http://www.thenerdelement.com/2019/07/09/legion-m/

As a huge fan of Alien I am supremely excited about Legion M at the 50th anniversary of Comic-Con International. See below for information on lounges, panels, and special events.

LOS ANGELES (July 08, 2019)– Legion M, backed by its more than 100,000 members and 16,000 fan-owners, returns to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) for its biggest activation yet, hosting star-studded events, industry parties, two fascinating panels—including an in-depth look at Legion M and Screen Media’s feature-length documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” which was acquired early this year at Sundance using Legion M’s innovative Film Scout platform—and amazing experiences for SDCC attendees to celebrate the power of fandom and see first-hand how the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company is revolutionizing Hollywood.

Legion M’s SDCC event schedule includes the late night (Friday, July 19 at 10 p.m. PDT) fan-premiere of the critically-acclaimed Sundance favorite “Memory: The Origins of Alien” followed by a special Q&A with the film’s director Alexandre O. Philippe (“78/52,” “The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead”) in the all-new TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box®. The feature-length film, which premiered to rave reviews in the Midnight Section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, unearths the largely untold origin story behind Ridley Scott’s cinematic masterpiece, and reveals a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials from the archives of “Alien” creators Dan O’Bannon and H.R. Giger. “Memory: The Origins of Alien” screening and Q&A hosted by Legion M and Screen Media is a must-see SDCC event for “Alien” fans celebrating the epic horror/Sci-Fi film’s 40^th anniversary. Ticket information for the screening is coming soon on the legionm.com website!

Legion M’s Fan Lounge, presented by The Pop Insider, will take over Gaslamp Quarter’s Theatre Box and its brand-new Chocolate Lounge and rooftop bar and lounge at 701 Fifth Ave. (Fifth Ave. and G St.). SDCC attendees can grab a cocktail (cash bar), relax, recharge and enjoy a full slate of fan-centric activities, appearances, giveaways and exclusive events on Thursday and Friday, July 18-19 (12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT) and Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT). Inside, The Pop Insider, a daily pop culture news and review site for superfans, will give SDCC attendees a chance to “Fuel Their Fandom” with special Angry Birds phone charging stations. Fans can also stay up-to-date with all things pop culture by picking up the Con-exclusive, limited print edition of The Pop Insider magazine.

The Pop Insider will also be hosting a series of afternoon events and activities on the Theatre Box rooftop bar and lounge from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT each day July 18-21, including a cosplay dance party and karaoke showdown. Cosplayers looking for a quick spruce-up can stop by the Cosplayer Repair and Pro-Artist Makeup Station sponsored by Spirit Halloween, get professional photos taken to commemorate the occasion, and may even star in an upcoming“Cosplayers Getting Coffee” YouTube episode. For the most up-to-date Legion M Fan Lounge and rooftop schedule, please visit www.legionm.com/sdcc2019. Activities will be added as confirmed.    

Be sure to also check out two Legion M-hosted panels at San Diego Comic-Con. On Thursday, July 18 (7:15 p.m.to 8:15 p.m. PDT, Room 6BCF), “Fans Celebrating 40 Years of Alien,” co-hosted with Screen Media, will take a deep dive into the origins of “Alien” and its fandom while celebrating the classic horror/Sci-Fi film with the director of “Memory: The Origins of Alien” Alexandre O. Philippe, along with Legion M’s vice president of development David Baxter, Diane O’Bannon (Dan O’Bannon Estate), Will Linn (Joseph Campbell Foundation) and other special guests as they discuss Philippe’s upcoming feature documentary and debut the trailer for “Memory: The Origins of Alien.” 

On Thursday, July 18 (2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, Room 7AB) learn how you can become part of a Hollywood revolution and get involved directly in films, TV shows and digital content when Legion M executives host “Legion M: Fans Unite to Take Over Hollywood.” Legion M cofounders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison, along with Legion M COO and head of content Terri Lubaroff, vice president of development David Baxter and special guests, will reveal how Legion M is involved with films like the upcoming Kevin Smith “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” along with “Colossal,” “Mandy,” “Tolkien,” and “Memory: The Origins of Alien.” Legion M has made it possible for anyone to become a fan-owner. Find out how you can join the more than 100,000 Legion M members who have access to special screenings, industry events, and exclusive Legion M meet-ups.

