A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS AT NATIVE

I love karaoke! You know that, right? http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf And I love NATIVE Restaurant in HARLEM http://harlemnativenyc.com/! Well, NATIVE has invited me to host an ALL-STAR KARAOKE NIGHT on every Thursday night from 9pm – MIDNIGHT, starting this Thursday, August 26th.

NATIVE RESTAURANT

161 LENOX AVENUE

@ 118TH STREET

NEW YORK, NY

212.665.2525

No worries, if you don’t “do” KARAOKE! We have you covered:

·       We’ll be creating a supper-club, open-mic scene by inviting some of New York City’s KARAOKE ALL-STARS to perform their karaoke favorites (along with me) during the first two hours.

·       For any walk-ins (or folks who may need two hours to loosen up a la the bar), we’ll have a few slots available in the third and final hour of the night.

·        ADDITIONALLY, on any given Thursday, some of our AWESOME PRO SINGER friends may pop by and bless us with a song or two.

·       Though this week will include a survey of all music, we will also schedule THEME NIGHTS i.e. MOTOWN, the DIVAS, BROADWAY, 70s FUNK, JAZZ STANDARDS, etc.

If you are among my fellow KARAOKE singers or are just one of NYC’s FINEST SINGERS (and you want to come out and play THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 @ 9PM), please email me privately at patarack@hotmail.com. And LET ME KNOW WHAT FOUR or FIVE SONGS YOU’D LIKE TO SING (so we can pre-program the line-up). This is all for FREE and for FUN… for now! We’re trying this concept on for size and – over the next weeks – will determine what of it works best… and where we may want to grow this special Thursday night in Harlem. And we know there are many GREAT THINGS popping off in New York City on Thursday, so if you’re double or triple booked, please consider rolling through – if just a moment.

KARAOKE, KARAOKE, AND MORE KARAOKE

WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU FOLKS COME OUT and experience my special brand of KARAOKE which has had quite a presence in “… the life of Riley…” over these last couple of weeks:

Video 1 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/jne6hv
Video 2 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/9gjz99
Video 3 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/0fg5mk

There was a night Ant and I happened upon “my karaoke pusher men” Dante and Michael – both of whom hipped me to the pastime, even in the afternoon.

Then, there was the surprise birthday party for our buddy Javier whose partner Marco invited us out to celebrate. Since this was at our regular spot One 7, we invited my “Amazing Grace” Nichole to come by and celebrate her birthday. She sang. She brought friends – including Troy and Danielle. And our mutual buddy Dawn provided us much voice and song that I’m excited to have you all hear at one of our NATIVE nights. And one night, I got to sing with Amber Dirks of KOPATECHNIC fame (www.kopatechnic.com). She’s an AWESOME DIVA and has sung with many of the greats. Her production team has done AMAZING work with many – including CeCe Peniston. One night, Greg, Khalid, Ern, Ant, and I did karaoke.After a round of cocktails with friends at the Hudson Terrace, we enjoyed a musical walk down memory lane. On that night, we got our first try-out of the New Pink Tea Cup - including the grits, catfish, potato salad, and the many familiar faces from its staff. A walk to Ern’s car inspired a familiar voice in the air. It was my friend Jensen Atwood (Wade from "Noah's Arc"). He and I always stumble into each other – no matter which city we’re in. I last bumped into him in Chicago while there on an extended assignment in the Spring, earlier this year. We had a lovely exchange before calling it a night.

ON THE AIR

So, of course, as I “sing for my supper” (or – at least – for a snack), I am taking meetings and networking feverishly to identify some good fit work inside my brand as independent personality/producer/writer. Nothing so concrete has popped up yet, but I’m operating and navigating to POSSIBILITIES only. So, even as the budget is tight, I STAND and TRUST my GOD and our UNIVERSE to have my back. My friends Maurice Jamal and Richard Pelzer – multi-media directors, producers, writers, managers, publicists, TV execs, etc. – are embarking on a new, urban LGBT network glotv (www.GloTVNetwork.com) which is premiering September 3, 2010. I have been looking to do more on-camera pop culture analysis (playing off the momentum I’ve attracted from bookings of late):

• NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams [on-line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw
•  Also, I was a guest on Michael Eric Dyson's public radio show (It was a MEN'S SUMMIT that first ran on Father’s Day Friday but you can click on it here: http://dysonshow.org/?p=1721  --- between 13:46 - 31:27)
• I'm featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that ran in February.  http://www.cuny.tv/series/sources/listen.lasso?-database=CUNYPROG&-response=detail2.lasso&-table=webprogdetail2&-sortField=TapeDate&-sortOrder=descending&-op=eq&SeriesTitle=Independent%20Sources&-op=neq&Real_av=%3d%3d&-op=lte&TapeDate=12%2f31%2f2010&-op=gte&TapeDate=1%2f1%2f2010&-maxRecords=1&-skipRecords=1&-search  (I am excerpted a couple of times between 4:08 & 5:28)

Maurice and Richard invited me to be one of the on-camera, pop culture analysts for some of their new programming. Stay tuned as the links will soon be available. This, while we are still editing the pilot project that I host and while I am trusting long-standing client dispatches to pick-up as the new talk season is about to begin. Coincidentally, I got an encore media impression from the Game Show Network last night. I was channel surfing and I stumbled into the episode of "Million Dollar Password" in which I won $25K back in 2008 (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv). I LOVE and LIVE for ABUNDANT reminders – especially from my own testimonial pool!!!

BLACK WOMAN’S AGENDA

I get my 3^rd ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) by-line in the current 40^th Anniversary issue of the popular magazine. I contributed – as reporter/researcher – to The Black Woman’s Agenda, comparing African American women from 1970 to African American women today (in a multitude of categories). Please be sure to pick it up. Meanwhile, I was super excited to bump into girlfriend Kim Coles who is busy as ever on her own agenda that promises to empower not only Black women but ALL OF US (www.openthegifts.com). I got an invite to see the taping of “The Nate Berkus Show” and Kim Coles was the guest. You’ll have to wait and see all that she talked about, but afterwards, she had Kim Coles’ G.I.F.T.S. for Ant and me :a new empowerment program that helps participants step into their authentic selves; share their unique qualities with the world; and soar into a joyful and passionate life. So, that’s GRATITUDE. INTENTION. FORGIVENESS. TRIUMPHS. SELF-LOVE. And includes FREE G.I.F.T.S eBook, Newsletter, blog, podcasts, events, teleclasses, Kim’s Inner Circle Club, and more! I’m all signed up… and see it as a wonderful compliment to the work that I’ve already done in the way of MOMENTUM EDUCATION (www.momentumeducation.com). Our catch-up with Kim Coles took place at Moda Restaurant in the city and - as always - was chockful of laughter and great sharing. Since on a spot level, I’ve worked with Nate over the last decade (as a freelance field producer), he received me warmly in front of his studio audience. Too, it was great to see other friends who work for the show - including "My Ivory" (the “other” Nathaniel) and my Reeny (with whom I worked on “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe” in Atlanta and L.A.). Ant and his work buddies Lorraine, Kemar, and Alia were our dates. Afterwards, we enjoyed a quick lunch at Hudson Eatery.

KEM

Another KIM (spelled KEM) celebrated something this past week. Detroit’s-own Kem’s third album INTIMACY came out. We went to his private CD release party at Tillman’s. Friends Devon Christopher (BLEU Magazine); Bevy Smith; Jamie Foster Brown (Sister 2 Sister); Elise Finch (CBS Meteorologist); were in the house. And of course, label prez Sylvia Rhone was the host with the most. Afterwards, did a little rooftop action at Fashion 26: A Wyndham Hotel. My Morehouse buddy Eddie reminds me that I sang KEM’s “You Are” at his wedding.

