*Shaquille O’Neal has shared a health update on son Shareef following his heart surgery on Dec. 13.

During a summer practice, the 18-year-old UCLA freshman said he “felt funny,” after which doctors discovered an irregularity with his heart. O’Neal underwent a procedure to fix the condition and the surgery reportedly corrected an electrical issue with his heart. He will reportedly miss the entire 2018-19 season with a medical redshirt and plans to return to basketball next year.

When TMZ caught up with Shaq at the Magic Wheels Toy Giveaway in L.A., he revealed that Shareef is continuing to focus on his recovery and hopes to be back on the floor as early as April.

*Superstar b-baller LeBron James just found out that even though he’s famous and rich, he’s still gotta be careful about the words coming out of mouth. Or as far as this story is concerned, the the words he typed into his Instagram account.

You see, Bron finds himself “out there” all because of a comment he made about “getting that Jewish money”

Here’s the deal … via TMZ:

Long story short, LeBron says he thought it was a “compliment” to Jews.

James was actually quoting a lyric from the 21 Savage rap song “ASMR” — but there was a backlash online from people who felt someone as famous and powerful as LeBron shouldn’t be pushing old Anti-Semitic stereotypes.

“Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone,” James told ESPN … “That’s not why I chose to share that lyric. I always [post lyrics]. That’s what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the byproduct of it.”

“So, I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn’t through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody.”

MICHAEL B JORDAN PISSED AT TRAVIS SCOTT / AL SHARPTON CALLS RAPPER A ‘HYPOCRITE!’ – WATCH

Despite LeBron’s intent, there have been hundreds of books and articles written over the years about why the “Jews and Money” stereotype is a dangerous one.

Quite simply, it’s been used a rallying cry to fuel anti-Semitism for hundreds of years.

As far as the NBA is involved, ESPN reports he will not be fined for the posting the lyrics.

It’s 2018 — LeBron should’ve known that probably wasn’t a good idea.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/12/lebron-james-scorched-for-his-jewish-money-ig-post-video/

*Cardi B was allegedly in talks with the NFL to join Maroon 5 during their Super Bowl halftime show performance in February, as she features on the band’s recent No. 1 hit “Girls Like You”.

But according to multiple reports, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper “is holding out.”

“She doesn’t want to do it unless they roll out the red carpet for her,” a source close to the negotiations said. Cardi reportedly demanded a fee of up to $1 million, plus a solo spot in the halftime show.

*On Wednesday, Jan. 16, the hosts of The Real talk about the new Gillette ad and if it is offensive to masculinity. Co-host Tamera Mowry-Housley says while she feels the ad is constructive, it’s most important to get positive messages from parents. The ladies also discuss the beauty of getting along with your ex, and co-host Jeannie Mai expresses how glad she is that her ex-husband has found happiness.

Then The Real reaches out to a government employee in Lincoln, IL – a mom with six children who has been affected by the shutdown – and lends her a helping hand. The show will be reaching out to people in similar situations during the rest of the week.

Later, Love & Hip Hop creator and executive producer, media mogul and author Mona Scott-Young visits to talk about her new book, Blurred Lines, as well as Cardi B and whether reality show stars are responsible for their actions!

The Gillette Ad Is a Good Example, But Parents Are The Best Example

Mona Scott-Young Says Reality Shows Aren’t Scripted and Stars Need to Own Up To Their Actions

Loni Love: Reality stars often blame the editors and the producers for the way they are portrayed on TV.

Mona Scott-Young: I know.

Loni: What do you have to say about that?

Mona: Wouldn’t it be great if we could just have someone that we could just say, “They made me do it?”

Loni: Uh-huh.

Mona: As we go through life every single day? We all do things everyday that we think about it, we’re not proud of, we don’t love – wouldn’t it be convenient? If we had somebody we could point to and say it was all their fault? You know, like? But I mean listen, I always say, it’s not a magic box, right? That camera? We all do things that we look back at and we wish we had handled differently and maybe not have done or said that, and it’s easy to point the finger and blame producers for that. But these guys know – none of it is scripted, it’s all them.

Tamera Mowry-Housley: Got it.

Mona: Own up to it!

Loni: Own up to it!

Tamera: Own up to it!

