12/31/17

The Daily Buzz For Jan 1 ☕📰☕


Recy Taylor, A Valiant Rape Survivor Whose Story Mobilized Black Activism During The Jim Crow Era, Dies At 97
Recy Taylor, the valiant Alabama woman whose kidnapping and rape by six white men in the Jim Crow segregated south mobilized black activists, died on Thursday (Dec. 28). She was 97.

Taylor, who would’ve celebrated her 98th birthday on Sunday (Dec. 31), passed away in her sleep at a nursing home in her native Abbeville, Ala., NBC News reports. Her story came to prominence more than 70 years ago, when she survived the brutal sexual assault.
On September 3, 1944, Taylor, her friend, Fannie Daniel, and Daniel’s teenage son, were walking home from church when a car of white men pulled up besides them and subsequently forced Taylor into the car at gunpoint. She was blindfolded and driven to a wooded area where she was forced to undress, gang raped, and left on the side of the road.

At the time, Taylor, was a 24-year-old married mother of an infant.
Daniel reported the rape to police, and despite three witnesses identifying the men, no one was arrested. One of the assailants, Hugo Wilson, was identified by Daniel as driving the vehicle and admitted to picking Taylor up, but blamed the rape on the six others: Dillard York, Billy Howerton, Herbert Lovett, Luther Lee, Joe Culpepper and Robert Gamble. Hugo was fined $250 by the town’s sheriff, and never faced charges.
Authorities’ decision to ignore Taylor’s rape, led to outrage among black residents of Abbeville, and caught the attention of NAACP chapters in Alabama. The civil rights organization dispatched Rosa Parks, who at the time was an Alabama activist against sexual assault of black women, to investigate the case.

Parks, along with the help of other black activists in the state, formed the Alabama Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor, an organization that rallied national support. In October of 1944, Taylor’s rapists finally went to trial, but a jury of white men voted to dismiss the case, after deliberating for only five minutes.
Thanks to Parks and the tireless work of other freedom fighters, Taylor’s story continued to spread among black media outlets up north, and was later reported by the New York Daily News and Pittsburgh Courier. In addition, activists wrote letters requesting that then Governor Chauncey Sparks investigate Taylor’s rape, and he “reluctantly agreed” to do so.

Four of the rapists were interviewed during Sparks’ investigation, and admitted to having sex with Taylor, but lied and said that it was consensual.  However, Culpepper admitted that they were trolling for a woman to attack, and confessed to the horrid rape details that Taylor had already recounted.

Even with Culpepper’s confession, a second jury of white men refused to indict Taylor’s rapists.
Meanwhile, Taylor courageously faced the second court case amid attempts to smear her credibility by falsely accusing her of being a prostitute. She and her family were subjected to constant mistreatment and death threats from whites in the town. The family feared for their safety for decades after the failed indictment.
Taylor eventually moved to Florida before returning to Abbeville. Finally, in 2011, the Alabama Legislature formally apologized to Taylor for not prosecuting her rapists. Her story is the subject of a new documentary, The Rape of Recy Taylor, where she vividly recalls the sexual assault years later.

“I saw the car pull up behind me,” Taylor says.  “They put me in the car and blindfolded me. I was begging them to leave me alone, don’t shoot me, I’ve got to go home to see about my baby. They wouldn’t let me go.”
R.I.P Warrior Queen!

 
#RHoA: Why do Porsha and NeNe keep having issues with one another?
Here we go AGAIN! It seems Porsha and NeNe are having issues. While Porsha has been showing hee new Christmas Blonde Bombshell hair. She spoke on her friendship with Nene Leakes that it might be on the verge of collapsing.There have been a lot of fights between Williams and Leakes on the new season of RHOA.

And Williams addressed the chaos on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. She said she was hurt by Leakes’ comments about her losing her peach and added: “Before that, I did not have any feelings about it because we had not talked in two years, but when I watched the episode from everybody sending it to me, I just thought she was vicious to me. I thought what she was saying was very vicious and trying to just damage my character that night.”

