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Hey, Everyone!  

It’s Rhonda, your L.A. chatterbox and entertainment groupie.  In case you haven’t heard the latest happenings, I’m here for you... relaying a bevy of news and nonsense from the entertainment world. Check it out.
Steve Will Be Back.

--The Steve Wilkos show has been renewed for a second season (Who?!).  You know, that bald, security officer from the Jerry Springer show (Yes, him!).  His talk show (yes, he really has a talk show) has been renewed in more than 85% if the U.S. for the 2008-2009 season.  What kind of security detail does Ms. Rhonda need to learn to get her own show?

Source: TVNewsday
www.tvnewsday.com

Marvin Gaye's Life is Coming to the Screen.

--Motown man, Marvin Gaye, will have the last three years of his life documented in a film biopic, Sexual Healing.  The movie will be based on Steve Turner's book, "Trouble Man".  Playing the role of Martin will be the talented Jesse L. Martin from TV's "Law and Order" and Broadway's "Rent" fame.  Sopranos star, James Gandolfini also joins the cast.  Shooting (of the film...smile) begins in April.  Should be a good one!

Source:MTV
www.mtv.com

Idol Woes

--Season 5 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks has been dropped from J Records, the label that signs the show's singers.  Hicks's debut album hit the charts at number two, but sales declined shortly after.  Hicks is the only Idol winner not to reach the million dolllar sales mark. 

Sources say Taylor will record his next album on his  own.  The Soul Patrol singer says it was a mutual split and that he's looking forward to having more creative control on his next album.

Just weeks earlier, Season 2 winner, Rueben Studdard, also parted with the label.  Reuben still has a contract with 19 entertainment, the company managed by American Idol's creator.   Rueben is currently working on another album that is being shopped by 19 entertainment to other record labels.

We love Mr. Soul Patrol and The Velvet Teddy Bear and will stay tuned for their next albums. 

Source:Fox News
www.foxnews.com


...And Marie's Coming Around The Bend.

--Marie Osmond is planning a talk show return.  "The Dancing with the Stars" celeb is planning a lifestyle talk show for the fall of 2009.   Back in the late 90's, Marie co-hosted a talk show with her brother, Donny.  This time, the mother of eight says her new show will concentrate on topics of interest to women.  Marie says, "It will be a real feel-good show".   Now, who doesn't want that?  We'll keep an eye out.

Source: MSNBC
www.msnbc.com

Movies
Music
Reality
Shows
News-
Makers

Idol Gossip

-- Idol season 2 finalist, 30-year-old, Kimberly Locke is dating 41-year-old, Celebrity Fit Club coach, Harvey Walden.  

Kimberly says, "he's not officially my boyfriend" and says they're just hanging out.  That's because Walden is still in the process of getting a divorce.  Kimberly was a contestant on the 2007 season of Celebrity Fit Club.  She says she during the show she thought Walden was mean and that it wasn't until after the show that sparks started to fly.  


Source:Black Voices
www.blackvoices.com

Tavis Smiley Wants Some Love

--Tavis Smiley is working on his next big book and and he's looking for real life love stories.

"Love Wins: True stories of Transformation and Triumph" will be a collection of real life stories about the power of unconditional love.

Smileybooks, Tavis Smiley's publishing company, recently started a national campaign seeking submissions from the public.  Selected entries will be featured in the book and contributors will attend events on his
Love Wins Tour.   Visit - www.tavistalks.com/media/smileybooks

Get those pens out, people! We all have a juicy love story to tell.

Source: Black News
www.blacknews.com


Founder of the Fatburger

--Lovie Yancy, the African American woman who founded the popular restaurant chain, Fatburger, has died.  Yancy passed on Jan. 26th. 
She was 96.

Yancy started her business in 1947 with one restaurant.  Since then, it has grown to over 90 locations around the country.

Fatburger has been showcased on television and movies and celebs like Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson and Pharrell Williams have been investors in the company.

Our thanks to her pioneering vision.  Rest in peace. 

Sources:
LA Times
www.latimes.com


That's all for now.  

Time for my Mocha Frappuccino.

Rhonda's On The Move!

By now, you've heard that the Montel Williams Show and the Star Jones Show have been cancelled.  Farewell, Montel.  Sayonara, Star.  Best of luck to both of these TV veterans. 

But not to worry, talk show fans, there won't be a shortage of talking heads...

Guess Who's Getting Another Show?

Flavor Flav!  Not only does his reality show, Flavor of Love return for a 3rd season this month but now he'll  star in his own sitcom.  Under One Roof, debuts this spring on MyNetwork TV.   Ms. Rhonda is curious...are we running out of celebrities?
 
Source: TV Guide
www.tvguide.sympatico.msn