Uncategorized

We sadly lost Alex Trebek in late 2020, after a valiant battle with cancer, but his legacy will never be forgotten. Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings has announced that the U.S. Postal Service will issue a Forever stamp honoring beloved former host Alex Trebek, who hosted the show for a whopping 37 seasons. All of this celebrates the remarkable legacy of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, which began airing in 1964. You can check out images of the new Forever stamp right here:

The grid of 20 identical stamps evokes the collection of video monitors that form the world-famous Jeopardy! game board. Written on the stamp is this prompt: “This naturalized U.S. Citizen hosted the quiz show Jeopardy! for 37 seasons.” (Yes, the American TV icon was actually born in Canada). On the bottom of the stamp upside down, it shows the correct response: “Who is Alex Trebek?” On the stamp panel there are relevant category headers at the top of each column of stamps.

The stamp also features a photograph of Alex Trebek with a portion of the iconic Jeopardy! set behind him. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed these commemorative stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. They will issue the Alex Trebek stamp in sets of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to any current First-Class Mail stamp. Outside of Wheel of Fortune and a few others, almost no game show has had the longevity of Jeopardy! So it’s nice to see both show and host honored. Presales for this special Alex Trebek commemorative Jeopardy! Forever stamp are now up at usps.com.

The post New U.S. Forever Stamp Celebrates the Legacy of Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek appeared first on Nerdist.

Originally Published July 22, 2022.

Due to inflation, travel has joined the growing list of industries—including food, housing, and gasoline—that now cost Americans more than in previous years. There is concern that they might be ringing up large credit card bills.

If you are considering public transportation by flight or train, book as far as possible. This approach may work well for you as it often allows the airline or rail company to help you get seats to your destination at a certain price, offering the potential to save money. This Air Fleet Rating provides details of air travelers.

Carpool instead of taking a plane

It is no secret that gas prices are costly. Another option to consider is traveling with a group by carpooling. Be mindful, too, that airline cancellations typically rise during the summer. Another potential benefit is that you won’t have to rent a car once you reach your site. Download apps like GasBuddy and AAA Gas Prices to help find less costly gas stations near you.

Why pay to sightsee if you can do it without spending money? For instance, personal finance company NerdWallet reports that there are many things you can do at Disney World at no cost. It reports travelers can find free walking tours in large cities but should be prepared to tip guides. In major cities, do some research to learn what attractions offer freebies.

Take your own food and snacks

Lion Forge Entertainment, the studio behind “Iyanu,” the epic superhero animated-series steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology, debuting on Cartoon Network and Max, has set a sponsorship pact with Nigeria’s famed The Voiceover Conference, Africa’s premiere voiceover summit.

Lion Forge will come on board as a leading sponsor for the biggest voiceover event in Africa. The relationship highlights a shared commitment from Lion Forge Entertainment and The Voiceover Conference (TVOC) to amplify and uplift diverse, global voices within the entertainment industry. The 2024 edition of The Voiceover Conference takes place June 25-26 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Lion Forge’s “Iyanu” is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe, and the series is already groundbreaking in that it features an all-African cast. 

Okupe and previously announced cast member Serah Johnson, who voices the title role of Iyanu, will be featured in discussions at TVOC. Paula Gammon Wilson, “Iyanu” Casting Director and Voice Director, is also a special guest and will teach a class on the audition process, giving attendees a chance to practice their talents. 

TVOC’s founder and seasoned voiceover artist King E. Afemikhe, is among the newest “Iyanu” cast members and is set to voice Abbey. Other new additions include convention co-host Femi “Bakes” Olugbade, who voices Uwa; special guest and award-winning voiceover artist Tolulope Kolade (Everything Voiceovers Podcast) who voices the character Siju; broadcaster turned voice actor Femi Sowoolu as Chancellor Nuro; Lord Frank as The Fallen One; multilingual voice actress Rashidat Fawehinmi Raji as Omolola; and voice actress Iheanetu Edith Chidinma as Teju.

Set to debut on Cartoon Network and Max next year, “Iyanu” is an epic superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. The series follows Iyanu, a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity.

Founded by David Steward II, Lion Forge Entertainment is a mission-driven entertainment company focusing on content that is both authentic and appealing to a broad audience. The company develops and produces animated and live action content targeting the kids & family and young adult audiences.

Steward II stated, “We are thrilled to enter a partnership with The Voiceover Conference, a staple in Africa’s budding voiceover scene helping young artists break into the entertainment industry and thrive. This collaboration is a testament to our mission of amplifying authentic, diverse voices. It’s especially exciting that these talented individuals will now be featured in our upcoming animated series ‘Iyanu,’ bringing fresh and genuine perspectives to our audiences.”

King E. Afemikhe founded TVOC in response to the escalating unemployment rates across Africa. With the intent to empower the continent’s youth and ultimately prepare these African voices for global recognition and success, the annual conference provides a nurturing platform for aspiring voice-over talents to not only succeed but find relevance and employment through the use of voice. TVOC seeks to transform voiceover into a thriving sector that generates profitable business opportunities for young Africans in and outside the continent.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lion Forge as a sponsor for the Voiceover Conference 5.0. Their support is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Lion Forge’s commitment to our event not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to strive for greater heights. We believe that collaboration is key to growth and progress, and we are grateful for Lion Forge’s partnership in bringing together the pioneer and biggest voiceover conference in Africa,” said King E Afemikhe, Founder, Voiceover Workshop & Media and Convener of The Voiceover Conference.

The 2024 Voiceover Conference takes place virtually on June 25 and as a hybrid event on June 26 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Nigeria. Register at thevoiceoverconference.com.

DeWayne Rogers By Robyn Mowatt ·Updated June 25, 2024

Mary J. Blige shook the internet when she and Giuseppe Zanotti revealed her golden boot collaboration. Not only did the shoes sell out swiftly, the beloved singer began a conversation about the cultural impact of artists and musicians in regard to fashion. The collaborative footwear wasn’t only striking but they proved the generational impact of hersrc="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/edit-mjb-IMG_1478-scaled.jpeg" alt="Mary J. Blige On Her Sold-Out Boots And Today’s Restock" width="400" height="599" />DeWayne Rogers

The singer on her sold-out drop: “Seeing the response to the first drop of my boots with Giuseppe Zanotti really blew me away,” said Mary J. Blige. “For years, my fans have asked me about making boots and you all showed up and showed out. Because of how quickly you sold them out, we had to come back with more.” Blige adds that the second drop is available due to her fans. 

The unique loyalty that fans of artists provide for many is not a small feat. This leads to sold-out tours, pop-up shows like Kendrick Lamar’s culturally relevant and pivotal “Pop Out,” and the novelty for tour merchandise and how coveted it has become. I’ll admit I collect tour merchandise for acts like Loony, Lucky Daye, and one of my all-time favorites SZA.

But, this isolated shoe drop is a bit different than what many might consider a trend–it is a unique offering that showcases a brand’s willingness to commit to an act and all that she embodies especially >official site to shop The Mary Boot. Pricing for the boots is $1,295.

The post Mary J. Blige On Her Sold-Out Boots And Today’s Restock appeared first on Essence.