Detroit Lawyer Resigns After Calling Court "Ghetto"

The Detroit Free Press reports that Detroit's top lawyer Kathleen Leavey resigned after referring to the court system as "a ghetto court."

Leavey, who is white, said she got into a heated discussion Wednesday with a court administrator about the court’s handling of a lawsuit against the court in which it asked the city to pay the judgment of $400,000 against it without warning.
“I told her people regard this as a ghetto court because of the way they treat people,” Leavey said.
Leavey said she was referring to long lines and slow service at the court – not it’s predominately African-American group of judges and rejected Atkins’ labeling of her as a racist. The administrator contacted Atkins, who contacted Deputy Mayor Saul Green, Leavey said.
“In her mind it was racist, and the mayor and deputy mayor also felt it was racist and felt I had to resign,” she said.

In this day an age, it's amazing that people still haven't learned that you just can't say everything that comes to your mind.

The Obama Cut!

Chicago barber Zariff personally customized President-elect Barack Obama's hair style, describing it as "medium-short, tapered at the end of the neckline; the hairline is natural, finished with shears." The cut is now called the "Obama," said Zariff, President-elect Barack Obama's barber and owner of Hyde Park Hair Salon and Barber Shop in Chicago. The Sacramento Bee reports that Obama's cut is becoming popular in the California city, especially with young people looking for a change, and a more conservative look.

The Train Leads From Philly!

The Inauguration train will depart from Philadelphia today headed to Washington, D.C. with pit stops in Wilmington and Baltimore. The current temperature in Philly today is 8 degrees, so I guess it's too cold for the President-elect to travel through some of the more impoverished areas of the City of Brotherly Love to see where some of that bailout money could really be used. Sure we have to keep businesses afloat to keep the economy thriving, but black people continue to fall behind in the battle for some semblance of equality.

President-elect Obama will be departing from the 30th Street Station at around 11:00 a.m. according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Dwyane Wade's Heat

Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade is going through divorce drama, while leading the N.B.A. in scoring and leading the Heat of of the doldrums. The Miami Herald reports that his estranged wife Siohvaughn alleges he abandoned his children, committed adultery, and infected her with an unspecified sexually transmitted disease. She wants the names of ''all of his sexual partners'' during their six-year marriage. Mrs. Wade filed a petition for divorce last May in Illinois.

Thanks to NecoleBitchie for the confirmation that the Wade's were indeed going through a divorce. Dwyane may want to just cut his losses on this one and write the check. He's obviously decided to move on, and with his level of celebrity his star will not diminish from these allegations as he's one of the top 5 players in basketball with countless endorsements, and an annual salary from the Heat of $14,410,581 according to published reports. If the allegations are true, disrespecting the mother of your children by prolonging matters is not a good look.

Tiger Goes Political!

The greatest golfer of all time Tiger Woods, who up until this point in his career has stayed away from anything political or relative to social commentary will be participating in Lincoln Memorial concert tomorrow as part of Pre-Inauguration festivities. It will be refreshing to see Woods, who is presently rehabbing from a knee injury, in front of the nation on display as what is possible with hard work and determination.

"Notorious"

"Notorious," the biopic profiling rap legend Christopher (Bigggie) Wallace is getting 3 out of 4 stars from the New York Daily News. The film, produced by Sean Combs and Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace, premieres today and is directed by George Tillman. Newcomer Jamal Woolard is said not to disappoint, and Angela Bassett portrays Ms. Wallace in the movie.

Everyone in the hip-hop community knows this story by now, but Biggie was truly larger than life, and the fact that the film is getting positive reviews is refreshing.

Tamara Greene Slaying May Be Uncovered Through Text Messages

The Detroit Free Press reports that the federal magistrates have identified 13 text messages that they have identified as possibly being tied to the slaying of Tamara Greene the stripper who was murdered on April 30, 2003, and long rumored to have danced at a party at former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick residence the Manoogian Mansion. As a recap, below is a summary of why this unsolved murder is tied to the former hip-hop mayor:

Greene's unsolved slaying has drawn wide attention because of a never-proven party at the mayoral mansion. According to the rumor — which has been investigated by Detroit and State Police — Greene, who went by the stage name Strawberry, danced at the Manoogian for Kilpatrick and others in fall 2002. The rumor has it that the mayor's wife, Carlita Kilpatrick, walked in on the party and assaulted Greene. Greene was killed in a drive-by shooting the following spring on Detroit's west side.

Greene's teenage son, and family murderers are represented by an attorney, and are seeking closure for peace of mind.

A Letter To Malia and Sasha

Our president-elect's official portrait was released yesterday, and it was the first one taken with a digital camera. The New York Post has published a letter that President-elect Barack Obama has written to his daughters Malia and Sasha that will officially be published in Parade magazine this Sunday. The moving letter from a loving father is shown below:

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me - about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential - schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college - even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country - but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free - that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better - and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much - although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you - to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad.

