black mag: May 2021

Monday, 31 May 2021

Bernard Arnault Surpasses Jeff Bezos To Become World's Wealthiest Person

The top spot depicting the wealthiest person has just been shifted in a big way. The spot previously dominated by Elon Musk, then resurrected by Jeff Bezos, is now being completely dominated by none other than Bernard Arnault. With an astounding net worth of $191.1 billion, Bernard Arnault has taken the reigns as the top earner, and as Forbes highlights his incredible career in the world of haute-couture, it's becoming clear that Arnault may be hanging on to this position of honor for quite some time.

While Elon Musk continues to focus on space exploration and self-driving cars, and Jeff Bezos prepares to step down from his role as the CEO of Amazon, Bernard Arnault remains laser-focused on his career, and has managed to elbow both of these giants right out of their position as top earners in the world of wealth and fortune.

Those are familiar with Arnault's success story are not surprised to see him edge forward and take over as the wealthiest man. The people that are less familiar with his work and the impact Arnault has had during his long career in the world of high fashion, are about to discover his true talents, and the many reasons why he is likely to remain in reign of his new title as the world's wealthiest man

When it comes to earning big dollars, Bernard Arnault is no stranger to the game. The French business man has been heavily immersed as a mastermind and mogul in the fashion industry, and his efforts and dedication are now being more recognized than they ever have been in the past.

As the big boss behind Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), his $191.1 billion fortune far surpasses that of Jeff Bezos, which currently stands at $187 billion, and pales in comparison.

The business tycoon has actually been a billionaire for well over a decade, but is newly edging forward to rise above the 2 men that have more prominently held the top spot, Bezos, and Musk.

CEO World credits Arnault's long-time involvement in big brands as being the catalyst behind his push to this level of wealth. "He oversees an empire that includes many iconic French luxury brands, including; Christian Dior, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Loro Piana, Kenzo, Celine, Fenty, Princess Yachts, and Bulgari. "

It doesn't stop there, his luxury group, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), also happens to include spirits, a variety of cosmetic lines, fragrances, watches, and of course, jewelry. That's just the tip of the iceberg, with other hospitality-based ventures under the umbrella as well.'

Time will tell how long Arnault can retain his position as the wealthiest man in the world, but for now, the spotlight is all his.

Sources: CEO World, Forbes

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Cardi B To Host WWE SummerSlam? | TheRichest.com

Rumor has it that the WWE is getting serious about having Cardi B host SummerSlam 2021, and judging by fan reaction, this is destined to be a huge success. The WWE is known for dramatic, larger than life moments, and they need a host that can match that energy and attract their own dedicated following of loyal fans to the event.

The suggestion of having Cardi B leading the pack seems like it would be a match made in heaven. SE Scoops reports WWE's Stephanie McMahon's interest in Cardi B dating back to April, when she was quoted as saying; “I think it could be really cool to work with Cardi B" and then went on to discuss the multitude of reasons that she'd be the perfect fit.

SummerSlam 2021 is one of the most highly anticipated events of the season, and adding a huge name such as Cardi B's to the event would give it an even greater boost among fans.

There has long been the discussion about attracting a younger audience to the WWE, and given Cardi B's recent success with the release of her new music, and her role in the Fast and Furious franchise, it seems that she's the most natural match for the job.

Given that the August show would welcome live fans into the arena, a rare treat for wrestling fanatics since March 2020 removed them from live events, having Cardi would be a major pull factor for ticket sales. If it happens, she will join an eclectic group of celebrities with Titan Sports ties ranging from Mr. T to WWE Hall of Famer Donald Trump.

In addition to her current popularity and ability to rake in the numbers when it comes to attracting the younger crowd, Cardi B brings another undeniable asset to the table for WWE, and that lies within her highly controversial lyrics and her reputation for being edgy, crass, and willing to push the envelope.

The dramatics and high entertainment value that fans demand from the WWE's SuperSlam is perfectly matched with the larger-than-life presence that Cardi B will bring to their stage.

Cardi B has made mention of the WWE franchise in recent tweets, as well. In spite of the fact that she wasn't directly mentioning or teasing her potential involvement of the event, the fact that she already connected her name with the WWE in any manner was enough to turn heads. Stephanie McMahon stated; “She had a tweet she put out not long ago which was in reference to her name on the show. I think she’s so colorful herself and so vivacious and full of life that I think she would even bring it up a notch in WWE. I think she’d be awesome.”

Cardi B's song, Up, is being discussed as being the potential theme song for SummersSlam, which lends to the belief that discussions may already be underway to book Cardi B for this event.

The official confirmation positioning Cardi B as the host of SummersSlam 2021 has not yet been made, but all signs are currently pointing to 'go' in a very big way.

Sources: SE Scoops, The Comic Book, The Sun

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Wealth On Film: 9 Billionaire Cameos In Movies & Shows

Fans have enjoyed spotting their favorite actor or actress in movies and television over the years. In 2021, it seems as though a quick cameo in a feature film is an extra status symbol for the likes of those celebrities that don’t claim to have acting chops.

However, a famous face can often add authenticity to a scene or situation, regardless of skill, because they are already known in that profession. It’s not uncommon for iconic movie stars to make an appearance, but rarer still, is the quick glimpse of the world’s billionaires – a status held by only a few thousand people globally.

Here’s a list of those famous faces you may or may not recognize but carry a sizeable wallet just the same.

