Today is World AIDS Day! When Will There Be A Cure For HIV? 2016 Brings Vaccine Trials, Medical Breakthroughs
Thursday marks World AIDS Day, an international public health campaign promoting awareness of HIV and AIDS prevention and research, as well as education on resources for those impacted by the global epidemic. Though the day is spent mourning over 36 million people killed from AIDS-related causes, scientific communities are also celebrating some of the largest breakthroughs in AIDS research and prevention advancements this year.
World AIDS Day is nationally recognized each year on Dec. 1 since 1993, when former President Bill Clinton addressed the global crisis while introducing his administration’s task force designed to coordinate AIDS research. Over 20 years later, each president continues to make an official proclamation every World AIDS Day, with President Barack Obama expected to make remarks on Thursday afternoon. Obama’s White House administration spent nearly $34 billion on global and domestic HIV and AIDS efforts in 2016 alone, the most a president has ever allocated to the issue in a single fiscal year. Meanwhile, at least 79,000 people in the U.S. are using pre-exposure prophylaxis, otherwise known as PrEP, a medicine which prevents the contraction of HIV.
Researchers Boast AIDS Cure
Overseas, a vaccine trial for HIV is beginning in South Africa, where an estimated seven million people are living with the virus. Scientists are predicting the trial, which will enlist 5,400 sexually active men and women, could lead to the first-ever licensed HIV vaccine. It’s one of the largest studies of its kind, and the first efficacy trial since 2009. The U.S. National Institutes of Health is sponsoring the study.
Despite continued improvements in research and care, tremendous flaws in the global response to HIV and AIDS still remain. Large racial disparities in access to prevention medicine like PrEP and resources for those impacted by the virus exist throughout the U.S., while about 5,753 people contract HIV each day worldwide.
World AIDS Day is recognized internationally by a red ribbon, which symbolizes the global unity in the fight against the virus.
#RHoA: Don't Insult Kandi On 'Real Housewives Of Atlanta,' Or You Might Deserve A Mama Joyce Reading!
It's not a particularly exciting season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta so far, but one thing is absolutely true: don't mess with Kandi Burruss. When Kandi's ex, Block, called her about Riley, she rather quickly shut down his pathetic attempt to connect with her and her daughter via a phone call after almost fourteen years of nothing. In the last episode, it became clear that Kandi is really disappointed in Block for not being there for her when she first got pregnant, or when Riley was really little. Seriously, if Block is still planning to pursue this relationship, he needs to seriously rethink his approach. And if her wants to win over Mama Joyce, he'll need to pay Kandi the child support she alleges multiple times throughout this episode that he never gave her.
A similar thing happened while the ladies were out and having a good time at laser tag. Judging by Shereé's wig, this is taking place a little closer to the moment in the first few episodes of the season when she got into a fight with Kenya over their respective houses. And Shereé gets her revenge during Phaedra's laser tag session, specifically targeting Kenya and shooting her repeatedly. As Porsha says, a few sessions of this and no anger management would be necessary. But since she was the target of the attack, Kenya once again makes the mistake of trying to go after Shereé, who has yet to lose an argument on Real Housewives of Atlanta. And Kandi looks truly pained by the experience of listening to these women arguing, especially when the insult "Mama Joyce wig" is thrown out there.
But I wish that Kandi's attitude would extend to livening up this season of RHOA. So far, it's been extremely uneventful, and while it's a little sad to watch Riley reject a relationship with her dad, it's also not the most entertaining subject for an episode of reality television. The show needs a little more Shereé and Kenya laser tag battling, and a little less emotional phone conversations with gaslighting exes.
#EMPIRE! Will the next couple of episodes DIG DEEP for Cookie Lyon?
Tonight’s episode of EMPIRE is expected to dig deeper into Cookie's past. Her son Jamal, while looking for some inspiration for his songwriting, will stumble upon some old family video footage of Cookie and her family, which he will then use.
However, "Empire" Season 3 Episode 7 spoilers predict that watching those old videos gets Cookie quite upset. Apparently, it will remind her of her complicated relationship with her father and siblings. She then tells Jamal to stop using the videos and adding that he has no right to dig the old stuff. But with her memories already triggered, the only thing left for her to do is to confront whatever issues that remain unsolved head on.
"Empire" Season 3 Episode 7 airs tonight November 30, 2016 on Fox.
