The Almost Real Housewives of Atlanta... are back...

The ladies are back with a New Attitude, in the Same ATL... and last night's episode was full of plenty laughs... from the beginning to the very well scripted end. But for me the humor came from things I am sure the producer's weren't planning... or were they?!

The new season started off with NeNe showing off her yet again rented house with no furniture but bragging about some multi thousand dollar drapes... "Really NeNe... Really?" . The house was definitely the deal and is allegedly in the same neighborhood as baller Lisa. A tour of the house shows that other than a pool table the house is empty... but the uber late Dwight and his over the top gayness to the rescue. Hopefully he decorates the house better than his fashion sense.

Kim is back and now that "Big Poppa" has kicked her to the curb... she is off to her next hair brain idea of creating a wig line... with no knowledge of hair or interest in learning... I am sure this idea will go as far as her country CD.

Lisa had the most boring storyline in the first episode... debating on having a second child at 38... I hope she doesn't turn into the boring one that is no longer on the show... can't think of her name for the life of me.

Speaking of last season's boring one, Kandi from Xscape joins... she brought me a lot of comedy from when she walked into Lisa's house with that awful hair style... to when she was singing in her home studio sounding quite awful... to when her daughter said she didn't want her mother to marry the man with 6 kids... pure comedy.

But by far the best part of the first episode was the obviously scripted fight between She by Sheree and her alleged party planner. This woman has no job or career but has more parties than anyone in Atlanta... I wonder are these rent parties? Remember the fashion show with no fashions... how dreadful. The fight while fake was quite funny... especially when the planner tells She by Sheree that her mother is a bitch too...

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what the writers and producers have in store this season. It will be interesting if the She by Sheree and NeNe truce lasts and if Kim finds a friend after what seems like everyone ganging up on her.

Oh Morehouse...

I was quite surprised to be reading the paper online and see that Morehouse College was graduating its first white valedictorian in its 141 years of existence. Joshua Packwood grew up in a poor neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri and told CNN that he had attended a predominantly black high school, and that trouble within his own family led him to live for a time with the family of a black friend. Joshua turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend Morehouse because he had become interested in African-American studies. He said his experience at the college had been overwhelmingly good, and CNN described him as popular among his classmates. However this post isn't about Joshua and how some people didn't feel it was right that a person who earned and maintained a 4.o should be valedictorian because of his race at the historically black college...


This post is about yet another surprising article I was sent this week. The LA Times' article Morehouse College faces its own bias -- against gays, was quite a surprise to me because while recently living in Atlanta I had began to think that the school was finally becoming more progressive in its thinking. Especially with the number of gay students that attend Morehouse. To me it began to become a joke any young college student I met when I first moved back to Atlanta whether it was at the park, at a club, at the mall or online they were all students at Morehouse. Even my neighbor that I blogged about a couple times was a gay student at Morehouse.


Anyway this article by Richard Fausset asks the question can a gay man be a Morehouse Man?

No Words: Ride MARTA... It's SMARTA

An Extended Weekend

Wednesday, January 23, 2008... back to work and tired. This past weekend was full of activity from flying Delta... to hanging out with friends... meeting new people... and trying to at least see some of my old friends in ATL.

Three from Jersey, me from DC, the three ATLiens, and our Iraqi transplant made it a full weekend even though we only hit up 2 house parties and 2 clubs it seems as if we were going nonstop. Friday we hit up Trademark at the former Palace. Due to the abnormal cold weather we skipped the general admin line, for the VIP line which we were told as we got in it would be $20 admission. Two minutes later as we stood at the cashier we were told ummm no $25.

So while waiting for some drag queen waitress (sorry if that isn't the proper term) to bring back some drinks for my friends... this attractive short guy that I will call Esquire grabbed my attention, we talked for a few, exchanged numbers and decided to meet up later in the weekend. After several hours of dancing, drinking, and sweating... we decided to bounce hit Checkers and call it a night.

The club promoters gouging the kids for all their leftover holiday money left a bad taste in our mouths and prompted us to skip going out Saturday and just check out a house party or 2. When we finally made it to subdivision where the first party was located it was quick to see this is where everyone was.... cars were parked everywhere. When we made it to the door... we were told no more people could go in because it was crowded. I informed the doorman I was an invited guest and threw out the name of one of the residents and me and the crew walked in. As soon as the door opened I realized the party wasn't crowded. It was absolutely crazy. There had to be at least 400 people in this house. No Way in Hell I would ever have that many people in my house!! Ever!! We were there less than 30 minutes when the cops came and put everyone out... just in the nick of a time seeing a fight was about to ensue right in front of where we were standing. So with the help of some queen with an annoyingly screechy voice we all flooded out of the house and off to the next party. We never made it because the party was in a new subdivision that even GPS couldn't find.