Why Are We Allowing Ourselves To Be Exploited?

DeShawn Snow, who was a member of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast confirmed to Essence.com that she will not be returning for a second season of the show with the following quote:

[One of the producers] called and said that I was "too human for a circus show" and that because the show did so well, they are about to pump up the drama and they didn't think that I would fit in. He gave me an example, saying that during the reunion when I found out what a few of the other ladies said about me, they were expecting me to say more, but I'm not the type to go "television" and start acting crazy because somebody's talking about me. I'm fine with the decision. It wasn't my decision. They let me go and there are no hard feelings. I am thankful for the opportunity.

The crazy thing about this decision is that Mr. Snow was probably the only cast member who truly can live an opulent lifestyle. I'm glad DeShawn Snow didn't change her personality to become a celebrity. Bravo is making a small mint off this show, I hope the money is worth it for the the returning cast members, and the "bad publicity" that exposes most of them as not being what they've been portraying on the show.

An Expensive Inauguration!

The New York Daily News reports that next week's presidential inauguration will cost nearly $160 million. It seems that in a time of supposed economic crisis, when we've essentially squandered $350 billion of the initial bailout money, and when our president-elect says that everyone is going to have to endure pain over the next few years, I guess the inauguration is excempt from cut backs. I hope this isn't a sign of times to come where the new administration is spending wildly without really thinking about the economic consequences in the future.

Famed Overbrook High School Vandalized

Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, which includes Wilt Chamberlain and Will Smith among it's alumni was vandalized yesterday according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. In addition to damaging classrooms the vandals stole 12 laptops computers. I guess people don't have anything better to do with their time than vandalize buildings used to educate our children.

Legacy Still Intact!

Basketball icon Michael Jordan retired for the second time 10 years ago yesterday from the Chicago Bulls. Jordan retired being widely recognized as the greatest basketball player of all time. J.A. Adande writes on ESPN.com that although Jordan did come back for a few years to play for the Washington Wizards, and more recently we've been fortunate to witness the wizardry of Lebron James, that Jordan is still the icon that he was 10 years ago.

At the time of his retirement 800 reporters attended the Jordan press conference. Times have changed since then, and Adande writes correctly that Jordan mesmerized our psyche back then, but now there are rough economic times and just other things that are higher on the priority scale. The memories that Jordan gave us, however, will last forever.

Knicks' Eddie Curry Slapped With Sexual Harassment Suit

The New York Post reports that New York Knicks center Eddie Curry was slapped with a sexual harassment suit yesterday by former driver David Kuchinsky. Curry is also being accused of making racially insensitive remarks to Kuchinsky and not paying wages in a timely manner. Curry has been a constant underachiever as an N.B.A. player but is scheduled to make $9.4 million this year.

This is the second high profile harassment suit against the N.B.A. team. Former employee Anucha Browne Sanders, claimed then-General Manager Isiah Thomas made advances on her. She settled for $11.5 million after winning at trial.

Jill Scott In A Good Place

Singer Jill Scott confirmed last week that she is pregnant and due April 25th. She's also celebrating starring in the HBO series "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency," which debuts on March 29th. Scott, 36, who's engaged to drummer Lil' John Roberts is basking in the glow of her pregnancy, and excited to become a mom for the first time. Thanks to the Philadelphia Daily News for the link.

52 Year-Old Son's Need For Drug Money Made Him Kill Mom

Louse DeClues, 73, had survived hypertension, breast cancer and diabetes. She couldn't survive her son, Tony's desire for drug money has she succumbed to multiple stab wounds and asphyxiation at the hands of her son on Saturday. Tony has confessed to the murder of his mother. NOLA.com provides the grisly details of another sad commentary on our society.

Chicago Music And Obama

President-elect Barack Obama expanded on Sam Cooke's hit "A Change Is Gonna Come" during his Grant Park Acceptance Speech. Although Cooke was taken away from us at the young age of 33, his impact on black music will last forever. The Chicago-Sun-Times writes about the origin of Chicago R&B music and it's link to Obama from Same Cooke, The Staple Singers, Curtis Mayfield and the legendary Jerry Butler who is now 69 years-old and a Cook County Commissioner. Butler even advised the president-elect on a few occasions.

Women loved Same Cooke, and Mavis Staples says that Obama has Sam Cooke's walk which I assume is also making women swoon. Good article on some of the legends of R&B music and the link to our soon to be president.

Obama's Love Of The Blackberry

While the iPhone is the the rage of the smartphone market, President-elect Barack Obama may be the iPhone's chief rival, the Blackberry's biggest endorser according to the New York Daily News. Obama recently told CNBC and the New York Times "I'm still clinging to my Blackberry. They're going to have to pry it out of my hands." The Daily News has prepared a series of ads that could be used with Obama as the primary Blackberry endorser.

