Archive for January 31st, 2012

TMQ watch: January 31, 2012.

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Before we get into this week’s TMQ…well, we were going to snark on Women’s Professional Soccer, but that’s kind of kicking a person when they’re down. (“…average attendance 2,714 before the World Cup final”, “…season’s final average was 3,518, slightly below the 2010 average of 3,601”)

Other than that…well, this is the slowest week in sports. Why don’t we just jump in now and avoid the Super Bowl rush?

(more…)

Posted in Neuroscience, NFL, Sports, TMQ watch | Comments Closed

Rogue grand jury update.

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

The 185th Grand Jury – that would be the one investigating the Harris County DA’s office – ended their term today. (Previously: here, here, here, here, and here.)

And?

No indictments. But the grand jury is not pleased with the DA’s office:

[Grand jury foreman Trisha] Pollard signed off on a one-page report blasting the DA’s office for “unexpected resistance” and accusing the office of launching an investigation into the grand jurors, the special prosecutors and judges.
The grand jury also harshly criticized Rachel Palmer, a prosecutor who invoked her fifth amendment right to refuse to testify.
“The stain upon the HCDAO will remain regardless of any media statements issued or press conferences issued by anyone,” according to the statement.

The current Chron article is a bit short; I expect a longer version later today. Murray Newman had a good piece up this morning with his predictions; I would expect commentary from him once he’s had a chance to read and digest the grand jury report.

Edited to add: The Hon. Mr. Newman has the statement, and his thoughts, up over at his blog.

Edited to add 2/1: Longer story from the HouChron. Note the fine copy editing (which I hope will be fixed when you see it):

Posted in Clippings, HCDA, Law | Comments Closed

Obit watch: January 31, 2012.

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Master Sergeant John Franklin Baker Jr. (United States Army -ret.)

In November of 1966, then Private Baker’s company was tasked with rescuing another company that was pinned down by Viet Cong troops.

As the company began its rescue effort, the lead man in Private Baker’s column was killed. Moving forward, Private Baker took part in knocking out two enemy bunkers, killed four Viet Cong snipers and then led repeated assaults, killing more Viet Cong. During his forays, he grabbed wounded soldiers and took them to safety. At one point he was knocked off his feet by a grenade.

In addition to saving the lives of eight comrades, he was credited with knocking out six Viet Cong machine-gun bunkers, killing 10 enemy soldiers.

Baker was promoted to sergeant, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

In his later years, Mr. Baker volunteered to help ease the transition out of combat for service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, including those hospitalized in Germany.

Posted in Clippings, Heroism, Obits | Comments Closed