Docu-series features family life of actor Flex Alexander and ‘90s pop singer Shanice

LOS ANGELES – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network docu-series, “Flex & Shanice,” following actor and comedian Flex Alexander (“One on One”), ’90s pop singer Shanice (“I Love Your Smile”) and their extended family all living together under one roof will premiere Saturday, November 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
From the outside looking in, Flex and Shanice are living the dream — they are beautiful celebrities with a long-standing marriage, gorgeous kids and a lovely home in suburbia. But what this fairytale couple has been hiding from the world is that they have been teetering on the edge of financial ruin for the past five years. So they moved their hilarious extended family in to help make ends meet, but nine people under one roof can add just as much stress as it relieves.
In the series premiere, Flex procrastinates launching his stand-up comedy comeback after more than 20 years. Shanice takes matters into her own hands by booking him a last-minute comedy gig, while also cooking up a scheme to breathe new life into her career.

View the season sizzle and clips from the series premiere (with embed code) below:

Season Sizzle: Flex & Shanice Share the True Meaning of Family on OWN
http://www.oprah.com/own-flexandshanice/Flex–Shanice-Share-the-True-Meaning-of-Family-on-OWN

Flex Returns to Standup
http://www.oprah.com/own-flexandshanice/Will-Flex-Make-a-Successful-Return-to-Stand-Up
 
Shanice and her “Snicker” Have a Love That Lasts
http://www.oprah.com/own-flexandshanice/Shanice-and-her-Snicker-Have-a-Love-That-Lasts

Blackamericaweb.com
By Sonya Eskridge

Beyoncé has suffered a devastating loss on her team as the woman responsible for capturing some of her most iconic moments has passed away.
Yosra El-Essawy has lost her battle with Stage 4 esophageal cancer—a condition that was completely inoperable—after an illustrious career that saw her capture everything from weddings to the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.
According to Vibe.com, the photographer was just 33 when she passed away, but she had a profound effect on the people in her life. She was open about her diagnosis with her followers on Instagram from the moment she found out about her condition.
Most recently, Yosra had even snapped a few shots for Beyoncé’s upcoming 2015 calendar, so you can pick that up to see some more of her work for yourself. Bey paid tribute to her fallen colleague by posting a caption-less shot of one of her rings on Instagram. Many fans were confused by the picture, but you can see Yosra wearing it in the shot featured on EbenGregory.com.

Featuring seasonal standards, traditional carols and future holiday classics  
 

Legacy Recordings is proud to announce the release of Holiday, the first-ever holiday album from the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire on Tuesday, October 21. Available for pre-order at: http://smarturl.it/EWF_HOL_amzn.
Holiday is a spirited celebration of the holiday season, bringing together brand new recordings of  seasonal standards (“Winter Wonderland,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bell Rock”), beloved carols (“Joy to the World,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “What Child Is This?,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noël”), a traditional Japanese winter song (“Snow”), a modern day Christmas song (“Every Day Is Like Christmas”) and future Earth, Wind & Fire classics: “Happy Seasons” (inspired by “Happy Feelin’”), and “December” (inspired by “September”) featuring original vocals from Maurice White.
Lead vocalist and Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder Philip Bailey says, “This album is the band’s first and only holiday music project. We are very proud to offer it as a labor of love to all of our fans and soon to be. Enjoy and happy holidays from our families to all of yours.”
“The Holiday album was a joy to record, it is a celebration of tradition, love and spirituality, some of the elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. From our families to yours, we wish you a happy holiday”, said EWF’s co-founder Verdine White.
Produced by Philip Bailey and Myron McKinley (the band’s Musical Director), Holiday is Earth, Wind & Fire’s 21st studio album and second for Legacy Recordings.  Now, Then & Forever, the group’s first new album for the label and first new studio material since 2005, debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200 upon its release in September 2013, marking the band’s highest-charting album since Raise! hit #5 in 1981.

