Courtesy of Elev8

Javon Trotter, the mother of the girl, spoke out in response to the public’s outrage, saying she’s standing behind her father and is in disbelief about the way people have reacted.

“I’m upset, I’m hurt I can’t believe that people would re-post the picture of my innocent baby and say bad things about my father who loves my baby and all kids,” she told theGrio. “He would never do anything to harm them. It’s hurtful for my whole family.”

Social media has been the platform of commentary and criticism since the picture went viral, calling him a pervert and pedophile.

Continue reading at Elev8

The murder of a man shot dead in a Queens basement apartment on Saturday has ended New York City’s nine-day murder-free streak, according to police.

NYPD officers arrived at the building around 6 p.m. after receiving a 911 call about a man bleeding inside. Authorities discovered the unidentified victim unconscious with a gunshot wound to his head; the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

As of Saturday night, no arrests had been made.

No homicides were reported in the area’s five boroughs between Jan. 15 and Jan. 25, likely a result of bone-chilling temperatures over the last several days.

“To the extent that weather plays a role, great,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on Friday. “We are rooting for more cold weather.”

The streak broke a previous eight-day record after superstorm Sandy in late October 2012.

The post Queens Homicide Ends NYC’s 9-Day Murder-Free Streak appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

She’s the lead makeup artist at AJ’s of Chicago, who doesn’t take any mess. She can powder a nose while serving a side-eye. She’s walked the runways of Chanel, Tom Ford, Betsey Johnson, and many more. But there’s much more to Katrell Mendenhall than her persona on the Style Network’s “Chicagolicious.” Here she gives us the juicy tea on what happens behind-the-scenes of the hit reality show, her beauty must-haves, and how she maintains her long, chemical-free mane!

UPTOWN: Give us a little background on Katrell before “Chicagolicious.”

Katrell: I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. And moved to L.A. after high school for several years, and now I live in Chicago. Although I love Chicago, it  will not  be home forever … I’ve got my eyes open for relocation, after “Licious” of course!

U: Besides AJ’s, where are some other places you’ve worked as a professional makeup artist?

Katrell: M.A.C. cosmetics is where I started my makeup journey. I was a manager and then left because it was time to do my own thing. I started off freelancing for commercials, movies, corporate companies, and when things started rolling I started my own business … I have artists that I send out to different events when I can’t make it. I’m not exclusive to AJ’s, which makes running both very easy, but extremely busy!

U: How did you know makeup artistry was the career path for you?

Katrell: I’ve been modeling since I was a kid, and I remember sitting backstage in amazement at the transformation of what makeup could do. So one fashion week I started to ask the makeup artist questions. I’m sure she wanted me to shut up!! I went from asking questions to asking if I could be an apprentice … I was so fascinated by the art, skill, and transformation. Well one thing lead to another and here I am.

U: Do you think “Chicagolicious” accurately depicts your character?

Katrell: I love that you jump right in with these questions. I feel like everyone is so afraid to ask … So here is the tea … Everything on TV seems really exaggerated. You’re definitely getting a portion of my character, but not all of Katrell.

U: You and Valincia Saulsberry definitely have a rivalry going. And in some ways, you’re depicted as a “villain.” What’s really behind all the drama, in your opinion?

Katrell: I’m not afraid to speak my mind openly and honestly. I have strong opinions just like the next person, but a villain I’m not. I can’t help the minds of others if villain is what they perceive.

U: And speaking of drama, how do you protect your professional brand when potential clients may react negatively to what they’ve seen on the show?

Katrell: I think my talent and background speak for itself. I’m a working model, who gives back to thousands of young girls and boys on how to make it in this industry. My success rate is constantly growing, having several of my kids grace covers of magazines and appear in feature films, commercials, fashion shows, and so much more. I’m extremely professional. I want the kids under my umbrella to succeed, and I think that’s portrayed in the show.

U: You’ve mentioned being committed to improving the self-esteem and confidence of young girls, but haven’t given Austin Maxfield her props or words of encouragement. Do you think the professional makeup world is too cut-throat to foster mentor relationships?

Katrell: I’m the type of mentor who’s going to be hard. I’ve always had Austin’s best interest at heart and want nothing more for Austin to be successful.

U: How has being on “Chicagolicious” affected your dating life?

Katrell: Ohhh, chile! ["MaCray Huff voice"] It has totally affected my dating life … There isn’t a lot of time for dating, unfortunately.  But if Mr. Right comes along, I’ll make time … whenever that happens.

U: OK, now for the fun questions: What are five beauty essentials every woman should have in her purse? And why?

Katrell: Powder if you have oily skin. Liquid if you have dry. There’s no need to do both unless you just HAVE to have full coverage. Add a touch of concealer under the eye.

Adding a little color to your cheeks will give radiance to the face. The key to blush – it should look like it’s coming from within your skin, as oppose to just sitting on top of the skin. Choose the right shade.

Eyeliner! It’s a personal preference of where you wear it – top of the eye or bottom – and what look you’re going for – soft or dramatic. I suggest pencil if you know you’re going to be busy and always on the go. Liquid if you have the five extra minutes and want a bolder eye.

Mascara is a staple you should always have.

Don’t go too neutral on the lips … you want something to have a little pop!

U: If you could wear only one cosmetic for a month, what would it be and why?

Katrell: This is a no-brainer for me – mascara!!! Every girl should play up her best feature, and I’m told my eyes are what work best for me. I’m comfortable with no foundation and all that jazz. Mascara seems to wake me up on my most tired of days.

U: I heard your long hair is all yours — no weave, no relaxer. How do you maintain your mane? How do you protect it when wearing straight styles? What are some of your favorite hair products?

Katrell: Yes it’s true; this long mane is all mine! I’m big on hair care … having healthy hair says a lot about a woman. Whether it’s yours, you purchased it, wear locs, etc., maintaing a well-groomed look is extremely important. I wash my hair once a week and deep condition once a month. I get my ends trimmed, which is such a necessity with natural hair, every three and a half weeks. The less heat the better, of course. So air drying is my regular routine. I do nothing special to keep it straight … tie it up at night and it’s ready to roll in the a.m. My favorite hair products are Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo & Conditioner.

U: Now let’s talk about Chicago! What is your favorite place to eat, sleep (hotel), shop, chill with your girls, and enjoy a sexy date?

Katrell: My favorite places to eat are Mercadito Chicago, Bijan’s Bistro, or N9NE Steakhouse.

My favorite hotel is Trump Towers or The Peninsula.

My favorite place to shop is KIZ Chicago.

My favorite place to chill with my girls? My place …  I’m a great hostess! We always have an amazing time.

Any or all of the above make for a sexy date!!!

Ohio Players frontman Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner died over the weekend, according to friends and bandmates. He was 69.

The funk singer passed away on Saturday in Trotwood, OH after his battle with cancer. A confirmation of Bonner’s death was posted on the group’s official Facebook page.

