Iverson Shafted Again; USA Invitees Released

Frankly, not sure what Jerry Colaneglo, Director of U.S.A Men's Basketball, is thinking leaving Iverson off the team. The official list of invitees was named today (22 invitees -- 13 will make the team)and Iverson is not one of them.

What has the man ever done to make people dislike him so much? (on the basketball court). The label that Iverson is a me-first player is just silly and anyone who has actually watched games in the last four years knows this.

No one plays with his type of intensity and fire night in and night out. Iverson is number two in the league in scoring, in the top 10 in assists and in the top 10 in steals.

In the olympics in Athens (which the USA lost because Larry Brown would rather have Marbury and Jefferson on the court then Wade and James)Iverson was by far the leader and played each one of those games with the pride and honor in his country that his detractors say he doesn't possess. It's a weird situation and frankly Coach K, Jerry Colaneglo and the US team will miss having his leadership (yes I said it) on the team.

Bryant, James, Wade among those on U.S. roster

NBA players on Team USA's training camp roster (13 will make the roster -- my choices are in bold and italics)

Carmelo Anthony
Gilbert Arenas
Shane Battier
Chauncey Billups PG
Chris Bosh PF/C
Bruce Bowen
Elton Brand PF
Kobe Bryant SG
Dwight Howard PF/C
Josh Howard
LeBron James SF
Antawn Jamison SF
Joe Johnson
Rashard Lewis
Shawn Marion SF/PF
Brad Miller PF/C
Chris Paul PG
Paul Pierce
Michael Redd SG
Luke Ridnour
Amare Stoudemire PF/C
Dwyane Wade PG/SG

Starting Five = Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Shawn Marion, Dwight Howard

State of the Black Union

For those of you who don't know (its very easy to miss it), there is a conference that goes on every February called the State of the Black Union that airs on CSPAN. I found the rerun by mistake back in 2004 at 2am and I've been hooked ever since. The main draw of the conference is a panel discussion moderated by Tavis Smiley (aka That Dude) featuring big names such as Cornel West, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Al Sharpton.

Each year there is a theme, although all topics are usually touched on during the day, and this year the focus was on Setting the Agenda. This really excited me because I had just talked to my Godmother the day before about the struggle for our generation to unite in the cause of activism because of the relative ambiguity of the source of the problem to fight in comparrison to their generation.

This forum set the agenda through a new book titled The Covenant by Tavis Smiley. The Covenant sets that agenda for our generation through chapters that deal with many topics from government to education to our black communities. What makes this book really special, however, is the fact that it has immediate solutions explicitly stated for people of all ages to improve their black community locally, state wide, and on a national level.

There is even a printable PDF file on the website explicitly detailing what each of us can do depending on our age or occupation to get active in the community. I have not read this book yet but I am definitely going to read it in the near future and I would encourage you to do so too if you are African American.

Aside from the book, it was really refreshing to see a group of African American men and women of different political and religious ideologies to sit down and hash out issues in an intellectual manner. Although things did get heated when Farrakhan stole the show and dismissed the book (because he believed it required us to be too dependent on the government which is inherently evil...Tavis tried to come back at him but isn't half the orator as Farrakhan) and Cornell West had to save the conference by coming back at Farakahn in his closing statements, both of them expressed love for each other and it was heartwarming to see the love of our people displayed on TV.

Another great moment occurred when they replaced the older activists one by one with younger activists to have a discussion about what is important to African Americans 20-35 and to make sure that our voice is heard too.

I really wish a major network would pick up the conference although logistically I realize its hard to televise a 6 hour conference without commercials. Even realizing that problem, I'm sure BET could have used the corporate sponsors that helped to fund the conference in the first place (McDonalds, Nationwide, few others I can't remember) to make that possible once a year.

Anyway, the whole conference is reairing tonight on CSPAN2 (8:30- Economic Empowerment forum, 11:30- Defining the Agenda forum). I would encourage you all to check that out and also look the website( http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com/cover.html ), read the book, and attempt to catch the conference next year.

If you don't have CSPAN2 or unable to see it tonight you can also see video from the telecast on cspan.com on the bottom part of the front page.

(To all the non African Americans that read this blog, don't mean to leave you all out...feel free to check all of this out too....its just some things that we have to do as a community specifically geared towards us to improve our situation as a whole)

"Why Georgia Why?" by John Mayer

"but all i feel's alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
justa a stirrin in my soul

either way
i wonder sometime about the outcome
of a still verdictless life
am i living it right?"






that's really how i feel right now -- am I in a quarter life crisis? Do Those exist?

Ala. Paper Publishes Civil Rights Photos

Lost Pictures of the Civil Rights Era

Excerpt:

Dozens of never before released photos from the civil rights era came to light this weekend after an intern discovered them buried in an equipment closet at the Birmingham News.

The photos had been in a box marked: "Keep. Do Not Sell." But at the time they were taken, the newspaper didn't want to draw attention to the racial discord of the 1950s and 1960s, news photographers from the period said.

"The editors thought if you didn't publish it, much of this would go away," said Ed Jones, 81, a photographer at The News from 1942 to 1987. "Associated Press kept on wanting pictures, and The News would be slow on letting them have them, so they flooded the town with photographers."

Several photos vividly show the segregation in the South at the time, including the disparity among school buildings and the different lines for blacks and whites, even at the jail as the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth posts bail after an arrest.

One photo shows a Ku Klux Klan rally with men wearing hoods but their faces uncovered. Others show National Guardsmen with their guns drawn, protecting a bus in one and rounding up rioters protesting a black student's enrollment at the University of Mississippi.

In the News' centennial edition in 1988, the newspaper said a New York Times story in 1960 forced the paper and the city's white community to confront the racial conflict: "The story of The Birmingham News' coverage of race relations in the 1960s is one marked at times by mistakes and embarrassment but, in its larger outlines, by growing sensitivity and acceptance of change."

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is dead to me

no message

Hezekiah Walker story is FALSE!

From the Web site that claimed to have the scoop -- too bad that his name has already been flung in the mud, tossed aside and he's been called something of everything by everyone (including myself). The internet is a gift and a curse...

By: Tim Hunter, Founder

We at musicnewsweekly.com deeply apologize to the family, friends, congregation and Pastor Hezekiah Walker, for allowing ourselves to be pawns of a totally false story that was confirmed by mediatakeout.com. As the founder, I am deeply hurt of the lack of integrity and respect I have allowed to come through Music News Weekly against Pastor Walker. I was given the opportunity to discuss this matter directly with Pastor Walker and offer my sincere apologies for allowing such a terrible thing to take place. In doing so, it was clear to see the strength of god in the middle of total evil.

