Idris Elba for Vanity Fair! Talks about people don't want him to be James Bond
“Should Idris Elba play James Bond?” is a question that tends to bubble up into the public consciousness every few years, regardless of where the next James Bond movie is in its development. The question is generally accompanied by a big fan campaign to get Elba cast as Bond—even if there is already someone playing Bond and the new Bond movie is already being filmed—as well as a similarly big backlash from people who, for some reason, don’t want to Idris Elba sipping on martinis, objectifying women, and driving Aston Martins. Seriously, though, it’s pretty obvious that the reason that some people are so opposed to this idea is that Idris Elba is Black, while James Bond has always been played by a white guy—ergo, “James Bond is supposed to be white” even though that’s stupid.
Anyway, speaking with Vanity Fair, Elba now says he gets “disheartened” when he hears about people saying he can’t play a certain role just because he’s Black, especially since that could impact the way the movie is received. “If I get it and it didn’t work, or it did work, would ie be because of the color of my skin? That’s a difficult position to put myself into when I don’t need to.” It’s an understandable concern, and a situation that the 2016 Ghostbusters movie had to deal with when it failed to become much of a hit, but it doesn’t sound like Elba’s willing to let racist naysayers scare him off of playing James Bond.
He admits that he’s never officially expressed any interest in the character, but he’d say yes if they asked him. “Of course, if someone said to me ‘Do you want to play James Bond?,’ I’d be like, Yeah! That’s fascinating to me. But it’s not something I’ve expressed, like, yeah, I wanna be the Black James Bond.”
Get more at Vanity Fair HERE
Lil Nas X Comes Out in Pride Post
Lil Nas X celebrated the end of Pride Month by sharing something huge. In a Twitter post, the rapper asked fans to go listen to a track off of his recent EP 7 with fresh ears
"Some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure," he said in a post that ended with rainbow and sparkle emojis.
The lyrics to "c7osure" are incredibly vague. Flower Boy it is not. But with a little nudge, it's easy to see how it could be a song about the struggle to come out.
“Brand new places I’ll choose and I’ll go, I know / Embracin’ this news I behold unfolding," he raps. "I know, I know, I know it don’t feel like it’s time / But I look back at this moment, I’ll see that I’m fine.”
People, as well as other musicians, were fully behind Nas and praised him for sharing the post to his fanbase.
Lil Nas X also engaged with fans who tweeted out jokes.
"lmaoo," Nas X wrote when a Twitter user joked that he couldn't be a fan of his any more due to his affinity for beaches.
I can’t be a fan of you now I know you like the beach
All in all Lil Nas X has been having an amazing year. He dropped off his debut EP and has been doing extremely well on the charts with his viral hit "Old Town Road."
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes READS Cynthia Bailey calling her ‘WEAK’ As she signs a new contract for RHOA!
NeNe Leakes wasted no time stomping on former friend and fellow cast member Cynthia Bailey as soon as she signed a new contract to remain on Season 12 of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
As Leakes is prepared to appear with Andy Cohen, Bailey and other Bravo personalities to appear on the Bravo float for a pride parade, Leakes sat down with Lore’l of “The Morning Hustle” to throw more shade at Bailey for allegedly backstabbing her.
Leakes said she plans to remain cordial to Bailey, but she intimates she will never get over Bailey’s disloyalty.
“No, I do not plan to talk to her. I feel sorry for her. I can say ‘Hello.’ I can stand beside her.”
Leakes believes Bailey has allowed herself to be ensnared in the trap of doing desperate things to have a storyline and remain relevant on the show.
“I was a friend to her. No matter what the show portrayed. She knows that and I know that. I feel like she was a friend to me and I feel like I was a friend to her. I feel like she has definitely fallen victim — she needs to do whatever she needs to do to stay on the show. And I’m not that girl. I’m never going to do whatever I need to do to stay on the show.”
Leakes also believes that the behind-the-scenes whispering from producers got Bailey out of character.
