Prince Georges County Show Cause Hearing: Fill & Download for Free

The CauseI was in elementary school in a Washington, DC suburb, in the 3rd Grade to be exact. I began to get notes sent home, pinned to my jacket, and written in the comment section of my report cards, that stated "Obie, finishes his work in class, leaves his desk and proceeds to interrupt other students trying to complete their work. A Parent /Teacher Conference is requested."Initially, I was scolded and told to make sure I learned to stay in my seat, and double check my own work instead of trying to go and help others. I did as I was told, but I was still too talkative, just from my own desk now, and across the room. My mom suggested they give me harder work to keep me busy. because this was becoming a problem. Eventually tests were performed to find out my reading comprehension and mathematical levels, to see if that might be the problem.​​​Phyllis E. Williams pictured today (It is now a Spanish Immersion School)After a battery of tests, my elementary school informed my mom that I, albeit in the 4th grade, was reading on a 10th grade level, and my Mathematical skills put me one year back of the reading comprehension tests, at the 9th grade level. My mom almost fainted. The school stated that they wanted to do "some more tests" and wanted to get them started immediately. My mom hung up the phone and said ' I knew my baby was smart! My baby is going to be an Attorney!". That is the first time I "learned" that I was exceptional.I tested 140 on an IQ Test that was administered by a private group in the Prince Georges County School system. I was deemed a "gifted child". That was term they used in the 80's. I wished I would have scored a 10 on the test, my life may have taken a different path. From that day forward, things would never be the same again.The EffectFrom that point forward, all I ever kept hearing was that I a gifted child. In elementary schools and middle schools, both in PG County School and Dallas Independent School Districts, it was TAG ( Talented and Gifted )classes. In high school it became AP (Advanced Placement, College Prep) classes. I was in the top classes in every school, but my grades were horrible. Not because all of a sudden I lost all my intelligence, but I developed somewhat of an elitist attitude. I could walk into a class, study the test the night before, and ace it. I could figure out the word problem in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, before the other students could figure out the formula that was needed to solve it. I started realizing that no matter what I did, I could pass the test with flying colors without trying. So, I started hooking class. Leaving school. Looking for other things to past the time, and keep my interest. Teachers even came up with the "Obie" rule. If you missed X amount of days in class, you could not receive a passing grade. No matter what the test scores revealed.I remember my AP English high school teacher, Mr. Meehan, caught me in the hallway hanging with the "cool" kids cutting class, and he made a statement. "Mr. Chambers, you are so intelligent, young man. Maybe too intelligent. If you aren't careful you will find yourself in one of our "finer" universities. Like, Lorton University comes to mind." I remember saying to myself, "Heck, that's great! How can anybody be too smart?! Wherever that school is located, they'd better make sure it is a full ride!" Boy did they ever! And it wasn't for four years, but only one.​​​Lorton Reformatory "Hallways"After taking the initial summer off, instead of going straight to college for my freshman year, I got with the wrong crowd and got into the wrong things, was sent to a notorious prison that housed D.C's worst. I served a year in Prison, before all charges were dropped, for Narcotics Trafficking.I was in one of the most terrible prisons ever created, and I still could't get over or avoid being 'too smart'. When I first arrived, there was a form of an "IQ" test administered, whose purpose was to determine your rehabilitation level. Fail the test, and they may give you a 'little bit of time', thinking that you need more education as opposed to incarceration. Score too high on the test and they will think you are a jerk who was just doing what you did for fun and profit. That was the word among the inmates. So, what does Obie do? Fail the test miserably. The counselor pulled me into the office and stated, that if I tried to fail the test one more time, they would recommend me to stay at Lorton the maximum time allowed. I retook the test, and scored a perfect score. I was deemed a non-benefit. Someone who didn't need any education, but just jail time. Wow.I was damned if I did, as well as being damned if I didn't. No way to win. Seeing no way out of this situaiton, at least until some connections kicked in, if that would even materialize, I seized the opportunity to monetize my intelligence. We set up 'Jeopardy ' championships that coincided with the running of the show every night. My new nickname became 'Brains' and I became unstoppable. My 'new friends' and I made thousands of dollars in cash and commissary. On the inside, it wasn't Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity". No, it became more of Obie's "System of Survivability". And I had no choice but to pass with flying colors.My how the mighty have fallen.