Antawn Jamison's ailing shoulder will keep him off the court well into the regular season. The Washington Wizards announced an estimated recovery time for Jamison's injury Friday, saying he's likely to miss the first eight to 13 games. "The most important thing is it's a long season," he said.
Month: October 2009
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The Weekend Wave
Posted by: Jo Jo Simmons Young Simmons- “This song is mad catchy!”
Shaka-“Just adding to the Gucci Man Wave.”
Jazmin- “Beacuse its my birthday month.”
Trey Songz feat. Fabolous “Say Ahh”
Blackspot-“I love this because it shows raw lyricism.”
Just Grinding- “Everybody deserves a 2nd chance”
A.R-“It’s from one of my favorite movies, juice”
Kandy-“im on my CRS ish this weekend”
Blogxilla- “Weezy killed this!”
Lil Wayne “Swag Surfing Freestyle”
Which “Weekend Wave” song are you feeling the most?(answers)
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Wheelchair Parts Replacements
Wheelchairs are the perfect solution to those with some mobility or the lack of ability to move on their lonesome. They give freedom to the user and allow them to get around on their own when they might not have other wise been ready to do that. They co…
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Angels head to NY with comeback in mind (AP)
Chone Figgins and the Los Angeles Angels know they're heading straight into more than one kind of storm, and they can't wait to get wet. Heavy showers in Saturday's New York forecast are threatening to wash out Game 6 of the AL championship series, yet that's a minor drizzle compared to the high-pressure system the Angels created for both themselves and the Yankees by extending the…
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Chris Rock Gets Real Sensitive About AOL and Good Hair
Filed under: Celebrity News, Careers
Maybe everybody hates Chris, but I don’t hate him at all. Most of us know Chris Rock for the genius that he is, and the way he intelligently and hilariously describes the world around us. So, you can imagine my dismay when I got a call from Charlamagne Tha God, morning host for 100.3 “The Beat” in Philadelphia, who told me that Chris Rock had some choice words for AOL Black Voices and the criticism he has received for his film, “Good Hair.”
Chris seemed to feel that those claiming that the movie bombed at the box office were incorrect, since the film was only released in a few theaters. He even (accurately) explains that saying his film bombed is like “comparing the movie ‘He Got Game’ to ‘Star Wars’.” Good point. Here are some other issues that Chris brought up and how some of these issues relate to wealth, power and ownership.
Chris discusses how difficult it is to do shows, commentary and films for a black audience. This is true, given that African American audiences are not as large as non-black and global audiences. In fact, when Ice Cube (my favorite rapper) released “Janky Promoters,” one of the statements made by an executive at the studio was that black movies have almost no global sales market. I am not sure if this was a racist fact or not, but it certainly is a fact.
Chris’ interview (below) was quite intriguing for a number of reasons:
1) He was criticized for saying that Oprah looks like a slave in one of her pictures. He says that he wasn’t saying that she looks like a slave (Oprah is one of his wealthy and powerful friends, he wouldn’t be that stupid – I learned firsthand about the backlash you can get from criticizing Oprah); he was saying that the picture was so old that it looked like a slave picture.
2) Chris seemed incredibly emotional and highly flustered in the interview. I am not sure if this is an act, but I certainly hope it is. Chris Rock is a vet in the game, and I’d be shocked that he would be so sensitive about criticism for his film. Chris sounds like he needs a hug from his mama. If his mama is not available, he can borrow mine.
3) Chris mentions in film that black men can be portrayed any old way, while people seem very sensitive to any portrayals of black women that are in the least bit critical. I actually agree with Chris when he says that anyone who criticizes his film needs to see it first. Also, being critical of black women is not exactly a popular thing to do – I find it interesting that all the problems of the black family and black relationships mentioned in Essence Magazine tend to be blamed almost entirely on men. The truth is that in a community, it takes two genders to Tango.
4) Chris is a businessman: He mentioned that he would not release a film about black women if black women didn’t like it. During survey testing, he claims that 99 out of 100 black women like the film. The lesson here is that most products are not released to the public unless they are fully market tested. Also, the size and scope of the African American market makes room for a small number of films. At the same time, it is my hope that Chris Rock and others will take ownership of the film making process to ensure that more movies are made for black audiences, using appropriate images. Anyone who saw the “ghetto girl” in the cinematic flop “Couples Retreat” knows what I’m talking about.
