Aaliyah: What Might Have Been!

Yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of the death of hip-hop superstar Aaliyah from a plane crash in the Bahamas. Aaliyah was 22 at the time of her death, and poised to rule hip-hop like no female artist before her. While Beyonce Knowles rules popular music from a female perspective, Aaliyah would've ruled the "cool" aspect of music with her quiet confidence and undeniable swagger. She had ruled the hip-hop and R&B charts with the assistance of mega producers R. Kelly and Timbaland and was coming off a hit movie with "Romeo Must Die." Aaliyah's trademark was her mystery, and she was surely just coming into her own as an artist and actress. Her music still resonates today and doesn't come close to sounding dated.

The Detroit Free Press has reprinted an article that was originally published 2 days after her death. Detroit was Aaliyah's home town and she graduated from Detroit's Performing Arts High School with a 4.0 GPA. Her loss is still evident 8 years later, and her legend was instantly cemented with her passing with a void that has yet to be filled.

R.I.P. Edward Kennedy!

Massachusetts Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy died last night succumbing to complications from a brain tumor diagnosed about 16 months ago. Kennedy was the last living male from the Kennedy political dynasty who served nearly 50 years in the Senate. Kennedy's support of President Barack Obama was instrumental in continuing Obama's political momentum last year.

While Kennedy was a major political force in the Senate, he also had his dark side with the Chappaquiddick incident from 1969 in which Mary Jo Kopechne died while a passenger in a car with Kennedy that overturned in a tide of water being prominent. Kennedy left the scene of the accident leaving Kopechne in the car and didn't report the accident until hours later. This incident dogged Kennedy's political career, and likely prevented him from becoming President of the United States. Kennedy did continue to be an influential Senator despite this incident, but his political effectiveness was always somewhat diminished because of his past.

Chris Brown Ordered To Stay Away From Rihanna For 5 Years!

Singer Chris Brown was sentenced yesterday in a Los Angeles court and ordered to stay away from Rihanna for 5 years in connection with the Feb. 8 beating that left Rihanna bruised and battered. Brown received 5 years probation and has to perform 180 days of community labor and 1 year of mandatory domestic violence counseling. Brown is required to stay a required distance from Rihanna and have no written or phone contact with her or face prison. Rihanna does have the option to have the protective ordered modified, but as of yesterday the judge was not interested in reviewing any modifications.

Brown is also reported to be "depressed" since the incident according to the New York Daily News. Brown will still have a long road back to the stardom that he once enjoyed. He was on track to join the likes of Usher in terms of longevity, but it remains to be seen if he can overcome this incident and get his career back on track. Still only 20 years old, it may be possible, but Brown will have a lot of work to do to regain the adulation of many of his fans.

Charlie Rangel Claims $500G More In Assets!

Politics is a very lucrative profession, just ask Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel. Rangel amended his 2007 financial disclosure forms to include more than $500,000 in assets, including an account at the Congressional Federal Credit Union worth at least $250,000, another account with at least $250,000, land in New Jersey and stock in Pepsi and fast food giant Yum!, according to the New York Post. Rangel, who is the subject of 2 House ethics probes has seen his net worth grow dramatically in a short period of time.

Hope the residents of Harlem, who Rangel represents are seeing their wealth grow at the same pace. This is the reason that many people become cynical about Washington politics. Certain occurrences just seem a little shady to the outside world, but I'm sure Mr. Rangel has a good explanation for his increased wealth.

Beyonce Named Billboard Magazine Woman of the Year!

Beyonce Knowles continues her almost unprecedented streak of success by being named Billboard's "Woman of the Year!" She will receive the award on October 12th in New York City. Arguably the best female musical performer of her generation, Knowles is riding high off a number 1 movie this year in "Obsessed" and a double platinum album in "I Am... Sasha Fierce."

Will Iverson Practice If He Joins The Bobcats?