9 Warren Buffett – $108.7 Billion

Perhaps one of the most famous billionaires on the planet has had his fun making cameo appearances in everything from soap opera, “All My Children” to the NBC sitcom, “The Office”. His leap to the big screen, gave him a scene in film “Entourage” in 2015. According to CNBC, Buffett has a brief scene midway through the film. He has the chance to throw out a few fun statements before he takes off on his golfcart at the Warner Brothers studio backlot.

8 Sergey Brin – $100.5 Billion

The Google co-founder hasn’t made a ton of appearances, but it only makes sense for him to appear toward the end of 2013’s “The Internship” a film about two older men, played by Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson landing an internship at the famous company. Brin also appeared as himself in 2010’s “Man on a Mission” about computer game developer Richard Garriott’s spaceflight in 2008.

7 Elon Musk – $155.1 Billion

Tesla’s CEO likes to dabble in a variety of businesses and Hollywood is just another area to conquer. Musk has had small parts in “Iron Man 2” and “Machete Kills”. In 2010, Musk’s role in “Iron Man 2” is as himself and according to Good Housekeeping, he’s seen chatting with Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark about engines and electric jets.

6 Michael Bloomberg – $59 Billion

The former mayor of New York City appeared in the 2011 film, “The Adjustment Bureau” with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Damon plays a politician, running for the New York State Senate and fittingly, Bloomberg lends his well-known face to play the current mayor of New York. Bloomberg has been seen numerous times in television cameo’s but “The Adjustment Bureau” was his first big-screen appearance.

5 Jeff Bezos – $189.2 Billion

For a self-described ultimate Star Trek fan, it may not have been so much the notoriety but the sheer pleasure of working with the cast of “Star Trek and Beyond” in 2016. You may not have recognized him in the large amounts of makeup and prosthetics directors had on the Amazon CEO but he was fulfilling a life-long dream, so it probably doesn’t matter.

4 Richard Branson – $5.1 Billion

According to CheatSheet, the Virgin Group icon has appeared in several television episodes from “Friends” to “The Simpsons” but his brief cameo on the big screen belongs to the 2006 James Bond flick, “Casino Royale”. Oddly enough, Branson was edited out of the British Airways version due to their competition with Virgin Group.

3 Larry Ellison – $103.1 Billion

Who is Larry Ellison you might ask? The eighth wealthiest man on the plant and co-founder of Oracle Corporation, the software company second only to Microsoft. Ellison was another cameo welcomed in “Iron Man 2”. He has no lines and is just a brief face passing by Downey Jr.’s character but for those with a quick eye and knowledge of the high-powered billionaire network, you’ll see him in the first five minutes of the film.

2 Ted Turner – $2.2 Billion

Turner actually created his own role for the 1993 film “Gettysburg”. The film was originally a miniseries for TNT and then released in movie theaters by New Line Cinema. Turner owned both, making his role as a Confederate soldier who quickly meets his demise, sort of anticlimactic. In 2001, he reprised his role in yet another film he financed, “Gods and Generals”. Like Bezos, sometimes you have the funds to check something special off your bucket list.

1 Mark Cuban – $4.4 Billion

The Dallas Mavericks owner has made a name for himself of the hit television show, “Shark Tank”. He’s been seen in television shows like “Grace and Frankie”, “The Rookie” and “Entourage” but when it comes to the theaters, Cuban can be seen in 2019’s “What Men Want” and 2015’s movie version of the popular series, “Entourage”. His quick cameo is shared with another popular actor, Bob Odenkirk of “Better Call Saul”.

Sources: CNBC, Good Housekeeping, CheatSheet

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Rich & Morty Creator Bringing First Blockchain Animated Series For Fox

Television has officially entered the realm of NFTs. Fox announced that Dan Harmon, known for his work as the creator behind the cult classic television shows Community and Rick and Morty is created a new animated series for Fox studios. But the new series wasn't the only breaking news involved. It will also be the first animated series that will be curated entirely through the Blockchain network.

The series is titled "Krapopolis" and is centered around a family consisting of Gods, humans, and monsters all set within the realm of ancient Greece. The series will feature a variety of mythical elements similar to what made Rick and Morty so successful. The series is also set to be produced by Bento Box Entertainment, the production team already known for several other popular animated series such as Bob's Burgers, Paradise PD, and Legends. As the first Blockchain based series, the show will offer a variety of digital downloads ranging from background art, GIFs, digital goods, and other exclusive content available for future fans as NFTs.

The Blockchain network is a specific database whose names derive from the way the network stores information. Unlike other databases, the information is stored in blocks that are chained together and whenever a new data set is entered, it is chained to the previous block, creating a consistent timeline of all the stored information. This data can include a digital ledger which stores Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency transactions as well as legal contracts and product inventory.

The benefit of the Blockchain network lies in the decentralization of information. When a company maintains their traditional database, it is stored on a series of computers known as a server. The company itself has access to this server and full control of all the information within. Blockchain relies on the individual computers that complete the transactions or recorded information instead. This consists of a possibly infinite amount of computers all operated by separate individuals. The computers that make up the Blockchain network are called nodes and each of these nodes contains all the information and transaction history of the entire Blockchain network. This means that not only can the nodes cross-reference one another to correct any flawed information, but no single node can alter the information on the network either, making it a safe system that always benefits the majority. This also allows for additional transparency as all transactions on the network can be accessed by any one node point.

This is also a key element to Blockchain's security benefits. If someone were to try and access the Bitcoin in another user's account, they would try and alter one of the previous transactions. But because of the linked nature of the Blockchain network, they would then have to alter all of the previous transactions that the Bitcoin is connected to as well. This would require any hacker to adjust up to 51% of the previous transactions as well and as each node that came before it. They would then signal one another quickly, having the ability to correct the mistake right away.

