Prevent Olympic-Sized Cybercrimes Before It’s Too Late…
July 30th, 2012 by ChristenCybercriminals have not been slacking on the email front, either, as more than 50 spammed mails have been discovered, all of them scams related to the 2012 London Olympics. One of them claims to be a notification for an Olympic Email Lottery winner, with the user supposedly winning a large sum of cash.
We’re sure that this is only a preview of things in terms of the relay race cybercriminals are running to take advantage of the Olympics. Do you have what it takes to make sure they don’t come in first? To help prepare yourself, check out this latest info graphic and learn how you can defend yourself from Olympic cybercrimes…
BREAKING NEWS: I’m A Samsung Global Blogger Heading To London For The 2012 Olympics
July 27th, 2012 by Christen****BREAKING NEWS****
It is with great pride and excitement that I announce that I have been selected as one of four bloggers in the US to represent Team USA in London, England during the 2012 Olympic games! IT’S TRUE! As one of the selected Samsung Global Bloggers, I will be heading overseas to London next week August 2nd for two weeks, brining you all the latest Olympic news and excitement from the epicenter of it all!
A while ago, I shared that Samsung Mobile launched a worldwide search in 14 countries to find the best video bloggers to send to the 2012 Olympic Games. (Check out my video here.) Winners were selected based on a variety of abilities, including reporting & unique on camera presence. Encouraged by sporting icon, David Beckham and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, hundreds of potential bloggers submitted videos in hopes of winning and guess who’s video landed her a wining spot on Team USA?
I am so excited and proud to win a coveted spot on Team USA as a Samsung Global Blogger and can’t wait to share each and every interview, social, sporting and Olympic experience with our DivasandDorks.com readers daily. In addition to sharing my experiences on DivasandDorks.com, make sure to stay connected via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for up to the minute Olympic updates. Stay tuned for my Olympic experiences to be shared online on SamsungGlobalBloggers.com, MSN.com and more in the next few weeks.
Catch all the Olympic action starting today - The Opening Ceremony, titled “The Isles of Wonder”, will kick off Friday night in London at 9pm (that’s 4pm EST) on NBC.
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 3
July 23rd, 2012 by Christen
If you’re looking for the genuine New Orleans experience, look no further. Earlier this summer, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. As a native (of sorts), my lineage has roots in the Crescent city, however my experience is limited as I’ve only been to New Orleans once before at the age of 9. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. Check out the third installment of ‘Escape To New Orleans’ airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 2
July 17th, 2012 by Christen
Missing all the fun, excitement, music & entertainment of Essence Music Festival? Don’t worry. Escape To New Orleans episode 2 is here! Recently, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. From the Pralene Connection to the French Market and the haute nightlift of Frenchmen street - Check out the second of four webisodes airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Travel Accessories To Help You Pack Light This Travel Season!
July 12th, 2012 by ChristenAs a burgeoning travel diva, I’ve learned the hard way that excessive baggage and baggage fees is not the way to go. But when traveling with office accessories, laptops, ipads, cameras, batteries and more – it’s kinda hard avoiding “Bag Lady” status and to (in my Erykah Badu voice) “pack light”. Luckily, I found some incredible gadgetries online that I would love to have in my carry on for my next big trip. I liked them so much, that I thought I’d share some of them with you below…
Virtual Keyboard Keychain ($99.99)
Get slick and productive with this virtual keyboard keychain, sold exclusively by Brookstone. This tiny and compact keychain is about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It will project a keyboard on any flat surface, and works with Bluetooth wireless technology to easily connect to your tablet or smartphone.
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Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter ($49)
Using every trick in the book to milk your laptop’s charge for the duration of a flight? Forget that. Apple’s MagSafe Airline Adapter plugs into the airplane’s seat power port, keeping your MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air juiced for as many movie viewings as you like. (Note: This adapter keeps your laptop powered up but doesn’t charge the battery, so you’ll have to snag an outlet in the terminal if you need to fill up before the flight.)
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Grid-It iPad ($34). Get organized with the Grid-It organization system’s new and improved iPad case. A neoprene pocket protects your tablet, while the gridded straps across the front of the case lets you configure your gadgets and accessories in countless ways. You’ll spend less time organizing and more time enjoying.
Looking for a few more travel friendly gadgets? Check out more findings on Brookstone.com or here.
