Sunday, April 11, 2021

The Morning Line - John Brannen Edition

Bit late on posting this, but I guest wrote Paul Daugherty's The Morning Line again on Friday. I went deep on the rift between Brannen and UC and concluded that UC should simply pay him his buy out money and move on because the relationship (and program) was irreparably damaged. UC fired him four hours later. I also wrote about the Bengals and their certitude that their ways are the best ways. I hope you like it.




Photo credit: Kareem Elgazzar for Cincinnati Enquirer

License: Fair Use/I wrote the article

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Texas Toast and Nebraska Will Contest

 Michael Brinkman was murdered in 2016 by two men dressed in clown masks and Santa hats. They were looking for $200K he allegedly had in a safe. One of the men was caught and convicted based on DNA from a piece of Texas Toast from Raising Cane’s that fell out of his pocket and was traced to him.

Brinkman was survived by two children - Nicole and Seth. His will defined Seth as his son and the term “children” to include Seth and any children born after the will signing (Nicole was older). The will then left everything to his issue (a legal term for descendants). Nicole, who was not mentioned in the will, challenged it arguing that she was entitled to half of the estate because she was “issue” of Brinkman.

The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that Nicole was entitled to half of the estate. To disinherit someone under a will in Nebraska, the person must be specifically excluded by the will.

Several quick points:

1. It is best to name disinherited children, or other possible excluded heirs, in a will so they cannot make the argument that Nicole did.

2. Contrary to popular belief, one does not have to leave a dollar to someone who is being disinherited. Simply naming them as excluded is sufficient.

3. It is also best not to carry partially eaten fast food in a pocket, especially when engaging in criminal activity.


Photo Credit:  Nicole Brinkman

License:  Fair Use/Education

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Where Does the Time Go?

I had lunch with Doug Corn today. With the inauguration of President Biden on TV, we toasted that Doug had invited Blair and me to attend the Inauguration of President Bush in 2005. My sister, Jen, was in DC and attended the festivities with us.