Sunday we went to see DJ Sedrick the District House Mutha at Club Europe. That is where I met Baller... a mid 30s ex pro athlete. Our eyes met when we first walked in but I like to check people out and see how they act and interact with others before speaking. As I exited the restroom after what had to be my third drink... Baller grabbed my arm and struck up a conversation. Exchanged numbers with the promises to get up later the next day... which never materialized but I did get a phone call explaining why which at least showed he was considerate of my time.

Monday was a pretty chill day... tried to visit a couple friends and lunch out with my boys I came to hang out with. Something told me to check my email before I started packing for my 6am flight the next morning to see... Delta cancelled my flight and others due to weather (mind you there was no bad weather out) and rescheduled me on an 8pm flight that evening. How you go from a 6am to 8pm I still haven't figured out but after talking to two CSRs I was finally rebooked on the 220pm. The delay in flight was a good thing it allowed me to have more time with Baller and Esquire. But while I love ATL and enjoy my friends... I was ready to get back to DC, my own bed and my own bathroom... always good to be on the go but even better to be able to go home!!

Off to spend 4 days in the A with my boys... partying, hanging out and of course remembering the dream. I am sure I will have something interesting to post about on Tuesday when I return to DC.

Other MLK weekend posts:

Welcome Back to Atlanta

Is It Time for the Gay Pride Travel Tour Already?

Holidays in Atlanta

So with so much time on my hand and not as much money in my pocket I decided to drive down to Atlanta, instead of flying and renting a car once there. I couldn't find a flight for uner $350 and renting a car would have been at least another $120 for the week. So seeing I spent less than $200 on gas I think I came out ahead.

I spent a lot of time with my mom and extended family, Wednesday and Thursday. While the dinner wasn't all that great, talking to my grandfather's brother and sister and learning more about their parents and childhood was worth the 8.5 hour drive. I am not all that close to my family but it is so funny to sit back and watch how they share so many of the same characteristics and habits.

Thursday night was spent working and schmoozing at the Ryan Cameron Foundation's 16th Celebrity Bowling Challenge. So many of Atlanta's music and entertainment community came out to support and raise money for the foundation, I only wished I would have watched a good week of Rap City before going. The event went from 8pm until 3 in the morning... and as soon as I thought I was going to cut out early to meet my friends at the bar in comes ubersexy, music producer Polow the Don... which prompted me to stay a little longer. The YoungBloodz were there, as well as many others including Young Joc or Young Dro or some youngin. I really miss my RCF fam, we always have a good time when we are actually working the event.

On my way back to my cousin's house, I stopped by to visit with my boy, Mr. Valentino of ATL. Definitely good seeing him, even if I was forced to watch the Beyonce Experience (just joking). He is definitely one of the few friends I miss in Atlanta.

Friday, I totally avoided any store, mall, or shopping experience. Watching the madness on TV and experiencing it last year was more than enough for me. Besides the only thing I need is a new TV for my living room and I can't afford the 42" LCD right now so that will have to wait. Friday night my crew reunited for food, drinks and a lot of partying at the Palace. Aaaah fun times for sure... can't wait until the rest of the fam from Jersey and Baghdad reunite MLK weekend.

Saturday I hit it back up 85/95 north to avoid the traffic and get home to my own bed. I love visiting and traveling but there is nothing like going home... all in all good times.

When Ministers Make Too Much...

Growing up the grandchild of a minster, I always saw the issues that came along with being a minister and money. My grandfather rarely bought brand new luxury cars, never wore designer suits, and never bought a lavish estate... instead he chose to accept a modest stipend from the church and hold a full time job. As did my grandmother. I will never forget when my grandmother got her new Honda Accord, the Amen corner had comments about church spending.

It wasn't until I got older and went into the world that I saw ministers with extravagant estates and new model extreme luxury cars. I always wondered how they justified these lifestyles. I personally think ministers should get a full salary and depending on the needs of their ministry a car as well. But when people within your flock are struggling to keep their lights on there has to be some form of consideration.

