R.I.P. Teena Marie!

Word started spreading quickly last night that R&B singer Teena Marie had died yesterday after being found unconscious at home by her daughter. Initially on Twitter it was being treated as a hoax, but was later found to be true and so unfortunate. Teena Marie was first signed to Motown Records in 1976, and later became the protege of Rick James who produced her first album "Wild and Peaceful." This album is a classic record and features my favorite Teena Marie song, "Deja Vu."

It's becoming increasingly sad when artists are remembered more fondly after they pass away. Teena Marie was an icon and a legend. Her early music is truly classic and should be listened to in order to truly appreciate her immense talent. Rest In Peace Teena Marie, we were fortunate to have you with us for 54 years. Thankfully you left us with some great music.

Welcome Back Keyshia!

Keyshia Cole releases her 4th CD tomorrow titled "Calling All Hearts." All 3 of Cole's previous efforts have been certified platinum, but she may have a difficult time duplicating her previous efforts in terms of sales. 2 singles have already been released for "Hearts" and neither has yet to chart in any significant way which is not a good sign for the CD.

Keysia's life has changed quite a bit since her last CD "A Different Me" was released 2 years ago. She has had a baby and become engaged, so personally she's in good place. Career wise she's still making music, but may have to downplay expectations just a little in terms of future record sales.

Barack Seeking Support!

When President Barack Obama hastily paraded former president Bill Clinton out for a press briefing on Friday, it gave a hint of desperation for all of the criticism that President Obama has received for agreeing to extend the Bush tax cuts that have been in effect for 10 years. Democrats have berated the President for caving in to Republican pressure.

President Obama did what makes political sense at a time when the economy is still in turmoil. Getting Bill Clinton to c0-sign on the measure should give him some credibility with the American people, something he's been searching for since he took office nearly 2 years ago.

Praying For The Queen!

Word spread yesterday that the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin is battling pancreatic cancer. All that we really know is that Franklin underwent an undisclosed surgery last week and was doing well. Friends and family remain tight lipped regarding her condition, but prayer vigils have been taking place for the last week.

Aretha Franklin is one of the greatest female singers in history regardless of genre. Still only 68 years old, it would be such a tragedy to lose her so soon without hearing that treasure of a voice to serenade us.

Wesley Snipes Trying To Stay Out Of Jail!

Wesley Snipes is putting on the all out press in an effort to stay out of prison. He's scheduled to report to a Pennsylvania prison tomorrow to serve a 3 year stint after being convicted of willfully failing to file tax returns between 1999 and 2001. Snipes appeared on "The Larry King Show" last night with his attorney in an effort to gain public support I assume. Snipes states that he's paid all of the taxes owed and feels he hasn't received just punishment. While I didn't follow the case, when dealing with federal officials it's probably a good idea to be contrite and cooperative. Snipes appeared to be just a little arrogant in his appearance on King's show. Arrogance is not a good look when dealing with the feds.

Dirty Money?

Diddy's latest musical concoction Dirty Money made an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" over the weekend performing "Coming Home" and some other song that used Swizz Beats as the hype man. The fact that the group didn't perform "Hello Good Morning" or "Loving You No More" is quite interesting. The group's debut CD "Last Train To Paris" will be released next week, but it seems as if Diddy has been promoting this record for a year. Already on at least the third single, it looks like the record will go "aluminum foil" as I like to state when a record bombs.

The group, which seems like Diddy and his back up singers, Dawn Richards and Kalenna Harper is another vehicle to promote the brand that is Diddy, which is a disservice to the two talented young women.

The Return!

LeBron James returned to Cleveland last night with his new team the Miami Heat, and while his beginning with the Heat has been more than a little rocky, James' return to Cleveland was downright hostile. Fans booed him every time he touched the ball, and called him 7 letter words throughout the festivities in what could conservatively be called a bludgeoning as the Heat throttled the Cleveland Cavaliers. James had a simply spectacular 3rd quarter, ultimately scoring 38 points and sitting out the 4th quarter as the Heat won the game 118 to 90.

