Chicago police investigate a string of shootings that killed two over the weekend.

Even Father’s Day didn’t encourage a cease fire in the Chicago gun violence over the weekend. There were a reported 27 people shot, of which two died. The string of shootings on the city’s west side started Friday and lasted until midnight Monday. Police say they have not yet confirmed that the shootings are related.

Just after midnight on Friday, a dark-colored sedan opened fire on a 28-year-old man, shooting him in the back. The victim was later pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Midnight Sunday brought the death of 17-year-old Brandon Peterson, who was standing in a group when he was shot in the head and killed.

But before that shooting, an 11-year-old girl and two teens were injured around 11:30 p.m., when a gunman riding a bicycle fired on a group of people in their neighborhood. The girl and the others were standing on a sidewalk when they were hit. The gunman shot the 11 year old in the ankle. First responders took her to University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, where she is in good condition. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the leg and is also listed in good condition. The third person shot in this incident was a 19-year-old man who was shot in the ankle and thigh, and is expected to be treated and released from the hospital.

All of the details around the weekend shootings have not yet been released, but, it has been noted that nine victims were wounded within hours of each other.

Get more details on the other Father’s Day weekend shootings in Chicago here.

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Yes, you’ve read this right! The 15-year old daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama has landed her first job! Malia Obama has previously expressed interest in filmmaking and entertainment and she is taking her interest to the next level. She is now working on the set of new TV drama, ‘Extant’, alongside Halle Berry, as a Production Assistant.

It’s no surprise that Malia is working on this show, produced by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg has very publicly supported the Obama administration, so of course he would support the First Daughter’s filmmaking aspirations.

The Obamas spent this past weekend in Palm Springs, CA, and Malia spent last week on set at the CBS Studios in Hollywood. It is reported that she helped with “computer shop alignments”. Malia is a rising high school junior, so in the normal world it is about that time for her to find her niche and get her first job… but what’s not so normal is that her first job is on set of a Steven Spielberg production. You go, Malia – good luck!

Photo credits: NY Daily News/Fox

Reunited (and from the looks of it) it feels so good for Bobby Brown and Bobbi Kristina Brown. She took to social media on Father’s Day to share the news of reuniting with her estranged father. The two have been on bad terms since Whitney Houston’s death in February 2012. Bobbi Kristina tweeted her excitement about their first hug.

Hahaha I got a running start!..(: @KingBobbyBrown (: pic.twitter.com/xdDtSr0HX2

— Bobbi Kristina H.G. (@REALbkBrown) June 16, 2014

A grinning Bobbi Kristina added, “My face says it all. I love you daddy.”

There’s still no word on why or how they came upon the decision to get some “act right,” especially after Bobbi Kristina was a no show for Bobby’s wedding to Alicia Etheridge in 2012. In an interview in January with “Extra,” Bobbi Kristina said, “We have a relationship. It’s a good one right now. At a point in time, we didn’t even have that. I love my father more than anything.”

Meanwhile, just a few months ago, TMZ interviewed Bobby, and he had no idea his daughter had married Nick Gordon, whom Houston had treated like a son. Well, one thing is for certain, they have come a long way and may have more to go, but “Every Little Step” counts.

[Images: Instagram]

Doing what you love while achieving a level of success is a goal many people strive to meet. In UPTOWN Unplugged’s newest series presented by Lexus, “LUV Your Life”, our co-founder Brett Wright interviews people who do just that – and inspire those around them to do even more.

For more than a decade, legendary photographer, Johnny Nunez has been the go-to guy for many A-list celebs.  While still considered paparazo, he has built relationships with many celebs that allow him incredible access.  A contributing photographer for WireImage, now owned by Getty Images, Johnny has been called one of WireImage’s top five connected photographers.

Press play above to find out more about the celebrity photographer and father of two.

The future looks bright! A little less than a month after giving birth, Ciara took to social media to introduce the world to her son Future Zahir Wilburn.

The 28 year old posted the photo with love to her fiancé, rapper Future. One picture shows baby Future lying on a furry white blanket, looking up at the camera while wearing a black jersey with his name, Future, spelled out in big letters across the front. “Hey Dad aka Big @Future. Baby Future Loves You. #HappyFathersDay,” she captioned the photo.

The “Goodies” singer and dancer also paid a special tribute to her fiancé with a close up of the newborn holding on tight to his dad’s finger.

