From BOC: Caylee/Casey Anthony Trial BOMBSHELL: JAMES CHENEY MASON IS OUT- REAL OR RUMOR?

From Blink on Crime comes the following analysis regarding Saturday’s mysteries. What really happened behind closed doors in Judger Perry’s chambers?

Orlando, FL- As most of you following the murder trial of Casey Anthony for her 34 month old daughter, Caylee Marie, Saturday brought the most shocking day of NON-testimony yet.

I am referring to the bombshell dropped on the court by lead defense attorney, J. Cheney Mason. For reasons that may very well stay sealed until the conclusion of the trial, amongst rumors of photoshopping evidence pictures and witness tampering, Mason iniatied an off the record sidebar followed by an incamera meeting someone decided the defendant would not attend.

READ the rest at Blink on Crime.

Michael Kacer, One Armed Military Vet Who Lost Arm in Iraq Makes a One in a Million Catch

BASEBALL FEVER, CATCH IT … Michael Kacer did.

What was the MLB web gem of the weekend? Michael Kacer’s catch of course. Kacer us a a 29-year old war veteran who lost his left arm in a 2008 rocket attack. What a great moment for the 11 year National Guard veteran who made the play in Yankee Stadium and after making the catch, handed it to his nephew.

“I watched it bounce and I’m like, ‘I might be able to get it,’ and it just happened to go right in the hat,” Kacer explained, “so it makes for a great souvenir for [Isaiah].”

Kacer was one of more than 20 veterans at Friday’s game as part of Achilles International, a non-profit organization based out of New York that provides athletic experiences and opportunities to people with disabilities. The group took a Yankee bus to the stadium and was escorted by the NYPD. The veterans also had an opportunity to meet players prior to the game

Video: MLB.com

In a stadium filled with eight Gold Glove Award winners Friday, Michael Kacer made the play of the night.

Kacer, a 29-year-old from Scranton, Pa., stuck his cap out over a railing with his right arm in Section 121A of Yankee Stadium, snatching Curtis Granderson’s foul ball in the first inning.

Kacer, who spent 11 years with the National Guard and lost his left arm in a 2008 rocket attack, was on the field with the rest of the group before the game and was greeted by outfielder Nick Swisher before taking a picture with manager Joe Girardi.

TSA Keeping Us Safe from the Elderly … 95 Year Old Woman Asked to Remove Adult Diaper

The TSA is at it again … once again keeping America safe from terrorists the elderly. Does the TSA actually search individuals who might commit terror acts … I guess it Depends.

Just when you had thought the TSA could not be more moronic in their effort to keep airlines safe from terrorism, they keep amazing us.The latest despicable act by the TSA was done at Northwest Florida Regional Airport. A 95 years old, 105 pounds, barely able to stand, who was in a wheelchair was asked to remove her adult diaper during the search by the TSA. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!

A woman has filed a complaint with federal authorities over how her elderly mother was treated at Northwest Florida Regional Airport last weekend.

Jean Weber of Destin filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security after her 95-year-old mother was detained and extensively searched last Saturday while trying to board a plane to fly to Michigan to be with family members during the final stages of her battle with leukemia.

Her mother, who was in a wheelchair, was asked to remove an adult diaper in order to complete a pat-down search.

“It’s something I couldn’t imagine happening on American soil,” Weber said Friday. “Here is my mother, 95 years old, 105 pounds, barely able to stand, and then this.”

And the following is the continued stupidity from the TSA. Oh, let’s not profile actual terrorists … let’s embarrass, harass and humiliate the elderly. Let’s act like a bunch of imbeciles because a blue haired granny might have plastic explosive in their adult diapers. ARE YOU PEOPLE FRIGGIN INSANE!!! Way to keep America safe from the elderly. So what will be the TSA’s new motto, Keeping America’s sky’s safe, one diaper at a time?

Koshetz said the procedures are the same for everyone to ensure national security.

“TSA cannot exempt any group from screening because we know from intelligence that there are terrorists out there that would then exploit that vulnerability,” she said.

The Right Scoop is correct, the GOP needs to make this a political issue for 2012. The fondling of children, the humiliating of cancer survivors, military vets, and rape victims ,and the embarrassment of the elderly must stop. Enough of the ‘politically correct” BS … profile terrorist, not this sham that you call keeping America safe.

