B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Sports

NBA Free Agency Popcorn Watcher

By: Tonisha Hood, BMMO Consulting

NBA free agency started with a few bangs.  First, everyone was amazed by KD leaving the Warriors and heading to Brooklyn with Kyrie.  Rumors began to spill out about why KD left and his true unhappiness. Kyrie is returning home so it seemed like a good go for him, and a pact among friends to change the East.  We know that KD will be out all of next year, so Kyrie gets his second chance to lead a team.  

Good luck with the whole situation. 

Next, everyone was on Kawhi-Watch. This was the pin everyone was waiting to drop.  So many teams are holding off on making moves until the Kawhi decision. Toronto was hoping for Kawhi’s return for a back to back, the Lakers were hoping for an All-Star big 3 team and the Clippers were keeping it quiet shooting their shot.  And then an earthquake happens, I mean Kawhi makes a decision, but no, an earthquake really did happen. Kawhi shocked everyone and went to the Clippers, but he didn’t go alone! He brought with him Paul George from OKC!! I know everyone thought KD and Kyrie were cute, but I’m taking Kawhi and Paul George over them.  Russell Westbrook is in a corner wondering why all his friends keep leaving him.  

Now the real chess versus checkers moves really will play out.  Keep watching because we surely will be!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Remembers

Michael Jackson!

You all know Michael Jackson is a favorite here at B.A.F.F.L.E.D., and we are saddened to remember today as the 10th anniversary of his death.  No matter the chatter in the media, and ancillary discussions continuously circling, Michael was an amazing entertainer, humanitarian, and provided the soundtrack of many of our lives.

We're remembering him today with some favorite tracks and photos.

Rest in Heaven, MJ!



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PYT

Remember the Time

Butterflies

Man in the Mirror

I Want You Back

Rock With You 

Billie Jean

Working Day and Night

I'll Be There  

Thriller

You Rock My World

I Like (The Way You Love Me)

Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'  

The Way You Make Me Feel

Smooth Criminal  

Love Never Felt So Good

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Celebrates

Our Favorite Spotlight Features!

As you know, we are gearing up for our 10th Anniversary in July.  To get ready, we are sharing some of our favorite posts over the last 10 years, appropriately on Throwback Thursday! #TBT.

This week, we are sharing some of our favorite spotlights--features we do on people and brands who deserve some shine for the work their doing. 

Check out some of these favorites, and all of the B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Spotlights here!

Rachel Gadson of ILA (I.Love.Art) - Rachel took our logo up a level a few years ago, and we've never turned back.  Her artwork is amazing!

Layla Bryant, Author of Naturally You - This nature hair journal is a must for anyone on the forever hair bond journey.






Ade Hassan of Nubian Skin - The flesh tone necessities for every shade.  

Christopher Cleveland of Brushworks by Chris - He's a master at makeup artistry!

Beelove Skincare - This honey-based brand is not only good for your skin, but socially conscious, so good for the soul.  The honey is amazing, too!

Shontay Lundy of Black Girl Sunscreen - A summer essential with all the right ingredients.  














Dana Jackson of Beneath Your Mask - Treat your skin to ingredients that matter.  It's a must for your arsenal.  

Don't forget to check out the rest here!

See you for more #TBT next week!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Celebrates

Fashion Law Faves!

As we continue celebrating our upcoming 10-year anniversary, we are sharing some of our favorite posts leading up to the big day.  This blog wouldn't even exist if it weren't for the marvelous legal niche called fashion law, so it's only right we share some of our favorite fashion law posts.

Fashion law is literally the reason we're here.  While we certainly talk about more than just IP, design, labor, licensing, and more in the fashion industry, the blog was started just as the niche itself was talking off and getting the notoriety and traction it deserves.  We couldn't contain our excitement when we found other fashion law friends around the country, ready to take this thing to the next level.  Shortly after, our fearless leader, Susan Scafidi, along with Diane von Furstenberg, launched the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham School of Law.  Fashion Law had a home!  Soon following was the Fashion Law Project at Loyola Law School in LA, led by Staci Riordan.  Chicago obviously wouldn't be left out, as the students at John Marshall Law School created the Fashion Law Society.  

You don't see many people frequently walking around naked, so clearly clothing is important, no?  The layers the industry experiences getting them to your drawer are important, too.

Today we're paying homage to fashion law, and its critical importance to the B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Blog.

So 1st, some Fashion Law Family Photos....

And now...take a walk back down memory lane with these favorites, and check out all of our fashion law posts here!  


The Ladies of Fashion Law - Can't say enough how fun this was to create!


How to Spot Fake Merchandise  


Africa Fashion Law Spotlight 



Labor Issues for Models


Fashion Law & the Global Economy


5 Legal Issues for Fashion Shows


Fashion Law in France


Cultural Appropriation & Fashion Law


Is Fashion Fashion Killing Your Pockets


Fashion Law & Why Your Should Care



Can't wait to see what our beloved fashion law brings us in the years to come!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Celebrates

Our 10th Anniversary!!

In just a few weeks The B.AF.F.L.E.D. Blog will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary!  We've written about and changed quite a bit since July of 2009, but it's been such a great journey.  From guest posts, to brand and product Spotlights and launches, we're excited to see what the next phase brings us.

Like any good Thursday, we'll be sharing some of our favorite throwbacks from the last 10 years as we gear up for the big day.  Surely we'll share fashion law tips and trends, popular Tuesday Tops posts, and many others.  

Check out a few of our most popular posts as we get this flashback to thrive forward poppin!


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Fabulous Ladies of Fashion Law - This post was not only fun to work on, but critical as the fashion law industry began to really take flight!

