JOKE OF THE DAY:

What did the blind man say as he passed the Fish Market?

Good Morning Girls

Manly Issue # 3 - WonderFALL Duds

Summer is headed out the seasonal door.  And squeezing into our hearts and minds is our chilly-weathered friend, Fall.  Knowing that colder weather is upon us, I started looking into some of the trends around the fashion world.  As I’ve discussed in previous posts, I’m not much of a trends guy.  I stick with basics.  I’m a safe dresser, you could say.  But that doesn’t mean I do not like to know what’s fashionable or “in-season”.  I like to compare what I already have with what’s “en vogue” and work similar items into my daily wardrobe.

So let me break down what I’ve seen from many reputable sources as some of the clothing items to watch this Fall season.  I’ve taken what I’ve come across out in the world and added my own commentary.

Cardigan – Modern and slim-fitted.  Updated with a hint of grandpa-swag.  I like the throw-back look, with a patch or dated color.  Nothing wrong with that.  Most of what you’ll find is something too modern and trend-heavy, relying on a bright color or pattern to stand out.  That’s not what I go for.  If you’re going to wear a cardigan, pick something basic and clean.  If you’re willing to go for it, try something with a subtle pattern.

Pinstriped Pants  - Again, the perspective is to have a modern fit with clean lines.  The key here is to have subtle stripes, nothing zoot suit or big band about it. 

Argyle – Most of these items on this list will have a hint of old people.  But I don’t shy away.  You can make an argyle sweater as modern and contemporary as anything else.  It’s all about how you work it in.  Keep everything else simple.  Know what works best and what your comfortable with color-wise, and work the argyle around that.  (or maybe just wear some argyle socks)

Blazer/Sports Jacket – Unfortunately, this is where the lines of “Fall” become a little muddied.  A blazer and sports jacket are staples all-year round.  No need to do anything special with these items, wear what you’ve got and keep updating the entire year.  Just keep it simple.

Flat-Front Twill Pants – If you’re going to buy pants, buy flat-front.  Plain and simple.  It’s cleaner and more modern.  Pants with a bunched waist line looks dated and widens you out.  Seriously, go to the closet and throw them away, you’re not doing yourself or your closet any favors with those. 

As far as the twill goes, I could take it or leave it.  You can find good twill pants, but if they are not made just right, they can look messy.  The ones that hold up well and are fitted even better come at a hefty price, and for most, it’s just not worth it.  Twill, for me, is too formal to wear casually.  So unlike most pants you wear to the workplace, twill is not as versatile at night.  They are limiting and costly, but if you’ve got the closet room and budget, they can be a worthy investment.

Jeans – No clue why jeans is on Fall-watch lists.  There is nothing more “wardrobe-staple” than a pair of jeans, no matter the season.  I leave it on this list as a reminder to keep it basic, dark, and modernly-fitted.

My Own Fall-Staple –                                                                                                                

Tan Sweater – This sweater lingers between a medium tan and a gold.  I could wear it just about any day with just about any thing.  Wear it under a blazer or over a button-up, it’s going to look professional, clean, and fashion-forward.  Even though this color can look a little aged, I don’t see anything wrong with that; especially for Fall, when everything is more visually subdued.  But the interesting thing about this particular color is that it’s not as basic or traditional as you’d think.  It’s light enough to be eye-catching in a season filled with dark browns and blacks, but its neutrality renders itself to tons of options.  Versatile yet interesting.  Basic yet modern.

Stay warm, look fly.

Great sweater - http://www.polo-ralphlauren.us/polo-lambswool-mens-v-neck-sweater-tan.html

Manly Issue # 2 - Stop! In the Name of Love... Handles

Before going to sleep, just about every night, I set my alarm for 6:30 AM and amp myself up for the next morning’s workout.  I plan out my workout routine, down to the specific exercise.  I start mentally preparing myself for a healthy breakfast to compliment my workout.  And since I’ll be getting up so early, I start to imagine all the things I’ll do the next day with my free time. 