​​​After I was released, I pledged my allegiance to covert organizations, and vowed to make sure to use all my smarts and charisma for wrong. I had tasted what 'intelligence', combined with 'smarts' could accomplish. These groups would foot the bill for all my schooling, all my training, and all my refinement. Finally someone who appreciated the "gifted". It was a life-altering decision. See it here. Chambers' answer to What are some mind-blowing facts that sound like 'BS', but are actually true? I was bitter and upset. Upset at people telling me how smart I was. Upset that the Correctional Guards were always asking me, "What is a kid like you doing here?!. You are way too smart to be here". I was mad that the fact that I had ever been told that I was smart. What did it get me? What advantage did I create over the normal kid? Curse this intelligence and all the people who uttered those words!!"You can read my story here of how I 'used' my intelligence across the globe, and why I almost didn't make it past 30 Obie Chambers's answer to I'm 27 and a two time convicted felon. I screwed up my life. Long story aside, I have a love for technology and ironically law enforcement. I'm currently in school for Computer Science and will graduate next May. Is it too late?ConclusionGifted, Brilliant, or Genius, may be who you are as person, but it isn't a guarantee that those accolades will turn into accomplishments. Go to any prison, homeless shelter, or dark alley in any major city, and it will be obvious. You'll find thousands of brilliant homeless and imprisoned people. All thinking that it was automatic for their intelligence to translate into success. Natural talent does not promise you 'real world' success. In fact, if not nurtured correctly, and allowed to breathe, it can become suffocating and detrimental to growth. You see, intelligence, is much like an athlete having pure, raw speed. There are plenty of fast players in the NFL. They run these 4.12's, or they may run a 4.3 in the 40. But can they translate that into real game "speed"? Can they pull away from defenders when the equipment is on, and there are thousands of fans watching and screaming?Juxtapose that same scenario to that of the gifted MIT, Cornell, or brilliant student of any school, anywhere in the world. Can they turn those 'book smarts' into real world success? When the pressure is on, can they perform, and not for grades, but for life? 'Game speed' wits, versus "classroom intelligence".My advice? Acknowledge the gift, but always be humble. Keep that ace in the pocket. People will respect and admire you more when they know that you are the smartest in the room, but don't rub it in their faces. In fact, I would even go as far as saying to try and avoid being the smartest in the room. Surround yourself with those who can continue to further educate your mind, body, and soul. Learn how to "matriculate" (shout to Hank Stram) your 'intelligence' into 'smarts', all while being grounded. Stay focused and continue to grow. You will find it one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever imagine.​​​

It's going to be difficult to find you the best answer without knowing more about your situation. But this should help guide you in the right direction so you at least know what questions to ask.Entering Chapter 7 Bankruptcy where your valuable assets are seized to satisfy debts is a trying time in any adult’s life. Not only do you risk losing property that you worked hard to obtain, it is possible to endure greater hardships losing the vehicle you use to commute to work and other locations. Although lenders are not allowed to continue making contact once the bankruptcy becomes active, it is possible to have your car repossessed if they obtain proper court permission.The creation of an automatic stay puts a stop to collection calls and property seizure, but only temporarily. If the lender decides to request that the stay is lifted, they can take your car if they prove to the court that you failed to make loan payments. It is possible to have the judge rule in your favor during the hearing only if it there is a flaw in the procedure or a mistake made by the lender. Even if you are unable to do so, in some cases it is possible to use this hearing to negotiate a new agreement with the lender. There are a few actions that you can take to avoid losing our vehicle, including the following:Surrender your Car Before BankruptcyAccording to Nolo’s advice on avoiding repossession, you may be able to claim exemption on a vehicle if you do not owe a balance. Giving up your car is smarter than settling for repossession when the trustee is going to sell it. In scenarios that you owe more than the value of the car, or it is not considered reliable for your needs, the payment for your exemption is a good way to start over with a better car.Reaffirm your Loan AgreementA reliable vehicle with value greater than the remaining debt owed is worth negotiating with the lender. If you agree to keep the same payments by reaffirming the debt, you’ll be able to remain in possession of the car without factoring the action of bankruptcy. The court typically approves of these agreements if the debtor shows a valid need for the car and the ability to make payments without causing undue hardship.RedeemYour attorney is very helpful in this scenario of filing a motion to have the car appraised for current value. The fair market value is usually lower than the amount owed when reaffirming car loans so you’ll have an easier time keeping up with payments.Can I keep my car if I file bankruptcy?Does Not Mean You Will Lose All Your StuffNovember 3, 20140A Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge can provide almost immeasurable benefits for individuals buried in debt and/or facing harsh collection practices. However, many people delay filing Chapter 7 because they fear losing real estate, personal