Gabe's Musings

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Newly single Rihanna plans to spend Valentine’s Day in the studio

Rihanna just went public with her split from longtime boyfriend Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel in January, now she’s revealed that she plans to spend this Valentine’s Day doing what she does best – working!

“I’m going to be in the studio [on Valentine’s Day],” Rihanna revealed to The Cut on Friday. “I’m so excited actually. I can’t say who I’m working with, but it’s somebody I’ve been wanting to work with him for a long time.”

Despite her initials plans to play coy, Riri then laughed and admitted, “Okay, I’ll tell you. [It’s] Pharrell.”

As her devoted yet frustrated fanbase will tell you, the mega mogul’s last album Anti dropped back in 2016, with her long-delayed ninth studio album, R9 still has no official release date.

Last November Rihanna admitted she was still figuring out how to achieve balance in her life and then apologized to those in her tribe who she’d failed to keep in touch with as a result.

“to all my friends/family/coworkers who I have yet to get back to in the past months…please forgive me. this year has been quite an overwhelming one, and I’m working on that ish called Balance. brb,” she wrote in the caption to the Instagram post.

But on February 7th Rihanna while speaking with “Entertainment Tonight” in New York City, she confessed she kind of enjoys teasing people about the prospect of her new album.

“I like to antagonize my fans a little bit,” she said about the game of cat and mouse she’s currently playing when it comes to her music. “Well, they antagonize me too. So they get it right back.”

As has been her habit, despite briefly talking about the album also she expertly pivoted the conversation to her other business ventures, specifically her excitement about having her Fenty 2-20 collection on sale at Bergdorf Goodman.

“This is a monumental store in fashion, especially in New York City,” Rihanna said, then went on to explain why the store has a personal significance to her. “This is one of the first places I ever came to in America. One of the first places that I could buy clothes when I got a check.”

“And so to see my brand just sit here and be a part of this establishment is really wonderful,” she gushed. “To see it in real life, it blows my mind. I mean, it really is special.”

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to all my friends/family/coworkers who I have yet to get back to in the past months…please forgive me. this year has been quite an overwhelming one, and I’m working on that ish called Balance. brb.

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Nov 13, 2019 at 12:32am PST

The post Newly single Rihanna plans to spend Valentine’s Day in the studio appeared first on TheGrio.

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The US Fears Huawei Because It Knows How Tempting Backdoors Are

US officials allege that Huawei has backdoors in its technology. The US knows firsthand how powerful those can be.

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Coronavirus Has a Name: The Deadly Disease Is Covid-19

The virus that causes it is SARS-CoV-2. (We didn't say they were *good* names.)

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Simone Johnson, daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, joins WWE

Looks like Dwayne Johnson‘s teen daughter Simone Johnson is following in her father’s legendary footsteps and has officially started her training with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

According to the WWE, the 18-year-old – who is the daughter of Johnson and his first wife (and current business partner) Dany Garcia – is currently preparing for her future in wrestling at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

As the organization points out, once she completes her training she is on a path to become, “the first fourth-generation Superstar in WWE history. She comes from a line of legends that includes her great-grandfather and grandfather, WWE Hall of Famers “High Chief” Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson, and her father.”

“It means the world to me,” Johnson said. “To know that my family has such a personal connection to wrestling is really special to me and I feel grateful to have the opportunity, not only to wrestle, but to carry on that legacy.”

“Simone Johnson’s unbridled passion and incredible drive has earned her a coveted spot training with the elite athletes from around the world at the WWE Performance Center,” said Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “Not only does Simone now have an opportunity to cultivate and display her passion for WWE within the Performance Center, but she’ll carry on the tradition of her incredible family lineage while creating her own impact as WWE’s first fourth generation Superstar.”

As for the teen athlete’s reaction to carrying on the family legacy, she announced this new chapter in her journey via a tweet that featured a photo of her at the WWE Performance Center.

“For the little girl who fell in love with wrestling & was determined to make this dream a reality – this is for you. I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity & ready to get after it. Let’s do this,” she wrote in the caption.

For the little girl who fell in love with wrestling & was determined to make this dream a reality – this is for you. I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity & ready to get after it.

Let’s do this. @WWE @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/5lSKbWnHf7

— 𝖘𝖎𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖊 (@SimoneGJohnson) February 10, 2020

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Bronx man charged with attempted murder for shooting cops allegedly says he would do it again

Robert Williams, the man charged with brazenly shooting a Bronx cop and later opening fire inside a police precinct, reportedly told police he would shoot another cop if given the chance.

During Williams’ arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court, Assistant District Attorney Burim Namani said as Williams was being arrested, he told police that he hopes to shoot another officer someday.

