4/20/21

The Daily Buzz For Apr 21 ☕πŸ“°☕

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Regina King for Vogue Greece - May 2021!

American actress and director Regina King appears on the cover of the latest issue of Vogue Greece, without being touched up by photoshop at all.

“Vogue Greece breaks stereotypes with an entirely unretouched May issue. For the first time in the history of a Greek fashion magazine, none of the photographs gracing the editorials has undergone even the slightest processing, sending out a loud message of self-confidence and acceptance of our true self,” the magazine’s editor said.

King looks bright and fresh-faced, without a trace of retouching.

The timeless fashion icon and activist spoke to the magazine about her battles against the film industry’s establishment, this year’s Oscars, female power and her most valuable life experiences.

Vogue Greece is available from newsstands this Sunday, along with Kathimerini.

We think King looks stunning on the cover and hope more magazine and companies allow these women’s real beauty to shine through.



DEVELOPING! Derek Chauvin Found Guilty In George Floyd’s Death!

Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.


Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades.

People elated by the verdict flooded the surrounding streets downtown upon hearing the news. Cars blared their horns, and people ran through traffic, waving banners.

Floyd family members gathered at a Minneapolis conference room could be heard cheering from the next room as each verdict was read.


The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial ones came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

His face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom.


His bail was immediately revoked and he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back.

As the judge asked jurors if they reached a verdict inside, a hush fell on the crowd 300 strong in a park adjacent to the courthouse outside, with people listening to the proceedings on their cellphones. When the final guilty verdict was announced, the crowd roared, many people hugging, some shedding tears.


At the intersection where Floyd was pinned down, a crowd chanted, “One down, three to go!” — a reference to the three other fired Minneapolis police officers facing trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s death.


Janay Henry, who lives nearby, said she felt grateful and relieved.

“I feel grounded. I can feel my feet on the concrete,” she said, adding that she was looking forward to the “next case with joy and optimism and strength.”

The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest — not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.

The jurors identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.

Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, “I can’t breathe” and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyd’s neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.


Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, with Jerry Blackwell telling the jury: “Believe your eyes.” And it was shown over and over, analyzed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.

In the wake of Floyd’s death, demonstrations and scattered violence broke out in Minneapolis, around the country and beyond. The furor also led to the removal of Confederate statues and other offensive symbols such as Aunt Jemima.


In the months that followed, numerous states and cities restricted the use of force by police, revamped disciplinary systems or subjected police departments to closer oversight.

The “Blue Wall of Silence” that often protects police accused of wrongdoing crumbled after Floyd’s death: The Minneapolis police chief quickly called it “murder” and fired all four officers, and the city reached a staggering $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family as jury selection was underway.


Police-procedure experts and law enforcement veterans inside and outside the Minneapolis department, including the chief, testified for the prosecution that Chauvin used excessive force and went against his training.


Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died of asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, because his breathing was constricted by the way he was held down on his stomach, his hands cuffed behind him, a knee on his neck and his face jammed against the ground.

Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson called a police use-of-force expert and a forensic pathologist to help make the case that Chauvin acted reasonably against a struggling suspect and that Floyd died because of an underlying heart condition and his illegal drug use.


Floyd had high blood pressure, an enlarged heart and narrowed arteries, and fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in his system.

Under the law, police have certain leeway to use force and are judged according to whether their actions were “reasonable” under the circumstances.

The defense also tried to make the case that Chauvin and the other officers were hindered in their duties by what they perceived as a growing, hostile crowd.


Chauvin did not testify, and all that the jury or the public ever heard by way of an explanation from him came from a police body-camera video after an ambulance had taken the 6-foot-4, 223-pound Floyd away. Chauvin told a bystander: “We gotta control this guy ’cause he’s a sizable guy … and it looks like he’s probably on something.”


The prosecution’s case also included tearful testimony from onlookers who said the police kept them back when they protested what was happening. Eighteen-year-old Darnella Frazier, who shot the crucial video, said Chauvin just gave the bystanders a “cold” and “heartless” stare.

She and others said they felt a sense of helplessness and lingering guilt from witnessing Floyd’s slow-motion death.


“It’s been nights I stayed up, apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more, and not physically interacting and not saving his life,” Frazier testified, while the 19-year-old cashier at the neighborhood market, Christopher Martin, lamented that “this could have been avoided” if only he had rejected the suspect $20 bill.


