News Preview

Just saw an advanced copy of the Messenger for tomorrow. It has a front page story comparing salaries of teachers, athletic directors, and administrators in the county. Good stuff. But what everyone will be talking about is the front page picture of the book-in photo of Betty Monroe who is in jail for allegedly driving drunk and seriously injuring 20 year old Jacklyn Murphree. Ok, here ya go: Monroe appears to be laughing. I know there has to be an explanation. Maybe the picture was taken as she opened her mouth. But it looks awful. Which I'm sure why it is on the front page of the paper. No comments on this one. Sorry.

Risky Proposition

I've always wondered about those "in game"/high visibility marriage proposals. From today's Houston Chronicle in an article about the Astros game: The biggest excitement happened in the stands when a fan failed in his public attempt at popping the question. With the couple highlighted on the big screen, the mood soured after the man took a knee to offer an engagement ring. Wearing a brick-red replica Astros jersey, the woman appeared to angrily dump a bag of popcorn on the man before rushing up the stairs amid a chorus of boos. After the top of the sixth, the man left amid cheers from the sympathetic crowd. This is the stuff youtube.com was made for. Please. Please. Please. Hope that someone was rolling tape.

Had Not Heard About This

I received this in an email. I wasn't asked to post it here, but it seems like the right thing to do.

Edit: I'm getting a ton of questions about this, and I have no idea what the answers are.

Edit: A loyal reader writes, "A fund is being set up at Community Bank in Bridgeport for donations."

Cop Road Truckers

On my quick trip to FW today, I saw four of those DPS trucks between Decatur and the county line. They used to be called License and Weights. I've forgotten what they are called now.

Anyway, if you drive a big rig and at the same time are reading this blog, be on the look out.

The Shuttle Just Landed - Safely

And I had completely forgotten that it justs "glides" in, without power, when it lands. That's mind boggling.

Local Officials . . .

. . . recently met with a Congresswoman Kay Granger. Here they are pictured vying for position to hit on Kay to accompany one of them to Cassidy's on I-35. The sheriff promised me he wouldn't get "handsy."

Happy 18th . . .

. . . gulp....18th to Hayden Panettiere.

WBAP Commercial

Just heard Mark Davis on WBAP do a commercial for Christian Brothers Automotive. From its web site: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation (“CBAC”)is a national automotive service franchisor headquartered in Houston, TX.CBAC was founded in 1982 by current CEO/President Mark Carr on the basic principle that honesty and integrity should be the driving force behind the business.

I don't know why that strikes me as odd. Trying to make a buck by appealing to those of similar faith?

Voir Dire

One of the Ticket's morning show hosts, Junior Miller, had jury service yesterday. The show spent a segment today on a question he was asked during jury selection. Could you convict a defendant for sexual assault of a child if the only person to testify was the child but you believed that's child's testimony beyond a reasonable doubt. Of course, everyone wants more information before you answer the question, but that's all you get. It was fascinating to listen to them struggle with the answer.

I Guess You Go Float Around Somewhere Else

I've actually got a friend that left on a cruise ship out of Galveston yesterday and was supposed to arrive on the back side of Yucatan Peninsula today - then on to Cancun in two days. I'm not sure what happens in this situation.

Take A Break Driver 8

As much as I try, I can't get into NASCAR (although I always like Jeff Gordon to win since he's the anti-redneck.)

But I did hear that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will not have the #8 on his car next year. I'm not sure about the details - and I didn't really care enough to google the issue. But if I'm him, I'd grab the #5 and paint my car like the Mach 5.

But, I wonder what this sweet and clean girl will do now that she has #8 forever inked above her arse?

12 More Days Until . . .

. . . Baylor's quest for a national championship goes crashing and burning in Fort Worth against TCU.

This is BU's starting quarterback, Blake Szymanski. How is he supposed to strike fear in the hearts of Aggies and Red Raiders by posing with a hot cheerleader and a freakin' puppy?! (And is that dog wearing a dress? Sheesh.) The Evil Empire's Colt McCoy wouldn't do that. Chris Simms might have, but not Colt.

Edit: A new investigative picture reveals Blake was wearing Crocs at the moment of the picture. We're doomed.

And Baylor's third string quarterback is a guy named John David Weed. I support him for the simple reason I'd like to see "Weed" on the back of a Baylor jersey. Oh, the irony.

Michael Vick To Plead Guilty

If you care about the story, you probably already knew. But I really wanted an excuse to post this pic.

But the speed of this case's disposition gives you a little insight into the federal criminal process. The trial date was not set for "next year", it was scheduled for November and it would have happened. And no crazy plea bargains, the federal sentencing guidelines limit discretion.

On another note, I was reminded today of how wheels off Vick's lawyers sounded just one month ago when Vick turned himself in on the charges. In a brief press conference, the lead defense lawyer said (twice!) that he looked forward to "proving Mr. Vick's innocence in court." That may not seem like a big deal but, for those of us that work in criminal justice, uttering such a phrase is simply mind boggling.

Baby, Where Have You Been?

My most-likely-to-be-stalked-by-me starlett, Christina Aguilera, hasn't been in the public eye for months. She's with child. But not my child. I think.

But someone got a pic of her from over the weekend.

Live from Jacksboro

I'm sitting here waiting to enter three guilty pleas for three different court appointed clients. Charges are dope, felony DWI, and UUMV. Fellow attorney Mark Howell keeps making me laugh.

And I've got to go to Fort Worth this afternoon. Ugh.

KKK

Your Texas Rangers were struck out 17 times today by Minnesota's Johan Santana. That's a lot of strikeouts.

Of course, the "K" represents a strike out. But this screen shot from SportsCenter taken from the stadium in Minnesota got my attention. They turn the third "K" around in an attempt to avoid an uncomfortable three strike out moment.

Edit: I'm wrong on this based upon the comments. Learn something every day.

Poll To The Right

I have no idea why it is not working. Blame Google.

The Top 40 Magazine Covers Of All Time

Link. I do love me some lists.