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  • Dwight Eubanks: Keeping Things Real Regarding ‘Housewives of Atlanta’

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    Dwight Eubanks: Keeping Things Real Regarding 'Housewvies of Atlanta'

    Make no mistake about it, no one behind the scenes is telling ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Dwight Eubanks what to do. The Atlanta native went from having a simple cameo as Nene Leakes’ scene-stealing “gay boyfriend” to becoming a main cast member on the second season of the hit Bravo reality television series.

    “I am not an actor. I was asked to come on and be a part of the show and to be real…I am not the sixth housewife,” Eubanks told the BV Newswire yesterday.

    “If I wanted to be with a woman, I will be with a woman and if I want to be with a guy, then I will be with a guy,” he declared. “I like all fruits, but I do have a problem with [people] dwelling on ‘Dwight the gay housewife.’ Let’s get to know Dwight.”.

    As of late, his no-holds-bar attitude has made his relationships with some of the ‘Housewives’ stars a bit tense.

    “I just don’t understand it,” he noted. “Some of the other people have problems with me being friends with the other women….girls harp on situations [like] ‘You said this,’ or ‘You did that’ versus saying ‘B****h, did you say this?’ and going directly to the source of the problem.”

    But, Eubanks isn’t holding it against them.

    “They perceive me as a b***h. I have nothing but love for all of them.”

    What many viewers of the successful Bravo television network franchise do not know is that the self-proclaimed style purveyor actually knew Sheree Whitfield and Lisa Wu Hartwell well before becoming fast friends with his close gal pal Leakes.

    “I knew Sheree and her husband Bob,” he revealed. “She had a store called Bella Azul [and] my partner at the time was doing Lisa’s hair and I knew of Lisa when she was going through her divorce situation [with Keith Sweat] but I didn’t really meet her until the show.”

    As for the show’s resident vixen, he adds, “I was really more friendly with Greg than Nene and we grew to be a part of each other’s lives and it grew to being what it was.”

    These days, the fashionable entrepreneur has grown incredibly fond of the newest ‘Housewives’ star, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss.

    “I met Kandi this year and never knew about Xscape,” Eubanks explained. “I like her as a person and her mother and I clicked and before I knew it I had dinner at their house.”

    Now, the unlikely pair do dinner together, often, and according to the former Saks Fifth Avenue style director, they have become a sort of adopted family.

    Until now, little has been known about the man that is Dwight Eubanks. Recently he’s been a little more open about his past – telling Essence.com that his minister parents beat him for playing with his sister’s dolls, until his grandmother helped them accept him for who he is. Born at Grady Hospital and raised on Atlanta’s Southside area, Eubanks credits his godfather with nurturing his love for hair by allowing a young Dwight to apprentice in his salon.

    As for his feelings on the show as a whole? “The reality show is what it is. We don’t have to agree. They have gone through a whole season disagreeing. And agreeing is not reality. I like to move on.” There are talks that Eubanks may soon have his very own television show, but until then he’s happy doing what he’s been doing for the past 21 years.

    “Reality television don’t pay no money. I had this life before [‘Housewives’] came on and I have four [mortgage] notes to pay – that’s a lot and I haven’t ventured off to doing any new ventures lately,” he declared.

    He doesn’t know how they will figure out what to do for a show of his own, adding, “most days I don’t know what to do with myself. I know I am a lot.”

    Off-camera, you can catch him at one of his two successful Purple Door Atlanta salons. “I still do hair every day and I enjoy being at the shampoo bowls. I like doing everything that I do. This is why I choose this profession.”

     

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  • NeNe Leakes Feels Misunderstood…

    Posted by: straightfromthea.com

    NeNe Leakes ~ Alter Ego by D. Blanks

    NeNe Leakes says shes pissed off about Bravo’s portrayal of her during the 2nd season of the hit series The Real Housewives of Atlanta and she’s not taking it anymore! Leakes, who is shown during the final episode arguing with fellow castmates Kandi Burruss and allegedly choking Kim Zolciak says it’s not fair that she’s being made out the be the villain…

     

    TO READ MORE, CLICK HERE

     

     

  • popwife: ‘Balloon Boy’ vomits on Destiny’s Child

    Posted by: TashaJC

    This was just too hilarious to pass up. Destiny’s Child and Balloon Boy. Together.

     

  • Content on Demand: Steve Harvey Teams Up With State Farm for Comedy Shorts

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    Steve Harvey Teams Up With State Farm

    To further expand the advancement of his media empire, Steve Harvey is teaming up with insurance giant State Farm for a series of 48 digital comedy shorts. Each short will cover various topics appealing strictly to the interest of car and home insurance consumers. And what better time to embark on his new campaign than during this week’s National Teen Driver Safety Week. Harvey takes a humorous approach at his teen’s desire for purchasing a new Cadillac Escalade.

    steve harvey“The campaign’s basic idea was to extend the Steve Harvey and State Farm brands in an unexpected yet wanted manner,” said Bob Wingo, CEO of Sanders/Wingo, the African-American advertising agency of record, which created and produced the campaign. “Everyone wants to be in social media and utilizing digital content, but to be successful as we believe this will be, it needs to be relevant.”

