Gabby Douglas’ road to gold has undoubtedly been filled with sweet memories, but it seems, at every turn, the 16-year-old phenom has been deterred by negativity.

Related: Gabby Douglas Gets Glam For ESSENCE [VIDEO]

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Douglas opens up about her experience at Excalibur Gymnastics, her former gym in Virginia Beach. While she recalls being called a “slave” by a fellow white gymnast, she also discusses a vicious prank and an attack on her physical appearance.

“According to Gab­by she had run-ins as well with other gymnasts. One day in 2010, in a rush to get to the gym, she left her clothing by her locker; when she returned, her shirt was missing. ‘You don’t actually take by mistake someone’s clothes,’ Gabby tells me. And when it was apparent that she had no shirt to leave the locker room in, other gymnasts started laughing at her. Another day, a gymnast whose turn it was to scrape the uneven bars of excess chalk tried to duck the job. According to Gabby, the girl said, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it? She’s our slave.’ The gymnast was laughing, but Gabby did not see the humor.

Even more painful was an incident several years ago at a party where Gabby says an Excalibur staff member told her she might want to consider reconstructive surgery on her nose because of its flatness. Some other gymnasts had teased Gabby about her appearance, and she found the nose comment ‘very hurtful.’”

A coach at the gym has dismissed her claims as a “joke” and says Douglas never reported any of the incidents. Gustavo Maure, head of Excalibur Gymnastics, called Douglas’ remarks “hurtful and without merit.”

Throughout it all, Douglas has remained resilient. Earlier this week, she and the entire U.S. women’s team began rehearsals for the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions.

The three-month tour will open Sept. 8 in San Jose.

In a Nightline exclusive, Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada is opening for the first time about her domestic violence incident with estranged husband Chad Johnson.

Related: 5 Celebrities Who Ruined Their Careers By Doing Something Dumb

Earlier in August, Johnson was arrested and charged with simple domestic battery after allegedly headbutting Lozada during an argument over a receipt for condoms.

Within days, the former Miami Dolphins wide receiver was dropped from the team, lost his VH1 reality series and was faced with the reality of divorce.

“He is a good guy who made a bad choice. He loves football, he is very driven, a great dad,” Lozada explains to Amy Robach.  ”He made a bad choice that destroyed his life and I hate that I’m connected to that, I do, but it was his choice. It wasn’t mine.”

Related: Bye Baby: 10 Short-Lived Celebrity Divorces

Lozada’s exclusive interview with Nightline premieres tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.

Coming up with creative and delicious lunch ideas daily can be a daunting task—who really wants to eat PB&J or plain turkey and cheese sandwiches every other day of the week? Boring! And if you have children who are required to take a packed lunch to school, the task of coming up with unique kid-friendly lunch choices can be even more challenging, especially if your child happens to be a finicky eater like most. With little to no prep time, spending a great deal of the morning planning out lunch menus may not be an option. So rather than rack your brain, or resort to the run-of-the-mill sandwiches as last minute options, consider a few of these creative lunch ideas that are sophisticated enough for you, but healthy and tasty enough for the kiddies.

Club Sandwich Kabobs

Give you’re club sandwich an unconventional twist by preparing the sandwich elements in the form of kabobs. Simple enough for your kids to enjoy, and chic enough for you to sit with your coworkers for lunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices whole grain bread, toasted and cut into (1-inch) cubes
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices deli turkey
• 16 cherry tomatoes
• 4 leaves butter or romaine lettuce
• 1/4 pound cheddar, cut into cubes
• 1/4 pound provolone or mozzarella, cut into cubes
• 2 kosher dill or sweet pickles, thickly sliced

Method:

Alternating ingredients, thread bread, ham, turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and pickles onto skewers and serve.Tortellini Bacon Broccoli Salad

Prepare a filling pasta salad the night before that will pack tons of flavor the following day. Opt for turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 (9 ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
• 6 ounces bacon
• 1-1/2 cups and 2 tablespoons chopped broccoli
• 3/4 cup and 2 teaspoons grape tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon bottled coleslaw dressing

Method:

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, drain, rinse with cold water, and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
2. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces while still a little warm.
3. Place the tortellini, bacon, broccoli, grape tomatoes, and green onions into a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients, and toss lightly to coat. Chill in refrigerator before serving.

Brown Ban Bean Burritos

Opt for a Mexican theme lunch with a kid-friendly bean burrito. Simple enough in flavor for the children, and with a few added jalenpeno pepper, spicy enough for you. Add a few tortilla chips on the side and you’ll have a regular Mexican feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Method:

1. Rinse beans in cold water, drain well.
2. Combine beans, salsa, cumin and chili powder in large pan. Cook over medium-high heat for about ten minutes, mashing beans slightly with back of wooden spoon. Stir occasionally, adding a little water if mixture looks too dry.
3. Spoon bean mixture into tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold each tortilla into an envelope shape, ensuring both ends are tucked in. Eat warm or wrap in plastic to take for lunch.

