George Lucas was short-changed in his proposed $4 billion deal with Disney to acquire LucasFilm and the “Star Wars” franchise. At least Samuel L. Jackson thinks so.

Ever outspoken, Jackson didn’t hesitate to speak up about the business deal in an impromptu interview with TMZ. The “Clone Wars” star outright said Lucas “got cheated.” TMZ paparazzo attempted to make a case for Disney saying, “That’s a lot of money!” To which Jackson replied, “It’s not a lot of money to some people.”

If Jackson wants to reprise his “Star Wars” role, perhaps it is best to keep his opinions to himself. But then again, has he ever?

Disney announced that Lucas will be kept as a creative consultant for “Episode 7” and future Star Wars sequels. Lucas also said if the deal goes through, he plans to donate most of the profit to charity. Either way, it looks like a win-win situation to us Sam.

by Charles D. Ellison

There’s been a lot of talk about the dog whistle lately.

What is that? As you know, dog whistles are silent to humans, but breaking-sound-barrier piercing to the ear drums of lovable canines. In the context of the election, dog whistles are also great racial signal tools and red flags that bigots use to get the word out about specific candidates of color.

We’ve been seeing a lot of that lately: dog whistling. Some of it very hard to hear or detect. Some of it a bit louder, like when you put your fingers in your mouth and whistle your pit bull “Killa” back from digging for bones in your neighbor’s yard. Those we can hear.

As this virtual Civil War of an election rages on, the racial dog whistles have become much more intense. Once it’s all said and done, the text books will collectively agree that it beat the 2008 election. Back then, we couldn’t imagine an election as brazenly bigot blow-harding as that one. But, of course, it was the first time we could actually see a Black president being elected. This was uncharted territory; who knew? Even White people were caught up in it, adding to the historically low polling numbers that were George Bush. It presented a sign of just how bad things were, recession looming. That’s how bad it was. Symbolically, bring the “negro” in to do the hard work. To shovel our national ish, so to speak. Better he get dirty – plus, he just looked more fit (mentally and physically) than the senior citizen Republican nominee at the time.

With many making that leap and feeling confident enough to make a cheery “post-racial” assessment, 2012 is an easier blow on the dog whistle.

We see it in the way President Obama has affected the sensibilities of old White men.

Something about him just makes them, especially the richer ones, fly over the cuckoo’s nest. From Donald Trump’s incessant and purely obsessive birther quest to former Gov. John Sunnunu’s constant play with racial fire. Even General Electric founder and Big Business Oz Jack Welch couldn’t resist – the sight of a nearly 80 year old man going tea party ballistic about on Twitter was classic. Others, from bored billionaires like Sheldon Adelson to obscure Hungarian-born investment magnate Thomas Peterffy paying for his own national television ads where he narrates that Obama is “tak[ing] away the wealth that helps us take care of the needy.”

There’s a fantastical, amazingly comical Rudyard Kipling from-the-dead quality to all of this. But, what’s more striking is how White Republicans have suddenly become much more comfortable in embracing a certain “Blackness.” They’ve made it fashionable to appear victimized by racism. Talking about race these days, in fact, comes easier to White Republican and conservative partisans than even our Black President, who avoids the conversation like a plague. In another universe, you’d think it would be the other way around given how much the topic has preoccupied every waking minute of our existence.

Instead, White Republicans, from elected officials to prominent Tea Party activists, seem perfectly comfortable with waxing whiny records about race, racism and bigotry. Foul calls over “reverse racism” are plenty to the point where they don’t even call it “reverse racism” – which is now very ‘90s. Instead, it’s just plain “racism”: Don’t let Common, Maya Angelou or Rev. Al Sharpton show up at the White House because, according to many White Republicans looking to crack the racial fault line, that’s the President digging into his inner-“racist.” When Black Republican and former Bush Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed the Black President a second time around (clearly looking to distance himself further from the Iraq debacle he helped engineer), Gov. Sununnu felt it was a moment of “race” chumming. The President had graduated from “paling around with terrorists” to “shucking and jiving” with his nuckas on the corner – at the expense of about three quarters of the U.S. population.

It wasn’t so much the comment, it was the very effortless way in which he and others said it. As if the GOP, faced with a slow-crawl descent into demographic irrelevance, is casting itself for feature roles in a remake of the 1995 Harry Belafonte meets John Travolta flick “White Man’s Burden” in which the planet plunges into a mysterious world of Black Supremacy and oppressed White people. Perhaps it was a wishful thinking Rush Limbaugh who took Executive Production credits; or maybe just a weed-smoking Hollywood geek who one day did a “What If?” when he wound up in South Central Los Angeles with a flat tire.

What is happening is this weird push to crash through the boundaries of the “post-racial” narrative the White-privilege social construct wants – so badly – to pimp. Like when Kathy Tavoularis, the Executive Director of the California Delegation to the GOP Convention, slammed Democratic Congressional candidate Alan Lowenthal for making a “racist” statement when he said at a recent campaign rally that Orange County was “no longer just White people.” Tavoularis took offense and blasted Lowenthal, fuming with faux outrage.

But, in all honesty, the OC isn’t just White people. Last time I was there, it was a lot of other folk – including me (who was born there) – walking around. That’s just fact. So, how did it get “racist?”

There’s quite a few examples running about of official Republican mouthpieces with foot-in-racial-mouth-disease. Take Nevada GOP Congressional candidate Danny Tarkanian who went off on Black Democratic candidate Steven Horsford, the state’s Senate Majority Leader, and accused him of “pretend[ing] we’re black and maybe try to get some votes if that’s where it is.” This was Tarkanian’s rebound from earlier comments about knowing Black voters better because he was point guard and captain for the UNLV basketball team. Go figure.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, who’s backing Horsford hard as one of their “rising stars,” has been eager to put the tell-all out there about Tarkanian’s tea party foible. “After getting results for working families in the Nevada State Legislature, Steven Horsford can now fight for them in Washington as Nevada’s first African American Congressman,” was the official response from DCCC spokesperson Krystal Glass to UPTOWN. But, other observers – even a few Republican strategists – off-record, were showering Tarkanian with unprintable, un-family-friendly slanders and a consensus-driven “WTF, dude?”