“Humble yet charismatic, soft-spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts, lyrics and music has influenced countless other artists, songs and trends,” the post stated. “He will be missed but not forgotten as his legacy and music lives on.”

Keith Harrison of the bands FAZE-O and the Dazz Band also offered his condolences, saying, “He was a great person with a lot of wisdom not just in music, but in life.”

The Hamilton, OH native got his start with the band in the 1960′s with members of a group called the Ohio Untouchables to form the Ohio Players. Together, they cranked out chart-topping funk hits such as “Love Rollercoaster,” ”Fire,” ”Skin Tight” and “Funky Worm.” In recent years, Bonner stayed on the music scene with a spinoff band called Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players.

On Monday, a spokesperson for a Newcomer Funeral Home in the Dayton suburb of Kettering said that the family hadn’t scheduled any public services.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

This past weekend, photos surfaced of a dinner between Queens rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones, Facebook founder Mark Zukerberg, and billionaire venture capitalist Ben Horowitz, who was recently outed as an investor for the website Rap Genius.  Of course, no one really knows what actually was discussed at this dinner (or whether Zuck can recite all 16 bars of “NY State of Mind”) but, with that much power in the room, we can only imagine what types of deals were going down. So until we get more information, let’s speculate about what tech ideas came from this meeting as well as try to figure out how our invitation got lost in the mail.

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com

Courtesy of The Associated Press

At least five people were gunned down Saturday in Chicago, including a 34-year-old man whose mother had already lost her three other children to shootings.

Ronnie Chambers, who was his mother Shirley’s youngest child, was shot in the head while sitting in a parked car on the city’s West Side. A 21-year-old man who was also in the car was wounded, police said.

Shirley Chambers, whose two other sons and daughter were shot in separate attacks more than a decade ago, was left grieving again on Saturday, WLS-TV reported.

“Right now, I’m totally lost because Ronnie was my only surviving son,” Chambers said.

Shirley Chambers’ first child, Carlos, was shot and killed by a high school classmate in 1995 after an argument. He was 18. Her daughter Latoya, then 15, and her other son Jerome were shot and killed within months of one another in 2000.

“What did I do wrong? I was there for them. We didn’t have everything we wanted but we had what we needed,” she asked Saturday.

Continue at The Associated Press…

Courtesy of The Frisky

There must be a subgenre of porn for this right? On last night’s episode of “Kourtney & Kim Take Miami,” Kim took to the interwebs to find a remedy for her psoriasis. (Does Kanye know she has psoriasis? I thought he insisted on her being flawless?) Turns out, applying breast milk to the skin is a popular home remedy. So obviously, still-nursing sister Kourtney whipped her tit out and super-soaked away.

Watch the video at The Frisky

Taye Diggs took on a heroic role Sunday night as he apprehended a home intruder at his L.A. residence shortly after returning from the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The 42-year-old actor reportedly spotted Hassan Juma, 20, upon entering his home with wife Idina Menzel around 11 p.m. Diggs then confronted the man who took off running, but was chased down by the Private Practice star and held until police arrived on the scene.

Law enforcement sources said there was an accomplice in a getaway car, but he/she left the suspect to fend for himself.

No injuries were reported and Juma was booked on suspicion of burglary.

End scene.

Diggs was a presenter at Sunday’s event for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, which went to Claire Danes for her role in Homeland.

The post Taye Diggs Chases Down Home Invader After SAG Awards appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Root

Thanks to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, edited by David Eltis and David Richardson, we know that about 388,000 Africans were transported directly to the United States over the course of the slave trade, which ended officially in 1808. This brutally cruel and disruptive phase of the trade, as all American schoolchildren should be taught, is known as “the Middle Passage.” But what is often left out of many survey courses is the second Middle Passage, and that dark chapter in American history involved far more black people than were taken from Africa to the United States. It was also uniquely cruel and brutally destructive. And it unfolded during the era when cotton was “king.”

That second forced migration was known as the domestic, or internal, slave trade: “In the seven decades between the ratification of the Constitution [in 1787] and the Civil War [1861],” the historian Walter Johnson tells us in his book Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave Market, “approximately one million enslaved people were relocated from the upper South to the lower South … two thirds of these through … the domestic slave trade.” In other words, two and a half times more African Americans were directly affected by the second Middle Passage than the first one.

Continue reading at The Root

As one member in an intense trio of personal trainers, Dolvett Quince of NBC’s Biggest Loser has parlayed his self-made success into a budding lifestyle brand. Fans of the show, currently in its fourteenth season, might view the Stamford, Conn. native as a tough-as-nails character to a cast of vulnerable contestants. Yet a brief sit-down with the fitness pro reveals a uniquely different side.

UPTOWN caught up with Quince to discuss a range of topics from the humble beginnings of Body Sculptor Inc., the bittersweet story behind his adoption as a child, dating (ladies, he’s single!), his idea of being a renaissance man and more.

Trust us, this guy is just getting started.

Friends in High Places

The Atlanta-based personal trainer opened his doors to Body Sculptor Inc. in 2004 with the expectation of “changing lives one rep at a time.” Quince garnered a small following early on, but experienced a boom of new customers when mentioned by a local star. “I started Body Sculptor Gym because one of my close friends [Bert Weiss] who was the No. 1 radio personality in Atlanta, Georgia started talking about it on his show. It got bigger than me. The show was bigger than me,” he explained. “I didn’t realize the magnitude of the show—because I was averaging about two new clients a week—he brought about 60.” Quince later opened up his business of training other trainers at the ATL establishment, which eventually boasted a celebrity client list that included Angela Bassett, Justin Bieber, and a certain hot Hollywood couple, among others. “One of my first celebrity clients was Nicole Ari Parker. She started working out with me and was like, ‘you gotta meet this guy.’ Me and Boris [Kodjoe] hit it off immediately and we became friends,” he said. “I had a crush on Nicole, Boris had to slap me around a little bit and then we all became friends.”

The Rose That Grew From Concrete

Quince’s honest and down-to-earth persona quickly made him a fan favorite during his debut on season 12, specifically when opening up about his childhood in the foster care system. When his father ran out on the family, Quince says his mother spent so much time focused on getting him back that she neglected her children. He and his three siblings eventually found a home with a Jamaican couple, but all was not perfect. “My adoption was bittersweet, because I had parents who were loving enough to [adopt] four strangers,” he said. “That’s a beautiful story, however, they’re very old school with a ‘you spare the rod, you spoil the child’ sort of mentality. So they only knew what they knew– and that was to beat it out of me.” Quince revealed that while the physical and mental abuse destroyed him for several years, he was able to find strength within himself. “I’m only in the position that I’m in now because that experience gave me a voice at a very young age. […] And with that strength, I’m able to help the underdog. The weaker person, the woman, the child, the obese person, the athlete that can’t get all the way to the finish line because I understand,” he spoke in a soft tone. “I understand what it’s like to still believe in yourself when no one else believes in you and to push that out of someone.”

