Reggie Bush Released By Detroit Joining A Deep Class Of Free-Agent RBs

BY:  John “Hennry” Harris

The Detroit Lions have released running back Reggie Bush, surprisingly bringing an end to the playmaker’s two-year stint with the team.

 Bush, who was a heralded draft pick coming into the NFL out of the University of Southern California, still seems to have some good years left but has suffered from injuries.  Bush is a dynamic player that can make plays in the running game and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and hopefully he will find new life on another team.

As for Detroit, they will not be saving much money cutting the veteran running back, but I see this move as flipping the couch cushions looking for change as they are trying to re-sign some of their biggest contributors like Ndamukong Suh.

According to Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated, the Lions will only get back $1.7 million on the $5.28 million that Bush is due this season.

Bush now finds himself in a large class of free-agent running backs and a rookie class of running backs that is deep:

2015 Free-Agent Running Backs

Rank	Player	2014 Team	Age
1.	DeMarco Murray	DAL	27
2.	C.J. Spiller	BUF	27
3.	Ryan Mathews	SD	27
4.	Mark Ingram	NO	25
5.	Justin Forsett	BAL	29
6.	Frank Gore	SF	31
7.	Shane Vereen	NE	25
8.	Stevan Ridley	NE	26
9.	Roy Helu	WAS	26
10.	Reggie Bush	DET	29
11.	Ahmad Bradshaw	IND	28
12.	Darren McFadden	OAK	27
13.	Knowshon Moreno	MIA	27
14.	Ray Rice	BAL	28
15.	Ben Tate	CLE/MIN	26
16.	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	31
17.	Chris Johnson	NYJ	29
18.	Antone Smith	ATL	29
19.	Jacquizz Rodgers	ATL	25
20.	Bilal Powell	NYJ	26

All may not be lost for Bush as there are teams that desperately need a veteran running back that can still contribute and still pick up the blitz.

The first of the teams that could use Reggie Bush is the Indianapolis Colts, who are a good running back away from getting over the hump to make it to the Super Bowl.  Another team is the Washington Redskins, who have a great running back in Alfred Morris, but Bush could be a great addition as a change of pace running back to complement Morris’ power game.

In recent years the NFL has been devaluing running backs, choosing to go to a more running by committee style, as opposed to relying on a star feature back.

It appears that Bush still has an uphill climb to land on a team and it seems that it is going to boil down to if he can stay healthy and if he fits into the need of an offensive coordinator’s scheme.

http://www.brothersonsports.com/bushfa/

Renting Vs. Buying: Which Is Better?

Before you burn that tax refund on shopping sprees, ‘red bottoms,’ or a lavish vacation, now is the best time to consider whether or not you should use those funds towards home ownership, or continue to pay rent in your cozy apartment.

Becoming a home owner is still considered to be part of the “American Dream”.  However, just like anything else, there are definitely pros and cons. It all depends on the individual – your lifestyle, career, family, etc.

Purchasing a home is both the biggest financial decision and reward one can make because home ownership builds equity. Think you’re in the market to purchase a home? Here are some pointers that will assist you in making this critical decision.

Advantages of Renting

• More fixed costs for term of the lease. However, you do run the risk of an increase rental rate. This normally happens when there is more demand than there is supply. Your landlord will expect you to pay the going “market rate” if you’d like to renew your lease agreement.
• Not gaining equity, but not losing any either.
• Short-term commitment. When your lease is up, you’re free to move.
• Little to no maintenance. If the AC goes out (God forbid you’re in Texas), your landlord is the responsible party (per your lease agreement).
• Smaller upfront deposit/down payment. Depending on your type of financing, unless you’re a veteran, you may be required to put a percentage down.
• No minimum required credit score.

