A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Well, it’s on the newsstands!!! April’s 2008 issue of “ESSENCE” Magazine (www.essence.com/). On page 142, you’ll see – count them – an 8 picture, one-page layout featuring my Anthony modeling next to Miss Erykah Badu. The pix look great! And I am so PROUD of him – showing up!!! Check out the full layout and story here: http://www.okayplayer.com/erykahbadu/Essence2008/.

Meanwhile, it’s been a great journey for me as I navigate through this industry – aiming to stay afloat inside my independence as a personality, producer, and writer.

As the blessings go, the clients to which I have grown accustomed are still calling quite often and I’ve been working on some cool things. Stay tuned.

That game show I mentioned before called and taped recently. I am gagged to say anything more, but look out for that in May or June. After it airs, I plan to tell much about that experience. And I will let you know when it airs (once I know).

And in addition to my freelance contributions to those shows and companies for which you are familiar, I have signed on with independent filmmaker Sue May (www.bslsthedoc.com - in progress; www.myspace.com/bslsthedoc) as 'associate producer' to help her book a handful of high-profile women to be interviewed briefly (30-minutes-or-less) for her independent documentary 'Big Sister, Little Sister' (BSLS).

To tell you more about the film (the lion's share of which has been shot), BSLS highlights, documents, and profoundly reveals the rewarding and bittersweet experiences of three New York City high school girls (now college girls) as they anticipate, prepare, experience, and advance through three customary rites of passage: prom, graduation, and college - all of which represent the collective transition from adolescence into adulthood.

The objective of the film is to investigate and reveal the struggles, accomplishments, disappointments, dreams, fears, relationships, and goals of three adolescent females of color, all in the top 5% of their high school's graduating class, from very different socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures, as we observe their strengths and weaknesses in balancing school, work, and peer/social issues. To learn more about BSLS Director Sue May, check out: www.triplegoddessgallery.com.

If you’d like more information on this special project of which I’m proud to be a part, please don’t hesitate to reach out as there are also tax-deductible, fundraising possibilities that I can tell you about as well. I am reachable at priley@bslsthedoc.com.

It seems that all of our work is tying in to our social time as well. Ant and I thought we would have seen “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by now, for example (It opened last week). This, because I first wrote about this explosive new production of TENNESSE WILLIAMS' Pulitzer Prize-winning classic a few months ago - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/1/9/pat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html. You’ll recall, it features a dynamite cast led by Academy Award nominee TERRENCE HOWARD, Tony Award winners PHYLICIA RASHAD and ANIKA NONI ROSE, and Academy Award nominee and two-time Tony winner JAMES EARL JONES. Renowned director and choreographer DEBBIE ALLEN directs. In addition to knowing one of the key group sales agents, MY Marcia Pendelton (www.blacktheateronline.com), I had the opportunity to introduce one of the opening night liquor sponsors/recent client Remy Martin (www.remy.com/) to the producers at “Cat”. (Remember the David LaChappelle project?). Well, it didn’t quite produce a red-carpet rollout for Ant and me. Still, we’ve not seen “Cat” but trust that we’ll have the opportunity to check this well-received production out before all is said and done.

Meanwhile, theater has not evaded us this past week. I got the chance to meet another of Ant’s high school BFFs “Brina” who now lives in Atlanta , but hails from Denver. Like Marcia, she has done audience development for “7 Stages” Theater in Atlanta (www.7stages.org), but is now moving into her own WHAT’S NEXT that was punctuated by her trip to New York City . Not only did she bring her sunny disposition (I JUST LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!), but she introduced to me and re-introduced to Ant some more Colorado folks – including Drea and Sahar. This, on the heels of Ant's two best girlfriends Sabrina and Manivone coming to town. We didn't get any new pix with Sabrina, but see her here on the night I first met Ant (and her) at "The Color Purple" after party. We got new shots with Manivone who joined us for eating and karaoke. See them duet on Madonna's "Borderline". Most excitedly, Brina invited us to see a show she was in town to support at Here Arts Center ’s (www.here.org) off-site venue 3LD Art & Technology Center (www.3ldnyc.org). “(RUS)H” is the name of the show, described as “…an intimate, psychosexual mystery of one man, his wife, and another – each yearning to feel something they can’t feel anymore – drawn together towards a final fall. Piece together a fragmented memory trail that reveals an underworld of extreme pleasure ,set to throbbing Latin beats…” It was a visual, electronic “orgasm”, said Brina as we watched text and video (designed by James Scruggs) play itself out on big screens and smalls screens – all as part of the process. It runs through March 22. Use code RUSHOUT and save $3 by calling 212/352-3101 or www.here.org.