property and assets that took a lifetime of hard work to acquire. When a person delays filing for Chapter 7, however, the result can be seized assets, bank account levies and asset forfeitures. In other words, Chapter 7 often provides the most effective way to protect your assets from creditors.The common misconception that Chapter 7 means surrendering your assets is understandable given that Chapter 7 bankruptcy is referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy”. In theory, Chapter 7 involves the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee liquidating a debtor’s assets to distribute the proceeds among creditors. However, debtors keep all of their property in almost all Chapter 7 bankruptcies because they have no assets that cannot be protected by a Maryland bankruptcy exemption. This type of bankruptcy is referred to as a “no asset Chapter 7”. Bankruptcies where no assets are available to be distributed to creditors account for virtually all Chapter 7 discharge cases.The bankruptcy exemption system is expansive enough to allow most debtors to protect most, if not all, of their assets. Maryland like other states has a state exemption system. Although other states permit debtors to choose between federal and state exemptions, Maryland law requires bankruptcy filers to use Maryland’s list of exemptions. However, debtors filing bankruptcy in Maryland also can use federal non-bankruptcy exemptions that cover a range of assets, including but not limited to multiple types of public employee benefits relating to retirement benefits, death and disability benefits, survivor benefits and more.Some exemptions are not subject to a limit on the amount that can be protected while other exemptions have a maximum value. Artful use of these exemptions will typically allow a person filing for Chapter 7 to keep all property. An experienced Prince Georges Chapter 7 attorney can maximize use of available bankruptcy exemptions. This artful use of exemptions might include:Selecting the best exemptions for property covered by multiple exemptionsDoubling the value of exemptions for a married couple when allowableTaking advantage of non-bankruptcy federal exemptionsStrategically utilizing the wild card exemptionPlanning for your Chapter 7 by legally converting non-exempt assets to exempt assetsDetermining the appropriate timing for filing your bankruptcy to avoid scrutiny of transactions by the U.S. Bankruptcy TrusteeIf you have significant value in assets that cannot be protected in Chapter 7, your Prince Georges bankruptcy lawyer might suggest a variety of strategies. One strategy often involves adjusting the date you plan to file bankruptcy, so transactions fall outside the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee “look back period.” This term refers to the window of time during which the trustee can examine transactions by the debtor. Impropertransfers of assets or preferential treatment of creditors or insiders can be voided by the trustee if they occur during this period. The look back period is 90 days prior to filing a bankruptcy provided the other party involved in the transaction is not an insider like a family member or business in which the debtor has an equity or interest. The look back period is 12 months in the case of insiders. Sometimes it will be appropriate to delay filing bankruptcy to avoid fraudulent conveyance claims by the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee.Why Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Prince Georges County Does Not Mean You Will Lose All Your StuffBankruptcy: The Foreclosure Kill Switch (Huffington Post)9.1 million homeowners are grappling with being seriously underwater (owing at least 25 percent more than their homes are worth) in an economy in which the average family's earnings are stagnant or dropping. With banks and other lenders frequently unwilling or incapable of providing real solutions such as principal reductions to keep homeowners in their homes, more and more families are faced with foreclosure. However, when lenders refuse to approve loan modifications and other solutions, borrowers have one final option: bankruptcy, the foreclosure kill switch.Personal bankruptcies come in two flavors: chapter seven, a liquidation of all unsecured debt, and chapter 13, a reorganization which helps filers pay back their debts on a repayment plan. Chapter seven is generally reserved for low income debtors with little or no assets, and chapter 13 is for debtors with regular income. Chapter seven filers receive a temporary halt to foreclosure, while chapter 13 filers can often freeze the foreclosure action as long as they make their bankruptcy plan payments. However, chapter 13 plan payments often demand a high percentage of families' income and frequently prove challenging to keep up with. In either case, mortgage holders can voluntarily approve a loan modification at any time to keep a family in their home.When a borrower files bankruptcy, an automatic stay is immediately put in place and creditors cannot proceed with foreclosure or other actions without the bankruptcy court's permission. Nevertheless, bankruptcy is not a panacea and typically provides only a temporary reprieve. Filing bankruptcy is similar to receiving immunity on TV'sSurvivor, enabling a contestant to live through the next Tribal Council, but not ensuring that they win the game. Similarly, filing bankruptcy enables a family to withstand the next foreclosure sale, but typically does not provide a long-term solution to their housing dilemma.Bankruptcy's kill switch is a powerful tool in consumers' hands and can provide