5) He seems to have a bit of a beef with AOL Black Voices. When asked about critical comments that Chris received in AOL BV, the entertainer went back into “Need-a-hug-from-mama” mode. I have two things to say to Chris: First, AOL Black Voices is PLURAL, implying that there is no one voice, but many who represent a variety of viewpoints. I, for one, think that Chris Rock’s work is outstanding, but I don’t represent all opinions on this site. Secondly, if Chris has a concern with comments that have been made, he should do what he did today – stand up for himself!
In China, they have a saying, “The fattest pig will always get slaughtered.” Chris my man, you’re the fat pig – so don’t be surprised when the haters come out to turn you into pork chops. But make sure you also remember that everybody doesn’t hate Chris, a lot of people think you’re pretty cool.
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. -
Redskins: Zorn to coach remainder of ’09 (AP)
Well, that should quiet things down for a while. The Jim Zorn unemployment watch is over. Jerry Gray, as it turns out, isn't a coach-in-waiting about to get promoted any day now. Another week of Washington Redskins craziness ended with an actual message of stability Friday: The front office said Zorn will be the coach for the rest of the season.
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Goodell expects multiple games in London (AP)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expects the league to start playing multiple regular-season games in Britain in the next few years — an expansion that could lead to putting a franchise in London. Goodell said Friday that "every indicator" shows the British market can support more games and that having a franchise here is of "tremendous interest" to the league.
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2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced
Filed under: Music, Television, News
As previously reported by BV Newswire, the 2009 Soul Train Awards is scheduled to tape at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on Nov. 3. In addition to Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard hosting this year’s annual event, some of today’s most prominent music stars are scheduled to perform.
Network producers decided to assemble an all-star lineup including Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill among others.
The two-hour ceremony will also honor the late, great Michael Jackson, who holds the record for most Soul Train awards won, with the special Entertainer of the Year Award.
As for this year’s nominations, pop superstar Beyonce alongside Keri Hilson, and Maxwell lead the pack with four nominations each.
In addition, this year’s show will honor the illustrious careers and musical influences of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds.
Officially titled, ‘Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards Show,’ the event will premiere simultaneously on the new BET spin-off channel Centric and BET on Nov. 29 at 9 pm ET. Centric went live on air Sept. 28 via digital cable and satellite cable carriers.
Below is a complete list of nominees and categories.
BEST NEW ARTISTo. Drake
o. Jazmine Sullivan
o. Keri Hilson
o. Ryan Leslie
o. Solange
BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALEo. Beyonce
o. Chrisette Michele
o. Jennifer Hudson
o. Ledisi
o. Whitney Houston
BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALEo. Charlie Wilson
o. Maxwell
o. Musiq Soulchild
o. Raphael Saadiq
o. Robin ThickeSONG OF THE YEAR
o. “God in Me” – Mary Mary
o. “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell
o. “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)” – Beyonce
o. “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson
o. “Turnin Me On” – Keri Hilson/ ft Lil WayneALBUM OF THE YEAR
o. Beyonce – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
o. Jamie Foxx – Intuition (Platinum) J Records
o. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (Platinum) Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
o. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night (Gold) Sony Music
o. Ne-Yo – Year of the GentlemanRECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)
o. Beyonce – “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)”
o. Drake – “Best I ever had”
o. Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – “Blame it”
o. Keri Hilson – “Knock You Down”
o. Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD
o. Movado
o. Sean Paul
o. Serani
o. Taurus Riley
o. Ziggy MarleyCENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND
o. Corneille
o. Eric Roberson
o. Laura Izibor
o. Maysa
o. The Knux
BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE, FEMALE OR GROUPo. BeBe and CeCe Winans – “Close To You”
