When Will We Hit Bottom?

The Baltimore Sun reports on the announcement yesterday that employers cut 533,000 jobs during the month of November raising the unemployment rate to 6.7%. In reality the unemployment rate is higher than that since when people stop looking for a job, they're no longer counted in the unemployment numbers. The first week in December brought major corporations such as AT& T and DuPont announcing layoffs and we know about the situation with "the big three". The primary areas presently adding jobs are the government, health care and education, and things are expected to get worse before they get better.

In these economic times, if you are gainfully employed, don't take anything for granted.

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database Launched

A monumental website was launched yesterday. "Voyages: The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, launched yesterday in conjunction with a conference at Emory University marking the bicentennial of the official end of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in 1808. "Voyages" documents the slave trade from Africa to the New World in the 1500s to 1800s and includes searchable information on nearly 35,000 trips and the names of 70,000 human cargo. The voluminous work documents two-thirds of all slave trade voyages between 1514 and 1866. For someone who knows that an ancestor was enslaved in a certain part of the South, the database might help him trace from where in Africa the ancestor most likely came, said Emory history professor Leslie Harris.

Thanks to the Baltimore Sun for the information.

O.J. Gets At Least 9 Years In Prison

O.J. Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison today, but must serve a minimum of 9 years for last year’s kidnapping and armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas. O.J. looked every bit of his 61 years as he gave a rambling apology to the judge. Regardless of what you think of "the Juice" and how his life has evolved over the past 15 years, it's hard to see the one time football icon reduced to being carried into a courtroom in shackles.

At the end of the day O.J. brought all of this mess on himself. I wonder why he didn't simply take his N.FL. pension and retire quietly in Florida. Either his conscience or his ego finally got the best of him.

Does Obama Actually Use A Zune Instead Of iPod?

Neal Santos saw President-elect Barack Obama listening to a Zune digital player while working out on Tuesday, posted it on the Philly weekly newspaper citypaper.net, and crashed the site. iPod fans apparently want proof that Obama actually uses a Zune, which only has a few percentage points of the digital player market that is dominated by Apple's iPod.

Zune fans say it's proof that Obama is true to his "Change" mantra. Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for this meaningless but interesting story.

Bush Not Willing To Bail Out The Big Three Without A Plan

The CEO's of "the big three" automakers were back in front of Congress yesterday begging for $34 billion to prevent the financial collapse of the companies. President Bush has vowed not to bail out the companies without a plan according to the New York Post. The CEO's now admit that they've made mistakes in running the companies.

I would assume that President Bush will try to put this burden on the new president-elect Barack Obama if the automakers can survive that long. Obama is on record as saying that the country can't allow the automakers to go belly up, but he wants them to have a plan in place to turn things around. The survival of "the big three" will probably be Obama's first major test as president.

Los Angeles School Superintendent Brewer Under Fire

Los Angeles School Board Superintendent David L. Brewer has been under constant attack by members of the school board, and received lukewarm support from the mayor has he fights to save his job. Brewer, who essentially relinquished control of running the school system to Ramon C. Cortines months ago is now seen as a figurehead, but the school board failed to get the necessary votes to oust Brewer on Tuesday, and now Brewer's support amongst African Americans political leaders has gained traction. The Los Angeles Times reports on the standoff that Brewer has caused due to ineffective leadership as viewed in some circles. Brewer has given an interview to the Los Angeles Daily News regarding his situation, and has pledged to serve out the remaining 2 years of his contract.

The Los Angeles School System is the second largest in the country, and Brewer hails from a military background. $300,000 a year in salary is a lot of money to pay a figurehead if that's what Brewer really is to the school system.

Gang Activity Growing In Charlotte

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that "gang related activity" has increased 25% compared to last year. Charlotte Police Chief Rodney Monroe has placed more emphasis on trying to combat the growing problem, by increasing police presence in targeted neighborhoods.

In a troubled economy, with increased unemployment, existing problems with gangs only get further exasperated.

Will The Madness Stop?

Robert L. Schulz, 69, chairman of We The People Foundation has been questioning whether President-elect Barack Obama is a "natural born citizen." He's been taking out ads in the Chicago Tribune, which has looked into the allegations in this article. The Obama campaign has been forced to release a digitized copy of Obama's birth certificate.

Obama hasn't even been sworn into office yet, and people still can't accept that he'll be our next president.

Lil Wayne Lead Grammy Nominations

Rapper Lil Wayne led the 51st Grammy Nominations that were announced last night. The superstar rapper, who released his best selling album "Tha Carter III" earlier this year received 8 Grammy nods, including a nomination for Album of The Year. The album was more mainstream, and obviously respected by music aficionados.

Complete nominations can be viewed here.

