We Can't Wait - Health Care Innovation By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: CMS Website On Monday, November 14th, health care took an innovative turn. The Challenge has been delivered and now it is up to the public and private community organizations across the country to come up with ways to improve the ...

Fashion On Ice By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.universalsports.com The sport of Ice Skating, so graceful to observe, has now taken a step into the fashion world as NBC TV presented 'Fashion On Ice' on Sunday, November 13th, with designer fashions from Betsey Johnson and J.Mendel worn by some of the top skating ...

Lady Gaga Workshop at Barney's New York By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: gaga fashionland.com including Norma Kamali website, Barney's New York Lady Gaga seems to be the current rage so its only logical that Barney's New York has captured the craze. Gaga screams style in an individualistic sort of way and her ...

Sharing Shoe Boxes By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.southernsavers.com, Operation Christmas Child Facebook Page, www.timessquare.com Operation Christmas Child is a holiday blessing for less fortunate children in the world. Life-sized shoe boxes are magically appearing all over New York City and you never know when you might spot one at Ground Central Station, in ...

South Carolina GOP Debate By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters Once again the GOP candidates took the stage at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to debate the greatest issues at hand, foreign policy and their vision for national security. The debate was sponsored by CBS News and The National Journal and aired on ...

Veterans Day Remembrance By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters Today is a day that we give thanks to all our service personnel for their dedicated efforts to making our country safe. It is a day to look back at the veterans who have served our country throughout many years of war and strife. ...

A Week of Fashion Fun in New York City By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images and www.zimbio.com This week has been a big week for New York City. On Tuesday evening, November 8th, Pier 57 became the setting for 'Versace for H&M Hall on the Hudson'. As most H&M followers ...

Grammy Emerging Talent Competition By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Before we know it, GRAMMY Week will be upon us and we will eagerly be awaiting the announcement of the winners. It's now about rising stars. New and emerging talent are going to be given an opportunity to be discovered for a chance of ...

Hit the Jackpot in Queens By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: New York Times Friday, November 11th, will be a historic day for New Yorkers. Queens will be transformed into the land of dice and slots, similar to Las Vegas. Tourists and residents alike will be able to jump on the subway ...

Aruba In Style 2011 By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images What could be more magical than a fashion getaway to the island paradise of Aruba? From November 3rd through November 6th, Aruba became the hottest island in the Caribbean as it sizzled with a celebration of style known as Aruba In ...

The Trial of Dr. Conrad Murray comes to a close By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images In a twist of fate, Dr. Conrad Murray has been found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in the death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The trial of Dr. Murray has taken close to six weeks of ...

G-20 Summit 2011 By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images The recent G-20 Summit held in Cannes last week brought forth an action plan for growth and jobs. A set of policies was developed to reinvigorate global economic recovery. It is called the "Cannes Action Plan for Jobs and Growth". The largest ...

Bonaire - Destination of Diving Dreams By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Trip Advisor At the DEMA Show 2011 dive show this past week, one of the top four dive destinations in the world had a large presence. Bonaire, a diver's den of beauty and bountiful marine life, should definitely be on the ...

The Passing of Andy Rooney By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.zimbio.com Just recently on October 2nd, the legendary journalist and commentator, Andy Rooney,signed off at '60 Minutes' after being the grouchy and opinionated reporter with the bushy eyebrows each week since 1978. He was very outspoken but we all looked forward to ...

An Artist's World of Foodscapes By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.moillusions.com No two artists are ever viewed the same. Creativity is all within the eyes of the beholder. Artist Carl Warner begins with the grocery store as his palette and sees art blossom in broccoli, cabbage, squash, baked potatoes and salmon. His ...

Celebrate with the Academy - A Film Series By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Another great event is going to be presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from Wednesday, November 9th to Friday, November 11th at 7:30 P.M. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California. The Academy ...

Miami Beach International Bridal Week Soon to Arrive By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Miami Beach International Bridal Week website, Google Images Nothing is more beautiful than a winter bride in all her splendor. The month of November brings us a tribute to brides all over the world. On November 26th-27th at the posh ...

Harry Houdini, A Halloween Legend By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Wikipedia Halloween is full of trick-or-treating and magical surprises. Perhaps you may not have known that the Master of Magic, Harry Houdini, died 85 years ago today on Halloween. The story of his life has conjured up many a rumor and ...

The Halloween Snowstorm By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Associated Press and Reuters Just as people were packing away their sandals and their swimsuits, a freak snowstorm has pounded the Northeast this weekend. This furious snowstorm has now left over 4 million residents without power in record-breaking low temperatures. Up to 5 ...

Supermodel Jessica Gomes is Back By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: IMG Website, www.zimbio.com IMG Models has announced that Jessica Gomes, international supermodel, is now under their representation. This dark-haired beauty can be seen gracing the covers of best-selling magazines Maxim, Australian Vogue, American Glamour and Italian GQ. Year after year, she has been ...

Afghanistan and Bangkok in the News By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: AFP This weekend was off to a rough start as the United States learned that five troops and eight civilians were killed in Central Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday morning when a suicide bomber struck a vehicle in a military convoy. Two ...

GO PINK IN THE CITY By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The stately Mizner Ballroom in the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, Florida, was transformed on Friday, October 28th, into a very 'Pink Afternoon In the City', 'New York City', as Kristin Davis, well-known for her role on the HBO Hit ...

Courage in Journalism By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger This week two very emotional and touching award ceremonies were held in the world of journalism. In Los Angeles on October 24th and in New York City on October 27th, the International Women's Journalism Foundation's 'Courage in Journalism Awards'were held. Through this event, four courageous ...

Kicokids Collaborates with Anthropologie By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Atelier Creative Services Welcome to a store where you are free to be your own person. At Anthropologie, with every dress that you slip into or coat that you step out in, a fashion statement is made in a bold and impressionable way. ...

An Evening with Ralph Lauren By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Nick Hunt/Patrick McMullan.com Celebrities were out in full force on Monday evening, October 24th, to attend 'An Evening with Ralph Lauren' hosted by the Queen of Talk Show Hosts, Oprah Winfrey. The event took place at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center ...

Countdown to the GRAMMY Awards By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images, WireImage.com The countdown is underway to one of the biggest nights in music, the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, set to take place on February 12, 2012 on CBS at 8:00 P.M. ET. Once again for the fourth time, nominations for the coveted ...

Disaster Strikes in Turkey By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters, EPA As the reality of the devastation sets in and hours have now turned into days, some are still clinging to life. The small and possibly one of the poorest villages in Turkey, Ercis, was rocked on Sunday, October 23rd, by a 7.2 magnitude ...

The Nine West Difference By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Nine West Website So many individuals and organizations have united to spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. There is one retailer that continues to strive to go above and beyond and reach for the stars in ...

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Youthful lawmaker Andrew Holness was sworn in Sunday as Jamaica's new prime minister, ushering in a government he said would heal political divisions, root out corruption, reduce debt and bureaucracy and attract foreign investment to reduce poverty. The 39-year-old Holness took the oath of allegiance to ...

The Academy Speaks Out on Behalf of Filmmakers By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The turmoil in the world today is affecting many industries and many walks of life. Recently in September of this year, the Iranian government arrested six independent filmmakers for allegedly working with the BBC. But what were the charges? ...

NY International Bridal Week By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: NY International Bridal Week Website The traditional and not so traditional all came together in one place from October 15th through the 17th, 2011 for a most glamorous New York International Bridal Week. The eye-catching parade of exhibitors displayed their collections at ...

TEAM TURLINGTON-BURNS By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.nymag.com, www.crowdrise.com The thundering annual ING New York City Marathon is right around the corner. The event takes place on Sunday, November 6th, 2011, in New York City and millions of runners hit the streets to participate in one of the largest marathons in the ...

Dive the Deep Blue Sea with Dive Pirates By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: website of Dive Pirates Foundation Scuba Diving is a sport and a hobby that brings countless hours of adventure and excitement to many participants that look forward to diving with energy and enthusiasm. Now there is one organization that is ...

The Indian Point Debate By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: AP, Getty Images, Google If you drive up the coast from New York City along the Hudson River about 35 miles, you will reach Westchester County. This is currently the home of Indian Point nuclear power plant, the center of a ...

Cheers - A Toast to Banana Republic By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Fashion conscious retailer, Banana Republic, has mastered the clothing, shoe and accessory business and they have become the classic label for the popular AMC Hit Series, "Mad Men". Now the retailer is moving into a new realm. With the ...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding says Jamaica has Received Excellent Co-operation from Multilateral and Bilateral Partners: Prime Minister Bruce Golding (centre), Prime Minister Designate, Andrew Holness (4th left) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr Ken Baugh (3rd left) are seen here with members of the Consular Corps of ...

President Obama fulfills a promise to the American people by announcing all troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the 2011 effectively ending the war in Iraq.

The Elegance of David Yurman By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: David Yurman website David Yurman has been designing luxury jewelry since 1942. The brand received its start in New York City and continues to run their headquarters out of New York City. The David Yurman stores span the ...

Gaddafi 'dead' DEPOSED Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has been shot and killed, Libyan officials said today. The former leader was wounded in both legs and the head as he was captured after trying to flee in a convoy. He was taken away in an ambulance but later died of his wounds, according to ...

Greek Tragedy   By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger   Photos: AFP Photo Life in Athens, Greece came to a halt and violence erupted as a general strike was in full swing as part of a second day of non compromise.  Store windows were broken and looting entailed at a mass anti-government rally. ...

Margin Call - A Thriller   By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger   Photos: 2011 Alliance Media There is a new thriller due out in theaters this Friday, October 21st and it is called 'Margin Call'.  The plot is one that many will easily be able to relate to in our current economic ...

STUDIO 54 REOPENS FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY   By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger    Photos: Sirius/XM Website Close your eyes and faintly you can hear the beat of Donna Summer as you are surrounded by fellow disco lovers on the dance floor with the disco ball shooting off crystal chips of light ...

Prisoner Release and Libya Make Headlines Today    By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger   Photos: Reuters Five long and grueling years of captivity came to an overwhelming end today as Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, was freed as part of a swap agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Appearing much thinner and paler ...

Fashion Designers on the Rise   By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger   Photos: www.zimbio.com There is a new fashion program out to discover and develop new talent and bring out their strongest potential to reach for the stars. The Mercedes-Benz Start-Up Program is a national initiative specifically targeted to create, discover and cultivate ...

The Martin Luther King Jr. Dedication   By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger   Photos:  George Whylie, Pure Fame Media Inc / FR TV and  AP Photo There is nothing that could stop this magnificent day from becoming a reality and living out the dream that a prominent civil rights leader began years ...

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="9"]   President Obama Speaks at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication on the National Mall National Mall, Washington, DC

DEMA Showtime Almost Here By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: DEMA website The dive industry and dive enthusiasts are gearing up for the annual 4-day DEMA Dive Show held in Orlando, Florida at the beginning of November. This annual show is the largest event for the dive industry ...

Official Visit of South Korean President to the U.S. By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: George Whylie-Photographer; David Cassanova- Correspondent; Maxine Nolan-Videographer [gallery] Thursday, October 13th, marked a turning point for President Barack Obama as he warmly welcomed South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak, to the White House. Amidst a steady rainfall, the two leaders shook ...

