The fact that we’re in the age of Obama signifies that the U.S. has come far in terms of race perception and relations. Even better is the fact that Disney, in 80 years of their existence, finally saw fit to give us a Black princess named Tiana. They have no idea how much of a boost in self-esteem they’re giving little Black girls but also the wonderful lesson they’re teaching everyone else (if they choose to be open). The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck recently got a dose of this reality thanks to her daughter’s affinity for the Tiana doll.

Hasselbeck talked about the fact that her daughter’s favorite doll at the moment is Tiana, on The View yesterday. She said her daughter plays with the doll’s hair, sleeps with it and carries it around everywhere she goes. It’s nice that Hasselbeck and other non-Black parents like her don’t make a big deal out of it because essentially, children don’t see color—but she admitted that she got funny looks one day when she and her daughter plus Tiana ran errands in New York City.

Hasselbeck said that some of the looks she got were pleasant and approving, but every now and then she got looks that were reproachful. She expressed that maybe she was thinking too hard about it but Whoopi Goldberg confirmed that she probably wasn’t (this is why I love Whoopi). Whoopi G. and also Sherri Shepherd told Hasselbeck in a nice way, “Welcome to our world.” Thanks goodness for the truth. As a Black woman, I’ve gotten looks that made me think twice about why someone may have been making a certain face at me that I thought was negative, and even though you want to think you might be overreacting, the look often comes with a certain vibe that Whoopi actually talked about, that let’s you know that it’s not in your head. This goes for anyone living not just in the country, but the world. We are all affected by race, especially people of color. I’m glad Hasselbeck went through what she experienced and wasn’t afraid to talk about it because now at least her eyes are open to the fact that we still have a lot of work to do. Hopefully more parents like her won’t think twice about getting their child a Black doll so that the discussion can continue.

Check out the actual conversation on The View’s website via ABC (from the Nov 19 show).

It looks like the fabulous Tocarra (you have to preface her name without fabuous) is extending her run in reality by signing on for a new show with the Oxygen network.

She’s done Top Model, VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Paranormal Project, and done several shows for BET but now the plus-size model turned uh, actress, TV personality, and NBA girlfriend will be the focus of her own entity.

The show is said to chronicle her daily work so I guess we’ll get to see just how fabulous Tocarra really is. Yes, I had to use the word again. With her I just feel you like you have to.

Anyhow, I find Tocarra entertaining (especially on Celebrity Fit Club) so I don’t doubt she can’t carry her own show.

I’ll tune in. Will you be joining me?

Source

MTV has exclusively bought the U.S. TV rights to air Michael Jackson’s This is It, the posthumous documentary about the King of Pop which chronicles the journey to his final performance. The film  did well at the boxoffice and will most likely be of high interest to MTV viewers as well as MJ fans who will watch because of their idol. (I still haven’t seen This is It and probably won’t in the theater, but I’d definitely watch it on MTV—not because I watch the network, but because I’m a MJ fan).

Sister networks like VH1, BET and Palladia will also be permitted to air the film. You know what that means right? Once it goes into syndication we’re probably going to see it ad nauseam. So if you haven’t seen it in the theater, there’s going to come a point where you have no excuse not to have seen it at all. But anyway, the president of MTV Networks Music Group tells The Hollywood Reporter, “The film is a true testament to Michael’s musical genius, passion and commitment to his craft,” said Van Toffler, president of the MTV Networks Music Group. “Michael Jackson has always been inextricably tied to our viewers as they witnessed his evolution from a talented performer to a global icon who redefined music. Now, with this film, we can help give his fans a chance to see his final performance.”

Coincidentally, MTV introduced millions more fans to Michael Jackson as a solo artist when they aired the “Thriller” video in the early 80s. That video paved the way for other Black music acts to get their videos show on the network, which previously did not support hip-hop, pop and R&B. It’s ironic that MTV doesn’t even show music videos anymore but at least they’ll help keep The King of Pop’s legacy alive by airing his final performance. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone but we can all  keep our heads up know that he’ll live forever in music, TV, film and our hearts.

Source

Get ready to say, “How you doin’?” for at least two more years.

Debmar-Mercury has renewed The Wendy Williams Show through the 2011-12 season.

In a statement, Frank Cicha, senior VP of programming at FOX wrote:

“There was no question that we wanted to renew The Wendy Williams Show given what we’ve seen thus far in both content and ratings. We anticipate even further growth as the show continues to emerge as a key building block, and Wendy as a key personality, of our daytime landscape.”

Although ratings have been modest, Debar-Mercury says the show has improved 23 percent in households.  The show is doing better with young female audiences, increasing 43 percent among women 18-34, 38 percent among women 18-49 and 37 percent in women 25-54 compared to the show’s first eight weeks on the air.

Based on what you’ve seen of Wendy Williams thus far, how do you feel about the show?

I know a lot of people complain about the guest, but I think Wendy’s personality carries the show. She’s a lot tamer than she was on radio, but she’s still open, quirky, and hilarious. I can see the show becoming even better with time.

Insert your “oows” here.

Source

Eddie Winslow Darius McCrary will be joining The Young and the Restless to reprise the role of Malcolm Winters. According to Entertainment Weekly, McCrary has signed a multi-year deal to assume the role beginning Nov. 18. His debut will air on Dec. 29.

