Atlanta Mayoral Election Headed To Runoff!

Atlanta Mayoral candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed are headed for an election runoff on December 1 after Norwood failed to attain 50% of the vote in the mayoral election yesterday. Norwood received 45% of the popular vote while Reed received 37%. Norwood is attempting to become the first white mayor of Atlanta since 1973.

It will be interesting to see if the Atlanta electorate becomes polarized along racial lines, and the race could come down to who third place finisher Lisa Borders ultimately supports. It's politics, so the next month in Atlanta will not be boring for Norwood and Reed.

Rihanna Appearing On GMA and 20/20 This Week!

Rihanna will be appearing on "Good Morning America" Thursday and Friday morning and concluding her interview with Diane Sawyer on "20/20" Friday night. She will be discussing the Chris Brown episode and surely her new album which is scheduled to be released on November 23rd.

Iverson Makes Grizzlies Debut!

Allen Iverson made his season debut with his new team, the Memphis Grizzlies scoring 11 points in a loss to the Sacramento Kings. It will be interesting to see how long Iverson stays happy with a reduced role since the Grizzlies have a pretty good young shooting guard in O.J. Mayo. It's interesting to see the former M.V.P reduced to a footnote, as we continue to see older players simply hanging on for as long as they can.

"This Is It": $101 Million Worldwide!

Michael Jackson's concert rehearsal documentary "This Is It" did not disappoint at the box office, as it earned $101 million over the first 5 days of being released, including $32.5 million domestically. The solid numbers have given the film an extended run past it's original 2 weeks as distributors have extended the movie through the Thanksgiving weekend. The movie's success is a testament to the worldwide adoration that Jackson enjoyed.

Kwame Kilpatrick Still Rolling In The Money!

It's amazing what power and influence can get you even when you've served time in jail for committing a felony offense while being the mayor of a major city. Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was in a Detroit courtroom yesterday testifying regarding his inability to keep up payments on the $1 million in restitution that he promised to pay back to the city as part of the text messaging scandal. Somehow Kilpatrick and his wife have managed to run over $1 million through their personal bank accounts while receiving close to $300,000 in loans from major businessmen as Roger Penske and Dan Gilbert according to the Detroit Free Press since he was in jail.

Kilpatrick of course has amnesia regarding where all the money is coming from, but clearly being an ex-mayor has it's privileges. Kilpatrick and his family now live in the Dallas area and Kilpatrick works for a medical supply company. Only in America as Don King would say, and people wonder why everyone is cynical about politics.

Kijafa Frink (Michael Vick's Fiance) Speaks About Life With Michael!

Kijafa Frink recently spoke with the Philadelphia Daily News about life with her fiance Michael Vick. The Philly native speaks eloquently about her relationship with the NFL player.

Larry Johnson's Troubles!

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was at one time one of the best running backs in the NFL. He's approaching 30 years of age as a running back and playing on a bad team. Johnson has allowed his frustrations to get the best of him and after making unflattering comments about his head coach and making a gay slur on Twitter. Johnson topped that the next day by issuing another gay slur in the Chief's locker room. All of these rants have cost Johnson a 2 week suspension from the team and $660,000 in salary since he won't be paid by the team.

Johnson would be advised to get control of his emotions. He's at an age where running backs become dinosaurs, and losing $660,000 in salary is serious business. He may want to look at the cautionary tale of Antoine Walker, the NBA player who went through $110 million.

Obama and Fox News Talking!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Fox News executive Michael Clemente and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs met yesterday regarding unspecified topics. The White House has contended interestingly that Fox operates as a Right Wing Organization instead of a news network. Fox News is the most popular news network on television, and the programming really hasn't changed since President Barack Obama came into office. The network has targeted stories that the mainstream media has decided to ignore such as ACORN and the Vann Jones controversy, but those stories were legitimate and worthy of coverage.

The White House needs to get a tougher skin, because this controversy is only making Fox News more popular. Bill O'Reilly even stated that his show is just behind Katie Couric's news show on CBS which is amazing for a cable news program.

Evers-Williams & Erving Receive Civil Rights Awards!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Myrlie Evers-Williams and Julius "Dr. J" Erving received Civil Rights Awards from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis yesterday. Evers-Williams, widow of Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers has dedicated her life's mission to continue her late husband's legacy as a champion of civil rights following his assassination in 1963. Erving, who gained fame as a star basketball player is now president of the Erving group and continues to work as a philanthropist.

