!!! The G.Q. magazine with Johnson on the cover is out now, and Baywatch opens Thursday, May 25th going into The Memorial Day Weekend.

Stephanie Mills says her manager has mishandled her money. The songstress was just here for a sold out Mother’s Day concert in Atlantic City, but the next day severed her business ties with Manager Hiram Hicks. Hicks was the president of Island Black Music and has been Mills manager for more than three years. According to published reports, Mills says she’s grateful to her own business acumen that sensed something was wrong. The Grammy winner says she’s weighing her legal options when asked if she’s considered suing. Mills says as the single mother of a special needs child, she needed to show strength when she feels wronged. She’s also coming forward to fight the stigma of being embarrassed and to empower other artists to pay attention to their business as well. Meanwhile, an email attributed to Hiram Hicks denies all wrong doing, and the email also claims he still has a business relationship with Mills. 

Bill Cosby speaks. The former star of The Cosby Show granted an interview to CNN/Radio Personality Michael Smerconish with just less than a month to go before Cosby’s criminal sexual assault trial. Cosby refused to go into details about the legal aspects or to confirm whether or not his accusers are liars. He did speak that he thought racism is motivating much of what’s happening. Cosby is facing more than 50 accusers and defamation civil lawsuits involving alleged sexual misconduct. Cosby’s daughters Erinn and Ensa also released audio statements to radio and TV in support of their father. Cosby also says he doesn’t expect to testify in his defense. Bill Cosby’s criminal trial in Montgomery County, PA begins Monday, June 5th.

Philly’s own Kevin Hart, a.k.a “My Nephew,” is on a roll! First, congratulations are in order as he and his lovely wife Eniko Parrish are expecting their first child together. Hart has two children, Haven, 12, and Hendrix, 9, with ex-wife Torrei Hart, who issued a public statement wishing the couple congratulations. Hart’s also on the cover of this month’s Essence magazine. It’s their Men’s Issue with a Father’s Day theme. Then get ready for Kevin Hart Day this summer! Philadelphia has declared the native home of the actor/comedian will have a day of appreciation. “My Nephew” has been in his hometown town filming with Emmy Winner Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) the upcoming movie Untouchables, which follows the relationship of a paralyzed man and the caregiver he hires to help him adjust to his new reality and disability. Untouchables is due out in 2018. And, Kevin Hart Day in Philadelphia will happen Thursday, July 6th. Congrats Nephew!!!!

Jay-Z and Beyonce have crossed the billion dollar mark. The Carters, soon to be adding twins to their family, which includes 5-year old daughter Blue Ivy, are entertainment’s hottest couple. When Forbes magazine released their list of America’s Wealthiest Self-Made Women, it ranked Beyonce’s personal fortune at $350 million. Add that to Jay-Z’s personal fortune, reported at $810 million, and that put the power couple at $1.16 billion. Jay-Z having just signed a $200 million touring and events deal with Live Nation and Beyonce’s Formation tour having grossed $250 million, you can expect The Carter/Knowles Empire to just keep growing.

Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes….the saga continues. The two are reportedly off again on another private, romantic excursion in Paris with emphasis on PRIVATE. Is it Foxx that wants to keep things on the low and Holmes who wants the world to know she’s in love again? The two have been bending over backwards to avoid questions or confirming any personal dating info for the public. Complicating things is the fact that Holmes was married to Foxx was a onetime Co-star Tom Cruise. Cruise and Foxx became friends on the set of their 2004 movie Collateral. At first, the secrecy was all to protect Cruise and Holmes’ 10-year old daughter Suri. Foxx has two daughters of his own: Corinne, 23, and seven-year old Annalise. Now, Holmes is tired of hiding, but Foxx may still be gun shy. How would his audience react to this relationship? Meanwhile, Foxx is hosting a musical game called Beat Shazam, based on the popular song identifying app. Contestants take on the app after they advance from a few rounds of naming songs against each other. Foxx's show, Beat Shazam will debut on Thursday, May 25th at 9pm on FOX.

In more couples news, J-Lo and A-Rod: are wedding bells ready to ring? Jennifer Lopez is reportedly so smitten with her new beau, former Baseball Superstar Alex Rodriguez, that she’s ready to walk down the aisle and make him hubby number four. But what about A-Rod? His 2008 divorce from then wife of six-years, Cynthia Scurtis, was sealed, but reported cut deep into his then $250 million baseball contract. Rodriguez’s reputation as a womanizer also follows him around like a shadow.  Are Jenny From The Block and A-Rod ready to have a meeting of the minds and try marriage again? Meanwhile, Lopez career is running on all cylinders. The former American Idol judge has a new show, World Of Dance, on NBC. This time the competition is among dancers of all ages and from all around the world. Lopez is a judge and executive producer. Her fellow judges include Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Ne-Yo, Actress/Dancer Jenna Dewan Tatum (Supergirl; Step Up; Melrose Place) and Actor/Dancer Derek Hough (Dancing With The Stars). Plus, Lopez’s NBC cop drama Shades Of Blue, with Ray Liotta, has been renewed for the new season and has a special airing this Sunday at 9pm on NBC. Meanwhile World Of Dance premieres Tuesday May 30th at 10pm on NBC.

