Obama's Poll Numbers Slipping!

The New York Daily News highlights President Barack Obama's dwindling poll numbers which now hover around the 50% mark in some polls. Rising unemployment and uneasiness about national health care adding to the rising deficit are creating issues for our president. Unemployment will take care of itself hopefully over time, but with over 80% of Americans apparently satisfied with their health care options, the question may have to be asked do Americans really think we need reform at the present time, or to the extent that the President is proposing.

Obama appears to be unwavering on health care, and while he's gotten the proposal further than Bill Clinton ever did, Clinton was smart enough to back off when he saw that he didn't have the support. If unemployment wasn't nearly 10%, health care may be getting more support, but I'm guessing given the option most people would prefer to have a job that at least offers some form of health care even if they have to contribute to the cost.

Real Housewives of Atlanta Update!

Rodney Ho of the Atlanta Journal Constitution provides an update for last nights "Real Housewives of Atlanta" episode. The ending continued with the "ghettoizing" of Reality TV with NeNe and Sheree double teaming Kim, and taking the feud outside of a restaurant. Many portions of this year's show seem clearly scripted, although watching Lisa Hartwell decide whether to have a another baby and watching Kandi Burruss working in the studio with Jazze Pha and addressing her mother's issues with her relationship appear to be very real and honest.

Chris Brown Sentencing Delayed, Judge Wants Prood of Hard Labor!

Singer Chris Brown's sentencing was delayed until August 27 because the judge wants proof that Brown is going to be outside picking up trash and cleaning up graffiti according to the New York Daily News. So Rihanna's request to lift restrictions on Brown's restraining order will be delayed as well.

The Branding of Michael Jackson!

The Los Angeles Times updates us on the branding of deceased pop icon Michael Jackson. In a court filing last week, executors of Jackson's estate, John McClain and John McClain have entered into agreements that will potentially generate tens of millions of dollars to the estate. A brief breakdown of the branding of Jackson is listed below:

Terms of the various deals are laid out in a redacted 500-page-plus court filing that was made public Tuesday, detailing proposals for embossed wine decanters, virtual tattoos and a high-end clothing line all bearing the Jackson brand.

The documents also reveal that Columbia Pictures paid AEG $60 million for the rights to make a feature-length movie out of rehearsal footage for Jackson's This Is It concerts in London -- hundreds of hours of high-definition video shot in the days before the superstar's death in June.

A final cut of the film must be screened for representatives of his estate no later than Oct. 2, must be rated PG and cannot include material that "presents Michael Jackson in a negative light," the contract says. There are plans for a movie soundtrack as well as a director's cut DVD and two special editions of the film after its theatrical run.

I guess it's true what they say, some people truly are worth more dead than alive. Unfortunately in Jackson's case, the statement appears to be true, although I'm sure his family wishes they could've saved him from an untimely death.

20 Year-Old Man Arrested In Murder of Boxer Vernon Forrest!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that 20 year-old Damario Ware turned himself into police on Tuesday and is being charged with the murder of boxer Vernon Forrest. Ware was already out on bond stemming from a March arrest. The Forrest killing continues a sad and continued trend of black on black crime. This killing is front and center because of Forrest's celebrity, but this violence takes place everyday in our communities.

Paula Abdul Not Returning To American Idol!

I wonder if Paula Abdul really didn't see this one coming. All parties involved announced yesterday that Abdul will not be returning for the upcoming season. She's leaving the show after 8 seasons. Although I stopped watching the show about 3 seasons ago, I could've told Abdul that once they brought in Kara DioGuardi, that the hand writing was on the wall, and that her time on the show would be short lived. American Idol still draws massive viewer numbers, but many of the winners aren't showing that they will stand the test of time in the music industry. Previous winner Daughtry's recent CD debuted with 269,000 CD's sold, but Jordin Sparks' CD released last week only sold 48,000 copies. The show probably is more viable now for the entertainment value instead of the talent that's being produced.

Yes, A "Sopranos" Movie!

One of the great TV shows of all time has a shot to become a full length movie. The New York Daily News reports that series creator David Chase is presently developing a script, but that series star James Gandolfini is reluctant to sign on unless the script is right. Here's hoping that Tony and the gang are coming to a theatre near all of us very soon.

Is Rihanna Secretly Seeing Chris Brown?

The New York Post Page Six reports that Rihanna was recently seen eating ice cream with Steve Stoute who is the man behind branding Chris Brown and putting his music into commercials for Wrigley's gum. The meeting could be a coincidence, but friends are convinced that Rihanna is seeing Brown on the sly. Time will tell.

Did NeNe Choke Kim?

The Atlanta Constitution reports that a police report has surfaced in which "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member Kim Zolciak alleges that fellow cast member and former friend NeNe Leakes choked her during an altercation on April 15 during filming. The incident was witnessed by 2 people who confirm the Kim's version of events. Zolciak was advised to file a warrant for Leakes arrest, but it doesn't appear that this was ever done. There's nothing like drama on a reality TV show.

