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Rally to Restore Sanity: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Plan Dueling Rallies on National Mall

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Have you been frustrated lately with the level of political discourse? Have you ever thought: I really want to go out and rally for something but I just don't know what?

You see the rallies being organized and the marches happening, but you look at the participants and the causes and think to yourself:

I'm not old, I'm not overweight, I don't think President Barack Obama is from Africa, my 401(k) is looking up, I don't drive a Hover-Round, I think the mosque in N.Y.C. is fine, I'm against burning Korans, could care less about gay marriage and I don't even know what socialism is
.

So what is out there for me?

I'm an average middle-class American who appreciates the progress the country has made, but I know there is a lot more that needs to be done on unemployment, the credit crunch, education and foreign policy. Where can I rally with like-minded folks? Folks who are thoughtful, realistic, concerned about the welfare of their country, but not hysterically angry or batshit crazy?

FINALLY, our prayers have been answered: Jon Stewart.
Jon Stewart, the darling of smart liberals everywhere, is organizing a rally for people like us.

Stewart has officially invited his audience to the "Rally to Restore Sanity," being held on October 31, 2010, a date, which he adds, has no significance whatsoever. He bills it as a rally for people "who have been too busy to go to rallies." The gathering will be held on the National Mall, where Stewart hopes to attract a million moderates to "beg America to stop shouting, throwing and drawing Hitler mustaches on people other than Hitler (or Charlie Chaplin)."

Stewart clearly understands that most normal, half-way intelligent Americans are lukewarm about the whole rally thing. He says:

"You may be asking yourself ... am I the right person to go to this rally?"' Stewart said during last week's announcement. "The fact that you would even stop to ask yourself that question as opposed to just jumping up, grabbing the nearest stack of burnable holy books, strapping on a diaper and pointing your car toward D.C. - that means I think you just might be right for it."

On his Facebook page he adds:

"Ours is a rally for the people ... who actually have lives and families and jobs (or are looking for jobs) -- not so much the Silent Majority as the Busy Majority. If we had to sum up the political view of our participants in a single sentence... we couldn't. That's sort of the point."

But not to be out-done, Jon Stewart's fake-news, fake-competitor Stephen Colbert of "The Colbert Report" has planned a counter-rally.

According to funny-man Colbert, Stewart's rally is dangerous, as fear must be maintained. He says fear is one of the cornerstones of democracy:

"America, the Greatest Country God ever gave Man, was built on three bedrock principles: Freedom. Liberty. And Fear -- that someone might take our Freedom and Liberty," Colbert stated in a recent press release.

Stephen Colbert and his Colbert Nation will be holding their own rally to "Keep Fear Alive" on the Mall at the same time. Colbert is asking all "freedom-loving patriots" to come together and challenge Stewart and his "dark, optimistic forces trying to take away our fear."

Colbert's Facebook page justifies his rally with the warning of the danger of the Stewart rally:

"They want to replace our fear with reason. But never forget: "Reason" is just one letter away from "Treason."

Whichever rally you decide to attend, it's sure to be a good time.

For once, it's refreshing to see smart Americans who don't take themselves too seriously, understand that most of us aren't crazy, aren't angry and actually know how to spell. It's such a relief to know that there are actually people like me and my peers, who are engaged and involved but not in the midst of a rage-induced psychotic episode.

Kudos to Stewart and Colbert for giving us, in the midst of an angry, high-pitched election season, the opportunity to not take ourselves too seriously.

 

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Murder Charge in Michigan for Serial Stab Suspect

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Serial stabbings suspect arraigned on new charges


Elias Abuelazam
has been charged with the first of what promises to be several murder charges in a serial-stabbing spree across three states that prosecutors say "terrorized our citizens."

Abuelazam was charged in the stabbing death of Flint, Mich., man Arnold Minor, 49, and was hit with four additional counts of attempted murder as part of a stabbing spree that left five men dead and injured 9 others in the Flint area.

Abuelazam, an Israeli national, is also suspected in two stabbings, a hammer attack in Virginia and a stabbing in Ohio.

Authorities seem to be going back-and-forth in deciding whether Abuelazam had a racial motive in his attacks. When news of the stabbings was released this summer, police departments in Virginia and Michigan said black men appeared to be targeted in the stabbings.


But authorities seemed to back off that racial motive when Abuelazam was captured at an Atlanta airport Aug. 11th just minutes before boarding a flight back to Israel.

A prosecutor in Michigan said yesterday, however, that it does appear that Abuelazam was targeting black men, cruising areas of Flint and surrounding neighborhoods.

Flint Police Chief Alvern Lock said race may have been a factor in the stabbing spree, but there is no evidence it was the key factor.

I'm not sure what Lock is looking at but when 12 of 14 of the victims were black, that's enough evidence for me that Abuelazam was using race to pick his victims.

 

 



 

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Check Out Trailer To 'The First Grader' With Naomie Harris

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Directed by Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl'), 'The First Grader' stars Naomie Harris ('Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End' and 'Dead Man's Chest'), Tony Kgoroge ('Invictus') and Oliver Litondo.

Shown at various festivals, the film recently won the Runner Up Award for the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (played by Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied--even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six year-olds.