“From The Moment Baby Future Arrived, He Was Holding Your Hand So Tight, He Knew You Were Dad. Seeing That Melted My Heart… When I Look At Him, I See You Shining Through, And That’s One Of The Most Beautiful Things Ever! You Are Truly One Of The Realist, Most Caring, Hard Working, Loving Dads In The World, and I’m So Proud Of You. I Love You. Happy Fathers Day @Future,” Ciara wrote to accompany the photo.

Baby Future was born on May 19.

Photo credits: Instagram/Ciara

The talk was all about dads this past weekend on Instagram. It was a Father’s Day frenzy. If you missed any second of the action we have a special recap just for you.

-by Raphael Greene

Here is Ashanti as a little tiny bopper giving her dad a kissy kiss.

Kevin Hart celebrates with his daughter and son.

Wake Up Mr. West: Kim Kardashian gives a big shout out to her husband Kanye on his first Father’s Day.

Angela and Vanessa Simmons celebrate Rev Run in Los Angeles.

Ludacris put together a collage of all the Fast and Furious fathers and daughters.

Tamar and Vince celebrate at at baseball game.

The Cool Kids: LL Cool J and family pose with huge smiles for the camera.

The Dream is “Engulfed in Love”

Tia Mowry posts a picture of husband and child, it is safe to say these two are identical.

Tracee Ellis Ross gives us a look back into time of special moments with her dad.

OMG Girl Zonnique Pullins poses here with her dad and sister.

A 450-lb Florida man was arrested on Friday in Osteen after attempting to hide marijuana in his belly fat. Christopher Mitchell, 42, who also goes by Fat Boy and Biggie, was pulled over along with his driver, Kethian Roberts, 38, for not wearing a seatbelt. The police officers felt the two men appeared nervous and could smell illegal substances inside of the car.

Drug-sniffing dogs found traces of cocaine on Roberts and marijuana on Mitchell. Mitchell was able to carry 23 grams of marijuana tucked away in the crevices of his belly fat. He used his body as a vehicle to transport drugs, and was arrested for possession of marijuana.

Police also found $7,000 in cash and a handgun in the vehicle that smelled of drugs masked with carpet freshener. This is not the first offense for Mitchell. In 2002, he was convicted for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, when he was about 200 pounds lighter. Wonder what he used to move his packages then…

Photo credits: NY Daily News/Corbis

By Caprece Cotton-Sturdivant

“Game of Thrones” is one of those series that has the ability to leave you wide-eyed and stunned with shock, and this season was no different. In a season that saw the return of John Snow to the Night’s Watch, the death of King Joffrey, and the trial of Tyrion Lannister, last night’s finale was the turning point — or ending point — for so many characters.

Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King and patriarch of the Lannister family, met his death by the son he despised since his birth, Tyrion. He also murdered his former lady love Shae, after finding her in his father’s chamber.

As seasons go, “Game of Thrones” season four offered many twists and turns, but it also offered a few lessons that can be applied to our lives today. Here are eight practical life lessons from season four of “Game of Thrones” …

Only the Strong Survive

Winter is coming, and so are the White Walkers. Jon Snow, who has returned to the Night’s Watch, pleads with his superiors to prepare for battle with the 100,000-strong Wildlings. Daeneyrs Targaryen, with her three dragons growing larger and fiercer each day, is freeing slaves and building an army to eventually conquer King’s Landing. While in the north Lord Bolton and his sadistic son Renly (who has brainwashed Theon Greyjoy) are conquering more land.

Ever wonder why some people fail while others flourish? It takes strength to battle through literal and figurative obstacles and still make it to the top. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if you have a couple of dragons on call, just in case.

What Goes Around Comes Around

The repugnant King Joffrey, who has terrorized, killed, and annoyed so many, finally got his due in season four, when he was poisoned at his own wedding. His death, we learned, is a collaboration of efforts between Lord Peter Ballisch (who “rescues” Sansa and both flee King’s Landing) and the house Tyrell. This act makes his younger brother Timmon the new king.

When you treat people badly, it’s only a matter of time before it comes back to you. So be kind and you won’t have to worry about drinking poison wine.

A Leopard Can Change His Spots

This season, we witnessed the kindness of a crippled Jaime Lannister, who with his new position in the Kingsguard pleads with his father to spare his little brother Tyrion, in exchange for him leaving to rule over Casterly Rock. It’s selfless, and so unlike the Jaime we’ve come to hate in seasons prior.

