Who Remains Winless

Week four of the 2013 NFL season continues to present one surprise after another.  Who would have thought several of the historically stronger teams in the league would be performing so poorly? 

While one might be able to contemplate a Tampa Bay Buccaneers or a Jacksonville Jaguars remaining in the loser column at this point in the season.  The Buccaneers fell to the Cardinals 13-10, while The Jacksonville Jaguars succumbed to the Indianapolis Colts 37-3. 

Coach Mike Tomlin only knows, "This is
not Steeler football."      USA TODAY Sports

More difficult to have envisioned is the Pittsburg Steelers or New York Giants winless after four weeks of play.  And it’s even worse in the case of the Steelers, they lost all of their pre-season games too.  Things continued to look less than favorable as the Steelers endured a spanking in the annual London NFL demonstration falling to the Minnesota Vikings 27-34. The New York Giants were devastated by the Chiefs 7-31 in yet another waxing.

The Washington Redskins, who have struggle thus far, were successful in gaining their first “W” this season as they defeated the Oakland Raiders 24-14.

Other surprises might include the unprecedented play of Peyton Manning.  The Bronco’s signal

Peyton Manning playing at a record setting pace. USA TODAY Sports

caller has for years been compared to Tom Brady and Drew Brees when trying to determine the league’s best quarterback. 

At this point in this season, Peyton Manning clearly has this title. He has thrown 16 Touchdowns with 0 interceptions while leading the Broncos to a 4-0 season.

In last Monday Night’s game Manning lead his Broncos to an uneventful spanking of the Oakland Raiders 37-21.  But in the Sunday afternoon match-up against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles Peyton threw for 28 completions in 34 attempts and 4 touchdowns.  The Eagles were thoroughly pummeled 52-20.  Needless to say, the Denver Broncos remain undefeated in regular season play thus far.

In other play this weekend:

49ers 35              Ravens 20                           Bengal 6                             Bears 32             Rams 11             Buffalo Bills 23                   Browns 17                           Lions 40

                                                                                                                                       
Colts 37              Seahawks 23                        Cowboys 21                       Jets 13
Jaguars 3            Texans 20                             Chargers 30                       Titans 38

                                                                               

Tom Brady verifies yet another first down.      Keith Nordstrom

In the Sunday Night late game in what had to be the match-up of the day, the Atlanta Falcons faced off with the visiting New England Patriots. 

This game seemed fairly one sided until the 4^th quarter when Matt Ryan and the Dirty Birdz started to show some signs of life.  The Falcons were able to close within 7 points. Unfortunately, with less than 5 minutes remaining in the game, after a successful onside kick and a Brady sack or two, the Falcons weren’t able to capitalize. 

Final score in this edge of your seat match-up was Patriots 30 to the Falcons 23.  New England climbs to 4-0 while Atlanta slips to 1-3.

The Monday Night match-up has the Undefeated Miami Dolphins (I have such a hard time saying that) and the undefeated New Orleans Saints.  The “Stand Your Ground” Phins as “Her Swaa Mee-Ness Bev” refers to the only good thing coming out of Florida these days, will travel to the Big Easy to challenge Drew Brees and the boys in the Super Dome. 

This will be my first chance to get a good luck at Miami since the regular season began.  Can't wait to see that one!

A Re-Trial For Marissa

Major Kudos are to be extended to Marissa Alexander of Jacksonville, Florida who has been granted a new trial.  A mother of three, Ms. Alexander received a mandatory 20 years sentence for firing a warning shot to thwart her husband’s physical abuse during a domestic altercation.  Her case has been used extensively by critics of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Laws” to demonstrate the ineffectiveness and frequent misuse along racial lines of these laws.

Marissa Alexander was denied the use of a
Floridian "Stand Your Ground" defense.  AP

On August 1, 2010, Alexander had secured restraining orders against her abusive husband, Rico Gray.  Although they had a child together nine days earlier, Alexander was determined to leave Gray. Believing he was gone, she returned to the home they had shared to retrieve the remainder of her clothes.

While at the house, Gray returns and an argument ensued. Rico becomes enraged and threatens to kill her.  Alexander said she feared for her life when she retrieved her legally owned handgun from the garage.  She turned to find Gray blocking her exit.  Although Gray saw the weapon he angrily approached Alexander.  She then fired a single warning shot which lodged in the ceiling.

Gray testified that he saw Alexander point the gun at him and looked away before she fired the shot. He claimed that she was the aggressor, and that he had begged her to put the weapon away.  Gray also proudly admits to have been physically abusive with the mothers of all his children.