“I aim to shoot one of you when I get out,” Williams, 45, reportedly told an officer at St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was being treated for injuries, according to The New York Daily News. “The defendant made a statement to detectives… that he was tired of police officers,” Namani said in court.

If the police have their way, he won’t get another opportunity.

Judge Joseph McCormack ordered Williams held without bail on charges of attempted murder, gun, and assault, which could keep him locked up for the remainder of his life.

The courthouse was packed with cops and union reps, who stared Williams down during his arraignment.

Prosecutors say Williams approached a police van near Simpson and Barretto Streets to ask for directions, before shooting Officer Paul Stroffolino in the chin and neck last Saturday, wounding him. Williams then grabbed a bite to eat at a Chinese restaurant, Namani said in court.

Roughly 12 hours later, Williams had breakfast and then allegedly stormed the 41st Precinct, attempting to unload the same gun on officers, before sliding his weapon across the room and dropping to the ground to surrender. Williams narrowly missed most officers, but he did hit Lt. Jose Gautreaux, who was struck in the left arm, reported The Daily News. Gautreaux and Stoffolino were both treated at area hospitals and released.

When Williams hit the ground, he was quickly apprehended by police and then taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for injuries.

A source told The Daily News that Williams does not suffer from mental illness. He is a parolee who spent 15 years in jail for attempted murder in 2002. In that incident, he was convicted of shooting a man, carjacking a woman’s vehicle and firing a shot at police.

Pat Lynch, head of the Police Benevolent Association, called Williams a “mutt” beyond rehabilitation.

“He cannot be redeemed,” Lynch said, according to The Daily News. “He’s done it time and time again.”

The post Bronx man charged with attempted murder for shooting cops allegedly says he would do it again appeared first on TheGrio.

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Vanessa Bryant posts sweet video of 7-month-old daughter learning to stand

Kobe Bryant’s baby girl is learning to pull herself up and stand and her proud mama, Vanessa, captured and shared the video moment on her Instagram page.

In the video, Capri Kobe, who is seven months old, is wearing a white, long-sleeved onesie as she holds the hands of her auntie, Sharia Washington, Kobe’s sister. Baby girl has a head full of bouncy curls and a smile that lights up the room. “My Koko Bean. She looks just like my Gigi with her daddy’s eyes. ☀️❤️auntie Ri-Ri. #7months,” Vanessa captioned the IG post.

Vanessa can be heard in the background encouraging her youngest daughter to stand as the baby sits on the floor.

“Try it again mama. Ready? Ok. Woooo good job Koko, good job. Good girl mamacita. Want to do it again? Ok let’s do this. Here we go,” Vanessa says off camera in the background as Koko smiles broadly and giggles. “Wow! Good girl sunshine. I love you.”

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My Koko Bean. She looks just like my Gigi with her daddy’s eyes. ☀️❤️auntie Ri-Ri. #7months

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 8, 2020 at 10:01am PST

In the midst of a tragedy, it’s nice to see the adorableness that is Capri and to hear Bryant laugh as her daughter achieves milestones.

Last week, Vanessa Bryant announced plans to have a public memorial service on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center in honor her NBA legend husband and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who died in the Jan. 26 Calabasas helicopter crash with seven other people. The passengers were headed to a tournament at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks when their helicopter went down. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The 20,000-seat Staples Center is expected to be filled to capacity for the event. The 2-24-20 date was chosen to honor Gigi and Kobe’s jersey numbers (#2 and #24, respectively) and the 20 years Kobe played for the Lakers before retiring in 2016.

Vanessa and the Mamba Academy are also helping to support the other passengers’ families as they memorialize their loved ones and lay them to rest. In late January, Vanessa announced the launch of the MambaOnThree Fund, created to “honor and support loved ones of the seven other victims involved in the tragedy.”

Today, a public memorial service at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium is scheduled for John Altobelli, his wife, Keri and their 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, three of the nine killed in the crash, according to the Los Angeles Times.

This past Saturday, more than 2,000 people came out to honor the lives of two other crash victims, Sarah Chester, 45, and her 13-year-old daughter Payton. That service was held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, where Payton attended school.

The post Vanessa Bryant posts sweet video of 7-month-old daughter learning to stand appeared first on TheGrio.

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Black History Month Facts of the Day: Feb 11th – Mandela Released From Prison; And More

On every day of Black History Month this February, we will provide you with a daily fact that occurred on the same day in a past year in history.

Today’s Black History Month facts for Feb 11th

– On this day in 1644, the first black legal protest in America passed by eleven blacks petitioned for freedom in New Netherlands.

– On this day in 1961, Robert Weaver was sworn in as administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, highest federal post at the time ever achieved by a black American.