To make Floyd more than a crime statistic in the eyes of the jury, the prosecution called to the stand his girlfriend, who told the story of how they met and how they struggled with addiction to opioids, and his younger brother Philonise. He recalled how Floyd helped teach him to catch a football and made “the best banana mayonnaise sandwiches.”



#RHOA: Nene Leakes Hints at Return to Reality TV After Leaving Bravo!

The former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star appeared in an Instagram Story with Zeus Network CEO Lemuel Plummer, who teased Leakes’ possible involvement with the network and the two appeared to be having a great time together.

“Listen, y’all don’t know what’s about to happen,” a hyped Plummer hinted in the video. “We got Nene Leakes! Y’all ready to see Nene on Zeus?! I don’t know, y’all stay tuned, stay tuned!”


Leakes bragged, “I bring the motherf—–g FIRE!” in agreement with her new associate.

Although the hints about what the two are cooking up stopped there, Zeus’ roster has consistently been growing since its 2018 founding. Their current lineup of shows includes “Joseline’s Cabaret,” “The Real Black Chyna,” “Doses of Draya,” and “One Mo Chance,” among others.


Leakes walked away from the “RHOA” franchise in 2020, then accused the network’s executives, including “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen, of racial bias and unfair treatment of their Black talent. She has since called for a boycott against the network and circulated a petition calling out Bravo’s “dirty deeds, particularly as it relates to the unfair and biased treatment they have displayed towards their African American talent, more specifically NeNe Leakes and Mariah Huq.”


Fans are ready to see Leakes make her big television return and look forward to seeing how Zeus Network continues to grow and support Black talent.


One social media commenter said at length: “Lem is a Black man giving Black people, namely Black women the opportunity with the platform that he created w Zeus to tell their own stories and have their own shows on their own terms. Chyna took her show that she filmed on Zeus and ended up doing a deal on WEtv w the same footage. Put some respect on his name and the network.”


“Been peep where Zeus was trying to take things. This network gonna be bigger than Netflix and Hulu. πŸ™ŒI said what I said!” another said.

“Yesssssss πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎ I love Nene she is made for TV say what ya want!!!

“I’d finally subscribe πŸ₯²

“Love the black power down at Zeus! πŸ–€

Two of Zeus’ reality shows, “Joseline’s Cabaret” and “The Real Blac Chyna,” had their first seasons picked up by We TV, so it’s possible that if Nene joins the Zeus family it could open up even more opportunities for her in the television realm.



#MusicNews: Tony Momrelle Does The Donny Hathaway Remake of ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’!

He's been called a "21st century Stevie Wonder," but Tony Momrelle channels the spirit of and pays homage to another legendary artist with his latest release. It should come as no surprise that that legend is Donny Hathaway, an artist whose voice Momrelle's vocals have often been likened to, and the song is a cover of his classic "Someday We'll All Be Free," a song that is as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1973.


For his remake of "Someday We'll All Be Free," Tony stays true to the original, but his rendition is no mere impression of Hathaway. He provides an impassioned vocal performance that gives us shades of Donny but is a brilliant showcase of his own soulful vocals that we've come to know and love via his work with Incognito and Reel People and his solo releases. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two tracks is the sound bed of Tony's cover, which consists simply of acoustic guitar and strings.


LISTEN HERE

The acoustic backdrop serves Momrelle well and actually helps to amplify the song's powerful lyrics.Tony Momrelle's version of "Someday We'll All Be Free" will be included on his soon-to-be-released EP Lockdown Acoustic Sessions. The EP features the previously released single "Escape" and will be released on Friday, April 30th.



#HipHopNews: A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug + More Set For Rolling Loud Miami 2021!

Rolling Loud is returning for their first festival since the COVID-19 shutdown. The festival is set to take over Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens the weekend of July 23 to July 25. Most of the 2020 headliners will remain the same with Travis Scott, Post Malone, A$AP Rocky and Young Thug on board.


Bobby Shmurda is slated to be a special guest with over 130 other performers on the bill such as DaBaby, Lil Baby, Playboi Carti, Rick Ross and Trippie Redd expected for Friday (July 23). Saturday (July 24) will see the aforementioned Thugger ands La Flame along with Roddy Ricch, Kodak Black, Gunna, Lil Durk and Swae Lee hit the stage.


