8 Times Jerry Buting's Twitter Was the Coolest Place Ever

It's no secret that Making a Murderer's favourite criminal defense lawyers Jerry Buting and Dean Strang have captured the hearts and minds of the world since the documentary first landed on Netflix. Take a look around online and you'll see all manner of tributes to this dynamic duo, and rightly so. The level of dedication and integrity they have shown both through the series and since is inspiring, and has given hope to those who were left feeling angry and helpless after watching Steven Avery's story. 

Jerry Buting has now become even more of an internet sensation with his kindness, wit, and charm in the crazy world of Twitter. Mr. B is a busy guy, yet he still manages to carve out a little time in his day to talk to his followers, finding the perfect balance between discussing the things that matter, and having a laugh with his fans. Here's a look at 8 times Jerry Buting's Twitter account was the coolest place ever!

1. That time he embraced girl power...

Is there really any better endorsement than this? There are two levels of awesome here. Firstly, the fact that JB used the phrase "girl power" which will always elicit a chuckle - especially from 90's girls who can still hear the chants echoing around their skulls from overexposure to the Spice Girls. And secondly because, it was simply an extremely kind thing to say. Zig-a-zig-ah! 

2. That time he showed off his swagger...

If you're a Buting & Strang fan, you'll be fully aware of the amount of awesome and hilarious merchandise now available, and this t-shirt is right up there with the best. When someone tweeted this genius piece of artwork at Jerry, he wasn't shy with his response! ;) The debate about which way around this sentence should be continues to this day in chat rooms across the world! 

3. That time he embraced his street name...

#JButes was something that slipped out when I was writing an article a while back, and - praise the Lord - it sort of caught on! The fact that Jerry thought this was worthy of a mention made our day! 

4. That time he said what we were all thinking...

No further explanations needed. 

5. That time he was flattered by Strang & Buting phone backgrounds...

He says this like it's not normal to set devastatingly handsome lawyers as phone backgrounds. I mean, I guess, it would be weird to have Dean Strang as your phone background... right? No...? *whistles innocently*

6. That time he politely shot down an admirer...

This is one of JButes' finest fan interactions. ccbabcocks took one for the team and asked the question many MaM fans wanted to know the answer to. Most would have casually breezed over this but not our Mr. Buting! The fact that he finished, with, "But thanks anyway," just made us love him even more!

7. That time he praised his wife (and it was so sweet, we weren't even jealous!)...

#Relationshipgoals 

8. That time he told his followers how badass we are...

It's true. Only people with high intelligence and exquisite taste follow The Buting! 

There is no question that there will be many more moments of awesome from Jerry Buting - so if you've yet to see it for yourself, get following him! You'll get the fun stuff, but most importantly (because even though we're having a giggle, the serious stuff matters more) you'll hear info on the Avery case, and all kinds of other legal matters that are affecting people right now. 

Mr. Buting - we salute you! 

Making a Murderer Protest Coming to London on April 2nd

Since December 2015, Netflix documentary Making a Murderer has become a talking point for the millions of people who watched and learned the story of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey. For those not in the know, Steven Avery of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, was arrested and jailed for eighteen years for a crime he didn’t commit. After filing a civil lawsuit against Manitowoc County for his wrongful conviction – a claim that could have seen him being awarded $36 million - he was then re-arrested for the murder of twenty-five-year-old photographer, Teresa Halbach. Avery’s sixteen-year-old nephew Brendan Dassey was also jailed for his involvement in the crime. Here’s the problem – the evidence suggesting Avery and Dassey murdered Teresa Halbach is not without flaw. In fact, if you dig a little deeper, the flaws are glaringly obvious, and viewers of the documentary are now demanding these men are given a new and fair trial.

Earlier this year, some of Avery and Dassey’s supporters participated in a protest at the Manitowoc County Courthouse, eager to make their voices heard. Now, UK supporters are getting ready to stage their own peaceful protest in London. I caught up with the organisers, Belinda Wilson and Kayleigh Brandon to find out more.

When did you first watch Making a Murderer?

Kayleigh: I had been nagging my boyfriend to watch it since I first heard about it in December. We finally got around to it in the first week of January. I was instantly hooked, and had to devour it – I couldn’t even wait for the evenings to watch with my boyfriend! Haha, sorry!

Belinda: I started watching Making a Murderer on 15/1/16. I kept seeing the Netflix advert on Facebook. When I was flicking through Netflix I saw it and decided to watch it. I watched the whole ten episodes in one go. My life then changed.

What were your initial thoughts after watching the documentary?

Kayleigh: Shock. Disbelief. Outrage.

