Pakistan's Former Prime Minister is Assassinated!

(AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and most definitely a Happy New Year. I have a feeling '08 will be filled with controversies, re-counts, and other crimes that have plagued our celebs and politicians! It means that I will have a plethora of things to give my opinion on.

Some sad news has occurred around the world, Pakistan's former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto died Thursday as Party security adviser says she was shot in the neck and chest as she got into her vehicle. The suicide bomber/assassin then blew himself up. Twenty other people were also killed during the explosion! It's news like this that makes me feel very fortunate and really appreciate America, even with all the injustices and horrid crimes that take place. People in other countries can't even have the freedom to express their political views nor be apart of a democracy. As the primaries are slowly among us, we need to really think of the kind of leader we want for this country. In the midst of an Iraq War that hasn't ceased and a justice system riddled with controversy, it's imperative that he or she is the best candidate and not the face of either party. I hope all of you reading this will vote and realize that we are truly blessed with many freedoms.

Is Hip-Hop to Blame for Sean Taylor's Death?

Good Morning to all my readers! I usually don't post about racial issues on this blog, unless it has to do with a big time controversy such as the Jena 6 event, notice I said an event, because the only time it becomes a major headline is when you have Politicians, Activists, and other high-profile individuals that come forth to defend the lives of people in that community.

Today, I'm compelled to speak out. I was listening to the local radio Hip-Hop show here in Houston, TX. Jason Whitlock, sports writer for the Kansas City Star blames hip-hop for the death of Sean Taylor. I beg to differ, jealousy and greed was behind that tragic crime. Yes, he did grow up in a community where sports existed to get out of the " hood" and a life of crime was a way of survival. Sean left his community behind, but not his fears and concerns of those who were once around him as a kid. Hip-Hop can't be the blame for every crime that involves a person of African descent in this country. Music in general is becoming more violent, over-hyped, and down right degrading. I want to point out a song from a different genre that involves crime against a person. Carrie Underwood has a song called " Before He Cheats" that talks about slashing the tires of her cheating boyfriend and taking a Louisville slugger to the headlights. Now in my opinion, that's not appropriate behavior for anyone. Yea it has a great beat and her voice is amazing, but the lyrics are very violent! I'm not making this a Black and White issue, it's about pointing out violence within a song. I'm sure Carrie was raised in a loving, Christian home, but somewhere along the line she discovered ways to punish her man if he doesn't act right. People get it mixed up, I know a lot of people of all races who were raised in those same type of homes, but outside variables factored in their life of crime. We all know what's right and wrong, but it's up to us to make wiser decisions on how to handle a situation. Most of the serial killers in this country have been educated and privileged. So what's the reason for their crimes? Do we blame heavy metal lyrics? Jimmy Hendrix was loved by all races, but his song " Hey Joe" was a song about Joe shooting his old lady and then going down to Mexico to escape. So it's up to you if shooting your old lady is the best way to solve her cheating on you with another man.

The bottom line is that crime exists in all communities. It's more prevalent in the Black communities most definitely, but that doesn't mean that music has to be the blame for all our crimes. Whitlock asked the question, " Does a Soulja Boy want an education?" Obviously Jason hasn't been paying attention, a lot of people in this country love that song! The most educated people have listened and danced to it. I guess he didn't watch the American Music Awards, Kimmel put Soulja Boy on a national stage. Now we can assume that it's because he loves the beat and enjoys the rhymes, but there will be people that say Jimmy was merely making fun of the Black community. I really don't listen to a lot of today's hip-hop, but that's my preference. I don't let my child listen to it, because sex and drugs are not something I want him to think is cool, but at the end of the day if he wants to partake in those behaviors then he will! We are in a generation of text messaging, Myspace, Paris look-a-likes , and the idea that having a million dollar home and a dubbed out car is the epitome of success.

In conclusion, Sean Taylor's death was committed by an individual that didn't want to get out of a life of crime, jealousy and greed took control of his respect for others. It's very sad what happened, but lets not make music as an excuse. How about celebrities in the entertainment industry go back to the " hood", educate and start funding some programs that will give these people some self-worth. Let them know that Soulja Boys can have an education! It's easy to look at things from a negative perspective when you're sitting in a leather recliner chilling by the fireplace in your nice home.

