Natalie's Blessing And Sadness!

When singer Natalie Cole received news this week that she had a compatible kidney available that could save her life, she was at the bedside of her dying sister Carol "Cookie" Cole. Natalie's older sister had received news the week before that she had a cancerous spot on her lung, but chose to reject chemotherapy treatment. While Natalie was receiving the kidney transplant, which was a success, her sister succumbed to cancer. Natalie is expected to leave the hospital this weekend, while dealing with the loss of her sister. Thanks to Page Six for the update.

Will Michael Vick Have To Get On His Knees?

Michael Vick was released from federal prison yesterday and now will be serving the remaining 2 months of his term under house arrest. Everyone has an opinion on whether Vick should be given the opportunity to play football again in the N.F.L. and Commissioner Roger Goodell continues to say that Vick needs to show remorse for his involvement in a dog fighting ring. Hopefully Goodell will realize the Michael Vick has essentially lost everything and paid his debt to society. Even if Vick is reinstated, there's no guarantee that N.F.L. owners will take a chance on Vick, and there's no need for Vick to have to get on his knees and beg for an opportunity to regain his livelihood. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Vick's entrance back into society will be tough enough with all of the publicity of his celebrity.

New Orleans Area Teacher Charged With Having Sex With 14 Year-Old Girl!

The Times-Picayune reports that Patrick Williams, 33 an assistant band director at a local school was arrested Monday evening on charges of having sex with a 14 year-old girl, and contributing to the delinquency of other students at the school.

Williams allegedly brought four students to a home in eastern New Orleans on Oct. 24, said New Orleans Police Department Assistant Superintendent Marlon Defillo. There, the students -- two 14-year-old girls and boys aged 15 and 17 -- engaged in or witnessed various sex acts, Defillo said.

Williams is accused of having sex with one of the girls. He was booked into the Orleans Parish jail with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, conspiring to commit felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and four counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Defillo said police learned of the matter just days ago, when one of the girls told her mother what happened during a heart-to-heart conversation. Her mother brought the matter to the attention of the Police Department's child abuse investigators, Defillo said.

As of Tuesday evening, Williams was being held in the Orleans Parish jail without bond. He likely will have his first court appearance today to determine whether he is eligible for bail.

Too bad we can't trust our children with teachers anymore. Nothing is sacred!

King Children Still Split After MLK Jr. Film Rights Sold To DreamWorks!

Yesterday it was announced that DreamWorks movie studios announced that it has obtained the rights to put Martin Luther King Jr.'s life on screen. Under normal circumstances this would be a normal story, however, with King's children still feuding, nothing is normal. Dexter King negotiated the agreement, apparently without siblings Martin III and Bernice's permission and the two plan to fight the agreement. Bernice made the following statement according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

“We are taking action. We cannot reveal what it is at this time,” she said. “Dexter King has entered into an agreement without approval of his shareholders,” she said. “It’s about Dexter King and the empire he is trying to build with Madison Jones.”

It's a shame that the King children can't find common ground concerning their parents' legacies.

Rapper Dolla Slain In Los Angeles!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that rapper Dolla was slain outside a Beverley Hills area mall on Monday. Only 21, Dolla had been in involved in an altercation earlier in the day with a male and female, and apparently was followed to the mall. A "person of interest" was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Dolla, who was signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label was being touted as the next Tupac. Too bad the young man's dreams will never be realized as violence has taken the life of another young man.

Wayman's Lost Battle!

We lost Wayman Tisdale on Friday to bone cancer. This is one of the last segments filmed about Wayman's ordeal. Wayman leaves behind a wife and 4 children.

I Guess We Will Fall For Anything!

U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana is facing a 16-count federal indictment that accuses him of funneling bribes to family-owned businesses in exchange for helping companies get business deals in western Africa. The former nine-term congressman is scheduled to stand trial June 2 in federal court in Alexandria, Va. Last night in New Orleans he gathered with friends and family to recognize his 3 decades of public service. The fact that an offering was collected to help defray "Dollar Bill's" legal expenses is a joke. If Jefferson is guilty of his pending charges, then he will spend the rest of his life in jail. Why are black people collecting money for him. We really will fall for anything! Thanks to the NOLA.com for the article.

