Moma said there'd be days like this

Court, 9:00 AM. Parking was E Z this time; in the non-metered, big parking lot at NLV Court on MLK. Three of the four witnesses were there; D/A gets continuance since we really need this missing witness ~ he paid $3,007 cash to an employee of legitimate company, (who turned into my Defendant) this legitimate company however, didn't receive this cash. This company completed payroll on D and two other employees, only to learn later that he was out the $3,007 plus payroll. I investigated and filed the Felony & Misdemeanor case. This company owner has since lost his license due to financial problems & current economy, lost his home and is living in a 2006 travel trailer he just recently inherited from his deceased uncle. (I made telephone contact later with the missing witness who expressed remorse of missing court, with an excuse, "My life has been a living hell, lately." I didn't ask, just said, "Lotta that going around." no sympathy. He will be at court next time as I explained the circumstances and necessity of his testimony.

I then drove across town to my ear Dr for quick check on minor problem. I'm in the waiting room when the door opened, held by an older man, as an older woman came crawling in on her hands and knees, all the time apologizing and saying she can't stand up. (like Carol was with her bad back!) But it wasn't her back, she had no balance. It took me a few seconds to see no one was helping her, to include the guy holding the door (yup, her husband) and felt weird to see an elderly lady doing the dog walk in public and do nothing, so I jumped up at about the same time another guy in the room did. Very awkwardly (I wasn't sure if we could hold her up, drop her and make matters worse.) we each ended up on either side of her, each with arm pit, (good thing she wore a long sleeve blouse) helping her walk back to an exam room. She apologized over and over and was mad about having no balance. (Crap, now she'll see the Dr before me ~ I know, I know; selfish thot.) An hour and half later, I was outta there with a few ear drops, blah, blah, blah. I need to let the hair in my ears grow, I guess. I can be like Andy Rooney with his hair eyebrows and ears.

I then drove to County Permit office to meet a licensed contractor and pick up info & business cards on several unlicensed guys, some of his competitors. (Why do I solicit more work? duh...) By 1:40 I was able to grab a turkey sandwich from Cappriottis and eat in the car heading back to the office. I'm experienced with this, (eating on the run) I'm a trained driver.

I had called the D/A two days ago to see if they can tell me if another court case is going on Wed. I had already scheduled a dental cleaning, twice prior canceled for court that ended up not going on that day anyway, for this Wed. Having heard nothing back I recalled the D/A and was told they hadn't heard from the defense attorney so they have to assume it's going. At 3 PM I called my dentist and left the news on their machine. At 3:45 I get a return call from D/A, "Change of plans, your case is not going tomorrow." 3:46 I call my dentist and got through to the receptionist who had just listened to my message; they were all out of the office for a funeral. After my condolences I advised her of the change, I'll be there...she was glad. But not the hygienist, "Now I can't sleep in." OH, YOU POOR THING! That's gonna ruin her day. :-) We all have those days, unfortunately; fortunately, infrequently. I guess it could be worse, I could spend my days at the bottom of a swimming pool or a 6' hole in the ground.

True Lies = humor

I thought I'd share some unplanned humor I came across today.

Case # 1. X indicated a felony prior arrest; crossing into USA, he claimed that cocaine found in the truck he was driving belonged to the passenger, but he was arrested for it. Court affidavit shows Narcotic Detector Dog "alerted" on the glove compartment, a wallet removed contained X's identification, and he confirmed ownership. A folded piece of paper containing cocaine found in this wallet. Case later plea bargained to Misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct ~ intentionally obstruct vehicular traffic without lawful authority.(It's amazing what a good attorney can do.)

Case # 2. X indicated one prior felony. Arrested for DUI with accident who refused blood alcohol test because he'd been drinking, but didn't think the cops could tell that. Mandatory blood test at jail later revealed levels of THC (marijuana) in his blood, which changed the original charge from misdemeanor to a felony.

I'm no longer surprised by the stupidity of people who refuse to accept fault for not only their own actions but who try to make us believe them. (Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, etc etc) Although they may never see the humor in it, I did. (The names have been omitted to protect the innocent & these cases have been adjudicated.)

