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mainerowe · 10 months ago

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LA TASK 01.

PART 1: THE BASICS

What is your full name? - Jermaine Sebastian Rowe

Where and when were you born? - Boston, Massachusetts. 12/09/1989

Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.) - Mother: Nicki Rowe is an elementary school teacher and has been for over twenty years. She's wonderful with children and is very known and love for her work in the community. She's heavily in her community, church and is close with her son. Father: Ron Diaz is a fire fighter who lives in Miami with his now third wife and their children. When Maine was in high school it was in the agreement for him to spend the summers with his father. His father was always busy, conversations were awkward and dull. It wasn't until Jermaine was in college that his father wanted a real relationship with him, but they haven't spoken since.

Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like? - He has step siblings that he doesn't speak with, he doesn't know what they're like.

Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people. - He lives alone in Long Beach, California in a beach home in a gated community.

What is your occupation? - College basketball coach for UCLA.

Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks. - He's 6 foot 2, 204 pounds with a short cut, facial hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his arms. He had a chest tattoo that he removed a few years ago. He has multiple scars from sports injuries.

To which social class do you belong? - Upper class.

Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses? - No.

Are you right- or left-handed? - Right-handed.

What does your voice sound like? - Deep, raspy at times, with a slight accent.

What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently? - Chill. Nah. Aight.

What do you have in your pockets? - Money and his phone.

Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics? - He hoops to calm himself down, scratches the back of his neck when nervous and stares ahead of him when deep in thought.

PART 2: GROWING UP

How would you describe your childhood in general? - Fun, he had a lot of family and friends around him and his mother made sure he had everything he needed.

What is your earliest memory? - Getting ice cream on the weekends with his mom and going to the neighborhood park with his friends.

How much schooling have you had? - Graduated from college.

Did you enjoy school? - It had it's moments for him.

Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities? - From his uncles, grandfather and mother.

While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them. - Yes, his uncle. He was a loud but fun man that introduced him to the world of basketball. He was a scout for the ATL Braves and got him into a lot of games. His personality was magnetic.

While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family? - He got along with his mother's side of the family, but not his father's side.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? - A firefighter.

As a child, what were your favorite activities? - Playing ball, video games and running track.

As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display? - Playful, goofy, unserious, cocky and competitive.

As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like? - Once he became an athlete he was. His friends were mostly his boys that he grew up with.

When and with whom was your first kiss? - In middle school, forgot her name.

Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity? - No, junior year of high school, Keila.

PART 3: PAST INFLUENCES

What do you consider the most important event of your life so far? - Taking care of his mother and buying her dream home.

Who has had the most influence on you? - His uncle.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? - His career accolades.

What is your greatest regret? - The way his last relationship ended.

What is the most evil thing you have ever done? - Dumped his ex and left the country right after.

Do you have a criminal record of any kind? - No, it would've ruined his career in college and still could now.

When was the time you were the most frightened? - Last year when his mom was in a car accident.

What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you? - His mom walking in on him and his girlfriend when he was a teen.

If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why? - All the summers he spent with his bio father, they were uneccesary.

What is your best memory? - Last Christmas with his mother in Barbados.

What is your worst memory? - His injury that stopped his first dream.

#l.a. task

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datascraping001 · 4 months ago

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asandreolli · 1 year ago

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Exhibition

Forms Opening reception: Tuesday, December 5, 5–8pm December 5–10, 2023 Miami Design District, 35 NE 40th Street, Miami

Gagosian is pleased to announce Forms, the eighth annual thematic group exhibition presented jointly by Gagosian and Jeffrey Deitch during Art Basel Miami Beach. The dominant narrative of modern art has focused largely on a swing between the stylistic oppositions of figuration and abstraction. Forms explores alternatives to these paired categories through works that investigate how objects might function as surrogates for human reality, or that refer to objects indirectly through abstracted visual language. Playing on the ambiguities of its title, the art in Forms exists somewhere between a nonrepresentational formalism and a realism of forms, proposing different models for communicating the physical and symbolic complexities of the body. [1] Albert Oehlen, Ömega Man 2, 2021, Oil and lacquer on canvas, 63 x 94 1/2 inches (160 x 240 cm) [2] Urs Fischer, Dew, 2023, Aluminum composite panel, aluminum honeycomb, polyurethane adhesive, epoxy primer, gesso, solvent-based screen printing paint, and water-based screen printing paint 96 x 76 3/4 inches (243.8 x 194.9 cm), © Urs Fischer, Photo: Ulrich Ghezzi, Courtesy the artist and Gagosian [3] Tauba Auerbach, Foam, 2023, Acrylic on dibond, 48 x 72 inches (121.9 x 182.9 cm), © Tauba Auerbach, Photo: Steven Probert, Courtesy Paula Cooper Gallery, New York and Gagosian [4] Nari Ward, Soul Arch Fixed, 2021, Copper-covered found surfboard and firehose, and covered found church pew, 115 x 39 x 20 inches (292.1 x 99.1 x 50.8 cm), © Nari Ward, Photo: Joshua White, Courtesy of the artist, Jeffrey Deitch, and Gagosian [5] Giuseppe Penone, Impronte di luce, 2023, Oil on canvas, 72 1/8 x 72 1/8 inches (183 x 183 cm), © Archivio Penone, Photo: Ruggero Penone, Courtesy the studio and Gagosian [6] Giuseppe Penone, Pensieri di foglie, 2017, Bronze, river stone, 71 5/8 x 77 3/4 x 37 1/4 inches (182 x 197.5 x 94.5 cm), © Archivio Penone, Courtesy the studio and Gagosian source: https://gagosian.com/news/2023/11/22/forms-deitch-miami/

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tallmantall · 1 year ago

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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Miami’s Top #Cop Tried To Commit #Suicide. #MentalHealth Remains An Issue For #FirstResponders

By John Pacenti A Newark #policeofficer holds the hat of Newark #Police Detective Michael Morgan during his funeral procession at Saint Lucy?s Roman Catholic Church in Newark, N.J. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 Last year, 64 #policeofficers were fatally shot in the line of duty. There were 160 who took their own lives. The biggest threat to #lawenforcement #officers –and often, their families– is not any armed criminal. It is themselves. Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez now stands as a tragic example of where #mentalhealth and policing intersect. He remains at Tampa General Hospital after shooting himself in the head Sunday night with his service revolver. Before he shot himself, he had his hands around his wife’s throat, media reports say. “This incident is also a tragic reminder of the critical role that #mentalhealth plays in our #lawenforcement #officers’ well-being,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava at a news conference on Wednesday. “The reality is that these jobs are very demanding. They’re stressful and they’re emotionally taxing. They often require #officers to put their lives on the line.” Ramirez had called Levine Cava, distressed, and offered to resign around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. There had been an incident at the Marriott Tampa Water Street. Ramirez was seen with his hands on his wife’s throat, the Miami Herald reported. Somebody called the #police because they heard he had put his gun in his mouth. And then he and his wife were asked to leave the hotel for causing a disturbance. After speaking with Levine Cava around 8:30 p.m., Ramirez shot himself in the head, the bullet reportedly exiting his eye. Law enforcement #officers have a 54 percent increase in #suiciderisk compared to the general public, according to a 2019 study. “Before #COVID, #suicide was the number one cause of death of in law enforcement,” said Steadman Stahl, president of South Florida #Police Benevolent Association. #First-responders across the board are at risk – #policeofficers, #firefighters, EMTs, 911 operators. All must deal with tragedy on a routine basis. Shootings, horrific car accidents, drownings, drug overdoses, #childabuse. “How do you go out day in, and day out throughout your career, and experience these types of situations?” said Al Eskanazy, founding chairman and CEO of the Miami Beach-based Community #Police Relations Foundation. “The emotional turmoil that has is incredible.” Key Biscayne Fire Chief Eric Lang said there are “peer supporters” to address #mentalhealth in the department “In the old days, you just kind of sucked it up and didn’t say anything, you carried it with you. Now we talk about it a little bit more, we have these resources available,” Lang said. But sometimes those resources aren’t enough. Ramirez’s predecessor – Robert Parker – killed himself in 2015 after he retired from the department, also shooting himself in the head. Another top cop and former Mayor –Carlos Alvarez — was accused of #domesticviolence. But charges were dropped in 2016 when his ex-girlfriend, Evelyn Fernandez, a Miami-Dade #police lieutenant, did not show up for trial. Ramirez knew all the #mental pitfalls the job entailed. “You can take the uniform but the experiences that you go through stay with you,” Ramirez told Miami television station WPLG in December 2021 Ramirez said he would compartmentalize his #stress and would never ask for help. He made it a priority to provide counseling for his #officers and Miami-Dade police has a robust #mentalhealth unit, Eskanazy and Stahl said. But as director, Ramirez faced a whole new kind of #stress. He was named by Levine Cava to lead the department in 2020. She then named him in 2022 to oversee the fire-rescue department. He shepherded the department during the height of the #COVID #pandemic. He managed the department during the fallout and nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. Then, the Surfside condominium Champlain Towers South collapsed, killing 98. “The guy never really caught a break on anything,” Stahl said. “Freddy is the type of leader, the type of man, who bears the burdens of those around him,” Levine Cava said. “He carries the weight of his department.” Everything just unraveled for Ramirez while attending the Sheriffs conference. Tampa #police around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday arrived after reports of threatening to harm himself with a gun. Ramirez denied he put his gun to his head and told #officers he was just arguing with his wife. But the couple had caused so much of a disturbance that the Marriott hotel asked them to leave. That put Ramirez and his wife of 28 years, Jody, on Interstate 75 back home to Miami. There was a call to the mayor – and then tragedy. Ramirez wasn’t known as one of these tough-as-nails irascible lawmen. He was affable. He played guitar. And – like in the WPLG interview – very open to talk about hard issues. Ramirez appeared on the Independent’s Anti-Social podcast in May. When Eskanazy first heard bits and pieces of what happened, he thought it was a joke – but then learned the horrifying truth. “I just started crying,” he said. “I’m a pretty tough guy – born and raised in the streets of the Bronx. This just broke me.” Stahl said he remains bewildered. He considers Ramirez a friend. “We would never have expected that, ” he said. Lang added, “He was just like this random normal guy that people connected with. He needed help. He couldn’t get help. Everybody’s really moved by this.” There are organizations to help for both #officers and family members of #cops who are subjected to the #stress. The Atlantic magazine reported research suggesting #domesticviolence is two to four times higher in the law-enforcement community than in the general population. Blue H.E.L.P., formed in 2015, keeps track of #suicides and offers resources. Eskanazy’s #non-profit aims to bring law enforcement and distressed communities together. “You can either allow that circumstance to deteriorate, or you can use it as an opportunity to understand it and grow from it,” he said. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com The program is called Struggle Well. Stahl said it is important to change the stoic mindset of officers “that it is OK not to be OK. It’s OK to ask for help.” Still, there are concerns that by reaching for help it could be used against them by the media or as they try to move up in rank. “We are changing that mindset,” Stahl said. Stahl was traveling back Tuesday from Tampa where he visited with the Ramirez family. “They’re sticking together. They’re strong,” he said. “They just want to get the director home. There is great love among the family.” Photo by Daria Sannikova on Pexels.com Read the full article

