by Getty Images George Zimmerman, right, with defense attorney Don West.
By Jonathan Welsh, WSJ
The jury in the George Zimmerman murder case found the defendant not guilty on all charges in the death of Trayvon Martin.
The all-female panel began deliberations Friday afternoon. Shortly after receiving the case jury members requested a full inventory of evidence presented during the trial, which led some to speculate the jury was preparing for a long haul.
Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer, was charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26, 2012, in a Sanford, Fla., gated community. Judge Debra Nelson ruled that the jury could also convict Zimmerman of the lesser crime of manslaughter.
Much of the trial, which began June 24, has revolved around opposing accounts of the prosecution and defense regarding whether Zimmerman or Martin was the aggressor in the altercation that led to the shooting. Attorneys also argued over whether the escalating confrontation was intense or threatening enough to support Zimmerman’s claim that he shot Martin in self-defense. Read more…
Ballantine Books may have been put off enough by Paula Deen’s racially insensitive history to cancel the October release of her next cookbook, Paula Deen’s New Testament, despite enough receiving pre-orders to briefly make the book the bestselling item on Amazon. But the cancellation hasn’t stopped Deen’s fans (some, perhaps, brand-new converts to her cult) from snatching up copies of the Savannah chef’s other cookbooks in the wake of the scandal. Au contraire!
Sales data provided to The Huffington Post by Nielsen show that sales of Deen’s recent cookbooks have exploded since the scandal.
On the week ending June 30, which immediately followed the Food Network’s decision to drop Deen from its lineup, Americans bought a total of 2,950 copies of Deen’s last nine books at the bookstores participating in Nielsen BookScan, which currently covers approximately 85 percent of the print book market. That’s nearly seven times as many copies as were sold in each of three weeks before the National Enquirer unearthed a videotape showing Deen making controversial statements about race Read more…
——————————————————————————————————————- Published on: July 3, 2013
by NATIONAL ENQUIRER staff
Photography by: The National Enquirer WORLD EXCLUSIVE! O.J. SIMPSON: “LEAVE PAULA ALONE!”
O.J. SIMPSON: “LEAVE PAULA ALONE!”
PAULA DEEN has been widely blasted for admitting she used the N-word and worse and as The ENQUIRER predicted when we broke the scandalous story, her business empire has now crumbled.
But the now former Food Network star has an unlikely champion – O.J. Simpson!
In a bombshell world exclusive, The ENQUIRER reveals that the disgraced football great reached out to Paula from his prison cell in Nevada to declare: “Leave Paula Deen alone!” Read more…
Johnny Depp, LaDonna Harris, The Lone Ranger, and the Comanches Repost from David Yeagley · June 9, 2013
July 3, 2013, the new movie, The Lone Ranger, will appear in theaters across the country. The special effects film, long in making, stars Johnny Depp as “Tonto.” The constellation of irony and controversy about the film and the star is stunning, and continually growing.
Perhaps the easiest solution is to recognize that the film has nothing to do with history, with Comanches, or with reality. It is a fantasy film, using some historical figures in a creative way, but having nothing to do with historical reality. The film should not be evaluated on authenticity of any kind. There isn’t any such authenticity.
The Lone Ranger, a 1933 radio show, later feature a Patowatami Indian named “Tonto.” The story became a television series, and feature a Canadian Mohawk Indian by the name of Jay Silverheels. So, in this fictionalized entertainment series, Comanches never had any association.
So, how is it that Comanches are now associated?
The one authentic historical element employed in the film is the Texas Rangers and their attack on the Comanche Indians. The Texas Rangers were created as a state agency to protect invading settlers from the Indians of Texas–mainly the Comanche Indians. The Texas Rangers became infamous for adopting ruthless Comanche war tactics and using them against the Comanches. This was unprecedented.
Now, in 2013 Lone Ranger movie, Tonto is a Comanche, but in name only. There is nothing in the character that is derives from Comanche people or Comanche ways. Especially the unique costume worn by Johnny Depp (as the Comanche “Tonto”) is utterly aberrant. But, remember, it is not intended to be authentic. It is the clear indulgence of stereotypical Indian images, all thrown together with Hollywood creativity.
Of course, Disney producers hired William Voelker, an enrolled Comanche, as their Comanche adviser. Voelker, whom media now says is William “Two-Ravens” Voelker, assured Depp that his costume was not far-fetched. Voelker talks about a ‘bird culture,’ but, this was never part of Comanche tradition, least of all was the vulture part of it. If the bird on Depps head is a raven, it bears no semblance of Comanche association, other then William Voelker’s new media name, “Two Ravens.” Voelker is a bird expert, and created a non-profit for the care of eagles, especially, called SIA. But the program is not funded by the Comanche Nation. See more
From The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Historically, the Native Americans who lived in the area that is now the northern and eastern United States kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to the recurring full Moons.
Each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred.
These names, and some variations, were used by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.
The month of June’s full Moon’s name is the Full Strawberry Moon. June’s Full Strawberry Moon got its name because the Algonquin tribes knew it as a signal to gather ripening fruit.
