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Your Black News – 3/30/11

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NCAA President Finally Agrees that Athletes Deserve a Bit More Money

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Every now and then, some families get to experience “that intervention moment.” This is when the uncle who’s been getting high, drunk and abusive every single day finally admits that he might have a problem. Of course he still minimizes the significance of his issues, but he has at least opened the door to getting the help that he needs.

For the American justice and economic systems, the NCAA is the addicted uncle. But rather than being hooked on drugs, the NCAA is addicted to the highs of capitalism and corporate greed. By being able to skirt the legal and moral parameters of our society, this professional sports league has been able to extract wealth from student athletes and the African American community to the tune of several billion dollars.

The NCAA’s new president, Mark Emmert, shocked the world when he admitted that it might be time for student athletes and their families to share in the massive revenue streams being generated by their kids. Emmert has admitted that he would like to “explore” the issue of modestly increasing the scholarship limits of student athletes in revenue-generating sports, primarily football and basketball. While remaining far from admitting that there should be significant changes, Emmert has confessed to the fact that the financial asymmetries might be a bit uncomfortable.

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HBCU Grads Earn Less than Black Kids at White Universities

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

A 2007 study by Roland Fryer and Michael Greenstone has found that graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) suffer a wage penalty relative to their counterparts who attend Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). The authors conclude that in comparison to black students who attend PWIs, graduates of HBCUs earn 20% less on the job market than their counterparts.

Equally interesting is that out of the 20 universities with the highest black graduation rates, only one of them (Howard) is an HBCU. Some wonder if this result, as well as the wage differential, cuts into the perceived value of an HBCU education.

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CHAD OCHOCINCO IS TWITTER’S 2ND MOST INFLUENTIAL CELEBRITY

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*Chad Ochocinco has been named the second-most influential personality on Twitter, based on data from the independent research company Twitalizer.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver was ranked second, behind the Brazilian comedian Rafinha Bastos.

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BEYONCE’S FATHER IS NO LONGER HER MANAGER

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*The business relationship between Beyonce and her father Mathew Knowles has come to an end.

A publicist for the singer said Monday that the Grammy winner will no longer be managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, who has overseen his daughter’s career since she debuted as a teen in Destiny’s Child.

“He is my father for life. I am grateful for everything he has taught me,” Beyonce said in the statement. “I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps.”

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SNOOP DOGG MAYBE GOING ON TOUR WITH CHARLIE SHEEN?!?!!

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*No one knows (and most don’t care) just what Charlie Sheen will be doing on his My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Death is Not an Option Tour, which is now only days away. But according to a picture he tweeted over the weekend, Snoop Dogg has somehow become involved.

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JALEN ROSE ARRESTED FOR A DUI IN DETROIT

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*Jalen Rose, who was in the news recently for his uncomplimentary statements about Duke University and Grant Hill, is back on the front burner, so to speak.

The former NBA star and current analyst for ESPN, was arrested back on March 11 in Michigan. He was charged with driving under the influence (along an icy roadway) when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

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DEZ BRYANT BEING SUED FOR NOT PAYING JEWELER

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*Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has gotten caught up with a lawsuit now.

According to papers filed Friday in Dallas, the football player failed to pay for $246,000 worth of jewelry by a New York-based company called A+A Diamonds LTD d/b/a Rafaello & Company. The jeweler is known for its high-end designs for celebrities.

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Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Too Short and Intergenerational Black Male Dysfunctionality

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

 

As a fan of hip-hop, I couldn’t help but appreciate the talent of the rapper Wiz Khalifa out of Pittsburgh.  Fresh off the release of his new album, “Rolling Papers,” Wiz appears to be on the top of the hip-hop world.  The first thing I thought about when I heard Wiz Khalifa’s style is that he sounded remarkably similar to artists of my generation, namely Snoop Dogg and Too Short.

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Poll: 27% of Blacks Lose Faith in Obama Over Libyan Attack

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

According to a recent survey conducted by YourBlackWorld.com,  27.3% of African American respondents claim that President Obama’s most recent actions in Libya have reduced their faith in his leadership ability.  Roughly 20.8% of respondents claim that the Libyan intervention has increased their faith in Obama’s leadership.  Equally interesting is that over half (51.8%) of all black respondents to the survey said that the Libyan intervention has no impact at all on their perception of President Obama’s ability to lead. 

