Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →SANAA LATHAN SHARES HER SUCCESS TIPS
August 1, 2012“I’ve trained myself to be so focused on what’s going well that I won’t allow myself to even entertain difficulties because I feel so blessed in life and in my career. This is a spiritual belief: When you focus on what’s difficult then it will be more difficult. When you focus on what’s good, it will be better. For me, if anything, the difficulties of being an actress have deepened my faith. It has deepened my spiritual practices.” Advice to Aspiring Actors: “Get into acting class, do some theater and act as much as you can,” she suggests. “I think a lot of people try to get into the business without having any kind of study, so I would encourage them to study.” SANAA LATHAN – ACTRESS
Posted in Celebrity Success Tips | Leave a commentTV ONE’S “R&B DIVAS” TO PREMIERE MONDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 10 PM ET/ 9 PM CT
July 28, 2012TV ONE’S NEWEST DOCU-SERIES, “R&B DIVAS” “R&B Divas” tells the current real-life story of five multi-talented, beautiful R&B stars – Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Syleena Johnson, Monifah Carter, and Keke Wyatt. The docu-series captures the friends as they come together to record a charity album inspired by the late Whitney Houston. At the same time, they are all juggling myriad personal challenges, triumphs and responsibilities in addition to making music – including raising families. Faith prepares for a major move as she maintains her businesses and helps manage the estate of her late husband, hip hop icon Notorious B.I.G. She also launches a new hair care product line, Glass Hair Products. Monifah reveals an important lifestyle choice that she’s kept private to her family and friends, and works to maintain her newfound sobriety. Keke is pregnant, emotionally volatile and convinced that she can’t go anywhere without her husband/manager. Nicci is launching a new plus-sized clothing line called Curvato, while Syleena makes a career decision that will affect her entire family and put additional strain on her financially. Beginning Monday, August 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, 9 p.m. CT with eight one-hour episodes, the beautiful and equally talented divas will give a personal glimpse into their private worlds as they lean on each other and offer candid revelations about their efforts to deal with major life challenges and transitions such as divorce, parenting issues, drugs, alcohol, physical abuse and more. They have pasts, they have futures…but most importantly, they have each other. SPECIAL GUESTS: In addition to the casts’ family members, celebrity friends and guests on hand to support the ladies include Kevin Hart, Trey Songz, Anthony Hamilton, Kelly Price, Tank, Avant, Voletta Wallace (B.I.G.’s mom), Kenny Lattimore and more.
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentVANESSA BELL CALLOWAY HOSTS ROLAND MARTIN ANNUAL DINNER PARTY
July 26, 2012It only made sense that Roland Martin, host of Washington Watch and a social media aficionado, would use only technology to invite friends to a private dinner party at the Los Angeles home of actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tuesday- July 17. The “digital list” of attendees – culled from Martin’s cell phone – included Elise Neal, Jesse Williams, Tracey Edmonds, Salli Richardson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tatyana Ali, Judge Greg Mathis, Robinne Lee, Dondre Whitfield, Tanika Ray, Chris Spencer, Jackee Harry, Bill Duke, Sonja Norwood, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Judge Kevin Ross and a host of entertainment and media executives. “I grew up in Houston where my family would throw get-togethers just for the fun of it, so this party is what I like to do when I come out to the west coast; I simply do not have enough time to do lunch with everybody,” said Martin. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it. I simply sent out a text message on Thursday and here we are!” Guests dined on a gourmet meal prepared completely by Calloway. The menu featured slow roasted chicken, “Killer Shrimp” in spicy champagne and garlic sauce, Korean BBQ, fried cat fish, coconut rice, potato salad, grilled mixed veggies, and a mixed greens salad with candied pecans and goat cheese in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Martin thanked Calloway who was gracious enough to open her home and host the party. “I enjoy hosting people and cooking for family and friends,” said Calloway. “I’m getting a chance to meet some new people tonight. It has been my pleasure to help Roland celebrate community and fellowship.” Photo credit: Nu Vision Media, courtesy The FrontPage Firm.