Single and Ready to Mingle

It’s damn near impossible to sit next this handsome gentleman and not notice his perfect smile. His gorgeous brown skin. His charm or incredible style. Which begs the question: Is he dating, single and/or looking? “I am single, I am looking. Yes to both,” he admitted with a chuckle. “I’m looking for a woman who loves being in love. Who has a good sense of family, like a family matters to her. She doesn’t have to be close to it, but she has to want it. […] I’m looking for a woman who’s confident, strong and sexy. She has to have swag and be sophisticated.”

Not Just “That Fitness Guy”

If you must know, Quince is more than just a health or fitness guy—he’s a lifestyle guy. “I’m a renaissance man. People don’t know that about me. Growing up I watched James Bond, I wanted to be Sean Connery. Denzel Washington. Billy Dee Williams. Because those guys spoke to me,” he said. “Those guys know art, they know nice cars, the right watch, the right suit. I’m not Rick Ross, I’m a classy guy. I believe in chivalry.” When asked about the image of young Black men today, Quince explained that there are not enough Black men teaching the youth to be real gentlemen. But under his roof, there’s a standard. “I say this to my son: be a gentleman. They’ll be girls in your life who will say, ‘What are you doing that for?’ It doesn’t matter, you do it for you. The young lady that appreciates it, she deserves it.”

Up Next

Want more of Dolvett Quince in 2013? He’s got you covered. “[A book] is definitely happening. I’m doing a multi-city tour I’m working on right now. I’m training people in many cities. I’m working on a motivational app for fans.” The self-described perfectionist is also working to revamp his personal website, Dolvett.com. Quince added, “I just want to say to fans, thank you. Thank you for believing in my brand. […] I’ve been on the show for three seasons, but for me it’s just the beginning.”

by Michelle Newson

First comes love, then comes marriage, the comes a double triangular wishbone undercarriage…

Thinking of the hottest car to make a grand exit from your reception? Look no further than the limited-edition Audi R8 GT Spyder. With a production run of only 333 units worldwide, this stunning driving machine is the exclusive top model of the R8 family.

Impress your bride with a ride that goes from zero to over 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and tops out at 196.97 mph. Along with high lateral acceleration, the R8 GT Spyder has lightning-fast, nearly instantaneous reactions.

Marriage is all about a good foundation and you can be one with the road with 19-inch wheels that keep the car firmly planted to the asphalt.

While designed for performance, the R8 GT interior also exudes refinement offering a premium navigation system, automatic air conditioning, and premium sound.

The Audi R8 GT is an exceptionally performing sports car representing the engineering attention to detail for which Audi is known. It joins the R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes and Spyders as the pinnacle of Audi performance models. With only 90 vehicles destined for the United States, the R8 is nearly sold out. Starting price $210,300. www.audi.com

2013 LUXURY CAR WATCH

Mid-size Luxury: BMW M5 Sedan starting at $89,900 (www.bmwusa.com); Affordable Luxury: Hyundai Genesis starting at $34,200 (www.hyundaiusa.com); Hybrid Luxury: Lexus LS 600h L starting at $119,910 (www.lexus.com)

Photos courtesy of Audi

In today’s link round-up: Frank Ocean gets added to the Grammy performance roster, Vanity Fair cuts off Black people (again) and much more!

Vibe Vixen
Karl Lagerfeld Bashes Michelle Obama’s New Bangs
Puh-lease.

EURweb
Aaron McGruder Seeks Funding For Live Action ‘Boondocks’
The cartoon’s creator wants to bring one particular character to life.

Loop 21
Frank Ocean Confirms Grammy Performance
Ocean will join Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and more on music’s biggest night.

The Root
Tradition? Vanity Fair Cuts People Of Color Off Cover
Here we go again…

EBONY.com
Zimmerman Wants To Delay Trial
Prosecutors have been “slow to turn over evidence.”

The Frisky
50 Things Your Barista Really Wants You To Know
No. 5: Seriously, GET OFF THE PHONE.

The post LOTD: Karl Lagerfeld Bashes Michelle Obama’s Bangs + A Live-Action ‘Boondocks’? appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Kim Kardashian leaves Andy Lecompte hair salon in West Hollywood, after shopping for an engagement ring at Cartier in Beverly Hills on Jan. 31. Photo: Dharma/INFphoto.com

Forest Whitaker is spotted on the set of Black Nativity in NYC on Jan. 31. Photo: Zelig Shaul/ACE/INFphoto.com

Rihanna leaves her NYC hotel to catch a flight at the airport on Jan. 31. Photo: Elder Ordonez/INFphoto.com

British host Sarah Jane Crawford attends a party hosted by Diet Coke at Sketch in London on Jan. 30. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn appear on “Good Morning America” at ABC Studios in NYC on Jan. 30 to promote their TV series “Scandal.” Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett attend the premiere of Betty & Coretta at Tribeca Cinemas in NYC on Jan. 28. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

A decidedly low-key Beyoncé and mother Tina Knowles arrive in Louisiana on Jan. 24 to rehearse for her Super Bowl Half-time performance. Photo: INFphoto.com

Jennifer Lopez makes an appearance on “Good Morning America” to promote her new movie Parker in New York on Jan. 22. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Rita Ora attends the Chanel Haute Couture spring/summer 2013 collection show at the Grand Palais in Paris during Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 22. Photo: INFphoto.com

Jamie Foxx along with Swizz Beatz and Big Tigger kick off the “Hennessy V.S Inauguration Takeover” at the swanky Park at 14th in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. Photo: Jeff Dormeus

Keegan Michael Key arrives at the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kelly Rowland bundles up for a jaunt around New York on Jan. 18. Photo: Curtis Means/ACE/INFphoto.com

“The Walking Dead” bad-ass Danai Gurira arrives at The Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 18. Photo: INFphoto.com

Salma Hayek and her adorable daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault serve up some serious style at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris on Jan. 18. Photo: INFphoto.com

Jennifer Hudson shows her support for fellow singer/actress Alicia Keys at the Hennessy V.S. premiere party for The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, which stars Keys and was directed by George Tillman (pictured), during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Jan. 17. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Wire Image

Mekhi Phifer supports Alicia Keys at the premiere party for Hennessy V.S. Presents The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete during the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Jan. 17. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Wire Image

“The Wire” alum Gbenga Akinnagbe attends Hennesy V.S. Presents The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete premiere party during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Jan. 17. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Wire Image

Jermaine Dupri and some of his So So Def artists, including XScape; Jagged Edge; Da Brat; Bow Wow; and Kris Kross, attend a press conference at Atlanta City Hall to announce an All-Star Anniversary Concert, on February 23 at the Fox Theater, to celebrate 20 years of hit-making on Jan. 15. Photo: Chris Mitchell

