The Parable of Saint Ookie

Between recent episodes of Keisha Cole: The Way [Her Deplorably Undignified Family] Is and [Really?] Fantasia For Real, I was introduced to The Michael Vick Project, a documentary series airing soon on BET....

The Punishment Hokum

Once again, televangelist Pat Roberts has taken it upon himself to divine for us the will of the Almighty. This time, instead of talking about nuking the State Department, likening gender equality to homicide, or...

Dying Word Classes and Other Social Ills

As I was enjoying the daily news loop on CNN earlier this month, I found myself struck with disbelief. One reporter described traffic flow on the famous Michigan Avenue as “moving along pretty well, pretty...

Granderson Revisited

Let it be known that I am not scared to be wrong or enlightened. But, I am also not under the impression that I'm entirely crazy. ---------------------------------------------- Mr. Granderson,Perhaps, my argument...

A Letter to LZ Granderson

Mr. Granderson,I hope this missive finds you enjoying the summer season. I hope you will forgive my colloquial approach. But, I wanted to address some concerns you recently shared regarding the Civil Rights...

On Hell and Draggin'

So, how about that new Sam and Ivan Raimi flick? I know many of you Evil Dead diehards are just as thrilled as I am that Drag Me to Hell is as thoroughly frightening and relentlessly comical a movie as it is. The...

Tan Line Trauma

We’ve all heard allegations that a darker complexion—for those who might otherwise not have one—is sign of good health and leisure. But the inevitable farmer’s tan and occasional char broiling of shoulders...

On the Road to Bonnaroo

Remember that feeling you got when you rode a roller coaster for the first time? I don’t mean the thrill during the ride (presuming you were more thrilled than terrified), but the lingering excitement afterward...

Two for One: Celebrate!

In these trying economic times, a two for one special on just about anything that’s useful is appreciated. Fortunately, of the many commodities in fluctuation across markets, live music is not something...

A Letter to the Metropolitan Council

Dear Metro Council: I am deeply concerned that this English Only proposal would be entertained by what should be a knowing and cultured public.  Apparently, those Nashvillians who are neither thoughtful...

Seoul, Tortured Soul

It seems like only yesterday (actually, it’s been over a week) that I was sitting at my desk at work wondering why my darling students had chosen not to study for yet another test when, out of the blue, I got an...

Seoul Goes Boompty Boomp!

Just as I had begun a downward spiral into withdrawal from my heavy addiction to live music happenings, my friend Brian sent me a text proposing that we attend a Derrick Carter concert at Club Mass in...

Proud Seoul

Months ago, cities around the globe brought in the season by hosting Pride festivals.  From Tokyo to San Francisco, populations on every continent showed their tolerance and support of the LGBT community...

Somebody's playing without a full deck!

Here we are again thrashing about like courting loons in the name of one of the world’s most widespread and seemingly incurable of social ills: racism.  Actually, we’re all hyped up simply because someone...