July 25th to July 31th: Osama the Drug Dealer

Masterminding grand schemes of sadistic proportions is what Osama Bin Laden does best. In keeping with his talents the “Jack-ass of all Terror,” thought drug trafficking could prove a profitable business for him. According to an article published by The Post this week, Bin Laden approached members of the Columbian drug cartel in 2002, one year after 9/11, in an attempt to purchase large quantities (tens of millions of dollars worth) of cocaine with the idea of turning around and selling the drugs to Americans. The interesting twist to this plot however, was his generous plan to give out more than he received. With a little more than money on his mind, according to a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) informant, Bin Laden intended on lacing the drugs with a deadly poison before ever making it available for American mass consumption. His plans were thwarted when the Columbian drug cartel refused to do business with him, sensing their moral obligation to keep themselves and their drugs, “pure.” The Columbian drug lords, henceforward known as the “Good Samaritan Gang,” decided instead to blow the whistle, foiling Bin Laden’s plan.

Far from the cocaine fields of Columbia, but never too far from a hit, New Yorkers had scores of interesting headlines to jabber about this week. From the scorching, hot weather to George Pataki’s decision not to run for re-election. From the 25-year sentence Gambino gang lord Peter Gotti received to the Manhattan priest who allegedly stole $820,000 from church parishioners to finance his lavish lifestyle, which included expensive watches and golf club memberships among other things. The story however, that New Yorkers were probably most invested in was the announcement of Larry Brown as the new head coach for the New York Knicks. With the appointment of Brown as Knicks head coach, he inherits a team that has not won a championship since the 1972-73 NBA season. He also inherits an injured Stephon Marbury who doesn’t quite live up to his four-year, $77 million contract. Brown, however, brings with him a reputation of turning underachieving, failing teams into bonafide winners. A Knicks championship though many times attempted in recent years, has yet to be successfully attained. If Brown can accomplish what seems to be the impossible, he will become a timeless New York treasure, holding superhuman, mystical-like status with abilities no mere human could possess. He’ll forever be considered a part of New York mythology, not to be confused with Greek mythology were their legends were considered to be actual great mystical, superhuman creatures.

In other news, famed baseball star Jorge Posada held his 4th Annual Jorge Posada Foundation Gala benefiting Craniosynostosis at Cipriani. Attendees included Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Vanessa Minnillo and Regis Philbin. Posada got involved with this cause after his son was diagnosed with the disorder and had to undergo several corrective surgeries. Craniosynostosis is a condition suffered by infants where the suture lines in an infant’s skull close prematurely and result in a misshapen head.

Nick Lachey and Rosario Dawson were on hand for the American Eagle Outfitters awards celebration at the opening of their flagship store in Union Square. Winners of the "Live Your Life" contest were chosen because they exemplify what it means to aim high, live large and achieve more, the contest motto. This nationwide program encourages teens and young adults to reach for their dreams and promises to award them the resources needed to have their dreams fulfilled so they can inspire the world. Other celebrities who came out to show their support were Adrian Grenier and Tori Spelling.

Also this week, Groovevolt.com teamed up with Pontiac G6 Action Lab to host a live concert at the Canal Room featuring Trey Songz as part of their Play series, which is described by Groovevolt.com Editor-in-Chief, Chauncy Jackson, as more than a concert but an event that serves as an introduction or re-introduction between radio, retail, and media outlets and artists.