“I’m this kinda girl. If you are my girl, if we down — we down. Now, the producers ain’t gonna be able to tell me nothing and they know they ain’t gonna be able to tell me nothing. They would be able to come to me and be like ‘You need to turn on Cynthia’ and I’d be like ‘You know that ain’t never going to happen.'”
In the end, Bailey was not strong enough to stand up to Bravo execs not to betray her friend, Leakes claims.
“They can tell her that though, because she’s weaker. She’s definitely weak. She’s doing whatever she needs to do. She looks really desperate. Gurl Bye!
#Empire: Jussie Smollett Has unfollowed ‘Empire’ director Lee Daniels on Social Media!
In a move that appears to signal feelings of betrayal and abandonment, ex-“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has unfollowed his former boss who made him a household name through the weekly drama series.
According to TheJasmineBrand, Smollett stopped following “Empire” creator, producer and director Lee Daniels this past week.
There were a couple of recent developments that may have precipitated the move. Daniels seemed to equivocate in a June 2019 interview with Vulture about whether or not he believes Smollett actually staged a homophobic and racist beatdown hoax back in January 2019.
In fact, Daniels conceded to the magazine that he was “beyond embarrassed” that he jumped to defend Smollett so quickly and unconditionally in the beginning, but that he really didn’t know if Smollett was lying or not.
Secondly, Daniels admitted that he had to cut the figurative umbilical cord between him and Smollett after a while because the controversy was causing so much emotional volatility that spilled over into his personal life and on the “Empire” set.
Daniels also definitively closed the book on Smollett regarding his participation in the sixth and final season of “Empire,” telling fans on Twitter that Smollett will not return under any circumstances.
“This is not factual. Jussie will not be returning to Empire,” he said emphatically.
Daniels, however, continues to follow Smollett.
#NewMusic Stream Chris Brown’s ‘Indigo’
Chris Brown's Indigo album is here. Brown unleashed his follow-up to Heartbreak on a Full Moon on Friday (June 28), as he made sure to not leave his fans with any shortage of content. The double-disc album boasts 32 tracks in total and has a runtime of over two hours of CB teaming with a talented ensemble of guests.
Brown enlists H.E.R., Lil Jon, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Tory Lanez, Joyner Lucas, Tyga, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Justin Bieber, plus more for smooth assists on the expansive set.
Chris Brown Announces IndiGOAT Tour With Ty Dolla $ign, Tory Lanez & Joyner Lucas
"#INDIGO THE ALBUM IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE NOW! Thank you to all my fans for the support and love," the pop star wrote in a note thanking fans on Instagram. "Thank you to all the producers and the writers and everybody who made this project possible! Link in bio for all streaming services. I MIGHT
Stream Indigo HERE
#NewHipHop from Nipsey Hussle’s ‘Perfect Ten’ Collaboration With Mustard
Following DJ Khaled and John Legend’s “Higher,” Mustard debuts his Perfect Ten collaboration with the Crenshaw legend, which serves as the title track off his new album.
The stripped-down production is a powerful tribute to the slain MC, who explains his Marathon movement. “That’s why I call my thing the Marathon because I’m not gonna lie and portray this ultimate poise, like I been had it figured out,” says Nipsey. “Nah, I just didn’t quit. That’s the only distinguishing quality.”
The fallen hero also shares his journey (“I went through every emotion trying to pursue what I did”) and praises YG (“I think protest music is important. I think that YG was a genius”).
LISTEN HERE
In addition to Nipsey, Perfect Ten features collaborations with YG, Ella Mai, Ty Dolla $ign, Future, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Young Thug, Gunna, and more.
The Queen Janet Jackson at Glastonbury does a seamless glide through her biggest hits
It’s not quite six o’clock when Janet Jackson appears on the Pyramid Stage – unusual, perhaps, for an artist of her renown. Jackson certainly seems to think so herself; perhaps unhappy with her position on the bill, she announced her appearance at Worthy Farm by doctoring the official poster. Media outlets gleefully reported Jackson’s team’s audacious decision to move her name to top left billing.
