Americans Believe the Economy is Getting Worse

Scary stuff!

Manny Ramirez Wants Out of Boston

Manny Ramirez recently had and interview with ESPN Deportes where he stated that the Red Sox "don't deserve a player like him."

Apparently, the Red Sox are in the works to trade the big slugger to another team. Rumors have popped up reporting that he could either be on his way to the Marlins or the Phillies.

Manny, why don't you come to New York and don the pinstripes of the Bronx Bombers!!! That would be the perfect way to get your revenge on Boston.

R. Kelly Steals Rev Run's Son's Girlfriend!

It looks like our good old buddy R. "Lil Drawls" Kelly has struck again. Yup, more youngins for our boy and this time he took Rev Run's son's girl! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that her name is Baby.

Can I get a TOOT! TOOT! or a BEEP! BEEP! lol

Come on Kelly, at least try to be discreet with it! lol

Remember When Penny Hardaway Was Nice?

I remember when Penny first came into the NBA and he was the man. His jersey would sell out in the stores, his sneakers would sell out and he even had his own damn doll.

Damn, Penny . . . Let's watch this video in memory of his legacy:

Ciara Scores Victoria's Secret Deal

Super star songstress Ciara recently signed a deal that will make her a Victoria's Secret model. Looks like the Wilhelmina modeling agency is doing it big for your girl.

I must admit that I used to be in love Ciara after I saw the "Promise" video until she started dressing like a boy. Then I saw her on BET doing that dance at the award show and I'm back on her again.

All I have to say is that I'll be getting the first catalog! :)

My Favorite Jordans (Retro 3)

Comparison of the '08 Retro 3's versus the '01 release:

Tyra Wins Emmy Award

In case you guys didn't know, my girl Tyra Banks (the most beautiful African-American celebrity if you would ask me) has scored an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show/Informative.

Tyra has been doing her thing on the producing tip with her success of America's Next Top Model and her talk show, which earned her an Emmy.

Keep it up Tyra, we love you on this end at FGE!

Using Burgers to Measure the Economy

I was perusing through the website for one of my favorite periodicals, The Economist, and came across a most curious article. Now, this was not your ordinary article, it was one that defined an index that the world renowned magazine used to gage inflation and monitor the economy.

Just to provide some background before I go any further let’s define two key terms as such:

Inflation—the rise in price of goods and services

Consumer Price Index—the measure of the average price of a basket of goods and services as compared to a base year (i.e. the price of groceries in 1992 versus how much it would cost today)

By having defined inflation and the CPI, let us also recognize the fact that the CPI is used to gage inflation.

The way The Economist measured the change in inflation and the CPI was by creating an index or basket of good and services of one simple good and tracked its change in price over a specific period of time. In this case, this good was the Big Mac. That’s right, our friends over in Britain, at The Economist, thought that the change in price of the famed McDonald’s hamburger was a good enough indicator of the change in our world economy by using it a measure of the change in the purchasing power parity between two currencies. In addition, the appropriately named this index “The Big Mac Index” and it has been in inception since September of 1986.

So, the next time you eat a Big Mac, be proud that you are not only eating big juicy sandwich high in saturated fat and calories; but, you are also eating a piece of the economy and a “major” economic indicator.

Citi Executive Gets $28 Million Not to Work!

WTF?

You read it right. A top executive at Citi has reported been paid $28,000,000 not to work for competitor firm for the next fifteen months after he resigned from the global bank. Let's also not forget to mention that the executive is the head of the Chairman of the investment banking unit at City--the very unit that is causing the company to experience these problems.

Citi has been a lot of trouble lately as it has seen a 36% decrease in its stock this year, massive lay-offs and billions of dollars in write-downs just to name a few. Now, I wonder how in the hell can they afford to pay an ex-employee almost $30 million not to work for any other firm!

Damn, I hope I grow up to become as valuable as this employee. Imagine quiting your job and your company paying you just so you don't go to work for someone else!

Japanese Commerical Depicts Obama As a Monkey

If you thought recent magazine cover portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as terrorists was bad, wait until you get a look at this Japanese commercial that depicts Barack Obama as a MONKEY:



Please comment your thoughts on this one!

Foreclosure Leads to Suicide of a Mother in Massachusetts

It has been reported that a woman in Tauton, Massachusetts took her life this past Tuesday because she was unable to cope with having her home foreclosed. The woman was 53 years old, happily married and was a mother.

Her home was schedule to be auctioned last Tuesday as she had not paid the mortgage on her and her husband’s three bedroom home. The company that issued the mortgage, PHH Mortgage, reported that she had not made payments for the past 42 months.