Pastor Walker, in total wholeness, accepted my apologies. For those that don’t understand how powerful that is, let me offer a deeper look at what this man has suffered because of this story. Pastor Walker is man who built a reputation of solid integrity and respect, worked very hard for all that he has, and inspires many through song and word. A man who speaks to uplift and does so with his own actions. But, one story, which was derived most likely from one sick individual, almost caused destruction to all that he has built. A great many people are familiar with Pastor Walker in all that he truthfully represents. Thanks to a young lady within his church named Nicollette, I was able to dig deeper to find what everyone else already knew. Pastor Walker is a HETEROSEXUAL MALE who was the chosen victim of total stupidity on behalf of many.

As for myself, through the shame that goes with the territory, express the fact that I am very apologetic to all. I find it very troubling that this fictional story caught my attention and that of other media outlets, but the Pastor Walker program dedicated to influencing gang members from Bloods & Crips to turn in their guns went unheard. I now see this as a blessing and opportunity to actually tell the story of a man and some of the great things about him. We will do a profile story on Pastor Hezekiah Walker and let the world read about his real life.

Don't Get Used To "Cheap" Gas

Gas prices dip slightly, but further decrease unlikely

Excerpt:

Gasoline prices decreased about 6 cents over the past two weeks, according to a survey published Sunday, but the survey's publisher said the trend is unlikely to continue as spring and summer approach.

The Lundberg survey found that the average price of self-serve regular as of Feb. 24 was $2.24 per gallon, representing a 9-cent drop over the past five weeks.

But "I believe we can expect these price cuts will end soon," said publisher Trilby Lundberg. Crude oil prices surged by about $2.50 per barrel Friday with the news that a Saudi oil facility was targeted for a suicide bombing attack, even though the attack was unsuccessful. If that jump remains uncorrected, she said, it will translate into about a 5-cent jump in gas prices.

Create your Own USA Men's Basketball Team

The announcement of the Senior USA Men's team should be coming soon as they will all sign 3-year contracts starting this year. The team will compete for the US in the 2006 FIBA World Championships and then the qualifying tournaments leading up to the Olympics in Beijing, China beginning on August 8, 2008 (that's funny 8/8/08, makes me think of that song by the fake TLC "Blaque - 808").

PG = Point Guard, SG = Shooting Guard, SF= Small Forward, BF = Big Forward (I don't like the term "power") and C- Center.

Sorry for getting off topic but as of now we have five players confirmed and for the sake of this mock team making (gotta think of something better to call it)event we'll identify the positions we think they should play. Dwayne Wade (G), Paul Pierce (SF), Lebron James (SF), Carmelo Anthony (SF) and Kobe Bryant (SG).

A problem that the US Team in the 2004 games in Athens had (i watched every game, sometimes waking up at 5:30 a.m.) was that their coach didn't utilize their athleticism and they couldn't shoot. Though I hate Coach K (head coach at Duke), he'll let the players utilize the talents they have, unlike Larry "I'd rather lose the right way then when the wrong way" Brown. The other problem was that TEAM USA couldn't hit a perimeter shot to save their life. So the construction of this team will try to account for them, there are eight open spots as you can only have 13 members on the team and five are already accounted for with the previously mentioned players.

Point Guards: CChris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Kirk Hinrich - It's very important to have a pass-first type point guard when you're playing with these type of superstars all over the place. Someone who enjoys passing and doesn't mind not scoring that much. All three of these players fit the bill, therefore they are on the team. They also ALL shoot well from outside.

Shooting Guards: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade - I mean really what else do you need at this position. Both of these guys can do anything on the court, Wade can even play some point. Kobe is probably the best player in the NBA and Wade is probably the most unselfish, unassuming superstar in years. Both are in the top 5 in scoring. The only question of these two is sometimes Wade's outside shot doesn't fall. But that doesn't really matter to me.

Small Forwards: Paul Pierce, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony - Another position that really only has one flaw. Offensively, this unit is amazing. They can do it all drive, dish, rebound, shoot, dunk whatever. Lebron is almost like a Point-Forward on the court at most times and at 6-8, 260 pounds he will physically dominate whomever is guarding him. He also has the penetration skills to break down a zone, which is used a lot in international play. The only question mark with this group is their continued defensive intensity. Each have shown the ability to play great defense for stretches, but can they do it consistently will be the question.

Big Forward - Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett, Shawn Marion - This list is quite good and would look even better if Tim Duncan had decided he wasn't gonna play. But you can't fault Duncan he's been in the last two olympics and probably just wants a break. Garnett and Marion, not only give you tremendous rebounding ability and versatility but they also give you international experience. It would be the second olympic games for Marion and Garnett and the third FIBA World Championships for both. Elton Brand is the protypical power forward who can use his size on the inside to bull over opponents and also face up and play from the perimeter. Brand and Marion are both in the top 15 of rebounding and blocked shots. Marion is also a guy that doesn't need the ball in his hand to dominate the game, as is Garnett.

Center - Dwight Howard, Ben Wallace - Simply put, I don't know if anyone would actually make it to the goal with these two patrolling the lane. Both are in the top 10 in the NBA in rebounding (Howard leads) and shot blocking. Howard is only 20 and his upside is as much as anyone in the entire NBA. With Ben Wallace you know what you get, not much offense but he guard all five positions on the court. You just can't that kind of versatility everyday.

Wild Card Selection - Sometimes in International play they allow for a Wild Card selection, the 14th member of the team who usually an older player who serves in a captain type role. If this is available I'd have to pick Allen Iverson. Iverson gets a bad rap for being a thug, individualistic etc. But he has shown his willingness to represent his country on more then one occassion and during the Olympics in Athens seemed to be the only awake enough to play with any heart. He's the captain, the emotional leader, the heart, all that stuff.

Next Five In - Just in case some of the guys don't wanna be on the team or get hurt or something here are the next five I'd pick.