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rabbitcruiser · 6 years ago

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Churches (No. 22)

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Key West (three pics)

Trinity United Methodist Church and Christian Life Center, Tallahassee (two pics)

Chapel San Marcos, St. Augustine (three pics)

Miami Beach Community Church (two pics)

Byzantine Church, Amman Citadel (two pics)

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johncontini · 3 years ago

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I’m the first to agree that mediation won’t work in ALL divorce cases — some people are just so blinded by hate and resentment that they’d rather waste all their money fighting; but for the vast majority of you who are going through this ordeal, mediation can and has helped thousands of couples get on with their lives in a much more peaceful and less stressful way, a way that’s also much faster and less costly. Please give yourself at least 15 minutes to talk with me. I will explain to you the process, ask you about the conflict, find out what outcome you'd like to see happen and get in touch with the other person or people involved to see if mediation would be agreeable. Schedule Your Free Consultation Here: https://continisolutions.com/mediation-services/ Visit Our Site: https://continisolutions.com/ 📧: [email protected] 👉 Call me anytime, John Contini: 954 937 3134

Grateful,

John Contini

#love beach motivation peace miami Jesus hope faith light bible church community downtown leadership FortLauderdale serve BrowardCounty loveo

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tabloidtoc · 4 years ago

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Star, December 28

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: The Kardashians in ruins

Page 1: Fans jumped to conclusions when Taylor Swift who is known to drop hints about her personal life in her music videos posted a teaser shot for her new clip for Willow of herself in a lacy dress and floral headpiece looking very much like a blushing bride -- Taylor and boyfriend Joe Alwyn have been talking weddings and they initially discussed throwing a big bash in Joe’s native England but they’ve reconsidered since holing up in Taylor’s farm outside Nashville so now they’re just going to go ahead and get married in a small romantic ceremony and forgo the church wedding and elaborate reception since they are super private and prefer to do things out of the spotlight

Page 2: Contents, Heather Rae Young scoped out wedding dresses with Chrishell Stause by her side

Page 4: Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio are heating up the Boston set of their movie Don’t Look Up where their chemistry is off the charts even though both are seriously taken: Jennifer is wed to Cooke Maroney and Leo’s been dating Camila Marrone since 2017 but Jennifer and Leo have always had a flirty rapport whenever they bumped into each other at awards shows and other industry events -- Jennifer’s husband Cooke could be annoyed with all the flirting even if the actors are keeping things professional and as for Camila she finds his connection with Jennifer pretty intimidating

Page 5: There’s plenty of tension on the set of The Morning Show now that Julianna Margulies has joined Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston on the series -- Jen wasn’t in on the decision to add Julianna to the cast and is miffed she wasn’t consulted and doesn’t understand why Reese insisted bringing Julianna on board and she’s just plain hurt that the new arrival has been getting so chummy with her BFF and Julianna and Reese are whispering behind everybody’s backs and barking orders like they own the place and they’re not even inviting Jen to lunch

* Olivia Jade Giannulli addressed her part in the $500,000 bribe that ensured her entrance into USC and sent her parents Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli to prison and reactions to her appearance were harsh with a typical commenter calling her smug but she thinks she did well and figures this will be good for her career as a social-media influencer

* Martha Stewart has been flourishing during lockdown and a new photo shows her looking beyond refreshed leaving some to wonder if she’s doing more than nibbling her new CBD gummies to look so good

Page 6: Kelly Clarkson’s divorce from Brandon Blackstock may be getting ugly but her ex-mother-in-law Reba McEntire is standing by her side even though it can get a little awkward at time but nothing is going to get in the way of Kelly and Reba’s relationship

* A slew of A-listers are about to be dragged into Johnny Depp’s defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard as shocking new court papers allege that Johnny had affairs with a bevvy of his costars including Angelina Jolie and Keira Knightley and Marion Cotillard and must submit all responsive communications with them -- the women are mortified and embarrassed they’re being pulled into Johnny and Amber’s tawdry split while for his part Johnny flipped out when he learned he needed to produce his communications with these women and he’s calling the tactics lowdown and disgusting

* Star Spots the Stars -- David Beckham, Chrissy Teigen, Carrie Underwood, Gal Gadot, Floyd Mayweather, Nick Offerman, Hilaria Baldwin

Page 8: Star Shots -- Audrina Patridge and her daughter Kirra out in Beverly Hills, Pete Wentz let his bleached hair down during a tennis game in L.A., Joe Jonas and wife Sophie Turner walking with their daughter in a stroller in L.A.

Page 10: Steve Martin took his meal to go during a break from filming Only Murders in the Building in Central Park, Josh Duhamel and his son Axl enjoyed a playful romp in the grass, Paris Hilton and Carter Reum celebrated their one-year anniversary in Bora Bora

Page 11: Diane Keaton jokingly flirted with the men watching on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in Burbank, Sir Michael Palin brought the laughs during his appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show in London

Page 12: ‘Tis the Season -- Kristen Taekman left a nursery in Encino, a decked out Lil Nas X and Ellen DeGeneres opted for a safe season’s greetings by bumping elbows on the talk show

Page 13: Brooke Burke was all smiles shooting content for her fitness app in Malibu, Niecy Nash and wife Jessica Betts kicked off their first holiday season as a married couple in plaid pajamas

Page 14: Kylie Minogue performing on The Jonathan Ross show in London, Irina Shayk out and about with daughter Lea in NYC, Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld and a canine costar filmed scenes for Hawkeye in NYC

Page 15: Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn showing some major skin during a photoshoot in L.A., Antonio Banderas and journalist Maria Casado posed for photos at a presentation for their new Spanish television series Escena en Blanco y Negro in Malaga, Spain

Page 16: Beach Babes -- Chantal Jeffries and boyfriend Drew Taggart in Miami, Mark Zuckerberg showed off his gliding skills on his $12,000 eFoil electric surfboard in Hawaii

Page 17: Chris Pratt used his hoverboard as a weight after hitting the sand with his son, Julia Roberts enjoyed a solo stroll in Hawaii

Page 18: Normal or Not? Vanilla Ice headlining the drive-in Winterfest concert in West Palm Beach -- normal, Demi Moore wearing big boxing gloves -- not normal, James Franco couldn’t go without his phone during a getaway in Mexico -- not normal

Page 20: Fashion -- stars look timeless in black -- Sofia Carson, Nicole Richie

Page 21: Taylor Hill, Vanessa Kirby

Page 24: Like so many Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are putting their future on hold amid the global health pandemic and Gwen revealed that the two won’t even set a date for their nuptials in order to avoid a COVID situation that would require restrictions -- they have already nailed down a few details like the location which is Blake’s Ten Point Ranch in Oklahoma where he proposed inside a chapel Blake built for Gwen on the 1300-acre property

Page 25: Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox are embroiled in a bitter custody war over their sons Noah and Bodhi and Journey -- Brian responded to Megan’s divorce filing by requesting joint custody and spousal support and he’s in a non-negotiating mood and if she tries to take his kids it’s going to get ugly really fast

* James Franco is ready to pop the question to girlfriend Isabel Pakzad and he’s been looking at rings -- dating since 2017 the two overcame a difficult time in 2018 after James was accused by multiple women of misconduct -- surviving that scandal and enjoying their time in lockdown has convinced James he’s found The One

* Kristin Cavallari and comedian Jeff Dye who were first linked in October jetted off to Mexico for a fun getaway with friends where the couple smooched and danced and enjoyed cocktails and had a wonderful time in Cabo but Kristin isn’t looking for anything serious following her divorce from Jay Cutler

Page 26: Cover Story -- the Kardashian empire crumbles -- with their show leaving the air early next year the Kardashian-Jenner crew could stand to lose it all -- ratings for Keeping Up With the Kardashians reached a new low before they pulled the plug and it’s obvious fans are losing interest and they spend money like it’s going out of fashion

Page 30: A Spy at the Palace -- after a staff member steals more than $200,000 worth of her personal keepsakes Queen Elizabeth no longer feels safe in her home

Page 33: Gone Too Soon -- a look back at the celebrities we lost in 2020 and the legacies they leave behind -- Naya Rivera, Kelly Preston, Regis Philbin

Page 34: Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Alex Trebek

Page 40: Beauty -- pretty pout -- sparkly, shiny and matte lipsticks to rock this New Year’s Eve -- Rihanna

Page 42: Entertainment

Page 48: Parting Shot -- Vanessa Hudgens as host of the first MTV Movie & TV Awards: Greatest of All Time

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whatisonthemoonarchive · 4 years ago

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In 1986, a young woman disappeared while fundraising for the Unification Church. What could have happened to Hiromi Kazuni?

