Simpson’s Ex wants to tell all!

Christine Prody the Ex girlfriend of O J Simpson has a need to tell all after a long term relationship with a man she knew had been accused of allegedly murdering his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

Let’s get this straight, she is terrified of Simpson, yet she dated him knowing his history. Regardless of the fact Simpson was found innocent he had been on trial and most women would see this as a red flag, Proceed with caution if you must. Yet its difficult to find a reason that would lead one to enter into a relationship with Simpson at that time unless the big picture of potential money from telling your story was the motivation in the first place.

Not one that is a Simpson fan, but women like Prody who make unusual choices in dating men accused of murder have to know that there is only one reason for a relationship with someone with Simpson and it had to be a long term goal to benefit. Funny, he had to go to jail in order for her fear to kick in and want to tell all. Please.

Obviously this is a trend with high profile murder cases, because Drew Peterson also had no problem in the world of dating after reports that he allegedly killed his second and third wife. Most people have a difficult time finding the romance when the potential for the person you love to do harm is so high.
Dating men that are accused of murder may not be the best life choice, and those that do probably need to tell all to a therapist prior to getting into this type of relationship

Michael Jackson’s Farewell!

The world said good bye to Michael Jackson a musical icon and legend today during an emotional celebration of his life and legacy. The words kind, sweet, gentle and caring were said too many times to be ignored.

 

Celebrities honored a man, his music and his character which was long over due for a man who gave so much to music and the world. Most prefer to harp on trials and allegations which were unfounded to be true, or those taking money for alleged crimes instead of pursuing justice. The mistake made by Jackson was trying to give too much and not understanding people in this world. Becoming a father was the answer for Jackson who could then give love and care to children of his own. Based on his little girls hard felt tears during the memorial ceremony, he was loved and adored by his children and there is no greater accomplishment.

 

Through the years of musical greatness Jackson leaves behind his music and humanitarian efforts to heal the world. During the 70’s the Jackson Five stole the hearts of young girls, and young boys wanted to be the Jackson five imitating their wardrobe style and hair. The first hot boy band was the Jackson Five. These young men gave inspiration and pride to an entire generation.

 

Looking back it’s hard to believe how much of my life was intertwined with the Jackson Family. My first crush was Michael, he was so cute and every word he sang appeared to be directed at me, and no one better had said differently. Love, respect and fun were what you got from a Jackson Five song.

 

Today it’s exciting to know my daughter now in her 20’s shares in the joy of Michael Jackson and his music, she knows not only his hits from the 80’s and 90’s, but she also knows the early music of the Jackson Five. The music that shaped a generation before her time, yet she got to know his music as he grew as an artist capturing yet another generation. My joy was watching him grow as a man and evolve as an artist.

 

There was a man performing as a professional who always seemed to have his boyish charm to remind us that he really didn’t change much over the years. Maybe many understood more about his eccentricity by being honest enough to know we would never understand how a boy who never had a chance to socialize in a normal way like us could be expected to display that type of normal.

 

All the things we take for granted growing up like going to the first dances, school football games or simply hanging out with friends was not an option for Jackson. He was a star at a young age and missed out on the basic socialization skills to teach him about the world. Therefore the world looked down on Jackson at a time when understanding was in order; he was different by the design of a life as a child star never having the experiences granted to those of us that are said to be normal.

 

The normal for him was his life and he attempted to make the best of that life as a great performer giving us all of him, while suffering personally by not understanding himself what he really missed. They say you can’t miss what you never had, but you can wonder why you feel as if you are missing something when the rest of the world shows you differently.

 

The worst isn’t over as Jackson’s life continues to be dissected, things the public really doesn’t need to know, and most importantly one day his children shouldn’t have to look back and hear some of the horrible things being said about the man they call daddy. What should be serious news coverage has become tabloid coverage of personal information the public can do without. Fans only care about the music and legacy while enemies only care about the accusations. The media blends the two to create a story to benefit both sides and although Marlon Jackson said “maybe they will leave you alone now Michael,” somehow we know that won’t happen, but at least Jackson’s impact on the world was present to speak for him at a full stadium and millions of television viewers around the world. His impact is without question and that gives him the final word for the final curtain.

