MUSINGS FROM MARK

To Begin on a Sad Note…NOCALL member Ruth Borger passed away on Thursday, January 3, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ruth worked for the California Department of Justice for over 19 years. She was an excellent librarian and researcher. Ruth joined us in May 1993 as the first full-time librarian in the Oakland office. In January 1997, she transferred to the Sacramento office as the Legislative History Librarian. The legislative histories she compiled assisted DOJ attorneys statewide. Her extensive knowledge of this area made her a special asset to the Department, and the hundreds of histories she compiled will continue to be a valuable resource. In Ruth’s memory, NOCALL has made a donation to the Sacramento SPCA. (This note has been adapted from an e-mail sent by Marian Sawyer, Law Librarian.)

Paralegal Busted…A paralegal who posed as a lawyer has been sentenced to five years probation because he returned $150,000 of the money he was paid by the Manhattan law firm that employed him. Brian Valery pleaded guilty to grand larceny. He admitted that for two years he was paid more than $200,000 from Anderson Kill & Olick. He claimed that he had earned his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. Valery could have received 15 years in prison, but the judge promised him probation if he paid back at least $150,000 by the sentencing date. Valery still has to repay another $75,000.

Archivist Charged…A New York State archivist has admitted stealing hundreds of historical artifacts from the New York State Library in Albany. He sold the materials on the Internet to pay for household improvements and his daughter’s $10,000 credit card bill. Daniel Lorello was suspended from his job after admitting that he sold two copies (1835 and 1837) of Davy Crockett’s Almanack last year. His scheme was uncovered when he tried to sell an 1823 letter from Vice President John C. Calhoun on EBay. A Virginia history buff (and attorney) saw it and notified authorities. So far, the New York State Library has recovered 263 items.

And Finally (I Love New York)…The scene is a press conference being held by New York Governor-designate David Paterson. In a few days, Paterson will be sworn in as Governor of New York. Reporter: Governor Paterson, have you ever patronized a prostitute? Paterson: Only the lobbyists.