Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Black America has a clear divide when it comes to reality television. Half of us view it from an entertainment perspective and think that it shouldn’t be looked at as a reflection of all Black people. While the other 50 percent poke fun and believe that this type of “reality” should be abolished.

Tatyana Ali seems side with the latter. In a reality TV spoof, the former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star and recent Harvard graduate portrays a producer by the name of “Mona O’Neil” who encourages her reality TV employees, Breesha and Jameel, to be more “hood.”

Catch the video at Vibe Vixen…

In today’s link round-up: Whitney Houston’s new album, Pooch Hall returns to The Game and much more!

The Grio
Reports: Dwight Howard Headed To The Lakers
In a four-team, eight-player trade…

The YBF
Blackground Records Confirms New Aaliyah Album, Timbaland & Missy Will Participate But Aaliyah’s Family Won’t!
Good news, bad news.

The Hollywood Reporter
Whitney Houston Greatest Hits Album Coming This Fall
Not to be confused with Whitney: The Greatest Hits, which was released in 2000.

EURweb
Pooch Hall Returns To ‘The Game’
Game on!

HuffPost Politics
Jesse Jackson Jr. Expected Back From Medical Leave In Weeks
The U.S. Rep is said to be “like his old self.”

The Frisky
8 Easy Shmeasy Recipes For People Who Hate Cooking
Cayenne Chicken with Avocado Salsa? Yes, please.

Courtesy of Loop 21

There are those who bought Air Jordans hoping the sneakers would make them “fly like Mike.” But Michael Jordan never declared his sneakers could make you walk on clouds, or cut through them either.

Celebrity endorsements are the equivalent of moneymaking gold for companies banking on celebrity faces to earn your trust–and dollars. But there is always the exception to every rule. Check out this list of some fishy, and in some cases, downright embarrassing, celebrity endorsements.

1.) Rush Card

Where do we begin with this card? We would all like to believe that Uncle Rush has our best interests at heart, and with such a heartwarming moniker, how could you not?  But this card may have a lot of ‘splaining to do. Russell Simmons endorses the prepaid debit card as the first step on a path to financial freedom. But with an impressive array of fees, the road to financial independence might take a lot longer to travel.

Continue at Loop 21…

Another week, another day, and another round of outrageous celebrity musings! This week, the celebrity sound bites making headlines include a gold medal-winning gymnast lashing out at her absentee father to a former child star spoofing a popular reality television show to a Dirty South rapper doling out financial advice like Suze Orman. Plus, guess which big screen legend has a few choice words for Jay-Z and Beyonce, and President Obama said what?! AND I QUOTE …

“So my mom had to front all these bills. My dad didn’t really pay the child support. He was short [on money]. It was definitely hard on her part, and she had to take care of me and the rest of my siblings.’’

Gabby Douglas, who became the first African-American woman to win All-Around Gold in Women’s Gymnastics at London 2012 Games, revealing how the absence of her father caused her mother to support them alone and eventually file for bankruptcy, via the New York Post.

Source

“I want all Americans to have opportunity. I’m not the president of Black America.”

President Obama, responding to his critics, especially those accusing him of not being in touch with the African-American community, that he is the president of the entire United States, via Black Enterprise.

Source

“I am Mona O’Neil. World Renowned reality show producer. It is my job to bring the excitement out of Bresha and Jameel. The hood if you will. Some people say Stereotypes. I say ‘Good Television’. When I’m done with them, they’ll have more cultural relevance than the Cosbys’.”

Tatyana Ali, taking jabs at Mona Scott-Young and other reality show producers who exploit their mostly-black cast members, in a spoof entitled “This My Show: The Producer,” via You Tube.

Source

“Our culture drives us in the wrong direction. Muthaf—-as think blowing money is cool, when the s— is dumb. I want to stop mismanaging and start stacking. I’m going to be the Black man — Suze Orman.”

Slim Thug, dishing out some sound financial advice for today’s hip-hop stars in his new book How To Survive in a Recession, via The Boombox.com. 

Source

“I wrote the song Perfect Bitch about Kim” 

Kanye West, proving once again that he is helpless romantic by penning a song for his love of the moment, Kim Kardashian, via Twitter.

“They didn’t even do their research, calling me the Anna Kournikova of track. I have the American record. I am the American record holder indoors, I have two world indoor titles.”