    “These bits are strictly entertaining,” said State Farm marketing chief Pam El. “Though they address insurance and financial services related topics, to broaden Stat Farm’s brand voice in an unexpected way, they are delivered with Steve’s unique perspective and humor.”

    You can check out Steve Harvey’s first digital comedy short here.

     

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  • Lee Naijar: ‘Real Housewives’ Mysterious "Big Poppa" Reportedly Selling Atlanta Mansion

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    Real HousewivesThe palatial Atlanta mansion of Lee Najjar, the alleged boyfriend of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kim Zolciak, is on the market for $25 million.

    BV Newswire previously reported that Zolciak and her on-again-off-again wealthy boyfriend (pictured left with music/film producer Dallas Austin) had split. The hit Bravo reality series has recently centered on the couple’s relationship despite Najjar being legally married.

    His children, Katelin and Jamen, were featured on the MTV series ‘Teen Cribs’ earlier this year, where they let MTV cameras in on their luxurious digs. Earlier this year, portions of the film ‘Zombieland‘ were reportedly shot on-location at Najjar’s home.

    According to Buckhead.net, the home, which was built as a summer cottage in 1914, sold in 2004 for $2.74 million.

    Rodney Ho, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper’s Radio and TV Talk blog, reports that the home is being marketed through Christie’s and other high-end magazines to attract a foreign buyer. The nine-bedroom estate, which boasts a movie theater, music studio, beauty salon, game room, basketball court and countless other amenities, would be the first home to sell in the Atlanta secondary market for more than $10 million.

    As for his relationship with Zolciak, although the mother of two told Usmagazine.com that they had split on Oct. 14. She went on to tell other media: “We are on and off…very tricky right now.”

    The ‘Tardy for the Party’ singer has also been recently spotted wearing the engagement ring that the real estate mogul gave her — on her right hand.

    There is no word on whether Najjar and his wife – whose name is coincidentally Kimberly – are still married.

     

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  • Revolution Money: Would You Use the New Revolution Money Card?

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    Revolution Money is a relatively new money exchange system and credit card network. Having recently expanded its reach by partnering with Fifth Third Bank as an issuing agent for its cards, Revolution Money also just raised $42 million through Goldman Sachs in April. People in the business community must really believe Revolution Money is something very special. With a sea of credit and debit cards available to consumers and merchants, what makes Revolution Money and it’s card offering different?

    Well for one thing, the card physically looks and technically functions like nothing else on the market. Paymentsnews.com explains:

    Originally positioned to appeal to the extremely security conscious market segment, all transactions are PIN-based, riding over the debit networks’ rails using a proprietary BIN range (PINs for ecommerce transactions are entered in the CVC2/CVV2 field). Cards are not embossed, and do not have the cardholder name printed on the card or encoded on the mag-stripe. In addition, the number printed on the card is different than the number encoded on the mag-stripe, adding some level of additional risk management.

    Financial protection is definitely a plus during these uncertain times. In addition, Revolution Money offers an innovative and extra-secure way of sending money online called Revolution Money Exchange, which touts itself as a viable alternative to both checks and cash. Revolution Money is definitely leading on the bleeding edge in terms of offering consumers new ways to safely spend.

    But what does Revolution Money offer the business owner? Uniquely, the Revolution Money system is set up to reward merchants with points for encouraging customers to use the Revolution card, while suggesting that merchants pass those rewards on to their customers. This then promotes the loyalty of customers to the specific merchants offering the rewards, rather than the card. Businesses of various kinds can surely see the potential in this type of “revolutionary” arrangement with a credit card company. Usually, merchants lose money on credit card deals and the card issuer retains all the loyalty based on rewards. The Revolution Money system reverses all that.

    Should Revolution Money and Revolution Money Exchange turn the purchasing world on it’s head? Will the Revolution Money card become a preferred method for payment for consumers and merchants alike? Can Revolution Money Exchange really overtake the ubiquity of PayPal? Only time will tell. But as this recent partnership between Revolution Money and Fifth Third Bank shows, this company is taking no prisoners on its rampage path of growth.

