Tag: day

  • Chiefs cut RB Johnson after suspension (AP)

    Larry Johnson's record-breaking career as a Kansas City running back is over. The Chiefs confirmed Monday that they had run out of patience with his off-the-field problems and released Johnson the day he was due to come back from his second suspension in a year. Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 19, was just 75 yards away from breaking Priest Holmes' team rushing record.

  • Financial Expert Learns Hard, Valuable Lesson After ID Theft

    “I felt violated and victimized,” Harrine Freeman says of the day her purse was stolen from the passenger seat of her locked car at a Hyattsville, Maryland gas station in late July. No one at the busy corner station offered much information after the thief smashed a window and sped off with her house keys, checkbook, driver’s license, car insurance, vehicle registration, nearly $100 in cash, as well as her credit, ATM, and health insurance cards.

  • GG’s Guide For The Weekend

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    FRIDAY NIGHT aka “movie night”

    This Is It offers fans a behind the scenes look as Michael creates and rehearses for his final tour named “This Is It”. This documentary offers viewers the chance to see what they were in store for, had he not passed away. For more info on this movie, click here

    Astro Boy is a movie about a boy robot with incredible powers and super strength, who discovers the joy of being human while on a journey to discover his potential. For more information about this movie, click here.

    SATURDAY aka “chill day”

    12pm- College Football starts the day off on ESPN for those that watch it. If you dont watch football, you can catch “Flip This House” on A&E, “You Are What You Eat” on BBC, “The Nutty Professor” on Bravo and America’s Next Top Model” on Oxygen.

    3pm-“Paranormal State” comes on A&E, “Untamed and Uncut” on Animal Planet, “Silence of The Lambs” on BIO, and “Chopped” on Food Network

    6pm-“Night of The Living Dead” on AMC, “iCarly” on NICK, “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” TLC, “DR. G: Medical Examiner” on Disc Health

    8pm– Yankees at Philly on FOX, “County jail: Miami” on DSC, “Ace Of Cakes” on Food Network, “Super Psycho Sweet 16” on MTV

    SUNDAY aka “football sunday”:

  • Higher SAT Scores and Getting Ready for College: Dr Boyce Tips

    Filed under:

    I was asked recently how to prepare for college. I was also asked how to pay for it. Well, what might surprise you is that paying for college and preparing are actually closely related. The better prepared for college your children are, the easier it will be for them to pay for college with scholarships and other financial support. So, rather than spending money on new Air Jordans for your child, spend that money to help them to find a tutor.

    Here are four things about getting higher SAT scores and preparing for college that you should keep in mind when dealing with your kids.

    1) Good ACT and SAT scores don’t come naturally, you have to prepare. Some people think that you are going to magically end up in college just by saying that you want to go. Some think that you should take the ACT and SAT cold, and that natural intelligence will carry you through. That’s not the case. Your child should prepare for college like it’s a part-time job: studying 2 – 3 hours each day, for several months straight. Yes, that sounds like a lot of work, but is it really very much when compared to the fact that most of our kids are fine with working at McDonald’s for four or five hours a day, or going to football practice for three hours a day after school? Education MUST be the number one priority in your household if you want your children to have a bright future.

    2) Make sure your child is taking classes that will truly prepare him/her for college. With the horrific state of the American educational system, the truth is that we can’t trust the system with our children. Making good grades is not enough when it comes to ensuring that your kids are prepared. Make sure that they are taking classes that meet the standards of attending college, and this will reflect itself in higher SAT scores. Check with the university of your choice to ensure that your child is enrolled in the classes necessary to get into that school.

    3) Apply to at least 12 universities. The more irons you have in the fire, the more likely it is that one of them is going to get hot. Have your child do one college application every two days for one month. that will give him/her roughly 15 applications to various colleges. You can then find out which schools have needs that match the things your child has to offer, and you should make sure that your ACT and SAT scores are high enough to get into the places you apply. You’ll never know what opportunities are out there unless you apply for them.