I drift off to sleep and next thing I know, I’m being startled awake at 8:30 AM after having slept through 4 alarms.  I stumble out of bed to a hurried meal and shower.  Nothing went according to plan.  Nothing ever does.

So goes my workout dilemma.  I’d rather sleep. 

For those of you that have the drive and determination to set your goals at night and actually accomplish them the next morning, I have nothing but respect.  But I would assume that most of us fall into that “sleep-before-reps” category.  And that’s what's up.

Everyone is different.  Everyone has their specific go-to excuse. 

·         I’m just too busy.

·         I’ve worked all day, and I’m too tired.

·         I have kids to take care, so I don’t have enough hours in the day.

·         I just ate. Too full. For words.

·         A gym membership is too expensive.

·         I don’t like going alone.  If I had someone with me, I’d do it.

·         I’m too embarrassed.

·         It’s too hot.

·         It’s too cold.

·         It’s too moderately tempered outside and inside.

Okay, that last one is a joke, but it just goes to show you excuses come in all different shapes, sizes, and scenarios (I’ve given just about every one of those excuses myself). 

Eventually, I had to ask inner-Clint, what’s really going on here?  What is it that clicks with the gym rat that makes him get up and go.  How does he wake up at the rooster holler and not hate himself for it? 

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m just lazy and he’s not.  It’s all about the right mentality and that’s something that I’ve lost.

I can find the time within my hectic day, if I wanted.  I can build the energy if I need to.  I can plan my day around my eating schedule without a problem.  There’s a gym for everybody.  It’s a matter of do I really want to do this or not.  For some in my position, it’s a healthy, “no, I’m good”.  And that’s great.  But for those guys, like myself, out there that want to work out, eat healthy, live a cleaner life, and we just don’t…  It’s time to start doing the do.

But how do we get over that proverbial hump?  For me, and I would assume for most, the answer lies within our own heads.  We think too much.  You’re probably reading this, thinking, “well that’s not an answer.  Who is this guy?”. 

But it is.  It’s easy as that.  Get out of your own head, just as I need to get out of my own.  (We could all go into someone else’s head, but that wouldn’t serve anyone’s purpose) 

Think about this “not thinking about it” approach. 

Lofty expectations - We have this ideal image of what we want to look like from what we know and see in our world around us.  We imagine who we are going to be before we even take a step in that direction.  We’ve thought about the outcome before starting the journey.  We have set ourselves up for disappointment before even beginning.  We then rationalize that we will never get there, so why even try.  We are “now” beings.  We want to see change immediately.  It’s our nature.  But working out takes patience and consistency.  So don’t think about it. 

Ego-crusher – Going to the gym takes energy, time, and cajones (especially for those that haven’t been in awhile).  We are surrounded with fit men and women with more experience and motivation.  Before even stepping into the gym, we are emasculated and intimidated by what we expect to encounter.   We tend to shy away so as not to embarrass or punish ourselves.  Instead of worrying about who else is at the gym, just go and find out.  Don’t think about it.

Time Better Spent – That moment for me that deters my motivation most is my internal agenda.  I know there is a lot to do in a day.  We all work and live full lives, so how do we find the time to work out (essentially, to do what most of us just do not like to do).  And there is no more appropriate excuse to use the “don’t think about it” approach.  Just go.  Get your clothes ready when you can.  Eat when you need.  But just go to the gym.  If you head out the door, chances are good that you’ll keep going.  Don’t think about what else you have to do, find your opportunity to work out, and bounce.

It doesn’t get said enough, but every guy cares about how he looks.  Go ahead and try to deny it.  You can’t, and I won't let you.  It’s a fact of life, the world is all about perception. And no one is immune to these worldly pressures.  As a guy, getting in shape is a revolving door.  We constantly want to work out but we don’t.  We get into the mood.  But we lose the motivation.

