Will Rahm Run For Mayor of Chicago?

With Richard M. Daley deciding not to run for a record 7th term as mayor of Chicago, White House chief of state Rahm Emanuel has emerged as a potential candidate. Emanuel has stated in the past that he covets the job as mayor of Chicago, but POLITICO states that while Emanuel may be a favorite to succeed Daley, he's not guaranteed the job. If Emanuel does run it will at least be interesting theatre.

Can National Action Network Survive?

The New York Post reports that finances at Rev. Al Sharpton's nonprofit organization National Action Network are so dire that the organization may not be able to survive according to an internal bookkeeping audit. The organization still faces over a million dollars in delinquent tax payments that are owed at the city, state and federal levels. Sharpton hasn't commented on this report, but it will be interesting to see what his version of the truth will be concerning the financial viability of his organization.

Chris Brown Scores A #1 With "Deuces"

Chris Brown has scored an improbable #1 record with "Deuces" on the Billboard R&B chart. The song, taken from the mixtape "Fan of a Fan" has gained momentum over the last month, currently charts at #24 on the Billboard 100 chart and still gaining steam. Brown also has a role in the #1 movie from last week "Takers" so this has been a pretty good week for the young Mr. Brown.

Money Doesn't Buy Intelligence!

T.I. and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were arrested in Los Angeles last night after police smelled marijuana smoke coming out of their Maybach. T.I. just got out of federal prison last December related to weapons charges, and is a convicted felon. I'm not sure of the legal ramifications that will result from T.I.'s arrest but obviously money doesn't buy intelligence.

Props To Bush?

President Barack Obama addressed the nation last night to inform all of us that the war in Iraq is over. The President who did oppose the surge in Iraq, admitted that although he and former president George W. Bush had opposing views on the war that Bush had a commitment to overall success in supprting the surge.

Conservatives are focused on the fact that President Obama opposed the surge, but he finished what was started which has lead to ultimate success in Iraq.

8 Babies, 6 Mothers For Cromartie!

I found this interesting article by Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press chronicling the exploits of New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Unfortunately the exploits being discussed aren't on the football field as Cromartie has 8 children by 6 different women, with 4 of them being the 3 year-old age range. Cromartie, who is 26 years-old had to be fronted $500,000 of this year's salary to take care of paternity issues. He's became something of laughing stock when recently on the show "Hard Knocks" he seemed to have difficulty remembering the names of all of his children.

I'm not going to judge Cromartie, but he'll have continuous pressure on him keeping up with the child support payments, and being a member of the "Not For Long" league his career could be over at any time. I guess he never met birth control that he found acceptable.

Jordan and Bobcats Lend A Hand To Area Schools!

Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats saw a need for Charlotte area schools and took it upon himself to help out since funding for middle school athletics has been cut by $1.25 million. The team has donated $250,000 towards middle school athletics which has spurred donations from other sources according to the Charlotte Observer.

This is a great gesture by Jordan and the team. Physical activity is necessary for everyone, and with budget cuts affecting all school systems, the Bobcats really stepped up when needed.

Lorenzen Wright's Mother Still Seeking Answers In Her Sons Death!

Lorenzen Wright's bullet riddled body was found a month ago in a secluded lot in his hometown of Memphis. Now that the tears have been shed and her son has been buried, Deborah Marion wants answers regarding her son's murder. Detectives have been collecting evidence but have yet to speak on the record about potential theories or suspects. Speculation has been rampant about possible causes of Wright's murder, but Memphis police can't make any arrests based on speculation. Perhaps one day Deborah Marion can sleep with the peace of mind that her son didn't die in vain. The Memphis Commercial Appeal provides additional updates.

What Are Arteesha Holt's Demons?

I'm not sure what demons 14 year-old Arteesha Holt faced, but she's been a behavioral problem for her family for years. Holt's life took a turn to oblivion on August 13 when she allegedly shot and killed 2 men in a Baltimore neighborhood, apparently in an attempted robbery. She was arrested yesterday and charged as an adult with first degree murder according to the Baltimore Sun.

Holt apparently has suffered from mental health issues and her family had attempted to help without success. She reportedly had been living in the streets in recent months. Just a sad story.

Is Timbaland Ok?

It was being reported that producer/rapper was in danger of causing harm to himself on Tuesday after he apparently left his home distraught over the theft of a $2 million watch by someone he knows. Hopefully everything is OK with Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosly.

Fantasia Wanted Out!