leverage against lenders who repeatedly deny loan modifications, or offer "negative modifications" which worsen borrowers' predicaments with payment increases and/or principal enlargements. Many modifications have been completed with principal enlargements rather than principal reductions, typically to the detriment of homeowners.So, what does a family do when their lender denies a loan modification and instead insists on foreclosure? File bankruptcy. What happens a few months later when the lender has received relief from the stay and has court permission to reschedule the foreclosure sale? The homeowner files bankruptcy again, and again and again, sometimes deeding the property to other people or entities to circumvent laws designed to prevent serial bankruptcy filings. An unclassified report issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Trustee Program concluded "with high confidence that as mortgage loan defaults and foreclosures increase, delinquent homeowners will become increasingly vulnerable to fraudulent foreclosure rescue and loan modification schemes that exploit the U.S. Bankruptcy System." The report goes on to detail the substantial prison terms which many foreclosure rescue operators have received for coaching desperate families through multiple bankruptcy filings as a means to stay in their homes in the hopes of receiving loan modifications. Serial Bankruptcy Filers are outlawed, but shouldn't Serial Loan Modification Deniers be outlawed as well? Certainly, many of the serial bankruptcy filings would not occur if all of the serial loan modification denials did not occur in the first place. Sadly, the Serial Loan Modification Deniers include all the nation's biggest banks, the "too big to fail" institutions which also appear to be "too big to prosecute." They get fines, yes, but they treat these as a cost of doing business and, all the while, families in need of modifications continue to be denied for one program after another, only to eventually be faced with a horrific choice: file bankruptcy or lose their home.What is the solution? A recent study in the Florida Law Review found "that bankruptcy filings delay foreclosures but are not generally effective in curing payment defaults, especially when compared to modifications negotiated outside of bankruptcy, which are highly effective." Thus, the solution is substantial loan modifications which drop payments to an affordable level and reduce principal balances to an amount in line with current values. If the Serial Loan Modification Deniers cannot deliver these solutions, then they should sell these mortgages to American Homeowner Preservation or other entities more willing to modify and leave the families be where they should be -- in their homes.Bankruptcy: The Foreclosure Kill Switch

21 years ago, I bought a $185 necktie at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco. That evening, my lady friend said wrong color. I never wore the tie and it was still wrapped in the NM gauzy paper.We returned it next day at the Neiman Marcus in the Stanford Shopping Center. I was dressed like a bum — normal for my day off.The sales lady curtly told us they did not carry that brand of necktie. I politely asked to see the Department Manager. Even more sharply, the manager told me Neiman Marcus had never carried that line of ties.Her facial grimace said it all…This old con man is shifting from 3-Card Monte to men’s neckties.I asked them to pull up my Neiman Marcus charge account. The first lady suppressed a snicker. Begrudgingly they checked the computer. They were shocked to find my lengthy account history. The necktie was right at the top. $185 plus tax.I expected Sorry for the misunderstanding or Let me show you some great new ties.But that is not what happened. Instead, the manager looked up at the ceiling and barked: Credit his account. Then, she spun on her heel and walked away without another word.Well, it is their store and their rules.I took the pointed hint: If you visit our store wearing an old T-shirt and rugby shorts, we don’t want your business. No matter how much money you have.Since that day, I have told that story at least 75 times. Maybe more.Two decades later, I now chuckle when visualizing their pinched little faces. Granted, their makeup was perfect.An Irish preacher once said…A man who will generously forgive all injuries will never forget an insult.Stop here unless you enjoy history and gossip. This is a long stroll down Memory Lane…Before those young ladies were born, Stanley Marcus was a legend and I was a customer.In 1905, Stanley was born in Dallas. His father had been working as a salesman in Atlanta, but not making enough money to support a family.In 1906, the extended Marcus family sold their investments and decided to become entrepreneurs. They considered two options:starting a high-end retailer in Texasbuying the tiny Coca-Cola Company of AtlantaStanley Marcus always joked: Our firm was founded on bad business judgment.Neiman-Marcus opened its doors in 1907. From the 1930s to the 1970s, Mr. Marcus personally waited on Texas oil men. They would visit Neiman Marcus in oil-spotted coveralls and work boots. In the late 1960s, some bought $60,000 black sable coats for their wives. I saw it.There are many billionaires and multi-millionaires in Texas who still dress like workmen. Mr. Marcus graciously served everyone. A hedge fund now owns Neiman Marcus. Maybe they have a different philosophy…There are subtle cultural differences between California and Texas consumers. Luxury retailers in Texas are more humorous and brash. Think golf clubs made of 24 karat gold and Big Hair.But