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The Oscars: Sink or Swim?
I enjoyed the 81st Annual Oscars. You know, for the most part. —I thought Hugh Jackman and the dance routines were funny, theatrical, and a nice change from the often-tiresome comedians who are usually not funny. I won’t name names. Okay, Jon Stewart. —I thought Viola Davis trying to hold back the tears as her…
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Katrina’s Second Line
Backwater blues have caused me to pack up my things and go Backwater blues have caused me to pack up my things and go ‘Cause my house fell down and I can’t live there no more —Bessie Smith, “Backwater Blues” As tourists travel about downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter for Mardi Gras this…
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The Hannity Hate Machine
It never fails. Every time I appear on the Fox News Network or as a guest on Sean Hannity’s show, I can count on receiving a good deal of angry e-mails from black folk. The e-mails are never directed at what I say. They are furious rants directed at me for going on the so-called…
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Forming a Q: AM Edition
Chris Brown and Rihanna got in a physical altercation. There have been varying points of view on how to classify what took place. The pondering of a friend got The Buzz wondering about the culture of violence in Black America. A friend opined that a physical altercation between a white man and white woman is perceived…
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Cherry Pickin'
The New York Times: South Asia, stand up. The Louisville Courier-Journal: And the hits keep coming. The Wall Street Journal: Somehow, putting it in our hands doesn’t seem prudent either. The New Republic: Tell us how you really feel. The Huffington Post: A random critique buffet from the original Scream Queen. Bloomberg: Because if they…
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And the Oscar Went To…
Slumdog Millionaire, starring Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, directed by Danny Boyle. Sean Penn, Milk Kate Winslet, The Reader Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona After several rounds of chemotherapy last year, Robin Roberts looked gorgeous as she co-hosted the pre-Oscars show on ABC. One of the best moments of the red-carpet…
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Gather 'Round THE BROWN TABLE
Welcome to THE BROWN TABLE, The Root’s new group blog. This space will be a daily repository for news reporting, culture and media criticism, arguments, amusements, provocations, pile-ons, and smart takes on the day’s stories—courtesy of The Root staff. In addition to being a must-read for politicos in Washington and around the world, we want…
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Slash and Burn Economics
Give the man his credit. You kind of have to appreciate his ambition, unless you’re wealthy (or want to be) and have to start paying the taxes you worked so hard not to pay. Below are some more takes on what will surely have the nation abuzz this next week. Obama has plan to slash…
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The NBA's Trade Deficit
Last year, the week leading up to the NBA trading deadline was full of fireworks. All-stars changed addresses at such a furious pace; it seemed that the NBA had suddenly become a fantasy league. This year has seen a return to regular order; there was way more sizzle than steak. Shaq was said to be…