Craig James For Congress?

A while back, former SMU and NFL player Craig James floated the thought of running for the U.S. Senate.   James also made huge headlines not too long ago when he was involved in the "you put my son in a shed!" controversy at Texas Tech which eventual led to the dismissal of Head Coach Mike Leach.

James was on WBAP this morning for almost 30 minutes campaigning for the office (although he has not formally announced.) But, man, he got lit up. All the show's callers wanted to talk about the Tech situation and most were Tech fans - some who basically called him a liar. (And, sheesh, three callers claimed to have read the depositions in the Tech/Leach lawsuit.)

Not exactly the background you want if you're running for office.

(And he sounds like Mike Huckabee, to boot.)

Edit: On an unrelated note, Tech fired its head basketball coach this morning.

Hot Lawyer Sues Ex-Fiance Who Is Also A Lawyer

This Is The Hot One

Sheesh. 

Lauren Serafin’s wedding was set — dress purchased, Ritz-Carlton reserved, honeymoon to Bora Bora booked — when her fiancé called it off, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court. 

Serafin, a Chicago attorney, alleges that her ex-fiancé, Robert Leighton, now owes her $62,814.71 in expenses for a wedding that never happened because of his “breach of promise,” according to the lawsuit.

Uh, oh. What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.

[I]n July 2010 the couple’s relationship began to deteriorate after Leighton went to Las Vegas for his bachelor party, the lawsuit states. 

Serafin’s lawsuit alleges that while in Vegas Leighton had sex with another woman. She became suspicious after reading text messages on her phone and when she questioned him about his activities on the Vegas trip, he tried to move out of the home they shared, according to the lawsuit. 

The lawsuit states that Leighton at first denied anything happened in Vegas, but later admitted that he “hooked up” with the woman and that he no longer wanted to marry Serafin.

Wait a second, he goes wild in Vegas and the he calls the wedding off?

Source 

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

• I learned this weekend that you can't wash a TV remote control in the washing maching. (Yep, hurriedly grabbing up the sheets and throwing them is the washer has unintended consequences.)
• Six people died (three men and three women) and three others were injured in a trailer house on Granbury Lake on Sunday morning after a party. And another person who attended the party was hurt in a car wreck earlier taking other guests home. That's one wheels off party. (And check out the photo in the Star-Telegram at the bottom of this post.)
• But Fox 4 said dental records were being used to identify the victims. I wouldn't think that would be necessary.
• I bet all female roller derby in Dallas would be pretty entertaining.
• The Messenger continued its feature stories on teenage moms in Wise County with a profile of a 16 year old Boyd girl. (The father was 19 at the time of conception, was sentenced to probation for act, and ended up in prison after having the probation revoked.)
• Mark Cuban is talking with Charlie Sheen about a reality show, and last week he exchanged 100 angry tweets with  Friday Night Lights author Buzz Bissinger including calling him a "coward." How that guy ever made a dime is beyond me.
• Ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant on Friday night and the server dropped two plates of our food as he was bringing out. I kind of wondered if he was drunk. 
• I know they have to do something, but do local TV news stations have to send an anchor out to stand in a gas station parking lot to talk about gas prices?
• Steve Doocy on Fox and Friends this morning about the gas prices: "If there were a Republican in the White House, there would be outrage." And this wasn't in a commentary. It was just the set up to a news piece.
• Did you know companies like Brink's sometime store tons of cash in commercial airport cargo hold? Did you know that on some planes you can remove bathroom panels and get to the cargo hold? And did you know a guy stole $250,000 during a flight because he knew both of those things?
• Three people in Bridgeport, two of whom are teenagers, were arrested for gun "smuggling." I don't know anything about the case, but I bet "smuggling" is an overstatement.
• Pretty cool: A retiring high school basketball coach in his final game steps onto the court and sinks a three pointer in the last seconds. Sure, it didn't count, but it was a nice send off. (Story and video)
• For sports fans, this time of year is an utter wasteland.
• Caught an episode of Cops shot during Mardi Gras yesterday -- that was pretty entertaining -- except I kept saying "acting like fool" a lo. (And Mardi Gras, something I've never been to, looks like a beating. )

Oh, my

 

The Father is going to have a hard time explaining this one to the Flock. Story.