I listened to a Cleveland sports radio station leading up to the game and the hostility towards James is truly unhealthy for Cleveland fans. They had last night to get their sense of loss out of their system. It's obvious that LeBron has moved on, now maybe the fans of Cleveland will do the same.

El's Second Chance

El DeBarge's latest CD hits stores today amid as much fanfare as can be created outside of the marketing budgets of Kanye West and Nicki Minaj. El's CD is titled "Second Chance" and this is his statement to fans after being away from the music scene for 16 years and falling as low as a person can fall while dealing with drug abuse and prison time. El's comeback record should not be judged based on sales because the music landscape is crowded with releases over the next few weeks. El's voice is still magnificent and he's working with the likes of Babyface and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis so expectations in terms of quality should be high and hopefully will not disappoint.

Miami's Heat!

When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade to form the Miami Heat Big 3, pundits were predicting the team winning 70 plus games and cruising to a championship. As of today the team has a record of 9 and 8 and holding closed door meetings with speculation that head coach Eric Spoelstra will be supplanted as coach by team architect Pat Riley. Needless to say the team is in chaos, and blame is being thrown at everyone participating in what is turning out to be a big mess.

I've seen the team play a few times this year, and the biggest problem is that LeBron and Wade are the same player and both need the ball to be effective. It appears that both players are too stubborn to change their style, which will be a shame when in 2 or 3 years one of the big 3 is traded because the team hasn't met expectations. 17 games is a small sample size in which to judge the new look Heat, but the temperature keeps rising in Miami with each passing loss.

Velma Hart Now Looking For A Job!

Velma Hart, the woman who famously addressed President Obama at a September town hall meeting has lost her job as a chief financial officer for the non-profit organization Am Vets. Her job loss was a part of the organization's efforts to cut expenses. She gained national attention when she told the President the following:

"Quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the man for change I voted for, and deeply disappointed with where we are right now. And quite frankly, Mr. President, I need you to answer honestly, Is this my new reality?"

With Hart's national notoriety and talent she probably won't be unemployed for long, but her job loss is just another example that the economy is still struggling to recover despite what some economic pundits may state. The gainfully employed should not take their situations for granted, because employers have no emotion when deciding who gets to keep their job. It's all about business.

The Career That Never Will Be!

It was announced last night that Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden's season was over before it started as he will be having the dreaded microfracture surgery on his left knee. Oden had the same surgery on his right knee in 2007, so in the span of 3 years he will have had the same surgery on both knees. Oden was once lauded as a franchise saving player and was the Number 1 pick in the draft ahead of Kevin Durant, but with with all the injuries it's doubtful that he'll ever be what he could've been. He will likely now become a serviceable center and a role player, which may be difficult for him to accept, but that seems to be his new reality.

Everybody Loves Mike Vick!

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick put on a captivating show while leading the Eagles past the Washington Redskins last night in what can conservatively be considered a drubbing. Vick's statistics don't matter, because simply he was breathtaking in his passes and when he took off to run against the defenseless Redskins.

It's interesting now that Vick has regained his athletic prowess, everybody loves him again. I hope that Vick remains as humble as he has been since being released from prison. People will again begin coming out of the woodwork to soak up everything Vick, but he should remember when he was down who was in his corner.

No More Moss!

I guess we can stick a fork in the career of Randy Moss. Moss' NFL career will not be ending, but his days as a top tier talent appear to be over. Moss played for his third NFL team this season yesterday in the Tennessee Titans, and only had one catch. He's in the last year of his contract and was counting on one more big payday, which probably will not be coming. Moss appears to still have the talent to be a top level wide receiver, but the desire just may not be there, except to collect his money. His numbers alone dictate that he's a Hall of Famer, but a first ballot Hall of Famer may not be in the cards.

Michael Steele Not A Wanted Man!

