R.I.P. Lena Horne!

Famed actress Lena Horne passed away yesterday in New York. She was 92. I'll always remember Lena Horne in the classic movie "Stormy Weather." She had been out of the limelight for a long time, but she's left her fans with many many precious memories of her unrivaled talent.

Lawrence Taylor Can't Fight His Demons!

NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was arrested at a New Jersey Holiday Inn yesterday accused of raping a 16 year-old girl who was being used as a prostitute and apparently forced to have sex with Taylor by her pimp. The whole story is so sordid and deplorable that commentary on it is really beyond words. Of course all of the accusations against Taylor are alleged at this point, but Taylor, who is 51, allegedly had sex with someone who could be his daughter's age which just makes no sense.

We see instances of athletes wasting fame and fortune everyday, and Taylor admittedly has battled drug abuse in addition to fighting other demons. It's a shame that L.T. couldn't fight the demons off, and whether these allegations prove to be true or not, they will always be linked to him.

Illinois Rejects School Vouchers!

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the fact that the state of Illinois rejected Sen. James Meeks' legislation to enact a school voucher system in the state of Illinois. The Chicago Teachers Union opposed the legislation and contributed to the defeat. Approval of the legislation would've given up to 30,000 students from low performing schools the opportunity to use vouchers to attend private schools in the area.

While I'm a supporter of the public school system, the system is broken and continues to falter leaving thousands of students without the opportunity to gain a first rate education at better quality schools. A voucher system would at least give students with potential the chance to go against the best and brightest and probably excel. While it's not impossible for a student from an inner city public school system to have academic success, the obstacles in the way make it more of a challenge.

Toni Braxton Has A New Album!

I always find it interesting when artists keep releasing music after they're no longer relevant as big selling artists. Toni Braxton released her first album in 5 years titled "Pulse" yesterday. The problem with the release is that Braxton doesn't have a single on the charts or receiving airplay. She's essentially fighting a losing battle without any type of radio airplay and relevant music. I'm wishing the best for Braxton's latest offering, but the prospects don't look promising.

Charlotte Area Ministers Convicted of Fraud!

Anthony and Harriet Jinwright were the co-pastors of Greater Salem City of God church in the Charlotte area for over 20 years. Yesterday Anthony Jinwright was convicted of multiple counts of filing false tax returns and tax evasion. A sentence that carries a maximum sentence of 53 years in prison. His wife Harriet, who is able to remain free unlike her husband, faces charges carrying a sentence of up to 20 years according to the Charlotte Observer. Federal prosecutors report that between 2002 and 2007 that the Jinwright's failed to report $2.3 million in income and paying $700,000 in taxes. While the Jinwright's were living the high life, the church was reportedly bouncing checks.

Good article that hopefully let's parishioners know that there has to be checks and balances even for ministers.

Floyd Dominates!

Floyd Mayweather Jr. dominated Shane Mosley on Saturday night winning a unanimous decision over the aging fighter. Mayweather Jr. reportedly pocketed upwards of $40 million for his nights work. If and when he fights Manny Pacquiao the money made by both fighters will be ridiculous. Mayweather Jr. is the ultimate pay-per-view fighter, and he's leaving his audience wanting more and more.

Jamie and Justin Working On A "Winner"!

The New York Post's Page Six reports that Justin Timberlake has been brought in to assist Jamie Foxx with his new CD slated to be released on July 20th. Timberlake has contributed to 3 tracks on the yet to be released disc, and also performs on the first single titled "Winner." Page Six reports that record label execs weren't happy with the initial recordings and solicited Timberlake's help. I'm not really a Jamie Foxx fan when it comes to his music, but I give him major props for putting together quality records. I'm sure the newest record won't be any different in terms of the quality of the music.

Is Woody On The Bubble?

The Atlanta Hawks suffered on of the worst losses in Atlanta sports history last night losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 91 to 87 after having a 9 point lead with just under 4 minutes left in the game. With the loss the Hawks now go back to Milwaukee with the opportunity to lose the series after having a 2 games to none lead over the Bucks. If the Hawks indeed lose this series, it's probably the end of the line for coach Mike Woodson. Woodson isn't under contract for next year, and it would be inexcusable to lose this series to the Bucks who are playing without center Andrew Bogut.

The True Lottery?

Many of us play the lottery on a daily or weekly basis with hopes of winning the tens of millions of dollars that supposedly will change our lives forever. Of course winning the lottery only happens for a few, and the rewards of winning often change lives for the worse. The New York Post profiles a documentary titled "The Lottery" that will profile The Harlem Success Project, which is a charter school in New York and the lottery process that families have to go through in hopes of their children being lucky enough to gain entrance into the school. The documentary will be shown tomorrow at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Ryan Howard's Big Pay Day!

The Philadelphia Phillies extended first basemen Ryan Howard's contract to the tune of $125 million yesterday over 5 years. It was only a few years ago that Howard was trying to pull all of the dollars he could out of the Phillies while winning an MVP award. Good to see Howard getting his just rewards for a job well done.

Seeking Free Health Care In Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles Times provides a glimpse into the need for quality and affordable health care as it profiles thousands of people who've camped out at the Los Angeles Sports Arena to take advantage of a 7 day free health clinic. One interesting footnote from the article is that Medicare, which targets our senior citizens does not cover vision or dental care at the present time.

Pulling For Dez Bryant!

In all honesty, I don't know a thing about Dez Bryant, the former Oklahoma State wide receiver who was drafted last night by the Dallas Cowboys. I am however, pulling for him to have success in the NFL. Bryant, is a young man who has parlayed his extensive athletic skills into a potential million dollar pay day with the Cowboys. Bryant comes to the NFL with supposed "life issues," and was suspended for most of his Junior year at Oklahoma State for lying about his relationship with Deion Sanders.

