Spotted: Mary J. Blige Filming “Black Nativity” In New York
Mary J. Blige was spotted filming Black Nativity in New York on Tuesday. Mary plays an angel named ‘Platinum Fro’ in the film which is a retelling of the classic Nativity story - which also co-stars Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker. The “Mr. Wrong” songstress was recently honored at Vibe’s Impact Awards.
Peep a few more pics below..
Go Mary!
"After Earth" Poster Shows Off Father and Son Stars
Giving fans a sneak peek at what’s ahead, Sony Pictures released a new poster for “After Earth”
The close up features the movies stars Will and Jaden Smith with the tagline “Danger is real. Fear is a choice.”
A sci-fi thriller, the film takes place one thousand years after Earth was evacuated by humans and a father and son explore the planet.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “After Earth” will hit theaters nationwide on June 7
Kanye West Talks About Being Named #7 MTV’s Best MC
We all know Kanye West was going to have something to say about MTV’s Hottest MC list. Kanye made the list at #7 and sat down with DJ Enuff on Hot 97 to talk about how he felt about being on the list. Interview inside.
Kanye was happy about those he knew that made it but wasn’t sure about being named #7. He had some things to say about Sway Calloway and also who he believes should be #1.
DJ Enuff: I saw you on the list. You came at #7 on the MTV list. That’s wassup.
Kanye: That was cool and everything. More than anything, I’m happy for Sean, but I feel like he should be on top 5. He’s bodying records, like the way he started off that “Mercy.”
So you think you and Sean should be top 5 definitely? Maybe top 3? I know you, ‘Ye. To me, you’re gonna say you’re the number one rapper in the world. Number 7, does this bother you?
Yeah, number 7 bothers me. I think that [Lil] Wayne is the number one rapper in the world.
You think Wayne is the number one rapper in the world?
Yeah, I just think he’s like, you know, him and Jay and Em and certain people are just the greatest rappers of all time. For me I feel that in order for them to put me as number 7, they had to bring up things that they didn’t like.
So you think [them not liking certain songs of yours] is what puts you at number seven as opposed to number five, four, three, two, one?
I don’t think it’s them really going bar for bar. I said, “Lucky I ain’t had Jay drop him from the team.” Ain’t no bar, ain’t no bar in the entire past 12 months that’s hotter than that bar. That’s one bar! I come from this battle rap, that’s how I grew up in Chicago. I couldn’t believe it. I gave Sway his first TV. He came over to my crib in Newark, NJ. I was living in Newark doing beats for Jay and Beans and all them and I was getting a new TV and I gave Sway his first TV. And really I didn’t really wanna even like call to talk about the number seven list, I just wanna tell everybody that I gave Sway his first TV. And he need to remember that.
Sway’s response…
Now take that!
Former Destiny's Child Singer LaTavia Roberson Is PREGNANT...Gears Up For Reality Show, Tell-All Memoir & Her Baby To Share Beyonce's Birthday!
31-year-old LaTavia Roberson has been staying fab, living in Atlanta and doing local appearances here and there since receiving the axe from Destiny's Child years ago. But after all the drama, all of the original members (plus Michelle) are supportive and loving toward each other's careers. And LaTavia's baby, according to her reps, is ironically due on September 4th....which is also Beyonce's b-day.
So now that LaTavia is the second member of D-Child to have a baby, we're sure the girls are happy for her. And her upcoming reality show and even her tell-all.
According to the press release, LaTavia's child's father is a "well known Alanta producer". So this could be anyone. We do know that for years she dated Jagged Edge member Brandon Casey, but that ended several years ago.
It was also revealed that LaTavia recently signed a production contract with hit reality television producer Carlos King since she's ready to open up about her past, pregnancy and plans for her future.
Executive Producer Carlos, who also did "RHOA", "Oprah's Season 25 Behind The Scenes," "Real Housewives of New Jersey," says, “I’m excited to work with LaTavia to effectively tell her story on television. This is her first time speaking out about her past. This woman has endured more than the public even realizes, and once they hear half of it, they will be in awe. She is a true survivor!”
