PATRICKRILEYHEADSHOT2.JPGWELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. 

Some features to look forward to:

1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large. 

2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".

3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.

4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get. 

5.) And anytime pictures or video can support an entry (in the blog, and perhaps in the subsequent podcasts, my space, and website), those visuals will keep things aesthetically enrolling. That section will be called "MY TUBE".
PLAYING TO THE POP IN POSSIBILITIES!
Patrick L. Riley

 

Entries in BET (22)

Attend the Annual 2010 Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC | Sept 15-19‏

Hi folks, 

 
The marketing folks from the Urban World Film Festival have asked "A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" to help them get the word out on the Annual 2010 Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC | Sept 15-19.
 
It's always a good time! And UWFF is always an awesome opportunity for film lovers from behind the scenes and in front of the camera to come together and network. 
 
For more information on how you can attend, please click the following:
 
And here's a glimpse of what UWFF looks like via one of my blog entries from UWFF a couple of years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/9/17/blue-thats-the-new-color-children.html 

 
Sincerely,
 
Patrick L. Riley
A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities

"... UNTIIL I GET TO MY DESTINATION..."

Well, I’ve been working non-stop for various clients since the top of the year. The work is coming much faster than the checks. But the checks are coming… and that’s what counts, right? Since last we spoke, much has happened. But mostly good (Will be better when those checks start trickling in… and even better if I keep attracting these rounds of great assignments).

As you know, under my cap as independent producer, personality, writer, I just wrapped getting my feet wet in the skills-set-applicable reality realm as field and story producer on reality shows "Monica: Still Standing" (and prior to that, "Frankie & Neffe" - both of which shot in Atlanta and edited in L.A. throughout 2009). Well, we just found out that “Monica: Still Standing” has been nominated for the 2010 Namic Vision Award. NAMIC is the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (www.namic.org). CONGRATS TEAM MONICA! Even after the show has wrapped, our show is BEING THE DIFFERENCE! AWESOME!

Meanwhile, on the on-camera tip, you’ve so far seen my pop culture analysis on MSNBC at the top of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40). And with "Princess & The Frog" having come out with a bang, this link got a lot of play (from when I recently hosted a preview event for Disney with Anika Noni-Rose in Tampa for NABJ) (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv). And
 I'm featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that runs later this month on Wednesday, February 24th. CUNY TV is channel 75 in New York City and runs at 8:30 PM (www.cuny.tv).

And on the freelance producing tip, the BET work on which I spent the lion’s share of January is either on the air or has already been seen by its target audience.
 
BET commissioned me to work on field producing/writing/editing BET's Black History Month campaign. Some samples below, but the final spots are running on BET now.
 
ftp://ftp.bet.net/STUDENTSSEQUENCECUT6.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMVIctoryWon25secCut10.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMGEORGEFAISONCUT7.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHM_HSLiftEveryVoice.08.wmv
 
Too, I produced tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. 

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIViceChancellorFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILuminaryAwardFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILogoLoopFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILegacyAwardFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIEdisonJacksonFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIAirJamaicaTcwFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUAOverviewFINAL.wmv

And also for BET, I did celebrity interviews back-stage for two of BET's recent events: BET HONORS (DC) and was invited to interview celebs backstage at BET's telethon for HAITI relief in Miami. I got to see Monica and Diddy again as well as interview Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Fonzworth Bentley, Common, Rickey Smiley, Chrisette Michelle, Spike Lee, Mike Tyson, Brian McKnight, and many more (www.bet.com/specials/helphaiti/). While in Miami, I got to hang out with my homeboy Maurice and my Morehouse brother Khalid. And also in the mix, all of the awesome BET folks who’ve welcomed me into the fold as family.  A lot of great folks over there. We had a lovely meal at Tarpon Bend Restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida (www.tarponbend.com).

Meanwhile, my main freelance client has been calling and I’ve been churning out work there and also I recently did a project for Ed Gordon Media.
 
And on the writing tip, in the wake of being a contributing reporter for ESSENCE Magazine's OBAMA editorial section in the November issue, I just filed work for a new assignment that will be featured in the June 2010 issue of ESSENCE on FATHERHOOD. And The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists has invited me to sit on its panel (just before The Oscars): Monitoring Hollywood ll Precious: A Discussion On Hollywood’s Image of The Black Woman. It’s scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm in the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News Public Room, 400 North Broad Street. Since Philly’s own Lee Daniels’ gripping film “Precious” - based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire is winning acclaim for its tale of a young Black girl’s heartache and struggle living in the inner city, PABJ’s Media Watch Committee think it fitting to delve into the progress and failures of Hollywood’s portrayal of Black women. Just in time for Women’s History Month! www.pabjwatch.blogspot.com

AND WINTER’S COLD --- and many BLIZZARDS --- COULDN’T STOP Ant, the gang, and me from enjoying our New York City!

