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Sunday Best contestant pregnant out of wedlock

April 25, 2012 By 4 Comments

 

A contestant on Season 3 of Sunday Best  is in fact pregnant out of wedlock.  Rumors began to float on social media after viewers noticed a little baby bump by the contestant on BET’s Celebration of Gospel.

Le’Andria Johnson confirmed in an online statement that she is pregnant. Johnson, 29 is a single mother of three.

Read her statement below:

“In recent weeks, there have been numerous published reports stating that I am pregnant. I would like to take this time to confirm that I am pregnant and due in September. I have been feeling well and maintaining a healthy appetite. I have been busy traveling around the country with my music ministry. One can only imagine that as a mother and mother-to-be, my plate is quite full—taking the kids to school, doing homework, cooking—regular mother duties. I have been blessed to have the love and support of my church, family, friends, label, management, and fans. I have received so many beautiful and thoughtful notes and prayers from people all over the country. I ask that you continue to pray for me and my family. I cannot do this alone. I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and protection over my life. I love you all very much and I will be in touch soon.”   –

Le’Andria Johnson

First, let me say that I am not judging. I am a single mom myself. But I do want to ask the question: Can you be a successful gospel singer after becoming pregnant out of wedlock a fourth time?

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Eric Jerome Dickey’s An Accidental Affair proves revenge is not always so sweet

April 20, 2012 By No Comments
picture by Joseph Jones Photography

by Terri Schlichenmeyer, NDG Contributing Writer

 

You’ll get yours.

Whatever comes around, goes around. Tit for tat, and all that.  Whatever you do comes back to haunt you. For every action, there’s an equal reaction. You always reap what you sow, and payback’s a… well, you know what it is.

When James Thicke beat down Johnny Bergs for sleeping with James’ wife, it seemed that Johnny got what he deserved. But in the new book An Accidental Affair by Eric Jerome Dickey, James might pay for the beating with his life.

He absolutely lost his temper.

When the steamy video went viral, screenwriter James Thicke went crazy. There it was, Johnny Bergs making real love to beautiful Regina Baptiste for the movie cameras. But Regina Baptiste was Thicke’s wife and while every man wanted to sleep with her, Thicke was the only man who had that right.

Johnny Bergs had crossed a line. So when James Thicke found Johnny that rainy night, he pounded Johnny’s handsome face into pulp.

That was Mistake Number One: Johnny was rumored to be the son of a gangster.

In order to escape the Bergs family and his feelings of anger for his wife, whom he trusted to do a love scene without actually doing a love scene, Thicke moved to a low-income apartment complex. It was a good place to hide from the Bergs, the law, and his own thoughts.

Mistake Number Two: there were too many needful women at the complex, and Thicke smelled like money. It was hard to avoid them, even when he wanted to.

But then Regina Baptiste started following James Thicke, crying and begging. She claimed that the scene with Johnny Bergs was a mistake. She wasn’t herself. She never intended for it to happen. It was an accident.

Once upon a time, James Thicke stole Regina Baptiste from another man. She had been living with that Norwegian, Bobby Holland, but she didn’t love him and he was bad for her. Holland had gotten her hooked on cocaine, and Thicke knew that the powder would eventually be the death of her.

Which was Mistake Number Three: the death was likely to be James Thicke’s…

Well, there we go. Author Eric Jerome Dickey has, once again, made me stay awake until all hours of the night, losing sleep and reading.

Yes, this is one of those kinds of books.

An Accidental Affair starts out a little rough. It seemed, at first, that it was going to be another tiresome erotica novel, but then the story grabs you by the throat and slams you into James Thicke’s world, where the only people who can be trusted are those who’ve signed confidentiality clauses – and even then, you’re never sure.

I loved the intrigue here. I loved the touches of twisted wit. Reading An Accidental Affair is, in fact, like chewing on ambrosia-coated sandpaper: it’s gritty, but oh-so-very tasty and if you need a copy of it for your own, you need to get to your library or bookstore now.

Because that’s where you’ll get yours.

An Accidental Affair by Eric Jerome Dickey (Dutton, $26.95, 352 pages

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Think Like a Man is worth the wait

April 20, 2012 By No Comments

 

by Latrisha McDuffie, NDG Staff Writer

James Brown said it best when he sang “This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a women or girl.” Think Like a Man, based on comedian and radio host Steve Harvey’s 2009 best-selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man follows four very different men whose worlds are turned upside down after the women in their lives start to use Harvey’s advice to win the game of love. When the Rat Pack learns that they have been sold out by the Family Feud guy, they plot to use the book’s insider information to give the women a taste of their own medicine.

