Shameless Young Debuts Latest Episode of Shameless Series

CLEVELAND - Hidden deep underneath all the crude humor, controversy and purported exploitation, a Date with Deante is a sobering, informative series that uncovers major social problems in America.

Welcome to Episode 27.

Entertainer Deante Young interviews two women in the latest installment (entitled, "If You're Skanky and You Know It...") of the critically acclaimed (and maligned) web series, one of which is a pseudo racist who grew to love a decades-old high school rape.

She's now a "raging alcoholic" and ostensibly homeless.

The other woman, a self-proclaimed "whore" as a 13-year old and currently a mother and wife reveals her love of urban guys and makes herself look, well....shameless. It is the hallmark of the show and the genesis of Young's appeal.

They're both shamelessly brilliant!

New Era: James, Cavs Fly Through Has-Been Pistons

CLEVELAND - Memories of NBA playoffs circa 2006 and 2007 came to my mind as I watched the current Cleveland Cavaliers dismantle the once-great Detroit Pistons.

Times have certainly changed.

Led by the incomparable LeBron James, the Cavs completed a highly expected 4-0 sweep of their Motown rivals yesterday by earning a 99-78 victory in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The victory made Cleveland the first team to advance to the second round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs and sent an emphatic statement to the Pistons and the rest of the league that this is a whole new era in pro hoops.

During the 2006 postseason, a very cocky and arrogant Detroit team was given a much tougher semifinal series with Cleveland than it expected. After a rousing 64-win season that year, they expected easy pickings with the upstart Cavs. Surprisingly, the '06 series stood at a 3-3 tie going into game 7 in Detroit. In that series ending game, the Pistons shackled James and marched to a 79-61 pasting of the Northeastern Ohioans.

The Cavs actually beat the Pistons in '07, thanks largely to the legendary game 5 performance of LeBron, who scored 29 of the team's final 30 en route to 48 for the game. Even still, the Cavs lost the first two games of that series and James was vilified in the media for passing up a shot late in game 2 and instead passing to Donyell Marshall, who subsequently missed a three-pointer near the end of the game.

This 2009 series was drastically different. Even though Detroit no longer has Chauncey Billups or current Cavalier Ben Wallace, the gap is still stunning given their pedigree and remaining talent. The most sizable gap these days between the two teams may be in confidence level. 

Detroit's former irascible  swagger is currently non-existent and the cockiest of all, Rasheed Wallace was all but a hood ornament in this series. Cleveland however, has exuded a super coolness all season that belies their searing intensity and humble self-assuredness. Maybe Detroit has good reason to be more mice than men these days. Their '08-'09 acquisition Allen Iverson was done for the season before the regular season ended, Tayshaun Prince's trademark defensive tenacity and Richard Hamilton's feathery jumper were all A.W.O.L.

Of course, those of us in Cavs country have zero sympathy for these guys. LeBron's dazzling series performance 32, 11, 7 per game was a startling reminder that he is on an historic path towards basketball immortality and at age 24 is maybe the best player in all of sports, not just basketball.

I really feel bad for their next victim, er ... opponent.

Left Eye Was A Gift From Left Field

CLEVELAND - Lisa Lopes was someone that lived life by her own rules. Once she became a global star as the most outrageous member of the mega-popular group TLC, her idiosyncrasies made headline news.

But she was so much more than controversy.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of Lopes' sudden death in an auto accident. Professionally known as "Left Eye," Lopes and her cohorts Tionne Watkins (T-Boz) and Rozonda Thomas (Chilli) made music history during the 1990's with their super successful albums and cutting edge music videos. As a whole, TLC were confident, defiant and relateable for young women all over the country. "Left Eye" was always the eccentric one, but her unique style and demeanor earned her the unofficial title of most popular member as well as a legion of devoted fans.

In spite of a tumultuous, yet highly publicized relationship with then-NFL star Andre Rison (during which she infamously burned down his estate in 1994), Lopes continued to resonate with fans which made her sudden break (and brief estrangement) from the group years later seem like a good decision.

