The Love Dare...

**Borrowed from someone very special to me, here is an excerpt from this book I can't wait to read. Those who are married may find this book helpful. Have you watched the movie Fireproof? Wonderful movie, which is featured in the storyline of Fireproof. Check both out if you can should be beneficial. Just reading this excerpt alone gave me an unwanted reality check.**

Love is Unconditional
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us. – Romans 5:8

If someone were to ask you, “Why do you love your wife?” or “Why do you love your husband?” – what would you say?

Most men would mention their wife’s beauty, her sense of humor, her kindness, her inner strength. They might talk about her cooking, her knack for decorating, or what a good mother she is.

Women would probably say something about their husband’s good looks or his personality. They’d commend him for his steadiness and consistent character. They’d say they love him because he’s always there for them. He’s generous. He’s helpful.

But what if over the course of years, your wife or husband stopped being every one of those things. Would you still love them? Based on your answers above, the only logical response would be “no.” If your reasons for loving your spouse all have something to do with his or her qualities – and then those same qualities suddenly or gradually disappear – your basis for love is over.

The only way love can last a lifetime is if it’s unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.

The Bible refers to this kind of love by using the Greek word agape (pronounced uh-GOP-ay).

It differs from the other types of love, which are – phileo (friendship) and eros (sexual love). Both friendship and sex have an important place in marriage, of course, and are definitely part of the house you build together as husband and wife. But if your marriage totally depends on having common interests or enjoying a healthy sex life, then the foundation of your relationship is unstable.

Phileo and eros are more responsive in nature and can fluctuate based upon feelings. Agape love, on the other hand, is selfless and unconditional. So unless this kind of love forms the foundation of your marriage, the wear and tear of time will destroy it. Agape love is in “sickness and health” love, “for richer or poorer” love, “for better or worse” love. It is the only kind of love that is true love.

That’s because this is God’s kind of love. He doesn’t love use because we are lovable but because He is so loving. The Bible says, “In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). If He insisted that we prove ourselves worthy of His love, we would fail miserably. But God’s love is a choice He makes completely on His own. It’s something we receive from Him and then share with others. “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

If a man says to his wife, “I have fallen out of love with you,” he is actually saying, “I never loved you unconditionally to begin with.” His love was based on feelings or circumstances rather than commitment. That’s the result of building a marriage on phileo or eros love. There must be a stronger foundation than mere friendship or sexual attraction. Unconditional love, agape love, will not be swayed by time or circumstance.

That’s not to say, though, that love which began for the wrong reasons cannot be restored and redeemed. In fact, when you rebuild your marriage with agape as its foundation, then the friendship and romantic aspects of your love become more endearing than ever before. When your enjoyment of each other as best friends and lovers is based on unwavering commitment, you will experience an intimacy that cannot be achieved any other way.

But you will struggle and fail to attain this kind of marriage unless you allow God to begin growing His love within you. Love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7) does not come from within. It can only come from God.

The Scriptures say that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). This is God’s kind of love. And thankfully – by your choice – it can become your kind of love. But first you must receive it and share it.

And don’t be surprised, when your spouse begins living confidently under its shade, if he or she doesn’t become even more lovable to you than you remember. You will no longer say, “I love you because …” You will now say, “I love you, period.”

Material taken from The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, copyright ©

Entertainment Week of 9/8/11

Eddie Murphy will be the host of The 2012 Academy Awards. This is great for the 50-year old comedian. What a milestone this will be in his career. I think Murphy will make a great host. He is a comic genius, and he knows movies. In 2006, he was nominated for best supporting actor for his work in Dreamgirls. Murphy has a new movie coming out in November called Tower Heist with Ben Stiller. He has another movie coming out in January called A Thousand Words.

Boxing Legend Oscar De La Hoya is coming clean. After leaving rehab, he is telling all. De la Hoya has admitted the photos that came out of him dressed in women’s lingerie were him. The photos came out in 2007, and were released by an angry ex-girlfriend. De La Hoya says he took the photos under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. De La Hoya has been sober for the past three months.

Rapper Actor T.I. is back in jail. He was out for one day when Federal Officials put him back. T.I. was released early on good behavior and was supposed to be in a halfway house, but he left an Arkansas jail in a fancy tour bus. Even though prison officials took photos with him in front of the bus, he was still sent back to prison. Officials argued they thought T.I. was leaving in a van, not a splashy tour bus filled with cameras for a future reality show. T.I. is due to be released from jail on September 29th.

Funeral services are set for McKinley "Bug" Williams, one of the original members of Frankie Beverly and Maze. Williams, 65, died of a heart attack last Friday after rehearing for a concert with Maze. Funeral services are Monday, September 12th at New Covenant Church, 7500 Germantown Avenue. The viewing is from 9am to 11am, and service starts at 11am. McKinley is preceded in death by five of his brothers. Williams was a Germantown native who attended Germantown High. Williams was with Frankie Beverly as the group went through several transitions, including their days as "Raw Soul" and the group's mentoring by the late Marvin Gaye. It was Gaye who suggested a final name change. Once becoming Maze and releasing their self-titled debut in 1977, the group made history. Williams leaves behind a daughter, a sister and a host of nieces, family members and friends.

It’s official! Holly Robinson Peete is no longer a part of CBS’ The Talk. In her statement, Robinson Peete thanked CBS for the opportunity to be a part of a talk show, and she was very gracious. The CBS network did Holly dirty! They fired her and Leah Remini, and never gave a good excuse why. Robinson Peete and Remini were replaced by Sheryl Underwood and Molly Shannon. Sources say Head Moderator Julie Chen, who is married to CBS Boss Les Moonves, wants all the spotlight on her, and didn’t want any competition from the others.

Congrats to Mel B, the former Spice Girl has given birth to her third child, a girl with hubby Stephen Belafonte.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s TNT show, HawthorRNe, has been cancelled after three seasons.

Actor Jason George is returning to Grey’s Anatomy. George resumes the role of “Dr. Ben Warren,” who was the love interest of Chandra Wilson’s character. “Bailey’s” ex-boyfriend makes his debut later this year. The new season of Grey’s Anatomy kicks off September 22nd on ABC.

How far along is Beyonce in her pregnancy? Her pregnancy announcement made headlines around the world. It was a great TV moment, but her use of a prosthetic belly may backfire on her. She is barely three months pregnant and not really showing at all. This is going to be a very long pregnancy.
How hot is The Help? The surprise box office smash has taken in close to $118 million at the box office.

Regis Philbin is leaving his daytime talker Regis & Kelly on November 18th. The 80-year old TV vet is ready to call it quits. There has been no word on who will replace Regis.

