Who would have ever though that the Seattle Seahawks would go into overtime against the Green Back Packers to win the NFC Championship after they were down by 16 points to quarterback, Aaron Rogers and company? What excitement and the biggest comeback ever in a conference title game. The final overtime score was 28-22. Seattle won the Super Bowl last year and are now headed to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. It has been 10 years since a defending champion has had a back-to-back Super Bowl appearance
Super Bowl defending quarterback, Russell Wilson on his way back to Super Bowl XLIX to face the Patriots.
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Rogers summed up the defeat with these words, “This is one of the one’s that’s going to stick with you because of the way it ended. Every loss in the playoffs is difficult. This one, being just a few minutes from going to the Super Bowl, obviously is a little more difficult, he said.
The AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts was a blowout and didn’t generate an ounce of excitement as in the NFC big game. The Patriots hammered the Colts beating them 45-7. Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and running back LeGarrette Blount ran for three more touchdowns and Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski topped it off with a field goal to advance to the Super Bowl.
New England’s quarterback Tom Brady gearing up for Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, in Arizona
This will be New England’s 8th Super Bowl Appearance in franchise history and 6th with Brady and Coach Bill Bellichick.
It should be a rousing game Super Bowl match-up between the Seattle Seahawks with the best defense in the league and Brady and Bellichick’s Patriots who has the most impressive offense in the league.
One thing for sure though, Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ on February 1st will have many folks watching the footballs to make sure their air pressure PSI (Pressure for Square) is in NFL compliance.
After the blow-out between the Patriots and Colts, it was brought to the attention of the NFL that 11 of 12 footballs used on offense were found to be underinflated by two pounds per square inch.
According to Fox Sports, the league was already planning to inspect the balls at halftime. Earlier reports had claimed that Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson notice something was not right about a ball he intercepted from Brady.
This what a dozen deflated footballs look like.
Five days later after the Patriots victory and allegations of Brady knowingly played with deflated balls in the NFC championship game, a press conference was held for Bellichick and Brady to address the matter.
When asked by one reporter if he was a cheater, Brady replied, “I don’t think so.” Brady went on to say that he feels like, he has always played within the rules. And that he would never do anything to break the rules. “I believe in fair play, and I respect the league,” Brady said.
Coach Bellichick backed him up and said, “We have followed every rule to the letter and we welcome the league’s investigation in this matter. A couple of days later, when asked Seattle’s Russell Wilson about the issue, he said, “deflating has nothing to do with us.”
One thing for sure, in Super Bowl XLIX, all eyes will be on every football to make sure they are in NFL compliance.
Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reflecting on his history making moment of one of only the 10th man in NFL history to make 1000 or more receptions.
Texans quarterback Case Keenum fresh off of an NFL practicing squad gets his team ready for victory.
The now (8-7) Texans led by quarterback Case Keenum, shut the Baltimore Ravens down game day Sunday, December 21, beating them 25 to 13 at NRG Stadium with impressive performances from kicker Randy Bullock, running back Arian Foster, JJ Watt and the defense, and a history making day for wide receiver Andre Johnson.
After being summons by the Texans earlier this week straight off of the St. Louis Practice Squad, Keenum was eager and performed well against Ravens seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco. Keenum threw for 185 yards with one interception. Flacco threw for 195 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns
Bullock made up for missed touchdown opportunities by the Texans. He put up 18 points of field goals from the 20, 25, 30, 33, 35 and 39. The six for six field goals were a franchise-record.
Texans kicker, Randy Bullock making franchise history with six for six field goals.
The Texans only touchdown in the game came by way of Foster. It was a brilliant play. With only seconds left in the half, Foster ran to the right, drew in the Ravens’ defense and threw a five-yard halfback pass to tight end, C.J. Fiedorowicz in the end zone for the score. Foster had 95 yards rushing including a 43 yard run.
The leading candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Number 99, Watt did his thing again as he does on every game day. Watt led the Texans with eight tackles. Watt tackled Flacco to stop a two-point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The fans went wild after the play, when Watt gave his signature finger “no-no” wave.
Keenum all smiles after his 2014 quarterback debut with the Texans
Texans fans cheered when Johnson reached the groundbreaking mark of 1,000 receptions. He went in today’ game with 996 receptions. He had six receptions for 65 yards. He is only the 10th player in NFL history to make this achievement of 1000 or more receptions.