Changes in the Design World By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.vogue.com, www.kenzo.com We've gone through the 2012 Spring/Summer Collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week and changes are underway at the top fashion houses ...

Behind-the-Scenes Video: What's on the Menu for the State Dinner?

A Pretty Amazing Designer By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: MTV, JustJaredJr.buzznet.com, Brandon Copple and Zoe Damacela website Seventeen Magazine has picked a new face to grace their October 2011 issue as their 'Pretty Amazing Cover Winner'. Zoe Damacela is the hot new 19 year-old fashion designer and ...

Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak State VisitTuesday, Oct 11, 2011 VIDEO DURATION: 1:16:00 The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) hosted a press briefing to discuss the issues likely to be on the agenda for Republic of Korea President Lee’s upcoming trip to Washington. WHEN/WHERE: ...

THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: AP Photo Tonight, October 11th, 2011, there was a live debate that took place in Hanover, New Hampshire, one of the early primary states, between the Republican Presidential candidates. The focus of the evening was the economy ...

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York City, October 27-29, 2011 PhotoPlus Expo Presents "A Fored For Nature" Keynote Presentation with Photo Icons Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting and Tom Mangelsen Award Winning Photographers Share Stage, Images, and Experience for First Time Anywhere NEW YORK, NY -- October 7, 2011 – PDN PhotoPlus ...

Global Competition Underway - UN Memorial By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Covered by Maxine Nolan, Andrew Stephen Videographers, David Cassanova Correspondent- DC -Digital The competition is now officially underway. On September 30th, the committee tasked with building a permanent memorial at the United Nations in honor of the victims of ...

A Weekend of Celebrations By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: AP Photo There were a couple of monumental events taking place this weekend. Last night, the Michael Forever-The Tribute Concert was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales to celebrate the life and music of the King of ...

Home Movies with the Academy By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Why not take some time on the third Saturday in October and spend some time reminiscing with your family, friends and neighbors as you watch home movies? The Academy Film Archive organizes Home Movie Day in Los Angeles and this year ...

Style Fashion Week in L.A. By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Style Fashion Week website, Brian Pitts Another Fashion Week is just around the corner. Style Fashion Week launches its 2nd energetic season on Sunday, October 16th, during market week in downtown Los Angeles. It ...

The Chelsea Hotel - A Landmark By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images As you walk down the streets of the concrete jungle known as New York City, your eyes come upon a vast array of historical buildings climbing towards the clouds with intricate detail and design characteristic ...

Presidential Proclamation - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As most people are aware, October is considered Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Events will be going on all around the country in support of research to save lives. Pink ribbons will be displayed and worn proudly ...

Photo by Kathryn Kirk In photo 1 (left to right): Alex Vedrine; Tanesha Vedrine; Dr. Wonnie Rhieu, Woodhull Medical Center; BP Markowitz; Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham; Gail Smith, MetroPlus October 6, 2011 “TAKE YOUR MAN TO THE DOCTOR”: BP MARKOWITZ URGES MEN TO VISIT PHYSICIAN, ENCOURAGES LOVED ONES TO ...

Statement by the President on the Passing of Steve Jobs By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger - Press Release by the White House We are all deeply grieving the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Tonight, President Obama has released a statement to the world. The President and First Lady ...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy A Visionary has passed - Steve Jobs By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Apple.com, AP Photo and Getty Images Today is a very sad day as we have lost a true visionary, an amazing ...

NYC copter crash kills woman celebrating her birthday Pilot, three others rescued; passengers were British and Australian Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Wall Street Movement By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images, AP Photo, Splash Images Three weeks ago, it started as a normal yet purposeful protest known as 'The Occupy Wall Street Movement'. What began with just under 100 people in New York, has garnered support of over ...

Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito Cleared of Murder By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger In what has turned out to be a very emotional and trying day, a final verdict has been handed down in the Amanda Knox appeals case. After four years of serving the beginning of what may ...

Columbus Day Parade in New York City By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine NolanThe 2011 Columbus Day Parade will take place on October 10, 2011 When Is The Columbus Day Parade? The Columbus Day Parade will take place on Monday, October 10, 2011. What Time is the Columbus Day Parade? The Columbus Day Parade ...

Mary Blair Celebrated By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Young and old alike can always relate to the Wonderful World of Walt Disney. Now the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is exploring the colorful influence that Disney artist, Mary Blair, had on the world of animation. On Thursday, October ...

Launch of 'Empress' By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Ana Martins Public Relations Entrepreneur, artist and designer, P. Diddy, is in the spotlight once again. On September 19th at Macy's in New York, with the assistance of the lovely and talented artist, Kelly Rowland, Sean John launched his ...

Free Endearment By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The month of October has significance to many and is a month of hope and survival. To millions of women, it is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, a cause that deserves increased attention on a national level. Free Endearment is a collection of ...

Little Girls Love Ralph Lauren By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.justluxe.com, Billy Farrell Agency One of the most cultured designers of our time, Ralph Lauren, has begun to target a new generation. Now girls, aged 7-12 years old, have an opportunity to shop the sassy ...

Submission for 2012 Tribeca By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Before you know it, fans will delight at Tribeca Film Festival 2012. Film submissions are now open for the 11th annual Tribeca Film Festival to be held on April 18th-29th, 2012. Submissions are being accepted for narrative and documentary ...

Target Welcomes Gwen Stefani By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.zimbio.com and Target The young and energetic talented artist that captivates audiences with her clothes and her music is dabbling again in new designs. Gwen Stefani is getting ready to launch a new children's collection for Target known ...

The Trial of Conrad Murray By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images, HSN, www.zimbio.com We are once again reminded of the tragic death of the 'King of Pop' as Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, ...

An Evening with Sherri Hill By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.zimbio.com During Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week on the evening of September 14th in New York City in the Grand Corridor of the posh Trump Tower, we were entertained and bedazzled with 'An Evening by Sherri Hill'. ...

Paradise at The Blue Lagoon By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Are you looking for the perfect romantic getaway? Why not leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and jet off to your own private island, Turtle Island, Fiji. To give you a bit of history, Fiji is ...

United Nations Back in Session By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The United Nations General Assembly is now in its 66th session which began on September 19th, 2011. Dignitaries from all over the world are meeting to discuss 'the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means'. ...

Fashion Now By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It was a day jam packed full of unique fashion and fabulous fun at Boca Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, Florida on Saturday, September 24th, 2011. Under the bright skylights of Center Court, serious shoppers were treated to 'Simon Fashion Now'. It all ...

Putin for President By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Vladimir Putin may be back in the spotlight again as he confirmed running for President of Russia in 2012. Current Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, has endorsed him. If Putin were to win, he requested that Medvedev take over as Prime Minister. ...

MADE IN AFRICA By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos:George Whylie, Video: Maxine Nolan Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week ended magnificently with a bang. Elegance overtook the stage as the final show of the season was put on by ARISE Magazine at the historical Avery Fisher Hall in ...

Spotted - Gossip Girl Collection By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: netnewspublisher.com, Getty Images, nymag.com It seems hard to believe that Season 5 of the ever popular 'Gossip Girl' is premiering this coming Monday, September 26th at 8:00 PM ET on the CW channel. With this season ...

The South-South Awards By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: South-South Website On Monday, September 19th, 2011, there was a very special event taking place at the elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The 2011 South-South Awards were held as an annual event which this year recognized ...

Free at Last By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters It is truly a glorious day for two freed American hikers who have been imprisoned in Iran for two years on charges of spying. Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were so thankful to be released and ...

Denroy Morgan Out on Bail For Marijuana Charge; Son Refutes 'Official' Version of Events September 20, 2011 By Patricia Meschino, New York Rasta Dandy: Denroy Morgan (above) was arrested for marijuana posessions on Sept. 13 and is now out on bail. His son Roy "Gramps" Morgan says the media is fabricating the ...

63rd Annual Emmy Awards By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images Winner credits: marquee.blogs.cnn.com Last night the stars came together on the red carpet once again at the posh Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California to take part in the 63rd annual Emmy Awards. ...

SJP in 'I Don't Know How She Does It' By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Fandango Sarah Jessica Parker has to be one of my all-time favorite actresses. I don't think that I have missed one episode of Sex and The City and I've probably seen a ...

The Magical Brooklyn Carousel By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger There is a magical place in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the busy city. One of Jane Walenta's dreams became a reality on Friday, September 16th. At an auction on October 21, 1984, Jane and husband ...

Haute Fashion with Zang Toi By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: George Whylie, www.zimbio.com, Video: Maxine Nolan There's one designer that keeps exceeding expectations each season he shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Zang Toi, a truly brilliant Malaysian designer, gives his audience a dramatic performance as he presents each ...

WALTER NEW URBAN LINE FOR SPRING 2012 By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: WWD In an intimate setting on the rooftop of the EMPIRE Hotel, the energetic and down-to-earth designer, Walter Baker, gave us a most intriguing collection known as his urban line, WALTER. From the lightest of light ...

Enjoying a week full of Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger, Photo:George Whylie, Video:Maxine Nolan As evidence that Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week truly is a worldwide fashion event, this season was a first for presentation of live-streaming fashion shows direct from the runway at www.youtube.com/liverunway Fashion fans ...

Opening of the 9/11 Memorial By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine Nolan  Monday, September 12th, marked the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Gardens and Waterfall. Press and media were given a rare and first-hand look prior to the public opening. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this peaceful and ...

TRACY REESE Spring 2012 By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos:George Whylie, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website, www.LaForce-Stevens.com Tracy Reese has climbed her way up the fashion ladder, working at such powerhouses as Martine Sitbon and Perry Ellis. In 2007, Reese was inducted as a board member of the Council of Fashion ...

A NEW MISS UNIVERSE CROWNED BY: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Associated Press We have a new Miss Universe that has been crowned today on the 60th anniversary of the world's biggest pageant. Her name is Leila Lopes and she is energetic and 25 years old ...

NAUTICA IN NEW YORK By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Traditional classic was at its best on Friday, September 9th, during Fashion Week in New York. With the sun shining brightly in the sky and the backdrop of the New York City skyline in the distance, the ...

9/11 TEN YEAR MEMORIAL   By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine Nolan  As the door closes on yet another 9/11 anniversary, this one being the significant 10-year milestone, I am left with a greater understanding and definite closeness and deeper compassion for those that braved that horrible day in 2001 and lost ...

TEEN VOGUE HAUTE SPOT By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Teen Vogue At Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week, this season marks the addition of Teen Vogue Haute Spot, an interactive fashion destination and lounge at Lincoln Center sponsored by Teen Vogue. Entertaining and convivial events for teens and adults alike run ...

A MAGICAL FASHION SHOW BY: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos:George Whylie, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website, Getty Images, Video: Maxine Nolan It was certainly a fantastic day of fashion on Day 2 of Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week, but the culmination of the evening was the magical Falguni and Shane Peacock ...

ANNIVERSARY THREAT By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine Nolan Tomorrow marks the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Time will not fade the interruption of lives and the way that America was changed forever. Security alerts are heightened in both New York City and Washington, D.C. and police presence is noticeable due ...

