Source: Essence

One of the best things about celebrity crushes is that no matter what their relationship status may be, they can always stay in our hearts. Known for their bachelor titles, these A-listers are a hot commodity on and off the big screen and stage. Many of these Hollywood A-listers and singers may be off the market sometimes, but never for long, adding them as a mainstay to our Hollywood bachelor’s list.

They’ll “sexify” you for sure. Here are 15 black male celebrities who might be lifelong ‘little black book’ holders…

Source: The Is Your Conscience

Men have their radars too when it comes to women and dating. It might be embedded in their “guy code” or could be from personal experience, but when it comes to getting to know a woman, certain ‘red flags’ or warning signs alarm them of what they might be getting themselves into.

All of us have fallen for the exception to the rules and warning signs, and so have men, and the lesson and outcomes seem to be the same.

“I’ve dated women even after they’ve showed me these signs simply because there was something else about her that allowed me to look past them. But if we do end the relationship, and it ends up being because of red flags I noticed before, I end up being more disappointed in myself for not knowing better and not sticking to what I believe.”

Straight from the opinions of males (unidentified for privacy reasons), here are some red flags men take notice of while getting to know and dating a woman:

Image: Comstock

If you use the Internet as much as any millennial does, you are probably connected to family and peers using a variety of different social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter. You might not miss anything when it comes to your social network, but if you are not utilizing your social media sites to maximize your job search, you might as well go back to MySpace.

The Internet is a great tool for virtually everything (no pun intended!), from answering a question to finding a recipe, and using it to find your next job is no exception. With popular professional search sites like Career Builder, Monster and Indeed, there is no excuse for not making better use of what the Web has to offer.

If you have an account with at least one of the most popular social networking sites, you’ve made your job search that much better already. These tips will help you use your social networks to your advantage personally and professionally, maximizing your chances of landing your dream job.

Source: Glamour.com

Everyone seems to have their vices that can sidetrack their dating life, whether it’s work, the cell phone or other friends. For some men, it seems like their attention span goes to only one thing in their life at a time, which could be the distraction that strains your connection with him.

The pressures of dating a guy who is constantly distracted by the littlest, useless things (if you ask me), like video games, their cell phone, etc., could say a lot about him at that moment in his life. Take college life as a first example. Dating in college is a whole other ballgame in itself, with its own rules and playing field, but the pressure to feel like you are competing with video games, parties and constant drinking (and possibly drug use) lets off some red flags.

In college, I dated the typical guys who were sometimes just as busy and involved as I was: taking classes, working part-time for the school and heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Even though a lot of those responsibilities took up a lot of my time, I still made time to party and have downtime, just like any college student does. Dating in college when downtime for most guys consists of parties and sitting on the couch all day playing on their Playstation (oh, excuse me, Xbox) can be very trying on the relationship, especially when most of their attention and motivation goes to those “side distractions.” On a more positive note, college can definitely weed out the “real-world” weak from the strong, doing the hard work for you when it comes to dragging that relationship past undergrad and being disappointed when nothing has changed but the video games.

Once I got out into the “real-world” after college, where my career and professional growth became one of my main priorities, I thought that it would be easier to find a guy who isn’t distracted by the menial things, but instead of video games and parties, it was the cell phone and social networking that became the elephant in the room of dating. From answering the phone in the middle of a conversation to checking Twitter, texts and emails all day, the cell phone became the new “video game” in my new “grown-up” dating life. Some were too busy being distracted by every notification on their phone, that a valuable connection only seemed to happen via phone, DM or email, and personal time only occurred between the late-night hours.

From cell phones, to video games, to other friends, distractions seem to plague the dating world in some form or another, but I do not believe all is lost for the attention span of some men. With a healthy balance of work and play, I believe some distractions could be beneficial and not destructive to a relationship, like focusing on a growing career or business (better than a guy not being motivated, not working but still spending a great deal of time on those video games). As I look to find that balance, I hope to find the man who can put his distractions and “toys” aside sometimes to grow up and grow old with me.

What types of distractions are you noticing that men you date have in their lives?

Blair Bedford is a media professional and freelance writer/contributor based out of NYC.  Follow Blair B. on Twitter @BlairsPadandPen.

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En Bellebeirut.com

Let’s face it: Men have their pride and women have their drive. It’s just our own manmade law of nature (sort of like the, ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ type analogy). When the two meet at the crossroads of life (say, after college, at the beginning of your career or in-transition professionally), it can become a clash of the titans, where relationship roles are put to the test.

Whether you have a better salary than your mate or are helping him break into the job market to no avail, eventually the differences in income and growth, mixed in with a little bit of pride, becomes an issue that must be discussed to keep the relationship thriving. Not saying that you must stroke your man’s ego or take a pay-cut for his own contentment, but it might be something you need to discuss.

Could your man’s pride get in the way of being a future power couple? Here are a few signs to tell whether your man is intimated by your success (OR signs that he is intimated by his own possible success!)

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Source: Madame Noire

Want to look good for your next date, but not looking to splurge for your look? Looking the part for a date should be effortlessly chic, but not rob your pockets. Looking good for your next date night doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Do your research, prepare ahead of time and save some money to look just as good on a budget!

