Bargain Shoppers Guide

TVs, digital cameras, laptops, and other electronics gear that have been returned to a retailer or manufacturer, supposedly restored to good-as-new condition, and then re-sold at bargain prices are starting to look respectable—especially to budget-conscious shoppers. Refurbished goods (also called "reconditioned" or "remanufactured") are even being touted as "green," since they might otherwise be on their way to the landfill.

It's not just fly-by-nights selling gently used gear. Last fall, big-box retailer Target's web site began offering "pre-owned electronics," starting with seldom-discounted Apple iPods. Crutchfield.com, a reputable vendor that has been top-rated in Consumer Reports' annual Ratings of best electronics retailers, sells returned electronics from GPS to TVs at its online Outlet Store. Amazon.com, another consistently well-rated retailer, has been selling refurbished gear on its warehousedeals.com site since 2004.

Among major manufacturers offering their own refurbished electronics are:

• Apple, via its Special Deals section of its web site
• Dell, via its online Outlet store and dfsdirectsales.com, Dell's financing division
• Epson, via its online Clearance Center
• HP, via its online Business outlet
• Sony, via its online Outlet store

There's no shortage of products for these and other vendors to refurbish. Up to one in five consumer electronics items sold are returned, according to technology consulting firm Accenture, and a mere 5 percent or so of those returns are defective. More than two-thirds of electronics returned to retailers work fine.

Continue reading "Refurbished electronics: A bargain shopper's guide" »

The Terrors of Texting

Driving while texting is nothing to LOL about. From New York to England there have been reports of teens getting into serious car accidents because they keep their hands and eyes on their cell phone keys, rather than the steering wheel. And the results are too often tragic.

The practice is widespread. According to a survey by AAA and Seventeen magazine, 61 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds admit to risky driving habits and of those, 46 percent say they text while driving. Fifty-one percent of those teens say they drive while talking on their cell phones.

Some states have banned driving while texting, talking on cell phones without a hands-free device, or both, and others have banned all cell phone practices for young drivers, but the laws are often ignored by teens and appear to be loosely enforced by law enforcement officials.

Studies have shown that a person using a cell phone while driving, hands-free or not, is four times more likely to crash and, as a result, land in the hospital, and that using a cell phone while driving is as risky as driving drunk. Furthermore, inexperienced drivers are much more accident-prone when distracted, and many inexperienced teens don’t recognize the dangers cell phones pose.

And it’s not just drivers that can be distracted by texting; pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers all face risks when they let their thumbs lead the way. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the nation's emergency room doctors have reported anecdotal evidence of increasing serious and sometimes fatal injuries among teens and young adults due to accidents that resulted from texting at inappropriate times. Additionally, texting or talking have been known to result in facial injuries from tripping while using a cell phone; collision injuries involving bikers, rollerbladers and pedestrians; and walking into traffic.

Because of these injuries, the ACEP released the following common-sense safety measures to keep people out of the emergency room. When you send your loved ones back to school this year, whether they walk, ride, or drive, be sure they know these tips.

Don't text or use a cell phone while engaged in any physical activities that require sustained attention, such as when walking, biking, boating, and rollerblading. Also don’t use the phone or text during intermittent-contact sports such as baseball, football or soccer.

Never text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving or motorcycling, and use caution even when using a headset.

Avoid becoming distracted by rummaging through purses, backpacks or clothing by keeping cell phones and smart phones in easy-to-find locations, such as in phone pockets or pouches.

Ignore the call or message if it might interfere with concentrating on critical activities that require attention. Better yet, turn off the device beforehand during times when incoming calls or messages might prove to be a dangerous, embarrassing or simply annoying interference.

Make sure you're in a safe environment while texting. Don't text in precarious situations, such as while sitting alone at a bus stop at night, where you could become a robbery victim.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor Consumer Reports

DMX Arrested In Miami After Failing To Show Up For Court Hearing

DMX Arrested In Miami After Failing To Show Up For Court Hearing
It is unknown whether X will stay in Florida jail or be extradited to Arizona to face charges.



Rapper DMX was arrested outside a South Florida Wal-Mart by Miami police Thursday afternoon (August 14) in connection with a bench warrant issued earlier this week by an Arizona judge, according to TMZ.com.

