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Swag Award February 2-8

2010-02-12T17:44:00.007-05:00

On paper, the matchup was one that bookmakers and sports enthusiasts alike salivated over. The first time since 1994 that two #1 seeds faced one another in the Super Bowl. Two of the games most prolific offenses and two of the games most accurate quarterbacks duking it out for one of the most coveted prizes in all of sport; The Lombardi Trophy.

On paper it appeared that the Indianapolis Colts were the better team. Led by 2009 league MVP Peyton Manning, and well-rested after a 14-0 start the Colts seemed poised to win their second title in four years.

Outcomes are not decided on paper, and that my friends is why we play the game.

For the first 15 minutes of the game the New Orleans Saints, the laughing stock of the NFL for many seasons, the expansion team that hadn’t reached a Super Bowl in its first 43 years of existence looked every bit less experienced than their counterparts from Indy.

New Orleans could have rolled over at the end of the 1st quarter when they were down 10-0 and didn’t show any signs that they were capable of slowing down Peyton Manning’s methodic passing attack. New Orleans could have rolled over in the 2nd quarter when Indy stopped back-to-back runs on 3rd and 4th and goal, but they didn’t.

A wise man once told me that “a true champion prevails despite the circumstances,” and that is what the Saints did coming out of halftime. Despite being a slight underdog, and facing a 10-6 deficit at the half, the Saints put together an impressive 30 minutes of football; starting with a recovered onside kick to begin the second half.

That play, the first time an onside kick was attempted in a Super Bowl before the 4th quarter, was a game-changer and the catalyst the propelled the Saints to a 25-point second half and their first ever Super Bowl title.

It’s hard to not to root for a team like the Saints. There’s no way to measure what a Super Bowl title does for the spirits and emotions of the city of New Orleans, and the surrounding gulf region that is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I think sports fans around the league won’t mind yelling out a resounding “Who Dat!??” in honor of the Saints’ tremendous season.

Any successful person will tell you that winners take risks, and the New Orleans took the necessary risks in Super Bowl XLIV to be crowned World Champions at games end. To the victor goes the spoils. Swagger!

Swag Award January 25-Feb 1

2010-02-12T17:34:00.007-05:00

It’s often been said that love knows no boundaries, and ever so often you see a couple who makes you really makes you believe that saying may have some truth behind it. Ever so often, you see a couple who makes you feel like they would do anything for their partner; travel the to the ends of the earth, profess their undying love for another, whatever it takes.

Jeff Wong and his fiancée Erin are proof that true love is not dead. Now we all remember the creative “Soul Train wedding line” that was a sensation on You Tube.. This couple blows those jokers out of the water.

Mr. and soon-to-be Mrs. Wong are set to wed on October 9, 2010, the eve of 10-10-10. Instead of sending out cheesy invites on cheesy stationary, this duo took a little less conventional route and instead decided to produce a trailer for the event of the year, AKA the wedding in October. Taking scenes from many of your favorite movies and spoofing them, the Wong’s most certainly made an unforgettable event reminder for what promises to be an unforgettable event in their lives.

Props to Jeff & Erin for overcoming the odds, thinking outside the box, and having the swagger to do something so incredibly original, so incredibly awesome. Best of luck to you guys in the future.

Swag Award January 18-24

2010-01-26T16:44:00.008-05:00

As we draw to the close of the first month of a new year, renowned ghost-writer and Virginia representative Skillz has released his annual “Rap-Up.” For those of you unfamiliar with Skillz or his rap-ups, take this time to familiarize yourself. For as far back as I can remember, Skillz has been releasing these songs every January recapping all the major events of the previous year. Skillz cleverly touches on everything from the music world, to politics, to pop culture. By now, we’ve all seen retrospectives on the events of last year, but no one does it quite like this guy. I’ve always enjoyed these and I’m sure you will too.

Click on the video below and let Skillz take you back through 2009 and the year that was…

Swag Award January 4-17

2010-01-26T16:15:00.008-05:00

One week after the catastrophic earthquake that rocked Haiti, the magnitude and sheer impact the quake had on the fragile island nation is becoming more apparent with each passing minute. News outlets have been covering the disaster for days, and I’m sure none of us will soon forget the images of the homeless families, injured Haitians, corpses littering the streets, and people helplessly crying out for help.

When tragedies on this scale occur, something is triggered within the human heart that causes us to feel an insatiable desire to help. Call it compassion, call it sympathy, call it love for your fellow man, but in the face of tragedy people come together this week’s Swag Award goes to one such helper. I’m not talking about a Non-Governmental Organization here. Not a celebrity-led relief effort, but an individual act from a celebrity of sorts removing himself from his job to do something courageous amidst widespread chaos. The celebrity is Anderson Cooper, and today we celebrate his heroism.

As Cooper reported from the streets of Port-Au-Prince, he encountered a throng of Haitian looters scouring a store for much needed essentials. This wasn’t a normal smash & grab however. As looters tried to enter the store, other Haitians who were perched on the roof threw rocks and concrete blocks down onto the people below.

As Cooper reported from the scene, a young boy was struck in the head by one of the concrete blocks. As the boy wandered through the street bloodied and bewildered, Cooper put his camera and microphone down and literally carried the boy down the street and out of harm’s way. The entire exchanged occurred in about a minute, but in that one minute we saw Anderson Cooper’s human side. That split-second decision to help that child and not let him wander aimlessly down that street may have saved a life.

Swag Award December 28-Jan 3

2010-01-05T12:28:00.011-05:00

As we transition into a new decade, the United Arab Emirates continues to assert its fiscal muscle and penchant for ostentatious displays of wealth, despite the economic turmoil that continues to plague most nations. Dubai, the same country that constructed three palm-shaped, man-made islands in the Persian Gulf a few years back introduced its newest architectural feat to the world yesterday in grand fashion.

Towering more than 160 stories over Dubai and the surrounding desert, the Burj Khalifa as it is called is now the tallest building in the world at 2,717 feet. It’s 50 stories taller than the next closest building in Taiwan. For those of you familiar with New York architecture, the Burj Khalifa is as tall as both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building stacked on top of one another.

The building will include a mix of office space, nightclubs, mosques, luxury suites and boardrooms. It will have the world’s fist Armani hotel, the world’s highest swimming pool on the 76th floor, and the highest mosque on the 158th floor. The observation deck on the 124th floor will offer panoramic views of up to 60 miles.

Now I know what you’re asking yourself; “how the hell was Dubai able to afford this undertaking in this global economic downtown?” Thanks to a $10 billion donation from Sheik Khalifa of Abu Dhabi last year, Dubai was able to avoid economic unrest and complete the project. For his generosity, the name of the building has been changed from Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa in his honor. The Burj Khalifa has already sold 90% of its space to tenants, but it remains to be seen if it will be the catalyst that revives Dubai’s economy still recovering from the real estate crash a few years ago.

I haven’t made it to Dubai yet, but I’ve heard some good things from friends who have visited. I need to get over there. I think we can all agree that spending $1.5 billion in a global recession to construct the tallest building in the world, and quickly selling out 90% of the space is a power move, any way you slice it. Swagger!

Swag Award December 21-27

2009-12-30T12:18:00.007-05:00

In the wee hours of Christmas Eve, Senators on Capitol Hill took a landmark vote on the health care reform bill that they had been debating for months. It was the first Senate vote to take place on Christmas Eve since 1895. The House of Representatives voted and passed their version back in November, and the Senate vote was one of the remaining barriers that needed to be overcome in order for the dream of reforming our nation’s health care system to become a reality. The vote was split along party lines with all 60 Democratic Senators voting in favor of the bill, 39 Republicans against and one abstention from Senator Jim Bunning ( R) of Kentucky.

The bill would require most Americans to have health insurance, would cover 15 million additional people under Medicaid, and subsidize private coverage for low- and middle-income people. The budget office estimates that the bill would provide coverage to 31 million uninsured people.

Since the monumental vote occurred on Christmas Eve, I thought it would be only fitting to write this week’s Swag Award similar to ‘Twas the night before Christmas.’ Enjoy!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the House
All the Senators were anxious to vote and get the hell out.

The decision was split along party lines like a hair,
and President Obama hoped that health care reform soon would be there.
Two weeks ago, to most the bill was considered dead,
Months ago Joe Wilson wasn’t afraid to say he didn’t believe what the President had said.

Most Americans were off of work and nestled in their beds,
While visions of affordable health care danced in their heads.
A mom in her kerchief, and a dad in his cap,
Dreamed of the day when a routine trip to the doctors wouldn’t take all of their stacks.

When out of Capitol Hill, there rose such a clatter,
The Obama’s were on vacation, but rose to see what was the matter.
I awoke that morning and turned on the TV in a flash,
To see news anchors talking about the new bill that had just passed.

With the Senate Majority Leader looking pleased and content,
I said to myself “I can’t believe they finally passed it.”
So rapid to the microphone all the Democratic Senators came,
And Harry Reid, the leader called them all by name!

Now Specter! Now Kerry! Baucus and Franken!
On Chris Dodd! On Lieberman and all the other Senators, he thanked them.
A major victory indeed for the Obama administration.

There’s no public option in the Senate bill,
And it has to be reconciled with the bill from the House of Reps.
But we can all agree that for reform to happen,
These were some important first steps.

Reducing the cost of care, and coverage for millions more,
Leveling the playing field for the average citizen and looking out for the poor.
The Senators rejoiced in unison, and then hopped on their various flights.
“Affordable health care for all, and to all a good night!”

Swag Award of the Week December 14-20

2009-12-22T21:50:00.005-05:00

There’s not much to say about this week’s winner. I don’t know his name, but this little guy from China impressed the hell out of me. With moves like that, this kid will be on ‘So you Think You Can Dance?’ in no time. I’m sure he has no idea what Swag is yet, but he already has tons of it.

Watch this little guy move:

Coverage debate: AT&T vs. Verizon

2009-12-22T21:49:00.007-05:00

By now you've all seen the Verizon ads on television proclaiming the superiority of its 3G network to AT&T's. Verizon claims that their 3G coverage far exceeds AT&T's offerings, thus providing faster download times and an overall more user-friendly experience. My friends and I, some with AT&T, others with Verizon have been waging an ongoing battle about which service provider is the actual winner. Considering that I've been an AT&T customer since 1999, and am the proud owner of an iPhone 3G-S, I think it's safe to say I'm a bit partial; but now there is empirical datat to confirm what I knew all along.

AT&T IS BETTER...

I came across an NY Times article that reported the findings from third-party companies who research and monitor service provider performance. How are these tests perfomed you ask? According to the article, "third-party services that run network tests for the major carriers... dispatches drivers across the country with phones and laptops equipped with data cards. They have covered more than three million miles of roads this year, while running almost two million wireless data sessions and placing more than three million voice calls."

So these companies actually sent people out through the cities, suburbs, rural areas, bridges, tunnels, dead zones, etc. to collect a year's worth of cell service data. The verdict: AT&T has the better service.

I won't repeat what was said in the article, but here are a few key points that make a strong case for AT&T as the better provider:

-iPhone’s “air interface,” the electronics in the phone that connect it to the cell towers, had shortcomings that “affect both voice and data.” In Lehman's terms this means that if you haven't been happy with your iPhone at times more than likely it was the phones fault and not the carrier.

-AT&T does not publicly defend itself because it will not criticize Apple under any circumstances.

-“AT&T’s data throughput is 40 to 50 percent higher than the competition, including Verizon" which means it will most likely take you twice as long to download that YouTube clip or Facebook photo album on Verizon than it would on AT&T.

-"In every market, AT&T had faster average download speeds and had signal strength of 75 percent or better more frequently than did Verizon."

