Defendant Puts Nude Selfies, Sex Toys, and Cocaine in Her Purse Before Reporting for Jail

"Court Case Friday" I was presiding over a misdemeanor DUI jury trial. On the first day of trial, the female defendant showed up late after lunch and after each recess, inconveniencing the jurors. When I adjourned for the evening, I warned her that if she showed up late the following morning, I was going to revoke her … Continue reading Defendant Puts Nude Selfies, Sex Toys, and Cocaine in Her Purse Before Reporting for Jail →

Tips for Talks and Lessons #1: The First Rule of Communication

This Series and My Background Over the years, I have learned a few things about public speaking and teaching. I have given around 3750 lessons and talks. Plus my college "minor" was "Speech Performance." In this series I will share some things that you might find helpful. You cannot teach anything unless you capture and … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #1: The First Rule of Communication →

Can YOU Spot the Forgery Clues?

"Court Case Friday" I presided over a misdemeanor case where the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the charges if the defendant completed 10 AA meetings.  The defendant submitted documentary proof, and the D.A. dismissed the case.  Afterward, I looked at the document, and I believe it is a fake. The defendant worked very hard at making … Continue reading Can YOU Spot the Forgery Clues? →

Genesis is Unique Among Ancient Creation Stories

"Saturday Sermon" and "Doctrinal Commentary" The Genesis Account Genesis in unique among ancient creation stories. The Genesis is poetic and beautiful.  It is sophisticated and inspirational. In Genesis mankind is God’s masterpiece. Men and women are the crown of creation.  Humans are made in the very image of God. The Genesis author’s theme and purpose … Continue reading Genesis is Unique Among Ancient Creation Stories →

Case of the Illegal Hog Farm in Urban Irvine

"Court Case Friday" I spent 10 years as a D.A. prosecuting criminal cases and over 30 years as a judge presiding over them. Most of the thousands of cases I dealt with are very routine, like shop lifting, DUI, and drugs. So, I get excited when something new comes up. One morning, during my misdemeanor … Continue reading Case of the Illegal Hog Farm in Urban Irvine →

Words of the Prophet – Russell M. Nelson

"Sunday Sermon" President Russell M. Nelson has given inspired and inspiring counsel to the saints and the world. As the living Prophet, we must hear him and follow him, as he hears and follows the Lord. "In this, there is safety and peace." Those who "follow the prophet" are always blessed. Here are some of … Continue reading Words of the Prophet – Russell M. Nelson →

“The Creation: A Negro Sermon”

James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was an African American writer, poet, and civil rights activist. He was a leader of the NAACP, and the first African American professor at New York University where he taught creative literature and writing.  President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as U.S. Consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. (As with most of my … Continue reading “The Creation: A Negro Sermon” →

The Most Creative Traffic Ticket Cheat

"Court Case Friday" Some people go to great lengths to avoid getting traffic tickets, like using radar detectors or car pool lane dummies. A few traffic ticket cheaters are very creative and go to extreme measures. A motorcycle officer shared the following story with me. The motor cop saw a woman speeding. He turned on his emergency … Continue reading The Most Creative Traffic Ticket Cheat →