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*Hi everybody! My name is Caleb William Cox and I recently had the honor of meeting my favorite actor Benedict Cumberbatch in New York City. I interviewed Mr. Cumberbatch and his co-star, Cameron Seely who plays Cindy Lou Who in the new movie “The Grinch,” which opens in theaters today, Friday, Nov. 9.

Before the interview with the pair, I had an opportunity to see the animated film and here are my impressions. First unlike the last live action version, this one is animated. In my opinion, this film version takes you back to the original grinch story. It gives you a bit of childhood nostalgia.

Next, the movie, though a tale of a grump who is out to steal the joy of Christmas, puts you in the holiday spirit. It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside that puts you right back into the imagery of your parents’ story telling spell of this American household treasure.

RENDING: TRUMP CALLS APRIL RYAN A ‘LOSER’; MIGHT REVOKE HER & OTHERS’ PRESS PASSES

I think Benedict Cumberbatch played the perfect role as The Grinch.  The first thing that I noticed about his version of The Grinch character was how Mr. Cumberbatch voiced the character. In my observation of his voice in general, it is usually very deep. But his voice in the movie had a much higher pitched tone and took on various vocal ranges. It was amazing that he was able to texture and transform his voice like that. Mr. Cumberbatch explains how the voice was created, why he decided to take on this role and how he prepared for the film.

Caleb: When did you decide to take on the role as the grinch?

Benedict: I was very fancied when they asked me. This is an all-American icon, and I was kind of surprised, I thought what have you heard in private? Have you heard stories about me being grinchy? And we really just like your voice and this is what I think the grinch sounds like, oh we want you to do it in your own accent, and then I was like what? I don’t get it and then I realized ok maybe I’ve played a few socially awkward, slightly angry outsiders who can be a bit rude to people like sherlock maybe people like that but, this guy is very American so we discussed that for a bit,  came up with a voice and its really good fun doing animation its weird and unlike anything else, that’s one of the reasons I love it because your not in front of a camera, you don’t have to worry continuity and its very free and playful.

Caleb: How did you prepare for this role?

Benedict: I prepared for this role mainly by reading the book. And, I just loved the original story so I looked at the drawings and listened to the rhythm of the words and what he said and that’s how the voice started to come about but it was very angry and growly and animally because he’s quite demonic in the book ,very pointy and red eyed and after a while he’s gonna a: scare children or b: get a bit more boring if he gets stuck on this angry drip so then it was about remembering that he really enjoys being the grinch, he likes doing what he does as the grinch and, so yeah once the director gave me that note, we were away and we had a lot of fun.

My next interview was with Cameron Seely, who you may know as the character Helen, the role of PT Barnum’s daughter from the move the movie, “The Greatest Showman.” Cameron plays the adorable Cindy Lou Who. We know this character from the original, as the girl who sees Santa, The Grinch, stealing the family Christmas tree and asking why? Cameron’s character in this film is older, with a mission to help her over worked mom get a much-needed break from her hectic life.

Producer Chris Meledandri explains. “In this version, she is a little older, and she’s on a mission to trap Santa to asks him to help her over-worked, over-tired mother. We wanted to find a character who was the antithesis of the Grinch. Someone who was incredibly helpful and embodied the optimism that childhood allows us to have.”

I was really nervous and excited to meet the actor who plays Cindy Lou Who. I think that Cameron Seely played a great role and her voice was very fitting for her character. Here is what Cameron had to say about her experience.

Caleb: What did you enjoy most about doing this film and playing this role?

Cameron: I really enjoyed how much more Cindy Lou has become from the Dr Seuss original Because, the Dr Seuss original is amazing but, I feel like Cindy Lou has a bigger part now and it was a lot of fun because. I didn’t just say Mr. Grinch why are you stealing Christmas? I actually got to do more and it was a lot of fun.

Watch Caleb interview Benedict and Cameron, the stars of “The Grinch”:

I had fun watching this movie because it really showed the comedic side of the Grinch. After watching the two previous movies, which were more serious and focused on the main objective, which was the meanness of the Grinch. This version, gave us the grinchy feel in a more sympathetic Grinch character.

As far as my other impressions of the movie, Kenan Thompson did really well playing the new character Bricklebaum, the Grinch’s neighbor, who is always in a positive mood, with a great love for Christmas. The directors really did a great job of telling the animated story without losing the essence of “The Grinch Who Stole Christams,” the book it’s based on. The movie also brought back good old memories of home, and the warm and fuzzy feelings of the holiday season. Go see “The Grinch!”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/meet-eurweb-jr-reporter-caleb-cox-who-interviewed-the-stars-of-the-grinch/

*“Overlord” and “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” are action packed movies in theaters today. However, action is just about all “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” has going for it. In “Overlord,” the action is accompanied by a captivating storyline. The first half of “Overlord” draws one into the narrative before there is any semblance of a man-made monster. Although the monster mash gets silly, I would not put it pass the Nazis to have tried to create super soldiers in a lab in order to rule the world.

Kudos to J.J. Abrams’ “Overlord” for having black men as heroes in a war drama at a time that history shows the U.S. military was segregated. The gratuitous blood, guts and gore is par for the course in an era of many desensitized moviegoers.

In “Overlord,” it is the eve of D-Day. American paratroopers are dropped behind enemy lines to carry out a mission crucial to the invasion’s success. But as they approach their target, they begin to realize there is more going on in this Nazi-occupied village than a simple military operation. There, they find themselves fighting against supernatural forces that is part of a Nazi experiment.

Directed by Julius Avery, the film stars Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Pilou Asbæk, Mathilde Ollivier, John Magaro, Bokeem Woodbine, and Iain de Caestecker.

‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web‘

“The Girl in the Spider’s Web” comes to the big screen seven years after the compelling “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.” In “…The Spider’s Web,” the book and series’ main character, computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Claire Foy), is called upon to steal a program that has the ability to access codes for nuclear weapons across the globe. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences would be apocalyptic.

Script is important for a captivating story, as well as casting. All the explosions, fires, kidnappings, family drama, hijinks, and special effects may save a faulty storyline. Although Claire Foy is a fine actress, it appears she was hired—based on her looks—as the cold, brooding Lisbeth. Rooney Mara, on the other hand, who portrayed Lisabeth in “…Dragon Tatoo” became the character. Audiences became invested in Mara developing into her complex role, and in some respects, bonded with her. “…Spider’s Web” did not lend itself to the same kind of emotional attachment.