Michelle O is Not Jackie O!

America seemed to have more to say about a touch of affection between First Lady Michelle Obama and The Queen of England than the Europeans, who by the way saw it for the most part as fascinating.

In America it seemed to be an opportunity to showcase the first lady as lacking etiquette in a foreign country. This is surprising mainly because in this country we often touch as a way of endearing ourselves to others in conversation.

The fascination with the Obama’s is a little maddening, they are after all just people, not from another planet. A touch became world news and received equal coverage to the unemployment rates which were also announced, but quickly ended to give way to more analysts discussing the First Lady and the touch of Queen Elizabeth who responded with a like gesture to the First Lady.

The Queen didn’t show signs of displeasure and her staff delivered a favorable comment on the matter, but here in America that wasn’t enough, instead we have to seek fault in a visit with a new First Lady who apparently felt at ease and comfortable with her meeting with the Queen, and that led her to reach out in an expression of kindness with a gently touch.

More pressing issues are on our world agenda, like the actual meetings of the president with foreign leaders in order to correct the spiraling economy. The First lady is more than capable of serving her duties; after all she is more than eye candy for the president. With degrees from Princeton and Harvard some of the discussions concerning her are not well thought out by professionals.

This is a first lady like no other in many ways, not only is she fashionable, but she is intellectual and its funny how certain aspects of coverage tends to downplay this while highlighting the glamour girl image and comparing her to Jackie Kennedy.

Michelle Obama has little in common with Jackie truthfully, outside of both women married presidents, they both love fashion and set trends, and their children were always first priority. Beyond these basic comparisons these are two very different first ladies, and the world should embrace what each uniquely brings to the country and to the world.

A Nation Hopes With Uncertainty!

Hope is the direction of the country as the President addresses the nation in one of the worst economic times ever faced.

As President Barack Obama assured all that better days are ahead,  and assuring the world that as a nation we will rise above the current economic disaster facing the country. His words were listened to and each word held onto by many Americans  facing crisis such as job loss and home foreclosures.

Right beside mainstreet is wall street which continues to wavers with stocks  declining while many of the nations largest banks struggle to stay afloat. Then there are the big three auto makers unsure of their future, yet the president gave hope as he spoke of the United States as  the country that invented the automobile therefore they too will rise to the occasion.

Optimism and hope are words we hang on too, the small business owners around the country seeing doom as they see larger stronger companies dismantle. Hope is a word which encourages us to hold on because something better is ahead, this attitude is the fiber of the country.

It seemed like only yesterday when all of the word was normal. Families able to pay for homes, jobs available, industry moving as if there were a future somewhat secured. Those days are not today, and hope is what the country needs, along with something tangible at the end of a dark tunnel.

As the nation hopes and works with a president burdened with the woes of many, they feel the pain which has not lessened. They see the hope of a future that must be brighter in order to sustain sanity of the man working to feed his family, and the mother struggling to feed her children.

As we look to a stronger economy and hope for a better future we also see hope in education and health care, the presidents message was inspiring and hopeful addressing the concerns of the country. Yet, a little bit of America remains uncertain.

The next step is for mainstreet to feel relief and get back to work, and for wallstreet to once again trust in our markets and be accountable as major forces of power that can crumble the economy with greed and failure to be responsible. People will return to what was once known as normal and as always the market will re adjust itself in time, the question remains how much devastation will take place during the process. 

The presidents strength and confidence allows many to hold on in belief that “that day” will eventually arrive and once again the reality of the dream to prosper will be the light shinning that guides many to our country on faith and hope.

Burris…Blago..say it isn’t so for Chicago

Roland Burris as Illinois Senator seemed like the right thing to do, but questions today swarm around his sudden revelation of being asked by Blagojevich’s brother to donate money to the former governor’s campaign.

Once again the Chicago political circle is looking notorious as Burris is in question as to his truthfulness in answering questions about his knowledge of three request from the governors brother about campaign contributions. Burris was appointed by the governor to fill the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, he had undergone scrutiny by the senate as well as local politicians opposing his appointment.