The bench warrant, which authorizes the immediate on-sight arrest of the accused by any civil authority, was issued Tuesday afternoon by the Maricopa County Superior Court after the rapper failed to appear at a pretrial conference related to his pending drug case. At the time, a source close to DMX told MTV News that he didn't appear because he had checked into rehab.

The rapper's public defender, Charles Kozelka, told the gossip site that he was working out a way for DMX to surrender when the arrest occurred.

DMX (born Earl Simmons) was originally supposed to appear to defend himself against one count of marijuana possession and four counts of drug-paraphernalia possession, all relating to a raid on his Arizona home in May. The rapper is also slated to appear in court within the month to defend himself against seven counts of animal cruelty and charges that he gave an Arizona clinic fake personal identification.

In addition to the warrant, Commissioner Phemonia Miller originally raised the rapper's bond to $25,000 as a penalty for his failure to show in court on Tuesday. It is unknown whether X will continue to be held in a Miami jail or extradited to Arizona

Jay-Z: “My goal is to make a classic album this year”

Just when you think Jay-Z is finished with music, he reminds you that he can’t leave it alone. He loves it too much. If he wont admit his marriage to Beyonce, he can’t deny the fact that he’s had an on-off relationship with music. Something he once exploited for commercial gain, realizing he truly does love it, after he attempted to call it quits in 2003 with the Black Album.

I just received the latest issue of Vibe Magazine which is incredibly thick. It’s about 200 pages, maybe 100 minus the ads, but this has to be the best issue regarding anything Hip-Hop related. I don’t know when this issue hits the stands, but you guys can wait for it.

What you may not be able to wait for is any information about Jay’s upcoming album, “The Blueprint 3″. Not too many were pleased when Timberland said he was going to produce the entire album. I myself included. Thankfully Jay put that claim to rest, willing to work with anyone who provides the best beats. After all, Jay does say he wants to make this one a classic

Master P Takes On BET With New Cable Network

Hip-hop entrepreneur Percy Miller, a.k.a. Master P, is launching a family-friendly cable network, Better Black Television.

The network will provide "positive content for a black and brown culture," according to a company statement.

BBTV, set to launch in 2009, will be a general entertainment channel running a wide range of scripted, unscripted and news programming, including drama and comedy series, movies, animation, reality, politics, sports and entertainment news, children's educational and teen programming, as well as "responsible hip-hop music and videos."

BBTV advisory board members include Oscar winner Denzel Washington; Vault Load Films president Jim Finkl; NAACP executive director Vicangelo Bullock; NBA player Derek Anderson; cable industry veteran Prof. Sal Martino; hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc; entrepreneur Olatokunbo Betiku; and real estate mogul Curtis Oakes.

BBTV chairman and CEO Miller said he's had the vision for BBTV for several years. "I believe that there is a market in our community for a new diverse network that provides a new brand of superior programming that caters to all aspects of television, from reality to original programming," he said.


The new channel is taking on the black-oriented cable channel BET. Miller stressed that he has "a great relationship with BET and MTV" and that he and his son, Lil' Romeo, "will continue to do work with them and support their networks."

Production on BBTV's programs has begun in California, New York, Louisiana and Florida. The cable channel is in the process of purchasing local cable channel affiliates across the country.

BBTV's programming in the works:

* "Sunset and Vine": Video show hosted by Vyshonn Miller and Brittany Phillips that will showcase the top hip-hop and R&B acts as well as play classic videos.

* "One Shot Comedy Show": Comedy show hosted by Gary Johnson (a.k.a. G-Thing) featuring established and upcoming comedians.

* "Gee Gee the Giraffe": Children's educational show (will air Saturday morning on BBTV Kids).

* "Manage Your Money": Featuring financially successful people lending tips to promote financial literacy.

* "Close to the Starz": A behind-the-scenes show that takes the viewers up close and personal to their favorite celebrities.

* "Karma TV Show": Bilingual soap opera with an African-American and Latino cast.

* "What's Cooking TV Show": Talk show that covers wide aspects of entertainment and current events while cooking healthy, budget-conscious meals.

