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Obama Announces NC-Based Manufacturing Institute

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uptown-obamaraleighDuring a stop in North Carolina on Wednesday, January 15, President Barack Obama announced a new Raleigh, NC-based manufacturing institute. Calling it “a new public-private effort to boost advanced manufacturing that attracts the kind of well-paying jobs that sustain a growing middle class” in a speech at North Carolina State University, the president goes on to explain that America’s “newest high-tech manufacturing hub” will be “focused on the next generation of power electronics.”

This institute is part of Obama’s initiative to get Congress to promote 21st-century manufacturing jobs by establishing a partnership between universities and companies. The project would create or sustain 1,000 jobs in its first five years, according to U.S. Senator Kay Hagan.

The initiative will receive $70 million over five years from the U.S. Energy Department and at least $70 million more from the universities, businesses, and the state, the White House said. This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction to reduce unemployment rates as some improvement has already been made with the total number of working-age residents either working or looking for jobs falling by 95,000 in the past year.

[Image: AP/Carolyn Kaster & Ted Richardson]


First Look: ‘Alice Walker: Beauty In Truth’ [VIDEO]

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In February, PBS will air Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth, which will feature the life and impact of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and activist Alice Walker. The documentary will be broadcast as a part of the long-running series “American Masters.” The film not only coincides with Black History Month, but also Walker’s 70th birthday, which is Feb. 9.

Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth will air on PBS on Friday, Feb. 7, at 9 p.m.

OWN Network Picks Up Tyler Perry Scripted Series Single Moms Club

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uptown own tyler perry new series

Following record breaking ratings for his scripted series, “The Have’s And Have Nots“, Tyler Perry is set to release his fourth scripted series on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network.

The television drama series, “Single Moms Club“, is based off Perry’s new film under the same name, starring Nia Long and Perry himself, with a March 14 release. The series will follow a group of single mothers, hailing from different walks of life, who come together by an incident at their children’s school. The moms soon form their own support group, tackling the different challenges of single motherhood, including dating, friendships and career.

Tyler Perry‘s scripted series have been a shoe-in for the OWN network, helping OWN’s disappointing initial network ratings. Each series has garnered an abundance of viewers, with rates steadily rising. “The Have’s And Have Nots“, Perry’s biggest series on OWN to date, premiered its second season with a whopping 2.8 million viewers. It stands as OWN’s most watched show.

Love Thy Neighbor“, another Perry scripted comedy, premiered its second season. “For Better Or For Worse“, the follow up, made for tv series, starring beloved characters Angela and Marcus from the popular “Why Did I Get Married” films originally aired on TBS, but continues it’s third season on the OWN network. OWN continues to expand with new programming, including “Deion’s Family Playbook“, a reality show following the life of former NFL superstar Deion Sanders on March 1.

Despite box office hits and high rating cable series, Perry has been nominated for 6 Golden Raspberry Awards, an annual award show honoring the “worst of” film. A Madea Christmas tops the awards with 6 nominations, tied with Grown Ups 2, Movie 43 and The Lone Ranger. Perry’s Temptation: Confessions Of A Marriage Counselor is also nominated for worst director, despite being a box office hit.

Ride-Or-Die: 7 Celebrity Best Friends

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UPTOWN_celebrity_best_friends

Amid the hit singles, box office smashes, buzzer beaters, and tabloid headlines, it is important for celebrities to have close friends. When things are looking up, these BFFs are popping champagne in VIP. And when albums flop, movies bomb, shows are cancelled, and relationships fizzle, they are on their way over with a bottle of wine. Famous friendships can even translate into successful careers (because everyone wants their bestie standing next to them in the winner’s circle). Here are our favorite celebrity best friends.

Cara Rihanna At Game

Cara Delevingne and Rihanna are an understandable pair. The two it-girls are a walking fashion spread at every public appearance, and they both love a good party. Rihanna, 25, has apparently taken on a sort of big sister role with 21-year-old Cara, and is ushering her into the world of superstardom. She even took the young Brit model to her first NBA game at the Barclays Center, where the two shared laughs court-side.

Kanye Jay Z BET Awards

The friendship between Kanye West and Jay Z spans over a decade. The rappers began working together in 2001 when Kanye produced songs like  ”Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” for Jay Z’s The Blueprint album. Since then, they have released chart-topping records, embarked on sold-out tours, and even started families, all while remaining close. Who knows, maybe their daughters will grow up to be besties too!

Uptown Gabrielle Union Sanaa Lathan

It’s really no wonder that Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan are best friends. Both beauties have ruled the silver screen since the late ’90s. (They even shared a brief scene in “Love & Basketball.”) And, despite the scarcity of roles for women of color in Hollywood, they have continually rooted for one another. Sanaa was right by Gabby’s side when her fiancé, Dwyane Wade, won his third NBA Championship with the Miami Heat. You know what they say.

