Oprah Ending Her Run!

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey will be announcing today that she will be ending her talk show in September 2011. Oprah always has made the right moves, so I'm sure whatever her future holds she'll continue to grace us with her talent. One thing we can say for her is that she's definitely going out on top.

Jermaine Dupri Probably Still Laughing!

If Jermaine Dupri was watching his ex-girlfriend Janet Jackson's interview with Robin Roberts last night he probably had a couple of laughs. He stated on Twitter that he was mixing Usher records so obviously he didn't lose any sleep on Janet stating that they're no longer a couple but good friends. Janet really didn't want to deal with the JD question and seemed a little coy when responding. Since the two have been seen together in recent months, Janet's probably telling the world to mind their own business and that her and Jermaine are just fine.

Janet mastered her brother Michael's skill of not really saying much in a 45 minute interview, and the fact that she has the most beautiful smile makes it all easy to digest. Good to see JJ moving on with her life and career and just doing her. She's a legend who deserves peace.

Evan Chandler, Father Of MJ Accuser Commits Suicide!

Evan Jordan, father of Jordan Chandler, the boy who accused Michael Jackson of molesting him 17 years ago was found dead of a gunshot wound in a Jersey City Apartment on November 5. Michael Jackson's world was often bizarre while living, and it would be too simple to assume that things would change in death. The New York Post recounts the specifics of Chandler's world and the fact the Jackson allegedly paid his son $20 million to go away. Evan Chandler and his son Jordan were reportedly estranged at the time of his death, and the father was said to be in ill health.

Chicago School President Michael Scott's Death Ruled A Suicide!

Sad news continues to come from Chicago as School President's Michael Scott's body was found yesterday morning with a gunshot wound to his left temple. Described as an eternal optimist, Scott's death has rocked a school system that's dealt with violence and other controversies this year. The Chicago Sun-Times provides additional details on this very sad news.

Still No Progress 25 Years After Ben Wilson's Death!

Ben Wilson was considered the best high school basketball player in the country when he was killed in 1984 by gangs in Chicago. Everyone always talks about the senseless death of Len Bias, but Bias' death was due to the personal choice of ingesting cocaine. Wilson was killed due to senseless violence that 25 years later still permeates our urban areas. The Chicago Sun-Times profiles the lack of progress that has been made in Chicago Public Schools in the 25 years since Ben Wilson's death. Most people seem to think that things are even worse now than they were then. Gang violence continues to be rampant, drugs continue to lure our kids to quick money and education still seems to be at the bottom of the priority ladder.

Gucci Mane Violates Probation, Back In Jail!

Rapper Gucci Mane is sitting in an Atlanta jail today for violating terms of his probation according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Mane's probation violation isn't clear, but what is clear is that he's behind bars until at least May 2010. Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis originally went afoul of the law in 2005 when he hit a club promoter over the head with a pool stick. Last year he failed to complete his community service requirements associated with that case.

Being a hip-hop artist shouldn't be a hazardous occupation, but these talented entrepreneurs always seem to be in trouble with the law even after they've achieved a level of fame and fortune. Maybe one day they'll realize that have the fortune doesn't preclude anyone from following the basic laws of society.

Mike Tyson Arrested After Scuffle!

Mike Tyson was arrested yesterday after getting into a scuffle with paparazzi at a Los Angeles airport. Tyson was attempting to travel with his wife and daughter when a photographer apparently got too aggressive for his liking. Both Tyson and the photographer were booked and released. I'm sure Mike Tyson is trying to live a much simpler life, it's too bad that his celebrity brings attention that he's so trying to avoid.

What's Going On With Sammy Sosa?

Sammy Sosa's complexion has been the topic of conversation for the past few days, as his most recent photo from a public event shows his skin noticeably lighter. FoxSports reports that Sosa is blaming his appearance on a cosmetic skin cream and lighting. I guess we have to take Sosa's explanation at face value, but why would a person start having appearance issues at 41.

Does Katt Williams Seem Too Happy?

Comedian Katt Williams just appears to be too happy in this mug shot taken after he was arrested yesterday on burglary charges. Williams says that the arrest, which took place in Coweta County, Georgia at the home of music mogul Barry Hankerson was a "misunderstanding". An employee at the estate reported that Williams had stolen jewelry and personal items although the items haven't been located. Williams, who is in the Atlanta area filming a movie just seems to happy in his mug shot.

His erratic behavior over the last year is alarming on the surface, since Williams was reportedly admitted to a South Carolina psychiatric ward last November, but his publicist blamed it on exhaustion. It's not a good thing to enable people with obvious issues. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on Mr. Williams' latest episode.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Diagnosed With Leukemia!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been diagnosed with leukemia according to the Los Angeles Times. The form of leukemia is called Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, and is treatable with oral medication. He was diagnosed last December, and says that the long term prognosis is good. Hot flashes and constant sweating alerted Kareem that something was wrong and prompted him to seek medical attention.

Iverson Considering Retirement!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Allen Iverson is considering retiring instead of returning to his new team the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson requested and was granted permission to leave the team for "personal reasons" over the weekend, however he has complained about his reserve role with the team after missing their first 3 games due to injury.

If this is indeed the end for Iverson, he had a great career. His inability to accept a reserve role will likely end his career many years too early.

"Precious" Setting Records!

"Precious" the critically acclaimed movie directed by Lee Daniels opened to 18 theatres this weekend but set a record by averaging over $100,000 per theatre generating total receipts of $1.8 million. The movie, an adaption of the book "Push" by Sapphire will continue to expand to additional theatres this week.