Aldis Hodge shows off his killer smile while arriving to the opening of Riviera 31, a new bar at the Sofitel L.A. Hotel in Beverly Hills, on Jan. 15. Photo: INFphoto.com

Tatyana Ali promotes her new show “2nd Generation Wayans,” which will air on BET, at the New York Live studios in NYC on Jan. 15. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Meagan Good greets fan while leaving “The Wendy Williams Show” studio in NYC on Jan. 14. Photo: Alequin/Bosch/INFphoto.com

Talented breakout star Quvenzhane Wallis the 2013 Film Independent Filmmaker Grant and Spirit Awards Brunch at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood on Jan. 12. Photo: Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com

Rashida Jones arrives at the 2013 Film Independent Filmmaker Grant and Spirit Awards Brunch at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood on Jan. 12. Photo: Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com

Don Cheadle and his partner Brigid Coulter do some grocery shopping at the Brentwood Country Market in Brentwood, Calif. on Jan. 13. Photo: Merino/INFphoto.com

Smokey Robinson proves he’s still got it while performing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Jan. 12. Photo: INFphoto.com

Iman arrives at ABC Studios in NYC for an appearance on “Good Morning America” on Jan. 11. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Rarely without a gig, Laurence Fishburne walks the set of his latest show “Hannibal” in Toronto on Jan. 11. Photo: Sean O’Neill/INFphoto.com

Kicking off awards season in splendid glamour, Octavia Spencer attends the 18th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif. on Jan. 10. Photo: Sol Jones/INFphoto.com

Nicki Minaj doesn’t look too happy to attend the premiere of “American Idol” season 12 at the UCLA campus on Jan. 9. Photo: Carlos Diaz/INFphoto.com

Looking fabulous, despite rumors of a troubled marriage with Carmelo Anthony, LaLa Anthony picks up a few things at a corner store in NYC on Jan. 9. Photo: Dario Alequin/INFphoto.com

Jada Pinkett Smith arrives at an event to discuss human trafficking and forced labor around the world and the United States in NYC on Jan. 8. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Kim Kardashian heads into Miami International Airport for a departing flight on Jan. 7. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kerry Washington greets fans at the Paris premiere of Django Unchained at Le Grand Rex on Jan. 7. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kim Kardashian continues to work out during her pregnancy. Photo: INFphoto.com

Laz Alonso brings in the New Year at the Esquire & Ciroc Ciroc The New Year party in Miami on Dec. 31. Photo: INFphoto.com

ATL hot boys T.I. and Evan Ross party at LIV on Sunday at LIV Nightclub inside the Fountainebleau in Miami Beach on Dec. 30. Photo: INFphoto.com

Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey (not pictured), and their twins Monroe and Moroccan hopped off their private jet in Queensland, Australia and hopped on their private boat to sail around the Great Barrier Reef on Dec. 28. Photo: INFphoto.com

Sean “Diddy” Combs makes a splash on a beach in St. Barth’s on Dec. 27. Photo: INFphoto.com

Kimora Lee Simmons enjoys some beach fun with ex-husband Russell Simmons while his girlfriend Hana Nitsche looks on in St. Barth’s on Dec. 24. Photo: INFphoto.com

Rihanna departs her Barbadian “Christmas pad” with all her bags after a holiday stay, on Dec. 24. Photo: INFphoto.com

Alicia Keys dashes out of the rain and into the “Late Show with David Letterman” in NYC to perform “Girl on Fire” on Dec. 18. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Rick Ross attends an advance screening of Django Unchained, where he rubbed shoulders with cast members Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson on Dec. 18.

The fabulous Rachel Roy breezes through the launch party for the Derek Blasberg for Opening Ceremony Stationery collection at the Saint Regis Hotel in NYC on Dec. 18.

Detective “Fin” Tutuola, er, Ice-T walks the on-location set of “Law & Order: SVU” in NYC on Dec. 18.

Jessica White brings the sexy to the Charity Meets Fashion Holiday Celebration Honoring The World’s Children at Affirmation Arts in NYC on Dec. 17. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

L.A. Reid arrives at CBS Television Center for the “X Factor” finale week in L.A. on Dec. 17. Photo: Sol Jones/INFphoto.com

Sex kitten Khloe Kardashian is on-hand for the “X Factor” finale week at the CBS Television Center in L.A. on Dec. 17. Photo: Sol Jones/INFphoto.com

Idris Elba proves he’s a gorgeous man regardless of what face he makes at the camera, while attending the launch party for Will.i.am‘s i.am+ foto.sosho camera accessory at One Marylebone in London on Dec. 16.

Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes hit up Mona Scott Young‘s annual Monami Holiday Celebration at the Newark Museum over the Dec. 15 weekend.

Jill Marie Jones shows a helluva lot of leg at the Under the Mistletoe event to benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation, in Hollywood during the Dec. 15 weekend.

“Scrubs” funnyman Donald Faison and regular girl Cacee Cobb wed in the Hollywood Hills of California on Dec. 15. Photo: INFphoto.com

50 Cent, with full entourage in tow, heads into DSTRKT for the nightclub’s first birthday party in London on Dec. 15. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Christina Milian is all smiles as she struts into “The Wendy Williams Show” studio in NYC on Dec. 13. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Macy Gray dons a pink sequin frock to perform in Hong Kong on Dec. 11. Photo: INFphoto.com

UN Ambassador Susan Rice, who is expected to get the Secretary of State nomination, is out and about in NYC on Dec. 11. Photo: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Akon gives a homeless man $20 while leaving Catch nightclub in NYC on Dec. 11. Photo: Dario Alequin/INFphoto.com

Norm Lewis of “Scandal” attends the Les Miserables premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC on Dec. 10.

Nicole Scherzinger and beau Lewis Hamilton depart Zuma restaurant in Knightsbridge, London on Dec. 10.

Kelis shops with son Knight Jones at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills on Dec. 10. Photo: INFphoto.com

Meagan Good doesn’t let a little rain dampen her spirits while on the set of “Deception” in NYC on Dec. 9.

Looks like Elvira LeToya Luckett dressed for the wrong holiday while attending the Voli Light Vodka’s Holiday Party, hosted by Fergie and benefiting Cellphones for Soldiers, at SkyBar in the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood on Dec. 9.

Yes, that’s Cynthia Bailey hanging out at “Watch What Happens Live” on Dec. 9 in NYC.

Idris Elba attends the British Independence Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market in London on Dec. 9.

Chrisette Michele celebrates her birthday, which is Dec. 8, at Mansion Elan nightclub in Atlanta.

