10/4/21

The Daily Buzz For Oct 5 ☕📰☕

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EBONY Announces Reimagining of its Signature Program with the 2021 EBONY Power 100!

EBONY announced the return and reimagining of its signature program with the 2021 EBONY Power 100. To be held in Los Angeles on October 23rd, the star-studded awards ceremony will honor the remarkable achievements of African Americans across industries and marks the culmination of the iconic brand's 75th anniversary year.


Additionally, EBONY leadership unveiled the 2021 EBONY Power 100 list inclusive of this year's Special Awards recipients including: talented, young actress Storm Reid (Rising Star Award); lead scientist of the Vaccine Research Center's coronavirus team at the National Institutes of Health Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett (Innovator of the Year); Hip hop icon and entrepreneur MC Lyte (Trailblazer Award); NFL Hall of Famer and head football coach for Jackson State University Deion Sanders (Game Changer of the Year); Red Table Talk creators Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris (Entertainer of the Year Award) and P&G Executives Marc Pritchard, Damon Jones and Stephanie Headley (Corporate Citizen Award).

Spanning 10 categories, the categories and recipients include:


Entertainment Powerhouse: Andra Day, Regé-Jean Page, Anthony Mackie, MJ Rodriguez, Liesl Tommy, Tessa Thompson and John David Washington


Music Impact: Big Freedia, Erica Campbell, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Derrick "D- Nice" Jones, Lil Baby, Questlove, Joi Brown, Jeanine McLean-Williams, Rapsody, Anderson .Paak and Travis Scott


Social Justice Champion: Rep. Cori Bush, the CROWN Coalition (Kelli Richardson Lawson, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, Adjoah B. Asamoah and Senator Holly J. Mitchell), Erica Ford, Darnella Frazier, Nikole Hannah- Jones, Shaun King, Keith Meadows, Brittany Packnett and Senator Raphael Warnock


Excellence In Journalism: Don Lemon, Abby Phillip, Charles Blow, Tamron Hall, W. Kamau Bell, Tomi Adeyemi, Ebro Darden and Nischelle Turner


Ceiling Breaker: Thasunda Brown Duckett, Rosetta Bryson, Rashida Jones, Harvey Mason Jr., Fawn Weaver, Miriam Vales, Karine Jean-Pierre, Letitia "Tish" James and Melanie Boulden


Game Changer: Shaquille O' Neal, Francis Ngannou, Lewis Hamilton, Sydney McLaughlin, Stephen A. Smith, Brehanna Daniels and Maya Moore


Innovation Leader: Beatrice Dixon, Songe LaRon and Dave Salvant, Isaac Hayes III,  Joy Buolamwini,  MC Hammer,  Dr. Patrice A. Harris,  Dr. Angela D. Reddix, Tanya Van Court and Arlan Hamilton

Community Builder: Regina Jackson, Trae the Truth,  Missionary Ellen K. Clark,  Eunique Jones Gibson, Emil Wilbekin,  Alice Marie Johnson, Dr. Kendell Jasper and Kainon Jasper,  Brandon McEachern, Darryl Perkins and Marcus Allen and Deon T. Jones


Breakthrough Creators: Nae Nae Twins, Coodie & Chike, Brandice Daniel, Chad Easterling, Imani Ellis, Brandon Pankey, Demetria Lucas, Patrick "Fresh" Henry, Law Roach and Misha Green


NextGen: Nicolas Johnson, Noah Harris, Nia DaCosta, Cheick Camara, Chloe & Halle Bailey Jon Moody, Ermias Tadesse, Zaila Avant-garde and Amanda Gorman


The 2021 EBONY 100 Awards Ceremony is supported by Procter & Gamble, Coke Zero Sugar, Dove, Cadillac and Baccarat.


Cocktails for EBONY Power 100 will be provided by CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka.

For more information, visit EBONY.com

Follow - Instagram: @EBONYMagazine ; Twitter: @EBONYMag; Facebook: EBONY



#RHOA: 'DWTS' and 'RHOA' Fans Are Fuming After Seeing the Judges’ Scores for Kenya Moore!

The ABC dancing competition show is getting heated. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore is giving it her all for season 30 of Dancing With the Stars. But fans don’t think the judges’ scores match up with what she’s delivering in the ballroom.

