Either way, Cookie Lyon doesn’t look the least bit worried in Empire‘s gold, glamorous, Animal Kingdom-inspired Season 2 poster.
Indeed, Taraji P. Henson’s got her trademark glare turned up to 11, while Terrence Howard’s Lucious looks like he’s already at least seven or eight steps into his “Get Myself Outta the Clink, Then Crush All My Enemies” checklist.
It’s Ludacris vs. Lucious on Empire season 2 — sort of. The rapper and actor revealed he’ll be the latest famous face to appear on the drama, Instagramming a photo with series star Lucious Lyon Terrence Howard in costume, with the former dressed as a prison guard and the latter in his orange prison garb.
“This could get interesting…” Ludacris captioned; of course it will, Luda. It’s Empire.
Empire season 2 premieres Sept. 23 on Fox.
Season 1 Season Finale Recap:
“Empire” Season Finale “Die But Once and “Who Am I”
Nothing to lose. That was the name of the song Jamal and Lucious collaborated on and that was also the overarching theme in Empire’s two-part season-one finale “Die But Once”/”Who I Am.”
On one hand, it seemed like Lucious had nothing to lose. He’d already lost Cookie to Malcolm, Anika to Baretti – and later Hakeem – and Andre, Jamal and Hakeem were all mad at him. But he did have something to lose. His dignity.
With the world against him, Lucious suffered one humiliation after another. First, Cookie and Malcolm ran away to a remote cabin in the woods for some steamy bump and grind. Then, Lucious found out when Porsha accidentally let it slip. Whoops! So he fired Cookie, Malcolm quit and the two broke up. But at least they ended their forbidden love affair on a high note. Hunty, that love scene was giving us life! There was even an oversized bearskin rug or two and a fire. A fire!
The other wonderful thing about Cookie’s firing was when she cursed out Lucious and called him a bitch. “Everybody’s just waiting for you to die,” she screamed. But Lucious was probably just taking out his anger on Cookie because Hakeem had embarrassed him in a freestyle rap with Snoop. And then Hakeem slept with Anika aka Boo Boo Kitty. Ugh! Gross! Who would’ve thought either of them would’ve stooped so low?
Hakeem and Boo boo kitty? #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/VMUG9Gxc6P
— Babay Gotem’ Madd (@KrapmatiK) March 19, 2015
But Snoop’s song “Peaches and Cream” sounded great, huh?
Andre also wanted nothing to do with Lucious and instead chose Michelle (guest star Jennifer Hudson) and the church over his dad. He even told Lucious he would send him a message in hell in a fireproof container. Burn!
Andre done got saved. Come in JESUS! We was waiting for him at the doe! #EmpireFOX. pic.twitter.com/oKXaF6xltz
— Kay Pernell (@differentPearls) March 19, 2015
But Lucious later exacted his revenge on Andre by wooing Michelle with a record contract and breaking Andre’s heart. Dang. Back to Rhonda. That only left Jamal, who despite everything Lucious did to him, still helped his dad shake his writer’s block and pen the song “Nothing to Lose.” Lucious (or should we say Terrence Howard) even snuck in a “Hustle and Flow” reference with “Whoop that Trick.” Nice one.
You’re not real if you didn’t catch that Whoop THAT TRICK reference. #EmpireFOX
— .thursday Addams (@MecoSlays) March 19, 2015
But that scene was not flawless. For instance, why were those same garbage cans at the house all those years later and why did Lucious threaten to throw Jamal in the trash can again? Insane.
How come the cans are still there? Who keeps garbage cans for 20 years? #EmpireFOX #EmpireFinale
— William West (@williambwest) March 19, 2015
Despite all of this, Jamal went HAM and got his dad’s master recordings back by dangling Beretti over the side of a building Suge Knight style. Oh. Jamal is gangster, huh? And just like that, Jamal was Lucious’ favorite son. He not only rose to the occasion and fought for his dad but he is a musical genius who collaborated with Lucious. That’s why Lucious made Jamal his successor. It’s also why Lucious told Jamal something he hadn’t told anyone else: his real name. He was born Dwight Walker and became Lucious Lyon. Whoa. While it was vindicating and long overdue seeing Lucious and Jamal make peace and bond, it also seemed like an obvious choice because Jamal is the only one who genuinely loves Lucious.