Jackson is a cultural powerhouse: both a veteran live performer and a match-fit one – it’s clear that today’s meticulously rehearsed performance comes after a run of acclaimed shows in Las Vegas. Despite a slightly late start, the show kicks off with business-like professionalism, Jackson rising through the floor of a raised platform on the (otherwise simple) stage. There’s something sleekly superhuman about Jackson’s stage presence: from her flaw-free skin (Jackson is 53, and gave birth to her first child at 50) to her micro-choreographed movements. Dressed in a heavy black cowl neck with patent leather shoulder detailing and enormous matching boots, she gestures with laser-like precision: every finger wag, head tilt and narrowed eye is deliberate.
Her back catalogue flirts with diverse musical styles. There’s the industrial beats on opener “Trust to Try”, the provocative funk of “What Have You Done For Me Lately” and the warm, bright pop of “All For You”. Janet glides through them all seamlessly, from the crisp, sharp and sexual choreography on “If” (including a moment where Jackson puts the head of a male dancer between her legs) to head-banging and bottom-lip-biting air guitar on “Black Cat”. Even her most recent release, 2018’s “Made For Now”, feels right at home, and proves as popular with the crowd as any of her classic hits. The setlist is front-loaded with some of her most famous songs thanks to a medley that includes “What Have You Done For Me Lately”, “Control”, “Nasty”, “The Best Things In Life Are Free” and “All For You”, but it’s a credit to Jackson’s career that she doesn’t run out of hits.
WATCH HERE
Over the past few years, Jackson’s live performances and her oeuvre have been reassessed with new admiration and a sense that, until now, her many contributions to the musical landscape have been overlooked. In March, she was conducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There are no mentions to her brother Michael tonight (their collaboration “Scream” is absent from the setlist), other than a brief moment where she references “my brothers, the Jacksons”, incorporating moves from the Jackson 5’s career and the “Thriller” video into a dance break. At the best of times, it’s a challenge to walk in the footsteps of a more influential sibling, even more so when their cultural footprint is being seriously reconsidered. But Jackson has always been able to refuse to bear the burdens of her family’s history, despite its enormous weight.
Zoe Kravitz Weds Karl Glusman In Paris
Zoe Kravitz is officially a married woman! The “Big Little Lies” star exchanged vows with actor Karl Glusman on Saturday at her daddy Lenny Kravitz‘s home in French City.
Zoe and Karl have been dating since 2016 and they got engaged two years later.
The newlyweds have not publicly confirmed their nuptials, but the proud father of the bride shared a photo of him hugging his baby girl at her rehearsal dinner at the Restaurant LapΓ©rouse.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Glusman.
New Whitney Houston Song Released 7 Years After Her Death
It’s been more than 7 years since the shocking and tragic death of Whitney Houston. But it’s safe to say her legacy lives on and will continue to be a staple in the music and pop culture industry.
DJ and producer Kygo released the new song called “Higher Love.”
The remix is a cover of the previously released bonus track featured on Houston’s I’m Your Baby Tonight album back in 1990. It was only released in Japan at the time. Houston covered the original from singer Steve Winwood’s song that was released in 1986.
Now, Kygo will be performing the song Sunday at the PrideFest Utopia in New York City.
He said, “I was honored when the Whitney Houston estate reached out and presented me with the opportunity to work with one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. I reworked the song from scratch and am really happy with how it turned out!”
And fortunately for him, Houston’s family is all for it. Her sister-in-law Pat Houston added,
“The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and our new partner Primary Wave are delighted with the collaboration between Kygo and Whitney. We knew Kygo would be the right producer to enhance Whitney’s powerful vocal performance on ‘Higher Love,’ to the standards and expectations that Whitney’s fans have recognized for over three decades.”
“The resurgence of this precious archival performance will carry Whitney’s musical legacy on to a younger generation for years to come,” the statement continues. “Everyone should be ready to dance to this uplifting and inspiring record — a testament to Kygo’s incredible talent, and a reminder of why we fell in love with Whitney from the very beginning!”
Houston’s long-time producer Clive Davis also said, “When [producer] Narada Michael Walden sent me ‘Higher Love’ with the Whitney vocal, we didn’t want her being a cover artist at that time. The only place it was released was as a bonus cut in Japan.”