1) Chris Bosh F/C Toronto Raptors - See Dwight Howard
2) Vince Carter F New Jersey Nets - Sheer athleticism, shooting prowess and ability -- heart is questionable though
3) Jermaine O'Neal F/C Indiana Pacers- Health is a question with him, but when healthy one of the top post players in the NBA.
4) Michael Redd G Milwaukee Bucks - Definition of a shooter and the US can always use shooters
5) Ben Gordon G Chicago Bulls - Solid Point Guard/Shooting guard who can pass and knock down the long distance shot.

Thoughts?

The Glory of Sport

Okay, okay. I know that this is the winter Olympics, but it is still the Olympics. Even though I would evaluate myself as a well-grounded person of some intellect and fortitude, I can't help but get caught up in the spirit of international competition. I mean, really, think about how powerful the Olympics are. These are all sports that i simply will not watch for the next four years. Watching skiing is terrible unless it's the Olympics. Watching skating is painful, and slightly less painful during the Olympics--any other time and I think my wife is punishing me. Watching physically hurts, unless we're skating against Finland, or Latvia, or Moldova, or some other eastern European country for a medal. Watching luge or bobsled or skeleton (all of which I have no idea how our teams really prepare throughout the year--are there leagues? are there meets?) is torture until we got a shot at beating the favored Germans and the legendary Austrian. 2 Man Luge is questionable on both athletic and moral grounds. Watching curling--well, I may still watch curling after this is done, but I am not alone in this. Curling may be the next big little fad--not like the ipod, that was a big big fad; but like arena league football. Anyway...


Now I am looking forward to another international sporting event--the World Cup. The World Cup is soccer. I know. But the same thing happens. I mean, I watch some soccer during the year, but not enough to be sure who is even good in whatever league they're in. But once it's international play, I will sacrifice sleep, quality of life, quality of work, etc. all to watch Tanzania and Nigeria play in a qualifier two years out. No lie. International soccer may be the best sport ever, simply because the rest of the world cares so much more than we do and several teams are better than us. I don't like to see us lose--as a matter of fact I hope we annihilate the South Korean team this year (democracy or not--this ain't politics, this is good old fashioned grudge match). And who can't root for upstart Togo? But I do like seeing a sport where there actually is a world champion. I mean, our the winner of the superbowl beat a bunch of teams from the USA and is proclaimed the world champion. Win the NBA and you are the world champions (okay you beat a couple of minor league teams from Canada). Win the world series (a misnomer itself) and it means you crushed the other American teams and a couple of Canadian minor league teams and are crowned the world champions. All of these are false. In the World Cup, there really is a world championship. That's why I watch. Are you watching?

That said, I am not that hyped for the World Baseball Classic, or whatever it's called.

Oh, by the way...Less than six months before college football season starts.

Did I mention that I am glad to be here? No? Well...I'm glad to be here.

Stop Pimping Stevie Wonder

I know I was hard on Jamie Foxx a couple of weeks ago and rightfully so. He's totally taken the Ray Charles personna and used it as his own, in fact the other day in the car with a friend of mine I actually said "Ray Foxx" is really tight right now. That's seriously almost the level that it is at -- soon young kids are gonna believe that Jamie Foxx is/was Ray Charles. However, I digress...

The point of this post is to call our attention to something that has seemingly been happening at EVERY SINGLE awards show since I was alive.

[insert artist here] is performing at [insert show here] and really wants to make a splash. So they start singing their song, feeling it then get about half way into the tune when IT happens... the five words that make me cringe while watching live performances:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, STEVIE WONDER!"

Stevie inevitably comes out sitting on his piano singing extra hard trying to illict a response from the audience, even though this is the 197th time he has performed live. It's just not special anymore when you think about it.

He's watered down and everyone thinks he boosts ratings, but not anymore. Most of my generation doesn't even remember when he was in his hey-day. When "Songs in the Key of Life" came out I was negative six.

So yea, it's kind of like watching Jordan play for the Wizards -- even though he still had skills and you could see them sometimes, it just wasn't the same.

I beg everyone that has a say (prolly no one who reads this)to please keep stevie off the red carpet. Let him rest in peace, though he's not dead.

Thank you for your time and goodnight.

The "R" (Relationship) Word and What Is Going On With Our Children?

Saw a couple of interesting posts today that I wanted to link up and get discussion from you all. You can leave comments on there blog about it, but one is April's Blog (she's the reason I didn't do band in college :-) )and it's about relationships.


The "R" Word

Excerpt:

Anyway, I was watching 'the Parkers', (yes Sherrell, I was watching the Parkers, but at least it wasn't on BET) anyhoo, we've all watched as Nikki Parker pursues her love interest "the professor". Despite the numerous times he's dodged, dissed, and dismissed her attempts to get his attention, she never gives ups (well, until that last season).

Her family and friends would always laugh at her and tell her to give up, he don't want you, and to go find somebody else, but she wouldn't listen. And I know a couple of times some of us have probably yelled at the screen, like "honey, let it go"...

But yet how many times have we been in the same situation as Nikki? How many times have we been in a relationship and our significant other just wasn't "that into it" as we were. But yet we insist on "making it work". Or how many of us have had (or still have) these "school girl" crushes on people (and yes, guys can have school girl crushes too!), yet these people don't devote the same energy into us as we to them, and yet we steady pursue them.

Also peep (that means look at) Erin's Blog (an occasional contributor here)' about the mindset of teenagers today. She's a graduate student at UGA (Georgia) and is student teacehing with 10th-12th graders.

The Numbers

Excerpt:

i started out with 32 students over 2 class periods.

*1 is pregnant
*1 is getting married
*1 has been sent to jail
*1 is an ESL student
*2 have dropped out
*5 are special-ed students

so now i'm at 29 students over 2 class periods. 15 in one class, 14 in another. on a good day, i can expect to see 25 of my students. today was an exceptionally good day. i saw 28 of them.

Again, comment on their blogs those are some good posts.

State Board Approves Plan Tying Teachers' Pay To Student Progress

This is crazy!

Excerpt:

The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Tuesday a plan that will grant bonuses to the state's top teachers, an assessment that will primarily be based on how their students perform on standardized tests and other measurements.

The plan, called Effective Compensation or E-Comp, was pushed by Education Commissioner John Winn, who wants it implemented in every district for the upcoming 2006-07 school year. It has been opposed by the state teachers union, the Florida Education Association, which says educators' pay should be improved overall before a bonus program is imposed. It is threatening to go to court to block the plan.

The plan requires districts to award bonuses of 5 percent or more to at least the top 10 percent of their teachers -- that's at least $2,000 for a teacher making $40,000 annually. Teachers who are in the top 10 percent one year and remain in the top 25 percent statewide the next would again receive a bonus.

