Sunday, May 31, 2015

Book Review: THE BOOK Of JOAN: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation By Melissa Rivers

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The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation by Melissa Rivers is a loving celebration, remembrance and gift, in print, for a beloved mother, from her daughter….

The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers was an emotional, unforgettable and humorous read. I knew from the start reading the book’s dedication, which read, For my Mother, whom I think about every day, and for my Father, who, as of this past September, is no longer resting in peace, that Melissa Rivers had inherited her mother’s witty humor and the story reflecting her mother’s life and the lessons from which she learned from her, were going to be at times difficult to read and other times laugh out loud funny.


The flow of the story written by Melissa was very forthcoming. She shared private conversations she’d had with her mom, including personal advice, Joan’s unrelentless determination to see Melissa married to a doctor (or rather just getting married), her life growing up with a famous mom and the life-long fascination Joan had with looks and cosmetic surgery. The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation doesn’t hold back from acknowledging why Joan felt the way she did about her looks and as a reader, you begin to understand her thought process. However, as Melissa reveals in the book, on her eightieth birthday, Joan Rivers told her daughter, “You know what? For eighty, I don’t look so bad.” From Melissa’s view, she felt her Mom had finally blossomed (in Joan’s mind) from an ugly duckling into a swan. Of course like with any facet in her life, Joan was able to find humor in anything, including an insecurity that had haunted her from a very early age.

What stood out to me and was confirmed after reading this book was the fact that what you saw was what you got from Joan Rivers. Point blank and the period. Joan Rivers never let her age deter her from just being who she was…bold, provocative, audacious, talented and hilarious as hell. While everyone wasn’t amused by Joan River’s brash style of humor, she never backed down from her opinions, beliefs or art. That truly defines an artist and a trailblazer.

With The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation, Melissa Rivers wrote a nearly 300 page open letter to her Mommy and let the world in on the love.

When you begin the journey of this must read memoir, written by the only person who knew Joan best, the opening lines from Melissa Rivers in The Book of Joan, makes you tear up and smile at the same time…

An excerpt from The Book of Joan:

I never thought I’d be sitting in a hospital making a decision about turning off a ventilator. I guess in my head I knew it was a possibility, as we all know we may face that kind of decision for a loved one someday. I just didn’t know I’d have to make it so unexpectedly. Just last night my mother and I were on the phone, laughing and joking about an old friend she’d run into. It was a typical checking-in-with-each-other kind of call. I had no way of knowing that it would be our last conversation. 

What I wanted was for her to sit up and say, “Ooh, that was nice nap. What time is hair and makeup?” What I needed was five minutes so I could tell hear all the crazy, hilarious things that had gone on around her the last week. We were probably the only two people in Mount Sinai who would’ve seen the humor in all this madness. But since I didn’t get those five minutes… 

In our family we always laughed our way through pain, so I decided to write a book that would have made her laugh. At least once a day she used to turn to me and say, “Can you believe this shit?” And I’d day, “Yes, Mommy, I can.” 

Mommy, I hope you’re somewhere reading-and, God knows, editing-this book, but the thing I hope most of all is that you’re smiling. 

From that beginning…set the tone of this truly touching read that was filled with emotional reflection, trials and tribulations, lessons taught and learned, humor and most of all love.


 I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Movie Trailer: THE MAN IN 3B [ Lamman Rucker, Christian Keyes, DB Woodside] In Theaters 10.1.15

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If you haven't read the drama filled suspense drama, The Man in 3B, by Carl Weber...definitely do so. Weber is on of my favorite authors and never disappoints.

Read the book before the movie releases.

THE MAN IN 3B AMAZON LINK

[Video] - Dior Secret Garden IV Campaign Featuring Rihanna - Versailles - Long Version



DIOR - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Congrats: Lance Gross and Rebecca Jefferson Tied the Knot Over The Weekend

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Actor Lance Gross and celebrity stylist, Rebecca Jefferson tied the knot over the weekend. The couple said their "I do's" in front of close family and friends, including Terrence J, Kelly Rowland and more on Saturday in Los Angeles. Their precious daughter, Berkeley, was in on the festivities as well.


Awww...adorable!




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Movie Trailer: THE NIGHTMARE [Documentary, Horror] Releases on 6.5.15

Movie Trailer: POINT BREAK [Remake] Releases in Theaters on Christmas Day 2015

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day

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We thank you for your sacrifice and bravery. We remember and honor you all. Thank you!

