Quantcast
Channel: UPTOWN Magazine
Viewing all 6567 articles
Browse latest View live

Kool & The Gang Stay ‘Kool For The holidays’

0
0

Kool & The Gang Kool For The Holidays

Front runners Kool & The Gang want to keep you Kool For The Holidays with their first holiday album. The influential band contributed eight standards and six original songs to get the entire family ready for a Christmas party. The original Kool & The Gang band members fuse their R&B, pop, dance and funk roots with engaging gospel vocals and arrangements to craft the 14-song compilation.

The album kicks off with original upbeat first single Home for the Holidays. Holidays delivers an inspirational message of coming home to celebrate with those you love. The GRAMMY Award winners, who have sold over 70 million records, cover standards like The Christmas Song, adding upbeat melodies with tasteful raps and grooving beats. Little Drummer Boy, gets a jazzy makeover while Winter Wonderland is ready for your living room dance floor with its pulsing beat.

Kool For The Holiday provides a soundtrack to create new memories while staying in the holiday tradition of gift giving, great food and most of all love and cheer. So hang the Christmas lights, heat up the eggnog and heat up the holiday with Kool & The Gang.


Cell Phone Use While Flying Is Annoying

0
0

UPTOWN_in_flight_cell_phone_usageHearing cell phone conversations while flying might become your newest gripe with the airlines, as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to allow cell phone usage in-flight.

The FCC toyed with the idea of allowing cell phone usage previously in 2004 and were met with a negative response. A decade later, the response is unchanged by many.

Sixty-one percent of passengers surveyed are not ready to say goodbye sleep and hello to that loud annoying person retelling their not-so-funny story about how drunken grandma fell out her seat at Christmas dinner. Besides, who wants to endure late-night pillow talk while on a red-eye?

Flight attendants say mobile usage will add another level of stress to their job. Veda Shook, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants cited safety and security concerns.

The FCC will present its proposal in December, but not without challenges. Since cell phone networks access land-based towers, airplanes will have to develop technology to accommodate cell phones. Second, individual airlines have a say in implementing the policy. Those looking to attract business travelers may view the proposition as an added feature, while other airlines may nix the idea completely.

Recently, passengers protested the ban of electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and e-readers during takeoff and landing causing the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines to relax restrictions.

After standing in long security lines and enduring an invasive body scan, who really wants to be forced to listen to Chatty Kathy? Not I.

[Image: Shutterstock]

The Secret to Networking

0
0

uptown businessmen shaking hands

Business networking exposes beginners and seasoned professionals alike to expertise advice, relevant career information and specialized insights that would otherwise take years to learn and time to master. While networking can lead to open doors and expansion of your personal profile, it can often be a one way street. Networking can be abused- seeking out business relationships solely for personal gain. But what’s in it for your counterpart?

The key to meeting new people is authencity. Creating and maintain relationships that are mutually beneficial. Refrain from connecting with others only when it values you and your business. Have something to bring to the table: your time, energy, resources, finances, or a mix of all of the above.

Networking puts a face to your promoted brand and business. It’s your reputation and character that can jolt you to the next level, providing increased revenue, profitable referrals and business leads. Perfecting one’s social skills- combating shyness, being more open and exposing vulnerability are all advantages of networking and creating a proficient support system.

 

(Photo: Shutterstock)

UPTOWN Studio: Basketball Wives’ Tasha Marbury On Reality TV And Rising Above The Foolishness [VIDEO]

0
0


Ashlei Stevens chats with Tasha Marbury ,star of VH-1’s hit series Basketball Wives. Tasha reveals why she can rise above the foolishness of reality TV.

The H List: Kenyon Martin [VIDEO]

0
0





NY Kicks power forward Kenyon Martin explains how his past inspired him to create a foundation for youth.

Caught Slipping: 7 Oversights That Could Cost You Your Career

0
0

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

Caught SlippingOftentimes, if you’re not on top of your game, you may forfeit your chances of success altogether. That’s why it’s a good idea to be knowledgeable about the best strategy for your advancement and to be diligent in pursuing your highest potential. Oversights can lead to negative fallout in your professional journey, so you don’t want to be caught slipping.

Brazen Careerist details 7 missed opportunities that can cost you your job and ultimately your career success. Don’t fall victim to overlooking these key power plays:

1. Not Googling yourself.

Continue here…

Andre Leon Talley Says African Americans ‘With Any Consciousness’ Shouldn’t Shop at Barney’s

0
0

92Y Presents: Fern Mallis Interview Andre Leon Talley

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

This Wednesday (Nov. 20), Jay Z unveiled a pricey holiday collection in collaboration with fashion retailer Barney’s. Despite reports of racial profiling, the media mogul- convinced that pulling out would be the wrong thing- insists his selection of pricey items will solely benefit his foundation for the less fortunate.

