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Yvette Nicole Brown On Sherri Shepherd’s DWTS Elimination: ‘I’m Heartbroken For My Friend’

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UPTOWN_yvette_nicole_brown_sherri_shepherdCourtesy of Essence.com

The surprising elimination of Sherri Shepherd on Dancing with the Stars last night left fans shocked, and many disappointed.

As expected, The View co-host left the show on a high note, thanking the judges for allowing her a shot at a dream. Even her closest friends are looking on the bright side.

“I am heartbroken for my friend,” says Community star Yvette Nicole Brown, one of Shepherd’s celeb besties. “I’m sure there are lots of reasons to do DWTS, but Sherri did it simply for the love of dance!”


George Zimmerman To Be Charged In Trayvon Martin Shooting, Official Says

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Courtesy of The Washington Post

Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey plans to announce as early as Wednesday afternoon that she is charging neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, according to a law enforcement official close to the investigation.

It was not immediately clear what charge Zimmerman will face.

Martin, 17 and unarmed, was shot and killed Feb. 26 by Zimmerman, who said he was acting in self-defense. Police in Sanford, Fla., where the shooting took place, did not charge Zimmerman, citing the state’s “stand your ground” law.

Corey told reporters Tuesday night that she would hold a news conference about the case within 72 hours. A news release from her office said the event will be held in Sanford or Jacksonville, Fla.

Benjamin Crump, who is representing the Martin family, said this week that Corey’s office had asked where Trayvon’s parents would be each day this week. They arrived Wednesday in Washington for a civil rights conference organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton, where they are scheduled to speak.

Continue at The Washington Post…

Bi-Racial ‘Spider-Man’ Will Celebrate Icon’s 50th Anniversary

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Peter Parker meet Miles Morales. Miles Morales meet Peter Parker.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spider-Man, Marvel Comics is bringing together both characters in a special five issue mini-series.

Despite their racial differences (Peter being White and Miles being Black/Latino), both heroes will join forces to bring down a common villain.

“For the 50th anniversary of Spider-Man, what everyone was looking for was a Spider-Man story that mattered,” writer Brian Michael Bendis tells the New York Daily News. “Well, here you go.”

Bendis brought Miles’ story to life last June after discussions with Marvel’s editor-in-chief Axel Alonso about featuring a minority character.

The Ultimate Fallout No. 4 writer explains that his inspiration for the bi-racial character came from his childhood.

“When I was a kid, I could only play Spider-Man, I couldn’t play Batman or Superman because my friends would say you’re not the same color, but I could play Spider-Man because when I fantasized about Spider-Man, he looked like me under the mask,” he said.

Spider-Men will be available in June.

Murder Charge In Trayvon Martin Case, Zimmerman In Custody

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Courtesy of The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A law enforcement official says that the killer in the Trayvon Martin case will be charged with second-degree murder and is in custody.

The official with knowledge of the case says that the charge against George Zimmerman will be announced at a news conference at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The official says he’s in custody in Florida but wouldn’t say where. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to disclose the information.

An arrest had been delayed because of Florida’s so-called stand your ground law, which gives people wide latitude to claim self-defense in a killing and other altercations.

The lack of an arrest had sparked outrage and rallies for justice in the Orlando suburb and across the country.

Continue at The Associated Press…

5 Things Men SHOULD Say To Women

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UPTOWN_couple_on_benchLast week I gave you five things men should never say to women. This week I’m here to flip it and tell you five things men should say to women — particularly when you’ve been in a relationship for some time. If you’re saying these things, you’re probably winning. If not, you might be coming off the bench.

[Couple on bench image via Shutterstock]

3 Reasons A Groupon Deal Is The Third Wheel On A First Date

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UPTOWN_groupon_third_wheelBy Franny Crooks

So ladies … here’s the scenario: You have been talking to a guy over the phone and through texts. The conversations are good and the attraction is there. He decides it is time to take the next step and go on a date. He makes the dinner plans to a very expensive restaurant. You put on your finery in anticipation of being wined and dined at this restaurant you have heard about everywhere. The excitement is turned all the way up and the chivalry is there. You get to the restaurant and order whatever you want. You have a great time and the food lived up to the hype. The check comes and he whips out a Groupon voucher! HOL’ UP! WAIT A MINUTE! Is going for a price deal a deal breaker for a first date or is this not a big issue? We say Groupon is a definite and unwelcome third wheel on a first date. Here’s why …

[Tricycle image via Shutterstock]

Beyonce Pens Open Letter To Michelle Obama

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Michelle Obama and Beyonce Knowles-Carter are two powerful Black women who have undoubtedly captured the hearts of America with their poise, style and grace.