Lolo Jones, who is more famous for her looks and virginity, tearfully responding to a New York Times article criticizing the extensive coverage she received after the 100-meter hurdles race, despite her loss, via “The Today Show.”

Source

“But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black.”

Harry Belafonte, lashing out at black entertainers, particularly Forbes’ highest-paid celebrity couple for 2011 to 2012, for embracing materialism and not social responsibility, at the Locarno Film Festival via The Hollywood Reporter

Source

With her I-DON’T-GIVE-A-F*CK attitude, who knew Rihanna could be such a softie?

Related: Rihanna Dropped From Nivea Campaign, Singer Responds (Kind Of)

In a recent sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 24-year-old singer revealed a more emotional and vulnerable side not typical of her image. And not familiar to the media queen.

“I went there with my own ideas about who she was, watching the videos and listening to her music. I though she going to be kind of a badass, kind of a hard-edged rocker, pop woman,” Winfrey explained. “Nothing could have been farther from the truth.”

Related: Oprah’s Big Win + New Show

Oprah’s Next Chapter featuring Rihanna will air Sunday, August 19 at 9/8c on OWN.

By Danni Kay

The more I watch the Olympics, the more envious I become. I want Allyson’s legs, Carmelita’s abs, and Gabby’s flexibility. Then I remember the work required to get chiseled bodies like those, and I quickly descend into a fudge-and-triple-chocolate-sundae depression.

There are many low maintenance home workouts and routines. Some I stuck to (Zumba) and some were fails (Insanity). The main reason for my struggle with stopping and starting is the time commitment and the fun factor. However, Cliff Boyce, fitness trainer to the stars, says there is one fitness method where time constraints are non-factors and the pleasure rating is incontestable — SEX.

The sought-after trainer keeps well-known physiques trim and chiseled. He has helped to craft some of the finest famous bodies we know including Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, Nikki Minaj, and Usher. His methods are proven to leave your body right and tight.

Still, is it possible to really have a hot-body workout without ever leaving the bedroom?

“You will definitely get a workout because your level of engagement will obviously increase. It’s steamy and sensual but it cannot replace the gym. However, body-shaping positions are effective. You can expect to lose 100 calories.”

Body-shaping positions? You read correctly. We’re talking sexual positions that burn calories, build muscle, and get you limber.

When asked if there is a particular length of time one should hold a particular position in order to have the best results, Boyce notes, “Not everyone is a gymnast and limber enough to handle long periods of flexibility enhancing positions. So, for beginners I’d recommend holding a position for 5-10 seconds. However, for a fit and flexible individual that would like to push themselves, I’d recommend 1-2 minutes.”

On the next page, find out which of your favorite positions make Boyce’s list of Top 4 body-shaping sexual positions:

Position 1: Ride It

Form: Lady straddles the man, who is laying flat on his back.

Her Benefits: In this variant of a Kneeling Squat, contracting leg muscles as part of the ‘motion’ works the glutes and thighs.

Note from the trainer: To increase the amount of time you and your partner are intimate and avoid legs cramps – use partner stretching and sitting stretches as a form of foreplay. You can also lie on your back with your head in his lap, lift your legs and have him massage and stretch your legs back towards him.

Position 2: Standing Split

Form: Stand facing each other, both feet on the floor. She lifts one leg up about hip height and rests one arm on his shoulder while he gently supports the raised leg.

Benefits: Increases flexibility for her and and works the leg muscles of both parties.

Variation: The lady bends forward with one leg perched on the bed and the other firmly planted on the ground. The man is behind her. Boyce recommends beginning your workout with this variant. “It’s challenging and intimate. By starting your with a standing split, there’s no doubt that the position will change into something else. Variety is definitely the key to a great workout.”

Position 3: Face to Face

Form: This is what is known commonly as Missionary. She lays flat on her back, knees bent, face to face with her lover.

Her Benefits: Since the female is in the first step of the Bridge, it takes just a little more effort to burn a few calories. By pushing upward and contracting the stomach muscles, it works glutes and the core.

His Benefits: The guys get an upper body workout because at some point, he’ll be in the Straight Arm Plank position – which is known to tone the abdomen and strengthen arms and wrists.

Position 4: The Pick Me Up

Form: He stands and lifts her as she wraps her legs around his waist.