The night before “(RUS)H”, the day Ant introduced me to Brina, we took her on our classic Harlem tour. From our favorite boutique “N” (www.nharlemnewyork.com/) to our neighborhood bistro “Native”, we – along with Brina’s friend Drea – enjoyed good shopping and food. From there, we all attended “ESPN” Magazine’s 10^th anniversary party ( www.ESPNMagazine.com ). As you know, I know many at the mag. My good girlfriend Crystal Howard who is the Director of Public Relations there hooked us up. “Terminal 5” was the locale with the most (www.terminal5nyc.com/). “Third Eye Blind” provided the LIVE entertainment (www.3eb.com/). And they were good. But we were more entertained by what was happening within the party. We ran into our “ America ’s Next Top Model” girls from Cycle 8 (www.cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-model). There was Whitney who I see from time to time on the social scene here in NYC. And another of my fellow social butterflies Jaslene, too, was in the mix. (We were last together at Kimora Lee Simmons’ post-fashion-show set - www.kimoraleesimmons.com/). And Brina - who noted that along with her mom "Boots" - LOVES "America's Next Top Model" and LIVES for Jaslene - was so glad to get her photo op with Jaslene. We were happy to oblige. I also got to see ESPN Magazine Publisher Keith Clinkscales who I've known over the years as far back as his days heading up VIBE Magazine and its many - at the time - properties.  And most excitedly, I got to check in with my fellow NABJ (www.nabj.org) buddy - who too is a member of our LGBT Task Force - LZ Granderson who writes for ESPN Magazine. Sadly, he was a target of homophobia - a harsh reality that hate and ignorance are alive and well. He blogged about it: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/080218. On this night, he seemed in great spirits and it was good to give him a hug of encouragement.  After that, we took the girls to our karaoke spot. And of course, we did what we do. What else is there to say? (www.karaoke17.com/). And may I say: "Brina can Blow!!!" Ant used to write songs for her in Denver back in the day. Perhaps they will find their way back to each other creatively. Such talent! After “(RUS)H”, we joined James Scruggs, the director Kristin Marting, Brina, her friends Sahar and Drea, and many others at Trinity Place Bar & Restaurant (www.trinityplacenyc.com). We partook of some really great bar bites i.e. mini-lobster BLT sandwiches, KOBE pigs-in-a-blanket, and mini-KOBE burgers. Afterwards, we did a midnight cap at BBQ (www.bbqnyc.com).

Now, if we’re highly-recommending “(RUS)H” and we are, please know that we need you to RUSH and see “Passing Strange” (www.passingstrangeonbroadway.com). Miss Ross actually went to see it a week or so ago with her oldest daughter Rhonda. I’d already heard about the critically-acclaimed musical, but knew I was on to something if Miss Ross was in the house. It’s been open just a couple of weeks and is now my mission to ensure that you all take trips to see this brilliant piece that Ant and I now consider our 'new favorite'. Eisa Davis, who plays the 'mother' in the piece, is daughter of revolutionary feminist Angela Davis. Her album "Something Else" is available online and in Japan (www.myspace.com/eisadavis). You know, given the Theater connoisseurs that we are, we have been looking for something that stimulates us as much as “The Color Purple” did (given it was the night we met) to “RENT” (Ant’s favorite) to “DREAMGIRLS” (my favorite). Well, we’ve got a new one that we are anxious to see again and again and again. And with this, our Marcia Pendelton is offering a 40%-OFF Regular Ticket Prices to FRIENDS OF PATRICK AND ANT. See the details with special CODE:

