EnLYTEment from THE LYTE

MC Lyte-She IS the Light

LIGHT: (N); a thing by means of which something can be started burning; the means by which light is let in; that which gives mental illumination; knowledge or information; enlightenment; that which inspires spiritual inspiration. 

A myriad of definitions that describe one five-letter word and can span many different directions. It’s funny how the definition of the word LIGHT can also pertain to a woman that has carried the moniker for some twenty-five years in the music industry and made a name for herself that still stands strong. When you visually experience “The Lyte” you see a small, intelligent attractive woman but when you encounter her true presence and that verbal delivery, ohhh that verbal delivery, your visual perception is suddenly transformed to the person that has been able to sustain a career and transform a fledgling genre of music into a powerhouse in the industry.

MC Lyte (The Lyte), as we all affectionally know Lana Moorer as, began her career in the rap game in the late 80’s and has not looked back. She began her career with a string of hits that took music by storm as we had never experienced the toughness, rawness and balls that she exuded in her rhymes and on stage presence. She was, and is, a tough cookie that has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with even when she was a 16 year old child.  With eleven albums, a plethora of awards and nominations later, footprints set in the sand for all other female emcees, as well as artists in general, to follow and years of life lessons learned along the way that could outshine any Lifetime movie, The Lyte has constructed a blueprint for success that seemed improbable when the critics, talking heads and musical experts said that her selected field of study wouldn't last because it was merely a fad. Lyte led the way for all female MC’s when she was thrust to the forefront of rap and in time made her presence known so much so that she was contacted by the Smithsonian in her later career for personal memorabilia for the museum to display proudly. Said Lyte “they called me up and asked was there something I wanted to contribute and I definitely knew I wanted to participate so I gave them something personal. A journal that was eventually the manuscript to a self-published inspirational book.”  That book, Just My Take (2007), is a mountain of information of inspirational words, passages and poems that she decided to share with us all. The book can be purchased by contacting Lyte on http://www.OFFICIALMCLYTE.COM/ and/or via Twitter @ twitter.com/#!/MCLYTE. It will be a great read for you so do yourself a favor and purchase the book for yourself and/or as a gift for someone that appreciates knowledge and literature. The multi-faceted musician has also broadened her horizons to include voice overs and a career that she has been involved with since 1997. Her voice can be heard on the STARZ Network, commercials from giants such as Nike, McDonald’s and projects with BET such as the BET Awards and the television show The Boot. Being such a busy little bee she answered my question of “Why?” with simply “I take down time but I'm not always fond of it. I like what I do, so to me working is fun! Downtime for me consists of reading (The Ten Commitments: David Simon: a rather encouraging read which suggests to the reader to change from the commandment mentality to a commitment mindset (Amazon)), writing and the gym.”  As far as other interests, when relaxing Lyte expressed that Esther Hicks (Inspirational Speaker) and The Vortex (being all that is and knowing that you are a part of it, Meditation, Yoga, and various other self-nurturing practices) are what fills her CD player at this time. Such an eclectic mix for such an eclectic woman!

With as much passion as she shows onstage I had to ask how she keeps the fire burning and what does she feel we all can do to encourage our communities to uplift and support each other more. Lyte said “of course, I love being in touch with my fans. It's an incredible experience to perform for every generation at once. Having traveled the world I know that poverty exists everywhere. There are people that are oppressed everywhere. Having witnessed that I'm involved with countless organizations that reach out and help the communities that are effected most by violence, AIDS and teenage pregnancy. I feel that we should talk and listen to one another, share our struggles and be willing to learn more about our neighbors.” The right to support other causes is the upmost to this lady and it makes anyone with a heart and compassion for their fellow man jump aboard and want to lend a helping hand themselves. 

I recently caught a very unexpected performance on Divas & Duets on VH1 of Lyte and Sugerland (Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush), who I personally think are AWESOME performers in their own right, and was blown away as they performed “Stuck Like Glue”.  Lyte said the collaboration came to fruition “when they called me up and asked was I interested in performing with them and I immediately said yes. I had a really good time with Sugarland! They are really cool people.” Not one to stick to one brand, genre or pigeon-holed character Lyte added that “growth can only happen when one believes they have something to learn.” Seeing  Lyte branch out even further with this country-pop infused band I had to ask her what does she see in her future and she answered “Not sure if I will do any further movies or television as God only knows that. My work affords me the ability to work on both the East and West coasts and I enjoy both, so and I’ll continue recording when I feel it and when I'm inspired. Until then....I'm chillin'.”  

