Basically, a week after Miranda Lambert announced that she had secretly married Brendan McLoughlin, I was already primed for more drama. I thought we would be getting weekly updates on all of the salad-tossing and mistress-having shenanigans from this union. We have not gotten any updates on them, really, other than they seem to be okay right now, in their first six months of marriage. Fingers crossed that some sh-t blows up this summer. For now, we’ll have to make due with Star’s latest cover, and how Star’s sources say that Miranda thinks this marriage was “the biggest mistake of her life.” Miranda’s rep has already shut it down:

One of the tabloids claims Miranda Lambert is divorcing husband Brendan McLoughlin after just 122 days of marriage. The story is completely untrue. Gossip Cop can exclusively debunk it. The country star and the NYPD officer tied the knot in January after only three months of dating, and according to Star, the relationship is already over. A supposed source tells the magazine that Lambert is “moving out” of their $2 million apartment in New York City and telling friends that “marrying Brendan was the biggest mistake of her life.”

One of the major issues, says the alleged insider, is the long-distance nature of their relationship. Lambert still owns a home in Nashville, and the time apart has supposedly been taking a toll on their marriage. “Flying Brendan back and forth to Tennessee was tiring,” adds the questionable tipster, adding that the singer wanted them to settle in Nashville and have a baby. Considering that Lambert just spent $2 million on a penthouse apartment in New York City, this assertion doesn’t make much sense.

Still, the seemingly phony source further contends that Lambert’s pals are concerned she’ll lose her fortune in the “split,” adding, “Because of the way she rushed in to marrying Brendan, they’re scared she didn’t have him sign a prenup. They’re very fearful she didn’t take the necessary legal steps to protect her money.”

The anonymous “insider” goes on to say that Lambert’s ex-husband Blake Shelton somehow got wind of the “divorce” news and sent her a snide text saying, “Better luck next time!” The so-called “source” adds, “That was especially cruel, given that he’s been in a loving relationship with Gwen Stefani since right after he and Miranda went their separate ways.” As for Lambert, she “can’t seem to believe she’s just had one failed romance after another,” adds the seemingly fictitious source.

Regardless, Gossip Cop checked in with Lambert’s spokesperson, who tells us on the record that Star’s report is “completely made-up.” The singer’s rep, speak on Lambert’s behalf, further assures us, “Not one iota is true. They are happy and together!”

[From Gossip Cop]

The thing I don’t believe about the Star story is that Miranda wants Brendan to give up his New York life to move full-time to Nashville so they can have a baby. For some reason, I just don’t think that Miranda is all about that. I think she prioritizes her career and she nurtures her salad-tossing melodrama, and maybe she’s self-aware enough to know that motherhood isn’t for her? I could be wrong, of course. As for the rest of it… do you think Miranda really married him without a prenup? Nah. She’s dumb in love/lust but not THAT dumb. And the rest of it is just normal Miranda drama – she loves all that stuff.

Photos courtesy of WENN, Backgrid.

There’s just a cognitive dissonance when the British press tries to slam the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by nitpicking every little thing they do or don’t do. To hear the Cambridge-defenders, the “Will and Kate will be king & queen” people, Harry and Meghan are now “minor royals” and no one cares enough about them for their actions to even matter. Except that clearly, there’s an obsession with detailing every single thing about Harry and Meghan, often with a “damned if they do, damned if they don’t” shade. Prince Harry did his duty and showed up for the palace lunch for the Trumps. He also attended the Royal Collection presentation for the Trumps, which he wasn’t even scheduled to attend. Then Harry went back to Frogmore Cottage and didn’t attend the state dinner. Meghan stayed home with Archie for the day, because she’s still on maternity leave (she only gave birth a month ago). We knew that Harry would not go to the state dinner, it was announced weeks ago. But the Daily Mail is still trying to make all of this into some big “Harry snubbed the Trumps because his wife is too political and something something, it’s all Meg’s fault.” I thought they were minor royals and no one cared?

Prince Harry was noticeably absent from the State Banquet staged in honour of Donald Trump, in the wake of alleged comments made about his wife. The Duke of Sussex appeared less than keen to be pictured with the President – who reportedly branded Harry’s wife Meghan ‘nasty’ at the weekend after learning of comments she made about him while she was an actress.

