WHAT A TIME!

WHAT A TIME!

- The Final 4 is history, what a time in Downtown Detroit! I went down there after the State-UConn game (My boys did it!) And it was like being in a steroid-induced East Lansing! The 1000's of people I saw were overwhelmingly rocking the Green and White. And it looked good I must say as an alum.

- Unfortunately the fellas ran into a machine called Carolina on Monday. Hey, it happens. I had UNC as national champs at the start of the year and Tournament, so I am not surprised how Monday played out. For the fans who were calling in to sportstalk shows on Tuesday, let me say this clearly: Calling timeouts would not have helped Sparty, unless they could get JRich, Z-Bo, Magic and maybe Special K in uniform. Carolina was just not going to lose. Period.

- My boys could have played better, but they were not big enough, accurate enough or experienced enough to win on Monday. Maybe next year. Two things, then I'm done with this.

1) Maybe the Spartans can take this whipping and use it to fuel the run like UNC did last year after losing to Kansas in the Final 4. 2) Funny how 2 of the 3 announcers on the pregame picked State to win, Seth Davis and Greg Anthony, I believe.

WHAT A SHAM!

- So President Conyers has her own show. Wow, that is unbelievable. My only beef with this is, how can somebody who is so poorly spoken, able to get a Talk Show? Damn Charles Barkley! He has made it not only acceptable, but maybe even desirable to sound functional (old school)

and yet be a host.

- Unbelievable, but don't forget, y'all can write her in for mayor. Please.

WHAT A CRIME!

- So the DPS is over $300 million in the hole and the system is in deep trouble? Wow, no one ought to ever criticize another parent who pulls their child and puts them in an alternative, charter or private school situation. The board has shown they are either too incompetent or duplicitous in this criminally sad scenario to ever have full control of the budget again.

- So exactly which members were looking out for the children's best interests, while some others were backing up the truck to rob the citizens blind? And just how did no one notice the almost 600 people on the payroll without active, functioning jobs? WTF?

Obvious Book Plug of the Day:

- Looking at my Gucci, its about that time, big ups Doug E. I received a call from a publisher that I may have to consider for my 1st book to get out. They actually sent me a contract offer, not what I was looking for, but it may serve the purpose I need it to.

The Bible says to not despise the day of small beginnings. I told the rep on the other end of the phone, that I will consider what they are looking to do, and then get back with them by the end of next week. This will be a decision that I pray on majorly, because it is reaching a point where I would like to see something happen, but I have to stay focused on what God wants to have happen in my life!

- I am not the only person to go through anything like this, I'm sure. To anyone else looking at this king of scenario, all I can say is trus tin the Lord, with all of thine heart and lean not to your own understanding, but in all of your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

IT'S GAMETIME (Almost)

IT'S GAMETIME! (Almost)

- It's almost Gametime for the Final 4! I was just down at Ford Field for the practice sessions and I must say, Detroit, you are doing it! The area looks good, the boys are in full effect and everyone is having a good time (despite an unusual chill for early April).

It will be on and crackin tomorrow when MSU goes up against UConn! I am looking for a Spartan W, but will not be surprised if the Huskies pull it out. Both teams match up well against the other. The X-factors in my eyes are, Stanley Robinson for UConn (dude is becoming a beast!) and Durrell Summers for MSU. He is the type who makes plays.

Back at It Again

- Council President Monica Conyers was insulting to fellow councilmembers and Detroiters overall when she in public, demeaned fellow councilmember Sheila Cockrel. Cockrel is the widow of Ken Cockrel Sr., late famed Detroit Attorney. But not only was she insulting, and even worse, this outburst caused NO WORK to be done about the Cobo mess. WHy does a personal issue take precedence over the work for the city she claims to love?

- Also, Cockrel apparently strong-armed the Housing Dept. into hiring her felonious brother for a 2-year period that was to last only 90 days. This type of nepotism and nefarious practice can do nothing but hurt an already hurt city. Detroit, it is high time that this cancer on the Council be removed, if not by a recall, then by NOT reelecting her in November. Do the Right thing Detroit!

