Mary J. Blige Back With 9th Studio Album!

Mary J. Blige releases her 9th studio album this week titled "Stronger With Each Tear." Two singles have already been released from the album, "The One" and "I Am." While both singles are infectious, they haven't made any headway on the charts. Mary J. Blige is arguably the most consistent female R&B singer of her generation, so I'm sure that album sales will do just fine as Mary has always been known for the quality of her albums over the success of her individual singles.

R.I.P. Alaina Reed Hall-Tamini!

Sad news started to hit the net yesterday when it was announced that Alaina Reed Hall-Tamini who played Rose on the television sitcom "227" had passed away on December 17th. She was 63. Hall-Tamini's character, and the show itself are both underrated in the history of television. Prayers go out to her family.

Did Chris Henry Have A Death Wish?

A witness to the initial stages of Chris Henry jumping onto the yellow pick up truck that ultimately set in motion events that led to his death stated that Henry was banging on the truck and threatened to jump off if fiance Loleini Tonga didn't stop the truck as she sped from her parents home in Charlotte, NC according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. It appeared that Henry had escaped his previous demons, but obviously something went awry for him on Wednesday, and sadly his 3 children are now fatherless.

Chris Henry Suffering from Life Threatening Injuries!

Depending on what report you heard last night, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was either on life support or deceased after falling out of a truck in what is being described as a domestic situation with his fiance Loleini Tonga in Charlotte, NC. As of this morning, Henry is s still alive. Only 26, Henry has had an up and down professional career with various brushes with the law including a DUI arrest. Henry's season was ended after he fractured his left forearm in November.

This is just a sad story all the way around as Henry and his fiance were planning to be married in March. While the prognosis doesn't appear to be good for him, prayers have to go out to his family that perhaps a miracle can happen.

Asian Student at South Philly High End Boycott!

Asian students ended their boycott amid the racial tension at South Philadelphia High School yesterday after meeting again with School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman in the Chinatown area of the city according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 25 of the original 50 boycotters were remaining out of school since the Dec. 3 incident in which a number of Asian students were beaten by African American students. While Ackerman has come under fire from Asian groups she does have the support of Philly Mayor Michael Nutter.

It's amazing that it took 2 weeks to settle this dispute. Ackerman should have been on top of the issue on Dec. 4, and Nutter as the mayor needs to get involved in any way possible to settle racial disputes with teenagers.

Rihanna's Naked GQ Cover!

With a struggling new cd, I guess Rihanna doesn't have anything better to do than pose topless for GQ Magazine. I guess she thinks that this keeps her relevant, but does it really. Rihanna needs to focus on putting out hits. It's a shame when artists feel that they can give the public any kind of crappy music.

Tiger Count Up to 14!

The Tiger count is now up to 14 with Theresa Rogers emerging as the oldest (late 40s) and perhaps longest standing companion according to Radar Online. Rogers is also being represented by attorney Gloria Allred which indicates that a payoff may be in order. On a positive note, Nike's CEO Phil Knight has committed to Tiger stating that the media is making a "big deal" of Tiger's indiscretions and that this episode will be a "minor blip" in Tiger's biography. I suspect that Knight is correct in his assessment, but Tiger will need to get over his obvious embarrassment and face the public at some point.

Tiger Takes Leave & Loses Accenture!

Tiger Woods announced Friday that he's taking an indefinite leave of absence from golf due to his infidelity, and yesterday he officially lost his first sponsor in Accenture. Woods still hasn't been seen in public since his accident, but I'm sure that he's hoping that over time the public will be less concerned with his personal life. Taking a sabbatical will be the best thing for Tiger as time heals things, and the golf world will be anxious for his return, whenever that will be.

Is Tiger An Issue Because He Cheated On His White Wife?

Now Hollywood madam Michelle Braun is dishing about everything Tiger Woods. When this story initially broke the whole thing smelled to no end and it gets stinkier everyday. I'm just curious as to why all of this is important, and at this point it really seems to be about taking down Mr. Woods which is quite interesting since before this scandal broke, Tiger was just a nerdy guy who was a great golfer who considered himself Caubalasian. Race is always my last thought on most things, but I'd venture to say if Tiger was married to a black woman, that this story would be over. I could be wrong, but the smellier this story gets, it just seems that way. The media seems hellbent on bringing down the brotha who cheated on his white wife. I could be wrong, but I suspect that I'm right on point.