Mariah Carey plans to show off her post baby body when The X Factor debuts on the 21st. Simon Cowell’s new singing reality show features Carey as a mentor. While she was pregnant with twins, Carey gained a lot of weight. She wants to look her best when the show kicks off. The X-Factor debuts Sept. 21st on FOX with Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell. A lot of people are wondering when we will ever see photos of her twin babies with hubby Nick Cannon.

Here’s a Basketball Wives update: Meeka Claxton is out. She never fit in with the other ladies, Evelyn Lozada may or may not be pregnant, but now that she is dating Chad Ochocinco, she doesn’t want to return to the show. Malaysia of the L.A. version of Basketball Wives has some explaining to do. She is married to Jannero Pargo of the Chicago Bulls, but back in the day, she was butt naked in music videos with Ludacris.

A street in Chicago was named in honor of Don Cornelius, the host and creator of TV’s Soul Train. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Soul Train.

Tennis sensation Venus Williams, 31, recently revealed she is suffering from an autoimmune disease. Williams is suffering from Sjogren's syndrome. It causes fatigue and pain and there is no known cure. The disease is not life threatening and if managed properly it shouldn’t end her career. Williams says she hopes to return to tennis soon and is going to focus on getting better.

Forest Whitaker has a new TV project for the TNT network. His first show is about a female police officer.

For 41 years she played “Erica Kane” on ABC’s All My Children, and now Susan Lucci is ready to tell all. In her new book, All My Life, she talks about the cancellation of All My Children. She says the show lost out to greed. All My Children ends its run on September 23rd. The soap opera is moving on line, but Lucci has not decided if she will make the move with the show.

Chris Tucker is working on his comeback. He is close to signing a deal for two new movies. Tucker is currently on a stand up comedy tour.

Arsenio Hall wants to return to late night TV. Now that the BET network has given Mo’Nique the boot, will they respond to Arsenio and consider him?

According to published reports, Diana Ross is not happy that her daughter Tracee is dating a polygamist. Tracee is dating Bu Thiam, who is the brother of Singer/Rapper Akon. Bu has money and is well known in the entertainment world. He and Tracee are very close, but Tracee had to assure her mother she would never marry a man who would take other women as wives. Tracee has a new show debuting on BET next month called Reed Between The Lines with Malcolm Jamal Warner.

Rosie O’Donnell will be on the October cover of O magazine with Oprah Winfrey. O’Donnell has a new show debuting on the O network this fall.

Idris Elba is now Mr. Smartwater. Elba, who just celebrated his 39th birthday, has been named as the face of the new fall campaign for Smartwater.

Sherri Shepherd Gets Married airs on the Style network Tuesday, September 13th. The View co-host wed TV Writer Lamar Sally, and she admits she didn’t wear any underwear on her wedding day.

The new issue of Essence magazine features First Lady Michelle Obama.

Alicia Keys, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore are the cover girls for the latest edition of Glamour magazine. They are promoting their new breast cancer project for the Lifetime network

A new tell-all is coming out about Comedian Katt Williams. He was once one of the top name comedians, and now he is known for making headlines for foolishness. In the book Pimp Down: The Rise And Fall Of Katt Williams, the author, a former employee of Williams, details the drama, the personal business, mental breakdowns, tantrums, drugs, groupies, lavish hotels, multiple suicide attempts, jail time, gang hits, booze and expensive cars.

The Rachel Ray Show did a special Philadelphia taping featuring Boyz II Men and Patti LaBelle. It will air September 26th. Speaking of Boyz II Men, they’re back with a new song More Than You’ll Ever Know with “Uncle” Charlie Wilson.

In more Boyz II Men news, they celebrate 20 years with a new album this fall. Twenty is a double CD with 10 new songs and updated versions of their classics including End Of The Road and I’ll Make Love To You. Along with Charlie Wilson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Babyface helped out on the project. The CD will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. They will also be in concert Saturday, September 17th at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center on North Broad Street.

This fall, look for Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas and his new TBS TV series with Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White. The show, For Better Or For Worse debuts November 23rd on TBS. The TV show is based on Perry’s hit movie series Why Did I Get Married.

Get ready for season four of Real Housewives Of Atlanta kicking off on the Bravo network in November.

Steve Harvey’s Family Feud is coming to NBC-10 starting September 12th and will air at 12noon. NBC-10 will also air a new mid-morning news show at 11am followed by The Ten Show in a new half-hour format at 11:30am. Steve is also coming to town with a new comedy show on Saturday, November 5th at the Liacouras Center. Steve is also launching a new daytime talk show in the fall of 2012.

At the movies, it’s Comedian Kevin Hart and his new movie Laugh At My Pain. He just started work on his new FOX-TV show Little In Common with Gabrielle Union. The show debuts in January 2012. He is also starring in the movie Think Like A Man, based on Steve Harvey’s popular book, which opens in theatres next spring.

American Idol’s 11th season kicks off Sunday, January 22nd following the NFC Championship game. Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest are all returning.

Andre Braugher is returning to NBC. He’s joining the cast of Law & Order: SVU. The new season kicks off September 14th on NBC. Braugher was recently on the cancelled TNT show Men Of A Certain Age and is up for an Emmy in September for that show. Braugher won an Emmy for his previous NBC drama Homicide: Life On the Street. The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards air September 18th on FOX. Congrats to Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne and Alfre Woodard, who are also nominated for Emmys this year.

The Old Spice Guy is joining Charlie’s Angels. Isaiah Mustafa has joined the cast of the new version of famed 70’s action show which co-stars Annie Ilonzeh and is co-executive produced by Drew Barrymore. The new season kicks off Thursday, September 22nd on ABC. Mustafa was recently featured in Tyler Perry’s movie Madea’s Big Happy Family which comes out on DVD August 30th.

The 33rd Annual UNCF Evening Of Stars airs on BET September 25th. This year’s guests include Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle, Musiq Soulchild and Miquel.

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin is getting a new salute. She’ll be honored once again by The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in their American Music Masters series. The Queen is also coming to NBC in a primetime special which airs September 24th. The special will feature music from her new album A Woman Falling Out Of Love. Franklin is very busy these days. She’s also teaming up with the legendary Tony Bennett for his new album Duets. She also opened up President Obama's recent Labor Day rally in Detroit.

Actor/Author Hill Harper is back with a new book: The Wealth Cure: Putting Money In Its Place. In his latest, Harper tells readers don’t let money rule you, but be an active architect in your own life. Stop the confusion and anxiety about money. Invest in oneself first. Harper’s previous books included Letters To A Young Brother, Letters To A Young Sister and The Conversation. Harper’s diagnosis of thyroid cancer helped inspire this book and coming to terms with what’s really important in life. He says he’s doing very well since the diagnosis. Harper is best known for his role as “Dr. Hawkes” on the CBS drama CSI: NY.

