Diddy Tweets Marriage News Then Takes It Back

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Was Sean Combs' early morning Tweet that he'd gotten married a publicity stunt?

You know I don't know. But he sure took it back shortly afterwards. Here's his latest Tweet on the subject.

I'm not married people. And las night when I said just married I was being sarcastic. But some people wanna believe anything. But I'm not!! 
 
Maybe we should ask TV One host and political commentator Roland Martin since he and his wife were partying with Diddy New Year's Eve in Miami and posted the photos to Facebook to prove it.

Who would Mr. Combs have married anyway? Cassie? Kim Porter?  He's got three children with her but didn't like it enough to put a ring on it. 

 

BET Top 100 Video List

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Well, it sure was a wonderfully inspiring message Jamie Foxx had when he sang "Blame It" (On the alcohol), so wonderful in fact that it ended up being the No. 1 in BET's 2009 video list.

The Diva is sorry if folks take offense but don't you think a 40-something man could find something better to sing about than going to a club and getting tipsy.

Wouldn't the experience of living for four decades give you some more insight into life and what's important?

I'm just sayin'

Anyway, BET will start counting it down 11 a.m. Thurs.  See if any of your favorites are on here.

Kate Getting New Reality Show?

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LHM (Lord Have Mercy), just when you thought Kate Gosselin would maybe have the good sense to go sit down somewhere, comes news that she might be gettng her own reality dating show.

That's according to Rob Shuster of Popeater.com.
"Love her or hate her, people are fascinated by Kate," a TV exec told Rob. "She has a lot of mouths to feed and Kate looking for love will certainly put bread on the table."

Isn't that called prostitution!

Girlfriend tried to get on another show for working mom's that supposed to star down-home cooking diva Paula Dean, but Paula nixed it. Apparently, she thought Kate would bring too much controversy.

Good thing Kate didn't go upside Paula's head with a ham. Ooops, somebody already did that.  

Anyway, guess Kate doesn't have much of a choice since she's probably not going to get too much money from her loser of an ex-husband, Jon.

Just hope she saves enough money for the therapy the kids are probably going to need.

AT&T Drops Tiger

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AT&T is hanging up on Tiger Woods. Guess they didn't want to be associated with a guy who's marriage break up and ensuing scandal was prompted by those now infamous naughty text messages.

Don't know what took them so long.

Boyfriend has had a real "annus horriblus" as Queen Liz II would say.

Read the details here.

Kate Winslet Most Desirable Body?

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The Diva asked that question when I saw this item. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Kate Winslet and love that she's not a stick and has embraced her curves, but she's just not the first woman I think of when I think of a celebrity body that I'd like to have.

But to be fair, this was the result of a poll done in the UK Daily Mail.  Check out the article here and see whether you agree with the results.

Teddy Riley Refutes Abuse Claims by Daughters

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Spare the rod, spoil the child. That seems to be what music producer and former Backstreeter Teddy Riley has done. Now, Teddy has had to come out and address rumors that he attacked his two adult daughters with that toy guitar from Guitar Hero.

Teddy says the only thing he's guilty of is spoiling his kids to the point that they now feel entitlted to things they need to be working for.

However, while he's denied hitting them there are photos they've put out there that show at least one of them with bruises on her face. So you know I don't know  what's going on.

Check out more on the story here.  

Nelly Offers Reward Following Home Burglary

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It may get hot for the guy who burlgarized rapper Nelly's suburban St. Louis home now that he's offered a $10,000 reward.

Nelly, who's real name is Cornell Haynes (still working on if he's related to the Diva), will give up the money to anyone with info leading to the conviction of the man who reportedly forced his way through a window and stole a duffel bag with various items in it earlier this month.

Jon Gosselin Homeless Bound?

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Did Jon Gosselin fake the recent ransacking of the NYC apartment he shared with ex-girlfriend Hailey Glassman?

You know I don't know. But several public survey reveal that most folks think he did. Boyfriend's 15 minutes has long been up. He can no longer afford the apartment, he can't earn any money from public appearances anymore after losing a suit to TLC. Where's he gonna earn any money?