Following his appointment Burris headed to the Senate seeking confirmation only to be turned away, he made clear his intentions to seek justice from the senate refusing to acknowledge his appointment due to Governor Blagojevich’s political challenges in Chicago. After consideration the senate agreed to seat Burris, but also noted he needed to be clear of any affiliation to the governor’s current scandal. That was then.

We’ll its no surprise that a tangled web continues to tangle itself instead of unraveling and straighten out, the latter action would require compromise and a setting aside of ego’s and power for the good of the people. Burris set his self up for a challenge accepting the nomination and was obviously well prepared to fight for his right to serve as Illinois Junior Senator. The question remains did he mislead the people and intentionally leave out the information of conversations with the governors brother which would have raised questions due to the current scandal?

An omission, mistake or lie however its put would once again cause the citizens to suffer and make the senate look as if they didn’t do such a good job checking out the candidate. On the other hand was it legal to omit information not requested directly, probably so, yet the omission does not assist with moral or ethics when it comes to the citizens of Illinois.

Blagojevich it appeared made a perfect choice selecting someone well qualified to serve, a one time opponent and most importantly he was thought to not have a number given to his name as someone potentially involved or named in the play for pay scandal.

However the recent development questions once again truth and ethics. Burris say’s he answered all questions asked truthfully; maybe a technicality occurred in answering the correct question in delivering a truthful answer. Either way he is currently in the seat representing Illinois and a cloud of doom lingers as his credibility is questioned as many are now wondering what he knew about the alleged allegations of pay to play involving Blagojevich.

Burris said in a news conference to reporters that he did not accept or pay out any money to the governor’s campaign. The problem with that answer is that all of the initial candidates in question for the seat could have accurately made the same claim. No one actually paid for a seat or made any donations to the governor’s campaign.

Jennifer Hudson’s delivers emotional performance!

Jennifer Hudson delivered an amazing heart felt performance during last nights Gammy Awards presentation.
Hudson snagged a Grammy of her own for her latest self titled CD, and performed a song which ultimately brought tears to her eyes. “You pulled me through” was her song selection, and Hudson thanked her family with her and those up in heaven.
She is an amazing woman that has shown the world how to cope and overcome adversity. Fans and friends have prayed for the actress following the tragedy late last year which took the life of three of her family members. Hudson  time off to be with her family and privately mourn. Hudson also performed the national anthem during the super bowl, this was her first public performance which preceded the grammys last night.
Friends and fans were happy to see her out sharing her talents and wish her the best as all continues an amazing career.

Singer Etta James unhappy with Beyonce!

Beyonce Knowles is by far the most applauded female singer today, but most would understand why legendary singer Etta James was upset that Knowles performed a rendition of her most popular song “At Last for the historical dance of President and Mrs. Obama during the Inauguration’s Neighborhood Ball.

Etta James 71 is an icon and history maker who endured levels of sacrifice that a young artist like Knowles could never even began to understand. It is a natural understanding that James would expect a certain level of respect as the woman responsible for a song which has stood the test of time through generations as a popular love song and in some case wedding anthem. This could have been avoided if someone either in the planning department or from Knowles management reached out to James and informed her that her song would serenade the first couple.

“At Last” was obviously a song with great sentiment to the first couple and my guest is that it was the original rendition that attracted them to the song and not the recent re-make performed by Knowles which was well executed according to her talent and personal interpretation of the ballad. However the original version of the song still delivers from a depth a young artist could have never achieved, this has nothing to do with talent, its about life experiences from an era that no longer exist, and life experiences of a woman living through that era beginning in the 50’s and delivering a beautiful song from her own pains, joys and definitions.

Knowles also will become a historical woman having paved a way through her numerous success, but that one built on the song “At Last” belonged to James and it is unfortunate that she was not allowed to perform the song for the first couple. Knowles could have performed as well, just one of her own songs and not that of an icon still around and able to sing her own song to the first couple.

In all fairness this was probably an over site where the song was selected and because Knowles is so recognized as one of today’s most popular artist it was she that was asked to perform for the first couple and James may not even have been thought of because she has been out of the public light for sometime. Even with this said industry persons such as in the Knowles camp were well aware that Knowles just portrayed James in a movie which she received pretty good reviews, and the role played would not have existed for her acting star to shine without James having created a life story to have such historical value today.

