NEWS to Lead Us Into The New Year - Page 6

Sophist08edLady · #76 01-05-2007, 11:37 AM

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of January 1st, 2007

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2007 and another exciting year of the 4-1-1, and remember, if you miss a week, please go to our archives and check us out.

The Godfather of Soul may be dead, but the band will play on. The James Brown Band consists of eleven members: three guitarists, two bass players, two drummers, three horn players and a percussionist. The band members say they are carrying out Brown’s wishes, which stated the show must go on. They will all take part in sharing singing duties. On the family front, Brown’s daughters, Yamma and Deanna, are taking charge of The James Brown Estate. Move over Tomi Rae Hynie! She’s the woman who claimed to be Brown’s wife, but has been proven to be a fraud. She was never married to Brown because she was already married to another man. Tomi Rae has been pleading with the family to accept her, but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Financial arrangements will be made for her five-year son, James Brown, Jr. The family has made it clear: Tomi Rae! You are not a Brown, and you are not welcome here! Tomi Rae is devastated, and friends fear she will fall back into the trap of addiction. At the time of Brown’s death, she was finishing up rehab for an addiction to prescription drugs. What is next for the woman who believed she was Mrs. James Brown? The Brown Children feel Tomi Rae embarrassed and humiliated their dad in his later years. They claim she knew she was married to someone else when she took vows with their father, but all she saw was dollars signs and took advantage of Brown. The Brown children have vowed to keep Tomi Rae out of The James Brown Estate.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson paid homage to James Brown at his funeral. Jackson said Brown was his greatest inspiration as a child. The crowd went wild when Jackson appeared at the funeral. After spending time overseas, Jackson has returned to the U.S. Word has it he’s planning to do a Las Vegas style show in the near future. Since his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges, Jackson has been estranged from his family, even his mom, Katherine. A lot of people are blaming the estrangement on the nanny, Grace Rwarmba. Nanny Grace is Michael’s point person, his personal manager and advisor. Neither he nor his three kids make a move without her. Now that he is back in the states, will he reunite with his family, his mom?

The Reverend Al Sharpton often referred to James Brown as a father figure in his life. Sharpton is often teased about his long processed hair. He said he wears it like that as a tribute to Brown, and he said he would cut his hair once the Godfather passed on. Well, Sharpton has changed his mind. He will not be cutting his hair. He says he will continue to wear it in this style as a tribute to the man who was like a father to him.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is now officially open in South Africa. Winfrey brought along her Hollywood friends as she made the grand announcement in South Africa. On hand for the festivities were Sidney Poitier, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Mary J. Blige, Chris Tucker, Spike Lee, Chris Rock and his wife Malaak, best friend Gayle King and Nelson Mandela. Oprah spent over $40 million to build the academy, which has been five years in the making. The 28 building complex will house young teen women in South Africa. Oprah says this academy is the fulfillment of her work on earth. Oprah is planning to build another school in South Africa. This one will be for boys and girls. Despite her good deeds, Oprah has been criticized for building the school outside of the United States. For the record, Oprah has given millions of dollars to educate needy children in the U.S. through The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program. In a recent interview with Newsweek magazine, Oprah revealed that the young girls in South Africa were really grateful for the opportunity to learn. They wanted more than just sneakers, I pods and clothes. They knew they needed a good education to succeed. She says inner city kids don’t appreciate the value of a free education, and that’s why she went to Africa.

Juanita Jordan is living life as a single woman. After 17 years, it’s over between Michael and Juanita Jordan. Their three children are teenagers, and now, Juanita is ready to carve out a life that is free from cheating and stress. For years, Juanita Jordan put up with her husband’s cheating, the groupies, the lying and the gambling. In 2002, she filed for divorce, but Michael convinced her to give him another chance. Well, the cheating continued, and Juanita realized the man she loved was not going to change. The basketball great loved fooling around, and they decided last year to end it once and for all. The property, child custody, parenting time and support have been worked out. Now, Juanita must face a future without Michael Jordan. She is living life as a single woman. Friends say she is looking to start a career in real estate, and she’s been using her maiden name, Vanoy.

