Blogs Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, August 11

August 11, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Ladies, and drag queens, as you know, high heels have pretty much been gathering dust in closets since the pandemic began. Apparently many women are saying they don’t think they’ll wear them ever again – even when things get back to “normal.” What’s your take?
Are you a creature of habit? Seems most of us are, at least according to a new survey. The survey found that 80% of adults are creatures of habit – eating the same breakfast every day, sleeping on the same side of the bed every night, shopping at the same supermarket, styling their hair the same way, and wearing the same kind of clothes — among other habits.
That said, it seems all this time at home has made many people change things up – or at least realize they need to. 44% of respondents said their routine had to change as a result of the pandemic. 30% said it has encouraged them to change some of their old habits, and more than 25% said lockdown made them realize they had to make changes in their life – both big and small, from changing the way they eat to moving to a new house. (SWNS)
In case you’re interested in taking some weird and cheap risks right now with your food, Cheetos has just launched their very own line of mac and cheese — for less than a dollar a box. There’s a Flamin’ Hot flavor, a standard Bold and Cheesy flavor and Cheesy Jalapeno flavor.
Football fans, there’s been a bit of talk that the Big 10 will potentially cancel the college football season for their conference. And that would likely see other conferences follow suit. But, one good piece of news may come of it if you’re an NFL fan…Brobible.com says NFL games may be played on Saturday instead of Sunday if college football is canceled because of the coronavirus.
Since the Coronavirus pandemic began, some big companies and service providers have been perfectly fine with charging you more or the same amount for their products and services but giving less or substandard customer service to go with it. And as college students try to figure out what the upcoming school year is going to look like, one Yale student is also suing the school for charging full tuition, while not actually being able to be on campus.
Jonathan Michel of Ohio filed the case in federal court, arguing that he shouldn’t have had to pay the full price of tuition for the Spring 2020 semester after everyone had to finish their work off-campus. (New York Post)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Tuesday, August 11

August 11, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Katy Perry gave fans plenty of smiles on the second installment of her #SmileSundays video series — a new single is on its way.
She’ll be dropping a gaming-inspired video for an unnamed song within the next few days, saying, “We used the world of a video game to tell some of our story because it does feel like we’re living in a simulation right now, where we’re all trying to get out of this episode.”
She also previewed two previously-unheard album tracks “Cry About It Later” and “Teary Eyes,” and even got a surprise visit from her fiancé, Orlando Bloom, who popped in to wipe some stray lipstick from Katy’s teeth.
Katy seemed surprised by Orlando crashing her party, since she turned to the camera and said,  “I’m not embarrassed, but it’s like you know when you’re doing something in your room and somebody walks in and it’s like, ‘This is my alone time.'”
There are two more #SmileSundays before Smile is released on August 28th.
Simon Cowell‘s broken back will force him to miss the first live episodes of America’s Got Talent this week — but another American Idol alum will fill in.
Kelly Clarkson made the announcement Monday with a fake AGT memo sent to “All Staff.” It reads, “My friend, Simon Cowell, is doing better now but was in an accident and won’t be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday’s live shows for AGT, but no worries America, someone far wiser, cooler, and hotter is taking his seat!”
Kelly will tape Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows along with Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum.
Simon broke his back this past weekend while riding an electric bike in Malibu. He underwent surgery and is now recovering. His ex-girlfriend, Terri Seymour, says the accident occurred as Simon was showing off to his son and stepson and didn’t realize “how powerful” his new bike was. (Extra)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