RED CARPET SEATS ANYONE? By; Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Now is your big chance to be seen on the Red Carpet. Starting on Monday, September 12th at noon ET/9:00 AM PT, continuing into the week, fans of the Oscars can apply online for a random drawing for bleacher seats along ...

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: wireimage and zimbio The bustling and exciting city of New York gave fans a reason to shout and have some fun. Rockefeller Center is always the place to live large in lights and last night was no exception. ...

Recap of Day 1 - MB Spring 2012 FW By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger, Photos: George Whlie, Video: Maxine Nolan The sun is shining bright today on Lincoln Center and a successful Day 1 has come and gone for Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week. There were so many ...

PREVIEW: MERCEDES-BENZ SPRING 2012 FASHION WEEK By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger, Photos: George Whlie, Video: Maxine Nolan, Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week is finally here. This is the one-year anniversary at Lincoln Center for the style-changing event. The curtain is rising ...

ARUBA DISAPPEARANCE By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Andrew Colson and ABC News Aruba may be the vacation paradise that holds the key to rest and relaxation but it is also the unfortunate locale where yet another disappearance has taken place, this time back in August of ...

WE THE PEOPLE By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Pete Souza, White House On September 1st, the White House announced a new online engagement feature called 'We The People'. As you might imagine, this is an initiative to give the American public a greater say in our ...

Fashion Forward to Houston By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by: www.zimbio.com, ABC Fall Fashion Fever is catching on these days. New York City may be the place to be in September but as the leaves begin to take on their autumn colors, fashion fans flock to Houston, ...

GOLFING FOR A CAUSE By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images Even though Hurricane Irene swept through New York City, it did not dampen the spirits of a most passionate charitable event that took place recently. Monday, August 30th, began the 2-day sporting extravaganza. It all started at the ...

UP OUT OF THE ASHES By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters Memories will never fade of a day that shook us to our core, 9/11/01. That day began as ordinary as the previous day. However, the ending was far from normal, a test of our tenacity. ...

VIDEO MUSIC MTV AWARDS BY: Hope Wilkos Photos: Video Music MTV Awards Website This year was a historic one for the 2011 Video Music Awards Ceremony. A record-breaking 12.4 million viewers ranging in age from 12-34, tuned in to the live event which took place ...

"GIANT" makes a Comeback By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is bringing back a classic film for New Yorkers. As part of its Monday Nights with Oscar Series, the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International located at 111 East 59th Street will present ...

DAEGU, South Korea Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake won the men's 100-meter final Sunday at the World Championships in Daegu after defending champion Usain Bolt was sensationally disqualified for a false start. Bolt, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, seemed to be in imperious form earlier Sunday to qualify for the final in South ...

Escape to a Magical Destination By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Stress levels have been high lately with all the natural disasters occurring around the nation. There has never been a better time to get away then now. Grand Cayman, a magical paradise, is considered to be one of the best dive ...

'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Lisa Vogel and Luxe By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos Courtesy of BHPH PR and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website Pastels painted a pretty palette at Luxe by Lisa Vogel at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim held in Miami Beach, Florida in July. Tiny and sexy bikinis in solids and prints perked ...

Bunny Wailer, (born Neville O'Riley Livingston, April 10, 1947, Jamaica), also known as Bunny Livingston and affectionately as Jah B,[1] is a singer songwriter and percussionist and was an original member of the world-famous Reggae Group, The Wailers, along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. He is widely regarded as ...

Bombing in Nigeria By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo: Getty Images, Inc. On Friday, August 26th, the United Nations compound in the Nigerian capital of Abuja was the target of a fatal bombing. A car filled with explosives crashed into the United Nations building. Eighteen people were killed ...

Diving and Fashion Collide By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: fashionologie.com The scuba diving world has gone from the deep blue sea to the runway. McQ Resort Collection 2012 is the newest diffusion line by the house of British couturier designer, Alexander McQueen. Inspired by the sleek wetsuit worn by ...

A New Face at House of Dior By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by nymag.com and style.com When one thinks of Christian Dior, they think of sophistication and class with a touch of femininity and flair. The word on the runway these days has it that Christian Dior has found a ...

VP Records A&R Director Joel Chin Fatally Shot in Jamaica 5:12 AM 8/24/2011 by Patricia Meschino (Billboard) Joel Chin was the grandson of Vincent "Randy" Chin, who founded the successful reggae label, and signed Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Wayne Wonder. NEW YORK -- Despite a semblance of routine Monday morning activities, ...

EARTHQUAKE HITS THE EAST COAST By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images, Star-Ledger On the afternoon of August 23rd, as eyes were all focused on Hurricane Irene churning in the Atlantic and gaining ominous strength, an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck the East Coast of the United States. ...

PROJECT REBIRTH By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger On that dreadful day in 2001, thousands of lives were affected in so many devastating ways. Much has been captured in film and on video but now on August 26th, "REBIRTH" will be released theatrically in Los Angeles and Boston. This documentary ...

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: zimbio.com, nymag.com There is one night that unites fashionistas across the globe for shopping, 'vogue' and fun! September 8th which also just happens to be the opening day of 'Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week', became the date to mark on ...

The launch of The Jamaica Music 50 and The Wailers 50th Anniversary Campaign 2012-2014 JAMAICA MUSIC 50 2012-14 • The Story Of Jamaican Music- Little But We Talawa! Boxed Set • ...

The Return of Charlie's Angels 2011 By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The past is coming back to the present this fall on ABC. The 1970's private eye series, Charlie's Angels, can once again be seen as a weekly television series with a new set of Angels given a modern edge. ...

Meet the GOP Candidates for 2012 By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Before long, Presidential primary elections will begin to take shape and the candidates are now positioning themselves for the difficult road ahead. Texas governor, Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, has entered the race. He is focusing on ...

Michele Bachmann: I'm Running for President Michele Bachmann announces on June 13, 2011 that she is running for President of The United States of America.

Watch This: Highlights of the President's Tour through Rural Iowa President Obama headed to Decorah, IA on Monday afternoon, where he joined a crowd of 500 locals for a town hall meeting. Topics covered ranged from the difference between divided government and dysfunctional government, America's proud history as a nation of ...

BEENIEMAN TO RECEIVE PROCLAMATION FROM NEW YORK CITY FANS of Beenieman can expect to see the King Of Dancehall in 'full hundred' mode when he takes centre stage at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY at the inaugural staging of "Reggae, Rhythm and Blues" concert on Labour Day, ...

MOTOROLA MOBILITY TO BE PURCHASED BY GOOGLE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger One of the largest acquisitions in the tech/communications world has been finalized. Google is closing in on the mobile business with the bid to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings, the cellphone business split from Motorola, for $40 a share ...

The Greatest Show Reggae Sumfest put Sparks On Reggae Music, A Sizzling Summer in Jamaica, By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Jammin’ Jamaica was the place to be from July 17th through July 23rd as the masters of Reggae assembled to entertain the ...

GLAMORAMA By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: CBS, Macys Glamour abounds! These days you'll find it in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco and just last night in Chicago in the West loop. Macy's Glamorama takes the nation by storm in select cities combining fashion, entertainment and philanthropy into ...

J. CREW TO SHOW AT LINCOLN CENTER By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger One of the newest designers to make their entrance at Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week in New York will be J.Crew. They are by no means newcomers to the fashion industry. Based in New York, fashion week ...

WHERE IS THE DOW HEADED? By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger With the level of uncertainty rising regarding the U.S. economy, it's difficult to determine where U.S. Stocks are headed these days. Americans are frustrated, President Obama is experiencing the lowest approval rating of his current term at 45% and some believe that ...

WI-FI FOR NEW YORKERS By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger We are living in the age of technology and these days, Wi-Fi in public areas is almost a necessity instead of a luxury. The City of New York has reached new agreements with the two largest cable franchises - Cablevision Systems and Time ...

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SPRING 2012 By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website The week is fast approaching and we are anxiously gearing up. Lincoln Center will come to life with a fashion frenzy for the third season of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at this current location. From ...

9/11 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine Nolan Photos  also by: 9/11 Memorial Website September 11, 2011 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11/2001 attacks. This year will be even more significant with the opening of the National September 11th Memorial honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the ...

U.S. CREDIT RATING DOWNGRADED By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images Our current economic situation was bound to have repercussions. Unfortunately, one of the results is Standard & Poor's downgrading of the United States' credit rating from AAA status which the nation has held since 1917. The U.S. was ...

LADY OF LAKE ALSTER By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos Courtesy of Reuters Could that be the Loch Ness Monster in the middle of Alster Lake in Hamburg, Germany? It appears to be 12 feet high and 98 feet long. The sculpture is a lovely, floating giant lifelike woman bathing ...

LET'S GO DIVING IN THE BVI's By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger When the trials and tribulations of the work week get you down, head to a dive destination that will clear your head and put a twinkle in your eye. British Virgin Islands is nature's hidden paradise with a combination of mountainous ...

FUN AND SUN WITH 1 SOL SWIMWEAR By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As the sun rises and the waves crash along the shore, 1 Sol Swimwear is becoming recognized as the prestigious swimsuit of choice for women with an eye for distinction and glamour across the United States. This fabulous company was ...

DEBT CEILING BILL PREVENTS CATASTROPHE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos Courtesy of NBC News and Reuters On the verge of the government facing default, a debt-ceiling bill was negotiated and voted on by the US House today. President Obama and congressional leaders have been working on this bill ...

iPAD AND FASHION By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo courtesy of Apple Website With another Fashion Week just around the corner in September, you too can be part of all the excitement. Check out the fashion shows as they happen, follow the celebrities and models and read all ...

Evidence Unfolds for Amanda Knox By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by Getty Images and Zimbio.com Convicted American student, Amanda Knox, is back in the news these days. Serving 26 years in an Italian prison for the murder of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher, Amanda Knox's appeal case is bringing about ...

'HAVE FAITH' and HOT SUITS By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Website One of the hottest swimwear collections on the beach today, 'HAVE FAITH', premiered their Spring/Summer 2012 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in South Beach in July. The designer behind the brand is Jennifer ...

THE PERFECT SHOE - TASH FOLDS By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Four inch heels have always been synonymous with glamour and chic but these days more women are opting for functionality and fit in a shoe. There is one shoe designer that is a ‘step’ ahead of the rest. ...

RECREATING 'BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S' By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger If you love classic movies and you're looking for a divergent way to spend a Monday evening, look no further. On Monday, August 8th at 7:00 P.M., brought to you by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy ...

EXPRESS ROCKS THE RUNWAY By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by www.aspiringsocialitenyc.com Times Square lit up the night in New York City as the crowds took to their positions to watch 'Express Rocks Times Square', a runway fashion show put on by Express on Saturday evening, July 23rd, in ...

VACATION PARADISE IN SOUTH FLORIDA By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Have you been looking for a vacation spot where you can find the temperate sun and surf, non-stop nightlife, outdoor activities and superb cuisine? Well, look no further because that special destination is South Florida. There is no better place to ...

BACK TO BLACK FOR AMY WINEHOUSE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Another diva star has left us at the young age of 27. Amy Winehouse, a unique but confused and troubled performer who rose to fame with a mix of soul and jazz, has been confirmed dead in London. ...

