The Daily Roundup for Jan 26

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KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR NAMED GLOBAL CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

NBA legend and all-time scoring leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was appointed global Cultural Ambassador by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
In his new role, Abdul-Jabbar will travel the world engaging young people and helping to promote diplomacy.

He said:“I am excited and honored to serve my country as a Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State. I look forward to meeting with young people all over the world and discussing ways in which we can strengthen our understanding of one another through education, through sports, and through greater cultural tolerance.”
Abdul-Jabbar will make his first trip as Cultural Ambassador in just as few days when he heads to Brazil on Sunday for a number of events centering on education.

Chance Coombs has A PINK DIVA Birthday Party In ATL

Cutie Chance Combs turned 5 in supremely pink style recently. Her dad Diddy trekked it down to Alpharetta, GA for his daughter's big bash which will air on the OWN network soon.

Daddy's other little girl--she's the same age as his twins with Kim Porter, D'Lila & Jessie--had a fantabulous pink-themed birthday at the Pink Pastry Parlor in Alpharetta. And Diddy was on hand with her mom Sarah Chapman for the mani/pedi, bubblegum pink stretch hummer having, sparkly tea party birthday.

Chance and her friends rocked pink sparkly dresses and pink robes, danced all night, got mani/pedis and mini makeovers, had a private tea party, and had a big slumber party after it all.

Now THAT is how a little princess is supposed to party.

Clearly the girls were dressed for the dance occasion in pink velvet Arabian princess gear and other costumes.

Fab times indeed.

Reportedly, you can see the whole party on a new show on the OWN network called Party At Tiffany's!

Meet the Non Profit Exec who FLASHED himself to an 11 year old Girl

The man who flashed a young girl as she walked to school in December was finally identified and found to be a city employee who worked with a youth group.
Andrew McFall, 41, was arrested Friday after he was finally identified using security footage that caught him just as he was about to inappropriately expose himself to the 11-year-old girl.
The girl was walking to school in Harlem on December 20 when the man started screaming profanities at her and then flashed her.
The girl promptly told employees at her school and her mother, who reported the incident to the police.

McFall was seen looking over his shoulder after the December 20 incident when he flashed the 11-year-old girl on her way to school
Though it took time to identify him because of the lack of clues, McFall was finally detained on Friday, exactly one month after the incident.
McFall worked as the director of the city's Youth Connect program and was fired after he was arrested for public lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child with bail set at $3,500.

McFall has a 6-year-old son and his relationship status is unknown.
Prior to working for the city, he serves as both deputy and executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Kips Bay and Harlem respectively.

McFall has a 6-year-old son and was being investigated for another abuse claim
He was fired from the Kips Bay position for unknown reasons in March 2010.
After his most recent firing, city officials said that he 'did not work directly with children' and was oversaw a call center that served to tell teenagers about jobs and after school programs.
He was suspended without pay. 

When the police were tipped off about McFall by an anonymous caller, he was wearing the same overcoat and shoes that he was wearing in the surveillance video.
Prosecutors were reportedly investigation another allegation of abuse against him as well when he was arrested.
His Linkedin account says that he is a graduate of City University of New York and attended both Columbia University Business School and their School of International and Public Affairs.

Love & Hip Hop’s Yandy Smith 3 Months Pregnant

New rumors suggest that Yandy Smith from VH1′s Love and Hip Hop is 3 months pregnant by her boyfriend who they are saying tried to rob Jim Jones a few months ago.

Yandy doesn’t want to tape the reunion as she’s pregnant and she’s extra careful to stay out of any fights. Since she and Momma Jones aren’t cool yet, she doesn’t want to show up on the show as it’ll obviously make her upset. However, VH1 is reportedly “begging” her to be on the reunion. Let’s see what happens in the end.

Taylor Swift & LL Cool J Team Up For 2012 GRAMMY Promos

We're two weeks away from music's biggest night, and Taylor Swift and LL Cool J were busy working on promos for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (January 22).