BREAKING BREAD

The GREAT thing about the SUMMER… and my friends, in particular: WE LOVE TO EAT! And THEY LOVE TO ENTERTAIN! And HARLEM is usually the backdrop. And though these are hard times for many, it’s WONDERFUL to BATHE in the FELLOWSHIP of friends. This past Saturday, friends Robin & Zach hosted a well-appointed brunch at their Harlem pad. Tasty spread of shrimp, cheese grits, Caesar salad, champagne, and a great lemonade w/brown sugar in the mix. That night, another meal (of a handful in the last couple of weeks) at Sidra’s place. It was neighborhood pizza & “Mahogany” on this particular night. On another evening, it was another pizza place & watching “Real Housewives of D.C.” in which our friends Paul Wharton, Ted Gibson, and Jason Backe are featured. But we’ve also done African cuisine; West Indian; and her home-spun pastas and veggies. One night, we had our Tommie (Mara's hubby) pop down to join us. On another night, my friend Kevin (Moochie) was in the house. One recent night, my nephew came by as he too is a Harlem resident now. He and his roommate Harrison allowed us to crash one night as they hosted a dinner party. This, since he wanted to see my dear friend Tata. She’d invited Ant and me to join her for the Harlem Week Street Festival. Her company had a booth there. We ran into buddies Will; Tommie; Jamar; Nina; Seitu; Dwayne; KiKi; and our favorite City Gym Boys. Some of the fellows were out - selling the fitness company's calendars which benefit the mentoring of young men and women on the lifelong benefits of fitness and exercise (www.citygymboys.com).  My buddy Natalie was promoting the upcoming Broadway revival “Driving Miss Daisy” – starring James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave. And this was but a second day of hanging with our friend Will. He invited Tommie, Ant, and me up for poolside fellowship and dinner at his Nyack, NY pad. Like Will, another favorite DP James Curry (who shot some of our pilot project) was in attendance with his lovely wife Lisa in tow. We ended up at Tarantella for pizza. Since last I updated, I had a business dinner with dear and old friend Zabrina (BET PR) and her friend Eric, who is a hair stylist extraordinaire - including clients like Carol's Daughter. We ate at Delta Grill. Also, stumbled into our buddies Melvin and Derrick in the streets of NYC en route home. I LOVE NEW YORK for that! I also happened upon old friend Steve Van Patten who is making his mark in the the Vampire Novel literary genre. He's published two volumes of Brookwater's Curse with one more on the way. CHECK HIM OUT!

THE FABULOUS MS. JO THOMPSON & SON!

The Metropolitan Room was the place to be last night for the FABULOUS MS. JO THOMPSON's tribute to LENA HORNE! (My buddy Gregory Generet has also been performing there over the last month). You recall, I mentioned my dear friend and NABJ brother, Greg Dunmore, is the son and manager of jazz vocalist and pianist Jo Thompson. Her set was called the “Lena Horne Salute  - THANK YOU LENA!!!” (Conceived by Greg himself). And it was Jo Thompson with the JC Heard Orchestra. The elegant set was directed by Walt Szymanski. Additionally, this special event will mark the official CD Release of “Jo Thompson: Forever Fabulous!!!” (with the JC Heard Orchestra directed by Walt Szymanski) on the Jazz Jewels Digital Label (www.jazzjewels.tv/jothompsonepk.html). In addition to all of my favorites, Jo did a FABULOUS finale reading of “Believe in Yourself” as inspired by Lena Horne from the cult classic film “The Wiz”. Extra shout out to Greg. You know, we just got back from San Diego. The NABJ A&E Task Force honored JET Magazine’s Clarence Waldron with our 2010 Legacy Award. Greg – Co-Chair of the task force (which I Chair) – produced (in cooperation with Pulse Beat TV – www.pulsebeat.tv) a wonderful tribute to Clarence – including remarks from Miss Aretha Franklin; Miss Nancy Wilson; Miss Dionne Warwick; Brandy; India.Arie; and a host of others. Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u90BzT1cUI. CONGRATS, CLARENCE! And as always THANKS, GREG! We’re keeping our eyes on PULSE BEAT TV – including all your wonderful programming options. And here are more pix from NABJ SAN DIEGO: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=195276&id=662073736.

EXTRAVAGANZA ELEGANZA!

