NFL Dreams or Nightmares?

Photo: Wikipedia

By now, all you sports fans have heard about Aaron Hernandez and his June 17^th alleged execution style murder of his friend, Odin Lloyd.  

Hernandez allegedly orchestrated the killing of Lloyd because, among other things, Lloyd had information concerning Hernandez’s involvement in two murders in 2012.  Lloyd’s body was found less than 2 miles from the Hernandez residence in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.  

Somebody please tell me, what was this guy thinking?

Believable Witness or Not

Critical Testimony was given today (day three) in the George Zimmerman murder trial from three witnesses.  

First was Jayne Surdyka, who made an emotional 911 call the evening of the shooting and was speaking with authorities when Trayvon was shot.  Her testimony and emotional recording greatly supported the state’s case, and she stood up well to cross examination.  Another witness followed her who didn’t appear very impressive or beneficial to either the defense or prosecution.  Finally, there was the star of the day, Miss Rachel Jeantel , a 19-year old personal friend of Trayvon Martin.  

Miss Jeantel, a reluctant witness, testified she was on the phone with Trayvon moments before his confrontation with Zimmerman.

Rachel Jeantel, the last person to speak with Trayvon Martin before the shooting
Photo from TJMS online

Six Jurors Seated As Judge Makes Ruling

The first day of summer has been a very busy Friday in Sanford, Florida. Recent weeks in this community, just outside of Orlando, have been filled with tension, controversy, and anxiety. Something tells me we've only seen the tip of this iceberg.

A Change in the Game

Recently, I had the opportunity to see the award winning HBO political drama entitled “Game Change.” Directed by Jay Roach, this is the story of the 2008 failed presidential campaign of John McCain and Sarah Palin.  I thoroughly enjoyed this film and the campaign memories it refreshed.

Official Movie Poster

"Who Are The True Racists?”

Over the past few days, I skimmed over a few articles regarding Robert Zimmerman, Sr, father of George Zimmerman.  The articles contained excerpts from an ebook Mr. Zimmerman wrote about his son’s case, Florida v. Zimmerman: Uncovering the Malicious Prosecution of My Son, George.

The Failure of Congress to Act

It seems at every turn we are besieged by reports of acts of violence, murder and senseless death. Sadly, this is an issue striking at the very heart of every community in America.  If we are fortunate enough not to have experienced first or second hand the effects of gun violence, we have all been touched by one of the many tragic and cowardly acts occurring throughout our country.

This morning as I logged on and began to peruse the events of the day, I encountered one story after another with this one common link.

Media Madness

Does the American media machine, in all its forms, influence the way America thinks?  What we buy?  The decisions we make?  What each and every one of us believes? There is absolutely no doubt that it does.  And if so, does it stop there?

These Dogs Aren't Kosher

Where are today’s champions of the common man?  Who is the Ralph Nader of the new millennium?  If he or she is out there, we really could use their assistance.  It appears to me these days we, the American consumers are getting screwed at every turn.   What’s the latest twist of the screw? Hot dogs!  That’s right, Hot Dogs.

Jerome's Gumbo

Ingredients

1 lb chicken (thighs recommended)	1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled
1 lb crabmeat (lump preferred, but not required)	1 lb bay scallops
1 lb cajun (Andouille) sausage	1 lb frozen cut okra
1 can whole peeled tomatoes	1 can tomato sauce
2 sticks butter/ margarine	½ c flour
2 Tbl Gumbo File’	4 medium onions, chopped finely
2 stalks of celery, chopped finely	4 chicken bouillon cubes
½ tsp cayenne pepper (season to taste)	½ tsp freshly pressed garlic
½ tsp black pepper (season to taste)	½ tsp Old Bay Seasoning

Where's Wyatt When You Need Him?

It appears, in a capitalistic society, money can buy just about anything.  Apparently it will even buy you the justification for taking a human life.  Or so Attorneys Mark O'Mara and Don West, who are heading up the George Zimmerman defense team, would have us believe.

Armed Revolt Necessary To Protect Liberties

The Gun Control Debate issue in America has raged on since British troops under the command of General Thomas Gage attempted to confiscate arms stored at Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts.  American armed militia, united to confront the troops and the skirmishes that followed, began the American War for Independence. That took place in 1775.

The Legacies of a Coach

Major Props and Shout Outs to my coach and fraternity brother Coach George "Pup" Williams. There are many accolades not mentioned in this article that Pup also has under his belt. 

United in Tragedy

The image below is reflective of the humanity between two creatures of God in the wake of the devastating tornadoes reeking havoc across Oklahoma.

Jodi Arias Wants To Die

By now surely everyone is familiar with the Jodi Arias murder case or as I call it, the Mormon Murderess Case.  Since seeing this story recently aired on 20/20, I can't seem to stop seeing and hearing more and more of her atrocities. If I didn't know any better, I would swear this is a bad script from a made for TV movie.

Associated Press

The Power to Evoke Emotion

Talent, culture and art can come in many shapes and sizes. I believe what is key to any of the above, is the power to evoke emotional response. This presentation of 

"Attraction" 

from the Shadow Theatre Group from Budapest, Hungary has such power.

Source: Youtube

Funny is Funny

I first saw Jay Leno's "Hilarious Gas Pump Prank" the morning of Mother's Day 2013.  I thought it was very entertaining as it generated great laughter and left me feeling, ... well, very good about this musical couple that seemed so in tuned to one another.

The Emancipation of Jaden Smith

Okay, so you're 14 and you can't wait to be grown. You're making a few dollars and you want to call your own shots.  Mom and Dad love you, but they just don't understand. They don't recognize what's going on in your world or the world at large.

Does this scenario sound vaguely familiar?

The Best Chocolate Cheesecake

Photo by: Jerome Ballew

Ingredients

18 OREO Cookies, crushed (about 1-1/2 cups, creme fillings removed)

Clark Kent Soars Again

It has amazed me how we have so fallen in love with a comic book character that we have been compelled to remake the story of Superman a minimum of 10 times (including cartoons, movies and television series). All praises to the DC Comic Book Company for latching on to what has become a literal gold mine. But honestly, how many different ways can this story be told? 

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

Photo by: Beverly Murphy

Ingredients

6 eggs                                                                   1 deep dish pie crust

1 cup of shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese          ½ cup of shredded Mozzarella Cheese