Justin Theroux for Men's Journal - January 2019
PAPARAZZI. CORNER ON THE RIGHT. See him? See him?”
Justin Theroux Opens a New Window. isn’t pointing. But his gold-rimmed Oliver Peoples aviators are aimed at a man on a bike with a backpack across the street. Theroux is gripping the handlebars of a chrome-gold single-speed bike Opens a New Window. at the corner of Carmine and Bleecker on a blustery late fall day in lower Manhattan Opens a New Window. , near the steps of Our Lady of Pompeii church. Until this moment, the actor and screenwriter had been unraveling the story of how the Theroux clan, a family with a long lineage of artists and writers (his uncle is author Paul Theroux) came to New York. His great-grandparents, immigrants from Italy, got married in this church. He and his father found the marriage certificate several years back in the church basement. It’s edifying, he says, to now live just a few blocks away.
But with the intrusion, Theroux aborts the story and we start pedaling with traffic up Sixth Avenue. The stocky pap, hammering in a low gear, overtakes us, pulls over to the sidewalk on the left, and in what must be a practiced, fluid, and habitual motion, yanks a camera out of his backpack, stabilizes himself against a filigreed light pole, and readies to shoot through a telephoto lens.
Paul Rudd and Justin Theroux Talk About Friendship and Making Netflix’s ‘Mute’ Opens a New Window.
“Your move,” I call out, and Theroux floats out of the bike lane, drifts and weaves across the six lanes of Sixth Avenue, then ducks onto Waverly, a side street, against traffic. The acoustics shift. It’s quieter. His crank-shaft slows.
For Justin Theroux, this is just another Wednesday. And ever since he dated, then wed, then split with America’s Sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston, the number of lenses trained on his every move has multiplied. Theroux left L.A. and the pair’s $21 million Bel Air pad in late 2017, and the couple announced their separation via a joint statement in February 2018. There are hundreds of tabloid articles that speculate as to why. Theroux and Aniston have been relatively silent about it. In the New York Times, Theroux called it “kind of the most gentle separation” and regretted saying even that. On this day, he refuses to talk about the relationship. But the cameras remain.
Despite the relentless coverage, and despite major roles in some of the best movies and TV series of the past few decades, from Mulholland Drive to The Leftovers, to blockbuster writing credits, Theroux manages to evade being defined by any one gig. No one shouts lines at him on the street. He escapes in plain sight. Read more At Men’s Journal HERE
THE PHILADEPHIA EAGLES ARE PLAYOFF BOUND! Eagles 24, Washington 0: Eagles Finish the regular season with a dominant win!
LANDOVER, Md. – The Eagles took care of their part of their Week 17 playoff chances by dominating Washington in a 24-0 victory that might put the Eagles in the playoffs. The game ended before the Chicago Bears-Minnesota Vikings game completed, leaving the Eagles fans that took over FedEx Field chanting, “Let’s Go, Bears!”
It was the Eagles’ fifth win in six weeks, an end-of-season surge that makes the Super Bowl champions a dangerous team to face in the postseason. The one cause for concern was that Nick Foles left the game early with a chest injury. Nate Sudfeld took over. Before Foles left, though, he tied an NFL record with 25 consecutive completions in the game. He finished 28 of 33 for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Alshon Jeffery had 59 yards and a touchdown while Nelson Agholor caught two touchdowns for the first time in his career. The Eagles had the ball for more than 40 minutes of the game.
The Eagles defense set the tone from the first play of the game, when Rasul Douglas stepped in front of Josh Johnson’s pass for his third interception of the season. It was their first shutout since 2014.
And though the offense didn’t respond on the turnover – Foles threw an interception of his own with the Eagles in scoring range – there was little worry with the way the defense played. They didn’t allow a first down in the first quarter. So when Jake Elliott kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter, it was all the Eagles needed.
The Eagles dominated the second quarter, taking the ball with more 12 minutes on the clock and giving it back to Washington with less than a minute. That was the time between a 19-play, 87-yard drive that took 11 minutes, 49 seconds off the clock. It was their longest drive of the season. It included four third-down conversions and a fourth-down conversion. The longest play went for 14 yards, but the Eagles had positive yards on all but three plays. Foles connected with Jeffery for a two-yard touchdown 36 seconds before halftime to give the Eagles a lead.