It proves that people can change for good. Jaime’s still carrying on an incestuous relationship with sister Cersei Lannister, but nobody’s perfect right?

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’ve Hatched

On trial for King Joffrey’s murder and betrayed by his former love Shae, Tyrion chooses trial by combat. His champion? Prince Oberyne of Dorne, who does not conceal his hatred of the Lannisters yet chooses to fight because it will give him the opportunity to kill “The Mountain,” the man who murdered his sister and her children. The battle begins and amazingly Prince Oberyne brings The Mountain to his knees! We cheer thinking this is his end. All Prince Oberyne has to do is finish off The Mountain, but he’s so caught up in hearing The Mountain admit his sins that The Mountain is able to catch Prince Oberyne off guard. The Mountain crushes Prince Oberyne’s head in his hands.

In life we learn to save the celebrations until the job is done. Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched, or you could end up with a mess or as a mess.

Always Believe in Yourself

Samwell Tarly has also returned to the Night’s Watch with Wildling Gilly and her baby Sam in tow. Fearing something bad will happen, he hides them in a nearby brothel, only to have the Wildlings slaughter nearly everyone on their way to the wall. Spared by Ygritte, Gilly and baby make it back to Castle Black right before the Wildlings attack. Samwell hides them, promising to return once the battle is over, and he bravely helps to defeat the Wildling army.

Sam the hero? Didn’t seem likely when we first met him, but Samwell continues to show bravery and resilience in the toughest of circumstances because he had confidence in himself. And when you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything.

The Enemy of My Enemy is Sometimes My Friend

On “Game of Thrones,” alliances are made and broken. Enemies become friends and vice versa. We saw the “friendship” built on survival between Arya Stark and The Hound, and the alliance of Sansa and Petyr “Little Finger” Baelish after he saves her from Lysa Arryn, her wacky aunt and his lover, by throwing her through the moon door. However, Daenrys was betrayed by confidant and adviser Jorah Mormont, who was acting as a double agent and feeding information back to King’s Landing, in exchange for a pardon.

Sometimes we have to work with difficult people in order to achieve a desired result, and if it doesn’t work out, well, there’s always the moon door.

Always Be Resilient, Never Give Up

Brandon Stark and his friends finally get close to the weirwood tree and the Three-Eyed Raven, but first they must battle a skeleton solider army. One of The Children rescues them and brings them to the Three-Eyed Raven, who tells Bran that while he will never walk again, he will fly.

Even though he is unable to walk, Bran never gave up on achieving his goals. Even when he was captured, he stayed focused. Life can be hard, but stay the course and never give up. You won’t be able to actually jump into the body of a raven, but you can still soar.

Love is a Battlefield

Pat Benatar had it right, love is indeed a battlefield. Ygritte dies in Jon Snow’s arms after swearing to kill him. Brianne of Tarth slays The Hound, and Arya leaves him to die a slow death. Stannis Barratheon and his lover the Red Woman Melisandre arrive at Castle Black with army in tow. Cersei confesses her romantic love for brother Jaime to her father Tywin, who continues to feign ignorance. Speaking of Tywin, he was getting lots of loving from Shae, his son’s former lover. A brokenhearted Tyrion kills both his father and Shae before fleeing on a ship with Varys. Arya also leaves on a ship, except hers is headed to an unknown future in the free city of Braavos.

Love is fierce, resilient, passionate, and wonderful. It can also be heartbreaking as we learned in this finale, but at the end of the day it’s always worth it. Unless you’re Tywin Lannister, then you die on the toilet and that just sucks.

Caprece Cotton-Sturdivant is a writer and mommy, who loves to share comedic tales of what she’s learned so far about being a mom. She resides in New York City with her husband and daughter who are her inspirations. Read more from Cotton-Sturdivant at Mommie Knows Fresh.

Here’s the bad news: The Tony Award-winning musical After Midnight will play its final performance June 29th. Here’s the good news: Living legend Patti LaBelle‘s run will continue through June 29th.