For the second week of the ABC dancing competition show, Kenya returned to the dance floor with pro Brandon Armstrong to perform the Cha-Cha. Set to Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff,” Kenya twirled around in a hot pink halter dress, enjoying herself. Their fiery number ended with the TV personality’s beaming smile and red balloons coming down.


Right there and then, DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli felt compelled to stand up and tell Kenya that she was “simply irresistible” and “exceptional.” Carrie Ann Inaba mentioned that she didn’t find her rhythm until the second half of the routine but when she did, it was “amazing” and “powerful.” Len Goodman and Derek Hough continued the compliments but pointed out that she needs to be more consistent. In the end, the duo earned a score of 24 out of 40.


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But after seeing Kenya and Brandon receive a lower score than in the premiere, folks on Twitter immediately went off. “These judges buggin with the scores. #DWTS my homegirl Kenya definitely deserved more than this last round,” one person wrote. “Kenya was so beautiful to watch! Them judges can’t tell me she deserve them weak scores! How about be fair! Ugh,” another added. “Judges did Kenya dirty on the scores,” a different fan said. “I think those scores were kinda low. Kenya and Brandon were flawless,” a follower commented.


Folks also compared her scores to WWE wrestler Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and actor Brian Austin Green’s dances. The Miz and his partner, pro Witney Carson, hit the floor for the tango. The judges complimented him on his controlled energy and he got a higher score than Kenya, 26 out of 40. Meanwhile, Brian and pro/girlfriend Sharna Burgess did the rumba and were rewarded 23 out of 40 for their score, a point lower than Kenya.


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“@KenyaMoore you did amazing!! Scores should be higher without a doubt, nothing against the Miz, but tell me how did he score higher than Kenya 🤔🙄,” someone tweeted. “Brian Austin Green and Kenya Moore got basically the same scores. @DancingABC judges are so inconsistent! Really #DancingWiththeStars,” another said. “So they gave Brian the same scores as Kenya?!?! That’s bullsh-t I’m sorry,” a viewer added.


Still, Kenya seems not to be focusing too much on the numbers. After making it to the next round, she shared her gratitude with everyone supporting her. “We are coming strong next week so please keep watching, praying and keep voting!” she wrote on Instagram.



#MusicNews: Old School Alert!  Donnie Simpson's 'Video Soul' Is Returning on Tubi TV!

It looks like vintage BET programming is making a comeback. Moments after Big Tigger announced the return of Rap City, former BET host Donnie Simpson made a declaration of his own.

On Wednesday (September 29), Simpson took to his Twitter to make the surprising revelation that Video Soul — a show dedicated to R&B music and videos on BET in the early ’80s to mid-’90s — has been rebooted. It’s been 25 years since people got to catch up on the hottest news and music in R&B with Donnie Simpson.


“I’ve been waiting to say this for 25 years now…’ Video Soul‘ Is Back,” Simpson tweeted. “I can’t tell you how many people over the years have suggested that I bring it back. I told them I would & today it’s official. Video Soul is live and free on #Tubi right now.”


For the new edition of Video Soul, Simpson will highlight young R&B artists such as Sammie and Asiahn while legendary acts such as Teddy Riley, K-Ci from Jodeci, Keith Sweat, and more get some love. Hip Hop will also get some time on the show as guests such as Lecrae, Kool Moe Dee, Yung Joc and Pras of The Fugees will stop by Video Soul.


Video Soul etched its place in music history with various segments such as New Edition’s awkward “reunion” interview and R. Kelly and the late Aaliyah addressing rumors around their controversial relationship. With the latest iteration of the show, Donnie Simpson may look to create even more moments within mainstream R&B culture.



#HipHopNews: J.J. FAD Returns 30 Years After Ruthless Records Glory!

J.J. Fad was a flagship artist for Ruthless Records in the late 1980s and early ’90s, blazing a trail for N.W.A to follow. Together, MC JB, Sassy C and Baby D made history when they became the first artists on the iconic imprint to go gold with the 1988 single “Supersonic” and the first female rap group to nab a Grammy Award nomination.


Although they only released two albums — 1988’s Supersonic and 1991’s Not Just A Fad — their impact on the culture is still relevant to this day. Eminem, Fergie, the late MF DOOM, Beastie Boys and Redman are just a handful of artists who’ve name-dropped the trio over the years.

