In her six-decade career Grammy Award nominated singer Candi Staton has dabbled in country, blues, gospel and dance music. Her 27th CD “Life Happens” (Beracah/Fame Records) combines all of those elements on the 14-song set. USA Today’s Brian Mansfield recently referred to the project as vintage Muscle Shoals soul and The Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Jon Bream wrote of the project that, “The veteran R&B star delivers a smart and often sassy concept album about romance, featuring timeless Southern soul with such modern references as BFFs and surfing the Internet.”
Apparently, fans love it because “Life Happens” has debuted at #2 on the iTunes Blues chart and #36 on the Americana music chart. Blues radio formats have tapped into the bass-funky groove of “Beware, She’s After Your Man” and the raw tirade on a cheating man, “Three Minutes to a Relapse.” Staton laughs about the success of the new project. “All of these songs are about some aspect of life,” the Atlanta resident adds. “I’ve been in love. I’ve been cheated on and I’ve been divorced – all of that. You don’t plan for these things to go awry when you start dating but they just happen. That’s why I named the CD Life Happens.”
The new project is the first non-gospel album that Staton’s ever released on her own Beracah Records label. “At this point in my life very few companies want to take a chance on a CD by someone who is not a teenager anymore,” she says. “So God told me to invest in myself and that’s what I’ve done and so far, so good. I’m in a good place and the happiest I’ve been in years.” Fans can keep up with Staton online at www.candi-staton.com.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy 6:10
Forgive me for reverting to the old life – it is hardly worth remembering, but you may relate to this. Remember the O’Jays (1958 to present)? In 1974, they released a recording under the title, “For the Love of Money,” celebrating the accumulation of wealth, but to the credit of the writer, if you read the words carefully, you will see that it contains one of the more repugnant warnings about the dangers of loving the almighty dollar. The writer talks about the crass things people do when they attempt to accumulate wealth for the love of it. They cheat, they lie, and they steal – even from their own mother.
I’d like to suggest that you read the lyrics of that song once more for the lesson that is hidden there. Just google. You’ll find it. Here’s a verse of it.
For the love of money people will steal from their mother For the love of money people will rob their own brother For the love of money people can’t even walk the street Because they never know who in the world they’re gonna beat For that lean, mean, mean green almighty dollar, money
Of course, as most lyrics that are not seasoned from the Word of God, the words of the last verse are offensive, yet they are true and they give us a wake-up call to test our motives for seeking ungodly accumulation of wealth, and that reaches from the pulpit to the pew. God is no respecter of persons when it comes to sin and degradation. (You know if your name is being called, if your number is being drawn. The Word of God is convincing and convicting of sin.)
To live off the good graces of God and the ministry of His Word for personal monetary gain is as evil as the grossest of sins. I think of the leper who had to go about the streets crying “unlean, unclean!” A man who dons the cloak of a minister of God and turns it to money and self gratification is unclean, indeed.
Notice our text: “… the love of money is the root of all evil …” Did you get that key word? Now listen to verse 11. But thou, O Man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (I Timothy 6:11).
Notice to whom the apostle speaks – the man of God. Paul identifies his audience as “preachers, pastors, ministers.” Men of God who have not followed the virtues he sets forth in this verse 11.
When God makes a demand in His Word, He always gives us a “means of escaping” anything that is evil wherein we are guilty. Paul tells us in verse 12 to “fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.”
That is our job as Christians, and as preachers of the Gospel of Christ, it is twofold. We are to fight the good fight of faith. Why? Because it is our calling. It is our profession – a good profession according to verse 12. And many are watching our lives like a hawk.
Preacher, pastor – do you understand that you are performing (or not performing) your ministry before “many witnesses”?
People are watching our lives.
More importantly – God knows whether we are performing our profession according to His requirements for a godly minister. “I charge you in the sight of God” — to keep this commandment. Keep yourself above reproach (without spot). How long, dear preacher? Verse 14 says – “Until Jesus comes.”