Rita Ora hits up the Captial FM Jingle Ball in London on Dec. 9. Photo: Famous/ACE/INFphoto.com

Beyonce takes an expensive camera to Art Basel in Miami to photograph her favorite works, Dec. 9. Photo: INFphoto.com

Alicia Keys performs on “Wetten Dass,” Germany’s biggest live TV show, in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany on Dec. 8. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Jennifer Hudson looks casually glamorous as she heads for a drive in NYC on Dec. 6. Photo: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Mel B. gets a pedicure at Joseph Mourad Hair & Beauty Salon in Sydney on Dec. 5. Photo: INFphoto.com

Lil Wayne and two buds sit court-side at the Notre Dame Baylor women’s basketball game in Southbend, Ind. on Dec. 5. Photo: INFphoto.com

After fans learned that Alex Rodriguez will miss most of the baseball season as a result of hip surgery, he’s seen walking around Art Basel in Miami Beach on Dec. 5. Photo: INFphoto.com

Lea Michele and Zoe Saldana share a moment at the Marie Claire Hollywood Dinner at Fig & Olive Melrose Place in L.A. on Dec. 4.

Sean Combs took it ol’ school, donning a Mercedes Benz logo gold pendant and velour tracksuit, as he arrives for a flight at LAX airport in L.A. on Dec. 4.

Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas signs copies of her memoir Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith at an NYC Barnes & Noble on Dec. 4.

NeNe Leakes attends the 2012 Jingle Ball, hosted by KIIS FM, at the Nokia Theatre LA Live in L.A. on Dec. 3.

Romeo Miller has both hands full with Bria and Shayne Murphy at the Let the Kids Grow Foundation Holiday Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills on Dec. 3.

Rocsi Diaz flies solo to the Let the Kids Grow Foundation Holiday Gala in Beverly Hills on Dec. 3.

Giving us more of a glimpse into her personal life, Beyonce Instagrams a photo of herself, on Dec. 3, rocking this yellow and black body-conscious dress from the Leonard spring 2013 collection.

Chris Rock and his daughters, Lola Simone and Zahra Savannah, depart the sold out One Direction concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC on Dec. 3.

Mom-to-be Amber Rose brings new meaning to the word curvy as she stops at an L.A. office building on Dec. 3.

RELATED: 8 Celebrities Who Should Have Reality TV Shows

Olivier Martinez, fiance of Halle Berry, shows off his hand splint to the paps while leaving Cedars Sinai in LA on Nov. 27, after fighting with the father of Halle’s daughter Nahla. Photo: Aik Arshamian/INFphoto.com

RELATED: Gabriel Aubry’s Injuries After Fight With Olivier Martinez [PHOTOS]

Taraji P. Henson arrives at the screening of “Killing Them Softly,” starring Brad Pitt, in NYC on Nov. 27. Photo: Zelig Shaul/ACE/INFphoto.com

Rihanna looks little like the fashion icon who made her famous, as she returns to her London hotel after performing on “X Factor UK” on Nov. 25. Photo: INFPhoto.com

Nicole Richie and husband Joel Madden take their daughter Harlow and son Sparrow to see Yo Gabba Gabba Get The Sillies Out show in L.A. on Nov. 23. Photo: INFphoto.com

Jamie Foxx chills with some homies in Beverly Hills on Nov. 18.

RELATED: Quentin Tarantino Reveals 6 Actors Tapped To Play Jamie Foxx’s Role In ‘Django Unchained’

Common looks hot yet low-key as he arrives at LAX airport in LA on Nov. 17.

Trey Songz sips a little Cherry Noir Goose backstage of his concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on Nov. 17.

Pres. Barack Obama and American gymnast McKayla Maroney are “not impressed” while taking the time for a photo op at the White House on Nov. 17.

Besties Adrienne Bailon and Julissa Bermudez pose with Ne-Yo‘s new artist Ravaughn at the opening of Very Polished Lounge in Brooklyn on Nov. 17.

While shopping in Paris, Rita Ora climbed on a hog to pose for photos on Nov. 16. Photo: INFphoto.com

Honor Warren, Jessica Alba and Cash Warren‘s daughter, is none-too-pleased with the paparazzi as she heads into a play date on Nov. 16. Photo: INFphoto.com

Wendy Williams hits up “Good Day NY” in NYC to dish on the new season of “The Wendy Williams Show” on Nov. 16. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Legendary baller Kareem Abdul-Jabbar unveils a statue in his likeness at the Staples Center in LA on Nov. 16.

Rihanna takes a shot during her Toronto stop on the “777 Tour” at The Danforth Music Hall on Nov. 15. Photo: O’Neill/White/INFphoto.com

RELATED: Rihanna’s 777 Tour Chaos: Angry Reporters Protest Treatment

Halle Berry‘s daughter Nahla Aubry seems well adjusted to the paparazzi as she heads into school in LA on Nov. 15. Photo: INFphoto.com

Oh look, Kim Kardashian is going somewhere … this time to visit The Fours Seasons Hotel and a cosmetic surgeon office with Jonathan Cheban in Miami on Nov. 14. Photo: INFphoto.com

Niecy Nash shows her support for marriage equality by attending the launch of “Tie the Knot,” a charity to raise funds for the cause by selling limited-edition TheTieBar.com bow ties, at The London West Hollywood in West Hollywood on Nov. 14.

Camila Alves McConaughey and Sandra Bullock take their tots for a ride on a choo-choo train in New Orleans on Nov. 14. Photo: Chris Watts/INFphoto.com

Hollywood powerhouses Cicely Tyson and Viola Davis are honored by the National Domestic Workers Alliance at an event held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 14.

Michelle Rodriguez departs The Squat Boutique Opening Party in London on Nov. 14. Photo: INFphoto.com

Minutes before embarking on her 777 tour with journalists and fans, Rihanna poses in the cockpit of her private jet on Nov. 14.

Comedian Tommy Davidson attends the premiere of Anna Karenina at the Archlight in Hollywood on Nov. 14. Photo: Carlos Diaz/INFphoto.com

Laura Govan looks more than pleased that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. acknowledged her at the LA Clippers Vs. Miami Heat game on Nov. 14 at the Staples Center in LA.

Fashion heavyweight Andre Leon Talley heads into “The Today Show” studio in NYC for an appearance on Nov. 14. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

The forever adorable and talented Amandla Stenberg arrives at the premiere of Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 at The Nokia Theaters at LA Live in LA on Nov. 12. Photo: Katy Winn/INFphoto.com

Always the dapper gent, RuPaul stocks his wardrobe with the best on Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive on Nov. 12.

Gayle King goes monochromatic for a dining excursion at Michael’s New York Restaurant in NYC on Nov. 12.

Connor Cruise seems to have as much personality as his father, as he gives the ubiquitous peace sign while leaving Katsuya restaurant in Hollywood on Nov. 12.

Just because he’s a “Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars” contestant doesn’t mean Lil Jon will ever let the camera capture him without shades, while out and about in NYC on Nov. 12.

Chris Tucker continues to get his mug out there by attending the TriBeCa Teaches Benefit: “Silver Linings Playbook” at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC on Nov. 12.

