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Thursday 20 December 2018

Juelz Santana Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Trying to Take Gun On Plane


Rapper Juelz Santana will spend the next 27 months in prison. The 36-year-old New York native was sentenced Wednesday following his conviction in March for attempting to carry a gun onto a plane.
Santana, who was born LaRon Louis James, pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing a loaded handgun in his carry-on baggage at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Homeland Security staff found the loaded .38-caliber weapon on March 9, and Santana fled the airport. He turned himself in to police three days after leaving his bags behind.
Also found in his luggage were nonprescription Oxycodone pills.
Santana was prohibited from possessing a firearm following his 2012 felony conviction in Bergen County Superior Court for distributing a controlled narcotic without a medical license.
In addition to his 27 month prison term, Santana was sentenced to one year of supervised release following the completion of his sentence.

Sunday 16 December 2018

Offset crashes Cardi B’s Performance to beg for Forgiveness

Offset is not ready to let  estranged wife, Cardi B, go.
The two music stars are currently not on good terms after news of Offset cheating on Cardi B surfaced online. Cardi B had earlier shared a video saying she was filing for a divorce.
On his birthday on Friday, Offset had posted a video on his Instagram page begging her to take him back.
Last night, Offset interrupted Cardi B’s performance as he walked on stage carrying a bouquet of roses. He said, “I just want to tell you I’m sorry bruh. In person. In front of the WORLD.”

Friday 14 December 2018

Kim Kardashian-West Defends Kanye West in Dispute with Drake; ‘Never Threaten My Family’


Kim Kardashian-West Defends Kanye West in Dispute with Drake; ‘Never Threaten My Family’

Kim Kardashian-West showed support for husband Kanye West on Twitter.com amid Kanye’s public feud with rapper Drake.


The Internet was abuzz on Thursday when Kanye took to Twitter.com to slam Drake after the Canadian rapper asked to clear Kanye's sample from his 2009 track "Say What's Real".

Drake included the track on his 2009 breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone.

Kanye was not amused that Drake went behind his back to text Kardashain matriarch Kris Jenner.

While Kanye and Drake appeared to have settled their differences after a series of tweets on Thursday, the emotional father-of-three returned to Twitter in the early morning hours of Friday to accuse Drake of threatening his family.

"Drake called me threatening me," he tweeted around midnight Friday. "I'm a man about my family and integrity."

Kim, who had enough of the squabbling between the two men, took to Twitter to defend Kanye, tweeting Drake: "Never threaten my husband or our family. He paved the way for there to be a Drake."

Blac Chyna’s Company, Lashed, Suspended by State


Blac Chyna lost a steady stream of income after the State of California suspended her license to operate her company, Lashed, in the state.
Chyna launched Lashed in 2014. The company sold eyelashes, lipsticks and a variety of cosmetics online. She also operated a brick-and-mortar salon that provided beauty services, including eyelash extensions, hair weave extensions, bikini waxing, and teeth whitening.

Coincidentally, Lashed was suspended just as Kylie Jenner is gearing up to launch her own brand of eyelashes.

The Blast confirmed Lashed was suspended by FTB, the California tax agency responsible for collecting personal and corporate income tax.

When contacted by The Blast, a spokesperson for FTB would only confirm that Lashed was suspended on Nov. 1st for its "failure to file a tax return.”
Chyna is also subject to a $2,000 fine for ignoring two months' worth of notices.

The Blast reports customers were still ordering Lashed products online as of Thursday. But there was no foot traffic at the Lashed salon, which closed its doors for good months ago.

Thursday 13 December 2018

Body Language: Monica Brown & Kevin Gates



A loyal reader sent in this photo of singer Monica Brown and rapper Kevin Gates who have been inseparable lately. My reader requested a body language analysis.


Specifically, she wanted to know if the rumors about Monica and Kevin are credible based on their nonverbal cues in this and other photos.

I'm no body language expert, but I promised Dreka I would give it a shot.

