Toni Braxton has no plans to legally divorce her estranged husband Keri Lewis. The two split in 2009 but have remained close for the sake of their two sons, Denim and Diezel. Braxton admitted to Sister2Sister magazine that she can’t see herself filing for divorce for fear of upsetting her children. “We co-parent together. Sometimes he stays over with the kids; he’s very involved with his kids… April would have been 10 years (since we wed). We’re, like, the best of friends. We told the kids, ‘Sometimes mommy and daddy need a little break.’ That’s probably why I haven’t done a straight divorce yet.” SOURCE Wendy Williams Tells Toni Braxton Not To Pose For Playboy [VIDEO] Toni Shines In Hot Minidress At “Braxton Family Values” Premiere [PHOTOS]
People always talk about how much cell phones and Facebook have ruined society’s ability to talk to each other face to face, and generally I have scoffed at the suggestion. I mean, I still spend the majority of my waking hours talking to real people, and don’t rely on Facebook to keep me in touch with my friends. However, I am starting to see their point of view, where I could never before. I don’t necessarily think that the internet and social networking sites are creating a generation of illiterates, incapable of communicating without a Blackberry in their hands, but I do think that the growing number of online forums and networking sites, has contributed to a decline in manners and the anonymous nature of the internet has created a culture where it is deemed acceptable to say whatever you want to the person on the other side of the computer, with no regard for their feelings. ‘Cyber Bullying’ has become a fashionable tag line for politicians and school administrators. However, cyber bullying isn’t only a problem for teenagers who are harassed by other kids at school, on social networking sites. Cyber bullying can be seen, at least to a certain extent, with the way people talk to each other on online forums, online magazines or even with the pictures and video they upload to sites like YouTube and Facebook. I was always told, as I’m sure a lot of people were, that ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all’. And although most people live by this in their daily life, when they are let loose on the web, this no longer seems to apply, and all their inhibitions seem to fade away. For example some of what is written on this website at times, is cruel stuff, stuff that you would never say to somebody face to face. So why then do people think that it’s cool to write it down? Is it simply because you don’t have to see the person about whom the comment is written? The issue of anonymity and the lack of inhibitions it creates can probably be seen best on Facebook. I know people who wouldn’t say boo to a goose in real life, but create arguments on Facebook, simply because they can. It also seems that people get petty with social networking, and will ‘de-friend’ someone, even someone the are close with in real life, for next to no reason at all, yet they will not actually physically talk to the person they have the problem with. For example, just before Christmas, I received a phone call from a friend who was losing the plot over something she read on Facebook. A conversation between two mutual friends had come up on her news feed, which, for all you non Facebookers out there, (if there are any left), is basically, just a web page telling you everything that all your friends have done on Facebook since you last logged on, such as added photos, changed their status, updated their location information, relationship status blah blah blah. Anyway, my friend, who we shall call ‘Lily’, was mad about what she read between people we shall call ‘Jasper’ and ‘Sam’. They were discussing how they needed to cut out their old friends from their lives (meaning Lily, and some others). To make a long story short, earlier this week, she called me again, to tell me that both Jasper and Sam, had ‘de-friended’ her on Facebook. She hasn’t spoken to either of them in at least a few months, and before they de-friended’ her, I don’t think she was really too bothered about whether or not she spoke to them again. What bothered her the most, I think, was the fact that being ‘de-friended’ on Facebook, is generally not done, as, for some people at least, having hundreds of Facebook friends is very important. And so as silly as it is, being de-friended’, and by someone you actually know personally can be quite hurtful (even when you only keep them as a friend, so you can stalk their status updates and photos). Being de friended, is an abrupt, kinda rude way, of cutting someone out of your life. What makes it rude is the fact that there is no personal aspect to it. Would you actually tell someone in person that you never want to hear from them again? Probably not, but I know that everyone has