Within the lens of "Krapopolis", this technology could be beneficial for television. Each episode, along with additional products and downloads, can be added to the network in chronological order. It can include a structured plan for release that puts marketing and distribution under the same umbrella. The use of selling NFTs and other digital content through the Blockchain network via cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin also gives the series the potential to fund itself. When an audience purchases one of the digital options for sale, the money can go directly back into the production of the show. This self-sustaining network combines the advantages of crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe with curatorial based streaming network like Netflix or Hulu. The network will be an offshoot of Fox titled Blockchain Creative Labs.

Dan Harmon has been known for his innovative, 'by-any-means-necessary' approach to content creation. Initially hired as a co-creator of the Sarah Silverman Program, Harmon was let go early on due to creative differences. Having a series of unsuccessful pitches for additional shows, he went on to co-found the television-based monthly festival Channel 101 with his partner Rob Schrab. A variety of aspiring filmmakers could submit their pilots to the festival where an audience would vote on their favorite series. The winner would return the following month with a new episode, culminating in an ongoing series for some lucky participants. The festival launched the careers of several digital creators including Saturday Night Live's The Lonely Island featuring Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer as well as future Rick and Morty collaborators like Justin Roiland and Ryan Ridley. The festival also featured prominent actors such as Chevy Chase, Jack Black, Drew Carey, Jeff Davis, and Kumail Nanjiani.

Harmon's first major television success became the NBC series Community. The show gained popularity through its innovative writing and ability to generate die hard fans who went on to fund their own festivals and celebrations. The initial and iconic mantra for the series became "Six Season and a Movie" which served as the outline for what the show wanted to accomplish. But several missteps and complications arose, forcing Harmon to get creative with his content. Harmon was let go from the series after the shows third season due to the network citing 'erratic behavior'. Due to a push from the cast and an even stronger push from the audience themselves, he was rehired for the shows fifth season. Unfortunately, the show was dropped by NBC just one season prior to the initial six season goal. This required Harmon to get creative again and eventually landed a deal with Yahoo to digitally produce the series. Much like the "Krapopolis" announcement, this was groundbreaking and one of the first television series to be produced by the Yahoo! digital network.

The success of Harmon's new series may determine the future of animation and content creation altogether. If the show can successfully create a multi-level based marketing plan that can sustain itself, there may be a variety of additional content later on that takes the Blockchain centered approach for their content as well. The success of the shows ability to sell NFTs, digital characters, background art, and other exclusive tokens may set the standard for the new way to finance productions and increase audience engagement. Will the show achieve the same level of cultural significance as Greek mythology itself? Or will it fall under the namesake of nothing more than being pure "Krapopolis". That will depend on the fans and their willingness to financially support the innovative endeavor.

Sources: Slate, HollywoodReporter, HypeBeast, SyFy, Decider, Uproxx, TheVerge, Meaww, Investopedia, ScreenRant, BTCDebate, DisruptorDaily, Uproxx, Indiewire, HuffPost, Cinemablend

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Intel at Computex 2020: Tiger Lake-U Refresh, Mediatek 5G Solutions, NUC 11 Extreme

Due to the global pandemic, this year’s annual Computex event in Taiwan is being held virtually, but all the big-name companies have keynotes to present their latest news and wares. Intel is no different, and this year the hot ticket items stem from an expansion or ‘refresh’ of their Tiger Lake-U series processors (as we exclusively confirmed at AnandTech in April) but also the first fruits of an Intel 5G solution developed through the partnership with MediaTek.

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6 Things That Demonstrate Chrissy Teigen's Diverse Income Stream

Chrissy Teigen has seen the ups and downs of fame as she has shared her life with her fans on social media. She's among the many celebrities that are comfortable sharing their personal life online, and by doing so, she seems to increase her followers and fan base. She has upwards of 34.9 million followers on Instagram alone, and 13.6 million followers on Twitter, each of which is a potential customer each time she launches something new. Teigen happens to be a business mastermind, with a variety of different business ventures and revenue streams in the works. Women's Health Magazine recognizes that she manages to stay current, and keeps successfully growing her already massive $75 million net worth.

6 Supermodel Status

The foundational elements of Chrissy Teigen's wealth and fortune were hinged on her supermodel status. She made her debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine in 2010, and has since been one of the most recognized swimsuit models in the world. Her stunning beauty and incredibly seamless ability to comfortably model bikinis and swimwear has resulted in Teigen being one of the highest paid models in the entire world. According to Nicki Swift, she was ranked number three on the Forbes "list of 'the world's highest-paid models' in 2017 as well as 2018." To put this in perspective, Teigen's earnings were just a bit behind that of Gisele Bundchen and Kendall Jenner, earning millions of dollars for each appearance.

Her work includes the 2007 Maxim calendar, multiple covers for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and Cosmop0litan, to name a few.

5 Cook Books

Being the business-minded woman that she is, Teigen has turned her passion for cooking into a lucrative source of income. She has published her Cravings cookbooks with huge success. In fact, Cravings: Hungry For More made it to the New York Times Best Sellers list, increasing Teigen's earnings with this boost of recognition.

According to Women's Health; "her first book, Cravings, sold more than 400,000 copies, and was one of the top two cookbooks of 2016. With a list price of $29.99 that works out to around $12 million in sales. Her second cookbook, Cravings: Hungry For More, sold around 150,000 copies in the first two months after publishing."