SIERRA CLUB AND MAYOR BLOOMBERG BOND TOGETHER By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger New York's Mayor Bloomberg is a strong proponent of climate change and has been working on this initiative advocating improvement of the environment during his term in office. The Sierra Club is one of the oldest, largest and most influential ...

BRAZILIAN BEACH BEAUTIES By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.TheYBF.com, www.justjared.com, www.zimbio.com At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 this past week, there was a private showing of the feminine yet flirtatious Dineila Brazil 2012 Swimwear Collection in the penthouse of The Raleigh Hotel on South Beach. Beautiful angelic models posed ...

PLAYFUL AND FUN IN BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.zimbio.com For the playful of heart and seductive of soul, Beach Bunny 2012 Cruise Collection is definitely right up your alley. With silk and lace, feathers and satin and embellishment, this sexy swimwear will take you ...

A TROPICAL FOREST OF FASHION By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: www.zimbio.com In the tropical setting of palm trees and paradise at The Raleigh Hotel in South Beach on Friday, July 15th, brilliant swimwear designer Poko Pano presented a chic Amazonian inspired swimwear show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim ...

SWIM INTO SUMMER WITH DIESEL By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Getty Images/IMG and The State There was no better brand to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim then the well respected Diesel Brand. The show took place at the exclusive Raleigh Hotel in South Beach. ...

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It seems hard to believe but the Harry Potter movie series is coming to an end. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint unite one more time for the movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2". It all ...

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK BERLIN COMES TO A CLOSE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin has come to a close. Each season gets even bigger and better than the last season. Over 50 established brands and emerging designers gave buyers, press and celebrities ...

LIFESTYLE RETREAT LOUNGE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo Courtesy of Marisa Matluck The wait is over. This Thursday, July 14th, marks the exciting beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in the tropical paradise of Miami Beach, Florida. Diesel will kick off the event with their much ...

REGGAE SUMFEST SIZZLES By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Each year in mid-July, tropical Jamaica becomes the setting for the largest reggae concert festival and the hottest event of the year. This year mark your calendar for July 17th-23rd when Montego Bay will host the dynamic Reggae Sumfest. Year after year there ...

JUNE EMPLOYMENT UPDATE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The June Employment situation was met with mixed emotions in the business world. The private payroll sector increased by 57,000 and the unemployment rate ticked up to 9.2%. Despite the steady addition of jobs in the private sector, it is evident that economic ...

THE FINAL MISSION By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Yesterday marked a historic and emotional day as Shuttle Atlantis lifted off for the very last time. Despite the odds that weather would delay the launch, Atlantis took off at 11:29 A.M. EST with only one minor glitch in the communication countdown due to ...

THE PARIS SHOW OF THE SEASON By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos Courtesy of JT, Stylerumor.com and Craig Arend, The Cut One of the great couture designers of the century is at it again. Jean Paul Gaultier presented his latest chic collection in Paris on Wednesday, July 6th, in a unique manner. ...

The Verdict is In By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The Caylee Anthony ordeal has come to an end with an unexpected and shocking outcome in the most publicized trial of the year. After deliberating for over 10 hours, jurors found Casey Anthony 'Not Guilty' in the first degree murder of ...

Timberlake Branching Out-MySpace By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger We all saw Justin Timberlake play the part of a Facebook entrepreneur in the movie 'The Social Network' recently but now he is making that role become his reality. Last Wednesday in a very strategic move, Justin Timberlake became partial owner of ...

MARRIAGES AND BREAK-UPS BY Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger This week was marked with ups and downs in the world of celebrities, royalty and fashion. Recently to the dismay of many, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger announced their separation after more than 25 years of blissful marriage. The decision was influenced ...

Education is the Key" says Former US Secretary of State General Colin Powell to Pure Fame Media / F R TV Host Teleka Bowen, He also said he has never forgotten his Jamaican Roots. Video: Maxine Nolan

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger This time of year it is always a pleasure to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors in New York City. On June 20th, the annual Shakespeare in the Park was held at the Delacorte open-air Theater. This theater was established ...

 Forever Reggae TV  Host Jennifer Lumley Qick  interview  with the Prime Minister of JAMAICA The Hon Bruce Golding Please click Photo to watch video Video: Maxine Nolan  

IMG AND MERCEDES-BENZ IN AUSTRALIA By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger IMG Fashion and Mercedes-Benz carry us to destinations across the world where fashion is sizzling with style and sophistication. IMG Fashion has now joined forces with Mercedes-Benz and moved into the great 'Down Under'. Recently it was announced that ...

Republican senators, led by a band of upstart GOP freshmen, pushed Wednesday for the elimination of the upcoming, week-long Fourth of July recess, this as President Obama chided members, as well, for not staying in town to forge a compromise on deficit reduction. Numerous aides from both sides of the ...

Chi-Lites hit single Hold On To Your Dreams(live) at Night of Elegance 2011

Star-Studded Evening Celebrating MJB's FFAWN Foundation FFAWN (The Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc.) celebrated "Mary J. Blige Honors Women Week" with a star-studded evening at Cipriani Wall Street. FFAWN was created, founded and funded in 2007 by singing sensation Mary J. Blige and music marketing mogul Steve Stoute. The ...

Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week at Gracie Mansion By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Videos and Interviews by Maxine Nolan Photo Credit: George Whylie New York City has been shaped over the centuries by the immigrants who have migrated here, settled in this great city and called it their home. We celebrate 2011 Immigrant Heritage Week ...

OPRAH SHOW SIGNS OFF By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 marked a historic day in television history. The award-winning Oprah Winfrey Show signed off after 25 years of being a top-rated show that attracted a mass audience from mothers to daughters to grandmothers to fathers to husbands. Oprah Winfrey is ...

City Palms Gives Back in Style By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As the palm trees were swaying in the breeze, the atmosphere by the pool at City Palms Condominium was relaxed in a sociable setting. City Palms is a relatively new condominium complex in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida close ...

South Florida Heats Up with MBFW Swim By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Website South Beach is definitely going to be the 'hot spot' as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 descends upon South Florida on July 14th running through July 18th. This is the seventh year ...

CIA.MARITIMA: BEAUTY AT THE BEACH By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Website Fashions are heating up this summer. Sizzling hot days lead into warm steamy nights. It seems only fitting that the Brazilian beachwear brand, Cia.Maritima, founded in 1990, is at the top ...

Trends for Fall - Slits By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: New York Magazine Although we are easing our way into a steamy summer, many of the top designers are now showing their Fall Collections on the runway. Sexy side slits seem to be the 'in' fashion statement. ...

Academy Awards for Students By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo: Academy Website The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is best known for the Oscars but on June 11th at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, fifteen students from colleges and universities around the world ...

Tough Times for Anthony Weiner By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Yet another private scandal has compromised a Democratic member of Congress, throwing him in the spotlight of shame. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., confessed earlier this week to exchanging sexually suggestive and somewhat explicit photos online as well as inappropriate conversations with several ...

2011 CFDA Fashion Awards By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by CFDA Website The prestigious 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards were held this past Monday, June 6th, at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. The venue was transformed into a bustling cityscape. Everybody ...

ITC Shop Italy By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo Courtesy of Nike Communications Inc. "Gossip Girl" spotted a celebrity on Tuesday evening at Centre 548 in Chelsea in New York City. The show's own, Kelly Rutherford, was on hand for the VIP launch celebration of ITC's Shop ...

The Royal Couple Visits the U.S. By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger We watched in awe as the royal couple got married but now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be making their way to the United States on one of their first trips as husband and wife. William and Kate ...

LADY GAGA - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MUSIC By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger My curiosity with Lady Gaga and the woman behind the music drew me to a CBS '60 Minutes' segment featured on Sunday, June 5th. Experienced journalist and television personality, Anderson Cooper, interviewed the provocative and successful Lady ...

EMPLOYMENT SITUATION FOR MAY By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Press Release by White House Press Office Unemployment has always been a topic of concern and scrutiny amongst the public and politicians alike. On Friday, June 3rd, 2011, employment information was released for the month of May. Private sector payrolls increased by 83,000 ...

APPLE AT IT AGAIN! By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Apple Website APPLE is at it again! Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, it certainly does. The cutting edge company is always finding innovative ways to reach out to its wide client base. APPLE's success ...

REGGAE 4 JAPAN By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It's time to show your overwhelming support for a very worthwhile cause. On June 5th at York College in Queens, New York, some of the top Reggae artists in the world will come together to perform in an effort to support Japan. On ...

The Success Story of Gwen Williams By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Every door that you open in life leads to a new beginning and a brighter tomorrow. Gwen Williams is living this dream and can attest to that. Her unmatched success has taken her to new heights that seem ...

FLEET WEEK IS HERE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Memorial Day is a day to commemorate and honor our brave service men and women who fight and protect to keep our country safe on a daily basis. They stand in harm's way and risk their lives each and every day. ...

WORLD CLASS ADIDAS GRAND PRIX By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger If you are a sports fan and addict, there is one thrilling event not to be missed. The Adidas Grand Prix makes its way to New York City on Saturday, June 11th to the ICahn Stadium on Randall's Island. The meet is in ...

KESI CASE - A DESIGN DREAM COME TRUE By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger South Florida is home to one of the most innovative designers of the decade. The multi-talented Kesi Case balances a busy personal and professional life and with her unrelenting ambition and drive, she is on her ...

Fall From Grace By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The story in the news these days is the scandalous fall from grace of former International Monetary Fund Chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Strauss-Kahn has been charged with sexually assaulting a maid at a NYC Hotel while in New York on a visit. ...

Swimwear by Talented Trina Turk By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website The sun, sand and surf not only brings a chance to relax and enjoy Southern hospitality but also an opportunity to see the latest swimwear fashions brought to you by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ...

Two and A Half Men back in business By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger For all you 'Two and A Half Men' fans, Charlie Sheen is out and Ashton Kutcher is in. Ashton Kutcher has been announced as the new addition to the show. Kutcher is absolutely thrilled to become the newest ...

Shuttle Endeavor set for lift-off By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo Credit: CNN and Sun Sentinel All systems are go for the May 16th, Monday morning, final launch of Space Shuttle Endeavor from Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle is set to take off at 8:56 A.M. ET. All ...

Christy Turlington Burns Raises Awareness By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger There are no greater qualities in life than passion for your beliefs and a strong advocacy for a cause that you wholeheartedly support. One woman who fits this bill and who is truly admirable in so many ways is Christy ...

Abercrombie Invades Paris By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos credit: JT for http://stylerumor.com Popular fashion retailer, Abercrombie and Fitch, took Paris by storm as 101 shirtless male models marched over to the Champs Elysees. This procession heralded in the launch of Abercrombie and Fitch's Paris flagship store. Onlookers were ...

Seamline Cynthia Steffe By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Spring is finally upon us and just in time for the launch of Seamline Cynthia Steffe, a new collection of versatile fashions that express a feminine yet professional side to every woman. This line is very affordable and will attract a substantial ...

The Met's Costume Gala By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Monday evening, May 2nd, New York City was the setting for a star-studded fashion event, the 2011 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute's Gala. The red carpet was loaded with celebrities and designers alike clad in glamorous fashions. The late Alexander McQueen was ...

