'Treme'

The New York Post profiles the new HBO series 'Treme' which focuses on New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The show, a David Chase ('The Wire') creation stars Wendell Pierce and Khandi Alexander debuts Sunday at 10. 'The Wire' remains one of the best shows ever created for television, so if Chase is on his game, it looks like 'Treme' shouldn't disappoint either.

Tiger's New Nike Ad Featuring His Father's Voice!

Tiger Woods' new Nike ad features his father Earl's voice asking "did you learn anything?" The commercial is a little eerie, but gives the effect of his deceased father somewhat chastising his prodigal son from the grave. Tiger makes his golf comeback today at the Masters with the world watching his every move. While I don't expect Tiger to win the tournament, he should be in contention at least and make a respectable showing.

Maya Moore Is It!

Many of you probably haven't heard of Maya Moore, but she's a 20 year old Junior at the University of Connecticut, the best player in college basketball, and she lead her team the it's 2nd consecutive undefeated season and national championship last night. Connecticut beat Stanford 53 - 47 after trailing at the end of the first half. Moore scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds in the victory and cemented herself as the best player in college. Connecticut has won 78 consecutive games and next year will be going after UCLA's record 88 consecutive wins.

I'm not sure if Moore is the best female basketball player that I've seen, I have to go with Cheryl Miller on that one, but she's in the conversation.

Get Well Soon Whitney!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Whitney Houston has postponed the beginning of her European Tour due to an upper respiratory infection. Here's hoping that all is OK in the world of Ms. Houston. When last seen in concert clips, she was struggling to get through a concert.

#5 Now A Redskin!

Twitter and ESPNews lit up last night with the news that Donovan McNabb had been traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins, a Eagles division rival. Coach Andy Reid stated that it was important to send McNabb to a team that he felt comfortable in joining, but more than likely the Eagles feel that McNabb is way past his prime and will not hurt them within the division.

It was time for the Eagles and McNabb to part ways. The fanbase in Philly clearly wanted McNabb gone and the Eagles were ready to promote Kevin Kolb to starter. McNabb now gets a fresh start with a coach, Mike Shanahan who has 2 Super Bowl rings. If he has anything left, Shanahan should be able to allow McNabb to flourish.

Is Race A Factor In Potential Atlanta School Closings?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the controversial proposal to close 10 schools in DeKalb County in Metro Atlanta. The 10 schools on the list are all in poor African American areas and are deemed necessary to offset an over $100 million budget shortfall. This is a tough call, because with the proposed closures it's possible for the students to be placed in schools that will provide a better education which is the bottom line.

Raymond v. Raymond

Usher releases his latest album "Raymond v. Raymond" today. He's making the usual splash for publicity purposes, and although his latest product may be better than his last lukewarm effort "Here I Stand" the results may not be as good in terms of sales. "Stand" was certified platinum, but "Raymond" may be lucky to achieve that certification. Despite using some of the best producers going the new music just doesn't have the magic that Usher displayed from "Confessions" and prior. It's obvious now that "Confessions" was the peak, but I never thought that the spiral downward would be so steep.

Usher remains the best male artist of his generation, however, producing mediocre music just isn't acceptable for someone of his stature. He had his greatest success under the tutelage of L.A. Reid. Perhaps he needs to call Mr. Reid to get an honest assessment of his music.

Is Will Causing Drama On Set of HawthoRNe?

New York Daily News' Gatecrasher reports that actor Will Smith, who is an executive producer on his wife's Jada Pinkett Smith's hit television show HawthoRNe has been hanging around the set lately and insisting on having input regarding scripts and scenes. Will is presently between movies so he apparently has a little free time on his hands. Will Smith is arguably the biggest box office star in the world with a proven track record so any input that he offers on a set should be welcome with open arms.

Jeter Wants To Be Like Mike!

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter told reporters yesterday that he wants to be like his buddy Michael Jordan and one day obtain ownership in a Major League Baseball team. It looks like Jordan may have started a new trend in terms of entrepreneurship for professional athletes. Most athletes don't have the constant cash flow of Jordan, but with the money that Jeter and others are making team ownership is an obtainable goal.

J-Smoove Strikes Again!

Josh Smith aka J-Smoove made one of the great end of the game baskets that I've ever seen last night at the Highlight Factory as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic. Just watch and enjoy. Smoove should have been an All Star this year.