Fantasia Barrino says that she wanted out of her life 2 weeks ago when she attempted suicide. It's probably not fair for me to be a skeptic, but it seems convenient that Barrino has a new CD out today titled "Back To Me" and a new VH-1 "Behind The Music" airing tonight. Barrino is a talented singer who has legitimately had personal issues. Hopefully in this particular situation she's being sincere with her fans.

Faith Evans Arrested For DUI!

Singer Faith Evans who we haven't heard from in a while was arrested Saturday night in Los Angeles for suspicion of DUI. Evans who is expected to release a new album in October is also pitching a reality show. It's bad enough that Evans really isn't relevant as an artist anymore, but getting arrested makes things even worse for her. Perhaps she's never heard of the term designated driver.

Chris Brown "Deuces"

While he may never have the career that he could've had before the Rihanna incident, Chris Brown is moving along with his career. His movie "Takers" debuts next week, and he has what I believe is the hottest R&B song out right now with "Deuces". Brown is all tatted up now and clearly has an edge to his music, which seems to have an "I don't care what you think about me" edge to it.

Admittedly I've stated that Brown's career is effectively over compared to where he was headed, which was all time great status in my opinion. However, "Deuces" shows that he will remain a viable artist capable of still producing great music.

Dr. Laura Can Settle Into Oblivion!

I hadn't heard from Dr. Laura Schlellinger for years until last week when she felt comfortable enough to say the N-word 11 times while giving advice to a caller on her syndicated radio show. Now Schlellinger has announced that she's not renewing her contract because she wants to regain her First Amendment Rights.

Dr. Laura is one of the few people who can come under fire for making crazy statements or giving senseless advice and walk away from her job. She has the right to say what she wants, but sponsors have the right to pull ads from her show in opposition. Dr. Laura now can take her advice and give it to anyone who really cares, and settle back into oblivion.

Philly Public Housing Director Has A Storm Over His Head!

Philadelphia Public Housing Executive Director Carl Greene has had a cloud over his head since revelations came out that he's facing foreclosure on his $615,000 condo in Philly in which he owes $387,000 and recently paid a $52,000 tax lien in March of this year. Greene presently makes over $300,000 per year and is eligible for bonuses. Yesterday it was disclosed that Greene had a sexual harassment claim filed against him earlier this year according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Compounding Greene's issues is the fact that he has not been heard from since the controversies began surfacing and will not be in the office today either. By all accounts Greene has done a credible job as head of Philadelphia's Public Housing, but going underground is not helping his case, especially when former Mayor John Street is on the housing board and Greene's not even responding to his requests for explanations.

Mr. President You Can't Comment On Everything!

President Barack Obama is a very smart man, but it's becoming clearer that he's simply not politically savvy. He continues to have an opinion on anything and everything when he doesn't have to say a word. His opinion regarding the Ground Zero mosque was stated in a speech Friday night that came out of nowhere, and has created another firestorm.

President Obama doesn't have to state his opinion on everything as his statements are often divisive which brings unnecessary attention to himself. I'm sure his intentions are good, but unfortunately he's not helping himself or his party.

Lance Stephenson Arrested!

Former New York basketball phenom Lance Stephenson was arrested yesterday for allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs according to the New York Post. Jasmine Williams, the mother of Stephenson's child told police that she was pushed down 10 steps and hit her head. Stephenson was charged with 2 counts of assault amongst other charges.

Lance Stephenson was a second round pick of the Indiana Pacers after playing one year of college ball at the University of Cincinnati. He has a 2 year contract which guarantees him about $1.5 million in salary. Stephenson has had previous issues with females as he plead guilty to groping a 17 year-old female while in high school last year. His pro career could get derailed before it gets started with this latest transgression. Larry Bird is a no nonsense team president for the Pacers so I'm sure he'll be monitoring these charges pretty closely. Tears aren't needed for Stephenson, but he could become just another statistic who blew a great opportunity.

Congratulations Pip!

Tonight one of my favorite basketball players Scottie Pippen finally gets his just due when he will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Pippen will be introduced by his sidekick for the night, Michael Jordan. While Pippen was fortunate to play alongside arguably the greatest player of all time in Jordan, his credentials stand up beside any of the greats. Perhaps a greater defensive player than he was an offensive player, Pippen rose from the obscurity of Arkansas to becoming a legend, which is a testament to his determination and tenacity.