o. Fred Hammond f/John P Kee – “They That Wait”
o. Marvin Sapp – “Praise Him in Advance”
o. Mary Mary – “God In Me”
o. Smokie Norful – “Justified”BEST COLLABORATION
o. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock you Down”
o. Keyshia Cole featuring Monica – “Trust”
o. Mario featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett – “Break up”
o. Mary Mary featuring Kierra (KiKi) Sheard – “God In Me”
o. Trey Songz featuring Drake – “Successful”
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEARo. Michael Jackson
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=258936&pid=258935&uts=1256265882http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfBlack Music Notes Oct. 7
10/7/09: Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey‘s new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ debuted in #3 position on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling only 167, 912 copies in its first week of release. Surprisingly, 67-year-old Barbra Streisand bagged the top spot — selling 180,415 copies of her latest covers collection, ‘Love is the Answer.’ Also keeping Carey away from being numero uno; rock band Paramore, which opened at #2 with their new album ‘Brand New Eyes,’ with sales of 175,112.Getty Images
10/5/09: Meshell Ndegeocello
This week, Meshell Ndegeocelloreleases her latest album, ‘Devil’s Halo,’ and officially kicks off a promotional tour at New York City hot-spot, Highline Balroom. The three week club tour will have the rock & soul wunderkind performing in major cities across the country — including Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis — before her final show Oct. 28 in Bellingham, Washington. All tour dates will include Meshell’s full band, featuring guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks.Mark Seliger for Downtown Music
10/2/09: Mary J, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson:
Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson are among the artists featured on Rod Stewart‘s forthcoming project titled ‘Soulbook.’ The J Records release captures the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer covering a collection of classic soul favorites, including the Stylistics timeless classic ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New.’ “This is the album I’ve waited my whole lifetime to record,” Stewart stated. ‘Soulbook’ hits stores and digital retailers Oct. 27.Getty Images
10/2/09: 50 Cent/T.I.:
To capitalize off of its recent batch of ‘Behind the Music’ segments, VH1 has finally decided to take an introspective look at the careers of 50 Cent and T.I. The two multi-platinum rappers will be showcased in the network’s long running series in the coming weeks, which will cover their rise to fame. From T.I. describing the pros and cons of being a hip-hop superstar to Fifty detailing his success as an international mogul. ‘Behind the Music: T.I.’ premieres Oct. 8 at 10 pm/et, while ‘Behind the Music: 50 Cent’ airs Oct. 13 at 8 pm/et.Getty Images
10/2/09: Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie:
Beginning Nov. 1, TV One returns with all new episodes of their critically-acclaimed original biography series, ‘Unsung.’ The Gary Anthony Williams-narrated show, which examines and celebrates talented artists who are under-appreciated, will showcase Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Roger Troutman & Zapp, and Klymaxx in its third installment. ‘Unsung: Teena Marie’ premieres Nov. 1 at 8 pm/et followed by an encore at 11 pm/et.Getty Images
10/2/09: Akon:
International superstar Akon is showing support for breast cancer awareness month this weekend with his headlining performance at the Think Pink Rocks concert on Oct. 3. Hosted by BET’s Terrence and Rocsi, the star-studded charity benefit will also include performances by Canadian R&B songstress Melanie Fiona, Shontelle, and pop reggae trio American Yard. According to an event spokesperson, all proceeds will go to breast cancer charities and research.Getty Images
10/2/09: Pretty Ricky:
Following a controversial viral video clip from one of its most known members earlier this year, R&B group Pretty Ricky will finally release their third album, aptly titled ‘Pretty Ricky.’ The chart-topping group, which features Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick’Em, and their newest buddy/addition Lingerie, feels their Nov. 17 release is too good to explain. “The songs are too sensual to describe in words,” says Diamond. “You have to hear it to fully grasp the erotic experience of the records.” The group’s new lead single, ‘Tipsy In This Club,’ received a mixed response over the summer when Spectacular debuted the track via his eye-brow raising YouTube clip.Getty Images
9/28/09: Tupac Shakur/Martin Luther King Jr.
