*NEWS* RHINO WARS
The rifle shot boomed through the darkening forest just as Damien Mander arrived at his campfire after a long day training game ranger recruits in western Zimbabwe’s Nakavango game reserve. His thoughts flew to Basta, a pregnant black rhinoceros, and her two-year-old calf. That afternoon one of his rangers had discovered human footprints following the pair’s tracks as Basta sought cover in deep bush to deliver the newest member of her threatened species.
Damien, a hard-muscled former Australian Special Forces sniper with an imposing menagerie of tattoos, including “Seek & Destroy” in gothic lettering across his chest, swiveled his head, trying to place the direction of the shot. “There, near the eastern boundary,” he pointed into the blackness. “Sounded like a .223,” he said, identifying the position and caliber, a habit left over from 12 tours in Iraq. He and his rangers grabbed shotguns, radios, and medical kits and piled into two Land Cruisers. They roared into the night, hoping to cut off the shooter. The rangers rolled down their windows and listened for a second shot, which would likely signal Basta’s calf was taken as well.
*EVENTS* PANEL DISCUSSION – THE MANel : THE MAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
Philadelphia, PA- A panel discussion will be held on March 2, 2012 from 7:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, in the Forum Theater located in Campion Student Center (Cardinal Avenue Entrance). The topic of the discussion is: “The MANel: Male Perspectives on Love & Relationships.” This will be an all male panel consisting of African-American men of different ages and religions with various relationship statuses, including single, married, engaged, etc.
*EVENTS* THE PORTRAYAL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
Come check an interesting discussion on “The Portrayal Of African American Women In Entertainment” as a few of my peers and I share insight on the pro’s and con’s on how African American women are represented. The event takes place Friday evening at St. Joes University from 7pm-pm. Hope to see you there.
NASA FINDS PLANET THAT CAN SUSTAIN LIFE.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has confirmed the discovery of its first alien world in its host star’s habitable zone — that just-right range of distances that could allow liquid water to exist — and found more than 1,000 new explanet candidates, researchers announced today (Dec. 5).
The new finds bring the Kepler space telescope’s total haul to 2,326 potential planets in its first 16 months of operation.These discoveries, if confirmed, would quadruple the current tally of worlds known to exist beyond our solar system, which recently topped 700.
The potentially habitable alien world, a first for Kepler, orbits a star very much like our own sun. The discovery brings scientists one step closer to finding a planet like our own — one which could conceivably harbor life, scientists said.
“We’re getting closer and closer to discovering the so-called ‘Goldilocks planet,’” Pete Worden, director of NASA’s Ames
Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., said during a press conference today. [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets]
The newfound planet in the habitable zone is called Kepler-22b. It is located about 600 light-years away, orbiting a sun-like star.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. EYES MAY 5TH 2012 BOUT WITH MANNY PACQUIAO
Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not plan on taking another 16-month vacation from the boxing ring, like he did after easily outpointing Shane Mosley in May 2010.
Instead, Mayweather, who knocked out Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17, will make a relatively hasty return: May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, adviser Leonard Ellerbe told ESPN.com on Wednesday night.
Mayweather’s opponent has not been determined but Ellerbe said, “We’re looking to make the biggest fight possible and everyone knows what that fight is, the little fella.”
Ellerbe was, of course, referring to Manny Pacquiao. The welterweight champions and the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world have been on a collision course for years. However, negotiations have fallen apart over drug testing protocol.
Pacquiao is set to fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand and is a heavy favorite.
On the Job, Beauty Is More Than Skin-Deep – Look better , get paid more.
Most people assume being good-looking gives you a career boost. But just how much does it help?
A lot. Good-looking people charm interviewers, get hired faster, are more likely to make more sales and get more raises.
Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor at the University of Texas in Austin, measures out the benefits in his book, “Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful.”
According to his research, attractive people are likely to earn an average of 3% to 4% more than a person with below-average looks. That adds up to $230,000 more over a lifetime for the typical good-looking person, Dr. Hamermesh estimates. Even an average-looking worker is likely to make $140,000 more over a lifetime than an ugly worker.