“CHICAGO”

From Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams made her debut in Broadway’s “Chicago” recently. As all of her stage impressions – from “AIDA” to “The Color Purple” (as Shug Avery) – she proved a delight. AMEN’s Roz Ryan is ‘Mama’ in the cast. And these two bring some freshness to a long-in-the-tooth show on The Great White Way. My buddies Damone Roberts (‘eyebrow king’) and star hairstylist Oscar James were in the house along with Star Jones and her beau. Also, it was great to see Michelle, Kelly, and Beyonce’s label publicist (for many years) Yvette Noel-Schure. I love Yvette!!!! She made it possible for Ant to take me to Manila a couple of years ago and see in concert: Beyonce, who serenaded me Happy Birthday after her show. And since B was in Brazil (hot off snagging her record-breaking six Grammy Awards), her husband Jay Z came by the after party (at Time Hotel, just across the street from the Ambassador Theatre) to celebrate Michelle on behalf of Mrs. Carter.  Also in attendance at the after-party: my friends Devon Christopher (BLEU Magazine Publisher); Ra-Fael deBlanco; and Katrina Boswell (two of my favorite publicists); and THE Karu Daniels (of AOL Black Voices fame).

“BLACK LIST 3”

I've had the chance to host THE BLACK LIST Volume One premiere in Atlanta in August 2008 at The High Museum: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/26/its-good-to-be-black.html This, in addition to attending the NYC Premiere for VOLUME ONE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/masters-mentors.html ... And VOLUME TWO: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/4/like-march-weather-when-hell-change-nobody-knows.html  Was great to experience the continuing saga VOLUME 3 in New York City with players from all three: Faye Wattleton, Lee Daniels, Latonya Richardson, Dr. Michael Lomax, Rev. Al Sharpton, and others. (www.hbo.com)

“POST BLACK”

On that same night, Ant and I joined my AUC/CAU sister Ytasha Womack who left her Windy City of Chicago to promote her new book in New York City. Hip business features magazine NV presented the “Post Black” party. And imagine my excitement when I found out that in this collection of essays on ‘how a new generation is redefining African American Identity’, Ytasha includes a memory of ME at the top of her Chapter 4 (page 82 – 83)  which is titled “BLACK, GAY, LESBIAN, AND PROUD: GLBT IN BLACK AMERICA” – an excerpt in which some social time she and I spent in Chicago was perhaps tainted by a comic that – after tanking with his stand-up act – chose to go for the ‘homophobic gay joke’ to which he received even less enthusiasm from the mixed crowed. I consider the moment a development in my own comforts around sexuality because – like other moments – this one didn’t hold in my heart as a ‘traumatic’ one. But the compassion and insight of Ytasha underscores the sociological aspects of that particular moment brilliantly. CONGRATS YTASHA! Please pick up her book: www.postblackthebook.blogspot.com and http://lit.newcity.com/tag/ytosha-womack/ and http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=3968773 and http://www.wgntv.com/search/dispatcher.front?Query=ytasha+womack&target=article  Several of my L.A. peeps are still staying in touch. Look out for:  My Sheryl Lee Ralph’s 1st Annual DIVA AWARDS (www.divaawards.org) in L.A. on February 27th. She honors Oscar nominees Lee Daniels and Mo’Nique. 

NYC FASHION WEEK

New York Fashion Week is in high gear… and Ant and I are usually in the mix. In the throes of managing multiple projects to stay afloat, I’ve neglected the many invites that have popped in my email box – usual inspiration for what I will RSVP to attend a la the white tent shows; off-sight extravaganzas; and the many ‘open bar’ parties. Though Ant too has been overwhelmed with long days – cranking out segments for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, fashion and style are his business. So, he invited me to join him for ‘Wendy’ celebrity guest make-up artist D'Angelo Thompson's launch party in SOHO along with his partner Andrea Fairweather who I've had a chance to meet over the years when I've done on-camera pop culture analysis. Beauty Techniques To Go (www.BeautyTechniquesToGo.com) is a comprehensive DIY beauty education series for the beauty-conscious and aspiring/emerging artists. It teaches beauty techniques, trends, kit revamp, and more. Several of his ‘Wendy’ colleagues were in the house – from Aleeka to Talia… and it was the perfect start to an evening that wrapped further downtown. It was BET’s a-little-older-and-sexier cable network CENTRIC's party launching MODEL CITY – an original series that takes a look at the world of Black male models. I have several friends connected to the project – from Sean Joell Johnson and Senior VP of Original Programming Essie Chambers. In the house, I ran into several of my BET bosses and peers of late as well as some dear friends – like Toyce Francis and Nina Flowers (from The Apollo). Toyce has just launched www.ClubVIPlister.com, a national gay nightlife directory that features much for its demo to comb through around the New York City scene and beyond. I’ve bumped into her a time or two during Fashion Weeks gone by and this past couple of months (at BET Honors and BET’s Haiti Telethon), Chrisette Michelle – as always – was most gracious and sweet. I even ran into my friend Tracey Moore’s little girl Radiance – now a woman and continuing to make us proud as she delves into video producing! GO RADIANCE!

“ERN’S EXTRAVAGANZA”

February has been celebration time. It’s Ern’s birthday month (February 14th to be exact). But we didn’t start partying on that day. A couple of weeks prior, he, Ant, and I hung out with Ant’s work sister Candice at her place for a YOU TUBE party. We enjoyed The Grammys at Ern’s place. Then, to honor the BIG 28TH BIRTHDAY of ERN, we did several things. We’re still celebrating. (But I’ve known Ern since ‘his birth’ [EXHIBIT A], I’m not sure how all of this works… but since Black doesn’t crack, I’ll play along. LOL!). On the eve of his big Birthday set that Kimberly put together, Ant and I took Ern out for margaritas and wings. Come Saturday night, we joined Kim and a gang of Ern’s friends for bowling. And of course, karaoke couldn't be too far behind. Our Mara and Tommie came. Tata & Jules were in the house. All of his real estate compadres. And my Morehouse brothers Michael and Mario were there as they’ve known Ern since our college years when he’d visit me in school. FUN ALL AROUND punctuated by a birthday/Valentine’s Day nibble at “On The Border” with his best buddy Tina. And for his special occasion, he even got a hand-written card and video BDAY message from his favorite diva Vanessa Williams. GO ERN! ALL FOR YOUR 28TH! YAYYYY!