And let's not forget about that tell-all memoir that's been rumored to be in the works for a while now. THAT is due out later this year. The press release states:
Production plans include developing a reality show documenting Latavia’s pregnancy, the ups and downs of her relationship with her child's father and her past battle with molestation, alcoholism and jail time. Her struggles to distance herself from the negativity surrounding her untimely departure from Destiny's Child, still follow her, but LaTavia is determined to clear the air once and for all. Future plans also include returning to the studio to showcase her voice for the first time as a solo artist and the final release of her highly anticipated “tell all” memoir due later this year!
Sounds like Ms. Roberson is ready for that spotlight again. Our nosy selves will be reading and watching...
Microsoft Fined $733 Million
The European Union fined Microsoft Corp 561 million euros ($733 million) on Wednesday for failing to offer consumers a choice of web browser, a charge that will act as a warning to other technology firms involved in antitrust disputes with the EU.
It said the U.S. company had broken a legally binding commitment made in 2009 to ensure consumers had a choice of browser, rather than defaulting to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
An EU investigation found that Microsoft had failed to honor that obligation in software issued between May 2011 and July 2012, meaning that 15 million users were never made aware that they could choose.
“Legally binding commitments reached in antitrust decisions play a very important role in our enforcement policy,” said Joaquin Almunia, the EU’s competition commissioner.
“A failure to comply is a very serious infringement that must be sanctioned accordingly.”
Wednesday’s fine is the first time the European Commission, the EU’s antitrust authority, has fined a company for non-compliance with agreed commitments. It could have charged Microsoft up to 10 percent of its global turnover, or as much as $7.9 billion.
In that respect, the fine is relatively light, but still marks a firm sanction by the EU and will not go unnoticed by the likes of Google, which is involved in a dispute with the Commission over how it ranks search engine results.
Google is under pressure to offer concessions to prevent the antitrust authority moving to the next stage in the case, which could involve fines. Other major technology firms are also in the Commission’s crosshairs in other cases.
Microsoft has a long and bitter relationship with the EU’s powerful antitrust authority, which has now issued fines totaling 2.16 billion euros against the U.S. firm.
In 2004, the Commission found that Microsoft had abused its dominant market position in relation to the tying of Windows Media Player to the Windows software package and imposed fines.
Then in 2009, in order to resolve other competition concerns, Microsoft undertook to offer users a browser choice screen allowing them to download a browser other than Explorer.
The Commission made that obligation legally binding for five years, until 2014, and initially the company complied. From March 2010 until November 2010, 84 million browsers were downloaded via the screen, the Commission said on Wednesday.
But the Windows 7 service pack 1 rolled out between mid-2011 and mid-2012 failed to offer the choice, leading to the investigation that resulted in Wednesday’s fine.
Microsoft has said the failure was the result of a technical error and that procedures have since been tightened.
In what was seen as an acknowledgement of the severity of the mistake, the board cut the bonus of chief executive Steve Ballmer last year, according to company’s annual proxy filing.
The Commission said it had taken into account in calculating the fine that Microsoft had cooperated by providing information that had helped speed-up the investigation.
Analysts always found it odd that Microsoft would have purposefully failed to offer a choice of browsers via its software given that the potential fine for such a failure would far exceed any potential income from not offering it.
Microsoft’s share of the European browser market has more than halved since 2008 to 24 percent. Google’s Chrome has a 35 percent share, followed by Mozilla with 29 percent, according to Web traffic analysis company StatCounter.
Paris Jackson is now a high school varsity cheerleader
The 14-year-old daughter of late King of Pop Michael Jackson sported pom-poms and a new, edgy haircut as she cheered on her prep school's basketball team.
Paris Jackson showed off her new edgy hairstyle while cheering on The Buckley School Tuesday.