New Music Video: Jojo Feat. Remy Ma – Fab.
JoJo and Remy Ma get fabulous while denouncing the “fake ass bitches” in the brand new video for “FAB.”
The black-and-white visual features the Mad Love. songstress in a camouflage top, while battling phony frenemies in New York City.
“Where were you when I needed you? / Fake ass bitches / When they smile in your face but behind you, it ain’t well wishes,” she sings.
Sitting on an old whip, Remy puts “both middle fingers all the way up.” “You not my BFF / You not my bestie / You a fake ass bitch just like the rest,” she raps.
JoJo is set to embark on her “Mad Love. World Tour” through Europe and the U.S. starting in January. Check out the “FAB” video, and see her full tour itinerary below.
WATCH HERE
“MAD LOVE. WORLD TOUR“ DATES:
Jan. 15 – Dublin, IRE – Academy
Jan. 17 – London, UK – Koko
Jan. 18 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso
Jan. 19 – Paris, FR – La Maroquinerie
Jan. 21 – Munich, GER – Ampere
Jan. 22 – Milan, IT – Tunnel Club
Jan. 23 – Köln, GER – Clubbahnhof
Jan. 26 – Copenhagen, DEN – Vega Jr.
Jan. 28 – Birmingham, UK – Institute 2
Jan. 29 – Manchester, UK – Club Academy
Jan. 30 – Glasgow, UK – O2 ABC2
Feb. 15 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Feb. 17 – Seattle, WA – Showbox
Feb. 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
Feb. 20 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theatre
Feb. 21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda
Feb. 23 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory OC
Feb. 24 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues – San Diego
Feb. 25 – Scottsdale, AZ – Livewire
Feb. 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
March 1 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
March 3 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall
March 4 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
March 5 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
March 7 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Café
March 8 – Sioux Falls, SD – The District
March 10 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
March 11 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theater
March 12 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
March 19 – New Orleans, LA – Republic NOLA
March 21 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
March 22 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live
March 23 – St. Petersburg, FL – State Theater
March 25 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
March 26 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm Columbia
March 28 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
March 30 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues – Cleveland
March 31 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall (Indoor)
April 1 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
April 3 – Richmond, VA – The National
April 4 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
April 6 – Greensboro, NC – Cone Denim Entertainment Center
April 7 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Ballroom
April 8 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater
April 10 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
April 11 – Dallas, TX – Trees
April 12 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
April 14 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
April 18 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
April 19 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
April 21 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
April 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
April 23 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
April 28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero Theatre
April 30 – Boston, MA – Royale
May 2 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
May 3 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
New Hip Hop Video: Jeezy Feat. French Montana – ‘Going Crazy’
Jeezy and French Montana are still “Going Crazy” in the music video for their Trap or Die 3 collaboration.
Carrying a baseball bat and sporting his infamous Snowman gear, Jizzle raps about his street life and fame.
“You know I’m in that bitch like an expensive suit,” raps Jeezy. “Bitch, I’m in demand just like them Yeezy Boosts / I got rich off butter, bitch, that’s Betty Crocker / Bitch it ain’t my fault, just like I’m Silkk the Shocker.”
With a bandana over his mouth and “Stop Blaming Muslims” shirt on, Montana raps about his authenticity and success. “All I wanted was a mill and a new Mercedes,” he brags. “Now I’m jumpin’ on these ni**as like the new McGrady.”
“Going Crazy” follows TD3 videos for “G-Wagon,” “Goldmine,” the Bankroll Fresh-assisted “All There,” and “Bout That” featuring Lil Wayne.
Go “Crazy” with Jeezy and French HERE
No charges for Charlotte officer in death of Keith Lamont Scott
A district attorney announced the black police officer who fatally shot Keith Scott in Charlotte in September will not face charges. He said evidence shows that Scott was armed and could have raised his gun and killed officers.
The Charlotte police officer who fatally shot a black man following a brief but tense standoff Sept. 20 won't be charged in the case, District Attorney Andrew Murray announced Wednesday.
Officer Brent Vinson, who is also black, has been on administrative leave since shooting Keith Lamont Scott, 43, in a parking lot while the husband and father waited for his child's school bus.
"It is my opinion that Officer Vinson acted lawfully when he shot Mr. Scott," Murray said. "His use of deadly force was lawful."