“It puts you in an elite group. I never thought I would be in this situation,” said Johnson after the game. “You can say everything you want when you first come in the league about how good you want to be but you have to go out there and play and put the numbers up and things like that.”
Johnson continued, “It was just so special to do it here because we have fans that have been riding with us for a long time. I’ve been here to experience a lot of things that have went on with this organization. It was just fun to do it here.”
Today’s win keeps the Texans playoff hopes alive. There are several things that need to happen in Week 16 for this to happen. The Cleveland Browns must beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs must beat the San Diego Chargers.
And the Texans must beat the Jacksonville Jaguars who they will host next week in the season’s final game at NRG Stadium.
This is all possible, because who will have thought that Keenum would be the starting quarterback for the Texans after he was release by them during the practice squad.
It was a fine day at the Texans NRG Stadium, roof open for the second time this season and the weather above was picture perfect and the field below was picture perfect as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a franchise-record six touchdowns sending the Tennessee Titans back home with a (2-10) record.
Texans’ fan flaunts her JJ Watt poster in a message to the Titans at NRG Stadium.
All Photos by C. Allen Media
Fitzpatrick’s performance proved that his two-game benching was a time of deep reflection, and if chance arose for him to be at the helm again, he would show them, and he did.This time around he was accurate, decisive and confident.
Texans’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in touchdown position.
He used his playing ground wisely and threw 9 receptions for 238 yards. Two of Fitzpatrick’s touchdown passes went into the hands of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.This was also a fine day for Hopkins as he racked up a career high of 238 yards.
The scoring action, actually started early with a Fitzpatrick eight-yard hit to tightend Ryan Griffin on the opening drive.Running back Arian Foster, back in play after a groin injury, showed the crowd that all is well, when he went in for a seven-yard touchdown pass, Texans leading 14-0.
The Texans’ lead expanded with a 37-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock with 3:25 remaining on the clock, 17-0.
A fine day at NRG Stadium with roof opened.
Then with only 38 seconds left before the half-time break, Fitzpatrick hit Hopkins with that first 58-yard scoring play to put Houston up 24-0.
Texans’ fans out in solidarity at Texans & Titans game art NRG Stadium
Early in the third quarter, Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger connected with wider receiver, Kendall Wright to put the Titans on the board, 24-7.
That would be Mattenberger’s last touchdown reception of the game.A few plays later, he was taken down by a JJ Watt tackle.Back-up Jake Locker had to be called-in to lead the Titans.
The Titans next score of the game came when cornerback Jason McCourty stole the ball from Texans wide receiver, Andre Johnson and ran for a 62-yard touchdown, narrowing the lead 24-14.
The scoreboard widen again, late in the third quarter 31-14, when Hopkins made his second touchdown.Johnson made up from the earlier striped ball, and reached up for a Fitzpatrick pass in the end zone, widening the lead 38-14.
Texans’ wide receiver, Andre Johnson putting his name on an end zone TD.
In the fourth quarter, Watt found himself on the receiving end of a 1-yard touchdown, his fifth of the season, making the score, 45-14.
Titans’ wide receiver, Nat Washington managed to catch a 25-yard reception touchdown from Locker late in the fourth.The final score 45-21 with a Texans’ win.
In the post-game press conference, Fitzpatrick said, “I didn’t now know if I’d ever have a chance to play again.It’s an eye-opener for me not to take it for granted.”
Fitzpatrick started for nine games, than was bench for two games for Ryan Mallett, who is out for the season, after he suffered a chest injury last week.
With all eyes around the football nation on Watt’s outstanding season and his five touchdowns, Watt humbly stated, “I don’t think, I could have imagined scoring one touchdown anywhere.Five right now is very cool,” he said.
Popular Texans’ player #99 JJ Watt, the man who shines in any gridiron position.
The Texans are still in the playoff contention at (6-6), and have a chance to be the wildcard in their division.They will play the (2-10) Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, at Ever Bank Field in Jacksonville.
Nine whites and three blacks that made-up the Ferguson grand jury in the shooting of teen Michael Brown by officer Darren Wilson has decided today, November 24, there is not enough proof to indict the office in the murder of the 18-year-old.
Ferguson protestors hold up signs for justice for Michael Brown.
Wilson, who is white, shot Brown multiple times in broad daylight on August 9, around noon as he and his friend, Dorian Johnson was walking down the street in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. The town was rocked by the killing of the unarmed teen and protest broke out in the immediate aftermath of the shooting that led to some vandalisms and arrests.
