79% Approval Rating!

First Lady Michelle Obama's approval rating is 79% compared to her husband's approval rating of 64%. Granted her husband has a few more duties to concern himself with, but Mrs. Obama is conducting herself with grace and class, while making all of us proud.

Philly Fires 5 Police Officers, 3 For Racial Slurs!

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has fired 5 police officers, 3 for using racial slurs and 2 for misconduct. Officer William Thrasher, who was the target of an article published in a Temple University newspaper in which he referred to black people as 'animals", was one of the officers fired. That article is listed here and pretty damning. Kudos to Mr. Ramsey for doing the right thing.

I Still Have Something Left Joe Dumars!

Chauncey Billups is quietly giving Detroit Pistons head Joe Dumars the middle finger by proving that he has plenty left in the gas tank. He's torched the reigning best point guard in basketball Chris Paul while leading the Denver Nuggets to a 2-0 series lead over the New Orleans Hornets. Chauncey is proving that talent and effort trump what anyone thinks about you, and he's also proving perhaps that Allen Iverson has been a fraud all of these years.

Rev. Brad Braxton's New Salary Under Fire!

Rev. Brad Braxton's new compensation package of $600,000 is being questioned by members of his new church, Manhattan's Riverside Church according to the New York Daily News. Braxton's salary doubles his predecessor's salary and has drawn the ire of parishioners who question the prudence of the package in these economic times, causing them to file suit in Manhattan court. The package includes the following:

$250,000 in salary.
$11,500 monthly housing allowance.
Private school tuition for his child.
A full-time maid.
Entertainment, travel and "professional development" allowances.
Pension and life insurance benefits.
An equity allowance for Braxton to save up to buy a home.
On top of that, Braxton immediately hired a new second in command at more than $300,000 a year.

This court hearing should be interesting. I wonder if Rev. Braxton will intervene and perhaps lessen the package to keep everyone happy.

Donna Dunnings "Shocked" By Cousin Firing Her!

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Donna Dunnings was "shocked" when her cousin Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, fired her from her $175,000 job as chief financial officer for the county. Stroger felt that Dunnings was a liability after bailing out former secretary Tony Cole on 2 occasions from jail, and once placing $4,000 on a credit card to post bail. Both Dunnings and Cole deny a personal relationship, but Cole who used to play college basketball at the University of Georgia was somehow promoted to a $61,000 human resource position, but was later fired for not disclosing a past criminal record.

Dunnings is a single mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and soon will be responsible for paying $1,517-a-month for COBRA coverage without a steady paycheck. This story appears to be sordid behind the scenes. I sure hope Dunnings isn't taking the fall for someone else.

Rihanna Linked To Lakers' Andrew Bynum!

Rihanna was seen dining with Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum last week at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Bynum at this point is playing coy regarding whether there is a "love connection" which is probably the smart thing to do.

Eminem's "Relapse"

The album cover for Eminem's new cd "Relapse" has been released. Ever the controversial one, Eminem is apparently reflective about his past battles with prescription drugs according to the Detroit Free Press. The wording at the bottom of the cover is as follows:

On the bottom right-hand corner of the image is a parental advisory sticker, a frequent sight on the covers of albums with profane material. On the bottom left-hand corner is a prescription-inspired tag “RELAPSE” with a backwards “E” at the end and an “X” under the “R” for a drug-related “RX.”

Other language on the image:
“Mathers, Marshall – 8 Mile Road, Detroit. Take 1 tablet(s) one time(s) daily at 3 a.m.”
“Refills: 05-19-09” — which is the album’s release date.
And, of course, “Prescribed by Dr. Dre” — Eminem’s executive producer.

Eminem's been away awhile. Looking forward to the May 19th release date.

Surviving Pirate Being Arraigned Today!

Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, the remaining surviving pirate who helped hijack the Maersk Alabama arrived in New York yesterday, and is scheduled to be arraigned today. He was actually smiling at reporters, which is interesting. His mother insists that he is 16 years-old, and is requesting that President Barack Obama pardon her son. Wali-i-Musi could face life in prison if convicted.

Tiger Equates Barkley's Golf Swing To A "Speech Impediment"!

While doing the promotional rounds for his golf tournament AT&T National yesterday, Tiger Woods was asked about his friend Charles Barkley's golf swing. Woods said the swing was "like a speech impediment" which is probably pretty accurate if you've ever seen Barkley swing a golf club. Woods' coach Hank Haney is presently working with Barkley on his swing and even showing it to millions on a Golf Channel show. Good luck to Charles on the swing.

Lynn Nottage Wins 2009 Pulitzer For "Ruined"!

Congratulations to Lynn Nottage for winning a 2009 Pulitzer for "Ruined" which chronicles young women who have been raped and brutalized, casualties of the decades-long war in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thanks to the Los Angeles Times for the article.

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi Helping With Foreclosures!

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi assisted with the "Bringing Hope Tour" as they sat in on a workshop intended to assist people facing foreclosure in Atlanta. A good gesture by the two superstars, as foreclosures are very prevalent in our community. The phone number to call is 888-995-HOPE for anyone needing assistance. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.

Former NBA Player Kenny Anderson Wants Another Chance!

Former NBA player Kenny Anderson admits that he's made mistakes in his personal life, but he longs for a job at coaching basketball at some level. Kenny has fathered 7 children by 5 different women, and has been slapped with a palimony suit by another woman, but wants to be forgiven by potential employers for his transgressions and given an opportunity to display his coaching talents. Presently working with high school players and giving motivational speeches, Kenny should eventually be given a chance to prove his worth to someone. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article.