The Baltimore Sun reports that Republican Chairman Michael Steele may not be a wanted man by his party if he decides to seek reelection as party chairman. Steele has been accused of not being a good leader by those looking to supplant him, although the party recently dominated the mid term elections. Steele has been coy about his future plans, but if he chooses not to run again or loses the chairman election, surely he'll surface on Fox News doing what he does best, being a talking head.

"Breaking News"

This is the new song titled "Breaking News" that has created controversy because some of his family members don't think the song is being sung by MJ. The vocals clearly sound like deceased "King of Pop" but unfortunately it sounds like a throw away song that Jackson never would've released on his own. Surely there have to be better songs that he recorded over the years that would create a quality product. Michael Jackson's musical legacy doesn't have to be tainted by releasing bad music.

Where There's Smoke With Cam Newton!

The timing of the allegations against Auburn quarterback Cam Newton are interesting. Surely they coincide with the fact that he's the leading Heisman Trophy candidate, but does have baggage going back to his days at the University of Florida. Allegations of cheating at Florida and requesting to be paid to attend Mississippi State have surfaced in the past two weeks that appear to have the intent to derail his run at the Heisman.

There's no question that a smear campaign has been orchestrated to taint Newton and his family. The NCAA and Auburn have been investigating the allegations, and Auburn seems satisfied that Newton is eligible to play football. There's definitely some smoke to the allegations, since Newton, nor his father want to address the allegations, simply saying they're in the past. The bottom line with the Cam Newton smear campaign and his eligibility is that if he hasn't accepted any money or gifts from anyone, then he should be clean. He and his father maybe did ask for money to attend Mississippi State, but at this point there's no proof that any money exchanged hands, which is totally different from the Reggie Bush fiasco.

Unnecessary Death of Bobby Tillman!

18 year-old Bobby Tillman attended what was intended to be a small house party in Douglasville, GA on Saturday evening. The party escalated to possibly as many 80 people and became out of control. According to reports, a female attendee hit a male attendee for some unknown reason. The male, choosing not to hit the female back, decided to hit the next male walking by who happened to be young Bobby. Upon being hit, Bobby was assaulted by more young men ultimately resulting in his death.

4 young men are now in jail being charged with Bobby Tillman's death. This is truly one of the truly unnecessary killings in recent memory. If this is an 18 and 19 year-old black male's mentality to hit another person without provocation, then the next generation is truly in trouble. Immediately 5 lives are gone, Tillman's mother has lost a son and this is not even considering what the owner's of the house that held the party is having to deal with in terms of future lawsuits.

A New Normal!

President Obama appeared on "60 Minutes" last night to discuss his emotional stability after the political "shellacking" that he took last Tuesday. Very interesting interview to say the least and The President vows to work with Republicans to prevent gridlock in policy making. One thing that the President said that stuck with me is that we may be in a "new normal" in terms of the economic structure of our country and employment. President Obama stated that he hopes that the new normal isn't company's doing more with less, satisfied that they will still make the same profits while expecting more from employees, which will prevent job creation.

The reality is that we're probably in a "new normal" from a employment perspective. Politics is often a dirty business, but business' look at bottom line numbers in terms of profits. The President can impact many things, however he can't force company's to hire when the company is operating efficiently and making desired profits. This philosophy puts most company's in the mode of simply replacing workers that they have to replace.

"Decoded"

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is releasing a new book titled "Decoded" on November 16. The book reads as a biography and decodes 36 of his classic songs. The New York Post previews the book, which appears to be fascinating and a must buy. The artist, aka Shawn Carter opens up about his past of dealing drugs, getting high with Biggie and getting the sample approval on "Hard Luck Life" from the Annie franchise.

Jay-Z is worth an estimated $450 million, and doesn't have to release a book recounting his life. His rags to riches story is a testament to hard work, maximizing talent and rising above adversity.

"It Feels Bad"

President Barack Obama had the tough job of meeting the press yesterday after taking the political beating of his life the night before. Democrats lost the House of Representatives, barely kept the Senate, and lost major swing states to elected Republican governors. The President took the hit stating that "It Feels Bad" that the policies that he's pushed in 2 years have been rejected by the electorate.

