Courtesy of Elev8

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is becoming increasingly well-known to non-football fans, and it’s not just because of what he does on the football field. Tebow has not only turned around his team’s losing ways since becoming the starter by helping the Broncos win 7 of their last 8 games (6 consecutive wins), but he has been an attractive promoter of Christianity.

With Tebow being the most vocal supporter of God in the NFL, how could God not love Tebow a little more? The degree of God’s love is not debatable, and it’s not likely that God actually loves Tim Tebow more than any other football player or human being for that matter. But if God did love Tebow more, here are some reasons why we’d understand…

Continue reading at Elev8

By Temisha Palmer

When a never-ending Christmas list forces you to shop with a tight budget, giving multiple gifts per person can be quite difficult. But a great way to achieve the same sentiment is to gift items that are multi-purpose. “Two-fers” allow you to get more bang for your buck — or at least feel as if you are.  Here are six options for giving 2-gifts-in-1 this holiday season.

Courtesy of HelloBeautiful

Sheree Whitfield must really be strapped for cash. The “Real Housewives Of Atlanta” castmate has already made headlines for having her home go into foreclosure and for being engaged in a nasty child support battle with ex-hubby Bob Whitfield, but now – like many reality show stars before her – she has decided to pursue a music career (even if only for a little bit).

Following in the footsteps of her fellow “real housewife” Kim Zolciak, Sheree has made a diss record aimed at her sworn enemy NeNe Leakes. We all saw the two go at each other over a money mishap earlier this season, but Sheree has gone a step further with the song “Who Gon Check Me, Boo?” – her favorite phrase heard ’round the world.

Continue reading at Hello Beautiful

As much as we would love to see our favorite football stars play forever, the reality is that they all have an expiration date. That’s why Hollywood heavyweights such as John Singleton, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend are teaming up with Film Life Inc. to provide players with entertainment opportunities long after their careers are over.

The NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp is a four-day (April 2-5) training camp At California’s Universal Studios to give players the rundown of filmmaking in areas such as directing, producing, screenwriting and film financing. In the end, players will be given the chance to shoot and edit a short film.

The program is run by NFL Player Engagement, which assists players in preparing for their post-football careers. The league announced Monday that 20 current and former players will participate.

Singleton, Ivory and Townsend, among others, will run the camp’s sessions.

UPDATED: After backlash from the “NiggaBitch” comment, Jackie‘s editor Eva Hoeke has reportedly stepped down from her position. She states:

“Because of the enormous pressure from social media, I can promise improvement in terms of language used in future issues of Jackie. Previously, I offered rectification. As I now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution, I am departing. [...] After eight years, with my heart and soul, I have worked for Jackie. I realize that these errors – although no malicious intent – is a reason to leave.”

By now, we’ve figured out that Rihanna handles her own public relations. In a recent issue of Jackie, a popular Dutch magazine, the author referred to the 23-year-old singer and Black women in general as “NiggaBitch.” The publication’s editor Eva Hoeke claims that the comment was purely a joke and meant no harm. In an apology via Facebook, Hoeke states:

“[...] The author has been addressed on it, and now I can only ensure that these terms will no longer end up in the magazine. Furthermore I hope that you all believe there was absolutely no racist motive behind the choice of words. It was stupid, it was naive to think that this was an acceptable form of slang — you hear it all the time on tv and radio, then your idea of what is normal apparently shifts — but it was especially misguided: there was no malice behind it…”

 Rihanna shot back Monday night via Twitter, saying the following to Hoeke:

“@evajackie I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful, and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print! There are 1000′s of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That’s your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together,with the intent of abasement, that made no sense…”***** BITCH”?!….

Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you…FUCK YOU!!!”

Harsh. But direct.

Do you agree with how Rihanna handled the situation?

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By Franny Crooks

Is it just me or is “black love” getting backlash nowadays, especially when it comes to celebrity relationships? The first night that “T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle,” a VH1 reality show chronicling the lives of rapper T.I. and his wife and former singer Tiny Harris, aired, I was shocked by many of the comments regarding their relationship. “She’s only with him for the money,” “He’s only with her for the kids,” and the straw that broke the camel’s back was: “There’s no way they can still be in love after all the years together.” Can “black love” exist without reason? Here you have two people who are obviously in love with each other, so why does there have to be another reason for their relationship to still be intact?