The Daily Dish – Monday, August 10

August 10, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Rachael Ray is safe this morning. Though her vacation home near upstate New York’s Lake Luzerne was “destroyed by fire.”
Photos on social media revealed her home totally engulfed in flames, which soared several stories from the roof. Warren County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday night’s blaze required a response from “12 fire departments.”
The chef’s rep said (quote) “Rachael, her husband and their dog Bella are safe. The house is unfortunately damaged.”
Chef Rachael Ray quarantined in her second home. She taped cooking scenes from the kitchen during the lockdown. The first 911 call arrived around the dinner hour about 7:30 p.m. (New York Post)
Congratulations to Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger who welcomed a baby girl over the weekend.
Katherine’s younger brother Patrick Schwarzenegger confirmed the news to Entertainment Tonight and said that mom and baby are doing well. It’s the first child for Katherine. Chris has a seven-year-old son with ex-wife Anna Faris. The baby is also the first grandchild for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.
Comedian Louis C.K. has resurfaced at Dave Chappelle’s standup events in Ohio.
Dave’s been hosting a series of shows called “Dave Chappelle & Friends: An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair,” and has been bringing along such pals as Jon Stewart and David Letterman.
In a photo dated August 4th, it was revealed that C.K. was his special guest for two recent shows. On Tuesday, the two were photographed on stage, along with comedians Michelle Wolf and Sarah Silverman in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
It’s the first time C.K. has shared the stage with another prominent comedian since his sex scandal in 2017.
Simon Cowell broke his back Saturday in a electric bike accident.
The America’s Got Talent judge was hospitalized. His rep tells People magazine, “Simon had a fall from his bike on Saturday afternoon whilst testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family.”
The spokesperson added that “he broke his back in a few places. They operated overnight, the surgery went well, and he is in the hospital recovering.”
Sources tell People the surgery lasted five hours and that Simon “has had to have a number of fusions and metal rod put into his back.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, August 10

August 10, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
It’s not often that things shake, rattle and roll in North Carolina and Virginia. A rare magnitude 5.1 earthquake happened yesterday at around 8:07am. “It felt like a big locomotive going by and a big wave coming underneath the bed,” Sparta, NC Mayor Wes Brinegar told CNN. “A big wave coming to lift you. … I’ve lived here my whole life and have never felt anything like that.” The Mayor told USA Today some foundations apparently cracked and books were knocked off shelves.
A new survey has found that 57% of respondents say wearing a mask has made them much more aware of their own bad breath. This, in turn, has led to a lot more teeth brushing, and likely some happier dentists.
You don’t really think of going to Vegas to work … but MGM Resorts is hoping to lure remote workers with their new “Viva Las Office” package. The package includes a room at the Bellagio or ARIA, perks like extended check-in and check-out hours, access to all of the hotels’ amenities, and even your very own “executive assistant.” Prices start at $100 a night for three, four, or five-night stays. (Insider)
So, first Amazon kills malls … and then they move into them? Seems Amazon is in talks with Simon Property Group, the biggest mall owner in the U.S., to turn empty Sears and JC Penny stores into Amazon fulfillment centers. (Market Watch) The nearest Simon mall to us is University Park Mall in Mishawaka.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control, four people have died this year from drinking hand sanitizer, while several others have experienced bad side effects like impaired vision and seizures.
The CDC reminds people that alcohol-based products are supposed to be used to protect you from germs — and “should never be ingested.” (MarketWatch)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Monday, August 10

August 10, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Selena Gomez will deliver some killer laughs when she joins Steve Martin and Martin Short in the dark comedy series Only Murders in the Building.
The series, which is expected to start rolling in early 2021, revolves around three strangers who share an obsession with true crime, then suddenly find themselves wrapped up in a real-life one. Selena will also produce the show, much as she did the far-more-serious 13 Reasons Why (Hollywood Reporter)
The Daily Mirror says Meghan Markle and Adele have been doing Pilates together. A source tells the newspaper, “Meghan and Adele have been having Pilates lessons. They are loving it. The instructor has also been giving lessons to Harry. It’s a great stress-buster.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

