"Fun Facts Saturday" Over the years, I have given hundreds of talks. But I have received only one standing ovation. It was a patriotic Fourth of July speech to the families of several Masonic Lodges. I finished the talk with the powerful story of the same-day deaths of my heroes Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. … Continue reading My One-and-Only Standing Ovation
“Dial-a-Drunk” Breathalyzers & Ignition Interlock Devices
"Court Case Friday" "Dial-a-Drunk" Breathalyzers With early breathalyzer devices, the officers set the alcohol level at zero before starting the test. Dishonest cops set the initial level higher. Nothing in the machine prevented this. Those devices were nicknamed, "Dial-a-Drunk." Current machines have multiple fail-safes, and they are very accurate. The Ignition Interlock Device: A New … Continue reading “Dial-a-Drunk” Breathalyzers & Ignition Interlock Devices
“OZYMANDIAS”- Famous poem about “Arrogance,” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
"Poetic Wednesday" Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was a major English Romantic poet. (His wife, Mary Shelley, was the author of Frankenstein.) “Ozymandias” is about hubris/arrogance. Ozymandias I met a traveler from an antique landWho said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stoneStand in the desert... Near them, on the sand,Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, … Continue reading “OZYMANDIAS”- Famous poem about “Arrogance,” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Is the Bible “Infallible?”
"Sunday Sermon" The Bible is the most inspired, influential, profound, and important book ever produced. No other book compares. The Bible is the pinnacle of truth and wisdom, and the monument of literature. Moreover, it IS the word of God. Christian belief in infallibility Some Christians go further and claim that the Bible is “complete, … Continue reading Is the Bible “Infallible?”
Don’t ever call a Welsh, Irish, or Scottish person -“English”
"Fun Facts Saturday" On the first day of my LDS mission in Wales, a man answered the door and asked, “What do you think of our country?” I smiled and replied, “I really like it here in England.” Huge mistake! The man turned red with anger and roared: “Sir, this is Wales, not England! Unfortunately … Continue reading Don’t ever call a Welsh, Irish, or Scottish person -“English”
Driving Drunks (My Taxi Experience)
"Court 'Case' Friday" Driving for Yellow Cab of Anaheim After my first year of law school, my wife and I returned to Orange County to earn money for the next school year. I got a job driving taxis for Yellow Cab in Anaheim. I worked 12-hour shifts, six days a week. I started at 4:00 … Continue reading Driving Drunks (My Taxi Experience)
Prayer in Public Schools: The Practical Problems
(Because of a recent Deseret News article promoting prayer in school, I am reposting this) In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayer in the classroom violated the religious Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. (Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)). This case caused a firestorm of criticism. The Court explained, “There can … Continue reading Prayer in Public Schools: The Practical Problems
“Shake Hands, We Shall Never Be Friends.” A poem about old friends in need, by A.E. Housman
“Poetic Wednesday” “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother/sister is born for adversity.” (Pro. 17:17) SHAKE HANDS, WE SHALL NEVER BE FRIENDS Shake hands, we shall never be friends, all's over,I only vex you the more I try.All's wrong that ever I've done or said,And nought to help it in this dull head.Shake … Continue reading “Shake Hands, We Shall Never Be Friends.” A poem about old friends in need, by A.E. Housman
“Running Amok”
"Fun Facts Saturday" One of my favorite phrases is “running amok.” “Where is everybody?” “Out running amok.” “Running amok” was first recorded in English in the 1600’s. It came from Malaysia and meant a "murderous or violent uncontrolled frenzy.” Modern Definition: “running wild, behaving in an unrestrained manner.” Synonyms: berserk, frenzied, frantic, unruly, out of … Continue reading “Running Amok”
Serial Rapist Caught After “Volunteering” a DNA Test
"Court Case Friday" I issued warrants in a unique serial rape case. All the assaults took place within 1-2 miles of a huge apartment complex. The police opined that the rapist must live in the complex, but they had no leads. They did, however, have several DNA samples taken from the victims. Frustrated, the entire … Continue reading Serial Rapist Caught After “Volunteering” a DNA Test