Mini Greek Pizza Muffins 

While this may require you to prep the night before, your kids will love these little bite-size pizza and muffin creations loaded with their favorite pizza flavors, and you’ll love it just the same.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 2/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup low-fat milk
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 large egg, well beaten
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
3. Whisk whole-wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, oregano, sugar, garlic powder and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Stir milk, feta, egg, tomato paste and olives into the onion mixture. Make a well in the dry ingredients; add the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fill the prepared muffin cups two-thirds full.
5. Bake the muffins until lightly browned, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Michael Clarke Duncan‘s fiancee says the Oscar nominee for The Green Mile has died while being hospitalized following a July heart attack.

Publicist Joy Fehily released a statement from Clarke’s fiancée, the Rev. Omarosa Manigault, saying the 54-year-old actor died Monday morning in a Los Angeles hospital after nearly two months of treatment following the July 13 heart attack.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Duncan appeared in dozens of films, including such box office hits as Armageddon, Planet of the Apes and Kung Fu Panda.

Duncan had a handful of minor roles before The Green Mile brought him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. The 1999 film, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, starred Tom Hanks as a corrections officer at a penitentiary in the 1930s.

Duncan played John Coffey, a convicted murderer.

Vincent Herbert is a very patient man – but then again, so is his wife Tamar Braxton, who says that in their home, the real diva is Vince. UPTOWN recently had a chance to sit down with the couple to ask about the new show, and the real them that we don’t always get to see during less than 60 minutes of airtime. After speaking with them this time and also earlier this year, one thing remains – this is a real couple! Sure there are disagreements and ups and downs, but the love is there.

RELATED: Q&A: Checking In With Tamar And Vince [PHOTOS]

UPTOWN: Being on “Braxton Family Values” and now having a spinoff show, will we see a different Tamar?

Tamar: Number one on “Braxton Family Values,” you see the youngest sister who is opinionated and sometimes a loudmouth. But I believe that you are totally different when you are around your man. And that is the situation here. Everybody doesn’t know that I am not the diva of my household, but it is in fact, Vincent Herbert Divo extraordinaire.

UPTOWN: Vince, will we be able to see more of your business interaction?

V: Absolutely. You will get to see me and my wife and her at work, me at work, and all aspects of our life.

UPTOWN: Are you two still thinking about having children?

T: We touch on it a little bit. We talked about it extensively on “BFV,” there is a long conversation that we have on “Tamar and Vince,” and we will answer everyone’s questions as far as us having kids.

UPTOWN: What specifically will we see as you work on your album, Tamar?

T: You’ll see the whole process. Our show is 100 percent reality. Everyday, I am working on my clothing line; you’ll see how I pick my songs and coming up with my image and everything I do.

UPTOWN: Will we be able to see you work with any of the artists you represent, Vince?

V: That’s going to be a surprise. You’ll get to see a lot of that. You’ll see more than you thought you would see.

T: It really is a deeper look into our lives. It is totally about what we go through during our day to day lives. I think it is a really interesting show, because you get a chance to take a good look into our relationship.

UPTOWN: What would people be most surprised to see from the both of you with this first season?

T: I think people will be surprised about our honesty and openness. You may not like what we talk about. You will see the real on the arguments. And it was important for people to see that. We just want to help other couples get through things – that’s why we chose to be so candid about our relationship. We go through regular situations just like everyone else.

“Vince and Tamar” debuts on WeTV tonight at 10 p.m., airing after the “Braxton Family Values,” which also stars Tamar and her Braxton Sisters.

The fact of the matter is breast cancer sucks big time. But another fact is, there are things you can do to help prevent and aid in the fight of this disease that claims so many lives. According to Women’s Health magazine, more than 220,000 people will be affected by breast cancer just this year alone. So it’s definitely time to take some action and become proactive with your health as it concerns breast cancer and take preventive measures. What can you do?

Besides performing regular breast self-exams and opening up a dialogue with your doctor about your concerns, one major thing you can do is pay close attention to what you are putting into your body. When it comes to breast cancer, food can either be your enemy or your friend. And by adjusting your diet by reducing your fat intake, adding more whole grains, and maintaining healthy levels of hormones, the fight to prevent breast cancer is just a meal away.

So whether you’re fighting to prevent an onset of breast cancer, or you’re in the midst of a struggling battle, consider allowing a healthy diet to be a part of your plan of attack. Load your body with these five breast cancer fighting foods to help prevent and fight this dreaded illness.

Please consult a health care professional before heeding any of the following advice.

Garlic

Other than adding bold flavor to your meals, incorporating a clove of garlic into your daily diet can help your fight against breast cancer. Not only does garlic help reduce inflammation, but according to the National Cancer Institute, there are protective effects from garlic that may arise from its ability to deflect the formation and stop the onset of cancer causing agents. It also has the ability to reduce cell growth and increase cell death.

Salmon

Whether grilled or baked, salmon contains essential omega-3 oils and is a great source of vitamin D. It is said that adding a fatty fish like salmon to your diet can enhance your immune system and reduce the risk of breast cancer in half.

Brussels Sprouts

While you may have hated brussels sprouts as a kid, research shows that incorporating this cruciferous vegetable and others like broccoli–which contains sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (antioxidants)–once a day can prohibit the growth of tumors as well as stop the spread of cancer by converting unhealthy estrogen cells into healthy ones.