Celebrities Celebrate Everyday Heroes At McDonalds #365Black Awards
July 9th, 2012 by Christen
Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
As apart of my Essence Music Festival experience in New Orleans this past weekend, I got the opportunity to celebrate phenomenal, everyday heroes at the McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards. Entertainers, professional athletes, political figures and hundreds of citizens from across the nation packed the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans Friday for the 2012 McDonald’s 365Black Awards, an annual event honoring outstanding African-Americans who are making positive contributions to the community. Hundreds of guests attended the ninth annual ceremony honoring multi-platinum and 10-time GRAMMY® winning recording artist Chaka Khan; global humanitarian, best-selling inspirational author/entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes; GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Tamia and husband, All-Star NBA® player, Grant Hill; teenage medical innovator Tony Hansberry, II; youth empowerment activist Mary-Pat Hector; and McDonald’s owner/operators, Tina and Harold Lewis.
Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
“Helping others and giving back are critical components to making our community stronger, and it was moving to witness the number of celebrities and community members who supported the event,” said Chaka Khan, founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation. “I am humbled I was chosen to receive the 365Black Award with such an amazing group of individuals who also embrace community service. I commend McDonald’s for their ongoing efforts to make community service a priority.”
Khan closed the ceremony with a surprise performance. Singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius, national television journalist Roland Martin, entertainment correspondent Janell Snowden and R&B singer Tank were among celebrities on-hand at the ceremony hosted by actor Laz Alonso. GRAMMY winning gospel star Fred Hammond, GRAMMY-nominated artists Melanie Fiona and Eric Benet, and hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh also performed to help pay tribute to the honorees. A great time was had by all!
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- TD Jakes Accepts 365Black Award
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- Laz Alonso Hosts 365Black Awards
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- MC Lyte on Red Carpet
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- Fred Hammond sings during McDonald’s 365 Black Awards
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- McDonald’s 365 Black Awards Red Carpet
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- Al Sharpton & Honoree Mary-Pat Hector
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- Melanie Fiona Performs at 365Black
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- Marsha Ambrosius on Red Carpet
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- McDonalds 365 Black Awards Banner
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- Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
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- Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
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- R&B Singer & 365 Awards presenter Tank
Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell & DivasandDorks.com
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 1
July 5th, 2012 by Christen 
If you’re looking for the genuine New Orleans experience, look no further. Recently, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. As a native (of sorts), my lineage has roots in the Crescent city, however my experience is limited as I’ve only been to New Orleans once before at the age of 9. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. Check out the first of four webisodes airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Divas On Destinations: Getaway to New Orleans For Essence Music Festival
July 4th, 2012 by Christen
Something Old, Something New, Something for the Spirit & For Your Do’! The ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation’s largest African American live musical and cultural experience. Every year over 400,000 people from around the world descend upon New Orleans for the only music festival that offers show-stopping performances from top entertainers, free inspiring andempowering conversations and messages from the world’s leading innovators, leaders, and thinkers, plus four days of family and cultural experiences: the ESSENCE Music Festival. This year, in its 18th year anniversary, the 2012 ESSENCE Musical Festival presents a newly expanded four day weekend celebrating the “Power of Our Voice” on July 5, 6, 7 and 8 with compelling programming featuring the biggest names in entertainment and the country’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. Check out a few of the hottest activities to experience this weekend while out with the girls in New Orleans!
SOMETHING OLD
Spectacular performances on the EMF stage never gets old, but you can always count on quality R&B acts gracing the stage and this year is no different. If the spectacular performances of Chaka Kahn, Trey Songz, Mary J. Blige and more aren’t enough maybe the return of the ultimate oldie but goodie – R&B crooner D’Angelo is just the old faithful & soulful sound you’re looking for. I’m looking forward to seeing his performance & if he has any tricks left up his sleeve after his soulful BET Awards performance on Sunday.
SOMETHING NEW
ESSENCE Festival will kick off the inaugural day, Thursday, July 5th, with a first ever Youth Empowerment Concert complete with a full day youth empowerment experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, culminating with the first ever youth empowerment concert on the New & Next stage that night at the Louisiana Superdome. The New & Next stage will showcase a a group of young musical tastemakers that totally have scream appeal! Among the group include Roshon Fegan, Kaitlyn Nichol, Coco Jones, Diggy Simmons, Atlanta’s OMG Girlz and New Orleans’ band The Roots of Music.
Sponsored by Verizon, Wal-mart and Captial One, tickets for the Next Stage are available at essencemusicfestival.com
FOR THE SPIRIT
Sunday (July 8th) will be a great day in New Orleans and a rousing finale to the weekend with award winning journalist, author and “NY1 News” anchor Cheryl Wills hosting the festivities as ESSENCE presents a day of praise and worship during an “All-Star Gospel Salute to Mary Mary and Fred Hammond” with Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Marvin Winans, Byron Cage, Israel Houghton and more.
FOR YOUR DO’!
