Ted Soqui, photographer for the LA Weekly took these pre- and post-hung jury photos at the Spector trial. Dig down through the pages for more trial photos. There's more than what's up on the first page.
Enjoy!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Mick Brown & The Telegraph Interviewed me
Here's a little bit of exciting news. I just finished a "pod cast" phone interview with Mick Brown and his producer for the Telegraph, and it should be up on their web site in a few hours where you can listen to it.
Here's the link to the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Click on the link on the right that says: Spector Juror speaks out.
Per your request, here is the link to contact the Los Angeles County's District Attorney:
http://da.co.la.ca.us/feedback.htm#email
Here's the link to the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Click on the link on the right that says: Spector Juror speaks out.
Per your request, here is the link to contact the Los Angeles County's District Attorney:
http://da.co.la.ca.us/feedback.htm#email
A Second Conversation with Juror #9
I stayed up past midnight talking to Juror #9 for a second time, but I am way too tired to write out all that we talked about. He was virtually a lone voice of reason in that jury room, against all that garbage that stuck to some of the jurors. It wasn't always 10-2, and some of the other jurors for a time, bought the Antarctica "beach front" property that the defense was trying to sell everybody. Juror #10 was totally unreasonable from the get go. Juror #10 did NOT want to take a vote on the first day to see where they stood. He wanted to go over all the evidence first. And, in discussing DeSouza's testimony, he kept misstating the evidence regarding what DeSouza said. (Imho, he must have been bogartin' the crack pipe, to continually get it wrong.)
One of the Jurors thought that Lana was bitter and depressed because of a failed relationship. One Juror, actually bought Pie's stories about the things Lana said. Several Jurors, did not change their vote until the very last vote taken.
Juror #9 has been wanting to talk about this and what happened in the jury room and talking is very much a catharsis, and I can totally understand that. He is relieved to hear that there are people out there, who think like he thinks, and came to the conclusions he came to. I've pointed him in the direction of the Court TV message board, Court TV Extra, as well as Kim and Michelle's blogs.
Funny thing, Juror #9 felt the same way as many of you who posted on the "Fashion" threads. LKB's hair and wardrobe were terrible! He couldn't believe she wore clothes that didn't fit! Ya gotta love this guy everybody! Really!
This is such a sad day for Lana's family. I can't help but think, if only something could have been done....
P.S. I had my highest numbers to date on Wednesday. 4,946 page loads in a single day. 3,206 unique visitors. And another: 100,343 page loads to date.
One of the Jurors thought that Lana was bitter and depressed because of a failed relationship. One Juror, actually bought Pie's stories about the things Lana said. Several Jurors, did not change their vote until the very last vote taken.
Juror #9 has been wanting to talk about this and what happened in the jury room and talking is very much a catharsis, and I can totally understand that. He is relieved to hear that there are people out there, who think like he thinks, and came to the conclusions he came to. I've pointed him in the direction of the Court TV message board, Court TV Extra, as well as Kim and Michelle's blogs.
Funny thing, Juror #9 felt the same way as many of you who posted on the "Fashion" threads. LKB's hair and wardrobe were terrible! He couldn't believe she wore clothes that didn't fit! Ya gotta love this guy everybody! Really!
This is such a sad day for Lana's family. I can't help but think, if only something could have been done....
P.S. I had my highest numbers to date on Wednesday. 4,946 page loads in a single day. 3,206 unique visitors. And another: 100,343 page loads to date.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I'm Speaking to Juror #9!
Updated 2!
He emailed me at my blog.
The Not Guilty votes were #1 & #10!
More later! He is so funny and he has a lot to say!
Updated 9:01 pm.
Scoop! First interview with juror #9 happened here people!
Juror #9 found out about my blog from a friend of his who emailed the url to him, and told him that he needed to look at this blog. Juror #9 emailed me at my blog telling me that I got it wrong. Juror #3 was NOT the not guilty vote; it was Juror #1. He also included his phone number and told me to call him.
I called him immediately. He will be doing an interview with Beth Karas tomorrow, and I think he's going to be on "The Early Show," tomorrow too; not positive about the specific show. He has a lot to say and he's going to let it all out. He will verify on those shows that what I am now writing is true.
All the arguments that the Court TV posters went through on the board, this jury went through those same arguments in the jury room.
The jurors did not believe that Lana was still alive/breathing after she was shot. They were not impressed with ANY of the defense experts.
Juror #10 felt that Dr. Pena could not put the gun in Lana's hand, and that was a big hurdle for him. He also felt that it was perfectly reasonable to think that Lana, who had never been to Spector's house before, would open a drawer, find the gun, pull it out and shoot herself. He had friends who commited suicide without any warning or any diagnosis. Juror #10 thought that scenario was perfectly reasonable because his mother-in-law does the same thing at his house. Comes over, opens drawers and pulls things out. I kid you not. Juror #10 thought that since Desouza was an illegal alien, nothing he said could be trusted.
Juror #1 tried to demean Lana, and Juror's #9 and #6 were determined to not let that happen. It appears there was some type of judgment on Lana making the decision to go home with Phil Spector for a drink at 2:30 am. Sad.
Some of the discussion centered around the DNA that was on Spector's scrotum. Some jurors actually thought that Lana had given Spector oral sex. Yep. Just from that miniscule DNA that was found, not on his penis, but on his scrotum! Unbelieveable! Juror #9 was not one of those jurors. He clearly indicated that he believed there was no evidence of this.
Some of the arguments for Lana committing suicide were: She had just had oral sex with Spector, and realizing that she had just had sex with this creepy old shriveled up man, got so despondent she decided to kill herself. (I just told that to Mr. Sprocket and he rolled his eyes and laughed!) Yes. That was one of the arguments for Not Guilty.
Another argument/excuse for Spector not calling 911 was the perception that Spector thought of himself as a "King," so of course he wouldn't call 911; someone else would do that. After informing the DeSouza that someone was dead, Spector expected DeSouza to call. To some of these jurors, that was a perfectly reasonable scenario.
It was amazing to get to talk to Juror #9. He's very friendly and funny. He's passionate about his position and feels that Lana's family deserves justice. It appeared to me that he was frustrated that he spent five months on this trial, and this was the end result. Oh, and all that time we thought Juror #9 and #8 were friends? Not so.
Juror #9 cleared up what many believe was a huge misunderstanding by DeSouza's testimony, and Juror #6 (I think I got that right), agreed. People who are not native speakers, when they hear a foreign language, they parrot it. Repeat what they hear verbatim. That's how they learn the language to begin with. The Juror's who were Guilty, felt that when DeSouza was talking about his English not being good, they felt he meant that DeSouza was not being understood by the officers or the 911 operators. Not that DeSouza didn't understand, because Juror #9 said it was clear DeSouza didn't have any problem understanding English, or understanding what he heard. It was that DeSouza was frustrated that "he" was not getting his message across clearly; that the officers were not understanding HIM.
I wish I had taken notes while we talked, but I was just so excited to be talking to him, the opportunity to hear what he had to say, that I paced the house the entire time. You are really going to enjoy hearing from him. He's a down to earth person, and very grounded in logic and reason. I got a good feeling talking to him. I can't wait to see his interviews tomorrow.
Almost forgot this. Beth Karas was his touchstone. He always looked for her in the afternoon. Since many did not know her name, their nickname for her was "two scoops," like ice cream, because she always wore pastel colors. He thought that since I was always watching the jury, he thought that I was a jury consultant!
Update: 11:00 pm.
Juror #9 said the yelling anyone heard would have been him.
He emailed me at my blog.
The Not Guilty votes were #1 & #10!
More later! He is so funny and he has a lot to say!
Updated 9:01 pm.
Scoop! First interview with juror #9 happened here people!
Juror #9 found out about my blog from a friend of his who emailed the url to him, and told him that he needed to look at this blog. Juror #9 emailed me at my blog telling me that I got it wrong. Juror #3 was NOT the not guilty vote; it was Juror #1. He also included his phone number and told me to call him.
I called him immediately. He will be doing an interview with Beth Karas tomorrow, and I think he's going to be on "The Early Show," tomorrow too; not positive about the specific show. He has a lot to say and he's going to let it all out. He will verify on those shows that what I am now writing is true.
All the arguments that the Court TV posters went through on the board, this jury went through those same arguments in the jury room.
The jurors did not believe that Lana was still alive/breathing after she was shot. They were not impressed with ANY of the defense experts.
Juror #10 felt that Dr. Pena could not put the gun in Lana's hand, and that was a big hurdle for him. He also felt that it was perfectly reasonable to think that Lana, who had never been to Spector's house before, would open a drawer, find the gun, pull it out and shoot herself. He had friends who commited suicide without any warning or any diagnosis. Juror #10 thought that scenario was perfectly reasonable because his mother-in-law does the same thing at his house. Comes over, opens drawers and pulls things out. I kid you not. Juror #10 thought that since Desouza was an illegal alien, nothing he said could be trusted.
Juror #1 tried to demean Lana, and Juror's #9 and #6 were determined to not let that happen. It appears there was some type of judgment on Lana making the decision to go home with Phil Spector for a drink at 2:30 am. Sad.
Some of the discussion centered around the DNA that was on Spector's scrotum. Some jurors actually thought that Lana had given Spector oral sex. Yep. Just from that miniscule DNA that was found, not on his penis, but on his scrotum! Unbelieveable! Juror #9 was not one of those jurors. He clearly indicated that he believed there was no evidence of this.
Some of the arguments for Lana committing suicide were: She had just had oral sex with Spector, and realizing that she had just had sex with this creepy old shriveled up man, got so despondent she decided to kill herself. (I just told that to Mr. Sprocket and he rolled his eyes and laughed!) Yes. That was one of the arguments for Not Guilty.
Another argument/excuse for Spector not calling 911 was the perception that Spector thought of himself as a "King," so of course he wouldn't call 911; someone else would do that. After informing the DeSouza that someone was dead, Spector expected DeSouza to call. To some of these jurors, that was a perfectly reasonable scenario.
It was amazing to get to talk to Juror #9. He's very friendly and funny. He's passionate about his position and feels that Lana's family deserves justice. It appeared to me that he was frustrated that he spent five months on this trial, and this was the end result. Oh, and all that time we thought Juror #9 and #8 were friends? Not so.
Juror #9 cleared up what many believe was a huge misunderstanding by DeSouza's testimony, and Juror #6 (I think I got that right), agreed. People who are not native speakers, when they hear a foreign language, they parrot it. Repeat what they hear verbatim. That's how they learn the language to begin with. The Juror's who were Guilty, felt that when DeSouza was talking about his English not being good, they felt he meant that DeSouza was not being understood by the officers or the 911 operators. Not that DeSouza didn't understand, because Juror #9 said it was clear DeSouza didn't have any problem understanding English, or understanding what he heard. It was that DeSouza was frustrated that "he" was not getting his message across clearly; that the officers were not understanding HIM.
I wish I had taken notes while we talked, but I was just so excited to be talking to him, the opportunity to hear what he had to say, that I paced the house the entire time. You are really going to enjoy hearing from him. He's a down to earth person, and very grounded in logic and reason. I got a good feeling talking to him. I can't wait to see his interviews tomorrow.
Almost forgot this. Beth Karas was his touchstone. He always looked for her in the afternoon. Since many did not know her name, their nickname for her was "two scoops," like ice cream, because she always wore pastel colors. He thought that since I was always watching the jury, he thought that I was a jury consultant!
Update: 11:00 pm.
Juror #9 said the yelling anyone heard would have been him.
10:2 In Favor of Conviction
Update 3!
NBC live streaming just reported that the vote was 10:2 in favor of conviction.
Update: 2:24 pm.
From the L.A. Times...
Via the NBC News-chopper 4, Spector and Trial Bride did a "bit of a dance" for the overhead cameras, waving. Rachelle, leaning up to her husbands side and her arms around him, gyrates her groin area into his hip. They are smiling and waving to the cameras, Spector waving the two finger "peace" sign.
Regarding the "humping" of her husband for the camera. The purchased Trial Bride never disappoints in continuing to behave in a most despicable manner. Cheap, white trash.
Update: 4:30 pm.
KNBC full after trial report
Court TV Harriet Ryan's blog update.
NBC live streaming just reported that the vote was 10:2 in favor of conviction.
Update: 2:24 pm.
From the L.A. Times...
""We will try Phil Spector again," said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley. Gibbons said her office was disappointed."
Court TV's Harriet Ryan's latest reporting is here.
Via the NBC News-chopper 4, Spector and Trial Bride did a "bit of a dance" for the overhead cameras, waving. Rachelle, leaning up to her husbands side and her arms around him, gyrates her groin area into his hip. They are smiling and waving to the cameras, Spector waving the two finger "peace" sign.
Regarding the "humping" of her husband for the camera. The purchased Trial Bride never disappoints in continuing to behave in a most despicable manner. Cheap, white trash.
Update: 4:30 pm.
KNBC full after trial report
Court TV Harriet Ryan's blog update.
Another Deadlock?
It certainly looks like it's a repeat of last week. Manila folder to the Judge, and then the clerk, Wendy's announcement that "We will be having a session at 1:30 pm."
Could it just be that the jurors have a question? This is unlikely since jury instructions specifically state that they are to continue deliberations while the court makes arrangements to answer their question.
If it's deadlocked (again) , will the Judge speak to the juror's individually to find out what the problem is, will he charge them to continue their deliberations, or will he accept a hung jury at this point? Meanwhile, we all wait for 1:30 pm, PT.
Could it just be that the jurors have a question? This is unlikely since jury instructions specifically state that they are to continue deliberations while the court makes arrangements to answer their question.
If it's deadlocked (again) , will the Judge speak to the juror's individually to find out what the problem is, will he charge them to continue their deliberations, or will he accept a hung jury at this point? Meanwhile, we all wait for 1:30 pm, PT.
Latest Jury Request: Three Blank Notebooks
As soon as the jurors entered the jury room, they buzzed twice and asked for three blank notebooks. Once obtaining the notebooks they buzzed a single time, indicating they had started deliberating.
Maybe with the TV and VCR in the room, they are going to take more notes while watching the video. Looks like they are dug in for the long haul.
Maybe with the TV and VCR in the room, they are going to take more notes while watching the video. Looks like they are dug in for the long haul.
Rachelle Short's Denial
Update!
The thing I find interesting about Rachelle Short's denial (through her husband's legal counsel) that she was the one who posted the threat towards a sitting Superior Court Judge, is, who made all the many posts with that "Chelle" MySpace account before the threat? A recent post that comes to mind is the one that the anonymous (cough, cough) "Chelle" put up on September 1st, at 1:43pm stating "HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!!!
It does beg the question, IF (and that's a huge if in my book) Child Bride is telling the truth and she did not make the post, then,
a) how come she let someone impersonate her for so long, or
b) when was it specifically that the account got hacked?
Inquiring minds want to know, lol! Personally, I think she would look stunning if Spector and Child Bride were given matching sets of silver bracelets, courtesy of the LA County Sheriffs. Now that would be a high fashion statement worth reporting!
Update: September 26th, 8:25 am.
Thanks to Court TV poster and "top sleuth" in my book, steffaroob4, here are some more "Chelle" comments on another MySpace page. I keep telling you everyone, Google cache is your friend!
The thing I find interesting about Rachelle Short's denial (through her husband's legal counsel) that she was the one who posted the threat towards a sitting Superior Court Judge, is, who made all the many posts with that "Chelle" MySpace account before the threat? A recent post that comes to mind is the one that the anonymous (cough, cough) "Chelle" put up on September 1st, at 1:43pm stating "HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!!!
It does beg the question, IF (and that's a huge if in my book) Child Bride is telling the truth and she did not make the post, then,
a) how come she let someone impersonate her for so long, or
b) when was it specifically that the account got hacked?
Inquiring minds want to know, lol! Personally, I think she would look stunning if Spector and Child Bride were given matching sets of silver bracelets, courtesy of the LA County Sheriffs. Now that would be a high fashion statement worth reporting!
Update: September 26th, 8:25 am.
Thanks to Court TV poster and "top sleuth" in my book, steffaroob4, here are some more "Chelle" comments on another MySpace page. I keep telling you everyone, Google cache is your friend!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Court Takes Threats on Judges Seriously
Update 2!
Latest report from Harriet Ryan on the Court TV Blog, indicates the court takes any threat on a Judge seriously, even those that are supposedly anonymous comments on Team Spector's MySpace page. Thanks steffaroob4!
"According to the defense, Rachelle Spector says she was not the author of the post and doesn't know who was. It has since been removed from her site.
I bet this defense team just "loves" the child bride, since she's been such a great source of help in crafting their defense.
Update: 11:40 am.
Here is the California penal code for threatening a civil servant, including a Judge. A big thanks to my Court TV friend Sherbie for finding and posting this.
Update: 12:55 pm.
Court TV's Harriet Ryan has expanded her reporting on the Team Spector MySpace page comment.
Latest report from Harriet Ryan on the Court TV Blog, indicates the court takes any threat on a Judge seriously, even those that are supposedly anonymous comments on Team Spector's MySpace page. Thanks steffaroob4!
"According to the defense, Rachelle Spector says she was not the author of the post and doesn't know who was. It has since been removed from her site.
She denies it, said defense attorney Christopher Plourd, adding that he was aware of the investigation."
Yeah. Right, lol! Who of you out there believes that? I mean, come on, lol! Rachelle has also said that Spector's wigs are "his own hair," and that she met Spector "at a restaurant." She fails to mention that it was Jerry's Deli, where she was working as a waitress.I bet this defense team just "loves" the child bride, since she's been such a great source of help in crafting their defense.
Update: 11:40 am.
Here is the California penal code for threatening a civil servant, including a Judge. A big thanks to my Court TV friend Sherbie for finding and posting this.
Update: 12:55 pm.
Court TV's Harriet Ryan has expanded her reporting on the Team Spector MySpace page comment.
Which Video Tape Did The Jurors Watch?
Update!
According to this article on MsNBC, there is another video (besides Adriano DeSouza's police interview) that the jurors could be watching. This is a video of Adriano in the back of the castle near the fountain, pointing out various things to detectives.
Because there were several days in June that I missed, I don't remember when this video was entered into evidence (if it ever was), or through which witness. I just don't recall this video at all being presented at trial.
If this video is in evidence and the jurors are watching it, then everyone needs to read this entry at mControl Blogs, and judge for yourself if the fountain at the castle only has one flow setting or not.
Personally, I would put more factual weight into Harriet Ryan's reporting on the Court TV blog, than I would a report out of the Associated Press with no byline.
Update: 9:10 am.
I stand corrected. Thank you Lynn Gweeny, for finding verification that this video was entered into evidence, and it was described in a Harriet Ryan blog article as a "sheriff's department video tape filmed at Spector's estate."
According to this article on MsNBC, there is another video (besides Adriano DeSouza's police interview) that the jurors could be watching. This is a video of Adriano in the back of the castle near the fountain, pointing out various things to detectives.
Because there were several days in June that I missed, I don't remember when this video was entered into evidence (if it ever was), or through which witness. I just don't recall this video at all being presented at trial.
If this video is in evidence and the jurors are watching it, then everyone needs to read this entry at mControl Blogs, and judge for yourself if the fountain at the castle only has one flow setting or not.
Personally, I would put more factual weight into Harriet Ryan's reporting on the Court TV blog, than I would a report out of the Associated Press with no byline.
Update: 9:10 am.
I stand corrected. Thank you Lynn Gweeny, for finding verification that this video was entered into evidence, and it was described in a Harriet Ryan blog article as a "sheriff's department video tape filmed at Spector's estate."
Monday, September 24, 2007
Dig Makes Me Laugh
I just adore Court TV poster Dig (and his cloned at band camp twin, Dave). Dig has a sense of humor that I totally "get," so here are a few things Dig has written that make me laugh.
Memories are made of BS
Rosen: So, Mr. Deesowza, when Mr. Spector came outside to talk to you, what did you say was in his right hand?
Memories are made of BS
Rosen: So, Mr. Deesowza, when Mr. Spector came outside to talk to you, what did you say was in his right hand?
De Souza: A gun.
Rosen: Could it have been a cuddly little puppy?
De Souza: It was a gun.
Rosen: Did anyone ever explain to you that here in America, we often have puppies that are the same size as a gun?
De Souza: I know what I saw. It was a gun.
Rosen: Could it have been a kitten?
De Souza: No. Gun.
Rosen: And when you saw this object, that was the size of a puppy or a kitten, did you offer it anything to eat?
De Souza: Gun.
Rosen: Little birdie?
De Souza: Gun.
___________
Cell phone conversation not entered into evidence
Mrs. Plourd: Honey, on your way home, would you please pick up a quart of milk?
Mr. Plourd: When you say milk, are you referring to a white liquid?
Mrs. Plourd: (Sighing audibly) Yes, that is correct.
Mr. Plourd: So if I brought home a quart of a liquid that was not white, would it be milk?
Mrs. Plourd: No, it wouldn't.
Mr. Plourd: If someone showed you a liquid that was not white, and claimed that it was milk, would they be right or wrong? (If you know.)
Mrs. Plourd: They would be wrong.
Mr. Plourd: So milk is white. Is that correct?
Mrs. Plourd: Yes.
Mr. Plourd: Are you an expert on milk?
Mrs. Plourd: No.
Mr. Plourd: Do you read any of the technical journals that are about milk?
Mrs. Plourd: No.
Mr. Plourd: Have you had any articles published about milk?
Mrs. Plourd: No.
Mr. Plourd: I would like to move on now, if I may, to the unit of measurement known as a quart. Do you consider yourself to be an expert...
Mrs. Plourd: Bring me some double-A batteries, too.
Mr. Plourd: When you refer to "double-A", is that a particular size of battery that is familiar to you?
Mrs. Plourd: If you only knew.
Mr. Plourd: If we could, let's clarify the term "battery".
Mrs. Plourd:
The Need For Bodyguards: Book Excerpt
This is a second excerpt from Mick Brown's book, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound, that I think gives some interesting insight into Spector's need for bodyguards. I swear, Mick is not paying me to promote his book, lol! As I'm getting deeper into it, I just want to share some of the history that is Spector. There are so many excerpts that I want to put up, it is difficult to choose which one to share with everybody.
The bodyguards that were in court every day have often been a topic on the blogs and the Court TV Phil Spector forum. I thought this excerpt would give everyone an interesting perspective on why Spector has bodyguards, and how far back into his past he's been employing them.
Excerpt from Chapter 11, "The Wall of Sound, It Kinda Sounds Tired," pages 159-160.
(Timeline, January, 1964. "Gold Star" was a recording studio Spector used almost exclusively.)
On his journey to London, Spector had been shadowed by a powerful and imposing presence that went by the name of Red--or "Big Red," as Spector called him. Red would be the first in a succession of bodyguards that Spector would hire over the years, partly for protection, but mostly it seemed as a demonstration of his rising status and power. "Phil wanted to be Elvis and Frank Sinatra combined," one friend remembers. "Those were his heroes. And he wanted that kind of persona, and cool, aloof thing, the entourage--all that protected crap."
Spector's flamboyant appearance--the hair, the elevator shoes, the ruffled shirts--had always drawn stares, and sometimes insults, but now with bodyguards at his side, he seemed almost to relish the prospect of confrontation, safe in the knowledge that if anybody caused trouble he had muscle on hand to deal with it.
"In 1965, you walk into a Hollywood restaurant looking like Phil Spector, there would be silence," Denny Bruce says. "Like, what the hell is that?! Which is why he'd have bodyguards. He would stand there with shades on, a P. J. Proby billowing shirt, a vest, two guys behind him. 'What's so funny?' He antagonized people. And he enjoyed that attention."
"Phil thrived on being different," Nedra Talle says. "He didn't want to just be a little Jewish boy. So he developed a look, but with that look he got a lot of harassment. People would be calling him faggot and all kinds of things, and he'd just have to swallow it. But when he had his bodyguards with him, it got to be that he would pick fights. We'd be in a restaurant and he'd walk out first, and it would be just like a magnet where people would be drawn to say something to him. Then Phil would say something back to them, and just when it was getting ugly he would step back and his two guys would step out from behind and handle the situation. It was like a trap."
Like LaLa Brooks, Nedra sensed that Spector's braggadocio was actually compensation for a much deeper underlying insecurity. Spector, she thought, was "a tortured soul." He had told the Ronettes the story of how when touring with the Teddy Bears he had been set upon in a lavatory and pissed on.
"When he told us that, something inside of me went out to him. I loved that song, 'To Know Him,' and the thought of this little guy who was too small to defend himself getting pissed on for just trying to do his thing, it broke my heart. So I always thought that, with the bodyguards, Phil was just getting his own back."
But to others, it seemed that Spector never quite knew when to stop. On one occasion, he even instructed his bodyguards to beat up Larry Levine, after an argument at Gold Star. "I walked out of the studio," Levine remembers, "and he sent these guys out to hit me--a couple of young gorillas. They didn't know what to do; they obviously weren't going to hit me. It was just another way of exhibiting power."
The bodyguards that were in court every day have often been a topic on the blogs and the Court TV Phil Spector forum. I thought this excerpt would give everyone an interesting perspective on why Spector has bodyguards, and how far back into his past he's been employing them.
Excerpt from Chapter 11, "The Wall of Sound, It Kinda Sounds Tired," pages 159-160.
(Timeline, January, 1964. "Gold Star" was a recording studio Spector used almost exclusively.)
On his journey to London, Spector had been shadowed by a powerful and imposing presence that went by the name of Red--or "Big Red," as Spector called him. Red would be the first in a succession of bodyguards that Spector would hire over the years, partly for protection, but mostly it seemed as a demonstration of his rising status and power. "Phil wanted to be Elvis and Frank Sinatra combined," one friend remembers. "Those were his heroes. And he wanted that kind of persona, and cool, aloof thing, the entourage--all that protected crap."
Spector's flamboyant appearance--the hair, the elevator shoes, the ruffled shirts--had always drawn stares, and sometimes insults, but now with bodyguards at his side, he seemed almost to relish the prospect of confrontation, safe in the knowledge that if anybody caused trouble he had muscle on hand to deal with it.
"In 1965, you walk into a Hollywood restaurant looking like Phil Spector, there would be silence," Denny Bruce says. "Like, what the hell is that?! Which is why he'd have bodyguards. He would stand there with shades on, a P. J. Proby billowing shirt, a vest, two guys behind him. 'What's so funny?' He antagonized people. And he enjoyed that attention."
"Phil thrived on being different," Nedra Talle says. "He didn't want to just be a little Jewish boy. So he developed a look, but with that look he got a lot of harassment. People would be calling him faggot and all kinds of things, and he'd just have to swallow it. But when he had his bodyguards with him, it got to be that he would pick fights. We'd be in a restaurant and he'd walk out first, and it would be just like a magnet where people would be drawn to say something to him. Then Phil would say something back to them, and just when it was getting ugly he would step back and his two guys would step out from behind and handle the situation. It was like a trap."
Like LaLa Brooks, Nedra sensed that Spector's braggadocio was actually compensation for a much deeper underlying insecurity. Spector, she thought, was "a tortured soul." He had told the Ronettes the story of how when touring with the Teddy Bears he had been set upon in a lavatory and pissed on.
"When he told us that, something inside of me went out to him. I loved that song, 'To Know Him,' and the thought of this little guy who was too small to defend himself getting pissed on for just trying to do his thing, it broke my heart. So I always thought that, with the bodyguards, Phil was just getting his own back."
But to others, it seemed that Spector never quite knew when to stop. On one occasion, he even instructed his bodyguards to beat up Larry Levine, after an argument at Gold Star. "I walked out of the studio," Levine remembers, "and he sent these guys out to hit me--a couple of young gorillas. They didn't know what to do; they obviously weren't going to hit me. It was just another way of exhibiting power."
Jurors rewatch DeSouza's taped interview with LE
It's interesting that this late in the deliberations game, the jurors have now asked for a VCR to watch (all? a portion of?) Adriano Desouza's taped interview with police. Since this is the only evidence that was recorded on a VHS tape, this is what most of the mainstream media feel the jury wants to rewatch.
During cross examination of DeSouza, Brunon really went after DeSouza's command and understanding of the English language. Because of that blunder, the Judge ruled the prosecution could introduce on redirect, DeSouza's interview with Alhambra Police officers, just hours after the early morning shooting death of Lana Clarkson.
The video was played in court over two days. I saw the second half of the playing of the video to the jurors. Although DeSouza's accent was hard for me to understand, it was crystal clear that DeSouza could understand the questions the officers put to him, and a translator was never needed.
So that begs the question, what part of his testimony do people think the jury wanted to listen to? Using logic people, IF Lana killed herself, why would that gun ever be in Spector's hands when he exits the back door? DeSouza said he clearly saw him holding a gun on the witness stand, and even demonstrated how he saw Spector holding the gun. He also stated that he saw blood on Spector's finger. It's one of the reasons he wanted to leave the property as quickly as possible. To me, this is one piece of testimony that sinks him completely, and there was nothing presented that ever contradicted that. There wasn't one defense witness that said he was imagining what he saw.
Cocobaby had a great comment on the Court TV forum:
Check out Pat Dixon's closing argument again (at least the first 20 minutes). He begins by saying "The defense is based on the theory that Spector never had the gun in his hand" then he goes, "Really, I thought I heard Adriano DeSouza tell us on the witness stand that he saw PS with a gun in his hand, indeed I did, I heard him say that and so did you," and goes on and on about AD seeing the gun in PS's hand.
If the jury believes that AD saw PS with a gun in his hand-it's over. Fingers crossed that the jury are logical bunch. It really shouldn't take this long imo, I can't imagine what they are hung over!!!!
If Spector is innocent, why did he pick the gun up and walk outside with it and make a declarative statement? These are not hard questions for the jurors. They are ones that should come back with logical answers to these questions.
I think Bill Maher on his show summed it up best, and if you haven't seen the video clip of his comments, you should. (To see Bill Maher's clip on Spector, there's a link in my blog entry on YouTube at the very end.) It's hysterical.
During cross examination of DeSouza, Brunon really went after DeSouza's command and understanding of the English language. Because of that blunder, the Judge ruled the prosecution could introduce on redirect, DeSouza's interview with Alhambra Police officers, just hours after the early morning shooting death of Lana Clarkson.
The video was played in court over two days. I saw the second half of the playing of the video to the jurors. Although DeSouza's accent was hard for me to understand, it was crystal clear that DeSouza could understand the questions the officers put to him, and a translator was never needed.
So that begs the question, what part of his testimony do people think the jury wanted to listen to? Using logic people, IF Lana killed herself, why would that gun ever be in Spector's hands when he exits the back door? DeSouza said he clearly saw him holding a gun on the witness stand, and even demonstrated how he saw Spector holding the gun. He also stated that he saw blood on Spector's finger. It's one of the reasons he wanted to leave the property as quickly as possible. To me, this is one piece of testimony that sinks him completely, and there was nothing presented that ever contradicted that. There wasn't one defense witness that said he was imagining what he saw.
