:: Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of September 5th, 2005:
This week has been challenging to not only the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, but to our entire nation. Please remember to keep those who have been affected by the Hurricane Katrina disaster in your prayers along with their families and friends. They need our help. We can unite and show love and support to those facing this tragedy and its long-term aftereffects. To make a donation, go to Stormaid.com or go to the Red Cross link at wdasfm.com
The response has been overwhelming. I asked you about Oprah and you responded. The majority of you felt that people expect too much from Oprah Winfrey. Oprah was criticized for not attending the funerals of Luther Vandross and Publishing Giant John H. Johnson. Thanks for the emails and comments, I appreciate them. Some people got upset with me for asking the question, but I wanted to have the dialogue. It's important from time to time to talk about things, and it's okay to disagree. Keeping the lines of communication open is important, so keep the emails coming. I answer them all
pattyj1053@aol.com
Oprah kicks off this week's edition of the 4-1-1. In an unprecedented move, she returned to the airwaves early to report on the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Oprah took her show on the road to report from the Gulf Coast, and gave us a close look at the devastation and what went wrong. Why did it take the government so long to respond? Oprah went to the streets of New Orleans, The Astrodome in Houston and the communities that were wiped out by the hurricane. Oprah's show has been in reruns with the 20th anniversary season set to get underway on September 19th. Last year, she gave her studio audience of 276 people free cars. Everyone in the audience received a brand new Pontiac G-6. What will she do to top herself this year?
Get ready for the new Michael Jackson! Michael is changing his look at the request of his parents. Michael, who recently turned 47, is going for a more macho look. Michael's makeover will include a more bulky frame. He is lifting weights and working out with a trainer. He is also going to start wearing shorter wigs (yes, he wears a wig). He'll start wearing less makeup. Michael is hoping with a major makeover and lifestyle change he can get a long term deal to perform regularly in Las Vegas. Celine Dion, Elton John and Gladys Knight are just some of the performers who have signed these exclusive deals.
Tennis Sensation Serena Williams is about to unveil her new line of cosmetics. The line called Flirt is produced by Estee Lauder, and it will be sold at Kohl's Department stores.
The latest issue of Vibe magazine is dedicated to Luther Vandross. We lost one of our treasured voices earlier this summer, and this issue looks back at his amazing career and the romantic love he was always searching for. Luther was tight lipped about his private life, but he often talked about wanting a love he could call his own. Someone to love him for him, not the fame or the money.
Is there trouble on the set of Miami Vice? Sources say stars Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell have been feuding on the set. Foxx and Farrell are starring in the movie based on the hit 80's TV show. Stepping into the roles of Crockett and Tubbs is no easy task. The TV show made Phillip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson huge stars. Word has it Jamie and Colin have been fighting over who gets the most attention from the ladies, and the two had stopped speaking. At press time, the two had put aside their differences and made up. Colin helped Jamie put on a fundraiser for the Hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulf Coast.
Actor Mekhi Phifer is set to play Al Green on the big screen in a new movie about the singer's life. The working title is, Tired Of Being Alone, and it will trace Al's life as a singing superstar who had hit after hit in the early 70's. In 1974, his life changed forever when a disgruntled girlfriend threw a pan of hot grits on him in a moment of rage. Al recovered from the burning, but the girlfriend went on to commit suicide. Al later turned his life over to the Lord, and the rest is history.
There is life after BET's 106 & Park. AJ Calloway and Free hosted the hit show for five seasons. Officials at the top wanted changes, and the two of them left the show. Free is about to sign a deal to work for MTV2, and AJ, who recently cut his hair, is doing corresponding work for the Extra TV magazine show.
Robin Givens is headed to Broadway. The former Mrs. Mike Tyson and close friend of Eddie Murphy will be joining the cast of the musical, Chicago. Givens will play the part of "Roxie Hart," currently being played by Brooke Shields. Givens takes over at the start of the year.
