BEYOND THA BASICS: February 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Jennifer Hudson on Oprah

"On Friday's live episode of of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the singer said that she's happy to return to performing, and that singing at huge events such as the Super Bowl is "like therapy" for her. "[I'm] in a very good place," the Oscar- and Grammy-winner, 27, told Winfrey. The highlight of Hudson's Grammy night on Feb. 8? Being handed her statuette by Whitney Houston, she says: "[That] almost surpassed" winning the award for best R&B album itself".

Full Story: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20262052,00.html

New Fad: Buy a Island

"Tyler Perry can soon add yet another feat to his list of accomplishments: island owner! When the movie mogul turns the big 4-0 this September, he plans to join the ranks of David Copperfield and Mel Gibson with the purchase of the ultimate getaway. "I'm a loner by nature, so when I'm out there on these islands, I just feel like the only person in the world," says Perry, whose latest film, Madea Goes to Jail, grossed a whopping $41 million its opening weekend".

Full Story: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20261471,00.html

Ca-Ching! Kimora Lee Simmons Child Support Settlement

" Life in the fab lane just got a little more fab for Kimora Lee Simmons.
The 33-year-old ex-wife of Russell Simmons will receive $40,000 a month in child support from the hip-hop mogul, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled Thursday.
Kimora, who stars in the reality show "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane," will have sole custody of their two daughters - 9-year-old Ming and 6-year-old Aoki. "

Full Story:http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/02/26/2009-02-26_fabulous_40000_payday_for_kimora_lee_sim.html

Update* Chris Brown & Rihanna

"Chris Brown will reportedly plead self-defense in his assault case.
The 19-year-old singer was arrested earlier this month after an alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna, which reportedly left her with two "huge contusions" on both sides of her forehead, a bloody lip and bloody nose".

RIHANNA is reluctant to press charges over her alleged beating at the hands of ex boyfriend CHRIS BROWN, according to U.S. reports.Brown was arrested and charged with making criminal threats following an alleged attack on the Umbrella hitmaker after a pre-Grammys party on 8 February (09). He was freed on bail following the incident. He is due in court in Los Angeles on 5 March (09) for an arraignment hearing. Police are still gathering evidence on the case but Rihanna has so far not come forward to press charges against her ex lover, according to In Touch magazine. A spokesman for Los Angeles district attorney's office tells the publication, "We do not have enough evidence and there have been no charges filed on the Chris Brown case." But the spokesman is adamant they will seek justice - even if Rihanna doesn't appear in court to testify. The spokesman adds, "If the state gathers up enough evidence, we will press charges with or without her testifying. It is not up to the victim. She will not have to show up during the arraignment."

Sources: http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/rihanna%20has%20not%20pressed%20charges%20against%20brown_1096332

http://www.showbizspy.com/article/182522/chris-brown-to-claim-self-defense-in-rihanna-assault-case

We See You Beyonce!

When asked who is the real Beyonce, she tells the magazine: “I’m a daughter, I’m a friend, I’m a wife, I’m a sister. All those things first. I’m artist. I’m a businesswoman. I’m multifaceted. I’m a lover. I’m inspired by love. I make decisions from the heart.”

Asked to describe herself as a wife: “I don’t know how to talk about it because I don’t like to talk about it. But I have a great example of a great wife, and that’s my mother. And I have great friends around me that have been married, so I’m lucky to have really good examples. And a great husband.”

She says they are just like any other couple. She is learning to cook and he’s getting over his single-guy habits.

One thing she does to get on his nerve: “I’m a little messy. Oh, yeah. Whenever I’m out in public, I have to be put together. When I get home, I rebel against it and I don’t want to take care of anything. I drop it. I’m relaxed. I don’t have any shoes on. No makeup. My purse is in the kitchen. I think that is most difficult thing for him. He’s very, very organized. I’m extremely organized when I’m working, and I work so much that when I get home I don’t want to think about anything.”

As what Jay-Z does that get on her nerves: She laughs, “I won’t say.”More pics and quotes when you read the rest…

Source: theybf.com

Thursday, February 26, 2009

22nd Season for the Simpsons!

