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.

Chris Brown "Deuces"

While he may never have the career that he could've had before the Rihanna incident, Chris Brown is moving along with his career. His movie "Takers" debuts next week, and he has what I believe is the hottest R&B song out right now with "Deuces". Brown is all tatted up now and clearly has an edge to his music, which seems to have an "I don't care what you think about me" edge to it.

Admittedly I've stated that Brown's career is effectively over compared to where he was headed, which was all time great status in my opinion. However, "Deuces" shows that he will remain a viable artist capable of still producing great music.

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.

Philly Public Housing Director Has A Storm Over His Head!

Philadelphia Public Housing Executive Director Carl Greene has had a cloud over his head since revelations came out that he's facing foreclosure on his $615,000 condo in Philly in which he owes $387,000 and recently paid a $52,000 tax lien in March of this year. Greene presently makes over $300,000 per year and is eligible for bonuses. Yesterday it was disclosed that Greene had a sexual harassment claim filed against him earlier this year according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Compounding Greene's issues is the fact that he has not been heard from since the controversies began surfacing and will not be in the office today either. By all accounts Greene has done a credible job as head of Philadelphia's Public Housing, but going underground is not helping his case, especially when former Mayor John Street is on the housing board and Greene's not even responding to his requests for explanations.

Mr. President You Can't Comment On Everything!

President Barack Obama is a very smart man, but it's becoming clearer that he's simply not politically savvy. He continues to have an opinion on anything and everything when he doesn't have to say a word. His opinion regarding the Ground Zero mosque was stated in a speech Friday night that came out of nowhere, and has created another firestorm.

President Obama doesn't have to state his opinion on everything as his statements are often divisive which brings unnecessary attention to himself. I'm sure his intentions are good, but unfortunately he's not helping himself or his party.

Lance Stephenson Arrested!

Former New York basketball phenom Lance Stephenson was arrested yesterday for allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs according to the New York Post. Jasmine Williams, the mother of Stephenson's child told police that she was pushed down 10 steps and hit her head. Stephenson was charged with 2 counts of assault amongst other charges.

Lance Stephenson was a second round pick of the Indiana Pacers after playing one year of college ball at the University of Cincinnati. He has a 2 year contract which guarantees him about $1.5 million in salary. Stephenson has had previous issues with females as he plead guilty to groping a 17 year-old female while in high school last year. His pro career could get derailed before it gets started with this latest transgression. Larry Bird is a no nonsense team president for the Pacers so I'm sure he'll be monitoring these charges pretty closely. Tears aren't needed for Stephenson, but he could become just another statistic who blew a great opportunity.

Congratulations Pip!

Tonight one of my favorite basketball players Scottie Pippen finally gets his just due when he will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Pippen will be introduced by his sidekick for the night, Michael Jordan. While Pippen was fortunate to play alongside arguably the greatest player of all time in Jordan, his credentials stand up beside any of the greats. Perhaps a greater defensive player than he was an offensive player, Pippen rose from the obscurity of Arkansas to becoming a legend, which is a testament to his determination and tenacity.

The toughness of Pippen can never be questioned because in his early years he had to deal with the pressure that Jordan placed on him in practice everyday. Pippen never wilted under the pressure, and carved out his own niche with those great Chicago Bulls teams that ultimately won 6 championships. Scottie enjoy your evening of accolades, because you earned all of them.

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.

Is Criticism of Michelle Obama's Trip To Spain Fair?

I would think that Michelle Obama traveling to Spain with her daughter Sasha and friends wouldn't be a big deal under normal circumstances, however, when the country is in a recession and jobs are few everything the First Family does is open to criticism. The truth of the matter is that Michelle Obama took the trip at the request of a friend and paid many of her expenses out of the family pockets.

I'm constantly saying that President Obama needs to do a better job at getting his message out regarding all issues and situations. The true facts of this trip could've been slanted much better prior to receiving criticism, and being in a reactionary mode. President Obama has to be more proactive in all areas of governing, because a story like his wife traveling to Spain with friends should be a non story.