On her radio show, The Daily Dish, she went on to say that she is hoping to fix the situation.

Good Luck!

 
#EMPIRE: For The Thousandth Time: Taraji P. Henson Says She’s Not Quitting ‘Empire’
While promoting Proud Mary Taraji P Henson was asked about leaving ‘EMPIRE’ well the 47-year-old actress, who plays Cookie Lyons on the series, says “I don’t know what this rumor is that I’m done after episode four… I have bills to pay… I love Chanel too much to walk away from a hit show.”

She continues, “Who is spreading that Who walks away from that money?”
Taraji went on to joke that she can’t leave the show because of her obsession with Gucci shoes.
“I can’t leave the show because I bought every color, every style.”

Season 5 of ‘Empire’ begins early 2018.

 
#MUSICNEWS: SZA Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs Chart
R&B/Soul singer SZA is ending 2017 with another success story. The TDE signee earned her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart as her single “The Weekend” rises 3-1.
The feat marks the first by a woman in a lead role following a shutout in 2017. The last solo female artist to reach the pinnacle was Rihanna in 2016 when “Needed Me” controlled the top spot for three weeks in October 2016.

According to Billboard, the ascension of “Weekend” was boasted by its No. 10 start on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs Sales (14,000 downloads sold in the week ending Dec. 21, up 168 percent, according to Nielsen Music) and its 23-17 hike on R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs (15.7 million U.S. streams, up 16 percent). The track holds at No. 8 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (18.3 million impressions, down 6 percent, in the week ending Dec. 24).

The “Weekend” could spend multiple weeks at No. 1, especially since the Solange-directed official music video premiered on Dec. 21.
“Weekend” is nominated for best R&B performance at the 60th annual Grammy Awards (Jan. 28). SZA earned five nods, including best new artist, making her the most-nominated woman this year.

 
#NEWHIPHOP: Watch Jay-Z And Beyoncé’s Star-Studded ‘Family Feud’ Video
JAY-Z proves that nobody wins when the family feuds, tapping his wife Beyoncé and daughter Blue Ivy for a winning combination in the cinematic video for “Family Feud” off 4:44.

Directed by Ava DuVernay and featuring a score by Flying Lotus, the star-studded visual opens with a quote from James Baldwin: “The wretched of the earth do not decide to become extinct, they resolve, on the contrary, to multiply: life is their weapon against life, life all that they have.”

More of a futuristic short film than a music video, the piece features an astounding list of stars, including Michael B. Jordan, Omari Hardwick, Jessica Chastain, Thandie Newton, America Ferrera, Brie Larson, Rosario Dawson, Rashida Jones, Mindy Kaling, Constance Wu, and many more.

It begins in the year 2444, where a vicious murder takes place inside of a bedroom, but the story travels across generations, while the Constitution is revised by a group of women, including Susan Kelechi Watson, who plays an older Blue Ivy in the year 2050.
 “America is a family and the whole family should be free,” says Watson. “It’s like I remember my father saying when I was a little girl: Nobody wins when the family feuds.”
Part of the visual is set inside of a church, so the stunning piece carries a spiritual tone with natural light shining into the sanctuary. In these scenes, Hov walks down a marvelous aisle with Blue Ivy, while Queen Bey looks elegant in all black at the altar.
Much like the topics explored on 4:44, the “Family Feud” visual carries a confessional theme. It is quite literal, in fact, as Jigga steps into a confessional booth with a striking ‘Yoncé sitting on the other side. “I told my wife the spiritual shit really work,” Hov raps on the track, to further enhance that motif.


The video was co-written by Shawn Carter and Ava DuVernay, and co-stars Trevante Rhodes, Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Storm Reid, Niecy Nash, Janet Mock, Hendry Sanders, and Irene Bedard.