    4) There should be no use of the word “if” when preparing for college. I hate the fact that there are so many people who are afraid of college or think that it only works for someone else. I teach at a university that charges over $30,000 per year, and I argue that any 10th grader of average intelligence could get a good grade in my class, if they study each day consistently. I don’t care what your SAT scores happen to be, college is not nearly as difficult as some might lead you to believe, and the truth is that it can change your life forever. It certainly changed mine, and I was told that I wasn’t smart enough for college in the first place.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about College.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered directly to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Fisher to announce starting QB Thursday (AP)

    Jeff Fisher knows he can't keep the identity of his starting quarterback secret until kickoff Sunday even if he wants to. So the Tennessee coach is trying to keep it quiet for another 24 hours. Fisher said Wednesday he will announce his starter Thursday, trying to carve out another day of competitive advantage for the winless Titans against Jacksonville (3-3).

  • RIP Mermaid Girl

    Posted by: The Connector

    Yes, it is a sad day. The ten year old little girl, named Shiloh Pepin, known as the mermaid girl has died. The little girl was born with a disease known as mermaid syndrome died on Friday after catching a cold that progressively worsened until she had pneumonia. The girl when she was born was not expected to live more than a few days, but somehow she managed to live on til the age of ten. A story of strength and courage to be sure.

    The little girl won the hearts of many after appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show and having her own documentary on TLC. Shiloh never had the surgery that could separate her legs from each other. Her legs were fused in such a way that major blood vessels would have been damaged and the operation would have caused her death.

    Her mother had the following to say about her daughter Shiloh “She was a tough little thing.” I think that right there is an understatement. Rest in peace, Little Mermaid. \

  • Redskins: Zorn to coach remainder of ’09 (AP)

    FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2009, file photo, Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn talks into his headset during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Landover, Md. The Washington Redskins front office capped a week of high drama Friday with an unexpected vote of confidence in coach Jim Zorn.

    Well, that should quiet things down for a while. The Jim Zorn unemployment watch is over. Jerry Gray, as it turns out, isn't a coach-in-waiting about to get promoted any day now. Another week of Washington Redskins craziness ended with an actual message of stability Friday: The front office said Zorn will be the coach for the rest of the season.

  • Chris Brown: Still Talking … About Being Mad at Oprah Winfrey

    Filed under: , , , ,

    Chris Brown:  Still Talking ... About Being Mad at Oprah WinfreyR&B crooner Chris Brown is talking to the media again. He’s promoting an upcoming album and last night (Oct. 21), the Virginia native paid a visit to hip hop radio personality Angie Martinez‘s popular New York City radio show. The 20-year-old singer – who was sentenced to180 days community service sentence after assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna — revealed that he is “tight” with media mogul Oprah Winfrey for not supporting him. He also vowed he will never hit another woman.

    “I don’t diss Oprah because I respect her as a woman [and] what she does for women all over the world, but I just feel me and her did so many things together,” Brown stated. “I just felt that at the time where would’ve I need a helping hand — not to boost my career just me as a person — for her to reach out and talk to me and Rihanna or something and make it like, ‘look this is what it is, this is wrong, this is right, this is not what it’s supposed to be….’ I’m not saying having me on the show … just help. That’s all I was asking for. Because at the end of the day I thought [Oprah and I] had that relationship to where it could be like that.”

    Shortly following the headline-grabbing altercation last February, Winfrey – who suffered domestic abuse, herself — told her international television audience: “If a man hits you once, he will hit you again.”

    Brown doesn’t believe that comment applies to him.

    “Statistically that goes into that, but me, I’m a guy who learns from his mistakes fast. I’m a guy who’s real like afraid of that, so I learn from my mistakes. I can be certain as Christopher Maurice Brown that it won’t happen (again),” he pledged. “At the end of the day, I’m doing my domestic violence counseling classes … and I see the hurt that it’s put a lot of people through. I’ve seen the hurt that it’s put my family through. Whether it’s been my family, Rihanna, [or] anybody and I don’t want to inflict that on anymore.”

    Listen to more of the interview on Angie Martinez’s official website.Chris Brown

     

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  • ‘Bosses Day’: Are You Celebrating National Boss Day 2009 on Friday?

    Filed under: ,

    A day for bosses? Really? Well, get ready, as it is now the eve of Boss Day 2009.

    I personally have never heard of National Boss Day, which will be celebrated this year on Friday, October 16. Even though “bosses day” (as it is called by some) was created way back in 1958 by a woman named Patricia Bays Haroski, this is definitely not your typical Hallmark occasion. Many people hate their bosses, and see no reason to give them a special day.