Bryant was born to a teenage mother, and obviously didn't develop some of the life skills required for long term success. I'm hoping that the Cowboys will assign him a mentor, so that the millions that he's about to receive won't lead him down the wrong path.

Rihanna Hospitalized After Concert!

Superstar singer Rihanna was hospitalized on Monday after performing a concert in Zurich. Details of her illness haven't been released, but at only 22 and one of the top female performers in the world if she has to take a break just to rest, it should be strongly advised by her handlers.

Donovan and T.O. Again?

Reports surfaced yesterday that Donovan McNabb is lobbying his new team the Washington Redskins to sign ex-teammate Terrell Owens as a wide receiver partner. If true, what is McNabb thinking. Owens' skills are obviously on the decline and he threw McNabb under the bus in a major way when they were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps McNabb sees the lack of receivers with his new team, but this would be a reunion that would probably end badly.

Rahm Wants To Be Mayor of Chicago!

President Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told television show host Charlie Rose in a recent interview that he would like to become mayor of Chicago sometime in the near future according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manuel was once an aide for present mayor Richard Daley and is Chicago born.

MAGIC in Chicago!

We always look at the daunting statistics for African-American young men as they try to navigate the process from going from boys to men. In Chicago, only 40% of African-American boys graduate from high school. That leaves 60% of the males trying to figure it out on their own usually with tragic consequences. Bryan Echols is the executive director of the Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization. Echols talks about the groups goal of targeting males born in 2007 with the goal of guiding them through society's challenges until they're 18 and hopefully headed to college in this uplifting article courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.

Kwame May Be Headed To Jail!

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick may be headed back to jail for failing to make timely restitution payments and funneling money through accounts without disclosing the sources of the funds according to the Detroit Free Press. A ruling is expected to be rendered on Tuesday. Kwame is expected to be in court for the decision, and unfortunately for him he may not be returning back to his new home in Texas.

Goodell Needs To Do The Right Thing!

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday to discuss the many transgressions of Ben. Goodell is under extreme pressure right now to suspend "Big Ben" for his accusations of misconduct. While Ben hasn't been charged with a crime, he's faced two accusations of alleged sexual misconduct without any type of penalty from the league. Goodell has laid a heavy hand on "Pacman" Jones in the past, so his treatment of Roethlisberger is being viewed with scrutiny to see if he will treat a white elite quarterback the same as an African American player.

Goodell needs to do the right thing and suspend "Big Ben" immediately. The number of games doesn't really matter, but if he doesn't want to lose credibility with his players a suspension is necessary.

A Cover-Up In Tamara Greene Killing?

The Detroit Free Press reports of a cover-up in the 2003 murder of Tamara Greene. Greene's family has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and police officials, and has found 2 ex-police officers who are alleging a cover-up not only in the Greene murder investigation, but the long rumored party at then Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's Manoogian Mansion in which Greene was alleged to have been a dancer and subsequently attacked by the mayor's wife Carlita. The only issue with these witnesses is that no one has come forward stating they attended the party or witnessed any type of altercation between Greene and Mrs. Kilpatrick. Unfortunately for Greene's family, the truth may never come out regarding the two incidents in question.

Michelle Obama Steps Out On Her Own!

First Lady Michelle Obama steps out on her own as she takes her first trip abroad traveling to Mexico City for 3 days beginning today. Our First Lady has been out of the limelight lately while her husband has been preoccupied with dealing with the issues of our country. The First Family needs some positive press right now, and Michelle Obama is as cool as they come when representing the interests of our country.

'Treme'

The New York Post profiles the new HBO series 'Treme' which focuses on New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The show, a David Chase ('The Wire') creation stars Wendell Pierce and Khandi Alexander debuts Sunday at 10. 'The Wire' remains one of the best shows ever created for television, so if Chase is on his game, it looks like 'Treme' shouldn't disappoint either.

Tiger's New Nike Ad Featuring His Father's Voice!

Tiger Woods' new Nike ad features his father Earl's voice asking "did you learn anything?" The commercial is a little eerie, but gives the effect of his deceased father somewhat chastising his prodigal son from the grave. Tiger makes his golf comeback today at the Masters with the world watching his every move. While I don't expect Tiger to win the tournament, he should be in contention at least and make a respectable showing.

Maya Moore Is It!

Many of you probably haven't heard of Maya Moore, but she's a 20 year old Junior at the University of Connecticut, the best player in college basketball, and she lead her team the it's 2nd consecutive undefeated season and national championship last night. Connecticut beat Stanford 53 - 47 after trailing at the end of the first half. Moore scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds in the victory and cemented herself as the best player in college. Connecticut has won 78 consecutive games and next year will be going after UCLA's record 88 consecutive wins.

I'm not sure if Moore is the best female basketball player that I've seen, I have to go with Cheryl Miller on that one, but she's in the conversation.

Get Well Soon Whitney!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Whitney Houston has postponed the beginning of her European Tour due to an upper respiratory infection. Here's hoping that all is OK in the world of Ms. Houston. When last seen in concert clips, she was struggling to get through a concert.

#5 Now A Redskin!

Twitter and ESPNews lit up last night with the news that Donovan McNabb had been traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins, a Eagles division rival. Coach Andy Reid stated that it was important to send McNabb to a team that he felt comfortable in joining, but more than likely the Eagles feel that McNabb is way past his prime and will not hurt them within the division.

It was time for the Eagles and McNabb to part ways. The fanbase in Philly clearly wanted McNabb gone and the Eagles were ready to promote Kevin Kolb to starter. McNabb now gets a fresh start with a coach, Mike Shanahan who has 2 Super Bowl rings. If he has anything left, Shanahan should be able to allow McNabb to flourish.