Uptown Solange Knowles Janelle Monae

Solange Knowles and Janelle Monae are cut from the same cloth. The two are both strikingly beautiful, amazingly talented, and not afraid to buck the system. Even better, they are not shy about supporting each other’s music. While performing “Losing You” in Atlanta, Solange was joined by Janelle on stage, and they could barely contain their excitement. And Solange laid down some guest vocals on Janelle’s “Electric Lady.”

Uptown Kim Kardashian Blac Chyna

Kim Kardashian and Blac Chyna have only recently begun hanging out. But they are quite the bosom buddies. Kim is reportedly trying to help Chyna make the jump into the world of reality television. She shared a now infamous selfie with the former dancer, which certainly has people paying attention. And, as a new mom, Kim could also be learning a few things from her pal. Chyna and rapper Tyga have a son, King Cairo, who was born in 2012.

Uptown Dwyane Wade Lebron James

The NBA is full of intensely competitive individuals. But Dwyane Wade and Lebron James were boys long before they were teammates. Their friendship actually had a lot to do with the big decision Lebron made to take his talents to South Beach. Since he traded in his Cavaliers jersey, Lebron has helped Dwyane win two championship rings with the Miami Heat. Their bromance off the court has translated into a successful team dynamic.

Uptown Tyler Perry Oprah

Tyler Perry first appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2010. Since then, they have grown very close. One of the highest-earning men in the movie industry, Perry’s slew of films and television shows receive just as much praise as they do criticism. Still, when low ratings put Oprah’s OWN Network in jeopardy, the media mogul called in Tyler for help. “The Haves and the Have Nots,” a series that he created and directs, has now revitalized the channel.

RELATED: OWN Network Picks Up Tyler Perry Scripted Series Single Moms Club

Sarah Jessica Parker Teams Up With Manolo Blahnik For Shoe Line

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UPTOWN_sjp_shoes

America’s sweetheart Sarah Jessica Parker is releasing her own shoe line with shoe maven Manolo Blahnik, and it has been deemed practical, budget-friendly, and uber-fashionable.

Featuring elegant T-straps, edgy booties, cute flats, and fashionable pumps, the shoes will cost between $195 and $485. ”Those are hard-earned bucks so I really tried to give women beautiful silhouettes and colors and excellent quality for their money,” said Parker to O magazine. The mom of three and wife of actor Matthew Broderick adds a special, unique personal touch to each pair, with a ribbon stitch on the back of the heel.

Parker pays homage to Carrie Bradshaw, her character muse from the ”Sex And The City” franchise, by naming a nude, T-strap heel after the fashionable New York writer. “The Lady,” a classic, brightly-hued pump is also a staple in the collection. “This shoe is polite and old-fashioned,” she said. “It suits a wide range of women with its simple silhouette.”

Carrie was a huge fan of shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, so it was only right to collaborate for Carrie’s huge fan base of women. “Sarah called me and said she’d been thinking a lot about shoes. Before she could finish that sentence, I said, ‘Be in my office tomorrow morning,” said Blahnik CEO George Malkemus to O.

The fashion designer and perfume creator will release her line in a pop-up shop, exclusively for Nordstrom’s in New York from February 28 to March 2. Afterwards, pop-up shops will launch in other major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Seattle.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o & More Receive Oscar Nominations

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UPTOWN_ejiofor_nyongo_mcqueenWith the release of the 2014 Academy Award nominations this morning, Hollywood has highlighted the silver screen’s most talented Black performers.

12 Years A Slave was an Oscar nomination fire storm, with nine nods, including Best Movie. The critically-acclaimed film and adaptation of Solomon Northup’s memoir, followed the life of an educated, Black Northerner who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is nominated for Best Actor, and Lupita Nyong’o is up for Best Supporting Role. Director Steve McQueen is nominated for Best Director, which makes him only the second Black director to be nominated. If he wins, McQueen would be the first Black person to win an Oscar for directing. The film’s screenwriter, John Ridley, who was quietly nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, would be the first Black person to win for screenwriting.

New actor Barkhad Abdi, is nominated for Best Supporting Actor, for his breakout performance in the true story, Captain Phillips, alongside veteran actor Tom Hanks. Abdi, who was a Minneapolis taxi driver, was handpicked by Hanks from hundreds of Somali actors during an open call.

With Black Hollywood receiving more deserving attention, a few Black films were noticeably snubbed. The Butler, starring Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker, was shockingly missing from the nominations, despite it’s huge box office sales and praised performances. Fruitvale Station, a heartbreaking true story about Oscar Grant‘s last moments before being gunned down by a BART police officer, didn’t make the cut. Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, starring Idris Elba, which was released shortly after Nelson Mandela‘s death, was not nominated.

