THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz For Aug 13

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ICONIC Actress Lauren Bacall dies at 89

Actress Lauren Bacall, the husky-voiced Hollywood icon known for her sultry sensuality, died Tuesday. She was 89.

Robbert de Klerk, co-managing partner of the Humphrey Bogart Estate, said Bacall died in New York.

Bacall shot to international fame in 1944 with her first film, "To Have and Have Not," which she made with future husband Humphrey Bogart.

They married in 1945, had two children and went on to make four more films together, including "The Big Sleep" (1946), "Dark Passage" (1947) and "Key Largo" (1948). Bogart died in 1957.

"He was an extraordinary, extraordinary man. I mean, I've been extremely lucky. God, I have no complaints at all," Bacall said of her late husband during a 2005 interview with CNN's Larry King.

Bacall's grandson said he got a call early Tuesday from his father.

"She apparently had a stroke. A pretty massive stroke. That's what happened," said Jamie Bogart, who last saw Bacall over the holidays.

"She was, you can say she was a tough personality. She wanted the best and if you weren't doing the best she let you know about it. She was a great person. Catch her on a bad day it could be interesting. She was a good grandma. She was lucky to have a pretty unique life," he said.

A marriage to Jason Robards, which produced another child, actor Sam Robards, ended in divorce. Bacall was engaged to Frank Sinatra, briefly, between marriages.

Friend Dick Cavett, a former TV talk show host, said he and his wife were in a cab just 36 hours before the death was announced, driving by where Bacall lived and wondering aloud how she was doing.

"Her presence was tangible," Cavett told CNN. "There was no nonsense, no affectation. She wasn't tough. But she could play tough."

Cavett added: "She just was what a lot of young women would like to be. Someone that can't be pushed around. Someone that could tell you where to head in ... with a colorful, vile vocabulary if she needed to fall back on it."

Bacall's confident, smoldering expression -- the down-turned face and up-turned eyes -- earned her the nickname: The Look.

Ironically, the young woman originally struck the pose because she felt insecure.

"I mean, that was what started the look -- was nerves -- just trying to keep my head steady," Bacall once said.

Bacall won two Tony Awards and an honorary Oscar; she was nominated for three Emmy Awards.

During the interview with King, Bacall said working on stage was her original dream.

"When the curtain goes up, [the stage is] ours. It's ours to project what the playwright wants to say to an audience, what to convey and to get a response from the audience immediately.

"Movies are great fun and wonderful when they're good. But you never get to see them till six months after they're finished.

"So you never get a sense of whether they're really well liked or how good they are. And you don't really know what the finished product is going to be like, because it's a director's medium."

Bacall was discovered by the wife of American film director Howard Hawks after she appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. As a lanky teen, she modeled to earn extra money.

Hawks later gave Bacall, who was born Betty Joan Perske, the name Lauren. Her last name, Bacall, came from her mother's maiden name.

Her first autobiography, "Lauren Bacall: By Myself," won the National Book Award in 1980. "By Myself and Then Some," her updated autobiography, was published in 2005.

What's Eating NeNe Leakes?

Oh dear. One of NeNe Leakes pals just sold their soul to the devil…

Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes is sub-gramming the hell out of one of her pals who evidently just sold their soul to the devil.

I'm sure we'll find out who she's talking about soon..

Soulja Boy Threatens to Kill Gillie da Kid

Earlier this week Philly rapper Gillie da Kid threatened to slap Soulja Boy and accused him of wearing fake jewelry. Soulja, in turn, promised to kill Gillie…

In a series of Tweets that have since been deleted, and I'm sure will be used in court, Soulja reads Gillie for filth.

Lord these kids!

‘Aunt Jemima’ Heirs File $2Bn Lawsuit Against PepsiCo & Quaker Oats

*The heirs of Anna Short Harrington, the lady who became the Aunt Jemima character, represented by D.W. Hunter, have filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo, The Quaker Oats Company, Pinnacle Foods Group and The Hillshire Brands Company.