The Daily Dish – Friday, August 7

August 7, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Are Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Garner Hollywood’s next “It” couple?
The two were spotted by TMZ photographers together on a beach in Malibu, California, along with a little girl who looked to be Bradley’s daughter.
Both of them have split from their partners relatively recently, and they were rumored to be hooking up back when they co-starred on the old action show Alias.
Alyssa Milano may have had the coronavirus after all.
She wrote on Instagram yesterday (Wednesday) that she’s tested positive for antibodies — even though she tested negative for COVID-19 three times in the spring.
Alyssa adds that “our testing system is flawed” and says she plans to donate plasma to help others suffering from the disease.
When it rains it pours. People are coming out of the woodwork to pile on embattled talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. The latest is a man who claims she bullied him when he was only 11 years old by calling him “fat” and “stupid.” Not only that, she “took pleasure” in his distress.
Ben Gravolet claims that Ellen worked for his mother’s recruitment agency when she was about 20. He recalls, (quote) “I would dread going to [my mom’s] office to see her after school or on a day if I was sick and Ellen was there. She would criticize my weight. I would try to do homework in the office, she’d call me stupid, she’d call me fat. She would criticize my clothes.”
The worst thing about it, Gravolet says, was that he was just a kid. (quote) “I was just a boy and this was a grown woman who took pleasure in seeing me become visibly upset. I don’t think there’s any excuse for it. I was a defenseless kid. What could I have told her back?” (Daily Mail)
And Cameron Diaz recently told Goop.com creator and actor Gwyneth Paltrow why she decided to quit Hollywood.
In an interview that was part of In Goop Health: The Sessions, the onetime Charile’s Angels star said, (quote) “I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life. I had gone so hard for so long, working, making films, and it’s such a grind. When you’re making a movie — it’s a perfect excuse — they own you. You’re there for 12 hours a day for months on end and you have no time for anything else.”
Cameron decided to give up film-making in 2014, around the same time she started dating Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and now have a seven-month-old daughter, Raddix. (Perez Hilton)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, August 7

August 7, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
The President issued a pair of executive orders late Thursday night to shut down the popular Chinese social media platforms TikTok and WeChat within 45 days, over national security concerns.
Since the order doesn’t take effect for 45 days, the door is still open for Microsoft to acquire the popular app. The two companies have reportedly been in talks in recent days.
The President has accused TikTok and WeChat of allowing the Chinese government to collect information on Americans. (The New York Times)
If there is a college football season, the Clemson Tigers are the favorite to win the championship.
The Tigers top USA Today‘s Amway Coaches Poll, taking the number-one spot on 38 of 65 ballots. They return quarterback Trevor Lawrence and a bevy of playmakers around him. Ohio State is at number-two, Alabama at number-three, Georgia at number-four and defending champs LSU at number-five.
As for local favorites, Notre Dame comes in at Number 10, Michigan at 15, and Michigan State failed to make the top 25.
Nintendo is reporting a 428% increase in profits thanks to a gaming boom. Their big hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons has quickly become a favorite of gamers who find themselves home more than normal. While plenty of people are setting jigsaw puzzles and binge-watching TV shows, plenty are also passing the time with Animal Crossing – and other games, of course. (NBC News)
And…Back in the Middle Ages, in the days of the Plague, the Tuscan region of Italy had something called “wine windows.” They were tiny wooden hatches carved into building’s concrete walls where merchants could safely pass wine and other spirits to residents. People just knocked on the small windows and their bottles were filled. Well, thanks to COVID-19, these windows last used in the Middle Ages are back in Italy. According to the Wine Window Association, “During this time, some enterprising Florentine Wine Window owners have turned back the clock and are using their Wine Windows to dispense glasses of wine, cups of coffee, drinks, sandwiches and ice cream — all germ-free, contactless!” (NY Post)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Friday, August 7

August 7, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Lady Gaga just flashed a sign that something big is on the way — a video for her Elton John duet “Sine From Above.”
She shared a snippet from the visual, showing her decked out in futuristic Chromatica gear and writhing to the beat. Elton isn’t seen in the short clip, but he might turn up in the full-length video.
Elton and Gaga have appeared together on numerous occasions and even recorded “Hello, Hello” for the  2011 film Gnomeo & Juliet — a song that never made it to the movie soundtrack.
Selena Gomez used her Animal Crossing villager to talk about what’s going on in the real Selena’s musical life — including a possible collaboration with Taylor Swift.
The villager made a guest appearance on the Animal Talking with Gary Whitta livestream show yesterday (Wednesday), and shared that Selena had begun work on the follow-up to Rare. She went on to discuss her ideas of a duet to add to the project. “I’ve always dreamt of doing a song with Taylor. We both wanted to do that. I’ve known her for 13 or 14 years now [and] It just feels like we’re family… We’ve talked about it for sure.”
Justin Bieber gave his Instagram followers a different kind of candid photo session on Wednesday — taking them behind the scenes at the ceremony where he and his wife Hailey were baptized.
Justin shared a series of photos of the baptism without explaining exactly when it took place. The images show him holding hands with Hailey as a pastor from their Hillsong church submerges them in a lake. The caption reads, “This was one of most special moments of my life. Confessing our love and trust in Jesus publicly with our friends and family.”
The couple actually met for the first time, clear back in 2009, at a Hillsong service.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Happy Headline from United Federal Credit Union – Thursday, August 6