His Benefits: As the male supports his partner’s body weight, his thighs, triceps and upper body get a work out.

Boyce ended our conversation with this suggestion, “I would recommend you do both – visit the gym as well as practice body-shaping sex habits.”

What are your favorite 2 for 1 sex positions that really give you a workout?

[Photo credits: Shutterstock]

Danni Kay is a Virgo and a  former nerdy orthopedic shoe-wearer with a humorous repertoire of life stories. Catch her work on missaleck.com and follow her on Twitter @mzaleck

Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross is flying high this week with a win in the women’s 400 meter race and, now, a new reality show with husband Aaron Ross on WEtv.

Related: What You Didn’t Know About These Olympic Athletes…

Deadline reports:

“The TV pilot stems from a development deal WE had with unscripted production company Good Clean Fun (Tia & Tamera). It was shot in Austin before Richards-Ross left for London and offers an insider’s look at her rigorous training regime as well as her personal life. Richards-Ross is married to two-time Super Bowl champion Aaron Ross who just signed a 3-year $15 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The reality series reveals the often intense rivalry between the hyper competitive couple. (Ross was in the stands on Sunday cheering on his wife with her parents when she won the Olympic gold.) The TV project also provides a behind-the-scenes look at Richard-Ross’ inner circle that includes her mother Sharon acting as her agent, her father Archie working as her manager and her sister Shari as her business partner. Sanya and Aaron are not strangers to WE — their nuptials were featured on the channel’s show Platinum Weddings.”

Sanya and Aaron began dating while at the University of Texas in 2003 and wed on February, 26 2010.

Courtesy of ESPN

LONDON — Claressa Shields won the first middleweight gold medal in women’s Olympic boxing, a dominant victory by an exuberant American teenager who danced, brawled and even stuck out her tongue.

Irish lightweight Katie Taylor and British flyweight Nicola Adams also won gold medals at the London Games’ landmark tournament Thursday. They claimed the first Olympic titles in a growing sport that was banned in Britain until 1996.

The five-day event was one of London’s biggest hits. And even amid the sea of Irish fans cheering Taylor’s every move, the 17-year-old fighter from Flint, Mich., was one of the breakout stars of the games.

Shields capped her rapid rise through the amateur ranks in the past two years with three strong performances in the London ring, providing USA Boxing with a much-needed boost.

Continue at ESPN…

Damn, today’s a good day to not be a celebrity. Between having to dispel pregnancy rumors to folks throwing shame clouds over relationships and talent to your man calling you a bitch on wax or making you work for love, celebs have to deal with a lot when it comes to matters of the heart. But that’s the cost of fame right?! So let’s escape into the often enviable, sometimes pathetic lives of celebrity couples.

1. Chris Brown has thrown his girlfriend Karreuche Tran a bone in the form of a job modeling his Mechanical Dummy clothing line. But wait … It’s not an actual ad campaign. Homeboy just posted some pics of a pants-less Karreuche modeling a couple of his robot-stamped windbreaker jackets to Instagram. Her “modeling” is amateurish at best, but she does demonstrate her penchant for giving the finger to anyone holding a camera, just like Chris’ ex Rihanna. Boy has a type.

OK, so if Chris is going to take a cue from Sean “Diddy” Combs by getting his main girl a job through his clothing line, then he has to do better than Instagram. Not only did Cassie model for Sean John, but she also secured international ad campaigns and magazine spreads. No one but Chris is checking for Karreuche, who can go that –> way! If someone were, she’d have to pry herself from Chris’ side before she could even be taken seriously. And can I just say that windbreaker is ugly as hell?!

2. So earlier this week we learned that Kanye West has penned a song, “The Perfect Bitch,” about his love-of-the-moment Kim Kardashian, which will be on his upcoming album Cruel Summer. Kim of course couldn’t be happier about the newest label. Here’s her take:

“I’m honored. I love it. I know he doesn’t mean it in a negative way when he says the word ‘bitch.’

“The song talks about how he was with so many other girls but could never find the right one until he met me.”

It’s not everyday I actually agree with Kim K on something, but honestly the word “bitch” doesn’t offend me. Maybe it’s because my mom told me I was “a bitch like Leona Helmsley” when I was only 10. I often find that women who are labeled as bitches are usually doing something right.