Through it all Jamal still searchin for his father’s approval n affection. #EmpireFOX #EmpireFinale pic.twitter.com/I7bVbrvPQY
— Bella DameNoir (@BellaDameNoir) March 19, 2015
For instance, when Lucious learned that he doesn’t have ALS but Myasthenia Gravis or MG and isn’t dying, he laughed like the devil. More to the point, when he told his sons he wasn’t dying, Jamal was the only one who actually smiled about the news. Cookie also wasn’t smiling. She had tried to kill Lucious the night before when he let it slip during a sedative-induced haze that he killed Bunkie. But Lucious stopped her from suffocating him with a pillow and then the next morning, he gave her a little pillow as a mean spirited gift and fired her again.
Cookie givin “pillow talk” a new meaning…#EmpireFOX
— MONGO (@sandoval_cali) March 19, 2015
The saddest part about Jamal and Lucious becoming close is that it ripped Jamal and Cookie apart. By the time the FBI came and took Lucious away in handcuffs – Cookie didn’t snitch. It was Vernon – Jamal gave up on Cookie completely. Speaking of Vernon, yeah, he’s dead. Rhonda accidentally killed him when he was fighting with Andre and Andre didn’t call the cops because Rhonda said she’s with child. That poor unborn baby. And poor Malik Yoba. Le sigh. It sure was good seeing you again, New York Undercover brother. We hope you get another gig really soon. So Vernon was the one who snitched to the FBI, not Cookie? Try telling Lucious and Jamal that. They think Cookie rolled over. But as we know, the only rolling over Cookie did was when she beat up Boo Boo Kitty like they were in a musty old motorcycle bar. Fans, meanwhile, couldn’t have been happier – bad stunt doubles and all.
I’ve been waiting for this fight between boo boo kitty and cookie all season #empire #empirefox #empirefinale pic.twitter.com/ybPpnu7dW9
— Clyde Jr. (@_JayClyde) March 19, 2015
Fans however were not happy with that dude Black Rambo. Sure, Jamal put him in his place during their battle but Black Rambo’s rap style was crunchy and weak.
When I hear “Black Rambo” rap #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/hWibhFWsVV
Our editors are more than thrilled to embrace this new summertime month. Why? Because August is packed with exciting new launches and collaborations that we can’t wait to get our hands on. From celebrity fashion lines and YouTube channels, to beauty goodies that will keep our closets stocked for the rest of the summer, these debut events and products are not to be missed.
Mother + Kind Campaign, ‘Play Nice’ T-shirt: We could all use a reminder to play nice every now and then, and these sweet tees—as part of the new Mother + Kind campaign—are the perfect inspiration. Keep the idea front and center by donning this simple and sweet shirt this summer and fall.
Melissa McCarthy releases new clothing line: Melissa McCarthy is one of those celebs who always looks chic and sophisticated while strutting her stuff on the red carpet, and now you can get the look at home by snagging a piece or two from her new clothing line. (image: D DIPASUPIL/FILMMAGIC)
Nicole Richie launches Birchbox collaboration: We are dying to break into the guest-curated Birchbox from House of Harlow 1960 creative director and reality show star Nicole Richie. It’s packed with beauty goodies like lip tint, in-shower lotion and a microdermabrasion skin exfoliant.
Treat Collection’s non-toxic nail polishes: This Berlin-based nail polish brand gives us access to non-toxic polishes that we don’t ever have to feel guilty about. The best part? There are 54 fabulous colors to choose from!
Boll & Branch launches line of fair-trade certified bath towels: We are really excited to try out the line of bath towels from luxury linens brand Boll & Branch because they’re the first in the world to earn full Fair Trade certification. Pre-order yours starting August 6th.
Karlie Kloss debuts new ‘Klossy’ YouTube channel: Model, entrepreneur and NYU-accepted student Karlie Kloss just announced her brand new YouTube channel “Klossy.” Subscribe to get a behind-the-scenes peek into Karlie’s high profile life, both on and off the runway. (image: Taylor Hill/Getty)
The Lively Show with Jess Lively and After The Jump with Grace Bonney: If you’re looking for creative inspiration as we ease into the last part of summer and gear up for back-to-school season, check out these two podcasts. Both feature interviews with top bloggers, bakers, writers, designers (plus so many more!), and the archives for both shows are packed with valuable insight.
Krochet Kids intl. pioneers the #knowwhomadeit movement: This non-profit apparel brand—which carries a line of beautiful clothing, bags and accessories for men, women and kids—is spearheading a toast-worthy movement to help us celebrate the people who makes the products we enjoy every day.
Revlon unveils LOVE IS ON Million Dollar Challenge: Revlon just announced an online fundraising challenge which invites charities that focus on heart disease, women’s cancers and diabetes—three health concerns that modern women face every day—to raise money within a six-week timeline. Revlon has promised an additional million-dollar donation to the winning charity. We’re proud to encourage this crusade!