August 6, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
15-year-old Lorenzo Liberti of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, has been making the most of his summer vacation — by carving wooden American flags to raise money for homeless veterans.
He actually started this project eight months ago, working day and night in his garage to carve pinewood into amazing pieces of art that he sells and donates to help people in need.
But since COVID-19, Lorenzo changed his mission just a bit, turning his attention to honoring medical workers across the country.
It seems Lorenzo isn’t going to quit carving anytime soon, explaining that the day he stops working “is a day that a hero could be forgotten.” (WTSP-TV)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

The Daily Dish – Thursday, August 6

August 6, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
The oldest daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West has been described as the “ultimate daddy’s girl.” North West, who turned 7 years old earlier this summer, informed her parents she would prefer to live with Kanye in Wyoming.
An insider supposedly told In Touch Weekly, (quote) “North knows that mommy and daddy are going through things. She shocked Kim by proclaiming she wants to go live with her dad.” (In Touch)
TMZ reports the family is on a retreat in a remote location. The marriage hit the skids last year. Kim has spent weeks trying to convince Kanye to seek professional help for his mental health. He’s tweeted and deleted how he’s tried for a long time to divorce Kim. She’s been trying to hold it all together and this retreat looks to be a last-ditch effort to save the marriage. (TMZ)
An FBI spokesperson explained the reason behind Wednesday’s raid of the home of YouTube personality Jake Paul. They said, (quote) “The FBI is investigating allegations of criminal acts surrounding the incident at Scottsdale Fashion Square in May 2020.”
Federal agents seized several weapons from Jake Paul’s home. One of the large guns was propped against the 23-year-old’s backyard hot tub.
Also on Wednesday, the Scottsdale police got out of the way of federal agents. The Arizona cops dropped misdemeanor charges of trespassing at Fashion Square and unlawful assembly against Jake Paul and a pair of his Team 10 cronies, including former manager Arman Izadi. Federal agents served a search warrant on Izadi’s Las Vegas home. Wednesday morning, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, SWAT and FBI agents were on the scene. (ABC News, Los Angeles)
A competitor on American Ninja Warrior has been arrested on child-sex charges.
Last season’s champion, Drew Dreschel, was picked up by federal agents this morning (Thursday) in Florida. He’s accused of soliciting sex with a then-15-year-old in 2015. He’s been charged with manufacture of child pornography, enticement of a minor to travel for illicit sexual conduct, travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and use of interstate commerce to entice a minor.
Dreschel made a court appearance in Florida before being moved to New Jersey, where he met the girl. He allegedly had sex with her at his gym in Connecticut not long after that meeting. He faces up to life in prison.
NBC has severed ties with Dreschel, saying it was “shocked and disturbed” to hear of the allegations. (USA Today, TMZ)
Seems the split between Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox was not as amicable as initially thought.
On Wednesday, he trolled Megan for posting a shirtless photo of her new boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly. She captioned the social media post with the message, (quote) “Achingly Beautiful Boy…My heart is yours.”
Brain Austin Green repeated those words in a tweet with a slight tweak: “Achingly beautiful boys…… My heart is yours” with a photo of his four sons. The three youngest with Megan Fox.
She’s reportedly abandoned the family to quarantine with Machine Gun Kelly. (People)
A reboot of the classic adult-oriented cartoon Ren and Stimpy is in the works at Comedy Central.
Sony is working on a sequel reboot of the ’80s sitcom Who’s the Boss. Original stars Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano are on board.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, August 6