As for James she owns the song in talent even though she does not have official ownership as a songwriter, which technically her permission was never needed, but when it comes to history there is a certain amount of responsibility, even rappers reach out to artist seeking personal permission before sampling certain songs of legendary singers, their rap and hip hop music recordings. As this is black history month this is a good time to say it and hopefully artist will respect those that came before them in this industry enough to consider the work, the journey of that artist and find an amicable way to blend your talents with someone else’s ownership of personal brand.

Michael Steele brings Change to GOP!

The Republican party has elected Michael Steele the first African American to lead the GOP, and he has without doubt already signaled a new look for the struggling party as they too have sought to find change or think a black leader is needed to go up against a black president..

Steele is a former Maryland Lt. Governor and attorney who competed against four other candidates seeking the post to head the troubled party. He is considered a conservative, but compared to those he competed against for the position he is also the most moderate from the group. Steele has also had his bid as being first upon winning the 2003 election as Maryland’s first black governor.

However Steele advanced to this position remains a good thing for this country continued path toward change. Hopefully this choice was based on what is good for the republican party overall and not a placement of Steele just because he is a black male. As much as I want to see blacks continue to elevate in high level positions, it is important that they are placed in positions for the right reasons in order to be most effective and representative of the party values and the majority of its members. This does not mean the small group needed to put a leader in place. This references that large group of members that showed up at the many rallies supporting John McCain and Sarah Palin during the presidential election and the large group of supporters around the country. We have come along way if Steele is the man representing those groups.

This selection brings to mind a race between another black republican Alan Keyes who was moved to Chicago some years back as a replacement opponent to run against then Barack Obama for the Senate seat should have sent a clear message that you just can’t stick any black person on a ticket to compete in political races. Blacks really don’t vote for blacks just because of race, and whites and other races won’t support just any black candidate. If the candidate is qualified and just happens to be black well there is a strong level of support. Hopefully history will not repeat itself.

Steele landed a hot spot for himself and based on all of the issues the party faces including the racial overtures which sent many republican members up in arms during the past presidential election will be a starting place for this new leader. The interesting thing is the black vote is up for grabs when the candidates running are of a different race, but when a black candidate who is qualified, smart runs it unifies the black vote which is largely democratic. The question would be if Steel will be able to pull more blacks into the Republican Party and in doing so how will he rebuild the image to attract young and older groups of blacks and other minorities?

The interesting part of the selection of Steele is it’s coming upon the heels of the country electing its first black president. The difference is that this president was heavily supported by blacks with a record high turnout, but he was also supported by whites, Hispanics and other races due to his ability to appeal to each ethnic group with a sincere ability to understand and relate on some level.

Steels job is to revive the party as they go up against the empowered Democratic Party and the country’s first black president beginning with next falls mid term elections. With all of the ills of the current party this will be all of a challenge for the new leader who promises the dawning of a new republican party which is inclusive to all races and ages. Something he knows is important upon looking at the numbers, maps, ethnic make up and ages of those putting the current president in office.

This selection is historic and again shows that anything is possible, and if the guess is right the man that bought change to the country is responsible for Steele in this position as the new GOP leader.

Blago is out!

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is out following an impeachment trail today where he is on the way to cleaning out his office as his peers voted him out with a needed 2/3 vote.

Blagojevich made his rounds on every talk show last week allowing him air time to present his story to the people. Although he knew his job was on the line and this blemish would ultimately become part of his resume, he claimed he was being treated unfairly by his colleagues.

While his peers prepared to have him removed from office last week seeking to get a vote of 40 to deliver a two thirds vote needed to oust Blagojevich for good and allow his Lt. Gov. to be sworn in replacing the man accused of attempting to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder.

The Gov. Said he was not being allowed the opportunity to present witnesses that would prove he was innocent. When asked directly if he tried to sell the senate seat he said no. Also, adding that the rest of the tape if heard would prove his innocence.

Not only was the secret five in the running for the hottest senate seat in town, according to Blago he even had his eye on NBC news anchor Cheryl Burton and the media diva Oprah Winfrey as replacements. Oprah said she could do the job but would have had to turn the governor down due to her other many jobs probably getting in the way.

