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  • Dr. Boyce Money: Is a Lack of Sex Grounds for Divorce?

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    I live in New York, so I get the chance to meet a lot of interesting cab drivers. I love listening to older people so I can understand the world a little bit better. One driver, a man in his late 60s, was especially candid with me about his life, his relationships and the personal choices that got him to where we were at that very moment.

    He told me that he was married young, to a beautiful woman. The driver then began a very open description of why he left the marriage. “She was throwing so much sex at me that I didn’t know what to do with it,” the driver said. “Then, after we got married, I had to beg for it and she wasn’t budging, so I told her I needed to get a divorce.”

    “A divorce?” I asked.
    “Yes, there was no point in pretending,” the man responded.
    While it may seem extreme for the man to get a divorce because he wasn’t getting enough sex, it wasn’t as if he was simply jumping from one wife to the next. A few months later, he met and fell in love with another woman, to whom he has been married for the last 35 years. They’ve produced 5 children and 9 grand children, and according to the driver, they still “get busy” every chance they get.

    Alrighty then.

    The cab driver’s story, as odd as it may seem, brings up an interesting question: Is a lack of sex grounds for divorce? Some say that it should be, since they argue that there is an implicit agreement from both parties to fulfill the needs of the other person. Some say that it is immature to leave your mate due to a lack of sex. At the same time, couples regularly cite infidelity as their grounds for splitting up. Does it make sense to agree to only have your needs met by someone who refuses to meet your needs in a satisfactory manner? Probably not.

    Legally, is a lack of sex good cause for divorce? I asked an attorney about that.

    Christopher Chestnut, a prominent attorney out of Gainesville, Florida, argues that it, “depends upon the state. For instance, Florida is a No Fault state, thus, justifiable reasoning for a divorce is not dispositive to a case. Notwithstanding, lack of sex in marriage may be a grounds for divorce in some states.”

    S. Tia Brown and I discuss sexless marriages and whether or not this gives you just cause to roll out or sneak out of your marriage. Listen up and enjoy!

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of “Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Kandi Burruss: Breaking Her Silence About Ex-Fiance A.J. Jewell’s Murder

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    X-Scape Secret

    Kandi Burruss: Breaking Her Silence About Ex-Fiance AJ Jewell's Murder‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss is formally breaking her silence about the tragic death of her ex-fiance Ashley ‘A.J.’ Jewell.

    Jewell, who has appeared in several episodes of the hit Bravo reality series, was killed after a fight outside popular Atlanta strip club, The Body Tap, late Friday night. As previously reported by BV Newswire, Frederick Richardson was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the beating death of Jewell the next day.

    According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Richardson was an employee at the strip club and Jewell was a part-owner.

    The former Xscape front-woman released a statement on Sunday afternoon about her loss.

    “I am devastated by the loss of AJ. His death comes on the heels of the death of my beloved Uncle Ralph and with both of them gone, my heart is heavy with grief.”

    The Grammy Award-winning songwriter said that she spoke with AJ just two hours before she got the phone call that he was in the hospital. She added, “Never in a thousand years did I think it was going to be the last time I heard his voice. He was taken way too soon. There are so many things that I should have said to him, wanted to say to him…but now it’s too late.”

    Burruss previously took to Twitter.com early Saturday saying that she did not want to talk, but that she was thankful for prayers and kind words she received from the public. In her new statement, she expressed her gratitude at the support she has received.

    “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my family and friends — and that means my Twitter and Facebook friends as well — for the beautiful words of encouragement, prayers, and the sweet condolences. I make it through these difficult days because of you.”

    As for Jewell, he leaves behind six children. Burruss asked for people to “please pray for his children, his family and [her own daughter] Riley – they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father.”

    The Atlanta native lamented, “I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved,” and left a few choice words for the world.

    “I know this is cliché’ but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it’s your last and tell that special someone you love them today. Don’t wait. It may be too late.”

    No information on Jewell’s funeral services were released.

     

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  • Jolie Shows Off The Twins

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    Here are some more adorable photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with their twins Vivienne and Knox from their visit to the Licky Licious ice cream shop on Rainbow Street in Amman. Little Vivienne has her ears pierced with diamonds.

    Click Here For More Pics 

  • Big-play defense lifts Saints past Jets (AP)

    New Orleans Saints cornerback Randall Gay(notes) (20) gets a help by by defensive end Anthony Hargrove(notes) (69) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. Gay intercepted a New York Jets pass late in the game.The Saints defeated the Jets 24-10 to remain unbeaten.