Allen Iverson finds himself without a team, and rumors are circulating heavily that he may join the Charlotte Bobcats, reuniting him with Larry Brown his former coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. It's hard to believe that Brown would consider reuniting himself with Iverson. Perhaps he needs to see Iverson's infamous "Practice" rant that took place 3 years ago when Iverson was still arguably one of the top players in the NBA. Iverson is now coming off one of his least productive year as a pro, and quit on his former team the Detroit Pistons. He's apparently become so desperate that he went on a Twitter rant last week regarding how he's in such great shape.

While I love Iverson's talent and he's a sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer, it pains me that he hasn't adjusted his game with time and evolved as a more complete player. Iverson only goes with one direction and purpose and that's the the direction that serves him points instead of trying to make teammates better. Warning to Larry Brown, beware of what you ask for, and hopefully Michael Jordan will have the foresight to veto this possible move.

Black Eyed Peas Setting Billboard Records!

The Black Eyed Peas very quietly made Billboard.com history this week by having their most recent 2 singles "I Gotta Feeling" and "Boom Boom Pow" spend 20 weeks at #1. The group breaks Usher's record of 19 weeks at #1 with "Yeah" and "Burn" in 2004.

The group is making history by being a true pop music group, that hardly gets any play on urban radio. Front man will.i.am is one of the great producers in contemporary music, and the other 3 group members, which include Fergie all shine in their own way within the group. They're all extremely talented and appear to be avoiding the drama that wrecks the group component in music.

Calipari and Rose Move On To Riches While Memphis Clean Up Their Mess!

This week the University of Memphis was forced to vacate it's 2007-2008 season because guard Derrick Rose had someone take his SAT test in Detroit in order for him to meet minimum NCAA minimum qualifications and gain admission into the university (Rose had taken the test 3 times and failed 3 times and was living in Chicago at the time). Derrick Rose left the school for the NBA after his freshman year and was Rookie of the Year, while Rose's coach at the time John Calipari left the school after last season for the riches of the University of Kentucky.

Neither Rose or Calipari has honestly spoken regarding what really happened, and while Memphis is appealing the decision, both men have moved on to greater riches while the school is left to clean up the mess that's been left. It just doesn't seem fair that neither Rose nor Calipari will face any type of penalty for their role in Rosegate.

New York Governor David Paterson Using The Race Card!

Embattled New York Governor David Paterson is using the race card to explain his sinking poll numbers. Paterson appears to be facing a very short term as governor as his poll numbers are hovering around around 30% and state Democrats are quietly asking him not to run for the Democratic nomination next year. Paterson made the following quote to New York Daily News columnist Errol Louis, "The whole idea is to get me not to run in the primary," "We're not in the post-racial period," Paterson said. He continued, "The reality is the next victim on the list - and you can see it coming - is President Barack Obama, who did nothing more than trying to reform a health care system."

Paterson needs to realize despite a dire economic situation for the state of New York, he's the governor and the buck stops with him. I'm not saying that race is not an issue, but he accepted the position and everything that comes with it.

Did Shaq Claim Steve Nash's Idea As His Own?

The week Shaquille O'Neal debuted his latest media venture with the show "Shaq Vs." on ABC in which Shaq competes against other famous athletes in their area of proficiency. In the debut show, which garnered very lukewarm ratings O'Neal competed against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It turns out that according to the Arizona Republic Shaq stole the idea from former teammate Steve Nash who had mentioned it to teammates in passing. The ever enterprising O'Neal mentioned the same idea while boarding the team bus last year to Nash's dismay. This apparent brainstorm by Nash's teammate caused tension on the team last year, but Nash did cover his bases by hiring an attorney and at least is receiving executive producer credit on the show.

Both former teammates deny any contentiousness, but Nash was smart to cover himself. Shaquille O'Neal was a great player, and is obviously selfish to the point of promoting himself by any means necessary even if it's to the detriment of teammates. Hopefully King James is ready for the drama that may be coming in Cleveland.

Is The Plaxico Burress Sentencing A Tragedy?