It was either the 10th or 11th of July 1986 in Fort Myers Beach in Florida's Lee County. (NamUs gives the date as the 10th, while contemporary newspapers give the date as the 11th; Doe Network and Charley Project give the 25th and 26th of the month, but there is an article on the case dated July 16, 1986, ruling these dates out.) A small group of members of the Unification Church were knocking on the doors of various businesses and residences, soliciting donations and giving out Garfield hand puppets in exchange. One of these members was 25-year-old Hiromi Kazuni. Born in Japan and still a national of that country, Hiromi (who also used the English name Rachael, or Rachel depending on which source you go by) had only taken up residence in the USA two years prior, having moved to Miami in 1984. However, she had been a devoted member of the Unification Church for a longer time; she had joined as far back as 1981. The group had been, for the past week or so, knocking on the doors of various businesses in the area seeking donations. How exactly is unclear based on the sources, but apparently the group became separated, with Hiromi eventually ending up walking along a predetermined route along the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard and Summerwinds Court. She was last seen around 6PM in the parking lot of Dino's Restaurant, which was closed for the summer. Then, she vanished. Shopkeepers and residents on the road beyond Dino's Restaurant say they never saw her; Hiromi was reported missing.

The case was baffling. In an article dated July 16, 1986, Lee County Sheriff's Sergeant Rod Shoap commented that the police were "seeking any leads whatsoever." He added that there was "no sign of foul play. She just disappeared." It was even considered possible, in the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, that Hiromi may have returned to her family in Japan, though this eventually proved to not be the case. Simon Tufnell, the treasurer of the Church's fundraising department, said she "could have just run away from the church". He added that it was "unusual for people to run away from the church, but it has happened."

The Unification Church, for those who aren't familiar, is a relatively recent offshoot of Christianity founded in 1954 in South Korea by Sun Myung Moon. It is also referred to as the Unification Movement. The group's teachings are significantly different than other sects of Christianity. Their views include viewing their leader Moon as a Messiah who had been visited by Jesus, as well as such an emphasis on the importance of marriage to the point of holding mass wedding ceremonies. The Church has been criticized by other Christian groups as well as secular sources who consider the group a cult.

Interestingly, an October 2014 publication by the Vision 2020 Japan Unification Movement Newsletter (which is, as you probably could guess, a newsletter sent out by the Unification Church of Japan) mentions Hiromi, saying that "Sister Hiromi Kazuni became a martyr in the US." I have linked this newsletter below.

Despite the odd details of this case, it is rather obscure. It did not receive much media attention even at the time, and these days the case isn't known even among online sleuthing communities. Hiromi's family resides (or at least at the time resided) in Japan, so I would not be surprised if they were unable to do much; however, it is odd that nobody in her church, in which she was by all accounts very involved, thought it was worth pursuing.

Another odd thing about this case is just how many discrepancies there seem to be depending on which source you look at- besides the disagreements on the date Hiromi went missing, there's also major discrepancies in her height (according to Charley Project and NamUs, she was 5'3-5'4; according to the Doe Network, she was 5'8) and weight (Doe Network says she was 140 lbs, NamUs says she was 110-115 lbs, and Charley Project says she could have been anywhere from 110-140 lbs. For what it's worth, all the contemporary news reports list her at 5'8 and 140 lbs.)

These things aside, what could have happened to Hiromi? Could the Unification Church be involved in her disappearance, or is her involvement just a red herring? Or maybe she really did run away from the church- but in that case, would she really have remained hidden all these years? And though her family lived abroad, why didn't her case receive more coverage, when she was a well-integrated member of the Church and had many people who knew her in the USA?

I have tried to compile all the information on the case that is available. If anyone finds any information I have missed, please share!

Charley Project

NamUs

Doe Network

Newspapers.com

Encyclopædia Britannica Article on Unification Church

Vision 2020 Japan Unification Movement Newsletter

#hiromi kazuni #unification church #moonies

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go-redgirl · 4 years ago

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President Donald Trump Pardons Sixteen People Including Charlie Kushner, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone

President Donald Trump issued another round of pardons on Wednesday to sixteen people, including his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, his sometimes adviser Roger Stone, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, Charlie Kushner.

Charlie Kushner was prosecuted in 2005 by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was New Jersey’s Attorney General at the time. Kushner, a top donor to Democrats, pleadguilty to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign donations.

Charlie Kushner served 14 months of a two-year sentence in an Alabama prison before he was released in April 2006. Jared Kushner cites visiting his father in prison as an influence for pursuing the issue of criminal justice reform.

Manafort served two years of his seven and a half years in prison after he was prosecuted for financial crimes from consulting work for pro-Russian Ukrainian leaders before he joined the Trump campaign. Special Counsel Robert Mueller also charged Manafort with two counts of conspiracy.

In a statement, Trump noted there was “blatant prosecutorial overreach” in Manafort’s case.

“Mr. Manafort has endured years of unfair treatment and is one of the most prominent victims of what has been revealed to be perhaps the greatest witch hunt in American history,” a statement from the White House read.

Trump also pardoned political operative Roger Stone, after commuting his prison sentence in July, citing the unfair investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

“Pardoning him will help to right the injustices he faced at the hands of the Mueller investigation,” the statement from the White House read.

Read the full list of other pardons below:

James Kassouf — President Trump granted a full pardon to James Kassouf. This pardon is supported by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Representative David Joyce, Representative Darrell Issa, Pastor Darrell Scott, and many friends in Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Kassouf pled guilty in 1989 to one count of filing a false tax return. Since his conviction, he has devoted extensive time and resources to supporting causes such as Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and his local church and fire department. Mr. Kassouf’s pastor, who also writes in support of today’s action, highlights Mr. Kassouf’s “vision” to make his community a better place. Mr. Kassouf is dedicated to revitalizing the city of Cleveland and has been intensely involved in the Northeast Ohio community.

Mary McCarty — President Trump granted Mary McCarty a full pardon. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Christopher Ruddy are among those supportive of Ms. McCarty. Ms. McCarty was a longtime public servant in Palm Beach, Florida, serving as one of its County Commissioners. In 2009, she pled guilty to one count of honest services fraud. The Supreme Court has since interpreted that statute more narrowly, meaning that Ms. McCarty’s conduct might not be criminally prosecuted today.

Christopher Wade — President Trump granted a full pardon to Christopher Wade. Wade’s pardon is supported by Isaac Perlmutter, Mark Templeton, and numerous current and former law-enforcement officials. Mr. Wade served two years’ probation after pleading guilty to various cyber-crimes. Since his conviction, he has shown remorse and sought to make his community a safer place.

Christopher II X, formerly Christopher Anthony Bryant — President Trump granted a full pardon to Christopher II X, a prominent community leader. This Federal pardon is supported by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky as well as Tori Murden McClure, the President of Spalding University, among others. Mr. II X is a powerful example of the possibility of redemption. For a two-decade period ending in 1998, Mr. II X battled a severe addiction to both cocaine and marijuana. In this period he committed numerous state and federal offenses.

Since overcoming his drug dependency and following his release from prison for the last time over 20 years ago, Mr. II X has become an acknowledged community leader in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Today, Mr. II X runs a non-profit organization, Game Changers, which is dedicated to guiding youth to productive, meaningful lives.

He is also widely credited as a trusted voice of reason and peace in Louisville that both sides turn to if tensions arise between the police and local community.

In recognition of the many contributions to his community, in December 2019 Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky issued Mr. II X a full pardon for each of his State crimes. Today’s Federal pardon achieves the same for Mr. II X’s Federal cocaine offenses.

Cesar Lozada — President Trump granted a full pardon to Cesar Lozada. This act of clemency is supported by U.S. Representative-elect Maria Elvira Salazar and members of Mr. Lozada’s community. Mr. Lozada, an immigrant from Cuba, started a small business cleaning and servicing pools in Miami-Dade County. Since then, his business, now a pool equipment company, has grown and employs dozens of people. Today’s pardon addresses a mistake Mr. Lozada made in 2004 of conspiring to distribute marijuana, for which Mr. Lozada took full responsibility, served his sentence of 14 months in prison and three years supervised release, and paid a $10,000 fine. Mr. Lozada volunteers on weekends at a charity mission and serves food to the poor.

