Sharing Some Informative News. Problem or Addicted Gambling Can Touch Anyone as it Did The Shooter of ‘The Worst Mass Shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. Now, a New Film of The Cover-Up… Money Machine.

Since Cat Lyon’s Reading Den is the Blog Home for lyonmediaservices.com I am sharing this important film being released and I support as a proud advocate of my problem and addicted gambling and have maintained recovery from it for 13+yrs. If you were as shocked as I was when in 2017 a 60 something shooter set his sights on concert-goers in Las Vegas in the worst mass shooting in America’s history, this film titled, MONEY MACHINE needs to be watched by everyone. It tells the HOW and The WHY in this in-depth look at this tragic event before and the cover-up after. Releases as a Theatrical In-Movie to support theaters and inform the public of this tragic aftermath on July 3rd, 2020, and purchase of tickets link is within this important post.

Author/Advocate, Cat Lyon

Sharing Our History Courtesy of CNN… What to Know About Juneteenth. Time To Stop Racism and Police Violence.

 

(CNN ) — Juneteenth could not be coming at a more fitting time.

It’s a holiday celebrated on 19 June to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

 

Today, June 19, this holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. But 155 years after the news of their emancipation finally reached slaves in Galveston, Texas, the nation is still struggling with the issues of systemic racism and injustice just as it still is in 2020.

That struggle surfaced once again in the national debate and massive Black Lives Matter protests that were sparked by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers on May 25, 2020.

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Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia mark June 19 as a state holiday or observance. Communities across the country celebrate it with food and festivities. But — despite a push by activists over the years — Juneteenth still isn’t a federal holiday. And, throughout its history, it has often been overlooked by non-black Americans.

What Juneteenth is

Juneteenth — a blending of the words June and nineteenth — is the oldest regular US celebration of the end of slavery.  It commemorates June 19, 1865: the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation.

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“In accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” Granger read to a crowd.

That day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Even after Lincoln declared all enslaved people free on paper, that hadn’t necessarily been the case in practice.

African Americans and others mark Juneteenth — also called Emancipation Day — much like the Fourth of July, with parties, picnics, and gatherings with family and friends.

Juneteenth has been celebrated informally since 1865, but Texas became the first state to make it a state holiday in 1980.

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Why people are talking about it now

For one thing, it’s right around the corner.

And on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he would hold a June 19 campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma — the site of one of the worst acts of racist violence the country has ever seen.

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In 1921, tensions between Tulsa’s black and white communities culminated in a white mob attacking black residents and burning black-owned businesses in a part of the city known as “Black Wall Street.”

Trump’s decision to hold the rally there on a day that commemorates the end of slavery was striking, given events in the aftermath of Floyd’s killing. The President has remained mostly silent on issues of systemic racism and has resisted some of the changes proposed by protesters.  Democratic lawmakers and progressives sharply criticized the move.

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Photos: The signs and art of the George Floyd protests

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George Floyd protests go international as demonstrations break out ...

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“This isn’t just a wink to white supremacists — he’s throwing them a welcome home party,” Sen. Kamala Harris tweeted.”  

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked, (and she just spins and agrees with Trumps’ LIES) on Thursday what Juneteenth meant to the President.

“The African American community is very near and dear to his heart. At these rallies he often shares the great work he has done for minority communities,” she said, citing criminal justice reform and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“He’s working on rectifying injustices … So it’s a meaningful day to him and it’s a day where he wants to share some of the progress that’s been made as we look forward and more that needs to be done,” said McEnany…

My Note: (SORRY, my feelings and opinions are? I’m not buying what McEnany or Trump are saying or preaching… When they act otherwise)…

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Another Story You May Want To Read ~ Amid Floyd protests, Juneteenth gets new renown

My Book Review For “Aiming High” By International Best Selling Author, Darren Prince. Forward Written By “Magic Johnson” Former NBA Legend.

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Darren Prince | Steered Straight

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About International Best-Selling Author, DARREN PRINCE, His Book, Career, and Giving back:

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CAREER
Darren Prince is a sports and celebrity agent who, at the age of 14, founded a mail-order company selling baseball cards and traveling around the country participating in trade shows. At the age of 20, he sold his company and became an industry leader in private autograph signings for sports and celebrity memorabilia with athletes and celebrities. A-List celebrities included Muhammad Ali, Hulk Hogan, Pele, Joe Montana, Carmen Electra, and Jenny McCarthy.

