*Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is presenting Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 4:00 pm.

Mexico’s most prestigious folkloric dance company presents a colorful evening of traditional dance and music with sophisticated costumes and powerful and accomplished dancers. Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández is the number one promoter of Mexican dance throughout the world. The Dance Troupe takes a journey into the diverse Mexican cultures – past and present!

In 1952, dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernandez founded the BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO, having embarked at a very early age on a never-ending quest to rescue the dancing traditions of Mexico. This vital search became a basic need to express not only in Mexico, but includes the rest of the world. Her goal was to share the beauty of the Universe in motion through Mexican dances from the pre-Colombian era, the Hispanic Viceroy period, and the popular period of the Revolutionary years.

In 1954, Amalia began to garner recognition as a highly respected cultural representative of Mexico. In her earliest ballets, the audience saw modern dances and dances that travel back in time bringing back to life the lords of heaven and earth,, the jaguars, the gods born of human flesh; and thirty different cultures that blossomed in centuries past. All of these elements together gave Amalia Hernández the inspiration to create the Ballet Folklórico de México. A weekly program on Mexican television sponsored by the government aired the Ballet’s initial performances. Merely a few years into their formation, the company achieved a degree of international success that has been maintained for over fifty years.

Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico de México have since created over forty ballets for upwards of seventy dancers. The music, technical rigor, elaborate costuming and Amalia’s choreography have helped the Ballet and its followers disseminate the zest for rich Mexican tradition and folklore throughout the world. Since 1959, the company has been permanently housed at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. The institution has two main artistic companies called The First Company and the Resident Company, both whom alternate tours and performances in Mexico and abroad. The company has currently given over 5,000 performances and both Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico de México have been distinguished with more than 300 awards recognizing their artistic merits.

Lehman Center is under renovation so concert goers will find the lobbies have been upgraded for ADA compliance with new ramps and carpeting. The interior of the theater has new seating, carpeted aisles, and finished flooring as well. The $15.4 million dollar refurbishment of the Center is expected to be completed by mid-2019 and will include 5,400 square feet of enlarged space with a new main entrance and a redesigned box office, plus new administration offices and restroom facilities on the first and mezzanine floors, and an elevator. The Center seats 2,278 people in the concert hall and is the largest of its kind in the borough. Funding for the project is being provided by the Office of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, the Bronx delegation of the New York City Council, and the Office of the Bronx Borough President. Additional funding is being raised with a seat naming initiative, which allows community members to make a personal connection with one of New York City’s most important not-for-profit entertainment venues.

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO featured on Sunday, November 18th, 2018 at 4:00 pm are $45, $40, $25 | Children 12 & under pay $10 for any seat. Call the Lehman Center Box Office for tickets at 718-960-8833 or via online access at http://www.LehmanCenter.org.

Deardra Shuler has experience in theatre, music, concert promotion, television and publishing. She was affiliated with the Negro Ensemble Company and is a former manager of the children’s theatre,”TADA.” She has produced and promoted concerts in Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.
Ms. Shuler is the former Editor and Managing Editor of three New York City minority newspapers. Presently, she is the Entertainment Editor of The Black Star News. As a freelance writer she writes for several New York City newspapers; including the Examiner, Amsterdam News and Eurweb.

Deardra freelances for Afrocentricnews in California. She is the former PR chairman for the FESPACO film festival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Africa, and is presently program manager for BlakeRadio.com where she also hosts her own show “Topically Yours.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/people-of-note-ballet-folklorico-de-mexico-de-amalia-hernandez-on-the-lehman-center-stage/

*Motown friends and family came together last week in Tarzana (CA), to enjoy the 11th Annual “Friends of Fuller Gordy Strikefest,” one of the most anticipated bowling, concert, dining and philanthropic events of the season.

Entertainment celebrities, business leaders and Motown alumni showed up last Wednesday, November 7, to celebrate the legacy of Fuller Gordy, a Motown Vice-President and older brother of Motown Founder Berry Gordy, who was known throughout the entertainment industry as a caring humanitarian and mentor to many. A successful bowler, Fuller Gordy became the first black bowler, from Michigan, to be inducted into the Professional Bowlers’ Association.

“He was always a leader,” said Berry Gordy of Fuller during the evening. “So, if I had one word to describe tonight, it would be gratitude. His granddaughter (Karla) and daughter (Iris) have done such a wonderful job every year. It’s so much fun and everybody has a good time.”

Fuller’s daughter, Iris Gordy, a former Motown vice president and granddaughter, Karla Gordy Bristol, a TV and social media talk show host, founded “Friends of Fuller Gordy Strikefest,” which is the event of the year for an organization dedicated to honoring outstanding young individuals and organizations that inspire, educate and uplift. Their 2018 honoree is the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant, founded by Lisa Ruffin, which spotlights girls ages 6-12.

One of the attendees was the 2018 Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant winner Nasreen el Shabazz and her mom, Sheryl Lively, who was happy the pageant and Ruffin received recognition.

“She (Nasreen) had done it four times in a row before she finally won,” said Lively. “We encourage her to follow her dreams and never to give up. It was hard, because it took her four times. She just turned 12 and she was 8 when she started.”

“This kind of event, it teaches you never to give up,” Lively continued. “Life is hard and you’ll have challenges and stuff, but you still have to follow your dreams. This was hard and it was hard for me as a mother to see her hurt, but she gave it everything she could. But if you want something, you have to keep going for it and I’m really proud of her that she didn’t give up.”

Lively is also glad Ruffin and the pageant was getting recognition.

“Oh, my God! She is all for the kids”, said Lively. “She’s done this for 25 years and just when it seemed it was time to fold or give up, she keeps going, The young ladies she’s brought to her pageant, they come back with college degrees.”

“So, I’m just honored to be here with Motown and I’m so happy for Lisa, that she’s getting honored and acknowledged, because she’s so deserving of it.”

As for the 2018 Little Miss African American Pageant winner herself, Nasreen el Shabazz, she said the pageant teaches you to be confident, love you for yourself and to go after your dreams.

“I kept going even after falling short a few times because I just thought, ‘This wasn’t my year. It was another girl’s year, she said. “So if I kept trying, I felt it would eventually be my year – and I kept trying and it was!”

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As for Lisa Ruffin, she could hardly contain her emotion over her organization and her being honored at Strikefest.

“I’m totally overwhelmed. I’m extremely overwhelmed and so thankful,” said Ruffin. “I’m still shocked, actually, because I just did this from my heart and that’s how the organization has been operating for 25 years. So for people of this stature to acknowledge our work, it’s just shocking to me.”