Tito, Jackie and Marlon Attend "This Is It" Premiere

Jackson brothers, Tito, Jackie and Marlon attend their late brother Michael's concert rehearsal movie premiere yesterday in Los Angeles. The movie is expected to have a 2 week run at theatres as it profiles Michael Jackson's final concert rehearsals before his untimely death.

Kareem May Be Joining Grizzlies Staff!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is in talks with the Memphis Grizzlies to join the the teams coaching staff work with their centers. Kareem has been lobbying for a coaching position for a long time, so if this pairing works, it'll be long overdue for Abdul- Jabbar.

CJ Jeans By Cookie Johnson!

When you receive the Oprah seal of approval you know that you're doing something right. Cookie Johnson received a lot of love from the Queen of Talk last week when Oprah profiled "CJ Jeans" by Cookie Johnson. Johnson developed the jeans after having difficulty finding jeans that fit her comfortably. The jeans target sizes 2-18 and are priced in the $140-$200 range. Nordstrom stores carries the line of jeans.

If Johnson seems familiar to everyone it's because she's the wife of Magic Johnson. Cool to see Mrs. Johnson venturing out of the shadows of her famous husband.

Does Magic Get A Pass On This One?

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were once kissing buddies on the basketball court and best friends off of it. Something changed in the relationship at some point, fracturing it beyond repair. That moment was probably when Isiah established himself as close to Magic's equal on the basketball court and "big brother" Magic couldn't accept it.

Their duels on the basketball court took place 20 years ago, so it's interesting now that Johnson is releasing a book in which he dedicates quite a few pages to his friendship with Thomas. Magic asserts that it was Thomas who began spreading rumors that Johnson was possibly gay or bisexual after he contracted the HIV virus. Magic states that the rumors hurt him to his core, but he never took the time to tell Isiah how he felt. Thomas now feels betrayed by the new revelation, and states that Magic should've stepped to him as a man with his issues.

Magic Johnson post basketball has established himself as a successful businessman and ad pitchman. I'm sure he will smile his way out of this latest controversy with everyone taking Johnson's version as the truth. Thomas' reputation has taken major hits over the last few years, and this is just another blow for him. Too bad Johnson will probably get a pass for reopening old wounds with his once best friend.

Randy Jackson Says Brother Michael Didn't Sign Will!

With the news that upon his mother Katherine's death that her proceeds from his will go to his 3 children, it was a just a matter of time before the Jackson family began to go after the money. TMZ is reporting that Randy Jackson is stating that his brother Michael Jackson couldn't have signed his will on July 7, 2002 because he was in New York protesting against then Sony chairman Tommy Mottola. Jackson is confirmed to have been in New York at the time, so there appears to be some inconsistency concerning where the will was signed. Of course family friend Rev. Al Sharpton has been consulted.

Rihanna's "Russian Roulette!

Rihanna released her latest single "Russian Roulette" yesterday. On first listen, the song, which was written by Ne-Yo is very average. Rihanna is much too young to be at the point where she thinks everything that she produces is hit material.

Manny Being Manny!

I guess when you have a guaranteed $20 million contract and a player option for next year it gives you a license to to anything that you want to your employers. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were being beaten by a Jimmy Rollins double on Monday night during game 4 of their series with the Philadelphia Phillies, left fielder Manny Ramirez, who had been removed for defensive purposes in the bottom of the ninth, was in the shower instead of being in the dugout supporting his team. Manager Joe Torre basically laughed off the incident saying that's Manny simply being Manny. It's amazing what you can get away with when you're a commodity that is able to generate dollars for an employer.

Ramirez, who was suspended earlier this year for steroid use is fortunate that next year of his contract is guaranteed. I'm sure the Dodgers would surely love to rid themselves of Manny being Manny at this point.

Kandi Burruss Opens Boutique In Metro Atlanta!

Kandi Burruss is maximizing her stint as a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member, bringing renewed attention to her abilities as a songwriter with her work on the "Tardy For The Party" song for cast member Kim Zolciak who is just a little challenged as a vocalist. Burruss is also expanding her business opportunities by opening a clothing boutique in metro Atlanta with friend Peaches Chin who will run the boutique on a day to day basis. The store called Tags, will focus on affordable men's and women's clothing. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on Burruss' business venture.

Here's wishing her well as she's opening the store during a challenging economic climate, but by marketing affordable clothing she's at least giving the store a chance to succeed.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Let Go By Fox News!

