Entertainment

Beyonce Coming Forth With Platinum Edition Box Set

Get ready for the global release of BEYONCE Platinum Edition Box Set. The 2 CD/2 DVD limited edition package will include new songs, "7/11" and "Ring Off" plus four new and unreleased remixes with some superstar collaborators. The original, critically acclaimed self-titled visual album, featuring 14 songs and 17 videos, is also included. The BEYONCE Platinum Edition Box Set is set for release on November 24.

The special edition box set features a live performance DVD that chronicles the year-long "Mrs. Carter Show World Tour," a mini version of the official 2015 Beyonce calendar, and more.

Beyonce Platinum-Edition-Box-Set

BEYONCE PLATINUM EDITION BOX SET TO RELEASE NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Each PLATINUM EDITION BOX SET contains:
• MORE audio CD with two brand new songs and four unreleased remixes with collaborations from Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Mr. Vegas and Pharrell Williams
• " LIVE" DVD featuring 10 live performances from the "Mrs. Carter Show World Tour" with artist commentary and an accompanying photo booklet
• BEYONCE Original audio CD featuring 14 songs and accompanying photo booklet
• BEYONCE Original DVD featuring 17 music videos
• The official 2015 Beyonce mini calendar

MORE AUDIO CD
7/11
Flawless Remix (Featuring Nicki Minaj)
Drunk in Love Remix (Featuring JAY Z & Kanye West)
Ring Off
Blow Remix (Featuring Pharrell Williams)
Standing on the Sun Remix (Featuring Mr. Vegas)

"LIVE" DVD
Run The World (Girls)
***Flawless
Get Me Bodied
Blow
Haunted
Drunk In Love (Featuring JAY Z)
1 + 1
Partition
Heaven
XO

ORIGINAL CD
Pretty Hurts
Haunted
Drunk in Love (Featuring JAY Z)
Blow
Angel
Partition
Jealous
Rocket
Mine (Featuring Drake)
XO
***Flawless (Featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
Superpower (Featuring Frank Ocean)
Heaven
Blue (Featuring Blue Ivy)

ORIGINAL DVD
Pretty Hurts
Ghost/Haunted
Drunk In Love
Blow
Angel
Yonce/Partition
Jealous
Rocket
Mine
XO
***Flawless
Superpower
Heaven
Blue
Grown Woman

November 3, 2014

Brooklyn Nets Quiet Oklahoma City Thunder

Nets Beat Back Thunder 116-85

Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are out for the Oklahoma City Thunder which means the Brooklyn Nets will catch a break in their home opener right?

Wrong.

"It's another NBA game and a game that counts," rookie forward Cory Jefferson said to What's The 411TV prior to the tip-off. "They are missing some of their key players but we still have to go out there and handle business."

He's absolutely right.

The Nets can't take anybody for granted. It doesn't matter what the current roster of their opponents reflect. In their regular season home opener, the Nets did the right thing. They took care of the hobbled Thunder 116-85 in front of a sellout crowd of 17,732 at the Barclays Center.

That's what they were supposed to do.

It was also a star-studded home opener which included Grammy award-winning R&B recording artist Ashanti, who sang the national anthem and hip hop artist Fabolous was also present announcing the starting lineups for the Brooklyn Nets.

Regarding the contest tonight, this wasn't a break for the Nets, it was a vacation, target practice, whatever "easy street" activity you would like to call it.

What's significant for the Nets and their personnel was the fact that this was the regular season debut for Nets center Brook Lopez, who sat out the first two games of the season with a sprain in his right mid-foot. Lopez contributed 18 points and six rebounds, an encouraging performance.

The Nets scored early and often and reminded the Thunder what the presence of stars like Deron Williams and Joe Johnson are capable of producing, when healthy.

In the first half, Williams and Johnson combined for 20 points.

Lopez in his first action of the season added seven points and four rebounds while rookie guard Bojan Bogdanovic provided some marksmanship from deep, connecting on two three-pointers scoring 8.

Eight of the ten available players for the Nets all scored as the Nets entered the intermission period up by a comfortable 19 points, 59-40.

