Great Careers with Long Vacations

Compared with workers in other countries, Americans work too much. We take little time off for rest and pleasure. More than half of us don't use any vacation time at all, adding up to more than 421 million unused vacation days a year. We're workaholics.

Most Americans only earn on average 14 vacation days a year, compared with our Italian counterparts (42 days a year), the French (37), Germans (35), and Canadians (26). Even the Japanese--long considered the most over-worked people on Earth--average 25 vacation days a year. No wonder American job burnout is common from coast to coast.

Check Out Full Article @ Yahoo

Exercise in a pill? Drugs show promise in mice

Here's a couch potato's dream: What if a drug could help you gain some of the benefits of exercise without working up a sweat?

Scientists reported Thursday that there is such a drug — if you happen to be a mouse.

Sedentary mice that took the drug for four weeks burned more calories and had less fat than untreated mice. And when tested on a treadmill, they could run about 44 percent farther and 23 percent longer than untreated mice.

Check Out Full Article @ MSN

5 tips to limit your cell phone risk

"I hope you're talking to me on a speakerphone," Devra Davis barks at me when I call her on my cell phone. "You'd better not be holding that phone up to your head."

Cell phones do emit radiation. No one knows definitively whether it's enough to worry about.

Indeed, I'm not. This is a good thing, because you don't want to get into an argument with Davis on this subject. She's the director of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Environmental Oncology, and her group recently put out recommendations that we should be using a speakerphone or ear piece. The report says children, who have thinner skulls and developing brains, should use cell phones only in case of emergency.


Check Out Full Article @ CNN

Being black in Hollywood still exception, not the rule

Will Smith has made epic blockbusters a Fourth of July tradition, and Denzel Washington is one of the most recognized faces in show business.

But according to some iReporters who watched CNN's "Black in America," these well-known actors' roles are not typical of how black people are shown on TV and in the movies.


Check Out Full Article @ CNN

McCain campaign charges Obama playing race card

John McCain’s campaign manager charged Thursday that Barack Obama falsely accused the McCain campaign of injecting race into the presidential contest.

"Barack Obama has played the race card, and he played it from the bottom of the deck. It's divisive, negative, shameful and wrong," McCain campaign manger Rick Davis said in a prepared statement sent to reporters one day after Obama alluded to his own race during several stops in Missouri.

Check Out Full Article @ CNN

Bus passenger beheaded seat mate, witness says

As horrified travelers watched, a Greyhound Canada bus passenger repeatedly stabbed and then decapitated the young man sitting beside him, who was sleeping with his head leaning against the window, a witness said Thursday.

"There was a blood-curdling scream. I was just reading my book, and all of a sudden I heard it," said Garnet Caton, who was sitting in front of the two men.

"It was like something between a dog howling and a baby crying, I guess you could say. I don't think it will leave me for a while."

N.E.R.D. Bring Out Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pusha T For 'Everyone Nose' Remix, Video

'I think Pusha put the meltdown on it, but I like everybody's verse,' Pharrell Williams says.

Check Out Full Article @ MTV

Akon Says He Can Retire Now That He's Worked With Michael Jackson -- But He Won't

'I got to Mike 10 years earlier than I expected,' says 'Kon, who also collaborated with Whitney Houston on upcoming LP.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

HHDX News Bits (Jacob Sues Wyclef, Kanye West's Mother)

Jacob and Company Incorporated, the fine jewelery company founded by the New York businessman Jacob "The Jeweler" Arabov has sued Wyclef Jean, claiming he owes money for watches and jewelry he received.

In Manhattan court papers filed Tuesday, it alleges that Jean bought several items between March 2002 and January 2006 for a total of $765,100. The company says that despite "repeated demands for payment" Jean has not paid the remaining balance of $319,680.