The Think Like a Man cast is diverse and includes Oscar nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson, BET’s Terrence J, Regina Hall (Law Abiding Citizen), Michael Ealy (Takers), Gabrielle Union (Bad Boys II), Jerry Ferrara (Entourage), Gary Owen (Little Man), Romany Malco (The 40-Year Old Virgin)Meagan Good (Jumping the Broom) and the new “giant” of comedy Kevin Hart. “We wanted to make a good movie that appealed to everyone.” Stated Kevin Hart.

And as if the star line up wasn’t enough, the movie also features Jenifer Lewis, Chris Brown, Arielle Kebbel, Jay Anthony Brown, Lala Anthony, Morris Chestnut, Nephew Tommy, Sheri Sheppard, Bruce Bruce, and a surprise celebrity that plays Kevin Hart’s ex-wife Gail that will have you in stitches.

The movie is directed by Tim Story (Barbershop). Story has become known as a director that can show African-Americans in a relatable and realistic light. He is also known for pushing the envelope on racial humor. You will remember the jokes about Martin Luther King by Cedric the Entertainer in Barbershop that were funny but caused quite the stir.

There are several moments of smart black and white humor that strikes just the right balance between controversial and funny. And Gary Owen, known for being a White comedian comfortable with Black audiences, knocks the racial humor right out of the park as the happily married man.

One would think that it would be difficult to turn a self-help book without a plot into a romantic comedy; but screenwriters Keith Merryman and David A. Newman found a smart way of weaving the advice from the book into four clever battles: The non-committer vs. the girl who wants a ring, the dreamer vs. the woman who is her own man, the player vs. the 90 day rule girl, and the single mom vs. the mama’s boy.

The audience becomes a fly on the wall as we listen in on men talking about love and relationships. “This is the first time a romantic comedy is told from a man’s point of view.” Explains Kevin Hart. There is a line of an old Blues song by Betty White that said, “She was learning her man, while she was earning her man.” And the women in the movie with a little help from Steve Harvey’s book learn how their man thinks while earning a spot in their hearts.

Hart does not disappoint as the comedic thread for the movie. Tim Story gave him free reign and at times he reminds you of the great Richard Pryor during scenes where he was allowed to improvise. The basketball scene with Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown, Lisa Leslie, and Ron Artest as the “stronger version of Prince” was completely improvised and one of the funnier scenes in the entire movie.

This movie will remind you of the romantic comedies that we all know and love; Love Jones, The Brothers, and Two Can Play that Game to name a few. You will laugh, learn, and leave believing relationships again. Think Like a Man has been rated PG-13 opens in theatres nationwide April 20, 2012. The running time is 120 minutes.

 

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Ruben Studdard Divorce

April 18, 2012 By No Comments

 

by Latrisha McDuffie, NDG Staff Writer

All celebrity men should take notes from the Velvet Teddybear, Ruben Studdard because he just walked away from a divorce with all of his cash.

TMZ recently reported that the former American Idol filed divorce papers last November from his wife Surata Zuri McCants.

Zuri took a play from the Pilar Sanders play book and asked the judge to throw out the prenup. She claimed that Ruben tossed the prenuptual agreement just before the wedding and twisted her arm to sign them. But the judge upheld the prenup.

But not only did the judge uphold the prenup but he awarded Zuri with almost nothing!

The final judgment states that Ruben does not have to pay spousal support or alimony. He also gets to keep  the mansion, pensions, pensions, royalties, clothing, and all his cash. And get this Ruben even gets to keep the engagement ring.

Zuri gets to keep wedding dress, her photo memories of her failed marriage, an old 2006 BMW, a 10k property settlement, $2,000 to pay for her horrible lawyer, and her maiden name.

 

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Cardboard Art Exhibit on display during Engineering & Humanity Week

April 17, 2012 By No Comments

From the beauty is in the eye of the beholder department comes a unique art exhibit on display this week.

Giant cardboard picture frames, housing giant cardboard art, grace the lobby at One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St., Dallas. So does a massive 6-foot cardboard squid. There are also designer shoes, stereo speakers, a shelter, and a host of other unique products … all recycled and upcycled from everyday, recyclable cardboard.

The display even features a cardboard voting booth recently used in the democratic elections in Yemen. In Yemen, and other countries throughout the Arabic world, the cardboard voting booth is both a tool of democracy and a source of inspiration. Easy to transport and assemble, cardboard voting booths can be deployed in a matter of seconds, offering privacy, peace of mind and fulfillment for voters around the world—some ingredients of freedom.