But he does belt out a pretty good National Anthem at the end. 

I Love Crazy Stuff Like This

But it is an exception included in the bill that is drawing attention. Those who hire unauthorized immigrants would be in violation of the law -- unless they are hiring a maid, a lawn caretaker or another houseworker. More . . . 


It doesn't even need a funny comment to make it funny. 

Verdict: Not Guilty

Being a criminal defense lawyer is a tough job. There aren't many times you get simply enjoy a moment, but I had one this morning.

The facts of that case weren't great for the State, but they'd rather try it than dismiss it or reduce the charge. Can't blame them for that.They even made a reasonable DWI plea bargain offer before trial, but my client wouldn't accept it because he said he wasn't guilty. Can't blame him for that.

And a shout out to 5:41 PM. Can't blame me for that.

Edit: Ok, I might have been a little giddy and texted the wife, "I had not guilties shooting out of my eyes. Boom. Winning. Next case."

A funny moment happened after the trial as I was sitting in the courtroom by myself (I always do that). An older gentleman came in and said he had some time and was just looking around the courthouse. I pointed out a couple of things (like how all the woodwork was done by hand by an inmate), and then he said, "Let me give you my card in case you ever need me." I read it and smiled and he left the courtroom laughing.

But does "AB5QU" have any significance?

Random Friday Morning Thoughts

• Trials are exhausting. Mine raps wraps up this morning with closing arguments.
• At least one blog reader was on the jury panel yesterday. He didn't make it to the final jury, but he emailed me last night with some kind words.
• There was an article in a legal journal the other day that lawyers should use Facebook to do research on potential jurors. That's a great idea except most Facebook profiles are private and your typical Wise County panel isn't the best demographic for being Facebook users.
• But yesterday, while the State was conducting voir dire, I checked out one young guy on the panel with Facebook. I'll be dang, I had a hit and was able to find out some important information about him. I ended up cutting him from the panel.
• The murder of the pastor at Northpointe Baptist Church in Arlington is shocking. Beaten to death in the church. No matter how strong your faith, that would have to rock it.
• Fox 4 reported this morning that charges against a Midlothian City Councilman for Indececncy With A Child had been dismissed because the victim recanted. A quick Internet search revealed that the girl had recanted even before he was indicted. Another case of reckless prosecution.
• I don't follow UFC, but based upon everyone talking about it, it has already exceeded boxing in popularity.
• To all you folks that make comments about the Alvord ISD situation, a lot of those won't go through because they make some allegations which don't seem to be part of the public record.
• The trees that have the white blooms on them will probably peak in about a week. That is, unless a freeze doesn't get them this weekend. I'd hate that. 
• Mazda issues a recall for the weirdest reason ever: Spiders.
• I'm still not sure about the iPad (even though the original's price is going to drop next week.) 
• The deadline for the NFL owners and Players Union to hammer out an agreement was supposed to expire yesterday when a lockout was supposed to occur, but the two agree to extend it 24 hours. That's just for show. They are miles apart and the extension is just a PR ploy to make you believe they are really trying to resolve the issue.
• Loved the video of the last second shot yesterday that I posted. Well, here's one of a kid almost getting killed while getting undercut. 
• Unemployment dipped to 8.9% this morning. Let me say it again: If the economy turns around, and by all signs it is, Obama is a shoe-in for re-election. 

Remember When I Told You I Was #2 On The Trial Docket

Well, as I was talking to the defense lawyer on the #1 case this morning who assured me that there was a 100% chance his case was going to trial, the State walked up and made him an offer that he couldn't refuse.

That makes me #1. That makes me in trial today. I knew that would happen (so at least I was ready.)

Jury selection is over. Testimony this afternoon.

