Joan Smalls Rocks Her FIRST American ELLE Cover In GIVENCHY
For its January 2014 issue, ELLE magazine is pulling out all the supermodel stops. Joan Smalls is dripping in gold Givenchy for the cover, and it's her first American ELLE cover to boot.
Check out the spread inside, plus what Joan has to say about designers and their excuses for the lack of diversity on the runways...
How absolutely stunning is this chick?! 25-year-old Puerto Rican beauty Joan Smalls is the January 2014 ELLE cover girl. And she's showing why supermodels have indeed made a major comeback.
For her first American ELLE cover, the Victoria's Secret model was shot by Michael Thompson and sexes up the pages of the fashion mag effortlessly. And she's talking about everything from fashion's lack of diversity, how her career started, and becoming an actress.
On the fashion industry’s lack of diversity: "People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I don’t get it. Beauty is universal. These doors have to open.”
How her modeling career started: "I came to New York with a dream. I came to do what I saw girls doing in campaigns, in editorials—great things, challenging things."
Her motivations to eventually get into acting: "I want to be clear that I don't want to act just because it's the typical move for a model. My desire comes from a place of wanting to entertain people on a different level."
Estée Lauder's Richard Ferretti on Smalls: “The word supermodel is overused, but if there is any woman of our generation who deserves the title, it’s Joan. She has the perfect face.”
And don't forget to check out what Joan does best when he Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs December 10th on CBS
NELSON MANDELA: HAS PASSED AWAY AT 95
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, who served 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities and led his continent into a new era, has died at age 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma confirmed the news:
Born Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in Transkei, South Africa, the civil rights activist would become the linchpin in South Africans' move to end the country's notorious apartheid regime. The impact of his efforts -- to reconcile generosity with pragmatism and to find the common ground between humanity’s higher values and his own aspiration to power, as journalist John Carlin once described them -- would ultimately reach well beyond South Africa’s borders, and earn him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Prior to doing so, however, Mandela earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Fort Hare, during which time he was elected onto the Student's Representative Council and suspended from college for joining in a protest boycott.
Mandela was qualified in law in 1942, an accomplishment that would ultimately help him make the kind of contribution to the freedom struggle of his people that he'd reportedly dreamed about since hearing stories of valor by his forebears during the wars of resistance in defense of their land.
That law degree allowed Mandela to practice law and in August 1952 he and Oliver Tambo established South Africa’s first black law firm, Mandela and Tambo.
But by Dec. 5, 1955, he would be on the other side of the law following a country-wide sweep by police that would put him and 155 other activists on trial for treason. The case, known as the 1956 Treason Trial, dragged on until the last 28 accused, including Mandela, were acquitted on March 29, 1961.
During the trial, on June 14, 1958, Nelson Mandela married Winnie Madikizela, a social worker. They had two daughters, Zenani and Zindziswa. The couple divorced in 1996.
Rising through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC), initially by way of the organization’s youth wing, which he helped establish in 1944, Mandela was ultimately asked to lead the armed struggle and help form Umkhonto weSizwe ("Spear of the Nation").
On Jan. 11, 1962, using the adopted name David Motsamayi, Mandela left South Africa secretly. He traveled the continent and abroad to gain support for the armed struggle. Before returning to South Africa in July 1962, Mandela also received military training in Morocco and Ethiopia.
His training would hardly be put to use, however.
In 1964, alongside eight members of the ANC and its armed wing, Mandela stood trial for plotting to overthrow the government by way of violent acts. The following year he was sentenced to life in prison, a term he served until Feb. 11, 1990.
The would-be South African president spent 18 of his 27 prison years on Robben Island confined to a small cell with the floor for a bed and a bucket for a toilet. During his imprisonment, Mandela was forced to do hard labor in a quarry and was allowed one visitor a year for 30 minutes.
