Favre calls it a carrer... AGAIN?

Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

The end is here ... at least for Brett Favre, apparently.
Sending a message to teammates and to the media through an anonymous league source, the19-year NFL quarterback has decided to call it quits, ending one of the more decorated and storied careers in league history.
Favre holds the majority of NFL passing records, including those for passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, attempts and interceptions. His 385 consecutive starts under center and 181 regular season victories are also records, in addition to the legend being the first active professional football player to also be a grandfather, his daughter Brittany giving birth in April to a boy, Parker Brett.
For all of his fame on the field, Favre has also been known to be quite the "media whore," expecting different treatment from that of his teammates.
During Favre's latter years with Green Bay, his utter disdain for training camp became an issue hard for the team to ignore. Of course, as the years begin to stack up and the body heal a bit slower due to six months of punishment, the question whether this year could be the last tends to take a little longer to answer.
Not getting the long-term commitment from the Packers he wished, the quarterback retired for the first time in an emotional press conference on March 4, 2008. All those looking on knew it would not be the last time we saw No. 4 don a jersey, even if it was not the Green Bay green and gold.
Already having moved on and refusing to budge despite Favre's presence in training camp, the Packers shipped their longtime signal caller to the N.Y. Jets where he led the club to a 9-7 record with him at the helm. It would be his only season in the "Big Apple."
Green Bay, meanwhile, has not lost a step without him under center, as Brett's longtime understudy Aaron Rodgers has risen to elite status as one of the league's top signal callers in addition to helping the team earn a playoff berth in 2009.
However, Favre did get his revenge. After being wooed last summer to the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" by head coach Brad Childress following another brief retirement, the legend took the Vikings to a 12-4 record and within three points of Super Bowl XLIV. During the campaign, he completed 68 percent of his passes while throwing the least amount of interceptions (7) since his rookie season in 1991.
Coming into the summer, Minnesota not investing in its future at the quarterback position seemed to signal Favre returning to the team for one more run at the Vince Lombardi Trophy -- his second, and the Vikings first in franchise history.
All the signs were there. Brett playfully lofting passes in the direction of receivers for the local high school football team, as well as reports his wife Deanna renewing her fitness club membership in Minneapolis, Minn., seemed to precede what has become the trend in recent years -- after a lot of fanfare Favre would announce he was coming back for one more year.
Guess we're the fools.
Favre announced Tuesday he would not return, a surprise to everyone -- fans, players and media alike.
"I am still shocked. … I really believed that because of the way the season ended last year he would be compelled to come back – and I think he was. … The only way he ever retires is if he literally physically cannot play," said ESPN Monday Night Football analyst and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young in a prepared statement. "And if he’s retiring officially today or in the near future, it’s probably, most likely and absolutely, will be because he cannot do it. I think that’s the only reason Brett Favre will ever retire for. He’s a physical phenom that we will never understand. … I also believe that he’s not retiring because of his general health. I think it must be a specific injury that he cannot get over and that’s it.”
Honestly, I wonder if anyone is truly convinced this is the end for Favre. After all, we have been taken down this road before. There is still more than a month left until the NFL's 91st season commences, and still seven months until Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas ... who's to say Favre's mind changes between now and then.
Who knows?
"I don’t think fans here are ready to accept this is the final word … and you can’t really blame them," said ESPN Monday Night Football reporter and Minneapolis resident Michele Tafoya in a prepared statement.
Now all we're waiting for is a message from Favre himself. Sources...?

America's Next Top Model - Casting call attracts more than 100

More than 100 women threw their hat in the ring last month in hope of being selected for the next cast of the CW Network's "America's Next Top Model.


(Published July 12, 2010)