FYI: my reader is not Kevin's wife, Dreka Gates, or anyone in her camp. The two women are total strangers who happen to share the same name.

Let's start with Kevin's nonverbal cues.

1. He wrapped his arm around her but his hand is closed. A closed hand suggests he is not open to a romantic affair with Monica.

2. He's sitting back rather than leaning into her. This suggests he is just not that into her.



Now Monica's nonverbal cues are more interesting.

1. She is holding Kevin's hand. This is a no-brainer.

2. She's practically sitting in his lap. Another no-brainer.

3. She's resting her head on his arm -- a sign that suggests Monica not only feels safe and secure with Kevin, but she probably wants more out of their relationship.

4. Her right hand is probably resting on or near his left inner thigh.

5. Monica is invading Kevin's personal space. This suggests an intimate familiarity with Kevin. Most platonic friends respect each other's personal spaces.


Summary
In summary, judging by all the nonverbal cues, a casual observer would assume Monica and Kevin are newlyweds.

Their body language suggests one of them craves more than just a platonic friendship. But the other one chooses to proceed cautiously.

The chemistry between them is obvious. I agree Drake: it's just a matter of time before they progress from platonic friends to lovers.

Thursday 15 November 2018

Kim Porter, Mother To Diddy’s Children, Passes Away

Kim Porter, former model and mother to Diddy’s children, has passed away due to complications from pneumonia. 
Born in Columbus, Porter kicked off her career in the late ’80’s after moving from her beloved hometown to the big city of Atlanta to pursue modeling. From her break out on magazine covers like Elle and Marie Claire to being a muse for fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Revlon, Porter made a name for herself with her distinctive features and natural beauty. 
Soon after her move to Atlanta, Porter began dating Al B. Sure, and in 1991, their relationship produced a child, Quincy Brown. Three years later, Porter got together with Diddy, who then adopted her son before they had their own children. Years later, the two separated, but maintained a great relationship for the kids. 
Sources say Porter had been suffering from pneumonia for weeks. She was 47.
Our condolences to the Porter and Combs families.

Wednesday 14 November 2018

LeBron James’ I Promise School To Be Featured In Documentar

Back in July, LeBron James opened a new school in collaboration with Akron Public Schools and the LeBron James Family Foundation to offer education and support to underprivileged students, as well as new opportunities for their parents and families.

Now, just four months later, Akron Public Schools has approved a deal with a New York City production company to produce a feature-length documentary on the first year of the groundbreaking facility.

According to The Akron Beacon Journal, the new deal is in collaboration with Blowback Productions, which has produced over 20 films, including “Cadillac Records,” “SLAM” and “WhiteBoyz,” most of which have focused on “race, drugs and crime.” 

As for the I Promise documentary, which is already in production, the film will look to capture “the successes, struggles and endeavors” of students at the newly formed school.

Victoria’s Secret Executives Don’t See A Need For Curvy Or Transgendered Models In Their Runway Shows, “We Market To Who We Sell To, And We Don’t Market To The Whole World”

ogue Magazine recently sat down with two Victoria’s Secret execs, who also happen to be the chief architects of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, to discuss what changes to expect when the show airs on December 2nd. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Chief Marketing Officer of L Brands, Ed Razek and Executive Vice President of Public Relations at VS, Monica Mitro, touched on diversity within their models, Rihanna and Fenty X Savage as well as incorporating plus size or transgendered models in their shows.

When the pair was asked if they were putting more emphasis on diversity, Mitro said, “This year—it’s kind of hard to believe, because we only have 60 women—we have 19 new faces who have never walked Victoria’s Secret before.” Razek said, “By the way, in 1999, 2000, after we’d done the show for a few years, none of the designers who did shows would use any of our girls. They were too “fat” was the prevailing wisdom of fashion at the time. You probably remember that. At the time the conversation was “they’re too big for us, we can’t possibly put them in our show.” 