Paul, in this 6th chapter of I Timothy doesn’t leave us wondering what to do. He was speaking to young Timothy, giving godly father-in-the-faith instructions. These instructions are for us, as well. We must lay hold on them, and understanding wealth accumulation and management must be undergirded with Paul’s charge to Christians.
He talks about the “fight” in verse 12. It’s a good fight of faith and it has an end. Don’t stop here. The charge continues in verse 17:
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
Paul needs us to understand that a life hidden in Christ will issue in Glory with Him, and if we have accumulated wealth to His honor and Glory and if we honor God with our substance, then we don’t have to worry about being judged as a “lover of money.” Do you remember these wonderful words from the Apostle?
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8
Let me stress once more the importance of the man of God who is called to handle the Word of God and to administer instruction according to His commandments, and may I say to you, if you are “robe-ing-up” on Sunday morning, eager to watch as the offering plate is passed so that you may continue your lavish lifestyle, you must consider the wickedness of your heart in the lust for money. Listen to what Peter has to say in his epistle:
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us,
what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
I Peter 4:17-18
We are called to:
• Honesty
• Purity
• Integrity
• Faithfulness
• Humility
• Vigilance
• Sobriety
Think on these things!
Finally, take a look on all our currency in this country which features photos of mostly dead people. Dead presidents. We must learn to lean on Christ, our Eternal Rock, not dead presidents and definitely not on the lust for money!
“The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.” II Timothy 4:22
Who is Jesus Christ? We often present the answer to this question in the representation of a baby born in a stable, lying in a manger. We present depictions of Jesus in every form. We see Christ represented at Christmas time on ornaments and cards. Stores, buildings and houses decked with ribbons, wreaths, and tassels of all colors, shapes and sizes. Many of us shop during the Christmas holiday season until we drop. We spend money we do not have and are still paying back. Close to 23 billion dollars was spent on black Friday and cyber Monday Christmas season. Billions more in stores. We spent all this money and did much more all in the name of Jesus! We do all sorts of things in the name of Jesus. What is it all about? These things range from the profound to the absurd, from the sacred to the profane, but will any of this behavior answer the question of who Jesus Christ is? Was He man or God? Was He the Son of God or the Son of Man?
Down through the ages, the question keeps coming up. Who is Jesus Christ? Many of us think we know the answer. But do we really know who Jesus Christ is? Is He really a true force in our lives? Do we see ourselves in Him and He in us? Is He simply someone we have come to believe in apart from ourselves?
Why is there a duality between what we believe about Jesus and what we know about God? I believe the answer is in the Bible. First we must come to understand there is no duality between God coming in Jesus (Son of Man) and His reign as Christ (Son of God). The Bible says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding.” Here is our clue that Jesus the man is the Son of God. Who is the “We” that know Jesus has come? That “we” is those of us who believe! That “we” is those of us who truly accept Jesus as our Savior, not just at Christmas or Easter, but all the time! It is that acceptance that gives us understanding. And it is this understanding that allows us to set-aside the commercial hoopla surrounding celebrations around Jesus and remain focused on the real reason Jesus came into the world. Second, when we understand the duality of the unknown we know that God in Christ Jesus is represented by everyday events of nature, our world and the universe. We also realize God’s presence in Christ year around.
We believe that Jesus (Son of Man) and Christ (Son of God) was one and the same. He was human and divine and He is our salvation. When we accept Jesus we accept Christ and are able to become one with Him. The celebration of Christmas, Easter and everyday becomes the celebration of the liberation of humanity from the finality of death to eternal life.
A Birmingham, Alabama rapper received jail time for a music video he participated in that allegedly glorifies cop-killing, Al.com reports.
Mose Leonard, 20, was already in court May 15 for charges of unlawfully breaking and entering into a vehicle. This came a day after he posted the video on YouTube. A judge granted him youthful offender status and suspended his original three-year sentence.
However, once Judge Katrina Ross saw Leonard’s video, she quickly changed her mind. “Today we have so many kids that get on Facebook and social media and do some crazy stuff,” the Jefferson County judge said. “I admonished him with regards to the video.”
