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

Tawana Brawley Needs to Come Clean

0
0

UPTOWN_tawana_brawley_al_sharptonCourtesy of The Root

In 1987 a 15-year-old black girl from upstate New York became the center of a national media circus. Tawana Brawley had gone missing, which, of course, wasn’t the story. It was when she was found that all hell broke loose.

After her four-day absence, a neighbor discovered Brawley, seemingly unconscious and unresponsive, lying in a trash bag. Her hair had been cut, and her clothes cut and burned. Her body was smeared with feces, and the n-word and “bitch” were written upside down in charcoal on her chest. She was taken to the hospital, where she indicated to an officer that she’d been dragged into the woods and repeatedly raped by six men, one of them a cop.

Seven months and a media firestorm later, a grand jury investigation found “there was no medical or forensic evidence that a sexual assault was committed on Tawana Brawley.” It’s believed that Brawley created the elaborate hoax to avoid being punished by her stepfather for staying out late and missing school.

In 1998 Steven Pagones, a former New York prosecutor and one of the men Brawley accused of raping her, sued Brawley for defamation. She was found liable for $190,000 at 9 percent annual interest. The ruling judge said of Brawley, “[She] appears caught up in her own fiction and unwilling or unable to recognize the grief and hurt she caused those she wrongly accused.”

She never paid her debt. Instead, Brawley promptly disappeared, changing her name and Social Security number. From then until now, she’s never explained what happened, never provided proof to back up her claims, never apologized to the men accused of raping her, their families or anyone who believed her story.

Keep reading

UPTOWN_tawana_brawley_al_sharpton

Terrence Howard Accused of Domestic Abuse…Again

0
0

uptown_terrencehoward_andwifeTerrence Howard is in the news for alleged domestic abuse again after a recent family vacation to Costa Rica that included his ex-wife Michelle Ghent.

Ghent has filed for a restraining order against Howard, whom she divorced in May. However, the 44-year-old actor, who most recently stars in The Butler, claims that his ex-wife is a liar and accuses her of spraying him and his family with mace. TMZ also reports that Howard’s lawyers intend to have Ghent’s request for a restraining order denied on the grounds that she is mentally unstable:

We’ve learned in today’s hearing, Terrence will give the judge text messages from last May, in which an angry Michelle writes, “I would start hiding if I were u.” In another text she writes, “Be careful when u leave your place. U should move.” And in yet another she writes, “I know where u and ur family live. Watch yourself.”

Michelle also texted back in May, “You need to be put down once and for all. I will not stop until all knows who u are.”

In the police report Terrence says Michelle tried to commit suicide 2 months ago and was hospitalized and diagnosed with paranoia. And she seems to confirm that in one of the texts, in which she says, “I’m just insane. I went to a crazy institute.”

This “he said, she said” seems to be a recurring theme for these two.  Ghent has filed papers before claiming that Howard threatened to kill her and was physically abusive just seven days into their marriage.

 

uptown_terrencehoward_andwife

Gabourey Sidibe’s Harper’s Bazaar Shoot. Thoughts?

0
0

UPTOWN_gabourey_sidibe_harpers_bazaarGabourey Sidibe appears in Harper’s Bazaar‘s “Singular Beauties” fashion portfolio, which was styled by Global Fashion Director Carine Roitfeld. The spread is meant to pay homage to the diversity of women. And Gabourey appears along with Dakota Fanning, Scarlett Johansson, and other women who supposedly don’t fit within traditional beauty ideals (think blonde, blue-eyed, and white), like models China Machado, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Liya Kebede, and Karen Elson. While this is an admirable cause for Bazaar to take up, it seems Roitfeld’s styling of Gabourey fell rather flat. Next to the other fashionably-clad “Singular Beauties,” Gabourey looks like a clown. Or at the very best, a woman who was caught in the rain and draped her shawl over her head to protect her ‘do. You would think that if Roitfeld were going to take on the task of paying homage to the diversity of women, that she’d be able to dress women of any size without making them look ridiculous.

See more photos below and let us know your thoughts …

UPTOWN_singular_beauties1

UPTOWN_singular_beauties2

UPTOWN_singular_beauties4

UPTOWN_singular_beauties3

UPTOWN_gabourey_sidibe_harpers_bazaar

Should Chris Brown Say Farewell to Fame?

