This time, however, I was concerned that his press tour had worn him out. I was concerned that he would be tired and be a little more subdued for our interview. I was wrong. Will bounced in the room, big smile on his face, gave me a big hug and kiss, said hello to every crew member who was in awe of this big star (did I mention he gave me a big hug and kiss?) and was ready to give his all. I asked him during our interview, what did he think made him so successful? Without hesitating, he said, “it's a lot of hard work”. Now, that may seem simple but what he was saying is he never "phones it in". Even though he may have been exhausted, he knows the importance of selling his movie with a good interview. I appreciate that in a star like Will Smith. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting in an interview with a actor who you can tell doesn’t want to be there, who’s giving you one-word answers because he hates the movie he’s in.

It’s never like that with Will Smith. Not only because, for the most part, he makes good career choices, but because he knows the difference between being a celebrity, and being a STAR.

Peace,

Shaun

Peace, Shaun

When I found this quote by Aristotle, it made me pause for a moment and think about…what I think about. We are all prone to times of self-doubt that limit us and keep us from moving forward towards our goals. As I am finishing up the book that I am writing, I sometimes get flashes of, “Will I meet the deadline?” “Will people read it?” “Will it touch the hearts and minds of the girls and young women it’s dedicated to?”

Then, I snap out of it and say, “Yes, to all of it!” Of course, I will meet deadlines and of course, people will love the book! When we make a habit of sending positive messages to ourselves and are authentic about what we are saying, then the world responds in kind.

Excellence in thinking is just like excellence in doing.

I tell young aspiring journalists all the time that one of the keys to making it in the business is perseverance. When you are diligent in mapping out a plan to accomplish your goals, you are more likely to achieve them than someone who just wishes great things would happen. Mapping out a plan means doing research on your field, learning what you have to do to excel in the profession, taking classes, and networking.

I remember something actor Will Smith told me after he was named “One of the Smartest People in Hollywood”. When I asked him about his work ethic, he said that he made it a point to always be more prepared than the next guy. So, that meant, when he was rehearsing a scene, he not only memorized his own lines, but all the other actor’s lines. That’s why he is so successful.

Being excellent doesn’t mean being perfect. It means giving the world your best and, most of all, yourself!

Peace,

Shaun

How wonderful it is to explore new things and a new way of thinking! It can be very intimidating to step out of our comfort zone but the rewards can be so great. Get around people who are different from you – different interests, different backgrounds, different faiths or skin color.

There are certain restaurants that I love and I will order the same dish each time I go. It sounds so small but even trying new food brings a new experience. If you have never seen a ballet or been to an art gallery, try one for a change.  What about a free concert in the park? Fishing? Don’t prejudge it. It could be fun. Taking a different route to work can open your eyes to what’s going on around you and your neighborhood. Watch a different channel of television or better yet, read a different type of book than you would normally read. All of these things will help you make better decisions because you’ll have more exposure than you have ever had before.  To be our best, we have to stay open and explore other interests. Sameness limits us. Get outside of your box because God has a full world that he wants you to explore.

Be determined to be everything He has destined you to be!

Peace,

Shaun

This book is going to be a tribute to our girls – giving them the support and love they need to help them develop a stronger sense of self. I can’t wait to share it with you!

You have been a blessing!

Peace, Shaun

Television is very alluring. It's an attractive field to many people because it's seen as glamorous, lucrative, and "not brain surgery". Sometimes this is true. Many times, it's not. So, what I have decided to do is, instead of answering each question individually (I WISH I had the time!) , I will write on my blog occasionally about some of the keys to success in this business that I have learned over the years. I will still write about my interviews with celebrities and my family - which many people really love hearing about. And, I will certainly write inspirational stories too - which I really love doing. But, for the many aspiring journalists, hosts, etc., I will share with you my tidbits as much as I can. So, just keep checking back from time to time and hopefully this will be a lot of help.

