by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 28, 2023

Tiffany Haddish Jokes About ‘Nice’ And ‘Beautiful’ Beverly Hills Jail After DUI Arrest

During a stand-up set, Tiffany Haddish joked about her recent DUI arrest.

One month after being arrested for driving under the influence, comedian Tiffany Haddish is joking about how “nice” the Beverly Hills jail is.

The Girls Trip star, who was arrested after allegedly falling asleep behind the wheel of her car, joked about the incident during a Christmas standup show at Los Angeles’ The Laugh Factory.

“You ain’t lived until you got arrested in Beverly Hills, OK. It’s beautiful over there. I’ve been in quite a few jails, just like the rest of y’all,” Haddish told the crowd in a video captured by TMZ. “If you gonna do something, get arrested over there because that jail is nice.”

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Haddish with two DUI misdemeanors: driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol content, Us Weekly reports. It was the comedian’s second DUI arrest in two years.

“I’m going to get some help so I can learn balance and boundaries,” Haddish told Entertainment Tonight at the time. “This will never happen again.”

Last week, Haddish’s attorneys entered a not guilty plea on Haddish’s behalf in a Los Angeles court. A pretrial hearing has been set for February 14, 2024.

Haddish’s friend and former manager Tony Mercedes said the Haunted Mansion star is currently enjoying her annual vacation in Hawaii, where she is “restructuring and reorganizing” her life and brand.

“She is rebooting herself for the upcoming year,” Mercedes said. “Her spirits are up and she remains positive about the outcome of her current legal battles.”

“Somebody has to make sure she is on point and make sure that they monitor what sort of movements she makes,” Mercedes continued. “Is she moving to the left and maybe say let’s go the right. Find that right person to make sure she doesn’t stray off the path.”

homelessness, garden, Black Lives Matter

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 28, 2023

Homelessness And Vandalism Forces Black Lives Matter Garden Closure In Seattle

Hopefully, the seeds can be planted elsewhere.

Officials from Seattle, Washington’s Parks and Recreation Department cite public health issues as the reason for the “temporary” closure of a Black Lives Matter garden.

The community garden in Cal Anderson Park was closed on Dec. 27 after growing concerns about safety and the need for maintenance, including removing tent encampments. Officials say in 2023 alone, the City’s Unified Care Team cleaned encampments nearly 80 times to create a clean and safe environment for residents. With homelessness being the main reason for the clean-up, in second place are numerous acts of violence.

As reseeding and turf restoration are the main objectives for maintenance, vandalism is another. The park’s public bathrooms are popular locations for public drug use, illegal camping, and a growing rodent problem.

The garden was planted during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 by Black Star Farmers after the death of George Floyd, but some city council members want it gone. Council member-elect Joy Hollingsworth says the park should be for everyone’s enjoyment. “Cal Anderson Park is the living room of Capitol Hill and a focal point of our city,” Hollingsworth said.

“It’s important that we prioritize sanitary conditions within shared public spaces so that our neighborhoods can continue to flourish.”

Seattle Parks planned to remove the garden in October 2023 but halted plans after the Farmers’ group started a petition, garnering over 5,000 signatures to save it.

Black Lives Memorial Garden is described as “honoring Black and Indigenous people killed by police, while also providing joy and healing to community members without much access to green space.”

It hosts an abundance of plants and fresh vegetables, including amaranth, corn, strawberries, and currants; however, families of police brutality victims allegedly didn’t even know it was there.

Katrina Johnson, the cousin of Charleena Lyles, who was shot and killed by two Seattle police officers in 2017, feels the lack of awareness of the garden’s existence speaks to what it was really created for.

“To make a garden without reaching out to the families and even letting them know about it tells me that this is not about our loved ones but about folks hijacking the movement and trying to make a name for themselves off of our pain and that is simply not OK,” Johnson said in a statement.