Race and the racial conversation is getting blurred by the white noise of White Republicans staking claim to victimhood and Fear of a Black Planet. Mouthy Black Republicans looking for a TV camera hit, such as Rep. Allen West (FL) and soon-to-be-elected Mia Love in Utah, give them lots of room to have at it. Ultimately, it confuses the discussion and makes it gimmicked rather than fruitful. But, even more distressing is that it ruins the very definition of what true racism is as idiocy creates the impression that it’s all words, insults and jokes when it’s really a 400-year old institution that ruined many lives and still presents real challenges for millions more today. And it’s not funny.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist and widely known expert on politics, campaigns, crisis communications and media based in Washington, D.C. He is a Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and Host of “Showdown 2012” on SiriusXM satellite radio POTUS Channel 124 every Thursday 7-9pm ET. He can be reached on Twitter @charlesdellison.

The woman accusing Ceelo Green of sexual battery claims to have a secret recording in which he admits to slipping her a drug – possibly Ecstasy – and having sex with her.

According to TMZ, the woman claims the 38-year-old judge on “The Voice”–born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway–brought her to a downtown L.A. restaurant in July, where they had a drink.

According to the police report, the accuser says she remembers nothing about their encounter, except later waking up lying naked in a bed with Green.

LAPD police have questioned restaurant staffers about the alleged incident. After filing a police report, detectives also had the woman tape “a call in which she tried to get Green admit to a crime,” according to the New York Daily News.

TMZ reports claim that on the recording, Green repeatedly apologizes and mentions MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. Allegedly, Green also states he thought the drug would make their evening better. Although, he never mentions slipping anything into her drink.

Firing back, a lawyer for the popular “Forget You” singer says the woman only went to police after hiring a civil lawyer and having her request for money denied.

“Nothing ever happened there or anywhere else,” Green told TMZ in an interview on Wednesday.

Gwen Stefani and No Doubt removed their new video, “Looking Hot,” from the internet this week after claims from the Native American community that the video is racist.

The video was filmed for the new single from their latest album, Push And Shove. In the video, Gwen Stefani is dressed as a stereotypical Indian–headdress, feathers and all. She dances around teepees and fights cowboys in the Wild West.

With November being Native American Heritage Month, awareness was heightened.

Stefani and No Doubt posted the following statement on the No Doubt official website explaining their views on the video:

“As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history.

“Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people. This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately. The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness.

“We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.”

– No Doubt

By Bernard Jai

Whether you’ve admired his futuristic clothing choices, grown to respect the beautiful dissonance of his unique R&B sound, or felt a certain way about the pyretic sexual innuendo in his lyrics, you can bet it all that Miguel is a sure thing. After signing with Jive Records in 2007, he wrote hits for other artists, including Usher, Asher Roth, and Musiq Soulchild. He then released his 2010 debut, All I Want Is You; was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for cowriting Jaheim’s “Finding My Way Back”; and raised the bar with this year’s well-received mixtape series Art Dealer Chic. Now, the mysterious musician is stargazing on another level with his highly anticipated sophomore project, Kaleidoscope Dream.

Eyes Wide Shut: While Miguel’s progressive, critically acclaimed bow earned him unanimous praise, with Kaleidoscope, the Los Angeles native is now forging a new path. “I wasn’t afraid [with] this project. Yes, there are expectations, but I also have an obligation to say what’s on my mind and what’s happening in my life.”

Gettin’ High: The new album represents the fantasies Miguel believes are channeled through dreams. “Dreams represent the truest form of freedom we can experience, totally unrepressed and totally creative. People ask if I am on drugs. Nope. I am just dreaming.”

Lil’ Freak: Boasting fever-inducing dirty talk on tracks like “How Many Drinks,” “Arch & Point,” and “P**** Is Mine,” the Mexican-African- American singer seems in possession of a severe case of machismo. But he sees things a little differently. “It’s about being gutsy,” he says. “I’ve gotten more comfortable with myself. The boldest thing I did was record it. Period.”

Some Nerve: Even with unabashed confidence, “Mig-Money” admits that he’s nervous. “I’ve mixed genres, chords, and concepts on this album. But I’ve tapped into a new creative place, and I hope everyone is willing to blast off to that place with me.”

By Aydrea Walden

When it comes to getting into a relationship, there are a lot of things we say are important, but really aren’t. It doesn’t make much difference if both parties love the exact same hobbies or food. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker if someone comes from a big family and someone comes from a small one. And if you’re thinking of kicking your date to the curb because you like “Homeland,” but they’re more of a “Boardwalk Empire” person, then you’re probably just not that into them in the first place.

There are some things, however, that are extremely important to be honest (with yourself) about before deciding whether to move forward or move on. There’s no right or wrong stance on these issues, but there should definitely be agreement before someone puts a ring on it.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Kids.

Whether you want them or you don’t is totally fine. What’s not fine is pretending to be ready to have them when you’re not at all or saying that you’re fine remaining childless when you’re dying to hear the pitter patter of little feet. Kids aren’t something you can quickly change your mind about like a duvet comforter, dinner plan, or cell phone. Heck, even a zip code can be an easier thing to change than your mind about becoming a parent or not. It doesn’t matter how awesome someone is, if you two are at odds about procreating, you might want to step away before you reach an impregnable impasse.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Lifestyle.

Spendthrift or miser, playgirl or pauper, world traveler or homebody, how you choose to spend your life is your business … until you want someone to share that life with you. How you spend your money, what you spend your money on, and how much you have to spend in the first place are incredibly personal choices and can tear a relationship apart if they’re not in sync. You don’t both have to love the same Rolexes or want to live in the same cardboard box, but you should both want the same standard of living. Otherwise, you may end up driving someone into debt, or driving them away from your tent and wide-open spaces.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Religious beliefs, practices, and tolerance.

