Ryan Ludwick allowed Adam Wainwright to overcome a rare subpar start and back into becoming the majors' first 17-game winner. Ludwick homered twice and had his first career five-hit game, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-7 on Friday night for their 10th win in 12 games. Last-place Pittsburgh lost its eighth straight despite a six-run fifth that briefly gave it the lead…
After three straight subpar starts, Roy Halladay was back to being dominant Friday. Halladay pitched a one-hitter to snap a three-start losing streak and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-0, ending New York's winning streak at seven games. "If we gave up one (run), we wouldn't have won tonight," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, whose team was shut out for the fifth time…
Filed under: Music, Movies, Television, News, Theater, Celeb Updates
Video clips have surfaced of actress Maia Campbell. The former ‘In the House’ star became a top 10 trending topic on Twitter yesterday after the Web site WorldStarHipHop.com posted a video allegedly showing the actress-turned-prostitute on a drug-induced rant in Compton, Calif.
According to EURweb.com, the trending topics “#Maia Campbell” and “#pray4maiacampbell” were among the top five on the popular social networking portal. Actress Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) were among the many Twittering out of sadness and concern for the 32-year-old Campbell, who is the daughter of late best-selling author BeBe Moore Campbell. Robinson Peete wrote: “Hope Maia Campbell being trending topic can get her HELP IF that’s really her in that video. (Amen – that video hurt my ?!)” Previous articles written about Campbell for Black Voices also became a hot search term topics over the last 24 hours.
The national tour of Oprah Winfrey‘s musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ has launched a Hurricane Katrina fundraising campaign to build as many houses as possible in New Orleans by the time the show arrives there for its run at the newly refurbished Mahaila Jackson Theater, from Dec. 1 – 6. The show currently stars ‘American Idol’ winner Fantasia Barrino in the lead role.
Starting with this week’s engagement in Chicago at the Arie Crown, the tour will allow audiences to donate at each stop along the route. ‘The Color Purple’ is partnering with a local New Orleans’ organization, the St. Bernard Project (stbernardproject.org), a grassroots, volunteer-based nonprofit that rebuilds homes in less than 12 weeks for approximately $15,000 each. To kick off the fundraising initiative, the show’s producers and Alice Walker announced that they have collectively pledged to pay for the rebuilding of the first three houses.
“[We are] honored to be part of the first theater season in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Since our show is so much about triumph over adversity, we would like ‘The Color Purple’ to give something back to the people of New Orleans,” said Lead Producer Scott Sanders. “We love the idea of ‘The Color Purple’ putting families into new homes for the holidays this year.”
Tia and Tamara Mowry are reuniting on screen. The ‘Sister, Sister’ actresses will star in the Lifetime movie ‘Double Wedding,’ which is a story about siblings who wind up dating the same man. Production on the project begins this month, with the goal of a June premiere, reported Daily Variety. The twin actresses and their mother, Darlene, are serving as the movie’s executive producers, along with Howard Braunstein and Michael Jaffe. The former child stars have cultivated flourishing careers in their adult years: Tamera appeared on the Lifetime series ‘Strong Medicine,’ while her sister appeared on the CW’s popular sitcom ‘The Game.’
Taye Diggs and his wife, actress Idina Menzel, welcomed their first child on Sept. 2. The ‘Private Practice’ star and Tony Award-winning actress are celebrating the birth of Walker Nathaniel Diggs this week. “Mother, father and son are all doing well,” the couple’s rep said in a statement. The couple, who wed in 2003, met on the Broadway production of ‘Rent’ in 1996. Diggs currently stars on the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spin-off, and Menzel dazzled audiences in The Great White Way’s production of ‘Wicked.’ They both revived their roles for the movie adaptation of ‘Rent’ in 2005.
With the release of the film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Passing Strange,’ director Spike Lee is returning to his roots. The ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ filmmaker will be among the presenters of ‘County of Kings,’ a show written and performed by the poet Lemon Andersen that will be performed at the Public Theater in New York City this fall. According to the New York Times, ‘County of Kings’ was featured at the Public’s “Under The Radar” festival earlier this year and tells Andersen’s story about growing up in Brooklyn during the birth of hip-hop. Jayson Jackson, who previously oversaw the careers of Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo and Tony Award winner Sarah Jones, will also present ‘County,’ while Elise Thoron will direct. It is scheduled to begin performances on Sept. 29, with an official opening of Oct. 12.
