Black Man Black Woman

Tag: nbsp

  • Wake up, ladies…

    Posted by: Ashley Dupre

    Wow. Talk about outrage. Although many people agreed with my point of view regarding the socially acceptable ways women prostitute themselves, it looks like the haters are still out in full force and twisting my words around (I saw in the NY Post that even a few of the cast members of the Real Housewives of New Jersey chimed in – why so sensitive? Does the truth sting a bit too much?).

    I even had a nut job chase me down on the street this weekend while walking my dogs – she followed me home, screaming and cursing at me the entire time, threatening me, and she had much of it recorded on her iPhone (can’t wait to see that terrifying experience posted somewhere).  So, let me clarify a few things so you call understand. I wasn’t saying “all women” use men for money – I said many, to varying degrees, do.  Whether it’s dating in exchange for jewelry and clothes, or being in a loveless relationship with someone you’re not attracted to simply for the sake of having financial security, it all comes down to compromising yourself in exchange for being taken care of by a man. This is ingrained in us as little girls – find a prince, find a rich man to marry, date someone with the means to care for you.

    I don’t endorse any of these types of relationships and believe that the only healthy relationship is one in which there is love, mutual respect, attraction and friendship (I really hope to find that for myself one day).  But just be honest about what’s worse here – the woman who is deceiving men into thinking they’re in love so they can cash in, the woman who sacrifices her life in a meaningless relationship because she is complacent and too afraid to leave the money to search for something more meaningful, or the “prostitute” who doesn’t pull any punches and is honest about her expectation of receiving financial consideration for sex (at least that’s honest and everyone’s expectations are clear).  I’m not certain one is any better or more ethical than the other – but I do know that each one is unhealthy – and if you’re labeling one of them a “prostitute,” then be honest and call all of them prostitutes. 

    A trophy wife who doesn’t truly love her husband is like being a prostitute on payroll, and a gold digger is like a prostitute who accepts payment in the form of merchandise instead of cash.

    Wake up, ladies.

  • Dr. Boyce Money: Don’t Throw Tavis Smiley Under the Wells Fargo Bus

    Filed under: ,

    When I read about the predatory lending allegations against Tavis Smiley and Wells Fargo, I wasn’t surprised. Not because I feel that Tavis is some kind of crook, but because economic downturns are usually when everyone’s dirty laundry gets aired out. The high flying 2000s were a decade of extravagance, overspending, easy money and troubled relationships. The party was bound to end. Smiley’s party has ended with Wells Fargo, as the company has been accused of using Tavis Smiley and financial expert Kelvin Boston to convince African Americans to sign on to loans that turned out to be predatory. Neither Boston nor Smiley is willing to disclose the amount they were paid for the service, but I’m sure it wasn’t chump change.

    I’ve been open and honest in my critiques of Tavis Smiley in the past, but I give credit where it’s due. I’ve always felt that Tavis Smiley is a man who works out of a sincere respect and appreciation for the black community. He is not out to hoodwink, swindle or hurt us, at least not deliberately. At worst, Smiley is guilty of being caught in a situation that he may not have fully understood.

    Although I agree with the black community’s decision to hold Tavis Smiley accountable for his actions, I want us to be cautious of going overboard in our judgments. Here are 5 things I want to say about Tavis Smiley:

    1) Don’t throw Tavis under the bus. African Americans can be tough on our public figures. After Smiley’s repeated calls for accountability against President Obama, many failed to appreciate the value of scrutinizing our elected officials. While Tavis’ close relationship with Hillary Clinton undermined the credibility of his challenges to Obama, the truth is that accountability is very important when dealing with any politician. One must respect Tavis for having the willingness to say things that are unpopular, which even Obama himself doesn’t always have the courage to do.

    2) Beware of corporate sponsors bearing gifts. One of the greatest barriers to social progress for African Americans has been our inability to properly assess those who sponsor our activities. Any corporation that comes along with a signed check can usually find a place at our table. Would you want your teenage daughter taking money from any boy who offered it to her? Probably not, because you know that the the boy might be expecting “repayment” at the end of the night. The same is true for corporate sponsors, who are paying you to present the kind of image they want the public to see.