Yesterday former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress plead guilty to attempted gun possession resulting in a jail term of 2 years, with Burress possibly serving 20 months with good behavior. Burress' plea deal has everyone in an uproar questioning the fairness of the deal. If reports are true that Burress previously turned down a 90 days in jail offer, then he only has himself to blame for his predicament. Was Burress' celebrity a factor in his celebrity? Probably, but Burress just wasn't very smart in carrying an unloaded gun into a club and accidentally discharging it. Is this a tragedy as suggested by Giants co-owner John Mara? Definitely not, but perhaps too harsh a sentence for someone who had a $35 million contract and acted stupidly.

Real tragedies occur everyday, but Plaxico Burress going to prison for 2 years because of a stupid act just doesn't pass the smell test.

Simply Incredible! Bolt Runs 19.19 In 200 Meters Race!

This is video of Usain Bolt breaking another record by shattering his own 200 meters record in a time of 19.19 seconds today in Berlin. Simply Incredible.

Can Whitney Really Come Back?

Celebrity and wealth often cloud even the greatest performers objectivity. Most artists don't realize that 20 to 25 years have past since they hit the scene and gave us some of their greatest performances. In addition time takes it's toll on even the greatest of our artists. Whitney Houston makes her highly anticipated comeback with the release of "I Look To You" on August 31st, and will be appearing on Oprah Winfrey's show on September 14th. Her new single, the title track was produced by R. Kelly, and honestly is a very boring song when compared to Whitney's previous hits.

I guess at a certain point, even artists lose their touch. Hopefully the rest of Whitney's new album is better than "I Look To You", Whitney needs this comeback to be successful, but at best it will probably be a lukewarm comeback with modest sales. Expectations need to be low for this project simply due to the changes in the music business, and will Whitney's long time fans even buy her record.

17 Year-Old Arrested In Atl For Shooting Woman & Beating Child!

The stories of crimes being committed by young black males keep getting more disturbing by the day. 17 year-old Antoine Wimes was arrested along with 21 year-old Donovan McCoy after they attacked a 22 year-old woman, shooting her in the face and severely beating her toddler according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. To make matters worse, Wimes was out of jail on $250,000 bond for murder and aggravated assault, but cut off his ankle monitor early Monday morning. Man do we need "change", Wimes in the matter of a few months has killed one person and potentially ruined the lives of 2 other people. Why was he out on bond? Simply ridiculous!

Nate Robinson Arrested For Driving Without A License!

Diminutive New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson was arrested yesterday for driving without a license according to the New York Post. Robinson, who is currently a free agent, has had his license suspended 4 times since June of last year for failing to pay fines or respond to summons. He had the arrogance to tweet the following, "Cops pulled me over cuz my windows were 2 dark (but my windows were down) lol how funny is that." "Iam still pulled over and its been 35 min they have me sit in my truck like I dnt have s#*+2 do lol." Both tweets were later removed. Nate Robinson who is 25, probably is not helping himself by making lite of a pretty serious situation. He's still trying to get signed with a team, and prospective teams will be even more cautious of Nate, since his on court behavior has always been characterized as arrogant.

AKA President Barbara McKinzie Paying Herself Very Well!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. President Barbara McKinzie is apparently setting herself up for a pretty good early retirement, by paying herself nearly $500,000 since June after a suit was filed against her for allegedly misappropriating funds within the organization according to the Chicago Sun-Times. As of Monday McKinzie didn't have any comment on the 5 checks that she supposedly wrote to herself with the term "retirement" noted in the description area. I guess McKinzie wasn't satisfied with the retirement package that the organization had set up for her.

Phillies Trying To Bring Blacks Back To Baseball!

African Americans participation in Major League Baseball has diminished dramatically over time with the percentage being just over 8 percent as recently as 2007. These numbers pale in comparison in relation to pro football and basketbal, respectively. The reigning Major League Baseball Champion Philadelphia Phillies are trying to make an impact on these numbers in the Philly area with former MVP Jimmy Rollins actively going into the community and working with young kids. Some of the reasoning behind the diminished numbers is the real fact that many young African American males don't have fathers in the household to at least introduce them to the sport, and also that the sport is simply very slow at times. Interesting accompanying article from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Dr. Conrad Murray Speaks!