 
Sean 'Diddy' Combs & Girlfriend Cassie Hold Hands at a Party in Miami
Sean “Diddy” Combs and FLOOR MAT girlfriend Cassie hold hands as they make their way out of Mr. Jones in Miami, Florida.
The 48-year-old rapper and businessman kept things cool in a black T-shirt and jeans while the 31-year-old model showed off some skin in a low cut black top and jeans as they headed home for the night.
Diddy and Cassie will be ringing in 2018 together in Miami as Diddy throws a party for all of his fans at the Story Miami Club.

 
Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson On Top Forbes’ Highest Grossing Actor List of 2017
Vin Diesel is the top grossing actor in the world, according to Forbes‘ annual list.
The Fate of the Furious star reportedly raked in $1.6 billion in global ticketing receipts in 2017, thanks mostly to his role in the franchise’s eighth installment.

His costar in the action flick, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, who was last year’s highest paid actor, ranked second on the list with $1.5 billion. Fate of the Furious made $1.2 billion worldwide, according to the website, which notes that Johnson’s other big film this year, Baywatch, pulled in just $178 million. The numbers do not account for his upcoming film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

 
Did Mariah Carey get Snubbed by the Royals?
Insiders claim Mariah Carey is upset after the royal family ignored her concert invitations...

From Star Magazine, [January 1, 2018 Print Edition]
Despite her holiday concerts selling out in London, the diva is in a dither because every seat is filled with commoners.
"Mariah extended personal invites to all the young royals, including Duchess Kate, Princes William and Harry, and Meghan Markel," blabs a crew member. "None of them wrote back except Meghan, saying she was flattered but busy."
It was a stinging insult for the Palace-obsessed pop star, who fancies herself more famous than the Queen of England. "Mariah assumed that not only would the family come to her show, she'd also be invited for high tea at the castle."

 
Rob Dyrdek & Wife Briyana Welcome Baby Girl Nala Ryan
Congratulations to Rob Dyrdek and his wife, Briyana Dyrdek, on the birth of their baby girl.
The proud papa introduced Nala Ryan Dyrdek with a sweet post on his Instagram page.
She is an angel from heaven. She is absolute perfection. She is our princess. She is Nala Ryan Dyrdek.
Nala joins her big brother, Kodah, who looks like he can’t wait to get into some trouble.

 
Neighbors Greet Vacationing Mike Pence With ‘Make America Gay Again’ Banner
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence was welcomed to Colorado with snow-dusted pines, cool mountain air and a bright rainbow banner with the words, “Make America Gay Again.”
Neighbors who live next door to the Aspen property where Pence and his wife are staying on vacation hung the flag on a pillar fronting the two homes’ shared driveway, according to the Aspen Times.

“You couldn’t miss it,” Pitkin County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Buglione told the newspaper.
Pence is a a long-time opponent of LGBTQ rights. As a member of Congress, he supported “conversion therapy” and said gay marriage would signal “societal collapse.” And as governor or Indiana he signed a law that allowed businesses to discriminate against LGBT people, only to reverse course in the face of widespread criticism.
The LGBTQ banner was hung by the daughters of the couple who live next door, along with one of their girlfriends, according to the Aspen Times. The parents reportedly brought chili and corn muffins to officers and Secret Service agents guarding the home where the vice president is staying.

“They’ve been really nice to us,” Buglione told the publication.

 
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘GINGERBREAD MAN’
If you’re putting it on over your existing clothes you don’t need to use the changing room. That’s a totally accepted rule in society.

 
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Red THICK!
Meet Red THICK!  You know what to do to see them goods. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

You’re Welcome!

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
AND HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM

OH MY! KIM BURRELL WHY YOU FELL LIKE THAT IN THOSE GORGEOUS YSL BOOTS? 🙈🙉🙊 👀


OH MY! KIM BURRELL WHY YOU FELL LIKE THAT IN THOSE GORGEOUS YSL BOOTS? 🙈🙉🙊 👀
Well Gospel's Songbird has done it again for the New Year. Last year was a prophetic word, or rant to the LGBTQ Community about dying in their lifestyle. 