Foles did not have an incompletion on the drive. He didn’t have an incompletion on the first drive of the second half, when the Eagles were forced to punt. And when the offense got the ball back, Foles did not have an incompletion until the 12th play of a 13-play scoring drive. On the play after the incompletion, Foles hit Nelson Agholor for a six-yard touchdown.
The defense didn’t let up throughout the game. Even when Washington extended a drive with a fake punt, the Eagles didn’t let them near the end zone. When Washington was forced to go for a fourth down in the fourth quarter, Fletcher Cox had his sack dance ready.
The problem, though, was that Sudfeld had starting warming up during Cox’s sack. Foles went to the locker room, and Sudfeld needed to close the game.
Just to show that everything was working for the Eagles on Sunday, even Sudfeld brought the Eagles to the end zone. Sudfeld found Agholor for a 22-yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 24-0 lead. It was his first career touchdown. Sudfeld made sure to collect the ball. That was Sudfeld’s lone pass of the game.
It’s not yet know the severity of Foles' injury, but the best news for the Eagles is that question of who will play quarterback could now extend at least one more week.
LETS GO EAGLES!
#RHoA: Pregnant Porsha Williams Shows Off Baby Bump In A Bikini!
The ‘RHOA’ star is on a babymoon with her fiancé Dennis McKinley.
Porsha Williams isn’t letting her pregnancy keep her from ringing in the New Year in style. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star is on a babymoon with her fiancé Dennis McKinley in the Bahamas, where she showed off her growing baby bump in a barely-there bikini!
Porsha put her bump on display in this pic. She stunned in a red bikini with a blue floral pattern and a matching kaftan.
She captioned the pic with the hashtags, “#Thickums #MckinleyBabyMoon #Booming #PjMomma.”
Fans raved over Porsha’s pregnancy glow. “You look so pretty pregnant,” one follower commented.
“You’re carrying your baby beautifully!” said another.
Porsha announced she was pregnant in September. The Bravo star had tried keeping the pregnancy under wraps after previously suffering a miscarriage six years ago.
Photo credit: Getty
Soon after she announced her baby news, Porsha and Dennis got engaged. At their gender reveal in October, they revealed they were expecting a baby girl!
What do you think of Porsha’s babymoon look?
#Empire: Ta’Rhonda Jones joins Terri J. Vaughn as she goes home to the San Francisco Bay Area to ‘Take Wings’
San Francisco native and celebrated television and movie actress Terri J. Vaughn is founder of TAKE WINGS FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization that addresses social and life skills needs of at-risk teens. And at her recent event for TAKE WINGS she brought along ‘Empire’; actress Ta’Rhonda Jones to take part in the ceremonies.
Terri gives us a synopsis on how the non-profit began. She says In December 1997, I decided to do something to encourage, inspire and motivate other girls growing up in my old neighborhood to make decisions that would start them on a path to a successful life. I invited two other celebrity friends — Suzanne Daniels (“Parenthood”) and Kellie Williams (“Family Matters”) — to join me in speaking to the girls. I have hosted this dinner every year since then, with the same intentions of pouring positivity and love into the girls, who are growing up in at-risk communities and foster care homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Throughout the years many of my peers have joined me at this dinner — Nicole Ari Parker, Regina King, Malinda Williams, Essence Atkins, Gabrielle Union, Vivica Fox, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and more. This 21st year, my beautiful and impactful friend Ta’Rhonda Jones (“Empire”) joined me, and the girls of Take Wings Foundation loved her. It was a beautiful afternoon of sharing and being transparent with the girls. Ta’Rhonda even blessed each of the girls at her table with a pair of Vans tennis shoes for a Christmas gift. We laughed, we cried, we shared and we prayed.
To make donations and get more information about Take Wings Foundation, please visit us at TakeWings.org.