All hope isn’t lost for the garden. The city says it “remains committed to an ongoing dialogue to produce an alternative garden site.”

by Rafael Pena

December 28, 2023

Here’s How To Stream The Star-Studded 2023 Kennedy Center Honors

If you missed the televised broadcast of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors on CBS, fret not: here's how you can stream the show.

For those who missed the televised broadcast of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors on CBS Dec. 27, fret not, as there are ways to catch up on the star-studded event that paid tribute to cultural icons Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Barry Gibb, Billy Crystal, and Renée Fleming.

Here’s a guide on how to stream the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors.

As of now, the special is available for streaming on Paramount+, the CBS-owned streaming platform. If you’re not already a subscriber, there’s a current promotional offer that allows you to access a free trial for a month. By using the promo code “BUTTERS,” a nod to the popular TV show South Park, viewers can enjoy the content without the need for a subscription fee.

The Kennedy Center Honors featured memorable performances from an array of talented artists. Chloe Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, and Gladys Knight paid homage to Dionne Warwick with renditions of classic songs like “Walk On By,” “Alfie,” and “Say A Little Prayer.” Queen Latifah received support from Missy Elliott and Rapsody during her tribute.

The Bee Gees (Barry Gibb is the lone surviving member) were celebrated with performances by Michael Bublé, Little Big Town, Ben Platt, and Ariana DeBose. Meanwhile, Billy Crystal was honored by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

For those interested in specific segments or performances, individual clips from the event can be found on The Kennedy Center’s website.

The Kennedy Center Honors is a prestigious annual event that recognizes outstanding contributions to the performing arts. With the diverse lineup of honorees in 2023, the ceremony provided a platform for artists from various genres to showcase their talents and express gratitude to those who have impacted the culture landscape. Whether through the traditional television broadcast or streaming services, the Kennedy Center Honors continues to captivate audiences with its celebration of artistic excellence.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 28, 2023

Kevin Hart Files Extortion And Defamation Lawsuit Against YouTuber Tasha K

After Cardi B forced Tasha K into bankruptcy, the gossip vlogger has upset yet another celebrity who's suing her for extortion.

After Cardi B forced Tasha K into bankruptcy for slandering her name, the gossip vlogger has upset Kevin Hart, who’s suing her for extortion.

The comedian and actor is accusing the embattled YouTuber of allegedly threatening to release a bombshell interview with his ex-assistant unless he paid her $250,000, The Blast reports. According to the filing, Hart’s legal team sent a letter to Tasha K on November 22, 2023, regarding her “recent and ongoing violations of civil and criminal law.”

Addressed to Tasha K’s real name, Latasha Transrina Kebe, the filing demanded her to “immediately cease and desist all such activity.”

“You have already engaged in criminal conduct and tortious acts that would entitle Mr. Hart to monetary damages against you should he elect to commence civil litigation regarding this matter,” it stated.

“To the extent that you do not cease and desist now, your liability for such monetary damages will increase, as will your exposure to criminal penalties.”

Hart’s lawyer, Donte Mills, claims the cease and desist was sent to Tasha K after an individual claiming to be a part of Tasha K’s team reached out to the comedian allegedly letting him know about her intent to “publish a damaging story on social media (the “Story”).” The person claimed they would avoid releasing the story if Hart paid $250,000.

Hart’s legal team says the act falls “under Penal Code Section 518” and “gives rise to both criminal and civil liability against you and anyone involved in your efforts to extort Mr. Hart.”

Tasha K is accused of making an “effort to extract payment” from Hart by “threatening exposure of information supposedly harmful to him is a textbook example.” In response, Hart’s team contacted police about Tasha K’s plans to release “an interview with Mr. Hart’s former assistant Miesha Shakes that supposedly includes scandalous assertions against him.”

“In advance of your threatened publication of the Story, you posted a ‘teaser’ with Ms. Shakes on YouTube which clearly was intended as a threat, sending a message to Mr. Hart’s team that the more detailed Story would not be published if—and only if—the ransom is paid,” the filing states.