Complete List of Nominees for the 86th Academy Awards
Performance by an actor in a leading role
  • Christian Bale in “American Hustle”
  • Bruce Dern in “Nebraska”
  • Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street”
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor in “12 Years a Slave”
  • Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club”
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
  • Barkhad Abdi in “Captain Phillips”
  • Bradley Cooper in “American Hustle”
  • Michael Fassbender in “12 Years a Slave”
  • Jonah Hill in “The Wolf of Wall Street”
  • Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyers Club”
Performance by an actress in a leading role
  • Amy Adams in “American Hustle”
  • Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine”
  • Sandra Bullock in “Gravity”
  • Judi Dench in “Philomena”
  • Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County”
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
  • Sally Hawkins in “Blue Jasmine”
  • Jennifer Lawrence in “American Hustle”
  • Lupita Nyong’o in “12 Years a Slave”
  • Julia Roberts in “August: Osage County”
  • June Squibb in “Nebraska”
Best animated feature film of the year
  • “The Croods” Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco and Kristine Belson
  • “Despicable Me 2” Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and Chris Meledandri
  • “Ernest & Celestine” Benjamin Renner and Didier Brunner
  • “Frozen” Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho
  • “The Wind Rises” Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
Achievement in cinematography
  • “The Grandmaster” Philippe Le Sourd
  • “Gravity” Emmanuel Lubezki
  • “Inside Llewyn Davis” Bruno Delbonnel
  • “Nebraska” Phedon Papamichael
  • “Prisoners” Roger A. Deakins
Achievement in costume design
  • “American Hustle” Michael Wilkinson
  • “The Grandmaster” William Chang Suk Ping
  • “The Great Gatsby” Catherine Martin
  • “The Invisible Woman” Michael O’Connor
  • “12 Years a Slave” Patricia Norris
Achievement in directing
  • “American Hustle” David O. Russell
  • “Gravity” Alfonso Cuarón
  • “Nebraska” Alexander Payne
  • “12 Years a Slave” Steve McQueen
  • “The Wolf of Wall Street” Martin Scorsese
Best documentary feature
  • “The Act of Killing”Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen
  • “Cutie and the Boxer” Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher
  • “Dirty Wars” Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill
  • “The Square” Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer
  • “20 Feet from Stardom” Nominees to be determined
Best documentary short subject
  • “CaveDigger” Jeffrey Karoff
  • “Facing Fear” Jason Cohen
  • “Karama Has No Walls” Sara Ishaq
  • “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life” Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed
  • “Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall” Edgar Barens
Achievement in film editing
  • “American Hustle” Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten
  • “Captain Phillips” Christopher Rouse
  • “Dallas Buyers Club” John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa
  • “Gravity” Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger
  • “12 Years a Slave” Joe Walker
Best foreign language film of the year
  • “The Broken Circle Breakdown” Belgium
  • “The Great Beauty” Italy
  • “The Hunt” Denmark
  • “The Missing Picture” Cambodia
  • “Omar” Palestine
Achievement in makeup and hairstyling
  • “Dallas Buyers Club” Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews
  • “Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa” Stephen Prouty
  • “The Lone Ranger” Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
  • “The Book Thief” John Williams
  • “Gravity” Steven Price
  • “Her” William Butler and Owen Pallett
  • “Philomena” Alexandre Desplat
  • “Saving Mr. Banks” Thomas Newman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
  • “Alone Yet Not Alone” from “Alone Yet Not Alone”
    Music by Bruce Broughton; Lyric by Dennis Spiegel
  • “Happy” from “Despicable Me 2”
    Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams
  • “Let It Go” from “Frozen”
    Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
  • “The Moon Song” from “Her”
    Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze
  • “Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
    Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson
Best motion picture of the year
  • “American Hustle” Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison and Jonathan Gordon, Producers
  • “Captain Phillips” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, Producers
  • “Dallas Buyers Club” Robbie Brenner and Rachel Winter, Producers
  • “Gravity” Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman, Producers
  • “Her” Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay, Producers
  • “Nebraska” Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Producers
  • “Philomena” Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan and Tracey Seaward, Producers
  • “12 Years a Slave” Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers
  • “The Wolf of Wall Street” Nominees to be determined
Achievement in production design
  • “American Hustle” Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Heather Loeffler
  • “Gravity” Production Design: Andy Nicholson; Set Decoration: Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard
  • “The Great Gatsby” Production Design: Catherine Martin; Set Decoration: Beverley Dunn
  • “Her” Production Design: K.K. Barrett; Set Decoration: Gene Serdena
  • “12 Years a Slave” Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Alice Baker
Best animated short film
  • “Feral” Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden
  • “Get a Horse!” Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim
  • “Mr. Hublot” Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares
  • “Possessions” Shuhei Morita
  • “Room on the Broom” Max Lang and Jan Lachauer
Best live action short film
  • “Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me)” Esteban Crespo
  • “Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just before Losing Everything)” Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras
  • “Helium” Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson
  • “Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)” Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari
  • “The Voorman Problem” Mark Gill and Baldwin Li
Achievement in sound editing
  • “All Is Lost” Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns
  • “Captain Phillips” Oliver Tarney
  • “Gravity” Glenn Freemantle
  • “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Brent Burge
  • “Lone Survivor” Wylie Stateman
Achievement in sound mixing
  • “Captain Phillips” Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro
  • “Gravity” Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro
  • “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson
  • “Inside Llewyn Davis” Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
  • “Lone Survivor” Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow
Achievement in visual effects
  • “Gravity” Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould
  • “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds
  • “Iron Man 3” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick
  • “The Lone Ranger” Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier
  • “Star Trek Into Darkness” Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton
Adapted screenplay
  • “Before Midnight” Written by Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke
  • “Captain Phillips” Screenplay by Billy Ray
  • “Philomena” Screenplay by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope
  • “12 Years a Slave” Screenplay by John Ridley
  • “The Wolf of Wall Street” Screenplay by Terence Winter
Original screenplay
  • “American Hustle” Written by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell
  • “Blue Jasmine” Written by Woody Allen
  • “Dallas Buyers Club” Written by Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack
  • “Her” Written by Spike Jonze
  • “Nebraska” Written by Bob Nelson