Joseph Martin Stephens — President Trump granted Joseph Martin Stephens a full pardon. Mr. Stephens’ Federal conviction – a guilty plea in 2008 to being a felon in possession of a firearm – is predicated on a State felony conviction from 1991, when he was 19. Although the state offered Mr. Stephens deferred adjudication, he turned it down. When Federal authorities prosecuted him nearly 20 years later for possessing a firearm, he took full responsibility for his conduct and served a sentence of 18 months in prison and three years on supervised release. Clemency for Mr. Stephens is supported by business associates.

Andrew Barron Worden — President Trump granted a full pardon to Andrew Barron Worden, an entrepreneur who has worked extensively in the solar energy field. Mr. Worden has exhibited a decades-long commitment to philanthropy, including founding charitable foundations and teaching and research grant programs.

Mr. Worden enjoys the support of business associates and his community for this pardon, which pertains to a 1998 conviction for wire fraud. At the time, Mr. Worden had just graduated from college and made mistakes in running an investment firm he founded. However, Mr. Worden voluntarily stopped his wrongful conduct and began to repay his victims before any criminal charges were filed, an action his sentencing judge called “extraordinary.”

Robert Coughlin — President Trump granted a full pardon to Robert Coughlin. This act of clemency has the support of former interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeffrey Taylor and Adam Ciongoli, and former counselor to Attorney General Ashcroft. Mr. Coughlin pled guilty to a single count of conflict of interest in performing his duties as a Department of Justice official. He was charged for doing favors on matters before the Department of Justice in exchange for sports and concert tickets. Mr. Coughlin voluntarily surrendered his law license and was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house and 200 hours of community service. Mr. Coughlin is remorseful and has volunteered in his community through organizations including Meals on Wheels and Toys for Tots. Recently, he was reinstated to the D.C. Bar and wishes to put his mistakes behind him.

John Boultbee and Peter Atkinson — President Trump granted a full pardon to John Boultbee and Peter Atkinson. Mr. Boultbee is the former chief financial officer and Mr. Atkinson is the former vice president of Hollinger International. Both men were convicted as part of an alleged fraud scheme involving Lord Conrad Black, and both served nearly a year in prison for mail fraud. President Trump previously pardoned Lord Black, and for similar reasons and with the support of Lord Black, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Safer, and David Nathanson, he has now granted a full pardon to Messrs. Boultbee and Atkinson.

Joseph Occhipinti — President Trump granted a full pardon to Joseph Occhipinti, a 70-year-old former Supervisory Special Agent with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This pardon is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, and Representative Christopher Smith. In 1991, Mr. Occhipinti was convicted of conspiracy to violate civil rights under the color of law and making false statements. Mr. Occhipinti had a 22-year highly decorated career in which he earned 76 separate commendations, including three from Attorneys General. Mr. Occhipinti’s 37 month long sentence was commuted by President George H.W. Bush after only seven months’ incarceration.

Rebekah Charleston — President Trump granted a full pardon to Rebekah Charleston. Ms. Charleston’s pardon is supported by her friends, family, and even the Special Agent who arrested her in 2006 for tax evasion.

Ms. Charleston is a victim of sex trafficking who has suffered a litany of abuses and endured a life of forced prostitution. Despite these hardships, Ms. Charleston has become a champion for survivors of all crimes, particularly sex trafficking. She obtained a master’s degree in criminal justice and has worked tirelessly to give a voice to the voiceless victims of sex trafficking. Ms. Charleston volunteers much of her time helping those who are currently or have previously been victims.

Rickey Kanter — President Trump granted a full pardon to Rickey Kanter. Mr. Kanter was the owner and CEO of Dr. Comfort, a company that manufactures special shoes and inserts for diabetics. Although there was no evidence that Dr. Comfort’s customers were ever harmed by the company’s shoe inserts, the company and Mr. Kanter settled claims in civil court regarding shoe inserts that were technically non-compliant with Medicare regulations.

It was only after this point when the Federal Government filed a criminal action against Mr. Kanter. Mr. Kanter pled guilty to one count of mail fraud and completed his sentence of one year and one day in 2012. Since his period of incarceration, Mr. Kanter has been a model member of his community.

Topeka Sam — President Trump granted a full pardon to Topeka Sam. This pardon is supported by Alice Johnson and David Safavian.

Ms. Sam’s life is a story of redemption. She has become a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform since she completed three years of a 130-month sentence she received in 2012 as a result of pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine. Ms. Sam has since dedicated her life to helping other women in need turn from a path of despair towards a path of redemption. Ms. Sam founded Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she helps formerly incarcerated women transition back into society through education, entrepreneurship, spiritual empowerment, and advocacy. Along with others, she championed the historic First Step Act that President Trump signed in to law in 2018.

James Batmasian — President Trump granted a full pardon to James Batmasian. Mr. Batmasian’s pardon is supported by Representative Brian Mast, Alice Johnson, and former Masters Champion Bernhard Langer, among many others from the South Florida community that Mr. Batmasian has done so much to serve through his extensive charitable works.

Mr. Batmasian runs an extensive property management business in South Florida. Over a three-year period from 2001 to 2003, Mr. Batmasian made overtime payments without withholding for income taxes or FICA contributions. While illegal, Mr. Batmasian recorded all of these payments and made no attempt to hide them when confronted by IRS investigators. In 2008, Mr. Batmasian pled guilty to willful failure to collect and remit payroll taxes. Mr. Batmasian accepted full responsibility for his actions, fully repaid the IRS the money he owed, and served his 8-month sentence.

William J. Plemons, Jr. — President Trump granted a full pardon to William J. Plemons, Jr. Business associates attest to his generosity and service to children and the underprivileged. His clemency is also supported by Richard Greene, former State Senator of Georgia.

Mr. Plemons served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged. He has spent decades supporting the Boy Scouts, the Cure Childhood Cancer Hospital, and other charitable efforts. Although he was convicted of various financial crimes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he has taken responsibility for his conduct, served a sentence of 27 months in prison, and paid $400,000 in restitution.

Russell Plaisance — President Trump granted a full posthumous pardon to Russell Plaisance. His clemency is supported by numerous local officials, including the Sheriff of the parish. The prosecutor on his case also does not object to a pardon.

In life, Mr. Plaisance built a tug boat business from the ground up that has grown into seven vessels and employment for over 50 individuals. He has also contributed his time and resources to local charitable causes. His Federal case, dating back to 1987, involves a single count of conspiracy to import cocaine stemming from one conversation in which he participated. The sentencing judge called the event “totally inconsistent with [Mr. Plaisance’s] life history and [his] character.” Mr. Plaisance is survived by his wife of 54 years, children, and grandchildren.

Daniela Gozes-Wagner — President Trump commuted the sentence and restitution order imposed upon Ms. Gozes-Wagner. Numerous former law-enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorneys General Michael Mukasey, Ed Meese, Ramsey Clark, and John Ashcroft; Acting Attorneys General Peter Keisler and Matt Whitaker; an FBI Director, two U.S. Solicitors General, and scores of U.S. Attorneys, among others, have supported commutation for Ms. Gosez-Wager, arguing that she received a disproportionate sentence. The Aleph Institute also supports her commutation.

Ms. Wagner is a single mother of two children who has been in federal custody since her 2017 conviction for health care fraud and money laundering. Ms. Gozes-Wagner worked as a mid-level manager for a company that improperly received Medicare and Medicaid funds. Of the individuals in Ms. Gozes-Wagner’s case, Ms. Gozes-Wagner was the only defendant to go to trial. She received a sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay $15.2 million in restitution. This sentence was significantly more severe than the sentences imposed on the other defendants, several of whom played a more central role in the fraud. Her sentence was criticized by numerous former high-ranking U.S. officials as disproportionate to her crime.

Mark Siljander — President Trump granted a full pardon to Mark Siljander. His pardon is supported by Former United States Attorney General Edwin Meese, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt, and Pastor Andrew Brunson.

Mr. Siljander served in the U.S. House of Representatives for six years, representing the people of Michigan’s 4th district. During his time in Congress, Mr. Siljander was one of Congress’s most stalwart defenders of pro-life principles and the namesake of the “Siljander Amendment,” which prohibits U.S. funds from being used to lobby for or against abortion.

Mr. Siljander served a year in prison for obstruction of justice and failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Since his incarceration, Mr. Siljander has devoted himself to traveling in the Middle East and Africa to promote peace and mutual understanding.

Stephanie Mohr — President Trump granted a full pardon to Stephanie Mohr. Her clemency is supported by the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Ms. Mohr was a police officer in Prince George’s County where she achieved the distinction of being the first female canine handler in the Department’s history. She served 10 years in prison for releasing her K-9 partner on a burglary suspect in 1995, resulting in a bite wound requiring ten stitches. Officer Mohr was a highly commended member of the police force prior to her prosecution. Today’s action recognizes that service and the lengthy-term that Ms. Mohr served in prison.

Gary Brugman — President Trump granted a full pardon to Gary Brugman. His clemency is supported by numerous elected officials, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senators Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn, Representative Louie Gohmert, Representative Ted Poe, Representative Steve King, Representative Paul Gosar, Representative Walter Jones, Representative Brian Babin, and Representative John Culberson. Others who support this pardon include Laura Ingraham, Sara Carter, Glenn Beck, Lou Dobbs, Bernie Kerik, and numerous members of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Mr. Brugman served this country for eight years in the Coast Guard and then for four years as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. While protecting our borders at Eagle Pass, Texas, Mr. Brugman intercepted nearly a dozen illegal immigrants, pursued them on foot, and apprehended them.