Paul Hewitt Being Courted By St. Johns!

Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt is being courted by St. Johns to become their new head basketball coach. Hewitt's contract with Georgia Tech carries with it a $3.4 million buyout, but it may be worth it for him to leave now. His teams have underperformed since Tech went to the NCAA basketball final game in 2004, and he'll likely be losing freshman star Derrick Favors to the NBA, which will leave next years prospects challenging for his team.

Hewitt is from New York and he's a pretty good recruiter, so if he could keep some of the in town talent to stay he might have a chance to resurrect the St. Johns program.

Flash Mobs In Philadelphia!

Flash mobs is the new term used to describe rowdy mostly African-American teens who are terrorizing Philadelphia residents in an increasingly more frequent manner. The latest episode occurred this past Saturday night on Philly's South Street area wreaking havoc on innocent residents who were trying to have a good time. The frequency of the attacks is alarming on several levels and scary in terms a city not being able to control teenagers who for some reason are getting a rush out of this new form of recreation.

Tiger Woods First Interview!

Tiger Woods gave his first television interviews yesterday to correspondents from ESPN and The Golf Channel, respectively. Tiger didn't reveal anything earth shattering and kept it pretty close to the vest in his responses. He stressed that the circumstances that caused the November accident is a personal matter and referred to the police report as the official version of what took place that night.

The biggest difference in the interviews from his public statement was that Tiger was in official golf attire, and seemed completely at ease even offering a couple of smiles.

Michael Jordan Invested $220 Million In The Bobcats!

Michael Jordan was officially introduced as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats yesterday. The Charlotte Observer reports that the team is valued at $275 million and that Jordan owns about 80percent of the team which equates to an investment of about $220 million. Jordan has to be commended for making a commitment to the only pro basketball team in his home state.

Charles Barkley has said that Jordan is one of the most financially savvy people he knows, so for Jordan to make this type of financial commitment proves that he's serious about making the Bobcats a success. The fact that he's the first pro basketball player to be a majority owner is monumental and could be Jordan's greatest success over and above him being the greatest basketball player of all time.

Now I Know Ron Wahington!

Admittedly, I'm not the baseball fan that I used to be, and before yesterday didn't know that Ron Washington was the manger of the Texas Rangers and also African American. Unfortunately for Mr. Washington the whole country knows who he is today after he came clean to his team and Major League baseball that he was going to fail a drug test last year after apparently using cocaine for the first time at 57 years old. Washington's honesty actually helped him, because even with the admission he wasn't fired on the spot.

Washington is in his 4th year as manager of the Rangers, and managed them to a second place finish in their division last year. It will be interesting to see what happens if the Rangers get off to a slow start this year. Players get second and third chances even with admitted drug use, Washington's situation will be the litmus test to see if managers have the same latitude.

Can He Win It?

Tiger Woods announced yesterday that he is officially returning to golf at the Masters Golf Tournament next month after a nearly 5 month self imposed sabbatical to deal with his personal issues. Now that he's returning, the question for Mr. Woods is does he have a chance to win the tournament. If Woods' past performance after extended breaks is an indication, it will be difficult for him to win. However, who would ever bet against the greatest golfer in the world.

Michael Jackson Still Making $$$$$

Michael Jackson continues to make money for his estate after his death. It was announced yesterday that his estate has entered into an agreement with Sony Music Entertainment that will feature 10 projects over 7 years and could be worth up to $250 million. "This Is It" the movie featuring concert footage is a part of the deal, and reportedly generated $100 million in profits towards the estate. Also featured as part of the deal, is a reissue of the monumental "Off The Wall" and a release of previously unreleased music in November. Obviously we can't get enough of everything Michael!

Can Detroit Schools Be Saved?

The City of Detroit Public Schools are on what many would say is life support with a 58% graduation rate. Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb has unveiled a plan to boost the graduation rate to 98% in 5 years and add up to 70 new schools while improving curriculum according to the Detroit Free Press. The plan would cost $540 million, which on the surface sounds like a low estimation. Detroit has been hammered like all major cities during this recession, but hopefully this plan will be successful and not go the way of a lot of plans that get bogged down in politics and agendas.

Racial Tensions At Chicago Firestations!

