| 1. POLITICAL TENSIONS PUT DAMPER ON WASHINGTON HOLIDAY PARTIES: Despite their busy schedules, Washington-based journalists and foreign service officials generally come out for holiday parties to chat up members of the president’s administration. But in the wake of President Trump’s impeachment and strains in relationships with foreign leaders, few if any members of the cabinet are joining seasonal celebrations. The New York Times: “This holiday season, spotting someone by the punch bowl with the ability to whisper into the president’s ear has been harder than ever. Going out in Washington is work. Parties are places for D.C. officials and members of the press corps to meet, mix, and move the pieces on the chess board. President Trump has, as promised and to his supporters’ glee, disrupted Washington’s way of life. And sure, as during Watergate, the news business is booming and random bureaucrats have been thrust onto the national stage. But it’s been hell on the social life.” 2. NBA ALL-STAR GAME TO FEATURE CHANCE THE RAPPER, COMMON, AND MORE: The NBA All-Star Game will feature some hometown sons next year in Chicago. The 69th annual event, which will take place at the United Center on February 16, will include a half-time performance by Chance the Rapper, while Common will speak about what basketball means to the Windy City before he introduces the All-Star rosters prior to the game. ESPN: “Chance the Rapper's younger brother and fellow rapper Taylor Bennett will perform at halftime of the Rising Stars game on February 14. Chance and Bennett also will serve as All-Star ambassadors, partnering with the league and the Chicago Bulls for fan engagement and other programs.” 3. DJS AT WEDDINGS, CORPORATE EVENTS, AND OTHER SOCIAL GATHERINGS CONTEND WITH THE #METOO MOVEMENT: Ordinarily, weddings and celebrations of other stripes, including corporate affairs, are bound to feature R. Kelly’s "Ignition" (Remix) or Michael Jackson’s "Rock With You" at some point. However, in the wake of documentaries on both music stars that exposed allegations of sexual abuse by numerous accusers, some DJs, along with couples and party hosts, have put the pair on a do-not-play list. Billboard: “And they [Kelly and Jackson] were not alone, as a number of other artists facing accusations of misconduct also found themselves iced out of some celebrations. … Beyond couples rolling their eyes at such played-out party-starters as "I Gotta Feeling" and "Party Rock Anthem," the #MeToo movement inspired some deeper thinking about whether some iconic artists might need to drop off the roster for weddings, bar mitzvahs, proms, and corporate events. That led to hand-wringing for some, hard choices for others, and lots of conversation about whether some formerly slam-dunk dance floor classics should be retired.” | 