This Lyte always has BEEN and always WILL be the epitome of the aforementioned definition of the Light! A Light I don't see dimming anytime soon. Continue to shine sister and spread the love and knowledge that you are respected and revered for.

God bless!

PitBull Rapist Headed Back to the Pokey

Sexual assault is no laughing matter at any point and now this story out of Muskegon County, Michigan comes to life. Jose Sanchez, of Muskegon County has been told he has a trial date set for January 4, 2011 to answer for his charge of Felony Sodomy of an Animal.

In August of 2010 Sanchez was arrested and jailed, where he remains today under a 50K bond in the Muskegon County Jail, when the assault was reported to local police. The matter originated when Sanchez reported to his Parole Officer for a routine visit and was questioned about the assault. Sanchez then admitted that he did sexually assault the pitbull so the officer had no other choice but to inform local police who subsequently arrived, questioned and upon confession arrested the registered sex offender.  The dog was taken to a local vet who confirmed thru testing that the dog had been sexually assaulted.

Sanchez now faces 15 years in prison if convicted of the original Felony charge. The Public Defender assigned to the case has stated that he will claim a Defense of Insanity as there are clearly some mental issues associated with the mindset of Mr. Sanchez. Sanchez is currently on parole for a 1998 conviction of a prior Sexual Assault of a Person Under 13 after being paroled January 14, 2009. So now after being out of prison for less than a year Sanchez will again be on trial for another sexual assault and looks to be headed back to his home away from home. THE POKEY!

Rugby Animal Sex

Rugby players are rumored to be the most athletic, toughest players of any sport on earth. With that type of reputation you figure they are guys that work hard so in turn they play hard and party hard! One would think that a rugby party has to be the epitome of the party scenes from the movie Old School, right! Gotta be some wild stuff going on!  So whats the wildest thing that you have done after tossing back a few at a friends party? Kiss someone, get nude, pray to the porcelain god or perform a sex act with an animal and then have to quit your job? OK, well maybe YOU didn't get that drunk but Australian Joel Monaghan did.


 Monaghan, a 28 year old Rugby player in the Australian League did just that this week while attending a year end celebration held by one of his teammates. During the party Monaghan found himself in a compromising position with his Canberra Raiders teammate's pet Lab and inspiration took over. While forcing the mouth of the dog onto his erect penis part-goers started flashing away with cell phones nd digital cameras. The result is below.

One week later the pictures hit the internet and all hell broke loose as team sponsors started to complain of the bestiality image circling around as the picture sparked controversy over the airwaves and on local television. Monaghan, one of the top paid ($250K yearly) and most celebrated athletes in the Australian League promptly held a press conference and forfeited his contract for the remainder of the season. In a prepared statement Monaghan stated "I accept total responsibility for what happened. It was a moment of madness, and while it was totally out of character, I have to cop the consequences. I'm disappointed that the photo was distributed, but I should never have put myself in that situation. It's something I will have to live with for the rest of my life." Now that the situation has been diffused, for now, Monaghan has decided to look for work in England's Super League. He will probably attempt to rebuild his public image and try and wash the stain that has attached itself to his career and then attempt a comeback in the Australian League in a couple of years. 


Now for all you wild kiddies make sure that you get the lesson for today...NO SEX WITH ANIMALS AT YOUR FRIENDS PARTY! Although it may hard try, try and try again to leave the pooch alone and maybe hit on a few girls instead.

No Flag on Veterans Day!??

Photo curtesy of Fox40.com

Nothing shines like pride in where we live and who we are. What better way to exhibit that pride than the American Flag and all of her glory? That would seem like a no-brainer until you see what occurred this week at California's Denair Middle School when a teenager adorned his bike with the flag.


Thirteen year old, Cody Alicea, has been told by his school to stop flying the flag that he is so proud of on campus because it could be a potential race issue. Superintendent Edward Parraz, said “Our Hispanic, you know, kids will, you know, bring their Mexican flags and they’ll display it, and then of course the kids would do the American flag situation, and it does cause kind of a racial tension which we don’t really want.” Aliceas' bike has had the flag on it for the last two months but just this week, the week of Veterans Day, has he been told that he is banned from displaying it on campus any longer.