We asked Dr. Hamermesh to discuss his findings. Edited excerpts follow:
ONE DIES , MILLIONS CRY …. MILLIONS DIE , NO ONE CRIES
No offense against the technological genius Steve but if he’s front page news and the Famine in East Africa is not, that is a problem. The hundreds of thousands that are dying and have died deserve equal (if not more) attention. Did you know that over 30,000 children have died and the death toll continues to rise? So it seems that the nation has more concern for digital devices than they have for human life.
I wish that iPods were made in Africa. Maybe then, Americans would care a little more about the Famine.
In the end, it’s not that the death of Steve Jobs didn’t deserve public grief. The point is that the famine crisis effecting million shouldn’t be ignored.
If you want to donate to relief efforts in Africa, here you can find many options:http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/07/20/iyw.howtohelp.somalia.famine/index.html
Essentially Essence
DENZEL WASHINGTON DONATES $2.25 MILLION DOLLARS TO FORDHAM, GIVES PHYLICIA RASHAD A JOB.
Denzel Washington has given his alma mater, Fordham University, a $2.25 million donation to benefit the school’s theater arts department, the New York Times reports.
The majority of that money, $2 million, will create the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre. “Cosby Show” alum and Broadway actress Phylicia Rashad will fill the role this fall, teaching a course called “Creating a Character.”
The remaining funds will create a scholarship for an undergraduate theater student.
The Oscar-winner said in a statement that he donated the money “in order to offer the next generation of students positive influences.” He said Rashad “will provide the care, compassion and that extra push to help take students where they’re meant to go.”
(FLYERS) AFRICAN AMERICAN HOCKEY PLAYER RACIST ENCOUNTER
Black NHL player Wayne Simmonds says he’s not going to comment any more on a fan throwing a banana peel on the ice as the Philadelphia Flyers forward was attempting an overtime shootout goal against the Detroit Red Wings in an exhibition game in London, Ontario Thursday night.
“It was unfortunate that this incident happened but I am above this sort of stuff,” said Simmons in a statement Friday. “This is something that is out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something I will no longer comment on so I can just focus on playing hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers.”
Simmonds drew strong support from other NHL players on Twitter. St. Louis Blues forward Chris Stewart tweeted: “The incident that happened in london tonight involving my best friend wayne simmonds was simply disgusting, its 2011 ppl need to grow up.”
PIGS (COPS) ARE THE ONLY BEEF AT 7TH ANNUAL BBQ
Someone please tell me what is wrong with having a BBQ with 400 of your friends, family members and business associates? I really don’t understand how the wonderful officers of the Philadelphia Police Department feels that whenever they see young minorities gathering they have to intervene. It’s like we finally get a large group of young people together in a peaceful fashion and the ones that enforce the law want to perpetuate negativity. To bring that much drama unnecessarily is mind boggling, why would you put someone in the back of a cop car for asking questions? Last time I check we are tax payers and citizens with rights and freedom of speech and expression. Is this not the case anymore; is the Constitution no longer the governing document that we live by?
My organization has been hosting our annual BBQ at Blue Bell Park for seven straight years with one issue in the past. Since then our event has been nothing but a display of peace and love with guess speakers, local venders and artist all in attendance. This event is a great opportunity for corporate sponsorship that a few of our cities civil servants attempted to tarnish, forcing people to leave the park earlier than we were entitled to.
Our organization really do appreciate law enforcement and understand that they have a tough job. There are lots of citizens that have not made it easy on them but we truly do need to figure out a way to cohabitate and exist together. To all Philly P.D. thanks for the help but I think our resources will be better spent stopping actual crimes instead of BBQ’s.
Lastly I would like to say thank you all for coming out and showing support and we will see you all at the” Changemakers Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival/Block Party” coming soon!!!!