Most people don’t believe what they do because they happened upon someone who gave them a convincing argument–beliefs and faiths are long-held, steeped in tradition, and probably began eons before you met your lovely. Not that your nights together aren’t heavenly, but your love may not change their faith. And if not believing the same thing is a deal breaker, consider this deal broken.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Communication ability.

Some people argue to gain understanding, learn about each other, and reach solutions. Some people fight for fun. Some folks value a strong, but civil discussion, other people need to yell to be heard. If you find that you and your better half aren’t getting to know each other better after a disagreement, then you might want to find a new half. Being able to communicate effectively about both the good and bad things is paramount for a good pairing.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Sex.

It’s totally OK if you want it all the time, but if you do, don’t try to be coy and say you don’t. Likewise, if you really aren’t that interested in bumping uglies, don’t try to be cool and profess your predilection for passion. Differences in sex drives can lead to all sorts of unintended insults. If you want it significantly more than your partner, they may end up feeling used. If you want it significantly less, they may feel rejected. Before getting too invested, take your temperatures and see if you’re generating similar amounts of heat.

Oh, and if you have some super particular fetish, don’t pretend that you don’t really wanna be peed on. No one wants to be surprised with that ish on their wedding day.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

In today’s link round-up: The Statue of Liberty is closed indefinitely due to Sandy, Gabby Douglas graces the cover of ESSENCE and much more!

Huffington Post
Obama Has ‘Modest Lead’ Over Romney: Final Pew Poll
The final stretch…

EURweb
Denzel’s Oscar Buzz For ‘Flight’ Tempered By Online Boycott Threat
Despite the awards buzz, Washington’s latest film has some fans protesting its content.

VIBE.com
Hurricane Sandy Causes Statue Of Liberty To Close Down Indefinitely
In the coming weeks, officials will assess the damage to the national monument.

Hello Beautiful
Gabby Douglas Covers ESSENCE ‘Women Of The Year’ Issue [PHOTOS]
The double issue also features the beautiful Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter, Sanya Richards-Ross and Ms. Gabby.

Madame Noire
The (B)Romance Is Over: 50 Cent & Floyd Mayweather Have Severed Ties…And Its  Getting Ugly
The former friends have been duking it out…on Twitter. How tough.

The Frisky
The Best “Obama Calling” GIFs And Memes
A little Monday laughter.

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Being politically correct in the style department no longer requires a power suit. Check out Michelle Obama’s finest fashion moments…

1. Ballin!

The Obamas’ first dance at the Inauguration Ball couldn’t light a candle to the haute off-the-shoulder Jason Wu chiffon gown Michelle twirled in. Though Beyoncé serenaded the power couple with her own rendition of Etta James’ “At Last,” all eyes were on Mrs. O.

Hollywood vet Eddie Murphy was the man of the hour as several of his famous friends made their way to the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday night to honor the actor at Eddie Murphy: One Night Only.

Walking side-by-side with his newest piece of arm candy, model Paige Butcher, Murphy told reporters he didn’t know what to expect upon entering the event but was gracious for the tribute.

Related: Murphy’s Law

“When you get an honor like this, you feel like an old person,” he joked.

Martin Lawrence, Arsenio Hall, Holly Robinson Peete, Jamie Foxx and several other superstar pals were in attendance to recognize Murphy’s incredible career, as well as celebrate the 30th anniversaries of Delirious and 48 Hrs.

Related: Star Clique

Eddie Murphy: One Night Only will air Wednesday, Nov. 14 on Spike TV.

Check out all the red carpet arrivals after the jump!

MARTIN LAWRENCE

REBECCA KING-CREWS & TERRY CREWS

CHARLIE MURPHY

ARSENIO HALL

ANIKA NONI ROSE

KEENEN IVORY WAYANS

SAMUEL L. JACKSON

THE ROOTS

TRACY MORGAN & TANISHA HALL

HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE

WAYNE BRADY

CRAIG ROBINSON

BRANDON T. JACKSON

BARRY BONDS

SUGAR RAY LEONARD

SHANE MOSLEY

STEVIE WONDER

CHRIS ROCK

JAMIE FOXX

Brandy is keeping the comeback train on track with the second single from her sixth studio album Two Eleven. And after showing us how to “Put It Down,” we’re ready for phase two.

On Sunday, the 33-year-old songstress released her visual for the feel-good hit “Wildest Dreams,” inspired by her newfound love Ryan Press. Brandy recently shared her excitement for the couple’s future with UPTOWN.

“I expect the best of the future for us,” she said. “He’s an amazing man.”

Check out Brandy as she breaks it down in front of a group of her most dedicated fans.

Courtesy of EURweb

Many of us forget that President Obama is partly caucasian, but not Chris Rock! He figures that white people are turning out in droves for Mitt Romney because he’s white.  Well, he just wants them to know that he has the best white candidate for them…in case they forgot.

Rock makes his case that Barack Obama is the best white candidate saying that President Barack Obama was raised as “Barry Obama” for the first part of his life, which is the third whitest name after Cody and Jeff.  He wears mom jeans, he body surfs, he even came in the black community to help organize when black people don’t come to the community to organize, “they’re already there.”

Catch the video over at EURweb…

Courtesy of The Frisky

If you watched the Hurricane Sandy relief telethon and texted $10 to the Red Cross when Bruce rocked or Christina crooned, then you are certainly not alone. The telethon raised $23 million dollars for Sandy’s victims. But some of you may be wondering how you can do more. And you may want to know that your money is really going to the victims. I’ve been following the storm’s aftermath very intensely, as many of the areas right around me are devastated.

Continue at The Frisky…

While attending the Mobo Awards in Liverpool this past weekend, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas revealed plans to release their first album in ten years which is sure to excite TLC fans worldwide. It’s been more than a decade since the tragic death of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, but the duo said they are ready to hit the studio once again.

Related: TLC’s T-Boz Lands New Reality Show

“We’re going to still sound like TLC, evolving to whatever level we need to be at this time,” Watkins said on Saturday. When asked about how they would fit into the modern pop scene, the 42-year-old singer said she has full confidence that TLC can adjust to the current music climate.