Advantages of Buying

• As your Mortgage balance decrease, your equity will increase. A rule of thumb is to live in a property for at least 5-7 years.
• Creative control to remodel and personalize your home to match your needs and style. If you’re a lover of pink paint, by all means, paint away. You may have trouble selling it, but you definitely won’t get any flack from your landlord.
• Tax. You can deduct mortgage interest as well as your property taxes. Unfortunately, renters don’t receive this bonus. Your landlord receives all of the available tax breaks. Additionally, if you meet certain requirements the IRS won’t apply a “capital gains” tax on your profits from the sale of your home. You can keep the first $250,000 in profit you make when selling the home if you’re single, or the first $500,000 if married. Also, if you run a home-based business you may be eligible to take deductions for your home office and portions of utilities.

So, you see? Being a home owner definitely has its perks, but then again, so does renting. Most people are afraid to swim the home owner’s water due to financial or credit limitations. This shouldn’t deter you. A great mortgage professional will assess your credit and income. If they find restrictions, they will be able to guide you by advising what on your credit will need to be addressed.

Side note: Did you know you are entitled to a FREE credit report once a year? Pulling your credit report will be a great start to knowing if you’re ready to purchase a home. Your credit score is made of 3 scores, your middle score is known as your FICO score. This is the score lenders use to determine financial credibility. When you pull your scores, here’s a suggestion: Pull from a reputable site such as the 3 credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Transunion, Experian; this will be where your most accurate data will be.

Caution: Be SURE to speak with a lender prior to going to these “credit repair” agencies which “dispute” derogatory items. Lenders will REQUIRE you to contact the credit bureau to remove the dispute from the item, before granting an approval. I’d hate to see waste your hard earned money that should be going towards your pink paint.

http://blackdoctor.org/455243/renting-vs-buying/

Take First Lady Michelle Obama’s #GimmeFive Challenge

 Let’s Move!, First Lady Michelle Obama’s signature initiative to get children on the right path to health, just celebrated its 5th anniversary. In celebration, FLOTUS recorded this super cute video – featuring a cameo from the President – and issued a special #GimmeFive challenge to the nation.

“I want kids, parents and maybe even a few celebrities to give me five ways to be healthy,” the First Lady says in the video.

Walk, bike, take the stairs…the possibilities are endless!

http://blackdoctor.org/455348/take-first-lady-michelle-obama-gimme-five-lets-move-challenge/

Best Snacks For Diabetics

If you have diabetes, then you know how big of a role diet plays in managing the disease. Prepping your meals can be especially helpful, but what do you when those hunger pains start to creep up midday? Not to worry, here are five snacks that will keep you full and satisfied and help lower your blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

1. Apple slices with peanut butter. Many diabetics worry that fruit will interfere with their health. Fortunately, the sugars in apples and most other fruits are acceptable for people living with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. High in fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids, apples (with the peel) help maintain your blood sugar levels under control. Pairing them with peanut butter is a smart choice because it’s low in carbohydrates and it prevents your blood sugar from spiking.

2. Packed with fiber, oatmeal is great for diabetics because it slows down the absorption of glucose from food during the digestion process and helps keep your blood sugar levels under control. Add chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc.) to further stabilize your blood sugar.

3. Bean salad. These babies are packed with protein, fiber and high-quality carbohydrates (whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes), which help improve your blood sugar levels. According to a study conducted by the Archives of Internal Medicine, people with type 2 diabetes who consumed legumes regularly not only had more stable blood sugar levels, they also lowered their risk of heart disease.

4. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, oysters and other types of fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to reduce inflammation – a common problem – in the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes.

5. Hard-boiled eggs. High in protein, hard-boiled eggs are a great choice because they keep your blood sugar levels steady. Worried about high cholesterol? Simply remove the yolk and eat the egg white. One large egg contains 187 mg of cholesterol and the full 187 mg is all in the yolk. The recommended daily intake is 200 mg or less.

http://blackdoctor.org/455315/snacks-for-diabetics/

‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2015: Season 20 Celebrity Cast Announced

See the list of season 20 celebrities and their pro partners below:

Noah Galloway with Sharna Burgess

Robert Herjavec with Kym Johnson

Patti LaBelle with Artem Chigvintsev

Nastia Liukin with Derek Hough

Riker Lynch with Allison Holker

Charlotte McKinney with Keo Motsepe

RedFoo with Emma Slater

Michael Sam with Peta Murgatroyd

Willow Shields with Mark Ballas

Suzanne Somers with Tony Dovolani

Rumer Willis with Valentin Chmerkovskiy

http://jezebel.com/patti-labelle-redfoo-join-new-cast-of-dancing-with-the-1687685230

Will MSNBC Fire Al Sharpton? It Looks That Way

There appears to be no end in sight to the recent shake-up at MSNBC, with reports making rounds that Rev. Al Sharpton’s “Politics Nation” is likely to be the next show to get the ax.