Posted in Photos | 2 CommentsBISHOP T.D. JAKES HONORED FOR 35 YEARS OF MINISTRY
July 25, 2012Originally Published on June 11, 2012 by Sonya’s Spotlight TYLER PERRY, SOLEDAD O’BRIEN HOST STAR-STUDDED GALA HONORING BISHOP T.D. JAKES’ 35 YEARS OF MINISTRY Thousands Gather in Dallas to Pay Tribute to Worldwide Spiritual Leader, Highlighted by Oprah Winfrey Surprise Appearance, Moving Tributes and Uplifting Performances World leaders, dignitaries and celebrities from around the world gathered in the vibrant Arts District near downtown Dallas Friday to attend an historic event honoring global humanitarian and faith-based entertainment mogul Bishop T.D. Jakes‘ 35 years of spiritual leadership and service. Aptly titled “A Triumphant Journey,” the three-hour, black-tie celebration was hosted by director/writer/producer Tyler Perry and CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien at the state-of-the-art AT&T Winspear Opera House. The awe-inspiring evening was a surprise for Bishop Jakes and featured an unexpected appearance by entertainment icon Oprah Winfrey who congratulated him for being a “man of conviction and beacon of light.” Successfully accomplishing the near impossible, wife Serita Jakes and daughter Sarah Henson enlisted the help of family, friends and staff to keep the night’s biggest moments under wraps from the notably inquisitive Bishop. Jakes, senior pastor of the 30,000 member Dallas-based church The Potter’s House, was celebrated for a career spanning more than three decades. A true man of God, his accomplishments in ministry and entertainment, as well as his dedication to humanity and family, were applauded in front of a packed audience of family, friends, parishioners, dignitaries, celebrities and fans. A visibly moved Jakes expressed his shock at the crowd of well-wishers, some of whom traveled far and wide to participate in the celebration and took the stage to receive a resounding standing ovation. “I have been blown away,” said Jakes. “I love God and I’ve always loved people. Your presence here tonight says …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentTV LAND’S “THE SOUL MAN” IS A HIT: SECOND HIGHEST RATED SERIES DEBUT IN NETWORK’S HISTORY
July 25, 2012Marking a milestone in TV Land’s history, the network’s newest original sitcom, “The Soul Man,” was the channel’s second highest rated series premiere among its target audience of Adults 25-54 and Women 25-54, second only to the series launch of “Hot in Cleveland” in June 2010. “The Soul Man” premiered June 20 at 10 p.m. and stars Cedric “The Entertainer” and Niecy Nash. The premiere telecast of “The Soul Man” posted a 1.0 rating and one million viewers among Adults 25-54, and averaged over 1.9 million total viewers. Among Women 25-54, “The Soul Man” earned a 1.29 rating. Additionally, TV Land aired two encores of “The Soul Man” (11 p.m. and 1 a.m.), which, combined with the premiere telecast, attracted over 3.5 million total viewers for “The Soul Man.” New episodes of “The Soul Man” premiere every Wednesday at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., respectively. About “The Soul Man” “The Soul Man” is the newest series being added to TV Land’s line-up of stellar sitcoms. The show revolves around former R&B star-turned-minister, Reverend Boyce “The Voice” (Cedric), as he moves back home to St. Louis with his family, including wife Lolli (Nash), to preach in his father’s church. Now, his family must adjust to their new humble life from their former superstar lifestyle. John Beasley (“Everwood”), Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”) and Jazz Raycole (“My Wife and Kids”) also star. Cedric “The Entertainer” and Suzanne Martin (“Hot in Cleveland”) serve as executive producers for “The Soul Man,” along with Eric Rhone. Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions are also executive producers for “The Soul Man.” Lynda Obst also serves as executive producer, and Keith Cox and Larry W. Jones are executive producers for TV Land. Phoef Sutton (“Cheers”) is the showrunner and …
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentTOTAL RECALL- In Theaters August 3
July 25, 2012Total Recall is an action thriller about reality and memory, inspired anew by the famous short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick. Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he’s got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) whom he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life – real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police – controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston) – there is no one Quaid can trust, except possibly a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) working for the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy). The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate. The film is directed by Len Wiseman. The screenplay is by Kurt Wimmer and Mark Bomback and the screen story is by Ronald Shusett & Dan O’Bannon and Jon Povill and Kurt Wimmer. The producers are Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentCEDRIC “THE ENTERTAINER” SHARES HIS SUCCESS SECRET
July 23, 2012“It is just about tenacity. I’ve been really blessed to have been doing this a long time. A kid coming from St. Louis – starting at stand up [comedy] and just having the opportunity to do it on so many formats of entertainment – movies, films, commercials, books, television specials – all of these things have been a part of my career. I just feel it’s a combination of really staying at it, loving what I do, loving entertaining, being able to ride the highs and lows of it and take it all in stride with joy and the expression of ‘How do I make others laugh and how do I and continue to do good things out there and have fun?’ And I think that those opportunities come to me just through that natural ebb and flow of it all . So, I just try to stay positive and I lead that light and operate from that energy every day. For real.” Cedric “The Entertainer” – Comedian/Actor/Director
