Meghan Markle I Can Always Count on My Mom!!! Visits for Cookbook Launch

Meghan Markle's mom came flying to her daughter's side for the Duchess of Sussex's first solo project this week, and the timing of her visit couldn't be more perfect.

Doria Ragland joined Meghan and Prince Harry Thursday at a London event to launch a new cookbook for a communal kitchen Meghan is supporting. She wrote the foreword for the book.

Recent reports say Meghan is feeling kinda lonely as a new member of the Royal Family -- so, a visit from Mom would probably help cure the blues. That's also why some outlets are speculating Doria might eventually move to London.

Based on the way Meghan was looking at Doria before and during the event ... we're guessing she'd love to have mama bear close.

Interestingly, Princess Diana famously struggled with loneliness after marrying Prince Charles.

Sooo ... Doria to the rescue?

Sean Patrick Thomas Kylie's Doing it Wrong ... Put Breast Milk on That Cereal!!!

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KIDS THESE DAYS
TMZ.com

Kylie Jenner passing on milk in her cereal makes total sense to Sean Patrick Thomas and Aonika Laurent, but they have a new, healthier, recommendation for her next bowl.

We got the "Save the Last Dance" star and his wife Wednesday night leaving Craig's in WeHo, and asked if Kylie's no-milk rule -- until this week, she claims -- is unique, or just a thing among millennials. They say it's not uncommon ... their own kids aren't down with the moo juice either.

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SPT had a few explanations for the no-milk trend, but Aonika offered a great alternative -- straight from the boob! Before you shoot it down ... watch the video. Aonika might have a point.

As for kids who avoid milk in cereal to dodge dirty dishes -- these parents have a word of advice. Suck it up and wash a bowl!

Kylie Jenner Almond Milk Co. Says ... You'll Never Go Dry Again!!!

Kylie Jenner is about to go from milk-less to milk overload thanks in part to her very public decree over how to drench her cereal.

Jenner sparked the equivalent of a social media riot Tuesday when she tweeted, "last night I had cereal with milk for the first time. life changing." She also posted a series of videos talking about the whole ordeal and even suggested she might get adventurous in her future cereal endeavors, with almond milk.

While Jenner's statement may not have been totally true -- we did some HEAVY Instagram digging -- one almond milk company wants to make sure Kylie's flakes are never dry again.

An Almond Breeze rep tells us the company had actually been preparing to reach out to Kylie to supply her with a few samples of product ... but Tuesday's cereal video set that plan into high gear.

The rep tells us they're getting ready to ship out a mini gift package to Kylie ... and you can bet there will be plenty to float her cereal.

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Kylie Jenner Cereal Liar?!!?

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Kylie Jenner SAYS she hadn't tasted one of life's greatest delights -- cereal with milk -- until this week, but she's cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs because we found out ... she's been on the milk for years! Or at least once.

Kylie sang the praises of moo juice Tuesday, posting on Twitter, "last night I had cereal with milk for the first time, life changing."

But, we have some Trix up our sleeve because we went back in time on Kylie's Instagram account and, lo and behold, on April 25, 2013, Kylie was lyin' past-her-eyes.

She posted a pic of a delicious bowl of what looks like bran flakes with MILK!!! Bran makes you regular ... a regular fibber. BTW, we're guessing the "he" in her caption is her dad, who famously appeared on Wheaties boxes after getting a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics.

Now ... there are some who may say it's not milk in the bowl ... it's yogurt. But, yogurt leaves a residue on interior sides of the bowl, and this bowl looks clean on the sides.

Call us lactose intolerant ... we'll wear that badge! And in case you wanna weigh in yourself ... let us know what you think is in that bowl.

Is that milk or yogurt in Kylie's Bran Flake bowl?

Larry Fitzgerald Buys Meals For Massive Crowd Donates $ to Cancer Patient

As if you needed another reason to love Larry Fitzgerald ... the NFL superstar hit up a local restaurant and spotted the bill for a HUGE crowd -- and the reason behind the good deed is awesome!!