Update:
Two men and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the death of Taylor. Their intent was not to kill, but to steal. Apparently, they didn't expect anyone to be home, but Taylor was home due to a knee injury. I knew it wasn't going to take long before someone starts talking, because you know they bragged to some friends. The police sure know how to hold out on the info, at first everyone thought it was one suspect, that's why they were so adamant to say it was a burglary. The intent is to charge them with burglary and murder! I will definitely keep you posted.

Safety for Redskins Dies in the Hospital After a Shooting

Photo by Matt Stroshane/Getty Images

The NFL is mourning one of their star athletes today. Sean Taylor, a safety for the Washington Redskins died on Tuesday morning at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Taylor and his girlfriend had been victims of a burglary or robbery, authorities aren't sure just yet. The only concrete information the police have is the girlfriend's accounts of the crime. She said that the couple were awakened by noises and Taylor armed himself with a machete. A suspect forced their way into the bedroom and fired two shots, one unclaimed! What's more shocking is that eight days prior to this event, someone had entered Taylor's home and ravaged through his drawers. The suspect left a knife on his bed, my guess as a warning.

Taylor is no stranger to crime and league fines. He entered the league in 2004 as the fifth overall draft pick and shortly after that, he fired his agent. He skipped the mandatory rookie symposium and was fined $25,000! Later in that season, he was driving home from a party and was pulled over by the cops. They charged Taylor with drunk driving. In 2005, he was accused of brandishing a gun at a man during a fight. He pleaded no contest and received 18 months of probation. In 2006 during the playoffs, Taylor was fined $17,000 for spitting in the face of Buccaneers running back, Michael Pittman. It's really unfortunate when past behaviors can't be suppressed once a player gets in the league, but Taylor showed great improvement after the birth of his child, Jackie. He was like the Barry Bonds of the NFL! He rarely gave interviews, small inner circle, played hard on the field, sometimes to hard. Sean Taylor went to the Pro Bowl in 2006 despite those behaviors, because of his hard-hitting tactics on the field.

I sincerely send my condolences to the Taylor family. I can only hope that police can attain more evidence in order to arrest the perpetrator. I will definitely keep you posted. In my non-expert opinion, the suspect is probably someone he knows.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Barry Bonds

REUTERS/Kimberly White/Files (UNITED STATES)

Barry "big head" Bonds was indicted today on perjury and obstruction of justice charges! The charges have been long overdue in my opinion. Why did it take four years of tax payers money to bring Bonds down? I have an opinion, lets make all the dinero we can and then once the record is broken, we can string his butt up and hang him! Hey, honesty is the best key. I know that being arrogant and dominant can get you far in life sometimes, but he was just plain stupid!! Giambi talked like a crazy teen on a cell phone. Bonds was offered immunity during his testimony in the BALCO case, if he didn't commit perjury. It's amazing how powerful people feel invincible or untouchable. For example, Clinton never had sexual relations with Monica and Pete Rose never bet on baseball. I think once the evidence is presented, Barry will sit in jail for years or sing like a bird to be free. Remember Barry, " there's no crying in baseball!"

Snoop Picking Up the Leaves!

Snoop will rake leaves and do other maintenance at an Orange County Park to comply with the 160 hours of community service that was given to him as part of his sentence. He was charged with possession of an illegal weapon last year after he had a collapsible baton at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Officials have refused to give the name of the park. Uh Hello, it's Snoop D-O-O-G!

Ohio Student Had a Troubled Past

This is such a sad story and another example of why school is so dangerous. A 14 yr. old Ohio student that killed himself and wounded four had a history of mental instability. He shot two teachers and two fellow students at SuccessTech Academy. The shooter was white, so of course some people are saying that this was a race issue, but like me, most people on campus are saying that in this situation that wasn't the case at all. I totally agree, this is the general census from all the students that know the boy. My main concern is why aren't the portable metal detectors being used at all times? This is not the time to be cautious, this is the time to be alert and aware of what's going on in your school. If you know that a student has mental problems and violence in his past, then you have to protect the other students and teachers, especially if the boy was suspended Monday!