Take this guy as a great example.  No doubt that he got out of his own head and went for it... and then kept going... and going.... and going.  To the point that people told him to stop, but he, I'm sure didn't even think about it.  So man, good for you.  Keep up the good fight.

It’s not an issue of whether or not we care.  It comes down to whether or not we care enough.  Do yourself a favor and just go for it.  Sounds easy enough, because in this situation, it really is.  Get over yourself, and make things happen.

JOKE OF THE DAY:

Dirty Little Matt is sitting in the back of math class, obviously not paying any attention, when the teacher calls his name.

"Yeah teach?" he replies.

"If there are three ducks on a fence and you shoot one of them with a shotgun, how many are left?" asks the teacher.

Matt answers "Well, teach, if I shoot one of them with a shotgun, the loud noise is gonna make them all fly off."

"No, Matt, there will be two left if you shoot one with a shotgun, but I like the way you're thinking." the teacher responds.

"Well, teach, I've got a question for you... There are 3 women that come out of an ice-cream parlor, one is biting her ice-cream cone, one is licking it, and one is sucking on it. Which one is married?"

The teacher, a little taken back by the question answers, "Well, uh, gee Matt, I guess the one that's sucking on the ice cream."

Matt replies "No teach, the one that has the wedding ring on her finger, but I like the way you're thinking!"

Caption Contest - 8/28/12

Our first entry in the H.M.L.S. weekly caption contest was one of the most viewed pages, and here we are back again with the second installment. As always, post your caption in the comments section, surrounded by quotation marks ("")! Winner gets a the lofty prize of bragging rights until next week's contest. 

Good luck, and happy captioning! 

Pictures courtesy of in-house photo researcher Adam.

A Call To Remember

If you didn’t have a chance to catch any of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series over the last year, then you’re in luck, because they’re now available for streaming on Netflix.

One of the more riveting stories produced, Pony Excess, focused on the powerful Southern Methodist football teams of the 1980s and the subsequent recruiting scandals that eventually led to the program receiving the infamous "death penalty.

And as a die-hard Razorbacks fan, I cannot in good faith, ignore the documentary’s failure to mention one of the most monumentally terrible calls in the history of college football. 

BACKGROUND

In 1982, SMU was looking for more than just a second consecutive Southwest Conference title – the Mustangs were gunning for a national championship. Only a few hurdles stood in their way: the perennial conference power Texas Longhorns, a pesky Texas Tech team, and the No. 9 Arkansas Razorbacks.

 

The first obstacle SMU cleared easily, knocking off No. 17 Texas in Austin 30-17. Erick Dickerson, the Mustangs’ All-American running back and Heisman finalist, rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown while quarterback Lance McIlhenny directed the offense and SMU’s powerful running game. McIlhenny only completed 4-of-9 passes, but finished with 188 yards and three touchdowns. SMU's defense also played well, picking off Texas quarterback Robert Brewer three times.

But three weeks later, the No. 2 Mustangs found themselves tied in Lubbock with a mediocre Texas Tech team looking for an upset. Once again, Dickerson was stellar. He all but carried SMU’s offense, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns. But the real star running back that day was the Red Raider’s Anthony Hutchinson, who rushed for 206 yards and one touchdown against the SWC’s second best defensive team in 1982. 

With the game tied at 24 and only a few seconds remaining, Texas Tech squib kicked the ball to the Mustangs. The Red Raiders initially planned on wasting the last few seconds off the clock in hopes that SMU couldn’t recover the ball, thus ending the game in a tie. And when the ball reached defensive back Blaine Smith, who bobbled the catch, it looked like things were going to work out in Tech’s favor. But with some quick thinking, and hours of practice that included a session tailored for moments like this, Smith lateraled the ball back to wide receiver Bobby Leach, who proceeded to race 91 yards down field for the game winning touchdown, ensuring the Mustangs another chance at perfection (skip to 2:34 for the play).

THE GAME

Now 10-0 (7-0 SWC) and still ranked No. 2, the stage was set for the final game of the 1982 regular season against No. 9 Arkansas (8-1, 5-1 SWC). 