     

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  • Dr. Boyce Money: Rapper Nas in Serious Tax Trouble

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    Hip Hop Wired is reporting that the rapper Nas is having some serious financial problems. In addition to owing his wife Kelis $44,000 per month in child support, it turns out that the artist also owes the federal government another $2.5 million in taxes. Here are quick thoughts about Nas, love and money:

    1) Nas has a complicated life. His decision to marry the “love of his life” is going to cost him for the rest of his life. The rapper’s tax situation could be due to irresponsibility (as appears to be the case with Method Man and Nicolas Cage), or it could simply be a matter of using write-offs that were not allowed by the IRS. We can’t assume that Nas’ tax trouble automatically makes him into a horrible citizen.

    2) He is not as rich as you think. I remember Will Smith once explaining how “a million dollars really isn’t that much money.” After Uncle Sam takes half, and the agents and attorneys get their cut, you are lucky to have $350,000 left over. Sure, that’s plenty of money, but it may not be very much money relative to the cost of living the celebrity lifestyle, and taking care of all the friends and relatives begging you for financial support. Success is a beautiful thing, but the problem is that success draws attention and financial vacuum cleaners who want to suck you dry. So, I am not sure why every artist loves to show the world how rich he is. I’d be quiet about my wealth.

    3) Please explain $44,000 per month in child support? Many men who make the kind of money that Nas allegedly makes (reported to be $250,000 per month) are considered to have infinite wealth. The truth, however, is that much of his income as an artist is volatile, uncertain, and likely to go down over time. The idea that he is being asked to pay so much in child support seems to neglect the fact that his resources do not go as far as Kelis and others might be inclined to think. The next time someone wonders why wealthy celebs don’t want to get married, they only need to look at the case of Nas and Kelis to find the answer. Love is supposed to be priceless, but child support courts seem to know exactly what that price should be.

    When it comes to Nas, Kelis and the IRS, the bottom line is this: Nas needs a financial intervention to help him to realistically manage his financial life. By analyzing his situation and others, we also can learn how our personal decisions in love and life can affect our financial situation. The truth is that who you choose to marry and how you manage your relationships plays a huge role in your financial stability. Finally, I am a fan of carefully constructed prenuptial agreements, so that wealth can be shared in such a way that marriage doesn’t become financially devastating. They say love and money shouldn’t mix, but relationship mistakes should not cost millions.

    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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  • McDonald’s Monopoly Online: Playing the Game This Year?

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    McDonald’s Monopoly Online game is heating up around the Internet. People around the world can’t get enough of this online game, which takes the wildly popular McDonald’s Monopoly game to another level. In the McDonald’s Monopoly Online game, McDonald’s customers can win free food, electronics, cash, or find themselves with a $1,000,000 windfall just like in the regular game. What makes the online version of the McDonald’s Monopoly game so thrilling, is that there are a bevy of secret codes, free pieces and additional chances to win through McDonald’s Facebook page and Web site.

    To help users make the most of the additional chances to win big, a host of articles have sprung up to help users play the McDonald’s Monopoly Online game to win the big prizes. For great tips on McDonald’s Monopoly Online game, visit these sites:

    1. McDonald’s Monopoly Online Game Board 2009: Free Codes and Links to Rare Online Monopoly Pieces

    2. Cracking the infamous McDonald’s Monopoly Game

    3. McDonald’s Monopoly 2009: Free Codes & Tips

    4. Free McDonald’s Monopoly Online Codes

    5. Detailed McDonald’s Monopoly Online Instructions

    Like all sweepstakes, no purchase is necessary (although in the case of McDonald’s Monopoly Online game, making as many purchases as possible certainly can help). To play McDonald’s Monopoly Online game without parting with your hard-earned cash, follow these instructions:

    To participate without making a purchase, mail a legibly handwritten, self-addressed, stamped envelope (“SASE”) with sufficient postage and a return address (first and last name, street address, city, state, and zip or postal code) to:

    2009 MONOPOLY at McDonald’s Free Game Piece Request
    P.O. Box 49189
    Strongsville, OH 44149-0189

    Happy playing! McDonald’s Monopoly Online game can be fun to play in this economy, as winning something as small as a McFlurry can brighten your spirits, even as you go for the big prizes. McDonald’s Monopoly Online game runs until November 16, 2009.

     

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  • Stephanie Pratt Busted for DUI

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    A source close to Pratt tells us Stephanie had just left Holly Montag’s birthday party when she was pulled over. Our source says cops watched Stephanie get in her car and were waiting to bust her.

    TMZ has learned Stephanie Pratt was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence early this morning in Hollywood…

    TO READ MORE, CLICK HERE

  • Zoe "Everyone Else Can Go F–k Themselves"

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    Zoe Saldana grabs onto Aussie co-star Sam Worthington at the premiere of their new James Cameron-director film Avatar in Tokyo on Saturday (October 17).

    Zoe recently told Esquire, “Sam is very manly. There’s something about Aussies. They’re potent and intense but also very giving. Australian men remind me of Dominican men, I guess. They come here and all they have is the shirt on their back and passion, and it’s like everyone else can go f–k themselves. I love that.”

