Fantasia nearly robs the world of her glorious voice with an alleged suicide attempt supposedly over a man; JetBlue flight attendant, Steven Slater becomes the hero of many overworked and underpaid Americans with a dramatic airplane exit; Angelina Jolie comes under sharp criticism for her daughter Shiloh's fashion choices; could Google and Verizon lead us to the end of the Internet as we know it; and genetically modified sugar beets are put on hold, thank the Lord!  It's all here in this week's round-up.  You know you want the scoop.

Don't Let Fantasia's Lover Off the Hook

It's been a hell of a week for singer, Fantasia.  Not only did she endure the wrath of the media and public when her lover, Anwtaun Cook's wife accused her of breaking up their home and filming a sex tape, but the poor girl went and allegedly tried to commit suicide over the whole ordeal.  Fantasia we are praying for you.  In the aftermath so much blame and focus has been on Fantasia but as the commenter below notes we should not forget that Antwaun needs to be held accountable too.  After all he potentially bamboozled both his wife and Fantasia.

...we have no idea what this man was telling Fanny as you call her when they first got together...If the bama say it's complicated yeah i'm married but we've been separated...LIAR let him finalize his divorce first and then if he's still interested come back but until then let that cheater be with someone else...

Source:   www.theybf.com

Commenter: Tasha

This is How You Quit Your Job

Have you ever wanted to just quit your job on the spot and not look back?  Well, Steven Slater, a JetBlue flight attendant did just that but in a dramatic style fit for a movie scene.  After allegedly being cussed out by a passenger who was violating airplane rules and then accidentally getting hit on the head by the passenger's luggage, Steven did the unthinkable.  Steven cussed out the passenger over the loudspeaker, activated the emergency slide, grabbed a beer and made his grand exit.  Whether he was wrong or right the whole situation underscores the daily frustration of America's workforce.

"What he did resonated with so many people because many are feeling the pressure of
a failed economy, a disengaged president, are asked to take on more responsibility for less pay and a rude public."

Source:   www.radaronline.com
Commenter:  gutsygirl

Just let a Girl Dress Like a "Boy"

Actress, Angelina Jolie is on the defense when it comes to her 4-year old daughter, Shiloh's non-traditional female attire.  With her penchant for swimming trunks, ties and loose pants, many are having a stroke over the young girl's tomboy look.  Why do people even care is beyond me.  As this commenter notes we should care less about what Shiloh is wearing and more about the perms we give our children to look like Beyonce.

"You have to pick your battles. And personal appearance as long as it is not offensive or harmful to others is not one of them in a lot of households. Get over it! This same mentality is what has ppl perming the chit outta their babies hair and chit! Trying to conform!"

Source:   www.sandrarose.com

Commenter:  OutsidetheBox

Quick, Somebody Protect the Internet

It's already happening; the powers that be are slowly but surely tightening their grip over the Internet.  Well according to net neutrality advocates such is the case with Google and Verizon's joint policy proposal for an "open Internet."  Many along with the commenter below fear that such a proposal is a way for the companies to create a pay-to-use Internet system that will raise prices for certain actions and lead to a corporate takeover of the world wide web.  So if you want to freely and easily download your scandalous material you might want to take heed.

"These companies want us to think that they have limited capacity and that they can't keep up with speed and content demands. That's how they justify this and when it all comes down to it, my bits are no different than everyone else's bits. There should be NO discrimination of information origin or use."

Source:   www.pcworld.com

Commenter: wolfmoon13

Don't Drink the Water or Eat the Sugar

Be careful what you eat because if corporations (Monsanto Co. and others) and select scientists have their way most of tomorrow's food won't be the real thing.  Thankfully, a federal judge has placed an obstacle to making that a reality by removing the government's green light of genetically altered sugar beets until there is a more thorough review of what it all means for consumers.  In a world of fake breasts, lips, and faces can't we at least ingest real food?

"About time. Monsanto and all the other corporate greed machines need to be reigned in. We aren't on this planet to ingest their experiments so they can reap profits and monopolize the market."