Dr. Conrad Murray, who we assume is the last man to see Michael Jackson alive, has essentially been a ghost since Jackson's death in June. Murray decided to issue a statement today informing the world and anyone that cares that he's fine. Eventually justice will decide Dr. Murray's fate, and I don't think that anyone was holding their breath waiting for him to speak. It's possible that arguably our greatest entertainer died because of his negligence. Dr. Murray will have to live with that fact if it's indeed true.

Attempting To Reform Troubled Schools In Chicago!

While President Barack Obama travels around the country promoting health care reform, he's quietly authorized $3.5 billion to be used for education reform throughout the country. The Chicago Tribune reports on the Englewood school which is being targeted for reform. The high school had 1,100 fights during the 2007 school year highlighting the violence at that time. The "Turnaround Program" that is now being used, essentially guts the school, replacing all teachers and supplying money, new curriculum and security for the school. A year into the turnaround, attendance is up, and violence is down, however the academic impact has yet to be determined.

Education reform is the one topic that no one wants to really discuss. The harsh reality is that out of nearly 100 high schools in Chicago, not one is meeting state academic requirements, excluding the schools that have admission requirements. Simply multiply Chicago school performance throughout the country, and anyone can see the dire traits that out public education system is facing.

Language Barrier Proves Deadly For Shooting Victim In Philly!

Mamadou Makadji, 22, was sitting on a park bench in Southwest Philadelphia, with friends when he was approached by a robber and told that a robbery was taking place. When he didn't respond quick enough, because of his language barrier, he was pistol whipped and shot in the chest. Makadji subsequently died at a local hospital as reported by the The Philadelphia Inquirer. Makadji, who was a Temple student and West African immigrant lost his life in a senseless manner. The only description of the gunman is that he's a black male with a dark complexion.

Steve Harvey Making Major Moves!

Fresh off the success of his best selling book "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" comedian Steve Harvey will join "Good Morning America" as a correspondent beginning Wednesday. Harvey, who also has a successful syndicated radio show continues to make major moves.

Detroit Police Chief Tries To Handle Troubled Force!

Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans allowed Amber Hunt of the The Detroit Free Press to ride along with him through the streets of Detroit patrolling streets of a city that has yielded 850 shootings this year. Evans has only been on the job for six weeks, and has been asked to be called every time there's a shooting. Needless to say, he's been called every night in a city that averages 4 people being shot a day.

Evans is overseeing a department that needs a complete overhaul from a cultural standpoint, and the don't snitch philosophy on the streets makes it difficult to solve cases. He's trying to be as proactive as possible, and knows that he has a tough job ahead of him. Interesting article on what every big city in America faces in terms of dealing with crime.

Andy Reid Initiated Michael Vick Talks!

It turns out that Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid is the one who initiated the conversations among the Eagles hierarchy concerning Michael Vick according to the The Philadelphia Inquirer.

"I had just kind of followed his progress to see what would transpire," Reid said. "I wanted to see how he handled things and I had talked to some people about him. I'm not going to say who, but I talked to some people."

Reid did his preliminary research before pitching the idea to team president Joe Banner and owner Jeffrey Lurie. Lurie had obvious skepticism, but felt comfortable enough after speaking with Vick to OK the signing of the embattled quarterback. Bottom line on the move, Vick's football abilities, whatever is left justifies this decision for the entire team.

Usain Bolt Sets New World Record In 100-Meter!

Jamaican sprinter and reigning Olympic Champion Usain Bolt set a new world record running the 100-meters in 9.58 in Berlin, defeating Tyson Gay who ran a personal best of 9.71. Bolt continues to add to his legend.

Obama Willing To Drop "Public Option" From Health Care Reform!

Perhaps bowing to public pressure, the White House announced to today that the "public option" portion of the health care reform bill is not essential. The option of using insurance co-ops which would sell insurance in conjunction with private industry is an option willing to be considered. This concession will not be popular among liberals, but is necessary to calm the uneasiness that presently exists about health care reform. While he's using the Bill Clinton approach to governing based on polling, President Obama is making the right decision.