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Story #1: "Judge Larry"

Posted: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:07 PM by Countdown

It doesn't happen every night, but when a story tells itself...

We like to try to stay out of the way, to invoke the catch-phrase of the CBS News program "You Are There."

Our number one story on the Countdown: this is one of those nights.

If the court hearing about who should get to bury Anna Nicole Smith looks to you like the judge is auditioning for his own t-v series...that may be because, as the website T-M-Z dot-Com is reporting... the judge has a demo tape, and wants to audition for his own t-v series.

Judge Seidlin is ready for his close-up, Mr. DeMille.

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Comments

Judge Seidlin should be replaced! The mother of Anna is biologically and emotionally attached even if there was a rift in their relationship. Since Anna trusted her mother to take care of her son for a number of years it shows there was a natural family bond and one that could sustain with the surviving grandchild, Anna's baby. Anna's mother should be entitled to whatever inheiritance the courts deem appropriate. Howard K. Stearn did not intercede to stop the flow of drugs to Anna allowing her baby to be born addicted.

Judith Kissell, Kingman, AZ (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:20 PM)

This whole thing is incredible and is all a big show. The whole thing could be solved if they would just get on the testing of who the father is. The mother has no right to decide where she should be buried. She has had nothing to do with her for a long time, sad when money comes into the equation she wants to be involved. What mother would not want to be buried next to her son? Amazing how our justice system works.

Tammy Gilman (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:21 PM)

This judge is making a mockery of our judicial system. Its embarrassing to watch this man conduct this circus. When is he going to bring in the tigers, elephants and a couple of jugglers to complete the show. He talks out his ass about things that are so off the wall you are thinking is he for real!!!! Anna Nicole was such a pathetic case who's life was filled with drugs and chaos. If Stern was any sort of a man who cared for this women he would of done something to get her some help. With both Anna and Daniel gone and him claiming to be the father of the child he is going to benefit from all that has to come from Anna Nicoles estate and all the likes of her images being the father and the executor of her estate. All the joking and laughing at this hearing is sometimes to much to handle. It's not a laughing matter.....Anna is dead....and Dannielynn is in the hands of a man where both her mother and brother died mysteriously!?!?! Hmmmmmmmmmm

K. Elkins, Bremerton, WA. (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:21 PM)

Give the judge a top hat and cane and let's see if he can dance too...........

Eddie Earls, lansing Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:44 PM)

I am so glad I found this posting, because I thought I was crazy! I was watching the trial with my jaw hanging open thinking to myself, "is this guy honestly for real?" Am I crazy, or do judges not normally act like this? He regularly interrupts both the lawyers and the witness just to get on his soap box and rant about nothing. I am embarrassed by a judicial system that lets individuals like this get as far as they do professionally- he is making a mockery of the law and I think it's pathetic.

Jessica, Rochester, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:45 PM)

I like this judge.. He really takes in to account the human factor in all of this. And he tells it like it is. It's also very entertaining .. this guy has a "Sopranos" style to him. I say give him a show.

Jean-Paul Smith, Orange, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:47 PM)

I HATE this judge. He is an embarrasment to our judicial system. I simply can't imagine what people in other countries might think if they watch this trial. He is the ultimate definition of unprofessional.

J. Brown, Baltimore, MD (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:50 PM)

Get Judge Judy on the case and we'll have this wrapped up in 15 minutes.

Kirby, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:50 PM)

Maybe they could get this done quicker if they didn't take so long for lunch and if the judge would stop pontificating....it is getting really irritating.

Janie, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:51 PM)

This judge makes me ashamed to be taking courses to become more actively engaged in our court system. He is a bad example of how our justice system is supposed to work. How he passed the bar is the main part that worries me.

Michael Barr, Reisterstown (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:53 PM)

My goodness, I wonder how this clown passed law school never mind about how did he become a judge. This is such a travesty to watch. The only one in that courtroom who has any legal right to Anna is her mother. Howard was and is a destructive soul who allowed not only Daniels death but also Anna's. Give Vergie a way to get her grandaugher out of his destructive hands. Howard has made millions already, and I am sure he will make many more millions off of Anna's baby if he is allowed to keep her.