– On this day in 1971, Whitney L. Young died. He was named the Executive Director of the National Urban League in 1961.

– On this day in 1976, Clifford Alexander Jr is confirmed as the first black Secretary of the Army.

– On this day in 1990 Nelson Mandela is released from prison.

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Snoop Dogg Walks Back Comments After Allegedly Threatening Gayle King (Video)

Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus is claiming to be a non-violent person after his posting an irate, profanity-laced video criticizing CBS This Morning’s Gayle King last week.

The controversy began after CBS posted a clip of King questioning former WNBA player Lisa Leslie about the rape allegations levied against Kobe Bryant in 2003. In response, Broadus released an Instagram clip bashing King for allegedly disrespecting Bryant’s legacy.

“Hey, Gayle. (expletive) u. Kobe was our superhero. (expletive),” said Broadus in the video. “How dare you try to tarnish my (expletive) homeboy’s reputation. It also appeared like he was threatening her when he warned King to “back off b—h before we come get you.”

LeBron James, 50 Cent and Vivica Fox are just a few of the bigger names who commented on King’s interview, which she stated was taken out of context by the editors. The criticism launched against Snoop was due to his comments being among the most vicious attacks against King. Oprah Winfrey had come out against the critical nature that was being used against King.

Among those who came to the defense of King was former national security adviser Susan Rice, who gave Snoop a warning of her own. Rice tweeted, “This is despicable. Gayle King is one of the most principled, fair and tough journalists alive. Snoop, back the **** off. You come for @GayleKing, you come against an army. You will lose, and it won’t be pretty.”

In a follow-up Instagram post, Snoop gives a response to the criticism. “I’m a non-violent person. When I said what I said, I spoke for the people who felt like Gayle was very disrespectful towards Kobe Bryant and his family. Now with that being said, what do I look like wanting some harm to come to a 70-year-old woman? I was raised way better than that.”

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P. S. A. From the peoples champ now carry on and be nice to others KB8/24.

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on Feb 8, 2020 at 3:23pm PST

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Vanessa Bryant says her ‘brain refuses to accept’ that Kobe and Gigi are gone

Vanessa Bryant says she is still having a tough time processing both her husband’s and daughter’s deaths.

In a heart-wrenching Instagram post, Bryant said her “brain refuses to accept” that both her husband, Kobe Bryant, and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, are no longer here.

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 10, 2020 at 11:14am PST

“I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words,” Bryant wrote in the post. “My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong.”

“Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters,” Vanessa Bryant posted. “Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

Kobe and Gigi were killed on January 26 after the helicopter they were riding in tragically crashed in Calabasas, California. Seven other people, including a few of Gianna’s teammates and their parents, were also killed. The passengers were headed to a tournament at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks when their helicopter went down. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Bryant said she is also heartbroken for the other victims and their families and that she hoped her post might provide comfort to them in their time of grief.

“I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this,” she wrote. “Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. God, I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.”

Last week, Bryant announced that a memorial service for Kobe and Gianna will be held on February 24 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The post Vanessa Bryant says her ‘brain refuses to accept’ that Kobe and Gigi are gone appeared first on TheGrio.

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This Husband-and-Wife Couple are Building the First Black-owned Bourbon Distillery in Kentucky

Power couple Sean and Tia Edwards are set to launch the first bourbon distillery in Kentucky. Their company, Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co., has announced that they plan to build a $5.4 million distillery in downtown Lexington. Nearly three years after the company’s launch in 2017, the Edwards embark on their biggest venture to date. This past December, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive deal with Fresh Bourbon Distilling through the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The contract is performance-based and can provide up to $200,000 in tax incentives based on the firm’s investment of $5.4 million and the meeting of a number of yearly targets. The targets include the creation and upkeep of 15 local full-time jobs across 10 years and paying an average wage of $18 an hour including benefits across those jobs.

The married couple entered a space that is rarely occupied by black business owners, per The New York Times, since white people make up about three-quarters of all bourbon consumers in the United States, according to a survey by the media company Gravity. African Americans are the most likely demographic group to prefer spirits like whiskey or cognac over beer or wine, according to Nielsen research. Although they constitute roughly 13% of the total population, they are just 9% of bourbon drinkers. They can tap into a bourbon market that is steadily growing at 6% or more a year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

The KEDFA has also approved Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co for up to $125,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA), which can be used to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development, and electronic processing, according to distillerytrail.com.

Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. is making strides in progress as the company recently completed its first round of financing, with a second-round near finalization.

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Omar al-Bashir: Sudan to hand ex-president to ICC

The former strongman faces charges of genocide and war crimes over killings in Darfur.