#NewMusic from Elijah Blake Drops Mixtape Sequal ‘Bijoux 23’
Earlier this year, Elijah Blake teamed with Jordin Sparks for a remix of “Rendezvous,” an original song off his underrated 2017 album, Audiology.
Now, Elijah returns with a new release in the form of a new mixtape titled, ‘Bijoux 23.’ The 8-songs project, which he recorded in seven days at his Los Angeles studio alongside producer SLMN, continues to showcase Elijah’s undeniable talent. The project also serves as the sequel to 2012’s ‘Bijoux 22.’
“Bijoux 23 is me picking up where I left off and also taking things into a new direction, because that’s what progression is about,” states Elijah. “As I grow, I feel certain emotions and changes as I approach my love life and relationships with friends differently. I worked from my home studio, and because I’m doing everything myself, I can translate those experiences into songs in real-time. So, I wrote about my life at the time and focused on a cohesive narrative. You’re riding with me on this one through a story.”
LISTEN AND STREAM IT HERE
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Elijah plans to drop a new album in 2019,
#NewHipHip from DeJ Loaf Drops "Go DeJ Go Vol. 1" EP
It seemed like DeJ Loaf wouldn’t be releasing any projects this year, but she has flipped the script in the final days of 2018. As 2019 quickly approaches, the Detroit-bred rhymer has returned with a new EP titled Go DeJ Go Vol. 1.
LISTEN HERE
DeJ Loaf’s latest work is comprised of six tracks, including her latest single “Last Time I Checked.” The EP is her first project since 2017’s Fuck A Friend Zone with Jacquees, the self-proclaimed King of R&B.
Usher Officially Files For Divorce From Grace Miguel!
Usher and Grace Miguel are officially on the road to finalizing their divorce. The couple split earlier this year amid allegations the R&B star had cheated with multiple partners and was infected with herpes. According to TMZ, Usher filed court documents on Friday (December 28) to get things in motion.
The couple married in 2015 and announced their separation in March after roughly 10 years together.
“After much thought and consideration we have mutually decided to separate as a couple,” they wrote in a joint statement to US Weekly. “We remain deeply connected, loving friends who will continue supporting each other through the next phases of our lives.”
Usher adamantly denies infecting anyone with the sexually transmitted disease.
Last January, court documents obtained by Radar Online revealed Usher contracted the herpes virus in 2009 or 2010 and passed it on to a celebrity stylist through unprotected sex. He reportedly paid the woman $1.1 million dollars for severe emotional distress.
The “Let It Burn” singer also wrote a check for $2,754.40 covering her medical bills. The case was settled in 2012.
Grace Miguel initially appeared to support Usher despite the controversy, but ultimately their relationship had evidently run its course.
Chris Brown Accused Of Harassing Alleged Rape Victim
LOS ANGELES, CA – It appears an illegal pet monkey won’t be the only thing Chris Brown will be hemmed up in court for.
After a Jane Doe filed suit against Brown for allegedly playing a role in her rape at the hands of one of his friends at his Los Angeles mansion back in 2017, she accuses the R&B/Pop star of harassing her.
The Blast reports that he tried to film her and her legal team during a proposed inspection of his house.
Court documents obtained by the outlet stated that she and her lawyer asked the judge to sign the necessary paperwork to inspect the singer’s Taranza home where she was allegedly raped multiple times by Breezy’s affiliate Young Lo (real name Lowell Grissom Jr.). The woman also sought out a protective order barring him from filming her in his home.
In response to their move to further build the case, Brown has demanded the court to be allowed to videotape her while she goes throughout the home.
The Jane Doe claims that Brown’s move is only to “harass and intimidate” her while she inspects the home. Brown’s lawyer argues that he wants to film her because, “We want to make sure the home is protected, and our client is protected. Your client has already made false accusations against Mr. Brown, so we want to simply videotape the premises and inspection as it is being conducted to make sure your client doesn’t make up further false allegations against Mr. Brown.”