Why Flaunting Is Sometimes Not A Good Thing

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" was a breakout show for Bravo over the past few months. The show spotlighted Atlanta area "housewives" at their gaudiest. The show, while wildly entertaining in spots portrayed the women profiled as obviously having wealth that was probably scripted for the benefit of the show. It's one thing to watch the other 2 installments of the reality show that profiled housewives from Orange County, and New York, respectively show off their money in a manner that at least appears to have some semblance of reality.

The Atlanta show showed one women writing a check for over $50,000 for a Cadillac Escalade. I don't know this for a fact, but I suspect that the vehicle was never driven of the dealer's lot. NeNe Leakes who really was the "realist" of the housewives has reportedly been evicted from her home according to the New York Daily News. I hate to say that these women have been exploited by Bravo, but I'm sure the network made out like a bandit as the show averaged viewreship of 1.3 million viewers for the 7 episodes. Leakes never really portrayed herself as having money during the show, and really was the most down to earth, and normal of the 5 women profiled. Hopefully things will improve for her, and perhaps if she signs on for a second season of "Housewives" she'll be able to negotiate a more lucrative contract.

Beatty Pleads Guilty

This is video of Kwame Kilpatrick's former chief of staff Christine Beatty pleading guilty, and admitting that she lied under oath in the Detroit text messaging scandal. Beatty, who has two daughters will serve 4 months in jail in addition to faing probation, and paying restitution of $100,000 if she's financially able to pay the amount. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Beatty's family member will be assisting with the caring of her daughters while she's imprisoned.

Beatty will be sentenced on July 5th.

Hudson Family Murders Tied To Sister Dating Another Man?

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Jennifer Hudson's estranged brother-in-law William Balfour who has now been officially charged with the murders of Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew allegedly committed the murders because he was upset that Hudson's sister Julia was having a relationship with another man. Balfour, who had allegedly previously warned Julia Hudson that he would harm her family if she continued to date the other man, allegedly found a birthday present and assumed it was from "boyfriend".

Balfour was charged Tuesday with three counts of first-degree murder and a single count of home invasion.

"Where Children Find Hope"

The Detroit Free Press profiles the Michigan Foster Care System in a special report"Where Children Find Hope." The children of Christ Child House are profiled, as they are a small portion of the 6,000 legal orphans in the state. A great report on the Foster Care System in Michigan.

Beatty Plea Deal Could Be Completed Today

The Detroit Free Press reports that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's chief of staff, Christine Beatty may be settling on a plea deal today that will include jail time, probation and restitution. Initially I thought it was a good idea for Beatty to take her chances at trial, in hindsight, she should take the deal and move on with her life.

"Witness To Hunger"

Mariana Chilton, a professor and anthropologist at Drexel University's School of Public Health, gave digital cameras to 40 women who live in the ghetto of North Philadelphia. The simple idea evolved into "Witness of Hunger" an exhibit that will go on display December 11th at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The women, who were paid up to $125 dollars and allowed to keep the cameras, photographed the reality of their conditions. One of the participants is quoted below:

"My 4-year-old son saw a shot person and has prostitutes in his face," Tianna Gaines, 29, said in an Inquirer interview in her crowded apartment. "This is not The Cosby Show. That wasn't a stunt double dead in front of my son. I know a woman who sells her body to buy Pampers. This is the real world."

36 of the 40 participants report that they were raped as children or sexually abused by relatives. This the reality of urban living, trying to make something out of nothing and living to tell about it. Thanks to the Philadelphia Inquirer for a very compelling story about a tremendous exhibit.

The Roots Of Obama's Faith

Four and a half years ago he was a young politician speaking to a local Chicago area church about the roots of his faith. The Chicago Sun-Times has republished this April 5, 2004 article about the then 42 year old politician named Barack Obama who just 4 years later would make history as the first African American President of the United States.

It's amazing what you can accomplish with a vision, goal and plan.

When Will Plaxico Get A Clue?

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg while fumbling a gun in a Manhattan nightclub early Saturday morning. Burress was at the club with teammate Antonio Pierce, who drove the beleaguered wide receiver to the hospital. Just this year, Burress, who recently signed a $35 million contract has been suspended by the team for being late to practice, fined $45,000 for verbally abusing an official, and had police summoned to his home twice for alleged domestic disturbances.

The lunacy of the situation become even crazier since according to the New York Daily News Burress didn't have a permit to carry the gun, and is expected to be arrested in a few days, while Pierce could faces charges for allegedly trying to hide the gun. Burress is expected to be charged with criminal possession of a firearm which carries with it a sentence of up to 5 years.

Our black athletes continue to amaze me with the lack of self control. I hope Burress has Michael Vick on speed dial.

First AME Pastor Owes Church $122,000 Plus Interest

The Los Angeles Times reports that Rev. John Hunter, who pastors the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles has been ordered to repay the church $122,000 plus interest after independent audits showed that Hunter had used church credit cards for personal expenditures including clothing, jewelry and family vacations. Hunter, who is paid a six figure salary, and has use of a $2 million church parsonage has agreed to repay the money over a four year period.

