Document, Document,Document!
Were There Memos?
After yesterday’s testimony in front of Senators, the media and the American people, it is evident that former FBI Director James Comey knows what the word ‘Document” means. And yes, he was quite appropriate to have memos.
Many years ago as a young Trooper I was fortunate to attend a class taught by then State’s Attorney, Arnold Markle. That class was (The Law of Arrest and Search and Seizure; A State’s Attorney’s Guide for the Prosecution for the Law Enforcement Officer.)
To this day the one takeaway from that class repeated constantly by Mr. Markle was “Document, Document, Document, if it’s not written down, it never happened.”
Now here I was a young Trooper, still wet behind the ears and learning some basic investigative tools. That one tool stuck with me for over forty years and has never been forgotten. With all the news of late covering the firing of FBI director James Comey by the United States President, Donald J Trump, do you not think Mr. Comey had factual notes covering his private meetings with the president ( Donald Trump?) I do and were it on the books in Las Vegas, I’d bet the house.
Comey’s law background is extensive, even prior to graduation from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985. His grandfather William J Comey was a police officer and later the chief of the Yonkers, NY Police Department. I am sure that relationship laid some important groundwork for Mr. Comey’s career. The man (Comey), has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a U.S. Attorney, a Deputy Attorney General, and lastly the Director of the FBI. This man has been doing document, document, document for thirty-two plus years. Do you really think you would believe a Real Estate Developer with a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School @ the U. of Pennsylvania over Mr. Comey? And, as a side note, someone once said Real Estate salesman are just one pay grade higher than a car salesman? Please be aware, I sold cars at one time and hated the game intensely. I also have some wonderful friends in the Real Estate business. If I offended you, I apologize.
About Arnold Markle
Arnold Markle, Esq.
Arnold Markle was the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven from 1968 until his untimely death in 1987. Mr. Markle, a native of New Haven, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Boston University Law School after service in the United States Navy. He served as an assistant United States Attorney in New Haven before being named the first statewide chief prosecutor for Connecticut’s Circuit Court. Known for his feisty nature and his skill as a prosecutor, Attorney Markle instilled both loyalty and admiration in all with whom he worked.
Arnold Markle strongly believed that training and continuing education were important for police officers and all members of the criminal justice system. He started the arson task force for New Haven and established training programs for arson investigators. He believed in the teamwork of prosecutor and law enforcement, as reflected in his well-received handbook The Law of Arrest and Search and Seizure: “A State’s Attorney’s Guide for the Prosecution or the Law Enforcement Officer.”
Mr. Markle had a long association with Dr. Henry Lee and UNH, teaching various courses including arson investigation, homicide investigation, law and evidence. He was one of the first prosecutors to understand the importance of thorough crime scene documentation, standard procedures for crime scene investigation, and the value of forensic evidence to provide investigative leads and in criminal trials.
http://www.henryleeinstitute.com/?page_id=613 Dr. Lee is a former CT State Police Commissioner and established The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science @ the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
I can remember many times when I was on the Witness Stand testifying in cases ranging from a speeding conviction to a murder investigation and trial. We, troopers, detectives and the like all carried field notebooks. Into these notebooks went the 5-W’s. They were the who, what, where, why’s and when’s of what ever case you were working on at the time.
The Newsprint company
I would research these notes prior to my testimony in court. I would often be asked after answering a specific question, “How do you know that to be true?” I would explain the field notebook. Many times I would be asked if I had the notebook on me. I would present the notebook, read my documentation from it and it and it would become part of that case’s record. I can honestly say by Document, Document, Document, I was always able to, excuse the word, cover my ass.
NBC Connecticut
When the time came to cover his ass, former FBI Director James Comey did so in front of us all and he did it with class. He also “DOUMENTED” his meeting with a sitting president. Good for you Director Comey.
A Washington Post/ABC News poll in late April found that 81 percent of Republicans think President Trump is honest and trustworthy – compared to 38 percent of Americans overall and 34 percent of independents. I wonder what those numbers would be today?
I have kept a log of events in a calander form since my retirement twenty-nine years ago and for the past three years I have written a daily journal. Document, Document, Document is the breath of good air from those of us in Law Enforcement. I continue to adhere to those principles today.
Remember, if it happened, write it down. If it’s not written down, it never happened.
Let us hear the tapes Mr. President.