SHOUT OUTS

MOREHOUSE, MY NEPHEW, AND ME

My friend and Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith sent these pix the other day of us in college. We – THE KING PLAYERS – were a musical theatre troop that traveled a bit with a musical “Martin”. At closer inspection, you’ll see our other Spelman sister Cassie Davis who has gone on to have huge success with Tyler Perry – including the hit TV show “House of Payne”. We all started together. I owe so much of my success to Morehouse – from the classroom to the networking to the exposure to the training for life and art. But my biggest THANKS to Morehouse is keeping her arms open long enough for my nephew Herman Lee Riley III to matriculate through those halls and create an even-more amazing life for himself from the place that did alright by me. He graduates in May. He’s already landed his first gig post-college (here in New York City as a marketing analyst for a household, Fortune 500 company). But even before all of that, he is one of 18 of the College’s best students selected to go on the 2010 Annual Spring Tour which – this year – travels to London, England, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Dublin, Ireland from March 4, 2010-March 12, 2010. He and his fellow Morehouse brothers will have the opportunity to interact with senior level management of major international corporations, such as Google and Goldman Sachs, and to examine their domestic and foreign operations.  After being nominated by faculty members, the students wrote research papers describing the British Isles economies and their reaction to the “Great Recession”.  From this pool of qualified students, selection was based on grade point average, scholastic honor, distinction, and extracurricular involvement.  The eighteen students who were ultimately chosen are only a sample of the high caliber of students that Morehouse produces. The Spring Tour was developed and implemented in 1982.  It was taken international in 1985. One of my fellow King Players, the late, great Benjamin P. McLaurin, Director of Career Counseling & Placement, took it to its current level of excellence.  It was originally designed to allow accounting students to visit banking and accounting firms as well as graduate schools.  The purpose of the tour has evolved to exposing Morehouse students to business customs and practices and to assist them in paralleling foreign customs and practices with domestic ones. Speaking of Morehouse, check out my Morehouse brother Kobie Brown’s project on FATHERS: The Kobie Chronicles Presents “From Fatherless To Fatherhood:
A video interview of Kevin Mason about fatherhood” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7dI8my_1KE.  STRONG MEN KEEP A COMIN’!

"...MIRACLE SHALL FOLLOW MIRACLE..."

I figured I better download you on my 2010 so far as it has been on and popping. THANKS MARCIA for my TIMELY 2010 AFFIRMATIONS (as author'd - I understand - by Florence Scovel-Schin's "The Game of Life"): "GOD IS MY UNFAILING SUPPLY. I RECEIVE LARGE SUMS OF MONEY QUICKLY AND IN PERFECT WAYS!"..."I HAVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE IN A WONDERFUL WAY. I GIVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE FOR A WONDERFUL PAY"..."THY WILL BE DONE. THIS IS A DAY OF COMPLETION. MIRACLE SHALL FOLLOW MIRACLE AND WONDERS WILL NEVER CEASE!" It's ON!

Came into the New Year without Ant as he was still in Denver while I was back home from Savannah in Jersey. But my ride-or-die Ern was free. We hung out at the home of Queenie - a friend of he and Kimberly. Also, Ern and I got another set in at his real estate compadre Cindy's lovely place. Food, fun, and fellowship! What better way to come into 2010!

The next day, Ern, Kim, and I trekked up to The Poconos. We spent quality New-Year's-Day time with our girlfriend Cristal and her mom Sheila. They were hosting a special outing of dinner and cards. Awesome time! I got some sad news that one of our classic, soul food restaurants The Pink Tea Cup (in the Village) was closing... and it is now gone. My cousin-by-marriage Vincent was the longstanding manager there. I will miss The Pink Tea Cup.

At the top of January, I got two, month-long assignments from BET to field produce/write/edit BET's Black History Month campaign and to produce tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. Working under the Creative Direction of Michaela angela Davis and my Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable (Director), it was a great opportunity. I interviewed a number of celebs at BET Honors which taped in D.C. I chatted up Tischina Arnold, Trey Songz, Ryan Leslie, Jasmyne Sullivan, Gabrielle Union, and a host of others. Ran into my Morehouse brother Khari Simmons, long-standing bass player for India.Arie and son of BET Honors recipient Dr. Ruth Simmons (Brown University President). Ran into dear friends Terri and Alvin Bowles. Always good to see them! Here I pose with one of our First Lady Michelle Obama's hairstylists Johnny Wright.

Also in D.C., we shot with the Howard University band and many of its students and some Duke Ellington School of the Arts students. My Savannah homeboy James Davis (with whom I also went to high school) came by to say HI... and provide me more laughter than a little bit with our reflections of the way life used to be (Oh, life was so simple and funny then! LOL!). I LOVE JAY! He's a Howard grad and teacher in D.C. After the shoot, we tried to eat at The World Famous Florida Ave Grill (but it was closed). Instead, my Brian and Kelli came and took me to dinner before my train back to NJ. We ate at Union Station.

