Kendall Davis: TikTok and Feeding America Champion

TikTok developed a first-ever game feature within its platform, The Garden of Good!

Garden of Good (SEE Distractify Article HERE) ultimately served as a fund raiser event organized by TikTok in a collaborative initiative with the non-profit facility, Feeding America!

Feeding America® is currently the nation's largest hunger-relief network of 200 food banks, 21 statewide associations and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs.

TikTok, is a short-form video hosting service owned by Chinese company ByteDance. TikTok is an international version of Douyin, which was originally released in the Chinese market in September 2016. TikTok was launched in 2017 for iOS and Android in most markets outside of mainland China; however, it became available worldwide only after merging with another Chinese social media service, Musical.ly, on 2 August 2018. TikTok surpassed 2 billion mobile downloads worldwide by October 2020.

Through June 6, 2021 to June 6, 2022, users of the TikTok platform (called TikTokers) were given the opportunity to build a garden, nurture it to maturity and eventually harvest those crops in exchange for a real-life monetary donation to Feeding America. For every donated harvest, TikTok vowed to donate a minimum of 50 cents or a maximum of $2 to Feeding America and local Feeding America Network Food Banks including All Faiths Food Bank. TikTokers have the freedom to make as many “harvests” as possible during the lifetime of the game!

Kendall Davis (@kendallisall on Twitter, Instagram, SoundCloud, TikTok) managed to earn thirteen badges out of the twelve that were made available to earn. They included; Carrot, Cabbage, Potato, Corn, Tomato, Lentils, Peanuts, Pear, Apple, Orange, Peach and Avocado. More recently towards April 2022, a new badge was made available, The "NEWBIE" badge (which Davis did not earn). Once a badge for a particular vegetable was earned the user would be presented with a certificate of donation. Bronze, Silver and Gold levels were also included.

Old Layout For To Review User Badges

It took 351.1 thousand drops of water to be poured within the game by Davis to earn those 13 badges and contribute 69 pounds of equivalent cash in donations on his behalf to help fight hunger!

Granted the game has been revamped and updated several times since it's initial launch. Different templates and layouts are various.

Old Format For Certificate of Donation

New Layout For To Review User Badges

On 4 different occasions, Davis has made earning an accolade an extra special event. On November 5, 2021, Davis earned his second Carrot Badge (the only two of a the same kind in his collection). On December 16, 2021, Davis earned his Pear Badge which introduced him to the silver level and received an elevation in pounds being donated on his behalf from five to six pounds. On February 14, 2022, Davis earned his Orange Badge on Valentines Day 2022. On March 17, 2022, Davis earned his Peach Badge on Saint Patrick's Day 2022 introducing him to the Gold level.

BELOW IS A LIST OF ALL 13 BADGES EARNED BY DAVIS:

BRONZE LEVEL

1st Carrot Badge - September 10, 2021

Cabbage Badge - September 19, 2021

Potato Badge - September 27, 2021

Corn Badge - October 12, 2021

Tomato Badge - October 21, 2021

2nd Carrot Badge - November 5, 2021

Lentils Badge - November 15, 2021

Peanuts Badge - November 24, 2021

SILVER LEVEL

Pear Badge - December 16, 2021 (elevated from 5 pounds to 6 pounds)

Apple Badge - January 18, 2022

Orange Badge - February 14, 2022 (Valentine's Day)

GOLD LEVEL

Peach Badge - March 17, 2022 (Saint Patrick's Day)

Avocado Badge - April 20, 2022

Michael Jackson: Celebrated As A King on Earth

At the time this article is being written it is the year 2022. It has been 13 years since the passing of one of the world's most beloved musicians, fashion icons, charitable philanthropist and all around cultural phenomenon that was Michael Joseph Jackson.

BEFORE HE WAS KING

Jackson came to prominence as the lead singer of he and his brothers 1970s funk and soul boy band signed to Motown Records. There they achieved four #1's.

The group soon left Motown and signed with CBS and Epic. After the release of their album Destiny in 1978, Michael released his fifth solo album Off The Wall in 1979 (having released 4 solo album prior with Motown including Ben which's title track became his first solo #1 on the Billboard Hot 100).

The album established him as a solo performer and produced four top 10 entries in the US: "Off the Wall", "She's Out of My Life", and the number one Billboard Hot 100 singles "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You".

1980 saw Michael release the album Triumph with his brothers before releasing his next solo project Thriller in 1982. It's title track has become synonymous with Halloween every year (similar to what Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" does at Christmas time every year).