This writer is a registered independent voter, a United States Marine, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a resident of the Old Line State, and proud to be an America.
British and Irish forces in historic joint mission to United States.
A wedding event on the Eastern Shore of Maryland uniting a Vilkas and O’Leary would land five Irish born O’ Leary’s in the USA together for the first time with their Mudder. A total of twenty two children and adults in all would make the trip from Ireland and England.
Eighteen months ago we were welcomed into the O’Leary homestead in Kilkenny for a far too short visit. We were treated as family and have since considered ourselves part of the clan. Through the damp chill of the December air, we felt nothing but warmth from this extended family.
A special “Thank You” to Rita and Bella for being our first guests in the almost completed guest cottage, formally the Annex. Come back any time.
On the invasion for the Maddie O’Leary and John Vilkas’ wedding we got to once again feel the kinship of our Irish brothers and sisters. We were hosts for a feast of crabs, chicken, burgers and dogs with all the proper trimmings during their stay. Much thanks goes out for all the help from, Jeff, Kathryn, Greg, Sarah, Rachael, Abby and Tommy to help pull off this event. We could not have done it alone. Evo’s keg of Lot #3 was the gift that kept on giving. Thank you for nine hours of entertainment, the party was supposed to be from 3:00 – 5:00.
A side trip to Docktails at the Wicomico Yacht Club would serve as another highlite to the invaders. Jeffrey, you’re a great host.
The two Matriarchs observe the goings on from the safety of the USS Government Funded.
To he who sings like the Energizer Bunny, (The Famous Seamus,) the neighbors are forever grateful for your departure.
They would invade once again after a short text from the water’s of the Wicomico during a boat ride with Captain Jeff later in the week. The text would read “Tea and Scones for 14 in 30 minutes.” Arrive they did, scones and cookies – gone, week’s worth of ham, cheese and bread – gone. Any left over beverages from the crab fest – gone. And it was said once that Ireland suffered from a famine. The O’Leary clan is making up for the past, they returned to the other side of the pond like fated calves. Should you ever visit Kilkenny, you will return to this side of the pond in the same way.
May God Bless you all, We Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Return Often!!!!!!!!!!!
Sealed with a Kiss. Maddie and John Vilkas.
Irish all. At the reception, Green Hill Yacht and Country Club.
The Larchfield Six – L to R – Conner, Mark, Liz, Mudder, Ed & Seamus
The crab is supposed to come out of the pot red, not he who dines.
Applying the Old Bay.
One last meal for the dearly departing.
A Night Operation
My old friend at Poor Georgie’s Almanac stimulated a memory to something in the rear of my aging brain. It was something that happened back in the early 50’s. Georgie’s post first though:
NEWS vs. OLDS
NEWS self-defines itself. It is about what is new.
OLDS is a former car brand. It died because it was boring.
A Night Operation
Defense.gov
I remember back to the early 50’s growing up in suburban Philadelphia, on the Jersey side of the Ben Franklin bridge. 
I was about seven or eight at the time. The news all around town was that a new car was being introduced, the Hudson Hornet.
The local car dealer even had brown paper on the showroom windows increasing the suspense of the forthcoming unveiling.
viewofthepast.com
I would be invited to go on a recon mission with my father and his cousin Bill. We would go to the local dealer after closing, and in the dark of night we would try to get a sneak preview. After parking in a closed Texaco gas station and with flashlight in hand we walked the half block to the dealership. I was bubbling with excitement, I was going to be one of the first to see something new.
There was a single bar gate at the entry to the back lot,
we ducked under it and walked behind the showroom and shop building. As the excitement built in my youthful mind my father turned on the light. There it was, sitting in the lot, it was a green, four door, brand spanking new, Hudson Hornet.
drivingline.com
We peered inside, I saw what I believed was a wooden dashboard and plush seat covers with plastic covering them. Quickly the light was turned off when someone shouted out, “Hey, what are you doing there.” It turned out it was a mechanic leaving late who Bill just happened know. I about did you know what in my pants.
seventeen.com
After exchanging some pleasantries and an explanation as to why we were there, we departed. A young boys night of clandestine excitement had come full circle by being included as part of an, in the dark mission. I’m sure once I was in bed my mind raced with dreams of that night. It wasn’t an Olds, a DeSoto or Crosley, it was a night of a special adventure.