“I want my girls to experience things it may have taken me 30 years to experience”, she said. “I want them to know if they have the confidence and the drive, they can do anything. If I see a girl  has an interest in science or math or dance classes, we try to make that happen. We start at a young age, 6-12, because we feel it’s important to teach them good habits early, rather than wait for them to develop bad habits and correct them. So we want them to get it right the first time – and it seems to be working!

READ THIS: JADA PINKETT SMITH’S MOM REVEALS WHY SHE DIDN’T LIKE HER DAUGHTER’S WHITE BOYFRIEND [WATCH]

Speaking of pageants, Miss Black California of 1971, Kathleen Bradley, was in attendance as well.

“Well, I know Iris and Karla and I went to the first one,” Bradley said. “It’s just a great opportunity for me to come and be able to help lend my celebrity, raise some money and have good times with friends and family for a very worthy cause.”

“It’s a pleasure to be able to honor Fuller Gordy – who was the most wonderful guy and when I was with the singing group The Love Machine in the Seventies, so it’s great to be back with the Motown family now.”

David Kershenbaum, a multi-platinum record producer whose clients included Tracy Chapman and Lauren Taines were also in attendance.

“I like what Iris and Karla are doing,” said Taines. “They’re raising money to fund various educational projects, so I help how I can and what I like is they are raising money for various educational concerns for the kids.”

“I met Karla a couple of months ago and she invited me and I thought it was such a worthwhile cause,” said Kershenbaum.”I love charities and I certainly love education for children.”

“I also grew up with Motown, so it’s particularly dear to my heart,” he added. “I was looking and thinking about how when Motown was at it’s peak, how wonderful the times were – how innocent and easier it was to create something special than it is today..That music was a soundtrack for many people who had a chance to listen.”

One of the bands that contributed to Motown’s heyday was Switch, who performed at Strikefest.

“We’re friends of Iris and Karla and we’ve known of the event for years,” said Greg Williams, one of the group’s founders. “We knew a lot about Fuller, so we understand the event. It’s an annual event in his honor to represent his philanthropy over the years.”

“We signed with Motown in 1978 and were there for five years and sold 8 million records. So we’re part of their history as well, ” said Williams. “This is our family. Our folks.”

Karla Gordy Bristol said she was happy the way the night went.

“The Fuller Gordy Strikefest, which I’ve been doing for 11 years, with my mother – well, this may have been the most exciting night,” said Gordy Bristol. “To see the happy faces throughout the room, and people coming up to me saying, ‘This is amazing!’ … and everybody being warm to each other – I really love that. That lets me know that we’re doing something great – and doing something that must continue.”

Gordy Bristol also feels the event reflects on her family’s legacy.

“It says a lot,” she said. “I think it shows people what the Gordy family is about – that they’re a loving family, a giving family, a caring family and that they’re down to Earth and enjoy people.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/motowns-legacy-rolls-on-with-the-11th-annual-friends-of-fuller-gordy-strikefest/

*After video circulated of a Black student getting escorted out of class, the University of Texas at San Antonio opened an investigation that has resulted in the white professor who called the police being relieved of her duties for the rest of the semester.

Biology instructor Anita Moss sparked outrage Monday after she called the police on a Black female student who had allegedly rested her feet on a chair. Moss had repeatedly asked students to take their feet off chairs in what was described as a “pet peeve” of the professor, according to a report by interim dean Howard Grimes published Wednesday, per nydailynews.com.

“So this happened today in class, a girl had her feet up and the professor called the police after calling our class uncivil,” student Apurva Rawal tweeted along with video of the incident.

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The student at the center of the controversy, with the Twitter handle @FavoritePaigeee, wrote on Monday:  “Upon entering class I was told I needed to leave or would be escorted out by officers, I never disobeyed the student code of conduct. Not once. A police report is being filed atm, this is just the beginning. Thanks for your support!”

According to the report, Moss was so incensed by the ongoing problem of student disobedience that she attempted to send “FavoritePaigeee” an email on Sunday telling her not to show up for class until they could discuss the situation, but the message was mistakenly sent to another student in the class, according to Grimes.

When the student showed up for class on Monday, Moss told her to leave after showing her the email. 

Grimes writes in the report that the student said: “this class is very important to me and attending this class is part of my grade and I do not want to miss the lecture as we have a test coming on Wednesday.”

When Moss threatened to call the police, the student said, “do what you need to do.” She was then hauled away by three officers.

“I did not believe she was calling them [police] but, sure enough, they came a few minutes after she had stopped talking on the phone,” a student in the class told ABC News. “They escorted [her] out and once the police had left out of the classroom, a lot of students started telling [the lecturer] she had done wrong, she was being disruptive of class time and she had taken matters out of control.”

The school determined that Moss “failed to manage her classroom effectively.” She will be allowed to return to her classroom in the spring if she meets certain requirements.

Meanwhile, the student at the center of the classroom incident issued the following statement:

The last couple of days have brought a whirlwind of emotions. The support I have received, especially from my classmates, has been very encouraging for me.

I have served in many leadership roles on campus through student organizations, on-campus employment, and as a UTSA mentor to local high school students in underprivileged areas. I am passionate about UTSA and its sense of community.

Throughout these investigations, I have been repeatedly asked whether I believe the incident on Monday was based on racism. My answer is no. However, the investigations confirmed that my professor has struggled with misidentifying me with other students.

My professor apologized to me today for her classroom reaction, and I apologized to her if my behavior appeared to be disruptive, unprofessional, or uncivil as a student. I am eager to move forward and put this behind me.

I have expressed interest in being a participant in discussions on how students from underrepresented groups are treated inside and outside the classroom.

I would like to thank the UTSA faculty and staff for the efficiency with which this matter was handled. To the UTSA students who provided witness accounts in the university’s investigations and to those who communicated their support: Thank you so much.

Moving forward, I would ask the public and the news media to respect my privacy so I may continue my studies without distraction.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/white-lecturer-has-utsa-student-escorted-out-of-class-by-police-for-having-feet-propped-up/

*The year’s best movie and a must see, “Green Book,” debunks white supremacists’ theory of superiority—in more ways than one. An average intelligent person would know that nothing could come of whites staying in the same hotel, eating at the same restaurant, or using the same bathroom as a black man. Yet, this depraved concept by many pseudo intelligent, wealthy whites existed as late as the 1960s.