Bonus….
When Nourish Snacks first asked about sending me their pre-packaged snacks to try, I was apprehensive. Typically, I’m not keen on packaged snack foods as they are notorious for being full of unhealthy ingredients. But it’s not always easy to make time to stock the fridge with super healthy snack options and it can be a challenge to find ones to grab when you’re a hectic mom on the go. Nourish Snacks have been awesome for those moments. Plus, they are healthy and so yummy.
Created by NBC’s TODAY Show nutritionist Joy Bauer, Nourish Snacks can be found in select Starbucks locations or ordered online. They are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with protein, antioxidants and fiber. Plus, they are dairy-free and gluten-free—things that make moms happy for the times their little ones want to share their snacks (just make sure they are eating ones that aren’t potential choking hazards).
Anthony Radford / “Meet the Artists” &
D. DelReverda-Jennings / “Flava Fresh”
Present a day trip to “Black History through Rhythms” third national art exhibition and grand opening reception at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio. This exhibit will feature a wide variety of artwork from up and coming artists to nationally known artists from across the country.
Saturday, November 7, 2015, 2-4pm.
$45.00 Per Person
A $10.00 deposit will hold your seat. The balance must be paid in full by Saturday, October 23, 2015. There will be no refund on deposit or trip, unless the trip is canceled.
The trip offers: Roundtrip transportation on Miller Bus Lines, refreshments, complimentary gifts, door prizes, Tony’s famous auction (You Never, Ever Know), games, a world movie premiere and more. We will load the bus from the parking lot on 30th & Central, Saturday morning at 11:00am, departing promptly at 11:30 noon. There will be a rest and smoke stop at 12:45pm.
We will load the bus from the Museum at 4:00pm and head to downtown Dayton for a 5:00pm dinner stop at black owned restaurant Delis. We will load the bus from the restaurant at 7:30pm and should arrive back in Indy around 9:30pm.
For more information contact Tony 538-5709 or D. at 924-1582
We’re sort of in shock that summer is already winding down. Is anyone else dreading the end of beach reading? As we enter into August, we’re sharing five books you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase for any end-of-the-season getaways.
1. “The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out,” by Mathilde Thomas: The co-founder of luxury skin-care line Caudalie, Mathilde shares several intriguing beauty regimens that French women follow.
2. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” by Marie Kondo: A wildly popular life-cleansing consultant outlines her radical approach to organization.
3. “I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time,” by Laura Vanderkam: Who says we can’t have it all?! This book shares strategies and stories of women who effectively and gracefully balance work, family and everything in between.
4. “Kitchens of the Great Midwest,” by J. Ryan Stradal: If you have an appetite for unique cuisine and compelling storytelling, this novel is for you.
5. “Me Before You,” by Jojo Moyes: Getting lost in a love story is essentially a summer reading requirement. This novel about two unlikely people falling in love will likely bring you to tears!
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It’s back to school time.. and if you are complex as much as I am to start over with a new preschooler (meaning I’ve been out the loop for a looong time). Here are a few rules to know what’s a righ fit for you and your child.
Starting preschool is a momentous event for your child. It’s that first big step away from babyhood and toward childhood. Be particular when choosing a preschool.
Start your search at least several months before you want to send your child: In some areas, families need to get on wait lists years ahead of time to get a spot at a top preschool.
As you search, watch for the warning signs listed below. If you see any at a school you’re considering, keep looking.
Don’t hesitate to judge a preschool based on what you’ve heard from other parents. In this situation, word of mouth can be a source of important information.
Of course, try not to form a definite opinion about a school until you see it for yourself – disgruntled parents may simply have had a negative experience with the school or a personality conflict with the preschool director. Trust your own first impressions more than anyone else’s. After you visit, if you’d be even the slightest bit reluctant to leave your child there, you should probably keep looking for another school.
Bottom line: If you share any negative opinions about a school, move on.
Rules and regulations are important for any institution. Schools without clearly established guidelines for everything from operating hours to how to handle emergencies are likely to have other organizational problems as well.
Similarly, preschools with a lax sick-child policy. should be crossed off your list. If children (and staff) who come down with a fever or the flu don’t have to stay home for at least 24 hours, your child is much more likely to catch every little illness that comes along.
The preschool should require staff and children to have current immunizations and get regular checkups. This policy is a good indication of how seriously they take health and cleanliness concerns.
A preschool that balks at having parents drop by unannounced could be hiding something. If you run into a closed-door policy, move on.
Bottom line: If a school has loose rules and is poorly organized, it’s not right for you.
