The lead negotiator for the locked-out NBA referees removed himself from the talks Monday in hopes of resolving a dispute that threatens to have replacements on the floor this week. Lamell McMorris released a statement saying the negotiations with the NBA would be handled by general counsel Brian Lam and the executive board of the National Basketball Referees Association.
Month: September 2009
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Honey Mag "The Changing Of The Guard"
Posted by: BlogXilla 
Evidence that HoneyMag.com knows how to throw a party: custom studding, hair cut remixes, ballon animals, stumbling guests on Bowery, and casting agents from Sex & The City 2 plucking the flyest from the madness. Last Thursday night, at Collective Hardware, the editors of HoneyMag.com celebrated the “Changing of the Guard”- introducing New York’s trendsetters and tastemakers to the new faces behind the new Honey. Guests included video director Va$htie, Making Da Band Donnie Klang, celebrity eyelash guru Jamaal Buster, designers Dee & Ricky, Celebrity Hair stylist Usula Stephen, recording artist Mashonda, model Chris Collins and more than enough fashionistas to fill the two story art gallery. Guests feasted on SweetVirgo desserts and an endless supply of Heineken, Wine, Champagne, Arizona Vapor Water, Nuvo and more.
FOR MORE PICS AND INFO PLEASE SEE HONEY MAG
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Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian Get Married: 5 Questions I’d Like to Ask
Filed under: Celebrity News, News
Today, we are going to use an interesting story in black celebrity news to teach a short lesson called “How NOT to make major life decisions.” Let’s start the conversation, shall we?
NBA Star Lamar Odom has decided to marry Khloe Kardashian, whose sister Kim usually takes up all the family spotlight. The story goes that Khloe was hosting a “Welcome to LA Party” for new Laker, Ron Artest. Khloe allegedly ran the bill up to $3,000 and Lamar agreed to pay it. Could four weeks of love be built on a more stable foundation than money? The wedding ceremony was, in many ways, a fairytale: Celebrities everywhere, a triple arch of white roses, a serenade by the singer Babyface taking place at a private home in Beverly Hills. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire would be proud.
But after the last piece of cake has been eaten and the wild honeymoon lovemaking is over, Lamar and Khloe then have to confront the reality of their choice. Based on what I’ve read, I’d be willing to bet a pair of Air Jordans that their marriage doesn’t last 3 years. I’d hate to rain on anyone’s romantic parade, but we’ve got to be honest when it comes to choices like this.
Here are some questions I’d love to ask Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian:1) You’ve been dating for just a month? Are you serious? Love is a tricky thing. Most of us have been fooled by the first few weeks of a new relationship, thinking that Mr/Mrs. Right Now was Mr./Mrs. Now and Forever. There is scientific evidence that the chemical reactions in your brain during the lovemaking process are similar to mild injections of cocaine, which explains irrational behavior during the beginning and end of relationships. I don’t doubt that Lamar and Khloe are in love, but most of us know that the first month of a relationship makes it difficult to distinguish between being “in love” and being “in lust.” Why sign a legal contract until you’re completely sure?
2) What’s up with the prenup? You DO have a prenup don’t you? I can define the word “prenup” with the following sentence: Four years, $32 million dollars. Yes, that’s the size of Lamar’s latest contract with the Lakers, and the reason I hope this 29-year old has protected his assets. Sure, Khloe’s family isn’t struggling either, but I presume that Lamar has taken the time to protect his wealth. If he hasn’t, then he deserves whatever happens as a consequence.
3) Baby rumors anyone? After hearing that Khloe might be pregnant, some of this started to make sense. I presume that the baby belongs to Lamar, since Khloe doesn’t exactly look like she’s been carrying anybody’s baby for longer than a month. Lamar also has some baby mama drama of his own, with the children he created in a prior marriage. If you ever want a recipe for massive financial strain, try getting married too quickly and having a bunch of children in the process. It takes a few minutes to make a baby, but the child support can last a lifetime. We might be tempted to think that Lamar’s massive wealth makes child support a breeze, but the problem is that the more you earn, the more they make you pay. There’s nothing more difficult than being an ex-NBA player still paying NBA-level child support.
