By Charles D. Ellison
Emotions are running high.  Outrage is spilling over like hot coffee bubbling from a broken Zeurig.  And, the proverbial pitchforks are crowding about the palaces of state, local and federal power.  Every parent wants something done now, and many – a week later – are still stunned by the thought of mere kids being savagely (and repeatedly) gunned down.

But, if you think anything is going to happen anytime soon, check yourself into a local course on civics and the political process.

Casual, non-political observers of Sandy Hook would be wise to take heed.  Signs of obstacles to any “meaningful” gun control legislation were already emerging like acne sores on the Sunday talk show circuit only days after Newtown.  Republicans aligned with the gun rights lobby were anxiously crafting a peculiar array of proposals gradually shifting the conversation away from the left.  While the left screamed “about time” for sweeping weapons bans, the right pushed back with Dirty Harry visuals.  From arming teachers to populating schools with trained, gun-toting “good guys.”

The key: messaging strokes at a bit of simple political genius.  Taking high-powered, multi-round assault rifles and semi-automatics off WalMart shelves will take a lot of time.  Months to years of legislative trench warfare on Capitol Hill and in the state houses.  But, the gun lobby masterfully plays to the rawest of human and animal instincts: protecting the cubs.

A recent National Rifle Association press conference (you have to watch this – it’s better than Scandal) didn’t just offer a choice between being protected against evil madmen spraying bullets at innocent victims and, well, not.  The real choice was time.  Instant gratification versus the patience of Washington Job.  “You want armed guards?” asks the NRA like used car salesman.  “We got your armed guards. In fact, they’ll work for free.”  That changes the whole dynamic.  It’s like a re-spun, re-mixed Black Sheep single: You Can Get With This (tough ass, balding White MOFOs ready to blast any crazed nut) or You Can Wait For That (the slow moving turtle of task forces, debates, committee hearings, and long votes, etc.).

In terms of political calculus and crisis management, it’s brilliant.  Detractors may call the NRA insensitive and inhuman.  Twitter was ablaze with insults, snaps and back-of-the-school-bus rocks thrown at NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.  But, at the end of the day if you’re the NRA, what can you do? “No one has addressed the most important the most pressing and immediate question we have faced: how do we protect our children now?” asked LaPierre.

Someone is giving them pretty damn good advice.

This debate is about buying time.  More time and more wait means less done.  While tragic, Sandy Hook’s timing was politically significant.  It happened just when Congress is in the middle of a “lame duck” session and fiscal cliffhangers.  Capitol Hill is ready to bounce; Members are eager to get back home and chill around the Christmas tree – so bad is that urge that they’re even willing to let the whole national piggy bank jump off the cliff.  No one in Washington has the stomach for an eleventh debate on anything, much less gun control.

Which says a lot about how this will go down.  If the massacre of 20 small kids won’t push lawmakers to immediate action on some level, what will?

Social angst and sadness are at record levels – but, seriously, how long will that last?  As holidays set in, winter winds blow against quiet neighborhood streets settling in over unwrapped gifts with toasty cups of hot chocolate, Irish Joe and egg nog.  Passions will cool down to an unrecognizable pre-Sandy Hook simmer.  The solemn reflection will still be there, but the lit phones and email action alerts invading Capitol Hill will fall near silent.

Attention will end up elsewhere, especially as politicians drop the ball on the fiscal cliff. As failed budget negotiations begin hitting paychecks and pockets, Newtown will end up last in the features section.  Global markets may react violently, investor eyes twitching at new losses.  Fears of a new recession will just about erase fears on school safety.

Plus, let’s consider that gun control and fiscal cliffhangers are not mutually exclusive events loitering on their own street corners.  All Washington issues and conflicts are interconnected, each influencing the other through strings of people, places and events.  President Obama’s call for a task force (which, as much as he would hate to admit it, is really another “Washington commission”) is an indication that he’s carefully plodding his way through gun control.  Even though he has the luxury of being re-elected and is now in a second final term, getting stuff done still means he’ll have to negotiate.  Will he risk complete fiscal meltdown, potential social unrest and a Greek-crisis scenario by sparring with 2^nd Amendment fans who already hate him? How far will he push on one issue at the expense of another?  White House operatives are clearly crunching the cost-benefit analysis.