The final day will bring in Lil Uzi Vert, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyga, Gucci Mane, Jack Harlow, Lil Yachty and more with Posty headlining.

“We want to extend a massive thank you to all of our ragers who have held onto their tickets,” the festival said in a statement. “Those who can’t make the new dates will have the opportunity to obtain a refund. Information on how to obtain a refund will be sent out to ticket holders later this month. We are also working on sweetening the deal for those of you who choose to keep your tickets in addition to the rage pack you already earned from the last reschedule.”

They continued, “We can’t wait to reunite together in the pits we’ve all grown to love (and miss) so much. Many of you, like us, have been looking forward to Rolling Loud for months now. And although we may need to wait a little bit longer—trust that this comeback and reunion will be even stronger. Whether you’re a Rolling Loud veteran or a first-timer, you are about to be a part of history.”


Tickets are expected to go on sale on April 23 at noon ET. With states such as Florida among others re-opening, festivals look to be a thing once again for paying customers



Toni Braxton at 53, unveils Her bald head and fit physique in a Instagram bikini post!

The singer celebrated a “Red Hot Sunday” in her latest Instagram post.

In a post on her official Instagram account, Toni Braxton, 53, unveiled her bald head and fit physique in a red bikini.

Braxton is “letting it flow” on social media. The Grammy Award-winning singer shared her new look in an Instagram video, and her fans quickly chimed in on how great she looks. Showing off her body in her latest post, Braxton captioned the video “Red Hot Sunday.”


The video already has almost 700,000 views, with a chunk of the singer’s 3.6 million followers flooding the comments. Fellow Grammy Award winner and star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Kandi Buruss dropped some fire emojis underneath the singer’s video. One fan wrote: “TONI SAID HOT GIRL SUMMER STARTS TODAY, I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT.” Noted another: “Showing them girls she still got it!…Toni B BABY.”

The post also gained recognition over on Twitter. One user tweeted: “Toni Braxton really been fine asf her whole life.” Another wrote: “If there’s one thing Toni Braxton will do —is not wear clothes lol.”


In March 2020, Braxton sat down with theGrio and opened up about her battle with lupus, as well as her music. “When I was first diagnosed I felt that I had no one to help me,” she told theGrio‘s Cortney Wills. “I always try to be vocal and educate people. I remember being afraid, and I don’t want anyone to feel that feeling that I had.”


“The doctors told me I could never perform again,” she continued. “I have systemic lupus. My lupus loves my heart. It loves my microvascular system. It loves my blood, so I get blood clots. The chronic pain and fatigue associated with it were overwhelming for me initially.”


Braxton dropped her 10th studio album, Spell My Name, last August. Opening up about her process and anticipation for the LP, she said, “I’m super excited to have a new album coming out. The new single comes out next month. I’m back into the thing that I absolutely love, so I’m looking forward to it.”



Former NBA star Scottie Pippen’s eldest son Antron dies at the age of 33!

Former NBA star Scottie Pippen’s eldest son Antron has died at the age of 33.

In a heart-felt social media thread, which featured several pictures of his first-born, the former Chicago Bulls player shared the news with his fans.


Although he did not disclose how exactly Antron, a fellow basketball player died, he did say he suffered from chronic asthma.

He wrote on Monday: “I’m heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron. The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game.”

“Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t had it, I truly believe he would’ve made it to the NBA. He never let that get him down, though—Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became”


“Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again.”

Antron, who is the only son Pippen shared with his ex-wife, Karen McCollum, also had a passion for sports and played college basketball at Texas A&M International University.


Larsa Pippen, the mother of Pippen’s younger children, also paid tribute to Antron following the announcement of his death on Monday.

She posted on her Instagram: “Some truths in life are hard to accept,’ she wrote. ‘Your memories will never be forgotten! They will always remain with us forever.


“You are forever in our hearts, we love u and will miss u always Rip Antron.”



LeVar Burton is 'serious' about wanting to be the new permanent host of 'Jeopardy!'

Amid calls on social media and a Change.org petition with more than 200,000 signatures, it seems the world is rallying for Burton to take the helm of "Jeopardy!" following the heartbreaking death of longtime host Alex Trebek.

And Burton is very interested in the job.

The actor, known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in 1977 ABC miniseries "Roots," Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and as host of "Reading Rainbow" for more than two decades, says he's "really, really, really" serious about wanting to takeover as permanent host for the popular quiz show.