Coon had been charged with domestic violence and had attempted suicide while in the seventh grade, The Plain Dealer newspaper reported, citing court and Department of Children and Family Services records. Apparently the student was beaten up after he said, " F*** God" during an argument. Although a motive in the shootings has yet to be determined, McGrath said Coon and another student were suspended Monday after the fight.

See these type of situations make me want to home school my son, because kids are becoming violent at a younger age. This generation has no fear! They're online, texting, dressing inappropriately, expressing themselves in such terrible ways. There's no respect for authority and in my honest opinion, corporal punishment should be put back in the school system. Also, more training needs to be given to the whole school administration around this country. Faculty and staff need more tools to identify troubled students, even before their suspended. Of course, parents are going to sign a permission form in order to give corporal punishment, the important thing is to at least have that option. I understand we don't want to start singling out certain kids, but I'd rather you remove students then have them shoot up the school in revenge!

Judge Refuses to Postpone Tax Evasion Trial

AP

The judge in the Wesley Snipes trial has refused to postpone the actor's tax evasion charges. His new attorneys asked the judge for more time, because they were new and needed time to prepare for trial. Hey that's what you went to law school for, to be prepared at all times and sleep, eat, and drink case studies. In October 2006, a federal indictment charges Snipes with fraudulently claiming refunds totaling nearly $12 million in 1996 and 1997 for income taxes already paid. Blade has really turned out to be a dead-beat father and a cheater!

Update: The judge has decided to postpone the trial, because Snipes fired his whole legal team. Wow, that's a way to get what you want!

Bob Barker and CBS Getting Sued Again!

Bob " come on down" Barker is being sued by longtime employee Deborah Curling, she accuses Barker of repeated "racial discrimination, sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment." The former CBS prize administrator claims she was targeted for harassment and felt "physically threatened" at work after she testified in a wrongful termination lawsuit against the network. Curling, who is black, also contends that African-American audience members were repeatedly discriminated against in the process of selecting contestants.

Wow this man has been sued more times than Michael Jackson, did he leave the show to go tan in the sun or was it an attempt to flee the scene of the crime. One thing I can't stand is a perv and just because you're rolling in the dough doesn't mean you have to take advantage of these women, no matter what color they are. I mean an African-American woman, I can definitely sympathize with the contestants, but this is a sexist issue that needs to be rectified immediately! So Bob come on down and meet the judge, AGAIN!

Hung Jury in the Phil Spector Murder Trial!

AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys, Pool

How unfortunate, the jury in the Spector case was unable to reach a verdict. The evidence was overwhelming! Lana Clarkson was a nightclub hostess when Spector met her on Feb 3, 2003. He invited her to join him at his mansion in Alhambra at approx 5 a.m. for some drinks. Clarkson died when a gun went off in her mouth as she sat in a chair in the foyer. The defense claims that it was a self-inflicted wound or suicide. I'm not an expert, but why would someone come to a home at 5 a.m. for " drinks" and then commit suicide. Most people these days have personal problems, but it doesn't justify what happened. Furthermore, prosecutors presented Spector's chauffeur, who said that he heard a "pow" and that Spector then came outside with a gun in his hand and stated: "I think I killed somebody. Also, they called five women from Spector's past who testified that he long ago terrorized them with guns when they tried to leave his presence! In my opinion "Doctor Detroit" was high on blow and decided that Lana was his target! I hope Lana's family will file a Civil suit against Phil and get some kind of resolve. Why did the O.J. trial get more coverage than the Phil Spector case?

You Don't Know Jack!

AP Photo

Oh well, just when you thought Hollywood alcoholism had gotten better (LOL), Keifer " Lost Boys" Sutherland was arrested for drunk driving early Tuesday morning in West Los Angeles. He was released around 4 a.m. after posting 25,000 bail. He will return to court on October 16 to appear in front of a judge on the misdemeanor charges against him. Keifer's show is scheduled to premier on Fox in January.

The Biggest Steroid Bust in the Nations's History!

