Wanda Sykes Unleashed....

Saturday night was the annual White House Correspondent’s Association Dinner. This annual event draws a mix of journalists, celebrities, political figures and tickets are worth more than gold.… I actually heard that Meghan McCain (Sen. John McCain’s Daughter) was stopped at the door because she had 2 tickets and invited 2 friends……. She thought her name would be all she needed to get in.

Well the entertainment for the night was none other than comedian Wanda Sykes… Of course since this is my blog these are my opinions and Wanda is one of the funniest women on this planet.

She talked about everyone from Gov. Palin to President Obama pulling no punches, and actually drew a standing ovation. So why do I keep reading reports today asking if she went too far????

Here is the statement that was said that has people buzzing:

"You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was just so strung out on OxyContin he missed his flight. ...

"Rush Limbaugh hopes the country fails? I hope his kidneys fail, how 'bout that?"

Please understand that Wanda is a Comedian… Comedians tell jokes. Don Imus is not a comedian. Didn’t we just have this situation a few weeks ago with Jamie Foxx and Miley Cyrus?

I believe in freedom of speech, and I do think that there is a certain line that can be crossed if someone is maliciously trying to slander someone else…….. but in the context of telling a joke…….. Is it really that serious?

Grilled Chicken and Oprah

Originally Posted on 5/8/09

We are in a recession..... So how did the powers that be not know that the cult following of Queen Oprah plus free chicken wouldn't create the perfect storm? I can't fault KFC, because it's marketing at it's best... A new product with a Oprah tie-in? That equals MONEY!


I was going to talk about the whole print out a coupon and get a free 2-piece meal thing, but there were so many problems that I won't go there... But I will talk about the grilled chicken.

The name of the restaurant says it all… Kentucky FRIED Chicken. KGC just doesn’t do it for me… I’m all for healthy eating… I mean if you want to break it down: a extra crispy breast has two-and-a-half times the calories of one that’s grilled, with nearly eight times the total fat. So grilled is a good thing….. But sometimes you have to admit that the original recipe “be” calling your name…. Like the crack was calling Pookie in New Jack City…

Some of you aren’t even down with the Colonel… You may like Popeye’s.. and that dirty rice… or Mary Ann’s….. or Beach Road Chicken. I gotta give KFC credit for trying something new with their menu, but honestly if it’s not fried……. No one can touch a Publix rotisserie…..

not even Oprah

Duval County Schools

Originally Posted on 5/1/09

When I think about going to school in Duval County a few things come to mind....

Former Superintendant Herb Sang, going to field trips to the Marine Science Center/Tree Hill or the Jacksonville Symphony and of course the best high school marching band from '86-'91........Paxon. I'm sure I will get some hate mail but it is what it is...

Now that I have a child in the Duval County School system, I look at things a bit differently. I remember a few years ago....all of a sudden there was an early release Wednesday...... every other week...

I mean, we were NEVER out of school, but now every other Wednesday teachers need a break..... Now to say they don't but I just couldn't understand it.

Well this week the Duval County School Board reduced the amount of time middle and high school students will spend at school next year. In a 5-2 vote, the board voted to reduce the school day by 45 minutes.

Next school year, high school students in Duval County will go to school from 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (The current schedule is 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.)

Middle school students will go to school from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., instead of 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The school board says it will save $13 million dollars, but 200 positions will be cut.

Am I the only one scratching my head about this???

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN...... Jimmy!!!

Originally Posted on 4/24/09

This week was a pretty big week for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Debuting their new uniforms, and the up coming draft......Then Wednesday night I got the news.

Jimmy Smith arrested............ again

Jimmy Smith, who played 10 seasons at wide receiver for the Jaguars, was charged with possession of crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday near Interstate 95 and Golfair. The reason the FHP said they stopped him is to check the window tint on his 2009 Mercedes coupe. I'll let you think about that for a minute....

I too am guilty of having a Mercedes coupe and have been stopped for basically a BS reason. Personally, I love the look on their face when I produce a valid license and insurance card... The last time that happened to me, the only thing they could give me a ticket for a blown light....

