Author: admin

  • Weaver, Izturis help Angels to 2-0 lead (AP)

    Los Angeles Angels' Erick Aybar(notes) greets Howie Kendrick(notes) after scoring on Maicer Izturis(notes) single during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the American League division baseball series  in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, Oct. 9, 2009.

    Jered Weaver followed in John Lackey's day-old footsteps throughout the night, all the way to his final triumphant walk off the Angel Stadium mound. He even waved his cap at the standing, cheering crowd with nearly the same sweep of his arm. With Weaver picking up right where Lackey left off for the Los Angeles Angels, not even Josh Beckett could keep the Boston Red Sox off the brink of playoff…

  • Teixeira walkoff HR puts Yankees up 2-0 (AP)

    Minnesota Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera(notes) pauses during the 10th inning of Game 2 of the American League division baseball series at Yankee Stadium in New York Friday, Oct. 9, 2009. The Yankees won the game in the 11th  inning 4-3.

    Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez stood together as Yankee Stadium roared. Teixeira had the chills. Rodriguez had a smile that said it all — a satisfied look after putting years of postseason failure behind him. Teixeira hit a leadoff drive in the 11th inning to give New York a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night and a 2-0 lead in their AL playoff series.

  • The Week That Was: Shyne not really free at last, Kim Zolciak Really Engaged to Big Poppa?

    Filed under: , , , , ,

    The Week That Was: Shyne not really free at last, Kim Zolciak Really Engaged to Big Poppa?The rapper Shyne, who was convicted of a club shooting in 1999, was reportedly released from a New York correctional facility Oct. 6 and then transferred into custody by immigration officials. Though the former Bad Boy Records star has a green card, news reports hint that he may be deported to his native Belize because of the felony conviction. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Mike Gilhooly would only tell media outlets that Shyne was in custody for being in violation of U.S. immigration law.

    Born Jamal Barrow, Shyne was on the verge of superstardom when he was arrested in 1999 for a shooting at the Club New York nightclub. His mentor and record label chief Diddy, and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, was also charged but acquitted at trial.

    While in prison, Shyne (now 30) changed his name to Moses Leviy in recognition of his Jewish mother. His father, Dean Oliver Barrow, is currently the prime minister of Belize.

    Attorney Oscar Michelen, told the ‘New York Daily News’ his client “is anxious to get released and is looking forward to seeing his family and being able to be free to do what he wants to do.”

    ShyneDespite what seems to be a smear campaign from a few mainstream gossip columns, Mo’Nique and her new late night talk show is a hit. Numbers do not lie. The comedienne -who is making headlines for not promoting the new Tyler Perry/Oprah Winfrey-produced film ‘Precious’ – has made history for BET with ‘The Mo’Nique Show,’ which netted 1.5 million viewers for its debut Oct. 5.

    The premiere episode featured appearances from Steve Harvey, R&B artist Monica, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin as well as a performance by R&B recording artist Jeremih. A rep for BET said the show ranked as the network’s highest-rated show for the season and was the number two entertainment program on cable during its time slot. “The inaugural episode also outperformed the competition, coming in as the number one entertainment talk show on cable overall and the number one talk show among adults 18-49 (850,000),” said BET spokeswoman Tricia Newell. The show, a loud and colorful spectacle, tapes from Atlanta’s Turner Studios and airs on BET at 11 p.m. weeknights.

    *****

    Jennifer Hudson is getting back to work. As the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner celebrates the recent birth of her baby, she’s also getting into the holiday spirit. The TV special ‘Jennifer Hudson: I’ll be Home for Christmas’ has been announced to air on ABC in December. According to reports, the show will feature the singer-actress reliving her childhood holidays with musical performances filmed at various locations around her hometown of Chicago. The chosen venues will be specific to her youth; they include her church and the music academy she attended. Hudson’s record label has no plans to release a holiday album to coincide with the TV special.