While we continue to drool over what we can’t afford ($3,000 hoodie, $750 ski mask, etc), other black celebs are speaking out about the controversial business move. Andre Leon Talley, who we’re sure has spent a buck or two at Barney’s, challenges all African Americans to boycott the upscale store and Macy’s for their racist ways.

Continue here…

Whoopi Goldberg Sells Interracial Comedy To ABC

0
0

Whoopi GoldbergWhoopi Goldberg has sold a half-hour, interracial comedy to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 58-year-old star will work alongside Ben Silverman to executive produce Iman & Andy, which will center on two 20-something interracial co-workers who carry on an office romance in secret. When they’re exposed by the new editor-in-chief at their online magazine, they’re forced to team up on a new relationship advice blog.

“I’m so excited we are doing this together. I think this is going to be fun and interesting television,” Goldberg said.

Angela Ruhinda will pen the script.

Goldberg can be seen next in the Lifetime film adaptation of Terry McMillan‘s A Day Late and a Dollar Short.


First Look: Anthony Mackie, Forest Whitaker & Sanaa Lathan Star In ‘Repentance’ [VIDEO]

0
0

Anthony Mackie, Forest Whitaker, Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps and Nicole Ari Parker star in CodeBlack Films’ psychological thriller, Repentance. The synopsis states:

“Years after a drunken car crash that almost took his life, Thomas Carter (Mackie) has reinvented himself as a therapist/spiritual advisor who advocates a synthesis of world religions and positivity. He’s parlayed this vocation into a successful book release that one day draws the attention of Angel Sanchez (Whitaker), a profoundly troubled man fixated on the “untimely” death of his mother. When Carter takes on Sanchez as a personal client in an effort to raise funds for his indebted brother Ben (Epps), things quickly take a turn for the worse. Angel needs much more than a simple life coach. What may be simple to grasp for some is the idea that single actions in the past comprise tidal waves of reactions in the present.”

Repentance hits theaters on Feb. 28, 2014.

6 Ways Men Can Speak Up About Their Sexuality

0
0

Courtesy of The Frisky

Black coupleWomen are everywhere these days and sexuality is one area in which women have globally joined forces to have a voice. But interestingly, in all this activism, one thing that has been slightly quiet and unheard, one thing often missing, is the male voice. A lot of emphasis is being placed on empowering women, whereas a lot of stigmas and myths around sexuality are very much directed towards men. And while I don’t believe this movement is taking away men’s voices, I don’t necessarily think it’s empowering men to understand that they have a role with a voice, too.

Let’s identify some issues in which men are often blamed for perpetuating, but in actuality, men may be just as susceptible to as women.

Continue at The Frisky…

Beyonce Dedicates ‘God Made You Beautiful’ to Blue Ivy

0
0

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Beyonce, Blue Ivy

It may be awhile before we hear a new album, but Beyonce continues to hold us over with the occasional new song. “God Made You Beautiful,” similar in style to former ballads like “Halo” and “I Was Here,” is a song dedication to daughter Blue Ivy. Like Jay Z’s “Glory,” King Bey’s ode to her first born is equal parts adorable and repeat-worthy.

Related: 2013 in Review: The Year of Beyonce

The song coincides with the DVD release of the hugely popular Life is But A Dream documentary (Nov. 25).

Listen to the song over a Vibe Vixen…

Marla Gibbs Stars In Indie Feature Film ‘Grantham and Rose’ [VIDEO]

0
0

At 82, Marla Gibbs is still flexing her funny bone in the indie feature film Grantham and Rose, starring Jake T. Austin and Tessa Thompson. The official synopsis states:

When a petty crime thrusts him into the company of a feisty eighty-one-year-old African-American woman named Rose Price, Grantham (Austin) and Rose (Gibbs) push the boundaries of their relationship, their lives, and what it means to love, as they take a road trip back to their roots.”

Grantham and Rose serves as the feature film directorial debut for Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages).

Shonda Rhimes Readies Memoir for 2015

0
0

Shonda RhimesShonda Rhimes has teamed with publisher Simon & Schuster to release a memoir for 2015 that will touch on the showrunner’s decision to build a family long before the success of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, among other projects.

“Simon and Schuster is crazy for giving me a book deal as I am clearly in no position to be handing out wisdom,” Rhimes said in a statement last week. “But I have made a lot of mistakes as a single mother and as a working mother and as a sleepless mother and as a dating mother. And I did all of it while running a bunch of TV shows. So I’m going to write about that and hope my kids don’t use it against me in therapy later.”