3. OK, so this isn’t a love battle, but it does involved one of pop culture’s most beloved couples. Music producer Bangladesh, who worked on Lil Wayne‘s “A Milli” and Nicki Minaj‘s “Did It On Them,” throws major shade Swizz Beatz‘s way in the latest XXL Magazine, claiming that Swizz is only relevant because he married Alicia Keys. Here’s a quote from Bangladesh:

“I don’t think Swizz is relevant. I’m keeping it 100. I think there’s a difference between relevance and musical relevance. You married a lady that’s poppin’ [Alicia Keys], you know it’ll give you a lot of relevance, but you gotta make hits. Ain’t no hits. Are you relevant for the craft you’re doing or the life you live as far as the decisions you make?”

Bang tried to issue some damage control via his Twitter handle, saying the interview was edited erroneously and when asked about Swizz he said the other producer wasn’t relevant to his interview. As if we haven’t heard that one before …

Meanwhile, Swizz had this to say:

“Y’all going to start this relevant shit? Don’t let this clown pump you up with this relevant. We at this video shoot right now. But you know anyways man, it’s all positive energy from me. I can’t get in that zone. I’m just happy to be here. Been doing this since 1998, 300 million-something sold. Domestically.”

Well at least Alicia didn’t respond because that really would have stressed Bangladesh’s opinion. Whatever, Swizz and Alicia look good together, and I can admit that as a non-fan.

4. A couple of weeks ago, we dished on the rumors that Amber Rose is pregnant for fiance Wiz Khalifa. But this week Wiz chatted with Hot 107.9 and denied the pregnancy rumors by saying “it is not what people think it is.”

He did admit, however, to reading books about marriage, including a book he called Things I Wish I’d Known Before [We] Got Married, in preparation for his upcoming nuptials.

Yeah, we totally believe Amber went from wearing skin-tight and revealing “fashions” to loosey-goosey dresses and stopped coloring her hair for no reason.

Courtesy of Essence.com

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for gymnast Gabrielle Douglas. She’s won two Olympic gold medals, received congratulatory calls and tweets from President Obama, Beyoncé and Oprah, among others.

She has also had her face plastered on the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal box. There’s little else the Virginia Beach native could ask for. By her side is her mom Natalie Hawkins, a single parent who raised Gabby and her three siblings with little money, but lots of resilience and faith in their dreams.

From the P&G U.S. Family Home in London, the winning duo spoke with ESSENCE.com about what’s next for Gabby, their reaction to the recent — and, might we add, ridiculous — hair controversy and Gabby’s message for little Black girls all over the world.

Continue reading at Essence.com

While Mariah Carey is preparing for her fourteenth (yes, fourteenth) studio album and taking her place at the American Idol judging table, the 42-year-old singer has also inked a new deal with nail lacquer OPI.

Related: Mariah Carey, Yaya DaCosta Join Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler’

The brand will launch two nail polish collections by Carey early next year. The first collection of eight shades will debut in OPI salons, spas and retailers worldwide in January, while another collection will hit shelves later in the year.

“Nails are part of her personality,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director of OPI. “I really have always looked for celebrities for whom nails are very important, and it is not something you just Photoshop on a picture. She was very much part of the color selection.”

OPI is no stranger to celebrity collaborations; in the past, the manufacturer has worked with Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, the Kardashian women and others.

Source

If you thought Rihanna was the national treasure of Barbados, think again. The pop princess may be a prized native, but the true Bajan beauty is rum—in particular, Mount Gay Rum. I recently jetted off to the former British isle to experience a weekend of great food, even greater weather, and spirit-drenched good times. A visit to the Mount Gay distillery kicked off the festivities. The distillery, located in the St. Lucy parish, is the alleged birthplace of rum some 300 years ago. Master blender Allen Smith makes the intricate process of fusing Barbadian sugarcane, molasses, and filtered water sound amazingly D.I.Y.

Legend would have us believe that incoming sailors would stock up on rum for proof of their visit to the island, having survived the treacherous waters and coral reefs encircling it. I was able to witness the island’s continued love aff air with sailing during the 2012 Round Barbados Race, one of the most prestigious regattas on the island. (The most skilled sailors attain the exclusive red cap embroidered with the name and year of the regatta; I fit nowhere in that description, but the team graciously gave me one.) The day spent on the V.I.P. spectator boat, coasting the waters, was magnificent.