The incident set off fierce protests that resulted in scores of arrests. After the shooting, Police Chief Kerr Putney said Scott was armed and that a gun was found at the scene. Scott's wife, Rakeyia, recorded some of the confrontation on her cellphone and said Scott was not armed.
Murray, during a lengthy presentation Wednesday, showed video of Scott entering a convenience store shortly before the shooting. In the video, a bulge in Scott's lower right pant leg "is consistent with the holster and gun later described by officers and found at the scene," Murray said.
A short time later, Murray said officers were on an unrelated call when they saw Scott, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle crash in October 2015, parked in his SUV at an apartment complex. They ordered him to exit his vehicle after seeing him brandish a handgun, Murray said.
Young girl sobs and scolds Charlotte City Council
Murray said the videos show that officers told Scott to drop his gun at least 10 times.
"The videos also show that Mr. Scott did not comply with those commands," Murray said.
He said Vinson fired four times, hitting Scott three times. Murray said Scott's DNA was found on the gun recovered at the scene.
Murray said he discussed his findings with several "career" prosecutors who all agreed with his decision. He said he revealed his decision to Scott's family before announcing it publicly.
The family issued a statement saying they were "profoundly disappointed" with Murray's decision — but thanked the prosecutor for his detailed explanation.
Lawyers for Scott's family said they will continue to investigate the case and could file a civil suit. Lawyer Justin Bamberg said it was a "bittersweet" day and the confrontation should never have taken place.
"We still have real questions about the decisions that were made that day, about how they confronted Keith," lawyer Chuck Monnett said.
Some video from the scene has been released. In September, Putney acknowledged there was "no definitive, visual evidence" from those videos that Scott had a gun in his hand. "You see something in the hand and that he pointed it at an officer," Putney said. The department has said officers perceived Scott's movements as posing an imminent threat.
The State Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation, and Mayor Jennifer Roberts said the Department of Justice was monitoring the probe.
“The White House is not going to get involved in handicapping or second guessing local investigations,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said. “I’m confident that my colleagues at the Department of Justice are aware of this announcement and have followed through on their promise to monitor the case.”
After Murray announced his decision, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department tweeted: "@CMPD appreciates work by State Bureau of Investigation & District Attorney. We're committed to continuing to build trust with community."
“Basketball Wives LA” Hands Out Pink Slips! 5 Cast Members NOT Returning
According to our friends over at theJasmineBRAND.com The tea is that VH1 is shaking things up for season 6 of Basketball Wives LA. Insiders tell us that a few of your favorites will NOT be returning to the popular reality show, while others will remain.
We’re told that Shaunie O’Neal, Tami Roman and Jackie Christie will return. However, Malaysia Pargo, Brandi Maxiell, Angle Brinks, Angel Love and DJ Duffey will not be back as official cast members.
"Basketball Wives LA" Hands Out Pink Slips! 5 Cast Members NOT Returning
Malaysia Pargo, DJ Duffey, Brandi Maxiell
The network wanted to shake things up, so they didn’t renew contracts for Malaysia, Brandi, DJ Duffey, Angel Brinks and Angel Love.
While they won’t be official cast members, they may make a few appearances.
None of them will be full time, but the network is giving them the opportunity to make a few cameos. We’ll have to see how filming plays out.
Our source also confirms that Evelyn Lozada will return to the franchise. Evelyn’s return was reported by The Shade Room.
Evelyn Lozada: Our source confirms she’ll be back saying:
The network is really excited she’s returning. Evelyn, Tami and Shaunie were favorites in Miami.
Production begins December 2nd. P.S. What do you think about who’s been allegedly fired?
Kanye West Is home now but was reportedly Trying to Record Music in the Hospital?
Kanye West certainly lives up to his workaholic reputation. According to a new report from US Weekly, Kanye has been desperately trying to work from his hospital bed, much to the concern of his wife Kim Kardashian. She's been trying to stop him from over-exerting himself while he's supposed to be resting.
“Kanye keeps wanting to work. At the hospital, he requested that recording equipment be brought to the hospital so he can record in his bed,” a source told Us. “And he has kept asking to see sketches of his fashion lines... He continues to want to work and Kim has to keep telling him to rest."
Kanye remains at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he was hospitalized on Nov. 21 after acting erratically at his gym. Kim Kardashian flew directly to Los Angeles from NYC when she heard the news, and has reportedly been by his side continuously ever since, only pausing to see her children. He is reportedly battling paranoia and depression, perhaps brought on by his rigorous tour and work schedule.
Some reports suggested that Kanye might go home on Monday, but a TMZ article later claimed that he was still not stable and was being kept at the hospital until further notice.
All of this comes after he canceled the remainder of his Saint Pablo Tour following strange behavior at two shows. At one he praised Donald Trump, while at another he called out Jay Z, Q-Tip, Hillary Clinton, Drake, and more.
Von Miller Sex Tape Co-Star Elizabeth Ruiz Denies Extorting The Football Star.
Not sure if I’m buying this information.
Elizabeth landed in some hot water after she demanded $2.5 million from Von Miller over steamy sex tape and the judge blocked her from releasing the tape.
Well… The young lady speaks out in a brief interview with TMZ.
She insists the only profit she wants to make off the video is when she’s in private.
“Well, because I used it to play with myself,” Ruiz told TMZ when asked why she didn’t delete the explicit content filmed in June while they were vacationing in Cancun. She also said she never asked Miller “for a dollar” or the $2.5 million that was being reported. Ruiz said her attorney’s went to Miller’s people to say there was a tape recorded in Cancun. Miller’s lawyers threw out a number and Ruiz’s countered with the $2.5 million.
YESSSSSS! Rihanna Accepts ‘Shoe of the Year’ Award at 2016 FNAAs
Rihanna made history on Tuesday night (Nov. 29), becoming the first-ever woman to win “Shoe of the Year” at the annual Footwear News Achievement Awards. Hosted at IAC Headquarters in New York City last night, the pop superstar 30th FNAAs to accept her award for the Fenty Puma Creeper. The 28-year-old arrived on the red carpet wearing a black and white pair of Creepers, a long skirt, black baseball cap and shining jewelry from Chopard’s “High Jewelry Collection.”
“This is such a big deal for me,” said Rihanna during her acceptance speech. “It makes me so proud to be a woman, to be a young woman from Barbados, especially. To come to America and just do this by default just because I liked to wear a certain style of shoe.” She later continued, “I didn’t expect people to love it the way I do, and the way they’ve supported it means so much to me. All the Creeper fans and all the kids in the street who inspire me by doing things their own way.”
The FENTYxPUMA Creeper signifies a successful partnership between Rihanna and PUMA which first started in 2015, selling out in record time worldwide. Known as the “Shoe Oscars,” Rihanna’s win at the FN Achievement Awards comes one year after Kanye West won “Shoe of the Year” for his Yeezy Boost collaboration with adidas.
Looky Looky it’s Maxwell on the BEACH!
Pop singer Maxwell was spotted enjoying an afternoon at the beach with a lovely brunette in Miami Beach, FL. The 43-year-old NY native was rumored to have split with 20-something Lithuanian supermodel Deimante Guobyte earlier this year.
Savage Khloe Kardashian Blasts Fan Suggesting She Is Running A Sweat
Khloe Kardashian isn’t the least bit accepting of folks coming for her — which, we have to say, is admirable.
Koko is known to be the more outspoken sister of the famous Kardashian clan, oftentimes publicly clapping back at fellow celebrities or even fans, if necessary. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when the reality star blasted a girl suggesting her denim factory is managed in a sweat shop.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 32-year-old took fans inside the factory where her Good American jean brand is stitched and distributed. Unfortunately, Khloe’s efforts to have a little fun and show how her jeans are made turned out to be an epic critic fest.
“By the looks of @khloekardashian Snapchat, she’s got a sweat shop working on her jeans,” someone tweeted.
Whelp, the fire tongue of Khloe flicked right back.
“Watch your mouth. All make salaries and all are employed in la! Know your info before you chime in,” the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star tweeted. “It means a lot to me to fight to make my denim in the US and to be employing good wages to all of my hardworking employees!”
Khloe’s line offers sizes 00-24, something that was important for the reality star who takes pride in being a curvy woman. Oh, and don’t you dare call her plus-sized. “F*ck that. I don’t want to be called that. I’m a woman with curves,” Kardashian said on Tuesday during Fortune‘s Most Powerful Women Next Gen conference in Laguna Niguel, California.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Mr Chocolate
Ladies and others meet chocolate l ! So you know what to do to see them goods. GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
You’re Welcome!
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘#SMELLYDRAWERS’
Not sure that trend is gonna pick up…no matter how much you think “it’s the shit”!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