Cocobaby had a great comment on the Court TV forum:
Check out Pat Dixon's closing argument again (at least the first 20 minutes). He begins by saying "The defense is based on the theory that Spector never had the gun in his hand" then he goes, "Really, I thought I heard Adriano DeSouza tell us on the witness stand that he saw PS with a gun in his hand, indeed I did, I heard him say that and so did you," and goes on and on about AD seeing the gun in PS's hand.
If the jury believes that AD saw PS with a gun in his hand-it's over. Fingers crossed that the jury are logical bunch. It really shouldn't take this long imo, I can't imagine what they are hung over!!!!
If Spector is innocent, why did he pick the gun up and walk outside with it and make a declarative statement? These are not hard questions for the jurors. They are ones that should come back with logical answers to these questions.
I think Bill Maher on his show summed it up best, and if you haven't seen the video clip of his comments, you should. (To see Bill Maher's clip on Spector, there's a link in my blog entry on YouTube at the very end.) It's hysterical.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Out of the mouth of babes...or child brides.
Updated!
Have you read recently what some of Spector's supporters are saying over on the TEAM SPECTOR MySpace page?
Child Bride is standing by the money, lol!
Updated: September 24th, 12:20 pm.
Well, well, well. Appears like Team Spector just removed Child Bride's comment from their MySpace page.
Here it is for everyone that missed it.
Have you read recently what some of Spector's supporters are saying over on the TEAM SPECTOR MySpace page?
Child Bride is standing by the money, lol!
Updated: September 24th, 12:20 pm.
Well, well, well. Appears like Team Spector just removed Child Bride's comment from their MySpace page.
Here it is for everyone that missed it.
Kim of The Darwin Exception: Take a Bow! & The Origins of Reasonable Doubt
Kim of The Darwin Exception has put up a "ten best" moments of the trial. It's exceptionally witty and thought provoking. Don't miss it.
Thanks to Lynn Gweeny, here is a link to a great article on The Origins of Reasonable Doubt, by James Q. Whitman. It's a PDF document that will download to your computer. Here is an excerpt from the document.
The “reasonable doubt” rule is notoriously difficult to define, and many judges and scholars have deplored the confusion it creates in the minds of jurors. Yet ”reasonable doubt” is regarded as a fundamental part of our law. How can a rule of such fundamental importance be so difficult to define and understand?
The answer, this paper tries to show, lies in history. The ”reasonable doubt” rule was not originally designed to serve the purpose it is asked to serve today: It was not originally designed to protect the accused. Instead, it was designed to protect the souls of the jurors against damnation. Convicting an innocent defendant was regarded, in the older Christian tradition, as a potential mortal sin. The purpose of the ”reasonable doubt” instruction was to address this frightening possibility, reassuring jurors that they could convict the defendant without risking their own salvation, as long as their doubts about guilt were not ”reasonable.” In its original form, the rule thus had nothing to do with maintaining the rule of law in the sense that we use the phrase, and nothing like the relationship we imagine to the values of liberty. This helps explain why our law is in a state of such disquieting confusion today. We are asking the ”reasonable doubt” standard to serve a function that it was not originally designed to serve, and it does its work predictably badly.
Thanks to Lynn Gweeny, here is a link to a great article on The Origins of Reasonable Doubt, by James Q. Whitman. It's a PDF document that will download to your computer. Here is an excerpt from the document.
The “reasonable doubt” rule is notoriously difficult to define, and many judges and scholars have deplored the confusion it creates in the minds of jurors. Yet ”reasonable doubt” is regarded as a fundamental part of our law. How can a rule of such fundamental importance be so difficult to define and understand?
The answer, this paper tries to show, lies in history. The ”reasonable doubt” rule was not originally designed to serve the purpose it is asked to serve today: It was not originally designed to protect the accused. Instead, it was designed to protect the souls of the jurors against damnation. Convicting an innocent defendant was regarded, in the older Christian tradition, as a potential mortal sin. The purpose of the ”reasonable doubt” instruction was to address this frightening possibility, reassuring jurors that they could convict the defendant without risking their own salvation, as long as their doubts about guilt were not ”reasonable.” In its original form, the rule thus had nothing to do with maintaining the rule of law in the sense that we use the phrase, and nothing like the relationship we imagine to the values of liberty. This helps explain why our law is in a state of such disquieting confusion today. We are asking the ”reasonable doubt” standard to serve a function that it was not originally designed to serve, and it does its work predictably badly.
Friday, September 21, 2007
External Image is Everything
I've mentioned several times that Mick Brown's book is an excellent resource to understanding who is Phil Spector, and the complexities of his character. So, I've copied a page of text from his book, to give you an idea of how well researched the book is, and the wealth of information contained within. The intended purpose to post the excerpt is to educate and promote Mr. Brown's book.
Excerpt is from Chapter 8: "He Wanted to Be Thought Of as Interesting," pages 123-124
Note: "Bono" is Sonny Bono, of Sunny & Cher. "Nitzsche" is Jack Nitzsche.
In his autobiography Bono writes that Spector "wanted to be thought of as interesting." He was obsessed by his appearance and how other people would see him. Spector, Bono and Nitzsche would sometimes take photos of each other, practicing the coolest way of sitting in a car or striking a pose--sunglasses on, sunglasses off . . . "He would put one arm on the window, try steering with one finger, all sorts of different poses," remembered Bono. "Then he would have me stand outside the car and ask how he looked."
For a while, Spector harbored an infatuation with the singer Jackie DeShannon. One day he asked Bono, "If she saw me driving, do you think she'd like me better with my glasses on or off?"
Bono replied that he had no idea.
With a handful of surreptitious phone calls, Bono was able to find out DeShannon's schedule and calculate that she would be driving down Sunset Strip at a certain time. Spector and Bono stationed themselves on the street and, when DeShannon drove past, set off in pursuit. At length they pulled alongside her car. "Phil positioned himself so that he was sitting almost completely sideways," Bono remembered. "Most of his back was toward the window. He was, he thought, looking as cool as possible. From Jackie's point of view though, he was barely visible."
For a mile Spector drove parallel to DeShannon, holding the pose, until at last DeShannon turned off the Strip, apparently oblivious to the fact that it was Spector in the car beside hers. Spector, Bono remembered, was "crestfallen. 'Damn,' he said, 'the sunglasses probably scared her.'"
Spector's fastidiousness about his wardrobe and appearance could be comical, but it seemed to hint less at vanity than at some more troubling, underlying insecurity. Preparing for a recording session or a meeting, he would spend hours posturing in front of the mirror, matching different shirts and jackets, testing colognes and experimenting with different ways of combing his fast-thinning hair, which only Annette Merar was allowed to cut.
"And every single strand would have to be perfect . . . 'Okay, so fix it at the back to make it compensate for the bit at the font that's long.' But to me he was adorable, and a very sexy guy. I remember one occasion when we were living on Fifty-eighth Street, and he was going off to work dressed in a Beau Brummel kind of velvet vest and a jacket; his hair was perfect; he was just mesmerizing, and I just loved him so hard, but I never said anything. He walked out and closed the door and it was . . . 'Oh my God.' He was my type of guy."
Spector's obsession with his appearance would never leave him. For years afterward, whenever he was in company he would leave the room at frequent intervals to preen and primp in front of a mirror. "It wasn't arrogance or egotism," Annette says. "It was like the opposite that drove him to be perfect."
__________________________End of excerpt
It's clear that Annette Merar loved Spector and even after all these years spoke of him in a very affectionate and warm tone. But wow! The obsessiveness about his appearance speaks volumes about his deep set insecurities regarding his looks. (We can understand a bit more now, that huge mirror behind the chair where Lana Clarkson was murdered.) Spector's wardrobe obsession has been clearly evident at his murder trial. I can't help but mention that the child bride has had a similar problem with her wardrobe selections, too.
Excerpt is from Chapter 8: "He Wanted to Be Thought Of as Interesting," pages 123-124
Note: "Bono" is Sonny Bono, of Sunny & Cher. "Nitzsche" is Jack Nitzsche.
In his autobiography Bono writes that Spector "wanted to be thought of as interesting." He was obsessed by his appearance and how other people would see him. Spector, Bono and Nitzsche would sometimes take photos of each other, practicing the coolest way of sitting in a car or striking a pose--sunglasses on, sunglasses off . . . "He would put one arm on the window, try steering with one finger, all sorts of different poses," remembered Bono. "Then he would have me stand outside the car and ask how he looked."
For a while, Spector harbored an infatuation with the singer Jackie DeShannon. One day he asked Bono, "If she saw me driving, do you think she'd like me better with my glasses on or off?"
Bono replied that he had no idea.
With a handful of surreptitious phone calls, Bono was able to find out DeShannon's schedule and calculate that she would be driving down Sunset Strip at a certain time. Spector and Bono stationed themselves on the street and, when DeShannon drove past, set off in pursuit. At length they pulled alongside her car. "Phil positioned himself so that he was sitting almost completely sideways," Bono remembered. "Most of his back was toward the window. He was, he thought, looking as cool as possible. From Jackie's point of view though, he was barely visible."
For a mile Spector drove parallel to DeShannon, holding the pose, until at last DeShannon turned off the Strip, apparently oblivious to the fact that it was Spector in the car beside hers. Spector, Bono remembered, was "crestfallen. 'Damn,' he said, 'the sunglasses probably scared her.'"
Spector's fastidiousness about his wardrobe and appearance could be comical, but it seemed to hint less at vanity than at some more troubling, underlying insecurity. Preparing for a recording session or a meeting, he would spend hours posturing in front of the mirror, matching different shirts and jackets, testing colognes and experimenting with different ways of combing his fast-thinning hair, which only Annette Merar was allowed to cut.
"And every single strand would have to be perfect . . . 'Okay, so fix it at the back to make it compensate for the bit at the font that's long.' But to me he was adorable, and a very sexy guy. I remember one occasion when we were living on Fifty-eighth Street, and he was going off to work dressed in a Beau Brummel kind of velvet vest and a jacket; his hair was perfect; he was just mesmerizing, and I just loved him so hard, but I never said anything. He walked out and closed the door and it was . . . 'Oh my God.' He was my type of guy."
Spector's obsession with his appearance would never leave him. For years afterward, whenever he was in company he would leave the room at frequent intervals to preen and primp in front of a mirror. "It wasn't arrogance or egotism," Annette says. "It was like the opposite that drove him to be perfect."
__________________________End of excerpt
It's clear that Annette Merar loved Spector and even after all these years spoke of him in a very affectionate and warm tone. But wow! The obsessiveness about his appearance speaks volumes about his deep set insecurities regarding his looks. (We can understand a bit more now, that huge mirror behind the chair where Lana Clarkson was murdered.) Spector's wardrobe obsession has been clearly evident at his murder trial. I can't help but mention that the child bride has had a similar problem with her wardrobe selections, too.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Spector Jury Gets New Instructions
Updated!
Just a few minutes ago, the Spector jury were read new instructions, and are sent back into the jury room to begin deliberation again.
Here is an unofficial transcript of the new instructions given to the jurors. Special thanks to Court TV poster Blogger who offered their transcription of the modified instruction CalCrim 520, on murder.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm now going to attempt to answer the questions that you had the other day. I'm going to be reading some additional instructions to you, repeating an instruction and hopefully, that will be able to cover all the areas that you had concerns of, concerns with.
The question of whether the instruction should be, one instruction; I think it was actually you were concerned with, special number three. And I'm going to instruct you on special number three in a second. But I just want to just, and I think this will also apply to another question that you had. I'm going to reread to you just from the very first instruction that I gave you, CalCrim 200.
Pay careful attention to all of these instructions, and consider them, together. Okay? That's the first thing that I will instruct you which would answer question number one. Your second question, concerns, special instruction three and I'm going to get to that, in just a moment. Your third question was whether in determining the weight of the evidence, the totality of the evidence should be considered, or the weight of one specific instruction. And again, I will instruct you from CalCrim 200, that you are to pay careful attention to all of the instructions, and consider them, together. Okay? I think that will answer your fourth question which had to do with totality.
Question number five, on whether you can view the clothing articles on a mannequin, the answer to that is no for two reasons. Number one, the clothing is no longer in the condition that it was, when the relevant matters took place. And number two, the clothing is not in evidence, and you may not view items that are not in evidence. The pictures are in evidence, there have been explanations given and you are bound by that. So you will not be given the clothing that was not introduced into evidence to view.
Question number six. The jurors are having problems with the concept of reasonable doubt, and I will simply, I'm going to reread to you the reasonable doubt instruction. They moved the, when we changed instructions from what was then known as CalJur to CalCrim they moved the reasonable doubt instruction. I used to know right were to look for it.
The fact that a criminal charge has been filed against the defendant is not evidence that the charge is true. You must not be biased against the defendant just because he has been arrested, charged with a crime, or brought to trial. A defendant in a criminal case is presumed to be innocent. This presumption, requires that the people prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Whenever I tell you the people must prove something, I mean they must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, unless I specifically tell you otherwise. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you, with an abiding conviction that the charge is true. The evidence need not eliminate all possible doubt, because everything in life is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. In deciding whether the people have proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, you must impartially compare and consider all the evidence that was received throughout the entire trial. Unless the evidence proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he is entitled to an acquittal, and you must find him not guilty.
You asked, the next question you asked, was whether it is appropriate for one juror to believe a fact is reasonable, while another believes the fact to be unreasonable, in such a case, with that situation, make the juror unreasonable, the answer is no. If one juror finds the evidence, and concludes there is a reasonable doubt based on that evidence, it does not mean that juror is being unreasonable because others disagree with he or she, him or her, pardon me. Each juror decides for themselves whether there is a reasonable doubt, on any element, or any other aspect with that as what you are applying. It applies to each juror individually. Course you talk to each other and you come to, you know, you discuss matters, and you may decide, whether or not a doubt is reasonable or possible or whatever. But the fact that one juror differs from the other, that does not make that juror unreasonable. Okay?
The next question dealt with instruction number three. I'm about to give you a special instruction on that. And that is, as far as this is now special instruction number six. During our discussion yesterday, one or more of you sought clarification of an elaboration on the meaning of special instruction number three. Upon reflection, I have decided that the other instructions I have given you adequately state the principles of law you are to apply in deciding this case. Rather than attempt to further explain special instruction number three, I am withdrawing it. You therefore are to rely on the remaining instructions in your deliberations from this point forward. In withdrawing special instruction number three from your consideration, I do not intend to comment in any way on the correctness of the individual or collective opinions expressed by you in your deliberations to this point, nor do I intend to suggest anything about what opinions each of you should express or positions you should take in any further deliberations. In your deliberations from this point forward, do not consider, the now withdrawn special instruction number three. Treat it as though, you had never heard of it.
I'm also now going to read you, uh, we're going to modify, and have modified, CalCrim 520, which is the instruction on murder. I'll ask that you listen to it because the language is now different. And at some point we will get you at least one corrected copy of the instructions; I don't know that I'm going to make individual ones available to you, but we will get these corrected copies of the instructions I am now reading to you in to you, but you certainly, when I'm done. And I will have one further instruction to read after this. You may go ahead and begin your deliberations.
The defendant is charged in count one with murder. To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the people must prove that: 1) the defendant committed an act with a firearm that caused the death of Lana Clarkson. Such as, placing the gun in her mouth or forcing her to place the gun in her mouth at which time it discharged. Pointing the gun at or against her head at which time it entered her mouth and discharged. Pointing the gun at her to prevent her from leaving the house, causing a struggle which resulted in the gun entering her mouth and discharging.
By using these examples I am not suggesting that any of these acts took place. These are inferences you may draw from the evidence but are not required to do so. You may reject them. These are only possibilities that you may consider.
The act committed by the defendant must be more than drawing or exhibiting a firearm in the presence of Lana Clarkson in a rude, angry, or threatening manner.
And 2.) When the defendant acted he had a state of mind called a malice of forethought. There are two kinds of malice of forethought, express malice and implied malice. Proof of either is sufficient to establish the state of mind required for murder. The defendant acted with express malice if he unlawfully intended to kill. The defendant acted with implied malice if
1) he intentionally committed an act; 2) the natural consequences of the act were danger to human life; 3) at the time he acted he knew his act was dangerous to human life; and 4) he deliberately acted with conscience disregard for human life.
Malice of forethought does not require hatred or ill-will toward the victim. It is a mental state that must be formed before the act that causes death is committed. It does not require deliberation, or the passage of any particular period of time. If you find the defendant guilty of murder as a matter of law it is murder of the second degree.
Finally, I am going to give you special instruction number four, and this has to do with how you should now consider your, um, deliberations. What I'm now going to do right now ladies and gentlemen, is have further instructions on directions to give you as to count one.
To assist you in your further deliberations, I am going to further instruct you as follows. Your goal as jurors should be to reach a fair and impartial verdict, if you are able to do so, based solely on the evidence presented, and without regard for the consequences of your verdict. It is your duty as jurors, to carefully consider, weigh, and evaluate all of the evidence presented in the trial, to discuss your views regarding the evidence and listen to and consider the views of your fellow jurors. In the course of your further deliberations, you should not hesitate to reexamine your own views or to request your fellow jurors to reexamine theirs. You should not hesitate to change a view you once held, if you are convinced it is wrong, or to suggest other jurors change their views, if you are convinced they are wrong.
Full and effective jury deliberations require a frank and forthright exchange of views. As I previously instructed you, each of you must decide the case for yourself, and should do so only after a full and complete consideration of all the evidence with your fellow jurors. It is your duty as jurors to deliberate with the goal of arriving at a verdict on the charge, if you can do so with out balance (?) to your individual judgement. Both the people, and the defendant, are entitled to the individual judgement of each juror. As I previously instructed you, you have absolute discretion to conduct your deliberations in any way you deem appropriate.
You may wish to consider changing the methods you have been following at least temporarily, and try new methods. For example, you may wish to consider having different jurors lead the discussions for a period of time, or you may wish to experiment with reverse role playing, by having those on one side of an issue present and argue the other sides position and vice versa. This might enable you to better understand the others' position. By suggesting you should consider changes in your methods of deliberations, I want to stress I am not dictating or instructing you how to conduct your deliberations. I merely (?) find you may find it productive to do whatever is necessary to ensure each juror has a full and fair opportunity to express his or her views and consider and understand the views of the other jurors.
I also suggest you reread CalCrim instructions 200, and CalCrim instruction 35-50. The integrity of a trial requires the jurors at all times during the deliberations conduct themselves as required by the instructions. CalCrim instruction 200 defines the duties of a juror. The decision the jury renders must be based on the facts, and the law. You must determine what facts have been proved from the evidence received in the trial, and not from any other source. A fact is something proved by the evidence, or by stipulation. Second, you must apply the law I state to you to the facts as you determine them, and in this way arrive at your verdict. You must accept and follow the law as I state it to you regardless of whether you agree with the law. If anything concerning the law said by the attorneys in their arguments, or at any other time during the trial conflicts with my instructions on the law, you must follow my instructions.
CalCrim 35-50 defines the jury's duty to deliberate. The decisions you make in this case must be based on the evidence received in the trial and the instructions given by the court. These are the matters... These are matters this instruction requires you to discuss for the purpose of reaching a verdict. CalCrim 35-50, is also an instruction which recommends how jurors should approach their task. You should keep in mind the recommendations this instruction suggests, when considering additional instructions, comments and suggestions I have made in the instructions now presented to you. I hope my comments and suggestions, may have some assistance to you. You're ordered to continue your deliberations at this time. If you have other questions, concerns, requests, or any communications you desire to report to me, please put those in writing on the form that my bailiff has provided you with. Have them signed and dated by your foreperson, and then please notify the bailiff. You may resume your deliberations at this time and we will take the alternates back to their waiting area.
Update 7:46 pm.
A little crowing here. Just past 86,000 page loads; 60,000 unique visitors; and 34,000 returning visitors. Thank you everybody for stopping by!
Just a few minutes ago, the Spector jury were read new instructions, and are sent back into the jury room to begin deliberation again.
Here is an unofficial transcript of the new instructions given to the jurors. Special thanks to Court TV poster Blogger who offered their transcription of the modified instruction CalCrim 520, on murder.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm now going to attempt to answer the questions that you had the other day. I'm going to be reading some additional instructions to you, repeating an instruction and hopefully, that will be able to cover all the areas that you had concerns of, concerns with.
The question of whether the instruction should be, one instruction; I think it was actually you were concerned with, special number three. And I'm going to instruct you on special number three in a second. But I just want to just, and I think this will also apply to another question that you had. I'm going to reread to you just from the very first instruction that I gave you, CalCrim 200.
Pay careful attention to all of these instructions, and consider them, together. Okay? That's the first thing that I will instruct you which would answer question number one. Your second question, concerns, special instruction three and I'm going to get to that, in just a moment. Your third question was whether in determining the weight of the evidence, the totality of the evidence should be considered, or the weight of one specific instruction. And again, I will instruct you from CalCrim 200, that you are to pay careful attention to all of the instructions, and consider them, together. Okay? I think that will answer your fourth question which had to do with totality.
Question number five, on whether you can view the clothing articles on a mannequin, the answer to that is no for two reasons. Number one, the clothing is no longer in the condition that it was, when the relevant matters took place. And number two, the clothing is not in evidence, and you may not view items that are not in evidence. The pictures are in evidence, there have been explanations given and you are bound by that. So you will not be given the clothing that was not introduced into evidence to view.
Question number six. The jurors are having problems with the concept of reasonable doubt, and I will simply, I'm going to reread to you the reasonable doubt instruction. They moved the, when we changed instructions from what was then known as CalJur to CalCrim they moved the reasonable doubt instruction. I used to know right were to look for it.
The fact that a criminal charge has been filed against the defendant is not evidence that the charge is true. You must not be biased against the defendant just because he has been arrested, charged with a crime, or brought to trial. A defendant in a criminal case is presumed to be innocent. This presumption, requires that the people prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Whenever I tell you the people must prove something, I mean they must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, unless I specifically tell you otherwise. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you, with an abiding conviction that the charge is true. The evidence need not eliminate all possible doubt, because everything in life is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. In deciding whether the people have proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, you must impartially compare and consider all the evidence that was received throughout the entire trial. Unless the evidence proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he is entitled to an acquittal, and you must find him not guilty.
You asked, the next question you asked, was whether it is appropriate for one juror to believe a fact is reasonable, while another believes the fact to be unreasonable, in such a case, with that situation, make the juror unreasonable, the answer is no. If one juror finds the evidence, and concludes there is a reasonable doubt based on that evidence, it does not mean that juror is being unreasonable because others disagree with he or she, him or her, pardon me. Each juror decides for themselves whether there is a reasonable doubt, on any element, or any other aspect with that as what you are applying. It applies to each juror individually. Course you talk to each other and you come to, you know, you discuss matters, and you may decide, whether or not a doubt is reasonable or possible or whatever. But the fact that one juror differs from the other, that does not make that juror unreasonable. Okay?
The next question dealt with instruction number three. I'm about to give you a special instruction on that. And that is, as far as this is now special instruction number six. During our discussion yesterday, one or more of you sought clarification of an elaboration on the meaning of special instruction number three. Upon reflection, I have decided that the other instructions I have given you adequately state the principles of law you are to apply in deciding this case. Rather than attempt to further explain special instruction number three, I am withdrawing it. You therefore are to rely on the remaining instructions in your deliberations from this point forward. In withdrawing special instruction number three from your consideration, I do not intend to comment in any way on the correctness of the individual or collective opinions expressed by you in your deliberations to this point, nor do I intend to suggest anything about what opinions each of you should express or positions you should take in any further deliberations. In your deliberations from this point forward, do not consider, the now withdrawn special instruction number three. Treat it as though, you had never heard of it.
I'm also now going to read you, uh, we're going to modify, and have modified, CalCrim 520, which is the instruction on murder. I'll ask that you listen to it because the language is now different. And at some point we will get you at least one corrected copy of the instructions; I don't know that I'm going to make individual ones available to you, but we will get these corrected copies of the instructions I am now reading to you in to you, but you certainly, when I'm done. And I will have one further instruction to read after this. You may go ahead and begin your deliberations.
The defendant is charged in count one with murder. To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the people must prove that: 1) the defendant committed an act with a firearm that caused the death of Lana Clarkson. Such as, placing the gun in her mouth or forcing her to place the gun in her mouth at which time it discharged. Pointing the gun at or against her head at which time it entered her mouth and discharged. Pointing the gun at her to prevent her from leaving the house, causing a struggle which resulted in the gun entering her mouth and discharging.
By using these examples I am not suggesting that any of these acts took place. These are inferences you may draw from the evidence but are not required to do so. You may reject them. These are only possibilities that you may consider.
The act committed by the defendant must be more than drawing or exhibiting a firearm in the presence of Lana Clarkson in a rude, angry, or threatening manner.
And 2.) When the defendant acted he had a state of mind called a malice of forethought. There are two kinds of malice of forethought, express malice and implied malice. Proof of either is sufficient to establish the state of mind required for murder. The defendant acted with express malice if he unlawfully intended to kill. The defendant acted with implied malice if
1) he intentionally committed an act; 2) the natural consequences of the act were danger to human life; 3) at the time he acted he knew his act was dangerous to human life; and 4) he deliberately acted with conscience disregard for human life.
Malice of forethought does not require hatred or ill-will toward the victim. It is a mental state that must be formed before the act that causes death is committed. It does not require deliberation, or the passage of any particular period of time. If you find the defendant guilty of murder as a matter of law it is murder of the second degree.
Finally, I am going to give you special instruction number four, and this has to do with how you should now consider your, um, deliberations. What I'm now going to do right now ladies and gentlemen, is have further instructions on directions to give you as to count one.
To assist you in your further deliberations, I am going to further instruct you as follows. Your goal as jurors should be to reach a fair and impartial verdict, if you are able to do so, based solely on the evidence presented, and without regard for the consequences of your verdict. It is your duty as jurors, to carefully consider, weigh, and evaluate all of the evidence presented in the trial, to discuss your views regarding the evidence and listen to and consider the views of your fellow jurors. In the course of your further deliberations, you should not hesitate to reexamine your own views or to request your fellow jurors to reexamine theirs. You should not hesitate to change a view you once held, if you are convinced it is wrong, or to suggest other jurors change their views, if you are convinced they are wrong.
Full and effective jury deliberations require a frank and forthright exchange of views. As I previously instructed you, each of you must decide the case for yourself, and should do so only after a full and complete consideration of all the evidence with your fellow jurors. It is your duty as jurors to deliberate with the goal of arriving at a verdict on the charge, if you can do so with out balance (?) to your individual judgement. Both the people, and the defendant, are entitled to the individual judgement of each juror. As I previously instructed you, you have absolute discretion to conduct your deliberations in any way you deem appropriate.
You may wish to consider changing the methods you have been following at least temporarily, and try new methods. For example, you may wish to consider having different jurors lead the discussions for a period of time, or you may wish to experiment with reverse role playing, by having those on one side of an issue present and argue the other sides position and vice versa. This might enable you to better understand the others' position. By suggesting you should consider changes in your methods of deliberations, I want to stress I am not dictating or instructing you how to conduct your deliberations. I merely (?) find you may find it productive to do whatever is necessary to ensure each juror has a full and fair opportunity to express his or her views and consider and understand the views of the other jurors.
I also suggest you reread CalCrim instructions 200, and CalCrim instruction 35-50. The integrity of a trial requires the jurors at all times during the deliberations conduct themselves as required by the instructions. CalCrim instruction 200 defines the duties of a juror. The decision the jury renders must be based on the facts, and the law. You must determine what facts have been proved from the evidence received in the trial, and not from any other source. A fact is something proved by the evidence, or by stipulation. Second, you must apply the law I state to you to the facts as you determine them, and in this way arrive at your verdict. You must accept and follow the law as I state it to you regardless of whether you agree with the law. If anything concerning the law said by the attorneys in their arguments, or at any other time during the trial conflicts with my instructions on the law, you must follow my instructions.
CalCrim 35-50 defines the jury's duty to deliberate. The decisions you make in this case must be based on the evidence received in the trial and the instructions given by the court. These are the matters... These are matters this instruction requires you to discuss for the purpose of reaching a verdict. CalCrim 35-50, is also an instruction which recommends how jurors should approach their task. You should keep in mind the recommendations this instruction suggests, when considering additional instructions, comments and suggestions I have made in the instructions now presented to you. I hope my comments and suggestions, may have some assistance to you. You're ordered to continue your deliberations at this time. If you have other questions, concerns, requests, or any communications you desire to report to me, please put those in writing on the form that my bailiff has provided you with. Have them signed and dated by your foreperson, and then please notify the bailiff. You may resume your deliberations at this time and we will take the alternates back to their waiting area.
Update 7:46 pm.
A little crowing here. Just past 86,000 page loads; 60,000 unique visitors; and 34,000 returning visitors. Thank you everybody for stopping by!
Guest Entry: Sedonia Sunset's take on the trial
Court TV poster Sedonia Sunset originally posted a fabulous synopsis on the trial on the Court TV Phil Spector Forum. Sedonia Sunset generously agreed to have me put her writings up on the blog. Thank you Sedonia Sunset!
This Trial Has Everything!
Many of us are "obsessed" with this trial, but I think it's the overall drama of the story that sucks us in like a real-life soap opera -- the fact that we have a community of people to discuss it with is a big part, in my opinion, of how and why we get sooooo entrenched with the trial. It also strikes a chord in all of us or we wouldn't be here. Many thanks go to KTLA.com who, unlike Court TV (yet, ironically, via the Court TV feed) provided on-line gavel-to-gavel coverage. Thank goodness for KTLA.com, KNBC.com and high-speed Internet access!
The Prosecution said Lana Clarkson was a plucky go-getter who was still striving to overcome obstacles and become a Hollywood STAR. Yes she had suffered hard times after a debilitating injury, but she was well on the mend, back to work in a place where she could make very high-level Hollywood connections. Even if the $9 an hour pay was downright pitiful -- it was the networking that mattered, and her prospects were looking up. She was scheduled to film a commercial less than a week after the shooting. She had stopped Phil Spector from coming into the exclusive Foundation Room at the House of Blues because he wasn't wearing the required wristband. She had made what was probably a fatal mistake earlier in the evening -- she referred to Phil as "MRS". Spector, mistaking him for a woman. Well, he was wearing a longish, curly wig, high heels, and a long, white lady's dinner jacket. She had no idea who he was. Someone set her straight and told her to treat him "golden" like Dan Akroyd, one of the famous owners of the House of Blues.
