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Kim Coles Kicks-off Third Season Of Bounce TV's Stand-up Comedy Series Off The Chain

Actress/comedienne Kim Coles comes back for a third season on Bounce TV's popular, family-friendly original comedy series Off The Chain.

Featuring some of the most hilarious African-American comedians on the stand-up scene, for season three Bounce TV turns over the microphone to one comic per show and expands to an hour-long format. Actress/comedienne Kim Coles will be the first to headline the Off The Chain season three stage with Off The Chain: Kim Coles on Nov. 12.

Perhaps best known for her five-season turn as the unforgettable "Synclaire" on the ground-breaking FOX comedy series Living Single, Off The Chain: Kim Coles represents the comedienne's first-ever one-woman special, achieving a career milestone that she is excited to celebrate.

"I always wanted to do a comedy special and it feels wonderful that this amazing dream come-true opportunity has come as I enter my 30th anniversary as a standup comedian," says Coles.

In addition to Living Single, Coles has starred on other hit television shows including In Living Color, Frasier, One on One and the uproarious comedy series 10 Items Or Less as the villainous Mercy P. Jones. She was the co-host of the nationally syndicated daytime talk show, In the Loop with iVillage and has been a guest co-host for various shows, including The View. Coles is also known to reality audiences for having appeared on The Mole, VH1's Celebrity Fit Club and Coming to the Stage.

Other top comedians to be featured this season on Off The Chain include Michael Colyar (Premieres December 10), Rodney Perry, Cocoa Brown, Nore Davis, Jordan Carlos, Rudy Rush and Roy Jackson.

The new season premieres on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Ebony Magazine Celebrates the 2014 Ebony Power 100

Music Legend, Quincy Jones to Receive the EBONY Achievement Award;
Wendy Williams, Audra McDonald, Viola Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Pharrell and Others to be Honored

EBONY® Magazine's EBONY Power 100 Gala is scheduled for November 19 and will be held at the historic AVALON Hollywood in Los Angeles. For a third consecutive year, Nationwide will proudly present the prestigious affair to celebrate honorees on the 2014 EBONY Power 100 list.

The EBONY Power 100 list salutes the achievements of the most influential African-Americans in the country. Among the game changers honored this year are television producer, Shonda Rhimes; actresses Audra McDonald, Viola Davis, Laverne Cox, and Gabrielle Union; radio personality Rickey Smiley, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, singer Usher Raymond, talk show host Wendy Williams, producer Pharrell Williams comedian Kevin Hart, ballerina Misty Copeland and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

"This event pays tribute to those who have made it their mission to make a positive impact on their industries and in their communities," said Matt Jauchius, Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. "Nationwide is honored to once again present the EBONY Power 100 Gala and celebrate the achievements of these amazing men and women."

Hosting the star-studded evening will be comedian and actor Wayne Brady. Brady is known for his television work on Whose Line Is It Anyhow, The Wayne Brady Show and Don't Forget the Lyrics.

Legendary icon Quincy Jones, will befittingly receive this year's coveted EBONY Achievement Award. Known for his groundbreaking strides in music and film, Jones is arguably considered one of the most innovative pioneers in entertainment.

Paying tribute to Quincy Jones will Queen of Funk Chaka Khan, Grammy-award winning vocalists Patti Austin and James Ingram, hip-hop pioneers Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, soul singer KEM, dance performer Savion Glover and jazz musician Terence Blanchard. At the helm of the evening's musical tribute to Jones will be renowned music director, producer and musician Ricky Minor whose band will serve as the house band.

The 2014 Power 100 list will appear in the December issue of EBONY on newsstands the week of November 17. The full list of the EBONY Power 100 can be found here

Comcast will also broadcast the event on CelebrateBlackTV.com and Xfinity On Demand during the month of December.

Jacque Reid Signs on For Interracial Dating Challenge to Find True Love

For accomplished single black women, dating in the 21st Century isn't easy. And for women in the public's eye, finding Mr. Right is equally difficult.

Just ask, Ericka Pittman, a member of the cast of Bravo's, The Singles Project; and now Jacque Reid, the host of the midday entertainment program, New York Live.

In the case of Jacque Reid, InterracialDatingCentral.com offered to help Ms. Reid find true love after hearing her about her publicized quest to find love. Reid accepted. Now, Interracial Dating Central is conducting a public Interracial Bachelor Search to help Jacque Reid find her Prince Charming. It's a full-on equal opportunity search, as all races are welcome to apply!

"Dating can be difficult, even for someone in the public eye. So I am excited for this opportunity with IDC," states Jacque Reid.

The popular interracial dating website is accepting applications from eligible New York City bachelors, ages 35 to 45. Eligible bachelors must submit pictures, a bio, a contact telephone number, and a brief description explaining why they would like to be considered for a date with the beautiful and talented Jacque Reid.