Hunter – the great grandson of Harrington – is seeking $2 billion, plus punitive damages to be determined at trial. He says the companies conspired to deny that Harrington had been an employee of Quaker Oats, all the while exploiting her image and recipes for profit, while refusing to pay an “equitable fair share of royalties” to her heirs for more than 60 years, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Harrington was chosen for the role because of her pancake recipe, which the company recreated to be sold in stores, but her family believes racial exploitation was involved in the deal.

They claim Harrington was talked out of using a lawyer — exploiting her lack of education so the company wouldn’t have to pay for her recipe.

Further, according to the Tribune, “the lawsuit cites Screen Actors Guild residuals and standard policies in the entertainment industry regarding revenue statements, which neither Harrington nor her heirs ever received. It wasn’t until they uncovered in 2013 that Quaker Oats had trademarked Harrington’s likeness and picture in 1937 that the family determined that they were owed royalties.”

California Officials: Robin Williams hanged himself with belt

Authorities on Tuesday detailed how Robin Williams' took his life, saying the actor and comedian hanged himself with a belt in a bedroom of his San Francisco Bay Area home.

Marin County Sheriff's Lt. Keith Boyd said Williams was last seen alive by his wife Sunday night when she went to bed. She woke up the next morning and left, thinking he was still asleep elsewhere in the home.

Shortly after that, Williams' personal assistant came to the Tiburon home and became concerned when Williams failed to respond to knocks at a door. The assistant found the 63-year-old actor clothed and dead in a bedroom.

Boyd said all evidence indicates Williams, star of "Good Will Hunting," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Good Morning, Vietnam" and dozens of other films, committed suicide by hanging himself. But he said a final ruling will be made once toxicology reports and interviews with witnesses are complete.

The condition of the body indicated Williams had been dead for at least a few hours, Boyd said. Williams also had superficial cuts on his wrist, and a pocketknife was found nearby.

Williams had been seeking treatment for depression, Boyd said. He would not say whether the actor left a suicide note.

"We still have people we want to speak with so there is some information we're going to withhold," Boyd said. "We're not discussing the note or a note at this point as the investigation is ongoing."

The Oscar-winning actor for years dealt with bouts of substance abuse and depression and referenced his struggles in his comedy routines. Just last month, Williams announced he was returning to a 12-step treatment program.

The circumstances of the death - Williams cutting and then hanging himself at home - do not help explain what motivated him, suicide experts said. Understanding that would require a detailed "psychological autopsy" that includes the review of medical and other records, and interviews with family and friends.

These experts stressed that suicide rarely is triggered by a single factor, such as depression or substance abuse. Typically there are at least two such influences, often compounded by acute stress, such as from financial hardship or troubled personal relationships.

"We know from decades of research that there are numerous factors that contribute to suicide risk," said Michelle Cornette, executive director of the American Association of Suicidology.

Word that the actor had killed himself left neighbors in Tiburon stunned and sparked an outpouring of praise among his Hollywood colleagues. Williams had lived in the quiet, waterfront neighborhood for eight years, according to neighbors.

Noreen Nieder said Williams was a friendly neighbor who always said hello and engaged in small talk. Nieder said she wasn't close to Williams and his family, but she still felt comfortable enough to approach him and ask him about his latest stint in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

"He was very open about it," Nieder said. "He told me he was doing well."

Makeshift memorials of flowers and notes popped up around the country including on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at his Tiburon home and outside the house where the '80s sitcom "Mork &Mindy" was set in Boulder, Colorado. People also gathered to remember Williams at a bench in Boston's Public Garden where he filmed a scene for "Good Will Hunting."

Ben Affleck, a co-star and co-writer on that movie, was among the legions of friends and fans who shared tributes online.

"Robin had a ton of love & did so much for so many," Affleck tweeted. "He made Matt & my dreams come true. What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything."

Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais wrote: "I am deeply saddened. He was a lovely man who would keep everyone laughing even if he wasn't feeling good himself."

Details on Christian Louboutin’s New, Narley Nail Polish

Our dream of owning something by the high-end designer Christian Louboutin just might be a reality–sort of. The 51-year-old shoe king known for his pricey high heels, he is now transitioning into the beauty game with a line of nail polishes, that hit stores in August.

It’s a fitting step for the designer, who used an actual bottle of nail polish to get the color for his signature red soles. After the idea was suggested to him, the move actually seemed pretty obvious. He told WWD,

"It made sense to me… a lot of signs were there."