Leonard was one of a few youths who participated in the clip. The three-minute video is a tribute to Devante Kyshon “Red Man” Hinds. Hinds was killed May 9th when he allegedly tried running a deputy down with a car. Responding officers shot him dead. He was also reportedly involved in a heroin deal, officials said.
The video calls for leaving “police bleeding” and “dropping a cop.” Officers are taking the words seriously; apparently, the images were filmed by the city’s GTO gang, allegedly involved in many local crimes.
Prosecutors showed Ross the video so he wouldn’t get youthful offender status. She was upset because she had previously warned Leonard about his social media habits. “He got back on Facebook without his father’s knowledge,” she added. Leonard’s dad is heavily involved in his life and reportedly is upset about his son’s path.
“They put everything out there and have no clue how it will affect them when they’re 25 and decide they want to do something productive with their life,” Ross said.
Leonard will serve a month behind bars. He could end up serving the full three years if he gets in trouble again. He also missed Hines’ funeral because of the sentence, a point Ross wanted to drive home.
“He wanted to go to the funeral and I didn’t allow that either,” she said. “Hopefully it will open his eyes up.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LeBOISE DERU and TAMIA BRYANT-DERU!!!
It’s MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!
…What are you doing this weekend?
(Don’t forget… FATHER’S DAY is right around the corner.)
FESTIVALS OF ALL KINDS ‘kick off’ in Music Month – June. Look for something right here in People, Places and Things by ME – Gwen! Enjoy the food, fun and music…it soothes the savage breast… and makes you ‘sing out loud.’
PRESERVE JAZZ FESTIVAL…Sunday at Sloss Furnace! Check it out!
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MAXINE PARKER REMEMBERED – Birmingham City Council Maxine Parker will be remembered at the Grand Reopening of the Inglenook Library TODAY, 8:30 a.m. In 2013, the Birmingham City Council approved library bond money to go toward renovations. The late Council President Maxine Herring Parker, whose district included Inglenook, obtained funding for the upgrade. She passed away on Nov. 12, 2013. Her son, Councilor William A. Parker, now represents her district. He is scheduled to attend the May 22nd ceremony, which will include the unveiling of a plaque that dedicates the renovation in her memory. The building was used as a fire station from 1927 to 1978. In 1979, it was turned into a library. The Inglenook branch hasn’t seen a makeover since 1995, which is when a new roof, new carpet, a new heating and air conditioning system and more were installed. The firehouse’s original bell will be on display. Others expected to attend are Birmingham Chief of Staff Erskine R. Faush, Jr., Birmingham Public Library Director Renee Blalock, Birmingham Public Library Associate Director Angela Fisher Hall, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Craig Witherspoon and library board members.
ANNUAL MISSIONARY DAY – Attorney Ida Tyree Hyche (Editor, AME International Missionary Magazine) is the guest Speaker at 11 a.m. SUNDAY and Reverend Sheryl Shipman, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Trussville is Guest Speaker at 3 p.m. at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rosedale (2617 18th Place South, Homewood) on Sunday. Dr. Patricia Anne Outlaw is the Senior Pastor. Call (205) 871-8057 for more.
BioAlabama 2014 Annual Meeting – Alabama biotech community seeks to bridge the gap between Corporate and Academic sectors as the annual meeting takes places, next Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Hilton Birmingham. The theme for the 2014 BioAlabama Annual Meeting is “Bridging the Gap between Corporation and Academics in the Biotechnology Industry”. The morning meeting will feature a science symposium with topics focused on: Drug Discovery, Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Genomics. Groundbreaking scientific and corporate presentations from teams across Alabama will be featured including Auburn University, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, The Innovation Depot, University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama. Chris Yochim is the Global Head of External Relations, Global Product and Portfolio Strategy for AstraZeneca. He contributed to the development of numerous marketed products, including treatments for high blood pressure, asthma and schizophrenia. As the meeting’s featured speaker, Yochim will share his insights on partnering, research and commercialization between industry and academia based on his 20+ years of experience. There will be an Opening Reception on Wednesday, May 28th from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Innovation Depot, 1500 1st Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama. Call (205) 588-0047 for more information. Tell them Gwen sent you. ART CRAWL – Calling All Artists! Exhibit in the inaugural monthly Birmingham Art Crawl that kicks off Thursday, June 5! This consistent opportunity allows you a platform to showcase and/or sell works of art all year long in the Historic Loft District of Birmingham’s Central City neighborhood. Registering for the inaugural June 5 Art Crawl also allows you an invitation to exhibit or perform in both the June Art Crawl and July Art Crawl for only one registration fee. Be part of this exciting opportunity and continued surge of growth in the downtown area! Deadline to apply for the inaugural Art Crawl is Thursday, May 22 by midnight. Apply online at birminghamartcrawl.com.
