The SEVEN
August 28th, 2011
I. This Was What?
So I was in the shower and felt a little rumble, but assumed that it was from the nearby commuter train line…never thinking it could be an earthquake here in the Northeast! But then again, perhaps a soothsayer-like individual, one Kurtis Blow, envisioned this happening some thirty-two years ago in one of the earliest and still classic rap recordings:
"I'm Kurtis Blow on the microphone
A place called Harlem was my home
I was rocking one day, it started to shake
It sounded to me like an earthquake
I packed my bags, I said goodbye
I kissed my woman and I started to fly
I came to Earth by a meteorite
To rock you all on the mic"
- From "Christmas Rappin'"
(I believe the credited writers were Lawrence Smith, Kurtis Walker, Robert Ford and J.B. Moore.)
II. And Now This?
One day we have an earthquake; another day a Hurricane…is this week sending a message here? To be honest, my expectation had been that at the present time I would be on the field coaching at Newark Bears-Eagles Stadium as my son's summer team played their final game…as opposed to being on the computer. Hopefully no one else will have lost their lives as a result of Irene, but this leads me to think that if I have to prepare for hurricanes and earthquakes in the summer and massive snowfalls in the winter, maybe I should consider moving - at some point - to a place where at least I wouldn't have to worry about snow…which is what a bunch of my cousins have done.
III. The Boss
For a while it seemed that it would take an earthquake or hurricane to free former International Monetary Fund president Dominique Strauss-Khan from his Manhattan luxury prison in which he was forced to remain and rent after being charged with the rape of a hotel maid. Then questions emerged about the maid's credibility, and now the Manhattan district attorney's office has dropped the charges, enabling DSK to return home.
I wonder if they are aware of, or remember, the story of the boy who cried wolf? This boy, in the middle of his town's workday, shouts "Wolf," and all of the adults come racing to his aid, only to find that he was just kidding. Another day he shouts "Wolf" again, and again they raced to his aid, only to find he was kidding yet again. Then one day the wolf came, and when the boy shouted "Wolf," no one moved.
This story may be relevant because the prosecution felt their case was weakened by issues of the accuser's credibility - but as in this story, the fact that someone's credibility may have been called into question in the past doesn't mean that they couldn't be telling the truth now.
IV. Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Also leaving the building in New York City were several balls during the Yankees recent 22-9 NFL-like victory over the Oakland A's. The Yankees - in the persons of Russell Martin, Robinson Cano, and serious MVP candidate Curtis Granderson - hit more grand slams on Thursday afternoon than the Mets have in almost 2 ½ years. All the more reason for the Mets to remake their team to match their stadium - i.e., build around Jose Reyes, create a squad focused on speed/defense/pitching - as opposed to remaking the stadium to try to approximate another team.
V. Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand
Remember when Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton were pointing guns at each other or something like that in the Washington Wizards' locker room a couple of seasons ago? Now Crittenton has been charged with murder after having shot at someone that he believed had previously robbed him - because he missed the alleged robber while striking and killing another passerby.
Ironically enough, this information has come out on the weekend of the 48th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, the weekend on which - prior to the visitation of Hurricane Irene - the new Martin Luther King Memorial was scheduled to be officially dedicated. This memorial will forever stand as a monument not only to the greatness of Dr. King, but also to the concept that so much can be accomplished without resorting to violence - as evidenced by the life of this Nobel Peace Prize winner. If only we would all take heed of this.
VI. It's My House
Unfortunately the violence continues in Libya, even after the insurgents stormed the residence of the absent Col. Gaddafi. The latest info indicates that talks may be on the horizon; we can only hope that such talks will occur and bear fruit.
But meanwhile, who would have thought that as a result of the actions of the insurgents, we would learn that Gaddafi has kept any number of pictures of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, along with various writings indicating his admiration for her and her intelligence? I wonder if he was admiring her while her then boss was declaring Libya (along with Iraq and Iran) one of the countries comprising the (so-called) "Axis of Evil?"
VII. You're All I Need To Get By
With the exception of the earlier "Christmas Rappin'" lyric, the musical references herein are in tribute to a legend, a man who was one-half of arguably the greatest songwriting team of all time. We could be here until Christmas and beyond just talking about the awesome catalog of Nick Ashford/Valerie Simpson songs written through the years for artists such as Diana Ross; Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell; Chaka Khan…and themselves. My favorite happens to be "You're All I Need To Get By;" what's yours?
The most earth-shaking event of the past few days is the passing of Nick Ashford. Rest in peace, Nick…job well done.