Let’s check the history for a moment. T.I. and Tiny have been together for more than 10 years and married for one year. Within those years, they have had two sons, King, 8, and Major, 4. Now, T.I. does have three other children, who aren’t Tiny’s children. Judging from the ages of these other children, it’s easy to deduce that T.I. has stepped outside of his relationship with Tiny at least a few times. No relationship is without flaws, but you have to ask yourself what would make a woman stick around in that kind of situation if there were no love at all?

Just when we thought a baby would slow Beyonce down, she proves us wrong. 

According to AOL’s The Boombox, Beyonce is reportedly once again teaming up with singer/songwriter The Dream for new material. And while there has been no official word of a fifth studio album, the duo penned major collaborations in the past including “Single Ladies” and multiple songs on her latest album 4.

He says:

“She’s ready to work. She’s crazy! She never stops doing anything. I don’t know if [pregnancy] is going to slow her down. She’s just incredible with doing things, I don’t know how she’s going to do it, she’s just a maniac… in a good way.”

To each her own. But if anybody can do it, it’s Queen Bey.

Who says youth is wasted on the young? Actor Donald Glover, NBA star LeBron James and actor Jaden Smith have all made Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” a power list of who’s who in the entertainment world.

Glover, 28, is best known for his breakout performance on NBC’s “Community” as student Troy Barnes. In addition to his hilarious role, Glover is a television writer, stand-up comedian and unassuming rapper. Known as Childish Gambino, he has released several musical projects– namely Camp which sold 60,000 copies in its first week. Glover tells Forbes, “I hope I never ‘make it.’ I wake up every morning saying, ‘I got to be better.’ I don’t think I ever feel satisfied.

 James– as if he needs an introduction– is the NBA All-Star currently leading the Miami Heat. Since being drafted out of high school in 2003, James has garnered many accolades including Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player and has been voted an All-Star seven times. The 27-year-old also recently opened up the retail store UNKNWN in Aventura Mall in Miami, which offers footwear and upscale streetwear brands.

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith‘s son Jaden, 13,  has also made a huge splash in the entertainment pool with blockbuster hits such as “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Karate Kid.” Jaden’s next feature is alongside his dad in M. Night Shyamalan’s apocalyptic sci-fi “1000 A.D.”

Rapper Common spent Monday promoting his new album The Dreamer/The Believer, but also took the time to clear up the media-spun ”beef” between himself and author/poet Maya Angelou. Common featured Angelou on his song “The Dreamer” in which the rapper used the “n-word” several times. After hearing the track, Angelou had this to say in a recent interview with the NY Post:

“I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the n-word numerous times. I’m surprised and disappointed. I don’t know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn’t singing the line of least resistance.”   

While Common paid a visit to BET’s 106 & Park Monday afternoon, Angelou phoned in to clear up the controversy and ensure that she still had love for the rapper.

“I don’t think the word disappointment quite makes it, I was surprised. I know that Common is brilliant. He may in fact be close enough to be called a genius—I’m not sure—I know that we are all in process, and young artists are in process [...] He is brilliant, he’s a genius maybe but he’s certainly smart enough to know that he’s in process. And next week he might not use the N-word or the B-word. It maybe even take two, or three weeks or a month but I’m not going to be separated from him.”

Common went on to defend his choice to put Angelou on that specific record by saying:

“I first and foremost know that as an artist I have to be allowed to express myself. And that expression is necessary. And one thing Dr. Angelou said was use your voice and let your voice be heard. So that song is definitely not based on those words being used. It’s a song called ‘The Dreamer’ and it’s about uplifting. In my language– and some of the language we use– we use the ‘n-word’ and I didn’t want to hide from that.”

He said he was honored to have her on the album and considers her a mother figure.

The Dreamer/The Believer is in stores now.

Check out the full interview below!

Oprah‘s OWN will kick off January with a special cast reunion of the groundbreaking 1977 film “Roots.” The primetime event will give a look back at Alex Haley’s historic story and how it changed the view on one of America’s darkest periods.

Shadow and Act reports “Oprah And The Legendary Cast Of ‘Roots’ 35 Years Later” is

“an intimate reflection on the historic television miniseries based on Alex Haley’s novel which debuted in 1977 to record-breaking ratings. Hosted by Oprah Winfrey at her home in Montecito, California, the television event brings together many of the legendary cast members from the series, including Cicely Tyson and LeVar Burton, as well as Leslie Uggams, John Amos, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Ben Vereen. With original clips from “Roots” serving as their backdrop, the cast shares with Oprah their personal accounts of working on the extraordinary series, as well as taking part in television history.”