The judge, who threw out Alexander's "stand your ground" self-defense claim, noted that she could have run out of the house to escape her husband.  Also the firing of the weapon inside the home could have struck one of the children in other parts of the house.  This sounds oddly like the judge, in this case, required Alexander to retreat rather than stand her ground.  A jury deliberated 12 minutes before convicting her.

Drawn to the attention of the nation in the wake of the killing of Trayvon Martin, Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Laws have since been intensively scrutinized as well as the subject of public outrage and protest.   Ms. Alexander’s case rose to the forefront, first as she, like George Zimmerman, was prosecuted by State’s Attorney Angela Corey.   Secondly, although Ms. Alexander’s case appears specifically designed for Florida’s "Stand Your Ground" legislation, she was denied its use.

The overturning of this decision not only constitutes a possible victory for Ms. Alexander, it also gives hope to countless others Floridians disproportionately misrepresented.  Benjamin Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, called the ruling a "welcome development in a case that represents the double standards in our justice system."

"From the streets to the courthouse, race continues to influence the judicial process, and it certainly seemed to have played a role here," Jealous said in a statement issued by the historic civil rights organization.

Whatever the case may be, it seems either it’s time for Stand Your Ground to either go away or to be redefined and executed with equality for all.

I’m not hatin, I’m jus sayin…

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Superman views Metropolis 1939
DC Comics

Those of us that were kids in the age before cable television, video games and computers frequently relied on comic books and a vivid imagination to waste away the hours.  Some of the best comic books featured superheroes like Batman and Superman, arguably the first two superheroes.  

Over time there was the advent of sidekicks and with the arrival of multiple others with super powers, the logical next step was the development of teams of superheroes combating equal groups of super villans.  

There was “The Justice League,” “The Avengers,” “The X Men” and then, there was The Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement & Logistics Division, better known as S.H.I.E.L.D.

S.H.I.E.L.D.  is the fictional secret government agency created from the genius of Stan Lee for Marvel Comics.  This espionage agency, which manages the efforts of super heroes combating those bent on undermining peace, justice and the American way, is headed by Colonel Nicholas Joseph “Nick” Fury. Fury is the former World War II hero and former CIA operative.  He is non-aging and among other things as the Director of SHIELD, a recruiter of superheroes.

The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  ABC Promotional Photo

This fall a new television series premiered called “The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”   This old school comic book junkie was secretly thrilled to learn of this new series.  I envisioned weekly appearances from various superheroes and super villains performing various amazing feats in real world scenarios. 

I envisioned for example, Aqua man summoning a pod of Killer Whales to thwart a fleet of pirates off the coast of Africa preventing the hijacking a cruise ship with government VIPs on board.  Or maybe like the latest of the X-men movies was tied in to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  You get the general idea.  And with the magic of today’s CG (Computer Graphics) technology, I imagined it was all very do-able.

Then I saw the first episode of this new series.  Trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, I watched it again On Demand. The special effects were decent and the storyline wasn’t that bad either.  There was comic relief in abundance but, to the point It was really kind of hokey.  And none of the superheroes I was already familiar with made an appearance.  By the end of the second viewing, I felt I needed a shield to protect me from the extremely poor writing and worse acting.

To say the least, it was somewhat of a letdown.  If I were Siskel and Ebert, I’d cut off my thumbs and call it a day.  While I fully expect to watch it at least once more, unless there is a significant improvement in the next episode, I don’t anticipate this show surviving more than six weeks.  View at your own risk of intense boredom.

An Autumn Favorite: Funnel Cakes

Ingredients
1 egg, beaten                           2/3 c milk

1 tsp baking powder                   1 ¼ c all purpose flour

2 Tsp sugar                             ¼ tsp salt

Powdered sugar for topping         Oil for frying, enough to cover bottom of the skillet 

Green Eggs and Ham Have No Place on Capitol Hill

This is the worst example of a member of congress wasting tax dollars I have ever seen.  Our country has multiple problems that need immediate attention and repair.  Our elected officials have no time to be spending on nonsense like this.

The Horseman Rides Again

The past several years, prime-time television has been overrun with the curse of unintelligible and mindless entertainment, better known as “Reality TV.”  At long last this genre appears to be losing its momentum as talented writers and somewhat reasonable plots again take hold.  The world of entertainment appears to be stepping back to the vintage with the likes of “Dracula,” “Once Upon A Time” and now, “Sleepy Hollow.”