Belinda: Anger. Disgust. Sad. Helpless.

What in particular about Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey’s stories affected you?

Kayleigh: With Steven, I was appalled at the blatant class warfare going on. I was hugely disturbed that a system which is meant to exist to see justice served contrived so purposefully and maliciously to steal this man’s life for a crime he was innocent of. He has almost no relationship with his four children as a result. All this, despite him having over a dozen witnesses to alibi him, and a timed receipt from a restaurant miles away from the crime! I was drawn to Brendan as he is the same age as me (born only two weeks to the day after myself). I felt guilt at the rites of passage I have enjoyed (learning to drive, first job, buying a house etc.) whilst he has been behind bars, and a deep, uneasy sense that it could have been any of us manipulated in that way as a naïve child. I also work with kids, so I am keenly aware of their vulnerability.

Belinda: With Steven's story, I was extremely sad that Steven had lost eighteen years of his life and his children's lives, seeing his marriage fall apart. Hearing the pain in his voice, seeing the pain in his face. I was appalled at what lengths the prosecution was willing to go to get a conviction for both the rape and murder. Brendan's story hit hard. Being a youth support worker myself, for children with learning disabilities, I instantly felt the need to protect Brendan. Seeing Brendan go through intense interrogation by those so-called professionals made me feel physically sick. Still haunts me now.

When did you first think of the idea for a UK protest?

Kayleigh: After the recent protests in Manitowoc and Madison, many UK supporters had expressed a desire for something similar over here. I suggested it a few times on various posts and got lots of likes, but it wasn’t until I connected with Belinda that I found somebody willing to go for it!

Belinda: After watching closely on the family Facebook page and seeing their protest coming together, I felt gutted that I lived so far away. I felt helpless. I wanted to be there showing my support to Steven, Brendan and his family. I also wanted to express my disgust at the criminal justice system. I posted a post to the Facebook group with my intentions for a protest in the UK as I received private messages from people in the UK who felt as helpless as I did. There was a lot of interest and this is how Kayleigh and I came together and decided to set up an events page

Can you give us some more details of what will happen on the day of the protest?

Kayleigh: April 2nd 2016. 11am US Embassy then 2pm Parliament Square. People are free to join at any point in the day they like, and any short time they can spare would be hugely appreciated! People are encouraged to use their imagination and create their own signs, but we will likely have some spares! We have ‘FREE STEVEN AVERY & BRENDAN DASSEY’ t-shirts available, and are also encouraging people to make an impact visually with orange jumpsuits, handcuffs, taped mouths, etc. We want to show solidarity with Steven and Brendan whilst also commenting on the way the US system is trying to hush up this injustice. We have international MMA fighter Jimmy ‘Justice’ Millar attending, as well as former US prisoner turned author/public speaker Shaun Attwood. We have received messages of support from Jerry Buting, and the admin and family in the official family Facebook page.

As you can see, these ladies are extremely passionate about this cause, and they are ready to get out there and seek some justice! If you would like to be part of this protest, you can find all the details on their Facebook events page here.

Fozzy's New VIP Makes Us Dance Like Mick Jagger For An Hour

...Actually, a bit longer than that. Around three days, to be precise!

 Now, those of you who have followed this blog for a while will know I have written about Fozzy VIPs before. But they aren't quite the same as they used to be. The band has evolved, more people want to come to VIP, and so things had to change a little. This is NO bad thing.

On Sunday, I headed to Southampton to experience Fozzy VIP 2015, and I have to say, I loved it! As always, we were given a signed photo, early access to merchandise, a group VIP photo, plus individual photos with the band. That would be enough of a treat for most fans, but what's new this year is the soundcheck, the mini private gig, and a question and answer session!

"Why do we need a mini private gig?" I hear you ask! Well, I'll tell you! First and foremost, the best thing for me was the chance to be very close to the stage and enjoy a bit of the show without any concerns about being squished against the barriers. I know, I know - that is all part of the fun, but not everyone is as... moshy as some, and some of the VIP'ers I spoke to were thrilled because this private show meant they could relax and take very close up photos without any concerns. Not only that, but Fozzy take requests - and not just their own songs, either. In Southampton, we were treated to an awesome version of You Really Got Me that had everyone rocking out!

The Q&A session was also a brilliant addition to the VIP package. A lot of times, if you meet a band member in passing, there isn't enough time to ask a question, and if there is, the answer can be rushed because these guys don't have a lot of time to chat. This designated time for questions was brilliant as it meant everyone who had something they always wanted to ask could so in a relaxed way, without feeling too hurried.