    A new start with the New Orleans Saints has put "the shake" back in 33-year-old Darren Sharper. The NFL's active leader in career interceptions added two more against rookie Mark Sanchez, returning one a club-record 99 yards for a touchdown to help the unbeaten Saints hand the New York Jets their first loss of the season, 24-10 on Sunday.

  • Tigers, Twins set for 1-game playoff (AP)

    The chase for the AL Central championship once again is going to extra innings. Trying to save their seasons, the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins both won Sunday, leaving them all even for the division lead and forcing a one-game tiebreaker. They'll meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. EDT at the Metrodome in what could be the final baseball game at the Homer Hankie haven.

  • Clayton’s late drop helps Pats by Ravens (AP)

    New England Patriots cornerback Darius Butler(notes) stretches before the Patriots' NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Foxborough, Mass. Some players wore pink as part of a breast-cancer-awareness campaign.

    Mark Clayton got open and waited for the fourth-down pass that could keep the Ravens' chances alive. Joe Flacco reached his target inside the Patriots 10-yard line and beyond the first-down marker, but Clayton didn't hold on with 28 seconds left. New England did — eking out a 27-21 win over Baltimore on Sunday.

  • BoSox go with Lester, Beckett, Buchholz (AP)

    Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz(notes), right, tries to check his swing in front of Cleveland Indians' Wyatt Toregas(notes) but is called out on strikes in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Boston. Ortiz finished the season with 28 homers and 99 RBIs. The Red Sox won 12-7.

    Clay Buchholz has one week to think about his next start. Or, even better, not to think about it. Manager Terry Francona said Buchholz was still in line to follow Jon Lester and Josh Beckett in the rotation for the first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Angels, even after the Red Sox right-hander lasted just three innings in a 12-7 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.

  • He Has A Name #KevinMiller: 13 Year Old Shot In Head

    Posted by: Illmatic

    The grieving family of a 13-year-old Queens boy shot to death outside a car wash pleaded for witnesses to come forward as investigators took a suspect into custody, police sources said Sunday.

    “Do the right thing!” begged Donna Greaves, whose son, Kevin Miller, was gunned down Friday in Cambria Heights. “And let someone know who’s responsible.”Investigators have a 16-year-old “person of interest” at the 105th Precinct in Queens Village who was being questioned and will be part of witness lineup, the police sources said.

    Miller, a freshman at Humanities and the Arts Magnet High School, was shot in the head about 3 p.m. after he and a friend stumbled upon a fight near Campus Magnet High School Linden and Springfield Blvds.

    CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL STORY

  • Michelle Obama Inspires Women To Achieve Higher Education

    Michelle Obama Inspires Women To Achieve Higher Education

    On January 20th this nation witnessed history with the inauguration of the 44th President Barrack Obama. A Black Man had been voted into office to represent our nation. Also of note, was the fact that the country was in a bad way from one of the worst economic eras in U.S. History. While these events have had an impact on the world at large to variable degrees, one portion of U.S. residents have been deeply affected by the implications. Woman, and African American women in specific, have been profoundly struck by the impression of the First Family and Michelle Obama. On the day of victory, when she strode out on the stage to be by her husband, President-Elect Barack Obama’s side, women could not help but acknowledge her poise, confidence and grace. She was an inspiration to all women; black, white or brown.  Michelle Obama exemplifies all that embodies a woman and achieved soul. She is a exquisite mother, a nurturing provider, as well as a lawyer, executive, and public servant. A professional and domestic winner by any measure.

    During her many speeches, Michelle Obama encourages women to validate themselves, their intelligence, and home values. She advises them to seek additional education in an effort to insure better job opportunities. She is a superior model of how a woman can juggle parenthood along with other social responsibilities. (Her appointments by far surpassing that of most women on a daily basis). She is visible proof that woman can achieve anything they put their minds to. She has been cited as stating “…being a good mother isn’t all about sacrificing. It’s really investing and putting yourself higher on your priority list.”

    A alumnus of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Michelle Obama recognizes the importance of educational activity.  She avidly endorses President Barack Obama’s educational scholarship programs, (himself a recipient of several scholarships and student loans) and has cited papers from census bureau data that shows improved education frequently results in stronger earning power. In fact, prior to becoming the First Lady, Michelle Obama was vice-president of Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago. Under her direction, enrollment and participation of women in the residential area sky rocketed. Without surprise, many women adopted her mindset and studied careers in the field of law.