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Netflix picks up highly anticipated film about Nipsey Hussle’s life

The marathon continues on Netflix.

The streaming giant picked up a feature-length documentary on Nipsey Hussle’s life, produced and directed by Ava DuVernay, after a bidding war with other networks that reportedly include Apple and Amazon. The film is said to have commanded in the high eight figures and will be put out by DuVernay’s ARRAY, a media and arts collective, and Hussle’s Marathon Films, according to Deadline.

Nipsey, 33, was killed last March 31 in front of his South L.A. Marathon Clothing store. At last month’s Grammy Awards, DuVernay introduced a tribute to Hussle that brought out performances by Meek Mill, DJ Khaled and John Legend.

Deadline reports that Nipsey’s estate reached out to DuVernay directly for the documentary based on their love of her work, including 13th and When They See Us. DuVernay also has a new series debuting on OWN called Cherish the Day and the DMZ pilot currently in production for HBO Max starring Rosario Dawson. DuVernay is also currently working on a big-budget theater version of New Gods by Jack Kirby. Part of Warner Bros, DuVernay and Tom King are co-writing the film.

DuVernay signed a $100 million deal with Warner Bros Television Group in 2018. The multi-year deal covers multi genres including drama, documentaries, comedies, digital content and event projects for broadcast and cable, premium cable and streaming services, according to Deadline.

Nipsey film marks DuVernay’s return to documentaries since putting out 13th, which was about mass incarceration and racism throughout the criminal justice system the criminal justice. When They See Us was a limited Netflix series that recounts the stories of the five Black teenagers dubbed the Central Park Five, who were wrongly arrested and convicted of raping a jogger in Central Park.

Hussle’s family is participating in his documentary. Since his death, Hussle has inspired a Puma clothing line and a book club, among other things.

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Conservative News Sites Track You Lots More Than Left-Leaning Ones

One analysis of news outlets found that the median popular right-wing site planted 73 percent more cookies than its left-wing counterpart.

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Hurling Satellites Into Space Seems Crazy—but Might Just Work

A startup called SpinLaunch wants to do away with costly launch rockets. Let's look at the physics.

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Hisense Signs Former Miami Heat Dwyane Wade as Its First US Ambassador

Chinese consumer electronics brand Hisense has recently inked former Miami Heat player, Dwyane Wade to be its first US brand ambassador, according to Broadcasting + Cable.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dwyane Wade to the Hisense team and look forward to working with him to take the Hisense brand to the next level,” says David Gold, VP, Consumer Electronics at Hisense U.S., says in a statement to Broadcasting + Cable. “More than just an athlete and savvy businessman, he’s dependable, competitive and shares our commitment to being the best in every aspect of his life. This partnership provides the perfect alignment for Hisense and represents our continued commitment to grow our brand in the US. We are very excited to embark on this journey to further elevate the brand together and bring sports into the home on a more intimate level.”

Hisense announced a comprehensive marketing and multiyear partnership with Wade, who is a three-time NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, and 13-time NBA All-Star. He will bring awareness to the brand through the support of premium product launches, in-person appearances, and will feature in upcoming marketing campaigns.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Hisense team as an ambassador of their high-performing products with top-notch technology and great-looking design,” said Dwyane Wade. “Based on their dedication to excellence, their rapid growth and the way their products elevate the TV viewing and home experience globally, I am proud to partner with them in this exciting new role.”

Wade also has a lucrative lifetime contract with the Chinese sneaker brand Li-Ning.

Wade is a retired three-time NBA Champion (2006, 2012, and 2013) and 13-time All-Star selection. In 2006, three years after first joining the Heat as the No. 5 overall draft pick, he led the team to Miami’s first-ever NBA Championship and was named MVP of the Finals. In 2012 and 2013, Dwyane won his second and third NBA Championships. In 2004, he created the Wade’s World Foundation, which provides support to various educational, health, and family service programs, in particular, those that benefit underserved communities in Miami and his hometown of Chicago. In 2011, Wade was appointed to President Obama’s Fatherhood Task Force. In September 2012, he became a New York Times best-selling author, with the release of his first book, A FATHER FIRST: How My Life Became Bigger than Basketball.

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Kenyans say farewell to Daniel arap Moi

About 30,000 people packed a stadium for the state funeral of the country's longest-serving president.

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Duuuuude. What Happens If the Earth Gains Consciousness?

The interactive art pop-up 'The End of You' tackles the environmental crisis through a transhumanistic lens. It'll even let you morph into a tree. Well, sorta.

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The Big (Yet Hidden) Consequences of Antarctica's Record Heat

As the continent rapidly warms, unique communities of tiny animals like water bears are transforming in profound ways.

