The Diane Tran Scandal & The Matter Of Dishonorable Judge Lanny Moriarty Before The Texas Ethics Commission

On Tuesday I blogged about the Dishonorable Texas Judge Lanny Moriarty's outrageous sentencing of a 17 year old honor student, Diane Tran, to 24 hours in Montgomery County Jail due to being absent and tardy at school.

Strip searching is standard operating procedure when processing a person about to be incarcerated into a county jail.

Was being strip searched an additional indignity this young girl was subjected to?

After I blogged about this judicial outrage which has embarrassed Texas across America and the world, there have been many blog comments, all of which, in various ways, all want to virtually lynch this guy who should not be judging anyone.

One of the comments came from one of my favorite comment makers, Stenotrophomonas....

Stenotrophomonas has left a new comment on your post "Dishonorable Texas Judge Lanny Moriarty Sentences Honor Student To Jail For No Crime":

Methinks hizzoner should be made an example of: www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2008/2811371.pdf 

So, from Stenotrophomonas we learn that the Dishonorable Judge Lanny Moriarty has been investigated for a large number of various ethics violations in relation to his campaign to get elected to the job he is clearly not qualified for.

Apparently the Dishonorable Judge Lanny Moriarty failed to report a large number of campaign contributions in the proper, ethical, legal manner.

I have no clue if the Dishonorable Judge Lanny Moriarty's ethics violations are such that criminal prosecution is the result. If so, I hope he does some hard time at the Montgomery County Jail.

You know, paraphrasing the Dishonorable Judge's rationalization for throwing a good kid into the slammer, we can't turn a blind eye to these type crimes or else all the judges will soon be running roughshod over the law. An example should be made of this judge, just like this judge thought, erroneously, that an example should be made of Diane Tran.

The Third Night In A Row Thunder Booms Over North Texas

You can not tell looking from my secondary viewing portal on the outer world that a downpour is hitting my swimming pool causing a lot of bouncing water action.

Because I don't have audio enabled you are also unable to hear the almost constant rumbling of thunder.

Last night was the third night in a row that thunder has rumbled. But it was the first of the three nights of rumbling that I heard the rumbling.

It was loud.

And once the booming started it did not let up and continues even after the sun has arrived to provide some illumination through the thick cloud cover.

At one point last night the thunder was the oddest I've ever heard. Instead of the regular type rumbling, the boom followed by the slow lessening of the booming, this particular thunder was a series of concussive booms, like bombs exploding.

I went swimming in the rain this morning. When I got in the pool the difference between the lightning strikes and the thunder booms was about 5 seconds. When the difference got down to 2 seconds I decided it was time to get out of the pool.

It is a rather pleasant sensation to already be soaking wet, due to the downpour, to get in the warmer water of the pool. It is equally pleasant to exit the warm water of the pool to the cooler shots of downpouring rain.

I do not remember a previous time during my long exile in Texas when there have been 3 successive nights of thunder booming. I rather enjoyed last night, particularly after the rain started downpouring.

I do not know how I am going to get my salubrious regular endorphin inducing aerobic stimulation today. I may have to resort to walking around Sam's Club.

Playing Soccer Baseball With Fort Worth Kids At Oakland Park With Baby Ducks

Fosduck Only Child Duck

Since rain fell once again, last night, I figured the Tandy Hills would be too muddy for enjoyable hill hiking.

So, it was back to Oakland (Lake) Park to walk around Fosdick Lake.

All the rain has greatly reduced the layer of green, slimy, algae vegetation that had been choking Fosdick Lake of late.

The Fosducks seem happier with a less green lake. I heard a lot of exuberant quacking today, from the ducks and from a big flock of kids.

The kids were playing some sort of hybrid baseball/soccer game that looked fun. The bases were orange traffic cones. The ball looked like a volley ball.

Instead of hitting the ball with a stick, the person at home base kicked the ball. After the ball was kicked much mayhem and screaming ensued. I've not seen kids having so much fun since I played Ladder Golf with Spencer Jack in my sister's backyard in Arizona, back in March.