Obama Rep Denounces Ludacris' Mixtape Rap

Ludacris added his name to the long list of Hip Hop artists who openly support Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign when the two men met back in 2006. Now, after the release of the "Politics (Obama is Here)" freestyle [click to listen], the Illinois senator's camp is not too thrilled with Luda taking shots at President Bush, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. John McCain and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The song, which is featured on the DJ Drama assisted, "Gangsta Grillz: The Preview," calls Clinton "irrelevant," and refers to her as "that bitch." Luda also pokes fun at McCain's age and health and gives what many would call an accurate evaluation of Bush's job as president by calling him "the worst of all 43 presidents." Yesterday, Obama spokeswoman Melanie Roussell issued the following statement in regards to the song:

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

50 Cent's Son Kidnapped?

50 Cent claims his ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, has kidnapped his son, Marquise.
Reports say that 50 made his claim in a recent interview with Sister 2 Sister Magazine, where he discussed the source of his feud with Tompkins. Allegedly, the feud began with 50 insisting that his son have a better home and education.

"It wasn't important before the beginning of last year because he (Marquise) was being home schooled... I was paying a teacher $60,000 just to teach him by himself," says 50 in the interview. "He was learning slower because it was just him and the teacher.

So he needed to go to where he had the best possible schooling district and I found a house in the area that was, like, $1.5 million."


Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

ER docs: Don't text and walk, skate -- or cook

The warning came too late for Barack Obama's adviser: Don't walk and text at the same time.

Obama aide Valerie Jarrett fell off a Chicago curb several weeks ago while her thumbs were flying on her Blackberry.

"I didn't see the sidewalk and I twisted my ankle," Jarrett said. "It was a nice wake-up call for me to be a lot more careful in the future, because I clearly wasn't paying attention and I should have."


Check Out Full Article @ USAToday

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 7/27/2008

Lil Wayne is bumped down from #2 to #5, taking the backseat to Miley Cyrus, Sugarland, the Mama Mia soundtrack, and Kid Rock, respectively. But with total sales at 1,997,218 , Weezy is just on the horizon of double platinum with Tha Carter III.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Soulja Boy Looks To Polow For New Album Single

For many, it was not that long ago that 50 Cent dropped "In Da Club" . For Soulja Boy, this takes him back, way back to the time he decided he wanted to rap for a living. Now, the young rapper is ready to hit stores with a new album, iSouljaBoy and he's predicting a take-over. Now, he's also dabbling in clothing, which he's also hyped about.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

HHDX News Bits (J Dilla, 2 Live Crew)

After the executor’s of the late J Dilla’s estate took out an article in Billboard and expressed their frustration with sorting out the various legal issues in LA Weekly, Dilla’s mother, Maureen Yancey has weighed in. Ms. Yancey tells Jeff Weiss she will follow through with plans to establish a foundation for her son even if it has a different name.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Voting For MTV Video Music Awards Underway

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have opened up the proverbial floodgates, and are now offering fans a chance to pick the winners in eight categories.

While voting for "Best Male Video" and "Best Female Video" have already closed, here is a list of the awards still in need of votes, and the time during which votes are being taken.


Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Statik Selektah Talks Busy 2008 Remainder

Statik Selektah has added to his resume greatly in the last year. The Boston-native deejay has relocated to New York, and built his Showoff imprint with a string of acclaimed independent releases. Starting with last year's Spell My Name Right: The Album, Statik recently released Reks' Grey Hairs earlier this month, featuring production by him, DJ Premier and Large Professor.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Jacob Sues Wyclef Over $300k Jewelry Bill

Incarcerated jeweler Jacob “The Jeweler” Arabov and his company Jacob & Co. filed a lawsuit against Wyclef Jean, claiming the rapper/producer owes over $300,000 in unpaid bills.

According to The New York Daily News, a lawsuit filed yesterday (July 29), Jacob & Co. accuses Wyclef of purchasing $765,000 worth of watches and jewels between March of 2002 and January 2006, but failed to pay the balance of $319,680.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Nelly Owner And Spokesman For New Energy Drink

Three time Grammy-winning artist Nelly has confirmed completion of a deal that will make him an owner of ZizZazz, an energy drink mix company that has quickly become one of the fastest growing in the nation.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

2 Live Crew Catalog Sold; New Album On The Way

In a new acquisition, a Tennessee-based global independent publishing company has obtained all rights to 2 Live Crew’s extensive back catalogue, as well as any of the group’s future copyrights.