Late rap legend Tupac Shakur may be deceased, but he’s still in great company. His mother Afeni Shakur has donated a collection of his writing to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center. The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. More than 150 of his personal items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge Knight and Death Row Records were given. The records are expected to be available for research in the fall of 2010.Getty Images, Corbis
9/28/09: Ruben Studdard
Former ‘American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard is heating up the airwaves with his latest single, ‘Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More.’ The single, which is described as a “sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone’s special someone,” is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated crooner’s current album, ‘Love Is.’ In addition, Studdard will join Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Deborah Cox, among others, on Oct. 21 for the “David Foster and Friends Tour.” The trek kicks off in Chicago and concludes on Nov. 8 in Vancouver.Getty Images
9/28/09: Angie Stone
R&B diva Angie Stone is ready to hit fans with some surprising stuff! On Nov. 24, the brown-skin soul sister will release her second project, titled ‘Unexpected,’ on legendary label Stax Records. According to Stone, the album’s title is a reflection of the direction that she took in recording the opus. “This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me,” she said. “My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.” ‘Unexpected’ features the lead single ‘I Ain’t Hearin’ U’ and the poignant ballad ‘Think Sometimes.’Getty Images
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Tameka Foster Talks "Papers"
Posted by: KanYeezy Tameka Foster hits up the radio station to talk Usher, rumors and the song “Papers”.
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Obama Announces Small Business Bail Out
Filed under: News, The Economy
President Obama has finally outlined a bail out plan for America’s small businesses. Perhaps due to mounting criticism that the administration is only helping huge corporations weather the economic storm, the Obama Administration outlined a series of policies targeted to direct more capital to small banks and community institutions that lend to small businesses, especially in economically deprived areas. The New York Times reports:The measures, announced by Mr. Obama at a small records storage company in Maryland, would allow smaller community banks to borrow at low rates from the Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program. It would also raise the loan caps on several popular Small Business Administration programs.
Under the administration plan, banks with less than $1 billion in assets could borrow from the program at a lower interest rate than financial institutions are required to pay.
In exchange, banks must demonstrate how they would increase lending to small businesses and follow up with quarterly reports. According to the White House, most business loans by the community banks that are eligible for the new rules are made to small businesses.In addition, community groups that lend to small businesses in low-income areas under a Treasury Department program will be able to borrow relief money at just 2 percent annually for eight years. In the past, banks have been leery of the such loans because the program allows the government to buy warrants for the banks’ common stock and because it requires the institutions to limit executive compensation. But the small banks probably will not have to issue warrants in that program rules contain an exception for infusions of less than $100 million. The proposal as described Wednesday caps the infusions at $20 million.
To learn more about Obama’s small business bailout program, be sure to check out these sites:
+Obama Announces Small-Business Lending Push
+Community banks to get bailout money as Obama seeks to boost small business
+Obama refocuses bailout on small businesses -
Angels answer Yanks’ rally, extend ALCS (AP)
Mere moments after the Los Angeles Angels unleashed their leaping, screeching, rambunctious Rally Monkey on the scoreboard, they erased a late deficit and saved their season. Surely that monkey business was just a coincidence. He's just a marketing gimmick, a video star and a plush toy — right? Not to the fans who watched it happen Thursday night in the latest improbability of an AL…
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@Feminista09 Bows At The Alter Of @Unclerush
Posted by: Illmatic I wrote this short story in April 2008 while I was living in Miami, finishing FEMINISTA, and then posted it on FB as an album. (Then I deleted all my photos during my FB is Big Brother paranoia.) But I just came across it in my computer and as it’s totally FEM-related and pretty funny, I thought I’d repost!
Ever since I had to stop pumping out chapters (this is the ‘before’ shot from 2 weeks ago) to format manuscript pages for my editor, I’ve fallen out of my rhythm. Now, for the last 5 days (and in my self-flagellating mind this feel like 5 months), I’ve been wallowing in an abyss of inertia. My editor hadn’t called to discuss the pages so I’m having paranoid fantasies that she thinks they’re crap. All 402 pages.