0
0

Whether it’s his performances, his twitter rants, or his in-your-face behavior, Chris Brown has had his highs and lows. While Brown started out as a wholesome young singer in the mid 2000’s, we’ve watched his antics overshadow his career. From the incident at Good Morning America, to a twitter feud with Country singer Miranda Lambert, to his publicized beef with Drake it seems that the singer can’t get a break. Meanwhile, it seems people still haven’t forgiven him for the beating of his then girlfriend, Grammy-winning artist Rihanna. Apparently fed up, he announced on Twitter yesterday morning that he’s tired of being famous for something he did as an 18 year old  and that his next album will be his final one.

Chris Brown tweets about being famous and his rumored "last album".

 

I thought that there would be an outpouring of support, but you know how the Twitterati are – bashing for days.

 

reactions to Chris Brown

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest Chris Brown fan, and as someone who has friends that were in abusive relationships, I find it difficult to see people try to justify what he did to Rihanna, but some people have taken their hate for the singer a little too far.

More reaction to Chris Brown

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but what has he done that’s worth calling him the n-word and wishing death on him?

 

Not for nothing but he does have a new album coming up so this could very well be a publicity stunt.  But to be so well-known and so hated – he just can’t win.

Do you think Chris Brown will ever be forgiven for his past? Or should he just give up living in the limelight for good?

uptown chris åçbrown via chrisbrown twitter

Vanessa Cantave’s Must Try Haitian Appetizer

0
0

vanessa cantaveEntertaining is an integral part of summer, but creating the menu can present a dilemma. Chef Vanessa Cantave, the cofounder and executive chef of the Brooklyn, New York– based catering company Yum Yum NYC, who was featured on season one of Rocco’s Dinner Party, recommends keeping it simple. Choose fresh ingredients, she says, because the produce is both incredible and affordable this time of year. And serve at least three appetizers, “so that there is something for every palate.” Cantave looks to the traditional Haitian dishes she grew up with, like salt cod chiquetaille. “It’s a very popular Haitian appetizer, usually eaten with a group of friends and family and almost always accompanied by cocktails, music and conversation!” she says. And for that cocktail, she recommends Palomita, which is made with fresh grapefruit, lime juice and Cointreau. Most importantly, the Washington, D.C.–born chef, who grew up all over the world thanks to her dad’s military background, stresses prepping dishes—and drinks—before the party so that you can actually enjoy your guests.


salt cod chiquetaille vanessa cantaveSalt Cod Chiquetaille

1 lb salt cod
1 small shallot, finely minced
¼ cup red onion, finely minced
1 half habanero or Scotch Bonnet
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Juice of half a lime (optional)

Desalt cod fish by soaking in room temperature water 12 hours or overnight (replace water
and check for saltiness at least twice). Boil fish in water just until it begins to break up and
flake. Remove from pot, place in large bowl, cool 10 to 15 minutes. Use hands to debone,
if necessary, then flake the fish. Add remaining ingredients to bowl, cover and refrigerate
overnight. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.

palomita cocktail

Palomita Cocktail

1 1/4oz Cointreau
1 oz lime juice
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
Grapefruit twist (optional, for garnish)

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

vanessa cantave

Kanye West Returns To The VMAs: 5 Potential Yeezy-Type Antics

0
0

uptown_kanyevmas

MTV has announced that Kanye West will perform at this year’s Video Music Awards. Yes, the awards show that sparked the now infamous “Imma let you finish, but …” exchange with Taylor Swift that no one seems to want to let go. In any case, in light of that nagging memory and Kanye’s recent tomfoolery, we decided to have a little fun and think of five outrageous antics Yeezy might have up his sleeve for his 2013 VMA appearance.

uptown_kanyestraightface

Choose to stay completely silent or expressionless with the exception of his actual performance.

If we know anything else about Yeezy, we know that he considers himself an artiste and is sensitive about his ish. So in that vein, he may decide to walk the red carpet but not say a word. He’ll simply do his performance and then bounce because “his art speaks for itself.”  After all, in the celebrity world, silence can often be the loudest cry for attention.

UPTOWN_jayz_kanye_west_vmas

Bring his newborn daughter North onto the stage.

