News Stories

*Serena Williams took to Instagram over the weekend to share an adorable photo of her 8-week-old daughter Alexis Olympia, documenting her baby’s most recent bath on Instagram.

In the picture, Williams’ fiancé, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is seen holding their child — who appears to be wrapped up in a green frog towel.

“We love bath time,” Williams captioned the photo. 

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Blac Chyna Contributes NSFW Hook to New Mally Mall-Produced Track (Listen)

Williams and Ohanian dressed up their newborn as Batman to celebrate her first Halloween, sharing a photo of the precious moment on the baby’s Instagram page “When you realize you’re the hero Gotham needs,” the proud parents captioned the snap. See pic below.

As noted by E! News, Williams described finding out that she was expecting her first child during a home pregnancy test, telling Vanity Fair, “[I thought] I’ll take it just because (a) to prove you wrong and (b) because it’s fun, whatever. It’s like a joke, why not? An hour and a half later, I went back to the bathroom and I totally forgot about it because it was impossible for me…So I went back to get dressed and I went back in the bathroom and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that test.'”

She explained her initial reaction upon seeing the test results by revealing “My heart dropped. Like it literally dropped.”

Earlier this summer, Alexis Ohanian opened up about how he knew motherhood would come easily to Serena.

“She’s very good at a lot of things and well on her way to being an awesome mom too,” he told CNBC’s Squawk Box before noting that he will be going on paternity leave from the company.

“I’ll be taking off for six weeks myself and trying to do the best job possible as a new dad, a first-time dad.”

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/serena-williams-loves-bath-time-with-daughter-alexis-olympia/

*(Los Angeles, CA) – The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) announced the winners of the 24th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards tonight, live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Hollywood’s brightest shined at the gala event, which aired on The CW Network and was hosted by acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs.

In the film categories, “Roma” took home four awards, the most of the night, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography for Alfonso Cuarón, and Best Foreign Language Film. “Black Panther” and “Vice” followed close behind, each winning in three categories.

The top film acting awards resulted in a tie for Best Actress between Glenn Close for “The Wife” and Lady Gaga for “A Star Is Born,” while Best Actor was bestowed upon Christian Bale for his transformative performance in “Vice.” Best Supporting Actor went to Mahershala Ali for “Green Book” and Regina King took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her work in “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” took home three awards, including Best Comedy Series for the second consecutive year. Its leading lady, Rachel Brosnahan, was also a repeat winner for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series went to Alex Borstein. “The Americans” earned three trophies as well including Best Drama Series, Best Actor in A Drama Series for Matthew Rhys, and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Noah Emmerich. Sandra Oh received Best Actress in a Drama Series honors for “Killing Eve,” with Best Actor in a Comedy Series going to Bill Hader for “Barry.”

As previously announced, Best Supporting Actress nominee Claire Foy received the Critics’ Choice #SeeHer Award, which was presented by former #SeeHer Award recipient Viola Davis. Chuck Lorre, creator of such acclaimed TV comedies as “The Big Bang Theory,” “Mom,” “Young Sheldon,” and “The Kominsky Method” (which all received Critics’ Choice Award nominations this year), was honored with the Critics’ Choice Creative Achievement Award. The cast of “The Big Bang Theory,” including Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, and Melissa Rauch, was on hand to recognize Lorre, just in time to celebrate the show’s final season.

Other major winners on the film side included Elsie Fisher for Best Young Actor/Actress in “Eighth Grade,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” for Best Action Movie, “Crazy Rich Asians” for Best Comedy, “A Quiet Place” for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Film, and “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” for Best Song.

Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually by the BFCA and BTJA to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. The BFCA is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 330 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today’s film-going public. BTJA is the collective voice of journalists who regularly cover television for TV viewers, radio listeners and online audiences. Historically, the Critics’ Choice Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.

The 24th annual Critics’ Choice Awards show was produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment. The BFCA and BTJA are represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig and WME.

About BFCA/BTJA
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 330 television, radio and online critics. The Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) is a partner organization to the BFCA and includes TV, radio and Internet journalists who cover television on a regular basis. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.

Follow the 24th annual Critics’ Choice Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards.

About The CW:
THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK launched in 2006 as America’s fifth broadcast network, with programming targeting younger viewers, a demographic highly sought after by advertisers. The CW, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, broadcasts a six-night, 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday. The CW’s primetime programming is also available to stream for free, without authentication, on the ad-supported cwtv.com and The CW app, now available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers original short-form digital content as well as past seasons of fan-favorite television series. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

WINNERS OF THE 24^TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

FILM:

BEST PICTURE

“Roma” (Netflix)

BEST ACTOR

Christian Bale – “Vice” (Annapurna)

BEST ACTRESS – TIE

Glenn Close – “The Wife” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Lady Gaga – “A Star Is Born” (Warner Bros.)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Mahershala Ali – “Green Book” (Universal)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Regina King – “If Beale Street Could Talk” (Annapurna)

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Elsie Fisher – “Eighth Grade” (A24)

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

“The Favourite” (Fox Searchlight)

BEST DIRECTOR

Alfonso Cuarón – “Roma” (Netflix)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Paul Schrader – “First Reformed” (A24)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Barry Jenkins – “If Beale Street Could Talk” (Annapurna)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Alfonso Cuarón – “Roma” (Netflix)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Hannah Beachler, Jay Hart – “Black Panther” (Disney)

BEST EDITING

Tom Cross – “First Man” (Universal)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Ruth Carter – “Black Panther” (Disney)

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

“Vice” (Annapurna)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

“Black Panther” (Disney)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Sony)

BEST ACTION MOVIE

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (Paramount)

BEST COMEDY

“Crazy Rich Asians” (Warner Bros.)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

Christian Bale – “Vice” (Annapurna)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Olivia Colman – “The Favourite” (Fox Searchlight)

BEST SCI-FI OR HORROR MOVIE

“A Quiet Place” (Paramount)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“Roma” (Netflix)

BEST SONG

Shallow – “A Star Is Born” (Warner Bros.)

