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March 2008
Send condolences to the Levert family
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sean Levert, son of R&B legend Eddie Levert of the O’Jays, is dead.
Popular radio personality Tom Joyner, who is close to the Levert family, talked about the death on his morning show. According to wire reports, Levert, 39, was pronounced dead at Lutheran Hospital after being moved there from the Cuyahoga County Jail. Levert had been jailed for non-payment of back child support.
This is the second tragedy to hit the family recently. In late 2006, Gerald Levert was found dead in his Ohio home.
Sean Levert was not as well known as his older brother, Gerald, but Joyner said on his show that Gerald often said that Sean was a better singer. Both helped form the group, LeVert.
Send condolences to the Levert family.
Travel plans interrupted by jet inspections?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are facing major cancellations over the next couple of days as Delta Air Lines inspects some of its older jets.
Delta expects the voluntary inspections to be finished by Saturday. The inspections, under an “airworthiness directive,” involve checking wiring bundles on 117 McDonnell-Douglas MD-88s, according to an article on ajc.com.
Delta said it completed the inspections earlier this year but is redoing them voluntarily in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The move by the carrier, comes after American Airlines canceled more than 300 flights on Wednesday to do similar inspections. American canceled a smaller number of planes on Thursday.
Has your flight been canceled? Are you making alternative plans to reach your destination? Have airline and airport officials been helpful? Share your experiences.
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Name the Gwinnett County stadium
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Naming rights can be a big deal and mean big bucks for sports and entertainment facilities and events.
After much consideration and millions of dollars, Philips Electronics snagged the right to place its moniker on the arena in downtown Atlanta.
Now, naming rights are in question for the new $45 million baseball stadium in Gwinnett County, according to an article. by AJC reporter, Tim Tucker.
But sometimes, the process can be controversial. Tucker reports that the Atlanta Braves aren’t interested in a Pepsi Field nearby. “According to contract drafts obtained under Georgia’s Open Records Act, the Braves are seeking the right to block the county from selling stadium naming rights to competitors of some companies, like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, that have exclusive sponsorship deals with the team,” the article stated.
Should the Braves have any say so? How important is a site’s name to you? Have any suggestions for Gwinnett?
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What restaurant serves up fun for you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re tired of going to restaurants where all you do is eat, maybe it’s time to try something different.
The city has plenty of places that make you feel like you’re anywhere but Atlanta. A trip to Dante’s Down the Hatch is the next best thing to dining on the high seas, with its sailing ship and full-size pirate mannequin. If visiting Morocco is more your thing, there’s Imperial Fez, where you can eat couscous with your hands while belly dancers entertain you. Or you could head to Trader Vic’s and sample one of the 65-plus cocktails they have on their menu.
See our story on three such places and photos of them and more.
So where do you go when you long for a culinary escape?
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Flav ups the ante with more contestants
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So, apparently in Flav’s world, hot breath is more problematic than being a hot mess.
Shy is gone. I’m still in shock. As much as I like Hotlanta, it’s clear she has too much drama with her kids and ex-boyfriend back home in Marietta.
Shy at least — despite needing $22,000 worth of dental work to fix her teeth and gums — gave it her all and seemed to be there for Flav. He definitely didn’t make the right choice in booting Shy last night, in my book. (And he still is keeping those twin gargoyles. It’s a lot easier to solve a bad breath problem than it is to fix the chronically ugly.)
To add to the drama, Flav brought in four new girls. Yikes!!
Last night’s challenge — the six remaining girls had to pose/model for a sexy calendar — had me thinking about a recurring critique some of you guys have made about the Flavor of Love series: That it demeans women, black women in particular.
I wonder why one television show would have the power to do that?
The Rock of Love, another VH1 searching-for-love reality show starring has-been rocker Bret Michaels, has a bunch of white women clamoring after him. But I don’t think anyone would say that those women are representative of all white women.
How does the Flavor of Love and similarily-themed Rock of Love tarnish the image of women? And, what’s your take on the last episode? Who’s the frontrunner at this point? Who should have been sent home by now?
