Random Criticism

From an email: I'm surprised and disappointed that you haven't had an entry regarding the Decatur Mock Trial team winning the Texas State Championship (the first 3A school to win state I believe). They will soon be competing for the National Title. Love or hate DHS, it is a pretty impressive accomplishment for a podunk 3A school in Wise County. Huh? Just so these kids can come back in a few years and cripple my practice by taking away all my clients? No way. I'll never mention it.

Random Pic From Dallas St. Pat's Party

Bridgeport PD Hires First African-American Drug Dog

City claims dog was "most qualified" and "not given preference over Shepard dogs that just happen to be German." Trainer promises to "take a bite out of crime" even though "cultural differences" may delay initial arrests. Dog strangely hits on Cristal Champagne at Moonshine Liquors.

Yankee Invasion

That's the big news today as DFW was announced to be the fastest growing area in the nation last year. I believe it. Traffic in the metroplex is insane. Just 10 years ago, you could easily cruise from Decatur to downtown Fort Worth and never hit your brake lights. These days, sometimes traffic is backed up on 287 as it merges onto I-35. And don't even think about a quick trip to Northeast Mall. (Sidenote: Did you know that a Best Buy is being built at Golden Triangle Blvd and I-35?)

And although Wise County continues to grow, its not keeping pace with Tarrant County. It's an odd phenomenon in north Tarrant County where it seems that housing subdivisions pop up everywhere but tend to stop at the Wise County line.

Received Email With Subject of "Vague News"

"Reported huge grass fire around TXI or Latamore."

Day Old Celebrity News With My Own Personal Touch

Random Legal Note

I'm not exactly sure where Potter County is (and I don't really care enough to search The Google) but a very old defendant accused of marijuana possession was found not guilty this week. Not because it wasn't proven that he possessed the plant (that grows naturally out of God's earth) - he did. Instead, the judge allowed the jury whether to consider the defense of (medical) necessity. They did. He walked after eleven minutes of deliberations. The state prosecutors are upset. It's probably more of a case of a jury not caring about marijuana possession and looking for an excuse to tell the State to quit wasting their time.

New Bridgeport Liquor Store . . .

... catering to Hip Hop crowd.

More Vague News

Getting reports of another motorcycle wreck "near the Sheriff's Office."

And Another

Meet Lisa Robyn Marinelli, 40.

Occupation: Substitute Teacher

Alleged victim: 16 going on 17

Trademark Text Message: "Real men only need 20 minutes"

Verdict: Normally, I would convict any teacher who is 40 on the basis of age alone. But take a look at this gal! She's a full fledged cougar that can't help but be seductive. Those eyes! Those lips! Sheesh, it's not her fault. We've got a full fledged middle aged hottie here.

Three years probation.

Next case.

Walmart Employee Of The Month

You, sir, are simply misunderstood.

Come To Think About It, Has Anybody Seen My Monkey?

Random Wednesday Morning Thoughts

- The Messenger is reporting that the westbound lanes of 380 will open next week. Just like a thief in the night.
- The now former DA in Rockwall is going to hoosegow for four years (I can't imagine.) But you're not being told that he'll be eligible for parole once his real time plus good conduct time equals 15 12 months. Still, that's a long 15 months.
- Kids find the parachute of D.B. Cooper? I doubt it.
- American Idol news on Fox 4 beats me down.
- "Chelsea Clinton Bristles at Lewinsky Question" (youtube video)
- President Bush issued a few pardons (15) yesterday. Most of them are so odd - like the guy in Denton who served three years probation in 1985. Why him? I've got a whole file room of people I could recommend.
- An 18 year old Florida high school cheerleader died during breast surgery.
- I got an email inviting me to attend a Barnett Shale Expo. It's sponsored by the energy companies. Uh, no. Nor would I attend a "Know Your Rights" seminar sponsored by DPS.
- During an in-game interview with injured Dirk Nowitzki last night, Mark Cuban snuck up behind him and made the "rabbit ears" gesture. How that 10 year old man-child ever made a dime is beyond me. (Jump to last two seconds of this clip if interested.)
-The families of the victims of the Virginia Tech Massacre are being offered $100,000 to forego suing the State. Huh? Why? And some of the cash starved lawyers are saying they will reject it. Sheesh.
- Ann Curry is on my TV right now. Life force sucked out of me.

Vague News

Have a report of a motorcycle accident on 287 in Decatur with the operator being flown to DPS JPS. Developing . . .

Star Telegram Shout Out

The Star Telegram which can generally be characterized as "not bad, but ain't great" rolled out this periodic videocast about the local news on its web site a couple of weeks ago. I would have never have clicked on it had someone not recommended it because I presumed it would be lame. Verdict: Not lame at all. Actually, pretty funny.

A Mosaic Made Of What?

Oh, my.

And Another

Name: Kelly Sweet, 26

Occupation: 8th Grade Teacher

Alleged Victim: 14 Years of Age

Offense: Uh, they sure use some weird terms in Wisconsin.

Verdict: That kind of looks like a hard 26 but she has an otherwise cute face. Maybe it's the hair. That kind of got to me. And with a name like Sweet, who could possibly lock her up? I'll vote for two years probation.

Next case.

(Thanks to Jacksboro embedded reporter and emailer)

Random Prosecutorial Watch

Just noticed that some prosecutor over on the State message board is concerned about his DWI case where the defendant blew a 0.00.

It's a crazy world out there people.