LeVar Burton smiles as he takes his seat in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016.

"This is something that I really think is a good idea," the 64-year-old said, appearing on a Friday episode of USA TODAY’s The Mothership podcast. "I think it’s a good fit of what the show is, what the show requires and what I feel like I bring to the table."


"I feel as strongly about my rightness for this as I did about Kunta and Geordi. And I’m that invested in getting the job," he added.

Burton also said that he wants to do "justice to the legacy of Alex."

LeVar Burton is 'flattered' by petition to be 'Jeopardy!' host, pays tribute to Alex Trebek's family


Trebek hosted the show since 1984 until he died of pancreatic cancer in November. Since then, a series of guest hosts have been filling in at the "Jeopardy!" podium, including "Greatest of All Time" champion Ken Jennings, executive producer Mike Richards, news anchor Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.


Future guest hosts include Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Bill Whitaker and Mayim Bialik. The show is expected to announce a new round of guest hosts soon, though a permanent replacement has yet to be announced.



Jimmy Carter Mourns The Death Of Walter Mondale, Calling Him The 'Best Vice President In Our Country's History'!

Jimmy Carter mourned the death of his former vice president, Walter Mondale, who died on Monday.

Carter said he considered Mondale "the best vice president in our country's history."

Mondale had a decades-long political career working as a senator, attorney general, and diplomat.


Former President Jimmy Carter mourned the death of his former Vice President Walter Mondale, who died on Monday at the age of 93.

"Today, I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country's history," Carter wrote in a statement.


On Sunday, Mondale got in touch with Carter, former president Bill Clinton, and President Joe Biden to let them know his death was near, Axios reported.

Carter commended Mondale, whose nickname is Fritz, for his political career and his commitment to the role of vice president when they served together.

"Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a dynamic policy-driving force that had never been seen before and still exists today," Carter said.


Mondale served as a US Senator from Minnesota prior to working with Carter. The pair lost their bid for a second term in office in 1980 but Mondale ran for president in 1984 and chose New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, the first female running mate on a general election ticket.

The former vice president also once served as a lawyer, Minnesota's attorney general, and as an ambassador to Japan under Clinton.


"He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world. Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior," Carter said.



Jaleel White Is Selling Cannabis With 'Purple Urkel' Branding!

Jaleel White, best known for playing the iconic Steve Urkel in Family Matters, is trying his hand at developing a cannabis line under the name ItsPurpl. The actor is partnering with 710 Labs, creating variants of the Purple Urkle strain, which are set to launch April 20.

"The thing that always stood out to me was there no clear brand leader for fire purple weed," White said, according to Forbes. "It made no sense to me, that no company of significance had claimed this lane, so why not me?" The new Purple Urkle strains will be sold in a variety of products like vape pens, eighths, and Noodle Doinks — White's personal favorite.


The partnership between White and 710 Labs began on a plane, where the sitcom star met founder Brad Melshenker and they discussed their mutual appreciation for cannabis. White started off with a goal of his own: to find the real Purple Urkle as it was in the early 2000s. This journey kicked off with him and his friend Sean, who collected seeds of Purple Urkle, tested them out themselves. White has reportedly wanted to enter the cannabis space for over five years. Purple Urkle was his big opportunity to do it and working with 710 Labs made it an organic and fun transition.


The ItsPurpl brand will begin selling in California, where it is legal to grow and consume for non-medicinal purposes. White hopes to make New York the company's next home and eventually be a nationwide brand.



Colton Underwood's Rumored Netflix Show Is Sparking A Huge Backlash!

Colton Underwood, a former lead on The Bachelor, came out as gay in a very public way last week. As the news spread, so did reports that Netflix is working with Underwood on a reality show that follows his life as an openly gay man. "I'm the happiest and healthiest I've ever been in my life," Underwood told Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts in interview last Wednesday.


Some people face considerable obstacles on their path to coming out, and Underwood shared his own. "I've ran from myself for a long time. I've hated myself for a long time," he told Roberts.  

The response to Underwood's revelation has been largely supportive, with many -- including Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy, who is openly gay, and alumni and producers of the long-running reality dating show -- applauding the 29-year-old Underwood for his honesty and sending messages of pride and solidarity.


"I am so proud of you for finally being able to share and live your truth," tweeted Tayshia Adams, who competed on his season of the series and went on to star in her own season of The Bachelorette, another show in ABC's reality dating franchise. 