He sure can't live with Kate and their eight kids in that big old house. The Diva thinks he should move to the Burgh 'cause we have lots of bridges and Mr. Gosselin will probably have to be living under one very soon.

Charlie Sheen Needs Jesus

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How many chances is Charlie Sheen going to get before he gets his life together?

As most folks know by now, the "Two And A Half Men" star was arrested Christmas Day for threatening his wife, Brooke Mueller, with a knife. According to pollice reports, Brooke told them Charlie straddled her on the bed, grabbed her by the throat and held a knife to it. 

Ooh, Lord Jesus, this child needs prayer. He's been to rehab numerous times, was involved in that nasty divorce and custody battle with ex-wife,Denise Richards  and before that was all caught up in that Heidi Fleiss prostitution scandal.

Don't sound like Miss Brooke was an angel, either. Girlfriend was reportedly legally drunk during all this. How you gonna be drunk when you got infant twins to take care of? Where were they?

But here's the thing how does he not get plastered on every TV show as a woman abuser? Denise made some of the same claims that Brooke made in terms of Charlie making threats and being abusive. Also, he was arrested in 1996 for assaulting a girlfriend.

Yet, he's still able to have a career while everybody was all over Chris Brown, banning his records and calling him everything but a child of God.

I'm just sayin'.

Click here to check out US Magazine's article

Norman Connors Brings "Starship" to Pittsburgh New Year's Eve

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The term "classic" gets bandied about quite a bit, but certainly in the case of multi-platinum producer/drummer/jazz artist Norman Connors, the term is more than warranted.  Connors, a talented musician in his own right, has a  knack for nurturing and producing phenomenally gifted singers like Michael Henderson, Jean Carne and the late Phyllis Hyman  and creating a slew of “quiet storm” classics such as “Your Are My Starship,” “Valentine Love,” and “This Is Your Life.”

Connors will perform those timeless hits along with songs from his latest CD , “Star Power” and his jazz offerings when he hits the stage New Year’s Eve at the Four Wood Grill in Squirrel Hill. As usual, he will be bringing super talented vocalists, including Pittsburgh’s own, Antoinette, who sang on “Star Power” and Chicago native Danny Boy. Also on the bill, are Pittsburgh natives, Winston and Chaz Carter aka brother2brother.

“I always keep a great array of talent,” says Connors. That’s almost an understatement given the R&B luminaries he’s worked with, Howard Hewett, Peabo Bryson, Angela Bofill, Jean Carne, Glenn Jones, Gladys Knight, Frankie Beverly and Maze to name a few. He’s also worked with numerous jazz greats, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis among them.

“I’ve been a jazz musician my entire life,” he says. “I’ve always admired people like Steve Wonder and Michael Jackson. Miles Davis was one of my idols. I’ve got both worlds all in me. But I guess I’m more jazz than anything.” Yet, Connors has managed to fuse both his jazz and R&B sides. “ I’ve been very successful going down the middle,” he adds. “So I enjoy it all. “

Among today’s artist, Connors enjoys Alicia Keys and Beyonce, although he thinks the depth of talent today can’t quite compare with the folks who topped the charts back in the day. “Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, you can’t get any better than that,” he says.  Connors also mentions other great acts like the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Kool and the Gang and Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band, who like Khan, LaBelle and Franklin are still performing.  “The talent back in those days was unbelievable.“

Born in Philadelphia, Connors grew up in the projects just a few doors down from another favorite Philly son, Bill Cosby. While his was not a musical family, he gravitated to music and specifically jazz at a a young age, with musical influences Lee Morgan and the great McCoy Tyner, who used to rehearse across the street from him.

He was back in his hometown a few days ago, playing a sold-out three-night engagement with Jean Carne at the jazz club, Warm Daddy’s.  Connors has been touring since the March release of “Star Power” and says he’ll be doing even more dates next year.  Like most artists of his genre, he gives a slight edge in terms of excitement level to the European audiences. But, “with me no matter where we go Atlanta, Philly, Boston, San Francisco, people love Norman Connors,” he says. “I get a good vibe no matter where we go.”

