Zendaya Gets GORGE For ESSENCE Magazine’s August Issue
ESSENCE magazine tapped Zendaya to cover their August 2016 global issue where she jetted off to Rio de Janerio for the first time to pose it up in an effortlessly gorgeous cover and spread. The Covergirl ambassador opens up to the publication in the cover story about taking a stand against racial and social injustices that often times celebs tend to shun away from.
We’ve come to LOVE Daya for her outspokenness and never backing down to speak out on what she feels is right. And she credits her boldness to share her thoughts with the world to her parents, who both taught in the Oakland school district and made it a point to teach her respectability politics.
“When I talk to people about [standing up for myself], it’s not new,” she said. “It’s not something I just started doing. I Just did it in public, and more people saw it than usual. I don’t remember when I didn’t do it, to be completely honest. I think that’s just the way I was raised, or the way my parents just taught me to be…”
The triple threat (actress/singer/dancer) also dished on being a role model (or “real” model as she likes to call it) to the younger generation who is following her every move.
“You’ve got to realize those Twitter followers, those kids who watch you, that’s technically power. So, to me, I have a responsibility or a duty to the people who watch me to promote positive things, or to show them positive things, or to enlighten them…”
We're love with her willingness to be a good role model for kids who look up to her!
Now, soak in the fierceness that is Zendaya below:
OVAH!
#RHoA: Teresa Giudice: Joe Giudice Met Apollo Nida in Prison
Prison pals! Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice revealed in a new interview that her husband, Joe Giudice, met fellow incarcerated Real Househusband Apollo Nida in jail.
“Yes, they’ve met, and Joe said he was really nice,” Teresa, 44, told Amy Phillips on the Thursday, July 7, edition of the Reality Checked radio show.
As previously reported, Joe began his 41-month prison sentence for fraud at New Jersey’s Fort Dix Correctional Institution on March 23. (He's already had five months taken off his time behind bars.) Nida, 37, the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks, reported to the same facility in September 2014 to serve an eight-year sentence for fraud.
While they share a reality-TV connection, Teresa told Phillips that her hubby, 44, had no idea who Nida was before the two were introduced.
Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice on March 5, 2016, in Mount Pocono, PA. Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images
"'Cause my husband didn't know who he was, 'cause he doesn't watch the show, so when he got there he met him, and he was really nice,” the mom of four, who completed her own 11-month jail sentence for fraud in December, continued. "They met up, so it was nice. I don't know if they're in the same area, but they definitely met. So Joe said he was a really cool guy."
'Empire' Season 3 Spoilers: Jamal, Hakeem Struggle With Their Relationship With Lucious
"Empire" season 3 won't be an easy one for both Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), especially when it comes to their relationship with Lucious (Terrence Howard).
In the last two episodes of season 2, Jamal took a bullet for his father when Freda (Bre-Z) tried to shoot the music mogul.
Lucious was grateful for what Jamal did for him and at one point even called him his baby. However, the two male characters' relationship hasn't been too peaceful so far.
In an interview with TV Guide, executive producer Sanna Hamri said that there are no guarantees that Jamal and Lucious' relationship will be better after the shooting.
However, Jamal will continue to try and break the cycle of the Lyon family feuding nonstop due to money and fame.
"Jamal is going into an introspective place of 'What is this life worth?' He wants to break the cycle. He represents the conscious of the show. He's a good moral barometer, who questions what's going on around him," she explained
Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum is Jamal's younger brother Hakeem who is deeply angered by what his father did in the finale.
At that time, Hakeem was supposed to wed Laura (Jamila Velazquez), but the latter backed out when she saw the Lyon family fighting yet again.
Since the wedding venue has already been set and is also already packed with so many people, Lucious decided to make a bold move to marry Anika (Grace Gealey).
His decision shocked everyone, most especially Hakeem because Anika was carrying his baby. Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) was also shocked because she was just starting to become close to her estranged husband again.
According to Hamri, Hakeem can definitely turn on his own father again in the upcoming episodes.
