THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz For Dec 15

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Serena Williams won Sportsperson of the Year!

Sports Illustrated picked Serena Williams on Monday as its Sportsperson of the Year, honoring her dominance in the sport and her cultural role outside of it.

But every honor for Williams comes with backlash, even though she's one of the most decorated sports heroes of all in the US. This time it's the argument that a horse would be a better choice.

"No other active U.S. athlete rules a sport the way Serena Williams rules hers, and few reflect our era better," Sports Illustrated wrote. The cover sums it up. Williams is slouched on a throne in a pose that suggests total dominance:

Williams's season this year involved one heartbreaking near miss — a loss at the US Open that denied her tennis's top achievement, a calendar year Grand Slam, or winning all four major tennis titles in a single year. The last woman to do so was Steffi Graf, in 1988.

But that's a blip in an extraordinary career. S.L. Price of Sports Illustrated writes in the article explaining Williams's win:

"I do want to be known as the greatest ever," [Williams] says. To many she already is. But that’s not the sole reason why we arrive, now, at this honor. It’s also because Williams kept pushing herself to grow, to be better, and tennis was the least of it. The trying is what’s impressive.

#EGGPLANTNATION: NY Giants O’dell Beckman has a case of EGGPLANT…ITUS!

Well another day, another sports star exploring the eggplant syndrome and this time its NY Giants’s O’Dell Beckham.

GO HERE TO SEE THE PIC

And thank me later Ladies, et al….LOL!

#RhoA: Phaedra Parks On How Cynthia Bailey Has “Changed” And The Miami Trip Becomes “Scary"!

Real Housewives Of Atlanta is kicking off (pun intended!) to a wild start! Phaedra Parks teases that things are only going to get wilder! “I think you’re in for a lot of surprises. But Miami is absolutely crazy… tune in and have your popcorn and your 3D shades, because it’s gonna be shady and fun.”

Dealing with Real Housewives Of Atlanta‘s shady ladies, has taught Phaedra a thing or two. Imparting the wisdom of her Housewives ages Phaedra tries to live by the Golden Rule. Which is, “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. And so, when you think like that, you try to sow the right seeds, so that’s what I try to do, even with these mean heifers.”

Oh, these heifers – can’t take them anywhere: Not on a house, not on a plane, not on a boat or out to sea, now let me be! Phaedra is shocked by Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams‘ physical confrontation on the Lake Lanier boat ride.

“I was freaked out,” Phaedra admits. “It went from bad to worse, very quickly, on this, er, wonderful boat. Well, canoe.” Of course, Phaedra doesn’t blame Porsha for the escalation. (I still cry mutual fault!).

“Porsha is as sweet as a lamb,” defends Phaedra. “The past few years, we’ve seen a different side of Cynthia; much more mean. Mean, nasty-girl side, so, I guess this is who she’s become. She said she was finding herself, so I guess she found the mean girl and, it’s taken, you know, first position.”

“Porsha is very innocent when it comes to, you know, not starting trouble – but if you come for her, she’s gonna handle you,” Phaedra added.

In regards to Cynthia and Peter’s marital issues, Phaedra is flippant. “I stay out of people’s marriages. If she wants to sleep with Old Peter, go ahead – I don’t comment on people’s love lives, or lack there of. If they want to reconcile I wish them the best.”

Moving onto the drama in Miami – which really heats up next season – Phaedra warns us to get ready for a “wild time.”

“It became scary at one point, it got so out of control,” Phaedra told ET. “We came back with all faculties and our limbs… but we thought we might lose a few at one point.

Not with Phaedra on board – she actually had to save some lives during this season of Real Housewives Of Atlanta! No, really. “You know, being a ‘Housewife,’ you almost have to be like an Eagle Scout. You have to be overly prepared, because you never know what’s gonna happen next,” reveals Phaedra. “I mean, I’ve had to use CPR — this season! — I’ve had to do things that I never imagined.”

Phaedra also denies that she’ll be dating this season. “Looks can be deceiving,” she quips. But on that subject, admits that Miami has some “very interesting moments.” About what she does not elaborate.

However that’s exactly why Phaedra has enjoyed this season so much. “I love this season because, as far as I’m concerned, I’m doing things that have never been done,” she concluded.

THE QUEEN BEE LIL KIM…..ALL THE WAY LIVE IN PHILLY (Twerkin’ and MORE)!

So this happened……….Lil Kim got in touch with her “twerkin’” side over the weekend. And it appears she has accessorized her look with a much bigger booty.

Over the weekend, the “Crush On You” raptress rolled into Philly to perform for the BOOM Bash 2015 concert (presented by Boom 107.9 FM) held at the Liacouras Center at Temple University.

The Brooklyn raptress was gearing up to perform “Big Momma Thang,” one of her classic hits. As the beat drops, Kimmy drops her hands on her knees, she puts her bows on her thighs and threw that thang in a circle. Yes, chick served up a twerk session for concertgoers and they seemed to enjoy every minute of it. Check it:

The 41-year-old rap star continued spittin’ lyrics from her rap hits as she sashayed across the stage in a black corset-like onsie with lace trimming and black studded knee-high boots.

Before she hit the stage, her make up artist Arianna Garcia snapped a picture to make sure her make up was point.

Kimmy's make up artist captioned, "Final touchups on @lilkimthequeenbee before hitting the stage last night in Philly. One thing I always do is snap a photo to see how the makeup looks on camera. Photos usually capture things we don't see in person so it's always important to see how the look photographs."