Michael Vick To Attend Humane Society Event!

The Atlanta Constitution reports that recently reinstated NFL quarterback Michael Vick will be attending a Humane Society Event in Atlanta this weekend. Vick, who has yet to be signed by a team since his reinstatement, hopefully is on his way back to showing prospective employers that he's a changed man. If he does attend this event, it will definitely be a step in the right direction.

Can We Save Our Students?

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the sad story of Christina Waters, 18, who was shot in the head after leaving a picnic on July 25th. Waters' best friend, Kris Owens, was also wounded in the attack, and now Waters remains in a coma fighting for her life. Waters attended Ariel Community Academy, which had been part of an educational initiative headed by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan before he became Chicago Public Schools CEO. Duncan laments about the safety issues that students face, while trying to get a education, but returning to neighborhoods that are simply more prone to violence.

While our public education systems throughout the country continue to be in turmoil. We can't forget the danger that our students face simply trying to live day to day.

Tax Increase For The Middle Class?

Treasury Secretary Kenneth Geithner would not rule out tax increases for the middle class, while National Economic Council Director Larry Summers admitted that the proposed health care plan will need funding from somewhere, while both were making the rounds on the television talk show circuit yesterday.

President Obama vowed while campaigning that we would not see any increases in taxes on the middle class. With a growing budget deficit, and a pending health care overhaul, it looks like there aren't many options except to raise taxes. I really want to see how President Obama spins a tax increase with a health care plan that he repeatedly has said would not impact taxes on the middle class.

No Skills, No Job!

We all know that unemployed is higher than it's been in decades, and the numbers could get worse before they get better. The sad reality is that when the economy does begin to turn around, many disenfranchised workers will not be prepared to reenter the workforce.

The Detroit Free Press reports that one in three working age adults in Michigan, or 1.7 million people cannot read well enough to be hired for a job to support a family. More that 40% of this total lacks a high school diploma or GED. So while our President pushes job creation, it appears that many workers will not be qualified to be hired due to lack of adequate skills. This is the true reality of the situation, so while jobs will be created in the future, adequate skills will still be necessary to be considered employable.

Debbie Rowe Continues To Get Her Money!

Katherine Jackson's attorney's announced yesterday that she had reached a child custody agreement with Debbie Rowe the mother of Michael Jackson's two oldest children. The New York Post reports that Katherine Jackson agreed to continue her son's verbal agreement with Ms. Rowe which ultimately will pay her $4 million over a period of time. Apparently this agreement wasn't made in writing, so Mrs. Jackson obviously made this decision to keep tension down as they settled on her maintaining sole custody of Prince and Paris Jackson, and Ms. Rowe receiving visitation rights.

Black Workers Allege Segregated Bathrooms at Philly Trash Plant!

It's hard to believe that in 2009 blatant segregation would still exist, however, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that black workers are alleging that the Northwest Transfer Station outside of Philadelphia has segregated bathroom facilities. This allegation is part of a discrimination suit being brought against the facility. The allegation is being denied by the facility.

This story is interesting in displaying the environment that black workers still may be dealing with in 2009. I would much rather see black pundits debate an issue such as this instead of still discussing the Skip Gates arrest on Larry King.

E. Lynn Harris Died From Heart Attack!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that author E. Lynn Harris died from a heart attack last week while on a business trip in Los Angeles. The coroner's office reports that Harris suffered from “hypertensive ateriosclerotic cardio-vascular disease,” and had a history of diabetes. Harris was famous for his books about gay African American Men and at the time of his death was negotiating television rights for his books. Prayers go out to the family.

Manhattan Aide Resigns After Facebook Rant!

The New York Post reports that an aide to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was forced to resign after postings on her Facebook page were discovered concerning the Skip Gates arrest controversy. Lee Landor posted the following statement on her Facebook page:

"I get it -- white men have dominated for hundreds of years and there's a lot of anger there. But HOW MUCH MORE can the white people do to correct past injustices of their ancestors?" wrote Lee Landor, 24, who had worked as deputy press secretary for Stringer.

"If Mr. Big Shot Harvard would have kept his mouth shut, shown his ID and not started yelling at a police officer, he never would have been arrested. So please, its time to get over this 'It's because I'm black' bull- - - -" she added.

Hope the statements were worth it to the 24 year-old.

Atlanta's Newest Housewife!

Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuts a new season tomorrow night with a new Atlanta Housewife, former Xcape group member Kandi Burruss. The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles Ms. Burruss who incidentally secured the role after talks broke down with BET to be on the "Tiny & Toya" show. The 33 year old Burruss who has written hit songs for artists such as TLC states that she is financially secure, but still a working woman while raising a daughter Riley as a single mother, although she is engaged.

Below is Burruss' take on her new cast members:

Sheree: “She’s not as bad as I thought she’d be. I already knew her ex husband [Bob Whitfield.] I was really cool with him. Times I have seen her before, I thought she had attitude issues. Once I was around her, I thought she was pretty cool.”

