Being royalty may sound like a blast — in fact, as far as fantasies go, it’s up there with winning the lotto and showing up to your high school reunion the exact same size as when you graduated. But the reality is, those fancy titles come with a whole list of rules that must be followed at all times — and for the rest of your life. It’s a sad fact of palace life that Harry has known about since birth and that Meghan Markle is just now finding out about. Harry and Meghan have been married for about six weeks now, but it seems she still has a lot to learn about life in the Windsor court. We’re sure Harry and others tried to prepare Meghan for the many strictures of royal protocol, but that’s like trying to prepare a college kid for the real world. You just don’t know until you’re really in it. Anyway, Meghan is a new Duchess, but she’s also a new wife. And it seems that the required formality of the former occasionally comes into conflict with the romantic giddiness of the latter: Prince Harry to Meghan Markle: No Hand-Hold For You As you can see, it looks as though Meg makes a move toward holding Harry’s hand here. And he shuts down the maneuver with the speed and agility of a born athlete. If Harry hadn’t been born a prince, he could’ve played quidditch, or whatever the hell they do in England. We’re sure Harry meant no harm in refusing to take Meg’s hand, but such a public rebuke had to sting a little. It’s not hard to see why Meghan may have thought it would be okay to hold Harry’s hand at a royal engagement. In fact, those no written rule against it. “The Queen rarely holds hands with her husband in public and this seems to have set an unwritten precedent for the other royals,” Body language expert Robin Kermode tells The Daily Mail. Kermode adds that Harry may have simply been taking a cue from his older brother, saying: “It is very clear that William and Kate are emotionally close, however, they do not seem to feel the need to prove their love – particularly when on official state business.” We guess it’s just one of those things you learn with time. To extend out earlier college/real world metaphor, there’s no law against getting hammered on two-for-one Tuesdays when you have work in the morning, but you quickly learn that it’s not the best idea. These days, Meg is like a 22-year-old intern retching into her wastebasket and giving closer consideration to the possibility of grad school. You know, we may have just taken that analogy a step too far. As with royal PDA, we didn’t know where the line was until we crossed it! View Slideshow: Meghan Markle-Prince Harry Wedding: The Dress! The Guests! The Photos!
Source: Manners aren’t going to make America great for the first time–seriously. / Getty F irst Lady Michelle Obama’s “When they go low, we go high” line at the 2016 Democratic Convention gave me chills– albeit for different reasons than it did the many liberals who have quoted it like sacred scripture over the past two years. Though my feelings about her husband may be as complex as a DNA strand, my love for Mrs. Obama has always been a much easier thing to grasp and, at times, defend, but knowing how that particular remark would be used to silence necessary rancor made the political differences between the two of us difficult to ignore. Today, her statement feels like a gut punch—especially when it’s quoted to call for the fool’s game that is “civility.” Set against the backdrop of the latest xenophobic nightmare to come from the Trump White House, the decision of a Virginia restaurant to deny service to it’s Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been denounced not only by members of her own party, but by members of the press , as well as pundits and politicians from the other side of the aisle who are uncomfortable with the idea of violating Mrs. Obama’s famed mantra. Though both of the country’s major political parties have been shaped by rampant scandals, dishonesty and prejudice (via the behavior of individuals and pieces of legislation) alike, “going high” has been a consistent and useless liberal talking point for many years. While the GOP has seized ground to claim moral authority via it’s relationship to Evangelical Christianity, the Democrats have taken great pride in the notion that they aren’t as bigoted as the opposition. Considering that’s a pathetically low bar to clear, think of this as the equivalent as awarding themselves a participant ribbon. The idea that unapologetic bigotry and White ethnocentrism can be defeated by congeniality or lukewarm messages of tolerance is not only frightening in terms of naiveté, it’s a dangerous misrepresentation of who the Democratic Party has been for decades: both a safe haven for liberal racism and a mirror into the soul of the dangerous “white moderate” that refuses to be uncomfortable enough to recognize this country’s ills. A tweet from former Education Secretary Arne Duncan perfectly encapsulates both of those things: My personal opinion: No matter how much we dislike or disagree with someone, we should not deny them the chance to have a meal. The history in our country of denying people access to restaurants, to water fountains and even bathrooms is too raw, too real. We can’t keep dividing. — Arne Duncan (@arneduncan) June 24, 2018 Duncan actually dares to draw an analogy between the actions of the Red Hen staff and the sort of race-based oppression that Huckabee Sanders currently works to uphold and reinvigorate. If the one-time Chicago Public Schools’ Superintendent better understood just how the legacy of Jim Crow impacted the majority of the students who were once subject to his leadership, perhaps he wouldn’t compare a minor