Now, I'm not against law enforcement because I totally understand that they have a job to do..... I just hate that in america today, it is a fact that being a African American male in a nice car will get you stopped...... and not only in Duval County. (I'll move on)

Jimmy's situation just makes me sad.... If you've never seen it, check out the television show intervention on the AandE network.... All my dealings with Jimmy have been good ones... I have gone to schools with him before and talked to kids, and I have seen him interact with his own kids... He's honestly a good dude..... but sometimes the demons are too great to overcome alone.

When he retired unexpectedly, it was suspected that he had failed another NFL drug test, which would have gotten him suspended for a whole season… I never pressed the issue about finding out the truth, because I guess…….. I didn’t want to know.

Jimmy still holds many Jaguar records and including the most games played, most starts and most receptions…. He also is the seventh-leading receiver in NFL history. At this point... all we can do it pray......

Prince

Originally Posted on 4/17/09

I was lucky enough a few years ago to attend a private concert by Prince. Now I was a fan way before that, and in fact the first VHS movie that I bought with my own money was Purple Rain.

Not only is Prince a musical genuis, but he is business genuis as well. He is basically pointing the middle finger to the record business by giving his musicology album away during his tour a few years ago, and making his current deal to sell albums via all Target stores.

Prince has teamed up with apple and is doing something for his fans called The Prince Opus. This is a purple limited edition iPod Touch and it will cost $2,100. The iPod is loaded with a 40-minute concert video and various songs from his catalog. Now only 950 Prince Opus iPods are available and they are being sold with a book of never seen before photographs.

Now if you are a Big Baller there is The Prince Opus #1..... This is the ultimate in Prince luxury. Not only do you get the iPod, but the photo book has an alligator skin binding with sterling silver artwork and purple silk lining. (see the pic above) A diamond-encrusted "Prince" symbol is on the cover. This platinum piece includes 21 round brilliant cut diamonds and five rare purple diamonds totaling 7.7 carats. The piece can be detached and worn as a pendant. The Prince Opus #1 will be auctioned off later this year.

Too Funny!

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON 4/10/09

They have made fun of Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise, R. Kelly, Mel Gibson and even Jesus.

I guess you have "made it" if they talk about you on the Comedy Central television show South Park. Well this week they tore a hole in the man we know as Kanye West.

Now Kanye is known not to be able to take a joke, and his ego is bigger than Duval county........ but the guys who write this show paint 'ye as a narcissistic rapper who is out of touch with reality. Remember this is the guy who said that he is the voice of this generation.....

Either Kanye saw the show of someone told him about it because on Thursday morning this is what he wrote on his website: (In all-caps too)

SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT'S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK! I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. HAVING THE CRAZY EGO IS PLAYED OUT IN MY LIFE AND CAREER.

If Tom Joyner can be replaced....

ORIGINALLY POSTED 3/27/09:

You know it’s bad when Tom Joyner is getting fired… This week the Tom Joyner Morning Show was not aired in the city of Chicago. What makes this interesting is that Tom has been on the radio in some way shape or form in Chicago for over 20 years…… Until this week.

The reason I wanted to talk about this is because Radio has really taken a turn for the worse. Urban radio has especially become a dying format. This is not something that has happened overnight either. It all started with the Telecommunications act of 1996. You can google it if you get bored or really want to read it. It started the ball rolling by creating these huge broadcast companies, syndicated shows, and took all the localization our of radio.

If my math serves me right, there is only 3 local morning radio shows in Jacksonville. A Country,Top 40 and Easy Listening. There are a few more but I am not counting Talk Radio. It maybe nice to talk to the community about the guns that are running thru Ribault High School. Or call up the Mayor/Sheriff and talk about a few issues. Why exactly is JEA rasing rates? Should we bring toll roads back to Duval? I could go on, but I won’t….. Radio claimed my job in Duval county a long time ago....