BEST SCORE

Justin Hurwitz – “First Man” (Universal)

TELEVISION:

BEST DRAMA SERIES

“The Americans” (FX Networks)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Matthew Rhys – “The Americans” (FX Networks)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Sandra Oh – “Killing Eve” (BBC America)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Noah Emmerich – “The Americans” (FX Networks)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Thandie Newton – “Westworld” (HBO)

BEST COMEDY SERIES

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Bill Hader – “Barry” (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Rachel Brosnahan – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Henry Winkler – “Barry” (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Alex Borstein – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX Networks)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (NBC)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Darren Criss – “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX Networks)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION – TIE

Amy Adams – “Sharp Objects” (HBO)

Patricia Arquette – “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Ben Whishaw – “A Very English Scandal” (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Patricia Clarkson – “Sharp Objects” (HBO)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES

“BoJack Horseman” (Netflix)

WINNERS BY FILM FOR THE 24^TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

A QUIET PLACE (PARAMOUNT) – 1

Best Sci-Fi or Horror Movie

A STAR IS BORN (WARNER BROS.) – 2

Best Actress (TIE) – Lady Gaga

Best Song – Shallow

BLACK PANTHER (DISNEY) – 3

Best Production Design – Hannah Beachler, Jay Hart

Best Costume Design – Ruth Carter

Best Visual Effects

CRAZY RICH ASIANS (WARNER BROS.) – 1

Best Comedy

EIGHTH GRADE (A24) – 1

Best Young Actor/Actress – Elsie Fisher

THE FAVOURITE (FOX SEARCHLIGHT) – 2

Best Acting Ensemble

Best Actress in a Comedy – Olivia Colman

FIRST MAN (UNIVERSAL) – 2

Best Editing – Tom Cross

Best Score – Justin Hurwitz

FIRST REFORMED (A24) – 1

Best Original Screenplay – Paul Schrader

GREEN BOOK (UNIVERSAL) – 1

Best Supporting Actor – Mahershala Ali

IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (ANNAPURNA) – 2

Best Supporting Actress – Regina King

Best Adapted Screenplay – Barry Jenkins

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT (PARAMOUNT) – 1

Best Action Movie

ROMA (NETFLIX) – 4

Best Picture

Best Director – Alfonso Cuarón

Best Cinematography – Alfonso Cuarón

Best Foreign Language Film

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (SONY) – 1

Best Animated Feature

VICE (ANNAPURNA) – 3

Best Actor – Christian Bale

Best Actor in a Comedy – Christian Bale

Best Hair and Makeup

THE WIFE (SONY PICTURES CLASSICS) – 1

Best Actress (TIE) – Glenn Close

WINNERS BY PROGRAM FOR THE 24^TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL (AMAZON) – 1

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Ben Whishaw

THE AMERICANS (FX NETWORKS) – 3

Best Drama Series

Best Actor in a Drama Series – Matthew Rhys

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Emmerich

THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY (FX NETWORKS) – 2

Best Limited Series

Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Darren Criss

BARRY (HBO) – 2

Best Actor in a Comedy Series – Bill Hader

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Henry Winkler

BOJACK HORSEMAN (NETFLIX) – 1

Best Animated Series

ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA (SHOWTIME) – 1

Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (TIE) – Patricia Arquette

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE IN CONCERT (NBC) – 1

Best Movie Made for Television

KILLING EVE (BBC AMERICA) – 1

Best Actress in a Drama Series – Sandra Oh

THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (AMAZON) – 3

Best Comedy Series

Best Actress in a Comedy Series – Rachel Brosnahan

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Alex Borstein

SHARP OBJECTS (HBO) – 2

Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (TIE) – Amy Adams

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Patricia Clarkson

WESTWORLD (HBO) – 1

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Thandie Newton

WINNERS BY STUDIO / NETWORK FOR THE 24^TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

A24 – 2

AMAZON – 4

ANNAPURNA – 5 

BBC AMERICA – 1

DISNEY – 3

FOX SEARCHLIGHT – 2

FX NETWORKS – 5

HBO – 5

NBC – 1

NETFLIX – 5

PARAMOUNT – 2

SHOWTIME – 1

SONY – 1

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS – 1

UNIVERSAL – 3

WARNER BROS. – 3

source:
Andy Gelb/Elyse Weissman
SLATE PR
andy@slate-pr.com / elyse@slate-pr.com

Jodi Karp
The CW
Jodi.Karp@cwtv.com

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/critics-choice-awards-roma-black-panther-and-vice-are-top-winners/

*Former ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor Jemele Hill will launch a podcast exclusively on Spotify, titled “Unbothered.”

“I have a lot of things to say, and there’s not a lot of platforms that give you the freedom to not just be thoughtful but to come with a realness that not everyone is prepared to accept,” said Hill in remarks at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist spent 12 years at ESPN before she announced her departure in September. She pissed off many on the right when she tweeted that “Donald Trump is a white supremacist who has largely surrounded himself w/ other white supremacists.” Two days later, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the remarks “a fireable offense” and “one of the more outrageous comments that anyone could make.”

Spotify’s Studios head Courtney Courtney Holt isn’t worried about any potential controversy.

“At the end of the day, we want to enable creators to have a platform to speak their minds,” he said. “It’s about enabling creators like Jemele to do what they do best. It’s not an effort to go after controversial topics. It’s making sure it’s an authentic voice that wants to be heard.”

Hill plans to tackle sports and entertainment news with her podcast.

“Spotify and I are very like-minded,” Hill said in a statement. “We both believe in being bold and authentic. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stretch myself in a much different way, with a support system that I believe will bring out the best in me. I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with Spotify’s many listeners across the world.”

nd and she promises to be even more provocative than she is on social media.

“Probably more so, because I get to curse,” said Hill, who joined The Atlantic in October as a senior staff writer covering race, politics and culture.  “It’ll be an opportunity for me to be more unfiltered and more thoughtful about some things, and cover a wide variety of topics.”

Hill’s podcast will air twice a week, starting in March.

“Jemele is an important voice in sports, race, culture and politics, and their intersection in media,” said Holt. “She will bring her unique point of view to our platform with Unbothered, which is sure to be a favorite of listeners with diverse interests and viewpoints.”

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/jemele-hill-is-very-excited-to-launch-podcast-partnership-with-spotify/

*The National Institute of Health found a remarkable paradox in the African-American community.. African-Americans had deficient or markedly low levels of vitamin D, but still had lesser incidences of osteopenia, fractures, or falls as opposed to white Americans.

Vitamin D is known to play a role in bringing about health benefits like good bone condition and strength. The significance of how vitamin D plays this role, however, is still not quite understood because a number of misconceptions have brought forward considerable levels of ambiguity.

First of all, vitamin D isn’t actually a vitamin. Vitamins consist of all those essential nutrients for humans that their bodies cannot produce on their own. This is why vitamins need to be obtained through diets. Vitamin D, on the other hand, was found to be produced naturally on mammalian skin due to the exposure to the sun.

Secondly, it was discovered that vitamin D does not directly contribute toward boosting bone strength and density and staving off bone loss. Instead of enhancing the bone function directly, vitamin D naturally converts into a pre-hormone inside which then circulates around in the blood and offers numerous health benefits.

Coming back to the study conducted by the National Institute of Health in the US, it was previously known that lower vitamin D levels increased the risks of osteopenia in the individual. This, however, in the recent findings only seemed to apply to Mexican-Americans and the white community. African-Americans, on the other hand, were markedly seen to have lower cases of osteopenia, fractures, and falls as compared to their white counterparts.