The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver hit up Casella's Italian Delicatessen in Scottsdale on Tuesday ... in an effort to raise money for the restaurant owner, who was diagnosed with cancer.

Fitzgerald told locals to show up from 12-5 PM for a meal on his dime ... while accepting donations for Joe Casella and his family.

Of course, Fitz drew a MASSIVE crowd ... and we're told so many people took Fitzgerald up on his offer, the line took more than 5 HOURS to get through.

No word on how much was raised for the Casella family ... but just by looking at the line, it was a big success.

Kylie Jenner Wait!!! Cereal is Good WITH Milk???

Kylie Jenner being a near-billionaire at the age of 21 ain't the most impressive thing in her life -- that distinction falls to a bowl of cereal and milk. Idle rich, much?

Kylie is seriously blown away by discovering the joy of WET cereal -- Tuesday she tweeted, "last night I had cereal with milk for the first time. life changing." Her flavor of choice was Cinnamon Toast Crunch with regular milk ... she did not specify 1%, 2% or skim, but says she's considering branching out to almond milk. Slow down, sista.

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As you'd expect, her 26 million followers are floored she hadn't discovered this at ANY point in her 21-plus years on the planet but, hey ... she's been busy. While you were choking down milk and Lucky Charms, Kylie was creating lip kits, buying houses and enjoying her cereal dry.

Wait 'til she figures out butter on toast. #simplethings

9:35 AM PT -- Cinnamon Toast Crunch has just responded with a little love of their own.

McDonald's Employees Stage Massive Walkout ... Over Sexual Harassment

Scores of female McDonald's employees are staging a #MeToo walkout across 10 major cities ... protesting the company's alleged mishandling of sexual harassment complaints.

The strike is slated to begin during the lunch rush in major cities, including L.A., Miami, New Orleans, San Francisco and Chicago. The walkout won't go down at all McDees, only some. It's the first-ever nationwide walkout in protest of sexual harassment.

McDonald's employees are protesting what they say is widespread sexual harassment by coworkers or superiors ... alleging they groped or propositioned them for sex. The employees -- in conjunction with an advocacy group fighting for a minimum wage of $15 per hour -- say they were either retaliated against or fired after reporting the alleged incidents to supervisors.

The employees are demanding, among other things, mandatory sexual harassment training for managers and a better enforcement of its "zero-tolerance" sexual harassment policy.

Another advocacy group also plans to fly a plane over McDonald's corporate headquarters in Chicago with a banner that'll read, "McDonald's: Stop Sexual Harassment."

We reached out to McDonald's and a rep tells TMZ ... "We have strong policies, procedures and training in place specifically designed to prevent sexual harassment. To ensure we are doing all that can be done, we have engaged experts in the areas of prevention and response including, RAINN, to evolve our policies so everyone who works at McDonald’s does so in a secure environment every day."

Meghan Markle Supports Fire Victims With Charity Cookbook

Meghan Markle made secret visits to cook with victims of a horrifying fire as part of her first solo project as a member of the Royal Family, and she's helping release a charity cookbook with the women's recipes.

The Duchess of Sussex was hands-on in a community kitchen in West London, located near the Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people -- Britain's deadliest fire since World War II.

Meghan says she felt an immediate connection to the women at the Hubb Community Kitchen at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, and newly released images make it clear her presence lifted everyone's spirits in the wake of tragedy.

Meghan wrote the foreword to the charity book, "Together: Our Community Cookbook." It features family recipes, with roots stretching across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Meghan helped spearhead the cookbook project as a way to raise money for the kitchen, which initially provided a place for fire victims to make fresh meals. It's since evolved into a support network, and profits from the book will help cover operation costs.

The Duchess first visited the kitchen in January, and continued to make secret trips to meet the women and learn more about their work. Their cookbook hits stores Thursday.

HGTV Chill Out 'Brady' Neighbors ... We've Got Cookies!!!