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Kenya's Daniel arap Moi: Thousands pack stadium for funeral

The East African state's longest-serving president, who died aged 95, leaves a mixed legacy.

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Can the Government Buy Its Way Around the Fourth Amendment?

Immigration authorities are purchasing cell phone location data, and it might be totally legal.

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Trump Proposes a Cut in Research Spending, but a Boost for AI

The president is betting on payoffs from artificial intelligence and quantum. But some researchers say gains are dependent on progress in other fields.

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19 Valentine's Day Deals to Gift Your Sweetheart (or Yourself)

From Apple Watches to a comfy mattress, we found swoon-worthy discounts on all sorts of gear and gadgets.

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Google's Giving Out Security Keys to Help Protect Campaigns

Candidates can also get trained up on how to use Advanced Protection to keep their accounts safe.

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The Food We'll Eat on the Journey to Mars (Algae Caviar, Anyone?)

Humans are headed for the cosmos, and we’re taking our appetites with us. What will fill the void when we leave Earth behind?

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala dies

The musician founded the world-famous South African choral group and directed it for 50 years.

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Monday, February 10, 2020

Daniel arap Moi: How Kenyans learnt to laugh at the president

Ex-President Moi left a mixed legacy but Kenyans learnt to laugh at his dictatorial excesses.

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Billy Porter gives advice to parents upset about him wearing a dress on ‘Sesame Street’

Earlier this month it was announced that Billy Porter will be one of the celebrity guest stars making an appearance during the 51st season of Sesame Street. Now the Pose star has some advice for all the parents who were appalled to discover he’ll be wearing a dress during the broadcast.

The beloved children’s television show recently posted photos on social media from a shoot featuring the Broadway star hanging out on the iconic set. In the snapshots the actor is very proudly rocking one of his most memorable red carpet looks, specifically the velvet gender-bending Christian Siriano tuxedo gown and jacket that he wore to the 2019 Oscars.

According to Paper Magazine, a tidal wave of outraged fans and concerned parents flooded the comments section of the post, threatening to no longer let their kids watch the show.

“So sad to see this on Sesame Street… this is not about acceptance or love. This is trying to force someone’s lifestyle onto our children, this is confusing and dangerous,” one user wrote.

Page Six also reported that a petition is also circulating that accuses Sesame Street of “[sexualizing] children using drag queens.”

Porter responded to Page Six directly, pointing out, “If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.” He also added that he found it strange people related his Oscars dress to “perverted demon sex.”

“Like, what about me singing with a penguin [on the show] has anything to do with what I’m doing in my bedroom?,” he inquired. “The really interesting thing for me is that that’s what it’s all about when it comes to LGBTQ people — the first thing everyone wants to talk about is how we having sex.”

“Stay out of my bedroom and you will be fine — that is none of your business,” he concluded.

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@theebillyporter bringing those fierce vibes to Sesame Street for #Season51 🔥 💯 • • • #sesamestreet #billyporter #thebillyporter #tonyawards #broadway #grammys #goldenglobes #cookiemonster #oscarthegrouch #elmo

A post shared by Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) on Jan 30, 2020 at 5:35am PST

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Nigeria militants burn to death motorists as they sleep in their cars

At least 30 are killed in a night-time raid on a small town in Nigeria's north-east, officials say.

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Pete Buttigieg campaign claps back at Biden’s ‘attack’ on his race record

Former Vice President Joe Biden unleashed an attack ad Saturday on Pete Buttigieg’s accomplishments that pointed out that the South Bend, Indiana mayor had fired the Black police chief and Black fire chief during his time in office.

Buttigieg fired back that Uncle Joe is just salty because Buttigieg came in first place in the Iowa caucus, among the field of a dozen Democratic contenders, and that he had placed fourth.

“The vice president’s decision to run this ad speaks more to where he currently stands in this race than it does about Pete’s perspective as a mayor and veteran,” Buttigieg’s national press secretary said, according to the BBC.

Over the weekend, Biden and Buttigieg continued to exchange barbs during interviews on ABC’s This Week over the surprise campaign video that Biden put up on social media, which compares his record as vice president to Buttigieg’s accomplishments as mayor of South Bend. The video has so far been viewed 4.5 million times.

Former Mayor Pete doesn’t think very highly of the Obama-Biden record. Let’s compare. pic.twitter.com/132TB7MHaq

— Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) February 8, 2020

When Biden was asked on Sunday by ABC News whether he thought Buttigieg had a “race problem,” he responded: “No. I’m saying he hasn’t been able to unify the Black community, that’s what I’m saying.”

“Let’s get something straight here,” Biden added. “I didn’t attack Pete. Pete’s been attacking me. He’s been saying the reason we’re in the problem we’re in now is because of the recent past. That’s 8 years of Obama and me. I don’t get that.”

