Teenagers’ Brains Aren’t Fully Developed – Obviously (13 Fun Facts About Brains)

"Fun Facts Saturday" The most remarkable, miraculous, complex creation of nature is the human body, with its amazing brain. 1. Brain Development. Teenagers’ brains aren’t fully developed.  The brain is not fully formed until age 25. The brain doubles/triples in size during the 1st year, is fully formed by 25, and starts to shrink in … Continue reading Teenagers’ Brains Aren’t Fully Developed – Obviously (13 Fun Facts About Brains) →

“My” “Dumb Criminal” – Ruined His Successful Lineup

"Court Case Friday" As a D.A. I once prosecuted a serious felony case where the issue was whether the victims could identify the criminal. The defense attorney requested an in-person line-up.   The O.C. Sheriffs are very good a finding five similar looking people in the jail to put in the lineup with the defendant. In fact, … Continue reading “My” “Dumb Criminal” – Ruined His Successful Lineup →

Turning Point of WW II War in the Pacific – “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”

"Patriotic Wednesday" The WWII “Battle of the Philippine Sea,” was the turning point in the War in the Pacific. It is called “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”  It is also known as “the greatest carrier battle in history.” In two days of aerial combat, the Americans lost 29 planes, while the Japanese lost 480. The government … Continue reading Turning Point of WW II War in the Pacific – “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot” →

Commandments – Source of our Greatest Blessings

"Sunday Sermon" “When obedience ceases to be an irritant, and becomes our quest, in that moment, God will endow us with power.” (Ezra Taft Benson) The Great “Plan of Happiness” The restored gospel is the great “Plan of Happiness.” God wants us to be happy.  He wants to share his joy with us.  “Men are … Continue reading Commandments – Source of our Greatest Blessings →

Sugar does NOT make kids hyperactive. (Another “Brain Barnacle”)

"Fun Facts Saturday" I believed that "sugar makes kids hyper." Halloween and Christmas proved it, right? Wrong! The Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed 23 studies on the subject and concluded: sugar doesn't affect behavior. The sugar-hyperactivity myth seems to come from a single flawed study in the 1970s. Later, larger, more credible studies, … Continue reading Sugar does NOT make kids hyperactive. (Another “Brain Barnacle”) →

“My” “Dumb Criminal” – The Car Thief Who Got Lost in the Dealer Lot

"Court Case Friday" I presided over a case where a recently parolee attempted to steal a brand-new Lexis from the dealership. The “perp” somehow got keys from a lock box. He unlocked the car, started the engine, and pulled away. Unfortunately for him, he did not plan his escape.  He kept driving up and down … Continue reading “My” “Dumb Criminal” – The Car Thief Who Got Lost in the Dealer Lot →

George Washington – Ice Cream Addict

"Patriotic Wednesday" "Holiday Treat" Gadsby's Tavern and Ice Well George Washington loved ice cream. It was his favorite dessert. During the summer of 1790, Washington spent $6,300 in today's money for ice cream. He could have bought 4 acres of prime land for the same amount. Initially, Washington bought ice to make ice cream from … Continue reading George Washington – Ice Cream Addict →

“I Stand at the Door and Knock” (Rev. 3:20) – Story Behind the Painting

"Sunday Sermon" At the end of my mission, a Church of England vicar gave my missionary companion and I a private tour of historic St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.  This is a magnificent edifice. The original church, dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle, was founded in 604 AD.  The present cathedral was designed by Sir … Continue reading “I Stand at the Door and Knock” (Rev. 3:20) – Story Behind the Painting →

Viking Helmets did NOT have Horns (Just another “Brain Barnacle”)

“Fun Facts Saturday”“Brain Barnacles” A ship traveling through the seas picks up barnacles that slows it down and damages the hull. Likewise, as we sail through life, we pick up popular beliefs that are false. I call these, “Brain Barnacles.” Occasionally, we need to stop and scrape these "barnacles" off our brain. No Horns The … Continue reading Viking Helmets did NOT have Horns (Just another “Brain Barnacle”) →

“My” “Dumb Criminal” Sold Drugs to the Same Cop Two Days in a Row

"Court Case Friday" "We don't catch the smart ones." We have seen the public service commercials where it shows an egg being fried in a skillet with the caption, “This is your brain on drugs.” Well, drugs can certainly scramble a person’s brain.  One such person was a drug dealer in Laguna Beach.  An undercover officer … Continue reading “My” “Dumb Criminal” Sold Drugs to the Same Cop Two Days in a Row →