"Empire" season 3 will premiere on FOX on Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. ET.
New Music From Sammie – I’m Him
The R&B singer has been mostly quiet since the release of his 31872.0 EP, back in March, but felt compelled to break his silence after noticing real men are fewer in numbers these days. He sings about as much on his newest single, “I’m Him.” Sammie explained the motivation behind the track on his Soundcloud.
“I derive from an era where it was perfectly ok to praise a woman, to court her and show her off. It wasn’t solely based on her physical attributes. I felt it was time to resurrect that content that gave women hope again. That’s why I wrote ‘I’m Him.’ I’m that guy to show you different.”
Listen to Sammie’s “I’m Him HERE
Over a scaled back beat from The Doh Boy, Sammie shares how he stands apart from other men (“they ain’t even tryna get to know you”) and insists that he’ll appreciate a woman like she’s never been appreciated before. It’s not about the flash for Sammie, it’s about taking the action to be good to her. And that’s a welcome change of pace these days.
NEW HIP HOP from Stream Ace Hood’s Mixtape ‘StarVation’
StarVation features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Fabolous, Bruno Mali, and production from London On Da Track, Tha Bizness, and Scott Styles.
Feast on his latest HERE
In the last couple of months, Ace has released two singles from the set: “Go Mode” with Rick Ross and the solo smash, “4th Quarter.” Now, the entire project is on the table.
It’s on! Wendy Williams Invites Roland Martin for a Live Sit Down
She has been in the news lately because of her comments about HBCU’s and the NAACP. Wendy Williams was pretty much torn a new one after word of what she said spread on Twitter and other social media platforms. One of the biggest critics of her statements (and her) is TV One’s Roland Martin, who did not mince his words when talking about the talk show host. Now, the two will have a “sit down” on her show Thursday to get it all out in the open. Williams made the announcement live this morning.
“Over the past few days, if you don’t know, I’ve been facing some really harsh criticism from our viewers and other people in the media because of my comments regarding racism. One of my biggest critics was a journalist and activist, Roland Martin, who I’ve known for several years… I reached out to him over the weekend, and we had a very interesting conversation on the telephone regarding race, and so I said, ‘You know what? Why don’t you just come to the show?’ So I’ve invited Roland to the show. He will be here to have an open dialogue. Roland will be here on Thursday, so I look forward to this.”
I am sure this is going to boost her ratings quite a bit. Williams goes on to set up the tone of the conversation they will have later this week by saying,
“He’s educated me quite a bit, and I hope you can do the same for all of us, and we can begin to heal and stop.”
This is going to be good.
Big Freedia Tests Positive For Weed & Methamph etamine, Ordered to Halfway House
Not so good news for popular bounce music artist Big Freedia (real name Freddie Ross, Jr.). Last week, Big Freedia appeared in front of U.S. District Judge Lance Africk in court. Africk had issued an arrest warrant for Freedia, after she tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine use, according to The Advocate. During the hearing, he repeatedly chided Big Freedia for putting herself at risk ahead of an Aug. 11 sentencing for theft of Section 8 housing voucher money.
"This is the worst possible time for you to do this. You could be sentenced to prison. … Honestly, this could work out very poorly for you."
Big Freedia, who also stars on “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce,” pleaded guilty to the theft of nearly $35,000 in federal funds in March and faces a maximum 10-year sentence and $250,000 fine. Much of the hearing centered around her three positive drug tests. The most contentious issue was a June 21 test in which the star’s results came back positive for both marijuana and methamphetamine.
Big Freedia’s probation officer, Tara Sawicki, said the performer offered shifting explanations for the meth. At first, Big Freedia said a Dallas promoter had told her she was taking Valium. Then she said she believed she actually was given Adderall. But drug experts told the probation officer that neither prescription medication should have yielded a positive meth result.
"Quite frankly, I have a very big question about whether you’ve been candid and truthful with U.S. Probation. The story changes. First it’s Valium, then it’s Adderall."