Source:   www.huffingtonpost.com

Commenter:  Scooder

By Souleo. What is the best accessory when it comes to complementing your head-to-toe Dereon, Coogi and Polo look?  According to celebrity dentist, Dr. Catrise Austin it's a healthy and brilliant smile.  Dr. Austin has perfected the smiles of Hollywood stars such as Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Toni Braxton and hip-hop icon, Slick Rick.  In her new book, 5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile: How the Stars Get That Perfect Smile and How you Can Too she covers everything from the pros and cons of the latest dental procedures, how to find free or low-cost dental care and the urban cosmetic dentistry trends you might want to stay away from such as grills.

"You can't look good with messed up teeth and grills have done a lot of damage.  10 years ago with Slick Rick I took out the gold.  It was very pleasurable for me because it changed the health of his teeth.  I've also had some people request diamonds right in their teeth.  It's not unhealthy so long as it's removable.  But it's best to go natural and avoid artificial things," she said.

Dr. Austin's tips for attaining and maintaining a natural smile is through four simple proven steps: brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash and tongue scraping.

"You should brush 3 times a day after every meal to remove the sugars from your teeth.  Some people think flossing is a pain in the butt but you can use the thin strips and it gets rid of bacteria.  Rinsing with alcohol free brands helps to rinse away hidden bacteria.  A tongue scraper with ridges on it will lift bacteria from the crevices of the tongue even better.  There is a line of products called BreathRx which has everything you need."

For those constantly on-the-run and wanting to whiten their teeth, Dr. Austin recommends, Crest White Strips or her latest procedure, the Snap-On Smile.

"You can instantly change the look of your teeth without altering them with the Snap-On Smile.  It is like the grills of cosmetic dentistry.  There are no needles since we make a molding of your teeth that you flip over your teeth.  It's a cheap and affordable way to change your smile that will go great with your outfit."

For more information please visit:

www.vipsmiles.com

By Souleo. The young, hot and beautiful were out in full force this past Friday at the Models International Agency VIP press party held at New York's famed bowling alley, Lucky Strike.  Amidst thumping tunes from DJ Velz, a flowing open bar and pretty faces in the crowd the agency celebrated its recent feature on the new MTV docu-series "Hired."  The series follows recent college graduates pursuing their dream career and the agency was profiled as it selected their next junior booking agent.

At the event one of the hot topics of the night was the fashion world's lack of diversified images.  According to the east coast office managing partner, Catherine Fellows the industry is finally changing with a lean towards more ethnic models.

"I think the direction is becoming so diverse and so is the world.  You are beginning to see more ethnic models like Asians and African-Americans.  I would love to see an Indian model become a superstar.  I regularly get clients that ask for ethnically ambiguous so it's not just Eastern European or Caucasian models anymore," she said.

Models International's women's booking agent, Andrienne Kennedy noted that besides race the industry is changing with a more welcoming embrace of curvaceous women.

"I think it's diversifying and clients are embracing womanly bodies.  It's moving away from the thin models and learning towards more models with more curves and flesh on their bones who can relate to the everyday woman."

With so much change in the air it looks like Models International Agency is helping to lead the way with an embrace of more varied looks.

So tell us do you agree that the industry is becoming more fashion forward when it comes to presenting a greater range of races and female sizes?

For more information please visit:

www.mi-agency.com

Check out this clip from the Models International Agency's "Hired" episode:

By Souleo. E-40, the Bay Area's number one representative has had the hip-hop game on lock for two decades.  Yet, it was only over the past few years that he actually locked his hair and then made news when he decided to chop it all off.  Now with his new albums, Revenue Retrievin': Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin': Night Shift out he is revealing the reasons behind the creation and self-destruction of his locks.

For E-40 getting locks was a simple act of keeping his word, albeit unintentionally setting himself up for the commitment.

"In 'Tell Me When to Go,' I put in my rap 'cause I'm a narrator 'I ain't got none/But I plan on growing some.'  It raised eyebrows and I did it just to trip people out and it's a trip," he revealed.

The joke was apparently on E-40 as he had a hard time adjusting to his new look.

" s*** got so long.  One day I'm looking out the corner of my eye and you know how you feel something looking at you, well it wasn't nothing but my f****** hair.  So I got tired of it.  I was like I'm gonna take it all the way back to when I came in the game with a fresh baldhead.  I asked wifey and she was down regardless so I cut 'em off."