Random Thursday Morning Thoughts

• The Tarrant County elected DA tried a criminal case this week -- the first time the person holding that elected position had done so in 34 years. In that home invasion case, the defendant received 18 years. Not exactly the harshest sentence in the world. (But at least there was proof he committed the crime.)
• We've got a war brewing with some neighbor kids who taunt the Family Pup (among other things.) Mrs. LL instituted a policy of confiscating any ball they accidentally kick in our yard. Tense.
• The Sonogram Abortion Bill in the Texas Legislature was sent back to committee yesterday for technical reasons (the nature of which I don't understand.) I just want one conservative law maker to be honest and say, "We are trying to dissuade a woman from exercising what is, at least for now, a constitutional right." Now that I would respect.
• Saw a Seinfeld episode last night where George was dogging a clown at a kid's party for not knowing who Bozo the Clown was. I suspect 75% of the population now falls within that category.
• The killer of Robert F. Kennedy, Sirhan Sirhan, was denied parole yesterday. As a kid, the name of "Sirhan, Sirhan" was one that became embedded in my mind. It was just so, well, strange.
• News broke last night about a 12 year old monster/boy in Colorado. Two dead parents and two severely injured siblings.
• Today is the 20th anniversary of the beating of Rodney King. And we still just can't get along. 
• Amercian Idol was on TV last night and, although I was ignoring it, I actually looked up and said, "That girls pretty good" when the chick named Lauren Turner performed.
• I'm #2 on the jury trial docket this morning in the County Court at Law. I'm only going to trial if something happens to the #1 case. I'd rather be #1 because you have to prepare the same regardless.
• On the way to work I saw a white car with the sole word of "Police" on the back of it, but it had "U.S. Government" tags. What agency do you suppose that was?
• The girls in the house almost came to blows in the game room last night prompting Mrs. LL to separate them and (get this) had them right  write out separate statements as to what had happened. Edit: OK, deserved that dog pile.
• I heard on the radio this morning that U.S. Agents on duty within Mexico aren't allowed to carry guns. I had no idea.
• BYU showed us this week that the Mormons play by different rules. The school's basketball team is having the best season in history and was headed for a #1 seed. Then the team's second best player was dismissed from the team for violating the schools Code of Conduct. His offense? Premarital sex.
• .7 seconds left in a basketball game and you've got to throw in the inbound pass. What do you do? Throw the ball to yourself off the back of a player and launch it for the win. (Credit: Bagofnothing.com) 

TCU Vandalism At SMU's Ford Stadium

More photos.

Jarhead has been acting a little strange lately. I wonder if he has an alibi?

Wildfire Smoke or Just Clouds?

A faithful reader just sent me this pic from Rhome and mentioned smoke on the horizon from West Texas.  I appreciate the heck out of him (he sends me stuff all the time), but aren't those fires out?

(Thanks, Will.)

Liberal Supreme Court Loves Westboro Baptist Church

I jest. I told you this was coming.

The protesters complied with a newly enacted law by staying over 300 feet away from the funeral. And the father of the dead soldier who sued the church (and won $5 million) never saw or heard the protest.  The decision was a no-brainer.

As is often said, Freedom of Speech means protecting those who say things that we disagree with.

175th Anniversary of the Birth Of The Republic Of Texas

Quick questions:
1. How long was Texas a nation?
2. How many different presidents did it have?
3. Where was its final capitol location?
4. What university received its charter during the nation's brief life?
5. A 175th anniversary is called what?
6. What did the first president do that many considered treasonous?

--------------------
Answers below



1. 10 years
2. 4 (Although Sam Houston served two non-consecutive terms)
3. Houston
4. Baylor
5. Terquasquicentennial
6. After the Battle of San Jacinto, he (David G. Burnet)  negotiated a treaty allowing Santa Anna to return safely to Mexico in exchange for all Mexican troops withdrawing below the Rio Grande.

The Wikipedia page. There's very little I know about the brief Republic of Texas.