4) What about your other kids Mr. Odom? When asked about the wedding, Liza Morales, Lamar’s ex-wife, sounded as if she were trying to survive a terrorist attack or a death in the family. According to TMZ, Odom’s ex-wife had this to say:
“Yes, the circumstances over the last few weeks have been upsetting but none of my actions publicly or from the privacy of my home could be classified as a meltdown. I have maintained a brave face for my children who are my main concern and I remain strong for them.” She went on to say she has “the support of my family and friends and Lamar’s family have been nothing but supportive of me and the kids during this difficult time. I wish Lamar nothing but happiness we all deserve to be happy.”
What’s also interesting is that Lamar’s other kids didn’t come to the wedding. I wonder if Khloe can smell the ensuing drama?
OK, now that we’ve used Lamar and Khloe’s situation as our case study on how NOT to make major life choices, let’s find our true teachable moments (you know I don’t just do celebrity stuff unless there is a lesson in there somewhere):
The bottom line is this: Marriage is a serious decision, not something that should leave you focused on the elegance of the ceremony or the romance of being able to pick out bridal gowns. Some of us get so excited about the idea of having marital legitimacy that we forget the fundamental truth that LOVING together means LIVING together. If you haven’t known someone long enough to be sure you can live with them, then you probably don’t know if you can ever truly love them.
Secondly, we must be aware of the drug of lust, in which the chemical highs of sex can lead us to make damaging life choices. Many a celebrity has been left financially devastated by poor relationship choices in their 20s and 30s. Finally, if people have lives as complicated as Khloe and Lamar, at least a year of study is necessary to figure out if they can cope with all the complex externalities of each other’s personal lives: baby mama drama, professional issues, addictions, financial habits, etc. If you marry someone after a month and find out later that they have serious problems you can’t deal with, you only have yourself to blame.
This is not just a lesson for Khloe and Lamar, but a lesson for all of us. If you claim that you never made mistakes when you were young and in love, then you are probably just a big ol liar.
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. -
Kim Zolciak: Real Story About ‘Tardy for the Party’ Legal Drama
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
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=728030&pid=728029&uts=1254153295http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfReal Deal On Real Housewives of AtlantaReal Deal On ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’
The second season of the Bravo network reality series ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ is a hit. BlackVoices.com invites you to take an inside look at the major players of the series that has become the latest guilty pleasure for millions of TV viewers.BravoBlackVoices.comMel B Pictures
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 )
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
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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Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odom Get Married
Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian have tied the knot. The 29-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward and the 25-year-old reality TV starlet were married Sunday at a private residence in Beverly Hills.
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Amber Debuts New Piercing Backstage.
Posted by: BlogXilla Only HipHollywood was backstage for Common’s Charity Fundraiser that featured some of Hip Hops’ biggest names, including Kanye West. For Kanye, it was his first show since the MTV Awards, so check out the audience reaction. Nas, Mos Def, Ludacris, Queen Latifah, Amber Rose (with her shocking new look), and Serena Williams, were just some of the big names we caught up with, both backstage and on the stage. Welcome to Common & Friends.
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Cleveland throws party to welcome Shaq (AP)
Shaq got in one last party before training camp. Shaquille O'Neal, the big man Cleveland is counting on to deliver this championship-starved city a title, was welcomed to town Sunday with a star-studded party that included sports celebrities and Average Joes looking to rub elbows with them. Fashionably late, O'Neal arrived in an SUV at 11:15 p.m.
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Favre TD with 2 seconds left lifts Vikes (AP)
The end was as good as the Vikings could have imagined: Brett Favre zipped a pass to a little-used reserve wide receiver in the back of the end zone in the final seconds for a classic Favre finish. Greg Lewis leaped for a 32-yard touchdown catch with 2 seconds left while a flattened Favre watched from his stomach, and the Vikings stunned the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 on Sunday to stay unbeaten.
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Lions end 19-game skid, beat Redskins (AP)
Matthew Stafford held his head down on the bench for the final snap. Dominic Raiola couldn't watch, either, fearing a 20th loss in a row and 100th setback of his nine-season career. When Detroit's leaders looked up and saw Washington was out of time, they saw what they were hoping to see Sunday.