Skip preschools that either have no daily program or offer one that is static and unchallenging. Children need variety, change, and a chance to grow. If the school doesn’t offer organized, age-appropriate activities that change regularly, or if television and videos are a big part of the day’s agenda, keep looking.
A teacher who doesn’t spend time reading to kids, encouraging creative play, and varying activities isn’t meeting your child’s development needs. But don’t evaluate a school based solely on how many numbers and letters your child is learning – preschoolers aren’t ready for a rigorous academic program.
It’s also a bad sign if the school’s structure seems rigid, with an inflexible schedule that doesn’t leave room for children to explore at their own pace. The best programs encourage development naturally, so children may look like they’re simply playing (that’s okay).
The school gets another black mark if its selection of age-appropriate toys is lacking. Having enough of the right toys not only encourages your child’s development by stimulating creative, imaginative play, but it may also help prevent kids from getting into too many tussles over who gets to play with what and when.
See our list of suggested preschool toys by age group.
Bottom line: Your child needs a wide range of age-appropriate toys and activities to encourage development. If the school doesn’t offer them, keep looking.
Just as at a daycare center, preschool teachers should have at least two years of college and a background in early childhood development as well as CPR and other emergency training. They should also be responsible, enthusiastic, and well prepared. Make sure they share your philosophy on care issues such as sleep, discipline, and and nutrition.
Watch how staff members interact with their students: If they’re inattentive, impatient, or distracted, your child deserves better teachers.
It’s also important to make sure the school has enough teachers. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a preschool should have no more than 20 children in a group with one teacher for every ten children – or at least two teachers, even in much smaller groups. Big groups, no matter how many teachers they have, discourage individual attention and make it harder for children to interact well with each other.
A poorly compensated staff leads to high turnover. Of course, even the best preschools can sometimes find it hard to hire – and keep – dedicated employees.
Most preschool teachers are paid very little (usually just above minimum wage), and the demands of keeping up with a group of 3- and 4-year-olds every day can be wearying. But preschools that don’t offer paid vacation and health insurance are even less likely to be able to retain staff long-term.
Bottom line: If teachers seem undertrained and overworked, or if turnover is high, the preschool isn’t for you.
A good preschool is clean and safe. It has to be to meet licensing requirements in most states.
Nevertheless, make sure the floors, walls, and kitchen area are clean. Also check that food preparation areas are far away from the bathroom, trash cans aren’t overflowing, and the building is adequately heated, lit, and ventilated.
Make sure the preschool follows the basic rules of safety, too. Strangers shouldn’t be able to just walk in off the street – and children shouldn’t be able to wander out.
Toys and play equipment should be in good condition and upstairs windows (if any) should have stops or bars. Medication and all other hazardous substances should be stored out of reach, and the outdoor play area should be level and secure.
Working smoke detectors should be in place, radiators and heaters should be covered or otherwise protected, and a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
Bottom line: If the preschool seems dingy, cramped, or dangerous, move on.
Ask to see a preschool’s license and credentials, then call your local social services department to double check that everything is current. To be licensed, preschools must meet state licensing regulations for health and safety.
Of course a license doesn’t guarantee quality care, but most states require certain credentials, and preschools that don’t have them aren’t fulfilling the most basic requirements.
Try to find a facility that has passed the stringent accreditation process required by NAEYC, a benchmark of quality childcare, by searching the organization’s online database.
Bottom line: A license isn’t everything, but if a preschool doesn’t have one, pass.
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From: Tony Radford
Subject: FW: FLAVA FRESH XII EXHIBITION AT GARFIELD PARK ARTS CENTER
Greetings All,
Please come out and support Indy local artists at Garfield Park Arts Center.
Check out my latest piece: Inter City Blues II (A License to Kill).
Peace!
Anthony Radford
Flava Fresh is an annual juried art exhibition series of fresh, contemporary art. The exhibition happens at many venues throughout the year, and GPAC is hosting the second in the series. Flava Fresh was created to bring about greater awareness, appreciation, inspiration, support, and exposure for local and regional visual artists – especially those who are newly-discovered, under-represented, emerging, women creatives, and artists of color.
This free exhibition will be on display for the public, August 1 – 29, 2015. GPAC is located at 2432 Conservatory Drive.
For additional information on the Garfield Park Arts Center CLICK HERE
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Greetings All,
Please come out and support Jerome Neal the artist and a longtime friend. Jerome will exhibit his works at Gallery 924 on “First Friday” August 7, 6-9pm in his first large scale solo show.
http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/painting-the-town-in-a-whole-new-way/Content?oid=3349479
Peace!
Anthony Radford
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The Evolution! 