Obvious Book Plug of the Day:

- Be safe this weekend, everyone. God is looking for those who will shine brightest in dark places and those who will emanate the glow of Calvary to a World rapidly descending towards Hell. Do what you Know He wants you to do.

That's it, just a Quickie. Holla back at you sooner than you think. Peace.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!

- Shouts out to Rakim. I took off just over 2 weeks to take care of some personal matters, but now I am back! Its good to be back in the mix.

WELL, WELL, WELL...
- Now Y'all know I'm not one to brag, but Dang! Did I hit it or not on this NCAA Tournament? 3 out of 4 Final Four teams ain't bad. (Ok, I missed on UConn). But I can live with that. My Spartans are decided underdogs against UConn, but we were just there against Louisville. Izzo is becoming (or maybe has become) the best short-turnaround coach in the business. With the 5 days between the last game and this Saturday 5:47 tip-off, I am sure he's been cooking up some good stuff for Jim Calhoun and the Huskies.

- My boys in Green are doing the thang, but there are some concerns. One, Raymar Morgan has got to find his game. Since he has been back from illness, he's looking more like Matt Steigenga than the dog he's been earlier in the year. There is an APB out for the Raymar Morgan of the 1st Semester. Raymar, we need you aginast Connecticut, fella.

UNC! UNC! UNC!

- The Tar Heels are the No Doubt favorites left. 'Nova has done a wonderful job in negotiating their region, but I think the buck stops here. Tyler, Ty, Danny, Wayne, Deon, etc. are just Too Much, Too Good, Too Ready, Too Talented and just Too of everything to let this chance get away. If Nova just had one more legit player above 6'8", I'd be real concerned.

Let Them Play, Ref!

- This is an SOS to all of the game officials: Let the players play this weekend. No one is coming from all over the country to watch how many times the refs can make "Big time" calls. No one is coming to my hometown for Ed Hightower and crew to hog up air time. No one has been planning for months to hit The Big D so that the zebras can be the One Shining Moment of the weekend. I implore you to allow the players to decide the games.

- Obviously do your jobs, no one wants to see anyone be robbed because of silent whistles; but also no one wants to spend an incessant amount of time digesting the latest and greatest WTF call by an official. Remember the golden rule of officiating: you had a great game if no one noticed you were there.

Obvious Book Plug of The Day:

- Everyday we have is a gift from God. He blesses us to see each 24 so that at some point, we will glorify Him. Find your way to do what you do to give Him the glory. Remember, we are His workmanship, we are the sheep of His pasture; it is He that has made us and not we ourselves. Our destiny is completely based in our seeking His will for our lives, and in whatever distinctive method and gifting that He has made available to us, that is how we should please Him. Do what you do and glorify the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

Just wanted to Hit Y'all Up Quick Fast & in a Hurry. Don't worry, my vision ain't Blurry.

Be Blessed everyone!

We Are What?

We Are What?

- A recent column based on a study states that fewer Americans are claiming an organized religion. He goes on to give numbers that fewer people claim to be Christian, etc. He then states that the scandals in various religious groups are most responsible for this downward trend.

I have a different view on that. Perhaps the downward cycle of people claiming religion is a direct representation of the downward trend that society is clearly going into. Fewer people subscribe to a faith, more people subscribe to lawlessness and anarchy as we are witnessing in this day unlike any other.

Rather than looking at religion as the bad guy, the columnist is excusing the desertion of a facet of life that is designed to bring about a more peaceful, positive focus on this challenging world in which we live.

Might I suggest, that rather than encourage people to just join a religion, how about people just try Jesus? Being a Christian is so much more than having a religion. It is to change one's life into making it into that of the only begotten Son of God. It is not a religion that people need, it is a change of lifestyle and even that of life. Try Jesus.

Are We supposed to be Stupid or What?