Kandi Burruss hits up “VH1 Morning Buzz” to dish on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” season five, in NYC on Nov. 12. Photo: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

T.I. makes his debut as a broadcast sports commentator at the November 9 Hawks vs. Heat game in Atlanta. Photo: NBA

Kevin Hart ‏catches some zzz’s: “This schedule is KICKING my ASS…..G*d Damn ATL NIGHTS #SleeplessNights” via @KevinHart4real

Gabrielle Union is going into law enforcement? “On the set making The Funny w @itsgabrielleu @redgrantlaughs #staygrindin“ via @BILLBELLAMY

Burgundy sheepskin-clad Rihanna arrives back at the Gansevoort on Nov. 8. Credit: Dario Alequin/INFphoto

Baby it’s cold outside: Meagan Good gets cozy in a purple pseudo-snuggie on the set of ‘Infamous’ in NYC on Nov. 8. Credit: Zelig Shaul/ACE/INFphoto

Rachel Roy in a fluffy vest attends the ‘Rust and Bone’ New York Screening, at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema in New York City on Nov. 8. Credit: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto

There’s more ‘Ice Loves Coco‎’ coming your way this season and the couple started promotion of the new season at ‘The Today Show’ on Nov. 8. Credit: Roger Wong/INFphoto

Backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Manhattan’s 69th Regiment Armory on Nov. 7, Rihanna ponders a career switch: “#LEGITmodelShit I’m a #VS girl now lol” Via @rihanna

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.

Courtesy of The Frisky

A study published in the American Sociological Review found that men who spent more time doing “more traditionally female” household chores like cooking, cleaning, and shopping were found to have less sex than those who didn’t. “The results suggest the existence of a gendered set of sexual scripts, in which the traditional performance and display of gender is important for creation of sexual desire and performance of sexual activity,” said one of the lead researchers. Really? But really? I’m sorry, I respect scientific theory, but I simply can’t think of anything sexier than a man doing the dishes or wielding a mop or cooking dinner for me. Maybe that’s because I believe in household egalitarianism. Performative gender roles be dammed! A man doing “traditionally female” chores is a straight up aphrodisiac.

Continue reading at The Frisky

[Photo: Shutterstock]

By Andy Bodle

“That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.”

As the credits climbed the screen, the title music was drowned out by the sweeping of popcorn off laps and mutters of mildly surprised approval.

I dabbed a tear from the corner of my eye and turned to my companion. “So what did you think?”

“‘S’all right, I s’pose.”

Ally was 26, blonde, a smidgen above her ideal body mass index, and evidently not easily impressed. I held my tongue until we’d shuffled as far as the foyer. “There’s a nice pub not far from here. Fancy a quick one?”

Ally sniffed and fiddled with her scarf. “Actually, I should probably be getting back.”

It was 8.30pm.

I shouldn’t have been too surprised. We had met once, at a dinner party at Neil and Yasmin’s a couple of weeks befoer. We’d exchanged five words, half a pint of saliva and our phone numbers. The date was a sop to formality, really.

The silence as we waited for her bus was agonising. When the 341 finally arrived, I went to peck her on the cheek, spat out the mouthful of hair I got instead, and falteringly wished her a safe journey home.

So much for plan A.

For once in my life, I actually had a plan B: a magazine launch party about a mile away. I would know hardly a soul there, but free wine was definitely in order.

It was one of those suffocatingly trendy affairs, in a bar so hip no one could find it, with guests so hip they didn’t turn up for three hours, wearing clothes so hip they hadn’t been designed yet. That week, the in-crowd had deemed, once again, that smiling, enthusiasm and intelligent conversation were out of fashion, so I sat in a corner and cradled my Moscow Mule looking vainly for a friendly face. When none had appeared an hour later, I made for the exit.

At the doorway, a voice said hi. It was Adam, a guy in his early 30s who worked in the office next to mine. And he appeared to standing next to Neneh Cherry.

“This party’s a wash. We’re going for Chinese. You in?” All of a sudden I was ravenously hungry.

As we waited for our dim sum to arrive, I discovered Adam’s friend’s name was Frankie. She was from the States, though she now lived in Camberwell, and she worked in the music business. She was about my height, with Hollywood teeth and catwalk cheekbones, and her lithe, yogic body crackled with sexual energy. She asked me how old I thought she was. I guessed 27. She smiled.

We talked about everything on God’s green earth: philosophy, Chechnya, our favourite flavour Skittles. Adam barely got a word in edgeways.

The food came and went far too quickly. I didn’t want to call it a night yet—and neither, to my relief, did Frankie. “Is there anywhere we can get a late drink in this town?”

Adam took us to a small, modish club a short taxi ride away. Frankie and I bantered all the way there—but once we were inside, something strange happened. We unclicked. I don’t know if it was a faux pas, or the brain-numbing music, or the wearying ranks of the wankerati, but the conversation conked out.

I wandered off for a while to refuel with tobacco and alcohol. When I returned, there was a man in my place—one of the woolly hat brigade. He was nodding and faking an interested smile. I could feel Frankie drifting away. And I’m ashamed to say it, but the feeling rather made the blood rush to my head.

“Hey! I want a word with you.” I grabbed her by the arm, dragged her away from the bobblehead, and wheeled her round to face me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” When I saw the fire in her eyes, I almost lost my nerve.

“I didn’t come to this dump to listen to this shit music or drink these overpriced drinks. I came here to talk to you.”

The fire dimmed to a warm glow, and I heard a click. My gambit had paid off.

Two hours later, for the second time that night, I was waiting for someone else’s bus. “I’d love to see you again,” I said. Frankie ripped a page out of her Filofax, scribbled on it and handed it over.

I spent the next three days racking my brains to think of somewhere to take her. She was so gorgeous, so graceful, so effortlessly cool … it would take a stroke of genius to impress her.

A gig was out of the question. She’d probably turn out to be mates with the band, while the extent of my musical knowledge was the UK pop charts, 1981-88. Pub? Not classy enough. Restaurant? Too much pressure. Theatre? Too taste-dependent—and you can’t talk. Opera? Overkill. A walk, maybe? No; nothing to draw attention to the fact that she was taller than me. Picnic? Yeah, in the middle of January.

I needed something relaxing, yet exciting. Something original, but not too threatening. Something incredibly cool that didn’t look as if I’d made too much of an effort. When the time came to call, I still hadn’t come up with anything. Oh well; she’d probably changed her mind about me anyway.

“Hi. It’s Andy. Did you, uh, still want to meet up some time?”

“I know it’s lame, but I’ve been hearing good things about this movie—you know, the one about the talking pig?”

“That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.” Funny how films can be so much better the second time round.

Frankie let go of my hand and stood up to put on her coat. “There isn’t anywhere nice round here to go for a drink.” My heart sank a little. “But you can have one at mine if you like.” Aaaand rose again.

Frankie’s sports car zipped us to the offy. “Do you mind getting the wine? I just want to nip back and tidy up a bit. I’m round the corner, number 75.”