Berries

Pick your berry of choice–raspberry, strawberry, blueberries, or blackberries– they’re all great sources of vitamins, antioxidants, and cancer battling phytonutrients. Oh, and they taste great!

Walnuts

Although we love them in our brownies, what we should love most about walnuts is their ability to block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, which decreases cell growth.

Courtesy of The Root

The economy added 114,000 jobs last month, on top of an upward revision of 86,000 jobs to July and August. The private sector has added jobs for 31 consecutive months, and after coming into office in the depths of the Great Recession, President Barack Obama has created more than a million jobs over his first term. For the first time since he took office, the unemployment rate is below 8 percent, hitting 7.8 percent in September.

Meanwhile, the share of African Americans with a job edged up from 52.7 percent to 53.0 percent and the unemployment rate fell to 13.4 percent, after hovering just above 14 percent for the past three months. Among adults ages 20 and over, all of the gains for African Americans were among women. Although the share of black adult women overall employed rose from 55.1 percent to 55.3 percent, the share of black adult men employed fell from 57.7 percent to 57.5 percent. Both adult men and women, however, have seen their employment rate rise over the past year 0.5 percentage points.

Continue reading at The Root

[Image via Shutterstock]

It’s pretty difficult to argue with a guy who’s amassed several Grammys, penned countless chart-topping hits for today’s hottest artists and currently holds the title of Senior Vice President of A&R at Motown Records. Ne-Yo knows his stuff.

In a recent interview with the Daily Star, the famed singer/songwriter once again spoke out about his frustrations with the current state of the music industry. And he’s not afraid to name names.

“Who was the last real icon to come out of the music industry? Everybody thought it was going to be Lady Gaga, but where is she right now, what’s going on with her?” he asked. “Not taking anything away from her because she’s ridiculously talented, but artists who stand the test of time– you just don’t see those anymore.”

Related: The R&B Avengers: Tyrese, Ginuwine And Tank Finally Make ‘TGT’ A Reality [VIDEO]

Ne-Yo’s position at Motown, which he took over at the top of the year, includes producing and mentoring artists as well as signing and developing new talent.

“Motown wants to breathe fresh air into R&B, but Motown was not always cutting edge, it was soulful but good pop music too,” he continued. “They were always at the top of the charts in the ’60s, and today the lines are getting blurred again with R&B artists doing dance and pop acts doing R&B.”

“I feel now it’s just about good music again. Motown needs to stand for quality music, period.”

Related: Angie Stone Talks ‘Rich Girl,’ The State Of R&B & More

In early August, Ne-Yo ruffled some feathers while visiting Power 105.1′s “The Breakfast Club” when he said he felt uninspired by R&B, namely Trey Songz.

“Trey is one of them dudes I feel like could be a serious problem in this R&B world, if he decided to just really put that emotion in there,” he said. “No disrespect to Trey, love Trey to death. But I feel like, again, the emotional disconnect is there.”

He later apologized to Songz via Twitter, but it’s clear Ne-Yo’s concerns still remain.

In an opinion piece posted on Wednesday by Russell Simmons, the media mogul and avid President Obama supporter commends Stacey Dash‘s “courage” to express her political opinions.

Simmons says that while he doesn’t agree with her endorsement, the Clueless actress has every right to support and vote for Gov. Mitt Romney.

Related: Stacey Dash Defends Romney Endorsement On ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ [VIDEO]

He states:

“Last night I had the pleasure of dining with Stacey Dash. After dinner we went over to Bungalow 8, where we were joined by a whole bunch of very famous Hollywood liberals, much to my pleasure and to her discomfort. Everyone enjoyed beating her up about her support for “Money” Mitt Romney (and this was after I had already grilled her in the car.) I was baffled by how someone so smart could support a guy “who could care less about 47 percent of our country” – a guy who wants to turn the cabinet room into a board room and sell America off to his rich friends, while stashing their money in off-shore bank accounts. A guy who hasn’t told the truth to the American people about where he stands on the important issues, constantly erasing his Etch A Sketch depending on who is watching. A guy who will turn back equality for women, blacks, Latinos and gays. I could certainly go on and on, but let’s just say…”Money” Mitt works for the corporations. Stacey and I didn’t agree on much.”

Continue the post over at Global Grind…

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

In October 1984, my 16-year-old mother, Charmaine realized she was pregnant. A lot of decisions as a mom would have to be made on my behalf, and the first would be my name. She thought about Taylor for a bit, but that lost momentum. She dug the name Adrien because a woman named Adrien Arpel made a facial cream she loved, so she decided to go with that. On June 17th, three weeks past my original due date, doctors induced Charmaine. Eight or nine hours later, I was born.

Moments before the birth certificate and pen were in her hand, a family friend came to see Charmaine and I, and made a suggestion that drastically changed my life,“Why don’t you name her Shenequa?”

“Okay!” Charmaine said. That was that. Charmaine, probably high as all get out from the epidural, decided to name her eight-pound baby girl, Shenequa Adrien Golding.