“Green Book” tells an important story of race relations in America, but just as important is the relationship between Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his chauffer, Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen). When Tony ends up behind bars, Don tells him, “You can never win with violence.” Ironically, one of Mortensen’s best films is “A History of Violence.”

When bouncer Tony from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class pianist, who lives at Carnegie Hall, on a concert tour through the Deep South, they must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were safe for blacks. Confronted with racism, and the dangers of Jim Crow laws, they set aside their differences and form a lifetime bond.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, “Green Book” also stars Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, and Don Stark.

‘Widows’

“Widows” is a familiar heist story but this time around women are in the driver’s seat. In the hands of director Steve McQueen, not only is the female centric concept different but the casting, particularly with Viola Davis as the desperate grieving wife left to clean up husband Harry Rawlins’ (Liam Neeson) mess. And kudos go the McQueen for the scene that show their son stopped by cops.

The story of “Widows” is set in contemporary Chicago, amid a time of turmoil, four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities, take fate into their own hands, and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.

Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell, Cynthia Erivo,  Robert Duvall, Elizabeth Debicki, Daniel Kaluuya, Carrie Coon, and Brian Tyree also star.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grendelwald’

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grendelwald” (“FB”), directed by David Yates, picks up where “Fantastic Beasts” left off. The powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne).

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander to help. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

“FB” continues to amaze with its spectacular special effects and character engagements. A favorite “beast” is Nagini (Claudia Kim). One of the creepiest onscreen transformations is James Earl Jones in “Conan The Barbarian.” Kim comes close to that.

J.K. Rowlands has always been inclusive with casting and “FB” is no exception. Members of the black cast include Zoe Kravitz, Carmen Ejogo, Cornell John, Claudius Peters, William Nadylam, Jessica Williams, Isaura Barbé-Brown, Hugh Quarshie, Johanna Thea, and Thea Lamb.

Facebook.com/TheFilmStripTM      Twitter: @thefilmstrip    Instagram.com/thefilmstriptm

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/weekend-watch-green-book-debunks-theory-of-white-supremacists/

*Porsha Williams’ fiance/baby daddy has been slapped with a lawsuit for selling subpar items at his weave and extensions company, Queen Virgin Remy Hair.

RadarOnline.com reports that Dennis McKinley has been accused by Kimberly Garlick of “selling faulty merchandise” in the amount of $400 and “refusing to mediate” in June 2014. McKinley filed a motion to dismiss the civil suit later that year.

“Plaintiff Kimberly Garlick improperly filed an action against Defendant,” the court papers read. “Defendant denies all of Plaintiff’s allegations. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Defendant sold faulty merchandise and refused to mediate.”

He claimed that Garlick “falsely indicated that she has an account with Defendant.”

“There is no legitimate basis under the facts of this case to substantiate a claim upon which relief may be granted,” he continued. “Defendant has never sold any merchandise to Plaintiff nor has had any dealings with Plaintiff, and therefore is an improperly named party to the lawsuit.”

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: People of Note: Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez on the Lehman Center Stage

In September 2014, the Plaintiff asked for the case to be dismissed with prejudice.

In October, McKinley hit ex-girlfriend Shanise Thomason with a lawsuit for “trademark infringement, conversion and other wrongful acts” in regards to Queen Virgin Remy.

He claimed Thomason had no “ownership rights or interests in Queen Virgin Remy,” but that didn’t stop her from allegedly stealing $5,900 worth of merchandise from a retail store in Georgia on February 9, 2015, the report states. 

“Defendant Thomason entered the Queen Virgin Remy retail store in Columbus and unlawfully took Queen Virgin Remy hair products from the store without paying,” the May 8, 2015 complaint read. “Thomason entered into the Columbus store with a large black trash bag. She walked behind the front counter of the store and opened the door to the store’s stock room. She removed hair products inventory from storage bins and placed them into the black trash bag and left the store with the black trash bag filled with Queen Virgin Remy hair products.”

The ex-couple agreed upon a confidential settlement in 2018.

Meanwhile, Williams, 37, announced her pregnancy with McKinley in September. They are expecting a baby girl.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/porsha-williams-fiance-accused-of-selling-faulty-merchandise-at-hair-company/

*Los Angeles, CA — Hundreds of Los Angeles high school graduating seniors filled the Hyatt Hotel LAX today during the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour (EMT) for a chance to win thousands in scholarships. EMTis a free, traveling college-and-career-readiness roadshow that provides a platform for high school students to earn on-site scholarships and admission to the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Five students were surprised on the spot with a $2,500 scholarship each. Christian Dixon, Mohamad Lorenzano and Jada Salazar of Susan Miller Dorsey High Schoolwere all top winners. Samad Acklin of Early College High Schooland Kiara Phillips ofUSC Media Arts High Schoolalso took home the top prize. “Every night I hear helicopters and police sirens,” says Samad Acklin. “This experience has pushed me to make education priority. I must establish a successful career as a plastic surgeon to provide for my family. This scholarship makes college a reality instead of just a dream,” adds the 17-year-old winner.

UNCF is the largest scholarship provider to students of color, awarding $100 million annually in scholarships to more than 10,000 students across the country. Several top celebrities are graduates of HBCUs.  Actress Taraji P. Henson is a 1995 alumna of Howard University; Terrence J. graduated from North Carolina A&T University; Rapper, Actor, Activist Common is graduate of FAMU, Samuel Jackson is proud alumus of Morehouse College, Oprah is a proud alumna of Tennessee State University.

UNCF winner Jada Salazar grew up in the foster care system and despite her adversities, she vows to fight against injustices. “Although I’ve been abused physically and verbally, applying for colleges and exploring opportunities help me to know that I can strive,” says the 17-year-old with hopes of attending Spelman College in Atlanta.

Through partnerships with theLos Angeles area public school districts, parents, national sponsors Wells Fargo, Target, P&G and FedEx, EMT offers access to information and recruiters from HBCUs, college prep workshops, dynamic presenters, and award-winning educational experts. Students will have an opportunity to apply for college admission, financial aid and scholarships including the EMT Merit Scholarship, presented in partnership with Target on the spot.

More photos (courtesy of UNCF/Tim Caver) from the event:

Los Angeles is the fifth of six stops on the Empower Me Tour. Other cities on the tour include Fort Worth, TX; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI and Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit: www.EmpowerMeTour.org. You can follow EMT on social media @UNCF  #EmpowerMeTour.

