Source: WENN

Fantasia is in the news again.

Since 2009, Tasia Mae has been having some serious trouble with one of her North Carolina homes.  The mansion was originally in foreclosure (if you’ll recall, she was seemingly having a lot of tax problems then) but with the help of her lawyers, Fantasia was able to stop that. Last year, she put the house on the market and drastically decreased the price but has had no buyers. But it seems, Fantasia has decided enough is enough with this home.

According to TMZ, she filed court papers to turn the deed over to the primary bank. By doing this, she’ll skip going through a second foreclosure and effectively, just lose the home to the bank.  The “good” part about this is that by purposely losing the home, she saves herself the blog chat of her not being able to handle her finances properly again.

It looks like Fanny is in a pretty good place right now. Her new album Side Effects of You will do very well on the charts, she’s doing promo and shows everywhere and lest we forget, Fantasia is looking better than ever lately.  As many of us can attest, when you feel good, you make better decisions in life.

See, I bet you thought this little piece was going to be “reading” Fantasia.  Not this time! Those things only happen when she, or anyone else, is completely out of order. Like everyone else, we want the best for Fantasia as long as she wants it for herself!

By the way, have you heard the new album?

via Access Charlotte homepage

Charlotte has a new group aiming to bring together the city’s local minority business leaders: Access Charlotte. The organization’s website says, “It is a transformative organization facilitating access to some of the most accomplished, talented, respected and well-known business people in the region. These are business leaders who are personally committed to building a pipeline of the region’s next generation of senior level executives.”

The group counts among its leaders Bridget-Anne Hampden, the Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Office of Federal Student Aid for the U.S. Department of Education; Claudette Hampton, Tree.com’s SVP of human resources and administration; and Debra Plousha-Moore, chief HR officer and EVP at Carolinas HealthCare System.

The Charlotte Observer recently attended an Access Charlotte event in which Brett Carter, chief distribution officer and SVP for Duke Energy (one of the group’s partners) and Michael Jones, chief merchandising officer for Lowe’s Home Improvement talked about career advancement. The thinking behind the group: “Why not work collectively, they thought, to provide access to information, advice and business relationships?” the story says.

Besides providing opportunities for regional black business leaders to better get to know one another, the group strives to “build economic power and wealth within the black community,” but to also keep these talented and high-ranking executives in Charlotte.

We’ve been hearing about how Charlotte is becoming more and more of a business mecca. Anyone in the Charlotte area care to talk about the business climate in that area? The comments section is open.

Robbin King is the mother of 26-year-old First Lieutenant Drexel Rashawn King, a Raleigh, NC, native and Marine who is currently based at Camp Pendleton as an Infantry Officer. Mrs. King, who has been an administrative assistant at Ravenscroft School for 10 years – and followed both of her children there – talked to Madame Noire about what it’s like being the mother of a marine, the values her son has learned through his service to the United States of America, and her advice for other parents of children who are in the service or considering joining.

What is it like being the mother of a marine?

In my case, I’ve learned to adapt and I know what to expect because when [marines] sign on, they sign on to serve our country. So with that concept in mind, it’s not a lot for me to really think about. I have to do a lot of praying because once you sign on, you’re completely committed to the cause and I understand that.

How did you instill the importance of education in your son?

Education is a very valuable tool that allows you to do a lot of things. I had to put myself through college and pay for it myself so doing anything else was unacceptable. Education was [Rashawn’s] only focus and we ingrained in him that if he went to school and got a good education, everything else would fall into place. That was his mission.

Whenever my son comes back home, one of his main objectives is to come back and talk with the children [at his former grade school] and his main topic is education. He goes around and speaks to several classrooms and his number one priority is to tell kids to get a good education and respect their parents. When kids look at Rashawn and see what he’s done with his life it encourages them and they actually start making better grades so it serves a great purpose.

When did you first recognize leadership qualities in your son?

From the day he was born. It may sound funny, but it’s the truth. When he was born he was the only little boy in the hospital who had neck control and who was looking all around and all the nurses talked about that every day. I knew then that he was going to be an alright child.

How has being a Marine strengthened these qualities?