Taylor, Forest Hills, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:54 PM)

Judge Seidlin has completely lost control of his courtroom and lost sight of the issue before him... who gets custody of ANS' body for burial. He keeps talking about "rebuilding bridges" and protecting Dannielynn... nice thoughts, but not his job. At most this should have been a one day hearing, and the Judge has managed to turn it into a two-week drama. Thank goodness the California judge had the sense not to relinquish jurisdiction of the paternity case to this bozzo. Also, if Vergie's position is that Howard kept Anna drugged for the last 10 years, then Dannielynn would have been born with drugs in her system which, it appears, didn't happen. So for some period of time ANS was not under the influence of any drugs and yet she still chose not to have contact with her mother. That should speak volumes.

Matt, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:55 PM)

The judge is a joke in this case. I can not believe what I am seeing on this. Let Stern's Laywer speak once in a while. Larry's laywer has no business in the court room. The mother is a liar and can not be trusted. Just look at what she says, if you were Anna you would take drugs too with a mother like that. Poor Howard K. Stern he is in the middle of a bunch of total loosers. Good luck Howard we are all hoping you win. Dannielynn has a chance in life if she stays with you.

T, Bloomington, In (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:55 PM)

This is a train wreck!! A woman is dead, a baby without a mother, a whole bunch of clowns running around and Judge Seidlin as the ringmaster of this 3 ring circus. First...Burry Anna (she has purchased a place to be burried let it be there)!! Then give Dannielynn to her biological father, IF he is ever found, if not, HKS is listed as the father on the birth certificate, so by law he is the father until proven otherwise. Get rid of Virgie...she should not even be a player in the game, would you want your child growing up in that disfunctional environment?? This judge is a joke, and has made this whole situation even more so...

Beth A., Kechi, KS (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:00 PM)

I think Howard Stern is the baby's father and should be allowed to raise Dannielynn, he was the love of Anna's life. Anna's mom wasn't in her life for a long time and now she wants to claim she was the "loving" mother. Sure she raised Anna's son til he was 7, but does that mean she should be allowed to raise Dannielynn too? NOT! And to Julie from El Paso and Ann from SC yes, we have soldiers in Iraq and we do get alot of coverage on that too.

Rose El Paso, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:04 PM)

I think Annas mother should take the grandson and the granddaughter to Texas with her real family. Im not too sure about Stern - I dont know if I believe any word he says really. They need to hurry with the paternity and order visitation to grandparents etc- Stern will run off with the baby is she is his and no family will ever see her. Thats horible to take her family away when she already lost her mother. She will one day have to stuggle of where she belongs in the world if they take her away from wither side of the family... father or mothers. Anna and her mother dont have a relationship anymore if they ever did most likely due to other influences or her own choices... She isnt legally married so give the mother the choice to take Daniel and Anna home.

Renee, Houston TX (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:05 PM)

Make a decision, enough already. A law student could do a better job! I thought judges were suppose to be good at listening and keeping order. He needs to focus on why he is there and not auditioning! Has he seen to many "NIGHT COURT" episodes? Give Anna her rest, NOW.

S. Irvine, Olympia, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:06 PM)

Too many shark fins, uh lawyers, in the court room. Too many people wanting their 15 minutes of fame as a result of a tragic event. The judge needs to get off his soapbox, and apply the law which he swore to uphold when he took his oath to sit in that courtroom. I'm pretty sure they covered all of these issues in Law School. He should go review his class notes and the statutes. I also wonder how many of these people we will see as analysts on Court TV in the months and years to come. Just look at what the OJ trial produced, the people that emerged from that would never be on TV. Anna Nicole shoud be buried next to her son. Get the DNA test over, and also put the people in jail who are "getting in the daddy line", there is no excuse for this and is being done for self-promotion.

Paul Valach, Avondale, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:06 PM)

Please, let Anna Nicole find peace. She needs to be buried next to her son. I can't stand her fake, greedy mother; she only wants the money it goes with the package (baby). Now she thinks about her daughter? Tooooooooo late. Hope the judge could see through her evil eyes & mind & do the good deed for Anna's body & Dannilynn future. None of these people should have custody of anything & anybody. Judge think clear & fast.