MILAN , PARIS DONT WANT BLACK MODELS ON RUNWAY
It’s hard to believe that in the 21st century discrimination is still prevalent on the runway. You would think after globally adored supermodels like Iman,Veronica Webb, Naomi Campell, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede and Alek Wek put in laborious work, breaking down color barriers to pave a lane for new faces like Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls, Chanel Iman, Sessilee Lopez and Chrishell Stubbs to thrive, that Paris and Milan, the fashion capitols of the world, would finally accept that models of color are just as beautiful as the white faces that dominate the catwalk. Is being the muse of a famous designer the only way a black model can succeed? Unbeknownst to many, the late Gianni Versace was instrumental in catapulting Naomi’s illustrious career.
CHANGEMAKERS ORGANIZATION MURAL ARTS PROJECT
Changemakers will being partnering with the P.I.N.K Ladies mentorship program to beautify the community through mural arts. Starting June 11th we will be painting the Cecil B. Moore recreation center each saturday. The recreation center is located at 2251 N. 22nd Street Philadelphia Pa 19132 (@ the corner of 22nd & Huntingdon Street). This mural project is conducive to all individuals more importantly it is constructive for the youth to grow through this project.
We encounter daily experiences, patterns and relationships which reveal a great deal about who we are as interacting humans. Socio- economic and societal issues play a factor in the development of brains and ultimately, the behavior. Disadvantaged children clearly do not benefit from their place in society. Scientists, however, believe they have found one solution that can hopefully equate the growth of such children with normal but not necessarily affluent kids. Through creative enhancing techniques such as dance or movement, drawing and music, all children, underprivileged children especially, can advance their development.
DYING TO LOOK GOOD – CANCEROUS COSMETICS
When it comes to beauty products, the effects of the ingredients they contain are more than just skin deep.
In fact, shampoos, makeup, lotions, perfumes and other cosmetics for sale today can contain ingredients linked to breast cancer, infertility, birth defects and other serious health problems.
Just pick up any bottle of shampoo, facial cream, body lotion or any other beauty products and you’re likely to find an incredibly long list of synthetic chemicals — many of them even toxic and cancer causing. These chemicals enter our bodies – through ingestion (toothpaste, lipstick), skin absorption (lotions, deodorant, makeup) and even inhalation (perfumes, fumes, etc..). Multiply this seemingly small amount by the number of products you use throughout the day, on a daily basis, and over your entire lifetime and you will see how your body is bound to accumulate these toxins over time. The following chemicals are very often found in cosmetic and personal care products:
HEALTH SHACK – ALLERGY ALERT 2011
This year, tree pollen is extremely high, but there may be more than just pollen that’s contributing to your anguish.
According to Dr. Clifford Bassett, Allergy Specialist says that foods such as nuts and vegetables contain proteins that are akin in nature to the pollens. Our bodies end up confusing the two and it reacts as if you’re having an allergy attack in your mouth or throat; this is called allergy syndrome, a cross reaction but not an allergic reaction to the food itself.
Tree pollen in the spring usually triggers reactions to fruits and vegetables, specifically: apples, oranges, celery and peppers. Symptoms include tingling lips mouth and throat.
Get to the bottom of your allergies by paying close attention to the foods you ingest as well as the time of day you suffer the most.
Post by Kriss Russ // @_overthemoon_
Kobe Bryant & Wife destroys Gasol’s Marriage?
It’s been a long month for Pau Gasol, and it looks like the summer will be even longer. There was report saying Pau Gasol’s girlfriend broke up with him and that Pau was blaming Kobe’s wife for it.
“I have to learn from this,” Gasol said. ”I have to learn that when something happens off the court, you have to keep it off the court.”
He was referring to the report that he stopped talking to Bryant during the postseason because Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, had contributed to the breakup of Gasol and his longtime girlfriend. Lakers fans will remember that Karl Malone once publicly accused Vanessa of interfering with his personal life in a similar fashion.
As if that wasn’t enough, Marc Spears wrote at Yahoo that “Pau Gasol … seemed to confirm reports that he was bothered by off-the-court issues. “I’m going to look back and see everything that’s been going on,” he said. “Try to handle it better. And whatever goes on, on or off the floor, just try to keep it that way and not let it affect anything that goes on on the floor.”