Friday, May 22, 2015

In Theaters: POLTERGEIST Possesses Theaters Today

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Tomorrowland also releases today.

A MUST MUST Read: RUINED [Loving An Alpha Male Series] By S.K. Lessly

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I recently realized I forgot to blog about this particular book...which was one hell of an amazing read. I actually wrote a review on Goodreads when I finished it, but forgot to blog about it. I don't even want to call RUINED by S.K. Lessly, JUST a romance novel. It's so much more.

The relationship dynamic between Maxine and Mason was authentic, powerful and intense. The supporting characters, the friendships, the drama, the intense chemistry between the main characters and even the time span that evolves around this couple creates a story that will literally leave you captivated by the words jumping off the page. The writing flow that is that of S.K. Lessly will pull you in instantly. You will laugh, tear up, get angry and through it all...when you reach the end...you will crave even more of the story.

RUINED: Loving An Alpha Male By S.K. Lessly is a definite MUST READ.

As always...happy reading!

Synopsis via Amazon:

He's addicted to her. The mere thought of her brings Mason to his knees. There is no other woman in the world that he wants. Max can’t believe that she met a passion-filled man that makes her body yearn for things she’s only dreamed about. He’s ruined her, making him the only man that she wants. Mason West, an ex-Navy Seal turned Amateur MMA fighter, is battling the darkness of the life he left behind. Finding the will to fight back in a woman that completes him was not something that he expected, but it seemed fate had other plans.

All Maxine Shaw wanted to do was graduate, become a nurse for the best sports rehabilitation center in the country, and finally achieve the goals she set for herself. Once she catches a glimpse of Mason West, an Alpha male to the core, he awakens a fire inside of her that she never thought existed. The sparks between these two ignite bottomless passion and enduring love that shifts their goals in a way neither suspected. Before Mason and Max can embark on a journey of happily ever after, the strength of their love gets tested.

Will this passionate pair be able to survive what fate has in store?

RUINED is available on kindle, paperback and it is also available to read free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription,


Congrats: Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy Win Dancing With the Stars [Extra Interview]

Movie Trailer: KNOCK KNOCK [Keanu Reeves, Horror] Releases 10.28.15

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Movie Trailer: DOPE [Drama, Comedy] In Theaters 6.19.15

Movie Trailer: THE GALLOWS [Horror] In Theaters 7.10.15


 

Movie Trailer: COOTIES [Comedy, Horror]

Movie Trailer: AMY [Amy Winehouse Documentary] In Theaters 7.10.15

Movie Trailer: MAZE RUNNER [The Scorch Trials] In Theaters 9.18.15

Movie Trailer: PAN [Hugh Jackman] In Theaters 10.9.15

[Video] - First Lady Michelle Obama and #GimmeFive Fitness

5.18.15: President Obama Speaks to Youth and Law Enforcement in New Jersey [Video]

Thursday, May 21, 2015

BRAXTON FAMILY VALUES Returns Tonight at 9PM on WETv!

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The Braxton family is back. The hit reality series, Braxton Family Values, returns May 21 at 9PM on Wetv.



RED NOSE DAY: Help Children Around the World - NBC Special Tonight at 8PM EST

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Monday, May 18, 2015

AREA 51 [Horror/Sci-fi] Available on VOD/iTunes/AmazonInstant


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Beyonce and Nicki Minaj Release Video For FEELING MYSELF Exclusively on TIDAL.Com




Beyonce and Nicki Minaj dropped a video for the track 'Feeling Myself' Monday afternoon. Social media blew up and caused quite a reaction. The video released on the heels of Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' video, that instantly started trending in the number one spot. Beyonce and Nicki Minaj's video quickly took over the number one trending spot.

Interesting to note, the video can only be viewed on Jay Z's music streaming website, TIDAL.Com. As with any content placed on the internet, folks began instantly uploading the video to Youtube and other video sites. However just as fast as the uploads rolled in, moderators were yanking down the unauthorized video uploads.

The point of the video release on TIDAL was to acknowledge the exclusive perks TIDAL subscribers receive with a subscription.

To view the video in full and for more information about TIDAL, click on the link below.

TIDAL.com/

Movie Trailer: JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS In Theaters 10.23.15

Movie Trailer: STEVE JOBS [Michael Fassbender] In Theaters 10.9.15 [Teaser Trailer]

New Video: BAD BLOOD By Taylor Swift f/ Kendrick Lamar

President Obama Gets His Own Twitter Account @POTUS




President Obama joined twitter on Monday. His first tweet joked about finally being allowed to get his own account. During his presidency, President Obama would send tweets he wrote signed -BO via @BarackObama, which is maintained by the Organizing For Action staff (@OFA).