While in New York City, we shot some awesome folks - including Tony-award-winning George Faison, Vy Higginsen (of "Mama I Want to Sing" fame), and Spoonbread's Norma Jean Darden.Also, we captured the talents of "Precious" Gabby's mother Alice who sings gospel-tinged soul in the subways of NYC. Too, I've done some spot assignments from main clients and new clients (including a recent shoot in D.C.). And in the wake of the BET project, I'm going to Miami to interview folks on the red carpet at its telethon for Haiti this weekend.

And I am still pushing the spot on-camera work. Most recently, my pop culture analysis was included in a piece that ran on MSNBC at the top of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40). Also, I am featured in an Ebony Fashion Fair profile on CUNY-TVs "Independent Sources" in February. And recently got to host a "The Frog & The Princess" preview with Anika Noni-Rose in Tampa for NABJ (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv). Also, I was asked to weigh in on the use of the term "Negro" in the census (www.thegrio.com). My full reply: Wilona from "Good Times" would check "negro" (circa 1978). LOL! Well, if the census form authors are going to go so far as to include an the archaic term "negro", why not put "colored" on there... just in case someone hadn't graduated from that word usage. I'm just saying... LOL! (I didn't know. Not sure I care. But thinking more thoughtfully about it, it seems that perhaps the census folks want to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible, hence my joke above about the "coloreds"). The piece that ran: http://www.thegrio.com/2010/01/the-word-negro-in-2010-census-form-offends-some-blacks.php.

* And singing has always been a sidelight (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv).
You'll recall, I recently got thrown into a stretch to sing Diana Ross' "The Boss" for its composers Ashford & Simpson at Gospel Uptown. Didn't quite land in the wake of the spontaneity but I still consider it an AWESOME highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k. Ashford & Simpson's enthusiasm (along with crowd) kept me going. SMILE! Stay tuned for more intimate evenings of song... from me. I'm booking some dates for the Spring now.

OUT AND ABOUT * Ant and I always enjoy our karaoke. On this night, we hung out with our friend Cathy on her birthday. She and her crew of 'real housewives of NJ' brought the FUN!

* Far left is Goodman from the legendary Ray, Goodman, and Brown. Next to him is legendary Vaughan Harper of 'Quiet Storm' fame. This too was at Harlem's Gospel Uptown on the day I interviewed several folks for the BET Black History Month campaign!

* Ant and I have spent some fun nights with his 'Wendy' co-workers - from Candice to Merrell to D'Angelo. Candice's birthday just passed and we toasted her accordingly. Merrell had us over to watch "RuPaul's Drag Race".

* Ant and I recently got to see my Spelman sister Bridget Bland ("Harlem Heights") at her cousin and castmate Brianna's purse party at the Maritime Hotel in NYC. This is the line's one year anniversary: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html. Also in attendance: Ant's buddy Mike (Aaron Blaze) and Derrick Briggs along with another of Ant's 'Wendy' co-workers Talia. And a host of other beautiful people were in the house. Also there: my dear friend Kevin-Anthony who booked me to sing for Ashford & Simpson (We're supposed to do another for Haiti soon). After Brianna's purse party, we went to BBQ and I ran into my little Spelman sister (now Columbia U masters candidate) Janelle. So good to see her: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/12/this-dream-is-for-all-of-us-this-one-can-be-real.html.

* My friend and Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts surprised me with two of my fav Morehouse brothers Mario and Devon at Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family". We had a blast! As I've written, Devon is an actor/singer in his own right. He and I (and Michael) did our own take of 'Gospel play' stage work in "Martin" - a show that used to run annually out of Morehouse's King Chapel. In the piece, I was Martin Luther King Jones and got to sing a wonderful song at the end of the play with music: "Walking In Strange And New Places". In recent years, Devon and I uncovered that we are kindred in the ways of music, divas, and the 70s. Miss Ross and DREAMGIRLS reign SUPREME as our collective muses go. Also, it was fun to see my Spelman sister Bridget Bland and one of Carl Nelson's Associates from his event planning firm Diante... and with Tyler Perry's success in TV and film, it's interesting to see the cross section of demographics in attendance at his staged plays - the first genre he tackled.

* Our theatre marketing diva Marcia Pendelton (Next up: FENCES w/Denzel) invited Ant and me out for an awesome dinner at Gospel Uptown in Harlem. First time eating at the restaurant in the wake of having performed and attended a show or two. Yum!

RANDOMS: I stumbled into some shows I hadn't seen in a minute. On-line, I found myself catching up on some shows I hadn't seen - including Oscar nominee Mo'Nique's show along with new web-i-sode "Buppies" by Tatyana Ali, who is also co-starring in a Martin Lawrence-produced sitcom on TV One's first orginal, scripted program: "Love That Girl".

Also, I stumbled into a marathon of "South Central" (remember that?) with Larenz Tate and Jennifer Lopez. Had never seen it in the '90s. I enjoyed it. Even saw some stars I got to know since - including Marva Hicks; Tasha Scott; and Shar Jackson (who would go on to do "Moesha").

REMAKES: So, an expanded re-release of Diana Ross' hit album "Touch Me In The Morning" is out along with a 25th anniversary edition of Whtiney Houston's debut album. Also, some new folks got together to re-record "We Are The World" (for Haiti). Moreover, there's a cool book I read over the holiday: "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story behind the Song - The Exclusive Personal Stories behind 101 of Your Favorite Songs".