And there you have it. So AT&T has the superior service, but the iPhone's shortcomings cause users to become disenchanted with the carrier and not the phone itself. And AT&T will not speak negatively against Apple; probably to prevent jeopardizing its relationship with Apple as the exclusive carrier of the iPhone. This is what happens when you have superior service and exclusive rights to a device that isn't as reliable as it should be...a conundrum indeed.

Swag Award of the Week December 7-13

2009-12-22T21:34:00.009-05:00

I am proud to announce that the "Swag Award of the Week" goes to Mark Ingram, RB from Alabama who was awarded the Heisman Trohpy this past weekend. Ingram was the offensive catalyst for the Crimson Tide team that went 13-0 this season and will face Texas for the national championship in a few weeks. In true Heisman form, Ingram brought his A-game to the biggest stages this season; 150 yds at Virginia Tech, 140 yds at Kentucky, 172 yds at Ole Miss, 99 yds vs. Tennessee, 144 vs. LSU & 149 at Mississippi St.

Those performances, while important in preserving Alabama’s national championship hopes paled in comparison to the show he put on against Florida in the SEC Championship game. At the time, Florida and ‘Bama were ranked #1 & #2 respectively and many fans and sports writers alike billed the matchup as the real national championship. Whether it was national championship or not, Ingram treated it as such and carried ‘Bama literally and figuratively 28 times for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 32-13 drubbing of the heralded Gators.

For the majority of the college football season, Ingram remained a dark horse in the Heisman ballots, trailing Colt McCoy of Texas, Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow. The afore mentioned players all had a great deal of hype surrounding them, and NFL scouts water at the mouth when considering their draft prospects. Throughout the season Ingram remained on everyone’s radar, but was never considered the front-runner even as his team continued to win largely due to his efforts, in the toughest conference in the country.

See Mark’s emotional acceptance speech:

Alabama, one of the nation’s most storied football programs had never had a Heisman winner until Mark Ingram changed all of that. I think over 1500 yards and 15 touchdowns for an undefeated team in the SEC makes a very strong case. A case that sports writers ultimately could not overlook this year in the closest Heisman race ever. Ingram beat Stanford’s Toby Gerhart by merely 5 votes. Mark Ingram proves that despite the circumstances, the obstacles, the hype, if you are confident in yourself and your abilities then the sky is the limit. Now that's what I call swagger. Congratulations Mark.

Check out some of Ingram’s highlights from this season:

Healthy alternatives in a junk-food nation

2009-10-19T23:17:00.012-04:00

It's no secret that Americans love to eat. It's in our fiber. It is the very essence of what makes this country what it is. It's not truly American if it's not as 'American as apple pie," right? The melting pot that our country has become is no more evident than in our cuisine. Burger joints, Chinese restaurants, pizza parlors, hot dog stands, kebab/gyro stands, chicken shacks and seafood restaurants alike are all reflections of the cultural and regional influences that we as Americans incorporate into our cuisine.

American cuisine, while pleasurable for the pallet is also notoriously high in calories. Restaurants, especially fast food establishments have sought to combat this problem by offering low calorie options and posting calorie counts for all of their products.

A recent study done by Yale & New York University found that posting calories has little to no effect on the buying habits of fast-food customers. For a nation that places as much emphasis and spends as much $$ on health-related items, while disturbing, the findings are not surprising. Relative to its size, America ranks at the top of world list with its almost 75% overweight population..

Just as our cuisine is creative, inventive and full of variety, so too are the diet and exercise techniques that so many employ to shed those dreaded pounds. Veganism is one of the myriad dietary choices one can make to live a healthier lifestyle, and it is a choice that has been 30 years in the making for Brenda Beener. Unlike vegetarians, vegans seeks to exclude animal products of any kind from their diets, including eggs, dairy products and honey.

Beener's family and its love for food and cooking traces its roots back to New Orleans, where traditional dishes are rich in seafood and meats. Think gumbo, crawfish, and jamabalya. Beener gradually overcame her love for those tasty, native dishes in order to become a complete vegan. She has not had any meat in 12 years. "Being from New Orleans, the hardest part was overcoming seafood" says Beener.

As time passed, Beener's repertoire of vegan dishes expanded and she took chef courses to enhance her seasoning and presentation skills. From those classes, Beener began offering her services to friends and family, personally preparing delicious and aesthetically pleasing vegan dishes. The feedback was so positive, that what began as hobby has turned into a fledgling business Beener now calls 'Seasoned Vegan.'

Seasoned Vegan is a labor of love that combines Beener's passion for the vegan lifestyle with her passion for preparing dishes. Beener uses all organic ingredients and seasonings in her dishes, and I can tell you from first hand experience that they are outstanding. I had some 'tuna' casserole that knocked my socks off. Seriously. I'll be back for more real soon.

Beener takes pride in the fact that it usually doesn't take much to convince bona fide carnivores such as myself that vegan dishes can taste just as good if not better than their meaty equivalents.

"Sometimes people are skeptical initially, but I just let them taste the samples and let their taste buds do the talking. The seasoning is what makes my dishes stand out from others. "

Vegan Chicken

Teriyaki Orange Broiled Chicken, Yams, Brown Rice,

Mustard & Kale Greens & Corn Muffins

The Seasoned Vegan team is comprised of Beener and a small group of assistants who prepare and package meals and dishes. The Seasoned Vegan team makes house calls as well as caters events and functions to bring a fine vegan dining experience wherever the customer desires. These services do not come without cost however. Using all organic ingredients, and providing in-home services may run a tad more than a traditional restaurant dinner but Beener's justification begs a question that we all must ask ourselves; "At the end of the day it's about my health, my life, and how much that is worth to me?"

Now that's food for thought...

For more information on Seasoned Vegan, and a look at some of Mrs. Beener's popular dishes, visit. SeasonedVegan.com.

Kanye West & Lady Gaga cancel tour

2009-10-02T11:37:00.012-04:00

I didn't think much of it when Kanye West told Jay Leno that he has been on the go and had not taken time to deal with his mother's death.

West made the announcement the day after he rudely interrupted Taylor Swift at the MTV VMA Awards.

Apparently West has finally decided to take some time off and regroup. He and budding pop sensation Lady Gaga announced recently that they will cancel their 'Fame Kills' Tour. which was set to make stops around the country beginning in November.

The duo did not give a reason for the cancellation, but one can only imagine it has a lot to do with Kanye's desire to deal with his emotions and get his life back together.

All the best Mr. West.

David Letterman drops late night bombshells on personal life

2009-10-02T11:05:00.012-04:00

Last week, David Letterman shocked viewers when revealed that one of his producers for the Late Show was seeking to extort $2 million as hush from publishing a book about Letterman's extra-curricular activities.

Letterman went on to reveal that he has had multiple sexual relationships with female staffers on his show and has done some "terrible" things in his past.

Despite these seemingly embarrassing and humbling revelations, Letterman in true late night host form managed to make light of the situation and keep the audience laughing.

My question is, what is the big deal? What, when and who Mr. Letterman does should be between he and his significant other. I'm sur we'll be hearing more about this in the coming months.

In case you missed Letterman's segment where he discussed the situation, check it out below.

Miss Australia shows off her skills in "Condom Olympics"

2009-08-25T17:07:00.010-04:00

For those of you who thought beauty pageants were nothing more than platforms for girlie girls to parade around on stage in swimsuits and give semi-heartfelt speeches about worthy causes, I offer this video as proof that beauty pageants are more than just a showing of brains & beauty...but breath as well.

Rachael Finch AKA Miss Australia was vying for the crown of Miss Universe this past weekend at the pageant in the Bahamas when she and a few fellow Miss Universe contestants competed in the "Condom Olympics"... I can't make this stuff up.

The contestants had to blow up a condom as big as possible without bursting it...Take a look at the video to see how Finch "blew" her competition out of the water.

Now that's talent. Brains, Beauty, and the lung capacity of Jacques Cousteau... I'm in love. Unfortunately for Rachael, her conquest in the Condom Olympics didn't translate to a victory in the main event. Finch grabbed second runner up to Ms. Venezuela (the second year in a row a woman from Venezuela has won Miss Universe). Oh well. Can't win 'em all I guess.

When asked about finishing second in the pageant, Finch replied "it sucks...actually, it blows.." Sorry, it was too easy. She didn't say that, but I had to take a swing.

Michelle Obama & her wardrobe..

2009-08-19T18:46:00.005-04:00

A lot has been made of Michelle Obama's decision to wear shorts during the family's vacation visit to the Grand Canyon a few days ago. Temperatures in the canyon can reach upwards of 100 degrees this time of year. The shorts look like some standard Old Navy cargo shorts...nothing particularly fashionable about them. I think that she wore for comfort and not fashion, but a debate has sprung up about whether or not she is "too casual" as a first lady.

Michelle already won my 'Swag Award' following the Obama's first trip to Europe, where she wowed the media and other female heads of state while President Obama was meeting with officials at the G-20 Summit.

Personally, I think the shorts are fine and I would be more outraged if she wore a pants suit in the middle of August to the Grand Canyon than these simple shorts. I wanted to pose the question to my readers though. What do we think of her shorts?? Comfortably chic, or crossing the line??

Swag Award of the Week August 10-16

2009-08-17T12:56:00.009-04:00

Talk about an upset.. This is a David vs. Goliath story if I've ever heard one. Y.E. Yang, ranked #110 in the world at the outset of the PGA Championship out dueled Tiger Woods in the final round to win the tournament by three strokes.

Woods entered the final round with a two stroke lead and for the first time in his professional career relinquished a final round lead in a major. Woods had previously won all 14 majors when entering the final round with a lead.

With the victory, Yang became the first Asian-born golfer to win a major. For his efforts, Yang received $1.35 million, the 44-pound Wanamaker Trophy, and a five year exemption on the PGA Tour and all majors. Woods' loss means he will finish the year without a win at a major for the first time since 2004.

Congrats Mr. Yang for not backing down as the Tiger roared, as so many golfers have in the past. Watch the highlights here.

Mike Vick speaks for the first time since his release

2009-08-17T12:10:00.006-04:00

Yesterday evening Mike Vick, former NFL superstar turned convict spoke to James Brown of CBS Sports on 60 Minutes for his first formal interview since his release from prison following a two year stint for bankrolling an intrastate dogfighting ring.

In the interview Vick told Brown that the magnitude and severity of his actions did not really sink in until the door of the prison cell slammed shut in Leavenworth, Kansas. He also said that he initially lied about the allegations because he was scared, and knew his career was in jeopardy and also, that lying to his sponsors, teammates and Falcons owner Arthur Blank backfired on him tremendously.

Vick's interview was one of the more honest, sincere interviews I've seen in a while, especially compared to A-Roid's interview a few months back with Peter Gammons of ESPN.

Personally, I'm happy the Vick is back in the league. I think he is contrite, humbled, and eager to revive his NFL career and his standing in the eyes of the public. Vick has a team of image coaches assisting him with his return to game. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who regularly visits prisons to speak with inmates has been serving as a mentor to Mike for months. Vick has also teamed up with the Humane Society and has already begun making appreances to speak out against cruelty to animals.

I have enjoyed watching Mike Vick play football since his college days. His athletic prowess was/is undeniable. Everyone makes mistakes, and he has without question paid the price for the biggest mistake of his life. I wish him all the best on his road to redemption.

Usain Bolt is fast

2009-08-17T11:07:00.010-04:00

He did it again.. Another race, another world record. This past weekend, Usain Bolt raised the bar again as he won the 100m dash at the IAAF T&F Trials in Germany in a hasty time of 9.58 seconds.

I was at the Olympics last year when Bolt shocked the world and coasted to the finish line and still set a world record then with a 9.69 time.