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Your Black News – 3/29/11

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MICHELLE OBAMA WILL SPEAK AT SPELMAN COLLEGE FOR GRADUATION

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*First lady Michelle Obama will serve as the commencement speaker at Spelman College, the White House announced Friday.

The ceremony for more than 500 graduates will be held on May 15 in the Georgia International Convention Center. Mrs. Obama will also receive an honorary degree.

“Having Mrs. Obama as our 2011 commencement speaker is a true honor because she embodies the Spelman College mission, which is to prepare women to change the world in a meaningful way,” Spelman President Beverly Tatum said in a statement. “I know our students will be inspired by her powerful presence.”

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AFTER ALLEGED RACIST REMARKS: PARIS HILTON INTERVIEWS LIL WAYNE

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*Timing, as they say, is everything.

In the wake of an alleged statement from 1999 by socialite/heiress Paris Hilton that she “can’t stand black guys. I would never touch one,” comes word that she recently did an interview with a very high profile rapper who is yes, black!

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WENDY WILLIAMS IS SO DISGUSTED WITH CHRIS BROWN: VIDEO

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*Obviously everybody has got something to say about Chris Brown’s “GMA” meltdown.

So naturally we’re not surprised to hear that Wendy Williams has something she wants to get off her chest about the incident.

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SWIZZ BEATZ EX-WIFE ON THE COVER OF KING MAGAZINE

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*Nope, your eyes aren’t fooling you. That is Swizz Beatz’ ultra deliciously looking ex-wife Mashonda gracing the cover of King Magazine which is due on newsstands this Tuesday, March 29.

Below are some excerpts from their interview/spread on her. And if you scroll down below the Q&A you’ll find an extra large version of the cover photo followed by a video of the cover shoot.

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FOXY BROWN KICKED OFF THE JOYNER SHOW

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*Earlier we reported that Tom Joyner had to kick trouble prone raptress Foxy Brown off his Fantastic Voyage Cruise this year.

Well not too surprisingly Foxy has responded via twitter with her side of the story. She’s straight up calling Joyner a liar. Check this out:

“SO I’m up packing my Luby’s and Kirkwoods to meet my pumpkin Shyne in Belize for a lil’ vacay…..and I get a call that Tom joyner is on the radio disrespecting me….again! OKAY NOW MR. JOYNER, your old enough to be my grandfather which is why I let your distasteful comments in our interview go without putting you in your place. Obviously, you equated my silence with weakness. My maturation with passivity. Grandpa you need to learn some respect, I’m the wrong one to romp wit you will get checked!!

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Deion Sanders Says He Worries about Dez Bryant

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Dez Bryant Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys holds the ball before a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Cowboys Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.

From ESPN.com

Deion Sanders, who stopped mentoring Dez Bryant months ago, strongly criticized theDallas Cowboys receiver in reaction to the criminal trespass warning given to Bryant over the weekend at a Dallas mall.

"I'm upset but not surprised whatsoever," Sanders said on The Ben & Skin Show on ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas.

Sanders described Bryant's behavior at NorthPark Center on Saturday as "ignorant."

The 2010 first-round pick was issued the warning after an off-duty police officer requested that Bryant and his friends pull up their pants because their underwear was showing and Bryant responded with repeated profanity, according to the police report.

Click to read.

Could Farrakhan Undermine Obama’s Black Base?

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Quick Note from Dr. Boyce Watkins 

I noticed a couple of things this weekend:  First, Louis Farrakhan’s attack on President Obama’s decision to bomb Libya became one of the most amazingly viral videos I’ve seen in quite a while.  In just a couple of days, the video had over half a million views, which is rare and powerful for a video of that nature.  Farrakhan is not like, say, Lady Gaga or Kanye West (who might get a lot of views from non-black folks).  He fits into a niche of black leadership, receiving views from only a particular segment of the population.

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Your Black News – 3/25/11

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Chris Brown’s Big Publicity STunt: Why Did Everyone Fall For It?

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I spent yesterday a bit disappointed with entertainer Chris Brown after his alleged tirade on 'Good Morning America.' After being one of the few voices defending Chris Brown on CNN a couple of years ago, I quietly wondered if I was wrong about him. It's not that I thought Chris Brown was a good man. It's that I saw him as a 19-year-old kid who was not beyond redemption. America has a nasty habit of destroying the lives of young black men when they make mistakes at an early age.