This latest bit of good news follows behind Rhimes’ appointment to the board of trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and word that she’s developing a news series for ABC titled Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight.

The NBA’s Only Female Referee Has Something To Say

0
0
violet palmer photo
After 17 years of NBA officiating, Violet Palmer speaks out on being the only female in a male dominated career. Palmer, a former basketball player herself, spoke with CNN about the trials and tribulations of surviving in a industry of men, sexism and how she triumphed over stereotypical barriers.

“‘You’re not going to make it.’ ‘Why are you here? Go back to WNBA.’ ‘Players and coaches are not going to accept you.’ ‘Your guys that you work with, they’re not going to accept you.’ ” Palmer described, “I used to wear my hair long, and they’d go, ‘Oh, your ponytail is too tight,’ or ‘You need glasses.’ I still know that being on the court when I’m doing my job, it’s not personal.”

The Compton native first began officiating high school and college for 9 years, including 5 NCAA Final Four tournaments and 2 NCAA championship games. When the NBA offered try- outs, it was an offer she wouldn’t refuse. “You give me a shot … you know how you crack the door? I just kicked it.” Palmer declared. She was one of 2 female referees at the time.

But she became accustomed to being the female singled out. She was the only girl on her Little League baseball team. She went on to play basketball in junior and high school, garnering her a full scholarship to California Polytechnic State University.

On the road 22 days per month, Palmer described her first NBA game as a referee. “I was scared out of my wits. It was so much going on, so much excitement. But for me, as soon as I walked out on that floor and we tossed the ball, now it was time to go to work.”

Despite traveling on the road 22 days per month, Palmer continues to maintain herself mentally and physically for such a demanding feat. But she may have additional “girl power” assistance in the near future, “The bar is really high, but I can honestly say we have two women right now that are in our training program, and they are awesome.”

When Tweets (Don’t) Go “Racist”

0
0

justine saccoThe scandalous and sordid tale of Justine Sacco … not so scandalous.  Perhaps not so “racist” as folks are quick to assume. Just another day in the life of another social media maven tripped up by her own snark.  In the race to out-snark the snarkiest, Justine throws tweets on walls to see if they stick.

Ultimately, it ends up like most case studies into the lives of the dimwitted who fail to understand the limitations of the public forum. But, is it so much an example of “racism” as it is an awkward lesson in social etiquette and how our myriad forms of communication continue to clumsily evolve?

Of all people, Sacco – being the top notch PR executive that she is (or was) – should’ve known this. Yet, the fact that she didn’t begs important questions about privilege and the myth of a meritocracy that we naively embrace despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.  How does a twit get elevated to the upper echelons of the corporate elite?

While we’re on race or judging whether or not Sacco engaged in racist intent then why not question the composition of her employer’s leadership?  IAC’s entire senior management roster is all white and very much male (save the one white woman who serves as deputy general counsel).  Sacco’s now former boss Barry Diller expressed “outrage” over the fired executive’s comments, but it’s not like he’s been populating his top team with people of color. It’s not like IAC is a shining example of diversity at work.

Many are quick to slam Sacco as born-again bigot on an anti-black rampage – yet few will admit that we’ve allowed our social media habitualisms to mask the dirty secrets of a very cruel and very impolitic society lacking empathy.  Sacco cuts up on black South Africans with HIV/AIDS not because she’s on a mission to oppress them.  It’s because we’re getting away with saying (with increasing frequency) really cruddy things about each other in public. Sacco, and the millions who vilify her, believe life is one endless line of unlucky front row ticket holders to a standup comedy show.

Of course, the Sacco fiasco sheds light on some significant cautionary tales on race – but not racism so much.  The problem is the I-really-need-to-piss urgency with which folks of certain persuasions want to express their views on race and others who don’t look like them.  Feeling boxed in and reversed on, despite the shaky foundation of the reasoning, many are lashing out – and dehumanizing people of color in the process.  Much like when The Onion creepily tweeted that a 9 year old black girl was something only perverts call 9 year old kids (which is why I stopped reading The Onion altogether).

But, to a greater and more important point: racially awkward tweets are not necessarily “racist.”  Perhaps they are just brutally honest.  Why not use this as a moment to further inform ourselves on the fact that only 0.3 percent of white South Africans are infected by HIV/AIDS compared to 14 percent of black South Africans? In this case, Sacco – through a badly placed joke – was actually right.

Obviously, a socio-economic disparity exists that requires greater attention than a bad tweet. So, where’s the outrage on that?