Speaking of Tuesday nights, the new America’s Got Talent returns on May 30th. Judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B, despite her divorce drama, all return to the talent competition show. Tyra Banks replaces Nick Cannon as host, and America’s Got Talent premieres Tuesday, May 30th at 8pm on NBC.

Guess who had 100 roses for her first Mother’s Day? Janet Jackson that’s who!!! They came from her estranged hubby. The newly separated Ms. Janet Jackson is preparing to resume the tour she interrupted to have her son. The 50-year old singer/actress/dancer separated from her husband of three years, 42-year old Wissam Al Mana, months after welcoming their first child, son Eissa. But, Wissam looks like he wants his boo back! The 100 roses follow the public social media statement he made declaring his continuing love and support of Janet. Will Miss Jackson be swayed? Meanwhile, Janet’s The State Of The World tour will kick off in September with stops in Atlantic City (November 10th), Bethlehem, PA (November 11th) and Philly (November 13th).

The TV networks have been unveiling their upcoming lineup and there’s big news for our favorites. First, you’ve heard of Shondaland, we’ll get ready for Lee-Land. FOX is giving Producer-Director Lee Daniels their full Wednesday night line up with the returning Daniels produced dramas Star starring Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, and  Empire, starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. Both shows return this fall beginning at 8pm on Wednesdays. Meanwhile, the show that was competing with Empire last season, Black-ish, was renewed by ABC for a fourth season. The sitcom, starring Anthony Anderson and Golden Globe Winner Tracee Ellis Ross, will now be moved to Tuesday nights at 9pm.

Singer Katy Perry has signed on as a judge on the new American Idol, which will be part of the ABC Sunday night lineup when it returns for the 2017-2018 season. The I Kissed A Girl singer confirmed for her fans via social media the great honor she feels to be a part of the legendary show. Other judges have not been confirmed to the public yet. When he was asked, the show’s most popular judge, Simon Cowell, said it’s unlikely he’d return as he’s committed to NBC’s America’s Got Talent, which he also produces. Meanwhile, despite his brand new gig as Kelly Ripa’s co-host of Live with Kelly & Ryan, sources say Ryan Seacrest is very close to sealing the deal to return as host of the new American Idol.

The ABC Network has made history by introducing a face of color to the Bachelor/Bachelorette reality show franchise. Texas Lawyer Rachel Lindsay will be the first African American Bachelorette beginning in May. Lindsay is already on The Bachelor earlier this season, which tells us obviously she didn’t win that contest. The Bachelorette has been around 14 years with at least two different seasons a year. The new President Of The ABC Entertainment Group is Channing Dungey, and she’s the first African American in history to hold the head of programming title on any of the major broadcast networks. Dungey has made it known she wants more diversity on the network, and has given The Bachelorette her blessing. The Bachelorette with Rachel Lindsay will have its season premiere this Monday, May 22nd at 9pm on ABC.

The embattled Newsman Roger Ailes has died. His wife Elizabeth announced his death. Ailes was a journalist/news manager for more than 40-years culminating in his appointment as founding chair and chief executive of Rupert Murdoch’s FOX News. But, Ailes’ legacy was tarnished when his high profile personalities from FOX accused him of sexual harassment. As the accusations piled up and Murdoch and his sons/business executives settled with the accusers, last summer they dismissed Ailes after 20-years at FOX’s helm with a multi-million dollar parachute. Ailes became the face of sexual harassment in the workplace and for companies that tolerate the behavior. As a result, other high profile sexual harassment cases are being settled quickly with official action and strong public statements of zero tolerance being issued. As for Ailes, reportedly he suffered a fall in his Palm Springs home and his death may have been a result of that. Roger Ailes was 77-years old. 

The Billboard Music Awards air on May 21st, and the nominees include Rihanna with 14 nods, The Weeknd with 13 and Beyonce has 8. That night’s performers will include Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Drake, John Legend and Cher will receive the ICON Award. The Billboard Music Awards will air this Sunday, May 21st at 8pm on ABC.

Get ready for the Tupac Shakur life story on film called All Eyez On Me. After the blockbuster $200 million box office success of the N.W.A. bio-pic Straight Outta Compton, it was only a matter of time before one of the most iconic legends of West Coast hip hop would be covered. All Eyez On Me, taking its title from Shakur’s last studio album released before his death, has been filming for close to two years. The movie stars Raven Symone, Hill Harper, Annie Ilonzeh, Danai Gurira, Kat Graham as Jada Pinkett Smith, Jamal Woolard reprising his role as The Notorious BIG and Demetrius Shipp, Jr. as Tupac Shakur. All Eyez On Me opens June 16th, which would have been Shakur’s 46th birthday.  