I've hoped that Obama would not be a one term president, but after Tuesday night, he's facing a major uphill battle to regain the presidency in 2012. His only hope now is to quickly turn around the economy and get unemployment in the 7-8% range. The crazy thing is that President Obama hasn't done a horrible job in my opinion, but perception is reality and reality hit him over the head Tuesday. How he responds will be interesting, but I suggest he place a call to the master politician, Bill Clinton. Clinton's demise was predicted after 1994 mid terms, but he moved to the center on policy and survived to serve another term.

Randy Moss Iverson!

Wide receiver Randy Moss Iverson was waived by the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, after another unproductive Sunday afternoon and 4 games of work with his new/former team. Moss Iverson's uninspired performances since being traded by his old team the New England Patriots has been baffling to say the least, and his praise of his old team Sunday after they defeated the Vikings clearly shows that Randy Moss Iverson left his heart in New England. Moss Iverson was fined by the NFL last week for not speaking to the media, and even went on one of his weird rants about not giving any more interviews except to himself.

Perhaps Randy Mosss Iverson is not the player that he once was, and is trying to convince us otherwise. With professional athletes, skills do diminish when we least expect it, and if Moss Iverson isn't careful, he may be playing football with his namesake in Turkey.

Maurice Lucas Dead at 58!

Maurice Lucas died yesterday after losing a battle with bladder cancer. He was only 58 years old. Lucas was Bill Walton's enforcer while playing power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers and was a member of their 1977 championship team. A very tough loss for the N.B.A family.

Poor, Hungry and Unhealthy!

The Philadelphia Inquirer is running a series on being poor, hungry and unhealthy in the city. We normally associate poverty with hunger, but living in poverty contributes to being unhealthy, with a direct correlation with obesity and diabetes because of the poor food choices that are made.

Our first lady is now making the rounds promoting healthy living, and honestly I haven't seen or heard any of her interviews, but poverty continues to be the one issue that has long term effects for any person trying to live a productive existence. Lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables in poverty stricken areas has a direct impact on future heath.

Charlie, Kobe & Tiger!

Charlie Sheen was arrested Wednesday after going into a racial and profanity laced rage in a New York hotel according to the New York Daily News. Charlie went into a rage after 22 year-old Capri Anderson requested $12,000 before the 2 had sexual relations. Prior to this, the couple had smoked cocaine in the room. Charlie Sheen is the highest paid actor on television and has had numerous brushes with the law. America tried to tear down both Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods for their indiscretions. We know that Kobe has fully recovered and headed towards Top 5 All-Time in the NBA, while Tiger had a rough year but could be seen smiling last night while attending the Orlando Magic basketball game. Neither man was broken down by the media deluge which is a testament to their will.

Charlie Sheen is not completely getting a pass in this situation, admittedly because he's a "bad boy." However, if he truly was spewing the N-word continuously because he didn't want to give Ms. Anderson $12,000, he should be held accountable by the media, fans and his employer.

LeBron's New Nike Commercial!

LeBron James unveiled his new Nike commercial this week, and played 2 games with his new team the Miami Heat. The Nike commercial takes jabs at his detractors, using the tag line "What Should I Do?" James' commercials are always entertaining, and this one is not any different, overall I give it a B+ grade. James' team, the Miami Heat have had mixed results, losing to the Boston Celtics and beating the Philly 76ers.

James has had 18 turnovers in his first 2 games, showing that the Heat experiment will be a work in progress. I think the Celtics will ultimately win the championship. The Heat just aren't big enough up front to compete with bigger teams in the league, but the season will be entertaining.

Juan Williams' Good Fortune After Being Fired By NPR!

In these times of economic uncertainty, and continued 10% unemployment, Juan Williams was fired Wednesday by NPR for comments that he made on "The O'Reilly Factor" stating that at times he feels uncomfortable when he sees Muslims in full in "full garb" when on airplanes. Williams was stating how he felt in the statement, but NPR felt that he was stating an opinion and not meeting the journalistic standards of the company. Williams, who appears the Fox News in various capacities promptly signed a 3 year $2 million contract with Fox yesterday.