Earlier in the day Harry had chaperoned Mr Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, into Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery for a display of US-themed artefacts. But the Queen’s grandson quickly disappeared into the background and did not follow other members of the Royal Family as they walked round the exhibition with the American leader and his party.

Speculation was rife that the prince had been angered by the comments apparently made by the president, after learning of the remarks Meghan made in 2016. Harry, 34, had been a last minute addition to the proceedings after aides initially suggested that neither he nor his wife would take part. This was partly due to the recent birth of their son, Archie, and also the fact that they do not normally get involved in State visits due to their position in the royal pecking order. Harry is now seventh in line to the throne and has only ever attended one State banquet previously.

Meghan is on maternity leave, having given birth to the couple’s first son just a month ago. But her omission would no doubt have come as a relief, with her previously describing Mr Trump as a ‘misogynist’ and ‘divisive’ in a 2016 interview when working as an actress.

A spokesman declined to comment further but it appeared that pressure had been put to bear on the couple to at least show willing given the significance of the Queen’s VIP guest. Royal sources stressed last night that Harry had shaken hands with Ivanka and her husband Jared, as well as with John Bolton, the President’s National Security Advisor. They also insisted that there was no ‘scripted procession’ for members of the royal family to walk round and view the exhibition.

All the guests at the lunch were expected to attend a display of artefacts from the Royal Collection, the treasure trove of art, antiques and artefacts held by the Queen on behalf of the nation, in the Picture Gallery afterwards, which is captured by the media. Harry’s appearance was notably fleeting, though. Although he chivalrously walked Ivanka in, the prince ducked out of joining the group as they politely walked around the display. In doing so he left the US President’s daughter to be rescued by a female member of staff from the Royal household. She quickly paired her up with the Duke of York, who could later be heard chatting to her about golf as they looked at pictures taken of royals through the ages at St Andrew’s. In the end the cameras only caught the briefest glimpse of the prince at the back of the room, with President Trump barely in shot.

[From The Daily Mail]

So, what’s the story here? Prince Harry, a “minor royal,” was not important enough to be invited to the state banquet, but he still barged into the Royal Collection viewing even though it wasn’t on his schedule, and then he purposefully ignored Ivanka and kept his distance from Donald Trump all because… his wife made a completely accurate statement that Trump is a misogynist back in 2016, before she had even met Harry? And on the eve of the trip, Trump called Meghan “nasty” and Harry is somehow to blame for not wanting any f–king thing to do with him?

I mean… Harry was between a rock and a hard place. I think it’s notable and interesting that Harry did NOT want to be photographed with the Trumps during this visit, just as I think it’s notable that William and Kate weren’t around for the day-time photo-ops too. The younger royals do a lot sh-t wrong, but I don’t blame them for awkwardly avoiding certain photo-ops and Trump shenanigans.

Also: Ivanka looked like a dumbass in that outfit. Giant shoulder pads, puffy sleeves and a stiff peplum? Girl, tone down your ‘80s Diana cosplay, that’s Kate’s thing.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

There’s a long history of gift-giving between the royal family and American presidents. I mean, every world leader who visits the Queen is expected to bring a gift, and they can expect to receive a gift as well. The Queen is surprisingly thoughtful gift-giver, and by that I mean that her staff does good research and there’s likely a huge meeting between staffs to figure out which gifts should be given and received. The best gift for the Queen is likely jewelry, right? The Obamas gave her a small brooch during one of their visits, and she wears it often enough. So the Trumps decided to do the same: they gave the Queen a brooch. Here’s more about the gift exchange:

The Trumps came bearing a Tiffany & Co. silver and silk poppy brooch in a custom White House wood jewelry box in a red leather box for Queen Elizabeth II, according to the White House. For her husband, Prince Philip, they brought a personalized Air Force One jacket and signed autobiography by American General and famed World War II air commander James Doolittle, “I Could Never Be So Lucky Again.”

