August 31 - A Day To Remember

"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children."  Psalm 113

Twelve years ago today, I received a call I had been waiting a long time to receive. "Congratulations," my social worker said, "You have a daughter."

Hurricane Irene

Praying for all who may be affected by Hurricane Irene.

Please do not ignore the severity of this hurricane. There are many lists available online to advise you as to how to prepare for a hurricane - please check them out.

Stay safe.

Hawkeye Says Goodbye

Navy SEAL U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jon T. Tumilson, 35, was among the 30 American troops killed August 6 when their Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

Jon's beloved dog, Hawkeye, laid in front of Jon's casket throughout Jon's funeral (held in Rockford, Iowa). Jon's cousin, Lisa Pembleton, captured the heartbreaking image above.

Crying...

Singer/Songwriter Nick Ashford Dies at 70

Transported back -

A stifling Baltimore summer in the early evening, car windows down, the radio blasting in the hot air. Nick and Val are on the radio.

All the cliches...gas was cheap, sharing a cold six-pack with friends, and everyone in the car singing along to "Don't Cost You Nothing." No seatbelts required then, the radio in my used Ford Galaxy 500 stayed locked to V-103.

The music of Nick Asford and Valerie Simpson has always played in the background of my life - what I was, what I am, what I have yet to become. Nick Ashford's death is a sharp reminder that there is still so much I want to do.

Get ready, my beloved daughter. Tonight - another hot summer night - the house will be filled, loudly, with music from Mom's past.

Yes, you'll have to hear, again, about the six times I saw Ashford & Simpson in concert.

Yes, you'll have to hear, again, "Now, THIS is great music." I will thoughtfully refrain from following that remark up with, "Unlike the crap that's passed off as music today."

Yes, you'll have to hear, again, how Mom and Aunt Diane thought Nick Ashford was hot, hot, hot, and that Valerie was one lucky woman to get his looks, his talent, and a successful marriage blessed with two beautiful daughters all in one package.

Sure, I'll embarress you - indulge me. And, yes, Aunt Diane will call to talk about her memories, too, and you'll have to hear it all over again. I'll put on the speaker if you want to experience the full overload of reminiscing.

Be thankful you're in school this morning when I talk to Mom-Mom...your grandmother thought Nick was a handsome, talented cuss, as well.

Tonight, the sheer joy I usually feel whenever I hear Nick and Val sing will still be there - it will always be there. But tonight, there will be a sadness in my heart, as I close my eyes and remember.

Rest in peace, Nick. Thank you for the music. "It Seems to Hang On" - thankfully, forever.

Probation, Investigation, And An Anthony Smackdown

Finger-flipping Cheney Mason and Lisabeth Fryer filed an emergency petition, via email,  yesterday with an appeal court, asking that Judge Belvin Perry's recent order that requires Casey Anthony to return to Orlando to serve a year's probation be vacated. However, the Fifth District Court of Appeal has said that a case won't be opened until a paper copy is formally filed. WFTV is reporting that the paper filing could occur later today.

Gather the necessary hankies to stem the tears that will surely flow in sympathy for Casey. If Her Heinous has to return to Orlando, Mason and Fryer stated in their order, their sociopathic flower will be subject to supervision and "the anxiety associated with a probationary period."

Yeah, well, it's a safe bet that Amy Huizenga experienced a bit of anxiety herself when she returned from vacation and realized that her former friend, Casey, had pilfered her checkbook.  Casey certainly didn't experience any anxiety as she trolled the aisles of Target, snapping up bras and booze, then breezily forging Amy's name on the stolen checks.

After Casey pled guilty to the check fraud charges, Judge Stan Strickland ordered that Casey serve a year's probation, due to commence after Casey was released from jail. The Department of Corrections misinterpreted Strickland's sentence, and said that Casey had served her probation while still in jail.

Turns out the defense team knew full well that Casey's probation was to begin AFTER her release from jail, and neglected to inform the court of the DOC error. Perry addressed the defense teams's actions in his upholding of Strickland's ruling, stating, "the failure to abide by that order and the failure to notify the court of a known scrivener's error in the order may be a violation of an attorney's duty of candor."

"No attorney should conduct himself or herself in a way that impedes an order of the court. ... Our system of justice should never be in the position of rewarding someone who willfully hides the ball."

One signature noticably missing from the emergency petition is that of Casey's lead attorney, Jose Baez, who is, once again, being investigated by the Florida Bar. The latest investigation stems from Casey's current probation snafu, though it is unknown at this time if the Bar initiated the investigation, or if it's a result of a complaint being filed.