In a photo handout provided by CBS, the country darling and this year's GRAMMY Awards host were both dressed up in black ensembles as they stood alongside a giant replica of the show's gramophone trophy.

The promo shoot comes as the ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Kanye West tops the nominees with seven chances at GRAMMY glory while British singer Adele scored six nominations.

Meanwhile, Coldplay and Rihanna will perform live together for the first time, joining other acts including 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year Paul McCartney, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Miss Swift.

Chris Brown Denies Cheating on Karrueche

Ever since Chris Brown and Rihanna broke up three years ago, rumors have persisted that they were secretly hooking up. Yeah well Chris Brown's official girl, Karrueche Tran, must really know how to crack that whip because Chris, who's taken a vow of silence with reporters for 2012 suddenly feels the need to address the speculation...

Chris's spokesperson tells ABC News,
"He and Rihanna are just friends. He is with his girlfriend, Karrueche, and is not cheating"

You hear that, RiRi? Just friends.

Clippers Star Chris Paul & Wife Jada Cop FAB New L.A. Mansion

The newest Clippers star is off to a mighty good start with his Hollywood life. Baller Chris Paul and his new wife Jada just copped an $8.5 million pad...fit for an L.A. NBA bigshot going straight for Kobe's throne.

Pics of the twosome's new home inside...

The 26-year-old new star of L.A. just made a splash in the real estate market. After picking up and quickly moving from New Orleans to Cali, Chris and Jada reportedly fell in love with singer Avril Lavigne's mansion.
The young divorcee' (who is now dating Kim K.'s stepbrother Brody Jenner) listed the ritzy Bel Air Crest home at $9.5 million. But the Pauls took advantage of the buyers market and got it for $8.5 millie instead.

The palatial home is 12,184 sqft...perfect for their 2 and a half year old son Chris, Jr. to run like crazy in. It's got 8 bedroms, 10.5 bathrooms, 10 car garage, gym, sauna, and outdoor living room.
And this may just be the first of his laid out pads Mr. Paul will cop--he's got a $68 million contract burning his pockets. Not mad at all...

check out their new pad:

If the home looks familiar, that's because it's the same mansion rocker Travis Barker and then-wife Shanna Moakler owned and lived in during their MTV reality show "Meet The Barkers."

Carmen Bryan, Nas Baby Mama Calls Alicia Keys A ‘Homewrecker’ : On Love and Hip Hop Atlanta

After all this Kim Kardashian news, it’s time for Alicia Keys ”Homewrecking Ways” to be called out. Nas‘ first daughter’s mom, Carmen Bryan, joined Twitter recently (@CarmenBryan) and started tweeting stuff that sparked controversy. A little about Carmen — I was told she’s a “Boss B*tch” that don’t take no mess. She currently lives in Atlanta and is very low key. I was also told Carmen is being looked at for “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” Humm? I wonder?

Carmen, also wrote a steamy tell-all book about her relationship with Nas and several other celebrities including Jay-Z and Allen Iverson. In a series of tweets, Carmen wrote that she was starting a new club called BMC, abbreviated form of Baby Mama’s Club.

She also tweeted that the anthem of the club will be B.A.B.Y. by Fantasia. Then tweeted:
“Aww Camel wrote a letter to his daughter…Why didn’t he write one to his SON?”
“Just read Mashonda’s open letter to Alicia Keys…AK=HOMEWRECKER. i just remembered swizz had a wife when he got with mashonda. just thought id put that out there. what goes around comes around.”
After a couple more tweets, Carmen added: “??? of the day…Is Monica a Homewrecker & is she is…do we really care??”

Carmen had been alleging that she slept with Jiggaman which is obviously the reason for the twitter fight with Nas. Do you think the allegations are credible?

This is for you Carmen!!!!

Betty White celebrates her 90th birthday at the Los Angeles Zoo

America's Golden Girl Betty White celebrated her 90th birthday with a big cake and a few four legged friends.
The Los Angeles Zoo Association toasted the funny lady and animal advocate with a big bash on Saturday, complete with a life-sized cake created by the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Hollywood.
The impressive five foot tall confection was described as a chocolate blackout cake.