The decision was announced by St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch.He said the grand jury decided that not probable cause existed to indict the officer on any of the five possible charges (first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or no charges) and no bill on all five accounts.
Both eyewitness testimony and physical evidence pointed to Brown being the aggressor including the presence of the teenager’s DNA and fingerprints in the officer’s vehicle and on his gun.Brown’s bloody body rested in the streets approximately five hours after his death.Than was taken away by officials.
Image of teen, Michael Brown who was fatally shot by police officer Darren Wilson
McCulloch said that several eyewitnesses gave statements that were inconsistent with other statements they were made and also conflicting with physical evidence.
President Obama spoke after the announcement calling for a peaceful response to the decision both by the citizens of Ferguson and the officers calling for them to show restraint.
“First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law.And we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make.There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry.It’s an understandable reaction.But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decisions to do so peacefully,” he said.
“I appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur.They have a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law.”
The President also echoed the words of Michael Brown’s father.“Let me repeat Michael’s father’s words: “Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer.No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead t incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”
The President concluded, “Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone.We should be honoring their wishes,” he said.
In a statement released after officer Wilson’s no bill verdict, the Brown family said, “we are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions.”
Prosecutor McCulloch detailed the account of the officer and teen’s encounter.He said that during the incident, Wilson angled his vehicle to block the path of Brown and his friend.Two shots were fired while Wilson was still in his police car.Brown’s blood was found inside the vehicle. McCulloch said, referencing witnesses, that some kind of “tussling” or “tug of war” took place.
He added that Brown ran and Wilson went after him.McCullough said 10 shots were fired after the teen ran.And that Brown was hit seven or eight times.
In an internal affairs interview after the shooting, officer Wilson said Brown started the encounter by leaning into the squad car’s driver’s side door while he was still inside.Then the dispute turned physical.The officer said he tried to get his mace but was unable to reach it so he “drew his firearm and Brown managed to grab it,” he said.
Ferguson police officer who Darren Wilson, who grand jury cleared of killing teenager, Michael Brown.
“I was guaranteed he was going to shoot me.He had completely overpowered me while I was sitting in the car,” the officer said.
The grand jury had reached a decision in the early afternoon but officials didn’t release it to the public until 8:00 PM eastern standard time.McCulloch said the six hour delay in publicly announcing the grand jury decision in conjunctionwith his press conference was necessary to help curtail any melee that could occur and also to havethe necessary patrol in place.
Several days before the anticipated grand jury decision came, Missouri’s Governor Jay Nixon called up the National Guard to come to Ferguson to come and help with policing and public safety.
Hours after the grand jury’ decision to free Wilson of any charges, there were reports of gun shots in the air by some of the protestor along with looting as well as several building burnings.
According to authorities, police made 29 arrests and at least 150 gunshots were heard and that the police didn’t fire at anyone.
Upset protestors take to the streets of Ferguson after grand jury no-bill decision.
The Associated Press reported a Walgreens was seen in flames and people were seen entering stores.And that a Little Caesar’s and a storage unite were among the builds that burned.
Federal authorities are still investigating officer Wilson which could bring civil rights charges.
Working in the fields plowing and chopping cotton was one of Mrs. Emma Primas favorite things to do as a youngster on her family farm back in Cold Springs, TX.The 109-year old now is one of Houston’s oldest and most vibrant resident. “I did everything on the farm until I was about 10-years-old.We didn’t start school until we were around that age because we had to work in the fields.I loved to plow.I had an old mule name Julie. We would plow and plant together.Old Julie loved that.But when it came to 12 o’clock, old Julie wasn’t going another step.That mule could tell time by looking up at the sun.And she would call out ‘wonk, wonk wonk’, to let me know it was time to stop.You could whip those legs all you wanted.Old Julie wasn’t going another step,” said Primas.
The 109-year-old Mrs. Emma Primas is joined by her granddaughter, Denise Mickey at their home.
Farm life for Primas was one that taught her about balance in life — hard work, money management and enjoyment.After a working through the day and helping to care of family business, Primas would go to the farm lake to relax and fish. “We had a mill on our property for grinding whole corn.We also raised sugar cane. Everybody had their own and would help each other.We were a community” Primas said.
The Japanese would come by and go to all of the neighbors and collect sugarcane and process it. Each neighbor would have it grind up and cooked.They would also grind it into sorghum.It’s something like molasses, not as sweet though. I really liked it, “she said.
