Judges, especially in the criminal courts , see folks and experiences that would be incomprehensible to the average everyday person, In the course of a term of office, you can see hundreds of defendants with an astonishing and sometimes disturbing array of backgrounds and situations that ultimately bring them into your courtroom. Some easily retreat … Read more…
I recently got called for jury duty Yes, I did, and I was excited. Being on a jury is one of the missing pieces in my legal experience. I’ve been a lawyer and a judge for over 35 years and never, ever had I been summoned. My name was in the system, I know, but … Read more…
It’s graduation season and it is so exciting and inspiring to hear about friends and family members making the transition. I’ve seen pictures of Kindergarten, Middle School, High School and College grads and it makes me feel good about our future. As noted in my book, I am a proud and active member of both … Read more…
April 5,2014 -Ten years ago today we buried my dad in Glenwood Cemetery outside of Chicago. He was 82 and had lived a remarkable life. A life that enabled me to be who I am today. His passing was the impetus for this book, this sometimes painful, but insightful reflection upon my life experiences, and … Read more…
Black History Month always brings a whirlwind of activities and attention to the African American presence in Hawaii and this year proved to be no exception. Some people lament the fact that our history and contributions are limited to being noted in the shortest month of the year while others bemoan that the need … Read more…
We had a great time at the Book and Music Festival – my panel partners, Governor Ben Cayetano, reporter Bob Jones, and Mark Panek gave the audience sharp contrasts to the ways in which authors “Tell Lives”. A real political insider, an opinionated reporter, professor, and retired judge. Lots of stories, there! Later in June, … Read more…
I’m joining the ranks of writers, artists, and publishers at the 8th Annual Hawaii Book and Music Festival on Saturday May 18 on the grounds of Honolulu Hale! Telling Lives: The Art and Practice of Biography and Memoir” This festival is a celebration of the literature, music and culture of our islands and I am honored to be … Read more…
I got a call the other night from a friend who had just finished reading my book. She lives on the mainland and I don’t see her very often but we share a camaraderie in one of my service organizations. We’ve talked lots of times but never about what she shared with me that night. … Read more…
It’s been a while since I’ve shared what has been taking place since I published this book in November. A whirlwind experience puts it mildly – while sales are not at NYTimes bestseller levels, they have been existent and somewhat steady. A panel of my fellow Pacific Raven Press authors on Maui for the Aloha Writers … Read more…
It was an exciting evening – one I could not ever have imagined two years earlier when I began in earnest to put “Tales From The Bench’ into existence! I had actually published a book, it was done! And my family and friends came out to celebrate its release at one of my favorite places in … Read more…