Kevin Garnett's knee is better, and he's waiting with uncharacteristic patience for the rest of his body to catch up. After missing 25 regular-season games and the playoffs last season because of strained ligaments in his right knee, Garnett was back on the court in Boston for the first time on Friday night in the Celtics' 96-82 exhibition victory over the New York Knicks.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning returned to practice Friday and showed no ill effects of the injured right heel that kept him out the previous two days. Yet the team is still being cautious about his status for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Manning is listed as questionable and coach Tom Coughlin said it will more than likely be a game-time decision whether he will play.
With 79 career starts, David Carr knows how much Eli Manning wants to be on the field calling the plays when the New York Giants meet the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Manning's teammates say he's a competitor who will play if he's able. Carr wants to be out there just as much, and his chances of playing this weekend seemingly improved when Manning missed his second straight practice on…
“Sell you home for cash” signs are ubiquitous, and unfortunately, sketchy, says Manny Alvarado, operation specialist for the New York Regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Posted by: BlogXilla
Update: Wed: 11:12 I just got word that Shyne met with some of his family this morning though it’s not clear who, but there were a lot of tears in the room. While Shyne is no longer being held in a jail cell, he’s still held in a room waiting to deported. The family has been told that they should proceed as if he’s going to be deported back to Belize. Shyne is currently being held by ICE (Immigration & Custom Enforcement) being prepped for deportation until they are told not to send him back to Belize. Let’s hope some sort of last minute deal can get worked out. I will let y’all know of any developments I hear.
Xilla
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Update: So here is what I know so far, that family has been told to prepare for Shyne to be deported. They’ve reached out to Gov Patterson, but this issue is out of his hands because it’s a federal issue so there isn’t much he can do. He is trying to pull some strings but things are not looking good for Shyne Po. Let’s pray for Shyne
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Update: 6:00 PM EST: I’ve just learned that Shyne has only learned of his pending deportation only 3 hours ago. This unfortunately set back is causing a lot of chaos and drama for a family who has been w/o Shyne for the last 10 years. The family has reached out to Gov. Patterson but word is and I quote “It does not look good”. Developing
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UPDATE: GG has just learned That Shyne will be deported by Friday and US Immigration & Customs have given his family 24 hours to see Shyne before he is sent back to Belize. The family is heading to see Shyne now was we speak 5:25pm EST Developing.
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It looks like Shyne’s homecoming is on hold for the moment. The former Bad Boy rapper (born Jamal Barrow) was scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday (October 6) after serving more than nine years of a 10-year sentence in connection with the 2001 Club New York shooting involving Diddy and Jennifer Lopez. But his release is now under review, as representatives for the rapper revealed to MTV News that the Brooklyn MC is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an unspecified facility in Western New York State. Officials are determining whether or not to deport the rapper, who was born in Belize, a rep explained. “Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined,” the rep said in a message to MTV News.
What started out as enterprising inspiration in a New York University dorm room 25 years ago is now home of the greatest names in the history of hip-hop, rap and R&B; Def Jam Recordings.
A treasure trove of artists from LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys to Rihanna and Kanye West, and dozens more, have all help make the record company the most durable brand in hip hop.
And the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors celebrates it all during a glitzy affair set to air on Oct. 13 at 9 p.m.
But as should be known, there’s a lot of people on the back end who played a major part.
And not just Russell Simmons, either.
Blackvoices.com pays homage to the 25 movers and shakers who helped shape Def Jam Recordings over the past 25 years.
Mariah Through The Years:
For Mariah Carey, having more number one songs than any solo artist in America has been a credit to the company that this five-time Grammy winner has kept since making her music debut in 1990. From people behind the scenes like L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri to some of her past loves like Tommy Mottola, Derek Jeter and now husband Nick Cannon, each man has played a significant role in inspiring the music that has made this 39 year-old singer/songwriter famous. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the men who have inspired Mariah Carey over the years.
Tommy Mottola – Husband
No one is more responsible for Mariah Carey’s success than former Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola. After receiving Carey’s demo from artist Brenda K. Starr, for whom Carey sang backup, he signed her on the spot. While recording her 1990 debut, the two became romantically involved and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 1993. Just three short years later, they split, and a divorce was finalized in 1998.
Luther Vandross – Musical Collaborator
The five-octave singer was fortunate enough to be one of the few entertainers to record a duet with the late Luther Vandross. Their cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross‘s ‘Endless Love’ became Vandross’ biggest pop hit. It was the second single released from his ‘Songs’ album and was also included on two Carey albums: ‘Greatest Hits’ in 2001 and ‘The Ballads’ in 2008.
Trey Lorenz – Backup Singer
In 1992, Carey performed an MTV ‘Unplugged’ special to show nonbelievers that she was not a studio singer. Her cover of the Jackson 5‘s ‘I’ll Be There’ with her longtime backup singer Trey Lorenz was later released as a single and became a number-one hit in the United States. Lorenz was able to score a record deal from the duet, and Carey co-produced his debut. On July 7 of this year, the two performed the song at the Michael Jackson memorial, which was held at the Los Angeles Staples Center.
Jermaine Dupri – Producer
It’s not a well-known fact that Jermaine Dupri has been working with Carey for nearly 15 years. In 1995, Carey worked with the So So Def Records founder on ‘Always Be My Baby,’ from her ‘Daydream’ album. It became the most successful record on U.S. radio that year. And though these two worked on several remixes together over the years, their magic came a decade later when J.D. produced four songs on ‘The Emancipation of Mimi,’ Carey’s 10th studio album and most successful to date.
ODB – Musical Collaborator
Since rapping ‘Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers,’ Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the late Wu Tang Clan MC, helped solidify Carey in the world of hip-hop and R&B. The 1995 remix to ‘Fantasy’ became a number-one hit. The friendship between Carey and ODB lasted throughout the years. The songstress even met the rapper upon his release from jail in 2003.
Mase – Musical Collaborator
‘Honey’ was Carey’s 12th number-one song. Before turning his life over to God and becoming a minster, Bad Boy rapper Mase appeared on the popular remix of the record, alongside the Lox and Diddy. The song, which also had its own video, was featured on Carey’s 2003 remix compilations, aptly titled ‘The Remixes.’
Derek Jeter – Alleged Beau
Shortly after divorcing husband Tommy Mottola in 1998, the five-time Grammy award winner met New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter at a Fresh Air Fund gala in New York. The couple connected over their interracial parents – black fathers and Irish mothers. The public romance ended short of the one-year mark. In an interview with Parade magazine, Carey said “It was the wrong time. …Our two worlds were just too much for that moment.”
Eminem – Alleged Beau
From ‘Clown’ to ‘Obsessed,’ Carey has documented her disdain for Detroit MC Eminem in her music. The ‘Glitter’ actress denies they ever slept together, but Slim Shady has consistently rapped that the two were intimate. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, sent threats to Carey via the 2009 diss track ‘The Warning,’ which was directed at both Carey and her husband, Nick Cannon.
Nick Cannon – Husband
Nick Cannon, 28, dated singer-actress Christina Milian and was even engaged to Victoria’s Secret model Selita Eubanks for five months before becoming Carey’s second husband. In 2005, he convinced the Teen Choice Awards to let him present Carey’s award for ‘The Emancipation of Mimi.’ Two years passed, and the couple was reunited in 2007. Their whirlwind romance resulted in a quickie wedding in 2008 at Carey’s Bahamian estate, Windermere.
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Derek Jeter got a big hit, just as he did in Octobers past at the famed ballpark across the street. CC Sabathia joined in the postseason fun. Even Alex Rodriguez broke out of his playoff rut. It was like old times in the first postseason game at the new Yankee Stadium, with New York beating these tired Minnesota Twins 7-2 Wednesday night in the opener of their AL playoff series.