The Mustangs and Razorbacks had shared a somewhat contentious rivalry as long-time members of the SWC, but things were really getting heated in the early 1980s. SMU had knocked off the Razorbacks the year before in Fayetteville in the infamous “Polyester Bowl,” so dubbed because of NCAA sanctions which kept the Mustangs from competing in the postseason. But that didn’t stop SMU from having a great year, and in 1981 they finished 10-1 (7-1 SWC), clinching the SWC Championship in the final game of the season with a 32-18 win over Arkansas. 

On the road in Dallas the following year, and inside a sold out Texas Stadium no less, the Hogs were looking to save their season and knock off the defending conference champions. 

And for most of the first three quarters, Arkansas was in control. The Hogs had the conference’s best defense in 1982, giving up just over 11 points per game (11.6). And despite SMU having two stellar running backs in Craig James and Eric Dickerson, the latter of which would go on to be the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, Arkansas’ defense held each to just 72 and 81 yards rushing, respectively. The game ended up being Dickerson’s second worst rushing performance of the year, and he added to it with a crucial fumble early in the first quarter after a hit from Arkansas’ All-American defensive end, Billy Ray Smith. 

Heading into the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 10-10, and both teams were hung up on their missed opportunities. Arkansas had a field goal blocked by SMU’s Russell Carter in the first quarter, which could’ve made it 10-0 for the Razorbacks. And SMU’s offense was sputtering, frustrated that they had blown earlier chances for touchdowns. 

But with just under five minutes left to go, and Arkansas leading 17-10 thanks to two big plays from running back Gary Anderson, the Mustangs found themselves facing a long drive down field to keep their perfect season alive.

And then, like so many other Razorback games both before and since, the zebras struck.

Official Horton Nesrsta called Arkansas’ Nathan Jones for pass-interference against SMU’s Jackie Wilson, sealing a 40+ yard gain for the Mustangs (the pass-interference rule was a spot-foul back in ’82, something that would be changed a year later) and effectively swaying the game’s momentum in SMU's favor.

Despite Arkansas’ best attempts to hold the Mustangs on a short field, which the Hogs did for a handful of plays, SMU eventually scored to tie the game with a touchdown run from McIlhenny. After the game was tied, neither team could get much of a drive going, and the Mustang’s potential game-winning field goal kick from 52-yards out fell short, ending the game in a tie, as overtime in college football wouldn’t be introduced until the 1996 season.

AFTERMATH

Neither team lived up to its national championship aspirations, as Penn State (11-1) was controversially awarded that year’s honor after knocking off No. 1 Georgia (11-1, 6-0 SEC) in the Sugar Bowl.The Mustangs would eventually go on to beat No. 6 Pittsburgh (9-3) in the Cotton Bowl, 7-3, while No. 14 Arkansas (9-2-1, 5-2-1 SWC) won the Bluebonnet Bowl over Florida (8-4, 3-3 SEC), 28-24.

And although the game's announcers pointed out how terrible the call was, what really bothers me is that Pony Excess, as well as SMU’s own athletics page, glosses over the interference call. No one mentions it. Even if it is the first thing Google's suggestion feature brings up when you type “SMU Arkansas” into the search bar.

 

Instead, you get stuff like this:

“That team was unstoppable. No one could beat us, and we settled for a tie – that was a slap in the face.” 

That’s former SMU defensive-end Doug Hollie speaking in Pony Excess about the 1982 game with Arkansas. 

And then later you get this gem from Erick Dickerson:

“I feel like they [the pollsters] really screwed us out of a national championship more than anything. I still believe we were the best team in the country. For sure.” 

It’s hard enough for Hog fans to deal with the loss, but having to stomach both of these sentiments is simply too much. Arkansas all but shut down the “best team in the country” that day, holding SMU to its fewest points since mid-September, and keeping the Mustangs to just 326 yards of total offense.  