    3) The revolution will NOT be brought to you by Walmart. Rarely, if ever, can true black activism be achieved via funding provided by companies run by the descendants of our historical oppressors. This is due to the inherent conflict of interest between capitalist entities and the plight of the poor. African Americans are disproportionately poor and working class. Therefore, unfettered capitalism is designed to destroy us (although compassionate capitalism can fuel economic growth). So, while one can certainly understand why Smiley would be happy to take corporate money for his State of the Black Union event every year, the truth of the matter is that the honest activism of such a function can only go so far.

    4) A critical line must be drawn between financing and influence. There’s a reason that the New York times doesn’t let it’s advertisers decide which stories are going to appear on the front page. This is because the natural power that comes with financial support must be tempered by a commitment to conscientious objectives. If Wells Fargo needs to be called out for its predatory lending practices, that is not going to happen with the Wells Fargo logo placed behind the speaker’s head. There should be independent oversight of all funding sources for The State of the Black Union, The State of Black America, as well as events held by the NAACP and Urban League every year. Influence is bought behind the scenes all the time, and good black leadership should be as transparent as possible.

    5) We should keep supporting Tavis. Tavis Smiley’s annual event, The State of the Black Union, is one of the most celebrated in the black community. With a renewed commitment to conscientious corporate sponsorship, The State of the Black Union can regain its status as a respected and appreciated forum for black education. But in order for this to happen, we must make sure we know where the money is coming from, where it is going and what strings are attached. Without properly vetting the sources of your financial support, you are setting yourself up for corruption.

    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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  • Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

    Filed under: ,

    The murder of Yale University Lab Technician Annie Le was sad, particularly since her body was found on what was supposed to be her wedding day. The accused killer in this incident is Raymond Clark III, a 24-year old co-worker. This tragic incident is not only problematic due to the fact that a young woman lost her life. It is also a sad reminder of the dramatic rise in workplace violence throughout the United States.There has been an 18% increase in workplace violence in 2009, relative to last year. Also, according to Corporate Counseling Associates, an HR consulting firm, there has been a 28% increase in workplace suicides. A poor economy certainly plays a role in the frequency of workplace violence, as tough times lead to tough decisions by firm managers who have to slice jobs in order to keep the company afloat.

    African Americans are impacted even more by the threat of workplace violence, since our unemployment rate tends to be much higher than that of white Americans. Also, other forms of related violence, such as that which occurs in the home, are affected when the economy goes south. In other words, a tough economy leads to problems that go far beyond money.

    The case of Annie Le brings some questions to light when one thinks about violence in the workplace. These questions should be asked by employees and employers, since violence is not only a threat to employee safety, it is also a potential door to major lawsuits filed by those affected:

    1) Are there background checks being done on employees? If an employee has committed a violent crime in the past, this may unfortunately be a reason not to bring him/her into the workplace. At the very least, precautions should be taken to ensure that the other employees are protected.

    2) Are there proper channels for reporting violence when it occurs? In the student shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University, some students died allegedly because the university did not have a proper warning system.

    3) Is there a way to provide counseling to workers so they can handle layoffs or workplace stress in a more productive manner? What about dispute resolution between employees? If the workplace has become uncomfortable, employees should be able to report the discomfort to management so that problems are solved before they get out of hand.

    4) Are there ways to spot situations in which an employee is at risk of being violent in the workplace?     Clark, the tech who is accused of killing Ms. Le, was known to be a “control freak” and allegedly felt that the animal cages in the lab were his personal territory. There are many cases in which workplace violence is committed by individuals who’ve shown a propensity for aggressive behavior.

    5) Are employees informed on the company’s existing policies on workplace violence? Employees should know what lines are not acceptable to cross in the workplace. Also, according to a 2005 Survey by the US Department of Labor, 70% of all companies do not have a policy in place to prevent workplace violence.