Now, the First Ladies of Ruthless Records are hopping back in the saddle with a new collaborative single called “Fellas” with Ozomatli and Lisa Lisa — their first in 30 years.


“We were asked by Ozomatli to do a feature with them and Lisa Lisa on a new song they were working on,” JB tells HipHopDX. “We had never heard of Ozomalti, but we have toured for years with Lisa Lisa and are good friends. We figured if Lisa is doing it, it’s got be great!


“We were mentioned to Ozo as a recommended featured artist by Bobby Dee who manages Lisa Lisa. We were very honored to be asked and couldn’t wait to make a return to the studio.”

As JB explains, J.J. Fad’s time in the studio was reminiscent of their early days with Ruthless Records.


“Being in the studio with Will Dog was amazing and it felt just like it did over 30 years ago,” she says. “We just picked right up where we left off. We each wrote our own parts after receiving the music, so that when we got there we would be ready to roll. The chemistry we have in the studio was the exact same as before. It felt like old times in the studio with Dr. Dre, Yella and Arabian Prince.”


“We are so excited to be a part of this amazing song and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do. We want to thank Bobby Dee for the referral, Ozomatli for the awesome song and our girl Lisa Lisa for putting that amazing vocal touch to the track. We are now planning on releasing our own single. The fire had been lit [laughs].”



Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam Is Married!

Wedding bells are ringing once again in Hollywood. Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam married her fiancé, fellow actor Brad James, last week during an intimate ceremony at their home.


“Last week my life forever changed,” wrote Pulliam in a caption while sharing her wedding photos for the first time with fans. “I married my best friend at our home surrounded by family & it was magical!”

“It wasn’t the large destination wedding we were originally planning,” Pulliam continued. “Instead, it was intimate, whimsical, full of love, laughter and joy… Absolutely perfect!”


The bride was a vision in her ballgown bridal dress that looks like something straight out of a romantic fairytale. Pulliam shared a collection of beautiful wedding photos, shot by Atlanta-based photographer Janet Howard via Instagram;

Pulliam, 42, and James, 40, first met in 2019 on the set TV movie “Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta, and instantly hit it off and exchanged numbers.

James proposed to the Cosby Show alum on their one year in anniversary in December 2020 with a sparkling on custom diamond eternity band


This is the second marriage for Pulliam, who is mom to daughter Ella, 4, whom she shared with her ex-husband, former NFL star Ed Hartwell. The couple split just a few months after their Jan. 2016 wedding day.



Tony Bennett's Wife Susan Crow Says He 'Doesn't Know' He Has Alzheimer's Disease!

Tony Bennett‘s wife is opening up about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The 95-year-old music icon and his wife Susan Crow sat down with Anderson Cooper for an interview on 60 Minutes, which aired on Sunday (October 3). The interview was filmed over the summer several weeks before Ton turned 95.


During a one-on-one with Anderson, Susan, 55, talked about her husband’s battle with the disease.

“Every day is different. Tony late at night, sometimes early in the morning, he’s more alert, if I can use that word,” Susan shared. “So, I’ll tell him, ‘Tone, you’re gonna be on 60 Minutes.’ He’s, like, ‘Great.’”


She continued, “I said, ‘You remember that show, 60 Minutes‘ he’s, like, ‘I do.’ But in any other given moment, he won’t know.”

Susan then revealed that Tony “doesn’t know” he has Alzheimer’s disease.


“He recognizes me, thank goodness, his children you know, we are blessed in a lotta ways. He’s very sweet. He doesn’t know he has it,” Susan shared.

Anderson then asked, “He doesn’t know he has it?” to which Susan confirmed, “No.”

It was announced earlier this year that Tony was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in 2017.

Also during 60 Minutes, Anderson spoke with Dr. Gaytari Devi, who diagnosed Tony with Alzheimer’s.

Anderson asked Dr. Devi if she knows what’s happening in Tony‘s brain.


“No one really knows,” Dr. Devi admitted. “But I know that his hippocampus, which is the Grand Central Station of memories– and the conduit through which we retrieve memories as well as lay down memories is not working very well.”


Just the other day, Tony released his final album, and second with Lady Gaga, Love for Sale



#BoxOfficeNews: 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' becomes biggest US opening of the pandemic!

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" — Sony's follow-up to the hit 2018 supervillain film — blew past expectations at the ticket booth this weekend. The film, which stars Tom Hardy as the ravenous alien symbiote, notched an estimated $90.1 million at the North American box office this weekend.