About Me
- Mack Williams
- My online column/blog, Sportin' Life - now rechristened as The SEVEN - has appeared on various sites for years, and became the basis for my first book, Sportin' Life: Essays on Sport and Life. My second book is entitled Voices From The Blue States - and my forthcoming children's book to be published in 2012 will be entitled "Jackie Robinson and the Negro Leagues." I am currently developing a TV sitcom, to be entitled Joyful Noize, as well as a comedy/drama entitled No Place Like Home. For more info e-mail me at mcwstar@aol.com.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
The 600 & 700 Club
The SEVEN
August 22nd, 2011
I. Heartfelt Congratulations!
My heartfelt congratulations go out to Jim Thome of the Minnesota Twins, who recently slugged two homers in Detroit to become the eighth all-time member of the 600-homerun club – and a shoutout to the Tigers’ fans, who acknowledged Thome’s monumental accomplishment with a standing ovation. Bad personnel moves often hamper teams for years and cost individuals their jobs…and one of the first things I thought about after learning of Thome’s feat was that the Philadelphia Phillies basically let him go in order to create lineup space for a young player in their system. As it turns out, not such a bad move…that player was Ryan Howard, who has an outside shot at hitting 600 before his career comes to an end.
II. Adam, where art Thou?
In reaching the 600 mark, Thome joins Barry Bonds, Henry Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa. With all of the recent talk about the alarming scarcity of African-Americans in the major leagues, it’s interesting to note that four of these other individuals are Black. Where are the legions of Blacks that in the past would have been following in their footsteps? Spending all of their efforts on the gridiron or the court.
III. The 700 Club
Remember back in 2007 when Alex Rodriguez was flirting with walking away from the Yankees through free agency…and Yankee general manager Brian Cashman was about to let him sample the offers? Remember how the Steinbrenner brothers hopped in and tossed A-Rod more massive money, with one of the reasons being that they wanted him to break the homerun record in a Yankee uniform? Remember how A-Rod’s future place atop the 700 Club was not a question of if, but when? Nagging injuries and lower productivity have, in my opinion, brought that back to if…even though he’s only thirty-six and needs just 136 homers to become the all-time leader…but I’m still saying if.
IV. Meet The Mets
Across town there is apparently a lot of talk over at Citi Field about a prospective dimensions change at Citi Field, if only because the current dimensions seem not to be friendly to power hitters, the types of which the Mets might want to bring in as free agents. I totally disagree with that idea.
I would refer the Mets to the ‘70’s song which stated that “if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.” And yes, I know that I’m the guy that has written about how Darryl Strawberry was my favorite all-time Met because he was a feared power hitter like many of the other stars throughout the years that had terrorized the Mets. But now, in this case, the one they are with is Jose Reyes, and Citi Field is virtually tailor-made for him. Considering the fact that he was an MVP candidate before injuries slowed down his second half of the season, that’s not a bad place to start.
So instead of moving the fences in to attract a big slugger, keep them where they are and make free agent focus signing a superstar pitcher or two. Build the team around pitching, defense, and speed...and perhaps success like that of 1969 will follow.
V. Bronx Cheer
At first I wanted to offer much less than heartfelt congrats to Michele Bachmann on her victory the other weekend in the Iowa Straw Poll, truly catapulting her into a front-runner position within the Republican ranks…but on second thought, perhaps a standing ovation is due her as well. Some on the left feel her victory – and what it seems to say - warrants addressing, but I almost want to send her a donation to keep (her) hope alive. Anyone who thinks the founding fathers ended slavery does not know enough about this country to be president – and as such, I’m rooting for her on the Republican side.
VI. President of Where?
A definite Bronx Cheer goes out to Texas Governor Rick Perry, who tossed his ten-gallon hat into the presidential race and immediately questioned President Obama’s patriotism and accused Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke of treason. This from the man who virtually advocated Texas’ secession from the United States…and now he wants to be president of the United States?
Are you kidding me? What a cast of characters the Republicans got going!
VII. Stay Home?
So now they don’t even want President Obama to take a vacation…when President Bush used to take almost the whole summer off. Give me a break!
August 22nd, 2011
I. Heartfelt Congratulations!
My heartfelt congratulations go out to Jim Thome of the Minnesota Twins, who recently slugged two homers in Detroit to become the eighth all-time member of the 600-homerun club – and a shoutout to the Tigers’ fans, who acknowledged Thome’s monumental accomplishment with a standing ovation. Bad personnel moves often hamper teams for years and cost individuals their jobs…and one of the first things I thought about after learning of Thome’s feat was that the Philadelphia Phillies basically let him go in order to create lineup space for a young player in their system. As it turns out, not such a bad move…that player was Ryan Howard, who has an outside shot at hitting 600 before his career comes to an end.