With number one Billboard Hot 100 singles "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" Jackson became massive. The title tracks music video premiered on MTV on December 2, 1983 and consequently revolutionized the way artist make videos for their music. He introduced his version of the moonwalk during his performance of "Billie Jean" during Motown 25 reunion special on television thus popularizing the move and enhancing the dance genre itself. The album became known as the best-selling album worldwide in 1983, and became the best-selling album of all time in the US and the best-selling album of all time worldwide, selling an estimated 70 million copies.

Then came his last album with his brothers, Victory in 1984. His next solo album, Bad was released in 1987, followed by a tour to promote the album and an autobiography called Moonwalk (and its film Moonwalker).

ELEVATION TO KING STATUS 

In March 1988, Jackson purchased 2,700 acres (11 km2) of land near Santa Ynez, California, to build a new home, Neverland Ranch, at a cost of $17 million (equivalent to $38,950,760 in 2021). He installed a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a movie theater and a zoo. A security staff of 40 patrolled the grounds. It was then that he garnered the honorific title, "King of Pop", a nickname that his publicists and the media embraced. The title, "King of Pop", was successfully tradmarked by his estate sometime after his death.

This embrace included a fan magazine dedicated to especially Jackson called King! Magazine (or King! of Pop magazine) distributed by a publication in the United Kingdom. The magazine's first issue was released in 1994.

After renewing his contract with Sony for a then record-breaking $65 million, he released his eighth album, Dangerous. It's first single, "Black or White" - a rock song about racial harmony, was the album's highest-charting song; peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and achieved similar chart performances worldwide.

Jackson founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992. The charity brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch to use the theme park rides, and sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war, poverty, and disease.

Following the death of HIV/AIDS spokesperson and friend Ryan White, Jackson pleaded with the Clinton administration at Bill Clinton's inaugural gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research then performed "Gone Too Soon", a song dedicated to White, and "Heal the World" at the gala.

Jackson visited Africa in early 1992; on his first stop in Gabon he was greeted by more than 100,000 people, some of them carrying signs that read "Welcome Home Michael", and was awarded an Officer of the National Order of Merit from President Omar Bongo.

During his trip to Ivory Coast, he visited the small village of Krindjabo. There, the local Agni people live in a region called the Kingdom of Sanwi. One of the tribal chiefs there made the claim that Jackson descended from the lineage of Sanwi royalty. Jackson was then crowned and actual king, "King Sani". A festive coronation ceremony that included singing and dancing took place. He thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed documents formalizing his kingship, and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial celebrations. The news made the covers of Ebony and Jet magazines. Michael spoke of his love for Africa - SEE HERE.

In January 1993, Jackson performed at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show. 

LONG LIVE THE KING

His untimely death on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 changed the world as we all know it for good. Michael left us and there will never be another energy like his.

The Sanwi Kingdom paid its respects by holding a two-day funeral for him. Jackson lookalikes, dancers and more than 1,000 villagers gathered for his send-off. Tribe members even asked The Jackson Family for his body, hoping they could give him a royal burial, but Jackson was buried in Southern California.

Sanwi chiefs eventually found a successor for Jackson's crown.

With this void came many allegations among which came the criminal investigation and prosecution of Dr. Conrad Murray. At the very notion of Michael's passing foul play was instantly suspected. "Who killed the King?", they all asked. The who's who wanted to know. The public needed answers for the loss of such a household name. A mega star who was an important public figure to many and loved by millions.

Beyond being an entertainer he was a man who despite countless setbacks and pitfalls overcame hatred, bigotry, rumors about his sexuality and false accusations just to spread messages of love, peace and hope while he reigned in the hearts of many subjects around the world.

The king’s crown and ceremonial scepter quickly went up for auction in Beverly Hills along with thrones and portraits of the King at Julien’s Auctions, who conducted the sale. The auction sold pieces of Jackson's memorabilia (some which certain individuals claimed was signed with fake signatures from the King himself). Michael's crown was created by his longtime wardrobe stylists Michael Bush and his partner Dennis Tompkins who served as personal dressmakers to the King of Pop from 1985 onwards, creating the sterling silver crown encrusted with costume stones and pearls. In place of the Second Star of Africa – which sits at the centre of the Imperial State Crown – Tompkins sandblasted an imitation diamond with the iconic image of Michael’s dancing feet. However, King Michael never wore his crown out which dawns his "M.J." initials on the top. 