Whether we like it or not, politics – which is not policy – drives any chance at a national transformation of gun talk.  Our friends at the Center for Responsive Politics (you should make a habit of checking them out) finds that the NRA is among the top 140 political donors in the country, classifying them as a “Heavy Hitter.”  In 2012, it dropped $24 million alone into the elections, with $3.2 million against President Obama and $885,000 for Mitt Romney.  That’s serious loot that Democrats and Republicans just can’t ignore.

And it’s not like the gun control lobby is putting up any sort of fight.  The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, considered a leading voice advocating gun control, barely managed to spend $5,000 in 2012.  So, who’s taking who serious?

Meanwhile, 51% of the Members of the new 113th Congress all received money from the NRA political action committee during the course of their careers – 47% just received money from the NRA during the 2012 cycle (an organization known to invest anywhere from $100,000 – $200,000 for a single Congressional election).  Two Members, one from each party, sit on the NRA’s board.

Lastly: are we really seeing a change in public mood on gun control?  Probably not.  A recent Pew survey found only 49% of Americans say the issue is important while 42% want gun rights intact.  After Aurora it was 47% to 46%.  In a hint that the NRA is carefully parsing the polls, 53% said go for it: increase the police presence at schools.   This time next year, Newtown won’t be much more than an anniversary.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist, insider and analyst with over two decades of expertise. He’s Washington Correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune and host of “Showdown” on SiriusXM 124, Thursdays 7-9pm ET. He can be reached via Twitter @charlesdellison. (Warning: the views expressed don’t reflect conventional wisdom).

By Clarissa Hamlin

The legendary “At Last” singer Etta James died on January 20 at the age of 73 from complications of leukemia. Born on January 25, 1938, she captivated people with her earthy, sultry voice in the 1960’s.

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by Terrance Gaines

If getting organized is somewhere on your New Year’s list of resolutions, be sure to check out these life-altering gadgets and services.

BAG OF TRICKS

The Powerbag Business Class Case does double-duty: It keeps your bag organized during travel, while also keeping your devices charged on the go. Hiding inside the bag is a rechargeable battery carrying enough juice to jump-start your smartphone, tablet, eReader, MP3 player, or Bluetooth headset multiple times. Now you don’t have to be that person getting side eyes for hogging all the outlets at the airport before your flight. mypowerbag.com

THAT’S THE TICKET!

Convert your flight confirmations into one digital travel itinerary, complete with addresses, phone numbers, maps, directions, local weather, and flight updates with TripIt. Simply create an account, then forward flight, hotel, and ground transportation e-mails to TripIt. Your itinerary is created in seconds for quick access online via the mobile app. Now you can ditch that pretentious leather carrying case. tripit.com

JUICE BOX

The Seagate GoFlex Satellite is a wireless 500GB hard drive that streams HD movies, music, and pictures to your mobile devices for up to seven hours on one charge. Now your media can live in harmony on one device that can be accessed by your smartphone or tablet, or synchronized with your laptop. Perfect for when in-flight Wi-Fi wants to charge an arm and a leg for Web access, or when your kids all want to watch something different on that long road trip. seagate.com

FORGET-ME-NOTS

Evernote is the “remember everything” service for organizing notes, checking off your “To Do” list, saving Web sites, storing important files, and sharing documents all in one place. If you can access the Web, have a PC or Mac, and can’t live without your iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, or BlackBerry, Evernote syncs all of your data. It’s your very own virtual intern. evernote.com

NEVER LEFT HANGING

Bluelounge’s The Sanctuary eradicates the need to manage cables while charging your gadgets. This cable management box neatly hides a universal charger compatible with more than 1,500 devices. The end result: an überorganized nightstand that no longer contradicts the sensual look of your bedroom or sleek professionalism of your office. bluelounge.com

Well, winter had mercifully delayed its arrival for a few weeks now. Sadly, that wintry moratorium has arrived to an abrupt end. So, given that harsh reality, a gentleman needs to equip himself with the necessary gear to maintain warmth and comfort when he ventures outdoors. Once the head and shoulders area has been sufficiently insulated, a guy must then focus his attention to his hands. Seriously, you don’t really plan on wielding a snow shovel or gripping an icy cold steering wheel with bare hands do you? I didn’t think so. Check out the best of this season’s stylish wool knit gloves that will protect your fingers from a gangrenous future – you’re welcome.

