Marco McMillian's Family asks for the Justice Department to assist in the Investigation

The autopsy of Mississippi mayoral candidate Marco McMillian has led to more questions. His family doesn't think enough is being done, so they held a press conference hoping for the Justice Department to get involved

FAMU wants to dismiss Robert Champion's Hazing Death Case

Shame on you, FAMU!

Their attorneys are trying to get the Robert Champion's civil lawsuit dismissed from court. Robert was the gay FAMU student/drum major who was killed in a hazing incident from his fellow band mates.

FAMU's attorneys claim that Robert knew what he was getting into and was a willing participant. So, I guess he knew he was going to die? Please, this is a terrible reason to dismiss the case.

Here's some more info:

University attorney Richard Mitchell said Champion wasn’t forced to board a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel where the hazing took place, and he had risen through the ranks of the famed Marching 100 band without taking part in hazing until that fateful night in November 2011. 

Champion’s willingness to take part in the hazing ritual gives the university immunity from the wrongful death lawsuit, Mitchell said. 

“Robert Champion knew exactly what he was doing,” he said.

I can't believe they are sticking with this statement. It's like they're saying he knew he was going to die, so it's okay. And knowing that Robert was given additional hazing because he was gay really disturbs me. I guess he knew that too, attorneys.

Being gay and in the marching band, clearly set Robert up for an early death.

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The First Woman Astronaut revealed to be a Lesbian

The world was shocked to hear of the death of Sally Ride, the 1st woman astronaut. Now, we have some news that Sally was a lesbian.

The announcement puts the start of their relationship at around 1985 -- while Ride was still married to fellow astronaut Steven Hawley. Sally Ride Science spokeswoman Terry McEntee confirmed the announcement -- when asked if Ride was gay, she said, "Yes. That's true. What's on the website is true."


Ride's sister, Bear, who is also gay, told New Times Monday night that her sister never publicly revealed her sexual orientation because of a closely held commitment to her personal privacy.


"Sally was a profoundly private person. It was just part of who she was. We chalk that up to being Norwegian," Bear said. "She had a sense of 'this is family stuff.'"


But Bear said Sally didn't make any efforts to hide the relationship: "They went places together, they're in business together, they wrote books together," she said. "We consider Tam a member of the family."


But that desire for privacy, Bear said, is what kept Sally from taking a stand on gay rights.


"We all have our dreams and wishes, and that might be yours or mine, but she's just like, you probably dont know what her politics are either. It's a family matter," Bear said. "That wasn't her battle of choice -- the battle of choice was science education for kids. And I just hope that all the different components of sally's life go towards helping kids."

I understand she had her reasons. I'm glad to know she was happy in her life.

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Thor is Dead... For Now

In Marvel's Fear Itself, the powerful Thor meets his end.

But will he be back?

Interesting Quote: JK Rowling

"Funnily enough, I planned from the start that none of them would die. Then midway through, which I think is a reflection of the fact that I wasn't in a very happy place, I started thinking I might polish one of them off. Out of sheer spite. 'There, now you definitely can't have him any more. But I think in my absolute heart of heart of hearts, although I did seriously consider killing Ron, I wouldn't have done it." 

Wow, what if she actually did it? How you feel if Ron was killed?

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Steve Jobs Has Died

This news comes from Apple

Apple announced Wednesday that former Apple CEO Steve Jobs has died.

Jobs stepped down as CEO in August, saying he could no longer handle the job.

In January, Jobs, a pancreatic cancer survivor, took his second medical leave of absence in two years, raising serious questions about his health and the leadership of a company.

ABC reports:

Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, has died, Apple said. Jobs was 56. 

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement by Apple's board of directors. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts." 

The homepage of Apple's website this evening switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."

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Marcellus Richard Andrews was Taunted and Beaten to Death

I hate to close out on a sad note, but I have to post this. Marcellus Richard Andrews was beaten and taunted to death in Waterloo, Iowa.

