News: Michelle Obama Gets Criticized for Her Staff Size

In the past it's been almost a tradition for America's first ladies to catch flack from their husbands' political opponents over the size of their staffs, and Michelle Obama certainly hasn't been exempt from that. Criticism of her "massive" staff has popped up on email chains, blogs, and chat rooms. But what are the facts regarding how many people are under her employ, and how does the size of her staff compare to that of past first ladies?

On July 1st of this year, the Obama White House posted the Annual Report to Congress on White House Staff on its official blog. A minor uproar over the first lady's staff size ensued. One critic atCanadianFreePress.com accused the president's wife of employing an "unprecedented number of staffers" for someone who "doesn’t perform any official duties," while a widely circulated chain email reported that "there has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady’s social life." Many other critics of the Obama administration expressed similar sentiments.

 

Click to read.

Tyler Perry’s All Star Cast for “Colored Girls”

When it was announced last week that Tyler Perry will be writing, directing and producing a film version of Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,' there was plenty of talk as to who would be cast.

Well, while promoting his latest film, 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself,' which opens Sept. 11, Perry talked about who he wanted to appear in the movie. Among the chosen few are Oscar winner Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Beyonce Knowles, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys.

Of the 11 actresses mentioned, six have already committed to be in the film, but Perry wouldn't say who exactly.

Oprah loves to act, so will you ever do a film for her?

Tyler Perry: Yes, she's in my next movie, 'For Colored Girls.' Here's what I will tell you. Here's my dream cast, and it hasn't been officially announced yet. There are 15 characters in the film and my dream cast is Kimberly Elise, Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyonce. I've talked to 6 of the women and they have said yes. You have to figured out that part.

Click to read.

Keeping the Body Tight – Sort of

Nicole Spence

Ladies how important is it for your man or boo to be in shape, body right?

I’m wondering because I’m always obsessing about my body, more importantly my lack of muscle tone. Lol, seriously the people that know me, know me as the “Food Nazi”. Don’t even think about eating greasy fatty foods around me, I’ll go bizerick.
Oddly enough lately the “chubbsters” have been hollering. I think its because we’re making it too easy for them to feel sexy, “Oh Big Daddy”, well I’m just not into it.

So I’m pretty open about my body, its beauty and flaws. I dated this guy a while back, and he had a nice athletic build. I actually loved his body.

Anyway he knew that I’m all about fitness and eating right, even though sometimes I go weeks without squatting shit and eating emotionally. I’m Human! I just use my Joe’s jeans to keep me in check, when those bad boys don’t fit; it’s time to quit! {Like right now!}

So one day my little porn star surprised me with a gift. He bought me a P90X! Have your heard of it? It’s a set of intense workout DVDs; there are 13 DVD’s in the set that you have to commit to for 90 days! It’s supposed to really “transform” your body. I didn’t know what to make of this! Was this motherfucker calling me Fat?? I mean P90X ain’t no cheap shit, its expensive. So that really got me thinking, “He thinks I really have a problem?”OMG!! And I’m naked all time and he gives me P90X! Confused and convinced that we would have sex no more, I turned to my girls, who all assured that he probably got it for me because he knows how crazy I am are about my body! Of course we were still together after that, he thought I would have loved the gift. But I didn't.

P90X is no joke, you are literally co-signing for this man, Tony Horton, to come up into your house and Kick Your Ass! No thanks! Please note that P90x is still collecting dust on top of my fridge, no less! Lol

This story has sparked my mission {our mission join me} of no longer rebounding. I’ll be 30 and I’m going to be super tight, with a fluffy round bottom of course!

Is this just some women shit? Ladies are you satisfied with the way your man looks, when he strips for you? Or is he leaving his tee shirt on to cover his double D's or bird chest? Or is he soo hippy and doesn’t want you to see his girlie bottom so he sometimes leaves his boxers on, like we’re in high school sneaking a phuck! Lol.
As women I think we are so much more forgiving and tend to think his belly is cute, and adds character. Meanwhile, he isn’t smiling at those dimples on your ass, or that little muffin top you’ve been rocking.

So I’m saying today that I don’t like “Chubby”, I’m putting in the work and so should he! Women should be nice and soft to touch and men need to be hard and strong! Get it!

*** P.S. I’ve decided to get my Pilates Certification! So stay tuned to my fit tricks!

Posted by Nicole Spence at 9:23 AM 6 comments

Technorati Tags: nicole spence,black women,african american women

African American Style at the Oscars

Viola Davis and Taraji Henson were both snubbed from winning an Oscar, but at least they were looking FABULOUS

Queen Latifah
A side shot of the dress
I guess Beyonce thinks the Academy Awards is more important than the Grammys
Alicia Keys and Taraji...I am loving Alicia's dress, but she could have done without the wig

John Legend and his girlfriend

Labels: Academy Awards, black celebrity gossip, red carpet

posted by N. Taylor @ 12:25 AM 0 comments

Technorati Tags: black hollywood,black actors,black actresses,taraji p. henderson,john legend,beyonce,queen latifah,black celebrities,african american celebrities,black celebrity gossip

Beyonce Gets Attacked By Another singer

Seems that everyone didn't like Beyonce's performance of "At Last" for the Obama's on inauguration night. The original singer of the song,Etta James, had some harsh words for Beyonce, and even threatened her. During a performance in Seattle Etta told the audience,
"You know, YOUR President, the one with the big ears-he ain’t MY President–had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. She’s going to get her ass whooped….Beyonce…I can’t stand Beyonce."