He continued, “Progress gets made, and part of what’s happened in our show is that the girls have just continued to get more physically fit. We don’t tell them to; they compete with one another and they work hard, they work in pairs, they work in threes. Many of them work out at the same gyms; they have complex routines. They shouldn’t have to apologize for that.”

Razek brings R&B superstar and fashion icon, Rihanna into the conversation when he stated, “By the way, we’ve had three pregnant models walk the show. Everybody had the conversation about Savage [x Fenty] having the pregnant model in the show. We watch this, we’re amused by it, but we don’t milk it.”

They were then asked if VS feels the need to address the way the market is shifting in regards to the younger generation being turned on by the multiple sizes of women and upstart brands putting trans and size 40 women in their advertisements. 

Again, Razek took the floor stating, “I think we address the way the market is shifting on a constant basis. If you’re asking if we’ve considered putting a transgender model in the show or looked at putting a plus-size model in the show, we have. We invented the plus-size model show in what was our sister division, #LaneBryant. Lane Bryant still sells plus-size lingerie, but it sells a specific range, just like every specialty retailer in the world sells a range of clothing. As do we. We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world.”

Mitro interjected, saying, “We call it logo love. Whatever we put a logo on sells. Regarding change, I feel it’s not so much about what the competitors are doing. What we’re thinking about is where is our customer? Where is she shopping? What does she want from us?”

The Instagram generation was another topic discussed during the Vogue interview, in which Razek expressed that he has been off of the platform for a few months because of “people trying to beat up on the models.” He mentioned how Sara Sampaio is constantly being criticized for being “too fat.”

Razek said, “So it’s like, why don’t you do 50? Why don’t you do 60? Why don’t you do 24? It’s like, why doesn’t your show do this? Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is.”

How do you feel about the changes in diversity with VS models throughout the years? Are they changing with the times or sticking to the norm?

Donald Trump Lashes Out At 6 Different Prominent Black Women Since The Election

Donald Trump has been letting his frustrations out publicly ever since the #Democrats took House control in the midterm elections. And although he is already being scrutinized for racist rhetoric as of recently, it still seems like black women, ranging from a journalist to the former #FirstLady, are getting the brunt of his frustrations. Trump has questioned their intelligence and even called some of them childish names…to no one’s surprise.

First up, #MichelleObama, who will be releasing her memoir “Becoming” next week, came under attack by Trump for statements she made regarding his “birther” conspiracy theory that falsely claimed her husband was not born in the U.S. Michelle said his allegations put her family at risk and she will never forgive him for that. Trump’s response to CNN was, “I guess she wrote a book, she got paid a lot of money to write a book, and they always insist that you come up with controversial—well, I’ll give you some controversy back.” He then continued on to say he doesn’t forgive #BarackObama for not properly funding the military.

Next up, April Ryan, a veteran White House correspondent, #Washington bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks and CNN contributor, was met with demeaning remarks from Trump after a post-election press conference. He said, “I watch her get up, I mean, you talk about somebody that’s a loser. She doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing. She gets publicity and then she gets a pay raise, or she gets a contract with, I think, CNN. But she’s very nasty, and she shouldn’t be, she shouldn’t be.”

CNN White House correspondent Abby Phillip was the next black woman with power to get a verbal beating from Trump after she asked whether he expects his new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, to be involved in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. His response: “It’s up to him. Do you want him to reign in Robert Mueller? What a stupid question that is. What a stupid question. But I watch you a lot—you ask a lot of stupid questions.”

Then there’s “PBS NewsHour” White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, who was accused of asking a racist question during a post-election press conference. She asked if his reference to himself as a “nationalist” was in support of white nationalists. Trump responded, “I don’t know why you’d say that—that’s such a #racist question. Honestly, I know you have it written down and you’re going to tell me. Let me tell you, that’s a racist question.” He continued, “Why do I have among the highest poll numbers with African-Americans? I mean, why do I have my highest poll numbers?” However, statistic numbers reflect otherwise.