Michael McCann - Sports Lawyer Dedicated Professor

A little history on blue jeans  

20 Little Known Facts About Fashion

Naturally You: A Spotlight on the Natural Hair Journey Journal  


Enjoy these faves, and get excited about more!!


*Don't forget to check us out on Twitter and Instagram, too!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Health

Thoughts On How Talcum Powder May Cause Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma

Talcum powder makers, especially Johnson & Johnson, have been facing an increasing number of lawsuits over long-term use of the product and cancer. Many regular, often lifelong users of talc products, like baby powders, are winning these cases, while studies are proving there is a link between talcum powder and both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Most of the lawsuits targeting talcum powder manufacturers are related to instances of ovarian cancer. The women bringing the suits used baby powder and similar talc-based products for years or decades and then received a cancer diagnosis. That regular use of baby powder included application to the genital area.

Researchers began to study the issue and determine if there was a connection between talcum powder and cancer. They found over the course of studies with thousands of subjects that women who used talcum powder has a 30 percent greater chance of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer as compared to women who do not use these products regularly or often.

Other studies have found important evidence that, even if researchers don’t fully know why it occurs, that there is a definite link between talcum powder and cancer. These studies investigated the tissue from tumors in women with ovarian cancer. They found particles of talc in the tumors. This indicates that talc particles can migrate through the body and into the ovaries.

Talcum Powder and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is linked to asbestos exposure. It most often occurs in workers who spent years on job sites inhaling asbestos fibers. There have been some mesothelioma lawsuits against talcum powder products over cases of mesothelioma rather than ovarian cancer. The inhalation of airborne particles of talc may contribute to or cause this cancer of tissue in the chest cavity. Studies indicate that this could be an explanation for how some who had no workplace exposure to asbestos developed mesothelioma.

Talc and Asbestos

The underlying cause of both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma in women who used talcum powder over a long period of time may be asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral like talc that is mined. Talc deposits often include some contaminating asbestos.

The talc that is used in baby powder products is supposed to be free of that contamination. But, some studies have analyzed talcum powders and found that they often do have asbestos fibers in them. The talc itself may not be harmful, but when the products contain asbestos, they may cause cancer.

Lawsuits over Talcum Powder Continue

The link between talcum powder and cancer continues to be proven in the courtroom. Multiple cases have now gone in favor of the women who were harmed by regular use of this product. This includes one lawsuit in which the plaintiff’s lawyer presented evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew their talc products contained contaminating asbestos. The woman in this case developed and died from ovarian cancer. The jury awarded her family $72 million.

Research into talcum powder and its risks is likely to continue to uncover more important information about this issue. There are currently no definitive answers as to why talcum powder increases cancer risk, but asbestos is likely to be a big part of it.

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Honors

Mothers' Day!!

Every year I get excited about sharing the things my Mommy taught me. There are countless things she's taught--and is still teaching me. Her Wisdom never ends. 

What has your mom taught you that has changed or directed your life in a certain way?   Share yours with us!

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1. Be nice.
This is a simple lesson, but it goes a long way.  Being nice to people not only gives them a good feeling about you, but also puts out good Karma to come back to you.  My mommy still reminds me today the importance of being nice, especially when it is easy not to.   I see traces of her whenever I feel the need to bake for friends and coworkers, have guests over, style for people, advise on legal matters, or whatever comes to mind to allow me to lend a hand to someone else. I always carry this with me.  

2. Beauty is simple.
Mommy has made it clear to me, loads of make-up does not make you pretty, and there's a way to look your best without a mess!  Going back to being nice on the inside, it is easy to look nice on the outside, too.  Too much of anything is usually just that--too much and it will catch the wrong eyes most times.  As I put together my looks for each day, I definitely think..."what would Mommy say?"

As Tatyana Ali put it: "My mother is my beauty role model.  She's gorgeous, giving, and gracious - a true G!"

3. Be strong.
I haven't come across a strength like the strength my mother has, and am not sure I will.  Her lessons in being strong go far beyond helping my dad out in the yard against my will.  They extend to knowing things won't always go my way, and when they don't, I cannot give up.  I will encounter some challenges, and as cliche as it sounds I hear her telling me "this, too shall pass".  I may not want to hear it, but I always want to believe it...and in due time, I see it to be true.  I know my mother got her strength from my grandmother, and great-grandmother, so I work hard to be sure I can pass it on someday as well.  Because of my Mommy, I feel there is nothing I cannot do.  

4.  Be....patient!
Ugh!  I am still working on this one, and actually, so is Mommy.  She's been trying to teach me patience all my life, and I think I just may be starting to get it--a little.  I remember as a little girl hearing her tell me "beee..." and waiting for me to say "patient". I'm not sure I always understood the value of patience as a youngster, but I have gotten a much better understanding in my adult life.  I can't count the number of times I hear her in my head reminding me...and sometimes it is her actual voice.  I have found patience to be so critical, especially as I get older, and can say I have received and encountered some wonderful things from being patient.  I keep this lesson with me.  But, she and I both know, I'm not done learning it.

5. Always do your best.
I often look at my mom and think she has so many things on her plate...and wonder how she balances them all.  Then I realize I am, in my own way, doing the same thing.  I have learned over the years, she not only has a lot on her plate, but only enough for her to handle, and handle well.  It appears to be a lot to the onlooker, and I know it is to her as well.  But, the way she handles family, work, and social activities is always with ease and grace.  Mommy has taught me about not taking on too much, but being there to step up and step in if necessary.  Sure, you may have a lot going on, but giving each your very best is all that's acceptable.  I keep this lesson close.

I could go on and on about the lessons my mother has taught me, but the space here is limited.  I am endlessly thankful for such a loving and giving mother, and wouldn't trade her for the world.  Thank you, Mommy for everything.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing Mommys out there.