A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

My cup runneth over with party invitations this week - some of which I was able to attend. Others were going on via the west coast (in anticipation of the Oscars) as I found myself assigned to do some cool work on the east coast (that should be available for the nation to see very soon. Not sure when, but I may be popping sometime soon... STAY loosely TUNED!). With that, I'll bullet a few of my outings (from being there) and a few others (from the eyes and ears of those who have reported to me).

In 1992, as a senior at Morehouse College, I was one of maybe eight Morehouse brothers who got the opportunity to be a "presenter" at "The Candle In The Dark" Gala. Honorees at the Gala are presented with either a "Candle" or "Bennie" award. "Candle" recipients receive honors for excellence in a varietty of fields, including athletics, business, education, entertainment, government, law, military service, religion, and science and technology. "Bennie" recpients, who must be graduates of Morehouse, receive recognition in the areas of service, achievement, and trailblazing. The "Bennie" Award is named in honor of the late Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who served as president of Morehouse from 1940 to 1967. My year, I presented Academy-and-Emmy-award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. with his honor, but let me tell you, the honor was all mine. This moment (as well as the opportunity I got to be a spokesperson for Morehouse before performing with the glee club on CBS' "Kennedy Center Honors") are the two of my fondest and perhaps most foretelling memories from college.

This year, two of the "Candle" honorees were Sidney Poitier and Roscoe Lee Brown, Jr. My nephew, Herman Lee Riley III, sent me a text from the "Reflections of Excellence" panel in which all of the honorees drop science on the students of Morehouse (before the formal event that night). Noot, I call my nephew, wrote "Sidney Poitier is hilarious!". When we spoke later, he shared that he found Mr. Poitier to be so connected and honest. My nephew said he understands through Mr. Poitier's sharings what he means by "the measure of a man", the title of his autobiography. Noot added that much of what Roscoe Lee Brown, Jr. had to say was so "Shakespearean" in presentation that it went over his head, but "... it sure sounded good.".  That night, my friend LaChanze (the original Miss Celie in Broadway's "The Color Purple") hosted the evening. Her sister Michelle Sapp wrote to me "Patrick, the Gala was an experience for me. My sister was fabulous and the audience was impeccable," she exclaimed. "... I see why YOU ARE because MOREHOUSE MEN ain't no joke!!!!". 

 What AWESOME FEEDBACK from an AWESOME woman. Michelle Sapp is the founder, creator, and executive producer of Michelle’s Place ( www.michellesplacelive.com ). Eventually, it will have a permanent location with a focus on “realization through artistic implementation”. With that said, she has already hosted a Mother's Day event in Stamford, CT; a boat ride along the Hudson; and several networking events around 'event/conference planning'. And Michelle's events are not self-serving. Her first, for example, began the campaign of raising money for the Save The Children “Ethiopian School Project” where they are trying to build as many schools across all the villages to ensure not only a proper education but a safe one as well. 14-year-old girls will be registering into the first grade as traveling to schools 10 miles away could not guarantee their safety. "Michelle’s Place" has committed to build one school which cost $25,000. Therefore, this event coupled with future events will focus on completing the mission of building one school. Michelle says "While I live my dream, I wish to create dreams for others." You'll be hearing more about Michelle in the 'life of riley' because she is one of my pop culture 'soul mates' and fellow Janet Jackson fans. She is the one to whom I pass the Diana Ross doll Kodjoe gave to me during this performance: (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv) Stay tuned... Michelle is taking it higher everyday! 

Meanwhile, remember Stacie J from the 2nd season of "The Apprentice". Well, she (and one of her PR reps Michelle Pascal) invited me to her birthday party at tony, meat-packing district spot in Manhattan "P.M.". I took my Morehouse brother and fast friend Khalid with me to take in the scene. My platonic boo Carl Nelson had just flown back to NYC from Vegas, where he partook in some festive NBA All- Star festivities. It was a great night of catching up with old friends like Ron Donovan whose luxury shoe line is getting ready to blow up even further. I also ran into my Morehouse brother Nassar, who has a few new movies under his belt. A young lady Lauren "Cookie" Patton who was so kind to me when I first moved here in 1995 was there and I was pleased to hear she is now an actress, hitting the pavement in New York. I even caught wind of some "new restaurant" action that's poised to show up in Harlem, which can always use a new hot spot to compliment the great haunts like "Native" and "Ginger". I'll write about all of the aforementioned as the information comes in. But it was nice to get these little ripples at Stacie's party. Something to look forward to...