By the time she was killed in the Spring of 2002 in Honduras, Lopes had become a far more spiritual and reflective person. She was the only fatality in a vehicle of ten people, as well as the only one strapped in a seat belt.

I wasn't a big fan of TLC, but I admired and respected their music. "Left Eye" appealed to me because she seemed to have the same singular uniqueness as I, without regard for what others may have wanted her to be. She was a philanthropist and activist and truly cared about making the world a better place.

That was what truly set her apart.

Day 26

CLEVELAND - The one-man entertainment center that is otherwise known as Deante Young has just released (via Dirty Truth Films) the 26th installment of his spicy web series, a Date with Deante.

Hooray.

In the latest edition entitled, "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" Young converses with a very young child who stole actor Kirk Cameron's legendary 1980's hair! The limitless entertainer then encounters a series of folks that all fit into one of three categories of people; the good, the bad and the ugly.

It is trademark Deante at his best.

Johnston Manipulating Palin Debacle Like a Pro

CLEVELAND - Levi Johnston comes off as something of a dunce. He never seems completely in the moment, nor does he seem particularly bright.

But he's milking his Sarah Palin affiliation for all it's worth.

Johnston, 19 is the father of the Alaska governor's four month old grandson. The former high school hockey player had been engaged to Palin's daughter Bristol until their supposedly mutual break-up last month, but in the weeks since, there have been a steady stream of back-and-forths between the Palins and Johnstons in the media.

Johnston has appeared on Tyra Banks' show and after some prodding by Banks, he admitted to not always practicing safe sex with Bristol. On Larry King Live last night, he reiterated that line and also echoed Bristol's controversial comment about abstinence not always being realistic for teenagers.

Gov. Palin has repudiated Johnston's claims and dispelled any notion that he and her daughter engaged in any sexual activity in her home. She's also dismissed his current media appearances as nothing more than a cheap ploy on his part and that he has lied "in a quest for fame."

Funny stuff.

When Gov. Palin was announced as Sen. John McCain's running mate for the U.S. presidency last August, Johnston was presented to all of the world as a super-upstanding guy and he and Bristol were the happiest young couple in the world, all ready to wed and live a life of endless marital bliss. That was the mistake, and Johnston always seemed uneasy anytime he was photographed with Bristol, especially at the high-profile RNC.

After McCain lost the election to President Barack Obama, the wheels really started to come off of this contrived relationship. Bristol gave birth to her and Levi's child a couple days after Christmas and initially proclaimed Levi to be a great dad. Last night, Johnston told King that he barely gets to see the child nowadays.

Johnston has been all over television. He has also been approached to do some modeling and has had a host of other offers. He now has a publicist and is constantly hounded by "people camped outside [his] house." He is simply playing his hand to the fullest as well he should.

After all, he was used as a "symbol" by Palin when she campaigned. It's his turn now.

Jordan Should Have Been Arrested in Boston in '86

CLEVELAND - Chicago Bulls basketball was never the same after Michael Jordan joined their awful team in 1984. For Jordan, he wasn't ever the same after a historic afternoon in Boston in 1986.

That is when he became a basketball immortal.

Jordan, wearing his familiar uniform number 23 broke a 24-year old NBA Playoff record in Game 2 at age 23 by scoring 63 points 23 years ago today in the nearly impenetrable force field known as Boston Garden, a hoops mecca that saw the 1985-86 edition of the home team roll to a glittering 40-1 home mark in the regular season.

He was simply smashing.

It occurred to me earlier that MJ had been a premeditated assassin that day. Indeed, after netting 49 points in Game One, Jordan came out "guns" ablazin' and became a relentless marksman, a shooter without a conscience and no regard for his "victims." As it turns out, his "victims" were wowed by his slithering moves even as he evaded their grasp only to "knife" through rotating defenders en route to nearly scoring an unlikely heist; a Bulls victory in Beantown.

Almost.

