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.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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.
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