The First Grader is a heart warming and inspiring tale of one man's fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. As Maruge himself said, "the power is in the pen".

National Georgraphic Films just picked up distribution rights on the film.

 

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Michael Jackson's Children to Be Called as Witnesses in Dr. Conrad Murray Trial

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Michael Jackson's Children to Be Called as Witnesses in Dr. Conrad Murray Trial


Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist who was Michael Jackson's physician at the time of his death and who is accused of administering a fatal overdose of the anesthetic propofol, which the superstar celeb used as a treatment for insomnia, is making a demand that has folks scratching their heads.

Reportedly, Murray plans to call Paris and Prince, Jackson's two eldest children, to the stand as defense witnesses for the death of their father. Murray and his legal team think that the children could help get him off his manslaughter charge and that the children will admit that their father had been battling a longtime drug addiction.

Sources tell News of the World:

"If they back him it will work well in the eyes of a jury."

Murray, 57, contends that he is Innocent of all of the charges he's facing in regards to manslaughter and that he did not give the mega entertainer anything that should have killed him.

A source familiar with the legal case told RadarOnline:

"Prince and Paris knew their dad relied on Dr. Murray to survive and knew their father adored him. Their comments, if they back him, could save him from jail because it would work well in the eyes of a jury."

The lawyer for Murray, Ed Chernoff, also told RadarOnline.com:

"No decision has been made as to what witnesses will be called and the last possible witnesses we would want to call would be the children."

Murray is scheduled to stand trial early next year, and if convicted, he faces a maximum of four years in prison.



 

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Togo Woman Gets 27 Years in NJ Forced Labor Case‎

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Togo woman gets 27 years in NJ forced labor case‎

Akouavi Afolabi, who along with her ex-husband and son operated illegal hair braiding salons throughout New Jersey, received 27 years in prison.

Afolabi, who forced minors and young women from ages 10 to 19 to work for no wages or tips under inhumane conditions, was convicted on 22 counts last October.

At Monday's sentencing, she was also ordered to pay restitution, totaling $3.9 million.


The children and women were brought over from West Africa on fake visas. They worked grueling hours - oftentimes 14-hour days, seven days a week. All of the girl's earnings were turned over to Afolabi, her ex-husband (Lassissi) and her 33-year-old son (Dereck Hounakey).

The women were kept away from friends and family, and they were not allowed to keep their passports or any identification. If any of the women broke the rules, they were punished. Hounakey even admitted to striking a woman for making a simple phone call. The young man also confessed to having sex with several of the women, including one minor.

Both Lassissi and Hounakey pleaded guilty. Lassissi received 24 years in prison and was also ordered to pay his victims $3.9 million in mandatory restitution. Hounakey received a 55-month sentence .

Another accomplice Geoffry Kouevi received a 26-month prison sentence.



 

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Black Woman Tells Obama: "I'm Exhausted of Defending You & Disappointed": Should We All Be?

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Black Woman Tells Obama I'm Exhausted of Defending You
A black woman stood up in the Town Hall Meeting held by President Barack Obama yesterday and made a comment that got the attention of the world. She mentioned that she was "exhausted" from trying to defend the president to his critics:

I am one of your middle class Americans and, quite frankly, I'm exhausted... I'm exhausted of defending you. I'm exhausted of defending your administration, defending the mantle of change that I voted for. And I'm deeply disappointed with where we are right now.

I have been told that I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class. I am one of those people and I'm waiting sir. I'm waiting. I don't feel it yet. And I thought, while it wouldn't be in great measure, I would feel it in some small measure... And quite frankly Mr. President, I need you to answer this honestly: Is this my new reality?
(Thelightnc.com)

Let's put this into perspective. The woman's comment is reflective of what millions of Americans are experiencing. They are worried about keeping their jobs, their homes and their livelihoods. They are finding that the political reality of running the White House is not nearly as exciting as the idealistic notion of actually taking over the White House. They are also finding that America is ready to elect a black president, but not quite ready to support one.

Former President Jimmy Carter made the issue plain last night on 'Larry King Live.' On the show, Carter said that Obama is being faced with arguably the most divisive Congress since Abraham Lincoln. He acknowledged that race plays a role in how the world deals with Obama, and that the president is handling the situation as best he can. I agree with that assessment completely, and I've always been impressed with Jimmy Carter as an honest and forthright human being.

To that end, our president deserves to be defended. There are those with illegitimate critiques of Obama that reflect nothing more than the lynch mob mentality that has plagued black people since we first arrived on slave ships.



All the while, Obama is not an innocent victim. Our president has chosen to play the game sometimes in ways that hardly any of us would play it. He has sold at least a part of his soul to elitist cronies from Harvard and Yale who care more about buying their next vacation home than taking care of the American people. He has chosen economic advisors who haven't even taken two minutes to acknowledge chronic unemployment in the African American community (which is nearly double the rate for whites). In many ways, the Obama Presidency has most certainly betrayed us, and to that extent, there is nothing to defend.

Is Obama the best president for black America? No, he is not. Is he the best option made available to us? Yes, he is. Is he doing his best to run the White House? Most of the time. The point here is that defending Obama doesn't mean you love him without holding him accountable. But it does mean that we acknowledge the fact that Obama is dealing with something no president has ever had to deal with before, and for that, he should be commended.