Directed by Fede Alvarez, the film also stars Lakeith Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Sverrir Gudnason, and Claes Bang.

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

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/weekend-watch-overload-and-girl-in-the-spiders-web-are-action-packed/

*On Friday, Nov. 9, the ladies of The Real discussed the best way to tell someone they’re no longer invited to your home, and co-host Adrienne Houghton relates how she handled this situation. Also, is crash-dieting the best way to handle all that holiday food coming your way?

And Orlando Week comes to an end with a very special Hotline Bling winner!

Later, Chad Johnson and Michelle Williams stop by to talk about their new reality show, Chad Loves Michelle. The couple discusses Michelle’s struggle with depression and the toll it took on their relationship, as well as their decision not to have sex before they get married.

Michelle Williams and Chad Johnson Talk No Sex Before Marriage

Jeannie Mai: And another thing you guys have been open about leading up to the marriage is waiting to have sex before marriage.

Michelle Williams: Mmhm. Yes.

Jeannie: So, how’s it going? Let us know that.

Chad Johnson: Here comes the questions.

Michelle: We still waiting.

Jeannie: Ok, still waiting. Yes.  I mean keep it real, girl. But, why? Why that decision?

Michelle: Go ahead.

Chad: Well, I mean. Obviously… she passes it off to me. Obviously we are both committed to our faith.  So, that plays the first and foremost part of our, you know.

Tamera Mowry-Housley: Amen.

Chad: But, also, I wanted to make sure Michelle felt that she didn’t have to give me anything physically in order for me to, you know, for her to win my affection, my total affection and attention and connect spiritually, you know, mentally, intellectually.

Loni Love: So, there ain’t been no, no, no, nothing?

Tamera: Oh my gosh, Loni!

Michelle: The struggle is so real. And when we first started dating and Chad said ‘sex is not an option’, and it took the pressure off of me so that I don’t feel like I had to have sex with him to keep him.

Tamera: That’s nice.

Jeannie: Wait. Chad said it first?

Michelle: Yes.  He said ‘it’s not an option’.  I said ‘well, come on, Jesus,’ and look what I got. (shows ring)

(The Real audience & hosts applaud)

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: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/chad-johnson-michelle-williams-talk-sexless-relationship-on-the-real-watch/

*So, why is 41-year-old Kanye West hanging with 22-year-old super trouble magnet Tekashi69? That’s basically what seminal hip hop head Chuck D wants to know. Only he asked why is the kid hanging with the old guy.

The Public Enemy head man was at LAX on Friday and was asked his thoughts on the drive-by shooting on the set of Tekashi’s music vid with Ye … and in a twist Chuck straight up tells 6ix9ine to choose better friends, because, apparently, West ain’t helping.

In the TMZ clip above, Chuck D says Kanye should bow out if he can’t impart some wisdom on the younger Tekashi69. Oh yeah, there’s this: Chuck, like us, is at a loss as to why the two were even collabing in the first place.

FUN FACT: JANET JACKSON WROTE ‘WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY’ ABOUT HER FAMOUS EX

Meanwhile, as far as the drive-by shooting at the video shoot for Tekashi69, Kanye West and N icki Minaj, the above surveillance video, obtained by TMZ, captures in graphic detail the shooting itself.

The vid shows 2 cars pull up to the Beverly Hills home Thursday night at around 10:30pm. Two men get out — it appears one from each car — and both are wearing hoodies.

They look for a few seconds for their target and then fire a barrage of shots over the wall. Both appear to be men … you hear male voices. One appears to say “We got 30 seconds,” and the other responds “Ok,” just before they begin firing.

They scramble back inside their respective cars. One car — a light-colored sedan — speeds off. It looks like the second car backs up and presumably makes a U-turn.

What’s especially ominous … the gunmen try to get onto the property through a gate, but it appears to be locked so they fire over the wall from the outside perimeter.

TMZ reports that least one bullet went through a window in the home and one landed in what was supposed to be Nicki Minaj’s dressing room. She hadn’t arrived at the time of the shooting.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/chuck-d-wonders-why-kanye-west-is-hangin-with-violence-prone-rapper-tekashi69-watch/

*Uh oh! The orange a-hole in the White House is gonna be super pissed off when he hears what’s happening in Florida regarding the election that he declared had been won by Republicans.

The news is that Florida has decided to move forward on a recount of its tight races for governor, senator and agriculture commissioner. On top of that, Arizona and Georgia are also considering recounts for their extremely tight gubernatorial and senate races.

As you can imagine, the outcomes have significant meanings attached to them. They will decide whether the Republicans have a comfortable edge in the Senate, or a narrow majority. It also means that Democrat governors in the affected states would also have an outsize influence on the presidential race in 2020. The Florida and Georgia elections in particular drew heavy celebrity interest and fundraising.

Here’s more via Deadline:
The Florida secretary of state announced the recount today. The unofficial results have Republican Gov. Rick Scott leading incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson by more than 12,500 votes, or about .15%.

In Florida’s governor race, Republican former Rep. Ron DeSantis is ahead of Democrat Andrew Gillum by nearly 34,000 votes, for a lead of .41%. The agriculture commissioner – a key post in the state – saw Nikki Fried’s advantage stands at 5,326 votes over Republican Matt Caldwell.

The recounts will be done by machine and must be completed by 3 PM on Thursday. If the races are still within .25%, then a hand recount will take place.

The Senate race and the contest for agriculture commissioner both currently both fall within .25%.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/florida-will-recount-election-races-for-governor-and-senator/

BHL presents Tha Trend! – Join Courtney Stewart and Derrial Christon as they recall the top stories of the week on This Week for November 8th, 2018.

Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart talk the results from midtemrs, why Beyonce is getting blamed for a loss, LL Cool J and Ice Cube’s new venture and celebratng Missy Elliott

Follow Raheem Devaughn on instagram: @Raheem_Devaugh

Tha Trend features the hottest trending news of the week in social media that the culture is talking about.  The show mixes informative conversations, humor,  with a little bit of shade. From entertainment, music, politics to sports, Tha Trend has weekly discussions with Tv Host / Black Hollywood Live EP Derrial Christon & Actress Courtney Stewart.   Each week the show will also bring in opinionated celebrity guests & influencers to add to the trending topics discussed.  Join us on Tha Trend each week on Black Hollywood Live.