It seems as if E-40 doesn't miss the locks one bit and embraces his new look wholeheartedly thanks to its youth appeal.

"It was refreshing when I cut it.  People say that I'm aging backwards and drinking out the fountain of youth.  It took some years off of me and will make anybody look younger," he said.

By Souleo. Yesterday, we introduced you to best-selling author, Terrance Dean’s new weekly advice column on hellobeautiful.com, “Straight, from your Gay Best Friend.” Now he is back to share with us the juiciest advice he has been given about sex, relationships, work and living the fabulous life. After all even an expert needs someone to run to.

On where he goes for advice:

I have a spiritual mother and many spiritual people who are mentors and have helped me such as Iyanla Vanzant and her husband, Adeyemi Bandele. I know when to cleanse and how to go to that place where I can regroup and get to where I'm supposed to be.

On the best advice he’s been given about sex:

People don’t communicate their needs and wants and how they need it. So if you can’t communicate that before sex then know it is just sex. It’s not love, it doesn’t mean I like you or anything else. Now if after sex you discuss all that then sex can be even greater to the tenth power.

On the best advice he’s been given about relationships:

I was in love with this guy and it became very volatile emotionally and physically abusive and we broke up twice. My spiritual godmother told me that I’ve done that already and why in the next relationship don’t I look for someone from a loving background. We all go to what’s familiar for us with people who come from the same drama and experiences and that’s not always healthy.

On the best advice he’s been given about work:

My friends hate me for this but if you don’t like your job: quit. I don’t have time for complaints. That wears me out to no end.

On the best advice he’s been given about living the fabulous life:

Have fun and enjoy each and every moment. If you don't then you miss out on the possibilities. Also surround yourself with those living the life. If you hang with broke people you end up being broke too.

For more information on Terrance’s column please visit: http://hellobeautiful.com/author/terrancedean/

By Souleo. In his ESSENCE Magazine best-selling book, Hiding In Hip Hop: On the Down Low in the Entertainment Industry - from Music to Hollywood author, speaker and educator Terrance Dean addressed hip-hop’s last taboo: homosexuality. In the process he forced the masses to face the truth about the deep secrets of a prominent gay sub-culture within not only the entertainment community, but within the larger urban community.

For the once closeted author the aftermath of the book’s release and subsequent success led to a newfound sense of freedom and personal acceptance.

“It’s opened the possibilities for me to share parts of my life. I don’t have to be afraid and hide who I am any longer. It’s out there and I know that God loves me—I’ve learned that,” he said.

With such confidence, Terrance has taken to sharing his insights about relationships, sex and careers in his new weekly advice column on hellobeautiful.com, “Straight, from your Gay Best Friend.” The column is targeted to women as Terrance notes that many need a better understanding of the male perspective.

“Many women ask me about certain sexual requests from their men and if that means that he is gay. So I wanted to set the record straight because I feel there’s misinformation about sex and sexuality,” he said.

One of those main areas of misguidance he wants to address with women is their behavior in relationships.

“I think one of the most common things they let men get away with is not def ining the relationship. Many women stay with men who won’t label the relationship or they are in relationships with men over 5 or 10 years and it’s not going anywhere. I think the gay community makes some of those same mistakes. We all need to learn to let go and move on,” he said.

Since its debut last month the column has been a hit and Terrance knows it has much to do with the sense of trust between gay men and women as seen in shows like “Will & Grace,” and in the Dwight Eubanks character on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

“For many women it’s hard to be friends with heterosexuals because while you have your head on his shoulder he may be wondering if you two are gonna hit it later on. So women know a gay man has no interest in them but is still able to speak on how a man thinks. So a gay man is truly a friend with no ulterior motive and it works vice versa too.”

While his weekly column comforts his readers Terrance is also hard at work on two new books including the fall release of, Straight, From Your Gay Best Friend - Who Else Is Going To Tell You The Truth About Work, Relationships, and Having a Fabulous Life! Before that fans can check out the anthology, Visible Lives: Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn Harris which also features novellas by James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennet. The book is in honor of Terrance’s dear friend and mentor, New York Times best-selling author, the late E. Lynn Harris. 