It was often known as the Full Rose Moon in Europe (where strawberries aren’t native).
From space.brevardtimes.com/ 2013 Strawberry Moon is a SUPER MOON
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — There is going to be a full Moon on the night of June 22, 2013, but not just any full Moon, it will be a Strawberry Moon that is also a Super Moon.
According to Native American folklore, this full Moon is called a Strawberry Moon because the short season for harvesting strawberries comes during the month of June. Other names for the first full Moon is June are Rose Moon and Flower Moon.
Are Strawberry Moons red or pink in color?
Sometimes. But Strawberry Moons are not necessarily red or pink in color just because they occur in June.
Like any full Moon, the Moon can appear pink, like the one in this video taken two months ago, which can be caused by atmospheric conditions on Earth or a partial lunar eclipse. Strawberry Moons can also appear brown-red in color during a total lunar eclipse.
According to NASA, the full moon on June 30, 1996 was barely a “Blue Moon” because it occurred as the second Full Moon within the month. In time zones East of Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast, however, this was the first Full Moon of July.
What’s so special about this 2013 Strawberry Super Moon?
This Super Moon will be the closest Super Moon of 2013. This Strawberry Super Moon will appear 13% larger and 30% brighter than normal Full Moons.
According to NASA, a Super Moon occurs because the Moon is in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. When the Moon is closest, it is at its orbital perigee, which is why a Super Moon is also known as a Perigee Moon Read more…
Voted # 1 More times than any other Lounge Performer in the History of Las Vegas!
What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas. That’s been true of lounge legend Cook E. Jarr since June 2nd, 1982, when he and his backup group, the Krums arrived from Atlantic City, NJ for a two-week gig at the now imploded Sands.
The Sands may be long gone but the Cookster’s still cooking on the Strip, his new home now being The Piano Bar inside Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino where he can be found performing Saturdays & Sundays from 4pm – 6pm.
The music may have changed, with hip-hop hits from Nelly, 50-Cent, Usher and OutKast joining old standbys from Steppenwolf to Kool and the Gang. But the act remains much the same. Booming, booty-shaking music. Plentiful patter from the motor mouth musician, punctuated by the Cookster’s dog barks, imitation engine-revving (which comes in handy during “Born to Be Wild”) and other trademark sound effects Read more…
From the editor
I had an apartment next door to the Continental (now Terrible’s) on Paradise, just a few blocks north of the Hard Rock, when the Cookster held court late night in the lounge. For a while it was the hipster place to be in Las Vegas. I moved to the apartment on Paradise Boulevard – because in the 70s I was homeless and living on the Las Vegas Streets; one of those streets was Paradise. I needed to “get back” at that street because it was so very mean..
La Loma Mexican Restaurant
2527 West 26th Avenue
Denver, CO 80211-4804
(303) 433-8300
La Loma is the Real-Deal traditional, Mexican restaurant in an old house (1887) in the *”old neighborhood.”
“La Loma is located in a distinctive Denver home that was constructed in 1887. The home accommodates a Cantina with a large fireplace, and three unique dining rooms – The Colonial Room, The Victorian Room and The Galleria are a blend of early American and Southwestern Cultures.” [Excerpt is from La Loma’s website]
The Old House is an island of tranquility and class in an old North Denver neighborhood. Dark woods/beams, exposed brick, cozy booths, and an antique, (working) taco machine provide the background for this above average Mexican restaurant.
Several dining areas including the main dining room, with booths and tables underneath a high beamed-ceiling of rich dark woods that invite the eye to explore the nooks and crevices, and a couple of ceilings fans. There are booths and tables as well as a dozen bar stools in the lounge area; there’s a gorgeous patio with a half-wall of old vines, with dining tables, and there’s another dining room up a few stairs I have not had the pleasure of visiting – next time.
The food is fairly traditional Mexican fare serving the standards such as: tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and combinations, as well as seafood, steaks, soups, salads and more. Access La Loma’s Full Menu here.
The place is all class with an attentive, friendly staff. The clientele is varied with a large number of young, affluent, good-looking Margarita aficionados. Seriously, some very attractive young ladies have been spotted – every time this writer has been there. I have to be on the lookout so that I can report accurately.
The chips “of” the Chips and Salsa are the lightest I’ve ever had, thin and not the least bit greasy. The Margaritas are served in small, medium and large sizes, with a variety of flavors and tequilas. FYI – the small is big.
Of course there’s the full, well-stocked bar.
Hours: Sun – Thu/ 11am – 10pm – Fri – Sat/ 11am – 11pm Happy Hour: Reduced drink prices and appetizers
Mon – Sat/ 2pm – 6pm
Oscar Goodman’s whirlwind book launch for ‘Being Oscar’ ends with burgers at Smashburger By Robin Leach
[FROM] Tuesday, May 28, 2013 | 5:20 p.m.
By now, everybody from New York to Las Vegas knows that our former three-term Mayor Oscar Goodman has a bestseller on his hands with the publication of his memoir “Being Oscar.”