Related: Beyonce Posts Her Most Intimate Moments [PHOTOS + VIDEO]

Since meeting at President Obama‘s Inaugural ball, both ladies have supported each other in their endeavors and even teamed up for the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign last year.

Related: The Obama Daughters & Men: Michelle Says Barack Sets The Example

To show her appreciation for Michelle, Beyonce took to her official website to write an open letter to the “caring mother” and “loving wife” that she deeply respects. And who she hopes daughter Blue Ivy will look up to as a role model.

Michelle,

Is the ULTIMATE example of a truly strong African American woman.

She is a caring mother, she’s a loving wife, while at the same time, she is the FIRST LADY!!!!

No matter the pressure, and the stress of being under the microscope– she’s humble, loving and sincere.

She builds and nurtures her family, while also looking out for so many millions in so many ways.

Michelle, thank you so much for every single thing that u [sic] do for us– I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to.

Love,
Beyonce

UPTOWN Gentleman: Fresh Linen

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UPTOWN_gentleman_linen_041112Currently, it is the other warm weather fabric that is highly recommended for the spring and summer. It’s lightweight. It’s breathable. It’s durable. And unfortunately, odds are it will only be worn in a limited capacity this season, if a gentleman resigns to wear it at all. The fabric in question — linen. And no, we are not speaking of your bed sheets. Derived from the flax plant, linen supplies a delicate touch of sophistication to a gentleman’s wardrobe as the seasonal transition begins. Other than your regular variety of cotton, linen should stand as a trusted source of comfort when the temperatures tend to border on the uncomfortable. Here is how to look cool and stay cool at the same time.


Alicia Keys Nails VIBE Magazine’s Photo Shoot

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It’s more evident than ever that Alicia Keys has stepped into herself.

As the 31-year-old Grammy award winner continues to conquer the music world, she has also grown into her role as a supporting wife to producer/rapper Swizz Beatz and nurturing mother to son Egypt.

But it wasn’t always this easy.

“Let’s just say I’ve been very uncomfortable,” Keys tells VIBE. “I’ve been brave enough to be uncomfortable.”

VIBE Magazine’s “Global Issue” hits newsstands April 16.

Read an excerpt of Key’s interview here and check out her edgy photo shoot after the jump!

Should NBA Olympians Get Paid? [POLL]

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Two-time Olympian Dwyane Wade has traded in the patriotic chant “U-S-A!” for a more forward demand: Show me the money!

In an interview at practice Wednesday, the Miami Heat star gave his stance on NBA Olympians being compensated for their time and effort at the Summer Games.

Related: 10 Black Olympians Being Honored At London Subway Stops [PHOTOS]

“It’s a lot of things you do for the Olympics– a lot of jerseys you sell,” Wade tells reporters. “We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it’s not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it.”

Wade’s contract with Miami brings in $14 million a year, not including the money he makes off endorsements from Nike, Gatorade and other big brands. But the 30-year-old baller insists that his request has less to do with dollar signs and more to do with the toll it takes on a player’s body.

Related: Dwyane Wade Writing Book About Fatherhood, Talks Trayvon Martin

“The biggest thing is now you get no rest. So you go to the end of the season, [Team USA] training camp is two weeks later,” he said. “You’re giving up a lot to do it. It’s something you want to do. But it’s taxing on your body. You’re not playing for the dollar. But it would be nice if you would get compensated.”

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen sparked the issue during an interview Tuesday night before the Celetics/Heat game.

“You talk about the patriotism that guys should want to play for, but you [need to] find a way to entice they guys,” Allen said. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world if you play deep in the playoffs and then you get two, three weeks off and then you start training again to play more basketball, where it requires you to be away from home and in another country. It’s fun, but your body does need a break.”

It should be noted that players are awarded $25,000, but only if they take home the coveted gold medal.

And while it’s certainly too late to discuss compensation for the upcoming 2012 London Olympic games, Wade made it clear where his heart is at this summer. He said via Twitter:

“BUT my love 4 [sic] the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any $$$ amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the bronze medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It’s always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family…and I’m looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.”

What do you think?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Mayor Cory Booker Rescues Woman From Burning House [VIDEO]

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Actors aren’t the only ones saving civilians these days.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker arrived home Thursday night to the horrific scene of his neighbor’s house engulfed in flames. Without thinking, he jumped into action to save the life of a young women trapped upstairs.

Related: Mayor Cory Booker: Save Newark, Save The World

Along the way he suffered second degree burns and smoke inhalation, but gained a new outlook on life.

“Yesterday, all of my problems were really big to me. Today things feel a lot more clear,” Booker said. “And I have a lot more respect for firefighters.”