Mr. Brugman was accused of knocking one of the illegal immigrants to the ground and was prosecuted on that basis for deprivation of rights. He served 27 months in prison, where other inmates sought to harm him because of his law enforcement background. After being released from prison, Mr. Brugman went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management.

John Tate and Jesse Benton — President Trump granted John Tate and Jesse Benton full pardons. This action is supported by Senator Rand Paul and Lee Goodman, former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. Both Mr. Tate and Mr. Benton were convicted based on indirect campaign payments to a state Senator. According to Mr. Goodman, the reporting law violated was unclear and not well established at the time. Each individual received 6 months home confinement and 2 years’ probation.

Charles Kushner — President Trump granted a full pardon to Charles Kushner. Former United States Attorney for the District of Utah Brett Tolman and the American Conservative Union’s Matt Schlapp and David Safavian support a pardon of Mr. Kushner. Since completing his sentence in 2006, Mr. Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy. This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner’s conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the FEC.

Margaret Hunter— President Trump granted a full pardon to Margaret Hunter. According to former Federal Election Commission Commissioner Bradley Smith, the conduct forming the basis of Ms. Hunter’s 2019 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds for personal expenses should have been treated as a civil case by the agency. Mrs. Hunter was sentenced to three years’ probation. President Trump previously issued a full pardon to former Congressman Hunter for the same alleged conduct.

Paul Manafort—Today, President Trump has issued a full and complete pardon to Paul Manafort, stemming from convictions prosecuted in the course of Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation, which was premised on the Russian collusion hoax. Mr. Manafort has already spent two years in prison, including a stretch of time in solitary confinement – treatment worse than what many of the most violent criminals receive. As a result of blatant prosecutorial overreach, Mr. Manafort has endured years of unfair treatment and is one of the most prominent victims of what has been revealed to be perhaps the greatest witch hunt in American history. As Mr. Manafort’s trial judge observed, prior to the Special Counsel investigation, Mr. Manafort had led an “otherwise blameless life.” Since May, Mr. Manafort has been released to home confinement as a result of COVID-19 concerns.

Roger Stone— Today, President Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Roger Stone, Jr. President Trump had previously commuted Mr. Stone’s sentence in July of this year. Mr. Stone is a 68-year-old man with numerous medical conditions. Due to prosecutorial misconduct by Special Counsel Mueller’s team, Mr. Stone was treated very unfairly. He was subjected to a pre-dawn raid of his home, which the media conveniently captured on camera. Mr. Stone also faced potential political bias at his jury trial. Pardoning him will help to right the injustices he faced at the hands of the Mueller investigation.

Mark Shapiro and Irving Stitsky — President Trump granted commutations to Mark Shapiro and Irving Stitsky, for the remainder of both of their sentences. Messrs. Shapiro and Stitsky founded a real estate investment firm, but hid their prior felony convictions and used a straw CEO. Due to the 2008 financial crisis, the business lost millions for its investors.

Prior to trial, prosecutors offered Messrs. Shapiro and Stitsky plea agreements for 5 to 7 years and 7 to 9 years, respectively. Both declined the deal and exercised their Constitutional right to a jury trial. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to 85 years imprisonment. This sentence was over 10 times the plea offer for Mr. Shapiro and almost 10 times the plea offer for Mr. Stitsky. Messrs. Shapiro and Stitsky have already served more time than their plea offers.

Since their incarceration, both men have become model prisoners, earning support and praise from their fellow inmates. Mr. Shapiro has renewed his faith in Judaism and taught fellow inmates the dangers of dishonesty, while Mr. Stitsky has reflected on the victims of his crime and the remorse that he now has.

This clemency is supported by the Aleph Institute, Alice Johnson, several criminal justice advocacy groups, former Attorney General Edwin Meese, former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, former District Judge William Bassler, former United States Attorneys Brett Tolman and James Reynolds, Professors of Law Bennett Gershman and Harold Krent, and several of the victims.

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2020 Election Politics Charlie Kushner Donald Trump Jared Kushner Paul Manafort Robert Mueller Roger Stone

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 5 years ago

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As Bolsonaro flouts warnings, coronavirus spreads in Brazil

Augusto Heleno, a national security advisor to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, treated Tuesday, March 17 much like any other workday.

The 72-year-old former Army general attended cabinet meetings in the capital of Brasília, embraced colleagues and visited the cafeteria in the presidential palace, according to people familiar with his activities. But there was an unusual piece of business pending: He was awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.

The following day, the test came back positive. Heleno announced it on Twitter. “I am in isolation at home and will not take telephone calls,” he posted. He said he had no fever or symptoms.

Heleno is now one of nearly two dozen confirmed coronavirus cases that have surfaced among Brazilians who traveled to Florida earlier this month to hobnob with U.S. officials. Bolsonaro and senior aides met with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, while a larger contingent gathered with lawmakers and business leaders at a Miami hotel and other events.

Some 22 Brazilians who made the journey have confirmed they have tested positive, through public statements or social media accounts. They include two business leaders, a senator, a congressman, two members of Bolsonaro’s cabinet, his chief bodyguard, his head of protocol and a top foreign affairs advisor.

Contagion among Brazil’s political elite, health experts said, is a warning about the country’s lack of readiness to combat the pandemic.

Sixty-five-year-old Bolsonaro, who tested negative, for weeks has described the coronavirus as “a little flu.” He recently asked Congress to declare a state of emergency to free up more funding. Still, he has resisted calling for Brazilians to stay at home and for businesses to close because of his concerns about harming the economy. And he has berated Brazilian governors and mayors who have taken such steps, even as some members of his inner circle have fallen ill.

Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro’s communications secretary, tested positive for coronavirus on March 12, two days after arriving home from Florida. Testing then commenced for other members of the delegation. Bolsonaro and Heleno were among those who continued to circulate in public while awaiting their results, much to the dismay of Brazil’s medical community.

“It is behavior like an ostrich that sticks its head in the sand,” said epidemiologist José Cássio de Moraes, a member of ABRASCO, Brazil’s largest association of public health experts, doctors and researchers. “It’s not acceptable in any form.”

Brazil’s federal response to the pandemic has lagged that of other South America countries even as it leads the continent in confirmed cases of coronavirus. As of Monday, Brazil had recorded 1,891 cases, an eight-fold increase in a week, with 34 deaths tied to the virus, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.

State governors and mayors, meanwhile, have taken the lead in closing public venues and asking Brazilians to stay home. Many private-sector companies have directed employees to work remotely.

Bolsonaro has criticized such measures as “extreme.” He has called on Brazilians to fight the disease without bringing the economy to a halt. He recently shook hands with a throng of supporters and leaned into the crowd for selfies. He said in a Friday television interview that churches should keep holding services.

Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta has warned that Brazil’s healthcare system could collapse next month under a surge of patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, if Brazilians do not adopt rigorous social distancing. Last week he compared Bolsonaro’s mingling with crowds to a smoker ignoring tobacco warnings.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #coronavirus #jair bolsonaro #mod nise da silveira #covid 19

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pinkspaceclub · 4 years ago

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Most gay Friendly Cities in the World

here are many cities round the world that welcome and embrace the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. These cities have actually improved and grown economically by attracting one among the foremost important and powerful social groups of the 21st century. Chains of hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, clothes shops and spas that cater to a replacement segment that's always trying to find the simplest of the simplest . We took variety of things into consideration so as to form this text , like legal protection, social acceptance, LGBT nightlife and economic opportunities and created the list of 11 Most Gay-Friendly Cities within the World.