NFL’s Brad Smith Launches Competition For Emerging Designers

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By Heather Zeller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Brad Smith, utilized the 2013 NFL off-season to immerse himself in the world of fashion. He shifted his focus from the gridiron to men’s garb, scoring an internship with Men’s Health Magazine.

As part of the experience, he assisted with Fashion Week coverage and sat runway-side for top shows. Now Smith is turning his sartorial interests into an opportunity for unique design talents. The footballer is calling all emerging designers across the U.S. to showcase their skills and creativity in his “Design for Brad Smith” competition. Entrants are asked to submit a red carpet ready look for Smith, in the form of a hand drawn or digital sketch.

Beyond having an NFL star don their threads, the winner will also have their look produced by a fashion production team, among other industry related opportunities.

“I’d tell the participants to keep it simple. I like clean, classic lines, with a bit of an edge. Someone took a chance with me and I always want to pay it forward,” says Smith about launching this competition.
The “Design for Brad Smith” competition ends on Thursday, January 23rd.

To enter a design, visit here.

Watch the call for entries below.

SWV Reunited: Sneak Preview and Super Tease [Exclusive Video]

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By Marcus Scott

When their debut studio album It’s About Time dropped in 1992, only a year after being signed to RCA Records, SWV—Sisters With Voices—blew up and Coko, Lelee and Taj became household names. The album spawned four hit singles with the block party jump-off “I’m So Into You,” the majestic baby-maker “Weak,” the fairly known “Downtown,” and the now iconic Michael Jackson assisted “Right Here/Human Nature.” SWV became one of the biggest and most successful R&B groups of the ‘90s, selling over 15 million albums until they split in ’98 and as Lelee puts it: “And then everything just came tumbling down.”

Related: Top 10 R&B Songs From the ’90s

Now they are back in a long-awaited behind-the-scenes docu-series “SWV: Reunited” airing on We TV Thursday, January 16 at 10 p.m.

After tensions boiled over, the once cliquey trio were no longer in communication, only performing on stage when they absolutely needed to. Then they officially called it quits. Flirtatious and fun Lelee was living out of her car, spiraling into an all-time low where she became to contemplate suicide; Taj sold her home, changed her name and went off the grid after her contract with Ford Models ended; and Coko released an R&B record and two gospel records, but never matched the success of the band. Coming back together in 2011 to record their I Missed Us, their first in 15 years, they were nominated in the Best Traditional R&B Performance for the cover of Patti LaBelle’s “If Only You Knew.”

The ladies have done some growing up, but can old habits die-hard? Coko is still the “Diana Ross”-type, Taj is still as sensitive as seen in previous docu-series and Lelee is the same old “man freak.” But are they as tight as they used to be? The verdict is still out on that one: Cory Taylor may get ditched in favor of better management, and Coko doesn’t divulge info that she may or may not have breast cancer.

 

Check out the SWV Reunited UPTOWN Exclusive Sneak Preview here and the super tease below. And don’t forget to tune into We TV tonight at 10 p.m.

 

SWV Reunited SuperTease


Wrong Is Still Wrong Even When The Victim Is KimYe

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kimyeCourtesy of Ebony.com

I get it.

No, really. I do. Trust me.

Kanye West is not the easiest person to like. Or defend. His main contribution to our culture — his music — has become increasingly bizarre and inaccessible. His public words — interviews, tweets, speeches at Pusha T record release parties, etc — somehow manage to vacillate between ridiculous, obnoxious, ridiculously obnoxious, and obnoxiously ridiculous. He also somehow manages to be both socially awkward refuge and attention whore. Oh, and he is currently engaged to our country’s patron paragon of vapidity; one of the only American women who matches him in both fame and the level of immediate visceral distaste they induce.

