UGG Australia and Jimmy Choo Announce a Limited Edition Collaboration @uggbootshop @ugg_boots @jimmychoosales @catchachoo @jimmychooltd

For all my ladies... I know I got a good amount of female viewers.
UGG® Australia and Jimmy Choo Announce a Limited Edition Collaboration

(New York, NY) January11, 2010 - UGG® Australia and Jimmy Choo are pleased to announce a collaboration for limited edition co-branded "UGG® & Jimmy Choo" women's sheepskin footwear products. The capsule collection will be available in store from October 2010.
The collection is based on the iconic UGG® Australia boot construction with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand. The collection encompasses 5 styles in multiple color variations and will be priced between $495-$795.
The boots will be available in an exclusive limited distribution, only at Jimmy Choo and UGG® Australia stores and a selection of prestigious department and specialty stores that carry Jimmy Choo shoes. In addition, the collaboration products will be available on the jimmychoo.com and uggaustralia.com websites.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer the Jimmy Choo and UGG customers a unique collection of boots that we believe our customers will covet. The boots are a seamless combination of luxury comfort that the UGG customer has grown to love meeting the high fashion and bold look that Jimmy Choo has perfected."

Connie X. Rishwain - President, UGG® Australia

"Other than Jimmy Choo, UGG Australia is the only other footwear I have in my wardrobe. We are delighted to have created a special capsule that captures the best of both brands - the legendary comfort of UGG with the spirit of Jimmy Choo."

Tamara Mellon - President and Founder, Jimmy Choo

Police searching for suspects in Nicaraguan diplomat's (Cesar Mercado) slaying

From Susan Candiotti, CNN

New York (CNN) -- Investigators are still looking for suspects in the apparent homicide of a Nicaraguan diplomat found with his throat slashed in his New York apartment, police said.
Two knives were involved in the death of Cesar Mercado, the consul of Nicaragua in New York, police said late Thursday.
A 12-inch steak knife was found beside the blood-filled bathroom sink, New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said. A second knife -- a 4-6 inch paring knife -- was found in the sink, Browne said.
A police spokesman said there was no evidence of robbery,

Mercado, 34, was last seen alive Wednesday.
His body was found just inside the door of a small, sixth-floor studio apartment in the Bronx on Thursday morning by a driver who had arrived to take him to the United Nations.
The door was closed, but unlocked, Browne said. The driver opened the door, saw the body, stepped out and called 911.
Mercado had deep lacerations to the neck, and stab wounds to his abdomen, Browne said.
"It appears to be a homicide," he said.
No arrests had been made late Thursday, Browne said.
A resident who lives in the apartment below Mercado's told CNN he heard "screaming and banging" from Mercado's residence Wednesday night.
Mercado had lived in the United States for eight years and had been consul the entire time, said Danilo Rosales Diaz, deputy permanent representative of Nicaragua to the United States
Rosales said Thursday that he was shocked by the news of Mercado's death.

"He was here yesterday, working yesterday," he said.

Why Def Jam Should Fire LA Reid: An Op-Ed

wow Meka!!

Why Def Jam Should Fire LA Reid: An Op-Ed

Thursday Sep 23 6:37 PM CDT posted by Meka
Much to probably Mos Def’s chagrin, Lyor “The Original Tall Israeli” Cohen is largely responsible for how and what we listen to music today. From Jay-Z all the way down to Jon Bon Jovi, because of his reign of terror runs at various music labels, most recently Warner Music Group, each time you sing your favorite song in the shower he’s probably getting a check from it.

In other words, he’s truly running this rap shit.

However, it was his tenure at Def Jam that really made him stand above the rest. After flopping about throughout during the West Coast rule of rap of the mid-nineties with horrorcore rap and other cheesy gimmicks, Lyor was instrumental in the Chicago Bulls-style winning streak Def Jam had in the later years with Roc-A-Fella, Murder Inc, Def Soul and all of their accompanying artists with his trademark asshole nature and vicious work ethic. While other labels were struggling to stay afloat, Cohen kept the Def Jam flag waving high, despite losing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit from TVT, which he ultimately ended up shelling out only about a hundred grand for.