“Find Lauren Day” … Hundreds of Volunteers Turn Out to Search for Missing Indiana University Student Lauren Spierer

On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers turned out on “Find Lauren Day” to search for missing Lauren Spierer. However, despite the efforts of volunteer and professional searchers Lauren Spierer was not found, nor were any clues to her disappearance. 20 year old Indiana University student Lauren Spierer has been missing since June 3, 2011. Sadly, police stated just one day prior that they were no closer to finding Lauren than they were three weeks ago.

Find Lauren.com

More than 500 people, creating more than 50 search parties, joined in the hunt for missing 20-year-old Indiana University student Lauren Spierer during Saturday’s “Find Lauren Day.” Spierer has been missing since June 3.

And despite the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and professional searchers on Saturday, she remained missing as the last of the day’s groups returned to search headquarters at McNutt residence hall early Saturday evening.

A visibly exhausted Robert Spierer, clad in camouflage-print pants and a navy blue Yankees T-shirt, said they still had not found his daughter by 4:30 p.m. They’ll try again Sunday, he said as he was leaving McNutt.

Despite the lack of results in finding their daughter, the parents of Lauren Spierer are determined to locate her.Her parents stated their is much more work to be done.

Read more

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in Critical Condition In Cuban Hospital

According to FOX News, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is in critical condition in a Cuban hospital. The speculation is that the socialist leader has prostate cancer, although not confirmed. However, Chávez family did go to Cuba in the last 72 hours, according to wire service EFE. Hmm …

Hugo Chávez extended stay in a Cuban hospital is because he is in critical condition, according to a report in El Nuevo Herald.

The Venezuelan president, who was last seen in public June 9 and last heard from on June 12, on a phone call with Venezuelan state television, was said to have been treated for a pelvic abscess in Cuba.

But according to the report in El Nuevo Herald, Chávez finds himself in “critical condition, not grave, but critical, in a complicated situation.”During the call Chávez said that medical tests showed no sign of any “malignant” illness.

Something must be amiss as Chávez’s brother dan Chávez felt the need to say that the socialist dictator is recovering well. That must be code for, Chavez is in grave condition.

Before the report that Chávez was in critical condition, his brother sought to reassure Venezuela that he was recovering well.

“In response to all the rumors, I can give faith that the president is recovering in a satisfactory manner,” Adan Chávez, who is a state governor, told state television Wednesday. “The president is a strong man.”

UPDATE I: Is Hugo Chavez Dead? The Lonely Conservative is reporting that the rumors are flying that Chavez is dead.However, nothing yet has been officially confirmed. Oh the irony … how’s that socialized medicine working out for you Hugo? Can we say death panels?

Wikileaks Argentina tweeted earlier today:

“BREAKING NEWS! The president of Venezuela Hugo Chavez died in Cuba this morning. 06/25/2011 08:43AM”

Casey Anthony Murder Trial Adjourned Abruptly Today for Legal Issue … Could an Attorney be Out, Maybe Cheney Mason?

This morning Judge Belvin Perry surprised all by adjourning court and stating it was for a legal issue.

WHAT IS UP!!! Please note the following is purely speculation at this point, but it is as good an answer as any with having been provided no information as to why Judge Perry recessed court today until 8:30 Monday. Jude Perry stated that the trial was in recess due to a “legal issue” which was not that what was discussed earlier in the morning, which would have meant the yet again discovery issue with defense expert witness Kenneth Furton.

The only thing is to do the process of elimination and assume that the issue at hand must have been considered huge for Judge Perry to call a recess when there was supposed to be a full day of testimony. According to all accounts there were 5 or 6 witnesses waiting in the court to be called to the witness stand. With past issues and problems among the State and Defense, Judge perry simply had them call another witness, that did not happen today.

Could This Be the Reason Why Court Was Called to a Halt Today?

VIDEO Hat Tip: Klaas

Thus, if the “legal issue” is of great importance that would halt the proceedings for the day, it must be either a plea deal, a jury issue or a problem with a lawyer. This was the theory put out by former Cindy & George Anthony attorney Mark Nejame earlier today.