I haven’t even mentioned Kanye’s peculiar relationship with race. And how he manages to use both Black and White women as props and proxies in his music. (I guess I just did mention it. But I won’t continue.)

(For those of you who don’t read the gossip blogs—or watch national news—Kim was allegedly called a “nigger lover” by an 18-year-old White man at a Los Angeles doctors office. The accused also screamed at and berated the reality star before being punched by her fiance.)

So, I get the urge to dismiss what reportedly happened to him and his fiancee as some sort of comeuppance. Or a publicity stunt. Or maybe you don’t think it was a form of comeuppance or a publicity stunt, but since you just don’t like Kanye and/or Kim, you heard the news and was amused by it. Maybe you even thought it was funny.

I also get the urge to dismiss Kanye as a hypocrite. I mean, he did create a song called “Niggas in Paris.” And he is attempting to “re-brand” the Confederate flag. And, I mean, he is engaged to a White woman. So if touchy race-related subjects didn’t seem to bother him then, why should he allow a simple “nigger-lover” to bother him now?

But, while I guess I get those urges, if you allow your personal distaste for Kanye and/or Kim to dismiss the fact that what (reportedly) happened to them was very wrong and somehow disregard the fact that their apparent response was very normal human one, you — with all due respect — are stupid.

Actually, let me rephrase that. Perhaps you are not stupid. I’m willing to concede that. But you are acting stupidly. And you are doing a great impression of a stupid person.

Keep reading

[Image: Joe Seer/Shuttershock]

SWV Reunited Premiere Recap: The How And Why Of It All

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By Marcus Scott

It was a rags-to-riches Cinderella story: With the help of a record producer’s mother (whom they met through an associate), a trio of self-described home girls cut a demo to catch the eye of record execs. Three months later, they signed with RCA records in 1991, signing an eight album record deal. They are Sisters with Voices, known on both sides of the Atlantic as SWV. According to Taj in a September ’93 interview with People Magazine, they sent the demo tapes along with bottles of Perrier because “we couldn’t afford champagne.” After dark on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, there was plenty of champagne to go around as We TV with special guests SWV hosted the “SWV: Reunited” Series Premiere Screening and Cocktail Reception, in honor of the much-anticipated reality TV show.

The General‘s Jazz Room, located on New York’s Lower East Side, was filled to the brim with the city’s biggest movers and shakers, as well as up-and-comers like recording ingénue dujour Elle Varner. After quick schmoozing with the crowd, Cheryl “Coko” Clemon, Tamara “Taj” Johnson, and Leanne “Leelee” Lyons took the stage and introduced the first of six episodes from their new reality TV show to a crowd of friends, family, fans and photo snappers.

Lelee Lyons, Taj George, Coko Clemons at "SWV Reunited" Series Premiere

A lot has changed in the 15 years since their split in ‘98: Leelee, a single mother of two young Millenials (Khiry and Margaret) got a much tweeted-about butt lift and yearns for marriage and an empty nest; the tough-as nails-Coko is also a married mother of two kids and has gotten her tummy tucked; Taj has one child and is married to Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans. But they are still the city girls we fell in love with and some things haven’t changed:

“Lelee taught us everything we needed to [about] know how to get a man,”

“—And how to get pregnant—“

“—And how to have sex—“

“She introduced me to my dildo—”

“Well, they are pretty good at it now!”

“No, we are not!”

“Vroom…”

This is a common conversation between the ladies of SWV. Returning in 2012, the group’s fifth studio album I Missed Us was released. Fresh from a 2013 Grammy® nod for the Best Traditional R&B Performance, the group is vying for a come back. Things seem tighter than ever, but with the constant pressure of a high profile performance at Wembley Stadium in London—the same arena that legends like Queen, Led Zeppelin and Michael Jackson have sold out —Taj and Leelee have difficulty readjusting to trio life, while Coko is having a few health problems: One week after the show in London, she is scheduled for a biopsy to examine a lump in her breast that may or may not be malignant.

upton SWV_ep101 recap 2

Straight from the airport, the gals are swamped in a day of back-to-back promotional appearances, including BBC Public Radio and that of Choice FM with DJ E-Plus where truths were revealed: lead singer Coko says communication was a factor in the demise of the group, while Taj believes that if Coko’s vanity and materialism didn’t get the best of her then perhaps the group wouldn’t have taken such a lengthy hiatus. What follows is a painful-to-watch rendition of “Weak,” where a nervous Taj bursts into laughter. It’s super-awkward for everyone involved. Even after Leelee’s very sexually-driven flirtation with the DJ inspires a few laughs.

