Israel versus Palestine:Could they Both be 'dead right?'

My heart is grieved by the recent air strike by Israel on the Hamas in Gaza which resulted in over 300 deaths and over 800 people wounded. The Wall Street Journal reports that President George W. Bush and the White House supports this attack.

Why does America have to? Do we truly believe as a nation that everyone who is an enemy to Israel is our nation's enemy? Will war ever cease? Will Israel ever be found in the wrong against these people?

We must pray for the wisdom of President-elect Barack Obama. These pre-existing wars are a very precarious situation for him to be stepping into.

Gov. Sarah Palin is a Grandmama--That's a Tripp!

Shhhhh--Don't tell anyone but, Governor Sarah Palin is a young "GG"(that's Gorgeous Granny).

I just heard the news: Bristol Palin, the unmarried 18-year-old daughter of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has given birth in Alaska to a son.

Even though People magazine reports that Bristol Palin gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Sunday, you shouldn't go around telling people because according to the governor's office "this birth is a private family matter."

Little Tripp weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. The father is high school dropout Levi Johnston, a former hockey player at Alaska's Wasilla High School. He has said he and Bristol plan to marry--perhaps when one of them becomes a high school graduate?

As the grandmother of six--soon to be seven grandchildren I understand Governor Palin's excitement over the prospect of becoming a young "GG." But Governor, with all due respect--you did announce Bristol's pregnancy to the world. At that point it was no longer private. Now that the inevitable has happened--the birth, and now you want this matter private? Even after People Magazine and Yahoo wrote about it? What's the point of achieving celebrity status if little things like the Governor becoming a grandmama shouldn't be news?

Eartha Kitt: "The Most Exciting Woman in the World"

What a Marvelous Lady--Eartha Kitt
I heard Eartha Kitt's distinctive voice doing an interview as the radio played in the taxi while I rode home on Christmas night 2008.

"That's Eartha Kitt's voice." I said. "Please turn that up so I can hear her." The cab driver turned up the volume, but added that Ms. Kitt had died that morning of colon cancer--she was 81. I was stunned.

I had always loved and admired Eartha Kitt from the first time I saw her purring and slinking and dancing around Gotham City as the villainous "Cat Woman" on the Bat Man tv series. She was so sexy and sophisticated and bad. She was also very pretty with an amazing and distinctive voice. I was mesmerized by her and captivated. She became one of the women I would later try to pattern my prowess around. Even going so far as to learn to purrrr.

I had the privilege of seeing her perform live in a musical here in Chicago in about 2005, although I can't remember which one. Afterwards, I met her briefly and told her of my devotion and admiration of her talent. She hugged me like a diva and the star that she was. It was also a warm hug like a sistah-friend who appreciated me for appreciating her. Our exchange lasted only 2 minutes or less, yet she had a profound effect on me. I was so honored to have met her and I told her so. She replied that she was honored to meet me. She was a class act.

A few years ago, may 20 or so I read an autobiography she had written where she chronicled her early life and how hard it was being from the south and being bi-racial and what she termed as unwanted. She was born Eartha Mae Keith on January 27, 1927 in Columbia, SC.

She was able to sing in 10 different languages and performed in over 100 countries. In fact, she could sing, dance, act and do voice overs--she was versatile and multi-talented to say the least. When she was a young woman she danced in the famed Katherin Dunham Dance Company. Katherine Dunham was one of my favorite performers as well. It's amazing to know that theyknew each other when they were younger.

Orson Welles described Eartha Kitt as "The most exciting woman in the world!" I agree with him--"Eartha, you were the bomb! And everybody knew it." Rest in Peace, my friend.

Christmas Wishes...Happy Birthday, Jesus!

It's been 2 days since the official birthday of Jesus Christ of Nazereth. This was really the very first year that I didn't take hard earned money earmarked for bills and other stuff--and spend it on others for Jesus' birthday.

I truly have the Christmas Spirit this year. I saw my three grandchildren, Anthony, Antoine and Candace who live in Illinois on the 25th. I spoke with my first-born son, Ali. My 5th born son, Curtiss gave me a set of 3 books by Dr. Suess--first time he bought a gift un-coerced. I love him for his thoughtfulness and his own love for books. My 2nd born-son gave me a lovely card. I cried when I read the sentiments. My grandson, Jaheim sent me a great card from Florida.

