The Phil Spector Trial: We Watch Court TV So You Don't Have To (08/24)

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY? The battle of contradicting witnesses waged on yesterday as Dr. Werner Spitz, the Dr. Strangelove of forensic science, retook the stand for the defense's rebuttal case to validate Dr. Michael Baden's testimony and dismiss yesterday's testimony from prosecution expert Dr. John Andrews. The turn of events can best be described as a spinal tug-of-war: Was Lana Clarkson's spine completely transected by the bullet that killed her, or was it held together by enough fibers to allow her to spit blood onto Phil Spector's jacket? Andrews says motor skills ceased immediately, Baden and Spitz think Clarkson breathed for a few minutes. Who's right? We'll never know. Since these men are the heavyweights of their scientific field, it's getting to the point where it seems like they're just making up theories as they go along, while no one in the lower weight classes has the knowledge to prove them wrong or right.

IS THIS GOOD OR BAD FOR SPECTOR? Let's call it a draw. Spitz is obviously operating on the "agree to disagree" method, which is when he disagrees with everything the prosecution has to say, even when the prosecution agrees with previous defense witnesses. By now, both judge and jury are sick of the spine talk, so it would be best for both sides to just move on.

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE OF COURT: Phil Spector's adopted son Gary appeared on Court TV to discuss the trial. Gary shockingly told host Jami Floyd that his father is convinced he'll be found guilty, and is only spending millions of dollars on his defense team and witnesses because Phil feels it's better to spend the money on his trial than giving all that money to the Clarkson family in the inevitable wrongful death lawsuit. Gary cited a previous lawsuit where Phil paid his ex-wife Ronnie Spector thousands of dollars in nickels as an example of Phil's ire when people try to take his money. Gary also discussed those many years he and his brother were locked into their rooms every night by their father.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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