When Big Freedia tried to interject with an apology, Africk briskly cut her off.
"This is not your stage; this is a federal courthouse. So hold off. I don’t know if you think there’s a separate rule for Big Freedia, because you’re an entertainer, but let me assure you that there’s not."
Africk drilled down in an attempt to get the promoter’s name, which Big Freedia said she did not know. Then, after being sworn in for testimony, she changed her story again. This time, she said she was given a pill, which she believed was Ecstasy, by an unknown fan in the crowd. The judge asked,
"Why did you lie to me before? Why did you lie to me about where you got the pill?"
Big Freedia said she lied to the probation officer under stress, then repeated it again to the judge. She also cited stress from caring for her uncle, a double-amputee in ill health, as a reason for her marijuana habit. Freedia admitted,
"I do have a problem with marijuana."
Africk turned to federal prosecutors for their opinion on what to do about the star’s bond violations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg said the government believes that her touring life, and the temptations it carries, may be behind the positive drug tests. Africk ordered Big Freedia to live in a halfway house and leave only with the approval of a probation officer. The musician also will need to submit to a drug treatment evaluation.
The effects of the court case on Big Freedia’s touring schedule are unclear. The judge said he recognized that she needs to perform shows to earn money, but he said she would be able to do so only with the approval of her probation officer.
Gabby Douglas Unveils Her Own One-Of-A-Kind Barbie Doll
Gabby Douglas will be heading to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics, next month, and ahead of this year’s Games, she unveils her very own Barbie doll.
“I’m so excited,” two-time Olympic gold-medalist tells PEOPLE. “My older sister and I used to play with Barbies and create these dramatic fantasy stories, so it’s such a huge honor.”
The doll’s threads were inspired by Gabby’s own signature GK leotard line that she wears while training. In addition to the red, white and blue Gabby GK Elite leotard she’s rockin’, the doll comes complete with a Nike warm-up suit.
The 20-year-old says she hopes the kids that play with her doll take away her number one message of staying true to yourself, and going after your dreams.
“Be yourself and really embrace your inner beauty and your true talent,” she says. “Believe in yourself. Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something when you can.”
Gabby and fellow gymnast, Simone Biles, pose for teen VOGUE’s double cover feature for its August issue.
Congrats!
Beyoncè And Jay Z Are The Highest Paid Celebrity Couple (Again)
Beyoncé and Jay Z have been revealed as this year’s highest-paid celebrity couple, with $107.5 million in earnings between them this past year, according to Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list.
Beyoncé ranked No. 34 on Forbes’ 2016 list with $54 million, largely from playing 19 shows during Forbes’ scoring period (Jay Z played two). She also dropped her sixth number-one album, Lemonade.
Meanwhile, Jay Z’s $53.5 million landed him at No. 36. His projects in the past year include Armand de Brignac champagne, D’Ussé cognac, his own entertainment company, Roc Nation and the streaming service Tidal.
Forbes also noted that the couple and their daughter Blue Ivy moved into a home reportedly worth $45 million that has six bedrooms, a spa, an art studio, and an Olympic-sized pool.
Last year, singer Taylor Swift and deejay boyfriend Calvin Harris topped the Forbes couples list, but they have since broken up.
Tim Duncan retires after 19 seasons, five NBA titles
Tim Duncan never wanted the spotlight, only the trophies. He never wanted the endorsements, only the camaraderie. He never wanted the accolades, only the collective achievement.
So when one of the most understated superstars in sports decided to finally call it a career after nearly two decades of excellence, he made the announcement with a 15-foot bank shot and not a boisterous slam dunk.
No big news conference. No victory lap. Not even a canned quote in the press release. Just a simple goodbye on Monday from the quiet anchor at the foundation of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty.
Just as he has for so much of his 19 seasons -- after five NBA titles, two NBA MVP awards, 15 All--Star appearances and a spot on many lists as the greatest power forward of all time -- the 40-year-old Duncan let others do the talking for him.