    But some writers are re-framing National Boss Day in 2009 as an important time to consider the immense pressures business leaders of today are facing given the economic climate.

    Between having to lay off good employees, to being expected to show results with diminishing resources, bosses in 2009 have to work harder than ever to stay positive while motivating their people. Author Bob Nelson believes that a good boss deserves praise for working well under such circumstances, citing these characteristics as those that make awesome bosses, no matter what the decade (via PRNewswire):

    1. A clear and compelling direction: Bosses need to inspire their employees to be excited about their work.
    2. Direct, open and honest communication: Frequent and effective communication is the leading way to show employees trust and respect.
    3. Employee involvement and initiative: Managers need to ask employees for their ideas.
    4. Employee autonomy, flexibility and support: Employees need a say in how they do their work.
    5. Career growth and development: Tough times provide many opportunities for employees to take on additional responsibilities.
    6. Recognition and rewards for high performance: During down times, the need for employees to feel valued for their efforts greatly increases.

    You can read more about what makes a great boss in 2009 in Nelson’s new book, ‘Keeping Up in a Down Economy: What the Best Companies Do to Get Results in Tough Times.’

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=748214&pid=748213&uts=1255621420
    http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
    Jobs You Can Run Away To
    Get a (New) Life
    If you have fantasies of picking up, packing up and starting a new life somewhere, then one of these jobs may be a great fit for you. Continue clicking through our gallery to learn the pros and cons about jobs that you can run away to.
    jupiterimages
    Touchstone Pictures

    Jobs You Can Run Away To

      Get a (New) Life
      If you have fantasies of picking up, packing up and starting a new life somewhere, then one of these jobs may be a great fit for you. Continue clicking through our gallery to learn the pros and cons about jobs that you can run away to.

      jupiterimages

      Cruise Ship Jobs

      On one level, cruise ship jobs seem amazingly glamorous. After all, employees receive free food, accomodations, medical care, airline tickets and uniforms. They often don’t have to pay taxes, get discounted cruise rates for family members, and can travel for free. As many cruise ship job sites point out, passengers pay thousands of dollars per week to see the same sites that employees enjoy for free.

      On the other hand, cruise ships can get claustrophobic after a while, and many jobs are far from wonderful. After all, when somebody gets seasick, a cruise ship employee has to clean it up, and chances are that the captain won’t be the one wielding the mop. Still, cruise ships offer a dizzying array of jobs, a chance to escape to exotic climes, and a steady income, most of which can be banked. Anchors aweigh!

      AFP / Getty Images

      The Military

      Although the military is reaching its enlistment quotas for the first time in years, it still offers excellent bonuses and outstanding benefits. According to Military Hub, the maximum bonus for new recruits is $40,000, while reservists can get $20,000 for five years of service. Other bonuses are available for military personnel who intend to buy a new home or start a business. For active duty soldiers who choose to re-enlist, bonuses can be as high as $90,000.

      Military members receive massively subsidized medical and dental care, subsidized education, and various housing allowances. They also have access to reduced-rate car insurance and life insurance, credit union membership, inexpensive military stores, and a host of other benefits.

      Jim MacMillan, AP

      Park Rangers

      Full-time Park Rangers earn a salary of between $24,000 and $37,000 and often receive free housing, in addition to other benefits. Unfortunately, these jobs are tenured and competition is fierce. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in park management, natural history, forestry, or a related major, applicants need extensive experience as seasonal rangers or interns.

      On the bright side, there are a variety of seasonal jobs available from the National Park Service. The education and experience required depends on the position, and interested parties can apply at USAJOBS, the US Federal government’s job site. While park ranger jobs were cut after 2006, it seems likely that these could be among the first positions to benefit from the US government’s stimulus plan.

      AP

      Nanny

      Salaries for live-in nannies vary wildly, depending upon the area, the family, and the nanny’s qualifications. In general, nannies in major cities get $18-20 per hour, while live-in childcare in less costly areas is about half that. Entry-level nannies with high school degrees can expect roughly $400 per week, while experienced, trained nannies can expect $1000 per week or more.