- The shamockery that is the Bailout for the Finance Industry continues to irritate me. I'm not going to harp on how Congress in 2008 just gave the finance companies and CEOs basically vaultfuls of money with no oversight. But now we see, that AIG, ground zero of this economic mess, is still giving away $165+ million dollars in bonuses. Am I supposed to be ok with that? Are the American people supposed to be ok with that? Are we supposed to be that stupid?

The autoworkers' union was told to give up concessions or watch their employers go into bankruptcy. Yet and still, AIG can say "We had to honor our contracts which called for bonuses." Somebody needs to go to AIG and shut them down! President Obama is calling for the Treasury Department to do whatever can be done to either stop the bonuses or stop the payments to AIG.

AIG, for those who don't know, was the company whose risky investing started the domino effect known as this recession we are in. Their methods in trading should call for heads to roll, not bonuses to be doled out. It is sheer insanity that they say they cannot do anything BUT pay the previously agreed to bonuses. They should either pay back the money owed ASAP (with penalties), or they should just watch their company go under.

We're not that stupid.

Obvious Book Plug of The Day:

- For me, to write is to live. It took some time for me to really enjoy the process of putting thoughts. ideas, et. al on paper. But now, this gift is more than just a gift. It makes me feel so good to be able to express myself in this fashion. Let me paraphrase my man Train. When you can do your thing and share it with others, it's a beautiful thing indeed.

I may not be like Jordan on the court, Ashe on the circuit or Tiger on the links. But man, I tell you, when I can get on the keyboard and bang out what's in my mind, it does my mind good like a drug, my body good like milk, and my spirit good overall. Soon enough, the world will be able to see what God ha given me the ability to do and when that happens, it's shouting time for real. But being a good Christian, I'm not going to wait until then, I'll shout and praise Him in advance!

TOTAL CHAOS, NO MASS CONFUSION

TOTAL CHAOS, NO MASS CONFUSION

- And now, we get another challenger for the Big Seat in the Manoogian, as of Saturday Night. Councilman Kwame Kenyatta announced his candidacy for the position of mayor of the Big D. So that makes Kenyatta, Mrs. Conyers (who's trying to slip her name out as a write-in candidate), as well as the winner of the run-off election in May, the winner of said election in May, countless others who will throw their names in the hat between now & August, and a partidge in a pear tree.

Mr. Kenyatta said in an interview that he will be the type of mayor that can connect with the people in a way unlike any since Coleman Young. Wow. C. Young did not always connect with people, he was devisive to the Metro area and became the epitome of a career politician whose individual agenda at times, subverted the best for the majority. I'm not sure if that is the best for Detroit in 2009. We shall see.

I'm sorry, call me a rapidly developing cynic re: Politics in the Big Mo, but the position of mayor should have such a high bar attached to it, that only those of the finest records and public acclaim, should even consider themselves worthy of putting together the right campaign for it. It seems to be kinda cheapened when anyone with the fee to enter/names on petitions or whatever, throw their proverbial hats in the ring.

I have no beef with Mr. Kenyatta, do not know him, and cannot say if his record on the Council makes him worthy of the biggest job in the city. I do hope that if he does run, and win, that he does he very level best to return the D to its place in the country and world. I'm not sure if lookling back is the best way to go forward.

She's Out & About

- Christine Beatty was released from jail this morning after serving 67 days in Wayne County. I can say after having everything shake down after the trial that started it all, her behavior on the witness stand was Ground Zero. I can't help but think that if she had not been so obtuse and outright defiant, things may have gone differently. IMO, I said, if I was a lawyer, I'd be most likely to keep digging too, with her antics on the stand. Little did I know at the time, that she and Kwame knew about the text mesgs, etc.

But that was then, I digressed. She seemed so very humble upon her release, but still showed some attitude by the amount of media covering her at the jail this morning. She seemed anxious ot get home to see her children, no issue there. She did seem surprised and even agitated that movement was a little difficult. However, this was a big story and coverage was reflective of that. I think that she was hoping for a little less pub on this.