We must be extremely careful in our newly acquired tendency to throw the term “racist” around as if it doesn’t carry the power that it really has.  Racism is not a matter of colorful comments or the crazy things people say and tweet – it’s a systemic, institutionalized form of oppression that’s still very much alive and well through a number of alarming demographic divides.  Some more destructive and intentional than others. We should care more about the disproportionate number of black children, for example, who live in poverty than what a clueless white celebrity from Utah posts about them.

The Sacco episode reveals nothing more than the convenience with which we make “racism” the new funny conversation piece on the coffee table. It’s easier to rant about it, but don’t get your hands dirty actually doing something about it.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a veteran political strategist and Chief Political Correspondent for UPTOWN Magazine.  He is also Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and a frequent contributor to The Root.  Rest assured he won’t be crafting “racist” tweets @charlesdellison.


Champagne Wishes: Picking A Bubbly To Ring In The New Year

0
0

By Joseph D. Solis

Champagne or Sparkling Wine? What’s the difference between champagne and sparkling wine?

By law: Champagne can only be called such if it is produced in the Champagne region of France. Varietals grown and produced anywhere else in the world is generally known as sparkling wine, prosecco if it hails from Italy and cava if it’s from Spain.

Serving Bubbly Temperature: Chilling is essential, with 45°F being ideal. A bucket filled with half ice, half water for approximately half an hour is the perfect way to make it happen, but three hours in the refrigerator works, too. As tempting as it is, never flash-freeze champagne.

Remember: Good things come to those who wait.

Glassware: Good champagne deserves an equally good presentation. A tall flute made for champagne allows an outlet for bubbles as well as aromas. Recently, major champagne houses have pushed to serve bubbly in white wine glasses.

Occasion: Every day is a celebration of life!


A Few Faves

 

uptown champagne wishes moet chandon nectar leopard

Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé Methuselah Leopard Luxury Edition

Type: Champagne, France

Tasting Notes: Distinguished by its sparkling fruitiness and delightful crisp finish, Nectar Impérial Rosé is a delicious and voluptuous expression of Moët & Chandon’s style, where the persistent intensity of red fruits (wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry) meets the sensuality of nutmeg and caramel with the freshness of red currant.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

Type: Champagne, Reims, France

Tasting Notes: Made from the best Chardonnay grapes in the region, this offering from the world’s oldest champagne house leaves rich notes of brioche, French toast, roasted almonds, honey and minerals on the palate.

Armand de Brignac “Ace Of Spades”

Type: Champagne, France

Tasting Notes: A racy fruit character, subtle brioche accents, along with a creamy texture, a palate with great depth and impact, as well as a fresh and lively bouquet, help define the complex and full-bodied Armand de Brignac.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

Type: Champagne, France

Tasting Notes: A zest of citrus, hints of juicy raspberries, plus pear and other flavors, give this selection a subtle aroma that pairs particularly well with seafood.

Chandon Brut Classic

Type: Sparkling Wine, California

Tasting Notes: This reliable concoction is punctuated with complex apple and pear characteristics and accented by citrus spice, with distinct notes of almond and caramel to tantalize the palate.

Rosa Regale

Type: Sparkling Wine, Italy

Tasting Notes: Rosa Regale, made from 100 percent Brachetto grapes, is a sparkling red wine with a dainty bouquet of rose petals, enhanced by the sensuousness of fresh strawberries and raspberries, with an effervescence softer than champagne’s but still yielding a persistent and delicate pink froth.


VIP Toasts for 2014

Legendary Damon, NYC Nightlife Personality and Socialite

“I toast to growth, change and to trying new things. I toast to creativity and staying inspired any way possible. I toast to being kind and moral and trying to always do good. And finally, I toast to more sequins, more gold and more Swarovski sparkle! Wepa!”

Jesse Williams, Actor

“I’m toasting to family: to starting and protecting my own. To being a part of the solution in my community. To empowering my crew and being grateful for every damn second of it. In 2013, we planned the work; and in 2014, we work the plan. Salud!”

Estelle, Singer/Songwriter

“I look forward to recording my fourth studio album, which will be released in 2014, and growing my new jewelry collection, Estelle & Lita by Royal Asscher, and luxury scarves collection, Scarves by Swaray. There is so much potential for greatness, and I look forward to what 2014 will offer.”

Star Style: Meagan Good [PHOTOS]

0
0

uptown star style meagan good
Among the list of African-American Hollywood actresses who audiences are always certain to flock to see, Meagan Good ranks high. Whether on the small screen or big screen, things are simply good with Meagan. In the newly-released film Anchorman 2, fans will get to see her humorous side. In the film, Meagan plays a no nonsense woman in charge of a news network, who faces combative tactics and opposition from Ron Burgundy, played by Will Ferrell. Fans will be happy to know that Meagan will also star in Think Like A Man Too in 2014.