On the flipside of the coin, a BMC Proceedings report also found through their expert panelists that black Americans didn’t gain any skeletal benefits from high doses of vitamin D supplements. In the rest of the American population, however, high levels of vitamin D tend to bring about adverse effects in the respective individuals.

So should the black community celebrate or be worried? Well, neither. The BMC report also made a statement saying that factors such as environment, genetics, skin pigmentation, and adiposity contributed towards different skeletal health. None of these factors, on their own, could explain why this happens and why black Americans seem to be immune to bone-related disorders.

Maybe this question is the very key to finding the answer to improving overall bone health in various populations. Only time will tell.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/the-vitamin-d-paradox-in-black-americans/

*Dr Glory Van Scott has lived quite an eventful life as a performer, producer, singer, activist, educator and author of her powerful memoir “Glory: A Life Among Legends.” Glory’s book takes the reader from her early life to her dedication and career in the performing arts where she stood at the vanguard of a new vision of African-American dance and theater.

Born in Chicago, Glory’s parents Dr. and Mrs Thomas Van Scott instilled in her a love of education and the arts. Of African American/Choctaw and Seminole ancestry she is also a relative of Emmett Till whose famous murder in Money, Mississippi, shocked the world.

“I saw the controversial photograph of Emmett Till and the tears started to come down and the floodgate opened. After seeing that picture, I feel there is nothing more you can do to me. What is to be, will be, and I made up my mind I will not run from it.” recalled Glory who was inspired by the Negro Spirituals her mother sang and which she heard in church.

“In my home we had to stand up and read. When I was 5 or 6 years old I was already into the music and dance that is the life bread of any artist and I knew deep down I was an artist. I had the strength that comes from spirit. It was the power that motivated me to pursue the arts. I went to the cultural arts center which had a library. I would go and listen to the stories read by the librarian. I was acting, singing, dancing and performing a lot so was noticed by one of my teachers who told me that once I went to NY not to come back because she recognized my place was in the theater and New York was the best place to hone my craft,” recalled Van Scott.

Glory had watched Talley Beatty perform and decided she wanted to dance. She attended the Abraham Lincoln Center where she met Paul Robeson and Charity Bailey. She spend summers in the Ethical Culture Camp in NY. First. Van Scott went to the Martha Graham School of Dance but their technique did not interest her. Someone suggested she go to the Katherine Dunham School and when she did, Glory felt she belonged. Eventually, she auditioned for the “House of Flowers” a play choreographed by George Balanchine. She got the job. In that show was Jeffrey Holder, Louis Johnson, Carmen de lavallade, Alvin Ailey, Arthur Mitchell, etc.

Having met Cicely Tyson at the Society for Ethical Culture’s Encampment for Citizenship, Cicely referred Van Scott to Actress Vinette Carrol who mentored Glory for a time in the theatrical arts. Although Glory was a principal dancer with Katherine Dunham, Agnes de Mille and Talley Beatty ‘s dance companies she also did some modeling for the Wilhelmina Agency. She went on to join the American Ballet Company. Eventually appearing in “Kwamina,” ‘The Great White Hope,” “Billy No-Name” and “Rhythms of the Saints.” She also played the Rolls Royce Lady in the 1974 film, “The Wiz.”

Always the scholar, Glory went on to earn her B.A., and Master’s Degrees from Goddard College, eventually acquiring her Ph.D. From Antioch College’s Union Graduate School. Her love of theater prompted her to teach theater at Bucknell University’s Pennsylvania School for the Arts for 10 years. She also taught Theater as Social Change at Fordham University. A Breadloaf Writer’s scholar she composed eight musicals including “Miss Truth” eventually founding Dr Glory’s Youth Theatre. Her children’s book,“Baba and the Flea” was published by Lippincott in 1972.

Van Scott coordinated Katherine Dunham’s Devine Drum Beats and produced The Katherine Dunham Gala at Carnegie Hall for WNET’s Dance in America as well as the 2003 Tribute to Fred Benjamin at Symphony Space. She was artistic coordinator for the Alvin Ailey Company’s “The Magic of Katherine Dunham” and co-produced the National Black Touring Circuit with producer Woodie King, Jr. of New York Dance Divas. Immortalized in bronze by Elizabeth Catlett in 1981, she was awarded the Katherine Dunham Legacy Award in 2002.

Interested parties can find Glory Van Scott’s latest book “Glory: A Life Among Legends” on Amazon.

Deardra Shuler has experience in theatre, music, concert promotion, television and publishing. She was affiliated with the Negro Ensemble Company and is a former manager of the children’s theatre,”TADA.” She has produced and promoted concerts in Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.
Ms. Shuler is the former Editor and Managing Editor of three New York City minority newspapers. Presently, she is the Entertainment Editor of The Black Star News. As a freelance writer she writes for several New York City newspapers; including the Examiner, Amsterdam News and EURweb.

Deardra freelances for Afrocentricnews in California. She is the former PR chairman for the FESPACO film festival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Africa, and is presently program manager for BlakeRadio.com where she also hosts her own show “Topically Yours.”

Source Link:  https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/people-of-note-dr-glory-van-scott-life-in-the-theatre/

*As the new year rolls onward, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who is now the first Black and the first woman to chair the House Financial Services Committee, is not holding back on her criticism of Donald Trump.

On Sunday, Waters took to Twitter to warn 45 that “even your most vocal defenders will turn on you w/ your shutdown when there’s no food on the table, the rent is not paid, the car is repossessed, & the childrenTru need shoes.”

“No American who works for our govt should be treated this way while you are living off the govt,” she added.

Trump and Congress, meanwhile, continue to make history for all the wrong reasons as we enter the 24th day of the partial government shutdown.

“Trump, you didn’t get $5 billion to carry out your ill advised election promise & now you want to declare an emergency. The only emergency facing our country is the need to impeach you before you destroy our country, our ideals, & leadership in the world. Trump, go home. Bye bye!”

According to The Washington Post “Trump’s advisers are scrambling to build an exit ramp while also bracing for the shutdown to last weeks longer. Current and former aides said there is little strategy in the White House; people are frustrated and, in the words of one, ‘freaking. out.'”

Auntie Maxine also read Trump for filth over his alleged ties to Russia, writing: “Please. No one should wonder why Manafort gave polling data to Russians. The only reason Russians wanted this info was to use it against H. Clinton in support of Trump. Why do you think Manafort w/ all his ties to Russia & Ukraine was in the campaign to begin with? Stay woke!”

FBI officials questioned whether Trump was “acting at the behest of” Russia after he fired former FBI director James Comey in 2017, The Hill reports.