Gully.

Then, when Def Jam was in the midst of its troubles, he bounced from the sinking ship to lead the house Bugs Bunny built. To save face, Def Jam then convinced Jay-Z to swipe the very label that made him out from under his former friends and business partners, Mark Zuckerberg-style, and named him president of the label, a vanity gimmick that I’m still sure even Def Jam isn’t sure why they did that to this day. Then, once Jay was done glorified embezzling running the label further into the ground, they hired LA Reid – a guy who once found success with Arista Records, then ran that company out of business, forcing artists such as Clipse and Big Boi to languish in musical limbo for years – to run Def Jam, and in the four years since he’s handled things he’s only been able to find success with R&B acts, much like how he did at Arista, which would not be a bad thing had Def Jam started as an R&B label, and rarely if at all finding success with the label’s newer hip hop artists, having to rely on the label’s big guns to remain relevant.

A label that was once home to artists like the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and Public Enemy now has the likes of XXL’s former “Freshman” Ace Hood and a ten-years-past-his-prime Shyne clogging up their payroll, while signing highly talented yet virtually unmarketable acts like Sheek Louch (sorry, but nobody’s going to buy a Sheek album). When someone as horribly out of place and touch like Shyne is getting multi-million dollar deals for using a criminal history to garner media buzz yet a grizzled, consistent veteran like Ghostface Killah can’t even get a proper promotional budget, somebody’s computers are not computing. Aside from a handful of rap albums doing some modicum of numbers Reid is simply not doing a good job at the house Russell and Rick built, and the sooner he leaves that label (whether amicably or, like one former EIC at this fine company who shall remain nameless, with a security escort) the better.

[Video] Jay-Z & Warren Buffett - Forbes Interview

Maxim Subscription for $2.50

Maxim Subscription for $2.50
coupon code: MAXIM

Blockbuster files Chater 11 Bankruptcy

Blockbuster Reaches Agreement on Plan to Recapitalize Balance Sheet and Substantially Reduce its Indebtedness

PRNewsWire News Releases

Released By Blockbuster Inc.

To Implement Recapitalization, Company Initiates "Pre-Arranged" Chapter 11 Proceedings

DALLAS, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Blockbuster Inc. (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB), a leading global provider of rental and retail movie and game entertainment, today announced that it has reached agreement with a group of bondholders holding approximately 80.1 percent principal amount of the Company's 11 3/4 percent senior secured notes (the "Senior Noteholders") on the material terms of a plan to recapitalize its balance sheet and put the Company in a stronger financial position as it continues to pursue its strategic plan and transform its business model. The recapitalization plan would substantially reduce the Company's indebtedness -- from nearly $1 billion currently to an estimated $100 million or less when implemented.
To implement this "pre-arranged" recapitalization, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries have filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Blockbuster's non-U.S. operations and its domestic and international franchisees, all of which are legally separate entities, were not included in the filings and are not parties to the Chapter 11 proceedings.
All of Blockbuster's U.S. operations, including its stores, DVD vending kiosks, by-mail and digital businesses, are open and serving customers in the normal course. Blockbuster is fulfilling all orders as usual, including continuing to provide access to new releases the first day they become available. Blockbuster intends to continue honoring its Rewards program, valid coupons, gift cards and other customer programs.
Blockbuster franchise locations in both the U.S. and abroad are independently owned, operated and funded, and are also continuing normal business operations. In addition, BLOCKBUSTER Express vending kiosks, owned and operated through a relationship with NCR, continue their operations in retail locations around the U.S. The Company's international operations in Canada, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom are also conducting business as usual. However, Blockbuster will no longer provide funding to support its operations in Argentina, which have experienced continued shortfalls in operating cash flow.  
Jim Keyes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "After a careful and thorough analysis, we determined that the process announced today provides the optimal path for recapitalizing our balance sheet and positioning Blockbuster for the future as we continue to transform our business model to meet the evolving preferences of our customers. The recapitalized Blockbuster will move forward better able to leverage its strong strategic position, including a well-established brand name, an exceptional library of more than 125,000 titles, and our position as the only operator that provides access across multiple delivery channels – stores, kiosks, by-mail and digital. This variety of delivery channels provides unrivaled convenience, service, and value for our customers."
The Company has secured a commitment of $125 million in new "debtor-in-possession" (DIP) financing from the Senior Noteholders to help meet its obligations to customers, suppliers and employees in the ordinary course during the recapitalization process.
As part of the recapitalization process, the Company will evaluate its U.S. store portfolio with a view towards enhancing the overall profitability of its store operations. Currently, all 3,000 of the Company's stores in the U.S. will remain open.
Under the terms of the proposed plan of reorganization, the Company's 11 3/4 percent senior secured notes will be exchanged for the equity of a reorganized Blockbuster. The only debt expected to remain on the Company's balance sheet upon its emergence from Chapter 11 under the proposed plan will be the amounts drawn under Blockbuster's $125 million DIP financing, which will convert to an exit loan facility upon consummation of the plan, and a new exit revolving credit facility of up to $50 million. Under the proposed plan, there would be no recovery by the holders of the Company's outstanding subordinated debt, preferred stock or common stock.
Keyes said, "We are pleased to enter this process with the support of the Senior Noteholders. Their willingness to provide the DIP financing and to support a plan to eliminate a substantial amount of the Company's debt in exchange for new equity is an important vote of confidence in Blockbuster."
Additional information about the recapitalization is available at www.Blockbuster.com/recapitalization or by telephone at 877-660-6684 or 732-645-4110. General information for Blockbuster customers is available at www.Blockbuster.com or by calling 1-866-692-2789.
The Company's legal advisor is Weil, Gotshal & Manges, its financial advisor is Rothschild Inc., and its restructuring advisor is Alvarez & Marsal.
More at: Blockbuster Reaches Agreement on Plan to Recapitalize Balance