When I caught up with him in the whirlwind of autograph and photo sessions that stretched nonstop for six days after his jet-set, two-day, round-trip promotions in Manhattan, he told me, “The movie version is next. And a second book will be coming!”
In The Big Apple, he even had dinner with star chef Daniel Boulud, who last week revealed that he’s returning to Las Vegas to team with The Venetian and the Palazzo for two new restaurants. “One of the best meals of my entire life,” chuckled Oscar, “and very expensive!”
Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue captured Oscar just about everywhere throughout the Las Vegas Valley: It was definitely him and not a masked man. Although for two appearances at The Mob Museum Downtown, there were plenty of Oscar masks for one amazing photo shoot. Oscar’s image is now even on T-shirts complete with his trademark pinstriped suit.
The excitement began at Oscar’s steakhouse Beef, Booze & Broads in the Plaza Downtown. The line of fans was already out the door a half-hour before he arrived. That first-night celebration continued via Downtown bus tours, with Oscar as official guide over his accomplishments while in office — and even out to Walmart stores. Read more
I was familiar with the building, I had been there before, and have seen it’s many incarnations over the years. In fact the building had quite a rep: it was jinxed, so to speak. Some also say that the place is haunted. Tony Pasquini says it.
I saw the name Tony Ps and knew immediately this was another Italian restaurant by Denver pizza king, Tony Pasquini. Tony now operates a number of restaurants in and around Denver. We decided to stop even though we had to circle the block several times before we found a place just in front of the restaurant on E 17th.
We went in, felt a good vibe and sat at a cozy table on the lower level. High back booths, Pasquiniesque inlaid tables: this one had gears, bottle-tops, and other assorted guy’s stuff sunk into hard resin-topped table tops. There was a view south across 17th. through a lot of glass and a – sort of yellow-hue Tuscan shadow thing going on on the other side of the room.
Tony Ps lower level
I saw several very hip ladies of the staff walking about. Tony Pasquini is attracting some very hip people with this latest incarnation of the Tony Ps brand, formerly Pasquinis – not just staff, customers as well.
We enjoyed a house, Happy Hour vino with bites of a Pasquini staple: soft, buttered pizza-dough twists served gratis, with a red dipping sauce, shaker-cheese and red-pepper-flakes. The cheese and pepper are up to you. Well we sat there enjoying the vibe for awhile.
The indomitable Tony Pasquini stopped at the table and engaged us. We talked a bit about the old days; I remember him when he was just starting to bar-tend at the first Pasquini’s on South Broadway. I remember when it was The Pizza Queen. I was traveling in a motor home and would periodically check in to a small motel down the road a piece from the restaurant.
Time flies squared!
I mentioned that several restaurateurs failed in this location, he countered that the building was also haunted. I had heard that.
He asked if we had been upstairs, we had not but I had been eyeing the stairs. He invited us to go up, and that he’d meet us upstairs. Very cool. The walk up the stairs was about dark wood and a promise of something good. The promise delivered. A dance floor, long bar and little booths, tables and crevices where one can hide, or show off
Tony introduced us to a nice couple who were planning a swing-dance event. It was cool, reminded me of Vegas’ Four Queens when they were doing Jazz upstairs. We signed off leaving an email address and left the premises. I’m sure we will come back. Did I feel so comfortable because this was my hood, or is it really that cool?
Formerly, JR’s Bar & Grill as well as several others, like a New Orleans themed club, 777 East 17th Avenue has seen owners come and go as other venues seemed to click. There have always been rumors that the building is haunted.
I’m bett’n that this is a hit; it will be one of Denver’s places to see and be seen this summer, especially with the upstairs bar, to say nothing of the second floor balcony overlooking 17th. Ave. It’s a Denver thing.
Balconies overlooking 17th Ave
Tony Ps serves excellent NY style pizza and classic Italian entrees and more. Click the website link for full menus. There are two bars and two levels of restaurant seating.
We dined at my favorite Denver Italian restaurant the other night, and the dish we shared was the best we’ve had in years. Of course there have been several owners as well as different dishes served over the years, but this was – hands down one of the best.
The dish was “Italian Fried Trout”
Ruby Trout dusted lightly with herbed flour and flash fried, served with garlic creme spaghetti. The huge (bragging rights) fish was filleted and laid out on a large plate in two fat pieces with golden garlic creme spaghetti filling the rest of the plate. I’m a red-sauce guy but this light, creamy beauty hugged the spaghetti in a perfect marriage with the fish ($13.75) including Homemade Minestrone Soup or House Salad, and bread.
This may be a one hit wonder – we’ll see – though I might have to order my regular fav next time: Patsy’s big, fat homemade noodles with the garlicky red sauce served with balls or sausage, or one of each ($10.75) with Homemade Minestrone Soup or House Salad, and bread.
Or we’ll try the Ruby Trout again hoping they can repeat perfection.
There’s a new seats-you-at-a-table guy/barkeep at Patsy’s. He seems to be a good guy and adds high energy to the place; the downside is that the ice-cool and lovely, SB is no longer at the helm of the bar – a role she could have played in a Bogart film scene for scene. She will be missed.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all read more from usmemorialday.org
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