Rick Fox will be bringing the heat to ‘Melrose Place.’ The forBeBe Moore Campbell 72 Hour Holdmer-NBA-all-star-turned-actor has been tapped to play a recurring role on the new CW series, which is a resurrection of the popular 1990s FOX nighttime soap. According to Reuters, Fox will play the owner of the restaurant where all the aspiring actors on the show work. His previous acting credits include ‘He Got Game,’ ‘Oz,’ ‘One Tree Hill,’ ‘The Game’ and the movie ‘Meet the Browns.’ He even starred on ‘Ugly Betty,’ where he was featured alongside his ex-wife and series star Vanessa Williams.
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.
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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.
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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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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was fined $10,000 by the NFL on Friday for his crack-back block on Houston defensive back Eugene Wilson in a preseason game. The play happened on Monday night at Houston in Favre's first extensive action since he signed with the Vikings on Aug. 18. The 39-year-old lined up at receiver in Minnesota's version of the wildcat offense.
Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron is committed to sticking with the no-huddle attack entering the regular season — just not with the offensive coordinator who spent the year installing it. Unhappy with his offense's dismal performance this past month, Jauron fired Turk Schonert on Friday, a day after the Bills closed the preseason with a 17-6 loss to Detroit.
A New York City woman shares how she made the painful decision to send her 10-year-old son away to Atlanta to be raised by his father.
Posted by: Illmatic
Lourdes Leon, daughter of Madonna, recreates her mother’s famous “Like a Virgin” pose. According to the Daily Mail, it is taken from the second Celebration video, which will be released next week. Lourdes is already cooler than you.
Click Original Story For More.
The Minnesota Timberwolves wasted little time moving on after being rebuffed by Ricky Rubio. Two days after the 18-year-old point guard backed out of a deal to join the Timberwolves this season, Minnesota signed restricted free agent Ramon Sessions to an offer sheet Friday. The Milwaukee Bucks will have seven days to match the four-year, $16 million offer.
News Roundup
Filed under: Careers, News, The Economy
It’s no secret that the recession is hitting African-Americans especially hard. Last month black unemployment stood at 14.5 percent, vs. 8.6 percent for whites. However, nearly 18 million blacks are still toiling in the civilian labor force, representing over 11 percent of America’s 155 million workers. As the country enjoys a day of rest on Monday to celebrate all working Americans, Black Voices is taking time to shine a much-deserved spotlight on the black worker with five facts you might not know…
1) She Brings Home The Bacon
The black worker is more likely to be female; but then again, there are simply more black females. Fifty-three percent of black workers age 20 and over are women, while 47 percent are men – commensurate with their representation in the overall population.
2) The Tax Collector in the Mirror
It’s not surprising that a black person is more likely than a white one to be a bus driver or a health care aide. But did you know that blacks are also more likely to be tax examiners or collectors; dietician or nutritionists; crossing guards; bill collectors; and telemarketers?
3) On The Government Payroll
Who says big government is a terrible thing? While facing discrimination in many sectors, blacks are more likely to work for the federal government than other Americans. We represented 17.8 percent of the federal workforce in 2007 compared to 10.1 percent of the general population
4) Bearing the Union Label
For years blacks have been more likely to work in a union, bringing them 12 percent higher wages than their non-union counterparts. However, black union participation has been falling for years, from nearly 32 percent in 1983 to less than half that today. In 2008, 14.5 percent black workers were union members vs. 12.2 percent of white workers. It’s no wonder that on average blacks are….
In More News About Black Workers:
+NAAIA is Recruiting Black Insurance Professionals
+Dr. Boyce and Michel Martin on NPR Discuss the Minimum Wage
+Dr Boyce Money: First Black Female to Run Fortune 500 Company
Mary J. Blige is known for her creatively coiffed crown of hair for good reason…
Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images
Mary J. Blige:
At-Home Hairdresser
From Starpulse.com: “Blige spent the first few years of her life in Savannah, GA, before moving with her mother and older sister to the Schlobam housing projects in Yonkers, NY. Her rough life there produced more than a few scars, physical and otherwise, and Blige dropped out of high school her junior year, instead spending time doing her friends’ hair in her mother’s apartment and hanging out.”