Friends and family of Whitney Houston are working overtime to keep Whitney away from estranged hubby Bobby Brown. Bobby has been trying to get to Whitney via their daughter, Bobbi Kris. Bobby is angry that he no longer has a hold on Whitney. Whitney is making an effort to turn her life around, and she realizes that she can only do it if Bobby isn’t around. Whitney was devastated when she found out that Bobby had been unfaithful to her. Plus, she feels Bobby’s family used and betrayed her. Bobby needs Whitney. His life is a mess without her. He doesn’t have any money or a job, and his career is in shambles.

Lou Rawls, Junior is suing Marvin Gaye, The Third. Lou, Jr. claims he was attacked by dogs owned by Marvin, III. He is seeking an unspecified amount of money to cover his stress and hospital costs.

Has Tyra Banks filmed a sex video? Spokespeople for the Supermodel/Talk Show Host have not commented on published reports that Banks is starring in a home made sex movie. The tape features a man with an Italian accent seducing a woman who looks and sounds like Tyra. Is it Tyra?

Former Heavyweight Boxer Mike Tyson admits he’s a coke addict, and he needs help. Last week, Tyson was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for driving under the influence. Cops stopped Tyson after he almost ran over a Sheriff with his car. Tyson was leaving a nightclub when the trouble started. When the cops arrested him, he admitted he was doing cocaine and he said he needs help. Tyson is no stranger to rehab. Last year, he entered a rehab program, but he stayed less than a week.

Queen Latifah will be hosting The People’s Choice Awards, January 9th on CBS. Queen Latifah has been putting on a brave face despite published reports of a rocky relationship with Fear Factor Winner Jeannette Jenkins. Latifah and Jenkins are very close, but there have been reports of the two fighting. Queen Latifah has always stated she doesn’t care what people think of her sexuality, but she’s never admitted that she is a lesbian.

Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, are expecting their first child this summer.

The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th.

Prince is the half time performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Prince will also be showcasing his talents as a photographer as he enters into the magazine business. The magazine, called 3121, will feature interviews with musicians and exclusive photos taken by Prince.

The complete first season of Martin is available on DVD. The set features outtakes, bloopers and never before seen footage of Martin Lawrence and the cast.

The 1976 classic Sparkle is also coming out on DVD. The movie starred Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Phillip Michael Thomas. The DVD comes out on the 9th.

The latest Samuel L. Jackson movie, Snakes On A Plane, is out on DVD.

At the movies this week, it’s Cedric The Entertainer in the comedy, Code Name- The Cleaner. Lucy Lui co-stars.

Mariah Carey has a March date with Playboy magazine. She won’t be nude, but she is appearing on the cover.

The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme, is coming to Trenton, New Jersey. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. The musical is happening January 30-31st at the Patriots Theatre War Memorial. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.

The Flavor of Love spinoff, I Love New York starring Tiffany Patterson, premieres January 8th on VH1. New York (Patterson) and her mom get to choose from over 20 men as New York searches for love. New York deserves this show after getting turned down twice from Flavor Flav.

Jill Scott has a new album coming out this summer. The CD will be called The Real Thing.

Actor Russell Hornsby is heading up the cast to the ABC Family Channel series, Lincoln Heights. The show premieres January 8th at 8pm.

American Idol returns to Fox on January 16th. Sources say a midseason shocker is expected to happen. What will be the Idol shocker?

“Jack Bauer” returns with 24 on Fox on January 14th. Regina King joins Kiefer Sutherland for the new season.

BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. WDAS morning man Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Faith Evans and Smokie Norful.