The rankings will be based on how students perform on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, which covers subjects such as reading, writing, math and science, or special exams or measurements for classes and grades not covered by FCAT. Alternative assessment methods will be also devised for special education teachers, counselors and others whose performance would be difficult or impossible to grade through a test. Bonuses would be denied teachers if they have been disciplined.

How Do You Feel About America?

So I was talking to some of my friends the other day (ironically while watching basketball) and we started discussing America, what we're doing, what we've done and what we're going to do.

Suffice to say I was surprised (not to surprised because I've been having debates with most of em for almost six years now, a group of my best friends they are) at the overall contempt and I guess anger that many of them held to our country. Emotions ran from disappointment to downright anger at some of our foreign policies, ideologies, "wickedness" and I'd have to say the term or phrase that most summed up the collective arguement was "America is Evil."

That shocked me a little bit -- I mean again it could be how I was raised (military town, dad has worked for the Department of Defense and Navy for each of the last 36 years etc.)but I generally don't have these feelings. Is America Perfect? Not even close, we have so many problems that it's ridiculous. From poverty to Race (I still haven't forgotten that whole slavery thing) to an overall moral decline (that's subjective at best and I realize that) to disease to deficits to lack of control over our leaders.

One of the people in our group said that he feels like America is going to get "messed up" in the next 50 years, before our lifetime is over. (I totally disagreed with that, every great empire falls however I don't think it'll be that soon)

But as A.R. Watson said "all of that is bad, but it's not as bad as worrying about if you're gonna die during a civil war or trying to find a meal," This is true and that led us to discuss foreign policy.


They feel like America should be doing more for other countries, specifically countries in Africa (everyone forgets that Africa isn't a country).

So, in stealing the post style of Jaimie and James I wanna ask yall a few questions.

In general, do you have a positive or negative attitude regarding America?

Is this negative feeling due to recent actions by the Bush Administration or have you always felt this way?

Do you think America should do more for underdeveloped countries and help them (the underdeveloped countries) when it doesn't help us?

Eight meat plant workers win $365 million

$365 million divided eight is $45.6 million

I really wish this had been me, but I guess I'll keep going to South Carolina and buying lottery tickets hoping that one day I strike it big.

Althoug I think I would've taken the 30-year plan, receiving around $600,000 per year every year until 2036. That's guaranteed income, whereas people can blow a lump sum (of any amount) in no time.

Excerpt:

A group of eight workers at a Nebraska meat processing plant came forward Wednesday to claim the record $365 million Powerball jackpot.

They all work at a ConAgra ham processing plant near the U Stop convenience store where they bought the winning ticket.

It was the biggest jackpot on record for any lottery in the United States.

The winning numbers drawn Saturday were 15, 17, 43, 44 and 48, with a Powerball number of 29, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association of Des Moines, Iowa, which runs the game for the participating states.

They had the option of taking the money in one lump sum or installments over 30 years.

They chose the cash option.

The cash option gives them $177.3 million, or $124.1 million after taxes. On the installment plan, the first payment would be $6,507,986 after taxes.

The pre-tax haul on the cash option for the group of eight would be $22,162,500. After taxes it amounts to $15.5 million each.

Barry Bonds Might Retire After 2006

Bonds calls this his last season -- HR record or not

Excerpt:

Barry Bonds is preparing to enter spring training for his 21st -- and, he says, final -- Major League Baseball season.

The Giants slugger, who is 47 home runs shy of Hank Aaron's all-time record, told USA Today on Sunday he plans to retire after this season -- with or without the home run record.

"I'm not playing baseball anymore after this," Bonds told the paper in a telephone interview from his California home. "The game [isn't] fun anymore. I'm tired of all of the crap going on. I want to play this year out, hopefully win, and once the season is over, go home and be with my family. Maybe then everybody can just forget about me."

Bonds, who is in the final year of a five-year, $90 million contract, told the newspaper he is worn out -- tired of being a focal point because of his pursuit of Aaron's record and allegations of steroids use that have dogged him for years.

"I've never cared about records anyway," Bonds told USA Today, "so what difference does it make [if he finishes shy of Aaron's 755 career homers]? Right now, I'm telling you, I don't even want to play next year. Baseball is a fun sport. But I'm not having fun.

"I love the game of baseball itself, but I don't like what it's turned out to be. I'm not mad at anybody. It's just that right now I am not proud to be a baseball player."

Did He Lie?

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney shot his hunting partner the other day. He heard a bird flush, turned, and blasted. (hmmm, am I seeing a metaphor for his involvement in the "War on Terror" here?) Whittington's recovering, so either Cheney didn't hit his mark well enough, or it was genuinely an accident. I'm going for the latter. As an avid hiker living in hunting country, I know these accidents happen all too often. Remember: always wear obnoxiously bright colors and make lots of human-like noise during hunting season.

But, was Cheney being honest when he refrained from informing the public of the accident?

German philosopher Immanuel Kant would say most definitely not. Kant spent most of his life not only breaking down types of lies, but living out the ethics he posited. At one point, a fan was criticized for saying "Jesus lived the ethics of Kant." Needless to say this received about the same response as the Beatles declaring they were "bigger than Christ."

Kant asserted that the only way to be an immoral person was to not live according to your personal set of ethics, versus a society-imposed set of morals. This took years of personal evaluation, but once you establish that you would always tell the truth, then to do anything but meant you were immoral.

Kant offered up the example of a friend who knocks at your door and tells you that the axe-man is coming for him, "Please don't tell him you saw me hide in your barn." The friend leaves and the axe-man arrives shortly after to inquire about your friend. What do you tell the axe-man? According to Kant, it's your moral obligation to reveal the location of your friend.

Now, in philosophy courses this rightfully creates a stir. But, Kant doesn't budge. If you have taken a vow to always tell the truth, you must always tell the truth no matter the consequence, otherwise, you're being immoral. Most folks will offer what they believe to be the best solution: don't tell the axe-man anything. Kant says no, omission is still a lie.

How could Kant be so hardcore about honesty (and who would want him as a friend after hearing this little tale)?

I believe this recent hunting accident involving Cheney illuminates some of what Kant was hinting at: the VP has lost some more of his waning credibility, or trust worthiness. After all, what did he really have to lose by disseminating the information himself? By having a civilian "leak" the story, it appears as though Cheney was trying to hide something.