4 Cooking & Cookware

Teigen features her recipes and mouth-watering images on all her social media channels, and of course, uses this platform to segway into selling her very own line of cookware. Teigen's kitchenwear collection is available for sale through Target, and has been flying off the shelves since it first launched. This line includes pots, pans, plates, and all kinds of kitchen necessities that fans excitedly scoop up.

3 TV Appearances

Understanding the value of TV appearances has ensured that Teigen remains well paid, and well recognized. She has a bubbly, very charismatic personality that draws in the audience, making her highly sought after as a host and judge on popular television shows. Chrissy Teigen's most loyal, long-time fans remember the days that she appeared as a back up briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal, back in 2006, at the same time that Meghan Markle was on the show as well.

She has co-hosted Lip Sync Battle with LL Cool J and been a judge on Bring the Funny, each of which paid her an astronomical amount of money.

She has also appeared on MTV's reality series called Snack-Off, The View, FabLife, as well. Her own show called Chrissy Teigen’s Hungry and Cookies and Cocktails has earned her well over $13 million.

2 Brand Endorsements

Most celebrities take advantage of trading their image for an endorsement fee, and Chrissy Teigen is no stranger to the concept. In fact, she relishes in the moment. She has earned millions of dollars by modeling for and speaking on behalf of huge brands such as Gillette, Olay, Gap Factory, UGG Austraila, Nike, Venus, and so many more. She has even appeared to represent her own cosmetic palette for Becca and joined forces with Pampers at one point as well.

Taking part in their campaigns has proven to be an incredibly lucrative, multi-million dollar venture for Chrissy Teigen.

1 Commercials

In fact, when it comes to Hulu, Teigen has seen an incredible amount of success. In 2019, she gave a special incentive to all of her fans, allowing them access to Hulu subscriptions for half price for a full six month period. She has gone on to host her own show on Hulu and has big future plans with them that are slated for future release.

Sources: Nicki Swift, Women's Health, Cheatsheet

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Computex 2021: Intel's Keynote, a Live Blog (10pm ET)

This year is a busy one for Intel. A new CEO at the start of the year, a commitment to 7nm, and then the launch of new desktop Rocket Lake processors followed by Tiger Lake-H processors. There are promises of next-generation Alder Lake later in the year, and we're all interested to see what happens with Intel's desktop graphics strategy. Heading up today's Computex keynote is not the usual CEO spot, but Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel's EVP and Chief Revenue Officer.

We'll be starting the live blog promptly at 10pm ET, or 10am Taipei time.

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Dick Van Dyke Wants To Be Knighted Following Lifetime Achievement Award

One of Television's genuine living legends, Dick Van Dyke, is still making headlines at 95 years old. The comedic pioneer told the world that he hopes to get an invitation to knighthood over at Buckingham Palace.

Dick made his desire known upon becoming a Kennedy Center honoree for his lifetime of contributions to American culture. The actor joined Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, Debbie Allen, and violinist Midori in the live ceremony. The question that brought about his aspiration was simple. "What's next?"

"I think the next thing is a knighthood," Van Dyke quipped.

Once a comedian, always a comedian. The Mary Poppins star joked, "I just turned 95, so I’m happy to be anywhere,” he added, “Had I known I’d live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself."

Then, in a demonstration of his nature that has kept fans adoring him for nearly a century, he explained that, "Recognition from your peers is always icing on the cake. How did I get a Kennedy award? I never trained or did anything. I just enjoyed myself."

In case you don't know the depth of Dick Van Dyke's commitment to the public, last month he left his home and handed literal cash to job-seekers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The story was something out of a Disney Channel feel-good movie.

While doing errands, Dick walked by the queue for prospective job seekers. Upon witnessing the line, he immediately ran to the cash machine, withdrew money, and began handing it out from a bag through his opened car window. If there was ever a true example of "paying it forward", it was this day by this legend. The entire scene served as a true testament to his love for the public and desire to always do good.

Both of those attributes seem like strong resume points for knighthood, no?

If Van Dyke does happen to find himself in the company of the Queen and a sword upon his shoulder, he would be one of many classic American names from the field of entertainment to be honored, like fellow golden age comedy icon, Bob Hope

Regardless of whether he receives the honor or not, Don't expect to hear "Sir" Dick Van Dyke anytime soon. Recipients can not refer to themselves as "Sir" or, in the case of females honorees, "Dame". Father, they are permitted to place KBE or DBE after their names in order to signify the honor.

NEXT: Queen Knights 100-Year-Old War Veteran Who Raised $40 Million For National Health Service

Sources: Washington Post, Yahoo News, The Mirror

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Disneyland Restaurant Selling $100 Sandwich Fit For A Family

Disneyland is about to up the ante on a classic lunch, as the theme park is unveiling a $100 sandwich made to feed an entire family. The giant meal will be giant for a reason.

Sold in Pym Test Kitchen, a restaurant located on the super-hero inspired Avengers Campus, the big bite is supposed to emulate the life of everyone's teeny little superguy, Ant-Man. It's in Pym Test Kitchen that the soda is gigantic and the condiments are even bigger. It gives all guests an opportunity to live in a world that is truly larger than life.

The “Family-sized Pym-ini” sandwich is made to feed six to eight people and the price clocks in at an official $99.99. Starving patrons can chow down on salami, rosemary ham, provolone, and sun-dried tomatoes spread out on a toasted focaccia bun. The gargantuan delight comes with marinara dipping sauce and an arugula salad. If you just want a solo version, it'll run you $14.50. They also offer a “shrunken, child-size” version called “Teeny Pym-ini” for $10.