Then, Brenda Snipes was subliminally dissed by Trump when he spoke about the possibility of a recount in Florida due to voting discrepancies in #BrowardCounty, blaming the Supervisor of Elections. He said, “If you look at Broward County, they have had a horrible history, and if you look at the person—in this case, a woman—involved, she has a horrible history…All of a sudden, they’re finding votes out of nowhere, and #RickScott, who won by, you know, it was close, he won by comfortable margin, every couple of hours it goes down a little bit.” He continued, “She’s been to court, she’s had a lot of problems, she’s lost. I think people have to look at it very, very cautiously.”

Haitian-American Congresswoman, Mia Love was not sparred either, as Trump mocked her after she lost her re-election in Utah, harboring feelings from when Love chose not to embrace him and his administration previously. He didn’t turn off his petty by stating, “Mia Love gave me no love. And she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”

While all of the ladies rally behind each other for continued support, it still makes you wonder what’s the reason for the animosity, Donald?

Should You Stay For The Kids?

According to fairy tales, first comes love, then comes marriage, insert a couple of kids and boom; happily ever after.
In the real world, what starts off as a beautiful journey between two people can quickly turn into an unexpected adventure or even a nightmare. The wide-eyed optimism and enthusiasm for your relationship can fizzle over time, especially when your reality fails to live up to your expectations. Long before people get to a place of firmly deciding upon separation or divorce, they try to keep it
Together for the sake of the kids, but why? 
We tend to convince ourselves that the children are committed to our togetherness and that’s completely false. Children thrive in households where the adults are genuinely happy. If your relationship has turned toxic, filled with constant arguing or discontent, be clear that the kids have picked up on it. So, if you aren’t really hiding anything from them, then why are you delaying the inevitable? 
Often, when people say they are staying for the kids, they truly aren’t. They are only using this phrase as an excuse to justify complacency, fear of loneliness, failure or the dread of starting over.  Whatever the reason, if you want to consider the kids then you should try being honest with yourself. Make a commitment to identify your own issues and work on resolving them. Your kids are never as fragile as you think and can be resilient beyond comprehension

Thursday 1 November 2018

Kardashian Sisters Channel Victoria secret models for Halloween 2018









The Kardashian/Jenner clan are known for pulling out all the stops for the festive season.
And Kylie, Khloe, Kim, Kendall and Kourtney set the bar even higher this year as they channeled Victoria Secret Angels in sultry costumes for an epic Halloween bash in Los Angeles, Carlifonia on Wednesday.
New mothers Kylie, 21, and Khloe, 34, turned up the heat as they exhibited their incredible post-baby figures in racy white lingerie, tied in with huge feathered wings for added drama - which had been gifted to them by Victoria's Secret for the occasion.

Saturday 27 October 2018

Suspected serial mail bomber identified as Trump supporter, Cesar Altier Sayoc

Suspected serial mail bomber identified as Trump supporter, Cesar Altier Sayoc

The person behind the mail bombs sent to various prominent Democrats has been identified as Cesar Altier Sayoc.
Cesar Altier Sayoc was taken into custody on Friday morning in Plantation, Florida, in connection with the 12 suspicious packages that were sent to critics of President Donald Trump this week. 
According to Sayoc’s Facebook page, he is a Trump fan and has photos and videos of himself at one of the President’s rallies in October 2016. He posted a photograph of himself wearing a MAGA hat in front of the US Capitol in 2017.

Turning full trans soon? EJ Johnson steps out in a wig

Turning full trans soon? EJ Johnson steps out in a wig

Turning full trans soon? EJ Johnson steps out in a wig

Magic Johnson's son EJ Johnson has vehemently refused to be called a transgender, but the way he dresses when he steps out these days...