OK, let’s handle a bit of necessary business from the beginning. Winter gloves can be mundane and boring. The solution: Add some pattern, add some color. And the best at seamlessly marrying both elements? Paul Smith.

Paul Smith Stripe Knitted Gloves, $135

Well, perhaps, exploding colors or patterns are a bit too much for your sartorial tastes. No problems friend, a gentleman can still flex some stylish charm with a pair of understated two-tone knit gloves, complete with a color-contrasting band and ribbed detail.

Marc Jacobs Sweater Gloves, $58

You might be doing a double-take as you notice the price tag for these cashmere – that’s right cashmere – gloves as they slide in at well below the $100-mark. So, it should go without saying, these gloves need to be on your to-buy list.

Paul Stuart Cashmere Knit Gloves, $69.50

Solid wool gloves are fine, but wool gloves with tiny flecks of color are infinitely better. The donegal wool knit has you covered in the warmth department, and the little specks of color handles the rest, which of course is adding some fashionable flavor into mix.

Theory Marled Wool Knit Gloves, $85

As modern cultural changes are inevitable, so too are changes unavoidable with fashion and the manner in which we approach said genre. So, given that the art of texting has become embroidered in everyday life, it is only appropriate that a gentleman’s gloves arrive equipped with a tactile texture perfect for touch-screen navigation, but not while driving!

Burberry Touch Screen Cashmere Gloves, $215

Sure, the previous selection of cashmere gloves courtesy of Burberry are wonderfully soft, but a more affordable option would be great to have too. With subtle openings at the forefinger and thumb, a gentleman can still provide sufficient warmth to his hands and still play Angry Birds.

Polo Ralph Lauren Two-Tone Texting Knit Glove, $95

Brandy is closing out a tremendous year of personal success on the ultimate high note. The “Put It Down” singer and her music executive boyfriend Ryan Press are engaged, reports Us Weekly.

“They are thrilled and happy and Brandy feels this is so right,” an insider said. While the 33-year-old industry vet has yet to confirm the big news, the announcement came just one day after she gifted fans with her unreleased song “How High.”

“Like a rib, I’m one within you. We’re unbreakable (unbreakable), inseparable (inseparable),” Brandy sings, a clear dedication to Press.

In an interview with UPTOWN earlier this year, the Grammy Award winner assured readers that Press was a keeper and the couple were in it for the long haul.

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

Congratulations to the couple!

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Bilal Sayeed Oliver — stage name “Bilal” — is what you’d call an “artist’s artist.”

An O.G. in the world of rhythm and blues — dropping his critically-acclaimed debut “First Born Second” 12 years ago to the praise of peers and frequent collaborators Common, Erykah Badu and The Roots — like them, the Philly singer has seen the music industry from every angle, in fat and lean times.

Bilal’s biggest business coup came when he was just 19 years old: the singer-songwriter signed his first and only major-label contract and publishing deal with Interscope, a contract that showered him with enough cash to buy a new car and remodel his mother’s home.

And like most young people who suddenly inherit large wads of cash, the Grammy nominee blew through the rest of it on jewelry, clothes and other material things — items that wouldn’t last.

He calls that period his first real lesson in financial risk.

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com

Courtesy of Madame Noire

Are you growing tired of the debate over natural hair versus chemically-treated tresses? Well, Andrea Pippins, a Baltimore-based graphic designer, is so frustrated by the ongoing question of whether women should go natural that she created a four-poster series of prints entitled “Crowns of Color” that not only celebrate natural hair, but all African-American hair choices.

Continue at Madame Noire…

The post “Crowns of Color”: New Poster Series Celebrates Black Hair appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Frisky

Frisky readers, I need your help putting my mom’s fears to rest. Today, she sent me a link to an article on AlterNet about a recent New York Times trend story that claims single folks are now asking the people they date for their credit scores on first dates. “I find this very disturbing,” my mom wrote. She wasn’t specific about what she found so disturbing, but knowing my mom the way I do, I suspect that while she’s bothered by the utter invasive shallowness of such a question, especially at such an early point in the “relationship,” she’s also grossed out by the way the credit industry is attempting to infiltrate every possible crevice of our lives.

My first instinct was to call bullshit on this trend, simply because I know how trend stories are made in the New York Times lab. Writer’s friend’s sister hears random weird story over brunch in Brooklyn + press release for new-ish website/book/study related to the topic landing in writer’s inbox in same two week period = IT’S A TREND! See previous NY Times’ trend stories on dresses, man buns, Big Buck Hunter and bangs for proof that NY Times trend stories are either about things that are not trends at all or were trends, like, a year and a half ago.

