WELCOME 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.
Entries in Nene Leakes (5)
u want fame
THE ROOT
Hi folks! CHECK THIS OUT! IT WENT HOT this WEDNESDAY JUNE 24TH! Link: http://theroottv.theroot.com/video/I-Want-to-Be-Famous. My segment "I want to be Famous".
It is a great conversation. THANKS to Harriette Cole from HARRIETTE COLE MEDIA and Michele Wilson for the opportunity to chat it up. #theroot #harriettecole #bringittothetable
THREE MORE
THREE MORE!
Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is going through Tuesday, July 14th.
Last night’s 9th ANNIVERSARY of Billie's Black Gourmet Soul brought back (with a three-song set):
MISS Frenchie Davis, a surprise for owner Adriane, who has been an awesome #theboss for our Tuesday night that could and did and does!
Shout out to Marian - her wife - for her awesome zen-like support! And THANKS to FRENCHIE for shouting out my Anthony as well. She - to our ask - performed her amazing spin on Rihanna's "We Found Love".
Was EXCITED to gift Frenchie Davis with a special giveaway from our SPRING 2015 SPONSOR Miss Jessie's. Upon receipt, Frenchie exclaimed: “I LOVE MISS JESSIE’S!!!”.
We also toasted my Morehouse College BFF Michael K. Watts’ 45th Birthday.
He had a blast! 
And I was too over the moon when my high school BFF Natalie Shinhoster Palmer opted to come up from Atlanta for ONE NIGHT ONLY of Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley.
We got in some other quick fun too. 
But she's gonna have to come for a stretch the next time. LOVE YOU, NAT! 
BEFORE WE WRAP, COME ON OUT! It's always so good to see my ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS and our SUPPORTERS who come from NEAR and FAR! 
RESERVATIONS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:212.280.2248. #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #invisiblelife #iammissjessies
INVISIBLE LIFE
Ushering in #NYCPride2015 at the Opening Night of Invisible Life:THE MUSICAL - running at The Apollo Theater, Harlem's Apollo Music Cafe!
As this week's landmark decision by the nation's highest court marked a victory for proponents of same sex marriage, Invisible Life, the wildly successful novel from author E. Lynn Harris, is debuting a limited run --- as a musical --- at the Historic Apollo Theater.
20 years since the New York Times best-selling novel hit bookshelves, this explosive narrative addresses the conflicts of Sexuality, Religion, HIV/AIDS and Family in America.
The musical features a prolific and robust score that was started by writer/author/director/LGBT-rights advocate Stanley Bennett Clay and completed by Motown legends Ashford & Simpson. One song, “God Has Love For Everyone”, captures the sentiment of this moment in time.
Thanks to show consultant Sidra Smith for inviting me to be her date! So GOOD to see this long-held dream come to life for Co-Director Proteus Spann! CONGRATULATIONS! IT IS SOOOOO GOOD, I HAVE TO GO BACK THIS WEEKEND!
FAMILY
Weekend of FAMILY:
Cousin Reggie's wedding in Perry, GA...
and FATHER'S DAY in Savannah, GA with the GREATEST DAD ON EARTH! LOVE MY FAMILY! XO
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in ANDERSON COOPER, Andy Cohen, Harriette Cole, I Want to Be Famous, Nene Leakes, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Root, gay marriage
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pday
THEATRE
If you missed my latest pop culture segment on CENTRIC via ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 – chronicling BROADWAY and OFF BROADWAY this time – please check it out here: : http://bit.ly/arisesegment_lor.
Shows I cover are Cinderella - 
including a reference to the "Evil Stepmothers" - Sherri Shepherd and Nene Leakes; 
The Last Ship (featuring story and music by STING who hipped me to this play at the Opening Night of "Motown: The Musical" - http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ?list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvZ9A3Ah0NKuFI3BWM5aqru);
Les Miserables; 
You Can't Take it with You;
Disgraced; 
Father Comes Home from the Wars;
While I Yet Live; 
and Side Show. 
Always great to be on with my FAVORITE HOSTS Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier!
YOU can watch them (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. 
I’ll be back on in a couple of weeks to talk about MUST SEE HOLIDAY SHOWS here in NYC! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #arise360 #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #CENTRICTV
FETE
TUESDAY NIGHT FOUR of our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley celebrated MY BIRTHDAY!