The total is the biggest for the pandemic era and second biggest ever for the month of October, according to Comscore (SCOR). It's also incredibly good news for theaters owners who are hoping that October can string together multiple hit weekends at the box office. So far, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" — a film that played exclusively in theaters — has done exactly that.

Sony had tempered its estimates for the film, projecting it would come in at around $40 million while other analysts projected a take of $50 million or higher. Those expectations seemed low, especially in retrospect, but theaters are still trying to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and audiences may still be skittish since the global health crisis isl ongoing.

None of that slowed "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" down this weekend, however.

The opening weekend success of "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which also surprised the industry with an $80 million debut in 2018 — an October box office record at the time.


So, "Let There Be Carnage" beat the original's opening and did so during a pandemic and at a time when streaming big films at home has become a new focus of studios. It also found an audience despite bad reviews from critics. The film has a 58% score on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.

"We are also pleased that patience and theatrical exclusivity have been rewarded with record results," Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures' Motion Picture Group, said in a statement on Sunday. "With apologies to Mr. Twain: The death of movies has been greatly exaggerated."

In short, the news on Sunday couldn't be better for Sony or theater owners. This is especially so considering that the industry is kicking off what may be its most important October in Hollywood history.

While having a few hit films in recent years, October has historically never been a month known for big box office hits. In fact, it was usually a dead zone between the lucrative summer movie season and the critically-acclaimed awards fare of the holidays.

This October, however, is very different.


Not only is this month uncharacteristically jam-packed with major films such as MGM's latest James Bond film "No Time to Die" and Warner Bros.' Sci-Fi epic "Dune," it's a month that could also say a lot about the short- and long-term future of the movie theater business. (Warner Bros., like CNN, is owned by WarnerMedia.)

Ultimately, this month could give Hollywood and industry observers a good sense of if audiences are still willing to pack into theaters.

If "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" is any indication, the answer seems to be a decisive yes.



Barack and Michelle Obama Share Sweet Tributes for 29th Wedding Anniversary: 'Can't Imagine Life Without You'!

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are 29 years strong. The former first lady, 57, shared a touching tribute to the former president, 60, on Sunday to mark their 29th wedding anniversary.

"How it started vs. how it's going," wrote Michelle. "Happy anniversary, Barack—love you! 😘."


Michelle's post featured a throwback of the couple lounging on a couch together atop a more recent shot of the pair, again enjoying some quality time on a different couch.

Barack echoed his wife's sentiments in an Instagram post of his own later Sunday afternoon. "Happy anniversary, Miche! Over the past 29 years, I've loved watching the world get to know you not just as a daughter of the South Side, but as a mother, lawyer, executive, author, First Lady, and my best friend," he shared. "I can't imagine life without you."


The couple tied the knot on October 3, 1992, and have since welcomed daughters Malia, 23, and Sasha, 20.

Last year, Obama and Mrs. Obama used their 28th anniversary tributes to encourage people to vote in the 2020 presidential election between now-President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.


"This year, we have a request for you — pick one person in your life who might not vote and make sure they do. Tell us about it in the comments! That's an anniversary message of the best kind. Love you, Barack," the former first lady wrote in part on Instagram.


Obama similarly shared, "This year, while we appreciate all your well-wishes, what we'd really love is for each of you to reach out to one person in your life who might not vote. Help them get registered. Help them make a plan to cast their ballot. Send them to iwillvote.com to get started. Happy anniversary, Miche. Love you."


Earlier this year, the Obamas discussed their decision to openly speak about "the hard parts" of their marriage in their respective memoirs.


"We didn't have role models of the hard times because our parents, their generation were taught you don't talk about marriage and you definitely don't talk about the hard times," Mrs. Obama told PEOPLE. "So, when you're young and coming up and raising a family together, no one has prepared you for the fact that there will be times when you will have to devote your energies to other things."

Mrs. Obama explained that during her husband's political career and two-term presidency, they hadn't quite grasped the roots of their tension.


"You don't have that hindsight," she shared. "You don't have that perspective. All you're doing is getting through."


She added, "Thankfully we had a strong enough foundation."

"Before the White House, before the kids, before careers, it was just me and Barack together shaping our lives, building a friendship, being one another's everything," the Becoming author told PEOPLE. "That's what we were able to return to once the White House was over and the kids were grown and you knew they were okay."

