Blaec Lammers, 20, of Bolivar, MO, was arrested after planning a mass shooting at a screening of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2.”

Lammers was charged on Friday with first-degree assault, making a terrorist threat and armed criminal action. He is being held in Polk County Jail on $500,000 bail, according to the Bolivar Police Department.

Authorities were alerted of Lammers’s plans when his mother discovered he’d purchased assault weapons and more than 400 rounds of ammunition, according to a police statement.

Lammers was later found at a local Sonic restaurant. He allegedly admitted to police that he bought a ticket to a Sunday screening of the “Twilight” sequel. He also explained that he was worried he would run short on ammunition. So he concocted an alternate plan to open fire on shoppers at a local Walmart, according to reports.

He also told police, he chose Walmart because he would have easy access to more ammunition via the store’s gun shop.

Lammers also admitted to being on medication and having homicidal thoughts, according to police reports.

It looks like Kevin Clash (the voice of Sesame Street’s Elmo) wanted the sexual allegations made by Sheldon Stephens to come to quick close. According to new reports, Clash agreed to pay his accuser $125,000 on the condition that he retract allegations that Clash had sex with him when he was a minor.

Sheldon Stephens, now 23, says he was 16 when he and Clash began having a sexual affair, according to TMZ. Clash, 52, admits to having an affair. However, he insists he did not pursue a sexual relationship with Stephens until he was an adult.

A few short hours before Stephens changed his story, the two parties reached a settlement.  Under the terms outlined, Clash agreed to pay Stephens $125,000.  According to TMZ, the settlement has the following conditions:

“Stephens agrees that immediately upon execution of this Agreement, his counsel, Andreozzi & Associates, P.C., shall release the [following] statement … ‘He [Stephens] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship.’”

Additionally, Stephens is only allowed to repeat the earlier statement if questioned about the nature of he and Clash’s relationship.

But despite the signed documents, Stephens is sticking to his story. According to TMZ, Stephens “continues to insist Clash had sex with him when he was a minor and was pressured into signing the settlement [...] And Stephens was crying during final negotiations and repeatedly insisted he didn’t want to sign.”

Clash is now on voluntary leave from Sesame Street Workshop.

Fans are not disappointed as Rihanna’s transatlantic 777 tour is well underway. The 24-year-old pop-princess has ambitiously taken on seven countries in seven nights, with Paris center stage last night.

At Le Trianon Theatre and Concert Hall–one of the busiest stops on the tour–she played a new track titled ‘Stay,’  and songs from the official 777 “greatest hits” set-list.  Always full of surprises, between shows, Rihanna is traveling on a private Boeing 777 plane, also towing 150 journalists and a coterie of her loyalest fans.

According to NME.com, she left Le Trianon, “on the shoulders of her security, shaking hands with the screaming crowd as she left. Some fans were disappointed that the set was cut shorter than previous nights, due to an early curfew.” And one loyal fan, David, 20 from Paris said: “It’s so crazy to be so close. The whole room was mad for ‘We Found Love’ I want to do it all again.”

Ever the party girl, after the show, Rihanna hit a local nightclub where she walked in to a Kanye West remix of her latest single, “Diamonds.” Industry notables like  P. Diddy, Cassie, Akon, Pharrell Williams were rumored to be in attendance.

Business still in mind, Rihanna moves to carve out her own space in musical history on this unprecedented tour. Blink and the night before she was in Stockholm playing the Berns venue, graced by legends like The Supremes and Aretha Franklin in 1968.

Tonight Rihanna travels to Berlin to continue promoting her seventh studio album, Unapologetic.

A train collided with a school bus in Egypt on Saturday killing 51 people, most of whom were children. The bus was carrying kindergarteners to their school in Manfalut district, south of Cairo.

Mostly children between 4 and 6-years-old were riding the bus when it crossed the railroad tracks, slamming into the oncoming train, according to reports. Seventeen people were also injured in the accident.

