The American revolution was a flop?

Yesterday, our country's birthday, many people celebrated July 4th with cookouts, flag waving, parades and fireworks.

This is how Americans show their patriotism and love for country. It is common for Americans declare: America is the greatest country in the history of our world.

However, as Americans celebrated the anniversary of defeating the British, Canadian historian Paul Pirie (those damn Canucks) dares to offer a sacrilegious assertion in a Washington Post article:

‘Africa’s Oprah’ Mo Abudu launches TV network in Nigeria

Mosunmola (Mo) Abudu wants EbonyLife TV to inspire Africans and the rest of the world, and change how viewers perceive the continent.

LAGOS, NIGERIA—A woman who could be considered Africa’s Oprah Winfrey is launching an entertainment television network that will be beamed into nearly every country on the continent with programs showcasing its burgeoning middle class.

Paula Deen: The law suit is much bigger than the N-word

Miss Paula's Plantation

I was duped!

I initially thought the Paula Deen scandal was much ado about little or nothing. I felt like media and her sponsors were opportunistically piling on. In particular, the media, like sharks, relentlessly attacked upon sensing blood in the water.

In short, I felt Paula Deen was unmercifully savaged for using the N-word over 20 years ago.

And then, I read the actual civil complaint against Ms. Deen and her brother Bubba.

Homicides on track for 45-year low in Philadelphia

Here's a six month trend of hope in the city of Brotherly Love: Homicides on track for 45-year low in Philadelphia.

 After years or decades of being known as Killadelphia, hopefully the land of 215 can become a city of hope and safety.

Obama's African message: America is open for business.

President Obama and Mrs. Obama have embarked on a whirlwind trip to the continent of Africa. This visit is a vacation with a purpose.

The West -- in particular the USA -- wants to announce: America is open for business with Africa.

Random notes: Miami Heat, Lebron, Hernandez and Serena Williams

LBJ blocks Splitter

While certainly enjoying last week's NBA finals -- shout-out to LBJ, D-Wade, Bosh and crew! -- I am somewhat sad that my sports excitement is over until NFL pre-season.

Sorry, baseball does not do it for me -- not to mention my lack of enthusiasm for tennis, soccer, Nascar or golf.

But here are some random summer sports notes:

The fight for black men goes beyond justice for Trayvon Martin

The fight for the black male soul

I feel deep sorrow for the tragic loss of Trayvon Martin. I feel for his family. I have nothing but contempt for the cruel and reckless actions of  George Zimmerman: he should pay a stiff penalty for his crime.

But I fail to understand how Trayvon's killing galvanized our community to action from top to bottom -- the protests, the speeches, the rallies, the demonstrations and the Al Sharptons -- yet, the thousands of black on black shootings and murders every day, every week and every year fail to move the needle.

Africa and the American press

The American corporate press is both lazy and under-performing. My theory: A dumbed down American public is easier to manipulate and control. This press relies on sensational, trending and inconsequential stories:

Breaking News Justin Bieber snubbed again. News at five.

Our press reports on politics as a WWE sport. We have Fox vs MSNBC and the daily clueless shouting talking heads

The Real War on Reality By PETER LUDLOW

The following is a very intriguing -- if not disturbing -- article on how governments and well financed corporations collect data on Americans in an attempt to manipulate our perception of reality.

In other words, these powerful entities create a Matrix (false reality) in order to maintain economic and political control of the masses.

Fast and Furious: American Style

It's no secret that GOP Congressman Darrell Issa has used his chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to relentlessly attempt to tie the Obama administration to scandal -- real or manufactured