Just when you think that adults get the youth and would back one that is doing something positive you have a regressed thinking Superintendent that just does not get it.


The story continues below.

My Thoughts Exactly

Ya know life is funny in the sense of what and who you encounter, how you handle the meetings/interactions and if you allow them to remain in your circle without letting them know how you truly feel. Growing up I was the type that was reserved and would hold my tongue and not express how I felt out of concern for the other person because I didn't want to offend or hurt THEIR feelings, regardless of if they hurt mine. Now, as an adult I have matured that thought process. I live my life to music as it is always playing throughout the house or car so I have always found songs appropriate for many areas of my life. Now, another that best describes the last few months of my life has appeared and taken form. Cee-Lo Green sums it up nicely for me.





Now the above referenced song, which is NOW my new mantra, kind of made me stand back when I heard it and beam at the genius that Mr. Green laid down on the track. Although his reference is about a woman I feel that it so fits me and where my mind is right now at this stage of my life. I have had the experience of working in a field where I have met ALOT of people on a daily basis, good and bad. Most of the clients come thru and they may be emotionally charged because of their issue or the criminals may be keyed up because as they put it, "The Man" has illegally charged them so you have to deal with them with kid gloves. I have always attempted to listen to people unobjectively but there are plenty of times that I just feel like standing up, pulling their ear, and yelling into it....F*CK YOUUUUUU!!! If not for the PC angle of my employment position it would have happened years ago but ya know you keep your piehole closed when it might affect your cash flow. My mentor has always told me that controlling my tongue would be the longevity to a long solid career and I made sure that anytime I was going to blow I had her image in pearly-white clothing on my shoulder repeating those words to me. Great words from a very intelligent, successful, compassionate woman and I am so thankful for her tutelage. But as I have traveled the road of professionalism I also have noticed that this is a great position to stand upon in life but it's also a position that allows tension and anger to build, much like the tension and anger that many associate when they say a person went "postal"! I could adopt the mantra of the great Frank Costanza and yell "SERENITY NOWWW!!!" anytime I felt that "postal" feeling but alas as we all now even that mantra was flawed! So, I settle on Cee-Lo.


I now agree with Cee-Lo and anoint this song MY new outlook for all foolishness and ignorance that comes my way. My life should be what I enjoy and include who I enjoy. All of our lives should follow this form so we aren't stressed on a daily basis, worrying about things that we have no control over. Life is so short, regardless whether you live 10, 30 or 85.5 years! It shouldn't be spent concerning yourself with not being your true you or how others perceive you.


That is all.

NJ Man Convicted of Family Sex Crimes

And in todays creepy pervy news, a NJ man has been convicted of charges that he sexually assaulted one of his own children. 


The defendant is charged in the rapes of five of his daughters and faces a total of twenty-seven charges from the indiscretions. The man whose identity has been concealed to protect the children that are victims was convicted of all eight charges in the first of eight total trials that will take place. This trial centered around the abuse suffered by a daughter that is now twenty-four years old and is currently enrolled in college. When questioned at trial the victim gave the sordid details of abuse that started when she was as young as three years old and the defendant would administer beatings, sexual touching at age eight which progressed to full on intercourse and culminated in her becoming pregnant at age fifteen. After having DNA tests taken the prosecution was able to prove that the child was indeed the child of the father based upon the DNA shared by the daughter, the child and the father/grandfather. The prosecution also provided information that the defendant has fathered six total children with three of his daughters who all are eighteen years of age or above. He was able to have the abuse and children's births kept secret by having all deliveries occur in the home so that there would be no documentation of the children. The defendant convinced his entire family of nine children and a wife that he was he was a god and he was put here to create "pure" family bloodlines.  The family was tortured daily, home-schooled so he could keep a close watch on the children and he placed them all on a very strict vegetarian diet so as to keep the children in the shape that he desired. 


The remaining trials will be under way later in the year one by one so he stands to receive a boatload of time in prison.

NFL Begins The Fine Process

The NFL has started it's process of policing the hits that have been knocking out players. This week three players have been fined for a total of $175K.The Steelers James Harrison

 has been fined $75K for his hit on the Jaguars Mohammed Massaquoi Sunday, Patriots Brandon Meriweather 

fined 50K for his hit on Ravens TE Todd Heap and in the worst of the three hits Dunta Robinson was fined $50K for his hit on Eagles WR DeSean Jackson.