“It’s a powerful symbol of democracy,” says Stephanie Hunt, founder of the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity.

The institute is hosting Engineering & Humanity Week, April 15-20. The One Arts Plaza exhibition is an element of the week-long, citywide celebration of the use of engineering innovation to improve the quality of life for the global poor.

“Cardboard was invented 195 years ago,” says Hunt, “and is one of the most versatile and durable mediums for innovation today.”

Another element of the Engineering & Humanity week celebration is a Cardboard Design Competition open to all ages and, according to Hunt, designed to help businesses, professionals, and students engage in the process of changing the world through technology and innovation. Jurors for the competition include Betsy del Monte of The Beck Group, Brad Oldham of Brad Oldham International, Inc., and Scott Armstrong of Armstrong-Douglas Partners, LLC.

The second annual celebration of Engineering & Humanity Week provides in-depth exposure to global economics, cultural awareness, collaborative leadership, and principles of sustainability.

The public is welcome to the many events outlined at www.EandHWeek.org.

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2012 DeSoto SolJazz Festival “Where People, Music & Culture Become One!

April 17, 2012 By No Comments

To WIN two tickets visit our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/NorthDallasGazette.

The 2012 DeSoto SolJazz Festival (DSJF) is scheduled for June 1-10 and planners promise an event that will focus on five major components: Family, Health, Music, Food and Fun! The DeSoto Chamber of Commerce and the City of DeSoto teamed up with Gemstone Management to get this project off the ground.

The DSJF Calendar of Events will showcase nightly SolJazz Happy Hour events June 1-6. There will also be a community-based Walk for Diabetes Prevention, on Saturday, June 2 at Zeiger Park sponsored by The American Diabetes Association.  June 3-6, SolJazz Karaoke Contests will also take place with chances to win finale concert tickets, drink specials, drawings and special prize giveaways!

Monday, June 4 – Thursday, June 7 the DSJF will host free SolJazz Spotlight Concerts at the DeSoto Amphitheater in the Town Center. June 8th there will be a Celebrity & Partner Golf Scramble at Cedar Crest Golf Course and a Comedy & Casino Night at The Hilton Garden Inn Duncanville.

June 9 will highlight an All-Star lineup including Cameo, Rachelle Ferrell, Pieces Of A Dream, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte and more! The campus of DeSoto High School will be transformed into a megaplex to include Food Trucks, Vendors, a Health Pavilion and Kidz Zone. To close the celebration, there will be an Official Soljazz Brunch to celebrate Rejoice Sunday on June 10.

The Dr. Pepper, the North Dallas Gazette, Walgreens, Chili’s, Near Future, Cedar Crest Golf Course, Mac Haik Ford, 7-11, Dikita Engineering, James Zander & Associates, Sam’s Club, and the All-America City of DeSoto’s hosting facilities, the DeSoto Civic Center & Amphitheater, Marriott Towne Place Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Real Times Sports & Entertainment have also joined forces to show their support.

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Cabin in the Woods has more surprises than you expect

April 13, 2012 By No Comments

By Saskamodie Jones

“A group of five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the far reaches of a wooded wilderness for a vacation. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods…”

I think we all know how this story will end: blood, guts, mayhem and most likely, a totally frivolous nude scene. Fortunately Cabin in the Woods is a complete departure from the norm. This is true despite what the trailers may lead you to believe. Although the film does not fit neatly in the classic horror cliché bracket, it more than makes up for it with plot twists that will have you on the edge of your theatre seat.

Indeed Cabin in the Woods could easily be defined as a “game-changer” on par with horror films like Evil Dead II and Scream. Cabin in the Woods is the type of flick that restores your hope in the horror genre. When little gems like this seep through the cracks it is overwhelmingly good news for the entire industry.

I would not be surprised to find this film on top at box offices after its second weekend. I say second weekend because the marketing strategy for the movie does not do it real justice. It will take some serious word of mouth to get people into the theatre. When they arrive they will discover a well-written and brilliantly crafted tour de force by director Drew Goddard and producer Joss Whedon. The film stars include Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford.

Cabin in the Woods is a horror film for people who hate horror films, and the recent rise of what I like to call “torture porn.” It is a much needed love-hate letter to horror film industry. In the end this is a must see for moviegoers, and I am more than happy to give it two thumbs up.