“In light of the foregoing issues, we demand that you immediately cease and desist all activity and public statements relating to the Story and refrain from any publication or threatened release of the Story,” it adds.

Hart’s lawyers cite Tasha K’s “defamatory and otherwise improper content regarding celebrities and other high-profile individuals” which saw her lose a defamation lawsuit to Cardi B earlier this year. Tasha K ended up filing bankruptcy after a judge found her liable for civil damages exceeding $3.4 million.

In October, a judge ruled that despite filing for bankruptcy in May, Tasha K still had to pay Cardi B.

All the while, Tasha K has been releasing clips from her interview with Hart’s former assistant and even posted photos from inside the headquarters of the comedian’s Hartbeat Studios.

https://twitter.com/unwinewithtasha/status/1740182162261827887

prepare, 7, ways, new year, set the stage, black eyed peas, greens, reflect, vision board

by Safon Floyd

December 28, 2023

Do These 7 Things To Set The Stage For 2024

Do these 7 essential things, starting right now, in order to best prepare yourself for the most effective and promising New Year yet.

Originally Published Dec. 31, 2016

As we close out the year’s holiday’s festivities we begin to open ourselves up to the endless possibilities that reside in the New Year. Now is the time when we should be thinking of a master plan in order to make 2024 as impactful, and exceptional as we know it will be.

Below you will find the first seven steps to take to ensure that 2024 goes as planned. Check the insight.

Reflect

Take a look back on 2023. Figure out what worked, didn’t work, didn’t go as planned, could’ve been a little different, could have been improved on, left behind, developed, and destroyed. Assess this year thoroughly and allow that assessment to inform how you move forward.

Kick Hindering Habits

Look yourself in the mirror and acknowledge this: if it is not adding to you, it is subtracting from you. Right now, at this very moment, is the time to lay bad habits to rest. There is no need to hold on to anything that hasn’t been a tangible addition to your livelihood, spirit, or bank account. Let it go.

Clean Your Home

You may have come across a few New Year superstitions in your time that suggests that a Happy New Year relies on the cleanliness of your home. Not sure if this is true. Totally sure that tidy spaces allow for the valuable opportunity to think clearly, relax comfortably, and plan accordingly. Wash your clothes, clean under your bed, clean out the fridge and greet the New Year fresh, clean, and renewed.

Vision Board

This is where you map out your 2024 plans. Dream big, look far and wide, reach as high as you can, and put it all on your vision board. Preparing a vision board helps you to organize your thoughts, dreams, and desires while taking a look at it all, visually, in one place. It is argued that vision boards cater to the law of attraction by letting the universe know where your sight is set, thus bringing you a little closer to where you’d like to be. Try it out.

New Year’s Resolution

Resolutions tend to get a bad rap, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Though, according to Forbes, 80% of people fail to achieve their New Year’s goals, there is nothing wrong with yearly reminders to hit reboot and try to do better. Resolutions allow you to state your intentions and to focus on goals. Even if you happen to go astray after the New Year, your resolutions can serve as a compass to bring you back to where you intend to be.

Fish, Black-Eyed Peas, Collard Greens.

Eat all three, together, on New Year’s Day, and you’ll have good luck, abundance, and prosperity. These are the rules. It doesn’t have to make sense to work. Just eat it.

Put Your Game Face On

You are about to crush 2024. You know this. You can feel it. Go for it.

Real Housewives, Eminem, reasonably shady, Gizzelle Bryant, Podcast

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 28, 2023

Eminem Wants To Stop ‘The Real Housewives Of Potomac’ Stars From Trademarking ‘Reasonably Shady’ Podcast

No one is safe from Eminem's wrath. Not even a pair of "Real Housewives" who have launched a gossip-centered podcast.

No one is safe from Eminem’s wrath, not even a pair of Real Housewives who have launched a gossip podcast.

The Grammy award-winning rapper’s legal battle against Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon of The Real Housewives of Potomac continues as Eminem seeks to stop them from trademarking their podcast name Reasonably Shady.