Heap was knocked out of the game but returned, Massaquoi did not return and is still being evaluated and Jackson who was helped off the field will more than likely miss the upcoming  game against Tennessee and hope to get better during the Eagles bye week. The NFL laid down the law on Monday that they would not stand for any further helmet to helmet hits and they would review the hits from the previous week and decide whether to fine or suspend players. That rule stays in effect from this week on. Harrison said on Monday "I don't want to see anyone injured," Harrison said, "but I'm not opposed to hurting anyone. There's a difference. When you're injured, you can't play. But when you're hurt, you can shake it off and come back. I try to hurt people."  

I guess he gets it or maybe not!

Tom "MR. C" Bosley Passes On

Actor Tom Bosley has passed on this morning and joined a better place. The news came today from the family of Mr. Bosley as he succumbed to a staph infection that he had been battling for quite some time. Born Thomas Edward Bosley, but better known as Tom Bosley, he enjoyed a brilliant and very lucrative acting career for over fifty years. Known best for his role on Happy Days as Mr. Howard Cunningham or "Mr. C" as Fonzarelli often referred to him, Bosley was a star that shined bright for many a year in Hollywood. Bosley won a Tony in 1958 for his portrayal of NY Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in Fiorello The Musical on Broadway. Bosley also was a star in Father Dowling Mysteries, Murder She Wrote, The Backup Plan, provided voice over work in cartoons David the Gnome and Wait Till Your Father Gets Home and many many more shows and movies (see below). You will be missed, Mr. Bosley.

Born: 1-Oct-1927

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Gender: MaleReligion: Jewish
Race or Ethnicity: WhiteSexual orientation: StraightOccupation: Actor
Nationality: United StatesExecutive summary: Dad on Happy Days
Military service: US Navy
Wife: Jane Eliot (m. 8-Mar-1962, d. 1978, one child)Wife: Patricia Carr (m. 21-Dec-1980)Daughter: Amy


    University: DePaul University

    Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors
    Tony 1958 for Fiorello!

    TELEVISION
    Happy Days Howard Cunningham (1974-84)
    Murder, She Wrote Sheriff Amos Tupper (1984-88)
    Father Dowling Mysteries Fr. Frank Dowling (1989-91)
    Port Charles Bert (1999)
    FILMOGRAPHY AS ACTOR
    The Back-up Plan (23-Apr-2010)
    Charlie & Me (5-Jan-2008)
    Hidden Places (28-Jan-2006)
    Popstar (8-Nov-2005)
    Christmas at Water's Edge (4-Dec-2004)
    Paper Clips (2-May-2004) Himself
    Broadway: The Golden Age (Apr-2003) Himself
    Mary Christmas (29-Nov-2002)
    Returning Mickey Stern (20-Jan-2002)
    Wicked Stepmother (3-Feb-1989)
    Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night (6-Aug-1987) [VOICE]
    O'Hara's Wife (8-Jul-1982)
    The Rebels (14-May-1979)
    The Castaways on Gilligan's Island (3-May-1979)
    The Bastard (22-May-1978)
    Black Market Baby (7-Oct-1977)
    Gus (7-Jul-1976)
    The Night That Panicked America (31-Oct-1975)
    Death Cruise (30-Oct-1974)
    Mixed Company (18-Oct-1974)
    To Find a Man (20-Jan-1972)
    Vanished (8-Mar-1971)
    Yours, Mine and Ours (24-Apr-1968)
    The Secret War of Harry Frigg (29-Feb-1968)
    The Bang-Bang Kid (19-Nov-1967)
    Divorce American Style (21-Jun-1967)
    The World of Henry Orient (19-Mar-1964)
    Love with the Proper Stranger (25-Dec-1963) 
(Information provided by nndb.com)

"MOSS MAN" ARRESTED!!

A man dressed as moss was arrested by Washington County police after appearing to break into the Oregon  Rock Museum. Gregory Liascos, 36, was arrested after police were called to the museum after a hole in a bathroom wall was discovered. After locating a backpack and bike the deputies tracked Liascos via canine until they located him in the woods adjacent to the museum."The K9 tracked to a wooded area and was very interested in a particular piece of ground about a half a mile away from the building," said Sgt. David Thompson. "The dog then bit the ground that in turn cried out in pain." Liascos has been booked on Burglary and Criminal Mischief charges.