Jordan, who was only in his 2nd pro season had suffered a stress fracture in his foot three games into the season, causing him to miss 64 games. Chicago was a putrid 21-43 in those games but saw a glimmer of hope to make the playoffs as the lowest seed when the super hoopster returned in Mid-March. That means that it took him less than five weeks to ascend to the level that he played at in Boston.

Wow.

Though the briefly stunned Celtics won the game, 135-131 in double OT, the series and eventually, the NBA championship, Jordan made an indelible impact on the sports world and his legend continued with its meteoric rise in the coming years.

And even though he didn't kill the Celtics that day, he should've been arrested for assault, battery and attempted murder.

But he got away with it! Lucky us!

Columbine Killers Did America An Ironic Favor

CLEVELAND - Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, in spite of their admirations of the misdeeds of Adolf Hitler and their twisted longings to become infamous via inflicting epic harm to those that (allegedly) mocked them as well as innocent folks actually made America a better and safer place to live.

Say what?

Today marks the 10th anniversary of that nightmarish Spring day in Littleton, Colorado. Klebold and Harris, two financially privileged teens went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School where they were both students, killing 12 of their classmates and a teacher before committing suicide. The massacre was the worst school shooting in over 30 years and became a flash point in the annals of the U.S. school system; an indelible occurrence which has since shaped and improved school security measures and made social isolation and bullying an ongoing discussion and concern between parents, national organizations and school officials alike.

The magnitude of that 1999 tragedy wasn't immediately obvious. At the time, it was said that Klebold and Harris idolized Hitler and wanted to use his April 20th birthday to avenge alleged bullying by other students. They were also purported members of "The Trenchcoat Mafia" though these statements now seem apocryphal with the passage of time. However, the murderous duo influenced many twisted minds in the ensuing years, most notably Seung-Hui Cho, the mastermind of the Virginia Tech Massacre in 2007.

Klebold and Harris, in addition to the arsenal of handguns and shotguns they carried with them as they terrorized their school planted several homemade bombs in and around Columbine in hopes of authoring an even more epic tragedy. Thankfully, the bombs either failed to detonate or had very little impact when they did.

Looking back, I remember the stunning horror of that day. The vivid memories of the students frantically racing from the school to safety still feels too nearby in time to fade. With extensive television coverage that historic day, it was made very clear to me that this was indeed a "big deal." 

I pray that my children never go through anything remotely resembling this.

Klebold and Harris were hell bent on hate and violence. They wanted infamy and global attention. They definitely got it. But we as Americans got something more; hope, promise and a better understanding of our youth. As senseless as the tragedy was, it built our faith and strength in tempestuous times. Our resiliency helps us overcome because we have lived through the worst of people.

Columbine lives on. Long live faith. 

Rookie Film Company Releases First Movie

CLEVELAND - Dirty Truth Films is clearly a creation which gestated deep in the mind of its founder, media extraordinaire Deante Young.

A day after Young celebrated the one year anniversary of his raunchy web series, a Date with Deante, his burgeoning film company releases its first-ever short movie. The comedy, entitled A Cow on Crutches tells the terse story of a driver who happens upon an apparently wounded "cow" as "it" lumbers down a city street. The driver tries to speak to the obviously unnerved "animal," but doesn't have much success communicating with the distressed "side of beef."

A Cow on Crutches is available on YouTube and MySpace. It's rated PG-13 for some verbal cruelty to an "animal." Dirty Truth Films is a division of April Fool's Entertainment.

Young's Shocking Series Celebrates 1st Anniversary

CLEVELAND - As far as envelope-pushing, controversial geniuses go, Deante Young stands at the Mt. Olympus of First Amendment exploitation.

And he's very proud of that perception.

One year ago today, Young's seminal web series, a Date with Deante made its debut online and immediately garnered both critical acclaim and searing criticism for its proliferation of racial epithets and misogynistic themes. Young's own audacious language and ultra-intrusive interrogation of his female guests (Sarah and Beth Ann are pictured above from the very first episode) drew the ire of several Women's Rights Organizations. 