Website: thereal.com

Twitter: @TheRealDaytime

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdaytime

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/therealdaytime

Instagram: http://instagram.com/therealdaytime

Photo  credit: Robert Voets/Warner Bros. Television

About The Real

Led by bold, diverse and outspoken Emmy Award-winning hosts, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley all frankly say what women are actually thinking. THE REAL is a live daily, one-hour NAACP Image Award-winning and Emmy-nominated talk show on Fox Television Stations and in national syndication (check local listings), with a rebroadcast on cable network Bounce. The hosts’ unique perspectives are brought to life through candid conversations about their personal lives, current events, beauty, fashion and relationships (nothing is off limits). Unlike other talk shows, THE REAL hosts are admittedly a “work in progress,” and fearlessly invite viewers to reflect on their own lives and opinions. Fresh points of view, youthful energy and passion have made THE REAL a platform for multicultural women. Produced by Telepictures Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, The Real is led by Executive Producer, Rachel Miskowiec (Good Morning America, Katie, The Tyra Banks Show, Judge Hatchett, The Ricki Lake Show) and shot in Los Angeles, California.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/the-real-helps-out-a-government-worker-and-mona-scott-young-drops-by/

*The parents of the 16-year-old biracial varsity wrestler who was forced to cut his dreads before a match have spoken out for the first time since the incident.

The attorney for Charles and Rosa Johnson, Dominic A. Speziali, said in a statement that the conduct of the referee who forced their son, Andrew, to cut his hair “appears more egregious as additional information comes to light,” kdvr.com reports.

They allege the referee told Andrew his hair and headgear were not in compliance with league regulations, Speziali said in the statement.

When Andrew suggested he could push his hair back, Speziali said the referee refused because the teen’s hair “wasn’t in its natural state.”

So the high schooler was given an ultimatum: Cut the locks or forfeit the match. He chose to have his hair cut.

*We don’t know what young and upcoming University of Miami quarterback N’Kosi Perry was thinking when he made a super stupid move that showed his immaturity.

Yep, he may be ready on the field, but it’s what he did off the field that has come back to haunt him and cost him his starting position on the team.

Here the deal. Perry, the U-M starting quarterback, posted a video to his Snapchat account in mid-September that showed two unidentified individuals engaging in sexual intercourse.  Somehow – and it’s not too hard to figure out – the x-rated vid  resurfaced among the Miami student body late last month.  Oops! That’s obviously not a good look for the team and the school. Something had to give. In a statement late last week, the football program said it was aware of the video and “the posting has been addressed with the student-athlete.”

‘HALLWAY HARRY’ DEMANDS BLACK MAN PROVE HE’S A RESIDENT OF EXPENSIVE NYC COMPLEX

Well, the “posting has been addressed with the student-athlete” statement kinda, sorta tells you what up, it doesn’t come right out say what will be N’Kosi Perry’s fate as far as who will start under center for today’s game. Now we know. Head coach Mark Richt confirmed on Wednesday that Malik Rosier (pictured immediately above), not Perry, will get the start at quarterback for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl game against Wisconsin.

Richt, who reprimanded Perry earlier this season for acting juvenile by flashing money in an Instagram video, said Wednesday that Perry has not exactly been suspended for the bowl game [5:15pm Eastern, ESPN/ESPN App].

“He’s not suspended,” Richt told reporters, according to the Miami Herald. “He is available to play as of right now, but we feel like Malik was the guy that’s going to give us the best shot.”

Like the redshirt freshman Perry, Rosier, a fifth-year senior, has started six games this season.  Perry had started the last three contests of the regular season after wresting the job away from Rosier.

If you’re not familiar, this season, Rosier has completed 53.5 percent of his 144 passes for 1,007 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.  He’s also rushed for another 210 yards and six more touchdowns.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/12/miami-qb-nkosi-perry-sacked-by-team-wont-play-because-of-porn-posted-to-snapchat/

*Deion Sanders was at the prime of his life in the mid-late 90’s. He had won two Super Bowls and appeared in a World Series. He was rich, had become a father and even released an album.

But as reported by The Undefeated in 1997, he drove his car off a cliff in an suicide attempt.

“I was going through the trials and tribulations of life. I was pretty much running on fumes,” he said. “I was empty, no peace, no joy. Losing hope with the progression of everything.”