Well it seems as if Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has the same questions. He recently sent letters requesting detailed financial documents to metro Atlanta preachers, Eddie Long and Creflo Dollar, and four other ministries nationwide whose leaders are known for opulent, or as the ministers would say, blessed, lifestyles. In 2005 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story that looked into Eddie Long's founding of a charity that paid the minister more than $3 million over a 3-year period, bought him a $1.4 million house and paid for the use of a $350,000 Bentley car. Long plans to fully comply with the Senate's request, and has stated his church has "several safeguards'' to ensure transactions comply with laws governing churches.

Grassley's letter to Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga. asks for records on private planes, board makeup, compensation and donations and "love offerings'' to visiting ministers. In a statement, Dollar called his ministry an "open book'' and said he would cooperate. He also questioned whether the investigation could ``affect the privacy of every community church in America.''

It will definitely be interesting to see where this goes. Will churches begin questioning the lifestyles of their ministers and decisions of their elders and trustees?

UPDATE: Creflo Dollar speaks out about this to CBS Morning News.

Finally...

The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that Genarlow Wilson's 10-year prison sentence for having consensual oral sex with a fellow teenager is cruel and unusual, and has ordered him released from prison.

The state's highest court reached the decision today after a split 4-to-3 vote. Wilson was convicted of aggravated child molestation following a 2003 New Year's Eve party at a Douglas County motel room where he was videotaped having oral sex with a 15-year-old girl. Wilson was 17 at the time. He was also charged with raping another 17-year-old girl at the party but a jury acquitted him.

Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears wrote in the majority opinion saying the changes in the law "represent a seismic shift in the legislature's view of the gravity of oral sex between two willing teenage participants.'' Sears says the severe punishment makes "no measurable contribution to acceptable goals of punishment'' and that Wilson's crime did not rise to the ``level of adults who prey on children.''

“We thank You for his parents, who would not surrender in the face of tyranny,” Jesse Jackson said. “Now its morning time, and we feel a sense of joy that it’s morning time. We’ve endured the crucifixion, and now we see the stone is rolling away.”

Genarlow walked out of the prison a little after 5pm today to his awaiting mother and $9000 in scholarship money from Georgia Lawmakers and the Rainbow/PUSH organization.

5 Things I will Miss About ATL: #5 My Friends

I totally believe that your friends are the family you get to choose. I also believe that my friends either compliment something I like about myself or would like for myself. Whether it is their sense of style, infectious sense of humor, ability to take nothing too seriously or their ivy league education... each of my friends has something unique they bring to our friendship.

I spend alot of time on the weekends with my friends. Whether it is bouncing from house party to house party... having lunch... or just hanging around the house or pool, we can usually be found together on the weekends at some point. Occassionaly through the week we get together for dinner or if something good is coming on TV, we are together laughing it up with a drink in hand.

There is Tracee, Farod, DJ, Rocky, Damian, Larry,and a few others. These are my boys and my girl, and I will miss spending the weekends and several days through the week with them. After a very difficult 2006, these guys made my 2007 so far so much better.


But an occasional trip back to the A, will get me through.

Welcome to the A

Once again it is my honor to welcome all to Atlanta's Annual Black Pride Celebration. By the emails, phone calls, and online messages I see that this will be yet again a well attended event... and as a Georgia resident for yet a few more days we welcome you and your tax dollars to Hotlanta.

However on behalf of Shirley Franklin and the police chiefs of Fulton County PD, DeKalb County PD, and Atlanta City Police lets go over some ground rules:

• Stealing from Lenox Mall will have you arrested and embarrased. A friend that manages a store there has already told me that some punk was arressted for trying to steal from Neimans this past weekend... and instead of the side door they took him right out the front entrance... what a gag.
  


• Leave the Str8s alone. For some reason they often forget or want to pretend to forget that it is gay pride, then walk around the mall trying to figure out why the mall is gayer than usual. (if that is even possible)
  


• When hanging out in Piedmont Park on Sunday.... please remember the park closes at dusk and there is no restroom or exit in the bushes behind the tennis courts.

I feel it is my duty to remind you again this year, on Monday (Tuesday if you just must) we ask that you pack your bags and take only what you brought with you or have receipts for and go home… Atlanta is currently at its homo resident limit and currently way over our traffic capacities, so no new residents at this time!!

But on the real tip enjoy your Labor Day weekend everyone whether you are here in ATL, Miami or wherever.

5 Things I Will Miss About ATL: #4 Being in the South

The fourth thing I will be missing about being in Atlanta, is also one thing I won't miss. And that is being in the south. There are some aspects of being in the south I love and there are others that I could definitely do without.