For whatever Michael Jackson was or was not it is certain of one thing. He definitely was a king. One who was well celebrated in his lifetime during his rule.

On June 23, 2023 a new and shiny statue dedicated to the King was unveiled in Shanghai, China 14 years after he was proclaimed dead to the world. It stated, "King of Pop ● Michael Jackson ● 1958 - Forever"

Listen to the Audio Companion Here: https://youtu.be/xWJaHB-WU1M?si=hWGByy9VLsJrYQH3

Melody: The Tail of An Unofficial Disney Princess

 

Melody is an animated character who is widely known as the star of the direct sequel to the Disney classic The Little Mermaid (1989). Fictionally speaking, as the daughter of Princess Ariel and Prince Eric, she is a princess of two royal connections. As a half mermaid and half human she is a princess on land and in the sea.

Up until Disney's Descendants live action franchise kicked off in 2015, Ariel was the only Disney Princess, that presented an offspring to the public. She still is the only Disney Princess character to present an offspring in animated form. Especially of the original 8; including Snow White (1937), Cinderella (1950), Aurora (1959), Belle (1991), Jasmine (1992), Pocahontas (1995) and Mulan (1998). Tiana (2009) was the first African-American Disney Princess and the last Disney Princess drawn in the traditional 2D format before Rapunzel (2010), Merida (2012), Moana (2016) and Raya (2021) ushered in the franchises CGI Disney Princess era. This, making Melody even more special, due to her rather close connection with the Disney Princess club through her mother without having any official membership herself. Also due to the fact that her film was released in 2000 long before Rapunzel became the first Disney Princess in 2010 to be animated in CGI. One could only imagine what it would be like if Melody officially joined them.

Since the release of 2000's direct-to-video film, Melody has been among the list of a few highly considered "unofficial Disney Princesses" (those who fit criteria and otherwise would be an official Disney Princess if not for a few reasons).

Similar to her aunt's  (Attina, Alana, Adella, Aquata, Arista and Andrina) who are born Princess's as well but are not apart of the Disney Princess franchise lineup, Melody probably is the only female Disney character who has a right to be an official Disney Princess more than others. Considering her character actually is a Disney Princess plus her mother is already an official member of the club.

She's received an honorable mention on MsMojo's 2017 list of "Top 10 Characters that Should Be Official Disney Princesses" on YouTube, ranked #7 on BuzzFeed's 2020 list "10 Unofficial Disney Princesses, Ranked" as well as The Things 2019 list "10 Alternate Disney Princesses Who Should Get The Official Title" on YouTube and at least one other list created by that same channel.

Upon the release of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, critics did not receive the film well. In 2011, Total Film ranked it as 27th among the 50 worst children's films ever made. Although Modern Gurlz did rank it at #4 on their list, "Ranking All of Disney's Direct-To-Video Sequels".

Melody (voiced by Tara Strong) was considered a highlight of the movie and earned praise for her character growth, design, likability, and Strong's performance. The film was the tenth most successful direct-to-video product of 2000 with retail revenues of $121 million.

Melody performs three songs in the film. "For a Moment" (a mother-daughter duet with Ariel which landed at #4 on Ms. Mojo's list for "Top 10 Best Disney Sequel Songs" in 2023), "Tip and Dash" (with her sidekicks) and "Here on the Land and Sea" (another duet with Ariel and Sabastian).

All three of which was released on the official film soundtrack. She is also a playable character in the PlayStation and computer games, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea Activity Center and The Little Mermaid II: Pinball Frenzy. The film has also spawned countless collectable dolls, books and video games.

As of 2023, since the live-action remake of her mother's 1989 classic, there have been rumblings of a possible sequel. The film's director, Rob Marshall, hinted at the potential for sequels if the film is successful. In May 2023, the film's stars Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King spoke about The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, saying that they liked it and they would agree to reprise their roles if it were adapted into live action.

What do you think? Should Melody be an official Disney Princess?

Check Out The Audio companion of this article on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bN1MeqL_kCg?si=GELb_cFfiitpHaN9

NickRewind Dead After Ten Years Strong

 After more than a decade on cable television during the digital and streaming era of the world, the programming block NickRewind is gone!

The block launched on July 25, 2011 as The '90s Are All That. Despite having a strong and serious fan backing from 90s kids and younger generations, entertainment insiders, media and fan-based non-profit organizations like Save '90s Nick since 2013, NickRewind had a quiet fade out on January 31, 2022.