TRIAD THURSDAYS-HOMECOMING STYLE

Last night I experienced one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in a long time. I was invited to Triad Thursday by a group of guys that have more love to offer to their business than a Mom nurturing her only child. The masterminds that put Triad Thursday together are the team of Shon Barnes, Alex Ricketts and Darryl Stevenson, collectively known as Triad Entertainment Solutions, LLC. The event was a precursor to the celebrated homecoming weekend that is occurring in the city this weekend at the University of North Carolina A&T and definitely was one not to be missed.

Triad Thursday is an event that occurs on the first Thursday of every month and usually kicks off from 7pm until 12 pm or until, depending on how long the band chooses to play and the venue allows stragglers to hang out. This event, very special as it was the kick-off of the NC A&T Homecoming weekend (G.H.O.E.=Greatest Homecoming On Earth), was held at Cafe Pasta. The restaurant is a well put together establishment with two levels, a stage and a special area under the stage for a VIP area. There is an exquisite  black lacquer bar that houses all the alcohol that one could wish for, with a large hi-def plasma television hanging on the wall behind the bar. There is also a large projection screen that at this event was playing “Lady Sings The Blues” which had many party-goers still watching the old school flick as they enjoyed the ambiance of the party.

When asked why they chose this type of endeavor, Mr. Ricketts stated that “we started this thing because being a DJ I have always loved music and this was another enjoyable avenue for me to experience that love. This is the second event and we are very happy with the results.” Mr. Barnes concurred and added “for me I wanted to find places in the city to go and hang out that had a mature atmosphere that I could sit back and enjoy and I couldn't find that anywhere! With that issue picking at my brain, and my friends that were also looking for a nice outing, we put our heads together and decided to do it ourselves.”  As well as being one-third of the trio Mr. Stevenson, as well as Mr. Ricketts, also spins records and gets the crowd rocking. Donning his signature 70’s afro Stevenson transforms himself into DJ Dirty and morphs into “one” with his turntables and Mac computer and from there the party is “crunk”! Stevenson told me after he finished his first set “This is what it’s all about man, being able to see people enjoying themselves in an atmosphere that they are comfortable in, with good food, good drinks and good music. It doesn't get any better than that and to be part of the group that put it together, just brings a tear to my eye” the jokester quantified as he strolled away shaking his afro headed back to his turntables.

This event also produced the soulful sounds of the group Soultrii, and they turned it out. Their sound s very eclectic and had patrons on the floor getting their groove on early and often. They are musicians that interact with their listeners and come out of their stage element and sing hand in hand with the ladies. They are quit a nice performance. Next, the comedian at the event, Eli Southern, is an up and coming comedian who needs all the exposure he can get. 

This guy is quick and intelligent with his comedy and it shows as he eats up hecklers and leaves them smoking in his verbal assaultive-wake for attempting to spar with him. This kid talks about everything from condoms, parenting, cops, penis size and big-Chief Knockemdown and my personal favorite..when he donned a referee shirt and threw flags on everyday situations including one guy that challenges one of his calls. Southern is extremely underrated and is indicative of the talent that Triad Thursday is able to showcase.

The energy that Ricketts and Barnes exude as they welcome party goers is a sight to behold. They interact with their patrons, they serve drinks, they refresh wine on tables and do it all while ensuring that they don't leave anyone out of their clutches as they shake hands and trade business cards with other professionals in their ever moving endeavor to network and build T.E.S., LLC into a power in the entertainment industry. 

Make sure you make it out to their next event as I know that you will enjoy it to the last record is mixed and the last glass of Chardonnay has been poured. T2 (Triad Thursday) is where you need to be in order to be part of an elegant mature soulful crowd so make sure you mark your calendars for their next event.

Feel free to contact Z Morgan, II @zmorganII@gmail.com or @twitter at zmorganII

G.H.O.E. TONIGHT!!

Cafe Pasta tonight 7pm-until-G.H.O.E. Jumpoff....Comedy, music & DJ's spinning!! Come out and party!! Pictures to follow!! Ladies and gents come out and enjoy!!

WHY SUICIDE?

