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Tag: book

  • Rihanna and Chris Brown: The Financial Value of Rihanna’s Pain

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    I hated what Chris Brown did to Rihanna. I was angered, disappointed and irritated by the fact that many are quick to forgive egregious behavior on the part of celebrities, and a hit song can forgive all sins. At the same time, celebs are just like the rest of us, full of complexities that the world may never come to understand. Rihanna has walked away from Chris and she is now telling the entire world how bad of a man he is, and we’re all taking her side.

    The problem for Rihanna, however, is that her actions aren’t making much sense.

    Rihanna’s recent whirlwind media tour has included the likes of ABC News, MTV and other major media outlets. Throughout this tour, she has allowed the world to enter into her dark reflection on the relationship she had with Chris Brown, with that reflection seeming to have almost no productive purpose. I am not sure why the he-say/she-say between two 19-year old kids should be the concern of the nation. But then again, I am sitting here writing about it, so I am as guilty as everyone else.

    The truth is, clearly, that Rihanna could have used this incident as a teachable moment and then moved on with her life. But that wouldn’t be nearly as profitable as doing a media tour attacking Chris.

    The point here is clear and quick:

    A personal tragedy is usually leveraged in order to sell a book or album: Did you notice how tennis star Andre Agassi revealed his drug addiction when his book was released? What about when Mackenzie Phillips announced that her father, well-known performer John Phillips, molested her as a child? Stories like this are a great way to get people to read your book or buy your records. Notice that it took Rihanna several months to start talking about Chris Brown in public. That was probably because she had to finish up her tracks. By the way – her album is scheduled for release in a few days. The Chris Brown story will be the primary driver of her album sales.

    Now, I am a Finance Professor and a capitalist. Well, I am mostly capitalist, to a point. I can understand why Rihanna’s handlers are milking the cow till the udders fall off. The story is interesting and like hungry kids in a candy store, we are salivating to find out more about what happened. But the truth is that we only know most of what occurred, not everything: All we really know is that they got into a fight and Chris won. But we also know that Chris lost the war because he is the one who got arrested. Is there anything else we need to know? Is there anything new that Rihanna is telling us other than vague and “clearly objective”(LOL) things like “his eyes had no soul.” What the heck does that mean anyway?

    While we can respect Rihanna’s decision to use this situation as a chance to build her brand (similar to when Juanita Bynum was allegedly beaten by her husband and then declared herself to be “the face of domestic violence”), the truth is that we probably shouldn’t fall for the hype. We should realize that this was an unfortunate situation,with many lessons to be learned about domestic violence in the black community. Rihanna will sell her records, and Chris will have to rebuild his own brand. But at the end of the day, this media whirlwind created by Rihanna is, for the most part, an opportunity to not only punch back at Chris, but a chance to make a little dough in the process.

    As the rapper TI might say, “It is what it is.”

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “Black American Money.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Mistakes Couples Make When Mixing Love and Money Together

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    As I prepare for an appearance on ABC News to talk about money and relationships, I thought I would share the answers to some of my questions that were asked of me by the producers. Perhaps this can be valuable information that can be used to help others. There is more in my book, Financial Lovemaking, which goes deeply into the struggles that couples have when negotiating the challenging task of merging love and money together.

    1) What do Love and Money have in common?

    People think it’s taboo to mix love and money in a conversation, but it’s not. It’s actually essential that you do so. Loving together means living together. In most relationships, you spend more time talking about functional aspects of life, such as paying the bills and purchasing decisions than you spend on “lovey-dovey” stuff. Also, like making love, merging your assets involves sharing something of value with another person. Similar to the act of sharing your body, merging your assets with someone else can either be a fulfilling experience or a devastating one, depending on who you choose as your partner.

    2) What are the biggest mistakes couples make when it comes to managing love and relationships?

    I can list some common mistakes very simply: Not communicating about money, stepping into something without knowing what you’re getting into. Not being honest with yourself or your partner. Allowing love to dominate your logic when it comes to determining if someone is right for you. Not critically analyzing the spending, saving, borrowing and investing habits of your partner and how this is going to play out in the long-term. Not analyzing the long-term earning potential of your partner and determining if you are comfortable with it.