“Coming out” can be a terrifying, uncomfortable, and traumatizing experience because we still live in a world where we are made to fear the consequences of living freely. Let that sink in. So happy for @colton Underwood. His courage will undoubtably save lives today. ♥️ https://t.co/gAaYldPD9a— dan levy (@danjlevy) April 14, 2021


But Underwood's alleged past treatment of Cassie Randolph, the woman he chose on his Bachelor season, has complicated the reactions. After the pair's breakup in 2020, Randolph, 25, was granted a restraining order against her former boyfriend. She said he'd placed a tracking device on her car, sent her harassing texts and showed up uninvited to her LA apartment and her parent's home. According to TMZ, she later dismissed the restraining order and asked that the police investigation be dropped.


Following Underwood's GMA revelation, Variety reported that Netflix is planning a reality show that looks at Underwood's life as an openly gay man, and a Change.org petition is circulating urging Netflix to cancel those plans. The petition has more than 23,000 signatures as of Monday afternoon. Online petitions have no actual power, but they do serve as a barometer of public opinion. 


"Regardless of his sexuality, Colton should not be given a platform as a result of his abusive, manipulative and dangerous behavior," the writer of the petition says.


Wrote one of the petition's signers, "I'm a survivor of stalking, and it repulses me to see someone like this given a platform as though he's done nothing wrong. I will absolutely cancel my Netflix subscription if you go through with this."

The petition also links to a Reddit thread offering a link to documents in the Randolph-Underwood case.


Netflix didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, and a representative for Underwood said the reality star had no comment. 



'American Idol' Contestant Cecil Ray Arrested!

Eliminated American Idol contestant Cecil Ray Baker was arrested last week.

According to TMZ, the 20-year-old Texas native — who made it to American Idol's top 24, but was eliminated last week — is accused of forcing his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend and assaulting her.


Cecil allegedly entered the home of his ex, Mariah Lopez, last week and hit her in the face when she refused to let him see the child he believes is his. In the affidavit, obtained by TMZ, Mariah claims that Cecil broke into her home by ripping her locked back door open and then pushed her to the floor before sticking "her in the face with a palm heel." After he allegedly assaulted her, Mariah said Cecil left.


The aspiring country singer's sister reportedly corroborated Mariah's version of events, telling cops, per TMZ, that the incident, which she witnessed, was sparked by Cecil's belief that Mariah's daughter is his.

Following the incident, police tracked down Cecil and arrested him on April 17. He was charged with burglary of habitation — a second-degree felony in Texas.


Cecil was released the same day on $15,000 bond, TMZ reported.



Oscars Won’t Require Audience To Wear Masks During Live Telecast!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences won’t require attendees to wear masks during the live event on April 25.

Since the ceremony is being treated as a TV/film production, masks are not required for people on camera, an Academy staffer explained. The audience is limited to 170 people and although masks are not required while cameras are rolling, they will be required during commercial breaks. Audience members will be rotated in and out of the ceremony and upon arrival, nominees will receive a personalized itinerary that outlines what times they will be rotated in and out.


According to Variety, attendees must take at least three COVID-19 tests in the days leading up to the ceremony. Unlike past years, the event will have an abbreviated red carpet that will only include three photographers and a limited number of press outlets.


Tune in to the Oscars airing live from Los Angeles on ABC April 25 at 8 p.m.



Comedian Dave Chappelle Reveals He Wants To Move To Ghana!

In a recent sitdown with Naomi Campbell on her No Filter with Naomi podcast, Dave Chappelle revealed that he intends to return to Africa. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, the comedian says he is looking to move to Ghana.


“Now those in the room that know Stevie personally he’s said this thing many times through the years that we’ve known him,” Chappelle said. “But this last time he said it, what he said was, ‘I am moving to Ghana so that I can be valued and respected more,’ that’s almost exactly the phrase he used.”

Chappelle told Campbell that he finds it surprising and appalling that Stevie Wonder, a 25-time Grammy Award-winning artist, would feel undervalued and disrespected, given all his contributions.


“As a Black American, who amongst us is more valued and respected than Stevie Wonder?” he asks. “The idea that he would feel this way at this stage in his life and career…I think that Stevie is the soul of American culture, and if the soul leaves the body, then this thing is dead. I thought I’ll follow him over there, or I’ll go myself. I’ll do it for him.”