Five minutes later I knocked at the door. It opened instantly and Frankie hustled me in. Either she didn’t want anyone to see me, or she couldn’t wait to have me. Given what happened next, you could forgive me for making the latter assumption.

The next morning, I was woken by a shake at what seemed like the crack of dawn. Holding her finger to her mouth, Frankie dragged me out of bed, handed me my T-shirt and led me downstairs. I was too dazed to offer resistance. Then she bundled me into the living room, sat me on the sofa, left, and locked the door to the room behind her. There were some muffled thumps and clanks, and the front door slammed shut.

For the first couple of minutes, I sat there with an idiotic grin, replaying the events of the previous night. Then the present kicked in. What was going on? I got up and tried the door. Locked tight. The place was silent. Hm. Maybe this was some kind of kinky sex game.

After about 10 minutes, I rattled the door again. This was a piss-poor sex game. I was about to start yelling for help when there was a scrape at the front door, and Frankie appeared, looking sheepish. What was going on?

Frankie looked at the wall. “I, uh, had to take the kids to school.”

“The who to what?”

“The kids. To school.”

“You’re looking after someone else’s kids?” I still hadn’t fully woken up.

“No, they’re mine.”

“Wow. It’s cool that you’re bringing up your kids by yourself.”

“I’m not.”

“Hey, everyone has a nanny these days.”

“I don’t have a nanny. I have a husband. Who lives here.” The terror subsided only slightly when she continued: “He’s away on business.”

She wasn’t 27; she was 38. (But by God, she wore it well.) Her surname wasn’t Devereaux; at least, it hadn’t been for 10 years. She was married, to a successful record producer, with two beautiful boys, aged four and six.

She pointed out that she had never actually lied to me. I pointed out that she had however failed to impart some fairly important information. I’d always vowed that I would never sleep with a married woman, and now here I was, a homebreaker. I stormed out and ran to the bus stop.

And that should have been that.

But a few days later, we met to talk things over. She was rational and passionate and utterly adorable. He wasn’t back for a month, she said. She didn’t want to leave him—for the kids’ sake—but there was nothing stopping us having fun until he got back. Besides, the deed was done. Betrayal is betrayal. Is there really any difference between doing it once and doing it thirty times?

I was still angry with her, but I was more infatuated than ever. And it’s a terrible thing to admit even now, but the thought of being an adulterer—an adulterer!—was intoxicating.

The next month was most chaotic, hot-blooded, life-affirming, soul-destroying month of my life. It was as if we were trying to compress a 20-year relationship into four weeks. We saw each other at every opportunity—when the kids were at school, when the kids were staying with friends, when the kids were asleep. We fought like wildcats and fucked like rabbits. For my birthday, she bought me a lovely meal; for Valentine’s Day, I took her to a recital of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. She said “I love you” within a week. Two days later, I was at it.

Every time we met I invented a new justification. “It’s like they’re on a break,” I’d say to myself. “Just a break he doesn’t know about.” “Well, he had an affair. This is just evening things up.” Or “It’s only sex. No one’s getting hurt.”

As the month wore on and the end loomed closer, though, the thrill of transgression was gradually replaced by the dull ache of guilt. The fights became more vicious, the reconciliations less sweet. I was almost looking forward to the prospect of some peace and quiet.

The night before her husband’s return, we had sex for the last time. “How do you want me?” she asked huskily. I stroked her face. “I’d like to take you from behind.” As I made the necessary preparations, Frankie turned and kneeled over the sofa. She looked brazen, Amazonian, amazing. I grabbed her hips and entered her in one swift motion.

Sex between us had always been good, but this was mind-blowing. It was movie-of-the-week sex: arched backs, tossed hair, Prague Symphony Orchestra. And when I came, it was as if all my previous orgasms had been a rehearsal for this one. We kissed, and collapsed on the sofa in each other’s arms, panting and smiling.

Then I glanced down at my flaccid penis.

My naked, flaccid penis.

My thoughts went something like this: 1) You know, I could have sworn there was a condom on that penis when it went in. 2) There was. The sheer force of my ejaculation must have shot it off inside her. 3) Fuck, that’s impressive! 4) FUCK.

I told her. Frankie screamed and ran to the bathroom, and reappeared, looking flustered, a few minutes later. I offered to go with her to get the morning-after pill, but she refused. Would she be OK? “I’ll be fine.” But what if … ? “I’ll be fine.” Our parting that night was awkward, inconclusive, cold.

A few months later, the phone rang. It was Frankie. She sounded crackly. “I need to speak to you,” she said. “We’ve moved back to America.” She dropped some dark, cryptic hints, but didn’t explicitly say anything. When I asked what she was getting at, she bristled. “I can’t talk now. Call me next Thursday, 7.30pm your time. Then and only then. Here’s my number.” I scribbled it down on a Post-It note, and she put the phone down.

I spent the next five days in the grip of cold, dark dread. I knew what she was going to say. Didn’t I?

As it happened, the following Thursday was Mum’s birthday, and we were booked to see a West End show. It started at 8pm. I figured I could set out from Cricklewood at 7, nip out of a tube station en route, and call Frankie from a public phone. Everything was going according to plan until the tube was delayed in a tunnel. When we pulled in to Baker Street, my watch said 7.29.

I ran full pelt up the stairs and out of the exit and frantically scanned the street for a payphone. The first one was broken. The second one was occupied. But there, across the road, thank God, was a third. I sprinted into the cubicle and picked up the receiver.

My other hand went to my pocket to fetch the Post-It note. Then to the other pocket, then to my inside jacket pocket, then to my back pocket, then to all the pockets again in turn. Then I retraced my steps all the way to the tube platform. No good. No note. No number.

Frankie never called again.

It’s true that I didn’t want to make that call. I was 26. I didn’t want a child yet, especially not with a mercurial married woman pushing 40 whose husband was probably not beyond paying someone £10K to have me whacked. But this isn’t some bullshit I’ve made up to cover my cowardice. I genuinely intended to take responsibility for my actions, but with the loss of that note, I couldn’t.

What I could have done is track them down later. Obviously I’m curious; but is it my call to make? I still don’t know for sure if Frankie had my baby. Even if she did, I don’t know if she told her husband it was mine, or if they kept him, or her. I don’t even know if it was a boy or a girl.

The internet has so far failed to turn up Frankie, but I’ve found the husband on MySpace, and the two boys on Facebook. Should I contact them? I truly don’t know.

♥ Bellis & Baker discovered in 1990 that married women who have a lover are more likely to have intercourse with their lover at time of ovulation than with their husband. Since women are also more likely to have an orgasm with their lover than with their husband, and orgasms increase the chance of conception, a woman is more likely to conceive by her lover than by her husband even if she has sex with her husband more often.

DNA fingerprinting studies in North America suggest that around 10% of children are being raised by a man who is not their biological father. In similar tests in a block of flats in Liverpool in 1977, the figure was estimated to be as high as 30%.

