News: Nation's First Face Transplant Recipient Goes Public

Connie Culp's ex-husband reportedly shot her in the face in 2004, leaving the 46-year-old disfigured. Yesterday the Ohio-native revealed her face, post-transplant, for all the world to see. It is the first face transplant made in the U.S. She endured 30 operations and will probably be subject to more in the future. The face was donated, although information on the donor has not been made publicly available.

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News: Bristol Palin on Abstinence Tour

Who better to speak on the challenges of teen pregnancy than Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol. The teen appeared on The Today Show today, serving as a teen ambassador for the Candies Foundation to speak out for abstinence among teens.

Celebrity Gossip: Lauren London

Check out video vixen turned movie star Lauren London in Complex magazine. The Los Angeles native talks about what she likes in men, her relationship with Pharrell, and her idol. Who knew that Lauren was half-black, half Jewish?

The complete interview, along with more pics and video can be accessed here.

Celebrity Sighting: Rihanna

Photo Courtest of ConcreteLoop.com

Has Rihanna gone mad since the Chris Brown incident? She was spotted in NYC headed to a restaurant and not looking quite herself. She's always been edgy, but this is a bit too much goth.

Celebrity Sighting: The Knowles Family

Photos: Courtesy of ConcreteLoop.com

Check out the Knowles's fam, minus Papa Knowles and Jay, on vacation. Not sure where this photo was taken, but I am assuming it's in Europe since Beyonce is currently on the European leg of her I am...Sasha Fierce tour.
Update: The pic was taken in Paris, France.

News: 82 Confirmed Cases of Swine Flu in Illinois

Amidst the media hype of the Swine Flu, many are beginning to question whether the incident was just that: media hype. Today the Sun-Times confirms that there are 82 reported cases of the flu in Illinois, suggesting that it may actually be cause for worry among the state's 13 million residents. Fortunately, most cases have been "mild," according to the Sun-Times.

The Illinois Poison Control Center has opened a toll-free swine flu helpline. Staffed by health professionals, it's open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. The number is (866) 331-9191.

Celebrity Sighting: Rihanna Puts Her Best Face Forward

Photo credit: Larry Busacca, Getty Images

Rihanna finally made an appearance on the red carpet since the alleged beating by (ex?) boyfriend Chris Brown. She attended the Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum. The singer rocked a Dolce & Gabbana suit and bow tie.

Kate Moss and Justin Timberlake co-chaired the event.

Beauty: Spotlight on Flat Irons

Although most of us are looking forward to warmer temperatures and sunnier days, with the summer season comes humidity. For many, humidity is the cause for bad hair days!! Frizzies and fly-aways are not a good combination. Just in time for that, Folica.com has a list of the best straightening tools. My personal favorite? The Sedu 1" Revolution with nano and tourmaline. Amazon.com has great deals on them. For me, they work best with Chi Silk Infusion.

Click here for the complete list.

News: Teen Found Beaten and Shot

A Chicago teen was found beaten and shot. He was only 15 and had no gang affiliation whatsoever. So sad. We have to do something about this. From the Sun-Times...

Celebrity Gossip: Sarah Jessica Parker Pregnant?

Nope, the expectant mother is not pregnant. In fact, it could not be any farther from the truth. However, the 40-something Sex and the City actress is expecting twins this summer via a surrogate mother. More info at the LA Times.

Of course she couldn't ruin that body--SATC 2 will be filming soon!

Celebrity Sighting: First Lady of Cameroon

Not sure if she really counts as a celebrity; however, the First Lady of Cameroon appears to be quite an interesting character. I'm all about the church hat, but this is taking it to another level.

Around Town: Chicago

This June Chicagoans will welcome a new attraction to the already tourist-y Sears Tower. From the Sun Times:

It'll be a walk on the high side as visitors on the observation deck step into glass enclosures that extend 4.3 feet beyond the building. Beneath their feet in dizzyness-inducing splendor will be the city itself, 103 stories below, with an inch and a half of glass between person and pavement.

The attraction, called the Ledge, should open by early June and is part of a multimillion dollar renovation of the tourist spaces at the nation's tallest building, said Randy Stancik, Skydeck general manager.

He said the Ledge was inspired by glass-floored thrills at the Grand Canyon and Toronto's CN Tower. The plan is to attract more Skydeck visitors, especially jaded locals who haven't visited the tower in years.

Very cool. Click here for more.

Good in the Neighborhood: Summer Jobs

Let's help put our youth on the path to success this summer. The City of Chicago will hire 1,500 Chicagoans this summer for a variety of positions with pay ranging from $7.50 - $10. For more details, visit http://www.youthreadychicago.org/.

Fashion: Summer Trends

Remember when silk used to be all the rage? Well, it's back and with a vengeance. Check out these sassy, silky styles released just in time for the summer. And ladies, please don't forget to powder up before rocking your silk--those sweat stains are hard to remove!!

Celeb Sighting: John Legend

Wow, who knew John Legend had a body like this? Essence Magazine reveals a photo of the R&B crooner walking his dog on Miami's Ocean Drive. Ladies, what do you think?

Celebrity Corner: Estelle Releases New Handbag

UK singing sensation Estelle has always been known for her flamboyant style. She recently teamed up with Jonathan Kelsey for Belvedere Vodka to design a handbag for the trendy, working woman. The Belvie Bag is designed to go from work to the club and through the next morning, if need be. The $1,400 bag will be available at Jeffrey New York and at various venues throughout NYC and London.

Photo: Courtesy of Vibe.com