The song ended up staying hidden until Houston’s estate started considering putting out unreleased music for her fans. They ultimately allowed Kygo, who worked on classics like Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing to take the reins on it.
Check out the song HERE
The New York Yankees Had a complete sweep of Red Sox in high-scoring London Series
LONDON – Saturday night London Stadium played like Coors Field souped up on PEDs.
Less than 24 hours later, in cooler temperatures but consistent sun, things were somewhat different.
But not dramatically. After Stephen Tarpley allowed three home runs in a four-run first, the Yankees gradually chipped away, then erupted with a nine-run seventh that propelled them to a 12-8 victory to complete a two-game sweep of the London Series.
The Yankees (54-28), winners in 13 of their last 14 games, increased their lead in the AL East over the third-place Red Sox (44-40), whose bullpen proved equally bad on both sides of the Atlantic, to 11 games. The Bombers entered the day seven games clear of the second-place Rays.
Gary Sanchez, without a hit in the series, snapped the mini-skid with a two-run single in the seventh, an inning in which the Yankees sent 14 to the plate, to make it 5-4. Gio Urshela’s two-run single later in the inning made it 7-4 and improved the infielder to 5-for-7 with 12 RBI this season with the bases loaded. D.J. LeMahieu, coming off a four-hit, five-RBI performance the night before, started the rally with a single. He came up again with the bases loaded and delivered a two-run double, improving the infielder to 35-for-72 this season with runners in scoring position (8-for-10 with the bases loaded).
Taking the mound with a 12-4 lead in the eighth, Chance Adams helped put the Red Sox back into it, necessitating Zack Britton to come on in the inning. Britton allowed a Sam Travis hit and walk to Mookie Betts, loading the bases for Rafael Devers, the tying run. After falling behind 3-and-0, Devers grounded weakly to first to end the threat.
Those in the sellout crowd Sunday had a similar experience to those in attendance Saturday night when the Yankees won, 17-13, in the third-longest nine-inning game in big-league history (4 hours, 42 minutes), a slugfest that saw the teams combine for 37 hits, including six homers (three by each club).
The teams totaled 28 hits in Sunday’s four-plus hour slog and, oddly, given how the ball flew in the ballpark, the Yankees hit just one homer. It was a solo shot in the eighth that made it 12-4 and extended the Yankees MLB record home-run streak to 31 games.
After the Red Sox launched three in the first off Tarpley – Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez went back-to-back and Christian Vazquez added the third – Yankees pitching shut the door, until Adams’ came on.
That group, to the surprise of more than a few, was led by Luis Cessa. The righthander, who brought a 5.11 ERA into the game, allowed four hits and struck out two over four scoreless innings.
The Yankees quickly responded to Boston’s homer splurge. Edwin Encarnacion led off the second against Red Sox lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez with a walk, Didi Gregorius, who had three RBIs Saturday, reached on an infield single and Gleyber Torres walked to load the bases for Gio Urshela. The third baseman grounded to short but the Red Sox were sloppy trying to turn the double play, only able to record one out as Encarnacion scored to make it 4-1. Brett Gardner, who also had three RBIs Saturday, then scorched a grounder on this concrete-like turf that skipped into the outfield, the RBI single making it 4-2. Rodriguez pitched well otherwise, allowing those two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 effective innings.
Taylor Swift Is 'Sad & Grossed Out' That Scooter Braun Bought Her Master Recordings
Taylor Swift is reacting to the news that Scooter Braun has purchased her former label Big Machine Label Group.
It was announced on Sunday morning (June 30) that the music manager had bought the company for $300 million, including all of the master recordings from artists, past and present.
All of Taylor‘s albums and master recordings up until her soon to be released album Lover, are owned by Big Machine, and now Scooter, and the singer took to her Tumblr page to share her disgust.
“For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and ‘earn’ one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in,” Taylor wrote. “I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future. I had to make the excruciating choice to leave behind my past. Music I wrote on my bedroom floor and videos I dreamed up and paid for from the money I earned playing in bars, then clubs, then arenas, then stadiums.”