Yes, almost 60 in 24 minutes of play.

When it's not your night, it shows and the Thunder made it very obvious that Durant and Westbrook are desperately needed if this team is to have any shot of competing in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

"We did a lot of good things in the first three games, and we didn't do that tonight," said Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks following tonight's game.

In the last two deciding quarters, more of the same continued.

The Nets were the favorites in this match-up and they played like it.

In the third quarter alone, the Nets enjoyed leads of +14, +18 and +23.

With 42.8 remaining in the third quarter, Deron WIlliams participated in a defense to offense sequence that just displayed the dominance the Nets enjoyed on both ends of the floor.

Off of a Williams missed three-point shot attempt, the Thunder's Kendrick Perkins collected the rebound and one bad pass later was intercepted by Williams who converted an uncontested layup which put the Nets up 85-62.

It was that kind of night, and with the offensive success the Nets enjoyed, the starters were able to rest for the majority of the 4th quarter as the bench finished off the remains of what was left of the Thunder.

Williams finished with 17 points and nine assists while Joe Johnson supplied 13 points and six rebounds.

Reggie Jackson was the lone high scorer for the Thunder recording 23 points.

Look, the Thunder are a shell of themselves right now and although this outcome was expected there are some legitimate positives that the Nets can take from this performance and apply it to the future games they will confront.

Positives like Brook Lopez exiting this game among the top two overall scorers for the Nets tonight along with reserve guard Alan Anderson, who also chipped in with an efficient 7-8 shooting from the field for 18 points.

"It was great seeing him out there," Nets forward Joe Johnson said about Lopez to the media following the game. "I think his presence alone opens up the floor a lot more for guys like myself and Deron, and he looked great tonight."

Joe-Johnson

Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets Shooting guard/Small Forward

Positives like the bench scoring 50 points to compliment the starting five in a rout.

"Our bench was amazing for us tonight," Williams said in the post-game media sessions. "To come out of the game and get a lift from our bench, that's what we need."

Deron-Williams Media-Day-Photo

Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets Point Guard

Positives like shooting 52.4% from the floor, 47.8% from behind the arc and connecting for 89.5% from the charity strike.

"We shot the ball extremely well," said Head Coach Lionel Hollins during his post-game press conference. "We moved the ball, we attacked and they just couldn't stay up with us."

Lionel-Hollins 07072014 resized 700x586

Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Lionel Hollins

And, one more positive was the exploits of rookie starting guard Bojan Bogdanovic, hailing from Croatia.

"He played well and he was much more aggressive tonight" said Head Coach Lionel Hollins about Bogdanovic. "I have confidence in him and I want him to play his game."

The Thunder coming to town also meant the return of Brooklyn's own, Sebastian Telfair now starting for the Thunder due to injuries of Durant and Westbrook.

"It felt good before the game started," Telfair told the media during the post-game sessions. "It is always good to come back to my roots, playing in front of my family and for some of my fans."

The biggest takeaway the Nets can use from this game and apply to their future opponents is confidence.

The offense flourished.

The defense denied any offensive consistency.

Tonight was evidence of what the Nets are capable of when they are clicking on all cylinders.

The challenge is to do their due diligence when playing a team that shares the same aspirations in team goals that they promote.

The Nets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, November 5, the New York Knicks on Friday November 7th and the Orlando Magic on Sunday, November 9th. Following this home stand is a west-coast road-trip featuring the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers.

How will the Nets respond to the teams on its West Coast swing?

That will be an important stretch to see how these Nets measure up against some of the best teams the NBA has to offer.

The Nets won this game because it was what they were supposed to do. However, the games scheduled in the coming weeks will be telling.

Only then will we see what the Nets are really made of.

November 2, 2014
Written by Gregory Alcala

New York Knicks Power Forward/Small Forward Carmelo Anthony

NEW YORK KNICKS BEAT THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS 96-93

Carmelo Anthony Makes History

Things went so well this Sunday evening for New York Knicks star forward Carmelo Anthony; he made history and led his team to victory.

That usually doesn't happen on the same night.