The program will air on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16) at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Courtesy of HuffPost BlackVoices

In today’s edition of Outrageous And Unfounded Insults, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has decided to question Michelle Obama’s body shape.

MediaBistro reports that Sensenbrenner was overheard talking on the phone, retelling an incident in which he said about Michelle Obama:

“She lectures us on eating right while she has a large posterior herself.”

The most bothersome issue here is the conflation of two entirely separate matters: the First Lady’s (natural) physique and her campaign for healthy eating and physical fitness.

Michelle has traveled the country for her “Let’s Move!” campaign for over a year, talking about healthy eating, promoting a more user-friendly pyramid graphic, getting stores like Walmart to stock their shelves with nutritious items and playing sports with kids.

Continue at BlackVoices!

by Lashawnda K. Becoats

Your guide to the shops and services for planning the perfect wedding!

CAKES

Cake Lady Jill
Come in with your invitation, swatch, or brilliant idea, and Jill Delmastro will bring it to delicious life. Among our favorite Cake Lady designs? A Sour Patch Kid candy box and fireman Snoopy.
704.877.7748
weddingcakesbyjill.com

Cheesecake Etc.
With more than a few “Best Of” bridal awards under their belt (including ones from The Know and weddingwire.com), this Charlotte favorite also sells cake jewelry.
1635 Galloway Rd.
704.509.2020
cheesecakeetc.biz

Crumbs Couture
Designer Jonathan R. Davis has been baking since he was 9 years old, and makes some of the most intricate gum-paste flowers we’ve ever seen.
3716 Fieldcrest Rd.
704.491.7506
crumbscouturecharlotte.com

Nona’s Sweets
Featured on WEtv’s Platinum Weddings, this mother and daughter duo delivers delicious wedding cakes, Italia pastries, fudge and cookies. (Dessert anyone?)
9331-J W. Clay Blvd.
704.717.6144
nonassweets.com

Like it or not, we’re inching closer and closer to one of the most anticipated moments in entertainment history– the birth of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby. We still don’t have an official due date for little Knowles-Carter, but on a recent shopping trip to Curye in New York, the ”Love On Top” singer did let reporters know that the baby won’t want for anything after this Christmas.

On what she’ll get hubby Jay-Z…

“I can’t say, it has to be a surprise! Seriously, though, we both keep seeing super-cute stuff for the baby, so I am sure even our presents for each other will involve the baby in some way!”

On what ”auntie” Kelly Rowland is buying…

“Kelly has been so busy buying gifts for the baby, I think she might forget to buy for me this year! She is always seeing cute gifts for the baby in London.”

On how Beyonce’s spending Christmas…

“I will be with family. We are both so busy throughout the year that Christmas is just a time to relax with family and count the many blessings in your life. Christmas Day is a no-TV zone. We just like to sit and talk together as a family.”

In today’s link round-up: Steve Jobs gets top honor, Tami Roman dishes on the new season of ”Basketball Wives” and much more!

Vibe Vixen
New Video: Rihanna “You Da One”
The catchy tune gets a sexy black and white video treatment.

The Associated Press
Apple’s Late Boss Steve Jobs To Receive Grammy
A well-deserved honor.

 Hello Beautiful
Tami Roman Reveals Details On New ‘Basketball Wives’ Season
“Basketball Wives: Miami” is gearing up for another season and cast member Tami Roman has all the juicy details.

The Urban Daily
Idris Elba In Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Prometheus’ [VIDEO]
The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller is back. Idris Elba included.

HuffPost BlackVoices
The Year In Chic
Check out the 50 best fashion moments of 2011!

Black Enterprise
Is A Woman Less Of A Woman If She Decides To Never Have Kids?
The question many professional women are asking…

by Karen Good Marable

Cake designer Nicolle Rodriguez, a graduate of the famed Institute of Culinary Education, shares her tips and ideas, and answers the one question every bride should ask.

Planning advice…
“Start interviewing cake designers and bakeries six to nine months prior to your wedding date. If you’re getting married on a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it’s best to set up appointments at least one year in advance.”

Theme for cake (pictured left)…
“The theme for this cake was ‘Old Glamour/Black Tie.’* A damask design can be modern or vintage, depending on what colors you use. Pairing it in black and white with bold red roses created an Old Hollywood feel. The black pearls felt very vintage and the elongated middle tier added height and elegance.”