DMX Released From Jail!

Rapper DMX was released from a Phoenix jail after serving a 90 day sentence on felony convictions according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons still faces additional charges added while incarcerated for allegedly throwing a tray at a jail officer. DMX needs to get his life together, he has a teenage son who's really tired of his father's juvenile antics.

R.I.P. Chuck Daly!

The Detroit Pistons were my favorite basketball team during the Isiah Thomas era when they won 2 NBA Championships. Chuck Daly was the head coach during this time, and was known as "Daddy Rich" to his players. Daly was laid to rest in South Florida after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer yesterday. Most of "the Bad Boys" were there and served as pallbearers for their old coach. The Detroit Free Press remembers "Daddy Rich." Daly's memory card contained the following quotes from the coach:

“Never trust happiness.”
“See that bridge? I ain’t jumpin’.”
“No one looks bad in a blue suit.”
“Get past mad.”
“I’m just a guy who gets to ride the bus,” was left off but noted in the article.

Rest In Peace, Chuck.

Mr. Big Shot/Smooth!

I found this awesome article on ESPN.com that profiles Denver Nuggets superstar Chauncey Billups titled "The Disposable Superstar." Last night Chauncey led the Nuggets into the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years. Chauncey's journey to super stardom is a great story in overcoming disappointment and learning from your elders. Chauncey's father Ray laid the foundation for his son regarding just plain hard work, and the family turned down Chauncey's offer to buy them a new home and even retire Ray. A great read for anyone facing adversity, and looking for inspiration. Bottom line, if the talent is there, sometimes reaching your ultimate goal takes a little time. Patience indeed has been a virtue for Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups.

John Conyers Trying To Put Black Radio Stations Out Of Business?

Michigan Democrat John Conyers is head of the House Judiciary Committee, and advocate of "marking up" the Performance Rights Act which who require radio stations to pay artists who have performed on a record that's being played. Opponents of the bill include Rev. Al Sharpton who says that the bill would increase expenses of black stations, which are already struggling in tough economic times. The New York Daily News reports:

The fate of the bill in the full House is uncertain, but it seems to have its best ever chance to pass. It is expected that amendments will be added to make it more palatable to opponents, and Conyers offered one of the first on Friday when he proposed small stations pay only a $500 annual blanket royalty fee. "Small" stations are now defined as those billing less than $1.25 million.

Tom Joyner stated on his show that if the bill passes that black stations will no longer play new music, and would focus on the music established artists. In these times, this bill doesn't sound like a good idea. Music on black radio is already too monotonous, I would hate to see it become even less diverse.

Mark Cuban! Do The Right Thing!

Mark Cuban is a self made billionaire, and up until the the last week one of the coolest owners in sports. Cuban is one of the most passionate owners in the NBA, constantly feuding with commissioner David Stern over something that he feels isn't fair and affects his team the Dallas Mavericks. However Cuban's behavior in the last week is highly questionable and over the top regardless of wealth and status.

Depending on which version you believe, Cuban told Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin's mother that her son was a thug. This set the fans of Dallas into a frenzy which led them to verbally harass parents, fiance's and wives of the visiting Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Cuban has since apologized, but he did it via his blog instead of personal apology. Cuban and the Mavs misery will end tonight when the Nuggets unleash their frustrations on the Mavericks in Denver. I hope Cuban does personally apologize to all persons who were harassed. It's just the right thing to do.

Michael Jackson Getting Ready!

As Michael Jackson prepares to take the stage for his first extended tour in 12 years. I have no shame in saying that Jackson is my favorite artist of all time. Whether Jackson, now 50, can pull this off beginning July 8th in England is anyone's guess. Jackson is presently preparing in a Burbank sound stage 4 mornings a week for 6 hours, and the Los Angeles Times reports that the production budget for the tour is $20 million. Either Jackson will flake out and not make it through the tour, or he'll have one of the greatest comebacks of all time. I wish I was optimistic, but MJ's track record recently doesn't breed confidence that this will end well.

Love Amongst Brothas!