I spoke with my mother who informed me that my daughter was pregnant. What a wonderful surprise gift. I wish my daughter had told me.

I saw my friend Terri and her wonderful family--and I ate like a queen at her mom's house.

Thank you Jesus. This was a season of firsts and reunions. This is the reason for the season.

President-elect, Are you sure about Arne Duncan?

President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Chicago Public Schools Chief Arne Duncan to join his cabinet as Secretary of Education.Obama is expected to make the announcement Tuesday.

Duncan visited the Education Department in Washington, D.C. earlier this month, but insisted the call was a purely social one. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports Duncan frequently plays basketball with the Obama. And Obama said previously he might name him to the cabinet as education secretary. Duncan told reporters in D.C. Dec. 4 he had no idea who Obama will pick for the job. But he praised his basketball buddy, saying Obama "has an unbelievably thoughtful, comprehensive [education] plan, and there's a real opportunity to do something special going forward." Duncan was among a handful of names mentioned as likely candidates for the education post.

President-elect Obama, I beg your pardon, but did you really mean to use CPS' Arne Duncan as the National Education Secretary?
I believe the jury is still out on whether he has single-handedly brought Chicago Public Schools to ruins--not to mention the fact that he may be considered part of Chicago's gangster regime.  I can see that you are loyal to your friends--but, Arne Duncan? Surely, you jest.

O.J. given 9 years to reflect in Las Vegas as VIP guest of Nevada

Clark District Court Judge Jackie Glass was crystal clear as she sentenced former football star, O.J. Simpson to serve at least 9 years in the Nevada prison system. He was recently found gulty on 12 counts that included gunpoint robbery and kidnapping of two sports memorabilia dealers in a LasVegas hotel.
His argument was that the materials that the men were trying to sell to him belonged to him and were stolen from him. He basically was simply trying to get his own property back.

O.J., you have been watching too much t.v to believe that rounding up a group of thuggish, ruggish types and attempting to take something at gunpoint would go unnoticed. You are a high profile celebrity. Everything you do is newsworthy.

Wasn't it enough to get off scott-free for a murder conviction that most folks thought you committed? Why have you pressed your luck with these folks? So, now you will have plenty of time to pen your heartfelt 'born-again' testimony.

This time however, I hope you will have a real change of heart.

Gov. Blagojevich Arrested:Gangsterville, USA...No Place To Play

Yesterday, was Governor Rod Blagojevich's 52nd birthday. As a historical gift, President-elect Barack Obama joined others calling for the 'birthday boy' to resign."The president-elect agrees with Lt. Gov. (Pat) Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," said Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs. Governor Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday at his Chicago home, accused of seeking money or other lucrative favors to influence his choice in picking Obama's replacement.

Chicago and Illinois politics are like none other I have ever known or even read about. But for those of us who affectionately call Chicago home, this kind of shenanigans is business as usual. For people of Illinois to express shock at the latest revelation--our Governor allegedly trying to auction off the U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, they are being very hypocritical or at best--very unrealistic.

This is politics--'gangster style', folks. Don't blame the player--blame the game. Winner takes all and WIIFM (Whats in it for me?) is the order of the day in the Chi-town and the Land of Lincoln. Sadly, I am dismayed that Gov. Blagojevich was not given the dignity of going to jail after the fact like so many governors before him. U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald said that Illinois just might be the most corrupt state in the United States. You think?

Why are we breaking a tried and true tradition and now deciding to do things right? Aren't we taking Barack's "change" theme a little too seriously? Surely we cannot believe that this governor is the inventor of "pay to play" politics. And although he's never professed to be the brightest bulb in the Christmas decorations--at least he wasn't stupid enough to consider giving up the seat vacated by President-elect Obama to the most qualified representative in Illinois for a mere 'Coke and a smile'. Especially when he could use it for financial or political leverage for himself. What did they take him for--foolish? Happy Birthday, Governor! I'm glad to see your mama didn't raise no fool. And you can count on me to put a few dollars on your commissary books in the future.