Paris Jackson went from Hollywood to All-American this week when she shed her punky look for a pair of pom-poms.
The 14-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson was spotted on the basketball court of The Buckley School cheering on the boys' basketball team to victory.
The late King of Pop's daughter, Paris, must have been an ispiration as they won the game!
Jackson, who is also an aspiring musician, sported white tennis shoes, a red and gray uniform with "Buckley" splashed across the chest, and sparkly red pom-poms.
Paris, who chopped off her long brown locks, screamed support from the stands.
Something Jackson did must have helped: The Buckley School Griffins beat the Mission Prep Royals, 54 -46.
When she's not cheering, Paris is an on-air correspondent for 'Entertainment Tonight.'
While cheering, Jackson showed off her new hairdo, an edgy layered bob that she usually pairs with piercings and vintage rock band T-shirts.
Terrence J Upcoming Book ‘The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom’
Terrence J the former host of BET’s 106 and Park has moved onto his new gig at “E! News” host. He is now announcing a new upcoming book called, The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom, and its publishing details.
HarperCollins Publishers have announced that they will publish the book called, The Wealth Of My Mother’s Wisdom by Terrence J. It is set to be released in September 2013. The book deal is T’s newest announcement. It will focus on what he has learned from his mother. The skills and life lessons he has learned in order to stay grounded and focused in this industry. He says:
“During the process of playing the “Mama’s boy” in Think Like a Man, I took an in-depth look at my own mother and her extraordinary journey of raising me while a still teenager herself. I know that many of the successful moments in my life, personally and professionally, have been in part because of the lessons that she taught me, and I am proud to share her words of wisdom to inspire others.”
Executive Editor Carrie Thornton says:
“The first time I met Terrence J I found him to be charming, but also very humble. He shared with me stories of his childhood, and also his deep admiration for his mother. I knew we had found the kernel of a wonderful book from him. Terrence’s star is getting brighter and brighter every day, and we’re so happy to have the chance to publish him.”
Congratulations on your newest venture!
Jennifer Lawrence Featured in New Katniss Everdeen Portrait
Keeping fans on the edge of their seats, another portrait from the “Huger Games: Catching Fire" Victory Portrait collection has been released.
The latest character subject is Katniss Everdeen ( Jennifer Lawrence) in a dazzling white ball gown with a full skirt and bold wing-like embellishment at the shoulders.
The second film in the franchise, follows Ms. Everdeen and fellow game winner Peeta Mellark ( Josh Hutcherson) as they embark on a tour of the districts. Continuing to show off more images from “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” two new photos from the “Victory Portrait” series were released
The latest arrivals are Beetee (played by Jeffrey Wright) and Johanna Mason (Jenna Malone), a district seven tribute.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the second film in the popular series, will hit theaters on November 22.
RHOA’s Sheree Whitfield Loses Court Case Against ATL Blogger
Uh, oh. Things aren’t looking so good for former Real Housewives of Atlanta reality star, Sheree ‘Who Gon Check Me Boo’ Whitfield. Last week, we shared that Sheree was seeking protective order against three Atlanta bloggers. In short, she has alleged that she is being stalked and harassed, with folk coming on the property of the home she’s building, which she referred to on the show as ‘Chateau Sheree‘. Tuesday afternoon, one of the bloggers that she’s accused, Tamara Tattles, spilled the digital tea with what happened in court.
On her site, she wrote:
I finally had my day in court today with Ms. Sheree Whitfield. First, a bit of background. In Georgia, if you go to the courthouse and tell them that you are in fear of your life because someone is stalking you they automatically give you a TPO and set a hearing within ten days to hear the evidence. It is not necessary to provide any evidence at that time, because all of that will come out in the hearing. So today was the day for the hearing. Sheree was asking for a 12 month stalking order of protection against me.
In court this afternoon, the judge heard both sides of the case. I explained that I went to Chateau Sheree and took some pictures on one occasion. I testified that I had never seen Sheree anywhere ever; nor had I ever attempted to contact her in any way. I also explained I was given permission by the men in physical control of the site to enter the property. I also mentioned that Sheree does not own said property.