Norman Connors,

Four Wood Grill, 5840 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill

New Year’s Eve, 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.

$99 per couple; $75 per person

For more info, call 412.241.5619 or 412.904.1630

 

 

 


Tyler Perry Takes Madea On The Road Again

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Tyler Perry says laughter will be the best medicine to mend his broken heart following the recent death of his mother. The writer/director/producer/tv mogul has carved time out of his busy schedule to bring Madea bag to the stage.

Yes, yes, yall, boyfriend is donning the gray wig, the super padded bra and the "don't mess with me" attitude for a tour of his new play "Madea's Big Happy Family."

Here's Tyler's latest message to his fans.


Tyler will kick things off Jan. 4 in El Paso, Texas.

Click here to see a list of the dates so far.

Video of Mary J. Hitting Hubby?

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Did Mary J. Blige go upside her hubby, Kendu Isaac's head the other night at a party for her new album, "Stronger With Each Tear"? 

You know I don't know but a video somebody took of the incident looks like Mary slapped something. As yall know girlfriend is from the projects so you know she will hurt something if she has to.

Of course, Mary's PR person said it wasn't true and that Ms. Blige was only trying to break up a fight between her brother and her husband.
But check out the video below and decide for yourself.
 

Trailer for New Karate Kid Flick Starring Jaden Smith

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Jackie Chan takes on the Mr. Miyage role, although I don't know if that's what he's called in this; while Jaden Smith is the pupil ala Ralpha MacchioTaraji P. Henson plays Jaden's mom.

Jaden's daddy, Will Smith, produces.  Maybe that's why Jaden's name comes before Mr. Chan's, who has considerable more films under his belt than little Jaden. But hey, it is called "Karate Kid" not "Karate Teacher."

Fuqua Directs "Brooklyn's Finest"

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Here's the trailer for Pittsburgh native Antoine Fuqua returns to the familiar territory of cops on the edge with his latest flick, "Brooklyn's Finest". The film stars Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke and Wesley Snipes. And featuring "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West.

227 Actress Dies

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Actress Alaina Reed Hall-Amini who played Rose, best friend and neighbor of Marla Gibb's on the sitcom "227" has died. She was 63.

Ms. Hall-Amini passed away Nov. 17 but her death was recently reported by Eurweb.com and Afrobella. 

She's probably best known for that role but she also played, Olivia,  the younger sister of Gordon on "Sesame Street".  The Diva saw her in numerous commercials, but she also played opposite Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in "Death Becomes Her"  and on Broadway in Eubie and "Hair" and as one of the original cast members of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band."

Ms. Amin was married to Pittsburgh native Kevin Hall, and actor she met on the set of 227. He died of AIDS in 1991 contracted through a blood transfusion. 
Her fourth husband was Tamim Amini.

Please, keep her family in your prayers.

Mad Men Season 4

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Just wanted to give a little taste to the folks who are craving a little "Mad Men" right about now. Here's an interview from E! "Watch With Kristin".

Check it out here.

Mo'Nique, Meryl Streep Get Golden Globe Noms

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The Diva is sure nobody ever imagined  comedian/actress Mo'Nique and acting royalty Meryl Streep would ever be both nominated for Golden Globe Awards.
Of course, Mo'Nique was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Precious" and Meryl is up against herself for in "It's Complicated" and "Julie & Julia".

Mo'Nique's young co-star, the amazing Gabourie  Sidibe is up for Best Actress for "Precious," which received a Best Picture nomination along with "Avatar," "The Hurt Locker," 'Up In The Air" "Inglorious Basterds",  

This has certainly been Miss Mo'Nique's year with a new talk show on BET and a truckload of kudos and  award nominations for her acting tour de force in "Precious". You know the Diva interviewed Mo'Nique back when she was starring in a film called "Fat Girlz".
 
She was just as friendly and down to earth as she seems to be on the screen. Although,the BET show is kind of loud for the Diva's taste, I like Mo'Nique. Can't nobody tell me that a heavy, young black girl from Baltimore had it easy in show biz up against all those anorexic blondes and carmel-colored Halle look alikes.
 