It appears that the church is being very generous in their handling of their pastor. Hopefully he's learned the error of his ways.

The Struggles Of Bob and MJ

BET founder Bob Johnson purchased the NBA Charlotte Bobcats in 2004, naming NBA legend Michael Jordan as his president of basketball operations as well as an investor in the franchise. 4 years into the venture, the Bobcats continue to struggle, although with Larry Brown as their new coach, they appear to be making progress with their young talent.

Johnson is a self made billionaire, and Jordan is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Both are notorious for not wanting to lose money in business ventures, and obviously with their wealth they're both successful businessmen. With the Bobcats at present apparently a financial albatross, the Charlotte Observer is reporting that Johnson may look to move the team or sell it within 5 years as indicated below:

There is a question in some minds as to whether the Bobcats will still be in Charlotte five years from now.
Now in their fifth season, they are still struggling to develop any momentum within the community.
“It seems like to me that within the next five years, (owner Bob Johnson) will either sell the franchise for someone to move or move it himself,” said Max Muhleman, the sports marketing consultant who helped bring the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers to town.
“Losing money is never fun, no matter how much you've got. He has made a major effort here. I think it's precarious.”
If the Bobcats are to succeed in five years, team President Fred Whitfield believes it will be because the franchise will have taken an active and aggressive role in community affairs, and the team's on-court performance will have improved.
“We have a big task ahead,” Whitfield said.
He insists the team is not for sale despite rumors.
“Bob (Johnson) has made a public statement that he's not selling the team,” Whitfield said.
Having already seen one NBA franchise leave the city, losing another could have serious negative consequences.
Developer Harris said, “Clearly we have to get the Bobcats on a firm footing. We do that in two ways. We have to work hard on our side supporting Bob and his ownership group, and the NBA has to do something about its product to make it more appealing.”

According to Forbes.com, the Bobcats have a current value of $277 million, with Johnson having purchased the team for $300 million. Hopefully Johnson will realize that he's playing with the "big boys" and give the city of Charlotte a fair chance. Johnson is the only black owner of a Major Sports Franchise, and with that comes major responsibility as a role model.

A "Brother" Dies In Wal-Mart Stampede

Jdimytai Damour was working at a Long Island, N.Y. Wal-Mart yesterday morning, because he had recently lost his job. Unfortunately for Damour, a stampede of anxious bargain hunters trampled over him in an effort to take advantage of holiday sales, killing the 34 year old in the process. The New York Post reports on the melee that also injured an 8 month pregnant woman, among others.

Wal-Mart had the audacity to reopen the store at 1 p.m.. I guess a man's death doesn't override potential profits.

Atlanta's Challenging Real Estate Market

Atlanta has become "Hotlanta" for many looking to find a better life for family and friends, with the real estate market traditionally being one of the vehicles used to catapult into the "middle class." The recent economic downturn has diminished the real estate opportunities in the city, with lenders not lending to many individuals and companies looking to either upgrade homes or expand portfolios.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles the impact of the real estate downturn on families and companies alike.

Obama's Thanksgiving Address

President-elect Barack Obama gave his weekly address yesterday to the country. He continues his mantra of tough economic times, and his goal to create jobs and reinvigorate our economy. He also spoke about America being "one" and looking towards a new beginning, with all of us coming together to deal with the adversity that we're facing as a country.

Charities Struggling With Increased Poverty

The tough economic times have touched every aspect of our society. Local charities throughout our country have not been immune to the increased pressure to keep up with individuals and families who are in need of their services. The Los Angeles Times reports on the Catholic Charities of Orange County assembling dinners for 500 families, but attracting 920, with many leaving empty handed. With unemployment continuing to rise in all sectors, the white collar workforce is being heavily impacted and contributing to the increased pressures on charities.

Obama's Giving Back!!!!!!

It's going to be very different having a president who is a man amongst the people. Showing that he hasn't abandoned his roots, President-elect Barack Obama and his family gave out food to the homeless and also visited a local Catholic school on the Chicago South Side yesterday. Obama noted that the local church has seen a spike of 33% in the people needing food. Thanks to the Chicago Sun-Times for the article and photo.

I hope and pray that Obama is allowed to complete the mission that he's been elected to do, which is lead our country back from what sometimes seems is near oblivion.

Condoleezza's Next Move

Outgoing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to move back into the education sector and write 2 books according to the Washington Post. She plans to return to Stanford University to teach, and write books about her parents, and foreign policy respectively. Although Rice has been unwavering supportive to President George Bush, she does appear to have a close affinity to her parents and the values that they instilled in her. She credits her ice skating and piano lessons with giving her discipline, and her mother's words of "Always remember, if you're overdressed, it reflects badly on [other people]; if you're underdressed, it reflects badly on you," for her impeccable dress.

Rice's profile has seemed very diminished to me under President George Bush, here's wishing her well with her future endeavors.