Legion M 2019 San Diego Comic-Con Fan Lounge and Events Calendar

(All times Pacific)

To sign up for Legion M SDCC activation information: www.legionm.com/sdcc2019

Wed., July 17 (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) The Pop Insider San Diego Con Kickoff Event!, Coin-Op Game Room, 789 Sixth Ave.

Fuel Your Fandom at the ultimate Con kickoff party! The Pop Insider is hosting a can’t-miss pre-Con rager complete with retro gaming, dancing, giveaways and more, with Legion M, Spin Master Games, ARCADE1UP, Disguise, Inc., and Cosplayers Getting Coffee. This event is sold out.

Thurs. and Fri., July 18-19 (12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) and Sat. and Sun., July 20-21 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) Legion M Fan Lounge presented by The Pop Insider @ Theatre Box Chocolate Lounge

Relax, recharge and have FUN at the Legion M Fan Lounge presented by The Pop Insider every day during San Diego Comic-Con. Mix and mingle with friends, Legion M executives and members, and other SDCC attendees while celebrating the power of FANDOM in the fan lounge. Fans will enter the Legion M Fan Lounge through a 45-foot facade of the Quick Stop featured in the upcoming Kevin Smith feature film “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” The perfect SDCC photo opp will feature props from the actual Quick Stop set!

Thurs. and Fri., July 18-19 (12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) and Sat. and Sun., July 20-21 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), Stargate Command, Theatre Box

MGM’s Stargate Command will present a replica “Stargate” photo opportunity in the Theatre Box lobby for the whole weekend and will give attendees a chance to spin the prize wheel for unique “Stargate” prizes, including mini-posters, pins, buttons, original SuperFan creations and more! Talent will be dropping by for autographs as well! Look for more information about schedules, podcasts, and more fun all weekend! www.stargatecommand.co/articles/events

Thurs., July 18 – Sun., July 21  (12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) The Pop Insider’s Rooftop Pop-up Party! @ Theatre Box Rooftop Bar and Lounge

Join The Pop Insider as they “Fuel Your Fandom” with fan-focused events on the Theatre Box rooftop bar and lounge each day, including a cosplay dance party with DJ (12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.) and karaoke showdown (2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.). Stop by the Cosplayer Repair Station and Pro-Artist Makeup Station sponsored by Spirit Halloween any time!

Thurs., July 18 (2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.) “Legion M: Fans Unite to Take Over Hollywood” Panel, Room 7AB, San Diego Comic-Con

How can YOU become part of Hollywood, and get involved directly in films, TV shows and digital content? Legion M is the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company. Through equity crowdfunding, we’ve made it possible for anyone to become an entertainment investor and fan-owner. And it’s more than simply being a “shareholder,” members have access to special screenings, industry events, and exclusive Legion M meet-ups. Our panel of Legion M executives Paul Scanlan, Jeff Annison, Terri Lubaroff, David Baxter and special guests will reveal how Legion M is involved with films like “Bad Samaritan,” “Colossal,” “Mandy,” “Tolkien,” our latest films “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” directed by Kevin Smith (“Clerks” and “Dogma”), as well as “Memory: The Origins of Alien” directed by pop culture documentarian Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas”). Updates will also be provided on Legion M projects in development.

Thurs., July 18 (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) “Madness in the Method” sneak preview, TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box

“Madness in the Method” – Jason Mewes’ (“Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”) directorial debut is a hilariously insane crime comedy in which Mewes also stars, alongside Vinnie Jones, Gina Carano, Danny Trejo, and his View Askew costars Kevin Smith, Stan Lee, and Brian O’Halloran. Mewes will participate in a special Q&A after the debut screening. Ticket info coming soon!   