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Did you see ‘Meet the Browns’ this weekend?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who” was the nation’s biggest box office draw for a second straight weekend with $25.1 million, according to studio estimates, but “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” opened in second place with $20 million and was tops in Atlanta.
The film, about a single mom who connects with previously unknown kin at her late father’s funeral, is hot on the heels of Perry’s successful “Why Did I Get Married?” and solidifies Perry’s hold on the ATL.
Did you see the movie? If so, what did you think? If not, do you plan to?
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Would you try genetic testing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Genetic testing helps identify genes that may increase your likelihood of developing certain disorders. The tests can costs thousands and available for more than 1,500 disorders and diseases, including neurological and cardiovascular diseases, according to the National Society of Genetic Counselors. (Read the story here.)
Genetic testing equips people with the information to better manage their health and make decisions about health risks, but it cannot detect all genetic changes that can cause disease. Other genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle choices and family medical history also affect a person’s risk of developing disorders.
But that knowledge also can be a burden. Consider the medical and emotional impact it could have on you and your family. After learning the results, some have taken drastic measures, such as mastectomies or organ removal, to diminish their chance for developing a disease.
Is knowing really a good thing? Would you undergo genetic testing? If you are predisposed to a disease, would you dramatically change your lifestyle?
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Gas prices putting the brakes on driving?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gas prices increased nearly 7 cents over the past two weeks, putting the brakes on the driving and travel habits of many consumers.
According to the Lundberg Survey, prices at the pump reached an inflation-adjusted high of $3.26 a gallon for self-serve regular. Read the CNN report here.
What’s your strategy for dealing with higher gas prices? Are you car pooling to work or working from home more? Are you traveling less? Have you cutback on spring break or summer travel plans? Are you in the market for a more gas efficient car?
If you are an employer, are you encouraging employees to work from home?
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What makes “Running of the Brides” fun?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three hours waiting in the cold weather, a lost vacation day and some sacrificed dignity: That’s all I had to show for my experience at Filene’s Basement’s 2007 “Running of the Brides.”
The brides-to-be ran again
this year (click here for Friday’s story), braving more cold weather, flying fingernails and general retail mayhem at Filene’s Basement, which annually clears out its racks to accommodate the sprawling wedding dress sale.
Last year, in the 2 to 3 minutes it took my mother and me to get inside when the doors opened, eager brides and their teams had picked the racks clean. We were left to circle the store like vultures, waiting for women to cast off any unwanted dresses.
One bride, who held multiple dresses in wrong sizes, refused to let go of her rejects because I had nothing to trade her. That’s the rule, she said, even though the “rule” is just Filene’s suggestion to make the day fun. What about the rule that says you can’t do anything with a dress that doesn’t fit you?, I wondered.
Meantime, unwilling to wait for a fitting room, women began undressing and trying on gowns right there on the floor, in front of store staff, parents, and husbands-to-be. Some wisely wore jog-bras and bike shorts; others - let’s just say modesty wasn’t among their hangups.
I refused to leave that day without trying on at least one dress, so I grabbed the first unclaimed dress I saw, two sizes too big and several years out of date. Finding it took more than an hour.
“Running of the Brides” probably appeals to younger, less cynical brides with fewer expectations and far more patience - at least that’s what I tell myself.
Have you ever run with the brides? Did you find the dress of your dreams? Or did you fall victim to flying fingernails and impatience? What made your experience fun?
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Does smog keep you from exercising outdoors?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Warm weather generally brings out the runners, walkers and cyclists.
But what about metro Atlanta’s smog? The Environmental Protection Agency recently set stricter limits on ozone, a move that will likely increase the number of smog alerts.
Does exercising in bad air do more harm than good? When there are smog alerts, do you go to a gym or exercise at home?
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How did officials handle the tornado’s aftermath?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bad weather is back.
Metro Atlanta can expect storms and gusty, damaging winds through the day, according to the National Weather Service. And forecasters cannot rule out isolated tornadoes, although the risk appears slight.
How do you think city, county and state officials responded to last week’s bad weather? Did they get good or bad marks on providing help for victims, cleanup efforts and traffic control?