      While live-in nannies may not qualify for time-and-a-half overtime wages, they still are legally entitled to time off and other benefits. Many nannies get complete compensation packages, including subsidized health insurance, paid vacations, gym memberships, cell phones, and educational allowances.

      jupiterimages

      House Mother

      If you’re a woman who is over 40 years old who enjoys dealing with adolescents and has experience with running a household, hotel, or small country, this might be the job for you. Basically, a house mother is in charge of the environment of a sorority or fraternity. She deals with the house’s staff, plans meals, handles minor disasters, and generally makes sure that her charges’ lives run smoothly. Jobs usually include free rent and meals and come with a reasonable salary. Since they are attached to a university, house mother positions may allow you to take advantage of many of the cultural and educational attractions available at your school. Best of all, you get to deal with the wonderful drama of a household full of college girls!

      Corbis

      Ranch Hand

      Running away to work on a farm is one of the classic escapist American fantasies. While the dude ranches of the nineteenth century have almost disappeared, there is still a huge livestock industry and plenty of jobs for people with experience in animal husbandry. Depending on the type of ranch, workers can do a wide variety of jobs, including training horses, caring for livestock, taking care of children or young adults, performing general farm work, maintaining corrals, and cooking. While education for this work is generally vocational, some areas will train employees to do the specialized jobs that they require. Depending on the position, the area, the employer, and your level of knowledge, pay and benefits can range wildly. Ranch Work is a good starting place to get a feeling for available jobs, salary possibilities, and benefits involved.

      Corbis

      Camp Counselor

      If you sometimes find yourself obsessively watching Meatballs, then camp work might be perfect for you. While salaries vary based on position and experience, you can expect to make a couple of hundred dollars per week, in addition to room, board, and free use of recreational facilities. Positions include lifeguard, counselor, kitchen staff, administrative staff, nursing staff, and maintenance staff, and are available across the country. Added benefits include fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a 50% chance of waking up with your hand in a pot of warm water!

      AP

      Peace Corps

      In addition to offering a solid line on a resume, a stint in the Peace Corps provides a complete care package. While in the corps, volunteers are taught a foreign language, receive comprehensive medical and dental care, draw a liberal living allowance, and have two days of paid vacation per month. Students are allowed to defer or even partially cancel their student loans.

      Once volunteers return from their service, the program helps them readjust to society with a $6,000 bonus, fast-tracking into government careers, and other job placement help. Those who want to continue their education can combine their service with a graduate program or can join the Fellows/USA program, which offers scholarships or reduced tuition in return for a commitment to work in an under-served US community.

      Andres Leighton, AP

      Home Health Care Aide

      With the Baby Boomer generation’s ongoing march into old age, the home health care industry is poised to enjoy almost explosive growth. Home health care aids help elderly, ill, and mentally disabled people to do all the things necessary to live at home. This can include cooking, cleaning, planning meals, doing laundry, shopping, changing bed linens, and other household tasks. Certification for this job varies from state-to-state. In some areas, applicants simply learn on the job, while other states require extensive background checks and more formal training. Median wages are $8.54 per hour, going up to over $11. In most cases, this isn’t a live-in job.

      jupiterimages


    Do your bosses exhibit these traits? If so, consider yourself lucky and honor them this Friday on National Boss Day 2009. If business managers ever deserved a day for keeping things running, it is during this turbulent era.

    Source

     

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  • Coach: Peyton’s knee not seriously hurt (AP)

    Peyton Manning's left knee may be sore, but it doesn't appear to be a serious problem for the undefeated Colts. One day after Manning led Indianapolis to a 31-9 victory at Tennessee, coach Jim Caldwell said he had not received a doctor's report regarding the knee, something he would have expected had there been concerns.

  • Dr Boyce and Rev. Al Sharpton Discuss Couples, Money and Michael Vick

    Filed under: , ,

    This week on “Keeping it Real with Rev. Al Sharpton,” the good reverend and I discussed some issues that many people might find interesting. First, there was the conversation about love and money. Most of us know that money matters in life. We tend to think about money every day and a good way to end up in the dumps is to have someone take your money away from you. Money is also a weapon of mass destruction in many relationships, especially in the African American community. And just for the record, Rev. Al stands firm that there is nothing to his rumored relationship with Lisa Raye. If only I were privileged enough to have people think that I had a thing for Lisa Raye….now THAT would make my day!
    Our second topic of discussion was Michael Vick. I personally believe that in spite of media reports to the contrary, Nike is still waiting in the wings to sign Vick to a real deal, because Vick has always been the real deal among NFL athletes. The great challenge for Vick is that he has to start from scratch to rebuild his respectability as a top notch quarterback. He also has to let that ‘dog fighting’ issue get behind him.