Juan Williams is a best selling author and liberal commentator who regularly appears on "The O'Reilly Factor". Now Williams is not considered a "far left" liberal on most subjects, but he's a avid supporter of liberal issues and can hold his own with any conservative opponent. NPR's loss in Fox News' gain, and with this firing more people will be more aware of Williams and the contributions that he makes to fair journalism.

Kanye's Diamonds!

Kanye West is such a talented entertainer when he's on his game. One of the best rappers in hip-hop and a top producer. His achilles heel has always been his uninhibited personality that causes him to do things without thinking first. The Taylor Swift incident is an example, with the assistance of a few drinks. Kanye's all over the place now promoting his album slated to be released next month and a short form movie for his song "Runaway". If you pay close attention to him now, you can see that he's replaced the bottom row of his teeth with diamonds.

I'm not sure what made Kanye replace his teeth with diamonds, but I hope that he's not headed to a world that only he understands. Michael Jackson went into his own world and we lost him forever. It would be sad to lose the talented Mr. West the same way.

Does Seau Need To Play Again?

Yesterday we got word that former NFL player Junior Seau was arrested for felony domestic violence against his 25 year-old girlfriend and later his drove his SUV off a cliff in California. That's a lot of activity for anyone, and Seau is obviously having some issues in post retirement at 41. Seau told authorities that he fell asleep at the wheel, which appears to be plausible according to police, while drugs and alcohol don't appear to be factors in the crash.

Luckily for Seau he escaped the crash with minor injuries, but he's having some issues that get pronounced when you're a former NFL superstar. Seau won't be able to deal with his issues in private, with TMZ already all over the story. He can only hope that Deadspin doesn't come knocking at the door.

Obama's Change!

Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News writes a good article about what President Barack Obama is facing in 2 weeks when his real change will take place in the mid-term elections. Obama and the Democrats are about to have their clocks cleaned because people simple aren't buying the change that our President promised two years ago. Obama is traveling the country vigorously campaigning for his party, surely knowing that in 2 weeks he will be faced with the challenge of convincing an electorate that he deserves to keep his own job.

Bill O'Reilly Laughing All The Way To The Bank!

This is the clip of Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg walking off the set of "The View" yesterday when Bill O'Reilly, who is promoting his book "Pinheads and Patriots" made a statement that Muslims caused the destruction of 9/11. Behar and Goldberg objected to the statement and walked off the set, later returning.

During his show last night O'Reilly had what seemed to be a very mischievous grin on his face when discussing the incident. O'Reilly, who has the highest rated news show on cable continues to grin and smile all the way to the bank. This may be a cynical view, but America loves fireworks especially when people have opposing opinions. and O'Reilly is promoting a book.

What Does Randy Jackson Really Think?

Randy Jackson, Michael's baby brother went on Twitter this week stating his disappointment with his parents granting an interview to Oprah Winfrey. Randy stated that Winfrey would be the last person that Michael would want to to be around his children. Randy mentioned a show that Winfrey broadcasted on pedophilia during Michael's trial as a prime issue.

Randy Jackson is the Jackson brother that we've never heard from regarding his brother's death and legacy. Randy is also alleged to have been heavily involved in Michael's business dealings in his last years, so it would not be a stretch to assume that he was perhaps his closest family member in the end. I don't think a new Oprah interview will provide us with any new revelations regarding Michael Jackson or his children that we don't already know. With this being the last year of Oprah's show, it just seems a little exploitative on her part to rehash old wounds for the family.

What's Mark Richt Doing At UGA?

University of Georgia running back Caleb King became the 11th player arrested during this year's football season and all of the arrests really gives the appearance that coach Mark Richt has lost control of his football team. Now to be honest King was arrested after being in the car with his brother and having police run a check to discover that he had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear at a court date for a speeding ticket, but an arrest is an arrest. Also this is King's second arrest in 3 years since joining the team which is ridiculous.