    Annie Le’s tragic death may be an opportunity to save lives. By grabbing the lessons presented from her case, we can make workplaces across America safe for everyone. Let’s hope that Annie did not die in vain.


    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email box, please click here.

     

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  • Kanye Doesn’t Exactly Believe in “Love Me For Who I Am”

    Posted by: necolebitchie.com

     In the feature, he reveals that he started collecting explicit Playboy images at the age of 10 and also spills his thoughts on relationships . Peep an excerpt:

    He almost considers relationship like a contract, the other person is a partner,  kids: the mandatory accessory. “Real rock stars, he said one day, get married and have rock stars babies”. More or less engaged to Amber Rose, a model spectacularly dressed in pink, he does not delude himself.”Of course women are attracted by celebrity, money, the illusion of “love me for who I am” is stupid/an idiocy, we are no longer in college, I am f*cking Kanye West.

    SEE ORIGINAL STORY FOR MORE

  • Weekend Treat From Jessica Gomes!

    Posted by: Jessica Gomes

     

     

    Snap shot from Portugal Lisbon!

  • Black News in Black America

    Filed under:

    Big Black News from Dr. Boyce gives you a list of the biggest black news stories in the areas of money and education. Consider it to be our gift to you.

    President Obama declares National HBCU Week

    Student shot and Killed at Spelman College in Atlanta

    Chris Brown tries to rebuild his brand on Larry King Live

    Will Whitney Houston Ever Be the Same Again?

    No, Roxanne Shauntay DID NOT get a PhD

    Should Personal Finance Be Taught in School?

    University of Michigan Football Gets its Cover Blown on alleged Mistreatment of its athletes

    Nas, Kelis, Money and Craziness: How much money does Kelis Need to Live?

    President Obama Plans to Address Congress to Push his Healthcare Plan

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered directly to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Singersroom 30 Under 30 Nominees

    Posted by: Joana

    Singersroom 30 Under 30 award it’s an acclamation given to the top 30 males in R&B that personifies the style, character and music.

    Forgeting about the whole situation with Rihanna and talking about why do we know Chris Brown… for those that forgot about it he sings..

    He is on the top of the Singersroom 30 under 30, with 1128 votes and still counting, so there is no doubt that he’s the favorite in the R&B world.

    The nominees are:

    • Chris Brown
    • Trey Songz @SongzYuuup
    • Omarion  @1Omarion
    • Ne-Yo @NeyoCompound
    • Mario @MarioSoultruth
    • Jaiden
    • Chanj
    • Mateo
    • Steph Jones @stephjonesmusic
    • Hal Linton
    • Young Steff
    • Chrishan
    • Lloyd
    • Jeremih @Jeremih
    • Pleasure P @pleasurep
    • Mishon
    • Jay Sean @JaySean
    • Sammie @PrinceSammie
    • Rock City
    • Brandon Hines
    • Bobby Valentino
    • Marques Houston @marqueshouston
    • J Holiday
    • McKnight (BJ & Niko)
    • Craig David
    • Colby O’Donis
    • Ray J
    • Jaicko
    • Kevin Cossom
    • Donnie Klang

    Do you agree with the list?

    To vote go to www.singersroom.com/30under30/

    Good luck to all the nominees =)

     

  • Bow WoW Serenades Tyra and Gets a Kiss

    Posted by: BrooklynVanna

    Oh really?  So Bow Wow hit up “The Tyra Show” to tape an episode set to air on Sept. 7.  Bow revealed his crush on Ms. Banks during the segment, sharing some adoring Tweets and serenading her with a song.  So she gave him a little kiss kiss for his troubles.  I’m sure her man John isn’t worried…

     

     

  • 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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  • Michael Jackson: Finally Laid to Rest But Never to Be Forgotten

    Filed under: ,

    thriller

    Following two months of planning, Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest on Thursday evening in California’s legendary Forest Lawn Glendale where he is expected to be interred in a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.