THEN…
There is FATHER’S Day, right around the corner..
NASCAR Launches Father’s Day Campaign – Win Goodyear Blimp Ride In #NASCARwithDAD Sweepstakes – No other sport features such rich family tradition and father-son lineage as NASCAR®, where iconic names like Petty, Earnhardt, Jarrett and France have been made famous across generations. To celebrate the fathers of stock car legends and highly passionate NASCAR fans alike, NASCAR announced “NASCAR with DAD,” a Father’s Day platform built around memorable NASCAR moments with Dad. As Official Partners Goodyear, 3M and Ford have teamed up to create the #NASCARwithDAD Sweepstakes. Fans entering have a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime Goodyear Blimp Ride for two high above Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This all-inclusive VIP experience at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway includes $500 travel cash and hospitality, and a driver meet and greet. Fans can also win one of 10 NASCAR Racing Experience prize packages to feel the thrill of driving a NASCAR-style stock car with their Dad. To win these unforgettable prizes, fans can enter the #NASCARwithDAD Sweepstakes by going to nascar.com/NASCARwithDad beginning today through 11:59 p.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15.
NOW…
FOR LAUGHTER… At the StarDome Comedy Club… THIS WEEKEND…..
FRIDAY……RONNIE JORDAN… No stranger to television, Ronnie has been featured on BET’s Comic View, Martin Lawrence Presents the 1st Amendment Stand-up, P. Diddy Presents Bad Boys of Comedy and host of the successful Atlanta based video show, Oomp Camp Live. Behind the scene, Ronnie is a gifted writer who has collaborated with many of his fellow comedians and also wrote on That Comedy Show that aired on Turner South Network. Ronnie is currently touring the nation’s colleges and universities on his “College Material Tour” through the Auburn Moon Agency.
AND…EDDIE GRIFFIN, Saturday and Sunday.. Quickly following with performances on HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam and a Cable Ace Award-nominated special, Griffin began branching out into acting. Roles in such films as The Last Boy Scout (1991), Coneheads (1993), and Jason’s Lyric (1994) soon led to a sitcom (Malcom and Eddie) in 1996, and Griffin’s film appearances became more frequent. After headlining 2001’s Double Take alongside Orlando Jones, Griffin earned his leading-man status, and with his role as Anton Jackson in 2002’s Undercover Brother, it seemed as if Griffin had conquered not only the stage, but the silver screen as well. In addition to his comedic skills, Griffin is also a gifted dancer and choreographer.
Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you!
MORE LAUGHTER…, May 27-June1 – JEN KOBER, June 5-8 – TOMMY DAVIDSON, June 13-15 – RUSSELL PETERS, June 20-21 – CRAIG SHOEMAKER, June 26 – GEORGE LOPEZ (One Night Only), June 27-29 – DAMON WAYANS and July 10-13 & 17-20 – RODNEY CARRINGTON. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!!
FRIDAY…..
**MATT MARSHAK, Contemporary Jazz Guitarist at the Watermark Place, 7 p.m. Call (205) 425-1137 for more.
SATURDAY…
**ENJOY THE WEATHER! Stop by the NEW TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont Avenue across from Legion Field stadium. Tell them Gwen sent you (See you there.)
SUNDAY….
**HOT MIC SUNDAYS – Each and every Sunday is Open Mic and Karaoke, 8 p.m. – midnight at Venue 35…Free before 9 p.m. at 2724 35th Avenue North. There will be rappers, comedians and poets.