The lawsuit was filed earlier in the year accusing Brown of “co-conspiring, aiding and abetting” her sexual assault during a party back in 2017, according to Billboard. The Jane Doe plaintiff said that she and other female guests were given drugs and alcohol by Brown and company and reportedly used intimidation to “coerce and force unwilling female guests to perform sexual acts for Defendants and others,” per court documents. All who were involved, including a woman dubbed Doe X among several others, are accused of “sexual battery, gender violence, hate violence, assault, interference with the exercise of civil rights, intentional infliction of emotional distress and more.”
Grissom’s legal team responded to the allegations back in May saying, “Lowell vehemently denies these false and defaming accusations originated last year, ending with no arrests, no proof, an inconclusive rape kit and after a police investigation — no charges filed.
“This civil lawsuit is a blatant attempt at a money grab and to harm the reputation of my client while encouraging PR noise for Gloria Allred while she exploits this young woman for her own financial gains and public persona.”
Brown still has yet to publically address the lawsuit and the accusation. The case is ongoing.
Portland Hotel Fires Two Employees Who Called Police on Black Guest
The DoubleTree hotel in Portland, Oregon that found itself engulfed in controversy this past week fired the two employees who were responsible for calling police on a black guest while he was talking on the phone in the lobby. The Hilton-owned hotel posted a statement on Twitter saying that the “mistreatment” of Jermaine Massey was “inconsistent with our standards & values. We reiterate our sincere apology for what he endured & will work with diversity experts to ensure this never happens again.”
Massey’s story went viral after he posted a series of videos on Instagram showing how a security guard and a manager at the hotel were responsible for kicking him out even though he was a guest there. The guard—who came to be known as “Hotel Earl” on social media—apparently asked Massey whether he was a guest in the middle of his phone call and then decided to call police when he was not satisfied with the answer. When police arrived they told Massey he had to leave, meaning he was forced to find a new place to spend the night at around midnight. “I was racially profiled and treated unfairly,” Massey said in one of a series of Instagram videos.
The hotel announced the terminations a day after it issued a statement saying it had placed the employees on leave while it reviewed the incident. “We have a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination of any kind, and do not tolerate behavior of that nature. We are seeking the counsel of community leaders, and will engage a third-party to conduct a full investigation into the incident – reviewing our internal processes, protocols and trainings to ensure we are creating and maintaining a safe space for everyone,” the hotel’s general manager, Paul Peralta, said. “The employees involved have since been placed on leave for the duration of this investigation, and we will take the appropriate measures to ensure this does not happen again.”
Aretha Franklin Reportedly Left Behind $8M Tax Debt
Music icon Aretha Franklin passed away over the summer at 76, leaving behind an impenetrable legacy. But according to TMZ, the Queen of Soul also left behind a nearly $8 million debt with the IRS. Uncle Sam claims she owes more than $6.3 million in back taxes from 2012 to 2018, plus an additional $1.5 million in penalties.
Attorney David Bennett — who represents Franklin’s Estate — says Ms. Franklin settled the “vast majority” of her debt before she died. “The Estate is diligently working to resolve any remaining issues,” he said.
One of Franklin’s ex-attorneys explained the tax lien is the result of several audits over the last six years.
But the IRS isn’t the only entity after Franklin’s money. Another former lawyer filed court documents in October, asking her estate to pay roughly $54,000 for bills dating back to 2012. A publishing company also wants $136,000 in royalties for the 1973 song, “Angel.”
Franklin died peacefully at her Detroit home on August 16. She’d suffered from advanced pancreatic cancer for many years.
Kanye West Splurges On $14M Miami Condo For Kim Kardashian's Christmas Gift
MIAMI BEACH, FL – When it comes to money, Kanye West evidently doesn’t have to adhere to any spending limits. According to Page Six, ‘Ye just bought wife Kim Kardashian a $14 million condo at Miami’s 18-story Faena House, also known as the “Billionaire Beach Bunker.”
TMZ reports Kanye scouted the place while in Miami for Art Basel and secretly made the offer before Christmas so he could surprise his reality television queen wife.
Located right on the beach, the condo boasts 4,700 square feet, four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths and a large terrace. The Faena House itself also has a spa, pool, concierge, underground parking and a gym for all residents to use.
Famous residents include Goldman Sachs chairman Lloyd Blankfein, hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin and Faena co-developer Len Blavatnik.
