Category: Uncategorized

Theodore Roosevelt – “It is not the critic who counts, but the man in the arena”

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt (1858-1919) War Hero Medal of Honor Youngest President at age 42Hero of the Spanish American War, where he led the Calvary “Rough Riders”First President to receive the Medal of HonorAn avid naturalist and zealous conservationistResponsible for our National Parks and National ForestsAn outdoorsman, big game hunter, fisherman, explorer, adventurerBarely survived an exploratory … Continue reading Theodore Roosevelt – “It is not the critic who counts, but the man in the arena” →

My Ancestor Murdered the Archbishop of Britain

My 27th Great-Great Grandfather is Sir William de Tracy (1135-1189). He is a murderer. He didn’t murder just anyone. As they so, “Go big or go home.”  He murdered Saint Thomas Becket the Archbishop of Great Britain.  This is one of the most infamous events in British history. It is also a very interesting story. Who Represents God, … Continue reading My Ancestor Murdered the Archbishop of Britain →

2 More Major Judicial Pranks

The Rude Angry Traffic Offender One of our judges shared coffee in chambers every morning with one of the local police department's transportation officers who brought prisoners to the courthouse each morning. They became good friends. The day the officer retired, he and some judges, clerks, and bailiffs decided play a prank on the judge. The officer … Continue reading 2 More Major Judicial Pranks →

Lesson from the HMS Victory and the Battle of Trafalgar

In Portsmouth Harbor, on the south coast of England, rests the famous sailing battleship, the HMS Victory.  (This is the same harbor from which the D-Day Normandy invasion of WWII was launched.) The HMS Victory was Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship in one of the most famous naval battles in history, the Battle of Trafalgar.  The … Continue reading Lesson from the HMS Victory and the Battle of Trafalgar →

The Crime of “Fake Orgasm”

(Caution: Mild Adult Content) Background: The "Entertainment Value" of Criminal Cases A little bit of background: One thing they never mentioned in law school regarding settlement conferences is the entertainment value of the case for the judge. After presiding over dozens of routine and repetitious DUI, theft, and drug trials, an experienced criminal law judge will do … Continue reading The Crime of “Fake Orgasm” →

2 Major Judicial Pranks

There is often great camaraderie among judges, especially when they have worked side-by-side for decades. Judges sometimes become good friends and family members. But as with most families, there is sibling rivalry. Occasionally, judges like to tease and prank each other. (I can share these accounts because any statute of limitations expired decades ago.) The … Continue reading 2 Major Judicial Pranks →

The Tale of the Billionaire’s Deadbeat Son

The story is told of a billionaire who had a very lazy and spoiled son. As the rich man grew older, he worried about leaving his deadbeat son his inheritance. The son was a young adult, but he had never worked a day in his life. The wealthy father decided to give his son a test. He challenged … Continue reading The Tale of the Billionaire’s Deadbeat Son →