Giving Back Jay-Z Throws A Carnival For College Kids' Scholarships

New York State Of Mind on Thursday night, Jay-Z without his pregnant wife Beyonce, hosted a carnival at the Hudson River Park pier for his Shawn Carter Foundation. But it wasn't all Ferris wheels and funnel cakes — unfortunately Momofuku doesn't make those. The event was called Making Ordinary Extraordinary, and it sought to raise funds for college scholarships.

Jay said two of the worst things in life are a waste of talent and a person who applies him- or herself but is unable to advance due to financial hardship. He hoped this foundation would help ease such burdens and assist people in recognizing their potential.

"Just providing opportunity and seeing what people do with that opportunity. If you want to go further and you want to further your education, just giving someone that extra little push [so] that maybe you'll turn out to be someone special," Jay said.

Jay-Z And Mom

Jay and his mother, Gloria Carter, started the foundation in 2002 to help those facing socioeconomic difficulties further their education at institutions of higher learning.



The foundation started with one student earning a full ride through college and grew to offer 50 scholarships to students in 50 different states annually from 2003 to 2005.

More than 750 students have been awarded scholarships totaling in excess of $1.1 million, and nearly 500 kids have taken part in the foundation's college tours — some even rode the bus with Jay's mom.



"My mom has been running this for a number of years," said Jay. "My mom gets on the bus and takes the kids and takes them to their orientations and she's been riding around the college



Way to give back Jay-Z we salute you!!

Real Housewives Of Atlanta Kandi Bururss Gets A Music Spin-Off Show

Bravo is very generous, first Kim Zolciak was given a new spin-off show and now one of the most boring housewives of Atlanta Kandi Burruss has got the green light for her new brain child "Kandi Factory", not the sex talk or toys that she has been known to promote as of late.



“The Kandi Factory,” a new special following “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and multi-platinum songwriter Kandi Burruss.

Quoting a Bravo press release, “Burruss will give two protege's the opportunity to come to Atlanta and learn the fundamentals of pop music success. … Burruss and her team of experts at ‘The Kandi Factory’ will work with the two contestants in order to turn them into music superstars.”

Bravo didn't release any pesky who-what-when-where info, but it did supply this tasty morsel we can all chew on till that magic moment arrives.

“Ever since Burruss turned Kim Zolciak‘s single ‘Tardy for the Party’ into a digital download phenomenon, she has been bombarded by thousands of wannabe artists desperate for her popstar secrets. Burruss believes she can turn anyone with raw talent and drive into ’something hot’ and wants to give aspiring artists a shot at their dream.”

 

Although she's boring on the show, this is where Kandi shines, with writing credits from groups like TLC "Scrub", we think this is a good look for her.  No word on showing date.

Video: T-Pain Ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen – ’5 O’Clock’

Autotune king T-Pain the Erik White-directed video for “5 O’Clock,” the Lily Allen-sampled single from his upcoming album rEVOLVEr. 

“The song is basically about me being where I am at a club. I’m just taking too long and Lily wants me to come home right now,” explained T-Pain. “And it happens a lot with me in real life, so why not make a song about it? She doesn’t care where I am or what I’m doing, she just wants me to come home. But she needs me, she needs her hubby.”

Peep Video Below:

For The One Hundred Thousand Time ...Again....T.I. Is Released!!!

Yawn Z z z!! We are getting real tired of this story, but we have to report it so ...T.I.'S BACK...T.I.'s BACK!! It's official T.I. is a free man, T.I.P.  was released from an Atlanta halfway house early this morning -- and we're told his aunt and wife whipped up a bomb-ass celebration dinner ... featuring a family-recipe mac 'n cheese, fried and BBQ chicken, fish, ribs, collard greens, salad, and RED VELVET cake.

