Robin Roberts' touching speech at ESPYs

Robin Roberts wanted to be a sports journalist in an era when women, let alone women of color, weren't seen in that role.

But, as the "Good Morning America" co-anchor told the audience at the ESPY awards Wednesday, she doesn't let fear stop her.

The inspirational media figure was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage award, a recognition given to someone who reflects "strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril, and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost."

Roberts, who was radiant in a red gown, graciously accepted the award with a speech that has become one of the night's most memorable moments.

"I realize there are many worthy of holding this honor. Others who have exhibited far more courage, strength and resilience," Roberts said. "It's humbling for me to represent you tonight. I draw strength from you. You give me the courage to face down any challenge, to know that when fear knocks, to let faith answer the door."

Roberts has been a living example of that philosophy as she's faced two life-threatening health problems. The sports journalist and broadcaster was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and then with a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome in 2012.

After receiving a bone marrow transplant with the aid of her sister Sally Ann, Roberts was able to recover and return to "GMA," stronger than ever.

"Those of us who are fortunate to have overcome some form of illness or adversity are told that we are strong. I didn't find that strength on my own," she said Wednesday. "It was the kind that grew with every kind word of support - every tweet, every email, every phone call. ... Through it all, I learned that strength, true strength, isn't when you face down life's challenges on your own, it's when you take them on by accepting the help, faith and love of others and knowing that you are lucky to have those."

After the ceremony, Roberts tweeted that the ESPYs were "memorable for many reasons," not the least of which being the graciousness of the athlete who introduced her, LeBron James:

Last night was memorable for many reasons. LeBron was so gracious, thanks! “@305heatgang: @KingJames & @RobinRoberts pic.twitter.com/yn7fZKgIQR”
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) July 18, 2013

Source: CNN's Marquee Blog 

Lifetime casts all-black 'Steel Magnolias' remake

I love this idea. I am a huge fan of the original and cannot wait to see this take on it.

Last fall, Lifetime announced plans to create an updated version of the 1989 movie 'Steel Magnolias' with an all-black cast, and so far the project has snagged stars like Queen Latifah and Phylicia Rashad. According to Entertainment Weekly, Queen Latifah is set to take on the role of M'Lynn Eatenton (originally played by Sally Field), and will also serve as executive producer on the project along with Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Condola Rashad will play M'Lynn's diabetic daughter Shelby, as previously played by Julia Roberts, while Condola's real-life mother Phylicia Rashad will portray the widow Clairee. Alfre Woodard's on board to portray Ouiser Boudreaux; "Pariah's" Adepero Oduye is set to take on beauty assistant Annelle; and Jill Scott is expected to play hairdresser Truvy. The President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks, Nancy Dubuc, said in a statement that the cast that's been assembled is "astounding." To be directed by Kenny Leon, "Queen Latifah, Phylicia, Alfre, Jill, Adepero and Condola are some of the most celebrated women in music, film, television and stage ," Dubuc said, "and we could not be more thrilled and honored for them to bring Robert Harling's poignant story about the strength of women to a whole new generation." Last year, Lifetime described the new "Steel Magnolias" as revolving around a close group of women in Louisiana, which makes it sound like it'll stick close to the original adaptation of the stage play, but only time will tell if that's the case. A premiere date is expected to be scheduled for later this year.

Source: CNN's "The Marquee Blog"

No Hugo Boss at this years Oscars!

When you sell high-end fashion like Hugo Boss suits, you can afford to pay decent wages to the people who make them. But Hugo Boss is stuck in the 20th Century. They say they need to shut down their U.S. suit factory in Cleveland and fire more than 300 workers. They say they want to make suits more cheaply in Turkey or Eastern Europe. They don’t even claim the Cleveland factory is losing money -- they just say they need to make a bit more money. Please.

That's why Danny Glover is asking stars NOT to wear Hugo Boss on the red carpet -- and show their solidarity with workers with a pin on their lapels.

From the Marquee Blog @ CNN.com:

Danny Glover has called on Hollywood to make a fashion statement at the Oscars on Sunday by not donning any Hugo Boss, choosing instead to wear a pin that shows solidarity with the hundreds of men and women who are soon to be out of work at a Hugo Boss factory near Cleveland, Ohio.

In a letter sent to Hollywood insiders and Oscar attendees, Glover wrote, "Hugo
Boss suits have been a favorite at the Oscars for decades, and for years, Hugo Boss has been making high-quality suits at a factory near Cleveland.

But over the winter holidays, Hugo Boss sent letters to those dedicated employees saying that they would no longer have jobs by April." Glover went on, "the workers are productive and the plant is profitable. But Hugo Boss has decided that it can make more profit by moving production to Turkey or Eastern Europe."

George Clooney, Jeremy Renner, Jeff Bridges, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, among others, were sent the letter along with a pin.

Glover collaborated with labor union Workers United to spread word about the effort, which includes an online petition for the public to sign, which will be delivered to attendees before Sunday night.

Dancing with the talentless, washed-up, "All I need are 15 more minutes of fame" has beens

I never have watched "Dancing With the Stars" and judging by the line-up for the up-coming season I won't be watching again this time around. If talentless, washed-up, "All I need are 15 more minutes of fame" has beens is what they wanted, then they scored a huge slam dunk.

This is from the Marquee Blog written by CNN.com staffer James Dinan

"The 10th edition of "Dancing with the Stars" gets under way in three weeks, and now we know who will be hoofing it up for the prestigious Mirrorball Trophy.

Pamela Anderson - the "Baywatch" babe has found some honest work. Good for her.

Chad Ochocinco – the NFL wide receiver is known for his elaborate post-touchdown celebrations. Perhaps he's running out of ideas, and needed to consult the history of dance for his next TD jig.

Aiden Turner - he's British, he's named Aiden, and he plays a guy named "Aidan" on the ABC soap "All My Children." Never heard of him.

Erin Andrews - the ESPN personality hopes to last on the show longer than colleague Kenny Mayne, who was the first contestant eliminated in the early 2006 tournament.

Shannen Doherty - will the anti-Brenda fan clubs return from their slumber over this?

Buzz Aldrin - he was the second man to walk on the moon, and he's 80 years young! I think we have our sentimental favorite for this tournament.

Niecy Nash - will she last longer here than her Fox sitcom "Do Not Disturb", which lasted all of three episodes in 2008?

Nicole Scherzinger - she fronts the Pussycat Dolls, but that group's style of dance is a tad, er, different than what's on DWTS.

Evan Lysacek - no rest for the current Olympic men's figure skating gold medalist.

Kate Gosselin - DWTS day care services could be quite crowded come tape days.

Jake Pavelka - shouldn't he be preparing for a wedding?"