    3) What does it mean for a couple to “get financially naked with your partner?”

    In regular love, you eventually have to get naked. That means the person sees your physical assets and liabilities. The same should be done financially: you and your partner should share debt levels, income levels, spending habits, credit scores, perceptions of money and all the things that your partner needs to know. The key to making good love is communication and the same is true for financial lovemaking as well.

    4) Is financial lovemaking only a topic for couples or those seeking relationships?

    No. Part of the lovemaking process means learning to love yourself. That means understanding your own relationship with money and how you are going to reach your own financial goals. Good financial health is not just for the benefit of current and future partners, it is also important for you. Additionally, financial lovemaking affects how money and relationships merge in all kinds of scenarios: with your children, relatives, friends, etc. By being financially healthy, you are ready to merge assets in an effective way when the right situation comes along.

    5) How does bad financial lovemaking spread beyond your significant other? What about other offspring, relatives, etc?

    Many financial lovemaking problems come from our children and parents. If you don’t raise your children to be financially independent, they can become liabilities during retirement rather than assets. If you don’t know how to manage your financial relationships with loved ones, you might find yourself being drained in a way that frustrates both you and your partner. Love is something that permeates every dimension of our lives, so effectively managing our money can be a tool toward making good love.

    6) What is a “life portfolio” and what do you mean when you say that “our most significant financial assets in life having nothing to do with money?”

    The most valuable things in your life are usually non-financial: your health, your happiness, your love and your time. All of these things were granted to us from birth and have nothing to do with money. Many times, I see people destroying the most valuable assets in their lives, all in the pursuit of money, and I find that to be sad. Money should be a tool for the enhancement of that which is most valuable to you, not a weapon to destroy the things that matter.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “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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  • Content On Demand: Clarence Clemons Telling ‘Tall Tales’ With New Memoir

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    E Street Band

    Legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons‘ first memoir, ‘Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales,’ is in stores this week. Published by Grand Central Publishing, the hardcover tome (written with best friend and television producer Don Reo) is the very first book penned by a member of Bruce Springsteen‘s iconic E Street Band. “The Boss,” himself, even wrote the foreword for the book, which “isn’t the same old story” and “one that tells true, unknown stories … in a series of hybrid fact-and-fiction stories called “legends.” Clemons, 67, is a Norfolk, Virginia native who’s been a prominent member of the hit-making outfit since 1972. “The book was being written all my life,” he told Metro newspaper. “We just decided to put it down on paper. … It’s pretty great because it’s something I’ve never done before.’

     

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  • 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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  • Don’t Let Your Spouse Control All of Your Finances

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    Financial News Blast for the week of September 26, 2009 – Click on the link for the title to read the article on the given topic:

    1) Don’t let your spouse control all of the family finances: This is a great article on how the entire family should be involved when making financial decisions for the household. When I wrote my book, “Financial Lovemaking 101,” I noticed that far too many American families are allowing their entire financial future to be controlled by one partner. You should be aware of what’s going on with your money, even if you’re not the one making all the decisions.

    2) Harvard Study: A Lack of Health Insurance Causes 45,000 Deaths Each Year: The healthcare reform debate has literally become a matter of life and death. We’ve got to find a way to get this done.3) How to get a home loan with bad credit: Many Americans suffer through credit problems. Where you’ve been doesn’t matter nearly as much as where you’re going. Getting a home loan can open the door to wealth and also create opportunities for you to rebuild your credit. Take a look at this article to find out how.

    4) The most lucrative college degrees: Going to college doesn’t guarantee a strong financial future. It’s going to college and choosing the right major that makes all the difference. Make sure you pick the right major for you and your children.

    5) Financial illiteracy is an epidemic in the United States: Banks and corporations are certainly predatory in their behavior. But you don’t have to allow yourself to be their prey. You must find a way to obtain basic financial literacy, for a lack of financial literacy was one of the primary causes of the 2008 economic downturn. If this epidemic is not managed, we are going to have serious problems for many decades to come.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University, a leading African American speaker and author of the forthcoming book, “Black American Money.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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