NickRewind has had several different names throughout the course of it's run. You may recognize "The Splat" or "NickSplat" just to name a few.

However, the idea for the block has always been the same. Airing in the late hours on TeenNick the block was dedicated to original Nickelodeon shows that started it all.

At the time of this article it is February 2022. By now, streaming has taken over the majority of consumer viewership for big names like Disney Channel (who's parent company created the streaming service Disney+). People don't watch cable television like they used to. Instead they watch whatever might have aired on television via streaming services.

The NickRewind block was the only time these old favorites had a chance to shine on television again as they once did and it was a nice way to relive some nostalgic memories.

The NickRewind official YouTube channel tells all fans of the block all they need to know without any initial announcement of the block ending. For the past year, no other kind of content was uploaded to the channel other than from iCarly and Victorious. NO NICKTOONS!

All fingers point to the streaming service, Paramount+. Nickelodeon doesn't need to waste their time airing shows like Rugrats and Hey Arnold! when those shows are available on the Paramount+ streaming service.

No one is surprised! Maybe just a little disappointed. With the end of NickRewind, we draw another step closer to the end of the cable era. Any programming block that isn't doing well will likely get the boot as well as countless other shows and networks.

Like Fox Kids and Kids WB before them, NickRewind will continue to exist despite being not airing on television. The branding will still be active online.

Kel Mitchell: Comedy Royalty

Kel Mitchell is an icon in his own right. As a comedian he ranks among the best including Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart and more.

In April 1994 when All That premiered on Nickelodeon, Kel Mitchell was amongst the original cast of young people who would go on to make television history.

The sketch comedy series saw Mitchell perform a number of now iconic characters, including: Ed (from Good Burger), Coach Kreeton (from Coach Kreeton), Okrah (The Okrah Show), Repair Man (from Repair Man), Pizzaface (from Earboy) and Clavis (from Mavis & Clavis).

Mavis and Clavis was the beginning of Mitchell becoming one-half of a dynamic duo opposite Kenan Thompson that teamed up for various other projects including the movie Good Burger and a self titled All That spin-off series, Kenan & Kel (which ran 4 seasons).

It was during his time creating memorable scenes on All That and Kenan & Kel that he became known for his famous catchphrases.

"Aw, Here It Goes" - was consistently said at the beginning and ending of every episode of Kenan & Kel as well as the phrase being used for the title of the show's now iconic theme song by rapper Coolio. The phrase was also used for the title of a October 1998 paperback Kenan & Kel novel and a two-part episode called Aw, Here It Goes To Hollywood (Part 1, Part 2).

"Welcome to Good Burger, home of the good burger, can I take your order?" - was used in every Good Burger sketch from the All That series and was used once again in the Good Burger (1997) film and the Good Burger 2 (2023) sequal. A pop-up restaurant that was a real life imitation of the one from the sketch and film was also created - SEE HERE. In 2015, Mitchell's long awaited reunion with Kenan Thompson took place on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The reunion saw Mitchell reprise his role as Ed in the Good Burger sketch - SEE HERE.

"Who Loves Orange Soda?" - a phrase used to acknowledge Kel Kimble's (Kenan & Kel show) obsession with orange soda. The phrase as well as used for the title of a season 2, episode of the show (Episode 4). The dialogue usually included Kenan:

Kenan:

Who loves orange soda?

Kel Kimble:

K-K-Kel loves orange soda.

Kenan:

Is it true? Is it TRUUUUE?

Kel Kimble:

MMMHHMMM! I do, I do, I do-oooh!

Today, his catchphrases and the cultural impact they made can be seen in gifs, YouTube videos, Tik Tok, and everywhere.

Mitchell was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for his role as T-Bone in the 2000's animated series Clifford the Big Red Dog in both 2001 and 2002 respectively. From 2015 to 2019, he starred as Double G on the Nickelodeon comedy series Game Shakers. Mitchell competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019, placing as the runner-up with his partner Witney Carson.

More recently, he has dedicated his time to being a youth pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center and subsequently released a book entitled, Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith. Although this is not the first time Mitchell has seen his face on the cover of a book thanks to author Steve Holland who wrote a series of books based off of the Kenan and Kel duo including: FranKELstein.

We'll have to see what the future holds next for Kel Mitchell.

Fox Kids vs Kids WB: Saturday Morning Wars

Fox Kids (originally known as Fox Children's Network and later as the Fox Kids Network; stylized as FOX KIDS) originated as a programming block that aired on the Fox network from September 8, 1990 to September 7, 2002.