But that’s not all, getting the three to rehearse is like pulling teeth from a jungle cat. Creative differences about choreography and the future of the group cause major eye rolling from everyone. When manager and Coko’s confidante Cory Taylor begins to correct this with disparaging put-downs, mostly towards Taj and Leelee, the ladies walk out after it becomes quite clear that Taylor also has his faults. While he is quite good at dishing out stinging criticism, he doesn’t have the experience that ace managers have – like knowing the basics about what interviews are scheduled for the group.

Can you blame Taj for tapping MBK Entertainment’s Jeff Robinson, manager of Alicia Keys and Elle Varner, for a meeting to steer the group in a different direction…without Cory’s knowledge?

Meanwhile Coko’s health secret threatens the group’s budding new bond, and she confides to Cory about the possible prognosis.

The day of the concert is fueled with tension, and despite arriving in the nick of time without warm-up for their much-anticipated sold out affair at Wembley Stadium (no doubt due to Leelee’s chronic lateness), the trio rocks the house with fan favorites. Supermodel Tyson Beckford, who received his first music video credit in “Anything” also made an appearance. The show is glorious and the crowd is enamored by the sounds. The night seems to end on the perfect note… that is until Cory decides to break the news backstage that Coko will be getting her biopsy a week later. Tears flow and all hell is about to break loose…

uptown SVW_ep101 recap

After the viewing, the ladies answered a few questions and performed classics “Right Here/Human Nature,” “I’m So Into You” and “Anything” to a roaring crowd of fans old and new. Welcome back, ladies!

Added to We TV’s Thursday night line-up, the new docu-series “SWV: Reunited” premiers Thursday, January 16 at 10PM ET/PT with six, one-hour episodes on We TV.

High School Athletes Suspended for Throwing Up Gang Signs

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Basketball Player Suspended For Gang SignsA Wisconsin school is standing by the decision to suspend two high school basketball players who posed in a goofy picture holding up what appeared to be gang signs, the Raw Story reports.

Three brothers Jordan, Jamal and Juwaun Jackson had just moved to the district and joined the Sheboygan Falls High School basketball team when they were interviewed for the Sheboygan Falls News in what was intended to be a feel good story.

As a part of an interview, the Jackson brothers posed for a serious picture and a “goofy” picture in their Falcons uniforms, the latter ran in the sports section of the newspaper. The brothers thought nothing of their actions, as the signs are routinely displayed by NBA players Lebron James and Brandon Jennings, the paper’s editor Jeff Pederson notes.

Basketball Players Suspended For Gang SignsHowever, District Superintendent Jean Born said the school’s police-liaison officer shed light that the symbols were gang-related. A police investigation into the symbols ensued and the brothers were told the symbols were a part of the Blood gang culture.

“I had no idea,” Jordan explained, “When you make a three, everyone does this sign. You’ve probably seen LeBron James or someone do it. I did the three in the picture, and my little brother pointed at the camera,” Jordan Jackson told TMJ.

Superintendent Born is standing by the school district’s decision to suspend two of the brothers, saying, “District officials followed the athletic code” and they are not releasing the length of the suspension. Unfortunately, the brothers are unable to play in a major game against the high school’s rival today, January 17.

Executive Director Chris Ahmuty of the ACLU of Wisconsin said the organization would be taking action to investigate the case in a statement released on Thursday.

“The ACLU will be seeking information from the schools in order to assess their compliance with pupil non-discrimination rules. The ACLU asks the district to immediately make the brothers eligible to play in tomorrow’s game,” the statement reads.

5 Reasons He Hasn’t Wifed You Yet

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UPTOWN_wedding_ringsCourtesy of YourTango

There is a time for dating and a time where you feel like you’re ready for the next step. You want a husband, a man who will father and help raise children, who is a faithful life partner that will share their life with you. This may be an old fashioned concept, but is also an actual truth. It’s part of growing up — majority of women still want a husband and family. Unfortunately with every generation it can become a major area of frustration for women.

Of course there are reasons women remain in the girlfriend arena. Like the woman who may have lived with the guy for three years only to breakup and then she discover on Facebook six months later that he’s engaged to another woman. These experiences are hurtful and humbling for the woman they happen to. However, when I talk to them a few months later, I usually find they’re with a similar guy who represents exactly what their ex did and who will most likely repeat the same situation again.

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Wealth Building: 4 Tips To Get Your Money Right in 2014

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UPTOWN get your money right in 2014 octavius ted reid p1

In a constantly changing economy, it is often hard to know which direction is the best to take. After a crazy year filled with government shutdowns, rising interest rates and the S&P 500 hitting all-time highs, who really knows what tomorrow will bring? By leveraging investment outlooks and concerns of everyday investors, we have come up with four key personal finance tips for 2014. All four tips center around one key theme, “pay yourself first.” There are hundreds of ways you can put your assets to work, but you always want to make sure your actions are keenly focused on meeting your personal financial goals. The suggestions range from tactical ideas that are best used during the current year to strategic moves that are essential to any financial planning process.