And I Quote … President Obama, Lil’ Kim, Gabourey Sidibe & More…

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AIQ_04132

Another week, another day and another round of outrageous celebrity phrases! This week, the celebrity sound bites making headlines include the POTUS dissing an arrogant rapper yet again to an Oscar-nominated actress revealing that she hates her character’s wardrobe to a pint sized rapper throwing shade at her former lover’s mother. Plus, guess which NBA star is dropping curse words on the air and Rev. Jeremiah Wright said what?! And I quote …

BET Reveals ‘Don’t Sleep With T.J. Holmes,’ Other Original Programming

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BET Networks is definitely hitting its stride with new, original programming to entice viewers and bring in a more diverse audience.

At its annual Upfront presentation, the network unveiled several new scripted and reality shows, as well as never before seen films on television. Leading the way is former CNN news anchor T.J. Holmes and his late night series Don’t Sleep With T.J. Holmes.

Related: News Anchor T.J. Holmes Says Bye CNN, Hello BET

The new show is said to join the ranks of Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert and Bill Maher with comedic correspondents speaking about today’s hot-button issues. Don’t Sleep will report with ”keen focus to keep Black America engaged and in the know.” The show will also feature new and unexpected musical performances.

If viewers can think back to the 2011 BET Awards, they might remember a certain House Husbands skit featuring Kevin Hart, Nelly, Bobby Brown, Anthony Anderson and Nick Cannon. The hilarious bit has now been transformed into a new scripted series for the network that spoofs the fill-in-the-blank Wives franchise. Hart has been cast as a lead character.

Judge Greg Mathis will bring together local volunteers and law enforcement to tackle unsolved homicides in his new docu-series The Mathis Project. The aim is close cases with thorough investigations and help from the community.

Related: BET’s ‘The Game’ Suits Up For Another Season

Earlier in the year, we gave you a heads about Larenz Tate‘s new original drama Gun Hill and a Wayans Bros. reality show Second Generation which follows Damien Dante Wayans and Craig Wayans “breaking away” from their famous uncles.

The critically acclaimed Sundance hit LUV, starring Common and Danny Glover, is one of three never before seen films on television to be featured on BET. Middle of Nowhere and The Mindless Behavior Project are also set to premiere.

And with the renewal of The Game, Let’s Stay Together and Reed Between the Lines, BET’s upcoming line-up has something for everyone.

Check out the full presentation here with all the details!

Jada Pinkett Smith Addresses Divorce Rumors

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It’s been nearly a year since the initial “reports” of a separation between Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. But surprise, surprise: the couple is still together.

Related: The Smith Family On Set Of ‘After Earth’ [PHOTOS]

In a recent interview with French magazine Gala, Jada speaks out about the pesky little rumors and assures the public that her and Will are doing just fine.

“Every year, a celebrity couple is on the radar. This year, unluckily, it’s us! I almost want to say that we should have been expecting it. But Will and I know the truth. We are waiting peacefully for when the storm ends.

These rumors are completely untrue. I’m traveling a lot because of my work, as Will does. And the fact that I’m accompanying our daughter, Willow, on her trips, while Will spends time with our son, Jaden, doesn’t make things easier. But our way of living hasn’t changed. Before the children, we were already away from each other quite often because of our work.

In general, Will and I take two months of holiday, at the end of the year. Right after Thanksgiving, we shut down the curtain and nothing comes to bother our family life until January.”

And all is well in Hollywood. *cues up “Burn”*

Source

Can Girl Groups Make A Comeback?

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Courtesy of EBONY.com

It’s been almost 10 years since Destiny’s Child released their last album and there’s yet to be any new girl group to come even close to matching their reign. A few of have tried. Cherish managed to score a hit song in “Do It To It,” but ultimately fizzled amid label trouble. There was also The-Dream-backed, Electrik Red, which released a fantastic debut album that only a few people heard. Rich Harrison’s Rich Girl never had the opportunity to even release their full-length project. A similar fate greeted Missez as well as a few other girl bands – leaving one to wonder if the girl group model had become passé in today’s musical climate.

From my own experience, En Vogue, TLC, SWV, Total, 702 and Xscape were each able to make their presence felt and enjoy success. And even though these acts didn’t match those artists’ success stories, others like Brownstone, Jade, Kut Klose still managed to enjoy modest hits during their brief runs. A special shout out goes to MoKenStef and Kut Klose, whose one-and-half a piece continue to get spins on my iPod.

Continue at EBONY.com!


Bizarre Intruder Invades Diddy’s Hamptons Home

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Sean “Diddy” Combs might want to learn to lock his doors next time. All of them.