Anthony became the 40th player to join the NBA's 20,000 points club, finishing with a team-high 28 points to lead the Knicks to a thrilling 96-93 win over the re-branded Charlotte Hornets.

Unfortunately, the Hornets were hit with the injury bug.

A member of their young core in forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a rib contusion mid-way into the first quarter after falling awkwardly in trying to corral a rebound from Knicks guard, Shane Larkin.

I must say that I love the new look Hornets re-branding returning to the NBA because the Bobcats logo and branding was horrible.

Just seeing those Jerseys reminds me of Muggsy Bogues, Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, but anyway the Knicks won.

The early ball-movement of the Knicks offense was very encouraging and along with solid team defense, the Knicks were able to build an early 15-5 advantage on an Anthony made three-pointer with 7:42 remaining in the first quarter.

More of the same ball movement trend leaked into the 2nd quarter in which the Knicks took the largest lead of the game, leading 45-30 with 4:37 remaining until halftime.

Iman Shumpert starred in the first half contributing 11 points doing most of his damage from outside.

His defensive tenacity, over-zealous at times, regulated him to the bench as he gained his second foul with 6:41 remaining in the first quarter.

He would contribute the game-changing play later in the game.

With basketball being a game of runs, it was only a matter of time until the Hornets got their feet wet and familiarized themselves with their surroundings.

As the Hornets cut the early lead to single digits, the ball-movement the Knicks exhibited throughout the first half vanished which then resulted in a game of possessions.

The Hornets cut the Knicks early double digit lead and trailed by two points, going into halftime down 50-52.

It was homecoming for the Hornets All-NY back-court, Lance Stephenson and Kemba Walker who did everything in their power to spoil the Knicks second home game of the year.

With the Knicks unable to preserve their early lead and the Hornets evenly matching up with their opponents, the second half of this game produced plenty of gut-wrenching moments for both fans of both teams.

It was a back-and-forth affair. You score, I score.

The biggest lead held by either team in the second half was three points.

That explains it all.

The Knicks can never win comfortable and give their fans an easy night off.

Everything the Knicks do is designed to provide a difficult task for themselves as well as their fan-base.

From that perspective, they definitely delivered.

Al Jefferson plagued the Knicks all night long scoring inside with ease with the only capable defender being Samuel Dalembert, who troubled Jefferson by forcing the low-post scorer to his left.

Due to Dalembert's defense, Jefferson was taken out of the game offensively as he produced a scoreless fourth quarter.

It was all up to the back-court hailing from New York City, who both came up short in the deciding quarter.

Stephenson was less aggressive and played the role of facilitator while Walker was limited to a two-point fourth quarter courtesy of Knicks reserve guard, Pablo Prigioni's defense.

There's a reason why he's still on this roster.

Even with the limited production of the Hornets back-court, the Knicks struggled to put the Hornets away and found themselves in a hole with the game hanging in the balance.

A made jump-shot by Hornets reserve guard Gary Neal and a Walker reverse lay-up granted the Hornets a 93-90 lead with 2:49 remaining.

It was make or break time for the Knicks and they chose wisely, executing timely hoops which proved to supply the damage necessary in order to achieve the victory.

Down by three, Knicks guard Iman Shumpert connected on a three-pointer which tied the game at 93-all with 2:06 remaining till the end of regulation.

All the Knicks needed now was a stop: Check.

How about a basket to put the Knicks ahead by someone who was brought here for these moments worth $122 million? Check.

Anthony has provided clutch baskets throughout his career and did not disappoint the Knicks fans in attendance tonight.

Guarded by Hornets forward Marvin Williams, Anthony sank an elbow jumper from the triple-threat position giving the Knicks a 95-93 lead with 1:24 remaining in the fourth.

Game-over.

Other than Anthony's historic night, Amare Stoudemire displayed flashes of his old-self adding 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Larkin also played well contributing nine points, five assists and two steals.

For the Hornets, Walker finished with 16 points while Stephenson compiled 14 points, 8 assists and 9 rebounds, two assists and one rebound away from a triple-double.