“No surprise the FBI questioned Trump’s allegiance to US! He meets w/ Putin 5 times in secret w/ no readout; gave Russians classified info in WH; disregarded US intel on Russia; praised Putin’s election; lies abt his deals in Russia. Is there any question Trump is a Russian agent?,” Waters wrote.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/maxine-waters-warns-trump-even-your-most-vocal-defenders-will-turn-on-your-shutdown/

*A 51-year-old white male from Black Mountain, North Carolina, has gone viral in a disturbing video showing him assaulting a 12-year-old Black girl at the Asheville Mall.

David Steven Bell was arrested Saturday after punching the child in the face, sending her to the ground outside the mall. Bell was taken into custody by the Asheville Police Department and charged with assault on a female under the age of 12 and two counts of assault on a female, according to records and the Asheville Citizen-Times. The girl, who has not been identified, declined medical treatment and was not taken to the hospital. Bell, meanwhile, has been released from custody.

Video of the incident was posted on Instagram and Facebook on Saturday and quickly went viral on Sunday. In the video, Bell can be heard yelling to the girls to “break it up.” As other girls yell at him, one can be heard asking, “who is he?” What caused the argument remains unclear but at one point, one girl pushes Bell in the back.

The Asheville Mall said in a statement that the incident remains under investigation.

Journalist and activist Shaun King captioned the above clip of the incident on Instagram: “David Steven Bell, listed as 6 foot 5 inches tall, and 250 pounds, first shoved, then knocked out an 11 year old girl with a closed fist punch right to her face. Mall cops hardly took the thing seriously and local police charged the man with a damn misdemeanor. He’s already out. A misdemeanor. I’m furious.”

User lanreakinola replied: “@shaunking I am totally disgusted and this white man should never have punched the 11yr old girl with that force. On that note, why are our black children going out in public acting like they have no home training, disrespectful and unruly? What would have made her be in his face and physically charged a man (black or white) that size? This behavior is unacceptable and it speaks volume on the lack of home training, and decency our children need to emulate in public. The force used was too much but black or white, the man has a right to defend himself too.”

Another IG commenter, user yourmindmatters, wrote: “Everyone out there should have tore his azz up. Straight up. I don’t care what they had to use but his head should have got cracked. It’s a misdemeanor because she’s black and he’s white; had it been the other way around the black man would have gotten shot on site and that’s a fact. This world is just jacked up……”

According to heavy.com, after his arrest, Bell deleted a Facebook page for his piano teaching business.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/white-north-carolina-male-faces-assault-charges-after-punching-young-black-girl-outside-mall-video/

*A photograph of an egg has topped Kylie Jenner as the most-liked post ever on Instagram.

The account, “@world_record_egg,” was on a mission to beat #KylieJenner, who was holding the “most-liked”
title until this weekend.

Kylie’s photo from last year of her thumb wrapped around her newborn baby daughter’s fingers nearly broke the social media site, with 18.2 million likes.

The egg picture currently has almost 25 million likes. “Let’s set a world record together and get the most like post on Instagram,” the post read. “Beating current world record held by Kylie Jenner (18 million). We got this!

The record-breaking picture was posted on January 4. The account itself has 2.5 million followers.

“This is a madness. What a time to be alive. Thank you so much for all of your support and messages, I’m gonna try and get back to as many of you as possible. But for now I need to sleep. It doesn’t end here though, we’re only just getting started. #EggGang. Mic drop.”

The Shade Room joked that “#KrisJenner’s somewhere working hard to fix this”

Jenner took the loss all in fun, responding with a post on Instagram, in which she cracked an egg onto a hot road. “Take that little egg,” she captioned the clip, which quickly racked up over 2 million views.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/an-egg-has-broken-kylie-jenners-instagram-record-of-most-liked-post-watch-her-response-video/

*French Montana has clarified his comments about R Kelly after initially appearing to support the R&B singer by saying he should be “allowed to enjoy his legacy”.

Since the broadcast of Lifetime’s “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary, criticism of Kelly has intensified as he continues to deny allegations of sexual assault and holding women hostage.

Speaking to TMZ, Montana said fans refuse to let controversial stars be great and “have their legendary moments.”

“They did Michael Jackson like that, they did R Kelly like that. All the greats went down like that. Let somebody enjoy their legacy. Whatever happened, happened, man.”

As expected, the backlash to his comments was swift and Montana was forced to follow up in a statement via Twitter, saying that he supports the victims of sexual assault.

“Let me be clear, my heart is with the victims,” Montana wrote. “I never thought the people I looked up to as a kid, who sang and danced and gave me hope to become a superstar would become drug addicts, child molestors and rapists. I am hoping we as a culture create better leaders. We need them.”

R. Kelly has always denied the claims against him and last week his lawyer, Steve Greenberg, told Associated Press: “The allegations aren’t true because he never knowingly had sex with an underage woman, he never forced anyone to do anything, he never held anyone captive, he never abused anyone.”

As previously reported, Prosecutors in Chicago and Atlanta are seeking information from any potential victims or witnesses of the alleged sexual and physical abuse by the singer.

In related news, sources tell TMZ that Kelly’s label RCA/Sony will not produce any of his new music, nor will it put money behind any of his projects, and it will not release any additional music until the criminal investigations in Georgia are resolved.

Kelly is said to be pissed because he’s been in the studio recording new music to fulfill his RCA contract … which requires 2 new albums, the report states. 

Meanwhile, as the fallout from the docuseries continues, a concert that was to take place in Springfield in April and hosted by Kellz will reportedly be scrapped due to security concerns following the #muteRkelly protests.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/rca-says-no-to-new-r-kelly-music-french-montana-defends-singers-legacy/

*The following Blind Item comes from Hollywood insider Enty Lawyer. Please address all inquiries and complaints to the original source.

The estate of this permanent A++ list musician has been very busy behind the scenes recently. They are spreading a lot more money around to buy favorable PR, which is currently in the works. This will supplement the estate’s paid online bot armies, and is all timed to counteract an upcoming film about the musician. The estate will be pulling out all the stops, in an attempt to insulate their only cash cow from what could be a devastating assault upon the musician’s reputation.

Disclaimer: Photos shown are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to identify individuals as the subject of this post. We take no responsibility or liability for the assumptions and speculations made by our readers.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/blind-item-upcoming-film-about-singer-could-be-devastating/

*I am a self-proclaimed sports junkie and basketball is one of the sports I follow.  I have seen my share of basketball games, but none like the one I will be attending this month.

I am looking forward to “The Bitter Game,” a play by Keith A. Wallace, that explores being Black in America and all that entails, through the relationship of young man and his mother.