The condo was originally listed at $15.5 million.
A Navy Soldier’s Romantic Gay Kiss Causes Homophobic Uproar in Florida
The couple insists they’re unfazed by the backlash.
There are few photos as quintessentially American as “V-Day in Times Square,” in which a returning US Navy sailor smooches a nurse — a heartwarming piece of non-consensual nostalgia. When Bryan Woodington returned from a seven-month deployment in the Middle East with 300 other sailors, he and husband Kenneth recreated the iconic moment in full looks, with Bryan dipping his husband to give him a big, fat consensual smooch. The touching reunion aired on news network WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida.
"I was excited and I could not wait for it to happen," Bryan told WJXT. "I knew I was going to dip him." Kenneth said that when his man disembarked the ship, he “lost all control...just dropped everything and...ran.” The crowd at the base went wild...and so did the viewers. Florida being Florida, this touching moment could not go ignored by citizens of the state that produced the zombie face-eating bathsalts guy
WJXT reported that their airing of the ceremonial first kiss was met with an outpouring of homophobic backlash. “How sad that your station has dropped to such a low as to show a gay couple kissing on your newscast," said one angry caller, while another emailed saying they’d “never watch your news again!!!! So long, News4Jax." Another “thought this was a ‘family friendly’ news channel.” Because gay people, apparently, are not a part of families.
But the reunited couple is unfazed by the trolls. "It didn’t really bother me," Kenneth told WJXT. "Honestly, I’m the type of person who doesn’t really care that much about what people say."
"My grandmother always said, 'You know some people have a different life and this is how they are and you just have to treat them as such, and treat them with kindness and respect,'" said Bryan.
The New Year’s Eve Celebration In Times Square Will be Dedicated To Freedom Of Press
In a time when the term “fake news” is being thrown around and the United States has been added to the list of one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist, it’s nice to know that there is one silver lining: this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be dedicated to the freedom of press.
Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, will initiate the ball drop on Monday in Times Square while yet-to-be-named journalists from various U.S. and international outlets will be the guests of honor at the party in one of the most iconic party spots for New Year’s Eve.
This news comes after a tough year for journalists when it comes to the backlash, wild scrutiny, and the Trump administration. There are two journalist attacks in particular that influenced organizers to dedicate the Times Square celebration to the freedom of press. One was the killing of Washington Post Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey. In another tragic incident from 2018, five employees of The Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md. were killed after a mass shooting in their newsroom in June.
Khashoggi and the staff of The Capital Gazette were included in Time Magazine‘s “Person of the Year” issue. The magazine announced 2018 “Person of the Year” as, collectively, The Guardians in the war on truth. Time also included journalists Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo in the issue.
Dame June Whitfield Dies: Actress In ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ DEAD at 93
Dame June Whitfield, best known for her role in Absolutely Fabulous, died at her home on Friday night, according to her agent. She was 93.
Made an OBE in 1985 and given a damehood in 2017 for services to drama and entertainment, Whitfield had a long and varied show business career, including starring in 12 BBC Radio 4 Agatha Christie adaptations as Miss Marple from 1993 to 2001.
She was best known for her roles in Take It From Here, Terry And June and Absolutely Fabulous. She also appeared in Doctor Who in 2009 for David Tennant’s final episode, The End of Time, and briefly was in EastEnders as a nun in 2015 and 2016.
She joined sitcom Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 as the mother of Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, and also appeared in the film version in 2016.
Whitfield was married to Tim Aitchison from 1955 until his death in 2001. She is survived by her daughter Suzy.
CONGRATS: Jemele Hill Got Engaged – And you can see Her Ring HERE!
Jemele Hill is officially a fiancée! The former ESPN host announced she and her longtime boo, Ian Wallace, are engaged to be married.
The exciting news comes 5 days after her 43rd birthday! I’ve called this my year of transition. I left a job, started a new job, moved to a new city and now…
I’m engaged to the love of my life. I’m overjoyed and immensely blessed. Thank you @gagebhunt for the amazing photos.
Jemele also showed off her beautiful ring!
Congratulations!