Producers Scott Sanders and Wynton Marsalis announced June 14 that After Midnight will close after an eight-month run that included 19 preview performances and 272 regular performances. The Broadway musical was conceived by Jack Viertel and was directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, who won the Tony Award for Best Choreography. Although After Midnight stars Dulé Hill, another draw for audiences was the “Special Guest Star” vocalists, which included Fantasia, Vanessa Williams, k.d. lang, LaBelle, and Toni Braxton and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who took on Hill’s role as The Host from March 17 to 30.

As you would guess, LaBelle brings her powerful vocals, from her clear whisper voice to her amazing high notes, to After Midnight. And of course there’s a little shoulder action too, as no Patti LaBelle performance would be complete without LaBelle trying to “take flight.”

Hill also gives an amazing performance that is only slightly outshone by the tapping, acrobatic, rhythmic, popping and locking dancers. There’s a reason After Midnight won that Tony, after all. And the singers are also on par with LaBelle when it comes to capturing attention. Adriane Lenox’s rendition of “Don’t Advertise Your Man” will have you rolling in stitches. I’d be remiss if I also don’t mention that the costumes by legendary design duo Isabel and Ruben Toledo will be the best “fashion show” you’ve ever seen.

After Midnight is also the winner of two 2014 Drama Desk Awards (Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Revue), four 2014 Astaire Awards, and the 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Choreography.

Purchase tickets for After Midnight here before it closes on June 29th. See it at the Brooks Atkinson Theater in New York.

Peggy Klemm, 68, was arrested and charged with public indecency and public intoxication after being caught having sex with David Bobilya, 49, in a square of The Villages, the world’s largest retirement community located in Florida.

Surprisingly, the sex act comes as no shock to residents, who typically go for romps in golf carts. In fact, Klemm was put on probation for drunk driving her golf cart just four days prior to her arrest. The shock for residents is that she was arrested for her actions.

Just a one hour drive from Orlando, The Villages began 25 years ago as a small facility which housed 800 residents and has since grown into the world’s largest retirement community. At The Villages, smells of marijuana are often thick, and there is no shortage of black market Viagra. There’s a plethora of swinging couples, and orgies aren’t out of the ordinary. There is a low crime rate, but men have been known to get into fights with walking sticks over girlfriends.

Klemm herself has a wheelchair-bound husband.

Known by many as “Disney for old people,” the community houses  a health clinic and an infectious disease clinic, which is especially dedicated to the high number of sexually transmitted diseases in the community.

The local bar, Red Sauce, created a drink to commemorate Klemm’s arrest call the Sex in the Square cocktail. It retails for $3.25 and has become a hot ticket item. Residents say Klemm is ‘too embarrassed’ to stop by and try the drink, but they promise to give her a standing ovation when she does.

Photo credit: Daily Mail/The Villages

Photo via WE tv

The season 4 trailer for WE tv’s Braxton Family Values has plenty of cursing and fussing between the sisters.  But an unexpected revelation from “Love & War” songbird Tamar Braxton has the blogosphere shocked.

In a personal conversation with family counselor Dr. Sherry, Tamar is heard saying, “This is not who I am.” She continues, “This is my last scene and season.” Meanwhile, middle sister Towanda is seen shaking the table and shattering glasses during a meeting at a restaurant with mom Evelyn, father Michael, and sisters Traci and Trina while screaming “Nobody cares about me!”

Wow!

Things appear to have reached a fever pitch, as the sisters allegedly fought backstage at Tamar’s concert this past weekend in Atlanta. According to CentricTV, sisters Trina, Traci and Towanda rushed the stage during Tamar’s set.  Furious, Tamar allegedly threw a bottle at one sister’s head during a fight that transpired afterward. No word from the Braxton camp on the rumors.

View the trailer below and be sure to tune into season 4 when it airs beginning in August.

A 29-year-old Peachtree City, Georgia man must have been high off his own supply when he directed police to his YouTube channel. The incident began last Friday when Zach Peak was attempting to dodge charges of indecent exposure after he filmed himself taking his clothes off at a neighborhood pool. Peak suggested that officers take a look at his YouTube channel. That’s when officers realized he exposed them to his illegal marijuana growing operation.

The YouTube video showed Peak tending to his elaborate weed growing operation in the attic of the home he shared with his mother. As he waters the plants, he is seen talking to them in the video. “Neglected, Neglected,” he said as he comforts them for their lack of TLC. Little did he know he would soon be separated forever from his beloved plants.

