Well I'll Be Dang

"IMPORTANT VICTORY – The Texas Public Utility Commission Wednesday ordered TXU to build its new cross-country power line north of Decatur instead of through high value real estate south of the city." - From the Update I refuse to acknowledge that Rep. Phil King had anything to do with this (although he probably did which seriously reduces my inclination to bash him).

I'd Be Screaming Like A Madman

Katie Holmes, the movie star with Tom Cruise's baby in her belly, will probably have a silent birth since both are part of the Church of Scientology. That means that the mother can't say a word, or make a noise, during the birthing process. I bet a guy came up with that idea.

Future?

Apple made big news yesterday when it unveiled its new IPod that will allow you to view video. (It even cut a deal with ABC that will allow a user to download episodes of Desperate Housewives, Lost, etc. for $1.99). I think downloadable video is the future. I'm not sure watching that video on a 2 1/2 inch screen is. I'm curious. How many of you folks even own a portable music device? I own a Rio Cali MP3 player.

And I Thought The Due Process Clause Was Confusing

There was a controversial ending to the Angels-White Sox game last night, and if you want to read about it you can do so here. The brohaha was about this rule: A runner who swings and misses on his third strike may try to advance to first base if the catcher does not catch the ball. (Althought the catcher can tag him or throw him out at first base). That may be the oddest rule in baseball.

Oh, The Pain (Part 2)

Fox's The Simple Life has been cancelled.

I Think The Dear Lord Would Say, "OK, Stop It!"

A woman, age 39, in Arkansas has given birth to her sixteenth child. May favorite tidbits: (1) It has been eight years since they had a girl (2) The father is a former state representative (3) The father said: "We both just love children and we consider each a blessing from the Lord. I have asked Michelle if she wants more and she said yes, if the Lord wants to give us some she will accept them." (4) Here are the kid's names: Joshua, 17; John David, 15; Janna, 15; Jill, 14; Jessa, 12; Jinger, 11; Joseph, 10; Josiah, 9; Joy-Anna, 8; Jeremiah, 6; Jedidiah, 6; Jason, 5; James, 4; Justin, 2; and Jackson Levi, 1.

Poorly Written Law

A story has been broadcast over the last couple of days about a man who took "inappropriate" pictures of females at an Octoberfest in Southlake. Look closely at the story. The pictures were taken in public. There is no allegation that he took their photographs as they were in a state of undress in, say, a private bathroom. Here's the goofy Texas statute at issue - Penal Code § 21.15: A person commits an offense if the person photographs . . . another without the person's consent and with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. That, my friends, is a State Jail Felony. So if I take a picture of a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader because she, uh, "jazzes" me, I've committed a felony in Texas?

Something Isn't Right

I wrote a couple of weeks ago how odd I thought it was that an OU student blew himself up outside of a Sooner football game packed with fans. Slowly, but surely, evidence has been discovered that indicates there may be more to the story. An actual attempted terrorist attack with Islamic ties, perhaps? Mark Davis' column in the Dallas Morning News is worth reading about how this story should be huge but, for some reason, is not.

Messenger Front Page

OK, I have fun with the Messenger all the time, but I'll admit it's a good paper. I am, however, troubled by this week's front page. It has a photo of Allan Smith, former EDC director of Bridgeport, being arrested outside the district courtroom in Decatur. (I was in the courtroom at the time and those flashing bulbs got my attention). I'm not exactly sure how the Messenger knew there was a new warrant for his arrest or how they knew that Bridgeport PD would be in the courthouse to arrest him at the time of his court appearance, but the photo seems a little sensational. Then again, I'll admit I'm far more compassionate of those that make appearances in the criminal courtrooms in Decatur than the average guy.

OK, I Will.....But What Ya Gonna Do About The Chickens?

Believe it or not, that's a "fake bottom". Where does one buy one?

"I Got It! I Got It! I . . . .. . Uggghhhh"

And I Thought I Had A Bad Day

Now We Can Double The Amount Of People We Waste Time With

Yahoo and Microsoft have finally worked out their differences with their Instant Messenger chatting software. Now both will be able to communicate with each other. Let the chit chat begin.

Oprah Is . . .

. . . now in the business of tracking down missing sex offenders. But in the end, I bet, she will make it all about her.

Kind of Reminds You of "My Cousin Vinny"

As I was working on an appeal this afternoon (not one of my trial cases), I came across this quote in the transcript from the criminal defense attorney as he addressed the jury panel for the first time. "It's been so long since I've tried a case, it's sort of like the first one I ever did." (Vol. I, Page 67, Line 6-7)

School To Use Breathalyzer At Dance

"At Santa Barbara High School, officials will screen every third or fourth student who arrives [for the homecoming dance] and anyone who appears drunk, said Principal Paul Turnbull. "But senior Alexander Argyropoulos said alcohol testing encourages students to use drugs that cannot be detected with the Breathalyzers. Drinking, he said, is 'better than possibly trying cocaine.' "

Lots Of Death and Destruction Over There

The death toll due to the Pakistani earthquake (there was one, by the way) is now at 45,000. Unlike the Tsunami, there does not appear to be the outpouring of aid from Americans. Either (1) we're tapped out, or (2) who cares about Pakistan - it's full of those terrorism guys, isn't it?

What's This World Coming To . . .

. . . when a witch can't open up a public meeting with a prayer! "WASHINGTON --The Supreme Court rejected an appeal on Tuesday from a Wiccan priestess angry that local leaders would not let her open their sessions with a prayer. Instead, clergy from more traditional religions were invited to pray at governmental meetings in Chesterfield County, Va., a suburb of Richmond. Lawyers for Cynthia Simpson had told justices in a filing that most of the invocations are led by Christians. Simpson said she wanted to offer a generalized prayer to the 'creator of the universe.' Wiccans consider themselves witches, pagans or neo-pagans, and say their religion is based on respect for the Earth, nature and the cycle of the seasons."