Foreclosure errors could snag other lenders #omgfacts #namesomethingawful #Mid-Autumn #shedontreallylikeyou

Crazy read from the Washingont Post:

Foreclosure errors could snag other lenders

By Ariana Eunjung Cha

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 

 

Some of the nation's largest mortgage companies used a single document processor who said he signed off on foreclosures without having read the paperwork - an admission that may open the door for homeowners across the country to challenge foreclosure proceedings.

The legal predicament compelled Ally Financial, the nation's fourth-largest home lender, to halt evictions of homeowners in 23 states this week. Now Ally officials say hundreds of other companies, including mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, may also be affected because they use Ally to service their loans.

As head of Ally's foreclosure document processing team, 41-year-old Jeffrey Stephan was required to review cases to make sure the proceedings were legally justified and the information was accurate. He was also required to sign the documents in the presence of a notary .In a sworn deposition, he testified that he did neither.
The reason may be the sheer volume of the documents he had to hand-sign: 10,000 a month. Stephan had been at that job for five years.
How the nation's foreclosure system became reliant on the tedious work of a few corporate bureaucrats is still a matter that mortgage lenders are trying to answer. While the lenders may have had legitimate cause to foreclose, the mishandling of the paperwork has given homeowners ammunition in their fight against foreclosure and has drawn the attention of state law enforcement officials.
Ally spokesman James Olecki called the problem with the documents "an important but technical defect." He said the papers were "factually accurate" but conceded that "corrective action" may have to be taken in some cases and that others may "require court intervention."
Olecki said the company services loans "from hundreds of different lenders," but he declined to provide names.
Spokesmen for Fannie and Freddie confirmed Tuesday after inquiries from The Washington Post that they use Ally, formerly called GMAC, to oversee some mortgages. The companies have launched internal reviews to assess the scope of any potential issues.
Ally, Fannie and Freddie - all troubled mortgage companies that received extraordinary bailouts by the federal government during the financial crisis - declined to say how many loans might be affected. The Treasury Department, which owns a majority stake in Ally and seized Fannie and Freddie in 2008, also declined to comment.
Fannie and Freddie, created by Congress to finance mortgages and encourage homeownership, have in recent years been repossessing houses at record numbers. Fannie alone reported recently that 450,000 of its single-family loans were seriously delinquent or in the foreclosure process as of June 30. That's nearly 5 percent of the loans it guarantees.
Lawyers defending homeowners have accused some of the nation's largest lenders of foreclosing on families without verifying all of the information in a case, but it has been hard for them to stop foreclosure proceedings.
more @ Washingont Post

Updated Gmail app in Android Market

Check out what Google Mobile site has to say:

Finally, this updated version of the Gmail app has limited support for Priority Inbox. If you’ve enabled Priority Inbox via the desktop version of Gmail, you’ll see an “Important” label that shows all messages flagged as important. You can even add a shortcut to “Important” to your home screen.