Jack Swart, who served as Mandela's chef when he was moved to a private house inside the Victor Verster prison compound in 1988, recalled encounters with Mandela on Robben Island, in an interview for PBS Frontline's "The Long Walk Of Nelson Mandela," documentary:
...We got the order that while they worked in the quarries, we had to keep time on our watches ... of what their resting periods were, because they had to work. [A prisoner] was only allowed to rest or stop working if he wanted to go to the toilet and we had to keep note, and if one, for example, rested too much, then he was charged, and then Mandela was always the man who went to represent them ... they always went to him when there were problems, asked him for advice ... He was always the person, the central person. When they broke for lunch also, they always went to sit with him and talk to him. He was the person who sort of went to defend them when they were charged with a misdemeanor in prison.
As Swart noted, those years in prison would prove to be transformative, leading Mandela to become the most significant black leader in South Africa and the country's first black president in 1994, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election in South Africa.
During his presidency, from 1994 until June 1999, Mandela used the nation's enthusiasm for sports as a pivot point to promote reconciliation between whites and blacks, encouraging black South Africans to support the once-hated national rugby team.
Actor Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Mandela in the 2009 film "Invictus," based on events leading up to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, is said to offer a glimpse of the leader's legendary sense of humor, which has also been described alongside his charisma and a notable lack of bitterness over his harsh treatment.
In addition to his continued fight for the civil rights of his people -- including the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a court-like restorative justice arm of Mandela’s democratically elected government and a new constitution, which he signed into law in 1996, establishing a central government based on majority rule that would guarantee the rights of minorities -- Mandela worked to protect South Africa's economy throughout his presidency. In 1994, he established the Reconstruction and Development Plan through which the South African government funded the creation of jobs, housing and basic healthcare.
After his health began to fail -- he was hospitalized in February 2012 for a long-standing stomach ailment -- Mandela returned to the rural community where he was born.
Mandela’s death comes months afer his 95th birthday on July 18, which his foundation, various charities and businesses vowed to celebrate with a nationwide day of service that includes painting schools, handing out food and books, and running a 41-mile relay marathon in the spirit of Mandela's 67 years of activism and public work.
Nelson Mandela is survived by his wife, Graca Machel, his former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and three daughters Pumla Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindziswa Mandela. R.I.P Sir!
Amber Rose Debuts New Violet Hair At Beyonce Concert + Kevin Hart Goes Crazy For Bey During Show
Amber Rose debuted her edgy new violet hair color, while stepping out to Beyoncé‘s concert at L.A.’s Staples Center, Tuesday night. She flaunted her figure in an LBD that she rock’d with a black leather jacket, and pumps.
The new mom has been dedicated to losing the weight she gained while pregnant with her son Sebastian. “I’m almost at my goal weight. Just 7 pounds to go! Absolutely no surgery just diet & exercise,” she said.
She wore her violet crop swept back, and held on to her things as she made her way to the show. Amber caught up with Kelly Osbourne while inside, and shared a snap of the two of them, writing; “Bad gurls”
Also taking in Bey’s show that night, was comedian Kevin Hart. He stood stageside with his girlfriend Eniko, and Christina Milian and her man Jas Prince were also spotted alongside him.
It’s pretty safe to say that the funnyman was more than excited to see her hit the stage. He posted the above pic to Instagram. captioned – “This is the face that THUGS make when they catch Beyonce’s towel at her concert #DblockNi$$as #Thuggin #BeeHive #RealRapRaw #BestConcertEver”
Catch the funny clip of him screaming in support of Bey
Hilarious!!!!
Florida State QB Jameis Winston Cleared Of Rape Charges
Florida State footballs fans are breathing a deep sigh of release. Star QB Jameis Winston has been cleared of rape charges and will not be prosecuted.
Reports ESPN:
Nearly one year after Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was accused of rape by a female FSU student, the state attorney has decided not to charge the Heisman Trophy favorite.
Thursday's decision clears the way for him to finish the season with the No. 1 Seminoles.
Willie Meggs, the state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit, formally announced the move during a news conference Thursday at the Leon County Courthouse. Winston had faced felony charges after being accused of sexually assaulting the woman at an off-campus apartment on Dec. 7, 2012.
"We've carefully examined all the evidence in this case and have concluded that no charges will be brought against anyone in this case," Meggs said.
It seems like the prosecution would have a hard time proving exactly went down almost exactly one year ago thanks to her spotty recollection of events. Winston claims that he had sex with the woman in question, but asserts that it was consensual. Also, besides Winston's DNA, there was also another man's DNA in the assault kit of the woman, which has been pegged to her boyfriend.
