Sir Mix-A-Lot was right.

A new study out of Oxford University in England found women with "pear-shaped" figures -- ample extra padding around the hips, buttocks and thighs -- are actually at a lower risk for heart and metabolic diseases.

"It is shape that matters and where the fat gathers," said Oxford's Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos, explaining that fat stored on the hips and in the rear absorb harmful fatty acids and further prevent arteries from clogging.

"Fat around the hips and thighs is good for you, but around the tummy is bad," he told BBC News, noting that the proverbial "spare tire" around the belly leads to higher incidences of heart disease.

The findings help explain why women traditionally have lower rates of heart disease then men until they reach menopause, when their rates rise as they begin to gather fat around their midsections (and more likely to already have diabetes and eventually develop heart disease instead).

The Tale of Venus and the Red Velvet Cakes

I guess that's why they call it the Down Under Open...



speaking of showin ya ass, check out British bobsledder Gillian Cooke and why she's the "Ace of Cakes" (lawd,save the queen)

Maxwell performs on O-Show Dedicated to Haiti

A Fistful of Tears...

meanwhile, even Ricky Martin's ass is in Haiti

FINALLY. George Lopez asks the Kardashians...

"Speaking of chocolate, what's up with y'all and the black men?!!!"

Should have used AshleyMadison.com

On first glance, it could be the ultimate Valentine's Day card -- a gigantic billboard that towers over New York's Times Square, featuring a happy couple with the text: "You are my soulmate forever, Charles & YaVaughnie."

But as every scorned lover knows, looks can be deceiving. This billboard -- which also has gone up in Atlanta and San Francisco -- is the ultimate act of revenge -- a very public retaliation by a dumped mistress aimed at a very wealthy, and married, businessman who is an adviser to President Obama.

YaVaughnie Wilkins posted the signs after she learned that her lover, Charles E. Phillips — president and director of the tech conglomerate Oracle Corporation and a member of Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board — had reconciled with his wife, the New York Post reported.

The billboards -- there are three in New York and one apiece in Atlanta and San Francisco, where Phillips lives -- may have cost Wilkins up to $250,000, at an estimated $50,000 each. Phillips has fessed up to the 8 year relationship.

American Idol was in the Chi. Tues...

while the pickin's were slim, but in brotha John Park they found a winner....

Hope For Haiti NOW Telethon

Over 100 of the biggest names in film, television and music are geared up to participate in the biggest relief benefit for Haiti organized since the Jan. 12 earthquake.

The musical lineup already includes Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and Rihanna. Musical performances will be available for purchase on iTunes beginning on Friday. All proceeds will go to Haiti relief funds managed by "Hope for Haiti Now" charities.

In addition to musical performances, former President Bill Clinton will appear along with Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Will Smith with Muhammad Ali, Leonardo DiCaprio and a host of other film, television and music stars.

The benefit will also feature Wyclef Jean reporting from New York City, George Clooney from Los Angeles and CNN's Anderson Cooper reporting from Haiti.

One celebrity NOT on the guest list is Kanye West.

(We also heard after the telethon Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie will be awaiting the participants in a nearby studio to re-record "We Are The World.")

(Tameka) Come get your cousin off MARTA

(Moving Africans Rapidly Thru Atlanta) for over 30 years...

Former first lady of Turks and Caicos...

...LisaRaye goes topless for Giant (yeah, I thought they folded too) Magazine.

Mo has some 'splainin to do on the View

This would have been news 40 years ago...

Kelly Rowland signed with Motown/Universal...

A 13-year-old is attending Morehouse

It CAN be done.  Show this to every child you know.

Que from Day 26 covers Michael Jackson's "Human Nature"

You knew the Enquirer would find him...

The National Enquirer spots Tiger in Mississippi burning at the sex rehab clinic (or outside his project hoe's apartment).

Plies fet. Keri Hilson "Medicine"

Plies feat. Keri Hilson “Medicine” His album Goon Afiliated drops February 16th.

It took 40 years for justice

More than 40 years after her family was forced from their home to make room for whites, Michigan resident Sallie Sanders received vindication.  She now holds the keys to a new house built to settle one of the longest-running cases of housing discrimination in the United States.  In 1971 a judge ruled the city of Hamtramck, Michigan showed a clear agenda by forcing Blacks to move out from its city limits.  In 1980, the city agreed in 1980 to develop 200 family housing units to make up for violating the civil rights of blacks whose neighborhoods were targeted by white officials to make way for urban renewal projects in the 1960s.  They started building some of the units, but did not begin construction on others until 2004, more than 24 years after the agreement was reached.  Now, 60-year-old Sanders and four children are moving into a brand new 4 bedroom $164,000 home.  Justice at last.

source

"Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief"

MTV Networks has just announced more powerhouse stars were added to the line up for Friday's "Hope for Haiti Now:  A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" international telethon.  Wyclef Jean will host the show from New York, George Clooney will join in from L.A., and CNN's Anderson Cooper will give reports from the ground in Haiti.