"What Mr. Young created was a crude, crass and callously irresponsible load of garbage," says Kathleen Myers, founder of Respect All Women of America or R.A.W.A. "He has no regard for women and he clearly respects himself even less than that if he willfully shows his ignorance and passes it off as creative honesty."

Young comes to his own defense. In a statement issued through his multi-media production company April Fool's Entertainment, the 32-year old shockster says that he loves women and never disrespects them. "As I've said before, I am a truth seeker, not an exploiter. What people need to understand is that I bring the harsh, filthy reality of the world to the forefront." He says. "If the language gets racy, that's fine. We're all adults here and the adult women that I interview never object while being interviewed so it's just much to do about nothing."

With Season 2 underway, Young is expected to release the 26th episode of the series sometime in the coming days.

Series Page: http://www.adatewithdeante.com/

Bulls 70th Win Proved They Were One-of-a-Kind

CLEVELAND - I remember it so vividly. The chase. The dominance. The cautious celebrating. The insatiable intensity.

It was once-in-a-lifetime.

It was 13 years ago today that the Chicago Bulls rewrote NBA history by winning their 70th game of the season and thus, becoming the first pro hoops team ever to do such a thing. In an ugly game against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road, the Bulls eclipsed the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers' record of 69-13 with their star pupil, Michael Jordan having a horrible shooting game.

Jordan, 33 at the time misfired to the tune of a woeful 9-of-27 shooting performance. He managed 22 points and 9 rebounds, but it was Luc Longley's two foul shots in the closing seconds that sealed the gut-it-out 86-80 victory. Chicago improved to an unreal 70-9 on the season.

Sheesh!

Both Longley and All-Star Scottie Pippen scored 16 while the enigmatic Dennis Rodman grabbed 19 rebounds. Chicago used a 24-12 fourth quarter to erase a 68-62 deficit after three quarters. All-Star Vin Baker was unguardable for the Bucks as he finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

The Bulls, overjoyed once the victory and record became a reality were very careful in their excitement. They repeatedly mentioned the importance of winning the NBA championship and how that mattered far more than their glittering record. By season's end, their record stood at 72-10 and they eventually authored a 15-3 jaunt through the postseason and defeated the Seattle Supersonics for their 4th NBA title in six seasons.

Naturally, Jordan was the "ringleader."

In the 13 years since the Bulls' historic run, many NBA teams have seemed poised to challenge or eclipse the 70-win plateau, or the 72 overall victories. All have failed, which has only proven how very difficult it is to accomplish this enormous feat. Fueled by the hyper-competitive Jordan, the Bulls never let up on any team and were never buried when they fell behind by huge deficits. Though not the most talented team, they were clearly a well-rounded one with every guy playing their roles to perfection.

With last night being the end of the 08-09 NBA regular season, I think this is the perfect time to salute Chicago's seminal 1995-96 campaign. It was truly one for the ages and it will never be replicated ever again.

Remember, there was only one Jordan.

Major Disaster Inspired Biggest Hollywood Blockbuster Ever

CLEVELAND - It took place during the early 20th century, during a time in world history where everything seemed to be in its developmental stages. The RMS Titanic, an enormous and opulent passenger steamship, met with a horrible fate during its maiden voyage 97 years ago today.

As we all know, the celebrated ship sank a day later after hitting a large iceberg.

The colossal scope of the tragedy resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 people, partially due to the insufficient amount of lifeboats aboard the vessel. It left from Southampton, England bound for New York City off the Eastern coast of the U.S., but nearly three hours after that fateful collision, it struck the formidable iceberg that ultimately sent the liner to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Wow.

Of course, most people nowadays know of the historic tragedy because of the mega-popular 1997 film, Titanic which has grossed more than $600 million USD (and more than $1.2 billion worldwide) in the dozen years since its release. That film, directed by James Cameron and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet was a stunning and rousing success right out the gate and served as a de facto documentary about the long ago disaster.