... in fact, the next night I can't speak in detail about. But again, Khalid and I had the chance to rub shoulders in Manhattan for a private screening of a forthcoming documentary which I actually had the chance to work on. But the sightings included: my heroes of song Ashford and Simpson; new reality TV favorites Reverand Run and his lovely wife Justine; hip hop personality Ed Lover; the better-halves of Spike Lee, Al Roker, and L.A. Reid; Star Jones Reynolds and her husband Al; and his uncle, the legendary George Fasion, Tony-award-winning choreographer, who is currently "letting the children know" how to make stage magic in the BET reality show "One Night Only", which chronicles some New Orleans high school students who - post-Katrina - aim to put on a first-class staging of the musical "Dreamgirls", etc. (www.bet.com/pr) Lovely night...

On that same night, I was invited to a hot ticket set in Los Angeles. GIANT Magazine and Jamie Foxx threw a pre-Oscar party for Jennifer Hudson, whose represenation from the Ava Duvernay Agency sent me a V.I.P. invitation. Though I was not able to attend, my "Amazing Grace" Nichole was (She's out there on business with Black Enterprise, which ironically was going on in the same venue, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills). She says Jennifer - now VOGUE cover girl - was gorgeous and seemed happy. The ballroom was the location of  Black Enterprise Magazine's annual Top 50 Hollywood Power Brokers event. However, the hotel's penthouse is where J-Hud's party took place. Nichole says it was packed, but worth it (if only for a moment) to see Janet Jackson, whose CD release party Nichole and I attended (She left early as Miss Jackson's arrival took too long for her). Others there include: Ludacris, Chris Brown, Lil Jon, Serena Williams, Morris Chestnut, Gary Dourdan, etc. In the words of Janet Jackson, "the one thing missing was (ME)..."! SMILE!

Then, the following day, I got an invite to the Ebony magazine pre-Oscar celebration featuring a salute to Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker, Janet Jackson, and Herbie Hancock. But because of east coast obligations, I couldn't be there as well. SHOUT OUT to EBONY and JET's Editorial Director Bryan Monroe, who too is President of the National Association of Black Journalists. He extended the invite to a set that I hear was too off the charts. This Third Annual affair was held at the Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood (1416 North LaBrea Ave.). Sponsors contributed a scholarship to the Howard University John H. Johnson School of Communications, named for Ebony’s founder.

No Oscar parties planned for me tonight! Perhaps like Grammy night as I found myself traveling back to New York without "someone to share it with...", my friends Jason and Marqise will throw a last-minute set. We had such a great time! And I am available. Perhaps I'm meant to appreciate it "with myself" tonight at home alone. Though "... the life of Riley" might lead you to think there's ALWAYS an invite, sometimes not. And it's cool... to catch up on my energy for the next round.

I don't need to write this after tonight's Oscar ceremony as there will be many places you can go to find out if Jennifer Hudson won or not. "A Day In The Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" is not necessarily designed to report hot-off-the-press scoops and entertainment. There are blogs and many other quick-key outlets out there that do that. Instead, through my prism, I write thoughtfully when I choose and when I'm inspired to share a musing or an observation.

