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.