COMING UP:

* My dear friend Robin Stone is steering the legacy of her late, great husband Gerald Boyd - also a friend. He passed away a couple of years ago after an amazing career in journalism (making it to the heights of being the highest-ranking African American man at The New York Times). Well, his remarkable American tale "MY TIMES in Black & Whote: Race and Power at The New York Times" is done. Other upcoming events:  http://www.booktour.com/author/robin_d_stone Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1435626294#/pages/GeraldMBoydMyTimes/146984572566?ref=ts and www.mytimesinblackandwhite.com

* My CAU sister Ytasha Womack has a new book "Post Black: How A New Generation is Redefining African American Identity" and Booklist has picked it as a To 10 Black History Reader for the Year! She's coming to town for a book party. Hope to see her.

SHOUT OUTS:

* My girl Danni Conner's new blog: www.graffititomboy.blogspot.com

* My girl Renea's new gig: www.mobilematters.org

* My girl Tomika who is publicizing DORIS products, which were developed as part of a small home-run business over 35 years ago, but went public last January. DORIS NEW YORK is a hair care company owned and operated by Doris and Marlene Duperley, who are women of color and a mother-and-daughter team based in Queens, New York. Doris, who's the mom, is a long-time hairstylist and salon owner as well as a first generation Jamaican American. Her products are her dream come true.

*WHO IS GARTH VOISIN? Well, my girl Audrey hipped me to who he is. He's an Atlanta-based personal trainer and fitness model. He was recently named the 2009 cover model winner for KRAVE Magazine in Dallas, Texas. The contest featured models from across the country who sought after votes to win the cover. He is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and has been a resident in Atlanta for the past two years. He says he has always had a passion for working out and exercising so he naturally fell into the role of fitness professional. Voisin hopes to continue on the path of modeling, training and teaching youth today that exercise and fitness can be fun. Voisin will be featured on the September edition of KRAVE Magazine. For more information on Garth Voisin, log on to his website at www.gavjourney.com or check out www.kravemagazine.net. You can also see him in Angie Stone's new video: "I Ain't Hearin' You" among others.

REST IN PEACE:

Robin Diane Lynn

I am an AUTHENTIC, LOVING, and VULNERABLE MAN! Robin helped me access those ways of being which made way for BEING THE DIFFERENCE - even in the eye of the storm. R.I.P. Robin Lynn! http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv

Eunice Johnson

Roxanna Floyd

I've always been told that makeup artist for the stars - including Miss Ross at LEGENDS - Roxanna Floyd was my cousin some kind of way. She was always such a love and light when we'd run into each other at industry functions. R.I.P.

John Cater

 He used to log my field tapes in Chicago and went on to become an Emmy-award-winning reporter. Then, suddenly, he died at just-over 30. SUCH A GREAT GUY! GONE TOO SOON! But what a DIFFERENCE he was while he was here. RIP JOHN!

 

 

 

 

"I CAN DO (GOOD) ALL BY MYSELF (AND WITH SOMEONE)..."

 

I Can (Watch Tyler Perry's new movie) All By Myself in L.A. and have a BLAST (www.icandobadmovie.com)! Ran into industry buddies Herndon Davis & Regina Robertson. And forgot I was gonna be entertained by Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, and Marvin Winans. Won't give it away but it's Tyler's classic formula - REMIXED. I generally enjoyed it! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/10/11/what-has-pop-culture-done-for-me-lately.html

 

Hung with girlfriend Sidra at her rooftop pool – always the thing to do on a lazy Saturday; however, NYC buddy Ike coordinated via remote the 2nd part of my day. His best friend is actor Nate Parker (of “Great Debaters” and “Secret Life of Bees” fame). Nate invited me to join he, his wife Sarah (www.sarahdisanto.com) – an awesome designer in her own right; and Ike's friend Cassie Freeman (www.cassiefreeman.com) at Casa Vega (www.casavega.com) in the Valley (great conversation!). Big shout out to Ike for bringing us all together, though he was in NYC. I interviewed Nate a year ago in Chicago as he was promoting “The Secret Life of Bees” and I had a chance to meet him at the NYC premiere of “The Great Debaters”. Found out he and Ike were college buddies sometime thereafter. This is our first time bringing all those tie-ins together as Ike insisted they keep me entertained for a spell during my lonely L.A. blues. And boy did they all put a smile on my face!

 

And for part three of my night, I went to The Church where ?uestlove waxed all things Mi-Jac (Happy BDAY MJ)! (www.walktalkin.com). My girl Zabrina hipped me to that joint. And what a celebration that was! Plus, I hear Michael’s godkid Evan Ross celebrated his 21st birthday in L.A. the night prior. It took place at "Guys & Dolls" in L.A. Mom Diana reigned supreme (of course). Evan's sisters Tracee and Chudney came along as well as brother Ross. A Mi-Jac megamix reportedly played in honor of Michael who Evan claims was working on some music with him in the studio. (Can't wait to hear what this most prolific actor gives in the music department. Chip off the old block, one might say, coupled with an "angel" - or two - from above... not to mention the 'earth angel' right by his side. 

 

By the way, speaking of MJ, I had a Harvey Levin run-in around Hollywood. And it didn’t take the paparazzi or TMZ for me to spot him.