The auction was scheduled for 5:00 PM that day. However, instead of finding an empty home the mortgage company found the woman’s body and immediately notified the police that she had shot herself to death with her husband’s rifle. When her husband and family were interviewed, they indicated that they had no idea that the home was going to be auctioned as the woman had hid all notices of foreclosure from her family.

Before the suicide, she faxed a letter to the mortgage company notifying them that she would be dead by the time they came to foreclose her home later that day. She also left a note for her family that instructed them to use the insurance money to save the house. The home was worth $232,000 and it is uncertain if her husband will be able to file a claim for the insurance policy he had on his wife.

With the U.S. economy and the housing crisis weighing heavier on the average American and destroying all of these “American dreams” virtually over night, I doubt this will be the last of the sad stories of victims as a result of this mess.

Could Merrill Be the Next to Blow?

Bulge bracket and multinational firm Merrill Lynch has recently announced that they will be be selling over $30 billion in mortgage assets at a huge loss.

The firm currently plans to try to offset this loss by raising and addition $8 billion in new common stock.

I'd hate to say it because Merrill is my favorite bank on the Street; but, with all the stories I've been reading about this firm in the paper lately I wouldn't be surprised if they blew up.

Former Waitress Brings Class Action Suit Against Jay-Z and the 40/40 Club

A former employee at the Manhattan location of the popular 40/40 nightclub, partially owned by rapper Jay-Z filed a class-action lawsuit against the sports bar and nightclub.

The former claims that she was paid below minimum wage, was forced to work for tips, had to pay for her breaks and spilled drinks and was not paid overtime.

This isn't looking good for Jigga and the 40/40. I'm curious to see how this one plays out, because the results of this occurrence could have a trickle-down effect that will spill-over to similar situations at other night clubs in the city.

Master P and Son Romeo Bring New Line to Wal-Mart

In a current Hip-Hop world brimful with entrepreneurs it comes to no surprise that some of the stars on the mic would team up with large corporations. You have the Diddy with his Ciroc joint venture and now we have Master P, Romeo and Wal-Mart.

Being an entrepreneur is nothing new the Master, whose real name is Percy Miller. He started his own record company, No Limit Records, and grew it become of the most successful record labels in Hip-Hop history. He produced and acted in several movies and television series and started several clothing lines. Now, the southern "Last Don" teams up with his Romeo, acting as a young Vito to launch his next venture--teaming up a with Wal-Mart to carry his P.Miller brand.

The deal will allow the P. Miller brand to be expanded into distribution at 350 Wal-Mart stores. The line has a Hip-Hop influence and will feature graphic t-shirts, hoodies and custom style denims.

P is one man that never ceases to amaze because he is always about business; but, is mostly behind the scenes these days. This dude has come a long way and knows how to switch up his hustle when the time is right.

P, we salute you!

Even an MBA Can’t Help You Keep a Job in Today’s Work Environment

It looks like recent MBA grads aren’t the only ones feeling the bite of the economy—even those that have found employment are feeling the pain.

Several Wall Street firms, including my own, have disbanded their 2007 incoming MBA classes. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, a class is basically a group hiring that investment banks and other firms in the financial services industry from leading undergraduate and business schools. Analyst classes are filled with the brightest students from the top undergraduate institutions and associate classes are filled with the smartest MBAs from the nation’s best business schools.

Could you imagine graduating from a Harvard, MIT, Stanford or Wharton with around $80,000 in debt and having no way to find a job because no one is hiring (except may McDonald’s of course). Well, this is what recent 2008 MBA graduates are currently facing. However, the bite is extremely more severe when you have recently graduated from a top MBA program and are told that you no longer have a job six months down the line. To make it even worse, it’s not only you; but, the other one-hundred or so members of your associate class plus thousands more at other firms all around the city. Let’s not forget to mention that those student loan payments have just started to kick in and you have to pay enormously over-priced rent of $1,800 for your converted two-bedroom apartment that you are sharing with a roommate. Well, this exactly what happened to a young lady that I had the opportunity to meet today.

Today I had lunch with a spring 2007 graduate of one of the top Ivy League MBA programs. She had previously worked for a firm (which will not be disclosed for legal reasons) where she performed credit research. Due to the market conditions of the industry her group covered, head began to roll with massive lay-offs not only within her division; but, within the entire firm. It was brutal as nearly all middle-management was let go and even lifers at the firm with over twenty-five years of service and only two years away from retirement were let go. Eventually, budget cuts came down to recent hires into the associate programs. Instead only axing a few and retaining the best employees, the entire program was discontinued.