At 6'5, Bolt towers over the competition and his long strides make it hard for anyone to keep up once he reaches top speed. Apparently running the 100m dash in 9.58 seconds is equivalent to running 30MPH...Wow. The man is fast...like lightning. I can't think of a more appropriate last name for a sprinter as fast as he.

Are you ready for some football??

2009-08-06T10:55:00.009-04:00

Apparently Reggie Wayne is, as he showed up to the Colts training camp a few days back in a dump truck..

Equipped with his hard hat and lunchbox, Wayne said he was ready to start rebuilding the road to the the Super Bowl. If you remember, it was Wayne & the Colts who won Super Bowl XLI back in 2006 beating the Chicago Bears 29-17.

Good luck this year Reggie. Usually antics like this would have been all over the TV, but it's hard to get in the limelight with Mike Vick trying to make a comeback, Steve McNair's untimely death, T.O.'s realty show, and Brett Favre's saga. Gotta love the NFL. Getcha popcorn ready.

President Obama gets a mountain named after him for his birthday

2009-08-05T17:12:00.006-04:00

No, Mount Rushmore has not been updated to inlcude a granite image of President Obama, but Barack Obama does now in fact have a mountain named in his honor. As the president celebrated his 48th birthday yesterday, the Prime Minister of Antigua named that country's highest mountain after him.

Mt. Obama, formerly known as "Boggy Peak."

A little ironic considering the mountain of debt and economic turmoil this country finds itself in, but a very nice gesture nontheless.

Formerly known as "Boggy Peak," Mount Obama stands 1,300 ft. over Antigua's southern tip. Baldwin Spencer, the Prime Minister of Antigua held a ceremony on the island yesterday to celebrate the occasion. There is a plaque at the base of the mountain that reads:

"Mount Obama, named in honor of the historical election on Nov. 4, 2008, of Barack Hussein Obama, the first black president of the United States of America, as a symbol of excellence, triumph, hope and dignity for all people."

Video of the ceremony that took place in Antigua.

What a birthday present. Happy belated President Obama.

Swag Award of the Week August 3-9

2009-08-05T15:47:00.015-04:00

I know it's only Wednesday, but I don't think anyone can take the award from Bill Clinton this week. In a 20 hour trip, Clinton flew to North Korea, met with Kim Jong Il and accomplished a feat the U.S. government had been trying to accomplish since March; broker the safe return of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the two American journalists who were sentenced to 12 years hard labor after being arrested while crossing into N. Korea from China. Clinton and the journalists returned home today to tearful eyes and open arms of family members and Al Gore, who owns the media company the journalists work for.

View the emotional press conference:

Apparently this trip had been in the works for some time as the White House & the N. Korean Foreign Ministry had been engaging in talks for months. Possible candidates to make the trip included Bill Richardson New Mexico governor Bill Richardson as well as former President Al Gore, but the Koreans let it be known that Bill was their choice to engage in talks.

Clinton's visit was the first visit by such a high-ranking U.S. official since then Secretary of State, Madeline Albright visited with N. Korean officials in 2000. According to the White House "Mr. Clinton went to North Korea as a private citizen, did not carry a message from Mr. Obama for Mr. Kim and had the authority to negotiate only for the women’s release"... Right.. Bill Clinton has had a vested interest in N. Korea and its nuclear capabilities since his time a president and officials close to the matter said “It would be someplace between surprising and shocking if there wasn’t some substantive discussion between the former president, who is deeply knowledgeable about the nuclear issue, and Kim Jong-il."

Whatever was said at that table may never be known by anyone who was not in attendance, but the outcome is clear. Two U.S. citizens have been reunited with their families and have escaped a terrible fate thanks to the efforts of Bill Clinton and other U.S. diplomats.

Eight and a half years removed from office, and Bill Clinton's appeal and effectiveness on a global stage cannot be overstated. The fact that he was sought by the Koreans, made the trip there and came back with the two journalists in under 24 hours says something. Someone told me a long time ago that "you have to be in demand to make demands." President Clinton's successful trip embodies that phrase. SWAGGER !!

More police misconduct?? Officers caught on camera fabricating police report

2009-07-30T12:38:00.019-04:00

In the aftermath of the Henry Louis Gates incident, not only has dialogue opened up nationwide regarding race relations, but police conduct has also been thrown into the spotlight.

A few days ago, another situation involving "questionable" police behavior was uncovered. Back in February, police officers in Hollywood, Florida charged 23 year-old Alexandra Torrensvillas with DUI and a traffic violation following a fender-bender where the officers ran into the back of her car.

Upon questioning Torrensvillas admitted that she had been drinking. The officers were caught on the dashboard camera devising a plot to spin the story to make it appear as if the accident was a result of Torrensvillas driving under the influence and not the fault of the officers who were following too closely.

Check out the news story:

Now in the Gates situation, there is some fuzziness surrounding the details and who is most at fault, but here the facts are clear cut and officers are clearly in the wrong.

Sgt. Dewey Pressley, a 21-year veteran on the force is can be heard on the tape saying "well, I don't lie and makes things up ever because it's wrong, but if I need to bend it a little to protect a cop, I'm gonna."

To make matters worse, Pressley then goes on to direct another officer on how to write the report.

"I will write the narrative out for you. I will tell you exactly how to word it so it can get him off the hook. You see the angle of her car? You see the way it's like this? As far as I'm concerned, I am going to word it she is in the left hand lane. We will do a little Walt Disney to protect the cop, because it wouldn't matter because she was drunk anyway.."

Wow..Talk about abusing the law. The officers have since been placed on desk duty and the charges against Torrensvillas have been dropped.

Now I know the Gates incident and this have little in common other than the fact that police behavior in both situations have come under scrutiny. If anything, police behavior and the officers' commitment to enforcing not abusing the law should be the common thread these incidents share. Unfortunately that's not the case.

In another incident, an openly gay attonery from D.C. was arrested and ticketed after police officers overheard him telling his friends that he hates the police. Apparently, officers handcuffed him without giving their reason and then told him to "just shut up fa**@!"

Henry Gates is a prominent scholar, and because of that he was able to draw attention to his plight, even gaining sympathy/support from the President of the United States. Alexandra Torrensvillas had the good fortune of a dashboard camera to capture her arresting officers transgressions. The prominent lawyer in D.C. has his reputation and legal knowledge to aid him in his battle. Not everyone is that lucky, and the fact that these incidents happened in different parts of the country under different circumstances tells me that this is not a racial/class struggle between police and civilians, but rather a culture of superiority over the law within police departments nationwide. These cops are setting a dangerous precedent, and the issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

In the mean time, I'll just make sure to be on my P's & Q's when I see Johnny Law approaching and let N.W.A comment on my feelings about coppers...

Chris Brown apology...what a joke

2009-07-23T01:16:00.005-04:00

Have you ever seen a more scripted, insincere apology than this pile of crap offered up by Chris Brown??

After jet-skiing at Diddy's estate, laying low for a few months, then getting shut down from the BET Awards by Jay-Z, Chris makes his first public statements since that fateful night when he assaulted Rihanna from the drivers seat of his car.

If this is the best he could do, he shouldn't have said anything. Watching this makes me even question if he's truly remorseful for what he did or remorseful over the fact that his actions have affected his public image...Chris and his lawyer should be ashamed of themselves for this one.

You be the judge:

President Obama comments on the Henry Louis Gates situation

2009-07-22T23:04:00.010-04:00

President Obama addressed the nation again in prime time; this time to garner support, and emphasize his desire to reform America's health care system. I won't bore you with the details of the speech if you missed it. Get the rundown here.

The highlight of the night in my opinion came when President Obama fielded his final question from the throng of White House correspondents present for the address.

A woman asked the president what he thought about the Henry Louis Gates incident that occurred a few days ago. If you haven't heard about it, read up on it here.

President Obama replied by saying that "the police acted stupidly" and "what we know separate and apart from this incident is that there's a long history in this country of African Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately."

See for yourself:

Uh oh...so much for being PC. President Obama "kept it real," and gave his honest, unscripted opinion on the matter. I hope there isn't much backlash for those remarks. Obama acknowledged that Gates is a personal friend and that his opinion may be a little biased, but still...

Then again, isn't that what you want from a leader? Someone who will tell the truth and/or make decisions because those are right things to say and do, not because they are popular?

What about the "...here I'd get shot" comment? I laughed at the time when I heard it live as did the press members in the audience. I just hope that news outlets and the GOP don't replay/spin those bytes continuously down the road (re-election time if not sooner) to portray Obama in a negative light.

There is no question that what happened to Professor Gates is an unfortunate situation that probably could have been resolved differently. I hope that President Obama's approval ratings/political initiatives/respect from other politicians and world leaders do not waver in the aftermath of those comments; especially since it was not absolutely imperative that the president address that situation at all. That my friends would truly be an unfortunate situation.

Video of LeBron James getting dunked on..

2009-07-22T18:18:00.012-04:00

Sports enthusiasts have been hearing about this and anticipating the footage for weeks now... The footage of Jordan Crawford, the sophomore at Xavier University who dunked on LeBron James at his Nike sponsored skills camp.

Well, after some internet scouring BDumasonline has found the video. See the dunk for yourself:

If you're not aware of the situation, my boys over at the Campus Socialite have a good synopsis of what happened.

Essentially, LeBron James was dunked on in a pickup game...A semi-embarrassing moment for the league MVP. Nike confiscated all videos of the dunk, saying it is against policy to film pickup games... Right. Nike/LeBron were just trying to save face.

I wonder what Bron Bron's response to this mishap will be?? Look for King James in the NBA Finals next season. As for the collegiate Jordan Crawford...I hope that dunk will not be the crowning achievement of his basketball career. It remains to be seen.

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-05T13:16:00.005-04:00

A few photos that I snapped from a friend's balcony yesterday..

Blast from the past: M.Jackson vs. M. Jordan

2009-06-30T10:25:00.008-04:00

Only a few days removed from the shocking news of Michael Jackson's death, radio station playlists and TV coverage are still devoting a great deal of time and attention to the pop icons music.

Remember the song Jam from Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous" ? The song had cameos from Kriss Kross, a verse from Heavy D, and more importantly Michael "His Airness" Jordan was featured alongside Jackson shooting hoops and dancing.

Never before had two powerhouses of sports and entertainment been featured together in a music video..

Here is some footage of Jackson talking about playing ball with Jordan & showing him some of his patented dance moves.

Nowadays, cameos such as the one Michael Jordan made are commonplace. Athletes frequently appear in music videos, and musicians frequently support athletes in the arenas (i.e. Jay-Z & LeBron James).

LeBron actually has a similar cameo to Michael Jordan in Jay-Z's new video for his single 'Death of Autotune.' People always say nothing is new under the sun. Michael Jackson was the first to feature a prominent athlete in his video over 15 years ago...The man truly was a pioneer.

Jay-Z: 'Death of Autotune' video (LeBron cameo @ 3:55)

College done the right way: A few websites to enhance your college experience

2009-06-29T13:54:00.012-04:00

"I wanna go to college for the rest of my life

Sip Banker's Club and drink Miller Lite

On Thirsty Thursday and Tuesday Night Ice

And I can get pizza a dollar a slice.

So fill up my cup, let's get f*!#ed up

I'm next on the table, who want what?

I am champion at beer pong

Allen Iverson, Hakeem Olajuwon"

Asher Roth pretty much captured the essence of college with his hit song "I love College."

If your college experience was anything like mine, then you look back fondly at the four years (or more in some cases) that you spent on campus. Learning about yourself, learning in the classroom, and learning about a variety of other topics...made college one of the most exciting, entertaining and challenging times of my life.