Of course, they’re Louboutin nail polishes, so don’t expect to see them in your local drug store — one bottle will set you back $50.

Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Chris & Adrienne Bosh, Lauren London & MORE Attend Dorell Wright’s Wedding

Former Miami Heat baller turned Portland Trail Blazer Dorell Wright married his longtime girlfriend Mia Lee in a lavish wedding ceremony fit for a king and queen in Simi Valley California.

Celeb guests included Miami Heat baller Dwyane Wade, “Being Mary Jane” star Gabrielle Union, Miami Heat player Chris Bosh and his wife Adrienne Bosh, Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem, “The Game” actress Lauren London, Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook, singer Teairra Mari, Kevin Hart's girlfriend Eniko Parrish and rapper YG.

Although Dorell no longer plays for the Heat, it was a Miami Heat reunion as his former teammates witnessed him tie the knot with his girlfriend. Seems Dorell & Mia were able to move past that side-chick

Gabrielle Union and D. Wade were among the guests. They are weeks away from trekking down the aisle themselves. Sure she picked up a few ideas from the ceremony.

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh and his wife Adrienne were dressed for the occasion. You know she stays camera ready.

Bosh & D. Wade snapped a pic with Heat baller Udonis Haslem. Well don’t they look sharp.

Lauren London and Teairra Mari were in the mix.

Kevin Hart’s girl Eniko posed it up with the blushing bride.

And L.A. rapper YG hit the stage to perform during the reception. Interesting choice.

Fun times!

Olivia Wilde Explains Glamour Breastfeeding Photo on “Today”

Kicking off the week with some media duties, Olivia Wilde paid a visit to “Today” to discuss the Global Citizen Festival

The “Incredible Burt Wonderstone” babe was in good spirits and looked fantastic as she chatted with Savannah Guthrie about her recent photo spread in Glamour magazine.

Of her much-talked-about breastfeeding snapshot, Ms. Wilde explained, "I was working, I was shooting the cover of Glamour, and I needed to feed my son Otis... either I was going to do it off-camera or on, and I thought, 'You know what, shoot it, because this is part of my real life.”

Olivia added that the image was definitely a little more polished than usual. "But no, usually he has a diaper on and I've never looked that good breast-feeding."

BET Will Debut Upcoming Reality Shows for Keyshia Cole and Nelly, which will feature Miss Jackson

BET has added three new shows to their roster and that will inclued Nelly, Keyshia Cole and one featuring Meet the Browns stars David and Tamela Mann.

According to THR:

The untitled Nelly vehicle, meanwhile, will focus on the rapper navigating his hip-hop career, fashion businessman/co-owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and father to his biological children and his late sister’s children, all while balancing a relationship with Miss Jackson, Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s ex-girlfriend.

For Keyshia Cole, The untitled Cole project, picked up for six half-hour episodes, marks BET’s third series featuring the multiplatinum-selling singer. The new series chronicles Cole’s ongoing emotional journey as she confronts real-life issues including her unstable marriage to NBA player Daniel Gibson, her evolving career, motherhood and family struggles.

I remember Keyshia complaining that BET didn’t pay her when she did that reality show with her ex, and now she’s doing a new show?

Finally, the untitled Manns entry will follow Tamela Mann (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) and David Mann (Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns) and feature the couple at home, at exclusive events and with their famous friends as well as at home with their four adult children.

BET must have Keyshia Cole on speed dial…. For real… But I can’t wait to see this show with Nelly and Miss Jackson… Get that reality money boo! I ain’t mad… This would be a serious come up for her…

What She Rock’d: Kim Kardashian In Balmain Cropped Leather Top & Zebra Print Pencil Skirt

Kim Kardashian opted for Balmain while stepping out to the Teen Choice Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. yesterday. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star rock’d a Balmain Cropped Leather Top and a Zebra Print Pencil Skirt from the label’s Pre-Fall 2014 collection.

The long-sleeve leather top features a knotted front, that bares just a bit of midriff, and a zip fastening down the back. The zebra print skirt, which fell just below her knees, hugged her curves. Kim paired the two with Balenciaga heels. “KUWTK” took home the surfboard for choice reality TV show. “We won!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for us for best Reality Show!!!! #Surfboard,” she wrote.