Although I've never fully agreed with Kant's absolutist approach (I'm thinking the Holocaust and Anne Frank here), it has merit. Cheney would have still been the brunt of many late-night talk-show host's ridicule, but at least he would have been seen as a little more honest. And after the Haliburton scandal, doesn't he feel he needs to have citizens view him as little more honest?

What do you think? Was Cheney being dishonest by not informing the public about his snafu? Also, do you think the Texas Sheriff's Department was incorrect in not prosecuting the VP for reckless handling of a firearm?

Bush, Cheney have 1,000 days to get administration back on track

Readjusting their sights

Excerpt:

For an entire week, the Bush administration has been tangled in the aftermath of the Cheney hunting accident. That might not seem like a long time, but Bush and Cheney have barely over 1,000 days left and things they want to get done.

To succeed, they need to resist as long as possible the forces that make administrations irrelevant. "Some people in the White House are worried that this will hasten the start of the formal lame-duck period, which they were hoping to put off until after the midterm elections," said a Republican official. "This showed a weakened president and a vice president in a bubble within a bubble."

And according to a new Time poll, Bush's approval rating is lodged at 40 percent, Cheney's at 29 percent. Bush and Cheney have little hope of driving an agenda if they are not in control of it or if they are playing defense.

We're Still All Going To Die (Just In Case You Forgot)

Egypt finds chickens with bird flu

Excerpt:

Egypt has found its first cases of H5N1 bird flu and is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent the deadly virus spreading, the government said on Friday.

The virus was found in seven sick and dead chickens in three areas -- four birds in Cairo, two in Giza next to the capital and one in Minya about 220 km (135 miles) to the south, a statement from the prime minister's office said.

H5N1 influenza remains mainly a disease of poultry, and has killed or forced the culling of more than 200 million birds across Asia, parts of the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

But it has also infected 169 people, killing 91, and is steadily mutating. If it acquires the ability to pass easily from person to person, it could cause a pandemic that might kill millions.

Sanaa Lathan Appreciation Post

class·y Pronunciation Key (kls) adj. Informal class·i·er, class·i·est
Highly stylish; elegant.
admirable, alluring, angelic, appealing, beauteous, bewitching, charming, classy, comely, cute, dazzling, delicate, delightful, divine, elegant, enticing,

excellent, exquisite, fair, fascinating, fine, foxy, good-looking, gorgeous, graceful, grand, handsome, ideal, lovely, magnificent, marvelous, nice, pleasing, pretty, pulchritudinous, radiant, ravishing, refined, resplendent, shapely, sightly, splendid, statuesque, stunning, sublime, superb, symmetrical, taking, well-formed, wonderful

Britney Ready To Make Her Comeback

Singer says of current music scene, ‘It’s been boring'

Excerpt:

“This may sound weird, but I miss traveling,” she said. “I miss the road, seeing different places and being with the dancers and having fun. That feeling of being on the stage, knowing it’s your best — I love that. I needed a break. I needed to be hungry again.”

Spears, who is recording an album slated to release later this year, says she thinks she can fill a “huge lull” in a dull pop scene.

“It’s been boring,” she says. “Nothing’s been wow to me.”

Her last album, “My Prerogative,” a compilation of her greatest hits, was released in 2004.

Customer Service and Political Involvement

I've had issues with products before, sometimes it's my ignorance, other times its's a defect in the product, or it is most likely a service issue (i.e. cel phone). I've probably spent more time on the phone with customer service representatives (CSRs) that I have reading my grad school textbooks from the last 4 semesters! I have absolutely no problem locating the box, finding the 1-800 number, and calling anyone I do business with. I'm known to demand a level of service because I spend my hard-earned money on a product that the manufacturer deems worthy of my purchase. Everything I buy isn't of poor quality, in fact, some things I buy exceed my expectations tremendously. It's important to let businesses know how their product/service measures up because we as a society will never achieve a level of excellence in a product design or service support if everyone settles for the status quo.

With that being said, I want to emphasize that it such an advantage to be able to honestly express how something measured up to your expectations. Customer service is my analogy to how our nation/city/community settles for the status quo when it comes to our rights and freedoms. As Americans, we pay our tax dollars and elect representatives that are hired to work in OUR best interest. If we never pick up that box and find that 1-800 number, then our representatives will never know what kind of job they are doing or what concerns you may have regarding education, safety, public roadways, energy crisis, etc. If we really care what's about what's going on we need to get more involved with our public policy. (Before anyone takes a shot at me, let me emphasize that I'm stepping on my own toes as well).

Saddam Hussein: Working for Homeland Security?

This has to be one of the funniest things I've ever read in my life. A new AP article says that Saddam warned the USA that it was vulernable to terrorist attacks in the mid-1990's. That's like the Grand Dragon of the KKK telling Dr. King that a lynching was going to take place Friday night at the Old Oak Tree on Mr. Smith's plantation.

I mean just hillarious stuff.

Saddam Reportedly Warned U.S. of Terrorism

Excerpt:

Saddam Hussein told aides in the mid-1990s that he warned the United States it could be hit by a terrorist attack, ABC News reported Wednesday, citing 12 hours of tapes the network obtained of the former Iraqi dictator's talks with his Cabinet.

The coming terrorist attack Saddam predicted could involve weapons of mass destruction.

"Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans," Saddam is heard saying, adding he "told the British as well."

"In the future, what would prevent a booby trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington or a germ or a chemical one?" Saddam said.

But he insisted Iraq would never launch such an attack. "This story is coming, but not from Iraq," he said.

Why Black History Month is Still Relevant

(nikki's first post here)

As a student majoring in african-american studies, the debate regarding the pertinance of black history month is a personal one as it brings to question why there would be a need for me to major in a study of a particular race of people.

Therefore, in order for me to address the question of whether or not there is a need for black history month, i must first defend my position as a student of african-american studies.

Growing up in the south, I was surrounded by monuments erected in the wake of the civil rights movement. I resided in the same city Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, the same city where a plethora of historically black colleges and universities existed, the same city where upwardly mobile and college educated african-american people resided in higher numbers than in any other place in the world.

Yet despite this, the books used to teach me about the history of america made very little reference to the african-american experience here. Instead I was taught our existence in american history was little more than a series of cameo appearances, the first occuring at the time we were enslaved, then again when we were set free, and finally when we engaged in the 'official' fight for our civil rights. In other words, only the seminal moments were deemed worthy of mention in the scope of american history.