Though Prince Philip left active duty naval service when he married then-Princess Elizabeth, he holds a number of military appointments, including as Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

The first lady was “very involved with the gift selection,” her spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said. “Working with the State Department, Mrs. Trump takes great care in selecting meaningful gifts,” she added.

Likewise, the Trumps were presented with thoughtful gifts of their own in keeping with longstanding tradition. For the President, the Queen gifted a 1959 first edition copy of Winston Churchill’s “The Second World War” bound in full crimson goatskin with gold tooling and a three-piece Duofold pen set. Trump has a known affinity for Churchill; in one of his first notable acts as President, he restored the bust of Winston Churchill, which had been moved during the Obama administration, to the Oval Office. For the first lady, a specially commissioned silver box with a handcrafted enamel lid.

[From CNN]

Well, what could the Queen do? Giving Trump a special book on Churchill was never going to be ideal, because Trump is illiterate and he really doesn’t know anything about Churchill, truly. But I’m sure he liked the pen set. She could have given him Sharpies and a big Mac and he would have been happy. I’m sure Melania liked her silver box. “But it’s not gold, Donald?” As for the poppy pin… yes, I guess credit to Melania – that was thoughtful.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

A lot of these recommendations come from Becks1. I also looked through some bathing suits, stuff for summer and other random things I want from Amazon. There’s always more stuff I want.

A flattering and cute high-waisted bikini

This affordable, high-waisted bikini comes in sizes small to xx-large and in 22 different print and color options, all with cute flouncy tops and high bottoms. It’s a recommendation from Becks1, who writes “I am 37, two c-sections and I carry my weight in my belly… So a lot of one pieces are too short on me, or emphasize belly, but I love the high waist trend for two pieces. Just got this one and it’s fun and comfortable.” Reviewers love it too, writing that it “fits perfect,” is “comfortable and cute” and “is so flattering.” Some say that it runs big so you may want to order a size down. Becks also owns this vintage two piece high-waisted suit, which comes in 16 different prints and colors, and recommends it.

The number one best seller in bathing suits

If a one piece is more your style this high neck flattering bathing suit by Tempt Me has so many options. It comes in sizes x-small to 20 plus and in 16 different colors and prints. There’s a mesh panel to show cleavage without being too revealing and it has full bottom coverage. It has over 2,000 reviews, 4.5 stars and an A from Fakespot. Women call it slimming, say that it hides tummies and fits great. Reviewers write that it has “great support, “looks cute,” and is “modest yet a little sexy.” You may want to double check sizing and order a size up as it’s said to run small.

Water shoes to protect your feet from hot sand and sunburn

The beach can be relaxing and fun but who hasn’t had sunburned feet or feet that get burned from walking on the sand? These unisex water shoes are ultra affordable at under $14, come in 30 different prints and colors and in sizes 5 to 13 for women. They’re great for water sports like kayaking and can protect your feet at the beach, pool or creek. Unlike other brands on Amazon they have a rubber sole, which offers more protection. Reviewers call them the “comfortable enough to forget you are wearing them” “comfortable” and the “best water shoes I’ve ever purchased.” People say to make sure to measure your feet in inches because they run small.

A versatile sleeveless tank in so many colors and prints

Becks1 also recommended this top, which she owns in three different colors and loves. She writes “They look cute tucked in or untucked. They are a loose fit so I love them for things like my kids sports when you can’t always predict how hot it’s going to be.” This comes in sizes small to xx-large and 24 prints and colors. Women write that these tanks are “cute and flattering,” “very comfortable,” “awesomely soft” and “a nice top for the price.”

Washing machine cleaning tablets for fresher laundry

These washing machine cleaning tablets are the number one best seller in tools and home improvement. They’re said to get out nasty odors and gunk that can accumulate in the wash. I definitely need them as my front-loading washer is smelling funky. A reviewer writes “not only did it clean my machine, it eliminated the nasty smell that always transferred to my clothes.” One person says to try this version of the tablets, which is fragrance free.

A set of four tweezers so you’ll never be without the right pair

I’m traveling this week and I only have a crappy pair of tweezers with me, the kind that breaks your hair instead of pulling it out by the root. For some reason I’m always losing tweezers, especially the good ones. These tweezers are just $15 for 4 pieces. People call them the “best tweezer set ever,” rave about how precise they are and say they can “grab the tiniest, finest hair.” They’re also said to be great for small crafting work.