    *****

    Anna Deavere Smith is something like a phenomenon. Her new show ‘Let Me Down Easy’ opened Oct. 7 at New York City’s tightly packed Second Stage Theater and a flurry of notable well wishers – including Gayle King, opera diva Jessye Norman, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage, actresses Dawn Lewis and Judith Light – came out to celebrate.

    For the Tony Award nominee’s latest one-woman, multi-character show, Smith explores the power of the body, the price of health, and the resilience of the spirit. The Anthony Foglia-directed tour-de-force where the McArthur Genius Grant winning wunderkind transforms herself into a dramatic range of characters, all of whom she’s interviewed and impersonates masterfully for the 95-minute play. But this is far from satire; ‘Let Me Down Easy’ is a thought provoking marvel about mortality channeled through journalistic accounts from a wide variety of sources, including fashion icon Lauren Hutton, super-athlete Lance Armstrong, playwright Eve Ensler, former boxing champ Michael Bent, late movie critic Joel Siegel and former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

    *****

    Controversial reggae artist Buju Banton’s concert at the Voodoo Lounge in San Jose, California on Oct. 13 has been canceled. “After reviewing Buju Banton’s lyrics, I was appalled by their sheer hatred and encouragement of violence towards the gay, lesbian and transgender community,” stated David Powell, co-owner of Voodoo Lounge. “There is no place for these types of incendiary remarks at Voodoo Lounge or in San Jose.” Banton – who recorded the song ‘Boom, Bye Bye,’ in 1988, which incited the torture and murder of gay men – has been the subject of protest for his concert bookings.

    A website has been erected to boycott any promoter doing business with him. An open letter to his manager Tracii Mcgregor, a former editor at the Source magazine, has been published there also, calling her to task for saying that Banton was “only 15 years old when he recorded that song.” Powell maintained that the club’s ownership team “did not know the content of Banton’s lyrics. If we had known, we would not have scheduled this performance.”

    *****

    Big Poppa Kim Zolciak Real Housewives of AtlantaSo is ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kim Zolciak really engaged to Big Poppa? Only God knows for sure. On last week’s episode of the televised guilty pleasure, the bleached-blond urban socialite showed off the new rocks that she got, and boasted of her engagement to her mysterious millionaire paramour (who has been identified as Lee Najjar). Hmmmm. Her TV show co-star Sheree Whitfield, who recently underwent a downsizing divorce from former football player Bob Whitfiled, wondered aloud (and on camera) about the validity of the engagement since the man is still married.

    A Bravo network spokeswoman couldn’t be reached for comment about the possible nuptials. But until that stone is uncovered, folks can see really how large the ‘Tardy for the Party’ singer is living — the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper got an exclusive look at her luxurious digs.

     

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  • Finding A Cure For Baby Colic

    Any parent can tell you that nothing is worse than seeing one’s baby in pain and not being able to help take it away. Thus, finding the cure for colic quickly becomes a top priority. There are many different remedies to cure a baby’s colic, however, eac…

  • KG plays first home game since March (AP)

    Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett(notes) feels his right knee, which was surgically repaired in the off-season, during the second half against the New York Knicks during their preseason NBA basketball game in Boston, Friday, Oct. 9, 2009.  The Celtics beat the Knicks 96-82.

    Kevin Garnett's knee is better, and he's waiting with uncharacteristic patience for the rest of his body to catch up. After missing 25 regular-season games and the playoffs last season because of strained ligaments in his right knee, Garnett was back on the court in Boston for the first time on Friday night in the Celtics' 96-82 exhibition victory over the New York Knicks.

  • @GlobalGrind’s Twitpics Of The Day

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    Here we are again for another installment of “@GlobalGrind’s Twitpics Of The Day”. I’ve picked 3 twitpics from Twitter’s timeline that I thought fit the theme.