Racial Turmoil At South Philly High School Reaches The Top!

South Philadelphia High School has been a cesspool of racial tension since December 2 when a disabled African American student was beaten up by 2 Asian students. Since then various attacks have taken place at the school that's been polarized along racial lines and this week 50 Asian students are boycotting the school.

Yesterday the School Reform Commission heard testimony from Asian students documenting years of racial turmoil from students as well as faculty according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman presided over the meeting which is intended to come up with solutions to issues at the school. Hopefully solutions can be found, because all of the students are being adversely affected by the turmoil. Imagine trying to get an education in the midst of fear and anger just because you're a different race.

Tyreke Evans: Rookie of the Year Mix!

While Brandon Jennings gets all the praise as the best rookie in the NBA, Tyreke Evans is playing on the West Coast with the Sacramento Kings and quietly setting the world on fire. While Jennings has quieted down since his breakthrough 55 point game, Evans has been consistent, and overall been the best rookie in the league. Take a peek at this video of the talented rookie out of Chester, PA.

Elin Apparently Confronted Uchitel!

I guess I understand better why Tiger Woods will not get in front of the story that continues to derail him publicly. The New York Post reports that the night of his ill fated crash that Elin Woods confronted Rachel Uchitel telling her that "she knew everything," and throwing a cell phone at Tiger busting his tooth before chasing him out of the house with a golf club forcing him to exit barefooted.

I have a suspicion that with his reputation in tatters that Tiger will be taking an extended vacation from his occupation as a golfer. While it's true that he created this situation for himself, he doesn't have the opportunity to repair himself or his family in private, but he did sign up for all of this when he set out to become the greatest golfer of all time. Privacy unfortunately for Mr. Woods is not an option.

Prayers For The Perry Family!

Prayers go out to Tyler Perry this morning as he announced yesterday that his mother Maxine has died. She was only 64, and apparently had been sick since August.

Has Elin Moved On?

I was hoping that I was done writing about the Tiger Woods scandal, but needless the say when the media smells a scent they go in for the kill, and Tiger is getting knocked down to the point of taking a standing eight count. The tally of alleged women has hit 10 and Mrs. Woods has apparently moved out to a nearby residence while also purchasing a home in Sweden according to the New York Post.

Also, even though the cops have closed the accident case, Woods' condition after the crash is now being questioned including hints that Woods had been drinking during the day and taking prescription medications. Tiger also was scheduled to be the best man at a friends wedding, but now will apparently be a no show. He's obviously gone into hiding as a new woman seems to come out everyday alleging an affair. Mr. Woods is used to being in control of his image, which he has lost. Unfortunately he'll probably never regain that again, which for him has to be pretty humbling.

Vick Makes Return To Atlanta!

Michael Vick took another step in his comeback when he returned with his present team, the Philadelphia Eagles to play his former team, the Atlanta Falcons yesterday. Prior to the game Vick met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and former teammates, and was able to make an impact within the game by running and passing for touchdowns. The crowd reception was mixed, but Vick handled himself in a dignified manner as the Eagles crushed the Falcons 34-7.

World B. Free's Wife Slain In Brooklyn!

Sad news has hit the NBA family, as the New York Daily News reports that former NBA star World B. Free's wife was killed last night at her family home in Brooklyn. Audrey Johnson attempted to mediate a dispute involving her niece's boyfriend when she was gunned down. Prayers go out to the family of Free, who presently works for his former team the Philadelphia 76ers in community relations.

Iverson Crying At Press Conference!

Allen Iverson says that he "was born to play basketball," and just wants to help his new/old team the Philadelphia 76ers win basketball games. Iverson was so desperate to get back in the NBA that he accepted a non-guaranteed contract with his old team. Ultimately if Iverson doesn't behave as he didn't with his last two stops in Detroit and Memphis then he'll be out of the league for good. This is a low risk proposition for the Sixers, and Iverson's last chance to continue his career. I know he doesn't want to go out like Stephon Marbury.

Beyonce' Garners 10 Grammy Nods!

While I'm a Beyonce' fan, I find it amazing that she received 10 Grammy nominations yesterday. While she set the world ablaze with "Single Ladies" her music lately is hardly historic. While I think she is probably our greatest black female performer, possibly ever, her music simply doesn't measure up to her immense talent. Country singer Taylor Swift received 8 noms, and would be more deserving of the awards if chosen.