Mary started to make her own way in the world in a profession that many take for granted. The at-home hairdresser is a very important staple of many communities, as she uses her skills to help women who can’t afford a professional salon to stay pampered and beautiful. We salute you!
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Denzel Washington is no stranger to the hair business himself…
John Shearer, WireImage
Denzel Washington: Barber
From Tiscali: “It’s often been said that the boy picked up his desire to act from the flamboyant communication that went on around him at this time. He certainly picked up a desire to work – the family ethic was very strong – and young Denzel found himself labouring in barber shops and beauty parlours from the age of 11.”
The neighborhood barber is an important institution in many communities. Even though they don’t get paid much, men’s salons are like private social clubs that allow them to relax and connect at an affordable price. Workers in these establishments not only groom the body — they soothe the soul.
WireImage
Ellen is known for her dancing, but she used to be a different kind of mover back in the day…
Jordan Strauss, WireImage
Ellen Degenres: Car Wash Driver
From CareerBuilder.com: “I actually liked my first job. I was driving cars out of a car wash, you know, once the car comes out, you get in and you wipe it. That was exciting to me to drive the nice cars and wipe down the [dashboard] with Emerald.”
We often take for granted all the folks at the local war wash. They may be working for little more than tips, but they keep our cars clean and fresh, making a huge positive impact on our daily lives.
WireImage
Jennifer Lopez has displayed a high level of discipline and organization in plotting her megastar career. She must have learned those skills during one of her first jobs…
Steve Granitz, Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez: Legal Assistant
From 2spare.com: “Long before Jennifer Lopez sang, danced and acted her way to superstardom, she briefly traded in her velour tracksuit for a suit of the pin-striped variety while working at a law office.”
It’s hard to imagine someone as driven as Jennifer Lopez being an assistant, but J.Lo paid her dues by helping her bosses meet their goals. It’s hard for anybody to put others first, but that’s what assistants do in every field. They deserve to be appreciated for this.
WireImage / Getty Images
Before Angela Bassett became a huge star in front of the camera, she earned her living doing business on the other side of the lens…
Michael Tullberg, Getty Images
Angela Bassett:
Photo Researcher
From Yuddy.com: “After working as a beauty salon receptionist and photo researcher, Bassett got started with her acting career in New York Theater, after which she landed her first role-as a prostitute-in the 1985 TV movie ‘Doubletake,’ starring Richard Crenna and Beverly D’Angelo. The following year she landed her first official film role as a TV reporter in ‘F/X.’”
Whenever we look at a magazine, or in a book with pictures, we are seeing the work of some one like Bassett in her early career. We never think of the faceless, nameless men and women who look for all the photos that illustrate concepts, news and ideas in every facet of our daily lives, ranging from Web sites to education. But every one of those photos was hand-selected by someone, most often an anonymous, but dedicated and not-too-well-paid pro. What would life be like without all the hundreds of pictures we enjoy every day?
Getty Images
A high school football player is being hailed as a hero off the field for disarming a girl who brought a gun on a Mississippi school bus. On the way to Yazoo County High School on Tuesday, a girl pulled out a loaded gun and walked up and down the bus aisle, among 22 kids on board whose ages ranged from 5 to 18, authorities said. The 14-year-old girl ordered the bus driver to pull over and the driver did, they said.
Filed under: Music, Television, News, Celeb Updates
Usually when celebrities go through the motions of trying to revive their wounded images, a great public relations strategy – them telling their story – goes into play.
But for Chris Brown, it seems to have gone off the deep end.
Major mainstream media opportunities with ‘Larry King Live’ and People magazine seem to have garnered less-than-desirable results.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Media attend a press conference after Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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On a pre-taped interview for the long-running CNN talk show, the Jive Records singer didn’t say much about anything as he sat there with the support of his mother, Joyce Hawkins, and high-powered attorney Mark Geragos (who admitted on air that he had no idea who the singer was before he savagely beat his girlfriend, pop star Rihanna).
And then, in the new edition of People magazine, Brown, 20, does his first print interview – and in it, he’s talking about how Oprah Winfrey dealt with the widely reported Feb. 8 altercation on her show.
“I commend Oprah on being like, ‘This is a problem,’ but it was a slap in my face,” Brown told the magazine. “I did a lot of stuff for her, like going to Africa and performing for her school. She could have been more helpful, like, ‘Okay, I’m going to help both of these people out.’”
