A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Hi folks - especially my DALLAS PEEPS! Ant and I truly enjoyed our time in DALLAS at Riverfront Jazz Festival! I told you how excited I was to attend: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2017/8/17/one-booking-at-a-time.html. Well, we really did have a BLAST!Jonathan Butler, Melanie Fiona, Jon Secada, and Rachelle Farrell join Rahsaan Patterson, Original SUPREME Mary Wilson, Band of Gold's Freda Payne, and Oleta Adams as some of the star performers who SLAYED! BRILLIANT TALENT back-to-back-to-back made for a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY WEEKEND! And so good to see dear friends and local hosts: Kevin....  Nanette Lee, NABJ brother friends Terry Allen and CBS Dallas' Steve Pickett, my beloved Ed Roebuck, the uber-talented and inspirational Darren Henson, and more. The TBAAL and VISITDALLAS teams have been too hospitable in this awesome city - starting with Pecan Lodge welcome meal of BBQ and more.... for Ant, my NABJ besties Greg Dunmore (in town for Pulsebeat) and Jill Tracey (covering for Hot 105.1 Miami). Plus, we got the benefit of connecting to a number of wonderful, new Dallas friends. The weekend's kickoff concert was given by none other than Dallas' own homegirl from outer space, THE Erykah Badu who did just about everything except for maybe Bag Lady. She plucked "Believe in Yourself" from The Wiz - and her TBAAL past with Godfather Curtis King - as a tribute to our Houston, TX family as they find their way back to life. BRILLIANT SHOW! BADU BROUGHT IT! Others on the stellar line-up include: Will Downing, Najee, Yarbrough and Peoples featuring Benita Arterberry, Martha Wash, Pieces of A Dream, Ruben Studdard, Alex Bugonon, Kim Waters, Phil Perry, Eloise Laws, and MANY, MANY MORE! I MUST BE IN THE HOUSE NEXT YEAR!www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org. #LifeofRiley

 #TBAALriverfrontjazzfestival or @TBAAL

WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?

Well, Ant & I have seen "Why Did I Get Married Too?" twice already… and it’s not out until the top of April (www.WhyDidIGetMarriedTooMovie.com). But you know how we do with our special ladies – his being Miss Jackson! Of course, we loved the sequel’s predecessor (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/10/11/what-has-pop-culture-done-for-me-lately.html)… and got to celebrate that one as well with Janet; Jill Scott; Tasha Smith; and Mr. Tyler Perry. This go around was no exception, though Miss Jackson managed to evade a second photo-op with us but not her date, oldest Jackson sibling Miss Rebbie "Centipede" Jackson. But then, we still got the chance to attend the NYC Premiere at the SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS THEATER. Then, the after party at THE BOWERY HOTEL. First, the movie was AMAZING! What a rollercoaster ride. We LOVED it! The highs were high; the lows were low; and it all had me emotionally riveted and quite proud of Miss Jackson for clearly channeling her real-life loss and churning it into this brilliantly-executed role. The rest of the cast is stellar as well… and a host of others. And they were all too glad to strike a pose amidst the night. ROLL CALL: Tasha Smith; Malik Yoba;  Michael Jai White; Richard T. Jones;  Sharon Leal; Lamman Rucker; Tyler Perry; Deborah Gregory (Cheetah Girls); Gayle King; Dr. Maya Angelou; Ashford & Simpson; Oscar-winning "Precious" screenwriter (adaption) Geoffrey Fletcher; Judge Mathis; Terri J. Vaughn; "Blindside" actor Quinton Aaron; Caroline Rhea; SNL's Rachel Dratch; Jawn Murray; Bob Tate & Dedra Tate; Sports Illustrated model Jessica White. She's the new generation of Tyra; Lynn Whitfield; the ever-lovely Miss Jill Scott. And so many more - including a special shout out to my girl Anna Fuson with Red Sea Entertainment for keeping me in mind for special events like this. This, since we met during my extended stay in L.A. 

BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE: THE STORY OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

Special shout out to “WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO” actor Lamman Rucker who I’ve known for years since he was first in New York City working on one of my favorite soaps “As The World Turns”. We’ve stayed in touch – whether in L.A. or NYC – over these years. To that, he has returned to the Stage for Off-Broadway’s historic drama that pays tribute to the Tuskegee Airman. It’s "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" at New York's St. Luke's Theater. The production is written and directed by Layon Gray. Lamman, who too is a 2010 NAACP Image Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Meet The Browns", is joined by a stellar company of performers, who along with Rucker co-founded The Black Gents of Hollywood, an all-male ensemble driven to resurrect, redefine, and restore positive images of African-American men. "It is our duty to highlight a legacy that I believe contributes to restoring the identity of the black male", he says. "I'm especially honored that The Black Gents will debut Off-Broadway and pay tribute to The Tuskegee Airmen and other ancestors of that time who have embodied excellence, self-determination and self-discipline." "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" has been an official selection of the 2007 and 2009 National Black Theater Festival and recently won the 2009 NAACP Award for Best Ensemble, as well as the 2009 Artistic Director Achievement Award for Best Play.  "Black Angels Over Tuskegee"- St. Luke's Theater - 308 W. 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), NYC. (Monday, Friday, and Saturday -8:00 pm/Sunday -5:00 pm). Tickets are $31.50 and $56.50 and available at www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.

a COOL DIP in the BARREN SAHARAN CRICK

Meanwhile, save 40% on Kia Corthron's new hot-button drama @ Playwrights Horizon! (DISCOUNT CODE CDPP) http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/22/save-40-on-kia-corthrons-new-hot-button-drama-playwrights-ho.html

MONICA: STILL STANDING

As you know, I field and story produced hit reality show “Monica: Still Standing”. Well, the album is finally in stores… and she’s out and about, making sure the world knows. On her CD’s release date, she was here in NYC on CBS Early Show (http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_early_show/video/?pid=_bJRmbXFwgkiuMkzsoOvyutf3CyRODQN&vs=Default&play=true). Then, she went back to ATL for a signing and then returned to NYC for a late-night CD release celebration. She was up bright and early for “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” on radio; more blitz; and another party on the following night. GO MONICA! GO! SO PROUD OF YOU… and LOVE THE CD!   

TV ONE’S UnSUNG

TV One's UnSung is back for its third season… and I’ve seen screeners of Rose Royce (which just aired this week); Stacy Lattisaw; and Sylvester (running this week). It airs now on Monday nights… and is so entertaining. It's totally the kind of show on which I would work because it chronicles some of the most influential, talented and often forgotten R&B, Soul and Gospel artists of the last 30 years. This biography-style show promises to reveal the business and personal struggles that kept these artists from achieving the iconic commercial status they deserved.  

NEW AMERYKAH PT. 2: RETURN OF THE ANKH

Erykah Badu shared the cover of her upcoming March 30 release, New Amerykah Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh. The artwork was done by noted rock poster designer Emek. And follow up to “Window Seat” is supposed to be a song --"Strawberry Incense"… and you can hear this and find out more by clicking on www.ErykahBadu.com We LOVE our Erykah!

BLOOM - The Spring Party

My buddy Clarence Haynes – renaissance man who writes, edits, models, acts, etc. – is helping to put on a sexy, stylish, Afro-rhythmic, artistic night called BLOOM --The Spring Party. It ‘celebrates the season of flowers and sun, fuses burlesque dancers, booming music, and beautiful bodies bedazzled with paint. Billed as a “pan-sexual celebration” of cultural expressions from the African and Latin Diasporas, this party promises to attract New Yorkʼs bold and beautiful. BLOOM blossoms on Sunday, March 28 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight at ARENA, located at 135 West 41st Street, between 6th Avenue. The parties are produced by Bloom | Events -- a division of Banyan Tree Worldwide Media, Inc. -- in association with Dan Laufeswiler, Ron Lester and my friend Clarence Haynes. ARENA, located next to Bryant Park, ARENA is a multi-level event venue with a capacity for 600+ guests, featuring 20ʼ ceilings and New Yorkʼs largest programmable L.E.D. lighting system. Tickets for the party range from $10 - $25, depending on time of purchase, with pre-sales being handled online at www.thebloomparty.com

MICHAEL K. WATTS, MAXWELL, & THE NYABJ AWARD

Best friend and Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts’ interview feature story on Maxwell won 2nd place in the Magazine - Arts & Entertainment category of the New York Association of Black Journalists Awards. The piece is featured in the August 2009 issue of Upscale magazine. Michael had the pleasure of having a lunch interview with him in early May in advance of Maxwell’s current album BLACKsummers'night which was released on July 7 last year. This feature story, entitled "The Ladies Man" is the result of that lunch, held at Manhattan's Philippe by Philippe Chow on the Upper East Side.

Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won't Be Dating or Having Sex

My former boss of many years Ellen Rakieten is now not only the Executive Producer of NBC’s Marriage Ref but she is an author – along with Anne Coyle – of  “Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won't Be Dating or Having Sex”. And they have dropped their science all over – including “The Wendy Williams Show”. They ask questions like: “Did your date show up wearing socks with sandals? Are tighty-whities a deal-breaker for you? Do fanny packs make you want to run for the door?” The book promises to reveal the secret list of things that so many perfectly eligible guys manage to wear, say, or do to make themselves completely undateable… and then they offer solutions. Be sure to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Undateable-Things-Guarantee-Dating-Having/dp/034552067X

EASY EVANS

My boy Kenny Miles hipped me to artist Easy Evans – a new, soothing vocalist whose debut effort “At Ease” showcases his ‘in-your-face voice and a tender ear for sophisticated R&B poignancy”, per his bio. It’s a return to good music. Check him out via his twitter – www.twitter.com/easyevans and www.facebook.com/1easyevans and soon his website: WWW.EASYEVANSONLINE.COM.

LAZY SUNDAY

Ant and I hung out with our buddy Robert on Sunday. We had brunch at The Original Pancake House; a cocktail or two at Houlihan's in Weehawken; then more karaoke so I could homage Patti LaBelle and Diana Ross on the mics. Ant got in his muses Janet Jackson and Prince as well. Robert sang not a lick. LOL!

“NOTHING”

Miss Janet Jackson – by the way - also sang the “WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?”s lead single, “Nothing” in collaboration with Jermaine Dupri and Brian Michael Cox. Beautiful song with a pitch perfect message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpAIHjJh_Gs 

DECADE ENDER

Prior to attending the Erykah Badu listening party a couple of weeks ago, NBC Digital Correspondent and friend Mara Schiavocampo invited me to 30 Rockefeller Center to offer on-camera pop culture analysis to a piece she was working on for NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams (on-line) and MSNBC. (You’ll recall, Mara had me weigh in on Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama when – in Iowa – he and the now-First-Lady Michelle Obama expressed their bond via THE POUND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw. That piece was the most-watched video on MSN for the lion’s share of 2008. I take credit for it. But perhaps my buddy Obama had something to do with it as well.). Since then, I’ve been invited back a couple of times – including this currrent decade ender piece that will be running on MSNBC this week: all day New Year's Eve (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40). I am blessed to more-and-more be able to bring my on-camera/personality center stage – including the recent Disney event I hosted which introduced “The Princess & The Frog” to the National Association of Black Journalists for the first time: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmvhttp://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv.

HOLIDAY PARTY TRAIN

But I have more current things to reflect on than the whole decade. My long-time friend Carl convinced me to come out and play as we haven’t hung out in a minute. It was the holiday party for my favorite boutique N, which is now in a new location on Lenox Avenue (between 118^th and 119^th Streets). Since Ant had left for Denver to be with his family and had already packed, I figured one more social round in NYC before I leave to be with my fam in Savannah for Christmas couldn’t hurt. With toy in hand (as it was a benefit), I pulled myself together and am glad I did. It was for charity), I went into the city to see some folks I hadn't seen since returning from L.A. (including Carl). Not only was it good to see Carl but it was GREAT to meet his sister Sharon’s baby boy Nelson who we’ve nicknamed “The Miracle Baby”. Also, my L.A. earth angel (now-back-in-Harlem) Sidra was in the house along with Murphy. And it wouldn’t be the “N” party without the faces behind the brand: Lenn, Larry, Nikoa, and my buddy Jamar. Also in the house: my Morehouse brother Michael James who owns the grooming line Frederick Benjamin: http://www.frederickbenjamin.com; Devon Christopher, Harlem entrepreneur: Publisher of BLEU Magazine and co-owner of Atomic Wings - also in Harlem. I just celebrated its 1st Anniversary (with Ant, Brian, and Kelli): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/12/21/and-this-christmas-will-be-a-very-special-christmas.html; we also stopped by the home of Carl's old neighbor Mike Bianco for espresso (imported from Italy). And The N holiday party after party was also in Harlem at 67 Orange Street bar/lounge. This is Kevin Reed, a fan of my blog before we actually met a few months back. Awesome guy! Patti LaBelle's renowned music director/pianist John Stanley was also in attendance... and it was great to meet him after admiring his work for many years. Nice fellow.