Toronto, Canada 11 Toronto is that the largest city in Canada and has a stimulating gay scene. it's a number of the simplest gay bars in Canada and an enormous pride parade. Toronto’s gay community offers a world of arts, culture and vivacious nightlife, with a vibrant gay village at the city’s core. The Village, located in Church-Wellesley, is that the cultural hub of the town , bursting with galleries, theatres and gay-friendly businesses. Over the years the geographical range has expanded with the expansion of the town . Now you’ll find queer-friendly establishments everywhere the town . Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Toronto Toronto gay city - by Duncan Rawlinson - @thelastminute - Duncan.co :Flickr Toronto gay city – by Duncan Rawlinson – @thelastminute – Duncan.co :Flickr São Paulo, Brazil 10 Sao Paulo isn't only Brazil’s economic hub and therefore the largest city in South America, but it’s also the third-largest city within the world. Especially noteworthy for LGBT travelers is that the incontrovertible fact that Sao Paulo hosts the most important gay pride celebration on the earth . São Paulo’s first Gay Pride was in 1997 and attracted only 2000 people. Nowadays, the carnival-like Gay Pride Parade draws nearly four million people that crowd onto the most boulevard of Paulista Avenue and therefore the surrounding streets. Gay nightclubs feature a good sort of shows, with drag, male strip-tease, singers, performances and a few of the simplest DJs anywhere. There are many bathhouses and sex clubs too, often with bars and show nights also . Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Sao Paulo Sao Paulo, Brazil 2019 - LGBTQI Pride parade of Sao Paulo Brasil 2019 - by Luciano Marques : Shutterstock.com Sao Paulo, Brazil 2019 – LGBTQI Pride parade of Sao Paulo Brasil 2019 – by Luciano Marques : Shutterstock.com Crossing pedestrian lights on Pride week at Paulista Avenue located in Sao Paulo , Brazil - by Jo Galvao : Shutterstock.com Crossing pedestrian lights on Pride week at Paulista Avenue located in Sao Paulo , Brazil – by Jo Galvao : Shutterstock.com London, UK 9 London may be a sophisticated, multicultural, open-minded city, an area where everybody is welcome. it's home to Europe’s largest gay community. Pride London may be a major event, there's a crucial Gay and Lesbian festival , and its gay nightlife is one among the world’s best. Old Compton Street and its surrounding area in SoHo is London’s gay epicenter, with gay bars and shops for each style and wish . Soho, found to the west of the West End , may be a popular spot where you’ll find many gay-owned clubs, restaurants and stores. Another similar area to see out is Old Compton Street. Another increasingly popular area is Vauxhall Village. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In London Piccadilly Circus in London filled with people with flags celebrating London Gay Pride 2019 - Davi Barbiere : Shutterstock.com Piccadilly Circus in London filled with people with flags celebrating London Gay Pride 2019 – Davi Barbiere : Shutterstock.com Madrid, Spain 8 Madrid has the most important gay community in Spain and one among the most important in Europe, with an estimated 500,000 LGBT people living within the city. Chueca is that the center of the LGBT community where you’ll find the very best concentration of gay bars and night clubs. Chueca starts at Gran Via and runs north for 1km and it stretches east to west between Calle Hortaleza and Paseo de Recoletos. during this city, gay marriage is allowed and therefore the gay community has influenced largely the city’s trendiest hotels, restaurants and shops. Every July Madrid hosts the most important gay pride in Europe. Madrid’s gay pride, called Orgullo, draws a crowd of nearly 2 million people. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Madrid Madrid, Spain - Gay Friendly City - shutterstock Madrid, Spain – Gay Friendly City – shutterstock Chueca neighborhood in Madrid, decorated during gay pride day celebrations - by Victor Lafuente Alonso : Shutterstock.com Chueca neighborhood in Madrid, decorated during gay pride day celebrations – by Victor Lafuente Alonso : Shutterstock.com Miami, USA 7 Miami has long been referred to as a well-liked and open destination for LGBT tourists looking to unwind, work on their tans, meet people and dine at the chicest restaurants. The LGBT community has always felt welcome in Miami. All year there are beaches fashionable the gay crowd, nightclubs and venues, parties and more, but it’s the yearly Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival that brings everyone together during a colorful celebration and parade. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Miami Miami Gay Parade - by :Flickr Miami Gay Parade – by :Flickr Miami, Beach Party - by Olga V Kulakova : Shutterstock.com Miami, Beach Party – by Olga V Kulakova : Shutterstock.com Amsterdam, Netherland 6 For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visitors and residents, Amsterdam is one among the foremost attractive cities in Europe. As such, it’s no small wonder that Amsterdam became so fashionable gay visitors. for hundreds of years ‘Amsterdammers’ have had a relaxed and tolerant attitude towards different lifestyles. ‘Live and let live’ is one among the city’s favorite sayings. Amsterdam is worldwide famous for its annual Canal Parade, 80 decorated boats sail along the Prinsengracht which sees the canals lined by over half 1,000,000 spectators, demonstrates and celebrates the range of Holland’s gay and lesbian community. it's the most important gay pride event within the Netherlands, and one among the most important within the world. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Amsterdam Amsterdam Canal Parade - by Kitty Terwolbeck:Flickr Amsterdam Canal Parade – by Kitty Terwolbeck:Flickr Barcelona, Spain 5 To this day, along side Madrid, Barcelona remains one among the foremost liberal and gay-friendly cities anywhere within the world with many Spaniards relocating from a number of the more conservative areas of the country to measure their life here to the fullest. Catalonia, the state of Spain during which Barcelona is found , has passed in 2014 an anti-homophobia law that aims to defend LGBT rights. because of this law, people physically or morally offending members of the LGBT community might be fined by up to 140,000 euros. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Barcelona Circuit Festival - by Circuit Festival Official Facebook Page Circuit Festival – by Circuit Festival Official Facebook Page Barcelona, Spain2019 Pride Barcelona LGTBQ Festival - by 19bProduction : Shutterstock.com Barcelona, Spain2019 Pride Barcelona LGTBQ Festival – by 19bProduction : Shutterstock.com San Francisco, USA 4 San Francisco is perhaps the gay capital of America. The LGBT community in San Francisco is one among the foremost important and most prominent LGBT communities within the world and is one among the most important within the history of LGBT rights and activism. for many years , the town by the Bay has been a worldwide focus for gay nightlife, culture and politics. Visitors today can explore the Castro, where it all began. Castro is one among the primary gay neighborhoods within the us . it remains one among the foremost prominent symbols of LGBT activism and events within the world. LGBT life here isn't limited to the Castro neighborhood, though that’s a tourist draw permanently reason — it’s a queer Disneyland. San Francisco is home to more nightlife than you'll shake a go-go boy at, also as vibrant bear and transexual communities. If you’re gay, likelihood is that you’ve either been to San Francisco or decide to sometime in your life. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In San Francisco Castro District Rainbow Crosswalk Intersection - San Francisco , California, USA Castro District Rainbow Crosswalk Intersection – San Francisco , California, USA Rainbow crosswalk in Castro District in San Francisco in California USA Rainbow crosswalk in Castro District in San Francisco in California USA New York City, USA 3 New York is like no other city on earth. the range , the culture, the style. ny is certainly a city during a class all its own. Fashion, theatre, advertising and therefore the arts have perpetuated ny into one among the foremost gay-friendly cities within the world. Gay life is everywhere in ny City. Nightlife is vivid and overwhelming. you'll choose between endless variations on gay bars and clubs: from muscle mary clubs to cabaret piano bars, local intimate bars to modern gay lounges. In Manhattan, the gay scene is concentrated during a few neighborhoods. In Greenwich Village lays the origin of gay pride Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In ny City Historic Stonewall Inn gay bar in Greenwich Village Lower Manhattan - by littlenySTOCK : Shutterstock.com Historic Stonewall Inn gay bar in Greenwich Village Lower Manhattan – by littlenySTOCK : Shutterstock.com Big Gay frozen dessert Shop in Greenwich Village , Manhattan - by DimplePatel : Shutterstock.com Big Gay frozen dessert Shop in Greenwich Village , Manhattan – by DimplePatel : Shutterstock.com Berlin, Germany 2 In the 1920s (the Golden Twenties) Berlin was seen because the city with the foremost lively and advanced gay subculture in Europe. Today, Berlin sits because the gay capital of Europe. The breadth of its gay nightlife, the strength of its culture, and therefore the ever tested and changing community norms have easily eclipsed the city’s continental urban neighbors. it's just about a non-stop party, from the saunas, darkrooms, bars, clubs, cafés, festivals, balls, carnivals and celebrations a hedonist’s paradise, a sensualist’s haven, an aesthete’s delight and a raver’s Mecca, beat one package. The party scene is so diverse and innovative and celebrates any fetish! that's where the Folsom Europe fair takes place in September and therefore the Lesbian and Gay City Festival every June, Europe’s largest street party of its kind, being held within the traditional gay area around Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg since 1993. Where to stay: Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Berlin Berlin Folsom Fair - by lilas59:Flickr Berlin Folsom Fair – by lilas59:Flickr Tel Aviv, Israel 1 Right at the guts of the center East, lies a city called Tel Aviv . 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Charles Drew

Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950) was an American surgeon and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. As the most prominent African American in the field, Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, and resigned his position with the American Red Cross, which maintained the policy until 1950.

Early life and education

Drew was born in 1904 into an African-American middle-class family in Washington, D.C. His father, Richard, was a carpet layer and his mother, Nora Burrell, trained as a teacher. Drew and three of his four younger siblings grew up in Washington's largely middle-class and interracial Foggy Bottom neighborhood. From 1920 until his marriage in 1939, Drew's permanent address was in Arlington County, Virginia, although he graduated from Washington's Dunbar High School in 1922 and usually resided elsewhere during that period of time.

Drew won an athletics scholarship to Amherst College in Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1926. An outstanding athlete at Amherst, Drew also joined Omega Psi Phi fraternity as an off-campus member; Amherst fraternities did not admit blacks at that time. After college, Drew spent two years (1926–1928) as a professor of chemistry and biology, the first athletic director, and football coach at the historically black private Morgan College in Baltimore, Maryland, to earn the money to pay for medical school.

Drew attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he achieved membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, a scholastic honor society for medical students, ranked second in his graduating class of 127 students, and received the standard Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degree awarded by the McGill University Faculty of Medicine in 1933.

Drew's first appointment as a faculty instructor was for pathology at Howard University from 1935 to 1936. He then joined Freedman's Hospital, a federally operated facility associated with Howard University, as an instructor in surgery and an assistant surgeon. In 1938, Drew began graduate work at Columbia University in New York City on the award of a two-year Rockefeller fellowship in surgery. He then began postgraduate work, earning his Doctor of Science in Surgery at Columbia University. He spent time doing research at Columbia's Presbyterian Hospital and gave a doctoral thesis, "Banked Blood," based on an exhaustive study of blood preservation techniques. He earned a Doctor of Science in Medicine degree in 1940, becoming the first African American to do so.