Bozo has been investigated by the Bar several times since taking on Casey as a client. In September 2009, the Bar cleared Baez of an ethical complaint which accused him of receiving inappropriate payment while defending Casey.

Also, in 2009, the Bar cleared Baez of ethics allegations made by private investigator Dominic Casey, who claimed Baez never paid him. Furthermore, Dominic said Baez had advised him to walk away from Caylee's remains, if they were found, and to contact Baez immediately. Both of the claims were dismissed because of insufficient evidence.

Judge Stan Strickland wrote the Bar about the Dominic Casey incident as well, but no formal action was taken.

The Bar did initiate its own investigation into Baez after the State Attorney's Office faxed news releases that seemed to be generated on his behalf by his former spokesman. The news releases were critical of State Attorney Lawson Lamar, yet the Bar found no disciplinary proceedings against Baez were appropriate.

Another complaint was filed with the Bar against Baez in February of this year, although the details about that complaint are unknown.
 
Baez, who normally basks in the glow of the limelight, has yet to respond to requests for a comment. No matter. The Team Baez talking heads will no doubt commence wailing on-air about this latest wrong levied against the viper they've taken to their bosoms. Geraldo? Jean? Jane? Linda? Time to rally round your fat favorite.

Not everyone is willing to swallow the Anthony Adoration Kool-Aid. Yesterday, a strong voice of dissent emerged. Drew Kesse, whose daughter, Jennifer, disappeared in 2006 (and has, sadly, never been found), blasted Dr. Phil and George and Cindy Anthony. Kesse stated that the Anthonys are “a disgrace and an insult to every missing person and their families.”

Kesse wrote: “Let’s make this very clear, Caylee was murdered. She was never missing and should not ever be considered missing at any time during the entire ordeal. Caylee has never been the center of anything since she was killed. Everyone else in her family has, but the true victim — not.”

”Let’s get one thing straight right now, Dr. Phil, you are a pimp for this garbage,” Kesse continued. ”The Anthonys and this new foundation are the biggest insults to every missing person in America today. Dr. Phil, after the show airs and you make a donation to their new scam, have on real families of the missing.”

Kesse’s succinct message to the Anthonys: “Go away, far away, please.”

Thank you, Drew Kesse.

Dr. Phil To Interview George And Cindy Anthony

Dr. Phil issued a press release yesterday, announcing that his 10th season on air will open with an exclusive interview with George and Cindy Anthony.

The official release states -

“Cindy and George have suffered a horrific loss with the untimely death of their granddaughter Caylee, and they have since endured an unprecedented public attack on their family,” says Dr. Phil. “Have these attacks been warranted, or not? I looked them straight in the eye and asked some very tough questions. Despite living under a ‘media microscope’ for years, THEIR story has never really been told and there’s so much more to it than we’ve heard in the media. Throughout this extensive interview, we explore every detail of their ordeal, and they answer every question I know will be on our viewers' minds. Nothing is off limits during this interview."

What Dr. Phil is REALLY saying - 

"Hey, I'm like anyone else trying to hang on in this business. My benefactress, Oprah, is off the air. My ass is in the hot seat. They've given me her time slot, and if I don't make this thing work, I'm in deep shit. That's the real reason I'm interviewing George and Cindy Anthony. Will they tell the truth? Hell, NO - do they ever? Well, George might, but we all know Cindy's not going to let him get a word in edgewise. Can't wait to hear how she'll spin that lying on the stand to protect Casey. Sure, they'd have been a better fit for Jerry Springer, but I got them first and my ratings ought to go through the roof with this coup!"

George and Cindy Anthony's statement about the upcoming Dr. Phil interview -

Cindy states, “We knew that we’d want to speak at some point, and we figured there was no better place than with Dr. Phil. We are hoping that by doing this interview, we will be able to help other people who may be experiencing struggles of their own. We certainly don’t want anyone to experience what we have these last three years.” George Anthony continues, “We appreciate the way in which Dr. Phil has helped others, and we trust him enough to completely open our hearts in telling our story. He is a professional that understands the uniqueness of our family situation. There’s no one better to do this interview than Dr. Phil. We knew he would ask the difficult questions, and we were right.”

What Cindy is really saying -

"Yippee! I scored a big interview before Casey did! After all that lying I did for her and she still wouldn't talk to me after the trial, well, who's going to be on TV now? Remember, honey, you learned from the best, and don't you ever forget it. Quit eating and consider that Hustler offer. I don't see YOU appearing on TV anytime soon."