Stormy weather, with possible thunderstorms, seems to be the weather theme for today.

The sky looked a bit menacing above the Fosdick Water Tank UFO that hovers over Oakland (Lake) Park.

I am now back in air-conditioned comfort.

The sky seems to be going from bright to dark on some sort of regular cycle. I am expecting some weather drama at some point this afternoon.

Anonymous Wants To Know If I Dislike Texas Weather So Much Why Don't I Go Back To Washington?

Last night another storm blew through this part of the planet that I once again slept through.

As you can see, in the picture, this morning is looking a bit stormy, as well.

The weather predictors are predicting more rain and electrical action today.

This morning when the sun came up the wind was blustering so hard it had knocked my swimming suit to ground level. I don't recollect that happening before.

Yesterday, somewhere among the many locations I was reading about the latest Texas Judge Scandal I read one comment that said something like, "God must really love stupid people, because he made so many of them. Like that judge in Texas."

Speaking of stupid people.

Yesterday when I saw that the temperature in Fort Worth and Phoenix were both 95, but with the Real Feel Temperature in Phoenix being higher than Fort Worth, despite Fort Worth's humidity being 9 times higher, I blogged about it, including the temperature at that point in time at my old home zone in Mount Vernon, Washington and the fact that humidity was even higher in Mount Vernon.

I then got the following comment from someone calling him or herself Anonymous...

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Taking The Temperature In Fort Worth, Phoenix & Mount Vernon": 

If you dislike TX and the weather so much, why don't you go back to Washington? So much criticism from a tourist begins to just sound whiny. 

Whiny? I would not say that I am impervious to whining, but I detected no trace of whining in the post about yesterday's relative temperatures. I certainly said nothing that indicated I wanted to go back to Washington due to the weather being better than Texas.

The fact is I prefer Texas weather to Washington weather, except for the months of July and August, when Western Washington's weather is often perfect.

If I moved back to Washington it'd be because I miss the scenery, saltwater, mountains, skiing, fresh seafood, fresh for the picking fruits and vegetables, better outdoor recreational opportunities, better parks, multiple National Parks, Canada being nearby, Oregon being nearby, the highly educated people, the liberal politics, the activism, the libraries and the coffee.

But, since I like whining so much, Texas is a Mother Lode of whining material, compared to virtually Mother Lode-free Washington, where I don't remember whining about much of anything, except maybe the rain.

Taking The Temperature In Fort Worth, Phoenix & Mount Vernon

I believe today has been our HOTTEST day of the year, so far, in North Texas. 95 degrees with the humidity making it feel like 103.

When last I talked to my mom and sister both mentioned being relieved to have the temperature back in the 90s after already hitting 110. Right at this point in time when I checked temperatures Fort Worth and Phoenix are both being heated to 95 degrees, with the Phoenix humidity making it feel like 106 in Arizona.

But, currently, Phoenix has only 5% humidity, while Fort Worth is smothering with 43% humidity. So, why does it supposedly feel 3 degrees HOTTER in the dry Phoenix desert?

Meanwhile, up in my old home zone, in the Skagit Valley of Washington, Mount Vernon is currently chilled to 55 degrees. And is more humid, at 62%, than Fort Worth.

Which, I guess, is why it supposedly feels like a relatively balmy 62 in Mount Vernon.

I see in the 3 forecasts that only Washington has rain in its forecast. How unexpected.

Dishonorable Texas Judge Lanny Moriarty Sentences Honor Student To Jail For No Crime

UPDATE: The Matter of Dishonorable Judge Lanny Moriarty before the Texas Ethics Commission.

It has happened again. An idiot who should not be a judge, is a Texas judge, and has embarrassed himself, and Texas, in front of America and the rest of the world.

A hard luck, hard working honor student has been fined and sentenced to jail by a miscreantic Texas judge named Lanny Moriarty.

You can go here to sign a petition asking the judge to cancel the fine and the sentencing.

