It's no secret that Usher is a hero to teens. Through his Usher's New Look Foundation, he teaches kids how to be moguls, giving them the skills necessary to make it in the entertainment industry. And we've seen him firsthand do some major bonding with teens who are doing their part to make the world a better place.

But now he's upping the notch once again, and offering teens a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a music video director? Have you posted your own spots on YouTube and just need an extra boost? Is your head brimming with ideas on how to put your vision to the screen?

Well you don't have to grow up to make it happen. Usher has teamed up with Dreaming Tree films and Body by Milk to give 20 teens a shot at producing video for songs off of his new 2009 album. You can apply now at bodybymilk.com. In addition to being able to boast having directed an Usher video, the winners will also score some sweet swag like VIP Usher tickets, a MacBook Pro, and Final Cut Pro editing software to continue their filmmaker dreams.

Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Usher!!

Karl Lagerfield says fur issue is "childish"

via frillr.com

As CGG has previously reported, Donna Karan has recently banned fur from all future collections, alongside Juicy Couture. However, Karl Lagerfield will not be added to this animal-friendly list.

Karl defends the fur industry, saying that hunters kill "those beasts who would kill us if they could." He goes on to argue that "in a meat-eating world, wearing leather for shoes and clothes and even handbags, the discussion of fur is childish." While we understand the hypocritical nature of wearing leather and being anti-fur, we can't remember the last time we were being attacked by a rabbit, a baby seal, or a fox, for example.

However, stars such as Eva Mendes, Christina Applegate, Alicia Silverstone, Pink, Pamela Anderson, Christy Turlington, Charlize Theron, Alyssa Milano, and Jamie Lee Curtis would all strongly disagree with Mr. Lagerfield. These PETA supporters have all either posed for ads or spoken at events to advocate against fur in fashion.

Mr. Karl also went on to rant against the banning of size zero models on the catwalk: "There are nearly 30 percent of young people who are too fat. So let's take care of the zillions of the too fat before we talk about the percentage that's left." Ouch! Karl himself dropped 92 pounds in 13 months and went on to write his own diet book.

But CGG wants to hear YOUR thoughts on this issue. Tell us what you think about the Chanel czar's opinion after the jump.

Shaggy & Friends rock for Jamaica

International reggae artist, Shaggy, dared Jamaicans to help make a difference on January 3, 2009 through a “Shaggy and Friends” benefit performance. The performance entitled “I Dare You,” helped raise money for much-needed medical supplies for The Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston, Jamaica. Shaggy has been donating to the hospital since 2001, but started the concert to raise much needed incubators, dialysis machines, vital sign monitors, and many other supplies.

The event took place on the lawns of the Jamaica House and thousands of Jamaicans were treated to a spectacular performance by Macy Gray, Sean Paul, J Holiday, Sean Kingston and many others. Macy Gray sang her famous hit “I Try,” which infectiously got crowd members singing along. She told the Jamaican Star “I decided that if I could help in any way then I should. I didn't have any other reason standing in the way so there was no reason not to do it.” Shaggy sure knows how to put on a good show! And for such a good cause, what could be better?

By CGG Contributing Reporter Sana Venjara

Oprah gives 365 days a year

via Harpo

One of the biggest surprises from this year's election year was the Ron Clarke Academy musical performance of "You Can Vote However You Like." In case you've forgotten the amazing kids who wrote the 2008 anthem, see below for a refresher course. They swept the hearts of voters across the nation, encouraging people to cast their votes, no matter what the political party.

Well one fan was watching, the Do Scores #2 winner, Oprah Winfrey, who had long been a fan of the academy since having them on her show several years ago. She donated $365,000 to the school, which reaches out to at-risk kids in Atlanta through creative teaching methods. Oprah admits that she frequents their website checking out all of their latest projects. When they're not singing and dancing on CNN, the kids can be found out in the community, or boasting about their high test scores, all in the name of new education.

Ron Clark received a call from Oprah herself, who explained the $365,000 donation as giving to the school $1000 for every day of the year. Now that's one amazing way to support education.

The vampire defends the joker!

via topnews.in

Robert Pattinson recently took a bold stand for fellow late actor Heath Ledger, when a rude jokester crossed the line during a stand-up act.

According to a witness at a No on H8 show (which aims to fight back against the passing of Prop 8) at the Improv in Hollywood, Robert was none too pleased when a comic gave an "impression of Heath Ledger" by falling on the ground and convulsing.

Alongside booing the comic's antic, the source told Us Weekly, "Robert and his friend went nuts yelling at him. [Pattinson screamed] You suck!"

Hmm... Looks to us like Robert sure knows the difference between a good and bad joke...(we have a feeling the Joker would be proud!)

Miley spends New Year's Eve at a fan's place in the name of cancer

For all those who missed the massive MTV New Year's Eve bash last night, you missed quite a surprise! None other than Miley Cyrus put on a live performance to ring in 2009... in a fan's own house!

The "Miley-Sized Surprise" featured the singer/actress spending the entire day with Alison Kaprielian, a fan who spent 2008 advocating for cancer victims. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, Alison decided to fight back. While juggling school, a social life, and supporting her mom through treatment, Alison volunteered for the Pink Ribbon Club, an organization aimed at teens that raises money for and spreads awareness of breast cancer. After working so hard, you can only imagine Alison's surprise when Miley unexpectedly showed up at her house to perform in her kitchen!

But that's not all. Fairy god-Miley also granted Alison and her mom makeovers, flew Alison's best friend in from Georgia, threw the lucky gal a killer surprise party in her honor -- and invited Alison's whole high school to the final Miley performance!

If the way one spends her New Year's Eve is any indicator, then Alison will be having a very fabulous 2009 indeed! And Miley's karma meter is at an all-time high. Good going, Miss Montana!