What George is really saying -

"I'll say whatever Cindy allows me to say."

The Anthonys supposedly sought no compensation for their interview, but asked that a donation be made to a charitable organization they have formed to honor their granddaughter. The couple claims they will derive no income from “Caylee’s Fund,” which will be a federally sanctioned 501 (c) (3) which intends to focus on promoting processes to educate the public about - and advocation for - grandparents’ rights, as well as missing and abused children.

The "tough questions" Dr. Phil SHOULD ask -

"You know y'all are one effed up bunch, right? I don't think there's a professional on the planet that could get the truth out of any one of you, but we've got an hour to fill, so let's work together, shall we?"

"People, what is your problem? If Casey were my daughter, I'd have kicked that lying slut's ass from hell to breakfast until she told me where Caylee was. Why didn't you? You never once went out to search for Caylee. Why?"

"What's the real story with this foundation you've created? Hey, I wanted you on the show, so I'll filter the money to you however you want. But is this new foundation actually going to DO anything?"

But, the "tough questions" will never be asked. Dr. Phil is going for ratings. The Anthonys are a family incapable of telling the truth. Theirs is not a story with a message of regrets, lessons learned, and hope for a better day in the face of the staggering loss of Caylee. The Anthonys are simply being granted air time to do what they've always done - lie and deny.

Casey Anthony Ordered To Serve Probation

Hellooo, Hizzoner!

Teflon-Girl, Casey Anthony, and her coterie of legal clowns got a long-overdue legal smackdown yesterday when Judge Belvin Perry ruled that Casey Anthony must return to Orlando by August 26 to serve a year's probation.

Justice/Karma/Paybacks/Observations/Commentary -

Jose Baez's must've misplaced his Perma-Smirk in the wake of Perry's ruling. How else to explain yesterday's absence from the glare of the media? Bozo salivates like one of Pavlov's dogs at the sight of a camera. Perhaps he was busy packing to hop the red-eye to New York, where his good buddy, Geraldo Rivera, is waiting to console him.

Cheney Mason neglected to get a manicure, or he surely would have been flashing his trademark middle finger at any unfortunate that happened to cross his path.

Jane Velez Mitchell pitched an impressive on-air tantrum over Perry's ruling. She tossed whatever shred of journalistic integrity she possessed to the wind with her wailing about the unfairness of Perry's ruling. How could Belvin expect someone as notorious as Casey Anthony to serve probation? Casey has to be kept safe!

Casey Anthony will have to get a job (insert rude laughter here). Under the terms of her probation, Casey will have to seek gainful employment. Her Heinous no longer has the option of stealing from her parents and friends to fund her trips to Target. Given her dexterity with tape, Casey should have no problem picking up something at a packing company.

Jose Baez is not a good pimp. In the aftermath of Casey's "Not Guilty" verdict, it was clear that Baez thought he and Casey were on the fast track to raking in the big bucks. While prattling on-air about the public needing to "respect the verdict of the jury", Bozo was busy behind the scenes, trying to cash in on Casey's notoriety. What he never considered was the vociferous court of public opinion. Jose's dreams of he and Casey laughing all the way to the bank evaporated, as an outraged public bombarded ABC, NBC, and CBS, as well as their sponsors, threatening boycotts if Casey were paid for an interview. People don't like child killers. People don't like child killers getting rich.

Looking ahead -

If Casey's defense team is concerned about Casey's safety, once she returns to Orlando, they should hire Lee-Grace Dougherty as her bodyguard. The pistol-packing former stripper, while not the sharpest knife in the drawer, is a crack shot, and has shown herself capable of delivering impressive whump-ass when cornered. Lee-Grace is a little under the weather at the moment, having just gotten shot in the leg, but she'll be back in fighting form soon. Yes, yes, Lee-Grace is facing a lengthy prison sentence. But all Bozo needs to do is take on Lee-Grace as a client and get himself 12 jurors from Pinellas County. Lee-Grace will then be quickly aquitted, and can serve her probation guarding Casey.

Best Case Scenario -

Lee-Grace gets mad at Casey, a huge catfight ensures (Lee-Grace will no doubt win), both gals are held in violation of their probation, and are sent back to jail.

Anything can happen...

Beating The Heat And Booted From Wal-Mart

With crippling heat affecting most of the country, many are hard-pressed to stay cool as the temperature skyrockets.