“We’ve always grown throughout the years and have always had our own sound. That’s what works for us and we don’t have to worry about anybody else,” she added. “When that stops working, maybe we’ll hang up the towel, but that still works.”

In addition to new music, the group is also preparing to head out on tour with the possibility of an appearance from Left Eye. In the form of a hologram, of course.

Related: You Loved Them Then! Where Are They Now?!

“The hologram is something we talked about and thought about years ago, obviously timing is everything but we’re definitely talking about it,” Thomas told the U.K.’s Metro. “It will be hard on us but I certainly think out fans would love to see it. We would definitely be the first group to ever do it.”

In the meantime, TLC is also keeping busy with production on the group’s television movie for VH1.

Rita Ora leaves Wise Buddha radio station in London on Nov. 5.

Never one to be without his arm candy, Eddie Murphy grabs a coffee with Paige Butcher in Studio City, Calif. on Nov. 5.

Nicole Richie goes flapper-chic for the first annual Baby2Baby Gala at The BookBindery in Culver City, Calif. on Nov. 3.

Jennifer Hudson looks stunning in a white lace Dolce & Gabbana number just before performing at the Atlantis Live Concert series for Sir Sidney Poitier in the Bahamas on Nov. 3.

Russell Simmons and his latest arm candy Hana Nitsche attend the “Inspired: A Night with Russell Simmons,” hosted by Mercy for Animals, at Ink 48 Hotel in NYC on Nov. 3.

Mary J. Blige performs at the taping for NBC’s Coming Together Relief Benefit for Hurricane Sandy in NYC on Nov. 2.

Kevin Hart and his girlfriend Eniko Parrish attend BET’s wrap party for “Hollywood Husbands” at the Supper Club in Hollywood on Nov. 2.

Nicki Minaj shows the world what she looks like pared down while arriving at her London hotel after a concert on Oct. 31.

Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Chris Christie meet with New Jersey residents affected by Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 31.

Emeli Sande attends the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at the Claridge Hotel in London on Oct. 31.

Floyd Mayweather attends the season opener for the LA Lakers Vs. the Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center in LA on Oct. 30.

LeToya Luckett attends an early vote rally for the Obama/Biden campaign at North Carolina Central University on Oct. 29.

RELATED: Forward: A Who’s Who Of Celebrities On The Obama Campaign Trail [PHOTOS]

Kelly Rowland enjoys a snack while on her way to have lunch at Jack N Jill’s restaurant in LA with a friend on Oct. 29. Photo: Splash/WENN

Kimora Lee Hounsou and her brood of three, Ming Lee Simmons, Aoki Lee Simmons, and Kenzo Lee Hounsou, hit up a pumpkin patch in LA on Oct. 29. Photo: Splash/WENN

Stacey Dash tweets a photo of her and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan at a press conference on Oct. 29. Photo: Twitter

Nicki Minaj gets lost on the step and repeat, and unveils her new MAC Viva Glam Lipglass at Selfridges in London on Oct. 29.

Diddy and his twin girls, Jesse James and D’Lila Star, enjoyed some wholesome Halloween fun at a pumpkin patch in LA on Oct. 28. He posted the pic on Instagram, saying, “I’m having more fun the the kids :) #halloween” Photo: Instagram

Dressed as a sexy Queen of Hearts, Christina Milian heads into Greystone Manor Very Special Hennessy Halloween fete on Oct. 28.

Chris Brown, looking rather surprised, hits up the Greystone Manor Halloween party too with ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran, who dressed appropriately as a geisha, on Oct. 28.

Meanwhile, Rihanna heads to the studio with Chris Brown‘s mom (in the blue blouse), Joyce Hawkins, on Oct. 26.

Hottie Shemar Moore salutes me, er, the paps as he heads into the doctor’s office in Beverly Hills on Oct. 25. Photo: INFphoto.com

Maxwell competes for dapper man of the night with Usher, who was honored at the second annual Pencils of Promise Gala at Guastavino’s in NYC, on Oct. 25.

Estelle was also on hand for the Pencils of Promise fete in NYC on Oct. 25.

Oprah wears slippers to the ABC Studios in NYC, where she was a guest host on “Good Morning America,” on Oct. 25. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Alicia Keys launches The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee interactive storytelling app at the Apple store in SoHo of NYC on Oct. 25. Photo: Nancy Rivera/ACE/INFphoto.com

Jennifer Hudson looks fabulous while attending the opening of the Versace SoHo store cocktail reception in NYC on Oct. 24 Photo: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Kelly Rowland performs during Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week at 751 D.Park Tank zone in Beijing on Oct. 24.

Common took a couple members of his team to the Staples Center in LA to catch the LA Lakers playing the LA Clippers on Oct. 24. Looks one of them is ready to party and the other brought work along.

Halle Berry received some support from her No. 2 fan, Olivier Martinez, at the Cloud Atlas premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in LA on Oct. 24.

Bobbi Kristina and her godbrother/boyfriend Nick Gordon attend the premier of “The Houstons: On Our Own” at the Tribeca Grand Hotel on Oct. 22. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com

RELATED: First Look: ‘The Houstons: On Our Own’ Supertrailer

Bond Girl Naomie Harris and Mr. Bond Daniel Craig attend the royal premiere of Skyfall on Oct. 22 in London. Photo: INFphoto.com

It looks like Jaleel White stuck with June Ambrose‘s style advice, as he walks around NYC on Oct. 22. Photo: JT/INFphoto.com

Too Short heads into BOA Steakhouse in LA on Oct. 21.

Carol’s Daughter owner Lisa Price and Cedric the Entertainer attend the American Family Insurance’s Dreams Protected Tour in Atlanta on Oct. 21.

A makeup-free Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo walk through the Grove in LA after seeing a movie onOct. 21.

Diddy shows no shame as he walks his LA neighborhood looking a bit scruffy the weekend of Oct. 20.

Alicia Keys makes an appearance on “106th & Park” in NYC on Oct. 19.