A few friends of mine from Syracuse have started websites and made it their business to make sure youngsters in college get the most out the university in addition to a diploma and a lot of debt.

The first site is Precioustimeny.com. My buddies Drew Greenfeld & Brad Wellen have brought the services of a high-end concierge service to college campuses.

According to the website, Precious Time "is the ultimate concierge service for college students. We provide an array of accommodating luxuries that college students can utilize to improve their social and educational experience."

Need to order food and have it delivered? Need a tutor? Precious Time has you covered. Precious Time just started an awesome blog recently called "The Campus Socialite."One of my favorite blogs to read now, the Campus Socialite discusses all things college. Useful gadgets, easy ways to make money, good parties, funny college humor material etc etc. There is even a section devoted to the ladies called "Campus Diva." If you're in college and want to keep up with what's going on in the collegiate world, or you're a grad like me but love to reminisce, then Campus Socialite is a site you need to check out.

Next up is "The Orange Life.org." The Orange Life is more tailored to students in Central New York (Syracuse, Cornell, Ithaca, Colgate, Buffalo, Rochester etc.) Equipped with dining guides, fashion links, weather, sports, off-campus housing information, and an events calendar, The Orange Life is a one-stop shop for all things collegiate in CNY.

If you're still in college, or a grad who likes to keep your finger on the pulse of college life then these are two sites that need to be in your rotation.

Asher said it best. "Man I love college!"

Bye Bye Iraq: US troops to withdraw within a matter of hours

2009-06-29T12:51:00.005-04:00

Within a matter of hours, all of the 130,000 U.S. combat soldiers stationed in cities around Iraq will have vacated to bases outside of the cities. These actions are a result of an agreement between the U.S. and Iraqi governments as America slowly hands the reigns off to the Iraqi's as the rebuilding effort in that country continues. The agreement calls for all U.S. troops to leave the country by 2011.

Six years after George W. Bush declared "mission accomplished" aboard the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln, the United States is finally getting the hell out of dodge...but has the mission really been accomplished??

Remember this speech??

Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani to the Associated Press that when the sun rises on Tuesday "Iraqi citizens will see no U.S. soldiers in their cities. They will see only Iraqi troops protecting them."

Many Iraqi's are ecstatic about this news, and a massive party has been planned on the banks of the Tigris river with performances by popular musicians and a fireworks show. The Iraqi government has declared June 30 a public holiday, "National Sovereignty Day."

The Iraqi government is confident that its forces can combat violence and militant uprisings. There are concerns that with the absence of U.S. troops violence will spike in Iraqi cities. More than 250 people have been killed in little over a week by bombings.

Attention now shifts to the ongoing struggle to combat the Taliban in the mountainous, rugged terrain of Afghanistan. When you look back on the time our soldiers spent in Iraq, how do you feel? Do you think Iraq is better off now than it was in 2003? 2005? 2007?

No weapons of mass destruction were ever found. Insurgent violence, IED's, and roadside bombs continue to take the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. There is still much unrest in Iraq and the rest of the region...

I hope the outcome in Afghanistan will be different, and that we don't declare "mission accomplished" until the mission truly has been accomplished. Considering that troops have been there since 2001 and the Taliban's strength has not been lessened (in fact they seem to be making advances in some territories), suggests that it may take some time to reach a favorable outcome.

Musicians tribute M. Jackson at this year's BET Awards

2009-06-29T12:03:00.007-04:00

The BET Awards aired last night live from Los Angeles...Where do I start? I'm not going to share my personal views of the show, but know that overall they are not positive. The attire, the behavior, the performances, the acoustics, the speeches, the production value more closely resembled a high school talent show than a premier awards show on a reputable cable network.

So I guess I just shared my personal views, huh? Oh well.

Despite all of its failures, BET made a conscious effort to praise, tribute and pay homage to Michael Jackson's achievements and contributions to the music industry and I appreciate their effort in that regard. Putting forth the effort doesn't always yield positive results and that was the case last night. Many of the so-called "tributes" to MJ were nothing more than artists performing their hits in MJ inspired outfits. There were a handful of artists who performed some of Jackson's hits (none worth writing about) with the exception of Ne-Yo.

Ne-Yo performed "Lady in my life" and in my opinion was one of the few artists who actually did justice to a Michael Jackson song. If you missed the BET Awards, please do not feel bad as this video is one of the few highlights from three painful hours of live television.

Ne-Yo performing "Lady in my life":

"May God spare you no mercy": Bernie Madoff sentenced to 150 yrs in prison

2009-06-29T11:35:00.017-04:00

The Bernie Madoff saga has come to an end as judge Denny Chin has sentenced Madoff to the maximum 150 years in prison for spearheading a Ponzi scheme that swindled $65 billion from investors. Madoff's lawyer asked for leniency and a 12 year sentence but was denied.

The sentencing is mostly symbolic as federal court rules require 80% of a sentence to be served before being eligible for parole. At 71, Madoff would be 191 before he would be eligible..

Madoff's sentencing brings closure to the debacle that has ruined to financial lives of over 1,000 people. Two investors have committed suicide after losing millions with Madoff. Countless others are still reeling after the nest eggs they thought were being protected by Madoff were only figments of their imagination.

CNN has a nice timeline of events surrounding the case.

To date, Madoff has returned $1.2 billion and says he can recover up to $13.2 billion for investors. That still leaves almost $50 billion that cannot be recovered or accounted for.

My heart goes out to the retirees and families who thought their money was safe in Bernie Madoff's hands. In the courtroom today, victims of Madoff's scheme spoke about crushed dreams and the devastation that has ensued in the aftermath of Madoff's scheme being exposed.

Madoff told the judge "I thought I could get out of it. The harder I tried to get out of it, the deeper the hole. I could not accept for once in my life I had failed. I was responsible for a great deal of suffering and pain. I am in torment....This is a horrible guilt to live with."

A horrible guilt to live with indeed. A guilt that he will now have to deal with as he spends the rest of his days on earth in federal prison.

Swag Award of the Week June 22-29

2009-06-26T13:21:00.008-04:00

King has left the building. I'm sure most of you were as shocked as I when you found out about Michael Jackson's untimely death. There is no doubt that the megastar, pop icon, musical pioneer turned freak show in recent years had an effect on your life. His music is timeless and his dance moves were impeccable.

A few weeks back I wrote about Jackson's announcement that he was planning a world tour that was set to begin sometime this year. Fans now will not get that opportunity to see Jackson on stage again. Jackson's death reminds us how precious life is, and not even the most accomplished entertainers and celebrities are exempt.

MJ will truly be missed. He touched many lives during his career. Fans from Beijing to Baltimore are still coming to grips with the harsh reality that Jackson is no longer with us. R.I.P Mike.

Millionaire auctions off his wealthy lifestyle...seriously

2009-06-26T12:30:00.005-04:00

Andrew Paul an English commodities trader is giving aspiring millionaires a shot to win his lavish lifestyle. For £20 pounds or $30 US dollars, fans can enter a drawing to win his $1.8 million home in the English countryside, Aston Martin sports car and boat.

Paul, a recent divorcee is auctioning off his lifestyle because he wants to spend more time with his young son.

The auction has one stipulation..200,000 tickets must be sold, which could raise £4 milllion for Andrew. If 150,000 tickets are sold, the winner gets a cash prize and Andrew keeps all of his possessions.

So Andrew wins regardless. You can win his old stuff, but with the money he makes from ticket sales, he probably has another estate, yacht and sports car lined up somewhere else. If enough tickets aren't sold, Andrew will give the winner a little cash and keep most of it along with his stuff.

Auctioning off your stuff, most of which depreciates in value and essentially paying for newer stuff through the money you made when you got rid of your old stuff...BRILLIANT!! Good luck Andrew.

You can check out more details at winanewlife.com.

Swag Award of the Week June 16-21

2009-06-24T01:15:00.013-04:00

I know I'm a tad later than usual with the Swag Award this week, but for days nothing really struck me enough as "swag-worthy" for a bit. Maybe my news/blog/entertainment/etc. etc. consumption levels were down. Maybe it was because my personal swag levels weren't at all-time highs. Who knows? We all have those weeks. Long story short, after watching this situation develop over the last few days I think the Iranian citizens are more than deserving of this weeks award.

A few days back, I blogged about the Iranians using social media to send out images of the protests despite attempts by the government to deny such actions. The situation has grown from bad to worse. It has been announced that recorded votes from 50 cities were tarnished, accounting for more than 3 million fraudulent votes.

Fraudulent votes..sounds a lot the 2000 election here in the states do you think? Despite the fraudulent votes, the Guardian Council(read about this group if you're sure what they're about) maintains that the results are legitimate and that the 3 million votes were not enough to change the outcome.

The citizens are outraged, and rightfully so. There are a few other concerns the people of Iran have regarding the elections however.

An excerpt from NY Times:

How did the government manage to count enough of the 40 million paper ballots to be able to announce results within two hours of the polls closing? How is it that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s margin of victory remained constant throughout the ballot count? Why did the government order polls closed at 10 p.m. when they often stay open until midnight for presidential races? Why were some ballot boxes sealed before candidates’ inspectors could validate they were empty? Why were votes counted centrally, by the Interior Ministry, instead of locally, as in the past? Why did some polling places lock their doors at 6 p.m. after running out of ballots?

A lot of concerns, valid ones at that don't you think? The death toll stands at 17, the Iranian government continues to go forward with the results as they are and the outrage continues around the country. Iran's reputation in the world has been bruised as a result of this ordeal and Britain has expelled two Iranian diplomats in response to the Iranian government expelling two British diplomats days earlier.

The odds certainly seemed stacked against the people, but they continue to draw attention to the situation despite the governments attempts to quash it. Keep fighting the good fight, the end result may be a favorable one..a fair one at least.

Boy survives alone in woods thanks to TV show

2009-06-23T10:50:00.007-04:00

It began as an average family hike through the Utah wilderness. Fifteen members of the Wynne family were hiking along in Utah when the group stopped to tighten a saddle on one of its horses. The family looked up and noticed that 9 year-old Grayson had disappeared.

Grayson, unaware that the family had stopped continued along the trail and eventually made his way onto a smaller, less noticeable trail. Once Grayson realized that he had been separated from his family he turned to his "training," skills he picked up through watching Bear Grylls on Discovery's 'Man vs. Wild.' Grayson ripped up pieces of his yellow raincoat and tied them to trees to help rescuers find him. It helped, because he was safely rescued 18 hours later.

On the show, Grylls, an ex-British Special Forces member and the youngest Brit to climb Mt. Everest shares survival tips with viewers should they ever find themselves stranded or lost in the wild (i.e. when you get separated from your family on a hiking trip). Grylls is notorious for going through extreme measures to preserve his life, and eating just about anything he can find for nourishment...like tarantulas.

Thankfully this story has a happy ending. Who says you can't learn anything by watching TV?

Quality Beats: The Ecstatic

2009-06-17T16:42:00.005-04:00

Mos Def is back at it. His newest release 'The Ecstatic' hit stores last week, and it's definitely worth a listen. Most fans of Mos didn't enjoy his 2006 release, 'True Magic,' but this album is a refreshing reminder of Mos Def's talent and skills that captivated music fans back in the days when he and Talib Kweli formed the duo of Black Star. Solid production, thought-provoking lyrics, and guest appearances by Talib Kweli & Slick Rick make The Ecstatic a solid release. Take a listen if you haven't heard it already.

Social media: reporting the news in ways traditional outlets can't

2009-06-17T12:21:00.008-04:00

We all know that athletes, celebrities and the 18-32 demographic are huge proponents of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter & Myspace. These websites are so prevalent in our lives today, that it is almost hard to imagine what life was like before the invention of the "tweet."