By Joe L. Hughes II
The Gaffney Ledger

For the more than 100 women who made the audition at Prime Outlets — Gaffney on Saturday, the journey toward chasing the dream began with a strut followed by a pose, each vying for the opportunity to be “America’s Next Top Model.”
One of the CW Network’s most watched shows, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) offers knowledge and expertise to women seeking a career as a model in the fashion industry. Created by model and talk show host Tyra Banks, up to 14 contestants are scouted to participate in the production, though only one winds up with the title, in addition to earning a modeling contract and the opportunity to grace the pages of the world’s most famous magazines.
"Modeling is my dream, it is always what I have wanted to do,” said Amber O’ Fair, 23, of Boiling Springs. “This is my passion and it has brought me here. Hopefully I’m one of the lucky ones selected.”
It was the first time such an audition was held at Prime Outlets — Gaffney, which partnered with CW Carolinas and Upstate music radio station Hot 98.1 to sponsor the event.
“We’re so honored to be chosen for something of such esteem like this. For a small place like Gaffney to be chosen among a lot of other larger markets is quite remarkable,” said Prime Outlets — Gaffney Marketing Manager Leesa Bodden. “It was a great marriage between each of us and I’m glad we made it work.”
Hundreds lined up outside the mall’s doors early Saturday morning, some peering through windows in an effort to get a glimpse of what was going on inside. Each person was given her chance, however, as for more than four hours contestant after contestant filed through the curtain for that lonesome walk to the end of the runway, where a camera focused on their every movement and emotion.
For Jennifer Jones of Kings Mountain, N.C., it was a blessing to be able to walk out there following a horrific jet-ski accident seven years ago.
“I actually broke my ankle seven years ago in the incident,” Jones said. “Doctors told me I never would walk again, but look at me now. ... This was an opportunity I could not pass up. I believe I could learn so much from Tyra (Banks) and the other judges.”
To be considered by ANTM producers, the female participants had to be between the ages of 18 and 27, 5-foot-7 or taller and a U.S. citizen.
Candidates were asked various questions during the audition, ranging from “Why do you feel you should be on ‘America’s Next Top Model?’,” to more unique ones such as, “If you were a jelly bean, what flavor would you be?”
Prior to the catwalk portion of the audition, each applicant provided the show with three photographs of themselves — a head shot and two full body shots, one of which was a photo of the model in a bathing suit.
For their effort, the first 100 women to audition were given gift bags laden with gift cards and coupons, courtesy of the outlet mall.
But the big prize each contestant wants is a phone call that has yet to be made.
“In my opinion, it is not just about being pretty, but being a beautiful person,” said Christina Kelly of Charlotte, N.C. “America’s Next Top Model exemplifies that and hopefully I get the chance to reveal that side to you.”

Getting my smile back...

If you don't like what you are doing, why are you performing that activity in the first place?
Typically, the activity is something once extremely fun which has turned tiresome and boring. For me, the activity is my passion, and most importantly how I make a living.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder what profession I would take up if journalism was not my full-time job. To this day, I still draw blanks.
It's something that gave me joy, providing an outlet to voice my opinion or merely vent about an issue which I did not agree with and applaud those approved by yours truly.
Funny where a pencil and a dream can take you. However, recently that spark has been missing, in hibernation for the past couple of months.
Yes, blame the dog days of summer, in which vacations and relaxation rule the day. While friends and family were at the beach or spending time at the cookout of their choice, I was working.
Not to say that is bad, it just takes your mind off the task at hand.
It was last October that yours truly previously had mental vacation, much needed -- particularly in my line of work -- much too long.
Thank goodness, I'm free for this week!
Speaking of vacations, it has been a minute since I got on here and spoke my mind about anything, ranging from sports and music to well, life.
On a more consistent basis I will bring material your way, both from my professional job at The Gaffney Ledger but also articles and whatever else I can dig up for this site, 'Hughes Views.'
Hope you enjoy, and never be to shy to leave feedback, good or bad. I have a tough skin, I can take it.

Yours truly,
Joe L. Hughes II

Instructions How To Make Moonshine

Don't ask why I have a picture of a recipe for moonshine, alcohol drank by many Americans during prohibition during the early 1900s.
I actually found this recipe at a museum while touring with a group of elementary school students. Odd, ain't it?
If you want to take a try at making it, moonshine only takes a little more than a week to make. Just follow the instructions above.

