The Olympics heads into its second week with track and field up beginning on Friday night. That also marks the last day of swimming (and likely the farewell to Michael Phelps’ Olympic career) with Cullen Jones going for gold in the 50 meter freestyle, swimming’s shortest race. Usain Bolt and American Tyson Gay, along with Usain’s surging teammate, Yohan Blake will compete for 100 meter supremacy on the track Sunday night, but if you don’t want to know the result until NBC shows it in primetime, you’ll have to cut off all social media and don’t talk to your friends beforehand.
Today is also Watermelon Day and August is Child Support Awareness Month. Here’s what else is going on this weekend.
ON TV
All Times Eastern
Friday, August 3
“2012 Summer Olympics” on NBC at 8 p.m.
Track and field begins and the last day of swimming features African-American Cullen Jones, already a silver medalist in these Oympics
Saturday, August 4
“Norbit” at 8 p.m. on ABC
Eddie Murphy plays several roles in this comedy about a nerd married to a big girl who’s still hot for his childhood love. Thandie Newton also stars.
Sunday, August 5
“2012 Summer Olympics” on NBC at 7 p.m.
If you want to see who the fastest man in the world will be, don’t miss the Games tonight as Usain Bolt goes for his second consecutive gold medal in the men’s 100 meters, though he’ll have to hold off his own teammate Yohan Blake.
ONSCREEN
“Total Recall”
Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale star in a movie about a bored factory worker who thinks buying an alternate reality is a good idea until predictably, things go wrong.
PG-13
“Celeste and Jesse Forever”
Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg are high school sweethearts who marry and then divorce but then things take an interesting turn as the movie puts a new spin on the rom-com genre.
R
ON SHELVES
“Let Joy Arise” by Ashea S. Goldson
Taylor Carter-Bryant’s life went on after a horrific accident that left her paralyzed. But that’s not enough for Elaina Dawson, whose husband was in the car with Taylor when the crash happened. Can faith and prayer help these two?
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Friday, August 3
TJMS PICK:
Finesse Mitchell at the Arlington Improv (through Sunday)
Finesse Mitchell is not just a comic, he’s an actor, TV host and relationship counselor. His book “Your Girlfriends Only Know So Much” helped him get an “Essence” column and a lot of appreciation from women who needed his no-holds barred advice. If you’re in the Dallas, Texas area, he’ll be coming to the stage this weekend at the Arlington Improv with several shows through Sunday night. For tickets and info click here.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
(through Sunday)
Movies by Nelson George and Byron Hurt will be shown during the 3-day festival focusing on Black filmmakers.
DALLAS, TX
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly w/ Patti Labelle and the O’Jays
Gexa Energy Pavilion
6 p.m.
DETROIT, MI
Chene Park
8 p.m.
ALBANY, GA
"The Measure of a Man" stage play featuring actor Carl Payne
Albany Civic Center
7:30 p.m.
Click here to listen to Nikki Woods interview with Carl Payne
Saturday, August 4
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
The Mehaffey
8 p.m.
HOUSTON, TX
Frankie Beverly and Maze with Patti Labelle and the O’Jays
Toyota Center
6 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Children's Story Circle
African American Museum
noon-2 p.m.
MARLBORO, MD
The Beautiful Woman Inside and Out 2012 Event
Camelot by Martins
13905 Central Ave
8 a.m.
GUM SPRINGS, AR
Gum Springs Southern Soul Festival
Richard L. Bryant Family Park
326 Hillcrest St.
Sunday, August 5
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly with Patti Labelle and the O’Jays
New Orleans Arena
6 p.m.
Party in Fairmont Park with New Edition, Salt N’ Pepa and El DeBarge
7 p.m.
The Mann Center