There's nothing like reconnecting with your kindergarten crush 18 years later on Facebook to find out she's married with 3 kids at the age of 24, or "tweeting" about the wonderful burger and shake you had for lunch.

Often times, social media outlets serve a greater purpose and have proven to be valuable resources during breaking news events, providing real-time, raw eyewitness accounts that traditional media outlets sometimes cannot provide. CNN is notorious for its user-generated content called "i-reports." CNN host Rick Sanchez calls his daily show "a national conversation," and he reads and responds to viewers comments through various social media outlets and uses those responses as talking points for his show.

In Iran, protests and violence have filled the streets in the aftermath of the that country's disputed presidential elections. Iranians have been organizing protests and sending photos and video to other media agencies around the world through Facebook & Twitter despite attempts to block such communication by the Iranian government. Cell phone service & text messages have already been severely crippled, but the effectiveness of the Iranian messages and images via Facebook and Twitter cannot be overstated.

The messages have been so effective, that the U.S. government sent a message to Twitter yesterday, asking them to delay their scheduled site maintenance because it would have occurred during a key time in Iran when people were actively "tweeting," posting videos and links. Twitter agreed and delayed the maintenance.

Youtube has also been instrumental for Iranians, and users like "iranbefree.com" regularly post videos of the chaos surrounding the protests.

Videos like this one:

The Iranian government has forbidden all journalists from reporting on the protests without permission, severely crippling their effectiveness. The abundance of reporting by Iranians has filled this void, and the methods through which they are sending out their messages is changing foreign diplomacy and news gathering as we speak.

There is an ongoing debate about the effectiveness and necessity of using social media outlets to report and gather news. A great majority of tweets, links, and status updates are nonsensical, irrelevant posts, but that should not devalue the importance of these outlets during breaking news events. We've seen how these outlets, when used for meaningful purposes can provide access and insights that bonafide journalists are prohibited from capturing.

If you devalue the importance of social media then think about this... What if detainees at Abu Gharib in Iraq and Guantanamo could tweet, send facebook updates, and post videos about their time in prison? What do you think the response would have been from the U.S. and other nations around the world?? Something to think about...

Speaking of Rick Sanchez, here is a segment from one of his shows debating the effectiveness/necessity of social media in the news gathering process:

Pat Tomasulo: Sports reporter/ A**hole...watch the video

2009-06-16T11:56:00.006-04:00

Taking candy from a baby ranks pretty high on the list of things you don't do unless you're a bad person. I think dunking on a toddler on television should be on the list too after watching this video.

During a broadcast, WGN Sports reporter Pat Tomasulo on a road trip of some sort was giving a report from some family's driveway. Pat and a little boy were playing some ball when Pat decides to step things up a notch. Pat proceeds to put his low post most moves on a three year old, back him down to the hoop a-la Shaq, spin around and dunk over him...on TV no less.

As if the dunk weren't enough, Pat then proceeds to talk trash to the kid telling him, "you don't bring any of that in my house!" at which point the little guy breaks out in tears.

Pat responds by saying "kids are soft these days and need to be toughened up."

What an a**hole!

The GOP still doesn't get it..

2009-06-16T11:15:00.015-04:00

A few months back I wrote a post on mixed messages the GOP was sending. This was right around the time Michael Steele, chair of the GOP, Rush Limbaugh and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal were all vying to emerge as the prominent voice of the Republican Party in the post-Bush era. In that post, Michael Steele acknowledged that the GOP has alienated key demographics (younger & more colorful) that voted in favor of President Obama and ultimately won him the election.

Here we are three months later, and it appears as if not much has changed within the party. In a recent survey 47% of those surveyed still could not come up with a name of the party's leader. In addition to still not having a spokesperson and a vision, it also appears as if some members of the the party are still committed to mocking President Obama and making racially insensitive remarks...the exact actions that contradict Michael Steele's hopes of a "hip-hop" makeover to attract those younger, more colorful demographics I spoke about earlier.

This latest fiasco comes out of Tennessee and it involves another email that was never intended to be seen by someone who saw it and the subsequent backlash over the remarks. Sherri Goforth, aide to Sen. Diane Black sent an email out to fellow senators and aides titled "Historical Keepsake Photo" that contained a collage of all U.S. presidents. The image of President Obama was a little off however, as Barack's photo was simply a black square with two oversized eyes...(see photo at the top).

Goforth apologized not for the hurtful nature of the email, but sending it to the wrong people.

“I went on the wrong email and I inadvertently hit the wrong button,” Goforth said. “I’m very sick about it, and it’s one of those things I can’t change or take back.”

Sen. Black has not terminated her aide, but instead issued a written and verbal reprimand...The GOP cannot possibly expect to woo minorities and more open-minded young people on a large scale when images such as these keep surfacing. Judging by Goforth's apology, not for creating the email but for sending it to the wrong people, it appears as if not much of an effort is truly being made.

A look back at New York's subways

2009-06-15T01:31:00.010-04:00

John Travolta and Denzel Washington thrilled audiences this weekend, as their remake of the 1974 hit 'The Taking of the Pelham 1,2,3' hit theaters. Back in '74 when the original film came out, New York subways were a much different place than they are now. Nowadays, rats, crowded trains and the occasional beggar are among the least desirable elements of the city's subways. Back then, rats were a welcome sight compared to the muggers and other vagrants who frequently preyed on subway passengers.

TheDailyBeast.com recently published an interview and photographs from John Conn. Conn photographed the subways in the early 80's and captured them in all of their dirty, decrepit "glory." If you happen live in New York, be thankful these aren't the conditions you face as you travel around the city in 2009.

I have included a few photos below, but click HERE for the full gallery and interview.

Swag Award of the Week June 8-15

2009-06-15T00:45:00.009-04:00

Behind every great team, lies a great coach. The general, the director, the puppeteer. The person who develops the plan of action, pulls the strings and puts the pieces together in order to achieve maximum results.

With the Los Angeles Lakers' series clinching victory over Orlando, Phil Jackson etched his name in the annals of sports becoming the only coach in NBA history to win 10 titles. Think about that...10 titles. That's a championship for each finger. Pretty impressive.

There is no question that Jackson is a great coach. He won six titles in Chicago with the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. He won three in Los Angeles with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. And the win last night ensures that he will go down as one of, if not the best coach to ever step onto the hardwood.

What I like most about Phil is his demeanor; his 'swag' if you will. Even in defeat, Phil Jackson remains collected, always composed and never flustered. Many coaches around the league let their emotions get the best of them. Not Jackson.

Coaches on the professional level have a lot of variables to deal with in order to achieve success. Pressure from ownership, fans expectations, overly-critical journalists, over-paid players and the egos that come with their salaries. Let's not forget the X's & O's of the game as well. For his entire career, Jackson has somehow managed to put all of that noise behind he and his players to make beautiful music on the court. Speaking of beautiful music...10 titles has a nice ring to it don't you think? RESPECT.

HONORABLE MENTION:

As much as I despise the University of Connecticut in all things athletic, objectivity is important at BDumasonline.com and I must give credit where it is due.

Jim Calhoun, head coach of the UCONN Huskies was cycling in his charity bike race this weekend. Around the 50 mile marker out of 67, Calhoun hit a pothole, fell off his bike and broke five ribs.. Calhoun was not deterred, as he biked at 16 more miles to the finish with broken ribs. Upon crossing the finish line, Calhoun collapsed and was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. He has already been released from the hospital.

A few things here:

A. I'm not even sure if I can bike 67 miles in one day

B. I definitely can't bike 16 miles with 5 broken ribs

C. Jim Calhoun is 67 and he biked 16 miles with 5 broken ribs

D. Damn! That's impressive!

Much like Phil Jackson in the pro ranks, Jim Calhoun by most accounts is one of the best coaches in college. His 805 wins puts him at #6 all-time and second among active coaches. Calhoun has already been inducted into the NCAA hall of fame and I'm sure his efforts today will earn him even more respect from his players and fellow coaches. Get well soon coach.

Six Flags files for bankruptcy

2009-06-13T10:52:00.005-04:00

The auto giants aren't the only ones that have been hit by the recession. Six Flags, the Amusement park giant that has provided me with so many memorable moments over the years has filed for bankruptcy.

Mark Shapiro, CEO of Six flags says filing for Chapter 11 will not affect any of the the company's parks in the U.S and Mexico, but will help the company restructure $2.8 billion in debt.

I haven't been to Six Flags in years, and apparently they could have used the business. I remember pounding cokes at 10am to save money on tickets. My friends and I used to have a system for the coasters. Ride the popular ones early before the crowds pick up, hit the water rides in the middle of the day to cool down, and then more coaster action to finish the day. Funnel cakes and cotton candy were also thrown into the equation at some point. We didn't mess around. I miss those times.

I hope Six Flags can weather the storm. I can't imagine what growing up would be like for any kid without trips to the amusement park.

T-Pain's chain...

2009-06-10T15:26:00.010-04:00

He can't be serious... T-Pain introduced his chain to the world last weekend at the Summerjam concert in New York. Worth over $400K, adorned with 197 carats of diamonds and weighing 7.5 pounds, T-Pain's "Big Ass Chain" is exactly that.

I cannot think of a more frivolous way to spend money than on a big ass chain that actually says "Big Ass Chain." I am in sheer disbelief over this one. I like jewelry as much as the next man, but all in good taste. You can overdo anything...They used to put "big ass chains" on my people hundreds of years ago, but for different reasons. I guess Mr. Pain forgot that fact. He should be ashamed of himself.

Xbox unveils new motion-detection software at E3 convention

2009-06-10T11:38:00.006-04:00

XBOX debuted its 'P roject Natal' motion-detection system at the E3 video game conference last week, and it was the most talked about event of the entire conference. Microsoft claims Project Natal will revolutionize the video game industry.

Project Natal can best be described as a step up from the Nintendo Wii model where a motion sensor detects movements and simulates them in video games. All of this is done with out a controller (i.e. in a racing game, you put your hands in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, press your right foot towards the floor for the gas pedal and your left for the break, and the game simulates those movements in the cockpit of your car).

Microsoft was not alone however, as Sony introduced its own motion-detecting wand which is eerily similar to Nintendo's Wii controller. Both Project Natal and Sony's controller are set to hit markets in 2010.

Some could see these releases as Sony & Microsoft attempting to catch up in sales with Nintendo's wildly popular Wii console which sold 50 million consoles worldwide. Xbox is a distant second with 30 million.

Nintendo said they experimented with the same technology Sony & Microsoft are just catching on to three years ago, but opted against it because the technology of the wand yielded better results.

There have been reports that Project Natal is not without flaws, and has struggled at times to recognize the movements of players with darker complexions... Video game profiling? What is the world coming to LOL? Microsoft maintains that this is not an issue and their system recognizes all complexions and body types.

It remains to be seen what effect these new technologies from Sony and Microsoft will have on sales, but it is obvious that both are trying to break away from the controller-based experience of yesteryear to provide a more interactive experience for gamers.

Herschel Walker to begin MMA fighting career

2009-06-09T12:06:00.004-04:00

That's right. According to Sports Illustrated's own Peter King, Herschel Walker has announced his plans to enter the realm of mixed martial arts this fall.

The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner has been incorporating martial arts into his training regimen for nearly 30 years. Despite his age (47), Herschel Walker is a beast, and he's been training with martial arts probably longer than his competition has been alive. I pity the fool who steps in the ring with him. Would you want to step into a cage with minimal padding and maximum pain with this man?

Why does Zak Morris still look 16???