One Of The Greatest To Ever Wear The Uniform

Originally posted on 2/20/09:
I got the text on my blackberry..... "Fred Taylor Released" and I just froze..... This was surely some sick joke that was being played on me..

I know that the heart, soul and the face of my football team wasn't going anywhere. I expected this news next year after a good season and after he had broken John Riggins and Jim Brown's rushing records, but it couldn't be happening this year... Not yet...

Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence were released last week, but that should have happened...... but not this

Freddy T still had the moves... The stutter step to get into in the open field, then he ran past defenders like a crack head with a $20 bill in his hand.

After 11 seasons, 2,428 carries for 11,271 yards and 62 rushing touchdowns... I can't do anything but salute you Fred.

I just don't know how I can watch you in another uniform.....

On My Grind...

It's been a long time..... I have been here there and everywhere, but I am back on my blogging game!!!!

The funny thing is that social networking: Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and keeping up a Blog is just like having a part time job.

I am going to re-post some blogs that I have written in the past few months, but never got around to post.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter.. If you dare.....

This DJ....

I was asked the other day how long I have been a DJ?

I had to stop and think about it, because I honestly didn't know. I have been DJing since 9th grade. I cut every yard I could to save up for my first turntables, and they weren't even 1200's.

I guess when you’re doing something you love time flies.

The picture above is of my record collection. This is most of them, and please believe me it is HELL moving them. I have about 65-70 postal mail crates full of records. These records have taken me around the world and back. I have met some really cool people, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I would just love to have someone to help me every time I have to move all my records!!!!

Lady Elouise

Singer, dancer and actress Eartha Kitt died on Christmas at the age of 81. She had colon cancer which was detected about two years ago and treated but recurred after a period of remission.

She was actually still performing until a about two months ago, and she had dates booked thru 2009. Through her career she had a string of awards including two Emmys and being nominated for a third, as well as a Grammy. She also had two Tony nominations.

Eartha was blackballed in the US for speaking out against the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
She was best known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s TV series Batman.

I will always remember her as Lady Elouise in the Eddie Murphy movie Boomerang….
“Marcusssss….. I don’t have any panties on!!!”

We will miss you Lady Elouise.

Step Your Game Up

Since Obama will be sworn in next month..... This blog is an open letter to my African American brothers. Let's step our game up. Now our game came have many meanings but right now I am going to talk about our clothing game. Now I have never been a white tee kinda guy, but I love to kick my jeans and Tim's (unlaced)... If you can't follow....... Tim's = Timberland boots

I want every Black male to go purchase a suit.... Now when I say suit, I am not talking about a purple, red or burnt orange suit with matching gators. Gators = Gator skinned dress shoes

I mean a black, navy, or grey suit. Some of us have no concept of what a business suit is, because we are so busy in the street putting in work. Once again I challenge you to go get a suit. Since today's economy is in such a mess the best deals I have seen have been at Burlington Coat Factory and K&G menswear.

I will admit I have slipped in my suit game, because I stopped having to wear one on a daily basis, and I also gained a few lbs. I went through my Tommy Hilfiger phase where that's all I wore. I loved the cut of his suits, and shirts. His ties were also very much on point. I also had a Perry Ellis phase and a few more designers.

When Obama was on the election trail his suit of choice was a Hart Schaffner and Marx. Excellent suits, and I would have bought one, but honestly I couldn't afford one. I'm not saying go get a Hart Schaffner and Marx, but go get a suit and represent.

Our Lame-Duck President

By now everyone has seen the video of Bush dodging a pair of shoes that were thrown at him from a Iraqi reporter who obviously couldn't stand him.

I was actually impressed that Bush was quick enough to duck the first shoe. Maybe Laura Bush has attempted to throw shoes or a slap down a few times in the past.

In the Arab culture, to hit someone with a shoe.... or even pointing the sole of your feet/shoes at someone is a insult. Since the feet are the lowest part of your body it is considered unclean.

Also never shake hands with your left hand because in the culture that is the hand that is used for cleaning yourself after nature calls....