A United States Victory By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It has been confirmed by President Obama that the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks, Osama Bin Laden, has been killed by U.S. Forces and his body buried at sea. This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the worst ...

BACK ON THE FIELD - PENN RELAYS 2011 By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/BloggerPhotographer:  George WhylieVideographer:  Maxine Nolan  Track and field fans flock to Philadelphia to Franklin Field in order to watch one of the oldest and largest track and field competitions in the United States.  Over a five day period, more than 425 ...

A Royal Wedding By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Every girl dreams of becoming a princess. That dream became a reality yesterday for charming Kate Middleton who wed the love of her life, debonair Prince William, in an elaborate ceremony. The day started like any other, however, on this day proclaimed ...

Shopping with the Cole Twins By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger One of the greatest jazz musicians of all time is Nat King Cole. His soft baritone voice and his talent on the piano skyrocketed him to the top of the charts and his popularity continues years after ...

Standard and Poor's on U.S. Credit By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The United States credit rating is at risk based on a warning by Standard and Poor's. Our world generosity is not without its consequences. Once the word got out earlier this week, the Dow Jones plummeted ...

The Proper Affair By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger On Thursday, April 21st from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, the ultimate fashion and fundraising event was held at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton,Florida. The Achievement Centers for Children and Families partnered with the distinctive national retailer, ...

MONTEGO BAY , Jamaica April 15, 2011 - It will be an evening of absolute nostalgia, accentuated by good music and good friends when the legendary Soul/R&B performing artistes, the incomparable Chi-Lites travel to the City of Montego Bay, for an exclusive post Mother’s Day performance on Saturday May 14. ...

Race to the New York Auto Show By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger In the market for a new car? You are in luck because the New York International Auto Show races into town from April 22nd - May 1st at the Jacob Javits Center at 11th Avenue between 34th ...

Sunfest on the Horizon By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger We know that South Florida great weather and good times are around the corner as the traditional and ever-popular 'Sunfest' is advertised throughout the media avenues of West Palm Beach, Florida. This fun-filled five day event (April 27th - May 1st) takes place ...

MIKE TYSON TAKING ON TYSON PREMIERES MARCH 6TH ON ANIMAL PLANET 10PM Taking On Tyson By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo Credit; George Whylie Recently, the Pure Fame Media Team had the exciting opportunity to attend a celebration on the Red Carpet of Mike Tyson's private premiere ...

The Many Looks of Mara Hoffman By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger At the Fall/Winter 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City in September of last year, a New York based designer known as Mara Hoffman took to the stage with her own uniqueness previewed in geometric shapes and prints. ...

Up at the Pump By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Planning a Spring Vacation? If your arrangement is to drive to your destination vs. flying, perhaps you may need to recalculate your plan. Gas prices keep increasing and believe it or not, prices have jumped up more than 20 cents in the last couple ...

Aerin Lauder Branching Out By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger For all those fans of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, there is a new venture appearing on the horizon for the popular company. Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of founder Estee Lauder, is launching her diversified new lifestyle brand in early 2012. The line will be ...

Washington (CNN) -- Obama administration officials indicated late Friday afternoon that there was a growing possibility of reaching an 11th-hour budget deal with Republicans that would avoid a partial shutdown of the federal government. We are "more optimistic now than we were four hours ago" about the possibility of getting an ...

Internationally recognized Multi Award winning Entertainer Tanya Mullings has linked up with Producer Dean Pond (Rymshot Production) and Maurice Gregory (Mastrak Productions) on her latest single "Rescue Me" which is distributed by the leaders in digital distribution Zojak World Wide. On the Rymshot Production Label, "Rescue Me" is the ...

Dream Castle Makes Dreams Come True By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Are you ready to make all your dreams come true? Dream Castle Villa and Dream Castle Entertainment are captivating us in a large way! The next couple of months have exciting events in store ranging from a beauty pageant ...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It's official!! The largest fashion week in Eastern Europe presenting 95 Fall/Winter 2011-2012 designer collections is now known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia. The inaugural event recently took place from March 31st through April 5th in Moscow in Congress-Hall of ...

April Fool's Day By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger April 1st has commonly become to be known as April Fool's Day across the world. Many a prankster will take full advantage of this fun day. So how did this come about? It is believed that the silly holiday had its beginnings ...

Economists expect the Labor Department to report on Friday that the economy added 200,000 jobs in March. After adding 192,000 jobs in February, this would indicate the economy is finally gaining some flying speed; but if the jobs figure falls significantly short of 200,000, the economic recovery is in a ...

Runway To Green By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger These days many fashion consumers are very environmentally conscious and now there is an online site that is doing its part with the collaboration of many well-known designers to get out the word on this popular initiative. Net-A-Porter.Com, the world's premier online luxury retailer, ...

LIMITLESS By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger LIMITLESS is a new thriller movie that alters the mind through the use of a powerful new 'smart drug'. Eddie Morra, played by handsome Bradley Cooper, is an unsuccessful writer about to hit rock bottom in all facets of his life. Coincidentally, right at that ...

A Movie Icon By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It has been confirmed that movie legend and icon, Elizabeth Taylor, has died at the age of 79. She had been recently hospitalized for congestive heart failure and has been in and out of the hospital during the course of the last ...

The April 1 deadline for a new state budget is in approximately one week. At that time, the Legislature will pass -- or fail to pass -- the budget that Governor Cuomo proposed. The Governor’s budget closes a $10 billion deficit with no new taxes, cuts waste and inefficiency, and ensures ...

Film legend Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79March 23, 2011, 8:21 AM EST Photos: Elizabeth Taylor Taylor's best films LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed film goddess whose sultry screen persona, stormy personal life and enduring fame and glamour made her one of the last of the old-fashioned movie stars and ...

Triangle Tragedy By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Sometimes tragedy and remorse bring reason and reform although it is difficult to see through the grief at that particular time. New York City is coming up to the 100th year anniversary of a horrible tragedy that struck Washington Square in Greenwich Village but ...

THIRD WORLD LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY ON APRIL 5, 2011 New York, NY (March 22, 2011): With the launch of their 23rd album Patriots, the Reggae Ambassadors - Third World Band - will premiere the album and perform live on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. The band will be joined ...

Douglas Hannant Elegance By Hope Wilkos,Writer/Blogger Interview by Rocky Heslop There is one designer that sets the bar in elegance. That designer is none other than Douglas Hannant. His collections are always so beautiful and refined. Hannant's humble beginnings took him from being an assistant window dresser at ...

Under Fire By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger U.S. and Allies fire missiles on Libya and the battle begins. French, British and American military forces have fired cruise missiles and fighter jets are engaged but Moammar Gadhafi is not backing down. He has promised to fight back against his aggressors. As ...

Funkshion: Fashion Week on South Beach By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Once again, South Florida is getting ready for another exciting fashion event. From March 22nd through March 26th, Miami Beach is hosting the 16th annual Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach. For all South Florida fashionistas, events and shows take place ...

Opening Night - Tribeca Film Festival By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The countdown to the Tribeca Film Festival is now underway. Audiences are in for an electrifying surprise on opening night, April 20th. Screenwriter and Film Director, Cameron Crowe, has captured the making of a legend album in a ...

St. Patty's Day By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo By Sharon Bennett St. Patty's Day is always a day of fun and festivities capped off with green beer for all. The nation's largest St. Patrick's Day celebration began in Manhattan with a parade along Fifth Avenue. Over 2 million ...

Breathe By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger New York is the state of origin for many a talented musician. Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see one such musician live in Clearwater, Florida. His name is Ryan Star, also known as 'The Dark Horse', and through ...

[gallery] OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: GET PREPARED. GET INVOLVED. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March Red Cross Month. Nearly seven decades later, more than half a million people volunteer for the American Red Cross each year. Keeping with the spirit of volunteerism, OEM encourages New Yorkers ...

Boston Proper Fashions By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Recently at Miami Beach International Fashion Week in Florida, a chic National fashion retailer with roots in South Florida took over the runway with their exotic, trend-setting styles. The name of that company is Boston Proper. Boston Proper's distinctive fashions provide clothing and accessories ...

Tribeca Film Festival Comes to Town By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Lower Manhattan is proud to host the 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival from April 20th to May 1st. The festival is presented by American Express and some of the Signature Sponsors include Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Apple, Heineken USA, Vanity ...

Mother Nature Unleashed By Hope Wilkos,Writer/Blogger In the early morning hours ET time, Mother Nature unleashed her fury in the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years, measured at 8.9 on the Richter Scale. The waters rose in a 23-foot Tsunami and poured across rice fields, through towns ...

RISING DESIGNER BATA SPASOJEVIC By Hope Wilkos,Writer/Blogger Sponsored by such great names as Yahoo, Stella Artois, Moroccan Oil, Tiffany and Co. and Copa Airlines, Miami Beach International Fashion Week brought designers together from all over the globe. In a stellar procession of shows throughout four days of excitement, each of ...

Final Mission for Endeavor By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As Shuttle Discovery is being retired to the museum, Space Shuttle Endeavor is on its way to the launch pad. The final journey and mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida is scheduled for April 19th at 7:48 PM barring any unforseen difficulties ...

Artists' Eyes By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo Credit: Sharon Bennett This past Monday, March 7th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, a very special opening reception was held to honor and view pre-kindergarten to 6th grade students' works of art. The location was at the Avenue of the Americas ...

New York TV exec gets 25 years to life for wife's beheading A former television executive was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Wednesday for the beheading death of his wife. After an hour of deliberation, an upstate New York jury convicted Muzzammil "Mo" Hassan of second-degree murder last ...

Chauncey Billups will "definitely" return to the New York Knicks lineup by Sunday, coach Mike D'Antoni said. Billups, however, said "definitely" is too strong of a word. Eight days after Billups sustained a deep thigh bruise in a collision with Dwight Howard, his status remained unchanged. He was expected to miss ...

LIME, the exclusive mobile partner of the 2011 Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards, has announced that it will be providing special coverage of the highly-anticipated event exclusively via its mobile TV service. "This is another opportunity for us to bring high quality, star-studded content to viewers in Jamaica via ...

March 9, 2011 MAYOR BLOOMBERG, TAXI COMMISSIONER YASSKY UPDATE NEW YORKERS ON EFFORTS TO PREVENT TAXI DRIVERS FROM ILLEGALLY REFUSING SERVICE TO PASSENGERS AND UNVEIL NEW UNDERCOVER VIDEOS Last Month, the Administration Announced Legislative Agenda for Increased Fines for Taxi Ride Refusals; Bill to be Introduced by Council Member James Vacca ...

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the DiMenna Center for Classical Music Mayor Bloomberg speaks at ribbon-cutting ceremony for the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, home of the Orchestra of Saint Luke’s. March 08, 2011

Aritzia Hits New York By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Last month marked the opening of a preview boutique in Manhattan for an exciting new store coming soon. The name of this store is 'Aritzia Shop Before the Shop'. Located at 524 Broadway at Spring Street, this store, on the ...