When contacted by TMZ.com, Winfrey’s camp issued the following response:
“Oprah is very appreciative that Chris Brown performed at her school, but she takes domestic abuse very seriously. She hopes he gets the counseling he needs.”
Chris Brown
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Filed under: Celebrity News, Careers, The Economy, Housing
After a busy and tumultuous past few months, young millionaire Rihanna may be using her money to settle down on her own. Housing rumor has it that the funky beauty has purchased a $10 million dollar home in Los Angeles. This is a strong move, after being a public victim of abuse. Read below for more notable events in finance, housing, the economy and more from an African American perspective.
♦ 5 Tips for Homebuyers as the Deadline Approaches for $8,000 Stimulus
The $8,000 federal tax credit for certain qualified home buyers is scheduled to expire December 1, 2009. Don’t be fooled by this deadline. This does not mean you have three months left to find your new home and make an offer.
The Money Coach
♦ Study Shows Psychological Impact of Unemployment
A new Rutgers study reveals the impact of unemployment on the individual, including depression, anxiety, and strained relationships.
BusinessWeek
♦ Using Cash Helps Consumers Escape Debt
Buried in credit card debts? Experts across the board suggest adopting a cash-only lifestyle.
The Grio
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
♦ B in the Spotlight… Chike Ozah
Meet a New Orleans Director – Designer – Entrepreneur putting his name on the map.
The “B-Life”
♦ The Shrinking Plus-Size Apparel Market
To no one’s surprise, apparel sales have been going down over the past year — but the plus-size market has been hit especially hard.
The Budget Fashionista
♦ NYU Business School Gets its First Black Dean
Peter Blair Henry, a Jamaica-born Rhodes Scholar, moves to NYU in January 2010 from Stanford, where he’s currently holding the post of Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Economics. He’ll be NYU’s first black business school dean.
The Network Journal
♦ Five Safe Investments
If you are looking for some really safe investments, you should consider one of these five options.
Out of Debt Christian
♦ Low-Wage Workers Are Often Cheated, Study Says
Low-wage workers are routinely denied proper overtime pay and are often paid less than the minimum wage, according to a new study based on a survey of workers in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
The New York Times
Posted by: BrooklynVanna
Oh really? So Bow Wow hit up “The Tyra Show” to tape an episode set to air on Sept. 7. Bow revealed his crush on Ms. Banks during the segment, sharing some adoring Tweets and serenading her with a song. So she gave him a little kiss kiss for his troubles. I’m sure her man John isn’t worried…
Clay Buchholz pitched six effective innings, Jason Bay drove in two runs and the Boston Red Sox hurt Tampa Bay's playoff hopes with a 6-3 win over the Rays on Thursday night. The Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Rays — Boston's first series win at Tropicana Field since Sept. 21-23, 2007 — to extend their AL wild-card advantage over Tampa Bay to six games.
This was vintage Pedro. Pedro Martinez tossed seven impressive innings to outpitch Tim Lincecum, Ryan Howard doubled in the tiebreaking run and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 on Thursday night. Martinez (3-0) struck out a season-high nine in his fifth start since signing with the Phillies during the All-Star break, allowing one run and five hits.
Michael Vick got the green light for full reinstatement in the NFL on Thursday when commissioner Roger Goodell said the disgraced quarterback could play later this month instead of waiting until October. Vick, recently signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, will now be able to play in the Sept. 27 game at home against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Prison medical records show Dirk Nowitzki's former fiancee is not pregnant, the Dallas Mavericks forward's attorney said Thursday. Cristal Taylor, 38, is serving a four-year prison sentence in Missouri following her May 6 arrest at Nowitzki's Dallas home on a probation violation. Taylor had told The Dallas Morning News she was pregnant with Nowitzki's child.
Michael Vick has scored his first NFL touchdown since the 2006 season, giving the Philadelphia Eagles a 14-7 lead over the New York Jets early in the second quarter. Playing in his second game with the Eagles, Vick lined up at quarterback, faked a handoff and ran up the middle from 2 yards out 25 seconds into the quarter Thursday night.