Sanders recounted the suicide attempt in his autobiography “Power, Money & Sex: How Success Almost Ruined My Life.” He survived a 30- to 40-foot drop without any serious injuries. He then decided his life was worth living.

“I finally just got on my knees and gave it all to the Lord,” he said.

“Slowly, but surely, I had to deal with my faith, deal with my strength,” Sanders said. “I had to get a lot of Word in so that I could fight off the enemy. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith. People argue about what faith is, and who Jesus is, but it works for me. I’m not going to sit here and argue about who is what, and what is what, I’m just going to say it works for me.”

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He began reading the Bible and seeking guidance from mentors such as Bishop T.D. Jakes.

“No one had told me that life would be tough going from one team to another one,” Sanders said. “Going from the enemy’s team, being one of his soldiers, to God’s team. That’s a tremendous turnaround.”

Sanders said he became committed to living a faith-first lifestyle.

“I don’t believe you can be at your optimum without your faith,” Sanders said. “Sports is sports, it’s a game. My faith is everything. It’s the gas that propels the courage, the truth, keeps me going. It’s the wind, it’s the wings, it’s the air that pumps into my lungs, that provokes me to live. Faith is everything.”

The former NFLer says he’s a member of Vision Regeneration Church in Dallas, led by Bishop Omar Jahwar.

“Finding someone that’s like-minded at this age and stage of my life is a delight to me,” Sanders said of Stand Together. “They give with no expectation, give from the heart. The want to fight domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, disenfranchised families. There’s so many things that they’re up against.”

The father of five children also works as a commentator with the NFL Network and he ministers to others.

“What people call ‘in the ministry,’ I call it ‘in my will.’ I’m in God’s will,” he said. “I don’t really get down with a lot of titles, this and that. I believe I’m just in God’s will. If he called me to minister to a group, or setting, or whatever, that’s what it is. That’s what I’m gonna do. I don’t really desire a title to go and do what I’ve been called to do. I think it’s only right to go.”

A new ESPN 30 For 30 documentary about Sanders’ suicide attempt will air January 31. The trouble began during his separation from first wife Carolyn Chambers, the mother of his two children Deion Jr and Deiondra. The end of his marriage propelled him into spiral downward with wanting to take his own life

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/12/deion-sanders-recalls-suicide-attempt-that-led-him-to-the-lord/

*Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave his mom a new home for Christmas and he shared his gift giving spitit in an emotional post on Instagram.

Johnson, 46, posted about the surprise on Sunday, writing, “This one felt good. Surprise! Bought my mom a new home for Christmas. All our lives growing up we lived in little apartments all across the country. Lived like gypsies on the road from one state to another.”

He continued, revealing that “The first home my parents ever lived in was the one I bought for them in 1999. They divorced about 5yrs later and as with life, stuff happens and things got a little complicated. Since then I always made sure my mom and dad have everything they’ll ever need – houses, cars etc. But the house this time is a special one and the timing is very meaningful. I told her to treat this card like it’s “Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket” because she gets to choose any home she wants – anywhere she wants.”

Read his full post below.

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Deion Sanders Recalls Suicide Attempt That Led Him to the Lord

Johnson also noted in the caption: “I always say, if you got a good mama, then you gotta [sic] pretty good shot at becoming a decent human being,” Johnson wrote. “And somehow, somewhere along the line I became one lucky SOB to be able to make stuff like this happen.”

In the clip above, you see his mother break down when she finds out the amazing news.

 Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/12/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-gifts-his-mother-with-new-home-for-christmas/

*Earlier we told you about Kanye West and Kim Kardashian announcing that they are expecting baby number 4 (scroll down for MORE info). Now, we can tell you about Kobe and Vanessa Bryant‘s plans for their #4, too.

It happened yesterday, New Year’s Day, that the couple announced they’re expecting.

“New Year, New Baby! Baby Mamba On The Way 2019,” Kobe posted on Instagram.

He followed up with:

“Vanessa and I are beyond excited to announce that we are expecting another #mambacita to go along with Natalia (15), Gianna (12) and Bianka (2).”

Kobe and Vanessa, 40 and 36 respectively, have been married since 2001.

Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016 after 20 years. Since hanging up his basketball jersey, Kobe has been involved in charity work and raising his family.