Thurs., July 18 (7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m.) “Fans Celebrating 40 Years of Alien” Panel, Room 6BCF, San Diego Comic-Con

A deep dive into the origins of “Alien” and its fandom with documentary director Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead,” “78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene”), Diane O’Bannon (Dan O’Bannon Estate), Will Linn (Joseph Campbell Foundation), David Baxter (Legion M) and special guests as they discuss Philippe’s upcoming feature documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” and the sustaining power of Ridley Scott’s horror/Sci-Fi masterpiece with fandom. Trailer debut from the “Memory: The Origins of Alien” documentary will be shown.

Fri., July 19 (10:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.) “Memory: The Origins of Alien” Fan Premiere and Q&A, Theater Box

Come see the critically-acclaimed documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” followed by a special Q&A with the film’s director Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead”). The feature-length film, which premiered to rave reviews in the Midnight Section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, unearths the largely untold origin story behind Ridley Scott’s cinematic masterpiece, and reveals a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials from the archives of “Alien” creators Dan O’Bannon and H.R. Giger, including original story notes, rejected designs and storyboards, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and O’Bannon’s original 29 page script from 1971, titled Memory. The documentary also takes fans on an exploration of the mythical underpinnings of “Alien” and dedicates focus on the film’s iconic “Chestburster” scene. “Memory: The Origins of Alien” screening and Q&A hosted by Legion M and Screen Media is a must-see SDCC event for “Alien” fans celebrating the epic horror/Sci-Fi film’s 40^th anniversary. Ticket info coming soon at www.legionm.com/sdcc2019!

Sat., July 20 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) The Night Time Show, Legion M Fan Lounge @ Theatre Box

Hosted by Nickelodeon star Stephen Kramer Glickman, Mike Black, Matt Walker, and Emmy Nominated writer Mike Glazer, The Night Time Show is one of the top entertainment industry podcasts in America. They are teaming up with Legion M and ASIFA to record interviews with award winning actors, legendary directors and industry giants.

Sun, July 21 (3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) Potterhead Party, The Pop Insider’s Cosplay Dance Party on the Roof @ Theatre Box’s Rooftop Bar and Lounge, with Fantastic Beasts Dan Fogler podcast recording.

 Join Legion M and The Pop Insider to close out SDCC with a Potter-themed event with giveaways, potion drinks, and a cosplay meetup, featuring star of Fantastic Beasts Dan Fogler! Then, join Dan as he records his popular podcast4dXperience! from the roof at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information to follow on www.legionm.com/sdcc2019

For more information about Legion M and the Legion M Fan Lounge at San Diego Comic-Con, please visitwww.legionm.com/sdcc2019. Be sure to follow Legion M on Instagram and Twitter at @LegionMOfficial for more SDCC announcements!

The post LEGION M Takes San Diego Comic-Con by Storm appeared first on The Nerd Element.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/kelly-rowland-on-her-new-happy-hearts-initiative-new-music-and-more/

Written by: Angelica Monk

She’s a four-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actor.

She was part of one of the biggest groups in entertainment history, her sultry-voiced graced our ears with hits such as “No, No, No,” “Say My Name,” “Dilemma,” and “Motivation.” And on top of it all, she’s a mommy. I was thrilled to get the chance to chat with the one and only — Kelly Rowland.

Kelly has teamed up with Honey Nut Cheerios to support their Happy Hearts initiative, a program aimed at inspiring people to adopt simple, enjoyable behaviors that make their heart happy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 American adults have high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol have about twice the risk of heart disease as people with lower levels. To help keep hearts healthy, medical experts recommend practicing healthy living habits, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet which can include foods made with whole grain oats, like Honey Nut Cheerios. (2015; cdc.gov)

Kelly Rowland discussed how she incorporates the Happy Hearts initiative into her life, how she balances motherhood with everything else, and, of course, her music.

You are multifaceted; you are a singer, songwriter, entertainer, businesswoman, mother, and wife. How do you incorporate the core of your Happy Hearts campaign, finding the balance and doing the simple things that you love?

I am learning how to balance it all. You learn as the days go by. I remember when I first had Titan, I asked someone, “How do you balance it all?” and they’re like, “Honey, you learn every single day.” Because, of course, every woman’s journey in life is so different from the next. You basically learn what works for you.

