Rest In Peace Michael Jackson!

Days like yesterday seem like a bad dream. We lost the Greatest Entertainer/Performer of All Time with the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50. I guess Michael was ready to take a rest from all the pressure that he was probably under, and decided to head to a much better place.

All of our lives are much brighter for having witnessed your talent Michael. Please have a good rest, and know that you will be missed by all of us. Special prayers go out to your family, especially your beloved mother. Such a tragedy when a parent has to bury a child, but you made both of your parents proud. There will never be another performer like you.

Shaq & "The King"

The Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers consummated the long rumored trade sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavs for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic a 2nd round draft pick and cash. This is a solid move by the Cavs and probably gives them a decent chance to come out of the East if Shaq can stay healthy. They probably need one more perimeter player and of course a new coach to win the championship.

Evander Holyfield Could Lose Estate!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is in danger of losing his Fayette County, Georgia estate to a foreclosure sale on July 7th. The lien holder is demanding full payment of the original $10 million loan. Holyfield was able to stop foreclosure proceedings last June after reaching an agreement, perhaps he will be able to do the same this time.

Holyfield has made an estimated $248 million in the ring, however two divorces, failed businesses and an estimated $500,00 in annual child support payments have depleted his fortune. The estate is worth $20 million, perhaps Holyfield can stop the foreclosure, sell the property and downsize to a reasonable level.

Can Ebony and Jet Survive?

Recent revelations that Ebony Magazine's parent company Johnson Publishing is in trouble shouldn't be surprising in this economic climate, but it's hard to believe that CEO Linda Johnson Rice would allow her father's company to go under without making prudent moves to keep it afloat. Chicago Business reports that advertising revenue and circulation have dropped to alarming levels and creditors are beginning to position themselves against the company's assets. Long term employees have also begun to leave in droves.

Unfortunately for Johnson Publishing the Internet has probably taken a major toll on the mainstays of Ebony and Jet. Hopefully moves will be made that will keep the magazines afloat and viable as the number of magazine targeting African Americans is already pretty scarce.

Is Rev. Run Being Real?

Last night MTV televised the "Run's House" episode in which JoJo Simmons was arrested on marijuana possession charges a few months ago. A very good and honest episode, but perhaps Rev. Run needs to realize that he created this reality for his children in terms of opportunities and extravagance. None of the trappings of the Simmons family are real in the average African American young adult's life.

Yes JoJo made a mistake, but Run being more concerned with the family name is a bit disconcerting when he admittedly "smoked" like a chimney as his brother Russell had to remind him. Russell simply told JoJo, that pot smoking makes you "slow and stupid" and asked him if he wanted to be that way. JoJo is in a family with nothing but success around him. Hopefully he finds his niche and is comfortable with who he is and what the Simmons name represents.

4 Books By MLK Jr. To Be Republished!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that 4 books authored by Martin Luther King Jr. will be republished by Beacon Press in a deal brokered by his son Dexter King. The books to be republished are listed below:

_ "Stride Toward Freedom," first published in 1958, King's memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and 1956;
_ "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?," first published in 1967, King's last book and an analysis of the state of American race relations and the movement after a decade of U.S. civil rights struggles;
_ "Trumpet of Conscience," first published in 1968, containing five lectures King gave in 1967;
_"Strength to Love," first published in 1963, a volume of his most well-known homilies and the book in the civil rights leader's briefcase when he was killed on April 4, 1968.

The books and other writings are scheduled to be released on January 18, 2010. I know the King children are feuding, but Dexter is making deals to keep his father's legacy alive and relevant for future generations.

No Jail Time For Chris Brown!

Ok, now that Chris Brown got off light for his assault of Rihanna, the world can go back to being normal. Brown plead guilty yesterday to felony assault and received 6 months of "community labor" with no jail time. He will also be on probation for 5 years, so if he has another incident similar to this one, he will likely do jail time if found guilty. Hopefully all parties involved have learned a lesson, and Brown's star has dimmed considerably for such a young man in the music industry. He's probably lost an enormous amount of earning power during these peak years in terms of his talent level.

Perez Hilton Alleges Assault By Will.I.am And His Bodyguards!

Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton went to Twitter when he was allegedly being assaulted this morning by Black Eyed Peas front man Will.I.am and his bodyguards in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press reports the following posts by Hilton regarding the alleged attack:

• PerezHilton: I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.
• PerezHilton: I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.
• PerezHilton: Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
Hilton is in Toronto where he presented at Sunday night’s MuchMusic Awards.


As of this morning the assault has not been confirmed.

Rihanna Expected To Testify Today Against Chris Brown!

Rihanna is expected to testify today against singer Chris Brown in a preliminary hearing on Brown's assault charges in Los Angeles. Requests for cameras in the court room have been denied, and Brown's request for postponement were also denied by the Supreme Court last week. It's funny that Brown has been parading around at various events as if he's not facing potential jail time. Should be interesting in the courtroom if Rihanna does indeed testify.

Say It Ain't So Morgan Freeman!

The Post Chronicle is reporting on this bizarre story involving actor Morgan Freeman having an affair with his 27 year-old step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines. Freeman, 72, and one of our most beloved actors raised Hines along with his wife Myrna since she was a little girl. This report which originates from the National Enquirer is strictly rumor at this point, but the Enquirer was right on the John Edwards story.

Stallworth Suspended Indefinitely By NFL!

Commissioner Roger Goodell did the right thing yesterday and suspended wide receiver Donte' Stallworth indefinitely for his guilty plea this week on DUI manslaughter charges. Stallworth, who is presently serving 30 days in jail for killing pedestrian Mario Reyes, hopefully will be suspended for the entire season. His wealth undoubtedly contributed to reaching a monetary settlement with the Reyes family, and the minimal sentence in terms of jail time. Goodell has always said that playing in the NFL is a privilege, so the right thing is for Stallworth's work privileges to be revoked for at least one season.

George Bush Is Speaking Now!

The Washington Times reports that Former President George Bush has now decided to take swipes at President Barack Obama's policies while speaking to a group of local business people in Erie, PA. yesterday. Specifically Bush is critical of health care reform, stating that the private sector not government will fix the economy and stating that his interrogation policies were within the law. I guess I could really give Bush and the Republicans credibility if they'd done a credible job with the economy. Dumping on the current president 5 months into his presidency really sounds like sour grapes.

Donte' Stallworth Gets 30 Days In Jail For Killing Pedestrian!

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth pleaded guilty yesterday to DUI manslaughter in the March killing of pedestrian Mario Reyes. At the time Stallworth's blood alcohol level was .126 well above the legal limit. Apparently the family of Reyes urged for a quick resolution to the case. Stallworth will serve 30 days in jail, be under house arrest for 2 years and on probation for 8 years. His driving privileges have also been revoked for life. Of course Stallworth, who is 28, reached a settlement with the Reyes family, which was the right thing to do in this case. His football career should continue, although he is likely to be suspended by the league. Stallworth never denied liability in the case, although video shows that Reyes was not walking in the crosswalk at the time.

Many were comparing this case to the Michael Vick situation, but Vick's negligence was established over a period of years, and he never owned up to his involvement until the end, thus he lost everything.

Tameka Loves Husband and Children!

Yes Usher officially filed divorce papers late Friday afternoon in Fulton County, GA Superior Court to end his marriage to Tameka Foster Raymond. None of the involved parties have spoken but the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Foster Raymond has hired Randall M. Kessler, one of the Atlanta's most tenacious attorneys to represent her. Kessler issued the following statement on behalf of his client:

“All I can tell you is that my client loves her husband and she loves her children. She’s trying to keep this as private as possible.”

Here's wishing both Usher and Tameka the best, and hopefully they can settle things amicably.

Congrats To The Lakers!

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th championship last night defeating a nearly comatose Orlando Magic team. Kobe Bryant won his first 4th championship and first without Shaquille O'Neal. I guess all is right with the world now that Kobe has a ring without Shaq.

Papers Haven't Been Filed!

Yesterday the Internet was buzzing with the rumor that Usher had filed divorce papers to end his marriage to Tameka Foster. However, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that no such filing can be found in court records. I guess the elation will have to wait for another day, since many people seemed quite happy that Usher was apparently ending his marriage. Usher's always been able to play the media, perhaps the recent sitings with other women, and rumors of a divorce filing are being used to promote his upcoming album reportedly titled "Monster."