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NIPPLE ALERT: Sophie Monk Lets One Slip
Posted by: BlogXilla Ooops. Did my nipple just slip out of my bathing suit? Now why would it go and do that?Sophie Monk looked great as she frolicked around a private Southern California beach on September 27, 2009. The Australian bombshell looked fantastic in her skimpy green string bikini, and obviously has…
SEE ORIGINAL STORY FOR UNCENSORED PICS
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West to report to Cavaliers camp (AP)
Cavaliers guard Delonte West, facing gun possession charges, is expected to report to Cleveland's training camp Monday. West was arrested on Sept. 17 after police said he was carrying two concealed handguns and a shotgun when he was pulled over on a three-wheel motorcycle near his Maryland home. Carrying an unlicensed handgun is a misdemeanor in that state.
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Dodgers blow lead, don’t clinch NL West (AP)
This should have been so easy for the Dodgers: Jonathan Broxton on the mound, a three-run lead in the ninth inning against the dismal Pirates and an NL West title to celebrate as soon as they closed it out. Instead, easy turned into excruciating as Los Angeles let a victory slip away when the majors' second-worst team pulled off a four-run rally aided by several defensive lapses.
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Yankees clinch AL East and home field (AP)
Soaked to the skin with champagne, Mark Teixeira stood on the giant "NY" logo in the Yankees clubhouse and shouted like crazy. "Tastes good!" he hollered. Favored to win the World Series since opening day, the New York Yankees celebrated like playoff newcomers after beating Boston 4-2 Sunday to clinch the AL East title and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
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Update: Fabolous Wasn’t In A Car Accident?
Posted by: urbanreup According to many twitter posts DEF JAM RECORDING ARTIST “FABOLOUS” was involved in a *serious* car accident and is still hospitalized. There’s been a lot of talk on twitter about the accident. People have tweeted the following:
RT @kimmicupcakes In case u haven’t heard, @myfabolouslife was in an accident & still hospitalized #Pray4Fab #Pray4Fab #Pray4Fab #Pray4Fab
UPDATE: Who says Twitter isnt a good source? Fab has explained whats going on:
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Matt Damon Curses Out Adrian Grenier
Posted by: BlogXilla Matt Damon freaks out on Adrian Grenier during a PSA shoot while Jeremy Piven tries to keep the peace.
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Don’t Let Your Spouse Control All of Your Finances
Filed under: Personal Finance, Dr. Boyce Money
Financial News Blast for the week of September 26, 2009 – Click on the link for the title to read the article on the given topic:
1) Don’t let your spouse control all of the family finances: This is a great article on how the entire family should be involved when making financial decisions for the household. When I wrote my book, “Financial Lovemaking 101,” I noticed that far too many American families are allowing their entire financial future to be controlled by one partner. You should be aware of what’s going on with your money, even if you’re not the one making all the decisions.
2) Harvard Study: A Lack of Health Insurance Causes 45,000 Deaths Each Year: The healthcare reform debate has literally become a matter of life and death. We’ve got to find a way to get this done.3) How to get a home loan with bad credit: Many Americans suffer through credit problems. Where you’ve been doesn’t matter nearly as much as where you’re going. Getting a home loan can open the door to wealth and also create opportunities for you to rebuild your credit. Take a look at this article to find out how.
4) The most lucrative college degrees: Going to college doesn’t guarantee a strong financial future. It’s going to college and choosing the right major that makes all the difference. Make sure you pick the right major for you and your children.
5) Financial illiteracy is an epidemic in the United States: Banks and corporations are certainly predatory in their behavior. But you don’t have to allow yourself to be their prey. You must find a way to obtain basic financial literacy, for a lack of financial literacy was one of the primary causes of the 2008 economic downturn. If this epidemic is not managed, we are going to have serious problems for many decades to come.
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. -
Cardinals clinch NL Central crown (AP)
Matt Holliday celebrated another playoff clincher at Coors Field, only this time it was with the St. Louis Cardinals and not the Colorado Rockies. Holliday keyed a three-run rally in the first inning and the Cardinals clinched the NL Central crown when they beat the Rockies 6-3 Saturday night behind Adam Wainwright's 19th victory.
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Dodgers clinch at least wild-card berth (AP)
The celebration was a couple of bottles of champagne and a few hugs, nothing more. Maybe it's because the Los Angeles Dodgers expect to have bigger bashes before the season is over. The Dodgers locked up their fourth NL playoff appearance in six years, getting a two-run single from pinch-hitter Jim Thome during a four-run eighth inning in which Pirates relievers walked four before going on to…
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Quick Weight Loss
In a world where time is money, we are all looking at doing things quickly. Quick weight loss is another such example of the quickness needed in life today. And there is good news at least on this front. There are lots of remedies in the market that help …
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"The Cleveland Show" Premieres Tomorrow
Posted by: KanYeezy Tomorrow night on Fox, Seth MacFarlane’s “The Cleveland Show” will be premiering its pilot episode. The spinoff of “Family Guy” is based soley on Cleveland, the black character from the previous show.