I will refrain from sharing my thoughts on his daughter’s name because it’s rude to speak about people’s kids. All of that aside though, how crazy would it be if Kanye introduced his daughter to the public at the VMAs?! He was there when Beyoncé and Jay Z revealed their pregnancy on the MTV stage, so maybe this would be his way of one-upping his big bro. Kim Kardashian and her mama would have a heart attack of happiness.

uptowm_kanyeloveskim

… Or propose to Kim

Kanye already let us know that Kim is his “perfect b*tch” so why not make it official? She’s the mother of his child now and maybe he’s ready to settle down. Doing it in the most public way possible would please his future mother-in law, Kris Jenner, who can spin this into a wedding planning empire or something. As an added bonus, Kanye could then stop spiting the paparazzi by making allusions to an engagement.

uptown_yeezycrucifix

Perform while nailed to a crucifix. 

As you all probably know, Yeezy’s latest album was titled Yeezus. For anyone that didn’t get that reference, it rhymes with a certain religious figure you may have heard of. The album itself has a song that supposedly features God himself (no, I am not kidding), so it wouldn’t be far-fetched for Kanye to show up on a cross and liken himself to Jesus … once again. His ego is already beyond inflated, and he seems to think of himself as a martyr to fame, so it’s almost perfect actually. I shudder to think of the backlash from that one.

uptown_kanyewin

Do absolutely nothing at all.

Kanye is so off the wall at this point, that he might garner the most press if he does absolutely nothing out of the ordinary – not by his standards, but by like, regular standards. If he calmly walks the carpet, gives a smile here and there, and just gives his performance without any antics, we all might just pass out from shock. It won’t be as fun, but it may be the best course of action for his career.

uptown_kanyevmas

10 Celebrity Leo Birthdays

0
0

UPTOWN_celebrity_leos

Leos (the Lions) are known to be the center of attention.

From 44th President of the United States Barack Obama to the late vocal legend Whitney Houston, all these celebrities share the spotlight.


rick fox smile

Rick Fox

Former NBA Los Angeles Lakers player Rick Fox celebrated his 44th birthday on July 24th. He can be seen as a member of Tasha Mack’s love triangle on BET sitcom The Game.


Dawn Richard Ponytail

Dawn Richard

Richard premiered on MTV’s Making the Band group Danity Kane then moved to super group Diddy-Dirty Money before releasing her solo debut album GoldenHeart in January. Richard embraces being a Leo lion (Aug. 5). She roars this fall with the second installment to the Heart trilogy BlackHeart.


Weatherman Al Roker

Al Roker

Today Show weatherman has often discussed his struggles with weight loss, realizing a healthy diet can keep him around for years. He will celebrate his 58th birthday on August 20th.


NFL star Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders

Must be the money that keeps Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders looking so young. The former football and baseball player, who works as an NFL Network analyst celebrates on August 9th.


Megan Good BET Awards

Meagan Good

August 8.

Actress and movie producer Meagan Good still reminds us of that girl in the Friday movie. Recently married to studio executive Devon Franklin, Good plays Will Ferrell’s girlfriend in the Anchorman sequel.

Roc Royal Mindless Behavior

Roc Royal of Mindless Behavior

A part of the teen group Mindless Behavior, Roc Royal turned 16 this year. He sent fans into a frenzy on the Mindless Behavior tour on their twitter and Facebook page.


Actress Halle Berry

Halle Berry

August 14.

Halle Berry still squeezed in filming the new film X-Men: Days of Future Past while pregnant and a secret marriage. Berry will reprise her role as Storm in the upcoming blockbuster.


Comedian Actress Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph

July 27.

Actress, comedienne and daughter of Minnie Riperton (Loving You) keeps us laughing on the big screen with movies like Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live.


Singer Actress Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston

August 9. The voice of a generation may have left us but her influence on today’s singers remains ever present. Beyonce includes Houston’s infamous “I Will Always Love You” on the setlist to her sold out world tour The Mrs. Carter Show.


President Barack Obama

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States and first African-American president is all smiles during his second term. The President celebrated his 52nd birthday on August 4th.

UPTOWN_celebrity_leos

Star Style: Paula Patton [PHOTOS]

0
0

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_pattonBy Naima Turner

Paula Patton is taking the movie scene by storm! Aside from being a leading lady to her husband Robin Thicke and the couple’s toddler son, Julien, Ms. Patton is doing her thing and leading the box office with back-to-back movie releases. Just this month, she plays Denzel Washington‘s love interest in the action-packed film 2 Guns, and next month we’ll have the chance to see her in the romantic comedy Baggage Claim, alongside a star-filled cast that includes Jill Scott, Taye Diggs, Lala Anthony, Boris Kudjoe, and Trey Songz.