A redshirt freshman who has passed for 3,490 yards and 38 touchdowns for an undefeated team, Winston is a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Rashida Jones Tells Pop Stars To Put Clothes On In Glamour January 2014
She recieved backlash following her Twitter rant about overly revealing celebrities, and now Rashida Jones stands up for her comments in the January 2014 issue of Glamour magazine.
The "Parks & Recreation" star wrote to the publication about her controversial tweets and she defined what "feminism" truly means to her.
Highlights from Miss Jones' interview are as follows. For more, be sure to pay a visit to Glamour!
On her infamous Twitter postings:
"I'm not gonna lie. The fact that I was accused of 'slut-shaming,' being anti-woman, and judging women's sex lives crushed me. I consider myself a feminist. I would never point finger at a women for her actual sexual behavior, and I think all women have the right to express their desires. But I will look at women with influence - millionaire women who use their 'sexiness' to make money - ask some questions. There is a difference, a key one, between 'shaming' and 'holding someone accountable.' So back to the word 'whore.' My hashtag was 'stopactinglikewhores.' Key word, acting. Like I said, I'm not criticizing anyone's real sex life; as George Michael tells use, 'Sex is natural, sex is fun.' But the poles, the parties, the gyrating: This isn't showing female sexuality; this is showing what it looks like when women 'sell sex.'"
On her thoughts on society's sexuality overload:
“I understand that owning and expressing our sexuality is a huge step forward for women. But, in my opinion, we are at a point of oversaturation. It’s like when TV network censors evaluate a show’s content. Instead of doing a detailed report of dirty jokes or offensive words, they will simply say, ‘It’s a tonnage issue.’ One or two swear words might be fine; 10 is too many. Three sexual innuendos is OK; eight is overkill. When it comes to porn imagery and pop culture, we have a tonnage issue.”
On her request to women and pop stars:
"[To women] let’s at least try to discuss the larger implications of female sexuality on pop culture without shaming each other. There’s more than one way to be a good feminist. Personally, I loved the Lily Allen ‘Hard Out Here’ video—a controversial send-up of tits-and-ass culture. She helped start a conversation. Let’s continue it. [To pop stars] Please stop saying you don’t want to be role models. Because, guess what: You are. You want to sell millions of albums? You want to sell out a tour? You depend on the millions of people who adore you. So maybe just consider some sort of moral exchange program, in the same way that carbon credits make people feel better about driving an SUV.”
LOL!
Fantasia’s Married Lover/Baby Daddy Antwuan Cook Goes Back To Wife
Fantasia’s baby Daddy Antwaun Cook got back with the wife he left to be with Fantasia?!?!? Paula Cook, Antwaun Cook’s estranged wife, has a lot of love and forgiveness in her heart. Find out why she took her cheating husband back below.
RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned Antwaun Cook left Fantasia to work on his marriage with his wife, Paula Cook. Sources say that
“Antwaun’s father passed away the week of Father’s Day and they were really close, so since then he’s been wanting to work on his marriage”.
“Technically he’s still married to Paula and they’re back together now. The only tie he still has to Fantasia is his son, Dallas.”
“Antwaun and Paula spent Thanksgiving together at his mother’s house in Wilmington…And in November they went on a trip together with a bunch of friends to the Bahamas for a birthday. Antwaun doesn’t really talk to Fantasia much anymore except about their son.”
Drake Announces New Shoe Deal With Nike’s Jordan Brand
Drake has inked a new shoe deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand. During his tour stop in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, the Canadian rapper made the announcement to the crowd, saying:
Growing up, I’m sure we idolized this guy. He goes by the name of Michael Jordan, you understand what I’m saying? So today, I came to Portland and I officially became inducted into the Team Jordan family so I feel like I’m at home right now, if you understand what I’m talking about. And it is a family and I don’t take that word lightly.
Check ‘em out below..
While he didn’t disclose any specifics of the deal, he did share a few pics of the special-edition OVO sneakers.
Kandi Koated Nights Returns to Ustream
Kandi Koated Nights was back like it never left left last night. If you checked out the show on Ustream then I know you were laughing and having a good time with Kandi and her crew.