6ixNine Sentenced To 4 Years Probation



Rapper Tekashi69 caught a break during his sentencing hearing in a Manhattan court on Friday. The 22-year-old rapper faced 3 years in prison for violating the terms of a plea agreement.
Tekashi was sentenced to 4 years probation for violating the terms of his plea agreement stemming from a 2015 arrest for using a child for indecent purposes. He must perform 1,000 hours of community service and he can not affiliate with any street gangs. Tekashi was not ordered to register as a sex offender, according to The Blast.
Tekashi, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was surrounded by bodyguards as he arrived to the New York Supreme Courthouse in Manhattan on Friday.
The rainbow haired rapper was arrested in 2015 and charged with the use of a minor child in a sex film performance. He was also arrested in May 2018 for choking out a teenage fan in Houston, Texas.
Tekashi spoke softly and begged the judge not to throw him in prison. He said his goal was to be the “biggest superstar” he can be and he wants to use his power to help kids like him.
The “Gummo” rapper, who also goes by 6ix9ine, concluded by saying, “There are people who deserve to be in jail but Daniel Hernandez is not one of them.”
Tekashi’S entourage was reportedly prepared to say their goodbyes to him in court today.

Wednesday 12 September 2018

Off the Market: Nicki Minaj and Lewis Hamilton






Nicki Minaj and her new beau, Formula 1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton attended his TommyXLewis Launch Party at Public Arts, as part of New York Fashion Week in New York City on Monday.
Minaj and Hamilton have secretly dating for 3 weeks. After the launch party, Nicki, 37, and Hamilton, 33, were spotted dining at Italian restaurant Carbone on Monday night.
Nicki has been linked to numerous celebrities since splitting from rapper Meek Mill last year. She hooked up with Mill after leaving a longterm relationship with wannabe rapper Safaree Samuel.
Hamilton previously dated Nicole Scherzinger, Rihanna and Chanel Iman.

Saturday 8 September 2018

Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams at the USA Open Finals




Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams to become the first Japanese tennis player to win a grand slam singles title, but the match was marked by an emotional confrontation between Williams and an Official.



RIP: Mac Miller Dead at 26 Of Suspected Overdose





Rapper Mac Miller has died of a suspected drug overdose at age 26. Miller was found unresponsive at his San Fernando Valley home around noon (3 p.m. EST) on Friday, TMZ reports.

Friends say Miller never got over his split with pop singer Ariana Grande. He grew increasingly dependent on pain killers after a recent auto accident.
Miller has had trouble recently with substance abuse … in the wake of his breakup with Ariana Grande. The rapper wrecked his G-Wagon by wrapping it around a utility pole back in May and was arrested for DUI and hit and run. He fled the scene but cops say he later confessed at his home. He blew 2 times the legal limit.(Source)


Cardi B has had enough of Nicki Minaj



Cardi B Attack Nicki Minaj at NYFW








The feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B just turned physical. -
Cardi B and Nicki Minaj got into it while at Harper’s Bazaar Icons party at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Friday night. .
.
Cardi later took to Instagram to address the incident. "I've let a lot of shit slide! I let you sneak diss me, I let you lie on me, I let you attempt to stop my bags, fuck up the way I eat," Cardi wrote. .
.
"You've threatened other artists in the industry, told them if they work with me you'll stop fuckin with them!! I let you talk big shit about me!!"

It was reported that Cardi approached Nicki's table "to address the lies Nicki was spreading" and was allegedly met with an elbow to the face as security attempted to halt Cardi's advance…

Chaos then ensued with Cardi reportedly chucking her shoe. Cardi was seen leaving the party barefoot with a large lump on her forehead.

The party was attended by multiple celebrities, including Christina Aguilera, who performed during the event, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow, Heidi

Friday 7 September 2018

Naomi Campbell takes Wizkid on a date in London





Veteran model Naomi Campbell and Nigerian Starboy Wizkid locked hands as they both walked the GQ Man of The Year award last night in London.

Naomi and Wizkid who don’t just claim best friends but ‘Brother and Sister’ were a sight as the walked the carpet looking all booed up.
The GQ Men Of The Year Awards, is an honorary event that celebrates men and women who have helped to shape the world’s cultural landscape over style, politics, entertainment and sport during the course of the year.