    I recently did an online webchat about Michael Vick, which explores the similarities between Michael Vick and Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion of the world. You’ll notice that the way America has vilified black male athletes is nothing new to our country – there is a long history behind it.

    The conversation with Rev. Al is below. Enjoy!


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

     

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  • Broncos improve to 5-0, top Pats in OT (AP)

    Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall(notes) (15) breaks up a possible interception by New England Patriots' Shawn Springs(notes) (29) in overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17.

    Kyle Orton is no John Elway, Josh McDaniels is no Bill Belichick and those mustard-yellow uniforms certainly don't have anyone thinking "Orange Crush." But on a day that had as much to do with Denver's colorful history as its promising present, anything seemed possible. Orton led a drive that might ring a bell for Broncos fans — 98 yards in the fourth quarter to tie the game –…

  • Game 3 ppd., Phils go to Happ over Pedro (AP)

    The cold and snow in Colorado scrapped plans for Pedro Martinez's first postseason start in five years. Game 3 of the Philadelphia-Colorado playoff series was postponed a day because of weather Saturday better suited for cross country skiing. About an hour before the scheduled start it was 24 degrees.

  • @GlobalGrind’s Twitpics Of The Day

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    Here we are again for another installment of “@GlobalGrind’s Twitpics Of The Day”. I’ve picked 3 twitpics from Twitter’s timeline that I thought fit the theme.

     

    “Daughters in cabana on beach…Want this kind of experience for all dads . .Unconditional love” (via @UncleRush)

     

     

    “last happy picture. blackberry goes back to cabana. kids time.” (via @UncleRush
    “whoaaa pharells wearing these tonight” (via @Wale)
    (Sidenote: I chose this pic because I havent seen anyone wear a pair of New Balances in SO LONG, so the fact that Wale twitpic’d them being worn on Pharell’s feet, was fly to me!)
    Leave me some love!

     

  • Steelers’ Polamalu not expected to play (AP)

    Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practiced only lightly for the third day in a row and is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit. Polamalu, a five-time Pro Bowl player, has not played since tearing the medial collateral ligament in his left knee Sept. 10 against Tennessee. He was on the field Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but did not take part in a full practice.

  • Dr. Boyce and Keith Murphy Discuss Economic Empowerment

    Filed under: , ,

    In this interview below with the great radio legend Keith Murphy, we discuss the power of high expectations, education and economic empowerment when it comes to dictating your own destiny.

    Keith Murphy is the host of “The Urban Journal” on Sirius/XM Satellite. He is a good brother and one of the few people who supported me when nobody knew who in the heck I was. I will always respect him for that.

    I told Keith that much of the empowerment process in the African American community comes down to education and economics. If we really push our kids to be their best educationally, that will open a million doors for achievement. It’s not difficult to be a good student: you only have to treat it like a part-time job. If a kid can work 8 hours a day in McDonald’s, that same person can sit and study for 4 hours a day. Any college student who studies 4 hours per day, every day, is going to earn As and Bs in most of his/her classes. It’s really that simple. In fact, most universities give you a “B” in the class just for doing what you’re supposed to do. College is not nearly as difficult as some would like for you to believe.

    When it comes to economics, it’s all about a couple of things: learning to save and invest and understanding the foundations of entrepreneurship. My belief, for example, is that every ex-convict who can’t find a job should study entrepreneurship so they can find ways to make money without earning dump wages from someone who doesn’t respect them. If the world rejects you, you have to find a way to still get what you want. It’s possible if you believe.

    The interview is below if you’d like to listen. Enjoy!

    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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  • Giants players: Manning likely to start (AP)

    FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo showing New York Giants NFL player Eli Manning(notes). New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was having an MRI on his right leg in the wake of his injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said the results will be reviewed by Dr. Russell Warren later Monday, oct. 5, 2009,  and the team will make an announcement after the doctor talks to Manning.