    In these terrible economical trials, there are few industries poised for increase. Any legal field, and specifically, employment in the criminal justice field, will remain stable or grow at times of domestic fiscal downturns.  With less occupations and opportunities available, more people embrace to crime. Its an calamitous turn of events, but it presents an opportunity to take action on plans being proposed and supported by the Michelle Obama. Click the link to get started with your criminal justice career .

  • Grizzlies eager to learn from Iverson (AP)

    Rudy Gay listened as Grizzlies' teammate O.J. Mayo talked of the team's need to meld at practice and couldn't stop himself from piping in, "Practice?" Oh yes, the player who's been with the Memphis Grizzlies the longest has seen video of Allen Iverson's infamous 2002 rant during a feud with Larry Brown about missing practice and heard that word maybe 20 times in the…

  • Breaking News: Author Maya Angelou Hospitalized

    Posted by: forbezdvd.com

    Pulitzer Prize-nominated author and poet Maya Angelou was taken to the hospital Sunday for as-yet-unknown causes, TMZ.com reported.

     

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

  • Dodgers finally clinch West over Rockies (AP)

    Los Angeles Dodgers' Juan Castro(notes) scores on a double by Mark Loretta(notes) as Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta(notes) looks on during the seventh inning of their Major League Baseball game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, in Los Angeles.

    The Dodgers' magic number for clinching the NL West is down to zero — finally. After a season-worst five-game losing streak, they came through with one game left in the regular season and beat the stubborn Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Saturday night with a five-run seventh triggered by an RBI single from pinch-hitters Ronnie Belliard and an RBI double by Mark Loretta and six scoreless innings by…

  • Listless Tigers fall into tie with Twins (AP)

    Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera(notes) heads to first base after hitting into a double play against the Chicago White Sox in the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Detroit. Cabrera was hitless in four at-bats with runners on base. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 5-1.

    The Detroit Tigers' once-cozy cushion in the AL Central is long gone. If things do not go Detroit's way on the final scheduled day, its season will be over. The Tigers dropped into a first-place tie with Minnesota, looking listless Saturday night in a 5-1 loss to Freddy Garcia and the Chicago White Sox.

  • Kandi Burruss: ‘Real Housewives’ Star Ex-Fiance Dead After Club Brawl

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    Kandi Burruss: 'Real Housewives' Star Ex-Fiance A.J, Dead After Club Brawl
    ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss‘ ex-fiance Ashley ‘A.J.’ Jewell was killed after a fight outside popular Atlanta strip club, The Body Tap, late Friday night.

    He was rushed to Piedmont Hospital, where he later died.

    Atlanta Police Lt. Keith Meadows confirmed, “It appears he was involved in an altercation in the parking lot and received a severe blow to the head.”

    Meadows said that the police have developed a person of interest in the case, adding, “we’ve made contact with him to question him about the incident.”

    (SEE ARREST UPDATE BELOW.)

    The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter’s publicist, Lisa Nelson, confirmed to WSBTV.com that Burruss was “stunned and speechless” and that “the family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time.”

    Burruss, a former member of the platinum ’90s R&B group Xscape, recently revealed that she and Jewell split.

    The couple, who were engaged earlier this year, have chronicled their relationship on the Bravo reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

    Burruss is also currently raising Jewell’s twin daughters.

    “AJ’s murder is horrific, not only for his family, including the six beautiful children he is leaving behind, but also for Kandi, who obviously still loves him despite their broken engagement,” Atlanta-area entertainment journalist Isoul Harris, who has a professional friendship with Burrus told BV Newswire today. “Also, this is another case of senseless violence that’s not only rampant in Atlanta, but all over the country.”

    UPDATED, 11:33 a.m.: Police told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper that they have charged Frederick Richardson with voluntary manslaughter in the beating death of Jewell. Richardson is currently hospitalized at Grady Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained in the fight. He will be jailed once released by medical staff. Though the cause of the fight is still unknown, police confirmed that witnesses were cooperating.

    ‘It’s a great thing that a suspect has been arrested in this case,” Harris added. “It surely brings a little comfort to his friends and family.”

    In the meantime, Burruss, who’s a single mother of one daughter, took to Twitter.com early Saturday morning to break her silence about the tragic loss. “I’m bout 2 give my swollen eyes some rest now. I just wanted to say thanks 2 everyone for their prayers. I gotta get up & go 2 my uncle’s funeral. I could never in a million years imagine this happening.”