     

    “Daughters in cabana on beach…Want this kind of experience for all dads . .Unconditional love” (via @UncleRush)

     

     

    “last happy picture. blackberry goes back to cabana. kids time.” (via @UncleRush
    “whoaaa pharells wearing these tonight” (via @Wale)
    (Sidenote: I chose this pic because I havent seen anyone wear a pair of New Balances in SO LONG, so the fact that Wale twitpic’d them being worn on Pharell’s feet, was fly to me!)
    Leave me some love!

     

  • Mavs F Howard could miss start of season (AP)

    Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle isn't sure when swingman Josh Howard will be able to play after offseason surgery on his left ankle. Asked Friday whether Howard could miss the start of the regular season, Carlisle replied: "Stay tuned." "Giving a timetable was probably a mistake.

  • Don’t be Afraid–Twitter Won’t Bite

    There’s a monster lurking in the shadows. The million-headed beast reveals itself from the midst of darkness, propositioning you to join its alliance. But the gushing saliva, malodorous breath, and scaly skin frighten you, prompting you to flee shrieking in fear.

  • Steelers’ Polamalu not expected to play (AP)

    Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practiced only lightly for the third day in a row and is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit. Polamalu, a five-time Pro Bowl player, has not played since tearing the medial collateral ligament in his left knee Sept. 10 against Tennessee. He was on the field Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but did not take part in a full practice.

  • Eli practices, shows no signs of injury (AP)

    FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo showing New York Giants NFL player Eli Manning(notes). New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was having an MRI on his right leg in the wake of his injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said the results will be reviewed by Dr. Russell Warren later Monday, oct. 5, 2009,  and the team will make an announcement after the doctor talks to Manning.

    New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning returned to practice Friday and showed no ill effects of the injured right heel that kept him out the previous two days. Yet the team is still being cautious about his status for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Manning is listed as questionable and coach Tom Coughlin said it will more than likely be a game-time decision whether he will play.

  • Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

    President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his nascent initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and replace unilateral American action with international diplomacy and cooperation.

  • Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke – and Getting There

    Filed under: ,

    I had a lot of fun watching the new Vh-1 show, “Going for Broke,” starring comedian Eddie Griffin. Griffin is one of the funniest comics in America, the comedian that Chris Tucker could have been (if he would simply stop disappearing between Jackie Chan movies).

    On the show, Griffin gives insight into his personal life, which is both intriguing and disturbing. The show is called “Going for Broke” for a reason, because Eddie just might actually get there.
    Here are some reasons that Eddie Griffin might actually become the broke celebrity that he is trying to become:

    1) He spends like a damn fool. One of the easiest traps for an entertainer to fall into is the “infinite money trap.” That’s when the person thinks that they’ve got an endless supply of cash, giving them ability to spend whatever they want on whatever they want. Apparently Eddie may have fallen into this trap, since his Bentley was being repossessed in an early episode of the show. Eddie’s conversation with his accountant was also revealing, as the words “all the accounts are empty” seemed to strike him hard. With all the success that Eddie Griffin has had, it is difficult to imagine that he would be completely broke. But the truth is that this kind of thing happens all the time.

    2) Can you say “8 kids and 4 baby’s mamas”? Eddie’s mother was right when she mentioned that any new potential “baby mamas” were looking to “get on the “Eddie Griffin financial plan.” What Eddie also seems to forget is that even if you are well to do, child support is a horrible financial burden. There are ways to be involved in the lives of children without giving up all your money in order to do so.

    3) He seems to put himself into bad situations. The first episode I saw showed scenes of Eddie going to a plastic surgeon after having a champagne glass smashed against his face by a “fan.” I’ve honestly got a few fans, but I don’t think any of them would want to slam a glass against my face. Maybe he should change the word “fan” to “hater,” “enemy,” or “potential threat.” Either way, Eddie seemed to feel that his life was somehow cursed with bad energy. Instead, he might take a second to realize that his personal choices might be the reasons he is being put into such peculiar situations.