So, this past weekend, I got to do a couple of roll-bys: LATEX BALL @ Roseland Ballroom (AIDS benefit put on by the GMHC). We saw GREAT FACE & the faces of friends Derrick, Toyce, and RU DRAG RACE DIVA BeBe Zahara Benet (who is so SWEET & FABULOUS!). Then, we went to SECRET to see our buddy Demarco Majors who celebrated his birthday. He was so happy that we came. And it was great to see friends Patrik-Ian Polk; Seitu; and a host of our other buddies we’ve been seeing a lot here in the summer months. I LOVE IT! Patrik (Creator of “Noah’s Arc”) – in fact – attended our buddy Nathan Hale Williams’ set at NYC’s ROAM. This evening was also the backdrop for our friend Ra-Fael Blanco’s birthday celebration. Our Teaneck, NJ-buddy Robert attended with us. And Momentum buddy Bariek was in the house as well. We also got some FAB BEACH TIME in. It brought The Pines on Fire Island; a lovely beach house; relaxation; and lots of laughs amongst friends – including Ern. After a great day of fun in the sun, we went to girlfriend Cindy and her husband-to-be John’s engagement party at Le Souk. Great food! Great people! And a BIG SNAKE!

P.S. FELA!

So my dear friend Marcia Pendelton (www.walktallgirlproductions.com) who works marketing and audience for mostly all of Broadway's big shows alerted me that FELA! is welcoming Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Patti LaBelle to its cast on Tuesday, September 14. She will take over the role of Fela’s mother (Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti) through Sunday, January 2, 2011, when the show will play its final scheduled performance. Tony Award-winner Lillias White (who received a 2010 Tony Nomination for her performance in this production) will play her final performance on September 12. Fela! received three 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography, Best Costume Design and Best Sound Design. It is currently playing at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) where it opened to rave reviews on November 23. Either hit Marcia up or click: www.felaonbroadway.com for more information.

MORE PIX:

My buddy Greg Dunmore sent me this tid-bit from fellow NABJ member Richard Prince’s column (http://www.mije.org/richardprince/tapestry-modern-america-praises-kennedy). It chronicles how the Diana Ross-led trio, biggest American musical act of the ‘60s, faced a color barrier few today would imagine: getting on the cover of Detroit’s Sunday magazine of TV listings. This, while their fans were at home on their linoleum kitchen floors exclaiming to anyone within the sound of their voices: “…. COLORED PEOPLE ON!!!!!” How far we’ve come… and yet some things are poised for improvement. STILL! THANKS GREG!

Meanwhile, I’m STILL in L.A. – home of many things TELEVISION and I’m still working in the business. Ant and I are brainstorming ideas to have my own show and some other projects green light --- one day at a time, sweet Jesus. This, as we contribute at high frequencies to our respective clients – from ‘Monica’ to ‘Frankie & Neffe’ to “The Wendy Williams Show” and beyond…

Until I need to be camera ready, I’ve been sporting a new look that kinda' happened from a space of laziness and depression: a goatee (of sorts). As I manage the latter (and took in the positive feedback), I decided to play around with it a little bit more.

Work is going fine here in L.A. as we post-produce Monica's episodes for BET. Admittedly, I'm a little down and isolated from being so far from home for so long... and I'm having a hard time shaking that blues. But the checks are catching us up... but not completely just yet as I manage East Coast expenses and have to put myself up here on the West Coast (hotel & car rental, EH!). But one day at a time, I'm somehow doing it (with lots of support).

Now, on to some of the social snapshots that have kept me entertained here in L.A.:

This past Sunday, I got an invite to see a cool play with music "Naked Boys Singing!" featuring new friend Eric B. Anthony. Also featured is my NYC friend-of-friend Tony Melson.  I met Tony five or so years ago in New York City through my actor/singer/dancer friends Erich McMillan and Kimberly Jajuan. I really enjoyed the piece which has a production in New York City that I never got to see – in part because I found the cast a bit homogenized. With this company, I’m happy to say that there is diversity… and Eric B. and Tony rise to the top in their roles. I was even more excited to see that the writers (in addition to DIVA wordsmith Bruce Vilanch) are also diverse, including songwriter/arranger (and performer in his own right) Trance Thompson, who did the big ‘The Entertainer’ number that brings the crowd to its feet – especially the way Eric B. Anthony performs it.

After the play, Eric, his friend Andre (another new-to-L.A. actor), and I decided to grab a bite at Bossa Nova. We hooked up with our mutual friend Delandis there. Then, we did a roll by The Abbey where many folks were out including my buddy Jensen Atwood of "Noah's Arc" fame. I had the chance to interview him four or so years ago in Indianapolis. He told me that he loved my interviewing style and found it to be one of his most enjoyable. Imagine my surprise when – after all these years – he came up to me, remembered me, and agreed to another photo op. My buddy Tony who hosts a fun dance contest every Tuesday night at Micky's in West Hollywood was also there. Our heads didn’t get cut off this time. SMILE!