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s part two with Terrance where he shares the juiciest advice he’s received about sex, relationships and work.

For more information on Terrance’s column please visit: http://hellobeautiful.com/author/terrancedean/

By Souleo. Model Coco is out to prove something and that's that there is more to her than the size of her rump or the fact that she is Ice-T's wife.  To show this other side she's slowly diverting attention away from her physical assets to her other gifts such as designing her own forthcoming Licious jeans line and working on an upcoming superhero novel book series.  Still, Coco can't seem to get away from the controversy and rumors.  In this JimmyJazz.com interview Coco talks it all including not minding being famous for her butt, rumors about her and Ice-T's sex life, her willingness to get more plastic surgery, her near death experience, why she doesn't mind being labeled a dumb blonde and more.

On the Coco you don't know:

People don't see me as wifey.  They see me as a crazy wild party girl.  I cook and clean and scrub toilets and wash my clothes.  I'm not all about the party all the time.  I juggle my husband's career and mine and I handle our calendar.  He has lectures, appearances, interviews, filming and I have my own shoots and everything.  I love it.  Ice tells me to do one thing at a time but I do five at one time and he laughs at me

On being famous for her butt:

I don't mind.  Everyone needs to be known somehow.  J.Lo is known for her butt so why can't Coco be known for her butt?  So no matter if you're a celebrity or not if there's a girl with a big booty who stands out then they'd talk about that one girl.

On the popularity of the big butt:

I think it's gonna be hot for one second and will turn just like anything else.  We have to think of something to talk about and this body part thing will go to another body part at some point.  So I guess ride the train as it's happening.

On plastic surgery:

When I did my boobs I didn't have a mentor and I wish I waited.  So that's why I had to do them again.  I would do more plastic surgery but I am fine right now.  As I get older it just depends on what starts sagging.

On love and relationships before Ice-T:

I've never had problems with love.  I just hook on and am into someone for years.  The boyfriend before Ice we were together for five years.  He was a nerd, worked for Intel and was a body builder guy.  I thought I was in love.  Then when I separated from him and fell in love with Ice it was so different.  He always wanted me around him and I wanted to do the same.  He wanted to go and do my nails and hair with me.  I consider Ice my girlfriend.  I can talk to him about anything.  It's very cool.

On the rumors about her and Ice-T's wild sex life:

I don't mind.  We are a sexy couple in front of and behind the camera.  So that's not a story.  What I don't like is when they talk bad between us.  We have a perfect relationship.  We are just a fun happening couple and people transcend that into being slutty and us having an open relationship which is not true.

On the fitness competition that almost killed her:

Winning Miss Eugenia in the fitness competition in Mexico was the hardest thing in my life.  I almost died.  They work you to the bone.  I passed out so many times.  There was exhaustion, no eating and drinking no water 'cause you don't want that in your tissues.  So I was literally dying but I said I need to win and I did.  I'll never do a fitness competition again.

On being labeled a "dumb blonde"

I get that all the time but I get more out of people when I act like that.  They don't think you're smart so they will tell you smart stuff.  I just calculate it in my head and later on I'll go to Ice and say this person told me this.  So I'm a magnet and I absorb a lot.  I act dumb but that's only to collect information.

On her upcoming Licious Jeans line:

I've always had problems with things on the rack fitting me.  I would have to get them cut and have them trimmed in the waist.  So I'm like why not do a line with just jeans with stretchy material for women shaped like me?  I don't think you need to be super skinny.  So we got some great fabulous designs and girls are gonna go crazy.  I can't wait.  Even those guys that get dressed up in girl stuff will love it!

For more information please visit: www.cocosworld.com

By Souleo. Last week, we featured the style and dating tips from noted journalist/relationship expert, Anslem Samuel of NakedWithSocksOn.com. Now we are back for part two. Anslem has perused the Jimmy Jazz catalog to select some sexy and classy outfits for your Valentine's Day date. So if you don't want your date turned into a disaster because of the wrong attire then read on to make this Valentine's Day a success from head to toe.