Seems Rihanna is trying to earn the moniker, “The Hardest Working Woman in Showbiz,” as she heads into an LA recording studio on Oct. 19. Photo: Larsen/Arshamian/INFphoto.com

Brandy enjoys the NYC night scene while in town to promote her new album Two Eleven on Oct. 18. Photo: Nancy Rivera/ACE/INFphoto.com

Tyra Banks and Rob Evans, her rumored beau and new “American’s Next Top Model” judge, attend the Flawsome Ball, which benefited TyTy’s TZONE charity, at Capitale in NYC on Oct. 18. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com

First Lady Michelle Obama makes an appearance on “Live with Kelly & Michael” in NYC on Oct. 17.

Chaka Khan performs at Tradgarn in Gothenburg, Sweden on Oct. 17.

Camille Winbush goes for a low-key look while shopping in Beverly Hills on Oct. 17

No one’s action star Tyler Perry tries to fit in with Bow Wow, Paigion, Shorty Da Prince, and Miss Mykie, while promoting Alex Cross on ’106th & Park” in NYC on Oct. 17.

Laila Ali lends her support to the 33rd Annual Salute To Women in Sports gala at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC on Oct. 17.

Gabrielle Douglas poses with her “Sportswoman of the Year” award at the 33rd Annual Salute To Women in Sports gala at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC on Oct. 17.

RELATED: Gabby Douglas Wins Sportswoman Of The Year

Singer VV Brown attends the Argo screening at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, during the 56th BFI London Film Festival, on Oct. 17. Photo: INFPhoto.com

NeNe Leakes proves her modeling background by “selling” her Hermes Birkin bag while dashing about NYC on Oct. 17. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Nick Cannon proves that there comes a time in every man’s life when he should relinquish his baggy sweats, while leaving Matsuhisa restaurant in Beverly Hills on Oct. 16.

NBA player John Wall also shares Cannon’s dilemma while making moves through NYC’s SoHo neighborhood on Oct. 16.

Always the reluctant natural hair spokesperson, Solange rocks straight hair to the American Ballet Theatre 2012 Gala at the New York City Center and dinner at The Pierre Hotel in NYC on Oct. 16. Photo: Billy Farrell Agency

RELATED: Solange Knowles Quits Carol’s Daughter

Condola Rashad looks gorgeous in an ivory gown at the American Ballet Theatre 2012 Fall Gala on Oct. 16. Photo: Billy Farrell Agency

Alek Wek shows off her model figure at the American Ballet Theatre 2012 Fall Gala on Oct. 16. Photo: Billy Farrell Agency

Dr. Dre greets a fan as he heads into his New York hotel on Oct. 16. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Girls-girl LaLa Anthony has a night out with Taraji P. Henson at Miss Lilly’s in NYC on Oct. 16. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Tyler Perry attends the premiere of Alex Cross at the Arclight Theater in LA on Oct. 15. Photo: INFPhoto.com

50 Cent hits up a signing at Virgin Megastore at Champs Elysees in Paris on Oct. 15. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Jennifer Lopez and her side-piece Casper Smart take her daughter Emme Anthony shopping in Paris on Oct. 15. One question: Where’s Max? Photo: INFPhoto.com

Leona Lewis does her best “I Dream of Jeannie” impersonation while signing copies of her album Glassheart at HMV Oxford Street in London on Oct. 15. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Reggie Bush and his pregnant girlfriend Lilit Avagyan watch their footing while leaving Prime Italian restaurant in Miami Beach on Oct. 14. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Bobbi Kristina and her beau Nick Gordon jumped into action to help a sick man who collapsed in an Alpharetta, Georgia parking lot on Oct. 13. Photo: INFPhoto.com

RELATED: Coupled Up: Bobbi Kristina & Nick Gordon’s Weird Relationship Will Play Out On TV

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.

Transcript of President Obama’s victory speech in Chicago. Source: Federal News Service (via NPR)

(Cheers, applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBERS: (Chanting.) Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. (Sustained cheers, applause.)

Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. (Cheers, applause.)

It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family, and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people. (Cheers, applause.)

Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.

(Cheers, applause.) I want to thank every American who participated in this election. (Cheers, applause.) Whether you voted for the very first time — (cheers) — or waited in line for a very long time — (cheers) — by the way, we have to fix that. (Cheers, applause.) Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone — (cheers, applause) — whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference. (Cheers, applause.)

Related: Boom! How Obama Sunk Romney’s Battleship

I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign. (Cheers, applause.) We may have battled fiercely, but it’s only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service. And that is a legacy that we honor and applaud tonight. (Cheers, applause.) In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.

(Cheers, applause.)

I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America’s happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden. (Cheers, applause.)

And I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. (Cheers, applause.) Let me say this publicly. Michelle, I have never loved you more. (Cheers, applause.) I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nation’s first lady. (Cheers, applause.)

Sasha and Malia — (cheers, applause) — before our very eyes, you’re growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom. (Cheers, applause.) And I am so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now, one dog’s probably enough. (Laughter.)

To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics — (cheers, applause) — the best — the best ever — (cheers, applause) — some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning.

(Cheers, applause.) But all of you are family. No matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together. (Cheers, applause.) And you will have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way — (cheers, applause) — to every hill, to every valley. (Cheers, applause.) You lifted me up the whole day, and I will always be grateful for everything that you’ve done and all the incredible work that you’ve put in. (Cheers, applause.)

I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics who tell us that politics is nothing more than a contest of egos or the domain of special interests. But if you ever get the chance to talk to folks who turned out at our rallies and crowded along a rope line in a high school gym or — or saw folks working late at a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, you’ll discover something else.

You’ll hear the determination in the voice of a young field organizer who’s working his way through college and wants to make sure every child has that same opportunity. (Cheers, applause.) You’ll hear the pride in the voice of a volunteer who’s going door to door because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant added another shift. (Cheers, applause.)

You’ll hear the deep patriotism in the voice of a military spouse who’s working the phones late at night to make sure that no one who fights for this country ever has to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home. (Cheers, applause.)