The Prosecution said that Phil Spector reverted to his decades-long pattern of getting drunk and pulling a gun on a woman trying to leave. This time though, a gun ended up in a woman's mouth! Lana was sitting by the back door with a purse on her shoulder, which clearly indicated that she was about to leave. Her life was brutally ended in a split-second when a bullet transected her spine and completely severed her spinal cord. The Defense, on the other hand, said she was a severely depressed, disabled, poverty-stricken, washed-up 40-yr-old has-been party girl who was habitually drunk and drugged, and impulsively shot herself when she saw a gun and an opportunity.
Phil Spector didn't act like an innocent man. He initially went outside, gun in bloody hand, somewhat dazed, and told the limo driver: "I think I killed somebody." The driver, Adriano DeSouza, saw the gun, the blood and Lana's outstretched legs. DeSouza high-tailed it out of there lest he ALSO be shot, and immediately called for help. Not knowing the exact situation inside the house, the police took 40 minutes to secure the premises before rushing the suspect to subdue him. They had to subdue him -- he did not follow their commands. They even attempted to taser him, but one of the tasers prongs did not connect correctly and the other one missed him. Much later, Phil claimed that they tasered him with 100,000 volts of electricity. They finally had to tackle him using a riot-shield because he would NOT stand still and keep his hands up.
Once tackled, Phil ranted and raved and threatened their jobs. He also said, "I can explain" and "It was an accident -- I didn't mean to shoot her!" Unfortunately, those statements didn't come into the trial, but they are in legal documents. Before the police stormed the castle, it was clear that Phil attempted to clean things up and stage the scene. He never called 911, despite having 14 working phones in the house. He wiped down the gun and placed it under her left shoe (possibly mistaking his right for her right). He washed his hands and took off his jacket. Did he switch wigs? Maybe. It wasn't brought up. He used a diaper wetted with toilet water where he presumably washed his hands and flushed away the excess blood. I still wonder if the fountain outside was ever tested. He probably tried to flush the diaper, but it didn't work.
Many of us have known men like Phil Spector. Well, maybe not the rich and powerful part, but certainly the abusive, neurotic, woman-hating part. We've all known women like the trashy, attention-seeking opportunist with the ridiculous name of "Punkin Pie," the desperately trendy, youth-obsessed and spiteful Jennifer Hayes-Reidl, and the staunch and loving long-term TRUE best friend, Nili Hudson. We also recognize gold-digging, spoiled, bratty, self-entitled, mouthy piranhas like Rachelle Spector. We can empathize with Lana's ambitions and her ups and downs.
The prosecution lawyers were also intriguing, from AJ, the charming, boyish, eager, whip-sharp, up-and-coming prosecutor to Pat Dixon, his more-experienced and calmer mentor. For some reason I tend to visualize them as Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey -- the eager, headstrong young bulldog and the older, wiser and more patient golden retriever. Of course, AJ is much smarter and more cautious than Chance, but overall personalities seem to fit. AJ is so engaging, however, that I can't help letting a little cynicism in by remembering a scene from Ally McBeal. A new lawyer in the firm practices his various kinds of instant smiles ~boyish, happy-go-lucky, wry, sensitive, brilliant, aw-shucks, seductive, etc.,~ to the tune of "Another One Bites The Dust." He explained that it was a skill that needed to be practiced and exercised, just like any other skill. Does AJ practice his smiles? Maybe, maybe not. I suspect Roger Rosen practices his scowls without even trying. Perhaps they are both just naturally gifted and go with their strong points.
Then there are the defense lawyers, Bruce Cutler, the theatrical real life mob lawyer who looks like a cross between Tor Johnson, WC Fields, and Don Rickles. Roger Rosen is the intense, angry, tie-flipping guy nobody likes who is so tightly wound that you'd need a tractor to pull the needle out of his butt. Looks-wise, he reminds me of Mitch Pileggi, who played Assistant Director Walter Skinner in the X-Files. In a hilarious aside, a Google search on "Roger Rosen" resulted in the following title: "Now You've Got Your Period - Google Books Result" LOL! Chris Plourd is the guy who bores everyone into a stupor and gamely takes the fall for the rest of the team.
Bradley Brunon was so smarmy many people felt the need to take a long, HOT, disinfecting shower after listening to him. LKB was Phil's token female-lawyer, mother and shrewd-operator with the loud, grating, headache-inducing voice and her own soap opera that includes her husband (who bears a striking resemblance to Captain Kangaroo) being a major witness. LKB considerately became deathly ill for two-plus weeks, during which time her husband testified out of her presence. No conflict of interest there, no siree! Out of sight, out of mind! At least until AJ cross-examines him into the dust over it.
There were the defense's expert witnesses. Dr. Henry Lee, the "rock star of forensics" who was officially declared by Judge Fidler to have concealed evidence, fled to China to avoid testifying in front of the jury and being eviscerated by the prosecution on live TV.
Dr. Vincent DiMaio, the exceptionally arrogant, pompous blowhard repeatedly waved off (literally) questions he considered annoying by condescendingly saying "Oh, never mind," clearly indicating that it wasn't worth bothering to even deign to speak to anyone who wasn't also a world famous scientist/ninja pathologist, who testified he has easily disarmed gun-wielding assassins (yes, pural!). He insisted that Lana ~and any other person with an IQ above that of a potato~ would have done the same if Phil Spector had really held a gun on her. It's just common sense, after all.
Dr. Werner Spitz, the elderly pathologist with the heavy German accent and lisp, testified that, yes, legs do bend mid-thigh, blood spatter can skip over half of a long, tall body, jump over the carpet, make a right-hand turn, and land on someone wearing a white jacket! And dead people with severed spines and shattered backbones can breathe, cough and blow raspberries.
That brings us back to Dr. Michael Baden ~the aforementioned Captain Kangaroo doppelganger~ (a description courtesy of Steven Mikulan of the LA Weekly), who has no idea what the term "conflict of interest" means. Baden doesn't see the slightest connection between that term and his testifying for the man that his wife is currently representing in a murder trial. He does concede that there are big bucks coming into both their bank accounts courtesy of Phil Spector. With no tipping of their hand to the prosecution, the defense, in a clear discovery violation, sprung Dr. Baden's "A-HA" moment on them. Dr. Baden said that her spine must not have been completely severed, so she could expirate blood onto Phil's jacket while Spector was tenderly and considerately washing her bloody face with a toilet-water-soaked diaper. Lana's spine must have been severed during the clumsy transport to the coroner's office, not by the exploding bullet that was positioned about two inches from her spine when the trigger was pulled. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Our own CTV poster, Intrepid, referred to the four big-name defense expert witnesses as the "quadrafecta of piffle." LOL! So many of us were disillusioned after watching this quadrafecta of piffle that we will forevermore be highly suspicious of any expert-for-hire witness. That's probably a good thing, so maybe we should thank them for that nugget of wisdom they managed to impart.
Dr. Lynne Herold became an idol to many of us with her calm, patient and logical explanations of her findings. She does not look or talk like a celebrity, and she makes no attempt to be one. She does her job and reports her findings, period. LKB tried, in vain, to trip her up, but Dr. Herold refused to take the bait, pointing out that the laws of physics cannot be changed; it is what it is. If she didn't know an answer, she said so and would not go outside her area of expertise no matter how many times LKB tried to goad her into doing so. If something could have happened in more than one way, she said so. She also placed Phil Spector within about 2 feet of the "blood-letting event." She left us with two renewed catchphrases: "It is what it is," and "Your point is?" She easily outsmarted LKB without even chipping a nail and LKB did NOT forget it. While lashing out at Dr. Herold in her closing argument, wherein she pointedly refused to refer to her as "Dr." Herold, LKB's spite and a seething, childish grudge against a clearly superior opponent shone through for all to see.
Then there was the sleaze factor, from the illustrated paramedic (aka Tattoo Boy) to the sorriest and most tasteless display of sagging, untethered "cleavage" since the Granny character in Playboy cartoons, to the siliconed, spray-tanned, razor-taloned, cock-eyed-due-to-bad-facelift-and/or-Botox mom whining about keeping her kids out of rehab while she partied 4 nights a week, and eagerly trashing her "best friend" at every turn. And let's not forget the Hollywood Madam, Jody "Baby Doll" Gibson who is trying to peddle her upcoming book. She had an obviously doctored trick book and claimed that Lana was a hooker in her stable who was turned on by "sex play" with guns. She dramatically marched into court with her lawyer ~who looked like a cross between Col. Sanders and the Travelocity gnome~ only to be told to take her obviously doctored trick book and stuff it where the sun don't shine (which is hard to do considering her profession and the barely-there skirt-- there aren't too many places on her that the sun doesn't shine), at least until after the verdict.
Oh, and Raul Julia-Levy. He claims to be the illegitimate son of deceased actor Raul Julia. He does look like him. Unfortunately he has baggage several inches thick, including all kinds of aliases, falsified records and convictions. He was going to claim Lana liked to do cocaine with him and loved to play with guns during sex. He was kept out of the trial, but gamely tramped all over the Internet using his own name ~and various sock-puppets~ trying to convince people he was who he said he was. The last I heard, he was trying to sue the prosecutor's office or judge or somebody for defamation of character, or something like that. Whatever.
Then there were the five, 1101B, prior bad act witnesses (PBA). That's only five out of approximately nineteen witnesses, women and men, on whom Phil Spector allegedly pulled guns. The judge only allowed five of them and he picked which ones they would be. The Defense pulled yet another dirty trick and told the jury during closing arguments that the prosecution hand-picked only five women to tell fabricated stories, saying there were no other incidents, blithely ignoring Phil's actual previous conviction for gun-related charges.
Face it, Phil is just a gun-wielding kind of guy -- that's his idea of romance. Many a guy will flatter, wheedle, cajole, bribe, clown, pet, nibble, and even cry, if necessary, to persuade the object of his lust to give in to his carnal desires. Some of them simply proposition every woman they see, theorizing that one out of every ten women will say yes, no matter how obnoxious, repulsive and unknown the guy might be. Phil, on the other hand, shrieks at the top of his lungs at the objects of his lust, calling them "f-----g c---s" while spit flies in his uncontrollable rage. He puts a fine point on it by holding guns on them and threatening to blow their f-----g brains out if they don't do what he says. There's a giant mirror behind the chair in the foyer. Does he maneuver his "dates" into that chair so he can watch himself being "masterful"? He's a producer; every scenario must play out according to his direction and no one else's. Every man has his own repertoire of seduction techniques; it's all a matter of going with what has works, I guess. Stick with the classics and all that. He even brings guns into the picture with platonic dates, just to impress them, because what woman wouldn't be favorably impressed by a man carrying a gun that's longer than he is and reminding them of Elmer Fudd? What a manly, macho man!
Where was I? Oh yes, the PBA witnesses, all of whom simply were trying to leave:
1) There was the practical Dorothy Melvin who did not want her boss at the time, Joan Rivers, to have her name brought into the matter. She called the police and had them retrieve her purse.
2) There was the professional photographer, Stephanie Jennings, who called 911, but Phil convinced them that she was a hooker. She wouldn't go to his room and simply wanted to go to sleep or, after his hissy fit, leave.
3) There was the emotional, girlish former Hollywood music planner, Diane Ogden, with her gripping memory of attempted rape at gunpoint ~thwarted only by Phil's inability to perform~ despite the fact that she would have had sex with him if he'd only been "nice about it." She did not consider rape at gunpoint to be "romantic". She foolishly allowed herself to be alone with him again some months later and he chased her down the driveway with an Uzi.
4) There was the angry, and rightly so, Southern Belle, Melissa Grosvenor, with a somewhat shady past and a drug-addicted sister (who, along with another sister) aired their dirty laundry in court for all the world to see. Can you imagine Thanksgiving at Mom's house this year?
5) And then there was Devra Robataille, an extremely petite British musician, who went all "Mumsy" on Phil and sternly lectured her way out of having him blow her brains out not once, but twice!
There was the former detective, Vince Tanazzo, who did security work for Joan Rivers's Christmas parties. He had to "escort" Phil out of her parties two years in a row because Phil was threatening to blow even more women's brains out. I believe he had a gun on at least one of the occasions, but I could be wrong about that -- he certainly alluded to the fact the he did. One of the women he allegedly threatened was Walter Cronkite's daughter, but that was not revealed in testimony.
And let's not forget Phil's "little woman", Rachelle Short Spector, 26 (he's 67). Did she marry the ugly, gun-toting, egomaniacal, misogynistic, platform-shoe-wearing, frockcoat-adorned, bizarre-wig-bedecked senior citizen for love or money? He married her only after his assistant, Michelle Blaine turned down his proposal. It's pretty obvious that the marriage was for show so that the jury and public will see that there is a women who isn't afraid he'll blow her brains out if she gets up and "leaves" him to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. And there are three hefty bodyguards and lots of meds that make sure of it.
Rachelle showed up for court every day, often with her Mommy in tow, imperiously having a bodyguard carry her totebag and blankie. On several occasions she has spoken to the press, leaving an indelible impression of an air-headed bimbo EACH time. She makes inane accusations and declarations of love on her websites, past and present, and displayed her vast legal knowledge by referring to a "statue of limitations."
The judge clamped down on her testifying-by-proxy through the media by placing a gag order on her and Phil Spector and anyone else who might be acting as his mouthpiece. Most people would be cowed or at least SHUT THEIR MOUTH while THE JUDGE is talking directly to them and ORDERING them to do or NOT do something, but not Rachelle! No, she sassed back at him over and over and argued and carried on until he threatened her with contempt. Chris Plourd, ever the fall-guy, rushed over to her to try to get her to put a sock in it, but she ignored him, other than to protest that the judge was talking TO her, WHILE the judge was talking TO her. Interestingly, Roger Rosen and LKB COMPLETELY ignored the ENTIRE exchange. COMPLETELY. Was it planned in yet another attempt at a mistrial? How could they NOT be surprised and taken aback by such an outrageous outburst and conduct by the defendants OWN WIFE?
And speaking of the judge, there is the stern, but fair, and sometimes humorous Judge Fidler, who is a dead ringer for Bruce Willis! He's savvy to most of the tricks either side attempts to play on each other and swiftly puts the kibosh on them whenever possible, or attempts to remedy the situation without causing a mistrial. And make no mistake, from the moment the Prosecution's side rested, the Defense tried over and over again to get a mistrial because they can see their case going down in flames. The judge keeps a tight rein on his courtroom and is ever cognizant of not letting the trial turn into an OJ-like circus while trying to avoid things like eating well-meaning (but inadvertently poisoned) cookies brought by the ever-classy Beth Karas.
And then there were the monumental defense blunders. The Henry Lee fiasco, the Kenny/Baden conflict of interest, the major smack down of Bruce Cutler by the judge for dramatically yelling and pointing at Diane Ogden and slamming the table/podium, even the AIR (not to mention leaving mid-trial to film a TV show for several weeks and then finally resigning), the posing of Phil to be pointing a gun (using his fingers as a mock-gun), and showing Lana's "showcase" reel.
The Defense meant to show the reel to say that Lana was a bad actress with no prospects. Instead, they brought her to life -- she talked, she laughed, she BREATHED. She wasn't particularly funny, and the audio was awful, but that's what writers and technicians are for. It wasn't supposed to be for the viewing public. It was a portfolio of sorts, to be shown only to people in the industry to show her range of talent. She looked FABULOUS! Most importantly, it showed her alive. She was certainly nicer to look at in that than in the gruesome photos of her slumped in a chair in Phil's foyer, with her black eye, messed-up hair and blood pooling from her nose and mouth. Dr. Spitz had said she looked "peaceful". An incredulous AJ thundered back what so many of us were thinking: "SHE'S ***DEAD***, DOCTOR!!!"
Everywhere we turned there was Hollywood razzle-dazzle and the nuts and bolts of Hollywood. This included testimony by a famous director, Michael Bay and testimony by a failed playwright/producer/director that had to take a bus 3000 miles across the country to testify because he was afraid to fly. We heard about making Mercedes commercials, making blockbuster movies, making low-budget Roger Corman movies, and renting costumes from a little San Fernando Valley shop called Valentino's. Even the buildings are famous places! There's even a "CASTLE", FGS, with 88 steps to the front entrance and a HUGE satellite dish above the back door. Talk about the lives of the rich and/or famous! What more could you ask for? It's no wonder we're hooked on this trial! It has EVERYTHING: sex, drugs and rock and roll!
There were a multitude of "talking heads" on news and legal shows. Some knew what they were talking about and some didn't. The most egregious one was Anita Talbert, a friend of Phil Spector who appeared on Court TV shows several times, spouting complete and utter nonsense. She made outrageous claims such as Lana having taken TWELVE Vicadin that night. Testimony by Dr. Pena, however, revealed she had a LESS than a therapeutic dose in her system. Just about everything she spouted came directly from Phil Spector, who publicly lied at every turn between the night of the murder and the beginning of the trial. A story of her dancing around with the gun and singing Da Doo Run Run seems to be a particular favorite. He also said she was standing up when she shot herself (wrong), and he couldn't have done it since she was so much taller and stronger than he was. He ranted and raved at the police station, referring to her as a piece of shit mere hours after he shot her in the mouth. He said she brought the gun, yet on the stand even defense experts were compelled to testify that it belonged to Spector.
Will Phil run? Hard to say -- he's stuck it out this long, after all. Still, we already know he wears wigs. He COULD wear a disguise and possibly slip out of the country. What would he look like in a disguise? When TV shows invoke Phil's name, they almost ALWAYS play a snippet of "Be My Baby" or "To Know Him Is To Love Him" and other songs he produced. They really should pick a better song, not produced by him, but sung by the Beatles, with whom he also had connections: The Fool On The Hill.
This Trial Has Everything!
Many of us are "obsessed" with this trial, but I think it's the overall drama of the story that sucks us in like a real-life soap opera -- the fact that we have a community of people to discuss it with is a big part, in my opinion, of how and why we get sooooo entrenched with the trial. It also strikes a chord in all of us or we wouldn't be here. Many thanks go to KTLA.com who, unlike Court TV (yet, ironically, via the Court TV feed) provided on-line gavel-to-gavel coverage. Thank goodness for KTLA.com, KNBC.com and high-speed Internet access!
The Prosecution said Lana Clarkson was a plucky go-getter who was still striving to overcome obstacles and become a Hollywood STAR. Yes she had suffered hard times after a debilitating injury, but she was well on the mend, back to work in a place where she could make very high-level Hollywood connections. Even if the $9 an hour pay was downright pitiful -- it was the networking that mattered, and her prospects were looking up. She was scheduled to film a commercial less than a week after the shooting. She had stopped Phil Spector from coming into the exclusive Foundation Room at the House of Blues because he wasn't wearing the required wristband. She had made what was probably a fatal mistake earlier in the evening -- she referred to Phil as "MRS". Spector, mistaking him for a woman. Well, he was wearing a longish, curly wig, high heels, and a long, white lady's dinner jacket. She had no idea who he was. Someone set her straight and told her to treat him "golden" like Dan Akroyd, one of the famous owners of the House of Blues.
The Prosecution said that Phil Spector reverted to his decades-long pattern of getting drunk and pulling a gun on a woman trying to leave. This time though, a gun ended up in a woman's mouth! Lana was sitting by the back door with a purse on her shoulder, which clearly indicated that she was about to leave. Her life was brutally ended in a split-second when a bullet transected her spine and completely severed her spinal cord. The Defense, on the other hand, said she was a severely depressed, disabled, poverty-stricken, washed-up 40-yr-old has-been party girl who was habitually drunk and drugged, and impulsively shot herself when she saw a gun and an opportunity.
Phil Spector didn't act like an innocent man. He initially went outside, gun in bloody hand, somewhat dazed, and told the limo driver: "I think I killed somebody." The driver, Adriano DeSouza, saw the gun, the blood and Lana's outstretched legs. DeSouza high-tailed it out of there lest he ALSO be shot, and immediately called for help. Not knowing the exact situation inside the house, the police took 40 minutes to secure the premises before rushing the suspect to subdue him. They had to subdue him -- he did not follow their commands. They even attempted to taser him, but one of the tasers prongs did not connect correctly and the other one missed him. Much later, Phil claimed that they tasered him with 100,000 volts of electricity. They finally had to tackle him using a riot-shield because he would NOT stand still and keep his hands up.
Once tackled, Phil ranted and raved and threatened their jobs. He also said, "I can explain" and "It was an accident -- I didn't mean to shoot her!" Unfortunately, those statements didn't come into the trial, but they are in legal documents. Before the police stormed the castle, it was clear that Phil attempted to clean things up and stage the scene. He never called 911, despite having 14 working phones in the house. He wiped down the gun and placed it under her left shoe (possibly mistaking his right for her right). He washed his hands and took off his jacket. Did he switch wigs? Maybe. It wasn't brought up. He used a diaper wetted with toilet water where he presumably washed his hands and flushed away the excess blood. I still wonder if the fountain outside was ever tested. He probably tried to flush the diaper, but it didn't work.
Many of us have known men like Phil Spector. Well, maybe not the rich and powerful part, but certainly the abusive, neurotic, woman-hating part. We've all known women like the trashy, attention-seeking opportunist with the ridiculous name of "Punkin Pie," the desperately trendy, youth-obsessed and spiteful Jennifer Hayes-Reidl, and the staunch and loving long-term TRUE best friend, Nili Hudson. We also recognize gold-digging, spoiled, bratty, self-entitled, mouthy piranhas like Rachelle Spector. We can empathize with Lana's ambitions and her ups and downs.
The prosecution lawyers were also intriguing, from AJ, the charming, boyish, eager, whip-sharp, up-and-coming prosecutor to Pat Dixon, his more-experienced and calmer mentor. For some reason I tend to visualize them as Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey -- the eager, headstrong young bulldog and the older, wiser and more patient golden retriever. Of course, AJ is much smarter and more cautious than Chance, but overall personalities seem to fit. AJ is so engaging, however, that I can't help letting a little cynicism in by remembering a scene from Ally McBeal. A new lawyer in the firm practices his various kinds of instant smiles ~boyish, happy-go-lucky, wry, sensitive, brilliant, aw-shucks, seductive, etc.,~ to the tune of "Another One Bites The Dust." He explained that it was a skill that needed to be practiced and exercised, just like any other skill. Does AJ practice his smiles? Maybe, maybe not. I suspect Roger Rosen practices his scowls without even trying. Perhaps they are both just naturally gifted and go with their strong points.
Then there are the defense lawyers, Bruce Cutler, the theatrical real life mob lawyer who looks like a cross between Tor Johnson, WC Fields, and Don Rickles. Roger Rosen is the intense, angry, tie-flipping guy nobody likes who is so tightly wound that you'd need a tractor to pull the needle out of his butt. Looks-wise, he reminds me of Mitch Pileggi, who played Assistant Director Walter Skinner in the X-Files. In a hilarious aside, a Google search on "Roger Rosen" resulted in the following title: "Now You've Got Your Period - Google Books Result" LOL! Chris Plourd is the guy who bores everyone into a stupor and gamely takes the fall for the rest of the team.
Bradley Brunon was so smarmy many people felt the need to take a long, HOT, disinfecting shower after listening to him. LKB was Phil's token female-lawyer, mother and shrewd-operator with the loud, grating, headache-inducing voice and her own soap opera that includes her husband (who bears a striking resemblance to Captain Kangaroo) being a major witness. LKB considerately became deathly ill for two-plus weeks, during which time her husband testified out of her presence. No conflict of interest there, no siree! Out of sight, out of mind! At least until AJ cross-examines him into the dust over it.
There were the defense's expert witnesses. Dr. Henry Lee, the "rock star of forensics" who was officially declared by Judge Fidler to have concealed evidence, fled to China to avoid testifying in front of the jury and being eviscerated by the prosecution on live TV.
Dr. Vincent DiMaio, the exceptionally arrogant, pompous blowhard repeatedly waved off (literally) questions he considered annoying by condescendingly saying "Oh, never mind," clearly indicating that it wasn't worth bothering to even deign to speak to anyone who wasn't also a world famous scientist/ninja pathologist, who testified he has easily disarmed gun-wielding assassins (yes, pural!). He insisted that Lana ~and any other person with an IQ above that of a potato~ would have done the same if Phil Spector had really held a gun on her. It's just common sense, after all.
Dr. Werner Spitz, the elderly pathologist with the heavy German accent and lisp, testified that, yes, legs do bend mid-thigh, blood spatter can skip over half of a long, tall body, jump over the carpet, make a right-hand turn, and land on someone wearing a white jacket! And dead people with severed spines and shattered backbones can breathe, cough and blow raspberries.
That brings us back to Dr. Michael Baden ~the aforementioned Captain Kangaroo doppelganger~ (a description courtesy of Steven Mikulan of the LA Weekly), who has no idea what the term "conflict of interest" means. Baden doesn't see the slightest connection between that term and his testifying for the man that his wife is currently representing in a murder trial. He does concede that there are big bucks coming into both their bank accounts courtesy of Phil Spector. With no tipping of their hand to the prosecution, the defense, in a clear discovery violation, sprung Dr. Baden's "A-HA" moment on them. Dr. Baden said that her spine must not have been completely severed, so she could expirate blood onto Phil's jacket while Spector was tenderly and considerately washing her bloody face with a toilet-water-soaked diaper. Lana's spine must have been severed during the clumsy transport to the coroner's office, not by the exploding bullet that was positioned about two inches from her spine when the trigger was pulled. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Our own CTV poster, Intrepid, referred to the four big-name defense expert witnesses as the "quadrafecta of piffle." LOL! So many of us were disillusioned after watching this quadrafecta of piffle that we will forevermore be highly suspicious of any expert-for-hire witness. That's probably a good thing, so maybe we should thank them for that nugget of wisdom they managed to impart.
Dr. Lynne Herold became an idol to many of us with her calm, patient and logical explanations of her findings. She does not look or talk like a celebrity, and she makes no attempt to be one. She does her job and reports her findings, period. LKB tried, in vain, to trip her up, but Dr. Herold refused to take the bait, pointing out that the laws of physics cannot be changed; it is what it is. If she didn't know an answer, she said so and would not go outside her area of expertise no matter how many times LKB tried to goad her into doing so. If something could have happened in more than one way, she said so. She also placed Phil Spector within about 2 feet of the "blood-letting event." She left us with two renewed catchphrases: "It is what it is," and "Your point is?" She easily outsmarted LKB without even chipping a nail and LKB did NOT forget it. While lashing out at Dr. Herold in her closing argument, wherein she pointedly refused to refer to her as "Dr." Herold, LKB's spite and a seething, childish grudge against a clearly superior opponent shone through for all to see.
Then there was the sleaze factor, from the illustrated paramedic (aka Tattoo Boy) to the sorriest and most tasteless display of sagging, untethered "cleavage" since the Granny character in Playboy cartoons, to the siliconed, spray-tanned, razor-taloned, cock-eyed-due-to-bad-facelift-and/or-Botox mom whining about keeping her kids out of rehab while she partied 4 nights a week, and eagerly trashing her "best friend" at every turn. And let's not forget the Hollywood Madam, Jody "Baby Doll" Gibson who is trying to peddle her upcoming book. She had an obviously doctored trick book and claimed that Lana was a hooker in her stable who was turned on by "sex play" with guns. She dramatically marched into court with her lawyer ~who looked like a cross between Col. Sanders and the Travelocity gnome~ only to be told to take her obviously doctored trick book and stuff it where the sun don't shine (which is hard to do considering her profession and the barely-there skirt-- there aren't too many places on her that the sun doesn't shine), at least until after the verdict.
Oh, and Raul Julia-Levy. He claims to be the illegitimate son of deceased actor Raul Julia. He does look like him. Unfortunately he has baggage several inches thick, including all kinds of aliases, falsified records and convictions. He was going to claim Lana liked to do cocaine with him and loved to play with guns during sex. He was kept out of the trial, but gamely tramped all over the Internet using his own name ~and various sock-puppets~ trying to convince people he was who he said he was. The last I heard, he was trying to sue the prosecutor's office or judge or somebody for defamation of character, or something like that. Whatever.
Then there were the five, 1101B, prior bad act witnesses (PBA). That's only five out of approximately nineteen witnesses, women and men, on whom Phil Spector allegedly pulled guns. The judge only allowed five of them and he picked which ones they would be. The Defense pulled yet another dirty trick and told the jury during closing arguments that the prosecution hand-picked only five women to tell fabricated stories, saying there were no other incidents, blithely ignoring Phil's actual previous conviction for gun-related charges.
Face it, Phil is just a gun-wielding kind of guy -- that's his idea of romance. Many a guy will flatter, wheedle, cajole, bribe, clown, pet, nibble, and even cry, if necessary, to persuade the object of his lust to give in to his carnal desires. Some of them simply proposition every woman they see, theorizing that one out of every ten women will say yes, no matter how obnoxious, repulsive and unknown the guy might be. Phil, on the other hand, shrieks at the top of his lungs at the objects of his lust, calling them "f-----g c---s" while spit flies in his uncontrollable rage. He puts a fine point on it by holding guns on them and threatening to blow their f-----g brains out if they don't do what he says. There's a giant mirror behind the chair in the foyer. Does he maneuver his "dates" into that chair so he can watch himself being "masterful"? He's a producer; every scenario must play out according to his direction and no one else's. Every man has his own repertoire of seduction techniques; it's all a matter of going with what has works, I guess. Stick with the classics and all that. He even brings guns into the picture with platonic dates, just to impress them, because what woman wouldn't be favorably impressed by a man carrying a gun that's longer than he is and reminding them of Elmer Fudd? What a manly, macho man!
Where was I? Oh yes, the PBA witnesses, all of whom simply were trying to leave:
1) There was the practical Dorothy Melvin who did not want her boss at the time, Joan Rivers, to have her name brought into the matter. She called the police and had them retrieve her purse.
2) There was the professional photographer, Stephanie Jennings, who called 911, but Phil convinced them that she was a hooker. She wouldn't go to his room and simply wanted to go to sleep or, after his hissy fit, leave.
3) There was the emotional, girlish former Hollywood music planner, Diane Ogden, with her gripping memory of attempted rape at gunpoint ~thwarted only by Phil's inability to perform~ despite the fact that she would have had sex with him if he'd only been "nice about it." She did not consider rape at gunpoint to be "romantic". She foolishly allowed herself to be alone with him again some months later and he chased her down the driveway with an Uzi.
4) There was the angry, and rightly so, Southern Belle, Melissa Grosvenor, with a somewhat shady past and a drug-addicted sister (who, along with another sister) aired their dirty laundry in court for all the world to see. Can you imagine Thanksgiving at Mom's house this year?
5) And then there was Devra Robataille, an extremely petite British musician, who went all "Mumsy" on Phil and sternly lectured her way out of having him blow her brains out not once, but twice!