Everyone who thought they had the Gov. Blagojevich situation all figured out got a curve ball when he appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the Illinois Senate seat once held by President Elect Barack Obama.

One thing Governor Blagojevich has is nerve; he defied all opposition from state leaders and lawmakers in his appointment of Burris to a seat of controversy due to an alleged pay to play scheme where the governor was said to be asking for money and favors in exchange to appointment to the seat.

The allegations of the pay to play scandal named several persons speaking to the governor about a possible appointment to the Illinois Senate seat. The appointment of Roland Burris shows the Governors keen knowledge on how politics work and he is a master of the game. He selected a candidate of good standing and unquestionable ethics in leadership, a former Illinois Attorney general; this makes it difficult for his opposition to challenge, although they had already laid the groundwork saying any appointment made by the Governor would not be accepted.

The problem with this is that the Governor did not select any candidate mentioned or related to the pay to play issues alleged. Instead he went to someone previously not even considered, and that person happens to be very qualified to serve in the position. Therefore he should be allowed to do so, and this should not be turned into further politics where others are more concerned about themselves getting the appointment over the fact that the governor in the end did his duty with an appointment of someone not tainted by the allegations.

Whatever the outcome is for Blagojevich has nothing at all to do with Burris, his record speaks for itself and unless he can be tied to the charges against the Governor, or has his own set of credibility issues, he should be allowed to serve.

Instead of adults, sometimes it appears that our politicians behave more like children, whining and manipulating to get their way. Blagojevich can say check mate with this appointment.

Burris was sworn in as the replacement for Obama and Blago continues his fight to hold office as his peers push to get him out.
Today he is out, the next step is his lega woes.

President Barack Obama Changed America

Tears flowing down the faces of men and women of all races as never before seen in the history of this country. Over a million people united in celebration in the nation’s capitol as they witnessed the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44^th president of the United States of America.

 

An emotional and overwhelming moment at times seemed to take many back in history to times when things were much different. Blacks fighting for civil rights and equality for years and maybe the very thought of this new first family making what was thought to be impossible a reality . Many thought they were prepared but learned how touching it was as the moment arrived on this cold January day. Young men and women champions of this election watched with pride in this moment of our history as a black president is sworn into office.  Someone who many feel represents all of America. His story gave way to a world far different from the one we knew yesterday on some levels.

 

 The thing about history is that we are all a part of it, just as blacks weep and thought of the past, there were many of other races embracing change, hope and goodwill to all mankind in order that our world be unified. The greatness in us all pays it forward in someway during our lifetime, and today gratification came to all representing change in America.

 

Whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics were all living in the moment while seeing a new beginning. History teaches us all something about ourselves and it doesn’t matter if you lived it or not, what matters is acknowledging the lessons and taking part in re writing stories of hope and triumph to pass along to our children.

 

Today an African American family moved into the White House, a mother, father and two little girls. The thing is they represent families across the country. Their race is only important today because they are the first black family, as adults we take notice, but little girls of all races will look at the two Obama girls watching what they wear and the music they like. Women will look at the First Lady and take on her style while admiring her and the family, or simply critique her as they have first ladies in the past. Men will see Obama as the most powerful man in the world and continue their own quest to power to obtain that oval office.

 

The basics in life we all relate to and want, sometimes it takes moments like today to remind us in this country how much more alike we are than not, how life delivers lessons to this country right on time when a need exist. There was Martin Luther King Jr. who marched and delivered words that would years later bring tears to our eyes; yes his words still remind us as a nation to come together, while reminding us that some elements of his dream speech are still not present.   There was also John F. Kennedy Jr. who fought for equality and captured the hearts of generations during a time we needed change. His family continues the legacy of fighting for the people.

 

The word change is simple yet powerful enough that amazingly every so often a leader comes along and change actually happens. A small word that moves people stirs thought and leads the country forward to heal at precisely the right moment. The need for compassion and someone who sincerely believes he can make a difference grips at hearts and souls of Americans. The strength and determination to lessen the burden of our leaders by offering ourselves is truly what individuals are made of in the country, sometimes it just takes the right leader to remind us of how great and capable we are, and that reminder comes at the right moment and time always in our history.