Braylon Edwards' arrival was picture-perfect for the New York Jets. The talented but troubled wide receiver was acquired from Cleveland on Wednesday and showed up at the team's facility shortly after practice ended — just in time to try on his new green and white threads and be included in the team picture.
Filed under: Personal Finance, Dr. Boyce Money
I live in New York, so I get the chance to meet a lot of interesting cab drivers. I love listening to older people so I can understand the world a little bit better. One driver, a man in his late 60s, was especially candid with me about his life, his relationships and the personal choices that got him to where we were at that very moment.
He told me that he was married young, to a beautiful woman. The driver then began a very open description of why he left the marriage. “She was throwing so much sex at me that I didn’t know what to do with it,” the driver said. “Then, after we got married, I had to beg for it and she wasn’t budging, so I told her I needed to get a divorce.”
“A divorce?” I asked.
“Yes, there was no point in pretending,” the man responded.
While it may seem extreme for the man to get a divorce because he wasn’t getting enough sex, it wasn’t as if he was simply jumping from one wife to the next. A few months later, he met and fell in love with another woman, to whom he has been married for the last 35 years. They’ve produced 5 children and 9 grand children, and according to the driver, they still “get busy” every chance they get.
Alrighty then.
The cab driver’s story, as odd as it may seem, brings up an interesting question: Is a lack of sex grounds for divorce? Some say that it should be, since they argue that there is an implicit agreement from both parties to fulfill the needs of the other person. Some say that it is immature to leave your mate due to a lack of sex. At the same time, couples regularly cite infidelity as their grounds for splitting up. Does it make sense to agree to only have your needs met by someone who refuses to meet your needs in a satisfactory manner? Probably not.
Legally, is a lack of sex good cause for divorce? I asked an attorney about that.
Christopher Chestnut, a prominent attorney out of Gainesville, Florida, argues that it, “depends upon the state. For instance, Florida is a No Fault state, thus, justifiable reasoning for a divorce is not dispositive to a case. Notwithstanding, lack of sex in marriage may be a grounds for divorce in some states.”
S. Tia Brown and I discuss sexless marriages and whether or not this gives you just cause to roll out or sneak out of your marriage. Listen up and 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.
A new start with the New Orleans Saints has put "the shake" back in 33-year-old Darren Sharper. The NFL's active leader in career interceptions added two more against rookie Mark Sanchez, returning one a club-record 99 yards for a touchdown to help the unbeaten Saints hand the New York Jets their first loss of the season, 24-10 on Sunday.
Filed under: Music
Arguably two of the most talented singers in the record books, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston have made names for themselves as commercially successful pop vocalists.
The careers of the two iconic beauties mirrored each other throughout the 1990s, with many people drawing comparisons between them. Both women were aligned with two of the most influential men in the music business, Tommy Mottola and Clive Davis, respectively, and both have survived controversy only to rise to the top of the charts again and resurrect their careers.
In our latest round of Tale of the Tape, we stack up “Mimi” and “The Voice” to see whether they had more in common than just their cultural impacts.
(M) Full Name: Mariah Carey 
(W) Full Name: Whitney Elizabeth Houston
(M) Birth date: Mar. 27, 1970
(W) Birth date: Aug. 9, 1963
(M) Place of Birth: Long Island, N.Y.
(W) Place of Birth: Newark, NJ
(M) Also Referred to As: “Mimi”
(W) Also Referred to As: “The Voice”
(M) Humble Beginnings: Carey’s parents divorced when she was 3, leaving her mother to juggle several jobs to support the family. When the songstress moved to New York to pursue a singing career, she also worked several part-time jobs to pay the rent, in addition to attending beauty school and singing as a backup singer for several artists.
(W) Humble Beginnings: Whitney lived in housing projects in Newark, NJ. Her parents divorced when she was a teenager, and she chose to live with her mother. After performing her first gospel solo at New Hope Baptist Church at the age of 11, she was fortunate enough to sing background vocals on Chaka Khan’s hit single ‘I’m Every Woman.’
(M) Connections to the Business: Dance/pop singer Brenda K. Starr (Mariah was a background singer for the ‘I Still Believe’ singer)
(W) Connections to the Business: Blues and gospel singer Cissy Houston (Whitney’s mom); Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick (Whitney’s cousins) mariah and Whitney
(M) Album Debut: ‘Mariah Carey’ (1990)
(W) Album Debut: ‘Whitney Houston’ (1985)
(M) Record Company Affiliations: Columbia, Virgin, Island
(W) Record Company Affiliations: Arista
(M) Total Number-One Singles: 18
(W) Total Number-One Singles: 11
(M) Total Number-One Albums:6
(W) Total of Number-One Albums: 5
(M) Total Number of Albums Sold: Over 160 million (albums and singles)
(W)Total Number of Albums Sold: Over 140 million (albums)
(M)Total Marriages: 2
(W)Total Marriages: 1
(M) Children: 0
(W) Children: 1 (Bobbi Kristina with former New Edition singer Bobby Brown)
(M) Luther Vandross Affiliation: In 1994, Vandross and Carey recorded a duet of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s hit ballad ‘Endless Love’
(W) Luther Vandross Affiliation: Vandross produced, arranged and performed background vocals on Houston’s ‘Who Do You Love’ from her 1990 ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight’ album
(M) Aretha Franklin Affiliation:Carey performed a duet of The Queen of Soul’s ‘Chain of Fools’ with the legendary soul singer at the 1998 VH1 ‘Divas Live’ television special.
(W) Aretha Franklin Affiliation: Franklin is Houston’s godmother and appeared in a cameo in the ‘How Will I Know’ music video. The two also recorded a duet, ‘It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be,’ which appeared on Franklin’s 1989 album Through the Storm. .’
(M) Antonio “L.A.” Reid Affiliation: The LaFace founder executive produced Carey’s 2005 comeback album ‘The Emancipation of Mimi,’ as well as her subsequent Island Records releases, including her new ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.’
(W)Antonio “L.A.” Reid Affiliation: Reid, who previously produced songs on Houston’s ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight,’ was Arista head when her lackluster ‘Just Whitney’ album was released. What was promoted as her comeback album was Houston’s lowest selling album to date.
(M) Michael Jackson Affiliation: In 1992, Carey covered the Jackson 5’s hit ‘I’ll Be There’ alongside her background singer Trey Lorenz. She also sang the song at the late King of Pop’s memorial service.
(W)Michael Jackson Affiliation: In 2001, the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer made headlines when she opened the Michael Jackson ’30 Anniversary Concert Concert’ looking extremely thin.
(M) Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott Affiliation: Elliott was featured alongside fellow female MC Da Brat on a remix to the ‘Fantasy’ singer’s ‘Heartbreaker.’
(W) Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott Affiliation: The ‘Supa Dupa Fly’ rapper produced and appeared on two Houston tracks: ‘In My Business’ from ‘My Love Is Your Love’ and ‘Things You Say’ from ‘Just Whitney.’
(M) Fugees Affiliation: Carey and the Fugees were both signed to Columbia Records in the 1990s. More recently, the Fugees’ Wyclef Jean just recorded a song called ‘Mr. Autotune’ with Carey’s husband, Nick Cannon, in 2009.
(W) Fugees Affiliation: Fugees front woman Lauryn Hill produced and sang background vocals on ‘I Was Made To Love Him,’ a spunky update of Stevie Wonder’s 1960s classic ‘I Was Made To Love Her’ on Houston’s 1998 CD ‘My Love is Your Love.’ Wyclef Jean produced what became Houston’s third best-selling single and the album’s title track ‘My Love Is Your Love.’
