Each year in ballrooms from Paris to St. Louis and everywhere in between, daughters from the world’s most elite families don white dresses for the ultimate coming-out party—the debutante ball. But this is not your average fête, steeped in tradition and antiquated rituals, these girls prepare for the ball by attending etiquette classes, taking ballroom dance lessons, and spending hours learning how to curtsey like the Queen. Without a candle lighting ceremony or a DJ booth in sight, the debutante ball is the most super of all Super Sweet 16's. Thinking of making your debut? Here’s a roundup of the best balls to come out at around the world.

Sundance 2012 is off and running - and despite the icy storm that covered Salt Lake City, party hoppers bounced from place to place successfully. From Drake's performance at the Bing Bar, to Lil' Jon and Paris Hilton hanging out at Tao, to the Bertalli Meal Soup Chalet, to Marina Ambramovic's silent party, to the "Black Rock" dinner party and more, Sundance's parties were all about the film buffs. For more coverage, check out our correspondent Party Baby for the latest news! More»

While we were recovering from a Thanksgiving food coma this past Friday, the most glamorous, fairytale event of all was taking place across the pond-The Crillon Ball.  The city of lights played host to a flock of lucky young ladies as they "came out" at le Bal, with no shortage of cavaliers, champagne flutes and haute couture. Here's a look at this year's socialite roster and the past decade of dashing debutantes.

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• A man firebombs a Taco Bell in Albany, Georgia after drive-thru employees deny his demands to correct his XL Chalupas he claimed didn't have enough meat in them. [KTLA]
• Nicole Richie wants girls to pledge to not dress slutty for Halloween, so she must be suffering from amnesia of her pre-Rachel Zoe makeover days. But we have not forgotten, missy! [HuffPo]

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Though the most significant event of this past weekend was obvious, we also paid tribute to the indomitable American spirit by fully investing ourselves in America's greatest export: absurd pop culture. And what could be more absurd than the Comedy Central Roast of beloved crackhead warlock Charlie Sheen, which taped Saturday night? While the full special won't air until next Monday (going head-to-head with the Kutcheriffic season premiere of "Two And A Half Men"), we've already got the inside scoop on the funniest, most clever, or simply most brutal takedowns. Curious? More»

-Bruce Willis is putting his foot down [via]

[photo via]