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

Here’s a thing that went viral recently that… I can’t get with. Did you know that you might have a taco holder in your car? (This is not a euphemism for your pussy, though I wish it were.) The better question is – do you need a taco holder in your car? I HATE eating in the car. Which, I know, is the…

Here’s a thing that went viral recently that… I can’t get with. Did you know that you might have a taco holder in your car? (This is not a euphemism for your pussy, though I wish it were.) The better question is – do you need a taco holder in your car? I HATE eating in the car. Which, I know, is the…

Here’s a thing that went viral recently that… I can’t get with. Did you know that you might have a taco holder in your car? (This is not a euphemism for your pussy, though I wish it were.) The better question is – do you need a taco holder in your car? I HATE eating in the car. Which, I know, is the…

Hi Duana,

My daughter’s name is Adelaide Vance which I love. We had Adelaide picked out as a girl’s name for years (Addie for short) and Vance is a middle name in my family given to first born girls. Now I’m pregnant with a boy (due in June) and my partner and I are stumped. Our girl’s pick was …