More Employers Challenging Unemployment Benefits

While unemployment hovers near 8%, the Washington Post reports that more and more employers are fighting former employees for Unemployment Benefits. While employers are contesting the benefits on such issues as employee misconduct, employers are losing those claims two thirds of the time. Just a reminder that benefits that we think are guaranteed in the event of a job loss, may be challenged by the former employer.

Elgin Baylor Files Suit Against Clippers Claiming Racism

Elgin Baylor is an NBA Hall of Famer and worked with the Los Angeles Clippers for 22 years before retiring last year. Yesterday Baylor filed a civil suit against the team alleging racism according to the Los Angeles Times. Baylor claims that owner Donald Sterling made the following comments regarding player negotiations and about the team:

The suit alleged NBA Commissioner David Stern was present when Sterling allegedly said of Manning, "I'm offering a lot of money for a poor black kid." That tone was echoed in another alleged incident in which Baylor claimed Sterling told him that "he [Sterling] wanted the Clippers team to be composed of 'poor black boys from the South' and a white head coach."

During Baylor's tenure, the Clippers made the postseason only 3 times and made some truly horrendous draft picks. This suit clearly appears to be about money as Baylor contends that his salary was capped at $350,000 since 2003, while the Clippers gave Mike Dunleavy, who is equally incompetent, a 4 year contract for $22 million.

Did A Text Message Start The Fight?

Yes, this is a little overkill, but the story is sad and fascinating at the same time. The New York Daily News is reporting that singer Chris Brown received a text message for an alleged "booty call" from a female acquaintance, and when Rihanna saw the message she became upset, and the alleged assault took place. Being young, famous and having money sometimes is a combustible combination. Very sad!

Chris Has 99 Problems!

The New York Post is reporting that hip-hop legend Jay-Z "hit the roof" when he heard about his protege Rihanna allegedly being assaulted by singer Chris Brown. E! news reported the following regarding the alleged assault last night:

Brown then allegedly choked Rihanna and said, "I'm going to kill you," E! News reported. When she slipped into unconsciousness, Brown allegedly fled.

The fallout for Brown also continues as many stations throughout the country have stopped playing his music until the allegations are resolved.

Our First Lady Will Cover Vogue Magazine!

Michelle Obama will grace the cover of Vogue magazine for the March issue. She's a great choice to cover the magazine, and I'm sure the pictures will be classy and elegant.

In The Dumb And Dumber Department!

Former NFL wide receiver Freddie Mitchell was briefly handcuffed last Thursday outside of his Lakeland, Fl restaurant after a package allegedly containing 7 pounds of marijuana was delivered to the establishment according to the Ledger.com. Mitchell was not arrested, and claims that the package was not intended for him. Mitchell, who attended UCLA and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, better hope that the package wasn't intended for him, as the police are still actively conducting their investigation.

Rihanna Is Cooperating With Police!

The Los Angeles Times reports that singer Rihanna is cooperating with Los Angeles police while they build a case against her boyfriend Chris Brown. The singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty is providing "ongoing" cooperation to detectives who booked Brown on Sunday on suspicion of making criminal threats against her. An early morning altercation left Rihanna with bruises and a scratch to her face according to a police source.

The fallout for Brown has already begun as the makers of Doublemint gum suspended Brown's endorsement deal stating the following:

"Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown. We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."

If the accusations are indeed true against Chris Brown, this may be one of the quickest falls from grace in recent memory.

Jennifer's Return!

Jennifer Hudson, who won a Grammy last night for Best R&B Album performed "You Pulled Me Through" during the telecast. Welcome back Jennifer, your voice is a treasure.

Chris Brown Arrested And Released!

R&B singer Chris Brown, who up until this point has has a pretty squeaky clean image was arrested last night in Los Angeles on suspicion of making a criminal threat against an unidentified woman. Police received a 911 call in which a woman accused Brown of hurting her. The woman has not been identified citing confidentiality for victims of domestic abuse.