Anyway back to Bush...

My Top Chef

Believe it or not I can cook... Actually I like to cook. I'm not chef, but I can do a little something something in the kitchen.

With shows like Iron Chef and Top Chef now on network television, a lot of chefs are becoming stars. My favorite chef is Gordon Ramsey.. His no nonsense attitude is just too damn funny to me.

He is a much bigger star in the UK where he is from, but he has 2 shows on TV here in the states. (Hell's Kitchen, and Kitchen Nightmares)


I came across these video's of "Lil Gordon Ramsey" who is a star in England, but not too many people know about this little boy here in the US.

Straight Comedy!!!!!!!

Cause this is Thriller!!!!!

I saw Michael Jackson live in 1984 at the Jackson's Victory Tour. I was in awe of him and his brothers as they rocked a stadium of about 50 thousand people.

It's over 20 years later and I am still in awe of Michael's crazy ass!!! The picture above is of Michael this past weekend shopping in Beverly Hills. Does this look like and outfit of someone who doesn't want attention? Of course his attempt to be unseen was unsuccessful. He drew crowds of fans and paparazzi.

Who else can rock a blue tunic, a black fedora and scarf add a Zorro/R.Kelly mask?

Is This Modern Day Slavery?

I'm a little offended.....

Actually I'm a lot offended.... Well maybe I'm not.....
The more I think about this story my feelings do a complete see-saw. Here is the story:

This 40 year old guy named Michael Chambers is an avid runner... he is going to compete in the next New York City marathon, so obviously he has been training. For his 40th Birthday, his family chips in and gets him........ A Kenyan Runner (for the day). The family purchased the runner for $400 a day.

I know slavery is over, but........... Then the more I thought about it, would this be like hiring Whitney Houston to sing at your wedding, or Lil Wayne at a birthday party?

Pimp Down

I hate it when I see talented people with a world of potential get “caught up” and risk losing everything.

I said a week or two ago that comedian Katt Williams was going through a few things, but it really came to a head this week. Katt was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation in South Carolina after he attempted to check into a hotel at 8:30am wearing a bathrobe and a towel over his head.

He also went to an attorney’s office and said he needed help because police were trying to "violate his rights."

This is just the latest in a string of events over the last few months….. He refused to host the BET awards for whatever reason. He was arrested for having a gun in New York. He didn’t show up for a appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Last night he cancelled a huge appearance at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas which was part of the TBS Comedy Festival.

I really thought that Katt was the next drum major for black comedy. The normal progression is stand up comedy then on to TV shows, then Movies. He has done them all, and still was out on the road doing stand up.

That usually doesn’t happen…. Comedians start doing movies and loose their timing for stand up. That’s why you don’t really see Eddie Murphy or Chris Tucker out on the road. Don’t get me wrong some guys can consistently do it all like Chris Rock, but not everyone.

In my mind Katt was next…….

Freshley Squeezed OJ

After two months in a small Las Vegas jail cell, O.J. Simpson learned that he will spend at least 10 years in a Nevada state prison.

I can honestly say that I don’t feel sorry for “The Juice”… He had the country on the edge of their seat with the famous white bronco chase. He was the star of the trial of the century, and again had everyone on the edge waiting for the verdict. Was found not guilty of murder, and should have lived the nice quite life in Florida………… But I guess that would have been way too easy.

O.J. was THE football star when I was growing up… I had a Buffalo Bills lunch box and book bag because of O.J. I wanted to rent a car form Hertz and run thru the airport and jump over luggage and other passengers just like O.J.

Now I wouldn’t trade a thing to be in his shoes…. He has been convicted of 11 felonies and a misdemeanor stemming from the “shakedown” last year of two sports collectors. This means that O.J. faces mandatory prison time and could be sentenced to up to life in prison.

Guess who won’t be having such a Merry Christmas?????

Is Reality TV............. REAL?

Now I have always been a fan of "Keepin it Real"...

Half of these rappers aren't as hard as they claim to be, and half the people on reality shows are.......... how do I say it... Fakin'? Frontin'? Lying?