The Case of Jonathan Ferrell

Today, I encountered an article entitled “The Killing of Jonathan Ferrell.”  Jonathan Ferrell was the former FAMU football player killed by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer as Ferrell sought help after having an auto accident.  The piece was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates for “The Atlantic.” A variation of the article entitled "Police Shooting of Former FAMU Student Not Necessarily Wrong" was re-posted on “The Root.”

Week Three: Full of Surprises

Let’s start with the Monday Night match up, the Battle of the Ohio River. The Pittsburg Steelers traveled to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals who were not having any nonsense in their house. 

The Bengals thoroughly thwarted the Steelers 20-10 in what would prove the first of many upsets for the week.

Thursday Night saw Andy Reid and his charged up Kansas City Chiefs travel to Franklin Field to challenge Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles.  In his first return after being released by the Eagles, Andy Reid walked away with a sweet 26-16 victory.

In the Sunday afternoon line-up, the surprises just kept the fans startled and sitting on the edge of their seats.  What do I mean by surprises?  How about the Carolina Panther running up 38 points and shutting out the New York Giants?  Ouch!  

Government Shut-down? Another Not So Bright Idea

What’s with the Republican Party?  No, I stand corrected.  Although they are greatly to blame, it isn’t the Republican Party alone, the Democrats are equally responsible.  These constant threats to shut-down our government in an effort to strong arm issues into effect, is not governing.  It is a waste of time, when America has no time to waste. The issue on the table is the repeal of the “Affordable Healthcare Act.”

Rep Matt Salmon, R-AZ   AP/Carolyn Kaster

D Mortician: A Tale of Woe

While doing some research for a blog about senseless shootings across the country, I came across a breaking news report about a gunman in Durham, North Carolina.  Known as “The Bull City,” Durham is the home of Duke University and North Carolina Central University.  The video news broadcast showed an armed, visibly distraught and troubled man.

Derek D. Walker aka Derek Mortician       
personal Facebook photo

Later reports identified the man as Derek D. Walker, 26, an assistant mortician and native of Durham.   The father of a young son, he reportedly was very distraught having lost a custody battle and visitation rights.  

I found myself reading various posts from Mr. Walker’s Facebook page (he was identified under the moniker “Derek Mortician”).  One can clearly see this young man had dealt with bouts of depression and had previously contemplated suicide.  He seemed to have made it through that period by strengthening his religious beliefs.  However in recent days his faith had deteriorated greatly and thoughts of suicide had returned. 

His Facebook post of September 17^th unmistakably said he was in trouble and he didn’t want to make it.  He had turned away from friends and supporters that had tried to reach out to him.

So on a cool late summer ‘s Tuesday afternoon, near the symbol of his home town , this troubled and depressed man, who had lost faith in the judicial system and his religious convictions, stood with gun in hand.  Sometimes pointing the weapon at his head and other times crying, talking to himself and gesturing with the weapon.  Then finally, he points the firearm in the direction of police officers who had assumed defensive positions.  Shots rang out as horrified onlookers screamed out.  An unknown number of rounds struck Derek Walker in his torso.  He died while en route to a nearby medical treatment facility.

Something is seriously wrong in our society when a human being, struggling with the trials and tribulations that life can throw at you, can elect to commit “suicide by cop.” And many of those designated to “protect and serve” seem more than willing to grant wishes of death.   

Did this young man need to die, a victim of the judicial system that had already failed him? Or did he need to be heard?  Did he need to be comforted?  Did he need to know, that in time the pain and anguish he felt, would pass? 

It’s time for a change America.   Let’s take guns out of the hands of those troubled, disturbed and in anguish.  Let’s take the guns out of the hands of the multitudes.  Far too many seem to misuse these instruments of death on a daily basis.  It’s time for a change in America.

I’m not hatin, I’m jus sayin…

The Last Week of Summer 2013, More Lives Lost

The morning of September 16, 2013, turned out to be another memorable day for those who advocate gun control.  As the morning rush hour began to wind down, Washingtonian commuters were greeted with news of another mass shooting.

Aaron Alexis, the Navy yard shooter
FBI File photo

Week Two Highlights

Week Two began with a Monday Night double header. That’s right, not 1 but 2 Monday night clashes.

First in the line-up was the return of Robert Griffin III following what many feared was a career ending injury mid-year last season.  Although RGIII played in 1 game following the horrific injury, but it was obvious his season was over.  

Games of the Day: Week 1

It’s finally here and I am ready for some football!