    Eli Manning's teammates expect he'll make his 83rd consecutive start on Sunday. Manning had an MRI on his right foot Monday, which revealed he has plantar fasciitis, an inflammation and swelling of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. The Giants are officially listing Manning as "day to day." But Manning has started 82 consecutive games over the last five seasons and his…

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

    Filed under: , , , , ,

    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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  • 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.

  • James, Shaq together at media day (AP)

    Cleveland Cavaliers' Shaquille O'Neal(notes) walks away from reporters after answering questions during the NBA basketball team's media day Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Independence, Ohio.

    The lights went out, the courts darkened and a media day already like no other in Cavaliers history was canceled after just two hours. Maybe with LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland has too much superstar power. The duo's first public appearance together as teammates was cut short Monday when the electricity went out at the Cavs' fabulous suburban training facility, forcing the…

  • Wallace likely to start for Hasselbeck (AP)

    Matt Hasselbeck granted one little guy his wish Friday. He couldn't grant all other Seahawks fans theirs. Hasselbeck missed a third consecutive practice day because of a broken rib, so the Seahawks expect backup Seneca Wallace to start at quarterback for the three-time Pro Bowl passer on Sunday against Chicago.

  • Learn to Make the Most of Your Day

    For most business owners, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Time goes by quickly as the clock ticks away, leaving well-intentioned entrepreneurs pushing important tasks off to future dates. Add in the challenging economic conditions, and effective time management becomes even more important…and elusive.

  • Cubs suspend Bradley for rest of season (AP)

    Milton Bradley's season is finished. Perhaps his days with the Chicago Cubs are, too. The Cubs suspended their volatile outfielder for the rest of the season Sunday, one day after he criticized the team in a newspaper interview. Bradley was disciplined for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Jim Hendry said he decided to send Bradley home after learning of the player's remarks in…

  • Broncos sign ex-Dolphins DL Holliday (AP)

    The Denver Broncos signed veteran defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday Saturday, the same day the team trimmmed its roster by releasing 12 players. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Holliday had 3 1/2 sacks last season for the Miami Dolphins. Defensive lineman Tim Crowder was among the players cut Saturday by new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.

  • Five Things You Might Not Know About The Black American Worker

    Filed under: , ,

    Black American WorkerIt’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…

    working black women1) 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

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=633153&pid=633152&uts=1252096128
    http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
    Before These Stars Quit Their Day Jobs…
    Mary J. Blige and other stars had important jobs before they were famous, even if they may have been low-income. What are the most underpaid and underappreciated professions?
    Getty Images

    Before They Were Famous

      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!

      Getty Images

      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

     

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  • Dr. Boyce Talks Money and Sex on ABC News

    Filed under: ,

    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.

     

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  • Obama Admin Planning to Revive Civil Rights Enforcement

    The Justice Department is moving forward with plans to expand its civil rights division, pursuing cases of discrimination in the workplace, housing and voting rights. From his first day on the job, Attorney General Eric Holder has pledged to strengthen the Civil Rights Division he inherited from the Bush administration.

  • My Soul Mate

    blacksoulmates
    At the beginning of time, the Creator split one soul into masculine and feminine energies. Those energies evolved over the course of many lifetimes, perfecting themselves so that they could be reunited in the physical plane as one. You, my love, are my twin flame, my divine right partner, the yin to my yang and I am now made whole again with you.

    Making love to you is transcendent. Every breath you take I feel as my own. I can’t tell if I’m inside you or you are inside of me. My vibration rises and my senses become overwhelmed when I’m with you. I have nowhere to hide, nowhere to run. Your gentle moans of pleasure fill my ears when no one is around and your touch caresses me throughout the day.

    My fears, dreams, hopes, and aspirations are wrapped up in you. Your fingertips hold my pleasure; your shoulders carry my insecurities and doubts for me. Your mouth speaks the words that soothe my savage soul. Your tears wash away my hurt and I am baptized in the sweetness of your nectar.

    I want you to know that only you can fulfill me and there is no reason to for me to look elsewhere. I feel electricity and sparks every time I see your face, every time I look in your eyes. I want to kiss you for hours, losing track of time. I want to be late for work because we can’t bear the thought of starting the day off without connecting. I want to bathe in your essence my soul mate.