Get ready for the return of Braxton Family Values. The second season kicks in November on the WE network.

Joe’s new CD, The Good, The Bad And The Sexy, arrives in stores on September 27th.

Tyrese is gearing up to release a new album. The CD, Open Invitation, comes out November 1st. The Transformer III star is also pushing his latest book, How To Get Out Of Your Own Way. Tyrese has been getting some criticism for his latest music video. In explaining the lack of African American women in his video I Gotta Chick, he says he went with the best not race.

Melanie Fiona and Kelly Price have been added to the Kem show Friday, September 16th at the Mann Center For The Performing Arts.

Wayne Brady has been tapped to host an ol’ school jam in Las Vegas that Justin Timberlake is putting together. The event is happening in October, and will benefit the Shriners Hospital For Children. Charlie Wilson, The Commodores, Sister Sledge and Earth Wind & Fire are on the bill.

Angela Bassett is also coming to Broadway replacing Halle Berry in the production The Mountaintop. Samuel L. Jackson is starring as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The show opens October 13th.

Babyface is going on tour and coming to the Keswick Theatre on Saturday, November 26th.

The George Lucas movie Red Tails with Terrence Howard opens in theatres January 20, 2012. The movie about the first African American fighter pilots (The Tuskegee Airmen) also stars Oscar Winner Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Wendy Williams returns for a third season of her daytime talk show on September 12th.

The Bynum Brothers have a new venture: Green Soul, 7169 Ogontz Avenue. It’s a new healthy food restaurant.


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

This first time father is the husband of a Reality Star, but money ain’t a thing for them. She’s bringing in cash from TV, music and child support, so looks like he can stretch out and relax.


Special Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys? The stage play stars Clifton Powell, Leon and Terrell Carter, September 27th- October 2nd at The Merriam Theatre. For more info call 215-893-1999 or Kimmelcenter.org.

Torn Between Two Fathers, A Priest Tyaire production September 17th at the Dupont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware. For info call 302-762-4776.

Check out who’s coming to town:

Friday, September 16th- Kem with Melanie Fiona and Kelly Price at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue.
Saturday, September 17th- Boyz II Men at Temple University's Performing Arts Center on 1837 North Broad Street.
Saturday, September 24th- Sinbad at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

Sunday, September 25th – The rescheduled Boney James concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

Sunday, October 9th- Wanda Sykes at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
Saturday, October 22nd – Ledisi at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center on 1837 North Broad Street.
Sunday, October 23rd – George Benson in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
Saturday, November 26th- Babyface in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
April 10th, 2012- Cirque De Soleil Show featuring the music of Michael Jackson at the Wells Fargo Center(formerly the Wachovia Center).

My Testimony...

Okay, so some of you may know that I was looking around for a church that was closer to home. Tried a few and I really wasn't feelin the ones I tried. Everyone looks for something different, looks for that comfort and warm feeling when you make a church, a home.
Well with no luck, this past Sunday, I went back to my home church. I know FOR SURE, I will get the word and everything else I am looking for right there at Life Changing Ministries. So...I went..and already knew Pastor was going to give me that look...yeah you know that look!

So, I walked in the sanctuary, and Pastor Woods made direct eye contact with me and gave me that look and the head nod, like.."Yeah I see you, glad to see you though" look. So I nod back, like, "Glad to see you too Pastor!" =) Which I was, I just felt at home.

Praise and Worship...of the chain! (as usual). Usually after Praise and Worship he asks us to welcome our neighbors and show some love. So..at this time I when I decided to go show my Pastor some love...he gave love right back. True my Pastor hasn't seen me in a while, but he greeted me as if he just saw me yesterday, and asked, "How you doin Pat" (person #3 I will allow to call me Pat)...I replied, "I'm healing....I'm healing, thank you", so he smiled gave me that look like, "You are in the right place!" So...I find my way back to seat...

The congregation is introduced to this Pastor from Ghana...BOMB! Wow! Guess what the message was about....HEALING!!!! HELLO!? Instant chills...I swear my skin looked like an orange peel the ENTIRE service! So he speaks about healing!

He reminded us that, "By his stripes we are healed!" Which is so true...
No matter what type of wounds or bruises we have, whether they are emotional, spiritual, physical, economical, financial....you can be healed!"

If you claim....you can inherit my friends, all you gotta have is your faith in the right spot! I can testify to this as I am sure many of us can!

So he asked us..."WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM!?"
Compare your bruises to his bruises! Let go of any issues you may be holding onto from your past, HE was bruised far more than us...think about it! Transfer your emotional wounds to him and let him rescue you and repair!

If you cannot solve your own problems....TURN IT OVER TO HIM!!!

A few of the versus that were discussed...loved them

Isaiah 53:5
"But HE was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was chastised that we might have peace; he was lashed - and we were healed!"

Luke 11:24-25
24 - When a demon is cast out of a man, it goes to the deserts, searching there for the rest; but finding none , it returns to the person it left."

25 - and finds that its former home is all swept and clean"

Mark 9:14-29
14 - At the bottom of the mountain they found a great crowd surrounding the other nine disciples, as some Jewish leaders argued with them
15 - The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them, and then ran to greet him
16 - Whats all the argument about? he asked.
17 - One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher I brought my son for you to heal as he can't talk because he is possessed by a demon.
18 - And whenever the demon is in control of him it dashed him to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and he bites his teeth and becomes rigid. So I begged your disciples to cast out the demon, but they couldn't do it."
19 - Jesus said [to his disciples], "Oh what tiny Faith you have, how much longer must I be with you until you believe? How much longer must I be patient with you? Bring the bout to me."
20 - So they brought the boy, but when he saw Jesus the demon convulsed the child horribly , and fell to the ground foaming at the mouth.
21 - "How long has he been this way?" Jesus asked the father. And he replies, "Since he was very small
22 - and the demon often makes him fall into the fire or into the water to kill him.
Oh have mercy on us and do something if you can."
23 - "If I can?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if you have faith."
24 - The father instantly replied, "I do have faith: oh, help me to have more!"
25 - When Jesus saw the crowd was growing, he rebuked the demon. "Oh demon of the deafness and dumbness," he said, "I command you to come out of this child and enter him no more!"
26 - Then the demon screamed terribly and convulsed the boy again and left him and they boy lay there limp and motionless, to all appearance dead. A murmur ran through the crowd - "He is dead."
27 - But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet and he stood up and was all right!
28 - Afterwards, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we have cast that demon out?"
29 - Jesus replied, "Cases like this require prayer"

Mark 9:23
"Anything is possible if you have faith"

**Please be sure to refer to the specific bible verse and read from your bibles, as we all use different versions...

Stay easy family!
XOXO

Are You From My Apple Tree!?

I love me some Erykah Badu...I must admit though, I think I like her first few CD's...my most favorite..

Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu Live (bomb...and can't find it)

Baduism

Worldwide Underground
....after that I havent bought any new ones..love Window Seat as well...

However, one of my all time favorite songs of hers is "Apple Tree" I like Erykah Badu because her lyrics I can relate to..here is one of my favs:

It was a stormy night
you know the kind where the lightning strike
and I was hangin' out wit some of my "artsy" friends
ooh wee ooh wee oooh
The night was long the night went on
people coolin' out until the break of dawn
incense was burnin' so I'm feelin right -- ah'ight

See I picks my friends like I pick my fruit
& Ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don't go 'round trying to be what I'm not
I don't waste my time trying ta get what you got
I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you
and that's why I do what I do
My soul flies free like a willow tree
doo wee doo wee do wee

And if you don't want to be down with me
You don't want to pick from my appletree
And if you don't want to be down with me
Then you don't want to pick from my appletree
And if you don't want to be down with me
Then you don't want to pick from my appletree
And if you don't want to be down with me
You just don't want to be down

I have a ho
and I take it everywhere I go
Cause I'm planting seeds
so I reaps What I sow -- ya know
Oh on & on & on & on
my cipher keeps movin' like a rollin' stone
I can't control the soul flowin' in me
ooh wee

See I picks my friends like I pick my fruit
& Ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don't walk around trying to be what I'm not
I don't waste my time trying ta get what you got
I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you
and that's why I do what I do
My soul flies free like a willow tree
doo wee doo wee do wee

Depending on where you are in life, this song could mean so many different things.
Do you often question your identity still as an adult? Do you question your motives? Do you question why you do the things you do? Do you question who is truly in your corner? Do you question who your REAL friends are?

It's simple...as the song says, "I work at pleasin' me casue I can't please you, and thats why I do what I do!"....worry about yourself and not be focused so much on others. Be pleased with yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. Try not to worry about what everyone else and their mama may think about you...everyone has an opinion and whether you ask or not they may or may not give it to ya.

Find your inner strength and know that their opinions don't matter...its all about YOU!

Eat your own fruit that you produce from your apple tree!

Here & There

This week was a straight emotional week for a sista..

Had mediation again on Monday in court and that is never the business. But hey, I went in like a soldier and got it done. It was extremely awkward, but hey...it is what it is. I honestly cannot wait till all of this is over.


I had a very short week at work due to me not being there Monday, then on Wednesday I had an all day training and then Friday was our regular 9/80 work schedule. Being in the office for only 2 days last week was not the business at all. Alot of folks may think its awesome, but I am one to always think of the consequences to actions. Not to mention, I am off on Monday due to the holiday! I have a feeling my voicemail is probably at its capacity, my email has exceeded its limit and mail will be rollin in thick like morning fog...but its all good. It will be another week and I will make the very best of it.


My week came to an end and I must say, it was a very nice ending. =) All good really does come to those who wait huh? I am really anticipating some awesome things happening in my future and I am anticipating to see what God has in store for me! Yeah buddy!!!


I cropped today with a few of my WhoGivesaScrap friends at the monthly crop in Chino. I hooked up with my ace, Alondra Ladison and we really got down and dirty...literally...DIRTY! Kinda grimy! But hey its all good! We have been indulging in an art journal and trying new things. We have been working with all different types of elements that have been stashed away for years!!! I mean paint, paint brushes, modge podge, stamps, and all kind of stuff! We really been showin ourselves out! Holla! Thanks to my scrapper girlfriends Robin, Alondra and Melissa for contributing to the inspiration received within the past 4 weeks...xoxo

Anyway...here are a few pics of what I been doin...





Other than that I will leave you with some photos that I have taken recently during the past few weekends...

Pictures below are me and Bre playing miniature golf with the Jennifer Priest and her lovely fam that I love to pieces!

Bre & Mommy

Bre & Matthew bein silly!

Ok...in between catching up on Basketball Wives, Big Brother & Jersey Shore, this post has taken me about an hour...lol..more pics to be uploaded soon!

4-1-1- Entertainment for the Week of August 14, 2011

The sad and unexpected death of Televangelist Dr. Zachery Tims is topping this week’s 4-1-1. Tims, 42, was the head of a popular church in central Florida. He and wife Riva had a ministry of thousands. He was well known on the TBN network and the Word network. A couple of years ago, Tims was involved in a scandal with a stripper that led to he and his wife getting divorced. They had four children. Over the weekend, Tims was found dead in a hotel in New York. Drugs were suspected after a powder substance was found in his pockets. Tims was a good minister, but many believe his personal demons took over his life. He often talked about his past drug use and addiction when he was a teen, and it’s so sad to hear his life ending this way.

LisaRaye McCoy says she is not the reason Stacey Dash got fired from the VH1 show Single Ladies. LisaRaye sent the world a message while vacationing in Italy. She says the decision to let Dash go was a network decision. Dash has been very quiet about her firing. Was she a drama queen? Was she late all the time? Was it her fighting with LisaRaye? LisaRaye and the head writer/creator of the show are close friends. Who is going to replace Dash because a replacement is being sought? Queen Latifah serves as the show’s executive producer.

What is CBS doing to Holly Robinson Peete? Is she returning to The Talk? Peete co-hosts the daytime talker with Leah Remini, Sara Gilbert, Julie Chen and Sharon Osborne. The show is in an upheaval stage. Sharon Osborne is reportedly leaving. There is a lot of tension with Leah Remini, and, I hear Peete may not resign. What is going on? Peete is great on this show. Julie Chen, who is married to CBS Honcho Les Moonves, reportedly won’t let the ladies talk about major news event without her. Julie wants to be known as the news authority. There have been problems with Remini bringing her mom on the set of the show and not abiding by show rules. But, what is the problem with Peete, and why is she being treated this way?

Who is coming back to Basketball Wives for season four? Shaunie O’Neal, the producer of the show, says the new season will have more balance. She admits the show is heavy handed with all the fighting. Meeka Claxton, the wife of Speedy Claxton, won’t be back. She lost steam after getting slapped by Tami Roman. Royce Reed may not be back. She wants more money, and she is starting to venture out with more projects.

The Michael Jackson tribute concert has run into controversy. The tribute show, scheduled for October in Wales, is being run by Joe Jackson and his cronies. You know Joe is quick to cash in on Michael’s name. The Michael Jackson Estate says it will sue the organizers if they are not told where the proceeds are going.

Did scientology play a part in the split up between Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony? Lopez’s dad has been part of the religion for over twenty years, and she feels it’s okay if her children by Anthony get teachings. Reports say Anthony was not happy with this.