**PLAY – SOMETHING JUST AIN’T RIGHT – A gospel stage play is in town this Sunday at the Carver Theatre (1631 Fourth Avenue North), 3 and 6 p.m.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR MAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! THIS MEANS YOU….TAMIA BRYANT-DERU, LEBOISE DERU RODNEY MORTON and STEPHONIA MCLINN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)
ATLANTA (AP) — Rapper Gucci Mane pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a federal firearms charge in Atlanta.
The 34-year-old, whose real name is Radric Davis, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. The charge he pleaded guilty to carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000. Prosecutors recommended that Davis be sentenced to serve three years and three months in prison.
His sentencing is set for July 28.
Davis was found to have a gun on Sept. 12 and had a different gun in his possession two days later, and he acted erratically and threatened people on both occasions, according to the indictment. The plea agreement focused only on the latter incident.
Early on Sept. 14, a man who said he was a friend of the rapper’s called police to say Davis was walking down the street behaving violently, according to a police report. When police arrived, Davis smelled strongly of marijuana, cursed at them, called them names and threatened to shoot them, the report says.
Police arrested him on a disorderly conduct charge and found a clear baggie with what they believe was marijuana and a loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun, the report says. An ambulance was called, and Davis was sedated and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Davis’ lawyer, Drew Findling, said his client is doing mentally and physically well now and is ready to get back to his life and to making music.
“The most important thing that took place today is that he accepted responsibility and is ready to move on,” Findling said. “He’s positive about his music, but most importantly, he’s really just ready to take control of his life.”
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Known for powerful and passionate live performances, Tamar Braxton will bring her dynamic and unforgettable show to audiences across North America this spring and summer.
The Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, personality, and television producer is set to be direct support for R&B legend R. Kelly on his upcoming arena jaunt followed by a headline run of her own. She joined Kelly starting April 18 in Montgomery, Ala. through May 11 in Louisville, Ky., while her solo Love and War tour commences May 16 in Miami, Fla. and culminates in San Francisco, Calif. on June 23.
Expect to hear and see her Streamline/Epic debut, Love and War, come to life vividly and vibrantly on stage nightly. Her instantly recognizable voice always captivates, while her presence remains invigorating. Idolator has called her live show, “very impressive”, while Perez Hilton claims, “her vocals are ON POINT.” You’ll definitely feel Love and War stage when she rolls through your town.
Right now, Tamar is also compiling ideas for her next forthcoming release and preparing for the nationwide launch of The Real— the syndicated, one-hour daily talk show set to launch nationwide in Fall 2014 on Fox Television Stations and premiering in a second window on BET. Viewers can also catch her on the WE tv hit series Tamar & Vince and Braxton Family Values.
In just the past year, Tamar has solidified herself as one of R&B’s leading divas. Love and War became the #1 R&B album upon debut, selling 400,000 copies since its September release. In support of the record, she performed to packed houses across the U.S. on a 30-city tour supporting John Legend, engaged in a whirlwind European promo run, and even picked up two 2013 Soul Train Awards, after performing at the event in Las Vegas. She also released her very first holiday album, Winter Loversland. On top of it all, she gave birth to her first son, feeling like as she puts it, “I won!”
Love and War hit #2 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release, making for 2013’s highest debut from a female R&B artist. Meanwhile, it also topped the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and iTunes Top R&B Albums Chart. Press acclaim also showered the release. Vibe described the record as “Emotional and amazing”, while ARTISTdirect.com called it “everything a classic R&B record should be and so much more.” After gracing the cover of Ebony Magazine, she celebrated the album’s release with performances on Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Michael, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.
Tamar will be appearing June 14th at Iron City in Birmingham, Ala.
1954: The Year Willie Mays and The First Generation of Black Superstars Changed Major League Baseball Forever” by Bill Madden
c.2014, Da Capo Press $25.99 / $29.00 Canada 290 pages
You know the rules.
Each base must be touched, each ball hit within bounds – or so you hope. No spitballs, corked bats, pine tar, or steroids. Four bases to run. Three strikes, you’re out.