Forest Whitaker Files For Divorce From Keisha Whitaker After 22 Years Of Marriage
Two days after Christmas, Forest Whitaker filed for divorce to end his 22-year marriage to Keisha Whitaker.
Forest cited irreconcilable differences for the demise of his union and requested that he does not have to pay spousal support. The Oscar-winning actor and Keisha met in 1994 on the set of Blown Away, the film where they played on-screen lovers. They began dating in real life and tied the knot two years later.
Forest and Keisha share two daughters, Sonnet and True. They also each have one child from a previous relationship.
New Man, Who’s This? Cassie’s Mystery Guy Officially Revealed
Cassie has been very quiet about her relationship status, until now.
Earlier today, the “Me & U” singer caused an uproar on Instagram after posting a photo strip with her mom and a mystery guy. The top picture shows Cassie smiling and hugging her mom, but in the bottom picture, she is locking lips with the mystery man.
After posting the pic, many went on a search to find out who the man was. Well, allow us to introduce you to Alex Fine, the bull rider.
Mr. Fine is not only a competitive bull rider, but the 25-year-old is also a fitness guru who has trained #JenniferAnniston, Odell Beckham Jr, Reggie Bush and even Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos.
Cassie’s new guy come as a surprise, especially since Diddy sent a little message to Cassie on his Instagram Stories, writing, “I ❤️ Cassie.”
Are we here for Cassie’s new guy? h/t Baller Alert!
Trump Blocks Federal Workers’ Pay Hike While They’re FURLOUGHED
Simply Petty! In the middle of a partial shutdown of the federal government, President Donald Trump ordered a pay freeze for federal workers late Friday, blocking an automatic pay increase from going into effect Jan. 1.
Trump said months ago that he was seeking the freeze. It was ultimately made possible by Congress, which never passed a pay hike before the end of the year. The GOP-controlled Senate had signed off on a bipartisan 1.9 percent increase, but the GOP-controlled House left it unaddressed.
If Trump had done nothing, the federal pay formula would have enacted an automatic 2.1 percent pay increase. But the inaction by Congress gave him an opening to make the increase zero through executive order.
It’s likely that the House will agree to a pay raise after Democrats take over as the majority on Jan. 3. Federal employee unions will press for any raise to be retroactive to the first of the year if an increase gets passed.
Groups representing federal employees said Trump’s freeze comes as added insult to the shutdown. Roughly one-fourth of the federal government is not funded at the moment, as the president demands $5 billion in federal funds for a wall along the southern border that he used to say Mexico was going to pay for.
Roughly 420,000 federal employees are working without pay, and another 380,000 have been furloughed and are temporarily out of a job. Although lawmakers have typically approved backpay retroactively after previous shutdowns, there is no guarantee a divided Congress would do so this time.
NARFE, a group representing current and retired federal workers, said the implementation of the pay freeze is another sign of Trump’s “disdain” for government employees.
“Refusing to provide a nominal raise for our nation’s hardworking federal employees amid a partial government shutdown shows clear contempt for those who carry out public service,” Ken Thomas, the group’s president, said in a statement.
Tony Reardon, the president of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents 150,000 federal workers, said Trump was “pouring salt into the wound” while workers go without paychecks.
The partial shutdown is just the latest chapter in Trump’s long-running battle with civil servants who do the government’s work. In addition to the pay freeze, his administration has also tried to peel back collective bargaining rights and increase workers’ pension contributions.
Many workers and their representatives bristle at middle-class government employees being lumped in with the “swamp” that Trump said needs draining.
Trump has warned that the shutdown could drag on ”for a very long time″ if he doesn’t get the wall money he wants. Democrats have said they will produce a bill to reopen the government as soon as they take over the House next week, but so far they have shown few signs of acquiescing to the president’s demands.
Members of the military are not subject to the pay freeze. They will be receiving a 2.6 percent pay increase next year, even though Trump falsely told them to their faces that they would be getting 10 percent.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘THE STRAIGHT JACKET’
The great Waldini breaking free of high prices.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet WOOFER
Meet Woofer. You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR ALL!
EFREM