All performances except Fri & Sat eves & Wed Mat
Orch/$59.50; Mezz/$48; Balc/$21.50
Fri & Sat Eves
Orch/$68.50; Mezz/$58; Balc/$30
Wed Mat
Orch & Mezz/$48; Balc/$21.50

There Are Three Easy Ways To Purchase Tickets
Online: www.broadwayoffers.com and type in code PSWALK7

Phone: 212.947.8844 and mention code PSWALK7
In Person: Present this email at the Belasco Theater Box Office,
111 West 44th Street, NYC

Then, you – like us - can experience a score that has some of the most soulful rock songs, and witty, thought-provoking lyrics in recent memory. It is truly moving and hilarious – all at once. Again, it traces the journey of a young, black man in all of his bohemian splendor (by way of South-Central LA) and traces his exploration from his middle-class confines in Los Angeles to his church-reared youth in South-Central LA to a journey abroad that is all about his search for “the real”.

The autobiographical-meets-fantasy piece is led and narrated by Stew, singer/songwriter/founder/leaders of “The Negro Problem”, a pop-rock combo from Los Angeles (www.negroproblem.com/). He reflects on his life which comes alive via a brilliant cast of characters who are his friends and family from through the years. In his journey, he’s addressed racial issues, religious challenges, international travel, sudden death, depression, drugs, and a host of other relatable experiences that I related to – for my own reasons. While sitting hand-in-hand with Ant next to me, I knew he was touched by the piece for his own reasons. And to our right, our good friends Earl Nicholson and Valente Frazier – two of Tyra’s glam-squad guys www.tyrashow.warnerbros.com/), I knew they too were touched.  Earl, by the way, is Chicago Carl's good friend Vince's partner. I got to see Vince on my last trip to Chicago. Afterwards, Valente left before I thought to take a picture (but see him here next to me - Earl's in this pic too - at one of our recent outings in NYC. He's so cute.). But we stumbled back into Earl to be able to fold him into some of our post-show pix with each other and the cast. They were all so humble and gracious. Remember when I kept talking about “DREAMGIRLS” – THE MOVIE? I have an inkling I will continue to sing the praises of “PASSING STRANGE” as Ant and I began to immediately think with whom we want to share this amazing production.

Afterwards Ant and I enjoyed a post-show meal at The Brooklyn Diner (www.brooklyndiner.com) – one example of many of the nice moments we’ve been able to share together this past week.

The other night, we enjoyed premium sake from New York City ’s first sake shop (www.sakanyanyc.com) at Milk Gallery (www.milkstudios.com) which featured a wonderful exhibit with Buddhist icons. From the penthouse of the facility, we enjoyed sake and the beautiful view of New York City .

We did get some more Valenti time last night as he joined Ant and me at "Chapel of Sacred Mirrors" (www.cosm.org). You'll recall, Ant was there for the Erykah Badu listening party (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/2/22/cup-runneth-over.html). Well, last night, it was "Entheocentric Salon" including a discussion with owners Alex and Allyson Grey's "Chaos Order and Secret Writing", a live musical performance by Club D'elf, DJs, VJs, and live painting by Alex and Allyson Grey. Among other suite performers, Sitar player Dawoud also entertained the troops (www.renegadesufi.com or www.myspace.com/renegadesufi).

I also took a cool dinner meeting with my good girlfriend Najwa (celebrity/social/fashion blogger with the most). Find her here: www.myspace.com/styleaholics or here:

www.styleaholics.com/. She called the meeting and it was a funky good time of connecting and coming together. Our backdrop was Downtown’s The Cub Room (www.cubroom.com) – quaint and perfect for a lively, but contained-enough, meeting at which you can be spirited but hear. Always good to see you, Najwa!