MEN'S Valentine's Day LOOK ONE

Sean John - Storm Flap Button Up
Parish - Life Vest Jeans
Polo Footwear - Ranger Boot

I picked this one because it's a button-up shirt and simple. Bright colors like red can be very distracting and you want the attention on you. The jeans have a nice wash. There is some personality there with the crinkled and distressed effect. The Polo Ranger boots are just classic.

MEN'S Valentine's Day LOOK TWO

Rocawear - Hydrogen Sweatshirt
Levis - 514 Slim Jeans
Adidas - Stan Smith Two Sneakers

It's classy but more of a casual look. The top is a conversation piece for the first date. This works on a more activities oriented date for bowling or playing pool. Also, if you're not into slacks or pants then black jeans helps you get away with it so no one knows it's only jeans.

WOMEN's Valentine's Day LOOK ONE

Coogi - Sateen Dress
Dereon - Fleur Skinny Jeans
Apple Bottoms - Beana Boot

It's sophisticated and sexy without going over-the-top and showing too much of your flesh. The high-waisted belt accentuates the waist and assets. Personally I'm not into logos but this logo is more of an accessory. The jeans are a great wash and show off the figure, while the boot has great details for a complete look.

WOMEN'S Valentine's Day LOOK TWO

Apple Bottoms - Pearl Necklace Top
Apple Bottoms - Studded Skinny Jeans
Bucco - Western Boot

The top goes in a more flesh category. You can tone the top down with a sweater top but in the summer time this works. Overall it's a bit of a sexier look but it's still subtle enough to keep your date wanting more.

Be sure to check out Anslem's blog site for more dating and relationships tips: www.nakedwithsockson.com

By Souleo. Certain people have the look of love: bedroom eyes, seemingly effortless style that accentuates their body and a confidence in their walk that attracts potential mates wherever they go.  Others don't have this look and the fact is that most of us can use some style tips when it comes to dating.  So in anticipation of Valentine's Day JimmyJazz teamed up with veteran music/entertainment journalist and relationship expert, Anslem Samuel to get some insight on how to dress for love.

In addition to writing for XXL, Essence, Vibe, King and more he is the 2009 Black Weblog Award winning founder/blogger of the popular sex and relationship site, NakedWithSocksOn.com.  On the site Anslem covers everything including cheating and masturbation to his hugely popular Wet Wednesday's erotica stories.  Read on below for part one of the look of love interview where Anslem discusses the turn-offs of "panty waste," why guys need to upgrade their style game, how to tell your mate to switch up their style, dressing tips for that ever important first date and more.

On the fashion turn-offs for men:

One thing for sure is panty waste.  This is when women wear jeans and a short shirt with their panty and thongs hanging out.  That's not sexy at all even though you might look.

On the fashion turn-offs for women:

It's a matter of being too casual.  Women get dressed up for a date and for the guy to show up in a white T-shirt and baggy jeans is gonna be a turn-off.  If she is putting her best foot forward you have to as well.

On how to and how not to dress on a first date:

It's a matter of being yourself.  If you're a fashionista show your style but don't go over-the-top.  Some women go too sexy.  There's a balance between the two.  So having cleavage too out isn't advised if you want him to know you and not your body.  For guys a nice pair of jeans and a button up shirt tucked in or out works.

On how to address your mate's lack of style:

It's touchy but ideally you upgrade each other and learn things.  If you're watching TV or passing someone you can tell them you think that outfit would be sexy on them.  That way you make the suggestion a compliment as opposed to telling them what to buy or that you hate what they wear.  It's about being positive.

On his own dating fashion mistakes:

In college a girlfriend and I were having our anniversary.  At the time I didn't dress up.  All I wore was baggy jeans and T-shirts.  So it's the middle of summer and I threw on Sean John pants and his short sleeve sweater 'cause she said wear something nice.  I was so hot and uncomfortable the entire time.  It was a mess.

On when fashion is a deal breaker:

Early on in the relationship there's not that much commitment so little petty things can turn you off.  But if you been with them for years that's petty to break-up over clothing.  Now if the fashion is indicative of negative lifestyle choices then I can understand.  But at the end of the day you're there for the person not what they wear.

Check out Anslem's blog here:

www.nakedwithsockson.com

Photo By: Kenroy George