As women, our lifestyles are often busy with non-stop schedules. In spite of this, our closets should be filled with the go-to essentials to keep us looking effortlessly fabulous. Whether you’ve been searching for a few dress ideas or inspiration for a carefree outfit, why not be inspired by a few favorite looks spotted on this week’s “Star Style,” Paula Patton?

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton1There’s something sexy that happens to an outfit when sugar and spice come together. If you want a look that is subtle and flirty, consider mixing something tough, such as a motorcycle jacket with a flutter skirt.

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton2If you’ve worked hard in the gym to achieve those curves, try a nude dress with a colorful lace overlay. The texture is flattering and highlights the silhouette of your physique.

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton3On the weekends when you want a look that’s fun and casual, consider pulling inspiration from a favorite era. Cali girl Paula, definitely took it back to the ’80s in this leather-on-leather moto jacket and skinny jean combo. And the Chanel sneakers simply add a dollop of luxury.

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton4Prints alone speak volumes, so keep the overall statement simple with a muted yet complementary color palette.

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton5When selecting a special occasion dress, always be sure to play up your best assets for a lasting impression. Whether it’s amazing arms, legs, or curves, pick a dress that highlights that area the best.

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton6Although leopard and lace isn’t the most likely style combination that comes to mind, the two make a classy and fierce mix. Paula really sizzles in this Dolce & Gabbana dress!

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton7Leather dresses are most perfect for either a girls’ night or a date. If considering this must-have for fall, keep in mind that leather hugs the body, so if necessary, remember your shape wear!

UPTOWN_star_style_paula_patton

Usher’s Ex-Wife Tameka Foster Is Demanding Child Custody

0
0

Tameka Foster Usher Raymond

Usher‘s ex-wife Tameka Foster is demanding child custody of their two sons, arguing that he has created a dangerous environment.

Foster argues that Usher is allowing unqualified individuals to care for their two kids, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond. Tameka has asked for an emergency hearing for temporary custody in Fulton County, Georgia later this week, according to TMZ.

The filing comes after son Usher Raymond V was hospitalized after nearly drowning in the singer’s pool Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. Reportedly, Usher’s aunt was watching the five year old when his arm became lodged in the pool drain. Usher was not home at the time, but arrived in time to ride in the ambulance with his son. The child is reported to be in stable condition.

Usher filed for divorce from Foster in June 2009, after nearly two years of marriage. The two have had an ongoing custody battle over their children, and Tameka lost full custody in April 2012.

In July 2012, Foster’s 11-year-old son Kile Glover, Usher’s stepson, was mortally wounded when his head was struck by a jet ski. Tameka said the July 2012 incident “gave [her] strength beyond measure and it made [her] determined to fight for [her] other [children].”

Tameka Foster Usher Raymond

Oprah Gets Racially Profiled While Shopping Too

0
0

UPTOWN_oprah_racially_profiledWe’ve all had the experience of not receiving the best service while shopping, dining, or simply going about our daily lives because we’re Black.

Well, while promoting Lee Daniels’ The Butler on ”ET,” Oprah explained a recent incident in which she, too, was racially profiled while shopping in Zurich. (FYI she was attending Tina Turner‘s wedding in Switzerland!) She said she was denied service when the clerk assumed she wouldn’t be able to afford an expensive bag she had asked to see. Oprah said she left the store, deciding it was better to leave than give the employee a commission.

A similar situation occurred in 2005 when Oprah tried to shop at an Hermes boutique in Paris shortly after it closed. Oprah saw customers milling about inside the store and asked two employees, including a manager, if she could make a quick purchase. Her access was denied, and some argue that Celine Dion or Barbra Streisand or another Caucasian superstar would have been allowed to enter and shop Hermes after hours.

However, Oprah explained to “ET” that for her, sexism is a bigger issue than racism.

“The sexism thing is huge,” said Oprah to “ET.” “The higher the ladder you climb it gets huge, because men are used to running things.”

When asked if she has ever been called the N-word, Oprah revealed her feelings about Paula Deen. She says, ”I think Paula Deen was sort of used as a symbol, but I think lots of people use the word inappropriately all the time.”