My mind tried to wrap itself around the Chris Brown/'Good Morning America' incident. I figured that Chris would be on his way to jail, given that busting out a window is not exactly legal and nearly any decision to break the law amounts to a parole violation. But I saw and heard almost nothing indicating that Chris was going to experience any significant legal consequence from his behavior.

 

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Police Officer Convicted After Videotaped Beating

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

James Mandarino, an officer with the Streamwood Police Force in Illinois, was convicted this week by a judge who watched his videotaped beating of a motorist. He was found guilty of aggravated battery and official misconduct.
"Any rational analysis (of the video) will show that the conduct of the defendant was wrong, just plain wrong, unprovoked, unnecessary and unacceptable," said Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Fecarotta Jr.

In the video, Mandarino is seen hitting Ronald Bell several times with a metal baton. He'd followed Bell to the home of his brother, where he asked him to get out of the car. During the 15 strikes of the baton to Bell's face and body, it appears that he is trying to cooperate with the officer and he is also unarmed.

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MAYA ANGELOU LANDS A SHOW WITH HALLMARK

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*An unscripted lifestyle series with Maya Angelou is on deck for the Hallmark Channel as part of its programming slate for 2011-12.

In a lunch time upfront presentation Wednesday, the network announced that the new 13-episode series hosted by Angelou is called “The Spirit Table” and will feature “well-known guests.” Hallmark executives did not immediately announce names.

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NENE GETS AL (JONE’S EX HUSBAND) TO GET BACK AT STAR JONES

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*Maybe NeNe Leakes is out to get back at Star Jones. According to recent reports, the “Housewives of Atlanta” star has been hanging with the Star’s ex-hubby, Al Reynolds.

Coincidence? Maybe not.

NeNe and her “Celebrity Apprentice” co-star Jones have been feuding on the show since the beginning, but this takes their fight to a “whole ‘notha level.”

Star is apparently having a hard time dealing with the thought of them even being in the same room with one another.

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RIHANNA TOUR MAY BE OVER BEFORE IT EVENS STARTS

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*Maybe Rihanna isn’t as cool as she thought she was. The pop star may be canceling the some of her tour dates due to low sales. Her upcoming Loud tour with opener Cee Lo Green hasn’t quite caught on with enough people, according to the NY Post.

“It has been a big disappointment,” claims the Post’s source. “The ticket sales in big US cities like Boston are so bad, they will barely cover basics like the lighting and other arena costs. Tour managers are begging local radio stations to do giveaways.”

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CHRIS BROWN GETS ANOTHER GOOD MORNING AMERICA INVITATION

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Chris Brown arrives at the West 4th Street Basketball Courts after going ballistic at "Good Morning America" (March 22, 2011)

*Chris Brown has an open invitation from “Good Morning America” to return for an interview — even though he stormed off set Tuesday, threw a cooler and allegedly broke a window because he was so angry about being asked about Rihanna.

“I wish him the absolute best,” Robin Roberts said on “GMA” this morning.  ”We extended the invitation to him [to come back], and sure hope he takes us up on it because I’d sure love to have another chat with him.”

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The Dave Duerson Suicide: Why You May Not Want Your Sons to Play Football

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Duerson

From the Huffington Post 

An autopsy report released by the Miami-Dade County medical examiner this week described the tragic circumstances surrounding the suicide of former Chicago Bears safety and two-time Super Bowl winner Dave Duerson.

Duerson retired from the NFL after 11 seasons and may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition linked to athletes who have sustained repeated concussions, according to the Associated Press. Despite his athletic success, Duerson fell on hard times later in life. He was divorced in 2009 and after years of running a successful business, filed for bankruptcy months before his suicide.

 

Click to read more on the Huffington Post.

R.I.P-KSU STUDENT: “JUST HOLD ON”

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Last night, I was home preparing dinner and I received a text saying, “Did you hear what happened on campus”? I responded “No”. Then my friend proceeded to tell me that a student was found dead inside her dorm room. Instantly my heart dropped, and tears began to roll down my face. This young woman wasn’t my personal friend, cousin, aunt, but her departure from this world took a toll on my heart.