It’s been bittersweet of late as my girlfriend Sidra has packed up her L.A. bags and headed back to New York City. Though I’ll see her upon completion of my work, she’s been such the saving grace for me here in L.A. We made the best of it by hanging  out every single day until her departure. On one night, though, she was to take me to R&B LIVE in Hollywood (I hear it's great entertainment). But her schedule didn't allow. It freed me to hang with my college mate Danni. She took me to Mani's Bakery (Hearty, organic cuisine!). Sid made up for it another night when - after I woke up on the wrong side of the bed (and subsequently got back in - fetal position - for what getting up created), she came to the rescue: Her friend Marilyn invited us to the birthday party of her cousin, L.A. Anchor Marc Brown. His place in The Valley is absolutely gorgeous and chockfull of details that made for a fun night. Perfect backdrop for uplift.

Another highlight from the week came with a PART 1 and a PART 2. My Morehouse brother Redic asked me to host his art gallery opening at his Eclectic Order Gallery Manchester (www.eclecticorder.com). Its proceeds partially benefited our alma mater Morehouse College’s Scholarship Fund.  Eclectic Order Gallery Manchester is located at 1514 W. Manchester Blvd., L.A. And Redic opened up shop with an awesome combo of spoken word, jazz, neo-soul music, rock, etc. And I just anchored the night as I do because so much of it was organic and divine. My buddy Ed Roebuck came out to support along with a number of fellows from MOCITI: MEN OF COLOR IN THE INDUSTRY. On this night, Redic - an artist; singer; songwriter; fashion designer; etc. gave the audience a sneak-peek of what was to come the following night.

"Redic Unveiled" popped off the next night… and I just had to see what he had in store. I also enrolled Morehouse brother Steven Foley, a filmmaker his own, to come and check it out.Great to see Steven and catch up on all he's working on. Stay tuned for those updates. And new buddy Derrick Garcia, dancer and choreographer, also came. And I bumped into Morehouse brother Charles Reese who is still starring in an "WHO...", an original web comedy series (WWW.AJAKWETV.COM). On this night, Redic let it all show. And the audience and the community of folks in attendance just loved it! And I love Redic and am so PROUD of him! Stay encouraged, my friend!

And one of my new L.A. ride-or-dies Javier was supposed to come on the opening night. However, he stumbled into a gig with KTLA: http://www.ktla.com/news/local/alliemackay/ 

It’s Christmas in September (at least for a good cause: TOYS FOR TOTS). And Javier was SANTA – making many of the folks in attendance at this benefit – held at THE ABBEY – happy to share their Christmas wish list with SANTA! He’s been in town just a few months and in addition to acting courses and auditions, he’s booking a lot of modeling work. KEEP DOIN’ IT, J!

OF COURSE, I’m missing Ant as I try to keep my days in L.A. interesting without him. But like me, he too is getting the chance to be out and about – including Serena Williams’ book launch party. There, he got to strike a pose with Kelly Rowland and others (By the way, have you heard her new song "When Love Takes Over"? I like it: YouTube - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over ...
).

And on “Wendy”, he got the chance to hang out with and support our girl Sheryl Lee Ralph whose ‘right hand’ Scott (not in attendance) is a dear friend of ours. In fact, Ant is coming to L.A. next week to see me and Sheryl’s DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING (www.divassimplysinging.com) which she promoted on the show along with some fab new wig looks.

And our good girlfriend Mara (as Schiavocampo from NBC) just celebrated her 30^th BDAY at a New York City space I recommended to her, Taj (www.tajlounge.com). My Itika even flew in from Chicago for the occasion… and Ern and NABJ girlfriend Sia also attended along with Mara's handsome hubby Tommie. The only thing missing - I'm told - was me! LOL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

Ant’s and my buddies Troy and Darryl founded Bangin’ Ass Artists (www.banginassartists.com). I’ve blogged about them before. Well, they have a show coming up on October 10^th that you don’t want to miss: TRINA BROUSSARD/RA-RE VALVERDE/RUSSELL TAYLOR. Check out the website for more info. These brothers are doing the thing to promote unheralded, independent artists with HUGE talent.