One thing I always need to mention when it comes to Fozzy VIP is this: A lot of times people are on the fence about whether to upgrade to the VIP package. The reasons for the hesitation vary, but a lot of fans want to know firstly if it's value for money, and secondly, whether they can handle their nerves! The answer to question one is yes, it's absolutely worth the money! I have done VIP a few times, and each time it's different, for different reasons. I have never had two identical VIP experiences, and as you get to know the band better, you will eventually end up with your own inside jokes!  And nerves? Perfectly normal, but the guys are SO down to earth, they put you at ease from the first hello.

SO, if you are considering a VIP package - just go for it!

Also, if you are a Fozzy virgin, it's a really good idea to let them pop your cherry, because you will leave their shows with a buzz that cannot be beaten.

Sandcastle Of Love by Dan Godlin

By now, you should all know how much I love discovering new, talented people, so yesterday when I heard about a cool new song, I was more than happy to buy it, and let everyone know about it!

A while back, I interviewed the lovely Erin Alden.It was through Erin that I heard about Sandcastle Of Love by Dan Godlin, because Erin co-wrote it!

I must confess, I didn't know anything of Dan Godlin, but I do know that Erin associates with the best talent there is, and Dan is no exception.

Dan Godlin released his debut album, Loving On Empty in 2011, and followed it with an EP titled In Between in 2012. Having just heard this one new track, I am very much looking forward to listening to Dan's back catalogue, and super excited to hear what he has coming up in the future!

You can listen to more from Dan Godlin right here. If you are a fan of Jason Mraz, you will adore this song; it's mellow and catchy and will put you in the perfect mood for summer!

Album Review: Heads Or Tails by Kieron Cox

Every now and again, I will get followed on Twitter by a kickass musician. Most recently, I was followed by a young man named Kieron Cox. Kieron currently lives in Berkshire, but travels around the UK for gigs - you can check out his gig dates here.

Kieron very kindly provided me a copy of his album Head Or Tails, and I must say, it's pretty impressive!

I'd like to start with a quick note about the tone of Kieron Cox's voice. The first thing I did when he followed me was check out his YouTube videos, and I was instantly smitten with his sound. It's smooth, but there is a gorgeous hint of gravelly-ness (yes I know that's not a word :p) which makes his voice stand out from all the other musicians out there who are trying to make it big. These days, a unique voice is more than half the battle, and on that front, Kieron has got it made.

Now, onto the album.

There are twelve tracks on Heads Or Tails, and there's not really a dud amongst them. Most albums do have a track or two that have me reaching for the "skip" button, but I love every single song on this one.

By far, my favourite track is Half As Much, a beautiful ballad about hoping to mean something to that special person. It wouldn't be out of place on a Savage Garden album - it has those perfect lyrics that instantly target your inner romantic and make you go all sappy. I would even go as far as to say that Kieron Cox does sound a teensy bit like Darren Hayes.

Other notable ballads on the album include The Moment, and I'll Be Waiting For You, but Kieron isn't a one-trick pony who filled Heads Or Tails with slushy boyband type tracks. Sure, love is a strong theme, but it's not all slow and mushy.

Will You be My Girl is a funky little number with a great beat, and the ridiculously catchy Win Some, Lose Some will have you singing along in no time.

Time Shoots Us Down, in my humble opinion, knocks the socks off the other tracks lyrically. Amongst all the other songs, this is the one that creeps into my head at random points during the day.

Overall, Heads Or Tails is an excellent debut album from a talented young man who has a bright future ahead of him!

You can find out more about Kieron on his website. Go listen right now!!

Solving the Mystery of Pretty Little Liars: Who is Dead, and Who is A?

It's been a really long time since I wrote about Pretty Little Liars, however, I recently started a rewatch - I'm midway through Season 2 right now - and desperately searching for clues to bring us to where we are now.

Yes, that was my exact face at the end of the latest episode! :p

In last week's black and white episode, Ali (Sasha Pieterse) said something that has stayed with me. She said, "You have all the pieces." She was telling Spencer (Troian Bellisario) that she has everything she needs to solve the mystery of A - but I don't think she was strictly talking to her. I think she was talking to the viewer.

I think it's us who have all the pieces of the puzzle.

Over time, almost everyone in the show has been under suspicion of being A/Ali's murderer.

But this week, a new piece slotted into place - that of Spencer's former drug problem.

We have seen her recently. She's tense, not sleeping, looking like the walking dead, and having full on hallucinations in a world of black and white.

And now we have the bombshell. Two years ago, Spencer had the same problem. TWO YEARS. When Alison disappeared. Remember all that time ago, in the pilot episode where Spencer wandered back into the barn and announced Alison was gone. There was not even the slightest question about whether she'd just gone home. It was like fact. She's gone.