    When it comes to Eddie Griffin and his new show, the bottom line is this: If you think that Eddie is now doing fine because he has a new Vh-1 show, think again. The networks don’t pay the entertainers much to do these shows, and the shows don’t usually last for a very long time. Also, unless you’re Bill Gates, you can’t presume that you’ve got a seemingly endless supply of disposable income. The fact that Eddie didn’t know he was out of money implies that he probably doesn’t keep a budget, which is one of the first paths toward financial ruin. Given that one of Eddie’s predecessors, Red Foxx, died deeply in debt to the IRS, one would hope that Eddie doesn’t endure that same fate. Eddie’s my man, funny as hell, but he’s really got to get it together.

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

     

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  • A.J. Jewell’s "Wake" Peaceful

    Posted by: GossipinBitches.com

    A.J. Jewell’s wake was tonight in Atlanta, GA  and it was a mass of people out showing love! Click Original Story

  • Lackey shuts down Red Sox 5-0 in Game 1 (AP)

    Los Angeles Angels' Torii Hunter(notes) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning in Game 1 of the American League division baseball series Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 in Anaheim, Calif.

    Right when Torii Hunter's three-run homer hit the rock pile beyond center field at Angel Stadium, two bursts of fireworks shot up from the artificial boulders. The moment hardly needed the pyrotechnic punctuation. After several years of playoff frustrations against the Boston Red Sox, the Angels finally have a breakthrough.

  • LA rallies after Holliday’s error in 9th (AP)

    Los Angeles Dodgers' Mark Loretta(notes), right, watches his game-winning base hit as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina(notes), center, and relief pitcher Ryan Franklin(notes) also watch during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the National League division baseball series, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won 3-2.

    A sinking line drive sailed through the chilly evening air toward Matt Holliday. All he needed to do was make the catch, and St. Louis would have a series-tying victory. Instead, the ball smacked him in the gut and dropped to the grass — and the Cardinals never recovered. Holliday's crucial error with two outs in the ninth inning led to a two-run rally that gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 3-2…

  • Kandi Burruss: Ex-Fiance AJ’s Funeral Arrangements & Other Updates

    Filed under: , , , ,

    xscape secretKandi Burruss: Ex-Fiance AJ's Funeral Arrangements & Other UpdatesFuneral arrangements have been solidified for Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, the slain ex-fiance of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss.

    According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, the memorial will take place on Oct. 9 at the Ray of Hope Christian Church in DeKalb Country, Georgia.

    Meanwhile, Frederick Richardson, the man charged with his murder last Saturday, was denied bail during a court appearance on Tuesday. His defense attorney alleges Jewell pulled a gun on Richardson and drew the first punch during the fatal fight.

    TMZ.com reported Jewell was walking and talking after the fight, with sources saying that he didn’t take an ambulance to the hospital but got a ride with a friend. The medical examiner’s office said there were no stab wounds on Jewell’s body.

    According to a rep for the Bravo television network, ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ reunion show has been postponed, and an in memoriam note will be added to this week’s episode in honor of Jewell, who frequently appears on the second season of the hit show.

     

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  • Trey Songz & Fabolous Bring Out The Best In BK

    Posted by: JustGrinding

    On Set’Say Aah’ Video Shoot with Trey Songz , Fabolous, and DJ Clue.

    Click here to see more pics…

  • Hasselbeck practices, should play Sunday (AP)

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck(notes) throws a pass during NFL football practice on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in Renton, Wash. The practice was the first for Hasselbeck since breaking a rib in a  Sept. 20 game in San Francisco.

    All signs are pointing toward Matt Hasselbeck returning to quarterback the reeling Seahawks on Sunday against Jacksonville. The three-time Pro Bowl passer looked sharp while completing a second consecutive practice Thursday. It's his first work since he broke a rib Sept. 20 on a dive for the goal line at San Francisco.