Did you ever see Nicole Kidman in "To Die For"? Her character wanted to be on television soooo badly, because in her mind, "You're nobody unless you are on TV!"

Those people? I just can't help. For folks who just want to be on television to get famous, all I can say is just act crazy enough for long enough and you will probably get your own reality show.

For those of you who really want to be taken seriously, the first piece of advice I can offer you 'perseverance'. I really think that those who make it in this business (and any competitive field) are the ones who never give up. There have been so many times when I ran into some obstacle that, if I had a weak spirit, would have derailed my ambitions. It could have been someone who told me that I wasn't the right "something" - height, weight, skin color, gender, economic class. Or, it could have been just one more rejection letter. Or it could have been a "concerned friend". There are so many people who love to tell us why we CAN'T do something. It may be that they want to save us from the pain of disappointment. And employer may just have it set in their minds the 'type' of person they want for the job, or that "concerned friend" may be having some feelings about their own unfulfilled aspirations and they subconsciously don't want to see someone else succeed. Whatever the reason, it's important to tune out negative voices and steadfastly keep on the path to your dreams.

A few years later, I realized that I wasn’t growing as a journalist and if I was ever going to get the experience I needed, I was going to have to leave and take a job in a smaller market. My family and friends thought I was crazy.

When I got to this smaller city, I didn’t have a place to live, so I stayed with two different families, including a friend of my grandmother’s, until I could find an apartment I could afford.  So, I spent my days working at this new job covering city council meetings, fender benders and murders, and looking for an apartment under $350 dollars a month – all the while wondering if I made the right decision. I was no longer living with my parents, I had little money,  and I had to avoid stepping on tiny frogs to get into the back door of the station that was located in the boondocks.

And then, two months later, the news director fired me.

He said I did not have what it takes to make it in TV.

Now, I'm just saying.

Bottom line:

Don't let anyone tell you that you can not achieve something. If it is your passion, if you have good intentions, if you work your butt off - you can do most anything.

Never count yourself out.

Never.

But the message of Renewal is a joyous one that I never tire of hearing and always arrives at the right time in my life. I love witnessing the dramatizations of the life, death, and rebirth of Jesus that are a staple of Easter. The little girls in their beautiful Easter dresses bring back memories of the little frilly frocks that my mom and grandmother would have me try on in the JC Penney's dressing room. There was one seafoam green lace number with little white speckled flowers that I got when I was 6-years-old that is still fresh in my memory. That's because, well into my 20's my beloved Grandma Curry had, what seemed like a three-foot-by-five-foot bronze framed picture of me in that dress hanging in her living room proudly displayed as you walked through her front door. There I was...my skin airbrushed to a sepia-tone, sitting on a bench looking over-my-shoulder, with my little white gloves on and my hair in about 30 Shirley Temple curls. Grandma had taken me to Aunt Ina's Beauty Parlor on Detroit's west side where I sat with the grownups and got my hair washed, conditioned, pressed, and curled with a little help from some Ultra Sheen hair grease. You could not tell me nuthin.'

As a little girl I didn't know what Easter was all about--just that we got dressed up and were gifted with jelly beans and chocolate bunnies.

Today, this Big Girl who lives in a very fast-paced, hectic world, finds a peace and solitude hearing the message of Rebirth.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Renew. Rejoice. Relive!

Blessings, Shaun

Dad was cooking some turkey bacon and grits and I could almost smell them as they sizzled through the telephone.

“Oh yes, he did very well.” Mom agreed. “But, I think Hillary may win next time”.

“Oh, I dooon’t knoooow” Dad said slowly but with much confidence. “Daughter, are you still there?”

“Uh-huh”, I mumbled, still laying in bed. I looked up at the ceiling and said, “Thank you, Lord”.

Mom and Dad got divorced when I was six-years-old. They never told me why and I never asked. They’ve never said a negative word about the other to me. They live down the street from each other in Detroit and go to breakfast together about twice a week. Sometimes I’ll call their different homes and get no answer and,  then I’ll call each one’s cell phone. The first one I get, I’ll ask “Where are you?” It’s a child’s unspoken belief that their parents should always be at home waiting for their call.