It certainly sparked new interest in the event.

Though I greatly enjoyed the flick, I am saddened by the massive loss of life aboard that luxurious ship. It was probably an unavoidable moment, but it should still serve as a reminder to us all to place a premium on enjoying your life as it is. It can all be taken away at the drop of a hat.

Or the ominous rip of an iceberg.

Beyond A Seed Of A Doubt

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Cavaliers have been a basketball powerhouse this season, steamrolling their schedule like the franchise never has.

And last night, they clinched the number one seed throughout the East playoffs.

The Cavs' first-ever Eastern Conference top seed became a reality when they defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 102-82 but it was actually a mere formality. With the team's scintillating 64-15 record, they are clearly a team on a mission and was destined to earn the privilege of playing potential playoff series-deciding games on their homecourt, where they are an amazing 38-1.

LeBron James made sure the clincher came last night as he pitched in a stellar 27 points and 10 assists. "It means a lot to set a goal and accomplish it," said James after the victory. "We should be proud."

The Cavs may even earn the NBA's best overall record since their closest competition, the L.A. Lakers lost to Portland last night to fall a game and a half behind them. What's more, Cleveland can tie the 1985-86 Boston Celtics' all-time record of 40-1 at home if they win their final two home games; one of which (ironically) is against the defending champion Celtics.

I'm not betting against James and his boys. 

Let the Laughs Begin ... Again!

CLEVELAND - One of the most consistent trademarks of Deante Young is his remarkable sense of humor. It trickles down to every project he does.

His latest episode is no different.

Young, 32 premieres the 25th installment of the racy web series a Date with Deante entitled, "Sightseeing and Stuff." Taking shots at everything (and everybody) in his path, the foul-mouth entertainer produces yet another classic.

Check out the shocking details in this well-done episode that will leave its viewers in stitches!

Hefner Is 83...On Calenders Only

CLEVELAND - Happy birthday, Mr. Hefner. May you continue to live well, long and prosper. And may the rest of us be so lucky!

You're amazing.

Hugh M. Hefner, the legendary founder of Playboy magazine and each of its related entities celebrates his 83rd birthday today, though the "actual" celebration took place this past weekend at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Hefner's former triumvirate of girlfriends, Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt (the stars of TV's The Girls Next Door) threw him a bash at the popular Vegas location complete with a pool party.

This was the publishing magnate's first face-to-face encounter with Madison since their highly-publicized break-up last year, which left Hef sullen and heartbroken. Alas, he softened the pain by acquiring teen twin bombshells Karissa and Kristina Shannon and most recently, 22-year old blonde stunner Crystal Harris (pictured above with Hefner).

The iconic mogul said he was "very, very happy" at the turnout of present and past loves and acknowledges that he's "had a life well lived with much satisfaction." That may be one of the biggest understatements of all-time, given his more than half-century of jetsetting all over the world and maintaining a harem of very young, nubile and sexually charged women in his stable. His vast wealth and celebrity have made his life a real fairy tale, with his legendary Playboy Mansion serving as a "magic kingdom."

That's why Hef is only 83 on the calendar; no true octogenarian has ever lived a life this full of debauchery and carnal privilege. He is the master of hedonism and in my estimation, the greatest male in Earth's history.

I salute you again Hef! You are the man! Enjoy your day, sir.

Jordan Was Royalty For America's Urban Youth

CLEVELAND - With Michael Jordan being selected for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame a couple days ago, it made me reflect on his gigantic impact on the urban area that I grew up in and the colossal dreams he inspired.

He was the ultimate role-model.

In my early years, I cared nothing about sports. My friends and other neighborhood peers were always playing basketball, baseball and football, but not me. I had more important things to care about. It was very odd though, that I noticed a growing "sports" trend while I was a third grader in 1985.

Many of my fellow eight and nine year old (boys) would take a piece of paper, crumple it into a ball and toss it at a wastebasket. If the paper ball made it into the basket, the kid would punctuate it by shouting, "Jordan!" I didn't know who this Jordan guy was, but of course, I later found out. 