  • Levitra (Vardenafil) For Erectile Dysfunction – New York STD Testing Clinics

    Call Today: 1(888)MAX-LABS or 1(888)629-5227

    Levitra is commonly well-tolerated, but you may experience some of the following mild side effects of this medicine: headache, runny nose, flushing, heartburn, stuffy or runny nose. Normally these symptoms …

  • Carr ready as Eli skips another practice (AP)

    FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo showing New York Giants NFL player Eli Manning(notes). New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was having an MRI on his right leg in the wake of his injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said the results will be reviewed by Dr. Russell Warren later Monday, oct. 5, 2009,  and the team will make an announcement after the doctor talks to Manning.

    With 79 career starts, David Carr knows how much Eli Manning wants to be on the field calling the plays when the New York Giants meet the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Manning's teammates say he's a competitor who will play if he's able. Carr wants to be out there just as much, and his chances of playing this weekend seemingly improved when Manning missed his second straight practice on…

  • DJ Webstar And Jim Jones- She Can Get It

    Posted by: ImGlobalNow

    DJ Webstar And Jim Jones – She Can Get It (feat. T-Rex)

    DJ Webstar And Jim Jones put a visual to their collaboration effort. Check out the video for “She Can Get It” (feat. T-Rex).

  • Scam Alert: Cash For Home Offer May Not Be What You Think

    “Sell you home for cash” signs are ubiquitous, and unfortunately, sketchy, says Manny Alvarado, operation specialist for the New York Regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

  • 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

    _____

    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 

    _____

    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.

    See Original Story For More

  • Dr. Boyce and Keith Murphy Discuss Economic Empowerment

    Filed under: , ,

    In this interview below with the great radio legend Keith Murphy, we discuss the power of high expectations, education and economic empowerment when it comes to dictating your own destiny.

    Keith Murphy is the host of “The Urban Journal” on Sirius/XM Satellite. He is a good brother and one of the few people who supported me when nobody knew who in the heck I was. I will always respect him for that.

    I told Keith that much of the empowerment process in the African American community comes down to education and economics. If we really push our kids to be their best educationally, that will open a million doors for achievement. It’s not difficult to be a good student: you only have to treat it like a part-time job. If a kid can work 8 hours a day in McDonald’s, that same person can sit and study for 4 hours a day. Any college student who studies 4 hours per day, every day, is going to earn As and Bs in most of his/her classes. It’s really that simple. In fact, most universities give you a “B” in the class just for doing what you’re supposed to do. College is not nearly as difficult as some would like for you to believe.

    When it comes to economics, it’s all about a couple of things: learning to save and invest and understanding the foundations of entrepreneurship. My belief, for example, is that every ex-convict who can’t find a job should study entrepreneurship so they can find ways to make money without earning dump wages from someone who doesn’t respect them. If the world rejects you, you have to find a way to still get what you want. It’s possible if you believe.

    The interview is below if you’d like to listen. Enjoy!

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

     

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  • Hip Hop Honors 2009: Celebrating Def Jam Records’ Movers & Shakers

    What started out as enterprising inspiration in a New York University dorm room 25 years ago is now home of the greatest names in the history of hip-hop, rap and R&B; Def Jam Recordings.

    A treasure trove of artists from LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys to Rihanna and Kanye West, and dozens more, have all help make the record company the most durable brand in hip hop.

    And the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors celebrates it all during a glitzy affair set to air on Oct. 13 at 9 p.m.

    But as should be known, there’s a lot of people on the back end who played a major part.

    And not just Russell Simmons, either.

    Blackvoices.com pays homage to the 25 movers and shakers who helped shape Def Jam Recordings over the past 25 years.

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=740718&pid=740717&uts=1254952808
    http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
    Def Jam’s Movers & Shakers
    25 People Who Helped Shape Def Jam Records
    Celebrating the 25th anniversary of hip hop’s most durable brand should not be taken lightly. Blackvoices.com pays homage to the 25 people out-front and behind-the-scenes who made a difference.
    Getty Images

    Mariah Through The Years

      Mariah Through The Years:
      For Mariah Carey, having more number one songs than any solo artist in America has been a credit to the company that this five-time Grammy winner has kept since making her music debut in 1990. From people behind the scenes like L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri to some of her past loves like Tommy Mottola, Derek Jeter and now husband Nick Cannon, each man has played a significant role in inspiring the music that has made this 39 year-old singer/songwriter famous. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the men who have inspired Mariah Carey over the years.