In the beginning of the series, Cleveland Brown and his son move from Quahog to the town of Stoolbend, Virginia. Cleveland has had enough in Quahog. He realizes he wants his own friends, his own sidekicks, and his own stories. He sets out to California, ends up somewhere else, and then winds up in his hometown of Virginia and rekindles an old high school flame with Donna.
His newly introduced family includes his new wife Donna Tubbs (played by Sanaa Lathan), her teenage daughter Robert Tubbs (played by Regan Gomez), and her five year old son Rallo (played by Mike Henry). Cleveland Jr. (played by Kevin Michael) appears in the show at the age of 14.
Cleveland’s new neighbors include a family of bears (Seth Macfarlane is the voice of the father), a hipster wanna be, a redneck couple and an English family (Seth Macfarlane is the voice of the father as well).
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Colts’ Brackett, Hayden out vs. Cards (AP)
Middle linebacker Gary Brackett and cornerback Kelvin Hayden did not travel with the Indianapolis Colts to Arizona where they will play the Cardinals on Sunday night. Brackett injured his left knee late in last Sunday's victory at Miami. Hayden hurt his hamstring. Both were held out of practice this week.
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Chris Brown To Headline "Powerhouse 09"
Posted by: www.nydailynews.com Chris Brown has landed his first concert gig since beating his ex-girlfriend Rihanna. He’ll be headlining the Power 105.1 “Powerhouse ’09” concert, which features several other performers. And they’re all on the C-list, according to MSNBC.com. Brown, who has taken some time out of the spotlight since his conviction and community service sentence, will be leading a group of nobodies and has-beens at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ on Oct. 27, according to MSNBC. The concert includes performances from Keri Hilson, The-Dream, Fabolous, Trey Songz, Mario and Ginuwine. “This is a pretty C-list lineup,” one promoter, who is not involved with the show, told MSNBC. “Keri Hilson is good, Ginuwine has some following, but this is nothing like the lineup that would have surrounded him this time last year,” the promoter told MSNBC. “Chris was the Michael Jackson heir apparent, he had huge endorsement deals. This isn’t the sort of show you would have expected from him before he got in trouble.” Apparently the singer, who is currently serving a 180-day community service and probation sentence, still isn’t considered “safe” booking by many, but for this concert, the radio station was willing to take the risk. The concert will supposedly offer Brown a chance to promote his single, “Transformer,” off his new album, “Graffiti,” reports MTV.com. But there could still be a problem. According to RollingStone.com, it is still unclear whether Brown has actually received permission from the Los Angeles court that convicted him or from the Virginia officials overseeing his sentence to perform at the New Jersey concert next month.
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Grammy Award Winner Usher Launches New Initiative
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.
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LB Diggs out for injury-plagued Panthers (AP)
The Carolina Panthers will likely have a makeshift lineup against Dallas as they try to avoid an 0-3 start. Linebacker Na'il Diggs was declared out of Monday night's game after missing his third straight practice Saturday with bruised ribs. Starting strong safety Chris Harris, top fullback Brad Hoover and defensive end Everette Brown also sat out the workout and are listed as doubtful.
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Jay-Z Pisses Off His Racist Neighbors
Posted by: KanYeezy Jay-Z, knowing that his neighbors didnt want him in the building, decided to get back at them.
He told BBC radio, “My neighbors didn’t want me in the building. It was a whole big thing; it was really racist. They didn’t want me in so I bought the biggest place there. They have a board and voting is based on how much of the property share you have, so I have the biggest share and I go down just to vote on things I don’t care about just to tick ’em off.” He continued, “I guess they think I’m having parties and there’s shootings going on, but I have normal breakfasts and lunches. My friends come over accountants and bankers & and I make them all wear black so the neighbors think they’re gangsters. It’s fun.”