    The private memorial for family and friends will reportedly find the “King of Pop” entombed beside his childhood idols, Walt Disney and Larry of the ‘Three Stooges.’

    “The family believed this is what Michael would have wanted,” a source close to the family told the New York Post.

    While the iconic singer expected to be honored in the highest regard, including a performance by soul legend Aretha Franklin, an appearance by mentor and dear friend Diana Ross, and 12 burial spaces being purchased, Jackson’s mother, Katherine, requested the judge to sign off on the funeral expenses.

    This morning Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted the current administrators of Jackson’s estate to pay for Jackson’s funeral and interment. The Associated Press reported that no one contested who would pay the costs, however Beckloff expressed concerns about whether Jackson’s estate could afford it.

    The current attorney for the administrators of Jackson’s estate, Jeryll Cohen, stated that the estate had enough funds to cover funeral services in full. “The expenses are extraordinary, however, Michael Jackson was extraordinary,” she said.

    As for the increased security of the 13th Century Italian patterned cemetery, observers can expect the streets surrounding Forest Lawn to be closed to the public 24 hours prior to service, in addition to restricted airspace over the venue.

    The multiple Grammy Award-winner’s three children Prince Michael, Paris, and Blanket are all expected to place written letters alongside his signature white glove that read, “Daddy, we love you, we miss you,” said Jackson’s brother, Marlon.

    He went on to tell UK newspaper, ‘The Mirror,’ that the King of Pop will be given a special wig of long black locks to wear in his gold coffin and a makeup artist has been hired to render his facial features.

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=707171&pid=707170&uts=1251922004
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    MJ Through The Years
    Remembering Michael Jackson
    June 25, 2009 marked the passing of the one and only “King of Pop.” With over four decades in the spotlight, he never ceased to amaze us. Fittingly, we’ve witnessed his incredible highs and tragic lows with rapt attention. In tribute, we take a look at the life of pop music’s greatest entertainer.
    Retna / Getty Images / AP / WireImage

    BHM MEDIA NEW

      While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

      bauergriffinonline.com

      Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?

      Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

      Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

      Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

      Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.

      Tim Boyles, Getty Images

      Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.

      Dominique Charriau, WireImage

      Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

      Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

      Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

      Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

      Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

      Julien Hekimian, WireImage

     

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  • The Problem With Amber Rose

    Posted by: Russell Simmons

    I noticed that every time we post a story about Amber Rose, it gets lots of attention. People have very strong opinions…they either hate her or love her. Some people (the haters) get upset because we, the editors of Global Grind, can’t find a lot of bad things to say about her. We leave that for sites that are less creative and less responsible.

    Anyhow, when I closely examine the “Amber” phenomenon, I can’t see what she’s done to hurt the planet, the animals or the people. So sorry haters, I really can’t really find fault with her. One thing good spiritual people should be good at is practicing “non judgment.” So as long as Datwon (the COO of Global Grind) allows me to be involved and be Editorial Director of Global Grind, we are gonna try to stay positive. I’m gonna continue to see my team executing my view or if not, people here will get fired!!! But mostly they will be given another chance…but if it
    don’t work out… fired. Ok, back to the point. The best reason to practice disdain for something or someone is that it hurts your spirit. Maybe sometimes you don’t want those actions that are performed by another to become your own? And the best way to do that is to point
    fingers? I noticed that the greatest haters of gays are mostly frustrated gays themselves…or maybe in Amber’s case, the sexy girl in you wants to walk around your party in a swimsuit…but that’s a fantasy because you are way too afraid to do that.

    I believe that most people who become popular are just trying to make their way, and the constant negative pressure from the media tearing them down can sometimes destroy their self image, ruin their chances of becoming more successful or more importantly, destroy their chances of achieving lasting happiness. Here’s a scenario seldom discussed. The pop culture that has 3 million people following Ashton Kutcher on twitter, but only 15 thousand following His Holiness, the Dali Lama could be subject to some judgment? But I guess as a good yogi, I should look past this and pray that we find the good in Ashton, Puff, Kim Kardashian, Amber Rose or any entertainer or celebrity that stole our focus and now has such a powerful affect on our society. We, the collective consciousness, choose Hulk Hogan, Lil Wayne, Paris Hilton, Jay-Z or Amber Rose to focus our attention on, so why does it make us feel so
    good to tear them down?