Sandi McMillin, of Eugene, Oregon, thought she'd found a surefire way to beat the heat. When her sister, Karla Vogt. asked her to take a trip to Wal-Mart, Sandi popped on a bikini top and a pair of shorts, and away they went.

Shortly after the gals began browsing the aisles, they were approached by an employee, who advised Ms. McMillan that she needed to don a shirt or leave the store, stating that Ms. McMillan's attire possibly posed a health code violation.

"I was horrified," McMillin said in an interview, "I am embarressed. I hadn't done anything obnoxious or outlandish."

McMillin claims she was then escorted out of the store.

Ashley Hardie, a Wal-Mart spokesperson, said that McMillin was not forced to leave the store, but that other customers had complained about McMillin's attire.

"We can understand her frustration. It was not our intent to offend the customer, and we have apologized to her. We have also reinforced with our associates our expectations of how to handle these matters."

McMillin, who purchased the foxy bikini top at Wal-Mart last year, has announced she will never shop at Wal-Mart again.

Let's give the poor dear the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she hadn't caught up on the laundry. Maybe Ms. McMillin is in the throes of menopause and the hot flashes temporarily robbed her of reason. Or maybe, in her mind's eye, she sees herself as she was twenty years ago - flatter stomach, perkier boobs, and tighter thighs.

Whatever her reasoning for her fashion faux pas, Sandi surely deserves a spot in the gallery of pictures at the hilariously painful People of Wal-Mart website (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/). Yes, she's a mild offender, compared to some of the other Wal-Mart shoppers pictured on the site, but she's still a worthy addition. Visit and view, if you dare.

Note - Some days creativity just doesn't fire up in the old brain. Thankfully, my dear friend, Pam, alerted me to the woes of Sandy McMillin, thereby providing the fodder for today's post.

Lucille Ball Born 100 Years Ago Today

Happy 100th, Lucy. There will never be another like you. Thanks for the laughter.

No Ruling Yet On Casey Anthony Probation

Beefy boy, Jose Baez, finger-flipping Cheney Mason, and lispy Lisabeth Fryer appeared before Judge Belvin Perry this morning to argue against Casey Anthony being ordered back to Orlando to serve probation. Teflon Girl, Casey Anthony, did not appear.

Hizzoner patiently listened to Bozo bloviating and Lisabeth lecturing him on his judicial role as they argued that Casey's possible probation issue be tossed. Frank George, with Linda Drane Burdick in attendence, argued that Casey should be required to serve the year probation. The entire hearing was, mercifully, conducted with a minimum of objections, and no sidebars.

No decision was made by Perry today. He pronounced the probation issue "a mess" and said he would rule after doing further research. No date was given for when his decision would be handed down.

Mrs. Mike - A Lingering Mystery, Selling A Love Story, A Surprise Lawsuit

The real-life love story of Katherine Mary O'Fallon Flannigan and Sgt. Mike Flannigan was brought vividly to life in Benedict and Nancy Freedman's Mrs. Mike. Like countless others, I was enthralled and inspired by the love Kathy and Mike shared, the adventures they experienced, and the tragedies they suffered.

Every time I reread the book, it left me with a hunger for more information about the couple. What did they look like? Did they raise the children they adopted? Daggone it, did they live happily ever after?

It wasn't until 2008, after stumbling across an excellent article written by Peggy Orenstein, that I learned a portion of the truth behind the fiction the Freedmans had crafted in telling the story of Kathy and Mike (Peggy's article appears in the June 2008 archives on this blog, for those that haven't read it yet).

This morning, after waking early, and on the heels of my yearly reread of Mrs. Mike, I again took to Google to search for more information. The Turner Classic Movie website revealed a surprising tidbit about the elusive Kathy Flannigan.

According to Daily Variety writer Virginia Wright, in her May 17, 1947 column, Kathy traveled to Hollywood in 1945, met with agent Laura Wilk, and submitted a story about her life with Mike. Ms. Wilk declined the story, but felt it had potential. She then introduced Kathy to Benedict and Nancy Freedman. Mrs. Mike was subsequently published in 1947. The book was also serialized in the Atlantic Monthly between February and April of 1947.

In 1949, Mrs. Mike was made into a movie. Loosely based upon the Freedman's book, the movie paired Dick Powell as Mike and Evelyn Keyes as Kathy. It is, to use an antiquated phrase, a penny dreadful, and not worth the time it takes to watch.

