Book Review- "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham

 John Grisham has written a number of bestselling legal thrillers( The Firm, The Client) but he also wrote a fascinating book on a real-life case of injustice from the small town of Ada, Oklahoma. The "Innocent Man" that the book's title refers to was Ron Williamson.

Ron Williamson is not an entirely sympathetic victim. In the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Williamson was a talented baseball player, but after failing to make it to the big leagues, Ron descended into alcoholism, drug abuse, and severe mental illness.

Williamson was arrested numerous times for DUI, and was also twice accused of rape, although he was later aquitted of both charges. Partly because of Williamson's bizarre behavior,he became the prime suspect in the murder of a young woman in Ada.

On very flimsy evidence, Williamson was convicted of the murder and sent to death row. Grisham does an excellent job of examining the many flaws of our judicial and correctional systems and "The Innocent Man" will frighten anyone who thinks that the police, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials know what they are doing.

Where Is The Outrage?

http://www.care2.com/news/member/284672516/3147358


President Obama assumes the right to use a drone to execute a U.S. citizen without a trial.

Book Review- "No Promises In The Wind" by Irene Hunt

Americans are currently struggling through  the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930's. "No Promises In The Wind" by Irene Hunt is a novel set during the Great Depression.

In 1932, 15 year old Josh Grondowski, his younger brother Joey and their friend Howie leave their unhappy homes in Chicago and hit the road to find work.

Hearbreak, hunger, and desperation is what awaits the boys as they travel through an economically devastated Midwest.

No Promises In The Wind does not go into detail about the causes of the Depression, but it does give the reader a sense of the period.

Rotting Banana

This morning, I noticed a Banana that was sitting on the top of a bus stop shelter. I had noticed the Banana before, but now it is turning black and I wondered how long the Banana would continue to sit on top of the bus shelter until it completely rotted away.

I have also wondered why anyone would discard their Banana on top of the bus stop shelter. Does the litterbug hate Bananas, or does he or she have something against the bus shelter?

Simply Sublime Espresso

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Sublime-Espresso/103375623068266?sk=wall

    
I recently had breakfast at Simply Sublime Espresso ( 2803 Kitsap Way Bremerton, Washington 98312.). I had one of the  breakfast sandwiches with sausage,cheese, and egg which was really good. The price was also very reasonable at under four dollars.

The waitress was busy with handling drive-thru orders, but she was very friendly and made sure everything was ok.

For those living in Bremerton or if you are visiting the area, give  Simply Sublime Espresso a try.

Book Review 1001 More Ways To Be Romantic by Gregory J.P. Godek

Don't wait for Valentine's Day to be romantic. The Book "1001 More Ways To Be Romantic" by Gregory J.P. Godek is a sequel to the popular "1001 ways to be romantic" and  gives hundreds more imaginative hints for the romantically challenged.

Some of the tips are more elaborate (and expensive) then others. For instance romantic hint number 1038 suggests hypnosis to help your partner become a better lover.

1001 More Ways To Be Romantic is the perfect gift for your preoccupied partner or buy it together and read it in bed. (That's my romantic tip.)

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Trip To Port Orchard

Yesterday, I took a trip to Port Orchard portorchard.net. Port Orchard is a  fairly old (incorporated 1890), but growing community about a mile across Sinclair Inlet from the city of Bremerton, Washington. bremerton.com My means of transportation was an old boat named "The Carlisle II".

 The Carlisle II is one of the few remaining boats of "The Mosquito Fleet." The Mosquito Fleet at one time consisted of hundreds of small boats that took passengers and cargo all over The Puget Sound. Highways, cars, and other means of land transportation made the Mosquito Fleet unprofitable and most of the boats are gone now, but the Carlisle II and a few other old timers still make the Bremerton-Port Orchard run about every half hour. The cost is a two dollars  for an adult one-way ticket.