Jacque Reid has built a notable broadcast journalism career working at CNN Headline News, BET and presently NBC, as the host of the midday entertainment program, New York Live. Jacque serves as the correspondent for the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, where she highlights women and women's issues in her Inside Her Story segment. In addition, Jacque is Editor-in-Chief of SingleandLivingFAB.com, which encourages single women to live their best lives right where they are.

Submissions can be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All submissions will be reviewed and only those candidates under consideration will be contacted by an IDC staff member.

Speaking with Jacque on the radio yesterday, InterracialDatingCentral's Brand Ambassador, Christelyn Karazin, said, "This isn't about exclusion, it's about inclusion. What you've been doing almost your entire dating life is excluding. Just because you date or marry a white man doesn't mean you're not black anymore. You still have your black card."

Does this work in reverse?

KYD Works is the New Kid on the Block

He's a gifted lyricist from Westchester, by way of the Boogie Down Bronx.

His name, KYD Works, stands for "killing your demographic" works.

He released his first mixtape, "Stress Test, Volume 3," two weeks after his release from prison.

His next mixtape will be called "The Lost," and will be accompanied by an EP called "Rise of the Lost."

His squad is called L.D.L.E.G., meaning "Lost Dynasty League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." It is comprised of both producers and rappers.

At 6'3" and 223 lbs., he studied nutrition at Westchester Community College and is a trained, qualified sports, fitness and wellness trainer, with his own successful fitness company.

He is also the Hip Hop Director of radio station 88.1/WARY-FM and hosts a weekly radio show on the station.

He sings most of the hooks on his rap songs.

He belongs to an organization called "Stop, Don't Shoot," which aims to curtail the "inappropriate use of firearms" by all.

He's on a positivity tip and aims to effect change in his lifetime.

KLM Converts Plane into An Apartment and Lists on Airbnb

Travelers sleep in all sorts of places, from traditional hotel rooms to private villas to sleeping bags to tree houses.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, has converted one of its planes into a Spacious Airplane Apartment with a view, of the airport that is, the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in North Holland, Netherlands. The converted plane is listed on Airbnb.

Now, three lucky people could get the chance to sleep on a plane in style.

KLM's description of the plane states: "Located right beside the runway of Amsterdam's bustling Schiphol airport, our detached airplane comes with all conveniences and will truly be your home away from home. Inside the bright 366m² plane with 116 windows you will find a large living room, one master bedroom, two children's beds, two kitchens and eight small bathrooms. It comes with Wi-Fi, a toaster, a coffeemaker, comfortable first class chairs, a game console and a giant cockpit panorama window.

Have a look at the photos.

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Livingroom inside the KLM converted airliner listed on Airbnb. Image Airbnb

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Master bed inside the KLM converted airliner listed on Airbnb. Image: Airbnb

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Floorplan inside the KLM converted airliner listed on Airbnb. Image: Airbnb

Thankfully, there are house rules for the winners:

• No flying.
• Don't use the inflatable emergency slide.
• Smoking is not allowed when the non-smoking sign is on.
• No marshmallow roasting with the jet engines.
• Please water our plants and feed our fish.
• The consumption of alcohol is not allowed.
• Please treat our plane like you treat your own plane.

If you are interested, you must enter the contest by November 20, 2014.

Microsoft Launching Web Version of Skype

This should be great news for those who use Skype from a desktop.

Microsoft announced that a web-based version of Skype is on the way.

The new version of Skype, which is still in beta, allows users to log in to their existing accounts from Skype's website when using Chome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or, Safari. Instant messaging is supported as soon as you log in, but voice and video calls require the extra step of installing a browser plugin. Microsoft says this additional step is only temporary.

"In the future, using Skype on the web will become even easier and convenient," the Microsoft wrote Friday in a blog post. "Imagine you wanted to meet your child's teacher, or conduct an online interview with a potential candidate — you'll be able to chat over Skype directly from a browser in just a click."

Microsoft is rolling out the service to a limited number of users "in the coming months," with more to follow. The company did not say how many users would be part of the initial phase, but those who are selected will see invitations when they log in to their Skype account from Skype.com.

Don't expect the world right now. Remember, Skype on the web is still in beta.

China's Singles Day Launches Xiaomi as New Smartphone Leader

If you are chomping at the bit to get your products into China, I understand. And for those who need a little bit of prodding, think about this.

Yesterday, November 11, or 11/11 was Singles Day in China (anti-Valentine's day or bachelors day). It is reportedly the world's largest, annual online shopping day, topping the U.S. Cyber Monday and Black Friday. Xiaomi, a Chinese mobile phone brand demonstrated how big a shopping day China's Singles Day really is. Xiaomi mobile phones eclipsed Apple, Samsung, and Lenova in one day.

By midday, Xiaomi had sold 720,000 phones, 250,000 of which being the flagship Mi4 smartphone, retailing for around $300.