Make sure to subscribe to BHL! – http://youtube.com/blackhollywoodlive

HELPFUL LINKS: Website – http://blackhollywoodlive.com

Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/bhlonline

Merch – http://shop.spreadshirt.com/BlackHoll…

ABOUT BLACK HOLLYWOOD LIVE: Black Hollywood Live is the world’s first online broadcast news network with programming and content dedicated to African American entertainment news. The network features long form, in-depth celebrity interviews, smart commentary and discussion as well as news and inside information. The network was created by producer Keven Undergaro.

Black Hollywood Live had guests from shows/films like 12 Years A Slave, The Butler, America’s Got Talent, The Game, Chicago Fire, Believe, Hannibal, Suits, Parks and Recreation, Dallas Buyers Club, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The Best Man Holiday, The View, Shameless, Basketball Wives, Being Mary Jane, Scandal, Single Ladies and many more. Notable guests on the network include: host Wayne Brady, The View’s Sherri Shepherd, Late Night’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyer and others.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/democrats-win-big-at-midterms-beyhive-turns-on-beyonce-bhl-tha-trend-watch/

*With the release of the almost 50-year-old documentary of Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” album recorded in Los Angeles at gospel giant James Cleveland’s church (click here), here’s a book review I wrote four years ago, “The Life of Aretha Franklin” by David Ritz. I highly recommend the book for all Aretha fans. It’s very insightful!

Here’s the review:

[Sometimes when I write a book review, I’ll take the shortcut and scan through it to compile just enough to whet the reader’s appetite to buy the book. But most times I’ll read through the whole thing before putting pen to paper. This was one of those times. The new book ‘The Life of Aretha Franklin: Respect’ by author David Ritz is a triumph! It’s a 482-page story sliced up into 39 chapters which makes it an easy read – pick it up…put it down…until you absorb the life and times of a great global icon; a great woman – Aretha Franklin!

For years, Ritz had been collecting quotes from those closest to Aretha – her siblings Cecil, Erma, Carolyn and Vaughn; and her longtime booking agent Ruth Bowen. Then there was daddy – Reverend C.L. Franklin who had the biggest influence over her life. The book also has some real interesting quotes from the bosses at Columbia, Atlantic, and Arista Records, as well as peers like Etta James, Ray Charles, Billy Preston, and Carmen McRae. There’s an impressive list of all the industry people she’s worked with over the years.

For instance, in the book, celebrated songwriter Burt Bacharach recalls a phone conversation he had with Aretha regarding a song he’d written. He said, “On ‘Falling Out Of Love’…I played the arrangement for her over the phone. I wrote it in G. ‘It’s too low, Burt,’ she said. ‘I think it’s right in your ballpark, Aretha.’ ‘Well please try it a minor third higher.’ ‘I’m afraid that’ll be too high,’ I gently pushed back. With that she took the phone over to the piano and started playing it a minor third higher. She was absolutely right. It sounded better.”

Another highlight was in February 1998 at the Grammys. Aretha was asked to stand in for the ailing opera star Pavarotti who bowed out at the last minute. She had sung ‘Nessun Dorma’ before with a different music arrangement. She had just 20 minutes to go over it before going on stage; although it was an unfamiliar arrangement, and in an uncomfortable key, Aretha consented.  Atlantic boss Jerry Wexler said, “She wasn’t afraid of the aria. She owned it, claimed it, and made it her own. After she hit that last note, the crowd jumped to its feet and started hooting and hollering, celebrating what was undeniable – she had pulled it off!”

In reading this book, you’ll be amazed at the genius of Aretha not just as a singer, but as a producer – a title that she’s never really gotten credit for. By the way, she was a ‘first-name’ artist before Madonna) …give credit where it’s due. When people said ‘Aretha’ you knew who they were talking about.

She got my attention when I first heard Aretha sing ‘It Won’t Be Long,’ and then all the songs she had recorded from then on. As a youngster, I could hear the sexiness in her voice – the breathiness; the timing; the confidence – that was so different! Yes, I was very much aware of Dinah Washington’s up-tempo duet with Brook Benton ‘Rockin’ Good Way’ and Mary Wells’ ‘Bye Bye Baby’ which were also breaking new ground. But Aretha singing, ‘I ain’t had no lovin’, since a-who knows when…he’s a lonesome rooster, and I’m a lonesome hen’ – that song really stuck with me the way she sang it. I’m disappointed that the single ‘Master Of The Eyes’ from her Quincy Jones-produced album ‘Hey Now’ was not mentioned in the book. It’s one of my favorites.

Concerning the disconcerting comments Aretha has made about the book, I’ll offer (what I truly feel to be) from a firsthand account that she will not/could not tell her own story. Ritz drew the ire of the diva by going deeper into her personal life – a depth that he says was absent in her first book ‘From These Roots.’ After watching Aretha’s interview with Ed Bradley on a 60 Minutes segment, Bowen surmised, “There was no introspection whatsoever. So, when I learned she was planning to write her autobiography, I was surprised. I couldn’t imagine her making any emotional disclosures.”

It’s a good and balanced story Ms. Franklin – please accept the fact that someone was careful enough to really try and get your story right.

I highly recommend this book. It chronicles a great American icon, and gives a glimpse of a lot of behind-the-scenes information about Detroit, the Civil Rights Movement, and the important role gospel and soul music played in what’s called the ‘turbulent ‘60’s.

Oh! I like her new CD too – Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics! Both the book and CD would make great stocking-stuffers for Christmas!!]

Larry Buford is a Los Angeles based freelance writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand,” and latest release “Book To The Future.” Contact (213) 220-8101 e-mail: lbuford8101@hotmail.com

Another story Buford wrote about Aretha:  https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/1967-aretha-franklin-went-up-john-mccain-went-down/

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/book-review-revisited-the-life-of-aretha-franklin-respect/

*Nathan Morris, founding member of the Grammy-award winning group Boyz II Men, is making the transition of a lifetime looking for his next big hit, but it’s not the type of hit you’d expect. The music icon is swapping his microphone for blueprints as he applies his innovative, high-end flavor to the house flipping market.

The new DIY Network four-part series Hit Properties with Nathan Morris premieres Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT and follows Nathan’s odyssey as he transforms an 8,200-square foot, dated and neglected mansion in Orlando, Florida, into a magnificent modern estate.

In each episode, Nathan’s big vision, keen eye for design and refined finishes turn the home into a grand showplace. Filled with hilarious moments and an abundance of style, the series showcases Nathan and his team as they deliver a jaw-dropping home renovation and an even better source of entertainment.

