Golfing superstar Tiger Woods plans to speak to reporters at the Masters. This will be the first time Woods has taken on the broader media since his scandal in November, 2009 that earned him world-wide and unwanted attention. The press conference will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 5, according to a tentative interview schedule issued by Augusta National.
Typically, only moderately newsworthy golfers hold press conferences on Mondays. Woods would be the exception to the rule, possibly generating enough media attention to undermine the NCAA championship game, to be held later on that evening. This would also be an excellent way to maximize ratings for the Masters tournament to begin later during the week.
"Our focus that Monday will be on crowning the next national champion," NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said.
Golfing legend Arnold Palmer argues that Woods should be more open with reporters.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tiger Woods To Hold Press Conference at The Masters
Thursday, March 18, 2010
McDonald's Ads Called Racist - Do you Agree?
From Dr. Boyce Watkins: CNN just called me for an appearance on American Morning. They wanted to know if I think that these McDonald's ads are racist. Please watch them and tell me what you think:
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Jay-Z Gets Criticism for Stadium
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
I curiously watched the press conference held last week to celebrate the New Jersey Nets (well, not quite New Jersey anymore) stadium set to be built in Brooklyn. A group of investors, led by Bruce Ratner, were joined by many prominent New York public figures to celebrate the ground-breaking of one of the highest impact economic endeavors in the history of Brooklyn. Jay-Z is part of the group of investors who bought the Nets, so of course he attended the ceremony.
The excitement of bringing a professional sports team to a city is overwhelming. Teams can bring out a sense of community spirit and unity which ultimately helps provide a little meaning in a complex world. Cities compete to bring teams to their town because the fans want them. Cities give teams extensive tax subsidies and even offer to use eminent domain to take property away from residents who are not willing to sell their homes in order to have the stadium built. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? Well, sometimes it can be.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
News: Golfer Ernie Els is Glad that Tiger Woods is Gone
MIAMI - There was a time in his career when Ernie Els seemed to be finishing second to Tiger Woods at every major.
Maybe that's why the Big Easy seems to be peaking again. He could have a chance to get even.
"I think it's a good opportunity for a lot of players to basically try and strike now," Els said Friday after a bogey-free round of 66 on the Blue Monster moved him into a one-shot lead in the CA Championship at Doral.
He didn't say why. He didn't have to. With Woods' extended absence, there's no telling what kind of game the world's No. 1 player will bring to the majors and whether he might go another year without winning one.
The door is open and Els is feeling it.
"I feel that the golf courses we are playing this year in majors, I love them," Els said. "I've done well at Pebble (Beach - U.S. Open). I've done well at St. Andrews (British Open) and I did well at Whistling Straits (PGA). I feel if I have my game there, I could have a good chance."
Chance was on his side Friday.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Your Black News: Shaq's Divorce Finalized and More
Shaq and His Wife Reach Divorce Settlement
- TMZ is reporting that Shaquille O'neal and his estranged wife, Shaunie have reached a divorce ... Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 11th 2010 4:21PM | Comments (0)
Jamie Jungers Wins Howard Stern's Tiger Woods Beauty Pageant
- One of Tiger Woods' mistresses, Jamie Jungers, was the winner of a peculiar beauty contest the ... Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 10th 2010 11:05PM | Comments (0)
Allen Iverson's Life is Reportedly Falling Apart
- Several sources in the NBA are stating that basketball star Allen Iverson is having serious ... Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 9th 2010 12:57PM | Comments (11)
Tiger Woods Reportedly Preparing for a Comeback
- It looks like Tiger Woods may be back on the golf course sooner than most of his critics expect. ... Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 8th 2010 12:25PM | Comments (19)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Republican Says People Want to be Unemployed
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
If I were President Barack Obama, I would be break dancing in the Oval Office. Former Republican House Majority Leader Tom Delay applauded the actions of his Republican colleague Jim Bunning, who chose to block the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans. In his comments, Delay effectively argued that Americans want to be unemployed, because having unemployment benefits gives them no incentive to go out and look for a job.
Yes, I was stunned to hear these words. But then again, perhaps Delay has decided to officially marginalize himself and say all the things he wanted to say when he actually had a position of relevance within the federal government. Instead, he has allowed us to peek in to the minds of his colleagues, who are probably thinking the same way. Here are Delay's words based on his interview with Candy Crowley:
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Your Black News: He's Too Smart for the NFL?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
You would think that Myron Rolle, the NFL super-stud who also happens to be a Rhodes Scholar, would be the kind of man who makes us proud. You would expect that his status as being the man who represents the future of the black athlete in America would make the NFL happy to have him on the roster of one of their teams. Not only is Rolle brilliant, but he is also tough as nails and fast as lightning. The man has the whole package.