According to the New York Post, a crazed fan snuck into the media mogul’s East Hampton mansion for nearly 24 hours while raiding Puffy’s fridge for snacks and high-end liquor. He made himself right at home by parading around the palace in Combs’ clothing.

Quamine Taylor, 30, was found by a caretaker on April 1 who immediately called the police.

Interestingly enough, this is not Taylor’s first break-in.

“I’ve actually been going to the house from time to time since 2001,” Taylor told The Post on Thursday. “I stay there a lot, but Sean gets funny sometimes about me staying there.”

Back then, Taylor tried to pass himself off as Combs’ cousin after he was found intoxicated in Combs’ pool. This time, Taylor switched up his story by telling officers he was a close personal friend.

His mother admits Taylor needs help.

“He grew up listening to [Diddy's] music,” she said. “He has a long history of mental illness, and he has been off his meds for a while. We have been trying to get him some help.”

The unemployed invader faces trespassing and petit larceny charges. He has not posted $2,000 bail.

 

 

The Real House Wives of Atlanta Reunion: What We Really Want To Know …

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UPTOWN_rhoa_reunion

This Sunday, Bravo will premiere the first in a three-part series of the reunion for the wildly popular reality show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta. NeNe, Sheree, Cynthia, Kandi, Phaedra, Kim and Marlo will hash it out in a what Bravo insider says is the most explosive reunion show ever!  My only hope is that they answer appropriately all the questions WE have . I mean let’s face it, our first problem with this show is that only two out of the six “wives” are actually married and cohabiting with their husbands. How can you be a housewife and you’re not even married? It should be called The Real Mistresses, Criminals & Posers of Atlanta. Real Talk. Step into the REAL questions we want answered on the reunion show — hopefully, the Reality Gods are listening.

Confirmed: Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie Are Engaged

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After seven years of dating, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are finally making things official.

“Yes, it’s confirmed. It is a promise for the future and their kids are very happy,” Pitt’s manager Cynthia Pett-Dante told Lifeline Live. “There’s no date set at this time. Brad designed the ring.”

The ring is reported to be a creation of Robert Procop, a Beverly Hills jeweler and former CEO of Asprey & Garrard, the British jewelry company to the English royal family.

Procop explained in a statement:

“Brad had a specific vision for this ring, which he realized over a yearlong collaboration with Robert. He wanted every aspect of it to be perfect, so Robert was able to locate a diamond of the finest quality and cut it to an exact custom size and shape to suite Angelina’s hand. Brad was always heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution. The side diamonds are speciality cut to encircle her finger. Each diamond is of the highest gem quality.”

Rumors began swirling Wednesday when Jolie was spotted at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with the one-of-a-kind jewel on her left ring finger.

The couple shares six kids– Maddox (10), Pax (8), Zahara (7), Shiloh (5) and Kox and Vivienne (3)– and began dating in 2005 after Pitt’s split from Jennifer Aniston.

Congratulations to the couple!

Source

Before They Were Stars: Cynthia Bailey Of ‘The Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ [PHOTOS]

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OK, we all know the facts: Cynthia Bailey moved to New York City 20 years ago to pursue a career as a fashion model and eventually landed a 5-year contract with Wilhelmina Models NYC. She was even photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair along with Iman, Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. Let’s take a look at Cynthia through the years.

RELATED: The Real House Wives of Atlanta Reunion: What We Really Want To Know …

Uplift: Listen

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UPTOWN_woman_listeningThere are times when the best advice is to give no advice at all. Sometimes a person just needs to be heard. Many times we feel as if we know the answer to another’s problems. We know the perfect solution … if only they would just listen. But how often do we really listen? We sit on the sidelines waiting for the perfect time to interject our two cents.

Try this: Next time a loved one seeks you for counsel, pause and hear them out. Ask them what they think would be the best solution. Often times the wisdom shared from healing their own issue offers profound insight for the person holding space (or listening) to them. Listening is sometimes easier said than done. We may wander or have constant urges to speak, but just like with any talent practice makes perfect.

Practice listening.

The reason we have two ears and only one mouth, is that we may hear more and speak less. — Zeno, Greek philosopher

In honor of listening to our souls, click here to view our Well-Life Maintenance Goals for April.

Welcome to Uplift at UPTOWN. If you are just joining us this week, my name is Anita Kopacz. I am an author and spiritual adviser with a passion to see people thrive! Collective energy possesses a divine power that can remove stubborn obstacles and open locked doors. My intention is to join our UPTOWN family in spirit and forge our return to healthy living. With the Well-Life Maintenance Program, together we will take small steps in four areas of our lives to improve our quality of living. The four areas include Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, and Physical. You can find more in my book,Finding Your Way: Alphabetical Keys to the Divine.

[Woman listening image via Shutterstock]

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