UPDATE: The 24 hour jail sentence has already taken place, last Wednesday, in the notorious Montgomery County Jail, where Diane spent 24 hours surrounded by what Houston defense attorney Ned Barnett characterized as suspected murderers, drug addicts and prostitutes.

I don't know if there is another petition demanding this judge be de-judged.

If I were the governor of the state of Texas and one of these embarrassments occurred I would make some noise. Does Rick Perry not pay attention to what happens in the state he governs? I suspect not. Watching Rick Perry in the Republican debates, before he got laughed out of the race, I was not sure the man can read.

Below is what you will read at the location where you can sign a petition...

Diane Tran isn't like most seventeen-year-old girls her age. Sure, there are many honors students taking dual credit U.S. History, dual credit English Literacy, College Algebra, and Spanish Language AP. Sure, there are some who work part time and full time jobs like Diane does at a dry cleaners and a wedding venue. 

But, since Diane's parents have moved away, Diane does all of this to support herself and her two siblings.

For a student facing these challenges, a teacher or authority figure should have reached out to her and made sure she didn't slip through the cracks. Despite her situation, she's not just an extraordinary worker and student, she's an extraordinary human being with a fighting spirit.

The reason why we should care about her is this: The state of Texas is sentencing a young girl to a night of jail for being too emotionally and physically exhausted to go to school. The institutions that are to provide resources to youth and ensure justice are instead punishing her like a criminal and fining her $100.

The Judge in Diane's case said he was making an example of her with this severe punishment. Diane is already an example of how people her age should be acting.

Please tell Judge Lanny Moriarty, the State of Texas, and the U.S.A. to make sure that the future leaders of our nation are looked after and taken care of. Thank you.

The Texas Judge setting a bad example is currently the top story on FOX News online.

Last Night's Rain Turned Village Creek Into Chocolate

No, that chocolate in the picture is not a scene from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. That chocolate in the picture is a muddy Texas creek.

Village Creek to be precise.

I was in deep slumber mode last night when Mother Nature decided to drop some water at my location. I did not realize rain had fallen overnight til I found myself having to traverse puddles on my way to the pool this morning.

I did hear thunder booming last night. But the booming never got close enough to rattle my windows.

Not enough rain fell to flood Village Creek to the point that the Village Creek Natural Historical Area had to be closed. So, I was able to have a nice walk today with the Native American Ghosts who inhabit this part of North Texas.

I do not recollect ever seeing Village Creek look as muddy as it looks today.

Summer is still several weeks in the future. It feels like summer has already arrived in North Texas. Currently the temperature is 93, with the extreme humidity making the temperature feel like 103, according to my computer based temperature monitoring device.

Perplexed By Memorial Day BBQs At Fort Worth Parks With No Running Water

Fosdick Flower Blooming Bright
On Memorial Day

I went to Oakland (Lake) Park to walk around Fosdick Lake today for my memorable Memorial Day aerobicizing.

There were a lot of people in Oakland Park today memorializing Memorial Day with picnicking barbecues.

So far today I have not memorialized Memorial Day with a picnic or a barbecue.

I did have some memorable meatloaf for lunch.

The Oakland Park Pavilion was packed today. With multiple barbecues spewing tasty smelling smoke.

The Oakland Park Pavilion has no running water. The restroom facility is an outhouse.

Have I mentioned before that I find it bizarre that in Texas it is considered perfectly okay to have picnic facilities in parks with absolutely no running water?

Or modern restroom facilities.

I can not think of a single park, with picnic tables, I have been to, anywhere in any west coast state, that does not have restroom facilities of the non-outhouse variety. And does not have running water in the form of a faucet.

Are the health codes for such things more stringent in other states?

Kayaking Arlington's River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail In The Unsafe To Swim In Trinity River

Stored somewhere in my abode is an inflatable kayak that I have not inflated in years. I think the last time I inflated my kayak was to go floating in Lake Joe Pool at Cedar Hills State Park.

Since I last inflated my inflatable kayak River Legacy Park, in Arlington, has added something called River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail.