Ya know most of us we walk thru our everyday lives and don't take the time to appreciate the fact that we are still alive. Regardless of our age, our financial position in life, our health or the lack thereof, our relationship status or what material possessions we have acquired along our journey, whether long or short on this great big sphere that continues to hurl around the sun just like it has for eons before any of us were placed here and just like it will continue when all of us are gone. Life is fragile and always will be, as many families have been forced to see in the past couple of tragic weeks that have taken loved ones of theirs into the beyond never to be seen, yelled at, touched, kissed or ignored again!!

In the virgin weeks of the burgeoning fall that is upon us we as a society have seen four different teen-agers take their own lies by suicide as well as one nationally recognized NFL athlete. Rutgers Freshman Tyler Clementi (18) took his life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge because his roommate had secretly videotaped an intimate moment between he and another male,  Billy Lucas (15) never came out of the closet or hinted that he was interested in or participated in any alternative lifestyle but because his classmates felt that he fit the profile teased him until he went into the family barn, hung a noose and placed the rope around his neck and hung himself because he couldn't take the relentless bashing from his classmates. In yet another senseless emotional beating,  Asher Brown (14) took his life by a self inflicted gunshot because he was thought to be Gay and thus picked on by his mates and Seth Walsh (13) hung himself in a tree in his family home back yard after being bullied by classmates for his sexual preference. Lastly, Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley (23) took his life by handgun, after being placed on Injured Reserve for a second consecutive year and starting to feel the strain of the move and what it would do to his financial ability to help his family. Five young lives....GONE! Just like that,in the blink of an eye they are gone and are no longer there for abuse, ridicule, jokes, loans, family that needs from them and they feel that they cannot provide! Gone not because they wanted to be, but because others pushed them to the brink of no return. Do you know what that feels like? When you are on that mental-emotional cliff and gravity is pulling you down as you stand on the edge and contemplate that this is the best thing for you and everyone involved? Not many do, but I DO! I have been where these five victims (yes victims) have been and I’m not sure why, other than the grace of God, I am not one of the statistics that they now are!

In 1992 life for me was a very different road. I was uneducated, fresh out of the military with nothing to show but pictures and an Honorable discharge to show that I had been there, a bad attitude, a helluva chip on my shoulder, alot of harbored hate from my childhood and a wild two-year son that I was trying my best to raise as a single parent.  Now, being a single parent was one of the most enduring situations I have ever been a part of but I am no quitter so I was going to stay the storm and try my best, as I had always told myself regardless of the situation. As a man you can formulate in your mind what you are going to do, when you are going to do it and HOW you are going to do it but when you have a two year old thrown into the mix it dissipates those ideals like summer cumulous clouds in the sky of Maine hanging over a cookout, and everybody knows how quickly the weather changes there! I quickly found myself in over my head and had no one to turn to because my relationship with my birth Mother left alot to be desired so going back to her and admitting that I had made the mistake that she predicted some thirty-three months earlier when she told me that a child would be conceived from the “fun” that me and his teenage Mother at the time were having was absolutely out of the window. So here I sat, on Easter morning 1992, watching my son run around the house, hopped up on super-sweet candy from his Easter Basket as I sipped on a Crazy Horse Malt Liquor forty-ounce. I had no money, as I had spent my last $5.39 the night before on a jumbo Easter basket for him because I knew it would be only our second, but final Easter together.

How did I get here, well that was a hell of a journey in itself! In middle and high school I had issues with classmates that put me in my “Easter state of mind” plenty of time before. Whether it was being picked on for the tone of my skin being darker than other Blacks, speaking differently or more Proper than my classmates, wearing the same cheap black and white plaid bomber that another classmate also had, not being as gifted athletically in sports as the other males, enjoying playing a band instrument (GLEE wasnt cool in the 80‘s we were still nerds) and acting in plays, or the MOST used insult that I was short, there was always something that I was being picked on for. If it was cloudy I felt that somewhere that day in school I would catch the ire of someones anger because it was MY fault. So being picked on and made fun off became a daily occurrence for me and eventually it beat me down to the point of wanting to just end it. I considered it many times as teenager but i never followed thru with it although it stayed in the back of my mind everyday.

My child was conceived because I wanted something to love and honestly, I was scared of dogs. A good reason to bring a child into the world huh?  Well, even with that knowledge the Lord blessed me with my son and it was bliss watching him grow and learn and see that I was able to provide for him and protect him. That day in April mentioned above came after a layoff, when rent was due and there was nothing in the cabinets or refrigerator except rice and sardines. How long would that last? I decided I would read my son the last bedtime story I would ever read him, put him to bed, tuck him in and get in the tub and end it all. After doing all but the last chore, I went to the bathroom, ran the tub, grabbed a fresh razor blade from the medicine cabinet, closed the bathroom door and settled down into the hot water that I felt had become my life. I said a prayer for my child to be safe and I took the razor in my right hand as the sunlight gleamed off the ends of the finely sharpened tool and placed it to my left wrist, pressed down on that thick blue vein and was ready to cut. Instead of continuing the cut, I had a premonition of my son awakening and being the one to discover my body and how that image would be burned into his brain for the rest of his life. I couldn't do it! He didn't deserve that type of image into his little eyes and what type of man would I be to do that to him. Although the water was the hottest I had ever felt on my body, I was in chills when I pulled myself out of that tub! mission aborted for me but not the same for al of s that suffer bullying, depression or hard financial times.

My situation could have turned out the same as the other five gentlemen mentioned earlier....Mr. Clemnti, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Brown, Mr. Walsh & Mr. McKinley. I have read and listened to people ask how these men came to the crossroads that they did and took their own lives because of others and THEIR concern or bullying! It’s easy and it happens everyday to males AND females regardless of the age or socio-economic background. I write this because I have been one of those bullied, one of those reclusive as not to be in a position to be picked on or bullied, and one of those that may not have had the mental stability or strength to understand that the reason you pick on me or bully me is because you are just as unsure and lack the same self esteem that I do. Because I am a Yankee, Gay, Obese, Short, Physically Disabled, prescribed Ridalin or ay other medication that is helpful to me gives you no right to bully me and push me to the point of no return when it comes to whether I live or die mentally or physically. I just wish I had known that and felt that way back in 1992. Today, no one would know I have had those struggles or been thru the hallows of emotions that I have but I know that I am not alone. More of us that have endured these struggles need to step up so that we can help the people that are traveling the same emotional roads that we have. That road has no detour but one and we need to help those that feel the detour is the only way out!

Feel free to contact ZMII at zmorganII@gmail.com or twitter @zmorganII

4TH VICTIM FILES SUIT AGAINST BISHOP EDDIE LONG

Spencer Legrande, 22, of Charlotte, NC filed a suit today in DeKalb County State Court alleging that Long used his spiritual influence, wealth, cars and friendships with celebrities to induce a sexual relationship with him.

LeGrande alleged that he first met Long at the satellite church of New Birth Ministries Church  located in Charlotte, NC. LeGrande alleges further that he first had sex with Long when he traveled to Kenya with him when he was 17 years old in 2005. Long is said to have stated to the young man living in a one parent household that "I will be your Dad" allowing Legrande to trust him fully and think nothing of the relationship that was forming and taking on many different forms. LeGrande alleges that during the trip to Kenya that as they prepared for bed Long gave him a sleeping pill and they engaged in sexual acts together. LeGrande further states that Long convinced him that "engaging in a sexual relationship was a healthy component of his spiritual life." It is also alleged in the suit that in 2009 LeGrande again accompanied Long to Africa, engaged in multiple sexual acts and then moved to Atlanta at the pleading of Long. LeGrande says that he was told many time not to have girlfriends and soon he began to not fully understand how he had found himself in the predicament that he was in. At this point he moved back to NC in October of 2009 and has not had any further contact with long since.

(One of many pictures sent to young male church members)

(An additional picture that was sent by Bishop Long to alleged victims)

Long, a longtime opponent of gay relationships and marriages,  has vehemently denied all the allegations that have surfaced and said that he will speak on the matters when he addresses his congregation on Sunday, September 26, 2010.

JUDGE ORDERS MAJOR WITT RIGHTS VIOLATED BY AIR FORCE

Major Witt

Federal Judge Ronald Leighton entered an order stating that the U.S. Air Force had violated the constitutional rights of one of their own by honorably discharging her based upon their "dont ask, don't tell" policy.

Highly decorated Flight Nurse Margaret Witt was ousted by the Air Force higher ups when her sexual preference was outed by a colleague and her husband in 2004.  Witt was in the midst of an affair with Laurie McChesney and the affair was found out by McChesneys husband who applied pressure to his then wife to end the affair and inform Air Force personnel. She did, and the hailstorm began for Witt. She was honorably discharged and she being the intelligent, driven woman she is, recognized she was wronged and subsequently sued.