Doctor Mohamed Samir of the local hospital told the press: “”They told us the [railroad] barriers were open when the bus crossed the tracks and the train collided with it.”

The bus was broken in half by the force of the impact, and school bags and text books were scattered around the bloody scene, according to NBC News. Officials said the level of destruction and mutilation made it difficult to count and identify the victims.

Egypt’s railway system is notorious for its poor safety record, with incidents blamed on badly maintained equipment and poor management.

Governor Yahya Taha Kishk ordered an investigation and confirmed that the railway’s crossing was open when the train hit the bus.

“The crossing worker was asleep. He has been detained,” Kishk explained.

At the scene, the victims’ families protested the neglect causing the tragedy. The government is giving the family of each person killed approximately $1,500 in compensation. The family of each injured victim will receive about $900, according to the prime minister’s office.

In today’s link round-up: Several “Basketball Wives” threaten to walkout, President Obama is “not impressed” and much more!

EURweb
Jamie Foxx To Host ‘SNL’
And Ne-Yo will join the actor as the show’s musical guest.

Hello Beautiful
2012 American Music Awards: Performances
In case you missed it…

Madame Noire
Basketball Wives Threaten Walkout
Good news or bad news?

The Frisky
The President Is Not Impressed
Barack Obama + McKayla Maroney = “Not Impressed”

The Root
11 Reasons ‘Malcolm X’ Still Moves Us
A look back at the critically acclaimed film 20 years later.

VIBE.com
New Martin Luther King Jr. Movie ‘Memphis’ Back On Schedule
Director Paul Greengrass says the biopic has been given the greenlight.

Never underestimate the importance of rest and replenishment. As we move into the winter months, we are moving into the season of rest. Bears hibernate, trees shed their leaves, and nature just seems to slow down.

We can take some clues from the season and slow down with the environment. Take the time to read a book or write in your journal. Reflect and digest the happenings of the day and quietly commune with yourself.

If you tend to be a busy person, rest can create a sense of balance. You will find that as you incorporate things that replenish your spirit into your schedule, you will have more energy to finish your original goals.

“Rest, for action is most appreciated after the calm.” — Finding your Way

In honor of replenishing our souls, click here to view our Well-Life Maintenance Goals for November.

Welcome to Uplift at UPTOWN. If you are just joining us this week, my name is Anita Kopacz. I am an author and spiritual adviser with a passion to see people thrive! Collective energy possesses a divine power that can remove stubborn obstacles and open locked doors. My intention is to join our UPTOWN family in spirit and forge our return to healthy living. With the Well-Life Maintenance Program, together we will take small steps in four areas of our lives to improve our quality of living. The four areas include Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, and Physical. You can find more in my new book,Finding Your Way: Alphabetical Keys to the Divine

When it comes to award shows these days, Nicki Minaj is unstoppable.

At the 40th annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles, the 29-year-old femcee hit the red carpet in a stand-out Monique Lhuillier gown with jewels by Charles Albert. After debuting her latest single “Freedom,” Minaj walked away with awards in the categories of Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop/Album (Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded).

The rapper’s “Beauty and the Beat” co-star Justin Bieber dominated the night’s categories (shocker!), winning Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album (Believe), and the coveted Artist of the Year.

In addition to performances from Minaj, Bieber, Usher, Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown, Ludacris and others, Stevie Wonder performed a special tribute to the late Dick Clark.

“I remember his friendship and his kindness. I remember his love for music and his love for people,” Wonder said. “I challenge you, you as communicators, leaders, politicians, spiritual leaders: Put your love first like we musicians put our music first [...] Then we can be jamming until the break of dawn.”

Check out all the red carpet arrivals after the jump!

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

CHRIS BROWN

KELLY ROWLAND

KERRY WASHINGTON
LUDACRIS

50 CENT

ROCSI DIAZ

J. COLE

SEAN KINGSTON

JORDIN SPARKS & JASON DERULO

WILL.I.AM

BRANDY

SWIZZ BEATZ

USHER

Pack it up! Vanessa Williams and her fellow castmates of 666 Park Avenue are getting the boot from ABC after just 13 episodes.