 

And Sunday, I finally got to see my Tony and Scott (Ed too… but he had come out to play for “Mahogany”). We went to the Abbey and it was quite the place to see and be seen. I ran into NYC buddies Chris and Jared plus new L.A. buddy Joey and the man with the most – lashes - Ja'Maal Buster ('eyelash guru to the stars'): www.jamaalbuster.com. I even got a glimpse of Patrik Ian-Polk and Tyra's glam squad quy, friend Valente (in town to beat Tyra's face for her Daytime Emmy.: But way EXCITED to hang with Tony, Scott, and Ed again (my boyz).

 

I also got to hang out with my Morehouse bro Redic at his art gallery ("Images of you!"). He too is a singer/songwriter; fashion designer; and all-around Renaissance man. Shout out to Spelman sis Tia as well. Low-key, creative, and inspired night with lots more to report come September when he introduces his brand to the world.

 

My buddy Delandis invited me to attend his birthday dinner at 'Sushi Dan on Sunset'. My money is funny, but he told me to come anyway. Funds not an issue and FUN all around by way of Delandis and his very nice friends. He says the gift was having my energy in the mix. I say the gift was mine... Thanks Delandis! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/24/do-you-get-what-youre-hoping-for.html

 

So you apparently watched as "Frankie & Neffe" did a 1.5 on BET the other night - the network's 2nd highest reality debut ever (behind "Tiny & Toya" who had the unfortunate lead-in of a post-Michael-Jackson BET Awards). We hear BET has never seen this many viewers at 10:30pm. *SIGH Well, it is one of the projects that kept me on the road (and off the street corner) this summer (ATL and L.A.) - as field & story producer. What a ride! And I lived to tell... and now you can see and judge for yourself:

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/24/do-you-get-what-youre-hoping-for.html

 

I just completed an assignment for ESSENCE that you can check out in the November issue. It’s a piece of which I’m proud to be a contributor – for what the brand of ESSENCE represents as excellence in journalism goes but also the subject matter (Stay tuned). The project reminds me how proud I am of those in my own circle. I’ll shout some of them out here… randomly:

 

It’s my Dad’s baby brother Bobby’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE BOBBY! My dad went to Pontiac, Michigan to celebrate with him. Uncle Bobby’s baby boy Chris, my little cousin --- ever the grown man now --- is the Chief Director of All Operations at Sky’s The Limit Community Foundation (www.skysthelimitcf.giving.oficelive.com). Its programs are making a positive impact on the Youth and Young Adults in the Pontiac area. 

 

My Morehouse brother Marcellous (whose fashion shows I’ve had the honor of hosting during our School Daze) is now living his ‘haute couture’ dreams abroad as his Parisian-based TV show has been extended for another season. He co-produces it with a Canadian cable network. Check out his interview with USHER RAYMOND in Paris by CLICKING HERE or by entering the following link: http://www.thefashioninsider.com/video/40.html?lang=EN&meta=Video_Fashion_show_EN_USHER_RAYMOND_BREAKS_SILENCE_ON_DEATH_OFMICHAEL_JACKSON_LANVIN Now if you want to catch his recent interview with FERGI, WILL. I. AM and the rest of the BLACK EYED PEAS and other stars like Milla Jovovich, head on over to the FI² column at the www.TheFashionInsider.com. When you go there, it will automatically ask you to sign in. Just click on the world "OK" and the video will immediately start. He just wrapped a fab vacation which took him to Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the French Alps, Croatia, and even to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now, I’ve gone some awesome places, but come on now… LOL! Still, somewhere in his intercontinental zone (by way of Perry, Georgia), he still thinks of me often – even writing this piece on me a couple of years ago (on my own sense of fashon & style):

 

 FROM WWW.FASHIONWINDOWS.COM by Marcellous Jones 

 

Patrick Riley 

From a solid career foundation in local TV news to current, on-going freelance projects in New York City, Patrick L. Riley is one of New York’s hottest talents. His credentials as a producer are impressive: Good Day Atlanta, Rivera Live!, and others. Over the years, he has collaborated heavily with NBC, BET, I-STYLE TV.COM, CROSSWALKS TV, LEVI'S, and HBO.

As a freelance producer, certain assignments have placed him across from President Bill Clinton, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby, Mary Tyler Moore, Penelope Cruz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dr. Maya Angelou, Chris Rock, Beyonce, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Moby, Luther Vandross, etc. And for HBO, he has interviewed the likes of Michael Douglas, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, etc.

With that said, it is clear that fashion and appearance are important to Riley. He wears Kenneth Cole (head-to-toe); Donna Karan; Armani and Rene Lezard --- all of whom offer simple and classic pieces that work in many ways. Riley also throws in some “look-for-less” pieces from THE GAP and H&M. He also wears lesser known designers of color who do great work such as Moshood and Belasse.

In TV, Riley must look authoritative, but have the freedom to display it with colour, flamboyance and pizzazz without being a distraction. So, on any given day, you may see him wearing a sports coat or suit jacket by Rene Lezard or Donna Karan, but beneath it a crisp, white Emmanuelle Ungaro tuxedo shirt or perhaps a fitted and ribbed-turtleneck with geometric designs from GAP, H&M, Armani or Kenneth Cole.

“For the weekend, I love to be comfortable, but still stylish. Moshood has a line of T-shirts and patchwork-pants (drawstring) that accommodate that dichotomy”, says Riley. “Also, in the summer, tanks from H&M and GAP keep me going. In the winter, simple turtlenecks from H&M and GAP accent a leather jacket and some jeans just fine. And those Kenneth Cole jeans and sneakers go with me through the week and on the weekend.”