THANKS TO EVERYONE! I FEEL SO BLESSED!
AND WHAT A BIRTHDAY IT WAS!
New sponsor Miss Jessie's and our weekly partner (since the beginning) Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry gave away lots of goodies.
OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS did their thing - including friend of our special Tuesday night, Mica Hughes - co-star of BRAVO's Blood, Sweat & Heels;
Darius Booker; 
and many more. 
From my ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS to many of my INDUSTRY FAM – old and new, I felt so much LOVE! 
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO COME OUT AND JOIN US at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul every Tuesday - from 7p-10p! 
WE ARE TRULY HAVING A BLAST! 
As always, THANKS for your support! WE LOVE Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant!
THANKS to my team: Bernice Wooden and Derrick Hemphill!
AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend of 20 years, Carl Nelson – my platonic boo – for bringing saxophonist Kim Waters to serenade me HAPPY BIRTHDAY - http://bit.ly/hbdpatrick_lor.
XO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #meoclock #amor #luxecolore #globalchic #bravotv #bloodsweatheels
OUT
Was nice to celebrate 20 years of LGBT people who have shaped our culture at the OUT 100: 
20TH ANNIVERSARY – and with my NYC FAM:
my partner Anthony Harper;
GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo - author of new book “Thinspired: How I lost 90 Pounds – My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss and Self-Acceptance” (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Thinspired/Mara-Schiavocampo/9781476784052#sthash.uaE3Dryv.dpuf);
Derrick Hemphill (ALL STAR KARAOKE consultant and producer of my pop culture segments on Arise Entertainment 360: http://bit.ly/arisesegment_lor) and his date, college friend Katrina Pete Dunn.
ALSO GREAT TO SEE: Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman whose Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical is coming back to NYC for ONE NIGHT ONLY January 18, 2015. For tickets, go to www.FabulousSylvester.com. IT’S A MUST SEE!
AND A SPECIAL Shout out to Amanda Johnson who always makes sure DIVERSITY is in the house. 
She’s booked me as talent on many projects – from the IT GETS BETTER campaign last year:
http://www.advocate.com/youth/no-more-bullying/2014/01/24/healing-one-truth-time to inspiring Wells Fargo to hire me as its host for THE ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE – episodes of which run on-line.
Here’s the promo: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing%E2%80%A6-new-advocate-money-minute and here are a couple of episodes: CONVERSATIONS: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state 
and RETIREMENT: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement. #OUT100 #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #ARISE360 #CENTRICTV
SELMA
An early birthday gift from friend Bernice Wooden - a multi-platform producer her own right, including Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley: SELMA – an ADVANCED screening for the first New York City audience. 
Well, CONGRATS to Director Ava DuVernay - also a friend from when she was high-powered Hollywood publicist Ava DuVernay! NOW, I SMELL OSCAR on her! WOW! 
Check out BERNICE's write-up on our Monday evening date - proof that RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS (don't) ALWAYS BRING ME DOWN! LOL! http://www.bernicewooden.com/2014/11/17/selma-a-special-advance-screening/ #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #selmafilm
ENGAGEMENT
Great to attend 
engagement fete in celebration of our friend Dr. Shirley Madhere MD PC and Mr. Michael Weil took place at The New York Public Library – where Ant and I first met December 1, 2005.
What an elegant and well-appointed affair. So happy for Dr. Shirley Madhere! Was also nice to see industry fam Michaela angela Davis and Crystal McCrary as well as b michael America "Advanced American Style" who dressed Dr. Shirley Madhere for the dancing portion of the evening. Great job, B Michael America.
BREAD
After toasting and singing into my birthday at Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley (with saxophonist Kim Waters serenading me HAPPY BIRTHDAY - http://bit.ly/hbdpatrick_lor) and receiving Whtiney Houston LIVE as one of my gifts (plus the pop cultural gift announcement that Miss Ross will be mentoring with Team Pharrell on The Voice), what else could there be for me?
The most amazing dinner that my nephew Herman L Riley III organized at my favorite restaurant Houston’s AKA Hillstone with my partner Anthony Harper and a perfect sampling of my BFFs: Ernest Maynor [childhood friend], Michael K. Watts [Morehouse brother], Mara; and Derrick. 