Morgan Freeman Settles Lawsuit!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that actor Morgan Freeman has settled the lawsuit involving Demaris Meyer who was a passenger in her car that Freeman was driving last year when he lost control and flipped the car resulting in disabling injuries to Meyer. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Meyer's attorney Gloria Allred would only say that her client is pleased that the matter has been settled.

Michael Steele Feeling Pretty Good!

With Republicans winning governor elections in Virginia and New Jersey on Tuesday, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele is feeling pretty good about himself and his party. The two wins clearly give the Republican party momentum heading into 2010, and put pressure on President Obama to advance his "Change" agenda. The wins in Virginia and New Jersey are clearly about the economy and the realization that Obama has a bigger challenge than perhaps he anticipated. With his health care package not likely to pass this year, it's all on our president to impact his "Change" or Republicans will have even more success in 2010 elections.

Atlanta Mayoral Election Headed To Runoff!

Atlanta Mayoral candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed are headed for an election runoff on December 1 after Norwood failed to attain 50% of the vote in the mayoral election yesterday. Norwood received 45% of the popular vote while Reed received 37%. Norwood is attempting to become the first white mayor of Atlanta since 1973.

It will be interesting to see if the Atlanta electorate becomes polarized along racial lines, and the race could come down to who third place finisher Lisa Borders ultimately supports. It's politics, so the next month in Atlanta will not be boring for Norwood and Reed.

Rihanna Appearing On GMA and 20/20 This Week!

Rihanna will be appearing on "Good Morning America" Thursday and Friday morning and concluding her interview with Diane Sawyer on "20/20" Friday night. She will be discussing the Chris Brown episode and surely her new album which is scheduled to be released on November 23rd.

Iverson Makes Grizzlies Debut!

Allen Iverson made his season debut with his new team, the Memphis Grizzlies scoring 11 points in a loss to the Sacramento Kings. It will be interesting to see how long Iverson stays happy with a reduced role since the Grizzlies have a pretty good young shooting guard in O.J. Mayo. It's interesting to see the former M.V.P reduced to a footnote, as we continue to see older players simply hanging on for as long as they can.

"This Is It": $101 Million Worldwide!

Michael Jackson's concert rehearsal documentary "This Is It" did not disappoint at the box office, as it earned $101 million over the first 5 days of being released, including $32.5 million domestically. The solid numbers have given the film an extended run past it's original 2 weeks as distributors have extended the movie through the Thanksgiving weekend. The movie's success is a testament to the worldwide adoration that Jackson enjoyed.

Kwame Kilpatrick Still Rolling In The Money!

It's amazing what power and influence can get you even when you've served time in jail for committing a felony offense while being the mayor of a major city. Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was in a Detroit courtroom yesterday testifying regarding his inability to keep up payments on the $1 million in restitution that he promised to pay back to the city as part of the text messaging scandal. Somehow Kilpatrick and his wife have managed to run over $1 million through their personal bank accounts while receiving close to $300,000 in loans from major businessmen as Roger Penske and Dan Gilbert according to the Detroit Free Press since he was in jail.

Kilpatrick of course has amnesia regarding where all the money is coming from, but clearly being an ex-mayor has it's privileges. Kilpatrick and his family now live in the Dallas area and Kilpatrick works for a medical supply company. Only in America as Don King would say, and people wonder why everyone is cynical about politics.

Kijafa Frink (Michael Vick's Fiance) Speaks About Life With Michael!

Kijafa Frink recently spoke with the Philadelphia Daily News about life with her fiance Michael Vick. The Philly native speaks eloquently about her relationship with the NFL player.

Larry Johnson's Troubles!

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was at one time one of the best running backs in the NFL. He's approaching 30 years of age as a running back and playing on a bad team. Johnson has allowed his frustrations to get the best of him and after making unflattering comments about his head coach and making a gay slur on Twitter. Johnson topped that the next day by issuing another gay slur in the Chief's locker room. All of these rants have cost Johnson a 2 week suspension from the team and $660,000 in salary since he won't be paid by the team.

Johnson would be advised to get control of his emotions. He's at an age where running backs become dinosaurs, and losing $660,000 in salary is serious business. He may want to look at the cautionary tale of Antoine Walker, the NBA player who went through $110 million.

Obama and Fox News Talking!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Fox News executive Michael Clemente and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs met yesterday regarding unspecified topics. The White House has contended interestingly that Fox operates as a Right Wing Organization instead of a news network. Fox News is the most popular news network on television, and the programming really hasn't changed since President Barack Obama came into office. The network has targeted stories that the mainstream media has decided to ignore such as ACORN and the Vann Jones controversy, but those stories were legitimate and worthy of coverage.

The White House needs to get a tougher skin, because this controversy is only making Fox News more popular. Bill O'Reilly even stated that his show is just behind Katie Couric's news show on CBS which is amazing for a cable news program.

Evers-Williams & Erving Receive Civil Rights Awards!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Myrlie Evers-Williams and Julius "Dr. J" Erving received Civil Rights Awards from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis yesterday. Evers-Williams, widow of Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers has dedicated her life's mission to continue her late husband's legacy as a champion of civil rights following his assassination in 1963. Erving, who gained fame as a star basketball player is now president of the Erving group and continues to work as a philanthropist.

Tito, Jackie and Marlon Attend "This Is It" Premiere

Jackson brothers, Tito, Jackie and Marlon attend their late brother Michael's concert rehearsal movie premiere yesterday in Los Angeles. The movie is expected to have a 2 week run at theatres as it profiles Michael Jackson's final concert rehearsals before his untimely death.

Kareem May Be Joining Grizzlies Staff!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is in talks with the Memphis Grizzlies to join the the teams coaching staff work with their centers. Kareem has been lobbying for a coaching position for a long time, so if this pairing works, it'll be long overdue for Abdul- Jabbar.