OVER? TONI BRAXTON & BIRDMAN SEND CRYPTIC MESSAGES SIGNALING A BREAKUP! – VIDEO

Up top, we mentioned that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are having ANOTHER baby! Yep, it true.  Kim Kardashian and Kanye are expecting their fourth child, a boy, via surrogate, multiple sources confirm in the new issue of Us Weekly.

In August, Us reported that the couple, who used a surrogate for their third child, 11-month-old Chicago, had one embryo left, a male. Now he’s due to arrive “in very early May,” says an insider.

In addition to baby Chicago, the couple are also parents to North, 5, and Saint, 3, and another source reveals that 38-year-old Kardashian “always wanted four kids.”

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/kobe-and-vanessa-bryant-are-expecting-their-fourth-child/

*A few weeks ago the NFL announcement plans to strengthen its commitment to consider minority candidates when hiring coaches and executives in their front offices.

“Our focus was simply: How do we make the Rooney Rule better?” Robert Gulliver, the league’s chief human resources officer, said, referring to the rule adopted in 2003 and named for Dan Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time who pushed for the regulations, reports the NY Times.

Now, the Rooney Rule will be put to the test.

There were seven Black coaches at the beginning of the 2018 season. On Monday, only two remain: Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh and Anthony Lynn with the LA Chargers. Carolina Panthers Coach Ron Rivera, who is Latino, is the only other minority head coach.

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Four black coaches were fired this week, including the Jets’ Todd Bowles, Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos Coach Vance Joseph, and Cardinals’ coach Steve Wilks. Cleveland’s Hue Jackson had previously been canned back in October.

via the New York Times:

But the next several weeks will unquestionably heighten the scrutiny on the N.F.L.’s hiring practices and how reliably, or willingly, the Rooney Rule will be employed.

Under the new regulations enacted a few weeks ago, when teams are looking to fill positions, they must interview at least one minority candidate from a list kept by the league’s Career Development Advisory Panel, or a minority candidate not currently working with a team. Teams also must keep detailed records of who they interview, which is perhaps a response to criticism from minority candidates who say they are routinely called, but not formally interviewed, by teams trying to do the least possible to fulfill their obligations.

After it was first established, the Rooney Rule appeared to be having an impact. By 2011, eight N.F.L. teams had coaches of color, the most to that point, or since.

Yet, at the same time, hiring minority front office executives did not keep pace.

With this latest shake-up of Black coaches, and the N.F.L. under pressure to increase the presence of minority coaches and executives, many sports fans wonder if the Rooney Rule is even effective, and if so, why does the future for minority coaches still look so bleak?

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/nfl-fires-several-black-coaches-after-vow-to-strengthen-the-rooney-rule/

*Dwyane Wade’s baby mama, Aja Metoyer, decided to be messy on social media over the weekend by seemingly shading the NBA star’s wife, Gabrielle Union.

The former “Basketball Wives” star, who shares a son with Wade named Xavier Wade, posted a picture of her C-section scar along with a message praising mothers who experienced a Caesarean birth. She added “LOL” at the end of her note… and that’s when things went left.

Fans are now slamming Aja because many believe she was mocking Union, who recently welcomed a baby girl with Dwyane via surrogate after many miscarriages.

One person commented: “So why did she remove the “LOL” from the end? The “lol” is what made it shade. Why put it? That was the purpose? Shade! She was throwing shade at Gabby. It wasn’t innocent. You still big mad he didn’t choose you, sis. Let’s just be honest with ourselves,” Celebrity Insider reported.

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Another follower noted that influencers such as Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman also had babies via surrogate.

“Umm… Interesting? So, please “Add” a Shout-out to mothers who did not physically birth their kids or just hit “Delete” be authentic! Being petty looks small on your part, whether it was intentional or not. The timing is absolutely questionable! I am just saying, “Beautiful Single Mother” level up! Whether a woman birth a child does not make her connected or disconnected. It is simply in the soul, spirit, and heart of the woman! Salute to all mothers! Surrogate, Adopted, etc. Why did she remove the original caption? If you’re gonna stand in your truth stand ALL the way in it. You didn’t think the blogs was watching your ass because this doesn’t even match the previous explanation she gave when someone asked her about the LoL.”