Naomi accessorized her entire look with a collection of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and a black silk choker.
The model rocked curled raven tresses with a stylish fringe as she arrived fashionably late to the star-studded red carpet.

Thursday 6 September 2018

Nicki Minaj donated $25,000 to Cosby Show actor Geoffery Owens



During her Beats1 Queen Radio show, the rapper and actor described Owens as a 'Legend' who had inspired her. Geoffrey Owens was recently the subject of a public shaming after he was photographed working at a Trader Joes.

Sunday 26 August 2018

John McCain, Senator and former Presidential candidate, dies at 81


Whenever America was in a fight during his long lifetime, John McCain was in the thick of it.
McCain, who has died at the age of 81, was a naval bomber pilot, prisoner of war, conservative maverick, giant of the Senate, twice-defeated presidential candidate and an abrasive American hero with a twinkle in his eye.
The Arizonan warrior politician, who survived plane crashes, several bouts of skin cancer and brushes with political oblivion, often seemed to be perpetually waging a race against time and his own mortality while striving to ensure that his five-and-a-half years as a Vietnam prisoner of war did not stand as the defining experience of his life.
He spent his last few months out of the public eye in his adopted home state of Arizona, reflecting on the meaning of his life and accepting visits from a stream of friends and old political combatants.
In a memoir published in May, McCain wrote that he hated to leave the world, but had no complaints.
"It's been quite a ride. I've known great passions, seen amazing wonders, fought in a war, and helped make peace," McCain wrote. "I've lived very well and I've been deprived of all comforts. I've been as lonely as a person can be and I've enjoyed the company of heroes. I've suffered the deepest despair and experienced the highest exultation.
"I made a small place for myself in the story of America and the history of my times."
McCain had not been in Washington since December, leaving a vacuum in the corridors of the Senate and the television news studios he roamed for decades.
In recent months, he was not completely quiet, however, blasting President Donald Trump in a series of tweets and statements that showed that while he was ailing he had lost none of his appetite for the political fight.
The Arizona Senator repeatedly made clear that he saw Trump and his America First ideology as a departure from the values and traditions of global leadership that he saw epitomized in the United States.
McCain had been planning his funeral services over the last year and his family made clear that Trump is not invited, a position that has not changed, two family friends said Saturday. Former rivals and Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were asked to give eulogies, people close to both former presidents and a source close to the senator told CNN earlier this year.
McCain's two losing presidential campaigns meant he fell short of the ultimate political prize, one his story once seemed to promise after he came home from Vietnam and caught the political bug. In the end, he became a scourge of presidents rather than President himself.


Monday 20 August 2018

Knaye West Kim Kardashian attend 2 Chainz's Wedding Reception




Power Couple Kanye and Kim Kardashian-West were among friends and associates invited to the wedding of rapper 2 Chainz and his longtime fiancee Kesha Ward at the old versace mansion in Miami Beach on Saturday, Ward is the mother of 2 Chainz's three children.