But at least according to some NFL coaches, Rolle may not be committed enough to be a part of their league.
"We'll have to find out how committed he is," an NFC assistant coach said, repeating the sentiment of five other NFL officials who said the same thing.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Teachers Suspended for Black History Month Celebration
Three teachers at a South Los Angeles elementary school have been suspended for allegedly encouraging students to celebrate O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul during Black History Month, officials said Wednesday.
Children at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary School were carrying pictures of the men at a parade Friday on the school playground, said Los Angeles Unified School District spokeswoman Gayle Pollard-Terry.
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The Latest in Black Celebrity Gossip – 3/4/10
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Alleged Famu Sex Tape Causes a Stir
Famu students in a sex tape? Perhaps they should give their students more homework? Well, the sex tape is the rumor these days, but we don’t know if it’s true or not. Here’s the link.
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Black Politics: NY Gov David Paterson Accused of Ethics Violations
The state Commission on Public Integrity charged Gov. David A. Paterson on Wednesday with violating state ethics laws when he secured free tickets to the opening game of the World Series from the Yankees last fall for himself and others. The announcement came as the governor, already mired in scandal, met with his cabinet and insisted he would stay in office.
In addition to violating the state’s ban on gifts to public officials, the commission found that Mr. Paterson falsely testified under oath that he had intended to pay for the tickets for his son and his son’s friend. The commission determined that Mr. Paterson had never intended to pay for the tickets and only did so after inquiries from the media, after which he submitted a backdated check as payment.
The commission had referred the case to the Albany County District Attorney, P. David Soares, as well as Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, for further investigation. Mr. Cuomo is already investigating Mr. Paterson’s role in allegedly trying to suppress a domestic-violence case involving a close aide, David Johnson.
Mr. Johnson also attended the Yankees game in question and was involved in soliciting the tickets from Yankees officials. The tickets, with a face value of $425 each, seated them a few rows behind home plate.
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OJ Simpson Gets Shot down by Smithsonian
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices
Remember the suit that OJ Simpson wore when he was acquitted of murder in 1995? I'm sure you do. The images of OJ breathing a sigh of relief after his acquittal were viewed all around the world. You probably remember exactly what you were doing at that precise moment, similar to the 911 attacks. Well, the Smithsonian Institute has announced that they do not want OJ's suit, claiming that it is "inappropriate for their collection."
The announcement came after a 13-year legal fight over what to do with the suit. Since that time, it has been in the possession of Simpson's former sports agent, Mike Gilbert. Fred Goldman, father of one of the men Simpson was accused of killing, has been fighting for the suit since the 1990s. Simpson told authorities that the suit was stolen from him.
The suit was also part of the reason that Simpson is in prison right now. OJ was arrested and convicted for an incident in which he robbed men in Las Vegas in order to reclaim memorabilia that he believed to be stolen. He'd been told that the suit was among the list of things being offered for sale.
The Smithsonian used these words on its website:
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Your News: Regina King Talks Boondocks
While promoting her upcoming comedy 'Our Family Wedding,' actress Regina Kingcouldn't contain her excitement for the return of the hit Cartoon Network series 'The Boondocks.'
She also talked about her frustration too.
After a more than two-year hiatus, post-production is underway for the third season of the beloved show, which should be airing in coming months.
Although the Cartoon Network has yet to send out an official announcement confirming a premiere date for the new season, 'Bonndocks' creator Aaron McGrudersaid via his social networking site that it should air March 28. The news coincides with his previous Twitter message on Christmas Day, in which he wrote, "Finally got an airdate for Season 3. Not sure if I'm allowed to put it out yet, so I'll just say you got about three months."
King, who voices two of the show's lead characters, brothers Huey and Riley Freeman, has been a little peeved about how the show's producers are handling the long-awaited return.
"I am so happy that it is coming back," King told BV Newswire, but added, "I wish there was some Web site that people could send [a message] to Sony [Television Entertainment] ... and say 'What are you doing?'" she charged.