Here's hoping that she can reshape her life. Being divorced (with children), a felon, barred from getting into the legal profession and attached to a major scandal will be tough barriers to overcome. With much work and a renewed spirit, the possiblity is there. She has her 2nd chance now, I hope she can get the kind of sweetheart gig Kwame got. I've said from the start that both of them should get the exact same treatment. Step up (again), Mr. Karmonos.

Are U Ready?

- In the words of Flavor Flav, "Yeeeeeah Boyeeee!" Big ups, PE. The Madness is ready to begin. I'm not gonna trip on teams that shouldn't have gotten in (Arizona, take a bow). Those types of teams usually get dropped by the 1st weekend anyway. The Tournament will be underway Thursday @ 12, and it will be on and crackin for 3 weekends.

My Spartans are #2 in the Midwest and of course, people are picking Louisville to run through the region. All I can say is that to beat a good pressing team, it helps to have a dynamic point guard (Kalin Lucas) and a runing team to take advantage of the opportunities the press creates. With those horses, Izzo can make it happen. All I can say is, the regional final in Indy could look like the 500 with all of the running expected to take place.

My pick is, and has been for the entire season, UNC. Too many horses, too much firepower, too much experience, too good a coach, too much of everything. As long as Duke does not win, I will be happy. If UNC or State wins, I will be estatic. I expect to be smiling come 3 weeks from now in one way or another.

Obvious Book Plug of the Day:

- I am headed into a conference designed to bring about some major decisions re: You're A Winner! (In Jesus Christ). The delays will be removed, the gas pedal will be hit, and some real progress will be made. In this climate, things are moving slower than expected, but into each life, some rain must fall.

I am no less confident in God's ability to make things happen than ever, and I am so excited about what He intends to do. In any case, I hope to list some progress very soon. His grace is sufficient for all that we stand in need of, so give Him the praise!

Short and Sweet

Short & Sweet

- Today's post will be Short & Sweet. Nothing too detailed today, but enough to whet your appetite hopefully for more.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

- Believe you me, I understand that today's climate economically, socially, etc. is shaky. Not since the great earthquake of 06 has the land been this unstable. However, I must say that today's society does not only feed on negativity, it thrives on it! It's like Ghostbusters 2 (The Classic, lol) where NYC and its residents could only get excited about the worst of the worst.

Well, The D is truly there now. Everything, it seems, on the news is negative. So much so that my Pastor, E.N. Jennings, Sr. had the church to avoid the news for a week. Believe you me, it does the spirit good. With nothing but layoffs, bailouts, crime, scandals, confrontations, drug use, stds on the rise, et. al., the mind of man needs to not only avoid the negative, but also someway, somehow, embrace the positive.

I know that sounds like some Bobby Mc Ferrin stuff there, but for real, Think Positively and Grow Rich. Things Will Change! But they must first start in the Mind.

Where's Martha?

- Everyday, the Clueless Council gives us something else to laugh at. This week, Martha Reeves said that Jay Leno's free concert for unemployed workers in the detroit area should not be @ the Palace (Donated for free, I may add), but in Detroit.

You see, Leno made the faux paus of talking about Detroit for the concert, but then set the concert @ the Palce of Auburn Hills. Again, the Palace was donated. As this will be the weekend of the Final Four, the larger Detroit venues are not readily available. Madam Reeves does not care, and then not only insisted Leno do the show in Detroit, but then had the temerity to tell him, Auburn Hills is 90 minutes away! I've worked in Auburn Hills for 4 years, I'm sorry, but the drive there from downtown Detroit is 45 minutes, tops.

Besides, Leno is doing a benefit for workers in the area, regardless of how close to Detroit they are. Martha, it is ok if he donates his gift for free at the Palace. Get a clue and focus on the bigger issues, madam Councilwoman.