Here's the story, 'Brady Bunch' neighbors ... HGTV is coming to town whether you like it or not, and they're armed for a battle -- cookies, anyone??

TMZ has obtained a letter Lando Entertainment fired off to a bunch of neighbors around the San Fernando Valley home that was used for 'Brady' exterior shots. As you know, HGTV just bought the crib, and Lando is producing the remodel project.

The letter seems likes a pretty nice gesture, especially because it came with fresh cookies from SusieCakes.

The chocolate chips and snickerdoodles were clearly sent to appease pissed off neighbors. As we first reported, a lot of residents were none too pleased a full-blown production was happening on their street.

In addition to the sweets ... Lando offered the name of an exec neighbors can hit up to voice concerns about the project. The company says the exec will be available to "field questions, address problems, resolve issues and generally serve as your conduit to the production company."

Lando is completely remodeling the interior of the home to match the original soundstage where the show was shot ... so, it's likely there will be major construction that could temporarily disrupt neighbors' lives. Lando's promising to give them a heads-up when the big changes go down.

If that's not enough to cool tempers -- did we mention free cookies?

A-Rod Mops Up Wahlburgers After Losing Yankees vs. Red Sox Bet

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Alex Rodriguez became the wealthiest burger store janitor on earth Sunday -- when he busted out the mop and went to town at Wahlburgers ... all because the Yankees got swept by the Red Sox.

It was all part of a bet A-Rod made with Mark Wahlberg during the Yankes, Sox series back in August. If the Yanks lost, Alex had to work at Mark's family burger joint.

Not only did the Yanks lose the series, they got SWEPT -- so, Alex reported for duty on Sunday ... and, to his credit, he did it all with a smile on his face.

"Last month, @markwahlberg and his @RedSox brought the broom out and swept my @Yankees. So today, I got the mop," Alex posted on social media.

"It was time to me to hold up my end of the deal and report for duty to the @wahlburgers location near Fenway Park. Today, I had to do a little bit of everything - greet customers, flip burgers, clear tables, and yes, mop the bathroom floor. But what I thought was going to be a tough day turned out to be a day I really enjoyed."

As for Mark, he gloated.

"Needless to say, Alex failed miserable in his prediction ... So, now he has to show the greatest fans in the world how to get his hands dirty and serve up some delicious Wahlburgers. What do you say Alex? It’s time to go to work, buddy. Start flipping ’em."

Alex says he hopes to make another bet with Mark in the future and get some revenge.

No pressure, Yanks.

U.S. Open Chicken Tender Fan I Know It's Gross, But Cola-Flavored Dipping Sauce??

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The U.S. Open tennis fan who disgusted viewers by dunking chicken tenders in soda says her quirky, acquired taste will become socially acceptable ... if someone would just invent a new condiment!!

Alexa Greenfield tells TMZ ... she's been dunking her tenders in ice cold Coca-Cola since she was young and her dad told her it was a way to cool the food down (so really, this is all his fault).

She says she knew it was strange, so she gave up the habit for years when she became an adult. That is, until she said screw it ... the heart stomach wants what it wants!

Alexa's fully aware most people find her cola dunking disgusting, but adds the right dipping sauce would make people realize Coca-Cola flavoring is "really actually good."

As for her notorious TV moment, Alexa tells us she was with her nephews, and told them to keep her dipping routine a secret, but the U.S. Open cameras blew up her spot.

She's a great sport about it, though. Almost makes us want to try some Coke-soaked chicken. Almost.

Malibu Chili Cook-Off Kourtney and Simon's Kids Havin' a Blast!!!

Malibu was teaming with celebs Saturday at the 37th Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off.

Tons of people showed up ... Kourtney Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, Anthony Kiedis, Robin Thicke, Sofia Richie, Larsa Pippen, Caitlyn Jenner, Adam Sandler, Simon Cowell and Gerard Butler.

The cook-off pits anyone who's up for it to put their chili talents on the line ... a panel of judges decides which bowl is most worthy ... and which bowls aren't.