deleted at least one person from Facebook, and probably didn’t think anything of it. However, losing our manners doesn’t just refer to bullying, or ‘de-friending’. Even simple things, like sending out invites, or calling to thank someone for a birthday or Christmas gift, seems to have fallen by the wayside with the explosion of the web. In the last few weeks, I cannot even tell you the amount of events I have been invited to from friends on Facebook. But, even for ‘serious’ events, such as baby showers and twenty first birthdays, I did not receive even one hard copy invite. Last year, a very good friend of mine, who at the time hadn’t jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, wasn’t even invited to an event, because the party planner didn’t even think to double check who of their (very good) friends wasn’t invited. Oh, and while I’m at it, how many of us have just clicked ‘not attending’ to an event, and not even bothered to tell the host why?. I also attended a wedding in the middle of last year, and got a text thanking me for my attendance and gift. I mean really? I know we’re all busy, and I don’t want to sound like a whining grandma, busting out the ‘back in my day…’, but how hard is it really to write on a damn card?. I don’t know, you tell me, am I over reacting or has what is deemed acceptable behavior changed drastically with the explosion of social networking? Is Common Etiquette Still Alive In 2010? Gym Etiquette: Do You Make These Mistakes? 5 Things That Have To Stop On Facebook
Education budgets have been slashed. Teachers are overburdened and underpaid. Now more than ever, parents need to offer a helping hand. According to a 2000 U .S. Department of Education Schools and Staffing Survey, 91 percent of teachers say lack of parent involvement is a problem in schools.Here are a variety of ways to get involved in your kid’s education and foster success in the classroom—whether you’re a stay-at-home mom with daytime hours to give, or a working parent with only evening hours to offer. 1- Become visible. As teacher I cannot tell you how many teacher parent conferences I have spent in my classroom alone. I just sit waiting for a parent to walk through the door. It isn’t because we haven’t told you. It was on the calendar at the beginning of the school year. We have called. We have sent letters home with the child and mailed them postal mail. So “show up”!Make time for parent/teacher conferences and go to awards ceremonies, concerts, carnivals, science fairs, book fairs, and curriculum nights. The older your child is, the more important it is for you to be there. Often parents back off when children enter middle or high school. Attending these events may be the only way you can plug in at these levels. 2- Communicate- We live in the world of technology. A simple email to reach out and find out how your child is doing is helpful. It also allows for a method of trouble shooting and weakness in your child’s work. I have no enjoyment in failing a student. I write my email in the front of your child notebook. I provide my cell as well. Most teachers do that as well. Homework now lives on a centralized web page for your child. Take a moment and look at the class page. You may be inspired by what you see. 3- Make yourself accessible. Even if you work outside the home, give your children’s teachers your direct contact information. I cannot tell you how many times a phone number supplied at the beginning of the year reaches an out of service line. It’s frustrating. If you’re at home but find yourself away often, give teachers your cell phone number. When teachers know you’re available, they’ll include you in much of what goes on at school.. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your children succeed. 4- Understand what is going on at school. Too often we go into school with an agenda based on our convenience. Set aside your preferences and ask yourself: How can I best support my children this year? and How can I best support their teachers? For some, working at the school isn’t feasible. But the time you spend talking to your kids about what they do in school and how they feel about it is just as important. Ask your children to set some goals for their school year. Offer whatever support they need to reach those goals. Then ask their teachers, “How can I best help this year?” Do not assume that the whole truth has been told in a situation. I cannot count the times I had an angry parent suddenly appear because they felt their child was harmed. After the yelling ceased and I pointed out the real crux of the matter there was a new approach. 5- Stay aware . At times, we’ve missed deadlines or a overlooked piece of homework or two, can cause problems! I say “we” because as the grown-up, you need to supervise the contents of your child’s backpack It is in the sudden changes in your child that you spot the ship going off course. Stay aware. Remember the Titanic wasn’t sunk by one big gash but by numerous small gashes Remember that teachers cannot do it all alone. We need your support as a parent to work in partnership with us. Related Stories Minority Infants Much More Likely To Have HIV Christians Are Like iPods