Continue reading at Hello Beautiful

Swizz Beatz flies commercial on Oct. 9 because he says he’ll go broke if he flew in a private jet everyday. Photo: TheRealSwizzz Instagram

Mitt Romney supporter Stacey Dash leaves CNN studios in NYC after appearing on “Piers Morgan” on Oct. 9. Photo: Alequin/Bosch/INFphoto.com

RELATED: Stacey Dash Defends Romney Endorsement On ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ [VIDEO]

LeBron James gives Kanye West a shout-out for stopping by his sneaker and clothing store Unknown in Miami on Oct. 8. Photo: KingJames Instagram

Nicole Scherzinger heads into Nobu restaurant in London on Oct. 8. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kim Kardashian wants us all to know that sometimes she stays in her pajamas when the rest of the world is out really earning a living on Oct. 8. Photo: KimKardashian Instagram

Chris Brown tries to show his “sensitive side” by posing on the roof of a building on Oct. 7. Photo: FuckYoPictures Instagram

RELATED: Chris Brown Explains Loving Rihanna And Karrueche At The Same Time [VIDEO]

Bow Wow shows his colors for a Beats By Dre photoshoot on Oct. 6. Photo: BeatsByDre Instagram

Jennifer Lopez drops it low for the German TV show, “Wetten Dass..??,” on Oct. 6 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Photo: INFphoto.com

Keke Palmer leaves Sirius Radio in New York City on October 3. Credit: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Rihanna, sporting a sexy pair of Christian Louboutin thigh high boots, slinks away from her NYC hotel, shortly after Chris Brown reportedly visited her there on October 2. Credit: Alequin/Bosch/INFphoto.com

Halle Berry and daughter Nahla are getting into the Halloween spirit in Hollywood, CA on October 2. Credit: Andra Viak/INFphoto.com

Instead of food shopping, John Legend (fried chicken master) and fiancee Chrissy Teigen (model/cooking school-student) do some clothes shopping  at Fred Segal in Hollywood on October 2. Credit: Merino/INFphoto.com.

Angie Martinez was in Brooklyn talking that talk with pals Beyonce, Queen Latifah, Taraji P. Henson. “The girl talk @theBarclay was real! @theRealTaraji @iamqueenlatifah & B!” Credit: @angiemartinez/ @kodaklens

M.I.A. goes incognito for the Stella McCartney spring 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week on Oct. 1. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Snoop Lion runs into a fan while satisfying his 3 a.m. munchies craving on Sept. 29. Photo: Instagram

Mehcad Brooks attends the 2012 Environmental Media Awards at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif. on Sept. 29. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com

RELATED: Coupled Up: Zoe Saldana Gets Some More Bradley Cooper Lovin’

Tracee Ellis Ross counts down the launch of TraceeEllisRoss.com on October 1. Photo: Instagram

Kanye West and his leather pants make another star-studded appearance together. This time at the Christian Dior spring 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week on Sept. 28. Photo: INFPhoto.com

On Sept. 27, a photo of an 18-year-old Michelle Obama surfaced after the Princeton Alumni Weekly published “Mrs. Obama goes to Washington.”

Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin attend the Broadway premiere of Motown: The Musical in NYC on Sept. 27. Photo: Walter McBride/INFphoto.com

Rosario Dawson and Tara Smith launch Tara Smith Vegan Haircare at Marks and Spencer in London on Sept. 27. Photo: Famous/ACE/INFphoto.com

Christina Milian goes Cali-glam for a shopping excursion at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills on Sept. 26. HMO/INFphoto.com

President Barack Obama joins Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in NYC on Sept. 25. Photo: Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com

A sexy Paula Patton takes strong strides while out and about in Hollywood on Sept. 25. Photo: Brooks/INFphoto.com

Chris Paul is joined by his wife Jada, singer Miguel, and Nazanin Mandi at the celebration for his October GQ cover, which he shares with Denzel Washington and Javier Bardem, at The Sayer’s Club in L.A. on Sept. 24. Photo: Michael Kovak / Wire Image

RELATED: Like Fine Wine: Denzel Washington Covers GQ’s Style Playbook [PHOTOS]

Ballers Matt Barnes, Canon Butler, DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Willie Green helped Chris Paul celebrate his October GQ cover at The Sayer’s Club in L.A. on Sept. 24. Photo: Michael Kovak / Wire Image

RELATED: The Sexiest NBA Ballers On The Court

Rosie Perez and Viola Davis attend the premiere of Won’t Back Down at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC on Sept. 23. Photo: Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com

Carmelo and LaLa Vasquez Anthony spend a night out in NYC with Swizz Beatz and an unidentified man on Sept. 23. Photo: Dario Alequin/INFphoto.com

Looking like a mature version of her What’s the 411? self, Mary J. Blige hits up the iHeart Radio Music Festival at MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas on Sept. 21. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kim Kardashian wears a Mary Katrantzou body-conscious dress to a Quick Trim Event at Silk Road in Melbourne on Sept. 20. Photo: INFphoto.com

A.J. Calloway interviews Cedric the Entertainer for “Extra!” on Sept. 19 in NYC. Photo: Guillermo Bosch/INFphoto.com

John Leguizamo mean mugs more than kicks ass on the set of Kick Ass 2 in Toronto on Sept. 19. Photo: O’Neill/White/INFphoto.com