It was easy to team up with Honey Nut Cheerios because they’re on a mission to inspire happy hearts. Having a happy, healthy heart should be joyful. It shouldn’t be thought of as, “Oh, my God, I have to go work out,” or “I need to meal prep.” Sometimes we think [of being healthy] as a chore, and I didn’t want to think about it like that. I want to encourage other people not to think about it like that. It’s your heart, you know what I mean? It controls everything that you do in life. Whether that’s exercising, having proper nutrition, or even keeping stress levels down, all of that has to do with [your heart]. You have to make sure that you really pay attention to that.

It’s really about encouraging people to adopt easy ways and activities to get them moving, get them outside playing with their kids or grandkids, or walking their dog. Just last week me and some friends went skating, and it completely put me out. That day, I actually didn’t exercise. I was like, “Oh, I just exercised.” We were there for an hour, and I definitely felt I had gotten my hours’ worth of exercise, burned some calories, and got my heart pumping. So you can find what works for you. That’s what I’ve done in my life: finding what works for me and my schedule and making it work.

What was it like transitioning from being in this supergroup [Destiny’s Child], on the road and touring to becoming a mother and a wife? How was that adjustment?

When I got pregnant, I remember starting the whole “cool out.” I called it the “cool out” zone. I had my last show, when I was about six months pregnant. I was still able to hide it, but I was out by that time. After that, I definitely sat down and started nesting and had a really, really good time in that process. I started with my doula, who taught me how to breathe, and I embraced the whole venture into motherhood. I had a great time doing it. I felt like my life was just so fast, it was easy for me to slow down. [Laughs.]

You have the most amazing skin, it literally glows. What is your skincare routine?

Well, first I have to give honor to my grandmother, Ella Mae, who started this whole skincare process. Her skin was amazing, and my mother’s skin was amazing. I definitely think that I got it from them. My mom was a skincare fanatic. She absolutely has to have the new, best facial wash, and serum, and cream and mask, and this, and that. We would do that together — I remember that fondly. We would have masks on together. I got it from her. She’s the one who made me a little excited about skincare. I do love it.

I also drink a lot of water. I do think that what I’m eating helps. I’ve recently been eating vegetables and not a whole bunch of meat, but I’m still a meat girl at heart. I eat meat, maybe once a week, and I see a complete difference in my skin. I think that you have to figure out what works for you. When you do figure it out, it is the best thing because you can actually see what you’re giving your body on the inside basically radiating out.

You’re a such great shape, and you’re a mom on top of it all. What is your workout regimen?

I am definitely in the gym at least four to five times a week. I enjoy it. It’s a part of self-care. It’s time that I get to myself where I get everything out and burn it all off. You know what I mean? It’s break time for myself. I also meditate. My meditation has changed my life

Is there any music on the way? Any new projects? What can we look forward to in the future from Kelly?

Absolutely, new music, movies. A movie that I’m really excited about I can’t talk too much about. Also, I’m really excited about my new Fabletics campaign. I’m actually getting ready to release that in September. Great things happening.

Awesome, so new music is on the way. Just for fun, what’s on your current playlist?

A Tribe Called Quest, Sade, and Lucky Daye are on my playlist.

 

New music is on the way, a new movie is in the works, more Fabletics, and of course more Happy Hearts. We are definitely looking forward to any and everything that comes our way from Kelly Rowland.

The Honey Nut Cheerios brand is encouraging people to adopt simple, fun behaviors that get them active like gardening with a loved one, or parking further away from the entrance to get your steps in. And of course, eating three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Honey Nut Cheerios, which can help lower cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet.  Honey Nut Cheerios provides 0.75 grams of soluble fiber per serving.

Join the Cheerios Whole Heart Challenge on MyFitnessPal! From now through August, consumers can participate in the challenge by tracking their food and fitness for a chance to win badges, points, and prizes worth up to $5,000!  for the chance to win prizes and participate in fun challenges that will help your entire lifestyle. For more information, visit www.cheerios.com/hearts-matter.com

 

The post Kelly Rowland on her New Happy Hearts Initiative, New Music and More appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/new-york-state-decriminalizes-pot-stops-short-of-cuomos-legalization-call/

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York state on Monday decriminalized recreational marijuana use, meaning possession of small amounts of the drug will be punished with fines rather than jail time, a step short of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s goal of legalizing pot.