“This is my worst case scenario. This is what happens when you sign a deal at fifteen to someone for whom the term ‘loyalty’ is clearly just a contractual concept. And when that man says ‘Music has value’, he means its value is beholden to men who had no part in creating it,” she added.
#BoxOfficeNews: The Toys are still in control! 'Toy Story 4' is #1 Over 'Annabelle'
New releases have seen some struggles as of late, with several summer sequels debuting well below expectations and this weekend sees yet another sequel in Annabelle Comes Home attempting to avoid a similar fate. On top of that, Universal unveils an original project in Danny Boyle's Yesterday looking to ride a wave of positivity into the weekend.
At the top of the charts, look for Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 4 to repeat at #1. Looking at past Toy Story releases the second wide weekend has seen a range of performances, but we're looking specifically at Toy Story 3's -46% second weekend drop as well as Incredibles 2 and Finding Dory, which dropped -56% and -46% respectively. Given Toy Story 4's debut hues a bit closer to Toy Story 3 and Dory we're leaning more toward anticipating a similar, -46% drop this weekend, which would result in a sophomore performance over $65 million, pushing the film's domestic gross over $240 million by the end of the weekend.
In the runner-up position we come to Warner Bros. and New Line's Annabelle Comes Home, marking the third film in the Annabelle franchise and sixth official entry into The Conjuring franchise. The film began playing in theaters on Wednesday with Tuesday night previews beginning at 6PM, where the film generated an impressive $3.5 million. However, that only translated into a $7.2 million opening day along with a "B-" CinemaScore, the lowest of the franchise.
Speaking of the franchise, the past two Annabelle releases have opened with $37 and $35 million and heading into the weekend the studio was anticipating a five-day performance for this third installment around $30 million. While that still remains a possibility, given the film's start, it seems unlikely.
In terms of comps, looking at films such as The First Purge, which debuted on a Wednesday last July, it brought in $9.3 million on its opening day and climbed to over $31 million for the five-day. Terminator: Genisys brought in $8.9 million on its opening day in July 2015, and finished the weekend with over $42 million. While Annabelle's preview performance outperformed The First Purge, it's opening day is noticeably short, suggesting a five-day performance around $25-27 million is most likely.
Universal's high concept feature Yesterday is looking at a third place finish, though it could be anywhere from a respectable $11-14 million, or perhaps climb as high as $17 million and move into second place for the weekend. Directed by Danny Boyle, we've had a bit of a hard time finding a direct comp, though films such as I Feel Pretty and Isn't It Romantic come to mind in terms of concept, while the likes of Long Shot, Book Club and The Intern seem like solid audience comps. A look at IMDb page view data for all of those comps is positive, the only thing that has us slightly hesitating on going too high with our forecast right now is the theater count.
All of the comps mentioned, outside of Book Club — which opened over Mother's Day weekend — debuted in over 3,000 locations with I Feel Pretty debuting in nearly 3,500 theaters. Yesterday is looking at only a 2,603 location launch, which has us anticipating an opening around $12+ million, which actually feels a bit conservative. Additional analysis suggests a debut closer to $14 million and if it can truly maximize on its theater selection, an opening even higher wouldn't surprise us in the least.
Disney's Aladdin continues its strong and steady performance as it enters its sixth weekend in release. Right now we're looking for a -30% dip or so this weekend, which would give the film a $9+ million three-day as it's domestic total climbs over $305 million.
Rounding out the top five look for The Secret Life of Pets 2, looking at a drop around -38% or so, and a three-day over $6 million for a domestic cume right around $130 million by the end of the weekend.
Mayor Of Kyoto Asks Kim Kardashian To Reconsider Her Bid To Trademark “Kimono”
The mayor of the Japanese city of Kyoto has written an open letter to Kim Kardashian in the hopes of persuading her to change her mind on her controversial bid to trademark “Kimono.”
In a letter posted to the city’s website, Daisaku Kadokawa writes, “Dear Ms. Kim Kardashian West, I am writing this letter to convey our thoughts on Kimono and ask you to reconsider your decision of using the name Kimono in your trademark.”