Narrowed this to 2 possibilities…plea or trouble w atty on defense team. purely speculation. I think it’s w atty on defense. #caseyanthony

Along the lines of great lines think alike, I had actually speculated the same thing earlier today prior to hearing Mark Nejame’s theory.My thought was, did Cheney Mason just want out as this is not the way he wanted his Swan song to go, did he witness unethical behavior, or did he do something that either Casey or others on the Defense wanted him off the case? If it was Mason that was leaving the case, he was the only one there present that was a death penalty qualified attorney. Thus with no Mason, how could there be a proper representation of Casey Anthony? That would have caused Judge Perry to announce a recess until Monday.

This morning there was a reference to a Richardson hearing that would take place as it seems that Jose Baez and the Casey Anthony Defense team once again broke Judge Perry’s court order on evidence discovery. This only makes the third time since they have started their defense portion of the trial. However, yesterday during direct examine of Sgt. Ryan Eberlin of the OCSD Cheney Mason made a gaffe of all gaffes in asking whether Casey Anthony had been handcuffed, see VIDEO above. That opened the door for the State to ask Sgt. Eberlin why he had handcuffed Casey. he then told the jury that it was Cindy Anthony who said she wanted her daughter arrested and press charges for stealing her credit card and its unauthorized use. Oops, major gaffe on the part of the Defense.

Casey Anthony with a Look of Concern today as events transpired

View some pics of the Defense today as they discussed the Richardson hearing and when Mason said he had another separate matter to discuss in Sidebar.

Judge Perry announces that a legal issue has arisen (VIDEO above, 11:18) and court will recess until Monday. This is where all hell broke loose in speculation as to what just happened. In determining exactly what could have happened we need to see how the Defense entered the court today and how they left as seen in the above (VIDEO 11:57 and 12:28). In both cases the Defense does not look happy. Nor did Casey Anthony as court was put in recess.

More look of concern on the part of the Defense

It is obvious that something big had to have occurred in order for Judge Perry to adjourn court in such an abrupt manner this morning. Prior to the meetings in judge’s chambers, it was Cheney Mason that stated there was a separate issue that needed to be discussed. Also, from the reactions of the State and the Defense after coming out of the judge’s chambers one would suspect it was the Defense that caused the recess and something was amiss. Or could it be an issue with Jose Baez or the State. I am hedging toward the Defense. You make the call. We will be speculating all weekend long, but will have a definitive answer on Monday. Hopefully.

Finally the Truth … First Lady Michelle Obama Tells CNN “Fortunately We Have Help From The Media”

File this one under … First lady Michelle Obama finally speaks the truth.

In an interview with CNN’s Robyn Curnow, Michelle Obama made the following comment in the “Truer Words Might Never Have Been Spoken” segment, “Fortunately we have help from the media.” Could you ever imagine a Republican First Lady making such a claim? Could you ever imagine the MSM providing privacy to the family of a GOP President? Hell, the MSM cannot leave Sarah Palin’s children alone and she isn’t even president.

Click on pic to watch VIDEO

M. OBAMA: Well, we — fortunately we have help from the media. And I — I have to say this, that I’m very grateful for the support and kindness that we’ve gotten, and people have respected their privacy. And in that way, I think, you know, no matter what people may feel about my husband’s policies or what have you, they care about children. And that’s been good — good to see.

But when it comes to the campaign, you know, we’re ready to work hard. We did it before, and we’ll do it again. So we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting on with it.

Of course Michelle Obama was referring to the MSM in dealing with her children and their privacy; however, she might as well have stated the complicit state run media in giving the Obama’s a pass. After all it was the media that gave Barack Obama a pass during the 2008 Presidential election and refused to vet or ever ask this President a tough question.

EXIT QUESTION: Why is it that the MSM provides privacy to the children of Michelle and Barack Obama, however, the children of Sarah Palin are fair game?

Casey Anthony Murder Trail Day 28: Court in Recess Until Monday by Judge Belvin Perry for a Legal Issue that Has Arisen

Casey Anthony Murder Trial Day 28: Judge Belvin Perry issues surprise recess until Monday over Legal Issue.

What Legal issue could have been so big and damning that could have closed down the trial for the day? This has to be bigger than just a discovery issue.

Just yesterday Judge Belvin Perry was discussing with lawyers from the State and Defense a time line as to when the Defense would finish their case, the State would do their rebuttal case Wednesday and Thursday, closing arguments would be on Friday and the judge would provide instruction to the jury and the case on next Saturday. So much for the best thoughts of mice and men. This morning, Judge Perry recessed the trial until Monday after continued sidebars and closed door meetings in the Judge’s chambers.