Made from 90 lbs. of sugar, 50 lbs. of flour, 50 lbs. of butter, 470 eggs and 100 cups of coffee, it was decorated with edible versions of White's favorite zoo animals including a koala, a parrot and a giraffe.
White talked about her love for the L.A. Zoo to local reporters.

She said to KABC television: 'I don't have to tell you how I feel about this magnificent zoo.
'It's my other home, I love it with all my heart and we watched it grow up a long, long time,' the television star said.
White also used the zoo-tastic party to encourage her fans to support the facility.
According to the zoo's website, it gave out pieces of Betty's cake to 900 visitors.
The L.A. Zoo says Betty has been a supporter for nearly five decades and in 2006 the City of Los Angeles named her an 'Ambassador to the Animals.'
The zoo celebration was just one in a series of gatherings marking Betty's big day.

Last week NBC honoured the Hot in Cleveland star with her very own TV special, which also featured Amy Poehler and Mary Tyler Moore.
Even President Barack Obama sent in a taped birthday greeting.
He joked: 'I can’t believe you’re 90 years old. Will you please produce a copy of your long-form birth certificate?'
The presidential message was a send-up to the 'birthers' who argue Mr Obama is not a natural born US citizen and not the lawful commander-in-chief.

As for Betty, there's no disputing she is more popular than other Hollywood stars half her age.
In addition to her award-winning TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland, Betty appears in a new candid camera show called Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, which airs on NBC.
The feisty comedian has won a total of seven Emmy Awards and starred on such hit series as Golden Girls, The Love Boat and Mary Tyler Moore.

Is OJ Simpson really Khloe Kardashian's Real Father?

Sources claim that OJ Simpson has bragged for years that he is Khloe Kardashian's real father.
Khloe Kardashian has been hit with wild claims that disgraced O.J. Simpson is her father.

It comes just weeks after two ex-wives of the late Robert Kardashian alleged the reality TV star wasn't his biological daughter.

The 27-year-old is now forced to face a new devastating report suggesting that Robert's former client and best friend O.J. is actually her real dad.
A source close to the Kardashian's was quick to dismiss the allegations, telling MailOnline today: 'This is ridiculous and laughable,'

Kris Jenner brushed off the allegations on her Twitter page posting: 'Thanks for all your love and support today dolls! Wow some of the stories out there today are either fabricated, or SO 24 years ago!! LOVE U.'
American tabloid The National Enquirer today ran a story that claimed the jailed former sportsman told friends that Khloe was his.
'O.J. told me Khloe's his child,' a source is quoted as telling the publication.
They allege that Khloe's mother Kris Jenner had several trysts with O.J. around the time Khloe was conceived.

They also point out the similarities Khloe shares with O.J.'s 26-year-old daughter Sydney.
Robert and Kris were friends with O.J. before the late Hollywood legal eagle helped get the sportsman off for the double murder charges of his wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman in 1995.

The National Enquirer claim that Kris had an affair with O.J. years earlier in 1983, and shortly after fell pregnant with Khloe.

'It was the big secret that no one in the two families would discuss,' the source told the tabloid.

'And Robert admitted he and Kris were not having sex at the time Khloe was conceived.'
Robert was said to be best friends with the former footballer, and O.J. was even an usher at is wedding to Kris back in 1978.
Kris was also close to O.J., as well as his wife Nicole.
'O.J and Kris have known each other for more than 30 years,' another source told the publication.

'But they fell out when Nicole was murdered.'
They allege that O.J. boasted about his affair and told friends about a 'secret love child' he had.
'O.J. bragged about his sex life and many female conquests, which he said included some of his best friends' wives,' yet another source told the National Enquirer.
'He used to tell us way back - even before he and Nicole got divorced - that he had a love child with the wife of a wealthy family.

'But at the time of Khloe's birth, it would have been devastating for the news to come out that America's biggest sports hero had fathered a love child.

