Radar 11/9: The Pop Culture Periscope

— Zora Neale Hurston, folklorist and author 

Monday, November 9:

TV: “Dancing With the Stars” is winding down (there are only three weeks left) and the competition is getting fierce. R&B singer and actor Mya is hoofing for points. “Dancing With the Star” is on at 8:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on ABC.

Black History: Benjamin Bannaker, astrologer, mathematician and city planner for the District of Columbia was born today.

Tuesday, November 10:

Music: Singer Melanie Fiona releases her debut album “The Bridge.” The Canadian songstress of Guyanese heritage has a soulful voice with a raw, rock & roll vibe. Fiona opened for the European leg of Kanye West’s “Glow in the Dark” tour. “The Bridge” is available in stores and online today. 

Music: Wyclef Jean releases his latest effort “From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion”–is a return to his hardcore hip-hop roots. A throwback to the beats he created with The Fugees. Keeping it real, this album is collaboration with DJ Drama; Jean even takes on the persona Toussaint St. Jean in honor of the Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L’Ouverture. “From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion” is available in stores and online today.

TV: “Dancing With the Star” results show is on at 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on ABC.

Thursday, November 12:

Happy Birthday: R&B singer Omarion turns 25. Makeup Artist Sam Fine turns 40.

Friday, November 13:

Film: “Oh My God” is a documentary by Peter Rodger that asked the simple (and highly complex) question: “What is God?” Spiritualist, celebrities (like Seal and Hugh Jackman), Maasai tribesman in Kenya (above) and atheist all way in on this age-old question. “Oh My God” opens in theaters today. 

Film: “Precious,” the film adaptation of The New York Times Best Seller “Push” by Sapphire, opens nationwide. Dark, raw and intense, the film is already getting lots of Oscar buzz. The movie starring Mo’Nique, Gaby Sidibe, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton, Sherri Shepherd was produced by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey and directed by Lee Daniels. “Precious” is in theaters now. Go see it.

Black History: Janet Collins was the first Black ballerina to dance at the Metropolitan Opera appearing in Verdi’s “Aida” in 1951.

Happy Birthday: “High School Musical” star Monique Coleman turns 29. “The View” co-host, comedienne and actor Whoopi Goldberg celebrates her 54^th year.

*Appreciate life and enjoy the journey.