READ THIS: ’POWER’ CREATOR COURTNEY KEMP TALKS SEASON FINALE SHOOTING & HOW SERIES WILL END

“On the business side, I’ve invested in some lucrative real estate deals, and, on the personal side, I’ve done some construction, renovating and designing,” said Nathan. “But I’ve never brought the two together in one project. This was my chance to do that—on a massive scale!”

During the series, Nathan is a hands-on remodeler who upgrades the house with luxurious amenities including a gourmet kitchen, two master bedroom suites and a resort-style pool complete with fiber optic lighting to give the water a star-like effect. He also adds smart home upgrades, including remote-controlled toilets, Wi-Fi enabled lighting, and mirror TVs, to pump up the glamour and appeal to the sophisticated buyer. However, before Nathan and his team can finish the reno on this dream home, they must overcome a Category 2 hurricane, a costly plumbing leak and the consequences of new landscaping devoured by wildlife. Once the overhaul is complete, the home will be, in his own words, “Nate-a-cized,” and worthy of its multi-million-dollar price tag.

For exclusive photos and videos throughout the season, fans can visit DIYNetwork.com/HitProperties and interact on social media using #HitProperties.

ABOUT DIY NETWORK
Currently in more than 54 million U.S. households, DIY Network is the go-to destination for wall-breaking, roof-ripping, house-hauling, yard-crashing series. The network’s award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America’s top home and garden destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice and step-by-step instructions. Fans can interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. DIY Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/hit-properties-with-nathan-morris-is-newest-project-for-boyz-ii-men-singer/

Oh Lord, it’s about to get real, real interesting up in heah with this latest pronouncement from Will and Jada Smith’s boy, Jaden about him and Tyler, The Creator.

We have no idea if it’s true, but during this weekend’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium, Smith took time out from his performance to express his feelings for his good buddy.

“I just want to say, Tyler, The Creator is the best friend in the world and I love him so f**king much,” Smith said to cheers from the crowd.

As if that wasn’t mind-blowing enough, Jaden then took things even further, telling the crowd …

“Tyler doesn’t want to say, but Tyler’s my mother f**king boyfriend and he’s been my motherf**king boyfriend my whole f**king life. Tyler The Creator is my motherf**king boyfriend! It’s true!”

The camera then panned to Tyler, who was laughing and shaking his hand as if to say “no” but he clearly got a kick out of Jaden’s show of affection.

READ THIS: 2019 FREE AGENTS DON’T WANT TO BE SECOND STAR TO LEBRON JAMES

Smith certainly wants you to know how he feels about his relationship with Tyler, The Creator by reiterating …

“Tyler The Creator is my f**king boyfriend. If you take anything away from this f**king show, that’s what you take away!”

OK, with that being said, it’s anybody’s guess as to what he really meant with the comment. Does it mean what it says or is just BS? Talk about startin’ some shat!

In any event, no matter what his real intentions were, young Mr. Smith followed up later with a tweet, saying, “Yup @tylerthecreator I Told Everyone You Can’t Deny It Now.”

In Part 1 of our story on David and Tamela Mann, the EUR focused on their current tour called “Us Against the World” (purchase tickets here). However, the tour is not the only thing that encompasses their latest project – a book and CD round it out.

The Fort Worth, Texas natives are not coy about their marriage journey with this special project at all. They lay it all on the line in the name of family and helping others.

“The book was inspired by our 30-year journey (of being married),” David told Lee Bailey in a recent interview at Dulan’s, a popular soul food restaurant in Los Angeles. “We’ve been saying we were going to do the book for the last five years, since our 25th anniversary. But we just felt like this was the right time.”

David continued, “We just thought it would be good to share our journey and how we made it even in an industry that’s known for divorce. The divorce rate in the entertainment industry is well over the standard (rate in the nation). We just wanted to share how we did it. One of the ways is, she’s my priority and I’m her priority.”

Rearing their children also played a pivotal a part in the acting/singing couple’s marriage. The Tyler Perry favorites have a blended family of four kids and a niece they raised when Tamela’s sister died. Two of the children were fathered by David outside of the duo’s relationship.

Tamela was very supportive with the first child. However, when David’s second baby came along five years into the marriage, things took a turn for the worse.

“My career took off with Kirk Franklin and (the mother) came out of the woodwork that he had a daughter,” Tamela said. “I felt like I accepted one child. I can’t accept another child.”

It was this experience that earned the project it’s “Us Against the World” name.

Looking back at that challenging period, David recalled, “I felt like I was along. I felt like she was leaving me. She was like you got this baby mama to deal with and that baby mama to deal with, and she was like, ‘Where do I fit in? I’m going to get lost.’ I had to let her know, ‘That it’s me and you against all of this stuff. So, it’s you and me against the world.”

David’s commitment to Tamela, “Just gave me confidence that he would take care of me,” Tamela said. “I didn’t have to worry about being in the middle. It was us and then everybody else.”

TRENDING: JADEN SMITH TELLS THE WORLD THAT TYLER, THE CREATOR IS HIS BOYFRIEND! – WATCH

As for the “Us Against the World” CD, you can expect a release of inspirational songs with an R&B twist. Tamela, who has several hit gospel songs and who is the winner of several gospel music awards, admits that the project’s R&B spin took her for a loop.

“It was challenging for me because in gospel you sing a lot harder and with R&B you don’t have to sing as hard,” Tamela said. “And then the sounds are different. The words were coming together too fast. I was stepping into a whole different realm. I got more comfortable after listening to demos. It was easier to sing without the music after I got the structure of the songs down.”

With the vocals in check, Tamela and David put together a CD with themes that go beyond family life. They also tackle social themes such as weight discrimination.

“Growing up, I really didn’t have boyfriends,” Tamela lamented. “You had some people, who wanted to see you, but they only wanted to see you in the dark. I call it in the shadows. They didn’t want to bring me out to the skating rink or to the movies.”

Weight did not stop Tamela from catching her man. She met David in high school while singing in a local group and after about a year love bloomed.

“We were doing that secret lover stuff,” Tamela laughingly revealed. “We were the oldest and messing around and no one knew it. We weren’t sure because we were both talking to other people.”

Jumping in the conversation, David added, “We were really good friends and as time passed we got to know each other. You really grow.”

Well, many of the young men who treated Tamela badly, are kicking themselves now. Not only does she have the talented David by her side, but a singing and acting career that are both fire.

The “Us Against the World – Mann Family Tour” continues throughout the month of November in different cities across the nation. Purchase tickets here.