My inquiry is oftentimes met with, “I’m having breakfast with your daddy.” Mom will put him on the phone and Dad will say, “What’s happening, baby?” all the while never missing a bite of his food. The breakfast at Coney Island is so good. “Honey, we’ll call you back later” one of them would lovingly say after about 10 minutes. They were having such a good time and stopping to catch me up on the conversation was slowin’ the flow. I’m wishing I was there.

I’m blessed that my parents are still here and still like each other enough to want to spend time together.  I’ve heard horror stories about the hate and anger exes carry for one another and how detrimental it has been to the children. That has never been the case with my family and I am grateful.

“I’m going to call ya’ll back”, Dad said as I heard the clinging and rattling of the plate and silverware that would soon hold his culinary masterpiece.

“Yes, I’ve got to finish watching Joel Olsteen”, which is Mom’s favorite show.

We all said “I love you” simultaneously before hanging up.

And once again, I said softly, “Thank you, Lord”.

The alarm rang at 7:00 this morning and within a couple hours I was sitting in our New York offices chatting it up with Hal Holbrooke and congratulating him on his Academy Award nomination for 'Into the Wild'. I teased him that even at 82, he was not the oldest nominee this year. That distinction went to 83-year-old Ruby Dee who got a nod for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'American Gangster'.

Next it was a quick trip to 42nd Street to interview Ruby Dee's competition for this year's Oscar - Amy Ryan who was nominated for her role in 'Gone Baby Gone'. Then, the camera crew and I headed back to the studio for a sit-down interview with Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton who, at age 40, and the mother of 4 daughters, still does back flips in the house.

Right after I finished interviewing Mary Lou, I got a message on myBlackberry that I was being sent to Rome, Italy tomorrow for anexclusive on-set movie visit scheduled for Friday. After an hour and a half of figuring out travel arrangements and wardrobe, I got another message saying the interview was off and I was heading to San Francisco in five hours for an interview with a music choreographer. So I headed back to the hotel to pack. The front desk called to say my car was outside waiting to take me to JFK airport when I get another message on my Blackberry that actor Heath Ledger had died suddenly in his apartment in New York. So, I headed down to Soho and was met by, what seemed like a hundred paparazzi photographers, several news crews, dozens of police officers and medical personnel. I made my way through the crowd to my producer and crew just as the police were setting up barricades to keep the entrance of the apartment building clear. About an hour later, the coroners' office was wheeling Heath Ledger’s body out on a stretcher just feet in front of me, as the flashes of the photographers lit up the night. Police report that two bottles of sleeping pills and anti-depressants were found by the actor's body.

Another life cut short.

I am tired. I am sad. I am thankful to have another day.

I wish I could have written a different ending to the script of this day but, it is not to be. But, I do wish you a peaceful day and let this be a reminder of how precious life is.

It's been so hard not to spill the beans but, I couldn't share it with anyone just in case it did not happen. My producer in New York emailed me several weeks ago to tell me that he had booked an interview with a legend. Rarely do I get "excited" about meeting a celebrity anymore but, this one had me really looking forward to the interview.

So, after a month of being very proud about not letting the cat out of the bag, I flew into New York's JFK airport on Sunday night. When I stepped off the plane, the bitter cold stung my face. Well, that's okay. It will be worth it. I found my driver and after getting my three suitcases (yes, I know I'm only going to be here two and a half days but, I may change my mind about the outfit I picked out for the special interview.) On the way to the hotel, I wanted to tell the driver so badly who I was coming to meet but I decided that since I kept it this long, I would just go the distance.

I checked into the hotel, ordered a beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad and a hot bowl of cream of broccoli soup  (which came in a creamy brown color that smelled and tasted just like mushroom).  I took out my notes and read over them for the 15th time. I wanted to make sure I had all the questions I want to ask memorized.