An awesome air fryer to cook and bake without an oven

Becks1 also recommended an air fryer, she has this one and I have a small earlier model Philips, similar to this one. I’m featuring the high capacity 6 quart one by OMORC, above, as it’s affordable, programmable and has high ratings. You can even cook a whole chicken in it. You may want to watch the video to see if it will fit in your kitchen. (Here’s a link to a smaller 3.8 quart one.) I love my air fryer. It’s so convenient for baking chicken and cooking frozen items like french fries, bagel bites, fish and more. You can cook almost anything in it. (The one I have is 2.75 quart and does not fit a full size frozen pizza, but you can use it for single serve pizzas.) My mom got it for me and I use it a few times a week. If you’re looking for a large capacity air fryer with accessories for baking, this 5.7 quart one by Yedi is also highly rated and comes with a cake pan, silicon mat, pizza pan and a dividable basket.

Thanks for reading and commenting on our affiliate post!

Embed from Getty Images

It’s not surprising that Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, would attend last night’s state dinner/banquet for Donald Trump. Her husband David, the Marquess of Cholmondeley is a regular guest of the Queen at these kinds of formal state events, and of course he brings his wife. He’s the Lord Great Chamberlain and I believe that means he has “constitutional duties” within these kinds of events. So, it wasn’t surprising. And yet it was interesting to see Rose walk in towards the end of the procession into the banquet hall. Rose wore white, which was the color of the evening – the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and Melania Trump also wore white.

There were internet rumors that Rose was seated somewhere close to Kate, but I can’t verify that and I don’t see why she would be. What I find fascinating though is… how few media outlets are even talking about it. Prince William’s legal threats came down like a hammer and now The Sun, the Daily Mail, all of the tabloids, they’re all scared to even utter the name Rose Hanbury. Hello was one of the few outlets to mention it, and they did not even reference why Rose’s presence could be shady.

A total of 170 people attended Buckingham Palace’s glittering State Banquet on Monday night in honour of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, and among the many royal and known faces was the Duchess of Cambridge’s Norforlk neighbour, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.

Rose’s attendance is no surprise as the 35-year-old is the wife of David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and Lord Great Chamberlain and they are regular guests at State Banquets. In his ceremonial role he has charge over the Palace of Westminster and he also has a major part to play in grand royal events, such as coronations, having the right to dress the monarch on coronation day and to serve the monarch water before and after the coronation banquet, and also being involved in investing the monarch with the insignia of rule.

On the night, the Marchioness of Cholmondely was sat between Jeremy Fleming and Professor Ralph Speth while her husband sat next to the Duchess of Gloucester.

A total of sixteen members of the royal family attended the dinner – the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

[From Hello]

Hello is just going to sit there and mention the royals attending the event and they expect their readers to put it together. Such palace intrigue! I wonder if Kate shot eye-daggers at Rose while William swallowed hard and stared at his plate. I wonder if Rose was especially vivacious last night, throwing back her wine and laughing so loudly so everyone in the banquet hall could hear her. I wonder if Donald Trump and his staff were briefed on the Rose situation. So many questions. But honestly, this is why I believe that Rose leaked the “rural rival” story – she was mad because Kate was trying to phase her out, and Rose was like “no honey, that’s not how this works.” And it’s not how it works – Rose and David are clearly still in the royal fold.

Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, was at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace tonight — and it looks like she was at the VERY end of the procession into the ballroom.
(? @GettyImages) pic.twitter.com/kvySFML6al

— Ellie Hall (@ellievhall) June 3, 2019

Photos courtesy of Getty, Avalon Red.