Those are the basics of baseball. But rules, of course, can be changed, just like the game itself and in the new book “1954” by Bill Madden, you’ll see how the game was altered forever by one simple fix.
It was a time when Perry Como dominated the music charts and Elvis was just some kid in Memphis . The Cold War raged; Brown vs. Board of Education was decided; and radio was king, although everybody wanted a television set on which to watch a few brief programs on a handful of stations.
It was 1954 and, like much of the world, baseball was in the midst of change, too.
Though Jackie Robinson had broken baseball’s color line seven years earlier, many teams had rosters that were still completely white. The Dodgers were “the most aggressive” on tackling segregation with six black players that year. The Indians had five and the Giants, four. That complete desegregation was coming was obvious, despite protests against it and owner reluctance.
Willie Mays, returning after two years in the Army, was one of baseball’s 38 (out of 536) black players in 1954. Mays had been spotted by scouts while still in high school, but was denied a spot on at least one team whose owners refused to sign a black player. In 1954, he signed a contract for $13,000 and became a Giant.
Mid-season, Ernie Banks joined the Cubs as “one of the elite players in the Negro Leagues.” Hank Aaron was brought up for the Braves, though he’d been mercilessly (and racially) derided for his running style. Other talented black players followed them to the majors, and at the end of the 1954 season, fans gathered to “witness the first World Series game in history with players of color on both teams,” a game between the Indians and the Giants.
Four teams (the Yankees, the Tigers, the Phillies, and the Red Sox) had yet to integrate.
Recognize those names? It’s likely that you do, especially if you’re a baseball fan – and there’s so much more here for you if you are. For everybody else, though, “1954” will be an eye-crossing, head-spinning mix of statistics and stories that won’t mean nearly as much.
In the lightning-fast manner of a sportscaster, author Bill Madden tells a story that goes beyond Jackie Robinson’s history-making 1947 debut. Readers will learn why 1954 was so important to the game; how racism continued to taint the industry for at least a few more months after this iconic season; and how, sixty years ago and despite that it had been around awhile, the game was really still evolving.
I can’t stress enough that this is not a book for casual ball-watchers or followers of modern baseball. No, it’s for fans who love the history of the game. For that kind of person, “1954” rules.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Bill and Brooke made a big commitment. The feud between Quinn and Liam boiled over when Liam found out that Quinn intentionally locked him in the steam room. Hope and Wyatt worried about their mothers. Ridge was less than thrilled about Brooke’s news while Quinn made a sexy last ditch effort to woo Bill. Bill refused Quinn’s advances, reminding her that he’s now engaged to Brooke. Ridge believed he knows what is best for Brooke and took her ring, informing her that she will not marry Bill. While discussing Spencer/ Logan love combinations, Wyatt reminded Hope that they’re just the right blend. A heated argument between Ridge and Bill escalated to a new level. An argument between Ridge and Bill was stopped by Brooke who demanded that Ridge return her ring. Donna informed Katie about Brooke and Bill’s engagement. Katie urged Ridge to leave Brooke and Bill alone, knowing that no one can stop them from getting married. A refreshing side of Quinn was revealed when she confided in Wyatt about her desire to be loved. Bill proposed an exciting and exotic idea to Brooke. Ridge was upset that he let Bill get him worked up but still struggled with the idea of Bill Spencer being a step-father to RJ. Liam tried to help Hope make a decision faster by surprising her with a kiss and the knowledge that Bill and Brooke were headed to the UAE. Wyatt arrived and one-ups Liam by telling them that Bill and Brooke are getting married on their trip. Katie and Brooke hoped that they could mend their relationship. Ridge tried to stop Brooke one last time. RJ was excited to wear the symbolic gift that Bill gave him. Bill and Brooke basked in their love while on the jet to Dubai. Bill insisted on keeping the location of their wedding a secret from Brooke.