Monday morning, I went into the office to do some work and then, around 10:30 headed out to the train station. I found Gate 11 and boarded the train for the one-hour ride to Philadelphia.  When I arrived into the City of Brotherly Love, the driver greeted me and we hurriedly jumped in the car to escape the winter chill.

The 25-minute drive took us through the city and winded us up the hills of the neighborhood he has called home for more than 20 years. When we found the address, I nervously got out of the car and went up to the gated entrance.

 Steve, my producer, opened the door and greeted me. "Hi Shaun." "Hi Steve". I said. "Where is he?" I only had to wait a couple minutes. Steve then said, "Shaun, meet Mr. Teddy Pendergrass."

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by a sign stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

                And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

                Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

                Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of
                Pennsylvania.

                Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

                Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

                But not only that:

                Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

                Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

                Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

                Free at last! Free at last!

                Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

I pushed the snooze button a couple of time before I dragged myself out of bed to get ready before the car came at 4:45 to take me to the studio to get hair and makeup done. 

My first “hit” time was 6:10 am. I was doing affiliate interviews with a series of local television stations around the country promoting the Access Hollywood/NBC News Golden Globes Special announcing the winners of the awards. 

With the writer’s strike, the Globes were reduced to a press conference – no red carpet, no fancy gowns. So, NBC News  decided to make things a little more fun by presenting the announcements in a one-hour show full of clips from the film and television shows nominated along with other interviews of the stars that we have done over the years. 

My job during the show was to give an in-studio analysis of the winners with Dave Karger of Entertainment Weekly.

It was a night of sure winners and some surprising upsets and with the Golden Globes being a good predictor of the Academy Awards, it was very exciting!

Here are some of the highlights of the night from television and a few to look out for when Oscar comes calling:

Kudos to Queen Latifah, who won for her role as Ana, an HIV-positive woman who channels her energies to help her community by working with an AIDS outreach group,

in HBO’s Life Support.

Even though Cate Blanchett is a Golden Globe darling with seven nominations under her belt, her win in the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category for “I’m Not There,” where she portrays Bob Dylan, was a surprise. Amy Ryan from Gone Baby Gone was the front-runner. Either could get an Oscar nomination.

I was glad Jeremy Piven, a buddy, won his first Golden Globe for his role as Ari Gold in Entourage.

No brainer. Javier Bardem as a menacing serial killer in No Country For Old Men, for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.

In a very close race Atonement beat No Country for Best Motion Picture Drama.

Although there was no red carpet it was still an exciting night for television and movie buffs.

Kudos to our amazing staff at Access Hollywood and NBC News  for a task well done!

Let the Oscar race begin!

This has been a very difficult story for me to report. I had interviewed Donda West just several weeks before she died November 10, 2007,  after reportedly undergoing a breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction. 

I’ve known Kanye for a few years and despite his tough exterior, I can tell you that he has a very tender side and was definitely a ‘momma’s boy.’ And you couldn’t help but be impressed with Donda West, a college professor who gave up an academic career to manage her son to superstardom. She talked to me about her book, “Raising Kanye” and said she knew her son possessed extraordinary talent by age two.

The Kanye West Foundation asked me to host their fundraising event in Chicago and while I was there, I had an exclusive sit-down with both Kanye and his mom. When I heard about her death, I couldn’t believe it. She was such a strong and vibrant woman. 

I also know Dr. Jan Adams, who performed Donda’s surgery. So much speculation has surrounded his experience, past procedures, and the after-care Donda received.

When I read the email it stated the exact reason Kanye’s mother died could not be determined, but there was no sign of “surgical or anesthetic misadventure,” according to the coroner’s report. The report indicated coronary artery disease may have played a role but it could not be determined.

I picked up the phone and called Jan Adams to get his response to the coroner’s report.  We spoke for about 40 minutes—much of what we discussed I won’t reveal—and he chose to release this exclusive statement to me:  “Mrs. Donda West’s autopsy confirms exactly what we believed. Again, we are on the side of the family and will continue to work with the family to get them through this difficult time.”