With that, I write this about eleven hours before Jennifer Hudson will hopefully walk away with the Academy Award for "Best Supporting Actress" (YES! I am cheering for her WIN and have been since I interviewed her before the National Association of Black Journalists in Indianapolis last August!). I write this also just a few moments after seeing the original Effie White, Jennifer Holliday, on CBS Sunday's "Early Show" on which she got the opportunity to breakdown the history of "Dreamgirls" and "Effie White", something that's been dwarfed in the hype of the spectacular movie "Dreamgirls" (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/22/sunday/main2504573.shtml#ccmm). It's no secret that Holliday has not been happy at the fact that the movie's producers did NOT reach out to her for permission to use her voice on early trailers for the film nor did they offer her - even - a CAMEO in the film. (She says she would have liked to play Beyonce's charcter Deena's mother!). She speaks of how Broadway original Chita Rivera got her moment in the big screen "Chicago". She speaks of how Ricki Lake (who originated her role in the first fillm of "Hairspray") is going to be in the brighter and more flamboyant version that on the heels of the Broadway smash is going to be in theaters this summer starring John Travolta and Queen Latifah. But it shouldn't be lost on her that Hollywood's treatment or dismissal of its Broadway originals is also not new if you look at Julie Andrews being overlooked for Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady". Then, we all remember Stephanie Mills' disappointment for not being used in the film "The Wiz" to play Dorothy for which she won a Tony Award. Instead, My Diana Ross was cast and the role of the Kansas farm-girl was re-interpreted to a shy, 20-something kindegarten teacher from Harlem USA. That said, with this CBS blitz and a performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" that Holliday is scheduled to do this afternoon on E!s pre-Oscar telecast on Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's rooftoop (http://www.eonline.com/redcarpet/index.jsp) a few hours before Hudson will perform her Oscar-nominated song "I Love You (I Do)" on the stage of the Kodak theater, Holliday seems to be saying "I Am Changing" and - for sure - "... I'm not going...". Though still navigating her way back to the spotlight without a manager, agent, or publicist, there is still much to buzz about and she seems to be taking her moments very seriously as she's just recently launched a MY SPACE page and has accepted me as one of her friends. Also, she will reprise her role as Effie White for 10 NIGHTS ONLY in an Atlanta stage production of "Dreamgirls" as part of the National Black Arts Festival (July 20 - 29).  My love for Jennifer Holliday has never been dwarfed by what some would deem a modest-at-best recording career and fair-to-middling bookings since she vacated the role of Effie in the mid-'80s. I - however - have continued to monitor and celebrate whatever she has released, work which -- in large part -- has been absolutely stunning. With that, I understand that validation for a performer needs to come sometimes in the form of recognition, exposure, and the eyes of the masses. To that, I'm happy Jennifer Holliday is giving us a chance to see her magic again and I look forward to her continuing to let us "feel (her) soul" through the rest of the year and beyond. Too, I hope that Jennifer Hudson takes this huge step towards her WHAT'S NEXT with ingenuity, creativity, and joy as she's standing on the shoulders of a "true" original: Jennifer Holliday.

Another misunderstood diva linked to "Dreamgirls" has had a stunning platform on which to "remind" the masses that she TOO WILL SURVIVE! It's "the original Dreamgirl" DIANA ROSS, who appeared this week on James Lipton's "INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO", which runs on BRAVO. When I heard (and shared) that they were doing a two-hour special with her, many naysayers wondered why so much time for three feature films ("Lady Sings The Blues"; "Mahogany"; and "The Wiz") and two TV movies ("Out of Darkness" and "Double Platinum"). But as DIANA has done in her overall career, she redefined - through this two hours - what ACTING really is and has been since she ACTED her way out of the Brewster Projects in Detroit, Michigan. And it's this creative license that James Lipton took to show that ACTING is not just what's on the stage nor is it defined by a prolific filmography of credits. For whatever reason (and there are many) that Miss Ross only starred in her handful of filmworks, one need look no further than those five projects (and the rest of her career) to know that she is truly a woman who takes her craft very seriously. And now, with this special program, she was able to break through the glamour and glitz to show it.

Off the top, for those who've forgotten, James Lipton quickly reminds us why Diana is so great. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNZ7EQme-Sw):

* She and the Supremes took 12 songs to #1.

* Her career as a solo artist prompted Billboard to name her "Female Artist of the Century".

* "Guinness Book of World Records" named her most successful female musical artist of all time.

* As an actor, she's been nominated for the Academy and British Academy Award for her turn as Billie Holliday in "Lady Sings The Blues".

* She won the Golden Globe for "Lady Sings The Blues".

* Her critically-acclaimed performance in "Out of Darkness" earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a TV Movie or Mini-series. 

* Her one-woman show on Broadway earned her a special Tony Award.

* In a career spanning four decades, she has received 12 Grammy nominations.

* She became the first female solo artist to place six singles at #1 on the Billboard hot 100.

* She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Supremes and solo).