(M) Disney Connections: Disney Connections: Mariah Carey has never produced a Disney movie, unlike Whitney, but she still has love for the happiest place on earth. Two weeks after her Bahamas shotgun wedding to Nick Cannon, the couple headed back to the states for a very public vacation at Walt Disney World Resort to relive their childhood dreams. The ‘Fantasy’ singer, who previously performed at the 2004 Disney Christmas Day Parade, and her new hubby took pictures with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and rode tons of rides, including Space Mountain and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
(W) Disney Connections: ‘The Bodyguard’ actress appeared alongside Brandy in the made-for-television movie ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,’ a revival of The Wonderful World of Disney series and produced by Disney. Houston has also served as a producer for the Disney franchises ‘The Cheetah Girls’ and ‘The Princess Diaries.’ 
(M) Total Number of Movies: 6 (including ‘Precious’)
(W) Total Number of Movies: 4
(M) Movie Box Office Grosses: Over $27 million gross
(W) Movie Box Office Grosses: Over $12 million gross
(M) Controversies: Marrying a much younger Nick Cannon after dating the ‘Bobby’ star for just a few months.
(W) Controversies: Caught with marijuana in her and then-husband Bobby Brown’s luggage on Jan. 11, 2000, at a Hawaii airport; getting fired from performing at the Academy Awards when she showed up jittery.
(M) Rehabilitations: Hospitalized in 2001 for exhaustion, which led to a physical and emotional breakdown
(W) Rehabilitations: Rumored to have entered drug rehabilitation programs several times in the past decade at the urgency of mentor Clive Davis and her mother Cissy Houston.
(M) Comeback Efforts: Many people counted the Grammy Award winner out of the music business until the release of her 2005 comeback album, ‘The Emancipation of Mimi.’ Not only did the critically acclaimed record garner 10 Grammy Award nominations, but it was also the biggest selling album of 2005 – amassing 10 million albums sold worldwide.
(W) Comeback Efforts: Houston’s 2009 comeback album, ‘I Look to You,’ debuted at number one and became the best-selling first week sales of Houston’s career. To date, ‘I Look to You’ is also the best selling album by a female in 2009.
(M) Best Friend Forever: Background singer Trey Lorenz
(W) Best Friend Forever: Former long-time executive assistant and childhood friend Robin Crawford
(M) Failed Vanity Projects: Founded short-lived Crave Records imprint, which most notably released R&B girl group Allure‘s debut project; Automatic Princess Jewelry line
(W) Failed Vanity Projects: Mentored Newark gospel group Sunday; the panned ‘Family First’ song with Houston, her mother, Cissy and her cousin Dionne Warwick, which was featured on the soundtrack to Tyler Perry‘s ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’
(M)Famous Boyfriends: Mexican singer Luis Miguel, New York Yankee baseball player Derek Jeter
(W) Famous Boyfriends: R&B singer/sex tape star Ray J, movie star Eddie Murphy, NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham
(M) Family Feuds: Carey’s estranged HIV-positive sister Alison, who has been arrested twice for prostitution, shopped a tell-all book about her multi-millionaire sister in 2000. The tome was never released.
(W) Family Feuds: In 2002, associates for Houston’s 81-year-old father, John Houston, sued the pop star for $100 million, claiming unpaid compensation for helping negotiate her Arista Records contact. Houston claimed the dispute arose by people attempting to take advantage of her ailing father, and the suit was later dismissed.
(M) TV Interviews Gone Wild: In 2001, pushing an ice cream cart, Carey appeared on the popular MTV video countdown show ‘Total Request Live’ for an interview with VJ Carson Daly to promote her ‘Glitter’ movie. Wearing a small T-shirt and booty shorts, Carey performed a striptease and slurred “I just want one day off when I can go swimming and eat ice cream and look at rainbows.” Carey checked into the hospital for exhaustion shortly thereafter.
(W) TV Interviews Gone Wild: The Whitney Houston quotable “Crack is Wack” came from her infamous Diane Sawyer sit-down in 2002. When questioned about her rumored drug use, the troubled singer asked Sawyer to “show her the receipts” for the drugs, among other things. The interview was one of the last that Houston did before taking a hiatus from the media. Her first televised interview since Sawyer did not come until 2009 with a widely-publicized two-day special appearance on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’
(M) Famous Celebrity Battles: Detroit rapper Eminem and Carey were at one point rumored to be a couple, then things got ugly. She recorded diss records like ‘Clown’ and her current single ‘Obsessed’ aimed at the ‘Slim Shady’ lyricist. And though, the ‘Precious’ star is sticking to her story that she never slept with Eminem, he maintains otherwise. He dished on being intimate with her and replied to her latest hit with a song called ‘The Warning,’ directed at both the singer and her latest husband, Nick Cannon.
(W) Famous Celebrity Battles: Houston and radio-shock-jock-turned-talk-show-host Wendy Williams had an on-air beef that played out in 2003 in which Williams questioned Houston about her rumored drug use. Houston responded with curse words, most notably charging, “If this were back in the day in Newark, I’d meet you outside, but not now, because I’m a lady with class.” The New York Times best-selling author has since said she has buried the hatchet and is eager to have the ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ singer on her syndicated talk show.
Mariah Through The Years:
For Mariah Carey, having more number one songs than any solo artist in America has been a credit to the company that this five-time Grammy winner has kept since making her music debut in 1990. From people behind the scenes like L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri to some of her past loves like Tommy Mottola, Derek Jeter and now husband Nick Cannon, each man has played a significant role in inspiring the music that has made this 39 year-old singer/songwriter famous. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the men who have inspired Mariah Carey over the years.
Tommy Mottola – Husband
No one is more responsible for Mariah Carey’s success than former Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola. After receiving Carey’s demo from artist Brenda K. Starr, for whom Carey sang backup, he signed her on the spot. While recording her 1990 debut, the two became romantically involved and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 1993. Just three short years later, they split, and a divorce was finalized in 1998.
Luther Vandross – Musical Collaborator
The five-octave singer was fortunate enough to be one of the few entertainers to record a duet with the late Luther Vandross. Their cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross‘s ‘Endless Love’ became Vandross’ biggest pop hit. It was the second single released from his ‘Songs’ album and was also included on two Carey albums: ‘Greatest Hits’ in 2001 and ‘The Ballads’ in 2008.
Trey Lorenz – Backup Singer
In 1992, Carey performed an MTV ‘Unplugged’ special to show nonbelievers that she was not a studio singer. Her cover of the Jackson 5‘s ‘I’ll Be There’ with her longtime backup singer Trey Lorenz was later released as a single and became a number-one hit in the United States. Lorenz was able to score a record deal from the duet, and Carey co-produced his debut. On July 7 of this year, the two performed the song at the Michael Jackson memorial, which was held at the Los Angeles Staples Center.
Jermaine Dupri – Producer
It’s not a well-known fact that Jermaine Dupri has been working with Carey for nearly 15 years. In 1995, Carey worked with the So So Def Records founder on ‘Always Be My Baby,’ from her ‘Daydream’ album. It became the most successful record on U.S. radio that year. And though these two worked on several remixes together over the years, their magic came a decade later when J.D. produced four songs on ‘The Emancipation of Mimi,’ Carey’s 10th studio album and most successful to date.
ODB – Musical Collaborator
Since rapping ‘Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers,’ Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the late Wu Tang Clan MC, helped solidify Carey in the world of hip-hop and R&B. The 1995 remix to ‘Fantasy’ became a number-one hit. The friendship between Carey and ODB lasted throughout the years. The songstress even met the rapper upon his release from jail in 2003.
Mase – Musical Collaborator
‘Honey’ was Carey’s 12th number-one song. Before turning his life over to God and becoming a minster, Bad Boy rapper Mase appeared on the popular remix of the record, alongside the Lox and Diddy. The song, which also had its own video, was featured on Carey’s 2003 remix compilations, aptly titled ‘The Remixes.’