As a community, Primas detailed how children were brought up during her childhood era.She said that people in the country helped raised each other’s children.If the children were not behaving that the neighbor would “get after them” and that the discipline didn’t stop there.“Neighbors didn’t mind whipping other neighbors’ kids. And then they would tell the parents and the parents would sometimes whip them again.Not today, if you touch somebody’s kids, you better have a 45 (caliber) and some money,” she said.
Finding Jesus
Born in 1905, Primas grew up in Cold Springs in east Texas rural area off Texas Highway 156 about 63 miles north of Houston in San Jacinto County. She had an extraordinarily awakening at age of 10.Primas told the story of her very first encounter with the Spirit of God and the Mona Bench.It is a backless long bench made original of stone. But at Primas’ childhood place of worship it was made of wood. It puts you in the mind of a long wooden backless church pew.
“We had to go before what you call a “Mona Bench.” [mourning bench, the place to prepare for spiritual conversion and baptism] during revival meetings.There certain people would pray for us; then touch us in the back.We would run all over the place.One night we all got happy.We found Jesus.Then, the old people told us that we hadn’t found Jesus.So they made us go back to the ‘Mona Bench’ again,” Primas said.
“And when we got back there, we couldn’t stay there.We were so happy.And we had what you called the Holy Ghost.We were saved,” said Primas.This perfect state of euphoric Primas said had her feeling light as a feather. And that it was like she wanted to fly all the time.As though she could take up wings and fly.She said it was like a feeling she had never felt before.“Lord, I prayed so hard.They told us how to pray and what I felt, I knew it could have only been the Lord.And it wasn’t man that had me like that.The ‘Mona Bench’ was there to save our souls,” she said.
The Houston Sun’s Sheila Ray-Reed shares a special moment with Mrs. Emma Primas.
School and Work
As a teenager, Primas enjoyed going to school and working.After school, she would go to white people homes and wash dishes where she got paid $2.00 to $3.00 for a day’s work.“And baby, we were rich with that money.That was big money.You could buy 10 sticks of candy for a nickel.Oh baby, we got a dollar and we thought we were ‘nigger rich’ because we could buy anything we wanted.And we enjoyed it so much,” Primas said.Her favorite subjects in school were reading, arithmetic and geography, and while reminiscing and smiling, she said, “I really liked reading geography,”
Working Woman
After she moved to Houston, she married and had one daughter.She enjoyed Houston but heard that jobs and opportunities were plentiful in California.She and her family packed-up and moved.“I got word that things were real good in San Francisco.I got me a job working at The Sir Francis Drake Hotel where I was a salad girl.Every other week, I made $40.00.I told my in-laws that I wanted to do something I never done before.I wanted to drive a street car.So I got a job operating a street car until I got tired and wanted to quick,” Primas said.
Primas didn’t quick and continued to work for an additional year based on a promise from management for better jobs.“We were told if we kept working and give the soldiers a rest; since the war (WWI) was over, that we would get promotions.They didn’t do what they said.So after that year, I found me some other work,” Primas said.
Finding new employment in northern California was no problem for Primas.She landed a position as a dietician assistant for a school and within months found herself over cafeteria menus for five schools.“I made $15.00 dollars a day for each of those schools.I saved my money, and when I came back to Houston, I was loaded,” she said.
Taking Care of Business
Primas has always been a money manager and kept her eyes on the money even when she was married. “I saved money, paid bills and didn’t allow my husband to pay the bills.You have to stay on top of things.I had one husband who bought a lady a pair of shoes”, she said.
“I notice that five dollars was missing from the household.So I went down and wanted to see my husband’s check that had been cashed.They showed it to me.I told him about it.He told me ‘I didn’t work for that check’.That it was his check. I then told him that he was my husband and that’s my check too and that he didn’t pay the bills: that I did,” said Primas.
She further explained that’s why men want to pay all of the bills, so they can have full control. “I was strict and I could be, and if they didn’t like it, they could keep going.I wasn’t like a lot of women waiting on a man to give me a few nickels.I worked.And I knew how to do a whole lot of work.Work that some people with lots of education couldn’t take care of,” Primas said.
Miracle
Sickness has only come Primas way when she was 92-years-old and she almost didn’t make it.She was celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant the day before she fell ill.She was laughing and talking with family and she started coughing up some dairy food she had consumed.The following day after church, she came home and had a big bowl of ice cream.