But more than all of that, she shared vulnerably. Singing her mother's favorite spiritual "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" (initially a capella from her seat) as her younger sister Margarita looked on (singing as well). This as they reflected on their loving mom who passed away in 1984 when they had one of Diana's background singers perform the song at her funeral. And when she stepped away from the seating two-shot to join her band for highlighted songs from her career, she seemed relaxed, joyful, and in fine voice for "Baby Love", "The Look of Love", and "More Today Than Yesterday". And she seemed mystically haunted and moved by numbers like "God Bless The Child", "(Theme From 'Mahogany') Do You Know Where You're Going To?", and "It's My Turn". She shared the tricks of the trade - from working under directors and their different styles to what she did in "Out of Darkness" to effectively play a homeless woman (placing an orange between her crotch and holding it there while no one knew). She got emotional and connected as she introduced her family: her sisters, brother, nephew (son of T-Boy Ross who wrote "I Want You" for Marvin Gaye, who Diana covers on her current project "I Love You"), her ex-husband Bob Ellis (Tracee & Chudney's dad), and her children Rhonda and Evan, who were in the audience. RuPaul and Academy-award winning Ellen Burstyn were also in the audience (She too went to Cass Tech High School, Diana's high school alma mater). She spoke - with tears - about being a veteran artist who isn't always respected by the record industry and how that - on one level - hurts and how - on another level - she feels blessed to still be able to record (despite the struggle). On and on, Diana showed up authentically and never more beautiful! Please check out (www.bravotv.com) for when they will repeat this program. As Diana points out with the first and last song on her "I Love You" CD, it's important that we all "Remember". It didn't just start today. It was yesterday. And it's those yesterdays that are - in tandem to what's NOW - creating our TOMORROWs!!!!! It seems we are beginning to get it as Diana's AMAZON numbers skyrocketed from 570-range to 100 just moments after her "Inside The Actor's Studio" aired. Moreover, she jumped to the #1 Mover and Shaker on that night into the next day. Next week's BILLBOARD should show her new project more prominently near the top of the TOP 200 ALBUMS. Meanwhile, in addition to an appearance on "American Idol" and a scheduled "Jay Leno" stop, she's going on the road again - including the New York City area. And I'm poised to see her twice. Once at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 6th and Red Bank, New Jersey's Count Basie Theater on April 9th. For more information, go to: (http://www.dianarossfanclub.net/TOUR2007.html)  

I want to briefly TESTIFY on a young man I had the opportunity to meet in the summer of 2005. His name is Kevin Ross. And we met at a course he and I have taken called Momentum Education (www.momentumeducation.com), which is a series of life courses that have helped me shape my world and choices powerfully. It too has supported me in upgrading the relationships in my life. I've mentioned the work here before:(http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html).

That said, a young lady named Jackie - also having taken the work (who is so generous of SPIRIT) - thought Kevin and I would hit it off. Kevin, a DREAM Producer and DESIGNER LIFE Coach, has helmed some of these classes, introduction nights, and his own brand of this type of work. Through this work (and - truth be told - my life), I have maintained a STAND for all people's POSSIBILITIES and wasn't quite sure what Kevin and I would ever be able to do for each other. Still, inside of our meeting, was POSSIBILITY that has begun to show up since that time.

Fast forward a few months after our meeting, I'm reminded that Kevin felt he needed to be at the opening night (December 1, 2005) of Broadway's "The Color Purple", which - by the way - has just announced that on April 10, another of my favorites Fantasia will take over the part of Miss Celie, a role my dear friend LaChanze originated and for which she took home the Tony Award last year.  I've referenced that special, historical night as one in which I met my current life partner Anthony, but many other miracles were brewing in tandem as that special evening unfolded. The most prominent moment that I think of centers around Kevin's desire to attend. Now keep in mind, people ask me all the time for access to shows, parties, and premieres. Sometimes I can accommodate. Other times I cannot. Because I knew with whom (and whose) I was dealing, I alerted Kevin if he was willing to be a STAND INSIDE OF POSSIBILITY and NOT SO ATTACHED TO HOW MY SUPPORT COULD LOOK, he should simply come on out and PLAY TO WIN! (TRANSLATION: I didn't have an extra ticket for the show or the afterparty, but figured if he was willing to just SHOW UP, perhaps something could be managed IN THE MOMENT). You see, many would want to ENSURE they are ON THE LIST or TAKEN CARE OF before they got dressed and took to commuting to the city for an UNSURE THING. But KEVIN, from the beginning, was in the POSSIBILITY. And once he arrived, I saw his INTENTIONS unfold as he escorted the show's key producer into the theater (ALL HIS DESIGN). A mutual friend set him up with a ticket to see the show. And I was successful at hooking him up with a ticket for the AFTER- PARTY. Quite simply, if you look at what "THE COLOR PURPLE" is about as a story of THE POWER OF LOVE (over oppression), TRANSFORMATION, and POSSIBILITIES, WHY NOT? 