Sheree testified that she was afraid for her life. She stated that I was parked outside her property at all hours of the day and night. Under questioning, she was unable to state any time that I had threatened her or harassed her. She admitted that she was not the property owner. She said she was the builder. She said she was there almost every day with her children and they were afraid of me. She admitted that she had shared the blueprints for Chateau Sheree on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. She admitted that she had invited cameras on the property for the show.
Sheree’s attorney then called a man as a witness named Jason Lapene. Who is Jason Lapene? That’s a good question. He said that he knows Sheree because he “did a website for her.” Sheree claimed in her testimony that he is the person who investigated to determine the owner of Tamaratattles.com. He then said he was a real estate developer. He testified that Sheree would call him very late at night crying and scared for her life. He also testified that he had staked out my house in order to determine if it was a “servable address” (presumably for a TPO). I dunno what he even means by that or how a web designer would have any involvement in serving a TPO. I was served by the sheriff. Basically, it seems to me he is some guy that knows Sheree because I can’t see Sheree calling a web designer, or a real estate person at midnight crying. One would think a police officer or 911 would be a better option if one was fearful. His testimony was very odd. It appeared that Sheree’s attorney called him to testify about her “fears.” I know, I don’t get it either. And it’s kind of creepy he is hanging around my house. UPDATE: I just remembered that the guy said he saw me at Chateau Sheree on several occaisions too. What is a web developer/house flipper doing on a construction site he has nothing to do with all the time. And he is still trying to comment here even after the request for a TPO was thrown out saying that it wasn’t. Was he listening to the judge at all?
The judge ruled that there was nothing to support a stalking protective order. Her request was denied. Because Sheree claims to be in fear for her life he indicated that he was sure I would be willing to agree to stay away from her. Which of course, I was fine with as I have never been around her or had any contact with her in the first place. Because there had been two females (one looked very familiar) taking pictures of my house on the day the TPO was filed and because this guy admits to parking outside my house, my attorney asked for a mutual stay away agreement to keep Sheree and her ….web designing/real estate guy from coming to my property. Sheree’s attorney had previously refused that request which we offered prior to court. However, the judge ordered a mutual agreement (not a restraining order) to be drawn up between my legal team and her attorney. Problem solved. Right?
Not so fast. Before I was even able to begin this blog, Jason Lapene began sending out false and unsolicited emails to other blogs stating that the judge granted Sheree’s request for a permanent order. This is completely false. He seems very invested in this situation, no? Is it me or is he acting more like a disgruntled boyfriend than a web designer, or real estate agent, or whatever he is. VERY ODD. He also listed Sheree’s attorney in the email and the link to her attorney’s site. Why? The bloggers that he sent the emails to forwarded them to me for verification, which I of course could not provide, since he seems to be trying to deliberately misinform them.
All in all it was a very interesting day. The request was thrown out and you would think that Sheree’s friend Jason would have no need to continue his email campaign. I should I mention that I have lots of random guys named Joe and John trying to post my personal information on this blog socomments are a bit more moderated for now. Sheree is attempting to serve two other bloggers with TPOs as well. She must really like spending her days in the courtroom.
Wow. No official comment from Sheree’s camp yet. Stay tuned for an update on the other two ATL bloggers that Sheree is pursuing legal action against.
Common Partners With AT&T To Launch Smartphone Cases
The Chicago rapper Common has linked with AT&T and Case-Mate for the launch of a line of smartphone cases under his own Common Ground Foundation (CGF) last week via a launch event at AT&T’s Michigan Avenue flagship store in Chi-Town. The cases feature graffiti-styled designs by local artists from the Chi and a percentage of each sale benefits CGF, to help better the lives of underprivileged youths through creative arts.