About UNCF: UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country.  Learn more at www.UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCFand #EmpowerMeTour.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/uncf-awarded-los-angeles-students-thousands-in-college-scholarships-on-the-spot/

*”Widows” is the rare Hollywood production that subverts your expectations in a positive way – while still leaving you feeling slightly unsatisfied when it ends.

The premise is refreshing. Turning the “men avenging a falling female loved one” on its head, “Widows” has its protagonists losing the men in their lived to a botched robbery and then trying to survive and thrive.

However, in the hands of director Steve McQueen, don’t expect a typical action/revenge picture. If anything, the film is a slow burn, with McQueen prioritizing putting the meat of characterization onto his characters’ bones rather than guns in their hands.

In short, don’t expect a female “Expendables” movie going into “Widows”.

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As the story unfolds, we see Veronica Rawlings (Viola Davis) a Chicago teacher’s union delegate and her husband Harry (Liam Neeson), a renowned bank robber with connections to politicians, in bed together. Though far from groundbreaking in 2018, such interracial scenes are still relatively rare. But McQueen takes you out of the moment by having Davis and Neeson using their tongues like lizards, which takes any romance, passion or even lust out of the scene.

Therein lies the main problem with “Widows”: McQueen and co-screenwriter Gilllian Flynn (“Gone Girl”) are so busy trying to give us curves, hey forget an occasional straight fastball can be just as effective.

That said, there is a lot to like here. Michelle Rodriguez actually gets a chance to act as Linda Perelli, one of the widows who was a clothing store owner before her husband’s demise. Elizabeth Debicki portrays Alice Gunner, who after losing her abusive husband, ponders life as an escort. There are many layers to Gunner’s character, as we see her as meek, to viewing why she accepted such harsh treatment from her husband when we see her mother (Jacki Weaver), who physically assaults her daughter and encourages her to become a high-priced hooker. Which has Alice wondering if love truly exists or if everything in life is “a transaction”.

Which brings us to Davis, who has found a role far superior to others she has portrayed recently in films like “Suicide Squad”. As the widow of the gang’s leader, Davis finds herself threatened by Jamal Manning, a crime boss and politician to whom she finds out the widows are indebted to the tune of $2 million. As she helps put a plan together to get enough money to pay the debt and set her and her crew up for the rest of their lives, the tension builds.

Brian Tyree Henry is excellent as Jamal Manning, who at 38, no longer wants to deal with “the life” and instead wants to immerse himself in the “honest stealing” and power that comes with elected office. .Likewise, Daniel Kaluuya gives a chilling turn as Jatemme Manning, Jamal’s brother and mob enforcer, whose performance has echoes of Wesley Snipes’ iconic Nini Brown in “New Jack City”.

Colin Farell also is given a role that plays to his strengths as Jack Mulligan, Jamal’s opponent and a politician who finds himself mixed up in the widows’ plans. We also find he alternates between embracing his family’s political legacy – as embodied by his father Tom (Robert Duvall) – and absolutely despising it, wondering what he is really accomplishing and how he is different from the thieves and whores he rails against.

There are other characters and developments, but there are many big, wicked curves in this film and I don’t want to spoil any of them.

Suffice to say that the film flirts with greatness, but never quite reaches it, never truly goes for it, never quite attains the peak of its promise. It deals with important issues, but what is both the film’s strength and weakness is that they are not always dealt with in a way that fits with the overall narrative.

As a heist film, it is far more intense, with more real stakes than “Ocean’s 8” – that’s for sure

A lot of this had to do with Davis, who is not quite convincing as a lover or leader. Some also has to do with the script, which could have played it straight and had the energy crackle a bit more.

Still, “Widows” is a memorable, engrossing film that reminds you of Hollywood’s ability to surprise. It constantly subverts your expectations in a good way.

Here’s hoping if the film gets a deserved sequel, they up the action just a little bit, though.

Grade: B+

*Migos rappers Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff have filed a lawsuit against their former business partner for refusing to pay royalties from a clothing line they worked on.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the trio signed a deal in 2015 with Yung Rich Nation for work on a line of clothing, jewelry, and other apparel. Migos were to be paid a percentage from the sales but they accuse YRN of failing to properly pay up and refusing to provide accounting receipts. 

The group says YRN has produced Migos-related clothes without their permission, such as “Culture” — the name of two of their albums, and “Bad and Boujee,” the name of their hit record.

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Migos is suing for an injunction prohibiting the company from continuing to profit off their brand and for unspecified damages, the report states. 

And here’s more from The Blast:

Yung Rich Nation actually sued Migos over the same deal earlier this year. YRN claimed Quavo, Offset and Takeoff were supposed to wear the clothes in six music videos a year, participate in four photo shoots and make at least six appearances in stores.

The company claimed instead of following through on their deal, Migos went and entered into a separate deal with Universal Music Group to sell band apparel and ceased to work on the planned line with them.

YRN sued Migos seeking unspecified damages.

In related news, Migos and Sean Kingston have been hit with a lawsuit by a limo driver who claims he was injured after being caught up in a brawl between the hip-hop stars.

Michael Gradney has sued over the incident that went down February 21, 2017, in Las Vegas. He claims that while standing outside the limo, a fight broke out between Kingston, Migos and two other males and he was knocked down in the melee and “severely injured.”

According to The Blast report:

Gradney claims the Migos then ordered him to get back in the car and drive them away. He says throughout the ordeal, he “feared for his life.”

The driver is suing for assault and battery, and seeking unspecified damages for the alleged permanent physical and psychological injuries he suffered, the report states.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/migos-sue-ex-business-partner-over-clothing-line-group-hit-with-lawsuit-by-limo-driver-injured-in-sean-kingston-fight/

*“Whenever we make a movie we use real issues,” said Sean Anders (Horrible Bosses), director and co-writer of the new Paramount Picture presentation of Instant Family starring Academy Award nominated Mark Wahlberg (Transformers) and based loosely on Sean’s own life experience adopting siblings arriving in theatres November 16, 2018. When asked why he put that experience on screen Sanders said, “It had been a few years since we adopted the kids…thought it kind of funny.”

Instant Family, arriving in theatres November 16, 2018, was indeed funny in fact it was beyond funny it was hilarious. It follows Pete (Wahlberg) and his wife Ellie, played by Emmy nominated Rose Byrne (“Neighbors”), a childless couple realizing their need to nurture a baby. They decide to adopted and care for the innocent and orphaned.