Anyway, Mo'Nique also just received the award for Best Actress from the African American Films Critics Association. So you go, girl!

For the full list of Golden Globe noms, click here

Rihanna Topless on GQ Cover

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Because nothing calls attention to domestic abuse like posing topless on a magazine cover, Rihanna doffs her top for GQ.

Her abusive ex, Chris Brown,  who still seems to need a timeout (in jail), went on a Tweet tirade against Walmart and other stores when he couldn't find his CD "Grafitti" on their shelves, has shuttered his Twitter account.

Quite frankly, the Diva is tired of both of these children. Instead of working on albums they should've been working on themselves, especially Chris. 

Rihanna, put your clothes back on, girl. Last time I checked nobody had to take their top off to sing. Just ask Aretha, Gladys and Patti

R. Kelly To Write Memoir

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 “I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”

That's R. Kelly talking about his upcoming memoir for Smiley Books.

Maybe he will also tell why he likes to pee on little girls. I'm just sayin'.

Anyway, he says he's writing as Robert, not R. Kelly.


For more details on the memoirs of Mr. Bump 'n Grind, click here.

Bebe Winans Cleared

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Bebe Winans reps have issued a statement saying a judge has dropped all charges against him over an alleged domestic abuse case.

In case yall don't remember, Bebe's ex-wife, Debra  said the gospel singer had pushed her to the ground during an argument over custody of the kids. This resulted in Bebe being arrested and even jailed for a short tim.

This also led to Oprah cancelling an appearance by her friend, Bebe, after Deborah called her out for scheduling him on the show even though she tore Chris Brown a new one over his abuse of girlfriend, Rihanna.

Wonder if Oprah will now let Bebe on the show?

Anyway, since this experience, Mr. Winans says he wants to do something to help fathers who are doing the right thing but who are getting no love from the courts.

Check the rest of the story out at eurweb.com

Check out the video on the right. Awesome with his sister, Debbie Winans.

VH1 Gets Jones For "Basketball Wives"

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Since nobody seems to want to watch "Struggling Everyday to Make A Living Wives", VH1 will bring us "Basketball Wives", a reality show about some of the wives and girlfriends" of NBA stars.

Shaunie O' Neal, soon-to-be-ex-wife of Shaquille O'Neal, is one of the excutive producers. I guess, technically, she is still his wife until the divorce is final.

Anyway, here's what she has to say about the show,which debuts March 15, 2010.
"Having been around these remarkable women for several years, I have always recognized that behind every NBA star is a strong, exceptional woman, one who must deal with the unique challenges of being married to the game as well as the player. I am happy to be teaming with Shed Media and VH1 in bringing this entertaining and enlightening world to television,"

Russell Simmons Gets New Reality Show 

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Guess since his ex-wife, Kimora, was on reality TV, Russell Simmons had to get a show, too. His will be on Oxygen (Isn't that Oprah's network) and will focus on the folks (assistants) who help him build his empire. 

Oh, goody. More richy rich people doing richy rich things and hanging out with more of the richy rich.

If you need more details, click here.

Prayers For Bryant Gumble 

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The Diva is putting in a prayer request for veteran TV host  Bryant Gumble, who revealed today on "Regis & Kelly" that he has lung cancer. 

So all yall that know a word of prayer, please lift up Mr. Gumble and all the folks that you know that are standing in need. Actually, that's everybody but send a few special prayers up for those in extreme need.

The Diva thanks you.

Ebony Releases Obama Calendar 

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For those who can't seem to get enough of the first black POTUS, Ebony is releasing an Obama 2010 calendar. It's filled with pictures of his first months in office and the months leading up to his historic victory Nov. 4, 2008. 

The Diva's money is kind of funny this year so this might be all anybody gets from me.

Anyway, you can order it online for $14.99 at www.ebonyjet.com/shopjpc.


Gossip Diva new Pittsburgh Examiner for African American Arts 

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Monica Haynes, aka The Gossip Diva, is the new correspondent for African American Arts for Examiner.com. Check out her articles. Also don't forget to send story ideas to monicahaynes30@yahoo.com