We even had a pre-dinner cameo: Miss Lola Ogunnaike with whom I get the chance to guest co-host often on Arise Entertainment 360 and girlfriend Priya Scroggins – designer/lifestyle expert - who baked lovely sweet treats for my birthday party Tuesday: https://www.facebook.com/BelovedStarResort. #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #arise360 #thinspired #thevoice #teampharrell #dianaross #nabj #gma retirement #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute
SCORPIO
Shout out to my other SCORPIOS – including Robin Stone with whom we got to bowl to ring in her 5-0!
ALSO: Miss Ashley Fettig with whom we got to have BDAY Brunch at Mother's Ruin in NOLITA! Scorpio season.
Happy Birthday, Ash! LUV U!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in 106 & Park, BET, Broadway, Centric, Cinderella, Nene Leakes, Out 100, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, SHERRI SHEPHERD
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5 References
warmth of good people
It’s been SO COLD this Winter here in NYC and all around, few things can get me out of the house! Well, maybe more than a few things. But the warmth of my loved ones and friends has been appreciated! MEANWHILE, patiently awaiting SPRING!
KARAOKE
Y'ALL KNOW I LOVE KARAOKE… and that can keep me out for a little bit as long as I’m in the warmth of a karaoke suite! LOL! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SOON ANNOUNCING A PLACE WE CAN ALL GET OUR "ALL STAR KARAOKE" ON! STAY TUNED... #spring2014
BOWLING
Ant and I came out of hibernation one night to bowl with friends Jamar Dunn, Ernest Maynor, Ryan T Hall, and many more!
BRUNCH
A recent Sunday brunch with my nephew Herman L. Riley III and Anthony Harper made for good times!
ART
My girl Ruthy Valdez's new art series, "A Stroll Through the Mind's Backyard" at #harlem speakeasy 67 Orange Street got us out the house one night. Come by and see what the "bling" is about. #artlife 
BIRTHDAY
The gang and I got to recently celebrate our Sidra Smith at La Bodega 47 Social Club - the old Native Restaurant, our once-karaoke spot. A host of other dear friends were in the house to celebrate the day Tasha Smith and Sidra Smith came into the WORLD! WHAT A BLAST we HAD!
Anthony Harper, Ernest Maynor, TATA, Jamar Dunn, TATA, Carl Nelson, Mara Schiavocampo,
Tommie Porter, Jacque Reid, Penwah Phynjuar – ALL were in the house! And was that MICA from Bravo TV's BLOOD, SWEAT, and HEELS! 
She's been a friend for a long time! 
We also had to lift Sid up for her NAACP Image Awards win for Free Angela: BEST DOCUMENTARY! #freeangela #weloveyousidrasmith 
NIECY
Ant and I were excited to join Niecy Nash at The Crosby Hotel in SOHO NYC for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and the chance to chat her up about THE SOUL MAN's season three - including her excitement about the HIT show's LIVE premiere! Niecy currently stars in TV Land's THE SOUL MAN (which rebroadcasts on my recurring client BET's air. She stars with Cedric "The Entertainer" and Wesley Jonathan).
Niecy also appears on HBO's "Getting On." In addition to these two TV projects, she also released a book last year entitled "It's Hard to Fight Naked" which touches upon marriage and provides keys to staying happy and keeping the spark alive. Niecy is also proud of the 30 lbs shes shed having her looking fit, trim and fierce! Season 3 of The Soul Man premieres on March 26, after Hot in Cleveland. 
PLEASE MAKE SURE you tune in for special live episode with the lovely Niecy Nash and the very talented Cedric the Entertainer. #TVLand #SOULMANLive
GERALDO
With my first NYC boss Geraldo Rivera in 1995!
And after leaving CNBC and Rivera Live in 1997, Geraldo Rivera and I meet again in NYC! GREAT REUNION! Will tell you more when I can...
DANCING
Who is watching Billy Dee Williams and MISS NENE on DANCING WITH THE STARS?
BREAK A LEG, FOLKS!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Billy Dee Williams, Dancing With The Stars, NAACP Image Awards, Nene Leakes, Niecy Nash, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, TV Land, TV Land LIVE, The Soul Man
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8 References
black history 2014
ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - MORE BROADWAY
WE’RE TALKING MORE BROADWAY 2014!!! A LOT OF GREAT SHOWS ALREADY OUT and/or COMING OUT! Prior appearances on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me predicting winners from the TONY AWARDS nominations:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. 
ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 has been one of my recurring outlets to talk BROADWAY:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway'sThe Trip to Bountiful Broadway. 
And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. 
A friend took these snapshots from their smart phone. As always, THANKS for your support. #NEWS4AT7Prior to this panel, I did an EMMY RE-CAP panel with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush:http://youtu.be/ lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONSROUND-UP we did in July:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/ Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/ 216162211. And 
I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. I am inside a lot of bookings from NBC-related entities - one from MSNBC's "First Look" to weigh in on Beyonce's Inauguration performance (a phoner). NBC's other platforms have come a calling: NBC News/The Grio has been calling on me - recently to weigh-in on the NAACP's endorsement of gay marriage:http://www.thegrio.com/politics/will-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-change-black-hearts-and-minds.php;
On New Year's Eve to 2011, I made my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW (as on-cam 'pop culture analyst') inside a piece that Mara did on the ball drop in New York's Times Square (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). #NEWS4AT7
Yolanda Adams and Jordin Sparks were in the house. Well, TWO YEARSLATER, Wendy discovers her Disney Side on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World ® Resort when she tasted food and drinks from around the world at Epcot - Walt Disney World Center! http://youtu.be/76FBGNfZ7vQ. Wendy discovered her Disney Side when she became a Princess for a Day: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ. I had the privilege of producing her down there and working with her show’s team to put these special pieces together. A JOY! Thanks ALL for your support! XO
Beyonce's Grammy dress designer Michael Costello Fashion Week show 2014. 
I was seated next to ATL Housewife cast Nene, Greg, and Cynthia (Kenya was there too along with Anthony Harper, Derrick Hemphill, Arise Entertainment 360’s Lola Ogunnaike, E! News Alicia Quarles, 
“The Real” co-host/3LW/Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon, Baskteball Wives LA Laura Govan, my friend/model Christopher Kadima, Beyonce’sstylist (who brought her Costello’s dress) Ty Hunter, 
several cast members from “Shahs of Sunset” and many more! Fun night that capped off in Harlem at Park 112 with Ant’s Denver sister friend Sabrina Coleman (in town for business – casting curvy models for the Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend); 
“Fashion Queen” Bevy Smith; entertainment attorney and legal analyst of note Lisa Bonner; designer Priya Scoggins; and a host of our other friends!
Big shout out to Morehouse brother Mario Ephriam for the ‘family reunion’!#MBFW #NYFW 
#MBFW #NYFW AND Shout out to Mindy Cohn – Natalie from The Facts of Life! THANK YOU, BOO! She invited me to attend her friends Mark and Estel’s fashion show as Mercedes-Benzs NEW YORK FASHION WEEK kicks off at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts! The SALON TENT was the backdrop.https://www.facebook.com/markandestel.malibuand/or http://markandestel.us.com/ is how you can learn more. But let me tell a little bit about Mark and Estel FW14 RUNWAY from their bio: Mark Tango and Estel Day launched their fashion brand “Mark and Estel” in Los Angeles in 2005. Made in the USA, the Mark and Estel fashion line boasts signature fashion tees, flowing dresses and iconic cutout leggings alongside ready to wear jackets and separates. The duo’s rocker style and love of music signaled the simultaneous launch of their band “Mark and Estel,” and their fashion/music hybrid quickly became their brand signature. Their fashion line emerged in the press early on, when Mary Kate Olsen (the fashion designer of “The Row”) began wearing their designs. 