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.

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Can Tiger Regain His Form?

Every week that Tiger Woods tees up for a tournament I think it's the week that I'll see the old Tiger, sinking putts that no one else can sink in pressure situations and hitting shots that only he can pull off on a regular basis. With each passing week though it appears that the old Tiger is no where to be found at least for this year. Yesterday in the first round of the Bridgetone Invitational, Woods shot a 4 over 74 and is 10 shots off the lead. His putts were either to the left or right of the intended target and let's not begin to discuss the wayward tee shots.

Tiger Woods has never gone through a year without winning a tournament, but it's looking like this may be the year. He just looks like the fire isn't there and he's just going through the motions. With the turmoil that's taken place in his life, his performances this year are understandable but still surprising given Woods legendary focus on the links.

Billionaires Giving Away Half Their Fortunes!

Years ago, billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffet committed to giving large portions of their fortunes to charity. Weeks ago they launched The Giving Pledge" campaign targeting other billionaires and encouraging them to give up to half of their fortunes to charity. They began a phone campaign, and as of yesterday we can count Ted Turner and Bernie Marcus on the list of billionaires who have made the commitment according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Bill Gates, specifically started the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia years ago that targets African American Students and located in a low income section of the city. The billionaires have to be applauded for their commitment to give back to the less fortunate.

End of Kilpatrick Dynasty!

It appears that the sins of the son have derailed the political career of the mother as Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick's tenure in Congress came to a stunning end last night when she was beaten by Sen. Hansen Clarke in Michigan's Democratic primary. The Congresswoman has served in Congress since 1996 and raised up to 3 times more money than her opponent, but was still soundly beaten according to the Detroit Free Press.

Cheeks Kilpatrick's son is now infamous Kwame Kilpatrick who destroyed all political credibility of the Kilpatrick name. Despite the money that she spent, it would've been surprising for Cheeks Kilpatrick to survive political baggage left by her son.

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!

The Article ESPN.com Didn't Want You To See About LeBron!

This story has flown a little under the radar, but Deadspin has the article that hit the ESPN.com site last week about LeBron James' fun times in Las Vegas written by Arash Markasi. The article which depicts how any 25 year-old with millions of dollars would probably behave isn't exactly flattering to James, and was pulled because Markazi failed to identify himself. All I can say is that James, who isn't married but has 2 children by his baby mama, clearly is enjoying his time in Vegas, but in this case what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

Roy Barnes Ignores Obama Visit!

President Barack Obama made a visit to Atlanta yesterday to speak in front of a group of disabled veterans and raise money for the Democratic party. More interesting is the fact that present Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue greeted the president at the airport, but present Democratic nominee for governor Roy Barnes was nowhere to be found, campaigning in the southern part of the state. Barnes clearly felt that he had nothing to gain by greeting the president, and that perhaps he even feels that President Obama is a liability.

A lot has changed for our president in the last year and a half. The euphoria that he once generated has been replaced by second guessing and skepticism. He's putting his presidential face on, but he needs to regain the trust of the American people and his party in order to change his fortunes.

Homeless To Scholarship!

It's amazing that students born into this country don't take advantage of educational opportunities to master the simple skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. Orayne Williams of Brooklyn overcame being abandoned by his family and homelessness to earn a full scholarship to Manhattanville College where he will major in Biology. Born to a poor family in Kingston, Jamaica, Williams' thirst for knowledge lead him to become an A student in high school, and when his story was profiled by the New York Daily News in June, scholarship money started flowing in from readers of the article including the college that he will be attending.

This is a heartwarming story that gives all of us a break from the normal stories of violence and crime that cloud the news on a daily basis as a result of teen behavior.

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Lorenzen Wright Tragedy Was So Unnecessary!