By purchasing the entire 700 song catalogue of Lil’ Joe Wien Music, previously owned by Lil’ Joe Records boss Joe Weinberger, Evergreen Copyrights also owns several songs by popular Miami Bass era groups including Poison Clan and the 69 Boyz.


Check Out Full article @ All Hip-Hop

Sharpton, Others Face Charges For Sean Bell Protest

Al Sharpton has denied a plea deal which would have dropped all charges against him for his role in orchestrating the protest for the murder of Sean Bell. At approximately 3:00 pm EST on May 7 a group of over 200, which included Bell's widowed fiancée Nicole Paultre Bell, Sharpton and Bell's, parents took part in an act of civil disobedience to block the streets and entrances to the Triborough, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges. All participants were arrested for disorderly conduct and released a few hours later.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Ludacris Among Georgia Hall Of Fame Inductees

Ludacris is among several inductees in this year's Georgia Music Hall of Fame ceremony. Joining the Grammy-winning rapper are Widespread Panic, deejay Hamp Sawin, guitar makers Fred and Dina Gretsch, R&B singer/radio personality Keith Sweat, and late Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo.

The awards is in its 30th year, an will be held September 20, according to AccessAtlanta.com. The show will be hosted by Monica Pearson and Leslie Fram.


Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Princess, Diamond Clash; Princess Seeks Solo Deal

Warner Brothers recording artist Princess may have a new label home when she releases her forthcoming solo debut, AllHipHop.com has learned.

While she remains signed to the label, which she joined as a member of the group Crime Mob, both parties have reached an agreement allowing the Atlanta native to explore her options.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Bush approves execution of Army private

President Bush has approved the Army's request to execute a soldier convicted of rape and murder, the White House announced Monday evening.

Pvt. Ronald Gray has been on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, since 1988. His execution would be the first for the U.S. military since 1961, but the White House said it expects further appeals before the sentence is carried out.

Check Out Full Article @ CNN

Mixtape Monday

Back To The 'Bash' With T.I., Young Jeezy, Ludacris And The Game: Mixtape MondayPlus: Nas pays homage to living revolutionaries, considers recording with wife Kelis.

Check Out Full Article @ MTV

Kanye West And MTV Hear Veterans' Stories

And Help Them -- In 'Homecoming,' Airing Tonight'There are hundreds of thousands of veterans who have fallen through the cracks -- I wanted to hear their stories,' West says.

Check Out Full Article @ MTV

Kidz In The Hall's Naledge Arrested, Double O Injured In Fight

Kidz In The Hall are currently on tour with Rock The Bells. After stellar performances in Chicago last week, the duo of Naledge and Double O did not appear in yesterday's performance at Columbia, Maryland due to an altercation after a Saturday performance in Tempe, Arizona.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Las Vegas Hosts National Hip Hop Political Convention Aug 1st

The City of Sin will turn into the city of progress this week when the National Hip Hop Political Convention holds its third bi-annual convention at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas August 1-3.

Workshops and panel discussions will anchor the meeting of the minds, with several prominent artists and activists scheduled to attend.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

DX-clusive: Plies Lied About Criminal Past?

Hip Hop icon, and creator of the term “thug life,” Tupac Shakur, once confessed that although occasionally sprinkling his rhymes with mentions of felonious activities, he never actually had a record until he made a record.

So too appears to be the case with the arguable Tupac of 2007/2008, Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Records recording artist, and promoter of his own criminal exploits, Plies. HipHopDX has obtained documentation from the state of Florida that lists the “definition of real” rapper’s first real run-in with the law to have not taken place until two years ago, on April 12, 2006, when Plies - real name Algernod Lanier Washington, born May 22, 1976 - would have been on the eve of his 30th birthday and just beginning his ascension to his current status of gold-certified rap star.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Jay-Z & Steve Stoute Make Bubblegum Music?