Casey Anthony’s murder trial was unexpectedly recessed only 45 minutes after it was supposed to start. Saturday marked day 39, including jury selection, of her trial.

Casey Anthony’s murder trial on Saturday started with undisclosed, closed-door meetings with Judge Belvin Perry.

Casey walked into the courtroom wearing a lavender, long-sleeved shirt and gray slacks, shortly before 9:00am when court was suppose to resume. George and Cindy Anthony were present in the courtroom.

Casey, along with her attorneys, was gathered in Judge Belvin Perry’s chambers. Casey eventually walked back into the courtroom, clearly upset, and began tearing up and dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

Speculation is abound as to why Judge Perry would have recessed the trial until Monday. Perry has been a stickler to a time line and for the case to progress in a timely fashion in this capital murder case with a sequestered jury. What could have been the legal issue that was so important that would halt the trial today, especially since it was supposed to be a full day in court today?

We presently do not know what the legal issue is; however, we know what it is not. It appears that there was an issue this morning with discovery of Defense’s expert witness, Dr. Kenneth Ferton. State prosecutor Jeff Ashton brought the issue up this morning (VIDEO 00:35) that at 8:40 this morning he was provided by the defense that was supposed to be used by defense expert Dr. Kenneth Ferton. Supposedly the witness was going to supply testimony that was not in his initial reports or deposition. Judge Perry stated that Ferton would not be allowed to testify today that is not in his report. Defense attorney Baez added his two cents and excuses as to why there appears to be yet another discovery issue that went against the court’s order causing Judge Perry to state the following, “You think this would’ve grown old by now, but I guess some things never change.”

Then the lawyers with Casey in tow was asked to go back into the Judge’s chambers with the court reporter. Oh to be a fly on the wall in Judge Perry’s chambers right now. The judge and lawyers then came back to the court room with 6 or 7 witnesses waiting in the court to testify … Judge Perry recessed court until Monday due to a legal issue unrelated to the one discussed earlier this morning.

The speculation is on as to what has caused the recess? Follow the discussion at Scared Monkeys Crime/Missing Persons Forum.

UPDATE I: Was there witness tampering or tampering of witness sequestration?

Is it possible that a witness has been contacted by the State or the Defense? Or have witnesses colluded with one another as to their testimony in the Anthony’s possibly circling the wagon to ensure that Casey not be found guilty and face the death penalty.

It has to be a truly big issue as the Court is not allowing any transcript be released to the media as to what occurred in Judge’s chambers. Also, Judge Perry has made sure that this train run on time and with 5, 6, 7 witnesses ready to go and waiting to testify … the trial was recessed. Speculating here, it would lead me to believe that this legal issue has something to do with an attorney’s actions. Also, why would Casey be weeping from coming back from the Judges chambers this morning? One would have to believe that this is pointed at the Defense.

Casey eventually walked back into the courtroom, clearly upset, and began tearing up and dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

UPDATE II: Bill Sheaffer analysis (VIDEO) of this morning events.

UPDATE III: More speculation … Did the defense file a motion in trying to disqualify the Judge? Could Baez and the Defense be so ballsy to have done such? My thought is no.

Could Judge Perry be fed up with Jose Baez, his continual disrespect for the court order and now be concerned that Baez is so improper in his preparation for the defense of Casey Anthony, that he feels that he cannot provide Casey with the proper legal counsel needed in a murder trial with death penalty ramifications? Watch the VIDEO (7:35) from today where Baez actually started lecturing Judge Perry what the Defense is going to do and not going to do. This is unreal on the part of Baez. Does Jose Baez think being disrespectful to the court is going to benefit his client? Does Baez think he can actually bully the court? Please!

Or could this all be about defense attorney Cheney Mason (VIDEO 9:10), he asks Judge Perry to approach sidebar on a completely different subject. Could Mason want off this trail or could there be a riff or does Casey want Mason out? Mason’s cross of Dr. G was a disaster and yesterday when doing direct of OCSD police officer Ryan Eberlin.

UPDATE IV: Is there a plea deal on the table? Could the State be offering a plea and giving Casey the weekend to think about it?

UPDATE V: From The Orlando Sentinel: Casey Anthony: Why did court recess today? A very big deal?