The comedian also said he is working with Ghanaian British architect David Adjaye to build a comedy club in the African nation.

 

“We have been working together; hopefully, I’ll build something there, but I am definitely going to at least rent something for the foreseeable future, and I hope to open a comedy club there because there’s none,” Chappelle said.


Chappelle famously walked away from the Chappelle Show during the third season’s production to move to South Africa.



‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’ Live-Action Movie In The Works With Vin Diesel, Universal & Mattel Films!

The Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie is becoming a reality. Mattel Films, Universal and Vin Diesel are teaming for a live-action feature take on the classic tabletop boxing-robots game. Diesel will star in the movie and produce with his One Race Films label and partner Samantha Vincent.


Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was launched in 1966, inspired by an arcade boxing game that pitted Red Rocker against Blue Bomber in a match to knock the rival’s block off.

Rampage and The Commuter scribe Ryan Engle wrote the screenplay, which follows a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine. Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films.

“To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world-building, franchise-making success we have had with Universal is truly exciting,” Diesel said.


“We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal,” added Robbie Brenner, EP of Mattel Films. “Our rich library of franchises continues to yield compelling stories, and we look forward to creating what is sure to be a thrilling action adventure for the whole family to enjoy with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.”


Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is the second feature project between Mattel Films and Universal Pictures in the wake of developing a Wishbone movie based on the TV series. Other Mattel movies in the works include American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8-Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, Uno and View-Master.


Diesel is represented by CAA and Linden Entertainment. Engle is represented by CAA.



The Los Angeles Lakers will not visit White House while in Washington, Report!

The defending NBA champion Lakers will be in Washington, D.C., in late April to play the Wizards. Their trip reportedly will not include an excursion to the White House.


A source told ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Saturday that the Lakers will forgo meeting with President Joe Biden because of a tight travel schedule and COVID-19 protocols. The team has not ruled out a future meeting with Biden, however, the source added.

The Lakers are scheduled to play at the Wizards on April 28 but will have April 27 open after arriving in Washington from Orlando, where they're scheduled to play the Magic on April 26. The team will return home to Los Angeles after the Wizards game and then play April 30 at Staples Center against the Kings.


Yahoo Sports reported Jan. 7, after Congress certified Biden's Electoral College victory over Donald Trump, that Lakers players wanted to visit Biden at the White House but needed to see whether Biden's schedule would allow for a meeting and what the White House’s COVID-19 protocols would be in late April.


No reigning NBA champion has visited the White House since LeBron James and the Cavaliers met with former President Barack Obama in November 2016.



Colorado Judge Resigns After Using N-Word And Saying She Believes ‘All Lives Matter’!

A Colorado judge has resigned after saying the N-word and using racist language around staffers.

According to CBS News, former Arapahoe County District Court Judge Natalie T. Chase was documented using racist language and using the N-word with her coworker. The incidents were recorded, and now Chase is being recommended discipline as well as censure from the Court.


One of the incidents is from 2020 involving Chase, a former law clerk and a Family Court Facilitator. At the time, the three of them were driving back to work from an event in Pueblo, Colorado.

“Judge Chase is white and the Family Court Facilitator is Black,” the documents read. “On the way back from Pueblo, Judge Chase asked the Family Court Facilitator questions about why Black people can use the N-word but not white people, and whether it was different if the N-word is said with an ‘er’ or an ‘a’ at the end of the word.” The document states “during the conversation, Judge Chase used the full N-word a number of times.”


According to the documents, the facilitator was uncomfortable and “felt angry and hurt by the conversation,” according to the documents. “She has explained that Judge Chase’s use of the full N-word was ‘like a stab through my heart each time,'” however, she did not express herself out of fear of retaliation. In addition, Chase told some of her coworkers that “she would be boycotting the Super Bowl because she objected to the NFL players who were kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality against Black people,” the documents read.


Following the police slaying of George Floyd, Chase voiced in another conversation that she believes “all lives matter” even after an “employee tried to explain the Black Lives Matter movement” to her. Chase has acknowledged that her use of the N-word “does not promote public confidence in the judiciary and creates the appearance of impropriety.” But, she said she did “not intend any racial animus.”



AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

‘TURD COVERED IN HAIR’

Woof. Your tail looks like one of those extra long turd-log poops you take that poke out of the water. So congrats on that.



HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

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