    Click Here For more pics & Full Story

  • Dr Boyce Money: Everything You Need to Know About Credit Scores Pt 1

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    Given the growing importance of credit scores in our economy, I thought I would do a Dr. Boyce Money series on credit scores and how they affect your life. These might answer many of the questions you have about your credit report and how the scores are calculated. We will also cover your rights as a consumer and how you might improve the score you’ve got. Enjoy!

    Who are the major credit bureaus and where do the scores come from?

    In the US, there are 3 major credit bureaus, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. These are the three agencies that others can ask for credit information about you. Under the old system, your score would range from 375 to 900. There is a new system in place with VantageScore, which ranges from 501 to 990. The system is considered more consistent across the various bureaus, but it does not change much in terms of your credit worthiness. So, if you were a AAA borrower before the fact, you are going to be one now.


    How can I get a copy of my credit report?

    One way to get a copy of your report is to go to Myfico. You can order a report from any of the 3 bureaus, or you can order all 3. Another method for obtaining a credit report is to go to free sites such as freecreditreport.com (although there are conflicting viewpoints on whether this service is actually free). Under the law, the reporting agencies are entitled to give consumers at least one free credit report every year. Also, if you are denied credit for any reason, you can send a copy of the rejection letter to any credit bureau and receive a free credit report. Otherwise, the report is going to cost you about $8.

    How is a credit score calculated?

    The model for credit reports is based on what they call “The 4 C’s of Credit”: Character, collateral, capacity, capital and conditions. What are they?

    Character is their way of trying to decide if you are a good person or not. Effectively, if you have a history of not paying your debts, they define you as not having the character to repay. This is a bit silly, since some people don’t repay their debts because they are having financial trouble, not because they are bad human beings.

    Collateral is represented by assets you are willing to pledge against the loan as additional security in case you aren’t able or willing to pay.

    Capacity is represented mostly by income level and future earning opportunities.

    Capital is reflected mostly in your cash reserves, and other relatively liquid investments. High capital implies that you can pay the fees that are owed.

    Conditions are things that are basically out of your control: the state of the economy, your line of business, or any other issues on your credit report that do not necessarily reflect personal choices made by you.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University 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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  • Content On Demand: Update On AJ Jewell’s Death

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    aj jewell s death
    Two weeks following his death, preliminary autopsy results conclude that ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Ashley “A.J.” Jewell died from a pre-existing bout with sickle-cell anemia. Fulton County Associate Medical Examiners suggest the blood disorder disease may have restricted Jewell’s oxygen supply and infuriated his fatal injuries. “The altercation played a role in that, and his underlying disease process contributed to his overall demise,” medical examiner Dr. Kelly Rose told E! News. “In certain states of stress, the red cells actually become deformed. They deliver oxygen to all parts of your body, but when they have this sickle shape, there’s a backup or plug-in that happens. It’s especially bad in your lungs.” The fiancé of former Xscape member, Kandi Burruss, died from a severe blow during an Oct. 2 altercation at Atlanta strip club Body Tap. The Atlanta hot spot was co-owned by Jewell. For more information on the investigation of Ashley Jewell’s death head over to E! News.

     

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  • Raj Rajaratnam: Who Is He?

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    Only the latest white collar crook to be arrested and charged with insider trading in the stock of companies including HIlton, Clearwire and Google. The founder of Galleon Group, a major hedge fund and worth $1.3 billion is (or if perhaps found guilty WAS) the world’s 559th most richest person (according to Forbes), The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 52-year-old Rajaratnam and five others on Friday in New York.

    The other money-mongering suspects include:

    +Danielle Chiesi, employee of New Castle Funds formerly the equity hedge fund group of Bear Stearns Asset Management

    +Mark Kurland, New Castle executive

    +Rajiv Goel of Intel Capital

    +Anil Kumar, director at McKinsey & Co., management consulting firm

    +Robert Moffat, executive at IBM

    What else do we know about the ringleader? Although a democrat and financial supporter of both Barack Obama’s campaign for presidency and several of Hilary Clinton’s; among the disturbing facts revealed is that Rajaratnam is said to have funded the Sri Lankan noxious terrorist group Tamil Tigers.
    .

    Illegal insider trading is a capital offense. It is a greedy violation believed to raise the cost of capital for securities issuers, thus decreasing overall economic growth. As if the world’s economy isn’t suffering enough. The financial penalties for such a crime could amount to as much as three times the amount gained or the loss avoided from illegal trading, not to mention the perpetual prison timeinsider trading. In this case the founder of the Galleon Hedge Fund is said to have garnered in excess of $20 million. His bail was set at $100 million to be secured by $20 million in collateral. Do the math. Crime NEVER pays.