So now we have all of these freshly graduated MBA’s who are yet to land their first gigs looking for jobs, then you have a ton of seasoned employees that were recently laid off and now you have this group of MBAs that have had six months of experience, have just gotten settled into their living situation and cannot get a job. This is exactly why I chose NOT to go to business school. Too often have I heard this, and similar stories, about job offers being rescinded and classes being shrunk or discontinued.

This is just proof to show you that an MBA is yet nothing more than a BULLSHIT degree that holds little value. It’s not like holding a medical or law degree, where you learn a specific skill that you can use. To become a doctor you must obtain an M.D., to become a lawyer you obtain a J.D.; however, to become an employee at a firm you do not need an MBA. If you ask me an MBA should not be classified as a “professional” degree because it simply not required in order for one to do his or her job.

Graduating from business school does not automatically make you the CEO or President of a firm. A one point in time, in a galaxy far far way, an MBA was like a ticket into an exclusive “old boys” club that landed you the opportunity to get a real sexy job (trader, investment banker, etc.) and potentially make a good chunk of change. However, this trend has definitely been changing as everyone and their mother are going for MBAs while the number of available jobs is dwindling to a pittance.

If the Ivy League kids’ MBA: degree can’t save them in this market then who is safe? But hey, to all you struggling MBAs out there that are regretting wasting the time, halting your careers and amassing major debt, at least you can light your degree and start a fire to keep you warm in Central Park if it ever came down that.

My $0.02

F.D.I.C. Takes Over Two Banks

On Friday the F.D.I.C. closed the First National Bank of Nevada and First Heritage Bank, N.A.

The banks had 28 branches between them. They will reopen on Monday, operating under the Mutual of Omaha Bank, as reported by the F.D.I.C.

Depositors, including those with funds greater than the F.D.I.C. insurance limits, would switch to Mutual of Omaha with “the full amount of their deposits.”

With this many banks failing, it's hard to have a positive outlook on the future of our economy.

Amex Down and Out As Recession Reaches the Wealthy

After reporting less than stellar earnings on Tuesday shares of American Express have taken a dive. What is causing the charge card giant to fall on hard times? Well, the short and sweet answer is simply the economy.

American Express is suffering due to a combination an increase in defaults and a decreased use of cards. This signals that the recession could be creeping its way into the lives of wealthy, as American Express has traditionally catered to the upper-crust of American society.

I'm pretty interested to see how this plays out as rising inflation and other economic conditions make the wealthy more adverse to using their American Express cards, which balances must be paid off in full each month.

Spots to Check During Restaurant Week

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past week I would like to inform you all that it is restaurant week in New York City. If you don’t know what this is, it means that you get to have lunch for pre-fixe rate of $25 and dinner for $35 at some of New York City’s most famed restaurants (drinks are not included).

With so many fine places to choose from, I’ve compiled my top 10 restaurants to check out. This list has been compiled from eateries that I personally have visited for either business or pleasure within the last three years.

Also, be sure to make your reservations on opentable.com; but, hurry and make those reservations because there's only one week left!

Here's the list (in no particular order):

1. Tao – Pan-Asian
2. Smith and Wolenksy - Steakhouse
3. Tavern on the Green – American
4. Brasserie – French
5. Spice Market – Asian Fusion
6. Bobby Van’s – Steakhouse
7. Atlantic Grill – Seafood
8. One if By Land, Two if By Sea – American
9. Dawat - Indian
10. City Crab – Seafood

***Note: Some locations participate in the restaurant week pricing for lunch only.

Obama Takes Europe By Storm

After his trip to Afghanistan Barack Obama continued his travels to Europe ,visiting Germany along the way.

Choosing the symbolic city of Berlin as the location of his address to the German public, Obama was greeted by a crowd of Berlin residents waving American flags and signs that read "Obama For President".

The address he gave to the crowd of excited Germans was one that preached a need for the U.S. to strengthen its ties with Europe and the rest of the world. However, Obama was careful to mention that he believed that European allies must too do their part to fight the ailments that plague the world today.

the world views Obama as the best candidate to improve the image of America to the rest of the world; however, he lacks credibility in his ability to handle matters in international relations. His overseas trip was carefully planned to help improve his image in this arena.

Obama is a very smart man and a powerful speaker. I somewhat get the impression that America, along with the rest of world, expect him to win the election. My belief is that this is true whether you an Obama supporter or opponent.

If Obama is elected we could possibly have the most popular U.S. president since JFK or Clinton.

Please take the time out the listen to the speech here:

Nas Breathe

Citizen Nas - Nas Goes to War with Fox

It appears that rapper Nas has a new beef with the Fox network. He has publicly spoken out the media giant and accused the station of being racist.