About 30 minutes later she started experiencing terrible stomach pains. She said the pains were just about to cut her into two.At first, she didn’t want to go to the hospital but family and the severe pain had changed her mind.At the hospital blood was taken numerous times and it was determined she had ptomaine poison. (Ptomaine poison is colloquially referred to as food poisoning; any illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites).
During Primas’ illness she said, “There were two white doctors seeing about me; a young one and an old one. The young doctor told me that I needed surgery to remove part of my intestines.The old doctor was trying to talk over him and said it was little to be done for someone my age.My daughter told him that was not a nice thing to say.The old white doctor didn’t open his mouth after that,” Primas said.
The young doctor continued with Primas’ assessment.He then reached into his medical jacket and pulled out a Bible. “The little young doctor began reading some scriptures, and wanted to know if it was okay if we prayed.These are the words the young doctor prayed: Father there is nothing I can do.But through you I can do all things.He then ordered a bed so that my daughter could stay overnight with me and told me he would operate on me in the morning.He took the bad part of my intestines out and sewed everything else back together.”
Primas’ granddaughter, Denise Mickey who she now lives with her has been working in the medical field for over 25 years said what that doctor did for her grandmother is unheard of in the medical field.“Doctors normally don’t do what this one did for my grandmother.He had a Bible, asked to pray and acknowledged that God was working through him.And that God has all of the power. Now that’s what you call amazing,” Mickey said.
On Primas’ last post-operative check-up, the young doctor had her daughter to take her down to the old doctor to see how well she had recovered.“That old doctor was amazed to see how well I was living and looked.And he’s the one that told them I was too old for an operation.If I had been his patient, he would have not touched me.He would have sent me somewhere to die,” she said.
Dr. Michael Radcliff of Northwest Memorial Hospital is the young doctor who used the Word of God to save Primas still keeps in contact with her today.He has attended her 100 Birthday Celebration as well as her 101 and 105 Birthday Celebrations.“Anytime I am having something special and we invite him and he comes,” said Primas.“I put my trust in God. Nobody can do these things but Him. Certain things that have been in my path, I know that have only come from Him.My trust and faith are in Him,” Primas said.
Politics
Voting has always been important to Primas. She said back in the day only white men could vote and the white women were mad because they wanted to vote too but couldn’t.“They didn’t let the white women vote at first with them because they thought women were unpredictable.Soon as blacks were allowed to vote, I voted in California.You just had to be 18 there and nothing else. So when I knew I was moving back to Houston, I bought my poll taxes so I could vote in Houston,” Primas said.
On President Obama, she though in her lifetime, she would never see a black man in America become President of the United States.She said even though they are giving him a hard time he is sticking in there. “People should get out in vote.It makes a difference.If it didn’t, they wouldn’t be trying to do everything to stop you from voting.So it just makes sense to vote.Just don’t sit there,” she said.
Religion
Primas said many churches today have lost their way.That ministers and pastors need to instill the Word into their members, but they do not and just focus on the money.“There are only a few churches now that really help people today.“Many churches have gone money crazy.Just greedy!One wants to out-do the other to see who has the biggest church and the most memberships.They don’t care what the Word says.They just want that money while they are here.”
Death
Primas just recently lost her only daughter who died at 88-years-old.She says some days she can talk about it and some days she cannot.But she knows the Lord.
Living
At 109-years old, Primas still attends civic and community functions. She enjoys watching the Steve Harvey Talk Show and would also like to meet him.She says she likes his style. “He takes care of himself.He is a good dresser like me and plus he talks a lot, just a no nonsense man, and I like that.”
All eyes were on the Texans’ new starting quarterback #15, Ryan Mallett as he played in his first NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on their home turf at First Energy Stadium. The frigid 30° degree temperature didn’t stop Mallet and squad from laying a frosty 23-7 win over the Browns.
Texans new starting quarterback Ryan Mallett throws his first touchdown pass to defensive end JJ Watt at Cleveland Browns’ First Energy Stadium, final score Texans 23 – Browns 7.
Mallett scored his first touchdown in the middle of the first quarter with a two-yard pass reception caught by the unstoppable JJ Watt as he waited in the end zone.The Texans took a 7-0 lead.What a better way for Mallett to get notice by collaborating with the NFL’s best defensive player.
The Browns tried to score right before the end of the first quarter with a field goal attempt by kicker, Billy Cundiff but the 38-yard attempt failed to make it through the goal post.