In 1995 Prince started a new venture with Prince Marketing Group (PMG), representing athletes and celebrities for marketing deals consisting of endorsements, licensing, TV, movie and book deals, autograph signings, and appearances. His first client to sign with the firm was none other than Magic Johnson. Soon after Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Dennis Rodman, Pamela Anderson, and Chevy Chase followed.

With PMG growing at an enormous pace, Prince added Scottie Pippen, Clyde Drexler, Mickey Rourke, Roy Jones Jr, Micky Ward, and the late Evel Knievel as clients over the years. The sports/entertainment industry is a small world and very competitive,” says Darren Prince, CEO of Prince Marketing Group. “Prince Marketing Group has prospered over the years by delivering out of the box thinking for clients and building relationships through the practice of good business and effective networking.”

Prince Marketing Group is currently a multi-million dollar business that has negotiated over $200 Million in deals and currently secures marketing deals, arranges signing/memorabilia appearances, commercial licensing, product endorsement, and voice-overs.

Darren is a true entrepreneur as he has been able to continuously reinvent himself and significantly grow his business over the years. He has been featured in outlets such as Your World With Neil Cavuto, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Hannity & Colmes, ESPN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, USA Today, Forbes’ Sports Money, On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Howard Stern radio, CNBC The Closing Bell and a variety of others for his marketing expertise.

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AIMING HIGH FOUNDATION:
Today Darren gives back to those who suffer from addiction. Darren Prince, International Best Selling author of his memoir “Aiming High” is a prominent sports and celebrity agent and global advocate for addiction and recovery.

As a leading authority in this recovery space, his insights have been featured in WSJ, NYT, USA Today, CNN, Fox and Friends, Tucker Carlson, and Dr. Oz. From selling his first business at 19 to building a multimillion-dollar talent agency, Darren has experienced what life is like in the celebrity world. Unfortunately, he also saw the dark reality of addiction through his own personal struggle. After over 11 years of sobriety, it’s now Darren’s mission to help others avoid and break free from addiction.

Through his new cause and the Aiming High Foundation, he has become a sought after speaker on addiction recovery and mental health. He specializes in helping high functioning addicts and at-risk executives to identify and avoid the pitfalls of addiction and especially enjoys working with teens teaching them self esteem and self-worth.

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ABOUT HIS BOOK

   

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Aiming High is the astonishing story of sports and celebrity agent Darren Prince, who battled addiction while representing some of the most iconic figures in the world. After a drug overdose, many demoralizing nights, and mornings where he couldn’t get out of bed without a prescription in hand, Darren hit rock bottom at the top–and in the process discovered the true meaning of success. The paperback and ebook now on sale and available at MyBookOrders. Now available as an audiobook and you can listen FREE with Amazon Audible Free Trial Membership!
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MY REVIEW FOR “AIMING HIGH” and EDITORIALS 

Aiming High: How a Prominent Sports and Celebrity Agent Hit Bottom at the Top
by 
Darren Prince (Goodreads Author), Kristen McGuiness, Earvin Johnson (Foreword)

 

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Catherine Townsend-Lyon‘s Review

Jun 07, 2020 


A Memoir of Addiction, Self-Discovery, and Freedom Within Recovery

Not many of us get a second chance in life after addiction. Not everyone reaches the height of the business world while having a self-imposed problem with opioids until you overdose. That is what happened to Darren Prince as he shares all in his intriguing memoir of “Aiming High.” Being a top sport and celebrity agent while representing some of the most iconic and legendary figures of our generation didn’t mean Darren was not immune from addiction either as he shares in his memoir.

Another lesson you will learn from reading Darren’s book. As a person maintaining recovery myself, I have learned that “Addiction of any kind does not Discriminate of whom it will touch”… Something Darren understands today and brave of him to share his testimony while sharing many memorable stories throughout his career as he weaves his downfall, but most important, how he fought like hell to gain his life back within recovery. He also proves we stay “sick as our secrets.” And that is part of the disease of drug addiction.

I won’t lie; it is impressive to continue working in a high-profile career and hiding a secret of drug addiction. But? The bigger you become? The harder they fall. But Darren got back up and now shares all to help others who may suffer in silence just as he had. He is a real example that if want your life back from addiction? You have to do the recovery work needed, and Darren shares it as well. The fantastic stories alone make the book a great read, but the clear message is there is HOPE after addiction, and recovery is possible for anyone.