Financial situation caused by Testosterone?

I think our nation's financial situation is based upon greed gone awry, caused by irrepressible testosterone. Arrogant men running this country. My theory is based upon what men want and can't have. What do men want? . . . . A big screen TV, of course. (What did you think I was gonna say?!) His buddies at work all have one, guys on television have them, it's the norm. He sees them in ads and RC Wiley and has to have one. Enter the salesman who earns commission, whose testosterone also play a role, because on his way to work today he drove by the Bass Pro Shop and saw this new boat he really needs. But their wife said they can't afford it ~ estrogen check factor ~ Solution, make more $$ via more sales. So our buyer’s testosterone was supported by the salesman just by walking in the store."Oh yeah, you can afford this, we have instant credit here. We can have the TV delivered tomorrow or you can take it home today." Greed and E Z Credit, a fatal combination. Then, uh oh, wife needs something too, sooooooooooo, "Sure honey, buy whatever you want." (Testosterone guilt.) Instant credit works for her too, but at Nieman Marcus. Ten new outfits and matching shoes. Male credit manager earns commission on each approved application ~ his testosterone and greed are now a part of it.

It's a terrible cycle our country is in; it wants a trillion dollar big screen T.V set that we can't afford. A domino effect. Financial bail-out ~ quick fix or greed? Maybe we need more “estrogen restrain” in our government? I'm still waiting for my stimulus check. I wanna bass boat....

No more Michael Jackson?

I was watching the news this morning ~ at the gym on the StairMaster :-) ~ and couldn't believe what came through my headphones. With his definite lack of public speaking skills, aptitude, propensity, proclivity and penchant for use of the English language, Michael must have repeated himself a half dozen times. (or so it seemed to me)

What I heard: "This is it. It's it. This is it. I mean it. This is it."

What an AP writer heard: "This is it," he said. "I just want to say that this will be my final show performances in London. This will be it. When I say this is it, it really means this is it."

At least he gave us the moon-walk, Thriller and subject matter/speculation to talk about over the years. He is definitely and entertainer. . . Yes, I can moon-walk, I think Andrea taught me. (I hope I didn't offend any fans out there.)

Your factory warranty is about to expire!

"This is the second notice that your factory warranty is about to expire." I'm getting tired of receiving these pre-recorded phone calls - bet you are too. (unless you live in Kentucky hills without a phone.)

Although I have my cell and home phone numbers registered on the do not call registry, I still receive them. Based on my searches on the web, many people are getting dozens of calls a week utterly unable to get the nonsense to stop. Most of us have no way to identify the offending company.

This particular con has gone out of control in the States — The RCMP have a posted a caution as this has spread to Canada and reporting that it's a scam. Duh. Them smart Canadians!!

But, I can tell you that if you have the patience to listen through to the end of the annoying message, you may have the option of pushing #2 on your phone and be removed from their call list. I've now begun pushing #2 as soon as I realize it's one of these calls and the call magically terminates on it's own.

Pronunciation: skam
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1963 (been around awhile & only given a name in 1963?)
A fraudulent or deceptive act or operation ~ thievery by another name!

A New Day Cafe

After hearing from Dallas (http://dallachi.blogspot.com/) about her favorite restaurant, I had to try it myself. Each Wednesday I'm out in the streets all day seeking out the bad-guy-unlicensed-contractor or contractor working beyond his capabilities, (You're safe, Kim) I have the opportunity to try various lunch locales. We have some fine establishments in town, if I'm willing to pay their prices. (I'm not cheap, I'm frugal & I'm selective where I eat.) So I went to A New Day Cafe @ Rainbow & Robindale. Lunch menu was okay, I could see breakfast would be better. Not in the mood for a breakfast I chose this sandwich, shown below. Grilled chicken, avocado, sprouts, tomato, lettuce, pepper jack cheese on grilled sourdough bread; side of slaw they make themselves. I felt the need to explain why I was photographing my food, thought of telling her I was a local food critic (well, in a way I am) but told her I just blog.

