culture

America is gearing up to welcome a new president whose theme is hope, and many Americans are trying to muster up all the faith they can to get through these tough economic times. And in keeping with the mood, a new message movie opens today that encourages us to seek strength from a higher power.…

Every year, millions of Americans make well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions to get their money straight. “I’m going to get out of debt.” “I’m going to stick to a budget.” “I’m going to save more. Too bad many of those declarations are broken before the end of January. We have trouble keeping these promises because we…

The calls started coming in as soon at the election results did. “So, Veronica,” the caller would begin, “what’s up for inauguration?” The query seems innocent enough—if you don’t live in Washington, D.C. But if you do live in the District—as I do—you soon realize that people don’t really care about your plans for inauguration.…

My name is Maya Cobb and I am six years old and I am so happy for you and your family. I think it will be so fun to live in the White house. I went before with my parents.  Do you like American Girl Dolls? I Do. I have 3. I have Josephina, Julia…

Jan. 9, 2009—Eight of the 12 playoff teams start their sprint for the Super Bowl this weekend, but for me the real action is with the 20 teams licking their wounds as their players clear out their lockers, and say goodbye until spring mini-camp or preseason in July or, in some cases, forever. It’s neither…

Today, the Wall Street Journal reports that murders of black teenagers have risen by 39% since 2000-01. The article cites a study realeased by professors at Northeastern University that compares data from 2000-01 with data from 2006-07 in order to reduce irregularities with the statistics. The study defines teenagers as people ages 14 to 17.…

Two major world figures were attacked recently: President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI. The U.S. President and the Pope are famous for the security that surrounds each person 24/7. While neither were injured in the recent attempts, W’s detail was breached more successfully. There’s no way that someone should have been able to throw a shoe at the president…

The Root is saddened to report that Eartha Kitt, legendary songstress, actress and dancer died on Christmas Day. Kitt, 81, died of colon cancer in Connecticut. Her career as a performer stretched across six decades during which Kitt won two Emmies and took on various roles on Broadway and in films. Born on Jan. 17, 1927 in South…

No matter what happens on Sunday, the Detroit Lions have made history by losing their first 15 games this season.  Things don’t look good for week 17 either.  They play at the Green Bay Packers; they haven’t won there in 17 years.  0-16 would be a truly historic level of awfulness—it’s a wonder they didn’t…

In 1969, James Brown graced the cover of LOOK magazine, with the headline “Is This The Most Powerful Black Man in America?” James Sullivan’s new biography, The Hardest Working Man: How James Brown Saved The Soul of America, (Gotham Books)makes a compelling case that on one night, in the midst of unspeakable tragedy, he was.…