Kandi looked thrilled to be back and celebrate the birthday of her co-host Nikki Dillard! Kandi Koated Nights is filmed live at her store Tags Boutique in Smyrna, GA. Look them up and stop by!
Dianna Agron And Heather Morris To Play In "GLEE's" 100th Episode
Gearing up for a star-studded return to the stage, Dianna Agron and Heather Morris will be featured on the 100th episode of "Glee!"
The series creator, Ryan Murphy, tweeted about the event on Thursday (December 5) writing, “Dianna is IN for Glee 100th!” 27-year-old Agron also gushed about the upcoming episode, writing, "Going to be fun… #glee100.”
Earlier in the week, Murphy also announced that, “ALL The Glee Originals received invites today to be in our 100th episode! More to follow.”
In related news, Dianna is also hard at work on an upcoming movie named "Famous," a thriller currently in the planning stages, and slated for release in the United State in 2014.
According to the flick's synopsis, "A young, struggling actor becomes the most popular male escort for Manhattan's wealthiest women. What would you do to become famous?"
Perez Hilton Starring In Reality Show ‘Gay Dads of New York’
Cha-ching! More TV time for popular blogger Perez Hilton (real name Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr.). According to the Hollywood Reporter via TheJasmineBrand, the 35-year-old is starring a new non-scripted/docuseries show surrounding fatherhood. Titled ‘Gay Dads of New York‘, the project’s cast will include a group of gay dads single and married, who support each other. Obviously, folk will get a glimpse into Hilton, who used a surrogate to welcome his son this February.
The series will be executive produced by Bunim/Murray Productions and OMG Productions. Bunim/Murray’s Jonathan Murray shared in a press release:
I immediately responded to the Gay Dads of New York concept because my partner and I were part of one of the first gay dads support groups in Los Angeles back in 1998. Whether it’s a single dad like Perez, or married gay dads, becoming a gay parent affects your relationships with family and friends, all of which will make fascinating stories.
Hilton also shared his excitement, noting what viewers can expect of him and the show:
What is your typical American family like? These days, it looks a lot like mine! I am honored and excited to bring to television a show that will be filled with love, humor and drama. What will it not be? Trashy or boring! I am thrilled to have partnered with the leaders and innovators of reality television, Bunim/Murray, to create a program that is compelling and real. Up until now people know me more for my opinions than who I am. This show will give viewers the opportunity to get to know the ‘real’ Perez Hilton and my family, as well as some other really dynamic gay dads, and the women that make up their support system. I am a recent transplant to New York City, looking for friends and open to — hopefully — love. To new beginnings and this exciting new venture!
The project is currently casting and has yet to be taken out to networks. What are your thoughts on ‘Gay Dads of New York’?
Lupita Nyong'o Gets FAB & Talks Oscar Run With "DUJOUR"
Lupita Nyong'o covers DUJOUR Magazine where she talks about fame and Oscar-buzz while Zoe Saldana discusses vulnerability in FLARE Magazine. Read highlights inside and see the super fab cover spreads...
In the new issue of DUJOUR, Hollywood Film Award winner Lupita Nyong'o discusses the Oscar-buzz she's generating for 12 Years A Slave and how her life has changed dramatically.
While on a break from her next role in Non-Stop, a thriller also starring Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore, she also discussed the role Yale Drama School plays in her auditions and casting choices. Here are the highlights:
On the importances of drama school on her career:
“What validated my three years there was that I was able to put all of that training to work immediately and so relevantly. I know I wouldn’t have been able to play Patsey had I not gone through three years of school. I wouldn’t have had the elasticity or the confidence to take it on. I don’t think I would have known I could do it.”
On the career she envisions for herself:
“I would love to have a career that’s governed by the material; I always want to be part of stories that I feel are worthwhile. And they don’t all have to be as heavy as 12 Years a Slave. I do my best work when I feel conviction to say something through the character I play. Always I want to have integrity and not compromise that.”
On the value of failure:
"That’s one of the concerns when you get lauded for something—can I do it again?” she says. “One thing I learned at school was the value of failure, because once you fail you can get up and do it again.”