It is coming to the Wallis Theater in Beverly Hills on November 14 – 17 and uses the four quarters and overtime of a basketball game to represent the acts of the play, which comments on police violence and coping with the aftermath and trauma.

Unless you have lived your life on Mars, you know African Americans; men more so than women, have been targeted, harassed and murdered by the police, seemingly routinely and pretty much without consequence.   In a telephone interview with self-described “actorvist” and North Philadelphia native Keith A. Wallace, the man behind “The Bitter Game,” I had an opportunity to discuss things near and dear to him; things that led to the birth of The Bitter Game.

The Bitter Game, which is equal parts discussion and examining the epidemic of police force (violence), is a homage to Keith’s experience growing up in Philadelphia; however, it is also a homage to the Black women in his life, as he admitted to possibly being a mama’s boy.  He also shared that excessive police force and the Michael Brown killing, forced him into a “dark place” and he used The Bitter Game to get through it and sees himself as, “surviving in a society that sees my blackness as a weapon.”  Keith explained “The Bitter Game” is semi-autobiographical and admits the gunplay at the block party, that prompted his mother to have to talk to him, pretty much the foundation of the play, is a true story.

When asked what keeps him up at night, i.e., the most pressing matters on his mind, Keith shared, “social inequalities, particularly when it comes to law enforcement” and continued to explain, “When we first started talking about how to approach The Bitter Game, it was all about being a Black man in America.  Now it includes what is the entry point for women.”   Keith shared he has “always had an inclination or desire to amplify the voices of people who couldn’t advocate for themselves” and was involved in community service while growing up.  He feels, “art has the power to change people’s minds and shape their perspectives.”

Keith would like to see the Black community investing more in the youth, as he feels his “life was spared many times over by people who took an interest in me while I was growing up” and feels that is the difference between him and someone else growing up under the same conditions.  Keith is educated (a BA from Morehouse and a MFA from UC San Diego) and without a criminal record, but realizes it could have been different.  He also feels the Black community should figure out a way to have conversations across brackets, sharing that young people have no appreciation for the older people and the older people are more of the back in the day type mentality.

READ THIS: CATCH THE NEW JJ ABRAMS HORROR FILM ‘OVERLORD’ IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE NOVEMBER 9!

Speaking to Keith’s activism, I asked what he feels are the top three reasons for police violence.  He did not have any trouble rolling off more than three; among them being fear, apprehension and misunderstanding on both sides.  He feels the onus of dispelling the fear is on law enforcement and not lay people.  Another reason he cited was a lack of cultural understanding saying, “Urban community police are policing areas they do not understand” and added “non-verbal communication comes into play.”  Keith cited a lack of faith in the justice system when it comes to the police as another reason for police violence.  Finally, Keith explained, “internally, there is no accountability and it does not create space for whistleblowers.”

What is next for Mr. Keith A. Wallace?  He would love to make The Bitter Game into a film, as well as make it appeal to a younger audience.  He has other causes he would like to tackle, such as the lack of understanding regarding mental health as well as the issue of mass incarceration and re-entry.

My final question was, “What do you want the people to know about Keith A. Wallace? “I want the people to know that I am a firm believer in dreaming, hoping and wishing and not even saying if we apply ourselves we can achieve it, but just dreaming.  I want people to know there is greatness inside of them.”

The Bitter Game was first performed in 2015 at the La Jolla Playhouse as part of a project to encourage the creation of works performed outside of traditional theater.  Although the play is normally performed outdoors, which Keith prefers, there is also an indoor version.  Come out to The Wallis Theater November 15-17 and be a part of this high-impact outdoor play and the audience talkbacks that will occur after the show.

For more info on “The Bitter Game” at The Wallis, click here.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-bitter-game-uses-basketball-to-tackle-how-to-survive-being-black-in-america/

*Hi everybody! My name is Caleb William Cox and I recently had the honor of meeting my favorite actor Benedict Cumberbatch in New York City. I interviewed Mr. Cumberbatch and his co-star, Cameron Seely who plays Cindy Lou Who in the new movie “The Grinch,” which opens in theaters today, Friday, Nov. 9.

Before the interview with the pair, I had an opportunity to see the animated film and here are my impressions. First unlike the last live action version, this one is animated. In my opinion, this film version takes you back to the original grinch story. It gives you a bit of childhood nostalgia.

Next, the movie, though a tale of a grump who is out to steal the joy of Christmas, puts you in the holiday spirit. It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside that puts you right back into the imagery of your parents’ story telling spell of this American household treasure.

RENDING: TRUMP CALLS APRIL RYAN A ‘LOSER’; MIGHT REVOKE HER & OTHERS’ PRESS PASSES

I think Benedict Cumberbatch played the perfect role as The Grinch.  The first thing that I noticed about his version of The Grinch character was how Mr. Cumberbatch voiced the character. In my observation of his voice in general, it is usually very deep. But his voice in the movie had a much higher pitched tone and took on various vocal ranges. It was amazing that he was able to texture and transform his voice like that. Mr. Cumberbatch explains how the voice was created, why he decided to take on this role and how he prepared for the film.

Caleb: When did you decide to take on the role as the grinch?

Benedict: I was very fancied when they asked me. This is an all-American icon, and I was kind of surprised, I thought what have you heard in private? Have you heard stories about me being grinchy? And we really just like your voice and this is what I think the grinch sounds like, oh we want you to do it in your own accent, and then I was like what? I don’t get it and then I realized ok maybe I’ve played a few socially awkward, slightly angry outsiders who can be a bit rude to people like sherlock maybe people like that but, this guy is very American so we discussed that for a bit,  came up with a voice and its really good fun doing animation its weird and unlike anything else, that’s one of the reasons I love it because your not in front of a camera, you don’t have to worry continuity and its very free and playful.

Caleb: How did you prepare for this role?

Benedict: I prepared for this role mainly by reading the book. And, I just loved the original story so I looked at the drawings and listened to the rhythm of the words and what he said and that’s how the voice started to come about but it was very angry and growly and animally because he’s quite demonic in the book ,very pointy and red eyed and after a while he’s gonna a: scare children or b: get a bit more boring if he gets stuck on this angry drip so then it was about remembering that he really enjoys being the grinch, he likes doing what he does as the grinch and, so yeah once the director gave me that note, we were away and we had a lot of fun.

My next interview was with Cameron Seely, who you may know as the character Helen, the role of PT Barnum’s daughter from the move the movie, “The Greatest Showman.” Cameron plays the adorable Cindy Lou Who. We know this character from the original, as the girl who sees Santa, The Grinch, stealing the family Christmas tree and asking why? Cameron’s character in this film is older, with a mission to help her over worked mom get a much-needed break from her hectic life.