R. Les tells MTV News ‘supergroup’ partners Fabolous, Ne-Yo bless remix, ‘Look at Her,’ with peek at what’s to come. By Rebecca Thomas Ryan Leslie Photo: MTV News NEW YORK — For any girl who takes her style seriously — like, blow the rent on a striped concoction from Prada’s spring/summer 2011 collection serious — 2010 was a good year for primpin’-ain’t-easy rap. Big, tag-flaunting singles like Drake’s “Fancy” and Rick Ross’ “Super High” expressed shock, awe and appreciation for girls and their fashion. And, for coining the word “shoe-icide” alone, the Ryan Leslie-produced Fabolous single “You Be Killin’ ‘Em” earned monster status on that playlist. Now, Leslie is aiming to follow up the radio smash with another heater. We ventured downtown last week and caught up with R.Les just before he headed out for his Coachella festival debut. He gave us a preview of Les Is More, his first post-Universal, indie release due July 4, teased his much-discussed supergroup and let us in on “You Be Killin’ ‘Em” — the sequel. “We just did a ‘You Be Killin’ ‘Em,’ part 2 called
The ’30 Rock’ actress reportedly is in talks to play the escort who helps Katniss and Peeta on their dangerous journey. By Eric Ditzian Elizabeth Banks Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images The “Hunger Games” gang is multiplying every day, so it seems. Following the news that Hollywood newcomers Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg have been cast as District 11 tributes Thresh and Rue , Variety brings word that a more familiar face is close to joining the production. Elizabeth Banks is in talks to star as Effie Trinket in the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling young-adult novel, the trade magazine reports. A pink-haired escort to District 12’s Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, Effie accompanies the kids on their fight-to-the-death journey. A rep for Lionsgate declined to confirm the report, but said the studio hoped to have official news soon. A representative for Banks could not be reached as of press time. The 37-year-old Banks last appeared onscreen opposite Russell Crowe in the blink-and-you-missed-it thriller “The Next Three Days,” and has a recurring role on NBC’s “30 Rock.” She’ll next be seen alongside Paul Rudd in the comedy “Our Idiot Brother.” While we await official word of the Banks casting, we already know that much of the cast is in place. Katniss and Peeta have already been nailed down, with Jennifer Lawrence stepping in to play lead female Katniss and Josh Hutcherson portraying her Hunger Games partner, respectively. Liam Hemsworth is set to become Gale Hawthorne, Peeta’s best friend. Directed by Gary Ross and scripted by Billy Ray, “The Hunger Games,” the first movie in a planned trilogy based on Collins’ books, is expected to shift into production later this year. The film is slated to be released on March 23, 2012. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Casting Additions
Dr. Conrad Murray “sounded tired and he was like I’m gonna get some sleep whatever” just a few hours before Michael Jackson died, a stripper says. Michelle Bella, one of three women Murray was juggling at the time, met MJ’s personal doc at the Spearmint Rhino gentleman’s club in Vegas in ’08. Bella told detectives that on June 25, 2009, Dr. Murray left a message on her phone at about 8:30 a.m. It sounds like the physician was just beat. Bella told cops Murray had mentioned Jackson to her before and said: “I mean his schedule was obviously, you know … I know that he was like up all hours because of his work so when – so when he called, you know, he sounded tired and he was like I’m gonna get some sleep or whatever.” A long-held theory among law enforcement is that Dr. Murray may have actually fallen asleep during the time the drug [Propofol] was administered to MJ and may have awakened to find Jackson already dead from heart failure. It may make his claim that Michael Jackson killed himself even more dubious. On an unrelated note, you gotta read how Conrad met Michelle: Bella told cops about the magic moment when she met Murray at Spearment Rhino: “He came in there with his scrubs and he was there with like a client of his.” Bella, then studying to be a chiropractic assistant, says, “We were just sharing some like, you know, medical knowledge and I know he was intrigued with me.” Murray must have been intensely impressed with her medical knowledge. She “sat with him for about roughly like an hour and a half and he paid me $1,000.” So heartwarming.