People who know me, and have read my early theories will know that Spencer was my number one suspect at the start. I didn't like her, and I didn't trust her. Over time, I fell in love with her, but I have never been able to shake off the memory of that first episode.

Spencer on drugs. Who else used to get off their heads on drugs around that time? Jason (Drew Van Acker), Ian (Ryan Merriman), Garrett (Yani Gellman) and their friends. Now, I don't believe those things are linked, but remember how Jason couldn't remember the night Ali went missing? Perhaps this is foreshadowing - and it was Spencer who did the killing.

Obviously, Ali isn't dead, but someone is. And I'm thinking Spencer may have been the one to do it.

As for Ezra (Ian Harding)- and his connection to Mona (Janel Parrish) and Jenna (Tammin Sursok). Well, that is somewhat more complex. Ezra revealed he was writing a book about Ali, and confessed he originally used Aria (Lucy Hale) for information. But what about all the A activity? What about all the watching, and the creepy notes? Him being a "reporter" - I use the word loosely, some of the things he filmed were downright creepy - explains the cameras everywhere, however unethical. But what of the threats? If he wasn't guilty of some of the horrific things A did - how did he know about Toby's tattoo and bike helmet? And why would he be involved in that if he genuinely loved Aria as much as he says?
 
Mona was helping him in some way - this has been confirmed. But in what way? Is she getting close to Mike (Cody Allen Christian) as a way to get closer to Aria? OR - another theory that has been brewing for a while is that it is Mike himself that is A. That boy has so far been the most pointless character ever to be in a TV show - there has to be a reason for him, right?

Let us not rule out the other thing that could be a clue. Wren's (Julian Morris) prescription pad in Spencer's purse. This was a tiny, tiny thing but along with my questions about Mike, I have often thought Wren might be A, or at least involved. Evidence? He helped Melissa (Torrey DeVitto) with Ian, so he knew where to find him, and he was working at Radley - and acting somewhat suspiciously there. He could easily have given Mona everything she needed to keep attacking the other girls. Keep in mind, when there is a British character in a US show, a lot of the time, they end up being the bad guy! But there are subtle things. He gave Spencer an amazing massage early on, and Emily (Shay Mitchell) once got some A treatment in the form of a massage at a spa - the joys of re-watching! What we don't have is a motive. Ali liked older guys for sure, but really? Ian, Ezra, Detective Wilden (Bryce Johnson), AND Wren? Not only is it creepy how many older men have been involved with a girl who was only fourteen or fifteen at the time, it's hard to believe Ali would have managed to get the attention of all them, no matter how beautiful she was. But stranger things have happened...MUCH stranger things.

The black gloved hands at the end of each episode since Ezra was revealed to be A suggest that we are still wrong. There is still someone else to be afraid of. If those hands belonged to Ezra, why not just show his face since we're supposed to "know" he's behind it all?

So -- I realise this is a little bit of a mish-mash of thoughts, but let's lay this out more clearly:

Spencer may have been the murderer (though who she killed is a bit of a mystery). I am quite into the "Ali had a twin" theory, there have been several hints about this.

Ezra hasn't yet been totally honest, and I think there is a lot more we don't know

Mona might not be the devil anymore, but it's not time to trust her completely just yet

Keep a close eye on Wren - he's not just a pretty face! 

Help an Artist! Merry Ellen Kirk Needs You!

Regular followers of this blog will have heard me singing the praises of the uber talented Merry Ellen Kirk. The first time I heard her EP, "Feather & A Leaf," I was blown away - so much so that I wrote this. Four months later, I have almost all of Merry Ellen's recordings, and the tracks on "Feather & A Leaf" are amongst my Most Played list on iTunes.

Right now, Merry Ellen Kirk is listed on ArtistSignal, vying to be September's most voted for artist. If she wins, there's a $10,000 prize, and no doubt you can understand just how much that would help her out in recording more material, and getting herself better known - as she very much deserves to be. As things stand, she is in the top ten, which is an amazing achievement in itself! By following this link, you can vote for Merry Ellen, and help her take the top spot. What's so brilliant about this is, people can vote as may times as they like AND you can win rewards if you vote often. Rewards include free downloads, and signed CDs - which basically means - by clicking a button several times and "tipping"Merry Ellen tiny amounts, you can win music! Good deal, right? :D

I can't explain how much love I have for Merry Ellen Kirk's music. Perhaps it's the writer in me that is mesmerised by how she weaves beautiful words into music - and her voice? Perfection. SO, if you have an appreciation for real, genuine talent and hard working musicians, click the links above and show her some support. You won't regret it, I promise!