I always wanted to be a writer. But the first time I attended college, in the 1970s at Louisiana State University, I chose a “practical” major that would’ve opened the door for certain jobs in my hometown. I should’ve followed my instincts and taken a step toward my ultimate goal—to become a professional writer—by majoring in English or Journalism. I didn’t follow those instincts and instead joined the Navy after college. I didn’t plan to make … [Read more...]
FAITH-BASED FRAUD: A Clear-Eyed Look At Scandals Within The Church
Christian Ministry Watchdog Examines The Biggest Religious Scandals Of Our Time Author and Ministry Watch President, Warren Cole Smith, Pens New Book To Advocate For Transparency And Accountability In Evangelical Churches We live in a secular, skeptical, and cynical age. Americans have lost faith in its institutions – including the church. Although the vast majority of Christian leaders serve faithfully, examples of financial fraud, … [Read more...]
Author Burl Barer on the Origin of the Cocaine Cops Featured In BETRAYAL IN BLUE
In the 1980s, there were two ways to make big bucks in the Big Apple: sell drugs or rob drug dealers. The main characters in this story did both, and they weren’t worried about the cops, because they were the cops. Drug dealers with a badge, criminals in a squad car, the Cocaine Cops of the NYPD were the most powerful drug gang in Brooklyn. CRACK! Some say that what happened in the 1980s was, when studied in retrospect, a … [Read more...]
Frank C. Girardot Jr. on Co-Writing BETRAYAL IN BLUE With Burl Barer and Ken Eurell
Working on the true crime book “Betrayal in Blue” reminded me of Charlie Brown from the comics. A classic Charlie Brown gag involves his nemesis Lucy and a football. She promises to hold it. He attempts to kick it. Inevitably Lucy pulls the ball away and poor Charlie lands flat on his back. There are those who say Charlie’s failed effort defines insanity. He does the same thing over and over and expects a different result. It could also … [Read more...]