2009-06-09T11:19:00.007-04:00

In case you missed it, Mark Paul-Gosselaar appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night. Fallon is attempting to get commitments from all the old cast members for a Saved By the Bell reunion show in the near future.

Dude still looks like he did in the 90's.. How has he maintained his boyish good looks over the last decade and a half? In addition to introducing us the the wonders of the cell phone, has Zack Morris also found the fountain of youth? Does he take botox? I guess we'll never know. There's cool, and then there's Zack Morris status..

Here's the segment:

Racism? DJ Jazzy Jeff Kicked off stage in Kansas City

2009-06-08T15:23:00.009-04:00

I have to thank my good friend Nick Wright out in Kansas City for making me aware of this one. Nick hosts a talk show out in KC, mostly commenting on sports topics, and occasionally addressing larger social and/or political issues. Check him out at 610sports.com.

Such was the case today as Nick devoted a portion of his show to an event that occurred over the weekend that has KC up in arms. DJ Jazzy Jeff was performing at KC's downtown entertainment district Saturday night. For those who may not be aware, it was Will Smith AKA The Fresh Prince & Jeff Townes AKA DJ Jazzy Jeff who won the very first rap Grammy Award for their hit 'Parents Just Don't Understand' in 1989. Jazzy Jeff is a hip hop pioneer.

Saturday night after only 30 minutes, Jazzy Jeff ended his set and walked off stage. Read all about the incident here.

Jeff claims he was kicked off stage for playing hip-hop.. There are also reports that his "hype man" was forming gang signs on stage while attempting to liven up the crowd. Jazzy Jeff says they were asked to play Top 40 hits or leave, despite the fact Jeff says his set included T.I. & Rihanna's hit 'Live Your Life,' Kanye West's 'The Good Life,' and other chart-toppers.

Jon Stephens, the president of the Power & Light District where the concert was held maintains that Jeff & Co. were asked to leave because their levels were too high and risked damaging the speaker equipment...

My buddy Nick spoke with Stephens this morning and got his take on the situation:

WW- 06-08-09 Segment 6

What's Wright with Nick Wright

The KC P&L district is an urban redevelopment financed by taxpayers, and there has been a great deal of public outrage regarding the districts policies since it opened last spring. Most of the outrage stems from what are perceived as racial undertones through the dress code policy and lack of venues that cater to minority clientele, despite the fact that 30% of the city's population is black.

Kansas City is also home to the American Jazz Museum & The Negro Leagues Museum, but the newly opened development where Jazzy Jeff was asked to leave does not have one venue that features blues, jazz or hip hop amongst its over 40 establishments.

KC P&L's dress code policy. What do you think?

Here is a news story on KCP&L's controversial dress code.

I was not in attendance Saturday, nor do I live in Kansas City. I am though good friends with Nick who was born, raised and now works there. Through Nick, I have learned that KC is notorious for frail race relations. KCP&L may have had the best of intentions last weekend, but the dress code policy, its lack of business that cater to minorities, and its treatment of a hip hop legend send an entirely different message...

Swag Award of the Week June 1-7

2009-06-08T11:36:00.008-04:00

This pains me, but for the sake of objectivity I have to give Kobe this weeks 'Swag Award.' His performances last week in the NBA finals have been impressive. His 40 point performance in game one of the finals helped the Lakers cruise to a 25-point victory. In game two, Bryant dropped 29 as LA won in overtime.

In addition to his efforts on the floor, Nike has been hanging from Bryant's (and LeBron's..) jock strap with its series of MVP-Most Valuable Puppets commercials.

To top off the love fest, Lil' Wayne, arguably the hottest MC in music right now blessed the internet with a tribute to Kobe and all of his greatness...

LeBron will be there soon, but this past week showed us that Kobe is still the NBA's top dog.

A shift in foreign policy. President Obama calls for new beginning with the Muslim world

2009-06-04T10:39:00.010-04:00

"No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust." This is what President Obama said today as he addressed an auditorium full of Muslim leaders in Cairo, Egypt. While the President acknowledged that the speech he gave alone cannot heal the wounds left from 9/11, Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, Iraq and Afghanistan, his words have been the strongest breath of fresh air coming from an American president in almost a decade. The president's tone is in stark contrast to the "you're either with us or not" philosophy of the Bush doctrine that for two terms expanded the rift between America and countries in the Middle East.

President Obama, quoted the Koran, addressed ill feelings towards the west, addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict, and vowed that words alone will not be enough and that ultimately the actions of America and Middle East nations going forward will be the only way to ensure cooperation, peace and success in the years to come.

The importance of today's speech cannot be overstated as President Obama determines the tone of our country's foreign policy and the relationships America will seek to build and maintain with the Middle East. Osama Bin Laden was aware of the speech's magnitude and came out of hiding to release an audio tape accusing the president of "planting new seeds of hatred and vengeance toward Americans" yesterday.

We live in a different time than we did during World War II and prior. President Obama understands that diplomacy and negotiations are more effective in this era than isolationism and flexing our militarys muscle. There is much unrest in the Middle East. Some conflicts are a direct result of Americas actions. Others have their roots in struggles that began before The United States became a country. Peace in the Middle East, as cliché as it might sound is a daunting task that will take some time to achieve, if ever. The olive branch that President Obama extended today is a very important first step towards that goal.

President Obama's entire address in Cairo:

Actor David Carradine found dead at 72

2009-06-04T10:38:00.013-04:00

Hollywood lost a star today. Actor David Carradine was found dead today in his hotel room in Bangkok where he was filming a movie. It is suspected that Carradine committed suicide and hanged himself.

Though Carradine appeared in a variety of roles, he is most famous for his work as a martial arts connoisseur. In the 70's he played Kwai Chaing Caine, the star of the hit Tv show, 'Kung Fu.'

Many of you remember him as Bill, the coldhearted kung fu instructor who taught Uma Thurman everything she knew, and then with the help of Thurman's assassin friends attempted to kill her following a heartbreak. Kill Bill Vol's 1 & 2 are the story of Thurman exacting her revenge on her attempted killers, culminating in a showdown with Bill (Carradine). After a duel for the ages, Thurman prevails when she strikes Bill with the '5 point palm, exploding heart technique.'

Before Jet Li, before Jackie Chan, there was David Carradine. The Kung fu genre on TV and in film owes a lot to this man for his contributions. RIP.

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall cleared on domestic violence charges

2009-06-03T11:20:00.007-04:00

Brandon Marshall is a firecracker, that much is obvious. His nickname is "The Beast," and anyone who knows him knows that he is a fierce competitor who enjoys punishing defenders on his way to the end zone. What is less apparent is how much that "beast" mentality he takes with him off the field and into his personal life.

NFL league spokesperson Greg Aiello announced today that Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league in response to an incident that occurred on March 1 in Atlanta, where he and his new fiancee were arrested following a domestic dispute.

This was not Marshall's first time under NFL scrutiny for a domestic dispute. In fact Marshall's past is as tainted as any one's, consisting of numerous domestic disputes and arrests with his former girlfriend Rasheeda Watley between 2006 and 2008. A timeline of Marshall's domestic past here. Marshall was suspended for one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy in 2008. Just by looking at the facts, it appears as if Marshall has some anger management issues that he needs to address..

Here is a piece ESPN ran on Marshall's past domestic disputes and subsequent run-ins with the law:

I don't like to make assumptions and/or judge a situation without all the facts...but I'm just saying. Over 10 domestic incidents with two different women in a three year NFL career doesn't look good. Life and football aren't the same Brandon. You can't stiff arm your girl like you do opponents. That ferocity on the field earned Marshall a spot on his first Pro-Bowl this past season. That ferocity off the field has ended one of his relationships, and could jeopardize his NFL career. I have ZERO tolerance for men who hit women. Judging by the remarks from the parents of Marshall's ex-girlfriend Rasheedah Watley, the Denver Broncos seem to be a little more sympathetic towards their superstar receiver. Get it together Brandon. The NFL let you off the hook this time. Next time, you may not be so lucky. Just ask Mike Vick.

NBA Spoof.."Where Caucasian Happens"

2009-06-02T17:20:00.008-04:00

For whatever reason, white guys in the NBA tend to get a pretty bad rap. Ever since Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson came out with 'White Men Can't Jump' in 1992, sports enthusiasts have debated and even mocked the role of caucasian players in the league over the years. The game has taken on a noticeably darker hue since the 90's when I started really following the game.

The Cunninlynguists brought more attention to the issue with their latest, a spoof of the NBA's "Where Amazing Happens Campaign..."

Conan O'Brien makes Tonight Show debut

2009-06-02T12:44:00.003-04:00

Last night marked the beginning of the Conan O'Brien era on NBC's Tonight Show. O'Brien has been off the airwaves for three months now, as Jay Leno was stepping down and Jimmy Fallon has tried to embrace O'Brien's vacated role on 'Late Night.' Not sure how I feel about Conan on the Tonight Show yet, so I'm withholding judgment for a bit. See the first episode for yourself:

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg says Barack Obama doesn't get paid that much..

2009-06-02T11:49:00.008-04:00

That's right, he said it. Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, its wealthiest resident and 17th wealthiest person on earth said that the President of the United States does not get paid that much.

Bloomberg was speaking to a group of reporters when he was asked to justify taxpayers footing the bill for the first couple's trip to NYC this weekend for dinner and a Broadway show.

Bloomberg's response: "The President doesn't make that much, he's on a budget too."

The President's salary is $400,000 annually, with a $50,000 expense report and $19,000 entertainment budget. All told, that's approaching half a million dollars to play around with each year for four years.

I guess when you're worth $16 billion, and plan on using $80 million of your personal stash to finance your re-election campaign for a third term that you changed the law to allow yourself to be able to run in..$400,000 isn't a whole heck of a lot. Wealth, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And when you're as wealthy as Mayor Bloomberg, the standards are high apparently.

Cool guys don't look at explosions: another digital short from Andy Samberg

2009-06-02T10:53:00.008-04:00

Ok, so Andy Samberg is quickly becoming the funniest man on TV in my opinion. His skits on Saturday Night Live are epic, and his digital shorts are even more legit.

Samberg hosted the MTV Movie Awards this year, and he along with Will Ferrell performed a song mocking the quintessential shot from every action movie you've ever seen...the hero or villain walking away from a huge explosion unfazed by the heat, noise and concussion from the blast.

You've seen it in Dark Knight. You've seen it in No Country for Old Men. You've seen it in Transformers. You've seen it countless other times. You're not an official badass until you blow some ish up and walk away like it never even happened. Enjoy.

Swag Award of the Week May 18-25

2009-05-25T20:27:00.011-04:00

Congrats to the mighty Syracuse Orange who defeated Cornell 10-9 in overtime today to win their 11th national championship in school history. The Orange were on the verge of defeat, but scored three goals in four minutes, including the game-tying goal with 4.5 seconds left to send the game into overtime. With the win, Syracuse defended last years title and became the first school since Princeton in '97-98 to win back-to-back championships.

Highlights of the overtime thriller:

I've become a lacrosse fan since attending Syracuse. As a young, aspiring sports journalist it was imperative to not only become familiar with the schools rich football and basketball traditions, but lacrosse as well. While at Syracuse, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown who was also a standout for the lacrosse program. Brown is the only athlete to have been enshrined in the NFL, NCAA Football and NCAA Lacrosse Halls of Fame. His speed and power (he was an NFL fullback in case you forgot) revolutionized college lacrosse, and a rule was implemented after his departure to even the playing field.

Jim Brown during his LAX days

Congrats again to the Syracuse lacrosse program. With its 26 final four visits, 16 championship appearances and now 11 national titles, SU LAX continues to validate its reputation as one of the premiere programs in college lacrosse.