Here is some more info from a witness:

The two women hadn't made it as far as Adams Street a block away when they heard yelling back at the house. They ran back and found a truck stopped in the street, and the occupants were taunting Andrews, calling him "faggot" and "Mercedes," a feminization of his first name, Simpson said.

The arguing and name calling continued, said Simpson, who admitted throwing the first punch, striking a girl.

"She kept saying it, and I hit her," Simpson said.

From there, the fight was on, with Nakita Wright and the others joining in, according to their account.

At some point during the scuffle, Nakita Wright felt her leg brush against something on the ground. She looked down and saw Andrews.

"I tried to help him up, and then this boy ran back and kicked him in his face," Nakita Wright said.

After the brawl ended, she tried helping Andrews to his feet. He appeared dazed. She grabbed one arm and coaxed him as she lifted. He pushed up with his other arm, but then gave up. Nakita Wright dialed 911.

He was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment.

And he died there. 

Marcellus was going to studying interior design at Hawkeye Community College and was a member of the Crusaders, a drill team.

I can't help but think about where this happened. This horrible incident happened in Iowa, where being gay is hell and folks have no problems spreading their hate around. Less than 2 weeks ago, the GOP candidates were there talking about their views on gay marriage. In some way, that energy and the hatred caused this. I know it.

My heart goes out to family of Marcellus.

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Doctor Who's Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen) has Died

Sorry to bring such bad news to Doctor Who fans, but my partner just told me that Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane) has passed away.

Here's more on the story

Elisabeth Sladen has passed away at the age of 63.

The actress is best known for portraying Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The cause of death is not yet clear.

Doctor Who Magazine tweeted: "With great sadness, DWM must report the loss of our beloved Sarah Jane, actress Elisabeth Sladen. The best of best friends. Too, too sad."

Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell said: "Very sorry to hear about Elisabeth Sladen, a great actor, special to everyone of my generation and a whole new one."

She was adored by DW fans and will be greatly missed.

Here's more info on the character of Sarah Jane

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Openly Gay author Perry Moore was found Dead

Perry Moore, an author and the executive producer of The Chronicles of Narnia film franchise and the gay super hero book, HERO, was found dead.

NY Daily News reports:

Perry Moore, 39, was found unconscious in the bathroom at about 9:30 a.m. by his partner, Hunter Hill, inside the W. Houston St. home they shared, the sources said.

"We're in shock," said the producer's father, Bill Moore, 69, adding that he just spoke to his son the night before.

"He was in a great, great mood," he said. "No one was expecting this."

Moore - who with beau Hill wrote and directed "Lake City," starring Sissy Spacek and Rebecca Romijn - was pronounced dead shortly after responders arrived. The exact cause of death has not been determined, but sources said it appeared to be an overdose of OxyContin.

"We're so sad," said his father. "He's been able to reach out and touch a lot of people.

My heart goes out to his family and partner

I Know who Dies in Fantastic Four 587 *SPOILER ALERT*

I was right, it is JOHNNY aka the Human Torch! AP reports:

It's a Fantastic Four farewell with the revelation Tuesday of who among them has been selected to be written out of the super hero team.

While Marvel Entertainment has made no secret that a member of the quartet, which was introduced in August 1961, would die, exactly who among the group would fall has been a closely held secret, until the release of issue No. 587.

It's the Human Torch, leaving teammates Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman and the Thing to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Fifty years after cosmic rays transformed him into a man ablaze, the Human Torch will burn no more as the pop culture purveyor of super heroes and villains embarks on an ambitious story line that ends the Fantastic Four.

In the newest issue of one of the company's longest-running comic books, Johnny Storm's life is taken amid a massive battle that writer Jonathan Hickman has been scripting for a year-and-half. Illustrator Steve Epting did the art.

I knew it! I knew it! 

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First Look: The Final Issue of The Fantastic Four!

Really? What will it become? Who will die?

Teena Marie Has Died

Y'all this hurts so much. I love Teena, I can't express what this woman means to me. I have been a fan for many years. Her work is so passionate, raw, emotional, creative and pure genius. I was very lucky to see her live in NYC, her voice was on point and her performance just gave me life.

There are few artists that moves me, Teena took me many places. She will be greatly, greatly missed.

Here's more on her death

Teena Marie, a celebrated R&B singer-songwriter, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said. 


Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.

Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.
"Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body," said Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a broadcasting company that targets African-American and urban listeners. "I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time."

I will miss you, Lady T!

One of the Fantastic Four dies in issue 587

Yes, one of the classic team members eats dirt in upcoming issue.

The Fantastic Four — superheroes whose creation nearly 50 years ago helped usher in the Silver Age of comics for Marvel — is about to become a trio.

Marvel Comics said Wednesday that a member of the foursome — Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing — will die in issue No. 587 next month, a change that the company said will ripple across the Marvel Universe like never before.
But who will die? That's a secret protected with more might than the Incredible Hulk and Sentry possess, but executive editor Tom Brevoort, who oversees the comic book, says plenty of clues have been offered during the course of writer Jonathan Hickman's run, including the current "Three" story line.

"I think we've given plenty of hints as to who may die — perhaps too many, in that every one of our lead characters is left in a dire, life-threatening situation the month before," Brevoort told The Associated Press. "So, hopefully, that will help to heighten the suspense, while preserving the surprise as to which member doesn't make it out alive."
Marvel is taking no chances in trying to contain that secret like it were the wish-granting Cosmic Cube itself.

Readers will find out for themselves when "Fantastic Four" No. 587 is released in January, though it'll be wrapped in a black polybag designed to keep snoops from finding out and spilling the news.

I think it's Johnny (Human Torch)

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Interesting Quote: Anthony Steward Head (Spoiler Alert)

It's obviously sad because it's the end of a great character, but the thing we love about Joss is his ability to tell great stories and the fact that he never shies away from haunting and impactful twists in his plotlines; the death of Joyce in the TV series gave rise to a catalogue of brilliant stories. Ripper R.I.P .  

Read the latest Buffy comic... Giles is dead.

WATCH Mitrice Richardson's Mother speaks at her memorial

This is from Mitrice Richardson's vigil last week.


We hope to find justice for Mitrice.


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The Wrongful Death of DeFarra Gaymon

I'm late on this so I apologize...

Weeks ago DeFarra Gaymon was shot by Officer Edward Esposito in Newark's Branch Brook Park during an undercover investigation of a sex ring.

Here's the story:

Esposito shot 48-year-old DeFarra Gaymon on July 16, at about 6 p.m. after approaching the undercover detective while masturbating and soliciting sex, authorities said.

Esposito was patrolling the park with another officer as part of a sheriff's detail to curtail public sex in the park, sheriff's officials have said. Gaymon, who was unarmed, "appeared to panic" when Esposito showed his badge, authorities have said.

Gaymon shoved the officer to the ground and threatened to kill him, according to Essex County Acting Prosecutor Robert Laurino, citing the officer's statement to investigators. Prosecutors have said that there were no witnesses to the shooting.

Gaymon, who grew up in Montclair, graduated from Montclair High School and was married with four children, had driven to New Jersey from his home in Georgia to attend his high school’s 30th reunion. He had planned the event, which was to take place later that evening.

His sister, Kelly Gaymon Armstrong, has disputed the officer's version of events. "I do not believe that story. Not one bit. That is not my brother's character," she said.

Gaymon was shot once in the stomach and died at University Hospital at 9 p.m. He was buried in South Carolina on Saturday. Several family members are expected to travel to New Jersey this week to speak to investigators.

As you can imagine, this shook up Gaymon's family as well as the LGBT community in Newark. Now the authorities have suspended the undercover patrol.

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said this on Friday:

"We’ve temporarily suspended the undercover operation there, but we're increasing uniformed patrol at Branch Brook," he said. "It's on hold for now. We're looking to tweak it and make some adjustments." Fontoura declined to specify any specific changes regarding the operation — which cracks down on public lewdness and sexual activity at Newark's Branch Brook Park and South Mountain Reservation — but said, "there will be a full review."

Gaymon’s family want the FBI to get involved and Garden State Equality are also speaking out on the matter, saying:

"targeting gay men or LGBT people specifically, or anyone perceived as such, is unconscionable — and as we strongly believe, illegal."

As the story unfolds, I 'm sure it will bring out more on DeFarra's life. I hope his family is ready for this. My heart goes out to them.

Brittany Murphy's husband has died

Wow!

The husband of actress Brittany Murphy was found dead Sunday night at his home in the Hollywood Hills, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Screenwriter Simon Monjack died at the home in the 1800 block of Rising Glen Road, just five months after the death of his wife, according to Sgt. Louie Lozano. The cause of death was unknown late Sunday night.

"We have detectives at scene," Lozano said. "They are conducting their investigation. Once we have further information, we will provide it."

More to come

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Frank Frazetta has Died

Frank Frazetta, man who created the most beautiful, sexual and fantastic art died yesterday.

Here's some info on this great artist.

Mr. Frazetta was a versatile and prolific comic book artist who, in the 1940s and ’50s, drew for comic strips like Al Capp’s “Lil’ Abner” and comic books like “Famous Funnies,” for which he contributed a series of covers depicting the futuristic adventurer Buck Rogers.

A satirical advertisement Mr. Frazetta drew for Mad earned him his first Hollywood job, the movie poster for “What’s New Pussycat?” (1965), a sex farce written by Woody Allen that starred Peter Sellers. In 1983 he collaborated with the director Ralph Bakshi to produce the animated film “Fire and Ice.”

His most prominent work, however, was on the cover of book jackets, where his signature images were of strikingly fierce, hard-bodied heroes and bosomy, callipygian damsels in distress. In 1966, his cover of “Conan the Adventurer,” a collection of four fantasy short stories written by Robert E. Howard and L. Sprague de Camp, depicted a brawny long-haired warrior standing in repose on top of a pile of skeletons and other detritus, his sword thrust downward into the mound, an apparently naked young woman lying at his feet, hugging his ankle.

I loved his work. He was be missed.
Please check out his art here

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Hey God, there's a Million Folks praying for Obama's death... How do you feel about that?

This is a hot ass mess.

A Facebook page, praying for Obama's death, has over a million followers. How Christian like!

A Facebook group accused of "praying" for the death of President Barack Obama has raised controversy online, with many calling for Facebook to remove the group as "offensive speech."

The group, which lists its location as "Marysville, OH, 43040," currently has over 1 million members--Facebook users who say they "like" the group. It includes an album of anti-Obama imagery uploaded by the group's members--what Facebook labels "fan photos--that show the president against a communist flag, juxtaposed with insulting and derisive captions, or even a cartoon "associating Obama to Hitler."

There's another page asking Facebook to remove the 'prayer', they have over 650, 000 followers. If you ask me, the whole thing is a mess. I expect this behavior in Myspace, not Facebook.

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Dorothy Height, One of the leading voices of the Civil Rights Movement has Died

The great Dorothy Height has died. She was 98 years old.

Dorothy was a very strong voice in the civil rights movement and an icon to many of us.

Height, whose activism on behalf of women and minorities dated to the New Deal, led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years. She continued actively speaking out into her 90s, often getting rousing ovations at events around Washington, where she was immediately recognized by the bright, colorful hats she almost always wore.

She died at Howard University Hospital, where she had been in serious condition for weeks.

In a statement, President Barack Obama called her ''the godmother of the civil rights movement'' and a hero to Americans.

''Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality ... and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement -- witnessing every march and milestone along the way,'' Obama said.

Dorothy was also a strong LGBT supporter

Height, chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women (in a photo here by Michael Collopy), has a history of supporting LGBT rights. For instance, Height and her friend Coretta Scott King, widow of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, were among those LGBT allies who worked the halls of Congress in 1996 with Elizabeth Birch, then-president of the Human Rights Campaign, when the Employment Non-Discrimination Act faced its first vote on the Senate floor. Vice President Al Gore was on standby to cast the deciding vote if necessary – but the Senate rejected ENDA 50-49.

She has accomplish so much and will be greatly missed.

For more of the story, please go here