Hugo Barra, the former Google executive in charge of Android and who now runs Xiaomi, posted on his Twitter account that Xiaomi sold 1.16 million Mi series mobile devices within a 24-hour period. At the end of the day, Xiaomi pulled in $254 million in total sales.

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Wow!

It's time to get your China strategy in gear, and India, too, as Xiaomi is moving into India, the world's largest democratic country.

Aeromobil is Taking Flying Cars to New Heights

Flying cars are becoming all the rage.

A few years ago, the New York International Auto Show featured a flying car, Terrafugia's Transition.

Now, straight out of Slovakia, there's the Aeromobil, a swing-wing, six-meter-long steel and carbon-fiber flying car. Designed and built in Slovakia, the Aeromobil has a flight range of 543 miles or can drive with a top speed of up to 124 mph or 200 km/h.

It can also take off inside 300 meters (ideally on grass) and land within 50 meters, making it highly flexible. Good thing because Stefan Klein and Juraj Vaculik, the founders of Aeromobil, say that the largest potential market for the flying car are emerging markets in Africa and Asia where many roads are in poor shape.

Hey, they need to check out the roads in New York City.

New York International Auto Show Debuts Plane That’s Street Legal

VIDEO: New car that can fly gives images of the Jetsons

What's The 411's Andrew Rosario checked out the New York International Auto Show, one of those signature events in New York City that signals that spring is finally here. The Show offers virtually every make and model vehicle sold in the U.S. under one roof, giving consumers the unique opportunity to see everything the auto industry has to offer.

What's The 411's video gives a glimpse of the autos featured including Mercedes Benz, BMW (motorcycles and hybrid vehicles), Chevrolet Camry, Range Rover, Rolls Royce, Bentley, an Infinti race car, Ford, Acura, Honda motorcycles, and Jeep, just to name a few.

What's The 411 also gives you an up close and personal view of Terrafugia's Transition, a car that flies or an airplane that drives on the road. Does the Jetsons come to mind? The Transition is one of the most innovative automobiles to date. Cliff Allen, Terrafugia's Vice President of Sales gives the backstory on the Transition.

In this video, Andrew Rosario also spoke with Christopher Sams, the public relations executive for the New York Auto Show, about the joys and challenges of creating and promoting a great show.

Started in 1900 as North America's first automotive exhibition, the New York International Automobile Show has grown to be the place where new and innovative automotive ideas get displayed on a national and world stage.

Combined with New York City's energy, and the fact that metro New York is one of the nation's largest markets for new car and truck sales, the New York International Automobile Show is now one of the most important automotive events in the world.

According to the show's organizers, no other event brings the business, consumer and lifestyle press, Wall Street's financial community, the marketing and advertisers of Madison Avenue, and the nation's largest and most diverse metropolitan population together in such a unique way.

 

Derek Fisher: A Rivalry Between Knicks and Nets Doesn’t Exist

A Healthy Deron Williams was a Recipe for Brooklyn Nets 110-99 Win Over the Knicks

For the first time as a coach, Derek Fisher stood along the sidelines as his New York Knicks faced a 110-99 loss to the Brooklyn Nets Friday night at the Barclays Center. And for fans--the game seemed like a rivalry between the two New York teams, and perhaps a win for for bragging rights, but for Fisher---the loss meant none of the two.

Fisher, a former Oklahoma City Thunder, although most known for his role on the Los Angeles Lakers has no idea of the subway match between the two teams and quite frankly he's trying to dismantle the thought of a such rivalry.

"Rivalries are not really created until there's been some playoff history and some playoff battles with teams. I know it's fun for folks to talk [and] write about, but in my experience...its not really a rivalry until you beat each other with a huge...prize at stake, and that hasn't happened just yet," Fisher told reporters at a post-game media conference.

The 40-year-old rookie coach stressed the importance of team work, and said he's still learning about the Knicks. What attributed mostly to the Knicks' loss was a healthy Deron Williams, who finished the night with a season-high of 29 points. Fisher blamed defensive communications on how the team guarded the All-Star point guard.

"I think it was a combination of some of our other defensive concepts—whether or not a guy didn't communicate on a pick-and-roll situation or if Deron Williams was isolated," Fisher said. "Deron is an All-Star player. He's healthy again. It's not about not shutting out Deron. It was a team game, and their team won.

Williams, who once played with Fisher while on the Jazz admitted that it was still a little weird seeing his former teammate suited up on the sidelines. Despite it all, he's still "happy for him."

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Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams

"When he played and when I played with him, he was like a coach out there on the floor. I always thought that Fish would make a great coach if he ever decided to go that route. I'm excited for him," Williams said.

A healthy Williams is looking towards the future after being injury-prone for the last two seasons. Whether or not playing against the Knicks is a rivalry, a win is a win, considering the adversity that he's faced.

"Last two years have been a struggle," Williams said. "They're behind me now, looking forward to this one and we got a great win tonight."

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