John F. Thomas, 72 Tied To Los Angeles Serial Killings!

John F. Thomas, 72 could be the most prolific killer in the history of Los Angeles. Presently linked to 2 killings, when all of the investigations are concluded, Thomas could be linked to over 30 killings according to the Los Angeles Times. Glad it didn't take too long to find Mr. Thomas since the alleged killings took place over decades.

Kid Cudi!

Being a lover of music sometimes puts you in touch with songs which are just very infectious. Kin Cudi has delivered one of those songs with his single "Day 'N' Niight" which sits at #3 on the Billboard 100 charts. A Kanye West protege, Cudi's cd will be released in August. He's also a burgeoning actor, appearing in a Mark Wahlberg-produced show for HBO called "How to Make It in America."

A Diverse Mr. Timberlake!

Justin Timberlake continues to diversify his business portfolio in a manner that brings very little attention to himself. Timberlake already has a clothing line (William Rast) and restaurant (Southern Hospitality), now he's rolling out a tequila called 901 according to the New York Daily News, which is getting favorable reviews. Justin's business acumen is rivaling his singing talent.

Gotta Love K.G.'s Intensity!

A picture is worth a thousand words, and even though Kevin Garnett isn't able to play in this year's playoffs due to injury, it hasn't taken away his intensity. Last night Garnett was all over the Chicago Bulls' guard Ben Gordon during last night's overtime victory by the Boston Celtics.

Arlen's Defection!

Yesterday Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter defected from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party altering the landscape of national and state politics. Specter's move was largely done for political survival as he was facing the political fight of his life with U.S. Rep Pat Toomey and stands a better chance of of winning a sixth term as a Democrat. The Republicans will fume over Specter's move and Democrats will rejoice, but Arlen simply said "I want my job." Simply can't hate Specter for wanting to survive, and completely forgetting about the people who voted for him. Politics is a dirty, nasty game.

Obama's Liberal Arrogance?

I always try to look at two sides of every opinion, and it's interesting that Jonah Goldberg writes in the Los Angeles Times that President Barack Obama's liberal arrogance will be his undoing. He closes the article with the following:

On social issues such as abortion and embryonic stem cell research, Obama has proved to be, if anything, more of a left-wing culture warrior than Bush was a right-wing one. All the while, Obama transmogrifies his principled opponents into straw-man ideologues while preening about his own humble pragmatism. For him, bipartisanship is defined as shutting up and getting in line.

I'm not arguing that conservatives are poised to make some miraculous comeback. They're not. But American politics didn't come to an end with Obama's election, and nothing in politics breeds corrective antibodies more quickly than overreaching arrogance. And by that measure, Obama's first 100 days have been a huge down payment on the inevitable correction to come.


President Obama's arrogance got him elected. Whether it will be his ultimate undoing, only time will tell. There's no doubt that his style is clearly "get in line and follow me" and if you can't go along with the program I have very little use for you. At the end of the day, that's politics as usual, and he's not different than any other politician, good or bad.

How Will It End?

Peter Vecsey's take on the embattled Jayson Williams who was hospitalized yesterday after he was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital after he went into a suicidal rage at a New York hotel. Jayson Williams obviously has a ton of demons that he's trying to overcome. This story probably will not end well.

Beyonce' Can Sing!

Beyonce', who is riding high after her new film "Obsessed" blew away the box office this weekend to the tune of $28.5 million was the butt of a practical joke last week when Matthew Zeghibe a Connecticut college student altered her vocals recorded from a "Today Show" appearance. Howard Stern took the performance as legit, along with countless other media people. When you're at the top, folks always want to knock you down, but Beyonce' is only doing what she was born to do, sing her behind off.

The Real Kobe!

Spike Lee has produce a documentary on basketball superstar Kobe Bryant titled "Kobe: Doin' Work" which will debut on ESPN on May 16th. However Kobe apparently put Spike through a few changes before agreeing to be filmed according to Page 6:

But suddenly Bryant said he wouldn't cooperate unless he was granted creative control, sources said. Lee tried several times to call Bryant, who wouldn't accept his calls. So Lee, at the suggestion of ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith, drove to Bryant's house in a gated community, where Bryant refused to see him, sources said.

"It went so far that Lee had a last-minute plan to substitute Spurs star Tim Duncan for Kobe and make the whole documentary about Duncan," said our source.