inconvenience for a privileged woman to a code of law that found African-Americans imprisoned, assaulted or worse for daring to use public restrooms and water fountains. Reactions like this, as well that cringe worthy piece from the Washington Post’s editorial board and comments from Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) are a master class in misplaced priorities at best, and craven indifference in the face of actual suffering at worst. The Huckabee Sanders snub came days after First Lady Melania Trump created a minor (by Trumpian standards) scandal after wearing a jacket that read, “ I don’t really care, do u” to go meet with children in Texas. I watched in horror as folks that most certainly should know better struggled to accept the likelihood that Mrs. Trump was commenting on the most recent immigration news, by swapping her typical pricey designer duds for a $40 Zara coat to go meet with children . Like the fuss over late night host Samantha Bee’s explicit word choice in a bit about Ivanka Trump, the reaction to these incidents speaks to how we have been trained to believe in the innocence of white women and to protect them accordingly. Many people fail fully connect someone who married Donald Trump, his dutiful First Daughter, nor his most visible mouthpiece with the values that each of them uphold on a daily basis—as if Mrs. Trump’s lack of palpable romantic chemistry with her husband means that she’s a damsel in distress. While it is entirely possible that she does suffer at the hands of her deplorable partner, it is absurd to assume that she doesn’t share any of his beliefs and no reason the believe she’s opposed to the suffering of anyone harmed by his antics. Huckabee Sanders and the women of the First Family aren’t child soldiers to be pitied, they are chief among those who uphold systems of disenfranchisement. Their gender does not absolve them of guilt and their behavior runs contrary the widely held belief that women are inherently more empathetic or, well, civil . Absent social and political consequences, there is little hope that those who work for and in willful alignment with President Trump’s agenda will ever simply come around to the superior-by-a-low-standard values of the other party. Pictures of babies stripped from immigrant parents will hold little sway with those who voted with the hope that such a thing would happen. I’ve said as much countless times over the years and I’ll continue to do so: while there is little to be admired about the GOP, there is something to be said for their willingness to speak with their chests. They rarely stand down when critiqued for racism, sexism, homophobia or any other form of bigotry. Meanwhile, too many voices from the political left would sooner apologize for stepping on ants than do the actual work of upholding their own so-called values. A rare exception is Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who has earned the honorarium “Auntie Maxine” for being one of the few unapologetic, consistent and clear voices of conviction speaking out against the president and his acolytes. Civility serves our current political climate as much as using the proper fork at dinner helps to eradicate global hunger. Manners and hospitality may be effective in building a bridge between neighbors squabbling over a parking spot, but mean less than nothing when it comes to holding members of the Trump administration accountable for their wrongdoing. To demand civility from people of color is particularly despicable, considering that our experiences in the United States are defined largely by the extent to which we have been denied anything resembling kindness or understanding. Where do Black people go to be treated with civility when they step outside of the confines of their own communities? For those of us who are female, queer, trans, non-Christian, non-binary…it can be elusive even there. What is the value of civility to a Mexican woman who has had her infant daughter or teenaged son stripped from her hands because she is beholden to a broken system of immigrant labor/abuse that the United States relies upon and shuns all at once? The average person in this country knows very little about the impact of racism on our physical and emotional health–and that’s before you factor in how gender, sexual orientation and class can both exacerbate that trauma and deliver additional ones at home and beyond. The fact that most of us who suffer from these factors can’t explain exactly how this stuff penetrates our bones and spirits makes it easier for those who dare force civility down our throats to make light of that suffering and these same people are rarely moved when they are presented with facts and figures. As such, people of color have a particular responsibility to reject civility so as to not provide comfort to those who have made our lives uncomfortable from the point of birth. Any white so-called “ally” worth their salt will do the same. Those who claim to oppose the misdeeds of the current White House ( and the last one ) do great harm by asking that the most disenfranchised among us continue to turn the other cheek so that we can bear the lash from another angle, again and again. This is what the United States has consistently demanded of people who have been marginalized on the basis of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, income, etc.: articulate your concerns in tones and at times deemed appropriate by those who benefit most from your oppression. That’s not civility, that’s abuse. To “go high” is to go towards progress, towards justice and towards freedom. If it makes the enemy comfortable, then you’re heading in the wrong direction.