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

This female gave up a promising career as a Stylist when she fell in love with this young Singer. She also left her husband and three kids to devote her time to the Singer. The Singer’s mom and fans can’t stand the former Stylist. The Singer digs her, but he wants her to stay in the background. The former Stylist wants the world to know she is the main chick. She turned her back on her family to be with this man, but he treats her like a side chick. When will he make her the main chick? (Urrrshers stylist girlfriend...what's er name)

nikki1920 · #77 01-05-2007, 04:25 PM

Ursher's stylist is too old to be acting like a chickenhead.

If mama dont like you..... lol..

WenD08 · #78 01-05-2007, 08:09 PM

did anyone catch this article? it came out in a late December, 2006 issue. i've not seen anyone discuss it. it really made BC look criminal, shall we say, and his wife a bit pathetic as well. the article states that BC has drugged and molested women for years. several of these women were paid off, some of those even had long-standing relationships w/him. a woman stated that she never went to the authorities b/c she felt no one would believe her over someone as wealthy as Bill Cosby. as for Camille Cosby, i say pathetic b/c i can't imagine hearing these things about my husband and staying by his side for all these years. cheating is bad enough to tolerate but (assuming the allegations are true) predatory behavior?

now, of course these are allegations by a bunch of women (at least five) so we don't know for sure. but this article was in People and not the Globe, for ex.
if it's all true, Camille should be like Juanita (Jordan) Vanoy and get her cash on the way out...

jitterbug13 · #79 01-05-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sophist08edLady

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of January 1st, 2007

The Godfather of Soul may be dead, but the band will play on. The James Brown Band consists of eleven members: three guitarists, two bass players, two drummers, three horn players and a percussionist. The band members say they are carrying out Brown’s wishes, which stated the show must go on. They will all take part in sharing singing duties. On the family front, Brown’s daughters, Yamma and Deanna, are taking charge of The James Brown Estate. Move over Tomi Rae Hynie! She’s the woman who claimed to be Brown’s wife, but has been proven to be a fraud. She was never married to Brown because she was already married to another man. Tomi Rae has been pleading with the family to accept her, but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Financial arrangements will be made for her five-year son, James Brown, Jr. The family has made it clear: Tomi Rae! You are not a Brown, and you are not welcome here! Tomi Rae is devastated, and friends fear she will fall back into the trap of addiction. At the time of Brown’s death, she was finishing up rehab for an addiction to prescription drugs. What is next for the woman who believed she was Mrs. James Brown? The Brown Children feel Tomi Rae embarrassed and humiliated their dad in his later years. They claim she knew she was married to someone else when she took vows with their father, but all she saw was dollars signs and took advantage of Brown. The Brown children have vowed to keep Tomi Rae out of The James Brown Estate.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson paid homage to James Brown at his funeral. Jackson said Brown was his greatest inspiration as a child. The crowd went wild when Jackson appeared at the funeral. After spending time overseas, Jackson has returned to the U.S. Word has it he’s planning to do a Las Vegas style show in the near future. Since his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges, Jackson has been estranged from his family, even his mom, Katherine. A lot of people are blaming the estrangement on the nanny, Grace Rwarmba. Nanny Grace is Michael’s point person, his personal manager and advisor. Neither he nor his three kids make a move without her. Now that he is back in the states, will he reunite with his family, his mom?

Friends and family of Whitney Houston are working overtime to keep Whitney away from estranged hubby Bobby Brown. Bobby has been trying to get to Whitney via their daughter, Bobbi Kris. Bobby is angry that he no longer has a hold on Whitney. Whitney is making an effort to turn her life around, and she realizes that she can only do it if Bobby isn’t around. Whitney was devastated when she found out that Bobby had been unfaithful to her. Plus, she feels Bobby’s family used and betrayed her. Bobby needs Whitney. His life is a mess without her. He doesn’t have any money or a job, and his career is in shambles.