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The Week That Was: Fela! Sure to Wear Broadway Out, Chris Brown Has the ‘Power’
Filed under: Music, Television, News, Theater, Celeb Updates, Radio, Video
This fall, the Great White Way will feel one hell of a jolt when the new musical ‘Fela!’ hits the boards at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theater, starting Oct. 19. The show, which chronicles the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was all the rave during its very limited and sold-out run at the 37 Arts Theater last fall. Created by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, the masterfully produced tour de force attracted fans such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Lou Reed, Fiona Apple and Charlize Theron.This week, BV Newswire was invited to an exclusive preview of this provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater that will dazzle audiences for generations to come. (See VIDEO below.) Now wonder it won the 2009 Lucille Lortel Award for best musical. Two-time Emmy Award winner Kevin Mambo and Tony Award-winning vocal powerhouse Lillias White (pictured above, center and right) have been added to the multitalented cast, which is led by Sahr Ngaujah, whose breakout performance as the Afrobeat icon who died of AIDS in 1997, was a work of sheer theatrical genius. Tickets start at $27. For more information about ‘Fela!,’ visit www.FelaOnBroadway.com.
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Nick Cannon may be having the best year ever. The dashing and debonair host of NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ is getting a windfall of media attention on the day before wife Mariah Carey releases her new album, ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.’ For those who don’t know, the San Diego native is the new chairman of Nickelodeon’s teen network, TeenNick.
On Sept. 28, The N (current name) will rebrand itself as TeenNick and we will be airing a celebrity promo spot in connection with the launch.
Various celebrities — including wifey, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift, Sharon Osbourne, Tony Hawk, Keke Palmer, and Ice Cube — are all featured in this promo congratulating Cannon on his chairman position.
*****FelaLL Cool J‘s latest foray into television is off to a good start.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, CBS scored big with its new series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles,’ which features the hip-hop superstar and movie star Chris O’Donnell. Apparently, Tuesday marked the network’s most-watched premiere night since 1993, thanks to the triple threat of drama in the form of ‘NCIS’ (20.6 million viewers), ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (18.7 million) and Julianna Margulies‘ new series ‘The Good Wife’ (13.7 million). From 1995-1999, LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) starred in the NBC sitcom ‘In the House.’ *****
Chris Brown is getting back to work – the kind that pays. The beleaguered R&B crooner with the dazzling smile and mean right hook can breathe a sigh of relief. His battery and assault of girlfriend Rihanna hasn’t hurt him among hip-hop fans. The Jive Records artist is due to headline the “Powerhouse” concert, an event hosted by New York City’s hip-hop radio station Power 105. According to EURweb.com, the ‘Run It’ singer’s Oct. 27 performance at the Izod Center in New Jersey is his first official live show since his February altercation with the Cover Girl spokesmodel earned him probation and community service. Also on the “Powerhouse” lineup: the-Dream, Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Mario and Ginuwine. Black Music Notes June 1
6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.Wire Image
6/1/09: Grace Jones
The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.Getty Images
5/28/09: Chaka Khan
Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.AFP/Getty Images
5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.Getty Images
5/21/09: Jay-Z
Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”Frank Micelott, Getty Images
5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: The Dream
Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.Getty Images
5/19/09: The Whispers
After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.5/19/09: Mariah Carey
On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: Will Downing
Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.Verve
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UPDATE: Kelis & Nas: Where Do They Stand?
Our ESSENCE.com insider spotted estranged couple Kelis and Nas at an event last night with baby Knight looking very much like they were back together. Find out where they were and tell us if you’re rooting for their reunion.
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Medical Office Administration Training and Medical Assistant Programs
An education in medical office administration can include a large variety of instructions to help medical offices. It includes clerical and administrative positions that help medical offices to function smoothly and efficiently.
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Yankees beat Red Sox, magic number now 3 (AP)
Joba Chamberlain pitched as if his place in the New York Yankees' postseason rotation was at stake. Winless in eight starts since beating Boston on Aug. 6, Chamberlain responded with his first victory in 1 1/2 months and led the Yankees over the Red Sox 9-5 Friday night. Earlier this week in Anaheim, Calif., manager Joe Girardi and Yankees coaches met with the 23-year-old right-hander.
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Phillies consider replacements for Lidge (AP)
The Philadelphia Phillies suddenly are auditioning potential replacements for struggling closer Brad Lidge and juggling their rotation with Pedro Martinez still bothered by a stiff neck. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday that the World Series champions will consider other options for closing games, adding that manager Charlie Manuel could keep Lidge in the mix.