It wasn't until I attended middle school (1989-90) that I finally fell in love with the basketball god that every other boy was already enamored with. I was in the middle of my 7th grade year in the Spring of 1990 and I noticed another growing trend; countless Chicago Bulls starter jackets and a litany of Air Jordan basketball shoes on the feet of dozens of students.

According to the chatter, you were something special if you had a pair of the vaunted, mega high-priced footwear. I took an interest in the unique and sleek design of the shoe and eventually asked other guys about them. Most people were still wearing the Air Jordan IV, which had initially been released in the fall of 1988, but spawned a few different colorways throughout 1989. Since I was just getting hip to the shoes in early '90, a new edition was about to hit stores.

I hated them at first!

The latest pair of "Jordans" were released with an ever bigger than usual price tag; $125. This was such a steep price for my mother to digest, that I didn't think I'd ever get a pair of the shoes that I just had to have. Good thing I didn't like them -- I wanted the '88-'89 edition, which were now being sold for some thirty-five bucks less. I ended up with the white, red and black AJIV, and I treated them like a newborn baby!

I eventually fell in love with the Air Jordan V which led to me falling in love with Jordan himself, then basketball (which I started watching on TV and learned how to play solely because of him) and finally, a fan of the NBA period. When I couldn't afford the shoes, I began making three-dimensional replicas of them out of paper and wore them as necklaces. This became my calling card in Junior High and High School, and even now --nearly 20 years later, folks still ask me if I still make them!

Another popular trend for the hood boys was to skip school on the day a new pair of Air Jordans were released (this resulted in a change to weekend-only releases years later). This was often done by the adolescent drug dealers who happened to think spending $133.75 (the exact price with tax) three or four times a year was chump change for a brand new pair of the super popular J's. Anytime someone in school or in the neighborhood had on a pair of the latest edition or colorway, we all scrambled to get a glimpse and or give our critique of them.

"Dem bitches look hard! I'ma get 'dem tomorrow!!"

Jordan's mythical popularity found its way into television and film too. In the 1986 film, She's Gotta Have It, the film's writer, director and co-star Spike Lee outfitted his character Mars Blackmon with a pair of the very first Jordans, the Air Jordan I which caused heavy fines to be levied against the Bulls superstar, but was paid by the sneaker's creators Nike Inc.

Then, in Lee's 1988 film School Daze, the Air Jordan III (the first with the visible Air, and colloquially known as the "air pocket") made an appearance. But the Air Jordan IV got an entire scene dedicated to it in the seminal Lee flick, 1989's Do the Right Thing. That film, set in the Bed-Stuy area of Brooklyn, N.Y. completely reflects the obsession and love-affair that young black men had with their own pair of Jordan's basketball shoes.

Other key examples of MJ's unmatched aura was illustrated subtly by actor Will Smith during the first several seasons of his television series, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. Smith, 22 at the time famously sports a pair of the Air Jordan V's in the opening credits of the series. He also wore all three original colorways during season one and religiously rocked every subsequent new edition in following seasons. Smith's real-life admiration for Jordan was revealed at the 2005 BET awards, when the Academy Award-nominated actor (who hosted the program with his wife) acknowledged as much during a short shout-out to MJ, who was present in the audience with BET founder Robert L. Johnson. Smith's gesture earned a smiling Jordan a standing ovation.

Malcolm Jamal-Warner's Theo Huxtable sported a pair of the Air Jordan II's during a couple episodes of the 1986-87 season of The Cosby Show. Kadeem Hardison's Dwayne Wayne, a geek in every other way on TV's A Different World, was ultra cool when it came to his shoe game; he was a diligent wearer of the Air Jordans as was his buddy Ron.