According to Deadline, the hour-long supernatural drama failed to bring in a strong audience after its debut in late September on the heels of the network’s hit series Revenge. ABC’s military drama Last Resort was also dropped in its first season.

The network is reportedly holding on to both shows in consideration for next season, but the chances of them making their way back to our television screens is highly unlikely.

Over at NBC, Angela Bassett is preparing for her new role in the drama Vanishing Point from Source Code writer Ben Ripley. The veteran actress will also serve as executive producer of the show that centers on “a character-driven legal franchise revolving around two women.”

Bassett is set to play an intelligent, yet unsympathetic, lawyer from New York whose world is rocked by a major health issue. After making her condition public, she continues her practice with the help of a young, brilliant attorney.

There is no word on when the show is set to premiere.

Bassett is currently in production with Lifetime’s TV movie Betty & Coretta.

The post ABC Drops Vanessa Williams’ ‘Park Avenue’, Angela Bassett Preps NBC’s ‘Vanishing Point’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of EURweb

Rihanna promised unprecedented access to some 200 reporters invited along on her seven-day, seven-country, seven-concert 777 tour. But according to the press pool on board, Rihanna hasn’t given them anything – and they are quite upset.

Reporters aboard the Boeing 777 whisking the singer off to such locations as Mexico City, Stockholm and London found themselves exhausted and ignored, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“We were looking for a story, and we turned out to BE the story,” declared a correspondent for the Fuse TV music channel, observing: “Everyone is delirious to the point where we are chanting random things. One guy from Australia has streaked stark naked throughout the entire plane! Everyone is up with their cameras rolling waiting for a glimpse at Rihanna. We don’t know if it’s going to  pay off, but we’re all ready!”

Continue at EURweb…

The post Rihanna’s 777 Tour Chaos: Angry Reporters Protest Treatment appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

When it comes to layering during the cold season, all the add-ons necessary to say warm can become a bit cumbersome. But when the right pieces are selected and styled proportionately, layering can be a cinch. And one of the easiest pieces to incorporate, or shall we say, invest in is you guessed it–vests! Whether a sporty puffer worn over heavy knits, a sleek leather biker that adds an edge to feminine looks, or a plush furry number used to insulate an anorak, a vest will offer you many chic layering possibilities, especially during the winter.
This chevron stripe number is perfect for wearing over or under blazers to create texture and depth to your office look.

J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest, $138  

Add a chic sporty vibe to a more polished look with this puffer.

Tory Burch Channing Vest, $206.50 

Toughen up whimsical and ethereal dresses with a leather biker vest.

Topshop Sless Biker Vest, $180 

Nothing adds instant glam like fur. Pair this vest over your leather jacket for a take on this season’s leather sleeve trend.

Via Spiga Parma Collarless Faux Fur Vest, $156 

Get the best of both worlds with this reversible sweater and faux fur option.

Bar III Sleeveless Patterned Faux-Fur, $78.99 

A gray sweater vest is the perfect basic to add a little extra warmth under your coat.

J.Jill Textured Alpaca Vest, $29.99

By Tracy Clayton

Hey, y’all! I have an important and exciting announcement to make: I am now, officially, a relationship expert! When did that happen, you ask? Roughly 15 minutes ago when I decided that I wanted to be one. What are my qualifications? I have access to the internet and a Twitter account, which is apparently all you need to be a relationship expert these days (having a ridiculously huge mustache and a few failed marriages doesn’t hurt, either). I can make corny puns just as good as the next man can. So why not me?

To celebrate my new-found expertise, I’ll be writing a series of ruminations on love and relationships, covering a variety of topics. First up: Is it possible to fall out of love with someone?

I almost ditched this question because it initially seemed like a no-brainer. Of course you can fall out of love. If you can fall into it, then why can’t you fall out of it? Relationships don’t work out all the time, right?