“Aiming High” needs to be read by everyone because it has an extraordinary message of endurance, acceptance, and HOPE.

~Lyon Media Services & Literary Consulting –Catherine Lyon~

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MORE REVIEWS and EDITORIALS 

“For 17 years, Darren has worked 24/7 as my sports agent.  I’ve seen him at his worst and now at his best. Aiming High is all about the journey he took to get there, and how today he is living a spiritual life one day at a time.  Ten years ago, he asked for the blessing and now he’s become one.”

Hulk Hogan

World Wrestling Entertainment Twelve-Time Champion

“Aiming High is an amazing story of struggle, acceptance, and embracing the power of recovery.”


Chris Herren

Former NBA Player, Motivational Speaker


“Well done Darren for the release of his memoir “Aiming High”. His story of opiate addiction to sobriety while managing revered icons of our time.”

Dr. Drew

Addiction Specialist, Media Personality


Amazon ReviewS:

5-Stars!
Aiming High is an identifiable story of self will run riot, the inability to be true to oneself, and the power it took to finally deal with life on life’s terms.

Darren’s acknowledgment of what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now is so honest, courageous, and inspirational! This book needed to be written and more importantly, needs to be read!


Daniel

 

Matthew Israel‘s Review

Oct 03, 2019
5-STARS 
Read 2 times. Last read October 3, 2019.

 

MUST-READ!!!! YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!

As the opioid epidemic continues to worsen in this country, people need to learn more about it, especially if anyone close to you is battling this horrible addiction aka disease of the mind. This story is almost surreal, but shows how it can happen to anyone! This book was extremely well written. One of those rare books you won’t put down until it’s complete!

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FORWARD Written by Earvin “Magic” Johnson Former NBA Legend:


Darren and I have worked together for 24+ years. During that time, he has worked 24/7, negotiating memorabilia signings, speaking engagements, appearances, and other services. It’s an honor to write the foreword for his book.

Transitioning from being a renowned athlete to a successful businessman was not easy, and I like working with people who are trustworthy, motivated, and efficient. Darren was all of the above. After the second time working together for one of my signings, Darren told me that his parents were downstairs in the hotel lobby and asked if they could join us. Meeting Darren’s parents helped me realize how important family was to him. His business wasn’t about making money; it was about building relationships and growing extended family. He made me a part of his family, and he became a part of mine.

Two years later, Darren shared his dream to become an agent and start Prince Marketing Group. He was young, but he had a plan and he knew what he wanted to do in life. I wanted Darren to be more than successful, so I continued to work with him as his client. Over the next few years, I watched as he worked with some of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment, such as Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Pamela Anderson, Chevy Chase, Larry Bird, Dennis Rodman, Hulk Hogan, and many, many others.

As good friends, in 2006 Darren talked to me about very challenging times that he was undergoing, the most challenging being an opioid addict. “Earvin,” he said, “I can’t get out of bed in the morning or function during the day without painkillers. It’s taken over my life. Talking, traveling, working out, eating; I can’t do anything without the pills. I can’t stop.”

Nothing was bigger than the painkillers that he was addicted to, which were slowly taking his life. I had seen too many lives destroyed from addiction and knew he needed to get his life in order. It took some time for Darren to reach complete sobriety. After almost nearly losing his life to opioids, Darren overcame the addiction and built a greater life through his recovery.

Through sobriety, he has continued to expand his business, and he is using his testimony to help others fight their addiction. Amidst all the tragedy that has resulted from this opioid epidemic, Darren has the courage and support to share his story and inspire thousands of people in this book. Darren is a survivor!

“Today, Darren doesn’t just represent the biggest stars; he has become a star in his own right in the world of recovery.”

He speaks in schools all over the country, and he is dedicated to Turning Point, where he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at their recent gala. Darren has appeared on Dr. Oz and other national media to share his message on recovery.

Recently, he began working with the White House Commission on Combating the Opioid Crisis, where he plans to educate youth on how they can build self-worth and faith so they don’t go down the same road he did.

Over the years, I have watched Darren Prince grow in his business, tackle his addiction, and now lead a life of spirituality and inspiration. I am extremely proud of the man he has become, and I am honored to be a part of Darren’s family.

I hope his book inspires you to overcome any battles you may be fighting and to be a light unto others.