Producer Chris Meledandri explains. “In this version, she is a little older, and she’s on a mission to trap Santa to asks him to help her over-worked, over-tired mother. We wanted to find a character who was the antithesis of the Grinch. Someone who was incredibly helpful and embodied the optimism that childhood allows us to have.”

I was really nervous and excited to meet the actor who plays Cindy Lou Who. I think that Cameron Seely played a great role and her voice was very fitting for her character. Here is what Cameron had to say about her experience.

Caleb: What did you enjoy most about doing this film and playing this role?

Cameron: I really enjoyed how much more Cindy Lou has become from the Dr Seuss original Because, the Dr Seuss original is amazing but, I feel like Cindy Lou has a bigger part now and it was a lot of fun because. I didn’t just say Mr. Grinch why are you stealing Christmas? I actually got to do more and it was a lot of fun.

Watch Caleb interview Benedict and Cameron, the stars of “The Grinch”:

I had fun watching this movie because it really showed the comedic side of the Grinch. After watching the two previous movies, which were more serious and focused on the main objective, which was the meanness of the Grinch. This version, gave us the grinchy feel in a more sympathetic Grinch character.

As far as my other impressions of the movie, Kenan Thompson did really well playing the new character Bricklebaum, the Grinch’s neighbor, who is always in a positive mood, with a great love for Christmas. The directors really did a great job of telling the animated story without losing the essence of “The Grinch Who Stole Christams,” the book it’s based on. The movie also brought back good old memories of home, and the warm and fuzzy feelings of the holiday season. Go see “The Grinch!”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/meet-eurweb-jr-reporter-caleb-cox-who-interviewed-the-stars-of-the-grinch/

*“Overlord” and “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” are action packed movies in theaters today. However, action is just about all “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” has going for it. In “Overlord,” the action is accompanied by a captivating storyline. The first half of “Overlord” draws one into the narrative before there is any semblance of a man-made monster. Although the monster mash gets silly, I would not put it pass the Nazis to have tried to create super soldiers in a lab in order to rule the world.

Kudos to J.J. Abrams’ “Overlord” for having black men as heroes in a war drama at a time that history shows the U.S. military was segregated. The gratuitous blood, guts and gore is par for the course in an era of many desensitized moviegoers.

In “Overlord,” it is the eve of D-Day. American paratroopers are dropped behind enemy lines to carry out a mission crucial to the invasion’s success. But as they approach their target, they begin to realize there is more going on in this Nazi-occupied village than a simple military operation. There, they find themselves fighting against supernatural forces that is part of a Nazi experiment.

Directed by Julius Avery, the film stars Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Pilou Asbæk, Mathilde Ollivier, John Magaro, Bokeem Woodbine, and Iain de Caestecker.

‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web‘

“The Girl in the Spider’s Web” comes to the big screen seven years after the compelling “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.” In “…The Spider’s Web,” the book and series’ main character, computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Claire Foy), is called upon to steal a program that has the ability to access codes for nuclear weapons across the globe. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences would be apocalyptic.

Script is important for a captivating story, as well as casting. All the explosions, fires, kidnappings, family drama, hijinks, and special effects may save a faulty storyline. Although Claire Foy is a fine actress, it appears she was hired—based on her looks—as the cold, brooding Lisbeth. Rooney Mara, on the other hand, who portrayed Lisabeth in “…Dragon Tatoo” became the character. Audiences became invested in Mara developing into her complex role, and in some respects, bonded with her. “…Spider’s Web” did not lend itself to the same kind of emotional attachment.

Directed by Fede Alvarez, the film also stars Lakeith Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Sverrir Gudnason, and Claes Bang.

Facebook.com/TheFilmStripTM       Twitter: @thefilmstrip   Instagram.com/thefilmstriptm

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/weekend-watch-overload-and-girl-in-the-spiders-web-are-action-packed/

*On Friday, Nov. 9, the ladies of The Real discussed the best way to tell someone they’re no longer invited to your home, and co-host Adrienne Houghton relates how she handled this situation. Also, is crash-dieting the best way to handle all that holiday food coming your way?

And Orlando Week comes to an end with a very special Hotline Bling winner!

Later, Chad Johnson and Michelle Williams stop by to talk about their new reality show, Chad Loves Michelle. The couple discusses Michelle’s struggle with depression and the toll it took on their relationship, as well as their decision not to have sex before they get married.

Michelle Williams and Chad Johnson Talk No Sex Before Marriage

Jeannie Mai: And another thing you guys have been open about leading up to the marriage is waiting to have sex before marriage.

Michelle Williams: Mmhm. Yes.

Jeannie: So, how’s it going? Let us know that.

Chad Johnson: Here comes the questions.

Michelle: We still waiting.

Jeannie: Ok, still waiting. Yes.  I mean keep it real, girl. But, why? Why that decision?

Michelle: Go ahead.

Chad: Well, I mean. Obviously… she passes it off to me. Obviously we are both committed to our faith.  So, that plays the first and foremost part of our, you know.

Tamera Mowry-Housley: Amen.

Chad: But, also, I wanted to make sure Michelle felt that she didn’t have to give me anything physically in order for me to, you know, for her to win my affection, my total affection and attention and connect spiritually, you know, mentally, intellectually.

Loni Love: So, there ain’t been no, no, no, nothing?

Tamera: Oh my gosh, Loni!

Michelle: The struggle is so real. And when we first started dating and Chad said ‘sex is not an option’, and it took the pressure off of me so that I don’t feel like I had to have sex with him to keep him.

Tamera: That’s nice.

Jeannie: Wait. Chad said it first?

Michelle: Yes.  He said ‘it’s not an option’.  I said ‘well, come on, Jesus,’ and look what I got. (shows ring)

(The Real audience & hosts applaud)

Website: thereal.com

Twitter: @TheRealDaytime

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdaytime

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/therealdaytime

Instagram: http://instagram.com/therealdaytime

Photo credit: Robert Voets/Warner Bros. Television

About The Real

Led by bold, diverse and outspoken Emmy Award-winning hosts, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley all frankly say what women are actually thinking. THE REAL is a live daily, one-hour NAACP Image Award-winning and Emmy-nominated talk show on Fox Television Stations and in national syndication (check local listings), with a rebroadcast on cable network Bounce. The hosts’ unique perspectives are brought to life through candid conversations about their personal lives, current events, beauty, fashion and relationships (nothing is off limits). Unlike other talk shows, THE REAL hosts are admittedly a “work in progress,” and fearlessly invite viewers to reflect on their own lives and opinions. Fresh points of view, youthful energy and passion have made THE REAL a platform for multicultural women. Produced by Telepictures Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, The Real is led by Executive Producer, Rachel Miskowiec (Good Morning America, Katie, The Tyra Banks Show, Judge Hatchett, The Ricki Lake Show) and shot in Los Angeles, California.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/chad-johnson-michelle-williams-talk-sexless-relationship-on-the-real-watch/

*So, why is 41-year-old Kanye West hanging with 22-year-old super trouble magnet Tekashi69? That’s basically what seminal hip hop head Chuck D wants to know. Only he asked why is the kid hanging with the old guy.