I can’t imagine a mother having to I.D their child. My GOD!!! It’s sad when a freshman in college doesn’t make it to see their sophomore year. It’s a sad day at Kentucky State University. I know life is hard, Like Paul “I strive daily”. I strive daily to get one step closer to my dreams, one step closer to heaven, one step closer to God, one step closer to Love.

I don’t know what happened with this young girl, if her death was from natural causes or a suicide. All I know is she will be missed by her family and friends.

I want college students all over the world to JUST HOLD ON! Hold on to HOPE for it is the only thing we have to look forward to. Hold on to faith, Heb 11:1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!

Sometime we got caught up in the bad day, we forget what TOMORROW could bring. Tomorrow is graduation, tomorrow is a healthier relationship, tomorrow is another chance at success, tomorrow is a day of correcting mistakes, tomorrow is your first child being born, tomorrow is your wedding, tomorrow is the key to your new Range Rover, tomorrow is the signing day to your new Home or condo.

If you feeling down and out, if you can’t shake the devil off your back, if your depression is wearing you down, PRAY, HOLD ON, AND SEE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS.

REST IN PEACE YOUG LADY

Meaningful Blessings

Madam Prezident

 

 

Bill Maher Says Republicans Are Scared of Black People Not Named Cosby and Urkel

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Comedian and TV show host Bill Maher made some interesting remarks the other day on his show about GOP fear and racial tension. During a segment in which he posted a picture of members of the New Black Panther Party, Maher noted that Republicans generally "soil their adult diapers" when confronted by people of color. He did, however, note one exception:


"Every black person scares you (GOP) unless they look like Urkel, talk like Colin Powell and wear Bill Cosby sweaters."
I wish I could say that the remark was funny, but the truth is that it's funnier in print than it was during the delivery. All the while, I have to give Maher credit for speaking the truth. When it comes to the integration of African Americans into mainstream America, there is a notion of "acceptability" that many of us, especially black males, are forced to constantly deal with.

Click to read.

The Depth of Forest Whitaker’s Tax Problems

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Hollywood superstar Forest Whitaker was recently hit with a large tax bill after failing to pay $185,000 he owed to the IRS. The tax collectors in California have cited Whitaker and filed a lien for the balance. Both he and his wife Keisha are named in the complaint, which was filed in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds.
It was reported in 2009 that Whitaker owed $1.29 million in state and federal taxes. Whitaker is not the only Hollywood megastar to have tax problems. Actor Wesley Snipes is in prison until 2013 after being charged with failing to file tax returns for three years.
Chris Tucker was hit with some very serious tax problems himself, as the LA County Records Office showed that Tucker owed over $11 million in taxes up through 2006. Actor Nicolas Cage was also found to owe millions to the IRS.

 

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Black News – 3/23/11

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“Obama is Not Loyal to His Old Friends in Chicago” says an old ally

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It appears that Hermene Hartman, a black businesswoman in Chicago, feels that President Obama is not loyal to his friends in Chicago who launched his political career.  Here is an excerpt of an interview she did with Chicago magazine:

 

CF: What's your relationship with the Obamas?
HH: It used to be good. It used to be superb before they got to the White House. I haven't been invited, and I'm insulted.

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Pole Dancing for Jesus? – Alrighty Then

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From My Fox Houston

Pole dancing, of the variety that strippers do, has enjoyed a renaissance over the last few years as a fitness craze – seems like every gym is offering a pole dancing class these days, where participants are encouraged to work off the calories while working that pole. But not every gym is offering pole dancing for Jesus.

Every second Sunday, Crystal Deans, a former stripper, a Christian and the owner of Best Shape of Your Life gym in Spring, Texas, combines pole dancing with contemporary Christian music in a special class for female church-goers. To ensure that particpants have indeed come straight from church, she asks that they bring their church programmes with them; Dean considers the class an extension of “the whole worship thing”. The local Fox News station in Houston, Texas, reports.

 

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Afrika Owes: 17-Year Old Ivy League Bound Student in Drug/Gang Ring Bailed Out By Her Church

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem has taken a very active role in securing the legal rights of one of their parishioners. Afrika Owes is a 17-year old girl who will soon be on trial for felony charges related to gun and drug trafficking. What makes her unique is that she was also a top student, bound for an Ivy League University. The theory among those who support Owes is that her involvement with the gun and drug trade came largely from undue influence from her boyfriend, Jaquan Layne, who was allegedly running the gang from Rikers Island Prison.
Judge Edward McLaughlin of the Manhattan Supreme Court ruled that it is legal for the church to post bail, but only if the church gets permission from the board of directors.