I’m always so proud of my friends when they are doing amazing things. On top of an already demanding career and family of husband and two-in-tow, my dear girlfriend (from way back in the day) Candi Carter is the creator of “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” (www.itshiphopbaby.com/). I had the privilege of introducing her kid-focused, educational DVDs to star of my current project, Monica and her two sons. Lil Rocko and Romelo LOVED them, Monica says – so much so – that she’s agreed to say so. As Christmas nears, you may want to follow suit with Miss Monica… and pick up one or all in the special series which keeps the kids grooving while they learn their ABCs and 123s and more. Meanwhile (and I'm not saying this because I'm working on her reality project), I am SO EXCITED for Monica's new music to hit the airwaves and to see her fans (and perhaps even her doubters) FALL BACK IN LOVE with her!!! GO MONICA, GO!

As my return to NYC is still to be determined (October? November? December? Even January?): NYC CULTURE rules. Daughter of my late, great friend Pat Tobin, Lauren, continues to operate inside the excellence and professionalism of her mother (and the standard she had already begun to incorporate into her own PR brand). She reached out to me regarding her client Colman Domingo’s new stage piece “A Boy and His Soul” – which happens to be choreographed by dear friend of Ant’s and mine, Ken Roberson. Colman starred in Ant’s and my favorite Broadway musical last year, “Passing Strange”. Ant will check it out soon. I’ll hopefully get to catch it when I get back (if it’s still running). But if you are in NYC or going, make sure you check it out at the Vineyard Theater (www.vineyardtheatre.org/show-a-boy-and-his-soul.html).

So, it’s no secret that I love Tony Award winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who recently made history by being cast as the first-ever African-American princess in Disney's The Princess and the Frog. And can we say DREAMGIRLS?????? Well, she takes another dimension of step in the direction of TV as she has signed on to host the new season of AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. It’s an innovative documentary series on contemporary life, art and pop culture in the African Diaspora, AfroPoP’s second season comes to public television in October 2009. The series is produced by the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) with which I have a little link through one of my National Association of Black Journalists Arts & Entertainment Task Force members (one of the dedicated, hard-working ones) Jacqualine Williams. She introduced them to NABJ – so NBPC could participate in our Tampa convention. Turns out that one of its programming execs Christian is an old “student” of mine from the days when I taught the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop. So, the synergies here are really good. As the series host, Anika will introduce audiences to powerful stories about African boxers who journey across the Atlantic to match their skills against the best in global contests; a teenage girl who travels to Ghana and a Sierra Leone ex-patriate who returns to his homeland, each hoping to dispel prevailing myths about the two continents; and, Hurricane Katrina victims who find themselves refugees in their own country. CONGRATS ANIKA!

And though I’ve been behind the mic in the medium of radio before, I'm putting on a new pair of headphones as a guest on The Dr. Mario Show this week. (You’ll recall, an impression I made on XM Satellite Radio after I appeared on MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD last year ("AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH!!!"): http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/GayleKingInterview.mp3  Well, I’m as excited to have been invited to be a guest on The Dr. Mario Show (“Your Prescription to a Better Life!”)). As I’ve blogged before, Mario is a student at Cal State Fullerton. We’ll be on the Titan Radio Station’s airwaves at 7pm on Thursday and you can find out more (including how you can listen in) via www.calldrmario.com and Dr. Mario says the show will be about me and my journey from Tokyo to Savannah and beyond – underscoring my insights that are applicable to upcoming college students and college students getting ready to step into the rest of their lives. Plus, he's got questions around networking and convention programming much like he got to witness as we met at the National Association  of Black Journalists Convention where Mario saw me in super-active pose. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and reminding myself some of the tips that I may have taken for granted along the way. This, towards getting my CENTER back. My CHI is still off, though I'm carrying on... 

Well, as my former colleague Frankie offers: “… the morale of the story is…” (just that part. The rest attributes Donnie McClurkin…): "...After you've done all you can, you just STAND..."

And GOD continues to work it out via his many earth angels like Ant, Mario, Audrey, Paul, Sidra, Jav, etc. AMEN! <not out of the woods but breathing better, hear?>