I have seen people launch kayaks in the Trinity River from the River Legacy Parks Paddling Trails kayak launch pad.

The Trinity River flows through River Legacy Park in its natural state, with none of the levees that guide the river through Fort Worth.

There is a lot of information on the River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail information sign.

The Paddling Trail length is 4.2 miles. How is this determined, I could not help but wonder? Float Time is 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed.

A note on the sign notes that "This trail can be paddled as a "loop" trail in which paddlers can launch from the park's access site and paddle upstream as far as desired or flow condition allow. Paddlers can then turn around and travel downstream to complete the loop. If paddling this trail as a loop there will be a set of riffles that will require a portage approximately a mile upstream."

Riffles? Are riffles little rapids?

On the sign, under the heading "Fishing" we learn "The river supports catfish, drum, sunfish and bass among other fish. Fish can be caught with the use of light tackle and a variety of baits. The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a formal advisory regarding the consumption of fish from the river."

Under the heading "Be Safe" we learn "Rivers are ever-changing dynamic systems with inherent dangers. Follow basic safety rules. Never paddle alone. Always have a float plan - tell someone where you are going and when you are expected to return. Check weather forecasts. Carry a map of the stream so you can find your location at any time. Wear a Coast Guard approved Type III-V lifejacket and protective footwear. Carry drinking water, sunscreen, cell phone and insect repellent. Plan your trip so that your paddling skills are equal to the water conditions."

Where does one get a map of the Trinity River that will allow one to find ones location at any time, I can not help but wonder?

Under the heading "River Conditions" those riffles are mentioned again, "This reach of the Trinity River is a natural channel with a few fun riffles to navigate, but flow and water quality are influenced by upstream reservoirs, storm water runoff, and wastewater treatment plants. The water quality is suitable for canoeing, kayaking and incidental contact, but not for swimming. Trips should not be attempted in high and turbulent water conditions."

So, the Trinity River in Arlington is not safe for swimming, with only incidental water contact being okay.

Meanwhile, upstream, in Fort Worth, somehow the Trinity River is safe to float in via an inner tube in J.D. Granger's Trinity River Vision Boondoggle's Rockin' the River Happy Hour Inner Tube Floats.

Very perplexing.

Visiting Arlington's Veterans Park Soldier Talking To My Sister About Going To Alaska

I stopped for a walk in Veterans Park in Arlington on my way to Arlington's International District.

As you can see in the picture someone has laid flowers at the feet of the soldier who guards the Veterans Park Memorial.

It is Memorial Day Weekend, which likely is the reason for the flowers at the feet of the soldier who guards the Veterans Park Memorial.

I called my eldest sister whilst walking in Veterans Park. This eventually had me sitting on a park bench which caused my visit to Veterans Park to last much longer than I had anticipated.

In about a week my eldest sister is leaving Washington on a 3 month trip to Alaska, via the Alaskan Highway. She will be transporting herself, my ex-wife and 3 dogs in a bus sized, high-tech RV, which gets a couple miles per gallon.

Behind the RV my sister will be towing her Honda SUV. At some point after they make it to Anchorage the RV will be anchored at a RV storage spot, with the Honda SUV unhitched to serve as their vehicular transport to the Arctic Circle.

I have seen my sister's latest RV only once, on August 4 of 2008 at Bay View State Park. The RV is push button operated. Push a button and the bedroom expands. Push a button and the living room expands. Push a button and the flat screen TV appears. Push a button and Rosie the Robot delivers an adult beverage.

I made that last one up.

I like to stay in motels, rather than drive a motel on wheels.

All but less than a mile of the Alaskan Highway is paved these days. There are no longer long stretches without services.  Wi-fi is available at the campgrounds along the highway, so my sister will be emailing photos.

I have only been to Alaska once, a long long time ago. That trip was not made via a RV and the Alaskan Highway, it was via Alaskan Airlines, landing in Juneau. And then getting on a float plane to go to Hoonah, then Alaska Ferry to Sitka, then Alaskan Airlines back to Seattle.