They go through all the classes, meetings and finally reach the end of the program where they can attend an event where available children are present. They meet a strong willed teenager and decide she really needs them, and surprisingly they discover she has two young siblings. How they form a bond with the three siblings – a strong willed teenager, an abused preteen and a needed baby sister – is warming to the heart and funny to the bone.

Anders, Wahlberg John Morris and Steve Levinson are producers on the Rated PG – 13 family project. It also stars Isabela Moner (Transformers: The Last Knight); Emmy nominated Tig Notaro (“Fresh Off the Boat”); Emmy winner Margo Martindale (“The Good Wife”); Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer (The Help), Julianna Gamiz, and Gustavo Quiroz. www.InstantFamilyMovie.com

The wizard tale birthed from the Harry Potter saga called Fantastic Beasts returns with a second take on the story with the Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald arriving in theatres November 16, 2018. Fantastic Beasts 2 is the 10^th installation of the wizard world franchise. Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander the Minister of Magic with Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean) starring as Dark Wizard Grindelwald and Jude Law as Dumbledore the professor of wizardry who hires Redmayne to take care of the dark wizard problem, a task only he is qualified for.

The Rated PG-13 drama/fantasy is a mystical cliff-hanger that will keep you on the edge of your seats and it has an ending that will leave you wanting more. It follows Eddie’s attempt at finding Grindelwald with his friends in tow that include Jacob Kowalski (Dan Folgler), Tina (Katherine Waterston) Newts love interest and Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz) as Newts’ brother’s love interest and Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner) Newts brother – a wizard law office also on the hunt for Grindelwald.

Grindelwald is building a team of pure wizards and the last is Credence (Ezra Miller) an orphaned baby he believes to be the poor blood Wizard he needs to finally rule the world of non-wizards. Credence is on the search for his heritage and Jacob is also on the search for Queenie (Alison Sudol) his love interest who is on the run. He broke the law; she fell in love with a non-wizard – Jacob Kowalski.

Fantastic Beast 2 is directed by David Yates and is a British/American production filmed in London, Switzerland and Paris. It is produced by David Heyman, J. K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. www.FantasticBeasts2Full.org

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: “Uplifting Minds II” Free Entertainment Conference annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 21, 2019) and Los Angeles (October/TBD). Offering Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-pulse-of-entertainment-instant-family-is-hilarious-fantastic-beasts-2-is-a-mystical-cliff-hanger/

*The prominent Chicago pastor has come under fire for kicking a cross-dressing male out of his church Sunday night.

Pastor Antonio Rocquemore of Power House International Ministries is speaking out about the incident after advocates of the LGBTQ came for his head.

In response, Rocquemore said the male member had been repeatedly warned that he would not be allowed to dress like a female during service.

As reported by christianpost.com, a clip showing Rocquemore rebuking the church member was first highlighted by Christian James Lhuillier.

“Some of y’all are going to have to excuse my language but I am tired of this sh*t. In a place that is supposed to be a place of change, a place of deliverance, whatever you want to call it why would you destroy someone in front of a room full of people?” Lhuillier asked.

“This is the kind of bullsh*t that causes people to go home and commit suicide. Sh*t like this is the reason that the church has no power in 2018 because they are so worried about the wrong things. I know drag queens and transsexuals that can pray you out of sickness faster and some of these preachers that collect your love offerings every Sunday,” he continued.

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Over $180K Raised for Black Teacher Who Punched ‘Racist’ Student

“I would have turned that church clean out do you hear me!!!!!!!!! It’s time for us to stand up for what we believe and stand in our truth and walk away from these ministries that bash who we are. Too many illegitimate relationships have been created trying to conform to a mold you were never meant to fit. I have a great deal of respect for the house of God. But I wish upon wishes upon wishes that had been me. The city of Chicago would never forget my name!” Lhuillier ended.

In the complete recording of the service on the church’s Facebook page, Rocquemore warns his members to guard their minds before calling out the drag queen.

“Can you leave my church and go put on man clothes?” he asked firmly.

“And don’t come here like that no more,” he continued as someone can be heard in the video declaring “thank you Jesus!”

“I hold a standard in here. Whatever you do on the outside is your business, but I will not let drag queens come in here. And if you’re gonna come in here you’re gonna come in here dressed like a man …. If you’re a man, dress like a man. If you’re a woman, dress like a woman. I’m not going to allow it. My salvation is more important and God is holding me accountable,” he added. “… you will not be wearing weaves and heels and fooling people up in here.”

In a follow-up response to the criticism, the pastor explained that the young man has been a church member for several months and had expressed a desire to embrace his manhood. He said the church had also been working privately with him and warned him several times that he couldn’t “dress like a female” during worship, the report states. 

“He was not put out the church because he was gay. First of all I don’t bash nothing. I don’t separate sin. Sin is sin. There is no need to bash one or the other if you’re preaching the word,” Rocquemore said.

“… When you join my church, all the rules and regulations is told to you then. If you ever slip up [on the rules] we would still take you privately and go over them again. This particular situation, this young man was told several times in private. I went to him personally myself,” the pastor said.

On that Sunday night, when he challenged the pastor during service, Rocquemore said he had no choice but to rebuke him publicly.

“He challenged me publicly and I challenged him back publicly. I asked the young man to leave. There was no security taking him out … sir can you please change clothes,” he said.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/pastor-under-fire-for-kicking-cross-dressing-male-member-out-of-church-service-watch/

*Chance The Rapper has partnered as a producer with Haight Films’ Pat Corcoran and Tradecraft’s Scott Bernstein, for an original movie musical that MGM will develop and finance.

“Hope” follows a group of Chicago teenagers that band together to turn art into action within their community. Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Nico Segal (formerly known as Donnie Trumpet) will oversee the creation of the film’s original music.

Corcoran said, “From day one, our mission at Haight Films’ has been to apply Haight Brand’s artist-first and Chicago-proud ideology to the film space. We are incredibly excited to be working alongside Chance, MGM and Scott Bernstein to bring this vision to life.”

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Documentary on Why Pregnancy is Killing Black Women

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/chance-the-rapper-developing-hope-musical-with-mgm/

*R Kelly is apparently looking to cash in on his sexual misconduct allegations with a new 19-minute song that addresses the accusations made against him by multiple young women.

Taking to Instagram Live Sunday night, the crooner teased “I Admit It,” a trap-flavored, auto-tuned response in which he sings, “I done made some mistakes,” but goes on to deny allegations of sexual misconduct. “How they gon’ say I don’t respect these women, when all I’ve done is represent (30 years)/ Take my career and turn it upside down, ’cause you mad I’ve got some girlfriends (girlfriends),” he sings.