Uchitel Apparently Fessing Up to Being With Tiger!

This Tiger Woods affair story is now in it's 7th day and becoming more and more smelly. Rachel Uchitel, the first alleged mistress, who initially denied a relationship with Woods, apparently will be holding a press conference and confirming a relationship with the world's greatest golfer. My first question is why is a press conference even necessary. Tiger issued a statement via his web site admitting "transgressions", etc. He's asked for privacy, and day by day amazingly another woman comes out of the woodwork. Admittedly if Tiger had been "clean" none of this would be an issue, but it all just seems to convenient and at this point a non-story except for the sordid details coming out from the women, including one who was apparently paid $150,000 for saving a voicemail from Tiger.

Yes Tiger being the world's greatest athlete has brought all of the fame and fortune that he's obviously chased and wanted. Now that Tiger's imperfections are out for all the world to see does it really improve the unemployment levels or turn the world on it's axis. All of this just seems like overkill with people dumping on Mr. Woods. At the end of the day he's still the world's greatest athlete, and he'll probably not lose any sponsors, and we'll lose the insight of of a man whose maximized all of his skills and really could give valid insight for all of us regarding maximizing our potential. Sadly Tiger will truly never trust the media again, and will be even more guarded making all of us worse for losing a piece of him.

Coming From Everywhere After Tiger!

I'm sure a week ago Tiger Woods never expected that the women would be coming out of the woodwork bragging about his exploits, text messages and voice mail messages. Well, welcome to the world of tabloid celebrity, Tiger. Jaimee Grubbs is the first woman to confirm an extramarital relationship with the best golfer in the world and she's taking her story to Us Weekly. Other stories of cover ups are surfacing, which are intended to sully Tiger's once impeccable reputation. Tiger is doing the best thing by keeping low, and surfacing next month when the new golf season begins.

He's now going through what other athletes have lived through such as Michael Jordan and ARod. His buddy Charles Barkley says Tiger should come before the cameras, make a statement and be done. I'm sure Tiger will do that when the time is right, but in the mean time life as he once knew it doesn't exist anymore.

Use of Gift Cards Take Down Sheila Dixon!

In the end Sheila Dixon, the Mayor of Baltimore was convicted of a single charge of using a $500 gift card intended for the needy. While Dixon's conviction is a misdemeanor and she was found innocent of the felony charges, she'll probably be forced out of office if and when she is sentenced. It's possible that she could delay the inevitable with appeals, but I would think that a quick resignation would be best for the city.

Kasim Reed New Mayor of Atlanta!

It looks like a run off was Kasim Reed's best friend, as it appears that he'll become the new mayor of Atlanta. With 100% of the precincts reporting Reed leads his challenger Mary Norwood by less than a percentage point (758 votes). Reed closed the gap on Norwood pretty quickly and ran a good race. Only 40 years old, Reed has his work cut out for him. Here's wishing him well.

Rachel Uchitel Speaks!

The New York Post has posted an interview with Rachel Uchitel the alleged Tiger Woods mistress. She essentially says that there's no relationship with Woods and that she's only met the golfer one time. Tiger indicated in his statement that he's not perfect, but this particular story smells. Tiger doesn't owe anyone an explanation regarding the occurrences of Friday morning, but media outlets simply will not let the story rest. I hear that the neighbor who called 911 has hired an attorney and will be holding a press conference this morning. Talk about overkill.

Still No Verdict In Baltimore Mayor Trial!

Jurors are still deadlocked in the theft trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Yesterday jurors indicated that they could not come to a unanimous verdict on the charges, but indicated that they would come back today to continue deliberations. Dixon is on trial for theft or misuse of gift cards that were given to her, but intended for needy families. The longer it takes for jurors to arrive at a verdict the better things appear for Ms. Dixon, as jurors seem reluctant to convict her. The Baltimore Sun provides additional details on the proceedings.

Tiger Takes Control!

This weekend Tiger Woods became the focal point of the country for something other than golf after his early Friday morning car accident. The weekend has gone by and it appears that Woods has no plans to speak to police about the accident, which he doesn't have to do by law. His attorney has supplied the police with the required documentation, Woods issued a statement through his website, and he's moving on with business as usual. We'll know that it's business as usual if Tiger shows up for his annual golf tournament tomorrow, and opens it with the usual press conference. If Tiger is a no show, then the rumors and questions will continue.