Continue reading at The Frisky

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Check out the latest happenings around the music world…

• Rapper Drake is looking to collect his coins for the acronym YOLO (“you only live once”) after learning that big businesses were making big bucks off the popular catchphrase. He and YMCMB label mate Lil Wayne took YOLO to new heights with the song “The Motto,” that had all the cool kids living life to the fullest. Drake recently posted Instagram images of attire promoting the saying at megachains like Walgreens and Macy’s, with the caption, “Walgreens….you gotta either chill or cut the cheque [...] Macy’s…same goes for you.” Jordan Sargent for Gawker writes, “It’s unclear if Drake has a trademark for anything and/or everything YOLO or if he just expects people to send him checks when they print up clothing. Of course, he’s not the only person in the United States looking to horde all the YOLO cash to himself — there are over 100 YOLO trademark applications either live or dead in the United States for everything from cologne to dog collars (perfect stocking stuffers, if you’re running super late).” Better idea: Let’s leave YOLO in 2012.
• T.I.‘s latest album Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head fell short to Taylor Swift‘s R.E.D., selling 179,000 in its first week and entering in at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Fortunately for the “King of the South,” the album’s debut trumped his last release No Mercy by approximately 19,000 copies.
• Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland is prepping her return to the music scene with her fourth studio album Year of the Woman. As a follow-up to her lead single “Ice” featuring Lil Wayne, the talented songstress teamed up with producer Mike Will Made It to release “Number One,” which is sure to connect with the ladies. Rowland says fans can expect the new project to drop in the first quarter of 2013.
• And finally, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Marva Whitney who passed away on Dec. 24 from complications from pneumonia. The funk singer, known as “Soul Sister No. 1″ by James Brown, was best known for hits such as “It’s My Thing” and “Unwind Yourself.” She began her singing career as a member of her family gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers, and went on to tour with Brown in the late ’60s. She was 68.

The post Music Tidbits: Drake Fights For His ‘YOLO’ Rights, T.I. Takes The No. 2 Spot & More appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Soul singer Fontella Bass, best known for her 1965 hit “Rescue Me,” has died. She was 72.

According to the Associated Press, the St. Louis-born songstress passed away Wednesday night from complications from a heart attack she suffered three weeks ago. Her daughter, Neuka Mitchell, says Bass had also suffered a series of strokes over the past seven years.

“She was an outgoing person,” Mitchell added. “She had a very big personality. Any room she entered she just lit the room up, whether she was on stage or just going out to eat.”

Related: The Trailblazer & Celebrity Deaths of 2012

Bass was the product of a very musical family. Her mother, gospel singer Martha Bass, was one of the Clara Ward Singers and her brother David Peaston rose to fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s with several R&B hits. Peaston died in February at age 54.

After getting her start at age six in her church’s choir, Bass went on to headline gigs at the Showboat Club in north St. Louis. She later nabbed a recording contract with Chess Records as a duet artist. Over the span of her career, Bass released eight albums including 2001′s Travelin’.

In 2000, she was inducted into the St. Louis Hall of Fame.

Bass is survived by four children. Her husband, jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie, died in 1999.

In today’s link round-up: Pilar Sanders calls out Deion, Dallas Cowboy Josh Brent gets indicted in the death of his teammate and much more!

EBONY.com
ATL Rapper To Star In Reality Show “All My Babies’ Mamas”
Shame.

The YBF
Katt Williams Slapped With $4 Million Tax Lien
Williams is running into trouble at every turn.

EURweb
Pilar Calls Deion An Abusive Husband
There are three sides to every story…

Loop 21
Dallas Cowboy Josh Brent Indicted In Death Of Jerry Brown
Brent could face up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Vibe Vixen
Beyoncé To Cover March 2013 Issue Of Vogue?
The Year of Bey.

The Frisky
The Post-Breakup Social Media Survival Guide
DON’T stalk your ex online.

