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← Older posts Newer posts →Kobe Bryant Retires: So What’s Next?
December 7, 2015by Ryan Parker Legendary Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant is hanging up his sneakers after this season, he announced in a poem. “He is singularly focused on basketball. That level of focus keeps him at a distance from a lot of people,” Shelburne told SI. “Yes, he forms friendships with players around the league, but they are the ‘mutual admiration’ kind of friendships.” Charles Barkley has previously talked about leaving sports broadcasting when his contract with Turner Sports is up in 2016, according to SI. Bryant has been suggested as an obvious replacement. Shortly after his announcement Sunday, other analysts and writers agreed Bryant going behind the broadcast desk was the obvious next move. He’s never expressed interest in a post-broadcasting career but Kobe Bryant would be a cant-miss analyst if he opted for that gig. — Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 30, 2015 “He’s obviously smart and articulate and he would be a great candidate,” Craig Barry, Turner Sports senior vice president and executive creative director told SI in January. “But like any job there is a certain amount of passion that the person needs to have for the day to day. That element of passion and wanting to share the game is a huge part of being able to connect with the viewer.” Basketball/ broadcasting’s version of “Party of 5” Wonder if TNT goes after Kobe to join Shaq (interesting) , Kenny, Charles and EJ? — chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) November 30, 2015. Swirsky raises an interesting thought — Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal back together again. Following his retirement in 2011, O’Neal became an analyst for Turner Sports, often working with Barkley and Ernie Johnson Jr. O’Neal, never shy in front of the camera even when he was a player, has also hosted Saturday Night Live. The duo had a feud for years dating back to their days …
Posted in Fashion | Leave a commentHOLLYWOOD BEAUTY LUPITA NYONG’O GRACES JANUARY COVER OF ESSENCE
December 1, 2015“…The stage of self-doubt is never eliminated. It’s work. It doesn’t come naturally or easily because I have a golden statue sitting on my shelf…”—Lupita Nyong’o, ESSENCE ESSENCE COVER STORY: FINDING LUPITA… After her Oscar win, life swept Lupita Nyong’o into a dizzying swirl of fame. She became an overnight style and beauty icon and filmed three movies, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens. All that busyness came at an emotional price. Lupita has found her roots—and herself—again. The January issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Friday, December 4th. (Page 36). *You can also find a flashback to Lupita’s moving ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood OTHER ARTICLES IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF ESSENCE HEALTH & RELATIONSHIPS: GET YOUR MIND & BODY BREAKTHROUGH…Discover your best body ever with our six-month plan for health, happiness and transformation inside and out. (Page 72) HAPPILY EVER NOW…It begins like this: “Once upon a time..” And what happens next is up to you. ESSENCE Lifestyle & Relationships Editor Charreah K. Jackson shares why it’s critical to love on the right terms, no matter your relationship status. (Page 84) LET IT GO!…Tips on refreshing your mind and space just in time for the New Year. (Page 86) GREENS, PLEASE…Looking for a quick way to improve your overall health for 2016? Pile on the greens! Here’s how to get more in your daily routine. (Page 89) YOUR BEST YEAR YET…Pastor Joel Osteen offers a message of hope and gratitude. (Page 92) MONEY & POWER: MIND OVER MONEY MATTERS…In an exclusive excerpt from her new book, Real Money Answers For Every Woman, money maven Patrice C. Washington offers the secrets to lasting financial freedom. (Page 51) SCENE: TWEET: SAY MY NAME…The” Southern Hummingbird” returns to the spotlight—this time, on her terms. (Page 39) BOOKS: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION READS…Want …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentSHAYLA’S CATCH ROMANCE NOVEL FOR $15.00
November 25, 2015Includes signed copy. Just click on “Buy Now” below. Specify the name you want signed in instructions. Are You A Catch? Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD https://youtu.be/urXs0nw4HyQ Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD SHAYLA’S CATCH takes readers on the journey of Shayla, a young lady who falls hard for the heart-thumping enchantment of Calvin “CK” Moore, one of the most popular and highest-paid receivers in the NFL. CK is just as flattered with Shayla’s innocent smile, her enticing natural beauty, and definitely with her curvaceous figure. But little did Shayla know that her good-natured flattery would be a light snack in the continuous meals of CK’s stable of gold-digging girlfriends. SHAYLA’S CATCH is a valid and timely depiction of the competitive nature of American sports mixed with romance, money, sex and broken hearts. Every woman, whether single, dating, or married will be able to relate to SHAYLA’S CATCH. And every man will see himself in the male characters, whether he is a faithful “Catch” or a skirt-chasing womanizer. Kindle Edition On Sale $6.99 –http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT4DGF0 Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD
Posted in Tour Alert | Leave a commentTHE WIZ LIVE! COMING TO DVD ON DECEMBER 22, 2015