This is also a move that signals President Obama's successful presidency is nearing the end of the second term and being the savvy candidate that galvanized millions to volunteer, register to vote and more via social media, it's good to know President Obama will still be active on twitter once his second terms end.

Be sure to welcome the President to twitter!

You can also follow First Lady Michelle Obama at @FLOTUS.

New Video: PRETTY GIRLS By Britney Spears f/ Iggy Azalea

Movie Trailer: DRUNK WEDDING [Red Band Trailer[

Friday, May 15, 2015

Happy National Chocolate Chip Day!

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Movie Trailer: VACATION In Theaters 7.29.15



Side Note: Hella cool that the franchise is getting a reboot. The National Lampoon Vacation movies are hilarious as hell and Christmas Vacation remains one of my favorite holiday movies, which I watch it at least once a year.

In Theaters Today: PITCH PERFECT 2

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Movie Trailer: THE STRANGER [Horror]

Sad News: B.B. King Passes at the Age of 89

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The King of the Blues, B.B. King, passed away this week in Las Vegas. King's legendary talent and accomplishments in music will remain alive through his legacy.

Sending prayers and condolences to B.B. King's family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, B.B. King.

SCANDAL Finale Shocker! Oliva and Fitz Not Only Shared Screen Time (Gasp)....They Reunited! *Faints*

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Imagine my surprise...and glee, when the final five minutes of Scandal's season four finale played out. As the plot unraveled and Fitz ordered Mellie to LEAVE HIS HOUSE! (Chile) Then commenced to cleaning house...He even fired Cyrus...Lord, by the time the "fade out" was occurring, I realized I was grinning like a damn fool. I poured another glass of wine and needless to say I loved the way the finale ended.

It will be interesting to see how Olivia and Fitz's relationship plays out next season and what will become of the first lady and new junior senator of Virginia, Mellie Grant. it's all a recipe for one highly anticipated fall season premiere.

Scandal season five unleashes in the fall.

Big ups to the Youtuber that took the time to upload these gems on Youtube.








Wednesday, May 13, 2015

[Video] - Series Trailer: UNCLE BUCK [Mike Epps, Nia Long, James Lesure] Coming Soon to ABC

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[Video] - Series Trailer: LUCIFER Coming Soon to CW

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[Video] - Series Trailer: SUPERGIRL Coming Soon to CBS


 

[Video] - Series Trailer: WICKED CITY [Ed Westwick] Coming Soon to ABC

[Video] - Series Trailer: QUANTICO Coming Soon to ABC


 

5.9.15: First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks Truth on Racism During Tuskegee Commencement Address + Ann 'The Scream Movie Mask' Coulter and Sean Hannity Give Their Ignorant Commentary on "Faux" News



Our amazing First Lady delivered the 2015 commencement address at Tuskegee University, a historically black university. During her inspiring and uplifting address, Michelle Obama also spoke about the realities that people of color face even to this day, including her experiences. A powerful message was embedded within the truth of those words...regardless of whatever one has to face, from folks assuming they know who you are and not knowing what you have been through...only judging you based on the color of your skin...never allow that racism to keep you from moving forward with your dreams and aspirations. Success and achievement in the face of the ignorance thrown at you...is the way to rebuke it.

On the flip side, no sooner than the transcript of Michelle Obama's speech was released, the vultures in conservative media began their ignorant and imbecilic verbal assault. Instead of absorbing and understanding the experiences the first lady spoke about, something the folks such as Ann 'The Scream Movie Mask' Coulter and Sean Hannity over at Fox News has never had to endure mind you, they chose to continue to prove their racist mentality and further show their insecurities at the fact that DESPITE the obstacles and roadblocks put in the way of people of color still today...we never stop reaching to attain our goals successfully. This is accomplished based on intelligence, endurance, hard work, thick skin and the ability to understand the dynamic of the world today and moving through the ignorance, rather than allowing it to slow down or stop your progress.


For those not familiar with what the Scream movie mask looks like...

LMFAO *Tears* Ann Coulter's twin:
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[Video] - ANN 'THE SCREAM MOVIE MASK' COULTER AND SEAN HANNITY's condescending speak on Black folks. These two are so stupid and comical. The words that flow out of their mouths are like it's from some red neck comedy sketch.