Brown and his girlfriend Rihanna were both scheduled to perform at last night's Grammy Awards, and neither showed up for the telecast, with Rihanna's publicist declining to say why she did show up for the performance. Rumors all over the Internet are that Rihanna is the unidentified woman. If the rumors are true, Chris has really put a major dent in what has been a potential legendary career, and at 19 to be threatening or hitting a female is not a good look. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the update.

Jamal Not So Smart!

Former NFL running back and Atlanta Falcon, Jamal Anderson was arrested early Sunday morning after being caught sniffing cocaine off of a bathroom toilet tank with a 20 year old male at 3 a.m. in the morning. Anderson, 36, most recently worked as an ESPN studio analyst this past season.

Tiger Has A Son!

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Tiger Woods' wife Elin gave birth to a son last night. The couple's first child, Sam Alexis, who was born June 19, 2007. Congrats to Tiger and Elin for the new arrival.

Kings Retire Webber's Number!

Former NBA star Chris Webber had his jersey retired by the team where he had his most success the Sacramento Kings last night at the Arco Arena in Sacramento. Webber was flanked by former teammates Vlade Divac, Mateen Cleaves and Doug Christie as they celebrated his 6 1/2 seasons with the team. Webber never brought the team a championship, but he did help provide the franchise with is longest run of sustained success. C-Webb will probably never be a Hall of Famer, and never fully lived up to his vast potential because of injuries, but he gave the fans of Sactown memories that will last forever. Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for the link.

End Of Rent For Katrina Victims!

The Times-Picayune reports that nearly 15,000 New Orleans area residents who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina will lose a rent subsidy provided by The federal Disaster Housing Assistance Program, known as DHAP. The program was discontinued by federal officials on President Bush's last day. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La is pushing for a one year extension of the program and recently wrote to President Barack Obama: "It would be remiss of the federal government to infuse hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy . . . while we terminate a program housing more than 30,000 people in a region struggling to restore its affordable housing stock."

Surely a few million dollars can be found to assist residents that were displaced by the worst hurricane in recent memory.

Job Losses In Philly!

Yesterday, it was announced that the nation lost an additional 598,000 jobs. The losses are coming from all sectors, and hitting hard amongst all demographic areas. The Philadelphia Inquirer profiles the economic impact of job losses in Philadelphia. John Hobbs, 57 recently lost his manufacturing job, and is debating how to cover his health insurance of $800 on an unemployment check of $241 a week. Deborah Jackson-Smith went from 3 part time jobs to none, and is trying to save her home from foreclosure.

Well I guess help is on the way with an agreement being reached on a ridiculously sounding $827 billion stimulus package. By contrast, 16 years ago, then President Bill Clinton's stimulus package was $35 billion. Now, that's super inflation! I sure hope that our elected officials with whom we've put our trust in know what they're doing, and that Hobbs and Jackson-Smith both benefit from the future stimuli coming from our government.

"Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story"

Cable channel TNT will debut the movie "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" tomorrow night profiling the life of neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. portrays Carson, and Kimberly Elise portrays Carson's mother in the movie. The Baltimore Sun conducts an interview with Carson and Gooding Jr. about the making of the movie. This film should be a must see movie for all black males as Carson overcame all of the odds to become a world renowned surgeon.

What Black History Month Means?

La Shawn Barber is a conservative blogger who was profiled in the Los Angeles Times regarding Black History Month. This is what Barber had to say to the paper:

"Somewhere along the way, liberals came to treat diversity as a god, bowing down before it at the altar in worship. It's become this all-consuming and exalted thing, one that trumps fairness and equal treatment. To liberals, the idea of diversity is superficial. They're obsessed with making sure enough people of this skin color are represented or a certain number of people of that cultural background are recognized. In fact, colleges and universities across the country openly discriminate under so-called affirmative action policies in order to collect more brown faces on campus for the sake of skin deep-only diversity.There is nothing wrong with encouraging people to recognize and appreciate different backgrounds and cultures. But when people focus on nothing else but those differences, it divides us. Race relations will not improve in this country unless people learn to see what unites us, not what separates us."