And it’s one thing for the players to leave out the bad calls. Maybe they felt they got shafted earlier in the game. And after all, the flag didn’t technically win the game, as SMU still had to score. But what really surprised me was that the documentary never mentioned it either, only saying:

“In 1982, the Mustangs dominated the college football landscape. But in the last game of the regular season new coach Bobby Collins settled for a tie against Arkansas, putting a blemish on an otherwise perfect record.” 

That's it? I'd figure the filmmakers to have a neutral point of view, but somehow one of the most famous calls, not just in either school’s history, but the entire SWC, gets left out because it doesn’t reflect the narrative that SMU was the nation’s best team (that money could buy) in 1982.  

But at least those Mustang teams of the early '80s didn’t lead to the eventual collapse of SMU's program or help dissolve the once prominent SWC . Oh, wait...

JOKE OF THE DAY

One day in the forest, 3 guys were just hiking along a trail when all of a sudden, a huge pack of indians attaked them and knocked them out.

When they woke up, they were at the leader of the tribe's throne.

The chief then said "All of your lives may be spared if you can find ten of one fruit and bring them back to me."

So after a while the first man returned with 10 apples. The cheif then ordered him to stick all ten of them up his butt without making any expression at all on his face. He had a little bit of trouble with the first one and started crying while trying to put the next one in. He was soon killed.

Later, the next guy came in with 10 grapes. The chief soon ordered him to do the same as the first guy. After to the 9th grape, the man started laughing so hard for no apperant reason, and was killed.

The first two guys soon met in heaven and the first guy ask the second, "Why did you start laughing? You only needed one more grape and you'd have gotten away!"

The second guy answered while still laughing, "I couldn't help it. I saw the third guy walking in with pineapples."

JOKE OF THE DAY

As an airplane is about to crash, a female passenger jumps up frantically and announces, "If I'm going to die, I want to die feeling like a woman."

 

She removes all her clothing and asks, "Is there someone on this plane who is man enough to make me feel like a woman?"

 

A man stands up, removes his shirt and says, "Here, iron this".

Manly Issue #1 - Just A Bit More Cow...Hide

In each post I’ll reflect on a dilemma that we’ve all dealt with, and where most of us have failed to have success.  They will be issues concerning anything we deal with as men in a modern and fashion-conscious society. 

Now, you’re probably asking yourself, where does this guy get off?  And your inner monologue would be barking up a very accurate tree.  I’ve dealt with a lot of situations where I ultimately failed, and failed miserably. I’m just willing to write about what I know, on-the-money, or not.

Manly Issue #1 – Just A Bit More Cow…Hide        

With Clint

You’re probably thinking this is going to get deep.  Clint’s going to blow our minds with some insightful garble that’ll have us twisting and turning tonight.  Well, get off your seat and stand and then sit back down again because you’re way off.  I want to address the issue we've all had with leather.  We see it on other guys and think it's cool but it's just not for us.  But rest assure, we could all use a leather jacket in our closet.

Every self-respecting man has probably imagined himself donning a leather jacket.  You watched one episode of Happy Days and caught a glimpse of the Fonz and thought, “yep, I could wear that”.  You go even further within your inner-scenario and prove to yourself how great you’d look wearing it.  Don’t beat yourself up, we’ve all been there. 

But the catch is that hardly any of us really go for it.  We get intimidated by the thought of being imasculated and punked by a leather-wearing motorcycle gang.  We think, “what if someone mistakes me for a tough guy?  It’s just the jacket, I promise.”   If you haven’t thought about it and played out your reactions in your head, then you’re lying to yourself. But get over it.  Leather jackets, if done right (there is a definite wrong and right way), can become a staple in any man’s wardrobe. 

The “Break-Down”

Color-Conscious – Guys are not looking for something splashy or in your face.  The subtlety of a brown (light or dark) enhances the overall depth of an outfit.  And since it’s a jacket, you can wear it with just about anything at anytime.   Leather jackets can be used as the main focus of what you’re wearing, or it can be used to tie up all the outfit loose-ends.  It’s consistent.