Relay for Life again a big draw

By JOE L. HUGHES II
The Gaffney Ledger
joe@gaffneyledger.com

There may not be an "official" Cherokee County fair, but those traveling along Old Georgia Highway on Friday night who saw the activity at the Timken Track likely thought there was one.
With traffic backed up as much as a mile and the aroma of fried flounder, hot dogs and funnel cakes floating in the air, scores made their way to the site to make a statement: Cancer would no longer cast a shadow over them or their household.
Annually one of the county's biggest events, this year's Relay for Life festivities did not disappoint, honoring those who lost their battle to the disease, strengthening those currently fighting it and cancer survivors serving as pillars of strength and examples that a cancer diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence.
"I'm so happy this many people came out here," said Relay for Life of Cherokee County income manager Harlan Thompson. "Cancer has affected each of them in some way and we're glad all of them are out here in support of 'celebrating more birthdays.'"
The theme for this year's Relay for Life fundraiser was “American Cancer Society: The Official Sponsor of Birthdays.”
Relay for Life of Cherokee County is known for the many unique means of raising money during the event, with everything being sold from hot dogs, pizza, and hamburgers to fish, peanuts and turkey legs, all used to garner support for a cause that has touched them all in some form or fashion.
"I know there are some who are seeing me dance and wonder, 'What is that crazy woman doing?'" said local resident Allison Herndon. "But guess what? I'm going to continue to dance ... I'm out here to support my husband and his fight against cancer."
Nearly two years ago, Herndon's husband, Blair, was diagnosed with the disease after doctors found two tumors on his brain.
"They found two tumors on the front of his brain in December of 2008, diagnosing him with a Stage 4 form of cancer, basically terminal," she said. "He's been through several rounds of chemotherapy, which have taken quite a toll."
Despite a grave prognosis which included him being given six months to live, the local resident continues to fight, using what his wife describes as "a mere will to live" and the opportunity to enjoy time with his grandson.
"A lot of people are quick to have a pity party when diagnosed with cancer; not him though," Allison Herndon said. "He's still fighting and I'm very proud; honestly it's a testament to faith and prayer. His grandson of course is his inspiration, and he regularly says he is going to do what it takes to beat this so he can continue to enjoy life with our grandson."
Relay for Life's roots were sown by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., colorectal surgeon, who decided to personally raise money for his local American Cancer Society (ACS) by participating in one of his hobbies — running marathons.
In 1985, the surgeon spent 24 hours circling the Baker Stadium track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. That night he raised $27,000 to fight cancer, as friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him.
Dr. Klatt's efforts have since far exceeded anything he could have dreamed of, raising billions of dollars for cancer research and becoming the ACS's premier fundraising effort.
Thousands of dollars were raised during local Relay festivities this year, though final figures will not be available for some time.

First day not all it was cracked out to be for Cowboys' Bryant

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Star

You would think the eyes if the NFL universe would revolve around Brett Favre’s injured ankle and his thoughts as he ponders his future on his farm in Mississippi.

Instead the cameras and journalists armed with pen, pad and tape recorder converged upon Valley Ranch, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

A few days remained before draftees and undrafted free agent report for rookie mini-camp, yet a buzz already surrounded an incoming player prior to his arrival on the practice field.

Drafted by the Cowboys late in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant was already hailed as one of the premier talents available.

Armed with size, speed, athleticism and football smarts, his arrival in Dallas added to an already potent offense including the likes of Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Felix Jones and others, team officials felt he was a missing piece for a team expected to make deep playoff runs each season.

He did come with some baggage. Contact with future hall of famer and former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders was deemed “inappropriate” by the NCAA.

Teams knew this coming into the evaluation process leading up to the draft, and despite being a premier talent his stock fell in the eyes of pundits and NFL general managers alike.

Bryant fills one of the Cowboys’ needs, presenting a strong, physical receiver to compliment Austin, who with another good campaign in 2010 could earn a lot of money next season (should the NFL not go into a strike).

However, the rookie likely wasn’t expecting his life – in particular his parents’ past – drug into the equation.

During pre-draft evaluations, Bryant was asked by Miami Dolphins’ general manager Jeff Ireland allegedly asked him whether his “mother previously had been a prostitute?”

All players are drilled during this process. Football is a business and understandably team officials will go to all lengths to find out about a person of whom they may potentially decide to spend millions of dollars on.

It may be just me, but certain questions about people’s parents are out of bounds. Though lacking in taste, however, Ireland is not wrong in asking the question either, particularly when the issue was brought up in evidence, rumor or conversation – whether it be during a discussion with the player in question or another source.

I’m more mad this story seems to be overshadowing the first day these rookies step onto a professional practice field, getting their initial NFL experience. At least for one “freshman,” the first day was more than bargained for.