Biden also said that Buttigieg is “no Barack Obama.”

Buttigieg agrees.

“Well he’s right, I’m not Barack Obama, and neither is he. Neither is anyone running for president right now. And this isn’t 2008, it’s 2020, and this election is about where our country is headed next,” he said.

Buttigieg also addressed his need to attack Black supporters.

“I’m going to have to work to earn that vote, just as I did in South Bend,” Buttigieg said, according to the BBC. “We need to have a systemic vision for dismantling systemic racism,” he added.

Tomorrow, voters will select a Democratic candidate in New Hampshire, which marks the first primary of the election season.

The post Pete Buttigieg campaign claps back at Biden’s ‘attack’ on his race record appeared first on TheGrio.

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Will the Redskins hire the NFL’s first Black woman coach?

The Washington Redskins reportedly hope to hire Jennifer King and make her the NFL’s first Black female full-time assistant coach.

Multiple sources tell ESPN that King, who previously worked with Redskins Coach Ron Rivera, met with members of the organization before the Super Bowl to discuss an offensive assistant position. But even before this, she was hired by Rivera as a wide receiver coaching intern for the Carolina Panthers, where she worked the past two summers. Last fall, King worked as an offensive assistant with Dartmouth College.

The opportunity to work full time in the NFL would be a dream come true for King, who told ESPN in 2018 that she’d ultimately like to work as a college or NFL offensive coordinator. She also recognized that this move would be historic for a Black female and said she wants to be a role model for girls.

“It’s kind of like the (movie) Black Panther,” King said to ESPN at the time. “There was never, like, a Black superhero, and now that there’s a Black superhero, it’s like, ‘Holy cow!’ For the little girls, that’s just what I want for them: To let them know, if this is what they want to do, they can do it.”

King formerly coached the women’s basketball team at Johnson &Wales, leading it to a Division II championship in 2018. She also played for the New York Sharks in the Women’s Football Alliance and previously worked as an assistant receivers coach for the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football (AAF).

Two years ago, Rivera told ESPN that it was time for the NFL to bring a woman on board as a coordinator.

“Part of it, it’s all about the fan base,” Rivera told ESPN in 2018. “It’s also knowing the moms out there that understand the game. It’s important because they really do control as to whether their kids are going to play. This is something that has to be developed. It helps us in a lot of ways. It also shows everybody deserves an opportunity.”

Rivera also said women should be included in the head coach conversation, calling them an “untapped source,” at a Women’s Careers in Football Forum last year.

“There’s a lot of forward thinkers in this room. We’re in a production-based business. It’s all about winning, and we’ve got to create that opportunity to win,” Rivera said, according to ESPN. “It doesn’t matter who you are – if you bring something special to the table and help us, we most certainly want you.”

One former Redskins receiver is a fan of bringing King on board, having worked with her personally. When King worked in the AAF, she helped coach Rashad Ross, who now plays for the DC Defenders of the XFL.

“(King’s) knowledge of the game was impressive,” Ross told ESPN in 2019. “It’s a double standard when it comes to sports with females and men.”

The post Will the Redskins hire the NFL’s first Black woman coach? appeared first on TheGrio.

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You Can’t Take This Photo: The Colossal Underbelly of an Iceberg

Tobias Friedrich dove into 27ºF water to capture the ice formations most people never see.

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Turn Your Ikea Frekvens Gear Into a Boombox—or a Chicken

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‘Hair Love’ wins at the Academy Awards for Best Animated Short

Hair Love, the beautiful story about a Black father learning to fix his daughter’s natural hair, nabbed the Oscar for Best Animated Short.

Matthew A. Cherry, former NFLer, wrote and directed the film and Karen Rupert Toliver, along with Cherry, produced it. Other producers were actress Gabrielle Union and retired basketball player, Dwyane Wade. As the team’s guest, they brought DeAndre Arnold, the Texas teenager who was suspended from school and told he couldn’t walk in his graduation ceremony for refusing to cut his locks, to the Oscars ceremony with them.

Cherry dedicated the award to late NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, who himself won in the best animated short category two years ago for Dear Basketball. Cherry said he created the film “to see more representation in animation and to normalize black hair,” reported The Hollywood Reporter.

“We have a firm belief that representation matters deeply,” Rupert Toliver added on the Oscar stage.

Hair Love beat out Dcera (Daughter), Memorable, Sister and Kitbull.

One of the reasons why the celebrity duo, Union and Wade, invited Arnold and his mom to the Oscar ceremony was because they were impacted by his real-life Hair Love story.