But one defender had this to say: “Intentional shade or not, it’s her page and her journey (the caesarian) so she can post what she wants. I stated this earlier. And remember, ppl are feeling sorry for a person who admitted that they were a mean girl, who wished bad and was gleeful when other women of color had hardships. So….I’m not sure how people got all the negative foolishness out your post. I saw the post & not one time did I think of the other young lady. People just being messy.”

Another user added: “I don’t agree with the womb post if!! It was sent out of Anger!!, but kiddos for not signing over full custody… Raise your child, but please heal.. yeah it’s hard, but many mothers experience different hurt, regroup and start fresh. Forgiveness is Priceless.”

Aja has responded to her critics, claiming she wasn’t being shady at all and she slammed folks for being so negative. Check out her response below (via The YBF):

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/aja-metoyer-responds-to-critics-who-slammed-her-for-shading-gabrielle-unions-surrogate-baby/

*21-year-old Lamar Jackson will make NFL history when he steps onto the field for the Ravens in a playoff game against the Chargers on Sunday.

As reported by The Baltimore Sun, Jackson will start at quarterback for the Ravens AFC wild-card-round game, making him the youngest-ever QB to start a playoff game.

“I’m trying to taste that victory for my birthday Monday,” Jackson said, per the team’s official website. “I can taste it!”

Per NFL.com:

“Coincidentally, Jackson is attempting to break the record of another scampering quarterback, Michael Vick, who was 22 years, 192 days old when he ran over the Green Bay Packers in 2003 at Lambeau Field, becoming the youngest signal-caller to win a playoff game. Vick was in his second season.”

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“It really doesn’t [matter to me],” Jackson said of his age. “I’m here to play football. I was 21 all year, so this is another game for me.”

Jackson was 7 years old when Michael Vick sparked his curiosity about the possibilities of playing quarterback in the NFL.

“My first Madden game was 2003, but I played with Michael Vick in 2004, and he was out of control,” he told reporters last spring when the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the first round, The Undefeated reports.

“Just watching him on a video game and watching him on TV and seeing what he did, what he brought to the table with his team, winning games for Atlanta, it was like, ‘Man, I want to do some of the things he did on the field.’ So I would go out there on a little league game on a Saturday and try to do the same things and emulate what he did. He has been a big influence on me.”

Vick was 22 when he led Atlanta to a playoff win over Green Bay in 2003. Jackson will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Jan. 7.

“Lamar’s maturity has impressed me greatly. He’s very mature,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I think you guys see it — you see it when you interview him, players see it when he walks around. Like I said before, he’s very comfortable with who he is. That’s a sign of maturity for sure.”

 Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/lamar-jackson-set-to-become-nfls-youngest-qb-to-start-playoff-game/

*Chris Rock roasted the current state of comedy on Monday night while presenting an award at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards dinner.

The former SNL star took to the stage to present the Best First Film award to “Eighth Grade” director Bo Bunham but it turned into a short stand-up routine with Rock joking, “If it was five years ago, I could say something really offensive and funny right now, but I can’t do that anymore, so … heyyyy!”

The comedian also let the Academy know they shouldn’t call him for the Oscar hosting gig.

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“Steve Martin is here. You should host the Oscars. You’re the best. Steve Martin should host the Oscars! Because I’m not doing it, goddammit! You’re not getting me.”

Martin has hosted three ceremonies and Rock has hosted the Oscars on two occasions, in 2005 and 2016. 

Rock also earned big laughs while introducing Burnham’s movie, saying,

“There are lot of movies out right now, but the best one about eighth grade is ‘Eighth Grade.’ It’s a touching tribute to the eighth grade! I never thought I would want to relive the eighth grade until I saw this movie. Bo, I could’ve played that dad, I would’ve fucking killed that part. but we’ll deal with that another time.”

The Academy, meanwhile, still hasn’t confirmed who will host the February 24 ceremony, after controversial jokes made by Kevin Hart forced him to step down as host.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/chris-rock-tells-academy-not-to-call-him-to-host-oscars/

*There’s a new “Ghostbusters” movie in the works that will reportedly be set in the same universe as the two original films, with Jason Reitman at the helm and also serving as co-writer.

Reitman’s father, Ivan Reitman, directed the original 1984 movie which starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, the lateHarold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost-catchers in New York City. The original film grossed $242 million in the U.S. and more than $295 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing comedy film of its time. At the 57th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song (for the theme).