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Halle Berry’s daughter has a name
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Professional beautiful people Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry have named their new daughter, just two days old.
Drumroll, please: The new baby is named Nahla Ariela, according to Usmagazine.com.
Not as strange as, say, Apple or Rumer, but still worth a “Huh?” In fact, the last time we heard of a Nahla was when we watched “The Lion King,” although Disney used a different spelling. (The word is apparently Arabic for “drink of water.”)
Nonetheless, with drop-dead gorgeous parents like hers, who’s going to give her any grief? (FULL STORY; VIDEO)
Good name? Odd choice? What do you think?
Find something flung afar in the tornado?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Long after it’s gone, a tornado can connect people in unusual ways.
The AJC reported on dog breed Bonnie Turner, one of the two people who died in Saturday afternoon’s tornadoes. You can read that story here.
Turner’s husband, Mike was injured but survived.
WSB-TV reported that 130 miles away from Turner’s destroyed home, a woman in Cornelia, Ga., found a soggy snapshot in her driveway. It was a picture of Turner’s husband standing on the deck of a pontoon boat named for his wife. The storm had somehow carried it all that way. She plans to return it to Turner’s family.
Have you found something that might have been tossed on the winds from afar this past weekend? Tell us about it. Please give us your e-mail address so a reporter can contact you.
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Flavor of Love: Life in the reality show lens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So Flav wants the perfect woman. He wants a woman who is spiritual.
Funny, I never took him for the churchgoing type, but then with seven children, he seems to have the “be fruitful and multiply” down pat.
He also wants a woman who is motherly. After all, someone’s got to take care of all those children. He wants her to be hot, though one could say this year’s crop of contestants are a hot mess.
And the woman who ends up on his arm also needs to be lucky, loyal and carry herself with a high degree of class and dignity.
Above all, she has to be smart, which seems like the biggest joke since one has to wonder why anyone would legitimately go on Flavor of Love if they were smart, let alone spiritual.
Of course, he put the girls through the paces having them undergo a series of little contests — from seeing who could dress his “son” the fastest and ready him for the school bus to who could best explain how the sun works.
In the end, Prancer won and and he sent Myamee home as well as Bunz.
I always thought it would be cool to be famous, even if it is for just the proverbial 15 minutes. But the more I think about it in watching this show, the less appealing it is. Last night, he told Shy she had chronic bad breath and needed to get it checked out. And only a few weeks ago, he made Hotlanta take a herpes test.
Maybe these women don’t care about what they’re subjected to or what personal information is revealed about them on international television.
What about you? Would you want your life displayed as a reality show? Is there anything in your past or that of a near loved one that would make you cringe if the world found out?
Or does the idea of having your entire life put on display, warts and all, seem thrilling to you? Where should these so-called reality shows draw the line, if at all?
Supreme Court hears historic Washington, D.C. gun case
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The U.S. Supreme Court appears ready to come down squarely behind interpretations of the Second Amendments that gives individuals the right to keep and bear arms.
Less clear, however, is how justices will address the constitutionality of a Washington, D.C. law that bans private ownership of handguns. Read more here
The case, which has far-reaching implications on gun rights, strikes at the heart of the Second Amendment. Washington, D.C., which has one of the most restrictive gun control laws in the country. The law was imposed more than 30 years ago in response to what officials said was sharp rise in murders and other gun-related violence. The law bans private ownership of handguns, but stipulates that rifles or shotguns can be kept in the home if they are disassembled or under a trigger lock.
The case will be the Supreme Court’s first decision on gun control laws in decades. How do you think the court will rule in this case? What effect will the ruling have on gun control laws? Should private ownership of handguns be restricted?
Where do you watch the ‘Big Dance’?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The NCAA Tournament starts Thursday, and we want to know about your favorite places to watch the games.
Does your favorite place have millions of big-screens or is it the chicken wings that draw you in? What’s your criteria for choosing your spot and what spots measure up?
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Tell us about your commute
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Workers can expect a major headache today as crews continue the cleanup from Friday night’s tornado that slammed into downtown Atlanta.
How did you manage getting to work today? Did street closings and detours affect you?