Without getting into specifics, Sarah Hyland has opened up like never before about her health problems. And our heart aches for the Modern Family actress as a result. Over the past several months, Hyland has often had to combat chatter that she has an eating disorder, as fans have reacted with shock and dismay over her frail appearance. The 27-year old has never discussed in great detail exactly what affliction she unfortunately has, but Hyland has confirmed she underwent a kidney transplant in 2012. In a 2015 interview with Seventeen Magazine, she said simply that she was “born with so many health issues.” These issues apparently struck again in a frightening manner this week, considering what Hyland shared on her Instagram Story yesterday, which just happened to be National Selfie Day. (Yes, this is evidently an actual day now.) “Sometimes a selfie is more than just a good angle or feelin cute,” Hyland wrote as a caption to the disturbing image below. “This time for #NationalSelfieDay, I’ve decided to share my truth. As painful as it is. “So here is my face that was torn from work against my will. But I’m very grateful it was. Health should always come first.” As you can see, Hyland’s face is horribly and, we assume, painfully swollen. In a second Instagram snapshot, Hyland wrote that she was hospitalized on Monday, June 18 — and added that her beloved canine, Boo, knew something was amiss right away. “Can’t wait to come back to my precious angel princess. She’s perfect and knows exactly what I need at all times,” Hyland penned alongside a video of the dog giving her kisses, adding: “This was taken this past Sunday. Day before hospitalization. She was literally telling me to get treatment.” Again, it’s unclear exactly what is the matter with Hyland. But it’s clearly pretty serious. With Modern Family on hiatus, the actress was working on the comedy movie The Wedding Year when she became ill, an insider tells Us Weekly. This latest incident comes just over a year after Hyland blasted critics who scoffed at her weight. “My circumstances have put me in a place where I’m not in control of what my body looks like,” she angrily Tweeted at the time, emphasizing: “I am working hard to maintain my weight by eating as much protein as possible and continue to be STRONG and healthy. “There’s no need to worry! I’ve been down before and I’ll probably be down again in my lifetime but I’m steadfast and solid and will conquer my obstacles.” Sadly, Hyland also has had to deal with tabloid speculating in the past about her appearance and whether she has had any plastic surgery. “THIS MAKES ME SO MAD to have [doctors] give their opinion ON MY FACE is absolutely ridiculous and degrading,” she tweeted in November , appropriately adding: “F-ck off.” In this same (justified) rant, Hyland touched on her ongoing health struggles: “I have had the worst medical year of my life and to create an entire article surrounding the question of if I’ve had plastic surgery is the MOST insulting thing. “Adding insult to injury, you have NO IDEA what I have been through. And I have somewhat addressed these rumors already.” Addressing the magazine Life & Style, which ran the report questioning her looks, Hyland concluded: People like you are the reason why young girls need to alter their face. MY face has been altered by LIFE SAVING medication. Take your “journalism” and use it for some good. FOR ONCE. Perfectly said, Sarah. We really hope you feel better soon.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are one of Hollywood’s youngest couples, despite having been engaged for what feels like a thousand years. Though the world has seen Miley’s racy Valentine’s messages to Liam , they’ve been known to keep the public in the dark when it comes to their relationship. But a new report says that Miley and Liam have finally, finally gotten married. An insider tells Life & Style that Miley and Liam finally got married. The report claims that, after so many years of being on-again, off-again engaged, “they’ve actually done the deed!” By which they mean that Miley and Liam have tied the knot. Even the source acknowledges that there have been multiple false alarms regarding these two and their nuptials, saying: “for real this time!” Hey, plenty of celebrity couples have premature wedding announcements in tabloids. Few have as many as Miley and Liam. Anyway, this report also contains some details. “Miley and Liam recently had a secret wedding,” the insider says. The source goes on to report that the location was “at her Malibu mansion.” In fact, apparently the at-home wedding was so down-to-earth and relaxed that they were almost able to keep it under wraps. “Neighbors had no clue it was a wedding,” the insider gloats. The report goes on to offer descriptions of how chill the entire affair was. “Kids