The bottom line is that Coach Richt has to instill some discipline into his team. Having arrests on top of the team not performing well opens Richt up to all sorts of questions, and as the coach he's accountable for the team's performance on and off the field.

The President Campaigning Vigorously!

Despite low poll numbers and the perception that he's the worst President in our history, President Barack Obama has been campaigning vigorously throughout the country in hopes of duplicating Democratic voter turnout from two years ago when he was elected. Republicans are looking at victories throughout the country if poll numbers are any indication. It's interesting that Republican candidates are leading in polls regardless of the candidate's personal or financial issues. The resurgent tea party has been an unstoppable locomotive in terms of raising issues that are personal to conservative voters, and changed the political landscape from where it was 2 years ago.

President Obama has failed to get his message out in a clear and concise manner. The few clips that I've seen while he's been on the trail show him being reactionary to criticism. He appears more like a candidate than the President of the United States. It'll be interesting to see if he can get his previous mojo back. It's probably too late for the November elections, but our President needs to go back to his past successes and simply become more presidential.

Toni Braxton's Money Woes!

Toni Braxton was once a multi million selling artist who probably made millions as one of the top female R&B artists. Braxton even had a successful Las Vegas stint that was cut short by a heart condition. Unfortunately for Braxton, although she had insurance, the company states that because she had a preexisting condition that it wasn't going to cover the losses that resulted from her leaving the Vegas show. Now Braxton has been forced to file bankruptcy with debts that she states could be as high as $50 million. Braxton didn't write on any of the hits that she sang when she was with LaFace records, so she has no residual income when they're being played on the radio.

Artists such as Janet, Mariah and even Mary figured out that part of the music business a long time ago, so long past when they're careers are over, they still will be receiving paychecks. Too bad Braxton didn't ask for songwriting credit on those early hits that are getting played throughout the world. The music business is unforgiving if artists don't have the savvy to use it to their benefit.

Real Housewives Of The Scripted!

Bravo is stretching the Real Housewives franchise to it's limit at this point. "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuted season 3 last night with the usual drama as NeNe and Dwight got into what seemed like a totally scripted argument over money that Dwight supposedly lent to NeNe's husband Greg. The funny part of the argument was Dwight tearing up the check, but nothing in the altercation seemed real. When the show initially premiered the cast seemed much more natural and spontaneous, but now almost everything in the show seems very scripted and planned.

I was really looking forward to watching the new season of Atlanta last night, but it left me wondering if anything on the show is the truth.

Will Fame Derail Bruno Mars?

Singer/songwriter Bruno Mars is one of the hottest artists at the moment. He currently has the #1 song in the country with "Just The Way You Are" but is facing felony cocaine charges after being arrested in Las Vegas last month. Mars, 24, releases his debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" tomorrow, but it appears that he may be allowing the trappings of his new found fame to derail him his promising career.

The New Poverty!

The Charlotte Observer profiles the new face of poverty in Debra Cherry. Cherry is 47, college educated and previously making $75,000. Laid off due to job cut backs, she's unemployed and now living in an apartment after previously residing in a $250,000 home. McDonalds says that she's over qualified for working in the fast food industry. Unfortunately this is the new reality for the working class. Hopefully Cherry's profile will improve her job prospects.

What Is Carmelo Really Thinking?

Carmelo Anthony began his 8th media day with the Denver Nuggets yesterday amid trade rumors that have him being traded to either the New Jersey Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers. Anthony is a free agent after this season and has a $65 million contract on the table from the Nuggets that he has refused to sign. The Nuggets fearing a LeBron James debacle have decided to trade Anthony if he doesn't sign the contract extension.

Anthony may be making a bad decision along with "his team". It's likely that next year the owners will lock out the players in an effort to bring costs down which will likely impact player salaries. Anthony's probably looking at his last $20 million a year payday but is acting like he has all the leverage. If I were the Nuggets, I would make him play out the season. I know they run the risk of losing him for nothing, but Carmelo Anthony as much as I love him as a player is not even the leader of his own team, that happens to be Chauncey Billups, and he's definitely not LeBron James.