Bryant and Dixon were attempting to have Eminem appear for a deposition in the case but instead, the rapper has countered their arguments and requested a protective order, All Hip Hop reports.

Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, would rather have his lawyers sit for a deposition as they’re more qualified to answer questions about his Shady trademark. The “Real Slim Shady” rapper believes Bryant and Dixon are confused with their direction on pursuing a deposition.

“As a threshold matter, Applicants’ Motion to Compel is premature and procedurally improper as Applicants have yet to serve Opposer with a notice of deposition, a necessary prerequisite to taking and requesting that the Board compel a deposition,” Eminem’s lawyer said in response to Bryant and Dixon’s December 15 motion to compel the rapper for a deposition.

“Opposer’s Motion to Compel the deposition of Mathers is also premature and unwarranted because, despite Opposer’s expression that the deposition would be both duplicative and unduly burdensome given Mathers’ limited knowledge of the subjects at issue, his absence of unique knowledge of the subjects at issue and others’ superior knowledge of said issues, Applicants have made no attempt to obtain the discovery they seek via more convenient and less burdensome means.”

Eminem names three people, including his manager Paul Rosenberg, who are more qualified to appear for a deposition than he is.

“However, without making any attempt to assess whether they will be able to obtain the relevant information from said individuals, and having taken no depositions to date, Applicants remain insistent on dargumentseposing Mathers, a high-level and removed decision maker. Accordingly, Applicants’ Motion to Compel should be denied and … Opposer asks this Board to issue a protective order precluding the deposition of Marshall Mathers III.”

The latest filing comes at the end of a yearlong battle that started when Dixon and Bryant attempted to trademark their Reasonably Shady podcast. In an opposition filed Feb. 14, Eminem stated his belief that his brand would be “damaged” if the “Real Housewives of Potomac” stars trademarked for their podcast, Page Six reported.

According to the “Lose Yourself” rapper, Bryant and Dixon’s Reasonably Shady can “cause confusion in the minds of consumers” who have known him by his monikers Slim Shady and Shady since the late ’90s.

toga, black Chyna, song, king, baptism, nada, non-disclosure agreement,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 28, 2023

Tyga And Blac Chyna Forcing Guests To Sign $500K NDA To Attend Son’s Baptism

Tyga and Blac Chyna are coming together to get their son baptized. But guests will have to sign a $500,000 non-disclosure agreement to attend.

Tyga and Blac Chyna are reuniting to get their 11-year-old son King Cairo baptized. But guests have to sign a $500,000 non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to attend, Radar Online reports.

The parents request that “any and all guests or third parties in attendance also sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement, prior to the baptism,” the document states.

The baptism guests “shall be permitted to use King’s 3 name, image, likeness, or any indicia of King’s identity on any platform, including all social media 4 platforms, in connection with the baptism.”

King’s parents aren’t joking about the privacy of the event as guests will also be subjected to inspections and possible confiscations of their cell phones, smartwatches, and any other devices.

“I acknowledge that Artist and/or Artist’s representatives and/or personnel shall have the right to inspect and confiscate cell phones, tablets, small watches, and any other devices by which Confidential Information may be stored (each a “Device”) and I further agree that Artist and Artist’s representatives and/or personnel may, at any time, seize and destroy any Confidential lnformation contained thereon,” the NDA states.

“I acknowledge and agree that Artist and/or Artist’s representatives and/or personnel and/or any Protected Persons are not responsible for the safety, loss, theft, damage, and/or for any other occurrence involving any Device and I hereby relieve Artist, Artist’s representatives and/or personnel, and all Protected Persons of any and all liability in connection with same.”

Despite the extreme nature of the NDA, it’s a positive sign for the future of Tyga and Chyna’s co-parenting relationship. The pair spent the year battling it out in court over the custody of their son with Tyga having primary custody and Chyna only seeing him on the weekends.