My heart goes out to Kanye. He has shown extraordinary resolve for a young man who lost his biggest supporter. That strength was certainly passed down to him from the single mother who overcame so many odds to become an accomplished professor, author, manager, and inspiring black woman.

I hope the day brings some peace and closure.

Shaun

 I interviewed Britney Spears years ago not long after I started at Access Hollywood. Even back then, she was a star in the music world – there was no doubt about that. She seemed very centered, very focused.

I never really bought into the “sweet southern girl”off-stage image that was presented to the audience. I found it hard to balance that with the schoolgirl mini skirt bumping and grinding to “hit me baby one more time.” Provocatively, she would pose for a picture pulling down her panties and then, in interviews, would say she doesn’t consider herself a sex symbol. Well, the white-hot virgin is a nice fantasy for some but it’s just that – a fantasy.

 She had smart people around her – she had to. No one would argue that she is great vocally or the best dancer in the world but that was okay. There are many of those in Hollywood. I’m-not-the-best-but-I’m-the-best-at-working-what-I’ve-got. She was packaged right and she knew that. She was very good at her brand.

 And because she knew her brand well, she had a major impact on American culture.  She had sold millions of albums – many purchased by moms for their little girls who looked at her as a role model of sorts.  You had to give the girl her props.

Then, something happened on the way to becoming the next Madonna.

 Britney was not the one anyone thought would crack under the intense pressure of the entertainment biz. There were other starlets who didn’t seem to have the grounding that Britney did. She was close to her mom, dated another squeaky-clean pop star, didn’t get into any trouble, went to church and, my goodness, preached abstinence.

But, she did. Enough so, that her latest trip to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center seemingly racked up more minutes of coverage than Barack taking the Iowa Caucus. Can you imagine paparazzi running after and banging on the Obama caravan like they were doing with the ambulance that was carrying the beloved pop star?

The pictures are disturbing. Seeing her laying on the gurney, seemingly disoriented, smiling, bewildered with a police officer carrying one of her sons,  her estranged father racing to the hospital behind KFed who now, literally, seems like Father of the Year.

What is this reality show that we are watching?

There has been so much speculation about what is playing a role in Britney’s erratic and possible dangerous behavior. Is it drugs, a mental illness, horrendous parenting, or just the theatrics of a star who feels privileged to dramatically perform in front of the ever-ready lens of the camera while pundits argue, “Can she bounce back?” Is there really no such thing as bad publicity in Hollywood? Many believe you are a celebrity just because people are looking at you.

My wish for Britney is that she does bounce back – not onto the stage but, into a state of peace, out of the spotlight, and to a place where the people around her care about nothing more than getting her well.

She deserves that.

More times than not, I have kicked off the new year by attending service at midnight and this year it was ‘Praise Party 07’ at the Great Western Forum. Yes, the same place that Magic Johnson use to wow audiences during basketball season, is now home to Faithful Central Bible Church with around 10-thousand people packing in for New Year’s Eve celebration.

I was so excited to ring in the New Year in church - last year I couldn't make it because I was in South Africa covering the opening of Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls. Everyone was getting his or her praise on – the energy in the forum was so tremendous.  My friend, Ms. Niecy Nash served as host for the evening and had the audience in hysterics with an ‘church version’ of  “Singing Bee” where the band and choir played a few lines of a gospel song and an unsuspecting audience member had to finish the song by memory.

The night was my first introduction to ‘Israel Houghton and New Breed’ who were absolutely amazing.  This group is so talented that one of my resolutions is to fill my iPOD with their inspiring music.

Tye Tribbett followed Israel. Tye is one of the most charismatic performers I have seen. This guy has so much energy – when he is on stage you are having CHERCH!

We had been standing for hours (service started at 8:30) and with only a few minutes to go before midnight, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer took the stage to share God’s blessings with us for the New Year.