Blood for Britain

In late 1940, before the U.S. entered World War II and just after earning his doctorate, Drew was recruited by John Scudder to help set up and administer an early prototype program for blood storage and preservation. He was to collect, test, and transport large quantities of blood plasma for distribution in the United Kingdom. Drew went to New York City as the medical director of the United States' Blood for Britain project. The Blood for Britain project was a project to aid British soldiers and civilians by giving U.S. blood to the United Kingdom.

Drew started what would be later known as bloodmobiles, which were trucks containing refrigerators of stored blood; this allowed for greater mobility in terms of transportation as well as prospective donations.

Drew created a central location for the blood collection process where donors could go to give blood. He made sure all blood plasma was tested before it was shipped out. He ensured that only skilled personnel handled blood plasma to avoid the possibility of contamination. The Blood for Britain program operated successfully for five months, with total collections of almost 15,000 people donating blood, and with over 5,500 vials of blood plasma. As a result, the Blood Transfusion Betterment Association applauded Drew for his work.

American Red Cross Blood Bank

Out of Drew's work, he was appointed director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank in February 1941. The blood bank being in charge of blood for use by the U.S. Army and Navy, he disagreed with the exclusion of the blood of African-Americans from plasma-supply networks. In 1942, Drew resigned from his posts after the armed forces ruled that the blood of African-Americans would be accepted but would have to be stored separately from that of whites.

Academic career

In 1941, Drew's distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first African-American surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery.

Drew had a lengthy research and teaching career, returning to Freedman's Hospital and Howard University as a surgeon and professor of medicine in 1942. He was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1944 for his work on the British and American projects. He was given an honorary doctor of science degree, first by Virginia State College in 1945 then by Amherst in 1947.

Personal life

In 1939, Drew married Minnie Lenore Robbins, a professor of home economics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, whom he had met earlier during that year. They had three daughters and a son. His daughter Charlene Drew Jarvis served on Council of the District of Columbia from 1979 to 2000, was the president of Southeastern University from 1996 until 2009 and was a president of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Death

Beginning in 1939, Drew traveled to Tuskegee, Alabama to attend the annual free clinic at the John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital. For the 1950 Tuskegee clinic, Drew drove along with three other black physicians. Drew was driving around 8 a.m. on April 1. Still fatigued from spending the night before in the operating theater, he lost control of the vehicle. After careening into a field, the car somersaulted three times. The three other physicians suffered minor injuries. Drew was trapped with serious wounds; his foot had become wedged beneath the brake pedal. When reached by emergency technicians, he was in shock and barely alive due to severe leg injuries.

Drew was taken to Alamance General Hospital in Burlington, North Carolina. He was pronounced dead a half hour after he first received medical attention. Drew's funeral was held on April 5, 1950, at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Despite a popular myth to the contrary, once repeated on an episode ("Dear Dad... Three") of the hit TV series M*A*S*H, Drew's death was not the result of his having been refused a blood transfusion because of his skin color. This myth spread very quickly since during his time it was very common for blacks to be refused treatment because there were not enough "Negro beds" available or the nearest hospital only serviced whites. In truth, according to one of the passengers in Drew's car, John Ford, Drew's injuries were so severe that virtually nothing could have been done to save him. Ford added that a blood transfusion might have actually killed Drew sooner.

Legacy

In 1976, the National Park Service designated the Charles Richard Drew House in Arlington County, Virginia, as a National Historic Landmark in response to a nomination by the Afro-American Bicentennial Corporation.

In 1981, the United States Postal Service issued a 35¢ postage stamp in its Great Americans series to honor Drew.

Charles Richard Drew Memorial Bridge, spanning the Edgewood and Brookland neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

USNS Charles Drew, a dry cargo ship of the United States Navy

Parc Charles-Drew, in Le Sud-Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Drew as one of the 100 Greatest African Americans.

Numerous schools and health-related facilities, as well as other institutions, have been named in honor of Dr. Drew.

Medical and higher education

In 1966, the Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School was incorporated in California and was named in his honor. This later became the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Charles Drew Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Charles Drew Science Enrichment Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Charles Drew Health Foundation, East Palo Alto, California, 1960s-2000, was the community's only clinic for decades.

Charles Drew Community Health Center, located in Burlington, NC near the site of the old Alamance County hospital.

Charles Drew Pre-Health Society, University of Rochester

Charles R Drew Wellness Center in Columbia, South Carolina

Charles R. Drew Hall, an all-male freshman dorm at Howard University, Washington D.C.

Charles Drew Memorial Cultural House, residence at Amherst College, his alma mater

Charles Drew Premedical Society at Columbia University, New York

K-12 schools

Charles R. Drew Middle School & Magnet school for the gifted, opened 1966 Los Angeles Unified School District https://drew-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/

Charles R. Drew Middle School Lincoln Alabama operated by Talladega County Schools

Charles R. Drew Junior High School, Detroit, Michigan

Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School, Buffalo, NY

Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Miami Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida

Bluford Drew Jemison S.T.E.M Academy, Baltimore (closed in 2013)

Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy West, a Middle/High School in Baltimore, Maryland

Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Colesville, Maryland

Charles Drew Elementary School, Washington, DC

Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia

Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School, New Orleans, LA

Charles R. Drew Charter School opened in August 2000 as the first charter school in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the setting for the 2015 Movie Project Almanac.

Dr. Charles Drew Academy, Ecorse, MI

Charles R. Drew Intermediate School, Crosby, Texas

Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School, San Francisco, Ca.

Charles Richard Drew Intermediate School / Charles Richard Drew Educational Campus, Bronx, New York

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tallmantall · 1 year ago

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https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Year-of-Dangerous-Days/Nicholas-Griffin/9781501191022

police brutality drug crisis immigration white/latin/black tribes

Excerpt

Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1

DECEMBER 1979

By 1979, there were several Miamis that barely lapped against one another, let alone integrated. The county itself was a strange beast, twenty-seven different municipalities with their own mayor, many with their own police departments. But Miami wasn’t divided by municipalities; it was separated into tribes.

There was Anglo Miami, which the city’s boosters were still hawking to white America: beaches, real estate, hotels, and entertainment. Tourists dominated the region. Dade had 1.6 million residents but

2.1 million international visitors a year. Anglo Miami was far from monolithic. There were southerners, migrants, and a large Jewish population that ran some of the most important businesses and institutions in Miami Beach.

Across the causeway in Little Havana and up the coast in Hialeah sat Latin Miami, created by the Cubans who’d fled Fidel Castro’s revolution twenty years before. Whenever there was violence south of the border, Latin America coughed up a new pocket of immigrants. Most recently that meant that the Cuban population in Dade was being watered down by Nicaraguans, Salvadorans, and Colombians.

Then there was black Miami. It, too, had more divisions than cohesion. There was a strong Bahamian presence, plenty of Jamaicans. Both felt distinct from the African Americans who had moved south from Georgia, and those who were born and bred in Miami. The latest immigrants were only beginning to spill in: a large number of unwelcome Haitians. Arriving on rickety boats, fleeing both political persecution and economic despair, they were docking at a time when not one of Miami’s communities was in the mood to reach out and welcome them.

For all the nuances, if you were black, white, or Latin, you tended to know so little about the other tribes that you regarded them as rigid blocs. Who knew a Jamaican turned his nose up at a Georgia-born black, or that a Puerto Rican couldn’t stand another word from a Cuban, or that a Jew couldn’t walk through the door at the all-white country club at La Gorce? There was enough inequality to go around, but in this one thing, the black community got the most generous helping.

In 1979, if you were black in Dade County, you most likely lived in one of three neighborhoods: Overtown, the Black Grove, or Liberty City. Liberty City was the youngest of the three, dating back to 1937, when President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the first large public housing project in the South. It was Roosevelt’s response to local campaigns for better sanitation. In the ’30s, Liberty City had what most houses in Overtown and the Black Grove did not: running water, modern kitchens, electricity. Overtown remained the center of black life in Miami until the arrival of I-95, the vast stretch of American highway that ran from Maine down the East Coast all the way to Miami. It stomped right through the middle of Miami’s most prominent black neighborhood in 1965, a ravenous millipede with a thousand concrete legs.

Had the 3,000-kilometer highway been halted just 5 kilometers to the north, black Miami might have had a different history. Instead the highway, touted as “slum clearance,” bulldozed through black Miami’s main drags. Gone was much of Overtown’s commercial heart, with its three movie theaters, its

public pool, grocery store, and businesses. Goodbye to clubs that had hosted Ella Fitzgerald, to the Sir John Hotel, which had offered their finest suites to black entertainers banned from staying in whites-only Miami Beach. But more important, goodbye to a neighborhood where parents knew which house every child belonged to. Goodbye to the nighttime games of Moonlight Baby, where kids would use the bottle caps of Cola Nibs to mark the edge of their bodies on the pavement. Goodbye to unarmed

black patrolmen walking black streets.

Overtown had its own all-black police station, with strict rules. Black officers couldn’t carry a weapon home, since “no one wanted to see a black man with a gun.” They could stop whites in Overtown but

had no power of arrest over them. The closest affordable housing for Overtown’s displaced was in and around the Liberty City projects. Block by block it began to turn from white to black, until neighboring white homeowners built a wall

to separate themselves from ever-blacker Liberty City. White housewives in colorful plaids and horn-rimmed glasses carried protest signs: “We want this Nigger moved” and

“Nigger go to Washington.” Someone detonated a stick of dynamite in

an empty apartment leased to blacks. Nothing worked, and by the end of the 1960s the first proud black owners inside Liberty City were joined by many of Overtown’s twenty thousand displaced. As white flight accelerated, house prices declined, local businesses faltered, and unemployment and crime began to rise. By 1968, Liberty City had assumed a new reputation. The CND—the Central-North District—had

earned the nickname “Central Negro District” from both the city and the county police departments.