Was Kobe Bryant fighting in church? According to reports out of San Diego, Bryant was in church service with his wife Vanessa when he spotted a man taking a picture. Bryant thought the man was taking a picture of him, so he grabbed the man’s wrists. The man screamed that Bryant hurt him and had to be rushed to the hospital. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Can’t you smell a lawsuit here?

Chris Tucker is on the latest edition of Jet magazine. He talks about being a born again Christian, returning to stand up comedy and wanting to do more dramatic roles. The Friday and Rush Hour star is coming to the Borgata Friday, September 9th in Atlantic City.

Kudos to Ebony and Jet magazines and their increased circulation: their new layouts are amazing.

Sherri Shepherd tied the knot with Lamar Sally over the weekend. The View co-host has her wedding pictures featured in the new issue of Life & Style magazine, and the Style network is featuring her wedding on their cable network September 13th.

Johnny Gill’s latest comeback may have hit a snag. He is being sued by the owner of his new record label Notifi Records after going off on Twitter. He called the owner, Ira Dewitt, a deranged nut. He says she deliberately leaked tracks from his new CD. At 45, Gill was hoping this would be his latest comeback, but many people say this was not a good career move.

President Obama will be at the memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The dedication at the national mall is happening on Sunday, August 28th in Washington, DC. Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Dr. Maya Angelou will also be on hand.

The BET network is airing a 10th anniversary special on the late Singer Aaliyah. Aaliyah died in a plane crash in the Bahamas on August 25th, 2001. She was 22-years old at the time. Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliot, Timbaland and Kelly Rowland are participating in the special.

Who’s going to be on the new season of Dancing With The Stars? The new season kicks off next month, but don’t look for Queen Latifah, who was rumored to be joining the show. Former Boxer Mike Tyson may be signing up. That’s because he did the European version, so don’t be surprised.

The hottest actress of the moment has to be Viola Davis. The 46-year old Oscar nominee is starring in the box office smash The Help. Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, are in the process of adopting a baby, and she is being courted by HBO about starring in a new show.

Get ready for the return of Braxton Family Values. The second season kicks in November on the WE network.

Get ready for season four of Real Housewives Of Atlanta kicking off on the Bravo network in November.

The TV One network is airing the 2011 Essence Music Festival on Labor Day Monday, September 5th.

Joe’s new CD, The Good, The Bad And The Sexy, arrives in stores on September 27th.

Melanie Fiona and Kelly Price have been added to the Kem show Friday, September 16th at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts.

Congrats to Singer Neyo, he and his girlfriend are expecting their second child.

Eric Benet’s new movie, Trinity Goodheart, airs on Saturday, August 20th on the Gospel Music Channel.

The 33rd Annual UNCF Evening Of Stars airs on BET September 25th. This year’s guests include Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle, Musiq Soulchild and Miquel.

Eddie Murphy is providing the voice for the Hong Kong Phooey Movie. The film is based on the popular cartoon from the 70’s about a dog who becomes a Kung Fu crime fighter. The late Scatman Crothers voiced the TV cartoon character in the 70’s. Murphy is no stranger to animation. He voices the Donkey in the Shrek movies. Murphy’s new movie Tower Heist, with Ben Stiller and Gabourey Sidibe, opens in theatres November 5th.

Singer Tank is looking for new management. He recently got rid of his old new management who weren’t pushing him in the right direction. Tanks sings, acts and writes songs, but his career has never really taken off the way it should. He is currently co-starring with Tisha Campbell-Martin on her new lifetime show The Protector. Martin has been making the tours promoting her show, and showing up at events without her hubby Actor Duane Martin (All Of Us). Hmmmmmm!

Wayne Brady has been tapped to host an ol’ school jam in Las Vegas that Justin Timberlake is putting together. The event is happening in October, and will benefit the Shriners Hospital For Children. Charlie Wilson, The Commodores, Sister Sledge and Earth Wind & Fire are on the bill.

He’s hosted the Academy Awards eight times, and now he wants back in. At 63, Comedian Billy Crystal says he’s getting the itch to host again. He has been the best. Crystal is currently making a film based on his one man play 700 Sundays. The 84th Annual Academy Awards air February 26th, 2012 on ABC.

Sex And The City may be coming back to TV. Are you ready for more of "Carrie" and company? Talks are underway for a revival of the show.

Affion Crockett is on a roll with his Sunday night FOX show. His sketches are hysterical.

Nick Cannon is signing on for more work. In addition to being married to Mariah Carey, being a new dad, hosting a syndicated radio show, being a Nickelodeon programming exec and host of America’s Got Talent, he is joining the cast of the NBC show Up All Night.

Actor Orlando Bloom from the Disney show That’s So Raven was recently arrested for drunk driving. The 23-year old actor was with his pregnant girlfriend, and he was also cited for driving without a license.

Steve Harvey’s Family Feud is coming to NBC-10 starting September 12th and will air at 12noon. NBC-10 will also air a new mid-morning news show at 11am followed by The Ten Show in a new half-hour format at 11:30am. Steve is also coming to town with a new comedy show on Saturday, November 5th at the Liacouras Center.

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross is the cover girl for Essence magazine. Her new BET show, Reed Between The Lines, debuts on October 11th with Malcolm Jamal Warner,

Actress Zoe Saldana is the cover girl for the new issue of Ebony magazine. She looks hot. Saldana is an action star in her new movie Columbiana, which opens in theatres August 26th.

Get ready for Tyler Perry’s latest movie Madea’s Big Happy Family on DVD August 30th, and Madea’s Christmas will be out on DVD before Thanksgiving. In more Tyler news, Gabrielle Union is in Perry’s movie Good Deeds, it also stars Thandie Newton, Brian White, Phylicia Rashad, Beverly Johnson and Eddie Cibrian, opens in theatres February 24th. Perry is also teaming up with Lionsgate for his new network. Yes! Tyler TV would take over an existing gospel network and show his TV shows, movies and other Christian themed programming.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker (Mrs. Boris Kodjoe) is coming to Broadway. She will be teaming up with Blair Underwood in the Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire. Previews start next spring.

Actor Henry Simmons is returning to TV in the ABC comedy Man Up. Simmons used to play “Detective Jones” on the TV drama NYPD Blue.

Singer Brandy is looking to reinvent her career. She says no more reality TV. After stints on Dancing With The Stars, her VH1 show and America’s Got Talent, nothing has really jumpstarted her career. She is currently filming a documentary about the ups and down of her career and her comeback. Brandy is also working with the show Majors And Minors, which is about mentoring young people. She is also joining the cast of the TV show 90210. In the season 4 opener, she plays a young politician.

Babyface is going on tour and coming to the Keswick Theatre on Saturday, November 26th.

Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of the new Superman movie Man Of Steel. Fishburne will play “Perry White,” the editor-in-chief of Metropolis’ The Daily Planet. Fishburne recently left CBS’ C.S.I. TV show. He is being replacing by Cheers’ Ted Danson.