Kim: “I like Kim. We’re both Tauruses. We always make jokes about it. To me, she’s a real person. She’s over the top with some of the things she says and does. But she’s funny. She’s very fun to be around. She’s good to people. One thing I noticed is she picks up on little stuff. She remembers everybody’s name in the crew. That means she takes time to get to know people. She also checks in with me to see how I’m doing. It has nothing to do with the show.”

Lisa: “She’s a supernova of energy. I’ve never seen anyone like her. We have a good time when we’re together. I respect the fact she’s definitely about her businesses.”

NeNe: “The crazy thing is I was a fan last year. I really liked her a lot. Now I’m cordial with her because we have to do press together… I would say we would not hang out together if we weren’t on this show.” [She wouldn't say what the falling out was. We'll have to wait until the show airs.]

There's no doubt the show will not be boring this year, but as the other housewives have learned, once you're in the public eye and on television every week, your life becomes an open book.

Glenn Beck Calls Obama A Racist!

Fox News commentator Glenn Beck stated yesterday on the "Fox & Friends" morning show that he believes President Barack Obama is a racist, with "a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture." When challenged by host Brian Kilmeade, Beck responded "I'm not saying he doesn't like white people," Beck said. "He has a problem. This guy is, I believe, a racist."

This is Beck's personal opinion, however, being a commentator on a reputable television station, and a supposed voice of reason makes this comment alarming if Beck truly believes what he's saying. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the link.

Welcome Back With Conditions Michael Vick!

Michael Vick was officially reinstated back into the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The reinstatement, while conditional, does give the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback an opportunity to resume his professional football career after serving a 23 month stint in prison on federal dog fighting charges.

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy will serve as a mentor to Vick, which I'm sure gave Goodell some confidence that Vick has a chance to successfully transition back into the league. Vick's activities will be monitored closely, so any transgressions, even minor ones will be reviewed. Here's hoping Vick is picked up by a team, and at least has an opportunity to play again, and earn a living.

Text Messages With Kwame Took Down Detroit Police Monitor!

The Detroit Free Press reports that local FBI agents uncovered text messages between former police monitor Sheryl Robinson Wood and former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick that led to her resignation last week. The text messages revealed "meetings of a personal nature" in different cities from 2003 until 2005. The messages do not indicate that a romantic relationship was taking place, but that it was a personal relationship.

While Kwame appears to have landed on his feet in a suburb out of Dallas, he's managed to derail the career of another female companion.

Michael Jackson Continues To Captivate Even In Death!

The New York Daily News reports on the continued public fascination with Michael Jackson, and the many rumors that have surfaced since his death on June 25th. Largely by his own doing Michael Jackson had become an aging star, who no longer was really interested in performing or making records it seems. An opportunity to replenish his financial empire returned him back into the public consciousness, and probably due to the pressure not to disappoint led to his death. Now, of course, everyone has an opinion on everything Michael Jackson. It can't be the fact that his estate will probably make his heirs hundreds of millions of dollars that is driving all of the attention.

Probable Jail Time For Plaxico Burress!

It looks like going to a club in New York and accidentally shooting himself in the leg is going to lead to jail time for NFL player Plaxico Burress according to the New York Post. Prosecutors have been pushing for a 2 year jail term, while Burress is willing to serve a 1 year term. Either way, it looks like a bad decision will cost Burress time in jail, and the loss of millions of dollars.

Forrest Shot In Back After Shots Fired!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details regarding the killing of boxer Vernon Forrest on Saturday night. Forrest apparently was adding air to a tire on his Jaguar when he was robbed at gunpoint. Apparently armed, Forrest chased the robber, and shots were exchanged. Giving up chase and walking back towards his car, Forrest was then shot in the back 7 to 8 times. Forrest's 11 year-old godson was with him, but had walked into the gas station to use the bathroom and buy snacks.

It's easy now to say that Forrest may still be with us if he hadn't tried to chase down his attackers. While that may be true, and we'll never know, gun violence continues to riddle the black community. Forrest leaves behind a 12 year-old son Vernon Jr..

Officers Verison of The Louis Gates Arrest!

The Washington Post reports of Officer James Crowley's version of the arrest last week of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates:

Sgt. James Crowley said Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. was combative from the moment the officer arrived at his house last week to respond to a call about a possible burglary. As the confrontation escalated, Crowley said he warned Gates that he risked arrest.

"The second warning was with me holding a set of handcuffs in my hands -- something I really didn't want to do," Crowley said in a radio interview. "The professor at any time could have resolved the issue by quieting down and/or going back inside his house."

This story has taken the nation by storm concerning the issue of racial profiling. Obviously Dr. Gates was agitated about being at his home and approached by a police officer. By contrast, the officer could have been following proper protocol. Unfortunately for both, "cooler heads didn't prevail."