Two shout outs:

Please help me help my boy Dommie win this online video contest!
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My boy Quincy, whose gallery I’ve written about before (www.galleryqb.com/) is featured in this week’s edition of New York Magazine (www.nymag.com/) or (http://nymag.com/bestofny/services/2008/justopened/) for its highly coveted “Best of New York” issue. Selected by the magazine as New York 's best new mid-century furniture shop, he is so excited to receive such an honor (and we for him!!!). Additionally, “galleryqb” is also gracing the pages of Time Out New York (www.timeout.com/newyork/) or (http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/shopping/27018/rummaging-with) this week - highlighting some of New York 's hot shops. And finally, “galleryqb” will be featured in the upcoming issue of the Japanese men's magazine “Pen”. What makes all of this publicity great is that none if it was solicited. Instead, the shop is gaining attention through its customers' love of the shop. And let’s not forget that “A Day in the Life of Riley” was here with you since the beginning! SMILE!.

As this BLOG entry rolls out on the day of my namesake St. Patrick, I am excited to see winter move into Spring. Some might argue that I’m not a saint and – of course – I’ve sinned. But I feel something moving towards something new, adventurous, and joyful. That is my intention, at least.

Well, everyone is a buzz about Miss Janet Jackson (www.janetjackson.com/) whose new album “Discipline” hit the streets this past Tuesday. From MTV and her cute spoofs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukucdCl7vQM) to showing Larry King the “Feedback” dance on “Larry King LIVE!” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Zgc-TFOT8), she’s been making waves. Ant and I even chose to be a part of the festivities. As I mentioned last week, we secured VIP tix to see her “Good Morning America” concert (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnmc8tcJawA), etc. Ant and I still had to wait in line, but had fun with it as a street promotions team made sure we continued to be amused at the event (before we realized we were violating our rule of not waiting in lines. Then, of course, those “rules” are all EGO, but I won’t go there just yet as Ant and I are learning more and more about our selves through our latest literary inspiration). Once we got in, we were seated and got to truly enjoy Miss Jackson unveil her live performance tracks and choreography on “Feedback” and “Rock With U”… and the throwback “That’s The Way Love Goes” (one of our favorites). It was a great morning and worth the trip. Oh yeah! Ant and I got a kick out of some more Janet/Diana synergy as some respective fans feel Janet’s VIBE Magazine cover (www.vibe.com/) conjures images of Diana’s cover shot from her memoir “Secrets of a Sparrow”.

Afterwards, Ant and I had a plentiful breakfast at the new “Brooklyn Diner” (in Times Square) - www.brooklyndiner.com/contact.htm , we took in a couple of matinees “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins” ( www.welcomehomeroscoejenkins.com/ ) and “Cloverfield” ( www.cloverfieldmovie.com/ ) – good afternoon nap fare. Then, we came home and enjoyed our new “Discipline” CD. Plus, I had some homework – to watch “American Idol” (The guys) as I needed to be prepared for my debut on friend Z100 Shelley Wade’s chat fest the following day. It was at Janet’s listening party a few weeks back when Shelley invited me to sit in on this weekly roundtable during which we talk all things "American Idol". (this season). Please take a listen:
http://z100.com/cc-common/common-nyc/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=americanidol6chats With her colleague Jonathan Gallagher in tow, we had a hoot of a good time. THANKS SHELLEY and JONATHAN! I look forward to sitting in again really soon! (And Janet also references Diana in her Shelley Wade interview, after Shelley asks Janet to weigh-in on “QUEEN”-gate from the Grammys with Beyonce, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin. You can check that out via the Z100 – www.z100.com - site as well).

On Thursday, Ant and I got to support our buddy Diaz, who did some publicity and provided some accessories for a non-profit event that benefits BUILD (Building Up Individual Lifelong Dreams) - www.build-nyc.com. “Community Hues” was organized in celebration of Black History Month. It featured an awards reception, dance performance, and a fashion show. The 2008 Honorees are Jeffrey Gurian (Entertainer and Comedy Writer), Mary Jaeger (Fashion Designer), Norman Messiah (Artist), Edward Morgan (The MorganScott Ballet) and featured collaborator Dorian Webb (Jewelry Designer); Danny Simmons (Artist and Philanthropist) and Way Zen (Fashion Designer). And our usual suspects – from Mario to Kareem and many others were in the house. Always nice to support our folks doing positive things. Thanks Diaz!