Jay-Z and Rihanna will perform from London along with U2's the Edge and Bono and Coldplay.  Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef, Shakira, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen will sing from New York, while Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, and John Legend will perform from L.A.

Viewers can purchase the night's performances for 99 cents each through iTunes starting Saturday with all proceeds going towards earthquake relief, according to the networks.  The "Hope for Haiti" benefit will be broadcast from New York, Los Angeles, London and Haiti. It will be televised on all the major networks at 8 p.m. EST, as well as MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, PBS, CNN, Bravo, and a host of other networks. In addition, the telethon will be streamed live on Web sites including YouTube, MySpace and AOL.  Please consider supporting the relief efforts with your iTunes purchase.

VH1 "world premiere" "They Don't Really Care About Us" from Michael Jackson's This Is It

VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

VH1 made a lot of hoopla about its "world premiere" of "They Don't Really Care About Us" from Michael Jackson's This Is It. Fans rushed to turn on their television sets last night at 10pm Eastern...only to see the same exact segment they saw in the theateres. It was the same segment with NO extras. Ah well, for those who have been suffering through withdrawal since the movie left the theater, (Planet has had access to a copy of the movie all along and it's not one of those poor quality pirated copies either) this was a welcome appetizer for the main course that will be released next Tuesday. Play it over and over to your heart's content.

Mo'nique gave a beautiful acceptance speech at the Golden Globes

Mo'nique gave a beautiful acceptance speech last night after her win for Best Supporting Actress in Precious at the Golden Globes.

Golden Globes 2010 Fashion Rundown

30 Rock's Tracy Morgan looked dapper in his white dinner jacket.  Why did he have to hold his own umbrella?  Precious' Gabourey Sidibe stood out from the crowd in her emerald green gown.  The color looks great on her, but I wish someone had held an umbrella over the poor child to keep her from spoiling all Kevan Hall's hard work.  I never thought Zoe Saldana could look bad in anything, but this maroon Louis Vuitton ruffled gown has proven me wrong.  It looks like an unfinished Project Runway speed challenge creation.  Speaking of Project Runway, Seal and Runway host Heidi Klum looked like a classic Hollywood couple; Heidi is wearing Roberto Cavalli.  Despite all the high fashion, the showstopper of the night belonged to Halle Berry in a Kaufman Franco "Frankenstein" dress.  Nary a stretchmark or baby weight in sight!

Major Leage Baseball player Miguel Tejada travels to Haiti

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

Major League Baseball player Miguel Tejada brought money, food, water, and himself to Haiti on Sunday to help in the aftermath of last week's devastating earthquake.  Tejada is a native of the Dominican Republic.  The DR shares a border with Haiti on the island of Hispanola.  He said he felt a compelling need to help those he views as brothers.  Despite his troubled past with performance-enhancing drugs, he sets a fine example for other celebrities and sports stars to follow.

New artist: Sa'mya

I adore Floetry's music and was really sad when they broke up.  I still put on their songs when I really want to chill out.  It's obvious talent runs in the family because Marsha Ambrose's sister Sa'mya really puts it on your ears.  Check it out.

Happy MLK Day!

In the spirit of the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we hope each and every one of you finds some way, small or large, to show kindness and love towards your fellow human beings and to make a difference in the future for all humankind.

Gary Coleman is a mighty man after all

To create buzz for his new film, Midgets vs. Mascots, Gary Coleman had a "little" wardrobe malfunction of his own to show the world it takes different strokes, and big things come in little packages. 

source via here

Mo'nique gets her acting props at the Golden Globes

Mo'nique won a best-supporting actress award at the Golden Globes last night for her portrayal of an abusive mother in Precious.  She also picked up a best supporting actress award for the same role Friday night at the Critic's Choice Awards.  Mo'nique gave a tearful, heartfelt thanks to the film's director Lee Daniels Friday night, bringing tears to his eyes as well.  These two awards only serve to heighten the Oscar buzz for all those involved with the film. 

Wyclef Jean defends himself against accusations of grift for YELE

Wyclef Jean defended himself against allegations he misappropriated funds from his charity, Yele Haiti.  Critics have alleged Wyclef used hundreds of thousands of dollars from the charity to pay for studio recording time, trips, hotels, and even a $100,000 appearance fee for himself to appear at a concert.  Wyclef defended the foundation and his commitment to Haiti relief efforts.
"Let me be clear: I denounce any allegation that I have ever profited personally through my work with Yele Haiti," Jean said in a statement released Saturday. "These baseless attacks are simply not true."

Wyclef has been hard at work on the ground in Haiti assisting with rescues, medical attention, and recovery efforts.

NFL player Gaines Adams dead at 26

Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams is dead at the age of 26.  The Greenville News reports that Adams was pronounced dead at a Greenwood County, South Carolina hospital after apparently suffering a heart attack in his sleep due to an enlarged heart.  Gaines is the second NFL player to die in a month's time after Chris Henry died December 17th; Henry suffered massive head trauma after falling from a moving pick up truck.