Here are some photos from last night’s state dinner at Buckingham Palace. Of course the “money shots” are the ones of the Duchess of Cambridge, who walked into the dinner with Steve Mnuchin, and I was surprised to see them making friendly conversation about something. Probably not money, since only gauche Americans like to talk about money. Maybe they were talking about castles? Probably. Anyway, Kate wore a custom Alexander McQueen and maybe I’ve just gotten used to Kate’s style, but this isn’t too bad? The whole dress is just row after row of tiered ruffles, which sounds terrible but in reality, it looked okay-to-good. Kate also wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara. The only half-way mean thing I’ll say about this look is that it appears, to me, that Kate got some fresh Botox. She’s been known to dabble. Melania wore Dior, the Queen wore Angela Kelly and Camilla wore Bruce Oldfield. Here’s an uncomfortable photo:

Embed from Getty Images

I like how Melania centered herself and smiled like a game show hostess. The Queen’s prize was a fancy dinner with with a sexual assailant and racist. As for the dinner, it should have been whatever greasy fast food they have in the UK, but it wasn’t. I wonder if Trump even touched anything he was served, which was: “Steamed fillet of halibut with watercress mousse, asparagus spears & chervil sauce; New season Windsor lamb with herb stuffing, spring vegetables, port sauce; Strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream; Assorted fresh fruits; Coffee & petit fours.” There were also about twenty wines offered, but Donald Trump doesn’t drink, so I assume he just sipped water or a Coke throughout the evening whilst daydreaming about a midnight Whopper.

What else? Prince Harry did not attend the state dinner, which was notable because pretty much everybody else did – the Cambridges, the Wessexes, Princess Anne, etc. Harry was around for lunch with the Trumps earlier in the day, and he also was around when the Queen showed the Trumps part of the Royal Collection. According to the Guardian, the Queen showed Trump the gift he had given her last year, which was a small pewter horse. She asked if he recognized it and he said “no.” Melania did though – she interrupted and properly identified it. The Queen also showed Trump a collection of tartans and he immediately recognized the one from his clan – his mother was from the MacLeod clan.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Getty.

*SPOILERS for Always Be My Maybe*

Last Friday, ABMM began streaming on Netflix. I think I made it until 9AM my time before I kicked everyone out so I could watch it in peace. It’s really cute. I’ll admit it actually got too cheesy for me at the end, and that’s saying something from this RomCom schmaltz-lover. Overall it made me warm and fuzzy and I was willing to swallow the saccharine for a happy ending. The cast is great. I knew I would love Ali Wong and Randall Park but truly, everyone showed up to work in this film. Even with the really entertaining performances by Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, James Saito and Karan Soni, the standout among the supporting cast is Keanu Reeves. And it’s not even a talent or a “OMG Keanu!” thing, it’s how far he went to make fun of himself. His part could’ve easily been written into an episode for Extras, it was that level of self-deprecation. And – because we need more reason to love Keanu, right? – most of his bit in the movie was his idea.

One of the best scenes in “Always Be My Maybe,” the Netflix rom-com starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, features a cameo by Keanu Reeves.

Reeves plays himself as a love interest of Wong’s character, Sasha. In a scene the internet has GIFed countless times already, he makes a dramatic entrance at a restaurant where Sasha is on a double date with Marcus, played by Park. And he delivers some great one-liners.

Reeves also improvised some of his scenes, she said.

“At the Chateau Marmont, he pitched a couple of things that made it in. Like wearing glasses that had no lens,” Wong told Rolling Stone. “And the part in the game night scene where he lists all of these Chinese dignitaries, that was all his idea. And when he says, ‘I don’t have a problem, Sasha. What’s your problem?’ and starts air-fighting. It’s hard to describe just how shockingly funny he is.”

[From CNN]

The scene that is getting the most air time is his entrance in the film. And it is a great entrance, specifically for me because I did not realize he was playing himself. I thought he was this mythical character, bue he is playing Keanu Reeves to the hilt and it’s so much fun. He and Randall bounce off each other really well and his chemistry with Ali’s Sasha is electric. And Ali does deserve the credit here because Randall thought it would be funny to get Paul Giamatti in the role. Ali said that wasn’t the way she wanted to go, specifically because she wanted Sasha’s second love interest to be, “someone who was Asian-American who would also be Marcus’s worst nightmare.” Love Paul G as I do, I think Ali was right. Considering it was Keanu’s love of Ali’s comedy that made him say yes to the role, it’s neat that they let him flex his own improvisational chops. It worked so, so well.