Queen Latifah will be hosting The People’s Choice Awards, January 9th on CBS. Queen Latifah has been putting on a brave face despite published reports of a rocky relationship with Fear Factor Winner Jeannette Jenkins. Latifah and Jenkins are very close, but there have been reports of the two fighting. Queen Latifah has always stated she doesn’t care what people think of her sexuality, but she’s never admitted that she is a lesbian.

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

This female gave up a promising career as a Stylist when she fell in love with this young Singer. She also left her husband and three kids to devote her time to the Singer. The Singer’s mom and fans can’t stand the former Stylist. The Singer digs her, but he wants her to stay in the background. The former Stylist wants the world to know she is the main chick. She turned her back on her family to be with this man, but he treats her like a side chick. When will he make her the main chick? (Urrrshers stylist girlfriend...what's er name)

Did anyone see JB's partner on ET tonight?

MJ:The reason he's probably estranged from his family is because he finally cut off their support checks.

Bobby: DUH!!!!

QL: As my six-year-old cousin would say: WHO CARES????

Usher: LEAVE THEM OLDER WOMEN ALONE!!!!

kiml122 · #80 01-06-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WenD08

did anyone catch this article? it came out in a late December, 2006 issue. i've not seen anyone discuss it. it really made BC look criminal, shall we say, and his wife a bit pathetic as well. the article states that BC has drugged and molested women for years. several of these women were paid off, some of those even had long-standing relationships w/him. a woman stated that she never went to the authorities b/c she felt no one would believe her over someone as wealthy as Bill Cosby. as for Camille Cosby, i say pathetic b/c i can't imagine hearing these things about my husband and staying by his side for all these years. cheating is bad enough to tolerate but (assuming the allegations are true) predatory behavior?

now, of course these are allegations by a bunch of women (at least five) so we don't know for sure. but this article was in People and not the Globe, for ex.
if it's all true, Camille should be like Juanita (Jordan) Vanoy and get her cash on the way out...

I read that article last month, and was like whoa toward Camille as well....on the real..I think BC did it all that they are saying. I know exactly where the house is located in my part of town, and trust me when I say you can see anything from the road.

jitterbug13 · #81 01-10-2007, 12:21 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070109/...hitney_houston

jitterbug13 · #82 01-10-2007, 12:23 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070110/tv_nm/lackawanna_dc

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070110/tv_nm/kanye_dc

jitterbug13 · #83 01-10-2007, 12:27 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070110/.../james_brown_9

Shouldn't they have decided this AT THE FUNERAL HOME????

jitterbug13 · #84 01-10-2007, 12:30 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/2007...a_bcc5fbc8e3d8

but his girlfriend is recanting her story....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/2007...8_b6138b694737

skeeliteful · #85 01-10-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jitterbug13

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070110/.../james_brown_9

Shouldn't they have decided this AT THE FUNERAL HOME????

It's sad that funerals bring out the BEAST in people. This is just tacky. He deserves so much more.

Steeltrap · #86 01-10-2007, 04:14 PM

Andre Leon Talley with the woman of the moment:

J. Hud meets Mary Wilson:

Andre, J. Hud and Mary:

WenD08 · #87 01-11-2007, 12:32 PM

our own Soror Ella Fitzgerald has a stamp in her honor and its out for all to buy. i can't wait to get mine!

jitterbug13 · #88 01-11-2007, 11:05 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/...mes_brown_will

On the JHud pics: Hooray for her stylist!!!! She was on Letterman Monday and she looked good. Hope Andre gave her some tips!