August 6, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
The Good News Network says Darrin and Giselle Williams, of Arvada, Colorado, restored a 100 year -old sewing machine so they could make coronavirus masks for those in need. The 1922 singer Model 66 is powered by a foot pedal and belonged to Giselle’s great-great-grandmother. Giselle decided to make masks after the coronavirus torpedoed her hair styling business. Darrin has known how to sew since he was a little boy because his grandmother was a seamstress
The NY Post says the coronavirus has caused a new hygiene problem called Mask Mouth. Dentists say people, who wear coronavirus masks on a constant basis are suffering from sour breath, receding gum lines and tooth decay. Bacteria is building up in people’s mouths behind the mask.
Dr Anthony Fauci tells Reuters that he thinks a coronavirus vaccine will be available next year. “We are likely going to have maybe tens of million of doses in the early part of [next] year. But as we get into 2021, the manufacturers tell us that they will have hundreds of millions and likely a billion doses by the end of 2021. I’m cautiously optimistic, though you can never guarantee things with a vaccine. I hope and feel it’s possible that by the time we get through 2021 and go around for another cycle, that we’ll have this under control. Do I think we’re going to have a much, much better control one full year from this winter? I think so.”
NBC says a Virginia Beach, Virginia man recently won the lottery 25 times. Raymond Harrington bought 25 tickets and played the Pick 4 using the combination 4-6-4-0. He won the game’s top prize of $5,000 on each of his tickets for a grand total of $125,000. The chances of winning the Pick-4 are 1 in 10,000. Harrington plans to use his winnings to help his sons pay for college.
The News Tribune says a Waffle House manager from Trussville, Alabama recently outsmarted a thief. The thief broke into the restaurant and stole its safe. The Waffle House manager told cops that he emptied the safe because of several other Waffle House burglaries in the area.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Thursday, August 6

August 6, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Miley Cyrus says her comeback album is ready to roll — and she promises that this time, she means it.
The unpredictable singer, who’d teased a release late last year, hit up Twitter Wednesday to reveal that her seventh album will be called She Is Miley Cyrus — and gave fans a taste of one track, “Midnight Sky.” The tune has a serious disco vibe — which Miley underscored with a selfie video of herself dancing to it and showing off a platinum blonde shag haircut.
She Is Miley Cyrus will follow her 2019 EP Miley Cyrus Is Coming.
Shawn Mendes just debuted a new charitable effort, and it comes with strings attached — six of them, to be exact.
The Canadian crooner is rolling out a collaboration with Fender Guitars — the Shawn Mendes Foundation Musicmaster, a floral-embossed take on the company’s classic 1965 instrument. Shawn personally helped design the guitar, which is intended as an introductory six-string for beginners. It will retail for $749, with part of the proceeds going to the foundation.
The Shawn Mendes Foundation’s mission is to “inspire the youth of today — to learn about causes that they are passionate about, and help empower them to use the voice they have to bring change to the world by taking action and giving back.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Happy Headline from United Federal Credit Union – Wednesday, August 5

August 5, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
Suzan Brito of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, wanted to celebrate the 93rd birthday of her father, George, but realized it would be difficult to throw him a big bash.
So, she organized a parade for George, allowing friends and family to honor him for his long life, as well as his service in the Navy during World War II.
Family members, friends and neighbors cruised in front of his house in their cars — many of them decorated with colorful signs and balloons — letting George know how much they appreciated him. (WJAR-TV)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

The Daily Dish – Wednesday, August 5

August 5, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
It really does sound like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are making a last-ditch effort to save their marriage.
You probably heard that Kanye was seen shepherding the family onto a private jet this week. According to TMZ, he and Kim and the kids are holed up on a private island with the emphasis on private. Apparently there’s no way for paparazzi to get near them — the estate they’re on is described as a “fortress.”
Unsurprisingly, there’s no word on how the reconciliation talks are going.
August started pretty rough for Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. Her boyfriend left Millie and then her dog died.
Millie revealed at the start of the year that she was dating British rugby player Joseph Robinson. However, they had to split. Their careers were pulling them apart. He competes in London while Millie has obligations in Los Angeles. They’ve deleted photos of one another at Instagram.
Comedian Tiffany Haddish finally confirmed she’s dating Common. Though, it’s been clear for months the two were an item. This week, she called it “the best relationship I’ve ever been in.”
She declared her love for Common when she joined Steve-O‘s Wild Ride! podcast. Haddish said, (quote) “I’ve lost 20 pounds since I’ve been in this relationship. I feel more confident in me. Knowing that I got somebody that cares about me. I love him.”
The couple got together before the pandemic. Then chose to quarantine together. Haddish played coy for months and refused to directly answer questions about the relationship. (New York Post)
Brandy hints that a Moesha reboot might be in the works. She says she’s “in discussions with the right people to make it happen.”
And, Chip and Joanna Gaines have confirmed that Fixer Upper is headed back to TV in 2021 and is not going away. The show will re-premiere on their own Magnolia Network, which will premiere later this year replacing the DIY network on cable.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, August 5