CHRISTMAS EVE

And even when the night glitters, the toilet can get stopped up and, hey, it doesn’t smell like roses. But my super Danny came to the rescue on Christmas Eve in the wake of my much-later-night-than-I-intended at the holiday parties. This, as I'm pulling it together to get to the airport in just over one hour. YIKES! Though Ant packed for me, I was reminded of things I didn't want to forget i.e. my IPOD, chargers, toiletries, etc. Plus, I wanted to pare down some of his selects with the luggage specs in mind – from check-in fees to weight. Based on what was in my pocket, I wanted to ensure I could carry on. Once all that was done, my driver/Godchild's father Owen was awaiting to take me to the airport. Plus, I wanted to give him my gifts for Godchild Owen Angelo. But I got the Christmas gift: Owen Angelo (and his mom Sandy) came along for the ride. Owen Angelo was so happy to receive his gifts and gave me lots of love and hugs for his Disney goodies.

HOME SWEET HOME! SAVANNAH

Once home in Savannah (after a layover in Charlotte: CHEAPEST FLIGHT), my nephew picked me up and took me to his parents' place. Though now a FORTUNE 500 exec (soon to call NYC home after he graduates my alma mater Morehouse in May), my nephew is still my go-for and chauffer. He provided me his laptop to go over some notes in my inbox. Plus, he warmed his father (my brother) and me up some of their leftovers (including RED kool aid). From there, I did get home to my Dad and his wife Diana’s home (which too is my childhood home). And it’s always nice to be home in the bed and basking in all things nostalgic.

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND

The pictures are gonna have to speak the 1,000 words as Savannah was humping and pumping for my three days there:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=134128&id=662073736&l=97f21ad04a.

Diana prepared an awesome Southern breakfast on Christmas morning.

Then, we opened gifts once my sister arrived.

Though knocking on 40, I’m still “the baby” and love to open gifts and get something. This year, ‘cash’ was ‘king’… and much needed. But it was also great to see the joy on Dad & Diana's faces as they opened their gifts.

 My late mother Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley’s side of the family always gathers at her only sibling/sister Mary Lee’s house or – in recent years – the home of Mary Lee’s daughter/my cousin Felecia’s house.

As tradition goes, we interview new boyfriends/girlfriends… and in this case… fiances – including Felecia’s baby girl/Navy woman Kea’s new man Roc who passed my interview with flying colors.

They are getting married New Year’s Day (right after the strike of midnight). CONGRATS!

Also, Felecia’s oldest child Demaris (Dee Dee, we call her) and her husband Chris now have a little girl Meagan.

And she just loved her cousin Patrick’s “The Princess & The Frog” gift.

 I also gave an incarnation of the royal gift package to cousin Bozo (Kejuanna’s daughter Leilani).

And Auntee Mary Lee was waxing and relaxing in her new recliner which her kids Lecia & Tabby bought her.

We all gathered at her home the next day to clear the way for the chair.

It was so exciting to go through the old pictures and documents and uncover awesome things about our family history.

After that wonderful stop, we went to my Auntee Goldie’s house. She is my Dad’s sister and holds the fort for the Riley family. She made sure I got my “chitterlings” on… and they were delicious as always. (DON’T JUDGE ME! LOL!).

Given my Dad’s brother Uncle Bobby just passed away and many of us gathered for his homegoing a couple of months ago, it was great to be together again. We got to fill in the rest of the family who couldn’t attend the funeral on how special the ceremony was (and Uncle Bobby’s life and influence in Pontiac, MI). After all, that milestone reminded all of us why we should be proud to call ourselves R-I-L-E-Y. And while Daddy and Diana went to his high school reunion gala (Woodville Tompkins), I got to hang out with my other family, THE MAYNORS (the clan from which my New Jersey neighbor and best friend since 7^th grade Ern hails). Ern and his siblings invited me out to hang with them. I’ve always been the 6^th – slightly darker (before color correction) – sibling in the MAYNOR mix.

