Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Listen Up Tavis: You're not Oprah!

I guess it’s my turn to weigh on the controversy surrounding Obama’s no-show at the annual State of the Black Union forum hosted by Tavis Smiley in New Orleans last Saturday. As a veteran journalist, I have an opinion on the actions of my fellow journalist and baby boomer.

Tavis apparently asked Barack Obama to be a part of the forum but Obama declined. In a letter to Tavis’ people Obama said, “In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail every day in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum. That is why, with regret, I am not able to attend the forum."

Tavis took offense to Obama’s decision not to attend, saying "I think it is a miscalculation on his part not to appear and a missed opportunity."

There were also reports that Michelle Obama offered to go in her husband’s place but she wasn’t apparently good enough. She was good enough for The View but not for Tavis’ fancy soiree---where only the cream of the crop in the African-American community were invited to grace the stage in his presence.

I guess Tavis just figured he was important enough to have Barack Obama drop his campaign tour schedule just for him. I guess he forgot that Obama is trying to win votes from registered voters of ALL races in two of the most important states to date. Sure Hillary showed up but she did so because of her eroding support in the African-American community.

Funny how some people perceive themselves to be larger than life and want you to believe the world must evolve around them. Tavis Smiley shot himself in the foot when he attacked Obama for not coming to his shin-dig.

Listen up Tavis: Obama’s appearance at your forum probably wouldn’t have changed many minds one way or the other. You probably just wanted him there for “show and tell” so you could make your baby boomer buddies think how big and powerful you are.

Honey, you’re not Oprah.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Daytime TV's Hottest African-American Couple is Hotter than Ever

I don't care what I'm doing at 1pm EST---I have to take a pause to watch my favorite daytime Soap, All My Children. Since the writers decided to bring the story of Angie and Jesse back, I have been glued to the set.

Twenty years ago, the Angie and Jesse characters (played by Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams) created magic as the first African-American couple with a real story line that didn't involve drugs or prostitution. Now they are back as baby boomers and setting the show on fire!

I sat with baited breath as I waited for the pair to finally connect with each other on Friday. But you know how the Soaps do it. They give you this cliffhanger to make you want to come back and watch the show again on Monday. All we got to see was Jesse step off the train while Angie, is standing a distance away in a teary-eyed daze.

Well, they don't have to worry about me. I can't wait to see their reunion as he steps off the train and into her arms.

But the plot is only going to get thicker because there's still quite a few unanswered questions. How are the writers going to explain his death 20 years ago? What kind of shady business is he connected to this time?

Can someone just give this brother a break and let us enjoy the romance?

Sunday, February 10, 2008

How to Get Rid of Baby Boomer Blubber

Are you a victim of baby boomer blubber? That's the pudge that hangs around or OVER your midriff section. It's the cellulite on your thighs that looks like cooked oatmeal. It's also the sagging that causes your breasts and stomach to become better acquainted.

As we age, our metabolism starts to slow down and it gets harder to get a handle on weight management. Even though some of us eat less, the pounds just keep on coming. That's baby boomer blubber. Want to know how to get rid of baby boomer blubber? Don't ask me because I'm still working on mine but I will introduce you to a 40-something-year-old man who got rid of his. Two years ago, he weighed 387 pounds. He wasn't happy with his weight and neither were his doctors. Find out how this Pittsburgh Steelers fan lost over half of his weight in a two-year period. He will be my special guest on the next edition of Passions, Monday, February 11. You will be inspired by what you hear!

Listen to Passions: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/passions