AP Photo

Federal authorities announced the largest crackdown on illegal steroids in the nation's history Monday, arresting more than 120 people and raiding dozens of labs that manufactured growth hormone for sale on the black market. Agents seized 56 labs, many of which were located in dirty basements, and recovered 11.4 million doses of steroids, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The announcement follows a growing number of scandals in the sports world over steroids, but authorities said the probe was focused on distributors, not users, and that no professional athletes were directly involved in the investigation.

Do you really believe this story had nothing to do with sports? If you do then, you're a little naive. Steroids has never been a focal point of the Drug Enforcement Administration until all the scandals in MLB. I mean don't get me wrong, a lot of investigative and sting operations are definitely under wraps, but I think the BALCO case really made agents realize that it's a really big business and there just might be something going on. I firmly believe that some players in the sports arena are definitely sweating right now. I just can't see this story not involving other players and more documents that have proof of illegal steroid use. I'm sure the commissioner of Major League Baseball is looking for a round table discussion as we speak!

Britney Charged with Hit and Run

Britney " hot mess" Spears was charged Friday with misdemeanor counts of hit and run and driving without a valid license in connection with a parking lot crash in August, prosecutors said. If convicted, the singer could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count, said Nick Velasquez, spokesman for the city attorney's office. Spears, 25, was captured by paparazzi that day steering her car into another vehicle as she tried to turn into a spot in a Studio City parking lot. After assessing the damage to her own car only, she was shown on paparazzi video walking away. Three days after the accident, the owner of the other vehicle filed a police report, and investigators later determined that Spears does not have a license, officials said.

Well, it was bound to happen after that hideous performance at the Video Music Awards. A court commissioner ordered her to undergo random drug and alcohol testing in her child custody dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline. The incident happened in August, but they're just now charging her! Maybe if she had a better performance, they would be more forgiving. Oh well, K-Fed might as well get the beds ready!

A Man Murders His Dying Wife!

Stanley Reimer was paying between $700-800 a week in medical bills for his wife Christe. It overwhelmed him and he was faced with a difficult decision, right? Mrs. Steimer weighed 75 lbs and was sick from Uterine Cancer. Stanley " selfish" Steimer kissed his blind wife and tossed her over the balcony where she died on contact. When the police arrived at the apartment he said, " she didn't jump"! He's charged with murder and held on $250,000 bond. What ever happened to till death do us part? He was not the judge of her life and it's just sad that people become cowards when it's not about them. I hope he sits in jail for the rest of his life with a picture of Christe bolted to the wall, just a reminder of his crime.

NBA Ref Donaghy Pleads Guilty

Getty Images

Former NBA ref Tim Donaghy pleads guilty on two felony charges in a Federal court today. He faces up to 25 years in prison, fined 500,000 and 30,000 in restitution. The NBA is really in a bad situation, when the new season starts it's going to be hard to focus on the new players, traded superstars, because you'll be so distracted by a call that you think is incorrect or just complete lost of trust for the league! The ratings will probably decrease tremendously and the hype that usually surrounds the NBA Finals will have a black cloud over it's coveted prize!

I'm not trying to be negative, just giving an objective opinion.

College Students Slain

Sorry to start the morning off with such heavy news, but as I was driving into work this morning, I was reading the news on my phone and I came across this story. I was hoping I would get to post it before Ms. Scorpia (she takes ALL the good ones) and to my surprise she hadn't posted it yet...so here it goes. Four young friends shot execution-style in a schoolyard just days before they were to head to college. Natasha Aeriel, 19, was listed in fair condition at Newark's University Hospital. Police identified her slain companions as her brother, Terrance Aeriel, 18, Iofemi Hightower, 20, and Dashon Harvey, 20. These young adults were students at Delaware State and were set to return to school on tommorrow. That thing about it is that the news always talks about how African-American kids aren't doing anything with their lives and here we have a story about some that were musicians and excelling in college, whose lives were taken away too early in a senseless crime. (probably gang initiation!) Hopefully Natasha Aeriel, the only survivor, will be able to help police solve this heinous crime and bring some peace to the families and friends of these victims. Newark has one of this highest crime rates at almost 50% and these killings brings their yearly total to 60. Hopefully with this tragedy, there will be change for the citizens of this city. I pray for comfort for all that are involved. Be blessed and Stay Safe.