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill was one of the few consistent African American voices on Fox News programs, regularly appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show to offer his liberal commentary. Hill, who is a college professor at Columbia University, was let go from his Fox News commentary job last week because of his liberal opinions. Too bad Fox's "fair and balanced" stance couldn't accept Hill's varying opinions on anything cultural and political. Despite this setback, Hill remains one of preeminent African American commentators.

Is "Good Hair" Not Connecting With Audiences?

Chris Rock's documentary "Good Hair" has received a pretty heavy media blitz over the the last month, but after 2 weeks at the box office admittedly in a limited number of theatres, the movie has generated less that $1.8 million in receipts and only $437,000 over the weekend. It appears that this is a topic that black people just don't have an interest in despite Rock making the rounds on every show imaginable to laugh about the texture of hair. Glad to see that black folks just won't fall for any form of entertainment.

25% Voter Turnout For Memphis Mayoral Election, Wharton Wins!

A C Wharton won the special mayoral election to replace embattled Willie Herenton (facing a federal investigation) as mayor of Memphis with a turnout of only 25% of the just over 423,000 registered voters in the city. Wharton won 60% of the vote and will serve out the remainder of Herenton's term until 2011. Memphis is facing the same issues as other cities with high unemployment, under performing schools and crime. Here's wishing Wharton well in his new job.

Tom Joyner's Relatives Pardoned After Being Executed 94 Years Ago!

Syndicated radio talk show host Tom Joyner was able to get his two great uncles pardoned by the state of South Carolina for a murder that they never committed 94 years ago and for which they were executed. Thomas and Meeks Griffin were black land owners who were forced to sell their land at the time to defend themselves against the charges of killing a white man. Joyner learned about the fate of his uncles after Dr. Henry Loius Gates traced his family tree through the PBS show "African American Lives 2." The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional information regarding Joyner's ordeal and triumph for his family.

The Rush Limbaugh Debate!

It's not surprising that everyone with an opinion is chiming in regarding whether Rush Limbaugh has the right to be part owner in a bid to purchase the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. The NFL is comprised of a select group of owners who all are millionaires and billionaires. Gaining ownership in the league requires 75% approval by the 32 owners in the league.

We all know Rush Limbaugh as the conservative talk show host who has turned his ability to hit the right pulse into millions. It's no secret that Limbaugh has made more that one comment that could be considered at the edge of decorum when related to African American people and our abilities. However, when did Rush Limbaugh wanting to purchase a NFL team become a civil rights issue? NFL players are coming out of the woodwork saying that they would never play for Limbaugh, but they never seem to have an opinion when the most recent black on black murder hits the news wires.

Rush Limbaugh does have the right to go through the ownership process if Commissioner Roger Goodell allows his ownership bid to get that far, but I trust that Goodell has a handle on this Limbaugh situation, and that it will quietly go away. If Goodell does allow Limbaugh's bid to go through the process, then know that it's all about the money, and perhaps African American players who comprise 70% of the league will realize that at the end of the day that they are only commodities with no real leverage in a league where they are the majority employees.

King Children Now On One Accord!

The remaining children of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King reached a settlement in the ongoing dispute over King Inc. late last night. King Inc. is the company that Dexter King has been presiding over which controls his father's intellectual properties and papers. The settlement outlines that a third party custodian will come in to run the company, which will protect the interests of Martin King III and Bernice King the other living King children. It's obvious that Dexter will eventually be removed as president of the company, and hopefully end the contentious relationship that had emerged between the siblings. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provided the update.

Paul Anka Getting 50% of MJ Song Proceeds!

When Paul Anka heard the newly released Michael Jackson song "This Is It" he immediately knew that it was identical to a song that he and Jackson wrote in 1983 titled "I Never Heard." At the time the song was never released but Jackson had taken a tape of the song. Anka was not given writers credit upon the release of the retitled song, but Michael Jackson's estate has agreed that he is due 50% of the publishing writes since Anka and Jackson wrote the song together. The New York Daily News reports that this has to be the one of the fastest made deals in show business history.

Khadijah Williams: Homeless to Harvard!

Khadijah Williams' story is one that I admittedly missed this past summer, but this young lady should become the face of any impoverished teen in our country who thinks that they can't overcome odds and forge their life in a positive direction. Khadijah, who was featured on Oprah this week, overcame homelessness, and the lure of the streets to receive a full scholarship to Harvard University.

Khadijah fell in love with the library and used reading and the desire to learn as driving forces that wouldn't allow her to be denied in her quest to overcome her circumstances. Her story needs to be the rule instead of the exception for young teens trying to get an education against the odds.