The "N" FL- Word Debate!

It's amazing to me that with all of the ills that plague the country that the NFL is seriously debating legislating the use of the N-Word during football games.  The 4 letter network ESPN even dedicated a 1 hour special this past Sunday to the use of the word.  The debate included hip-hop artist Common, and esteemed journalists Jason Whitlock, Michael Wilbon and Jemele Hill (all 3 of the journalists are employed by ESPN). 

The N-Word and it's use has long had monetary impacts on the economy especially with it's common use in the hip-hop community.  Many people may not realize that the hit song "My Hitta" by YG in it's clean form is really titled "My Nigga" in it's explicit version.  While the song has been cleaned up to generate airplay on mainstream radio, the cleanliness doesn't eliminate the nastiness of the song and the negative connotation that it truly represents.  "My Hitta" is presently the number 8 most popular song on the R&B/Hip-Hop Chart according to Billboard.  It's been as high as #2 on the overall airplay list with Beyonce's "Drunk In Love" dominating everything R&B right now.  "My Hitta" is a money maker bottom line and landed YG on the Arsenio Hall show for a performance of the song. 

The NFL can try to legislate the use of the N-Word all it wants, and it's a popular topic to discuss on television debate shows but until the powers that be in music first and foremost take a stand on it's use, any debate about the use of the word is futile.  It's cute for us to have an issue with Riley Cooper and Paula Deen using the word because they're of a different color.  It's sad for us not to have an issue with a song titled "My Nigga"!      

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8 Babies, 6 Mothers For Cromartie!

I found this interesting article by Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press chronicling the exploits of New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Unfortunately the exploits being discussed aren't on the football field as Cromartie has 8 children by 6 different women, with 4 of them being the 3 year-old age range. Cromartie, who is 26 years-old had to be fronted $500,000 of this year's salary to take care of paternity issues. He's became something of laughing stock when recently on the show "Hard Knocks" he seemed to have difficulty remembering the names of all of his children.

I'm not going to judge Cromartie, but he'll have continuous pressure on him keeping up with the child support payments, and being a member of the "Not For Long" league his career could be over at any time. I guess he never met birth control that he found acceptable.

Jordan and Bobcats Lend A Hand To Area Schools!

Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats saw a need for Charlotte area schools and took it upon himself to help out since funding for middle school athletics has been cut by $1.25 million. The team has donated $250,000 towards middle school athletics which has spurred donations from other sources according to the Charlotte Observer.

This is a great gesture by Jordan and the team. Physical activity is necessary for everyone, and with budget cuts affecting all school systems, the Bobcats really stepped up when needed.

Is Timbaland Ok?

It was being reported that producer/rapper was in danger of causing harm to himself on Tuesday after he apparently left his home distraught over the theft of a $2 million watch by someone he knows. Hopefully everything is OK with Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosly.

Faith Evans Arrested For DUI!

Singer Faith Evans who we haven't heard from in a while was arrested Saturday night in Los Angeles for suspicion of DUI. Evans who is expected to release a new album in October is also pitching a reality show. It's bad enough that Evans really isn't relevant as an artist anymore, but getting arrested makes things even worse for her. Perhaps she's never heard of the term designated driver.

Dr. Laura Can Settle Into Oblivion!

I hadn't heard from Dr. Laura Schlellinger for years until last week when she felt comfortable enough to say the N-word 11 times while giving advice to a caller on her syndicated radio show. Now Schlellinger has announced that she's not renewing her contract because she wants to regain her First Amendment Rights.

Dr. Laura is one of the few people who can come under fire for making crazy statements or giving senseless advice and walk away from her job. She has the right to say what she wants, but sponsors have the right to pull ads from her show in opposition. Dr. Laura now can take her advice and give it to anyone who really cares, and settle back into oblivion.

Pulling For Fantasia!

The Fantasia Barrino lawsuit story had been around for months, but raised it's ugly head with a crescendo on Monday after Barrino was rushed to the hospital with an apparent aspirin overdose. America always loves a train wreck, and the Barrino story almost had a tragic ending. I'm hoping that Fantasia can gain strength during her moment of turmoil. Whatever she's feeling right now, it's not worth her daughter no longer having her loving mother with her.

Almost Half The Man!

I found this interesting article at Philly.com about Billy Ivory Larson who five years ago weighed 400 pounds. Looking at a picture of himself, he couldn't believe his eyes and at 34 years old knew that he had to do something. Larson was dealing with a number of health issues including high blood pressure, sleep apnea and arthritis which were making day to day living a challenge. Determined to get his life back, Larson bypassed the surgery option and changed his diet cutting back on junk foods, eating salads instead of cheeseburgers and drinking water instead of sodas. His exercise regimen began with doing 25 sit ups a day and ultimately escalated to walking 3 plus miles a day. It took 3 years but Larson got his weight down to 225 pounds.

Today he's weighing in at 235 pounds, and knows that to maintain his weight it will be an ongoing struggle, but this is a great story about determination to live a more healthy life. Larson's entire story can be found at billivorylawson.com.

President Obama Hoops It Up For The Troops!

President Barack Obama hooped it up with a contingent of active and retired NBA stars along with UConn's Maya Moore yesterday entertaining wounded soldiers, and participants of a Washington mentoring program. Retired stars Bill Russell, Earvin Johnson and Alonzo Mourning joined LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Kobe Bryant along with other stars to help culminate President Obama's birthday week.

Link

Queen of Soul Breaks Ribs In Fall!

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has been forced to cancel 2 free concerts she was scheduled to perform in New York next week due to breaking her ribs in a fall over the weekend. Get well soon Queen!