Eddie Long's Not A Perfect Man!

Bishop Eddie Long finally spoke to the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church yesterday morning stating that he's not a perfect man, but definitely not the man being portrayed amid the sexual coercion charges that surfaced last week. He stated that he's going to fight the charges, but since he never stated that the charges weren't true my guess is that settlement talks will be taking place at some point.

Long still appears to have the support of his church, but if he allows these suits to go to trial he runs the risk of being exposed if any of the charges are proven to be true. It's my guess that he won't be willing to take that chance.

Woody Paige's Gift In The Wake of Kenny McKinley's Death!

Columnist Woody Paige wrote the following words in this article yesterday in the Denver Post:

"Why would a smart, personable, resolute, "happy-go-lucky" Kenny McKinley — with a college education, a young son, a $385,000 contract and a bright future in football and life — commit suicide Sept. 20, 2010?"

It turns out that Paige had suicidal thoughts 8 years ago. Lucky for Paige, he had friends who saw his desperation and saved him. McKinley, apparently had made comments about taking his life, but no one ever imagined that he would actually do it. He obviously had demons that he was fighting that he couldn't shake. I hope that his death will not be in vain, and that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts will seek help . McKinley will be memorialized on Monday in Austell, GA, hopefully he has the peace now that he couldn't find in life.

Jesse Jr.'s Girl!

I guess Eddie Long has taken up all of our time with the allegations against him, that we ignored the end of a once promising political career for Jesse Jackson Jr.. Jesse was exposed as having a social acquaintance in Giovana Huidobro, who Jesse's buddy Raghu Nayak told Feds that he personally paid to have flown from Washington to Chicago on at least two occasions on Jackson's behalf. Jackson has slanted it as a private matter that has been handled by him and his wife, however, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell takes it a little deeper, stating that Jackson has positioned himself as the pro-black candidate who has taken on a blond "social acquaintance" in this article.

Truthfully, Barack Obama's ascendance ended Jesse Jackson Jr.'s rising political career. The Jackson name simply carried too much baggage and Obama was a fresh face with a fresh message. This scandal will simply be a footnote in what could've been an even more promising and effective political career.

At Least Kevin Kolb Got His Money!

Yesterday Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid stated that Michael Vick is now the starting quarterback for the team replacing Kevin Kolb, who sat out Sunday's game because of a concussion. The Eagles traded "5" or Donovan McNabb in the offseason to the Washington Redskins because they felt that Kolb was ready to take over the reigns of the team. Michael Vick obviously had other ideas, because he looks better than the old version of himself and as Reid stated has been playing out of his mind.

Don't feel too sorry for Kolb because he did get a signing bonus of $10.7 million to sit on the bench and back up Vick. Vick is starting his second act and has done what I doubted he could do, which was get back in shape and work towards becoming a real quarterback. He's finally putting his immense talent to work on the football field, and may indeed have a successful comeback.

Sex Allegations Against Eddie Long!

Anthony Flagg, 20 and Maurice Robinson, 21 have brought sexual coercion charges against Bishop Eddie Long, leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. New Birth is a mega church with an estimated membership of more than 25,000. The young men allege that Long coerced them into inappropriate relations with lavish gifts and even the use of his Bentley. The young men are represented by B.J. Bernstein who assisted Genarlow Wilson in the appeal of his aggravated child molestation conviction.

It should be stated that Robinson was arrested in June for burglarizing the church and has confessed. Bernstein states that the act was in retaliation after discovering that Long has been having relations with other "spiritual sons" within the church. Long, through a spokesman has denied the charges, but one has to wonder why these young men would expose themselves to this scrutiny if there wasn't some truth in the charges. The whole story is sordid and disgusting and Long owes it to his followers to speak the truth, whatever that is in his mind. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional information on this story.

R.I.P. Kenny McKinley!