Nicki Minaj uses her “band leader” styling to tell her fellow “American Idol” judges that she’s leading the show as she heads into day two of taping the new season in NYC on Sept. 17. Photo: Dario Alequin/INFphoto.com

Practice makes perfect for Alicia Keys as she poses in the dance studio: “Rehearsal time!!! I’m a tigress for these up coming shows!!!! Grrrrrrr!!!!” Via: @aliciakeys

Rosario Dawson spreads peace as she heads into Sunshine Theatre on Houston St. in NYC for a fan Q&A for her movie 10 Years on Sept. 16. Photo: Dario Alequin/INFphoto.com

Lee Daniels confidently strides into the premiere of his film Paperboy during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 14. Photo: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Cornrows and a new cross tattoo as shared by Ms. Kelly Rowland on Sept. 13.” Via @kellyrowland

Andre Leon Talley leaves the Calvin Klein show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Sept. 13. Something tells us that his caftan is one of a kind and wasn’t featured in the show. Photo: INF

Tyra Banks waves goodbye to her haters as she struts into a fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 12. Photo: INF

Kim Kardashian dons a shaggy jacket and Kanye West opts for denim-on-denim for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Sept. 12. Photo: INF

With a megawatt smile, Paula Patton arrives at Holt Renfrew to promote Disconnect, with Jason Bateman, during the Toronto International Film Festival. Photo: INF

A model can’t walk every show; sometimes she’s just got to sit front row. Check out Jessica White as she struts into the Alice + Olivia show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC on Sept. 10. Photo: INF

Rihanna takes styling cues from Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in Coming to America as she heads to Heathrow Airport in London on Sept. 10. Photo: INF

Songbird Estelle gets her very first tattoo (“DO – Divinely Orchestrated”) on Sept. 10 from @bigstevenyc (via @estelledarlings)

Note to Chris Brown and Rihanna: less is more.

Artiste extraordinaire Swizz Beatz ‘wines’ down in the studio on Sept. 11 ‏

“In my studio Zone with opus1 08 :) bang out time…..” (via  @THEREALSWIZZZ)

Hot mama Taraji P. Henson celebrates her birthday on Sept. 10 with a few tweeps and peeps.

“RT @sueannhan: Celebrating @therealtaraji @tarajiphenson ‘s bday & waiting 4 the Queen @maryjblige to take the stage. (via @TherealTaraji)”

Will, Willow, Jaden, and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive for the premiere of Free Angela & All Political Prisoners at the Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 9. Photo: INF

Even though she’s the youngest of the bunch, which also includes mom Kimora Lee, dad Russell Simmons, and sister Ming Lee Simmons, Aoki Lee Simmons knows the paps are always snapping, especially during Mercedez Benz Fashion Week in NYC, on Sept. 8. Photo: INF

Alicia Keys literally Stands Up 2 Cancer while arriving to an event for the organization on Sept. 7. Photo: INF

Mariah Carey hits the stage during the NFL Opening Kickoff at Rockefeller Plaza in NYC on Sept. 5. Photo: Amanda Schwab/Startraks

Just when you thought Rihanna had rocked every hairstyle imaginable, she shows off a new pixie cut while attending a dress rehearsal for the MTV Video Music Awards in L.A. on Sept. 5. Photo: Credit: X17online

RELATED: MTV VMA Flashback: Lil Kim’s Mermaid Pasty, Lenny Kravitz’s Space Suit & More [PHOTOS]

Kim Kardashian gives us side-boob, cleavage, butt profile, and exposed back all with one dress at the opening of a Brian Atwood store in NYC on Sept. 5. Photo: David X Prutting/BFAnyc/Sipa

Lauryn Hill leaves the funeral for Chris Lighty at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on Madison in Manhattan on Sept. 5.

RELATED: Hip-Hop Heavyweights Pay Respects To Chris Lighty

Sofia Vergara sports a prosthetic pregnant belly for her role on “Modern Family” on Sept. 5 in L.A. Photo: Pacific Coast News

President Barack Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha watch, from the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte on Sept. 4.

Terrence J announces his move to “E! News” on the set of the celebrity-driven news show with fellow anchor Giuliana Rancic on Sept. 4.

RELATED: Terrence J Announces His Big Move

Romany Malco celebrates the 100th episode of “Weeds” with co-star Mary-Louise Parker on Sept. 3.

Tamar Braxton proves she really does deserve that solo album by killing the “Star Spangled Banner” at the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic in Washington, D.C. over the Labor Day weekend.

Beyonce and Jay-Z shoot the breeze with director Ron Howard, who was shooting a documentary about the Budweiser Made in America music festival, in Philadelphia during the two-day celebration on Sept. 1. No word on why Beyonce is squatting for no apparent reason. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Salma Hayek and her 4-year-old daughter Valentina jet to the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 31. Photo: Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic

Singer Rita Ora rocks a gold frock to London’s ITV Studios on Aug. 30.

Nicole Richie launches her first fragrance, appropriately named Nicole, at Macy’s in Glendale, Calif. on Aug. 29. Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Alicia Keys and son Egypt leave the ITV Southbank studios in London on Aug. 28. Photo: INFphoto.com

Jordin Sparks looks gorgeous in a white minidress while performing at the U.S. Open on Aug. 27.