While black history week had been in existence since 1926, the united states government didn't officially recognize black history month until 1976. Upon recognition by the government, schools were asked to acknowledge it, although that was no guarantee that schools would do much more than that. My elementary school, although located in a predominantly african-american neighborhood, had a faculty comprised mostly of caucasians.

Unfortunately, this meant black history month in my school was celebrated from the viewpoint of caucasians who had probably had very little knowledge of black history outside of what they themselves learned in history books. our black history celebration was limited to praise of 'the firsts' or 'the most influential', i.e. people like martin luther king, rosa parks, harriet tubman and booker t. washington.

As a young girl searching for her identity, i felt no connection to these icons, feeling as though they possessed superhuman abilities making them capable of leading the masses. Therefore, it was impossible for me to embody the strength and determination of people who were these pro-active leaders of the african-american population.

It wasn't until my last year in elementary school that black history month took on significance for me. an african-american principal was installed and his first duty was to make black history month more about the everyday experiences of black people in the united states and the everyday black people who fought for equality.

It was through this education I was able to view these people as my ancestors and not just as icons of the african-american population.

Attending a predominantly caucasian high school meant little more than a token appreciation expressed during black history month. By the time i reached college, i had been deemed gifted in areas of academia, yet my knowledge of the black experience in america was still limited and as a result, the establishment of my identity was still in its fragile stages.

Signing up for the introduction to african american studies course proved to be an epiphany for me. in this class, i was told to refer to slaves as enslaved africans because the term 'slaves' implies a lack of humanity, and these people were most definitely human. I learned that 'house niggers' weren't sell outs. they were just as diligent in their rebellion against the establishment of slavery as field niggers were, from grinding glass and putting it in their master's food to relaying to the leaders of insurrections the whereabouts of the slavemaster and his hired hands so a meeting could be scheduled without threat.

I learned abraham lincoln didn't set enslaved africans free because he saw them as equal. he set them free to end the civil war, and while he disapproved of the institution of slavery, he was not comfortable with the idea of africans living equally among caucasians and therefore, supported the migration of freed africans to central america.

In other words, much of what i learned in that course refuted that which i learned in american history books about african-americans and the caucasian people who enslaved them.

And it is for this reason why i say black history month is still relevant. in that class i was finally able to connect the tenacity, cunning, strength, determination, perserverance, and intelligence of my ancestors to myself. I gained an appreciation for the daily struggle of black people during that time, an appreciation for the people themselves as they struggled to demand caucasians acknowledge their humanity, regardless of education, social status, religion, or skin color.

If we're still depending solely on american history books to tell the story of black people in america, waiting for american history books to depict our experience with the same detail afforded the telling of the history of caucasians in america, then there will be more generations of black people who will be made easily vulnerable to beliefs other people have about them because they won't kn0w enough about the history of their people to refute any of it.

So despite what morgan freeman is quoted as saying in msnbc's report on the relevancy of black history month, the answer isn't to get rid of black history month right now. The answer is to become more effective and enclusive in the telling of the history of african-americans year-round so that black history month is no longer necessary. unfortunately, one only has to look around and see how pervasive self-hatred is within the black community to see black history month is still necessary.

Who Do You Buy Valentine's Day Gifts For?

Today is the big day I suppose. The day that those who have someone to love show that love and the day that those who don't sit at home and sulk, wishing they had someone to love.

Random fact about me -- I've never been on a date or dinner or had anyone to take out on Valentine's Day. During college, was I a little bit bitter about that? Sure. I used chill, order pizza and watch NBA/NCAA basketball. That was my annual Valentine's Day tradition.

However, I really don't feel that way anymore. It's not a "holiday" where you should be envious of other people and sad that you don't have anyone. You should be happy for for those who do have someone and simply hope you find someone, envy and jealousy aren't attractive traits.

So I said all of that to get into the real point of the post. My father called me as I was getting out of class and said "Rell, what did you get your mother for valentine's day?"

"Nothing, why would I get mommy something? I've never really before, I thought valentine's day was a day more for significant others and boyfriends/girlfriends."

"No son, your mom IS your significant other."

"No, Daddy she isn't. She's your significant other, she's my mom."

That just made him and angry and he almost hung up on me, but luckily I got him to stop. He said that even if she didn't expect it, I needed to do something for my mom because the root of the day is love and I do love my mother.

But that was just so foreign to me, getting something for my mother on a holiday that is normally reserved for like partner-love, not like mother-son love.

I suppose my father's point was that the holiday's true intent is about love, regardless of who it's to -- but in recent years it's been skewed to that of love in a relationship.

So I pose this question, Do you buy gifts for your parents on Valentine's Day?

Got Something To Say?

rellevent@yahoo.com

We greatly value varied opinions here and are seeking someone else to write from time to time. All that is asked for is passion in what you're saying and no profanity. If you feel like you'd be interested and like to contribute to the growing banter that goes on here daily, then leave an e-mail in the comments section or shoot me an e-mail.

Again, we value varied opinions and really want/need a different prespective to continue to be expressed on this blog.

rellevent@yahoo.com

Katrina response a 'failure of leadership'

Things not looking good for Mr. Michael Chertoff (secretary of Homeland Security) as he got hammered in a congressional report to be released later this week.

Homeland Security secretary described as 'detached'

Excerpt:

A congressional report to be released this week slams the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, calling it a "failure of leadership" that left people stranded when they were most in need.

"Our investigation revealed that Katrina was a national failure, an abdication of the most solemn obligation to provide for the common welfare," the report said. "At every level -- individual, corporate, philanthropic and governmental -- we failed to meet the challenge that was Katrina. In this cautionary tale, all the little pigs built houses of straw."

The president's homeland security adviser, Frances Townsend, took issue with the suggestion that Bush not fully involved, saying the president was "hotly engaged" in the hurricane preparation efforts and in dealing with the storm's aftermath.

"I reject outright the suggestion that President Bush was anything less than fully involved," she said.

"While we should not pull any punches in our assessment of what went wrong, it does a disservice to all when we judge in retrospect the decisions made and the action taken in the midst of a major disaster, without consideration of the fuller context."

The panel found that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was "detached" and that then-Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown was "clueless," Shays said.

In one of the excerpts, Chertoff was chided for executing critical responsibilities "late, ineffectively or not at all."