were running around everywhere,” the source describes. “It was a hippie-style wedding.” Well, we would expect nothing less. As for Miley’s outfit, the insider says that “she wore a white, flowey dress.” That sounds so beautiful. The event was casual to the extreme. The insider goes on to say: “and all her animals were roaming around, it was crazy!” It sounds like it. “The food,” the source says. “Was vegetarian and organic.” We remember that Miley quit weed because she feared she would die , which is very silly, but clearly she still retains her passion for other plants. Well, nobody goes to weddings for the food. The insider describes the ceremony. Miley’s parents, Billy Ray and Trish, were both reportedly there. So were her four siblings. So was Liam’s family, including brother’s Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth. Miley apparently sang “Islands In The Stream,” her godmother Dolly Parton’s song. Her friend Wayne Cone of The Flaming Lips is also said to have performed. As for Miley and Liam’s vows, the insider says: “They expressed their love, how they’re each other’s best friend and want to grow old together.” Cute. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” the source reports. As for the couple’s alleged plans now that they are reportedly married, the insider says that they have something in mind. “It’s been Miley’s dream,” the source says. “To have a baby.” Don’t start knitting baby blankets for the wee baby Miliam just yet, however. We have to note that there’s no confirmation of any of this. We would love to hear that this couple has reached this milestone in their engagement and in their relationship, but we’ve heard so many reports about these two tying the knot. We’re a little leery until we get confirmation that these two really have joined in happily wedded bliss. It’s okay with us if they take their time. View Slideshow: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth: Relive the Romance!
Source: Getty Can you believe it’s been 8 years since Drake dropped his debut album, Thank Me Later ? After dropping fire singles like “Fancy”, “Find Your Love” and “Over” back in 2010, Drizzy has been non-stop with the hits. Remember he told on “0-100”, “ really with the sh**s, I should prolly sign to Hitboy cause I got all the hits boy.” But before he trained us to believe in his 6 God, King of Radio status — Aubrey was just a newly signed kid, who could only hope to sell 200K records in his first week. And boy did he surpass his own expectations. Today in 2010 Drake drops Thank Me Later Jigga has a rule. And everyone knows it He's not rappin on your debut unless you are wifey or Roc-A-Fella GOT EM! pic.twitter.com/eHwqsbkuq4 — Steven James (@TheLaunchMag) June 15, 2018 Drake went on to sell 447,000 in the first week and forever changed the way music sales were being counted. Drake's 1st week sales numbers: Thank Me Later – 447K IFYTITL – 495K More Life – 505K Take Care – 631K NWTS – 658K Views – 1.04 million pic.twitter.com/BuyvLi0FUF — StopTheBreaks (@StopTheBreaks) May 19, 2017 Check out a younger, less confident Drake in 2009 talking about Thank Me Later and being totally unaware of how much of an impact he’d have on the game today. It’s wild that the guy who bodied Meek and triggered Pusha T was once a beardless, aspiring rapper. From sipping Champagne dolo, to becoming Champagne Papi — if Drizzy can do it, so can you. via GIPHY
We have some good news for Alaskan Bush People fans… … and also some really terrible news for Alaskan Bush People fans. Unfortunately, the importance of the latter far outweighs the importance of the former. But we’ll start with a programming update: The long-awaited eighth season of this Discovery Channel hit will premiere on August 24 at 9/8c. Set your DVR and plan your upcoming vacations accordingly. The really terrible news, however, has to do with just what these new episodes will focus on. According to Radar Online, Ami Brown’s cancer has returned — and this tragic circumstance will serve as the crux of what fans will see on screen later this summer and later this fall. “Ami went to UCLA with Billy and son Bear, and her cancer is back,” an insider has told the aforementioned celebrity gossip site. Darn it. This sucks. We reported in late May that Ami checked back into a California hospital in order to have further tests run. At the time, however, we were still awaiting the results of these tests and had not heard any confirmation about the return of Ami’s illness. The mother of seven was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer last year. Her prognosis at the time was grim, but undergoing numerous rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, the reality star announced she was cancer-free in December 2017. For some awful reason, fans had taken this remission