II. Adam, where art Thou?
In reaching the 600 mark, Thome joins Barry Bonds, Henry Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa. With all of the recent talk about the alarming scarcity of African-Americans in the major leagues, it’s interesting to note that four of these other individuals are Black. Where are the legions of Blacks that in the past would have been following in their footsteps? Spending all of their efforts on the gridiron or the court.
III. The 700 Club
Remember back in 2007 when Alex Rodriguez was flirting with walking away from the Yankees through free agency…and Yankee general manager Brian Cashman was about to let him sample the offers? Remember how the Steinbrenner brothers hopped in and tossed A-Rod more massive money, with one of the reasons being that they wanted him to break the homerun record in a Yankee uniform? Remember how A-Rod’s future place atop the 700 Club was not a question of if, but when? Nagging injuries and lower productivity have, in my opinion, brought that back to if…even though he’s only thirty-six and needs just 136 homers to become the all-time leader…but I’m still saying if.
IV. Meet The Mets
Across town there is apparently a lot of talk over at Citi Field about a prospective dimensions change at Citi Field, if only because the current dimensions seem not to be friendly to power hitters, the types of which the Mets might want to bring in as free agents. I totally disagree with that idea.
I would refer the Mets to the ‘70’s song which stated that “if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.” And yes, I know that I’m the guy that has written about how Darryl Strawberry was my favorite all-time Met because he was a feared power hitter like many of the other stars throughout the years that had terrorized the Mets. But now, in this case, the one they are with is Jose Reyes, and Citi Field is virtually tailor-made for him. Considering the fact that he was an MVP candidate before injuries slowed down his second half of the season, that’s not a bad place to start.
So instead of moving the fences in to attract a big slugger, keep them where they are and make free agent focus signing a superstar pitcher or two. Build the team around pitching, defense, and speed...and perhaps success like that of 1969 will follow.
V. Bronx Cheer
At first I wanted to offer much less than heartfelt congrats to Michele Bachmann on her victory the other weekend in the Iowa Straw Poll, truly catapulting her into a front-runner position within the Republican ranks…but on second thought, perhaps a standing ovation is due her as well. Some on the left feel her victory – and what it seems to say - warrants addressing, but I almost want to send her a donation to keep (her) hope alive. Anyone who thinks the founding fathers ended slavery does not know enough about this country to be president – and as such, I’m rooting for her on the Republican side.
VI. President of Where?
A definite Bronx Cheer goes out to Texas Governor Rick Perry, who tossed his ten-gallon hat into the presidential race and immediately questioned President Obama’s patriotism and accused Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke of treason. This from the man who virtually advocated Texas’ secession from the United States…and now he wants to be president of the United States?
Are you kidding me? What a cast of characters the Republicans got going!
VII. Stay Home?
So now they don’t even want President Obama to take a vacation…when President Bush used to take almost the whole summer off. Give me a break!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Happy Birthday!
The SEVEN
August 4th, 2011
I. Top Ten List?
If I say that Late Night with David Letterman is the best late night talk show on TV - which I really think it is - do you think he will read this and feature the cast and crew of the new independent film "Black Heart," which won awards at the Action On Film Festival in Pasadena, CA last week? Well, congratulations to director Kenya Cagle, writer Stephanie Walker, and all involved...and me too, since I did the music!
II. Hit Me With Your Best Shot
If someone had told you that Plaxico Burress would be returning to the NFL to play his home games at New Meadowlands Stadium, would you have thought that he would be dressing in the Jets' locker room? I guess Plaxico has shot his former team, the Giants, in the foot - or the behind - once again...do you think they have Randy Moss' number?
III. Come On, Guys
While the NFL lockout's end has brought forth a free agent frenzy, the NBA sides seem no closer to agreement than before...and let me tell you, I'm glad that the NFL lockout is over, but if it weren't and they missed some pre-season, I'd be fine with that - but if the NBA misses the .02 seconds it took Trent Tucker to turn and fire a game-winning three against the Bulls, I will be angry beyond belief! If this Congress can come together long enough to raise the debt limit, you guys can settle this.
IV. Going, Going...
Meanwhile, in one sport that is not talking about a lockout, the MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and I'm really glad that the New York Mets have not traded Jose Reyes, the most exciting Met since Dwight Gooden and my all-time favorite, Darryl Strawberry. That said, it would be somewhat ironic if ex-Met Carlos Beltran can help lead his new team, the defending champion San Francisco Giants, to the success he was unable to reach in New York.