The bad news was kind of predictable: Charlie's been fired from the hit TV comedy Two and a half Men. The show's producer, Warner Brothers, released this statement Monday: “After careful consideration, Warner Bros. Television has terminated Charlie Sheen’s services on “Two and a Half Men” effective immediately.” Warner told the New ...

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, DEPUTY MAYOR GOLDSMITH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSIONER HOLLOWAY LAUNCH NEW PROGRAM TO SAVE HOMEOWNERS MONEY WITH PROACTIVE WATER LEAK NOTIFICATIONS Water Leak Notification Program Detects Unknown Leaks by Monitoring Spikes in Usage; Program is Possible Due to the Installation of Wireless, Digital Water Meters Citywide A 2011 State of the ...

Jr Gong Shaggy Sean Paul Beenie Man Bounty Killer Lady Saw EME ARTISTE OF THE DECADE WILL IT BE SHAGGY, BEENIE MAN, JR. GONG, WAYNE WONDER, SEAN PAUL, LADY SAW OR BOUNTY KILLER? Kingston, JA: FOURTEEN of the most sought after reggae acts of the past decade, including current frontrunners Shaggy, Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Beenieman, Marcia Griffiths, ...

CLM TV Executive members Clement Hume (3rd from L), Anthony Turner, (4th L) & Andrea Bullens (6th L), host Irwine Clare (7th L), cameraman Jason Mason (8th L) and editor Basil Wellington (1st L) accepting the Congressional Proclamation at the station's 4th anniversary party in NY. Others in the picture ...

Irwine Clare Team Jamaica Bickle Continues On Its Quest to Contribute To The Development Of Athletics In Jamaica And The United States New York, March 4, 2011…A team of New York based athletes representing the Team Jamaica Bickle organization is in Jamaica this weekend to participate in the University of the ...

Nike, Mayor Bloomberg and Amar’e Stoudemire Team Up in Brooklyn By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Taking time away from his normal busy responsibilities, Mayor Bloomberg joined up with Knicks star Amare Stoudemire to unveil a new basketball court at the Taylor-Wythe Community Center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. According to ...

Jamaica Showcase at MBIFW By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Miami Beach International Fashion Week is off to a fantastic start. The event is rapidly gaining momentum with interactive booths, celebrity chef cuisine and wine tastings as attendees anxiously await the shows to begin. Friday night, March 4th, premiered the Jamaica Collective ...

APPLE Does it Again By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Technology moves forward with the introduction of the new IPAD 2 by Apple. Apple has been the leader of innovation and has always been at the forefront of unleashing new concepts to the world. Today proved to be no ...

Miami Beach International Fashion Week By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Looking for something different to do this weekend? Why not head down to the land of sun and fun for the 13th annual Miami Beach International Fashion Week to be held at Miami Beach Convention Center from Thursday, ...

Aguilera in the News By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger It appears that yet another star has fallen victim to celebrity status and all that comes with it. Early this morning in Los Angeles, Christina Aguilera was arrested with her boyfriend. Matthew Rutler was arrested for driving under the influence ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 065-11 March 1, 2011 MAYOR BLOOMBERG LAUNCHES "NYC WOMEN: MAKE IT HERE, MAKE IT HAPPEN" AS PART OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION NYC Commission on Women’s Issues and NYC Media Premiere Video Series Recognizing Thirty-One Women Making a Difference in New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today ...

"The first thing I ever loved in my life was a pigeon." -- Mike Tyson. You know Mike Tyson as the former world heavyweight champion. In March 2011, tune in to meet Mike Tyson the pigeon lover. COMING SOON: Tyson Returns to His Roots to Race Pigeons. Heavyweight boxing legend and Brooklyn ...

Sheen Madness By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Fans of the hit sitcom 'Two and A Half Men' were disappointed to learn that production of the show has halted for the remainder of this season. Due to Charlie Sheen's erratic behavior, including an outburst in a plush NYC hotel and a ...

Oscar Fashions By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Oscar Night is one of the biggest nights for celebrities to honor the successes of their peers in the movie industry. But more notable than that are the fashion statements made on the red carpet. This year the evening was marked by ...

'The King's Speech' took home the big prize of the night, while Natalie Portman and Colin Firth picked up best acting Oscars. As expected, Natalie Portman has won Best Actress for "Black Swan." In addition to her director Daron Aronofsky, Portman thanked: "Everyone who has ever hired me." Tom Hooper ...

BP MARKOWITZ OBSERVED BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH CELEBRATION AT BOROUGH HALL BP Marty Markowitz (L) Raquel Heslop/ Pure Fame Media / FRtv Host On Thursday, February 24, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham observed Black History Month with a reception and celebration at Borough ...

Oscar Chorus By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger New Yorkers will have a special place at the Oscar's this evening. Public School 22 in Staten Island will have their very best fifth grade chorus singing tonight at the Oscar event. This journey began years ago with Gregg Breinberg, the 38 year old ...

Who's Winning an Oscar Tonight? The 83rd annual Academy Awards is slated to take place at Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles and be broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 27. Honoring movies released in 2010, “Hollywood’s biggest night” will introduce the winners in ...

Knicks, Heat set for battle of superstars MIAMI - This is the Heatles meets Stoudemelo, the clash of the NBA power couples. And although it's still early for the new-look Knicks, with Carmelo Anthony added to the marquee along with Amar'e Stoudemire, Sunday night's game at American Airlines Arena is a ...

Libyan rebels await counter-attack by Gaddafi forces. ZAWIYAH, Libya (Reuters) – Armed rebels who have seized control of Zawiyah, close to the capital Tripoli, were preparing for a counter-attack as Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi vowed to cling on to his 41-year-old rule. The rebels said on Sunday about 2,000 troops loyal to ...

Schumer Calls on Sites to Step Up Consumer Protection "As the operator of one of the world's most popular websites, you provide a valuable service to Internet users across America. With the privilege of serving millions of U.S. citizens, however, comes the responsibility to protect them while they are on your ...

The price of oil rose above $100 a barrel yesterday in the U.S. It's fallen a bit today, but it's still about $10 higher than it was a month ago. What do higher oil prices mean for the U.S. economy? I asked Ian Shepherdson of High Frequency Economics, and he ...

Mchael Jackson's Kids Give Away $10,000 to Honor Dad Earlier this week, Prince, Paris, and Blanket presented a check for $10K to the L.A. Housing Corporation -- a group that provides shelter for homeless families. Sources tell us Michael used to take his kids to volunteer with the group. We're told the ...

That seismic shift you felt while lounging in your bed on your day off yesterday? That feeling that somehow the earth's core had just shifted in some fundamental, notable way? There is an explanation: Justin Bieber cut his hair. Yes, the hair that transfixed a universe -- the coif that played ...

A Designer's Rise to the Top By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger A big name on the runway at IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week in New York was Elie Tahari. His story is inspirational to all those that hold a dream and a desire to succeed. Elie was born in Jerusalem ...

Oscar Cocktail Time By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As we approach the award-winning evening of the Oscars, not everyone will be lucky enough to be able to attend the ceremonies. However, since they will be televised, sit back and relax and have a few friends over or throw a party and serve some ...

New Zealand Devastation By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger In yet another natural disaster, New Zealand was the target for a 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch, a graceful 19th-century city of nearly 400,000 people, during the busiest time of the weekday, lunch hour. The United States Geological Survey said it was part of ...

Vivienne Tam - Fall/Winter 2011 By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger One of the most cutting edge designers that stands out in my mind at last week's IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week is Vivienne Tam. Her collections continue to lead the way with their culturally diversified fashion appeal. This latest collection ...

Park Avenue Roses By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger As residents of Park Avenue retired to their warm beds on one chilly evening in January, a multi-talented artist by the name of Will Ryman was about to release his creative energies for all New Yorkers to admire as they made their way to ...

Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2011 Collection for Fashion Week, By Hope Wilkos Writer/Blogger Ralph Lauren is one of the most respected and classic designers of all times.  His clothes have always held a special appeal to a widely diversified customer base. The Fall/Winter 2011 Collection shown in New York City on Thursday, February ...

Fall/Winter 2011 IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week By Hope Wilkos,Writer/Blogger. It’s hard to believe that a week has already gone by and IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week has come to a close setting the stage for a season that gave us elegance and refinement with cutting edge fashions. The eventful week ...

The Luxurious Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Diane Von Furstenberg By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger One of the most respected and successful designer names at IMG/Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week is Diane Von Furstenberg. From her modest beginnings in the 70’s with the wrap dress, she has now branched out into jewelry, furs, ...

Grammy Night Fashions By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger The Grammy’s are always a time for the best of the best to shine for the evening. Just as important as music are the exceptional fashions making their way down the red carpet. This year the fashions were as exotic as ever. Lady ...

Zang Toi - Haute Couture By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Sunday evening, February 13th, ended on an extremely successful note at IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week. Zang Toi, a talented Malaysian born designer, gave us one of the most elegant and awe-inspiring collections of the week. Opening the show, the designs were traditional tailored ...

Buju Banton, Rihanna Winners at 2011 Grammys Rihanna picked up an early 2011 Grammy. The singer took home the award for Best Dance Recording for 'Only Girl (In the World).' The song is featured on her fifth album 'Loud,' released in November. The single, however, beat the Grammy nominations ...

A Recap of 3 Days of Fashion By Hope Wilkos, Blogger We are now in Day 4 of IMG/Mercedes-Benz New York Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week. The crowds of fashion enthusiasts are packed into Lincoln Center anxious to see all the new designer collections unveiled as well as catch up on ...

The Future Unfolds - Binetti By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Lincoln Center was the setting on Saturday morning, February 12th, for an IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 futuristic showcase of gorgeous outfits from Binetti. This innovative Italian designer is known for his thought provoking designs. He ...

Hollywood Glamour - Farah Angsana By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Glamour and glitz set the stage for an elegant collection created by Farah Angsana at IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week. Her Hollywood inspired looks captivated the audience as tall, attractive models sauntered down the catwalk in ...

Christian Siriano - Fall/Winter 2011 By Hope Wilkos, Blogger What better way to open IMG/Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week than with the provocative Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Christian Siriano, a veteran of Bravo’s hit program Project Runway. Siriano has designed fashions for well-known celebrities such ...

Heart Truth Red Dress Collection 2011 By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Bright red is synonymous with the powerful Heart Truth Fashion Show opening IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Popular celebrities came out in style to model and make a strong statement on Wednesday evening. Raising awareness for heart disease ...

IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week is finally here By Hope Wilkos, Blogger As the excitement builds, New York Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week has finally arrived. The white marble Mercedes-Benz Wall has been erected at Lincoln Center signifying the beginning of another great week sure to be filled with many ...

Update on the Egytian Crisis By Hope Wilkos, Blogger. On Day 13 of the Egyptian crisis, there are some signs of normalcy returning to Cairo. Streets are less tense. Cars are back out and the city is beginning a clean up process. As banks reopen and discussions ...

‘Guess Jeans’Berlin Fashion Week By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger. Berlin Fashion Week captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts this past month. Many of the designers are European and the names are somewhat unfamiliar to us. However, one name stands out in the crowd. ‘Guess Jeans’ has been a ...