'O.J.'s career as a product spokesman - which earned him well over $10 million - could have ended.

Brandy Says Stop Comparing Her to Other Artists

Brandy has had it up to here with Stan Wars and says fans should be able to appreciate more than one artist...

video:

NOW THERE!

Jay-Z's 40/40 Club Closed For Food Safety Violations

The reopening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club has hit a speed bump. The 40/40 Club faces health-code violations relating to its food preparation and has been closed down, reports the New York Post.
According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene the 40/40 Club was closed on Thursday, January 19 after an inspection determined the upscale sports bar accumulated 69 violation points. Some of the “critical violations” noted include hot food items not held above 140 degrees, food workers using their bare hands to prepare food and insufficient refrigeration to keep food at a safe temperature.

“If you have a walk-in place with food like this, you put a hell of a lot of people at risk,” an anonymous source told the Post. “A night of dinner and dancing should not include the risk of contracting food-borne illness.”

The previous night was 40/40's reopening, which showed off it's $10 million renovation, offered invited guests Ace of Spades champagne and featured celebrity guests like Warren Buffet and Spike Lee in attendance.
After a failed safety inspection, restaurants are typically reinspected within a month and graded. Whoever is in charge of 40/40's kitchen has plenty of work to do since an inspection score of 0 to 13 is an A, 14 to 27 points is a B, and 28 or more points is a C.

UPDATE: According to 40/40 Club rep Ron Berkowitz, a motor in one of the refrigerator's failed before the health inspection was performed, reports TMZ. The 40/40 Club was allowed to reopen but is still pending a re-inspection to determine its score and grade.

Mary J Blige Talks ‘My Life 2′, Alter-Ego, Growth & More

Continuing her promotional efforts for her latest project, the queen herself, Mary J Blige, sat down with Billboard’s M. Tye Comer, in connection with the American Express Press Pass Challenge, to talk about the inspiration behind the project and her alter-ego. She also touched on her American Express UNSTAGED concert performance back in November 2011, before answering fan-submitted questions.

Check out what she had to say about her biggest accomplishment, her opinion on her breakthrough album, what advice she’d give to her younger self, balancing making music for fans and for radio, and more!

video:

GO MARY!

Estelle Headlines BET Music Matters “The All Of Me Tour”

BET Networks today announced plans for the upcoming BET Music Matters ‘The All of Me Tour’, headlined by Estelle. Kicking off February 2nd at Ohio’s House of Blues in Cleveland, the Homeschool/Atlantic recording artist will be joined by special guests Elle Varner, Stacy Barthe and Luke James on various dates throughout the tour. For complete details and ticket information, visit estellemusic.com.

Estelle has also announced plans to perform at the 2012 Essence Music Festival, slated for July 6th in New Orleans. The event will see Estelle sharing the stage with Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, and Steve Harvey. For details and ticket information, please see essencemusicfestival.com.

BET Music Matters “The All of Me Tour”, Headlined by Estelle
Special guests include Elle Varner, Stacy Barthe and Luke James

*all supporting artists performing on various dates*

Feb. 2 Cleveland, OH House of Blues (Cambridge Room)
Feb. 3 Chicago, IL Double Door
Feb. 4 Cincinnati, OH Mixx Lounge
Feb. 6 Kansas City, MO The Riot Room
Feb. 8 San Diego, CA Anthology
Feb. 9 Los Angeles, CA Key Club
Feb. 10 Oakland, CA The New Parish
Feb. 13 Dallas, TX House of Blues (Cambridge Room)
Feb. 14 New Orleans, LA The Howlin Wolf
Feb. 15 Houston, TX House of Blues (Peacock Room)
Feb. 16 Austin, TX Antones
Feb. 18 Birmingham, AL Old Car Heaven
Feb. 20 Atlanta, GA CenterStage
Feb. 22 Washington, DC The Birchmere
Feb. 23 Boston, MA Regata Bar – 2 Shows
Feb. 26 Baltimore, MD Sound Stage
Feb. 28 New York, NY Irving Plaza – Album Release Show
Mar. 3 Nashville, TN Indulge
Mar. 5 Philadelphia, PA World Café Life

Beyonce and many celebs speak out on the death of Etta James

After portraying the late Etta James on the silver screen back in 2008 in Cadillac Records and covering her song at the 2008 Inaugural Ball, Beyonce Knowles paid homage to the legend today on her official website. We've got her heartfelt words and what Janet Jackson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Mariah Carey, Slash, and plenty more had to say about the loss...