The Second quarter action began with a couple of JJ Watt Snafus with him running into kicker, Spencer Lanning during punt time allowing the Browns to get possession of the ball twice.The Browns failed to convert the opportunities in points though.
A couple of plays later, Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, found wide receiver Andrew Hawkins where he ran for a 32-yard touchdown, putting up the Browns 7 on the scoreboard and tying the game, 7-7.
The Texans came back with just 29 seconds left in the half.Mallett scored his second touchdown with a 20-yard pass to tight end Garrett Graham.Texans lead the half 14-7.
After the break, Texans kicker, Randy Bullock hit a 46-yard field goal to make t a 17-7 game, giving Houston a 10-point lead.
In the third quarter, neither team put points on the board.There was still some action though.Browns, wide receiver Marlon Moore fumbled a kickoff ball and the Texans recovered it but the called was overturned.The quarter ended with Texans still up 17-7.
In the final quarter, the Texans put up two more field goals with a 37-yard kick goal by Randy Bullock followed by a half-field 50-yard kick giving the Texans six points. The final score Texans 23 over the Browns 7.
A good day for Mallett, he completed 20 of 30 passes for 211yards.An even better game day for JJ Watt, in addition to his touchdown, he recorded a strip sack and made five tackles.Watt is the first defensive lineman to score four times in a season since 1948.
The Texans now stand (5-5).They will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 23 at NRG Stadium.
International pastor and motivational speaker Dr. Myles Monroe dies in plane crash.
The Associated Press has just reported today, November 10 that international pastor and bestselling author Dr. Myles Munroe of Faith Ministries has died in a plane crash along with his wife Ruth Ann as well as nine other people who have not yet been identified.
The crash occurred in the Bahamas on Sunday at 5:10 PM. The plane a Lear 36 Executive Jet was making an approach for landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport and instead stuck a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard exploding on impact and crashing into the ground.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the jet departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau Bahamas at 4:07 PM for the 132 mile trip to Grand Bahama Airport in Freeport Bahamas.
Munroe was on his way to his annual 2014 Global Leadership Forum which was to start today. Scheduled speaker former mayor and U.S. Ambassador, Andrew Young, released a statement in the unexpected death of his friend.
“It is with deep sadness over the tragic death of my friend Dr. Myles and Mrs. Ruth Munroe. My condolences to the Munroe family and the families of the other souls who lost their lives as a result of this shocking plane crash,” expressed Andrew Young.
The cause of the crash is unknown. But there were reports of heavy rain in the area and some flights were diverted. A full investigation is expected to begin today.
Munroe was 60-years old. He was a student at Oral Roberts University and later taught there. He was known for his work and teachings on leadership purpose and maximizing potential and vision.
He was the senior pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship. His wife served as the senior co-pastor. They are survived by their two children a son and a daughter.
The Texans charged into NRG Stadium with their Battle Red jerseys on and blazing and ready for business against the Philadelphia Eagles. This was the Texans fourth home game and even though the weather outside was picture perfect at 72 degrees mildly cool and sunny. Management elected not to open the stadium to the crisp blue skies.It might have been a wise choice since the Texans lost another game they could have won.
First quarter action began with the Philadelphia Eagles striking first with a 59-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nick Foles to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin putting the Eagles up on the board 7-0.
The Texans came back with a Foles’ interception intended for wide receiver Riley Cooper but was scooped up by Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, for a 51-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7 with the Eagles to tie the game.
The Eagles would score again but without its first string quarterback. Foles fell with two back-to-back sacks by Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus near the end of the first quarter. He was taken out of the game and replaced by back-up quarterback Mark Sanchez. It was later revealed that Foles had suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury.
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.
Sanchez got into field-action quickly taking his first drive 60-yards in six plays moving the ball along the field. He scored his first touchdown of the season with a short left pass to wide receiver Jordan Matthews for an 11-yard score. Eagles lead Texans 14-7.
It took the Texans a couple of drives to get back on the scoreboard due to an illegal block penalty by tackle Duane Brown. Fitzpatrick threw a deep right 56-yard touchdown pass to running back Arian Foster to tie the game 14 to 14.
With a little less than four minutes left before the half time break a 45-yard field goal by Eagles’ kicker Cody Parkey put Philadelphia up by three points leading Houston 17 to 14.
The third quarter was a bit messy for the Texans. Fitzpatrick threw too many incompletions and wide receiver Andrea Johnson had a reception coming straight to him but it seemed to slide off his hands, and kicker Randy Bullock missed a 39-yard field goal.