Shaq takes broadcasting classes at Syracuse

2009-05-19T14:47:00.010-04:00

NBA star Shaquille O'Neal is attending "Sportscaster U, " a two-day journalism course at Syracuse. Shaq is preparing himself for a career behind the camera once his playing days are over. Apparently, his first interview was with former Duke basketball star, Greg Paulus who is also taking graduate classes at the Cuse as he prepares to compete for time at quarterback this season for the Orange football team.

Shaq's thoughts on polishing up his on camera appearance in the off-season:

Shaq always seems to find some extra-curricular activities to keep himself busy. Remember, there was a time when Shaq was an honorary Sheriff in Miami and was fired after a video surfaced of him making some less than desirable comments about Kobe Bryant...

Paper Towels: Parody to Shamwow

2009-05-19T13:12:00.003-04:00

We've all seen the commercials for the Shamwow. The uber towel that's more absorbent than a sponge and soaks up everything without tearing or leaving a stain. I just came across this little spoof of those commercials for paper towels. Enjoy.

James Harrison has better things to do than meet President Obama

2009-05-18T11:34:00.009-04:00

James Harrison has become the latest athlete to say/do something that average Joe's with average common sense would scoff at. In a recent interview, Harrison expressed his sentiments and voiced his opinion as to why he didn't feel the need to make the trip to the White House with his team to meet the President this week.

"If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. So as far as I'm concerned, he would have invited Arizona if they had won."

No sh*! Sherlock! The President doesn't invite losers to the White House. He doesn't have the time nor the inclination. Obviously if the Steelers had lost Arizona would have gotten the invite. Every championship team, professionally and on the collegiate level gets an invite to the White House for a photo-op with the President, autographs and a tour.

Harrison needs to get off his high horse and realize that the opportunity to meet the President is a direct result of the Super Bowl victory. A victory that Harrison contributed to by scoring the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. It's hard for me to understand why a professional athlete cannot comprehend that that we value achievement in this country. You work hard, you win, you reap the benefits. End of story.

Despite a Super Bowl ring, being named Defensive Player of the Year, and the recent signing of a six year $51 million contract, Harrison still feels like he is owed something by someone...To use another Jay-Z quote; "you can pay for school but you can't buy class." Ignorance apparently is bliss.

Swag Award of the Week May 11-17

2009-05-15T13:54:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I received an email from Dr. Boyce Watkins, an accomplished and outspoken finance professor at my alma mater, Syracuse University. The email was regarding his denial to be granted tenure by Syracuse. He was selected as the Top Graduating senior in Finance by the Wall St. Journal during his college years. He was the only African American to receive a PhD in finance in 2002, and has been a professor at SU since.

As a professor of finance, Dr. Watkins often offers financial advice and tips for people of color in the 21st century. He also uses his websites, yourblackworld.com & boycewatkins.com to speak out on issues and injustices concerning the black community. In addition to his websites, Watkins often appears on news outlets to offer commentary on issues regarding African Americans such as compensation for NCAA athletes, the Jena 6 trial, Hurricane Katrina, Don Imus & financial matters.

In his email, Watkins announced that Syracuse had denied his request for tenure meaning he will soon be dismissed by the university. Here is the letter:

Hello to my friends,

In case you don't know, my tenure case was denied, which means I'll be dismissed by Syracuse University. I personally am not offended, as I didn't expect to receive tenure after the attacks by Bill O'Reilly last year and the work I've done speaking out on behalf of NCAA athletes (Syracuse earns tens of millions from athlete families and likely lost alumni donations after the Bill O'Reilly attacks - I stand by every word, however, since I won't allow a racist like O'Reilly to speak of lynching Michelle Obama or any other Black woman for that matter). Additionally, our business school (The Whitman School of Management) has not, to my knowledge, recommended tenure for any African American, in any department, in its entire 100 years of operating history (I can't concur with the conclusion that every Black scholar on the planet is unqualified to be here). So, while we can say all we want about elusive and idealistic concepts such as academic freedom, most scholars understand that the rules change when you are an outspoken Black man with no significant Black male power presence on your campus. My role was to support pre-existing intellectual, social and administrative paradigms, not to engage in active, progressive scholarship.

But the goal of this interview is not to talk so much about my tenure case, since I don't need tenure in order to be validated as a scholar (I get supportive email every day). The goal is to speak on behalf of my colleagues, many of whom are absolutely petrified of standing up to the administration in public (they typically agree with me behind closed doors and then say that they can't go public without being punished). A supportive senior colleague (who is not Black, by the way) made it clear to me that if I do not stand up on these issues, then it may be another 100 years before another Black scholar has the platform to do so. Being that I was the only African American on earth to get a PhD in Finance in 2002, I am used to fighting battles alone. I am willing to sacrifice the rest of my academic career in order to do so, for I see this as a great opportunity to help others.

But I stand out of respect and love, not out of hate or anger. Anyone familiar with the history of Syracuse University knows that racial progress has never come without struggle, so this is my opportunity to contribute to the legacy left by Jim Brown, my respected brother and spiritual predecessor. I would not be here were it not for the sacrifices of those before me.

So, this is the first of a series of conversations I plan to have on this topic, as my discussions with Cornel West and others have helped me to realize that what I am experiencing at Syracuse is not an idiosyncratic phenomenon. Academia is racially sick, and we must all give it the necessary medicine.

The first interview will be on "Make it Plain with Mark Thompson" on Sirius 146 and XM 167 at 6:30 pm EST. I hope you'll tune in. Also, if you want to see some of my commentary on AOL Black Voices, please click here. God bless.

Dr. Boyce

For all of his appearances on national media outlets, none caused more controversy/brought more attention to Dr. Watkins and the University than his spat with Bill O'Reilly & Juan Williams of FOX News. In 2007, O'Reilly made some inflammatory remarks about his first trip to Sylvia's restaurant in Harlem for dinner with the Rev. Al Sharpton. On his radio show, O'Reilly expresses his disbelief that patrons at Sylvia's were as well mannered and well-dressed as patrons at an Italian restaurant in the suburbs. Are you serious? Listen to O'Reilly's comments and read a full transcript here.

Dr. Watkins appeared on CNN shortly after to offer his opinion on O'Reilly and his intentions.

Watkins drew fire for his remarks about Bill O'Reilly and calling FOX's black analyst Juan Williams, a "happy negro" for continuing to agree with O'Reilly and not challenging him for perpetuating stereotypes about black people. I'm sure the university received a lot of phone calls and emails calling for Watkins' head from parents and donors who watch Bill O'Reilly and were outraged at Watkins' comments.

As I have said before, 'swag' is a loosely used term, but a major component in my mind is being confident in yourself and your actions despite the circumstances. Dr. Watkins embodies that swag. As a professor of finance at a predominantly white, private university, at a business school that has not tenured an African American in its 100 year history, I'm sure there were more than enough reasons Dr. Watkins could have chosen to keep his mouth shut and not challenge O'Reilly. He continues to put politically correctness aside in favor of holding people accountable and stimulating uncomfortable but necessary dialogue.

It saddens me that my alma mater, home to one of the most reputable journalism schools in America, a school that champions freedom of speech and protecting first Amendment rights (and even has the words of the First Amendment in six foot letters on its windows outdoors) would rather dismiss Dr. Watkins than keep a man with as much intellect and passion as he in its ranks. Jay-Z said it best, "swagger is not a must, it's a liability..." Keep your head up Dr. Watkins.

President Obama Baracks the crowd at WH Correspondents dinner

2009-05-12T11:04:00.005-04:00

I just saw the video of President Obama's comedy routine at last weekend's White House Correspondents Dinner. Most of the attention from that night has been on Wanda Sykes for her attacks on Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and her remarks on water boarding and torture. Sykes also made headlines as the first African American woman and openly gay comedienne to perform at the correspondents dinner.

Skyes, being the comedienne that she is had the crowd laughing hysterically, but President Obama held his own and got a lot of laughs out of an otherwise stiff bunch.

Puke in my mouth: Ladies offer response to SNL Digital Short

2009-05-12T10:57:00.002-04:00

The ladies have come up with a response to SNL's 'Jizz in My Pants' Digital Short. It's called 'Puke in my mouth.' Enjoy.

Rick Ross rocks suspect shades

2009-05-11T19:38:00.011-04:00

Fresh off his third #1 album release, Rick Ross has been called out by execs at Louis Vuitton for wearing imitation Louie sunglasses on this month's cover of XXL magazine.

Here is what the letter says:

Dear Editor:

We were dismayed to see the cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL Magazine, which features a photo of Rick Ross wearing a pair of sunglasses prominently featuring counterfeit Louis Vuitton trademarks. Because the photo has generated considerable confusion among your readers and Louis Vuitton customers among others, we feel it is important to clarify several points.

The first is that the sunglasses Mr. Ross is wearing were not made by Louis Vuitton, and in fact, are counterfeit. Louis Vuitton did not grant permission to Mr. Ross or to whoever did make the sunglasses to use our trademarks. The second is that no affiliation, sponsorship or association exists between Rick Ross or XXL and Louis Vuitton. The third is that counterfeiting is illegal.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to correct the confusion.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Pantalony, Esq.

Louis Vuitton Malletier

Ouch. I think the funniest part is the caption at the bottom of the cover. "I've never had a credibility problem and still don't." You might have a small issue on your hands now Ricky.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T11:12:00.009-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there. I wanted to send an online shoutout to my mom today. I can't be in Atlanta to spend the day with you and I'm too broke to send flowers, so I hope this will suffice. I love you mom. Thank you for being everything a young man like myself needs. Life can be hard sometimes, but knowing you're on my team always makes the journey a little easier.

They say you should marry someone that reminds you of your mother...Maybe that explains why I'm single. Not many people I've met yet can pass the test. You've never hesitated to fight battles with me or for me and I cannot thank you enough. I give you and dad all the credit for helping me become the man that I am. While I am not perfect, I shudder to think about what kind of person I would be without the love and guidance of my parents. Happy Mother's Day mom. I love you.

Though miles come between us,

And distance keeps us apart,

Nothing can ever change

The love inside my heart…

I may not be there with you,

Every minute of the day,

But you’re always here with me,

In at least a thousand ways,

Whether it be a thought,

Or a moment that we’ve shared,

It only takes a second

To get from here to there….

Though I cannot really feel

You here at my side,

It’s always nice to know

I’ve got these memories in my mind

P.S. Enjoy the Mother's Day playlist. About 50 songs about moms for all the moms out there to enjoy on your special day.

Swag Award of the Week May 4-10

2009-05-08T14:19:00.009-04:00

Earlier this week, the NBA crowned LeBron as the league's Most Valuable Player. At 24 years old, King James edged out Kobe Bryant & Dwyane Wade for the league's most coveted individual accolade. In his sixth season, LeBron averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists and lead Cleveland to a 39-2 record at home and the best overall record in the league at 66-16.

That dominance by LeBron and the Cavs has carried over to the playoffs where they are a prefect 6 for 6. After sweeping Detroit, Cleveland is off to a roaring start against the Atlanta Hawks. Last night, James scored 27 points in only three quarters as the Cavs again crushed the Hawks 105-85. This postseason, LeBron is averaging 32 points, 11.3 rebound and 7.5 assists and has lead his team in scoring in all six games.

LeBron has often looked unstoppable this season, shedding defenders, blocking shots, hitting jumpers, and throwing down some of the most ferocious dunks I have ever seen. Yes he is good, correction, he is great. What I like most about him is his demeanor and humility. Often times athletes who achieve at a high level become overly cocky and have an air of entitlement. That is not the impression I get from Bron Bron. For the MVP ceremony, LeBron chose to have it at his high school in Ohio, and invited all of his teammates and coaches to take part in the celebration. In LeBron's eyes, despite its individual nature the MVP award is a team accomplishment.