On Aug. 28, Paris Jackson enjoys a birthday tribute for her late father Michael Jackson, who would have turned 54 on Aug. 29, in Gary, Ind. Photo: Michael Hickey/WireImage

RELATED: Happy 54th Birthday Michael Jackson! [PHOTOS]

Rihanna struts our of her London hotel. Photo: Splash News Online

Halle Berry heads to the movies with daughter Nahla on Aug. 25. Photo: FameFlynet

Kourtney Kardashian and her “little man” Mason Disick go for a walk on Aug. 23. Photo: AKM-GSI

Oprah hits up a Framingham, Mass. Bed Bath & Beyond, in order to take three girls shopping for dorm room accessories on Aug. 23. Photo: Splash News Online

Looking quite wind-blown, Rihanna is out and about in L.A. on Aug. 22. Photo: AKM-GSI

Tyra Banks gets in bed with new ANTM judges Kelly Cutrone and Rob Evans to celebrate the premiere of the model competition show in NYC on Aug. 22. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty

Christina Milian hits up the studio with Lil Wayne and Mack Maine, members of her new Young Money family, in Miami on Aug. 22. Photo: Instagram

Eva Mendes stands guard with her dog Hugo in West Hollywood on Aug. 20. Photo: JB Lacroix/WireImage

Mariah Carey looks very low-key on the set of The Butler in New Orleans on Aug. 20. Photo: FameFlynet

First Lady Michelle Obama greets the attendees of the first-ever Kids State Dinner at the White House on Aug. 20. Photo: Olivier Douliery/ABACA

Wearing her best beachwear, Halle Berry goes shopping with fiance Olivier Martinez in L.A. on Aug. 19. Photo: INF

Nick Cannon lends his support to the Do Something Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Aug. 19. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty

Jennifer Hudson films a scene from Smash in NYC on Aug. 17. Photo: X17online

Nicole Richie arrives at Virgin’s Sunset Strip Music Festival VIP party at SkyBar in West Hollywood on Aug. 17. Photo: Splash News Online

Jordin Sparks shares a moment with Bobbi Kristina and her boyfriend Nick Gordon after the Hollywood screening of Sparkle on Aug. 17. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage

Talk about an awkward moment! Jaguar tapped Jane Krakowski; Tracy Morgan, who has made homophobic jokes; and Johnny Weir, who came out publicly after achieving figure skating fame, for Jaguar’s Chill Event on Aug. 17 in NYC. Photo: Amanda Schwab/Startraks

Camila Alves, who is pregnant with her third child, takes hold of her tots, Levi, 4, and Vida, 2, after leaving a doctor’s appointment in Santa Monica, Calif. on Aug. 16. Photo: AKM-GSI

Gabby Douglas does the red carpet just as well as the uneven bars while attending a post-show event for “America’s Got Talent” on Aug. 15.

Camila Alves shows off her pregnancy curves at the Nylon Guys party in Santa Monica on Aug. 15.

Viola Davis looks beautiful in a white sheath dress while attending the Teachers Rock benefit in L.A. on Aug. 15.

Rihanna arrives at Tokyo Narita airport on Aug. 15 to perform in Japan over the weekend.

Jordin Sparks rocks a fiery peplum ensemble to the premiere of Sparkle in NYC on Aug. 14.

Kelly Rowland attends the David Jones 2012/13 season launch in Sydney on Aug. 14.

Halle Berry looks a little sauced after celebrating her birthday at Little Door club with fiance Olivier Martinez, Salma Hayek, and Francois-Henri Pinault on Aug. 14.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Gabby Douglas share some laughs with Jay Leno on his late-night talk show on  Aug. 13.

Soon-to-be parents Tamera Mowry-Housley and Adam Housley are positively glowing at their baby shower, where she also threw him an impromptu birthday celebration on Aug. 12.

Jennifer Hudson mismatches a pair of studded loafers with a pink mini dress while attending Apollo in the Hamptons event in East Hampton, N.Y. on Aug. 11.

Kerry Washington strikes a pose in a fun Dior frock while attending the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Installation Luncheon in Beverly Hills on Aug. 9.

Khloe Kardashian-Odom dons a leather dress to celebrate InStyle magazine at a party in California on Aug. 9.

Ciara and photographer Yu Tsai share a photo on Instagram on Aug. 9.

Olympian Allyson Felix celebrates after winning the gold medal for the 200-meter race on Aug. 8. Photo: Getty Images

RELATED: Olympic Runner Allyson Felix Finally Wins Gold In The 200-Meter Race

Tyra wears a slinky dress to The Cinema Society special screening of 2 Days in New York at Landmark Sunshine Cinema in NYC on Aug. 8. Photo: Getty Images

Brandy performs at the MDA Show of Strength held at CBS Television City in L.A. on Aug 8. Photo: Getty Images

RELATED: Brandy’s Comeback Begins

Estelle poses with manager Kevin Liles at Rosa Regale’s “Wonderful Life” performance series, during which the singer gave an intimate performance, at The Darby in NYC on Aug. 7.

Kim Kardashian photographs her favorite subject while wearing a pair of Celine leather sweats, a Helmut Lang top, and $6,0000 Guiseppe Zanotti booties designed by Kanye West on Aug. 7.