Michael Jordan's remarkable brilliance, style and confidence undoubtedly contributed mightily to the popularity of his eponymous sneakers. He endeared himself to us kids in "the 'hood" because he seemed to be just another one of us -- a young, black kid that simply liked to hoop. It was in fact how he started. The fact that he grew into an international, multi-billion dollar basketball immortal was well, just the residue of his superior work ethic and determination.

Beyond the stats, skills and awards, Jordan's seismic impact on America's culture is the true measure of his legacy.

He IS the Hall of Fame.

Eminem's New Video Should Be Appreciated For What It Is

Eminem - New Music - More Music Videos

CLEVELAND - Eminem is the man that brought me to rap and hip-hop music. Until his arrival on the pro rap scene 10 years ago, this genre of music was something that I personally couldn't relate to.

In a sense, we're the same guy.

Eminem, the professional name of Detroit-bred Marshall Bruce Mathers III released the lead single and music video for his forthcoming album Relapse today on MTV. The clip, entitled "We Made You" is vintage Eminem and harkens back to his Slim Shady days as the relentless humorist and smart-alecky wordsmith that rags on celebrities.

Mathers, 36 deliberately crafted this video with zany and satirical imagery as he "humiliates" a slew of pop stars and other public figures. From Bret Michaels and Sarah Palin to Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian, Eminem takes hilarious shots at them with the same biting wit that he displayed on his past lead singles (My Name Is..., The Real Slim Shady, Without Me and Just Lose It).

Many folks have criticized Mathers for the buffoonery and adolescent silliness of these lead singles for years and this new song and video is receiving more of the same. I've heard and read many people who are unhappy with his tradition of releasing a silly song poking fun at harmless pop stars and even accuse him of having "lost his talent." 

I highly disagree.

I feel that people are reading too much into these singles. True, his lead singles have essentially been carbon copies of each other, but they each tell a slightly different story and in fact is one of the main reasons America fell in love with him in the first place. Additionally, if people would simply take the songs for what they are meant to be (purposely silly, campy and over-the-top satire), then maybe people would enjoy the music more. Eminem never said he was making serious songs with strong messages, although there is the occasional lesson hidden somewhere in the track (even in the goofy songs).

"We Made You" is incredibly funny, witty and frenetic. It is classic Slim Shady and is the perfect springboard for the new CD.

That will be a classic too.

Jordan Becomes Most Deserving Hall of Famer Ever

CLEVELAND - Nothing is ever a sure thing in sports. Too many variables, too much adrenaline and too many hungry competitors fighting for the same thing.

On second thought, there was one sure thing in sports; Michael Jordan becoming a member of the Hall of Fame.

As I mentioned in February, Jordan was a finalist for sport's highest honor. Today, he was officially elected as a unanimous, first-ballot member into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with John Stockton, David Robinson, Jerry Sloan and C. Vivian Stringer. Jordan however, is the clear-cut headliner after an NBA career that played out almost as a fairy tale.

Jordan, 46 gave much credit to his former coach at the University of North Carolina. "Without Dean Smith, you never would have seen Michael Jordan," he said at the announcement of his highly expected election. The official induction takes place in September.

The basketball icon was far more than a giant in his sport. He transcended the very nature, popularity and competitiveness of athletics and became the embodiment of insatiable drive times an uncompromising work ethic equals gargantuan brilliance.

Congratulations, MJ.

M.L.K.'s Murder Discouraged, Then Empowered Us

CLEVELAND - As an elementary school student in the 1980's, I was (along with my classmates) consistently taught and reminded of the altruistic sacrifices that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made for, not only Blacks -- but humans of every race, color and creed.

His tragic murder however, was always the sad ending to it all.

Today will forever be known as one of the pivotal touchstones in American history. On this very date, 41 years ago, King was gunned down about an hour before sunset at the shoddy Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN. His alleged assassin, a nobody named James Earl Ray successfully fled the scene undetected and remained at large for an incredible two months after the history-altering crime that he supposedly committed.

He was eventually caught in London, then arrested, convicted, he confessed, then recanted.