In 2009, Mark and Estel garnered further recognition when they custommade their ‘Ripped & Holey Leggings’ for Lady Gaga on her Fame Ball Tour. Mark and Estel’s rockerchic yet incredibly comfortable silhouettes continue to count fashionistas and sporty girls as their customers, alongside music and fashion celebrities including Jessica Simpson and Mischa Barton. Over 13 seasons, the line has steadily grown, selling in over 300 retail locations in the USA and internationally, including in Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, France, Spain, Norway, Canada, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Guatemala, Mexico, and Egypt. Mark and Estel are proud to present their 14th collection on the runway at New York Fashion Week. - See more at: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/designers/mark_and_estel#sthash.yUKHevXv.dpuf BY THE WAY: Did you see Mindy on OPRAH WHERE ARE THEY NOW? from an interview I conducted a couple of months ago: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video The popular '80s sitcom The Facts of Life was known for tackling controversial topics like eating disorders, drug use and peer pressure. Mindy Cohn, the actress who played Natalie Green, told me that when it came time to talk about sex, she thought it was important for one of the characters to lose her virginity on television. Watch as she explains why she volunteered for that role. Tune in Friday night at 9/8c. Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video#ixzz2qNNi64BK HERE’S A LOOK at what was in that whole episode!http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/First-Look-Debbie-Allen-Lisa-Whelchel--William-Shatner-Video My ANDRE LEON TALLEY and JILL ZARIN run tomorrow night at 9p! #MBFW#NYFW #OLDWORLDCOLLECTION#MARKANDESTEL #WhereAreTheyNow
Frenchie was wonderful! Still-beautiful voice! She did a mix of the standards - in general and that she's performed before like "Ain't Misbehavin'". But she also did some cool "Gospelizing" (I call it) interpretations of "non-singing pop diva" fare (as she calls it): "We Found Love" - Rihanna and a Britney Spears medley: BRILLIANT re-interps. NO "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" but she closed with "Home" - giving proper homage to Diana Ross and Stephanie Mills' distinctively iconic versions while making "Somewhere Over The Rainbow for Black people" her own (Frenchie joked). This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. Talented woman!!!! And super sweet! The banter was cute - including lots of references to her being a Lesbian inside a committed relationship with a woman named Diana who she affectionately calls "Daddy". 
The soon-to-be-finally-Howard-U-graduate sprinkled references to that crowning achievement throughout the show (including reference to the mentorship of Debbie Allen's dance school in L.A. providing the course-load for Frenchie to fulfill her dancing credits to get her musical theater degree from Howard. Allen - and her sister Phylicia Rashad - also referenced - are Howard U alums)! This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. This, en route to a desired return to Broadway - including a call-back on the table now for "Book of Mormon" and she says Carol Channing has endorsed her reprising "Hello Dolly".
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in A Raising in the Sun, Arise Entertainment 360, Broadway, Denzel Washington, Frenchie Davis, KENYA MOORE, Nene Leakes, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Real Housewives of Atlanta
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freedom you see
DON’T SLEEP
Well, President Obama is in The White House! 
And like the first time, I am starting to get political/pop cultural bookings (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/6/a-pound-is-nothing-without-someone-you-love-to-share-it-with.html). 
A few of those impressions were with NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw & http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). 
So far this time, it comes in the form of a call-back from DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY T.J. HOLMES ( http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html).
Last night, we discussed what Obama's re-election means to Black America and how it was the minority – at-large – that got him his second term i.e. Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, and the youth (http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html).
Also, I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb. 
I got to wax philosophical with journalist/cultural critic Toure, whose work I’ve admired for years – on-camera and via the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention.
Also in the mix: Rapper “The Game” (who – by the way – has a new CD coming out December 11th. It’s called “Jesus Piece”. ) He shocked me when he told me that he was a ‘fan’ of my blog.
THANKS GAME! I truly enjoyed sharing the table with the fellas. 
As we looked at same-sex marriage passing in two states (Maryland and Maine), I was posed a question or two. One thing I wanted to offer was a shout out to Bayard Rustin about whom I’ve blogged before: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html.
He took a backseat as he orchestrated much of the movement on behalf of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many more (He organized The March on Washington, for example). This, because he was gay. Always out and unapologetic. But smart enough to know that - at that time - his orientation may have confused the efforts that were being made to gain civil rights for Black people. I've studied Bayard Rustin and consider him a personal hero.
With that, I lift his name up for having to move to the back burner despite his brilliance. 50 years later, LGBT issues are at the fore; we are at the table and know our value; and we were key in not only helping to get President Obama elected, but we are beneficiaries and muses of the many other things he has done for the LGBT community since being in office – including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; lots of bullying motivation (including a letter to a 10-year-old girl who was being bullied because she had two dads); and so much more. Also on this Election Day: Shout out to Wisconsin for producing the first openly gay or lesbian person to win a U.S. Senate seat: Tammy Baldwin
. HERE'S A LINK: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. And the back-stage one: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb. PLEASE SHARE & TWEET ACCORDINGLY: @BETDontSleep #BETDontSleep THANK YOU, T.J. 
EBONY POWER 100
On the back-stage viral that the DON’T SLEEP producers did with me when I was on the show, I mentioned everyone’s favorite Real Housewife Nene Leakes.