Obvious Book Plug of the Day:

- God has called you into His Marvelous light for a Purpose. Let HIM guide you, and allow you to be the ligth of the World Jesus was referring to in Matthew's Gospel. Your salvation was not just to keep you out of Hell, but so that your life and testimony would be a blessing, gift, etc. to those that you come into contact with. Even on your worst of days, you can shine into someone else's life that is immersed in the darkness of these trying times.

Be Good y'all, told you I was being short. Deuces!

GOODBYE & GOOD RIDDANCE?

G'DAY MATES.

* I took a few days off celebrating my birthday. Had to thank God for 38 glorious years. Even in the days and nights that I could not realize how much He was carrying me, God has at least allowed me to become cognizant of His ever-abiding presence. To all of my brothers and sisters who I grew up with that are not here today, to them and you I say, God is still good!

Goodbye & Good Riddance?

- And now the Kwame Kilpatrick era is officially over? A judge ruled just a few hours ago that former mayor Kilpatrick can go to Texas to begin his job with Covisint. We all know that the job was a gift from Peter K., owner of Compuware for the sweet deal on the Compuware Building. So Kwame takes said gig, goes to Dallas, is never heard from again, should have the restitution bill being paid on a monthly basis and all's well that ends well, right?

Here's the kicker. He has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Skytel for exposing the very text messages that caused much of the drama for the last 14 months. So a new fight has begun, where, at some point Kwame will be coming back to The D for statements, testimony and the like. It remains to be seen whether the texts are considered public property (the pagers WERE city government property) or private domain (there was an apparent understanding that private messages could be sent). In any case, my fair Detroiters, we have NOT seen or heard of the last of Kwame Malik Kilpatrick. Like a bad movie, this just keeps going on and on and ...

BTW, what is the betting line that in about 6 years, Kwame returns to The D, "reformed and matured," and ready for a new run at city politics? God help us if so.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble

- So the City Clueless Council is ready to go to court over the veto by Mayor Cockrel. This nightmare continues over Cobo Hall. If this plays out for long, regardless of the possible outcome, what are the chances that the regional authority proposition dies on the vine? And then, what exactly happens?

Are we to rely on a Council that has been so far unable to draft a workable plan to renovate the rapidly dilapidating building? And then we watch as the Rock Financial building in Novi starts to gobble up several events and the Palace or other suburban entities make headway on more events until the few events that Detroit has coming through Cobo are rendered meaningless and powerless to stop the pitiful complete washout of the "Jewel of the City?"

C'mon people! This is an utter cluster! This will not end up good for the City. The posturing of politicians with an overinflated sense of self is pathetic. There are other pressing items on the agenda. Let's not get started on the school system, police response time, dwindling tax base or any myriad of other concerns. Council! Wake up and let's get Cobo taken care of! There is only one way to handle your business, and that's to handle it.

You're All Mad!

- Thank God! It is just about that time of the year! Less than 10 days away before the start of the NCAA Tournament. The conference tourneys are going and I am getting so geeked up! My Spartans are on a warpath, looking to begin a campaign destined to end @ Ford Field for the Final Four. The UNC Tar Heels just put it on Duke, buzzer beaters are coming in from Sioux Falls and all over. Life feels good.

- In addition to the Spartans and Heels, the other Final Four teams will come from this group:
Louisville, Oklahoma, Villanova, Missouri and outside shot for LSU. Pitt will meet the wrong team in the Sweet 16, and UConn will choke in the Elite 8. Call it a hunch.

- As a lifelong sports fan, there is no better time of the year for me than the first 2 days of the Tournament. The upsets, game-winning shots and hot runs of players seemingly out of nowhere. The cats like Bryce Drew, Patty Mills, Kent State, Ed Pinckney and VCU. It's the real "Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Obvious Book Plug of the Day:

- It's real simple. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord, with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thine ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

- Trust God and He will cause for your gifts to bring you before great men!

Peace in the Middle East. I'm out like shout.