Voula G., Des Plaines, IL. (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:06 PM)

This Judge is a complete idiot. I think he should be removed from the bench. I can not believe our judicial system has allowed him to make a mockery out of it. As for the mother, she is only out for money and if she had any love for her daughter she should allow her to be laid to rest where she wanted to be.

Pamela Burt, Port St. Lucie, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:08 PM)

This Judge is a disgrace. He is a big drama queen and that poor girl has to be disgraced like this. Right on she should be laid next to her son that is it. No one should be calling the Judge telling him to hurry up because that poor girl's body is trying to get to heaven. Let her go these people are terrible. I feel so bad for her. I understand the mother but, no matter what she should be with her son and that is it. I think they need to get Judge Judy she will fix them all.

loretta lugo, new york. ny (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:09 PM)

I am not at all surprised. In watching the video of the trial there were so many questions asked, even by the judge in openining, that are completely irrelevant. WHO Cares when Anna Nicole's mother started working for the sherrif's dept? It has nothing to do with it. In any video I've ever seen, Anna seems to have loved the Bahamas and being with her son. For those who like to say Howard K. Stern was controlling Anna, you should just take a look at E!s Anna Nicole show footage and you'll see how she used to walk all over him and he just let her. He obviously loved her. Stop making a three ring circus out of this thing, let HKS bury her and keep the DNA situation seperate. Whew! What a mess.

Erin, Crofton, MD (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:09 PM)

I can't believe that this kind of behavior is allowed to go on in a courtroom. I have never seen such a farce in my entire life. I person has died and this judge has decided that he has the power. I am so sick of hearing about his life. Get with the program and get on with this. How hard is it. The law is clear, try following it. End this now.

Cindy S Trenton Ohio (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:10 PM)

Watching Mrs. Arthur on the stand today made me sick to my stomach.. Especially when she has profitted and then lied about profitting from the death of her grandson. And to think that she will move Danny's body for the resting place that Anna picked for him is even worse. She hasn't seen Anna or her grandson in 10 years. I am 30 years old and I can't think of a week that I went without speaking to my mother or grandmother. Especially if she raised Danny as she claims. I think that the Anna became a resident of the Bahammas to get peace and that she wanted to live there so she should be buried there.. I don't know how this can be so complicated. Anna Nicole Smith and Daniel Wayne Smith should be able to rest in peace together..

Tiffiny Mobile, Alabam (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:11 PM)

This "judge" is getting on my last nerve. He talks entirely too much and doesn't seem to be listening. It's as if he trying to create sound bites for the media at the expense of this hearing. Isn't the most immediate issue to whom Anna Nicole's remains are to be released? Then let's get on with it. I don't care how much "good will" the judge has nor do I care about his experiences in college or who he knows. Let's bury the poor woman where we all know she wanted to be - next to Daniel. Mama Arthur needs to get a grip. She's had her 15 minutes of fame and if she's as concerned and knowledgeable about her daughter as she claims to be she would know that the last place she wanted to end up was in Texas - the place she did everything in her power to get away from. All of these people, including Judge Seidlin, are like vultures circling over carrion.

j r a (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:13 PM)

What a shame! Total disaster from the on set. This judge seems more like a clown than he does authoritive figure. Knowing the body is decomposing quickly than orginally 'guessed' should be cause enough to act not react. Screw with mediating... bury her with her child her 'ROCK' as would be her wish regardless where he is buried. There are no facts here for crying out loud... Anna Nicole Smith just wanted to be with her son, give her that and move forward with your other cases!!!

AEC, Brewster, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:14 PM)

This is a sad society we live in today. Everybody trying to gain something from somebody. I feel so bad for Anna Nicole Smith and her son and especially that tiny innocent little baby girl who has no mother now. That judge is awful and self centered. I cant believe he referred to Anna as "that baby is cold", is he trying out for CSI Miami or something? This is a serious somber case and he is debuting for an acting career.

JC,Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:15 PM)

SO MUCH DRAMA! I feel for all involved. This case should NOT have gone on this long. The judge could have already made a decision... so why hasn't he? 1) make a decision, 2) bury her, 3)get on with the paternity thing, 4) done. Look at what poor James Brown's family has done to him - he's still waiting to be buried. Both families should feel ashamed. I am for them both.