I will definitely miss being driving distance to my mother. Out of my entire family my mother is the person I am closest to. Being an only child to a single mother, kind of requires that. While there are aspects of my life that are not discussed, she is the only person in my family that really knows me.

I will also miss being close to my Alma mater, Auburn University. Auburn was a great time for me. Of course I learned a lot I walked away with 2 degrees in 4 years, but more importantly I learned so much about myself and relationships as well. Before attending I was quite nervous about going to a predominately white college in the middle of nowhere in Alabama. But the very first time my mother drove me on to the campus... I knew this was going to be home.

Being in the south has a few perks... but the slow fullness, segregation and lack of diversity are things that make moving north worth it.

5 Things I Will Miss About ATL: #3 The Nightlife

Atlanta's night life is by far not the most idealic, however it is probably one of the best out there right now.

Whether you are looking for the gay, straight, or mixed crowd... Atlanta has what alot of other cities doesn't have and that is options. Sunday through Saturday there is always a spot open to go to. On Sunday alone there are three different gay clubs open... Friday and Saturday there are four. And for these options... I will miss the Atlanta nightlife.

I'm Feeling a Tammy Faye Cry Coming On

Well Fox 5 here in Atlanta reported last night that the good Bishop Thomas Weeks but a public beating on his wife, Juanita Bynum recently. Weeks described as a 'bishop, prophet, conference host, and highly sought after motivational speaker' was still being sought after by Police at the time of the newscast.

Weeks and Bynum are the leaders of the Global Destiny ministry which has churches in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, London and here in Atlanta. As well as a huge television and online following at www.bishopweeks.com .

While of course there are three sides to every story... Juanita's is quite a sad and salicous story. According to Fox 5

ATLANTA (FOX 5) -- Atlanta police said Wednesday that well-known television minister, Juanita Bynum, became the victim of domestic abuse after her husband savagely beat her in a hotel parking lot Tuesday night.

A relative of Reverend Bynum told FOX 5 News that the Reverend Bynum and her husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks, are in the middle of a separation.The relative said the two agreed to meet Tuesday night in the dining room of the Renaissance Hotel near Hartsfield-Jackson airport.The meeting reportedly did not go well and ended with Bishop Weeks leaving abruptly. The relative said Reverend Bynum followed him to the parking lot where the two exchanged words.

According to an Atlanta Police Department report, that's when Weeks allegedly attacked her. In a statement to police, Reverend Bynum said her husband, Thomas Weeks, "choked her, pushed her down, kicked her and stomped her in the Renaissance parking lot." Ronald Campbell of the APD said a bellhop at the hotel saw the attack, intervened and stopped it.

Officer Campbell said Reverend Bynum suffered multiple bruises and swelling and
required hospitalization.

Don't know about you guys but for some reason I am feeling a tearful, apologetic, "I've Sinned Against the Lawd" sermon coming this Sunday.



You better preach gurl!!

5 Things I Will Miss About ATL: #2 Phipps Plaza

Directly across the street from the overpopulated Lenox Mall (thanks MARTA!!) is a less visited jewel to Atlanta... Phipps Plaza. Phipps sits less than a mile from my house and I can be found there a couple times a month.

Whether it is a Saturday afternoon and I want to catch a movie away from the masses... or a Sunday afternoon and I want to see what my favorite stores Theory, CoOp, and Sisley have in. I always feel I can shop or browse (which I do most often) without running into 100 homos and College Park's finest. It is a rare occasion when I can remember being in one of the stores with more than 8 other people at the same time.

Phipps was also the first time I got to see Janet Jackson, Faith and T.I. up close and personal. I will definitely miss my lil shopping haven.

5 Things I will Miss About ATL: #1 Elizabeth Baptist Church

I can't remember a time growing up when church wasn't a constant. There was always two services on Sunday and bible class on Wednesday. Vacation Bible School every summer and once I was a teenager there were the weeklong camps held at universities across the country.

During college my attendence dwindled, but it wasn't until I was an adult when I realized how important spiritual fullfilment was to my life. I discovered this with the help of Metropolitan Baptist Church, which I am excited to finally be returning to.

But after visiting countless churches here in Atlanta, it was only Elizabeth Baptist Church that fed my soul and not only had me eager to return, but had me telling everyone about it. It is truly a unique worshiping experience. It is everything that I enjoy... a good message, uplifting singing (even from the Mens Choir... which tend to be dull and boring), and a timely service. But the thing that suprises me the most about the multigenerational EBC, is how the service and church are led by quite a youthful staff. Craig L. Oliver the pastor is in his mid 30s, and the ministerial staff that I have had the opportunity to see when Oliver was away have all been in their early 20s. When I asked one of the elder members I sat next to one Sunday, she simplied replied "it is a beautiful thing to see the young folks so active nowdays". Inspring as well, if you ask me.

For anyone looking for a church experience, I highly recommend checking this church out. You can watch the services live or On Demand at Streamingfaith.com. It will definitely be apart of any of my weekend trips to ATL.

GoGo'n Home

My return to Atlanta has been filled with many ups and downs. This past year and some months have definitely been a learning experience about myself, my strength, and my faith in God.

For those who have no clue to what I am talking about you may want to pause here and go back and read this entry from New Years Eve. (reference: Lessons Learned in 2006)

In June, I was approached about a management level position in my field that would afford me all the opportunity and challenges my current position seriously lacks. On August 1st, after a couple interviews and several conversations with my 4 trusted voices (my 2 bestfriends Karlo and Rey, my attorney and friend Cyn, & my colleague and good friend, Micah) I decided to take this position which will require me to return to DC. While I am disheartened that I didn't get the opportunity to accomplish all of the things I had hoped and dreamed for my time in Atlanta... I am looking forward to my return to the Nation's Capital, to my friends, to those last minute trips to NYC, and the new opportunities and challenges before me.

One month from today I embark on a new career voyage... Keep me and my decisions in your thoughts and prayers because I am go go'n home.

The Messiah comes to Atlanta

Come out and support my friend Lee Hayes with the release of his new book:

Wednesday, July 25, 8:00 p.m.
Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse
991 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30309

Saturday, July 28, 5:00 -7:30 PM
THE OFFICIAL ATLANTA BOOK RELEASE PARTY
Utopia
840 Marietta St, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318


Gabriel Kaine is working furiously to revive his stalled reporting career. Years ago, he got his first big break by investigating murders committed by a killer known as the Messiah. But when the Messiah vanished from the public six months ago, Gabriel's success hit a downward slope. Now the Messiah has returned, and no one is safe from his evil.

Desperate to bring this man to justice and to reap the professional reward for uncovering the final truth, Gabriel teams up with Jazz McKinney, the only known survivor of an encounter with the Messiah who was freed by the killer so he could warn others of the Messiah's impending return. But as Gabriel and Jazz come closer to discovering the Messiah's identity, Gabriel realizes all the evidence points to Dr. Garrett Lord - a respected doctor - and Gabriel's lover. The personal stakes have never been higher, and readers will be on the edge of their seats to see what awful truths are uncovered in this tale of misguided passion, deadly secrets, and thrilling danger.

Washington, D.C., resident Hayes is currently at work on an anthology of erotic stories focusing on the unique lives of gay African-American men. To find out more about the author and his work, visit his web site http://www.leehayes.info/ .

Weekend Wrapup

I don't even know where to begin. But this weekend... actually this past week has been quite busy and quite eventful. The last two weeks me and my close friends here have been focused on our friend JB, that left Sunday afternoon on his way to Baghdad, Iraq to work as a contractor in the Green Zone. So since it was our last time hanging out till New Years... we have been partying and hanging hard for the past two weeks.

Friday night the plan was to venture out to a party at the Loft and then on to Towers 2... however we unfortunately never made it to the Loft cause we had a very unfortunate accident in my Montero. After a little crying on Spring Street (maybe that was just me), we eventually pulled it together and made it to Towers. After a few drinks, a lot of sweating on the dance floor... we closed the club, got a lil chicken and hit it home. Of course I avoided looking at the back of my truck... a few phone calls later to Geico and Atlanta Police... I finally got in bed around 7 am.

Saturday we had an afternoon cookout by the pool for JB. An intimate crowd allowed people to really let go and have fun... of course the bar by the pool had no less than 20 bottles which helped as well. I was quite surprised that everyone except a five people got into the pool. Some even left and came back in swim gear, because they were surprised people were actually swimming at a pool party. I invited Monet to come to the party and he showed up right on time, ready for the pool. After pulling me into the pool, fully clothed, he then began to strip me down to my swim trunks that I was having second thoughts about already. But he definitely made it up to me as we then swam around the pool in each others arms kissing and carrying on. At the time I didn't know exactly how so... but Roddy made sure he got it on video. (mental note seek and destroy that damn video)

After hours of drinking and swimming... the party continued inside. More alcohol... some herbal refreshments... led the kids to reenact the Destiny's Child Farewell Concert. As me and a new friend stood out on the patio talking about our childhood's in Texas and new lifes here in Atlanta we could do nothing but laugh because we were definitely getting a comedy show inside. We eventually made it to an all white party in Midtown... but we were so drained from the days activities that we really couldn't enjoy it and left not long after getting there, all going in our own directions... let's say Monet is a true masterpiece up close and personal.

Sunday was very chill... I spent some time with Roddy and JB before he left for the airport and the rest of the day in bed watching Fame and dozing in and out of sleep. A very eventful weekend and sad at the same time... Montero is bruised and damaged. JB is gone till New Years.

Why R. Kelly Needs to Go to Court...

Back into 2003, Genarlow Wilson, a former high school football star who became a national symbol for the extremes of getting tough on sex offenders, was sentenced to 10 years in jail from receiving oral sex from a 15 year old when he was only 17. Well yesterday a judge ordered Wilson to be released and called his mandatory 10-year sentence for consensual teen sex and his future listing on the child sex offender list "a grave miscarriage of justice." Wilson, the once homecoming king of his school, has served more than two years of a mandatory 10-year sentence for aggravated child molestation, was captured on videotape having consensual oral sex with the 15-year-old girl in 2003. (sound familiar)

Unfortunately for Genarlow and his family and friends, Georgia's attorney general announced he would appeal, a move that will keep the honor student behind bars for now and possibly for a few more months.

Since his imprisonment, his family and supporters have had a new law passed called the "Romeo and Juliet" law. This new Georgia law would have allowed him to avoid the sex offender registry and only face one year of jail time. While some supporters, including former President Jimmy Carter, have said it raised questions about race and the criminal justice system. Opponents of Wilson's release said it could open a floodgate for other cases. Georgia prisons currently hold 189 inmates who were sentenced for aggravated child molestation when they were 21 or younger. Of those, 56 percent were white and 44 percent black, state figures show.

"If this court or any court cannot recognize the injustice of what has occurred here, then our court system has lost sight of the goal our judicial system has always strived to accomplish ... justice being served in a fair and equal manner,"Judge Thomas H. Wilson wrote, who is no relation to Genarlow Wilson.

While Genarlow has spent 2 years for being a minor having sex with a minor, our dear friend R. Pissy celebrates 5 years of being free last week. It was five years ago today that a Cook County grand jury indicted R&B superstar R. Kelly on 21 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself engaging in sex acts with an underage girl. The girl, who allegedly was 14 years old when the tape of her and Kelly was made, will celebrate her 23rd birthday in September. In those 5 years, Michael Jackson was charged, tried and acquitted of child molestation charges; Martha Stewart was charged, tried, convicted and served her sentence; and Lil Kim also was convicted, served her sentence and shot a reality TV show about her ordeal for BET.

"It's ridiculous that it has taken five years to get to trial," said New England School of Law Professor Wendy Murphy. "There's no excuse for it. But this is a tried-and-true tactic when it comes to sex-crimes cases: 'victory by delay.' Witnesses end up moving away. They die. You tend to see a lot of delays for defendants who are wealthy. You don't tend to see a lot of delays when the defendant is a poor kid from the inner city."

Too bad for the Genarlow Wilsons of the world because there is truly two judicial systems in the world.

Another Church Experience...

I know I haven't blogged recently about my church experiences but don't take that as me being a total heathen. Since first blogging about my experience at Elizabeth Baptist Church in the Cascades area of Atlanta, I have been attending faithfully. And telling all of my friends about how moving and spiritually uplifting the services have been for me.

Unlike some ministers, Pastor Craig Oliver delivers his message in a bible study format. He tends to pull the message from one chapter instead of how others crisscross the bible piecing together verses from one book to the next to fit the message they are trying to deliver. Over the past two Sundays, four friends have attended with me and all have agreed to return the next week with me. And each time the message has moved my friends to tears. Don't you just love it when the message hits you!!

Two weeks ago while the Pastor was ministering in California, Elizabeth featured a early 20something speaker who attends the church. Being new to EBC I can't remember his name but it was good to see the church embrace their younger members and allow them to use their gifts. By the way his message was just as powerful as Oliver's usually are.

The church has three services on Sunday, 7:30am, 9:30am and one at 12noon. While my church tour of Atlanta hasn't ended... I am definitely going to pause and continue to enjoy Elizabeth a little while longer.