Derek Jeter – Alleged Beau
Shortly after divorcing husband Tommy Mottola in 1998, the five-time Grammy award winner met New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter at a Fresh Air Fund gala in New York. The couple connected over their interracial parents – black fathers and Irish mothers. The public romance ended short of the one-year mark. In an interview with Parade magazine, Carey said “It was the wrong time. …Our two worlds were just too much for that moment.”
Eminem – Alleged Beau
From ‘Clown’ to ‘Obsessed,’ Carey has documented her disdain for Detroit MC Eminem in her music. The ‘Glitter’ actress denies they ever slept together, but Slim Shady has consistently rapped that the two were intimate. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, sent threats to Carey via the 2009 diss track ‘The Warning,’ which was directed at both Carey and her husband, Nick Cannon.
Nick Cannon – Husband
Nick Cannon, 28, dated singer-actress Christina Milian and was even engaged to Victoria’s Secret model Selita Eubanks for five months before becoming Carey’s second husband. In 2005, he convinced the Teen Choice Awards to let him present Carey’s award for ‘The Emancipation of Mimi.’ Two years passed, and the couple was reunited in 2007. Their whirlwind romance resulted in a quickie wedding in 2008 at Carey’s Bahamian estate, Windermere.
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Filed under: Television, Celeb Updates, Star Quotes
Being a stripper may have been part of Nene Leakes‘ history, but ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kim Zolciak is clear she has never been a part of that lifestyle.
“I’m honest about the fact that I’m dating a married man, [If I’d been] a stripper, why wouldn’t I tell you?” the aspiring singer charged to Life & Style magazine.
That doesn’t mean she hasn’t worked at a strip club, though. Zolciak admits having “served as a waitress” at Cheetah, a downtown Atlanta strip club.
The mother of two has always said that her mystery boyfriend “Big Poppa” (rumored to be Atlanta-based real estate mogul Lee Najjar) has afforded her a lifestyle in which she does not have to work.
Zolciak tells the tabloid that the father of her two daughters, Brielle, 12 and Ariana, 7, has given her “no child support and no alimony.”
Before her role in the hit Bravo reality television series, the blonde bombshell said she was actually working as a nurse.
In last week’s episode of ‘Housewives,’ she discussed reconciling with Big Poppa, who is said to make an appearance later this season.
Now, Zolciak is focused on a new wig line and a budding singing career, thanks to co-star Kandi Burruss‘ assistance in reworking her song ‘Tardy for the Party.’ The single has reached the top 10 dance charts on iTunes, and Bravo just released a video montage set to the track on its Web site.
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the ‘In My Name’ global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O’Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O’Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Filed under: Movies, Television, Celeb Updates
Almost 25 years after ‘The Last Dragon’ was released in theaters, a remake (starring Samuel L. Jackson) is in the works. But people often wonder whatever happened to the heartthrob who played Bruce Leroy. Taimak Guarriello, who portrayed the young, gorgeous, soft-spoken marital arts genius, is still alive and kicking (literally). He’s still very much the handsome brother who made many women swoon in the Berry Gordy-produced cult classic, which also starred Vanity.
Guarriello is the subject of TV One’s new docu-series ‘Life After,’ which premieres Oct. 4 at 10 p.m. BV Newswire caught up with the would-be Hollywood superstar to find out what he’s been up to.
The Last Dragon
Tell us about landing the role of Bruce Leroy.
I was a young guy living in New York, and I was in a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was kickboxing, and there really was no money in it. I was searching. I always had a dream of being an action star, and then this movie came up, and they were looking for people all over the country. Thousands of people came out to the auditions. It was a big deal, very much like the remake now. When they started casting it, there were thousands of guys wanting to be Bruce Leroy, and I was one of them.
You had to audition twice for the role. Did you bomb the first time?
It really was a funny story! It was my first audition, and I didn’t have experience as a professional actor. I didn’t know how to prepare for an audition. It was a lot different from doing school plays. So when I went in there, I was totally unprepared, and I was stiff. They gave me a piece of the script and said, “Okay, let’s go.” I had no concept of giving a cold reading. The casting person said, “You look the role, but you need to work on it.” I could hear the cynicism in his voice, like “he’ll never be back.” In the interim, they were still looking for their ideal Bruce Leroy, and they hadn’t had any success. I was always the type of guy that would never quit until the end. I choose when the end is right. So I began to work on it, with the support of my father and my best friend at that time. They instilled this belief in me that was so profound. I was at this crossroads in my life, and there was no doubt in my mind that this role was made for me. When I went in and knocked on the door again, the casting director was taken aback, and when I started reading, immediately his eyes started getting big. Then he had me meet with the rest of the cast, and then eventually, I met with Berry Gordy. When he saw me, he fell in love with me right away.
What was your life like after ‘The Last Dragon’?
There were the pros and cons, and then there was the reality. It was 1985, and the problem was there was an expectation. It was one of the biggest movies in the country, and there were no big actors in it. I was naive to the ways Hollywood represented black men. And I thought that because you star in a movie that does well that there would be another opportunity. Hollywood didn’t have a structure for someone like me to step into.
So you didn’t have any mentors, there was no one in the industry who saw your potential and decided to take you under their wing?
Berry Gordy, at that time, was going through a transition with Motown. He had a desire to help me, but there were some issues he was dealing with within his own label. Berry Gordy was a great influence on me. He told me that there were only a few people that he thought had what I had — Michael Jackson and a few others, you know. But it was very different back then. There were musicians like Michael Jackson, but there weren’t many young men of color, few that you could think of, that were playing a leading male movie role. Berry Gordy was basically being my mentor. But even though I loved him, I was too young to really make a quick decision on how to sustain my career.
Do you feel like your reservations earlier on might have affected your career?
Berry Gordy and I were developing our relationship to do future work. He wanted to make a huge impact in the film world when no other black company was doing that. I, as well as Hollywood, wasn’t moving as quickly as Berry Gordy’s vision. And because of that, he decided to step away from the film world and focus on other things with his company. And, honestly, at that point, that was the last big real attempt to bring black actors in film, and, at that time, he was the one who had that power. But it wasn’t enough unfortunately. He is an extraordinary man, a visionary. Hollywood just wasn’t ready to embrace the vision he had at the time. He needed Hollywood to be behind him in order for him to do what he needed to do.
What was it that got you through that difficult periods in your life?
After ‘The Last Dragon,’ after having so many years of Hollywood, after people — black and white — were not there for me as I thought they would be, I basically looked within and found my own drive, my own survival instincts, that told me if there is anything that I want out of life, then it’s up to me to create it.
Do you still keep in touch with Berry Gordy or any of the other cast members of ‘The Last Dragon’?
Yes, Berry Gordy and his family have reached out to me about the remake of ‘The Last Dragon,’ so we’ve been in touch in regard to that. I haven’t been in touch with Denise Matthews, who played Vanity, in about five years. I was in touch with Julius Carry up until he died, and since then, I have been in touch with his mother. She contacted me an hour after he died. It was very touching. There was definitely a connection between Julius and me, in the sense that we both had broken into Hollywood with one film in a big way.
Are you going to appear in ‘The Last Dragon ‘ remake?
I can’t give all the details, but I do know what role I am playing. I can say that it will be a surprise. Samuel L. Jackson is already signed to play Sho’nuff. The story isn’t going to be as comical as it was in the first one, but it will be very exciting. I am looking to read the rewrite of the script next month. I know that Devon Franklin, over at Sony, and Kerry Gordy really want to do a great job, so they’re really focusing in on the story.
Are there any other projects that you are pursuing right now?
Throughout the years, I have continued to perfect my craft and do theater whenever I can. I had an opportunity to work with a great director who has a big name out here in New York. We did a play that broke him out in a big way, and it’s called ‘Road House,’ which was a comedy rendition of Patrick Swayze’s movie. It was so hilarious, and I had so much fun doing it. And I told the director, Timothy Haskell, that I always wanted to work with him again. So he called me this summer, and he told me about a project he is working on with Eric Saunders, and he wants me to star in it along with these wonderful actors. The play is called ‘Last Life’ and will debut in December at a film festival. I am also looking to direct a one-act play that will open in the first week of November.