You could argue that Pau Gasol’s off-court issue was “lies” about his personal life, but why would an erroneous report cause an issue for him? That wouldn’t make sense. The only logical conclusion is that Pau is confirming there were some off-court problems going on with him. The only question is whether or not the issue was a problem with Kobe, a problem with his girlfriend, or both.
Additionally, something else to ponder, for what it’s worth, is this tweet from Scott and BR who form the morning team on Double X sports radio in San Diego “Kobe Bryant should be ashamed, you NEVER tell you wife your friend is cheating, especially KOBE who we all know is not an angel!”
FEDS TAKE ACTION AGAINST BOGUS STD CURES
Federal health officials are cracking down on bogus pills and supplements that their makers claim will cure or prevent sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, herpes and genital warts.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it has sent warning letters to a dozen companies selling non-prescription products with names like Medavir, Herpaflor and C-Cure. The agency said none of the products have been proven to treat any disease.
Micheal Jordan & Charles Barkley Fight at Sixers Game.
The competitive nature of two great players can elicit the dirtiest of maneuvers. With great respect and admiration for each other , there was always a cutthroat mentality when facing each other on the hardwood. This competitive nature has been eliminated to some degree in today’s NBA. There are harsh fines and penalties that are imposed on players that behave in an un sportsmanship like manner. These fines and penalties are set in place to control undesired behavior , this enables each player to channel their frustration towards basketball oppose to a boxing match.
Post by Shaheed Rucker // @Change_makers
The “Wright” Choice – Jerrell Wright *High school Basketball Player of the Year*
Jerrell Wright the 6’8 Forward from Murrell Dobbins has been deemed overrated and unskilled until the 2010-2011 season. Under the direction of coaches William Johnson and Bilal Parker he has enhanced his basketball and educational acheivements earning one A and two B’s and many prominent awards. This year Wright averaged 20pts, 15rebs & 5Blks earning McDonald All American Nomination , Player of the Year honors and All City First Team. Wright has recently committed to LaSalle University turning away offers from Georgetown , West Virginia and Temple. “Staying home was important to me , I have the support of my friends and family and LaSalle is an institute that will make sure I graduate , Its not just about basketball”.
Post & Photos by Shaheed Rucker / @Change_makers
5th Annual Philadelphia Book Festival
A six day celebration book festival will take place April 11th- April 16th at the Philadelphia Parkway Central location. On site will be author appearances and book signings. Saturday will be a free street fair , the Festival offers excitement for all ages. Come hang out and enjoy new literature.
Japanese Model Tao Okamoto’s letter to the world.
On behalf of Tao Okamoto , she has expressed great gratitude and sincerity having witness individuals from all over the world extend support to her native Japan after the tragic wake of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The ongoing problems with the Fukushima nuclear plant have only exacerbated an already precarious situation. At present Tao is considering her next steps in aiding the recovery effort and would like you to do the same as the need for help is very real and urgent.
Post by Shaheed Rucker / @Change_makers
Cool Stuff Corner * LIFE + TIMES * Jay-Z launches new blog
Rapper turned multi-million dollar mogul, Jay-Z, launches new blog…
From music, style and technology to leisure, sports and Jays 1, J-Hov has created a platform to share the many points of interest for him. The layout: unconventional and we LOVE IT! If your one who is moved by picture art go to lifeandtimes.com and bear witness digital art and some.
Post by Kris Russ / @_0verthemo0n_
Lebron James Owner of Liverpool Soccer Team
Since the 1994 World Cup, soccer has become more and more popular in the United States. The global popularity of the sport is already insurmountable and many of the teams are attracting the interest of some really strong potential buyers.
In fact, the sport is popular enough here [United States] that an athlete investing in a successful soccer club can be seen as a pretty intelligent business decision rather than some questionable entrance into foreign enterprise. So it should not be a terrible surprise that Miami Heat star LeBron James (notes) now owns part of the legendary Liverpool Football Club. From Matthew Futterman for the Wall Street Journal:
The deal between Mr. James and Fenway Sports Group will give Mr. James a minority stake in the soccer club Liverpool, which FSG owns. FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox, is partnering with Mr. James’s sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing to become the exclusive world-wide representative for Mr. James.