Unfortunately, being an actress in La La Land doesn’t come without criticism. Meagan has caught flack for her choice of gowns on the red carpet on more than one occasion, but truth be told – it’s not that deep. She’s really not one to go overboard when getting dressed. While we will admit that she can be spotted in looks that are rather sexy – her outfits are never actually raunchy or tacky. But unlike Meagan, sadly there are too many women who don’t know how to pull off sexy in a way that is tasteful, sophisticated, or appropriate. For those who want to add a little sass to a simple look, this week’s Star Style, Meagan Good, is the ideal inspiration.

East St. Louis, Camden Top 2014 List of Most Dangerous Cities in America

0
0

uptown 2014 most dangerous city in us east st louis il

A list of the 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S., has been released for 2014.

Some notable differences from the list compiled for the 2013 year include Knoxville, TN, a new addition at #100.

Bridgeport, CT jumps from #94 to #51.

Camden, NJ, which came in at #2 last year, now makes way for Flint, MI, last year’s #3.

But East St. Louis, IL remains #1,  while Chicago shockingly is missing from the top 100 altogether – a surprise given the city dominated headlines about gun violence throughout 2013.

A full list of cities can be found at NeighborhoodScout.com.

Research reveals the 100 most dangerous cities in America with 25,000 or more people, based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes include murder, forcible rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

Making The Most Of Kids’ Winter Break

0
0

UPTOWN_christmas_family_portraitWhile kids relish in their new found freedom from homework and class assignments, parents can find the weeks of winter recess frustrating and slightly daunting with restless children. But winter break doesn’t have to be unwelcome. It’s a optimal chance to spend quality time with your school age kids, and do fun, creative activities the entire family can enjoy.

Don’t let Old Man Winter halt your outside activities! Explore your backyard and take your children looking for animal tracks. Bundle up and build a snow fort. Go ice skating or good ol’ sledding.

For indoor lovers, arts and crafts are especially fun! Cold days are perfect for creating science experiments. Or grab that home improvement list and get to fixin’! Allow your kids to help around the house with fixtures — give them their own flashlight, set of tools. You’ll create unforgettable memories and help domesticate your children.

Surprise your kids with a trip to an indoor water park. Grab the controller to your video game console and battle it out to their favorite video game.

Winter break can be a time of timeless memories and fun!

[Image: Shutterstock]

Rumored Aaliyah VH1 Biopic

0
0

Singer Aaliyah VH1 Biopic

Singer/Actress Aaliyah’s former manager and uncle Barry Hankerson released a series of mysterious tweets that unveiled news of an upcoming Aaliyah biopic to be produced by VH1.

“Merry Christmas #TeamAaliyah #VH1 “One in a million” The Aaliyah Story @VH1 sneak peek! Merry Christmas enjoy #2014,” Hankerson tweeted and included this image:

uptown-aaliyah-VH1

August 25, 2014 will mark the 13th anniversary of the singer’s death and others close to her in a Bahamas plane crash while shooting the Rock The Boat video. In another tweet Hankerson gave a release date of January 4, 2014, with another picture:

uptown-aaliyah-VH1-movie

VH1 recently rebooted TLC’s career with a fictional account of their rise to fame CrazySexyCool that pulled in 4.5 million viewers on its first night. Could the station be vying to finally tell the story of the story of the 22-year-old whose life was cut short by her death in a plane crash?

While fans have shown an interest in an official film, her family and close collaborators have opposing views on releasing music and a film. Producers Missy Elliott and Timbaland have publicly acknowledged that they weren’t invited to participate on any new music from the star.

Aaliyah was signed to Barry Hankerson founded Blackground Records. Her debut album Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number produced by rumored boyfriend and then husband R. Kelly was the company’s first release. Over the years Blackground Records has received criticism about Hankerson’s business practices. Most notably Joanna “Jojo” Levesque, who is currently involved in a lawsuit to be released from her Blackground Records contract.

Keshia Chante, host of BET 106 & Park, cast some light on rumors that she would play the star in an upcoming film. Chante noted in 2011 that the Haughton family was still in mourning and she felt uncomfortable going against the family’s wishes. Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughtonstated there is no official album being released and supported by the Haughton and “No female I’ve seen can play my sister.”

Aaliyah remains an iconic figure in the music community, often heard and quoted in today’s music from Drake and Chris Brown. While Drake and producing partner Noah “40″ Shebib released new single Enough Said and were reportedly at the helm of a new posthumous Aaliyah release, no new music has been heard since.

Viewing all 6567 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images