Fans Ask President Bush to Pardon Isley

I know this news is a few days old, but to me it's new! Fans of Ronald Isley are asking President Bush to pardon the soul singer that was convicted of Tax evasion charges in 2005. I could say something to support " Mr. Big", but it's not going to happen. My heart goes out to him, because he's very ill with Kidney Cancer, but you still broke the law! You and R. Kelly was "Contagious" and living it up, but you weren't giving the real "Mr. Big" his dues. It's not our responsibility to be fighting for someone who has broke the law, race can not be a factor in this case. Why not petition the war, veteran benefits or something like that! Please don't take my words the wrong way, but I don't have sympathy for a person who is rich not paying his taxes, when Uncle Sam is taking almost 150.00 out of my 80 hr. check every two weeks!!!

Nike Suspends Vick's Contract Without Pay!

Man, talk about falling to your knees. Nike has suspended Vick's very generous contract without pay and Reebok has halted the sale of the No. 7 jerseys that were set to ship out. Basically, Vick is no longer on top and all the confidence in the world can't make you think everything is okay. The NFL is becoming one big eye sore. The Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson story are added ingredients to this mess stew! Unfortunately, Vick's behavior is inhumane and torturous where as Pacman and Tank are just stupid and ignorant! The Commish has really earned his money and training camp just started. I'm hoping that the new class drafted in 2006 will stay on track, being a native Houstonian, I'm pulling for Young to remain a class act. The allegations of Reggie's family taking money and gifts has taken a back seat to these other classless individuals. I just hope at the start of the season, things will be handled and the tailgate parties will begin!

Vicks Goes to Court and Pleads Not Guilty

I had to write the latest news on the Michael Vick case. He walked up to the courthouse with a confident attitude, some people were booing loudly and walking around in doghouses. Michael Vick plead not-guilty, the trial date is set four days after my birth date, November 26, 2007. The judge released Vick on a conditional bond. He had to give up his passport and isn't allowed to travel. The judge also stated quite loudly that, " these are mere allegations". He went on to say that there wouldn't be any postponements or delays in this case. The trial will last for two weeks and Vick can face six years and a 350,000 fine. Vick's lawyer addressed the media and said that Vick had written a statement for him to read. In the official statement Vick said, " I want to apologize to my Atlanta Falcon teammates, I want to apologize to my mother and what she has to go through".

I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but it's very hard to do when you have so much evidence already given up by Vick's friends and family. I mean how can you not know that dogs were being treated in such an inhumane way at a house that you are renting? If you haven't read the 18 page indictment you should, there's a link in another post. In the indictment it states that the dogs were doused with water and electrocuted! I refuse to believe that he had no knowledge of these allegations. The messed up part is when trouble enters your life, friends and family exit. It happens all the time, because those people that you thought you can trust have now gotten ghost and told everything about you, be aware of the company you keep has always been the name of the game, to bad he didn't take head! I will keep updates has they happen....

Myspace Deletes 29,000 Accounts

Myspace has canceled 29,000 accounts, because they discovered that these accounts belong to *** offenders! I was wondering when they were going to do something, how many stories have we heard of girls meeting these sickos on the site and then being kidnapped or *****! I guess they didn't want to face another lawsuit. The Internet is plagued with these disgusting animals and it's about time somebody starts caring about these young girls and boys instead of all the money their making from advertisements.

Lindsay Lohan in Double Trouble

News Flash

Lindsay Lohan was arrested AGAIN early this morning for the same old thing! Police suspected her to be driving under the influence and was taken to the police station, once there they found some cocaine in her jean pocket. I guess that 45 day stint in rehab wasn't enough. Furthermore, did her bracelet go off to let someone know she was intoxicated? The trouble began when a frightened woman dialed 911 to report being chased by Lohan's black SUV. Lohan had a blood-alcohol level of between 0.12 and 0.13 percent when police found her about 1:30 a.m.

An addiction is a powerful thing, I hope that the judge isn't lenient on her just because she is a star. I think she really needs some more professional help. Where is her mother in all this, she seems to never be around when Linday is dealing with all these addictions. You can at least check the girl into a hospital, remember Girl Interrupted? She was probably getting some more collagen put in her lips or sniffing some blow just like her daughter.