Did you see the Oscars ( www.oscars.org/ )? Not many did. Though there are so few African Americans (in the grand scheme) to remember, the producers managed to exclude four-time host Whoopi Goldberg from a retrospective reel (80 years) that

featured its many less-hued hosts many times. Seen in the segment that showed supporting actress winners, Whoopi carries a distinction as the first sole African American host of the much-celebrated, annual broadcast. My Diana – however (also a nominee for “Best Actress” for “Lady Sings The Blues” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls2g1ec_qyU - carries the distinction as the first African American host of the event (but in a multi-host format). She too has performed on the show many times (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMHel_AUbpE), but all of those impressions were also left out.

Poised for her own Oscar success (in the wake of her dual Grammy nods), our girlfriend Ledisi ( www.ledisi.com/ ) apparently brought down the house at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in Los Angeles‏ with her stirring performance of the Beatles’ classic “Yesterday” (Gets me everytime!!!! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxoZr_PuFps). Accompanied on piano by music producer/composer Rex Rideout, she received a standing ovation and was considered one of the many highlights as the Black Hollywood film community was out in force for one of Oscar week’s hottest invites in support of honorees actress/musician Jada Pinkett Smith (accompanied by her husband superstar Will Smith), legendary actress Ms. Ruby Dee, director/producer extraordinaire Suzanne DePasse, and rising young actress Jurnee Smollett. Also in attendance - Quincy Jones, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Kerry Washington, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Paula Patton, Pauletta Washington, Holly Robinson Peete, Raven-Symone, Gabrielle Union, Lynn Whitfield, Nia Long, Tracey Edmonds, Taraji Henson, LisaRaye, Tracee Ellis Ross, Vivica A. Fox, Sharon Leal, Salli Richardson and so many more! Next up for Ms. Ledisi – her first film role where she portrays a jazz singer (of course!) in the upcoming George Clooney movie - LEATHERHEADS which also stars Renee Zellweger – in theaters on April 4^th.

A recent dispatch to the windy city of Chicago has me longing for something warm – like Los Angeles (when not longing to simply be back home (where it’s not much warmer)). Moreover, on this leg of my Chi-town visit, my social ambassador Chicago Carl is nursing a bad bout of the flu (so we didn’t hit the beat this go around). Still, I got to spend lots of quality time with him as he relaxed and got the care that he needs to get back into the mix. Still, I got some catch-up time with Eddie, my best friend from Morehouse, who I didn’t get to see on my last trip. He took me to see Chicago Carl. Then, we enjoyed wings and fries at “Hooters” (www.hooters.com). Prior to our visit, we went to “Plush” (www.plushinchicago.com) as Eddie wanted me to meet a new friend of his. There - as in places I don’t even live – I ran into some folks I know (which always amuses Eddie as this is his home turf). It was my good girlfriend Jala with whom I’ve served on the National Association of Black Journalists [www.nabj.org] Board (years ago). In this pic (on the right), she's seen with her pal Shaniqua, a DC-based anchor. But on this night in Chicago, she was hanging with another good girlfriend (who it turns out went to Whitney Young High School with Eddie, though I’m not sure they knew each other) Tonya Francisco, anchor at CLTV (www.cltv.com). We enjoyed a cocktail with the ladies and caught up. Get well soon, Chicago Carl… and Always good to see you (but mostly when it’s not so COLD), Chicago!!!

My other Carl (formerly known as ‘platonic boo’) Carl Nelson is working on a project I want to make sure I shout out now – in ADVANCE – and later when it happens. It’s Drums Along The Hudson ( www.drumsalongthehudson.org). I went last year (and have gone over the years) and it’s a wonderful outdoor festival that promotes culture, eco- friendliness, and fellowship. Check the site out… and make sure to put it on your calendar.

You’ll recall, I met a performer Malachi at the Janet Jackson party the other week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/2/12/luv.html). Well, as promised, I have more information on his work. Known as “The Hip Hop Poet”, he has been chosen as one of the top 25 spoken word artists in the nation, according to FAMECAST. He has also been chosen to represent New York City in the competition. And you can vote for him in that regard by clicking on: WWW.FAMECAST.COM/MALACHIRIVERS
Additionally, “The Communication Specialist”, his hip hop album is coming soon! It’s produced by Daniel Jose Older and there’s a collabo with a Grammy-award-winning hip hop pioneer! For more information on that, check out Malachi Rivers on MYSPACE at http://www.myspace.com/MALACHIWORLD. And get ready for the evolution of Malachi as “The Hip Hop Page” too will make its premiere next month.