"In many respects, our report is a litany of mistakes, misjudgments, lapses and absurdities all cascading together, blinding us to what was coming and hobbling any collective effort to respond," one of the draft excerpts said.

"Too often there were too many cooks in the kitchen, and because of that the response to Katrina was at times overdone, at times underdone. Too often, because everybody was in charge, nobody was in charge," the committee said.

"If this is what happens when we have advance warning, we shudder to imagine the consequences when we do not. Four and a half years after 9/11, America is still not ready for prime time. This is particularly distressing because we know we remain at risk for terrorist attacks, and because the 2006 hurricane season is right around the corner."

Having a national response plan to deal with disasters "is not enough," the committee said.

"What's needed is a National Action Plan. Not a plan that says Washington will do everything, but one that says, when all else fails, the federal government must do something, whether it's formally requested or not. Not even the perfect bureaucratic storm of flaws and failures can wash away the fundamental governmental responsibility to protect public health and safety," the panel said.

The Perfect Woman

So I was talking to one of my female friends, she's actually one of my boys' woman while I was watching the Cosby Show (I needed to be fulfilled after the worst episode of the Boondocks of all time.)

This is something me and my boys had talked about before, the idea of the perfect woman. Lots of people say, "well you can't find her," "she doesn't exist," "let go of the ideal" but the perfect woman already exists and is something to shoot for.

Claire Huxtable -- the perfect woman. Think about it? What couldn't Claire do? This woman was a lawyer, had five kids (four more if you count olivia, pam and the twins) was fluent in two different languages, was good enough vocally to sing with Stevie Wonder, could cook and ummm let's just say could "handle hers."

She once asked Cliff before he went upstairs, "don't you wanna stay up for some chocolate?"

What flaws did she have? Powerful yet submissive, Prissy yet Gangsta, Sophisticated yet Simple and Career-Driven yet Family-Driven.

Phylicia Rashad (or phylicia allen, whatever) we salute you for giving all men hope. Ladies, don't take this as hating or as men asking for too much, instead think of it as us giving props to someone (albeit a ficitional character) who really deserves it.

So, remember final check list for the perfect woman:

1) Fluent in Two Languages
2) Career-Driven
3) Family-Driven
4) Able to ummm "handle business"
5) Dominant yet Submissive

You too can be Claire Huxtable -- good luck and god speed!

Tenth Alabama Church Fire Ruled Arson

Craziness going on in Alabama, I don't know if you've been following it but someone has gone 1960's with burning churches.

Authorities say they want to talk to perpetrators

Excerpt:

A fire that burned a northwest Alabama church Saturday was determined to be arson and may be related to nine other church fires in the state, authorities said.

The fire heavily damaged Beaverton Freewill Baptist Church.

Nine other church fires since February 3 have been ruled arsons as well, said Ragan Ingram, assistant commissioner of insurance for the Alabama Department of Insurance, which oversees the state fire marshal's office.

"We do think they have a message," said Jim Cavanaugh of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "We would like to hear what they would have to say ... We want them to call us. We want to listen."

Police believe the arsons are being committed by two young men in their 20s or early 30s, he said.

"We think they're buddies, partners, an inseparable team," he said.

"I think there's probably some stressors in their life: Family, relationships, work, the economy. The region's been devastated by a hurricane, there's a war in Iraq, there's a lot of terrible things going on."

A Reminder of His "Airness"

Just in case some of you forgot -- Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all-time. Six Championship rings, Six Finals MVP, Nine Scoring Titles, 12-time All-Star and three-time All-Star MVP.

Here are some videos to remind everyone, though Kobe and Lebron and Dwayne and Dirk and Tracy are good, there is only one MJ.
Jordan and Kanye
The Greatest

# 23

Michael Jordan's Top 10

Some of Jordan's Best Dunks

Mariah Carey's All-Star Tribute to Jordan
What Is Love
I've Failed So Many Times
Jordan, Heart
Jordan Mix
"You Reach, I Teach"
Jordan Highlights
Grace
Michael Jordan: What If?

Alicia (credit to James for the picture)

James, found this picture. No words...

Bush Signs Bills Cutting Student Loans, Medicare

Now I haven't been the hardest person on "Wubyah" over the last few years. I've actually been pretty complimentary of him, as a whole despite all of his shortcomings during his presidency. I just think he is stupid, not a criminal/illuminati mastermind making things happen at a whim, just not the sharpest tool in the shed.

However, I'm very disappointed (in some ways) with the budget he is proposing for the 2007 fiscal year. Seperate from the budget itselfthe president signed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which makes $39 billion in cuts to student loan subsidies, Medicare, Medicaid, farm subsidies and other programs.

Not Cool, George, not cool.

Bush: Budget will spur growth, rein in spending

Excerpt:

The president said his fiscal year 2007 budget will promote economic growth by keeping taxes low, will restrain government spending and will eliminate federal programs that don't produce results.

Bush touted some numbers he said indicate the health of the nation's economy, including 3.5 percent economic growth last year, the highest rate of home ownership in history and an addition of 4.7 million jobs in the past two years.

"In spite of the numbers and the economic growth there is uncertainty. Some of the uncertainty comes as a result of competition from places like India and China," Bush said.

"The temptation with uncertainty and competition is to say 'We can't compete.' ... If you look at the history of the United States, the economic history, there have been periods of protectionism and isolationism in the hopes that that will lead to a better lifestyle for our citizens."

The president warned against such actions, saying he strongly rejects the notion of becoming a protectionist nation.

"I don't think this country ought to fear the future; I don't think we ought to fear competition. I know we ought to shape the future with good policies out of Washington, D.C., and make sure we're the pre-eminent economy in the world," he said.

Say a Prayer for ElleB

Read This Post on her blog and you'll realize that someone has a chance to do something spectacular. She has an audition tomorrow (friday) and it could really be one of those life-altering things. Throw one up for her before you go to sleep tonight...

Good Luck ElleB!

Kanye Was Robbed

I know he crossed the line a couple of weeks ago (maybe this is retribution for that) but he was absolutely jobbed by grammy voters.

I'm not a music hater -- I love everything but I'm gonna say this and say it once: There was no better album then Ye's "Late Registration" from September 2004 to September 2005. Anyone who tells you otherwise, well... nevermind.