Kelly admits to being with “older and younger [ladies]” and also references the ongoing #MuteRKelly campaign.

“I admit I f**k with all the ladies, that’s both older and young ladies (ladies, yeah)/ But tell me how they call it pedophile because that s**t is crazy (crazy)/ You may have your opinions, entitled to your opinions (opinions)/ But really am I supposed to go to jail or lose my career because of your opinion/ Yeah, go ahead and stone me, point your finger at me (stone me, yeah, yeah)/ Turn the world against me, but only god can mute me (against me, mute me)”

He gets specific about allegations charged by the parents of Jocelyn Savage, who say Kelly began dating their 19-year-old daughter in 2016 and proceeded to cut off her communication with them. The parents accuse Kelly of brainwashing, grooming, and imprisoning their daughter and multiple other women at his homes in both Chicago and Georgia. For her part, Savage said she was “totally fine [and] happy where I’m at.”

“Said I’m abusing these women, what the f**k that’s some absurd s**t (what?)/ They’re brainwashed, really? (really)/ Kidnapped, really? (really)/ Can’t eat, really? (really)/ Real talk, that s**t sound silly (yeah)/ And if you really, really wanna know (know)/ Her father dropped her off at my show (show)/ And told this boy to put her on stage (yeah)/ I admit that she was over age (age)/ I admit that I was feelin’ her and I admit that she was feelin’ me (she was feelin’ me)/ I admit that that’s the s**t that comes with/ being a celebrity (celebrity)/ I ain’t chasing these ladies, no (no, no)/ These ladies are chasing me, yeah (chasing me)

“Now I’m only saying all this s**t, ’cause how they tryna play me, yeah (yeah, oh)/ I admit that this is no disrespect to the parents (no disrespect)/ But this is my advice to you ’cause I’m also a parent (parent)/ Don’t push your daughter in my face, and tell me that it’s okay (my face, okay)/ ‘Cause your agenda is to get paid, and get mad when it don’t go your way (yeah, go way)

Kelly continues: “What’s the definition of a cult?/ Whats the definition of a sex slave?/ Go to the dictionary, look it up/ Let me know I’ll be here waiting/ Now I admit that I got some girls that love me to pull they hair (they hair)/ Now I admit that they love me to talk dirty when I pull they hair (they hair)/ Some like me to spank ’em/ Some like to get branded/ And what some of these girls want, is too much for the radio station/ Look I’m just a man y’all (man y’all)/ Not a monster or beast (no, no)/ But I admit there are times when these girls so fine, they’ll chill with a n**ga for a week (oh, for a week).”

At another point in the song, Kelly acknowledges that he himself was the victim of sexual abuse at the age of 14, singing: “Now, I admit a family member touched me (touched me, touched me, touched me)/ From a child to the age 14, yeah/ While I laid asleep, took my virginity (sleep, gini’)”

Kelly also directly addresses Jim DeRogatis, the Chicago-based music journalist who has reported on Kelly’s alleged misconduct over the last two decades:

“To Jim DeRogatis, whatever your name is (whatever your name is)/ You been tryna destroy me for 25 whole years (25 whole years, yeah)/ Writin’ the same stories over and over against (stories, stories, yeah)/ Off my name, you done went and made yourself a career (a whole career)/ But guess what? I pray for you and family, and all my other enemies (prayed for you, enemies)/ I’m not gonna let y’all steal my joy, I’m just gon’ keep on doing me (my joy, doing me).”

Listen to Kelly’s song below, followed by a transcript of the lyrics:

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/r-kelly-addresses-sexual-misconduct-allegations-on-new-19-minute

*Modern-day political voice, cultural and legal expert, Dr. Christopher Metzler looks to inform and educate people on the actual effects and uses for the cannabis plant in a talk hosted at WeWorks’ shared workspaces located inside the MOCA Pacific Design Center.  

The cannabis plant has moved from useful tool to life-destroying menace, to health aid and now has become a cash crop as many around the nation look to cash in on the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis.  Dr. Metzler has positioned himself and his practice as an expert on the subject.

Dr. Metzler obtained a Ph.D. in International Legal Philosophy from The University of Aberdeen.  A deep thinker, Dr. Metzler is the self-proclaimed ‘Catalyst in Chief’  who promotes to “Make America Nice Again” as a slogan.

This slogan adequately combines the two major philosophies behind Dr. Metzler’s movement: national politics and cannabis.  

For those not understanding cannabis culture in the United States, “Nice Cream” was the weed dealing ice cream truck from early Cheech and Chong Movies, and ‘Make America Great Again is President Trump’s campaign slogan.  The blending of the two really helps illustrate how cannabis has risen to become a national issue.

The event was hosted by Black Hollywood LIVE Executive Producer and Reelz Channel Television Host Derrial Christon who peppered Dr. Metzler with questions pertaining to the laws surrounding running a cannabis business including labeling, regulations and the limitations of the existing laws.  Following the interview, Dr. Metzler too questions from the audience.

Whose decision was it to make the cannabis plant illegal?  Who are the brave souls that fought to bring it to everyone?  Do you know if you live in one of the 30 states that have legalized some form of cannabis use?  Are you in one of the 8 states that have legalized its recreational use?

If you live in a state bordering California, just drive on down to the store with the green plus sign.  Inside you will find the answers you seek in the form of cookies, oils, and a multitude of leafy green plants, all with funny names. But what is next? How do you tell one product from another and how do you know what effects these products will have on you?

With products ranging from what looks like handmade brownies, candy packages that resemble common store-bought candies and going into prescription bottles topped with eye dropper applicators, and even air filtering systems, the cannabis dispensary is often confusing for the first time users.  So many new to the cannabis scene return with horror stories from over-consuming some cannabis products. In most claims, the vague language used in the labeling was a factor in their experience.

An example would be a consumer who buys a cookie to go to the zoo with her family on vacation.  The label says 1/25th of the cookie is a serving, but we all know how to eat a big delicious cookie with chocolate frosting on it!  Soon, her family is asking what is wrong with her, and she doesn’t seem to know.

One such person has taken up the cause of righting the problems with the legalization of cannabis.  Dr. Metzler has dedicated himself to bringing cannabis to the consumer just like lettuce or an apple inside your local grocery store.  Riding the hills of Cannabis legalization in over 30 states including California, Nevada, and Oregon, Dr. Metzler’s efforts are met with skepticism in the urban markets as these areas have seen many would be cannabis entrepreneurs barred from being granted a license while simultaneously the companies that have sprouted up in every neighborhood have gone virtually unchecked warranting new restrictions that further limit the amount of cannabis plant given free as well as the content, intensity and long-term effects of the THC infused food products known as edibles.  