Which doesn’t mean the pages actually are crap. Oh no no no no. To my soft bipolar mind (soft means not in danger of being carried out of my house strapped to a gurney Britney-style..or at least let’s HOPE not), this means she doesn’t GET IT. And now I’m going to have to take up the task of making her GET IT. Because this, I learned when re-reading a book last week called “The Hypomanic Edge: The link between little craziness and a lot of success in America”, is what zealots do in the face of skepticism…
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How to start and successfully manage your Own Nursing Agency Business
Nursing shortage is expected to grow yearly. Based on the number of nurses that we have today, we will have 2%-3% increase of nursing deficit yearly. United States already has 135, 000 nursing vacancies. If there will be no changes on our health care syst…
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Chris Brown: Still Talking … About Being Mad at Oprah Winfrey
Filed under: Music, News, Celeb Updates, Radio, Legal
R&B crooner Chris Brown is talking to the media again. He’s promoting an upcoming album and last night (Oct. 21), the Virginia native paid a visit to hip hop radio personality Angie Martinez‘s popular New York City radio show. The 20-year-old singer – who was sentenced to180 days community service sentence after assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna — revealed that he is “tight” with media mogul Oprah Winfrey for not supporting him. He also vowed he will never hit another woman. “I don’t diss Oprah because I respect her as a woman [and] what she does for women all over the world, but I just feel me and her did so many things together,” Brown stated. “I just felt that at the time where would’ve I need a helping hand — not to boost my career just me as a person — for her to reach out and talk to me and Rihanna or something and make it like, ‘look this is what it is, this is wrong, this is right, this is not what it’s supposed to be….’ I’m not saying having me on the show … just help. That’s all I was asking for. Because at the end of the day I thought [Oprah and I] had that relationship to where it could be like that.”
Shortly following the headline-grabbing altercation last February, Winfrey – who suffered domestic abuse, herself — told her international television audience: “If a man hits you once, he will hit you again.”
Brown doesn’t believe that comment applies to him.
“Statistically that goes into that, but me, I’m a guy who learns from his mistakes fast. I’m a guy who’s real like afraid of that, so I learn from my mistakes. I can be certain as Christopher Maurice Brown that it won’t happen (again),” he pledged. “At the end of the day, I’m doing my domestic violence counseling classes … and I see the hurt that it’s put a lot of people through. I’ve seen the hurt that it’s put my family through. Whether it’s been my family, Rihanna, [or] anybody and I don’t want to inflict that on anymore.”
Listen to more of the interview on Angie Martinez’s official website.Chris Brown
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Blown calls prompt ump switch for Series (AP)
Stung by a rash of blown calls in the playoffs, Major League Baseball is breaking tradition and sticking with only experienced umpires for the World Series. Longtime crew chiefs Joe West, Dana DeMuth and Gerry Davis, along with Brian Gorman, Jeff Nelson and Mike Everitt will handle the games, three people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press this week.
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Blazers’ Aldridge signs 5-year extension (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension on Thursday. The terms of the deal have not been announced. The team was in Vancouver, British Columbia, for an exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers scheduled a news conference in Portland on Friday.
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Isiah ‘hurt’ over Magic’s book comments (AP)
Hall of Fame players Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson famously kissed each other's cheek moments before tip-off of Game 1 of the 1988 NBA finals. Today, the relationship clearly isn't anywhere near as close. In Thomas' mind, a 17-year-old wound has been reopened in a new book that Johnson and Larry Bird wrote with author Jackie MacMullan.
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Raiders coach Cable won’t face charges (AP)
Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable won't face charges after being investigated over allegations that he assaulted one of his assistants, ending a two-month saga that was a cloud over the team's season. Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein said Thursday that the investigation concluded no charges were warranted.
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**NEW MUSIC** Adam Lambert – "Time For Miracles"
Posted by: Sound-Savvy He may not have won, but he’s proving that all the spoils don’t go to the victor! Check out the first official single from American Idol runner up Adam Lambert, as he rocks out Time For Miracles, the theme song to the upcoming disaster flick 2012.
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Rape suit against Big Ben not dismissed (AP)
A Nevada judge denied a motion Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit accusing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of raping a woman at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe. Washoe District Court Judge Brent Adams also refused a request by a lawyer for the two-time Super Bowl champ to sanction the woman's attorney for pursuing the case without sufficient evidence.
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An Affinity for Philanthropy
More recently affinity groups are asking their employers to return that favor by investing in the communities that they represent.