The Public Enemy head man was at LAX on Friday and was asked his thoughts on the drive-by shooting on the set of Tekashi’s music vid with Ye … and in a twist Chuck straight up tells 6ix9ine to choose better friends, because, apparently, West ain’t helping.

In the TMZ clip above, Chuck D says Kanye should bow out if he can’t impart some wisdom on the younger Tekashi69. Oh yeah, there’s this: Chuck, like us, is at a loss as to why the two were even collabing in the first place.

FUN FACT: JANET JACKSON WROTE ‘WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY’ ABOUT HER FAMOUS EX

Meanwhile, as far as the drive-by shooting at the video shoot for Tekashi69, Kanye West and N icki Minaj, the above surveillance video, obtained by TMZ, captures in graphic detail the shooting itself.

The vid shows 2 cars pull up to the Beverly Hills home Thursday night at around 10:30pm. Two men get out — it appears one from each car — and both are wearing hoodies.

They look for a few seconds for their target and then fire a barrage of shots over the wall. Both appear to be men … you hear male voices. One appears to say “We got 30 seconds,” and the other responds “Ok,” just before they begin firing.

They scramble back inside their respective cars. One car — a light-colored sedan — speeds off. It looks like the second car backs up and presumably makes a U-turn.

What’s especially ominous … the gunmen try to get onto the property through a gate, but it appears to be locked so they fire over the wall from the outside perimeter.

TMZ reports that least one bullet went through a window in the home and one landed in what was supposed to be Nicki Minaj’s dressing room. She hadn’t arrived at the time of the shooting.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/chuck-d-wonders-why-kanye-west-is-hangin-with-violence-prone-rapper-tekashi69-watch/

*Uh oh! The orange a-hole in the White House is gonna be super pissed off when he hears what’s happening in Florida regarding the election that he declared had been won by Republicans.

The news is that Florida has decided to move forward on a recount of its tight races for governor, senator and agriculture commissioner. On top of that, Arizona and Georgia are also considering recounts for their extremely tight gubernatorial and senate races.

As you can imagine, the outcomes have significant meanings attached to them. They will decide whether the Republicans have a comfortable edge in the Senate, or a narrow majority. It also means that Democrat governors in the affected states would also have an outsize influence on the presidential race in 2020. The Florida and Georgia elections in particular drew heavy celebrity interest and fundraising.

Here’s more via Deadline:
The Florida secretary of state announced the recount today. The unofficial results have Republican Gov. Rick Scott leading incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson by more than 12,500 votes, or about .15%.

In Florida’s governor race, Republican former Rep. Ron DeSantis is ahead of Democrat Andrew Gillum by nearly 34,000 votes, for a lead of .41%. The agriculture commissioner – a key post in the state – saw Nikki Fried’s advantage stands at 5,326 votes over Republican Matt Caldwell.

The recounts will be done by machine and must be completed by 3 PM on Thursday. If the races are still within .25%, then a hand recount will take place.

The Senate race and the contest for agriculture commissioner both currently both fall within .25%.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/florida-will-recount-election-races-for-governor-and-senator/

BHL presents Tha Trend! – Join Courtney Stewart and Derrial Christon as they recall the top stories of the week on This Week for November 8th, 2018.

Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart talk the results from midtemrs, why Beyonce is getting blamed for a loss, LL Cool J and Ice Cube’s new venture and celebratng Missy Elliott

Follow Raheem Devaughn on instagram: @Raheem_Devaugh

Tha Trend features the hottest trending news of the week in social media that the culture is talking about.  The show mixes informative conversations, humor,  with a little bit of shade. From entertainment, music, politics to sports, Tha Trend has weekly discussions with Tv Host / Black Hollywood Live EP Derrial Christon & Actress Courtney Stewart.   Each week the show will also bring in opinionated celebrity guests & influencers to add to the trending topics discussed.  Join us on Tha Trend each week on Black Hollywood Live.

Make sure to subscribe to BHL! – http://youtube.com/blackhollywoodlive

HELPFUL LINKS: Website – http://blackhollywoodlive.com

Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/bhlonline

Merch – http://shop.spreadshirt.com/BlackHoll…

ABOUT BLACK HOLLYWOOD LIVE: Black Hollywood Live is the world’s first online broadcast news network with programming and content dedicated to African American entertainment news. The network features long form, in-depth celebrity interviews, smart commentary and discussion as well as news and inside information. The network was created by producer Keven Undergaro.

Black Hollywood Live had guests from shows/films like 12 Years A Slave, The Butler, America’s Got Talent, The Game, Chicago Fire, Believe, Hannibal, Suits, Parks and Recreation, Dallas Buyers Club, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The Best Man Holiday, The View, Shameless, Basketball Wives, Being Mary Jane, Scandal, Single Ladies and many more. Notable guests on the network include: host Wayne Brady, The View’s Sherri Shepherd, Late Night’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyer and others.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/democrats-win-big-at-midterms-beyhive-turns-on-beyonce-bhl-tha-trend-watch/

*With the release of the almost 50-year-old documentary of Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” album recorded in Los Angeles at gospel giant James Cleveland’s church (click here), here’s a book review I wrote four years ago, “The Life of Aretha Franklin” by David Ritz. I highly recommend the book for all Aretha fans. It’s very insightful!

Here’s the review:

[Sometimes when I write a book review, I’ll take the shortcut and scan through it to compile just enough to whet the reader’s appetite to buy the book. But most times I’ll read through the whole thing before putting pen to paper. This was one of those times. The new book ‘The Life of Aretha Franklin: Respect’ by author David Ritz is a triumph! It’s a 482-page story sliced up into 39 chapters which makes it an easy read – pick it up…put it down…until you absorb the life and times of a great global icon; a great woman – Aretha Franklin!

For years, Ritz had been collecting quotes from those closest to Aretha – her siblings Cecil, Erma, Carolyn and Vaughn; and her longtime booking agent Ruth Bowen. Then there was daddy – Reverend C.L. Franklin who had the biggest influence over her life. The book also has some real interesting quotes from the bosses at Columbia, Atlantic, and Arista Records, as well as peers like Etta James, Ray Charles, Billy Preston, and Carmen McRae. There’s an impressive list of all the industry people she’s worked with over the years.