In October, Tyga filed for sole custody of King. But after years of legal back-and-forth, the former couple came to an agreement earlier this month and agreed to joint legal and physical custody, with both having the right to make decisions on King’s health, education, and general welfare, TMZ reports.

Tyga will still have King throughout the week; Chyna will have their son from Friday to Monday. Elsewhere, neither parent is allowed to talk poorly about the other around King, and they’ll both enroll in a program to monitor communication about co-parenting.

by Rafael Pena

December 28, 2023

Trailblazing Film Critic And Talk Show Host Bobby Rivers Dies at 70

Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of "The View," honored Rivers as a pioneer.

Bobby Rivers, the trailblazing film critic turned talk show host, died Dec. 26, Variety reports. He was 70.

Rivers, Milwaukee’s first Black film critic with a regular television presence, achieved widespread recognition through hosting gigs on networks like Food Network and VH1. He also hosted his own talk show, Watch Bobby Rivers.

Rivers’ death was confirmed by WISN on Dec. 26 and on Facebook by his sister, Betsy. The news prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, colleagues, and admirers across social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WhoopiGoldberg (@whoopigoldberg)

Whoopi Goldberg shared a throwback photo on Instagram with the comment, “All hail this pioneer Bobby Rivers… He brought SO much to the table. R I P Bobby.”

https://twitter.com/katiecouric/status/1740170096759259272?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Veteran journalist Katie Couric expressed her sadness on Twitter, describing Rivers as a “terrific guy” who was warm, funny, and smart. Mario Cantone of Sex and the City also paid tribute, calling Rivers a “wonderful, supportive, intelligent, insightful man.”

Michael Musto, the legendary Village Voice columnist, acknowledged Rivers’ LGBTQ trailblazer status, emphasizing his humor, knowledge, and groundbreaking contributions. Film critic Stephen Witty, formerly of The Star-Ledger, highlighted Rivers’ advocacy for diversity, particularly in the classic film world. “I miss him already,” he said.

And Turner Classic Movies expressed its condolences.

We are saddened to hear about the passing of trailblazing television personality Bobby Rivers.

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable film fan at heart, we will miss him sharing his love of the classics with the #TCMParty community and his thoughtful essays on his blog. pic.twitter.com/Y3FcnvXfF1
— TCM (@tcm) December 27, 2023

Rivers’ lengthy career began at Milwaukee radio station WQFM in the 1970s. Despite facing a temporary setback at the station in 1978, public support led to his reinstatement. In 1979, he became the first Black film critic with a regular TV gig in Milwaukee.

His career continued to ascend on VH1, where he hosted Watch Bobby Rivers in 1988, providing a platform to interview music and film luminaries. He also worked as a music video veejay with Rosie O’Donnell, worked as an entertainment reporter, and hosted Food Network’s Top 5.

In 2011, Rivers established his blog, Bobby Rivers TV, showcasing his love and knowledge of film and television. He even ventured into acting with appearances on “The Sopranos” and “The Onion News Network’s” video podcast “In the Know.”

by Rafael Pena

December 28, 2023

Man Goes Viral For Refusing To Swap Seats With Pregnant Woman On Plane

The male passenger had booked and paid extra for an aisle seat due to medical issues requiring quick access to the bathroom.

A passenger is gaining attention on social media after refusing to swap seats with a pregnant woman. The man, identified on Reddit as user michaeldonnelly, shared his experience on the social media platform, sparking a debate over the perceived entitlement of the pregnant passenger.

The situation unfolded on a five-plus-hour flight during the holiday season. Michaeldonnelly, who had booked and paid extra for an aisle seat due to medical issues requiring quick access to the bathroom, was approached by a pregnant woman just before boarding. She requested him to give up his seat so she could sit closer to the bathroom, The New York Post reports.

“Right before boarding, a woman asked me to give up my seat so she could sit closer to the bathroom. She was pregnant but did not seem distressed,” Michaeldonnelly wrote in his Reddit post.