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Triple Threat – Mother, Wife, Career Woman: What Does it Take?
Filed under: Interviews, Personal Finance, Careers
An entrepreneur doesn’t think like everyone else. She is willing to take chances, disciplined enough to focus on a dream and passionate enough to pursue that dream. Towanna Freeman is in that category. AOL Black Voices had the chance to catch up with Towanna, to get some advice on striking out on your own, as well as managing a marriage, children and career, all at the same time.1) What is your name and what do you do?
Have you noticed how so many people seem to be living an unbalanced life or living beneath their full potential? Well, I assist people, particularly women, who are ready to take life changing action to get that sense of balance back along with that greater feeling of fulfillment and happiness. I am also the principal consultant of Towanna Freeman & Associates, a management consulting firm with the primary emphasis on leadership coaching and employee performance improvement; the founder of the Young Women’s Empowerment Network a nonprofit organization that produces empowerment workshops, conferences, and other special events for teen girls; and the author of “Purposeful Action, 7 Steps to Fulfillment.”
2) You are a successful entrepreneur. What does it take mentally to run your own business, as opposed to the safe route of working for someone else?
Every entrepreneur has his or her own reasons for wanting to own a business. Some are drawn to the idea of financial and creative freedom, being their own boss, and being in charge of their own financial future. Others make the decision because they are dissatisfied with demanding bosses, office politics, or lack of recognition. Regardless of the reason, successful entrepreneurs share several common characteristics like confidence, determination, organization, self-discipline, and flexibility.
3) You are a “triple threat” – wife, mother and business woman. What are the challenges that come along with juggling everything in your life?
With all my successes, there has been a great sacrifice. My most challenging task is not allowing my determination and drive to cause me to spend every waking moment working and juggling the needs of my household. Having a balanced personal and professional life requires separating business demands, activities, and accomplishments from the rest of your life. To ensure that I stay committed to a balanced life, I build in an hour a day to relax and engage in pleasant activities. For example, I will stretch out on my sofa with my favorite magazine. I will put on my headphones and listen to my favorite music. I will eat lunch in the park. Finding a good balance between work and fun will help you meet the challenges of running your business and household.
4) Why do you work to inspire young girls? Did you have a personal experience that led you to have this passion?
Mentors have always played an important role in my life – even now as an adult. It was in 1997 when I was alarmed by a series of national and local statistics that showed startling trends surrounding the teen girls of America. The lack of organized youth activities in poor neighborhoods, the increased number of single-parent households, and families with two working parents all reducing the number of adult role models. So, as a response to the community demands for assistance, I founded the Young Women’s Empowerment Network (www.ywen.org) a nonprofit organization established to provide role models, resources, social and emotional help to teen girls. Through our programs and events, we are able to help them realize their full potential to succeed in life.
5) Do you feel that Black women are respected the way they should be by the rest of America?
If not, then why? Black women have been a crucial part of America’s history. Thankfully, the lack of respect from America did not hinder the Black woman’s steady progress and determination to achieve success. The Black woman’s history is a story of hope in the face of great obstacles. In my opinion, receiving respect from America is less important than receiving opportunities from America. It is through opportunities to achieve greatness that we create pride, self-worth and true life fulfillment. Today, there is a new generation of Black women that has flourished with remarkable achievements in academia, business, politics, and sports. Women such as Ruth Simmons, Ann Fudge, Condoleezza Rice, and Venus and Serena Williams. As I continue to achieve greatness, the next generation of Black women leaders that I influence is destined to reach higher heights.6) What are your plans for the future?
Helping women and teen girls identify and effectively pursue personal goals to fulfill their lives is what I do – it is my purpose. I see my coaching practice and management consulting firm overwhelmed with success story after success story. And my upcoming book, “Purposeful Action, 7 Steps to Fulfillment,” was written specifically for women to aid them on their journey to living an abundant and purposeful life. Purposeful Action is not about merely making a New Year’s resolution or a vow – it is about setting goals for life and then acting upon them.