    Advice. Practice living a full life. Use your Bible, Koran, Torah, yoga sutras, Buddhist scripture as YOUR guide. Be the best you can be. Tearing other people down will not make you a better Christian, Muslim or Jew. But finding the good in them and protecting them and wishing them well, will!! Try not to pass out bad energy or judgment because the karmic affect is more devastating to your self-image and happiness than it is to theirs’.

    PS. I’m not holier than anyone reading this…just pointing out some things that I noticed in me that may be operating in you.

    -Russell

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tameka Foster: Are Black Women To Blame For Her Negative Image?

    Filed under: , ,


    Whether her divorce decree from Usher was signed off by the judge or not, Tameka Foster‘s near-two-year marriage to the international music superstar is still over.

    That’s a fact!

    Yet, the 40-something-year old single mother of five children (allegedly by three different men) says she was not given a fair shot in the way she was being “judged.”

    That’s a fact!

    The Oakland native (pictured above with beautiful dark-skinned actresses Keshia Knight Pulliam and Tasha Smith last year) spoke to Isoul Harris for Upscale magazine’s September/October edition.

    That’s a fact!

    In the Atlanta-based Bronner Bros.-owned magazine, she tells the esteemed former Rolling Out newspaper editor that she didn’t fit the image of the kind of woman people thought Usher should marry.
    Usher Raymond
    That’s a fact!

    Oh, is that why it didn’t work? That’s a question asked by some. That’s a fact!

    “I understand where all the negativity comes from,” she said. “Unfortunately I think that some black women are – subconsciously – not in love with the image they see in the mirror. Therefore in turn they do not love someone like me. I look too much like them.”

    Hmmmm.

    The only woman that I think Tameka Foster Glover Raymond looks like is one of my all time black spiritual leaders: Prophetess Juanita Bynum.

    That’s a fact!

    What about you?


    Like Foster, Bynum appeared on the cover of best-selling women’s magazine Essence.

    That’s a fact!

    A renowned best-selling author and televangelist, the 50-year-old Chicago native is also a regular motivational speaker during Essence Music Festival’s Empowerment Seminars in New Orleans, which is populated mostly by black women.

    That’s a fact!

    “People passed judgment without getting to know me,” Foster opined to Harris, then asked, “How can you get the entire concept of who I am from a blog?”

    The September/October edition of ‘Upscale’ magazine — with actress Taraj P. Henson on the cover — is on some newsstands now.

    That’s a fact!

    Below, BV Newswire takes a look at other women who were/are spouses to famous men – who are not judged and have successful careers for their own talents. Check out these bold soul sisters who are off on their own…

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=708564&pid=708563&uts=1251863985
    http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
    Successful Spouses
    Doing Their Own Thing
    While gold digging hoochie mamas vying to marry rich and successful men will never get old, there is a flip side to that: women with talent and skill and a drive to stand on their own. Blackvoices.com takes a quick look at the successful spouses of famous men.
    Getty Images

    BHM MEDIA NEW

      While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

      bauergriffinonline.com

      Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?

      Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

      Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

      Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

      Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.

      Tim Boyles, Getty Images

      Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.

      Dominique Charriau, WireImage

      Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

      Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

      Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

      Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

      Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

      Julien Hekimian, WireImage

     

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  • Is College a Good Investment During a Recession?

    Filed under: , ,

    I was invited onto “Tell Me More with Michel Martin” to discuss college and whether or not it makes sense to invest in college during an economic downturn such as this one. I have written extensively on the value of going to college, since I argue that education plays a huge part in determining whether you end up being a true player in life or just end up getting played. Black college students must really note the significant impact of attending college, since people of color benefit the most when we get ourselves educated.