The Gmail update requires Froyo (Android version 2.2), so it’s available if you have a Nexus One, HTC EVO, Motorola Droid 2 or Motorola Droid. (Not sure if your device is running Android version 2.2? Check here.)

Get the update from Android Market (just scan the QR code below, or click here if you're on a phone) and check out the new Gmail. We’d love to hear what you think at android-apps-support@google.com.

HTC EVO 4G getting update to address Gmail and calendar issues

HAPPENING SOON!!!! HTC EVO 4G getting update to address Gmail and calendar issues
Check to see if you are ready: Settings > System Updates > HTC software update

3.29.651.5

9/22/2010

This update fixes: - Calendar event edit issues - Multiple Gmail account sync

good article: Warner Music shake up

Warner Shake-Up

[music] Diddy Ft Lil Wayne & Justin Timberlake - Shades @iamdiddy @liltunechi @jtimberlake

something different!!

Inula Racemosa

From my good friends @ Mens Fitness:

Inula Racemosa
We put this popular supplement to the test

by Lisa Freedman

Where it comes from: Inula racemosa is an herb—that grows in high mountain areas—that's often used for medicinal purposes. The root has been used for centuries in Eastern cultures to treat coughs and support a healthy cardiovascular system. It's found in many weight-loss pills in the U.S. such as LipoCut, LeptiSlim and Hydroxycut Hardcore.

What it'll do for you: "This product has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of heart disease," says Roberta Anding, RD, ADA spokesperson and sports dietitian for the Houston Texans. "There are some animal models (with albino mice and guinea pigs) suggesting that it may lower cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease." Here, a look at the key possible benefits:

* May possess anti-cancer properties
An article published this year in the journal Toxicology in Vitro suggests that inula racemosa may have some anti-cancer properties. In an ongoing study, researchers have noticed that extracts of the root may help kill certain leukemia cells. More research is certainly necessary but many experts are hopeful.

* Can lower cholesterol
A 2009 study in India monitored animals on a high-fat diet for 30 days. At the end of that time period, six animals were killed (sad!) and evaluated for fatty materials built up in the coronary artery, aorta and major organs. The remaining animals were assigned to five groups of six animals and each fed for 90 additional days—some were given diets with inula racemosa. The findings? Inula racemosa decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and increased HDL cholesterol (the good kind). The experts confirmed that the root does, in fact, possess legit cardio-protective and anti-obesity claims in traditional medicine.

* Can help treat heart disease
Two hundred patients with ischemic heart disease were studied in a setup that tested inula racemosa with another cholesterol-lowering herb, guggul. At the start, about 80 percent of the patients suffered from shortness of breath and all of them complained of chest paints. After six months of treatment with the combine roots, 25 percent of the subjects had no chest pain and only 32 percent still complained of shortness of breath.

* May stimulate weight loss
Inula Racemosa contains alantolactone, which enhances insulin sensitivity. This means, you secrete less insulin after eating and less of the meal is stored as dietary fat.

Suggested intake: Most weight-loss pills contain 20-100mg.

Associated risks/scrutiny: Weight-loss pills with inula racemosa often have about 300 mg of caffeine (equal to three cups of coffee), which can lead to over-stimulation in people who are sensitive to the drug.

As for the root on its own, no serious side effects have been reported. "Of concern, however, is the fact inula racemosa may also function as a beta blocker," warns Anding. "Beta blockers are used for those with heart failure and high blood pressure. If it is indeed an herbal beta blocker, you wouldn't want to take this herb with a beta blocker that's prescribed by your doctor." With that in mind, always talk to your doctor before you begin taking herbal supplements or weight-loss pills.