Meanwhile, you can pre-order both the album and book (coming out November 9 & 13 respectively).

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/david-and-tamela-mann-reveal-what-almost-broke-up-their-marriage-in-part-2-of-this-eur-exclusive/

*Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Sing!) and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx lead an all-star cast in the 2018 “Robin Hood.” You may think you know the tale of the Sherwood Forest people’s champ, but this updated reboot has several twists in store for you.

Robin of Loxley (Egerton) a war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander (Foxx) mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling action-adventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance.

EURweb correspondent Jill Munroe sat down with the two stars to discuss how they bonded over music and singing on set, how love is the ultimate motivator and if those stunt sequences were as hard as they looked on screen.

In the film, Robin’s love of Marian is just one of the factors that starts this mission, his bond with John over events experienced during war is another. Jamie shared his views on love and how brain chemistry is really what causes people to move different when they’re in love.

“I’m a passionate person. I love, love. And to be loved. We all get up in our daily lives. You see [in the movie] when he [Robin] is speaking of his girl, that fuels us all in a sense. That’s old fashion. To do it for someone for their admiration. That’s been throughout time.  Love will make you want to conquer the world… and love will make you lose the world too. Love is a tough thing. They when you are in love they check your brain waves and it’s a little crazy. So I guess that we all are.”

The film also stars Ben Mendelsohn, Eve Hewson, Jamie Dornan and Tim Minchin. It’s directed by Otto Bathurst and one of it’s producers is Leonardo DiCaprio. “Robin Hood” hits theaters on November 21.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/jamie-foxx-taron-egerton-talk-love-musical-ties-and-stunts-in-robin-hood-watch-eur-exclusive/

*On Monday, Nov. 12, The Real remembers the victims of last week’s Thousand Oaks shooting, including co-host Tamera Mowry-Housley’s niece, Alaina Housley. Co-host Loni Love recalls being with the Housleys that night, while co-host Jeannie Mai remembers hearing the terrible news about Alaina. And co-host Adrienne Houghton has messages to share from Tamera and husband Adam.

Guest co-hosting this week is White House Correspondent, Washington Bureau Chief of American Urban Radio Networks and CNN Political Analyst April Ryan. April responds to being called “nasty” recently by President Donald Trump, and discusses whether she feels the president has a problem with women of color

New York City week kicks off this week as The Real shouts out to Dolla Holla Back contestants.

And actor Esai Morales visits to talk about the Nat Geo series Mars, and reveals he once sang with the late David Bowie!

Adrienne Has a Message from Adam Housley

Adrienne Houghton: If you’re concerned about gun control, you can reach out to your representatives – you guys have the power. Representatives at the federal, state and local level. Call them. Tweet them. Facebook them. And let them know that you demand change.

[The Real audience applauds]

Adrienne: It’s also so important to vote for – that’s why we were telling people get out there and vote because it’s important to vote for and donate to politicians who advocate for common-sense gun reform. And finally, be smart. Educate yourself about federal and state gun laws, so you can make informed decisions. I spoke to Adam, and he – along with what we just said, he also wanted to add this, that while we’re helping these gun laws and trying to make that happen: “Before we can even get a consistent national gun policy, we have to understand that we as a country and as a society are at crossroads. The hatred, the judgment, the polarization and the lack of heart – we are going to make a change, I can guarantee it, and Alaina is with us as we do this.”

April Ryan Responds to Being Called “Nasty” By Donald Trump

April Ryan: There was a song called “Nasty,” right? Janet Jackson did that?

Loni Love: Uh huh!

April: “Nasty! Nasty girls!” Let me say this to you: I wasn’t even there, and the president had me on his mind, so… I’m doing something… I mean – I wasn’t there!

Jeannie Mai: Wow.

[The Real audience applauds]

Jeannie: You talk about real petty. Real Petty LaBelle.

April: But let me – let me say this. I am a winner. We’re all winners.

All: Yes.

[The Real audience applauds]

April: And let me tell you – I am so much of a winner – you all remember this – the first press conference that this president had, I stood up and asked a question, and he said, “Can you get them all together,” the CBC [CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS] for a meeting – you know, he wanted a meeting with the CBC – he thought I was a such a winner and had so much gravitas, that I could get the CBC together. And not only that, just a couple of months ago, I was such a winner that I sat down to talk with first son-in-law Jared Kushner one-on-one about prison reform, talked to him on the phone about it. So, the winning continues, I don’t understand this – I am not doing anything wrong. I am asking questions, doing my job.

Loni: Do you think he has a problem with women of color –

April: Yes.

Loni:  – ‘cause he, he – ok.

[The Real audience applauds]

Jeannie: All right. There’s that.

Loni: And why do you think that?

April: He – now, the president is an equal opportunity offender. But when it comes to women of color it gets very personal. You know, let’s say Maxine Waters – “Low IQ.” April Ryan – “Winner!” Winner. You know, Yamiche Alcindor – “That’s a racist question.” Abby Phillip – “Stupid question.” Frederica Wilson, they went in on Congresswoman Frederica Wilson when Sergeant La David Johnson along with the other valiant soldiers died in Niger, it’s just the list goes on, Susan Rice, the list goes on and on – Jemele Hill. The list goes on and on and on.

Photo credit: Robert Voets/Warner Bros. Television

Website: thereal.com

Twitter: @TheRealDaytime

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

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

Instagram: http://instagram.com/therealdaytime

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: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-real-returns-live-and-remembers-alaina-housley-with-guest-co-host-april-ryan/

*Santa Monica, CA – The people have spoken, and tonight E! celebrated the best in movies, television, music and pop culture chosen solely by the fans during the network’s inaugural 2018 “The E! People’s Choice Awards” telecast, which was broadcast live from Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif. across the cable networks of NBCUniversal, including Bravo, E!, SYFY, Universo and USA Network and aired in 161 countries.

Performances of the night included an electrifying show opener by Nicki Minaj, a touching tribute by John Legend to honor The People’s Champion award recipient Bryan Stevenson, and Rita Ora who performed a song from her highly anticipated new album “Phoenix.”

For complete coverage and clips of the evening, visit https://www.eonline.com/shows/peoples_choice_awards.