I found myself impressed with Kevin that night as each MIRACLE unfolded for him. But I was even more impressed at myself in JUMPING ABOARD his TRAIN OF POSSIBILITIES from the vantage point of an OUTWARD FOCUS (Keep in mind, I was already taken care of for the night!) to have someone else's DREAMS come true. It was a tangible, substantive TESTIMONIAL around our POWER to BE A DIFFERENCE for others and how WE (EACH OF US) can GET OUT OF OUR WAY to be a STAND for someone else... JUST  BECAUSE.... It's a GOOD FEELING!!!

On from there, Kevin and I would stay in touch, even uncovering that we were both Morehouse Men, a distinction and chunk of evidence that often clarifies a part of how each of us shows up in the world. Morehouse College and its mystique for graduating strong, Black men is nothing new. (www.morehouse.edu). I'd find Kevin would call or e-mail and check in at moments where I needed to hear some of his HELPFUL and POWERFUL advisement. This, amidst his busy schedule as international inspirational speaker, business consultant, designer life coach, minister, and author of "Heavenly Words for Hard Times", "Living the Designer Life", and "T.O.U.G.H.: Talk for Living the Designer Life". He says "My mission is to inspire and empower millions of people to design and live the lives and businesses of their dreams in the context of freedom, love, and joy!". Inside of me (and what shows up in my life), Kevin asked me to speak to his students via a conference call one day last September. Admittedly taken aback, I didn't know what I could share with his students that would  make more of a difference than his structured curriculum. But let me tell you, they could not shut me up as I approached the call organically and TRUSTED GOD would order my STEPS and my CONVERSATION. And quite simply, I shared my TRUTH - AUTHENTICALLY, LOVINGLY, and VULNERABLY. The FEEDBACK from Kevin and his group was off the charts. And again, though my EGO could take everything they said and rest on it, my HEART took everything they said and knew that because I was SHARING OPENLY, LIVES (other than my own) could change. And that's the GOOD FEELING we could all afford to EMBRACE in our lives as we FOCUS SO MUCH ON SELF and WHAT'S MISSING that we LOSE SIGHT of how effortlessly GRATITUDE can DIVINELY distract us from our MEANTIME LONGINGS and ARMOR - even STIMULATE - our DEEPEST DESIRES... before we even know it.  It's the LAWS OF ATTRACTION (thesecret.org/) at work. And a shift in our MINDSET and our FOCUS can LAND us on our DREAMS. KEVIN also talks about this in the context of "THE SECRET".

Check these 2 links out:

(1) - (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfUKUk0dF1M)

(2) - (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVZMPntuoWM)

Also, BE INSPIRED by Kevin's 100 Day Reality Challenge. Then, visit www.cocreatingourreality.com to register. Watch as Kevin Ross gives you tips for getting started in the challenge:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SMT87SdqxQ)

Well, let me now share with you how the UNIVERSE works and supports LIKE ENERGIES. One of my very good girlfriends who I credit as one of my "Amazing Graces" Lisa Goodnight and I go way back to 1992 when we met in Detroit at the National Association of Black Journalists. We have been that ENERGY for each other over many years. The UNIVERSE has used us as VESSELs many times to COMPLIMENT each other's DREAMS into ACTION. I was a DIFFERENCE to have her commitment to leave New Jersey and go back to Maryland with a JOB in tow as I would be the defining reference that landed her with a position that got her back home. She is responsible for being my CHEERLEADER around doing more PUBLIC SPEAKING and HOSTING --- a tier of my talents that I'm always aiming to have show up on the next level. As a result, some of the entities to which she's introduced me STILL call on me today for revenue-generating opportunities that elevate my profile. And to all of that (and on the days when nothing shows up), I LOVE HER and SHE LOVES ME.