Peachtree City Police Lt. Mark Brown said officers were able to identify the home, Peak and his mother. With an issue warrant, they searched Peak’s home for the delicate plants. Inside they removed 33 marijuana plants and tools used to grow the marijuana plant. “This is a pretty significant operation,” Brown said.

Peak is currently behind bars facing charges for manufacturing, distribution and possession of marijuana plus that original indecent exposure charge. Someone sign up this drug dealer for America’s dumbest criminals.

After injuring his penis during sex with his wife in July 2011, a man claims doctors shortened his penis after surgery. The man, who desires to remain anonymous, is a Canadian paraplegic, who claims his shorter penis was worse than losing his legs. He’s suing Quebec’s Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital for $155,000.

“This has caused a greater impact on my life than when I lost the use of my legs,” the paraplegic said. After being rushed to hospital, the suit says a nurse “made a brief visual inspection of the penis without touching it.”

After he was brought into the hospital after the injury, the man claims no one examined him. When he returned to the hospital weeks later, he discovered he had a fractured penis. After getting surgery to fix his member, the job shortened his penis by an inch. The man claims he was unable to have sex with his wife for several weeks. Those weeks turned into years, and he and his wife eventually separated.

The hospital has yet to release a statement.

An Arizona woman had a dangerous lunch from a Burger King when she discovered a razor blade in her salad.

Jennifer Ashley was eating her salad from a Flagstaff Burger King branch when she found a straight blade at the bottom of her container. Upon discovery, she immediately took her evidence to the fast food chain’s manager.

Burger King says an employee admittedly left the blade on a shelf, where it accidentally fell into a tub of lettuce. The company says razor blades are not allowed in or near food preparation areas.

The employee has since been fired.

Ashley says she received a refund and a free salad and doesn’t plan to press charges. She just wants people to be aware of what they are eating, even in a restaurant.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is blaming local leaders for recent acts of violence against non-Muslim communities in Kenya. In the past two days, there have been over 60 deaths in the coastal communities of Lamu, Majembeni, and Mpeketoni.

The Islamic-extremist group, Al-Shabab, from Somalia, has admitted to killing Christians and government workers in these areas in Kenya. Kenyatta, however, refuses to give the group full credit for the attacks. He says that some responsibility must be placed on his own local leaders. He believes the leaders knew beforehand that the attacks were a threat, but did not carry out preventative measures. Kenyatta has since suspended some officials.

On Tuesday morning, Kenyatta made a public, televised address where he revealed the attacks were ethnically motivated. According to him, some local leaders and extremists in this group adopt the belief of an ethnic hierarchy within Kenya, which he strictly opposes. Al-Shabab’s signature means of attack is to burn down homes, repeatedly shoot victims in their heads, and slit throats of oftentimes defenseless people.

The violent attacks are negatively impacting the country in multiple ways. The citizens are concerned for their safety, and the tourism industry is taking a major hit. Kenya was once a popular vacation destination because of its coastal cities. The attacks divide the country ethnically and racially, making it dangerous for tourists to vacation there.

New plans have been put in place in Lamu, including new officials and government, in an effort to crack down on the ensuing violence.

[Image: Maarufu Mohamed/Standard]

There have been a number of stories surfacing around the 2014 FIFA World Cup – but they aren’t all about scores, players, and cool uniforms. A number of people have died in accidents, attacks and pre-meditated murders related to the World Cup. There’ve been about 60 deaths to date around the world.

In the latest accident, a Chinese man died on Friday, June 13. He reportedly stayed awake for multiple nights in a row to watch the games and doctors say his death was a result of sleep deprivation.

He’s not the only one.  Here are more reports of recent World Cup related deaths.

An Italian man stabbed his wife and their two children to death before joining friends at a local bar to watch the England v Italy match on Saturday, June 14.

Carlo Lissi, 31, was charged with triple murder for killing his wife Cristina Omes, 38, and murdering their two young children, 5-year-old Giulia and Gabriele of 20 months.   After throwing the knife down the drain he joined friends at a bar in Motta Visconti, near Milan.

Kenya is facing violent attacks by the Islamist-extremist group, the al-Shabab. The group, based in Somalia, used a World Cup viewing party as the location of one of its most recent attacks, killing at least 50 on Monday, June 16.

At least nine workers were killed in construction related projects leading up to the World Cup in Brazil. The construction workers were rushing to finish the eight arenas to be used in the tournament and other projects, such as the monorail system. In this image, the monorail collapsed and killed at one worker.