Bruce Bowen won't be pestering the NBA's best anymore. The 38-year-old former San Antonio Spurs forward retired Thursday after 12 seasons and a reputation as one of the league's most menacing defenders, hounding opponents with a tenacity that some players groused was more dirty than dogged.
The clinical treatments and the good and easy teeth whiteners are accessible in the market place are the most frequent methods employed for making your teeth lighter. But many do not tend to realize the value of natural good and easy teeth whiteners which…
Posted by: Illmatic
Warning: this video could make you vomit. Earlier in the week I saw the award-winning (if you can believe that) print version of this ad concept by a Brazilian ad agency for the World Wildlife Fund @ The Daily What. It takes a turn even farther towards hell with this video. I can only imagine what it would be like for the victim’s families to see such a tragedy trivialized for shock value. The WWF has issued this statement condemning the ad:
Click Original Story For More.
Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, a board certified internist, believes that basic healthcare for every citizen is long overdue.
Filed under: Personal Finance, Dr. Boyce Money
I recently appeared on ABC News to talk about Financial Lovemaking, and the link between sex and money. I’ve discussed relationships and money several times on AOL in the past, but I think that I should quickly lay out some very interesting similarities that may not have crossed your mind. As I teach my Personal Finance Class at Syracuse University this semester, I am reminded that managing our money is linked to managing our love, which is critical to the ultimate goal of effectively managing our lives.
1) Many people think about both sex and money every single day. Don’t lie, you know you enjoy thinking about sex, even if you aren’t getting any. But chances are, you also think about money, whether it’s figuring out how to get what you need or how to keep what you’ve got. Even most rappers spend all their time talking about either sex, money or how they use their money to get more sex. It’s actually a universal concept.
2) Both sex and money can make you feel good. If I wrote you a check for a million dollars, you’d probably end up having a good day. If I offered you the sexiest person you could think of to do as you wish, you might have an even better day. Both sex and money have the effect of giving us a natural high that leads to human beings spending their lives obsessed with obtaining both commodities.
3) Both sex and money can devastate you if you are irresponsible. Promiscuous sex can lead to a life of disease and drama. Promiscuous spending can lead to a life of financial turmoil. Both sex and money, being the powerful drugs that they are, should be managed with both responsibility and moderation. They are both meant to be enjoyed, but not meant to be abused.
4) It’s scary to share either one of them with another party. Your body is valuable, so you don’t want to share it with the wrong person. Your money is valuable too, so the same logic applies. Sharing your financial or sex life with the wrong person can lead to years of regret. Emotional, physical and financial investments are all quite risky.
5) Both sex and money require trust if you are engaged with another person. I’ve heard women talk about financial betrayal by their partners in the same context as emotional betrayal. If you trust someone with your money, you are trusting them with your life. The same is true when it comes to trusting them with your body.
6) It’s no fun to share either your sex or your money with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Sex is better with someone who knows how to do it right. Well, sharing your financial future with someone who knows what they’re doing can actually lead to dramatic improvements in your quality of life. So, when you consider how good a person looks or how great they make you feel, also consider how great they can make you feel in the long run by providing both financial and emotional security, which can effectively be the same thing.
7) One is often used to obtain the other. On average, guys with more money get more sexual opportunities and those who give good sex could use it to get their bills paid if they wanted to (Come on, let’s be honest here – what’s the oldest profession in the world again?). There are biological reasons that men with greater access to resources tend to make better mating options for women. The rapper Ludacris noticed how he suddenly went from “ah-ight” to “handsome” when he started to make money. That’s to be expected.
In the episode of ABC News below, we talk about these links between sex and money in more detail. 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.
It’s just the prelims of the 2009 Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge and it’s already clear that once again the best and brightest moves and players in business and corporate America not only came to play–they came to win. It’s what I like most about G&T, hosted once again by title sponsor Pepsi: whether attendees are registered to play golf or tennis, or do some serious rest and relaxation at the world class spa, they know that the real name of the game is business.
thriller
Following two months of planning, Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest on Thursday evening in California’s legendary Forest Lawn Glendale where he is expected to be interred in a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.
The private memorial for family and friends will reportedly find the “King of Pop” entombed beside his childhood idols, Walt Disney and Larry of the ‘Three Stooges.’
“The family believed this is what Michael would have wanted,” a source close to the family told the New York Post.
