Hollywood has become so large and diverse that we oftentimes take for granted the fact that some of our favorite men were not made, born, or even bred in the US. Many come from England, others from Africa, some from the Caribbean, others from Continental Europe and still some from neighboring Canada. So let’s pause and take a closer look at some of the international fellas who are doing their thing all over the world. And really, when you get right down to it, what’s not to love about hot accents, exotic homelands, and multilingual abilities? I know, nothing. Click through!

Source: WENN

Idris Elba

Born Idrissa Akuna Elba in the East Ham district of London, England, Idris Elba is the son of a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother. Taught to work hard, Elba mastered the art of DJ’ing while working for an uncle’s wedding DJ business, then working for himself on the London nightclub circuit. For a time, Elba followed in his father’s footsteps and took a job as a factory worker in an East London suburb. But Elba’s passion for music and, eventually, theater just wouldn’t quit, and by the mid 90’s he landed his first role on British TV. Since then, Elba has enjoyed massive success in British and American television, movies, and music, to all of our delight. We just love this fine, and somehow still single, man!

Image: Hemera

-So maybe the economy is doing as poorly as we thought? It’s an emotional roller coaster! Now The Washington Post is saying there are indications that things are moving in a lasting, positive direction. New homes are being built and sold at a higher clip. Those jobs numbers improved with yesterday’s Labor Department numbers showing 361,000 fewer people filing for unemployment insurance. And U.S. exports were up. Experts question whether this will make a difference in the Presidential election.

-We talked about some of the trends in retail in this story yesterday. Today we have a story from The New York Times outlining the ways in which personalized shopping is heading to the supermarket as well. Grocers, using data collected on loyalty cards and apps, are reaching out to customers in a variety of ways with personalized coupons and offers.

-The Census Bureau has proposed an end of the use of the term Negro, leaving black and African American. The suggestion is one of a few that the Bureau has made following research it conducted during the 2010 census in which some questions, when worded differently, got better response rates. The other suggestions include a separate category for “Hispanic” and different ways of identifying Arab-Americans. Hispanics are concerned that changes will short-change the count. But other groups, including the National Urban League, are in support of the rewording.

-Couldn’t get an invite to join Pinterest? Now you don’t need one. And here’s our story with a few pointers for using Pinterest to grow your business and your personal brand.

-And in the final Olympics update of this year’s Games, Usain Bolt won gold in the 200-meter race, becoming the first to ever defend both the 100-meter and 200-meter titles in back-to-back Games. For many, the win earns him the title of “best sprinter in history.” He’s also competing in the 4X100 relay competition. Separately, Bolt took issues with comments US Olympian Carl Lewis has made, suggesting that Jamaica’s drug testing program needs to be strengthened.

Ashton Eaton became “the best athlete in the world” with his gold-medal win in the decathalon. Another American Trey Hardee took silver, the first time the U.S. took the top two spots since 1956.

And the U.S. women’s soccer team took gold for the third straight time, beating Japan. The game was a rematch of the 2011 World Cup in which Japan was the victor.

Source: allvoices.com

Don’t front. Who else was getting tired of watching swimming? When I heard the first announcement that track and field would be getting started, I had to fan myself at the thought of all the gorgeous men in super tight spandex, all sweaty with thighs that could crush a watermelon. Whew! There isn’t just one cutie that catches my eye, so I thought I’d share a few sho have been all over my TV and have kept me tuned in to the Olympics day in and day out. Delicious much? You decide and let me know who you’re feeling or who you would add to the list?

Cedella Marley, daughter of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley and his wife Rita, is teaming up with Puma to design the track uniforms for Jamaica. Madame Noire asked the CEO of Tuff Gong International, her clothing company, what this opportunity meant to her and living up to the family legacy.

When did you realize you had designing abilities?
My background in fashion design is purely by accident.  Touring with my family as part of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, I wanted everyone to stand out.  We had the name and we had the music but I also knew we needed to bring something different to reggae. So I started to deconstruct different pieces and refashion them into outfits we’d wear on stage and for promotional appearances. I realized I had a knack for it and ultimately a passion.

How would you describe your own personal style?
I love lines, angles and texture. The feel of vintage and modern fabrics blended….bringing together the old and the new while protecting Mother earth. I’d have to say two of my muses have been Grace Jones and Dad.

You approached PUMA and asked why they hadn’t requested that you design Team Jamaica’s track suits. Did you think you would get a response so quickly?
When PUMA approached me to design the Olympic wear I didn’t believe it. It’s not even a dream come true because I never dreamt of it. Maybe doing a couple of t-shirts, that’s easy.  The entire collection for the Olympic team, including Usain Bolt, that’s incredible!   It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m extremely grateful.

What does the opportunity to design the track and field kit for Jamaica?
There is a very deep pride in being a Jamaican….and being the one who designs the uniforms only deepens that pride.  Having this new relationship with PUMA for the 2012 Olympics on behalf of the Jamaican Track and Field team is amazing.  We break records– both the Marleys and Bolt.  Marley & Bolt, it’s like legendary PUMA.

What does the success of the track team, Usain Bolt specifically, mean for you personally and Jamaica at large?
I remember last Olympics watching the Jamaican team walk out and feeling very proud.  I think this time around we are going to stand out a little bit more and everyone is going to be watching.

Do you feel any pressure to live up to your family’s legacy?
It’s a lot of responsibility…but I have always been a Marley and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

How do you balance your family, career and all your other projects?
I work out of my studio in my home in Miami. It’s my sanctuary and also a source of creative inspiration. I designed every bit of that house, so it feels like an extension of me. It’s where my best work happens.  I have a small staff, so I’m very much hands-on in this entire process.  I’m surrounded by my family, which inspires me.

What’s next for you?
It’s not in my nature to plateau or stop moving. I love the challenge of new projects. I get my energy from new opportunities and I’m always open to them.