In time, this storm will pass and he’ll be able to kick back and just play ball. Hopefully, this is one of those passing rains that reaps bountifully for the Bryant and his family, but for the time being they might want to keep an umbrella and a forgiving heart available at all times.

For better... or worse?

Human beings are funny creatures.

I'm pretty sure each of you had already come to that realization prior to reading that sentence.

But especially when it comes to topics regarding relationships and marriage.

Being at an age where you can probably flip a coin as to whether they are in a committed relationship, married or on the open market, these type of discussions occasionally rear their ugly head. Often I know when they're coming, and can prepare myself an escape route just before the rolling wheel of confusion begins.

Unfortunately, I was caught in this storm before being able to find a safe place of refuge. Yet, I kept my ear to the ground because many of the responses being given intrigued me.

Recently while chatting with several friends, of course the issue of marriage came up and everyone was asked their thoughts on a prenuptial agreement. A contract entered by two individuals prior to their marriage or civil union, this agreement commonly includes provisions as to the couple's divvying up of property and spousal support in the event of a divorce or the breaking up of the marriage.

These documents vary depending on what state or nation one may reside, but in most cases prenuptial agreements lay things out cut and dry for both parties, laying ground rules for divorce such as adultery and the guardianship of their children should their livelihood be at stake.

At one time, I remember when this was one of the secondary thoughts cluttering the minds of the potential bride and groom, instead wishing to place their vast amounts of energy on wedding colors and which of the Hawaiian islands they will be spending their honeymoon.

Boy, have times changed.

With approximately 43 percent of all marriages now ending in divorce according to recent numbers obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics, couples now must worry about not only whether them and their significant other will live into old age in marital bliss as well as whether they will be settled in the event of a divorce.

I can say for a fact that this generation's perception of marriage is much different from those in the past; all I have to do is look into my family line to see this.

Though my grandfather — God rest his soul — and my grandmother didn't always get along the thought of divorce never once crossed their mind. No matter what the issue was, they were going to come to a joint decision and run with it.

It was not something either of them believed in; those vows meant something to them. Those rings to them affirmed their belief "we are in this for the long haul... for better or for worse."

Somewhere along the line things changed. Visible from the opinions from several of my friends, a prenuptial agreement would be a priority should they decide to tie the knot.

I am no genius when it comes to this marriage thing, as each of you know I end up in the proverbial "doghouse" for extended periods of time (... don't judge me). However, when I got married the one thing I refused to do was sign that type of document, primarily believing it defeats my entire purpose of getting married in the first place.

Plus, for some reason it made me feel like even more of a dunce for proposing and buying a shiny ring; why do so when I'm already searching for the nearest exit out?

For some reason, the concept of working together has been replaced by the notion of "all for me and nothing for you." During marriage counseling, the first thing the Rev. Julius McAllister (now a presiding Bishop in African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church) told me and my wife were money is the top reason why a lot of marriages fail.

Sure enough, a lot of the answers I received confirmed this. Take this quote for example: "I would have to get a prenuptial agreement. There's no way a woman is leaving with any of my things; she is going to leave with exactly what she brought into the relationship."

Can't argue, after all this anonymous person makes a valid point — why shouldn't a person come leave a marriage with less than what they brought into the union?

However, that concept does not work for me; after all, it took you losing something to jump into that type of commitment in the first place — yourself.

There are times I look at my parents' relationship and sit back jealous of what they have if not totally grossed out. The fact the two of them act as if they are still dating after all this years is something you don't see much.

I respect couples who have spent a significant amount of time with each other, using everyday as another day to show how much they love that person.

Today just happens to be my parents' 34th wedding anniversary, quite an accomplishment in a day where it seems to be the "in" thing to tuck their tails and run should a few things in their relationship go awry.

One day, I want to apply the lessons my father has used during the past three-plus decades, including how he puts up with someone so much different than himself. Men are from Mars and women hail from Venus, right?

Some of the things I want to use are his patience even when visibly annoyed, compassion and willingness to do any and everything even when it's not his activity of choice, and of course spend more time with her. You can never get enough of that.

My have times changed. Less than 20 years ago, he was the exact person I was trying not to be.

In not getting a prenuptial agreement we have at least one similarity, but not necessarily the one I want. My goal is to be as good a man and husband as I can be so that 32 years from now I can be saying the same thing he is today — "Thank God for a blessed 34 years with this woman."