The overall tone of the jacket is where we get confused.  For the riskier dude, the light tones (like a honey brown) give off more of an adventurous appeal.  It’s a little more “trendy” and casual.  The light tones can become dated, as we’ve seen through the years.  But if styled and cut just right (always go for fitted and traditional stitching), no man should be throwing away a lighter brown jacket any time soon.

For those more classy gents, a dark brown leather serves any purpose. It can be worn any season, any year, and still have that effortless yet pulled-together look.   It’s a safer option that will last longer in a well-rounded wardrobe.

No matter what color, the leather jacket wrangles together any look.  Pair it with some jeans and a white t-shirt, you’ve got a casual look that your lady-friend would be pleased with (almost Fonz-esque).  And on a different night, you could class it up with some slacks and a dress shirt for a date.  Easy, low-maintenance, and on fashion point.

Confidence Boost - When you’ve got some leather on, it’s inevitable you’re going to feel just a little bit more manly.  It may be a little hard to get over seeing yourself taking a leather risk, but you’ll get used to it.  Remember, no one in public really cares what you wear as long as you look like you want to be wearing it.  If you make them believe it, you’re golden. 

Leather is raw and real.  Women equate leather to strength and virility.  So don’t be shocked if the lady in your life (or potential lady) isn’t ashamed to let you know how good you look.

Forever Yours – I’m cheap.  I think most guys are.   So I’m not afraid to admit that when I’m looking for clothes, I’m looking for something either cheap or something that will last me a long time.  I do not have the cash-flow to buy “on-trend”, nor do I have the cajones to keep changing up my wardrobe to keep up with the times.  So I stick with neutrals and traditional styles.  I do not buy clothes that have words on them, or items with a lot of design elements.  When buying an item based on price, you’re looking for something that will work for now.  When buying something with the intention of keeping it for a long time, it’s all about return on investment.

So imagine the leather jacket through the years, in movies and magazines. It definitely has evolved through the times, but there is nothing more classic and long-term than the leather jacket.  In most stores, we will still see leather jacket styles that mimic the one made famous by James Dean… over 50 years ago.  Leather and brown are two things that won’t go out of style.

Look at this dude, nothing cooler and more classic.  That could be you.  But remember, this does not abdicate smoking.  But you’ll look cooler if you do.

A little cow-hide never hurt nobody, but it sure has helped.

Worthy deals, my friend.

Zara - All styles and materials (some not leather, but give the appearance of leather.  And it's much cheaper)

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269231/Jackets

Ralph Lauren - Expensive but will always be "what's up"

http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3351649&cp=1760781.3351645&ab=ln_men_cs1_leather&suede

99% Problems, and the 1% Ain't One

                                                         With Your Resident Guide to All That's Right With the World, Clint

You see this, you heard about this?  The 99%.  You might be asking yourself, who are they? How do they affect me?  Well, in “Clint”-terms, they’re the disenfranchised, the laden-backed, the down trodden… So ultimately, they’re fighting “The Man” for their rights.  Their lives aren’t terrible, but there’s always room for improvement, and the 99% is fighting for that improvement.  But in America, it’s fine. I’m cool with it. 

That makes sense… it doesn’t make sense?  Neither does this whole 99% thing.  Let’s take another look at this.

Speaking from the perspective of the 1%, I’ve got to admit that this whole “picketing” thing is a little overrated.  Peering down from my Ivory Tower to see this mockery of the American spirit is depressing.  Rather, depressing for a weaker mind. 

But It’s fine.  I’m cool with it. 

I say we stop these riots and tempertations (spelling?) and consider the 1%... the ones feeling the real pain.  Let’s take a look.