Let's be clear: The Obama Presidency has been a disappointment to millions. But we must ask why we feel disappointed. Some of the disappointment can be directly linked to poor choices by the president, who promised more than he could ever possibly deliver. He has also neglected his base, which fails to be inspired enough to return to the polls to support his fellow Democrats in the mid-term elections. At the same time, much of the disappointment must be linked to the racially-charged animosity created by the Tea Party Movement and Right Wing Republicans who refuse to take orders from a black man. Another angle of disappointment comes from the fact that our economy has not been designed to create jobs for the past 20 years, so Obama's quest for job creation is an uphill battle requiring fundamental shifts in how our nation does business.

The final source of blame for our disappointment is ourselves. We expected too much and thought that one man can change 400 years of nasty racial history. We put all of our hope into a political version of the Black Baby Jesus, posting Obama's picture right next to Martin Luther King on our living room walls. We thought he could make life better for us in one swoop, only to find that he plays the game just like any other president. Obama is a great man, but not nearly as great as we'd like to believe. In fact, I bet he's only human.

The bottom line is that the answer to all of Obama's problems lies with the economy. The solution is simple, but difficult to obtain. If Obama reduces the unemployment rate, he will see his support grow among American voters. One question, however, is whether or not his administration will have any incentive whatsoever to help correct the massive wealth loss in the black community that has resulted from this economic storm. When the recession is over, black unemployment will be about as high as white unemployment is right now, we will still have only a fraction of the wealth of white families, and we will still be out of the loop on government contracts and opportunities for small businesses. So, if the first black president doesn't help us to overcome racial inequality, is his victory anything more than symbolic?

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Missed Opportunity: Muslim Groups Back N.Y.C. Mosque Plan

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Muslims Groups Back NYC Mosque Plan

The leaders of U.S. Muslim groups had a chance to do something really significant in the fight over Park 51, the constitutionally protected but widely despised plan to build a mosque and Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in New York.

The Muslim leaders could have said that while it is their right to build the mosque, they would demonstrate their concern for the people of New York and move their project to a place that wouldn't cause 70 percent of Americans to oppose their project.

But they missed the opportunity.

Instead, the leaders of U.S. Muslim groups called for a continued dialogue and again asserted the right everyone knows they have to build the mosque.

So we can all expect the rhetoric to get more radicalized on both sides of the debate, with the public protests to get a little more dangerous and the hope for a solution to grow a little dimmer.

While the developer of Park 51 didn't attend the meeting with the Muslim groups, it is certain that had the group, which included the Council on Islamic-American Relations and the Islamic Society of North America, said it supported moving the project, the developer would have had to pay attention.

It is ironic that while the Muslim leaders had plenty to say about what they see as an anti-Islamic tide rising in the United States, they refused to answer a question about whether they would denounce Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that the U.S. government considers a terrorist organization.

Another missed opportunity.

Polls show that 7 out of 10 Americans are opposed to building Park 51 near Ground Zero. I'm not sure if anything will change those overwhelming numbers against the plan.

But Muslims could engender some goodwill among other faiths in the United States by confronting the radical elements within their own religion who use terrorism as a shield. Until that begins to happen on a larger scale, interfaith dialogs between Muslims and non-Muslims will be a waste of everyone's time.



 

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Obama Takes On Tea Party

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WASHINGTON - President Obama threw down a challenge Monday to Tea Party candidates, demanding to know how they would make all the spending cuts they promise.

"The challenge, I think, for the Tea Party movement is to identify specifically, what would you do? It's not enough just to say 'Get control of spending,'" Obama said at a town hall-style meeting on CNBC.

"I think it's important for you to say, 'You know, I'm willing to cut veterans' benefits,' or, 'I'm willing to cut Medicare or Social Security benefits,' or, 'I'm willing to see these taxes go up,'" Obama added.

The Democrats are taking unified aim at the Tea Party's penchant for complaining without providing solutions to the nation's woes.

Former President Bill Clinton used the same "What would you do?" line a day earlier on Sunday talk shows.
The exchanges between President and audience were mostly pleasant, but there were some awkward moments, like when one questioner cited a Wall Street mogul's remark that Obama's "approach to the financial regulation and taxation is like Hitler invading Poland."

"I don't know where that comes from," Obama said. "If you're making a billion dollars a year after a very bad financial crisis, where 8 million people lost their jobs and small businesses can't get loans, then I think that you shouldn't be feeling put upon."
In another pointed exchange, AMVETS official Velma Hart said: "I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class ... And I'm waiting, sir."

"I understand your frustration," Obama responded. "My goal is not to convince you that everything is where it ought to be. It's not."

Source: NY Daily News



Kevin Eason is a freelance editorial cartoonist and Illustrator from New Jersey. His brand of satire covers news events in politics, entertainment, sports and much more. Follow him on Facebook.



 

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Republican Al D'Amato Blacks Out on Fellow Republican on Fox: 'You Are a Nasty Racist'

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Al D'Amato to GOP Strategist:

It has been a source of frustration to most Americans that Republican leadership has failed to wholly condemn racist and offensive remarks made by extremists within the GOP and Tea Party.