For a night escapade, make sure to visit Oistins. It’s a fish fry meets dance party, alfresco style. You’ll move to the best Caribbean and contemporary sounds, as well as enjoy some of the freshest catch on the planet (I can still taste the perfectly grilled mahimahi). Venture to the Mount Gay Visitors Centre. It’s not a tourist trap, but an experience showing the conceptualization and making of popular blends like the superior Extra Old (my favorite) and 1703 Old Cask Selection. To take a little piece of this paradise home, you can buy any selection from the portfolio on-site.

The night before I departed, I returned to the Visitors Centre and found it transformed into a hot spot by the local Bajans, which proved that they know the makings of a good time. Barbados’ tagline appropriately claims the country as “The Official Ambassador of How To Live Life”. That’s truth in advertising.

Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

Trey Songz called fellow R&B crooner Ne-Yo a “hater” in response to Ne-Yo’s comments describing Trey’s music as “emotionally disconnected.”

Although it seems Ne-Yo was only giving some constructive criticism, that didn’t stop Trey from feeling like shots were taken at him.

“I think the simple way to put it would be, he’s hating,” Trey said in a recent interview with the K104 Morning Show.

Trey stated that the two are, and have been, friends. If Ne-Yo really wanted to express his opinion, then the two could’ve had a conversation about it before all of the drama, Trey said.

Continue reading at Sister 2 Sister

Janelle Monáe may be the newest star of COVERGIRL’s print campaign, but there have been many brown beauties before her. Since its introduction in 1961, the brand has strived to provide women with the makeup tools to rock their everyday cover moments. We take a look at our favorite COVERGIRLs that inspire women to feel stronger, braver, and more beautiful.

Lana Ogilvie, the first non-white to be given a contract with COVERGIRL

Queen Latifah, Queen Collection 2007

Teyona Anderson, winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” Cycle 12

Brandy Norwood, the first non-model COVERGIRL

Tyra Banks graces COVERGIRL ads in 1995

In February 2009  COVERGIRL supported Rihanna after her then-boyfriend Chris Brown was arrested for assaulting her.

Eva Pigford, winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” Cycle 3

Krista White, winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” Cycle 14

Dania Ramirez‘s COVERGIRL ads began running in January 2010

Sofia Vergara joined Ellen DeGeneres as 2012′s COVERGIRL campaign

By Tracy L. Scott

So, if you’ve been hanging out with the Internets lately, you’ve heard that Zoe Saldana has recently been cast to play Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic about the legendary singer’s life.  Most of the internet thinks this is a dumb, bad, stupid, dumb bad idea.  I agree, and you probably should too.  But not for the reasons you may be thinking.

Okay.  The problem here, in my opinion, is not Zoe’s ability to play Nina Simone.  Some people think she just doesn’t have it in her.  Nina was gritty, in-your-face, bold, daring, subversive.  I don’t think she could have been demure and gentle if she tried.  Zoe could, though, and to some people this softness cancels any ability to give us hard, rough, bitter.  I’m vetoing this.  I saw Colombiana—okay, I saw the previews for Colombiana—and she appears to kick some major butt in that flick.  Literally and otherwise.

The problem also isn’t that she’s not “black,” and reading this criticism actually makes me mad.  Zoe has spoken very openly about her ethnicity, and identifies as a black woman.  Who are we to strip that from her?  How dare we not let her name herself?  Get that out of here, sirs and madams.  That’s vetoed as well.

And the problem definitely and absolutely is not that Zoe is “too pretty” to play Nina.  Talk about insulting and telling of the extent to which our Western standard of beauty has poisoned our little brains.  Both Zoe and Nina are beautiful.  It’s just the one would be considered more so by a conglomerate of social institutions.  Where’s my pen?  I need to sign this veto real quick.  The problem with this casting job is rooted in a very harmful, silencing tradition:  the Hollywood whitewashing of people of color and their stories to make them palatable to the general audience (read:  white folks).
Nina Simone’s physical appearance is an integral part of her story that can’t be glossed over, flippantly handled, or changed.  In an image-obsessed society where white, skinny, thin nosed, blond haired, and blue eyed was (and is) the base requirement for being beautiful, Nina had more hurdles to clear than most, especially as she tried to claw her way through the alabaster world of classical music.  The further you were from that beauty standard, the tougher your road, particularly for women.  In her response to Zoe’s casting as her mother, Nina’s daughter, Simone, hints at the time she had, commenting:

“As a child, my mother was told her nose was too big and she was too dark yet she graduated valedictorian of her high school class – The Allen School for Girls – AND, skipped two grades.”