Sophist08edLady · #89 01-12-2007, 12:04 AM

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of January 8th, 2007

Where is the Godfather of Soul’s body? James Brown died on Christmas day, and, as of press time, his body has not been buried. Brown’s body is in his home in Augusta, Georgia. The Will has not been filed, and the family has not decided where he will be buried. A lot of legal issue have to be worked out to decide who gets what. First up for the Brown family, a DNA test to determine if the five-year old son of Tomi Rae Hynie is by James Brown. Tomi Rae is outraged that her son is being treated like this. She says the child is James Brown’s, and it’s unfair that she is being treated like an outcast by the Brown family because James Brown loved her. The Brown family is sick of Tomi Rae. It has been proven that she was never married to their father. The family is also upset about remarks Tomi Rae made to the British press. One of Brown’s biggest hits was Sex Machine, but according to Tomi Rae, he was no sex machine. She described Brown as a sick old man with a fading libido. She says Brown was insecure, paranoid, jealous and possessive. She states everybody had to bow down to him and call him “Mr. Brown.” The Godfather of Soul was known for the splits he did on stage. According to Tomi Rae, the last time he did splits, Brown couldn’t get out of bed for 24 hours. Director Spike Lee will be doing a movie based on Brown’s life. Samuel L. Jackson is being considered for the part. I love Samuel as an actor, but I don’t think he’s right for the part. He’s 60-years old, and the big question is can he dance? To play James Brown on the big screen, you have to know how to dance.

Who is going to replace Star Jones on the ABC talker The View? Word has it Comedienne Sherri Shepherd has been tapped by Barbara Walters to add some diversity to the cast. Shepherd is best known for her work on The Jamie Foxx Show, Everybody Loves Raymond, Comic View, Ellen and the movie Beauty Shop. Shepherd is the mother of a young toddler. She recently divorced her husband after finding out he was cheating on her. The producers of The View look forward to the role Shepherd will bring to the show as a young, divorced mother. The official announcement can’t come soon enough because Rosie O’Donnell will be leaving the show. O’Donnell feels betrayed by Barbara Walters. Late last year, O’Donnell publicly ridiculed Donald Trump when he decided to give the scandalous Miss USA another chance at her title. Donald Trump fired back at Rosie calling her fat, sloppy and disgusting. Plus, he trashed her relationship with her partner, Kelli Carpenter. Barbara is friends with Donald Trump, and it appeared she sided with him during the O’Donnell- Trump public feud. Trump also stated that Barbara Walters hated Rosie. He says Barbara told him this. Rosie went on a two week vacation. When she returned to The View, all hell broke loose. Rosie cussed Barbara out. She accused the TV titan of not having her back and called her a liar. Barbara swore to Rosie that this was not the case, and producers got Rosie away from her. Despite Barbara’s public pleas of liking Rosie O’Donnell, Donald Trump released a letter addressed to Rosie telling her how Barbara hated her and that working with Rosie was like living in hell. He claims she described Rosie as a Pig, and admitted that Rosie won’t be around for long. Is Barbara Walters lying? Why is Donald Trump obsessed with destroying Rosie? Somewhere Star Jones and Iyanla Van Zandt are having a good laugh. Jones and Van Zandt have had their share of problems with Barbara Walters. Last year, Walters orchestrated Star’s exit from the show. Years ago, after wooing Iyanla from the Oprah Winfrey camp, Barbara gave her a talk show. When they butted heads, Barbara took away Iyanla’s show and almost destroyed her career. Iyanla admits she made a mistake trusting Barbara Walters with her career. Iyanla described Barbara, the Dean of TV, as Satan. Barbara Walters is 76-years old. Maybe she should retire and salvage her reputation. Right now, someone is lying, and all fingers are pointing Barbra. Look for O’Donnell to exit the show before the end of the year.

The awards and accolades have been pouring in for Jennifer Hudson. The American Idol castoff is amazing in the movie Dreamgirls. She plays “Effie White,” the role made famous by Jennifer Holliday. Hudson recently signed to J Records, and Record Mogul Clive Davis will be producing her project. Davis was the force behind Whitney Houston, and he says Jennifer Hudson is the New Whitney. Jennifer Hudson does a great job on the Holliday classic And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going. She is getting ready to shoot a video for the song, and it will be different from the movie. Supreme Legend Mary Wilson has been making the press rounds regarding the movie. She says Jennifer is deserving of all the attention and the awards, but she needs to give credit to the late Florence Ballard of The Supremes. The “Effie White” character is loosely based on the life of Ballard. Ballard had an amazing voice, but she was pushed aside in favor of Diana Ross. Ballard was fired from the Supremes in 1967, and she died in 1976, alone and destitute at the age of 32.

