Vick's Plan!

Michael Vick does have a plan once he's released from prison as he attempts to rebuild his life according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and in terms of coming out of bankruptcy it depends on his return to the NFL. Vick is hopeful of earning $10 million a year, and only keeping $750,000 of that with the remaining going to creditors on a sliding scale.

This plan does come with hurdles, however. Primarily Vick's NFL future is solely in the hands of Commissioner Roger Goodell, who must allow Vick to be reinstated back into the league. Perhaps upon his release from prison, Michael Vick will have a renewed sense of right and wrong and make better life decisions. Vick could take a page from a youngster, LeBron James, who was profiled on "60 Minutes" last night. James credited his mother and God with looking after him, as he's avoided the pitfalls of going down the wrong path.

When Getting High Is A Bad Idea!

In this economic environment it's tough for many to keep their heads above water. Imagine being a successful entertainer, who has plenty of money, but the love of pot has clouded your senses to the point that you allow your vehicle to be repossessed due to owing back taxes. Rapper Method Man admits to being a pothead and tells the New York Daily News, “Myself, I’m a pothead,” he said on the set of a video shoot for his new album, “Blackout 2,” with Redman. “It’s no secret. Everyone knows that. I go on the road and forget everything else. Sure, [the tax department] sent letters to my house saying, ‘We need this money.’ They started sending them in 2002.

Method Man admits that he has checks at the house that haven't been opened worth significant amounts of money. Must be nice to be in that situation. This is a situation where you have to at least respect his honesty.

Keri's Perfect World!

Imagine being only 26 years old and already having writing credits for some of the biggest songs produced in the last few years. Now as of this past Tuesday, you've released your debut cd and it's expected to debut in the top 5 on the album charts.

Well Keri Hilson can claim credit for all of the above as her new cd "In A Perfect World" was just released. Led by the current single "Turnin' Me On" Ms. Hilson is steaming up the charts. Not bad for a young lady who hails from Decatur, Georgia, and once attended Emory University. She's a strong role model for young women looking to take control of their destiny.

R.I.P. John Hope Franklin!

Black historian pioneer John Hope Franklin died Wednesday of congestive heart failure at Duke University, he was 94. Franklin is considered one of he great scholars of the black experience and contributed research to the Thurgood Marshall legal team with Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 case that barred the doctrine of "separate but equal" in the nation's public schools.

Franklin's other accomplishments included: being the first black department chair at a predominantly white institution, Brooklyn College; the first black professor to hold an endowed chair at Duke; and the first black president of the American Historical Association. We owe an eternal debt to Mr. Franklin.

Rough Times And Good Times!

Actor Isaiah Washington reportedly is facing eviction from his home after not paying a $20,000/month rent obligation for 5 months. If Mr. Washington can't come up with the $100,000, he does have a bit of good news as he's signed on to play singer Lou Rawls in a controversial movie co-penned by Rawls' son which will focus on the dark side of the famous singer's life.

A Little Tense!

President Barack Obama gave another prime time press conference touting his budget as he drives to get the economy out of the doldrums. Although it appears that the press corps were preselected to answer questions, they didn't go light on our new president. President Obama got very testy with a CNN reporter who asked him twice about the slow response to the AIG bonus debacle. The president responded curtly "Well, it took us a couple of days because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak," and quickly moved on to the next question.

Many pundits described President Obama as appearing tired, but I thought he was on his game in responding to questions. His biggest challenge now is persuasiveness. He'll have a major hurdle in selling the excessive spending budget to Washington and the American people if we're not convinced it's really going to result in millions of jobs being created. It's really hard to imagine that with all of the layoffs that companies will turn around and rehire workers because billions of dollars are being pumped into the economy, especially if the specific industry isn't being directly impacted by the cash infusion.

Beyonce In Her Sixties!

While it may be difficult to envision today's entertainers older and wiser. The New York Daily News projects what today's stars may look like as they advance in age. I guess it's true that nothing stays the same.

Putting Vick Back Together!

Attorney Daniel Meachum has apparently taken over the lead in assisting Michael Vick in putting the pieces of his life back together. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Meachum has signed an exclusive 3 year contract to represent Vick and he made the following comment:

“My concern is helping Michael get back to his family and surround him with people like Julius Erving, Tony Dungy and Bishop T. D. Jakes. We need people around him who can help him and his family get back on the right track. I’m more interested in that than anything else.”

Vick could be released to a halfway house as early as late May. Hopefully Meachum will steer him in the right direction as he works to reclaim his life as a productive citizen.

Coming Back Home!

Bernard Hopkins is now 44, retired from boxing and living the good life in Delaware. He's now far from the mean streets of Philadelphia that he called home as a youngster. Hopkins went to prison at 18, got out 56 months later and was able to turn his life around to become a legendary boxer. He still ventures back to the rough streets of his childhood to give back and talk to the folks who perhaps don't have any hope of escaping. The Philadelphia Inquirer profiles Hopkins who gives this advice to youngsters:

"Everybody can't box their way out or dribble a ball," Hopkins said. "That's already been established. I'm not saying they shouldn't try, but I think if you get all the education you can get, you got a better chance of getting a good job and establishing a situation than making it in boxing.

"With me, it was something different and unusual. I didn't have an education, but my athleticism and my winning ways got me there. Then I had to think quickly, and I learned quickly, and I was fortunate. But it's not a path I would suggest to a known enemy."

Hopkins still has an apartment in Philly, and still gets his hair cut in the city, so he's never ventured too far away. His primary focus now is promoting fights as a means of income. He says that he's saved and invested conservatively so hopefully he can continue to give advice to the youngsters from his old neighborhood and give them hope for a better life, while leading by example.

Is It Time For Him To Realize That He's Running The Country?

President Barack Obama finished the most hectic week of his presidency by appearing on "60 Minutes" last evening. During the week while dealing with the AIG bonus fiasco, the POTUS also appeared on "The Tonight Show" and ESPN touting his NCAA college basketball bracket. Mike Lupica who is a fan of the president, writes in the New York Daily News that our president should realize that this isn't a popularity contest and that the campaign is over. President Obama is facing the daunting challenge of turning around an economic catastrophe. I'm not ready to say that he's falling asleep at the wheel, but he's putting a lot of trust in a few people who appear to be. Perhaps he just needs show up on television a little less, and make sure the wheel is being steered.

A Father Weeps As His Son Wins A High School Championship!

Legend Michael Jordan shed a few tears Saturday night after his son, Marcus, helped lead his high school basketball team to the Class 4A title in Illinois. The younger Jordan scored 19 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. I'm sure the elder Jordan is just as proud of his son's championship as he is of any of the 7 that he garnered between college and the pros.

Frank Ski Foundation Honors Students!

It's always good to see celebrities giving back within our community. Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski is using his foundation to constantly help those in need. Franks' wife, Tanya, hosted an awards ceremony at their home over the weekend to honor six Clayton County, Georgia high school students, recognizing them for leadership and academics. The students were given goodie-bags that included a $1,000 college scholarship, and R&B singer Monica attended the ceremony giving the recipients word of wisdom. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.

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.