Once the “fledgling” literary agent (an inside joke between friends), my dear friend Wanda Akin, who truly is and has always been a seasoned player in legal and literary circles the world over, just represented a book that has been reviewed in “The Los Angeles Times” (http://www.latimes.com/features/books/la-bk-randall24feb24,0,4142690.story). It’s “Gentleman Jigger”, a belatedly published roman a clef about the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance by Richard Bruce Nugent. You must pick it up and CELEBRATE one of the most stylized and substantive times in American history. CONGRATS WANDA! LOVE YOU!

In closing, CHECK THIS OUT! My good friend/artist & brand manager Jelani Bandele – says she was sorting through some photographs for a presentation and came across this gem. We have no idea where we were (surely somewhere in Manhattan or Brooklyn), but it shows we've know each other for a very long time (LOOK AT MY HAIR! But that black is not cracking... still!)......and yes that is Diddy in the background. “I’ve been so many places in my life and time…”

On the heels of my week away in Chicago, I made it home in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Ant, but not before letting the muse of ‘pop culture and possibilities’ rear their respective heads. A few days prior, Anthony sent me a craigslist ( www.craigslist.org/ ) ad regarding TV Game Show “Million Dollar Password”, which is scheduled to return to the airwaves on CBS later this year ( www.cbs.com/primetime/million_dollar_password/ ). I wasn’t exactly sure what he was thinking in sending this to me as Regis Philbin (www. bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/index.html ) was already attached as the HOST (though I’ve always felt I would make a good host on a TV game show). Reading further, I saw that it was an open call audition for contestants. Ant knew that I grew up on TV game shows (and soaps) with my family. I’ve even referenced that here in ‘A Day in the Life of Riley’ (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/pop-up-media.html). At closer inspection, I thought: “It could be $1,000,000!!!” I thought further: “I used to do well at PASSWORD but also do well at board games like TABOO and GUESSTURES”. I got out of my own way and replied to the notice. The casting folks responded that they’d like me to come in. Ironically, it was held at the “Maury” studios ( www.mauryshow.com/ ) near the Madison Square Garden ( www.thegarden.com/ ). Ironic because this is where I shot my “Geek 2.0” makeovers at the top of the year for the 2^nd season of “The Hugh Thompson Show” (www. techchannel.att.com/ ). Was this a sign? And though this was Valentine’s Day, Ant and I decided we’d head into the city – so I could handle this business towards getting one step closer to my millions. Well, as I walked through the front door of the studio, Maury Povich was coming out from his long day of work. Since others were huddling around him for pix, I figured I’d get one for the blog. Coupled with the synergy of having taped some of my own on-camera magic in this very studio, "There's Maury!". The audition went well. I felt comfortable with the rules and the pacing of the game, which I hadn’t played in a long time. I did – however – pop over to “You Tube” to see some old episodes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCFOCdwLcGw. I didn’t get the indication of whether I’d get a callback or not, but I felt good. I proceeded across the street to meet Ant at “Fat Annie’s Truck Stop” (www.fatanniestruckstop.com) where he was holding court with bartender Natalie. I let them in on the ‘good’ news (that it went well) and Ant and I posed for our “Valentine’s Day” pic. “FATS” was not the location for our romantic dinner. We made good on a $100 gift card my friend Bonnie gave me late last year for BR Guest Restaurants ( www.brguestrestaurants.com/ ). Our favorite of the bunch is “Isabella” on the Upper Westside of Manhattan where our friend Lisa Curry is the General Manager. She always accommodates us with a great table and other special accoutrements as we always enjoy our dining experiences at these BR Guest restaurants. Though we were a bit disappointed that our “peppercorn” steak dish is no longer on the menu, we found some suitable substitutes and kept our night moving. From there, we came home to enjoy an early night in – including the “NAACP Image Awards”, which were on LIVE that night ( www.naacpimageawards.net/ ). Ant called them the “NAACP-T” (colored-people-time) awards as it seemed that there were many holes in the production, including perhaps “a missing stage manager” or “director”? This, because the show started before Kirk Franklin knew to get on with it. Host D.L. Hughley found himself lost in his teleprompter and not given cues for certain presentations. We also observed the degree to which our “American Idol” Jordin Sparks ( www.jordinsparks.com/ ) looks like “Ugly Betty” star America Rivera (www. abc.go.com/primetime/uglybetty/index.html ). Kinda’ like the Black/Latino synergy of Beyonce and Shakira.