    The Atlanta native, who also changed her Twitter profile picture to a flick of her and Jewell, ask fans to remember Jewell leaves behind six children. “Please pray for AJ’s children, that’s who im the most concerned 4. Im just in one of those moods where I dont wanna talk, I dont wanna b held & told its gonna b ok. I just wanna cry myself 2 sleep, alone.”

    “Right now, she is just trying to wrap her head around the fact that he is gone,” Harris concluded.

     

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  • Browns rookie RB Davis out for season (AP)

    Browns rookie running back James Davis had a short run in his first NFL season. Davis, whose impressive exhibition season led to speculation about Jamal Lewis' future in Cleveland, will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. The Browns placed him on injured reserve Saturday. Davis got hurt in the Browns' season opener against Minnesota on a hit by Vikings cornerback Antoine…

  • Favre ‘probable’ for game vs. Packers (AP)

    Brett Favre won't be missing his first game against the Green Bay Packers. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback is listed as probable for the showdown on Monday night. Favre has been limited in practice all week because of a sore right foot, but he will make his 273rd consecutive start. All-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson is listed as questionable with a back injury.

  • Cavaliers G West held out of scrimmage (AP)

    LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal made their first public appearance together as Cleveland teammates. Delonte West stayed out of sight. The Cavaliers' troubled guard, who is dealing with personal problems as well as legal issues pending from a recent arrest on weapons charges, was kept away from Cleveland's intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, a workout that served as the Cavaliers'…

  • Minister Farrakhan On Derrion: "A Special Young Man"

    Posted by: Wavey Willie

    Civil rights Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan are attending the funeral of a Chicago teen beaten to death on his way home from school.

    Farrakhan on Saturday called 16-year-old Derrion Albert “a special young man.” Jackson said “children deserve safe passage to school.”

    CLICK SEE ORIGINAL STORY FOR MORE

  • Wyclef, Timberland Unite to Regrow Haiti

    Wyclef Jean and The Timberland Co. are teaming up to sell eco-friendly footwear and support reforestation of the singer’s native Haiti.

  • Every Part Of Rihanna’s Body Is Amazing

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    Is there anything going on at Fashion Week in Paris right now, except for Rihanna? If there is, I sure haven’t noticed, since her eye-catching outfits have been so distracting, it’s all I seem to be noticing.

    For Original Story & More Pics Click Here

  • The Week That Was: T-Boz Opens Up About Brain Tumor, More to Mo’Nique’s Movie Drama

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    TLC CrazySexyCoolTLC singer T-Boz's brain tumor brain cancer People magazine
    News is spreading like wildfire about TLC singer T-Boz‘s revelation that she battled a brain tumor.

    The 39-year-old Grammy Award winner told People magazine that she waged that battle in secret for three years.

    In the Oct. 12 edition of the magazine, she revealed having a seven-hour surgical procedure back in 2006 during which doctors peeled the tumor away from the brain stem.

    The divorced single mother of one said she was battling the tumor during her stint on Donald Trump‘s popular reality competition ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ but didn’t want to make it known to the public. “I didn’t want pity. I was there to help sick children.”

    On the most recent season of the series, which was won by comedienne Joan Rivers, T-Boz (born Tionne Watkins) competed to help raise funds for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. As a child, she was diagnosed with the lifelong blood disorder.

    Named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by the magazine in 1994 and 2000, T-Boz said that people are “shocked” when she tells them the news, but added “I won’t let you feel sorry for me.”

    *****

    So there may be more to the hype of Mo’Nique sabotaging her big chance at being nominated for an Academy Award for her much-buzzed about role in the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced movie, ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.’ There may actually be a smear campaign in place so that another one of the film’s co-star can capitalize on any negative press that the former ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ hostess endures. Yes, Mo’Nique hasn’t been available at glitzy film festivals touting the film, but sources tell us that the married mother of three has been prioritizing getting her new late-night show – which debuts Oct. 5 on BET – off the ground. We don’t know the promises that were made to her by the filmmakers of ‘Precious,’ but there may be some validity to her high demands. As for the Hollywood Reporter story about publicist Tresa Sanders resigning due to Mo’Nique’s difficulty, that’s not true. Sanders, who has help launch the careers of Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Keyshia Cole, and handled publicity for Da Brat, Mary J. Blige, Pretty Ricky and Nelly Furtado, said Roger Friedman ‘s report is not accurate. “Contrary to the rumors, I did not quit,” she said. “Mo’Nique is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It was an honor to work with her and to get to know her as a human being. She’s at a point in her life where her achievements should be heralded.”