There was the former detective, Vince Tanazzo, who did security work for Joan Rivers's Christmas parties. He had to "escort" Phil out of her parties two years in a row because Phil was threatening to blow even more women's brains out. I believe he had a gun on at least one of the occasions, but I could be wrong about that -- he certainly alluded to the fact the he did. One of the women he allegedly threatened was Walter Cronkite's daughter, but that was not revealed in testimony.
And let's not forget Phil's "little woman", Rachelle Short Spector, 26 (he's 67). Did she marry the ugly, gun-toting, egomaniacal, misogynistic, platform-shoe-wearing, frockcoat-adorned, bizarre-wig-bedecked senior citizen for love or money? He married her only after his assistant, Michelle Blaine turned down his proposal. It's pretty obvious that the marriage was for show so that the jury and public will see that there is a women who isn't afraid he'll blow her brains out if she gets up and "leaves" him to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. And there are three hefty bodyguards and lots of meds that make sure of it.
Rachelle showed up for court every day, often with her Mommy in tow, imperiously having a bodyguard carry her totebag and blankie. On several occasions she has spoken to the press, leaving an indelible impression of an air-headed bimbo EACH time. She makes inane accusations and declarations of love on her websites, past and present, and displayed her vast legal knowledge by referring to a "statue of limitations."
The judge clamped down on her testifying-by-proxy through the media by placing a gag order on her and Phil Spector and anyone else who might be acting as his mouthpiece. Most people would be cowed or at least SHUT THEIR MOUTH while THE JUDGE is talking directly to them and ORDERING them to do or NOT do something, but not Rachelle! No, she sassed back at him over and over and argued and carried on until he threatened her with contempt. Chris Plourd, ever the fall-guy, rushed over to her to try to get her to put a sock in it, but she ignored him, other than to protest that the judge was talking TO her, WHILE the judge was talking TO her. Interestingly, Roger Rosen and LKB COMPLETELY ignored the ENTIRE exchange. COMPLETELY. Was it planned in yet another attempt at a mistrial? How could they NOT be surprised and taken aback by such an outrageous outburst and conduct by the defendants OWN WIFE?
And speaking of the judge, there is the stern, but fair, and sometimes humorous Judge Fidler, who is a dead ringer for Bruce Willis! He's savvy to most of the tricks either side attempts to play on each other and swiftly puts the kibosh on them whenever possible, or attempts to remedy the situation without causing a mistrial. And make no mistake, from the moment the Prosecution's side rested, the Defense tried over and over again to get a mistrial because they can see their case going down in flames. The judge keeps a tight rein on his courtroom and is ever cognizant of not letting the trial turn into an OJ-like circus while trying to avoid things like eating well-meaning (but inadvertently poisoned) cookies brought by the ever-classy Beth Karas.
And then there were the monumental defense blunders. The Henry Lee fiasco, the Kenny/Baden conflict of interest, the major smack down of Bruce Cutler by the judge for dramatically yelling and pointing at Diane Ogden and slamming the table/podium, even the AIR (not to mention leaving mid-trial to film a TV show for several weeks and then finally resigning), the posing of Phil to be pointing a gun (using his fingers as a mock-gun), and showing Lana's "showcase" reel.
The Defense meant to show the reel to say that Lana was a bad actress with no prospects. Instead, they brought her to life -- she talked, she laughed, she BREATHED. She wasn't particularly funny, and the audio was awful, but that's what writers and technicians are for. It wasn't supposed to be for the viewing public. It was a portfolio of sorts, to be shown only to people in the industry to show her range of talent. She looked FABULOUS! Most importantly, it showed her alive. She was certainly nicer to look at in that than in the gruesome photos of her slumped in a chair in Phil's foyer, with her black eye, messed-up hair and blood pooling from her nose and mouth. Dr. Spitz had said she looked "peaceful". An incredulous AJ thundered back what so many of us were thinking: "SHE'S ***DEAD***, DOCTOR!!!"
Everywhere we turned there was Hollywood razzle-dazzle and the nuts and bolts of Hollywood. This included testimony by a famous director, Michael Bay and testimony by a failed playwright/producer/director that had to take a bus 3000 miles across the country to testify because he was afraid to fly. We heard about making Mercedes commercials, making blockbuster movies, making low-budget Roger Corman movies, and renting costumes from a little San Fernando Valley shop called Valentino's. Even the buildings are famous places! There's even a "CASTLE", FGS, with 88 steps to the front entrance and a HUGE satellite dish above the back door. Talk about the lives of the rich and/or famous! What more could you ask for? It's no wonder we're hooked on this trial! It has EVERYTHING: sex, drugs and rock and roll!
There were a multitude of "talking heads" on news and legal shows. Some knew what they were talking about and some didn't. The most egregious one was Anita Talbert, a friend of Phil Spector who appeared on Court TV shows several times, spouting complete and utter nonsense. She made outrageous claims such as Lana having taken TWELVE Vicadin that night. Testimony by Dr. Pena, however, revealed she had a LESS than a therapeutic dose in her system. Just about everything she spouted came directly from Phil Spector, who publicly lied at every turn between the night of the murder and the beginning of the trial. A story of her dancing around with the gun and singing Da Doo Run Run seems to be a particular favorite. He also said she was standing up when she shot herself (wrong), and he couldn't have done it since she was so much taller and stronger than he was. He ranted and raved at the police station, referring to her as a piece of shit mere hours after he shot her in the mouth. He said she brought the gun, yet on the stand even defense experts were compelled to testify that it belonged to Spector.
Will Phil run? Hard to say -- he's stuck it out this long, after all. Still, we already know he wears wigs. He COULD wear a disguise and possibly slip out of the country. What would he look like in a disguise? When TV shows invoke Phil's name, they almost ALWAYS play a snippet of "Be My Baby" or "To Know Him Is To Love Him" and other songs he produced. They really should pick a better song, not produced by him, but sung by the Beatles, with whom he also had connections: The Fool On The Hill.
Recommended Reading
While we wait for the jurors to get new instructions, I've been back to one of my favorite stomping grounds, Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo's web site. He has a new blog entry up today, that I consider recommended reading for anyone interested in improving their health.
If you have been totally engrossed in this trial, I believe the best source of information about Phil Spector is Mick Brown's book, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound. Brown interviewed more than one hundred people, and has an extensive compilation of bibliography (books, periodicals, newspapers, broadcasts, websites) listed in the back. It's a well researched account, and a compelling read, of Spector's life.
Until the trial comes back on live today, browse around some the links I've provided in my "Places to go" list.
P.S. I almost forgot! When I went down to the courthouse on Tuesday, a woman approached me and handed me a written note. It said, "Are you Sprocket?" It was Court TV poster and Guest Blogger Cocobaby! She said she saw my handbag and could tell it was handmade. Not only is she a very nice and witty person, she's quite pretty, too.
If you have been totally engrossed in this trial, I believe the best source of information about Phil Spector is Mick Brown's book, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound. Brown interviewed more than one hundred people, and has an extensive compilation of bibliography (books, periodicals, newspapers, broadcasts, websites) listed in the back. It's a well researched account, and a compelling read, of Spector's life.
Until the trial comes back on live today, browse around some the links I've provided in my "Places to go" list.
P.S. I almost forgot! When I went down to the courthouse on Tuesday, a woman approached me and handed me a written note. It said, "Are you Sprocket?" It was Court TV poster and Guest Blogger Cocobaby! She said she saw my handbag and could tell it was handmade. Not only is she a very nice and witty person, she's quite pretty, too.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Special Instruction #3 gets tossed & New Hope for a Verdict
There is a glimmer of hope that even with such a wide split, this jury will reach a just verdict.
Fidler asked the attorneys to argue for a lesser included charge, and they did as he complied. After that, the Judge changed his mind and decided at this late date he could not add the lesser charge. It would be as if he was sending a message to the jurors that if they can't convict on this charge, try this one. It's all in the timing. So Fidler rules that it would not be proper to give them a new option now because that would be as if he was trying to coerce the jury. So that option is off the table, and those of us who strongly feel that Spector is guilty of second degree all heave a big sigh of relief.
After questioning the jury and getting some feedback, Judge Larry Fidler rules that special instruction #3 was in conflict with the law and will be tossed, and there will be no new arguments presented to the juror to explain the loss of instruction #3.
This is one of the instructions the defense wanted so badly, and this is why the defense hired Dennis Riordan in the first place and pays him the big bucks. He's there to come in a muck things up as much as possible. I'm sure he was the one who crafted this instruction, and the people were opposed to this instruction from the very beginning. It wasn't because they couldn't understand murder two, it was because it pigeonholed the prosecution into proving a very narrow window of facts, and that's against the law.
Although one of the jurors, #12, asked to see some of the clothing, Fidler ruled that they would not be able to provide the articles of clothing for their review because 1) the were never entered into evidence and 2) they are no longer in their original condition.
The Judge says that he is going to include in the jury instructions a modified "Moore" instruction (after the attorney's argued the specific points they wanted tossed) as well as read back the reasonable doubt instruction.
All in all, I think this is good news. It makes more sense now, why there was such a wide split among the jurors when the rest of the thinking world ~who's brains had not yet turned to melted cheese~ this was a clear case of second degree murder. It was the mucked up special jury instruction the defense got in. Even at the bitter end, the defense has tried to throw a wrench into the workings of this trial.
I know I read it somewheres, that after the jury declared they were at an impasse, Rachelle Short was crying. I wasn't at the courthouse today so I didn't see if she had tears in her eyes or not. But if this was true, Poor Baby. If there really is a hung jury, I'm sure Phil will force your foot stomping hiney to honor your contract and continue pretending to be a "loving" wife for the next couple of years. Ah, true love lives at the Spector castle.
And that comment about being the "next Beyonce." Honey, you will never be the next Beyonce. More like the next sorry assed Anna Nicole Smith. Beyonce at least has the looks (she didn't have to pay the surgeon or get her teeth replaced), the talent (you're going to be a big hit as a trombone player), and a devoted man in a decent age range~ one not on trial for murder I might add. All you got are new tata's an over sized rock and a grille.
I'm giving a shout out to a another blogger commenting on the Spector trial. There are not a lot of entries at Just My Opinion, but that doesn't matter. I like it when I see someone who thinks like I do.
Fidler asked the attorneys to argue for a lesser included charge, and they did as he complied. After that, the Judge changed his mind and decided at this late date he could not add the lesser charge. It would be as if he was sending a message to the jurors that if they can't convict on this charge, try this one. It's all in the timing. So Fidler rules that it would not be proper to give them a new option now because that would be as if he was trying to coerce the jury. So that option is off the table, and those of us who strongly feel that Spector is guilty of second degree all heave a big sigh of relief.
After questioning the jury and getting some feedback, Judge Larry Fidler rules that special instruction #3 was in conflict with the law and will be tossed, and there will be no new arguments presented to the juror to explain the loss of instruction #3.
This is one of the instructions the defense wanted so badly, and this is why the defense hired Dennis Riordan in the first place and pays him the big bucks. He's there to come in a muck things up as much as possible. I'm sure he was the one who crafted this instruction, and the people were opposed to this instruction from the very beginning. It wasn't because they couldn't understand murder two, it was because it pigeonholed the prosecution into proving a very narrow window of facts, and that's against the law.
Although one of the jurors, #12, asked to see some of the clothing, Fidler ruled that they would not be able to provide the articles of clothing for their review because 1) the were never entered into evidence and 2) they are no longer in their original condition.
The Judge says that he is going to include in the jury instructions a modified "Moore" instruction (after the attorney's argued the specific points they wanted tossed) as well as read back the reasonable doubt instruction.
All in all, I think this is good news. It makes more sense now, why there was such a wide split among the jurors when the rest of the thinking world ~who's brains had not yet turned to melted cheese~ this was a clear case of second degree murder. It was the mucked up special jury instruction the defense got in. Even at the bitter end, the defense has tried to throw a wrench into the workings of this trial.
I know I read it somewheres, that after the jury declared they were at an impasse, Rachelle Short was crying. I wasn't at the courthouse today so I didn't see if she had tears in her eyes or not. But if this was true, Poor Baby. If there really is a hung jury, I'm sure Phil will force your foot stomping hiney to honor your contract and continue pretending to be a "loving" wife for the next couple of years. Ah, true love lives at the Spector castle.
And that comment about being the "next Beyonce." Honey, you will never be the next Beyonce. More like the next sorry assed Anna Nicole Smith. Beyonce at least has the looks (she didn't have to pay the surgeon or get her teeth replaced), the talent (you're going to be a big hit as a trombone player), and a devoted man in a decent age range~ one not on trial for murder I might add. All you got are new tata's an over sized rock and a grille.
I'm giving a shout out to a another blogger commenting on the Spector trial. There are not a lot of entries at Just My Opinion, but that doesn't matter. I like it when I see someone who thinks like I do.
Team Spector supporters quoting the Bible?
The following statement appeared on the Team Spector MySpace page as a comment by a Phil lover named Day Stick.
"Sep 16 2007 7:37P
Let him have all your worries and cares for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1st Peter 5:7
It will be alright, have faith. "
Here is the King James Version for The First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 5, verse 7:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Is it coincidence that a Team Spector lover chose this verse, and made sure to include the "5:7" in the posting?? You decide.
It is interesting in light of the fact that Mick Brown wrote in, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound, on page 96:
"Spector was proud of his Jewish ancestry, and would observe Jewish holidays, but he had no religious belief, and as he grew odler he would beome an avowed athiest."
"Sep 16 2007 7:37P
Let him have all your worries and cares for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1st Peter 5:7
It will be alright, have faith. "
Here is the King James Version for The First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 5, verse 7:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Is it coincidence that a Team Spector lover chose this verse, and made sure to include the "5:7" in the posting?? You decide.
It is interesting in light of the fact that Mick Brown wrote in, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound, on page 96:
"Spector was proud of his Jewish ancestry, and would observe Jewish holidays, but he had no religious belief, and as he grew odler he would beome an avowed athiest."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hung up on "Reasonable Doubt"
Updated!
I went down to the courthouse this afternoon, but I didn't get in. (I will expand on this entry later tonight, to flesh out my story.) Alan Parachini let in virtually any media that showed up, even when they showed up late, and even if it didn't appear that they were on the court's media list. That left a SINGLE SEAT for the public. One of his staff, Meredith, let in an single trial watcher who had been there in the morning on jury watch. The accredited press will always get preferential treatment over the public, and this was clearly the case this afternoon. In my opinion, that stinks.
After the proceedings, I talked to several reporters. One in the know reporter (who asked not to be quoted) said that there were seven jurors grouped together that they thought were possibly in a "guilty" group. That was their guess. I don't know when this reporter observed this, but they did. #2, #4, #7, #8, #9, #10 (Unfortunately, I can't remember the number the reporter told me of the 7th juror in the group.)
This reporter said that even though #9, did say (when questioned by the Judge) that a clarification of doubt verses reasonable doubt might help, the reporter felt the verbal pausing when responding as well as their body language indicated that it wasn't juror #9 who needed that information specifically, but likely other jurors did and this was their opinion as to what might help.
What follows is my opinion on several issues. Sadly, again, Californians have shown the world that when they enter a jury box to determine guilt or innocence, their brains turn into melted cheese. California is known for its' cheese, and now it's confirmed that our brains are made of it too. This washed up former music producer is so guilty, I could tell it from opening statement. Sadly, though, we have melted cheese in that jury box, and melted cheese is what it is, not much use for anything other than ham sandwiches.
I believe that members of the jury had a hard time understanding second degree murder and implied malice, in addition to being totally confused about the difference between reasonable doubt and "all doubt." Crap. Everybody has doubts. This jury though had melted cheese for brains and couldn't tell the difference.
To me, it is very suspicious what appeared on the Team Spector MySpace page late in the evening of September 17th. Very suspicious. Spector has several investigators who are in his deep pockets. What goes through my mind, is, did any of these investigators, during this trial, follow jurors home just like that white haired guy followed CCA all the way to his stop on the Metro Red Line, and question him? Here is the link for you to reread the entry on that event and then ask yourself, Is it possible?
Update: 9:10 pm.
Some Court TV posters appear to be upset with my "generalizations" of Californians, indicating that it's only celebrity trials that have this problem and citing other trials where a just verdict was reached. OF COURSE I'm talking about celebrity justice! Did I really need to clarify that? I attended about 90% of the Blake trial. Blake was guilty, but that jury found him not guilty. Afterwards, we found out their brains were made of melted cheese when they were interviewed on the John and Ken Show on KFI640. Mark my words. When the Spector jury is interviewed, we will discover the same thing.
But back to the anger and pain and shock that most are feeling. All I can really think of at this moment is Mrs. Clarkson and her daughter Fawn. An absolute hell they must be going through right now. It makes me so sad to think that 4.5 years later, they still don't have justice for their daughter. I urge everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. They need us now to be strong for them.
I went down to the courthouse this afternoon, but I didn't get in. (I will expand on this entry later tonight, to flesh out my story.) Alan Parachini let in virtually any media that showed up, even when they showed up late, and even if it didn't appear that they were on the court's media list. That left a SINGLE SEAT for the public. One of his staff, Meredith, let in an single trial watcher who had been there in the morning on jury watch. The accredited press will always get preferential treatment over the public, and this was clearly the case this afternoon. In my opinion, that stinks.
After the proceedings, I talked to several reporters. One in the know reporter (who asked not to be quoted) said that there were seven jurors grouped together that they thought were possibly in a "guilty" group. That was their guess. I don't know when this reporter observed this, but they did. #2, #4, #7, #8, #9, #10 (Unfortunately, I can't remember the number the reporter told me of the 7th juror in the group.)
This reporter said that even though #9, did say (when questioned by the Judge) that a clarification of doubt verses reasonable doubt might help, the reporter felt the verbal pausing when responding as well as their body language indicated that it wasn't juror #9 who needed that information specifically, but likely other jurors did and this was their opinion as to what might help.
What follows is my opinion on several issues. Sadly, again, Californians have shown the world that when they enter a jury box to determine guilt or innocence, their brains turn into melted cheese. California is known for its' cheese, and now it's confirmed that our brains are made of it too. This washed up former music producer is so guilty, I could tell it from opening statement. Sadly, though, we have melted cheese in that jury box, and melted cheese is what it is, not much use for anything other than ham sandwiches.
I believe that members of the jury had a hard time understanding second degree murder and implied malice, in addition to being totally confused about the difference between reasonable doubt and "all doubt." Crap. Everybody has doubts. This jury though had melted cheese for brains and couldn't tell the difference.
To me, it is very suspicious what appeared on the Team Spector MySpace page late in the evening of September 17th. Very suspicious. Spector has several investigators who are in his deep pockets. What goes through my mind, is, did any of these investigators, during this trial, follow jurors home just like that white haired guy followed CCA all the way to his stop on the Metro Red Line, and question him? Here is the link for you to reread the entry on that event and then ask yourself, Is it possible?
Update: 9:10 pm.
Some Court TV posters appear to be upset with my "generalizations" of Californians, indicating that it's only celebrity trials that have this problem and citing other trials where a just verdict was reached. OF COURSE I'm talking about celebrity justice! Did I really need to clarify that? I attended about 90% of the Blake trial. Blake was guilty, but that jury found him not guilty. Afterwards, we found out their brains were made of melted cheese when they were interviewed on the John and Ken Show on KFI640. Mark my words. When the Spector jury is interviewed, we will discover the same thing.
But back to the anger and pain and shock that most are feeling. All I can really think of at this moment is Mrs. Clarkson and her daughter Fawn. An absolute hell they must be going through right now. It makes me so sad to think that 4.5 years later, they still don't have justice for their daughter. I urge everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. They need us now to be strong for them.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Check it out! Two new "Places To Go"
I'd like to point out two web sites for you to consider dropping by. Orbiter Dictum is written by Suzi who has a great eye for visual expression and describes her blog as "served on the rocks with a twist of wit." I agree; great description Suzi.
Last but not least, here is a real treat of a blog that you ABSOLUTELY must read. Although relatively new, it's packed with lots of behind the scenes insider information. The blog is called mCONTROL BLOGS and once you read, you will NOT be disappointed!
And, I'm reposting this so nobody misses it. bchand's latest laughs starring the forensic experts.
Last but not least, here is a real treat of a blog that you ABSOLUTELY must read. Although relatively new, it's packed with lots of behind the scenes insider information. The blog is called mCONTROL BLOGS and once you read, you will NOT be disappointed!
And, I'm reposting this so nobody misses it. bchand's latest laughs starring the forensic experts.
O.J. Gets To "Stay" In Vegas
Updated2
OJ has been arrested. Here's the news story off of CNN just a half hour ago!
The charges he faces are unclear.
Update: 12:30 pm.
Don't miss bchand's latest laughs starring the forensic experts.
Update: 3:00 pm.
Is OJ whistling "If I Only Had A Brain" from The Wizard of Oz in this video?
At the last minuite I'm adding a bit of very dry wit from Court TV poster Dunlurken, commenting on O.J. Simpson's arrest today in Vegas:
Dunlurken: He has an alibi. He was out cutting someone's throat.
With this recent turn of events, there is hope that Simpson finally takes up permanent residence inside a jail cell. I'm just surprised it took this long.
OJ has been arrested. Here's the news story off of CNN just a half hour ago!
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Las Vegas police arrested O.J. Simpson on Sunday amid an investigation into an alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, a source close to the investigation said.
O.J. Simpson was arrested Sunday amid an investigation into an alleged robbery at a Las Vegas hotel.
The charges he faces are unclear.Simpson was arrested at his room in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, the source said.
On Saturday, Las Vegas police arrested Walter Alexander and seized two guns in connection with the alleged armed robbery, the source said.
"I don't know why they arrested him," Simpson said Sunday. "I've stayed in contact with the police and the truth will come out."
Simpson had already been questioned during the investigation into several items of sports memorabilia that were taken from collectors at a room in the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. Simpson has said the items belonged to him.
Alexander was arrested Saturday night and charged with two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of burglary with a deadly weapon, the source said.
The Arizona resident was arrested on his way to McCarran International Airport, the source said.
During searches Saturday, police recovered two guns they believe were used in the alleged robbery, the source said.
Simpson, 60, acknowledged that he entered the man's room with a group of friends, one of whom was posing as a potential buyer, after being tipped off that some of his personal items were for sale there.
Among the items were things he hadn't seen in years or that had been stolen, he said. They included photographs of his family and himself as a child, and photographs and negatives taken by his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. Simpson said friends helped him carry the items from the room, but no guns were involved and the incident was not a robbery.
On Saturday, Simpson said that he and one of the alleged victims, Alfred Beardsley, spoke by telephone and agreed the incident had been blown out of proportion.
Beardsley confirmed the conversation to celebrity Web site TMZ.com, saying Simpson apologized to him and told him he regretted the incident.
The other alleged victim, Bruce Fromong, a sports memorabilia collector, said that two of the men accompanying Simpson pointed guns at the other occupants of the room in what he described as "a home invasion-type robbery."
Fromong testified for Simpson's defense in the 1997 wrongful death trial stemming from a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Ron Goldman, who was killed in 1994 alongside Simpson's ex-wife.
Simpson was acquitted of the murders in 1995, but the jury in a 1997 civil trial found him liable and awarded the Goldmans $33.5 million for their son's wrongful death.
Fromong testified that prices for Simpson memorabilia had dropped substantially since the 1995 verdict. His testimony was part of the defense's contention that Simpson could not afford to pay the Goldmans.
Also on Friday, Thomas Riccio, a former business associate of Simpson, told KVVU television in Las Vegas that he told Simpson about the sale.
Riccio said someone told him last month that he wanted to auction some of Simpson's possessions by placing them on consignment. Riccio added that when he called Simpson to tell him about the planned sale, the former athlete told him the items had been stolen.
Riccio said that as he was being shown the items in the hotel room, Simpson entered the room and seized the items. He said there was no break-in and no gun was used.
Simpson's ex-wife and Goldman -- a waiter who had gone to her Los Angeles, California, home to return a pair of glasses -- were fatally stabbed outside her townhouse June 12, 1994. A jury found Simpson not guilty of the crimes.
Simpson recently wrote a book originally titled "If I Did It" and planned to publish it himself, but a public outcry led to the cancellation of his book deal.
A bankruptcy judge subsequently awarded the Goldmans the rights to the book in light of their inability to collect the wrongful death award. They retitled the book "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer," which is in bookstores.Update: 12:30 pm.
Don't miss bchand's latest laughs starring the forensic experts.
Update: 3:00 pm.
Is OJ whistling "If I Only Had A Brain" from The Wizard of Oz in this video?
At the last minuite I'm adding a bit of very dry wit from Court TV poster Dunlurken, commenting on O.J. Simpson's arrest today in Vegas:
Dunlurken: He has an alibi. He was out cutting someone's throat.
With this recent turn of events, there is hope that Simpson finally takes up permanent residence inside a jail cell. I'm just surprised it took this long.
Waiting for a Verdict: Day Five
Since I'm always looking for the latest news by the mainstream media on Rachelle Short, here is an article in the TimesOnline UK edition.
Even though I really need to get cracking on some sewing orders, I had thought that I would go visit 106 today, to drop off some printed materials for Mr. Dunne but I kept getting delayed at home. It was either one more kitty hair ball mess to clean up off the floor, or some other chore that couldn't wait until I got home. I did finally get out the door in the early afternoon and arrived on the 9th floor a little after 2:00pm.
I went directly up to the 9th floor and peeked in but I didn't see Dominick. So I trekked all the way down to the Court TV filming area to ask Beth Karas if she had seen him since I didn't see him in the courtroom. She indicated that if he wasn't in the courtroom, he might be on the 18th floor media room. Then it finally dawned on me that I could just call him, lol! When I got him on the phone, he said he was back in the courtroom so I headed back into the building, past the first floor security and past the 9th floor security once again.
The courtroom is virtually empty, with reporters and a few public people I recognized sitting here and there. It's so quiet even the slightest noise reverberates throughout the room. As I sit down beside Dominick I notice that he looks very tired, and he tells me that he's completely exhausted. It's just a little after 2:00pm, and he's already given about ten on air interviews so far. Not only that, he has agreed to do a few more before the day is over.
Peter Y. Hong of the LA Times is in the back row on his laptop, as well as John Spano, but Spano is getting ready to leave and takes off. There are a few whispers and one could hear a pin drop. I see an older gentleman who I originally met at the Robert Blake trial that I named at that time "Mr. Cane." He is in deep conversation with Mick Brown. Mick catches my eye, smiles, and I wave back. Mr. Cane has been at this trial quite a bit, sitting in the back row against the wall in the plastic chairs near the door. The Court TV camera operators are here and sitting next to them in Beth Karas's regular seat is Gary Spector. He looks exactly like he did in the interviews on TV. He has a great smile. Michael Christian is in the back row, working away on his laptop. There are a handful of reporters that I don't recognize. I do see Harriet Ryan and our regular bailiff in her Plexiglas box but thats about it.
I leave the courtroom to go to the 13th floor snack room and get a Vitamin Water. In the hallway I run into Sandi Gibbons who smiles and gives me a hello.
It's 3:10 pm now, and the ticking of the clock is the noisiest thing in the room. Dominick steps outside to make some calls and Alan Parachini has been in and out with one his his staff several times. I finally turn around and introduce myself as "Sprocket" to Gary. He tells me that he goes home today. He can't stay any longer it appears. He tells me that every time the jury comes out he gets nervous, and that maybe it's a good thing that he's going home. I wonder if he ever got to even see his father. How sad, if he didn't. He said that he brought flowers for Rachelle and Mrs. Clarkson when he arrived at the courthouse on Monday afternoon, but I tell him that they had already left the courthouse by the time he arrived. I ask him if he's been able to spend some time with Louis and his companion and he indicated that they've been together every day.
I can hear someone in the back row whispering. The interviews that Dominick has done have all been on the recent events in Las Vegas. It's totally ironic that O.J. Simpson is being investigated for robbery on the very same day that the book he wrote, If I Did It, is being released. Dominick says, the OJ debacle has overshadowed this trial. That's all anyone wants to talk about. We talk about his appearance on Star Jones's show on Court TV, and I tell him that I thought he did very well on that interview. I also tell him that all the Court TV posters thought he did a great job too, and the members were very pleased that he corrected Jones for calling him "Nick," and also stating very clearly that she was on "the opposite side" of the O.J. case than him. Apparently, the ratings for her show are not good. I'm sure that will be good news for the Court TV posters.
It's 3:17 pm, and the Laloya law professor Stan Goldman comes in to sit beside someone I don't know over on the far right of the courtroom. I had seen him in the hallway, earlier. Alan Parachini is in the back row talking to the camera operators and a reporter sitting in the far left corner. I start and stop and start and stop reading Mick Brown's book, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound. That's so I can take some notes as to what is going on around me.
A large, bald sheriff with a big white mustache exited a bit earlier and now comes back in. He sits in a chair right beside the regular bailiff. His chair is directly in front of the little door to the waiting cell area where Spector will be quickly whisked if he is convicted. That will be a very frightening time for Spector, who has difficulty being alone.
3:25 pm. Even I can hear a few words of the bailiff as she makes a phone call, all the way on the other side of the room.
3:27 pm. Another female sheriff enters and stops off to chat for a moment with the regular bailiff. Another officer enters and stops to chat with his fellow officers, too. Then the new female bailiff heads towards the back past Wendy's desk, and I'm under the impression she heads into Judge Filder's chambers (I find out later how wrong I am about that).
3:29 pm. The male deputy who just entered now leaves. I finally see Wendy. She's been in the courtroom all this time. Her short frame was hidden behind the wall surrounding her desk area. I could barely see her. The phone on the half wall shelf, strategically hid her face. Another young, pretty Indian looking woman reporter enters and sits in the front row with two other young looking female reporters. Many people are reading books, or talking softly. But even in this mostly empty room, the sound echoes loudly. Mr. Cane leaves and comes back in again.
3:35 pm. The bald sheriff with the mustache exits the room again, and returns about four minutes later. Rachelle is discussed a bit, and where it actually was that she was working when she met Spector.
3:45 pm. Harriet Ryan reenters the courtroom. Reporters start to file back in to watch the jurors exit the jury room. Dominick is still outside on a phone call. Another male deputy enters to chat with the two already in the room. Just like I remember during the trial, I can hear Wendy on her computer and the clacking of the keyboard. The court reporter emerges from the rooms behind Wendy's desk, and stands to talk with her and the sheriff who just entered the room.
3:48 pm. Peter Hong reenters the courtroom, also waiting for any glimmer of expression or manner in the jurors when they emerge from deliberations. It's pretty quiet, and we can hear laughter in the hallway outside the courtroom.
3:55 pm. Miriam Hernandez comes in to also wait for the jury to appear, and Mr. Cane also comes back in. Verdict watch is pretty boring and these cold hard benches don't make it any easier. It's no different than how bad they were during the trial.