… and now I’m home. Still need to land some steady work but am trusting the top of the year to introduce some opportunities. Plus, for inspiration (as my multi-hyphenated talents go), I have:

* My girlfriend JACQUE REID who is one of the co-stars on VH1's reality show

 "Lets Talk About Pep" [The 'urban Sex and the City']. SEE THE TRAILER HERE:  http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1628583&vid=466420

Most importantly, tune in to the premiere on January 11th at 10:30pm on VH1! 

* My girlfriend RICHELLE TAYLOR who has written her book “DISCOVERING WHO YOU REALLY ARE” – a book for African American women with universal appeal for all as the search for self-discovery goes. www.communitylinksmagazine.com

* My diva SHERYL LEE RALPH who brings us "singin' and swingin' into the 2010" at Upright Cabaret! The Film, Television and Broadway star SHERYL LEE RALPH (Sister Act 2, The Flintstones, OBC of Dreamgirls) brings three rare solo cabaret performances (including one on her birthday). She takes you on a musical journey of songs you will love from Broadway show-stoppers to R&B including songs from Dreamgirls! Ms. Ralph has captivated audiences for many years and has used her talent to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS related charities. "Simply Sheryl Lee" is your chance to get up close and personal with this smart, sexy and brilliantly talented songstress as she continues to raise money for the Diva (AIDS) Foundation.
Click for Tickets - New Year's Eve with Sheryl Lee Ralph...

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LOVE

Ant and I celebrated our 4^th anniversary the other day. We consider the first day we met the day because our lives would be forever changed. It was the opening night of “The Color Purple” (which – by the way – is coming to NJPAC in Newark and you can get a $25 price break using code "25URBAN" at the website). On that day in 2005, Ant was covering the red carpet for STARZ! I was covering it as well. My friend Mario introduced us at the after party. And the rest is history. As we continue to budget the little we have right now, we didn’t plan on exchanging gifts. But Ant surprised me with a card that reads: "I'm so glad I found you - the one I can TRUST to dream my dreams with me...the one who UNDERSTANDS my deepest feelings...the one who KNOWS me and loves me as I really am...You're everything I ever hoped for in a PARTNER, all that I need in a friend, and all I ever wanted in someone to love.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!” Did Ashford & Simpson write that? LOL! I guess you see why it’s easy for me to wade through the minimum wages of a couple of temp gigs. There’s something PRICELESS at home as we build ABUNDANCE! Oh! Per a Ralph Lauren sample sale, he gifted me an awesome, white, brushed cotton jacket that fits as if it was tailored and a cute pair of green corduroys. WHAT CAN I SAY? He’s a keeper!

FRIENDS

Ant and I had the luxury of both working in the city one day recently and we were able to have a lovely (but quick) lunch at Blockhead’s with Manivone and our girlfriend Camille, who lives mostly abroad. In fact, Camille was straight off a plane from Ghana (and is soon en route to Beijing). She and I got to spend more time with Ant and some of his co-workers at 'Wendy' (Talia and Aleeka). A little BBQ. A little karaoke. Also, Camille and I got to hang out with our friend Omar. You remember Omar. He did that great tux for me some years ago when I hosted an event for Disney and Steve Harvey absolutely LOVED the tux. OMAR - at that time - was one of the vendors at the old N, my favorite boutique:

* OMAR & N - PPU 1/5

* (BLUE) "THAT'S THE NEW COLOR, CHILDREN"

Well, he has remixed his brand and is now doing a line (ROAM New York) for HSN (http://www.hsn.com/). And he goes on air to sell his goods:

* ROAM NEW YORK Westside V-Neck Top with Multicolor Sash

* ROAM NEW YORK Village Ribbed Knit Leggings

* ROAM NEW YORK Greenwich 2-Tone Cozy Cardigan

* ROAM NEW YORK Empire State Lace-Print Turtleneck Tunic

* ROAM NEW YORK Uptown Embellished Tunic

* ROAM NEW YORK LES Foldover Pants

* ROAM NEW YORK West Side Long-Sleeve Top

* ROAM NEW YORK Uptown Embellished Tunic

* ROAM NEW YORK SoHo Cocoon Shrug

* ROAM NEW YORK Downtown Beaded Scoop-Neck Top

* ROAM NEW YORK Bleeker Draped Cardigan

* ROAM NEW YORK Murray Hill Cardigan

His next appearance on HSN is December 19th. After that, he's booked in February, March, and May.