And then, at the stroke of midnight – REJOICE! With the release of tons of confetti filling the stadium – we rung in 2008! For me, it was the best way to start off my year and I can feel it’s going to be a joyous one.

May love, hope, and warmth be delivered to you this New Year!

Peace,

Shaun

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

I am just drained. I have been working nonstop taping extra shows, anchoring, doing interviews AND Christmas shopping for family, friends, and coworkers. I had gotten in late last night but, somehow, I was able to get all the presents wrapped for my colleagues on the show, pack them into my trunk so I could pass them out at the office early this morning. Our studio is decorated to look so pretty and when I drift away, wishing for a little bit of sleep, I look at the beautiful pink and white poinsettias lining the wall, the huge white wreath glowing with balls of sea foam green, mauve, and lavender, the white garland wrapped in small white lights over the archway, and the snow gently piled next to the window near the 3-foot nutcrackers and Christmas trees - Joe and James, our show's art directors are so talented.

"Two minutes, Shaun, two minutes!" Our fill-in stage manager, Johnnie says to me indicating that I have to get up again to lead-in to the next story on the show. I dread leaving the warmth of the 4 heaters the crew has set up for me.

Usually, it's near cold enough on our set to actually snow (the average temperature being about 45-to-50-degrees). Not great for gals who want to wear cute short sleeved dresses and open-toed shoes. My feet are tired from standing so long. Every moment I get, I kick off my 4-inch sandals, and slip on the white furry Ugg slippers that my makeup artist, Valerie, gave me today. They are sooo comfortable!

It's a tiny bit warmer today since our regular stage manager, also Johnny, whom we adore, is on vacation. The gals on stage whispered to fill-in Johnny that the stage was getting too cold so he boosted the temperature, pleased he was in good standing with the ladies.

There has been so much going on during a normally slow period in the entertainment news world. Our studio is across the hall from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. On any day, I would bump into their staff, or guests like Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, even Jay himself ever so often. But with the writer's strike, the stage is dark and the halls are empty. It's lonelier here without them. Now, comes word that the Tonight Show will start new shows, strike or no strike, January 2nd. It will be good to see them again, but we're all still hoping an agreement will bring the writer‚s back to work.

The gang at Tonight usually asks us what we are reporting on the show that day. No doubt, we would all be in deep debate about what has the country- black and white, young and old, all up-in-arms today - the suddenly announced pregnancy of 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears, Britney Spears‚ little sister and star of Nickeleon's "Zoey 101." "What To Tell Your Kids About Teen Sex and Teen Pregnancy!" the headlines blare. Interesting, how it's NOW an issue.

"40 SECONDS, Shaun!" fill-in Johnny says from across the studio.

I kick off my UGGS, put on my sandals, take another sip of hot tea and begin to move.

I think about our hiatus and get happy. I love my job but taking a break from all the celebrity news is a wonderful respite. My dad will be here visiting from Detroit and we always have a blast together. My producer has given me DVD screenings of "Atonement", "Juno," and "No Country for Old Men," all Golden Globe must-sees.

Dad and I love just chilling and watching movies and we'll hang in front of the fire, me with my hot apple cider and Dad with his, well, let's just say "Dad ain't down for no cider."

Just the thought makes this studio warm up!

I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that you are sharing it with the people you love.

Peace,

Shaun

I always put off Christmas shopping until the last minute – I work best under pressure. 

'I AM Legend', his new film, pulled in summer box-office numbers in the middle of December with a $76.5 million weekend take. That's way, way past expectations and beat 'I, Robot', his ‚04 blockbuster, which had a $52.2 million weekend opening. The seven-time Golden Globe nominee is still very much on top of his game.

I have to admit, Will is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite celebrities to interview, and our recent meeting didn't disappoint. He is smart, sweet, kind, funny and beams confidence.

Now, there have been many times when a big star such as Will walks into a junket and is preceded by a personal publicist, studio publicist, makeup artist, hairstylist, assistant, one or two security personnel, and their homeboy.