But then I thought about it, and I think there’s a distinction that we could stand to make, for clarity’s sake, and before that, there are some thoughts and terms to define. What is love? What does it mean to be in love? As we proceed, please keep in mind that these are just my thoughts and opinions, but since I’m a relationship expert, I’m probably right.

Love. Merriam-Webster defines it, primarily, as: “A strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personalities.” The Bible characterizes love as patient, kind, not boastful, not proud. In real world terms, love is when someone asks for the last bite of whatever it is you’re eating and you give it to them, willingly. Even though you really wanted that last bite. Love is being able to find the will to forgive someone after they record over your “Ricki Lake” and “Jenny Jones Show” episodes you taped back in middle school. Love is going to a Drake concert with your boo even though you can’t stand Drake. Love is wanting more for someone than you want for yourself; it is sacrificing happily, accepting unconditionally, and giving without expectation.

And you can love anyone. Your mom, your brother, your boo, the lady at the deli that slices your turkey juuuuust right. Love is love. There are different types of love–maternal love, platonic love, etc. But plain ol’, naked, straight up & down love is the basis for them all.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Romantic love, for example, is love + infatuation. People often confuse the two, love and infatuation, because they can sometimes be difficult to discern. The difference, though, is resilience. Infatuation is as flimsy and fragile as a champagne flute under Rick Ross’ foot. Romantic love is sturdy, time-tested, and strong; this is what I think of when people talk about being “in love.” Once you have this with someone, can it go away? Can you fall out of it?

Sort of. I actually don’t like the terminology, “fall out of love” because I think it’s misleading. Have you ever seen someone fall down in slow motion in real life? Of course you haven’t. Falling happens quickly and jarringly (and sometimes hilariously). You’re on your feet one moment, and laid out flat on your butt the next. I think it’s folly to think of love in those black and white terms, as something that happens in the blink of an eye.

In my professional relationship expert opinion, romantic love does not go away so much as it becomes something else. It changes and evolves, as life itself does. I posit that people don’t fall out of love–they fall out of infatuation, they fall out of romance. Love–the naked, plain, no-frills love–that remains.

Or it should, at least. It seems to me that a force as strong as love, once it is actualized, is always there at least in trace amounts. Because love doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be together forever; sometimes it means I care greatly for you and want the best for you, even if I can’t give it to you.

And if you don’t feel that way once the romance is gone and the smoke clears, then maybe it wasn’t real love in the first place.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

’Tis that time of the year again, and we’ve got the women in your life covered with these 10 inspired under-the-tree options:

Creed Acqua Fiorentina: The Encore ($260/2.5 oz.) After years of being unavailable in the U.S., master perfumer Olivier Creed presents Acqua Fiorentina for holiday 2012.

creedboutique.com

Bobbi Brown caviar and oyster palette ($75)
bluemercury.com

Christian Louboutin Moroccan red leather shopper ($2,195)
christianlouboutin.com

Windows at Bergdorf Goodman: Anniversary Edition ($250) A celebration of more than 10 years of the highly decorated windows at the
legendary outpost.
assouline.com

Hermès suede goatskin sandals ($1,600)
hermes.com

ghd limited edition black gloss classic styler ($185)
ghdhair.com

La Prairie Caviar Cristal Kit ($1,100) includes 150ml Skin Caviar Luxe Cream in a crystal-embellished case housed in a sleek silver box.
bluemercury.com

Burberry women’s leather gloves ($650)
burberry.com

Swarovski intervalle cuff ($220)
swarovski.com

Magellan Jets

Give the gift of private jet traveling with 10-hour Flex Deck cards, five-hour Take 5 cards, or stocking-stuffer gift cards, starting at $10,000. Fly anywhere in the U.S. with as little as 10 hours’ notice. magellanjets.com

Move over Wicked and The Lion King– there’s a new show in town. Maybe.

At a screening on Monday, R. Kelly told the audience that he’s working to bring his outrageous hip-hopera Trapped in the Closet and its gang of character to the Broadway stage. And if we’re lucky, the 45-year-old singer might star in a few performances.

