Many years ago I was selected for Federal jury duty in NYC. One trial I was "screened" for was some sort of mob-related/racketeering charge stuff. I was eventually dismissed for being of Italian descent - by the defense oddly enough. Another trial was an international drug-dealing thing and I was dismissed for having had an old CPCS arrest. I was relieved not to have had to serve as a juror for either of those trials - there were scary looking characters in the "public" areas, taking down names, for both of those jury selections.
In my dotage/retirement I've considered signing up for the Grand Jury, just to try to have someone there who isn't a crazy lunatic buffoon. But I worry that it'll result in burly sunglass-wearing monolithic goons showing up to have a conversation, and we're all polite here, aren't we?
A few years ago I got called - and picked - for an extraordinary case where the bad guy was accused of LOTs of things. ....
Looking back now, I think they did it to protect me. I could easily imagine one of the Bad Guy's buddies knocking on our door saying that it would be a shame if something happened to our boy, Max, currently going to college in San Diego and staying at the Western Arms apartments, wouldn't it?
Many years ago I was selected for Federal jury duty in NYC. One trial I was "screened" for was some sort of mob-related/racketeering charge stuff. I was eventually dismissed for being of Italian descent - by the defense oddly enough. Another trial was an international drug-dealing thing and I was dismissed for having had an old CPCS arrest. I was relieved not to have had to serve as a juror for either of those trials - there were scary looking characters in the "public" areas, taking down names, for both of those jury selections.
A few years ago I got called - and picked - for an extraordinary case where the bad guy was accused of LOTs of things. Got hired into a company where he then brought in more of his bad guy buddies, then committed arson and insurance fraud. While in jail he threatened the life of some people (as reported by other inmates). The very tolerant judge seemed to know him well as they'd been going round and round for months, with this guy trying to represent himself. This was all explained on day one. I was juror #1 but asked the judge if I could be excused (I had tickets for 3 Steely Dan shows during their Vegas residency and this overlapped). Fortunately, he didn't want to know why I wanted out, since I was honorable and he would take my word. (!) but agreed to cut it short one week so I could still be on the jury and make my "engagement." Really a cool dude. But then, the very next day, the lawyers excused me completely. Looking back now, I think they did it to protect me. I could easily imagine one of the Bad Guy's buddies knocking on our door saying that it would be a shame if something happened to our boy, Max, currently going to college in San Diego and staying at the Western Arms apartments, wouldn't it?
A few years ago I got called - and picked - for an extraordinary case where the bad guy was accused of LOTs of things. Got hired into a company where he then brought in more of his bad guy buddies, then committed arson and insurance fraud. While in jail he threatened the life of some people (as reported by other inmates). The very tolerant judge seemed to know him well as they'd been going round and round for months, with this guy trying to represent himself. This was all explained on day one.
I was juror #1 but asked the judge if I could be excused (I had tickets for 3 Steely Dan shows during their Vegas residency and this overlapped). Fortunately, he didn't want to know why I wanted out, since I was honorable and he would take my word. (!) but agreed to cut it short one week so I could still be on the jury and make my "engagement." Really a cool dude.
But then, the very next day, the lawyers excused me completely. Looking back now, I think they did it to protect me. I could easily imagine one of the Bad Guy's buddies knocking on our door saying that it would be a shame if something happened to our boy, Max, currently going to college in San Diego and staying at the Western Arms apartments, wouldn't it?
Woke early, cleaned up, packed a little briefcase with snacks/coffee/laptop/Kindle, and found parking in plenty to time for jury duty.
Walked in, was tenth or so in queue, and the told us they had enough jurors - have a nice weekend and leave your badge so you get credit.
And then drove home...
Woke early, cleaned up, packed a little briefcase with snacks/coffee/laptop/Kindle, and found parking in plenty to time for jury duty.
Walked in, was tenth or so in queue, and the told us they had enough jurors - have a nice weekend and leave your badge so you get credit.
And then drove home...
Getting the potted plants made up for the cemeteries for tomorrow. Got 4 made up and then 2 are ground plantings. Iâm the only one left who has any care for our departed love ones. This day physically kills me and takes a better part of a day but at least one of us thinks itâs worth it.
And when I depart this Earth no one will plant a flower at my grave.
Location: On the edge of tomorrow looking back at yesterday. Gender:
Posted:
May 26, 2022 - 1:35pm
Getting the potted plants made up for the cemeteries for tomorrow. Got 4 made up and then 2 are ground plantings. Iâm the only one left who has any care for our departed love ones. This day physically kills me and takes a better part of a day but at least one of us thinks itâs worth it.
And when I depart this Earth no one will plant a flower at my grave.
Yes I do. It's on the long term agenda, but boats are slow and take a LOT of fuel. My Landcruiser will keep up with traffic and lakes somewhat less fuel. Also, lots of taco stops you can't get to on a boat.
Spent this morning (hours) exploring OmegaMart. WTAF was that?
Then, caught the Silk Sonic show at the Park MGM residency. Holy mother of God that was exactly what you want in a show. Brilliant musicianship, well crafted songs, fun stage presence - real pros. Loved it.
Love me the road trips.
You know there's an ocean from Seattle to Cabo San Lucas?
Yes I do. It's on the long term agenda, but boats are slow and take a LOT of fuel. My Landcruiser will keep up with traffic and lakes somewhat less fuel. Also, lots of taco stops you can't get to on a boat.
Avoided ignorant talk of ideological stupidity...or maybe it was the other way around. Often dyslexic, I get ignorance and stupidity mixed up when the willfull bits get sprinkled in...
Location: Really deep in the heart of South California Gender:
Posted:
May 24, 2022 - 8:35pm
GeneP59 wrote:
And itâs hard sometimes to get cash for unique custom work done. Everybody wants stuff for nothing like you said. Hard to pry that wallet open wide enough.
One interesting thing.
The "Daytona" I'm building is a clone. Can't afford a real one since they originally built about 503 of them.
But even the clones out there are commanding the bigger bucks.
And one's that are modified, which aren't that many, are bringing in surprisingly big money.
So. I tells the wife here... "This is an investment."