What’s worse, the people who went to jail for selling weed to make money to feed their families, now are barred from selling it, now that it is legal.  Should they be granted leniency? Does not the legalization of an activity means that the former laws against it were wrong? Although this topic was not addressed in the talk, an upcoming bill was.

“The bill essentially will treat cannabis as an agricultural product,” claims Dr. Metzler.  “So cannabis will be the same as lettuce from the standpoint of federal law. Therefore, the Justice Department will have no jurisdiction to come in with any kind of regulation.”  

The talk also revolved around the laws governing how to grow cannabis.

“What is the part that people are missing?” asks Dr. Metzler. “The science says don’t treat it with pesticides.  When you start doing that, then that completely reverts back to where we are. So that is a critical component that folks have got to understand and look at that from now, rather than later.”  

“Your finding that many companies are buying up, through cryptocurrency, a number of dispensaries,” said Dr. Metzler.  “As much as Big Pharma is buying up all of this Cannabis stuff, what they are not telling you, is in fact through shell companies Big Pharma is actually in the same game.  They understand that it’s going to happen.”

“There’s an oversaturation of dispensaries and what you are going to see is regulation.  The regulation is going to be around quality control. And that’s the issue, quality control.  Allot of people who are doing it, are not doing it as they should.”

Regulation is inevitable, according to Dr. Metzer.  It basically boils down to this. A product bought at Company A should be equivalent to a product bought at Company B.  The label should say, in clear language, what the consumer is getting and what the expected effects will be. Currently, there is a lot of guesswork involved in comparing two or more products.  

The problem with edibles and regulation is that the labeling system is meaningless to the average consumer and just plainly ignored like white noise by the first time user.  I mean, what’s the difference between 10 grams and 250 grams inside an edible cookie? After all, everyone knows how to eat a cookie! And that translation of “How will this affect me?” into “I can’t do over “this” much,” is what inherently makes cannabis edibles and other food-imitating products dangerous.  Currently, companies are required to list the amount of THC in their product.  This information is meaningless if you don’t know your own personal tolerance levels. More research is necessary to get to the bottom of this issue.

Theoretically, improving the labeling system, and the number of overdoses will lower.  Now try organizing the many businessmen scampering to open up a cannabis business of some type, and organize a rating system that works.

Before a truly effective law can be placed on the ballot, an understanding of the effects of THC and TCB, a few of the active ingredients in cannabis, need to be obtained.  Could a simple swab of cheek cells and saliva be the next step to gaining this understanding?

The MelixGX Company is a DNA testing facility that claims that inside your DNA is the description of your high, and all they need are four samples to tell.  That inside your DNA are the signs that will tell their genetic engineers what types and amounts of cannabis would be effective on you to solve many problems including stress, anxiety, pain management and sleep disorders.

Some gathered questioned the true intentions of the company as DNA stands as the next frontier of science.  After all, your DNA can tell so much about a person and should be protected like your identity or your fingerprints.  The extrapolated thought is that if they can tell what kind of chemicals can affect me, why can’t they find out other things about me?  Could this information be used for nefarious purposes? Are they being compiled and sold later like our phone numbers are sold to creditors, scam artist and worse?

Stu Campbell, a representative of MelixGX, insists that only 35 of the millions of DNA markers are examined during their analysis, and the four separate Q-tips used are just in case one or more of the samples gets contaminated.  The rest of the information, including reject, unused or contaminated samples are destroyed.

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/wework-hosts-chat-with-cannabis-expert-dr-metzler-exclusive-story

*The Sports & Music Reunion presented by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, will take place on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the award-winning hotel The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. This exclusive event is invitation only; red carpet arrivals begin at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.

Hosted by Chris Spencer and Sports & Music Weekend creator Andre Farr, the Sports & Music Reunion marks the return of a classic—the Sports & Music Weekend—with a new bi-annual, multi-year series of special events that will bring together VIP athletes, entertainers and business leaders to party with a purpose.

Reuniting past Sports & Music Weekends hosts and celebrity attendees, The Sports & Music Reunion presented by Carnival Corp. will issue the prestigious Best By Farr awards to three prominent American business leaders:

·Arnold Donald, president & CEO of Carnival Corp., who will receive the CEO of the Year Award;

• Quintin Primo III, chairman & CEO of Capri Investment Group, a global real estate investment manager and investor in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles, who will receive the Entrepreneur of the Year Award;
• Terry Crews, actor, artist, athlete and activist, who will receive the Leadership and Valor Award; and
• Danielle Frost, founder & CEO, A Frostchild Production, who will receive the Sports Event Producer of the Year

Andre Farr International is pleased to partner with IntraLink Global, a strategic marketing firm, and Carnival Corp., consistently recognized for its strong commitment to its customers, diversity and

community. “I am thrilled to produce the Sports & Music Reunion 2018, and honored to have such a tremendous corporate partner as Carnival Corp. Nobody blends all the aspects of these business verticals—sports, entertainment, travel and leisure—into a total lifestyle, or does it better than we do,” said Farr, CEO of Andre Farr International.

The Sports & Music Reunion will launch a multi-year series of exciting special events, including a soon to be announced annual Sports & Music Cruise with one of Carnival Corp.’s iconic cruise line brands. The company’s nine global cruise line brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. “Together with Carnival Corp. and our other important partners, we look forward to impacting lives, having fun and making this event bigger and better each year for many years to come,” said Farr.

“Carnival Corporation is honored to serve as presenting sponsor for the 2018 Sports & Music Reunion,” said Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corp.’s chief communications officer. “Congratulations to our CEO, Arnold Donald, and all the 2018 Best By Farr award winners on their much-deserved recognition and tremendous record of success. As the world’s leading cruise company, we are committed to providing extraordinary vacation experiences and consistently exceeding the expectations of over 12 million annual guests – all of which is made possible by our 120,000 passionate employees who are dedicated to building upon our legacy as a responsible corporate citizen. We are proud to support Andre Farr and his team on their important work and vision in launching The 2018 Sports & Music Reunion.”