“We’re definitely there to support and empower our youth to fulfill their dreams,” said Common on Thursday, moments before the launch event kicked off. “When we partnered with Case-Mate we realized they want to support our foundation and do things within the community. And AT&T was on that same mission.”
The G.O.O.D. Music vet felt it was important to bring a hip-hop aesthetic to the cases, of which there are six designs.
“Case-Mate really came up with the idea that the designs will be based upon a graffiti and mosaic artistic perspective,” said Common. “I come from Chicago and the first way I learned to express myself artistically was through hip-hop–that’s the root of what I do regardless. I’ve never been a graffiti artist, but I have a lot of respect for all the elements of hip-hop, so its great for us to have cases that have something to do with hip-hop culture.”
The cases, which retail for $50 and are available for iPhone 5, iPhone 4/4S and Samsung Galaxy S III, will be sold exclusively at AT&T (click here to see all the models) And according to Common, there will be more designs down the line.
Ashanti Hits The NYC Streets With Her Fur, Her Pups & Bodyguards
Ashanti's been parading around NYC doing promos for the upcoming season of "Army Wives," and I've got the pics of her diva status look complete with her dogs, fur and bodyguards.
Ashanti jetted from press op to press op yesterday in New York with her doggies in tow. And she rocked a fitted floral paneled dress, her shades and a fur. Her bodyguards kept folks at bay...we think.
Cute….
Celebrity Hairstylist Terrence Davidson Speaks Out, Since Splitting From Nicki Minaj: ‘Everything Happens For A Reason’
Last week, surprising news hit that Nicki Minaj had to decided to say deuces to her glam squad and long-time hair stylist, Terrence Davidson. While the details remain fuzzy, this news isn’t really ‘new’ to some of us.
Earlier this year, I received a statement from Terrence’s camp, announcing that he had moved on. He explained:
“I would like to inform the media and supporters that I’ve decided to step away as hair stylist and wig creator for Nicki Minaj. It has been an amazing experience offering me a chance to express my creativity and exhibit my love for the art form of wig design. I have decided to part ways from Nicki Minaj because I would like to explore other opportunities within my own brand and re-energize my creativity through work in fashion editorial, beauty consultations, media personality, ‘how-to’ lectures and hair show development. I am very proud of the body of work built with Nicki Minaj and I appreciate the support over the years from fans who’ve expressed love for my craft. Look forward to seeing me larger than life in 2013.”
To date, neither Nicki nor Terrence have discussed what ended their business relationship.
The Fastest Ferrari Road Car Ever Made
After months of anticipation, Ferrari’s replacement to the legendary Enzo supercar was unveiled today at the Geneva International Motor Show. It’s called LaFerrari; it’s Ferrari’s first hybrid, and the fastest road car ever built under the Prancing Stallion logo.
The name of Ferrari’s new flagship has been under question for sometime. Many expected it to be called the F70, and then it was rumored to be the F150 (highly amusing for us in America). The name LaFerrari however, is even worse — hearkening back to the Dodge La Femme of 1956 — but this is Ferrari. It can, and will, do whatever it likes.
When the sheets were removed, the Ferrari stand at Geneva erupted into cheers, clapping, and rather a lot of pushing and shoving. And for good reason, too. LaFerrari is simply beautiful. In fact, it looks better than expected, as it presents sleek, swooping lines, and limits the aggressive edge of the Enzo. That ferociousness is still present at the front with its massive hood vents and sharp chin, but it blends elegance and speed in a wondrous fashion. The interior looks as breathtaking and futuristic as you would expect as well, with its digital display cluster and Alcantara wrapped surfaces.
Beneath the skin, LaFerrari does not disappoint. A V-12 motor punches out 800 hp, but when you add the 163 additional hp provided by the coupled electric motor, a grand total of 963 raging ponies are unleashed, comfortably outdoing the 903 hp produced by LaFerrari’s arch nemesis, the McLaren P1.
Both the P1 and LaFerrari boast 663 lb-ft of torque, and with the electric motor allowing Ferrari to tune the engine performance for higher revs, leaving the electric portion to deliver the low rev punch, LaFerrari should explode throughout the entire range, just like the P1.