    Read the full account here at the Huffington Post

     

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  • Weekend Wave

    Posted by: Jo Jo Simmons

    Young Simmons- “Juelz Santan’s album is gonna be a problem!”

    Juelz Santana “Mixing Up The Medicine”

     

    Shaka- “Im just trying to bring some reggae flavor to GG”

    Vybez Kartel “Money Fi Spend”

     

    Blogxilla- “This is a real song!”

    Wale feat. Rihanna “Contemplated”

    Piper- “I have spidey senses like him”

    Beanie Siegel “Feel It In The Air”

    Kandy- “Im in a romantic mood this weekend”

    Maxwell “Till The Cops Come Knockin’”

    A.R.- “its gucci’s version of lol (smiley face) and burrprint 3d is crack!”

    Gucci Mane “Frowney Face”

    Andrea- “This is from the movie “Where The Wilds Things Are” which is out now!”

    Karen O & The Kids “All Is Love”

     

  • You Think Gucci Mane Is The Next Wayne?

    Posted by: ImGlobalNow

     

     

    It’s no secret how Young Money’s leading general Lil Wayne got his spot as one of the most popular entertainers out today. He continuously expanded his music catalogue by releasing mixtape after mixtape, and collaboration after collaboration with various artists. After doing this for over a year, Weezy released his album hitting platinum success, and continues to be one of the most popular entertainers today.

    It appears that rappers are taking notice of Weezy’s strategy, as Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane is on his way to the top. While in jail, a series of mix-tapes featuring Gucci’s music were released, increasing the So Icy MC’s street popularity. Once released from prison, Gucci Mane set off on a campaign to keep the streets hot and conquer the mainstream scene. Collaborating with Mariah Carey on the “Obsessed” remix and appearing on Mario’s hit “Break Up,” Gucci was becoming a crossover artist and being introduced to America. Not forgetting where he came from, he continued to cater to the streets, as his post-prison released mix-tapes, Writing On The Wall, The Movie Part 2, and The Burrprint 3D, have had both the ‘net and streets in a frenzy. Gucci Mane shows no sign of slowing down, as he continues to release new tracks, and was just recently named the #6 Hottest MC of 2009 by MTV. Below are a few of his recent collaborations.

     

    Cam’ron & Vado feat. Gucci Mane: Cuffin’

    Sean Garrett feat. Gucci Mane: Up In My Heart

    Teairra Mari, Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane: Sponsor

    Jagged Edge feat. Trina & Gucci Mane: Tip Of My Tongue

    Triple C’s feat. Gucci Mane: Trick’n Off

    Big Boi feat. Gucci Mane: Shine Blockers

    Mariah Carey feat. OJ Da Juiceman, Gucci Mane: H.A.T.E. U (Remix)

     

    Do you think Gucci Mane is the next Lil Wayne (in terms of popularity), or will his buzz start to go away?

     

    Until Next Time, 

    @ImGlobalNow

  • Do You Think Gucci Mane Is The Next Lil Wayne?

    Posted by: ImGlobalNow

     

     

    It’s no secret how Young Money’s leading general Lil Wayne got his spot as one of the most popular entertainers out today. He continuously expanded his music catalogue by releasing mixtape after mixtape, and collaboration after collaboration with various artists. After doing this for over a year, Weezy released his album hitting platinum success, and continues to be one of the most popular entertainers today.

    It appears that rappers are taking notice of Weezy’s strategy, as Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane is on his way to the top. While in jail, a series of mix-tapes featuring Gucci’s music were released, increasing the So Icy MC’s street popularity. Once released from prison, Gucci Mane set off on a campaign to keep the streets hot and conquer the mainstream scene. Collaborating with Mariah Carey on the “Obsessed” remix and appearing on Mario’s hit “Break Up,” Gucci was becoming a crossover artist and being introduced to America. Not forgetting where he came from, he continued to cater to the streets, as his post-prison released mix-tapes, Writing On The Wall, The Movie Part 2, and The Burrprint 3D, have had both the ‘net and streets in a frenzy. Gucci Mane shows no sign of slowing down, as he continues to release new tracks, and was just recently named the #6 Hottest MC of 2009 by MTV. Below are a few of his recent collaborations.

     

    Cam’ron & Vado feat. Gucci Mane: Cuffin’

    Sean Garrett feat. Gucci Mane: Up In My Heart

    Teairra Mari, Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane: Sponsor

    Jagged Edge feat. Trina & Gucci Mane: Tip Of My Tongue

    Triple C’s feat. Gucci Mane: Trick’n Off

    Big Boi feat. Gucci Mane: Shine Blockers

    Mariah Carey feat. OJ Da Juiceman, Gucci Mane: H.A.T.E. U (Remix)

     

    Do you think Gucci Mane is the next Lil Wayne (in terms of popularity), or will his buzz start to go away?