condescension is a no-no. Aloof “exclusivity” might work in Manhattan, Palo Alto, or Beverly Hills. But snobbery is less welcome in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso. (Austin residents are a special case. They live in their own little world.)Plus, it’s difficult to remain aloof when other Texans nearby have billions more than you. Friendly is more important than ritzy.The running joke is this: Texas is the only state where you can dial a wrong number, and still have an extended conversation.The ladies in the Stanford Shopping Center wouldn’t get it.Back in the day, Mr. Marcus appeared frequently in the Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle. He was routinely in the Society pages, Women’s Section, or Maxine Mesenger’s gossip column. He was a fun guy. A very fun guy. His philosophy was simple: Only The Best.Mr. Marcus remembered names and faces. He asked about your relatives. He might be photographed with royalty on Monday, Girl Scouts Wednesday, dusty cowboys on Friday.Back when people still dressed for church, Easter Sunday was D-Day at Neiman Marcus. Many society ladies wore their new hats, dresses, and gloves to St. Michael’s. Locals joked it was St. Minks. Confused kids in Sunday School couldn’t find that name in the Bible.One oil man told Mr. Marcus his wife had seen something in the window display she liked. But he was watching football, and not paying attention to what she said.Hard to imagine!Mr. Marcus solved the problem by reconstructing the entire window display in the man’s home, complete with mannequins and lighting.Billionaire H.L. Hunt dropped out of school in the 5th grade and became the richest man in the world. He is pictured third from the right, wearing a white shirt and hat. He had rigs all over the world. One of his oilfields in East Texas was 43 miles long by 9 miles wide.In later years, Mr. Hunt carried his lunch around Neiman Marcus in a brown paper sack. He seemed to believe carrot cake was one of the five major food groups.He and John D. Rockefeller were both Baptists…and cheap. Upon his death, Mr. Hunt’s net worth was 4x all the Rockefellers combined.H.L. would often visit oil rigs with his lawyer. They would stop for lunch wherever a farmer was selling watermelons from the back of his pickup. Mr. Hunt would always negotiate the price. 75 cents was too damn much for a watermelon.Mr. Hunt laughingly referred to himself as a crank. He exercised by moving around his offices on his hands and knees. He called it “creeping.”His employees - at least the smart ones - paid no attention.Mr. Hunt attended the Texas State Fair as a vendor. There, he would pass out free copies of his anti-Communist book. He would man the 6′ x 8′ stall by himself.Tens of thousands would pass by the booth. Mr. Hunt would chat with Fair visitors until the books were gone — about 7 hours. It’s difficult to imagine Bill Gates or Warren Buffett doing that today.Mr. Hunt’s opinion of the carrot cake at the State Fair is not known. He probably took a sack lunch to save money.H.L. Hunt enjoyed crashing private parties and conventions. In whatever hotel he might be staying, he would bluff his way into industry meetings which had nothing to do with the oil business.He once crashed a Russian-only reception for Nikita Khrushchev. Mr. Hunt said, “I’m here to see the Soviet premier with my own eyes.”The KGB promptly threw him out.Mr. Hunt’s first son was Hassie. He had a nose for oil, and expanded the family fortune enormously. Unfortunately, he had an undiagnosed psychological condition which caused him to act erratically.One day, he was walking past a car dealership. He picked up a large rock and heaved it through the plate glass window. The irate car dealer came rushing out to the sidewalk. Hassie apologized. Then, he pulled out cash and paid for the new car in the window. He also paid for the window.Mr. Hunt’s second son was Nelson Bunker Hunt. He was too cheap to shop at Neiman Marcus, so his wife bought his suits at a discounter two blocks away.Bunker left college and volunteered for military duty just after Pearl Harbor. He served aboard the U.S.S. Washington. His battleship saw intense action at the Battle of Guadalcanal, sinking the battleship Kirishima, destroyer Ayanami, and other ships.Bunker later said: That’s the only time I’ve been skinny. I didn’t like Navy food, and didn’t have enough pocket money to buy candy.Bunker was good-natured about receiving the annual Bonehead Award in Dallas. In 1980, most people assumed the Hunts had attempted to corner the silver market for financial profit and failed. But their real goal was to avoid paper assets like the U.S. dollar.The Hunts believed U.S. government debt would soon skyrocket and the dollar would fall. Both happened. But these events occurred too late for the Hunts to profit.Bunker inherited his Dad’s thriftiness and usually flew Economy Class. When Bunky needed to get somewhere fast, he would charter an entire jumbo jet. But he still preferred Economy.Bunker was listed in the phone directory and answered the phone himself. To him, people with unlisted phone numbers were a bit snobby.William Herbert Hunt is son #3. As a teenager, he started as a roughneck on oil rigs. He has made billions and lost billions. He recently doubled his net worth from $1.5 billion to $3.1 billion in the Bakken. He is now quietly retired in Dallas.Lamar Hunt was son #4. In college, his football teammates nicknamed him Po’ Boy. Lamar was principal founder of the American Football League (AFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and World Championship Tennis.Lamar was the driving force behind