This year she was ministering and had on some beautiful purple boots by Yves Saint Laurent and  well just look at the video below. The action begins at the the 5:04 mark.

Then she laughed too see below!

Well? GOOD....LOL!

12/30/17

R.I.P: Activist Erica Garner, Daughter Of Eric Garner, Dead At 27 of a Heart Attack!


R.I.P: Activist Erica Garner, Daughter Of Eric Garner, Dead At 27 After Heart Attack!
Activist Erica Garner, the eldest daughter of police chokehold victim Eric Garner, died Friday morning, less than a week after suffering a heart attack. She was 27.
Garner was an outspoken advocate for police accountability, calling for justice and police reform following the 2014 death of her father, whose dying gasps of “I can’t breathe” as a New York City police officer restrained him became a rallying cry at Black Lives Matter protests.

“It is important for us to show the world we can stand together as one people,” Garner wrote in a 2015 blog post for HuffPost. “It’s even more important for our youth to see us standing together and fighting for what is right. It shows them that they can push back against a corrupt system without being a so-called ‘thug.’ ... Justice means equity to us.”
Garner was hospitalized and put in a medically induced coma over Christmas weekend after going into cardiac arrest. Her mother, Esaw Snipes, told The New York Times that an asthma episode had triggered the heart attack.

Garner’s father had also suffered from asthma. He was videotaped repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” when officer Daniel Pantaleo placed him in a chokehold while attempting to arrest him for allegedly selling illegal cigarettes on Staten Island. Eric Garner, who was 43, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

A New York City medical examiner said the cause of death was homicide caused by Pantaleo’s “compression” of Garner’s chest. Pantaleo testified before a grand jury but was not indicted.
According to New York Daily News, Erica Garner learned she had heart problems about four months ago when she suffered her first heart attack shortly after the delivery of her son, whom she named after her father. Doctors said her already-enlarged heart had been stressed by the pregnancy.

Erica Garner recently discovered she had heart problems after the birth of her son, whom she named after her father.
On her website, Garner is described as an activist, writer, mother and “daddy’s girl.”
Since her father’s death, Garner has spoken extensively about her fight against police brutality and institutionalized racism. She also campaigned for Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders during the 2016 election and challenged then-President Barack Obama on why police officers found guilty of misconduct were not facing punishment.
Garner is survived by her mother, husband and two young children.

R.I.P!

THE CATACLYSMIC WORLD OF Tamar's soon to be EX VINCENT HERBERT!


THE CATACLYSMIC WORLD OF Tamar's soon to be EX VINCENT HERBERT!
Vincent Herbert Arrested On Christmas, Ordered by Judge to Stay Away From Tamar Braxton

Vincent Herbert spent a bit of quality time behind bars on Christmas Day. The 45-year-old estranged husband of Tamar Braxton was arrested in Los Angeles County on Christmas night and charged with a misdemeanor. He had a bail amount set at $20,000 and was released on the same day. See the documentation below.
Pic courtesy of thejasminebrand

We’re told that Tamar has a protection order against Vince and him allegedly contacting her (despite a judge’s order) is highly likely why he was arrested. It was because of her mouth.

Tamar’s mother, Evelyn Braxton, alleged that Vincent was physically abusive and that she’s witnessed it.
Vince’s camp adamantly denies this.

She also took to Instagram to claim that her estranged husband, Vincent Herbert, is having a baby with another woman.
“Vincent Herbert is Having a baby and his Whore decided to let me know about it tonight!! That stupid broke ass whore should check public records on Christmas before she goes through with it!!” she wrote in the since-deleted Instagram post on Saturday, December 30. “He called back (despite of his protection order) begging and lying…..like he’s hanging out with joe and Rocxi (from BET) oh yeah..that’s creditable.”

Vince’s camp has yet to comment.

12/28/17

The Daily Buzz For Dec 29 ☕📰☕


SARAH PAULSON in Town & Country Magazine, February 2018 Issue
She looks FAB!