Us just published one of their “What’s in My Bag” features with Ali. The first thing she listed was floss. Between Ali and Shailene Woodley’s thoughts on flossing, I think the dentist gods are trying to tell me something. Ali also carries sunblock that, as she said, is vital when living in LA. Other items include her red Moschino sunglasses, but we already know Ali’s glasses game is on point, Michelle Obama’s Becoming, a lot of balms, salves and moisturizers (which explains her gorgeous skin), various kid necessities like a bib, Neosporin, Q-Tips and Band-Aids (Hello Kitty variety) and a gold iPhone X. This all sounds like the purse of a mom with small kids. I wonder how many times people ask Ali to bring out her phone just to show them Keanu in her contacts? I’d ask her to show me every time.

And just for fun, Marcus’ closing song:

Photo credit: WENN Photos, Netflix and YouTube

Priyanka Chopra has a new (paywalled) interview with the Sunday Times. She talks about a lot of different things, including her career, her marriage to Nick Jonas and more. But what’s getting the most attention is when Priyanka makes a very obvious observation about the obvious racism her friend has faced. Priyanka is friends – or is she?? – with the Duchess of Sussex, and like many women, Priyanka has absolutely clocked all of the racism and racist dog whistles in the coverage of Meghan’s very existence. Some highlights from that part of the interview:

On Meghan being called “pushy”: “I’ve seen that, and it’s really unfortunate. But if there’s anyone who can handle it, it’s her.” When asked if she believes the negative depictions of the duchess, who is biracial, have to do with her cultural background, she responded, “For sure, 100 percent. Of course it has to do with racism, it’s an obvious reason. But the beauty of Meg is that she’s been herself through all of this. A lot of people got to know her after everything [once she started dating Harry], but I knew her before, and she’s the same chick.”

On Meghan’s causes: “Now that she’s got a real platform, she talks about the same things she always did. We spent hours speaking about the difference that influence and dialogue can make to the world before this whole thing happened. So what you see now is authentically her. She’s always been the girl wanting to move the needle.”

[From The Sunday Times via Pop Sugar]

I mean… yes, obvious observation is obvious. Priyanka is stating something true and verifiable: of course there’s blatant racism and a racist tint to the way Meghan has been covered. But the British press has already taken Priyanka’s words and made them into, like, some kind of controversy? I always feel like I’m through the looking glass with this sh-t, but obviously, other people find it shocking that Meghan’s friends are consistently like “stop being racist to Meg” and “stop being cruel to a pregnant woman or new mother.”

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.

Embed from Getty Images
How surreal must it be when you are performing in your high school’s yearly drama production only to be surprised by performers who were in the original movie or show? In April, Sigourney Weaver met with North Bergen, NJ, high school students who were mounting a production of Alien: The Play. This past Friday, across the Hudson River, it was Lin-Manuel Miranda’s turn following the final rehearsal for the In the Heights movie that is set to be released June 26, 2020:

Friday night saw Lin-Manuel Miranda and the In the Heights movie crew coming out to surprise a performance of the Broadway musical at New York’s George Washington High.

Crazy Rich Asians‘ Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming film, recorded footage from the audience at the moment Miranda took the stage to bow down to the teen actors.

[From People]

Miranda starred in and wrote the music and lyrics for the original production, which had numerous runs, including Off Broadway, on Broadway, and in London’s West End, and won several awards, among them the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score for Miranda. He and Chu were joined Friday by Quiara A. Hudes, who wrote the musical’s book and the film’s script.

