This Won't Do It Justice . . .

But Fox 4 News just had the most moving feature on the American Child Photographers Charity Guild. The basics: It is an organization which allows for professional photographers to donate their talents for the purpose of taking photographs of terminally ill children and their families. Its web site doesn't do it justice either. The photographs that were shown on the news were so touching and tender. I'm frustrated that I can't describe it more effectively.

My Eyes!!!!

It's gay pride month across the world. I haven't seen a parade in Decatur yet, but the Village Voice in New York celebrates the event with this cover.

Choking Experience

On Saturday night I had dinner at Sam and Harry's in the Worthington Hotel. (Fancy restaurants, in general, violate my "restaurants are the worst bang for the buck" policy - but I digress). Anyway, I had the joy of seeing a lady at the table next to mine be subjected to the Heimlich Maneuver in the middle of dinner. (And that was performed by the waiter). Then, to my amazement, the lady goes right back to her steak and wine. A real trooper. We need more women like that.

Perky

It was 6:30 a.m. last Saturday morning. I, for some unexplained reason, always sleep with the TV on. I awake, groggily, and look at the screen to see Channel 8's Debbie Denmon (live) interviewing former Olympic Star Mary Lou Retton. Sweet Mary Lou was about to go to some "Race for the Cure" or something. But what's the real reason she was on TV at the break of dawn? Mary Lou is a new spokesman for a Pfizer product to assist those that constantly go to the bathroom. “I used to have to go to the bathroom constantly, sometimes more than 25 times a day,” I heard her say. I don't know why that moment was so surreal to me. But I did have to go to the bathroom at that point.

Yes, I Do Leave The House

I saw Lewis Black (contributer to Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show") at the Bass Hall last night in downtown Fort Worth. That was the first time I'd ever been to the Bass Hall. It's great. And I was stunned to see the place sold out for a left leaning comedian in the heart of Texas.

Spoof of Britney Spears Dateline Today Show Interview

This is kinda entertaining (one F bomb warning), but the production value is very impressive.

It Got Ugly

25

For Some Important News

Britney has dyed her hair.

Simpson Update

The Star-Telegram has posted an update. Odd: It said that Rebecca Simpson began testifying moments after the guilty verdict. Since the State always goes forward first in the punishment phase, did they not put on any punishment evidence? And it's good to know that she was once married to, yes, you guessed it, "a prominent Wise County attorney." The Star Telegram must remind us of that in every freakin' story. Edit & Commentary: She better start taking some responsibility or this could get ugly.

Aye Carumba

Various girls of the World Cup are here.

The Scariest Film In The History Of Ever

"Matthew McConaughey has signed on to film Ghosts of Girlfriends Past for a 2007 release. The plan . . . is for McConaughey to play a bachelor who goes to his younger brother's wedding and gets visited by the ghosts of his past girlfriends."

Guilty

The Messenger reports that Rebecca Simpson was found guilty by a jury at 9:45 a.m. this morning. Here is what happens next: The case will begin with a punishment phase (the jury doesn't get to go home, they have more work to do). The State is allowed to present evidence of any past convictions or probations, "extraneous offenses" (that is, crimes that could have led to convictions but have not), and any "bad acts" that Simpson has committed in the past. (The "bad acts" law went into effect around 1993, but it normally isn't a very big player.) Sometimes the State has a lot of evidence. Sometimes the State has none. The defense can put on any witness that will persuade the jury that a lesser punishment is appropriate. The defense, in order to have the probation option available to the jury, must put on a witness to prove Simpson has never before been convicted of a felony. The jury will get a verdict form that tells them to pick a sentence between 5 and 99 years/life. The jury (if it picks a number of 10 years or less), will have the option to recommend to the judge that they wish for the sentence to be probated. The judge is bound by the jury's recommendation of probation (if there is one). If there is a prison sentence without probation, is the Defendant immediately taken to jail to begin the sentence? That's a good question. A person can normally post bond pending an appeal if the sentence is 10 years or less. But this case is different. I am of the opinion that the solicitation of capital murder is a type of crime that is excluded from that rule. Thus, any prison sentence will prevent an appeal bond. (I could be wrong, but I feel pretty good about this.) If there is a probated sentence, does that prevent the defendant from serving any jail time? Nope. The judge can impose a 180 day sentence in the local jail as a condition of probation.

Outfit Of The Day: Sienna Miller

Finally, The Internet Has A Purpose

You can now play Pac Man.

Digging To China

Ever wondered where would you end up if you dug a hole and kept on digging? Here’s your answer. (Drag the map, not the red pins) It's kinda hard not to end up under water. (Source).

I'm Not Mature Enough To Watch The News

I was watching the Today Show this morning about the news of seven Black Muslims being arrested in Miami for pretty much thinking about blowing up the Sears Tower in Chicago. Matt Lauer said, "It's a group that calls themselves the Moars." My mind suddenly thought of George Costanza telling the Bubble Boy, "Oh nooooo. That would be the Moops."

I Finally Found A Face Pic Of These Two

"Jurors deliberating in murder-for-hire case"

Star-Telegram story, posted at 6:30 p.m. [S]he’s a woman who always gets exactly what she wants, who tried to have another woman killed because of something as simple as a negative article in the local newspaper, prosecutor Kim D’Avignon said. “It’s a crazy motive,” D’Avignon said. “A normal person doesn’t think your name in the paper equals trying to have someone killed, but to Rebecca Simpson that made perfect sense. Think about what kind of person that makes sense to.” I'm trying to make sense of that that sentence.