Boyz II Men celebrates 20 years with a new album this fall. Twenty is a double CD with 10 new songs and updated versions of their classics including End Of The Road and I’ll Make Love To You. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Babyface and Charlie Wilson helped out on the project. The CD will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.

The George Lucas movie Red Tails with Terrence Howard opens in theatres January 20, 2012. The movie about the first African American fighter pilots (The Tuskegee Airmen) also stars Oscar Winner Cuba Gooding, Jr.

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin is coming to NBC in a primetime special which airs September 24th. The special will feature music from her new album A Woman Falling Out Of Love. Franklin is very busy these days. She’s also teaming up with the legendary Tony Bennett for his new album Duets. They will be doing a cover of the song How Do You Keep The Music Playing originally done by Patti Austin and James Ingram. Bennett turns 85 in September.

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards air August 28th on MTV.

Get ready for Jumping The Broom! The Bishop T.D. Jakes-Tracey Edmonds hit movie is out on DVD. The movie stars Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett. Speaking of T.D. Jakes, Blair Underwood has joined the cast of Bishop Jakes’ movie On The Seventh Day. The movie also stars Pam Grier and Sharon Leal. Bishop Jakes is on a roll. Besides Jumping The Broom, his other films include Woman Thou Art Loosed with Kimberly Elise and Not Easily Broken with Morris Chestnut.

The VH1 network is gearing up to unveil their new lineup of shows. LaLa Anthony, the wife of Carmelo Anthony has a show LaLa’s Full Court, which debuts August 22nd at 9pm, and season three of The T.O. Show kicks off Monday, August 22nd at 9:30pm.


Wendy Williams returns for a third season of her daytime talk show on September 12th.

The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards air September 18th on FOX. Congrats to Taraji P. Henson, Andre Braugher, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne and Alfre Woodard, who have all been nominated for Emmys this year.

Kindred The Family Soul has released a new CD called Love Has No Recession. Raheem DeVaughn, Chuck Brown, Lady Alma and Carol Riddick are featured on the album which is out now.

Singer Lenny Kravitz will be starring in the movie Hunger Games, and his new album, Black And White America, comes out August 30th.

Mary J. Blige is ready to start work on her new film project. Blige will be starring in a movie based on the life of Jazz Great Nina Simone. Mary is also releasing My Life II: The Journey Continues in September. She is also working on a new movie for the lifetime network.

Actress Kerry Washington will be staring in the new Shonda Rhimes produced-TV drama Scandal. Rhimes is known for her TV smashes Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Scandal debuts this fall on ABC.

Speaking of Kevin Hart, his movie documentary, Laugh At My Pain, opens in theatres September 9th. The movie follows Hart on his latest concert tour including his hometown Philly.

Tyrese is gearing up to release a new album. The CD, Open Invitation, comes out November 1st. The Transformer III star is also pushing his latest book, How To Get Out Of Your Own Way. Tyrese has been getting some criticism for his latest music video. In explaining the lack of African American women in his video I Gotta Chick, he says he went with the best not race.

Angela Bassett is also coming to Broadway replacing Halle Berry in the production The Mountaintop. Samuel L. Jackson is starring as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The show opens October 13th. Speaking of Halle Berry, she is returning to TV. The Oscar and Emmy winner will play a college professor in a project called Higher Learning. It is currently being shopped to HBO and Showtime.

Actress Naturi Naughton, who used to sing with the group 3LW, has joined the cast of the NBC-TV show The Playboy Club. The show debuts this fall.


The Bynum Brothers are getting ready to unveil a new venture: Green Soul, 7169 Ogontz Avenue. It’s a new healthy food restaurant.


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



Is the ship sailing away from this Daytime Personality? A few of her co-stars were noticeably absent from her recent nuptials. Is this a sign of a parting of the ways? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Special Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys? The stage play stars Clifton Powell, Leon and Terrell Carter, September 27th- October 2nd at The Merriam Theatre. For more info call 215-893-1999 or Kimmelcenter.org.

Torn Between Two Fathers, A Priest Tyaire production September 17th at the Dupont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware. For info call 302-762-4776.

Check out who’s coming to town:

August 21st- It’s a celebration for Radio Icon Lady B, Public Enemy, Salt N Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Cash Money and Kenny Gamble. They’re all getting special honors by the city at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue.

Wednesday, August 24th- The O’Jays, The Four Tops and The Stylistics at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue.

Thursday, August 25th- Rachelle Ferrell and Angela Winbush at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue.

Saturday, August 27th- Boney James at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

September 3rd- Atlantic City Comedy Festival starring Mike Epps, Sommore, Sheryl Underwood, Bruce-Bruce and Arnez J at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For more info contact ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, September 4th- Frankie Beverly & Maze and DJ Kool at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue.
Sunday, September 4th- Chrisette Michele at the House Of Blues in Atlantic City.
Friday, September 9th - Chris Tucker Comedy Show at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City.
Friday, September 16th- Kem with Melanie Fiona and Kelly Price at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue.
Saturday, September 17th- Boyz II Men at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center on 1837 North Broad Street.
Saturday, September 24th- Sinbad at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

Sunday, October 9th- Wanda Sykes at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
Saturday, October 22nd – Ledisi at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center on 1837 North Broad Street.
Sunday, October 23rd – George Benson in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
Saturday, November 26th- Babyface in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.
April 10th, 2012- Cirque De Soleil Show featuring the music of Michael Jackson at the Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Wachovia Center).

**Pattys Page

Entertainment Week of 8/1/11

God Gave Me This Child! Fantasia has finally come clean and admitted that she is pregnant by the married boyfriend. Yes! Antwuan Cook is still married and his wife knows. Last year, Fantasia made headlines when she tried to overdose on sleeping pills and aspirin. Fantasia became involved with Antwuan Cook, and caught a lot of flack because he was married with two kids. Antwuan’s wife, Paula Cook, went on to sue Fantasia, but lost the case. The trial did cause a lot of embarrassment for the former American Idol winner because it was revealed Fantasia had an abortion due to her affair with Cook. Paula Cook knows about the pregnancy and is very hurt. Is Antwuan going to eventually married Fantasia? Fantasia is due later this year.




What will Mo’Nique do now, and did her attitude get the best of her? The BET network pulled the plug on her late night talk show after deciding they couldn’t deal with her attitude and money demands. Some of the meetings became so heated and strained that many knew the end was near. Mo’Nique has been very quiet about her firing, and many wonder if she’ll ever talk about what happened. What will the BET network do now? Will they replace her, or just move Wendy Williams into that timeslot?