August 5, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Trending this morning:
  • The Beirut explosion: Photos and videos of the blast that left dozens dead and thousands injured are making the rounds on social media
  • The new Twilight book is trending. Midnight Sun will told from the perspective of Edward Cullen.
Yes, I know it’s August, but, The holidays are coming … Lifetime has announced it will feature its first same-sex relationship at the center of one of their “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movies. The movie is titled The Christmas Set Up. “We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all at Lifetime,” said Amy Winter, EVP and head of programming at Lifetime and LMN. (GMA)
There have been plenty of stories about people having a tough time wearing masks these days — and Dr. Anthony Fauci is taking things to a new level by suggesting that we wear goggles to prevent catching the coronavirus through our eyes. (MarketWatch)
Want to be smarter? Hang out with smarter people. Seems you really are who you spend time with. A new study has found that students do better in school if their friends are also good students.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Wednesday, August 5

August 5, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Selena Gomez will offer her fans a Rare treat next month — when she finally rolls out her long-awaited Rare Beauty line.
Selena, who’s been teasing the products for months, hit up Instagram Tuesday to reveal that the line will hit Sephora and RareBeauty.com on September 3rd. She told her 180 million followers, “I’ve had so much fun creating everything and can’t wait for y’all to try it all …I hope you love it as much as I do!”
Selena has already pledged a portion of the proceeds to the Rare Impact Fund, which will help individuals in underprivileged communities get access to mental health services and support.
Ellen DeGeneres is getting hit with accusations from all directions, but Katy Perry says she’s got the host’s back.
Katy hit up Twitter Tuesday to show her support in the midst of the scandal that’s threatening to derail Ellen’s show. She wrote, “I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own, but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen. I think we all have witnessed the light and continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades.”
The last few weeks have seen Ellen hit by questions about sexual misconduct and harassment, racism, intimidation and unjust termination on her watch.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

The Daily Dish – Tuesday, August 4

August 4, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
The mansion owned by convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein is for sale.
The seven-story estate on New York’s Upper East Side is going for $88 million. That’s before the fumigation and remodeling begins on its 40 rooms.
Epstein’s former home is the most expensive piece of property for sale in the Big Apple. Considering its staggering price tag and disgusting background, it could sit on the market for months.
Epstein purchased the property from Victoria’s Secret CEO Leslie Wexner. Their sketchy relationship allowed Epstein to prey on teenage models with dreams of striking a contract with Victoria’s Secret. Epstein’s estate established a compensation fund for victims. A portion of the mansion’s sale will go to that fund. (Tatler)
The Bachelorette season with Clare Crawley came to stunning conclusion. In her second week of taping, she asked to quit rather than string along a bunch of guys.
That’s because Clare fell deeply in love with Dale Moss, who received the “first impression rose.” They are engaged.
Producers then made an emergency call to Bachelor in Paradise alum Tayshia Adams, who has stepped in to replace Clare as The Bachelorette. Additional men were asked to arrive to the COVID-free La Quinta Resort in the California desert. The Bachelorette will re-start once the new arrivals test negative following a two-week quarantine.
ABC intends to feature both Bachelorettes, Clare’s abrupt engagement followed by Tayshia’s journey, when the show airs this fall on Tuesdays. (E! News)
Ellen DeGeneres held on Monday a conference call with her staffers. Bottom line: “The show will go on.”
There was an acknowledgment that many of the recent accusations are true. So Ellen and the executive team intend to improve their behavior. As one staff member said, (quote) “The producers ultimately said you still have a job here. You will all get paid. Ellen is not giving up and the show will go on.” (Us Weekly)
Ellen’s wife, Portia de Rossi, publicly supported her on social media with the hashtag #IStandByEllen.
Before the weekend, Ellen was privately singing a different tune. Unnamed insiders claimed that Ellen had thoughts of quitting rather than endure a protracted investigation. She would face scrutiny and every one of her actions would be judged. According to one source, who spoke on Friday, (quote) “Ellen felt she can’t go on. The only way to recover her personal brand from this is to shut down the show.”  (Daily Mail)
A second insider echoed those sentiments, (quote) “The show feels done. It’s going to be very hard to turn this around.” (Us Weekly)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, August 4