Winfrey says that she would like to sit down with Deen, but it may take a while for the interview to happen.

 

 

 

 

UPTOWN_oprah_racially_profiled

Issa Rae to Star in New HBO Comedy Series

0
0

UPTOWN_issa_rae_hbo_comedy_seriesIssa Rae, star and creator of popular webseries “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” has signed on to star in a new HBO comedy series. The project is billed as “the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern African-American woman,” so basically we’re getting a version “ABG” on cable TV!

Rae will co-write the series with comedian Larry Wilmore, who is probably most recognizable as one of the correspondents on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”  Wilmore will act as executive producer with Rae receiving co-executive producing credits.

Rae’s star has had an incredible rise since “ABG” shot to internet fame.  She was recently named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, she is currently penning a memoir/collection of personal essays for HarperCollins, and last season she wrote a comedy script for ABC and Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland production company.

Announcing the project on her Instagram page, Rae thanked her fans: “Here we go! Couldn’t have had the opportunity without your constant support. Thanks guys :)”

 

 

 

UPTOWN_issa_rae_hbo_comedy_series

Bust A Move – The Brian Williams Remix

0
0

By Colby Carrington

Since Rock Center was cancelled, Brian Williams should officially get into the remix business, just like Weird Al did. On the heels of “Good Vibrations” and “Regulate,” the subtly hilarious newsman stars yet again in his latest hip-hop remake video.  This time, Williams takes on Young MC’s “Bust A Move,” as featured on last night’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Don’t just stand there….

(As always, hats off to the editors and researchers who put the remix together. If they’re taking suggestions, I’d like to add “The Choice Is Yours” to the list.)co

uptown brian williams bust a move

2013 Diversity Affluence Awards

0
0

uptown diversity affluenceBy Angela Bronner Helm

The party is always more fun when the Hamptons are flush with folk, and so it was on that sunny Sunday at B. Smith’s dockside restaurant, host of the 4th annual Diversity Affluence Brunch and Awards. Russell Simmons’ fundraising fete Art For Life happened the day before and set a most fabulous stage.

After a bubbly Moet & Chandon toast given by the CEO of Diversity Affluence, Andrea Hoffman, over 125 guests made their way to B.Smith’s sunlit dining room to honor Robert F. Smith, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Alek Wek, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Author & Supermodel, Aaron P. Dworkin, Founder & President of the Sphinx Organization, and corporate honoree, MAC Cosmetics. Actor Malik Yoba was the hilarious emcee, and this year’s honorees were gifted a special Baume & Mercier watch presented by Rudy Chavez, North American President of the luxury watch brand.

“I was honored to be recognized by Diversity Affluence,” notes Wek. “I’m always thrilled to highlight South Sudan and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Their vital work is bringing life saving support and long term hope to so many families torn apart by war. Being honored by Diversity Affluence gives me the opportunity to continue to have a platform to help bring about positive change and for that, I am grateful.”
The over 100 hand selected mostly African American guests came to toast this year’s honorees including Goldman Sachs’ senior partner Valentino Carlotti, the Utendahl Group’s John Utendahl, actress Tichina Arnold, Reginald Van Lee, GM’s Jocelyn Allen, Jet magazine’s Mitzi Miller, Earl Graves and other venture capitalists, investment bankers, entertainment, media and tech industry executives. “Diversity Affluence is committed to raising awareness of affluent and influential ethnic consumers and related executives and brands that acknowledge them,” says Hoffman.

uptown diversity affluence

Heading To Court: B. Scott v. BET

0
0

2013 bscott bet awards looksBy Jaia Thomas

A flowing black tunic and black heels is the crux of a lawsuit filed yesterday in the Superior Court of California by Brandon Sessoms, otherwise known as B. Scott. The lawsuit stems from Scott’s appearance as the ‘Style Stage Correspondent’ for the 2013 BET Awards 106 & Park Pre-Show on June 30, 2013. Hired to be the sole host commenting on fashion during the BET Awards pre-show activities, it was Scott’s fashion choice, a flowing black tunic and black heels, that caused the most clamor.

Related: 2013 BET Awards Arrivals

Scott wore a flowing black tunic, black pants and black heels for his red carpet appearance. Apparently BET stylists prepared him for the show and the outfit was pre-approved by producers. Furthermore, according to the lawsuit, a BET producer saw and approved the ensemble the night prior to his appearance.