to mean that Ami never had cancer, an assertion that Discovery Channel Executive Vice President Laurie Goldberg had to actually address a few weeks back. “Ami’s battle with cancer is very real,” Goldberg said at the time , adding: “It is just disgusting that anyone would say her cancer is not real or that it was created for the show.” Seriously. Not even the Kardashians would conjure up a cancer storyline for the sake of ratings. This latest Radar report makes us feel sad, but also asks that fans remain optimistic. That’s the approach Ami and her loved ones are trying to take. “She is still dealing with some residual effects of her diagnosis and treatment, but she is continuing to recover well,” the insider says . “She has the love and support of her entire family, and is determined to beat this.” This same source concludes that the new season of Alaskan Bush People will tell a significant chunk of Ami’s story. Not for the sake of ratings. But simply because this show chronicles the lives of the Browns and this diagnosis is obviously the most important thing going on in those lives right now. “It’s going to be a huge part of the upcoming season, and there will be interviews with her doctors and other medical professionals who have helped her along the way,” the source says. Alaskan Bush People is currently filming for the new season in Washington state, far from the family’s native Alaska. Expect plenty of changes to be afoot, except for one key one: the entire family will be involved. View Slideshow: Alaskan Bush People: 13 Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
No one actually knows who Kimberley Garner is, but she has been trying to find a way to be as relevant as possible doing what any woman with some level of intelligence would do…she’s posing half naked on the internet hoping to get noticed….she did follow me on twitter for 10 minutes once…that’s how I noticed her…but then our love died a fast painful death. I would say that any woman who was drawn to staring in a reality show, which I think is what Kim Garner is known for, is the kind of shameless attention seeker, being shameless and attention seeking….who would evolve into someone like this, who moves to LA, is still in Bikinis, is trying to make it in America but the people really just don’t care….but they do like her bikini pics…so keep that going until you’re too old and it’s too late… Makes sense to me.
Last week, the food world lost a true icon when Anthony Bourdain was found dead of an apparent suicide in a hotel room in France. He was 61 years old. Days later, details about the events surrounding Bourdain’s death are slowly beginning to trickle in, but the question of what could have driven one of the most widely-envied men on the planet to take his own life remains unanswered. Fans and media outlets were quick to point out some unusual social media activity from Bourdain’s longtime girlfriend, Asia Argento, in the hours before the news of his passing became public knowledge. An image in which the actress is seen wearing a shirt that reads “F-ck Off,” coupled with photos of Argento apparently vacationing with a male friend in France prompted a widespread theory that Bourdain was distraught over relationship problems. In the final months of his life, Bourdain was an outspoken advocate of the #MeToo movement, and his activism brought him close to some of the most high-profile victims of sexual harassment in Hollywood, including the actress Rose McGowan. Bourdain and McGowan quickly became close friends, and today, she published an open letter in which she addresses both his death and the rumors about his alleged relationship troubles. “Sitting across from me is the remarkable human and brave survivor, Asia Argento, who has been through more than most could stand, and yet stand she does,” the letter reads. “She stood up to her monster rapist and now she has to stand up to yet another monster, suicide. The suicide of her beloved lover and ally, Anthony Bourdain.” McGowan goes on to claim that Bourdain and Argento were in an open relationship, and she implies he would not have been upset by the sight of Argento with another man: “Anthony and Asia had a free relationship, they loved without borders of traditional relationships, and they established the parameters of their relationship early on,” McGowan states. “Asia is a free bird, and so was Anthony. Was. Such a terrible word to write,” she adds. “I’ve heard from many that the past two years they were together were some of his happiest and that should give us all solace.” She later states: “It is in no way fair or acceptable to blame her or anyone else, not even Anthony.” McGowan says she’s angry about her friend’s death, but she also pleads for sympathy from those who feel that he took his own life out of selfishness or a lack of concern for his loved ones. Shortly after learning of Bourdain’s death, Argento addressed the matter on Instagram, writing: “His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine.” We’ll have further details on this developing story as more information becomes available. View Slideshow: Anthony Bourdain: Celebrities React to Shocking Suicide