* "The Black List Movies": Film showcase featuring classic and contemporary movies, as well as original BBTV productions.

* "Hip-Hop Garage Show": Saturday show that will play new and upcoming music.

DJ Vlad Files Lawsuit Against Rick Ross

Just five days after an altercation between DJ Vlad and Rick Ross’ crew went down at the Ozone Awards [click to read] last Sunday in Houston, DJ Vlad has filed a $4 million dollar lawsuit against Ross, claiming the Miami emcee rapper orchestrated a brutal attack.

“Rick Ross orchestrated a brutal attack upon DJ Vlad, carried out at his direction by his accomplices, in retribution for media coverage of Rick Ross’ prior life as a correctional officer,” claims Vlad’s attorney Brian Caplan as told to MTV.

The altercation (that left DJ Vlad with seven stitches below one of his eyes, a corneal abrasion, three facial fractures and possible nerve damage) is alleged to be in reaction to Vlad’s YouTube channel. In which he recently interviewed the Clipse about Ross’ alleged former life as a C.O. [click to read] as well as an interview with incarcerated drug dealer “Freeway” Ricky Ross, where Ricky Ross disassociated himself from the rapper [click to read].
According to DJ Vlad's complaint letter that he shared with HipHopDX, Ross "lured DJ Vlad to a meeting for the purpose of obtaining retribution" during the TJs DJs/Ozone Awards weekend. Ross initially made contact with Vlad via text message on August 10th saying "Niggas will learn...trillaaa." After Vlad responded, not knowing who the text was from, Ross responded by saying "Ross...im hearing things." Ross then called Vlad and said, among other things, "I've been hearing things about me on your website...We gonna make a story...We going to see each other... We going to talk...Where are you?" Both realized they were in Houston for the Ozone Awards and arranged a meeting on the 2nd floor of the Hilton Americas - where the TJs DJs Conference was being held. Ross, accompanied by at least four others, told Vlad "We got beef," and shortly after those with Ross attacked Vlad while Ross watched.

Vlad is seeking $2 million in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages.

Nike Sportswear Berlin Store Opens

The buzz around Nike Sportswear does not seem to stop any time soon. This past Friday the Berlin 080808 store also opened its doors in the heart of Berlin Mitte. Across the street from Nort Berlin (on Muenzstrasse in the backyard is the entrance), you find the new Nike Sportswear pop-up store, which strikes with great interior design and of course special products, most of which we have presented in the last couple of months. The location is split into a store area and a gallery area. Last but not least you find Nike iD stations to design your own shoes, as well.

Jordan Heads Documentary

Once again, the last scene of the Jordan Heads Documentary is coming up. The shoot will take place at the Michael Jordan Statue in front of the United Center on August 23rd, 2008. Participants are asked to bring in their favorite Air Jordan sneaker to be held in the air. This is an attempt to capture the history and essence of the Air Jordan line. Be sure to arrive promptly at 10 a.m, shooting begins at 12 p.m.

GZA - Paper Plates 50 Cent Diss

It took awhile, but GZA is trying to start another round of back-and-forth. He released the G-Unit dis record "Paper Plate" on Friday. It's the first release from GZA's fifth solo LP, Pro Tools.

"Whipped with Cuban Linx," GZA threatens in his 100-plus-bar tirade, produced by RZA. "Cut by Liquid Swords/ Crushed by Ironman till we choke your vocal chords."

"You ever seen someone who roll with Mayweather/ Rhyme like Ricky Hatton?" asks GZA, who mocks Fif's crew with the name "Flea Unit." "Smash whatever you throw, a thousand is what I'm batting/ Got a few hooks but no jabs .../ Enough to make you vogue on that cover of GQ/ Only thing missing is the sheer blouse, homie/ You see-through."

The title "Paper Plate," according to GZA's camp, implies that 50's art is "disposable."

Source: MTV News.com

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Custom Sneaker Class - Latino Heritage Month

For Pilsen & Humboldt Park teenagers ages 14-18, a class will be held on how to customize NIKE sneakers...

For More Info:
Miguel Aguilar
Kane One Media Group
1708 S. Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 451-7212
Email: info@kane-one.com