– Earvin “Magic” Johnson 

Connect with Darren on Social Media 

Visit the author: WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramGoodreadsAmazonLinkedin,

 

Meet Darren Prince. He Runs a Successful Business, Has a Four-Time International Best Selling Memoir, and is a Caring Advocate Through His Aiming High Foundation. A Recovery Interview.

Hello Readers, Authors, and Visitors,

Meet Darren Prince! He is a dear friend and my ‘Special Guest Interview on my “Recovery Blog” and I wanted to share with everyone here on “The Literary Side” Lol because he is an amazing writer and with his memoir of “Aiming High” that became a four-time international best-selling book and counting!

He was brave enough to share his hitting rock bottom from addiction as he fought like hell to a new and better-blessed career and life TODAY. With breathless memories of many sports icons laced in between, this is a must-read for everyone …Check out the interview!
Cat

Guest Article By Author and Advocate Deb Morgan. A Little Peek Inside Her Soon To Release Book “Trapped.” A Look Inside Addiction.

 
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Every child comes into this world with a clean white canvas, and life fills in the colors. In my experience, that was an extremely gray area. I would start my life on a destructive personal path. When I got into my teenage years, I would slowly destroy everything in my life.

My life would continue spinning in this tornado of damage. I thought that I was hurting everyone but myself. What lies I told myself and others, what’s worse I believed them. I would get thrown a life preserver that I would be very blessed to have that would save my life; however, I would come close to drowning before using it.

 

 

Trapped Blog


In all the jumbled up fake reality, I thought I ruled the world. How bad could it be now I have my pills and alcohol all is well. I had driven a bulldozer in the window of my life for a long time. I was a walking, talking disaster. My timing superb, just like an addict. The Doctor had put me on opiates because of two surgeries.

After six months, it was time to get off of the pills. No problem, but after two weeks it was a problem, so I decided to start shopping for doctors for more pills. Doing this was easy for a little while, and then the doctors would take me off the opiates. So I started taking their prescription pads, and I was off to the races.

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I never thought about what this could do to my kids or myself. I never thought of how much jail time I would get or that I was ever going to get caught. I did not believe or care. I started on this journey of slowly taking risks like every other dangerous thing I did. Like a baby needs a bottle, I needed pills.

Over and over, I wrote prescriptions using anyone’s name, writing prescriptions in at least four counties. So was it a surprise when I got caught? Yes, of all answers, yes. I thought in a sick addict’s mind that I defied the odds. What I did not know was I wanted to get caught. I was just tired. Tired of the worry, the running, and the fear of what lies ahead, still all I wanted to do it run!

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Here is where my life began to go quickly downhill. Even though I thought I was six feet tall and bulletproof, I was neither one of those things. I knew I was going to need more pills and was up to one hundred a week. It was a full-time job, and I was at the point where I couldn’t live without them.

I would make that stupid mistake that addicts so frequently make and got caught. So I would get thrown the life preserver instead of a jail cell. All of this wouldn’t be how I thought it would happen. It was time to stop treading water.

It was time to stop running and start living.


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Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling

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A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

“I started writing and talking openly about my journey about 5 years ago. Writing my story and getting it out in the world as far as I could is my goal. My writing started out with journals and essays, always thinking someday I would get a book written and had no idea how to begin to do it.

So I started writing, then a website, then an opportunity for a radio show, then another, and I just kept refusing to give up. I was asked to be on a show a few months ago in 2019, from there life would change to the point where I don’t even know which way it is going. But my advocacy work today keeps my dreams alive and help others who still suffer from any addiction.

So far, I have had 15 radio spots, 2 podcasts, and was invited as a contributing chapter writer in the new book titled “Simply Amazing Women” available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.  I will then publish my new book titled “TRAPPED” sometime in 2020 or early 2021. I am currently writing another little book on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain to release hopefully soon.”

A dream isn’t a dream anymore when we do the work, it can be a reality. “ I am living proof of that. 
When we want something bad enough that will be helpful for someone else, that is the hope that it does exactly that, help.

~Author, Deb Morgan

 

I Am Proud To Fly Recovery Blogging With My Friends Here At WordPress and Thanks For The Blog Anniversary Wish! We Save Lives Together…

It’s My Recovery Blog WordPress 7-year Anniversary! Yup! Recovery is my 1st Passion and as important as Helping Authors as my 2nd Passion… *Cat Lyon*