Rose, North Augusta, SC (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:45 PM)

It's happened. I never thought anything would get me to turn off the TV, but those godawful proceedings in Florida finally did me in. Judge Bonehead has elevated self-serving stupidity to a new level. My dog could have a made a more timely, and appropriate, decision than this guy. Go away. Your 15 minutes are up.

Wayne, Malta, MT (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:45 PM)

This judge should be removed, from any case. He's allowed this circus to grow with each day he's allowed this to go on. It's more about him making a name for himself then the case at hand. ANS clearly loved her son and knew where she wanted him buried when he passed on, come on people, she would want to be be buried next to him...as any parent would who had a unmarried child die before them. I don't think we need a judge to figure that out. Plus, if Anna loved Texas so much, she would have buried Daniel there. As for the father of that poor innocent Dannilynn, if all these "fathers" are truly concerned about her care, why is the testing being delayed by all these attornys who say the childs best interest is all that their clients are concerned for? They don't care about the childs care, they only care about the money...that includes Anna's mother. Enough already, get it done and lets move on.

RS, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:51 PM)

This Judge is rediculous. Anna's body is fastly decomposing and he is show-boating. One thing does not pertaint to the other. Bury the poor woman next to her son and tell evveryone else to fly a kite. I believe Mr. Stern doesnt want to take a piturnity test because it will lead to the baby's having to be tested and they will all find out Anna's not even the mother. Noone has ever seem a single picture of her pregnent. Why is none questioning if she even delivered this poor baby. Linda from Rockville Maryland

Linda From Rockville Md. (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:54 PM)

Someone is clearly casting real life now much like the shows that are supposed to mirror it. Sad but this judge fits the circus he has been incerted into. What I would like to see is the judges who did not get the part. Wheres Judge Mills Lane when you need him.

Nathan Pearson, Grand Rapids MI (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:55 PM)

I have not seen this judge, but after reading these comments today, it seems that as many of you people are for one side as there are for the other side (Bahamas vs Texas; Howard vs Vergie). So it's not so "cut and dried" after all?

dawn, north carolina (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:57 PM)

I agree that this Judge is a mockery of the judicial system. I don't know what he is trying to prove, but I do have sympathy for the mother, as a mother myself, you always love your children, no matter what they have done and I am sure she loves Anna. I don't think she is after money although I believe Anna should be buried in the Bahamas, however, I think the mother should have access to the baby, whoever gets custody and I hope that is Larry, he seems to be the only sensible one I have seen.

Betty Ackman, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:58 PM)

ANS and her mother might or might not have gotten along, big deal. She chose her own life and she chose to live with Howard. THE END As far as the baby - how long does a DNA test take anyway? And what was all the fuss over DNA from ANS's body, I dont thing her being the mother was ever in question. Lets get on with it enough is enough.

MGK, New Caney, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:59 PM)

may god bless ans and her real family howard,daniel and baby danni.the judge is a joke but this is happening in flo. remember the elections.the other joke in the courtroom is the mother and well that's texas for ya.

pat chandler oakland,ca (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:02 PM)

I'm ashamed this judge is using a deceased person to make a name for himself.

kay schweppe #1 Liguori Dr. Liguori, Mo (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:13 PM)

I am amazed at the level of stupidity displayed before me. We are still at war and these discussions about ANC are a waste of time. She was a thirty second flash in the pan and not worthy of all this attention. I agree it is a tragedy for her to have squandered her life away with bad decisions. However, we have American Soldiers dying everyday and there are only a few mentions about them. That is the real tragedy. While we are safe writing these stupid e-mails, our fellow Americans are risking their lives for our safety. Enough, shut-up and lets focus on what is really important, securing a safe future for our children and their children. Not this crap!!!!

Perry, Dothan, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:16 PM)

The judge really needs to be replaced. He is nice and all - but he is crazy. He just goes on and on about nothing and makes no sense or connection. He won't let the attorneys finish their statements or allow the witness especially the mother to answer certain questions. She is after money and i believe she is getting paid. Please get rid of this judge and go on with the case. Larry B. is all about the money as well. I say everything should go to the baby and Howard. God knows Howard deserves something for putting up with Anna's every whimp. I think he truly cared about her. No one else did family wise. Just so you know. I am deeply sadden about the lost of Anna and her son.