MY NEPHEW

Also, over this last week and change, I was most excited to see my nephew Herman Lee Riley III (for a brief moment) as he was flown here to NYC for an interview (a potential gig for after he graduates my alma mater Morehouse College in May). Too, in the Spring, he's one of 16 Business-major seniors at my alma mater who travels to England, Ireland, and Scotland. SO PROUD I AM!

2009 OUT MUSIC AWARDS

Ant and I went to the 2009 Out Music Awards in NYC at Webster Hall – such a sign that I am home as I saw so many of my best friends from the industry and beyond. Nominee and good buddy Demarco Majors was in the house. Here are my buddies Ra-Fael DeBlanco (publicist extraordinaire) and Luke Burke (producer extraordinaire).  And my Terry Wynn who is like a little brother to me. Co-host for the night Kate Clinton steered the night alongside Rodney Chester of "Noah's Arc" fame. And my friend Publisher of BLEU Magazine Devon Christoper was there along with Kimberly Nichole with whom I sang on the same stage for the Ashford & Simpson tribute at Gospel Uptown: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/30/entertainment-exclusive-2-get-your-tickets-to-see-pieces-of.html.

And my Momentum buddies Sage Rivera (far left) and members of VOGUE Evolution dancers ("America's Best Dance Crew") were there. And of course, Ant’s and my friend Richard Pelzer (President & Founder of MEGA Management) invited Ant and me: VIP. He too blogs: The MEGA World of Lil Mogul - www.TheFutureForward.net. Here Ant and I pose with our friend Toyce who recently attended the BDAY party that Ant threw for me a couple of weeks ago. And another highlight: Benny Ninja - the FIERCE one who you may know from America's Next Top Model.

ERYKAH BADU

Ant, his co-worker Talia, and I went to Erykah Badu’s listening session at Chung King Studios in Manhattan. She played tracks from her upcoming CD: "New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ahnk‏". The new material is a SONIC SMORGASBORD! CLASSIC ERYKAH INSIDE HER CURRENT FREQUENCY - ALL AT ONCE! Corinne Bailey Rae was there... and let me know she has a new album coming out in February. And it was nice to sit in a studio with the lights off… incense burning… and Erykah Badu waxing philosophical on all things music and life and love. Ant is a big BADU fan. Too, he modeled alongside Badu in the April 2008 issue of ESSENCE Magazine. And he got to attend a similar listening experience when her first project in this multi-tier volume was released: "... CUP RUNNETH OVER...".

HUSTLE

So my hustle continues for work. Took some great meetings over these last few days. I put my pop culture analysis hat on(-camera) for a piece that will run on NBC Nightly News & MSNBC by year's end (Stay tuned). In the wake of my debut contribution last year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw), glad they still call from time to time. Too, I met some folks at USA Network about some opportunities. And I’m closing in on a project that will bring in some revenue during the holidays. So, stay tuned for that.

BASKETBALL WIVES

I went to a 'Wendy' taping for the first time since its pick-up as I’ve been away. I took rare advantage of my access since Ant works for the hit talk show. This, to say HI to my buddy (and Executive Producer of VH1 reality show "Basketball Wives") Shaunie O'Neal (who mouths "..Hi Patrick!..." in her 2nd segment before she and Wendy continue their dish. I'm sitting in 2nd row admiring her class, poise, and graciousness (Oh! And her fierce, red FENDI heels. LOL!). A new, slim, trim ANGIE STONE was the musical guest. And after her song ("I Ain't Hearin' You"), she and Wendy talked all things new weave, D'Angelo, and waistlines, etc. OVERALL, great show! www.wendyshow.com

DREAMGIRLS: DÉJÀ VU

After 'Wendy', had two promising meetings regarding 'new business'. From there, another round of "Dreamgirls" at The Apollo, compliments of my Tata. Then, I joined Ant and his 'Wendy' colleagues for post-their-holiday-work-party karaoke.

Will decide this weekend if: I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS! I sure hope so…