Riley is free with good advice for men with their own fashion needs. He says, “ I think it’s important for men on the rise in the business world to know the rules and be prepared to play them. One should be armored with a black/blue suit; crisp, white shirt; pressed tie; solid belt; shined shoes; etc.). That said, I think it’s important for men on the rise to simultaneously know themselves and where their spirit is going. And from there, they might find creative ways to express that in their wardrobe. My business, of course, allows for that expression.”

 

My friend Stephen Beasley about whom I’ve blogged a time or trillion partnered with some amazing organizations to enhance his next music launch. A charity GLOBAL SOLES made the event a Drop-Off Site for people to donate new shoes to kids around the world. Torie Wiggins, whose South in the City treats are all but taking over Brooklyn, served up some goodies alongside our girl Marcia Pendelton who gave away free theatre tickets through her company Walk Tall Girl Productions.This event was his trial for the format of his next live recording which will happen this winter… and will be a Bazaar called "Cornucopia" at this amazing place called Littlefield, which is fully equipped to record his album live. Check out a free live download of sbPs Rock & Soul made possible by Microsoft!

www.myspace.com/windowshomepage=thesbp . As always, CONGRATS STEPHEN (this one took a minute to get up).

 

And for every powerful brother, there’s a powerful sister somewhere in the neighborhood. My girlfriend Shaun Robinson (of “Access Hollywood” fame) is very excited to share this Girls Empowerment video with you that is based on her new book, "Exactly As I Am". It's designed to help build self-esteem in our girls and Shaun’s hope is that you will share it with a teen girl you love. Here goes; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmI6ggx2Aiw

(www.shaunrobinson.com and www.exactlyasiam.com).

 

You folks have heard me reference my dear departed Kodjoe (A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - "LOVE IS IN THE AIR") – the man for whom I dedicated this intimate evening of song (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv). Well, the film on which Kodjoe was working before his untimely passing will see the light of day - screening in NYC and L.A.  It’s titled "Why Us? Left Behind and Dying", about a group of inner-city African-American teenagers discovering why HIV rates are so high in black communities. The director Claudia Pryor (also Kodjoe’s dear friend) wants you to know about this project which premieres in Los Angeles and New York City (www.diversityfilms.org/). Check out the website (CLICK: FILMMAKERS) to see a tribute to Kodjoe.  Claudia is the visionary behind this project... and its DIRECTOR. She enrolled Kodjoe back home to NYC to work on this film which took him to many parts of Africa (beyond his family's homeland of Ghana). He was most passionate and excited to work on this important piece. I'm full.. and SMILING --- all at once --- that the work to which he contributed for such a great cause will finally be seen by the WORLD!

 

WOW! GOD IS GOOD! 

 

Remember? Don't take any of this LIFE and those we LOVE for GRANTED! 

 

... and PLEASE FORWARD & SPREAD THE WORD - SO ALL CAN SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT... and KODJOE'S LEGACY!!!!

 

Here's the info:

 

LOS ANGELES  -- Wednesday, September 9 through Tuesday September 15

 

Grande 4-Plex

345 S.Figueroa

Los Angeles, CA  90071

213-617-3084

 

Two shows daily at 4:45 and 8:15pm

 

The director, Claudia Pryor attend the Los Angeles screenings on Sept 9th and 10th  

 

NEW YORK  -- Friday, September 11 through Thursday, September 17

 

IFC Center

323 Sixth Avenue

New York, NY 10014

212-924-6789

 

Two shows daily:  Times to be announced

The director, Claudia Pryor, will attend the New York screenings Sept 11th and 12th

 

LINK TO TRAILER:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a7_iO48OTY

 

Labor Day is approaching… and I’m the most excited person around as Ant is coming for the weekend (with the new digital camera he bought me strapped on). I’ve clearly made the best of my time here in L.A. and will continue to do so (as has Ant on the New York end). But we’re much better together – so we’ll enjoy this long weekend… and beyond that, we will look to identify the next window amidst my L.A. stint that we can enjoy each other as we do. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/6/23/hes-hoppin-it-to-hollywood.html Remember the fun we had the last time? 

"DO YOU GET WHAT YOU'RE HOPING FOR... ?"

I'm missing home something terrible but looking at these pix means I'm making the best of it!

Still, 'success is nothing without someone you love to share it with'! LOL! Though just a text or quick call away, the time zones between Ant and me - coupled with our respective attachment to keeping our individual selves entertained without the other in tow (sometimes at the expense of what's sensible) - have made it a challenge (at best). I'm not a fan of being without Ant. And I'm not a fan of being alone. That said, being alone has allowed me to put things in perspective and work through some of the feelings that lie beneath the loneliness.

But back to making the best of it: My L.A. friends say 'only you would come to town and have us at the Egyptian Theatre to see 'Mahogany'. Most of them had never set foot in the Hollywood landmark'. THANKS GUYS (and GALS) - including my Tanika Ray of EXTRA fame.My Theo was in town from New York - so he had to be there given when we first met at now-closed Day-O, our mutual friend Erich told him I was a big Diana Ross fan... and Theo asked me to recite lines from "Mahogany" that he wrote on the paper table tops, tore off, and took home. LOL! Talk about a full-circle moment.

There was also my Ed who has worked with the diva and many divas over the years.