“This is a very big deal,” WKMG legal analyst Mark NeJame said. “The record is sealed and so are the attorneys’ mouths.”

NeJame speculated that the issue deals with a fundamental aspect of the case. “One has to imagine it’s being worked on over the weekend,” NeJame said. “Something is in play. Something has to be fixed or addressed.”

Pipitone and NeJame eliminated certain possibilities: Could it be a possible plea, jury tampering or illness? Everyone said it’s a legal matter. The court reporter had left, so it isn’t likely to be jury tampering. NeJame said a plea was a remote possibility. ”The issue is what else is out there?” NeJame said.

WESH-Channel 2’s Amanda Ober explained that Perry was ” very frustrated” over another discovery issue: The prosecution complained that it had not been informed of a defense witness’ opinions.

Peter Falk of ‘Columbo’ Fame Dies at the Age of 83

There is sad news in the world of TV celebrity, Peter Falk has died at the age of 83. The Emmy award winning actor best known for TV detective show Columbo has passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, CA. Actor-director John Cassavetes referred to him as the man “everybody falls in love with.” Isn’t that the truth. Who did not love the plodding character of Columbo solving crimes in a most unconventional manner? Falk is survived by his wife of 34 years, actress Shera Falk, and two daughters from a previous marriage.

Rest in Peace

Peter Falk, the Emmy-winning stage, screen and TV actor, best known to world audiences as the always-underestimated police detective in the long-running telepic series “Columbo,” died Thursday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 83.
It was announced that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in December 2007.

Falk won five Emmys, four for portraying Columbo, and was twice Oscar nommed for supporting roles.

Read more on the life and times of Peter Falk at Variety. Even more at Entertainment Weekly.

Falk did not decide on an acting career until he was almost 30. Born in Manhattan, he was rasied in Ossining, N.Y. After serving in the merchant marine for 18 months as a cook in the days following WWII, he studied at Hamilton College, finished his B.A. in political science at the New School for Social Research in 1951 and his M.A. in public administration at Syracuse U.

After being rejected by the CIA, he worked for the state of Connecticut and began acting in community theater. Encouraged by his acting teacher, he quit his job and moved to New York to study under Jack Landau and Sanford Meisner, making his Off Broadway debut in 1956 in Moliere’s “Don Juan” and hitting Broadway in “St. Joan” when it transferred from Off Broadway in 1957.

Next came the role of the bartender in the hit revival of Eugene O’Neill’s “The Iceman Cometh” and roles in “Diary of a Scoundrel,” “The Lady’s Not for Burning,” “Purple Dust,” “Bonds of Interest” and “Comic Strip.”

What made Peter Falk so loved and admired … he was like no other typical actor. That disheveled look and trench coat … how I miss that show. Who could forget Columbo’s famous line, “Just one more thing …”

Clueless Commander In Chief … Obama Misspeaks About Medal of Honor Winner Jared Monti Killed in Afghanistan

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PRESIDENT?

Once again Barack Obama, the commander in Chief shows that he has s little regard for the military that Obama cannot even get his facts correct regarding Medal of Honor winner Jared Monti. President Obama went on to to say, as he went off his prepared teleprompter script, that “Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honor to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously.” even VP Joe Biden is not capable of this kind of gaffe.

Military Times – VIDEO

“Throughout my service, first as a senator and then as a presidential candidate and then as a President, I’ve always run into you guys.  And for some reason it’s always in some rough spots.

First time I saw 10th Mountain Division, you guys were in southern Iraq.  When I went back to visit Afghanistan, you guys were the first ones there.  I had the great honor of seeing some of you because a comrade of yours, Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honor to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously.”

However, there is just one problem. Actually, a rather large problem. …  Jared Monti was killed in action in Afghanistan, on June 21, 2006 and he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, September 17, 2009. Imagine a Commander in Chief not remembering who and the circumstances of which you give the Medal of Honor to, as if Obama were passing out Obamacare health care exemptions.  Which begs the question, imagine how the MSM would react if Sarah Palin made the same gaffe?

How incredibly pathetic that Obama would not remember the giving of a Medal of Honor to an American military hero. Hasn’t Obama said in the past that dealing with the military and being their Commander was of his proudest parts of being President?

UPDATE I: Insensitive clod of a President apologizes to family of fallen America military hero for botching the fact that their son was dead.