For instance, in the book, celebrated songwriter Burt Bacharach recalls a phone conversation he had with Aretha regarding a song he’d written. He said, “On ‘Falling Out Of Love’…I played the arrangement for her over the phone. I wrote it in G. ‘It’s too low, Burt,’ she said. ‘I think it’s right in your ballpark, Aretha.’ ‘Well please try it a minor third higher.’ ‘I’m afraid that’ll be too high,’ I gently pushed back. With that she took the phone over to the piano and started playing it a minor third higher. She was absolutely right. It sounded better.”

Another highlight was in February 1998 at the Grammys. Aretha was asked to stand in for the ailing opera star Pavarotti who bowed out at the last minute. She had sung ‘Nessun Dorma’ before with a different music arrangement. She had just 20 minutes to go over it before going on stage; although it was an unfamiliar arrangement, and in an uncomfortable key, Aretha consented.  Atlantic boss Jerry Wexler said, “She wasn’t afraid of the aria. She owned it, claimed it, and made it her own. After she hit that last note, the crowd jumped to its feet and started hooting and hollering, celebrating what was undeniable – she had pulled it off!”

In reading this book, you’ll be amazed at the genius of Aretha not just as a singer, but as a producer – a title that she’s never really gotten credit for. By the way, she was a ‘first-name’ artist before Madonna) …give credit where it’s due. When people said ‘Aretha’ you knew who they were talking about.

She got my attention when I first heard Aretha sing ‘It Won’t Be Long,’ and then all the songs she had recorded from then on. As a youngster, I could hear the sexiness in her voice – the breathiness; the timing; the confidence – that was so different! Yes, I was very much aware of Dinah Washington’s up-tempo duet with Brook Benton ‘Rockin’ Good Way’ and Mary Wells’ ‘Bye Bye Baby’ which were also breaking new ground. But Aretha singing, ‘I ain’t had no lovin’, since a-who knows when…he’s a lonesome rooster, and I’m a lonesome hen’ – that song really stuck with me the way she sang it. I’m disappointed that the single ‘Master Of The Eyes’ from her Quincy Jones-produced album ‘Hey Now’ was not mentioned in the book. It’s one of my favorites.

Concerning the disconcerting comments Aretha has made about the book, I’ll offer (what I truly feel to be) from a firsthand account that she will not/could not tell her own story. Ritz drew the ire of the diva by going deeper into her personal life – a depth that he says was absent in her first book ‘From These Roots.’ After watching Aretha’s interview with Ed Bradley on a 60 Minutes segment, Bowen surmised, “There was no introspection whatsoever. So, when I learned she was planning to write her autobiography, I was surprised. I couldn’t imagine her making any emotional disclosures.”

It’s a good and balanced story Ms. Franklin – please accept the fact that someone was careful enough to really try and get your story right.

I highly recommend this book. It chronicles a great American icon, and gives a glimpse of a lot of behind-the-scenes information about Detroit, the Civil Rights Movement, and the important role gospel and soul music played in what’s called the ‘turbulent ‘60’s.

Oh! I like her new CD too – Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics! Both the book and CD would make great stocking-stuffers for Christmas!!]

Larry Buford is a Los Angeles based freelance writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand,” and latest release “Book To The Future.” Contact (213) 220-8101 e-mail: lbuford8101@hotmail.com

Another story Buford wrote about Aretha:  https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/1967-aretha-franklin-went-up-john-mccain-went-down/

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/book-review-revisited-the-life-of-aretha-franklin-respect/

*Nathan Morris, founding member of the Grammy-award winning group Boyz II Men, is making the transition of a lifetime looking for his next big hit, but it’s not the type of hit you’d expect. The music icon is swapping his microphone for blueprints as he applies his innovative, high-end flavor to the house flipping market.

The new DIY Network four-part series Hit Properties with Nathan Morris premieres Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT and follows Nathan’s odyssey as he transforms an 8,200-square foot, dated and neglected mansion in Orlando, Florida, into a magnificent modern estate.

In each episode, Nathan’s big vision, keen eye for design and refined finishes turn the home into a grand showplace. Filled with hilarious moments and an abundance of style, the series showcases Nathan and his team as they deliver a jaw-dropping home renovation and an even better source of entertainment.

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“On the business side, I’ve invested in some lucrative real estate deals, and, on the personal side, I’ve done some construction, renovating and designing,” said Nathan. “But I’ve never brought the two together in one project. This was my chance to do that—on a massive scale!”

During the series, Nathan is a hands-on remodeler who upgrades the house with luxurious amenities including a gourmet kitchen, two master bedroom suites and a resort-style pool complete with fiber optic lighting to give the water a star-like effect. He also adds smart home upgrades, including remote-controlled toilets, Wi-Fi enabled lighting, and mirror TVs, to pump up the glamour and appeal to the sophisticated buyer. However, before Nathan and his team can finish the reno on this dream home, they must overcome a Category 2 hurricane, a costly plumbing leak and the consequences of new landscaping devoured by wildlife. Once the overhaul is complete, the home will be, in his own words, “Nate-a-cized,” and worthy of its multi-million-dollar price tag.

For exclusive photos and videos throughout the season, fans can visit DIYNetwork.com/HitProperties and interact on social media using #HitProperties.

ABOUT DIY NETWORK
Currently in more than 54 million U.S. households, DIY Network is the go-to destination for wall-breaking, roof-ripping, house-hauling, yard-crashing series. The network’s award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America’s top home and garden destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice and step-by-step instructions. Fans can interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. DIY Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/hit-properties-with-nathan-morris-is-newest-project-for-boyz-ii-men-singer/

Oh Lord, it’s about to get real, real interesting up in heah with this latest pronouncement from Will and Jada Smith’s boy, Jaden about him and Tyler, The Creator.

We have no idea if it’s true, but during this weekend’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium, Smith took time out from his performance to express his feelings for his good buddy.

“I just want to say, Tyler, The Creator is the best friend in the world and I love him so f**king much,” Smith said to cheers from the crowd.

As if that wasn’t mind-blowing enough, Jaden then took things even further, telling the crowd …

“Tyler doesn’t want to say, but Tyler’s my mother f**king boyfriend and he’s been my motherf**king boyfriend my whole f**king life. Tyler The Creator is my motherf**king boyfriend! It’s true!”

The camera then panned to Tyler, who was laughing and shaking his hand as if to say “no” but he clearly got a kick out of Jaden’s show of affection.

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Smith certainly wants you to know how he feels about his relationship with Tyler, The Creator by reiterating …

“Tyler The Creator is my f**king boyfriend. If you take anything away from this f**king show, that’s what you take away!”

OK, with that being said, it’s anybody’s guess as to what he really meant with the comment. Does it mean what it says or is just BS? Talk about startin’ some shat!

In any event, no matter what his real intentions were, young Mr. Smith followed up later with a tweet, saying, “Yup @tylerthecreator I Told Everyone You Can’t Deny It Now.”