[Video] - FULL COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS:







Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Book of the Month: [May 2015] - OBSIDIAN [Lux Series # 1] By Jennifer L. Armentrout

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I'm so excited for the book pick for the month of May. I have been putting off starting this series for a minute and the anticipation from all of the good reviews has had me highly ready to do so, and so I felt the time is now.  With that being said...the book of the month choice for May 2015 is 'Obsidian' by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

'Obsidian' is the first novel in the Lux Series, which consists of five novels and a prequel that is a  novella. 'Obsidian' is centered around the much talked about duo, Katy and Daemon. One of the interesting aspects of the Lux series is the dynamic between the main characters of course...however, throw in the alien and paranormal dimensions to the story and you definitely have me ready to delve into the fantasy world that is the Lux series.

On the book to screen front, a film version of 'Obsidian' is in the works.

As always...happy reading!

Start the Lux series today! Amazon link for 'Obsidian' listed below.

OBSIDIAN Amazon Link


 Synopsis via Amazon:
Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes.

Things were looking up.And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.


The Lux Series consists of the following titles in order:

OBSIDIAN - Book One 

ONYX - Book Two 

OPAL - Book Three 

ORIGIN - Book Four 

OPPOSITION - Book Five 

SHADOWS - A PREQUEL (Novella) 

Visit Jennifer L. Armentrout's official website for additional book news and updates. Click the link below:

Jennifer Armentrout's Official Website

Monday, May 4, 2015

5.1.15: Six Baltimore Officers Charged in the Death of Freddie Gray

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Baltimore City's State Attorney Marilyn Mosby was front and center in the news Friday, at the forefront of a nationwide outcry for justice in the horrific death of Freddie Gray, a 25 year old young man who died of a broken neck while in the custody of the Baltimore police. A previous blog post included the video that a witness captured while Freddie Gray was being arrested. You can clearly see Freddie Gray was in pain and in distress. It was hard to watch. It is known that Freddie Gray stated he couldn't breathe, he also requested his inhaler...to which it wasn't provided.


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The actions of the police officers in this particular case wreaks of gross negligence several times over. It is imperative that justice prevails in this case. My thoughts and prayers remain with Freddie Gray's family and the residents of Baltimore who are seeking justice with peaceful protests. Stay vigilant.

I just have to say...Bravo to Marilyn Mosby. This is how a State Attorney handles their business. They actually investigate the case and work with everyone to get answers. They also request an independent investigation be done as well. They seek justice for victims who can't do so themselves and when the evidence points to foul play or wrong doing, they don't cower away or turn their backs on the victims for the sake of "political" alliances, racism or corruption within a system or fear of being harassed by authorities in their area for bringing legitimate charges on officers who indeed were the cause of a young man's death. Bravo to Marilyn Mosby who was able to do her job, unlike St. Louis county prosecutor, Bob McCulloch, who failed to bring charges against officer Darren Wilson, the officer who shot and killed Mike Brown. He chose to allow a grand jury to hear evidence in the case to determine the charges even though the "official" police investigation had not been completed. Upon the grand jury's decision...McCulloch appeared quite gleeful to announce that Darren Wilson would not be charged in the shooting death of Mike Brown. He then spent the rest of the time speaking ill of the victim in the case.

Every community should have a State Attorney that exudes the professionalism and credibility that Mosby does in running her office. While filing charges doesn't guarantee convictions in this case, it does show that moving forward, the prosecution will actually do what they are paid to do...their job.

Marilyn Mosby is a wife and mother of two. She comes from a family of police officers. Both her parents were police officers, as well as additional family members. In addition, Mosby's grandfather was one of the founding members of the first Black police organization in Massachusetts.

Watch the press conference below and witness how a leader steps up to the plate and do what's right:



Sunday, May 3, 2015

5.4.15: Updated: OMG / 5.3.15: Must See TV: SECRETS AND LIES Finale Airs Tonight at 9PM on ABC

UPDATE: OH. MY. GOD! The shocking Secrets & Lies finale was off the chain and the reveal of the killer was EPIC.

The entire cast rocked the hell out this show. Sincerely hope it's renewed for a second chance. If it is...Ryan Phillippe will not be back on board...but that won't stop me from wanting Ryan Phillippe back for a second season. If you did not watch this series/mini-series...you missed a stellar and chilling thriller that never dragged or left the viewer bored. The suspense kept you on the edge of your seat right until the very end. The truly shocking end.

Watch the series on ABC.Go.Com, Hulu.Com or Amazon. The ABC link for the finale episode is below.

 SECRETS AND LIES LINK



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