Did you telecommute or use public transportation? Do you plan to leave work earlier?
Did the weather fury affect you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Strong winds rocked the Georgia Dome, downtown Atlanta and portion of the metro area, including Newton and Paulding counties. There were new reports of damage in the northwest metro area Saturday. Did you witness damage? What was it like? How did crowds or pedestrians deal with it? [See latest story | Send your photos of damage | See photos]
Do you spend time in downtown Atlanta?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is downtown Atlanta a fun place to go?
Business reporter Leon Stafford reported that the area is getting 13 new restaurants, ranging from dining staple Waffle House to Maxim Prime at the Glenn Hotel. Read more.
New hotels and offices will soon open and more people are expected to call downtown home. But is that enough?
What more does downtown Atlanta need? Shopping? Nightlife? Do you come downtown often?
Prom ‘08: It’s all about the place!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When it comes to the prom, location is everything.
Swank hotels and the Fox Theatre are hot. The school gym is not.
The AJC is compiling a list of prom locations. Read about it here
If your school is missing from our list, we want to know about it.
Where and when will your prom be this year? And tell us what you think of these locations.
Where was your prom and what year was that?
Where do you go for a good steak?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week’s Nosh Special is about steak. Jon Waterhouse writes, “Atlanta is more than full, with steakhouse options ranging from super upscale to laid back and casual. Wiping the au jus from our chins, we cut into a few and bring you the results …”
Chops, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Taurus, Highland Tap and Longhorn were highlighted, and now we want to hear your thoughts on the matter. Where do you like to go for steak when it’s too cold to grill your own?
Are you in a political house divided?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You and your spouse or significant other have been on the same political page — until now.
One of you chants, “Yes We Can.” The other chants, “Experience.”
One adores Hillary Clinton. The other one can’t stand her.
In the past, you’ve shared the the same beliefs on everything from global warming to taxes to abortion, but these days, political conversations are getting a little testy, as the battle for the Democratic presidential nominee reaches historic proportions.
If this describes you and your significant other, please share your situation here, or contact features writer Helena Oliviero at holiviero@ajc.com to be interviewed for a story. If you email, please include a daytime phone number.
Sway a superdelegate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three of Georgia’s 13 superdelegates to the Democratic convention are uncommitted. If you could talk to them, what argument would you make to convince them to cast their ballot for your candidate.
Should Flavor Flav give up search for love?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anyone who wants to with Flavor Flav will have to have a nurturing, maternal instinct.
I guess that’s a given considering he has a colony of seven kids already and I doubt he’ll stop at that magic number.
He had the girls broken up into teams and told them to come up with a bedtime story wearing fairy tale costumes. Then he had them read and act out those stories to an audience of little tykes yelling out that trademark “Flavor Flaaaaaaav!”
In the end, Bee-ex, who seems to be a star stalker and a Hollywood hanger-on, was shown the exit.
The storytime scenes were the high-point of the show but the kids became a little bored with some of the tales.
To be honest, I wonder if the show itself is running out of steam and getting stale. This is Flav’s third attempt (fourth, if you count his show with Brigitte Nielsen) to find love on the public airwaves.
If he doesn’t find it this time, should he give it up, go home and call it a day?
Even the famous Miss New York, who says she finally found love, is coming back to VH1 in her sixth reality show — this time we’ll be able to watch her antics in Hollywood as she tries to became a serious actress.
So is there such a thing as too much? Is Flav losing some of his flavor?
Clinton-Obama ticket: Whose dream?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her camp have repeatedly suggested she and rival, Barack Obama, could join forces on a single ticket - with Clinton on top, of course.
But that scenario hasn’t gone over well with her opponent. In Mississippi, Obama, who is leading in the delegate count, made it clear he’s running for president, not vice president. He dismisses such talk as political gamesmanship. Read about it here
What does the Clinton campaign have to gain by suggesting a Clinton-Obama dream ticket?
Is a Obama-Clinton or Clinton Obama ticket possible?
The Wire’s Wendell Pierce
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I recently spoke with Wendell Pierce, who plays William “Bunk” Moreland on HBO’s “The Wire.”