Comedian Tracy Morgan has been upgraded to fair condition from critical condition after his June 7 highway collision. The crash killed Morgan’s friend and comedian James McNair. Hospital officials said comedian Ardie Fuqua, a buddy of Morgan also injured in the wreck, remains in critical condition. Morgan’s assistant, Jeffrey Millea, has also been upgraded to fair condition.

“Happy to pass along that Tracy has been upgraded to fair condition, which is a great improvement,” said his spokesman, Lewis Kay.

The “30 Rock” star was riding in a limo on the New Jersey Turnpike when a Walmart truck swerved into his limo two weeks ago. The former “Saturday Night Live” star suffered broken ribs and a broken leg.

The driver of the truck, Kevin Roper from Georgia, plead not guilty to death by auto and assault by auto charges. A criminal complaint against Roper claims he hadn’t slept in 24 hours prior to the crash. Walmart Stores Inc. said Roper was in compliance with safety regulations.

A Connecticut woman was discovered crushed to death after a floor collapsed into her basement. Beverly Mitchell, 66, was an alleged hoarder who died of accidental and traumatic asphyxia.

She was found after a week under crushed debris. Authorities are figuring out whether the home is structurally sound, after floors collapsed with debris stacked to the ceiling in some places.

A postal carrier summoned police Thursday to ask for a welfare check because Mitchell’s mail had been piling up for at least a week. Police went to the home Thursday, but said they didn’t find anyone and thought Mitchell wasn’t home.

It wasn’t until Friday that officials discovered the first floor had caved in. After making sure the building was safe to enter, officials cut a hole in the side of the house and began removing debris.

Officials are still looking for Mitchell’s relatives. The 114 year old home may be torn down due to safety precautions.

Chrissy Teigen‘s look for the Fragrance Awards was comprised of a cream Elisabetta Franchi belted cocktail dress from the spring 2014 collection and gold Casadei Blade Pumps. Although the ensemble showed off Teigen’s cleavage and svelte long legs, the color palette added just the right amount of sophistication. And it’s a look that would be quite easy for you to recreate on a budget … All you have to do is click on to the next page and we’ve already laid out the shopping details just for you.

H&M Wraparound Blouse, $15
French Connection Albany Vegan Leather Skirt, $138
Jean-Michel Cazabat Women’s Emma Pump, $175
ASOS Full Metal Waist Belt, $57.16
Diane von Furstenberg 440 Metallic Envelope Clutch, $195

By Terrance Gaines

Required devices for the frequent flier.

1. Bose QuietComfort 20i Noise Cancelling Headphones

In-flight noise: you’ve traveled enough to know it. To tune it out, just keep this Bose necessity in your carry-on. As the name suggests, these headphones include built-in “environments” so you control the amount of sound you experience. Drown it all out with Bose Advance noise reduction, or select “Aware mode” to avoid missing any announcements from the flight crew. $299.95, bose.com

2. LaCie Fuel Wireless Hard Drive

In this post-desktop era, more people are further downsizing, ditching those bulky laptops and packing their designer weekenders with sleek iPads instead. Enter the LaCie Fuel 1TB Hard Drive, which has enough storage space for over 500 movies or thousands of images, songs and documents so you don’t have to choose between important work files and that prized media library. Because LaCie Fuel is wireless, there’s no need to sort through a ball of cables just to access files, creating more time for play. $199.99, lacie.com

3.Mophie Space Pack Mobile Storage/Charger

While jetting from one city to the next, who knows when that iPhone will get charged again? Thanks to this handy gadget, that’s no longer a concern. When there is no wall outlet in sight, this advanced storage unit is a safety net of built-in battery life for the iPhone 5/5S, with an additional eight hours of talk time, 10 hours of video playback, or 40 hours of music playback! iPhotogs will cheer the Space Pack, which provides 32GB of additional storage space. So there’s no need to delete old memories before capturing those in-the-moment new ones. $149.95, mophie.com

4. Soundmatters foxL Dash7 Bluetooth Speaker

Not looking forward to connecting your smartphone or tablet to the hotel’s less than stellar alarm clock/speaker dock? Then pick up this portable, super slim, wireless speaker that cranks out room-filling music. And just in case you miss your flight and can’t reschedule in time for that all-important meeting, it morphs into a conference call device. $219, soundmatters.com