What do you find most fulfilling about inspiring young adults to dream bigger through marital arts?
What I am about is achieving happiness. I have found that gratitude is the key to everything. I realized that in order for me to be happy, to be fit mentally, spiritually, physically, I have to give my heart to young people and inspire them to win in life. It’s my integrity to be able to make a difference, to make them see that they can have anything that they want out of life. Right now, when I look at my life, I see that I have a beautiful apartment here in New York City. I have a great family, and I have great fans. I have the ability to do anything.
BlackVoices.com‘s Top 30 Sexiest Black Film Actors Of All Time. Check out how they ranked.
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the ‘In My Name’ global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O’Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O’Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Filed under: Music, Television, News, Celeb Updates
Just when it seemed like ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kim Zolciak‘s pop star ambitions would have to be put on hold, things have now been smoothed out for the single mom.
On the latest season of the hit Bravo series ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ new cast member Kandi Burruss of Xscape fame helped re-work Zolciak’s song ‘Tardy for the Party.’ During the first season, the blond vixen played cast-mate Nene Leakes a snippet of a country song called ‘Tardy for the Party,’ which the outspoken funny-woman encouraged her to record. She even shared studio time with superproducer Dallas Austin, which didn’t yield any results. This season, she seemed to have better fate with Burruss, the Grammy Award-winning songwriter of songs recorded by Destiny’s Child, TLC and Whitney Houston.
Burruss wrote the track for free, but, according to RadarOnline.com, the soReal Housewives ofng’s producer, Don Vito filed a lawsuit against Zolciak for non-payment for the music to the song.
At the time of its removal last week, the track was a Top 10 single on iTunes.
spike lee
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the ‘In My Name’ global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O’Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O’Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Now, everything seems right back on track. Late last week, Burruss appeared on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ explaining that everything has been settled and everything has been ‘worked out.’ The song is now available on digitally again.
“There almost was a lawsuit,” Burruss revealed.’ “Kim wrote the original version with an older guy and she had an agreement to pay Don Vito for the music and didn’t pay him when she said. She was going to pay him because she has so much going on, she had every intention to pay him. I think that the communication wasn’t right, but they worked it out.”
Bravo has since released a compilation of footage from ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ set to the dance track. (See below)
There’s still no word on whether or not Zolciak is recording a full album or if the single was just for show, but next week’s episode is said to capture her back in the studio.
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As part of his ongoing efforts to encourage youth volunteerism and service, R&B singer Usher Raymond launched a new initiative entitled Powered By Service during the fifth annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York Thursday.
Filed under: News, Interviews, Celeb Updates
In July, the death of E. Lynn Harris rocked the literary world. But some of today’s most popular Black authors are gearing up to celebrate the life of the ‘Invisible Life’ author in a big way.
Sept. 25 has been deemed ‘E. Lynn Harris Day,’ where friends, colleagues and noted authors will gather to read excerpts from his latest novel, ‘Mama Dearest,’ and share some of their fondest memories of the best-selling author. See a list of participating locations, authors and contact information E. Lynn Harrisbelow.
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Invisible Life
E. Lynn Says: “The saga begins”
Released in 1991, ‘Invisible Life’ marks Harris’ debut as an novelist through this coming of age story. Law school, girlfriends, and career choices were all part of Raymond Tyler’s life, but there were other issues for him to confront.
Barnes and Noble
Just As I Am
E. Lynn Says: “Avoid sophomore jinks.”
Released in 1995, ‘Just As I Am’ picks up where ‘Invisible Life’ left off. In this vivid portrait of contemporary black life, with all its pressures and the complications of bisexuality, AIDS, and racism, Harris confirms a faith in the power of love — love of all kinds — to thrill and to heal, which will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.
Barnes and Noble
And This Too Shall Pass
E. Lynn Says:“The country takes notice.”
Released in 1997, Harris takes us into the locker rooms and newsrooms of Chicago, where four lives are about to intersect in romance and scandal. All of these characters face the challenge of keeping the faith – in themselves and in God – while Harris’s heartfelt storytelling reveals how the love of family can help one to face the terrible legacy of long-held secrets.
Barnes and Noble
If This World Were Mine
E. Lynn Says: “A tribute to the fabulous friends I have.”
Released in 1998, four close friends from the Hampton Institute share their personal diaries each month at a gathering filled with humor, gossip, and affirmation. But after five years, the once-strong bonds of friendship are weakening, and the group must handle challenges of work, lost love, and a stranger in their midst: gray-eyed John Basil Henderson, a former NFL star whose past has begun to haunt him.
Barnes and Noble
Abide With Me
E. Lynn Says: “I believe In Love.”
Released in 2000, Harris reintroduces his readers to the beloved characters of Nicole Springer and Raymond Tyler, Jr. Nicole has recently settled in order to pursue her dream of returning to the Broadway stage, and Seattle, where a late-night phone call from a U.S. Senator is about to change Raymond’s life dramatically.
Barnes and Noble
Not A Day Goes By
E. Lynn Says: “A diva helps me to explode. Miss number one by a whisper.”
Released in 2008, this thrilling novel marks the return of Yancey Braxton and John Basil Henderson. This time around Yancy is desperately searching for an audition on Broadway but ends up falling into Basil’s arms. The couple’s romance leads to their wedding that will be full of suspense.
Barnes and Noble
Any Way The Wind Blows
E. Lynn Says: “Going to the river again.”
Released in 2002, Broadway diva Yancey Braxton makes a comeback to the social scene as a recording star. In addition to stepping back into the lime light, Braxton has forgiven ex-fiancé John Basil Henderson. As Braxton’s celebrity continues to rise she fears that her past may comeback to haunt her.
Barnes and Noble
A Love of My Own
E. Lynn Says:“How rich black people can some time act.”
Released in 2003, Editor-In-Chief of ‘Bling Bling’ magazine, Zola Norwood, find herself in a compromising position with media mogul Davis McClinton on a New York bound flight. One position is landing a position as his editor-in-chief. The other is landing the married man in her bed.
Barnes and Noble
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted
E. Lynn Says: “I knew you when.”
Released in 2004, Harris opens up on how writing saved his life in this touching memoir. Not to mention his relationship with his abusive father, his 1990 suicide attempt, and his first gay relationship. The novelist stated, “The lessons I have learned are not limited to race, gender, or sexual orientation. Anyone can learn from my journey.”
Barnes and Noble
I Say A Little Prayer
E. Lynn Says: “God Loves Me Too”
Released in 2006, Chauncey Greer, a successful greeting card company owner, makes his return to a singing career that had launched as a teen. Upon his return, Chauncey is caught in the middle of a protest over homophobia in church — which is when Greer’s former singing partner/lover makes an unexpected appearance.
Barnes and Noble
Earlier this week, Eric Jermone Dickey, RM Johnson, Tina McElroy Ansa, Clarence Nero, Tracie Howard and Laura Gilmore gathered at Outwrite Books in Atlanta, where Harris lived and often began his tours.
Earlier this year, Harris signed on for a three-book deal with Karen Hunter Publishing, which released ‘Mama Dearest’ this week. Journalist-turned-author Karen Hunter launched her Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster imprint two years ago. At the time, the Pulitzer Prize-winning scribe had no plans to enlist Harris as one of her writers – that is until he called her in January for business advice. With his editor gone from Random House, the 54 year-old was itching to make a change.
What Hunter, who has penned New York Times best sellers for the likes of Karrine Steffans, LL Cool J and Wendy Williams, said she remembers most is the Detroit native’s giving spirit.
“It was ironic that he called me out of the blue,” the former New York Daily News columnist told BV Newswire yesterday. “He got my number from one of my other authors, and after I listened to what he was going through, I was in a position to help him. The next week, we put together a contract and were able to buy ‘Mama Dearest.’”