the first Super Bowl. He devised the name because his kids were playing with a Super Ball when Pete Rozelle called.A reporter once asked H.L. if he was concerned about Lamar losing $1 million per year as owner of the Kansas City Chiefs.Mr. Hunt replied: Sure, I’m worried. If this keeps up, he’ll be dead broke in 150 years.This is how eccentrics are described in Texas:Multi-billionaires - a real characterBillionaires - couple of buttons missingMillionaires - one sandwich shy of a picnicRegular folks - nutty as a fruitcakeH.L.’s daughter is billionairess Caroline Rose Hunt. She got her first job at Neiman Marcus as a sales clerk. Mr. Hunt told his rich daughter always do more work than expected.While working at Neiman Marcus, she met and married a military pilot named Sands. She followed him to various military bases and had 5 kids. She later bought the Hotel Bel-Air, The Carlyle, The Hana-Maui, and 16 other luxury hotels.In her spare time, she still authors cookbooks, runs a wellness business, and does church volunteer work. She was the wealthiest woman in Texas for years — until some Waltons moved in from Arkansas.Carpetbaggers.This cartoon appeared in the New Yorker.People have always had a fascination with Texas oil men. Some are interested in the crazy lifestyle. Some by the kismet of being dirt-poor one moment, and fabulously wealthy the next. And some folks still believe Big Oil is somehow nefarious.One thing is certain: the oil patch is never boring. Stanley Marcus fit in perfectly.Spindletop occurred in 1901. Within 3 months, those 20 wells east of Houston were producing more oil than the rest of the world combined. The gushers of oil soared higher than 10-story buildings, throwing steel drilling pipe through the air like matchsticks. Some drilling rigs were destroyed when subterranean pressures were unleashed on the surface.Most of the profits went North — to the Rockefellers, Mellons, and Pews. They owned most of the leases and infrastructure.Many wildcatters had been soldiers in the Civil War. Sending Texas oil money to Yankees was about as popular as sending a porcupine to a nudist colony. But a deal is a deal. When the next boom hit in the 1930s, most of the profits stayed in Texas.Howard Hughes, Sr. developed a new drill bit in 1907 and made a fortune.When the senior Howard Hughes died, Sonny took over Hughes Tool Company at age 18. He was instantly wealthy, and later grew the fortune enormously.Already one of the richest men in the world, Howard Hughes used a false name to get a position with American Airlines. His job was copilot and baggage handler.He wanted to learn the airline business “from the ground up” so he could start TWA. Within two months, he was recognized by a passenger. American immediately fired him.Gittings Portraits eventually installed studios inside Neiman Marcus stores. Many famous portraits were taken there.After Roger Staubach completed his military service, he played quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He is now worth $600 million, mainly accumulated through Texas real estate.One oilman said: Sophia could make a preacher kick a hole in a stained glass window.The family photos of Gloria Vanderbilt were so enchanting Mr. Marcus asked if he could use them in the Christmas Wishbook.In this candid shot, that’s CNN reporter Anderson Cooper on the floor.If I looked like Anderson Cooper, I bet they would sell me a necktie…Clint Murchison was also extremely wealthy. He attended Duke and MIT, and later owned the Dallas Cowboys. He used Braniff Airlines to transport his players. He greatly enjoyed the company of Braniff stewardesses, and purchased many gifts at Neiman Marcus.Mr. Murchison was a very generous man who was let down by some friends later in life. But he wisely let Tom Landry run the Cowboys, resulting in 20 consecutive winning seasons.Mr. Marcus had a much more conservative lifestyle than Mr. Murchison. Their personal backgrounds, religious beliefs, and political views were very different. But they always remained friendly. Business is business.The Murchisons and their fun-loving friends would sometimes “borrow” a 747 from Braniff. They used Fat Albert, the aircraft scheduled Dallas-Honolulu three times a week. But it’s difficult to be secretive when you’re flying around in a giant pumpkin. The Murchisons exercised good judgment and soon returned to private jets.Eventually, Mr. Murchison would visit the Braniff Academy for flight attendants before the ladies received their wings. More gifts from Neiman Marcus…The helmet wasn’t for oxygen. Maybe it was designed to keep oil men from getting fresh…Governor James “Big Jim” Hogg named his only daughter Ima. Ima Hogg.Mr. Marcus and Miss Hogg were lifelong friends. They were joint patrons of Symphony, Opera, and the arts. Snoot-free arts. They funded museums in Texas, New Mexico, and Virginia.Someone in the White House once asked them to arrange a political event with a Western theme. With a twinkle, Mr. Marcus replied: Sir, running those poor steers back and forth in the heat is ridiculous. We ought to put the steers in the convention hall, and run the politicians back and forth.James M. West was a neighbor of Miss Hogg in Houston. He built an oil, cattle, and lumber empire. He was nicknamed Silver Dollar Jim because he would give a silver dollar to each person he met on the street.If he entered a crowded bar, he would throw fistfuls of silver dollars into the corner. While patrons scrambled for the silver, he would grab a bar stool and order a beer.Mr. West kept 26 Cadillacs in the garage behind his home. Each was outfitted with 3 police radios, 2 pistols, and 1 Thompson