    Here are some thoughts regarding whether or not college is a good idea during a recession:

    1) You must decide if college is a necessity or a luxury item for you. If you are a wealthy kid who can rack up $80,000 in debt to major in Philosophy and Theatre, then God bless you. But just make sure you are aware that the major you choose plays a huge role in your ability to manage debt after graduation. This is not a slap at those who choose majors that don’t have a strong job market, it’s just a reminder to make sure you know what you’re stepping into. Personally, I majored in business, because college was not just my path toward educational enlightenment, it was my way to pay the bills when I got older.

    2) Figure out what you hope to get out of college. If you want to simply get a good education and are not worried about the job market very much, then you don’t need an expensive school to do that. Education is what you make of it. I’d rather be a student at a state university who studies 7 hours a day than to be a frat boy at Yale living at the bottom of a beer bottle. The student who studies is going to learn; the one who doesn’t study won’t learn a thing. College is what you make of it. But if your goal is to use the name of your campus to open doors for great job opportunities, then this might justify the cost of an expensive university.

    3) Parents, the debt is not all yours. You are getting ready for retirement, your children are young. Pretty soon, they will be earning more money than you. Does it make sense that you’ll spend your golden years paying student loans for an able-bodied adult? Perhaps it’s time for your children to learn how to take care of you? They will never learn to be financially independent if you don’t teach them. Allowing your child to manage some of his/her student loan debt doesn’t make you into a bad parent. You got them to age 18 in one piece, some would say that you’ve done enough.

    4) Grad school anyone? Some majors require additional education for you to be competitive in that particular market, some do not. Think through this carefully when deciding if you want to make the massive investment of going to graduate school. I believe that an MBA is usually worth the investment, while a masters in Anthropology may not always get you the job you’re seeking. But outcomes can vary depending on the major, and you should do your homework.

    5) Education gives you job security. One thing that many autoworkers learned during the recent economic downturn is that having a good job with little education makes you highly vulnerable to economic flucuations. African Americans were the hardest hit during the recession, and many of us lost our jobs when the auto industry tanked. Even if you earn a lot of money, you should never stop believing that additional education doesn’t have value for you. You don’t want your financial future to be in the hands of someone else.

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    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about College.” To have Dr. Boyce Commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Kick Pick Of The Day: Alife Edition

    Posted by: PPLUSMAG

    <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Alife continues to drop some fresh pieces for your foot game with the Everybody Hi silhouette! Recently they released their 2009 Fall Collection with new designs and materials utilized. Standouts include the All-Over-Print, Hi-Lites (shown above), Chuck Shepherd and Mono Appliqu&eacute;. Prices range from $90 – $120 for kicks in collection. Head over to Alife now to scoop a couple pairs as they&rsquo;re sure to go fast. More looks after the jump&hellip;</p> <p>RSS feed for comments on this post.</p> <p>Name (required)</p> <p>Mail (will not be published) (required)</p>

  • ATL Housewife Lisa Calls Out Mediatakeout

    Posted by: Lisa Hartwell

    **GG Exclusive**

     

    Hi Global Grind world!

     

    It’s always exciting for me to connect with new people.  We are four episodes into the new season of Real Housewives of Atlanta and I have been doing so many interviews.  I can say it’s refreshing to blog and actually share my own point of view without the media spin on it.

    I am happy to say that I have garnered some favorable media coverage this season. And, I genuinely appreciate the love and support from fans and the media alike.

     

    But, I have to say that I am thoroughly disappointed by irresponsible sites like MediaTakeOut.com.   

     

    They just post any and everything without checking facts or ever speaking directly to the parties they are posting about. This week they said that I am fighting to have my sons appear on my show.

     

    Nothing could be further from the truth. I have and always will have my three sons (EJ, Justin & Jordan) best interest at heart. I am in on-going legal litigation with the father of my two oldest sons’ and we are working through it for the sake of our children.

     

    But, through it all…I have Ed, the most supportive husband on the planet. So, trust me. there is a lot of prayer going on in our home. And, we know everything will work itself out. So, in spite of irresponsible journalism.. TRUTH will always prevail.