THIS WEEK: Hope and Donna try to help Ridge accept Bill and Brooke’s relationship. Wyatt wonders what new scheme Quinn is devising when she reveals something shocking.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Nicole and Eric made love! Sami and EJ received shocking news. Lucas landed in hot water when Hope caught him in a lie. Theresa put a damper on JJ’s first real date with Paige. Daniel gave Nicole an ultimatum. Eric told Marlena of his engagement to Nicole. John’s actions inadvertently pushed Brady further towards Theresa. Hope wasn’t pleased to hear what Aiden’s been up to behind her back. Nicole had a stunning proposition for Eric. Sami exploded when she learned Eric plans to marry Nicole. Gabi had an unexpected request regarding Arianna’s custody agreement. Kate accused Lucas of shooting Nick! A desperate Nicole came up with an outrageous lie to keep the truth from Eric. EJ questioned Kate’s feelings for Stefano. Abigail was horrified by EJ’s admission. Jordan and Ben worried about their past catching up to them. Nicole realized she’s running out of time and urged Eric to agree to her plan. Hope cornered Lucas with damning evidence, and he reluctantly made a confession about the night Nick was shot.
THIS WEEK: Sami blasts Kate for allowing Stefano back into her life. After confiding in Abigail, EJ urges her to keep quiet.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Luke showed up at Alexis’s house with a hidden agenda. Julian called a family dinner at the art gallery and asked Lucas to bring a date. Shawn considered having a private conversation with Jordan about a pending situation. At the hospital, Silas received flowers from a loved one. When Maxie received a notice to appear in court regarding her baby, Georgie, Nathan’s perplexed by her defensive reaction. Carly and Franco enlisted help from an old friend to investigate AJ’s murder case. The PCPD prepared to take down the mob. Following Julian’s astonishing news, all havoc broke loose. TJ learned the truth about his mother’s past and present – while Jordan threw Anna off guard with a revelation. Morgan pressed Sonny for answers about sleeping with Ava. Carly and Franco uncovered revealing information about the night AJ was shot. Elizabeth and Ric bonded. Molly consoled TJ as he grappled with the realization about Jordan. Duke made a disclosure to Sonny. Sam was confused about Julian’s announcement. Tracy found Ned in a precarious situation with Luke. Carly and Franco deciphered what to do with their newfound evidence. Luke was determined to seek revenge toward one unfortunate Port Charles resident. Julian pulled out his ace-in-the-hole with Scott.
THIS WEEK: An upset TJ decides to confront Jordan about her lies. After the Nurses Ball incident, Lucy is excited when Kevin has some news to share.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
When Jill learned that a Bonaventure card was found in Colin’s wallet, she tried to get information out of him about what he’s really up to. Later, Victor paid Jill a visit, asking if she was behind his recent troubles with the FDA. Noah was shocked when Victor asked him to testify on his behalf. Later, Jack figured out that Nikki walked out on Victor because of what he did to Sharon. Neil told Hilary he wants to go public with their relationship. Later, Devon got into an argument with Hilary. Lily was shocked to learn that Neil is now dating Hilary! Jack ran into Kelly and wondered if fate had anything to do with it. Later, Jack surprised Kelly with a romantic picnic at the loft, and she opened up about her past. Abby went to Victor, and he promised he would take care of Mariah. When Abby told Tyler that she enlisted Victor’s help, Tyler’s worried about how far Victor will go. To Nick’s displeasure, Sharon went to see Mariah in hopes that she could help her figure out something about the secret she can’t remember. Chelsea was shocked when Billy told her that Chloe asked him to have another baby and then drugged him. Stitch was surprised when Victor gave his approval of his relationship with Victoria. Billy overheard him and old Victor that Stitch isn’t who he says he is. Summer met Austin, who’s helping to produce Avery’s new show. When Avery arrived, she asked Summer to stay and help her with her shoot. Summer opened up to Austin about her complicated relationships with her family. Nikki was outraged when Ian Ward told her that his charges against him have been cleared and that he wants to be friends. Later, Victor threatened Ian and Dylan called Willa in hopes of getting more information on Ian. Leslie wanted to know what’s Ian’s end game, but Ian played his cards close to the vest. Paul and Christine had a romantic evening, excited at the prospect of having a baby together.
THIS WEEK: Chloe puts her shocking plan into motion! Lily is still reeling over news about Neil and Hilary!