The “Ghostbusters” franchise includes a 1989 sequel, two animated television series (“The Real Ghostbusters” and “Extreme Ghostbusters”), video games, and a 2016 female-led remake.

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“I’ve always thought of myself as the first Ghostbusters fan, when I was a 6-year-old visiting the set. I wanted to make a movie for all the other fans,” Jason Reitman tells Entertainment Weekly. “This is the next chapter in the original franchise. It is not a reboot. What happened in the ‘80s happened in the ‘80s, and this is set in the present day.”

There’s long been talk of a return to the Ghostbusters universe, with Aykroyd teasing fans as early as last year.

“This is very early, and I want the film to unwrap like a present. We have a lot of wonderful surprises and new characters for the audience to meet,” Ramis continued. “I’ve thought about this franchise and it has occupied a piece of my heart for basically as long as I can remember.”

Aykroyd and Hudson have responded to the news of the sequel on Twitter – although neither confirmed if they would be reprising their original roles.

As reported by NME.com, back in November, Aykroyd confirmed that a ‘secret’ sequel was in the works.

“I think we have a story that’s going to work and it’s being written right now by really good filmmakers. I can’t say their names,” the actor told host Dan Rather. “They’re a good team and they are making an effort to bring back all the emotion and spirit of the first two movies and then take it into the 21st century with a vernacular that’s needed today to get it across.”

Bill Murray is the only original Ghostbuster to not publicly comment on the sequel.

Sony says the movie will drop in the summer of 2020. Watch the teaser below.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/ghostbusters-sequel-confirmed-ernie-hudson-responds-watch-first-trailer/

*Soulja Boy hit up “The Breakfast Club” this week where he popped off about why Meek Mill is receiving all the praise for having the biggest comeback of the year rather than himself. The conversation became quite amusing when he also accused Drake of ripping him off, claiming he taught the Canadian singer/rapper “everything he knows.”

Watch his hilarious reaction in the clip above.

When Soulja is told Drake is “the biggest rapper in the world”, he jumps up from his chair and rants about how he is responsible for Drake’s success.

“Draaake?” he says in disbelief. “The n**** that got bodied by Pusha T? The n**** that’s hiding his kid from the world, but the world won’t hide from the kid. Aubrey Graham in the wheelchair?

“Drake?! Y’all n****s better stop playing with me in here. Y’all talking about the light-skinned n**** from [Degrassi]?

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Chris Rock Tells Academy Not to Call Him to Host Oscars

*Standing at an impressive 6-foot-9, weighing 220 pounds, the San Jose native Aaron Gordon is a force on the basketball court, now in his fifth season playing for the Orlando Magic.  He epitomizes values that are emulated by those who are successful like his outstanding work ethic, determination, and his devotion to performing at an optimal level in each of the games he plays.

Yet, Gordon’s gifts extend beyond the basketball court.  While he was given a chance growing up to develop his athleticism, education was heavily promoted and revered during his formative years by his mother and father.  The lessons that Gordon was taught by his family about developing and building a robust, healthy mind is the same insight he wants to pass along to the youth of Central Florida.

To achieve this goal, Gordon created CodeOrlando, a STEM education program that is in partnership with CodeFWD by Facebook, Sphero, and Orange County Public Schools’ (OCPS) Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).

Gordon kicked off his initiative in December and provided local Orlando students from disadvantaged communities the chance to learn computer science, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence through creative technology projects.  The program will provide a platform for students to participate in valuable speaking and teamwork skills, and give them the opportunity to hear from distinguished technologists along with visiting various businesses and colleges.

Through the Gordon Family Giving Fund, Gordon will financially support the coding program, which will officially kick off this year and ACE will teach and oversee the curriculum. On behalf of his charitable foundation, Gordon donated $6,000 to ACE  which will allow the school to provide the necessary instruction for the coding program during the school year, purchase the equipment that is needed to expand the classes, and conduct intensive summer courses that will include 30 students from the eighth grade to the 12th.   ACE students will learn to operate Sphero robotic balls through simple block-level commands by utilizing smartphones and tablet apps to create instructions that will cause the balls to perform in a particular manner, thereby, giving students a more in-depth understanding on how the process of programming works.

Gordon has a deep respect for technology and wants to impart to students how learning about this particular field can fun and rewarding.  The idea for his newly minted program CodeOrlando was cultivated from his youth where he was exposed to the benefits of the technological occupation based on his mother’s chosen career in Silicon Valley.