Now, married for 29 years, Mrs. Obama said their foundation is "even more solid" after going through their difficulties.


"I am happy to say that I can now look up from all of that and look over across the room and I still see my friend," she gushed.



Britney Spears Says She Is 'Healing' And Taking Time To 'Celebrate' After Father Is Removed As Conservator!

Britney Spears is ready to heal amidst the many changes in her life. The “Piece of Me” singer, who has spent the past 13 years under a conservatorship overseen by her father, Jamie Spears, revealed in a candid court hearing on June 23 that she wished for the conservatorship to end and for her father to be “punished” for his wrongdoing. On August 12, Jamie said he would agree to step down as her conservator, and on September 29, he was replaced as conservator by attorney John Zabel.


While Britney is still working towards the ultimate goal of ending the conservatorship for good, she took to Instagram on October 2 to update fans on where she’s at emotionally.


Sharing a photo of a tree, the Crossroads actress wrote on Instagram, “Although there is change and things to celebrate in my life, I still have a lot of healing to do !!! Thankfully I have a good support system and am taking time to understand it’s ok to slow down and breathe !!!!! Only through self love I can pray … love … and support others in return !!!!”

Britney, who recently got engaged to her longtime love Sam Asghari, has shared mostly positive posts in recent weeks — including a series of snapshots where she posed naked, covering up with a few choice flower emojis.


On Friday, October 1, she shared a video of her and Asghari taking a boat ride, which she captioned, “​​A beautiful day here in paradise celebrating.”



Cardi B Goes Green In Paris, Rocks Meme-Worthy Catsuit With Frilly Bonnet!

Cardi B made quite the statement while out and about in Paris, France, on Sunday, rocking a quirky bright green look that fans couldn’t get enough of on social media.

The catsuit, designed by Richard Quinn, consisted of a skintight top that zipped up in the front with a frilly bonnet and sleeves that turned into gloves.


The unique piece also featured pleated parachute pants that completely covered the 28-year-old rapper’s feet – much like a onesie would – and a flattering waist line that accentuated her enviable curves.

Unsurprisingly, Cardi’s latest Paris look immediately drew comparisons to everything from vegetables to plants to Kermit the Frog on social media.


Some Twitter users joked that her ensemble resembled the sunflower onesie Will Smith once wore in an episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” while others said it reminded them of Dipsy from “Teletubbies.”

“She cute always but that look like a Teletubbies outfit,” one user wrote after seeing Cardi in the high fashion getup.


“Somebody. Please… Photoshop her into sun baby from Teletubbies,” another wrote.

In harsher comments, one person argued that Cardi was giving off “Baby Bop” vibes (from “Barney & Friends”) while another said she looked like a “green booger.”

Thankfully for Cardi, the comments weren’t all bad online. Many of her fans said they were digging the look despite it being one of her more bizarre fashion choices.

“You cannot be serious – look at #CardiB fashion detail – c’est magnifique!” one fan raved.

Cardi has been busy making a splash at a handful of Paris Fashion Week events over the past few days, alongside her husband, Offset, 29.


Sunday’s monochromatic look was definitely a drastic change from her previous Paris looks, like the glam red feather and sequins outfit she wore in late September.

 

The New York City native also made headlines last month for her over-the-top Schiaparelli outfit, which featured gold-plated “nipples.”



#SAYWHAT? Lil Nas X Implies Being ‘Gay’ Isn’t Fun Any More And He Misses Women!

Now we all know Lil Nas X is known to stir the pot up a little bit and could possibly be considered a professional troller. However, we never take him seriously. And this time, he’s teasing fans with his sexual preferences.


On Friday, the rapper took to Twitter saying, “this gay sh*t was fun at first. I miss p***y now,” followed by a sad face emoji. Soon after he made that tweet, the Twitter troll took back his statement. The singer quoted his original tweet saying “Nevermind, he texted back.”

Some fans have speculated that Lil Nas’s statement comes after the breakup with Yai Ariza. Lil Nas confirmed that the two had dated after rumors emerged following his “This What I Want” music video.


Lil Nas has confirmed that the two are now not together anymore but the spark could be rekindled in the future.



Bruno Mars Will Sing for You for and Only Charge $3 Million!