A New Look for the Financial District. By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Is it a sign of the times that the Financial District and Lower Manhattan seem to be building a whole new image? This has always been the place to be for the finance industry (banks and financial advisory firms) but ...

Anti-Mubarak forces gather in Cairo's square CAIRO — Protesters demanding President Hosni Mubarak's ouster packed Cairo's central square in huge numbers Friday, waving Egyptian flags, singing the national anthem and cheering, appearing undaunted and determined after their camp withstood two days of street battles with regime supporters trying to dislodge ...

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ RIDES IN ON “BIKE LANE” TO DELIVER 2011 STATE OF THE BOROUGH ADDRESS AT SUNSET PARK HIGH SCHOOL Stressing “jobs, jobs, jobs,” announces Central Brooklyn business incubator; pledges capital funding for IBM school at Paul Robeson High School; unveils Strategic Policy Statement On February 3, Brooklyn ...

Bebe - Styles for all Occasions. By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Bebe is ready to give you that special romantic look. Each and every stylish outfit shouts, “Will you be mine?” Go ...

Welcome to The Wide World of B By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Just B. Just You. B. You. Children are magical and filled with so much curiosity and imagination. Now there is a toy company that has captured the hearts of children with an innovative approach ...

A Day of Tribute at the United Nations By Hope Wilkos Raquel Heslop of FR TV Photo Credit George Whylie Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 marked a major milestone to an ongoing tribute at the United Nations. Pure Fame Media-FR TV was able to share in this monumental event. We are now ...

Snow Again? By Hope Wilkos. As if it hasn’t snowed enough in our wintry city, more ice and snow are on the way. Make sure to clear your rooftops, awnings and overhangs to avoid potential collapses when an ice storm makes its way from the Midwest across our region today. ...

A Recap of Berlin's Fashion Week By Hope Wilkos. As we slowly approach New York Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week, the excitement winds down at Autumn/Winter 2011 Fashion Week Berlin. Berlin was the destination of style and fashion from January 19th-22nd. The setting was Bebelplatz, right in the historic ...

Crisis in Egypt-By Hope Wilkos, Blogger As tensions mount in Egypt, protestors are calling for the resignation of Husni Mubarak, the iron fisted leader who has presided over the country for 30 years. Although there is a strict curfew in Cairo, advocates for democracy took to the streets speaking to ...

Andrew Tosh (son of the Legendary Peter Tosh) with his uncle Bunny Wailer (one of the Original Wailers), paying homage to one of Reggae's Greatest Messenger Peter Tosh with an Acoustic tribute of the song I Am That I Am taken from Grammy nominated Album Legacy an Acoustic Tribute ...

President Barack Obama focused on investments for growth during the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama embraced much of the business community’s agenda last night, calling for progress on stalled trade pacts, investments in roads and education, reworking the corporate tax code, and freezing discretionary spending ...

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is joined by Martin Luther King III and dozens of survivors and family members of gun violence victims to launch a national campaign urging Congress to take two simple but critical steps to fix our nation’s broken background check system: 1) fulfill the letter of the ...

Susan G. Komen‘Warrior Fashion Show’ By Hope Wilkos The South Florida Blogger. The sunny South was the setting this past Saturday, January 22nd, for a very memorable event known as the ‘Warrior Fashion Show’ held at The Gardens Mall Center Court in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at 1:00 PM and ...

[gallery] The Fashions Of The Golden Globe Awards, By Hope Wilkos The South Florida Blogger.This past Sunday, January 16th, found celebrities at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California celebrating the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards. It was an evening of crystal chandeliers and champagne. The fashions on the Red ...

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, By Hope Wilkos, The South Florida Blogger. There is a relatively new Broadway play in town and it is causing quite a stir. The play is none other than “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark”. With music and lyrics written by 22-time Grammy ...

Golden Globe Time Again, By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger. Once again, the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards are upon us. As the excitement mounts, the stars are gearing up for an action-packed evening of recognition. Ricky Gervais will host the star-studded event on Sunday, January 16th ...

Designers and their Models, By Hope Wilkos The South Florida Blogger, As we are quickly approaching Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week in New York City, designers are preparing to ‘wow’ us with their fresh new collections. Choosing the proper model to portray the image of the particular collection is ...

Gliding Down The Runway with Jill Stuart, By Hope Wilkos, The South Florida Blogger. There is no other designer that can do more with the subtle colors of black, white and gray than Jill Stuart. Her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is stunning and an excellent representation of the Jill Stuart label. Stuart started ...

W Hotels Elegance, By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger You might associate W Hotels with elegant hotel accommodations but you probably would never imagine the W Hotels linked to runway chic fashion. Open your eyes and your mind to preview a ...

TOOTS AND THE MAYTAL’S, BERES HAMMOND AND MAVADO FOR PEPSI REBEL SALUTE 2011 PORT KAISER JAMAICA – Flames Production ongoing partnership with Pepsi has inspired a twist to the 2011 staging of the Pepsi Rebel Salute. It brings with it the eyes, ears and sips of a new generation towards the ...

Behind the Scenes with Forever Reggae TV at NY Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop (part 2) Ringing in The New Year By Hope Wilkos Blogger. We have turned the pages of time to a brand new chapter in the Book of History; 2011, set to be a year of ...

20 sec count down to 2011 with Forever Reggae RTV at Times Square New York Ringing in The New Year By Hope Wilkos Blogger. We have turned the pages of time to a brand new chapter in the Book of History; 2011, set to be a year of hope and optimism. Although ...

Ringing in The New Year By Hope Wilkos Blogger. Photo Credit: George Whylie We have turned the pages of time to a brand new chapter in the Book of History; 2011, set to be a year of hope and optimism. Although one of the worst snow blizzards on record on December 27th ...

Gossip Girl Takes The Fashion World by Storm By Hope Wilkos The Florida Blogger There is no television show this year that has been more influential to style and fashion than ‘Gossip Girl’ featured on the CW Network. Filmed mainly in New York City, the Fashion Capital of the World, this show ...

Tory Burch – Collection for the Masses By Hope Wilkos,Blogger These days women take on a multitude of roles and Tory Burch is no exception. Tory is an American fashion designer, business woman, mother of three and philanthropist. She started her career working with fashion designers in New ...

There is a Santa Claus! By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!” He almost always knows who is naughty and who is nice. But are you aware of how Santa became this jolly legend? History traces the story back hundreds of years ...

‘Rag and Bone’ and the Path to Success By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Marcus Wainwright and David Neville started out in 2002 in Kentucky with no formal designer training. Their vision seemed simple enough. They wanted to make everyday clothes that the average consumer would ...

BUJU BANTON LIVE BEFORE THE DAWN CONCERT Sunday, January 16 Buju Banton & Friends PERFORMING LIVE Martin Luther King Weekend Sunday, January 16, 2011 Buju Banton Performing Live w. Friends Stephen Marley Wayne Wonder Gramps Morgan Shaggy Sly N Robbie Freddie McGregor DJ Khaled & Many More Doors Open @ 4pm Showtime ...

Elenor Roosevelt Historic Human Rights Remarks to UN Please click Pic to watch Video!!!!! First Lady Elenor Roosevelt delivers Historic Human Rights remarks at the United Nations in 1948.

Remarks at the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award Ceremony Remarks Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Michael H. Posner Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Washington, DC December 10, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSISTANT SECRETARY POSNER: Welcome, everybody, and happy Human Rights Day. Please have a seat. Sixty-two years ago, the United ...

Sea Shepherd By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Anybody who has ever watched Animal Planet’s ‘Whale Wars’ is very familiar with a passionate, dedicated, fearless and committed group of individuals known as Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Very simply put, their mission is to end the slaughter and destruction of wildlife ...

BP MARKOWITZ WELCOMES 3,000 CHILDREN RECEIVED FREE TOYS AND BOOKS AT HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Hope Wilkos Photos by Kathryn Kirk On Saturday, December 11, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and a team of 250 volunteers greeted more than 3,000 children from low-income housing and shelters throughout Brooklyn for the Best of ...

The Wonderful World of Cirque By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Everyone loves a circus! Whether you are a small inquisitive child or a fun-loving adult, there is no better way to brighten the spirits than with a circus full of beautiful costumes. The ultimate circus is Cirque Du Soleil. This ...

NYC, the Art and Culture Capital of the World By Hope Wilkos, Blogger One of the most culturally diversified Mecca’s in the world is New York City. On November 8th, Alice Tully Hall in New York City was the setting for the 2010 Mayor’s Awards Ceremony for Arts and ...

World AIDS Day – December 1st By Hope Wilkos, Blogger Photo Credit: George Whylie This past Wednesday, December 1st, was a day marked by triumph, empowerment and unity. In honor and recognition of World HIV/AIDS Day, Brooklyn Borough Hall was illuminated (RED) to signify the attainable goal of ending mother-to-child transmission of AIDS by ...

CLUB VICTORIA By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger This year marked the 15th anniversary of the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Each year the show gets bigger and better and lights up the night with more beautiful ‘Angels’. The show was held in October in ...

Beauty to Behold By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger One of the most elegant and highly anticipated shows of Spring/Summer 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was the unveiling of the Badgley Mischka Collection. Inspired by the 1988 film White Mischief, soft beauty was set in motion with side parted full curls, shimmery ...

Hats Off to IMG and Mercedes-Benz By Hope Wilkos South Florida Blogger New York City is known as the ‘Fashion Capital of the World’. Twice a year, in February and September, the city is engulfed in the frenzy and excitement of what has come to be known as Fashion Week. Today, the ...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NYS/S2011 Feminine Meets Fun with Betsey Johnson – by Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Even though the curtain has gone down on Spring/Summer 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, there are those special fashion shows that live on in our minds as large as ...

A Celebration of Veteran’s Day. By Hope Wilkos, Blogger. The men and women who serve our country on a daily basis wholeheartedly deserve recognition. Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to pay tribute to these fearless individuals who make the United States a safer place to live. Photo Credit: ...

Suu Kyi, Omar Bakri and the Politics of Human Rights Purely by the virtue of being a human being, it was wonderful to witness the recent release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Sung San Suu Kyi. This was not the case, though, for Omar Bakri Mohammad. Whereas Suu Kyi had been ...

Haitians protest UN base over cholera claim PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Protesters who hold Nepalese U.N. peacekeepers responsible for a deadly outbreak of cholera that has killed 1,000 in three weeks threw stones and threatened to set fire to a base in the country's second-largest city Monday, Haitian radio and eyewitnesses reported. The ...

November 15, 2010 GYPTIAN WINS SOUL TRAIN AWARD FOR 'BEST REGGAE ARTIST' OF 2010 (VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - VP Records recording artist Gyptian is honored with the 2010 Soul Train Award for 'Best Reggae Artist', picking up the iconic trophy following his featured performance during the show, held at ...

The O'Jays and Friends: R&B Legends Headline Concert in Brooklyn The O'JAYS & FRIEND live in Concert “SOUL LEGENDS CONCERT SERIES” A PRE – THANKSGIVING SHOWCASE FEATRURING THE O’JAYS Soul Rican, Jammins and Tavon Entertainment presents a pre – thanksgiving Soul Legends Concert showcase featuring the legendary R&B Soul ...