3:58 pm. We hear a single buzzer from the jury room. A silver haired man and a blondish middle aged woman in a black dress enter the courtroom. Alan Parachini immediately gets up when they enter to go talk to the woman.
The jury starts to exit, but the clerk tells them to wait. Juror #5 is out the door, then back in and then across the room very quickly to the area behind Wendy's desk. I have to tell you that this is the first time that I am observing the jury exit the jury room during deliberations. At the time I'm observing this, I was unaware that the procedures for them leaving the building are different than when the trial was ongoing. During the trial, the jurors exited through the gallery into the hallway. So, from what I'm seeing, I think that Juror #5 has gone into the Judge's chambers. (That wasn't the case, but it was what I immediately thought.) Another group of jurors exits the jury room but not all of them, and they head on back to the area behind Wendy's desk. I write in my notebook, The Judge's chambers! But not all the jurors have exited the jury room. From when the door opened, I can still see Juror #9 inside. There are more jurors still inside the jury room.
4:02 pm. Now Wendy gets up from her desk and goes over to enter the jury room. Four more jurors finally exit. Juror's #7, #12, #6, #9. They all head back over to the area behind Wendy's desk. As I look over my shoulder towards the back of the courtroom, there are several more reporters, including Beth Karas and Ciaran McEvoy who had entered and observed the exit. As I see Beth, she mouth's the words to me, "What do you think?" Erroneously thinking that the jurors are all in the Judge's chambers, I mouth back, "Hung jury." Beth shakes her head no, and mouths the words, "Too early." Right afterwards, the bailiffs make everyone exit the courtroom.
Out in the hallway, I ask Beth why we were asked to exit, because I think the jurors are all in with the Judge. It's why I thought there was a hung jury. Beth gives me a smile and explains to me that the exiting of the jurors has changed to this hallway (that I didn't know about) that is behind where Wendy's desk is, but is before where the Judge's chambers are. It's how the Judge enters and exits the courtroom. Having been enlightened, I now realize that Beth is right. It is way to early for a hung jury. I say goodbye to Dominick and head back to the budget parking lot.
There has been quite a bit of discussion on the court TV message boards about juror #5 exiting the room rather quickly, and the expression on her face. It's also been coupled with Mick Brown's latest piece in the London Daily Telegraph. There is a lot of worry that juror #5 could be a long holdeout for a not guilty vote. Here is a brief excerpt from the Telegraph article:
There is a belief among the press that the defence - who of course have their own jury consultants even more highly trained, and paid, than the journalists - targeted number five as being most sympathetic to their case. It was she - or so it is speculated - that was in the back of their minds when they pressed for the introduction into evidence of Miss Clarkson's show reel, Lana Unleashed, one segment of which featured her in excruciating black face essaying a Little Richard impersonation.
Meanwhile, over on the Court TV message board, there were a few posts that just had me laughing, and these specific entries stood out.
flea_bailey:
new book coming out !
a collabaration by o j simpson and phil spector.
title:
i did it, he did it .........we both did it
MyrnaTurner:
Book by Dr. Michael Baden on OJ alleged (roflmao) incident:
"Now That's What I Call A Vegas Nerve!"
Thank you flea_bailey and MyrnaTurner for making me laugh.
Even though I really need to get cracking on some sewing orders, I had thought that I would go visit 106 today, to drop off some printed materials for Mr. Dunne but I kept getting delayed at home. It was either one more kitty hair ball mess to clean up off the floor, or some other chore that couldn't wait until I got home. I did finally get out the door in the early afternoon and arrived on the 9th floor a little after 2:00pm.
I went directly up to the 9th floor and peeked in but I didn't see Dominick. So I trekked all the way down to the Court TV filming area to ask Beth Karas if she had seen him since I didn't see him in the courtroom. She indicated that if he wasn't in the courtroom, he might be on the 18th floor media room. Then it finally dawned on me that I could just call him, lol! When I got him on the phone, he said he was back in the courtroom so I headed back into the building, past the first floor security and past the 9th floor security once again.
The courtroom is virtually empty, with reporters and a few public people I recognized sitting here and there. It's so quiet even the slightest noise reverberates throughout the room. As I sit down beside Dominick I notice that he looks very tired, and he tells me that he's completely exhausted. It's just a little after 2:00pm, and he's already given about ten on air interviews so far. Not only that, he has agreed to do a few more before the day is over.
Peter Y. Hong of the LA Times is in the back row on his laptop, as well as John Spano, but Spano is getting ready to leave and takes off. There are a few whispers and one could hear a pin drop. I see an older gentleman who I originally met at the Robert Blake trial that I named at that time "Mr. Cane." He is in deep conversation with Mick Brown. Mick catches my eye, smiles, and I wave back. Mr. Cane has been at this trial quite a bit, sitting in the back row against the wall in the plastic chairs near the door. The Court TV camera operators are here and sitting next to them in Beth Karas's regular seat is Gary Spector. He looks exactly like he did in the interviews on TV. He has a great smile. Michael Christian is in the back row, working away on his laptop. There are a handful of reporters that I don't recognize. I do see Harriet Ryan and our regular bailiff in her Plexiglas box but thats about it.
I leave the courtroom to go to the 13th floor snack room and get a Vitamin Water. In the hallway I run into Sandi Gibbons who smiles and gives me a hello.
It's 3:10 pm now, and the ticking of the clock is the noisiest thing in the room. Dominick steps outside to make some calls and Alan Parachini has been in and out with one his his staff several times. I finally turn around and introduce myself as "Sprocket" to Gary. He tells me that he goes home today. He can't stay any longer it appears. He tells me that every time the jury comes out he gets nervous, and that maybe it's a good thing that he's going home. I wonder if he ever got to even see his father. How sad, if he didn't. He said that he brought flowers for Rachelle and Mrs. Clarkson when he arrived at the courthouse on Monday afternoon, but I tell him that they had already left the courthouse by the time he arrived. I ask him if he's been able to spend some time with Louis and his companion and he indicated that they've been together every day.
I can hear someone in the back row whispering. The interviews that Dominick has done have all been on the recent events in Las Vegas. It's totally ironic that O.J. Simpson is being investigated for robbery on the very same day that the book he wrote, If I Did It, is being released. Dominick says, the OJ debacle has overshadowed this trial. That's all anyone wants to talk about. We talk about his appearance on Star Jones's show on Court TV, and I tell him that I thought he did very well on that interview. I also tell him that all the Court TV posters thought he did a great job too, and the members were very pleased that he corrected Jones for calling him "Nick," and also stating very clearly that she was on "the opposite side" of the O.J. case than him. Apparently, the ratings for her show are not good. I'm sure that will be good news for the Court TV posters.
It's 3:17 pm, and the Laloya law professor Stan Goldman comes in to sit beside someone I don't know over on the far right of the courtroom. I had seen him in the hallway, earlier. Alan Parachini is in the back row talking to the camera operators and a reporter sitting in the far left corner. I start and stop and start and stop reading Mick Brown's book, Tearing Down the Wall of Sound. That's so I can take some notes as to what is going on around me.
A large, bald sheriff with a big white mustache exited a bit earlier and now comes back in. He sits in a chair right beside the regular bailiff. His chair is directly in front of the little door to the waiting cell area where Spector will be quickly whisked if he is convicted. That will be a very frightening time for Spector, who has difficulty being alone.
3:25 pm. Even I can hear a few words of the bailiff as she makes a phone call, all the way on the other side of the room.
3:27 pm. Another female sheriff enters and stops off to chat for a moment with the regular bailiff. Another officer enters and stops to chat with his fellow officers, too. Then the new female bailiff heads towards the back past Wendy's desk, and I'm under the impression she heads into Judge Filder's chambers (I find out later how wrong I am about that).
3:29 pm. The male deputy who just entered now leaves. I finally see Wendy. She's been in the courtroom all this time. Her short frame was hidden behind the wall surrounding her desk area. I could barely see her. The phone on the half wall shelf, strategically hid her face. Another young, pretty Indian looking woman reporter enters and sits in the front row with two other young looking female reporters. Many people are reading books, or talking softly. But even in this mostly empty room, the sound echoes loudly. Mr. Cane leaves and comes back in again.
3:35 pm. The bald sheriff with the mustache exits the room again, and returns about four minutes later. Rachelle is discussed a bit, and where it actually was that she was working when she met Spector.
3:45 pm. Harriet Ryan reenters the courtroom. Reporters start to file back in to watch the jurors exit the jury room. Dominick is still outside on a phone call. Another male deputy enters to chat with the two already in the room. Just like I remember during the trial, I can hear Wendy on her computer and the clacking of the keyboard. The court reporter emerges from the rooms behind Wendy's desk, and stands to talk with her and the sheriff who just entered the room.
3:48 pm. Peter Hong reenters the courtroom, also waiting for any glimmer of expression or manner in the jurors when they emerge from deliberations. It's pretty quiet, and we can hear laughter in the hallway outside the courtroom.
3:55 pm. Miriam Hernandez comes in to also wait for the jury to appear, and Mr. Cane also comes back in. Verdict watch is pretty boring and these cold hard benches don't make it any easier. It's no different than how bad they were during the trial.
3:58 pm. We hear a single buzzer from the jury room. A silver haired man and a blondish middle aged woman in a black dress enter the courtroom. Alan Parachini immediately gets up when they enter to go talk to the woman.
The jury starts to exit, but the clerk tells them to wait. Juror #5 is out the door, then back in and then across the room very quickly to the area behind Wendy's desk. I have to tell you that this is the first time that I am observing the jury exit the jury room during deliberations. At the time I'm observing this, I was unaware that the procedures for them leaving the building are different than when the trial was ongoing. During the trial, the jurors exited through the gallery into the hallway. So, from what I'm seeing, I think that Juror #5 has gone into the Judge's chambers. (That wasn't the case, but it was what I immediately thought.) Another group of jurors exits the jury room but not all of them, and they head on back to the area behind Wendy's desk. I write in my notebook, The Judge's chambers! But not all the jurors have exited the jury room. From when the door opened, I can still see Juror #9 inside. There are more jurors still inside the jury room.
4:02 pm. Now Wendy gets up from her desk and goes over to enter the jury room. Four more jurors finally exit. Juror's #7, #12, #6, #9. They all head back over to the area behind Wendy's desk. As I look over my shoulder towards the back of the courtroom, there are several more reporters, including Beth Karas and Ciaran McEvoy who had entered and observed the exit. As I see Beth, she mouth's the words to me, "What do you think?" Erroneously thinking that the jurors are all in the Judge's chambers, I mouth back, "Hung jury." Beth shakes her head no, and mouths the words, "Too early." Right afterwards, the bailiffs make everyone exit the courtroom.
Out in the hallway, I ask Beth why we were asked to exit, because I think the jurors are all in with the Judge. It's why I thought there was a hung jury. Beth gives me a smile and explains to me that the exiting of the jurors has changed to this hallway (that I didn't know about) that is behind where Wendy's desk is, but is before where the Judge's chambers are. It's how the Judge enters and exits the courtroom. Having been enlightened, I now realize that Beth is right. It is way to early for a hung jury. I say goodbye to Dominick and head back to the budget parking lot.
There has been quite a bit of discussion on the court TV message boards about juror #5 exiting the room rather quickly, and the expression on her face. It's also been coupled with Mick Brown's latest piece in the London Daily Telegraph. There is a lot of worry that juror #5 could be a long holdeout for a not guilty vote. Here is a brief excerpt from the Telegraph article:
There is a belief among the press that the defence - who of course have their own jury consultants even more highly trained, and paid, than the journalists - targeted number five as being most sympathetic to their case. It was she - or so it is speculated - that was in the back of their minds when they pressed for the introduction into evidence of Miss Clarkson's show reel, Lana Unleashed, one segment of which featured her in excruciating black face essaying a Little Richard impersonation.
Watching it, juror five's demeanour froze in fury. Was it merely coincidence that shortly afterwards when the defence's key forensic expert Michael Barden took the stand, he spent an inordinate length of time pointing out that his credentials included investigating the murders of Martin Luther King and the civil rights worker Medgar Evers, and name dropping OJ Simpson's black attorney Johnnie Cocharane and Oprah Winfrey? Clearly, here was a man who had been primed.
Yesterday juror five was the first to leave the jury room, a minute or so before the others. Some in the audience thought she looked unhappy. Evidence of some dissent behind the wooden door? Or perhaps she was simply running late for a hairdressing appointment.
I did not notice a "clenched jaw" (as one trial watcher posted on the Court TV forums) or an unhappy expression on juror #5's face. That's because I was startled when she exited the jury room so quickly, and really didn't get a good look at her face when she bolted across the room. I will also say, that when Spector's defense team chose to play Lana Unleashed, I could not take my eyes off of Lana's sister, Fawn's face. She was sobbing throughout the entire playing of the video, and I started to cry, too watching her. So, I can not verify if what Mick Brown reported about juror #5's demeanor during the Little Richard impersonation is accurate or not. I will say that he is a professional, and if he's reporting it, most likely a reporter did observe her expression and interpreted it in that manner.Meanwhile, over on the Court TV message board, there were a few posts that just had me laughing, and these specific entries stood out.
flea_bailey:
new book coming out !
a collabaration by o j simpson and phil spector.
title:
i did it, he did it .........we both did it
MyrnaTurner:
Book by Dr. Michael Baden on OJ alleged (roflmao) incident:
"Now That's What I Call A Vegas Nerve!"
Thank you flea_bailey and MyrnaTurner for making me laugh.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Short Family Drama Continues
Update 2!
Now, Rachelle Short's little sister has emailed me requesting I take down my blog entries regarding what she and her husband posted on an Internet message board. Here is the title of the email I received just a little while ago:
Time to stop! No Spector/Eisner Feud!
People don't always make wise decisions. Sometimes they should think before they act otherwise it's like watching a train wreck in progress. Using the Internet to air your family problems is just like making the decision to go on Jerry Springer. It's out there for all the world to see, and for Google® to capture in it's catche forever.
Update: 1:36 pm.
It's just been confirmed to me that Rachelle was a waitress at Jerry's Deli when Phil met her. I bet that's where Phil really met her. While she was working, and not the story she told to Jami Floyd. Maybe Phil just has a thing for waitresses.
In other news, I finally looked at my totals from the time I installed a stat counter (June 1st). These would be accumulative totals, and not "daily" totals.
Total Page Loads, (as of this afternoon) 74,686; Unique Visitors, 53,040; Returning Visitors, 29,308. Thank you very much everyone for stopping by.
Update: 8:00 pm.
Some poor little whiney anonymous voice is continually trying to leave a comment on the blog, complaining that I've taken information off the Internet without permission and that I could be sued. I'm rolling on the floor laughing, trying to contain myself as I write this. Once you put something out there on a public message board, good luck in trying to find an attorney that is willing to listen to your complaint, or try to file a law suit on your behalf. Well, maybe you will find one that will take your $$$ to listen to you, but they can't do anything. Especially when the web site where the information originally was written has removed the content themselves. Consequently, they removed themselves from having any association with the material. Ah, the beauty of Google® catche. Google® catche is my friend.
Now, Rachelle Short's little sister has emailed me requesting I take down my blog entries regarding what she and her husband posted on an Internet message board. Here is the title of the email I received just a little while ago:
Time to stop! No Spector/Eisner Feud!
People don't always make wise decisions. Sometimes they should think before they act otherwise it's like watching a train wreck in progress. Using the Internet to air your family problems is just like making the decision to go on Jerry Springer. It's out there for all the world to see, and for Google® to capture in it's catche forever.
Update: 1:36 pm.
It's just been confirmed to me that Rachelle was a waitress at Jerry's Deli when Phil met her. I bet that's where Phil really met her. While she was working, and not the story she told to Jami Floyd. Maybe Phil just has a thing for waitresses.
In other news, I finally looked at my totals from the time I installed a stat counter (June 1st). These would be accumulative totals, and not "daily" totals.
Total Page Loads, (as of this afternoon) 74,686; Unique Visitors, 53,040; Returning Visitors, 29,308. Thank you very much everyone for stopping by.
Update: 8:00 pm.
Some poor little whiney anonymous voice is continually trying to leave a comment on the blog, complaining that I've taken information off the Internet without permission and that I could be sued. I'm rolling on the floor laughing, trying to contain myself as I write this. Once you put something out there on a public message board, good luck in trying to find an attorney that is willing to listen to your complaint, or try to file a law suit on your behalf. Well, maybe you will find one that will take your $$$ to listen to you, but they can't do anything. Especially when the web site where the information originally was written has removed the content themselves. Consequently, they removed themselves from having any association with the material. Ah, the beauty of Google® catche. Google® catche is my friend.
Friday, September 14, 2007
More Rachelle Short Family Drama? It just gets better!
Not long after I put up the last blog entry, ranger75 emailed me again. Here's part of what he said.
I am not confirming anything. All that I am saying is that I did what I did, I regret doing it, and I would just like the blog removed. I'm sure everyone who read it already got their fill of enjoyment from it, so it's time for it to go.
Thanks to my good friend Dave I was sent some statements that appear to have been written by Rachelle Short's sister, Shannon Eisner on the Internet. These statements are no longer available where they originally appeared, but those of you with savy searching skills can probably easily find them through google's catched version of pages. I've put them up as they originally appeared, complete with spelling and grammar errors. Thank you so much Dave. You Rock!
"Rachelle Spector"
seisner 6:48am
In the past four years I have never made a point to ever reveal that I was related to Rachelle or Phil Spector, I have never even visited a message site like this before, and to be frank, I actually looked down upon people who waisted thier days worrying about other ppls lives and posting comments about things they know nothing about. But to set it straight, Rachelle Short is a small town girl from PA, who excelled in band, wrestling, and everything else. She has worked hard in her life. She is honest and nothing of the sort of a gold digger, she works hard everyday of her life! If you ppl out there have any sense you would see that Phils hands were not on that stupid gun and didn;t.....(snip)
I purposfully edited out the last part of her post, because I will not post anything this idiot says that degrades or drags Lana Clarkson through the mud. But trust me. It was a pretty nasty, just like ranger75 indicated Rachelle Short's mouth was.
seisner 6:51am
Not for long!
seisner 6:52am
I felt inclined and outraged to stick up for my sister.
________
When ranger75 first emailed me, I did not include his real life name. I thought I was being generous, protecting that. However, in light of the sister's posts, I can at least verify now that the real life last name on the emails I received from ranger75, matches that of Rachelle Short's sister. Oh boy! To be a fly on the wall of that household lol!
Now, how do you think that Rachelle Short's little sister found out about ranger75's Internet ramblings? Could it be that Rachelle has been reading here? Hi Rachelle! We're all waiting to see what you wear to court on verdict day, and hear your outburst once the guilty verdict is read. I know you won't disappoint!
I am not confirming anything. All that I am saying is that I did what I did, I regret doing it, and I would just like the blog removed. I'm sure everyone who read it already got their fill of enjoyment from it, so it's time for it to go.
Thanks to my good friend Dave I was sent some statements that appear to have been written by Rachelle Short's sister, Shannon Eisner on the Internet. These statements are no longer available where they originally appeared, but those of you with savy searching skills can probably easily find them through google's catched version of pages. I've put them up as they originally appeared, complete with spelling and grammar errors. Thank you so much Dave. You Rock!
"Rachelle Spector"
seisner 6:48am
In the past four years I have never made a point to ever reveal that I was related to Rachelle or Phil Spector, I have never even visited a message site like this before, and to be frank, I actually looked down upon people who waisted thier days worrying about other ppls lives and posting comments about things they know nothing about. But to set it straight, Rachelle Short is a small town girl from PA, who excelled in band, wrestling, and everything else. She has worked hard in her life. She is honest and nothing of the sort of a gold digger, she works hard everyday of her life! If you ppl out there have any sense you would see that Phils hands were not on that stupid gun and didn;t.....(snip)
I purposfully edited out the last part of her post, because I will not post anything this idiot says that degrades or drags Lana Clarkson through the mud. But trust me. It was a pretty nasty, just like ranger75 indicated Rachelle Short's mouth was.
And in a reply to another individual asking if she was still married to her husband, seisner said:
"Clearing up a mess about my family(ranger75)"
seisner 06:39 AM
Flamming Mad Clearing up a mess about my family(ranger75)
Hello everyone, i would like to introduce my self as Shannon Eisner AKA Shannon Short, yes Short, I am Rachelle Shorts little sister. I have just been made aware of someone posting tons of messages on this board about my sister and Phil. I am outraged. And yes he is who he says he is. I believe is code name is ranger75 I really woulnd't be too interested in what he says about them, he has only met my sister twice, and has never carried a conversation on with her. He is lying, just like almost everyone else on here. He him self is a hu*****ual liar. He has been caught be me, stocking a porn star on the internet, and emailing her naked pictures of himself and he lies to people and tells them he is an army ranger, which he isn's. It is pretty sad he had to go and discrace my family, and backstab me and my mother by posting lies about my family. If I were you I would stay away from his messages. His words are nothing but fiction.
seisner 6:51am
Not for long!
seisner 6:52am
I felt inclined and outraged to stick up for my sister.
________
When ranger75 first emailed me, I did not include his real life name. I thought I was being generous, protecting that. However, in light of the sister's posts, I can at least verify now that the real life last name on the emails I received from ranger75, matches that of Rachelle Short's sister. Oh boy! To be a fly on the wall of that household lol!
Now, how do you think that Rachelle Short's little sister found out about ranger75's Internet ramblings? Could it be that Rachelle has been reading here? Hi Rachelle! We're all waiting to see what you wear to court on verdict day, and hear your outburst once the guilty verdict is read. I know you won't disappoint!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Did Rachelle Short's brother-in-law send me an email?
I just received an email from someone claiming to be the Court TV poster ranger75. Here is what they said:
Hi there,
I understand blogging is part of everyday life with concerns to certain situations. You do nice detective work I guess I can say. This is ranger75 from courtv discussion boards. I ask out of sincere respect for my family that you remove your blog about my recent comments fom your site. I no longer post about my opinions, verdict or the trial on the boards as I explained earlier today. I went out of bounds and made my opinions and self public. Not the best thing to do. I again ask that you please remove the blog so that whatever privacy that my family and I have, remains.
My response:
Are you verifying to me that you are Rachelle Short's brother-in-law? This information became public the minute it was posted on the Court TV message boards. I did not violate or reveal any confidences; I just gathered information that was out there. "ranger75" was the one who made the decision to share their thoughts on a public forum. Maybe not the best decision, but definitely their decision.
Hi there,
I understand blogging is part of everyday life with concerns to certain situations. You do nice detective work I guess I can say. This is ranger75 from courtv discussion boards. I ask out of sincere respect for my family that you remove your blog about my recent comments fom your site. I no longer post about my opinions, verdict or the trial on the boards as I explained earlier today. I went out of bounds and made my opinions and self public. Not the best thing to do. I again ask that you please remove the blog so that whatever privacy that my family and I have, remains.
My response:
Are you verifying to me that you are Rachelle Short's brother-in-law? This information became public the minute it was posted on the Court TV message boards. I did not violate or reveal any confidences; I just gathered information that was out there. "ranger75" was the one who made the decision to share their thoughts on a public forum. Maybe not the best decision, but definitely their decision.
DATELINE SHOW September 12th, 2007
Updated!
Here is a link to the transcript of the show. Dateline: Facing The Music
I hope to have some comments up, later.
Here is a link to an early VIDEO of Spector speaking out.
Update: September 21st, 11:00 am.
It appears the video has either moved or is no longer at the above link.
Here is a link to the transcript of the show. Dateline: Facing The Music
I hope to have some comments up, later.
Here is a link to an early VIDEO of Spector speaking out.
Update: September 21st, 11:00 am.
It appears the video has either moved or is no longer at the above link.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Rachelle's Brother-in-Law Posting on Court Tv Fourms?
On Tuesday morning September 11th, there was a new poster who came on the Court TV Phil Spector Fourm, ranger75, claiming to be a pilot and Rachelle Short's brother-in-law. They said they were married to Rachelle Short's sister. Does Rachelle have a sister who is married to a pilot? Well, The Rad Report, in this article on Rachelle back in May, 2007, has a comment left by someone named "Shannon," who claimed to be Rachelle's sister. Here's the comment that was left:
“F” You all! Thats my sister and you don’t know anything about her!
I found a Rachelle Short on classmates.com. This Rachelle Short graduated in 1998 from Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, PA. (The year would fit in perfectly for her reported age.) I still have to see if I can find a Shannon Short on classmates.com. Interestingly, ranger75 listed his location as Pittsburgh, PA.
I happened to collect all eighteen of ranger75's posts before they were deleted from the board. I mean, once I read them, how could I pass up an opportunity to put Rachelle's BIL's thoughts up on the blog! They're not all "completely" gone from the Court TV message boards, however. You can still find many of them (if you use some creative searching) where ranger75 was quoted by other posters when replying. Those posts are still available. Here are the 18 posts. The time stated is PT. However, on google and other searches, that time might show up as GMT or what time it was in your own time zone, if you are logged onto the forum. All posts were made on September 11th, 2007. I've copied the posts as they appear, complete with any spelling errors.
ranger75 6:13am
rachellemarie.com
By the way I'm almost happy to say she is MY sister -in -law! I've been reading the posts since the trial begain, but out of respect for my wife(her sister), I haven't posted. After yesterdays outburst I felt compelled. Utterly disgusting and embarrasing! But I've been saying that all along but the family doesn't like to here it from me.
GUILTY
ranger75 6:19am
Knowing Rachelle I can almost see an outburst. No question. JF told her after a verdict she can say what she wants. Believe me, she will!
As for Toto, I think he already knows what his fate is(and it's all orange and with big block letters on the back D.O.C)jmo
ranger75 6:32am
Quote: Originally posted by winteryns
Welcome aboard! We would love to hear from you.
Thank you. I would be delighted to answer anything I know. Now I just can't get caught doing this. My wife doesn't like the way I think, but I know deep down inside she knows the truth as well.
ranger75 6:38am
Quote: Originally posted by spydernweb2006
Ranger maybe you can clear up a bit of confusion for me. Chelle says her and PS met in a club, but I also heard she met him when she became Michelle Blane's asst. Which is it? Did she meet him in a club then become Blaine's asst?
JMHO
Hugs,
Spyder
The latter. She did meet him in a club or at a restaurant. She then worked for Phil in small capacities before being Michelle Blaine's asst. Obviously, they clashed big time and one thing led to another.
Hope that helps a little
ranger75
ranger75 6:50am
Originally posted by cocoloco
Wow Ranger...without getting too personal, I hope this doesn't get you in trouble with the misses, or mother-in-law for that matter.
Thanks for chiming in!
You're welcome!
I'm used to getting yelled at by Rachelle's mother. I told her never to ask me my opinion cause I didn't want to start that feud, but she does anyways and I answer honestly! I have nada to gain by PHil's guilt or innocence, but they can't understand logic.
ranger75 6:54am
Okay everyone, I will be off for about 2 hours. Have to fy over to Louisville, KY. Being a pilot is the wrong job for waiting for this verdict!
TTYL,
ranger
ranger75 7:04am
Originally posted by CarolynNVa
But honestly Ranger, if MY sister was married to a man who has a proven history of violence toward women, and is accused of murder, I would be so afraid for her. Every time the phone would ring, I would be terrified that it would be "THAT" call. Is this a concern of your wife's? Or is she so enamored with the fact that her brother in law is someone "famous" she can't see the forest for the trees? Are you not afraid that if given certain circumstances, your wife could be in a similar situation that Lana and the other women were in?
I'm not trying to be snarky, I am just wondering.
(ranger75 did not have a response to this post, but quoted it again almost 3 hours later and answered it.)
ranger75 9:40am
Originally posted by CarolynNVa
But honestly Ranger, if MY sister was married to a man who has a proven history of violence toward women, and is accused of murder, I would be so afraid for her. Every time the phone would ring, I would be terrified that it would be "THAT" call. Is this a concern of your wife's? Or is she so enamored with the fact that her brother in law is someone "famous" she can't see the forest for the trees? Are you not afraid that if given certain circumstances, your wife could be in a similar situation that Lana and the other women were in?
I'm not trying to be snarky, I am just wondering.
Yes, I have said that 1000 times to them. It doesn't matter. Chelle is a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, if he tried anything he would get torn up. Unfortunately, it often doesn't work that way. A crazed man with a gun standing 5 feet away makes martial arts useless. So yes, even though I feel like the majority that we have a bit of golddigging going on, I still am worried that it could be her one day if the unthinkable happens and Phil is aquitted. As for my wife, we have never been to the castle. I truthfully have no ambition on going there to begin with. I would be very tense, however, if my wife decided to go on her own. I wouldn't believe anything could happen, but who's to say with human timebomb.
ranger75 10:36am
Originally posted by houdinisback
i'm still going with today about 2:30PM, California time. they asked for the gun within 3 hours of starting yesterday.
that gave them time to air out what they had been thinking all through the last 5 months, then get down to business, picking the foreman and i think the large pad was requested so they could list their questions and ponts so everyone could see their individual thoughts. just like AJ's big red X's!!
moo
Totally agree!! Time's a runnin' out on Phil
ranger75 11:07am
Originally posted by GuiltyIndeed
Other than his father commiting suicide and ronnie spector dumping him, were there other abandonment issues in hARVEY'S PAST?
No, but he did have a young son die a while back
ranger75 11:12am
Originally posted by tat
Does anyone know when RS met PS? Ws it before or after LC's death? If after, how long?
It was after the death of LC. They met sometime in late 2003 early 2004.
ranger75 11:15am
Originally posted by True2Blues
Don't forget the three sons he abandoned and told they weren't part of the family anymore, after he had biological children.
Abandonment is just another excuse for PS's antisocial behavior. He's said himself that he doesn't try to hold onto friendships. He says or does something to offend everyone he knows or works with.
MOO
Yes I agree. I can attest to that
ranger75 11:22am
Originally posted by Rebel_Rhonda
Well from what we were all told in the beginning, she was the assistant to Harveys assistant, Michelle Blain. But as per her interview the other day she was rammed into him in a resturaunt by a friend of hers some 4 years ago.
She was an asst. to Blaine. That was after she met PS in a restaurant. Her and Blaine clashed heavily and when Phil's proposal to Michelle went as good as the Bay of Pigs, she split, got sued by PS for an estate he bought her, and my lovely sister-in-law stepped up to be the guinea pig.
ranger75 11:28am
Originally posted by kennedy06
So your SIL has these grown step children. I wonder if she would consider having them be a part of her life or Phils?
I do believe she gets along with Nicole. Other than that, I don't even think they(RS, PS) have a relationship
ranger75 11:30am
Originally posted by Xspectorant
Great info, ranger75! thx for your candor! was it after Lana's death that they met?
yes it was. sometime late 2003--early 2004
ranger75 11:33am
Originally posted by kennedy06
You mean in the marital sense of the word??
