The Austin Times

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Pointer Sisters singer Bonnie Pointer dies

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Singer Bonnie Pointer died Monday, her family said. She was 69 years old. Pointer's family notified Variety and People of her passing but no cause of death was released. Pointer was a member of the Pointer Sisters and released four solo albums after leaving the group. "It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning," sister Anita Pointer said a the statement. "Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings … [Read more...]

Netflix has launched a new hub in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

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On Wednesday, the streaming service announced a curated collection of films, TV series and documentaries to help educate people about racial injustice and the black experience in America. "When we say 'Black Lives Matter,' we also mean 'Black storytelling matters,'" Netflix said on Twitter. "With an understanding that our commitment to true, systemic change will take time -- we're starting by highlighting powerful and complex narratives about the Black experience." "When you log onto … [Read more...]

Hulu moves up ‘Taste the Nation’ premieres in observance of Juneteenth

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Hulu has moved up the premiere dates for Love, Victor and Taste the Nation to June 17 and June 18, respectively, in observance of Juneteenth. Both shows were set to hit the streaming service on June 19, the same day as Juneteenth. "This June 19 - Juneteenth - will mark 155 years since slavery was abolished in the United States. This date represents an important turning point for our nation and for human rights, and we believe that now, more than ever, it deserves to have its own day in the … [Read more...]

New Hampshire rapper’s poetry book sets world record for alliteration

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A New Hampshire rapper set a record for the world's longest alliteration when he published a book of poetry that features 340 alliterative words. Chris Elliot, formerly known as FriiStyle Gahspol and currently recording as The Real Frii, published a poetry book in May titled The Epic Poem: Mastermind. The book has now been recognized as the world's longest alliteration by Record Holders Republic -- Registry of Official World Records. The organization said Frii's 724-word book contains … [Read more...]

Donald Glover’s surprise release album taken offline

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Donald Glover's surprise album that was released on Sunday has been taken offline after being available for 12 hours. Glover started having the untitled album play on a loop for free on the website DonaldGloverPresents.com. The site no longer has music playing. The album included guest appearances by Ariana Grande, 21 Savage and SZA. No track list was provided and the album was not made available on music streaming services. Glover normally releases music under his rap persona Childish … [Read more...]

Idris Elba tests positive for COVID-19

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Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Elba shared a video where he spoke, with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background. He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too. He said he feels fine, and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet. He encouraged viewers to take … [Read more...]

Ricky Gervais mocks PC culture, Netflix domination at Golden Globes

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Controversial comedian Ricky Gervais kicked off his fifth gig hosting Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards gala with jokes about diversity, celebrity activism and Netflix. "We were going to do an 'in memorium' this year, but when I saw the list of people that had died, it wasn't diverse enough. It was mostly white people and I thought, 'Nah, not on my watch,'" he quipped. "Maybe next year. Let's see what happens." Gervais also teased his fellow celebrities for starring in TV shows and movies … [Read more...]

Arsenio Hall: ‘Stand-up saved my life’

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Legendary performer Arsenio Hall, whose first-ever stand-up special is coming to Netflix, said returning to live comedy was a "way to heal" the disappointment of his rebooted talk show's cancellation. Hall, 63, rose to prominence with roles in films including Coming to America (1988) and Harlem Nights (1989). He became a household name with syndicated late-night talk show The Arsenio Hall Show, which started its original run in 1989. Hall left the series in 1994 to pursue other projects, … [Read more...]

Comedian Kevin Hart injured in car crash

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Comedian Kevin Hart was injured in a California car accident Sunday morning. TMZ said Hart was riding as a passenger when his Plymouth Barracuda veered off the road, crashed through a guardrail and went down an embankment on Mulholland Highway at about 1 a.m. PST. He and his driver reportedly suffered "major back injuries," but a woman in the car was not seriously hurt. Photos of the vehicle show the roof was crushed. UsMagazine.com said it obtained a police report that said Hart … [Read more...]

Leslie Jones to leave Saturday Night Live

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Leslie Jones confirmed on Twitter Tuesday that she is leaving NBC's Saturday Night Live after five seasons on the sketch comedy series. Jones uploaded to Twitter images of the various characters she has played on SNL and gave thanks to producer and creator Lorne Michaels alongside her co-stars. "You not only have my loyalty but you have my heart too! You have shown me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you," Jones said about Michaels. "I will miss … [Read more...]

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