      Tommy Mottola – Husband
      No one is more responsible for Mariah Carey’s success than former Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola. After receiving Carey’s demo from artist Brenda K. Starr, for whom Carey sang backup, he signed her on the spot. While recording her 1990 debut, the two became romantically involved and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 1993. Just three short years later, they split, and a divorce was finalized in 1998.

      Luther Vandross – Musical Collaborator
      The five-octave singer was fortunate enough to be one of the few entertainers to record a duet with the late Luther Vandross. Their cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross‘s ‘Endless Love’ became Vandross’ biggest pop hit. It was the second single released from his ‘Songs’ album and was also included on two Carey albums: ‘Greatest Hits’ in 2001 and ‘The Ballads’ in 2008.

      Trey Lorenz – Backup Singer
      In 1992, Carey performed an MTV ‘Unplugged’ special to show nonbelievers that she was not a studio singer. Her cover of the Jackson 5‘s ‘I’ll Be There’ with her longtime backup singer Trey Lorenz was later released as a single and became a number-one hit in the United States. Lorenz was able to score a record deal from the duet, and Carey co-produced his debut. On July 7 of this year, the two performed the song at the Michael Jackson memorial, which was held at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

      Jermaine Dupri – Producer
      It’s not a well-known fact that Jermaine Dupri has been working with Carey for nearly 15 years. In 1995, Carey worked with the So So Def Records founder on ‘Always Be My Baby,’ from her ‘Daydream’ album. It became the most successful record on U.S. radio that year. And though these two worked on several remixes together over the years, their magic came a decade later when J.D. produced four songs on ‘The Emancipation of Mimi,’ Carey’s 10th studio album and most successful to date.

      ODB – Musical Collaborator
      Since rapping ‘Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers,’ Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the late Wu Tang Clan MC, helped solidify Carey in the world of hip-hop and R&B. The 1995 remix to ‘Fantasy’ became a number-one hit. The friendship between Carey and ODB lasted throughout the years. The songstress even met the rapper upon his release from jail in 2003.

      Mase – Musical Collaborator
      ‘Honey’ was Carey’s 12th number-one song. Before turning his life over to God and becoming a minster, Bad Boy rapper Mase appeared on the popular remix of the record, alongside the Lox and Diddy. The song, which also had its own video, was featured on Carey’s 2003 remix compilations, aptly titled ‘The Remixes.’

      Derek Jeter – Alleged Beau
      Shortly after divorcing husband Tommy Mottola in 1998, the five-time Grammy award winner met New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter at a Fresh Air Fund gala in New York. The couple connected over their interracial parents – black fathers and Irish mothers. The public romance ended short of the one-year mark. In an interview with Parade magazine, Carey said “It was the wrong time. …Our two worlds were just too much for that moment.”

      Eminem – Alleged Beau
      From ‘Clown’ to ‘Obsessed,’ Carey has documented her disdain for Detroit MC Eminem in her music. The ‘Glitter’ actress denies they ever slept together, but Slim Shady has consistently rapped that the two were intimate. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, sent threats to Carey via the 2009 diss track ‘The Warning,’ which was directed at both Carey and her husband, Nick Cannon.

      Nick Cannon – Husband
      Nick Cannon, 28, dated singer-actress Christina Milian and was even engaged to Victoria’s Secret model Selita Eubanks for five months before becoming Carey’s second husband. In 2005, he convinced the Teen Choice Awards to let him present Carey’s award for ‘The Emancipation of Mimi.’ Two years passed, and the couple was reunited in 2007. Their whirlwind romance resulted in a quickie wedding in 2008 at Carey’s Bahamian estate, Windermere.