ATLANTA (AP) — Nick Cannon remembers when youngsters often approached him, telling him that the 2002 film Drumline influenced them to attend a Historically Black College and University.
Cannon believes the sequel could have the same impact.
“People told me back then they went to an HBCU because of that movie,” said Cannon, who starred in the original film as Devon Miles, a teenage drummer who went from a New York high school to the fictitious Atlanta A&T with the hopes of claiming drum section leader. “That film made being in a marching band cool. I think this new one could have the same effect.”
Drumline: A New Beat, which airs at 9 p.m. EDT Monday on VH1, continues to tell the story of marching band members at Atlanta A&T. But this time, the spotlight is on Alexandra Shipp, who stars as Danielle “Dani” Raymond, an ambitious drummer with the goal of becoming the first female section leader at Atlanta A&T.
Cannon, who served as one of the film’s executive producers, makes a cameo appearance.
“I loved the first ‘Drumline’ movie, and all I wanted to do is bring it justice,” said Shipp, who will also portray Aaliyah in the singer’s biopic, Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, which premieres on Lifetime at 8 p.m. EDT Nov. 15. “(Cannon) passed the baton in a way, but was like you’re going to make this baton what you want it to be.”
In 2002, Drumline grossed more than $56 million at the box office. The original film was based on the life story of music producer Dallas Austin’s experience in a high school band.
Austin initially thought there should’ve been a follow-up movie soon after the original, especially after hearing the strong demand from fans to create a sequel. But he did not want to rush into another one.
“I felt like we should have had it sooner to tell the truth,” Austin said. “People thought we would never make another ‘Drumline.’ But I was not willing to compromise the integrity of what made it.”
Leonard Roberts, who played Devon’s nemesis in the original, returns as the character of Sean Taylor. But this time, his character has more of a charismatic persona — which initially worried him.
“It was great to finally get a story,” he said. “Sean was kind of the bad guy in the original. I had a momentary pause at first, wondering if the audience would accept him into this role. So it was a transition for me.”
Wendy Finerman, who returned as an executive producer, said the return of Cannon and Roberts will help carry on the legacy of the film.
“We were able to find a fresh way to have the legacy of ‘Drumline’ continue, meaning have a young girl as the drummer and watch where Devin went in his career,” said Finerman, who shared the Best Picture Oscar for the 1994 film, Forrest Gump.
VH1, which aired CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story last year, took an interest in the film because of the “authentic” story it tells.
“Our focus is on stories that have twist and turns, telling a story we’ve never heard of before,” said Susan Levison, head of programming at VH1. “Involving music is important to our brand. We feel ‘Drumline’ can help that cause.”