Instead of smothering this fire, many GOP leaders let it go unchallenged and sometimes even subtly stoke the flames, but one Republican is finally standing up to distance himself and his party from the racist rhetoric of some of its members.

Former Republican Senator Al D'Amato (pictured), from New York, finally had enough and went off on a fellow Republican on an episode of "Money Rocks" last week. Watch the awesomeness below:

"Republican Stands Up To Racist GOP Strategist, Calls his Satement Racist Bullsh*t"

Finally.

In what could only be called a verbal b*tch slap, D'Amato told Jack Burkman, a GOP strategist, exactly what he thought of his comments regarding Africans and unskilled labor.

He pointed out that it was people like Burkman who undermine legitimate policy positions by injecting a bunch of "racist bullsh*t."

Regardless, of your political affiliation, it was refreshing to see someone STAND UP for what was right instead of what excited the extremists of their party. I wish more Republicans had D'Amato's balls. But then again, he isn't running for office.

 

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Norwood Young: Infamous Hollywood Personality Penning Tell-All Memoir

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Norwood Young: Infamous Hollywood Personality Penning Tell-All Memoir
Notorious Hollywood personality Norwood Young is readying his first book, a tell-all memoir that will apparently shed light on the many unanswered questions that surround the socialite.

The tome, 'Getting Back to My Me' ($27.95), addresses everything from Young's feud with video vixen-turned author, Karrine "Superhead" Steffans, to his fallout with Jennifer Lopez and why he was fired from a television special with her.

Additionally, the book explores singer/songwriter/actor's obsession with plastic surgery; offers details about his past drug and alcohol abuse and the trouble it caused; recalls sexual abuse; and even explores the legal battle surrounding his home, Youngwood Court in the prestigious Hancock Park community of Los Angeles.

"It wNorwood Youngas such a cleansing and freeing experience in writing this book. Once facing my past and revealing my truths, it forced me to not only hold others accountable but to also hold myself accountable for my own actions regarding where I was and who I am presently in my life," Young told BV Buzz.

'Getting Back to My Me' features a forward by his mother Betty Young and sister, Tanya Young Williams - the estranged wife of incarcerated former NBA star Jayson Williams.

The book is being released on Oct. 18 via Young's own Norwood Youngimprint Norwood Publishing and was edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/publisher Karen Hunter.

Young hopes the book helps others to begin to release their life baggage and process the past situations that affect them presently.

"My advice to the reader is twofold. First, never keep secrets regarding any form of being violated because they can manifest into horrible life altering things. Second, it's never too late to find your 'me!' I found my 'me' and I am living my best life on my own terms," he concluded.

Young is a 'Star Search' Norwood Youngcontestant who later went on to become the lead singer for the jazz collective, Pieces of a Dream. He recorded lead vocals on the group's singles, 'I Can't Let You Go' and 'Shoulda Been Us Together.'

The eccentric singer, known for his flamboyant fashions and ostentatious parties, was featured on the E! Entertainment reality series 'High Maintenance: 90210.'

More recently, the New Jersey-bred talent was named King of Hancock Park by LA City Beat Magazine. His home, Youngwood Court, features seventeen naked statues of David in the front lawn.

*****

For related stories, read: 'Tome Talk: Mary J. Blige Eager To Inspire In First Book'

& 'End of the Road: Darius McCrary & Karrine Steffans Divorcing.'

*****

VIDEO: Watch the music video for Norwood Young's new single 'I Fell In Love With You First.'



Black Music Notes Mar. 19

    3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
    Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.

    Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

    3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
    Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'

    Getty Images

    3/19/09: The Miracles
    Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.

    Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    3/19/09: Chester Gregory
    After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'

    Jemal Countess, WireImage

    3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
    Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.

    Evening Standard / Getty Images

    3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
    Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.

    Santiago Llanquin / AP

    3/19/09: Kim Burrell
    Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.

    Zomba

    3/19/09: Mike Jones
    Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.

    Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic

    3/19/09: Prince
    With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'

    Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images

 

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Gabourey Sidibe's Showtime Series Gets Picked Up For Second Season

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She's been making headlines over the past few weeks for her Elle Magazine cover, and now 'Precious' star Gabourey Sidibe has another reason to be in good spirits about her professional career.

Showtime just announced that they would renew the Academy Award nominated actress' new comedy 'The Big C' for a second season.


According to the network, "record-breaking premiere night ratings" inspired Showtime to renew 'The Big C' and 'Weeds' so quickly into their current seasons.

"There are definitely more comedic adventures in store for these fascinating, complex women, " Showtime president of entertainment David Nevins said in a statement.

On 'The Big C' Sidibe plays a recurring character named Andrea, who is a high school student in Cathy's (Linney) class.

The new seasons of both 'The Big C' and 'Weeds' will air in 2011.

As previously reported, the New York native has already wrapped the Sundance Lab film 'Yelling to the Sky' with Zoe Kravitz, in which she plays a bully.



 

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Bishop Kenneth Moales, Pentecostal Leader, Dies at 65

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Bishop Kenneth Moales dies at 65‎


Bishop Kenneth H. Moales
, presider of the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ over a 10-state region, died of a heart attack Monday just a day before his 65th birthday.

Moales was a national leader of the Pentecostal church and was installed as Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in 1995.