We start shooting #InTheHeightsMovie on Monday. So after our final rehearsal we took a trip 2 GeorgeWashington highschool in the Heights 2 see them perform In The Heights! Could not b more Inspired by these students. Guess who else showed up ????#HeightsInMyHeart @Lin_Manuel pic.twitter.com/PxLEk44wuA

— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) June 1, 2019

We saw In The Heights in the Heights for the first time, with kids from all over the neighborhood. It’s cool I only cried 10 times.
These kids were so good. Our future is so bright. https://t.co/2GOG2qpPg5

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 1, 2019

These students were pure life and energy, and the local audience laughed at different lines than the Broadway audience. #InTheHeights was alive as it’s ever been last night at George Washington HS and gratitude is the name of my day. https://t.co/234mLrmXMt

— Quiara A Hudes (@quiarahudes) June 1, 2019

I’ve watched Chu’s video a few times; it gave me goosebumps. I’m so happy for those students, and excited that they had their work recognized by Miranda, Chu, and Hudes. As one of only 3 people in the country who has not seen Hamilton (owing to money, time, and money, again), I’m looking forward to seeing another of Miranda’s performances at a more budget-friendly price. Miranda’s audio recording of his book of tweets, Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You is also a relaxing way to start and end the day; I realize that I need to get back to listening to it.

Embed from Getty Images

Miley Cyrus likes to reinvent herself with each new album. That’s fine, but makes it hard to keep up. I actually thought she was in her reverting to her country roots phase but that was two releases ago. Following up from whatever her last incarnation was, Miley is now reverting to her club music phase with her new EP, She is Coming. I like Club Miley, I think she does well on that platform. However, I’m not feeling She is Coming yet. So far I only like Cattitude, which is derivative of Missy Elliott (plus RuPaul is featured and is very good). Much like her last club phase was about drugs, this one is about having sex or specifically, Miley having sex. And what’s the best way to promote an album all about sex? Prophylactics, of course. Not just any condoms, either, but $20 a pop condoms that have Miley’s new catch phrase and phone number (?) on it.

Miley Cyrus‘ new EP, She Is Coming, dropped on Friday, and a slew of new merchandise accompanied the release — including her own branded condoms.

The condoms, which are sold individually for $20, come in a black wrapper with “She is coming” and “1-833-SHE-IS-MC” written on the outside in white. The phone number is also featured on a T-shirt and sweatshirt available on her website. Other merchandise released with the EP includes more clothes and a poster — one sweatshirt has the phrase “phone sex is safe sex” written on it.

The purchase of one of the condoms also includes a digital download of the EP.

[From People via Dlisted]

She is Coming costs $5.99 on iTunes. So the condom cost is $14. For $14, I feel like I want the condom to do more for me. I can’t figure out what though. My go-to bonus is always to get my dishes done, but I can’t make that work here, unless there is a Ratatouille in the condom type situation and let’s all just admit – nobody wants that. As for the phone number, I called it and it rang once, went silent and cut off. Miley is a great advocate for many good causes, I sort of expected it to be a donation line for LGBTQ rights or Planned Parenthood or something. At the very least, I expected a pre-taped message. It feels like she missed a fun opportunity there and that’s not normally like her. As mentioned, there are a variety of sex themed/double entendre items you can purchase on Miley’s website. Most of it I could leave (although I think this orange t-shirt is pretty cool). But it’s fine and very on brand for Miley. A lot of her promos had her devouring fruit in such a manner that was supposed to be seductive, but really it just made we want to get her a napkin. I’m glad that is less prominent in the merchandise.

As far as her other promotion is going, her husband, Liam Hemsworth, is posting a bunch of arty shots of Miley on his Instagram, which is great, he should be supporting his wife’s career. But the shots, which actually aren’t bad, are even better with his tongue-in-cheek captions, mainly about how impressive he is for taking them:

View this post on Instagram

Girls got talent. She might just make it…WOW to the awesome dude (me) for taking such an incredible photo. #husbandgoals

A post shared by Liam Hemsworth (@liamhemsworth) on May 31, 2019 at 11:09pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

I’d say there’s a 48% chance I’m actually the BEST photographer ever.

A post shared by Liam Hemsworth (@liamhemsworth) on May 31, 2019 at 11:30pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Abs like a ninja turtle ?

A post shared by Liam Hemsworth (@liamhemsworth) on Jun 2, 2019 at 2:43am PDT

After I wrote this post, I saw this terrible story out of Spain. Miley was grabbed and groped/kissed by a ‘fan’ as she walked directly behind her husband, who took her under her arm the minute he knew. The person’s actions in this video are not acceptable. This is never acceptable. I hope Miley is okay.

Photo credit: WENN Photos and Instagram