Well, now LISA is a freelance writer out of the D.C.-area and called me for a story she was doing in "Black Enterprise" on the importance of chasing down your dreams and pursuing the dreams. Moreover, she wanted to gather a list of ideas on ways that people can move out of their unhappiness/unfulfillment into possibilities. She wanted a life coach. Well, of course, I knew the perfect person: Kevin Ross.

That was in November. Fast forward to this month for the "deliverable". Lisa Goodnight  came through with the article in the March 2007 edition of "Black Enterprise" in the 'Motivation and Peak Performance section' (page 128). The story is titled "Dare Dreaming" and is currently on the newsstand and promises to empower millions with the tools it takes to design the life and business of their dreams. Kevin wrote to me: "As always, I want you to know how much I appreciate you for being a part of the journey. Having you in my corner is great encouragment to go out there and touch as many lives as possible. Call me and let me know how my team and I can support you with living your dreams!" And with this measurable result, he has.  But his generous gift of his favorite Garrett Popcorn(GarrettPopcorn.com) as a THANK YOU is THANK YOU ENOUGH as my FULFILLMENT of helping someone else FULFILL their dream is the main course. Still, this decorative bucket of famous, Chicago popcorn will come in handy tonight as I watch the same city's latest household wonder (Jennifer Hudson) take home the gold. FINGERS CROSSED! PRAYERS UP!!!

Another of my "Amazing Graces" Audrey Irvine and I have been dear friends since her days at Clark Atlanta University and my days at Morehouse. During that time, we competed for airtime at CAU-TV as we both were studying to be news anchors/hosts. Like a campy episode of "Dynasty" or "Dallas", you would have thought we were battling for millions of dollars versus some public cable access. Again, we went head-to-head for a prized internship at WSB-TV and along with our other buddy Lonnie, we both got it. There, we learned to work together and join each other in forwarding our respective pursuits. Audrey, who worked the night shift, would even give me her car when I got off... and I could work the city and its many happy hours and free buffets as long as I was back to pick her up at 11:30 pm. Since that time, we've stayed in touch from across the miles. She now works for CNN. I am working 'the life of Riley'. Whenever we come together for the National Association of Black Journalists' convention, we laugh and laugh and laugh as we count on our time at this annual gathering to be the "spa treatment for which our egos long". One year in Washington DC, Audrey couldn't wait for me to see her hot, new haircut which inspired - let her tell it - so many people to call her "Toni Braxton". Well, in the course of the week (as we were attached at the hip), I never saw anyone mistake her for "Toni Braxton". Fast forward to the eve of our departure, Audrey and I are walking out of D.C. Live, a nightspot where she and I got our groove on. In good spirits, we walked cautiously from the venue to our hotel as it was late and there was a homeless man waking up from his slumber on the sidewalk. As we walked on by him, we caught a whiff of urine and the sound of his voice, calling to Audrey: "Toni Braxton!!!!!". I exploded in laughter, knowing that Audrey finally got what she wanted - someone to acknowledge her as "Toni Braxton". Moved to the point where I could not breathe and my sides were splitting, I fell --- full-bodied --- to the urine-tinged ground until I could gather my senses. Audrey, meanwhile, was embarassed to no end that I had to witness the one person -- not a conventioneer -- who called her just what she wanted. I teased her about this for the rest of our time at the convention and I still tease her about it today. It always brings a smile to our faces and lots of laughter to kick off the times we spend.

Valentine's Day was no exception. My Audrey was in town to see the Broadway musical "The Color Purple" and for a bird flu conference (Don't ask). As a result of my being snowed out of Chicago, where I had an assignment, I was free to do dinner with Audrey and my new Morehouse buddy Khalid. We chose Maroons Restaurant on 16th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues) (Maroons: New York: Maroons). It's a hybrid of caribbean and southern cuisine. And over the years, I've gone there often. My Nichole and I have done lots of sets there, which inspires the owner Mitchell to ask about her (and vice versa) when we are there without each other. Also, Maroons is the setting for one of the last pictures of my late soul mate Kodjoe and me. It's a special place, indeed. 