    *****

    If renowned civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton is the new lover in actress LisaRaye McCoy Misick‘s life, no one seems to be talking. Well, at least not anyone from their respective camps. Queries made to McCoy Misick‘s off-and-on publicist Lynn Allen Jeter have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, Sharpton’s longtime rep, Rachel Noerdlinger, told us: “Since Rev. Sharpton publicly announced the end of his marriage in 2004, he has chosen not to comment on personal matters.”
    But insiders have seen the “couple” painting the town since the 42-year-old former first Lady of Turks and Caicos accompanied Sharpton to Michael Jackson‘s September memorial service. Tongues have wagged. Natasha Eubanks of the black celebrity gossip Web site Young, Black Fabulous put the alleged affair on blast earlier this week, saying that “Lisa knows she’s not getting onto any of these ‘society and political’ events without a man who could bring her along. She’s also starved for attention from the media–surprise, surprise–so Al is her ‘in’ into that world.” Wowza.

    *****

    Looks like people are loving ‘The Cleveland Show.’ The Black-oriented spin-off of FOX’s animated romp ‘The Family Guy’ drew the best numbers among adults between the ages of 18-49 during its Sunday night debut. According to Nielsen, the animated series – featuring the voice of Tony Award and Emmy Award-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan — was the second-best overall behind the premieres of the much-hyped ‘Jay Leno Show‘ two weeks ago. And rapper Kanye West didn’t even have to shed a tear.

    *****

    Late, great author E. Lynn Harris‘ latest book, ‘Mama Dearest,’ has debuted on the New York Times Best Seller List. According to the tome’s publisher, Karen Hunter, the book will land at number 15 on the prestigious list next week. ‘Mama Dearest’ follows the scandal and drama of a singer/actress and her recently imprisoned mother. Harris died unexpectedly on July 23. The new novel is his 11th book to chart on the best-sellers list, and there may be more where that comes from. According to unconfirmed reports, seven unpublished manuscripts written by the groundbreaking author have been recovered from his computer’s hard drive. Computer forensic experts reportedly were able to locate and open password-protected files that were found on Harris’s personal laptop.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

      Verve

     

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  • Frankie’s New Young Buck

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    Frankie, Neffe, Elite, and Solo, came out last night to give their love and support to JD for the Georgia flood victims… Frankie keep her word and stayed away from all the drinks, but still knew how to have a good time.. While their I caught a glimpse of her new boo who’s name was not given but I was told he’s only 21… I told yall she like that young meat….

    Click Here For More Pictures

  • Twins cut Tigers’ Central lead to 1 game (AP)

    Kansas City Royals' Josh Anderson(notes) reacts after he was called out on strikes with the bases loaded against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning of a baseball game Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in Minneapolis. The Twins won 10-7. Catching is Twins' Joe Mauer(notes).

    The Minnesota Twins have wanted out of the Metrodome for years. They're playing as if they want to stay a little longer. Jeff Manship's first major league win was well-timed for the Twins, who got a grand slam from Delmon Young and hung on for a 10-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night that cut Detroit's AL Central lead to one game.

  • Peavy shuts down struggling Tigers 8-0 (AP)

    Detroit Tigers' Aubrey Huff(notes), left, and Alex Avila(notes) watch from the dugout in the ninth inning of their 8-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in Detroit. Detroit lost for the fourth time in six games, all while the Twins were taking a big lead against Kansas City.

    Jake Peavy delivered the kind of performance the Detroit Tigers desperately need. Peavy delayed Detroit's chance to move closer to the AL Central title, pitching the Chicago White Sox past the slumping Tigers 8-0 Friday night. Detroit's lead was cut to one game by Minnesota, which beat Kansas City 10-7.

  • Acne – A Clean Face – Step 1 in a 12 Step Program

    If you’re one of the few unlucky ones who need more than just a facial cream to get rid of acne, then you might just have to work harder for it. This is because acne happens within your body but only exhibited outside, you must counter attack it inside …

  • Nuggets G Smith says jail changed him (AP)

    FILE - In this May 29, 2009, file photo, Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith(notes) (1) is fouled as he goes to the basket around Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom(notes) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals in Denver. It's been a sobering offseason for the 24-year-old Smith, who spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility after pleading guilty to reckless driving.

