Unemployment Rate For Blacks: 13.4%, Black Men: 16.3%

The Los Angeles Times is reporting on the state of black unemployment. The numbers while startling, aren't surprising. Unemployment for blacks has always been higher than any other ethnic group. The fact that black male unemployment is 16.3% is an obvious cause of concern, in light of all of the other issues that plague the black male namely lack of education, little job training and high incarceration rates. The Economic Policy Institute, a Washington think tank, in January projected that black joblessness could hit a peak of 18.2% nationally by mid-2010, and head even higher for black males and teens. Dire prospects for a group that's already facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Another Bad Decision!

The Miami Herald is reporting that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth's blood alcohol level was .14 when he struck and killed a pedestrian this past weekend. The legal limit for blood alcohol level in Florida is .08 so if this report is true, Stallworth is another athlete who made a very bad decision. At 28, and having signed a $35 million contract last year, he's likely kissed his future goodbye as well.

Not Very Funny!

President Barack Obama appeared on the "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" touting the stimulus package and making fun with Mr. Leno. Our president also made an off handed remark comparing his bowling a 129 to "Like the Special Olympics or something." The White House issued an apology before the show aired. The first couple of months have been a little rocky for our president, but he should gain his footing and be just fine.

Cornelius Gets Probation!

Former Soul Train host Don Cornelius was given 3 years probation stemming from charges filed last November accusing Cornelius of spousal battery, assault with a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness from making a police report. Cornelius pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery on Wednesday.

No Men For The Queen?

Has the beautiful Queen Latifah given up on men? She tells author Shaun Robinson for the book "Exactly As I Am" the following:

"I [used to] ingratiate myself to him and then sleep with him. Afterward, I felt disgusting- really gross and nasty ... and I hated myself. That feeling was so horrible, I decided I would never do that again."

I guess we have to respect the Queen's honesty. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article.

Did Nile Rodgers Stiff A Charity?

Musician Nile Rodgers, who founded the music group Chic is being accused of backing out of an inaugural ball after being paid $22,000 in production costs by Citizens Helping Heroes (CHH). Rodgers claims that CHH hadn't even booked hotel rooms 4 days before the event, a charge that is being denied. Despite Rodgers backing out, performers such as Ben Vereen, Sly Stone, George Clinton, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey performed for free. I guess charity is not what it used to be. Thanks to Page 6 of the New York Post for the article.

We Ain't Playing!

The $165 million in bonuses that AIG has or will shell out has caused a furor throughout the country, especially since the government now owns 80 percent of the company. The New York Post reports that while the government may not be able to force employees to return the bonuses, tax laws may be amended to demand that the bonuses be taxed up to 100 percent. If only the government had reacted this fast during a catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina.

Most Overpaid Coach In College Basketball?

5 years ago Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt had the Yellow Jackets in the Final Four. In 3 of the last 5 seasons Hewitt has helmed a team that has had a losing record. Based on his recent success, Hewitt is now considered the least successful college basketball coach in America based on his annual $1.3 million dollar salary according to the Wall Street Journal. Next year Hewitt's fortunes should change since the #1 high school prospect in the country Derrick Favors has chosen Georgia Tech as his college destination for at least one year.

Michael Jackson Finally Getting Rid Of Neverland?

Singer Michael Jackson announced earlier this month that he's doing a series of concerts in London that should replenish his pockets to the tune of millions. Roger Friedman of FOXNEWS.com reports that Jackson may be on the verge of selling his beloved Neverland Ranch, which could put several more millions in his bank account. Jackson, who is one the most talented performers in our history, has essentially become a recluse, seemingly appearing in public for contrived photo ops. Perhaps Michael's return to the stage this summer will be a rousing success, but if it isn't we still have his music and the memories of what used to be.

School Discipline Forces Student To Unrinate On Himself!

A very disturbing story has surfaced out of the Chicago area, as the Chicago Sun-Times reports on Leslie Connie suing the South Holland School District 151 for forcing her son Isaac to assume a squatting position while he held heavy books in his arms for 30 minutes. Isaac subsequently urinated on himself and was sent back to class to resume his day. Isaac was being punished for making a mess of the lunchroom in March 2008. He was initially told to run laps, but couldn't do so because he suffers from asthma and foot problems, and now suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Hopefully, this form of discipline is isolated in our schools.

R.I.P. Altovise Davis!

Altovise Davis the widow of Sammy Davis Jr. dies Saturday after suffering a stroke. She was 65 years old. She's survived by her son Manny Davis.

She's Free!

Christine Beatty was released this morning after serving 69 days of a scheduled 120 day jail sentence in the Detroit text message scandal. She made a brief statement, “I’m just anxious to go home and see my children.” “I’m very happy and I’m ready to go home.” Thanks to the Detroit Free Press for the update. Here's wishing Ms. Beatty as much luck as Kwame Kilpatrick in landing new employment.

In A Little Trouble!

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth killed pedestrian Mario Reyes, 59 while driving his Bentley early Saturday morning. Reyes was trying to cross the street to catch the bus home just after 7 a.m.. A field sobriety test has been completed and the results are pending. Stallworth signed a $35 million contract with the Cleveland Browns last year, but was injured most of the year. Whether this was an extremely bad decision by Stallworth of simply an accident will be decided when the toxicology reports are returned. Thanks to the Miami Herald for the update.