If Stephenson can improve his outside shot, he will be scary.

The Knicks shot 50% from the field and totaled 23 assists.

Last year, this would have been a game that the Knicks would have lost without a doubt.

This year's team is much improved.

My biggest takeaway from this game was the coaching.

Knicks Head Coach Derek Fisher has a presence and is pushing the right buttons early on.

No less than 30 seconds off the clock in the 4th quarter and Fisher elects to call a timeout as Hornets center Cody Zeller rose for an uncontested dunk.

Fisher was disgusted with the defense and showed no tolerance for the defensive effort on that play specifically.

That's what the Knicks need.

They need to be held accountable.

All in all, the Knicks are 2-1 and their next opponent is no walk in the park as the Knicks will host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

That means the explosive exploits of guard John Wall and forward Paul Pierce, Knicks public enemy no.1.

The road gets tougher but for now Anthony is the 40th member of the NBA's 20,000 point club.

Congrats.

November 2, 2014
Written by Gregory Alcala

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook

The Russ Show: Cancelled......for now

In my last post, I dedicated my publication to one of the stars that the NBA boasts presently: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook.

The injury bug targeted Thunder superstar forward Kevin Durant, who suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot.

Due to the injury, Durant will be out of commission until late November, possibly December-missing a month's worth of NBA action.

My last post was about what I expect Westbrook to display because of the opportunity that revealed itself with Durant's current predicament.

I talked about how Westbrook would have the responsibility of sustaining success with the Thunder until Durant was cleared to return to the floor.

Now, Westbrook will not have that opportunity.

Westbrook suffered a small split in the second metacarpal of his right hand when he collided with his teammate, Kendrick Perkins, going for a rebound in Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Now he's hurt.

Westbrook will be sidelined for the next four weeks and has had successful surgery to repair the broken bone in his right hand which took place on Saturday.

You just couldn't take it easy could you?

You were so excited to do it all by yourself.

That's why we were excited to tune in because we knew we would be provided with watching the entirety of Westbrook's game.

What led to his injury is what makes him great.

It would've been exciting to see the 1-on-1 point guard match-ups that would test Westbrook's decision making without having the best security blanket of Durant's presence to lean on to when he makes mistakes.

What's left of the Thunder is a young group of players who have no-one else but themselves to look to with each win and expected losses in the Western Conference.

This will give Thunder GM Sam Presti the chance to re-evaluate everybody, including head coach Scott Brooks.

With both Durant and Westbrook injured, if Brooks can pull off a Tom Thibodeau (Chicago Bulls Head Coach), and keep the Thunder stable until the cavalry arrives then his job should be safe.

With Durant and Westbrook out, it gives us viewers the opportunity to observe forward Perry Jones. He was the 28th pick of the 2012 draft, projected as a lottery pick that I was high on coming out of Baylor because of his ability to put the ball on the floor at 6'11.

Serge Ibaka's touches will increase which should allow him to continue the upward trend of his offensive game.

And, then there is Brooklyn's own Sebastian Telfair. He should receive the minutes required to prove that he is here to stay. Telfair is back after a year in China and no longer the phenom, now 29 years-old and hopefully wiser.

What's intriguing is that the remaining players on the Thunder's roster seem to be eager to show the world that Westbrook and Durant aren't the only players on the Thunder that can play.

Hopefully, they will get that chance, meanwhile, stars sell and Westbrook's injury diminishes the Thunder's stock.

The Oklahoma City fans are wonderful and will stick by this group.

Westbrook's injury highlights the biggest threat to the NBA and something they have no autonomy over: the health of its stars.

October 30, 2014
Written by Gregory Alcala

The Great Debate: Dr. Cornel West and Bob Avakian

Revolution and Religion: The Fight For Emancipation and The Role Of Religion

On November 15, 2014, at 3:00-7:00 pm (doors open at 1:30), an unprecedented event will take place at the Riverside Church in New York City. BOB AVAKIAN, a revolutionary communist leader, will be in dialogue with DR. CORNEL WEST, a revolutionary Christian. The topic of their exchange is "REVOLUTION AND RELIGION: THE FIGHT FOR EMANCIPATION AND THE ROLE OF RELIGION."