Here is how you can do it!

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Crystal Barnes of Nielsen

MEET Crystal Barnes. After eight years of working her way up in the media company Nielsen, the global leader in measuring what consumers buy and watch, she is now the Vice President of Industry Relations for the worldwide marketing company. Barnes began with the company as a part of its Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), and from there, went on to working in multicultural outreach and public affairs before landing her VP position in Industry Relations, which focuses on the diverse, demanding and connected consumer.

As a mother, wife and executive at the world’s leading media information company, Barnes knows that the fuel that keeps her going is her sense of responsibility to play an active and leadership role in promoting diversity. Remembering her path to success and acknowledging her passion is the name of her game.

Madame Noire: You were just promoted to Vice President of Industry Relations at Nielsen, just spotlighted in Ad Age’s People On the Move and also spotlighted on Crain’s NY Executive Moves. What is the role you play in your company and how is that role important not just for Nielsen, but for any company?

Crystal Barnes: In my current role, I’m responsible for developing strategic alliances with industry and business associations within the global business community. That means expanding the reach of Nielsen’s thought leadership efforts across the media and consumer industries.  The data, insights and analysis that we provide to our clients and stakeholders helps them make informed decisions around their content, brands, products and services.  Industry Relations is a major lifeline by which our key messages are shared and disseminated to the business community. As the industry rapidly evolves, it is imperative that we maintain open and active communication channels with our clients, industry influencers and consumers.  Listening to and connecting the dots between these constituents is a business imperative for most companies.

MN: You began your career with Nielsen in 2004 as a part of the company’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and have been working your way up in the company ever since. What is it about the field of marketing and media information and the company that made you continue your career with Nielsen?

CB: Nielsen’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) focuses on developing diverse talent and leadership throughout the company by exposing participants to various industries and expertise. The idea of rotating through multiple departments and gaining a cross-section of experiences was fascinating to me.  Post program, I continued to expand my expertise through multiple positions on what I call a “permanent life rotation.”  As a marketer, there is no such thing as knowing too much. With these experiences came leadership growth and competency mastery.  Working in an environment that encourages curiosity and rewards a degree of risk is empowering.

MN: Prior to joining Nielsen, what was your professional background and experience?

CB: Prior to joining Nielsen, I worked at WHP, a CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Comcast SportsNet in Bethesda, MD. I received my Bachelor’s degree at Temple University (Philadelphia PA) with a major in Broadcast Telecommunications and Mass Media and a minor in Business.

MN: A lot of your responsibilities throughout your years at Nielsen focused on community affairs, civic and social service partnerships and commitments to diversity within the company. Why is that a passion of yours, and how important is it for a company to make these responsibilities important?

CB: Some of my best years at Nielsen were dedicated to community and public affairs. It’s simply a passion of mine. To be placed in a position to help educate our communities on the benefits of your company’s expertise is an honor. We as individuals wear many hats; however, at the end of the day, we are all consumers. The power in Nielsen’s message lies in the consumer’s ability for her voice to be heard through the insights and analysis that we provide to our clients. Educating communities on how to exercise their power is an import message to deliver.

http://www.clutchmagonline.com

I did not learn to enjoy my own company until I relocated to start my career. Moving from my home state to one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the world with little to no friends or acquaintances or family, loneliness began to set in. After almost a year stuck in the same bubble of insecurity and isolation, I begin to search for ways to adapt to my new lifestyle. Learning to accept the fact that I have more time to myself than I was used to back in my hometown, I began to enjoy everyday things solo, like going out to try a new restaurant or coming home to an empty apartment. Just because I was alone, didn’t necessarily mean I had to feel lonely.

There’s a certain type of self-assurance when it comes to doing (and enjoying) things alone. It comes along with time, self-confidence and being aware of what you need as a person, and primarily, as a woman. Some of us need alone time to escape the stresses of the day. Others might need their alone time to do something selfish every once in a while. Whatever the case may be, being alone should not automatically mean feeling lonely; it is the perfect time to put your guard down and enjoy the most important person in your life: yourself.

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Kezia M. Williams of Capital Cause

During a time when many might doubt the motivation and engagement of young people in philanthropy, Kezia M. Williams of Washington D.C. based non-profit organization Capital Cause is putting that stereotype to the test. As a part of the upward and well-mobilized millennial generation herself, Williams is changing the landscape of how young adults give back, meeting them where they are through popular social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.

Williams’ commitment and dedication to summoning a whole generation of future philanthropists to use their resources as a way to give back is revamping the landscape and stereotypes of service to the community. Williams and her team at Capital Cause are making philanthropy young and popular again for a whole new generation looking to find a fresh way to change the world.

Madame Noire: Capital Cause will be hosting their premier event, The Young Philanthropists Industry Brunch, in Washington D.C. June 30^th. How did the event do last year, and what is your overall goal for the brunch this year, themed after poverty to raise awareness and money for the national and global issue?