Question every customer should ask but doesn’t…
“‘How do you deliver your wedding cake?’ Make sure you ask your cake decorator or bakery how they deliver their cakes and– if they do not deliver it themselves– what happens if there is any damage? Deliveries are, hands down, the most stressful part of the job. I deliver all my wedding cakes personally just to avoid the headache of anything going wrong.”

*’Black Pearls & Damask’: Devil’s food chocolate cake with raspberry jam and vanilla buttercream filling. Fondant icing, pearls and damask design, and sugar roses. $12 per serving. Visit cakesbynicolle.com for more info.

This week, the celebrity sound bites making headlines include everything from an actress who may have broken up a baller’s happy home to a pop starlet’s profanity-laced comeback to a mega producer’s secret crush .  Plus, guess which award-winning actress passed up the opportunity to become “Precious,” and which singer likes to kiss you where the sun doesn’t shine. And I quote…

Courtesy of Loop21

Take a moment to browse the Human Rights Campaign’s website and you’ll see some well-known black faces—Mo’Nique, NAACP chairman emeritus Julian Bond, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker—all giving brief explanations on why they believe marriage should be a right of all Americans.

“I know a little something about fighting for what is right and just,” Bond said in his 30-second appeal.

“I support marriage equality because I believe in the 14th amendment—equal protection under the law,” Booker said.

“I believe that since we’ve all been given free will, let’s use our will to let others be free,” Mo’Nique said.

Of the seven videos on the site, four of them feature prominent African-Americans. Was this messaging purposeful? Did the Human Rights Campaign want to make African-Americans the face of its newest campaign?

It might not make much logical sense, considering that blacks have consistently showed lower levels of acceptance of gay and lesbians in polls and surveys. According to the latest data, 58% of Americans think that LGBT couples should be accepted by society. But when it comes to black respondents, the number drops to 49%.

Currently, only a handful of states will grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, with another smattering of states recognizing varying levels of rights, from civil unions to domestic partnerships.  But as the fight for marriage equality gains momentum, with more Americans supporting same-sex marriage than opposing it and legislation pending in several states, some have drawn comparisons to the civil rights movement.

Continue reading at Loop21

Courtesy of Madame Noire

Are we surprised that another high profile couple bit the dust? No, not at all! However men and women alike  were caught off guard when we found out that Kobe Bryant didn’t have Vanessa sign a prenuptial agreement some 10 years ago. Love is blind and all that but Kobe was worth a pretty penny before he got married to the 17yr old he met at a YoungBloodz video shoot back in 1999. Much to the displeasure of his parents, Kobe married Vanessa and was so smitten that he didn’t have his well paid lawyers prepare a prenup for the pretty lady to sign. #wheredeydodatat

Kobe’s not the first idiot to let love blind him into entering a lopsided marriage where his fortune is at stake and the partner has everything to gain. Paul McCartney comes to mind for some strange reason. Unfortunately for Kobe, the good state of California cuts the small talk and asks for half up front plus child support. I’m reminded of that prolific line from the great wordsmith Kanye West “cause when she leave yo a$$ she gon leave with half!” I’m inclined to believe that Vanessa deserves a quality payday but half is a number I can’t fathom sharing with my ex wife. Now what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine until you want to leave, then I have to get Oran “Juice” Jones on you and tell you to leave with what you came with. Let me break down why Vanessa shouldn’t be getting half:

Till death do us part
What  happened to the sanctity of marriage?  What happened to couples taking their vows before God and being accountable to the word they whispered from their hearts to God’s ears. Oh those were just words, OK then!

Continue reading at Madame Noire

Courtesy of HelloBeautiful

Back in my day, politics were strictly forbidden to speak of around our holiday dinner table. Mom didn’t want me (lifelong left-of-liberal humanist) to catch a case for bashing my sister (lifelong bordering-on-‘birther’ conservative) upside the head with a turkey leg (blunt force trauma).

So we played it safe sticking to topics like the weather and Aunt Shirley’s terrible pecan pie. Imagine a rock hard burnt crust containing a somehow undercooked filling with five stale pecans floating inside.

Alas, times have changed in the age of new media. So we put together this handy cheat sheet with our top five talking points to help you survive soiree season.

Continue reading at HelloBeautiful