"'Boondocks could be so bigger than what it is," the former '227' actress furthered. "If I had the money to buy 'The Boondocks' off Sony, I would because all of you would be wearing 'Boondocks' T-shirts and there would be Huey and Riley dolls. I would capitalize off of that, and I would be a very rich woman."
King cited Sony's lack of experience with animation as a reason for the show's delay and its failure to capitalize on 'Boondocks' merchandise.
"Actually more than any other project that I have done, that's the one that I get asked about the most," King revealed. "For a show to take two and half year hiatuses and people still want it to come back, that's big," she said.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Black Entertainment News – 2/28/10
'Precious' wins big at 41st NAACP Image Awards
By theGrio
11:31 AM on 02/27/2010
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The heart-wrenching tale of an illiterate and abused teen who finds hope in a Harlem classroom was named outstanding motion picture...
Gary Coleman suffers seizure on 'The Insider' set
By theGrio
5:51 PM on 02/26/2010
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Gary Coleman suffered a seizure on the set of "The Insider" TV show on Friday and received immediate treatment from Dr. Drew Pinsky...
Why audiences should opt-out of 'Cop Out'
2:14 PM on 02/26/2010
REVIEW - The forced and awkward feel of 'Cop Out' makes you long for the days when the action-comedy blend went down more smoothly. ..
Diversity in the arts celebrated at Image Awards
By theGrio
1:21 PM on 02/26/2010
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Mary J. Blige, Morgan Freeman, and Jamie Foxx are among the stars set to celebrate diversity in the arts at the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards on Friday...
Slideshow: 15 films that hurt black America
By theGrio
9:06 AM on 02/26/2010
These films remind us that we still have a long way to go when it comes to portraying our culture and lifestyle accurately and respectfully on the big screen...
Tyler Perry's off-screen performances are worthy of NAACP honor
By Talia Whyte
7:59 AM on 02/26/2010
OPINION - While I question his method behind his movie characters, at least Perry puts his money where his mouth is to support causes and issues he cares about...
White sorority victory at step competition causes a stir
8:07 AM on 02/25/2010
OPINION - There's more to be gained by sharing black history and culture. The problem arises when the culture is not being fully presented...
Mo'Nique prepares for comedy tour
By theGrio
9:23 AM on 02/24/2010
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mo'Nique won the Golden Globe. She also picked up a SAG Award. And don't forgot about her most recent honor this week at the BAFTA's...
CBS fights '04 Jackson 'wardrobe malfunction' fine
By theGrio
8:39 AM on 02/24/2010
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - CBS argued anew Tuesday that it should not be held responsible for the half-second of nudity...
Fire at famed Philly music company is ruled arson
By theGrio
8:39 AM on 02/24/2010
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A two-alarm fire that damaged the building where the "Sound of Philadelphia" was born has been ruled an arson...
Parents angry at 'American Idol' contestant
By theGrio
8:17 AM on 02/22/2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Parents are complaining they never got refunds for performance fees in a failed musical production Todrick Hall wrote and directed...
How to find 15 minutes of fame in reality TV
8:03 AM on 02/22/2010
OPINON - The method is simple: Find either an overly aggressive black woman and a lazy black man, give them a script and audiences will eat it up...
'High School Musical' star Corbin Bleu talks to theGrio about new Broadway role
By Alex Presha
6:59 PM on 02/19/2010
VIDEO - Bleu talks about the his new role, race on Broadway and the evolution of Hollywood...
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Dalai Lama Gives Advice to Tiger Woods
The Dalai Lama said Saturday that he had - somehow - never heard of Tiger Woods.
When Woods' sex scandal was explained to him, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader emphasized the importance of self-discipline.
All religions have the same idea "when it comes to adultery," he said.
"Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. . . . Self-discipline with awareness of consequences."
Woods, in his carefully scripted apology on Friday, struck a similar line.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Black Entertainment News – 2/20/10
Depardieu says he's not too white to play Dumas
By theGrio
3:54 PM on 02/19/2010
BERLIN (AP) -- Gerard Depardieu has rejected the discussion over his right to play mixed-race author Alexandre Dumas because he is a blue-eyed blonde...
Rap star says Romney got physical with him on plane
By theGrio
1:14 PM on 02/19/2010
BOSTON (AP) - A rap star says former Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney first touched him -- and not the other way around...
Fan gets jail time for text-stalking Ashanti's mother
By theGrio
11:16 AM on 02/19/2010
NEW YORK (AP) - A delusional fan who unleashed his crude fantasies about Ashanti in a battery of text messages to her mother was sentenced to two years in jail...