     

    Until Next Time, 

    @ImGlobalNow

  • Method Man, Wesley Snipes Arrested for Taxes, but Not Nicolas Cage?

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    I’ve met Method Man only one time, and I’ve never met Wesley Snipes or Nicolas Cage. In spite of his mixed public image, Method Man actually comes across as an intelligent, attentive and down-to-earth human being. At the time I met him, I’d only been on national TV a couple of times, but he talked to me as if he’d known me his entire life. He even recited the lyrics to Ice Cube songs that I brought up and told me stories about Tupac. I was quite impressed.

    The closest I’ve ever come to Nicolas Cage is when his movie came out about the 911 attacks and they forgot to include the black guy’s character. It was incredibly tacky, but effectively, there was an African American named Jason Thomas who played a huge role in 911 – large enough for them to include his character in the film. But somehow, in all their exhaustive research for this multi-million dollar blockbuster movie, they simply forgot that his character was black. Instead, he was cast as a white man. How the producers could have overlooked something so obvious was beyond me. In fact, I find it hard to believe that this was an accidental oversight.

    I don’t have much to say about Wesley Snipes, except for the fact that he should watch what he says about black women. Oh yeah. He needs to also pay attention to his tax bill.

    Where Nicolas Cage, Wesley Snipes and Method Man cross paths in my psyche is on the touchy issue of tax evasion. I listened to Method Man (in this interview) take full responsibility for the fact that he was arrested for owing $33,000 in back taxes. He even jokes about it, which is better than I’d be able to do.

    Nicolas Cage owes far too much money to joke about anything. In various media reports, Cage owes over $6 million dollars to the IRS. Now, I have no idea why Method Man is in handcuffs, Wesley got a prison sentence and Nicolas Cage just has to put his castle and mansion on the auction block (yes, the dude really owns a castle – that’s what my friends might call “Intergallactic ballin” – I came up with term that myself). I am also unsure how a man who’s made so much money could be so far behind on his taxes. At the same time, tax problems are human, and there are tons of Americans in all income brackets who have tax trouble every year.

    As you know, I enjoy finding true teachable moments in everyday life. Given that an IRS audit increases your chances of getting you into tax trouble, I thought I’d bring the classroom to the web and share a few facts with you about taxes, audits and finance.

    Here are 4 things that can increase your likelihood of being audited by the IRS:

    1) Having an income that is greater than $50,000 per year – When you make the cheese, you become a big fish and worth the time to audit. The IRS doesn’t have time to go after little wallets.

    2) You are self-employed – Statistics show that self-employed people tend to do the most wiggling and fudging on their taxes, so having your own business flags you as an audit risk.

    3) Making a mistake on prior tax returns – if you’ve made mistakes in the past, you are likely to make another one…at least more likely than everyone else. This will flag your return for a possible audit.

    4) An excessive number of tax write-offs – if the dollar value of your deductions exceeds a certain percentage of your income, then the IRS may come after you. Make sure that any write-offs you have are well documented and legal. You don’t want to cheat on your taxes or get too greedy when filing.

    Remember that tax problems can happen to anyone, so if you are subjected to an audit, don’t panic. Go buy a book on dealing with audits, “fess up,” pay your fine and go on with your life. You’re not in the same boat as Method Man.

    If you want to hear this right out of my mouth, feel free to click on the video below. I’m going to hang out in Chicago:

    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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  • Oprah Winfrey: Reuniting Evander Holyfield & Mike Tyson

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    Oprah Winfrey Reuniting Evander Holyfield & Mike Tyson

    Oprah Winfrey‘s intimate interview with Mike Tyson on Oct. 12 has now resulted in plans to reunite him with his boxing rival Evander Holyfield.

    BV Newswire has learned that following an outpouring of audience response from the infamous pugilist’s appearance, he will return to ‘The Oprah Winfrey on Oct. 16 and take questions from the studio audience and speak about the overwhelming reaction he’s had from his first interview.

    A Harpo Productions has confirmed that Tyson will reunite with Holyfield on the ‘Oprah’ show stage. Their appearance together on the will mark the first time Tyson and Holyfield have spoken face-to-face since their infamous 1997 incident.

    The Brownsville, Brooklyn raised boxer talked candidly about it his past and very public ordeals on the show earlier this week, including his disastrous marriage and divorce from former TV star Robin Givens, his trial and three-year imprisonment for rape, and his ear-biting bout with Holyfield.

    “I didn’t feel guilty at the time … I didn’t feel guilty at all,” Tyson revealed.

     

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  • I Don’t Think Soulja Boy’s Going Broke!

    Posted by: ImGlobalNow

    Check out this video where Soulja Boy shows off his jewelry collection and some evidence that he isn’t going broke.