The deal marks the first time that a professional athlete at the top of his game has taken an ownership interest in a team with the size and reach of Liverpool, which is one of the most popular and powerful sports franchises in the world.
It also adds yet another dimension for Boston-based FSG, which became a global operation last October when it bought Liverpool for $488 million. The company was founded as New England Sports Ventures nine years ago after Messrs. Henry and Werner bought the Red Sox and 80% of regional sports channel New England Sports Network. In 2007 Fenway became 50% owner of the NASCAR auto-racing team Roush Fenway Racing.
LeBron has said for years that he wants to become a global icon on the order of Michael Jordan. And with this investment he is heading in the right direction. Business decisions like this one (and, in a more minor sense, the web cartoon series he premiered Wednesday) position him to reach out to an unprecedented number of fans. In return, he will likely help give Liverpool a larger profile among budding fans of European football in America.
Along with Manchester United, Liverpool is historically the most successful soccer team in the United Kingdom, earning 18 championships at the top level of English football and five European Cup trophies. It’s unlikely that LeBron will have any say in the club’s policy or day-to-day operations, but, as far as marketing go, this is a smart one.
The LeBron doubters will obviously question marketing moves such as this one. Questions of LeBron being distracted from his own profession will continue to linger amongst them. But from a business prospective, LeBron will be applauded and his global stamp will continue to grow. LeBron has now put himself in a position to become a global icon. If wins a few NBA Championships then we can begin the Michael Jordan comparisons. Furthermore, if the championships come, LeBron will want to be well positioned to become the most famous athlete the world has ever seen. This relationship with Liverpool gets him closer to that goal.
Post by Ronald Tillman , @Mrtillman
Libyan Conflict Creates an International Coalition for Change
On Tuesday, Obama gave a speech to the nation on the state of the US’s involvement in the Libyan conflict. He directly addressed widespread concern as to why America has sent armed forces to Libya when there were so many economic problems here at home.
“We can make a difference,” said President Obama.” We must stand alongside those who believe in the same core principles that have guided us through many storms: our opposition to violence directed against one’s own citizens; our support for a set of universal rights.”
The President made it clear that the nation would not and does not fight for only the rights of American people. Instead, the fight is for the freedoms that belong to all people of the earth regardless of nationality.
This is a powerful statement. At times the economic and social struggles of the American people can foster a selfish mentality. The idea is that our social and political prosperity are not to be ours alone. Together a change can be made. As the international community under the umbrella of the United Nations combines forces to end the violent dictatorship of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, there is a statement being made.
As Obama said, “We can make a difference”. Although it has not been immediate for the Libyans people, a better future is definitely on the horizon.
The Changemakers’ mission is identical these core values. Together we organize initiatives that impact the well-being of society. The freedoms and advantages that we experience can be used to provide for those who are less fortune. Eventually, this will lead to the betterment of people around the world.
Today as we watch the unrest that Africa and the Middle East experience, it is obvious that people are coming together for the sake of equality. These conflicts have created an international coalition for change. As we maintain the same unequivocal view on human rights, nothing will stop this positive transformation.
Post by Essence Mcdowell
F.I.T HONORS VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Innovator. Activist. Entrepreneur. Rebel. Icon. Vivienne Westwood.
Whether you recall her setting international trends in the 1980′s, causing ooo’s and ahhh’s for her artistic cameo in the uber popular movie, Sex and The City, or for her efforts to stand against consumerism. She has had a tremendous impact on the fashion world as well as world-wide social issues.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology’s exhibit, which honored Vivienne Westwood’s legendary pieces and overall contribution to the world of fashion. The exhibit showcased footage of Westwood’s 1988 Paris runway show, the iconic “Rocking Horse” platform-heel shoes, the Pirate (1981) and the Time Machine (1988) collection as well as several other iconic artifacts.
The “Vivienne Westwood: 1980-89” exhibit will be available to attend until April 2nd. So please stop by the museum to experience this wonderful display of the works of the vibrant, ground breaking and original artist, Ms. Vivienne Westwood.
Posted by Sherese Durrah @sheresetyff
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