'High School Musical' star Corbin Bleu talks to theGrio about new Broadway role
By Alex Presha
9:26 AM on 02/19/2010
VIDEO - Bleu talks about the his new role, race on Broadway and the evolution of Hollywood...
New film 'Blood Done Sign My Name' recreates 1970 battle against segregation
By Todd Johnson
8:34 AM on 02/19/2010
VIDEO - A new film looks at how the tragic murder of a Vietnam veteran prompted a small North Carolina town's black community to stand up and fight back...
Hollywood's most overlooked resource: black female directors
8:22 AM on 02/19/2010
OPINION - It took 74 years for the Academy Awards to acknowledge a black female as best actress. How long will it be before black woman is nominated for best director?...
New Sade album goes gold in first week
By theGrio
5:29 PM on 02/17/2010
NEW YORK (AP) - An army of fans -- more than 500,000 of them -- went out to support Sade's latest CD, "Soldier of Love," giving the group their first No. 1 disc in 20 years...
Bob Marley’s Family Fights to Stop Release of New Book
Ky-Mani Marley, a Grammy Award-nominated reggae and hip-hop artist, penned "Dear Dad: Where's the family in our family, today?'' which was released this month by Farrah Gray Publishing in celebration of Marley's 65th birthday.
The issue between author and publisher lies mainly in the extra coverline: "The Story The Marley Family Apparently Doesn't Want You To Know.''
In an online statement, Ky-Mani says the caption is unauthorized: "I did NOT authorize him to make any changes to the cover of my book, nor do I condone any of the captions he has written!''
Further, Ky-Mani told The Gleaner, a Jamaican newspaper, that he was considering legal action against the Gray, saying he simply wanted to tell his story without causing any conflict. He told the newspaper the title was changed from "Dear Dad: The Marley Son Who Persevered From The Streets To Prominence."
But Dr. Farrah Gray, the publisher, stands by the book, saying he worked with Marley every step of the way. He said that Marley wrote the book using a ghostwriter and the interviews were recorded.
"I didn't write his book,'' Gray told BV on Books. "I published it. He did the final edit. Now he's issuing a statement that he didn't approve it...for those of us who believe in one love, Ky-Mani Marley's story deserves light. He's throwing me under the bus and going on a smear campaign, but I have the tapes. The tapes are worse and he doesn't want those publicized.''
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tiger Woods’ Does a Press Conference - Finally
Today, Tiger Woods finally did what everyone expected him to do: He spoke out on his own behalf. The world waited for months to hear a peep from the man who has decided to do one of the greatest disappearing acts the sports world has ever seen. When there was no Tiger, there was no professional golf.
The press conference was starting on the wrong foot, as there was buzz of a boycott from golf writers, who felt that Tiger was not giving proper respect to media by refusing to allow them to ask questions. There was also the ire communicated from his fellow golfers, such as Ernie Els, who called Tiger "selfish" for giving his press conference on a Friday, during a tournament sponsored by Accenture.
What Ernie Els failed to remember is that Accenture is the company that dropped Tiger when he was being embarrassed by the media. There is no reason that Tiger should be the least bit hesitant about stealing the headlines away from their golf tournament. Perhaps had Accenture not decided to abandon Tiger, he might not have abandoned them.
His mother was there, the PGA Commissioner was there, and one of Tiger's roommates from college was in attendance. What was missing from the press conference? Well, the press. I'm not sure if you can actually call this a press conference when you've chosen to exclude the media. The other glaring absence from the room was Tiger's wife, Elin.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Black Scholar Dr. Boyce Speaks on Russell Simmons
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons seems to feel that banks are not treating the poor in a proper fashion. This week, in a rant on his site, “The Global Grind,” Simmons had this to say:
“They trick customers into doing things that are not good for them through lack of transparency, and surprise them with new fees when they can least afford it. I’m learning an important lesson about ethics or lack of ethics in this industry. In fact, I’m fighting with a bank right now that doesn’t know what kind of ass whipping they are going to get when I expose them for the abusive practices and exuberant fees they are charging the poor. What they are doing is trying to double their already outrageously high fees in exchange for providing absolutely nothing to my customers.”
Simmons went on to try to create a “movement” by adding a call to action:
“Let’s start the biggest public discussion ever about how banks treat us and expose these banks for their unequal treatment and unconscionable conduct. The time is now.”