"They can do if they chose to in the manner set out in what the board of directors can do or not do on their behalf," said the judge.

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Chris Brown Goes Nuts at Good Morning America: Was He also Arrested?

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Chris Brown leaves after an explosive argument at GMA.A smashed window at the "Good Morning America" studios in Times Square.;

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action

A couple of years ago, I went onto CNN to give measured support for Chris Brown as he was facing tremendous public scrutiny (much of it deserved) for his physical attacks on the singer Rihanna.  I wasn’t trying to say that Chris was a good person; instead, I was arguing that he was a young kid who is not beyond redemption.

The bottom line was that Chris Brown is not a monster.

After hearing about his outburst today on Good Morning America, I am starting to think that Chris might be determined to become a monster.  If he’s not a monster, he’s at least a damn idiot.

Click to read.

NICKI MINAJ & RIHANNA ON FUNDRAISER ALBUM FOR JAPAN

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*Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are among the artists featured on a digital-only album being rushed out by Universal Music to raise funds for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims.

Justin Bieber, U2 and Bon Jovi are also confirmed for the Universal Music project, which aims to be available by the end of this week. Proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross, a spokesman for the group said on Monday.

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CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER APART OF NBC’S SUMMER LINE UP

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*NBC today announced its summer lineup, including premiere dates and several new shows – including a game show hosted Ced the Entertainer, reports USA Today.

Titled “It’s Worth What?,” the is a cross between “Pawn Stars” and “The Price is Right,” where contestants have to guess the value of items found in attics, etc.

NBC also announced that “America’s Got Talent’s” sixth season kicks off May 31 with host Nick Cannon returning, along with judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan. Its regular time slot is Tuesday at 9 p.m. and the season ends Sept. 14.

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MEL B PREGNANT WITH THIRD CHILD

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*Britain’s HELLO! magazine is reporting that Melanie Brown, a.k.a. Mel B of the Spice Girls, is expecting her third child — but her first with husband Stephen Belafonte.

The 35-year-old – who already has 12-year-old Phoenix Chi from a previous relationship and three-year-old Angel Iris with Eddie Murphy – is said to be thrilled with the news.

“We’re really excited. We wouldn’t have planned and waited for four yours to have a baby if we weren’t really excited about it and ready for it. Even though you can never really be truly ready,” says Mel.

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FARRAKHAN ADVISES OBAMA: RADIO INTERVIEW

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*In a radio interview interview on Monday, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan had some strong words for President Obama regarding his call for Moammar Qaddafi to step down as leader of Libya.

“I warn my brother do you let these wicked demons move you in a direction that will absolutely ruin your future with your people in Africa and throughout the Arab world…Why don’t you organize a group of respected Americans and ask for a meeting with Qaddafi, you can’t order him to step down and get out, who the hell do you think you are?”

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CHRIS BOWN HOPING TO SELL 1MILLION RECORDS HIS FIRST WEEK

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*Chris Brown is putting it out there that he wants to sell one-million copies of his new album…this week alone.

In an interview on New York’s Hot 97, Brown said of his latest album “F.A.M.E.”: “I would love to do like a mill the first week, honestly. And that’s really pushing, and I know that’s pushing, but I’m happy with anything I sell.”

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Dr. Boyce Spotlight: Black Female Entrepreneur Teaches Math to Make Her Money

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

What is your name, and what do you do?
My name is Stephanie Espy, and I'm the founder and president of MathSP (www.MathSP.com). MathSP is a math enrichment company that helps individuals to improve their math skills. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, MathSP provides instruction to middle school students, high school students, college students, adults who need additional math-based resources alongside their coursework, and students who need an added challenge beyond their coursework. MathSP also prepares individuals for the math section of various standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, computer-adaptive exams such as the GMAT or GRE, and state exams such as the EOCT or GHSGT.