Casting someone to play Nina Simone who does not look like Nina Simone greatly dilutes her story and undermines her strength.  Had Zoe been born back then, she and Nina would have had very different life experiences because of the way they look.  Nina couldn’t pass.  She didn’t have the societal advantage of light skin or fine hair to ease the road a little bit.  And it was the pride she took in that that made her such a subversive figure.  She didn’t try to make herself palatable to mainstream society.  She didn’t bleach her skin or get a nose job.  She was unapologetically her natural black self, in visage and in politics, and that is where her power lied.  This quote from Nina both sums it up perfectly:

“I’ve never changed. I’ve never changed my hair. I’ve never changed my color, I have always been proud of myself, and my fans are proud of me for remaining the way I’ve always been.”

Ironically, the casting of Zoe in this role, has done exactly what Nina refused to do.  If they’ll water this part of her character down, who knows what else they’ll change to make her easier for the masses to swallow?  Remember how white folk casted white actors in the role of American Indians in movies, rather than have actual American Indians play them?  Or when some genius decided that the word “nigger” should be removed from Mark Twain’s Huck Finn and replaced with the word “slave?”   Or that time L’Oreal had Beyonce looking extra European in one of their ads?  Yeah.  This is the same thing, coming from the same injured place.  It’s a place that threatens to remove Nina and women who look like her from history, disarming them on a battleground where we’re already vastly outnumbered.

Finally, this choice just smacks of bias. With the right makeup and Hollywood magic, you could make Zoe look like Nina.  I actually think Zoe kind of favors her a bit, so it definitely wouldn’t be hard.  But why pass over scores of talented actresses who naturally look more the part?  Because Zoe is more palatable.  Because she’ll get more white butts in those theater seats. Because I guess our dark skinned sisters with SAG cards are being reserved for—ahem—other roles.  Because if that audience knows that Zoe is just in costume, that she can wash off the dark makeup and return to her previously appealing self, it will make Nina’s life seem just a bit more like a distant fantasy as opposed to a harsh reality that many still face today.

But Nina was not a costume.  She couldn’t simply wash it off, and she wouldn’t if she could. That’s the whole point—and with this casting job, that point has been sorely missed.

I can’t wait to see Lindsay Lohan play Michelle Obama in “The Right to Bare Arms:  The Story of the First Black First Lady.”  And I hear Gary Busey is going to play Barack.  Fun times!

Living green hasn’t always been the most stylish way of living. What was once a frumpy granola way of life has now become a chic healthy alternative for even the most fashion-forward individual. And now that many of our favorite beauty products have jumped on board (and for good reason, like the possible link between parabens to breast cancer), being green has never looked so good. It’s time to trust Mother Nature to not only keep us alive and well, but also to provide the best eco-friendly chemical-free beauty products our medicine cabinets and beauty bags will ever see.

Known for creating products that fuse natural elements with “green science,” Sunday Riley’s lipstick are a great way to add a jolt of color to your pout without harsh chemicals seeping in.

Sunday Riley Modern Lip Color, $32

This Tarte cheek stain will not only bring a natural-looking flush to your cheeks, but will also keep you free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can be found in many other products in the same realm.

Tarte Blissful Cheek Stain, $30

Fill in sparse brows with this 2-in-1 brow pencil and powder duo made with organic and natural ingredients.

Josie Maran Double-Ended Eyebrow Pencil, $24

Get pretty and polished while remaining free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and parabens. We could all use a nail polish that delivers intense color without all the chemicals.

Polish & Co. Too Much Info Nail Polish, $12

Maximize those lashes with a bit of help from Mother Nature with this new mascara by the earth-friendly brand Origins.

Origins Ginzing Brightening Mascara, $17.50

Ward off shine with a natural mattifying primer as your make-up base—your skin will thank you.

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer, $33

Courtesy of The Grio

With the controversial comments of Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin making news across the political universe (Akin, who opposes abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, told an interviewer over the weekend that in cases of “legitimate rape,” women won’t get pregnant), the spotlight has shifted back to women’s health.