Although, in a strange mystery twist, Disney News Site WDW News Today screengrabbed a version of the menu last week that showed a fourth option. A medium-sized Pym-ini sandwich, priced at $57.99, offered little description other than the layout of the sandwich. It appears to have since been removed from the official menu.

The Pym Test Kitchen opens its doors on June 4, as does Disneyland California's Avengers Campus. Other attractions include the Guardians of the Galaxy ride and a new attraction called WEB slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure.

The new campus will feature fresh food carts as well, including Shawarma Palace and Terran Treats. Fans can meet their favorite Marvel superheroes throughout Avengers Campus.

It has been a hard pandemic for the Walt Disney Company. According to the House of Mouse, COVID-19-related disruptions took a financial toll of more than it $1.4 billion in operating income in the opening months of COVID alone. Although making a meager, by their standards, profit of $460 million in that quarter, it is down drastically from the same quarter a year earlier. With closings across the board and a steady reopening to follow, Disney has been banking on a return to normal to push their profits back to the days before the virus. With hundred dollar sandwiches, that might be a goal well within mouska-reach.

NEXT: New Disney Wish Cinderella Cruise Ship Being Called A "Castle On The Sea"

Sources: CNET, NY Mag, Travel Awaits

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Michael Jordan Brand Donates $1 million To College Journalism & Sports-Related Studies

Michael Jordan is giving back to the Black community in a very big way. He has just announced a $1 million donation to Morehouse College, and is one of many initiatives targeted at bettering the Black community. According to the Associated Press, the gift “will help enrich its journalism and sports program that was originally launched with a donation from director and actor Spike Lee.” This is just one of the ways that Michael Jordan is trying to work towards the fight against systemic racism, and he aims to give educational tools to Black youth to set them on a brighter path towards a more hopeful future.

Jordan's generous donation of $1 million is sure to make a huge difference to the local community. It is being used to fund scholarships as well as enhance the programming for students in the fields of journalism and sports related industries. The money will also be used to upgrade the technology used in the school system, to further support these new initiatives.

ESPN reports the VP of Morehouse as saying; "Morehouse is grateful to Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand for an investment in the education of talented men of color who will ensure there is equity, balance, and truth in the way sports stories are framed and the way the Black experience is contextualized within American history."

Michael Jordan isn't stopping there. In fact, this incredible donation is just one of many that is part of a broader philanthropic effort that is dedicated to raising awareness and generating funds to better support and elevate the Black community. His initiative is called the Black Community Commitment, and has been credited for giving donations to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture. He has also guaranteed funds to the Ida B. Wells Society, along with a variety of others.

Michael Jordan is an icon in the sports world and is recognized on a global scale. There is nobody better suited to deliver the message of sports education and enhancement than he is. He has dedicated his time and effort into this project and tells ESPN that; "education is crucial for understanding the Black experience today. We want to help people understand the truth of our past and help tell the stories that will shape our future."

Jordan and his team are aware of the fact that people generate perceptions of the black community based on what they see on the news and in Hollywood, and they want to create a new forum that allows a more accurate depiction of the contribution of Black athletes, giving the Black community a new method to convey their real-life stories.

Sources: ESPN, Associated Press

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Rapper Metro Marrs Vows Repeat $20K Money Toss At Brother's Graduation

Rapper Metro Marrs is really making a name for himself, and he's not just doing it with his music. As part of his rap performance during his own high school graduation at Langston Hughes High School in Fulton County, he decided to pull a wad of $10,000 out of his pocket and he proceeded to make it rain. By doing so, he essentially distributed the cold hard cash to any of his peers that were able to grab at it. TMZ reports the police were called in and he was detained, but that hasn't tainted his generous spirit. He's already planning his next performance and cash-toss, and this time, he's planning to double the value and throw $20k into the crowd.

Marquise Smith is an 18 year old rapper from Fulton County who is best known by his stage name of Metro Marrs. He's seen wild success with his music career, and was signed to Quality Control music at the tender age of just 17. To put his talent in perspective, this is the same label that represents Migos and Lil Baby, and the potential for Metro Marrs to propel from this level of artistic expression to superstardom is very real.

Everyone knows that in order to truly make it in the world of entertainment, an artist really has to stand out among the rest, and Marrs has certainly found a way to do that. As a young man raised with morals and the genuine dedication to give back to his community, he has made it his signature trademark to throw cash money into the crowd during his performances.

MSN Entertainment quotes him as saying; "I had $10K in my pants and just to throw it up on stage at graduation was real memorable for my peers. I was like, ‘I gotta go out with a bang here!’ Go big or go home!”

It didn't take long for the police to move in and detain him, but Marrs says he wasn't charged or arrested, and he enjoyed the excitement felt by the crowd. He also told the press that he credits his parents for teaching him to give back to his community, in spite of the fact that this may not quite be the way they intended for him to do it.

Metro Mars is planning a repeat performance at his brother's high school reunion at Langston Hughes High in nearby Atlanta. The ceremony is slotted to take place next year, and he is pledging a $20,000 donation to that event.

Until then, he's going to focus his energy into the release of his new album called Popular Loner, which is scheduled to be released on June 18.