Deck the Halls with Pier 1 Imports By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger There is invariably one store that will put even the most defiant of Scrooges in a festive holiday mood. The name of that store so full of cheer and good tidings is Pier 1 Imports. ...

The Natural Way with Aveda By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger These days it’s all about looking beautiful in a pure, simple and natural sort of way. Many people don’t realize the benefits and unsurpassed quality of Aveda products. Aveda has been in the beauty market for over twenty years. ...

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND AMERICAN EXPRESS CEO KENNETH CHENAULT LAUNCH "SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY" Nationwide Effort to Spur Business for Small Merchants on Saturday, November 27th between Black Friday and Cyber Monday New York City is the First to Proclaim Day as Small Business Saturday, and Mayor Bloomberg and American Express Encouraged ...

New York City Marathon Results 2010: The New York City Marathon 2010 was held today, and NYC Marathon results are now in. For the men, 37 year old Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopa finished first with a time of two hours, eighteen minutes and fourteen seconds. He finished over a minute ahead of ...

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's daughter is expected to undergo a thorough examination today, after she was injured falling from a horse Friday. Georgina Bloomberg, 27, was knocked unconscious when she tumbled off her horse at an equestrian tournament in Syracuse. According to her publicist, she fell from her mount, Radio City, when her ...

Lilly Pulitzer Resort Collection 2010 by Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer uses color in a magnificent sort of way, almost like an artist with a brush and palette. There is no mistaking the bold, brilliant hues that represent the ultimate Florida lifestyle. The ...

GOP soars in House, state races; Democrats expected to keep Senate Washington (CNN) -- Voters' anger over a stubborn jobless rate and anxiety over the troubled economy helped propel Republicans to a sweeping takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives and a stronger presence in state offices, projections indicate. With results ...

Longer, Stronger, Lovely Lashes… by Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger What could be bigger these days than Brazilian blowouts and longer, thicker, darker eyelashes and eyebrows? Now there is an affordable solution for gorgeous, longer lashes and beautiful younger looking skin. Alicia Grande, an entrepreneur in this segment of the beauty market, has ...

November 1, 2010 - On Monday, November 8, 2010, Mayor Bloomberg will honor six outstanding members of New York City’s cultural community at the 2010 Mayor’s Awards for Arts & Culture. The awards ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and will be co-hosted by Meryl Streep. This ...

Howard K. Stern -- Guilty of Conspiracy Howard K. Stern was just found guilty on two counts of conspiracy for obtaining medications for Anna Nicole Smith in his own name. Stern was acquitted of seven other charges involving Smith. Stern is free pending an appeal. Stern placed his face in his ...

Death toll rises to 58 in Iraq church standoff Baghdad, Iraq The death toll from a hostage standoff at a Catholic church in Baghdad has risen to 58, police officials with the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Monday. Seventy-five others were wounded in the attack by armed gunmen Sunday, the officials said, ...

FRENCH CONNECTION By Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger Searching for a website that shouts ...

Denise Richards on Charlie Sheen hospitalization, meltdown: I still have faith in my ex-husband Wednesday, October 27th 2010, 12:04 PM Today/NBC Denise Richards said she had faith in her ex-husband Charlie Sheen after his bizarre meltdown on NBC's Today. Kravitz/FilmMagicCharlie Sheen. . Issue a public ...

FBI nabs former Staten Island man charged in plot to bomb Washington D.C. subway system A former Staten Island man was busted in Washington Wednesday for helping what he thought were al-Qaeda terrorists plot a huge attack on the capital's subways. They were really FBI men stringing him along, the feds say. Farooque ...

Clashes erupt at Israel march Violence between police and Palestinian-Israeli protesters angered by a march by a right-wing Jewish group. Police separated the marchers from the town's population, but their message was still clear Violent clashes have broken out between Palestinian-Israelis and Israeli police in response to a ...

BA chair and aviation chiefs call for check-in changes The UK aviation industry today backed the views of British Airways chairman Martin Broughton that airport security checks needed overhauling. Mr Broughton said some parts of the security programme were "completely redundant" and that the UK should not "kowtow" to the Americans ...

Could US lose Europe to Russia? 28 October 2010 The United States used to call wayward members of NATO back to the reservation with a whistle or a shout. It decided what was deviation from doctrine, and that decision was pretty much law. When the Obama administration stamped its foot this ...

After a long battle with lung cancer, Isaacs died on October 25, 2010 at his home in London. Gregory Isaacs (July 15, 1951 - October 25, 2010) as a Jamaican reggae musician. Milo Miles, writing in the New York Times, described Isaacs as "the most exquisite vocalist in reggae". ...

PINK PONY AGAINST CANCER by Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger ...

Sri Lanka claims about 4,700 Tamil militants 'rehabilitated' Sri Lankans celebrate last year after the government declared an end to a 26-year civil war. Sixteen months after a quarter-century-long conflict ended, Sri Lanka's embassy says it has rehabilitated thousands of Tamil Tiger militants. The plan is to reintegrate them into society, said Brig. ...

Afghan army key to Nato withdrawal UK soldiers in Afghanistan have trained 130,000 Afghan troops since 2006 Anything that throws doubt on the reliability of the Afghan National Army always represents a big problem for Nato. The fact is, just as has been happening in Iraq, the key to getting British, ...

TRAGEDY AT PACE UNIVERSITY A college football player parked in a fire lane outside a bar sped away from police rapping on his car window, hit an officer who clung to the hood as the sedan barreled toward a colleague, and was killed by a burst of police gunfire that pierced ...

Macy’s For Madonna By HOPE WILKOS, South Florida Blogger The Material Girl is once again back in the spotlight. After decades of chart-topping CD’s and sold out world tours, Madonna is venturing into the Fashion World. The junior clothing line known as ‘Material Girl’ is a joint effort between ...

Is Reggae Dying A Slow Death? The upcoming closure of north London record shop Every Bodies Music suggests that reggae music is suffering a serious decline ONCE A popular music genre, particularly during the late 1960s and 70s when it found favour amongst the white working class, reggae music has ...

It's a boy for Alicia Keys and her husband, music producer/rapper Swizz Beatz. The "Empire State of Mind" singer gave birth last night in New York, her representative said. The couple have named their son Egypt Dean. It's the first child for the 29-year-old superstar and the fourth child ...

Women's art makes eyes Pop in B'klyn New York Like Ginger Rogers, who did every thing Fred Astaire did -- only back ward and in high heels -- women artists have always had to try harder. Pop art was no exception. What Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein did with ads ...

Party like a Mad Man As “Mad Men” wraps up Sunday, “Maddicts” are preparing to find out what will go down at embattled ad agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Join the fun at these NYC viewing parties. And don’t forget your Playtex bras, Lucky Strikes or pen necklaces — you ...

Eleventh Suspect To Be Arraigned In Bronx, New York Gay Attacks An 11th suspect is expected to be arraigned today in connection with anti-gay attacks on four men in the Bronx. Luis Garcia, 26, was arrested at his home in Morris Heights yesterday. Police say he twice punched one of the victims with ...

Monster Rally Powers Yankees To Victory In ALCS Game 1 Down 5-0 after six innings against the Texas Rangers, the New York Yankees charged back to win Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, 6-5 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers built a 5-0 lead against CC Sabathia and were leading 5-1 ...

South Korea to deploy largest force ever for G-20 South Korea will mobilize its largest security force ever in anticipation of widespread protests during the G-20 summit next month in Seoul, the Yonhap news agency said. Authorities said a total of 50,000 police and riot police will be deployed during the ...

Rights group questions fairness of Cuban spy trial in U.S. Havana, Cuba (CNN) -- Amnesty International has questioned the fairness of a U.S. trial that convicted five Cuban agents of espionage, conspiracy to commit murder and other related charges. In a report issued earlier this week, the London-based human rights group described ...

Russia to help Venezuela build nuclear power station Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- Russia and Venezuela signed an agreement Friday calling for Russia to build a nuclear power station in the South American nation. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez formally signed the deal here after reaching an agreement in ...

Before meeting with Obama, Rice says mistakes were made in Iraq Washington (CNN) -- Removing Saddam Hussein from power was the right move, but the United States made mistakes in the aftermath, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told CNN on Friday. In an interview to be broadcast Monday on CNN International's ...

The longest railway tunnel in the world was completed on Friday in Switzerland when the last two meters of rock were drilled through. After 14 years of construction the 57 km (34 miles) of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in the Swiss Alps was finally completed when a giant drilling machine nicknamed ...

Bail conditions proposed for Reggae Star Buju Banton Posted: Oct 14, 2010 02:11 PM TAMPA — If internationally known reggae star Buju Banton wants to get out of jail before his re-trial on cocaine conspiracy charges, it won't be cheap. To make bail, Banton would have to post $250,000 — secured by ...

As part of Guinness's world wide campaign and celebration of Arthur Guinness day, in honour of the founder of the world's most famous dark brew, one lucky Saint Lucian will join 22 other lucky winners from other islands in the grand finale of the celebrations on October 23 in Kingston, ...

Palestinians consider Mideast talks trump card: declaring statehood Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu offer to extend the moratorium on settlement construction – but only if the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state. The Palestinians are mulling counteroffers. Could the Palestinians get the attention of the Israelis – and the international community’s support ...

US military campaign: Losing it in Afghanistan During the Vietnam war, US secretary of defence Robert McNamara was so cocksure of an American victory that he propagated a ‘strategic’ bottom line: “Two plus two is four, and we will win the war” . The trouble with this line was that, as ...

Luis Urzua, the last man freed from the mine Relatives and friends of the miners celebrate the end of the successful rescue operation Rescuers inside the mine hold a sign that reads "Mission Complete" after all 33 miners surfaced THEY waited 69 days for a rescue that took ...

Columbus Day Parade 2010, By Hope Wilkos Photo By George Whylie NEW YORK, Oct. 11 ,  Tens of thousands of people and more than 100 bands and floats joined the 66th annual Columbus Day Parade on Monday in New York. The Fifth Avenue of New York was lined with red, white and green ...

                            TRICK OR TREAT – THE *MAC* WAY, Hope Wilkos, South Florida Blogger, Halloween is just around the corner and MAC Cosmetics has taken the opportunity to carry the holiday theme one step further.  All witches, ghosts and goblins come closer for a makeover like none other.  The bewitching hour is fast ...

Chinese dissident Liu wins Nobel Peace Prize Imprisoned Chinese democracy campaigner Liu Xiaobo on Friday won the Nobel Peace Prize - an award that immediately inspired China's political dissidents and drew furious condemnation from the authoritarian government.   Supporters of Liu Xiaobo hold cards that read " We celebrate Liu Xiaobo winning the ...

  The 2010 Columbus Celebration The exhibits. The receptions. The floats. The personalities. The crowds! The week New Yorkers and tourists from the world over stop to be dazzled by the vibrant culture and spectacular achievements of some of the people who made America great. The spirit of exploration, the struggles and triumphs of ...

MTA is poised to raise New York City subway, bus fares for third straight year Published: Thursday, October 07, 2010, 6:56 AM     Updated: Thursday, October 07, 2010, 6:56 AM The Star-LedgerSubway fares are about to be increased for the third consecutive year. NEW YORK — Iris Hernandez has some decisions to make: ...