The moment that Lorenzen Wright's family reported him missing, we knew that this story wasn't going to end well. Wright's body was found 2 days ago in Memphis with his body covered in a wooded area of thick brush. Wright, who played 13 seasons in the NBA, and made millions, apparently was having a rough time. He'd recently lost 2 million dollar homes in Atlanta and Memphis, and now a new revelation that his ex-wife Sherra Robinson Wright had received a visit at her Memphis home from 3 men with guns in their waistband looking for Wright in recent weeks. When Wright returned to Memphis from Atlanta, he was gunned down on July 19th.

Speculation on the cause of Lorenzen Wright's death will not end the pain for his family and his 6 children. Wright had achieved the American Dream, and apparently lost it. His story should be a seminar to all athletes that the money can be lost and that you can return to the addictive lure of the streets from which you came. Lorenzen Wright's life deserved a better ending, and all we can do now is pray for his family in friends in their time of sorrow.

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The Sean Bell Settlement!

It took nearly 4 years for the City of New York to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit involving the shooting of Sean Bell, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield. The $7 million settlement was divided amongst the 3 friends, with Bell's estate receiving $3.25 million as his 2 friends survived the more than 50 gunshots from police officers.

Sean Bell left behind 2 children and a fiance, with his fiance being the executor of his estate. Paultre Bell, legally took Sean's last name after his death, stated that the settlement was fair but bittersweet, since it will not bring back the father of her 2 children.

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Viewing A Bad Move!

President Barack Obama will be making an appearance on "The View" tomorrow instead of addressing The Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary. President Obama needs positive press, but I don't think that visiting Barbara Walters and company will do the trick.

Obama is looking increasingly detached from the realities of economic hardship and providing the message of "change" to the country. While he needs positive press, we probably need to see less of him talking about "change" and more implementation of policies that will positively impact change for our country.

Mama Knows Best!

I honestly thought that Michael Vick was toast after the birthday party altercation, but lucky for him he gets to play another day. Vick was cleared by the NFL to play yesterday and he met with reporters on the first day of training camp discussing the events of June 24. Vick stated the following concerning listening to his mother:

"If I could recheck and do it all over again I would listen to my mom and have it private and let her and my fiancé orchestrate the party," "I didn't do it and that goes to show that mama knows best. . . . You got to start listening to your mom at some point."

He also stated that he knows that he's on thin ice, and that his career hangs by a thread in terms of any type of negative transgression. Vick will have to be a perfect citizen for the remainder of his career, and he truly knows that now.

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Lorenzen Wright Still Missing!

Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright has been reported missing by his family according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Wright was last seen on July 18, and the family suspects foul play. Wright played 13 seasons in the NBA with, and played college basketball at Memphis. As of right now the police don't suspect foul play, but the family states that his disappearance is out of character for him. Hopefully this story will have a positive ending.

Why Doesn't Charlie Do The Right Thing!

Rep. Charlie Rangel was charged with serious ethics violations yesterday. The exact violations were not disclosed, but seem to be related to Rangel not reporting and paying taxes on rental income on a property in the Dominican Republic among other violations according to the New York Post. The trial begins on Thursday, and Rangel allegedly has paid out $1.7 million in attorney fees to defend himself. Rangel should do everyone a favor and just resign his position. The country doesn't need this unnecessary spectacle.

Shirley Sherrod Offered Job Back!

Shirley Sherrod continued to make news yesterday in a good way, when USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House spokesman Robert Gibbs apologized for the rush to judgement that took place when she was asked to resign Monday because of a speech that she gave months ago that gave a hint of possible racist views. The segment of the speech, which was brilliantly edited was telling a story of her ultimately assisting a Georgia family in keeping their farm and preventing them from going into bankruptcy.

Sherrod, who was also offered a new job, has been vindicated but has not decided if she should accept the job offer. This whole story should be a case study on racism, politics and the media in our country. The rush to judgement on a assumed racist statement before knowing the facts is ridiculous. The political slant with the White House's involvement is still unknown, and the media's dictating of forced resignation is comical. It's amazing that the White House doesn't have a backbone. Being the first black president doesn't mean a thing if you don't stand for something.

Shirley Sherrod is to be commended for not backing down and calling out everyone involved to save her good name including the White House.