Well, when the station's producers and anchors do things like call Michelle Obama Barack's "baby mama", I guess I would have to agree with Nas on this one. Fox has been a little biased and insensitive toward minority groups. But, I don't think Nas has the man power to go against these guys.

I mean, he's no Orson Wells and Untitled is no Citizen Kane though the track Sly Fox is worth a listen. On this track he verbally assaults the news giant. Maybe Fox will get some anchors to get together and record a response.

URBAN STYLE ALERT: Adidas Set to Release New David Choe Sneaker

According to sneakerfreaker.com, Adidas is slated to release its latest retro sneaker titled, the “David Choe Adidas Originals." The sneakers are designed by David Choe, who is described by the site as being a “near schizophrenic” street artist. With a design as crazy as this, I would expect nothing less than pure artistic insanity from the genius at work.

Scroll below for a sneak peak at these kicks. I know I will definitely be getting a pair as soon as they hit stores. Just be sure to ask for these at your local sneaker shop.

Obama Merchandise Sells Significantly Over McCain

It looks like Obama is just the cool guy to be these days. As with any political campaign we find savvy entrepreneurs and true blood, good old-fashioned capitalists that will find a way to make a fast buck.

According to several street vendors across the country, more people prefer to purchase t-shirts and hats adorned with Obama’s image than McCain's. Even, one street vendor that I spoke with in Harlem proudly mentioned that he doesn’t carry any McCain merchandise. When I asked him why that was the case, his response was that “he just won’t sell.”

That makes me wonder if Obama’s new form of politics aims to create a brand that people to choose to vote for rather than garnering votes based by running on an actual political platform.

Some food for thought.

Computer Meltdown Stymies Japanese Stock Market

The Tokyo Stock Exchange was shot down for several hours on Tuesday due to a computer malfunction.

Trading was suspended from about half an hour past nine to almost two o’clock in the afternoon. Mostly the trading of derivatives and futures was halted by the Tokyo Stock Exchange as a result.

The Wall Street Journal reports that this was the third meltdown this year and the current computer system is expected to be replaced next year.

MARKET WATCH: Trying to Beef up Your Portfolio? Feed it more McDonalds!

Many investors alike are seeing record decreased in the overall performance of their portfolios. Despite expert advice from financial advisors and the sophisticated asset management techniques exercised by leading asset management firms, mutual funds and hedge funds your average investor is getting mauled by the Bear.

Yes, we are in a recession and trailing close behind or leading the way of the ailing economy is the proverbial Bear Market. Now, if you’re an ex-boy scout such as myself; or, you have been camping at least once or twice you know not leave food around lest you inadvertently lure these creatures into your campsite. Well, when it comes to the financial markets you can throw that malarkey out of the window!

One way to steer the Bear away from eating away at your precious portfolio is load up on some McDonald’s stock. That’s right, I said McDonalds—the fast food joint made famous by Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar, The Fry Guys and Chicken McNuggets.

The Wall Street Journal reports that it expects the mega burger joint to increase its earnings per share by 21% when compared to last year. While most stocks have been hit by the receding economy, McDonalds has seen an increase in sales do to penurious behavior exercised by the common consumer as workers opt for an “extra value meal” over the $8 hero found in most gourmet delis. In addition, The Journal reports that increased sales overseas stemmed by a weakening dollar at more power the punch as the higher valued foreign currency is converted to U.S. currency.

These, along with other factors make the purchase of shares of McDonalds look quite appetizing to the Bullish investor.

Gas Prices to Soar to $10 a Gallon by the Year 2010!!!

As part of my every day ritual I immediately turn flip through the major cable news networks (minus Fox, of course) and catch up what is going in the world around me. I truly believe that we should always be knowledgeable of current events around the world, in national news and within our local communities. Just opening our minds and horizons makes us more interesting individuals and better citizens as result.

During my daily digest of current news information I couldn’t help but overhear a segment on the rising price of gas. It appears that a chief economics, or economic agency (can’t remember what is was) projected that with the skyrocketing prices of crude oil we could gas prices in the U.S. elevate to a whopping $10 a gallon!

YIKES! How are we supposed to live when, what segment described as being nearly thirty percent of the average working class American’s household income will go toward paying for gas? The experts say that with gas selling at these levels people will be forced to pay more for gasoline than they would for groceries! This also doesn’t include the impact caused by the inflation of other goods as companies are forced to raise their prices due to an increase in production costs. Obviously, we know who will be hit the hardest—the middle and poor working class.

