News

Chapter 1

                On the second level of the underground parking lot, a gentle breeze floated over spot 201, reserved for Richard Brothers. The dimly lit corridor emitted musty air tinged with the smell of a desert breeze from the cool morning. There was a gentle hum of a Mercedes as the motor quietly shut down. The shiny black car reflected the overhead lamps, illuminating the stunted height of the ceiling. Cracking open the car door, a black loafer stepped onto the recently swept floor. Standing straight up, Richard collected his brief case and listened for the arrival of his siblings, John and Paul Brothers.

                The oldest of the three brothers, Richard had greedily grabbed the best looks from his parents. Standing six feet tall, from his thick black wavy hair, to his piercing blue eyes, strong chin, and perfectly symmetric physique, he was the most handsome of the brothers. His demeanor was marked with unabashed confidence and enduring perseverance. Being the oldest brother, always at the mercy of his envious siblings, was the burden he had to bear. Richard had known he was blessed from birth, and never made excuses for all of his lustrous assets. Single at thirty-four, he was still in pursuit of the perfect mate. It was not that he was so self-absorbed, but rather that a sudden spurt of heart-throbbing, heart-stopping love had yet to occur. He had always thought he would see her and he would know—that an anvil would strike, and his eyes would partially fall out of his head. He was still waiting.

                Pulling back the navy gabardine sleeve on his Basile suit, he double checked the time on his Piaget. It was Friday, eight o’clock in the morning. Smiling, he heard the loud roar of John’s five year old Chevrolet swerving into spot 202. Brother number two had arrived.

                Emerging from the sedan, John, one year younger than Richard, pushed back his light brown hair, rearranged his pin dot tie, and grabbed his wrinkled khaki poplin jacket. He was the shortest of his brothers, stretching to five feet nine inches, but that was when he was wearing his black patent Florsheims. His body was lean, and his cheekbones were high; his brown eyes were set closely together, as if he was always intensively studying a legal document. He felt cheated. He was the second born, and should have been at least an inch or two taller. Maybe his mother forgot to eat when she was pregnant. In spite of his undistinguished appearance, he always sported a wide smile. What he didn’t receive in good looks, he had received in brains and the blessing of a beautiful wife, who had given him four healthy, lively children.

                “For goodness’ sakes, fix your tie,” laughed Richard, observing the remnants of jelly donut drizzle. “You look like you just walked out of a dryer. Your suit is so rumpled, the judge might ask the clerk to have it pressed. Or, I know, you think this will help you get sympathy from the judge and make our clients think you don’t earn much money.”

                “Give me a break,” answered John. “It’s Friday, and I had to drop off the twins at school. Just as they were getting out of the car, they leaned over to kiss me; poof, there went the contents of the jelly donut, right down the front of my favorite tie. I licked most of it off at the first traffic light. This is my lucky tie, and I can’t go to court without it.”

                Further scrutinizing his younger brother, Richard noticed a hole in John’s shoe and a dark brown spot on the back of his pants.

                “What else happened this morning?”

                “You have no idea how hard it is to get out of my house. What with my four kids, two golden retrievers, and a most beautiful wife, my hands are full. So, Maria needed a little help with the pooper scooper. I grabbed it, and it seemed to have a mind of its own. It scooped a hole in my shoe while fully loaded, went flying into the air, landed behind me, and ricocheted off the ground and into the back of my pants.” Shrugging his shoulders, he explained that he was in a hurry to leave, it was too late to change and besides, the rest of his suits had been sent to the cleaners.

                “Get the receptionist to spray Lysol on you before you enter the court room,” advised Richard.

                A slight gush of stale air rose, and they heard the roar of Paul’s Land Rover arriving. Gently maneuvering his SUV into spot 203, he grabbed a pile of cases and shoved open the car door with his leg. Standing up and smiling at his brothers, he quickly bent over and retrieved several cases that had slipped out of his arms.

                “Good morning, guys,” he smiled. “Looks like I am the last to arrive. Did you have a great evening? Well, all I can say is having wife number four surely keeps my juices flowing. We didn’t even get to dessert, at least the gooey kind, if you know what I mean. Yes, we did have a type of dessert, but it sure wasn’t fattening. I just took her right there at the table and…”

                “Yes, we get the picture,” said John, looking a bit miffed.

                Paul, aged thirty-two, was the youngest of the brothers, first in line when they handed out the brains, but last when it came to personal relationships. Just under six feet, his handsome face was shaped just like Richard’s. They could have almost been twins, except Paul had another thirty pounds added to his frame. It’s not that he appeared fat, just heartier, which could be attributed to a steady stream of wives, each trying to outdo the last, both in the bedroom and at the dinner table. His large car reflected the results of his previous three marriages, with one child from each wife; now wife number four had been hinting that she wanted a child. Every night, just as he was about to fall asleep, Veronica began a low, seductive clicking sound—tick, tick, tick. Perhaps this was her subliminal way of reminding her spouse that, at thirty years of age, her time to have a child was running out. The oversized Land Rover, with three rows of seating, should be able to handle whatever came his way. Paul was just thankful that Veronica was allergic to dogs; one less mouth to contend with.