The following are 2018 “The E! People’s Choice Awards” winners:

THE MOVIE OF 2018

Avengers: Infinity War

THE COMEDY MOVIE OF 2018

The Spy Who Dumped Me

THE ACTION MOVIE OF 2018

Avengers: Infinity War

THE DRAMA MOVIE OF 2018

Fifty Shades Freed

THE FAMILY MOVIE OF 2018

Incredibles 2

THE DRAMA MOVIE STAR OF 2018

Jamie Dornan, Fifty Shades Freed

THE MALE MOVIE STAR OF 2018

Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther

THE FEMALE MOVIE STAR OF 2018

Scarlett Johansson, Avengers: Infinity War

THE COMEDY MOVIE STAR OF 2018

Melissa McCarthy, Life of the Party

THE ACTION MOVIE STAR OF 2018

Danai Gurira, Black Panther

THE SHOW OF 2018

Shadowhunters

THE DRAMA SHOW OF 2018

Riverdale

THE COMEDY SHOW OF 2018

Orange Is The New Black

THE REVIVAL SHOW OF 2018

Dynasty

THE REALITY SHOW OF 2018

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

THE COMPETITION SHOW OF 2018

The Voice

THE MALE TV STAR OF 2018

Harry Shum Jr., Shadowhunters

THE FEMALE TV STAR OF 2018

Katherine McNamara, Shadowhunters

THE DRAMA TV STAR OF 2018

Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

THE COMEDY TV STAR OF 2018

Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

THE DAYTIME TALK SHOW OF 2018

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

THE NIGHTTIME TALK SHOW OF 2018

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

THE COMPETITION CONTESTANT OF 2018

Maddie Poppe, American Idol

THE REALITY TV STAR OF 2018

Khloe Kardashian, Keeping Up with the Kardashians

THE BINGEWORTHY SHOW OF 2018

Shadowhunters

THE SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW OF 2018

Wynonna Earp

THE MALE ARTIST OF 2018

Shawn Mendes

THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2018

Nicki Minaj

THE GROUP OF 2018

BTS

THE SONG OF 2018

BTS: Idol

THE ALBUM OF 2018

Nicki Minaj: Queen

THE COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2018

Blake Shelton

THE LATIN ARTIST OF 2018

CNCO

THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2018

BTS: Idol

THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2018

Taylor Swift: Reputation

THE SOCIAL STAR OF 2018

Shane Dawson

THE BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF 2018

James Charles

THE SOCIAL CELEBRITY OF 2018

BTS

THE ANIMAL STAR OF 2018

Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund

THE COMEDY ACT OF 2018

Kevin Hart

THE STYLE STAR OF 2018

Harry Styles

THE GAME CHANGER OF 2018

Serena Williams

THE POP PODCAST OF 2018

Scrubbing In with Becca Tilley & Tanya Rad

THE MOST HYPE WORTHY CANADIAN OF 2018

Tessa Virture & Scott Moir

L’INFLUENCEUR POP CULTURE FRANÇAIS DE 2018

Lufy

HONORARY ICON AWARD RECIPIENTS:

THE PEOPLE’S ICON OF 2018

Melissa McCarthy

THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION OF 2018

Bryan Stevenson, social activist and founder of Equal Justice Initiative

THE FASHION ICON OF 2018

Victoria Beckham

About E! Entertainment

E! is the only global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture. The network is currently available to 91 million cable and satellite subscribers in the U.S and 161 countries globally. “E! News” airs nightly on the network and is the leading multi-platform publisher delivering breaking entertainment news and pop culture coverage 24/7 across EOnline.com and all digital and social media. E! programming includes popular series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Total Divas,” “Total Bellas,” “Botched,” “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry,” “Very Cavallari” and its newest late night topical series “Busy Tonight.” The brand’s robust digital programming slate includes “E! News’ The Rundown” “Face Forward” and “What The Fashion” on Snapchat. E!’s “Live from the Red Carpet” signature events keep fans connected to their favorite stars on pop culture’s biggest nights and on November 11 E! becomes the home of “The E! People’s Choice Awards.” E! is a network of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. For more corporate information, visit www.nbcuniversal.com.

About Wilshire Studios

Wilshire Studios develops and produces a diverse slate of original unscripted programming for multiple platforms, aligning with award-winning producers and innovative storytellers to create compelling content that explores reality through a variety of formats. From E!’s signature “Live from the Red Carpet,” USA Network’s “The Cromarties” and Oxygen’s “Mysteries and Scandals,” “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell” for Netflix, “Real Country” for USA, “Unspeakable Crime: The Killing of Jessica Chambers” for Oxygen and the debut “The E! People’s Choice Awards,” Wilshire Studios produces series that are informative, revealing, thrilling and entertaining. Wilshire Studios is part of the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment portfolio.

About Den of Thieves

Den of Thieves is a force for ambitious, music-driven event shows and uniquely stylized television series. Using their extensive experience working with talent, their credits cover a vast array of formats that include ABC’s The Gong Show, FOX’s American Idol, the multi-network broadcast of Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief and the digital stream of March for Our Lives. Beyond that, Den of Thieves thrives in the live event & award show space, having produced the MTV Video Music Awards for 12 consecutive years, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, Peabody Awards and more. In addition to spearheading some of the world’s leading premier event shows, Den of Thieves is also the name behind the production of documentaries, documentary-series, and comedy specials for Netflix, Comedy Central and Apple – to name a few.

About People’s Choice

E! acquired the “People’s Choice Awards” and serves as the exclusive home of the popular annual award show that celebrates the best in pop culture. E!’s ownership of “People’s Choice Awards” includes the annual live event along with all digital and social assets. Now in its 44th year, the People’s Choice Awards is the only major awards show voted on entirely by the public for fan favorites in movies, music, television, and pop culture. The People’s Choice official website at www.PeoplesChoice.com houses the voting platform where fans determine the nominees and winners for the annual awards show. “People’s Choice Awards” was originally created in 1975 by Robert Stivers. “People’s Choice Awards” was previously owned by Procter & Gamble and produced by Mark Burnett airing on CBS.

source:
SLATE PR Contacts:
Andy Gelb / Elyse Weissman
andy@slate-pr.com / elyse@slate-pr.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-e-peoples-choice-awards-complete-list-video/

*[Jackson, MS] — Six-time Grammy Award Winner Bebe Winans’ single, “Laughter (Just Like A Medicine)” was released earlier this year as the follow-up to his number one hit, “He Promised Me.” The song also features a quartet of young Korean men known as Korean Soul, abbreviated as K.S.

On October 30, 2018, he released the official video to the song in an article on Billboard.com. The video was shot in Seoul, Korea and features footage of Winans and K.S. recording the song and exploring the city.