I, personally, would encourage anyone to send their child to the marines because it’s a great foundation. They teach you fundamentals you need to know in order to survive. It’s basic survival; and they reiterated what me and my husband had been teaching my son all along. You have to train a child and you have to be there for that child and you have to be there to go through it with your child. Your child has to know that you are there with them.

What are you most proud of when it comes to Rashawn?

I am proud that my son has two beautiful sons of his own that he is raising and will watch turn into young men.

What will Rashawn teach your grandsons about education?

This is one of those things that’s not debatable. [One of his sons is] already being tutored by his wife and I pick up curriculum for him and he’s only 2. But, you train up a child in the way you would want them to go and teach them those values that would stay with them all their life. So, education is going to be extremely important for his son, and as a grandmother, I’m going to do as much as I can to help out however they need it.

What advice do you have for other Marine parents?

First of all, you have to know you want to be a marine. And once you know you want to be a marine, you have to be disciplined. As a parent, if I know that’s what my child wants, then I am going to support my child unconditionally and I am going to have to prepare myself for war. No matter where he is, I have to be there for him.

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From Eurthisnthat

There is no rhyme nor reason to crimes of passion.  Arguments could remain just heated arguments if guns weren’t added to the mix of emotional ambrosia between the heated parties.  But, having a gun available gives the incident the potential to end in tragedy.

Sandra Palmer, 47, of Greensboro, North Carolina, applied for a gun permit December 11, and picked it up December 20. Not even a month later, she would kill her son and herself. According to Greensboro’s Fox 8 report, authorities said an argument erupted between Palmer and her family in the early morning hours last Monday, January 7, at the Robyn’s Glen Townhomes where they had been renting a home for the past year.

Read more at Eurthisnthat.com.

Source: Global Grind

With all the dramatic rumors flying around about Fantasia and her money, her man and her career in general, it’s nice to see the new mommy (who gave birth in December) all smiles and showing off her post-baby curve-a-licious body. Homegirl gave her own short locks a break and was seen at a recent event in North Carolina with long, flowing extensions with some really cute bangs. She also showed up in this multi-colored dress with slits in the arms and pink, strappy stilettos. She, like Bey, is embracing her added curves since giving birth, and it’s nice to see her looking in good spirits. For a minute there, we were getting worried about the direction of things in Fanny’s life (and we still are a little), what with Antwaun Cook allegedly wanting to go back to his ex and the singer having to sell her home for a lot less than she paid, but we’ll continue to hope for the best. Make that money, honey and hurry up and put out a new album! “I’m Doin’ Me” was the jam…

What do you think of her new look?

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That bad service you received last time you dined out may not have been an optical illusion. A new survey of waiters in North Carolina revealed that nearly two-fifths of the respondents admitted to treating customers differently based on their race. About 53 percent of servers reported seeing other servers discriminate against African American customers by giving them poor service at least some of the time, and as much as 90 percent of the respondents also said they engaged in or overheard racially-charged conversations among co-workers.

A total of 200 servers at 18 full-service chain restaurants in the state were surveyed; 86 percent of the respondents were white. Among the 38.5 percent of servers who reported providing inferior service to African-American customers, many expressed views that African American customers are impolite and/or poor tippers, and suggested that black patrons, especially, are likely targets of servers’ self-professed discriminatory actions.

Sarah Rusche, a PhD candidate in sociology at NC State and co-author of a paper, says “tableside racism is yet another example in which African Americans are stereotyped and subsequently treated poorly in everyday situations.” I’ve been on both sides of the coin. Sometimes I’ve been out with people who didn’t see the responsibility to properly tip servers or who were very rude for no reason, but I’ve also been on the side of not receiving the service I deserve from the get-go and reflecting that in a server’s tip.

What do you think? Are black folks genuinely bad tippers or is this an unfair stereotype?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Fantasia’s house is on the market. Though she purchased her North Carolina mansion for $1.3 million in 2007, TMZ is reporting that the American Idol winner is selling the home for $800k, taking a $500,000 lose if it actually sells for her asking price. Living in this Charlotte home hasn’t been without its struggles; in 2009, Fantasia nearly lost the property due to foreclosure. She was able to save it at the last minute.

We hope that she’s selling the home because she truly wants to move on and is not in any type of financial trouble. Either way, selling it is better than losing it. We wish Fanny the best of luck.