     

    TO WATCH, CLICK HERE

  • HOT COPY: Toni Braxton Facing Foreclosure

    Filed under: ,

    Toni Braxton Facing Foreclosure

    In addition to battling health issues over the years, Toni Braxton has also been plagued with financial woes. Earlier this month, the Grammy Award winner was slapped with a counter suit by insurance firm Lloyd’s of London after she sued the company for refusing to pay her when she canceled a show in 2006 due to heart problems. To make matters worse, the ‘Another Sad Love Song’ singer has also defaulted on her mortgage payments and is facing possible foreclosure on a California residence. Head over to TMZ for more details.robin givens

     

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  • KKK Threatens Woman after Walmart Incident: Was Walmart to Blame?

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    I mentioned the story before about Heather Ellis, the young woman who was threatened by the KKK after protesting about her arrest that took place in a Walmart store. The story was quite interesting in that Ellis now faces 15 years in prison for effectively cutting line at a Walmart. The unfortunate events occurred when Ellis was shopping with a cousin in Kennett, Missouri.

    Heather and her cousin went to separate lines and when her cousin found the shorter line, Heather joined him. Ellis was then accused of cutting line by the person checking out customers, which led to an altercation. When Ellis was asked to leave the store, she argued with the managers, which led to the police being called. Ellis was eventually charged with disturbing the peace, resisting arrest and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

    Ellis, a college student on her way to medical school, argues that the charges were not appropriate, particularly since she doesn’t have a history of this kind of behavior. She now faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Ellis has publicly protested the DA’s decision to push the case forward, which has led to her receiving threats from the Ku Klux Klan. The African American community is working to help Heather now, as a website has been set up for an online protest and petition fighting to support Heather’s case.

    The question here, from a business standpoint is whether or not Walmart could have done something to avoid this situation. Some people think so.

    Dr. Towanna Freeman, a management consultant, argues that Walmart could have avoided the entire problem by paying greater attention to customer service.

    “Regardless of a person’s ethnicity, gender, or sexual preference, this case started when the cashier failed to convey at least one of the core beliefs and values of Sam Walton: ‘Customers are the reason we’re in business, so we should treat them that way.’,” says Dr. Freeman. “With that said, the cashier could have easily interjected and calmed the angry crowd by saying something like, ‘Excuse me, although we don’t promote cutting lines, please allow me to assist this customer now. This will only take a few minutes. Thank you, for your patience.’”

    The case for Heather Ellis is heating up. I’ve made some calls around the country and it appears that the case might finally get the attention it deserves. Also, the Your Black World Coalition is going to get involved, along with the National Action Network, to ensure that this young lady’s case is carefully analyzed. The bottom line, however, is that this incident should never have happened and Walmart has engaged in bad business by allowing its stores to be the center of such a racially-charged controversy.

    There is the added reality that Kennett, Missouri is Rush Limbaugh country. Respect for African Americans in the legal system of this town is not what it should be, and the more emails I receive about past indiscretions in this region, the more I am starting to wonder if Heather was going to be treated fairly in the first place. The presence of the KKK doesn’t help their case and only serves to remind us that we do not live in a “post racial America.”

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and the 2007 Black Speaker of the Year. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. To follow Dr. Boyce on Twitter, click here. If you wish to find out more about the case of Heather Ellis, please visit www.SaveHeatherEllis.com.

     

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  • HOT COPY: 37th Annual American Music Awards nominations announced

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    Snoop DoggPaula Abdul, Adam Lambert and Snoop Dogg revealed nominees for the 37th Annual the American Music Awards (AMAs)
    This morning, Snoop Dogg, Paula Abdul and Adam Lambert revealed nominees for the 37th Annual the American Music Awards (AMAs). Taylor Swift leads the nominations race with six total nominations. The late, great Michael Jackson follows with five, while Eminem follows with four nominations. Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon and T.I. are all up for three awards, respectively. Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, and Jennifer Lopez were also announced as performers for the 37th annual AMAs. The live broadcast will take place at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on Nov. 22 at 8:00 p.m. on ABC. More information on the 37th Annual American Music Awards can be found at The Futon Critic.

     

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  • Dr Boyce: Dr King’s Kids Fighting Over Money – What We Can Learn

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    Most of us know about Dr. Martin Luther King’s childrens’ fight over money. We are all saddened and disappointed that it has come to this, but this shows that the family is human like the rest of us. But there are things all of us can learn from this dispute when it comes to leaving money for your children.The dispute between the kids is now resolved, but that doesn’t mean that the teachable moment has ended. The video below breaks it all down in our Dr. Boyce Web Chat. Enjoy!

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

     

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  • **PICS** Vanessa & Angela’s Family Vacation!