Arsenio Hall wants to come back to late night TV. Hall, 55, has an 11-year old son, and he says he is ready to return to what he does best. Back in the 90’s, Arsenio Hall was the man with his highly rated talk show. Would BET have him replace Mo’Nique?

Speaking of BET, the network is teaming up with the United Negro College Fund for a new version of An Evening Of Stars. The 33-year old UNCF fundraising telethon goes back to being a diverse line up of talent and performances. Scheduled to perform are Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Estelle, Miquel and Marsha Ambrosious. An Evening Of Stars will air on BET this fall.

Jennifer Lopez opens up in Vanity Fair magazine about the end of her marriage to Marc Anthony. She says it was the hardest decision she’s ever had to make, but he wasn’t treating her right and she had to leave. Does this mean Marc Anthony was cheating? There were rumors of control issues and he didn’t want her to return to American Idol? Lopez opted to return to the show for $20 million and end her marriage. Last year, she made $12 million. Lopez and Anthony will continue to do projects together despite the end of their marriage. Now who’s next for Lopez? Will she get back with Diddy? Let’s hope not. This would be a bad career move for her, but it would be a major boost for his career. But, what about his jumpoffs: Cassie, Kim Porter and Sarah Chapman. Diddy says Lopez was the love of his life.

Tami Roman says if Meeka Claxton returns to VH1’s Basketball Wives, she will leave the show. This past week, the show hit a new low when former NBA Player Eric Williams threw water in his ex-wife’s face. Jennifer Williams was horrified, but in the name of ratings, she went along with it. Will Roman really leave the show? Two weeks ago, she slapped the mess out of Claxton and caught a lot of flak.

Shout out to Jet magazine. I love the new layout. If you haven’t checked out an issue, do yourself a favor and pick it up. I love the pics, the articles, the contests and the info.

After nine years of marriage and one son, it’s over for Singers Chante Moore and Kenny Lattimore. Chante was previously married to Actor Kadeem Hardison (A Different World, School Daze) and they have a daughter.

Congratulations to Singer Eric Benet. He got married over the weekend to Prince’s ex-wife Manuela Testolini. Benet is on top of the world right now. He and Manuela are also expecting their first child. Benet has a 20-year old daughter from a previous relationship.

Get ready for Actor/Comedian Affion Crockett. His new FOX show, produced by Jamie Foxx, is called In The Flow With Affion Crockett. It debuts Sunday, August 14th at 9pm.

Singer Brandy is looking to reinvent her career. She says no more reality TV. After stints on Dancing With The Stars, her VH1 show and America’s Got Talent, nothing has really jumpstarted her career. She is currently filming a documentary about the ups and down of her career and her comeback. Brandy is also working with the show Majors And Minors, which is about mentoring young people.

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s home is featured in the latest Architectural Digest.

Wedding bells may be ringing this fall for Janet Jackson. Jackson is engaged to 36-year old Qatari Businessmen Wissam Al Mana. Jackson, 45, got a 15-carat ring last year during their engagement. She is currently on tour and hopes to get married this fall.

Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of the new Superman movie Man Of Steel. Fishburne will play “Perry White,” the editor-in-chief of Metropolis’ The Daily Planet. Fishburne recently left CBS’ C.S.I. TV show. He is being replacing by Cheers’ Ted Danson.

Oprah is returning to TV. Oprah will be hosting a nightly show on her OWN network. They will repackage classic Oprah Winfrey Show episodes, and she will do new introductions. Oprah says she will use the show as a teaching tool. Oprah will air at 8pm before The Rosie O’Donnell Show. Oprah is also getting an honorary Academy Award along with James Earl Jones this November in a special ceremony. Winfrey is getting a Humanitarian Award, and Jones is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award.






Queen Latifah opens up in the latest issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine, and she talks about what she looks for in a woman: A Woman With Class And Confidence. She says a confident woman is sexy. Speaking of the Queen, get ready for a second season of her hit VH1 smash Single Ladies. VHI has renewed the show. Queen Latifah is the show’s executive producer. It is the cable network’s first hour-long scripted series about three best friends in Atlanta. LisaRaye and Stacy Dash star. The second season debuts next year.

Legendary Football Player/Actor Bubba Smith has died. The 6’8, 260 pound Smith played in the NFL from 1967-1975, and earned a Superbowl Championship Ring in 1971 with the Baltimore Colts. After retiring, he turned actor and commercial pitchman. Smith appeared in a host of TV series, the successful Police Academy movie series and was one of the original all-stars from the popular Miller Liter Beer commercials of the 70’s and 80’s (“Tastes Great….Less Filling”). Smith, 66, was found dead in his home.
Singer/Songwriter Gene McDaniels has also passed away at the age of 76. As a singer, he had the early 1960's hits A Hundred Pounds Of Clay and Tower Of Strength. In 1974, Roberta Flack had a number one hit with Feel Like Makin' Love, written by McDaniels.
Actress Jurnee Smollett will be starring in the Florence Ballard biopic. The movie about the castoff member of The Supremes is being made into a movie. Ballard’s daughter Michelle Ballard Chapman is the co-producer of the movie. Blondie: The Florence Ballard Story will also star Solange Knowles as Diana Ross.

Boyz II Men celebrates 20 years with a new album this fall. Twenty is a double CD with 10 new songs and updated versions of their classics including End Of The Road and I’ll Make Love To You. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Babyface and Charlie Wilson helped out on the project. The CD will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.

Star Jones is still having problems with her ex-husband Al Reynolds. Jones was served papers by Reynolds for a lawsuit suing her for $50,000. Reynolds says his ex violated their divorce agreement by discussing their marriage on The Wendy Williams Show. Jones was promoting her new book Satan’s Sisters when she was served.

Singer Tank is part of the cast of the Lifetime series The Protector with Tisha Martin Campbell. He plays her love interest.

Eddie Murphy teams up with Ben Stiller in the movie Tower Heist. The film also stars Gabourey Sidibe and Alan Alda and opens in theatres November 4th.

Zoe Saldana is set to become Hollywood's next action star. Her new movie Colombiana opens in theatres August 26th.

The George Lucas movie Red Tails with Terrence Howard opens in theatres January 20, 2012. The movie about the first African American fighter pilots (The Tuskegee Airmen) also stars Oscar Winner Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Sharon Osborne is leaving the CBS daytime show The Talk. She is leaving the show this fall.

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin is coming to NBC in a primetime special which airs September 24th. The special will feature music from her new album A Woman Falling Out Of Love. Franklin is very busy these days. She’s also teaming up with the legendary Tony Bennett for his new album Duets. They will be doing a cover of the song How Do You Keep The Music Playing originally done by Patti Austin and James Ingram. Bennett turns 85 in September.

In more Queen Of Soul news, Franklinis being sued by Songwriter Norman West for copyright infringement. Published reports say Franklin is very disappointed in light of her assisting and advising West for many years.