“When we heard the amazing story of a young Black father with long beautiful locs just trying to figure out how to do his daughter’s hair, we knew that we had to support any way we could, we had to get involved any way we could — the same way as when we heard about your story and you just wanting to wear your hair the way you want at school,” Union said in a video she posted to social media.

Arnold came with his natural hair perfectly coiffed. He wore a black suit with stunning blue lapels.

After winning the Oscar, Cherry explained that through the film, he hoped to open up the field of animation to more Black stories like Hair Love.

“This was kind of an opportunity, I think, to put a little bit of positivity in animation,” Cherry explained backstage, reported The Hollywood Reporter. “You know, back when we did the Kickstarter campaign back in 2017, there wasn’t a lot of representation in animation. And when I was coming across a lot of these viral videos of dads doing their daughter’s hair, they were just so inherently joyful. Our biggest challenge was just to maintain that joy that made people gravitate towards those videos in the first place. So to be here and doing something like this with black hair and black families, it’s just, it’s literally a dream. And I never would have thought in a million years we would win an Oscar for something like this.”

The post ‘Hair Love’ wins at the Academy Awards for Best Animated Short appeared first on TheGrio.

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Best Podcasts for Kids (2020): Stories, Circle Round, But Why, and More

Keep your children entertained and ease the stress of being stuck indoors with these podcasts for kids.

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Documentary ‘Building Atlanta,’ About Legendary Black Businessman Herman J. Russell, Premieres

Appearing during Black History Month, a new documentary film is being released on the inspiring life and legacy of iconic Atlanta businessman Herman J. Russell.

In the making for over a year, Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell, is about the trailblazing entrepreneur who founded and built H.J. Russell & Co. into one of the nation’s largest black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms. The nearly hour-long film premieres on ATL PBA on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. and re-airs at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and witnessed some of his accomplishments.

Started in 1952 by the late Russell, the company has grown into a nationally known player in an industry dominated by white males. The firm evolved from its start as a plastering business into a builder that has transformed the skylines of American cities, particularly Atlanta. Among the high-profile projects built with Russell’s involvement were the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia Dome—the current and former homes of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

In 1979, Russell founded Atlanta-based Concessions International, the first African American-owned business to become a top airport concessionaire in America. That business today does about $50 million in annual revenue. But Russell’s journey was not easy. In his book, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, Russell talked about challenges his company faced and overcame during his business career. His entrepreneurial spirit lasted throughout his life until his passing in 2014.

Building Generational Success

“For our family, having our father’s and grandfather’s story told through the eyes and words of those who knew him best is a particularly impactful approach the filmmakers use,” said Herman J. Russell’s son, Michael B. Russell, CEO, H. J. Russell, in a press release.

“As humble as he was, I think he would enjoy seeing what his friends had to say about him in addition to seeing his life story on television. He would hope this documentary will inspire people, particularly young people, to strive even harder to reach their personal potential against all odds, and that’s what we hope it does too.”

Michael Russell, who became the company’s CEO in 2003, told Black Enterprise about how his father’s efforts laid the foundation to help H.J. Russell become the nation’s largest black-owned construction company. “He really established the reputation and brand from the results he produced over the 50 years he was involved with the business,” Russell says. “And from that, we’ve been blessed to be able to take that legacy. build upon it, do what we said we were going to do and execute at a high level.”

This year, the younger Russell projects the company’s revenue will rise slightly up to $180 million. With revenue around $178 million, H.J. Russell was No. 25 on the 2019 Top 100 list of the BE 100s, Black Enterprise’s annual ranking of America’s top black-owned businesses. The gain is expected to come from additional construction volume that H.J. Russell has been engaged in or will be engaged in 2020.

Leaving a Legacy of Entrepreneurship

In the documentary, the voices of Russell’s proteges are heard, along with business partners who witnessed firsthand his challenges. For instance, Robert “Bob” Holder, founder and chairman of Holder Construction, stated, “Herman and I were born within a month of each other, and within three miles of each other, but the two worlds could not have been more different. Everything I was born into was designed to make sure I succeeded; everything he was born into was designed to be sure he did not succeed. And Herman, in his lifetime, overcame all of that.”

As a lasting legacy to Russell, the Russell family has created the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, designed to encourage and support generations of entrepreneurs, especially black entrepreneurs, as he did throughout his life.

“The documentary is the inspirational back story on which the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE) is being created,” said Russell’s son and namesake, H. Jerome Russell Jr., who is chairman of the board of RCIE. “We want current and aspiring entrepreneurs to come to RCIE to reach their potential as entrepreneurs, and this film will help our members understand the legacy and foundation on which RCIE is built.”