The shake-up is said to have been kicked off with the six-month suspension of the highly-popular “NBC Nightly News” anchor, Brian Williams. MSNBC followed up with the announcement last Thursday that it has canceled afternoon shows with Joy Reid and Ronan Harrows— a move that did not come as much of a surprise to those familiar with the shows’ low ratings.

The Daily Beast reports that “Politics Nation with Al Sharpton,” which has been on air since 2011, could be affected as well. The program has performed relatively well since its inception, with its audience consisting of about 35 percent of Black viewers. The popularity of Sharpton’s show cannot be divorced from its somewhat controversial approach of addressing issues affecting the oppressed.

As of late, the show seems to have lost much of its popularity and Sharpton has become the regular butt of jokes.

Sources are saying that the show could be moved from its weeknight slot to only weekends. The envisaged change in the time slot of Sharpton’s show may be a result of MSNBC’s apparent shift from left-focused programming, which the network thinks is no longer as popular or lucrative as it used to be.

“Going left was a brilliant strategy while it lasted, and made hundreds of millions of dollars for Comcast, but now it doesn’t work anymore,” an MSNBC source said. “The goal is to move away from left-wing TV.”

MSNBC President Phil Griffin aims at placing more emphasis on news-centric programming rather than providing a platform with high emphasis on left-wing views and opinions. This, he hopes, will help address the problem of falling viewership figures.

Sharpton has yet to comment on the rumored change in time slot for his show.

It also appears the shake-up will not end with Sharpton. Sources are saying popular hosts such as Chris Hayes, Ed Schultz and Lawrence O’Donnell may also be affected by the ongoing restructuring.

One person who sources say looks safe in the face of the ongoing shake-up is Rachel Maddow. Her show, which currently airs at 9 p.m., will reportedly be moved to Hayes’ 8 p.m. slot while a replacement would be sought to fill the 9 p.m. slot.

http://yourblackworld.net/2015/02/25/will-msnbc-fire-al-sharpton-it-looks-that-way/

5 Surprising Things That Are Aging You Like Crazy

Most of us know that smoking, sun exposure and genetics play a strong role in the whole aging process, but some seemingly harmless everyday habits can cause wreak havoc on our skin. Read on to find out what they are and how you can start turning back the hands of time!

1. Applying perfume on your neck. Spritzing perfume on your neck is a big no-no because the alcohol in fragrances is extremely drying to the skin and causes wrinkles. Apply it to your wrists, back of your knees, behind your ears and inner elbows instead.

2. Skipping the SPF. Moisturizers and sunscreens have come a long way, so there are no more excuses! Look for a moisturizer and/or sunscreen that contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Also, look for one that protects your skin against UVA rays, which have been linked to melanoma, wrinkles and premature aging.

3. Central air and heating. The central heating and air conditioning systems we have in our homes and work-offices can be super drying to our skin and lead to premature aging and wrinkles. To help seal the moisture in your skin, you might want to invest in a humidifier.

4. Your pillowcase. If you’re sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, I hate to break it to you, but you’re doing it all wrong. Switching to a satin pillowcase comes along with several benefits: prevents wrinkles, reduces hair frizz, breakage and split ends and maintains your skin’s moisture levels. Try Morning Glamour Signature 2-pack Pillowcases.

5. Drinking through straws. Yes, using a straw to drink from bottles and soda cans help protect your teeth from cavities and stains, but doing so repeatedly can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

http://blackdoctor.org/455269/things-that-are-aging-you/

Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan: Down for Idris Elba As 007

Feb 22, 15

*It’s says a lot when a former James Bond believes you would be a worthy pick to carry on 007’s legacy on the big screen.