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards air August 28th on MTV.

Get ready for Jumping The Broom! The Bishop T.D. Jakes-Tracey Edmonds hit movie is coming out on DVD August 9th. The movie stars Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett. Speaking of T.D. Jakes, Blair Underwood has joined the cast of Bishop Jakes’ movie On The Seventh Day. The movie also stars Pam Grier and Sharon Leal. Bishop Jakes is on a roll. Besides Jumping The Broom, his other films include Woman Thou Art Loosed with Kimberly Elise and Not Easily Broken with Morris Chestnut.

The VH1 network is gearing up to unveil their new lineup of shows. LaLa Anthony, the wife of Carmelo Anthony has a show LaLa’s Full Court, which debuts August 22nd at 9pm, and season three of The T.O. Show kicks off Monday, August 22nd at 9:30pm.

Tia and Tamera Mowry are promoting their new Style network show, which debts Monday, August 8th at 9pm.

Is L.A. Lakers Star Ron Artest joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars? The show is in desperate need of A-Listers, and they are relaxing the rules of the rigorous rehearsals so big time stars will sign on.

Kelly Rowland is nude on the new issue of Vibe magazine. She’s promoting her new CD Here I Am, which already has a number one single with the song Motivation.

Some big honors are coming up for Dawn Staley. Staley is the head basketball coach for the University Of South Carolina, the former Dobbins Tech Star will be inducted into the 2012 Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame. In November, she will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame. Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts is also being inducted into The Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame.

Wendy Williams returns for a third season of her daytime talk show on September 12th.

L. A. Reid is one busy man. In addition to his judging duties on Simon Cowell’s new singing competition show The X Factor, Reid will also be heading up Epic Records. The X Factor debut Wednesday, September 21st. Reid will be joining Judges Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Mentor Mariah Carey. Don’t look for nice judges on this show. They will all have an edge.

Filming has started on Steve Harvey’s new movie Think Like A Man. The cast is incredible: Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Chris Brown, Michael Ealy, Nephew Tommy, Taraji P. Henson and Meagan Goode. It’s based on Harvey's bestselling book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man.

SWV is getting back together. They are planning a tour, a new album and a reality show. Coko, Taj and Lelee are back.

The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards air September 18th on FOX. Congrats to Taraji P. Henson, Andre Braugher, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne and Alfre Woodard, who have all been nominated for Emmys this year.

Gabrielle Union is in Tyler Perry’s movie Good Deeds, it also stars Thandie Newton, Brian White, Phylicia Rashad, Beverly Johnson and Eddie Cibrian, opens in theatres February 24th. In other Tyler Perry news, his latest Madea project, A Madea Christmas, will be out on DVD just in time for the holidays.

Tom Cruise returns in Mission Impossible IV, which opens in theatres December 16th.

Actress Viola Davis is the cover girl for the new issue of Essence. She has a new movie called The Help coming out August 12th. The Tony winning and Oscar nominated-actress is best known for her roles in Doubt and Fences.

Nicole Richie has joined the cast of the NBC reality show Fashion Star. Richie will serve as a celebrity mentor. Jessica Simpson will also be part of the cast.


Congrats to Laz Alonso! His A&E TV show Breakout Kings has been renewed for another season.

Kindred The Family Soul has released a new CD called Love Has No Recession. Raheem DeVaughn, Chuck Brown, Lady Alma and Carol Riddick are featured on the album which is out now.

Singer Lenny Kravitz will be starring in the movie Hunger Games, and his new album, Black And White America, comes out August 30th.

Mary J. Blige is ready to start work on her new film project. Blige will be starring in a movie based on the life of Jazz Great Nina Simone. Mary is also releasing My Life II: The Journey Continues in September.

Actress Kerry Washington will be staring in the new Shonda Rhimes produced-TV drama Scandal. Rhimes is known for her TV smashes Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Scandal debuts this fall on ABC.

Get ready for Steve Harvey. He’s coming to town in November with a new show. Before that, Jill Scott, Kem, Kirk Franklin and Kevin Hart will be joining Steve in Las Vegas for The Hoodie Awards, August 11-14th.

Speaking of Kevin Hart, his movie documentary, Laugh At My Pain, opens in theatres September 9th. The movie follows Hart on his latest concert tour including his hometown Philly.

Tyrese is gearing up to release a new album. The CD, Open Invitation, comes out November 1st. The Transformer III star is also pushing his latest book, How To Get Out Of Your Own Way.

Harvey Star Washington is back on the hunt for full figured women. Sizes 8-20 the model search is Sunday August 7th 3pm to 5pm at the Radison Plaza Warrick Hotel 220 South 17th street for more info got Harveystarwashington.com

Jill Scott’s new CD is The Light Of The Sun, and she is about to go on tour with the Budweiser Superfest. She will be at The Susquehanna Bank Center, this Saturday, August 6th with Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Doug E Fresh, who is hosting the concert.

Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick is gearing up to release his autobiography. Finally Free is in bookstores now. Tony Dungy is doing the forward. In his book, Vick talks about his life: his youth growing up in Virginia, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, the dog fighting scandal, going to prison and landing with the Eagles. Vick recently resigned with Nike Athletics with a four year deal for endorsements.

Johnny Gill says he is ready to come out of retirement. Gill, 45, says his new CD is coming out this fall. The project, In The Mood, is being produced by Terry Lewis.

Angela Bassett is also coming to Broadway replacing Halle Berry in the production The Mountaintop. Samuel L. Jackson is starring as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The show opens October 13th. Speaking of Halle Berry, she is returning to TV. The Oscar and Emmy winner will play a college professor in a project called Higher Learning. It is currently being shopped to HBO and Showtime.

Actress Naturi Naughton, who used to sing with the group 3LW, has joined the cast of the NBC-TV show The Playboy Club. The show debuts this fall.

The 2011 summer season for The Dell Music Center is underway. Look for some exciting changes this season, including a new night. Thursday will be the new concert night ....no more Monday concerts. The Box Office at 33rd and Ridge will be open Wed through Saturday. Video screens will be added so you can really enjoy the shows. A marquee is being added in the front to announce the shows. There will be more concessions stands with a better variety of food, including fruit. You can pre-register for tickets at mydelleast.com. The Dell Music Center is located at 33rd and Ridge Avenue:


August 11th- Jeffrey Osborne and Kindred The Family Soul

August 18th – Will Downing, Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright;

August 25th- Rachelle Ferrell and Angela Winbush;

The Bynum Brothers are getting ready to unveil a new venture: Green Soul, 7169 Ogontz Avenue. It’s a new healthy food restaurant.


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

Will this female Superstar realize that her weed smoking is getting in the way of her career?


**Courtesy of Pattys Page