That’s why we do this. That’s what politics can be. That’s why elections matter. It’s not small, it’s big. It’s important. Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won’t change after tonight. And it shouldn’t. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty, and we can never forget that as we speak, people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter — (cheers, applause) — the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.

But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for America’s future.

We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers — (cheers, applause) — a country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation — (scattered cheers, applause) — with all of the good jobs and new businesses that follow.

We want our children to live in an America that isn’t burdened by debt, that isn’t weakened up by inequality, that isn’t threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet. (Cheers, applause.)

We want to pass on a country that’s safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this — this world has ever known — (cheers, applause) — but also a country that moves with confidence beyond this time of war to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity for every human being.

We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America open to the dreams of an immigrant’s daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag — (cheers, applause) — to the young boy on the south side of Chicago who sees a life beyond the nearest street corner — (cheers, applause) — to the furniture worker’s child in North Carolina who wants to become a doctor or a scientist, an engineer or an entrepreneur, a diplomat or even a president.

That’s the — (cheers, applause) — that’s the future we hope for.

(Cheers, applause.) That’s the vision we share. That’s where we need to go — forward. (Cheers, applause.) That’s where we need to go. (Cheers, applause.)

Now, we will disagree, sometimes fiercely, about how to get there. As it has for more than two centuries, progress will come in fits and starts. It’s not always a straight line. It’s not always a smooth path. By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won’t end all the gridlock, resolve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus and making the difficult compromises needed to move this country forward.

But that common bond is where we must begin. Our economy is recovering. A decade of war is ending. (Cheers, applause.) A long campaign is now over. (Cheers, applause.) And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have learned from you. And you’ve made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead. (Cheers, applause.)

Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual. (Cheers, applause.) You elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours.

And in the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together — reducing our deficit, reforming out tax code, fixing our immigration system, freeing ourselves from foreign oil. We’ve got more work to do. (Cheers, applause.)

But that doesn’t mean your work is done. The role of citizens in our democracy does not end with your vote. America’s never been about what can be done for us; it’s about what can be done by us together, through the hard and frustrating but necessary work of self-government. (Cheers, applause.) That’s the principle we were founded on.

This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on Earth, the belief that our destiny is shared — (cheers, applause) — that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, so that the freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights, and among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great. (Cheers, applause.)

I am hopeful tonight because I have seen this spirit at work in America. I’ve seen it in the family business whose owners would rather cut their own pay than lay off their neighbors and in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see a friend lose a job. I’ve seen it in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb and in those SEALs who charged up the stairs into darkness and danger because they knew there was a buddy behind them watching their back. (Cheers, applause.) I’ve seen it on the shores of New Jersey and New York, where leaders from every party and level of government have swept aside their differences to help a community rebuild from the wreckage of a terrible storm. (Cheers, applause.)

And I saw it just the other day in Mentor, Ohio, where a father told the story of his 8-year-old daughter whose long battle with leukemia nearly cost their family everything had it not been for health care reform passing just a few months before the insurance company was about to stop paying for her care. (Cheers, applause.) I had an opportunity to not just talk to the father but meet this incredible daughter of his. And when he spoke to the crowd, listening to that father’s story, every parent in that room had tears in their eyes because we knew that little girl could be our own.

And I know that every American wants her future to be just as bright. That’s who we are. That’s the country I’m so proud to lead as your president. (Cheers, applause.)

And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future. (Cheers, applause.) I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We got your back, Mr. President!

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the road blocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight. I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. (Cheers, applause.)

America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunities and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founding, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight. (Cheers, applause.) You can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.

(Cheers, applause.)

I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and forever will be, the United States of America. (Cheers, applause.)

And together, with your help and God’s grace, we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on earth. (Cheers, applause.) Thank you, America. (Cheers, applause.) God bless you. God bless these United States. (Cheers, applause.)

By Aydrea Walden

An affair can destroy a relationship, but it doesn’t have to. Yes, there may be feelings of pain, betrayal, humiliation and anger, but there can also be reconciliation. It can be a difficult road, but in some circumstances, a couple can move through an affair and have their relationship restored. Here’s how to know if you should think about forgiving the person who cheated on you or forgetting about them all together.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if your partner takes responsibility for their actions—if they own up to the act, apologize and understand the pain they caused.

Forget if they make excuses for why it happened, act like it wasn’t that big of a deal, or expect you to just get over it.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if your partner makes a commitment to stop seeing the person, even in friendly circumstances, who they had an affair with. This will not only reduce temptation, but it shows their respect for your feelings.

Forget if they say that it’s not a problem if they continue to see the person. It will be.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if they are willing to answer any questions you might have.

Forget if they tell you not to worry about the details. You don’t have an obligation to ask anything, but you do have a right to know what went on.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if they are willing to let you do what you need to heal—even if it’s something uncomfortable, like move to a different room or different apartment or house for a while, join a support group, or abstain from sexual intimacy for a period of time.

Forget if they expect you to get over it instantly.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if they remind you why they love you and are committed to you.

Forget if they tell you what was so great about the person they cheated on you with or what was so wrong with you.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Forgive if you can remember that people make mistakes, sometimes very big ones, and you’re willing to do the work to restore your relationship.

Forget if you will always hold the affair over your partner.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

by Charles D. Ellison

President Barack Obama was quickly dispatching Republican nominee Mitt Romney in a way that resembled somber cops at a yellow-taped crime scene telling rubber-necking bystanders: move along, nothing to see here.

Within a flash, Romney became painfully irrelevant. His hastily prepared, short concession speech was more like a board room Power Point presentation before weary investors. Rather than seize the moment for a chapter in the text book, MRom seemed fine with a foot note. He couldn’t reach the bar set by John McCain in his 2008 concession speech because there was none. The journey is complete. There is no political trajectory for the Republican party “standard bearer.” His political career is effectively shut down – no Senate seat to go back to. No Governor mansion waiting with open-armed staff, maids, butlers and cooks. Even Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan will have a Congressional seat to keep warm, and probably the same House Budget Committee chair.