Mayor Kadokawa continued in his letter, “Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavors and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living. Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese.”
According to the Blast, the reality star announced earlier this week her plans to trademark the name and released a statement to The NY Times addressing the backlash by saying she had no desire “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment.”
Kardashian made it very clear in her statement that she has no plans to change the name of her company adding, “I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment. Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment. My solution wear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”
9/11 first responder and advocate Luis Alvarez dies at 53 by complications of cancer
NEW YORK - Luis Alvarez, a retired NYPD bomb squad detective who described for Congress his medical issues during an impassioned appeal for an extension of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, died Saturday in a hospice in New York. He was 53.
His death from complications of cancer linked to the time he spent with other first responders in the rubble at ground zero was announced in a Facebook statement from his family.
"We told him at the end that he had won this battle by the many lives he had touched by sharing his three year battle," the statement said.
"He was at peace with that, surrounded by family. Thank you for giving us this time we have had with him, it was a blessing."
Alvarez entered end-of-life hospice care last week.
Alvarez vowed to fight for benefits until the end
On June 11, a frail Alvarez made his way to Washington with other first responders to testify in a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing for an extension of the fund for police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers who became ill after laboring at the site of the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. He received a standing ovation that day.
"I'm now in hospice, because (there) is nothing else the doctors can do to fight the cancer," Alvarez wrote in a Facebook post the following week. "Still here, still breathing, Still fighting."
His strength — physical, mental & emotional — led us all, & we vow to #NeverForget him or his legacy — which was, simply, to have others do what's right."
Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said of Alvarez: "He exemplified the NYPD motto, "Fidelis Ad Mortem" or "Faithful Unto Death." Detective Lou Alvarez has lost his battle with 9/11-related cancer. An inspiration, a warrior, a friend—we will carry his sword."
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, said via Twitter, "Det. Alvarez lost his fight against cancer, but his fight for 9/11 responders and survivors continues. He dedicated his life to protecting others and advocating on behalf of those ailing after the attacks. It is time for Congress to honor his sacrifice."
John Feal, a 9/11 first responder and advocate, said that on Tuesday he gave Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Alvarez's badge as a symbol of the importance of the victim compensation fund.
"That was Luis' intention," Feal told CNN this week. "Luis wanted Mitch McConnell to have his badge. And let me tell you something, for a New York City police officer to give up his badge, that's like somebody donating an organ, and Luis wanted the Senate majority leader to understand the importance of this and to be reminded that people are sick and dying."
Feal told reporters the Senate majority leader committed to holding a vote to extend the fund after sitting down with him and other 9/11 first responders on Capitol Hill.
'I did not want to be anywhere else but ground zero'
Alvarez wrote last week that the decline in his health had nothing to do with the trip to Washington. But organizers said the trip is a struggle for ailing first responders like the former detective.
Some lawmakers on the panel did not show up for the hearing this month, leading to a fiery speech from comedian and fund proponent Jon Stewart."As I sit here today, I can't help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process that getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to," Stewart said.
Alvarez, speaking slowly, told lawmakers in the room that he planned to get his 69th round of chemotherapy the next day.
"You made me come down here the day before my 69th round of chemo, and I'm going to make sure that you never forget to take care of the 9/11 responders," he said.
Alvarez said the police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and others at ground zero were doing what they do every day -- helping others.
"We were there together with one mission, and we left after completing that mission," he said. "I have been to many places in this world and done many things, but I can tell you that I did not want to be anywhere else but ground zero when I was there."
He added, "Now that the 9/11 illnesses have taken many of us, we are all worried about our children and spouses and our families if we are not here."
Last week, Alvarez posted on Facebook that a nurse noticed he was disoriented when he went for chemo treatment. Tests then revealed that his liver had completely shut down because of his tumors, he said.
"So now I'm resting and I'm at peace. I will continue to fight until the Good Lord decides it's time," he wrote. "I will try to do a few more interviews to keep a light on our fight for the VCF benefits we all justly deserve. Please take care of yourselves and each other."
Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba in October 1965. He was married to Alaine Parker Alvarez, and has three sons. He graduated in 1983 from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in Queens, New York. He later studied at the City University of New York.
He was appointed to the NYPD in 1990 and retired as a detective in October 2010.
Alvarez is also survived by his parents, Aida and Felipe; his sister, Aida Lugo; and his brothers, Philip and Fernando.
Cardi B 'Okurrr' Trademark Refused by Government Officials
Cardi B will not be able to exclusively cash in on her well known catchphrase after officials shut down the hip-hop star and claimed her phrase isn't all that special.
According to documents obtained by The Blast, Cardi was refused a trademark registration after filing to lock down her phrase, "Okurrr."
U.S. Patent and Trademark officials explained that Cardi's slogan falls under the category of "widely-used commonplace expressions," and did not fit the bill to deserve a trademark.
They also noted that Okurrr, "is a slogan or term that does not function as a trademark or service mark to indicate the source of applicant’s goods and/or services," and that it does not distinguish itself from other similar marks.
USPTO officials combed through the internet and found tons of different times Okurrr has been used ... but unfortunately most of the examples are just fans ripping off the "Money" star.
There were also some examples of the Kardashians being associated with the phrase over the years, which officials felt justified their decision to deem it a common expression.
Furthermore, it seems a few of Cardi's fans already beat the star to the punch and filed similar trademark applications before she filed her own application back in March.
The Blast first broke the story, the "Bodak Yellow" rapper filed to trademark, "Okurrr" for merchandising purposes.
Some of the swag she wanted to put the catchphrase on included paper goods, like cups and posters, as well as a clothing line featuring pants, shirts, and hoodies.
After originally filing the paperwork, Cardi defended her actions to "secure the bag" and let fans know that she's building an empire and not shy about getting her money.
The refusal by officials hasn't completely closed the door for Cardi, because she still has a chance to make changes and argue her case before the trademark is completely abandoned.
Okurrr!
'Strangers Things' Cast Turns Movie Premiere Upside Down!
The "Stranger Things" cast flipped their movie premiere upside down for Season Three by taking over a local high school!
Hawkin's original five -- Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp -- invaded the red carpet at Santa Monica High on Friday night showing how much they've grown since the beginning of their Netflix series!
Last season's newcomer Sadie Sink proved she's part of the pack as she claimed her space next to the cast, whose careers were launched into super star status almost immediately after Season One dropped on the streaming giant.
The parents who hold their tiny tribe down -- Winona Ryder and David Harbour -- showed their friendship goes deep off the screen too. Embracing each other tightly ahead of the premiere, they looked more like a family then co-stars.
Winona kept it classic in a black dress, while Chief Hopper stripped out of his police officer garb and into a plaid suit.
The kids' older siblings were there too! Natalia Dyer walked the carpet in a multicolored sequined gown. Keeping the focus on the dress, she avoided flashy accessorizes and opted for her hair down.
Joe Kerry showed off his unique style with a half tan/ half black suit jacket, metallic pants and colorful printed shirt underneath. Charlie Heaton proved he's keeping up with Kerry's fashion sense, putting a hip twist to a traditional black and white suit.
But the belle of the ball was the show's star, Millie Bobby Brown.
Walking the carpet in a pink, ballerina-like gown, Eleven kept her hair slick back and showed plenty of leg. With extra material that streamed behind the 15-year-old fashionista, she showed her style has evolved with her age and career.
Season Three hits Netflix on July 4th.
BET Strikes Back at Nicki Minaj
This week Nicki Minaj trolled BET implying the 2019 BET Awards suffered their lowest ratings ever because of their mistreatment of her [click here if you missed that].
Not so fast...While Nicki was busy gloating over unconfirmed reports that only 2 million viewers tuned in , BET claims nearly 12 million viewers watched across 8 networks making it the #1 cable awards show for the 5th consecutive year.
BLOOP!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘IN & OUT’
Time is money and this boss lady is wheeling circles around you fools.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Manny Bear
Meet Manny! So you know what to do to see more. Just GO 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!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!
EFREM
