Entertainment

Rihanna Launches New Men's Fragrance

Rihanna launches her first-ever fragrance for men, ROGUE MAN by Rihanna. Supposedly, from first contact, ROGUE MAN by Rihanna intoxicates men with a choreographed clash of fragrance notes that are both masculine and ultra-sexy.

ROGUE MAN by Rihanna was designed with top notes comprised of fresh citrus, herbs, and spicy black pepper which offer a clean opening impression. The velvet floral blends, strong undertones of cedar wood, and the primal sensation of labdanum are intended to ignite the senses and linger warmly on skin.

"Building upon the marked success of her women's fragrance line, we are thrilled to join Rihanna on her venture into the men's fragrance category," said Donald Loftus, President of Parlux, Ltd. "ROGUE MAN by Rihanna offers a new constituency of male consumers entrance into the bold world of Rihanna's growing lifestyle brand."

Check out the advertising campaign! It makes a bold statement.

Rihanna ROGUE-MAN Photo Ad-Campaign Image Parlux-Fragrances

Photo Source: Paralux Fragrances

Shot by legendary fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti, the ROGUE MAN by Rihanna ad campaign explores the rebellious and complex juxtaposition of attraction, sexuality and power. Rihanna was immediately attracted to feature model Daniel Ness for his raw sensuality and knew at first sight that he is the embodiment of the ROGUE MAN.

Rihanna has taken the music, entertainment and fashion industry by storm. As an accomplished performer, she has sold 50 million albums and 180 million digital tracks worldwide making her the top-selling digital artist of all time. She's put out seven albums in seven years, achieved 12 number-one singles and won seven Grammy Awards. With over 4 billion views and 16 Vevo certified videos she is the most viewed artist on Vevo/YouTube.

Rihanna has taken social media by storm. She has over 80 million friends on Facebook. In addition, she is currently the spokesperson for Viva Glam and she's successfully launched four fragrances, two capsule collections with Armani, as well as four River Island collections.

The entry point for the ROGUE MAN Eau de Toilette Spray is $39.00 and is available at Macys.com and select Macy's nationwide.

Hit us back with your personal experiences with Rihanna's ROGUE MAN.

October 13, 2014
Published in Fashion, Beauty & Style News
Written by Ruth J. Morrison

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Beautifully Sustainable Brooklyn

VIDEO: Beautifully Sustainable Brooklyn Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week displays an upcycled redesign of vintage clothing

What's The 411 TV Correspondent, Crystal L. Henderson, travels to Parks Slope Brooklyn to attend the Beautifully Sustainable Brooklyn Fashion Show.

It's New York Fashion Week and Ashley McAleavy, Founder and Designer, Remedy LLC, takes us on a journey through the redesign of vintage clothing. Everything old becomes new again through McAleavy's process of upcycling vintage clothing, revamping it so that it looks like it came from the hottest boutique. In effect turning what could be trash into real treasures.

Soledad Haren, Founder of Build a Better Planet discusses the need for sustainability strategies.

October 17, 2012
Published in The Front Row
Written by Ruth J. Morrison

Tagged under

Emirates Airlines flight detained at Boston Logan Airport because five passengers reportedly had flu-like symptoms

Ebola Scare Delays Flight at Boston Logan Airport

Not taking any chances, an emergency crew decked out in hazmat suits boarded an Emirates Airlines flight when it landed at Boston's Logan International Airport on Monday after reports that at least five people on board had flu-like symptoms.

The incident comes amid growing fears in the U.S. over the spread of the deadly Ebola virus by those traveling from outside the country. Tensions have heightened particularly since the death of Thomas Eric Duncan, a man who contracted the Ebola virus outside the United States, and later died in the United States at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.

What would probably heighten tensions in the U.S. even more is, if any of these people have Ebola because none of the five sick people had been traveling in West Africa, according to Matthew Brelis, spokesman for Massport, which operates the airport. However, out of an abundance of caution, airport officials decided to isolate the sick passengers and evaluate their condition.

With all the activity surrounding the Emirates jet, social media journalists swung into action.

"Coming up on 2 hours now @emirates @BostonLogan. Here's what looks like the 1st pssngr escorted off #takingnochances," tweeted Tracy Barahona (@barahont).

Tweet Tracy-Barahona two-hours Hazmat Crew Escort Sick Passenger Ebola-Scare cropped

Emirates Flight 237, which originated in Dubai, was held on the tarmac for more than two hours while emergency personnel wearing protective gear swarmed the plane and then boarded it.

The deadly Ebola virus has already killed more than 4,000 people in 2014, according to the World Health Organization.