Be prepared for a lot of weave patting & natural do scratching – but no worries, EMF has you covered to keep that do right & tight! From the Motions Style Suite featuring Rihanna’s stylist Ursela Stephens to the Essence Music Festival’s title sponsor My Black is Beautiful. Stop by the My Black is Beautiful booth and experience all that Procter & Gamble is bringing to this year’s festivities, including surprise guests, giveaways and access to notable beauty experts.
See you in New Orleans!
Summertime Fun On The Go With HMDX Jam Speakers (GIVEAWAY)
July 4th, 2012 by Christen
If you’re checking out the beach or any outdoor summertime activity this holiday weekend, the HMDX Jam Speaker should definitely be on your gadget “go-to” list! Unlike other bluetooth speakers, the HMDX Jam Speaker gives you quality sound in a sleek compact speaker that you can fit in your purse or bag & carry it anywhere on the go. The HMDX Jam connects wirelessly up to 30-feet away and works with all Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops/desktops including iPhone, iPad & iPod. The rechargeable, lithium-ion battery delivers up to four hours of wireless play.
HMDX Jam is available in six “flavors” — Strawberry, Grape, Blueberry, Blackberry, Apricot and Apple — and is available nationwide, virtually anywhere portable electronics are sold, including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and more.
Simply charge the device (3 hours are required for a full charge) via the micro USB chord through the computer and you’re ready for quality sound, no matter where you are! Using the Line in audio jack, you can watch movies from the pool or beach for up to 12 hours OR use the bluetooth connectivity for up to 4 hours of music.
I love packing my small HMDX Jam while traveling – you never know when you need your soundtrack while on the go.
The small size and sweet sound of the HMDX Jam Bluetooth Wireless Speaker makes it perfect for almost any setting, from the kitchen to the bedroom, the college student’s dorm room, the office, the boat and beyond! HMDX Jam is the perfect travel companion to bring your music with you. The tapered cylinder-shaped HMDX Jam comes fresh-packed and sealed in a distinctive clear jar, topped with a metal lid, and featuring vibrant, fruit-inspired colors.
How’d you like to win your own HMDX Jam Speaker? Tell us where you’d enjoy summertime fun with the HMDX Jam Speaker below and you could win!
One winner selected will win a HMDX Jam Speaker (valued at $39.99) CONTEST ENDS 7/11/12
:: UPDATE :: We want to share our love of wireless fun on the go with more! We’re now selecting TWO winners for an HMDX Jam Speaker ($39.99 each) CONTEST ENDS 7/13/12. ENTER BELOW!
Live Nation Wants To Send You To The Hottest Concerts This Summer! #MillionTweets
June 21st, 2012 by Tech Staff
Do you like concerts? Do you Tweet? @LiveNationShows announces the launch of #MillionTweets of Summer where over 200 exclusive prizes and experiences will be unlocked on the way to the 1 millionth tweet. Prizes and experiences include artist meet & greets, concert tickets, Concert Cash®, year-long Ultimate Access Passes, fly-away trips with tickets to great shows and more.
To enter, visit the #MillionTweets of Summer website at bit.ly/milliontweets and tweet the concert message. Tweeting the concert message will automatically enter you to win a prize. You can tweet every day, up to three times a day, to increase your chance to win. Multiple tweets increase your chances of winning. Everyone who tweets the concert message is entered in the overall pool of prizes that are unlocked at various points on the way to the 1 millionth tweet.
“We have a 24/7 active live music tweeting community and wanted to find a fun way to give them a chance to win exclusive concert related prizes for something they already do – talk with their friends about shows on Twitter,” said Gretchen Fox, VP of Social Media for Live Nation, North America.
#MillionTweets of Summer concert messages will include some of the summer’s biggest tours: LMFAO, Nickelback, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller, Aerosmith, Rascal Flatts, Identity Festival, Brad Paisley, Dave Matthews Band, Kelly Clarkson & The Fray, Big Time Rush, KISS and Motley Crue, Toby Keith, Jason Mraz and Rush.
#MillionTweets of Summer prizes include Concert Cash, Rock Flight™ (meet & greet with concert ticket fly away packages), 2013 Ultimate Access Passes (year long pass for 2 to a Live Nation venue), Fan Twitter Takeovers, merchandise bundles and more. The 1 millionth tweet will unlock the grand prize opportunity for one lucky participant to win a fly-away trip to ANY Live Nation Concert ANYWHERE in the world.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. U.S residents, 18+. Void where prohibited. Ends 12PM PT 10/15/2012. For more information on #MillionTweets of Summer and official rules, visit: bit.ly/milliontweets. For up-to-the-minute updates, great ticket deals, presale codes, show alerts and other special offers, follow Live Nation on Facebook and LiveNationShows on Twitter, download the Live Nation Concert Calendar Facebook App and download the Live Nation iPhone App.