The full documentary will be hosted on H. J. Russell & Co.’s YouTube channel and eventually on pba.org after the second airing.

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We Need to Talk About “Cloud Neutrality”

A multibillion-dollar, privately-owned infrastructure is now essential to the modern internet economy. That should freak you out.

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Said Benrahma: The Algerian eyeing promotion with Brentford

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50 Cent And Snoop Dogg Go After Gayle King Over Kobe Bryant Comments

CBS News anchor Gayle King got heat from 50 Cent And Snoop Dogg for comments she made about Kobe Bryant during an interview with a friend of the late basketball legend.

During a CBS This Morning interview with WNBA basketball player Lisa Leslie, King asked about Bryant’s legacy and brought up Bryant’s 2003 rape charge. The criminal case against Bryant was dropped on Sept. 1, 2004, after the accuser declined to testify, USA Today reported. In August of that year, the woman filed a civil lawsuit, which was settled out of court on March 2, 2005.

“It’s been said that his legacy is complicated because of a sexual assault charge,” King told Leslie, who was friends with Bryant. “Is it complicated for you as a woman, as an WNBA player?”

“It’s not complicated for me at all,” Leslie replied. “I just never have ever seen him being the kind of person that would do something to violate a woman or be aggressive in that way. That was just never the person that I know.”

On Twitter, King’s line of questioning was slammed.

Among King’s critics was 50 Cent. The TV producer, entrepreneur, and investor tweeted a clip of the interview with King and commented on it in a video.

“Gayle King, why would you do that to your people? You know what people are going through right now. Why would you ask a question like that, trying to tarnish somebody’s image? You do that to your own Black people. You sad. Black people need to stop trying to hurt Black people for success.”

Snoop also had some words for King and the media that were posted on Twitter.

“Gayle King, out of pocket for that shit. Way out of pocket,” Snoop said. “What do you gain from that? We expect more from you Gayle. Don’t you hang out with Oprah? Why are y’all attacking us. We your people. You ain’t coming at Harvey Weinstein asking those dumb ass questions. I get sick of y’all. I want to call you on it. How dare you try to tarnish my boy’s reputation. Respect the family and back off. before we come get you.”

Gayle King and Oprah seem to go after certain stories without class , but ignore the stories involving their Hollywood friends. You bring up something about Kobe right after his death for ratings or relevance? Kobe Bryant has passed away and journalist lack class #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/W69lpwZofA

— Horace Towns (@thehoracetowns) February 5, 2020

The article was written by Dana Sanchez for The Moguldom Nation.

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What Is the Internet of Things? A WIRED Guide

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What Scientists Can Learn From Alien Hunters

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Today's Cartoon: Elon Musk's Problem

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Asisat Oshoala: Nigerian is hungry for more Barcelona success

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England in South Africa: Tourists win third ODI by two wickets to draw series

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Sunday, February 9, 2020

Emmanuel Adebayor: Paraguay's Club Olimpia agree 'deal in principle' for Togo legend

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WATCH: Janelle Monae calls out #OscarsSoWhite during opening number: ‘Happy Black History Month’

Janelle Monae took subtle shade to new heights when she opened the 92nd annual Academy Awards by acknowledging #OscarsSoWhite when she took the stage.

The multi-talented star kicked off her performance with a rendition of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” before jumping into an original song that highlighted the show’s lack of diversity.

BLOSCARS: Our list of Black folks and films that should have been nominated for Oscars

“The Oscars, it’s so white, it’s time to come alive,” she sang while flanked by dancers dressed as characters from some snubbed films including Queen & Slim and Dolemite Is My Name.

“From ‘Dolemite’ to ‘Parasite,’ it’s time to shine,” she sang at another point in the song, despite the fact that the Netflix film wasn’t nominated. She also made mention of other perceived snubs including Hustlers and Jordan Peele‘s Us.

PHOTOS: Janelle Monae, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo and more SLAY at the Oscars

The 34-year-old beauty was joined onstage by Billy Porter who sang a bit of “I’m Still Standing” and the two continued to make bold statements throughout their set.

Just in case her message wasn’t clear, she made sure to drive it home before wrapping up her incredible number.

“Tonight we celebrate all the amazing talent in this room, we celebrate all the women who directed phenomenal films…And I’m so proud to stand here as a black queer artist telling stories,” she said. “Happy Black History Month.”

*no mic drop needed*

Check it out:

The post WATCH: Janelle Monae calls out #OscarsSoWhite during opening number: ‘Happy Black History Month’ appeared first on TheGrio.

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Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Today’s Black History Month facts for Feb 11th

Monday, February 10, 2020

Building Generational Success

Leaving a Legacy of Entrepreneurship

Sunday, February 9, 2020