While Wanda Sykes is getting plenty of play for her Rush Limbaugh joke at Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner, The U.S. World & News Report posted this quote from President Barack Obama directed at Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele:

He did, of course, take swipes at his foes like Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and even Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele. Taking aim at Steele's hip-hop image, Obama said: "Michael Steele is in the house tonight. Or, as he would say, 'in the heezy.' Wassup? Where is Michael? Michael, for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset. I'm sorry."

So how did Steele react? "It was much love between brothers," says Steele, who said he simply appreciated a presidential shout-out.

Steele has had his challenges as he's gotten into verbal barbs with Limbaugh. At the end of the day brothas have to show each other love.

Wanda Sykes Coming Under Fire For Limbaugh Joke!

Wanda Sykes performed at the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday and made the following joke about Rush Limbaugh:

"You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was just so strung out on OxyContin he missed his flight. ... "Rush Limbaugh hopes the country fails? I hope his kidneys fail, how 'bout that?"

Mike Lupica from the New York Daily News doesn't think that Sykes should get a pass for the joke. I'm sure Limbaugh will have something to say today on his show.

Ulysses Bridgeman, Jr. One Of The Richest Black Americans!

Ulysses Bridgeman, Jr. was known as Junior Bridgeman when he played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. Bridgeman quietly parlayed his basketball career into becoming one of the richest Black Americans. He's listed as one of the top 20 "Richest Black Americans" and Forbes describes how he built his wealth:

Bought five Wendy's franchises to generate income while planning his next career. Today controls 161 Wendy's and 118 Chili's restaurants. Total payroll: 11,000 managers, cashiers and cooks. Sales of holding company Manna Inc. in 2008: $530 million. Sits on board of PGA. Also owns small stake in Milwaukee soda bottler Black Bear Beverages.

Bridgeman Jr. who is now 55, accomplished this when players weren't making what they make today. He should give a class to today's athletes on wealth building, so that they can be prepared when the cheering stops.

Hey Bud Selig......Everybody's On Roids!

Manny Ramirez got busted yesterday after Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a female fertility drug that is also used by steroid users to fight side effects at the end of a cycle was found in his system. Hey Bud Selig, let's finally tell the public the truth and admit that probably every player in baseball has either used steroids, or presently using it. I know that admitting the truth would take too much effort. If a person has a chance to make $25 million in a year as Ramirez is doing this year, most people will take the risk of not being exposed. Even with Manny taking a $7.7 million hit with the suspension of 50 games, I'm sure it's all worth it to him and all of the other players.

Soulja Boy Proving He's Here To Stay!

Soulja Boy is quietly establishing himself as a viable force in the rap game at 18 years old. 2 years ago he could've been described as a "one hit wonder" with his hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” but with his second cd release “iSouljaBoyTellem,” Soulja Boy has crafted two hits, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” featuring Sammie, and “Turn My Swag On,” that have made hm a force to be reckoned with throughout hip-hop.

He tells the Atlanta Journal Constitution how he's dealt with the criticism from "haters" and emerged ready to take on the world with his talent.

Oprah's Blackberry Moment!

Oprah Winfrey agreed to write about Michelle Obama for Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" issue, and had proceeded to write the article in the memo section on her Blackberry. Unfortunately, the Blackberry wasn't as cooperative, as Winfrey recounts:

"I had written the whole piece on my BlackBerry, and I was feeling really so great about it," Winfrey told us at the Time Warner Center gala event Tuesday night. "I wrote it in the memo section, and I went to hit save and I hit another key — and it disappeared. I lost the whole thing!"

She continued, "I had been writing it for a long period of time. I'd add a line when I heard someone say something that I liked, and this is how I wrote it for, like, a month. I figured I would sit down the day it was due and polish the whole thing, but it was just gone!"

"I just stared at the BlackBerry for about 30 minutes," she laughed. "I hit every single key to make it come back. I called the IT guy and then I sort of stared at my computer. I couldn't even think of a sentence or a word [I had written]. It was like, 'Oh my God. This has never happened to me, but of course it happens for [Michelle's piece].' I had to start all over. I was panicked. It was an absolute deadline, so it was crazy."

Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article. Too cool that Oprah is still grinding after accomplishing so much.

Dave Bing, New Detroit Mayor!