 NEW YORK, N.Y.  – Production has begun on WE tv’s next scripted series, the supernatural thriller, “South of Hell.” Actress Mena Suvari (“Chicago Fire,” “Hysteria”) has been cast in the lead role as Maria Abascal, a reluctant exorcist for hire with her very own demon living inside of her, named Abigail. The series also stars Zachary Booth (“Keep the Lights On”), Bill Irwin (“CSI”), Drew Moerlein (“V/H/S”), Lamman Rucker (“Meet the Browns”), and Paulina Singer (“How to Make It In America”), with recurring cast members Lydia Hearst (“Cabin Fever: Patient Zero”), Slate Holmgren (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”) and Lauren Velez (“Dexter”).
Production on eight, one-hour episodes has begun in Charleston, S,C.; the series will premiere in 2015 on WE tv.
“As we forge a path in scripted programming, we are committed to telling great stories featuring complex characters that our viewers can connect with,” said Marc Juris, WE tv’s president. “‘South of Hell’ is a supernatural thriller that offers audiences a fresh and contemporary take on this genre – one that’s becoming increasingly popular. Led by the amazing Mena Suvari, our talented and diverse cast will bring this story to life.”
Charleston, South Carolina is the most possessed city in the world. Evil thrives there. Something with which 30-year-old exorcist Maria Abascal is intimately acquainted. She wrestles demons for a living. Especially Abigail, the one that lives within her. The one who feeds on damned souls and who’s violated the laws of hell to live on earth—and live on, inside Maria. Now, as they work as one, Maria will discover how personal her battle with evil has become and how far Abigail will go to protect them both. It’s a journey where the unspeakable is just a heartbeat away.
Zachary Booth will play the character of David Abascal, Maria’s brother and closest companion who has a few of his own real-world demons: an addiction to heroin and a lust for troublesome women. Bill Irwin joins the cast as Enos Abascal, Maria and David’s once cunning and superbly manipulative father and the leader of a notorious devil worship cult known as the Order of Everlasting. Drew Moerlein plays Dusty, Maria’s handsome, ex-military neighbor and the local handyman. Lamman Rucker stars as Reverend Elijah Bledsoe, a priest with a strong attraction to and interest in Maria, and father to Grace, played by Paulina Singer, his bi-racial daughter who has experienced extraordinary emotional trauma.
The series also stars Lydia Hearst as Charlotte Roberts, a southern belle oozing sex appeal, which she knows how to use; Slate Holmgren as Sweetmouth, a major drug dealer in the area; and Lauren Velez as Tetra, Maria and David’s spiritual informant, often pointing them in the direction of the demonically possessed.

By Esther Callens

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook has released a thoroughly motivating book that’s filled with sound words of wisdom and sisterly advice. Becoming A Woman Of Destiny – Turning Life’s Trials into Triumphs! (Tarcher/Penguin) is her latest. It offers an excellent roadmap to follow in order to reach your dream.
Life has proven many times that it is full of crossroads. There are times when the correct path is taken. On the flipside are times when the trail leads back to the same junction – or worse. But nothing is like that defining moment when through divine guidance that one realizes that their life is ordained for greatness and begins to tap into this. This is where Dr. Sujay (the moniker Dr. Cook is affectionately dubbed) can help by way of her insightful book.
Based upon biblical doctrine that places the amazing story of the prophetess Deborah at the forefront, Dr. Sujay’s book explains that every woman is designed for success, no matter what has transpired in her past. In order to reach her destiny, there are qualities she should possess. These qualities (or pillars as Dr. Sujay calls them) are “Intelligence, Spirituality, Action And Community.” In Woman of Destiny, each pillar has a chapter detailing how to incorporate it into your life. There are also prayers and exercises to be done in order to reach your goal. In laymen terms Dr. Sujay has mapped the course that guarantees success – it’s up to us ladies to take the helm.

Author’s bio: Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook (Ambassador Sujay) is one of the most distinguished pastors in the nation. She served as the third U. S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom under President Obama. She has served two presidents of the United States and three members of the Cabinet. In addition, she was the first Black woman to serve as president of the 10,000-member Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, to be elected senior pastor of the 200 year-old American Baptist Churches of the USA, and to receive a White House Fellowship; she was also the first and only female to be appointed chaplain of the 50,000-member New York City Police Department. A graduate and faculty member of Harvard, she has worked closely with NBC, ABC and CBS and has been featured in Time Out New York and Ebony among other publications and on such broadcasts as Good Morning America and The Tavis Smiley Show. She hosts her own internet show, Conversations with Ambassador Sujay: Sujay Conversations About Faith and Hope.