Sponsored by: Revolution Books and The Bob Avakian Institute. Tickets: General $25, Students/youth/unemployed/underemployed $15, Premium Benefit Tickets $100, Premium Benefit Tickets $250.

Tickets and information online or at Revolution Books, 146 W. 26 Street, (212) 691-3345.

The subject of the Dialogue, "the fight for emancipation and the role of religion," impacts the lives of billions of people across the planet, and both speakers have written extensively on the question. Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary in New York, just released a new book this month Black Prophetic Fire, and the e-book version of Bob Avakian's Away With All Gods: Unchaining the Mind and Radically Changing the World, will be available soon.

This will be a rare chance to see Bob Avakian live and in person, speaking about the prospects for revolution and what transformations have to be undertaken to truly get free of the terrible confines of the present system.

What is required of people of conscience in the fight for emancipation? What is a life worth living in a world of suffering? What is religion's role in fighting injustices and advancing towards truly emancipatory social revolution? Can religion help or is it a hindrance? These are some of the questions Avakian and West will explore, sharing points of unity as well as difference with a broad audience.

Annie Day from The Bob Avakian Institute: "For decades, revolution has been written off the map, yet the world is a horror, worse today than ever before. This Dialogue between two visionary and outspoken thinkers aims to put the possibility of real revolution back into the public discourse, raising sights about what people see as possible and necessary. Cornel West is widely recognized as one of the most provocative and important public intellectuals in the country and Bob Avakian, the leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party, is the architect of a whole new framework for the emancipation of humanity.

Interest in the Dialogue is exceptionally wide-ranging, evidenced in part by the Host Committee of esteemed academics, artists, theologians, and parents of children killed by the police. They include former U.S. poet laureate Robert Hass; Dr. Donald Shriver, President Emeritus of Faculty, Union Theological Seminary, NY; actors Ed Asner and Peter Coyote; Grammy award-winning musician Arturo O'Farrill; author and professor Kwame Anthony Appiah (NYU); and Carl Dix, revolutionary and co-initiator of the Stop Mass Incarceration Network. Click here to view the full Host Committee, and click here to read statements from Alice Walker, Ngugi wa Thiong'o and many others.

November 2, 2014
Written by Ruth J. Morrison

Concert News: Bobbi Humphrey Coming to Ginny's Supper Club November 8

In the video below, What's The 411 host, Kizzy Cox and reporter, Rita Obi are talking about the legendary Bobbi Humphrey's upcoming concert at Ginny's Supper Club.

The First Lady Of Flute is best known for her massive hit, Harlem River Drive, will be performing live on Saturday, November 8 at Ginny's Supper Club, 310 Lenox Avenue, in Harlem, New York City. If you like jazz, you won't want to miss the musically gifted and engaging, Bobbi Humphrey.

November 2, 2014

Facebook by the Numbers

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) held its 2014 Q3 earnings call on Tuesday and we thought it would be good to look at Facebook by the numbers:

1.35 billion monthly active users as of September 30, 2014, an increase of 14% year-over-year.
864 million Daily Active Users on average for September 2014, an increase of 19% year-over-year and up from 829 million in the second quarter of 2014
703 million Daily Active Users on average for September 2014, an increase of 39% year-over-year
1.12 billion Mobile MAUs as of September 30, 2014, an increase of 29% year-over-year.
$3.2b in total revenue for third quarter of 2014, an increase of 59%, compared with $2.02 billion in the third quarter of 2013. Excluding the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue would have increased by 58%.
Free cash flow for the third quarter of 2014 was $766 million
Advertising revenue grew 64% for the third quarter of 2014,
Mobile advertising revenue represented approximately 66% of advertising revenue for the third quarter of 2014, up from approximately 49% of advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2013.
700 million people use Facebook groups every month
1 billion engagement every week between public figures and their Facebook fanpage fans
1 billion video views a day in September 2014
30 million active Facebook fan pages
Instagram has 200 million users, goal is to get to 1billion in short term
Average Instagram user spends 21 minutes per day on the app
Whatsapp has 600 million monthly active users, on track for 1billion
1.5 million total advertisers on Facebook
3 billion links have been created through Facebook applink
Price per Facebook ad increased 247% due to higher quality
Total advertising impressions declined 56% year over year
Payment volume from games decreased 2% year over year
Users respond 20% faster on FB messenger app versus native FB messenger
8300 employees up 40% since last year