“Growing up this was something that was very much a part of our family with my mom working in the semiconductor industry,” said Gordon. “I understand the importance of all students being given the opportunity to learn and experience new things especially in the field of STEM.  I’m thrilled to be able to partner with giants like Facebook and Spheros on this labor of love and bring something to the underserved students in Central Florida.”

Gordon’s mother, Shelly Davis Gordon, had a career in high tech as a semiconductor for 35 years, working for such employers like Xilinx and Alera, a firm that was bought by the microchip giant Intel while she was still employed there.  She also worked on projects like Siemens’ first MRI machine and helmet cams developed for fighter pilots. Shelly Davis Gordon understood the importance of sharing her knowledge and started an after-school program that allowed local students to take old computers and dismantle them to know how they operated.

“We’d bring over 10 systems, and after three hours they would all be bits of dust,” she said. “That was their ‘aha moment,” states Shelly Davis Gordon. So it is only natural that her son would follow in her altruistic and educational footsteps by creating a STEM education program for the Central Florida community.

“I just want kids from a not-so-great upbringing who are underprivileged to have the same opportunity that everybody else has,” said Gordon, “I want them not to be cast aside because of the color of their skin or what they look like or if they don’t have both parents. I want everything to be equal and fair.” Which is one of the many reasons Gordon, along with the involvement of his family, is leading the charge to close the racial disparity in tech through his program. According to an article released by Pew Research Center in 2018, the editorial piece exemplified a dismal under-representation of black people in the technology workforce.  Blacks compose of 11% of the U.S. labor force but only represent 9% of STEM workers and adults with gainful employment that holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, blacks only represent 7% of the STEM workforce.  “It’s an opportunity for underprivileged kids to get a seat at the economic table,” he said. “It can give a chance on what could be a promising career. It’s not just about getting a job but creating jobs or creating a business for themselves.”

Facebook CodeFWD Program is a free online education program created in partnership with Sphero to increase the amount of underrepresented and female students interested in studying computer science.  For more information, please visit techprep.org/codefwd/

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/aaron-gordon-develops-stem-program-for-underserved-central-florida-youth/

*According to a poll conducted by The Athletic, 95 percent of NFL defensive players believe quarterback Colin Kaepernick should be on a team.

The former San Francisco 49er was the first player to kneel during the national anthem as a means of protesting police brutality and racial inequality. Kap has gone unsigned for the past two seasons. He last played in the NFL  in 2016 due to being blacklisted — as such, he filed a collusion grievance against NFL owners in Oct. 2017.

Eighty-five defensive players anonymously participated in the survey and only two reportedly said Colin should not be on an NFL roster, and two had “No comment.”

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Players were also asked to name an NFL quarterback that Kaepernick should replace. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Blake Bortles was the top choice followed by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman. The quarterbacks who received at least one vote included Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

One player said he would replace “25 percent of the league” with Kaepernick.

Another player believes Kaepernick should be part of an NFL roster regardless of his role: “S–t, any team that carries three quarterbacks for sure, the third guy on that roster. And a majority of the teams with two quarterbacks, he should be the backup. And some places he should be the starter.” 

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/new-poll-reveals-majority-of-players-believe-colin-kaepernick-deserves-nfl-roster-spot/

*Jermaine Dupri  is a Grammy-winning producer, member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and star of the hit Lifetime show, “The Rap Game.”

As a super producer, Dupri gave the Hip-Hop world acts like Kriss-Kross and Bow Wow. Now he is creating a new crop of young stars. Season 5 of “The Rap Game” promises to be the most intense ever. The stakes are high for the young rappers – this season features a battle every episode – to try to stay on the HIT list and in the house.

Yours truly, EURweb correspondent Jill Munroe, sat down with Jermaine to discuss season 5 – including current and former contestants – the controversy behind his curated concert series for the NFL’s Super Bowl LIII and R. Kelly.

Dupri was selected by the Atlanta Super Bowl Host committee to produce a series of free concerts during the week leading up to the big game.