It's going down any minute now -- and we're told the entire to-do will be potluck style ... with all of T.I.'s close friends and family bringing over even more food.  Sources are saying T.I. will attend the BET Hip Hop Awards that are in Atlanta this weekend. and to be more specific On Sunday, Oct. 2, T.I. will join his family and friends for a private brunch hosted by T.I. and NY Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire!





T.I. was arrested in September 2010 in Los Angeles on drug charges. A judge sentenced him to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of the probation he received after he was convicted of federal firearms charges. He has announced that VH1 is making a documentary about his release from prison. He also has a novel coming out soon about his youth in Atlanta.

Demi Moore & Aston Kutcher Are Splitting... ($290 Million Dollar Divorce)

Does having Two And A Half Men, mean no more wife?  Well according to Star Magazine Instead of celebrating his sixth wedding anniversary (which was on September 24), the new star of Two and A Half Men spent last Friday flirting with scantily-clad women at Fluxx nightclub in San Diego, Star reveals, where he looked nothing like a happily-married man.

"Demi just couldn't take it anymore," an insider says. "She didn't deserve to live that way. It's a painful time for Demi." And if that wasn't enough Demi recently tweeted  to her 4 million fans a hint of distress.

Kutcher is accused of bedding 23-year-old Sara Leal at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego later that night. "Ashton and Demi have separated and the marriage is over," a source close to the pair told Star. "The relationship ended because of Ashton's serial cheating. It's a painful time for Demi. It was definitely a long time coming, but they’re finally done for good.”

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher’s relationship has crumbled, and according to Star magazine the couple will be battling it out in a bitter $290 million divorce. As a result of the cheating, sources reveal that Demi and Ashton had been living separate lives and during Ashton’s recent trip to NYC to visit Demi, it became clear that the marriage was beyond help.



Kutcher 33, and Moore, 48, have not responded to RadarOnline.com's repeated requests for comment. Ashton stars on Two and a Half Men, which airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.

Mary J. Blige Covers Paper Magazine + Video Performance at The 7th Annual Night Life Awards

Set to appear as Justice Charlier in Rock of Ages, about the film Blige says, “”All I can say is I had a blast. Tom Cruise was always just so helpful and constantly giving. Just watching him and Catherine Zeta-Jones transform into their characters, it was like, OMG these people are incredible!”

Blige is also gearing up for her role as Nina Simone in the biopic about her life, she confesses, “Nina was different from me in a lot of ways. She was courageous and confident. I’m just growing into that, but she was like that ever since she was a little girl — she was never afraid during a period when there was so much racism. She was always bold. I have a lot to draw from — all the trials and tribulations and battles. But my God, I hope I can do the work and pull it off.”

Video: Angela Simmons Naked PETA AD

Preacher’s Daughter Angela Simmons is not a baby anymore she actually a devoted vegetarian, unveiled her Adam and Eve-inspired nude PETA ad campaign at The Paramount Hotel in New York City on Wednesday.

“I really want people to know what happens to animals … Animals have feelings, and I think it’s important we take action,” the Run’s House star explains.

Janet Jackson Attends Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial & Shocking Photo Of MJ Dead!

More than two years after Michael Jackson's death, the manslaughter trial of his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, opened in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday (September 27).  Murray, who was working on a $150,000 a month retainer, faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical license if found guilty.

In addition to laying out story lines the prosecution and defense teams will follow, the trial quickly provided a shocking opening chapter when prosecutor David Walgren kicked off the proceedings by showing a previously unseen, graphic image of the 50-year-old pop icon's body on a hospital gurney following his death.

According to TMZ, Walgren meticulously set out the people's case against Murray, a cardiologist who was hired by Jackson to be his personal physician in the lead-up to the "Thriller" singer's planned 50-show This Is It comeback attempt.

Walgren told the just-seated jury that Jackson put "misplaced trust" in Murray's medical skills and that the prosecution planned to show that Murray repeatedly acted with gross negligence and incompetence. He pinned the cause of death as an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol, which he claimed was administered by Murray, who had made arrangements with a pharmacy to purchase very large quantities of the drug that chronic insomniac Jackson allegedly used to get to sleep.