Cuomo said the measure would also allow a mechanism for clearing the records of people who had been criminally convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Eleven U.S. states plus the District of Columbia have fully legalized recreational marijuana use since Colorado first did so in 2014, according to the Marijuana Policy Project lobbying group. Another 15 states including New York have decriminalized it.

“By providing individuals who have suffered the consequences of an unfair marijuana conviction with a path to have their records expunged and by reducing draconian penalties, we are taking a critical step forward in addressing a broken and discriminatory criminal justice process,” said Cuomo.

Over 360,000 people were arrested for possession of marijuana in the state of New York from 2008 to 2017, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Democratic governor said in December that legalizing recreational marijuana use was one of his top legislative priorities for 2019, a reverse from his position on the issue during his previous two terms. He argued that revenue from taxing the drug could help address a number of needs, including New York City’s troubled subway system, which is desperately in need of major repairs and upgrades. A state report at the time estimated the legal market for marijuana at between $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion annually.

New York lawmakers’ efforts to legalize marijuana collapsed in June amid disagreement among Democrats on how to regulate the industry, prompting the introduction of the decriminalization bill.

The failure to legalize marijuana fully highlights a split among New York Democrats, who control both of the state‘s legislative chambers after capturing the state senate in November’s elections.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. During the administration of former President Barack Obama, the U.S. government largely permitted states to determine how to handle the issue on their own, but the Justice Department under President Donald Trump has allowed prosecutors to enforce federal law even in states where marijuana is legal.

(Reporting by Matthew Lavietes; Editing by Scott Malone, David Gregorio, and Dan Grebler)

https://www.themarysue.com/i-stan-tony-stark-alpaca-gerald/

I am a fan of Domestic Tony Stark. Call me a sucker for a good father/daughter relationship, but the minute that Morgan H. Stark appeared in Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, I was a goner. So now, Marvel has decided it’s time to drive the knife in deeper and continue to give us content that we want and need in our lives: Tony Stark just existing with Pepper Potts and Morgan.

In this scene, there’s just, like, a deer outside, they have an alpaca somewhere, and Morgan Stark is running around in this farmland dream with her Rescue mask on. Is this the world I’m going to pretend Tony Stark still exists in? You betcha!

The thing about this family dynamic is that it was a shock for many fans, because Tony Stark’s idea of “domestic” life had been buying Pepper a giant stuffed animal and nearly killing her. So to see him suddenly a doting father who figured out time travel and then went to have a juice pop with his kid? A great change of pace.

The scene is simple: Pepper and Tony are making lunch together while Morgan is outside playing; they’re talking about Tony’s alpaca and how he keeps getting Pepper’s gojis. When the time comes, Tony goes outside to get Morgan for her lunch. (So, assume this takes place right before the Avengers show up.)

So, of course, I fell in love with Gerald. An alpaca that we don’t actually see, he’s just there, eating their things, and making Pepper’s life that much more difficult, because when is being with Tony Stark anything easy? Gerald is a great character—just an alpaca, living his life, wanting to be part of the family and get his gojis.

More importantly, though, this scene gave us this little tidbit:

Who runs the Stark household? Not Anthony Edward Stark or Virginia Pepper Potts. No, that title goes to Morgan Stark, whose parents call her “Madam Secretary” and who clearly gets to be a spoiled kid because Tony Stark wants to shower her with the love that he never really got from his father.

I understand why this is a deleted scene. Part of me agrees with the decision to cut it, but now that I have knowledge of Gerald the alpaca, I want nothing more than to see Tony Stark tending to his pets and letting Morgan run around with them. (Also, did you know that Robert Downey Jr. actually owns alpacas?)

There’s going to be a lot more Avengers: Endgame content coming our way with the home release, and honestly, give it to me. Let me cry some more about these superheroes and live in my fanfiction dream that Tony Stark ended up fine and is watching Peter Parker and Morgan Stark try to feed his alpacas. You can’t take that away from me!

(image: Marvel Entertainment)

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