She is on the cover of EBONY’s POWER 100 ISSUE. 
I got to toast her on that point recently at a gala that was thrown to honor the cream of the crop (including Quevenzhane Wallis - one to watch in "Beasts of the Southern Wild" - a flick my girlfriend, Fox Searchlight Pictures marketing exec, Cassandra Butcher brought to the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention back in New Orleans a few months ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html). It is a must see: www.beastsofthesouthernwild.com. 
She was gracious; happy to pose for a pic; and she seemed quite genuinely appreciative that we are fans of THE NEW NORMAL – her hit sitcom.
I was there – however – to toast my homeboy Maurice Marable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html) & my NABJ A&E Task Force sister Nekesa Moody - TWO of EBONY's POWER 100. 
ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Many of the POWER 100 and LOTS of my friends from EBONY and beyond! 
I LOVE IT WHEN I REALLY KNOW THE PEOPLE ON THESE LISTS...and when they are REALLY DESERVING! Proud of Y'ALL! XO PLR http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/ebony-reveals-its-2012-power-100-list-100 
RHONDA ROSS
You all know I LOVE EVERYTHING ROSS, which includes her offspring. 
The eldest daughter of Miss Diana (and Motown Founder Berry Gordy), Rhonda Ross gave a stunning performance last night at Lee Summers’ The Triad here in NYC: http://www.facebook.com/events/505801396114740/!
Her jazz-inspired set included a little hip hop (“Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z & Alicia Keys – her opener); lots of neo-soul; 
and a few classic and modern-day anthems – including “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (her encore) and the R.-Kelly-penned title track of the late, great Whitney Houston, “I Look To You” – a touching rendition dedicated to the family of the two brothers, Brandon and Connor Moore, who were swept out of their mother’s arms by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island.
Also, Rhonda’s own self-penned compositions were sprinkled throughout her set. One tune was designed to inspire us ALL to get out and VOTE (Rhonda’s exclaimed preference: President Obama). Mission accomplished. But having just experienced a week without power and a week in which so many have experienced difficulties, Rhonda Ross inspired us all to live our best lives IN LOVE. And that shows up on-stage and off-stage.
Worth noting, Rhonda is busy as ever these days with more than motherhood (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/rhonda-ross-kendrick). 
She is hosting the Hearts of Gold benefit next week here in NYC (www.heartsofgold.org/). As a consultant for Remy Martin, I enrolled the luxury liquor company (known for its Cognac) to be a sponsor for the charity event which fosters sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. 
It was also great to see my fellow ROSS fans in the house – including Andreas (who came all the way from Germany for the show) and Dustin Fitzharris – also a fellow journalist who did a wonderful interview with Rhonda to promote her show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=styk1uJ7VNY. 
CONGRATS on a GREAT SHOW, RHONDA!
One more thing: MISS ROSS – who normally attends all of her kids’ special functions – is out of the country on a lucrative gig – performing in India.
It's a birthday event that Naomi Campbell is hosting for her boyfriend. I LOVE ROSS, of course... and NAOMI!
TAI BEAUCHAMP
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html My Spelman sister and fellow NYC friend Tai Monique Beauchamp Tai Beauchamp is always handling her business (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk). 
She has partnered with one of our favorite retailers, Target, as they begin to spread the word about their extensive product offering geared toward the multiethnic woman. GOOD STUFF, TAI! CLICK HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk.
TAMARA TUNIE
Shout out to my girl Tamara Tunie who not only just completed a successful singing stint at Feinstein’s, but she’s co-starring with Denzel Washington in “Flight”. 
It is playing at a theater near you. http://www.paramount.com/flight/CONGRATS – as always – on EVERYTHING, TAMARA! XO
RADIANCE
Urban Vintage (www.urbanvintageny.com) was the well-appointed backdrop of the baby shower we attended recently.
The guest of honor will be here in a month or less, but I have known her mom Radiance Salem since she was a child. And now, she’s having a baby! TIME FLIES! CONGRATS, RADIANCE! WE LOVE YOU!
NINA
I mentioned Mara above. Her husband is Tommie. Our BFFs! 
Their daughter is Nina... and this is what it looks like when I 'babysit' her! A laugh before you go: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4849253031802
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in BET, DIANA ROSS, Don't Sleep with TJ Holmes, Ebony, Naomi Campbell, Nene Leakes, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Power 100, Rhonda Ross
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