While the world continues to come to grips with the loss of Anthony Bourdan, a key new detail regarding the celebrity chef’s death has been made official. Bourdain, of course, tragically took his own life on Friday . His body was discovered in a French hotel room by close friend Eric Ripert, who had been filming a new episode of CNN’s Parts Unknown with Bourdan in Ripert’s native country. Those who have followed this sad story closely already knew that Bourdain killed himself via hanging, and they already knew his death took place in the aforementioned hotel room. But French officials have now confirmed two more critical pieces of information: Bourdain hanged himself in the hotel room’s bathroom. He used the belt from his bathrobe to do so. Prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny also says that there are no signs of foul play. There are no indications anyone had entered Bourdain’s room at the luxury Le Chambard Hotel any time close to the beloved star’s passing. This should effectively end all official inquiries into Bourdain’s death. Questions will continue to be asked about Bourdain’s state of mind and mental history and what could have possibly caused him to make such a heartbreaking decision. But there are not many more practical details related to his suicide that remain uncovered. The French prosecutor did add in his report that toxicology tests were being carried out, including urine tests, to determine if Bourdain was on any medications at the time of his hanging. Said CNN in a statement yesterday morning: It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdains. His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time. Bourdain had premiered Parts Unknown on the networkin 2013 and won a Peabody Award shortly thereafter. He was widely respected for the way he paid tribute on his show to a wide variety of cultures and countries. Tweeted Italian actress Asia Argento, Bourdain’s girlfriend of about a year, hours after news of the chef’s death went viral: “Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. ” He was my love, my rock, my protector . I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine.” Bourdain leaves behind an 11-year old daughter from his second marriage. He was 61 years old at the time of his death. His final act came three days after fashion designer Kate Spade also killed herself ; she did so by hanging herself in her New York City apartment. In response to these developments, the Mental Health Association of New York tells TMZ that its hotline has experienced a 25% increase in call volume compared to this time last week. The number has been shared by number of celebrities on social media, which the organization says has resulted in more people “being aware of the resource and calling the Lifeline to get help.” It’s simply awful that it took the suicides of two respected global figures for this to happen. But perhaps some solace can be found in the silver lining that people with mental health struggles are taking the necerssary measures to make sure they don’t end up like Bourdain, Spade and so many others. View Slideshow: Anthony Bourdain: Celebrities React to Shocking Suicide
Source: WENN / WENN If there is someone who knows a thing about Rap beef it is Diddy. The mega mogul thinks the 6 God took a loss in the recent back and forth with G.O.O.D. Music. Brother Love called into The Breakfast Club earlier this week to promote the new season of The Four . While discussing the music competition show the crew steered the conversation to the much hyped Drake and Pusha T diss records . Love provided his thoughts on the lyrical bout. “It’s a part of hip-hop, man If you’re trying to be the best MC, I mean, there’s gonna be battles. At this juncture in time, it’s kinda safe. When we was having battles, it was getting unsafe. I think that this is the most skillful artist that Drake has come up against and, you know, Drake likes the smoke, he loves the smoke” he theorized. When asked about his decision on the victor he didn’t mince words. “[Drake] took the L.” Puff went on to cosigning Drizzy’s decision of not responding as per James Prince, founder of Rap-A-Lot Records. “I was in that same position with [2Pac’s] Hit ‘Em Up’ and I told Big not to respond, so I can understand because what B.I.G had written for them, it was going to get as bad as it got” he added. You can listen to the audio of the interview below. Via Billboard Magazine Photo: WENN.com