When Oscar time rolls around, look for Dreamgirls to be at the top of the list of nominations. Beyonce sings the song Listen. It’s a good bet this song will be nominated, but Beyonce won’t get the credit for the song. She’s listed as the 4th songwriter, but the Academy only recognizes the first three. So, Beyonce’s name has been left out of consideration.

Does Oscar Winner Halle Berry have something to tell us? Berry, 40, recently helped her 31-year old model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry celebrate his birthday. Over the past few weeks, Berry has been wearing a ring, checking out wedding cakes and wearing baggy clothes. Is there a bun in the oven? Halle says she wants to be a mom.

The Rocks are trying to save their marriage, and Oprah is helping out. The ten year marriage of Chris and Malaak Compton has seen its share of ups and downs. They have two young toddlers, and Malaak has been patient dealing with Chris’s wandering eye. Last year, Chris filed for divorce then suddenly changed his mind. Oprah really admires Malaak. Despite being a celebrity wife, she has dedicated her life to serving others. During Oprah’s recent trip to South Africa to open a school for young girls, the Rocks went along to help. Oprah felt the young couple needed to get away and develop a bond. So far, the trip has worked as Chris and Malaak have grown closer. Chris has a new movie coming out in March called I Think I Love My Wife.

Jermaine Jackson has joined the cast of the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother. Jermaine wanted to be ready for his close-up, and he underwent some plastic surgery, including a brow lift and a tweaking of his nose.

Basketball Star Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets has filed for divorce from his wife, Joumana. Jason and Joumana have three children and a lot of drama between them. In 2001, Jason was arrested for assaulting Joumana. He paid fines and attended anger management classes. Jason has been trying to make it work with his wife, but there was always drama surrounding the two. Joumana is a former Budweiser model, and she was known for throwing kisses at Jason before he would make his free throw shots. Jason filed for divorce claiming that Joumana was abusing him and their kids. Friends say Joumana would taunt Jason from the sidelines as he played ball. Spokespeople for Joumana claim she was the one being abused.

Now speaking of abuse, the pregnant girlfriend of Singer Tyrese is now changing her story of being abused by the singer. The girlfriend now claims Tyrese did not beat her. She admits she called the cops after they got into an argument over his alleged cheating. Tyrese has been getting close to Video Host Rosci from BET’s 106 & Park. No one knew he had a pregnant girlfriend in California. The pregnant girlfriend claims she and Tyrese are in love and together. She says they look forward to the birth of their child. Tyrese has been hiding, and authorities are looking for him. He has been missing since the abuse stories made headlines.

Former Spice Girl Mel B is under 24 hour police protection. Mel B says she’s being harassed by fans of Eddie Murphy, who have camped outside of her home. Mel B is five months pregnant, and she says Eddie is the father. Eddie doesn’t believe the child is his, and he says he wants a paternity test.

Keenen Ivory Wayans is enjoying the single life. He recently ended a long-term relationship with his wife, and he is now dating a leggy blonde. They recently returned from South America.

What’s up with Singer John Legend, and does he have a problem holding his liquor? Legend was thrown out of a London club after showing up drunk and out of it. His brother tried to take the stage in his place, but when promoters found out, they had John Legend removed.

The 38th Annual NAACP Image Awards air March 2nd on Fox. The movie Dreamgirls and the TV comedy show Everybody Hates Chris are up for eight awards apiece. Other nominated movies include Akeelah and The Bee and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Congratulations to Rap Pioneers Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five. They will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ceremonies take place in March.