While the prognosticators, eager for a nail-biter, kept painting an all-nighter narrative, the math just wasn’t there. Pollsters ruled the day, empirical Harry Potters who waved formulaic magic wands that didn’t lie. And with the Republican nominees continuing to poll poorly in their own home states, what made their flacks think they could pull out a popular vote nationwide?

Yes, the heads of many Obama-hating Republicans and White-rage posses of working class Southern and Midwestern voters collectively exploded on Tuesday night. This officially became the last election in which the White electorate could be the dominant electorate. But, we saw this coming. You can’t get away with a homogenous political party for too long while discounting the blatant population trends around you. And you can’t run a noisy ass primary as if the rest of the country isn’t watching.

Two main things happened here that contributed to the downfall of Mitt Romney. He primaried himself out of contention, allowing the fringe elements of his party to dictate the next thing that came out of his mouth. Unable to recover from his clumsy marriage to the right wing, Romney bumbled about through the spring and summer. He was like a teenager learning how to drive stick, wrecking the transmission with each raggedy gear shift. By the time he reached Tampa, the engine was falling out.

Meanwhile, Team Obama was able to successfully define Romney for the broader electorate while the Republican was busily plugging the leaks in his very White, very tax-cut obsessed base. They effectively set the contrast, Romney relegated to a Scroogy Bain-er, a flip flopping pathological liar who changed his tune as fast as you can flip radio stations. It was fashionable to now throw rhetorical eggs on the rich White guy, but he became uglier by virtue of the contradictions contained within his message.

This is why the all-nighter never arrived. This is why they couldn’t hit the numbers. Nothing complicated here. Nothing to see. Just a lot of talking heads on cable TV now staying up late to hear themselves talk.

By the last full week of campaigning, you could give your confident assessment of the electoral landscape. No longer could you avoid the question by faking on about how “tight it would be.” You could even wage a few dollars at any re-opened Atlantic City casino.

It was just getting too damn hard to beat Nate Silver’s analysis with anecdotal remote hopes based on the number of Romney/Ryan bumper stickers you would see during your morning commute. Folks like Sam Wang called it with neuroscientist precision. Mounting empirical evidence had been mounting for some time.

Related: President Obama’s Victory Speech [VIDEO & TRANSCRIPT]

[Photo credit: @BarackObama]
The fact that Romney was haphazardly shifting resources to reliably light blue spots like Pennsylvania and Minnesota was a master head fake exposed. Still, while the president returned to Chicago that final day, lounging over the returns and catching up on basketball, Romney was still frantically stumping through PA and Ohio in a junkie-like last-minute grab for votes. You could smell Mitt’s sense of inevitable loss.

The winner simply had more “pathways” in the final analysis. More groups and voting blocs to choose from. More colored Legos to build his ship with. Pundits were spinning wheels about the White vote as if it had been forgotten, but still mattered. Of course it did. But, we’re now at a point where it can’t do anything without other folks joining in – from women to a 10% Latino vote to a 13% Black vote to concentrated pockets of “special populations” in the states and districts that mattered. His 2012 coalition seemed to expand larger than his 2008.

Republicans also grossly overestimated their ability to use Voter ID laws and voter suppression tactics with strategic perfection. Clearly, the tables got turned, the blowback fierce. Once the Democratic Party apparatus finally caught on – after years of warnings from civil rights activists – the issue became an enormously helpful grassroots mobilization tool. That was as good a bogeyman as any rich White dude outsourcing jobs and making factory workers build their own firing stage. Threaten to take away an entire people’s voting rights, and hell was there to pay.

The president was consistent in his domination of the polls – for months. He began breaking the 50% ceiling, and week after week he dominated the “swing state” polls. Romney hit his ceiling during those two weeks between the 1st Denver debate and the 2nd Long Island debate. Momentum was gained from the President’s lackluster Denver performance because of the time afforded to the opposition to lambast him until the next debate. For two whole weeks they exploited vulnerabilities while simultaneously allowing the incumbent’s base to lament newfound bad fortunes.

In some respects, one could argue Obama calibrated debate #1: a calculated gamble to 1) let Romney speak his piece so he could surgically dismantle his contradictions and 2) get the left base so scared that they would be compelled to turn out. With Democratic voters getting overly comfortable with Obama’s pre-Denver poll standings, Democratic strategists worried about low turnout. Hence, the first debate may have been more a game changer in Obama’s favor than Romney’s.

Super storm Sandy, however, changed the game.

[Photo credit: @BarackObama]
The spigots opened up. An endorsement from The Economist within that same week seemed to say it all, a reflection of new confidence as he was granted the opportunity to look very presidential. To have a very center-right, pro-business magazine endorse the President when their very conservative readers revile him as a “European-style socialist” was like watching an alternate universe unfold.

But, it may have been New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s effusive bear-hugging of the President (when he really didn’t have to) that spoke volumes to a shifting political tide. Obviously, Christie is also working out a political calculus that explains his ambitions in 2013 and 2016. Yet, to a large degree, much of the electorate watched with awe as a highly respected Christie, immortalized by his keep-it-real style, seemed to endorse the President and fade away as a Romney surrogate.

In the end it was all about the brand. Running out of talking points, the Republican brand was just a bit too toxic to rise to the moment. You could see it in the downbeat, depressing campaign speeches about a broken America; folks wanted that locker room speech and, frankly, the GOP wasn’t giving it. That ultimately impacted Romney in ways we’ll still be assessing well into the 2014 midterm elections. It will take a long while for Republicans to accept, much less comprehend, the enormity of what just happened.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist and widely known expert on politics, campaigns, crisis communications and media based in Washington, D.C.  He is a Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and Host of “Showdown 2012” on SiriusXM satellite radio POTUS Channel 124 every Thursday 7-9pm ET.  He can be reached on Twitter @charlesdellison.

In today’s link round-up: Mariah Carey releases Obama tribute song, celebs attend the 22nd annual NAACP Theatre Awards and much more!