 

UPTOWN get your money right in 2014 octavius ted reid p2

 

1. Max out your 401(k) before investing anywhere else

Whether it’s a 401(k), 403(b) or 457, employer-sponsored retirement plans are typically the best savings vehicles for investors. These are highly tax-efficient vehicles that allow employees to save at least $17,500 in a tax-deferred vehicle. Since your contributions are pulled out of your paycheck before you receive it, they are not taxed on the front end, saving you money you would have lost to taxes.

2. Diversification is key

Diversification is the technique to manage risk by investing in noncorrelated asset classes so if one investment does poorly, another could possibly deliver positive returns. In 2013, the S&P 500 hit all time highs, while many fixed income investments got hit pretty hard. In 2008, the S&P 500 fell over 40 percent and U.S. bonds were one of the only asset classes with positive returns. You never know for sure how the markets will fare but, with a highly diversified portfolio you are typically positioned well for whatever the future may bring.

3. Always have emergency savings

You should always have enough money put away to cover three to six months’ worth of bills. These assets should be readily available in case a major life event occurs. In 2009, the US unemployment rate hit double digits; leaving millions of Americans jobless. In times like these, having access to an account that can cover three to six months worth of bills can be a lifesaver.

4. Don’t try to time the market

Market timing has historically been proven to not work. It is the technique of buying and selling at the right time. This doesn’t work because it is counterintuitive to how people think. The reality is you should sell while a stock is up and buy when it is low; one thing which is incredibly hard to do. Who really wants to invest in losers, while selling winners? This is why the best method has always been to buy and hold. Investment selection is always critical but if you’ve done the research and know what you would like to invest in, pull the trigger.

Image credit: Ryan Etter/Ikon Images/Corbis

Octavius T. (Ted) Reid, III has worked for Morgan Stanley for more than 20 years. The Cherry Hill, N.J., resident and Rutgers University alum, known as “the broker to the stars” for his sizable sports and entertainment clientele, frequently speaks to adults and kids on financial stability and wealth building.

*The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks; and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.

Human Remains Possibly Linked To Missing Teen Avonte Oquendo

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missing teen Avonte Oquendo

The NYPD is investigating human remains that may be a link to 14-year-old missing autistic child Avonte Oquendo, who has been missing for more than three months.

The remains found along the rocks are said to be a human’s arms, torso and legs police officials say. Police also identified clothing and a dark-colored shoe that resembled the clothing Avonte was wearing when he disappeared after leaving school. The police were called to the College point area in response to a 911 call placed Thursday night, WABC reports.

Avonte has been missing since October 4 after he walked out of school, headed toward a park overlooking the East river. A search began asking for any details related to his whereabouts.

Pictures of Avonte have flooded social media and missing persons posters have been posted in New York city subways. The police have sorted through hundreds of tips, including a young man that resembled the teen, which the NYPD later confirmed was a false alarm. Since then leads have dwindled and the trail has grown cold until Thursday’s discovery of the remains 11 miles from where he was last seen.

The family’s lawyer David Perecman said he spoke to Avonte’s mother, Vanessa, and she is “considering the discovery to be another tip until she hears something more definitive.”

Perecman said the family will await DNA test results. ”This has taken a significant toll on her as a human being,” Perecman says referring to Vanessa.

Avonte’s family is considering taking legal action against the city. The family says that school officials allowed him to walk out of the school unattended and waited too long to inform the police he was missing.

A reward fund for information leading to Avonte’s safe return has been set up for $60,000, including $50,000 from advocacy group Autism Speaks.

Ad Fail! Supermarket Uses Picture Of White Student To Represent Howard University

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howard university student ad white girl

Howard University students were baffled when they returned to school and were greeted with a Giant Grocery store circular featuring a white model – which doesn’t exactly represent the student population at the historically Black college.

The ad was placed in the grocery store’s circular near the campus. Students of Howard University, one on the nations preeminent historically black university’s, were more confused than offended, concluding the white model marketed to a HBCU was nothing short of lazy marketing than racism. Students expressed their disdain on social media, especially Twitter, creating a trending hashtag, #adfail, with Giant’s handle repeatedly mentioned. The local chain took to Twitter with an apology. Whether or not the ad is still running is unknown.

Online conversations about race relations on college campuses have become popular as of late, especially with the popularity of social media and ease of social interaction from anywhere. Last November, University of Michigan students launched the hashtag, #BBUM, standing for “Being Black At University Of Michigan.” It helped other colleges spark race conversations.