Black Folks Love A Good Game!

If there's a happening event, black folks will travel around the world to attend, and right now the NBA Championship series is the place to be for at the least 2 more days. Chris Brown and Dwyane Wade took a moment to pose for pics during last nights Lakers/Magic game in Orlando, FL. Brown's ex, Rihanna also attended the game, but the two were not together. I wonder how many of us will attend Game 7 of the hockey championship tonight.

Magic Can't Deliver!

The Orlando Magic had a perfect chance to tie the NBA Championship series with the Los Angeles Lakers when they choked at the end, missing free throw after free throw, and inexplicably allowing Derek Fisher to hit a three point shot to force overtime, in which of course led to them losing the game. This is completely a team loss and they wasted a potential chance to win the championship. As it stands now, the Lakers should close this series out on Sunday, unless the Magic shows some heart.

Hate Still Alive In 2009!

I'm sure that when Stephen T. Johns went to work yesterday as a security guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. he never thought that it would be his last day of life on earth. Johns was the lone murder victim yesterday as James W. von Brunn went on a shooting rampage at the museum in the early afternoon. It's a shame that in 2009, hate is still alive and well, and that Johns family has to cope with the loss of a loved one in a worthless display of violence.

Kanye and Amber Still An Item?

Although he's reported to now be single, Kanye West is still finding time to spend with his ex, Amber Rose. Page Six reports that Ms. Rose attended Kanye's birthday party at the Spotted Pig on Monday in New York, and the two were seen shopping on Tuesday. Unfortunately for Kanye and Amber, celebrity doesn't equate to having a private life.

The Drug That Is The High School Standout!

USC basketball coach Tim Floyd resigned yesterday amid allegations that he paid money to an associate of former basketball standout O.J. Mayo who now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. Of course everyone involved is denying the allegations, but why would Floyd resign if wrong doing wasn't involved. So let's review this, the lure of recruiting a basketball standout to your school has essentially ruined Tim Floyd's career and lost him millions of dollars in potential income. Must be some kind of drug to cause a coach to risk everything for a player who he knew was only staying a year, and is now a millionaire himself.

This is one of the reasons that the age requirement in the NBA is a joke. Player's receiving money, having other people take SATs so that they can qualify for school, and surely other outlandish infractions just so that these players can stay for one year. David Stern let these players who have no interest in attending college take their chances on the pros, so that coaches like Tim Floyd don't get addicted to the drug of the high school standout. Surely, O.J. Mayo is somewhere laughing about how he got over on the system, and Floyd's wife is probably calling him a couple of unmentionable names.

Jermaine Dupri Does Sinatra!

Superstar music producer Jermaine Dupri appears to always be looking for the next opportunity as he continues to get his hustle on as a mogul. If anyone follows him on Twitter (LTLline) you know that he's constantly roviding updates on his "Oceans 7" crew comprised of him, Nelly, Johnta Austin, Bow Wow, Brian-Michael Cox and Trey Songz. Dupri is constantly updating music and video on his blog global14.com. Dupri tells the Atlanta Journal Constitution that plans for a stage show and moving are in the works as the pay homage to the days of "The Rat Pack" paying homage to Sinatra, Martin and Sammy.

Nagin and Wife's Quarantine Could Last A Week!

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and his wife's Seletha quarantine in Shanghai as a swine flu precautionary measure could last up to a week according to The Times-Picayune. Fortunately neither Nagin or his wife are showing any signs of the flu.

America's First Black Female Rabbi: Alysa Stanton

Alysa Stanton was formally ordained yesterday as America's first female African-American rabbi. She will will be the first non-white rabbi of Congregation Bayt Shalom, a 60-family synagogue in Greenville, N.C. TIME Magazine profiles Rabbi Stanton.

David Carradine Dead At 72!

Actor David Carradine was found dead yeasterday hanging in a hotel room closet in Bangkok. Carradine starred in the television show "Kung Fu" in the 70's. Rest in Peace Mr. Carradine.