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Arts & Entertainment Calendar

April 12, 2012 By No Comments

 

Think Like a Man Red Carpet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something  Special

*Latrisha’s Pick 06/01/12 – 06/10/12 The 2012 Desoto SolJazz Festival will showcase nightly SolJazz Happy Hour events June 1st through June 6th. Starting June 3rd through June 6th, SolJazz Karaoke Contests will also take place. June 4th through June 7th The DSJF will host free SolJazz Spotlight Concerts. June 8th there will be a Celebrity & Partner Golf Scramble at Cedar Crest Golf Course and a Comedy & Casino Night. June 9th will highlight an All-Star lineup including Cameo, Rachelle Ferrell, Pieces Of A Dream, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte and more! To close the celebration, there will be an Official Soljazz Brunch to celebrate Rejoice Sunday on June 10th.

06/09/2012 - Bill Cosby at the Winspear Opera House. Bill Cosby has been making America laugh for decades. And for ONE NIGHT ONLY, one of the most prolific comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, will dazzle the Dallas audience of fans with his comedy that transcends age, gender, and cultural barrier. Tickets start at $45 and are available at www.attpac.org 

 04/19/12 – Jazz in the Atrium at a the Dallas Museum of Art located at 1717 Harwood Street in the Art’s District downtown. The performance starts at 6:00 pm and general admission is $10. For more information go to www.dallasmuseumofart.org  

 

Happy Hour at Cheddars

 For Happy Hour that is truly happy try Cheddars on Greenville. The bar is never empty and the atmosphere is wonderful. It helps that that the drinks are fabulous! The Painkiller is to die for. Also, Cheddars has the best spinach dip. www.cheddars.com

 

 

 

 

06/26/12 – 06/27/2012 – Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour with Cirque du Soleil at American Airlines Center. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Tickets are $50 – $150 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com  

Good Eats and a Movie

Movie: Think Like a Man opens April 20, 2012

Chef at Breadwinners Cafe

  Dinner:  Breadwinners Café in Uptown brings ‘Nawlins to Dallas.  You can hang out on the rooftop deck overlooking McKinney Avenue. Chef Jeff makes a great pulled pork taco that will make you close your eyes and sing. I love this place. And the Drunken Grilled Cheese is sexy comfort food. Also, let me say Snickers Cheesecake! Yes, a cheesecake made with Snickers. And you can find the best muffins in Dallas. You must try the Lemon Berry.  www.breadwinnerscafe.com

 

 

 

Spiritual

* Latrisha’s pick 05/11/2012 – 06/17/2012 – God of Carnage at Kalita Humphreys Theater. The play is about two 11-year-old boys have had a run-in on the playground, and some very bad behavior ensues… by their parents. When two supposedly civilized, supposedly adult middle-class couples meet to discuss their sons’ little dust-up, they raise smugness, pettiness, and meanness to heady new heights of hilarity, You’ll have endless fun repeating their deliciously snarky remarks. After its sold-out run on Broadway, this Tony Award-winning comedy makes its regional debut. Tickets are available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org

  After the show try stopping by The Original Cupcakery. They make a lemon pound cake cupcake that is edible sunshine. You can even get a cupcake with beer butter. www.originalcupcakery.com   Mona at The Original Cupcakery

 

 

 

06/22/2012 – 8/12/2012 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at Wyly Theater. For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he became the ruler of Egypt. In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a1920s Charleston. Pay-What-You-Can allows patrons to purchase ANY seat in the house for ANY amount they choose. Pay-What-You-Can tickets go on-sale online one week before the performance and may also be purchased in person at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre Box Office beginning at 5:30pm on the day of the performance. More information is available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org  

Family Fun

Mechille's on Skillman

  If you don’t want to want to cook on Sunday try picking up a meal at Michelle’s on Skillman. Hands down this is the best Soul Food in North Dallas. Don’t forget the hot water cornbread!

 

 

 

 

*Latrisha’s Pick 04/9/12 – 9/23/2012 – Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton. Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton offers 19 rides, miniature golf, paddle boats, a C.P. Huntington train, an All Sports Arcade and the Sandy Lake Barn Yard. Kids can ride on Shetland ponies. Parents are encouraged to bring their own food to eat on picnic grounds. Admission is $2.00 children under 3 years old are free (see family coupon for free admission online) and coupons for rides are $.50. More information available online at www.sandylake.com  

05/04/2012- 6/3/2012 – Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly at Dallas Children’s Theater. Children everywhere fell in love with Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack Moo: Cows that Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack picture books. Now they can see the professional southwest musical premiere of her Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly. On opening night, kids get free ice cream with gummy worms from the Purple Cow and one free poster per family. Ticket prices are $14 – $26; some discounts available. You can purchase tickets by calling 214-740-0051 or online at www.DCT.org

08/1/2012 – 08/12/2012 Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged at American Airlines Center. This beloved circus is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Ticket prices are $15 – $100 and are available at www.Ticketmaster.com

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Kevin Hart is just being himself – on stage, film and social media

April 11, 2012 By No Comments

By Latrisha McDuffie

NDG Staff Writer

 

Comedian Kevin Hart made a promotional appearance in Dallas for his new movie Think Like a Man.