But Kobe and Spike somehow worked it out, and Lee is being a good soldier promoting the Kobe picture, which screened Saturday night at the Tribeca Film Festival.

"Spike Lee completely yielded," said one insider. "And at the start of the film, when Kobe arrives at the Staples Center and sees Spike with the camera, he gives him a big smile and thumbs up, showing he knows he won the battle."

The documentary is supposed to be exemplary, and shows Bryant in a very favorable light, but if this story is true, Kobe really does believe his hype and is a true diva.

Tony Dungy To Visit Vick In Prison!

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy will be visiting Michael Vick in prison on May 5th in an effort to give Vick some constructive life lessons as he prepares to leave prison, and enter home confinement as early as May 21st according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. It's no secret that Vick is trying to get back into the NFL. Having Dungy as a supporter will not hurt, I just hope Vick doesn't let his new supporters down as he did Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

79% Approval Rating!

First Lady Michelle Obama's approval rating is 79% compared to her husband's approval rating of 64%. Granted her husband has a few more duties to concern himself with, but Mrs. Obama is conducting herself with grace and class, while making all of us proud.

Philly Fires 5 Police Officers, 3 For Racial Slurs!

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has fired 5 police officers, 3 for using racial slurs and 2 for misconduct. Officer William Thrasher, who was the target of an article published in a Temple University newspaper in which he referred to black people as 'animals", was one of the officers fired. That article is listed here and pretty damning. Kudos to Mr. Ramsey for doing the right thing.

I Still Have Something Left Joe Dumars!

Chauncey Billups is quietly giving Detroit Pistons head Joe Dumars the middle finger by proving that he has plenty left in the gas tank. He's torched the reigning best point guard in basketball Chris Paul while leading the Denver Nuggets to a 2-0 series lead over the New Orleans Hornets. Chauncey is proving that talent and effort trump what anyone thinks about you, and he's also proving perhaps that Allen Iverson has been a fraud all of these years.

Rev. Brad Braxton's New Salary Under Fire!

Rev. Brad Braxton's new compensation package of $600,000 is being questioned by members of his new church, Manhattan's Riverside Church according to the New York Daily News. Braxton's salary doubles his predecessor's salary and has drawn the ire of parishioners who question the prudence of the package in these economic times, causing them to file suit in Manhattan court. The package includes the following:

$250,000 in salary.
$11,500 monthly housing allowance.
Private school tuition for his child.
A full-time maid.
Entertainment, travel and "professional development" allowances.
Pension and life insurance benefits.
An equity allowance for Braxton to save up to buy a home.
On top of that, Braxton immediately hired a new second in command at more than $300,000 a year.

This court hearing should be interesting. I wonder if Rev. Braxton will intervene and perhaps lessen the package to keep everyone happy.

Donna Dunnings "Shocked" By Cousin Firing Her!

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Donna Dunnings was "shocked" when her cousin Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, fired her from her $175,000 job as chief financial officer for the county. Stroger felt that Dunnings was a liability after bailing out former secretary Tony Cole on 2 occasions from jail, and once placing $4,000 on a credit card to post bail. Both Dunnings and Cole deny a personal relationship, but Cole who used to play college basketball at the University of Georgia was somehow promoted to a $61,000 human resource position, but was later fired for not disclosing a past criminal record.

Dunnings is a single mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and soon will be responsible for paying $1,517-a-month for COBRA coverage without a steady paycheck. This story appears to be sordid behind the scenes. I sure hope Dunnings isn't taking the fall for someone else.

Rihanna Linked To Lakers' Andrew Bynum!

Rihanna was seen dining with Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum last week at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Bynum at this point is playing coy regarding whether there is a "love connection" which is probably the smart thing to do.

Eminem's "Relapse"

The album cover for Eminem's new cd "Relapse" has been released. Ever the controversial one, Eminem is apparently reflective about his past battles with prescription drugs according to the Detroit Free Press. The wording at the bottom of the cover is as follows:

On the bottom right-hand corner of the image is a parental advisory sticker, a frequent sight on the covers of albums with profane material. On the bottom left-hand corner is a prescription-inspired tag “RELAPSE” with a backwards “E” at the end and an “X” under the “R” for a drug-related “RX.”

Other language on the image:
“Mathers, Marshall – 8 Mile Road, Detroit. Take 1 tablet(s) one time(s) daily at 3 a.m.”
“Refills: 05-19-09” — which is the album’s release date.
And, of course, “Prescribed by Dr. Dre” — Eminem’s executive producer.

