I’ve always been a fan of the Alexis Bittar lucite collection. However, I really like the new twist on the theme for this fall. The designer has taken the classic lucite teardrop earring and bedazzled them with Swarovski crystals and pearls at the top ($225). Perfect for when you’re feeling fancy.

We’ve all heard the expression one monkey don’t stop no show, well in the case of “American Idol” winner, Fantasia Barrino, it looks like not even being named in a divorce proceeding and a suicide attempt will stop her record company from releasing her latest album on the appointed date (today). So the crisis management experts and publicists have gotten the machine in motion just in the nick of time. Yesterday, Fantasia sat down with the Associated Press and confirmed that she did try to take her own life—mixing aspirin and sleeping pills. She also opened up about her relationship with the man in question, Antwaun Cook. Read the full story

Lauryn Hill fans can probably hardly contain themselves. They no longer have to satisfy themselves with a single random sighting. Why? Our girl has joined the “Rock the Bells” tour and recently made a stop in Mountain View, CA this weekend (with an upcoming date in Columbia, MD). I don’t know if we can blame her allergies but Hill donned pair of big tortoise glasses to finish her set. Not crazy about the specs but really happy to see Hill doing her thing.

We all know how it feels at the beginning of a relationship; the dizzying highs and the rush that comes along with living in the possibilities.  We are brand new and hopeful.  We are almost childlike in our trusting as we allow ourselves to see another through the eyes of goodness, love and comfort.  We are generous and we are free. We are reconnected to all that is good.  We just feel right. Read the full story

For those of us who fell in love with Idris Elba’s star-making turn as Stringer Bell in “The Wire” he should already be Hollywood gold. But the fact that articles use the regrettably hilarious “Obsessed” when they list his credits shows that they don’t have a clue. Well, it looks like so decision-makers are wising up. Entertainment Weekly reported yesterday that Elba will take over the role of Alex Cross in a new adaptation of one of James Patterson’s series on the Black forensic psychologist. In truth you’ve got to call this a reboot, hell a total overhaul, because the role was originated on the big screen by Morgan Freeman in both “Kiss the Girls” in 1997 and “Along Came A Spider” in 2001. I never thought I’d mention the two actors in the same role. How about you? Read the full story

President Obama is about to enter vacation mode. Yesterday, he arrived (with his family) in Martha’s Vineyard for some much needed R&R. Now as the leader of the free world the POTUS can’t just check out but it is nice to know that he is taking the time to enjoy time with family.

Okay folks there are so many things I just don’t want to write about these day. Fantasia and Montana Fishburne for example, just don’t interest me. These chicks need help not my opinion (athough I am kind of annoyed that Tasia had cameras filming her ‘meeting’ with Antwaun last week). However, I am more interested in a less sexy subject—why young black men are not graduating from high school. An article published on Education Week’s website yesterday cited a study from the Schott Foundation that states that only 47% of American black males graduate school on time. The data was gathered from federal, state and local records for the years 2007-2008. So we may not be surprised by this stat but I for one wonder why it seems to be a forgone conclusion. Read the full story

What better way to celebrate the good work that Dress For Success does in ably preparing women to return to the workforce with appropriate attire than to celebrate with the Give and Get Fete, which was help yesterday at SoHo House in West Hollywood. Garcelle Beauvais was among the many women out to support this absolutely fabulous cause and of course her dress was stunning. How apropros.

Proving that Katrina is more than a distant memory director Spike Lee has returned to New Orleans for a follow-up documentary, “if God Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise”, which had its premiere last night at the Mahalia Jackson Theater In NOLA. Wife Tonya Lee Lewis and son Jackson were on hand as well as his long-time music collaborator Terence Blanchard. The two-part  documentary will make it’s premiere on HBO August 23rd and 24th. Set your DVRs.

The Family Smith (Will, Jada, Jaden and Willow) are on their world tour for “The Karate Kid” and I’ve got to say Jada is working the hair at each stop. In Tokyo, she’s giving us 80s working the bangs and the severe angles of this bob. Can you say hot? Love it!