Black Man Black Woman

Tag: US

  • The NFL Or Oxford: You Choose!

    Posted by: current.com

    Myron Rolle swapped shoulder pads, hard hits and a professional US football contract for lectures, tutorials and quiet anonymity at Oxford University when he traded a spot in the National Football League draft last year for a Rhodes Scholarship.

    Rolle, 22, was a star defensive player at Florida State University, where he also won acclaim as a pre-medical student for research on stem cells and cancer cells.

    In the safety position, Rolle, who is 6ft 2in and weighs 15 stone 5lbs, specialised in taking players to the ground with punishing tackles at full speed, snagging opponents’ passes out of the air and running them back for touchdowns.

    A top prospect for the NFL, Rolle last year opted to defer entering the league’s amateur draft for a year and study for a master’s degree in medical anthropology at Oxford, all with an eye towards an eventual career in medicine.

    TO READ MORE, CLICK HERE

    Who would you choose?(survey software)

  • The Weekend Wave

    Posted by: Jo Jo Simmons

    Young Simmons- “This song is mad catchy!”

    Attitude-“Blow Ya Back Out”

     

    Shaka-“Just adding to the Gucci Man Wave.”

    Gucci Man- “Excuse Me”

     

    Jazmin- “Beacuse its my birthday month.”

    Trey Songz feat. Fabolous “Say Ahh”

     

    Blackspot-“I love this because it shows raw lyricism.”

    The Roots “Clones”

     

    Just Grinding- “Everybody deserves a 2nd chance”

    Chris Brown “Crawl”

     

    A.R-“It’s from one of my favorite movies, juice”

    Aaron Hall “Dont Be Afraid”

     

    Kandy-“im on my CRS ish this weekend”

    CRS- “US Placers”

     

    Blogxilla- “Weezy killed this!”

    Lil Wayne “Swag Surfing Freestyle”

     

    Which “Weekend Wave” song are you feeling the most?(answers)

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

    Filed under: ,



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

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

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


    How can I get a copy of my credit report?

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

    How is a credit score calculated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    Filed under: ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jobs You Can Run Away To

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

      jupiterimages

      Cruise Ship Jobs

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

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

      AFP / Getty Images

      The Military

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

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

      Jim MacMillan, AP

      Park Rangers

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

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

      AP

      Nanny

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

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

      jupiterimages

      House Mother

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

      Corbis

      Ranch Hand

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

      Corbis

      Camp Counselor

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

      AP

      Peace Corps

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

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

      Andres Leighton, AP

      Home Health Care Aide

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

      jupiterimages


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

    Source

     

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  • UPDATE: Is There Hope For Shyne?

    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 

    _____

    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.

    ____________

    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.

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