Pierce, a native of New Orleans, has appeared in numerous films and television shows. He’s been with “The Wire” since Day 1.
While the show has drawn critical acclaim, Pierce said it’s been ignored for major awards for two reasons- political and racial. He said the show falls outside of the Hollywood loop. It’s not shot in New York or Los Angeles. It’s racial, he said, because Hollywood has tended to ghettoize the show. “They don’t see the humanity of those kids hanging out on the corners.”
The Wire has dispelled many of the myths associated with urban centers and characters aren’t portrayed in a one-dimensional way. Over the years, though, that’s changed. Now , the show as a growing number of white fans.
Pierce has also been working tirelessly in New Orleans to help rebuild the city after Katrina. Pierce grew up in a neighborhood built for middle class African Americans coming home after the war.
Pierce is among many who feel the area has been abandoned by the government and it’s people wrongly treated by insurers.
He parents have moved back to the area. “My parents and I wanted to stake out our claim and make sure people knew we loved our home and wanted to move back to it.”
Here are excerpts from that interview:
On trying out for the role of Bunk:
This is the sort of opportunity, role and project that every actor dreams of getting and it’s a high-water mark of my career. I always say it’s about the work that you do and the people that you meet and do the work with. This is just an ideal situation…We’ve made our mark in television history.
People said, “You’re coming in to read for this role.” I looked at the script from that perspective immediately. There wasn’t another role that superceded it. It was a great ensemble piece and there was not another role that captured my eye.
Similarities between Wendell Pierce and The Bunk:
Like the character, I like a good scotch every once in a while. It’s impossible to completely separate some of your mannerisms and behavior when doing a role. He’s older than I am. He’s married with kids, I’m not. One thing we share is the love of the work that we do. I love the work that I do and I know Bunk loves the work that he does.
On Season 5:
People watching right now are starting to see what the season is all about. There’s a conflict across each of the worlds. The characters are being challenged and their morality and moral compass is being challenged. See, there’s no room for moral ambiguity anymore…Who is important to you? What is significant to you? And what are you willing to risk everything for?…You will see the people suffering the consequences of their actions.
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The Wire: ‘The Dickensian Aspect’ season finale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I avoided watching the season finale of “The Wire” for as long as I could, dreading the end of one of TV’s most intriguing and realistic series.
It was a good conclusion, although in the end it just didn’t feel “tight.” Was it too much to cover in 90 minutes?
The finale opener was all about damage control after Jimmy McNulty’s serial killer lie was uncovered. Carcetti, who hoped to ride the tale all the way to the governor’s office, wasn’t about to watch his political career be destroyed. Everyone agreed to play ball and make the case go away without taking down careers - with the exception of McNulty’s and Freamon’s.
Norm summed it up best: “Everybody’s getting what they need behind some make believe.”
It was heart-wrenching to watch Dukie, now a dope fiend, hustle Mr. Prezbo for cash. But I cheered that Bubbles made it out.
It was all about cycles. Dukie is the new Bubbles. Newer, younger deals and corner boys replaced the old.
There was a lot of speculation on blogs that Mike would become the new Omar and he did - shotgun and all.
I wish Pearlman had been tougher with Levy. I wanted to see both Marlo and his hotshot lawyer, Levy, sit it out behind bars.
Another winner was Templeton and the newspaper honchos, who got their Pulitzer on a lie.
Glad Cheese got his and Slim Charles was the one who pulled the trigger. Chris will be in prison for the rest of his life. (Interesting to see Chris and Wee-Bey talking in the yard.) But does anyone really think Marlo can stay out of the game? He doesn’t have the finesse or the smarts of a Stringer Bell.
There’s been talk that some cast members and perhaps Simon are interested in a film version - if there’s a strong enough storyline. I’m not sure I want a film to follow. I would rather have a Season 6. Anyone listening?
My project for the next few weeks will be to go back and watch all the seasons of “The Wire.” It was such a great ride, I hate to get off.
Thank you David Simon, Ed Burns and cast.
What did you think of the finale? Who were your favorite characters?
Do you remember the blizzard of ‘93?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Snow what?
This weekend’s forecast calls for the possibility of snow in parts of North Georgia and you know how Georgians panic at any mention of the white stuff.
The good news is that forecasters aren’t calling for much accumulation in those areas.
Fifteen years ago, however, it was a different story. In March 1993, the metro area was hit with up to 9 inches of snow and 35 mph winds. People abandoned their cars on the roads. Others stayed huddled around the fireplace without lights or television.
Do you remember the blizzard of March ‘93? How did you spend those three days?
Are you worried about the job market?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A new report by the U.S. Department of Labor adds to fears that the country is headed toward a recession.
Employers cut jobs by 63,000 in February, the highest number in five years. The same report also showed that the unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent from 4.9 percent a month earlier as hundreds of thousands of people left the civilian labor force.
The industries hit particularly hard were construction, manufacturing and retail.
How worried are you about the job market in metro Atlanta? Are you looking for a job now?
Can you swear off swearing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Officials in South Pasadena want to put a lid on foul language.
No #&*$.
The city designated this week “No Cussing Week,” according to the Associated Press.
“It provides us a reminder to be more civil, to elevate the level of discourse,” said Mayor Michael Cacciotti. The proclamation is effective until Friday, and then the first week of every March. Read about it
Here, the true test would come when you’re stuck in metro traffic. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea for area schools.
Could you swear off profanity for a week? Or a day? And how would you punish violators, say, in a school?
One more thing: This blog is a profanity-free zone.
Did you play Dungeons & Dragons?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gary Gygax, the co-creator of the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons, has died at the age of 69. He had been suffering from health problems for several years, said his wife, Gail Gygax.
Gygax and Dave Arneson developed D&D in 1974, and it became a highly influential role-playing game: a geek gateway.
As word spread, bloggers have been posting memories of their D&D days. We’d like to hear from you. How much did you play? How great was your obsession? Do you still play?
It’s your turn.
Are you worried about food safety?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Quaker Oats Co. is recalling a limited number of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix products because of the possibility of salmonella contamination.
Gourmet Boutique LLC of Jamaica, N.Y recalled tons of chicken and meat products, some of which made its way to stores in Georgia.
Read about the meat recall here.
How worried are you about food safety? Are more inspectors needed or tighter regulations?
Will Huckabee departure unite GOP?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mike Huckabee withdrew from the race for the Republican presidential nomination, praising nominee-to-be John McCain as a man of integrity. Will Huckabee’s pledge of support, coupled with an expected endorsement Wednesday by President Bush, rally the party behind the Arizona senator?
And do you think Huckabee’s graciousness might be returned with an invitation from McCain to join the ticket?
Flav swims with the sharks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So Flav went swimming with the sharks and the barracudas vying for his “love” continued their attacks on each other.
The women were split into two teams and told to roast one other; the winner would get a one one-on-one date with Flavor Flav.
Marietta’s own “Hotlanta” got the brunt of the womens’ attacks. Said one roaster: Hotlanta looks like “Bambi after a ghetto makeover.
Another said the former stripper was a wee bit promiscuous as evidenced by her three children, by three different fathers. (Hotlanta set the record straight though: her kids only have two fathers.)
And just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get worse, of course it did.
Several of the girls made fun of a raised bump on Hotlanta’s upper lip so Flav had a dermatologist take a sample from the sore and test it to see if it was a form of herpes.
Flav became real squirrelly remembering how in one of the earlier Flavor of Love seasons, one of the contestants really did have herpes.
“You know I don’t have no cooties,” Hotlanta cooed to Flav in self-defense. (The results proved her right. It was just a pimple.)
The loud-mouthed Shy, still sporting her Farrah Fawcett weave, won the contest and went to dinner with Flav at an aquarium. She was on the receiving end of some of the roasts, too.
My favorite: She looks like a cross between Homie the Clown and My Pet Monster.
Nevertheless, she went on a date with Flav, proving that natural enemies can get along. After all, you had a barracuda and a toad swimming with (real) sharks. And Flav hopped out of the pool after a few minutes.