Without being disrespectful to members of my own family, I can only say that we have your typical golddiggery in action. Like I needed to tell anyone that. Chelle is all about herself, always will be, and has been even in mine and her sisters wedding, Chelle demanded she was to be the story of the night. Not her beautiful sister(my wife)!
ranger75 2:24pm
Originally posted by kennedy06
You know you would think someone close to PS would try to make an effort to help them out, maybe they are not that kind of people though. What do you think? JMO
With all the people he has hurt or "Abandoned" in his life, I can't see why someone would want to help him out.
ranger75 2:38pm
Originally posted by bballgrl
I'm sorry too (I don't mean any disrespect to your wife's family) but I imagine you got the "good" sister. I do not think that Chelle is very attractive but I think that she could be... does that make sense? I think it might be the personality. I can't help but think that you got the good end of the deal! LOL
You are right. She could be attractive. Her mouth makes her nasty. Not to mention all the "intelligence" swirling around in her mind. I like to think I did get the good sister myself. In fact, I know I did!
____________
So, make your own decision about the identity of this poster. If it is the BIL, he's got great instincts, because he agrees with me lol! I hope to see if I can find a "Shannon Short" on classmates.com tomorrow.
“F” You all! Thats my sister and you don’t know anything about her!
I found a Rachelle Short on classmates.com. This Rachelle Short graduated in 1998 from Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, PA. (The year would fit in perfectly for her reported age.) I still have to see if I can find a Shannon Short on classmates.com. Interestingly, ranger75 listed his location as Pittsburgh, PA.
I happened to collect all eighteen of ranger75's posts before they were deleted from the board. I mean, once I read them, how could I pass up an opportunity to put Rachelle's BIL's thoughts up on the blog! They're not all "completely" gone from the Court TV message boards, however. You can still find many of them (if you use some creative searching) where ranger75 was quoted by other posters when replying. Those posts are still available. Here are the 18 posts. The time stated is PT. However, on google and other searches, that time might show up as GMT or what time it was in your own time zone, if you are logged onto the forum. All posts were made on September 11th, 2007. I've copied the posts as they appear, complete with any spelling errors.
ranger75 6:13am
rachellemarie.com
By the way I'm almost happy to say she is MY sister -in -law! I've been reading the posts since the trial begain, but out of respect for my wife(her sister), I haven't posted. After yesterdays outburst I felt compelled. Utterly disgusting and embarrasing! But I've been saying that all along but the family doesn't like to here it from me.
GUILTY
ranger75 6:19am
Knowing Rachelle I can almost see an outburst. No question. JF told her after a verdict she can say what she wants. Believe me, she will!
As for Toto, I think he already knows what his fate is(and it's all orange and with big block letters on the back D.O.C)jmo
ranger75 6:32am
Quote: Originally posted by winteryns
Welcome aboard! We would love to hear from you.
Thank you. I would be delighted to answer anything I know. Now I just can't get caught doing this. My wife doesn't like the way I think, but I know deep down inside she knows the truth as well.
ranger75 6:38am
Quote: Originally posted by spydernweb2006
Ranger maybe you can clear up a bit of confusion for me. Chelle says her and PS met in a club, but I also heard she met him when she became Michelle Blane's asst. Which is it? Did she meet him in a club then become Blaine's asst?
JMHO
Hugs,
Spyder
The latter. She did meet him in a club or at a restaurant. She then worked for Phil in small capacities before being Michelle Blaine's asst. Obviously, they clashed big time and one thing led to another.
Hope that helps a little
ranger75
ranger75 6:50am
Originally posted by cocoloco
Wow Ranger...without getting too personal, I hope this doesn't get you in trouble with the misses, or mother-in-law for that matter.
Thanks for chiming in!
You're welcome!
I'm used to getting yelled at by Rachelle's mother. I told her never to ask me my opinion cause I didn't want to start that feud, but she does anyways and I answer honestly! I have nada to gain by PHil's guilt or innocence, but they can't understand logic.
ranger75 6:54am
Okay everyone, I will be off for about 2 hours. Have to fy over to Louisville, KY. Being a pilot is the wrong job for waiting for this verdict!
TTYL,
ranger
ranger75 7:04am
Originally posted by CarolynNVa
But honestly Ranger, if MY sister was married to a man who has a proven history of violence toward women, and is accused of murder, I would be so afraid for her. Every time the phone would ring, I would be terrified that it would be "THAT" call. Is this a concern of your wife's? Or is she so enamored with the fact that her brother in law is someone "famous" she can't see the forest for the trees? Are you not afraid that if given certain circumstances, your wife could be in a similar situation that Lana and the other women were in?
I'm not trying to be snarky, I am just wondering.
(ranger75 did not have a response to this post, but quoted it again almost 3 hours later and answered it.)
ranger75 9:40am
Originally posted by CarolynNVa
But honestly Ranger, if MY sister was married to a man who has a proven history of violence toward women, and is accused of murder, I would be so afraid for her. Every time the phone would ring, I would be terrified that it would be "THAT" call. Is this a concern of your wife's? Or is she so enamored with the fact that her brother in law is someone "famous" she can't see the forest for the trees? Are you not afraid that if given certain circumstances, your wife could be in a similar situation that Lana and the other women were in?
I'm not trying to be snarky, I am just wondering.
Yes, I have said that 1000 times to them. It doesn't matter. Chelle is a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, if he tried anything he would get torn up. Unfortunately, it often doesn't work that way. A crazed man with a gun standing 5 feet away makes martial arts useless. So yes, even though I feel like the majority that we have a bit of golddigging going on, I still am worried that it could be her one day if the unthinkable happens and Phil is aquitted. As for my wife, we have never been to the castle. I truthfully have no ambition on going there to begin with. I would be very tense, however, if my wife decided to go on her own. I wouldn't believe anything could happen, but who's to say with human timebomb.
ranger75 10:36am
Originally posted by houdinisback
i'm still going with today about 2:30PM, California time. they asked for the gun within 3 hours of starting yesterday.
that gave them time to air out what they had been thinking all through the last 5 months, then get down to business, picking the foreman and i think the large pad was requested so they could list their questions and ponts so everyone could see their individual thoughts. just like AJ's big red X's!!
moo
Totally agree!! Time's a runnin' out on Phil
ranger75 11:07am
Originally posted by GuiltyIndeed
Other than his father commiting suicide and ronnie spector dumping him, were there other abandonment issues in hARVEY'S PAST?
No, but he did have a young son die a while back
ranger75 11:12am
Originally posted by tat
Does anyone know when RS met PS? Ws it before or after LC's death? If after, how long?
It was after the death of LC. They met sometime in late 2003 early 2004.
ranger75 11:15am
Originally posted by True2Blues
Don't forget the three sons he abandoned and told they weren't part of the family anymore, after he had biological children.
Abandonment is just another excuse for PS's antisocial behavior. He's said himself that he doesn't try to hold onto friendships. He says or does something to offend everyone he knows or works with.
MOO
Yes I agree. I can attest to that
ranger75 11:22am
Originally posted by Rebel_Rhonda
Well from what we were all told in the beginning, she was the assistant to Harveys assistant, Michelle Blain. But as per her interview the other day she was rammed into him in a resturaunt by a friend of hers some 4 years ago.
She was an asst. to Blaine. That was after she met PS in a restaurant. Her and Blaine clashed heavily and when Phil's proposal to Michelle went as good as the Bay of Pigs, she split, got sued by PS for an estate he bought her, and my lovely sister-in-law stepped up to be the guinea pig.
ranger75 11:28am
Originally posted by kennedy06
So your SIL has these grown step children. I wonder if she would consider having them be a part of her life or Phils?
I do believe she gets along with Nicole. Other than that, I don't even think they(RS, PS) have a relationship
ranger75 11:30am
Originally posted by Xspectorant
Great info, ranger75! thx for your candor! was it after Lana's death that they met?
yes it was. sometime late 2003--early 2004
ranger75 11:33am
Originally posted by kennedy06
You mean in the marital sense of the word??
Without being disrespectful to members of my own family, I can only say that we have your typical golddiggery in action. Like I needed to tell anyone that. Chelle is all about herself, always will be, and has been even in mine and her sisters wedding, Chelle demanded she was to be the story of the night. Not her beautiful sister(my wife)!
ranger75 2:24pm
Originally posted by kennedy06
You know you would think someone close to PS would try to make an effort to help them out, maybe they are not that kind of people though. What do you think? JMO
With all the people he has hurt or "Abandoned" in his life, I can't see why someone would want to help him out.
ranger75 2:38pm
Originally posted by bballgrl
I'm sorry too (I don't mean any disrespect to your wife's family) but I imagine you got the "good" sister. I do not think that Chelle is very attractive but I think that she could be... does that make sense? I think it might be the personality. I can't help but think that you got the good end of the deal! LOL
You are right. She could be attractive. Her mouth makes her nasty. Not to mention all the "intelligence" swirling around in her mind. I like to think I did get the good sister myself. In fact, I know I did!
____________
So, make your own decision about the identity of this poster. If it is the BIL, he's got great instincts, because he agrees with me lol! I hope to see if I can find a "Shannon Short" on classmates.com tomorrow.
The Lighter Side: Part III
Thanks to Court TV poster bchand, we have some more funnies while we wait for a verdict.
The defense team continues to shrink. Linda Kenney Baden has flown the pigeon coop and Plourd has probably already disembarked from the ferry down at the San Diego pier.
There's been little word from the jury. All we know is that the forman was picked the first day of deliberations (#10: no surprise there) and they asked to see the murder weapon.
On the second day, juror #6, who Judge Fidler at one time said had a "large personality" brought in a large over sided tablet to use in the jury room.
Day three on jury watch had one juror outside the jury room before deliberations started, asking the clerk a question with a paper in his hand. She ushered him back inside. We are right at the close of the lunch break, and many are on pins and needles hoping for a verdict this very afternoon.
Meanwhile, enjoy the videos!
Phil and his girls
Island Getaway
Thank you bchand!
The defense team continues to shrink. Linda Kenney Baden has flown the pigeon coop and Plourd has probably already disembarked from the ferry down at the San Diego pier.
There's been little word from the jury. All we know is that the forman was picked the first day of deliberations (#10: no surprise there) and they asked to see the murder weapon.
On the second day, juror #6, who Judge Fidler at one time said had a "large personality" brought in a large over sided tablet to use in the jury room.
Day three on jury watch had one juror outside the jury room before deliberations started, asking the clerk a question with a paper in his hand. She ushered him back inside. We are right at the close of the lunch break, and many are on pins and needles hoping for a verdict this very afternoon.
Meanwhile, enjoy the videos!
Phil and his girls
Island Getaway
Thank you bchand!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rachelle Short opens her mouth and removes all doubt
Updated!
I drove to court today, because I wasn't sure how long I would be staying. As I round the corner of the 9th floor security, I see the hallway outside 106 is relatively empty. Dominick is there, as well as a few reporters that I don't recognize. W is also there, playing the role of the social butterfly. Dominick graciously signs an issue of Vanity Fair for a friend for me. Roger Rosen arrives, and the CTV camera operators go in. Michael Christian breezes by and heads on into 106. Mirian Hernandez is in the hallway, working on her laptop. I'm given a lottery ticket, but I don't need it really. There are so few reporters, I'm able to sit next to Steven in my old seat at the very end of the second row. Linda Kenney Baden is here, and so is the defense's exhibits clerk, Jennifer. One of the camera operators has a microphone, and he's taping it to Judge Fidler's clerk's desk. W, who is sitting on the aisle in the third row is so loud, I can hear everything they are saying from where I sit almost against the left wall in the second row. Sudi enters with the prosecution's cart carrying their many case files. Linda Deutsch comes in and sits in her regular seat. W, who is sitting behind her, starts to talk her ear off. There are some detectives (they look like detectives) who are talking to Judge Fidler's pretty bailiff and Alan Parachini.
Tawni Tyndall arrives. Jennifer and Tawni hug and kiss, while standing next to Roger Rosen in the well. Chris Plourd arrives and makes his way through the crowd that's milling around the aisle. He stops to exchange a few words with Linda Deutsch. Peter Hong arrives and he says hello to me and gives me a smile and a wave. Michael Christensen asks Alan Parachini about getting a copy of the jury instructions, and I believe Alan answers him with "There may be one more." And I'm getting that to mean that there is one more instruction that needs to be added.
Spector arrives with his daughter Nicole and Rachelle, who is dressed in all black. Linda Kenney Baden and Nicole greet each other and exchange a cheek kiss. Now the pool photographer arrives. After taking her seat, Rachelle is immediately on her blackberry, texting away. A elderly man who looks like Santa Claus with a very long yellow/white scraggly ponytail is over on the defense side, sitting with Rachelle. I later find out that this is Michael Baden's brother and LKB's brother-in-law. Steven arrives. The defense is filing a motion to reopen the closing arguments. If the Judge allows this, Steven says it will really screw up his day. He's way behind on other assignments, and he was hoping to get back to his office to write in the afternoon. The reporter's in the second row pass a DVD back to Peter Y. Hong in the back row. It's of an old TV show, I Dream of Jeanie. In one of the episodes, Phil plays a record producer, and I'm told it's actually quite funny. I chat a bit with the camera operators and afterwards, Matthew in the back row catches my eye and gives me a nod hello. I smile back.
The attorneys are all in chambers and we wait. There is a big discussion among the reporters next to me about jurors going online, but I'm not really trying to listen too hard because they're talking in really low tones. I tell Steven about the jurors in the Melanie McGuire case who were called into the Judge's chambers and asked about reading stuff online. He then tells the group that Mondo Video in Hollywood is going out of business, but they are having a closeout offer to customers! If you go in dressed as Phil Spector, Ronnie Spector or Lana Clarkson, you will get something free! We chuckle about that.
9:23 am, the attorneys emerge from Judge Fidler's chambers, and a few minutes later the jury comes in from the hallway and files past us into the jury room. 9:27 am, Lana Clarkson's family arrives, and they have several friends supporting them sitting in the second row. The sheriff's close the courtroom doors and at 9:30 am, the Judge takes the bench. John Taylor, one of the family's civil attorneys sees me and gives me a big smile, happy to see me. The defense's motion to reopen the closing is presented with their argument that this is the first time the prosecution presents a theory of the blood on the back of the jacket arm/sleeve. Plourd is the first to speak to their motion, then Rosen stands up and says the video is "inaccurate." For his argument, Rosen says in the animation the white jacketed figure is standing over Lana Clarkson and that there was testimony that the bullet trajectory was upwards. Pat Dixon stands up and argues for the people, stating that the video shows Lana's head tilted back and that fits with the evidence presented. Although Plourd stands up Rosen also stands up and he begins speaking before Plourd who eventually sits down. Plourd then gets up again to argue their position. After all this posturing by the defense, the Judge denies the defense's motion to "reopen arguments for five minutes." CA's are over, and Steven can breathe easier.
Jackson wants an instruction regarding LKB's statements about the "five" 1101B witnesses, but the Judge says he needs to read what LKB said. Problem is, they don't have a printout of Friday's transcripts yet, so the court has to go off the record while Mary Lou finds the text the Judge wants on her computer screen. It takes a bit, but it looks like she found it, and the Judge is reading it on one of his computer screens. There's still very little press in the room. Most of the third row is empty as well as the row of plastic chairs behind the wood benches on the defense side. The only person in that row is one of Spector's bodyguards. It's very quiet and I can hear Pat Dixon whispering to AJ. I can't hear what he's saying, but I can hear the highs and lows of his voice. Nicole, sitting in the front row, turns around to speak to pony tailed Santa. As I write this, it finally dawns on me who is the barrel chested salt and peppered haired guy who wore glasses. That must be Vikram Jayanti. And a Google search pulls up a photo. Yep. That's him. Another Phil lover.
The reporters tell me that word just came down from Linda Deutsch that Phil denies talking to the press. This is hysterical because the guy he denies talking to, has been in court quite often getting hugs and kisses from Phil.
And then the Judge gets to the issue that everyone has been waiting for. We want to see if the Judge is going to admonish Spector for the interview he gave to the press over the weekend as well as Rachelle ignoring the Judge's order on Friday to stop talking to the press. It appears that she was emailing reporters to look at her web site to see a statement she put up. The Judge starts by admonishing Rachelle. But what happens next totally blows me away. Rachelle removes all doubt that this is one dumb assed bitch. She starts to argue with the Judge. My mouth is almost agape I can't believe what I'm hearing. Holy mother of God this woman opened her mouth and removed all doubt that she is just a stoopid ho who has latched onto a decrepit daddy warbucks meal ticket. And every time the Judge speaks to her, she gets more petulant, and his voice gets louder and she doesn't stop talking back! Chris Plourd had gotten up from his seat, and he's trying to get her attention with hand signals like he's trying to flag down a bus but it's no use. She's completely ignoring him. She's like the energizer bunny, she just keeps going and going and going. And just as it sounds like the Judge is one whiny Rachelle statement away of either throwing her trailer park ass in jail or kicking her out of the courtroom all together, she finally shuts the f-up. Inside, I'm laughing my ass off. It really would have been poetic if he had done something, anything, even just kicking her from the courtroom.
You see, back when I was falsely accused of talking so loud the jury could hear me, several of my detractors on the Court TV message board insisted I must have been guilty of the charge because I didn't address the Judge and tell him he was wrong. That if it wasn't me who was talking, then I should have told him so. I mean, because that's what THEY would have done. ROTFLMAO! Yeah. I'm going to address the Judge and tell him he's wrong. Did these people have the exact same rocks in their heads that Rachelle has? Because when you are in a Judge's courtroom, when he addresses you and admonishes you, you agree with him and you shut the fuck up. Because the consequence of arguing with a Judge is, you can be thrown in jail. End of story. It's disrespectful to challenge the Judge, and it's outright stoopid. No wonder Spector married 26 year old wanna-be actress/singer "I find myself intelligent," Rachelle Short. She's so stoopid she probably really does believe that Spector is innocent of shooting Lana Clarkson and that the moon is made of swiss cheese.
I turn to Steven after that and say, "I can't believe it." Unfortunately, I didn't get Steven's permission to tell you his witty reply. You'll just have to wait until Friday, to read his latest piece at The LA Weekly. For a blow by blow description of Rachelle's ah ha moment, Kim of The Darwin Exception has an excellent recap of the days events.
I have several more notes on the proceedings, but they pale in comparison to what just transpired. Right before the Judge is going to read the instructions to the jury, he tells the room that no one will be allowed to enter or leave the courtroom while those instructions are being read. He doesn't want anything distracting the jury. So, there are a few reporters who think this is a good time to go hit the restrooms, because who knows how long these instructions might take. When Dominick comes back from the restroom, he tells us he ran into Phil a second time at the urinals but this time, they didn't speak. Steven asks Dominick if Phil is really right handed, and we all chuckle over that.
As the Judge reads the instructions, the jury appears very attentive. They rarely take their eyes off the Judge the entire time. The Judge tells them that the would get a copy of these instructions, so it really wasn't necessary to take notes, although they could if they wanted. Reading of the instructions takes about 30 minutes exactly. Afterwards, the clerk swears in the bailiff to take charge of the jurors, and their off to deliberate. The five alternates are whisked off to separate room. At the very end of the day, Rachelle must have had a miraculous transfusion of brain cells because before the Judge leaves the bench, Plourd gets on the record that Mrs. Spector has written on a piece of yellow lined legal tablet paper an apology to the Judge. I think it's more likely that someone finally made her realize that she better do something ~and wrote some words out for her to sign~ because the next time she opens her mouth she could be sitting in a jail cell, wearing a matching orange jumpsuit just like her husband.
There are several housekeeping issues the attorneys deal with, and the reporters file out a few at a time. During the morning Mrs. Clarkson and Fawn both get a chance to talk to me and tell me how happy they are to see me in court, and everyone thanked me for the gifts I made, again. Once all the exhibit issues are cleared up, Spector's entourage exits the courtroom and a short time later so does the Clarkson family and their friends.
I mill about the courthouse for a bit, trying to decide if I want to stay the rest of the day or not. I'm pretty sure that a verdict isn't going to happen today, so I decide to head home, so I can make a stab at that huge pile of waiting laundry. I don't get much done though, because I can't tear myself away from reading what the Court TV posters said about Rachelle's behavior. There are also some hysterical posts on another thread, starting around Page 13, and continuing for several pages. One of the posts that stood out for me (and there are quite a few that are very funny) was this one by Court TV poster lovelaw: (Thank you for making me laugh lovelaw!)
WOW! WOW! WOW!
Hmmmmmmmm...I wonder if she stands up to PHIL that way??
OOOHHH.....wait....she's alive, so obviously not!
In closing, take a look at the latest humor by Court TV poster Sedonia Sunset. It's called Rachelle's Statue of Limitations. Enjoy!
P.S. On September 10th, I had my some of my highest numbers to date! Third highest for page loads at 2,445, and second highest for unique visitors at 1,789. Thank you all so much for visiting.
Update: September 11th, 7:50 am
This is interesting. A poster on the Court TV Spector Forum identifies himself as being related to Rachelle Short. Here is what they said.
ranger75
rachellemarie.com
By the way I'm almost happy to say she is MY sister -in -law! I've been reading the posts since the trial began, but out of respect for my wife(her sister), I haven't posted. After yesterdays outburst I felt compelled. Utterlty disgusting and embarrasing! But I've been saying that all along but the family doesn't like to here it from me.
GUILTY
I have no idea if this really is Rachelle's relative or not, but it's interesting to say the least.
Video link to the Judge admonishing Rachelle.
I drove to court today, because I wasn't sure how long I would be staying. As I round the corner of the 9th floor security, I see the hallway outside 106 is relatively empty. Dominick is there, as well as a few reporters that I don't recognize. W is also there, playing the role of the social butterfly. Dominick graciously signs an issue of Vanity Fair for a friend for me. Roger Rosen arrives, and the CTV camera operators go in. Michael Christian breezes by and heads on into 106. Mirian Hernandez is in the hallway, working on her laptop. I'm given a lottery ticket, but I don't need it really. There are so few reporters, I'm able to sit next to Steven in my old seat at the very end of the second row. Linda Kenney Baden is here, and so is the defense's exhibits clerk, Jennifer. One of the camera operators has a microphone, and he's taping it to Judge Fidler's clerk's desk. W, who is sitting on the aisle in the third row is so loud, I can hear everything they are saying from where I sit almost against the left wall in the second row. Sudi enters with the prosecution's cart carrying their many case files. Linda Deutsch comes in and sits in her regular seat. W, who is sitting behind her, starts to talk her ear off. There are some detectives (they look like detectives) who are talking to Judge Fidler's pretty bailiff and Alan Parachini.
Tawni Tyndall arrives. Jennifer and Tawni hug and kiss, while standing next to Roger Rosen in the well. Chris Plourd arrives and makes his way through the crowd that's milling around the aisle. He stops to exchange a few words with Linda Deutsch. Peter Hong arrives and he says hello to me and gives me a smile and a wave. Michael Christensen asks Alan Parachini about getting a copy of the jury instructions, and I believe Alan answers him with "There may be one more." And I'm getting that to mean that there is one more instruction that needs to be added.
Spector arrives with his daughter Nicole and Rachelle, who is dressed in all black. Linda Kenney Baden and Nicole greet each other and exchange a cheek kiss. Now the pool photographer arrives. After taking her seat, Rachelle is immediately on her blackberry, texting away. A elderly man who looks like Santa Claus with a very long yellow/white scraggly ponytail is over on the defense side, sitting with Rachelle. I later find out that this is Michael Baden's brother and LKB's brother-in-law. Steven arrives. The defense is filing a motion to reopen the closing arguments. If the Judge allows this, Steven says it will really screw up his day. He's way behind on other assignments, and he was hoping to get back to his office to write in the afternoon. The reporter's in the second row pass a DVD back to Peter Y. Hong in the back row. It's of an old TV show, I Dream of Jeanie. In one of the episodes, Phil plays a record producer, and I'm told it's actually quite funny. I chat a bit with the camera operators and afterwards, Matthew in the back row catches my eye and gives me a nod hello. I smile back.
The attorneys are all in chambers and we wait. There is a big discussion among the reporters next to me about jurors going online, but I'm not really trying to listen too hard because they're talking in really low tones. I tell Steven about the jurors in the Melanie McGuire case who were called into the Judge's chambers and asked about reading stuff online. He then tells the group that Mondo Video in Hollywood is going out of business, but they are having a closeout offer to customers! If you go in dressed as Phil Spector, Ronnie Spector or Lana Clarkson, you will get something free! We chuckle about that.
9:23 am, the attorneys emerge from Judge Fidler's chambers, and a few minutes later the jury comes in from the hallway and files past us into the jury room. 9:27 am, Lana Clarkson's family arrives, and they have several friends supporting them sitting in the second row. The sheriff's close the courtroom doors and at 9:30 am, the Judge takes the bench. John Taylor, one of the family's civil attorneys sees me and gives me a big smile, happy to see me. The defense's motion to reopen the closing is presented with their argument that this is the first time the prosecution presents a theory of the blood on the back of the jacket arm/sleeve. Plourd is the first to speak to their motion, then Rosen stands up and says the video is "inaccurate." For his argument, Rosen says in the animation the white jacketed figure is standing over Lana Clarkson and that there was testimony that the bullet trajectory was upwards. Pat Dixon stands up and argues for the people, stating that the video shows Lana's head tilted back and that fits with the evidence presented. Although Plourd stands up Rosen also stands up and he begins speaking before Plourd who eventually sits down. Plourd then gets up again to argue their position. After all this posturing by the defense, the Judge denies the defense's motion to "reopen arguments for five minutes." CA's are over, and Steven can breathe easier.
Jackson wants an instruction regarding LKB's statements about the "five" 1101B witnesses, but the Judge says he needs to read what LKB said. Problem is, they don't have a printout of Friday's transcripts yet, so the court has to go off the record while Mary Lou finds the text the Judge wants on her computer screen. It takes a bit, but it looks like she found it, and the Judge is reading it on one of his computer screens. There's still very little press in the room. Most of the third row is empty as well as the row of plastic chairs behind the wood benches on the defense side. The only person in that row is one of Spector's bodyguards. It's very quiet and I can hear Pat Dixon whispering to AJ. I can't hear what he's saying, but I can hear the highs and lows of his voice. Nicole, sitting in the front row, turns around to speak to pony tailed Santa. As I write this, it finally dawns on me who is the barrel chested salt and peppered haired guy who wore glasses. That must be Vikram Jayanti. And a Google search pulls up a photo. Yep. That's him. Another Phil lover.
The reporters tell me that word just came down from Linda Deutsch that Phil denies talking to the press. This is hysterical because the guy he denies talking to, has been in court quite often getting hugs and kisses from Phil.
And then the Judge gets to the issue that everyone has been waiting for. We want to see if the Judge is going to admonish Spector for the interview he gave to the press over the weekend as well as Rachelle ignoring the Judge's order on Friday to stop talking to the press. It appears that she was emailing reporters to look at her web site to see a statement she put up. The Judge starts by admonishing Rachelle. But what happens next totally blows me away. Rachelle removes all doubt that this is one dumb assed bitch. She starts to argue with the Judge. My mouth is almost agape I can't believe what I'm hearing. Holy mother of God this woman opened her mouth and removed all doubt that she is just a stoopid ho who has latched onto a decrepit daddy warbucks meal ticket. And every time the Judge speaks to her, she gets more petulant, and his voice gets louder and she doesn't stop talking back! Chris Plourd had gotten up from his seat, and he's trying to get her attention with hand signals like he's trying to flag down a bus but it's no use. She's completely ignoring him. She's like the energizer bunny, she just keeps going and going and going. And just as it sounds like the Judge is one whiny Rachelle statement away of either throwing her trailer park ass in jail or kicking her out of the courtroom all together, she finally shuts the f-up. Inside, I'm laughing my ass off. It really would have been poetic if he had done something, anything, even just kicking her from the courtroom.
You see, back when I was falsely accused of talking so loud the jury could hear me, several of my detractors on the Court TV message board insisted I must have been guilty of the charge because I didn't address the Judge and tell him he was wrong. That if it wasn't me who was talking, then I should have told him so. I mean, because that's what THEY would have done. ROTFLMAO! Yeah. I'm going to address the Judge and tell him he's wrong. Did these people have the exact same rocks in their heads that Rachelle has? Because when you are in a Judge's courtroom, when he addresses you and admonishes you, you agree with him and you shut the fuck up. Because the consequence of arguing with a Judge is, you can be thrown in jail. End of story. It's disrespectful to challenge the Judge, and it's outright stoopid. No wonder Spector married 26 year old wanna-be actress/singer "I find myself intelligent," Rachelle Short. She's so stoopid she probably really does believe that Spector is innocent of shooting Lana Clarkson and that the moon is made of swiss cheese.
I turn to Steven after that and say, "I can't believe it." Unfortunately, I didn't get Steven's permission to tell you his witty reply. You'll just have to wait until Friday, to read his latest piece at The LA Weekly. For a blow by blow description of Rachelle's ah ha moment, Kim of The Darwin Exception has an excellent recap of the days events.
I have several more notes on the proceedings, but they pale in comparison to what just transpired. Right before the Judge is going to read the instructions to the jury, he tells the room that no one will be allowed to enter or leave the courtroom while those instructions are being read. He doesn't want anything distracting the jury. So, there are a few reporters who think this is a good time to go hit the restrooms, because who knows how long these instructions might take. When Dominick comes back from the restroom, he tells us he ran into Phil a second time at the urinals but this time, they didn't speak. Steven asks Dominick if Phil is really right handed, and we all chuckle over that.
As the Judge reads the instructions, the jury appears very attentive. They rarely take their eyes off the Judge the entire time. The Judge tells them that the would get a copy of these instructions, so it really wasn't necessary to take notes, although they could if they wanted. Reading of the instructions takes about 30 minutes exactly. Afterwards, the clerk swears in the bailiff to take charge of the jurors, and their off to deliberate. The five alternates are whisked off to separate room. At the very end of the day, Rachelle must have had a miraculous transfusion of brain cells because before the Judge leaves the bench, Plourd gets on the record that Mrs. Spector has written on a piece of yellow lined legal tablet paper an apology to the Judge. I think it's more likely that someone finally made her realize that she better do something ~and wrote some words out for her to sign~ because the next time she opens her mouth she could be sitting in a jail cell, wearing a matching orange jumpsuit just like her husband.
There are several housekeeping issues the attorneys deal with, and the reporters file out a few at a time. During the morning Mrs. Clarkson and Fawn both get a chance to talk to me and tell me how happy they are to see me in court, and everyone thanked me for the gifts I made, again. Once all the exhibit issues are cleared up, Spector's entourage exits the courtroom and a short time later so does the Clarkson family and their friends.