‘Mama Dearest’ ended up being his final tome. It features the return of one of Harris’ most popular characters, Yancey Harrington Braxton, and ventures away from the taboo theme of down-low gay black men that has been consistent throughout his novels. Instead, he tells the story of a mother and daughter.
Harris remains the first and only Black author to date to have 10 back-to-back New York Times best-selling novels. Yet, his stories have not translated to the big screen like the works of other black novelists such as Terry McMillan (‘Waiting to Exhale’) or even Toni Morrison (‘Beloved’). “He talked to me about what he was going to do in L.A. with the movie, but he was disheartened he didn’t have the big movies like Terry, who is like his contemporary in terms of writing style,” Hunter revealed. “He wanted to see his books translated to the big screen.”
She noted, “It’s a weird thing with us. The gay issue and the stigma within the black community is still a tough one to overcome. I can’t name a blockbuster successful movie that had a gay love scene with men.”
Shortly before his death, Harris was said to have taken meetings to discuss a possible movie based on one of his novels, in addition to working to develop a play based on his debut, ‘Invisible Life,’ with Ashford & Simpson.
Ultimately, Hunter, who is busy penning Janet Jackson‘s autobiography and her own book, called ‘Niggardly,’ wants the tour to remind people of what a special person Harris was. Though she only knew him for a short time, she said the way he lived his life truly touched her.
“From a writing standpoint, he broke down many barriers, and I think his biggest legacy will be bringing authors together,” she said. “This tour came about because I was getting so many phone calls [from people saying] ‘What can I do?’ Everybody has an E. Lynn story of generosity and giving and reaching back.”
“His death is not to be in vain,” Hunter added. “And we have to keep that mission of bringing people together alive, and I think watching all of these great authors take time out, and they are stopping their own [book] tours, to pay tribute to him is something we can definitely continue.”
E. Lynn Harris Day Celebrations Across the USA
BALTIMORE
Barnes & Noble @ 7 p.m.
1819 Reisterstown Rd.
Phone: 410-415-5758
Hosted by: Tracie Howard
BIRMINGHAM, ALA
Books-A-Million @ 7 p.m.
140 Wildwood Pkwy
Phone: 205-942-4220
Hosted by: Brandon Harris
CLEVELAND
Joseph Beth @ 7 p.m.
Legacy Village
24519 Cedar Rd.
Phone: 216- 912-1975
Hosted by: Lolita Files
CHICAGO
Borders @ 7 p.m.
2210 W. 95th St.
Phone: 773-445-5471
Hosted by: Yolanda Jo
DALLAS
Barnes & Noble @ 7 p.m.
7700 West Northwest Hwy
Phone: 214-739-1124
Hosted by: Mary B. Morrison
DETROIT
Borders @ 7 p.m.
5601 Mercury Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: 313-271-4441
Hosted by: Terrance Dean
HOUSTON
Barnes & Noble @ 7 p.m.
7626 Westheimer
Phone: 713-783-6016
Hosted by: ReShonda Tate Billingsley
JACKSONVILLE, FLA
Books-A-Million @ 7 p.m.
25A 1910 Wells Rd.
Orange Park, FL
Phone: 904-215-2300
Hosted by: Tina McElroy Ansa
LITTLE ROCK, AK
Presented by Pyramid Books
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center @ 6:30 p.m.
500 West Ninth St.
Phone: 501-372-5824
Hosted by: Celia Anderson and Rhonda Holmes
LIVINGSTON, N.J.
Barnes & Noble @ 7 p.m.
Livingston Mall
112 Eisenhower Pkwy
Phone: 973-758-1310
Hosted by: Karen Hunter and Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire
LOS ANGELES
ESO Won Books @ 7 p.m.
4311 Degnan Blvd.
Phone: 323-290-1048
Hosted by: Tananarive Due and Eric Jerome Dickey
NEW ORLEANS
Afro-American Book Stop @ 5:30 p.m.
7056 Read Blvd.
Phone: 504-243-2436
Hosted by: Clarence Nero and Ms. Dupre
NEW YORK
Borders @ 7 p.m.
10 Columbus Circle
Phone: 212- 823-9775
Hosted by: Erika Kendrick and Sean Lewis
PHILADELPHIA
Borders 21 @ 12:30 p.m.
1 S. Broad, Suite 100
Phone: 215-568-7400
Hosted by: Brenda L. Thomas
SAVANNAH, GA
Barnes & Noble @ 7 p.m.
7804 Abercorn Ext.
Phone: 912-353-7757
Hosted by: Dr. Bertice Berry
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Borders @ 7 p.m.
931 Capital Centre Blvd.
Largo, MD 20744
Phone: 301-499-2173
Hosted by: Victoria Christopher Murray and Kimberla Lawson Roby
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Filed under: Celebrity News, Personal Finance, News, The Economy
♦ Eve Shuts Down Clothing Line & Leaves Label! TheYBF.com caught up with E-V-E on last night’s VH1 Hip Hop Honors red carpet. And she revealed that she has permanently shut down her Fetish clothing line. Young, Black & Fabulous
♦ Banks to Small Biz: “Borrowers Welcome” Five years ago, when the economy was humming, 5 percent of small businesses surveyed by the National Federation of Independent Business labeled “financing” – in other words, borrowing – as the biggest thorn in their paw. Fast-forward to today, when we’re left to deal with the aftermath of a recession that has broken records for unpleasantness and left lenders like CIT Group in deep trouble. The Network Journal
♦ Banks Back Off Overdraft Fees, Will Make Up Profit Elsewhere Banks are backing off harsh overdraft fees and policies. That’s the good news. The bad news is they’ll probably look to make up that lost profit elsewhere. It’s a worrisome prospect for the vast majority of customers who never overdraw their funds and have grown accustomed to perks like free checking accounts. The Grio
Eve attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Backstage And Audience Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58462804), contact FilmMagic.com
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com
Musician Kid Rock attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Backstage And Audience Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58462781), contact FilmMagic.com
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com
Kid Rock attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors after party to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation at One Hanson Place on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – After Party To Benefit The VH1 Save The Music Foundation One Hanson Place New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Steven A Henry/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58468450), contact FilmMagic.com
Steven A Henry/FilmMagic.com
Flavor Flav attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors after party to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation at One Hanson Place on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – After Party To Benefit The VH1 Save The Music Foundation One Hanson Place New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Steven A Henry/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58468161), contact FilmMagic.com
Steven A Henry/FilmMagic.com
Rapper Flava Flav attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors after party to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation at One Hanson Place on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – After Party To Benefit The VH1 Save The Music Foundation – Arrivals One Hanson Place New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage.com To license this image (16974709), contact WireImage.com
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Tracy Morgan attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Red Carpet Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com To license this image (16973638), contact WireImage.com
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Kid Rock attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Red Carpet Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com To license this image (16973704), contact WireImage.com
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Ashanti attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Red Carpet Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com To license this image (16973655), contact WireImage.com
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Tracy Morgan on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Show Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com To license this image (16974176), contact WireImage.com
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Tracy Morgan on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in New York City. 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Show Brooklyn Academy of Music New York, NY United States September 23, 2009 Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com To license this image (16974175), contact WireImage.com
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
♦ New Jobless Claims Drop Unexpectedly to 530K The number of newly laid-off Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell for the third straight week, evidence that layoffs are continuing to ease in the earliest stages of an economic recovery. Yahoo Finance
♦ Nintendo, Under Extreme Pressure, Cuts Wii Prices To salvage sales for the holiday season, Microsoft and Sony have cut prices on their models, in some cases by $100. The tremendous reaction to the lower prices is clearly putting pressure on Wii sales. 247wallst.com
♦ WalletPop review: Michael Moore’s ‘Capitalism: A Love Story’ America is Rome, and it’s toppling. That’s the opening salvo from Michael Moore in his blistering new documentary, ‘Capitalism: A Love Story,’ which opens in New York and Los Angeles today and across the country Oct. 2. WalletPop
♦ Gmail Down. Again. Apparently seeking to further discredit its own cloud computer hype, Gmail crashed again this morning, leaving millions without access to archived e-mail for almost two and a half hours. The Big Money
♦ 10 Careers With True Job Security If you’re thinking about switching careers, or you’re worried about your current employment status, here are 10 jobs that have real security. They’re the hardest to fill, according to research by employment services company Manpower. MainStreet.com
Power forward David Lee is staying with the New York Knicks for a one-year deal Thursday worth about $8 million. Lee sought a multiyear contract. But with the Knicks hoping to save salary cap room for the summer of 2010, he had to settle for the chance to become an unrestricted free agent next year. Lee averaged 16 points and 11.7 rebounds last season.