So imagine my surprise when Big Willy "one of the biggest stars in the world" recently walked into our interview room for 'I AM Legend'‚ ALONE. No escort whatsoever. Our photographers scrambled to turn on their cameras because usually there is a big alert announcing: "They are in the building; they just got on the elevator; they are walking down the hall, they are."

But that's Will.

He walked in with his sexy swagger and gave me a big hug and kiss. And I guess it was only fitting that Will was alone because that is exactly what his character in 'I AM Legend'‚ is facing. Being the last man on earth and struggling to find the cure for a deadly virus that. Well, I won't give it away.

Ticket sales aside, I want to tell the ladies about a scene that you will enjoy very much. Big Willy is delivering a special Christmas present to you. And let's just say it doesn't need a BOW!

I pull up to the door and the valet greets me, "Ms. Robinson, here for the junket?"
”Yes” I nod smiling that about the fact that I am here so often that they know me by name.

Today, there is more activity than normal because two huge stars are in the hotel - Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker - stars of the soon-to-be-released movie, the "Great Debaters".
I make my way through all the hustle and bustle to Access Hollywood’s own room where my makeup artist and hairstylist are waiting to get me ready to go on camera. My producer arrives and we go over my notes for the interview. The rundown: interview Denzel at 2pm, then Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, and Denzel Whitaker (yes, his real name) all together, and then our third interview will be Forest.
1:40pm The studio publicist comes into our room to inform our crew that scheduling has changed a bit - Forest will be our second interview instead of "the kids" because he has a hard out at 2:30. He must jump on a plane to head back to Toronto where he is filming his next movie. We tell her thanks for the heads-up.

1:58pm - Denzel's publicist comes in to survey the room. He sees me and greets me with a "Hello Ms. Robinson". A kiss on the cheek. I love Alan Nierob. He's one of the top publicists in the business. Sweet, but tough. If he doesn't like something, he'll tell you. That's why he's got a client like Denzel. 

"You ready?" He asks. "Yup, all ready", I smile. "Okay, I'll tell him that he has to stop eating lunch now." Alan says as he laughs and exits the room.

2:15pm - the studio publicist comes back in to say things have changed again and that, instead of Denzel, we are going to get Forest first so I pull out my notes for Mr. Whitaker notes - always ready to go with the flow.
Four minutes later, Denzel walks into the room.
"What did you have for lunch?" I ask.
"Dry turkey." Denzel laughs.
Washington dressed very casually in a blue shirt and jeans talks to me about directing "The Great Debaters" his second time in the director's chair.
Next, as "planned”, Forest Whitaker, who plays a father who has to balance the diplomacy needed to protect himself and his family and the instinct to fight for justice.

As much as I love Denzel and Forest, interviewing the extraordinary trio of young people who give this film its heart - Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, and Denzel Whitaker - was the highlight of my day. I can't say enough about how talented these kids are. They talk with great pride about movie that Oprah Winfrey produced and the incredible opportunity of working with Oscar winners Denzel and Forest.

As I type the last line of this email, Jurnee and the other "kids" walk by under the wreath of balls and lights lining the archway here at the Four Seasons. She waves at me and I realize I am looking at the next stars of tomorrow.

I wanted my site to be feminine and strong and at the same time, be fun to surf. I really think we accomplished that and I hope you like it.

I searched for a web designer for months and finally found Jeremy Gavin of Treefort (www.treefort.com) in Minneapolis. Jeremy once designed my friend Prince’s website and he is absolutely wonderful! Very creative, patient, and full of ideas on how to make the website interactive.

Choosing the home page picture was the first challenge. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of wonderful photographers and there were so many choices. We finally picked a beautiful shot by photographer, Mike Quain. It’s very colorful, sexy, and feminine.

Everyone always asks me about the beautiful gowns I wear on the red carpet so I have included a number of them in my photo gallery. I love this page! My won