     

    I look forward to blogging more and keep watching Real Housewives of Atlanta!

     

    Also, stay tuned for my Closet Freak Clothing Line debut and speaking engagements possibly in your city!

     

    Love, Lisa

     

  • Black CEO says that the MBA is Worthless

    Filed under: , ,

    I don’t have an MBA, and I’ve never wanted one. I earned several masters degrees and a PhD, but I never found the MBA to be a good investment when it came to actually understanding what I needed to do with my career. But unlike many of my friends, I wasn’t headed to Corporate America. Instead, I wanted to be a professor and entrepreneur, neither of which requires an MBA.

    My brother Lawrence is also getting an MBA from Cornell University, but he doesn’t want a job. Instead, he wants to utilize the network of the university to build his own business. I agree with this philosophy, since ownership is the key to building black wealth in America. Understanding business from all angles is critical to running a top notch organization.

    What is surprising, however, is that there are some captains of corporate America who are starting to question the value of an MBA when attempting to reach your goals. Mind you, this does not imply that the MBA cannot be an important piece of your long-term career plan, but it says that the MBA might not be enough.

    What is underemphasized by many who attempt to climb the corporate ladder is the necessity to learn the intangibles that come with corporate success. Fenorris Pearson, CEO of Global Consumer Innovation, Inc., argues that playing the game at the top of corporate America involves a set of skills that are not taught in a typical MBA program. Instead, Pearson believes that things like managing your peers and forging the right alliances can be critical to corporate success.

    In his new venture, called “The Corporate Climb,” Pearson lays out strategies he learned during his years as a Vice President of Global Consumer Innovation for Dell. He explains that having the credentials is only the beginning when it comes to managing life at the top. An MBA can open doors, but you must have quite a few additional skills to walk through the doors that have been opened.

    As someone who has taught MBA students for over a decade, I can also testify that the MBA should only be one piece of your long-term career building plan. This expensive piece of merchandise will only give you top value if you use it in the proper way. At the same time, I advise all of my business school students to get an MBA eventually, since you need all the advantages you can get. Based on my experience teaching MBA students, here are some quick thoughts on the value of the MBA.

    1) The MBA is important: Some kind of post-secondary education is highly recommended for most college students, especially those majoring in business. You shouldn’t just go to college: you should be at the top of your class and get as much education as you can. Mediocrity should not be on your agenda.

    2) You have to supplement the MBA with work experience: Just having the degree doesn’t mean that companies are going to come banging down your door. You have to do internships and find other valuable experience which will help you convince your employer that you can add to the bottom line. All the credentials in the world are not nearly as valuable to a company as a person who knows how to “make it rain” financially.

    3) The MBA is expensive: Many schools simply sell MBAs, meaning that if you pay a massive amount of tuition, you are probably going to get the degree. The average price of an MBA has spiraled to over $100,000 and now serves as a major money maker for most business schools. So, if you make this investment, make sure you are getting what you expect on the back end: more job opportunities and a salary high enough to pay off your student loans. If the investment pays off, then this can be a solid career move.

    4) Make sure your school helps you to find a job: The quality of the career placement center is incredibly important. If the school can’t place its graduates into high salary positions, then you may find yourself disgruntled.

    5) Don’t leave your fate in anyone else’s hands: The National Black MBA Association and other organizations hold networking conferences which can allow you to find opportunities for yourself. Do not be afraid to use these resources. You have to pound the pavement and create your own luck. Don’t let anyone take control of your future.

    6) Consider owning your own ship: Remember that the key to financial, social and psychological freedom is to own something. Black entrepreneurship is incredibly important to our community and your corporate experience can be a good foundation for you to own your own business. So, as you build your career in corporate America, don’t be afraid to create your own job via entrepreneurship. It might be the most rewarding decision you ever make.

    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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  • Amber Rose Takes Vegas

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    Amber Rose rocks a bikini after she leaves the red carpet. and totally steals the show in Vegas at Tao.

     

    See Original Story for more pics.