sub-machine gun. He viewed himself as a “private crime fighter.” When a police call came over the radio, he would respond — often arriving ahead of the police.The Houston Police Department liked Mr. West because he gave large amounts of money to support the Police Benevolent Association, as well as cops injured on the job.Mr. West helped with the arrest of several criminals. His personal bravery was well-known. It all came to a halt after a burglary call one night.The burglar was shot. But a police lieutenant was nicked by a ricochet from Mr. West’s pistol. Newspaper editorials questioned why rich amateurs were involved in police work. That was the end of Mr. West’s crime fighting.When Mr. West died, they found a hidden underground vault beneath his mansion in River Oaks. He had large mounds of silver coins and Neiman Marcus jewelry. He also had $2 bills stacked to the ceiling. No one knows why. It took 7 armored cars to haul it all away.After he died, his hunting ranch became the site of NASA.When dignitaries broke ground for the Astrodome, they used Colt pistols instead of shovels. If you plan on a career in burglary, Houston may not be the best locale.President Bush (41) and President Bush (43) were both fighter pilots and both oil men.Wives Barbara and Laura Bush enjoy shopping at Neiman Marcus - especially Laura. Alas, the younger President Bush is cheap. As Southerners say: tight as a wet boot.When Laura bought a $1,000 antique pillow, President Bush jokingly wrote to Anne Johnson of Neiman Marcus:Thanks for all your advice and help in decorating. Yours in poverty, GeorgeJeff Bezos of Amazon is worth $140 billion — more than Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Mr. Bezos is now the richest man in the world.Jeff attended public school in Houston. He spent summers working cattle at his family’s ranch near Cotulla. He was also a fry cook at McDonald’s.This is Jeff Bezos with his grandfather circa 1970. Jeff’s net worth back then: two dogs. Pay no attention to pessimists who deride our country. Anyone can get rich in America.The Lazy G is down the road from King Ranch. At 825,000 acres, King Ranch is bigger than Rhode Island. Perhaps King Ranch should get its own U.S. Senators...The size of Texas surprises many foreigners, including folks from Europe and New Jersey. It is further across Texas (Spindletop to El Paso) than it is from El Paso to Los Angeles. This is the local joke:Texan: Not to brag…but I can drive my pickup all day and never leave my own ranch.Cajun: I used to own a truck like dat.A cowboy’s life is remarkably unchanged since 1870. Back then, a steer was worth $10 in South Texas, $20 in Abilene, and $30 in Chicago. Today a steer can bring $1,000.When they met, Mr. Bezos and Mr. Marcus “hit it off” right away. In my opinion, the biographers of Mr. Bezos misunderstood that connection. It had little to do with retailing and everything to do with Houston.Of the 100 biggest cities in world, Houston is #1 in lack of zoning and regulation. Government stays out of the way. If you want to build something gigantic, knock yourself out. Your bankers will discern whether you are Genius … or dumb as a bag of hammers.These are gasoline prices. There are many oil wells and refineries in California. But California prices are 50% higher than Texas — mainly due to regulation.Broadly speaking, Texans mistrust government and embrace free enterprise. It’s been that way for 200 years. Texans believe bureaucrats raise the cost of everything - not just gasoline. With low taxes and few government roadblocks, the collective mindset is this:Grow and expand! Everything should be bigger. Move it!100 X … 10,000 X … 1 million X!In high school, Mr. Bezos wrote: I want to build space hotels, amusement parks, and colonies for 3 million people who would live in orbit.His plans for Amazon reflect the same level of humility.A New Yorker asks: What’s your return on equity?A Houstonian says: Who cares? This thing is going to be HUGE!Texas kids constantly hear: Think Big, Boy!Through a Seattle law firm, Mr. Bezos “secretly” started buying enormous ranches in West Texas for his new spaceport. Helpful hint to all you clever lawyers…Any cattleman who owns 250,000 acres is smart enough to hire private detectives. They will find out who you are, and what you want. Everyone in West Texas hopes Mr. Bezos launches the first trip to Mars from Corn Ranch.Near Mr. Bezos’ spaceport are the mineral springs purchased by H.L. Hunt in San Jeronimo so many years ago. Once when he was returning to Dallas, Mr. Hunt stopped to visit at the county courthouse. The judge there complained of pain in his feet.Mr. Hunt got down on his knees, pulled off the judge’s shoes and socks, and started massaging his feet with mineral water. The judge later told his bailiff that although he felt a lot better, it wasn’t right for the richest man in the world to massage someone’s feet.Some Hunts are Baptist, some Presbyterian, and a couple are atheists. H.L. and Bunker were big supporters of Campus Crusade for Christ.H.L. Hunt performed some sketchy deeds as a young man. He did not take religion seriously until later in life. As an older man, he would smile and say:I’ve made a great deal. I’ve traded the Here for the Hereafter.Mr. Hunt’s funeral was conducted by preacher W.A. Criswell at First Baptist.Southern Baptist funerals have a slightly different flavor compared to other religions. Baptists believe a funeral is not really for the departed. That soul is long gone. Instead, a funeral should counsel and guide the mourners — to save their souls.Due to events in the Middle East, the price of Arabian crude oil