Eminem's been away awhile. Looking forward to the May 19th release date.

Surviving Pirate Being Arraigned Today!

Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, the remaining surviving pirate who helped hijack the Maersk Alabama arrived in New York yesterday, and is scheduled to be arraigned today. He was actually smiling at reporters, which is interesting. His mother insists that he is 16 years-old, and is requesting that President Barack Obama pardon her son. Wali-i-Musi could face life in prison if convicted.

Tiger Equates Barkley's Golf Swing To A "Speech Impediment"!

While doing the promotional rounds for his golf tournament AT&T National yesterday, Tiger Woods was asked about his friend Charles Barkley's golf swing. Woods said the swing was "like a speech impediment" which is probably pretty accurate if you've ever seen Barkley swing a golf club. Woods' coach Hank Haney is presently working with Barkley on his swing and even showing it to millions on a Golf Channel show. Good luck to Charles on the swing.

Lynn Nottage Wins 2009 Pulitzer For "Ruined"!

Congratulations to Lynn Nottage for winning a 2009 Pulitzer for "Ruined" which chronicles young women who have been raped and brutalized, casualties of the decades-long war in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thanks to the Los Angeles Times for the article.

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi Helping With Foreclosures!

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi assisted with the "Bringing Hope Tour" as they sat in on a workshop intended to assist people facing foreclosure in Atlanta. A good gesture by the two superstars, as foreclosures are very prevalent in our community. The phone number to call is 888-995-HOPE for anyone needing assistance. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.

Former NBA Player Kenny Anderson Wants Another Chance!

Former NBA player Kenny Anderson admits that he's made mistakes in his personal life, but he longs for a job at coaching basketball at some level. Kenny has fathered 7 children by 5 different women, and has been slapped with a palimony suit by another woman, but wants to be forgiven by potential employers for his transgressions and given an opportunity to display his coaching talents. Presently working with high school players and giving motivational speeches, Kenny should eventually be given a chance to prove his worth to someone. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article.

Detroit Couple Gets Prison For Trying To Grill 2 Year-Old Son's Body!

Some stories are too grisly to believe, but this one has to be at the top of the list. Joesph Miller and Nickella Reid were both sentenced to prison this week for attempting to cremate their 2 year-old son's body on a grill, while continuing to collect welfare benefits for the child. Nothing more needs to be said. Thanks to the Detroit Free Press for the story.

Dr. J Finally Making Amends With His Daughter Alexandra!

Julius "Dr. J" Erving possessed perhaps some of the greatest physical skills ever given to a human being as he tantalized legions of fans during his Hall of Fame basketball career. In retirement he's still considered an ambassador to the sport and his colleagues still look at him with reverence. During his career, while he dazzled us all with his acrobatics, and portrayed himself as the consummate family man, Erving has acknowledged now that he had some bumps in the road as many of us do.

The story of Julius Erving and his daughter Alexandra Stevenson has been well chronicled by now, but in short Stevenson, now 28 was conceived by Erving and Alexandra's mother Samantha out of wedlock, and Erving didn't meet her in person until last year. Alexandra, gained notoriety in 1999, when she reached the semifinals of Wimbledon, and due to the uncanny resemblance, the whispers began to be heard that she was Erving's biological daughter. Living in the public eye, brings with it unwanted cameras into personal lives, and Erving initially denied being her father, before finally acknowledging the truth.

Julius Erving finally was able to see his daughter play tennis in person this past week, and although she lost her match, it was another step in the developing relationship between father and daughter. Obviously 27 years of time cannot be recaptured, but Erving, now 59, is attempting to make amends with his daughter for the time that's been lost. Hopefully time will be on their side, and they'll have many years to forge a loving father/daughter bond.

Is This Really About Taxes Or President Obama?

It's amazing that President George Bush was allowed to spend like crazy, and conservatives never complained or thought that he was a socialist. President Barack Obama has been in office less than 100 days, and yesterday conservatives held Tea Parties all over the country protesting Obama's policies. I guess conservatives don't realize that people would be OK with paying higher taxes as long as they have jobs to go to everyday. While I don't necessarily agree with all of President Obama's policies concerning spending, he's trying to jump start an economy that has been on life support. Just seems to me that the intent of these protests may be a little deeper than what we're seeing.