Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Lotsa a Troubles for Chad Johnson


Just days after Chad Johnson was arrested for allegedly head butting his wife Evelyn Lozada, he was served with divorce papers and he was fired from two jobs. Chad Johnson will probably never forget the month of August 2012. How unlucky or rather, how stupid can one be. 

Hopefully, Chad Johnson has memories of his exotic Caribbean wedding in St Maarten just 41 days ago, or it may be an even he would rather forget.  Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lozada got married in St Maarten on July 4th and the entire festivities was recorded for their reality show. Since I guess Evelyn Lozada is no Kim Kardashian, the show will not go on without her husband so VHI has pulled the plug on  the reality show Basketball Wives which featured Chad Johnson and
Evelyn Lozada.

Chad Johnson also got the bad news that he was turfed from the Miami Dolphins all over a box of condoms and a reported head buting incident. Evelyn Lazoda claims that Chad Johnson head butted her over an argument about a receipt for a box of condoms. Chad Johnson, however, claims tha it was Lozada who head butted him and he may have a tough time defending himself aginst the charges since in is not the first time he was reportedly accused of abuse.

Which leads me to the question; if it is common knoweledge that Chad Johnson had at least one prior domestic abuse incident as repored in the press, why is Evelyn Lazoda surprised if the incident did indeed occurred as she said it did? It would be interesting to see how this all plays out in the court and the media. One thing is for sure, both Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lazoda have joined the ranks of the unemployed.  

Welcome Back Kotter Goodbye Ron Palillo



While I never watched the original airings of the Welcome Back Kotter Sitcom which aired between 1975 and 1979, I did get somewhat hooked on the series during numerous re-runs in the 80’s. Even though I watched the episodes reqularly I never really knew what to think about the quirky show and its quirky characters. It was like the show make me uncomfortable, was boring at times but I couldn’t resist watching.

 Perhaps the characters on Welcome Back Kotter had a lot to do with the attraction. Actors like afro haired Ron Palillo who played the nerdy Arnold Horshack and John Travolta who went on to become a huge Hollywood success story. In other words, I was watching characters I couldn’t really relate to but was somehow mesimerized with to the point that I had to keep watching.

Ron Palillo died at age 63 of an apparent heart attack on Tuesday. He was  teaching acting at the G-Star School of the Arts in Palm Beach at the time of his death. Goodbye Kotter, Goodbye Ron Palillo.


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Why is Harry Belafonte Disappointed with Beyonce?


Harry Belafonte of the Banana Boat song fame is not happy with Beyonce and JayZ. In an interview at the Lacarno Film Festival  he had some harsh criticisms for African American celebrities who shy away from social activism using Beyonce and JayZ as examples.  I have no knowledge of  the couple`s involvement or non-involvement but I am quite sure there are many more celebrity types who may be guilty as charged.
The controversial statement is not without merit since there is not a lot of evidence that African American celebrities are out there fighting for social justice. But perhaps there is a good reason, while not a credible justification, that these celebrities do not readily use their wealth and popularity to influence social change. Such advocacy can often come with a black lash and the fear that Hollywood may drop you like a hot potato for perceived radical views.

African American celibrities may fear losing their hard won fame and fortune if they do not follow the straight and narrow path.  But shouldn’t celebrities be obligated to lend a voice or hand to further social justice issues? Some do and maybe more than we know about but if we don’t know about it then maybe there isn’t much of an impact. As Harry Belafonte pointed out in the interview, ``Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black."

Randy Travis Naked Exploits

Randy Travis mug shot, Randy Travis leaving jail in scrubs
Super star country star Randy Travis is in trouble with the law again. He was found  lying naked and intoxicated on a road outside Tioga Texas. Police received the call on Tuesday evening reporting the naked Randy Travis. Acording to police, Randy Travis had been involved in a single vehicle accident and and he had a stong odour of alcohol. Randy Travis was arrested and charged with DWI and retaliation and obstruction.

This is the second time in a few months that the 53 year old Randy Travis was arrested for drunkeness. The seven time Grammy winner was arrested in Feburary for public intoxication when he was reportedly found outside a Baptist church with open booze.

Doesn`t the trials of these wealthy and famous celebrities really make you feel golden. We the little people may complain about our lack of resources but would you really trade your little problems for Randy Travis type problems. Sometimes having it all is not everything and while a sad state of affairs, it is eye opening to note that celebrities have the same or more problems that the ordinary person.