The 1% – it’s hard to make all the money and look so fly doing it.  It’s hard to keep America running and making all the decisions for the other 99%. But does the rest of the country take notice and give them a little slack?  Well, you know the answer to that:  A defiant and obnoxiously flamboyant, “hells naw”.  The 1% is burdened to a life of stress and turmoil at the hands of those they’re serving and ultimately protecting (from themselves).  I’d like to see the 99% take a look at another perspective, change their mind, and support that 1%.  Easy as that. 

And in unison, we can all say, “America, it’s fine. We’re cool with it.”

Stay tuned for a lot more ramblin’s and just a few more bamblin’s

Caption Contest - 8/21/12

Here at H.M.L.S., we understand the importance of laughter. So beginning today, we're announcing the creation of our weekly caption contest (sponsored by in-house contributor Adam).

Below you'll find this week's picture. If you think of something funny to say, add your caption below in the comments section surrounded by quotation marks (""). Sadly, we can only promise you bragging rights as a prize if your caption delivers the most laughs.

Good luck, and happy captioning!

JOKE OF THE DAY

What does a cannibal do after dumping his girlfriend?


Wipes his butt.

Something strange is afoot in Arkansas...

A tragic event unfolded last month in Jonesboro, Ark. Chavis Carter, a 21-year-old native of Southaven, Miss., died from a gunshot wound to his right temple – while sitting handcuffed in the backseat of a squad car.

Carter and two other passengers were pulled over on July 28 by Jonesboro police after they received a call about a “suspicious vehicle” in a local neighborhood. Carter’s passengers were released after their IDs were run and no warrants popped up, but after officers found that Carter had given them a fake name and that “there was a warrant for his arrest in Mississippi, where he’d skipped out on a drug diversion program,” the officers arrested him.

Only a short time later, the officers found Carter dead in the backseat of their car.

Now here’s where things get strange. The officers searched Carter two different times, and failed to find any weapons (the gun that killed Carter was a “small, .380 caliber Cobra semi-automatic," pictured right). But despite not being able to find a gun on Carter’s person, the officers did manage to find trace amounts of marijuana and “small, plastic bags” in his pockets.

Added to the growing mystery are the autopsy report, released today, which says the fatal shot entered through Carter’s right temple (Carter was left-handed) and testimony  from his mother that he was not suicidal. 

“I think they killed him,” Teresa Carter said of the Jonesboro police department. “My son wasn’t suicidal.” She also told reporters from ArkansasMatters that her son called his girlfriend while in custody, informing her of when he could be picked up from jail. 

Even with the release of the police report, the dash-cam video, and a video detailing how someone could “feasibly” shoot themselves whilehandcuffed, pertinent questions remain:

How did the officers manage to miss a weapon on Carter despite searching him twice?

Why would an alleged suicidal man call his girlfriend and tell her where to pick him up before killing himself? And if Carter did in fact call his girlfriend to inform her he was on his way to jail, wouldn't phone records back up this claim?

The officer in the video reenacting the shooting pulls the gun out from behind him, and it looks as if it was already laid in the seat. Did the officers accidentally leave a gun behind that Carter used?

And if Carter did in fact shoot himself, investigators should check for gun residue on his hands and to see whether his prints were on the gun. 

Due to a request from the Jonesboro Police Department, ArkansasMatters reports that the FBI is conducting an ongoing investigation of Chavis' death, which the coroner officially listed as “suicidal” on Monday. However, “police haven’t ruled the possibility that someone else may have shot Carter.”

There have been some pretty bizarre occurrences over the years, and I'm sure Arkansas police officers can attest to this. Even Jonesboro's Police Sergeant Lyle Waterworth admitted as much, telling ArkansasMatters, "Any given officer has missed something on a search, be it drugs, be it knives, be it razor blades. This instance it happened to be a gun."

But Arkansas' had some recent history with shady local law enforcement, stemming from the notorious Operation Delta Blues. So it’s not surprising that many in Jonesboro, as well as around the country, are skeptical of the official story.

But after losing her son, Teresa Carter just wants answers.

“They searched him twice,” she said. “I just want to know what really happened.”