#RHoA: Meet Porsha Williams The Blonde BOMBSHELL!
Blondes have more fun that is what Porsha Williams told herself for Christmas.
The stunning Real Housewives of Atlanta star shared a few pictures and videos where she is unrecognizable.

In the pics, Williams, looked sensational in an all-black outfit that showed she has killer curves in the right places.
Some love the new bleach blonde hair, while others are begging her to go back to black. 
WHAT DO YOU THINK?


#EMPIRE: Lee Daniels to Be Honored at Annual amfAR New York Gala
The 20th annual amfAR New York gala, which kicks off NYFW each year, will honor Lee Daniels and Stefano Tonchi at the February event.
Held at Cipriani Wall Street on Feb. 7, the director-producer-writer and the W Magazine editor in chief have been selected for the honor for their commitment to the fight against AIDS.

Event chairs include Scarlett Johansson, Whoopi Goldberg, Chloë Sevigny, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Heidi Klum, Iman, Laura Linney, Linda Evangelista, Taraji P. Henson, Alan Cumming and more. Co-chairs include Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Baldwin and more. The musical performer will be Halsey.

The 2017 gala honored Johansson and Donatella Versace and featured a performance by Ellie Goulding.
Daniels has twice been nominated for an Oscar, for the film “Precious,” and is also recognized for “The Butler” and TV shows “Empire” and “Star.”


#NEWMUSIC from ‘The Voice’ Winner Chris Blue Releases New Single, “Blue Blood Blues”
NBC’s ‘The Voice’ season 12 winner Chris Blue releases his brand new single, “Blue Blood Blues,” a soulful and emotionally-drenched song about hurt. On the record, the singer-songwriter reminds the world win he won The Voice by showcasing his undeniable and powerhouse vocals.
About the song, Chris Blue said, “‘Blue Blood Blues’ is about persistent optimism!! It’s about living with the choices that we’ve made in life.”

Chris will return to The Voice’s season finale on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 to perform the song live for the very first time. A deeply personal anthem about triumph in the face of adversity, it properly introduces his unique genre-blending style of Pop, Soul, and R&B.

“Blue Blood Blues” will appear on Chris’ forthcoming full-length debut, due out in 2018.
Chris Blue triumphantly emerged as the Season 12 Victor on Team Alicia Keys. Show after show, he captured the hearts of millions with his combination of raw vocal talent, heartfelt honesty, and brave vulnerability.

LISTEN HERE

Following his victory, Chris inked a deal with Republic Records and immediately entered the studio to commence work on what would become his forthcoming full-length debut for the label. Drawing on influences as diverse as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Shania Twain, Chris Brown, The Canton Spirituals, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, he artfully unites Motown, pop, and soul into a sound of his own.


#HIPHOPNEWS: Gucci Mane Announces New Album ‘The Evil Genius’
Less than one week since the release of his newest album, El Gato: The Human Glacier, Gucci Mane has already announced the follow-up.

Taking to social media with a photo of himself in front of a truck, Guwop revealed the title of his next project, The Evil Genius.
“Next solo album #TheEvilGenius,” he tweeted.
The album announcement adds to what has been a prolific year for Guwop. In May, he released DropTopWop and followed that up with Mr. Davis in October. This month, he released the aforementioned El Gato.

This year also saw The Wopster expanding his empire with the release of his first book, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane. It was also a major year in his personal life, as he married his longtime girlfriend Keyshia Ka’oir. The couple may be planning on growing a family next year, as she’s already publicly stated that she wants a son.

The Evil Genius is expected at some point soon, though no release date has been announced.


Meghan Markle's Half-Sister Fires Back at Prince Harry's Family Comments
Prince Harry recently spoke about Meghan Markle joining the royal family for Christmas, and now, Meghan‘s estranged half-sister Samantha is responding to those comments.
If you missed it, Prince Harry said of Meghan, “She’s done an absolutely amazing job. She’s getting in there and it’s the family that I suppose she’s never had.”