In addition, Walgren said more than a month before Jackson's death, the doctor made a voice recording on his iPhone in which Jackson, heavily slurring his words, is clearly under the influence of "unknown agents," which he said proved Murray knew the star's state and what the drugs were doing to his client.

"He died rapidly, so instantly he didn't even have time to close his eyes," Chernoff said of Jackson's quick demise from the alleged combination of tranquilizers and propofol taken without Murray's knowledge.





Jackson was described as cold, shivering and rambling in the weeks before his death, but Walgren said the doctor continued to give him propofol and, when Jackson was clearly struggling in his final moments.

Among those attending the first day of the trial were Jackson's father and mother, Joseph and Katherine Jackson, as well as siblings Janet, Jermaine, Randy, Tito and LaToya.

Boo Gazing: Celebs Out & About: Kimora Lee, Will Smith, Ryan Seacrest And More

Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou attend Just Fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons at Sunset Tower

Kimora Lee Simmons and Christina Milian attend Just Fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons , Love Kimora's outfit and shoes Killer!

Miss Jay attends Just Fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons

Beyonce and Jay-Z attend Gwynth Paltrow Birthday Dinner

Girlfriend Julianne Hough and her Multi-Millionaire boyfriend Honoree Ryan Seacrest arrive at LA's Promise 2011 Gala Honoring Ryan Seacrest

Actor Ashton Kutcher and Honoree Ryan Seacrest attend LA's Promise 2011 Gala

Rihanna signs authographs while filming of her latest music video in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Will Smith and daughter Willow hold hands as they leave Barnes & Noble store in Los Angeles

Steven Tyler catches a flight at LAX

Animal spirit: Randy Jackson wears a dinosaur jacket at the iHeartRadio Day 2 at MGM Hotel in Las Vegas

Jennifer Hudson Opens A New Weight Loss Center In Chicago

A new day, Jennifer Hudson has opened a weight loss centre in her home city of Chicago. The 30-year-old singer and actress, who already boasts an Oscar and a Grammy to her name, beamed as she declared 'The Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson Centre' officially open for business, today.

The Dreamgirls star, who has lost over 80 pounds, is a spokeswoman for the company.  Images of her newly honed physique adorn the walls of the building, which is nestled on Chicago's South Side in her hometown.  Looking stunning in fitted, ruffled dark grey dress and high-heeled studded black Louboutin boots she said: 'I never thought I would make it to have my own centre, I'm so honoured to be here and see this day.




But the new business venture also has another special, and personal, significance to Hudson, whose album I Remember Me, is out now. Weight Watchers had pledged to donate a portion of the centre's revenue to a foundation that Hudson co-founded in honor of her late nephew, Julian King.

Former American Idol finalist Hudson won a Grammy for her self-titled album and an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls and she is engaged to wrestler David Otunga, 31, with whom she has a two-year-old son David Daniel Otunga Jr. with.





Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also attended the ceremony, branded Hudson 'Chicago's ambassador to the world at large.

There Back.... Trailer Atlanta Housewives Are Returning In November

NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak, Sheree Whitfield, Kandi Burruss, Phaedra Parks and Cynthia Bailey are all back for the fourth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and it looks like these feisty Southern belles have plenty of drama to offer. Last season, Cynthia tied the knot, Kim had her breasts redone while Sheree auditioned for a movie. This season, it's all about men and money!