Spike Lee gives us a wry smile as he poses with his wife Tonya Lewis Lee and their children at the premiere for his film Red Hook Summer on Aug. 6 in NYC.

Harry Belafonte poses with his Life Achievement Award at the 65th Locarno Film Festival in Locarno, Switzerland on Aug. 6. Photo: Getty Images

RELATED: Belafonte: Jay-Z, Beyonce ‘Turned Their Back on Social Responsibility’

Lance Gross hits up 2 Chainz‘s listening party at Tree Sound Studios in Norcross, GA on Aug. 6.

Drake and guest Nicki Minaj rock the stage at Toronto’s third annual OVO Fest at Molson Amphitheater on Aug. 5.

Someone actually hired Joseline Hernandez of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” to host a party at Atlanta’s Mansion Elan on Aug. 4. Of course her side-kick Stevie J. was there too.

Robert Townsend, Melanie Fiona, and Laz Alonso on August 3rd at the Studio Museum of Harlem where Alonso was announced as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Lauren Perdue poses with fellow Olympian Lebron James in an Instagram. She started a firestorm after tweeting that Lebron had asked her to dinner, which really turned out to be an invitation to the dining hall.

Ray J poses with his new boss Rickey Smiley, who will star in a TV One sitcom loosely based on his life alongside Ray J, on Aug. 1 at the Beverly Hilton, the same hotel in which Ray J’s former lover Whitney Houston died.

The standard of beauty has reached a new height. Literally.

Leanie van der Vyver, an artist from South Africa, and Dutch shoe designer René van den Berg have created what could be considered the most painfully awkward heels of all time, appropriately named “Scary Beautiful.” But according to Yahoo!’s Shine, these seemingly impossible shoes were made to spread a deeper message.

Related: Yay Or Nay? Chanel’s Hula Hoop Bag [PHOTOS]

“After working in fashion for seven years, and therefore being well aware of the manipulation images in fashion suffer for a perfect result, I still compare myself to them and other current beauty ideals,” Van der Vyver said. ”My frustration with my own inability to overcome these feelings of inadequacy was what brought ‘Scary Beautiful’ into fruition.”

The shoes, which were nominated for a design prize at her academy in Amsterdam, were a part of her graduation project in conjunction with her thesis. Van der Vyver concluded that people are not satisfied with their appearances so, in search of perfection, fashion and beauty standards have reached a climax.

Related: The Chic Guide: Sound Off With These Military Elements

“Humans are playing God by physically and metaphorically perfecting themselves,” she told Shine. “[...] Scary Beautiful challenges current beauty ideals by inflicting an unexpected new beauty standard.”

Van der Vyver said her unique heels were sent to Lady Gaga for an upcoming video, but there is no word on if the singer put them to use.

Courtesy of Clutch

Robert Brown and Nathanael Gay are brave.

The couple, which tied the knot last month in a beautiful ceremony at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, decided to share their precious moment with the world and posted a video of the celebration on YouTube. The video is quickly going viral and racking up spirited comments across various social networks.

As I watched the too-cute video, I felt conflicted about it being shared on social media. While I commended the two for being so open and marveled at how in love they looked, I felt sad for them because I knew the backlash would be vicious.

Catch the video over at Clutch…

The Houston family reality show has finally arrived.

In Lifetime’s new 14-episode series, The Houstons: On Our Own will follow the family as they move past the devastating loss of music icon Whitney Houston. The show features 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina, her grandmother Cissy Houston, uncle Gary Houston, aunt Pat Houston and cousin Rayah Houston.

Nick Gordon, the much-talked-about family friend, is also expected to make appearances.

Related: Bobbi Kristina Fires Shots At Wendy Williams On Twitter: “I Laugh At Clowns”

“What we’re doing is a show with respect to her family. We love these people,” producer Wanda Shelley told MTV’s RapFix. “We’ve had a relationship with them for over eight years. And as producers who have been close to the family, including being invited to birthday celebrations, family dinners and events celebrating milestones in their lives, we set out to be respectful and to present their journey in the proper way. Because remember their journey is about moving forward as a family after her death. And they’re a family simple as that. And they have to deal with everything that goes along with being a family.”

On Our Own will premiere Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.

The presidential election is less than one month away, and both President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are hitting the campaign trail hard. Shaking hands. Spouting grandiose rhetoric. Kissing babies. Well, maybe not. Nonetheless, a fundamental element of presenting oneself as the head of state, well, at least sartorially speaking, is maintaining an appearance of humility–even if the price tag on one’s footwear is equal to a monthly car note. And so, the clothing selections are intelligently inconspicuous and carefully controlled. In other words–painfully dull. Nevertheless, the executive branch is unapologetically indicative of executive attire–conservative, simple, and understated. Want to dress like the commander-in-chief? Here is how to command the necessary style.

Your starting point–the unblemished, dark navy suit. Nothing garish. Nothing gaudy. Devoid of pinstripes, checks, or any other embellishing pattern because the simplicity of a navy suit grants a distraction-free presentation. And that allows the focal point of attention to be you. Just as it should be. Oh, stick with a single breasted, two button option, minus the ticket pockets and severely narrow lapels.