Samantha took to Twitter to respond and said, “Actually she has a large family who were always there with her and for her. Our household was very normal and when dad and Doria divorced, we all made it so it was like she had two houses. No one was estranged ,she was just too busy. Read my book complete with facts and photos.”
She added, “She has a large family. She always did. Our dad is amazing and completely self sacrificing. We made it so that she had two houses. How fun it was!”

A Kensington Palace official responded to Samantha’s comments, saying Prince’s Harry‘s “comments speak for themselves.”


Keyshia Cole Ordered To Pay $100,000 In Assault Case
Three years after Keyshia Cole allegedly assaulted a woman in Birdman’s Los Angeles condo, the singer has been ordered to pay the reported victim a settlement of $100,635.
In 2014, Cole reportedly went to visit Birdman, who she was rumored to be dating at the time. However, she allegedly saw another woman, Sabrina Mercadel, in the home and attacked her, pulling her hair and scratching her in the face with her nails. Cole was arrested for battery and an outstanding reckless driving warrant at the time.

Mercadel claimed that she lost the use of a finger following the assault and asked for a reported $4 million from Cole. The judgement ended up being worth $100,635, according to TMZ.

In October, Cole released her latest album, 11:11 Reset, featuring DJ Khaled, Remy Ma, French Montana, Young Thug, Kamaiyah, and Too $hort.


R.I.P: Beloved Atlanta News Anchor Amanda Davis Passes Away
Atlanta news anchor Amanda Davis has passed away. Amanda suffered a massive stroke Tuesday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where she was awaiting a flight.

She was reportedly en route to her stepfather’s funeral. The Greater Atlanta Community is shocked and saddened by this. Our prayers go out to Amanda’s Family and close friends.


R.I.P! Dick Van Dyke Cast Member Rose Marie Dead At 94
The actress spent 91 years in show business.
Actress Rose Marie, who rose to national fame in the 1960s playing wisecracking Sally Rogers on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” died Thursday at her home in Los Angeles.

She was 94.

Though the actress was best known for playing Sally Rogers, her show business career goes back 90 years, starting when she was a child singer performing under the name Baby Rose Marie.
Born Rose Marie Mazetta, she was known as “the child wonder.” She starred on her NBC radio show at age 5, and played opposite W.C. Fields in the 1933 film “International House,” according to Variety.

It wasn’t an easy life. In her 2002 autobiography Hold The Roses, the performer described her family in harsh terms:
I was raised by a mother who was a naïve, Polish lady who believed everything she was told. My father was a tyrant who had another family and never married my mother.

He gambled away all the money I made as a child and my mother never knew a thing about it. He beat me because he was jealous of anybody I ever went out with.
Rose Marie said mobsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel helped her career as a child star.

She was one of the headliners when Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas in 1946, but her comedic career didn’t really take off until she was cast on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” considered one of the all-time great sitcoms, in 1961.
Marie appeared in all five seasons and was nominated for Emmys in 1963, 1964 and 1966, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Earlier this month, she wrote a piece for The Hollywood Reporter about her own experience with sexual harassment during Hollywood’s golden age.

Rose Marie was married to trumpeter Bobby Guy from 1946 until his death in 1964. She is survived by her daughter, Georgiana Marie, and her son-in-law, Steven Rodrigues.


Jay-Z Teases ‘Family Feud’ Video With Beyoncé & Blue Ivy
Nobody wins when the family feuds. JAY-Z is capping off a big year with the release of his latest 4:44 video for “Family Feud,” which co-stars his superstar wife, Beyoncé.
The Carters, who welcomed twins Rumi and Sir in June, appear in the cinematic teaser, along with their daughter, Blue Ivy.

Set inside of a church, the dramatic clip shows a different couple making out before the woman stabs the man on the side. Meanwhile, an elegant Hov, Bey, and Blue show up inside of the religious place of worship.
The religious theme continues. “We all lose when the family feuds,” Hov says inside of a confessional booth, while Queen Bey is on the other side, listening to his testimonial.