While a leader of his church, Moales gained public attention for his work in the world of gospel music. Moales was named president of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in 1993 and was inducted in to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., Moales founded the Prayer Tabernacle Church in 1969 at a Bridgeport storefront and held Sunday school classes for local children.

Moales, who is survived by his wife (Peggy) after 43 years of marriage, leaves behind three children.

Watch the Bishop do his thing here:

Rest in peace.

 

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Love Bytes: Tyrese Warns LaLa About Her 'Single' Friends, Beyonce & Jay-Z Break Records & More

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Although Tyrese Gibson has worn many hats in his long career -- model, singer and actor -- we never thought we'd couple counselor to the list. However, on a recent episode of VH1's 'LaLa's Full Court Wedding,' Gibson was found doing just that to soon-to-be-married LaLa Vazquez.

While discussing her upcoming marriage to Carmelo Anthony, Gibson decided to give his longtime friend a few words of wisdom regarding marriage and the company she keeps.

"Why are you not hanging out with married women, that have been married for a long time?," asked Gibson. "You can't be in the spirit of being married hanging out with all these single people. I'm not telling you to get rid of all your single friends, but they're not on the same space that you're in."

Could Gibson be referring to BFF's Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams and Kelly Rowland? The Hollywood clique has become a paparazzi staple in L.A. and are constantly spotted around town dining out.

Fortunately, Vazquez didn't take the advice as an attack on her friends.

"After thinking about everything that Tyrese said, he does make a lot of sense on a lot of things," said Vazquez.. "Marriage is definitely a big deal."

He may have a point, but last time we checked, Tyrese Gibson wasn't married either.


Let me Upgrade You


When Beyonce claimed she had the power to, "help build up your account," she wasn't lying. The 'Single Ladies' songstress and hubby Jay-Z were recently inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records as 2009's top 'Power Couple.'

According to Guinness the uber-successful couple pulled in a cool $133 million dollars combined through June 2009. It seems the sky's the limit for these two.


Flag on the Play


Football just isn't Kim Kardashian's sport.

People has reported that the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,' star and her Dallas Cowboys beau Miles Austin have officially called it quits.

"Their busy schedule seems to have been the culprit. "There's no huge reason except their distance apart," a source close to the couple told People, explaining that the decision was mutual. "With his season and Kim's filming [her reality show] it just slowly split them apart."

The apparently were quite serious and tried their best to keep their relationship under wraps. "It was the real deal. They were always strong, but before Kim left for Europe they decided it's not fair that they don't get to spend more time together and ended it," said a source.

With a new season of football in effect, we're sure Kim K. will manage to snag herself another baller in no time.

 

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Marques Houston Talks Gender Roles, Communication in Relationships

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R&B singer/actor Marques Houston, who just released his fifth solo album 'Mattress Music' last week, used his newest body of work to express the passion and pleasure of relationships, and hopes his audience will make a few babies in the process. However, amidst all the XXX lyrics and arousing beats, Houston, 29, revealed to us that without solid relationships, the act of sex is meaningless. Admitting he's never been a fan of casual sex and never had a one night stand, even with the temptations of his career, Marques said he's guy who believes those involved in amazing relationships will always have amazing sex -- if and when men take on the responsibility to listen to their women.
Listening, especially in relationships, is an art -- it's something that needs to be cultivated and maintained in order to keep your skills sharp. Houston admits that after years of dating, including his current two-year relationship with a woman who is rumored to be his fiancee, he's learned that listening is a must. Houston spoke to Black Voices about deconstructing the myth of the "complicated woman"
What's the number one mistake men tend to make in interacting with a woman?
Marques Houston: Fellas don't listen enough. That's why men always end up losing their women. All you really have to do is ask questions and listen.

Would you say you've mastered the art of listening?

MH: I've grown up with women my whole life. On the set of 'Sister, Sister,' and on 'Cuts' I was surrounded by women. I always like to sit and talk with a woman, hear their conversations [with each other], making me really good with women. Women are easier than we think, knowing how to react to them is easier than you think if you just listen to them.

Why is that so hard for men to do?

MH: Women do tend to talk a lot -- I'll say at least more than men -- and women know how to say slick stuff to make a man aggressive. Women need to understand we have testosterone, and lot of times a woman can just talk, talk, talk, not understanding the aggression we have that they can spark in us, especially when you love somebody. When you love somebody and they talk to you the wrong way, it can be a disaster.

However, some men don't even try...

MH: Instead of guys trying to talk and dictate when they're talking, they need to know it doesn't make you a punk to listen to a woman
. Now you should never let a woman run you. I don't like those type of relationships either. There is a respect factor women should have. I'm old fashioned and I grew up seeing my mother respect my father. I don't appreciate a woman who is disrespectful to their man. I feel a man has a place, and a woman has a place.

Is a woman being 'submissive,' a misogynistic and/or outdated approach to relationships in 2010, though?

MH: A lot of women today feel they have to act like men, and I always make the example that if we're asleep and you hear a noise, a woman isn't going to get up she's going to tell her man to go see what it is. Men and woman have their place in a relationship, and what men tend to do wrong is abuse their authority, which is why you have domestic violence and the such. You have to be careful.