Sorry Shemar Moore fans, there’s a new more chocolatey kid on the block. It would make sense to pick someone who at least looked somewhat like the old character folks got used to, but you know how they do in TV world (hence Judy’s mysterious disappearance from Family Matters), especially with soap operas, but I’m sure you’ll get used to the switch in no time. Moore couldn’t re-assume the role because the character will be back full time and his busy schedule won’t allow it. I think McCrary will be fine though.

I’m not really into soap operas but several others (my mom, sister and closest friends) around me are so I’m sometimes forced to watch. I guess it’s a trade off. I get my reality TV, they get their stories but I digress. Apparently, this Michael character is capricious and edgy. From what I know, Malcolm is usually in the middle of the more dramatic story lines. He’s coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter who is fighting for her life.

Here’s another fun fact: McCrary will be reunited with another Family Matters alum. Bryton James, who used to co-star as Richie Crawford on Family Matters, plays Devon Hamilton (for whom he also won an Emmy). Wow, everyone is all grown up (and I officially feel old).

What do you think?

Source

Although she’s not necessarily the best dancer, Whitney Houston has plenty of songs you can jig to (jig is my word, by the way).

There’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” for the people old enough to consume liquor in the 80s. We have “My Name Is Not Susan” for the old souls – well, I dance to it. I’ve seen plenty an aunty jig, get it big to “I’m Every Woman” (respect to Chaka Khan). And now chirren young and old go off to “Million Dollar Bill.”

That’s probably why ABC has tapped Ms. Nippy if ya nasty to perform on the season finale of Dancing with the Stars.

I’m going to go with a hunch that she’s going to perform “Million Dollar Bill” that night. Or she might go with an oldie, but that could definitely go either way with respect to one of the best vocalists of all-time.

Hopefully her trademark two-step will also represent on the show.

Source

Orlando Jones will make a guest appearance on the cult TV drama, House. His character introduces us to the missing relative in Dr. Eric Foreman’s family. Jones will play Foreman’s estranged brother, Marcus. For those who aren’t too familiar with the character, Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) specializes in neurology and has a shady past that includes a history of crimes as a juvenile. He’s a rebel and frequently opposes House’s unorthodox decisions.

This is a big deal because viewers have already met Foreman’s father (Charles S. Dutton) and mother (Beverly Todd) but his brother was only mentioned in passing. The only thing viewers know about Marcus is that he also had a troubled childhood.

Jones’ episode has already been filmed and is scheduled to air in February. It finds the siblings reconnecting on the eve of Marcus’ parole hearing. Of course, Dr. House sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong and stirs up the pot causing drama, drama and more drama.

I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on that show for so long.

House airs on Thursday nights at 8/7c on USA.

Source

Since the new season of The Tyra Banks Show has kicked off Tyra Banks has shown her real hair and a live colonoscopy. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s now showing her jacked up feet. I guess her showing her flaws makes her more endearing?

Freakish feet having people, feel free to expound on that question for me.

Anyhow, Tyra had Halle Berry (pronounced Hallleeeeeee Berrrrrrryyyy) on her show recently and as you can see, Tyra had no problems showing off her imperfections to a woman often hailed as perfect.

After brief chats about feet, the two talked short hair, long weaves, and Halle’s new perfume – namely wear to spray it. One of the places to spray is apparently between Tyra’s legs.

Yeah, I have nothing else to add after that.

After much anticipation, Sarah Palin’s appearance on Oprah Winfrey will air today. There has been criticism of both parties for going through with this but it’s a smart move for obvious reasons. I’m not a Palin fan but I’m looking forward to the interview—not because I think I’ll find out anything about her that I didn’t know, but because it will be nice to see more of her personality. Despite not being a Palin supporter, I’ll at least acknowledge that she’s still interesting based on her accomplishments and the facts that she’s a woman and a working mom.

She’ll definitely give the usual politician answers—you know—answer the questions with a circular response that doesn’t really answer the question. But Oprah is too smart for that so when Palin tries to skirt the issue Miss Winfrey is all over that. Check this out:

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Did you see how Palin laughed to give herself time to think about the non-response she was going to give? Do you see how Oprah uppercut her by finishing her long-winded “response” with “So, is he coming or not?” I love it.

Palin will also talk about her infamous Katie Couric interview and her forthcoming book, Going Rogue: An American Life.

The show airs today at 4pm EST on ABC.

There are three people in life I fear: God, my mama, and Oprah.

And if I’m being honest, I’d rather have to work to regain the love of the other two than Oprah. Kidding, ya’ll…but really, I would watch my mouth around the Queen of TV.

When Mike Tyson sat down with Oprah a few weeks ago some people thanked Oprah for humanizing him in a way not previously seen outside of his most recent documentary.

Some people, like his ex-wife, Robin Givens, were mad at Oprah because it humanized him a little too much.

At one point during his interview Mike was asked about his reactions to his now infamous interview with Robin about his physical abuse to her. He quipped that at the time he wanted to “sock her.” The audience seemed to laugh, though as Oprah noted in the video it was the kind of laughter that pointed more towards them feeling uncomfortable versus them getting a chuckle out of abuse.

But Robin spoke out and in turn Oprah invited her to speak her piece. Fortunately, Oprah apologized to Robin and further clarified her reaction during Tyson’s interview. Robin did have a point, which Oprah acknowledged proving that she is indeed everything – including someone who will apologize.

P.S. I wouldn’t try that again if I were you, though, Robin. Love you, O!