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It's really more like a carnival, with lots of rides for the kids. Simon brought his son and protege, 4-year-old Eric. Kourtney brought her kids as well.

Normies who show up can get up close and personal with celebs, most of who seemed up for taking selfies.

Kanye West No Slides, No Kim ... No Problemo!!!

Kanye West couldn't give two f***s about his Yeezy slides being two sizes too small -- or that he was even wearing sandals to a wedding over the weekend -- but he's got 2 f***s for you.

Ye was spotted leaving Nobu in Malibu Tuesday night in an appropriate dinner outfit, complete with a pair of shoes ... which actually seemed to fit! He was dining sans Kim ... she was on the other side of town at Madeo in Bev Hills.

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Paps peppered Mrs. West with questions about the now-infamous, kid-size slides -- which Kanye wore to 2 Chainz's nuptials last Saturday -- but all she had to say was that they were a dope fashion choice. Much to the photog's dismay ... it doesn't sound like the couple will be repeating with a Yeezy footwear handout like they did a couple years back. Rats!

Interestingly enough, Kanye previewed the latest of his Yeezy shoe collection, the 700 V3 Tuesday ... and it appears he was rocking them when he went out too.

Like they say ... don't judge a dude until you're in his shoes. Or slides ... or whatever.

Animal Crackers They Let Us Out!!! ... Roaming Free After 116 Years

Animal Crackers are now FREE ... from their cages, that is.

It took 116 years, but the packaging of Barnum's Animals no longer depicts the exotic creatures in pens.

Nabisco's popular snack now features a zebra, an elephant, a lion, a giraffe and a gorilla roaming free among grass and trees.

Previously, packaging showed animals and their young locked up in cages.

The stark change has been driven by PETA. In April 2016, the animal rights organization gave notice to Nabisco's parent company, Mondelez International, saying circuses would shock, chain, beat and whip animals in order to intimidate them and force them into performing tricks.

PETA also brought to light dubious practices like circuses separating mothers from their babies and holding animals in chains and cages.

Circuses across the country have also been undergoing change. Ringling Bros. shut down in May 2017 after 146 years in operation, the result of mounting pressure from animal welfare groups, skyrocketing operation costs, legal battles and declining ticket sales.

As for Barnum's Animals, the new-look crackers have already hit store shelves.

Aretha Franklin Pink's Hot Dogs Was Her Fav ... Polish Dog Loaded, Please!!!

How's this for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T? One of Aretha Franklin's favorite joints paid tribute to the late singer with a gigantic banner making it crystal clear ... she'll never be forgotten.

Hollywood's famous Pink's Hot Dogs has good reason to bow to The Queen ... Aretha loved her some Pink's, in particular the spicy Polish dog -- loaded!

Simple, yet mouthwatering -- mustard, chili and onions. Aretha loved Pink's so much, she had it brought to one of her shows in downtown L.A. and chowed down during intermission. When she came back onstage she wore a ballgown and a Pink's hat for the rest of the show!

And Pink's traveled for Aretha ... for one of her birthday celebrations in Detroit, she flew out a Pink's staffer to serve up the famous dogs.

BTW ... Aretha was not alone. Sometimes the line for Pink's stretches for more than a block. She was a taste-maker with good taste.

Anthony Bourdain Live Like The Chef ... In New York City

People all over the world felt a special connection to Anthony Bourdain ... and now's your chance to live like the beloved chef and TV host.

Bourdain's New York City apartment is available for rent. His 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is listed for $14,200 per month. It's located at the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle.

The pad features views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. It's decked out with hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Food was Bourdain's passion and claim to fame ... and the 'Parts Unknown' host's condo has a full kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances ... decked out with white marble countertops.

The building's a short walk from plenty of good eats. There's also a health club, spa, screening room, sundeck, concierge service and residents' lounge.

As you know ... Bourdain died 2 months ago in France from an apparent suicide.

He was 61.