*This next bit o’ news features a gentleman named Troy Brown. Whose Troy Brown, you ask? Why Troy Brown is the son of Motorola CEO Greg Brown. He’s also the dude that dropped a cool $3 million for Bruno Mars to sing at Troy’s wedding in Cape Cod.


Must be white…errr….we mean nice. And, as far as we’re concerned, that was easy money for Bruno Mars. We ain’t mad at ya, Bruno. (Tupac voice)

Even the wedding planner, Marcy Blum, is considered elite.  Her clients have included Billy Joel and Katie Lee, LeBron and Savannah James, socialite Fabiola Beracasa and Jason Beckman and George Soros and Tamiko Bolton, plus members of the Rockefeller family.


It was prefaced by rehearsal dinner thrown by James Beard award-winning chef Mario Carbone.

The event included a marching band that lead guests to a “secret” speakeasy with the password “Magic” used to gain entry.  Guests had been given by women dressed as flappers that said, “Join us in room 24,” in reference to Mars’ hit song “24K Magic.”


Bruno Mars took the stage to perform for guests not long afterwards. 

We definitely ain’t madatcha Bruno. In fact, we wish we was you. 🙂 Get that loot!



Executive Producer Quits Tamron Hall Show Following “Toxic Work Environment” Allegations!

Executive producer Candi Carter quits The Tamron Hall Show amid charges of a “toxic work environment.” This makes her the third executive producer to do so in a matter of less than two years.


An official statement has yet to be made by either party, but an insider to the show says Tamron created a toxic environment and is the reason why Candi left.

“Candi was so done with Tamron that she requested that ABC take her off the show. The environment that Tamron has created on her show is toxic. It is literally bleeding staff.”


Now, this may come as a shock to some because Tamron gave plenty of praises to Carter.

“You need a coach. I don’t care how good you are, you need a coach. She is my Phil Jackson. I know this show is in great hands and I know the quality of what we’re seeing right now in this makeshift studio is because of her. Point blank, period.”


Candi, formerly the executive producer on The View, seemed to be perfect for Tamron’s show. But the exact reason why Hall chose her for the show was ultimately the exact reason why they clashed.

“Tamron didn’t like that Candi tried to steer the ship and had ideas that clashed with hers, because Tamron believes the only opinion that matters is her opinion.”


Now, Tamron being under fire with her staff isn’t anything new. Last year, Hall received backlash after posting a picture “living her best life” on social media one day before firing 20 employees.



Netflix Sued by Internet Provider After Too Many People Watch ‘Squid Game’!

There is such a thing as a good problem, and it’s what Netflix happens to be facing right now with Squid Game: too many people are watching the hit Korean drama. So many, in fact, that a South Korean internet provider is suing Netflix for using too much bandwidth due to traffic surges stemming from mega-streamer. SK Broadband is demanding that the platform pay up for all the maintenance costs due to the explosive streaming numbers.


This news comes after a Seoul court stated that Netflix should “reasonably” offer up payment to the internet service provider for the bountiful network usage, per Reuters. A handful of South Korean lawmakers have spoken out against content providers (like Netflix) who don’t fess up the cash to pay for network usage even though they generate a mass of traffic.


Netflix has stated that they will review SK Broadband’s claim. In the meantime, they plan on having an open dialogue with the provider to explore ways to ensure customers do not face delays with their network.

Squid Game‘s popularity has highlighted Netflix’s status as the country’s second-largest traffic generator, coming in right after YouTube. The two are the only ones that do not pay any network usage fees, while other sites like Amazon, Apple and Facebook assist.


As of September 2021, Netflix’s data traffic with SK Broadband jumped 24 times from May 2018. Thanks to the success of Korean productions like Squid Game and D.P., Netflix now processes around 1.2 trillion bits of data per second. In 2020 alone, SK estimated that the streamer owed around 27.2 billion won ($22.9 million).


Firing back against the suit, Netflix added in a statement that they had contributed to the creation of around 16,000 jobs in South Korea, which have stemmed from around 770 billion won in investments. In total, the streaming giant says they’ve had an economic effect of about 5.6 trillion won.


Squid Game was released on Netflix two weeks ago on Sept. 17 and has fast become one of the streamer’s top performers of all time. The mind-bending puzzle series pits a group of down-on-their-luck adults against one another in a handful of child’s games, where they must compete to the death to win a massive cash prize. At the moment, Squid Game is set to overtake Bridgerton as Netflix’s most popular show of all time.



