We are traveling through space at 1.78 MILLION MPH! No wonder I feel tired.

"Fun Facts Saturday" I am fascinated by cosmology and issues of space-time.  (That's why I like science fiction and "Space Opera.") Unfortunately, my college didn’t offer “Cosmology for Dummies” for us English majors. I long wondered: “How fast are we travelling through space?”  The answer: about 1.78 million miles per hour! Speed of Earth’s Rotation … Continue reading We are traveling through space at 1.78 MILLION MPH! No wonder I feel tired. →

I Chased and Tackled a Car Burglar

"Court Case Friday" One night, about 1981, I was jogging around the perimeter roadway of our large apartment complex.  I was wearing shorts and a large Mickey Mouse t-shirt. Suddenly, from a distance, I saw a man breaking into our neighbor’s locked car. As a “crime fighting prosecutor” I was enraged. My adrenalin surged, and … Continue reading I Chased and Tackled a Car Burglar →

Two sides of the same Bible story: the Israelite account versus the Moabite account

"Sunday Sermon" “No matter how thin you make the batter, there are always two sides to the pancake.” One Side of the Story: The Biblical Israeli Account The Bible records [my "version"], King Mesha of Moab stopped paying taxes to Israel.  In response, the King of Israel and his allies attacked the Moabites. (2 Kings … Continue reading Two sides of the same Bible story: the Israelite account versus the Moabite account →

Why does the Flag of Northern Ireland have a bloody red hand in the middle?

"Fun Facts Saturday" The Flags of Ulster and Northern Ireland are unique.  They have a bloody red hand in the center. Ulster Banner (Home of my Irish Ancestors) According to legend, there was a proclamation with a challenge. The first person to "touch" or “lay hand” on the ground of Ulster would have claim to … Continue reading Why does the Flag of Northern Ireland have a bloody red hand in the middle? →

Murderer Represents Himself in a Death Penalty Case

"Court Case Friday" "He who represents himself has a fool for a client." As a D.A. in the 1980s, I handled the pretrial motions on a unique death penalty case. Defendant Willie W. was accused of murdering his father-in-law in order to inherit life insurance. Willie allegedly rigged a tractor-trailer, so the cab would crush … Continue reading Murderer Represents Himself in a Death Penalty Case →

“Prayer of the Selfish Child” – Shel Silverstein

"Favorite Poems" Silverstein's Cartoon I love poetry. Sheldon “Shel” Silverstein (1930-1999) is famous for his cartoons, novelty songs, children’s books, and poetry.  Millions of his books have been published, and he has received many prestigious awards. I own several of his books of poetry. Some of his witty children’s poems are very profound. Prayer of … Continue reading “Prayer of the Selfish Child” – Shel Silverstein →

The “Wine and Porterhouse Steak” Prison Church

"Court Case Friday" Religious Diets in Prison – The General Rules Traditionally, prisoners were considered "slaves of the state." They had no constitutional rights.   Currently, inmates don’t forfeit their First Amendment rights to the Free Exercise of Religion. Prisons must make “reasonable accommodations” for religious practices and worship. However, a prisoner’s right to practice … Continue reading The “Wine and Porterhouse Steak” Prison Church →

8 Special Insights on the Sacrament

(Based, in part, on a talk by Elder James E. Slaughter, of the Seventy, Santa Margarita Stake Conference, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022) 1. The sacrament is for renewing all our covenants, not just baptism We often hear that, by partaking of the sacrament, we “renew our covenants of baptism.”  That is true. However, it is … Continue reading 8 Special Insights on the Sacrament →

5 Popular Phrases and Their Origins

"Fun Facts Saturday" I have been intrigued by the origin of popular every-day phrases. We use these phrases all the time without giving them a second thought. Yet, their origins are interesting and memorable. 1. “Turning a blind eye” Meaning: to consciously ignore unwanted information Origin: The famous Admiral Lord Nelson, hero of the naval Battle … Continue reading 5 Popular Phrases and Their Origins →

30 Years in Prison for A Speeding Ticket – Yikes!

I inherited a tendency to misspeak.  Sometimes, what comes out of my mouth, is not what I was thinking.  That can be a very bad trait for a judge. The following episode is my most "famous" misspeak. Youngest Judge in California (36 yrs old) I was filling in for our traffic commissioner, who called in … Continue reading 30 Years in Prison for A Speeding Ticket – Yikes! →