One shining (albeit curious) moment featured Janet Jackson receiving the “Best Supporting Actress” award for “Why Did I Get Married?” [www.whydidigetmarriedthemovie.com] (over Oscar-nominee “Ruby Dee” for “American Gangster”). This is Miss Jackson’s first acting prize. All are a buzz as Miss Jackson readies to release her new project “Discipline” ( www.janet-world.de/ ). She’s getting lots of press – including an “Advcoate” article ( www.advocate.com/ ) – in which she says: "Diana (Ross) held the door open long enough and wide enough for me to come through." Anthony and I even went to Nathan Hale Williams’ birthday set ( www.nathanhalewilliams.com/ ) at Club Rush. He had VIP tix for Janet Jackson’s GMA concert (www. abcnews.go.com/gma ). It looks like Ant and I will get up bright and early to experience more of the magic that Janet has to offer the world. It’s an exciting time.

I ended up having to miss one of my friend Ern’s birthday celebrations as I got an 11^th hour assignment (Quality work is coming in quite steadily and I am blessed to actually have choices in what I can and cannot accept). This dispatch required I fly into Lebanon, New Hampshire. From there, I had to call “Mom” at “P&Ps Twin State Taxi” (owned by Mom’s son) to get to my destination - an interview at “The Woodstock Inn” ( www.woodstockinn.com/ ), a wonderful ski resort for family. It was once a Rockefeller estate. The town is chockfull of Main-Street charm a la Americana. I felt like I was inside of a Norman Rockwell painting ( www.normanrockwell.com/ ). I went about buying Ern some lovely folk art from The Yankee Bookshop ( www.yankeebookshop.com ). Upon my return to New Jersey, Ern, Ant, Tata, Jules, and I celebrated Ern’s birthday at “Houston’s” ( www.hillstone.com/ ).

I ended up having to go to Warwick, Rhode Island earlier this week for an assignment. While there, I got word from TV Game Show “Million Dollar Password” that I got a callback and they wanted me to come and do some more practice rounds in front of the show and network’s executives ( www.cbs.com/primetime/million_dollar_password/ ). Additionally, they noted that those they are calling back are “great television”. This truly is an era of my career and life, where I am – for sure – interested in maintaining my bliss by working hard and creatively on projects that mean something to me and make a difference for others. Also, I want to make more and work less. And I would like to be paid to BE (and most of who I “BE” is in the context of ‘pop culture’ and ‘possibilities’). With that, if I’m chosen to compete on the show (and I win), it further corroborates my calling. But even if I’m not chosen or if I don’t win, this journey (and all that it represents to my abundant future) is such a blast!!!!!

While I was away on Rhode Island, Ant attended an Erykah Badu listening party with my Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts (“Live! From Front Row” - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/2/12/luv.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/5/funky-divas-dusted-dusty-and-dusted-off.html). It inspired him to BLOG (http://www.myspace.com/kingzeye). He graciously agreed to let me re-purpose his testimonial here in “A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities”. Thanks Ant:

My People,

Although I didn't get a photo with Erykah Badu, I’m so glad to have shared last night’s lunar eclipse with her at the listening party for her long awaited new album! It’s been three years since she dropped one of my favorite CD’s, "World Wide Underground". I am so excited to report that she is still full of light, love, music, beauty, wisdom, passion and funk. As a matter of fact she said it best herself her, “cup runneth over.” She carefully selected 10 tracks out of 50 to create part 1 of, “New Amerykah: World War 4,” in stores Savior’s Day, Feb. 26^th.

