Peter_Linton-Smith's Blog

Like so many, I was saddened to hear about the crash involving a member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels over the weekend.  I am among a lucky few who has flown with the team.  It was an absolutely incredible experience.   I've been around airplanes my entire life and the opportunity to fly with the best of the best was a once in a lifetime experience.

I had a couple of thoughts this weekend.  While the death of a Blue Angel is tragic, especially at such a young age, there is something to be said for "going out doing what you love."  I know the Blue Angels live a dream every day.

Something else struck me.  Airshows in the United States are unique because they are so safe for those on the ground.  All air shows have something called an aerobatic box.  This is a chuck of air space in which all pilots must stay.  While in that aerobatic box all the airplane's energy is directed away from the crowd.  It is perhaps because of this that the injuries on the ground were minor in Beaufort South Carolina.

Does the constitutional presumption of innocence still exist in American courtrooms?  The case involving the Duke lacrosse players may not be unique.  Put politics aside and consider Georgia Thompson.

The judges on the appeals court  repeatedly asked several questions, the most frequent being "...what was the benefit to Thompson?"  In throwoing out Thompson's conviction the judges also wondered what happened to evidence, any evidence.

Ask any defense attorney these days and he or she will say just being the defendant means you're presumed guilty. 

This is Spring.  I need to get out and run. 

My last race was in Dallas December 10th.  My running shoes are collecting dust ever since.  I have a marathon June 2nd.

Good grief. 

Opening day at Miller Park. I was on the horns of a dilemma. I grew up with the Dodgers. Since the 1940's the Dodgers have held spring training in my home town, Vero Beach, Florida. Now that I call Milwaukee home I've always rooted for the Brewers when they're not playing the Dodgers.

However, the Dodgers may move their spring training headquarters to Arizona.

A fun yet interesting day.

Thanks for the kinds words on our coverage of the Steven Avery trial.  It was an absolute team effort.   Photographers Andy Konkle and Jason Kutter were assigned the herculean task of editing hundreds of stories.  Likewise, our management made the commitment to keep an entire crew in Chilton for the entire trial at great expense.

I honestly think this was an important trial to cover because there were so many issues aside from the crimes alledged.

As for Calumet County, I saw very little other than the courthouse and, for a few brief hours each night, a hotel room.  I understand that Chilton has its own microbrewery.  They make several varities of Calumet Beer.

It's nice being home after six straight weeks living out of a suitcase and calling the Calument County Couthouse my second home.

Having said that, the case was remarkable to see.  Regardless of your take on the verdict it was great to watch some very good lawyering.   I got so see some of the most amazing cross examinations I've ever witnessesd in a courtroom and I've been lucky enough to see a lot.