I mill about the courthouse for a bit, trying to decide if I want to stay the rest of the day or not. I'm pretty sure that a verdict isn't going to happen today, so I decide to head home, so I can make a stab at that huge pile of waiting laundry. I don't get much done though, because I can't tear myself away from reading what the Court TV posters said about Rachelle's behavior. There are also some hysterical posts on another thread, starting around Page 13, and continuing for several pages. One of the posts that stood out for me (and there are quite a few that are very funny) was this one by Court TV poster lovelaw: (Thank you for making me laugh lovelaw!)
WOW! WOW! WOW!
Hmmmmmmmm...I wonder if she stands up to PHIL that way??
OOOHHH.....wait....she's alive, so obviously not!
In closing, take a look at the latest humor by Court TV poster Sedonia Sunset. It's called Rachelle's Statue of Limitations. Enjoy!
P.S. On September 10th, I had my some of my highest numbers to date! Third highest for page loads at 2,445, and second highest for unique visitors at 1,789. Thank you all so much for visiting.
Update: September 11th, 7:50 am
This is interesting. A poster on the Court TV Spector Forum identifies himself as being related to Rachelle Short. Here is what they said.
ranger75
rachellemarie.com
By the way I'm almost happy to say she is MY sister -in -law! I've been reading the posts since the trial began, but out of respect for my wife(her sister), I haven't posted. After yesterdays outburst I felt compelled. Utterlty disgusting and embarrasing! But I've been saying that all along but the family doesn't like to here it from me.
GUILTY
I have no idea if this really is Rachelle's relative or not, but it's interesting to say the least.
Video link to the Judge admonishing Rachelle.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
The Caption Contest
The Caption Contest
For those of you who may have forgotten, last week I thought it would be fun for everybody to write a caption to THIS PHOTO of Linda Kenney Baden whispering to Spector. Y'all were great and played along. Dini and I had a blast reading all your submissions to the Caption Contest. There were times when, Dini was laughing so hard I though I was going to have to have an ambulance sent to her house. I tried to grab as many of the entries as I could. I sincerely apologize if I missed any, or if I've misspelled anyone's hat name.
Honorable Mentions
MyraTurner: "What color would you call her sweater?"
SusiePMcD: "I'll pack your 'Merkin' and I'll meet you on the castle steps at midnight...and I'll bring my pink fuzzy handcuffs!"
Dozer: "I think I lost my nipple ring--may I borrow one of yours?"
tartangirl: "Um, Phil, I was wondering if I could borrow that Batman costume you have, Big Mike and I are going to try something different tonight."
jojoTN: "Sshh, Philly, lovebug, NOT the iheartphilmobile - the white bronco!"
Xspectorant: "She goes by the name, Sprocket. And Phil, she's smarter than you!"
balamo: "Da Doo RUN RUN"
Dig: "All right, Phil, everything is arranged. Brad and Chris are posting on the board, Chelle is workin on press releases, and Roger is waiting in the bathroom."
Dozer: "Umm..er...unn... Phil... I'e got that "not so fresh feeling' and I was wondering if I could borrow one of your moist feminine towelettes if "K" didn't already get your last one...."
katfish: "Tell 'Chelle' I have dibs on the Court TV message board for the holiday weekend, she can have Harriet Ryan's blog." (Phil Thinking:) "What in the hell is a Sprocket?"
mommybear: "The next time Rachelle slaps that nasty rug on your head, tell her to use less glue...BECAUSE I'M STUCK!!!"
llylabrat: "Can I get some of those Christian Laboutin shoes like Chelle has?"
Honorable Mention Tie
Scottie: "I'll bring the wine and you bring the gun, my tiny little one".
hockeymomof5: "Hey Phillip, you, me together at the cottge when this is all over. Bring your gun!"
Submissions
calalily: "Be My Be My Baby, My One and Only Baby"
cocoloco: "Momma's got the limo running...meet me around back..."
True2Blues: "Sit down and shake your hands like a good boy, and later we'll have some Rum cake."
True2Blues: "I want that check by the end of the day or I'm outta here!"
True2Blues: "Call me that again, and this very sharp pencil is going where the sun don't shine."
Angeltab: "Phil honey let's blow this POP STAND and we can be together forever and ever. Or until you get gunned down like an animal."
Mr. Sprocket: "We'll have conjuical visits in prison."
kathlb: "Save the Last Dance for Me."
MsTery: "Check, please!!"
Intrepid: "Ok, Phil, I'm off to the spa. Just get up tomorrow and say something like, 'we think she may have......' well, you think of the disease. I'll be back in a few weeks, after Mikey."
flea_bailey: "Hey baby, wanna swap some DNA?"
angler: "Philly baby. I'll distract them and you run for the border."
SusiePMcD:
1."Come to Momma"
2. "Okay HARVEY...I'll ask the Judge if it is okay for you to wear your "batman suit" at sentencing."
3. "Yes dear....the pre-nup...will not leave the little bitch and her mother a red cent OR a shiney nickel."
4. "Meet me at Backstage at midnight...the Kessel bros...say the "PIE" wants more money."
5. "Yes...Phill...I think the jury will aquit...we won...case closed."
6. "PHIL Baby...Are you sure you want to be an ORGAN DONOR?"
7. "Yes Harvey...I still think you are a GENUIS!"
8. "Not sure PHILLY...that might cost a little EXTRA!"
9. "Yes dear...I'll make sure the whole "WITNESS LIST"....never works in this town again!"
10. "Sorry Philly....we all tried....but the jurors are all too honest...not one of them would take a bribe!"
11: "I hope my hickeys go away before Michael sees them!"
angeltab: "Baden my husband really messed up his testimony. How about you and me Phil baby. They say our Love won't pay the rent. All your money's already spent. I got you nailed. I've got you (out) on bail."
Intrepid: "Phil, I swear to God, if you settle my bill with a truck load of nickels like you did your ex-wife, I'm calling Bruce for a few phone numbers, if you know what I mean."
True2Blues: "Captain Kangaroo is on his way back to New York City. Tonight's a go!"
Jayne: "Kill the Wabbit, KILL THE WABBIT!"
ScienceFiend: "I loved Bugs Bunny as Brunhilde!!"
MyrnaTyrner: "Maybe Rosen can come in his catsuit."
spydernweb2006: "Think of dog day afternoon Phil... Kiss me, kiss me, I like being kissed when I get screwed..... Cause Phil, your screwed!"
jojoTN: "Uuh, Phil, my sweetie, my bubbala, SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
iType4MDs: "Suspicons Confirmed."
wishiwrrch: "Now, now Phil, please don't cry. Just bend over slowly and kiss your a$$ goodbye!!!"
Stroopman: "Innocent or guilty, no lap dance, is all I'm sayin.' So shoot me."
Hecate: "Chelle did my hair---like it?"
CCMSW: "You did send the check, didn't you?"
barneysam2: "IS THERE SOME REASON YOU STOPPED PAYMENT ON OUR CHECKS??"
katfish: "I thought I told you and Rachelle to keep your arsses off the internet..."
CCMSW: "What is the color of blood?"
gentleeyes: "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye."
Xspectorant: "If your little wife sends out another press release, I'll f***ing kill her."
FloA: "I suffer with "BS" dear, not "MS".
gentleeyes: "Take a bite out of crime."
Vor100: "Just remember little buddy....be careful when you bend over to pick up the soap!"
jillie7: "Michael's with Greta again tonight, are you free?"
bballgrl: "Phil, your hair looks so silky, may I ask what kind of shampoo you are using?"
katfish: "I thought you told the judge I was the boss....you little shrimp!"
Dunlurken: "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to put a gun in someone's mouth?"
TwinMom: "Whooooooo's your favorite attorney? Whooooo's your 'chief' counsel?"
tesstruehart: "Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you, bad boy bad boy!"
Rebel_Rhonda: "If you pay me a lil more, I'll bring Dr. Hank back to lie for you too."
True2Blues: "I can't believe you went brown to match HER!!! Where's my little blond Dutch Boy?"
Redd: "I think I just killed somebody!"
True2Blues: "Don't worry, I've drilled airholes in the trunk, and padded the inside. Everything is under control."
Kennedy06: "They are taking about us again on that CTV message board!"
Redd: "You've just killed your chances for ever seeing the light of day again."
warhorse46:
1. "Now Phil, when the verdict comes in remember not to flip your wig."
2. "Phil, don`t wig out on us when the verdict is read."
leedeebug: " "Philly...zip up your fly"!
kellabeck:
1. "Can I borrow your purple jacket?"
2. "My husband has left."
3. "Ooh, Phil, nummie, num, num!"
4. "I heard you look fierce in plaid flannel!"
Dianna: "Yes Phil, there really is a BUBBA."
spydernweb2006: "Hey Phil while your in jail, can I borrow the Merkin?"
genteeyes:
1. "I told you there was NO refunds!"
2. "Of course Phil, I’ll wait for you to get out!"
3. "Is that a blackhead I see on your face? Mind if I squeeze it?"
llylabrat:
1. "Do I make your horney?"
2. "Tell mommy...is that another gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"
3. "Michael is in New York!"
4. "Rosen & Brunion were making faces at you during the break."
Luauna Schmi: "Phil, Phil, woulda, coulda, shoulda won't fly here!!"
The contest was then expanded to include what was Phil thinking in that photograph. Some entries had thoughts for both LKB and Phil, some contestants just had thoughts for Phil.
Rebel_Rhonda: "You pay me better then my Husband." (Phil Thinking:) The check ain't cleared yet."
TwinMom: " You can't take your Batman costume to San Quentin."
(And True2Blues replied to that with a Phil Thinking comment:) "What, not even my underroos?"
Dianna: "Looks like you better cash in on all your "Viagra" stocks little buddy." (Phil Thinking) "Oh hell, My 'To do list!' "
calalily: "Don't worry. Plourd has charted a private jet to China. Henry Lee will take it from there. You'll be safe as he's an expert on making anything vanish into thin air."
(Phil Thinking) "Hmmmm....I wonder if I can smuggle in my favorite sandals?"
JeffUK1953: "No, no Phil it's a no. Phil I have said no. Phil what part of no do you not understand?" (Phil Thinking) "Oh really, wow, ok this is what it means!"
Rebel_Rhonda: "Last I checked in our account was $250,000 baby? Can I do anything else for you mon cheri???" (Phil Thinking:) "I paid that bumbling idiot of a husband of yours what?!?!?"
gentleeyes: (Phil Thinking:) "Let’s say I lock the wife up for the night and you and I go out for drinks!"
bballgrl: (Phil Thinking:) "Geez, This lady needs a mint... or at least a freakin' Cough Drop!"
Jayne: (Phil Thinking:) "Now, where did I hide that other gun?" All these medications have blurred my memory."
balamo: (Phil Thinking:) "Look LKB...Cutler's gone...I'm counting on you. If you loose this case.....I'm spilling the beans on the "AH HA' Moment!!!
FloA: (Phil Thinking:) "And she woke me up to tell me this!?!"
True2Blues: (Phil Thinking:) "I can hear a voice in my head!"
ScienceFiend: (Phil Thinking:) "I'M the defendant???"
Redd: (Phil Thinking:) "I fought the law and the law won."
True2Blues: (Phil Thinking:) "The check bounced? I'm in twubble now."
Calalily: (Phil Thinking:) "What do you mean I dress like a girly man?"
ScienceFiend: (Phil Thinking:) "Where's dat Wascally Wabbit? Chelle has chwosen HIM to do Cwosing Awguments".
Jayne: (Phil Thinking:) "A'll be baaak!"
donchais: (Phil Thinking:) "You've lost that lovin feeling..."
gentleeyes: (Phil Thinking:) "It was just a little blood. They're making it sound like it was Blow Back Mountain!"
tartangirl: (Phil Thinking:) "Uh oh how am I gonna tell Linnie that I only have one feminine towellet left and I am gonna need it after what AJ has shown (proven) the jurors."
AND THE WINNER IS:
BEETLE CAM!
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I just loooooooooove the smell of fresh GSR on a man!"
Houdinisback and Sprocket's caption ideas. (As you can see, Houdinisback had a lot of fun with this contest.)
Sprocket: "Rachelle knows Phil. (Phil Thinking) Chelle knows?"
Houdinisback:
"Sigh.... I dreamed about you again last night.....wearing your batman suit!"
"ummmm....phil....since you won't be needing those wigs anymore, ya think I can have some until my hair improves?"
"Am I your new solemate.... schmoopie?"
"we ARE getting those matching gangsta presentin' tats Friday......kreckt?"
"Sigh.....I woke up this morning just as I saw you walking in wearing your batman suit!"
(Phil Thinking:) "The sharks we imported to Hawaii COST me......HOW much? oy vey!!!"
"You know, Phil, Mike and I thumbed our noses at the Justice System for you. I am your point person, computer person, spear-heading person, good friend talk to you for hours every night person, right? Right Phil?" (PS responds:) "Krect!"
dini steps in as BECKY IN TEXAS! by proxy: "Phil, who do you think is a bigger HOTTIE......AJ or Judge Fidler?"
dini steps in for MyrnaTurner by proxy: "Phil.....we hired scientists, not scientologists!"
dini steps in for Ms. Terry "Is that a brownie on your back or are you just glad to see me?" (inside joke)
dini steps in as barskin&co by proxy:"Pheel.......why do you always confuse Adriano with Steve McQueen~Gonzalez!"
For those of you who may have forgotten, last week I thought it would be fun for everybody to write a caption to THIS PHOTO of Linda Kenney Baden whispering to Spector. Y'all were great and played along. Dini and I had a blast reading all your submissions to the Caption Contest. There were times when, Dini was laughing so hard I though I was going to have to have an ambulance sent to her house. I tried to grab as many of the entries as I could. I sincerely apologize if I missed any, or if I've misspelled anyone's hat name.
Honorable Mentions
MyraTurner: "What color would you call her sweater?"
SusiePMcD: "I'll pack your 'Merkin' and I'll meet you on the castle steps at midnight...and I'll bring my pink fuzzy handcuffs!"
Dozer: "I think I lost my nipple ring--may I borrow one of yours?"
tartangirl: "Um, Phil, I was wondering if I could borrow that Batman costume you have, Big Mike and I are going to try something different tonight."
jojoTN: "Sshh, Philly, lovebug, NOT the iheartphilmobile - the white bronco!"
Xspectorant: "She goes by the name, Sprocket. And Phil, she's smarter than you!"
balamo: "Da Doo RUN RUN"
Dig: "All right, Phil, everything is arranged. Brad and Chris are posting on the board, Chelle is workin on press releases, and Roger is waiting in the bathroom."
Dozer: "Umm..er...unn... Phil... I'e got that "not so fresh feeling' and I was wondering if I could borrow one of your moist feminine towelettes if "K" didn't already get your last one...."
katfish: "Tell 'Chelle' I have dibs on the Court TV message board for the holiday weekend, she can have Harriet Ryan's blog." (Phil Thinking:) "What in the hell is a Sprocket?"
mommybear: "The next time Rachelle slaps that nasty rug on your head, tell her to use less glue...BECAUSE I'M STUCK!!!"
llylabrat: "Can I get some of those Christian Laboutin shoes like Chelle has?"
Honorable Mention Tie
Scottie: "I'll bring the wine and you bring the gun, my tiny little one".
hockeymomof5: "Hey Phillip, you, me together at the cottge when this is all over. Bring your gun!"
Submissions
calalily: "Be My Be My Baby, My One and Only Baby"
cocoloco: "Momma's got the limo running...meet me around back..."
True2Blues: "Sit down and shake your hands like a good boy, and later we'll have some Rum cake."
True2Blues: "I want that check by the end of the day or I'm outta here!"
True2Blues: "Call me that again, and this very sharp pencil is going where the sun don't shine."
Angeltab: "Phil honey let's blow this POP STAND and we can be together forever and ever. Or until you get gunned down like an animal."
Mr. Sprocket: "We'll have conjuical visits in prison."
kathlb: "Save the Last Dance for Me."
MsTery: "Check, please!!"
Intrepid: "Ok, Phil, I'm off to the spa. Just get up tomorrow and say something like, 'we think she may have......' well, you think of the disease. I'll be back in a few weeks, after Mikey."
flea_bailey: "Hey baby, wanna swap some DNA?"
angler: "Philly baby. I'll distract them and you run for the border."
SusiePMcD:
1."Come to Momma"
2. "Okay HARVEY...I'll ask the Judge if it is okay for you to wear your "batman suit" at sentencing."
3. "Yes dear....the pre-nup...will not leave the little bitch and her mother a red cent OR a shiney nickel."
4. "Meet me at Backstage at midnight...the Kessel bros...say the "PIE" wants more money."
5. "Yes...Phill...I think the jury will aquit...we won...case closed."
6. "PHIL Baby...Are you sure you want to be an ORGAN DONOR?"
7. "Yes Harvey...I still think you are a GENUIS!"
8. "Not sure PHILLY...that might cost a little EXTRA!"
9. "Yes dear...I'll make sure the whole "WITNESS LIST"....never works in this town again!"
10. "Sorry Philly....we all tried....but the jurors are all too honest...not one of them would take a bribe!"
11: "I hope my hickeys go away before Michael sees them!"
angeltab: "Baden my husband really messed up his testimony. How about you and me Phil baby. They say our Love won't pay the rent. All your money's already spent. I got you nailed. I've got you (out) on bail."
Intrepid: "Phil, I swear to God, if you settle my bill with a truck load of nickels like you did your ex-wife, I'm calling Bruce for a few phone numbers, if you know what I mean."
True2Blues: "Captain Kangaroo is on his way back to New York City. Tonight's a go!"
Jayne: "Kill the Wabbit, KILL THE WABBIT!"
ScienceFiend: "I loved Bugs Bunny as Brunhilde!!"
MyrnaTyrner: "Maybe Rosen can come in his catsuit."
spydernweb2006: "Think of dog day afternoon Phil... Kiss me, kiss me, I like being kissed when I get screwed..... Cause Phil, your screwed!"
jojoTN: "Uuh, Phil, my sweetie, my bubbala, SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
iType4MDs: "Suspicons Confirmed."
wishiwrrch: "Now, now Phil, please don't cry. Just bend over slowly and kiss your a$$ goodbye!!!"
Stroopman: "Innocent or guilty, no lap dance, is all I'm sayin.' So shoot me."
Hecate: "Chelle did my hair---like it?"
CCMSW: "You did send the check, didn't you?"
barneysam2: "IS THERE SOME REASON YOU STOPPED PAYMENT ON OUR CHECKS??"
katfish: "I thought I told you and Rachelle to keep your arsses off the internet..."
CCMSW: "What is the color of blood?"
gentleeyes: "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye."
Xspectorant: "If your little wife sends out another press release, I'll f***ing kill her."
FloA: "I suffer with "BS" dear, not "MS".
gentleeyes: "Take a bite out of crime."
Vor100: "Just remember little buddy....be careful when you bend over to pick up the soap!"
jillie7: "Michael's with Greta again tonight, are you free?"
bballgrl: "Phil, your hair looks so silky, may I ask what kind of shampoo you are using?"
katfish: "I thought you told the judge I was the boss....you little shrimp!"
Dunlurken: "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to put a gun in someone's mouth?"
TwinMom: "Whooooooo's your favorite attorney? Whooooo's your 'chief' counsel?"
tesstruehart: "Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you, bad boy bad boy!"
Rebel_Rhonda: "If you pay me a lil more, I'll bring Dr. Hank back to lie for you too."
True2Blues: "I can't believe you went brown to match HER!!! Where's my little blond Dutch Boy?"
Redd: "I think I just killed somebody!"
True2Blues: "Don't worry, I've drilled airholes in the trunk, and padded the inside. Everything is under control."
Kennedy06: "They are taking about us again on that CTV message board!"
Redd: "You've just killed your chances for ever seeing the light of day again."
warhorse46:
1. "Now Phil, when the verdict comes in remember not to flip your wig."
2. "Phil, don`t wig out on us when the verdict is read."
leedeebug: " "Philly...zip up your fly"!
kellabeck:
1. "Can I borrow your purple jacket?"
2. "My husband has left."
3. "Ooh, Phil, nummie, num, num!"
4. "I heard you look fierce in plaid flannel!"
Dianna: "Yes Phil, there really is a BUBBA."
spydernweb2006: "Hey Phil while your in jail, can I borrow the Merkin?"
genteeyes:
1. "I told you there was NO refunds!"
2. "Of course Phil, I’ll wait for you to get out!"
3. "Is that a blackhead I see on your face? Mind if I squeeze it?"
llylabrat:
1. "Do I make your horney?"
2. "Tell mommy...is that another gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"
3. "Michael is in New York!"
4. "Rosen & Brunion were making faces at you during the break."
Luauna Schmi: "Phil, Phil, woulda, coulda, shoulda won't fly here!!"
The contest was then expanded to include what was Phil thinking in that photograph. Some entries had thoughts for both LKB and Phil, some contestants just had thoughts for Phil.
Rebel_Rhonda: "You pay me better then my Husband." (Phil Thinking:) The check ain't cleared yet."
TwinMom: " You can't take your Batman costume to San Quentin."
(And True2Blues replied to that with a Phil Thinking comment:) "What, not even my underroos?"
Dianna: "Looks like you better cash in on all your "Viagra" stocks little buddy." (Phil Thinking) "Oh hell, My 'To do list!' "
calalily: "Don't worry. Plourd has charted a private jet to China. Henry Lee will take it from there. You'll be safe as he's an expert on making anything vanish into thin air."
(Phil Thinking) "Hmmmm....I wonder if I can smuggle in my favorite sandals?"
JeffUK1953: "No, no Phil it's a no. Phil I have said no. Phil what part of no do you not understand?" (Phil Thinking) "Oh really, wow, ok this is what it means!"
Rebel_Rhonda: "Last I checked in our account was $250,000 baby? Can I do anything else for you mon cheri???" (Phil Thinking:) "I paid that bumbling idiot of a husband of yours what?!?!?"
gentleeyes: (Phil Thinking:) "Let’s say I lock the wife up for the night and you and I go out for drinks!"
bballgrl: (Phil Thinking:) "Geez, This lady needs a mint... or at least a freakin' Cough Drop!"
Jayne: (Phil Thinking:) "Now, where did I hide that other gun?" All these medications have blurred my memory."
balamo: (Phil Thinking:) "Look LKB...Cutler's gone...I'm counting on you. If you loose this case.....I'm spilling the beans on the "AH HA' Moment!!!
FloA: (Phil Thinking:) "And she woke me up to tell me this!?!"
True2Blues: (Phil Thinking:) "I can hear a voice in my head!"
ScienceFiend: (Phil Thinking:) "I'M the defendant???"
Redd: (Phil Thinking:) "I fought the law and the law won."
True2Blues: (Phil Thinking:) "The check bounced? I'm in twubble now."
Calalily: (Phil Thinking:) "What do you mean I dress like a girly man?"
ScienceFiend: (Phil Thinking:) "Where's dat Wascally Wabbit? Chelle has chwosen HIM to do Cwosing Awguments".
Jayne: (Phil Thinking:) "A'll be baaak!"
donchais: (Phil Thinking:) "You've lost that lovin feeling..."
gentleeyes: (Phil Thinking:) "It was just a little blood. They're making it sound like it was Blow Back Mountain!"
tartangirl: (Phil Thinking:) "Uh oh how am I gonna tell Linnie that I only have one feminine towellet left and I am gonna need it after what AJ has shown (proven) the jurors."
AND THE WINNER IS:
BEETLE CAM!
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I just loooooooooove the smell of fresh GSR on a man!"
Houdinisback and Sprocket's caption ideas. (As you can see, Houdinisback had a lot of fun with this contest.)
Sprocket: "Rachelle knows Phil. (Phil Thinking) Chelle knows?"
Houdinisback:
"Sigh.... I dreamed about you again last night.....wearing your batman suit!"
"ummmm....phil....since you won't be needing those wigs anymore, ya think I can have some until my hair improves?"
"Am I your new solemate.... schmoopie?"
"we ARE getting those matching gangsta presentin' tats Friday......kreckt?"
"Sigh.....I woke up this morning just as I saw you walking in wearing your batman suit!"
(Phil Thinking:) "The sharks we imported to Hawaii COST me......HOW much? oy vey!!!"
"You know, Phil, Mike and I thumbed our noses at the Justice System for you. I am your point person, computer person, spear-heading person, good friend talk to you for hours every night person, right? Right Phil?" (PS responds:) "Krect!"
dini steps in as BECKY IN TEXAS! by proxy: "Phil, who do you think is a bigger HOTTIE......AJ or Judge Fidler?"
dini steps in for MyrnaTurner by proxy: "Phil.....we hired scientists, not scientologists!"
dini steps in for Ms. Terry "Is that a brownie on your back or are you just glad to see me?" (inside joke)
dini steps in as barskin&co by proxy:"Pheel.......why do you always confuse Adriano with Steve McQueen~Gonzalez!"
Friday, September 7, 2007
Guest Entry: "Cocobaby" attends Closing Arguments
This is a guest entry today, and our guest writer is Court TV poster, Cocobaby. Cocobaby went to see a majority of the Closing Arguments. Cocobaby agreed to write about her impressions for the blog. Thank you, Cocobaby!
Wednesday, September 5th.
Wednesday, September 5th.
After several weeks of reading and writing posts on the Court TV threads and reading Sprocket’s great blog, I have decided that I have to check this circus called the Phil Spector trial out for myself. What better day to watch the trial then the day when Alan Jackson will be giving his closing argument?
I leave home at 7:00 a.m. and rush downtown. I know the courthouse is on 1st Street between Temple and Spring, but for some reason I find myself circling around the block over and over like a nutcase. I finally end up parking my car; it is already after 8:oo a.m, and I am now a little bit panicked. I’ve heard that I will have to go through two security checks and ride up a very slow elevator to get to my destination. Luckily, the line at the first security check is small and I end up getting the first elevator up to the 9th floor.
As I make my way to the second security check and am ready to put my purse down to be searched, who but Roger Rosen, or RR as everyone calls him, rushes past me, throws his briefcase on the conveyor belt and walks through the metal detector. Somehow this doesn’t surprise me. Ever heard of ladies first Roger? Apparently not. RR is considerably shorter,smaller and skinnier than I imagined. I could easily beat him up and I am not kidding. Also, his skin was a weird looking color to me-it seemed unnatural. Could Roger Rosen be wearing makeup? Hmmmmmmmmmm.
I get to the large group of people waiting to get into the courtroom and am handed a ticket for the “lottery”. They will call eight lucky numbers for two seats in the courtroom. Each winner gets to stay in the courtroom for a two-hour session.
I feel lucky. I have on my lucky penny necklace that I just bought a couple of weeks earlier. Note to self: Do not go jewelry shopping after consuming cocktails. Not only did I feel obligated to buy this lucky penny necklace (out of fear that after carrying it around the store and putting it back would make me unlucky), I also ended up with an $80.00 “poppy” ring that is really just a bunch of beads piled on top of one another in the shape of what is supposed to be a poppy.
Long story short, my number was not called. I did get to see Alan Jackson wheeling a large basket on wheels filled with all sorts of books, binders, etc., so all was not lost. I went to work and listened to a phenomenal closing argument on my computer.
I find out later that night from the “lucky” ticket holders that if I’d have stayed a little longer, I might have been able to get in the courtroom. I wish I never heard that. I am more determined to get in and will try again tomorrow.
I find out later that night from the “lucky” ticket holders that if I’d have stayed a little longer, I might have been able to get in the courtroom. I wish I never heard that. I am more determined to get in and will try again tomorrow.
Thursday, September 6th.
Day two of my quest to watch the trial of Phil Spector began almost exactly like the first: rushed. I arrive at the courthouse after 8:00 a.m. again and arrive on the 9th floor just as the court's liaison staff are handing out that day’s lottery tickets. Same drill as the day before. My number is 93 and the numbers being called went something like this: 92, 91, 94, 95, 97, 98, 90, 93. My number was the last to be called, but hey, I am in! By the way, I do have my lucky penny necklace on again (I don’t think I even took it off from the day before, to be honest). It guess it does work.
Anyway, I was sitting next to a really nice lady and she points out Linda K.Baden to me and a few minutes later here comes Chris Plourd and Bradley Brunon walking together down the hall. What on earth is Chris carrying as a briefcase? Isn’t this guy making a ton of money on this case? This was a royal blue fabric bag with some company’s name and logo on the front-meaning it was a FREE BAG. He got it at a luncheon, golf tournament, who knows? All I know is that he looks foolish wearing a suit and carrying that bag. I do have to say that Bradley Brunon looks way better than I expected. He's wearing a nice suit, very well groomed, and at least he has the sense not to carry a royal blue bag.
As I am talking with the “winners” of the lottery, the lady I talked with asked me if I had been to the trial the day before for Alan Jackson’s closing. I told her I tried, but couldn’t get in and all of the sudden she says to me, “Are you Cocopuff??” It was too funny! She had read my posts about not getting in the day before on the Court TV thread and figured out who I was.
We get into the courtroom and all the major players are there –with the exception of Phil Spector and his wife. I see all of the people I have been watching on my tiny Ktla screen at work live and in person. I see Sudi, very pretty girl with very beautiful deep-set eyes. I see Dominick Dunne in front of me to the left, along with that British guy Dini has a crush on. I agree, he IS very cute! I see Linda Deutsch and Steven (don’t know his last name) sitting to my right. The family and friends of Lana Clarkson are in the front row and in the middle of the second row right in front of me. They are all nicely dressed and are a very classy group.
Now, the guy next to me can’t wait to point out the “hot” girls on the defense side to me. First off he points out Roger Rosen’s girlfriend. I haven’t seen that much makeup since the Tammy Faye days. I could say more, but better not. Next he points out Tawny Tindell to me. Who would purposely dye their hair that color? There are a few other blonds on that side that this man didn’t know. Now I’m no beauty queen, but in my opinion, having spray-tanned skin, bleach blond hair extensions, fake boob jobs ~and let’s not forget nose jobs~ and a really skinny frame does NOT make you a beautiful girl. Lana Clarkson was a naturally stunning beautiful girl, not these girls. Nuff said.
Court begins and Judge Fiddler begins listening to all of Riordan’s objections from the day before. He wants a mistrial (again) and was denied again. Yada, yada, yada –everyone knows the drill, so I won’t bore you with details. Phil Spector decided to show up after all! He is back to wearing those long suit coats –he looks ridiculous. His wife Chelle has a large, fake, curly ponytail on today and is extremely skinny. I want to give her a cookie.
The jury is called in and they begin to take their seats. For some reason, they do not look at all as I had envisioned. I instantly knew who the Dateline producer was just by his appearance. Why in the world would the Defense put this guy on the jury? I bet he will be the leader during deliberations. The note taker is also easy to pick out even before he takes one note. He looks like a note taker.