Bravo's press release:

Bravo’s water cooler sensation, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” returns Sunday, November 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In a season about taking chances, the hottest Housewives in the South are embarking on new ventures and returning to their roots. Kandi, Phaedra and Cynthia are exploring their entrepreneurial prowess. Though their dreams vary drastically – sex toys, funeral homes and a modeling school – each woman has jumped into their chosen endeavor with a signature boldness and innate sense of humor that defines these Atlanta ladies. On the relationship front, NeNe and Kim remain estranged, but their personal love lives have changed drastically. Kim is madly in love, pregnant and building a home with Kroy, while NeNe’s now-official separation with Greg teeters on the brink of divorce. Sheree has grand plans for her own dream house, however the pieces aren’t coming together so smoothly. The interworking of these six unique women continues to captivate audiences, as “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” remains the highest-rated city in the franchise.

 

In the explosive new trailer, a pregnant Kim tells NeNe, who is separated from her husband Gregg, to close her legs because she's married while Sheree tells NeNe, "if you're rich, you need to get your f--king teeth fixed!"  Ooooh this is going to be good!!

Photos Daniel Gibson & Keyshia Cole-Gibson 2ND Wedding Ceremony In Hawaii

This weekend, R&B Singer and reality television star, Keyshia Cole-Gibson renewed her vows to Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson; May 2011 the couple wed in Las Vegas. Keyshia and her train wreck family were perusing the island of Hawaii in ghetto chic style. 

The bride was surrounded by her loved ones including her biological mother and sister, Frankie and Neffe, as she exchanged vows near a waterfall wearing a white ruffled designer gown.

The Gibson’s ditched the idea of another desert ceremony and headed to the beautiful island of Hawaii for their vow renewal; the waterfall picture was tweeted by Keyshia.

 “I got my waterfall!”  Keyshia shared more wedding pictures with her fans and followers.

@keyshiacole



KEYSHIA COLE GIBSON My husband wanted me to have my DREAM WEDDING so he flew all of our family members here! He's giving something I will NEVER forget! Amazing!


This is soo absolutely beautiful! I'm so glad we're taping this so you all can see! I got EVERYTHING I WANTED today! My husband is amazing!

The special day was documented by cameras for her new reality series “Family First,” premiering in February. The couple got engaged in January 2010 after meeting the year before. They have an 18-month-old son named Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr.

Video: Kelly Rowland Performs with Big Sean on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

Former Destiny Child member Kelly Rowland gave her fans a treat as she performed on Jimmel Kimmel Live outdoor stage on Monday night. 



She kicked things off with her Hit-Boy produced single “Lay It on Me” while reclined on top of her buff dancers. She strut across the stage to join Big Sean, who couldn’t wipe the smile from his face as he flirted with his co-star.





The Destiny’s Child diva, who can currently be seen on Chris Brown’s “F.A.M.E.” tour, returned for an encore, getting steamy with her shirtless dancers during “Motivation.”

Boo Gazing: Celebs Out & About: Trya Banks, Wyclef Jean, Samuel L. Jacson, Eva Longoria And More

(L-R) Actresses Olivia Wilde, Annette Bening, Eva Longoria, Lea Michele and singer Mary J. Blige attend the 3rd Annual Variety's Power of Women Event

Actresses Eva Longoria (L) and Demi Moore (R) attend the 3rd Annual Variety's Power of Women Event

Tyra Banks and boyfriend and John Utendahl  attends the 2011 Metropolitan Opera Season opening night performance

Sexy Singer Maxwell attends the 2011 Metropolitan Opera Season opening night performance

Samuel L. Jackson and La Tanya Richardson Jackson attend the 2011 American Theatre Wing Gala

Jay-Z" Carter attends the Barclays Center press conference at Atlantic Terminal

Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys attend the screening of "Five" at Skylight SOHO

Gloria Estefan and Wyclef Jean attend the screening of "Five" at Skylight SOHO

Jennifer Aniston attends the screening of "Five" at Skylight SOHO

Christina Milian celebrates her 30th birthday at a HPNOTIQ Harmonie bash at Beaumarchais in New York City

Rihanna rocks the stage with a string of massive hits, and a tiny outfit combined with some very racy moves

Kim Kardashian makes Kris Humphries look like the tallest man in the world, out walking together in Manhattan