Of course, I would have loved to be with my Anthony for this amorous holiday, but he had already represented with the loveliest card from our ATL trip (COVER: "You're the Man I Love"). So in his absence, Audrey, Khalid, and I had to just call LOVE forth through our respective meals, the rum punches of the night, and our LOVE for Karaoke, which followed.  I called my Karaoke pusher-man Dante to see if he wanted to join us for a Valentine's night session. He and his partner Marcus enthusiastically agreed. With that, we hit our same spot Karoke One 7 (www.karaoke17.com). It's on 17th Street just on the threshold of the Grammercy Park/Flatiron Districts in Manhattan. Keep in mind, the way that Audrey and I battle for the spotlight. Imagine our tensions for the solos. As they say, "If you can't beat them, join them". So, often we would share the mic on duets (or we'd turn solo songs into duets). Our "Beautiful Ones" by Prince shut the kids down. Also, Audrey and Khalid did a few numbers together. And I managed to lure a half dozen or so strangers into our room as I performed the big closer: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". Of course, with Jennifer Hudson on the brain so much of late, I found myself schizophrenically singing the arrangment, which was Jennifer Hollidays. I was going back and forth between each of the divas licks on the respective recordings. Lots of fun!

The next night, I was invited to the Time Warner Building in Columbus Circle for an invitation-only sneak peek of the summer release "Hairspray", the remake of the Broadway musical, which was adapted from John White's dark-humored original for the big screen. On the heels of having a "liquid lunch" with my Audrey, who had to leave town, I let a bicycle cabbie take me up from the Bryant Park Grill to the Time Warner building as finding a cab was impossible. This was my view as we were getting ready to pass Radio City Music Hall on Avenue of the Americas. Khalid met me at the screening. This version, out July 20th, stars Queen Latifah and John Travolta (as the mother of the show's star). The director Adam Shankman - along with producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (who produced Diana Ross and Brandy in "Double Platinum") - presented a 25-minute teaser, chockful of the film's musical excerpts. And though I figured I'd love it as I love the Broadway musical, I started to get "Dreamgirls"-esque palpatations as I watched the scenes. Not sure I'll do a 12-day campaign (as I did with "Dreamgirls", which I've now seen 15 times), but "Hairspray" is a must-see for everyone. The moments we saw brought us such joy!

From there, I attended the New York Association of Black Journalists 19th Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner at Columbia University's Roone Arledge Auditorium. Since 1995, I've writtten the script and and produced this event. I've sat on the dinner committee. I've sung "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" at the top of the annual night for five of these years. I've presented awards and hosts. And I've been the auctioneer for some of the LIVE auction prizes in the past. I've even won a few of the awards over the year, including being honored as NYABJ's Volunteer of the Year for its "Trailblazer Awards" in 2003. This year, however, I just attended and what a good feeling that was to sit back and relax. My friend Michael K. Watts did a brilliant job on this year's script (as he has in recent years). And Sandra Bookman (from WABC) and Dana Tyler (from WCBS) were great hosts. I also got the chance to see some friends I usually only see on nights like these, including Robin Stone and her son Zachary; my good girlfirend Michelle Hord; and Dante (from my Karaoke nights). NYABJ's lifetime achievement award in broadcast journalism was formally renamed the Ed Bradley Lifetime Achievement Award. The recepient was legendary WABC-TV newsman Art McFarland, who was presented with his award by Mr. Bradley's widow, Patricia Blanchet. British-born CBS photographer Paul Douglas, received a lifetime achievement award in photographywho posthumously as he was killed last year in Iraq. His widow, Linda, accepted the honor. Also awarded: WNBC-TV's Janice Huff for her community service. NPR's Farai Chideya and The New York Times' Brent Staples were also honored. Great night for NYABJ!!!!

Valentine's Day is also my Ern's birthday. He was in Philadelphia for work on the day itself. So, I took it upon myself to celebrate with him yesterday. I took him to our favorite Houston's for Saturday's "Firehouse Chili". Then, Khalid joined Ern and me at Ern's place for champagne, other cocktails, and a viewing of one of my favorite DVDs "Jackie's Back", a mockumentary of a diva making a comeback starring Jennifer Lewis (as Jackie Washington).   It never fails to entertain and leave us howling with laughter. Once we found out Khalid loved it too, we all knew we should get together and enjoy it. Too bad our Audrey had to leave to go back as so much of what "Jackie's Back" represents is the diva my Audrey sometimes knows she is in her mind (and sometimes me too.).  If you haven't seen "Jackie's Back", you must pick it up immediately. The Robert-Townsend directed flick which originally ran on Lifetime is a cult and camp classic. "ENTENDRE...!!!!!!"