Beyonce, pictured with Etta James and her family at the Cadillac Records L.A. premiere in November 2008, posted a message in remembrance of the "At Last" singer on her official site:

"This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

And celebs are also remembering Mrs. James and tweeting their thoughts:

Janet Jackson: Today we lost a Remarkable Woman, Etta James. Your music and legacy will live on forever. Etta, I love u.

Alexandra Burke: Omg. RIP Etta James... I'm so sad . So so sad. I have no words.

Slash: Deeply saddened by the loss of Etta James, a true legend in our time. RIP.

Tia Mowry: Etta James may you rest in peace. Your soul will never be forgotten! XoxoT

Rosario Dawson: The great Etta James has left this earth... RIP Miss Peaches

Russell Simmons: our contributions to this earth are never erased...the spirit lives on... RIP Etta James

Mariah Carey: Rest in peace to one of the world's most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.

Cyndi Lauper: Omg, we lost Etta James today. May she rest in peace and thank you Etta for all the wonderful singing you left behind for us. I'll miss her

Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou: RIP Etta James! One of the best to ever do it! 

#OftenImitatedNeverDuplicated. I luv u 4ever! #Fabulosity #fb

Chaka Khan: Rest in peace Etta James. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kelly Rowland: CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence!

Anthony Hamilton: Etta James helped pioneer the heartbeat of a new generation w/ a musical style that allowed people 2 feel outside the box. She'll be missed.

Niecy Nash retweeting Sheryl Lee Ralph: Etta was my neighbor for many years. RT @thesherylralph: "At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over." RIP Etta James

Amber Riley: RIP Etta James :( such a unique & beautiful voice

Latoya Jackson: RIP Etta James One of the greatest voices we ever had! You will definitely be missed! The way you sang#AtLast was so moving!!! #TooSoon?”

Tracie Thoms: I'm so sorry to hear about Etta James' passing. We lost a LEGEND today. #ripettajames. Nobody did it like you did.

Flo Rida: I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with.

Jason Derulo: R.I.P Ms Etta James. You put a piece of yourself in each and every song you sang... so a piece of you will remain...

Mystikal: RIP to the late great Etta James.. God has called you to share your beautiful voice with him. People sayin they know Etta James Bc of Beyonce. But don't realize you know Beyonce Bc of Etta James. She paved the way for so many. #RIP

Jordin Sparks: RIP Etta James. <3

Pink: RIP to the late and great Etta James. Your voice and your fight inspired me and many. I love that through recordings,people can live forever

R.I.P.

SANAA LATHAN FOR PANTENE NATURE FUSION

Hollywood vet Sanaa Lathan is the new face of Pantene’s Nature Fusion Line. The campaign promises to be stunning and to celebrate Sanaa’s effortless natural beauty. In the ad, first spotted at Blaq Vixen Beauty, Sanaa shows off her shiny brown mane accented by a soft yellow flower and her flawless, glowing skin. Of the new campaign, Sanaa said: “I am so excited to be a part of a brand with such a strong history. And people just love their products; it’s such a respected brand.

I love that they went for a Black woman. It just shows that they continue to support beauty in all shades and all textures.” The ad appears in Essence Magazine’s February issue, and reads: “It’s in our nature to be strong and balanced.”

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“RIGHT IN THE BABY MAKER”

Hey now, it’s those sexy skimpy outfits that got you knocked up the first time, I’d be more careful in what you choose to wear because right about now you are going to have millions of PoWM fans lustfully trying to track you down

BE WELL ALL!!!

EFREM