DAMN, she was going hard on Obama too. What is she so mad for???
--
Posted By N. Taylor to Your Black Gossip at 2/04/2009 08:44:00 PM

Technorati Tags: beyonce knowels,etta james,barack obama,black women,black celebrities,african american celebrities

Vivica A. Fox Is Stylin on the Psychic Friends Network

Technorati Tags: vivica a. fox,black celebrities,african american celebrities,black celebrity gossip,black gossip

Obama Daughter Look-a-like sets the fashion world on fire

Ariel Binns is cute, smart, outgoing and looks remarkably like first daughter Sasha Obama.

Young model Ariel Binns, right, resembles Sasha Obama.

The similarity has not gone unnoticed by the fashion industry. Harper's Bazaar magazine cast the 6-year-old Brooklyn, New York, first-grader with model Tyra Banks in a photo spread showing an African-American family in the White House.

Binns, a child model, was peering out from under a big wooden desk in an image reminiscent of John F. Kennedy's time in office.

When it comes to fashion there's nothing like a powerful brand to boost sales, especially if that brand is a dynamic first family.

"Marketers are finally waking up to it -- you know -- black is beautiful," says global branding expert David Rogers who predicts African-American models will play a more prominent role in fashion photography as a direct result of the Obamas. "It's just going to become part of the fabric of the fashion imagery of pop culture, which is a great thing," says Rogers. Watch young first daughter look-alike model »

At Wilhelmina Kids, a modeling agency in New York for kids and teens, agents say there is increased demand for first daughter look-alikes.

"It's a trend because, what little girl doesn't want to emulate the first kids?" said Marlene Wallach, president of Wilhelmina, which represents Binns.

Unlike the Bush twins or Chelsea Clinton, global branding experts say the appeal of the Obama girls is unique -- and infinitely marketable. After the first kids appeared in their J.Crew outfits on Inauguration Day, the company's Web site got so many hits, it crashed.

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: barack obama,obama family,sasha obama,black news headlines,african american news,black news

YourBlackFashion: The Great Tyra Banks

Ciara Signs a deal with modeling agency

 

R&B singer Ciara has signed with modeling agency Wilhelmina and is in talks to launch her own clothing line.

Wilhelmina will now focus on casting Ciara, who’s currently ending a print modeling run for Jay-Z's Rocawear line, in both clothing and fragrance campaigns, according to the singer.

"Modeling has always been one of my aspirations," says Ciara. "But I was
insecure about my height. I thought I was 5'7" but I just found out that I'm 5'8" so I'm really excited about that."

Ciara’s also in talks with the budget-friendly department store, Steve & Barry's, to create a reasonably priced clothing line that bridges her personal style with affordable price points. Steve & Barry's also carries Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line as well as the New York Knicks' Stephon Marbury's Starbury collection.

"I have a couple of cool things that I'm working on," says Ciara. "The coolest thing about Steve & Barry's is they cater to everyday people. I won't say that my line will be like theirs, I want to stay true to who I am, but most importantly it has to be affordable."

Ciara is also in the midst of prepping her third album, "Fantasy Ride," set for September via Jive. Her last album, 2006's "Evolution," has sold 1.3 million copies to-date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Click here for more.

Some Weekend Fashion

Who Rocked It?

Paula Patton first rocked this Gucci mini dress at the Soul Train Music Awards in March last year. Then J.Lo rocked it last week at Moscow’s MuzTV Music Awards.



The Barbados pop Diva, Rihanna hit up the Annual MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto this weekend. As usual she brought much fabulousity to the scene. She rocked a high-waited dress which was accessorized with a white suspender belt.

Her style is so original. Black is most definitely her color.

A new company called Heelarious is targeting your daughters ages 0-6 months to wear these miniature stilettos. They should call this company Outrageous instead. People--- don't even think about it. Some fashion trends should be ignored---this is one of them! Solange Knowles celebrated her CD release last night at the HENNESSY presents dinner with Bevy and Solange Knowles---at The Harrison Restaurant in the NYC. Chick is looking pretty fab as she rocked a Uhnee dress, a Gucci bag and a pair of fly Miu Miu shoes. Get it Solange!

Gabby is featured on the new cover of Essence Magazine. She is rocking a cute bob-type pixie cut right in time for the summer. Chick has some amazing skin. A true fasionista indeed. A. Keys was spotted at the We Are Together movie premier last night looking fiercely-fab I should add. Ms. Good was spotted at the The Love Guru event recently. She rocked a printed halter gown that was sexy and sophisticated. Not sure if I'm feeling the shoe selection. I think simple black would have done it. To each his own! She is another one with flawless skin. Fab indeed!

My favorite fashion couple were seen heading in to the Celtics vs Lakers b-ball game at the Staple Center last night. Will kept it simple with a black throw-over jacket with a simple black & white Tee while Jada jazzed up a pair of mustard color jeans accompanied with gold accessories and an off-white blazer. Man....I would love to get hold of some of Jada's fashion hand-me downs!! No shame! Chick is fly.

Prom Dos and Don'ts

When I recently received some pictures of some prom goers in New Jersey, I was highly disappointed. Prom is suppose to be fun and exciting yet glamorous and sophisticated. I think some of these ladies and gents are clearly missing the glamorous sophistication.

Tip #1 - The rule of "Less is More" does not apply in every instance. Nothing is wrong with showing a little skin but make sure it's in all the right places. To play it safe---let's keep the two B's (Boobs and Back) to a minimum. This looks more like nightclub attire more so than prom.

Tip #2 - Be selective in your color choice. Although I am an advocate for color---color,style and body type must work together. The color black can almost provide any dress a touch of sophistication. Remember the operative word here is almost. So when in doubt, stick to a solid. With black you can't go wrong. Some may say it's too boring, blah blah blah but this is where your accessories will definitely express your sense of fashion.

Fashionable Quote: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” - Coco Chanel

For prom tips and ideas. Visit http://www.prettyforprom.com/