Sources: MSN Entertainment, TMZ

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Sunday, 30 May 2021

The Case Of Mariska Hargitay: 'Law And Order SVU' To $100 Million Net Worth

Mariska Hargitay is the staple of the show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As a female officer whose role is to work with special victims of heinous crimes, the material is often intense, and she has really become attached to helping real life victims of such crimes, outside of her role on television. Hargitay's long-term dedication to the show has led her to her current net worth of $100 million, and she is considered to be among the highest paid women on television. Fandom reports that as a young actress, Hargitay appeared in a series of other productions and shows before appearing on Law & Order SVU in 1999. Every step she took led her to this role which has truly defined both her personal and professional life in ways she could have never imagined.

Mariska Hargitay is famous in her own right, but what many fans don't know is that she also comes from a famous family, as well. Her parents were the late Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, and they were both very well known for their respective talents. Nicki Swift reports that her mom starred in a series of films and was a Playboy playmate. Her father was also an actor and was even more famous for being a bodybuilder. Her parents have even starred in some movies alongside one another, including Promises! Promises! and The Love of Hercules. A career in the world of entertainment seems to have been in Mariska Hargitay's genes.

Mariska Hargitay's childhood was marred with unimaginable trauma, and living through the heart-wrenching struggles that she was confronted with have formed her into the strong, tenacious woman that the world knows today. Sadly, when she was just 3 years old, Mariska was asleep in the back seat of a car, alongside her two brothers, when they were involved in a crash. Her mother, and 2 other adult passengers were killed in the devastating crash, and miraculously, the children all survived.

Mariska was so incredibly young at the time of this incident that she doesn't have a conscious recollection of it, but she definitely grew up with the significant void of not having her mother by her side. From a very young age, she grew up with the perception that life was hard and she just had to keep on going, so she did... and she kept trying at her acting career until she finally landed the role that she instantly knew was 'meant to be.'

Mariska Hargitay worked towards her acting career with small, bit parts in a variety of different productions. She won the Miss Beverly Hills beauty pageant in 1982, and her television debut came during an episode of Falcon Crest in 1984. She went on to appear in a feature film called Ghoulies that same year and dropped out of UCLA in pursuit of her acting dreams. After a series of auditions for different roles, she came across the Law & Order SVU and instantly knew that she was meant to play the role of Olivia Benson.

Now, 22 years later, as she continues to walk in the shoes of Olivia Benson on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the entire world is in complete agreement.

Playing the role of Olivia Benson has truly changed everything about Mariska Hargitay's life.

From a financial stand point, she went from being in debt to the tune of 6 figures, to being worth a cool $100 million. That didn't come without a whole lot of hard work and dedication.

Hargitay committed to the role and truly threw herself into everything that Olivia Benson embodies. Her dedication to her on-screen character saw her emerge as one of the leading actresses on television and her pay structure was reflective of her efforts.

Yahoo Movies reports that Hargitay worked her way up to earning just over $540,000 per episode, and then went on to also earn syndication royalties and bonuses. As a permanent fixture on the set of the show, she also began to hone in her skills in a different direction and began to expand her skill set even further. "She's also had a number of other roles during her acting career as well as stints as a producer and director."

Fandom confirms that she "directed seven episodes for the series: Criminal Stories, Padre Sandungeuro, A Misunderstanding, Sheltered Outcasts, Motherly Love, Mea Culpa, and She Paints For Vengeance.

Hargitay has been recognized and honored for her dedication and has received a number of accolades for her hard work. Yahoo Movies reports "She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Olivia Benson in the category Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006. She was nominated for the same award in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011."

She went on to win a Golden Globe in 2015, making her the first woman from the Law & Order franchise to be nominated as well as of course, the first to win.

Playing Olivia Benson has led to her fans connecting to her on a deeply personal level, and flooding the studio with letters about their real-life encounters with crime and abuse. She has truly been affected by the meaningful way in which her fan base has resonated with her character, and has taken action to assist special victims in real life, and not just on television.

Truly embracing and embodying the role of Olivia Benson, Mariska wanted to extend herself to the fans that had reached out to her for help. In 2004, she launched a nonprofit foundation called Joyful Heart, that helps sexual assault victims, those suffering from domestic violence, and all victims requiring healing and support after a serious incident.

She continues to support those in need through her foundation, and invests her own money earned from her time on the show, to maintain and continue developing the organization.

Sources: Yahoo Movies, Nicki Swift, Fandom

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Central Perks: How The Friends Cast Negotiated $1 Million Per Episode

The much-anticipated Friends Reunion special has aired on HBO Max and memories of the characters most dramatic (and hilarious) moments have come flooding back for fans who watched each episode through the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Asking Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry, all six originals, to return to the Central Perk couch nearly 17 years later came at a hefty price tag for Warner Brothers.

According to The Sun, each received between $3 and $4 million for their appearance at the reunion. Despite mixed reviews, the show proved to be a hit among fans and by one report, HBO Max subscriptions increased by 600 percent when the reunion was announced – an overall success by all involved.

Not only did the six “friends” skyrocket to fame in 10 seasons of the sitcom, but they also made history as the first 30-minute sitcom, in which all main characters received $1 million per episode.

It’s rare to receive this type of income for a 30-minute show, and we know the stars of The Big Bang Theory pulled it off, but they were standing on the shoulders of the first group of actors who formed their own mini-union and negotiated a record-breaking contract.

Here’s how they did it.

In season one and two, each cast member made $22,500 per episode. In season two, most of the stars continued making $22,500 per episode with two of the most popular characters played by Aniston and Schwimmer making $40,000 per episode.