Kezia M. Williams: Capital Cause is elated to be able to host the 2^nd Annual Young Philanthropists Industry Brunch this year.  Last year’s event attracted 250 young philanthropists, trailblazers and changemakers who were interested in connecting with senior level leaders in their industry over brunch.  Guests at the 2011 brunch included industry representatives from Booz | Allen | Hamilton, the White House, Politico, and the Washingtonian to name a few.  Attendees at the brunch selected two nonprofits doing work to reduce the educational disparity gap as beneficiaries of two grants.  This year we plan to follow the same format; however we will increase the giving component and award three grants instead of two.

Annually, we ask our Young Philanthropist members to choose the cause that Capital Cause will donate its gifts of time and money to for the duration of the fiscal year.  Last year, our members choose education and collectively worked to award five grants and donate 400 hours to local nonprofits.  This fiscal year, in under six months, our Young Philanthropists members have donated $25,000, awarded five grants and contributed 3300 service hours to help end poverty, hunger and homelessness in the Nation’s Capital.

MN: What misconceptions have you received from others by working with millennials (for example, they are lazy, not motivated, do not care about the community, etc.), and how do you combat that as an organization?

KW: Capital Cause has witnessed our members deconstruct the myth that young people don’t care about philanthropy or giving back.  They have proven this by demonstrating the power of small gifts by coordinating low-dollar, high-grossing giving campaigns, deconstructing the myth that only large donations and large donors count.  They have demanded that Capital Cause plan more service events that show high and measurable impact in communities, deconstructing the myth that young people want less and give less time. Though we’ve only supported the DC Metropolitan Area, we believe their desires are representative of a larger millennial group that has been misrepresented and ill-defined when it comes to philanthropy.  Young people aren’t disinterested in service; they are disinterested in participating in outdated service-based activities that don’t consider millennial interests.

http://cocoafit.wordpress.com/

Meeting someone at the club isn’t a foreign concept to most, but going out to the club scene with your significant other is a completely different experience. When it’s someone you care about, the stakes could be higher at the club as opposed to just going out with friends. Going clubbing as a couple could be different and unusual for that type of atmosphere, but it could also be another way to bring you and your man closer as friends and lovers as well.

Maintain your relationship while having fun at the club with these five cautionary tips and pieces of advice to avoid all the drama.

Control Your Expectations

Before the night even begins, you should try to control what your mind (and possibly your insecurities) is saying to you. Are you nervous about him dancing with another woman? Do you feel that the club might not be the best place to take your relationship? If you have questions, address them with your mate. It is understandable to have doubts and preconceived notions about being at the club with him (remember your clubbing days with your girls? (Wild.), but make sure they are not stemming from your own insecurities. The experience is about just having fun, not about confirming some deep-seeded thoughts you might have about your relationship, or testing the waters of it. Expect to just have fun at the club with the man you love, and put the other situations aside until they arise.

Bring Mutual Friends

What is the club without your friends? You know, the women you kicked it with in college at the house parties, tore up every dance floor with and worked together to scope out the hottest guys in the building? Bring them along for the fun with you and your man, and invite his friends (the ones who encourage, not hinder, the relationship) to come along too. It’s a great way to mingle together so no one is bored or feels left out, and also to bring both parties closer, making them familiar with each other.

Trust Each Other With Other People

Clubbing can be very fun, especially when you are out single and ready to mingle. In a relationship, other women and men can try your patience and your trust. If you are in a meaningful relationship, the trust should already be established, and going to the club together could be the ultimate test. Have trust in your mate with dealing with other people at the club, whether it is a single woman or a man who is pushing his limits. The club is no safe haven for relationships, so take heed of those who might approach him just because you’re with him. You don’t have to cling onto him the whole time to let the ladies know, he should already make you feel secure, so give him the benefit of the doubt. You know your own boundaries, so if dancing with another woman is off limits, he should already know. Remember that trust goes both ways as well, so taking a drink from another man (even if it’s paid for) might not be a good look on your part.

Have Fun

When in a meaningful relationship, it can sometimes be difficult to pry yourself away from the thought of being a girlfriend to just being a friend to your mate. While in a club setting, remember to just have fun with your significant other and not make it about the relationship. A date is a place for exploring and deepening your relationship, not the nightclub. The club atmosphere can enhance the reasons why you love your man in the first place, maybe because he’s fun or friendly or even is a great dancer. Whatever it may be, enjoying yourself apart from being all mushy and loving as a couple could revitalize your relationship, and even build your friendship.

Don’t Leave the Sexiness At Home

At the club when you’re single, you feel desirable, hot and wanted by every man in the room. Just because you have the one you want doesn’t mean you have to put those feelings to the side. Grab those feelings you had at the club when it was just you and your girls and use it to have fun with your man. You two might have the days where sweatpants, satin caps and sneakers are the attire, but for this occasion, get your best dress and heels out, throw a little make-up on and get sexay for him. It’s a great way to let loose together and put your absolute best-looking foot forward, and a reminder to him that your sexiness hasn’t gone anywhere, and neither has his own “ladies man” appeal. An evening out at the club with your boo might end up being the start of a steamy, hot night to come!

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