By Esther Callens

November 10th is set as the date Legacy recording will release a magnificent collection that was performed by a phenomenal multi-award winning singer. Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances will be available in a CD and CD/DVD format for fans to forever enjoy the accomplished talent known to the world as Whitney.
There is not one nor will there ever be another artist like the iconic Whitney Houston. She had extraordinary vocals and simultaneously was a matchless beauty that won audiences the world over. To lose a jewel such as she is more than a great loss as she will forever be remembered as gone too soon. Having said that, fans are now privileged to a memorable collection. Legacy Recording (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) has taken great care in remastering some of Houston’s finest. The process in restoring the audio and video materials produced results that are heartfelt and priceless.
Devotees will delight in listening/seeing a young, teenage Houston performing “Home” (The Wiz) during her television debut on Merv Griffin. They will also relish the very sophisticated Ms. Houston as seen on the Oprah Wynfrey Show owning “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”, a powerhouse tune on which she gave her all. These along with titles “How Will I Know”, “I Believe in You and Me”, “Greatest Love of All”, “I Will Always Love You” and others are included on this once in a lifetime album. Whitney Houston has done so much for the music industry as her beautiful voice touched the masses. Yes, she is gone but will never be forgotten – her music continues to shine in us all.

CD Track listings: Home; You Give Good Love; How Will I Know; One Moment In Time; Greatest Love Of All; I Wanna Dance With Somebody; The Star Spangled Banner; All The Man I Need; I’m Your Baby Tonight; A Song for You; Medley (I Loves You, Porgy/And I Am Telling You I’m Not going/I Have Nothing); I’m Every Woman; I Will always Love You; My Love Is Your love; I Believe In you And Me; I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.
The DVD shows the aforementioned in video format with bonuses When You Believe (With Mariah Carey) and My Love Is Your Love (2 versions included).