Consider a friend of mine that I new from my days of attending high school in rural South Carolina. She is twenty-three years old and has three small children to care for. Being that she lives over sixty miles from the city (Charleston, SC) she must rely on using her car to travel to school, to work and back home again. When you count the total distance she has to travel each day this comes up to about two-hundred miles a day and about one-thousand miles a week. I could only imagine how much of her weekly earning, which is somewhere in the neighborhood of $325 a week after taxes, is sucked up at the gas pump. Imagine how it would affect her when the price for a gallon of gas encroaches the five dollar mark, let alone ten.

The question I pose is this: With all of this superior technology in the world today, why did we not try to find an alternative fuel source to oil? It seems kind of outdated to use a fuel source that is expensive to obtain, refine and transport when we have the technical knowledge to use natural resources as primary fuel sources (i.e. the sun, water, wind, etc.). Even nuclear energy could be more thoroughly researched so we can use it as a safe and efficient source of fuel that has greater lifespan than fuel and doesn’t harm the environment. For that matter, even electricity seems like a viable option. It is simply wasteful to not only be dependent on oil, a fuel source that is destroying the planet, but to also be dependent on a foreign entity that practices collusion to obtain it.

It seems to me that the greed and voracity of corporate America and has gotten us into a bit of a quagmire. I believe the only reason why we are still dependent on oil as a nation is because the large multi-national oil companies (BP, Shell, Sunoco) are making big bucks off of oil and are too lazy or cheap to change their business models and develop a more efficient fuel source.

In the meantime, while we try to figure out what to do about these absorbent gas prices I think I’ll be holding off on purchasing that car I planning to get for myself as a Christmas gift this year and stick to taking mass transit on my commute. And with the rising cost of flights these days I think my summer travel will be quite limited.

Bush Jokes About U.S. Economy, Says "Wall Street Got Drunk"

Our fearless leader and defender of the "free world", George Walker Bush, was recently recorded making fun of the U.S. economy and current credit crunch and housing crisis.

During his speech, in Houston, the President jokes that "Wall got drunk" and "has a hangover". He continues to make jokes about the housing market and is met with laughter from the audience.

Cameras were not allowed at the event; however, some sleuth attendee was able to capture this footage so we all can see how are political leaders feel about our suffering from an ailing economy they have created for us.

Thanks Bush. Thanks Republicans. Thanks America. Thanks . . .

You can view the video clip here:

Christian Bale Goes "Batty" and Attacks His Mother and Sister in UK Hotel

It looks like Christian Bale is throwing temper tantrums over Heath Ledger's posthumous glory for his portrayal of the Joker in his latest feature film, The Dark Knight.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the British actor was arrested on Sunday and released on Tuesday after his mother and sister reported that he assaulted them.

Upon being released in London, the "Dark Knight" denies all accusations of the assault. I guess maybe this is another one of the Joker's sick pranks.

For the full story click here: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-bale23-2008jul23,0,7144730.story

The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 1990's

HAPPY MONDAY, FOLKS!!!

Remember when Hip-Hop was Hip-Hop? Don't get me wrong, it's still Hip-Hop; but, it has changed a bit. I'm talking about that feel good Hip-Hop music. Even the hood/gangster rap was hitting back in the 1990's. I love this period so much and it brought back so much memories.

So, with that being said, I present you with my favorite Hip-Hop Albums of the 90's, in no particular order:

Aquemini - Outkast
ATLiens - Outkast
Capital Punishment - Big Pun
Moment of Truth - Gang Starr
The 7 Day Theory - Makaveli
Only Built 4 Cuban Links - Raekwon
Illmatic - Nas
It Was Written - Nas
Ready to Die - Notorious B.I.G.
Midnight Marauders - A Tribe Called Quest
Me Against the World - 2Pac
All Eyes on Me - 2Pac
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood - DMX
The War Report - Capone N Noreaga
Hell on Earth - Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep - Mobb Deep
Doe or Die - AZ
It's Dark and Hell is Hot - DMX
The Miseducation of Lauren Hill - Laurent Hill
The Score - The Fugees
The Carnival - Wyclef Jean
Doggy Style - Snoop Dog
The Chronic - Dr. Dre
Any Redman Album - Redman
Enter Da 36 Chambers - Wu-Tang Clan
Liquid Swords - The Gza
Bobby Digital - RZA
Method Man- Method Man
East 1999 - Bone Thugs N Harmony

I know I skipped a bunch; but, this is my list . . . at least for now . . .

Stay tuned for my top songs Hip-Hop songs of the 1990's

Jesse Jackson Caught Calling Black Folks the N-Word!!!