You're preaching this listening thing, so do we already have the content for the next album?
MH: (Laughs) Like I said most [things] can be avoided if you ask a woman what she likes, and just listen to what your woman is saying and expressing to you.

Follow writer Shirea L. Carroll on Twitter @InviteOnly

 

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Kenny Leon to Make Feature Film Directorial Debut With 'Cotton'

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After establishing himself on The Great White Way with revivals like 'A Raisin in the Sun,' 'Fences,' 'Gem of the Ocean' and 'Radio Golf,' Broadway director Kenny Leon has finally signed on to make his feature film directorial debut.

Just a few months ago it was announced that the Leon would direct Halle Berry and Samuel L. Jackson on Broadway in the Olivier Award winning drama 'The Mountaintop' this fall.

Now comes news that the Tony Award nominee will helm an adaptation of the 2009 New York Times Best-Seller 'Picking Cotton' based on the memoirs of Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, a rape victim and the black man she mistakenly identified as her attacker, Ronald Cotton.

Cotton went on to serve nearly 11 years in prison, despite his insistence of his innocence, before being released after DNA evidence proved that he wasn't the rapist. The two forged a friendship thereafter and co-wrote the book with Erin Torneo.


Leon, who was named one of People magazine's '50 Most Beautiful People,' told Blackvoices exclusively, "I always wanted to include Features in my body of storytelling work and I have been blessed to begin work on a couple of films that I'm very much looking forward to."

He added,"'Cotton' presents a very exciting opportunity to collaborate on a great and powerful story of forgiveness."

The Clark Atlanta University grad previously directed the 2008 made-for-television movie 'Raisin in the Sun,' with the same cast, including Diddy, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sanaa Lathan from the revival He's been slowly making more moves in Hollywood - shooting episodes of 'The Ghost Whisperer' and 'Private Practice.'

Earlier this year, the True Colors Theater Company founder was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Director for his work on August Wilson's drama 'Fences' starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Both actors took home wins for Best Performance for Male and Female in a Play.



 

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An Open Letter to Octomom from The Money Coach: Five Emergency Tips For Getting Financially Fit

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Octomom Nadya Suleman
Dear Nadya:

This is Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach. I'm writing you to offer some advice on how you can save your house. Not your 4-bedroom house in Southern California, but your entire financial house.

I know my advice is unsolicited. But just hear me out. If you take what I have to say to heart, then I promise your family will be happier, healthier and stronger in the long-run.

After all, I've been where you are, and I've been where your children are too.

As a child, my family was on welfare, as I understand you are -- now that your income has declined. When my mom -- who struggled to raise five children on her own -- couldn't make ends meet, we also got threatened with eviction from a Southern California apartment we rented, a situation I see you're currently facing with the threat of foreclosure.

As an adult, I've endured my share of financial struggles too, including having mountains of debt -- $100,000 in credit card debt alone.

So trust me when I say that I'm not some know-it-all "expert" who doesn't know what it's like to be economically down and out.

I also know what it's like to be a mother: not of 14 kids, granted, but I do have three children of my own. And I have to believe that you want what all of us mothers do: happiness, security and a better future for your kids.

Here's how to get it:

1. Sell Your Home and Get Cheaper, Rental Housing

I recognize that it's probably very tough to find an apartment that would accommodate a large family of your size. But I think you'd be way better off renting, as opposed to owning a home. There's no shame in renting. And frankly, you're just not prepared for the rights and responsibilities of homeownership, including the mortgage and the slew of ongoing expenses, maintenance costs and property taxes that must be paid on a home.

When I appeared as a guest expert on 'Oprah's Big Give,' I gave a check for $50,000, compliments of Chase Bank, to a woman named Shante. She had been homeless. But Chase representatives and I both knew that Shante wasn't ready to instantly become a homeowner -- even with that $50,000 to be used as a down payment. So my role was to teach Shante, for about a year, some basic money management principles and allow her time to get a job.

No one can sustain a home indefinitely without some source of earned income or a passive income stream. And because you're not regularly working, I fear that foreclosure is inevitable if you try to hang onto that home.

Once you exit your current home and look for a different place, keep in mind that whatever new residence you get should bear proper relationship to your income. TMZ has reported that your monthly mortgage tops $4,000. Ideally, your house payment should be no more than 31% of your income. That means you'd have to be earning about $12,900 monthly to make your current mortgage affordable. Don't make the mistake of getting such an expensive place the next time.

2. Start Saving for your Kids

Did you see the recent Census Bureau data on poverty in America? Unfortunately, one out of seven Americans, about 44 million people, are now living in poverty. And the numbers are worse for children. Young people under 18 make up the largest percentage of those in poverty, with children accounting for 15 million of the country's impoverished.

You can give your kids a big head start in life just by doing a little bit now to save for their future. And don't think you'll do it later, when you make more money. If you don't develop good savings habits now, they won't simply appear from nowhere just because you happen to rake in big bucks later. Consider the case of pop singer Britney Spears. She has admitted -- in court documents when she was divorcing Kevin Federline -- that even when she was making $737,000 a month, or nearly $9 million a year, she saved and invested absolutely nothing. Not for herself. Not for her kids' education or their future.

Don't fall into the trap of overspending and failing to save. If you can only save $5, $10 or $20 a month for each of your children, do it. Something is better than nothing. Plus, it will get you into the habit of saving.