Towanna Freeman is a Life Coach, Management Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, Author, Principal consultant of Towanna Freeman & Associates and founder of the Young Women’s Empowerment Network. For more information, please visit www.TowannaFreeman.com.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. -
Elevator Confessions From Las Vegas
Posted by: Illmatic What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. What gets filmed by surveillance cameras in Vegas elevators, however, doesn’t always stay in Vegas.
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Content On Demand: Clarence Clemons Telling ‘Tall Tales’ With New Memoir
Filed under: Music, News, Celeb Updates, Magazines and Newspapers
E Street Band
Legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons‘ first memoir, ‘Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales,’ is in stores this week. Published by Grand Central Publishing, the hardcover tome (written with best friend and television producer Don Reo) is the very first book penned by a member of Bruce Springsteen‘s iconic E Street Band. “The Boss,” himself, even wrote the foreword for the book, which “isn’t the same old story” and “one that tells true, unknown stories … in a series of hybrid fact-and-fiction stories called “legends.” Clemons, 67, is a Norfolk, Virginia native who’s been a prominent member of the hit-making outfit since 1972. “The book was being written all my life,” he told Metro newspaper. “We just decided to put it down on paper. … It’s pretty great because it’s something I’ve never done before.’Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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Quick Books 2010 is Here!
Filed under: News
Quick Books and other financial management applications are integral to how many small business owners manage their affairs. If you are an accountant or business owner looking to upgrade your software, you are in luck! Accountingweb.com reports that:
Intuit, Inc. has announced the release of its new version of QuickBooks financial software designed for small business owners. QuickBooks 2010 allows users to get connected to a wider array of powerful online services.
With its new online capabilities, QuickBooks 2010 delivers valuable features designed to help small businesses save and make money, such as an e-mail marketing service to attract new customers. For millions, QuickBooks is an essential part of their business. Nearly 70 percent of small businesses recently surveyed say the financial management software helps their business be more profitable.To get the full specs, head on over to Accountingweb.com. Interested in the FREE online version of Quick Books? Click here.
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Financial Lovemaking: Man Shoots Boy for Sleeping with His Daughter
Filed under: Personal Finance, News
I have daughters and I love them all. They are all at “that age,” between 16 and 20, where they tend to love the boys that you want to beat down the most. Every time I hear them express their undying love for Lil Wayne, I can only think about him having 3 women pregnant at the same time. When I see a Chris Brown poster in their room, I remind them that Chris was accused of having boxing practice on Rihanna’s face.
But as a father, you can’t protect your daughters from themselves. Some things they have to learn on their own. And if sleeping with a pants-saggin, “purple stuff dranking,” gold grill wearing, 10,000 tattoo having buffoon is the way they need to learn their lessons, you just kinda have to deal with it.I empathize with Wade Edwards, the man accused of shooting a boy for sleeping with his step daughter. Wade shot the boy four times, aiming for the “relevant zone” with each bullet. But while I can understand Wade’s anger, I do not, for one second, condone his actions.
You see Wade, it takes two people to “get busy.” If your daughter was choosing to sleep with this boy, that was her bad decision, not yours. Sure, it was disrespectful for them to get naked under your roof, but fathers have been getting furious about this kind of thing since the beginning of time. Sex is a powerful drug, the essence of the existence of all mankind, so the urge of human attraction can be strong enough to lead to seemingly deviant behavior.
The problem for Wade, however, is one that merges with the lessons we teach in Financial Lovemaking: Allowing your love for another person to cause you to do things that are going to be financially and emotionally devastating for your family. Wade might feel that he was somehow protecting his daughter (he claims that it was self defense, but I don’t buy that logic), but the truth is that he has now dragged his family into a draining legal drama that is going to cost them thousands in attorney’s fees and even more financial loses when one of the primary providers for the household has to spend his time in prison.
Any father can relate to how Edwards might have been feeling. Also, every father has to wonder how far he would go to protect his children. I personally would give my life to save my daughters and not think twice about it. At the same time, I would not allow myself to go to prison to keep my daughters from having sex. Sexuality is a natural part of life, even when we feel that the person is too young to be doing it. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about; you probably did it too.
The episode of Financial lovemaking is below. Enjoy!
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of “Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with Your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. -
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