Congratulations LeBron. You are my favorite player in the league, and it doesn't upset me that you are embarrassing my Atlanta Hawks in the postseason because that's the kind of monster you are. Your persona, attitude, and love for the game are refreshing and it is a pleasure to watch you play. I'm hoping for a Cavs-Lakers finals so that all of the Kobe Bryant lovers will understand that we are now in the era of Lebron and Kobe's reign is over. We are all witnesses.

I'll leave you with LeBron's 10 best plays of this season. Click on the 'HQ' button for the hi quality version:

Is Miss California's crown in jeopardy?

2009-05-08T13:34:00.009-04:00

Does anyone else find it ironic that the woman who placed second in the Miss America pageant has been in the media more than the woman who won?

Carrie Prejean AKA Miss California has been making headlines since she voiced her opposition to gay marriage to Perez Hilton, one of the judges for the competition. Following her loss, Carrie toured the country on an anti-gay marriage rant of sorts.

Then there came the revelations that the Miss USA pageant actually paid for her breast implants so that she would have a more robust cup size for that all important swimsuit competition.

As if that wasn't enough, the validity of her California crown came into question earlier this week after gossip website TheDirty.com posted a photo of a scantly clad Prejean topless in her undies. The photo is in direct violation of the Miss America contract which candidates sign claiming there are no nude photos that exist... When the photo became published, Prejean admitted that it was indeed her and that one photo was the only of its kind.

Those claims have now come into question after TheDirty.com posted a second photo of a semi-nude Prejean on the website. Prejean and her representatives claim the second photo is her face, but it has been doctored and placed on another body. Donald Trump, who is in charge of the pageant has not announced whether or not he will revoke her crown or not, but it is expected to make an announcement in the coming days. To further test her moral compass, adult film giant Vivid Pictures has offered Carrie $1 million to star in an adult film...

The hypocrisy of this situation is sickening. The pageant paid for her implants so that she would increase her chances at winning (as if she weren't attractive enough before the boob job). All of that was for naught, as she lost the competition because she told a gay man that she doesn't support gay marriage. She may lose her California crown because she took a few photos in her underwear, but they make the contestants prance around that stage in bikinis for everyone to gawk over. How do you define semi-nude? Is a skimpy two piece not semi-nude? Do you really expect for a woman who has made it to the level of the Miss America pageant to have never been photographed wearing minimal clothing until the swimsuit competition? This whole situation disgusts me and really highlights some of issues we have in America in terms of defining beauty and being politically correct.

She already lost the pageant. Let's leave her alone and find another girl to pick on. Where's Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears when you need them?

Manny being a moron; latest MLB superstar embroiled in the steroids controversy

2009-05-08T12:53:00.009-04:00

Only a few months after becoming the very first recipient of my Swag Award, Manny Ramirez is back on BDumasonline.com but for much different reasons this time. Ramirez has permanently damaged his legacy as one of baseball's best hitters as his name has been thrown in the pot along with the likes of Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez as prominent MLB players who have been implicated in the steroids controversy.

Yesterday, Commissioner Bud Selig slapped a 50 game suspension on Ramirez for violating the league's drug policy after it became known that Manny had high levels of artificial testosterone in his body and tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin or HGC. According to experts, HGC is a women's fertility drug and is often used by steroid users to restart natural testosterone production in the body after a cycle of steroids has been completed...How else can a man justify taking a women's fertility drug??

Damn Manny, people said you were a moron but I gave you the benefit of the doubt and like Barry Bonds, A-Roid and the like, you let me down. It remains to be seen how the sport will recover from this period but as I fan I feel cheated, and these revelations make it more and more difficult to justify p aying ridiculous prices for tickets to see a bunch of cheaters. Yet another dark day for MLB.

Below is an ESPN piece on the prevalence of performing enhancers in MLB and its top athletes.

24 Star Kiefer Sutherland charged with assault

2009-05-08T12:24:00.005-04:00

People say that art imitates life, but as soon as life starts to imitate art or those lines are blurred controversy will inevitably follow. That's the case as Kiefer Sutherland, the long time star of the hit series '24' has been charged with assault after he head-butted a man at a NYC fashion show. The man apparently interrupted Sutherland and Brooke Shields and Bauer attacked the man in her defense, breaking the man's nose in the process.

Oh Jack Bauer..You can't beat guys up in real life like you do on the show. I know things would be much more awesome if that were the case but it's not.

The real story behind Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T11:46:00.014-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! In the last few weeks, I have taken a job at one of NYC's most reputable sports bars part-time to keep the lights on during these times of economic uncertainty. At that said bar, I take delivery/takeout orders and have forged a special bond with the delivery guys, many of whom are Mexican. Last week I asked my delivery comrades (in Spanish) if they had big plans for today seeing as how they are Mexican and in theory this day is to celebrate Mexican heritage. To my surprise, I was told that Mexicans treat this day much like any other, and that Americans make a bigger deal about it than Mexican natives. So that got me thinking...what is the story behind Cinco de Mayo??

On May 5, 1862, an outnumbered, less-equipped Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla. France was coming to collect past-due payments that the Mexican govt. owed but had failed to pay after the Mexican-American War left the country's finances in shambles. The French army had not been defeated in over 50 years, since Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo and the victory boosted morale in the region.

What you may not know is that The United States had a vested interest France's defeat by Mexico. In 1862, the Civil War was devastating the country. Abraham Lincoln feared that by joining forces with France, the Confederates could have the strength to win the war and secede from the Union. France felt threatened at Americas rate of expansion and had it defeated Mexico, would have likely aligned with the Confederates in order to form two lesser countries as opposed to a unified America.

So because Mexico defeated France on May 5, the Confederates could not join forces with the French, and ultimately lost the Civil War. Whew!

Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican "heritage," but much like Oktoberfest & St. Patrick's Day that equates to drinking copious amounts of the native drink. Today will be full Coronas, Dos Equis, tequila shots and margaritas. Considering what may have happened to our country and Mexico had the outcome been different, I think that's cause for a drink. Staying true to my Georgia roots, but still keeping with the theme, I'll have a peach margarita from Blockheads today to support the cause. Thanks Mexico. Salud!!

Car chase for new Nicholas Cage film goes wrong

2009-05-05T11:11:00.007-04:00

More bad news for Nicholas Cage as if he needed it. A car chase that was being filmed for his new movie 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' injured two bystanders when a Ferrari that his stunt double was driving through Times Square skidded off the road and into the window of a pizza restaurant. One woman was struck by the car, and a telephone pole fell on another man. Both injuries are said to not be life threatening.

I'm certain this is not the kind of press Cage was hoping for from this film. With the exception of 'Lord of War' and 'Grindhouse,' none of Cages films since 2003 have been given more than 7 stars by viewers on imdb.com. Ouch. Crappy movies of late, and then an accident on the set of another crappy movie. That's tough. When it rains, it pours huh? Look at it this way Nick, at least people now know that you're doing another movie... I'm still not inclined to see it, but now I'm aware of it at least. I'd rather watch the Disney movie 'Fantasia' personally.

Ida Ljungvist: Playboy's 50th Playmate of the Year

2009-05-05T10:26:00.007-04:00

Hugh Hefner was back at it this weekend in Las Vegas. Surrounded my more silicon & more blondes, as Playboys held its 50th Playmate of the Year ceremony. After 50 years of monthly editions of scantly clad ladies, you thought you had seen it all, right? Just follow the seemingly patented formula beautiful+blonde+big boobs, and you're golden.

Hef, the other playmates and subscribers to the magazine went in a different direction as Ida Ljungvist was selected as the 2009 Playmate of the Year. Ida is the first African born Playmate and winner of the Playmate of the Year Award. Ida's mother is Tanzanian and her father is Swedish and she's fluent in English, Swahili and Swedish. A winning combination if you ask me. Hefner's ex fling, Holly Madison discovered Ida working in the Bebe in Beverly Hills and introduced her to Hef. Ljungvist was Ms. March 2008.

At the ceremonies, Hefner presented Ida with a check for $100,000, a brand new Mazda 6, and the most absurdly large bottle of Patron I've ever seen. If you're curious, there's other photos of Ida here. You can click on the link if you want, but I'm not posting those photos..Trying to keep in PG around here.. Vanessa Williams and Naomi Campbell didn't even win Playmate of the Year. It's quite an honor. Congrats Ida.

Fight of the Year: Manny Pacquiao TKO's Ricky Hatton in 2nd Round

2009-05-03T12:45:00.016-04:00

Wow. Talk about a convincing fight. Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines knocked out England's Ricky Hatton last night in the second round, further validating his title as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. The scene in my apartment was electric last night. Equipped 70 wings, 5 friends, a six-pack, 6 40's, and a '42 plasma, my little studio looked more like a sports bar than a residence. With the win, Pacquiao tied Oscar De La Hoya's record winning six titles in six different weight classes.

From the starting bell, Pacquiao asserted himself and set the tone for the fight. Pacquiao's lightning punches overwhelmed Ricky Hatton who looked more like a human punching bag than the pride of England. Hatton was knocked down twice in the first round and hit the ground in a heap in the second as a vicious left from Pacquiao ended his evening.

In case you weren't at a sports bar and/or opted against paying $50 to watch at home, here is

the fight:

Following the fight Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton's trainer, suggested that the 30 year-old boxer call it quits. Hatton has lost his last two bouts by knockout; to Pacquiao last night and last year to Mayweather's son Floyd Jr.

The Mayweather family made more news as Floyd "Pretty Boy Floyd" Mayweather Jr. announced he was coming out of retirement to fight Manuel Marquez in July. Should Mayweather (39-0) defeat Marquez, the stage would be set for a bout of epic proportions between Manny Pacquiao & Mayweather Jr. to determine once and for all who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the land. Mayweather Jr. held the title until he retired after defeating Ricky Hatton last year.

Many people argue that boxing is dead and that mixed martial arts (MMA) is the more popular and lucrative sport. That's debatable. Even the under cards were solid last night. Pacquiao vs. Hatton proved that boxing still has the characters and entertainment value to make it relevant for years to come. HBO just needs to do something about that $49.95 fee...seriously.

Swag Award of the Week April 27 - May 3

2009-05-03T11:32:00.011-04:00

To say that the Democrats had a big week would be an understatement. President Obama got the party started as his epic presidency reached its milestone 100th day. Pundits and average Joe's alike reflected on the accomplishments, and highlighted the work to be done as the Obama administration reached its first checkpoint. It must have been a big day for the Democrats as FOX was the only broadcast network that refused to show President Obama's speech to the nation on that night...

The jovial mood within the party only increased as Arlen Specter, a 29 year Republican Senator from Pennsylvania announced that he was jumping ship and joining the Democrats. Specter admitted that he had grown discontent with the message of his party and knew his odds of winning re-election representing the GOP in Pennsylvania, a state that skews bluer every election were slim. Specter was a moderate, and was one of only three Republicans to vote in favor of the Obama Stimulus package. He supports abortion rights, stem cell research, and opposes bans on same-sex marriage.

Specter's statement about switching to the Democratic party:

Specters move could be the final component Democrats need to obtain a filibuster proof majority in the Senate. If Al Franken wins (they've been trying to decide who won since November) the contested election in Minnesota which is looking more and more plausible, the Democrats would have the 60 seats needed to avoid filibuster by the GOP. The importance of those 60 seats for the Dems will be helpful as the Obama administration plans to reform health care, tackle climate change, etc.

The party that brought us the America's first black President also welcomed one of the most senior Senators from the GOP into its ranks. Not a bad week. Swag levels and approval ratings for the Democrats are extremely high right now.