The song is an uplifting tune that is perfect for the times, as it focuses on keeping a positive outlook despite what comes your way in life. It is also a sign that music is truly the universal language that can transcend culture, race and custom and bring people together.

He was inspired to write the song after locking himself out of the house one day. While waiting in the garage for the locksmith, Winans stated, “Instead of becoming angry, I chose laughter, which made my situation easier to endure. There is a scripture [Proverbs 17:22] that says ‘A merry heart does good like a medicine.’ One definition for merry in the dictionary is ‘Laughingly happy.’ So the truth about laughter is that it’s a medicine that comes free to all of us.”

TRENDING: MICHELLE WILLIAMS: HERE’S WHY FANS WANT THE SINGER TO DUMP EX-FIANCÉ CHAD JOHNSON

Bebe Winans was introduced to the young men of Korean Soul by his friend and fellow Gospel artist, Donald Lawrence. Winans recalls being “blown away” after Lawrence showed him an Instagram video of the young men singing.

“Initially Boyz II Men were going to be on the song [“Laughter”], but our schedules just wouldn’t allow it. Then one day it hit me, ‘What about the guys from Korea?’ We connected and agreed to partner in a production deal.”

The song is available on all digital streaming platforms and the full music video can be viewed on YouTube. Follow @BebeWinans on all social media platforms to stay connected, as he prepares to release his new album from Malaco Records in February 2019.

source:
 Malcolm Morro
Publicist at Malaco Records
mmorrow@malaco.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/bebe-winans-laughter-just-like-a-medicine-official-video-watch/

*(Atlanta, GA) — Today, more than 15 were arrested at a rally in the Georgia State Capitol that urged Georgia officials to count every vote.

Tamika Middleton, local organizer, released the following statement:

“Senator Nikema Williams was arrested in the Georgia State Capitol for literally doing her job as an elected official. We are disgusted by the aggressive intimidation tactics by police — the latest effort at voter suppression to silence the voices of Black people. This is 2018 and we will not allow Jim Crow South to rear its ugly head again in Georgia. We demand the immediate release of Senator Williams and all of the peaceful protestors who were arrested.”

WHAT: Emergency press conference after 15+ get arrested at rally to count every vote

WHERE: In front of Fulton County Jail: 901 Rice St NW
WHEN: 4:30pm ET on Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Allegations of voter suppression have been widespread in the Georgia election. 12 counties prematurely certified election results in advance of all votes being counted. On Election Day, polling stations across the state reported machine malfunction, five-hour lines, and shortages of voting machines. And last month, Secretary Brian Kemp was reported to have purged 340,000 voters from state registration rolls, many concentrated in Black communities.

source:
Marzena Zukowska
marzena@domesticworkers.org

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/senator-nikema-williams-among-15-arrested-at-georgia-state-capitol-video/

*In Maryland, a black couple is suing a Costco store after police stopped them because an employee accused them of shoplifting.

Barbara and Bahri Wallace spoke to WJLA on Friday and said they were shopping at the Costco in Anne Arundel County in May when they claimed they were being watched by management. In the 911 call obtained by WJLA, the caller claims there is a robbery in progress.

“I need police immediately at the Costco wholesale,” the caller said, according to WJLA. “I have a robbery in progress. They’ve been here before. They just robbed the Glen Burnie Costco an hour ago.”

The Wallaces told WJLA that they were leaving the store when they noticed the police were behind them.

“[Bahri] noticed there were police behind us,” Barbara told the news station. “So he said ‘The police is pulling us over’ and I said ‘Are they for us?’ He said, ‘Yeah they’re pulling us over. And I asked why they stopping us, he said ‘The manager at Costco suspected you guys of shoplifting.'”

READ THIS: THE REAL RETURNS LIVE AND REMEMBERS ALAINA HOUSLEY WITH GUEST CO-HOST APRIL RYAN

Meanwhile, WBAL-TV obtained police records that show the officers were given a tag number that belonged to the couple’s truck. The records also found that police determined no crime had been committed and the Wallaces weren’t involved in a robbery. The Wallaces then went back inside to confront the white manager of the Costco.

“[The] manager came up. I said, ‘Did you call the police on us saying we were shoplifting?’ His response was, ‘You fit the bill.’ I said, ‘Fit the bill?’

And we say, What?! Yeah, here we go again with the BS.

Get the rest of the story at Newsweek.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/black-couple-sues-costco-for-4m-after-manager-calls-police-on-for-shopping-while-black/

*On Tuesday, Nov. 13, The Real welcomes back guest co-host White House Correspondent, Washington Bureau Chief of American Urban Radio Networks and CNN Political Analyst April Ryan. April has a lot to say about the lawsuit filed today by CNN against the Trump administration for revoking correspondent Jim Acosta’s press credentials.

The hosts also discuss former First Lady Michelle Obama’s revealing new memoir and Serena Williams’s GQ Woman of the Year cover – is it insulting or artistic that “Woman” is in quotes?

And New York City week continues as The Real shouts out to Dolla Holla Back contestants!

April Ryan Weighs In on CNN’s Lawsuit Against The White House

April Ryan Weighs In on CNN’s Lawsuit Against The White House

April Ryan: I think CNN is doing the right thing… if you remember…

[The Real audience applauds]

April: Yes.

Jeannie Mai: Way to stand up for reporters; way to stand up for your people.

April: Yes. If you remember… Friday, the president talked about Jim Acosta and then I wasn’t even there and he brought my name into it…

Loni Love: Right.

April: Without even being there, as saying that I could have my press credentials pulled, because we ask the questions. What the White House wants to do is dictate what kind of questions we ask. They want to dictate – I say that word strategically – on the real. When you ask questions of a president, it’s about issues facing the day, or issues of the moment, and I have been under fire in that administration since I asked the question in January, “Mr. President, are you a racist?” You know? That suit covers all of us. But when the White House comes at us in the way that they came after Jim, you know, stripping his pass, and then issuing a propaganda video. That video was doctored. That video – Jim Acosta did not assault that young woman, who snatch – tried to snatch the mic from him. Jim Acosta did not assault that woman. And when the White House – not Russia, not China, but the White House – issues a propaganda video, that’s saying something. And you have to remember – the First Amendment is about Freedom of the Press.

[The Real audience applauds]

April: But! When we talk about Freedom of the Press, and stripping and possibly stripping credentials, it’s not about us it’s about you. When they oppress us. When they suppress us, they suppress you. You don’t get the information that you deserve and that you need.