November 23, 2015NBC’s musical television production of The Wiz Live! stars world-class performers and recording artists including Queen Latifah (Chicago), Mary J. Blige (Empire), Ne-Yo (Red Tails), and David Alan Grier (In Living Color). Staying true to the groundbreaking Broadway show that put a vivid urban spin on the land of Oz, this fresh new trip down the yellow brick road also stars Common (Being Charlie), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Amber Riley (Glee), Stephanie Mills (The Love Boat), and newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Also included on the DVD will be the NBC special, The Making of The Wiz Live, featuring the behind-the-scenes story of producing this live television event! Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, the original 1975 hit Broadway production of The Wiz became a cultural touchstone that also spawned the classic film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Now, a Tony-winning creative team has brought together the imaginative acrobats of Cirque du Soleil and a cast of extraordinary actors, singers and dancers to produce an exciting new version unlike anything seen before. Premiering on NBC to rave reviews, The Wiz Live! will be a holiday classic to watch for years to come! The spectacular television event is executive produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, whose numerous credits include the 2002 Chicago, which won six Oscars® including Best Picture, the television series Smash and the Tony Award-winning Broadway revivals of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises. Thursday’s live telecast of The Wiz Live! delivered hit ratings, averaging a 3.4 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49 and 11.5 million viewers overall to dominate the night for NBC. It was the network’s best Thursday average in total viewers, excluding sports, since September 2014, and nearly tripled NBC’s best …
Posted in TV | Leave a commentHow a Bout of Depression Led to Dwayne Johnson’s Career-Defining Moment | Master Class | OWN
November 16, 2015“You’ve just gotta remember, hold onto that fundamental quality of faith,” he said. “Have faith, and on the other side of your pain is something good.” The Rock is among many celebs who have spoken out about coping with depression, including Demi Lovato, Hayden Panettiere, Ellen DeGeneres, Cara Delevingne and Kanye West, to name a few. With a ton of impressionable fans watching their every move, it’s refreshing to see Hollywood stars who aren’t afraid to be transparent, despite the industry pressure to project perfection at all times. Source:http://www.cambio.com/2015/11/14/the-rock-struggles-with-depression/?ncid=edlinkuscamb00000023 For more on Oprah’s Master Class visit http://www.oprah.com/OprahsMasterClass After playing football for four years at the University of Miami, Dwayne Johnson was passed over by the NFL. While he played for the Canadian Football League for a short time, he was ultimately cut from his team, the Calgary Stampeders, and sent packing. At 23, Dwayne found himself living in his parents’ small apartment, battling depression Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a comment‘CREED’ STARS CELEBRATE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA
November 11, 2015THE MAIN EVENT ‘CREED’ STARS CELEBRATE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA In conjunction with Warner Bros. digital campaign entitled “#IFightFor,” the stars and talent behind the motion picture CREED, Michael B. Jordan (star of CREED), Tessa Thompson (star of CREED), Ryan Coogler (Writer/Director of CREED) and Janice McKenzie-Crayton (President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta) honored Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s (BBSS) personalized message entitled “I Fight For a Big Future” with a donation to their mentoring program, and mural dedication designed by Shepard Fairey’s design studio, Studio Number One. The mural will be located in the Mentoring Center within the newly adopted local headquarters of BBBS of Metro Atlanta. PHOTOS by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Allied) Photo Credit – Getty Images for Allied More PHOTOS – by Sonya Jenkins (Below). #CREED – IN THEATERS THANKSGIVING DAY.
Posted in TV, Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentTHE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION and the BLACK WOMEN OF BOND TRIBUTE, HONORING THE ICONIC ACTRESSES FROM THE JAMES BOND SERIES IN ADVANCE OF SPECTRE
November 4, 2015British actress Naomie Harris Joins Ageless Bond Beauties in Celebrating the Venerable Franchise In advance of the highly anticipated North American release of the 24th edition of the wildly popular James Bond (007) franchise, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Terry Hines and Associates’ (THA) urban division partnered with the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and ESSENCE Magazine to present a special event that celebrated the enduring legacy that black actresses have made to this groundbreaking, iconic franchise. On November 3rd at the California African American Museum, the evening included the unveiling of exclusive portraits shot by renowned photographer Kwaku Alston of 007 veteran stars in attendance, Trina Parks (1971’s Diamonds are Forever), Gloria Hendry (1973’s Live and Let Die) and Naomie Harris (Skyfall, Spectre). Superstar and Academy Award Winner Halle Berry was on hand to discuss her appreciation for being a part of such an enduring legacy. Select footage from each of their films were featured in the program. ESSENCE Magazine exclusively revealed their December cover at the event, a stunning feature of Naomie Harris, seen for the first time by the audience assembled. A highlight of the affair came when Berry, Parks and Hendry discussed their experiences as Bond Girls, and lauded Naomie Harris for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the Bond series. Parks and Hendry were among the first women of color to be a part of the franchise, providing film history some if its most memorable moments. “James Bond films are known worldwide as classic and enduring, featuring some of cinema’s most indelible moments. These films have a long history of recognizing diverse images, and black women have played a key part in that. These women carry the tradition with sophistication and beauty. It is a true honor to shine a light on their …