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Feeling hurt and betrayed, Rick accused Ridge of attempting to take everything that means anything to him. Given the recent developments, everyone at Forrester Creations wondered where their jobs stand within the company. Eric questioned Ridge on whether or not his actions towards Caroline were intentionally done as a means to getting the upper hand in the race for the CEO position. Maya used Rick’s sadness, anger and vulnerability to her advantage as she gave him a supportive shoulder to cry on. Ridge and Caroline defended themselves to Eric who hinted that he may rethink his decision about who will replace him as CEO. Caroline confronted Ridge about whether or not he was using her to advance his career. Hope’s opinion about Caroline changed as she took Rick’s side. As Ridge told Katie about the events that took place in the office, he revealed that he and Caroline had shared a kiss. Wondering what this means to their relationship, Katie was reassured by Ridge that things have not changed between them.   Caroline began to panic about the fate of her marriage when she is unable to locate Rick. Maya felt victorious when she fondly remembered the evening that she spent with Rick. Caroline got the shock of her life when she discovered the extent of the damage that was done to her marriage. Eric displayed his disapproval with Ridge’s actions by making a gesture of tough love. After filling Liam in on everything that went down at Forrester Creations, Ivy invited him to a Halloween party at Bikini. Liam and Ivy grew closer as a couple as they partook in Halloween festivities at Bikini with special guest stars Donny Thompson, Amber Borzotra, Cody Calafiore, Nicole Franzel, Zach Rance, Caleb Reynolds, Devin Shepherd, Hayden Voss, Elissa Reilly, Rachel Reilly, Brendon Villegas, Jordan Lloyd, and Jeff Schroder of CBS’s Big Brother. Out of loyalty for her brother, Hope confronted Caroline about her involvement with Ridge.
THIS WEEK: Rick is resistant to any outside contact when Eric reaches out to him to discuss his future at Forrester Creations. Caroline is determined to do whatever she has to in order to save her marriage.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Thanks to Sami, Will was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. Lucas and Sami shared a warm moment as she made plans for the future. Paige demanded answers from Jill. Chad kissed Jordan for the first time. Kristen dropped a bomb on Brady. Jennifer lashed out at Daniel and ended their relationship for good! Abigail and Sami came to an understanding about the past. Ciara schemed to benefit from Sami’s good fortune. Kristen’s plan backfired in a major way, leaving Brady furious with her. John put the screws to Theresa. Sonny was upset when Will made a life-changing decision without telling him first. Sami shared a tearful goodbye with several family members. Sami bid an emotional farewell to her family as she, and the kids left Salem. Sonny’s heart broke even as he encouraged Will to follow his dream. A horrified Brady finally realized the truth. Kristen sought comfort in the arms of someone very unexpected. Brady’s shocking discovery left him hurt and angry. Marlena was taken aback when she found John and Theresa angrily blaming each other for the situation with Brady. Aiden was upset when he ran into someone from his past who also has a connection to Hope.
THIS WEEK: Eve blasts Kayla for defending Jack. Will gets some important momentum and support.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Shawn began to setup Sonny’s perpetrator in order to depose of Franco while Franco continued to taunt Carly with his wedding surprise. Michael shared with Sonny whom he suspects murdered AJ. Tracy was anxious to discover if Luke had returned. Nina ascertained some interesting information regarding Ava’s baby. Elizabeth and Jake shared a jubilant moment. It’s Beggars night in Port Charles, and several of the kids, along with Patrick and Sam, got in the spirit with costumes. Josslyn looked to Spencer to help get her out of Carly and Franco’s wedding, and in the interim, Josslyn decided to team up with Spencer in his latest attempt to break up Emma and Cameron. Sam updated Patrick about the latest information regarding Luke. Sonny and Shawn were puzzled by Franco’s latest actions. Before the wedding, Carly had a girls’ night with Bobbie but was taken aback when Bobbie asked her if she’s having any doubts. Meanwhile, Franco and Scott had their own father-son bachelor bonding night. Nathan and Maxie got some advice from Diane to see if there are any ambiguities in their dilemma. It’s Halloween and the morning of Franco and Carly’s wedding. Franco got a conflicting news update in regards to his strategy. Despite some red flags, Sonny must tell Shawn whether or not to proceed in his plan to take down Franco. Jordan and Shawn had another tense encounter about TJ. Anna cautioned Sonny not to mess with Ava. Carly tried to dissuade Michael from continuing his AJ investigation. Nina and her co-conspirator prepared their ambush. Morgan got a sense that someone’s watching the Brownstone and decided to confront Sonny. Both Shawn and Jordan found themselves in an unexpected peril. After he cornered him, Sonny lost it on Morgan. As Silas was opening up to Ava, Sam called to tell him that she has received some terrible news. Later in the day, Ava was alarmed. Spencer shared a secret about Franco with Carly just as her guests started to arrive. Kiki told Michael another lie. Franco revealed a huge bombshell at the wedding. Dante and Anna had an unsettling revelation about who killed AJ. Sonny decided to come clean with Morgan. Nina officially went off the rails with her ruse.
THIS WEEK: Despite their difference, Julian and Alexis race to comfort Sam. Jake and Liz continue to grow closer.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Stitch suspected Kevin’s the one who had him arrested, but Kevin denied it. Avery revealed that one of Stitch’s patients is suing him for malpractice. Later, Avery came to the coffeehouse and found Dylan distracted by having not yet received his new lease from the landlord. Billy told Chelsea that he would make a decision about moving in with her by the end of the day. Chelsea then decided to visit the church to talk to Adam. Summer told Nick that Phyllis was never going to accept her marriage. She asked Nick to put in a good word for Austin in order to change Phyllis’s mind. Cane asked Joe if he’s really staying in town because of Avery, but Joe insisted that it’s purely a coincidence and showed Cane his business plan. Victor came home and found an AA brochure that Nikki had hidden. Ashley let Stitch know that they needed to discuss his future at Jabot. Kevin became suspicious when he heard Michael tell someone on the phone that he blocked off the entire afternoon and doesn’t want his wife to know. Kelly told Jack that he needs to choose who he wants to be with. Colin told Kurtz he no longer wants to be a part of the money laundering scheme and that he’s to leave Jill alone. He would pay back the money he owes but his way.
THIS WEEK: Nikki gets one step closer to a big decision. Nick holds out hope for Phyllis.