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There were some who felt Dupri should boycott the event because of the league’s treatment of former NFL star, Colin Kaepernick. JD had this to say on the topic:

“I’m from Atlanta and have been speaking on before people even wanted to come to Atlanta. It was a thing people weren’t even paying attention to it… As ATLiens, we have that midset that we have to do what we have to do to make our city rise and be the place we want it to be. And to turn my head or boycott during a time when the most people will be in Atlanta, and coming with the mind of where’s Jermaine Dupri or that person, it’s a hard thing to ignore. Without thinking of anything else, that’s my reason. It’s not about football…”

What can you expect? Old school acts like Goodie Mob and a Saturday night event that will take you back to the 90’s, as JD turns Centennial Olympic Park into a Freaknik experience complete with Mr. College Park himself, DJ Smurf spinning.

Be sure to check out “The Rap Game” Thursday nights at 9:00 PM on Lifetime.

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/jermaine-dupri-defends-super-bowl-appearance-speaks-on-the-rap-game-r-kelly/

*Serena Williams took to Instagram over the weekend to share an adorable photo of her 8-week-old daughter Alexis Olympia, documenting her baby’s most recent bath on Instagram.

In the picture, Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is seen holding their child — who appears to be wrapped up in a green frog towel.

“We love bath time,” Williams captioned the photo. 

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By the way, back in October, Williams and Ohanian dressed up their newborn as Batman to celebrate her first Halloween, sharing a photo of the precious moment on the baby’s Instagram page “When you realize you’re the hero Gotham needs,” the proud parents captioned the snap. See pic below.

As noted by E! News, Williams described finding out that she was expecting her first child during a home pregnancy test, telling Vanity Fair, “[I thought] I’ll take it just because (a) to prove you wrong and (b) because it’s fun, whatever. It’s like a joke, why not? An hour and a half later, I went back to the bathroom and I totally forgot about it because it was impossible for me…So I went back to get dressed and I went back in the bathroom and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that test.'”

She explained her initial reaction upon seeing the test results by revealing “My heart dropped. Like it literally dropped.”

Last summer, Ohanian opened up about how he knew motherhood would come easily to Serena.

“She’s very good at a lot of things and well on her way to being an awesome mom too,” he told CNBC’s Squawk Box before noting that he will be going on paternity leave from the company.

“I’ll be taking off for six weeks myself and trying to do the best job possible as a new dad, a first-time dad.”

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/serena-williams-loves-bath-time-with-daughter-alexis-olympia/

*You’d think that a pastor’s life would entail living the quiet life which is devoid of all lavish possessions. All they’d do is spread the word of the Bible and hold sermons for those who would love to hear the Word of God.

In Nigeria, however, pastors may be doing all of the above – except they have quite the lavish life. Let’s not ask why, but dig into how. Pastors in Nigeria take 10 percent of the earnings from their entire congregations. How large is this percentage? Well, these pastors have fleets of yellow cars which have their own tailored license plates and are flanked with their entourage at all times. Some would even say that these pastors are coming to be known as nationwide celebrities.

All of this is only possible if you are a “prosperity preacher.” These pastors, if you didn’t already know, believe that their growth in spirituality can only be brought forward with the help of material prosperity. How though? By focusing their sermons on buying a Bentley instead of helping their neighbor, of course!

Prosperity preaching was a huge deal in America in the ‘50s through the 80s, and this is exactly where Nigeria got its inspiration. Somewhere in the early 1990s, prosperity preaching seemed like a great idea in Nigeria but there is one main difference among the two. The churches here are much more charismatic, colorful, and louder as opposed to America. Well, why wouldn’t they? The Word of God seems to be a huge deal in Nigeria.

Since the Nigerian society is fairly conservative and tight-knit, nobody has ever questioned the pastors. In Nigeria, the men of God work in a manner of hierarchies, where those on top of the hierarchy command the greatest respect. Alongside this respect, prosperity preaching involves wearing the most expensive clothes, having a garage-full of nice cars, roaming around with an entourage of well-dressed body guards, and enjoying all the perks of a 21^st century millionaire.

That being said, no one can be entirely be sure whether the followers of these millionaire pastors achieve prosperity. One thing is for sure though, until they can make people believe in the link between money and being looked after by God, the prosperity of these pastors is definite. So if you visit Nigeria, don’t be surprised by pastors rolling in a fleet of yellow hummers on a Sunday!

Source Link: https://www.eurweb.com/2019/01/nigerias-many-mega-millionaire-prosperity-preachers-video/