E! News reports: "Here's some news that's sure to make yellow-hued fans tickled pink: Fox has renewed The Simpsons for two more historic and satiric seasons, bringing its overall total to a record-breaking 22.

Michael Jordon Moves in with Girlfriend

According to a media outlet, Michael Jordan and his Cuban model girlfriend Yvette Prieto have bought a new home together. They took out a 30 year mortgage
on a modest home in Miami......

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Fashion: Diana Von Fustenberg

Diane von Furstenberg
Butterfly print silk jersey
$365

Fashion: Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti
Chainmail cuff sandals
$795

Legal woes for Lil Wayne..

Lil Wayne was leaving a Manhattan criminal court this morning after appearing before the judge thanks to those recent gun charges. His trial is set for April 20th.

Anger Managment....Like we didn't see this coming

In an attempt to rebuild his public image, Chris is attending anger managment classes. Even though I know its a PR move I hope he is able to get something out of the classes.

Monday, February 23, 2009

So the Oscars was last night....

After the show its the afterparty.....

Will & Jada attended the annual Vanty Fair Gala

Tariji didn't win but she is still our favorite!

Halle & Gabriel

Alicia, Vanessa & Halle

Robert DiNero

Tyler & Taye

Rosario Dawson

Slumdog Cast

BET Rip the Runway....

Tocarra strutted down the runway in all of her fabulousness

Joy Bryant & Derek Luke were the host

This year featured plus size models, that were really plus size!

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Infamous Rihanna Photo

No words....

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

RACIST????? New York Post Cartoon

So the New York Post decided that this cartoon was funny. But our boy Al Sharpton is already on the case screaming racism.....What do you think???

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

In case you care.....

I mean do we really care if Christina Milan is dating the Dream??

Pics:theybf.com

Coupled Up: Valentine Edition

Rumored New Couple Larry Johnson & Chilli

John Mayer & Jennifer Aniston

So its Fashion Week in NY

Kanye & Bentley

Kanye's rumored new jump off

Fierce!..Mr. Talley

Kim & Reggie

Solange

Tyrese

Finance Tips by G. Hogan

Don’t Lose Your Home; It’s one of the MOST Important Assets you can OWN
1. Do NOT Ignore the PROBLEM: Contact your lender IMMEDIATELY
2. PRIORITIZE your Debts:
Is your LUXUXRY CAR more important than your home?
Down Grade your CAR! Instead of having a $700 car note, TRADE and get something with a $350 car note! You can always get that STATUS QUO car back LATER!
3. Have you thought about taking a SECOND JOB?
Let the PRIDE GO! A few extra dollars a month can help you save your HOME!
IT”S ALL ABOUT SACRAFICE! This will all blow over soon!

Speak with a HUD Approved Counselor
HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Call – 1-800-569-4287 or click link below to search for counselors in your state:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm.

Credit: When was the last time you checked your credit? Did you know you can do it for FREE?
Most States allow you a free report from all 3 major credit agencies;
Equifax, Experian and Trans Union
Click on link below for Annual Credit Report. You will have to put in personal information, it will also ask for a credit or debit card, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED if you are in a state that allows free annual reports. You will be asked several security questions related to past employment, past addresses, past or current debts.
AnnualCreditReport.com - https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

You are also entitled to a free credit report if you are denied credit from someone. So if you apply for a credit card, car or loan and you are declined, you are entitled to a free credit report.

DON’T be surprised about your credit, know what is on there. You should check your credit at least once per year (for free), if not every six months.
You can also request a report by mail:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374

Experien
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
P.O.Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

If you are a victim of FRAUD, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file:
Lenders will be required to contact you to verify if you have applied for a loan before the loan or account is opened.
Equifax: 1-877-576-5734; http://www.equifax.com/
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com/fraud
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; http://www.transunion.com/

Your credit will allow to get almost anything you want! Buy a home, start a business

Career Advice by G. Hogan

JOB SEEKERS
Times are TOUGH, people are losing their jobs left and right.
There are many online job sites like MONSTER, CAREER BUILBER, etc. these sites have resume filters that looks for certain key words contained in your resume. Another GOOD source for Job Seekers is your State Department of Labor.
I just did a search for my state and found PLENTY of available jobs ranging from minimum wage to $50.00 per hour!
Jobs requiring little to no experience – professional jobs requiring College Degrees.
Keep an open mind, when you don’t have a job almost anything beats a BLANK. Sometime you have to START OVER and WORK your way UP AGAIN. Get your foot in the DOOR. Times and jobs are too hard to come by now in the CRAZY, UNCERYTAIN ECONOMY!