The first time I heard tracks from this album was actually a few weeks ago as talent on the set of her photo shoot for the April issue of Essence Magazine. I know I told many of you to look out for the March issue, but it seems that this layout is set to hit stands in March for the April issue, just in time for my birthday! Erykah was so connected she actually remembered me from the photo shoot as one of her, “security guards.”

Now back to the album and the event itself. It was truly a metaphysical experience. Held at the breath taking, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (www.cosm.org), the album’s release party was a pure celebration of art and celestial blessings. It’s a beautiful art museum and gallery home to the practice of spirituality, celestial gatherings, and the celebration of art. Resident artist Alex Gray is a former Dr. who not only mastered the science of the human body; he has taken metaphysical art to a whole new level. His large scale, human size paintings explore the inner and outer workings of the divine human experience. I can’t wait to go back for an adult life drawing workshop in March.

Throughout the night I was inspired by several different artists making it a collective experience. The presentation was phenomenal, although some press argued it took away from the album itself. In my opinion all of the showcased work enhanced my experience because it all played perfectly to the vibe of "New Amerykah". One of the ways in which she included other forms of art is by playing images from Francis Ford Coppola’s 1982 art film, “ Koyaanisqatsi ,” (http://www.youtube.com/v/hwYFxCnc9fg&rel=1)

I was surprised just how well the cinematic images in this film complemented songs from New Amerykah, the same way in which Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Rainbow,” can be synched up to the title sequence of the Wizard of Oz and played throughout movie.

(http://www.youtube.com/v/KvT-C8QArok&rel=1)

This album delivers both musically and conceptually, its ART people - the total package, or at least half of it and then some. It’s the first half of a two disc series, plus all 10 tracks feature original artwork by an artist named Emek to whom she introduced to many of us through Myspace. I truly admire his “expressidelic funkanistic,” style. He is truly gifted and best known for his signature rock and roll posters. Erykah actually commissioned original pieces for each track on the album! The second half of this project, “New Amerykah Pt.2: Return of the Ankh,” will officially debut 10 months from now which symbolizes the project's completion. That's the same day as Janet Jackson’s Discipline, whose listening party is one that I will go back and blog about now that I am finally blogging.

The last song on the album is dedicated to the one and only J. Dilla, one of hip hop’s most beloved angels, “Telephone.” This track was actually recorded and completed the night he passed. In a conversation with J. Dilla’s mother, Erykah was told that Dilla was greeted by O.D.B. briefly before passing who told him specifically that , “a white bus would be waiting to pick him up once he passed through the light, although there would be an inviting red bus parked next to it.” O.D.B. further stressed that “Whatever you do (Dilla) get on the white bus.” How’s that for a huge example of the cosmic level of energy, spirituality and love present that night.

2008 is going to be huge for Erykah. In addition to New Amerykah she has several other projects coming down the pipe line, including more possible CD this year alone, not to mention a quarterly magazine called, “Freque” which she describes as a more feminine version of, “Wax Poetic.”

My network of folks are jumping on the blogosphere and I want to shout out a few of them here:

1. My Spelman sister Nicole LaBeach (with whom I’ve had the chance to share many a stages during our college years) is now motivating the masses ( www.drlabeach.com/home.htm ). She’s launched the “2008 Live Like You Matter Campaign For Women” ( www.livelikeyoumatter.com/campaign_entry_per.htm ). And you should check it out.
2. My first boss in the business Sidmel Estes-Sumpter ( www.breakthrough-atl.com )

who too is the first woman President of the National Association of Black Journalists (www.nabj.org). She is blogging and expressing herself openly and boldly – as only Sidmel can. Check her impassioned and inspiring words out on: www.sisterswhohavesomethingtosay.wordpress.com .

3. And you guys know about my Frankie Edozien, who is my fellow journalist in NABJ and my friend. I talk about him often in the blog. Well, he says “apparently resistance (to the blog/website renaissance) is futile”. So, see him finally on the web: www.edozien.net in addition to the work he does as Founder of the “African” Magazine ( www.africanmag.com ).