It looks like Jesse Jackson is becoming the Leon Lett, Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, O.J. Simpsonand Kennedey of African-American Politics. I'm sure you have all heard the recent news coverage of Jesse dropping the N-Bomb like he was trying to end World War III.

I guess we finally get to see the good reverend for who he really is--a washed up civil rights leader that likes to "talk down to black folk" by using the N-word. Now, I'm not saying that I don't use the word; but, a person like Jesse Jackson, who claims to be on the righteous path and advocates the banning of the word shouldn't be using it on black folks the way he has been.

It looks like the good reverend's reputation and credibility are sinking faster than the Titantic full of the morbidly obese. It has even got to the point where the owner of the Laugh Factory (now infamous for the "Kramer incident") is calling that Jackson pays a fine for his use of the word.

--Jesse, if you're reading this, it's time to call it quits . . . please!

Are We Close to Finding the Cure for A.I.D.S.?

The New York Times reports that a trial for a new H.I.V. (the virus that causes A.I.D.S.) has recently been canceled. The reason cited was that scientists were not sure how the vaccine, which was developed by the United States government, and the human imune system would interact. The project to discover a vaccine for H.I.V. was first initiated 24 years ago.

Could we be close to finding a vaccination for H.I.V. and possibly even a cure for A.I.D.S.? Only time will tell. But, I will tell you this. If we do ever find this cure I could see the second coming of the sexual revolution that we saw in the 60's. Yeah--I'm ready to become a neo-Hippie. :)

For the full story, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/health/18vaccine.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin

GM Cuts Medical Coverage for Retirees

As our economy continues to dwindle as Main St. and Wall St. continue to falter and we feel the pain, yet another company adds to the dog pile.

The Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors will discontinue medical coverage for retirees and will no longer include coverage for new employees. The article continues to mention that employees of GM that are considering retirement or have recently retired should plan to work part-time until they are eligible for Medicare.

Even if employees have built up benefits for retirement they will be cut off. GM will supplement the discontinued medical insurance with an extra $300 in retiree pension checks. This may help for some but we will see a greater burden on those that are very ill in their old age.

Thanks GM. Thanks America. Thanks capitalism.

Viva La Revolution!

Does Weezy Have the HIV?

No, I don’t mean a house in Virginia. What I’m talking about is way more penurious (unless you are defaulting on that house and adding to the mortgage crisis that is). I am talking about the “silent killer”, “the monster” or whatever else you want to call it. I know this rumor has been beaten to death; but, I think we need to revisit it and I’ll give my top 5 reasons why I think Weezy has been infected with H.I.V.

Sometime last year there was a report that a female groupie settled with Cash Money after being infected by a “big name” rapper on the label. Hmmm . . . I think there is only one big name rapper on Cash Money Period and that would be Weezy.

Old Boy picked up a serious case of substance abuse—Weezy has been using and abusing cocaine and he syzzurp to the point that he is nearly nonfunctional. Could this be a result of depression or his way of escaping this harsh reality?

Lil Wayne has been rerecording like crazy—it seems like this guys lives and breeds in the studio. The dude has been dropping track after track, mix tape after mix tape and is on every hot song. Maybe he’s trying to leave a legacy before he dies.

He seems to be obsessed with death—Every interview that I read Wayne always touches on the subject of death, like he’s not going to be here for long. Why would he be so obsessed unless he believed that his time was soon up?

And the number one reason is—He admitted to being infected on one of his mix tapes! Yes, that’s right. On a freestyle to the Souljah Boy beat (yes go out and download it or Youtube it) he drops a line that says, “Weezy got a dirty dick and you need an AIDS test.” If you don’t believe me, find the track and listen for yourself. Hell, I’ll even send it to ou if you request it from me.

Great Stock Market Crash of 2008 and Onset of New Great Depression????

It has been predicted several years ago. Is it possible that we will see a crash of the stock market and the onset of another "Great Depression"? Gas prices are rising, the value of the dollar continues to diminish, inflation continues to rise, the unemployment rate is rising, hedge funds blowing up, IndyMac and Bear Sterns failing and possibly Lehman Brothers doing the same (remember bank runs caused the first depression). The Fed's interactions cannot curve the recession. People are being laid off and home foreclosure is at a record high.

What can we expect to see in the next couple of months? Things look pretty grim for the U.S.; but, I would not be surprised if we end up in a depression. Especially when it is expected that the average consumer will spend 20 percent of their income on oil (more than groceries) by the year 2010 . . . yeah, that's only two years away . . .

Not to mention that, we also have the prophecy of 2012 around the corner.