During the first portion of the show, Scott appeared on-screen with his ensemble of choice. However, upon its conclusion, Scott was immediately ‘yanked’ backstage and told he wasn’t acceptable. BET executives instructed Scott to mute his makeup, pull back his hair and he was forced to remove his clothing and take off his heels, thereby completely changing his gender identification and expression. BET refused to allow him to continue presenting, replacing him instead with Adrienne Bailon. It was until the end of the show that BET allowed Scott to return with a more understated look.

Related: B.Scott and BET’s Homophobia

According to the lawsuit, no other presenters and commentators had any restrictions placed upon them during the pre-show activities. Scott argues that BET’s actions not only humiliated him but also subjected him to ridicule and unfair treatment. He has characterized BET’s actions as malicious, oppressive and despicable. His complaint rests on six causes of action, including: discrimination based on gender identity and expression as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. Scott is requesting $2.5 million in damages.

While federal and state (California) law support the equal treatment of transgender individuals, do BET’s actions amount to $2.5 million in damages? Probably not. BET will likely settle the case before going to trial and provide a payment to Scott (in the thousands as opposed to millions). In the wake of this suit, BET will also be forced re-evaluate their policies pertaining to presenters and commentators, while also taking a more active and hands-on approach to appearance and wardrobe choices in the future.

(Photo via lovebscott.com)

Jaia Thomas is an LA-based sports and entertainment attorney. A naive of Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a graduate of Colgate University (BA), The George Washington University Law School and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. For more information: www.jathomaslaw.com or @jaiathomaslaw.

2013 bscott bet awards looks

Rock Harper’s Go To Summer Recipe

0
0

rahman rock harper Rahman “Rock” Harper (Hell’s Kitchen), who also hails from the D.C. metro area, recently opened Fatshorty’s in Clarendon, Virginia, which specializes in mussels, sausage and cold beer. So naturally he’s big on mussels for summer entertaining, including crowd favorite Green Curry Mussels. “Fresh and alive is the key to purchasing mussels,” Harper advises. “If they are open and don’t close after tapping them together, they’re dead and should be discarded.”

rock harper green curry musselsGreen Curry Mussels
2 tbsp olive oil, 75/25 blend (75 percent canola oil, 25 percent
extra virgin olive oil)
2 tbsp yellow onion, diced small
2 tbsp lemongrass, pounded and sliced in 1-inch pieces
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
½ cup coconut milk
1 tbsp green curry paste
1 lb mussels, rinsed
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp cold butter
Salt, to taste
Buttered bread

Sauté onions in oil until soft. Add lemongrass, garlic and ginger; sauté for one minute. Add coconut milk and curry paste and simmer. Add mussels. Cover and cook until mussels fully open. Remove from heat and add lime juice, cilantro and cold butter. Stir until butter is well incorporated. Add salt to taste. Serve with toasted, warm bread.

rahman rock harper

No Money, Mo’ Problems: How Money Issues Affect Relationships

0
0

UPTOWN_couple_arguing_over_billsPerusing the homepage of Huffington Post yesterday, I noticed an article titled “20 Marriage Problems Real Women Face.”  Although I’m not married, I was intrigued and clicked on the link.  The number one issue the women polled cited was money.  “Ah yes,” I thought, “I should have known.”

I remember when my father had his official talk with me when I announced that I was moving in with my boyfriend of nearly four years.  We were sitting in his parked car letting the silence hang between us as we were lost in our own thoughts when he suddenly said, “The number one reason that people break up is over money,” he paused and looked piercingly into my eyes. “Understand that no matter how much you guys love each other, you will argue over money. People don’t really know each other until they have to figure out how to pay the bills. It can change your relationship.” I, of course, downplayed the importance of this advice. “We have a plan—we know how we’re splitting the bills and we know that we need to save for a while. We’ll be fine.”

Now, eight months into our live-in arrangement, I understand the wisdom my father was trying to impart.  No level of planning can prepare you for the phone you break that needs to be replaced now. Or the fear and anger that rises from the overdue bill that he was supposed to pay.  Or the birthday trip (that he warned you against) that cost more than you thought that causes him to sneer at you come bill time because you still haven’t recovered financially.  These money issues will then cause you to snipe at each other spitefully.  “Oh, I see you have money to buy those sneakers you wanted. You better have some left for the light bill next week!” And “You need to learn how to do your own hair instead of going to that overpriced salon!”