While the iconic singer expected to be honored in the highest regard, including a performance by soul legend Aretha Franklin, an appearance by mentor and dear friend Diana Ross, and 12 burial spaces being purchased, Jackson’s mother, Katherine, requested the judge to sign off on the funeral expenses.
This morning Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted the current administrators of Jackson’s estate to pay for Jackson’s funeral and interment. The Associated Press reported that no one contested who would pay the costs, however Beckloff expressed concerns about whether Jackson’s estate could afford it.
The current attorney for the administrators of Jackson’s estate, Jeryll Cohen, stated that the estate had enough funds to cover funeral services in full. “The expenses are extraordinary, however, Michael Jackson was extraordinary,” she said.
As for the increased security of the 13th Century Italian patterned cemetery, observers can expect the streets surrounding Forest Lawn to be closed to the public 24 hours prior to service, in addition to restricted airspace over the venue.
The multiple Grammy Award-winner’s three children Prince Michael, Paris, and Blanket are all expected to place written letters alongside his signature white glove that read, “Daddy, we love you, we miss you,” said Jackson’s brother, Marlon.
He went on to tell UK newspaper, ‘The Mirror,’ that the King of Pop will be given a special wig of long black locks to wear in his gold coffin and a makeup artist has been hired to render his facial features.
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
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Posted by: Russell Simmons
I noticed that every time we post a story about Amber Rose, it gets lots of attention. People have very strong opinions…they either hate her or love her. Some people (the haters) get upset because we, the editors of Global Grind, can’t find a lot of bad things to say about her. We leave that for sites that are less creative and less responsible.
Anyhow, when I closely examine the “Amber” phenomenon, I can’t see what she’s done to hurt the planet, the animals or the people. So sorry haters, I really can’t really find fault with her. One thing good spiritual people should be good at is practicing “non judgment.” So as long as Datwon (the COO of Global Grind) allows me to be involved and be Editorial Director of Global Grind, we are gonna try to stay positive. I’m gonna continue to see my team executing my view or if not, people here will get fired!!! But mostly they will be given another chance…but if it
don’t work out… fired. Ok, back to the point. The best reason to practice disdain for something or someone is that it hurts your spirit. Maybe sometimes you don’t want those actions that are performed by another to become your own? And the best way to do that is to point
fingers? I noticed that the greatest haters of gays are mostly frustrated gays themselves…or maybe in Amber’s case, the sexy girl in you wants to walk around your party in a swimsuit…but that’s a fantasy because you are way too afraid to do that.
I believe that most people who become popular are just trying to make their way, and the constant negative pressure from the media tearing them down can sometimes destroy their self image, ruin their chances of becoming more successful or more importantly, destroy their chances of achieving lasting happiness. Here’s a scenario seldom discussed. The pop culture that has 3 million people following Ashton Kutcher on twitter, but only 15 thousand following His Holiness, the Dali Lama could be subject to some judgment? But I guess as a good yogi, I should look past this and pray that we find the good in Ashton, Puff, Kim Kardashian, Amber Rose or any entertainer or celebrity that stole our focus and now has such a powerful affect on our society. We, the collective consciousness, choose Hulk Hogan, Lil Wayne, Paris Hilton, Jay-Z or Amber Rose to focus our attention on, so why does it make us feel so
good to tear them down?
Advice. Practice living a full life. Use your Bible, Koran, Torah, yoga sutras, Buddhist scripture as YOUR guide. Be the best you can be. Tearing other people down will not make you a better Christian, Muslim or Jew. But finding the good in them and protecting them and wishing them well, will!! Try not to pass out bad energy or judgment because the karmic affect is more devastating to your self-image and happiness than it is to theirs’.
PS. I’m not holier than anyone reading this…just pointing out some things that I noticed in me that may be operating in you.
-Russell
Brett Favre's non-traditional arrival in Minnesota is not stopping Vikings coach Brad Childress from taking a traditional approach to the team's preseason finale against Dallas. The 39-year-old quarterback will not play against the Cowboys on Friday night. "I don't see the upside," Childress said on Wednesday.
Curt Schilling, the former major league pitcher who won the allegiance of Bostonians by leading the Red Sox to the 2004 World Series, said Wednesday that he has "some interest" in running for the seat held for nearly 50 years by Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Schilling, a registered independent and longtime Republican supporter, wrote on his blog that while his family and video game…