So it went for Pierce Brosnan, who weighed in on Idris Elba replacing current Bond Daniel Craig when he’s done saving the world as the MI6 secret agent. Brosnan is noted for his own stint as Bond, which lasted four films from 1994 to 2002.

“Yeah, he would actually,” Brosnan said about Elba during a recent interview with Radio Times. “Colin Salmon also. May the best man get the job and may Daniel bring home the bacon for as long as he wants.”

Brosnan’s interview was part of Radio Times art special. Regarding his own art, the actor said, “I think we should all paint, we should all sing, we should all dance, we should all have an artistic life and celebrate it. I have been an actor all my life and a quiet painter all my life. I reap the benefit from my own stumblings in the dark. It’s just a lovely balance to being an actor, to being in front of a production crew of 60-100 people and all the time being observed, judged.”

With the Oscars coming up later today, Brosnan admitted that would be rooting for British actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne, who are both nominated for best actor.

“They are just great actors – glorious young men who are exhilarating to watch; they have great strength of character and humility and grace. When someone like that comes on the stage you can’t help but root for them,” Brosnan shared in the interview.

Read more at http://www.eurweb.com/2015/02/former-james-bond-pierce-brosnan-down-for-idris-elba-as-007/#x7P2qgXDt5wYpIXr.99

Larenz Tate Downplays Rumors of Replacing Columbus Short on ‘Scandal’

*Although there are some who would love to see Larenz Tate on “Scandal,” the actor downplayed all talk about him replacing Columbus Short on the hit ABC show.During an appearance on Access Hollywood, Tate addressed rumors of him joining the cast of “Scandal.” According to him, all the talk is just talk.

“The ‘Scandal’ is such a scandal!” the actor told Access’ Billy Bush and Kit Hoover. “The ‘Scandal’ hearsay or rumors started I guess through the gladiator fans. Like, they’re people who love the TV show ‘Scandal’ and thought that I would be a great addition to the show.

“I think it’s an amazing show, but it’s just hearsay,” he added. “Nothing official.”

Rumors of Tate taking Short’s place on “Scandal” surfaced after Short’s exit from the show. Since his departure, the entertainer has endured a series of negative press directed at his recent encounters with the law. Nevertheless, Tate extended well wishes for his friend.

“I know Columbus, I’m friends with Columbus, and he’s had a really tough time right now. For me, I just hope the best for him and his family above all,” the “Love Jones” star expressed. “The job – that’s great, being on a hot TV show – [but] what’s important is family, and for him to just keep the family together as best as possible.”

Despite Tate’s stance, the fact remains that if he joined the “Scandal” cast, the situation could conflict with his current gig starring in the USA Network’s new drama, “Rush.” So the question is would Tate’s contract allow him to appear on network television as well as cable TV at the same time?

“I think that things are always up for negotiation, you know what I’m saying?” he said. “I’m a businessman. But I like what I’m doing right now.”

Read more at http://www.eurweb.com/2015/02/larenz-tate-downplays-rumors-of-replacing-columbus-short-on-scandal/#2GLHjUoFB0Cd7flu.99

Jack Nicholson: I’ll Sell You My Lakers Tix….I’m Sorta Over It

2/22/2015 12:45 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Lookin’ for some insane courtside seats to the Lakers game?

Jack Nicholson tells TMZ Sports he’s willing to sell you his for face value … since he’s not as motivated to go the Staples Center as he used to be.

It’s actually pretty sad … Nicholson — who’s been a staple at the Lakers games for decades — was leaving Madeo in Beverly Hills when he told us he’s just not as into the Lake Show as he used to be.

We’re guessing the team’s abysmal record has a lot to do with it.

The good news? You could sit right next to stars like Leo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg … that is, if they even feel like showing up these days.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2015/02/22/jack-nicholson-ill-sell-you-my-lakers-tix-im-not-going-as-much/#ixzz3SVGA7C00