The post LOTD: ‘All My Babies’ Mamas’ Set For Television + Katt Williams Hit With $4M Lien appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Celebrities and their mouths — always yapping and this week was no different. An NFL Hall of Famer has a low down and dirty reaction to his ex-wife’s annulment petition, a pot-smoking diva throws major shade on Instagram, and a celebrated scholar disrespects President Barack Obama yet again. Plus, guess which recently-divorced “Basketball Wives” personality and abusive ex-baller husband are shacking up … again. And Fabolous said what?! AND I QUOTE …

“She’s the ultimate gold digger.” 

Deion Sanders lashing out at his former wife, model, and reality star Pilar Sanders, who is trying to get their marriage annulled in order to receive half of his $250 million fortune, in an interview with RumorFix.com.

Source

“Our son is just going to know that daddy likes to smoke.”

Amber Rose openly admitting that her unborn son will know that daddy/rapper Wiz Khalifa likes to puff on Mary Jane, in an interview with “E! News.”

Source

“Not a peep not a mumblin’ word when the black folk gettin’ shot!. But now Newtown (Connecticut), vanilla side, low in behold we got a major conversation.”

Dr. Cornel West implying that Pres. Obama is a racist and only cares about Caucasian children and not African-Americans,  while discussing the recent school shooting in Newtown, Conn., on “The Smiley & West Show.”

Source

“Yea cuz Whitney overdosed on a joint. F-ck outta here you weak b-tch!!”

Rihanna reading a fan after she compared the pop singer’s drug usage to that of the late Whitney Houston, via Instagram.

“We live together no choice but to talk RT @JenniferBown: @ochocinco are u and Evelyn talking again? Thanks Jennifer”

Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, whose ex-wife Evelyn Lozada recently had a no contact order lifted, confirming that the twosome are living together again, via Twitter.

My whole thing is: If she’s nice to me. I’m nice to her. I try not to pay Kenya too much attention. Her issues have nothing to do with me….”

Cynthia Bailey trying to explain the beef between her and fellow RHOA cast mate Kenya Moore, in an exclusive interview with Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

Source

“Change your passcode Yeezy…“#ChicksBeLurkin #B*tchesBeFedsOnTheLow #TheyWantIn #TheyWaitinForYouToFallAsleep

Fabolous, who is famous for stringing his baby mama Emily B along, giving fellow rapper Kanye West advice about mobile devices and passwords, via Twitter.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

As I travel around the country as an author and high achievement expert, I’ve discovered that many students and young professionals fail to fully realize their dreams because of fear. Some of the top fears are:

• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of embarrassment
• Fear of success and the expectations that come with it
• … and the No. 1 fear is “the fear of failure”

I interviewed a young professional who has attained the type of success that a lot of young people dream about pursuing in 2013, but they’re afraid. Twenty-eight-year-old Farrah Gray was raised on Chicago’s impoverished South Side, and by age 14, was one of the youngest teens to become a self-made millionaire in the United States.

As a result of his amazing business and philanthropic successes, he’s been featured by Oprah Winfrey, BET, CNN, Good Morning America, USA Today, as well as the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Michael Baisden Show—to name a few.

Read Gray’s tips at BlackEnterprise.com

[Photo: Shutterstock]

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 Root

From official White House dinners to TV appearances, here are the top FLOTUS fashion moments.

Feb. 2, 2012: ‘Ellen’ Appearance

When most people think of first lady style they think of suits and pearls, rarely of leather. This is part of why it’s so great that Michelle Obama rocked a leather jacket by Reed Krakoff with a shirt by Duro Olowu and black jeans during her appearance on Ellen. Can you imagine Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush or any other first lady rocking skinny jeans and a leather jacket? Exactly.

Continue reading The Root

Several big-time recording companies are recovering from the sting of losing millions of YouTube hits as the website did a clean sweep of fake video views on Tuesday. According to The Daily Dot, the number stands at more than 2 billion views erased from videos released by some of the industry’s biggest names.

Related: Star Clique

The crackdown came after YouTube conducted an audit of its viewing stats to ward off hackers from stacking fake views or “likes” onto videos across different channels, making the visuals seem far more popular.

Universal Music Group– which is home to artists such as Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and more– took the biggest hit with the loss of more than 1 billion views from its preexisting total of 7 billion views. Alicia Keys, Rita Ora and other artists over at Sony/BMG were stripped of approximately 850 million views, while RCA walked away with a slap on the wrist. The company lost a mere 159 million views.