Filed under: Television, Video
‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Nene Leakes paid a visit to BlackVoices.com recently and, as can be expected, she set the record straight about who she is, what she does and how she makes it happen.
Her debut literary tome, ‘Never Make the Same Mistake Twice,’ was recently released by Simon & Schuster, and the second season of her reality show is making ratings history, week over week, for the Bravo network.
She’s on a winning streak … and this is the perfect time to get up, close and personal with reality TV’s latest
villainess. Check out our exclusive video interview below.
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the ‘In My Name’ global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O’Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O’Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
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The New York Yankees are headed back to the playoffs, clinching their 14th appearance in 15 seasons with the Texas Rangers' loss at Oakland. New York missed the postseason for the first time since 1994 last fall in manager Joe Girardi's debut campaign. The Yankees won 17 playoff series and four World Series in that 13-year span.
Former Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress apologized to his family and tearfully kissed his pregnant wife and young son goodbye Tuesday before he was led away to prison to begin serving a two-year sentence on a weapons charge. Burress, at the time a star receiver with the New York Giants, was at the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan last November when a gun tucked into his waistband slipped down…
The 49ers have filed tampering charges against the New York Jets regarding top San Francisco draft pick Michael Crabtree, Jets coach Rex Ryan confirmed Monday. "My understanding is they filed charges with the league," Ryan said. "I'm saying my response is it's not true. I mean, it's not accurate.
Filed under: Dr. Boyce Money, News
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.
Filed under: Music, Movies, Television, News, Photos, Theater, Celeb Updates
She may have been a no-show at the Toronto International Festival earlier this week, but Mo’Nique partied it up with the likes of Vogue Editor-at-Large Andre Leon Talley at the Sugar Bar last night. The incredibly shrinking funnywoman dined on buttery shrimp, sidestepped to the live music (with a bodyguard standing shielding her = insane to observe), cut up on the microphone and welcomed the black media with open arms at an exclusive soiree celebrating her upcoming BET late-night talk show, which premieres Oct. 5.
Aside from the new show, which we hear may draw comparisons to Arsenio Hall’s groundbreaking 1990s chat fest, the former star of ‘The Parkers’ is looking forward to a busy season. Her performance in the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced drama ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push’ has garnered early Oscar buzz. It has also brought a tinge of scandal, too. This week, a source told Roger Friedman of the Hollywood Reporter that the 41-year-old actress asked for $100,000 at one point to show up to the festival with the rest of the cast. Of course, a rep for Lionsgate (the studio will release the film on Nov. 6) downplayed that tidbit with talk of “scheduling conflicts.” Hmmm. Winfrey, Perry and the diva Mariah Carey all showed up. And no one could possibly be busier than those three. They were all in New York City last night, too, but were nowhere near the Sugar Bar. When probed about the movie’s shining star, the film’s director told a room full of Toronto Festival journalists, “She’s at home eating some potato chips with her kids.” Ummmmm. Okay.
Last night, however, Mo’Nique seemed to be in her own mode at the Ashford & Simpson-owned hot spot. She wasn’t talking about Toronto drama. Actually, come to think of it, she didn’t say much at all in the watering hole’s tight quarters. The ‘Original Queen of Comedy’ did commend ‘Precious’ filmmakers for believing in her, along with BET honchos Debra Lee, Stephen Hill and Loretha Jones.
Spike Lee
Besides Woody Allen, no other filmmaker has had more films on the big screen in the last 20 years than Lee. From ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ to ‘Jungle Fever’ to the critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated ‘Do The Right Thing,’ Lee’s production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced more than 35 films since 1983. In 2008, the Atlanta native released his latest film, ‘Miracle at St. Anna,’ a story about blacks fighting in WWII that stars Derek Luke and Michael Ealy.
Oscar Micheaux
As the pioneer of Black filmmakers, this Metropolis, Illinois, native revolutionized the film industry when he formed his own movie production company and, in 1919, became the first Black to make a film. He wrote, directed and produced the silent motion picture ‘The Homesteader’ and then introduced the film world to Paul Robeson in ‘Body and Soul.’ In 1986, the Directors Guild of America honored Micheaux with a Golden Jubilee Special Award, and today the Oscar Micheaux Award is presented each year by the Producers Guild.
Robert Townsend
Primarily known as a comedian, this Chicago native established himself when he wrote, directed, produced and starred in the comedy ‘Hollywood Shuffle,’ his 1987 film about struggling black actors. He also created and produced the CableACE award-winning ‘Robert Townsend and His Partners in Crime’ for HBO. His best film to date is the 1991 musical ‘The Five Heartbeats.’ Townsend recently directed the documentary ‘Why We Laugh,’ a story on black comedians and their impact in America.
Bill Duke
Known for his imposing 6-foot-6-inch figure and action films such as 1987’s ‘Predator,’ the Poughkeepsie, New York, native began directing feature-length films in the 1990s with the crime dramas ‘A Rage in Harlem,’ ‘Deep Cover’ and ‘Hoodlum.’ In 2007, Duke directed ‘Cover,’ which starred Vivica A. Fox, and most recently ‘Not Easily Broken,’ which is based on a T.D Jakes novel and stars Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson.
Ossie Davis
As a pioneer in the film business and a legend in the Black community, Davis was an actor, director, poet, playwright, writer and social activist whose career spanned nearly 50 years. Davis directed numerous films during the blaxploitation era, including 1970’s ‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’ and 1973’s ‘Gordon’s War.’ Along with wife Ruby Dee, the Georgia native starred in many movies, including several of director Spike Lee’s films such as ‘Do The Right Thing,’ ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘She Hate Me.’
Melvin Van Peebles
This Chicago actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer is most famously known for his contribution to the blaxploitation era with the independently financed and critically acclaimed film ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.’ The 1971 film was written, produced, scored, directed by and starred Van Peebles and tells the story of a deprived Black man on his escape from the white authority. The father of actor/ director Mario, in 2008, Melvin completed the film ‘Confessionsofa Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha,’ which played at various film festivals.
Julie Dash
In 1991, this Queens, New York, native’s film ‘Daughters of the Dust,’ which tells the story of three generations of Gullah women at the turn of the 20th century, was the first full-length film with general theatrical release in the United States by an Black woman. In 2004, the film was included in the National Film Registry.
F. Gary Gray
Having directed more than 30 music videos for artists such as Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, TLC, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige, and winning several awards for his work, the New York native moved into the film world with the cult favorite ‘Friday,’ starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. He then followed that film with another fan favorite, ‘Set It Off,’ with Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith, before moving on to big budgeted films such as ‘The Negotiator,’ ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Be Cool.’ His next feature is slated to be ‘Marvin: The Life Story of Marvin Gaye.’
Forest Whitaker
An Academy Award winner for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film ‘The Last King of Scotland’, the Longview, Texas, native has directed many films, including the fan favorite 1995’s ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ based on the Terry McMillan novel of the same name. Other directorial films from Whitaker include ‘Hope Floats’ and ‘First Daughter.’