As season three approached it became apparent that the main characters were going to be paid based on popularity and quickly, some actors or actresses were seen as less valuable than others, which not only is a problem working together on set, but it also leaves some feeling like they should move on to other opportunities and breaking up the original six.

Schwimmer had begun receiving movie deals and his agent encouraged him to seek a new negotiated contract. It was his idea for the six to join together and negotiate as a group versus individually, cementing the most successful negotiation of it’s time.

Through their collective strategy, according to Daily Mail, all six received $75,000 per episode in season four (this required a pay cut for both Aniston and Schwimmer), $85,000 per episode for season five and $100,000 per episode in season six.

It was during the season six negotiations, the actors and actresses secured payment for syndication, which today, pulls in about $20 million per star, annually.

The largest pay raises yet, came in season seven and eight at $750,000 per episode. While popularity waned in the middle of the series, at this point, the show’s ratings had experienced a resurgence, pulling in 24.5 million viewers per episode.

Writers only had four episodes left to write for season eight and needed to know how to effectively end the season, NBC was desperate to secure at least one more season, since no other show seemed poised to take their top spot and the timing was ripe for the taking.

The six landed a contract for $1 million per episode for season nine and season 10.

The trick was sticking together.

NBC might have managed two of the main characters written off as they went to pursue other things, but if all six walked away, the show was over.

According to Yard Barker, Courtney Cox participated in a 2017 interview with Sam Jones for his “Off Camera” series and confirmed the six had discovered if they didn’t stand by each other, NBC was liable to keep four and let two actors/actresses go, making it an “an ugly situation”.

Due to their unity and the value each placed on the other, the six were able to negotiate and make more than they, or anyone else for that matter, thought imaginable.

The last episode of Friends aired in 2004 and according to INSIDER, there are still some (including co-creators) that feel the salary was “inflated” and “kinda ridiculous” but LeBlanc dismisses naysayers.

In 2015, LeBlanc was asked if the cast was worth the historical salary, but LeBlanc said worth had no bearing in the overall picture.

“That’s irrelevant. How do you put a price on how funny something is? We were in a position to get it and we were able to pull it off. No matter what the job is, if you’re in a position to get a raise and you don’t get it, you’re stupid,” LeBlanc said.

Today, the $1 million per episode salary would equate to $1.4 million, but syndication earnings over their lifetime will surely make up for it.

As the Friends stars have moved on to movie deals, television series’, fashion lines and other lucrative careers, fans still enjoy watching the six get together for a reunion show and are still learning more about their time on set, their relationships beyond the screen and the truth behind many popular scenes in the now, famous sitcom.

Sources: The Sun , Daily Mail, INSIDER, Yard Barker

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Guy Fieri Buys A Florida Mansion Following Big New Network Deal

The ink on his $80 million contract with The Food Network has barely dried, but that didn't stop Guy Fieri from celebrating in style. Upon penning his new deal, he decided to embark on an adventure that he and his wife had been contemplating for a very long time. They are now the proud new owners of a mega-mansion in Florida. Fresh off the heels of the biggest contract extension of his life, Guy Fieri has already begun to enjoy the new lifestyle that his career has afforded him, and The Daily Mail reports his family is excited to reap the benefits of owning an additional residence.

The cost of Fieri's new mansion has not been disclosed to the media yet, but it's safe to assume that his newfound job security and $50 million pay increase are motivating factors that would lead him in the direction of a pricey purchase. Money is no longer an issue that the Fieri family has to contend with.

They were already doing fine as-is, with a net worth estimated to hover around the $25 million mark, but the signing of the his new deal has launched Guy Fieri into an entirely new caliber of celebrity status.

His 3-year deal with The Food Network sees the extension of two of his shows, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games. The total value of the contract extension is valued at $80 million, meaning he's raking in roughly $27 million each year - that's more than his current net worth for all his years of hard work and dedicated contributions.

Guy Fieri expressed that he and his wife were going back and forth over whether or not they could purchase a home in Florida, but now, there is nothing standing in his way.

The family can soon enjoy their new mansion, located in West Palm Beach, although the Fieri family will primarily use the new digs as a vacation property and not as their main residence. Fieri's son, Ryder, is a freshman in high school and the family doesn't want to uproot him during this pivotal time in his educational pursuits.

That said, the entire family is excited to have a vacation property, and it sure sounds as though they chose wisely. In spite of the fact that Fieri has remained tight lipped about the cost and the general details of his new home, he did let it slip that this exciting new investment is a waterfront property, which surely opens up a lot of opportunities for this self-declared "water junkie" to reap the benefits of all his hard work.

Sources: The Daily Mail, People

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Ariana Grande's "Ceremini" And The Rise Of The Micro-Weddding

Ariana Grande has made headlines throughout several of her relationships, culminating in the 2020 hit single "Thank U, Next". But now, it seems like she's ready to finally settle down. After an exciting engagement with real estate agent Dalton Gomez, who designed her engagement ring, Grande shared photos from her wedding through her Instagram. Most celebrities are known for their high profile weddings that feature elaborate affairs with celebrity guests and performances, but Grande chose to dial it back, resulting in an intimate affair between her and a few friends.

Ariana Grande isn't the only person to scale down her wedding ceremony either. A new trend has emerged called the ceremini or minimony that replaces a large and expensive wedding with a smaller and much more intimate celebration. This trend is partially a result of the mass gathering restrictions from the previous year, as well as a financial decision covered frequently in the new Netflix series Marriage or Mortgage.