It was very good, albeit grilled or toasted bread bothers the roof of my mouth - which this did -even though the waitress said it wouldn't when I started to ask "how toasted" the bread is & she finished the question for me having been asked that before, obviously. The slaw was good, being the laymen chemist I am, I know: cabbage=flatulence. I didn't eat it all. Worth $11 - w/tip. Maybe next time I'll try a yummy breakfast OR their mushroom swiss burger! (don't tell my heart doctor.)

On Jurisprudence

Have I mentioned before how I don't enjoy going to court? The parking, the elbow-to-elbow crowded elevators, the hard wooden seats, sniveling attorneys, etc . . . . Went this morning; originally I had two subpoenas for the same time, different court rooms on different floors, lucky for me one was cancelled, only had to concern myself with being in one. (still not feeling lucky - I've sat in court rooms way too many times over the years). I took crosswords (NY & LA Times that appear in the RJ) to pass the time but soon discovered these were difficult ones; some are easier. Blogging came to mind. So, I listened a little more to the proceedings. Most were innocuous and not worthy of note.

I looked at the “in-custody” group; one white male sitting on the end of a row of six minorities. (Intentional segregation?) All wore either orange or blue jump suits (depending on County or City Jail inmate). All wearing ugly orange, plastic slippers, some with matching orange socks. No Yves Saint Laurent stuff. All were male, under 30 y.o.a. ~ years of age for you citizens. :-) & all in the chrome ankle and wrist chains, Peerless brand cuffs. Good police equipment!

Prior to these in-custody cases a few caught my attention. One elderly black lady was facing eviction. She was two months behind in rent, maybe 75 y.o.a. As the judge asked her when she can pay, she cleared her throat and managed a weak rebuttal, "I have half of it Your Honor, but what can be done about no heat in the apartment since October?" It was learned the heat was fixed just this week. Rent was $600 a month. The judge waived any late fees and gave her 72 hrs to pay. I wished I had cash on me, I'd have handed it to her. (But then again, I don't know all the details - she wasn't dressed too poorly - a red knee length wool coat and clutch purse held to her chest with gnarled old woman's hands.) The propery manager kept quiet - measly looking slime bag that he was, complete with bad comb-over and thick glasses.

One guy was in there for a traffic ticket for no proof of insurance and registration in his car. Judge: "Where's the paper work?" Defendant: "It's in my car." seconds of obvious silence passed . . . Judge: "Where's your car?" Defendant: "Downstairs." Judge: "Can you go get it and bring it back?" Defendant: "Oh yeah, I didn't know you wanted to see it." (for the record, as long as I was in that court room he never returned)

A few whining attorneys plead for, and were granted, continuances of their cases because of conflicting trial schedules, unable to locate their clients & witnesses, clerical mistakes by staff, etc.

One guy in custody. List of criminal charges read aloud in court (fortunately lacking some of the details) Burglary, indecent/immoral behavior & open and gross lewdness. Lady came home to find adult neighbor in her bedroom, not fully clothed. Defendant accepted plea to a lesser degree of simple home invasion to avoid the preliminary hearing of all the details of this crime. Will only go to District Court for sentencing - that Judge will hopefully know all the slimy details and sentence him accordingly.

Another guy in custody. 18 yr old Senior in a local high school. Charged with Threats to Kill or do Great Bodily Harm to a School Employee. (didn't know this crime was on the books) He accepted a plea to a lesser degree of simple battery if he completes the school's requirements and stays out of trouble; to return at the end of the school year in front of same judge. He spoke Spanglish with no courtesy shown towards the judge. The tattoos told me he'll fail this challenge.

Two others from the audience approached the bench with their public defender: Both waived their right to a preliminary hearing, accepting lesser pleas of Possession of controlled substance, Possession with intent to sale a controlled substance and simple robbery. Their relief was obvious being able to walk out of court. Plea bargained thanks to our District Attorney!

Any one else see a pattern with our court system?

By the way, my two victims were there but my bad guy wasn't. Judge placed a cash-bail-only warrant on him, in the exact amount of restitution to the victims based on my case submittal: $6,000. If he gets picked up, some justice may be finally served. May be served, lotta variables now days!!