♥ The mean fecundity of the average human adult female is 0.032. In other words, a fertile, normal woman has, on average, a one in 31 chance of falling pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex.

This was previously published on Womanology.

Read more from our partners at GoodMenProject.com:

10 Things Straight People Say to Their Gay Friends That Make Me Want to Vomit

Yes, Some Women Only Go For A**holes

About Andy Bodle

Andy Bodle is a journalist, scriptwriter and blogger who has written for the Guardian, the Times, the BBC, and ABC. He lives in mortal fear that his greatest achievement will remain winning Channel 4′s Countdown in 1993. You can read more on his blog, Womanology, and follow him on
Twitter: @_Womanology_.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Courtesy of The Root

Amazing Fact About the Negro No. 13: What happened to the “40 acres and a mule” that former slaves were promised?

We’ve all heard the story of the “40 acres and a mule” promise to former slaves. It’s a staple of black history lessons, and it’s the name of Spike Lee’s film company. The promise was the first systematic attempt to provide a form of reparations to newly freed slaves, and it was astonishingly radical for its time, proto-socialist in its implications. In fact, such a policy would be radical in any country today: the federal government’s massive confiscation of private property — some 400,000 acres — formerly owned by Confederate land owners, and its methodical redistribution to former black slaves. What most of us haven’t heard is that the idea really was generated by black leaders themselves.

Continue reading at The Root

By Tracy Clayton

Tired of hearing about Beyoncé? Too bad! Just as we’re getting over the Lip-Syncing-Scandal-That-Shouldn’t-Have-Been-a-Scandal-At-All after Beyoncé shut us up at a live press conference, it is now time to talk til we’re blue in the face about her upcoming Super Bowl Half-time performance this Sunday, Feb. 3.

There have been lots of whispers and rumors about what the show will include, and nobody seems to have a good handle on what’s going down. But we here at UPTOWN have an amazing behind-the-scenes connection, who has given us the scoop, and we love you enough to spill a little tea for you. Here’s what we know:

1. Beyoncé will be there. After the lip-syncing scandal that shouldn’t have been a scandal at all, there were rumors that Beyoncé would appear via pre-recorded hologram, since that’s apparently the type of thing she’s on these days. But our mole has assured us that yes, she will be there, and no, there will be no body-syncing.

RELATED: Beyonce Sings National Anthem Live: ‘Any Questions?’ [VIDEO]

2. Destiny’s Child will also be there. There’s been much speculation about Destiny’s Child performing at the Super Bowl for the first time in a month of Sundays. When asked about whether this was true, the red-headed stepchild Michelle Williams replied in the negative, saying that she’d be appearing in Fela! The Musical that day. But then the Fela! people were like, “Nuh uh, she don’t work here!” We initially thought she’d been fired on her day off, but our snitch confirmed that Destiny’s Child will be there. Michelle is scheduled to fall off the stage in the middle of the first number while Beyoncé and Kelly keep dancing. LeToya and Latavia will be there as well–Latavia will be babysitting Deréon, and LeToy will busy herself trying to remind people who she is.

3. Blue Ivy Will perform! You read that right! Saint Ivy will embark on her maiden voyage as an entertainer, performing a few songs from her debut album The BlueIvy Print. She’ll enter by parachuting down to the stage in a platinum, chinchilla-lined bassinet wearing baby Jordan heels and a leather fringe peplum onesie designed by Memaw Tina. Her set list–which we snagged a copy of–is as follows:

- “Blueivylicious”
- “Can I Get A (Waah Waah)”
- “Bibs, Bibs, Bibs”
- “Single Babies (Put A Crib On It)”
- “Ain’t No Nipple”

4. A Presidential appearance. To close out the performance, President Barack Obama will come out at the end to lip sync Beyoncé’s “Who Run the World” as an added “eff you” for all the bellyaching you people did about her Inauguration anthem.

We can’t wait!

Forget about the latest parenting magazines and child rearing guides– Joe Jackson has a message for all.

The 84-year-old patriarch of the Jackson family appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight earlier this week to discuss his initial reaction after hearing word of Michael Jackson‘s death, thoughts on MJ’s 2005 child sex abuse trial and his son’s legacy. But the juiciest soundbite of them all occurred when Joe defended his controversial parenting style.

In his eyes, parents today are just “too soft.”

“Yeah, they are too soft. One of the reasons I say that is because kids nowadays are killing their parents in some cases,” Joe said. “Let’s get into this ‘beating’ thing. There’s no such thing as ‘beating a kid.’ You whip them or punish them over something they did, and they will remember that. And they’ll remember it in such a way that they won’t do it again. That’s the way I was.”

Joe went on to explain that without his stern approach, we might’ve never known the Jackson family we love today.

“I had to be like that way because during those times, it was hard, and you have a lot of gangs there, you know, in the area where we were living,” he continued. “This was Gary, Indiana, and I had to make sure that they didn’t get in any type of trouble, and things of that sort. I’m glad I was tough, because look what I came out with. I came out with some kids that everybody loved all over the world. And they treated everybody right.”

Check out a clip of the interview where Joe opens up about having trouble getting to Michael in his final moments.

The post Parents These Days Are ‘Too Soft,’ According To Joe Jackson [VIDEO] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Toni, Trina, Traci, Towanda, Tamar and mama Evelyn are back for season three of We tv’s Braxton Family Values, Italian style!

Related: Star Clique

The network has ordered 26 more episodes of the talented clan as they travel abroad to Italy for a little sisterly bonding. Yet, drama follows the group as Tamar begins to re-launch her solo singing career and personalities clash along the voyage.

Braxton Family Values will return March 14 at 9 p.m. ET on We tv.

Back here in the States, Toni has been promoting Lifetime’s new romance film Twist of Faith, starring David Julian Hirsh, in Los Angeles.

The Grammy Award winner will play Nina, a single mother and lead singer of a small gospel choir who helps make sense of an Orthodox Jewish Cantor and amateur songwriter’s unthinkable tragedy. Together, the pair make beautiful music and spark up an enchanted romance.

Related: Sneak Peek: Angela Bassett And Mary J. Blige In ‘Betty & Coretta’ [TRAILER]

The film will premiere Saturday, Feb. 9 as part of Lifetime’s Black History Month celebration.

Check out both trailers below!

The post ‘Braxton Family Values’ Goes For Round 3, Toni Promotes ‘Twist Of Faith’ In L.A. [TRAILERS] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Clearly we live in an crazy world when tattoos, gold in your mouth and a nursery rhyme over a hot beat means you’ve reached the pinnacle of success.

Wednesday, Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane tweeted a pic of himself speaking at Georgia’s Crawford W. Long Middle School for their Career Day. While giving back to the community is never a bad thing, there comes a point when we all realize everyone who has a little bit of fame may not be in the position to be a role model for youth. Below are five reasons the “Freaky Girl” rapper might be the last person you’d want giving professional advice to students:

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com