Related: Music Tidbits: Drake Fights For His ‘YOLO’ Rights, T.I. Takes The No. 2 Spot & More

“This was not a bug or a security breach. This was an enforcement of our viewcount policy,” the website announced.

X Factor winner Leona Lewis lost nearly 24 million page views from her official channel, while the channels of Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Chris Brown and others have also suffered substantial hits.

The post YouTube Cuts Billions Of ‘Fake Views’ From Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce & More appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

*UPDATE: The Huffington Post reports the victim as Sunado Sen from Calcutta, India. He was not married and had recently opened a business.

“My heart is broken because this guy was so nice and quiet,” said Sen’s roommate Md Khan.

Police are still searching for the suspect.
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Police say a “mumbling” woman pushed an unsuspecting man to his death in front of a New York City train Thursday night. This is the second time in less than a month that a commuter has been killed in such a grisly manner.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at a station in Sunnyside, Queens, where witnesses said the young woman was seen talking to herself and pacing the platform. After taking a seat on a wooden bench, the suspect attacked the victim who had little time to react.

“When the train pulled into the station, the suspect rose from the bench and pushed the man, who was standing with his back to her, onto the tracks into the path of the train,” the police said in a statement. “The victim appeared not to notice her.”

Due to the severe condition, investigators have yet to identify the victim beyond his gender. Police say he had not been carrying identification and are unsure if he knew his attacker.

Police are still searching for the assailant that they describe as a Hispanic female in her 20s, heavy-set and about 5 feet 5 inches tall. She was reported to be wearing a blue, white and gray ski jacket and Nike sneakers with gray on top and red on the bottom. A grainy black-and-white video was released overnight showing the suspect fleeing the scene.

Earlier in December, Ki-Suck Han, 58, was pushed to his death at a Times Square station by 30-year-old Naeem Davis. Davis has been charged with second-degree murder, but his lawyer maintains that his client had been trying to push Han away after an altercation.

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks and her husband Apollo Nida are expecting their second child, reports PEOPLE.

Related: Star Clique

Despite false rumors of the couple heading to Splitsville, Parks and Nida will be expanding their family in the new year. Parks showed off her rapidly growing baby bump while vacationing in the Bahamas with friends and family.

The pair married in 2009 and welcomed their son Ayden in May 2010.

Congratulations to couple!

The post ‘RHOA’ Star Phaedra Parks Is Pregnant With Baby No. 2 appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of BlackVoices

Terry Glover, the managing editor of Ebony Magazine, died at age 57 on Dec. 24. The magazine announced the editor’s passing on their website on Monday, calling her an integral member of the staff and irreplaceable talent.

“Terry was the heart and soul of the EBONY team,” said editor-in-chief, Amy DuBois Barnett, in a statement. “She was one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with, and had a lovely kind demeanor and a fabulous sense of humor. The EBONY team will feel her absence every single day.”

“Terry is completely irreplaceable,” DuBois Barnett told the Chicago Tribune. “We will find someone to fill in her editorial functions, but in terms of the glue she was for our team, that’s not replaceable. We really feel her absence every single day. All of us at Ebony loved her.”

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On Friday, the death of a 23-year-old woman grimly reminded the world just how hard it is to be a woman in India. Affectionately named “Amanat”–meaning “treasure” in Urdu–by media, the medical student succumbed to injuries two weeks after being severely beaten, raped and thrown out of a moving bus in New Delhi.

“We are very sad to report that the patient passed away peacefully at 4:45 a.m. on Dec 29, 2012 (3:45 p.m. ET Friday). Her family and officials from the High Commission (Embassy) of India were by her side,” Mount Elizabeth Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Loh said in a statement.

The woman had her intestines removed due to injuries caused by a metal rod used during the rape. She also suffered a major brain injury, cardiac arrest and infections of the lungs and abdomen, the New York Times reports. On Wednesday night, she was transported to a hospital in Singapore after undergoing three abdominal operations at a hospital in India.

“She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds, but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome,” Dr. Loh’s statement said.

Police announced on Saturday, the six men involved in the attack will be charged with murder, according to the New York Times. The brutality of the December 16th attack motivated several hundred protesters–many men–to take to the streets. Fed up with lax laws, protesters called for harsher punishment for rapists.

If convicted, Indian police say, the men could face the death penalty. A rare occurrence, when women’s rights activists claim rapes and other sex crimes go unreported, victims are often criminalized, and offenders largely roam free.