October 12, 2014

Apple Pay is Coming to Walgreens Soon

If you are waiting with bated breath to use Apple Pay, your wait is almost over.

According to MacRumors, an internal memo addressed to Walgreens employees preparing them for the upcoming launch of Apple Pay suggests that Apple's new payments service might be going live on Saturday, October 18.

Saturday does seem strange for a launch event, but since it is a shopping app, perhaps a Saturday makes sense.

In part, the internal memo reads: "In preparation for the launch of Apple Pay on October 18, we would like you to cover the following material," the memo states. "Walgreens will be one of the participating retailers and we want to make sure that all your team members are prepared..."

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UPDATE: However, although signs pointed to Saturday, October 18 for an Apple Pay launch at Walgreens, Saturday seemed a bit strange to us. So after the Columbus Day holiday, we found a store manager at a Walgreens in Long Island, NY who clarified the date of the Apple Pay launch. As it turns out, Saturday, October 18 will be the start of a live test run before the actual launch on Monday, October 20. Unfortunately for the folks that shop at the Walgreens-owned DUANEreade in New York City, we didn't get a definitive answer regarding whether you could use Apple Pay at DUANEreade on October 20.

Walgreens isn't the only retailer on the Apple Pay roll-out. Other merchants on the mobile payments system rollout schedule include: Macy's, McDonald's, Bloomingdale's, Disney Store, Walt Disney World Resort, Sephora, Staples, Subway, and Whole Foods Market. Stay tuned for rollout dates.

Now, tell us, hoopla aside, do you plan to use Apple Pay when it becomes available?

October 11, 2014
Written by Ruth J. Morrison

A flooded street in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York directly following super storm Sandy

TURNING THE TIDE: SUPERSTORM SANDY COMMUNITIES HAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE NEW NYC MAYOR

With the specter of the New York City mayoral election looming, demonstrators gathered for a march at City Hall last Sunday and demanded that the city invest in neighborhoods still reeling from Superstorm Sandy one year later.

None of the mayoral candidates were present but Bill de Blasio's catchphrase, "a tale of two cities," resonated strongly with the participants.

"We've heard a lot about a tale of two cities and confronting inequality in this city, all of us are here today to build back one city for all of us. We do not want a tale of two recoveries," said Matt Ryan, executive director of ALIGN: Alliance for a Greater New York.

ALIGN organized the march, which brought together various union and community groups, including 32BJ SEIU, Make the Road NY and Legal Aid Society.

Some of the groups (hailing from areas hardest-hit by Sandy) organized residents who traveled to City Hall together.

Toni Khadijah James made the trek with Red Hook Initiative. She wanted to keep pressure on government officials to finish the job of recovery so that when the next storm washes ashore, her community won't be left out to dry.

"We are still in danger, nothing has changed," Ms. James said. "We need jobs, we need money, [we need] the infrastructure to be taken care of correctly. We need to know that we're safe in these buildings where we occupy, we live here, [and] we have our children here."

One year after the storm, temporary outdoor boilers are still being used at the Red Hook Houses where James lives. Some apartments have lost the battle against mold, while others have leaky roofs, all of this on top of the repairs that needed to be done before Sandy.

Red Hook Houses is the largest housing project in Brooklyn and the second largest in the city with about 6,000 residents, but community organizers say the neglect and lack of repairs is common throughout all of public housing.

"We want the next mayor to understand that the repairs here in public housing should be at the top of the list," said Julian Vigo, community organizer at Red Hook Initiative and Community Voices Heard. "The apartments are in pretty bad shape, the buildings are in pretty bad shape and there's no way we can talk about rebuilding the city if these communities don't get the repairs they need."

But repairs are just the beginning. United by the march's motto, "Turn the Tide," speakers at the event also called on the next mayor to turn the tide on rising inequality by investing in job creation, more affordable housing, sustainable energy and health care.

Iona Folkes, a nurse at St. John's Episcopal Hospital made an especially impassioned plea about the importance of good healthcare and hospitals in the fight for a fairer New York City. Citing the role of St. John's (which had been threatened with closure) in caring for Far Rockaway's patients immediately after the storm, she implored government to keep hospitals open and support healthcare citywide.

"I'm here to ask the elected officials, don't forget the community, don't forget the disenfranchised," stated Ms. Folkes. "Don't forget that the community that needs healthcare the most is the underserved community."

Whoever the city chooses to elect on Tuesday, November 5th, the new mayor will have to decide how to uplift downtrodden neighborhoods with limited resources—no easy task in a city as big as New York, but one that's fairly simple James believes.

The key to banishing a tale of two cities comes down to equal spending.