 

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Juan Williams of Fox News Says that Young Black Men Make Him Nervous

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Juan Williams, the most peculiar black journalist in America, made yet another statement that had heads turning. Williams effectively made the argument that there's nothing wrong with people saying that young black men make them nervous. In a conversation with Dr. Caroline Helmand, a professor at Occidental College, Williams stood the Fox News line by basically refuting Helman's assertion that it would be bigoted for a person to say that they clutch their purse every time a black man walks by. The dialogue went like this:


Helmand: "I happen to agree with Schiller that your comments were bigoted. I think that if I were to say that I clutch my purse every time I walk by a black man that might resonate with a lot of Americans. It might be the truth but it's a bigoted statement. I certainly wouldn't have fired you but I do think there was some truth in that video that we don't get to talk about because we are afraid to have actual discourse in this country."

Click to read.

Your Black News – 3/21/11

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CHRIS BROWN RESPONDS TO HIS NUDE PHOTOS

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In a recent radio interview, Chris Brown finally got around to dealing with that nude photo of him that was leaked online a couple of weeks ago.

“It was a shock,” he told Toby Knapp of DC station Hot 99.5 while promoting his new CD F.A.M.E. “You kinda gotta be like, ‘No, I guarantee it’s Photoshopped.’ It was like, ‘No, that’s not me.’ They always say I got a naked photo out so I was like, ‘Cool,’ but when I saw it I was like, ‘Oh, damn, I kinda did take that picture.’”

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TUPAC’S MOMA MARIJUANA TRIAL PUSHED BACK AGAIN

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*Tupac’s mama, Afeni Shakur, will be put on hold for the third time. She was arrested last April after being caught with marijuana in Lumberton, N.C.

She was charged with possession of marijuana, simple possession of a controlled substance and maintaining a dwelling or place for a controlled substance. She was arrested but released on a $10,000 bond.

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TYRESE JOINS ALICIA KEYS IN HER MANAGEMENT

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Tyrese is ready to get back to the recording studio and has signed a deal with Alicia Keys’ former manager Jeff Robinson and MBK Entertainment.

It’s been nearly five years since the chocolate love song singer released anything. His first and only album, “Alter Ego” is basically the last bit of “newness” fans can get from him.

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WYCLEF JEAN SHOT IN THE HAND IN HAITI

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*Saturday night in Haiti, musician Wyclef jean was shot in the hand. But according to his spokesman, he has been treated and released from the hospital.

He told The Associated Press that he had just stepped out of his car to make a phone call when he heard gunfire. Jean says the next thing he noticed, there was blood on his shirt and sneakers.

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EVELYN AND CHAD ARE ENJOYING THEIR ENGAGEMENT

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*Unlike many celebrity couples, Chad Ochocinco and “Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Lozada are not rushing to tie the knot. Instead, they’ve decided to be engaged for a year before the big day so they can enjoy their children.

“He has four kids. I have one. We want to be engaged for at least a year and enjoy our time with our children, and then we’re going to plan our wedding,” Lozada tells People.

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CNN: Wyclef Jean Shot in Haiti

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Wyclef Jean is now in a hospital recovering after being shot in his hand. Jean's publicist, Cindy Tanenbaum, said that the artist was shot Saturday in Port-au-Prince, the day before the runoff vote for the presidential election. According to Tanenbaum, Jean is doing well.
Gerry Andre, Jean's spokesperson in Haiti, said that the artist was shot in the hand when getting out of a car to speak with him.


"He heard a gunshot, then he saw his right-hand palm was bleeding," Andre told CNN.
It is not yet clear if Jean was an intended target of the shooting. The police investigation is being thwarted because Jean has refused to speak to them thus far. Garry Desrosiers, the spokesman for the Haitian National Police, is claiming that Jean has not cooperated with their investigation.

 

Click to read.

Study: Women Who Post A lot of Pics of Themselves on Facebook Value Appearance and Attention

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From the LA Times

A study on how people use social networking websites such as Facebook confirms what many of us suspected. Women who post loads of photos of themselves on their sites are conveying some strong personal characteristics, according to new research. These women are more likely to base their self-worth on appearance and use social networking to compete for attention.

The study involved 311 men and women with an average age of 23. In order to better understand aspects of social networking behavior, the researchers looked at the amount of time subjects spent managing profiles, the number of photos they shared, the size of their online networks and how promiscuous they were in terms of “friending” behavior. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure self worth and were asked about their typical behaviors on Facebook.

There were differences between women and men. Overall, the results suggest that, compared with men, females identify more strongly with their image and appearance and use Facebook to compete for attention, said the lead author of the study, Michael A. Stefanone, an assistant professor of communications at the University of Buffalo.

 

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