Duncan's final game ended up being a 113-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 12. Quiet for much of the series, Duncan showed flashes of his All-Star form in what turned out to be his career finale, with 19 points, five rebounds and a block in 34 minutes.
With the Spurs getting blown out in Game 6 and the fourth quarter set to begin, coach Gregg Popovich and his veteran star had a brief conversation on the bench. Duncan then played all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter without coming out for a rest, perhaps soaking up every second he could in the final game he would ever play.
When the game was over, Duncan waved to the visiting crowd and pointed a finger toward the roof as he headed to the locker room, a rare signal from one of the league's most stoic superstars.
Since drafting Duncan, the Spurs posted a 1,072-438 regular-season record. That is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and tops in the four major U.S. sports over the past 19 years.
"Man, he's meant a lot, a great amount," said Spurs small forward Kyle Anderson, one of Duncan's 140 teammates over the years. "When you have Timmy on the floor and you're out there, it's so easy to give all your effort because you know he's just out there talking, he's out there making sure everybody's playing hard.
"He's like, I don't want to say a father figure out there, but he's like a big brother out there. I love Timmy. He's been a great teammate."
The retirement also brings an end to the Duncan-Tony Parker-Manu Ginobili Big Three that ranked as one of the most prolific trios in NBA history.
No group won more regular-season or playoff games than those three. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, they were the first set of three or more teammates to win four titles together since Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper and Kurt Rambis.
Ginobili tweeted that it was an honor to play with Duncan.
Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 11, 2016
Former rivals were effusive in their praise of Duncan upon learning of his decision to step away from the game.
"Greatest power forward of all time," Shaquille O'Neal told Stein. "Unbreakable power forward. No [elbow] could break him. No loss of a championship could break him. Nothing could break him."
LeBron James, who lost to the Spurs in his first trip to the Finals, took to Twitter to praise Duncan.
Timmy D you know how I feel about you, what you did for me and for the entire NBA. Thank you for an amazing career! #BestPFEver #Legend
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 11, 2016
Kerr, the Golden State Warriors' coach who played with Duncan for four seasons, told Stein it will be strange not to see Duncan on the court.
"When you think of a Spurs game, you think of the opening tip and Timmy cradling the ball and looking down at Pop and Manu and Tony," Kerr said. "The four of them really kind of define who they are. But Tim is the main guy obviously.
"They'll still be the Spurs based on what they've built. And maybe that's Timmy's lasting legacy. He helped build something so strong that's still going after he leaves."
A four-year star at Wake Forest, Duncan was the No. 1 overall pick by the Spurs in the 1997 draft and made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and earning All-NBA First-Team honors, the first of 10 selections in his career. He led the Spurs to a championship in his second season, in 1999, and was named Finals MVP.
Duncan finishes his career with averages of 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. He ranks 14th all time in points (26,496), sixth in rebounds (15,091) and fifth in blocks (3,020).
Duncan made the NBA All‐Defensive First Team eight times. He is only the third player in NBA history to win 1,000 career regular-season games. Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parish are the only players with more career victories.
With the retirements of Duncan and Bryant, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett is the final player in the NBA who played in 1997-98. Garnett, 40, joined the league in 1995 and is signed through next season.
Anderson Cooper Shows Off His Brazilian Home To Architectural Digest
Nestled in the Brazilian beach town of Trancoso, his vacation home is a rustic stylish oasis. Casa Anderson is beyond stunning. “We weren’t obliged to build in a purely historical style, but we felt it was important to create something attuned to the local culture,” local designer Wilbert Das explains of the compound.
Cooper invited Architectural Digest to check out his tropical digs. Check out plenty more pics of his estate below.
For more pics, head over to Architectural Digest.
#EGGPLANT NATION! Meet Mack Bear!
Meet Mack Bear! Let his FUR FLY for YOU! To see more you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
ENJOY!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘Dress Up’
My little niece also likes to play dress up. Surprisingly she manages to do a better job though.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment