New 'Sesame Street' promo is brought to you by the letters H, B and O
The season premiere of the HBO series you've been waiting for — a beloved, binge-worthy show filled with indelible characters, breathtaking settings and a complex, multilayered mythology that spans decades — is almost here.
Nope, we're not talking about Game of Thrones. It's Sesame Street, the kiddie classic that was facing funding woes until HBO announced a partnership with it this past summer.
Now that it's off of public television, Sesame will have a large enough budget to produce twice as many shows as it did last year. HBO says that the series' upcoming 46th (!) season will also feature other big changes, including "30-minute episodes, new preschool-relevant themes, new show opening and closing songs, an updated set, a new segment called “Smart Cookies” and a new cast member, Nina."
To celebrate, the show's new home has just released a colorful promo featuring Cookie Monster, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch and all their pals — as well as a passel of celebrities like Jon Hamm and Tina Fey.
WATCH:
There's also a new piece of letter-perfect key art. Sesame Street debuts on HBO Jan. 16.
CELEBRITY #EGGPLANTNATION Meet Ashley Thomas Cain Famour European Footballer (Soccer)!
Ashley Thomas Cain is an English footballer who currently plays for Midland Football League Premier Division side Coventry Sphinx, where he plays as a winger. He is also known for starring in MTV series Ex on the Beach. He also is known for feeling comfortable in his own skin.
Now stop screaming…Thank us later!
#RhoA: Transgender Model Amiyah Scott On Her Quick Stint On Real Housewives of Atlanta. She says ‘I don’t work for free!’
Sunday night, Amiyah Scott made her first appearance on Real Housewives of Atlanta. While she isn’t an official house wife, Scott is the first transgender woman to be considered. After making her first appearance on the hit show, Scott took to Instagram revealing why she wasn’t hired and how she’s okay with the decision.
She writes: Welp ???? seeing as that was the 1st (and probably last) glimpse of me on #RHOA tonight and I haven’t said anything about it (though the hype was craaazzzzzyyy) lmao. Let me say, I enjoyed ALL the ladies & I had a great time filming multiple scenes with them! Unfortunately due to contractual complications + the magic of editing, you won’t be seeing as much of me as expected. *whispers* (I don’t work for free. Lol. ????) But everything happens for a reason & it was still an awesome experience! I’m in my 20’s and when this opportunity was BROUGHT to me, It was no guarantees & I was cool with that, but I wasn’t going to exploit myself or act out of character for it… I honestly saw a chance to help change the perspective of MY community, but I wanted to maintain my dignity.
Housewife and Transgender aren’t words that are usually associated… Funny, because anyone who knows me knows that being a housewife is a dream of mine, not on reality tv, but in real life. ???????? But contrary to popular belief, I personally know transgender housewives, models, doctors, lawyers and many other successful unique individuals, along with so many others who are fighting to break the negative stigma associated with the trans community. Not to mention, a lot of our opportunities are limited due to discrimination and that’s why most are forced into compromising occupations. But my point in this is to say, me filming with the #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta was not for attention, but to assist in breaking a stereotype. Trans women are not only sex objects or prostitutes. We are strong, educated & human just like everyone else. AND WE ARE HERE AND WE DEMAND RESPECT. And whatever I have to do to assist in that I will and won’t regret it. Now let me call my bf and schedule a hair appointment.
She also posted the Instagram message below, in response to Kandi’s compliment.
Well do you Amiyah!
NO JUSTICE FOR TAMIR RICE! No indictment of Police Officer Timothy Loehman in the Child’s Death!
An Ohio grand jury has declined to indict the Cleveland police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black 12-year-old in 2014.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty announced the decision Monday afternoon, nearly 400 days since rookie patrolman Timothy Loehmann shot Tamir Rice after responding to the scene with veteran officer Frank Garmback. The grand jury also declined to indict Garmback.
In statements filed with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, both officers claimed they repeatedly yelled at Tamir to "show me your hands." But surveillance video shows that Loehmann opened fire within two seconds of emerging from the police cruiser driven by Garmback.
McGinty on Monday called Tamir's death a "perfect storm of human error," not a criminal act.
"The outcome will not cheer anyone,” McGinty said, but he noted that Loehmann's assessment that he was about to be shot was "a mistaken but sincere belief” given the stress of the situation.
“It would be irresponsible and unreasonable if law required a police officer to wait and see if the gun was real,” McGinty said.
On Nov. 22, 2014, Loehmann and Garmback were dispatched to investigate 911 calls about a "guy with a gun" pulling a weapon from his waistband and pointing it at people. The gun was later determined to be an airsoft pellet gun.
Officers said they believed Tamir to be a man in his 20s, given his size, and said the orange safety tip on his toy gun was missing. An expert hired by McGinty's office conceded in a November report that dispatchers should have relayed to responding officers the 911 caller's observations that "the guy with a gun" was "probably a juvenile" and that the gun was "probably fake."
Tamir's family reportedly was not briefed on the outcome of the grand jury investigation before Monday's announcement, but it was an end they had anticipated.
In a statement released immediately after the announcement of no indictment, Jonathan Abady, an attorney for Tamir's family, said they were "saddened and disappointed" by the outcome, but not surprised. The family also renewed their calls for the Justice Department to make an independent investigation into the case.
“It has been clear for months now that Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty was abusing and manipulating the grand jury process to orchestrate a vote against indictment,” Abady said in the statement. “Even though video shows the police shooting Tamir in less than one second, Prosecutor McGinty hired so-called expert witnesses to try to exonerate the officers and tell the grand jury their conduct was reasonable and justified. It is unheard of, and highly improper, for a prosecutor to hire 'experts' to try to exonerate the targets of a grand jury investigation.”
Tamir’s family and their advocates have been highly critical of McGinty’s office during what they considered an unreasonably lengthy and biased investigation.
McGinty's office released three expert reports over the past few months, all of which concluded Tamir's fatal shooting to be "reasonable."
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) in a statement Monday called Tamir’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” but urged the community not to give in to “anger and frustration.”
“We have made progress to improve the way communities and police work together in our state, and we’re beginning to see a path to positive change so everyone shares in the safety and success they deserve,” Kasich said.
The Justice Department said Monday it would continue its review of the case and "determine what actions are appropriate, given the strict burdens and requirements imposed by applicable federal civil rights laws."
In May, the DOJ concluded an 18-month investigation into the Cleveland Police Department. Its scathing report found that officers in Cleveland routinely use unjustifiable force against not only criminals and suspects, but also innocent victims of crimes.
McGinty's office on Monday took pains to note that officers face deadly threats in the line of duty and called for "deference" to the officer's on-the-scene judgment of how much force is necessary.
SAD JUST SAD!
New Music Video: Demetria McKinney & Pregnant Kandi Burruss “Unnecessary Trouble”
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars Kandi Burruss and Demetria McKinney are mixing business and friendship. But, it appears to have gone well for Kandi this go round. Thank the Lordt! We all saw what happened when Kandi collaborated with former “RHOA” star Kim Zolciak-Biermann on her song “Don’t Be Tardy.”
On Sunday night’s episode, the ladies hosted a viewing party for their new video “Unnecessary Trouble.” It’s one of those girl anthem tracks where one friend is trying to tell the other that her man is cheating on her. Demetria said the concept behind the video came about after all of the drama of season 7 of RHOA regarding her relationship with boyfriend Roger Bobb. Not only that, it was inspired by Kandi’s relationship with her husband Todd Tucker as well.
Although Kandi is good and pregnant, you could hardly tell in the visuals. During the episode, she said being back on a music video set reminded her of how much she loves doing music. She said she plans on getting back to her music on top of everything else she has going on.
More power to her! Check out the new video HERE
Are we feelin' it?
HIP HOP! Waka Flocka Flame Calls Out Rappers In “Ask Charlamagne” Track
Waka Flocka Flame has been at war with his label recently but that isn't stopping him from releasing music.
Always one known to stay in the headlines for whatever reason, Waka recently released his “Ask Charlamagne” track during which he likens wack rappers to Charlamagne Tha God's notorious "Donkey of the Day." He doesn't name anyone specific but it seems like everyone who's been on the show doesn't deserve the early morning interview, according to the Cali rapper.
Waka Flocka Flame also promotes his latest release, Flockaveli 1.5 throughout the song, which dropped last month.
Listen to Waka Flocka Flame's “Ask Charlamagne” track HERE!
Thoughts?
#TEAMEMPIRE: In off beat news: Did Madonna Lie Under Oath for Sean Penn?
Earlier this month pop star Madonna testified against director Lee Daniels in the $10 million defamation of character lawsuit filed by Sean Penn after Lee claimed Sean assaulted Madonna back in the 80s [click here if you missed that].
Did Madonna lie under oath to help Sean win his case..?
From Star Magazine [Jan. 4, 2016 print edition]
After reconciling with her ex earlier this year, Madonna spoke out on Dec. 18 in support of Sean Penn in his defamation suit against Lee Daniels, who Penn claims has falsely accused him of hitting women. “While we certainly had more than one heated argument during out marriage, Sean has never struck me, ‘tied me up’ or physically assaulted me,” the singer told the court.
The police, however, beg to differ. In 1988, Sean allegedly bound and gagged his then-estranged wife in her Malibu mansion for 9 hours. After escaping, Madonna called for help. “Her lip was bleeding and she had obviously been struck,” Malibu Lt. Bill McSweeny said at the time. So, why did Madonna take it all back?
Both Madonna and Penn have long denied the rumors with Madonna telling Rolling Stone three months after the incident,
“They made it all up. But I expect it. They’re always making s - - t up.”
and Sean telling Playboy in 1991,
“It was a great disappointment to some of my more perverse acquaintances . . . that it hadn’t occurred.”
What’s the TEA HERE? Trans IG Personality Mia Isabella Flosses Diamond Ring Seemingly From Tyga that Kylie Jenner Has the same?
Well, well, well. It appears Tyga may have found himself in some ish…again.
Over the holiday weekend, the rapper's girlfriend Kylie Jenner was busy showing off a new (and gorgeous) massive diamond ring she was given for Christmas, likely from her (on-again?) beau Tyga. No, she’s not engaged. She’s wearing it on her right hand. But, it appears that guys giving their chicks these huge diamond rings with no proposal is the new “in” thing these days. We've seen it with a few celebrity men and women.
She didn’t post a caption, just a Santa Claus emoji.
Well, remember the trans “model” Mia Isabella who claimed she once had a relationship with T-Raww? Chick hopped on Instagram yesterday to show off her bling as well. She posted up a video (where we snapped a screenshot) of a huge diamond ring on her finger saying:
“Anybody can do that lol hw bought me one too except I've had mine for years"
Oh? While, Mia didn't name any names it's pretty obvious whom she's referring to. Mmhmm...
Meanwhile, Kylie is on SnapChat posting clips of herself make-up free rocking her new bling:
Hmm...is this Kylie's way of clapping back?
Everyone should just stop the subliminals and call a spade a spade. If Mia has some (more) tea she wants to spill, she should come on out with it.
What She Rock’d: Nicki Minaj In Jimmy Choo x Moon Boot Crystal Studded Boots
While stepping out for some shopping over the Christmas holiday, Nicki Minaj kept it cute in all black. The “Feeling Myself” rapper rock’d a black leather jacket and pants, with Jimmy Choo x Moon Boot Crystal Studded Boots ($920). The black boot is printed with “Jimmy Choo” and “Moon Boot” – and also features star stud detailing. “In love w/these Jimmy Choo moon boots,” Nicki captioned her photo. “Bag by Chanel, of course.” Get another look below.
Would you rock ’em?
MAKE IT STOP! Odell Beckham Jr. Friend Address Gay Rumors
Its a shame social media will have people thinking dancing makes you gay!! Dancing with a friend and having fun does not make you gay!! Odell Beckham Jr has been the target of jokes on social media for his freedom of expression- and after the most recent video went viral his close friend NFL prospect Kavahra Holmes addresses the rumors.
Lolll it’s crazy how we been brothers for so long and if anybody really knows us know anywhere we go they see us being clowns and dancing but of course it’s made as “we gay”
Lol ain’t no shade no where in the mix.. Strictly brotherhood and just cuz we dancing having fun don’t make us gay.. I dance with our without him and vice versa so the “gay” comments really funny .. We laughing … But we gone keep dancing lol.. Str8 up.. #SQUADDDDDDDDDDDDD @iam_objxiii
Now let it go!
OH? K. MICHELLE RETURNING TO LHHATL!
Can K. Michelle bring the ratings back to Love in Hip Hop Atlanta??? The 31-year old ‘Hard To Do’ singer released details of the second season of K. Michelle: My Life, that will show viewers the efforts towards her third album, multi-city tour dates, motherhood, friendship drama and more.
According to our friends at Team Curtain
K. Michelle will be returning to the reality show. At a recent concert the Memphis native confirmed that she will be returning to Mona Scott Young‘s ‘celebrity’ jungle Love & Hip-Hop.
We’ll see!
I LOVE THE 80'S Richard Marx, 52, and Daisy Fuentes, 49, got married in Aspen over the holidays
The ‘80s called and they brought faux fur coats and a surprise wedding. I honestly didn’t even know Richard Marx and Daisy Fuentes were a couple, so imagine my surprise that they got surprise-married on December 23rd. What the what?! All that being said, the photos are GORGEOUS. If you were getting married to a man who hasn’t been a big deal in more than two decades, you could only hope to look this good!
Some details of the wedding… Richard’s adult sons were in attendance. You know how he has adult sons? It’s because he’s 52 years old! And Daisy is 49!!!! I can’t believe that we’re finally getting an age appropriate couple and it’s Richard Marx and Daisy Fuentes. Apparently, they’ve been together for “about a year” and interestingly enough, they seemed to get together just as Richard’s 24-year-marriage to Cynthia Rhodes was falling apart. He got a divorce in 2014 and he’s been with Daisy ever since. And now they’re married. It’s actually the second marriage for both of them – Daisy had a starter marriage in the ‘90s.
They got married in Aspen, which is where a lot of celebrities spend the Christmas holiday. I don’t have the ID on her wedding gown, but they both took pains to emphasize that the white coat she’s wearing is faux fur. The photos are… AMAZING. I’ve said this before, but I always appreciate it when celebrities let the world creep on their wedding pics for free, via social media. I enjoy that trend so much. And while an Aspen wedding to an ‘80s heartthrob might not be everyone’s cup of tea, we can all admit that these are great pics, right?
The Air Jordan 4 Retro “Alternate 89” Is An All-New Colorway
The Air Jordan 4 is a classic model and greedily snapped up whenever a retro drops, no matter the colorway. A previously unreleased “Alternate 89” colorway will be dropping at the top of the new year on Jan. 2, 2016.
The white tumbled leather upper and Gym Red hits on theon the midsole, mesh and lining, would surely be a PE model, if Air Jordan was still hooping in the NBA.
Check out detailed images of the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Alternate 89” below
Ya Like?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘MR. GRINCH’
Ughhhh, no wonder The Grinch is so angry and miserable all the time.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!
EFREM