V. Going, Going, Gone
As one working on various TV and film projects, I have respect for anyone that gets their project picked up...but I wonder if it is indicative of these times and our collective appetite for information when on one side of Seventh Avenue, the flagship New York Borders bookstore location has signs in the windows indicating that they are closing - as is their entire chain - while on the other side there is a big billboard for the new SPIKE series "Bar Rescue."
VI. Still Right Here
I was with some cousins earlier who were in college in the '60's, in the midst of the civil rights movement - and they have definitely seen and lived through much change. But some things and people refuse to change...as in the case of Kymberly Wimberly, an Arkansas high school student and young single mom that pushed forward nonetheless to earn the title of validictorian - until school officials "feared backlash" and appointed a White student with a lower GPA "co-validictorian." Visit colorofchange.org to read more about this and add your voice to those outraged at this.
And don't think this can't have any effect; Color of Change was instrumental in setting in motion the advertiser abandonment of Glenn Beck's TV program, which led even FOX to pull the plug on him.
VII. 50 Is The New 30
Happy 50th Birthday to the President of the United States, Barack Obama! Mr. President, if you're reading this, take heart - 50 is the new 30...although you probably haven't felt like 30 during these last few weeks.
I wish I could give you some presents, like a Tea Party that would not act like stick-up kids; a group of Republicans that would not put the full faith and credit of the United States in jeopardy because they still can't deal with the fact that a Black man is in the White House; a real apology from Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, who used the phrase "tar baby" when discussing you; and so many more things that you can use. But hopefully we will collectively give you a truly Democratic House next year for your second term.
August 4th, 2011
I. Top Ten List?
If I say that Late Night with David Letterman is the best late night talk show on TV - which I really think it is - do you think he will read this and feature the cast and crew of the new independent film "Black Heart," which won awards at the Action On Film Festival in Pasadena, CA last week? Well, congratulations to director Kenya Cagle, writer Stephanie Walker, and all involved...and me too, since I did the music!
II. Hit Me With Your Best Shot
If someone had told you that Plaxico Burress would be returning to the NFL to play his home games at New Meadowlands Stadium, would you have thought that he would be dressing in the Jets' locker room? I guess Plaxico has shot his former team, the Giants, in the foot - or the behind - once again...do you think they have Randy Moss' number?
III. Come On, Guys
While the NFL lockout's end has brought forth a free agent frenzy, the NBA sides seem no closer to agreement than before...and let me tell you, I'm glad that the NFL lockout is over, but if it weren't and they missed some pre-season, I'd be fine with that - but if the NBA misses the .02 seconds it took Trent Tucker to turn and fire a game-winning three against the Bulls, I will be angry beyond belief! If this Congress can come together long enough to raise the debt limit, you guys can settle this.
IV. Going, Going...
Meanwhile, in one sport that is not talking about a lockout, the MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and I'm really glad that the New York Mets have not traded Jose Reyes, the most exciting Met since Dwight Gooden and my all-time favorite, Darryl Strawberry. That said, it would be somewhat ironic if ex-Met Carlos Beltran can help lead his new team, the defending champion San Francisco Giants, to the success he was unable to reach in New York.
V. Going, Going, Gone
As one working on various TV and film projects, I have respect for anyone that gets their project picked up...but I wonder if it is indicative of these times and our collective appetite for information when on one side of Seventh Avenue, the flagship New York Borders bookstore location has signs in the windows indicating that they are closing - as is their entire chain - while on the other side there is a big billboard for the new SPIKE series "Bar Rescue."
VI. Still Right Here
I was with some cousins earlier who were in college in the '60's, in the midst of the civil rights movement - and they have definitely seen and lived through much change. But some things and people refuse to change...as in the case of Kymberly Wimberly, an Arkansas high school student and young single mom that pushed forward nonetheless to earn the title of validictorian - until school officials "feared backlash" and appointed a White student with a lower GPA "co-validictorian." Visit colorofchange.org to read more about this and add your voice to those outraged at this.
And don't think this can't have any effect; Color of Change was instrumental in setting in motion the advertiser abandonment of Glenn Beck's TV program, which led even FOX to pull the plug on him.
VII. 50 Is The New 30
Happy 50th Birthday to the President of the United States, Barack Obama! Mr. President, if you're reading this, take heart - 50 is the new 30...although you probably haven't felt like 30 during these last few weeks.
I wish I could give you some presents, like a Tea Party that would not act like stick-up kids; a group of Republicans that would not put the full faith and credit of the United States in jeopardy because they still can't deal with the fact that a Black man is in the White House; a real apology from Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, who used the phrase "tar baby" when discussing you; and so many more things that you can use. But hopefully we will collectively give you a truly Democratic House next year for your second term.
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