rose over 1,200% in the 1970s. While many Americans suffered, Texas was booming. Neiman Marcus was booming. The Hunts were booming. And H.L. had been at the center of everything.1700 people attended the funeral, including many billionaires, politicians, movie stars, and athletes. The pastor effusively praised Mr. Hunt and his many good works. But then he turned on a dime.Brother Criswell directed some blunt comments toward billionaires in the congregation who were Living Large and almost out of control. You could hear a pin drop.It was a mesmerizing sermon and invitation. W.A. Criswell was Old School — a fiery Revival preacher from Oklahoma. The congregation nodded in silent agreement.Afterward, a few people made real changes. But most of the wealthy continued as before. The parties in Las Vegas and Mexico became more outrageous. The private jets became private jumbo jets. As the price of oil skyrocketed, so did profits at Neiman Marcus.Imagine you are Prime Minister of an unaligned nation or a rebel leader fighting a dictator. Or maybe you are a foreign spymaster who wants to cut a deal before it’s too late.You are secretly flown into the country on a U.S. military jet to avoid news reporters and passport control. You are only here for 36 hours, trying to forge an agreement with the U.S. government.After the endless briefings with American diplomats and spooks, where do you go next? Not to the Jefferson Memorial or the Smithsonian. You go to Neiman Marcus!Back in the day, Mr. Marcus would personally escort VIP/DV guests around the store after hours. He was a patriot and loved his country. These visits were also good for business. Visitors ranged from Madame Nhu to the Shah of Iran to assorted Crown Princes.A few would denounce U.S. “cultural imperialism” to their countrymen, and then shop for hours at Neiman Marcus. Go figure.On one occasion, members of a royal family (and true friends of the U.S.) shopped Neiman Marcus after hours. As they were leaving, they said they wanted Chinese food. Uh-oh. All restaurants had long since closed.The Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. State Department contacted the Protocol Officer at the police department. (Most big departments have these protocol liaisons.)He swung into action and awoke a friendly restaurateur. A squad car was dispatched. The Royals quickly received their breakfast — a huge smorgasbord of Chinese food.Helpful Hint: This was done to avoid a diplomatic incident. It is never a good idea to dial 911 and ask for #7 with fried rice.Mr. Stanley, as his employees called him, would have been disappointed by my experience in California. No Customers = No Fun.Mr. Marcus was dedicated to having fun.In his first Christmas catalog, he offered a live Black Angus steer paired with a sterling silver barbeque grill. Mr. Marcus promised: We will gift wrap the steer as best we can.Neiman Marcus also sold a violin case which could be used to carry liquor. Some roughnecks developed a sudden interest in Mozart.Christmas 1963, Neiman Marcus sold the first Ampex video recorder for home use. Elvis bought two at $30,000 each. Those in the awl & gas bidness bought more.Later, Mr. Marcus offered his-and-her camels. For the couple who has everything.One Fort Worth socialite saw the camels arrive at the airport on the local 6 PM news. She asked her daughter: What darn fool would give camels as a Christmas present?You guessed it. The camels were on her front lawn Christmas morning.In 1969, Neiman Marcus offered this 100-pound computer. It could only be used for kitchen recipes and required a 2-week training course. Price: $10,600Tagline: If only she can cook as well as Honeywell computes.For budget shoppers awaiting their first gusher, Mr. Marcus offered an engraved hammer for $9 or five tubes of brandy toothpaste for $10. Both gifts for $19.Fortunately, there were no arrests for HWI - Hammering While Intoxicated.Regrettably, some gifts were not best sellers.10,000 gallons of Aramis ($5 million) went unclaimed.The stockyards between Lubbock and Amarillo should have loaded up.One year, Mr. Marcus offered his-and-her mummy cases for $8,000. But when the cases arrived from the Middle East, the curator found an actual mummy inside the female sarcophagus. The mummy was quickly shipped back to Egypt in a dignified manner.Here is my advice to Neiman Marcus…In the future, wait a few weeks. Most Lunch Ladies in Texas are well-preserved. Consider it professional courtesy.Mr. Marcus also offered plug-in versions of both you or your spouse. Each had a customized physique and face to match the real world — you.20 different languages were available. There was a remote control to ensure your spouse laughs at all your jokes, for as long as you like. There was also a portable model for those who might need a stand-in at work. No more boring meetings!In my opinion, Create Your Own Twin was pure genius. Are you skeptical about the need for an Identical Twin?Try attending a bridal shower during football playoffs.This is the Neiman Marcus Mouse Ranch. It made you Ranch Foreman for a herd of rodents.Neiman Marcus even included a tiny branding iron — customized to you — to thwart mouse rustlers. The branding iron used ink instead of heat. Mr. Marcus’ own livestock brand was N-M.Snooty? Aloof? Exclusive? Not so much.But the Rodent Rodeo was lots of fun! Even in Palo Alto.More recently, Neiman Marcus offered Cupcake Cars for only $25,000. Frosting included.My favorite item was in 1970:Noah’s ArkTotal price $588,247. All animals included.Full staff including a French chef, masseuse, and veterinarian from Texas A&M.Stanley Marcus died in 2002 at age 96.