Chris Brown has the number three single on Billboard Magazine's Hot 100 with "Forever." If the lyric "'Cause we only got one night/double your pleasure/double your fun," sounds familiar, it's no coincidence. The line is actually a well-placed shout-out to the song's sponsor, the William Wrigley Jr. Company.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

T.I.'s Album Pushed Back

T.I.'s highly anticipated upcoming album, Paper Trail, has been delayed yet again. Originally slated for a release in September, the album was moved to August 12. It did not stay there for long, however, as the date changed to September 2 and then September 9.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Foxy Brown Breaks Silence on Broken Silence

Foxy Brown has broken her silence on Broken Silence—her unreleased biography that was set to be released by publishing giant Simon & Schuster.

The company recently filed suit against Brown, alleging that the east coast emcee was given an advance for a book she never delivered. Now, Brown’s attorney is speaking up on her behalf to clear the air.

Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Spice 1 Rides For Ice-T Against Soulja Boy

Being from California himself, it would be obvious that Spice 1 was on Ice-T’s side in the war of words with Soulja. Talking to PushinTheBayTV, Spice had some words of his own in the dawn of the feud.

Amazed by the change that has taken place since he came out the gates in 1991, Spice explained the way in which the streets would handle a verbal bashing like that of Soulja Boy’s. “We are in 2008 man, that’s all I know. When I think like that I’m like damn we are really in the fuckin’ future. This nigga’s got balls to say something to Ice…nigga’s will look for you and hunt your ass down and take your head off partner. They will cut your balls off and hand them to your little young ass.”


Check Out Full Article @ Hip-Hop DX

Aesop Rock Designs Custom adidas Sneaker

Underground MC Aesop Rock has become the third in a select group of avant-garde visual artists to create a special edition adidas classic for lifestyle brand Upper Playground.

The new Aesop Rock adidas Originals sneaker, a customized take on the Stan Smith shoe, will be made available at 8pm PST on Thursday (July31) online.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Noreaga Explains Appearance on Adult Site

Last week a video surfaced showing rapper Noreaga being interviewed by the Penny Show on BangBros.com, a popular adult entertainment site.

Immediately rumors began to spread of Nore possibly engaging in sexual acts on the adult section of the video.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Actor Omar Gooding Debuts As Rapper With C-Bo

West Coast veteran C-Bo is gearing up to release two new projects in August, one with an unexpected rhyme partner.

C-Bo’s West Coast Mafia Records will release a new collaborative effort which finds the Sacramento rapper spitting alongside actor Omar Gooding, younger brother of Oscar Award winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Rick Ross Addresses C.O. Allegations

Hip-Hop star Rick Ross has hit back at recent reports surrounding his previous employment with the Florida Department of Corrections.

During an interview on Friday (July 25), Ross addressed the latest developments as “rumors” and maintained that he is a victim of a massive smear campaign.


Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Nelly Named Spokesmodel For Sean John Underwear

Saint Louis rap star Nelly has been named the first ever spokesmodel for Sean John Underwear, it was announced today (July 28).

Nelly will be featured in the Fall campaign promoting Sean John’s collection of underwear and loungewear.

The campaign, which was shot by Randee St. Nicholas, showcases Nelly in a modern home overlooking Los Angeles, while modeling the underwear.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Trick Daddy Denies Leaking Rick Ross Photos

After weeks of speculation, Trick Daddy has responded to the insinuations that he is responsible for the leaked photos depicting fellow Miami rapper Rick Ross as a correctional officer.

Prompted by accusations made earlier this week, the “Mayor of Miami” decried the release of the photos and his association to the incident as an attempt to create division within his city’s thriving Hip-Hop community.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Trina In Accident In Belize; Issues Statement

Rapper Trina and NBA player Kenyon Martin were involved in a car accident late last night (July 25) in Belize.

Trina and Martin were in the country for a Hip-Hop peace rally and charity basketball game.

According to reports, the accident occured shortly after they arrived at Belize's airport

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop

Mothers of Daz and Keyshia Cole Team with Non-Profit

Hip Hop Grows Up Inc, a non-profit centered on guiding youth emotional development, has announced a partnership with the mothers of Daz Dillinger and Keyshia Cole.

Both mothers, Dr. Allean Varnado and Dr.. Yvonne Cole, are evangelists who minister to youth around the country.

Check Out Full Article @ All Hip-Hop