Texas Man Sues Hospital For Keeping Pregnant Wife On Life Support

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uptown texas man sues hospital

A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against a Fort Worth hospital for refusing to take his pregnant wife off life support. Marlise Munoz, 33, paramedic in training, was found unconscious November 26. The cause of death is unknown, although a blood clot is a possibility. The 14 week pregnant Marlise has been on life support for 7 weeks, and her husband Erick Munoz wants the hospital to pull the plug. The status of the fetus is unknown.

“Marlise Munoz is dead, and she gave clear instructions to her husband and family — Marlise was not to remain on any type of artificial ‘life sustaining treatment,’ ventilators or the like,” the lawsuit said. “There is no reason JPS should be allowed to continue treatment on Marlise Munoz’s dead body, and this court should order JPS to immediately discontinue such.”

But John Peter Smith Hospital has refused to take Munoz off life support, citing a state law the hospital says requires it to continue treating a pregnant patient.  Hospital spokeswoman J.R. Labbe previously has said hospital officials stand by their position: “This is not a difficult decision for us. We are following the law.”

Erick’s lawyers are requesting an emergency motion for an expedited ruling, taking only weeks instead of months. The family wants Marlise off machines to provide the proper burial.

Photo credit: CNN

 

Four Year Old Detroit Girl Fatally Shoots Four Year Old Cousin

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uptown magazine detroit 4 year old shoots cousin

A 4-year-old boy was shot by his 4-year-old cousin with a relative’s rifle in a tragic accidental death, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 4-year-old girl was playing in the back bedroom with the 4-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister when she discovered the loaded rifle underneath the bed, Sgt. Michael Woody, a Detroit police spokesman. The girl pointed the gun at her cousin and pulled the trigger, shooting him in the chest, Woody continued.

Police were called to the scene around 4:50pm on Thursday. The child was later taken to Henry Ford Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

One adult, the grandfather, was home at the time of the shooting, the police said.It is unknown whether the gun belonged to the grandfather.

Statements have not been released by the family and the 4-year-old girl’s whereabouts have not been reported. The boy’s name was immediately released.

Police said there is one man in custody on charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon, and a woman is in custody on an outstanding warrant.

Police Capt. Rodney Cox says it is too early to tell whether any charges will be brought as a result of the shooting. That decision will be left up to the Wayne County’s prosecutor’s office.

“…There was no malicious intent. There was nothing there to suggest that the grandfather put those children in harm’s way, but the investigation will continue,” Cox told the Associated Press.

He believes there is a larger lesson to learn from the shooting he called a “tragic accident.”

“This is an example of how we must maintain gun safety,” he said.

He notes that guns should be kept unloaded and in a secure location- especially when children are around. In this case, the rifle was unlocked and loaded, allowing the child easy access.

“This is a very senseless … incident that could have been avoided,” he said.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock)

Playboy Playmate Cassandra Lynn Dead At 34

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cassandra lynn dec 27 via twitter

Playboy playmate Cassandra Lynn was found dead at a friends home January 16. Lynn, 34, was found floating in a bathtub due to a possible overdose. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate Lynn upon arrival. No foul play is suspected.

The blonde playmate, Miss February 2006, was active on  Twitter. Her last real tweet was three days ago, but her automated horoscope tweeted an eerie horoscope only hours after she was found dead: “Unspoken obligations prevent you from doing what you wish today, but your guilt may drive your inaction more than any real responsibilities,” the horoscope begin.

It continued, “No matter what you do now, you might not feel completely fulfilled. Working harder isn’t the answer, but neither is escape. Do what is required, but don’t take on additional tasks for the wrong reasons. Ultimately, satisfaction will be yours as long as you direct your energy toward obtaining tangible results.”

Lynn is survived by her daughter, age unknown.

Did American Apparel Offend You With Their Pubic Hair Mannequins?

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Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

American Apparel

American Apparel made a huge statement this week when they posted their mannequins on their store front. Sliding past the lingerie display, your eyes will immediately shift to the pubic hairs the mannequins are sporting.

“We created it to invite passerby’s to explore the idea of what is ‘sexy’ and consider their comfort with the natural female form,” a rep for AA told Elle Magazine. “This is the same idea behind our advertisements which avoid many of the photoshopped and airbrushed standards of the fashion industry.”

Continue here…

Mama Joyce: ‘I Have Rekindled A Healthy Relationship With My Daughter’

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kandiburruss-mamajoyce1Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

Kandi Burruss’ relationship with Todd Tucker caused some tension between the “RHOA” star and her mother, but Mama Joyce said their relationship is back on track now.

“My relationship with Kandi now is in a very good place,” Joyce recently told HLNtv.com.

At one point the two weren’t on speaking terms but Joyce said she reached out to Kandi before her daughter left for a trip.

“She was going out of town, and I said I am not going to let my baby go out of town and not [give] her a call. We hadn’t talked for a couple of weeks. I was really upset with her. Really, I was upset because of the ladies on the ‘Housewives,’” Joyce explained.

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