"Money is the key to everything, you just have to make sure that it's divvied out correctly, that no one gets more than the other one, that it's all split up evenly so everyone gets a chance to expand and make it a better place to live," Ms. James added.

November 4, 2013
Written by Kizzy Cox

U.S. Launch of House of Mandela Wines in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn

VIDEO: House of Mandela Wines Comes to Bed-Vyne Wines

There's a tendency for us to mythologize our beloved leaders. Nelson Mandela is no different.

As the ANC leader who languished in a South African prison for 27 years and then became South Africa's first black president, he's become a symbol of bravery and forgiveness in the face of oppression. But to Makaziwe Mandela and Tukwini Mandela, he's no myth he's a man--their father and grandfather. Mr. Mandela didn't just "fall from the sky," as they put it. For their family, he's a symbol of self-determination who's taught them that when you put your mind to achieve something you can do it.

It's this legacy that Dr. Makaziwe Mandela (known more commonly as Maki) and Ms. Tukwini Mandela are bringing to their latest venture: House of Mandela wines. They're joining the very short list of black-owned wineries in South Africa's $3 billion wine industry. They hope that by doing so they'll empower other black business people to do the same.

On their first trip to Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Mandela and Ms. Mandela came to Bed-Vyne Wines, Bedford-Stuyvesant's boutique wine shop, to help the owners Michael Brooks and Rotimi Akinnuoye celebrate their second anniversary. The Mandela women also shared their thoughts on family legacy, the importance of being socially responsible in their business and how they're using the House of Mandela to give back to South Africa, one bottle at a time.

What's The 411 Wins a B FREE Awards for News and Information

What’s The 411 Wins Free Speech Award for News and Information

What's The 411, the weekly entertainment news and lifestyle television show, produced by Ruth J. Morrison, is now an award-winning entertainment news and lifestyle television show.

With 14 other honorees in its category, the show took home the coveted B FREE Award for news and information from the Brooklyn Public Network.

In the video below, Ruth J. Morrison, CEO and Founder, What's The 411 Networks and producer of What's The 411, takes us back to the early days through her acceptance speech as narration and a montage of video and photos of notables and celebrated personalities interviewed by What's The 411 reporters.

The video includes in order of appearance: actresses Susan Sarandon; Angelina Jolie; and Kimberly Elise; former U.S. President, Bill Clinton; the filmmakers of Love and the Small Print; comedian and actor Chris Rock; Ericka Pittman, Vice President, Blue Flame Agency; actor Malik Yoba; singer-actress Miesa and Melba Moore; legendary author and poet, Maya Angelou; actress Angela Bassett; New York Knicks fans (in happier days); Earvin "Magic" Johnson; singer-actress Jennifer Hudson; Blood, Sweat, and Heels reality TV star, Daisy Llewelyn; the legendary actress Cicely Tyson; actors Meryl Streep; Phylicia Rashad; Jamie Foxx; Denzel Washington; Halle Berry; Kerry Washington; Beyonce; and Samuel L. Jackson; New York Knicks President, Phil Jackson; tennis legend Billie Jean King; Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston; NFL Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Russell Wilson; NBA basketball players, Kevin Garnett; Paul Pierce; and Jason Terry; NFL football players, Victor Cruz; Eli Manning; and Peyton Manning; the Heisman Trophy; Texas A&M football player and Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel; boxers Mike Tyson and Sonya Lamonakis; Olympic Gold Medalist, Sanya Richards-Ross; and tennis great, Serena Williams.

Hosted by Bianca Peart, Glenn Gilliam, Jacinda Motton, and Kizzy Cox, What's The 411 airs nationwide on DISH TV's SimplyMe video on demand network and on Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. on Verizon FiOS Channel 43 in New York City.

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Flashback: John Calipari Checks in at the Barclays Center Opening

John Calipari checking out Jay Z and scoping the Barclays Center ahead of his Kentucky Wildcats taking the floor in a college basketball tournament showdown

As basketball lovers across the country are getting ready to watch the showdown between the cats and the dogs or, the Kentucky Wildcats and the UCONN Huskies, I'm going down memory lane to a first meeting of Kentucky Wildcats head basketball coach John Calipari.

It was the night of the Barclays Center opening. Music and business mogul, Jay Z was about to take the stage and perform, the first performer to do so. Coach Calipari was among the many that had come to the Barclays Center to celebrate a new beginning in Brooklyn and a new day of basketball in Brooklyn.

What's The 411TV, based in Brooklyn, NY, was out in full force on the red carpet and Coach Calipari stopped to chat it up with What's The 411SportsTV correspondent, Andrew Rosario.