Posted in Celebrity Success Tips | Leave a commentRihanna Announces New Clothing Line
July 23, 2012By: Ebony Brown http://www.examiner.com/ <a href=”http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/cdg.examiner2.los-angeles-ca/sf/pos3/article;tt=luxury%20style;plc=la;chn=style%20%26%20fashion;subc=fashion%20trends;sect=fashion%20trends;nid=50097601;top=style%20%26%20fashion;top=fashion%20trends;top=rihanna;top=celebrity;top=fashion%20line;top=uk;top=style;top=street%20style;ed=los-angeles-ca;uid=4915426;etid=371951;pgtp=article;tile=3;pos=3;sz=300×250;kw=;ord=831411491?” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/cdg.examiner2.los-angeles-ca/sf/pos3/article;tt=luxury%20style;plc=la;chn=style%20%26%20fashion;subc=fashion%20trends;sect=fashion%20trends;nid=50097601;top=style%20%26%20fashion;top=fashion%20trends;top=rihanna;top=celebrity;top=fashion%20line;top=uk;top=style;top=street%20style;ed=los-angeles-ca;uid=4915426;etid=371951;pgtp=article;tile=3;pos=3;sz=300×250;kw=;ord=831411491?” width=”300″ height=”250″ alt=”” /></a> Rihanna is known for her fashion just as much, if not more than her music. Her edgy style has turned her into a fashion icon that has everyone waiting to see what she going to wear on the red carpet as well as those candid paparazzi shots. Rihanna wowed us with her collaboration with luxury label Armani for her 2012 Grammy Awards dress and by teaming up with the brand for a limited edition line of clothing and lingerie, and now Rihanna is teaming up with UK store River Island for a high street fashion line slated to launch in Spring 2013. In her July 16th announcement she said, “I’ve been wanting to design my own collection for some time. River Island is the perfect partner for me to collaborate with and working with a British, family run business also really appealed to me.” “I find London really inspiring and River Island loves to have fun with clothes. I’m looking forward to working with them and creating something really special.” River Island is comparable to Topshop which is a very popular UK high street store know for affordable cutting edge fashion. http://www.examiner.com/article/rihanna-announces-new-clothing-line
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentBobbcat Films Presents RAISING IZZIE on GMC, July 21/22
July 19, 2012Roger Bobb, President & CEO of Bobbcat Films, has Directorial Debut with RAISING IZZIE Premiering on GMC Sat. & Sun. (July 21 & 22) – 7, 9 & 11 pm est ABOUT: The grand-prize winner of the first annual GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition in 2011, RAISING IZZIE is the story of two young orphaned sisters and the caring teacher who changes their lives forever. The film marks the network’s first collaboration with prolific producer, director and former Tyler Perry Studios executive Roger M. Bobb (For Colored Girls, “House of Payne”). When their mother passes away leaving them without an adult guardian, sisters Izzie (Kyla Kenedy) and Gertie Nash (Victoria Staley) are forced to grow up fast. Afraid her daughters will be separated if they are placed in the foster care system, their mother makes the necessary arrangements for Gertie and Izzie to live on their own, with a bank account, apartment and small on-line business to support themselves. Older sister Gertie takes care of her little sister in addition to working and attending school. For a year, the girls are able to hide their predicament from their neighbors, their landlord and even their teachers. But when Tonya Freeman (Vanessa Williams), Gertie’s new teacher, becomes suspicious, the girls have to come up with a new plan to protect their secret. After Tonya confronts the girls and they confess to their situation, Tonya has to decide how to protect them and keep them together against the will of her husband Greg (Rockmond Dunbar). “Raising Izzie is a wonderful story that will touch the hearts of people the world over” says Bobb. “It is a wonderful reflection of the goodness that exists in this world and how individual kindness can offset sorrow and adversity in the lives of others, and …
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentSPA DELIGHT – BEVERLY HILLS STYLE
July 15, 2012by Kristin Jenkins While interning at a major record company in Los Angeles, I thought I’d take a break and get some spa pampering and learn more about the delights of spa visits. After all, what better way to relax and release a little stress than by getting a spa treatment? Not surprisingly, California offers some of the best spa experiences where celebs, the girl next door, like myself, and even men can enjoy a number of options. From Day Spas to Spa Resorts, there is no shortage of spas in Hollywood – offering ultimate getaways. Perhaps a simple massage or a facial is all you need, but one thing is for certain, spa treatments can be healing for your mind, body and your soul. Here are a few Spa Highlights from the delightful spa at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The Beverly Wilshire Spa has an exclusive partnership with Barcelonan brand Natura Bisse in which guests can enjoy a variety of unique treatments created specifically for the spa. These treatments include wraps, scrubs, massages and facials. The most popular treatment is the Kate Signature Facial, which is also known as “Hollywood’s guru of glow”. It makes sure that the most photographed faces in the world are picture perfect using nourishing botanicals and the most scientifically advanced actives used in the treatment room. The spa has gender separate locker rooms that include a tranquility lounge, Eucalyptus Steam room, experience shower, and Ice Fountain. The Beverly Wilshire Spa has a room for couples as well. When stressed, the best recommendation for women is the Dermal Quench facial in which oxygen, vitamins and hyaluronic serum combine under hyperbaric pressure to deliver unparalleled hydration with age-defying results. It brings out healthier, younger looking skin immediately and the best treatment for …
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