The wedding ceremony took place at the couple's home in Montecito, California. The wedding accommodated only 20 guests which resulted in an emotional "I Do" moment by candlelight. Adorned in a strapless, floor length gown, Grande also sported a custom white veil topped with a bow. In conjunction with the stripped down affair, the couple even settled for a large white rug as opposed to the traditional aisle runner.

The tables were adorned with candles and Grande's Instagram famous puppy Toulouse was also in attendance. The couple exchanged informal wedding vows that were honest and off the cuff.

Dalton Gomez first made headlines in January of 2020 when it was announced that Ariana had started dating a mystery man. He then went on to appear in the music video for her pandemic hit single "Stuck With U". The couple then became Instagram official in June of 2020 when Grande shared a picture of them together celebrating her birthday. The couple then got engaged in December of 2020 which culminated in a celebratory post from Grande with a caption that said "forever n then some".

Dalton gained further attention as a suitable suitor when news came that he helped design Ariana Grande's engagement ring. The unique concept featured a stunning 8-carat diamond along with a pearl that belonged to Grande's grandmother. Estimates related to the cost of the ring have ranged from $300,000 to over $750,000.

Grande isn't the only celebrity to surprise the public with the announcement of her wedding. Earlier this year, Aubrey Plaza also announced on social media that she had tied the knot secretly with her long term boyfriend and creative collaborator Jeff Baena. Kristen Wiig also announced her surprise, intimate-style wedding with her partner Avi Rothman.

The concept of the smaller wedding has expanded beyond celebrities to also include members of the royal family. Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi secretly married during the pandemic, having a small wedding with friends and family. The socially distanced ceremony was held at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor and featured royals such as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Andrew.

Hamish Shepherd, the founder and CEO of the wedding planning app Bridebook stated to Glamour that “the news that Ariana Grande was married with just a handful of guests comes as no surprise. Many celebrities and even royals are eschewing the typical big celebrity wedding, opting for a chic and tasteful event." This statement coincides with the recent popularity of the new Netflix reality series Marriage or Mortgage. The show revolves around couples who are faced with a decision on whether to spend their savings on a dream wedding or on the downpayment of a new home. The series showcases just how expensive the wedding industry can be. The average cost of a wedding, pre pandemic during the 2019 year, was $33,900. This price alone is enough to qualify for a downpayment on a variety of homes throughout the country. But the show also offers a glimpse for couples who are looking to get the best of both worlds and here inlies the ceremini. These micro weddings serve to save money on the overall ceremony which can then be split between the wedding and the future home.

There are also a variety of other benefits to having a much more intimate wedding. These include a reduction in pressure of having to state your vows in front of a group of sometimes hundreds of other people. The less people, the higher the budget also becomes when regarding catering and food. Much time is saved by having to repeatedly thank people for coming, and overall, the planning seems to be a much less stressful process. Regardless of the celebrity or the average person chooses to have an elaborate affair or a private engagement, the couple's night still ends the same, with wedding bells and a night that starts the rest of forever with their newly wedded partner.

Sources: MSN, Glamour, TheKnot, Insider, BelfastTelegraph, Independent, Hello, Cosmopolitan, TheList, PageSix, Pulse, LATimes, VanityFair, DailyMail

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Highest Priced Hockey Card: Wayne Gretzky Rookie Sells For $3.75 Million

Any sports fan knows Wayne Gretzky for his stellar twenty season hockey career. Dominating the court with four Stanley Cup victories under his belt, Gretzky's name is practically synonymous with the sport.

Well, earlier this week, a coveted 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie trading card was sold to an anonymous buyer for a whopping $3.75 million! The purchase set a new record as the biggest hockey card sale in history.

Though the card broke records when it sold at the Heritage Auction in Dallas, TX, this isn't the first time the card has made major auction news. Just last December, a card of the same version broke previous records records by selling for $1.29 million at the same auction. O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky cards were sold twice before: in 2016 for $465,000 and 2011 in $94,000.

"There are just a handful of cards out there to reach such stratospheric heights," says Vice President of Private Sales and Consignment, Dan Imler, "It's only fitting that the greatest hockey player of all time, and one of the most beloved and revered athletes of the 20th century, join their estimable ranks."

Not only does the card's hefty cost take into account its commemoration of Gretzky's legendary hockey beginnings, but it also come from the card's pristine quality. The card has a Gem Mint 1 grade, meaning that its maintained virtually no scratches or smudges to down the quality. This makes it extremely rare.

Because of its age and various factory production issues during the 70's, its near impossible to find this card at your normal trading card store or run of the mill auction.

"Ninety per cent of the cards as they came out of the factory wouldn't be considered 'gem mint' by today's grading standards," Heritage Auctions' Director of Sports, Chris Ivy explains to the Canadian Press, "They were using recycled cardboard that chipped easily, they were off-centre, and there were a lot of print defects."

Interestingly, the photographer of the legendary photo on the card wasn't even initially intending to shot Gretzky.

The night that Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers took on the New England Whalers, official Bruins team photographer Steve Babinea had his eyes set on getting the action of a completely different player.

"Mostly I was there to shoot Gordie Howe," Babinea tells the Boston Globe, "But, yeah, Wayne was on my list, too, because someone — Hockey News or Topps — had called and said, ‘Hey, there’s this kid Gretzky, he looks pretty good,"

"There was no knowing then that Wayne Gretzky was going to be Wayne Gretzky, right?" he went on, "I mean, who knew? I sure as hell didn’t know it, I can tell you that."

Sources: ESPN, Canadian Press, Boston Globe,

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