The Eagles extended their lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Polk. The Eagles now lead 24-14.
The Texans came back in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard pass from Fitzpatrick to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown that put the TeBattle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadiumxans within three of the Eagles 24-21.
The remainder of the final quarter was
all Eagles. Sanchez hit Maclin with an 8-yard touchdown pass that extended Philadelphia’s lead by 10 with a final score of 31-21.
The Texans are now (4-5). They are off next week and will meet the Cleveland Browns on November 16.
Battle Day Red Texans at NRG StadiumHouston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.
Scholar & Historian, Thomas Cahill takes a moment to speak with journalist Sheila Ray Reed
Since 1995, The Texas Defender Service (TDS) has sought to articulate the message that the criminal justice system in the second largest state in the nation should be fair and just. In addition, its mission is also to educate the public about the flaws in the Texas death penalty system.
Keynote speak, Thomas Cahill is joined by Texas Defender Service Dwayne Bennett. Director of Development
At TDS Light of Justice Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Houston Hilton of Americas, the keynote guest speaker best-selling author, scholar and historian Thomas Cahill presented the issue of disparities in the criminal justice system and how these disparities begin at childhood.
Cahill opened his presentation with Biblical writings from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. “When I was a child, I spoke like as a child. When I was a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. These were the words referenced by Barack Obama at his first inauguration,” Cahill said.
“Now imagine if your life as a child was one of sadness, deprivation, beatings, humiliation. How do you put away childish things if you haven’t had the chance to be a child? How do you become a man as the Paul says if you never had a chance to be a child? How do you grow up if you never had the chance to be a child?” asked Cahill.
“Every psychologist will say unless you have had the chance to be a child to play, to battle, to explore and to try things out while yielding parental admiration and love you cannot successfully negotiate the transition from a child to an adolescent; and from an adolescent to an adult and never become a genuine adult.”
Building on his theme, of childhood unfairness, cruelty and abuse, Cahill said that when parents take out their adult frustrations on the helpless body of a child with constant humiliation, beatings and even torture that most of these children will most likely face the law and sooner or later find themselves facing prison time. And he added that it is more prevalent for the males who come from abusive homes who experienced a healthy childhood to end in prison.
Cahill told the story of one of his friends, a respected journalist and writer. But a one time, the friend was a bank robber. Cahill’s friend eventually was caught and served some prison time. “My friend revealed to me recently that he never met a man in prison who was not beaten by his father, mother or abused or abandon,” said Cahill. His friend had lost his mother at a young age and the father had trouble coping with the lost took his frustrations out on his son by delivering terrible frequent beatings.
Equating the meanness and unfairness of such situations, Cahill said it is accepted by society because they are able to look beyond circumstances especially if someone is poor and black. To add validity to his assessment, Cahill pointed out that he doesn’t know one white wealthy man on deathrow. “The system doesn’t send people like me to deathrow. They send people who don’t look like them. It’s not that blacks commit more crime than whites. It’s that the courts sentence them because most don’t have good representation and because of their race,” said Cahill.
“It reminds you of a certain form of Calvinism which is really destructive. I think they are looking to kill people who are different from them inn many circumstances with retributive justice or punishing wrongdoers for violating the law. Texas is particularly afflicted with it. Let’s get them. Let’s get the people who are not us. Let’s get the others,” Cahill said.
Cahill told the story of another man, Dominique Green a former Texas Death Row inmate who he had grown close to while he was on deathrow. “Dominique was young, black and poor. Before he got on deathrow at 18, he was a petty drug pusher. He came from a family where his mother, a prostitute will discipline him by beating him and holding his hands over open flames until their burned. His father was a pimp and would also beat him. Dominique ended up living in a storage unit for three years from the age of 15. He was a schizophrenic even developed multiple personalities, said Cahill.
Green entered onto the Texas Deathrow in July of 1993 after he was convicted of robbing and shooting a man along with three other guys. Green admitted to being present at the scene of the murder, but claimed he was only the lookout guy and shot no one. One guy who partook in the crime was white. The grand jury No-Bill he while the other two black guys worked out prison plea deals.
Cahill met Green at the request of Judge Sheila Murphy who was working on the appeal of the case. Cahill said that he found a level of goodness and peace in Green.