I'm not sure I totally agree with Barber, but I always respect different opinions. La Shawn Barber's Corner is the name of her blog.

Singles Ladies - Spoof - (President Barack Obama)

Iman Crosson has received over 3 million hits on You Tube for this spoof of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" while impersonating President Barack Obama. He's even being profiled on "Entertainment Tonight." Crosson is an Ohio native and former waiter who was looking for a way to kick start his acting career. Looks like he may have accomplished his goal.

Crime Does Pay!

The Detroit Free Press reports that newly released former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick boarded a privately chartered jet to meet his family in the Ft. Worth, Texas suburb known as Southlake. Kilpatrick, who just about ran the city of Detroit into the ground moves into a 2,800 rented house in the community with the following demographics when compared to Detroit:

• From 2005 to 2007, Southlake had an average median household income of $172,945. Detroit's average median household income was $29,109.
• The median value of owner-occupied homes in Southlake was $425,500. Detroit's median value was $89,500.
• Southlake was 74% white and 12% black. Detroit was 10% white and about 83% black.

The last time I checked, Kwame owes the city $1 million, and he's walking out of jail with Willie Gary and flying on chartered jets. I can't wait to see what Chistine Beatty has waiting for her when she leaves jail.

It's All About The Money!

President Barack Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe has snagged a seven-figure book deal about the experiences of running the most successful presidential campaign in history. "The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama's Historic Victory" will be published by Viking next fall. I guess it's never too early to start cashing in on success, and in the end it really is all about the money.

Second-Grade Boys Passing Around Heroin At Philly School!

5 second-grade boys were passing around what they thought was candy during gym class yesterday when the gym teacher noticed the mischief, and confiscated the would be candy which was later discovered to be heroin according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Wow!

Cali Community College Campuses Strained!

The trickle down effect of the faltering economy is affecting every sector of our country. Downsizing and cutbacks have an immediate strain, and now the Los Angeles Times reports that 2 year Community Colleges in California are being pushed to the brink because enrollment is increasing due to the economic downturn. The resulting impact of the overcrowding is that many students are unable to take required classes, and earn resulting credits necessary to transfer to a 4 year school. African Americans and Latinos make up the majority of the students at the 2 year campuses.

When The Lights Go Off!

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program set up to assist low income families with their energy bills in this tough economy. Most people in Florida apparently aren't familiar with the program since only 20 percent of the people eligible get help from the program. The Miami Herald reports on many low income families in the Miami area failing to pay electric bills and being faced with having to pay large deposits or placing payments on auto pay in order to have their service restored by the Florida Power & Light Co.

Hopefully residents in need will utilize the programs that are available for assistance. Living a week without power as Tyletha Wright did with her 3 children is a tough, and apparently unnecessary situation.

Kobe Goes For 61!

Kobe Bean Bryant had another record night last night as he set a Madison Square Garden building record scoring 61 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 126-117. With the Lakers losing center Andrew Bynum for up to 3 month with a leg injury, Kobe appears to be back in super scorer mode.

When "No Snitching" Turns To Fear!

The Detroit Free Press reports that 19 year-old Ashley Taylor lived in fear for 2 years after agreeing to testify as a witness in her boss Milt Goodson's 2006 slaying. The refuge of college couldn't even save the young Taylor from the shooter's family showing up at her school and offering her $1,000 in hush money. Thankfully Ashley Taylor's testimony put the shooter away until 2026, and the killer's mother and uncle are also serving time.

Ashley Taylor did the right thing by testifying, and showed her inner strength by not succumbing to the pressure of outside influences.

Jennifer's Return!

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson returned yesterday from months of isolation after her family tragedy to give a rousing rendition of the National Anthem prior to yesterday's Super Bowl game between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Congrats to the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin for the victory, and Welcome Back Ms. Hudson.