Full Results here at Grammy.com

The Grammy's Air Tonight (Updated)

The 48th Grammy Awards will air tonight on CBS and we thought we would do a little who should win/who will win for the awards. Hopefully the performances will be good, but regardless of what anyone says nothing will top THIS PERFORMANCE from last year's awards. (LINK IS FIXED NOW)

Who should win is in bold, Who will win is in italics. [Also note we're only doing categories we feel qualified to assess.] These are just the opinions of Rell and A.R. Watson...

Record Of The Year
* We Belong Together- Mariah Carey
* Feel Good Inc.- Gorillaz Featuring De La Soul
* Boulevard Of Broken Dreams - Green Day
* Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani
* Gold Digger - Kanye West

Album Of The Year
* The Emancipation Of Mimi- Mariah Carey (Aaron believes that Mariah will win, but shouldn't win.)
* Chaos And Creation In The Backyard- Paul McCartney
* Love. Angel. Music. Baby.- Gwen Stefani
* How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb- U2
* Late Registration- Kanye West (Rell believes Kanye should win and will win).

Song Of The Year
* Bless The Broken Road- Rascal Flatts
* Devils & Dust- Bruce Springsteen
* Ordinary People- John Legend
* Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
* We Belong Together - Mariah Carey


Best New Artist
* Ciara
* Fall Out Boy
* Keane
* John Legend
* SugarLand

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
* It's Like That- Mariah Carey
* Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
* Good Is Good- Sheryl Crow
* I Will Not Be Broken- Bonnie Raitt
* Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
* Sitting, Waiting, Wishing- Jack Johnson
* Fine Line- Paul McCartney
* Walk On By- Seal
* Lonely No More- Rob Thomas
* From The Bottom Of My Heart- Stevie Wonder

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
* Don't Lie- The Black Eyed Peas
* Mr. Brightside- The Killers
* More Than Love- Los Lonely Boys
* This Love- Maroon 5
* My Doorbell - The White Stripes


Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
* Gone Going- The Black Eyed Peas & Jack Johnson
* Virginia Moon- Foo Fighters Featuring Norah Jones
* Feel Good Inc.- Gorillaz Featuring De La Soul
* A Song For You- Herbie Hancock Featuring Christina Aguilera
* A Time To Love- Stevie Wonder Featuring India.Arie

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
*1 Thing- Amerie
*We Belong Together- Mariah Carey
*Free Yourself- Fantasia
*Unbreakable- Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
*Creepin'- Jamie Foxx
*Ordinary People- John Legend
*Let Me Love You- Mario
*Superstar- Usher
*So What The Fuss -Stevie Wonder

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
*So Amazing- Beyoncé & Stevie Wonder
*Cater 2 U- Destiny's Child
*If This World Were Mine- Alicia Keys Featuring Jermaine Paul
*So High- John Legend Featuring Lauryn Hill
*How Will I Know- Stevie Wonder Featuring Aisha Morris

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
*Mine Again- Mariah Carey
*Summertime- Fantasia
*A House Is Not A Home- Aretha Franklin (robbery of the night #1)
*If I Was Your Woman- Alicia Keys
*Stay With You- John Legend

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
*SupaStar- Floetry
*Dirty Harry- Gorillaz Featuring Bootie Brown
*Dust- Van Hunt
*Welcome To Jamrock- Damian Marley
*Ghetto Rock- Mos Def

Best R&B Song
*Cater 2 U-Destiny's Child
*Free Yourself- Fantasia
*Ordinary People- John Legend
*Unbreakable - Alicia Keys
*We Belong Together- Mariah Carey

Best R&B Album
*Illumination- Earth, Wind And Fire
*Free Yourself- Fantasia
*Unplugged- Alicia Keys
*Get Lifted- John Legend
*A Time To Love- Stevie Wonder

Best Contemporary R&B Album
*Touch- Amerie
*The Emancipation Of Mimi- Mariah Carey
*Destiny Fulfilled- Destiny's Child
*Turning Point- Mario
*O- Omarion

Best Rap Solo Performance
*Testify- Common
*Mockingbird- Eminem
*Disco Inferno- 50 Cent
*Number One Spot- Ludacris
*U Don't Know Me- T.I.
*Gold Digger- Kanye West (robbery of the night #2)

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
*Don't Phunk With My Heart- The Black Eyed Peas
*The Corner- Common Featuring The Last Poets
*Encore- Eminem Featuring Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
*Hate It Or Love It- The Game Featuring 50 Cent
*Wait (The Whisper Song)- Ying Yang Twins

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
*1,2 Step- Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott
*They Say- Common Featuring Kanye West & John Legend
*Soldier- Destiny's Child Featuring T.I. & Lil Wayne
*Numb/Encore- Jay-Z Featuring Linkin Park
*Rich Girl- Gwen Stefani Featuring Eve

Best Rap Song
*Candy Shop- 50 Cent ft. Olivia
*Diamonds From Sierra Leone- Kanye ft. Jay-Z
*Don't Phunk With My Heart - Black Eyed Peas
*Hate It Or Love It- Game ft. 50 Cent
*Lose Control - Missy Elliot ft. Ciara and Fat Man Scoop

Best Rap Album
*Be- Common
*The Cookbook- Missy Elliott
*Encore- Eminem
*The Massacre- 50 Cent
*Late Registration- Kanye West

Best Gospel Performance
*Be Blessed- Yolanda Adams
*Looking For You- Kirk Franklin
*I Call You Faithful- Donnie McClurkin
*Lift Him Up- Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir
*Pray- CeCe Winans

Best Gospel Song
*Again I Say Rejoice- Israel & New Breed
*Be Blessed- Yolanda Adams
*Heaven- Mary Mary
*Lift Him Up- Hezekiah Walker
*We Must Praise- J. Moss

Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
*I Know The Truth- Shirley Caesar

*Live From Houston ...The Rose Of Gospel- Dorinda Clark-Cole
*Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs- Donnie McClurkin
*Say The Name- Martha Munizzi
*Singing The Old Time Way- Bishop G.E. Patterson & Congregation
*Be Exalted- Marvin Sapp

Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
*Day By Day- Yolanda Adams
*Mary Mary- Mary Mary
*The J Moss Project- J Moss
*Dream- BeBe Winans
*Purified- CeCe Winans

Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album
*I Speak Life- Donald Lawrence & Company
*Live At The Fellowship- John P Kee/ VIP Mass Choir
*One Church- Kurt Carr Singers
*One Voice- Gladys Knight/Saints Unified Voices
*20/85 The Experience- Hezekiah Walker/The Love Fellowship Choir