News: Kevin Eubanks Leaving the Tonight Show
When Jay Leno goes back to theTonight Show, he may need to find a new musical sidekick: Bandleader Kevin Eubanks is said to be leaving Leno's side after 18 years.
NBC so far has not officially confirmed the latest shock wave to hit Leno's show, first reported by L.A. radio K-EARTH 101 and also being reported by the New York Times.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Students Killed at University of Alabama Huntsville
U. Alabama Huntsville is confirming that three people were killed in a campus shooting. The suspect was a female. Another student was injured, and the woman is in custody. Another student was injured as well. The shooting took place in the science building.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
President Obama’s Ride: A Bullet Proof Caddy
General Motors has once again built the First Limo, which isn’t so much a car as an armored personnel carrier wrapped in Cadillac bodywork. It is code-named "Stagecoach" but given its weight, wheelbase and bunker-like level of protection, Caddy One has been nicknamed "the Beast."
The limo that carries President Obama down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House today is the latest in a long line of Cadillacs to join the First Fleet over the years. Although GM and the Secret Service jealously guard the vehicle’s specs and secrets, you can bet Obama’s ride is the toughest, most sophisticated car anywhere. Think of it as the road-going equivalent to Air Force One.
"Although many of the vehicle’s security enhancements cannot be discussed, it is safe to say that this car’s security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world," Nicholas Trotta, assistant director for the Secret Service Office of Protective Operations, said in a statement (.pdf).
GM had even less to say, noting "one of the specifications is we don’t talk about the specifications." But spokesman David Caldwell says the redesigned car "is a fresh, more modern, more expensive" version of the Cadillac DTS that has carried President Bush since his second inauguration in 2005. Obama’s car, he says, is "a little bit more vibrant, if you will."
Click to read.Monday, February 8, 2010
Jackson’s Doctor Pleads Not Guilty
from MTV News
Hours after Dr. Conrad Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's 2009 death, the embattled physician pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon (February 8) during an arraignment hearing at a Los Angeles courthouse, according to The Associated Press.
Murray's bail was set at $75,000, three times greater than the bail usually set for such crimes. Without being handcuffed, Murray was then taken into custody for booking. He must surrender his passport, allowing him to travel within the United States but not out of the country. Prosecutors had been seeking bail of $300,000, but Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz rejected that amount. The involuntary-manslaughter charge carries a maximum jail sentence of four years.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Vanity Fair Apparently Thinks Black Women Have No Talent
Vanity Fair
One thing magazines love to do is call dibs on who will be the new "It" celebrities in the year to come. Sometimes they pick stars whose careers are destined to take off, occasionally they make incredible calls with near-nobodies who later become A-listers, and usually the majority of their picks fade into oblivion. While we'd like to think celeb bible Vanity Fair puts a great deal of thought and planning into its annual "New Hollywood" issue, this year the editors really limited their scope when it came to choosing the next big stars. (Or perhaps they overemphasized the "Fair"? ) Every woman on its new cover is extremely thin and very, very white. Unless Vanity Fair considers one redhead to be diversity, we feel the need to cry foul.
Click to read.Monday, February 1, 2010
Black News: Tea Party Group Sends Out Poster of Obama as a Pimp
From Hip Hop Wired.
A tea party group in Houston has been passing around a picture of President Obama as a pimp. TeaParty.org, founded by Dale Robertson sent out an email with the subject line: “Obama Pimpin Obama-Care, One Last Time!.” Robertson was also shown holding up a sign calling taxpayers “Niggars.”
Monday, January 25, 2010
Evander Holyfield Has Child Support Problems
According to documents filed last month in Cobb County Superior Court in Georgia, Holyfield wants his agreement with ex-wife Janice Itson from 2000 modified because his "income has decreased."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Black News: Charges Filed in NAACP Embezzlement Case
A former NAACPexecutive was charged in Fulton County, Ga., with embezzling $275,000 from the U.S. civil rights organization, NAACP officials say.
The Rev. Amos Brown, administrator for the NAACP's Atlanta chapter, said former NAACP official Judith W. Hanson and Hanson's former assistant, Saundra Douglass, are accused of embezzling funds during their time with the Baltimore-based organization, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Tuesday.
Authorities allege Hanson, who served as the executive director of the NAACP's Atlanta chapter, and Douglass used NAACP funds for personal expenses during a six-year period.