Related: R. Kelly’s Bringing 20 More Chapters Of ‘Trapped In The Closet’ To Thanksgiving  [VIDEO]

“To transform it into a Broadway version, that’s what I’m working on,” he said, before unveiling the latest chapters of the series. His new installments of Trapped in the Closet debut this Friday.

While little details were provided about the ambitious project, R. Kelly thanked his fans for supporting the one-of-a-kind series.

Related: R. Kelly Makes Soul Train Awards History, Usher Leads 2012 Nominees

“I’m just having a lot of fun. I don’t have a job, so I sit in the studio all day and think of stuff to do and this is just something stupid I’ve done that’s been successful for me,” he said. “I’m having a lot of fun with it.”

He continued, “I want everybody to know I’ve got 85 chapters of ‘Trapped in the Closet’ waiting in the studio for y’all. The chapters that are coming– the show, we call it– is going to exceed every chapter that you have ever seen.”

R. Kelly is knee-deep in his “Single Ladies Tour,” which kicked off on Oct. 13 and ends Dec. 7 in Merrillville, IN.

Courtesy of the Huffington Post

Lenny Kravitz has lined up a starring role in a Marvin Gaye biopic, The Evening Standard reports.

The project is directed by Julian Temple, known for his documentary “London: The Modern Babylon” as well as “Absolute Beginners.” Temple also has plenty of experience with bringing music to the big screen, having directed a number of movies about the Sex Pistols.

Continue at the Huffington Post…

The post Lenny Kravitz As Marvin Gaye? Actor Lines Up Role In Julien Temple Movie appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

In wake of the recent sex allegations, Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash has resigned from his position with Sesame Street after 28 years.

Sesame Workshop released the following statement on Tuesday:

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to harness the educational power of media to help all children the world over reach their highest potential. Kevin Clash has helped us achieve that mission for 28 years, and none of us, especially Kevin, want anything to divert our attention from our focus on serving as a leading educational organization. Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding Kevin’s personal life has become a distraction that none of us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job and has resigned from Sesame Street. This is a sad day for Sesame Street.”

Earlier this morning, a second accuser stepped forward with claims of an underage sexual relationship with the 54-year-old actor. Cecil Singleton, now in his 30s, has filed a lawsuit against Clash that claims the pair met on a gay phone chat line back in 1993.

TMZ reports Singleton was 15 years old and Clash was 32.

“[Clash] trolled gay telephone chat line rooms to meet and have sex with underage boys,” the accuser claims. Singleton says Clash “groomed” him to gain his trust by taking him to dinners and giving him money.

The report continues:

“Singleton claims while Clash was featured on ‘Sesame  Street,’ he was ‘preying on teenage boys to satisfy his depraved sexual interests.’

In the suit, Singleton claims … although the sex occurred nearly 20 years ago, he didn’t take action until now because … he ‘did not  become aware that he had suffered adverse psychological and emotional effects from Kevin Clash’s sexual acts and conduct until 2012.’”

Singleton is demanding more than $5 million.

Clash’s first accuser, Sheldon Stephens, is seeking to reverse his $125,000 settlement after recanting his statement last week. The 23-year-old aspiring model says he is standing by his initial claim of an underage sexual relationship with Clash.

The post Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Resigns As Second Accuser Steps Forward appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of EURweb

For Allen West, the fat lady has sung!

The controversial GOP Congressman who was a Tea Party fave, finally conceded  overnight to Democrat Patrick Murphy.

However, it took  West – a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel – two whole weeks after the  election and another vote count for West to come to his senses and realize it  was over, reports Jose Lambiet’s Gossip Extra.

He now believes the 1,904-vote difference could not be overcome, even if a  full hand recount were ordered.

The race stood out as one of Florida’s nastiest in memory. West was haunted  by allegations of torture on the front in the Iraq War and misogyny. And political novice Murphy watched his mug shot  from a drunken arrest flash on the TV screens in West’s ads.