The toughness of Pippen can never be questioned because in his early years he had to deal with the pressure that Jordan placed on him in practice everyday. Pippen never wilted under the pressure, and carved out his own niche with those great Chicago Bulls teams that ultimately won 6 championships. Scottie enjoy your evening of accolades, because you earned all of them.

Pulling For Fantasia!

The Fantasia Barrino lawsuit story had been around for months, but raised it's ugly head with a crescendo on Monday after Barrino was rushed to the hospital with an apparent aspirin overdose. America always loves a train wreck, and the Barrino story almost had a tragic ending. I'm hoping that Fantasia can gain strength during her moment of turmoil. Whatever she's feeling right now, it's not worth her daughter no longer having her loving mother with her.

Almost Half The Man!

I found this interesting article at Philly.com about Billy Ivory Larson who five years ago weighed 400 pounds. Looking at a picture of himself, he couldn't believe his eyes and at 34 years old knew that he had to do something. Larson was dealing with a number of health issues including high blood pressure, sleep apnea and arthritis which were making day to day living a challenge. Determined to get his life back, Larson bypassed the surgery option and changed his diet cutting back on junk foods, eating salads instead of cheeseburgers and drinking water instead of sodas. His exercise regimen began with doing 25 sit ups a day and ultimately escalated to walking 3 plus miles a day. It took 3 years but Larson got his weight down to 225 pounds.

Today he's weighing in at 235 pounds, and knows that to maintain his weight it will be an ongoing struggle, but this is a great story about determination to live a more healthy life. Larson's entire story can be found at billivorylawson.com.

Is Criticism of Michelle Obama's Trip To Spain Fair?

I would think that Michelle Obama traveling to Spain with her daughter Sasha and friends wouldn't be a big deal under normal circumstances, however, when the country is in a recession and jobs are few everything the First Family does is open to criticism. The truth of the matter is that Michelle Obama took the trip at the request of a friend and paid many of her expenses out of the family pockets.

I'm constantly saying that President Obama needs to do a better job at getting his message out regarding all issues and situations. The true facts of this trip could've been slanted much better prior to receiving criticism, and being in a reactionary mode. President Obama has to be more proactive in all areas of governing, because a story like his wife traveling to Spain with friends should be a non story.

President Obama Hoops It Up For The Troops!

President Barack Obama hooped it up with a contingent of active and retired NBA stars along with UConn's Maya Moore yesterday entertaining wounded soldiers, and participants of a Washington mentoring program. Retired stars Bill Russell, Earvin Johnson and Alonzo Mourning joined LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Kobe Bryant along with other stars to help culminate President Obama's birthday week.

Link

Can Tiger Regain His Form?

Every week that Tiger Woods tees up for a tournament I think it's the week that I'll see the old Tiger, sinking putts that no one else can sink in pressure situations and hitting shots that only he can pull off on a regular basis. With each passing week though it appears that the old Tiger is no where to be found at least for this year. Yesterday in the first round of the Bridgetone Invitational, Woods shot a 4 over 74 and is 10 shots off the lead. His putts were either to the left or right of the intended target and let's not begin to discuss the wayward tee shots.

Tiger Woods has never gone through a year without winning a tournament, but it's looking like this may be the year. He just looks like the fire isn't there and he's just going through the motions. With the turmoil that's taken place in his life, his performances this year are understandable but still surprising given Woods legendary focus on the links.

Billionaires Giving Away Half Their Fortunes!

Years ago, billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffet committed to giving large portions of their fortunes to charity. Weeks ago they launched The Giving Pledge" campaign targeting other billionaires and encouraging them to give up to half of their fortunes to charity. They began a phone campaign, and as of yesterday we can count Ted Turner and Bernie Marcus on the list of billionaires who have made the commitment according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Bill Gates, specifically started the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia years ago that targets African American Students and located in a low income section of the city. The billionaires have to be applauded for their commitment to give back to the less fortunate.

End of Kilpatrick Dynasty!

It appears that the sins of the son have derailed the political career of the mother as Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick's tenure in Congress came to a stunning end last night when she was beaten by Sen. Hansen Clarke in Michigan's Democratic primary. The Congresswoman has served in Congress since 1996 and raised up to 3 times more money than her opponent, but was still soundly beaten according to the Detroit Free Press.

Cheeks Kilpatrick's son is now infamous Kwame Kilpatrick who destroyed all political credibility of the Kilpatrick name. Despite the money that she spent, it would've been surprising for Cheeks Kilpatrick to survive political baggage left by her son.