Tallahassee, fl (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:18 PM)

The woman buried her son in the Bahamas and purchased additional burial plots next to her son in the Bahamas within the last 3 months. How much more evidence of her recent intent do you need to find that she wanted to be buried in the Bahamas next to her son? The State of Texas judicial system ruled against ANS in the Marshall case and it is also apparent that ANS had a grudge against Texas because of the court rulings in Texas. ANS believed Texas sided with the Marshalls and she wanted nothing to to do with Texas. The real next of kin is the daughter. If the Judge rules in favor of a texas burial, will the child, upon turning age 18, be able to move the body to the Bahamas?

GJR, Indianapolis, In (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:20 PM)

Judge please please let Anna rest with her beloved son. There is proof she was buying a plot next to his - who else would it have been for? Get a clue or get off the bench. Poor Anna. I pray for her soul and that of her deceased son and her living companion and daughter. God Bless them all. Now send momma back to TexASS where she belongs.

Judy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:21 PM)

Question? Did Anna Nicole burry her son in Texas? (NO) Would you want to be burried beside your child? (YES) I have reached a verdit. SIMPLE THE BAHAMMAS

H CRITTEN (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:23 PM)

Is Ringling Brothers Circus in town? There is a judge and attorneys that need to audition.

Susan, Monroe, LA (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:53 PM)

As an attorney who has practiced before numerous judges and courts, I must say the process is not only unusual, embarrasing and a mockery of the system, but also a reminiscence of the OJ's case and Judge Ito's performance. An out-of control court atmospher, with attorneys running the show (and I mean it literally "the show") while the Judge does his best to entertain the media. Perhaps someone should remind this ring-master of the gravity of issues at hand and suggest to him to keep his sense of humor, or lack there of, for other times and places. Where are you Judicial Council?

M. Kazemi (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:55 PM)

Banana Court. This case is fast and loose with the legal procedures. But very effective in cutting to the chase and not being bogged down in legal jujitsu. Sort of reminds of banana republic justice. Next!

Julio Flores, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:57 PM)

It's well known that Anna was using drugs. Who cares! She lived her life the way she wanted to, she died living the life she believed in, now let that poor woman rest in peace!!!

Portage, IN (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:02 PM)

I think that the "boyfriend" whom was last on the stand, made the most sense yet! Said the facts as he witnessed! Which is why Stern's objected, she did not want the "true" facts of her client and his behavior revealed. She is becoming more annoying than the judge whom is a colorful personality! Have not read asking if she wants to be the next Nancy Grace, and have her own TV show!

Jean, Myrtle Beach , SC (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 7:53 PM)

Howard K. Stern must have a tremendous bladder capacity considering all the water he drank. Given his body language, reluctance to answer questions is indicative of someone covering up. A person who is lying and covering up, etc., gets a very dry mouth. He didn't even ask for a BR break. I'd like to know why Dannylynn isn't in the custody of the court until the paternity question is determined.

D. Howland (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 7:59 PM)

anna loved her son above all else, i belive she would wish to be buried next to him. the fighting over her remains is just sick. h stiern may not be married to her but he has done for her everything she wanted for years. LET HER REST WITH DANIEL. and find out who is the baby's father so she can have a life , hopefully out of the media circus.

marge s (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 8:01 PM)

Thank you for allowing this space for commenting. It is truly sad day in our country that this man that calls himself a judge and is allowed to make any decision. He is obnoxious, lacking in diplomacy and fairness. Even Judge Judy would have been better. God help all parties involved. He took offense when someone mentioned it was a circus.. Well sorry, judgy you is no ringmaster you is the CLOWN! As for the mother of Anna Nicole I say get a life and go home. Shame on you! You did something wrong raising Anna thats all I can say. You do not deserve to be called her mother.You should learn from your daughter and the way she loved her son. I noticed how the attorney for Larry B is all over her and telling her what to do so now we know those two sides have merged. I guess if either of the two win they will share the financial benefits.

b.a.r. (Sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007 8:35 PM)



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