Hickey Freeman Mahogany Collection Navy Suit, $1,495

Maybe Pres. Obama is reelected and commences his second term strutting around in cutaway collars and rocking Windsor knots. Perhaps Governor Romney scores an upset and peacocks around in bold butcher stripes and contrast stitching. But, until that fateful day arrives, the standard continues to be the solid white or blue dress shirt with a semi-spread or point collar.

Ike Behar White Dress Shirt, $135

Running the country is serious business. Therefore, your necktie selections should be humorless and free of ironic wit. One can’t go wrong with a plain, solid necktie woven of silk. Four-in-hand knots only please.

Hugo Boss Solid Navy Necktie, $115

However, a little–very little–pattern is acceptable. Opt for a small repeating micro pattern that affords the appearance of a solid necktie when observed from a distance. And we would be remiss if we did not mention your color options: red, blue, or burgundy. That’s pretty much it.

Ermenegildo Zegna Silk Woven Necktie, $195

Here is the only time that a gentleman can embrace a big pattern … sort of. Stripes are permitted only if they are endowed with a subtle, workmanlike presence. Again, nothing too audacious and nothing too whimsical.

Brooks Brothers Silk Repp Necktie, $79.50

Trust, we wholeheartedly understand your affection towards elaborate brogue detailing, sweeping wingtip overlays, and more recently, dressier kicks dipped in a caldron of rainbow elegance. However, gentlemen with considerable political stature can’t hit the stage in blue wingtips with a contrasting yellow sole. No, your shoe of choice arrives in basic black with a discreet cap toe. And we do mean discreet.

Church’s Leather Oxford Shoes, $465

Courtesy of Loop 21

A study conducted in Germany by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has found that the desire to check social media networks like Twitter and Facebook is stronger than the desire for sex.

People who ranged in age from 18 to 85 participated in the poll, which took place over a week. Participants checked in with researchers using smartphones to update them on cravings.

Continue reading at Loop 21

[Image via Shutterstock]

Courtesy of EURWeb

So, since Tyler Perry has decided to venture outside of himself to expand his career as an actor, he’s been the butt of a few jokes … no pun intended (you’ll see).

The Atlanta-based filmmaker plays the leading role in “Alex Cross,” based on the popular book series.

While he’s yet to build up a rapport as a decent actor, Jay Leno found something more important … his backside.

Yes, “The Tonight Show” host focused on Tyler’s butt during an interview recently.

Continue reading at EURWeb

Are we feeling The Huxtables 2.0?

Clifford ”T.I.” Harris, wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and their beautiful children recently recreated the image of the iconic family in a photo shoot for In Touch, on newsstands now. Since the debut of their hit VH1 reality show, the comparisons between the two keep rolling in– and T.I.’s not complaining.

Related: Bravo! 15 Celebs Channeling Cultural Icons [PHOTOS]

“It’s flattering, though I like to think of us as a unique piece of our society,” the rapper told the magazine. “The Huxtables are more conservative, older and from a different environment. But we share unity, strength and prominence.”

Much like Huxtables, T.I. said with a house full of kids– whose ages range from 4 to 16– there’s never a dull moment.

Related: Days And Nights With…T.I.

“It’s chaotic– but if it wasn’t, it’d be boring!” he said.

Flip the page to check out another photo of the Harris clan!

Photos courtesy of Alex Martinez/In Touch

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

It didn’t take long for the “It’s Complicated (But It Doesn’t Have to Be)” book tour’s momentous, if not obligatory stop in Brooklyn Wednesday night to begin to feel like a TED Talk, those enormously popular eighteen-minute-max oral presentations on culture, innovation and technology.

The all-around good guy, life coach, matchmaker and now author Paul Carrick Brunson was the evening’s gracious host; talks from different presenters on tackling fear and rejection and the importance of hard work were appropriate and mostly devoid of the kind of self-aggrandizement wont to fill a room full of young, single college-educated blacks. It was Brunson’s grandest achievement of the night; he seems always grounded in suave, self-assured deprecation. And if it doesn’t get him the movie he wants, even The Mustachioed Former Comic That Shall Not Be Named has a talk show.

Brunson met with BlackEnterprise.com in a cramped room in back of the cavernous hall, where sisters in cocktail dresses sipped not-so-gently on a drink called The Matchmaker (Hov-approved VSOP cognac, D’USSÉ, was a sponsor). Almost exactly two minutes into our conversation, one of his female assistants interrupted, incredulous over some pressing issue so urgent, she politely asked that the interview be paused. The emergency? A guy said he’d talked to Brunson about a free book for a give away contest.

Continue reading at Black Enterprise

Courtesy of The Frisky

This picture you see before you is Apryl Michelle Brown, who lost all four of her limbs from infections caused by unlicensed butt injections she received from a “pumper.”  ”Pumpers” — who sometimes claim to be doctors — take advantage of oftentimes low-income women who are looking for cheaper plastic surgery by pumping their posteriors with materials which they claim are similar to what you’d get in a plastic surgeon’s office for a fraction of the price. In reality, “pumpers” use Krazy Glue, sealant and cement and have sent numerous customers to the hospitals.

Continue reading at The Frisky