    J.R. Smith is pledging more maturity this season, a promise he's made in the past. The sharp-shooting Denver Nuggets guard realizes that some will believe it, while some will remain skeptical. That's fine with him. He knows he's changed. It's been a sobering offseason for the 24-year-old Smith, who spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility after pleading guilty to reckless…

  • **FUNNY** Jon Gosselin’s Match.com Ad

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    Jon and Kate no more. Jon is already on the prowl and registered on the most popular dating website.

  • Financial Lovemaking: Managing "Baby Mama Drama"

    Filed under: ,

    Most of us know about “baby mama drama,” since some of that drama may occur within your own home. What is also forgotten is that there is a huge emotional and financial toll taken by the mating and dating choices that we make early in life. Having multiple children is expensive enough, but having multiple children in multiple households leads to a peculiar mix of unpredictable and complex psychological variables which may impact your ability to find peace and happiness.In this episode of “Financial Lovemaking,” S. Tia Brown and I discuss the art of managing multiple households and all the responsibilities that come with it. Here are some quick pointers on financial responsibility when dealing with and avoiding “baby mama drama.”

    1) Don’t create the drama in the first place. I tell my daughters that if you don’t think someone would be a good parent for your children, you shouldn’t sleep with them. In fact, you shouldn’t even go on the first date. This may sound far-fetched, but how many young parents go on a date with someone they just planned to “kick it with”, only to find their children being raised by the ignorant fool that they knew they should never have messed with from the beginning? Those who are not intelligent about their dating and mating choices early in life can end up with a lifetime of incredibly expensive child support. These huge financial obligations will virtually obliterate your ability to have another family or reach your personal financial objectives.

    2) Realize that there is no substitute for time. Some parents are tempted into believing that sending a big check is a replacement for spending time with their children. This is ultimately incorrect. Your kids are going to remember the time you did or did not spend, not how much money you sent.

    3) Create a budget. If you have a long list of parental obligations, make sure you keep a carefully designed budget and stick to it. You may also want to consider the fact that having a bunch of kids in multiple households is going to require you to have massive earning potential. I paid 18 years of child support myself, and I honestly think I spent enough money to fund NASA and the United Negro College Fund. Although I adopted kids later in life (I believe it takes a village to raise a child and black men should be willing to step up to do this), I was at least smart enough to avoid another pregnancy. I have made many mistakes in my life, but I usually only make them one time.

    4) Don’t play favorites. Emphasize to your children the importance of making sure you treat them all the same. How you deal with your kids will have a lasting impact on them into adulthood. You can’t guarantee that they are going to believe that you were fair (there’s always one who thinks the others were treated better), but you can at least do your best to avoid this problem.

    5) Realize that it takes two to Tango. You didn’t create the baby by yourself, so you should ensure that the non-custodial parent has an opportunity to spend time with his/her children – in fact, you should demand it, even if the kids aren’t interested. As much as black men get a bad rap for not wanting to see their children (sometimes rightfully so), there are thousands of fathers across America who’ve been victimized by mothers who want money, but don’t see the significance of influencing the children to spend time with their father. They are his children too, remember that, and if you are speaking negatively about the father when the kids are around, you should realize the long-term damage you are doing to your own offspring. Children should be targets of our love and affection, not possessions to be used as a source of power – think about that when you use the words “MY kids” when speaking with the other person who created them.

    The episode is below, check it out!

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of “Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with Your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Texans’ Hill first in NFL with swine flu (AP)

    FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo showing Houston Texans football player Anthony Hill(notes). Texans rookie tight end Anthony Hill was hospitalized this week with swine flu in what may be the first confirmed case in an NFL player this season. Hill is the only player on the team believed to have swine flu and other players are being monitored, Texans vice president of communications Tony Wyllie said Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

    Houston Texans rookie tight end Anthony Hill was hospitalized this week with swine flu in the first confirmed case in an NFL player this season. Hill is the only player on the team believed to have swine flu and other players are being monitored, Texans vice president of communications Tony Wyllie said Friday.

  • Rams to start Boller for injured Bulger (AP)

    Kyle Boller will make his first start at quarterback for the St. Louis Rams on Sunday as Marc Bulger rests his injured shoulder. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Friday that if Bulger dresses for the game, it will be as the third quarterback. Rookie Keith Null will be the backup. Bulger did not throw during Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for the game at NFC West rival San Francisco…