Your relationship might teeter at the brink a few times before you can step back and realize what the root issue is.  For some, that last minute step of salvation does not come.  Mine came from a simple moment of reflection borne out of one of those embarrassing Twitter accounts I follow that spews out (often cliché) quotes.  It said something to the effect of: “Don’t let money issues make you forget why you fell in love.”  That’s when you remember that you used to admire his dope sneaker collection because you’re both sneaker heads.  Or when you recall how he used to tease you about the fact that you were cosmetically inept and pretend to thank the heavens for your hairstylist. You remember what defines your relationship and realize that it never had anything to do with money.

This is not to say that it isn’t important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page financially.  It’s imperative that you discuss what is expected from each other, understand those expectations, and (most importantly) act accordingly. However, that discussion cannot be had whilst your each hanging on to petty resentments about what each other spent two months ago. Let go of the bitter taste of arguments past and focus on solutions. You’ll find the frost that had settled over your home slowly begin to melt to reveal the reason you moved in together in the first place.

[Image: Shutterstock]

UPTOWN_couple_arguing_over_bills

Rihanna Goes To Carnival And Americans React With Disrespect

0
0

UPTOWN_rihanna_carnival_2013_1When I was in high school in the late nineties, I remember my friends and I all trying to do the Harlem Shake dance after classes, attempting to emulate the kids we saw in G-Dep‘s “Let’s Get It” video. Fast forward to earlier this year, and the “Harlem Shake” craze went viral and everyone was performing this wacky dance from fraternity kids to professional athletes to even passengers mid-flight on a Frontier Airlines plane. But here’s the problem: It was NOT the dance that we collectively enjoyed back in the days. In fact, there was actually NO dancing involved in this “2013 Harlem Shake,” and it was just a group of young (and not-so-young) folks violently throwing their bodies around.

After about a month of random and ridiculous videos, Melissa Harris-Perry finally said what many of us grown Black folk were already saying: That’s NOT the Harlem shake. She then made a pointed monologue aimed at white people about misappropriating Black urban culture:

I was proud to see Harris-Perry and other African Americans disallowing popular culture to steamroll their creation with ignorance. Many Black Americans rightfully bristled at seeing people outside of their culture misjudge and misrepresent what their dance stood for. So, with that in mind, imagine how I and other West Indians felt to wake up to American outlets dissing Rihanna for participating in our cultural tradition.

UPTOWN_rihanna_carnival_2013_2

This past weekend, two major annual events in the Caribbean cultural calendar took place: Caribana in Toronto, where I live, and Crop Over (the official name of carnival) in Barbados, where I’m from. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to Crop Over this year, and I was reminded of all the fun I was missing when I saw pictures of Rihanna in her GORGEOUS costume.

But that regret was quickly replaced by rage once I saw the headlines that major American outlets used to report her activities during our homeland celebration. “Rihanna gets drunk and twerks in the street,” “Rihanna twerks island style,” and “RiRi parades half naked in overly skimpy outfit!” were just a few of the ignorant-ass headlines I had to take in. And the WORST part about these mindless and cretinous statements is the fact that none of them came from anyone knowledgeable of Caribbean culture. African Americans get up in arms when their culture is judged by people OUTSIDE of it, but are now doing the SAME BULLSHIT to West Indians. Simply put, if you know nothing about historical and cultural traditions of the Caribbean yet feel the need to add your unenlightened opinions regarding our behavior, please shut the HELL up.

But I’m gon’ learn ‘em now … In my small island of Barbados, here’s what our celebration means:

Crop Over is a five-week long summer festival and it’s our most popular and colorful festival. It’s origins can be traced back to the 1780s, a time when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest; hence the festival name - Crop Over.

Cohobblopot is a huge, colorful and spectacular show with the Kings and Queens of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. In recent years, there has also been a huge entertainment package with the most popular calypsonians (our island’s music) and bands performing to packed audiences.