While expressing empathy for the pregnant woman, michaeldonnelly believed it was unfair to be asked to relinquish a seat he had paid for, considering his medical condition. Despite the woman’s attempt to involve flight attendants to mediate, he stood his ground, facing criticism from his own family.

Online reactions were mixed, with some praising michaeldonnelly for protecting his own comfort and emphasizing the importance of the seat he had paid for.

“She should have booked another seat she wanted herself or not gone on the flight. Seems she just assumed she wouldn’t have to pay for it, since some sucker was going to move,” wrote one person.

Criticism was also directed at the flight attendants for not mediating effectively, with opinions highlighting that the pregnant woman’s request appeared to be an attempt at public shaming. Some users defended michaeldonnelly, asserting that the woman felt entitled to a seat due to her pregnancy and aimed to use it to her advantage.

Surprisingly, even pregnant women joined the discussion, expressing support for michaeldonnelly.

“As a pregnant woman with Crohn’s, I also vote OP is NTA [not at fault]! It’s fine if people offer me pregnancy privilege but I sure as hell am not going to demand it! And knowing my constraints, I book the seats I need,” the woman said.

Amid a series of affirming messages, michaeldonnelly speculated that the pregnant woman may have targeted him, assuming he would be more likely to comply with the seat swap.

reinvent, new year, new, you, change, reinvention

by Kandia Johnson

December 28, 2023

New Year, New You: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself In 2024

Are you ready for a New Year and New You? A good place to start is reinvention. Here are six ways to start working on a new you.

Originally Published Dec. 10, 2015

Are you ready for a “new you” in the New Year? If so, a good place to start is figuring out which parts of your life need reinvention. Personal, business, or both? Secondly, you have to understand: change is not an overnight process. You’ll have to let go of a few bad habits, clean up your friends list, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Ultimately, it takes time, discipline, and a diverse network of people who can help guide you through the process.

So, if you’re up for the challenge, here are 6 ways to reinvent yourself in 2024:

Prioritize

Whether you’re aiming for the corner office or planning a new entrepreneurship opportunity, never take “the business of you” off of your to-do list. Start 2024 right, by dedicating at least one hour each day to working towards your goal. Prioritize your task and be ruthless with your time. Use your calendar and alarm on your devices to set a schedule for your action items and find an accountability partner to help you assess your progress regularly. And get comfortable saying no. It’s only by saying “no” that you can concentrate on the things that are really important, Steve Jobs said.

Explore
Find ways to explore opportunities to learn beyond the traditional walls of the classroom. From adding a few stamps to your passport, exploring the neighborhoods in your own back yard, or gaining a better understanding of your market, next-level success requires a life-long commitment to learning.

Connect
With the power of social media, you can connect with almost anyone. But the key here is to be strategic. As you move up the ladder of success, you’ll need to form new alliances that add value and help you gain new perspectives about your direction. Take stock of your current network. Then, create a plan (30-, 60-, 90-day plan) to identify people you want to learn from or collaborate with. Start to build genuine relationships with them by sending a thank you note, sending an article of interest, congratulating them, and engaging in a two-way dialogue. If possible, schedule a meeting with someone at least once a week.

Share
People buy from people. Sharing your story is a great way to elevate and humanize your brand. It helps you connect with customers and build trust with a community. And, it’s what sets you apart from the competition.

Create
Create something that will outlive you. Publishing a book, podcast, and website, or starting a social movement online around a cause, are all great marketing vehicles to take your brand to the next level while establishing long lasting impact.

Disconnect
Are you one of those people who grab their smartphones as soon as you wake up? If so, you’re not alone. But as you’re checking email, scrolling through your Facebook and Instagram feeds, responding to comments and checking online news sites, a few minutes often turn into a few hours of distractions, which ultimately take you away from turning your dreams into reality. Taking 2-3 days off will not hurt you. To successfully reinvent, you’ll have to unplug from social media and get comfortable spending some time alone so you can challenge your traditional assumptions and figure out next steps. And don’t forget, unplugging from social media also helps you make memories with the people who matter most.