I have written about The Real Housewives series since it came on... Not just the Atlanta wives, but the Orange County and New York wives as well.

I do know that TV creates characters... In saying that..... Who is the real Nene Leakes?

Nene Leakes, love her or hate her became the center of the housewives of Atlanta, and I was really entertained by her. Is it a issue that she is not "Keepin It Real?"

There has been so many rumors going around about her and her husband Greg being evicted, broke, and just plain living a huge lie...

Presently the Leakes family is in hiding, but I would like to hear their side of the story..... Wouldn't you?

Please click this link to watch this video that was done by an Atlanta TV on the Leakes...

MY FOX ATLANTA

I can't wait until season 2.

I'm Back!!!!!

It's been about a month since my last blog... I have been really all over the place, and it's not that I wasn't writing... I was just writing on my blackberry and I haven't figured out how to email the blog to the site...

YES HE DID

145 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which liberated slaves, the United States elected its first African American President last week.

President-elect Barack Obama won a total of 349 electoral votes compared to John McCain’s 147. He also received 62,806,760 popular votes to John McCain’s 55,650,160.

This family is bound to bring a different vibe to the nation’s capitol. The Obama family is the youngest family in the White House since the Kennedys.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Please Pray for Lauryn

There was a Lauryn Hill sighting last week....... I know... Its's funny how I am acting like there was an alien or UFO sighting. OK it's not funny, but a little sad.

When I came across this picture all I could do is send a little prayer up for L-Boogie..... In my opinion, one of the best female MC's to ever touch the mic.

Lauryn came out with kids in tow to a William-Sonoma store in New Jersey to meet Martha Stewart. Martha was there to sign copies of her new cook book.

Her kids look nice and happy, but L looks...... unhappy.... unkept.... (insert your word here)

I have heard stories about L going thru some things... I know she has been working on a new album for the last few years, but she has done things like rent out a studio and hire various musicians but not show up.

Maybe she is doing the Anita Baker....... totally stop recording to raise the kids.

Maybe I'm just in need of some new music from her.. I will just have to settle for listening to The Score (The Fugees) or The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill albums.

Dooooooo-Vaallllllllll

When I was growing up it was a little confusing to me that Duval County = Jacksonville, Florida.

My father explained to me the process of a consolidated city, which basically made the entire county of Duval...... The city of Jacksonville.

To make it a bit easier to understand... Back in the day the City of Jacksonville city limits were basically a 3-5 mile ratio from downtown.

About 40 years ago... October 1, 1968 to be exact, Jacksonville's city and county governments merged. Of course things were a bit more primitive then and before the merger the majority vote belonged to black residents.

So lets take present day Jacksonville.... we have taken "Duval" county to a new high. Actually I better say it right it right "Dooooooo-Vaaaaallllll"
This call and response chant/saying/greeting has taken on a life of it's own. People scream it out in the club, on the street, Jaguar Mike Peterson, and Paul Spicer scream it along with mascot Jaxon DeVille holding up his "DEW-VALL" sign. Did you see the video of rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd yelling it at the Jag game?

You have to make sure to explain to the "outsider" how to say it right. Jay-Z couldn't quite get it and Barack Obama didn't really belt it out like I wanted him to. Needless to say my inspiration to write this was Michelle Obama really reppin "Doooooo-Vaaaaaaalll" at the rally on Wednesday.

About a year ago I had a pretty in depth conversation about the origins of "Dooooo-vaaaall". I hate to hurt some feeling's but it wasn't started by anyone on the radio, (Easy please stop taking credit), Bigga Rakin or Cool Runnings. After my conversation and a little research, I'm going to say the creator is Thrill da Playa from the 69boyz. He has been reppin duval, and screaming it for a long time.

I have even been to shows that he has done out side of Jacksonville, and he was still yelling "Doooooo-Vaaaaaaal". I'm sure I will get a few hate emails about it, but I am awarding him the creator title.