Source: TMZ.com

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Source:NewsOne

The thought most certainly does not count when it comes to the “Justice” party a promoter in Greensboro, NC, tried to throw at a strip club in memory of Trayvon Martin. Luckily the owners of the Lingerie Lounge shut the event down before it could take place tonight, but unfortunately the stupidity of the idea still lingers.

Featuring a photo of Trayvon, as a promotion, the flier offered “EVERYONE FREE B4 11 WITH AN EMPTY BAG OF SKITTLES.” As News One notes, there was no mention that proceeds from the event would go to Trayvon Martin’s family as they prepare for a legal battle over the case, but I’m not even sure that matters at this point. Even if the event were to raise money for them, I’d still be asking why no one thought this could be done a better way. And since that isn’t the case at all, I’m just wondering why promoters keep thinking these opportunistic and shameful party plugs are a good idea?

It’s bad enough they’re already exploiting women at the strip club, don’t try to bring the memory of someone’s tragic death into the picture for the sake of a couple dollars. This is far worse than the MLK Stripper Party Flier that a Miami promoter was slammed for earlier this year. We’re still grieving over the murder of this boy. I’m surprised they didn’t add a “best hoodie” competition to the lineup, although maybe the promise of free chicken wings before 10:30 was all they good afford to give away. I hope somebody exposes the designer behind this.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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A “defiant” North Carolina woman was recently tasered in front of her 3-year-old daughter for refusing to leave a McDonald’s drive-thru line.

Evangeline Lucca, 37, reportedly cut the line and was refused service by McDonald’s employees who told her she had to wait in line like everyone else. Police arrived on the scene after the woman held up the drive-thru line for 20 minutes, refusing to leave unless she was served. Anthony Rich, a customer who was in the parking lot at the time, told the Fay Observer:

“Two or three officers entered the car with her and started trying to forcibly drag her out of the car, and that’s when you could hear the clicking sound of the taser one time. They pulled on her a couple of times, and then they tased her again, and when they tased her the second time, she just flopped out of the car like a fish.”

Debbie Tanna, a public information officer for the Cumberland County Sherriff’s Office, said that Evangeline “would not get off McDonalds property,” and was “threatening the deputies,” when they arrived. According to her, the woman was “drive tased in her side,” meaning officers didn’t deploy the prongs from the taser, they just gave her an electric shock.

Evangeline was charged with second-degree trespassing for the hold-up, and is reportedly in custody until she pays her bond. Her daughter was unfortunately taken into protective custody.

Do you think Evangeline Lucca should have been tasered in this situation? How do you feel about police using tasers overall?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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In 2002, the state of North Carolina issued a formal apology to victims of its 50-year-long practice of involuntary sterilization. Now, 10 years later, payday may finally be coming for these women.

A task force voted today to pay $50,000 in compensation to verified, living victims of the horrible practice, including those who may pass away before legislators are able to pass the law. So far, 72 of the estimated 1,500 to 2,000 living victims have been verified—bringing the total compensation amount to about $100 million. Survivors will have three years to apply for payments from the time a measure approving them goes into effect.

“We have repeatedly acknowledged and stated as a task force that no amount of money can adequately pay for the harm done to these citizens,” says panel chairwoman Laura Gerald. “We are not attempting through our work to place a value on anyone’s life. However, we are attempting to achieve a level of financial compensation and other services that can provide meaningful assistance to survivors.

“Compensation also serves a collective purpose for the state and sends a clear message that we in North Carolina are people who pay for our mistakes and that we do not tolerate bureaucracies that trample on basic human rights.”

Previously, the panel was debating on an amount somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000 which victims argued was too low. Now, sufferers are just grateful to see an end in sight.

“I just want it to be over,” says 57-year-old Elaine Riddick, who was sterilized at 13 after she was raped and gave birth to a son. “You can’t change anything. You just let go and let God.”

Republican House Speaker Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County says the state should agree next year to pay victims and wants to form a legislative committee to work out details so something can be voted upon during the Legislature’s budget-adjusting session in May. We’re crossing our fingers that this gets passed.

Do you think $50,000 is appropriate compensation for these women?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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