Catch a few more pics below..

Ladies, would you rock ‘em?

Customer Sues Fashion Queens’ Derek J For Allegedly Stealing Weave

Popular hair stylist Derek J is intertwined in a nasty lawsuit, involving an unhappy customer. The Real Housewives of Atlanta regular and co-host on Fashion Queens has been accused of stealing one of his client’s expensive extensions. According to Radar Online, a lawsuit was filed in Atlanta, where the plaintiff (unhappy client) claims:

"I had my sew-in taken out to be reinstalled. Derek led his team to steal my hair, then Derek installed used … cheap hair in my head. He (Derek) also encouraged other stylists to steal my hair.” Now, the plaintiff is suing in excess of $2,000."

The plaintiff also told the site:

"Back in November, I went to get my hair done [at J Spot Salon]…I had extensions already in my hair, and the expectation was that he would take them out, wash them, and put them back in my hair….After, I did mention to him that I thought it looked a little thin, but he swore up and down that he put all the hair back in, and I never even dreamed that I had completely different hair,” she claimed. “To my horror, when I got home, I quickly realized I didn’t have all the hair on my head….The hair started to change. I was noticing the ends were really super frayed. I was like, ‘This is just not my hair!’ My hair was brand new."

She added:

"I am not a celebrity, but I own my own business, and my contracts are with Fortune 100, 200 companies. With Derek, I paid around $700. I’m paying this type of money so I can look presentable to these people."

According to Derek J, who has done Atlanta A-listers including Kim Zolciak, Kandi Burruss, etc., these accusations aren’t true. He explained:

"It was basically a misunderstanding. She had hair in, and I took her hair out to wash it, and putting it back in is like putting a puzzle back together. If it gets misconfigured, it won’t have the same look as it did. That’s basically what happened, that it didn’t get put back in as it was supposed to. I offered for her to come back in and have it fixed. But she said no and six months later I get a lawsuit. It’s really, really ridiculous."

It looks like a judge will have to sort this unfortunate situation out.

Carmelo Anthony Joins LeBron With Dramatic Weight Loss [PHOTO]

It looks like basketball players losing weight is the new trend. First it was LeBron James, and now it’s Carmelo Anthony.

It’s said that James cut carbs, but what has Melo done to get his weight off? Anthony has been criticized in the past for his weight. Bleacher Report once said that he was “top heavy, particularly in the face.”

Poor defensive footwork is often the case of being overweight, and ‘Melo looks downright lethargic at times when defending on the perimeter.

He takes poor angles and gets routinely burnt by some of the quicker forwards in the league. Listed at 6’8″, 230 pounds, Anthony should definitely consider losing some weight if he wants to help carry the Knicks to a championship.

LeBron’s recent weight loss had us all confused. Who’s next?

SNEAK PEEK At Rita Ora's ADIDAS Collection

Starting August 21st, fans of Rita Ora will be able to pick out a range of items from the Adidas Originals F/W 2014 collection that have been designed and reimagined by Rita. A press release from Adidas explains that the collaboration came about because of a "...mutual admiration for breaking the rules and their shared rebellious natures. Known as much for her fearless take on fashion, as for her head turning musical collaborations, Rita Ora has carved herself a pedestal for her energy and original spirit."

Rita added, 'I have always been a fan of adidas Originals and respect what they stand for in their fearlessness and originality. I worked very closely with adidas Originals to put a personal touch in every piece with connections to my music, my career and my life. I'm really proud of the collection and beyond excited for my fans to get their hands on it!'

See Detailed Pics Of The Air Jordan 3 Retro “Sport Blue” [PHOTOS]

This year, three popular Air Jordan silhouettes will release with a “Sport Blue” colorway, the first of which releases this Saturday (August 16).

More iconic than perhaps any shoe in the Jordan Brand cannon, the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” receives an unexpectedly dope remix. Pebble leather, elephant print, and grey accents still make up the kick’s primary DNA. But the addition of the vibrant “Sport Blue” along the inner lining, heel, tongue, and laces change the face of the familiar sneaker.