Hmm...Looks like she had a good time and a good show overall.

CHECK IT HERE

We heart you KIMMY BOO!

#TEAMEMPIRE: Jussie and Tarajii got a gift from Patti LaBelle!

ICYMI, While they were filming ‘White Hot Holidays’ Patti LaBelle decided to bless Jussie and Tarajii a gift that many of us just can’t seem to get our hands on.
Look below to see.

That’s a right one of those precious Patti’s Sweet Potato Pies. Awwwwww how nice. I guess….LOL!

NBA Ref, Bill Kennedy, Reveals He's Gay After League Suspends Rajon Rondo For Shouting Anti-Gay Slurs At Him

Rajon Rondo won't be suiting up for the Kings on Tuesday night, due to a suspension stemming from an altercation with referee Bill Kennedy during a game in Mexico City earlier this month.

Rondo was ejected by Kennedy and proceeded to go off on the 18-year veteran, including a swarm of anti-gay slurs.

After Kennedy, 49, ejected Rondo with consecutive technical fouls in a Kings loss to the Boston Celtics, Rondo defied league protocol to immediately leave the court and began stalking Kennedy, who had retreated to a far sideline of the floor.

"You're a mother------- faggot. … You're a f------ faggot, Billy."

As it turns out, Kennedy has just revealed that he is gay and has taken this opportunity to come out in hopes that it will encourage other to not feel ashamed about who they are.

"I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man," Kennedy told Yahoo Sports on Sunday night. "I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are."

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, issued a statement of support following Kennedy's announcement:

"I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly," Silver told Yahoo Sports in a statement. "Throughout his 18-year career with the league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his passion, dedication and courage. Those qualities will continue to serve him well both as a game official and as a positive influence for others. While our league has made great progress, our work continues to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity."

A review of the incident "affirmed that Rondo aggressively pursued referee Bill Kennedy and had to be restrained by teammates and escorted off the floor by Sacramento team security," though Rondo has denied making any anti-gay remarks during his tirade.

However, the three officials on assignment for that game have backed up Kennedy's claims in taped interviews conducted by the league security.

WATCH HERE

Just when Rajon Rondo was having a stellar season without much drama, seemingly breaking his old habits, he goes and ruins it all.

New Music Video: Chris Brown – ‘Back To Sleep’

Chris Brown heats up the screen with the seductive video for his single, “Back to Sleep.” Fresh off his plane, the “Fine By Me” singer heads to his leading lady’s condo, where things get steamy in the kitchen before heading to the bed, then shower. Look for features from Future and Solo Lucci.

WATCH HERE

Breezy’s Royalty album is due out this Friday, Dec. 18th – and from now through Christmas, $1 from the sale of the album will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Best Buddies.

Look for features from Future and Solo Lucci.

Mike Tyson Defends Donald Trump: ‘Everybody Offends Somebody’

Mike Tyson says that despite Donald Trumps racist and severely problematic proposal to ban Muslims from the United States — he deserves a chance because he’s not the first presidential candidate to offend a group of people.

via TMZ: Tyson first endorsed Trump back in October — saying Obama’s plans aren’t working and he believes it’s time to “try something new.”

But after Trump suggested a new plan to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. — and faced a HUGE backlash from Muslims and non-Muslims — we asked Tyson if this was the final straw.

“Hey listen, anybody that was ever President of the United States offended some group of people,” Tyson said at the airport in D.C.

“He deserves a chance.” UMMMMMMMMM, No, he doesn’t.

The Shins Dethrone Mariah Carey For Most-Played Christmas Song

It’s been years since “All I Want For Christmas Is You” had a holiday rival, but now Mariah Carey's yule tide ditty is playing second fiddle to “Wonderful Christmastime” by The Shins.

Per a report from the PlayNetwork, the “Always Be My Baby” songstress still retains the runner-up position, followed by Christina Aguilera’s “Christmas Time” and “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses.

Here’s the PlayNetwork’s Top 10 most-played Christmas Songs for 2015:

1. “Wonderful Christmastime” by The Shins

2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

3. “Christmas Time” by Christina Aguilera

4. “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses

5. “Someday at Christmas” by Jack Johnson

6. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

7. “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Michael Bublé

8. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

9. “What Christmas Means to Me” by Train

10. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald

Nike And Kobe Bryant Officially Debut The Nike Kobe 11

Kobe Bryant's retirement tour came to a halt today as he and Nike officially unveiled the last signature shoe he'll be hooping in- the Nike Kobe XI. That's the Kobe 11 for those of you who haven't mastered Roman numerals yet.

The Kobe 11 is built on a progressive low-top design, featuring everything you've come to love in Nike Kobe signatures: high performance, lightweight, and a responsive, innovative design.

The first coloway of the Kobe 11, the 'Achilles Heel' will officially launch on January 9th for $200, and you can listen to the story behind the Kobe 11, courtesy of Kobe himself, starting at 5:00pm EST via Periscope.

Per Nike: At first glance, the low-top and simplified silhouette appears familiar. One could be fooled into believing that they’ve seen this before. Wrong. Look closer. See those pearlescent fibers? Those are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) threads, an indication of progression; and, despite their subtlety, an announcement of the arrival of an evolution, a stronger iteration of Nike Flyknit.

See Photos from: Tiny’s Winter Wonderland Toy Drive

Tiny teamed up with Santa and Mrs. Clause to put on a Winter Wonderland Affair for children in Atlanta. The Holiday giveback was so much fun complete with toys, music, all smiles from the fabulous gifts all the kids received.