Ray died in prison in 1998 while serving a 99-year sentence. To this day, he remains the killer of record, but much speculation has persisted in the four decades since the crime. I'm not here to engage in a whodunit; rather I just want to point out a few things that Dr. King's assassination did to us Americans, especially Blacks.

It scared us like crazy initially.

Yes, King was the pre-eminent force in the iconic Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. His tireless pursuit of justice, equality and racial harmony would carry him from the streets of Montgomery in the mid-'50's, to the Lincoln Memorial for his historic speech at the March on Washington in 1963 and finally, to that fateful final trip in 1968. It was his fiery oratory and courageous determination in the face of blatant racism that made Blacks believe in his message.

Then, he was killed.

King's murder was frustrating and discouraging. After a long period of mourning, we as a people stood up and actually became empowered by the spirit of King's vision. Suddenly, we began to believe that maybe, we controlled our own destinies.

It may have been his true legacy.

Let's remember King today for the gifts he gave us, rather than as the gift (him) that was taken away from us. America still has its warts and flaws, but in a very real sense...maybe it can also be called the promised land.

Remember, I did say maybe.

Fox Is A Perfect Example of Faith and Optimism

CLEVELAND - Michael J. Fox is one of my all-time favorite actors in both television and film. He is also one of the most inspirational people I have ever seen.

Seriously.

Fox, 47 was the very popular and successful star of two hit television series; Family Ties (1982-89) and Spin City (1996-00) as well as the headliner of the Back to the Future trilogy. He was stunningly diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease in 1991, but waited a full seven years to disclose the life-altering information to the public. He has since largely abandoned his acting career in front of the camera in favor of a relentless dedication to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.

He's doing a heck of a job.

What impresses me most about Fox is his amazing resiliency, faith and optimism. He continuously displays a sharp wit and a remarkably self-deprecating sense of humor in spite of the involuntary shaking and compromised motor skills that he has been saddled with for years. He insists that the disease is a blessing and that it has only enhanced his life in spite of the litany of everyday simple tasks that have become major challenges.

Fox's wife, Tracy Pollan has been by his side through it all. They met in the 1980's on the set of Family Ties and have been married for over 20 years. Together, they have four children which is the primary source of joy for Fox. This past week, he appeared on The Oprah Show, The Late Show with David Letterman and Good Morning America and each time displayed an unprecedented candor and acceptance of his condition. He doesn't want sympathy, nor does he feel sorry for himself or long for the days prior to his diagnosis.

He just wants to enjoy life. Flat-out.

I applaud the man for being grateful and upbeat in this very challenging state. I am also happy that President Obama lifted the ban on federal financing for embryonic stem-cell research, which may very well lead to a cure in the very near future. Fox is thrilled about that as well, but the pivotal decision by the president didn't exactly make Fox's day.

His day was already full of blessings. Just ask him.

Young 'Stunned and Grateful' To Reach Age 32

CLEVELAND - Today marks the 32nd birthday of the great Deante Young, the controversial king of exploitation and multi-talented entertainer.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Young.

Young, the founder and chief creative architect of April Fool's Entertainment was busy developing the next episode of his shock tinged web series, a Date with Deante when he gave an early morning interview on seeing another birthday.

"I'm absolutely stunned to already be 32 freaking years old," Young said. "but God is good and I'm grateful to have made it this far. Many people don't get this honor." When asked to reflect on his most memorable birthdays over the years, Young paused a moment to reflect. "My 7th birthday in 1984 is one of the standouts because Marvin Gaye's death was reported on the hi-fi stereo during my party and the older folks had a fit," he said. "I loved my 1983 birthday party as well as 1999 and 2004. I have been truly blessed."

Young is excited about the remainder of this year as he plans on releasing his first CD in nearly four years as well as short films and music video projects. There have also been reports of a forthcoming book and another web series.

"I don't wanna count my chickens," says the birthday boy. "but this is going to be a watershed year for me and I think the fans will enjoy the material."

Spoken like a true showman. Happy Birthday, Mr. Young.