In 1951, Kathy filed a lawsuit against the producers of the movie and the Freedmans for $25,000, seeking the unpaid balance for the rights to her story. On July 23, 1951, the suit was dropped. The determination was that only the Freedmans were contractually bound to Kathy Flannigan, not the producers of the film. Whether the Freedmans and Kathy reached any financial settlement is unknown.

Kathy Flannigan died in 1954. Nancy Freedman died in 2010, at the age of 90. Their brief collaboration resulted in a book that is cherished by many to this day. Little did feisty Kathy know that her love story would continue to inspire and intrigue millions.

Mrs. Mike ends with Mike and Kathy rebuilding their family with the adoption of three children. Many years ago, their adoption story inspired an eight-year-old that was reading the book for the first time. She announced to her mother that that this was the best book she had ever read, and that, someday, she was going to adopt a baby "just like Kathy."

That eight-year-old is now a middle-aged woman - me. I learned that the three children adopted by Mike and Kathy were invented by the Freedmans as they embellished Kathy and Mike's story. In reality, Mike and Kathy adopted one other child, and it's unknown if the child survived to adulthood. But, inspired by Kathy and Mike, I kept my long-ago promise, and adopted my daughter 12 years ago.

My daughter has not yet read Mrs. Mike, being caught up in all things Twilight and Harry Potter. But she will. In the meantime, I will continue to search for the true Kathy Flannigan and Sgt. Mike.

TMZ Posts Pics of "Casey Anthony"

UPDATE - On TMZ Live this afternoon, one of the staff members stated that TMZ did NOT pay Casey Anthony for the pictures posted on their website. It was said that TMZ paid a "licensing fee" to SplashNewsOnline.com for the pictures. So, where and how did SplashNewsOnline.com acquire the pictures (none of which appear on their website)?

Prior to TMZ's staff member commenting that they had paid a licensing fee for the photos, I actually attempted to call into TMZ during the live portion of the show. A screener answered the phone, asking what my question was. I politely explained that I was calling to ascertain if TMZ had paid for the photos. The screener put me on hold, then the call was disconnected about five minutes later. I was actually able to get through again, and the same screener answered. I explained that the previous call had been disconnected, and advised him that I had spoken to him previously. He then asked me if I had any comments about  what the staff was currently discussing on-air. I made a general comment, and the screener told me he would pass the remarks along and hung up on me.

**********

This morning, TMZ published 27 pictures, purported to be of Her Heinous, Casey Anthony, out and about in Ohio this past Sunday.

If the pictures are authentic, Anthony is hardly living the bella vita. She's shown riffling through racks of clothes at an Old Navy, holding a cell phone, and sipping on Starbucks. She is alone in all of the shots.

Of greater importance then the identity of the woman is the pictures, is the question as to how TMZ managed to obtain them.

Jose Baez wasted no time after Casey's release to rush to various media outlets, attempting to sell his cash cow to the highest bidder. But with the unprecedented backlash in the wake of Casey's aquittal, the big bucks haven't materialized. Those opposed to Casey and crew profiting from Caylee's death have been diligent in making their revulsion known to the major networks and their sponsors. In response, the major networks have stated that they will not pay Casey Anthony for an interview. Baez himself was dropped by a PR firm less then 5 hours after he signed with them.

Baez is now left with his unmarketable client. Did Baez approach Harvey Levin and TMZ, arranging the photo-op, hoping to glean some quick cash? Many of the pictures appear to be casually staged - the woman clearly is aware that she is being photographed in many of the shots.

More importantly, if the woman in the photos is Casey Anthony, did TMZ pay for the pictures? Harvey, we're waiting for your response...

If Casey Kept A Journal - Part 4

Where the hell is Jose? Mason just told me I'm supposed to serve probation for those checks I took from Amy. So, she was dumb enough to leave them lying around. I only admitted I took them because I was already stuck in jail. And now I have to report back to Orlando in 72 hours? Jose better get here soon, and tell me that we're going to get out of this. I am NOT serving any damn parole! This is really going to mess up our plans.

Strickland? I thought that asshole was out of the picture. Jose wanted me to act crazy? Oh, I'll give him crazy if we have to go back there. Maybe I should go along with Jose's plan to have me act nuts. That should work.

Okay, Dorothy just got here and she's patting my arm, so I'm trying to calm down a little bit and think. She says there will be lots of cameras, and it will be great to have everyone look at me again. But Jose promised me that I'd make a lot of money the next time I was on camera, so this really sucks.

No, I'm still mad. I'm going to get out of this. Where the hell is Jose?