Hmmmm . . .

Here's an interesting video for food for thought:

Gilly Wrote Himself a Hit With The Carter III

Being the notorious internet pirate that I am—not by downloading songs, but by listening to entire albums on Youtube—I decided to give The Carter III a spin. Now, this was one of my most anticipated albums of the year until I learned that Weezy wasn’t writing his own rhymes. I found this out when watching one of those ghetto DVD magazines, like Smack, when they aired a segment about a rapper named Gilly the Kid,. I had never heard of this guy before but from the interview that he gave it was evident that he had beef with Weezy and Birdman.

The story, according to Gilly, is that he was signed to Cash Money Records and had either written or recorded an entire album. Upon hearing the tracks Birdman ordered Gilly to give all the verses to Weezy and demoted young Gilly to the role of ghostwriter. Now, we all know how whack Weezy was back in the day (I seriously think his dopest verse was on “Tuesdays and Thursdays” and I still think Turk was better than him) when the Hot Boyz were still hot, Turk and B.G. wasn’t hooked on heroine and Juvenile was still the lead act on Cash Money. I’m also sure we also remember when “Hustler Musick” and “Go DJ” came out. Both tracks were hot and the beats were sick; however, we couldn’t help but notice one important difference—we actually began paying attention to Wayne’s lyrics. I mean, the dude had a nice flow and was actually spitting some shit—PAUSE. This was supposedly around the same time that Gilly got signed; so, I think this is more than a coincidence.

When I heard the news I felt like I was just scammed. I mean I was so impressed with Weezy’s delivery and came to the conclusion that he must of locked himself away in a room and really made the attempt to recreate himself and start to write some hot rhymes. I had a new found respect to Lil Wayne, and like I do with most artists that I respect I went out and purchased The Carter and was pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the album—the shit was HOTTT! I then at that moment became a pseudo Weezy fan that was merely in his corner and would defend him a hater dare said he was a garbage rapper. However, when I went Summer Jam in 2007 and saw him perform and spit on of the illest freestyles I’ve heard in a long time I was sold. Weezy was the savior that was to bring Hip-Hop to the next level and challenge every other southern rapper (since Hip-Hop lives in the south) to step their game up with lyrics.

I then followed Weezy as he grew become on of the top rappers in the game. I mean th kid was everywhere. He always had a single out and was on everyone’s song and was ripping each and every one of them. He even ripped an R&B song: “You give good brain like graduated from a good school.” I mean, this kid was dope. But news that he didn’t write his own rhymes made me lose all respect for this dude. Though his music is still hot and still listen to his songs, I will never buy another one of his albums.

So, on that note, The Carter III is definitely a hot album; but, next time you ill out to one of Weezy’s dope lines just keep in mind who really wrote it.

Weezy get’s the “Poser of the Year” award from 2004 – 2008.

Peace Out!

Jesse Jackson Wants Obama’s Nuts

It appears that the good old Reverend Jesse Jackson has developed a certain taste for politico cajones. Recently, during a televised interview the Rev. Jesse Jackson was caught on take saying that he would like to “cut his [Obamma] nuts off”. He even mentions that Obama “is always talking down to black people”.

If you ask me, this sounds like pure hateration coming from Jesse’s washed up mouth. He’s upset that a younger, smarter and arguably more attractive black male has accomplished something he was not able to—achieve a presidential nomination. I guess that what happens when all you do is march and rally instead of actually getting into and conquering the political machine.

If you ask me a little further I would tell you that Jesse Jackson’s smart comment probably stems from the fact that he fathered an illegitimate child that he denied for some time. So, in this case, Barack’s famous (or infamous) “Father’s Day Speech” probably gave the good preacher/reverend a guilty conscience.



BJ CJ

Watermelons Better Than Viagra???

It appears that the miracles of science have discovered that eating more watermelon can help you in the bedroom.

A recent study proves that eating watermelon has effects similar to taking Viagra or other "male enhancement" drugs. Well, instead of shelling out money for the "Little Blue Diamond" or surgery just head down to your local watermelon patch! Actually, there is one catch. In order to benefit from the libido enhancing effects you have to actually eat the rind (the green part we throw away). Not too tasty, huh? I guess it shouldn't take long for the drug and vitamin companies to begin mass producing watermelon pills for those that need them. :)

In the meantime if you want a cheap Viagra alternative ask for some Tribulus next time you're at your local GNC or other vitamin shop.

Be KAnYe West Pills!!!

I was riding the 5 train to work this morning and I couldn't get over an advertisement for Kanye West pills. I think this is marketing genius in work here! The only problem is that I have no idea what they are trying to sell or promote? Oh well, I guess that adds even more the suspense.