Facebook's numbers are impressive and the standouts are video and mobile. Facebook's mobile numbers show that marketers need to have a mobile strategy for their business. With Facebook groups probably becoming apps, page owners may want to consider creating groups, otherwise going forward the only way to talk to all of your fans on Facebook may only be through ads. Unless, of course, Facebook bans brands from creating groups.

October 27, 2014
Written by Ruth J. Morrison

Michael Mmoh Reaches Career Milestone

Michael Mmoh won his first USTA Pro Circuit title at the City of Brownsville Men's Pro Tennis Classic in Brownsville, Texas on October, 26, 2014.

Mmoh, the underdog, entered the tournament as a wild card and achieved the title against No. 5 Dennis Novikov (USA) in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 6-1, following a huge break-through in the semifinals against No. 2 Deiton Baughman (USA), 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (2.)

Turning 17 years old on January 10, Mmoh is the sixth youngest player to win a $15,000 Futures event in tennis history.

After making his first Futures appearance post 2014 Grand Slam season at USA F28 Future in Mansfield, Texas as a wild card, Mmoh reached the semifinals and lost straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, against 27-year-old Dimitar Kutrovsky(BUL) on October 18. However, Mmoh persevered the following week at USA F29 Futures in Brownsville, Texas to win his first USTA professional title.

"I wasn't even planning on playing (in this tournament), but since I did so well in Mansfield, they offered me a wild card," Mmoh said. "If somebody told me I was going to win, I would have thought they were crazy. But match after match I kept on believing in myself."

Michael-Mmoh Texas-Grinding Instagram

This is a huge boost for Mmoh towards continuing his journey in the pro circuit. Coming off the win his ATP Ranking is at a career high, 1002.

October 27, 2014
Written by Bianca Peart

Michael Mmoh Making Moves toward Professional Career

After an exhaustive 2 hour and 30 minute action-packed rally, American junior Michael Mmoh, No. 10, was knocked out in the first round against unranked Yunseong Chung from Korea at the 2014 US Open Junior Boys' Singles.

Mmoh dominated the first set but suddenly the 90-degree Fahrenheit heat and his frustration with play calling, combined with a persistent comeback from Chung got the best of him and he lost, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.

The 16-year-old Mmoh explained his perspective on playing at a junior level.

"I felt a lot of pressure today. My other friends are rivals and have won so you don't want to be left behind, kind of in the dust. Because I was the 10th seed here obviously I was supposed to do better than losing first round."

One of Mmoh's closest friends, Francis Tiafoe, No. 1, is amongst one of his rivals in the junior singles circuit.

Francis-Tiafoe Michael-Mmoh 2014-US-OPEN Doubles-Debut Mike-Lawrence USopen-org 700x467

Francis Tiafoe (left) and Michael Mmoh (right) made their doubles debut in the professional circuit representing USA at the 2014 US Open and extended their journey to the second round. Photo by: Mike Lawrence // USopen.org

"There's also a different mentality when you're playing them (pros). There's no pressure, just playing the game to your fullest, compared to juniors where there are high expectations. It's different and it's amazing how much (your play) can change with pressure and without pressure." Mmoh said after experiencing a minor dosage of what will come in the near future as he prepares to perform in the pro circuit.

"Two years ago I played US Open Juniors I won a round, and same thing back then, no pressure. I was playing and going for everything and believing in everything. It's just different. It's good for me though...experiencing the pressure because if I do make it to the top then obviously the pressure is ten times more."

Right now Mmoh is focusing on performing in the pro circuit and looks up to Frenchman Gael Monfils.

"I like his personality and I think we have a similar game."