Please make sure you pick up the new, Spring 2007 issue of UneQ Magazine (www.UneQmagazine.com), which features a cover story on haute couture designer B. Michael, an exclusive with former "America's Next Top Model" Eva (Pigford), a backstage feature on neo-soul artist Jaguar Wright, and an interview (I've mentioned before) on Maurice Jamal, the talented FILM DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER who I've written about here in "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES" - (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/) and (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournal?moduleId=875700&currentPage=3).  He is currently promoting his latest film, which he wrote, directed, and co-stars in: "DIRTY LAUNDRY", starring LORETTA DEVINE ("Waiting to Exhale" and "Dreamgirls" [original Broadway musical]) and ROCKMOND DUNBAR ("Soul Food" and "Prison Break"). It's scheduled for Spring 2007 release and also features wonderful supporting roles by Jennifer Lewis ("What's Love Got to Do With It", "Girlfriends", etc.), Terri J. Vaughan ("The Steve Harvey Show"), etc. (www.dirtylaundrythemovie.com)

Maurice Jamal, too, is a TV PERSONALITY/ACTOR... and he and I have been up for some of the same HOSTING gigs in the past (one promising close call for BRAVO that left the only two brothas in the running un-hired. SMILE!). Find out more about that and J. MAURICE JAMAL's story in an interview he requested me to do that is featured in this month's debut issue of UneQ Magazine (www.UneQmagazine.com). EXCERPTS are below, but for the full interview, a great picture layout, and the many other wonderful features in UneQ Magazine, go to a NEWSSTAND near you!!!!!!!

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Patrick L. Riley: "... When you have the intellectual capital but not the monetary means,... what does it look like for you at that point?"

Maurice Jamal: "... As an artist to realize that the industry doesn't get anything unless it fits into a box and they don't get that box unless it fits into a category and they don't even get that category unless it fits into a column spreadsheet. (laughs aloud) The industry is a lot of carbon copy, cookie cutter work that ultimately doesn't excite people or them to the theaters. But when it is fresh, people are all over it and it doesn't matter whether a black gay man or a straight man wrote it."

***

Patrick L. Riley: "... you are a black gay filmmaker... Are you defined by that or is it just a part of your definition?"

Maurice Jamal:  "... other people want you to be THE BLACK, GAY FILMMAKER, but it is all reflected in "Dirty Laundry", I don't think that the film would have the depth or be so far reaching that it does if I would have entered writing the script with judgment or deciding that one character's perspective is right and one's wrong. I wrote the Rockmond Dunbar character as honestly as I could. And I also had to create a mother who may say things that are hateful, horrible, and cruel, but you still love her because of the honesty of her pain..."

***

Patrick L. Riley: "... Patrick (Rockmond Dunbar's character in "Dirty Laundry") approaches his breakthroughs in such a way that inspired me to take my (or any) boyfriend home the first time in my life, but it was through some of the choices and chances that Patrick (the character) took in "Dirty Laundry" that allowed me to look at myself and say that I had some work to do. So I thank you.

Maurice Jamal:  "Wow! I really appreciate that. One of the things that have been such an honor as I've traveled across the country... doing sneak previews of the film was hearing people tell me similar stories about realizing that they had a call they needed to make and some self-acceptance they needed to come into. That is what the film is really about. Whether it is not going to college, being gay, having a child out of wedlock or you just don't feel like your mom is proud of you. It's like Mariah Carey says in her song, at some point you just have to "Shake it Off".

Patrick L. Riley: "Hmmm. Powerful... I get it! Stand in it!!!"

Maurice Jamal: "Yes exactly! Loretta (Devine)'s character says that in the film, "Stand up in it! Be proud!". The energy that you put out into the universe comes back to you."

FOR THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW, AGAIN, go to a NEWSSTAND near you!!!!!!! I am really proud of this interview and Maurice Jamal.