UPTOWN_rihanna_carnial_2013_3Dressing in a costume and dancing the day away is what we call PLAYING MAS, and it occurs everywhere from Toronto to Trinidad to New York to many other cities throughout North America and the Caribbean. This weekend alone, over 60,000 men and women donned costumes to parade down the road in Toronto, a tradition that’s been performed by my sister, aunts, cousins, and damn near every girlfriend I’ve ever had. If you don’t think it’s appropriate, you’re entitled to believe that, but don’t you dare judge our celebrations by your standards.

Americans have a funny way of over-sexualizing everything with their puritanical European influence and then getting upset because the rest of the world doesn’t live up to their moral code. They over-sexualize all aspects of the body, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us do. Well, we don’t care about honoring our traditions in a way that makes them comfortable, especially when they show no interest in learning about our history at all.

Hell, if they did, then they would have taken the effort to at least Google our traditions and the significance of Rihanna playing mas and dancing in the streets. So I ask Americans to please do us all a favor and spare us your contempt, outrage, shock, and whatever other bullshit feelings they have because how West Indians celebrate doesn’t have a DAMN thing to do with them – until they open up their minds to learning our culture.

At that point, we will have a costume with their names on it, and we will dance until their legs are sorer than a retired football player’s knees.

P.S. West Indians don’t TWERK at carnival – we WHINE and WUKK UP.

LAB

Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com, he’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer” and a weekly contributor for UPTOWN Magazine. He can be reached via Twitter @lincolnablades and on Facebook at This Is Your Conscience.

UPTOWN_rihanna_carnival_2013_main

Henry Louis Gates Jr. Presents African American History Series on PBS

0
0

UPTOWN_henry_louis_gates_jrPBS has announced a new six-part series presented by noted Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. entitled “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross.”  The program will chronicle African-American history “from slavery to freedom and from the plantation to the White House,” according to a press release.

The six-hour series, which will premiere on October 22 at 8 p.m. ET, is both written and recounted by Professor Gates.  It will follow his travels across the United States as he visits historical sites, interviews eyewitnesses, and partakes in debates with some of America’s top historians, in his exploration of the African American experience.

 “The story of the African-American people is the story of the settlement and growth of America itself, a universal tale that all people should experience,” says Gates. “Since my senior year in high school, when I watched Bill Cosby narrate a documentary about black history, I’ve longed to share those stories in great detail to the broadest audience possible, young and old, black and white, scholars and the general public. I believe that my colleagues and I have achieved this goal through ‘The African Americans:  Many Rivers to Cross.’”

A companion book of the same name, written by Professor Gates and Donald Yacovone, which will go more in depth about the events featured on the show, will be released on October 1.  Once the series airs, you can find more information and interactive features on the show’s website.

UPTOWN_henry_louis_gates_jr

‘Cute for a Black Girl’: Should I Be Insulted?

0
0

UPTOWN_woman_laptopCourtesy of The Root

“A guy contacted me on a dating site and started off with ‘I don’t normally date outside my race or my comfort zone, but you’re beautiful and caught my eye.’ I feel a certain way about that statement. I want someone who will be comfy with dating a black woman. Am I reading too much into it?” –I.S.

Not at all. Since he contacted you, it’s safe to say that he’s interested in getting to know you on some level, and I’m sure he intended to pay you a compliment. But he clearly went about it all wrong, since you now “feel a certain way” and rightly so.

You’re not “reading too much” into his comment. If he’d said, “Wow, you’re beautiful” and stopped there — what he should have done — all would be right with the world, and maybe you would even be out on a date somewhere. But he had to go and speak his mind and ruin what could have been a good thing. Who knows?

Keep reading

[Image: Shutterstock]

UPTOWN_woman_laptop

Garcelle Beauvais Dishes On Her Love Life, Being 40 Plus And Her BFF Halle Berry!

0
0

UPTOWN_garcelle_beauvaisCourtesy of Cocoa Fab

Sexy stunning actress Garcelle Beauvais is 46, single and ready to mingle.

After enduring a public breakup back in 2010 with her ex-husband Mike Nilon, she’s ready to move on to greener pastures and she details to CocoaFab who she’s looking for!

“I am looking for somebody who is honest, who is fun, who is a man! I’m already raising boys, I don’t need any more boys,” she says with a laugh. “Just somebody who really wants to have fun and explore and … who loves kids as well. And spiritual would be amazing. Somebody who’s spiritual, because I think if you have that foundation then you’re a pretty good foundation.”

Keep reading

UPTOWN_garcelle_beauvais
Viewing all 6567 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images