Billie Eilish Slams Texas Abortion Law While Performing in Austin!

Billie Eilish is slamming Texas, while performing in Texas.On Saturday night (October 2), the 19-year-old entertainer performed during the 2021 ACL Music Festival in Austin.

While on stage, Billie took a moment to slam Texas’ restrictive new law against abortions.

“I’m sick and tired of old men. Shut the f–k up about our bodies,” Billie said in a video captured by a fan, as the words “Bans Off Our Bodies” flashed on the screen behind her on stage.


Last month, Texas passed a new law allowing private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who help a woman obtain an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. It also makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Billie then told the crowds that she considered canceling her appearance at the festival because of the law.


“When they made that s–t a law, I almost didn’t want to do the show, because I wanted to punish this f–king place for allowing that to happen here,” Billie added. “But then, I remembered that it’s you guys that are the f–king victims, and you deserve everything in the world.”

Billie then added, “We need to tell them to shut the f–k up.”


She concluded her message by raising her middle finger and shouting, “My body, my f–king choice!”]



Man Arrested, Charged With Murder in Shooting Death of Utah Football Player Aaron Lowe!

A man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of University of Utah football player Aaron Lowe.

via Complex: Buk M. Buk has was charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder, and felony discharge of a firearm, ESPN reports. The 22-year-old allegedly shot and killed Lowe on Sept. 26 at a house party in Salt Lake City, Utah. The other person who was shot, a 20-year-old woman, is still in critical condition following surgery.


“In a time of need, we turned to our community,” Salt Lake City police chief Mike Brown said in a statement. “We asked people to come forward and to share the information they had. Because of those tips and the unrelenting pursuit of justice from our homicide detectives, we have arrested the person accused of murdering Aaron Lowe. So many lives have been impacted from this senseless shooting.”


Lowe was a Utah Utes defensive back and was in his third season of playing for the team. His friend and fellow teammate, Ty Jordan, recently died from an accidental shooting in December 2020, and Lowe became the first person to win the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship. The pair had played together in high school.


“Ty made everyone around him better,” Lowe said when he learned he had received the scholarship. “He made me better. My friendship with Ty means a lot because he was always pushing me to be my best. He never let me settle for less. I want to make sure his legacy lives on through me.”



George Floyd’s Union Square Statue Vandalized With Paint!

According to TMZ, authorities obtained footage of a male mixing paint together while hiding behind the John Lewis statue. Then the male was seen riding on a skateboard past George Floyd’s statue and throwing the paint at it while skating off. Sources say eyewitnesses were there, but didn’t react to what had happened.


The statue of George Floyd that is located in Union Square was vandalized with paint not even 48 hours after it was unveiled to the public.

The statue is surrounded by Breonna Taylor and John Lewis. Authorities have not located the person who committed the act, but they have footage of a male doing the attack early Sunday morning.

Floyd’s brother, Terrence was in attendance for the ceremony on Friday to unveil the statue. The Union Square project is #SeeInJustice and all three statues stand about 6 feet tall, shining in bronze paint.


People all across the United States protested once Floyd was killed by Minneapolis cop, Derek Chauvin. Currently Chauvin is serving his 22.5 year sentence in prison.



'Catastrophic' California Oil Spill Kills Fish, Damages Wetlands!

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (Reuters) -A large oil spill off the southern California coast left fish dead, birds mired in petroleum and wetlands contaminated, in what local officials called an environmental catastrophe.

The U.S. Coast Guard, heading a clean-up response involving federal, state and city agencies, on Sunday announced an around-the-clock investigation into how the spill occurred.


An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles of the Pacific Ocean since it was first reported on Saturday morning, Kim Carr, the mayor of Huntington Beach, told a news conference.


She called the spill an "environmental catastrophe" and a "potential ecological disaster". The beachside city, about 40 miles (65 km) south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill.

Carr added: "Our wetlands are being degraded and portions of our coastline are now covered in oil."

The spill was caused by a breach connected to the Elly oil rig and stretched from the Huntington Beach Pier down to Newport Beach, an area popular with surfers and sunbathers.


The California Department of Fish and Wildlife ordered a fishery closure for coastal areas affected by the spill.

The closure will extend from Huntington Beach to Dana Point for the coastal areas, and it will extend up to six miles off the coastal points for the offshore area, the department said.