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:https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/on-the-real-april-ryan-talks-cnn-lawsuit-hosts-discuss-serenas-gq-cover-watch/

*Ever since the movie “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” was released twenty years ago, women everywhere have flocked to Jamaica trying to find their own versions of an island paradise. And rather than bring sand to the beach she leaves her man at home – if she has one – opting to travel alone or with her girlfriends.

Although my mother and I travel together frequently, this year I went without her. In July I went to Bali, Indonesia alone. Even though I almost ended up in China by accident, I had a great time.

In September I went to Cairo, Egypt alone, my first trip to Africa. During my nine days abroad I took a seven-hour bus ride through Egypt to scuba dive in the Red Sea. I hired a personal tour guide to show me around Cairo. And when I wasn’t with him I walked or took taxis everywhere I wanted to go. I had such a great experience I plan to go back in the near future.

So a few weeks after my return home when I read an article about two Detroit women who were raped at gunpoint while on vacation in Jamaica, the news caught my attention. It was just the latest reported crime of women who were robbed or raped while on vacation there. Reports claim it’s gotten so bad Jamaica is ranked the third most dangerous country for female travelers. Cairo was ranked the most dangerous place for women to travel. When I read that my mouth fell open! I just left Cairo and I couldn’t have had a better time.

Another woman suggested that I vacation in Cairo because she too had a great experience. None of the sites I researched during my vacation planning warned against traveling to Cairo. Sure there were a few reports about social unrest in certain parts of that country, but nothing to make me feel unsafe.

When it comes to safety, America should be posting its own alerts warning travelers about the rise in gun violence, since people are getting gunned down at worship services, the grocery store and even at home minding their own business, but I digress.

Here are some things I do to increase my chances of having the best time while traveling: I plan ahead as much as possible for my hotels, transportation and excursions. You get the best deals online and can do cost comparisons without on-the-spot impulsive spending, and you can read customer reviews to choose the best and safest locations. I let trusted friends and family know my itinerary so they know where to start looking if I come up missing and I keep in touch with them throughout my travels. Everybody else – so my home won’t get burglarized while I’m away – will find out details after I return. Although I’m friendly to locals and other travelers, where I’m staying and who I’m traveling with is none of their business. I don’t do drugs or get drunk or hang out at night, so that makes me much less likely to be seen as a potential victim. My idea of fun is doing extreme activities while on vacation. That and the fact that I’m 5’11”, physically fit and it would take at least two people to try to force me to do anything I don’t want to do keeps opportunists at bay. Don’t start none, won’t be none!

I love to travel, experience new cultures and build memories along the way. And I would advise you to do the same. I’m not about to stop living my life based on somebody’s random ranking of dangerous locations. What I’ve always done and will continue to do is practice common sense safety habits, especially while vacationing in a strange place.

Steffanie is a freelance journalist living in the Dallas, Texas metroplex. Email her at info@SteffanieRivers.com with comments, questions and speaking inquiries.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-journal-of-steffanie-rivers-women-who-travel-alone/

*Did you know that there is a museum that is preserving the soil from sites where people from the Black community were killed by lynching? Why are they doing this, you ask? Because they want to help America acknowledge the fact that it has brutality because of racism in its past.

In this museum, you can find jars with an array of browns. It contains richly red clay which owes its color to the blood of Black men and women breaking their backs while working from sunrise to way past sundown. Not only is the blood of lynching victims deeply absorbed in this soil but also their sweat and tears. The very sweat and tears of people that were humiliated and deprived during the years of Jim Crow!

Bryan Stevenson, who works at this museum, identified that the soil that is stored in this museum acts as a powerful medium for conveying Black history. He also said that the soil represents the lives of many victims that were never given a proper burial and were met with violent and unspeakable deaths. They are being honored in this museum and this is exactly what the Equal Justice Initiative wants to bring forward in the Legacy Museum and Memorial in Montgomery.

Even some descendants of the people who are named over the jars have traveled great distances to make the sad sojourn and catch a glimpse of their ancestors’ remains. The movement has been able to document about 4,400 people who were lynched across 35 states. Most of these were from Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia between the period of 1877 and 1950.

People haven’t learned to talk about lynching or the racist history of the nation in an open and honest manner. This is because of how difficult it is to face this horrid past and acknowledge the brutality that was faced by our ancestors. Now this museum aims to shed a light on this dark period of American history, make people understand our complete history and provide the courage to absorb it.

While sharing his aim of using the museum to give context to the current struggle, Stevenson aptly said, “That’s because while this soil may surround us in death, it also is the place to plant seeds of hope for a new beginning.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/the-blood-of-lynching-victims-is-in-this-museum-video/

*For the first time ever the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards was put on by E! Entertainment for its 44th year. It’s the only major award show that allows the public to vote entirely for their favorite categories in film, TV, music and everything pop culture and EURweb was there.

First up on the carpet was “This Is Us” star Susan Kelechi Watson who discussed her recent photo shoot with Glamour and the show’s latest season.

“The majority of us felt like this is going to be one of our best seasons,” she told yours truly, Rocky Harris. “I love where we’re going with Vietnam, with exploring depression, exploring Randall’s campaign and Beth losing her job just all these issues – fertility – so much is going on this season. It’s exciting.” Watson also shared that it was her first time being on the cover of a magazine.

Comedian and Chicago native Lil Rel Howery stepped on the People’s Choice red carpet for his very first time.

“I like going to awards shows, it’s very interesting. I actually enjoy the show. It’s always who you’re sitting next to.” He also added his feelings on now being a part of the people’s favorites crew. “It’s a peace of mind thing. It’s hard when you start to become a celebrity or whatever that is and everything that comes with it. But I’ve been handling it well,” said Howery.

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“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Terry Crews has been outspoken about several social issues. He took the time to give his thoughts on gun control and how he uses his celebrity to promote non-violence.

“My thing is no one should be able to fear that this [mass shootings] would happen to them in America. There’s got to be a way to uphold the constitution and also make sure you don’t wipe out the civilization,” said Crews.

His wife, Rebecca King-Crews, chimed in saying, “Massive assault weapons shouldn’t be sold to individuals. Why are they doing this?”

The awards took place Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. See the complete winners list here.

Source: https: //www.eurweb.com/2018/11/eurweb-chats-with-susan-kelechi-watson-lil-rel-howery-terry-crews-at-the-e-peoples-choice-awards/