And Curtis who is "the other" #1 Diana Ross fan. And Walter - Curtis' brother - who I'd never met before but he told me he was a fan of the blog. As his brother Curtis introduced us, he assured he already knew who I was and always wanted to meet me. Well, now we've met. And thank you, Walter, for reading "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities". Curtis will be hosting a Diana Ross-themed party (in my honor) during Labor Day weekend when Ant comes to town. We'll party alongside rare Ross footage. ALL ABOUT LOVE! 

Theo brought his good girlfriend Victoria who brought her good girlfriends - including Ms. Lana. I even won the "Mahogany" prize as the promoters had some folks come up and answer some trivia and work the runway.

Though the bag said GUCCI, its contents were not. But there was "Mahogany" cake. Still, fun... and of course, I took the time to buy a toothbrush and spruce up my Diana's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - right in front of the Egyptian Theatre. Afterwards, "Eyebrow King" Damone Roberts - another Ross fan -  and his partner Ramon - joined us at The Abbey for some nourishment ----- all of this juxtaposed to me --- three hours prior --- crying in my L.A. hotel room  as Oxygen rolled out "Bodyguard" for the 500th time. Surely my tears were from loneliness and homesickness ("Bodyguard" isn't one of my fav films like "Mahogany" but I'd always wished Ross had taken the part when it was offered to her after "The Wiz").

It hasn't all been lonely and blue. From the pool party that Javier and I attended when I first got into town, I met a cool dude named Delandis (www.delandisworld.com). He happened to have a business meeting in the studio where I'm working. We stumbled into each other and decided to have lunch. Aroma on Sunset was our spot... and we caught up on all the great things he's doing - including pitching a kids show starring HIM.Ant and I saw him a couple of years ago (but didn't know it) as he was in the Chicago company of "Wicked". Delandis - who is celebrating a birthday in a few days - also got me out my hotel room last night. The Abbey - again - was the spot. It was good to be out but I'm really missing NYC and Ant (who says he just bought me a new digitial camera [DISPOSABLES no more! LOL!] and can come to L.A. Labor Day Weekend. Ern is coming too). And Theo kept me entertained while he was here in town. He hosted a night of Mexican at El Coyote where he reconnected me to his Victoria (Ant and I got to meet her when we were last in L. A.). Then, she brought Lana and others into the mix. 

 


Plus, my PMAMA  (Marlene), who I know from a listserv of which she and I are members, came and we got to meet in person for the first time.


My other dear friend Zabrina came by and we enjoyed a cocktail before she took me to meet up with our girl Tosha Whitten-Griggs (and her sister) for a party at The Roxy. Zabrina is doing publicity for BET which is the home of a couple of my latest projects "Frankie & Neffe" and "Monica: Still Standing".On one night, my buddy Javier scooped me up for a quick drink. A few more cocktails later (coupled with karaoke in WeHo), I'm excited to report that - after shutting them down in NYC, Burbank, Manila, Chicago, Atlanta, and some other locales I may be forgetting - my Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" is now a hit in West Hollywood. LOL! Next stop: a karaoke dive bar near you! LMAO!

And Sid - always a joy - has been giving of her time generously - to 'babysit' me when I am over being in my hotel room alone... and can't remix the four walls around me any other kind of way. One night, we went to the home of a friend of hers. I stumbled into some actors whose work I admire - including Terrell Tilford (http://www.terrelltilford.yuku.com/) and Noah's Arc's Chase, Doug Spearman. It was such the intimate affair, I got shy to ask for photo ops but did get to chat each of them up a little. And they are both the nicest guys! Very warm! My L.A. buddy Javier popped by after his fashion show. The following day, Sidra and I enjoyed a bite at L.A. LIVEs "The Farm" as we needed to debrief all the fun we had the night prior. Thanks Sid - for a great time! (I considered going to the Sunset Junction Street Fair - featuring performances by Supremes' Mary Wilson, Motown artist/"Lady Sings The Blues" co-screen writer Chris Clark, and others). The L.A. Times did a story on Clark that reminded me what a compelling way she managed to weave her talents throughout Motown (as a white woman) during some of the label/movie company's integral moments  (www.chrisclarkinc.com).

Meanwhile, work is good. Post-production on the "Monica" project is going well.

My other long-standing clients have even been calling and though I've not been able to squeeze in any of their requests for my services (due to demands of my current schedule), it's good to know the calls are coming and will hopefully be coming when this current project wraps (or whenever I can squeeze a day or two into the mix. I'm all about a WIN-WIN!).

And I've also taken on a couple of quick turn-around assignments for 'ESSENCE' and 'Spelman College'. Stay tuned on those particulars when closer to roll-out. Though my project for 'ESSENCE' is for the November 2009 issue (details later), I - unrelated to this assignment - 'heard' (on the street. SMILE!) that my Miss Ross, her oldest daughter (with Berry Gordy) Rhonda, Rhonda's new baby boy (Miss Ross' first grandchild), and others in the Ross clan are supposed to pose for 'ESSENCE' cameras sometime soon. Will be great to see those shots as it was to see cover models, Miss Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross, a few years ago, on the iconic magazine's cover and inside the issue.
So, deadlines, premieres, and post-production... OH MY!... are on the horizon. There is still the uphill battle of managing the economics (especially as I have to pay for room/transportation in order to work out here on the West Coast). But things are improving... and it's all par for the course. Even when things show up a challenge, I continue to acknowledge that I AM BLESSED... and in the words of Langston Hughes, "Life is fine... Fine as wine... life is fine...".