Talk Show Host Tyra Banks is featured in a photo spread for Vanity Fair magazine. Also, check out Nia Long on the new issue of Essence magazine. 2007 is going to be busy for Nia. She’s joining the cast of the ABC series Boston Legal, and she’s co-starring in the new Ice Cube movie Are We Done Yet? Word has it Nia’s love life has been busy too. She’s rumored to be dating Yao Ming, the 7’6 basketball center for the Houston Rockets. Nia is 5’2. Last year, she was dating Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints.

One of the many surprises in the movie Dreamgirls is the cameo by Actress Dawnn Lewis. She played the wife of “James ‘Thunder’ Early,” the character played by Eddie Murphy. Lewis is best known for her role as “Jaleesa” from the TV show, A Different World. Lewis is now gearing up for the Broadway musical Sister Act. It’s based on the hit movie that starred Whoopi Goldberg.

Congratulations to Actor Laurence Fishburne and his wife Actress Gina Torres. They are expecting their first child together this summer. Fishburne has two older children from a previous marriage. Torres will be co-starring with Chris Rock in the movie I Think I Love My Wife.

I am loving the new Flavor of Love spinoff, I Love New York. New York, a.k.a. Tiffany Patterson, has always been my favorite. After being dumped by Flavor Flav twice, New York is on the hunt for love and a new man. I like the New York show, and the men are very interesting. Who will win New York’s heart? Will it be Chance, the thug, Pooty, the cutie or the straight-laced Mr. Boston?

Upcoming Movies:

January 26th- Smoking Aces – Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and Common.

February 9th- Norbit – Eddie Murphy.

February 13th- Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls- Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett Jr. and Tracey Ellis Ross.

March 2nd- Wild Hogs- John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen.

March 16th- I Think I Love My Wife- Chris Rock, Gina Torres and Kerry Washington.

Also coming in March- Pride – Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.

April 6th- Are We Done Yet? Ice Cube and Nia Long.

The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th. The first single is the tile track, In My Songs.

Prince is the halftime performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Pop Star Billy Joel will be singing the national anthem.

The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme, is coming to Trenton, New Jersey. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. The musical is happening January 30-31st at the Patriots Theatre War Memorial. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.

My Brother Marvin is the life story of Marvin Gaye. The stage musical was written by Marvin’s sister, Zeola Gaye. My Brother Marvin will be at the Merriam Theatre, February 14th-18th. The musical stars Keith Washington, Clifton Powell, Marvin’s daughter Nona Gaye, Tony Grant and John Canada Terrell.

Men, Money & Golddiggers is also coming to Philly at the Merriam Theatre, February 27th- March 4th. The play stars Robin Givens, Carl Payne, Miguel Nunez, Jr., Chico Benymon and Essence Atkins.

American Idol returns to Fox on January 16th. Sources say a midseason shocker is expected to happen. What will be the Idol shocker?

“Jack Bauer” returns with 24 on Fox on January 14th. Regina King joins Kiefer Sutherland for the new season.

BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. WDAS morning man Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Faith Evans and Smokie Norful.

Author Brenda L. Thomas is back with her new book Every Woman’s Got A Secret. Thomas is best known for the best selling book, Threesomes.

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

After winning a reality TV show, this female found out the hard way that the 15 minutes of fame goes by very quickly. After making her name as a groupie, she realized she lost out by winning the competition. The woman who lost the competition got the better deal: a TV show, fame and more money.Hoopz? Deelishus?

jitterbug13 · #90 01-12-2007, 10:39 AM

I figured they were going to do a DNA test on JB Jr.

I told ya'll Michael has cut off them support checks. Jermaine and LaToya are on reality TV shows.

Rosie/Donald/Baba-- I don't agree with what the Donald has been saying about Rosie (she wasn't lying about him), but I think it's true that Baba told him that working with Rosie is hell. I wouldn't be suprised if Rosie is gone by summer either. Star, I hope you are at home LYAO.

UB: Hoopz. I really think NY came back for FoL2 to boost ILNY.