EBONY.com
The Firsts: Sweetest Obama Family Moments Ever [PHOTOS]
These shots will melt your heart.

EURweb
Rihanna Confirms New Chris Brown Duet ‘Nobodies Business’
The title says it all…

VIBE.com
Mariah Carey Releases Obama Tribute Song, “Bring It On Home”
The diva sends her congratulations to the President.

The YBF
Selita Ebanks, Eva Marcille, Jesse Williams And More At The 22nd Annual NAACP Theatre Awards
Great people. Good times. And fabulous fashions.

Hello Beautiful
VH1 Releases “Marrying The Game” Supertrailer [VIDEO]
It looks like the wedding really is on this time.

The Frisky
The 10 Most Ridiculous “As Seen On TV” Products For Sale At Your Local Drugstore
Lint Lizard, anyone?

Nothing is sweeter than the sound of “four more years.” Ask President Obama.

Related: President Obama’s Victory Speech [VIDEO & TRANSCRIPT]

As last night’s projections continued to roll in from key states such as Ohio and Iowa, the POTUS got the party started early with a series of tweets thanking the American people for their dedication and unwavering support.

“This happened because of you,” stated his official Twitter account. “We’re all in this together. That’s how we campaigned, and that’s who we are. Thank you.”

But it was Obama’s next message, a mere three words, that set the web ablaze and perfectly captured the incredible moment.

Within minutes, Obama took the top spot on Media Bistro’s All Twitter blog as the most retweeted tweet of all time, beating out Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and the King of 140 characters or less– Justin Bieber.

Of course, President Obama wasn’t the only person reveling in his success. Stars all across Hollywood chimed in with their excitement  and hope for the country’s future. Check out a few celebrity reactions from Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kerry Washington, Beyonce Knowles, LeBron James and more!

JILL SCOTT

“@missjillscott: Overjoyed!!!!! Thrilled & jubilant!!!![…] we must continue supporting. Much to do. I can breeeeeaaaarrtthhhhhheeeeeeee…….”

BEYONCE

“TAKE THAT MITCHES” (via Tumblr)

SPIKE LEE

“@SpikeLee: YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. WE DID IT. WE DID IT. 2nd Term For President Barack Obama For These United States Of America.GOD BLESS US ALL.”

RUSSELL SIMMONS

“@UncleRUSH: BIG NIGHT FOR A NEW AMERICA – WOMEN, LATINOS, GAYS, BLACKS, VETERANS, STUDENTS – ALL OF AMERICA. FORWARD”

TRACEE ELLISS ROSS

“@TraceeEllisRoss: People we did good! Congrats! Way to make our voice heard!”

KERRY WASHINGTON

“@kerrywashington: Wow! Wow! Wow! #Obama2012 YOU DID IT AMERICA! YOU DID IT!”

SAMUEL L. JACKSON

“@SamuelLJackson: A deep sigh of relief before celebration! Congratulations are in order for all who went out & worked & kept the faith & WOULD NOT BE DENIED!”

MARA BROCK AKIL & SALIM AKIL

“@AKILPRODUCTIONS: SO PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY!!! We #SHOWED UP!!! #OBAMA #4ANOTHER4″

ZOE SALDANA

“@zoesaldana: Barack Obama!!! The 44^th President of The United States of America. God bless America, once again!”

SOLANGE KNOWLES

“@solangeknowles: Yes. We. Can. Yes. We. Did. Obama 2012.”

LEBRON JAMES

“@KingJames: 2 terms!!!! Ohio u guys are the awesome #ObamaStillPrez […] Also everyone else who voted for hime as well!! U guys are powerful. Way to use it people.”

GABRIELLE UNION

“@itsgabrielleu: YES. WE. DID…AGAIN!!! #Obama2012 #Forward THANK YOU AMERICA!!!!!”

SANAA LATHAN

“@justsanaa: Yesssssssssssssss! Mr. Obama. Yessssssss!!”

OCTAVIA SPENCER

“@octaviaspencer: CRYING MY EYES OUT RIGHT NOW! AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL! #SoProudOfTeamObama and everyone that I got to meet on the ground!”

RIHANNA

“@rihanna: Put on in da air for the Prez!!!! Our dear Obama!”

MARY J. BLIGE

“@maryjblige: Congratulations Mr.President!!!! I was never worried and i never doubted you!!! God bless you!!! 4 more years!!!”

LL COOL J

“@llcoolj: Don’t call it a comeback he’s been here 4 years.”

JANELLE MONAE

“JanelleMonae: Tears of joy. President Obama has 4 more years. America has spoken. We believe in @BarackObama.”

DIDDY

“@iamdiddy: It feels even better the secoond [sic] time around!!!! #obama2012″

ANIKA NONI ROSE

“@AnikaNoniRose: In spite of more overt racism, sexism, nastiness, vitriolic stupidity than I’ve seen in my lifetime being spit out this year…WE WON!!”

CIARA

“@ciara: Im So Hapy I Can Say I Was A Part Of This! Ow!! #IBELIEVE!!”

AL SHARPTON

“@TheRevAl: Thank GOD, thank the people for a great day. Let’s move forward and finish the journey. [May] GOD bless our President.”

STEVE HARVEY

“@IamSteveHarvey: We Did it! We Stood Up & Showed Out! Your Vote does count! Now U know I got something to say tomorrow am- So Get Ready For the Ride #SHMS!”

AUDRA MCDONALD

“@AudraEqualityMc: Loving the screams and whoops and hollering we are hearing in our neighborhood right now!”

Courtesy of the Huffington Post

A disturbance broke out on the University of Mississippi’s campus early Wednesday, after students angry at the reelection of president Barack Obama took to the streets to vent their displeasure.

WMCTV reports that students interacting on social media, which resulted in 300-400 young people participating in the disturbance.

Pictures posted on twitter showed people burning Obama campaign signs. The Clarion Ledger reports that students were heard shouting racial epithets about Obama and African Americans in general.

Catch the video over at the Huffington Post…