Brooke Mueller has gone back to rehab, according to reports. The socialite refused her drug test Friday, one that she was required to take as part of her custody settlement with ex-husband Charlie Sheen. This followed a week in which she allegedly went off the rails. There’s no hard proof of her binging on drugs, but that pawn shop sighting is sketchy to say the least, and Sheen’s lawyers are going to court on Tuesday to raise the issue. Sources say Brooke’s return to rehab is a preemptive strike . A source close to Mueller tells E! News somewhat vaguely that: “Brooke is doing fine, she is continuing with the rehab program she has always done.” That doesn’t mean all is well with her and ex-hubby Sheen, either: “Brooke will not take a drug test until Charlie takes a drug test,” the source said . “Brooke will [comply with the deal] until he stops talking about her in public. He’s been violating their agreement from day one and she’s had enough.” As for how poor little Bob and Max are dealing with all this? Decrying recent reports and rumors about Mueller, the source says that “Brooke has been home taking care of the kids and the boys are doing great.” “They are with their mom, aunt, uncle and most of the time they are also with their grandparents. They’re living a very stable life and are very happy.” That’s good at least. We advocate as much grandparent time as possible. When Sheen was asked if he was aware of Mueller’s pawn shop incident, he said in a recent interview to E! News, “Yeah I know,” he declared. “She knows the rules. And the consequences are radical. And I told her don’t pick a f–king fight with a warlock because you’re going to lose.” Sheen is ponying up over $55,000 a month to Mueller in child support, so as wild as HE is, you can see why he’s probably fired up over this. [Photo: WENN.com]
Taylor Swift is a great performer. She’s also a great daughter. A source close to the singer announces that she just purchased a home in Nashville – for her parents! The crib’s price tag? A tidy $1.4 million. “It’s an incredible house. Taylor’s been visiting her parents there and she’s so excited for them,” says a source, who adds that Swift visited recently. Taylor Swift: What a sweetheart! Meanwhile, across the U.S., “Taylor just bought a beautiful home for herself in L.A. She’s in L.A. so much – and she was paying a fortune in hotel charges!” Good for her. She certainly deserves it with all the success she’s had, and isn’t it nice to hear about a celebrity doing something so nice for their parents? [Photo: WENN.com]
Kirstie Alley does not hold back. The 60-year-old Dancing With the Stars maverick took another sexy turn yesterday – this time on Oprah, where she and Maksim Chmerkovskiy appeared. Kirstie and her DWTS partner appeared on the talk show as part of O’s big Bloopers, Blunders and Funniest Moments episode. They delivered a classic: Kirstine Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Oprah They wowed the crowd – including Cee Lo Green – with some slick moves and obvious chemistry. Then Kirstie tore off Maks’ shirt to thunderous applause. Kirstie fell during the rumba two weeks ago, then lost a shoe this week, But she says mishaps and all, she’s found doing the punishing show cathartic. “It’s sort of given me my confidence back,” she said. “It’s amazing.” Hopefully she keeps rocking on DWTS for many weeks to come.
Paul McDonald will be okay. Yes, the funky singer got eliminated from American Idol this week. But the aspiring artist has confirmed that he has a famous, beautiful woman to go home to each night. Yes, he really is dating Nikki Reed . “[She’s] supercool,” McDonald told Us Weekly of the Twilight star. “She’s been real supportive of this whole thing. She’s actually pumped up now because she likes my original material way better than all the stuff I do on the show.” Paul says he and Nikki are “officially dating,” but “don’t get to see each other too much because [we’re] both working so hard.” Is there another Idol / Twilight love connection? Is Lauren Alaina getting it on with Taylor Lautner, as some sources have reported? McDonald has no clue. “I don’t know. I think he’s just a fan of Idol in general. He seems like a really cool dude. I don’t know too much about that.”