Here is the link for you to find your state office.
http://www.dol.gov/esa/contacts/state_of.htm
Once your there then you click find a job or search jobs.
Also, many state department of labor agencies have job fairs once a month. You can find that information on your states department of labor site.

Here are some other job searching websites:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html - YES, Craigs List has jobs posted on there as well.

Personal Finance by G. Hogan

Another One Bites The Dust – How this affects your 401K Another Bank goes under; MEGA Bank Wachovia acquired by CITI GROUP. Now why is this important, many employees are now BROKE since many have a large portions of their 401K in company stock. This is not a good idea whether you work for a financial institution or not. If you have most of your allocations in the company stock and the company goes under then you lose most of your hard earned retirement money. You shouldn’t have any more than 10% – 15% in your company stock. You should also review your 401k allocations at lest once a year. Most of us don’t even pay it any attention or even know what we are looking at in our 401K. If you work for a financial institution you have a many advisors at your leisure to call and ask them to review it with you. You can also ask someone in your human resources; benefits plan administrator for the company that manages your 401k and they can go over your accounts with you for FREE. If you do not participate in your 401k at all, you are losing money since most companies match a percentage of your contributions dollar for dollar. FREE Money but don’t have it all in one basket!

Credit Advice By G. Hogan

Re-Establishing Credit after a BANKRUPTCY:
No matter what the reason was for filling bankruptcy, you got a PASS and need to START OVER and re-establish your credit.
It seems like before the ink is dry credit card companies and auto dealers start sending you applications and pre-approved notices in the mail. This is NOT a Bad thing. You have to get back into managing your debt and credit responsibly and one of the ways to do it is by getting 2 new credit accounts, typically 2 credit cards or 1 credit card and one car loan. Now, the rates on some of those offers may be EXTREMLY HIGH anywhere from 18% -24%, you may even get some lower. The key is to read the FINE PRINT. These types of offers will also have an annual fee. You will have to pay a little bit more to get back in the CREDIT GAME. You may also get a low limit $200-$500, AGAIN its ok. BABY STEPS! You have to build TRUST again. Review all offers, interest rate vs. annual fees and pick the one with the lowest rate and or annual fee. If you find that you applied for 2 credit cards even though they say pre-approved for bad credit and previous bankruptcy and get DECLINED, you may have to apply for a Secured Credit Card. This is where you send the company a check say for $500, then they issue you a credit card with a $500 limit. They will hold onto your deposit until they feel that you have used and paid back the account in a responsible manner. Most companies will send back your money anywhere from 18 – 24 months.
If you decide to re-establish your credit and you should, you have to make sure you don’t fall into a lot of debt again. You should only charge small amounts, maybe for some gas, dinner, rental car, etc BUT make sure you can pay if off when your statement arrives. You want to only use about 30% of your available credit. So this means if you have a limit of $1000, you should only have a balance of $300. Banks and lenders consider this an acceptable amount of usage. You are penalized for carrying large balances on your credit cards. It HURTS your Credit Score!
As far as the car offers, if you need a car and can get a loan get one BUT make sure the finance company or any company you borrow money from, report monthly to one of, if not all the credit agencies. Stay away from BUY HERE, PAY HERE places. They typically have shotty cars, excessively high interest rates and do not report to any of the 3 major credit agencies.
If you can get 2 credit cards and use them responsibly, this can increase your credit score dramatically over the next 12 months. You will be working your way up to getting back in the GAME and will soon be able to get credit from a traditional source (like your bank) after 2 – 3 years following a bankruptcy. Remember BABY STEPS!

BEYOND THA BASICS

The Atlanta Housewives are Coming...