Google images photo’s
“All I really want is a P/U Truck”
Pride in Philly
The crowd is pumped, Philadelphia Eagles photo.
Last week the NFL, that’s the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE for those of you who don’t know (American Football) held their annual draft of college players. For the past few years they have featured this event in different cities. For years it was held indoors in New York City. Last year saw the venue change to Chicago, Illinois and the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is the home of the Bears. This year it was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the City of Brotherly Love and the home of my beloved Eagles.
I grew up across the Delaware River in New Jersey but was always a Philadelphian. If you’re from the area, you’re a Phillies, Flyers and Eagles fan. The stage for this football fanatic event was none other than the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, who’s steps were climbed by Silvester Stallone in the movie “Rocky.”
The turnout for this event was phenomenal. The crowd was loud, booing the Eagles opposition at every turn, especially when the arch rival Dallas Cowboys were mentioned. It was reported by “CBS” that over 100,00 people were in attendence for this event.
If you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan, or you just love football, take a few minutes and read this great article “Three Days On The Parkway.”
Lincoln Financial Field, photo by Philadelphia Eagles
“Three Days on the Parkway” was written by Alex Smith with photography by Kiel Leggere, Drew Hallowell and created by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Civil War Days
In the village of Allen on a cold misty morning.
Yep, that’s what they called it, Civil War Days. How can a war ever be civil? I always thought civility meant courtesy and politeness. A person making a polite action or expression. Civility was thought to express culture and good breeding.
Well it seems those boys in the photo up above got them a cannon pointed out over that field just awaiting for their countrymen in grey to come towards them. Now the gentlemen to the left in grey, I’m guessing he’s trying to be civil.
At any rate, on the 22’nd of April past, the Allen Historical Society held it’s first Civil War Days at the Community Hall. That’s a building I believe is owned by the Methodist, supported by the Lions and used by The Fire Company and just about everyone else in this little village on the Eastern Shore. If your hungry come November look for the Missive announcing the Pit Beef Dinner held by the Lions Club.
Oh, what’s a Missive you say, It’s a written message, usually in letter form from an official source letting everyone know what’s going on and the needs of the organization. Usually it comes from Melissa, sometimes Aggie and even Lucy chimes in on occasion. Of course all these girls are technologically advanced and it ain’t no letter in this day and age, it’s Email. Of course you’ve got to be wired up for that. That’s always another story if you live in the back country. President Trump says he will bring High Speed internet to the entire country. I’m guessing that’s right after them Mexicans pay for that wall. So it will be awhile.
Here’s a bit from one of the recent Missive’s about the needs for the Civil War Days.
(And if you feel inclined to help in this way, or you want to give us a hand for part of the day in the kitchen, please drop me a line or leave me a phone message to let me know – you will drop my stress level immensely!)
Members of The Buffalo Soldiers represented it’s self well as usual.
Too Long Between Visits
snopes.com
Wow, am I out of touch, and a bit tardy in my blogging of late. As far as out of touch, do you know today is 420, 4:20, or 4/20? I had no clue. Herself had the “Today Show” on this morning and they were filling their viewership with information on this historic day. I’m not too much into that show, it’s an I can’t stand Matt Lauer thing. I feel he’s a snipe, no not the bird, in his interviewing techniques. dictionary.com has a definition, #6 on their list as: to attack a person or a person’s work with petulant or snide criticism, especially anonymously or from a safe distance. Actually today wasn’t hard to take, Matt was off.
So if your interested in 4-20, check it out @: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_(cannabis_culture)
I’m 42 pounds at 6 months old.
As for not posting, I’ve really been preoccupied with Ben, our Standard Poodle who turned six months old on 4-17, not blowing any smoke there (see 420.) Ben has had a rough time of it for the past few months. In mid January after noticing ear gunk we went to the vets and started meds and cleaning for a yeast infection in his ears. This quickly spread and an infection ensued and the poor guy developed the canine version of MRSA,
Five vet visits later after numerous testings, diet changes, special baths, antibiotics, Prednisone, probiotics, several ear washes and medications, we’re making progress. Along the way I’ve been up at least once each night to help Ben facilitate the act of micturition, that’s the act of urination. It seems the Prednisone increases thirst which brings about frequent urine evacuation. In other words, the poor dog was Peeing like a race horse and I, thanks to my Marine Corps training was his doorman. At times it was an hourly event, I was an expert with the Swifter tool when an accident occurred. I recently finished reading Steinbeck’s novel “ Travels with Charlie” and his poodle incurred the opposite malady while on their adventure.