“Through all that Dominique had been through he had blossomed into a beautiful human being. He became an advocate reader, student and an excellent writer. He was an expert on the legal system and helped other inmates with their cases. I don’t believe that he killed anyone” said Cahill.
Cahill even convinced Archbishop Desmond Tutu to come all the way from South Africa to the Walls Unit of the Texas Death Row to visit Green who had great admiration for the renowned social rights activist. Archbishop Tutu even pleaded for mercy for Green.
“Dominique was deeply impressed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book, No Future Without Forgiveness. Dominique believed in forgiveness and encouraged others to forgive and asked for forgiveness and to drop all pettiness,” said Cahill.
On October 26, 2004, Dominique Green was executed by lethal injection. His final statement was: I am not angry, but I am disappointed that I was denied justice. But I am happy that I was afforded you all as family and friends. You all have been there for me; it’s a miracle. I love you…I am not as strong as I thought I was going to be. But I guess it only hurts for a little while. You all are my family. Please keep my memory alive.”
Cahill was so moved by Green’s plight and remarkable triumph while on deathrow that he wrote a book on Green’s story called A Saint on Death Row.
One of the Texas Defender Service core projects is the Policy Project which seeks to improve capital and indigent defense policy at the county and state levels through research and advocacy. In the past year, TDS has trained more than 2,500 capital defense team members.
Snowboarding champion and “Dancing With The Stars” finalist, Amy Purdy who lost both of her legs from a bacterial meningitis infection 16-years ago has a lot to be thankful for and she is sharing her story and inspiring others on Oprah’s “The Live the Life You Want” Eight City Tour which kicked-off in Atlanta in the early fall and will end in San Jose in November. The Houston dates are October 17 -18 at the Toyota Center. Purdy is representing the tour’s title sponsor, Toyota as the Toyota Athlete and Brand Ambassador.
Toyota Athlete & Brand Ambassador, Amy Purdy snowboarding
Her story is one of inspiration and courage. She refused to succumb to a disease that shut down her kidneys, robbed her of her spleen and legs. Instead she decided to fight back and she triumphed. Within seven months after receiving her prosthetics she was back on the fresh white snow doing what she loves; gracefully descending down mountains and standing tall on her snowboard.
“With a grateful heart anything is possible no matter what the circumstances are. You have to push off the obstacles to move forward. I don’t look at myself as a victim or someone who lost their legs. I am thankful for my prosthetics. They have allowed me to travel the world and afforded me many opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy was invited by Oprah to share her triumphant story on the “The Live the Life You Want” tour. In addition, Purdy also joins Oprah on stage to recognize extraordinary people in each of the cities who have made a profound difference in their communities. Purdy the presents the recipient(s) with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award, a $25,000 grant to help the recipient(s) to further fund their causes.
Toyota Standing Ovation, recipient Tawanda Jones is flanked by Oprah and Amy Purdy
“I am so honored to be a part of this. I was really touched by the Newark, New Jersey Toyota Standing Ovation recipient, Tawanda Jones, founder of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team. This lady has made a huge impact on the lives of the students in her community where only 50% graduate from high school,” said Purdy.
She continued, “Ms. Jones has empowered and inspired these kids to move forward. The amazing factor is that 100% of the kids that has come through her program have all gradated high school. Right now there are 400 students on the waiting list. I hope that the $25,000 will help her find a building and expand.”
Purdy doesn’t like to call herself a motivation speaker but a storyteller and sharer of life stories. She believes in working hard and she sees herself as a perfectionist. I really enjoyed “Dancing With The Stars.” As an athlete, I was used to training for long periods. So, I didn’t mind the intense training. I enjoyed the experience and actually came out as a pretty good dancer. ,” said Purdy.
When speaking to audiences throughout the nation. No matter if the setting is a college campus or a large corporation; there are always two common questions that people asked Purdy. One refers to her pivotal moment in overcoming her crisis and the other refers to her tenure on “Dancing With The Stars.”
“I always tell people that you don’t necessarily overcome but you make it through any difficulty with gratitude. You have to believe and be grateful through situations. Most people wait for things to perfect and that is not it. It is about pushing through an obstacle and moving forward which can open new doors and opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy’s story has opened many doors for her and she travels nine months out of the year. When Purdy is not on the road with her speaking engagements, television appearances and acting, she relaxes at her home in Colorado.
Amy Purdy relaxing and enjoying some me-time.
And the day I was speaking with her she was at home carving pumpkins before she got back on the road with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award/Oprah’s Live the Life You Want Tour.