Keeping it REAL.....

I am addicted

Not to the pipe or that nickel bag but to reality TV. It started out as no big deal with The Real World on MTV…

Looking back I was a functioning addict then, with that once a week shot of reality.

Today I am pookie from New Jack City…… Strung out and craving for my next hit….

The Amazing Race, Top Chef, Project Runway, Wife Swap, The Osbournes, Intervention, Airline, The Apprentice, Celebrity Fit Club, I want to work for Diddy, Being Bobby Brown…. I could go on but this is just a short list of my drugs…

I’m sure from time to time you have taken a hit….. American Idol.. Dancing with the Stars… What about the ever popular train wreck Flavor Of Love?

Well my new drug of choice is The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which will follow a similar format of the OC and New York predecessors. The show debuted this week on Bravo and they got me already.

I’m well aware that most women in Atlanta are not like this group…… There are plenty that are, but MOST aren’t. I ain’t saying they are golddiggers, but they ain’t messing with no…… (You know the rest)

This show is just so totally wrong because these women are the shallowest, bitchiest, and most materialistic tricks I have seen in a long time... (And I have seen a lot) but I Love it!!!!

I mean these chicks are The Real Housewives of the OC, and NYC on speed. There is nothing wrong with designer labels, extravagant homes/birthday parties and fully loaded Escalades, but I guess it’s the way you get them.

Since only one episode has aired, I can’t really put my finger on who the villain of the show will be, but I have narrowed it down to NeNe or Sheree. Sheree is the ex of some athlete, and she is fighting him for money so that she can continue to maintain her lifestyle, which includes an extensive staff (personal assistant, chef, and publicist) and buying $3,500 handbags that look like you can get them for a tenth of the price at Gateway.

Well, here are a few more of my personal notes about the show. One of the ladies featured on the show named Lisa Wu-Hartwell is the ex-wife of Keith Sweat. The show will make it seem like she has just one child, because the 2 sons that she has with Keith will not be on the show. Keith wouldn’t give permission for the boys to be on the show…..

Enjoy the housewives……… believe me I will

Election Time

Well, the final debate is over...........

If you can believe it or not there is only about a week until the election.

As we learned in the last Presidential election, winning the state of Florida is MAJOR.

If you don’t think so, watch how many events/appearances the candidates will be doing in Florida until election day.

In fact McCain will be in Miami today and Obama will be in the state on Monday so no one is ignoring the state.

The deadline has passed to register, so at this point the focus needs to be getting to the polls. Call friends and family and make sure that they have a ride.

If you can vote early…. On election day I have a feeling that there will be more than a few lines.

Once again I am not telling you who to vote for…… Just to VOTE.

Do We Really All That Greese

I was a little upset earlier this week and I am going to share with you why.

I heard rumors that a local radio company was thinking bringing back “The Greaseman” who was a pretty well known radio DJ in the early 80's.

Some of you were not lucky enough to be born and raised in Jacksonville, but a few of us were and remember him. The best way to describe him is....

He was actually Howard Stern before there was Howard Stern…. If that makes any sense.

He was one of the first “Shock Jock” radio guys. He was entertaining, and constantly stayed right on the edge. Well after making a name for himself in Jax he moved onto bigger cities and made a bigger name for himself… Then he slipped and fell over the edge.

In 1985 while talking about the Martin Luther King holiday he said: "Why don't we plug four more and get the whole week off?"

Or in 1999 after playing a Lauryn Hill song that I guess he really didn't like he said: "and they wonder why we drag them behind trucks." Making reference to the murder of James Byrd who was murdered by being dragged behind a pickup truck by white supremacist.

Don Imus wasn’t the first to have a slip of the tongue, and I’m sure he is not going to be the last… But obviously if he can say those things… there is a bit of truth in there about the way he feels.

It's just such a double standard, and it seems like the african American community is so disconnected from a lot of the issues being thrown our way.

I emailed my complaints to the powers at said radio company, but on Wednesday 10/1 the Greaseman returned to Jacksonville….