Thursday September 5, 2013 was the official opening nights of the NFL regular season.  The Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens played the Denver Broncos in the season opener.  But the performance Joe Flacco and the Ravens delivered fell way short of the caliber of a championship team.  

Peyton Manning delivered his calculated, consistent, on the money play and thoroughly rocked Baltimore’s world.  Everyone was glad to see that massacre come to an end as the Broncos coasted a 49 to 27 victory.

The Gunshine State Is At It Again: Stand Your Ground, With A Twist

Florida is at it again! In the Battle over Stand Your Ground, this one has got to be in the running for the Big Boob Prize.  Why the Big Boob Prize, one might ask?  First there’s the reason for the shooting. Second is the method in which the shooting took place. Third is the rather unusual defense the assailant’s legal team is mounting.

On Monday September 2, 2013 at 12:30 a.m., William T. Woodward, 43 of Titusville, Florida, stealthily approached his neighbor’s barbecue and firing 31 times, shot three men, killing two.  Assuming Woodward’s handgun had a full clip and one in the chamber, in order for him to fire 31 times, doesn’t that mean after emptying the weapon, he had to reload?  All three of the victims were unarmed.  As reported by NBC affiliate WESH 2, in the attached video Woodward can clearly be heard shouting, “I got em all.” Woodward is charged with 2 counts of 1^st degree murder and 1 count of 1^st degree attempted murder.

William T. Woodward        Official arrest file photo

Woodward, who allegedly suffers from “post-traumatic stress disorders,” had been involved in an ongoing dispute over a stolen roll of duct tape.  The dispute was with his neighbors, Gary Hembree (39), Roger Picior (44) and Timothy Blake (49).  This dispute had gotten so bad in recent court appearances, unsuccessful “repeat violence” injunctions had been attempted by both parties.

On Labor Day, while Hembree, Picior and Blake celebrated with a barbecue, Woodward snuck-up and started shooting. According to another video from another surveillance camera, Woodward was actually caught on camera crawling on his belly towards his neighbor’s house.  According to WFTV, Woodward told police he considered himself on a “mission” and was in a “combat zone.” Hmmm.  Doesn’t being in a combat zone imply someone is shooting back?  

Woodward contends the three victims had made numerous threats and had even threatened to rape his daughter. Other neighbors alleged Hembree, Picior and Blake had been terrorizing the neighborhood and got what they deserved. Is anyone else getting images of the Hatfield and McCoy Feud?

The attorneys for Woodward, Robert Berry and Kepler Funk argued their client was in compliance with Florida’s broad “Stand Your Ground” laws as he acted to protect himself from “imminent death.”  But the attorneys did not stop there. They also cited “Bush Doctrine” as justification for their client’s execution of a “pre-emptive strike.” 

President George W. Bush used this foreign policy to justify aggressive military actions at the onset of hostilities against Afghanistan and the Taliban and Iraq and the Saddam Hussein regime. I guess if a President can get away with attacking a sovereign state under the guise of “national defense,” it should be just as effective when one redneck attacks another in Florida. 

It seems to me this whole situation reeks of stupidity.   How does a dispute, turns deadly over a $2 dollar roll of duct tape?  The assailant plans and carries out his attack; low crawling into position and ambushing the barbecue.  Why isn’t this clearly pre-meditated murder? How does the state of Florida allow an individual with anger issues and suffering from “post-traumatic stress disorders” to legally possess firearms?  And finally, is there really an attorney that believes Florida’s Stand Your Ground laws in some hybrid combination with “foreign policy” doctrine, trumps a charge of Murder in the 1^st degree?

One thing is certain; Stand Your Ground is being misused to the dismay and disadvantage of the people of Florida. It’s time for Stand Your Ground to go the way of the dinosaur.

I’m not hatin, I’m just sayin…

Ariel Castro Found Hanged in Prison Cell

Ariel Castro, the Cleveland man that kidnapped three young women and held them captive for approximately 10 years is dead.  The felon who pleaded guilty to 937 counts of crimes including kidnapping, rape and murder, was found hanging in his prison cell Tuesday evening. 

Ariel Castro at sentencing receives life plus 1000 years
AP

Patriots Release Tebow

Tim Tebow, the former University of Florida football standout and unprecedented sophomore year Heisman Trophy winner, has been released by the New England Patriots.  This should come as no surprise to anyone, including Tebow.  He stated after his last pre-season game that he “did not think he had done enough to stick.”

Tebow in action at the height of his career as a Denver Bronco in post sean play.