     

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  • Dodgers beat shaky Carpenter, win Game 1 (AP)

    From left, Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez(notes), Andre Ethier(notes) and Matt Kemp(notes) celebrate their team's 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at the end of Game 1 of the National League division baseball series in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009.

    Scoring early against St. Louis ace Chris Carpenter gave the Los Angeles Dodgers the shot of confidence they needed. Then their bullpen came in and closed out the Cardinals. Randy Wolf survived a shaky first inning before five relievers combined to give up one run in the Dodgers' 5-3 victory on Wednesday night in an NL playoff opener full of missed chances for both teams.

  • Dear New York Times…

    Posted by: Russell Simmons

    **UPDATE**

    We received a very gracious communication from the NY Times offering to hear Russell’s vision…stay tuned…

     

    I’m outraged that you would publish an article that associates the RushCard with other financial products, some of which prey on the underserved. The article was, in my opinion, unfair, misinformed and bordering on slanderous. The RushCard is not just a prepaid card, it’s an empowerment program that took me many years to build. It was built specifically to help people in underserved communities. It offers more than a prepaid card or a bank account.
     
    Many of our members have low incomes and need to manage their money very closely. We offer free services like budgets, text alerts and online charts for analyzing and tracking spending. Banks don’t offer these tools. Had you spoken with our members, you would have learned that over half of those, who use these services say they save more than $300/year. That’s a lot of money for them.
     
    Our members are left out of mainstream financial institutions and need to rebuild their credit files. You could have learned that RushCard is the only prepaid card that allows members to have their transactions reported to multiple credit reporting agencies, helping them build their credit files. We don’t charge for this either.
     
    Our members struggle with healthcare. Not everyone can afford medicines or treatment. Had you contacted me, you would have learned that we’re bringing out a free drug discount card later this year to help our members with the high cost of prescription drugs.
     
    We would have told you that unlike credit cards and other cards we don’t have hidden fees, overdraft fees or finance charges. We don’t hide or bury our fee structure – it’s all easily available on our website and with every card we send out. Unlike other prepaid cards, we’ve never charged for customer service. We’re more transparent than any other prepaid card. We let you transact in ways the more privileged take for granted.
     
    We have 2 million members. These are real people who see real value in our services. Everyday I read messages from our members who are grateful for the RushCard after having terrible experiencing with their bank or financial services provider. There are thousands of stories of how people landed up with hundreds of dollars of surprise charges from their bank accounts. None of this happens on the RushCard. Had you contacted me, I would have shared these stories with you.
     
    With today’s economic conditions, the underserved communities are being taken advantage of more than before. It’s important that they understand the good and the bad in their options. Your article focused only on the cost, which we keep as low as we possibly can, and not on the array of benefits that go beyond that of any other card, which is why it is a program, and one I’m proud to put my name on.
     
    My empowerment initiatives, which include the Hip Hop Summit’s focus on financial education, and my many charities are there to serve people.  Had you called me, you would have known all this.
     
    Russell Simmons

     

  • Garnett has 6 points, 5 boards in return (AP)

    Kevin Garnett went down. Luckily for Boston, it was only for a second. Garnett hit the floor after missing on an attempted alley-oop just over five minutes into the preseason opener against Houston on Wednesday night. To the Celtics' relief, he quickly got back up and hit two free throws. Garnett scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in the Rockets' 96-90 victory.

  • Yankees rally to top Twins 7-2 in Game 1 (AP)

    The New York Yankees, right, and the Minnesota Twins line the base paths during ceremonies before Game 1 of the American League division baseball series at Yankee Stadium in New York Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009. The Yankees won 7-2 in the first playoff game at the new stadium.

    Derek Jeter got a big hit, just as he did in Octobers past at the famed ballpark across the street. CC Sabathia joined in the postseason fun. Even Alex Rodriguez broke out of his playoff rut. It was like old times in the first postseason game at the new Yankee Stadium, with New York beating these tired Minnesota Twins 7-2 Wednesday night in the opener of their AL playoff series.

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