Major Margaret Witt and her partner Laurie McChesney

Today Judge Leighton ruled that "she be fully reinstated as soon as practical, if that is what she wanted! He then stated to Witt "I hope that you will request reinstatement." Witt left the courtroom with her partner, McChesney who is now divorced, with a sense of relief and accomplishment. This case has touched many even as far as the U.S House of Representatives. The House cited the case in a letter to President Obama as an example of the damage that is happening to our military.

MOTHER RECORDS TWO YEAR OLD SMOKING WEED

Ya know these days I'm not too surprised when I read a headline and then the accompanying story concerning our youth because kids are bad as hell and they are even "badder" parents. In what has to be the front-runner for Worse Parent 2010 we have the story of Jessica Gamble.

Gamble, a 21 year old mother of a two year toddler has been arrested and indicted for teaching AND recording her child how to smoke marijuana. Then, AND HERES THE KICKER, she sent the video to a friend. Gamble in her infinite wisdom disseminated the video because she thought it was funny (must have been the weed talking to her).
Hamilton County Prosecutors have charged and indicted Gamble for Child Endangering, Corrupting a Person with Drugs and Tampering with Evidence. She could face 11 years in prison depending on her final plea which she should do, not now, but RIGHT now! The "friend" that she sent the video to didn't find it as funny as Gable did and turned it over to to local police who got the ball rolling and the child out of the custody of the mother. At the end of the video Gamble calls the child "bad" web she should have looked in the mirror and repeated that to herself before she gave her 2 year a tutorial on pot smoking.

VOICE OF RUDOLPH REINDEER SAYS GOODBYE

The actor that gave birth to the voice of the lead character of the most recognizable holiday classic in history, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has passed away.
Billie Mae Richardson, a radio star for over 25 years on Canadian radio voiced the male character  in 1964 and subsequently had to add "Billie" her name so not to give away the fact that she was a female in the cartoon credits.

After the release of the classic and when she was confronted by people that discounted the fact that she voiced the character she would call up the voice and show them on the spot to their surprise. Richardson also returned to provide Rudolph's voice in 1976 Rudolph's Shiny New Year and in 1979 Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July.
Richardson passed away at the prime age of 88.

DALLAS POLICE OFFICERS IMPERSONATE LAPD AND RODNEY KING INCIDENT

Dallas Police have taken discipline against 3 of 6 police officers by placing them on leave or restricted duty after a cruiser dash cam recorded them beating motorist Andrew Collins. Three officers have been charged with (F) Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence and two of the three have additionally been charged with (M) Assault and Official Oppression. Dallas police Chief David Brown stated "This won't be tolerated, This is not indicative of the Dallas Police Department. No one incident defines our character.  

After Collins was arrested, an officer is shown walking back to the cruiser with the dash cam running and promptly moves the video so the officers cannot be seen. At this point is when Collins was beaten by the officers, who told superiors that they had no idea what he was talking about and that they had committed no crime. Brown added "But once the conversation was complete, there was appreciation for the transparency and honesty." 

RODNEY KING BEATEN DOWN BY L.A. LOVE

Do you remember Rodney King, the poor man that was filmed being beaten by LAPD officers back in the 1990’s?  Well guess what he’s baaccckkkk!!

King is in the news today because he has found love, or been able to finally make his love his. King recently became engaged to Cynthia Kelley whom he met back in 1994, just one day after he was awarded the jury award of $3.8 million dollars. Speaking candidly to RADARONLINE Kelley said “During deliberations, the other jurors said, ‘Let’s just award him $100,000, you know he’s just gonna blow it anyway. “It was a blessing that I was even there, the other jurors didn’t want to give him anything.” After the trial Kelley and King met each other in a pizza joint by accident and instantly felt a strong attraction to one another even though they both were married at the time.

Wind the clock forward 16 years, after they both are divorced, after many years of bouncing around in various relationships, King having been arrested numerous more times for drug related activity, King being cast in “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” on VH1 and what do you know, they meet again! In May 2010 King placed a call to Kelley and as they say, “the rest is history”!  When asked by RADAR how he felt about Kelley, King said "She is a godsend, a blessing in my life, I don't know what I would have done without her in my life...I can't wait to make her my wife."