Hart is a very busy man nowadays balancing family, movies, and stand-up.  An hour before the interview began; Hart was playing cards with his two best friends in the guest suite.  And then seconds later he was chatting with players from the Sacramento Kings. He was hoping to catch the Mavs’ game after the red carpet that was scheduled for later that evening.

He has just finished promoting the DVD and B lu-ray for his record breaking film Laugh at My Pain and is currently out with the Let Me Explain tour, which he says focuses on the mistakes he’s made.

When asked how he manages to do it all Hart says, “I think I have it down to a science by accident.”  Hart is with family on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday through Sunday is committed to stand-up.

He also makes time for friends, Hart admitted he charges his two friends $50 each time they ask him to take a picture with a girl.

“And I make them give it to me in front of the girl,” laughs Hart.

Hart contends that stand-up is his craft, period. His passion is evident as Hart leans over the table and becomes more animated when discussing his career.

“From stand-up I get an immediate reaction,” Hart shared.

And what an immediate reaction that must be from the 12 million Facebook fans and sell-out shows around the country.  The Philadelphia native is extremely open about past mistakes. He has more Twitter followers than Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Louis C.K. combined.

Everything is not sugar and roses. Recently, the media was all worked up over a supposed feud between fellow comedian Mike Epps. “The funny thing is that we are friends (he and Epps).” Apparently, the two were just playing the dozens on Twitter. And the media “just took things to another level,” according to Hart.

He also got into a little trouble when Hart tweeted “Hands down light-skinned women got better credit than dark-skinned women.”

Hart says that he was just joking, but the next thing he knew dark-skinned women were not happy. He had to go on the defensive quick and set things straight even tweeting “My daughter is dark-skinned.” Hart warned others to be careful of what you say on social media because people can use your words against you.

Hart opened up about his experience in Hollywood before his career sky-rocketed. Hart starred in several B movies, including in the critically panned movie Soul Plane. He laughed to himself as he remembered thinking that Soul Plane would be the movie that made him a star.

“It (Soul Plane) might have done $7 million on the street.” Hart defends the film because he says that it gave him a chance to prove that he could be funny.

Hart also opened up about his recent divorce. During the filming of Think Like a Man, he admitted he was a typical negative divorced guy.

“Relationships can kiss my ass,” Hart acknowledged.

But after debating with the other actors about love and relationships Hart says that he was able to go back and form a friendship with his ex-wife. “She and I are friends. She is the mother of my children, and will always be a part of my life.”  Both he and ex-wife, Torrei share custody of their two children.

The father of Heaven age 7, and Hendrick age 4, spoke about his parenting style.

“I am a firm believer in bump your head. My son at the age of two bumped his head and ran into walls. But at three he doesn’t run into walls anymore.  I plan to let my children make mistakes like I did,” states Hart. “The only difference is that they have a safety button, their father.”

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Neyo’s baby mama replacing Sheree on Atlanta Housewives

April 11, 2012 By No Comments

 

Nene Leaks gave the producers of the show an ultimatum; get rid of Sheree or I walk.  So, the producers decided to stick with NeNe and gave Sheree her walking papers, according to MediaTakeOut.  Sheree will have to find some other way to pay for her dream mc-mansion she is still building.

And it didn’t take long for the producers to find her replacement

The new member of the show will be R&B superstar Neyo’s baby mama Monyetta Shaw. You might remember her from Soul Men.

Bravo briefly considered Lil Wayne’s ex-wife Toya but the show already has a boring cast member in Kandi. But no one will ever call Monyetta boring. The owner of an upscale boutique in Buckhead had a reputation of dating professional athletes before spitting out two of Neyo’s babies and is known for going to Atlanta’s premier strip club Magic City.

Well, Monyetta will have plenty of money to make it rain. Bossip reported that Nene makes 750K per season and $250K for attending the reunion and Kim pulls in $600K per season. Even if she ends up at the low end of the totem pole like Phaedra and Cynthia she will make $300K per season.

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