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    Uncle Russ took Vanessa & Angela on vacation with their cousins (Ming Lee & Aoki) and Julie Henderson.  Enjoy the personal pics below:

  • 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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  • Toya & Jim Jones Hit Atlanta Strip Club **Pics**

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    The celebs came out to show support to Atlanta’s shoe models who work at Magic City, one of the best gentlemen’s clubs in the world. Jim Jones, Terrance J, Toya and Big Kuntry King were among a few of the names to witness the festivities at the city of magic. Inside the blog you’ll see Jim Jones making it rain, lap dances and Toya rocking the mic.

    Click Here To See Original Story

     

     

  • Was Oprah Totally Disrespected On Her Private Jet?

    Posted by: socialitelife.celebuzz.com

    Ooooowee, Oprah!  Your private jet is more interesting than your show!  And the new Melrose Place! RadarOnline.com reported today that Corrine Gehrls, a flight attendant, has sued Oprah Winfrey’s company, Harpo, Inc. because of her wrongful termination.  This was due to false accusations that she and a married pilot joined the mile high club while Oprah was sleeping. 

    Click Here For Original Story & More Details


  • High School Drop Out? Most Likely Will Do Time!

    Posted by: The Connector

    A new report chronicling the whereabouts of past high school dropouts shows that all dropouts, and particularly African-Americans, are far more likely to wind up incarcerated or unemployed than those with a high school diploma. 

    Compiled by researchers at Northeastern University, the report shows that high school dropouts are roughly six times more likely to become incarcerated than high school graduates. But the more startling statistic was that between 2006 and 2007 around 23 percent of 16- to 24-year-old African American male high school dropouts were incarcerated or otherwise institutionalized at some point, compared with 6.3 percent of all dropouts.

    TO READ MORE, CLICK ON ORIGINAL STORY

     

  • X-Xilla Rated Pics Of The Week **PHOTOS**

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    This week we saw a lot of celebrity skin, read about divorce papers, and seen the return of an urban legend put on hold and delayed. Despite all of this I was still able to gather the sexiest pics of the week. So buckle up and lets take a ride back down the week that was… very X Xilla Rating. (Green text is a link to the full story)

     

     

    Kendra Wilkerson boobs got bigger this week, making her think she was going to explode… She wanted to get a reduction, but instead she released pics of when her boobs were smaller. One of the side effects were a lot of men thought they would explode.

     

     

    Christina Millian isn’t letting that baby bump keep her from popping that thing like… as she was out and about dancing and showing the world her beautiful pregnant glow. For more pics of C-Milli Click Here

     

     

    Also this week Rihanna outed Katy Perry as her wh*re friend, and it seems like Russell Brand got the memo because he wifed her. *Sidenote* I always thought that the muppets were freaks, maybe Katy is trying to tell her something. Either way we love it. 

     

     

    Russell Simmons reminded us that his girlfriend Julie Henderson is one of the hottest women on the planet as almost every day this week there was a different picture of her on the beach looking amazing. You all do know he sleeps on a bed of models and memory foam right?. Happy Birthday Rush! 

     

     

    Jay-Z already told us he wanted to rhyme like Common and I’m willing to put money on a bunch of other men wishing they were him after he had both Ashanti & Eve on his arm. Not to mention Common’s girlfriend is naked on the cover of ESPN the magazine this month. 

     

     

    I told y’all Aubrey was sending twitpics of her whooty, but she also sent out some great shots of her other body parts as well. We love you Aubrey, thank you for giving us… You. 

     

     

    I really need to start watching 30 Rock. Really. Katrina Bowden took some time off from filming the sitcom to enjoy a nice day on the beach. You can see all of her photos via the Superficial. 

     

     

    I told y’all Julie Henderson and Russell Simmons were on the beach all week right? She likes to read crime novels while taking in some sun. 

     

     

    *Note to self* Watch more 30 Rock because Katrina Bowden is hot!.

     

     

    Coco & Amber got to know each other a little better at the Good Hair Party. Also Coco took Aubrey’s lead and sent out some of the sexiest twitpics in the history to twitpicdom. You can see them all here. 

     

     

    Teairra Marie reminded me how much women love a sponsor when she dropped her new song SPONSOR f. Gucci Man & Soulja Boy. She told me on twitter I give a bit too much information in my twitter messages, but I still love @Teairra_Monroe you should follow her.

     

     

    Rihanna was overseas this week showing the world that SHE IS FASHION WEEK. It’s been rumored that Justin got a lap dance from Riri that made Grandma speak to the press. That must of been one heck of a dance. 

     

     

    Usher called the cops, Nicki is a 5 star chick and Tameka wrote a blog. This has been on amazing week, and we know next week will only be better. 

     

    Until then this is Xilla the gossip and entertainment editor signing off. 

    Follow me on twitter. Twitter.com/BlogXilla

    email me tips, invites, and interview request here. Xilla@globalgrind.com

     

    All pics via (thesuperficial & necolebitchie.com)

     

  • @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!