Linda Kenney Baden begins her closing argument and right away I can’t stand it. Her voice, the pounding on the podium, the repeating of every sentence, she is annoying as hell. I spend the next hour studying the jury as LKB droned on and on. I would occasionally try to figure out what she was saying, but couldn’t. I had no clue what she was talking about. None. Is she talking about the same trial I had been watching for four months? I find out I have something in common with the jury. I am bored to death.
This jury CRACKS ME UP!! Juror #5, a nice looking black woman literally has a pen in her hand ready to write down anything important, but from what I observed, didn’t write more than one or two words. Juror #7 is stone-faced. He is staring straight ahead with no expression on his face. Juror #4 looked bored out of his mind. He was fidgeting, leaning against the back wall and to the side, again, taking no notes. Juror #10-the note taker didn’t seem to be taking many notes to me.
My favorite juror to watch, however, was juror #12. This guy had a pen and a pad of paper, however, he wasn’t writing anything down, he was flipping the pages of his book back and reading things he wrote previously from what? The DAY BEFORE??? Maybe. LKB would put some BS graphic on the screen and I never saw him look at it once. He would yawn, tap his pen on his head, yawn, and at one point was staring into space, deep in thought. It was pretty obvious to me he wasn’t pondering what LKB had just said in his mind; he was daydreaming of a being somewhere, anywhere else.
My favorite juror to watch, however, was juror #12. This guy had a pen and a pad of paper, however, he wasn’t writing anything down, he was flipping the pages of his book back and reading things he wrote previously from what? The DAY BEFORE??? Maybe. LKB would put some BS graphic on the screen and I never saw him look at it once. He would yawn, tap his pen on his head, yawn, and at one point was staring into space, deep in thought. It was pretty obvious to me he wasn’t pondering what LKB had just said in his mind; he was daydreaming of a being somewhere, anywhere else.
At break time, the guy next to me told me that the day before the court was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Not today. He, too was bored, as well as the older lady sitting on the other side of me. I see Phil standing up by himself staring. Weird. I also see LKB in the women’s restroom but I don’t say a word to her. It was kind of awkward.
Dominick Dunne was walking back into the courtroom when this same older lady said to him, “Boring huh?” He just laughed and sat down.
As you know, LKB’s rambling went on for another hour before the lunch break. People were moving around more, whispering more, etc. Oh, by the way, Judge Fidler was busy doing all sorts of other work, barely looking up. I glanced over at the defense side of the audience and those people were mesmerized by LKB’s presentation. Not me. I can hardly wait till the lunch break and when it finally does come, I rush to the elevator to leave. The older lady next to me is leaving too. I tell her I can’t take it and am not coming back after break and she said she wasn’t either. Too boring. I end up going to work for the rest of the day. Anything was better than going back to the courthouse for more LKB. So much for the lucky penny necklace.
Friday, September 7th.
I take every Friday off from work without pay. I cherish my Fridays. Friday’s are always spent doing nice things: puttering around the house, going to the beach, Santa Barbara, shopping, etc., But this Friday, I was contemplating whether I should go back to court to see Pat Dixon’s Closing Argument. Sure I would love to see Pat Dixon in action; I love Pat Dixon. I love his easy-going, ah shucks style, as one poster on Court TV describes it. Plus, I wanted to see for myself if the jury would react differently to him as opposed to Linda Kinney Baden.
There was a problem though. I read on the Court TV thread the night before that LKB had not finished her God awful closing. After I left court at noon, I couldn’t bear watching any more-I just read the reactions from other pained viewers. Did I feel sorry for them? No. They didn’t suffer as I did, sitting in one spot without yawning, moving or able to do others things for three hours. They had it good. Apparently Linda had about one hour to go. Could I sit through one more hour of LKB??? It would be hard-I knew what was in store for me, but Pat Dixon won out. He was worth one little hour of misery. I threw on my clothes, forgoing my less penny necklace this time and drove to the courthouse.
There was a problem though. I read on the Court TV thread the night before that LKB had not finished her God awful closing. After I left court at noon, I couldn’t bear watching any more-I just read the reactions from other pained viewers. Did I feel sorry for them? No. They didn’t suffer as I did, sitting in one spot without yawning, moving or able to do others things for three hours. They had it good. Apparently Linda had about one hour to go. Could I sit through one more hour of LKB??? It would be hard-I knew what was in store for me, but Pat Dixon won out. He was worth one little hour of misery. I threw on my clothes, forgoing my less penny necklace this time and drove to the courthouse.
This time there was no lottery. I’m guessing those in the audience from the day before said “hell no, you couldn’t pay me enough money to go back!” I walked right in.
One very interesting observation happened soon after I sat down. The jury needed to walk through the courtroom to get to the jury room. Alan Jackson was standing with papers at the podium facing exactly where the jurors would be walking through. The jurors walked past the defense and I did not see any juror talk to any of the defense team. I don’t recall the defense standing in the exact location they would be walking through, however, I could be wrong. Alan was very busy reading his papers. What I DID see though, were several jurors either saying “Hello, good morning”, or smiling at Alan as he ever so casually would look up from his “important notes”. I wonder how many days this same scenario took place over the course of four months. That Alan Jackson is one slick cat.
Every time I think of what took place next I get angry. LKB’s one hour of closing became three. The jurors actually began the day writing down more and seemed to be paying better attention than the day before. They probably psyched themselves up knowing there would only be one hour left. As one hour became two, I found myself getting angrier and angrier-she is doing this intentionally, plus, she keeps acting like she is ending and then keeps going and going. I now hate LKB. I do. The worst part was toward the end of her presentation where she begins speaking in a very low, quiet voice.
Judge Fiddler is looking at her like “What are you doing?” I could barely hear her, the court reporter could barely hear her, and I must have looked at my watch 20 times. How many more pages were in that stupid book of hers? Please Pat Dixon save me, but he doesn't. LKB finishes at noon. Judge Fiddler has tons of stuff to do, so instead of meeting back at 1:30, it is now 1:45 at the earliest. Two hours until Pat Dixon’s turn. Should I leave and go home? What if I wait for two hours and can’t get back in? I decide to wait it out and stay downtown.
Judge Fiddler is looking at her like “What are you doing?” I could barely hear her, the court reporter could barely hear her, and I must have looked at my watch 20 times. How many more pages were in that stupid book of hers? Please Pat Dixon save me, but he doesn't. LKB finishes at noon. Judge Fiddler has tons of stuff to do, so instead of meeting back at 1:30, it is now 1:45 at the earliest. Two hours until Pat Dixon’s turn. Should I leave and go home? What if I wait for two hours and can’t get back in? I decide to wait it out and stay downtown.
As I am walking in the downtwon heat, wearing all black, I decide that LBK owes me 6 hours of pay, no 12 hours of pay and Pat Dixon owes me too. I know, it’s not rational, but that’s what I believe. Going back to the courthouse I see who I think is Brad Brunon sitting by himself in the cafeteria doing a crossword puzzle.
Pat Dixon’s Closing
Court is back, jury is back and Pat Dixon FINALLY begins his closing argument. It is after 2:00 p.m. First, Dixon is wearing a bitching black suit that looks really nice. Court TV poster Becky from Texas would be interested that he was not wearing a wedding ring on his hand and his hands look manicured to me. As he begins, I look at the jury. Juror #7 actually has an expression on his face. This guy loves Pat Dixon, I can tell. Jurors #8 and #9 do too. In fact, during the course of his closing, it seemed that all the jurors loved Pat Dixon, except Juror #6 who at one point seemed to be napping. How could one not, unless of course, you are Phil Spector?
Court TV poster Katydid described Dixon's style as “Columbo, but with a better suit.” That is a perfect description. I personally believe this closing is better than AJ’s. I’m not sure all the jurors would like his style. Pat Dixon is playing to the juror’s common sense. To me, it looks like most are average, everyday Angelenos who don’t know squat about Forensic Pathology etc.
Court TV poster Katydid described Dixon's style as “Columbo, but with a better suit.” That is a perfect description. I personally believe this closing is better than AJ’s. I’m not sure all the jurors would like his style. Pat Dixon is playing to the juror’s common sense. To me, it looks like most are average, everyday Angelenos who don’t know squat about Forensic Pathology etc.
The jury and the audience seem to really love Adriano DeSouza. I laugh every time I hear the tape of him with the 911 operator, especially the part where they are messing up his name, and when he goes, “Oh my God,” when the new operator asks him to start over. Smart move spending so much time on Adriano, because I noticed another thing. When Pat Dixon said, “I know you have seen this before, but I just thought it was really important,” all jurors were then paying very close attention. This is when Pat plays the tape where Adriano Desouza says, “The words that I heard were clear.” They had the words on the screen and I saw SEVERAL jurors #9, #5, and others write down that statement. Hmmmmmm.
I love how Pat Dixon was guiding the jury through his closing with his “faulty” memory. “You might want to check this out for yourself, but that is how I remember it,” or “I could be wrong,” or “I think that is what she said, but you’ll have check your notes to be sure.” Brilliant.
The audience and jurors were also laughing at so many points, like when he suggests that the defense wants you to believe that Lana came across the gun and said, “This is what I’ve been looking for,” when he was talking about how if the power point assistant was holding a gun at him, he wouldn’t dare grab it. Or when he referred to the Defense’s “science.” Another thing I noticed was that he mentioned twice that Lana thought Phil was a woman at first. Juror #9 made a face like “damn-that’s crazy.”
At one point during Pat’s closing a picture of Lana’s bloody face came on the screen. The family saw it and were immediately shaken and there were a few small gasps. No one from the prosecution saw it or even looked up at the screen and it stayed there for awhile. Lana’s sister was crying and her mother had her head turned to the side. It was definitely an accident. It just came out of nowhere, and it was sad.
After the break, the animation came on and there is no doubt that the audience and the jury were very interested and all were paying close attention. All of a sudden, a loud booming objection came and a sidebar was called. On the screen was the last close-up shot of an animated Lana Clarkson and Phil Spector with a gun in her face. This was up on the screen the entire time the lawyers were at sidebar and all the jurors were looking at it. Now the jury seemed to be even more interested I believe, because of the sidebar. Pat got to show it again. This was such a great idea.
The ending came fast and out of the blue. I was not expecting it to end when it did. I had noticed that Pat Dixon was watching the clock and I believe he wanted to end his closing at the normal time court was over. His voice was cracking at first and it sounded like he was going to cry, but then it became louder. When Pat said, “Phil Spector did not just kill somebody, he killed Lana Clarkson,” it was so powerful. I got goose bumps and the family began sobbing. The courtroom was still and quiet.
Shortly thereafter the jury left and had to pass by the crying family. Most were visibly upset, especially juror #1 and #3. I wanted to leave before I broke out in tears and as I was leaving I put my hand on Lana’s sister’s shoulder and she thanked me. It was so sad. I was actually one of the first people to leave the courtroom and on the way to my car I couldn’t hold back my tears. Those last few words in Pat Dixon’s closing argument and the way they were spoken, have stuck with me all weekend. I hope they stay with the jurors as well.
I am glad I decided to go to the trial on the last day and got to see Pat Dixon's great closing argument in person. I changed my mind. Pat Dixon does not owe me anything, in fact, I might even send him and Alan Jackson two nice bottles of wine for bringing Lana Clarkson to life and giving her family the justice they deserve. Now LBK-that's a different story....Cocobaby
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of that out for the blog Cocobaby! Very much appreciated! Sprocket
Shortly thereafter the jury left and had to pass by the crying family. Most were visibly upset, especially juror #1 and #3. I wanted to leave before I broke out in tears and as I was leaving I put my hand on Lana’s sister’s shoulder and she thanked me. It was so sad. I was actually one of the first people to leave the courtroom and on the way to my car I couldn’t hold back my tears. Those last few words in Pat Dixon’s closing argument and the way they were spoken, have stuck with me all weekend. I hope they stay with the jurors as well.
I am glad I decided to go to the trial on the last day and got to see Pat Dixon's great closing argument in person. I changed my mind. Pat Dixon does not owe me anything, in fact, I might even send him and Alan Jackson two nice bottles of wine for bringing Lana Clarkson to life and giving her family the justice they deserve. Now LBK-that's a different story....Cocobaby
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of that out for the blog Cocobaby! Very much appreciated! Sprocket
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Rachelle Short update & Linda Kenny Baden's closing argument
UPDATED!
September 7th 8:10 am
Hold onto your hats folks! Rachelle Short, arm candy wife of the defendant is going to be interviewed by Jamie Floyd at around 8:30 am this morning! You can't miss this! I am surprised that she has shown such restraint up until now.
One of the Court TV posters, dsmith, pointed out to me that Rachelle was not a full on nude model in Playboy, but appeared in the Grapevine section. Phil Spector's Wikipedia page appears to verify this. Now, correct me if I'm wrong people. Is this the section of the magazine where people can send in their nudie shots? If that's the case, Rachelle sending in her nude pic to Playboy is an even sadder situation than I originally thought.
Since I went to court today and only hung out in the hallway, I didn't actually get to see much of Linda Kenney Baden's closing argument. However, when I got home I did get to see enough to have an opinion. And I did read a bunch on the CTV message board, where it was discussed in detail. I understand that it was quite obvious she was reading from a script for the first part of her closing, and that she wasn't at all connected with the material. Now, I wonder who forced her to do the entire closing, causing Roger Rosen to look like he had a permanently inflamed hemorrhoid he was dealing with. Gee Roger, you did all that work doing direct and cross examination, Linda gets to take a two week vacation at some spa, and you get shut out of the CLOSING? What in the world is up with that? Did Linda hold her hand up and say, "Me, me, me, Phil! Pretty Please! Can I do it ALL? Rachelle thinks I should do it Phil! Really she does! And you always give Rachelle what she wants!"
From what I did see and hear, she was rambling and lyin' all over the map. I saw the book demonstration also. Gee Linda, your bad back must be totally healed now with the way you effortlessly picked up those anchor sized books and threw them on the floor. I was also quite disgusted with how Ms. Baden, at every opportunity, put Lana out with the trash. This is exactly what Alan Jackson was talking about in his closing calling this defense a "checkbook defense." I'm tempted to rush off an email to Mick Brown and ask him, "Mick, tell me, off the record please, were you in pain listening to that closing?"
Just a little bit ago, Court TV poster Shrlck Homie made the following post on the Spector Forum about Linda Kenney Baden's closing:
"I could eat a bowl of alphabet soup and crap out a better CA (closing argument) than Linda Kenney Baden put forth."
Thank you for such an articulate post Shrlck Homie. I am of the same mind. It was a bunch of crap and it was a mess. I feel sorry for those who have to go back to 106 tomorrow because I hear, they are going to be force fed another hour or so more of this drivel. Those poor souls. I feel for them, really I do.
I'm currently working on getting all the Caption Contest entries together and announcing the winner. That should be up on the blog later tonight so please keep checking back.
Oh, and Kim at The Darwin Exception has her entry up covering today's sinister machinations.
September 7th 8:10 am
Hold onto your hats folks! Rachelle Short, arm candy wife of the defendant is going to be interviewed by Jamie Floyd at around 8:30 am this morning! You can't miss this! I am surprised that she has shown such restraint up until now.
One of the Court TV posters, dsmith, pointed out to me that Rachelle was not a full on nude model in Playboy, but appeared in the Grapevine section. Phil Spector's Wikipedia page appears to verify this. Now, correct me if I'm wrong people. Is this the section of the magazine where people can send in their nudie shots? If that's the case, Rachelle sending in her nude pic to Playboy is an even sadder situation than I originally thought.
Since I went to court today and only hung out in the hallway, I didn't actually get to see much of Linda Kenney Baden's closing argument. However, when I got home I did get to see enough to have an opinion. And I did read a bunch on the CTV message board, where it was discussed in detail. I understand that it was quite obvious she was reading from a script for the first part of her closing, and that she wasn't at all connected with the material. Now, I wonder who forced her to do the entire closing, causing Roger Rosen to look like he had a permanently inflamed hemorrhoid he was dealing with. Gee Roger, you did all that work doing direct and cross examination, Linda gets to take a two week vacation at some spa, and you get shut out of the CLOSING? What in the world is up with that? Did Linda hold her hand up and say, "Me, me, me, Phil! Pretty Please! Can I do it ALL? Rachelle thinks I should do it Phil! Really she does! And you always give Rachelle what she wants!"
From what I did see and hear, she was rambling and lyin' all over the map. I saw the book demonstration also. Gee Linda, your bad back must be totally healed now with the way you effortlessly picked up those anchor sized books and threw them on the floor. I was also quite disgusted with how Ms. Baden, at every opportunity, put Lana out with the trash. This is exactly what Alan Jackson was talking about in his closing calling this defense a "checkbook defense." I'm tempted to rush off an email to Mick Brown and ask him, "Mick, tell me, off the record please, were you in pain listening to that closing?"
Just a little bit ago, Court TV poster Shrlck Homie made the following post on the Spector Forum about Linda Kenney Baden's closing:
"I could eat a bowl of alphabet soup and crap out a better CA (closing argument) than Linda Kenney Baden put forth."
Thank you for such an articulate post Shrlck Homie. I am of the same mind. It was a bunch of crap and it was a mess. I feel sorry for those who have to go back to 106 tomorrow because I hear, they are going to be force fed another hour or so more of this drivel. Those poor souls. I feel for them, really I do.
I'm currently working on getting all the Caption Contest entries together and announcing the winner. That should be up on the blog later tonight so please keep checking back.
Oh, and Kim at The Darwin Exception has her entry up covering today's sinister machinations.
A Quick Return Visit to 106
Just got back from a quick trip to the downtown courthouse. I had made a little gift for a few of the reporters who had befriended me (Beth, Dominick, Ciaran, Steven) and the family & their legal counsel, just as a sort of "Thank You," for how kind and supportive they all were to me, so I went down to deliver them. I'd recently learned how to use the rolled hem foot on my serger, and that's what I've been working on the last several days in between going back to work, housekeeping and posting on the Court TV Spector Forum. I've been making fine linen handkerchiefs and name embroidering them for gifts.
As I was walking up the street from the budget parking lot, this edgy nervousness came over my stomach as the courthouse came into view. I dreaded going back into this building. I stopped in the cafeteria first to get a drink and write out little note cards to go with the gifts. That didn't help. I still felt nervous. Up on the 9th floor, the hallway was virtually empty. There were a few police officers in casual clothes chatting it up with two attorneys. Finally 106 starts to empty, and one of the first people out the door is this one individual who I first met at the Blake trial. They have posted on another forum that they "do not care" for Sprocket and was one of the people in deep conversation with my other set of detractors when I had returned back to court on August 21st. I avoid looking at this person, and wait for my friends to emerge.
The first one I see was Fawn, who was surrounded by several friends I did not recognize. I waved her over so that I could give the bag of gifts to her and her mother. She greeted me warmly, and told me it was so great to see me back there. A bit later, Mrs. Clarkson came over to where I was standing with Dominick, Ciaran & Steven. She said she didn't see me at first, and then leaned in to touch me cheek to cheek, and thank me for the gifts I brought.
I got Mick Brown to autograph a copy of his book for me. Steven and Ciaran of course asked if I was going to stay for the afternoon session. "No," was my reply. Miram Hernandez was hovering around while the guys opened their gifts, wanting to see what the gifts were, and asked to feel the linen. Dominick and I were supposed to have lunch but the deadline for the November issue got unexpectedly moved up a day, and he had to spend lunch with his editor, fact checking and going over the final draft. So, we've rescheduled lunch for another time.
On my way up to the 18th floor to where Sandi Gibbon's office is ~ she has some amazing artist sketches on her walls from the Manson trial, that she covered as a reporter~ Alan Jackson and Pat Dixon were in the elevator with me. They also greeted me warmly, and Mr. Jackson asked if I was going to stay for the afternoon session. I gave a half smile, and rolled my eyes, telling him not likely.
My last stop was the CTV tent in the parking lot to see Beth. Harriet Ryan was there, along with another CTV producer I got to meet. We chatted a bit about the defense closing arguments, and talked "off the record" as to how long the jury might be out, as well as what the verdict might be. After we said our goodbyes, I headed back down Broadway to where I parked my car. Mr. Sprocket, hearing that I was still in downtown, tried to send me off on an errand to Koreatown, to pick up some specialty sesame pastries he had tracked down. I told him he was out of luck because I was exhausted from the heat and headed home. Besides, I was not going into an area of town I'd never been to before to find a little hole in the wall bakery. He'd have to stop by and pick those up, himself.
As I was walking up the street from the budget parking lot, this edgy nervousness came over my stomach as the courthouse came into view. I dreaded going back into this building. I stopped in the cafeteria first to get a drink and write out little note cards to go with the gifts. That didn't help. I still felt nervous. Up on the 9th floor, the hallway was virtually empty. There were a few police officers in casual clothes chatting it up with two attorneys. Finally 106 starts to empty, and one of the first people out the door is this one individual who I first met at the Blake trial. They have posted on another forum that they "do not care" for Sprocket and was one of the people in deep conversation with my other set of detractors when I had returned back to court on August 21st. I avoid looking at this person, and wait for my friends to emerge.
The first one I see was Fawn, who was surrounded by several friends I did not recognize. I waved her over so that I could give the bag of gifts to her and her mother. She greeted me warmly, and told me it was so great to see me back there. A bit later, Mrs. Clarkson came over to where I was standing with Dominick, Ciaran & Steven. She said she didn't see me at first, and then leaned in to touch me cheek to cheek, and thank me for the gifts I brought.
I got Mick Brown to autograph a copy of his book for me. Steven and Ciaran of course asked if I was going to stay for the afternoon session. "No," was my reply. Miram Hernandez was hovering around while the guys opened their gifts, wanting to see what the gifts were, and asked to feel the linen. Dominick and I were supposed to have lunch but the deadline for the November issue got unexpectedly moved up a day, and he had to spend lunch with his editor, fact checking and going over the final draft. So, we've rescheduled lunch for another time.
On my way up to the 18th floor to where Sandi Gibbon's office is ~ she has some amazing artist sketches on her walls from the Manson trial, that she covered as a reporter~ Alan Jackson and Pat Dixon were in the elevator with me. They also greeted me warmly, and Mr. Jackson asked if I was going to stay for the afternoon session. I gave a half smile, and rolled my eyes, telling him not likely.
My last stop was the CTV tent in the parking lot to see Beth. Harriet Ryan was there, along with another CTV producer I got to meet. We chatted a bit about the defense closing arguments, and talked "off the record" as to how long the jury might be out, as well as what the verdict might be. After we said our goodbyes, I headed back down Broadway to where I parked my car. Mr. Sprocket, hearing that I was still in downtown, tried to send me off on an errand to Koreatown, to pick up some specialty sesame pastries he had tracked down. I told him he was out of luck because I was exhausted from the heat and headed home. Besides, I was not going into an area of town I'd never been to before to find a little hole in the wall bakery. He'd have to stop by and pick those up, himself.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Lana's Final Resting Place
I had wanted to visit Lana's resting place earlier, but I couldn't work out the time. After working on clients in the morning, I found the address online and got dressed to go. I was hoping Mr. Sprocket would go with me, but he had to work in this gawd awful heat earlier in the day and was in no mood to leave the comfort of our central air conditioning. So I went alone, arriving around 4:00pm.
Lana resides at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, in the Columbarium Rotunda attached to the Chapel. The cemetery grounds are lush and stately. Right as you enter the cemetery, off to the right there is a building that houses the flower shop and connected to that is the Chapel. You enter the Columbarium through the chapel. It's a small Chapel with wood pews and lots of natural light. At first, I could not find how to get into the Columbarium, because there were floor to ceiling drapes pulled across the rear wall where the doorway is, as if the room had been set up for a service. I was on my own, and it took a bit of searching to discover the entrance.
Once I pulled the drapes aside I saw the solid glass and polished wood trimmed double doors. I opened them as softly as I could and slowly entered. As you enter the Columbarium, the first thing that strikes you in the cool atrium like space, is the light that comes from the many arched windows in the far reaches of the dome. Through a large keyhole in the second floor, the natural light illuminates down on an impressive six foot tall fountain, adorned with cascading ivy. Looking down, I could see fat goldfish swimming inside the large round base. The plaque on the pedestal nearby tells the statue's history.
Morning, Noon, & Night 1928
The statuary of the three nymphs was created for the opening of the Columbarium Rotunda in the 1920's. The sculptors model was acclaimed actress Louise Fazenda.
Louise Fazenda 1896-1962. Beyond her bathing beauty status, she was known as a wacky comedienne with odd costumes and make up. Her career began in early silent comedies for Mack Sennett and Universal's Joker Unit.
There was more on her career as an actress, but I didn't have time to copy it all. Written at the top edge opening of the keyhole space in the center of the room is the following phrase:
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, share with me my beloved, this eternal light... MCMXXVIII
Off to the left are the stairs to the second floor. As I climbed the stairs my heart felt heavy, and my eyes started to well up with tears. Halfway up on the landing is a large easel holding a stone plaque engraved with a large tree and the following inscription:
"Show me the manner in which a Nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals." GLADSTONE
As I reach the top of the steps, the circular space is awash in light. So revered and serene, this is one of the most peaceful places I've ever experienced. Even though tears are running down my face, a sense of calm overcomes me. It is quite fitting for Lana to be resting in such a space. Scattered throughout, there are several towering ficus trees and other plants as well as carved wood benches with soft cushions on which to sit. On the wall to my right, at about chest height, is Lana's glassed in niche. I am grateful that on the bench in front of Lana's niche is a box of tissues because I need them. One of the largest memorials in the room, the walls of the case are lined on each side with Lana's favorite leopard print fabric. Outside, it is adorned with fresh orchids and roses on each side, as well as a large bouquet of sunflowers and gladiolas on the floor. On each side of the bouquet are potted orchids and a little winged angel statue sits in front. The niche is surrounded by cards from loved ones, and reading the messages I become even more emotional.
You are dearly missed.
Have a great time in heaven.
I love you and miss you a lot.
I miss you Lana.
Not a day goes by and sometimes this warm feeling comes over me and I know you're guiding my career.
Miss you dearly.
Thank you for being our Angel. I know your looking out for me.
Inside Lana's niche is a large blow up of the photo that we often saw up on the Elmo during the trial. She's smiling, laughing, looking like a care free spirit in that striped top. In the center is her white urn, adorned with cherubs. Also inside the niche are fresh orchids, one of Lana's business cards, a winged angel statue, many photos of her as well as the printed program from her memorial service. On the right wall of the case, is a large reproduction print of an advertisement for her "Lana Unleashed" video and on the left, a collection of images of Lana.
Although many of the niches on the upper floor have yet to be filled, Lana does have company in three of the four smaller cases on each side of her. To the left is an artist and in the case above that, photos of an Asian man, unidentified. To the right, a rock guitarist. I admire Lana's memorial until closing time. On the drive home, I call dini to share with her my experience, and in describing the Columbarium Rotunda, I start to cry all over again.
If you ever get a chance to come to Hollywood, I highly recommend visiting Lana's niche, to breathe in the beautiful space and pay your respects. For me, it was a memorable experience.
Lana resides at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, in the Columbarium Rotunda attached to the Chapel. The cemetery grounds are lush and stately. Right as you enter the cemetery, off to the right there is a building that houses the flower shop and connected to that is the Chapel. You enter the Columbarium through the chapel. It's a small Chapel with wood pews and lots of natural light. At first, I could not find how to get into the Columbarium, because there were floor to ceiling drapes pulled across the rear wall where the doorway is, as if the room had been set up for a service. I was on my own, and it took a bit of searching to discover the entrance.
Once I pulled the drapes aside I saw the solid glass and polished wood trimmed double doors. I opened them as softly as I could and slowly entered. As you enter the Columbarium, the first thing that strikes you in the cool atrium like space, is the light that comes from the many arched windows in the far reaches of the dome. Through a large keyhole in the second floor, the natural light illuminates down on an impressive six foot tall fountain, adorned with cascading ivy. Looking down, I could see fat goldfish swimming inside the large round base. The plaque on the pedestal nearby tells the statue's history.
Morning, Noon, & Night 1928
The statuary of the three nymphs was created for the opening of the Columbarium Rotunda in the 1920's. The sculptors model was acclaimed actress Louise Fazenda.
Louise Fazenda 1896-1962. Beyond her bathing beauty status, she was known as a wacky comedienne with odd costumes and make up. Her career began in early silent comedies for Mack Sennett and Universal's Joker Unit.
There was more on her career as an actress, but I didn't have time to copy it all. Written at the top edge opening of the keyhole space in the center of the room is the following phrase:
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, share with me my beloved, this eternal light... MCMXXVIII
Off to the left are the stairs to the second floor. As I climbed the stairs my heart felt heavy, and my eyes started to well up with tears. Halfway up on the landing is a large easel holding a stone plaque engraved with a large tree and the following inscription:
"Show me the manner in which a Nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals." GLADSTONE
As I reach the top of the steps, the circular space is awash in light. So revered and serene, this is one of the most peaceful places I've ever experienced. Even though tears are running down my face, a sense of calm overcomes me. It is quite fitting for Lana to be resting in such a space. Scattered throughout, there are several towering ficus trees and other plants as well as carved wood benches with soft cushions on which to sit. On the wall to my right, at about chest height, is Lana's glassed in niche. I am grateful that on the bench in front of Lana's niche is a box of tissues because I need them. One of the largest memorials in the room, the walls of the case are lined on each side with Lana's favorite leopard print fabric. Outside, it is adorned with fresh orchids and roses on each side, as well as a large bouquet of sunflowers and gladiolas on the floor. On each side of the bouquet are potted orchids and a little winged angel statue sits in front. The niche is surrounded by cards from loved ones, and reading the messages I become even more emotional.
You are dearly missed.
Have a great time in heaven.
I love you and miss you a lot.
I miss you Lana.
Not a day goes by and sometimes this warm feeling comes over me and I know you're guiding my career.
Miss you dearly.
Thank you for being our Angel. I know your looking out for me.
Inside Lana's niche is a large blow up of the photo that we often saw up on the Elmo during the trial. She's smiling, laughing, looking like a care free spirit in that striped top. In the center is her white urn, adorned with cherubs. Also inside the niche are fresh orchids, one of Lana's business cards, a winged angel statue, many photos of her as well as the printed program from her memorial service. On the right wall of the case, is a large reproduction print of an advertisement for her "Lana Unleashed" video and on the left, a collection of images of Lana.
Although many of the niches on the upper floor have yet to be filled, Lana does have company in three of the four smaller cases on each side of her. To the left is an artist and in the case above that, photos of an Asian man, unidentified. To the right, a rock guitarist. I admire Lana's memorial until closing time. On the drive home, I call dini to share with her my experience, and in describing the Columbarium Rotunda, I start to cry all over again.
If you ever get a chance to come to Hollywood, I highly recommend visiting Lana's niche, to breathe in the beautiful space and pay your respects. For me, it was a memorable experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