WATCH HERE

The “Family Feud” visual follows 4:44 videos for “Legacy,” “Marcy Me,” “Smile,” “Moonlight,” “Adnis,” “4:44,” “Kill Jay Z,” “BAM,” and “The Story of O.J.,” among others.

The full video will be available Friday (Dec. 29) at 4:44 p.m. ET via TIDAL.


#ITSOFFICIAL: Democrat Doug Jones officially declared winner over Roy Moore
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Democrat Doug Jones' historic victory over Republican Roy Moore was declared official Thursday as Alabama election officials certified him the winner of the special Senate election, despite Moore's last-minute lawsuit claiming voter fraud.
Jones defeated Moore on Dec. 12 by 21,924 votes in a stunning victory in a traditionally red state, becoming the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate victory in a quarter-century. The win came after Moore, best known for stands against gay marriage and the public display of the Ten Commandments, was dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct involving teenage girls that occurred decades ago.
Jones said in a statement that he looked forward to going to work for the people of Alabama in the new year.

"As I said on election night, our victory marks a new chapter for our state and the nation," he said. "I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all."
Jones will be sworn in on Jan. 3, narrowing the GOP's advantage in the U.S. Senate to 51-49. He takes over the seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
In a brief meeting Thursday at the Alabama Capitol, the governor, attorney general and secretary of state signed paperwork certifying the final ballot numbers. It was a quiet punctuation mark to a tumultuous election marked by the misconduct accusations and Moore's eleventh-hour legal fight.

Moore had refused to concede his loss to Jones and filed a last-ditch lawsuit hours before the certification, saying he believed there were voting irregularities that should be investigated. A judge denied his request to stop the election certification. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said his office has so far found no evidence of fraud.

In a brief statement, Moore stood by his claims that the election was fraudulent and said he had to fight Democrats and over $50 million in opposition spending from the Washington establishment. He said he had no regrets.

"I have stood for the truth about God and the Constitution for the people of Alabama," he said.
On election night, Moore had pegged his hopes on votes from military serviceman and provisional ballots. The official numbers certified Thursday showed that Jones slightly expanded his lead over Moore. Jones had a lead of 20,715 in the unofficial returns and was ahead 21,924 in the certified result. In all, more than 1.3 million people voted in the special election, including 22,850 write-in votes.

Jones is a former U.S. attorney best known for prosecuting two Ku Klux Klansmen responsible for Birmingham's infamous 1963 church bombing.
As he launched his campaign, he said he saw an opening for a rare Democratic win against Moore, a polarizing figure in the state. Moore was a twice removed from the position of chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Once was for defying a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state judicial building. And he was permanently suspended last year for urging probate judges to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples in defiance of federal court rulings.

Moore's campaign was deeply wounded by the sexual misconduct accusations. Moore denied the accusations and said in the lawsuit that he had passed a polygraph test to prove they are false.
Moore's attorney wrote in the wide-ranging complaint that he believed there were irregularities during the election, including that voters may have been brought in from other states. He attached a statement from a poll worker that she had noticed licenses from Georgia and North Carolina as people signed in to vote. The complaint also noted the higher-than-expected turnout in the race, particularly in Jefferson County.

"This is not a Republican or Democrat issue as election integrity should matter to everyone," Moore said in a statement Wednesday.
Rick Hasen, an election law expert and professor at the University of California, Irvine, said Moore's complaint did not raise the sort of issues that lead courts to overturn an election. He said Moore's complaint might just be a way for him to fundraise and throw "red meat to his loyal supporters."

Merrill said Moore has a few options left, such as offering to pay for a recount within 48 hours.
"I can say this. I don't think there is any doubt from the minds of anybody that's in the room that if there was ever a question about whether Alabama conducts honest, fair election safe and secure elections, that question has been eliminated," Merrill said.

Congrats Doug!


AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘HALF MAN, HALF WOMAN’
He must work out…and shave his legs..and tuck has sack back.


#EGGPLANT NATION! Meet Reni
Meet Reni! Well 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!


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM