On The Show: Is The Occupy Movement Dead?

With Kelly Mears, spokesperson for the Occupy DC Movement

The Occupy movement has fallen out of the news - is the movement dead, or will it come roaring back to put its stamp on the 2012 Presidential Election?

Kelly Mears, Occupy DC spokesperson joins Pat to discuss the movement, where it's been and where it's going.

Why We Love Melissa Harris-Perry

Melissa Harris-Perry Talks MSNBC Show, Stereotypes Of Black Women On 'Colbert Report'

On The Show: Can Obama Revive His 2008 Magic?

With Rashad Richey, Political Director, Democratic Party of Georgia

As the year comes to an end, and the Republican Presidential field narrows, Press Pause wants to know whether or not the Obama Administration can get the ole 2008 magic back to ensure the re-election of President Obama. Rashad Richey, the Political Director for the Georgia Democratic Party will join Pat in-studio to discuss what the Obama Campaign can do, and the role Georgia's voters can play!

Rashad Richey is the hard hitting host of "Community Impact", which airs every Thursday live from 3pm-4pm and special broadcasts during the week, highlighting issues that matter to our local and national communities. He can be heard on 1420 WATB, 1430 WGFS - GA, and 93.5 FM - New York. Community Impact also has a sizeable internet audience that can be viewed on futuremovementradio.net, weeradioonline.com, and watb1420.com. Rashad is a successful business owner, Political Director of the Democratic Party in Ga, Sr. Political Director for Democracy In, LLC (a political advocacy and community development firm) and a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders which is a U.S. State Department organization dedicated to the educational enhancement of international government relations.

On The Show: Can Congress' Dysfunction Be Remedied?

With Larry Bradley, Author of "Neither Liberal Nor Conservative Be"

Right on the heels of the Super-Committee budget deal failure, Congress is set to begin doing battle once again over the expiration of tax cuts, and unemployment benefits. Will millions of Americans start the New Year with less money in their paychecks because of this congress' inability to act?

Join Pat and Larry Bradley, author of "Neither Liberal Nor Conservative Be", as they discuss the ramifications of the Super Committee debacle, and what comes next as the days most important legislative issues are debated.

Tell Congress That The Clock Is Ticking!

Forced Charity Work for the Unemployed: Really?

Georgia State Senator John Albers Wants Unemployed to do Charity Work

ATLANTA (AP)- A Republican state lawmaker has prefiled legislation that would require recipients of unemployment benefits to perform community service.

The bill is sponsored by state Sen. John Albers of Roswell.

It would require residents receiving benefits to volunteer at least 24 hours per week, either paid or unpaid, for a nonprofit charitable organization. The state labor commissioner would be able to waive or alter the requirement in some cases, under the measure.

Wanna call the Senator's office and tell how you feel about this? His number is (678) 667-3656.

Read More...

Previously On The Show: What's Next for Occupy Wall Street?

With Mediator Doug Noll, Author of "Elusive Peace"

This week, the Occupy Wall Street Movement commemorated it's two-month anniversary with protests across the country and around the world, many of which escalated into violence between protestors and police. Where is it all headed? Who are the real combatants here, and how can they possibly broker a resolution?

Mediator and Attorney Douglas Noll, author of "Elusive Peace: How Modern Diplomatic Strategies Could Better Resolve World Conflicts" joins Pat to discuss the Movement, the violence, and what it means for the expanding divide between the 1% and the 99%.

On The Show: Stellar Award Winner DeWayne Woods!

Gospel Superstar

On this week's "Press Pause", Pat is joined in-studio by none other than Stellar Award winner and Gospel sensation DeWayne Woods, to learn all about his incredible music career, and his turn in a number of stage plays as an actor!

Few artists of any genre have entered the music industry with the resume of multiple Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods. Protege of famed producer Donald Lawrence, Woods has served as background vocals coordinator for some of today's biggest talent, including mega pop star Celine Dion and jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Woods was also afforded the opportunity to showcase his versatility as an artist singing lead vocals on two albums with R & B legends, Atlantic Starr. In addition to being a member of the award winning Tri-City Singers, Woods has backed some of Gospel's finest like John P. Kee, Kurt Carr, and Karen Clark-Sheard. Woods' talent as a vocal producer also opened the door for him to work with Grammy nominated producers, PAJAM, on Byron Cage's An Invitation to Worship and Live from the Apollo: Proclamation. Don't miss this show - tune in to hear him debut his new single, and to learn about the special connection he has to Pat!

Occupy Wallstreet: "I'm Not Moving!"

We are witnessing history unfold - all over America, people young and old are protesting the abuses of Wallstreet, and the financial institutions who have driven the American economy into an historically deep ditch, and left it's citizens clamoring to survive. Please spread the word about this remarkably powerful video - this is happening in OUR country.

On The Show: Attorney Mark Anthony Dissects the Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial

The "Psychic Lawyer"

On this week's "Press Pause", Pat and the crew discuss the I-85 H.O.T. mess, and weigh in on the Conrad Murray manslaughter trial, the death of Amy Winehouse and the reckless way inwhich those close to celebrities allow them to behave because of their fame. c

And - legal expert Mark Anthony the "Psychic Lawyer", who has over 25 years of experience in the court room as both prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer will explain how Michael Jackson's death may have been much more than an accident!

On The Show: Neo-Soul Songstress Angie Stone

Truly a "Rich Girl"

Tune in to Press Pause this week to hear Soul songstress Angie Stone discuss what's next in her amazing career! Angie is gearing up for the release of her sixth studio album later this year. The set will be the follow-up to 2009's 'Unexpected' and will be lead by the first single "Rich Girl."

"[The album] should be out this fall. 'Rich Girl' is the first single," Stone says. "Rich Girl" will be released this summer and the video will be directed by Stone's friend and actor Idris Elba. She adds, "That's my buddy. We're very, very, very close. We're very musically connected, and we're friends as well."

Prior to the release of the new effort, Stone will continue to focus on her first passion; acting. Tune in this Saturday to hear all about it!

On The Show: James Bell - Fighting for Equality in the Juvenile Justice Systems of America

Founder and Executive Director of the W. Haywood Burns Institute

James Bell, the Founder and Executive Director of the W. Haywood Burns Institute joins Pat on "Press Pause" this week to discuss his work and the state of the Juvenile Justice system in America.

Mr. Bell and his colleagues at the Burns Institute work with juvenile justice systems across the country to reduce the disproportionality of youth of color. Mr Bell guides the BI's Community Justice Network for Youth (CJNY), a national network of programs working successfully with young people of color. He has appeared on Nightline and the Tavis Smiley show, and co-authored the "Covenant with Black America", a national plan of action to address the primary concerns of African Americans today by Tavis Smiley. Check out "Press Pause" this week, to learn more!

"Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America"

By Melissa V. Harris-Perry

"Sister Citizen: Shame, Steretypes and Black Women in America" is the incredible new book from Melissa V. Harris-Perry. If you're wondering how good this book is, check out Pat's review below:

"Sister Citizen" is the most comprehensive look at the stereotypes plaguing black women that I've ever read. Melissa Harris-Perry proves again that she is one of America's most incredible political minds. It is remarkably academic and instructive; it uses a strong mixture of history and the present to tie together the themes it introduces. You understand within a few pages that this is not just another author's look at the long-suffering of black women in this country, it's a textbook, written by an educator who brilliantly connects the concepts in each chapter to the ones covered before it. Most importantly for me, as a black woman, I found myself reacting out loud again and again as Ms. Harris-Perry illustrated the many ways 'mis-recognition' has taken hold over the history of African Americans in this country, and the specific political impacts that have resulted. This book is an amazingly well-written, important work that should be required reading in history classes across America, and that most certainly should be gifted to as many African American women young and old, as possible.

Melissa V. Harris-Perry will be a guest on "Press Pause" this Saturday, September 24th! Her book is available now on Amazon.com, and at a bookstore near you September 20th!