Random Wednesday Morning Thoughts

• We've seen gas prices like this before, but I don't think we've ever seen them rise so much from one day to the next. They'll jump 10 to 15 cents a day. 
• Conspiracy theory that even I don't believe: What if this Charlie Sheen bit is all a publicity stunt to promote Two and Half Men with the entire cast, crew and producers being in on it? If he were to rejoin the show, wouldn't its audience almost double simply out of curiosity's sake?
• Then again, he's started a Twitter account last night and is already "retweeting" using the techi-understood format. That's a little suspect.
• The guy that was shot by a cop in Fort Worth was referred to, without qualification, as a "drug dealer" last night on Fox 4. This morning they referred to him as an "alleged drug dealer".
• Mrs. LL claims I talk in my sleep. She proved it last night when I awoke to catch myself saying, "But they are stealing the trampoline" over and over again. (She kept saying "What?" until I pulled out of my slumber.)
• One of the silliest shows ever is The Bachelor.
• Watched a 2nd Grade softball practice last night. I'm not sure that's softball that's being played amongst the chaos.
• "Pope Benedict exonerates Jews for Jesus' death." I'm sure they're relieved. 
• It's getting close to March Madness and last year this blog ran a Tournament Pick 'Em pool with the winner receiving a $150 gift certificate to Stagecoach Steakhouse in Bridgeport. If any merchant would think about donating a prize for first, second or third place, give me a shout. It's an advertising bargain for a four week tournament. (Last year's final standings.) 
• Texas lawyers overwhelming rejected ethic reforms proposed by the State Bar last month -- mostly for complicated reasons dealing with fees, accounting, and trusts. But one proposed reform that got rejected in the landslide was one prohibiting sex with clients.  I'm surprised the media hasn't picked up on this because it would give rise to some great headlines. 
• Cute: Baby laughing at paper ripping. 
• That Frank Luntz guy on Fox News (who apparently has free reign to pimp his new book 24/7), comes across as a snake oil salesman to me. 
• DPS has advised college students to avoid Mexico for Spring Break. I understand warnings for border towns such as Juarez, but this warning includes all of Mexico. Really? DPS says not to go to Cancun or Cabo San Lucas? I guess the government does promote fear.
• Just glanced through the job openings in the Messenger and saw a lot for Commercial Driver's with two years experience. Are those good driving jobs or a beating?
• Sports Illustrated released a story today about the number of players with criminal records in college football. Looking at their chart for last year's pre-season Top 25, TCU and the Evil Empire have nothing to be ashamed of. 

A Twofer

I watched the first part of this video which show a cheerleader who is either excited or having a seizure. I'm not sure. But it was worth a little chuckle.  I was about to quite watching (I didn't understand why I was just halfway through the video) but then I got some added gold: The two guys recording this thing with a cell phone keep hitting the rewind button on the TIVO. Without saying a word and doing nothing but laughing, those guys had me laughing out loud in my office at lunch.

Odd Story Of The Day

A Star-Telegram writer, who ofter writes about strip clubs, watched as his wife gave birth to their child in the parking lot of an Arlington strip club just before closing time.

Projected Impact Of Budget Cuts On Wise County ISDs

"The Center for Public Policy Priorities has been a nonpartisan, nonprofit policy institute committed to improving public policies to better the economic and social conditions of low- and moderate-income Texans." I think they are a legitimate group and they have released their projections regarding the current school funding crisis on a county by county basis. (I excerpted the Wise County section from their downloadable spreadsheet.) 

The loss of private sector jobs is interesting. That goes back to my post the other day about how "big government's" purchasing of goods and services keeps a lot of people employed in the private sector.

(Thanks, Kevin.)

I'm Out Of Pocket For An Hour

And TWU gets locked and unlocked? Man, news happens fast.

Actually, I was being interviewed by the Bridgeport Index about Liberally Lean for what will certainly be the interview of the year.  Except I wasn't asked about the purpose behind the Random Girls, so a Pulitzer might escape the author. (Who, by the way, has had a far more fascinating life than mine.)