They both have a strong serve, forehand, and similar sliding technique. Mmoh's 6'2", 190 lbs stature and power should be advantageous in the pro circuit. He's been training at IMG Academy, led by Nick Bollettieri, the legend who helped produce US tennis great Andre Agassi.

Michael-Mmoh 2014-US-OPEN Junior-Boys-Singles-First-Round-against-Yunseong-Chung Chris-Trotman Getty-Images

Michael Mmoh at 2014 US Open Junior Boys' Singles first round match against Yunseong
Chung Photo by: Chris Trotman// Getty Images

But will college ever be a part of Mmoh's future? "Right now, no. I really love the sport of tennis," Mmoh said with certainty.

Even though his three older siblings graduated from the University of Maryland and he visited the campus several times, becoming a professional tennis player is his primary focus.

"College is nice but I don't want to get distracted. I especially don't want the social life to affect my tennis game. I want to be a pro."

His peer, Noah Rubin, who was a wildcard in the 2014 US Open, entered his freshman year at Wake Forest University with a scholarship where his schedule will allow him to play pro events. After Rubin completes his freshman year he is able to leave the university and return at any
time to complete his degree.

Mmoh wasn't completely aware of that type of scholarship opportunity. He said he would have to investigate more on how to play collegiate tennis that is able to help leverage his professional career.

"You never know what may happen two years from now but right now I am focusing on tennis," Mmoh concluded.

One would think Mmoh would be interested in attending business school with his entrepreneurial experience since he created a mobile app at the age of 13 called "Over-snow."
It's a game where you tap away falling snowflakes before they reach the ground. It is useful to enhance hand-eye coordination.

"For now nothing really grabs my attention," Mmoh said in terms of a future career outside of tennis. Like many athletes, or anyone in general, you can never catch him without wearing his red Beats by Dre headphones.

"But maybe it would be really good to be the owner of Beats." Mmoh quickly said while glancing at his headphones.

Francis-Tiafoe Michael-Mmoh Interview-rocking-Beats-by-Dre

Michael Mmoh close friend and doubles partner Francis Tiafoe being interviewed while rocking his red Beats by Dre

The son of former ATP pro and Nigerian Olympian Tony Mmoh, and coached by former ATP pro Glenn Weiner, Michael is making moves to play professional events regularly. Two years is a long time for Mmoh to evaluate whether or not he plans to attend college. For now, he'll continue to develop his game- especially mentally like he referenced, and go to Futures tournaments and increase his ATP ranking.

Update: On October 26, 2014, Mmoh achieved a career milestone and made tennis history by winning his first professional tournament title at the City of Brownsville Men's Pro Tennis Classic in Brownsville, Texas becoming the youngest player to win a USTA men's Pro Circuit event since Rhyne Williams who won the Pittsburgh Futures in 2007.

September 1, 2014
Written by Bianca Peart

YouTube CEO, Susan Wojcicki, talking about YouTube at Re/code's Code Mobile conference

Ad-Free World Coming to YouTube?

Do you know anyone that likes to see the pre-roll ads in YouTube videos?

You can't think of anyone? I didn't think so.

Well, soon enough, you won't have to worry about seeing those ads, unless of course, you like them.

An ad-free YouTube has been talked about for a while now, but YouTube's CEO Susan Wojcicki has stated YouTube will soon offer ad-free subscriptions to those who are willing to pay a small monthly fee.

"YouTube right now is ad-supported, which is great because it has enabled us to scale to a billion users; but there's going to be a point where people don't want to see the ads," Wojcicki said at Re/Code's Code Mobile conference, adding that consumers "will either choose ads, or pay a fee, which is an interesting model. ... We're thinking about how to give users options."

Wojcicki believes that there is always a certain customer base that wants access to video without the ads and those users will be willing to pay a small amount each month to be ad-free.

The paid subscription model works for Netflix and Spotify, but will subscription model truly work for YouTube given YouTube's ecosystem and how it was created?

Also, according to Wojcicki, YouTube's long-awaited subscription music service is coming, but there is still no launch date.

October 26, 2014
Written by Ruth J. Morrison