Second year Denver Broncos football player Kenny McKinley was found dead yesterday in his Denver area home of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. People will speculate why a 23 year-old NFL player would apparently take his own life, but I really pray for his family and young son. McKinley, was from suburban Atlanta and a stand out at South Cobb High School in Austell, GA. He was also the all-time leading receiver at the University of South Carolina and a 5th round draft pick of the Broncos in 2009. Injuries had derailed his progression at the pro level, but by all accounts he had a promising future.

It's difficult to speak about a 23 year-old in the past tense who had the world at his feet. This is a devastating and senseless tragedy that simply has no answers.

A.J.'s Story!

This is an inspiring story that I found in the Detroit Free Press focusing on A.J. McLittle. A.J. has risen from the streets of Detroit and is now a sophomore at the University of Eastern Michigan. He comes from a family history of males who just don't make it, but he's trying to end the cycle. He was admitted to college under a special program and his first year performance was closely monitored, but he made it through to the second year, and he's determined to graduate. We all have to hope that A.J. reaches all of his goals.

Trouble For Clifford Harris?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on possible issues for Mr. Clifford Harris, better known as hip-hop artist T.I.. The judge who sentenced Harris in his firearms conviction has signed an order for Harris to appear before a federal judge to explain why his probation shouldn't be revoked due to his arrest in California on September 1st. The embattled star is facing 3 possible probation violations: possession of Ecstasy, testing positive for opiates and associating with a convicted felon.

Perhaps Harris forgot that he has to follow the same rules as other people who are on probation or simply forgot his precarious legal situation. He's had to cancel a concert at Penn State later this month, so it's assumed that his travel privileges have been revoked. This is a perfect example of when "Keeping It Real" has gone wrong.

Goodwill Training Program Helps Ex-Con Get Job!

The Charlotte Observer reports on Paris Friday who served 17 years in prison for conspiracy and racketeering. The first thought would be that Friday would have difficulty finding a job, however, he used his stint in prison to take job skills classes, and upon leaving prison in March and unable to find a job, he joined the Goodwill Occupational Training Program. Friday now works 2 jobs, one of which is a front line commissary cook. Friday is now working 75 hours a week and is a productive citizen. He's begun his "second life" learning from the mistakes in his first life and thriving. His second life opportunity is off to a good start, and inspirational for anyone who has lost hope for future job prospects.

Causing Commotion In Philly!

When the Philadelphia Eagles exiled Donovan McNabb to Washington in the offseason they assumed the Kevin Kolb would assume the throne as leader of the team as the starting quarterback. A suspect offensive line and a perhaps not ready for prime time Kolb have thrown a wrench in the Eagles succession plans. Kolb suffered a concussion in the game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, and someone named Michael Vick came off the bench and nearly lead the Eagles to victory.

Vick at times looked like the Vick of old, with the same blazing speed and arm strength. Clearly Kolb is the future in Philly but Vick may have a chance to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions and at least for a short period of time cause head coach Andy Reid a few sleepless nights and a mild quarterback controversy for his team.

Cornbread Millionaire!

Beverly Davis lost her suburban Atlanta home to foreclosure earlier this year, but has been determined to repurchase the home despite losing her government job in 2006 and working odd jobs since then. Davis armed only with her brains and will started her website cornbreadmillionaire.com which sells her homemade cornbread mix. She has received national recognition for her ability to restart her career and donations of $54,000 fom her business according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Davis hopes to repurchase her old home, but it is under contract. However, with the money she is generating with her business she should be able to purchase another home at some point even if she has to make a cash purchase.

Beverly Davis is a testament to perseverance and innovation. She's been down, but has gotten up and now is thriving in a new career.

Chicago Peace Activist Son Killed By Gunshot!

Darryl Jackson has spent countless hours trying to curb violence in his native Chicago. Yesterday he received the most tragic news that a parent can hear when he discovered that his 16 year-old son Deantonio Goss was shot and killed in an alley just blocks from his home while walking home from school with a classmate according to the Chicago Tribune. The senseless killings just continue in our community, and everyday it's just a footnote for normal activity which is a tragedy.

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.