On MSNBC’s NOW with Alex Wagner, actress Gabrielle Union, who will participate in a Planned Parenthood breast health event Monday, talked about her support of the organization (which has been under attack by GOP legislators for providing family planning among its many services) and slammed Akin’s remarks.

“Todd Akin…I was shocked. I would say saddened except that it pissed me off,” said Union.

Continue at The Grio…

In addition to owing the federal government an estimated $1.8 million in taxes, Lauryn Hill will have to scrounge up a few more coins to pay back the State of New Jersey.

Related: Lauryn Hill’s & 5 Other Surprising Celebrity Mugshots

According to TMZ, a civil judgement was filed against Hill in June by a Jersey court after she failed to pay $446,386 in state taxes. Her newest tax troubles come just a week after the “Doo Wop” singer was charged with failing to file federal tax returns in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

And with the possibility of three years in prison on the horizon, Hill is keeping her lips sealed.

Related: Pay Up!: 10 Celebrities Who Owe Uncle Sam

While tweeting with fans on Sunday during her exclusive interview with Rihanna, Oprah revealed her interest in speaking with the Grammy Award winner. Unfortunately, even the queen of media can’t get the elusive singer to talk.

Hill is scheduled for sentencing in her federal tax case in November.

The round table discussion with my girls began, “Is it infatuation because he knows exactly what to say to have me giggling or is it because he’s the first guy that has come around that doesn’t make me gag?”

After seven months of dating hibernation, I find myself in this quandary. He’s smart, gifted, educated with multiple sources of income, and admirable plans for the future. Still, I proceed with caution. Maybe it’s the FaceTime debates until the early hours of the morning or the discussions of the names of our future children.

However,  when the declaration that “he may just fall in love with me” came it sent our pillow talk to a screeching halt. I was becoming a PCS (Prisoner of Cuffing Season).

Cuffing season: (noun) During the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity causes singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.

It’s a common misconception that men do not get bitten with the “let’s settle down” bug when the holidays are looming overhead. My guy-buddy-friend had jumped the gun because cuffing season doesn’t officially begin until Labor Day and ends the week before Thanksgiving. Last year, I fell prey to its clutches and unfortunately the romantic affair ended on Christmas day — convenient for the both of us since we’d enhance our financial worth in after-holiday returns.

[Photo via Shutterstock]

So what have I learned from my mishaps? These three very important rules:

1. Keep it Casual - Exclusivity is the ultimate sign that you’ve been cuffed! Understand that relationships that begin after cuffing season are usually the real deal. So, if your partner is into you they won’t rush into an exclusive arrangement.

2. Keep it Costless –  Abstain from expensive gift-giving! You can find unique ways to show your admiration for your new boo without spending your holiday money on a newbie. The exchanging of gifts is a symbol of “couple-hood.”

3. Keep it Classy – Stay cool, calm, and collected. Emotion betrays your attachment. If you find your partner pushing you to “settle down,” needing a “title,” or just becoming antsy about the “future of the relationship” after a month of dating, do not become ruffled.

All in all, it’s hunting season. There are some veteran marksmen out there who know exactly what to say and do to have you hooked. Keep these tips in mind and remember that in the games of cuffing season, “falling [in like] is failing.”

[Photo via Shutterstock]

Courtesy of NewsOne

Released a month ago with already nearly half-a-million page views, rap song “Lil Mouse Get Smoked” has created quite a stir. The song, which celebrates violence and murder, was penned by a 13-year-old Lil Mouse who lives on the South Side of Chicago.  While the song continues to pick up steam, NewsOne spoke with violence and mental health expert Terrie Williams as well as Lil Mouse’s producer, P. Noble, about whether this type of music — in light of what’s happening in our communities — is acceptable.

Barely a teen,  Lil’ Mouse appears in “Lil Mouse Get Smoked” in his Roseland neighborhood, clutching a grip of money and posing in front of a BMW. Shamelessly spewing expletives while painting a depressing picture of his surroundings, Lil’ Mouse says:

I’m rollin’, all my n*ggas rollin’

…

.30 clip and them hollow tips have his a** sitting in Roseland

Floating off a pill, p*ssy bad kill

N*ggas talking shit in the club, you better watch yourself

Continue at NewsOne…