On the possibility of winning an Oscar:
“I’m definitely forced to think about it, but there’s nothing to do with the thought because it’s totally out of my hands. I’m really fulfilled right now by the traction this film is getting. It was made to be seen, and that’s what’s happening—America is engaging with it and being moved and changed by it. It’s really rewarding to be a part of that. That’s more important to me than any award.”
Bill Bratton Named NYPD Commissioner
New York mayor-elect Bill de Blasio announced Bill Bratton as the New York Police Department's new commissioner. The hire marks a homecoming of sorts for the decorated law enforcement official, who once served as NYPD's top cop under former mayor Rudy Giuliani.
A press conference held this morning at the Red Hook Justice Community Center, with de Blasio flanked by his new hire before yielding the podium to him after brief remarks.
“Bill Bratton is a proven crime-fighter,” de Blasio said regarding Bratton. “He knows what it takes to keep a city safe, and make communities full partners in the mission.”
Bratton, 66, is a grizzled veteran that many say was responsible for lowering the high crime and murder rate as part of the Giulani administration. There is some mild controversy regarding the hire however, considering de Blasio's public criticism of the NYPD's controversial “stop and frisk” policy. While serving as the Los Angeles police chief between 2002 and 2009, Bratton expanded the use of the tactic but had much more success in stopping crime than Commissioner Kelly has.
During the press conference, Bratton jabbed at the outgoing commissioner by addressing a need to repair the tense relationship between the NYPD and New York's racially diverse communities.
“That can happen and it will happen in New York City,” he said. “That is my commitment to this mayor. I love this profession, and I love this city.”
Bratton also authored an autobiography, Turnaround: How America's Top Cop Reversed the Crime Epidemic. He is also a noted consultant and lecturer in law enforcement circles.
Marijuana Blunt Found In Wendy’s Burger
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “burger joint” — TMZ has learned, a Wendy’s employee was arrested last month in Georgia … after allegedly making a cheeseburger with one crazy off-the-menu ingredient … marijuana.
According to the Lovejoy Police Department, 32-year-old Amy Seiber was busted during her shift on November 1 … after a customer called 911, complaining she had found a half-smoked blunt in her cheeseburger.
The customer met with police at the Wendy’s location where she ordered the burger, and cops claim Seiber immediately admitted the blunt was hers.
According to police, Seiber said she had been smoking pot on the job and conveniently “misplaced” the blunt inside the customer’s burger … right on top of the pickle.
The blunt was taken as evidence and Seiber was arrested for possession of marijuana … oh yeah, she was also promptly fired.
We spoke to the lucky customer, who tells us she experienced food poisoning-type symptoms after the incident and had to be hospitalized.
So far, she says Wendy’s has offered to help pay for her medical bills … and has even generously thrown in a $50 gift certificate. Like she’ll ever eat at Wendy’s ever again.
A rep for Wendy’s tells TMZ, “Obviously the employee broke the rules and did not follow proper food handling steps … We are deeply sorry that this incident occurred.” The rep says the franchisee is working out a favorable solution with the customer, including paying her medical bills.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite
For the first time since 2007 and the release of his third signature silhouette, Kobe Bryant and Nike Basketball footwear designer Eric Avar return to a high-top cut with the brand new Kobe 9 Elite. A high-top sneaker that plays like a low, the design marks the Swoosh’s first use of Flyknit on a basketball shoe, pairing the lightweight technology with a knit collar – complete with nine red embroidered details as a nod to Kobe’s Achilles sutures – and Dynamic Flywire for added support while a massive carbon fiber heel counter provides both lateral support and a lockdown fit.
Cushioning once again comes in the form of a drop-in Lunarlon midsole while the outsole’s traction pattern is a pressure map of the Black Mamba’s own foot. Seen here in the so-called “Masterpiece” colorway, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite is set to be available February 8, 2014, but will likely see its on-court debut when Bryant returns to the Staples Center hardwood for the first time since last year’s season-ending injury.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘THERE WILL BE BLOOD’
Well this is a first for us…the bloodshed, not the dangling kid you probably didn’t even notice. Maybe this actually was the Black Friday shopping directed by George RR Martin!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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