Could it be a new Kanye album, movie or clothing line? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Bandwagon Fans and Relationships

The Boston Celtics recently defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to claim their one-thousandth championship. This is like the eightieth athletic championship won by Boston this year.

Pat on the back for Boston; even though my Giants killed the New England Dynasty this past Super Bowl.

GO GIANTS!

Any way. After this year’s NFL and NBA championship series I have seen largest influx of bandwagon fans since Jordan was playing for the Bulls. Yeah, ask yourself how many of those Chicago fans from the 90’s are still around. Now ask yourself how many of those fans went into and came out of retirement with Jordan as well. Now take a look around and ask yourself how many Celtics fans were Celtics fans last year. My bet is that it’s not too many.

One think I can’t stand are bandwagon fans. I just don’t understand what satisfaction a person can get by always cheering for the winning team. After the Giants won the Super Bowl it was like everyone in New York became a Giants fan over night. Give me a break. I was with them during the bad seasons and I was with them when they were winning Super Bowls with Phil Simms. I grew up a Giants fan I will stay loyal to my team through thick and thin. Same with my Knickerbockers; they’re in a slump now, but I still follow the team and try to make it to the Garden as often as possible. That is the magic about being a fan. It’s like being a part of a family—there are good times and there are bad times. If we can make it through the bad times together we will appreciate the good times that much more.

Now on to the Celtics. This is the worst case of “bandwagonism” since Bulls in the 90’s and Patriots in the 2000’s. Last season you could not find a Celtics fan outside of Boston. Hell, you couldn’t even find a Celtics fan in Boston for that matter. But all of a sudden KG and “He Got Game” get traded to the team and everyone is a Celtics fan. I went to a Knicks vs. Celtics game earlier this year and everyone was in green and white wearing Celtics gear. Come on, I know all of these people didn’t ttravel down from Boston to see this game. But, wait, this was only the first wave of Celtics “bandwagonism” coming into fruition. Let’s fast forward to the NBA finals. I swear throughout that entire week I could not go a few blocks without seeing a kid in a Celtics jersey and that’s not including all of the other Celtics paraphernalia on the market. To me, band wagon fans are an extension of how a person will be in a serious committed relationship.

For example, to be a true fan you must be with your team from beginning to end. The day you decide to become a fan you are making a commitment. The same is true with a serious relationship. You agree to support and encourage your team through the bad times to build that bond even stronger and you celebrate your love during the good times. This too is true within modern relationships. Band wagon fans are akin to gold diggers if you ask me. The minute a team hits a slump the band wagon fan will jump to the current team that is doing their thing. A gold digger, best believe, will sure as hell find her (or his) self another sugar daddy (or mamma) when that banker or doctor faces economic hardships.

All it is is a type of selfishness or insecurity manifesting itself. The bandwagon fan needs to be apart of something good to increase his or her self worth. This is why they switch teams so easily. This way they can fit in other like minded individuals and become a part of the majority. The idea of being a part of winning fan base reinforces their desire to increase their value of worth, which stems from their insecurities. The same is true for these people in their relationships. If a person can’t follow an athletic team through a losing season, what would make you think they could follow your ass through hell, wind and fire? At the slightest change in their comfort level they will be out the door, riding on the bandwagon of he next guy or gal.

So, the moral of the story is if you ever come a cross a selfish, insecure, spoiled loser bandwagon fan, just think twice before thinking about getting into a serious relationship with that person.

Just wanted to add my 0.02 cents.

BJ CJ

Corporate Types—Let’s Get Out Those Bikes!

Is it just me or does it seem like more and more “suits” on bikes appear to be hogging up the New York City streets lately? I’ve noticed on my morning commute to work that there has been a slight increase of white collar workers commuting to work via bicycle. Could this be a result of rising gas prices or a desperate attempt to fit some cardio into a schedule that is so hectic that it is difficult to allocate time for sleep?

I guess if you work in midtown, say on 48^th and Park and you happen to live 72^nd and York, a bicycle commute in the summer may not be that bad of an idea. Actually, you could save a lot of time and avoid crowded trains, sweaty buses or annoyance that comes with trying to catch a cab. Even if you live in Harlem you could easily get to midtown by simply cutting through Central Park by entering at the Central Park North entrance.

Hey, the Chinese seem to be making out okay with their bicycle culture. Could you imagine Manhattan being swarmed by an influx of bicycle riding commuters? Now, that would be a site to see. But if gas prices continue to climb and MTA continues to raise prices we could be soon headed in this direction.

BJ CJ