So, what does Coach Calipari think of the new arena?

"Since we're going to be the first college game in here, I said I better get over here and see it (Barclays Center) and since Jay Z's on stage, I said I might as well do both."

Yes, basketball will be great in New York City with the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets battling it out.

"...that college game is going to be fun," said Calipari referencing the University of Kentucky's upcoming game at the Barclays Center and nicely reminding us that basketball professionals will be sharing the court with college kids.

With all new players, Kentucky was poised to face Maryland. Although Calipari lost his previous team, he remained optimistic saying, "it'll be fun."

Knowing that some of the kids on his team are from Nashville (Tennessee) and Arkansas, Calipari understands that when they arrive in New York City, it will be culture shock, but in Calipari's words, "it's going to be a great experience."

Is Calipari a Jay Z fan?

"Oh yeah, oh yeah; now he (Jay Z) came into our locker room and it cost him $50,000," Calipari said with a smile. "Now, I wonder if I go in his locker room, if it's going to cost me $50,000?"

By the way, I'm rooting for the freshmen (that's Kentucky if you're not a follower of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament).

Check out video interview with Coach John Calipari here:

The Judgement of Brooklyn: Wine, Beer, Bling...BK Style

As my taxi pulled up to the Art Deco masterpiece, Skylight One Hanson, an event space like no other located in downtown Brooklyn in the world famous Williamsburg Savings Bank Clock-tower building, the stage was set for the Judgement of Brooklyn. A custom designed Lamborghini Murcielago decorated by Artist Rashaad Newsome was parked at the entry way. The automobile mirrored the opulence of Sklylight One Hanson's interior of mosaic murals, marble, and carved teller stations. The Judgement of Brooklyn has arrived. The first event of its kind in Brooklyn adapted from the original "Judgement of Paris '76 Tasting", created by Michael Brooks, Co-Owner of Bed-Vyne Brew and Bed-Vyne Wine.

Sponsored by numerous companies in the wine, beer, and lifestyle industry, folks from far and wide came to one of New York's hippest boroughs to partake in the festivities.

Tanya Jackson, daughter of Tito Jackson, promoting her new album came through by way of L.A. dressed in a gold gown, bringing a little extra bling to a momentous event.

Judge Jimmy Carbone, owner of Jimmy's No. 43 chatted holding a glass of beer. He wouldn't divulge his beer of choice but indicated they were all great. I guess we'll have to wait for the final results.

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What's The 411TV correspondent Barbara Bullard with Jimmy Carbone, owner, Jimmy's No. 43. Photo Credit: Donna Leslie/What's The 411 Networks

James Tai, Certified Cicerone ® & BJCP Beer Judge divulged that his passion of beer came from his college days! I researched the meaning of "Cicerone". For novices like me, the word Cicerone (pronounced sis-uh-rohn) was chosen to designate those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving today's wide range of beers. Go figure!

Among the list of sponsors VON Wine and Spirits gave a heads up on their new restaurant soon to open in Bedford Stuyvesant named Casablanca.

It was also great to see non-profit participation with "God's Love We Deliver" as a sponsor. The organization does such great work and its Director of Volunteer Services and Special Events, Steven Marion, came through to give Judgement of Brooklyn some love.

Jeff Kings Band performed an amazing set, which had people grooving while guests enjoyed their own samplings. An electronic voting system was provided so that guests could compare their own evaluations to those of the critics.

Last but not least, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams showed up bringing some Brooklyn love. The crowd got revved up with Brooklyn energy as the Brooklyn Borough President spoke about the future of Brooklyn.

Congratulations Judgement of Brooklyn! You have set the bar in a borough that continues to uplift and expand! Kudos! See ya'll next year!!!!!

Editor: Ruth J. Morrison

Geoffrey Davis Ecstatic About Opening of Barclays Center

VIDEO: Community activist, Geoffrey Davis, an early supporter of the Barclays Center's development delighted to finally see the arena open

On the Opening of the Barclays Center, Geoffrey A. Davis, President and Founder, James E. Davis Stop The Violence Foundation, told What's The 411's Barbara Bullard, "This is amazing, this is amazing, Brooklyn Nets, we're here to support our home team, we're going all the way, tonight it's Jay Z, a Brooklyn legend, we're supporting Jay Z all the way,....Brooklyn, Barclays Center Number one."

Davis further elaborated about the arena's impact on the community, "Oh, it's going to bring jobs, it has brought jobs, its bringing jobs, it's bringing excitement; look at all the people, it's bringing a whole different aura, which is Brooklyn, it's putting Brooklyn back on the map where it belongs, Brooklyn number one."