Lee Daniels
Beginning his career in entertainment as a casting director and manager, the Philadelphia native worked on projects such as ‘Under the Cherry Moon’ and ‘Purple Rain,’ both of which starred Prince, before hitting the jackpot with his production of ‘Monster’s Ball’ in 2001. That film garnered Halle Berry a best actress Oscar, making her the first Black woman to do so. In 2006, Daniels made his directorial debut with ‘Shadowboxer,’ which starred Oscar winners Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Helen Mirren. Just recently, in January 2009, his latest directing gig, ‘Push,’ won three awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including best film.
Mo’Nique
Everyone and their mother (and even the P.O.T.U.S.) seemed to have some sideways comment about Kanye West’s messy spectacle at the MTV Video Music Awards — as if he was videotaped urinating on underage girls; as if he was accused of sexual assault by a Colorado hotel employee; as if he lumped up his beautiful Cover Girl model girlfriend on the streets of Los Angeles … but I digress.
Joining in the fray is Angelo Ellerbee, an esteemed public relations veteran.
In an eyebrow-raising interview with Out magazine, the New Jersey native – who has worked with virtually everyone in black entertainment from, Dionne Warwick to DMX, spoke his piece about the highly publicized debacle: “This is a problem! You can talk about how it’s liquor, but liquor just makes you do what you want to do. It’s an excuse. His mother dying, the liquor — they’re all excuses. You need to go and get some help. You need to come to me for a week. That’s what you need to do!”
Another nugget from Ellerbee, who has garnered praise for media coaching and teaching celebrities proper etiquette: “It angers me to think that we’ve come so far and then our black president is shouted at and called a liar and nobody wants to do anything because no one wants to ruffle any feathers. You know what? I’ve got nothing but feathers to ruffle. I’m tired of this. When I worked with Mary J. Blige, people said it was the hardest thing to do and it would never happen. But life is not a cup of instant coffee. It’s brewed coffee. It’s brewed over time. Look where she’s at today!”
Before Wanda Sykes starts hosting her late-night show on FOX this fall, audiences will get to see her on HBO. The Emmy Award-winning comedienne returns to the network for her second solo special, ‘Wanda Sykes: I’m a Be Me,’ debuting Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Taped last month before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, 
D.C., the special will feature the brazen funnywoman performing material featured in her national stand-up tour. She addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black president, coming out as a lesbian, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, health care town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise. Named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “25 Funniest People in America,” the ‘New Adventures of Old Christine’ star recently hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Grammy-Award winning neo-soul powerhouse Jill Scott, Obie Award-winning actress Yvette Freeman and Emmy Award-winning producer Shonda Rimes have some irons in the fire. Scott has been cast as the lead in Lifetime Television’s telefilm ‘Sins of the Mother,’ about a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother. Scott, who recently helmed the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency’ (now on DVD), will play the mother. According to ‘Variety,’ production began this week, and a 2010 premiere is slated.
She played nurse Haleh for 15 years on the TV drama ‘ER,’ but Freeman is a master at theater. This week, the Obie Award-winning Delaware native stars in McCarter Theatre Center‘s production of Emily Mann’s ‘Having Our Say,’ based on the memoir about civil rights pioneers Sadie and Bessie Delany. The multiple-award-winning play officially opened Sept. 17 and will continue at the Princeton University venue through Oct. 18.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ creator Rimes will produce a Miramax Films project adapted from journalist Helena Andrews‘ upcoming memoir ‘Bitch is the New Black,’ a satirical look at the new generation of young, successful black women in Washington, D.C. Andrews, a culture columnist for TheRoot.com, has been tapped to pen the screenplay.
Roxanne Shante, who was recently embroiled in a sordid scandal about whether Warner Bros. Records financed her alleged college education, sounded an alarm about a serious women’s health issue earlier this week. Via her Facebook page, the Queens, N.Y., native wrote: “Sisters, it is very important that you get mammograms. I am not 
going to put my personal business out here. But just know I am speaking from a place and situation that I don’t want to see any of you in. If anyone here is a breast cancer survivor I would love to hear from you. Life Begins at 40.”
When reached for comment, the former Cold Chillin’ Records rap diva (nee Lolita Gooden), who many consider the “First Lady of Rap,” did not respond. But today, she wrote: “Okay, let me explain. I wanted to share my situation because someone reading this needs to know they are not alone. Or they need to go and get a mammogram. We always put ourselves on the back burner for family, work, friends, etc. Put your health 1st today. As for me, I will be fine. God is good and has given me a guarantee. Plus, to worry is a sin, and I have committed enough of those so I don’t worry. Lol.” Her 40th birthday is Nov. 9.
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Lawrence Tynes sent home the largest regular-season crowd in NFL history muttering about what might've been. Tynes kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired, giving the New York Giants a 33-31 victory over the turnover-prone Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night and ruining the debut of their rival's $1.15 billion stadium.
The remainder of Roger Clemens' defamation suit against Brian McNamee in Texas has been dismissed, leaving the pair to fight their legal battle in New York. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, who threw out most of Clemens' case in February, dismissed the remainder of the suit on Aug. 28. The dismissal was with prejudice, meaning Clemens can't refile, but he plans to ask the 5th U.S.
David Tyree has gone from Super Bowl hero to out of a job. Tyree was released by the New York Giants on Saturday in the final cutdown that also featured a late trade with backup tight end Michael Matthews, another Super Bowl veteran, being shipped to the New England Patriots for a conditional draft pick.
After three straight subpar starts, Roy Halladay was back to being dominant Friday. Halladay pitched a one-hitter to snap a three-start losing streak and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-0, ending New York's winning streak at seven games. "If we gave up one (run), we wouldn't have won tonight," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, whose team was shut out for the fifth time…
Filed under: Celebrity News, Careers, The Economy, Housing
After a busy and tumultuous past few months, young millionaire Rihanna may be using her money to settle down on her own. Housing rumor has it that the funky beauty has purchased a $10 million dollar home in Los Angeles. This is a strong move, after being a public victim of abuse. Read below for more notable events in finance, housing, the economy and more from an African American perspective.
♦ 5 Tips for Homebuyers as the Deadline Approaches for $8,000 Stimulus
The $8,000 federal tax credit for certain qualified home buyers is scheduled to expire December 1, 2009. Don’t be fooled by this deadline. This does not mean you have three months left to find your new home and make an offer.
The Money Coach
♦ Study Shows Psychological Impact of Unemployment
A new Rutgers study reveals the impact of unemployment on the individual, including depression, anxiety, and strained relationships.
BusinessWeek
♦ Using Cash Helps Consumers Escape Debt
Buried in credit card debts? Experts across the board suggest adopting a cash-only lifestyle.
The Grio
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
Rihanna dining at Giorgio Baldi in a black and white dress. Sept 2, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
Ice/X17online.com
♦ B in the Spotlight… Chike Ozah
Meet a New Orleans Director – Designer – Entrepreneur putting his name on the map.
The “B-Life”
♦ The Shrinking Plus-Size Apparel Market
To no one’s surprise, apparel sales have been going down over the past year — but the plus-size market has been hit especially hard.
The Budget Fashionista
♦ NYU Business School Gets its First Black Dean
Peter Blair Henry, a Jamaica-born Rhodes Scholar, moves to NYU in January 2010 from Stanford, where he’s currently holding the post of Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Economics. He’ll be NYU’s first black business school dean.
The Network Journal
♦ Five Safe Investments
If you are looking for some really safe investments, you should consider one of these five options.
Out of Debt Christian
♦ Low-Wage Workers Are Often Cheated, Study Says
Low-wage workers are routinely denied proper overtime pay and are often paid less than the minimum wage, according to a new study based on a survey of workers in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
The New York Times