Friday, October 23, 2009

Does Magic Get A Pass On This One?

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were once kissing buddies on the basketball court and best friends off of it. Something changed in the relationship at some point, fracturing it beyond repair. That moment was probably when Isiah established himself as close to Magic's equal on the basketball court and "big brother" Magic couldn't accept it.

Their duels on the basketball court took place 20 years ago, so it's interesting now that Johnson is releasing a book in which he dedicates quite a few pages to his friendship with Thomas. Magic asserts that it was Thomas who began spreading rumors that Johnson was possibly gay or bisexual after he contracted the HIV virus. Magic states that the rumors hurt him to his core, but he never took the time to tell Isiah how he felt. Thomas now feels betrayed by the new revelation, and states that Magic should've stepped to him as a man with his issues.

Magic Johnson post basketball has established himself as a successful businessman and ad pitchman. I'm sure he will smile his way out of this latest controversy with everyone taking Johnson's version as the truth. Thomas' reputation has taken major hits over the last few years, and this is just another blow for him. Too bad Johnson will probably get a pass for reopening old wounds with his once best friend.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Randy Jackson Says Brother Michael Didn't Sign Will!

With the news that upon his mother Katherine's death that her proceeds from his will go to his 3 children, it was a just a matter of time before the Jackson family began to go after the money. TMZ is reporting that Randy Jackson is stating that his brother Michael Jackson couldn't have signed his will on July 7, 2002 because he was in New York protesting against then Sony chairman Tommy Mottola. Jackson is confirmed to have been in New York at the time, so there appears to be some inconsistency concerning where the will was signed. Of course family friend Rev. Al Sharpton has been consulted.

Rihanna's "Russian Roulette!

Rihanna released her latest single "Russian Roulette" yesterday. On first listen, the song, which was written by Ne-Yo is very average. Rihanna is much too young to be at the point where she thinks everything that she produces is hit material.

Manny Being Manny!

I guess when you have a guaranteed $20 million contract and a player option for next year it gives you a license to to anything that you want to your employers. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were being beaten by a Jimmy Rollins double on Monday night during game 4 of their series with the Philadelphia Phillies, left fielder Manny Ramirez, who had been removed for defensive purposes in the bottom of the ninth, was in the shower instead of being in the dugout supporting his team. Manager Joe Torre basically laughed off the incident saying that's Manny simply being Manny. It's amazing what you can get away with when you're a commodity that is able to generate dollars for an employer.

Ramirez, who was suspended earlier this year for steroid use is fortunate that next year of his contract is guaranteed. I'm sure the Dodgers would surely love to rid themselves of Manny being Manny at this point.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Kandi Burruss Opens Boutique In Metro Atlanta!

Kandi Burruss is maximizing her stint as a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member, bringing renewed attention to her abilities as a songwriter with her work on the "Tardy For The Party" song for cast member Kim Zolciak who is just a little challenged as a vocalist. Burruss is also expanding her business opportunities by opening a clothing boutique in metro Atlanta with friend Peaches Chin who will run the boutique on a day to day basis. The store called Tags, will focus on affordable men's and women's clothing. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on Burruss' business venture.

Here's wishing her well as she's opening the store during a challenging economic climate, but by marketing affordable clothing she's at least giving the store a chance to succeed.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Let Go By Fox News!

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill was one of the few consistent African American voices on Fox News programs, regularly appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show to offer his liberal commentary. Hill, who is a college professor at Columbia University, was let go from his Fox News commentary job last week because of his liberal opinions. Too bad Fox's "fair and balanced" stance couldn't accept Hill's varying opinions on anything cultural and political. Despite this setback, Hill remains one of preeminent African American commentators.

Is "Good Hair" Not Connecting With Audiences?

Chris Rock's documentary "Good Hair" has received a pretty heavy media blitz over the the last month, but after 2 weeks at the box office admittedly in a limited number of theatres, the movie has generated less that $1.8 million in receipts and only $437,000 over the weekend. It appears that this is a topic that black people just don't have an interest in despite Rock making the rounds on every show imaginable to laugh about the texture of hair. Glad to see that black folks just won't fall for any form of entertainment.