There was still beauty in Liberty City, still sunrises where the light would smart off the sides of pastel-painted houses, and the dew on the grass would glisten, and churches would fill, and the jitney buses would chug patiently, waiting for the elderly to board. Still schoolchildren in white shirts tightening backpacks to their shoulders and catching as much shade as possible on the way to the school gates. There was still beauty, but you had to squint to see it.

Eighty percent of South Florida homes had air-conditioning in 1980, but in stifling hot Liberty City,

only one in five homes could afford it. It was a neighborhood without a center, few jobs to offer, seventy-two churches but just six banks,

not one of which was black-owned. There were plenty of places to pray for a positive future but few institutions willing to risk investment in one. The fact that a teenager called Arthur McDuffie got out at all was unusual. The fact that he came back, found a good job, earned steadily, and raised a family was rarer still.

Frederica Jones had been Arthur McDuffie’s high school sweetheart at Booker T. Washington, one of Miami’s three segregated schools. They’d met while Frederica was walking home from the local store, where she’d bought a can of peas for her mother. She’d swung her groceries at her side, and McDuffie, who’d been watching her from across the street, fell into step beside her.

After a few moments of banter, McDuffie made a simple declaration. “I like you.” Then he asked for Frederica’s number. That night McDuffie called, and the two talked for an hour. At the end of the conversation McDuffie, two years Frederica’s senior, asked, “Would you go with me?”

“Yes!” she said.

They became inseparable. They were in the Booker T. Washington band together. McDuffie was the baritone horn

and Frederica a majorette. She watched McDuffie win the local swim meets. When McDuffie graduated, he joined the Marine Corps, and for the next three years, they communicated through letters. Then, within two months of his honorable discharge, they married. Two children quickly followed. After which came problems, separation, and, in 1978, divorce. McDuffie had always had a reputation as a ladies’ man, and now he had

a child with another woman to prove it.

Yet toward the end of 1979, the thirty-three-year-old McDuffie was back visiting the house he’d once shared with Frederica. He mowed the lawn, fixed the air conditioners, and trimmed the hedges of their neighbor, the last white family on the block. The warmth in the failed marriage seemed to be returning. The two spent the night of December 15, 1979, together, and McDuffie asked Frederica to join him on a trip to Hawaii—a vacation he’d just won at the office for his performance as the assistant manager at Coastal States Life Insurance.

The following day, Sunday, under bright 80-degree skies, Frederica, a nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital, drove McDuffie back to his home. She parked the car feeling like there was positive momentum.

They’d talked of remarriage in front of their families. The deal was that if McDuffie could make “certain changes” in his life, then they could go ahead and make it official. As they sat in the car, McDuffie kissed his ex-wife goodbye and promised to be back at her place that evening to take care of their children before her shift. Normally, Frederica worked only afternoons, but the hospital was short-staffed over the Christmas period and she’d agreed to work that night at 11:00.

Shortly after 2:00 p.m., McDuffie walked into 1157 NW 111th Street, the home he now shared with his younger sister, Dorothy, a legal clerk. It was a modest building, painted green. Inside there was a record collection and books of music. McDuffie played

five instruments, all horns. There was

an entire white wall “covered with plaques and certificates of achievement,” including his “Most Outstanding”

award from his Marine Corps platoon. He wasn’t a war hero, hadn’t fought in Vietnam, but McDuffie had been faithful to the corps, a military policeman who had done his job impeccably.

A dutiful father, McDuffie had already wrapped Christmas presents for his two daughters and hidden them in a closet in his bedroom. His nine-year-old would get a wagon, a jack-in-the-box, and clothes. His oldest would get a watch, a tape recorder, a radio,

and a pair of roller skates.

He’d saved for months, but it hadn’t been an easy year to make money. Under President Jimmy Carter, the country, most especially the South, had been battered. Unemployment was stubbornly high, and it looked like the president was being swept downstream by the economy. For all Carter’s preaching of forbearance, the reality was that interest rates were up to 17 percent. In thirty years, inflation had never run higher.

Gas prices had doubled in two years. Even hamburger meat was two dollars a pound.

Despite all this, Carter was about to enter an election year in comparatively good standing. Whatever America thought of his ability to steer the country, he retained the people’s sympathy,

with an approval rating of 61 percent. Six weeks before, the Iranian revolution had become very real to the distant United States. The sixty-two hostages captured in the American embassy in Tehran had helped generate a sudden sense of solidarity in the United States. Between that and the following month’s Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, there was an understanding that Carter had a tricky hand to play. He would promise a strong and quick response to both situations. By the end of the year Carter led his presumptive challenger, Ronald Reagan, by

an enormous 24-point margin.

Still, the mood was summed up best by the

Miami Herald

in 1979. It was a year the average American wallet had “barely survived.” The unseen benefit, according to the paper, was that Miamians like McDuffie lived in Florida. They weren’t being hammered on heating oil like the rest of the country.

By Miami standards, the evening of December 16 counted as cold, expected to dip below 70 degrees and then drop below 60 the following day. Miamians traditionally overreacted, digging out winter coats and scarves for a rare outing. McDuffie selected blue jeans, a navy shirt over a baby-blue undershirt,

and a black motorcycle jacket. He searched his house for a hat to wear under his helmet. At 5:00 p.m., he closed the door behind him.

His own car, a 1969 green Grand Prix, wasn’t parked in its usual spot in his driveway. A friend had borrowed it. So he climbed on an orange-and-black 1973 Kawasaki 2100, “a more or less permanent loan” from his cousin. McDuffie turned the key, revved the engine, and drove the motorcycle south to Fifty-Ninth Street, to his friend Lynwood Blackmon’s house. He pulled up at the front door, feet still astride the bike, and talked to Blackmon’s seven- and eight-year-old daughters. He explained to them that he couldn’t help their father tune their car as he’d promised. His tools were in the back of the borrowed Grand Prix. Next he drove to his older brother’s house, his most common stop, and found him washing his car in his driveway. McDuffie grinned, revved the engine, spat up dirt over the clean car, and sped away before his brother could grab him. He raced to the far end of the street, turned, and braked hard.

“You better slow that bike down,” shouted his brother. McDuffie nodded, grinned, and pulled away.

Sometimes on weekends McDuffie moonlighted as a truck driver, making deliveries to Miami Beach. Sometimes he gave up his time to help jobless youngsters, teaching them how to paint houses. Just two years before, he’d painted the Range Funeral Home, where his body would arrive in exactly a week. On this particular Sunday evening, he was going to see Carolyn Battle, the twenty-six-year-old assistant that McDuffie had hired at Coastal Insurance. She was pretty, independent, and stylish, with a preference for dresses and wearing her hair in an Afro. He’d brought a helmet for her.

McDuffie shouldn’t have been driving at all. His license had been suspended months before, and he’d paid his thirty-five-dollar traffic fine with a check that had bounced. He’d told a coworker that he was worried about getting stopped again, but there were no alternatives for

driving back and forth to work. Public transport was pitiful in Miami, and Liberty City—barely serviced—was reliant on independent jitney operators who rarely worked weekends. Not having a car was a self-quarantine.

McDuffie collected Carolyn Battle. They drove fifteen minutes south, to the edge of Miami International Airport, where they watched planes arcing out over the ocean or dropping into landing patterns above the Everglades. Tiring of the airport, McDuffie drove Battle across MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach. When McDuffie was a child, dusk would have found an exodus heading the other way:

black Americans subject to a sunset curfew. But on December 16, on the three lanes that ran east over the bright blue shallows, McDuffie showed off, hitting eighty miles an hour. They walked in the sand, stopped for Pepsi, and then at 9:00 p.m. headed back to Battle’s apartment at 3160 NW Forty-Sixth Street, just

five blocks from the Airport Expressway.

At one in the morning, McDuffie slept in Battle’s bed while she watched television on her couch. At 1:30 she woke him up. “Jesus,” said McDuffie, reaching for his watch. He was far too late to show up at his ex-wife’s house. Frederica would have taken the kids over to a babysitter two hours ago. How was he going to make that up to her? Had he blown it? McDuffie gathered his watch, his wedding ring, his medallion. Still dressed in his blue jeans, two blue shirts, and boots, he put on his knitted cap under his white helmet, tied his knapsack to the back of the Kawasaki, and headed north toward home.

Was it a wheelie, a rolled stop sign, a hand lifted from a handlebar to give the finger that caught the sergeant’s attention? The officer would later offer all three explanations of why he’d first noticed the Kawasaki pass by him. It was 1:51 a.m. The sergeant got on the radio, described McDuffie’s white helmet and the tag number of the motorbike, and flipped on his red light and siren. On a cool night, with the rider in jeans, jacket, and helmet, he couldn’t have known if he was black, Latin, or white.

McDuffie appeared to glance in his mirror and then sped through a red light on NW Sixty-First Street. As the sergeant followed in his white-and-green county squad car, McDuffie blew through another red light and swept around corners,

not even slowing for the stop signs. He’d picked a very quiet night for these traffic infractions. Within sixty seconds of the beginning of the chase, McDuffie was being followed by every available unit within Central District.

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