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That OJ glove performance still sticks in Chris Darden's craw
Some gripes never die.
Christopher Darden, one of the prosecutors in the Simpson/Goldman murder trial, was asked about the case at a university panel. He accused OJ Simpson's defense team of manipulating the evidence. He says he thinks lead defense attorney Johnnie Cochran tore the glove's lining during a lunch break, making it impossible for Simpson to slip his hand inside. Cochran is dead. But Alan Dershowitz, one of the defense team members, says he's "certain" defense lawyers had no access to the glove before OJ Simpson tried it on and the famous "if it don't fit, you must acquit" line was born.
Dershowitz accuses Darden of a "whiny-little-snitch approach."
It's not the first theory floated by Darden. Early on, prosecutors suggested it was dried blood that made the glove stiff and difficult to put on, or that Simpson was acting his way through struggling to put on the glove.
Al Franken says goodbye to comedy writing partner Tom Davis on Senate floor
I was glued to C-Span late last night as Minnesota Democrat Al Franken spoke on the Senate floor. It wasn't a policy speech. It was a tribute to his writing partner Tom Davis.
It's not often that you see a US Senator in tears, much less waxing nostalgic about near death canoe trips. I've never heard anyone explain to a C-Span audience how the famous Julia Child sketch on "Saturday Night Live" was staged. It's must-see TV.
If you missed it, here's the link:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/clip/3550697&newclip
And here's a copy of his remarks:
Remarks offered by Senator Al Franken of Minnesota on the Senate floor.
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012:
REMEMBERING TOM DAVIS
Today I come to the floor to talk about a personal loss to me and to so many of his friends and family and fans--a Minnesotan who brought so much laughter and so much joy to his fellow Minnesotans and to millions and millions of Americans. My friend Tom Davis died last Thursday after he was diagnosed 3 years ago with cancer.
Putting in context speculation about John Bryson's possible earlier seizures
Various news reports have suggested that federal Commerce Secretary John Bryson suffered a seizure before his recent traffic collisions. Accounts of a rambling commencement address at Pasadena's Polytechnic High School's graduation over the weekend fuel that speculation.
It might be helpful to re-examine his earlier speeches.
First of all, John Bryson is not the most dynamic public speaker. Here he is making his first major speech, shortly after he was sworn in as Commerce Secretary. It's from December, before the US Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.commerce.gov/media/video/2011/12/16/secretary-bryson-build-it-here-sell-it-everywhere
Bryson is a deliberate speaker, making his points slowly, in a manner more wooden than animated. Here he is at Carnegie Mellon University in February:
http://www.youtube.com/v/zk6pbib0qNA&fs=1&source=uds&autoplay=1
Endangered species: married couples
Married couples are on the verge of becoming a minority. A Pew Research Center study released today shows that just over half, 51% of those over 18 are married. A decade ago, the number was 57%. College graduates are more likely to marry. Nearly two thirds have tied the knot.
So I'm doing my part. Twenty years ago today, I marched down that aisle in way too many ruffles and bows (it was the Princess Di influence) and said "I do" to a nice guy from Chicago named Tad Daley and have lived happily ever after. More or less. I highly recommend it.
Fear the beard?
Washington has earned its reputation as one of the dullest fashion spots on the planet, so I always appreciate the California delegation's willingness to break out out of the usual charcoal/navy suit routine for the gentlemen and finding alternatives to the Nancy Pelosi suit on the feminine side.
Republican Congressman John Campbell has taken several fashion risks over the years, including a navy pinstripe suit that would have let him play Nathan Detroit in the Little Theatre of Alexandria's production of "Guys and Dolls." But I applaud the effort to break out of the dull of the rigid Washington dress code.
However, the Republican from Irvine is now sporting facial hair and is soliciting opinions about whether it's a good look or not. Distinguished or makes him seem like his evil twin from an alternative universe? It's not the scary Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants beard, but it's a statement.