Continue at EURweb…

The post Allen West Finally Accepts Reality: Tea Party Favorite Conceded Overnight appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

The guys in your life range from bookish to refined and the nine options in our men’s gift guide are sure to solve any shopping conundrum.

Related Gift Guides: Something for the Ladies

Star Wars: The Blueprints by J.W. Rinzler J.W. Rinzler brings together the original blueprints created for the filming of the Star Wars saga. Star Wars: The Blueprints is limited to 5,000 hand-numbered copies ($500).

John Varvatos limited-edition bottle stopper, exclusively for Patrón Añejo Tequila ($53) Stopper comes with a 750ml bottle of Patrón Añejo.

Gruau Portraits of Men by Réjane Bargiel and Sylvie Nissen ($75) A tribute to René Gruau’s fashion imagery and advertising from the 1950s to the ’80s.

Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition ($80) The Edition was created to pay tribute to Glenfiddich’s sixth malt master, and will be limited to 18,000 bottles in the U.S.

Jetson Bike ($1,799) With speed up to 20mph, a 40-mile range per charge, and a 500w motor, LCD digital screen, and heavy-duty disc brake system, Jetson is safe and durable for all types of recreational riding. Requires no license or registration to ride.

Thomas Pink Lewis stripe tie ($115)

Porsche Design Tec Flex cuff links ($350)

Ralph Lauren camo knit cardigan ($185)

DeWalt 12-Volt Max 4-Tool Combo Kit ($270)

Related Gift Guides: Something for the Ladies

In today’s link round-up: Frank Ocean gets candid with GQ, Katt Williams suffers a meltdown on-stage and much more!

EURweb
Rihanna Apologizes To Her ’777′ Press Pool And Passengers
Ladies and Gentlemen, #rihannaplane has landed.

Loop 21
Real-Life ‘Central Park Five’ Rape Case Hits The Big Screen
“This film lays out the truth,” said director Sara Burns.

Necole Bitchie
Frank Ocean Opens Up About His Infamous Open Letter: ‘The Night I Posted It, I  Cried Like A F-cking Baby’
Open and honest.

The YBF
Katt Williams’ “Cocaine Induced” Meltdown On-Stage [VIDEO]
NSFW, of course.

The Frisky
Dating Don’ts: 7 Things You Should Never Post On His Facebook Page
No. 2: A whole album of just the two of you in yawn-worthy circumstances.

POSHGLAM
Dancing With Lipstick Queen’s: Saints And Sinners
The perfect stocking stuffers!

The post LOTD: ‘Unapologetic’ Rihanna Apologizes + ‘Central Park Five’ Rape Case Hits The Big Screen appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Nearly four months after his death, actor Sherman Hemsley will be laid to rest on Wednesday (Nov. 21) in Texas.

The Jeffersons star lost his battle with lung cancer on July 24 at age 74, but a dispute over his estate delayed his burial.

Related: How ‘The Jeffersons’ Changed The Landscape Of American Television

The Associated Press reports Hemsley’s longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal was named as the heir in his will, but his half-brother Richard Thornton challenged the will. In early November, a judge ruled the will valid.

Hemsley’s funeral, open to the public, will be held at noon today at Cielo Vista Church in El Paso. The burial will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Courtesy of The Root

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. has a new leader, and she’s already planning to position the nation’s premier civil rights law organization to make as great a contribution to civil rights in the 21st century as it did in previous eras.

The organization’s board of directors announced this week that attorney and law professor Sherrilyn Ifill will be the LDF’s next president and director counsel. She’ll be taking a leave of absence from her post at the University of Maryland School of Law to shape LDF’s social-justice agenda in January 2012.

Perhaps best known for its role in the landmark school-desegregation case Brown v. Board of Education, LDF has worked for decades to expand political participation, forestall injustice in the criminal-justice system, broaden avenues of educational opportunity, defend economic freedoms and further the nomination and appointment of fair-minded and diverse judges through impact litigation and advocacy.

Continue reading at The Root