I found this interesting article in the Chicago Tribune about racial tensions at Chicago area firestations. The persons interviewed for the article report that the racial atmosphere is more "covert" than in the past and that the "N Word" is still occasionally muttered in the workplace. The minority workers seemed to be more comfortable in segregated environments, which in 2010 shows that a lot of work still has to be done even when attempting to create a comfortable work environment for workers who have the common goal to protect and serve the residents of Chicago.

Limbaugh Makes Massa Joke Regarding Paterson!

Rush Limbaugh is ever the jokester regarding all subjects, and yesterday injecting race into his act regarding New York Governor David Paterson and Rep. Eric Massa according to the New York Daily News. Below is the transcript of a call Limbaugh took yesterday on his show:


CALLER: Yeah. Hey, listen. Interesting sidebar to that Eric Massa mess for Democrats. You know, our besieged governor, David Paterson, will be charged with naming a replacement for Massa. And I'm wondering if there's any chance, do you think that Paterson...

RUSH LIMBAUGH: Wait a minute.

CALLER: ...will exact some revenge on Obama, Emanuel, Cuomo, the whole Democratic gulag, by appointing a Republican or, at the very least, a DINO - a Democrat in name only?

LIMBAUGH: Are you sure that Paterson appoints or is there a special election?

CALLER: I am reasonably sure that Paterson will be appointing the replacement, assuming that he, you know, doesn't resign in the next 60 or 90 days.

LIMBAUGH: Let's assume you're right. So, David Paterson will become the massa...

CALLER: Yes.

LIMBAUGH: ...who gets to appoint whoever gets to take Massa's place. So, for the first time in his life, Paterson's gonna be a massa. Interesting, interesting.

Wow, Limbaugh has jokes, and no one will even hold him accountable.

Is L.A. Reid In Trouble?

L.A. Reid, the CEO of Island Def Jam is one of the most powerful men in the music business, but the economic climate of the hasn't shielded him from rumors that his job may be in jeopardy. I'm sure Reid, who is known for his penchant to make hits would have to admit that his recent track record in that area leaves a lot to be desired. Recent releases by Rihanna and Mariah Carey have struggled, so he's obviously searching for that next big release.

Page Six reports that Reid asked out of a speech at a Billboard symposium last week because he didn't want to address questions about his job status. Reid's people say his absence was due to a family personal issue. Reid has an over 20 year history of creating hits, but clearly he has to adjust to the economic realities of the music business and probably reign in expenses while generating hits. He also probably needs to let the old guard go and bring in some new fresh talent.

Lil Wayne Begins His Time In Jail!

Rapper Lil Wayne finally began his time in jail yesterday when he was taken to Rikers Island where he'll serve a maximum of one year in jail for a conviction on gun charges. Lil Wayne is the most prolific rapper in the business, and while he'll be missed by his fans there won't be a shortage of music or videos for his fans to experience his genius.

A "Precious" Win!

Mo'Nique won the Oscar last night for Best Supporting Actress as expected for her role in the movie "Precious: Based On The Novel 'Push' By Sapphire". Geoffrey Fletcher also won an Oscar for "Precious" for adapting it into a screenplay. Two Oscar wins for "Precious" is a good night for a film that was originally slated to go straight to DVD, but has since made over $47 million at the box office.

El DeBarge Lookin' Good!

I found this clip of El DeBarge being interviewed by Brian McKnight. El comes clean about his battle with drugs, and according to him, he's kicked the habit. I surely hope so because El still has incredible talent, that he displays toward the end of the clip singing "Time Will Reveal" which he says that he wrote at 16. Watching El play piano and hitting all of the notes will give you chills. El, who will be 49 this year still looks good.

Is This The Real Michael Vick?

Michael Vick appeared on the "Gansta Grillz" radio show in Atlanta last weekend and stated that if he could play for any team in the NFL it would be the Carolina Panthers. Now this wouldn't be a problem if Vick was a free agent, but the last time I checked, Vick is under contract to the Philadelphia Eagles.

This may be one of the biggest incidents of disrespect that I've seen from an athlete. Michael Vick was an exiled player when the Eagles took a chance on him following his stint in prison on dog fighting charges. Tony Dungy placed his reputation on the line to back Vick for the Eagles. If Vick really meant the statement about playing for the Panthers, then he really didn't learn anything from his sordid ordeal, and his BET show is a farce. I understand that Vick wants to be a starter in the NFL, but he owes the Eagles an apology immediately.