Are you ready for a remake of Mahogany? I'm not (it's one of my favorite campy movies)! Well, Nicole Richie is. The Simple Life star wants to be a movie star, and she would like to star in a remake of the Diana Ross movie. Diana has already been asked to re-record the soundtrack for the new movie. I think Nicole is funny on the Simple Life, but acting in a movie made famous by The Boss? I don't know. Who would play the Billy Dee Williams part? Omarion? Usher? Morris Chestnut? Now speaking of Diana Ross, her father is sick. He's 84 and he's blind as a result of Diabetes.
At the movies this week, it's Samuel L. Jackson and Eugene Levy in the comedy, The Man.
New on Video and DVD is the critically acclaimed Crash starring Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillion, Sandra Bullock, Larenz Tate, Brendan Fraser and Chris Bridges, AKA Rapper Ludacris (when he's acting, he goes by his real name). Crash deals with racial attitudes and prejudices from all walks of life in modern day Los Angeles. This is Terrence Howard as you have never seen him. When award season gets underway, look for this movie to rake in a lot of nominations.
Speaking of movies, I've gotten a ton of emails regarding the new Boris Kodjoe project, The Gospel. The movie hits theatres on October 7th. In addition to Kodjoe, the movie stars Idris Elba, Nona Gaye, Clifton Powell, and Gospel Sensations Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and Fred Hammond.
Supermodel Tyra Banks says she wants her new talk show to be the voice of her generation. As the show gets ready to make its debut, there have already been behind the scenes changes. The show kicks off September 12th.
Martha Stewart is gearing up for her version of the Apprentice. The Donald has the phrase, You're Fired for his Apprentice show, and Martha's pink slip line will be, You Just Don't Fit In. Martha's version of The Apprentice will air on Wednesday Nights.
Anita Baker will be releasing her Christmas album, Christmas Fantasy on October 4th. The nine song set will include traditional Christmas Carols and standards plus 3 new songs.
Tyson Beckford is suing Diddy! The male supermodel says the media mogul used him. For years, Tyson was the face of Diddy's Sean John Clothing line. After his contract expired, Tyson claims Diddy continued to use his image and not pay him. Tyson says he was so upset by Diddy's actions, he decided to retire from the modeling industry and he will now turn his attention to acting and auto racing. The trial of Tyson Vs. Diddy begins on February 6th.
Get ready for Alicia Keys everywhere. Alicia will be performing on Good Morning America on October 11th. On that same date, her new CD, MTV Unplugged, arrives in stores. And, she will be performing those songs on MTV on September 23rd.
Here's another Color Me Bad update. Last week, I told you about Bryan Abrams. Now, this week, here's an update on Kevin Thornton from the group. He currently resides with his family in Dallas where he works at the local Home Depot. Kevin is also working on a gospel album. Special thanks to the local resident who sent me the update. In the 90's, Color Me Bad topped the charts with I Wanna Sex You Up and I Adore Mi Amore.
Get well wishes go out to Today Show Weatherguy Al Roker. Roker is recovering from minor back surgery. He ruptured a disk in his back, and he is due to return to work soon.
Football season is here. But ladies, don't fret about losing your man to the sport. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Actress Holly Robinson Peete is married to Quarterback Rodney Peete. They are the parents of four beautiful children, and they recently renewed their wedding vows. Holly has written a new book to help women learn the game called, Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching The Game! It's a woman's guide to loving football. Check out Holly on the 22nd with her new show on UPN, Love Inc.
Singer Freddie Jackson has a new album coming out in November, and it features all his favorite songs. Freddie will do covers of LTD's Love Ballad, Vanessa Williams' Save The Best For Last and the Spinners' I'll Be Around. The CD, entitled Personal Reflections, comes out on November 1st.
The 10th Annual Lady of Soul Awards are talking place this month. The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will be getting The Lena Horne Award for Outstanding Career Achievement. Stevie Wonder will be on hand to give it to her, and they will be doing a duet together. They will be performing Until You Come Back To Me, a 70's hit for Aretha. Stevie wrote the song for her. Brian McKnight and Toni Braxton are hosting. Ciara, Amerie and John Legend are all scheduled to perform. Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Jill Scott, and Destiny's Child are all up for awards.