He enjoyed his time with Shy, but realized the other girl’s were right about her breath as he leaned in for a kiss. It smells like, well, a fish tank. He whipped out the breath mints but she was undeterred.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it did.
He fulfilled his longtime fantasy by having a bubble bath with the twins, Thing One and Thing Two. I guess these three ugly birds of a feather, will flock together. So little tub and so much ugly.
Poor Grayvee. She’s the country girl from Holcomb, Miss. Unfortunately for her, she’s a little bit too country for Flav, who said he couldn’t understand her half the time because of her accent. I didn’t think it was that bad.
But what sealed her elimination last night was her attempt to get to Flav’s heart through his stomach. She cooked him up a nice, romantic meal of pig’s feet. Flav nearly gagged.
I’ll admit, I was perplexed. I’m a Yankee so where I’m from, pig’s feet and romance would never be put together in the same sentence. But Southerners do have some strange courting rituals.
Still, I’d have given her a second shot and given Bee-ex (who admitted being on ‘Fear Factor’), Shy or those hideous twins the boot.
What do you guys think? Did he kick the right girl to the curb last night? Was he wrong to do Hotlanta like that?
Did you witness the Cherokee bus crash?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Did you witness the crash this morning that injured students going to Sequoyah High School and Dean Rusk Middle School?
Are you a parent or a student? Are you a teacher at one of the schools?
We’d like to hear from you.
The Wire: Deserve ain’t got nuthin’ to do with it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Finally, some justice on The Wire.
Snoop gets got and Marlo goes down.
However, we know it’s not going to end there. That’s what makes “The Wire” so addictive - it so finely mirrors real life.
Spoilers on the internet had been saying for days that Michael would take out Snoop. Mike suspects Snoop plans to do away with him and follows Chris’ advice to be a step ahead.
Right before the money shot to the head, Snoop looks away, pats her braids and asks, “How my hair look, Mike?”
“You look good, girl.”
OK, I knew it was coming but it was shocking still. And yes, briefly…I felt for Snoop. I guess I was thinking in real life how so many young people make the wrong turns in life and end up like Snoop or Michael.
The tear jerker was the farewell between Mike, Bug and Dukie. Mike is on the run and drops Bug off at an aunt’s home. I hope she takes good care of him, but remember when Mike tells Dukie the aunt was expecting Bugs - and the money.
Later, Dukie reminisces about the time when Randy, Mike and Namond threw balloons filled with urine at the terrace boys. Dukie winds up taking the beat down although he wasn’t involved.
Sadly, that part of Mike’s childhood is gone. He doesn’t remember.
Thanks “Bunny” Colvin for getting at least one kid from Season Four out of the streets. It was good to see Namond on the debate team. Where would he have been had he stayed with his mama?
I haven’t said much about Bubbles during this season but his “anniversary” speech was stirring. We’ve watched Bubs struggle this episode to beat his drug habit and find peace with Sherrod’s death. Bubs has been a staple on The Wire, helping the cops nail the drugs boys and taking a homeless Sherrod under his wing. Herc screwed him, as Herc tends to do to just about everyone, but Bubs paid him back when he tricked Herc into arresting an upstanding pastor.
That was the good news.
Jimmy McNulty is slowing imploding. The phantom serial killer story is eating him from the inside out. Landsman is pushing hard for a resolution that McNulty can’t give him. Valuable police man hours are being wasted looking for the killer.
Marlo and crew are in jail. Marlo shows the most emotion we’ve seen thus far when he finds out Omar was calling him out on the streets. “My name is my name.”
Wasn’t it strange when he asked if Omar called him a “punk”?
At the Sun, Gus is gathering string to expose Templeton. And it comes just in time.
Thomas Klebanow, the prize-obsessed managing editor, is all set to push the homeless project for the Pulitzers. I’ll be glad when he finds out that sometimes those bright and shiny objects (his star reporters) aren’t so bright and shiny after all.
Was Kima right to tell Daniels about the fake investigation? A lot is at stake. Will is rob Carcetti of his dreams of the governor’s office. What about McNulty? Will the Stansfield investigation be compromised, thanks to Herc? Idiot.