Posted in Movie News, Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentThe Ludacris Foundation alongside The Ryan Cameron Foundation host VIP red carpet screening of THE PEANUTS MOVIE in Atlanta
November 4, 2015The Ludacris Foundation alongside The Ryan Cameron Foundation hosted a VIP red carpet screening of 20th Century Fox’s new family film, THE PEANUTS MOVIE, on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00 PM at Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta. The screening was well attended by local celebrities and influencers including: Ludacris (Rapper & Actor) Phaedra Parks (Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta) Monyetta Shaw (VH1’s Atlanta Exes) Sarah-Elizabeth L. Reed (First Lady, City of Atlanta) Parker (R&B Group 112) Headkrack (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show) Mariah Huq (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Toya Bush-Harris (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Lisa Nicole Cloud (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Navia Robinson (BET’s Being Mary Jane) Marve Frazier (Chief Creative Officer at Moguldom Media Group) Ryan Cameron (WVEE-FM) Wanda Smith (WVEE-FM) Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher, Sonya Jenkins, brought her young cousins, Rae (7), Sky(14) and Chase (11) to celebrate THE PEANUTS MOVIE. After the screening they told Sonya, “That was the best movie we’ve ever seen!” Enjoy photos from the event below: Previous Photos by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 20th Century Fox/Allied Integrated Marketing MORE PHOTOS from 20th Century Fox’s “The Peanuts Movie” VIP & Red Carpet Screening November 3, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBronzeLens Film Festival Recap – November 4 – 8
November 3, 2015More than 49 films were screened including a collection of features, shorts, narratives, webisodes and documentaries during the sixth annual BronzeLens Film Festival. BronzeLens took place November 4 – 8, 2015 at various venues throughout Atlanta including the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Festival Headquarters), The High Museum Hill Auditorium, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College, SCAD Show, Georgia Pacific Auditorium, South Fulton Arts Center and 444 Theatre. Below are a few photos from The Women SuperStars Luncheon, which has become a signature event of BronzeLens. Featured Film Highlights Wednesday, November 4, 2015 BronzeLens kicked-off with pre-festival screening and Atlanta Premiere of writer, director Nefertite Nguvu’s award winning film IN THE MORNING featuring Jacky Ido and Emayatzy Corinealdi at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College, Wednesday, November 4 Thursday, November 5, 2015 Returning sponsor BET Networks presented All Shorts | All Day, a day of screenings of the 16 official 2015 BronzeLens short films selections at the Hyatt Regency Learning Center. BET Networks also presented a $5,000 prize to the winner of the BEST SHORT at the BronzeLens Awards the following day. The feature film of the day was the Atlanta premiere CHAPTER & VERSE directed by Jamal Joseph featuring Omari Hardwick and Loretta Divine, Thursday, November 5 at 444 Theatre. Friday, November 6, 2015 BronzeLens presented another Atlanta premiere on opening night, Director Trey Haley’s THE MAN IN 3B featuring Lamman Rucker, Christian Keyes and Bre’ly Evans. This film is based on the characters from New York Times Best Selling author Carl Weber’s novel The location will be announced. Saturday, November 7, 2015 BronzeLens attendees experienced BronzeLen’s Family Film Festival, a free screening of Karyn Parsons’ three animated short films: GARRETT’S GIFT, the true story of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, narrated by Queen Latifah; THE …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentDelta Air Lines proclaims Snoopy an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’ – THE PEANUTS MOVIE opens November 6
October 26, 2015Good grief! A dog finally gets its due, as Delta Air Lines proclaims Snoopy an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’. During a once-in-a-lifetime event, Delta Air Lines recognized Snoopy’s sixty-five years of bravery against his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron, with a ceremony on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, GA. Known as the ‘Flying Ace’, Snoopy attended along with the creatives and co-stars of “The Peanuts Movie.” Snoopy and the gang all received acknowledgements during the commemoration from Delta Flight Museum President, John Boatright, with Snoopy receiving an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’ proclamation. Snoopy with Steve Martino (Director) and Craig Schulz (Writer/Producer) were given the rare honor of being bestowed the First Officer pin; a pin of honor amongst pilots far and wide. Voice-talent Noah Schnapp (“Charlie Brown”), Francesca Capaldi (“The Little Red-Haired Girl”), Hadley Belle Miller (“Lucy”) and Mar Mar (“Franklin”) were awarded Flight Attendant Wings. Guests at the ceremony included students from local grade schools, as well as Delta friends, family and employees. All were entertained by the Pope High School Marching Band and Dance Squad, who would spontaneously break out in the ‘Peanuts’ theme song to get the crowd moving. No word on Woodstock’s whereabouts, but have no doubt he feels safer taking to the skies with the ‘Flying Ace’. THE PEANUTS MOVIE opens everywhere November 6, 2015.
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