Dave Bing stunned Ken Cockrel Jr. yesterday in the special election for mayor of Detroit. Bing defeated Cockrel Jr. running as a "change" agent and stunned the city with his victory. Bing brings to the position, a previous Hall of Fame basketball career and having established himself as a successful businessman in the Detroit area.

2 Bone Marrow Transplant Matches Found For Jasmina!

The New York Daily News reports that 2 matches have been found for 6 year-old Jasmina Anema who has been hospitalized since January with a deadly form of leukemia. If cancer cells are once again undetectable in Jasmina, and either of the donors passes a medical screening, prepping for her transplant will likely begin in a few weeks. Prayers continue to go out for little Jasmina.

Ola Ray Wants Her "Thriller" Money!

Ola Ray who is famous for appearing in the "Thriller" video with Michael Jackson filed a lawsuit yesterday against Jackson claiming she's owed royalties from the 14 minute video that celebrated it's 25th anniversary last year. Ray, now 48, and raising her 14 year-old daughter in Sacramento, CA is a stay-at-home mom. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article.

LeBron Not Obama Is Proof Anything Is Possible!

Yes, he's been blessed to be 6 ft. 9 in. and weigh 260 lbs., but LeBron Raymone James was born to a single mother in Akron, Ohio and could have made all of the bad decisions that youngsters make while navigating his way through sports at a young age. He made all the right decisions, and yesterday the work paid off with him being chosen the Most Valuable Player of the NBA.

All you need to know about LeBron is that he chose to receive the award at his high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary, and requested that only faculty and students be admitted to the festivities. This article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer shows how LeBron really hasn't forgotten the people who helped him get to where he is today. Just a brief section of the article below:

As Barbara Wood listened Monday, the school's librarian remembered how a young James would walk into the library and sit on her desk to talk. They'd Google his name on the computer, how there were only a few mentions at first -- then thousands.

She thought of how she corrected his grammar: "There is no such thing as fiddy cent. It's fifty cents ... with an S. It's more than one S."

She fought back the tears as he spoke with such poise, usually keeping the syntax and sentence structure together.

"He didn't have it easy growing up," said Wood. "But he wanted a better life for himself and his family."

James stops by the school a few times each year, "just him, not with his entourage," said Allison. He still wanders into the library and sits on Wood's desk. He also visits Beth Harmon, an English teacher for the last 11 years at the school.

"I had him as a freshman and sophomore, he was a solid B student," she said. "He was a pleasure to have in class, punctual and polite. As a senior, he'd come to my room and grab some of the candy on my desk. I used him to help me grade papers. We stay in touch, we text 2-3 times a week, and he always answers quickly."

After winning the Olympic gold medal, he brought it to the school on Maple Street to show the teachers and some students. He comes in private, not wanting the media or anyone outside of the Irish family to know he's there.

While our president, Barack Obama is inspirational for what he's accomplished, LeBron James was the product of a broken family, teenage mother and didn't waste the talent that he was given. All of us have talents that are never developed, thus we become disillusioned and despondent because of the pressures of our environments. Youngsters, please look at what Mr. James has been able to accomplish and say "Yes I Can!" Take the beauty of learning seriously and develop your God given talents to the fullest. Riches and money shouldn't be the goal, but simply doing in life what makes you fulfilled.

NAACP 54th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner!

The NAACP held it's 54th annual Fight For Fund Dinner yesterday in Detroit. Rev. Jesse Jackson was the keynote speaker, and Rev. Al Sharpton an Aretha Franklin were among the honorees. Jackson stated the following during his speech:

"One hundred years later, we're free, but we're not equal," "The banks are too big to fail; the neighborhoods are too small to matter. Don't be silent."

It's hard to believe that Rev. Jackson has essentially become irrelevant in our community. I guess when you become a millionaire on the backs of your people, becoming irrelevant is just reward.

James Stewart: Motocross Champion!

James Stewart is 23 years old, and escapes the public consciousness even though he is the premier motocross rider in our country. Like Tiger Woods, his father introduced him to the sport at an early age, and he's taken his talents to unsurpassed heights. Stewart won the 2009 Supercross Championship this past Friday. His website can be accessed here.