The Essence Of Entertainment returns to The Dell Music Center, 33rd & Ridge Avenue, for the summer of 2017. There'll be two movie nights featuring the films Sing and Moana with big screens and music by DJ Gary O. And, the lineup this summer is incredible. The new season of The Dell Music Center's Essence Of Entertainment 2017 kicks off Thursday, July 6th with all shows staring at 7pm:

July 6th - Johnny Gill, Jaheim & After 7

July 13th - Dramatics Featuring LJ Reynolds, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Intruders & Bloodstone

July 20th - KEM, Keke Wyatt & Lalah Hathaway

July 27th - Monica, Joe & Tank

Friday, July 28th - Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra & Philadanco

Saturday, July 29th- Patty Jackson's Party In The Park starring The O'Jays, The Whispers & Force MD's

August 3rd -Fantasia & Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds

August 10th - Erykah Badu & Ro James

August 17th - Sheila E, Dave Koz & Larry Graham

August 24th - Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

Comedian and Emmy Winner Jordan Peele has landed a huge deal in the wake of his blockbuster success with the thriller Get Out. Universal Pictures has signed Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions to an exclusive first look deal. Peele has made history with the horror/thriller starring Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams. He’s the first African American to ever have his directing debut movie gross $100 million. Get Out’s worldwide box office gross so far is over $200 million, and it’s scheduled to make its DVD and Blue Ray debut on May 23rd. The release will include an alternative ending. There’s talk of Peele looking at a follow up to Get Out.

It’s Idris Elba versus Matthew McConaughey!! In the upcoming movie Dark Tower, Elba plays a gunslinger in a futuristic world who must stop his enemy, played by McConaughey, from destroying a mystical tower. That tower keeps the world from being overrun by uncontrollable evil. Along the way, Elba must mentor a young boy who proves helpful in the quest to preserve the tower. Dark Tower opens August 4th.

Queen Bey wants you to turn lemon into lemonade. Beyonce is releasing a How To Make Lemonade box set. This lemonade is priced at $300. It comes with the original Lemonade album on vinyl and a 600 page coffee table book with previously unreleased photos documenting the making of the album. Beyonce superfan Dr. Michael Eric Dyson wrote the foreword, and there’s also a poem by Warsan Shire. The pre-order date is set for this coming summer.

The Obamas are on the cover of this week’s People magazine. It’s a look at the former POTUS and FLOTUS’ life after The White House. Their downtime future plans upcoming books and their continued community activism is highlighted.

The April/May issue of Ebony magazine features two-time NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) on the cover. It’s the travel issue and also features catching up with En Vogue, who’ll be at the Mann Thursday June 1st, and the Vacations For Mom And Me article.

Essence Magazine is gearing up for its 23rd Annual Essence Fest and The Hip Hop Queen Of Soul, A Legend and The Boss will be in the house! Yes! Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Motown Legend Miss Diana Ross will headline the now legendary festival. Chaka Khan, Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan, India.Arie, Solange, Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls, Ro James, Tweet, Shaggy, Michel’le, Yuna and Lalah Hathaway will also be performing with more acts to come. The 2017 Essence Fest will be June 29th through July 2nd in New Orleans.

Check out who’s coming to town:

Saturday, May 27th - HoagieNation Starring Hall & Oates, Tears For Fears, Philly’s own Vivian Green, Son Little and G. Love & Special Sauce, to name a few, at Penn Landing’s Festival Pier for Memorial Day Weekend. For tickets and information log on to HoagieNation.com.

Sunday, May 28th – Maxwell with Leela James and Ledisi in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and for tickets and information log onto theborgata.com.

Thursday, June 1st – Bell/Biv/DeVoe with special guests SWV and En Vogue at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside Avenue. For more information log onto manncenter.org.

Saturday, June 24th – R Kelly in concert at Diana Ross’ In The Name Of Love Tour at The BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Tickets are on sale now and for more information log onto ticketmaster.com

Saturday, July 8th - Charlie Wilson & Chante Moore at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside Avenue. For more information log onto manncenter.org.

Sunday, July 16th   – Jill Scott in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and for tickets and information log onto theborgata.com.

Saturday, July 29th – Diana Ross’ In The Name Of Love Tour at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside Avenue and for tickets and information log onto manncenter.org.

Tuesday, August 1st – Earth, Wind & Fire and CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers at The Wells Fargo Center. Tickets go on sale 10am Saturday, April 29th and for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.

Sunday, August 13th   – Kool & The Gang and The Commodores in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and for tickets and information log onto theborgata.com.

Wednesday, August 16th – The All The Hits Tour Starring Lionel Richie & Special Guest Star Mariah Carey at The Wells Fargo Center. This is the new date from the cancelled March concert. Tickets and information at wellsfargocenterphilly.com.

Friday, September 1st - The I Love The 90’s Tour: The Party Continues starring Blackstreet, TLC, Montell Jordan, Naughty By Nature, Biz Markie, Snap and C&C Music Factory at The BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. 

Friday, November 10th – Janet Jackson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto boardwalkhall.box-officetickets.com.

Saturday, November 11th – Janet Jackson at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. For tickets or for more information log onto sandsbethlehememovementseventcenter.ticketoffics.com

Monday, November 13th – Janet Jackson at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.

If you would like more info please email me at pattyj1053@aol.com or Pattyjackson@clearchannel.comor check me out with my midday reports at 10:35am