Another Black Mayor In Trouble With The Law!

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was indicted on 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office yesterday after a lengthy investigation. Dixon who has actually been a very effective mayor has vowed of course to fight the charges. The Baltimore Sun reports that the investigation stems from at least $15,348 in gifts Dixon allegedly received from her former boyfriend, prominent city developer Ronald H. Lipscomb, while she was City Council president. She also is accused of using as much as $3,400 in gift cards, some donated to her office for distribution to "needy families," to purchase Best Buys electronics and other items for herself and her staff.

Dixon appears to have garnered a lot of goodwill from within the city. The possibility of an indictment has been hanging over her for a while, and she's she managed to reduce the city's homicide rate to a 20 year low during her tenure. The real problem that Dixon is facing is that if she's found guilty of just the felony theft charges she faces 15 years in prison. This can't be a favorable prospect for the 55 year-old mother of 2.

Unemployment and Underemployed Rate Is Really 13.5%

The December Unemployment Numbers were released yesterday indicating that the economy shed another 524,000 jobs during the month of December according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The resulting unemployment rate is 7.2%, while the combined unemployment and underemployment rate is a staggering 13.5%. Among sectors, education/health and government are the only sectors that are adding jobs.

Surprise! Gang Related Shooting At Chicago High School Basketball Game

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the shooting outside Dunbar Vocational Career Academy after a high school basketball game last night. 5 teenage boys were wounded, and a young female was trampled in the melee that followed after shots were fired. Police believe that the shooting was gang related, as 7 ambulances and 200 police officers arrived at the scene. Just another senseless shooting in one of our major cities.

"Round Mounds" Blood Alcohol Level .149

The legal limit for alcohol consumption in Arizona is .08, Charles Barley's blood alcohol level registered .149 after his recent arrest. According to ESPN.com, Charles will be taking a leave of absence from his TNT gig, after it's been confirmed that he was legally drunk. Charles Barkley is one of the few athletes who has gained more fame in retirement, hopefully he'll get the help that he needs to prevent him from blowing up his career.

Already In Charge But Facing Obstacles!

Our president-elect is 11 days away from being sworn in as the President of the United States, but he's effectively now the president in the "dire times" as he continues to refer to our present economic situation. Yesterday he gave a speech touting his stimulus package that will cost close to a trillion dollars. The Philadelphia Daily News reports on the fact that Obama is already in charge, and highlights of the spending would go towards doubling "in three years the use of alternative energy like solar and wind power with a high-tech grid to deliver it; a slew of so-called "green collar" jobs making government buildings and private homes more energy-efficient; a high-tech medical database; and the overhaul of roads and bridges."

Within the package Obama is also promoting $300 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses, which is bringing criticism from Democratic Senators according to Fox News. Obama will have to satisfy lawmakers on the left and right to get his plan through the House. Yesterday's speech was important, because Obama is using the goodwill that he has from the election to elicit support from regular everyday people, which is politically savvy.

The End Of Pacman

Pro athletes are fortunate to live their dreams by playing a sport and being paid millions of dollars to do it. Many athletes don't know how fortunate they are, and can't overcome the ghetto mentality that takes over their brains and makes them do many crazy acts due to their entitlement complex.

Adam "Pacman" Jones was released from the Dallas Cowboys yesterday, probably ending his career as a professional football player. The Dallas Morning News reports on the release, which likely stemmed from an ESPN report that Pacman played a role in a shooting outside an Atlanta strip club in 2007. Pacman's list of transgressions are too numerous to name, and caused him to be suspended by the league for the entire 2007 season. I hope all of the dumb acts and millions of dollars lost were worth it to Mr. Jones.

Obama Looking To End Burris Mess

The Chicago Tribune reports that President-elect Barack Obama urged Senate leaders to seat Roland Burris in his now vacant Illinois Senate Seat if he had legal standing to assume the position. Burris met with Senate leaders yesterday clearing the way for him to be seated probably in a few weeks. Obama is trying to limit as many distractions as possible, and it appears that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has outsmarted everyone, and Burris will benefit from his political savvy.

Christine Goes To Jail!

Well I guess we can officially put a fork in the Detroit Text Messaging Scandal since Christine Beatty was hauled off to jail yesterday to serve potentially a 4 month sentence. Beatty and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick are now both in jail serving time for lying under oath. Beatty , who is a mother of two daughters has incurred more than $726,000 in legal fees according to the Detroit Free Press.

This probably turned out the best it could for Ms. Beatty under the circumstances. I guess she'll have time to pen her memoir and contact Oprah's representatives over the next 4 months.