The hybrid system is composed of two electric motors developed with Magneti Marelli. One motor powers the driven wheels while the other the ancillaries. The battery is located on the floor of the all-carbon chassis, and consists of cells assembled in the same department as their Formula One team’s KERS system.
Battery regeneration switches on under braking as well as when the V-12 produces more torque than needed, like when cornering. Rather than sending that excess torque to the wheels, the torque is converted into energy and stored in the batteries.
Unsurprisingly, the motor is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. Combining all of this ensures LaFerrari will burst to 60 mph in well under three seconds, and surpass 124 mph in less than seven. It will also eclipse the 1 minute, 20 second barrier for lapping Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, which is five seconds faster than the Enzo and three seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. Prices for the beast were not revealed, but expect the sticker to read an equally impressive $1.3 million.
Only 499 LaFerraris will be produced, and Ferrari already has 700 written requests from eligible buyers. With the big guns in the hypercar world now unveiled, only time will tell whether LaFerrari has what it takes to become the champion of the world’s asphalt. Regardless of how that plays out, this is, without question, a fantastic era for the enthusiast.
Beanie Sigel Slapped With Extra Jail Time
Damn Beans! 2013 is not bringing much good news to Beanie Sigel these days. The rapper is already behind bars for tax evasion, and has been sentenced to extra time on a separate drug charge. Sigel was given 23 more months behind bars stemming from his arrest last summer for possession.
Last August, Sigel --real name Dwight Grant-- and a friend were pulled over in Pennsylvania, and found to be in possession of a bottle of codeine, and had nearly $5,000 cash on his person. Meanwhile, the driver of the car was popped for possession of prescription drugs, and weed.
A loaded gun was also found in the vehicle.
Sigel pleaded guilty to drug charges, while the gun offense was thrown out. As a result he must spend an extra two years on top of the two years he was sentenced to, for not paying Uncle Sam.
Before going to jail, the Philly native signed a deal with EMI, announced a pre-prison tour, and dropped his sixth studio album This Time.
ENGAGED: AJ Calloway Popped The Question To Fiancee ‘Dionne Walker’
Magazine Former BET Host of 106 & Park, AJ Calloway has popped the question to his love, Dionne Walker. And she said YES!!
Congrats!
But in other engagement news!
Savannah Brinson CONFIRMS She & LeBron James Are STILL GETTING MARRIED
When Savannah Brinson missed several Miami Heat events that were attended by girlfriends and wives, the rumor mill started swirling that the pair had split. However, Savanna Brinson recently squashed those rumors by telling Gossip Extra, “Some people have nothing better to do than starting rumors. It’s not because we’re not together 24/7 that we’re having problems.”
When asked if the wedding was still on, she replied, “Yes, we are definitely getting married, but I’m not telling you when or where!”
She's also been tweeting about her pre-bridal fitness.
Details about the upcoming nuptials are also being kept top secret as folks speculate about where Savannah might be get her wedding dress from. Though she was spotted at the bridal boutique Ever After in Miami, a rep from the company said, "Ms. Brinson visited a bridal market in New York. Any other information about Ms. Brinson would be confidential."
That wedding will be a fab one though.
Nene Leakes Out In Beverly Hills & Locks Doggy In Car
Real Housewives of Atlanta reality star Nene Leakes accidentally locked her dog in the car out in Beverly Hills today. She had call the police to unock her car ASAP!!! Details inside. TMZ reports that Nene left her keys in her car and couldn’t figure out how to unlock the doors. Her dog was locked inside in warm Beverly Hills. She called the police and they let her pooch out!
The dog wasn’t in danger the weather was a little on the chilly side (well according to those who live on the west coast) The dog was a yorkie and his name is Playa.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘HALF-ASSING IT’
Hey lady, you wanna pull up your pants? You’re making the Grand Canyon jealous.