3. Get a "Regular" Job

Yes, I know that 15 million Americans are out of work. So it's not like you can just walk into an office and get any job you want. But what I'm really suggesting is this: forget about the stunts, the TV-based stuff, the so-called "reality" gigs and an-open-letter-to-octomom-from-the-moanything else that's designed to capitalize on your media persona. The people making those offers, if any remain, don't have your long-term best interest in mind. Even though the money can be good (when you can get it), fame is also fleeting, making a long-lasting career in TV or the entertainment field dubious.

A far better strategy is to work your way up the ranks in an industry you enjoy, one not reliant upon your being a celebrity or having the cameras rolling 24-7. I know you would try to protect your kids from Hollywood's harsh glare. But why take the risk of them growing up like that? No amount of money is worth it.

Lastly, on the job front, it almost goes without saying, but please stay away from some of the more outlandish "offers" that will come your way, enticing you to dance in a strip club, pose nude in some magazine, or star in porn videos for money. You may get a big chunk of cash upfront, but you'll lose your self-respect in the process. I think you already know this, which is why you just turned down a $500,000 offer to appear in an adult video.

4. Hire Financial Help

Another word of wisdom: Get some professional financial help. Hiring a money expert -- like a financial planner or adviser -- isn't just for the rich. On the contrary, I believe all Americans should have qualified, professional assistance to help them reach their personal financial goals. After all, nobody teaches us about money management in school. And chances are, we don't learn it from our parents either. You can change that cycle. Get educated about money matters yourself, then pass along some financial literacy to your children.

A good place to get started is the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. This is a reputable group of fee-only advisors who have very reasonable costs for their services. Can't pay $150 or so to a professional? Offer to barter. Swap some service you can offer in exchange for good, trustworthy financial advice.

5. Keep Your Head Up

And finally, Nadya, don't be ashamed about your current predicament, welfare and all. Believe it or not, even with the Great Recession being declared as officially over, more than 40 million Americans receive food stamps. Millions more are on other forms of public assistance.

You may have to go that route too. But you don't have to stay there. You can do better for your children. You have to.

 

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Bishop Eddie Long: Multiple Men Allege He Coerced Sex from Them

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CNN is reporting that two men in Georgia are suing Bishop Eddie Long in Atlanta, alleging that the powerful pastor used his influence to force them into having sex. Filed in DeKalb County, the suit claims that Long used his position of authority at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to persuade the two young male employees into various forms of misconduct.

One of the plaintiffs, Anthony Flagg, is a 21-year old man who alleges that some of the misconduct occurred during overnight trips to various cities.

"Long shared a bedroom and engaged in intimate sexual contact with plaintiff Flagg including kissing, massaging, masturbating of plaintiff Flagg by defendant Long and oral sexual contact," according to the lawsuit.

Long's spokesman, Art Franklin stated that "we categorically deny the allegations. It is very unfortunate that someone has taken this course of action. Our law firm will be able to respond once attorneys have had an opportunity to review the lawsuit."

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified amounts in financial damages and accuses Long on multiple counts, including negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, etc.

Well, it seems that while the summer in Atlanta was hot, the fall is going to be even hotter. I've never met Bishop Eddie Long, but I've always known of his vast presence in the city of Atlanta and throughout the world. He is second-to-none when it comes to mega pastors, and is certainly an historical figure.

At the same time, one has to be quite curious to determine if there is any merit to this lawsuit. I would imagine that if this form of behavior were going on in the past, there'd be rumors circulating throughout the black church community. I am not aware of such rumors, but once again, I don't run in the circle of black clergy.

The irony of this lawsuit is that it re-opens the ugly door about homosexuality within the black church. While African Americans lead the nation when it comes to homophobia, there are legions of black gay men throughout the black community, many of whom feel that they have to hide who they truly are. I feel sorry for these men, and hope that perhaps one day, we can find it in our hearts to accept them.

Again, without saying whether or not the allegations against Bishop Long are true, it seems that we can sort this issue into exactly what would be wrong if Long were guilty of any of the things for which he's being accused. There is nothing illegal about sleeping with a 21-year old. There is also nothing illegal about being gay (whether it's part-time or full-time). This incident would not make him a child molester either. At worst, he would be guilty of various forms of sexual harassment, which might be questionable in light of the fact that these men may have chosen to share a room with Long on these trips. I also wonder, if there was indeed coercion, exactly how Long might have forced them to have sex. It's easy for someone to sleep with a person, get disgruntled, and then claim that you forced them into it. That's why I highly recommend against sleeping with someone you deal with on the job. While it's easy to presume that Long did something wrong, we have to remember that there are always people out there seeking to get money out of famous people by blackmailing their public image. I expect that the courts will help the public sort through the facts of this case.

Let's be clear folks: Any potential misconduct on the part of Bishop Eddie Long in this sex scandal would only go as deep as sexual harassment/coercion and the ethical violations that come with preaching the bible on Sundays and possibly doing "unbiblical things" for the rest of the week. But if you consider all the folks who go to church on Sunday and live a double life on the side, it might seem that nearly all the members of the black church would be guilty of things more dramatic than anything I could repeat on this page (that's where all the Tyler Perry movies come from). Oh yeah, there's also that little thing about Bishop Long being married, but I'll let his wife work that one out. This is certainly going to be interesting and life-changing for tens of thousands of people, and for that reason, this is a sad day for the African American church.


Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Around the Web - OkayAfrica Launches, L.A. Reid Gets Booted from Def Jam?, Hair Growth, & Black Authors

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OkayAfrica, We See You
We've been Okayplayers since the beginning. The Roots-led site is one of the Web's first music blogs before blogging even became popular. Now the Okayplayer family launches OkayAfrica, a new cultural guide giving you the same notes as Okayplayer but with an Africa-centered, Diasporic vibe. (Clutch Magazine)

L.A. Reid, The Dream Reportedly Fired From Def Jam Def Jam label head L.A. Reid is reportedly out of a job today after losing his position at Def Jam Records. And he's reportedly not the only one. (Hip Hop Wired)

Help, My Hair Won't Grow! Whether our hair is long, straight, medium, curled, short, or natural, we are striving for that blended style to make us feel confident and regal! If you're aiming for a stylish "natural" look without the use of relaxers or press perms, your best bet is to go with fresh foods that revitalize hair growth. (Madame Noire)

How Can Black Authors Level the Financial Playing Field? Despite strong sales, Black literature still has some challenges with which to contend. Among them are judgments made about content, unequal compensation, and segregated sections in bookstores. (The Atlanta Post)





 

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Natasha Pettigrew: US Senate Candidate Hit by Car and Dies

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Natasha Pettigrew was a 30-year old Green Party candidate for the United States Senate out of Maryland. The reason that I have the misfortune of referencing Ms. Pettigrew in past tense is because she was killed on Monday night. Pettigrew was hit by a car while riding her bike.

The young politician died at 10:30 p.m. on Monday at Prince George's County hospital. She's been critically injured at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday while training for a triathlon. The driver of an SUV said she thought she'd hit a deer until she saw Pettigrew's bicycle caught underneath her truck. She didn't realize the bike was under her car until she arrived home.

The driver of the vehicle, Christy R. Littleford, called the police around 6:30 a.m.

"She had driven to her home and called from her home," said Greg Shipley, a Maryland State Police spokesman told The Washington Post. "The initial indication was that she thought she may have hit a deer or an animal in the roadway. That's the indication our troopers were given. When she arrived home and saw the bicycle, she assumed it was something else."

Natasha Pettigrew was an outstanding woman and a high achiever. She graduated from The Ohio State University and was taking a break from law school to run for the U.S. Senate. She was a law student at The University of Miami in Florida. I send the Pettigrew family my condolences, Natasha sounds like an amazing human being. Given that she is a black woman who attended my alma mater (Ohio State), I feel like I know her myself.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Dad Apologizes for Rushing Bus to Confront Bullies

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Dad apologizes for rushing bus to confront bullies

The Florida Dad who stormed his cerebral palsy-stricken daughter's school bus to confront the heartless bullies who had been tormenting her, apologized Tuesday for losing his temper.

James Willie Jones (pictured above center), who was caught on video reprimanding the kids on his 13-year-old daughter's school bus is sorry for allowing his rage to get out of control. The father is seen on the tape yelling, using profanity and angrily gesturing and threatening the children and bus driver, after he found out that the kids had thrown unwrapped condoms at his daughter and also hit, spit, pinched, poked, pushed and taunted her since the first day of school.

Jones read from a written statement in a voice that was cracking and filled with emotion and said that no parent should mimic his actions:

"At that time, I was a bully. And I apologize again for that. If you see the tape, I feel like I was backed up against the wall as a parent. I just didn't know where else to go. We definitely don't want to promote that. We don't want vigilantes going on buses, threatening kids, because kids have rights too."

The video, which has been seen by thousands on news shows and on YouTube, has ignited a much-needed discussion on the subject of bullying in our schools and how to best deal with the problem. As a matter of fact, Jones said he has received e-mails, phone calls and other messages of support from people around the country.

Jones was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing a school function for his Sept. 3rd display in Sanford, which is near Orlando. He later posted $2,000 bail and was ordered to stay away from the driver and county school buses. Some parents in the area said, however, that they understood Jones's desire to protect his daughter but disagreed with how he acted.

Attorney for the Jones family Deianna Brown (pictured above left) is working on getting the charges reduced or dropped for her client. She is also hoping to get Jones to speak on the subject of bullying as community service. The 42-year-old Dad has expressed that he would like to advocate against bullying in schools.

Jones's daughter, who stood up for another child who was being bullied on the school bus, had the tables turned on her and as a result had an emotional breakdown. She was placed on suicide watch at a nearby hospital. According to Jones, she will not be returning to the middle school. "I just can't let her go back there," he said.

According to the Associated Press, school spokeswoman Regina Murray Klaers said in an e-mail last week that Jones did not express concerns to school administrators about his daughter but did report an incident involving another girl. That incident was investigated and appropriate action was taken, Klaers said.

On the other hand, Jones' wife, Deborah McFadden-Jones (pictured above right), said they noticed a change in their daughter's behavior since school began this year. She left messages with a school guidance counselor, but oddly enough, never heard back.



 

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