On The Show: Jewel Lucien from "Motherhood The Musical"

The good, the bad....and the laundry!

Tune into this week's "Press Pause" to meet Jewel Lucien, who plays "Tasha" in "Motherhood The Musical", coming to Atlanta September 22 - November 20, 2011.

Jewel Lucien was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and has been influenced by every form of music imaginable. Her foundation is gospel music. She studied classical voice since the 7th grade, but has been a performer since the age of 5, and recording professionally since the age of 13. Jewel loves the stage and believes performing is what she was created to do - now she's bringing her beautiful voice to "Press Pause" to discuss her exciting role in the stage play produced by G Four Productions!

Stop the September 21st execution of Troy Davis!

There's just too much doubt!

(From AmnestyUsa.org) Troy Davis is set to be executed by the state of Georgia on September 21st for a crime he may not have committed.

Georgia's District Attorney Larry Chisolm has the power to stop this injustice, but has so far failed to intervene. His inaction leaves Troy's fate to be decided by the Georgia Board of Pardons & Paroles, who will hold a clemency hearing on Monday, September 19.

Davis was convicted on the basis of witness testimony - seven of the nine original witnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony. Troy has survived three previous execution dates, because people like you kept the justice system in check! Let Georgia authorities know you oppose the death penalty for Troy Davis!

NOTE: Due to high volume of supporters, if you have truoble submitting your signature, please keep trying!

Contact Georgia's District Attorney Larry Chisolm's office directly and ask him to intervene! His phone number is (912) 652-7308.

Click here to sign the petition.
Click here to see how else you can get involved.

On The Show: Melissa Harris-Perry is Coming to "Press Pause"

...and to Press Pause!

Incredible news! Melissa Harris-Perry, Author, MSNBC Contributor, and Professor of Political Science will be joining Pat and the crew at Press Pause on Saturday, September 24th at 6pm!

Melissa V. Harris-Perry is professor of political science at Tulane University, where she is founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race, and Politics in the South. She previously served on the faculties of the University of Chicago and Princeton University. She is also the author of the eagerly anticipated new book, Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America (Yale 2011) which argues that persistent harmful stereotypes-invisible to many but painfully familiar to black women-profoundly shape black women's politics, contribute to policies that treat them unfairly, and make it difficult for black women to assert their rights in the political arena. Her first book, Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought, won the 2005 W. E. B. Du Bois Book Award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists and 2005 Best Book Award from the Race and Ethnic Politics Section of the American Political Science Association. She has appeared on "Real Time With Bill Maher", is a regular guest and stand-in for Rachel on "The Rachel Maddow Show", and appeared in the film "Hip Hop vs. America II: Where Did The Love Go?". We're honored to have her on the show!

On The Show: "Motherhood the Musical Comes to Atlanta!"

...and to Press Pause!

Tune into "Press Pause", Saturday, September 17th, as Pat interviews the cast of "Motherhood the Musical", the hysterical yet poignant four-woman musical that is a must see for anyone who is, has or knows a mom. You'll discover that it's not just about motherhood - it's about you.

Motherhood the Musical will play September 22 - November 20 with shows on Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8 PM, and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets are available online now at www.woodruffcentertickets.org, by calling 404-733-4738 or at the Woodruff Center's Box Office, located at 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, 30309, Monday from 10 AM - 6 PM, Tuesday through Friday between 10 AM - 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon - 8 PM. Group discounts of 10 or more are available by contacting Jennifer Ruffner at 888-440-6662 x1 or jenruffner@comcast.net. Pat can't wait!

On The Show: Controversial 9/11 Film Maker Dylan Avery

Writer and Director of "Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup"

Tune into "Press Pause", Saturday, September 10th, as Pat interviews Dylan Avery, writer and director of "Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup.

It's as important now as it was then to understand the events of 9/11, to explore all angles and viewpoints, and to understand as a nation what we need to do to prevent it from ever happening again.