Fox Kids Logo History

Fox Kids saw major success with broadcasting the premiere of original material such as Bobby's World (which lasted 7 seasons) and Tom & Jerry Kids (which lasted 5 seasons).

While the block saw the successful premieres of shows like Taz-Mania (eventually lasting 4 seasons), Dog City (3 seasons), Eek! The Cat and X-Men: The Animated Series which each ran for 5 seasons resulting in rating triumphs for Fox Kids from 1991 to 1992.

Fox Kids saw success once again with original content. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? and Animaniacs all made debuts with the Fox Kids lineup as well as the creation of Spider-Man (lasting 5 seasons) in 1994. 

Kids WB sweepstakes AD

However, despite the success on September 9, 1995 Kids WB was launched in an attempt to compete against the dominance of Fox Kids. This is where the Saturday Morning Wars began!

Kids WB came in strong with its own original shows: Freakazoid!, Pinky and the Brain and The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries (lasting 5 seasons). Not to mention the season 3 premiere of Animaniacs. Although Animaniacs made its debut with Fox Kids, after 2 seasons of the show Fox Kids aired Animaniacs reruns for a year. The Warner Siblings (Yakko, Wakko and Dot) switched sides bringing co-stars Pinky and Brain who in turn received their own spin-off for Kids WB premiere. [See Pinky and the Brain host Kids WB preview]

Goosebumps premiered on Fox Kids in October of '95 but neither Fox or WB saw any significant original material being released from either platform for years to come.

Fox Kids Mix Magazine cover

1999 ended up being a turning point for Kids WB when issues really came to a head. Fox Kids was starting to struggle due to problems with the ill-fated Fox Family network, the aftermath of the Fox/New World debacle, the ending of network darlings X-Men and Spider-Man: The Animated Series, the growing presence of cable networks such as Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network plus the newly-relaunched Disney Channel and the beginning of Power Rangers seasonal rot.

While Fox Kids suffered, Kids' WB! picked up the broadcasting rights to the Japanese anime series Pokémon, whose surging popularity reached enormous levels. Once the show made the move english audience's it helped Kids' WB! overtake Fox Kids in ratings that year.

Disney's One Saturday Morning block premiered in September 1997 and as well had over threw Fox Kids in ratings. Fox Kids attempted to counter Pokemon's popularity by picking up Digimon, starting with Digimon Adventure. While that show got its fans, it was nowhere near close to being competitive with Pokemon.

By 2001, Fox Kids had only 9% of the age 2-11 TV demographic, a massive drop from its peak of 21% in 1997. Fox Kids was being left behind and could find no way to catch up or stand out in this crowded field. Fox eventually put its children's programming block up for bidding, and 4Kids Entertainment, then-producers of the English dub of Pokémon, purchased the remaining four-hour Saturday time period. Fox Kids maintained a Saturday morning-only schedule until September 7, 2002, a week before it gave the time to 4Kids Entertainment. Fox Kids was replaced by the 4Kids Entertainment-produced FoxBox on September 14, 2002 ending it's 12 year run.

The Fox Kids brand was temporarily retained for international channels in Europe, Israel and Latin America until the Fox Kids library began getting re-branded as Jetix. 

Kids WB saw its own demise in 2008 after the shut down of both The WB and UPN to merge them into The CW. On October 2, 2007, The CW announced that it would discontinue the Kids' WB programming block through a decision due to the effects of children's advertising limits and cable competition; the network also announced that it would sell the five-hour Saturday programming slot to 4Kids Entertainment (ironically).The Kids' WB block aired for the final time on May 17, 2008. On May 24, 2008, 4Kids launched The CW4Kids in place of Kids' WB.

Kids WB quickly relaunched as an online network, consisting of five subchannels: Kids' WB! (for WB shows for kids and families), Kids' WB! Jr. (for shows for younger children), Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, and two different websites of DC Kids: DC HeroZone.com and DC Beyond.com (for action-oriented animated shows for DC fans).

The site was split into 3 websites on May 17, 2015. These sites are: DCKids.com, LooneyTunes.com and ScoobyDoo.com. All three are grouped into WB Kids Sites. The decision to split the site into three ended, after almost twenty years, the use of the "Kids' WB!" brand name. Also, the sites got new YouTube channels: WB Kids for main Warner Bros. properties (subscribe here), and DC Kids for DC Comics properties (subscribe here). In July 2016, 2 of the 3 websites re-merged into "WBKids GO!". DCKids.com remains active.