Friday 17 August 2018

RIP: Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Dead at 76





The legendary queen of soul Aretha Franklin, winner of 18 Grammy Awards, lost her long battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday in her Detroit home.
Condolences are pouring in from across the country and around the world for the greatest soul singer to ever live.
On March 25, 1942, Aretha Louise Franklin was born in a ramshackle cottage in Memphis, Tennessee to promiscuous Baptist preacher Clarence LaVaughn “C. L.” Franklin and his wife Barbara Siggers.
Tired of his promiscuity, Siggers soon divorced Franklin and moved to Buffalo, NY with her son, Vaughn, leaving 6-year-old Aretha and her older sisters, Erma and Carolyn, with their father.
Thanks to her father’s army of girlfriends and admirers, Aretha was influenced by gospel music before she took her first baby steps.
Aretha’s mother died on March 7, 1952 before Aretha turned 10. Her grandmother Rachel, and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson took turns helping to raise the children while C. L. Franklin preached his fiery sermons at various churches around the country.
After Franklin relocated with his family to Detroit, Michigan, his New Bethel Baptist Church became a popular destination for gospel musicians such as Clara Ward, James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, and notables Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.
Shortly after her mother’s death, 10-year-old Aretha began singing in the choir at her father’s church. 4 years later, C.L. Franklin began managing his 14-year-old child prodigy and took her out on the road with him to perform in various churches.
The road was no place for a 14-year-old girl with an insatiable appetite for food and attention from much older men.
In this excerpt from the book RESPECT, by David Ritz, Aretha is described as a promiscuous girl who bore 2 children by age 14:
“Two months before turning thirteen, she gave birth to a baby boy she named Clarence, after her dad. Rumors swirled that her own father was the father of her first child but it was Donald Burk, a guy she knew from school.
Aretha had a second child before she was fifteen by Edward Jordan, described by her brother as just a player. Both children would take the last name of Franklin and be raised in the Franklin home.”
Aretha reportedly developed a serious crush on singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, who was 11 years her senior. She allegedly spent nights in his hotel room where he serenaded her with his hit song “You Send Me”.
Franklin helped Aretha sign her first record deal with J.V.B. Records, where her first album, Songs of Faith, was released in 1956.



Tuesday 14 August 2018

Trump Calls Omarosa a B*tch (in so many words)




President Trump unleashed a furious early morning tweet directed at his former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman. In the tweet sent out Tuesday at 7:31 a.m., Trump referred to Omarosa as a “dog”.
“When you give a crazed, crying lowlife a break, and give her a job at the White House, I guess it just didn’t work out. Good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!” Trump tweeted.
Trump didn’t refer to Omarosa as a “bitch”, but a female dog is defined as a bitch.
Trump lashed out at Omarosa after she apparently leaked audio of discussions that took place inside the Situation Room, also known as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) within the White House.
Recording devices are strictly prohibited in SCIF rooms in the White House. Omarosa was terminated earlier in the year for misuse of government vehicles, “money issues” and other violations.
The response to Trump’s tweet was outrage.


One user tweeted:
“Nothing like waking up to see the President of the United States refer to a black woman as a dog. This level of discourse is disgusting and appalling at a national level. Those who vocally or silently support this behavior at this point have no excuse.”
Another user tweeted:
How is this okay? You are the POTUS and you are calling a woman a lowlife and a dog. You are the most unpresidential POTUS in the history of our country. So disheartened by your attacks on Twitter.

Saturday 11 August 2018

Jury awards terminally ill man $289 million in Lawsuit against Monsanto





Agribusiness giant Monsanto has been ordered by to pay $US289 million (AUD$396 million) to a former school groundskeeper dying of cancer, with a San Francisco jury saying the company's popular Roundup weed killer contributed to his disease.

The lawsuit was the first to go to trial among hundreds filed in state and federal US courts claiming Roundup causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which Monsanto denies.

Jurors in California's Superior Court agreed the product contributed to Dewayne Johnson's cancer and the company should have provided a label warning of the potential health hazard.

Mr Johnson's attorneys sought and won $US39 million in compensatory damages and $US250 million of the $US373 million they wanted in punitive damages. "This jury found Monsanto acted with malice and oppression because they knew what they were doing was wrong and doing it with reckless disregard for human life," said Robert F Kennedy Jr, a member of Mr Johnson's legal team. "This should send a strong message to the boardroom of Monsanto." Monsanto has denied a link between the active ingredient in Roundup — glyphosate — and cancer, saying hundreds of studies have established that glyphosate is safe.

Mr Johnson used Roundup and a similar product, Ranger Pro, as a pest control manager at a San Francisco Bay Area school district, his lawyers said. He sprayed large quantities from a 189 litre tank attached to a truck, and during gusty winds the product would cover his face, one of his attorneys, Brent Wisner, said.

In one instance a hose broke and the weed killer soaked his entire body.

Mr Johnson read the label and even contacted the company after developing a rash but was never warned it could cause
cancer.

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014 at age 42.