About The Sports & Music Weekend

The Sport & Music Weekend (S&MW) is a proprietary event specifically designed to enhance, advance and educate our audience through programming that is entertaining yet also enlightening. Attended by athletes, entertainers and executive leaders, the weekend is exclusively sponsored by select corporations that embrace a high level of social responsibility and excellence in the marketplace. Content focuses on the principles of responsibility, accountability and execution, and inspires sports and entertainment industry influencers to maximize their platform and fully utilize their rights as citizens.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world’s leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio

features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, as well as Fathom, the corporation’s immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, the corporation’s cruise lines operate 103 ships with 234,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2023. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing OceanMedallion™, a high-tech wearable device that enables the world’s first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/chris-spencer-and-andre-farr-host-sports-music-reunion-presented-

*LOS ANGELES –  J. Cole has announced actor, rapper, singer and songwriter Jaden Smith will join his highly anticipated North American KOD Tour as support, as well as Dreamville artist Earthgang and rapper Kill Edward. The new acts join previously announced special guest Young Thug for one of the can’t miss tours of the year, kicking off August 9 in Miami, FL.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour will also make stops in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and more, before wrapping in Boston, MA on October 10. See below for full itinerary.

Tickets for the KOD tour are on sale now to the general public at www.dreamville.com and LiveNation.com.

Released via Dreamville with distribution through Roc Nation/Interscope Records, KOD arrived on April 20 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, marking J. Cole’s fifth consecutive #1 on the chart. Along with scoring the biggest streaming week for an album so far in 2018, KOD has earned the third-biggest streaming week for an album in all of chart history.

Cole KOD Tour Dates:

Aug 9 – Miami, FL – AmericanAirlines Arena

Aug 11 – Tampa, FL – Amelia Arena+

Aug 12 – Atlanta, GA – Infinite Energy Center

Aug 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

Aug 15 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Aug 17 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center

Aug 18  – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Aug 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Arena

Aug 22 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl SDSU

Aug 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center

Aug 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center+

Aug 29 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena*

Sep 2 – Boise, ID – Taco Bell Arena*

Sep 4 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Sep 5 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

Sep 7 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena

Sep 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena

Sep 10 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center

Sept 12 – Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena

Sep 13 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC

Sep 17 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Sep 18 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center

Sep 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center

Sep 21 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesar’s Arena

Sep 22 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena

Sep 23 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

Sep 25 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center*

Sep 26 – Hartford, CT – XL Center

Sep 28 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

Oct 1 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Oct 4 – Toronto – Air Canada Centre

Oct 5 – Montreal – Bell Centre*

Oct 6 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Oct 8 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Oct 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

*Jaden Smith not performing

+Earthgang not performing

The fifth studio album from J. Cole, KOD follows his critically acclaimed, platinum-selling 2016 album 4 Your Eyez Only. In the week ending April 26, KOD sold 397k equivalent album units, while its songs amassed 322 million audio streams. That makes J. Cole only the third artist in history to surpass 300 million audio streams in its debut week—an achievement that’s especially remarkable considering that KOD only contains 12 songs.

Retail: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/amazonmusicbuy

Apple: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/applemusic

Google: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/googleplay

ITunes: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/itunes

SoundCloud: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/soundcloud

Spotify: http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/spotify

Tidal:  http://smarturl.it/KODJCole/tidal

A North Carolina native, J. Cole was the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, which released his official debut Cole World: The Sideline Story in 2011. To date, he’s received five Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album (for 2014’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive). Arriving in December 2016, 4 Your Eyez Only debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and gained acclaim from outlets like the New York Times (who praised it as “spartan but sumptuous, emotionally acute but plain-spoken…one of the year’s most finely drawn [albums]”). 4 Your Eyez Only was J. Cole’s first release for Dreamville, the label he launched in 2007. Like all of J. Cole’s first four albums, it’s certified platinum.

Young Thug is a rapper and fashion icon who defies borders. He has close to 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and his projects are critically acclaimed (4 received scores of 8 or higher on Pitchfork). Thug recently released his mixtape Super Slimy with Future and scored his first Billboard No. 1 on Camila Cabello’s ‘Havana’.

For more about J. Cole:

https://soundcloud.com/j-cole

https://twitter.com/JColeNC

https://www.facebook.com/JColeMusic/

https://www.instagram.com/realcoleworld

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/j-cole-announces-jaden-smith-earthgang-and-kill-edward-as-special

*(ATLANTA, GA) — Double Grammy® and Double Oscar® Award-Winning Balladeer, Peabo Bryson, is killing the game! Just a few months after announcing the upcoming release of his 21st studio album, Stand For Love, his first single, “Love Like Yours and Mine,” has taken position in the #3 spot on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart … and he’s just getting started!

Now, the music legend has released an exclusive video for his next hit single, “All She Wants To Do Is Me” – an uptempo dance groove that has already premiered on an episode of Showtime’s hit series, The Chi, and is sure to be a steppers anthem for generations to come!

“It was placed in a scene for a block party,” confirms Bryson regarding the song’s feature on The Chi. “That’s unusual for a Peabo Bryson record, or should I say ‘new and exciting’ for Peabo Bryson, and it’s one of those songs for all you steppers out there.”

He continues, “It’s a song called ‘All She Wants To Do Is Me,’ and if you’re fortunate to have this kind of relationship, where all you want to do is each other… is the bomb-ziggity!”

Stand for Love is Peabo’s 21st studio album. Set to release on Friday, August 3, it is already being considered a 9-track masterpiece, not only because of his legendary voice, but also because of his collaboration with the world-renowned, super-producer duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis!

“All of the right elements fell into place for this project,” says Bryson. “I challenged Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to make me current…while maintaining the integrity of what I have built as an important body of work. I have to say, it is nothing less than amazing!”

With a musical career that includes two GRAMMYs®, two Oscars®, multiple gold albums, multiple #1 songs and chart-topping singles in R&B, Pop and Contemporary Jazz, Bryson’s return is a breath of fresh air to both seasoned fans and those of younger generations.

“Peabo is just one of the greatest voices of our time,” mentions Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in a joint statement. “He exudes a class and sophistication that’s so needed in music today. I know R&B needs Peabo Bryson especially now. And his fans both old and new will fall in love with Stand For Love.”

Fans can pre-order Stand For Love through various music service providers including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, WalMart today! Click here for details: https://PeaboBryson.lnk.to/StandForLove.

For a full list of tour dates and music updates, visit www.TheRealPeaboBryson.com.

UPCOMING 2018 TOUR DATES

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/peabo-bryson-drops-exclusive-video-of-new-single-all-she-wants-to