We are now waiting on the vet to call and give us the name of the next food to try, food allergies are thought to be the culprit of the problems. The next food will be Hypoallergetic. Ben has a cousin in CT that has similar issues and is on a Duck diet. Her name is Belle. Ear issues are synonymous with Poodles by the way. Ben is my third after CoCo, best hunting dog ever and Maggie who was ever faithful for eight years. FYI, CoCo MiMi Cest of Celest By Heck, Margaret of Donegal and Benjamin Franklin Fiddler our current BFF tare the official and politically correct names.
My photo as the sun sets on the Wicomico.
Right in our backyard is Wicomico Creek and the Wicomico Yacht Club
We’re a fifty acre field, a patch of woods and a half mile walk to get to the Yacht Club, and we do it often. It is not uncommon to take a bit of the “Nectar of the Gods” with us
and enjoy the sun as it set over the water. This is a photo from one of those recent sunsets. It has long been said that water soothes the soul. Herself and I certainly feel that way. Check out this article from the Huffington Post as to why water makes you feel calm.
Granddaughter Samantha Has returned to Oklahoma and has been reunited with husband Zed who had been deployed to the east. Check out her blog @ https://adayinmylife.org/author/c12samb/ and read all about he reunification.
Jeff has returned from his adventures and has taken a weeks vacation to do some home repairs, Rock fishing and get his pontoon boat in shape for the boating season. He and Kathryn have settled on the name 
Thanks to my Secret Santa, I and seven guests got to see the Salisbury University Lacrosse defeat Christopher Newport by a sore of 17 – 3. The viewing venue was from the President’s Box with a fine food spread, beverages and a great view of the game. Thanks Santa for a truly unique gift that was worth the wait to experience. Check out the new Stadium complex.
For the past few years herself has been supplying a quilt to the : http://creativelivingcommunityofct.org/ Our daughter in-law serves on the board of this agency and each year they have a fund raising dinner and auction. The below photo is this years contribution.
We’ve been doing some renovations in our Annex of late. We also did some spring cleaning and Pollen elimination in anticipation of Easter dinner. We hosted twenty eight guests on Easter and no one went home hungry.
Herself, getting things in order.
We are ready.
So, I hope this helps to catch my readers up on what’s been gong on while I was remiss in putting a Blog. I’ll be back a bit sooner should Ben stay on his present course. We do have a few busy weeks coming up with a college graduation, confirmation and a wedding to attend as well as some frolicking time with a Clan from Kilkenny, Ireland. A Crab feast will be in order for that event.
In the meantime check out the following site for some phrase verbs for problems.:
https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2017/04/19/i-messed-up-phrasal-verbs-for-problems/
To close I’ll say Happy Birthday to my son in-law Jeffery who will be celebrating his birthday with Kathryn this weekend at the National Harbor on the Potomac River.
Cris Crossing Flights
Two family men are heading in different directions this week. My son in-law Jeff,aka: el Jeffe, is heading East, actually as the keys hit my MacBook Air he is in Paris on a lay over. Today he will arise and head to one of the worlds great vacation spots, the country of Chad in Africa. Jeff will be doing what he does at our embassy there. His son in-law Zed is going the other way.
Coming west back to Oklahoma is our granddaughter’s husband Zed, Zed has been vacationing in and around the Persian Gulf and every coupe of days or so flying an Electronic stuffed Air Force E-3 Sentry at 35,000 feet or so to keep you and I safe.
E-3 Sentry, AF.Mil photo
Zed will arrive back in Oklahoma City today greeted by his wife who gave birth to daughter Zoe here in Maryland back in January. Zed will get to see child #4 for the first time in live mode. Thanks to today’s electronic wonders he got to see the birth live via an iPad. I can not imagine the greeting he will get from Mia, Ana, and Dax. Did I mention both Mom and Dad are Air Force Captains on active Duty. Thanks you two for your sacrafice and service on our behalf.
Captains X 2, Zed and Sam
Together again Ana, Mia, Zoe, Dax & Zed
Both Zed and Sam are graduates of the Air Force Academy and stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK.