August 4, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
The coronavirus has killed denim.
Women are not reaching to jeans for comfort. These days, during the pandemic, they’re more likely to spend their time in yoga leggings, pajamas and basketball shorts.
Levi’s revenue cratered and they’ve laid off 15 percent of their workforce. The Lucky, Hudson Jeans and True Religion brands filed for bankruptcy. A retail analyst said, (quote) “People just aren’t wearing jeans right now. Casual is really what’s winning right now. Active wear is becoming more acceptable.”
Stores like Lululemon and Athleta have watched their stock rise. WalMart reported that nobody is buying pants. The so-called Zoom Shirt is the only apparel that sells. (The Washington Post)
A pool party turned out to be anything but a party for a New Jersey homeowner who tried to make some money on a hot summer day by turning his backyard pool into a public pool.
Town officials received complaints from neighbors who reported seeing groups of kids arriving at the house and paying to swim in the pool. Code enforcement officers paid a visit and witnessed two buses drop off 85 kids at the house to go for a swim. The homeowner, who was not identified, was issued two summonses for failure to obtain a permit and for renting a swimming pool. Authorities say there is still an ongoing investigation. (Newsweek)
The pandemic threw our exercise routines out of whack. Three fitness experts have suggestions on how to kick-start a workout habit.
Jillian Michaels believes it’s important to start with a clean slate. Wipe away the memory of indulging in desserts or choosing Netflix over an exercise class. She says it’s impossible to be perfect. Focus on how today you can improve your fitness. Do the best you can but never beat yourself up if it’s less than what you did the previous day. Setbacks are part of the fitness journey.
Conditioning coach Gunnar Peterson suggests short intervals of different exercises to keep a workout interesting. For example, walk up and down stairs for four minutes, followed by jumping rope for four minutes, then squats and crunches and push-ups for four. Repeat a second round of three minutes each. Then reduce the intervals for a third round to just two minutes.
Fitness coach Allison Fahrenbach says her secret is “replacing instead of erasing” bad eating habits. Rather than snack on chips, she will crunch on healthy foods like fresh fruits. Swap her afternoon soft drink with sparkling water. Therefore, replacing is not as traumatic as erasing bad habits. (The Wall Street Journal)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More

Music News – Tuesday, August 4

August 4, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs
Taylor Swift made history on the Billboard charts. She became the first artist ever to debut an album (Folklore) and single (“Cardigan”) at number-one in the same week.
Folklore tops the Billboard 200, while “Cardigan” was streamed 34 million times and leads all tracks on the Billboard Hot 100. She also debuted “Shake It Off” at number-one. Taylor is among eight artists to have multiple tracks debut at the top of the charts.
Folklore is the best-selling album in its first week since Taylor’s previous album release, Lover. (Billboard)
Kanye West was spotted over the weekend boarding a private jet in Wyoming with his son Saint West.
There is speculation that Kanye and the fam were jetting off to a private vacation to try and spend some quality time together and get back on the same page. According to various reports, he’s been holed up at his Wyoming ranch for anywhere from a few weeks to as much as a year. TMZ reports that this was the only time the West family has seen each other lately outside of birthdays and holidays.
Apparently the couple came up with the idea of taking a trip together last week, when Kim Kardashian flew out to the ranch to try and help Kanye manage his mental health. There is no shortage of reports that things are rocky in the relationship, with both parties thinking about divorce.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed... [Read Full Story]

Read More