Carr said the oil rig was operated by Beta Offshore, a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation. Calls to Beta and Amplify went unanswered.

Carr, in her remarks, added: "In the coming days and weeks we challenge the responsible parties to do everything possible to rectify this environmental catastrophe."


Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher said at a press conference in Long Beach that the pipeline had been shut off and remaining oil suctioned out. He said divers were still trying to determine where and why the spill occurred.


U.S. Representative Michelle Steel, a Republican representing part of the affected area, sent a letter to Democratic President Joe Biden requesting a major disaster declaration for Orange County, which would free up federal funds to help with the clean-up efforts.

Steel later told CNN: "This is a really serious disaster".


Cottie Petrie-Norris, a Democratic state assembly member representing some areas affected by the spill, said she had "huge concerns" about the extent of the damage to the environment, communities and local economy.


She told CNN the spill was a "call to action that we need to stop drilling off our precious California coast."

Oil production off California's coast has declined sharply since its peak in the 1990s, in part due to the state's strict environmental rules. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said he wants to end oil drilling in the state by 2045.

Offshore drilling was restricted in the state after a devastating 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara that dumped 80,000 barrels into the ocean. Another spill off Santa Barbara in 2015 sent as much as 2,400 barrels onto the shore and into the Pacific.


Oceana, an ocean conservation group, also called for an end to offshore oil and gas drilling.

Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana's chief policy officer, said in a statement: "This is just the latest tragedy of the oil industry. It's well past time to prevent future oil spills by permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling."

The spill occurred in federal waters. Officials said federal, state and city agencies were involved in a response headed by the U.S. Coast Guard.


On Sunday, Orange County supervisor Katrina Foley said the oil had infiltrated the Talbert Marsh, a large ecological reserve, causing "significant damage."

Beaches were closed to swimming and a local air show was canceled, although some people were undeterred from setting up chairs on the beach to enjoy a sunny Sunday or strolling along the pier.


Carr said officials had deployed 2,050 feet (625 meters) of protective booms, which help contain and slow the oil flows.

The U.S. Coast Guard, working with local and state agencies, flew airplanes and deployed boats to assess the spill and had hired contractors to clean it up. About 3,150 gallons of oil have been recovered from the water, the Coast Guard said.


Officials said they were investigating the cause of the spill and the type of oil involved.



Donald Trump Wants The Court To End His Twitter Ban!


Within the court documents, Trump’s attorneys state Twitter “exercises a degree of power and control over political discourse in this country that is immeasurable…

Former President Donald Trump really wants to tweet again. Trump’s lawyers have asked a federal judge to bring back his Twitter account, according to a court document obtained by CNN.


Within the court filing, Trump’s attorneys state Twitter “exercises a degree of power and control over political discourse in this country that is immeasurable, historically unprecedented, and profoundly dangerous to open democratic debate.”

Two days after the Capitol insurrection occurred on January 6, Twitter published a blog titled “Permanent suspension of @realDonaldTrump.” The social media giant, founded by Jack Dorsey, decided to end the Republican president’s twitter spree “due to the risk of further incitement of violence.”


“In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open,” Twitter wrote via its blog. “We made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things.”


In February, Twitter’s CFO Ned Segal clarified during an interview on CNBC that Trump’s ban is permanent — even if he wins the presidency again. Trump’s attorneys also filed a lawsuit in July against Twitter, Facebook — where he is currently suspended for two years, and Google.

Besides fighting against censorship, the exact reason why Trump wants to return to Twitter has not been disclosed. However, CNN’s Brian Stelter believes that Trump is suing to get back onto Twitter because Trump believes he needs Twitter in order to run for President in 2024.


“I think when the creators of Twitter launched this social media service 15 or so years ago they wouldn’t have imagined they’d be caught in this type of debate, this kind of argument over whether an ex-U.S. president who was kicked off after inciting a riot should be allowed back on, but there are legal principles at stake and Trump’s lawyers are battling this,” Stelter stated. “This does create a lot of interest among conservatives’ claims of censorship and Trump is continuing to push this in court. Clearly, Donald Trump is running for president again and he believes he needs Twitter in order to do so.”



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

Courtesy of P.o.WM

BAD ASS PULLING A BAD ASS

Meanwhile



HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

EFREM

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