                Unable to erase his smile, he joined his brothers as they briskly walked through the corridor and into the waiting elevator. Joining several other passengers, they were whisked to their tenth floor space at the Summerlin Office Suites. One of the most prestigious and few skyscrapers in Las Vegas, their father, Ted, had taken a lease the day the building opened. Yes, the three brothers did not fall far from tree; they were all apples on the same attorney tree, and Ted Brothers, their father, was the top limb.

                The broad, double oak doors touted the sign “Brothers Attorneys-At-Law”. At the top of the list was Ted Brothers, Esq., followed by Richard, John, and Paul.

                “Just because my name is the last on the list, doesn’t mean my sign should look like this,” Paul grumbled, pointing to the Esq. that had become slightly ajar, dangling precariously from the door.

                “I will have Monica fix it, I promise,” said Richard, as he opened up the door to their law office. The waiting room was filled with clients. Unable to tolerate Paul’s sour disposition, Richard grabbed him and kissed him right on the lips. That woke him out of his sulking mood and certainly made for great entertainment in the waiting room.

                Monica, the office receptionist and manager, promptly stood up and smiled broadly. “Bravo,” she said to her three bosses, “This is a great way to start our Friday. Now gentlemen, before you get comfy in our offices, your father called and has requested you adjourn to the conference room. He said he wanted to talk to you, and that you should all be in the same room.”

                Like three little puppy dogs obeying their trainer, they walked to the conference room. It’s not that they were intimidated by Monica’s statement, but rather that they trusted and respected her commands, especially when they came from their father. Standing five feet seven inches, she had taken charge of the office for the last five years. Smart, but lacking the funds to complete law school, she did the next best thing and took a job running a law office. Over the years, as raises added to her bank account, she had begun classes and promised herself she would one day get that law degree. For today, at age twenty-six, she was satisfied running the office for the three brothers and studying in the evenings. Her dark skin and Amazon queen stature were arresting to both men and women. On several occasions, her mere prescience had stopped office brawls and soothed the most bruised egos while clients waited for their appointments. Monica took her position seriously, and spent every moment devouring the law. Whatever information came her way, she stored in her well-equipped brain, knowing that one day all of this knowledge would make her a successful attorney. In terms of money, her goals were a bit loftier than her bosses; she would put her degree to use helping the poor black communities, where excellent legal advice came at a price too high for many to afford

                                                                          Forward

                Fifty years and counting, The Stylistics have been performing and recording. It is rare that any single performer or group can sustain themselves in the limelight for over a half a century. What is their secret? What makes millions of fans around the planet return to witness their genius? How were they fortunate enough to attract the top writers and musicians? The answers to these questions unfold while the book tells the story of the iconic group.                                                                                                                                 The music attributed to the ensemble is a genre unto itself. Their sound is instantly recognizable, their voices and harmonies perfectly intertwined. And in 2024, as they arrange themselves inside a state-of-the-art recording studio, singing new music, it is clear their voices ring as beautifully as their very first recording.                                                                                                                                                  Some will say it’s luck, some say the spiritual world has imbued them with purity of sound, but as the author of this book, I believe it’s innate talent and the tenacity of their hard work.                                        Let their sound go on forever!

Decades of teaching together had sealed these four colleagues as best of friends. They had lived through both good and bad times and knew each other better than they knew themselves. As each headed in different directions for what was to be their last Easter break, they would inadvertently return, all with a similar remedy as to how they wanted to live out their lives: it would be together. Life, they agreed, was for the living and each day was to become a fulfillment of cherished dreams.  They would all live together in one home spending the balance of their lives in interactional bliss.

             When they finally arrive to the promised city, Las Vegas, their once predictable lives turn upside down. Each day was filled with twists, turns, excitement, a veritable pot of mixed emotions. They got more than they bargained for, and life blossomed into a rich and fulfilling experience

                Fifty years and counting, The Stylistics have been performing and recording. It is rare that any single performer or group can sustain themselves in the limelight for over a half a century. What is their secret? What makes millions of fans around the planet return to witness their genius? How were they fortunate enough to attract the top writers and musicians? The answers to these questions unfold while the book tells the story of the iconic group.                                                                                                                                       The music attributed to the ensemble is a genre unto itself. Their sound is instantly recognizable, their voices and harmonies perfectly intertwined. And in 2024, as they arrange themselves inside a state-of-the-art recording studio, singing new music, it is clear their voices ring as beautifully as their very first recording.                                                                                                                                                  Some will say it’s luck, some say the spiritual world has imbued them with purity of sound, but as the author of this book, I believe it’s innate talent and the tenacity of their hard work.                                        Let their sound go on forever!

Hailing from a rich background, Noel aspires to be a successful financial accountant. Often working in his father's firm, Noel has gotten as much experience in the field and is just short of a certificate to attain his lifelong dream, and for that, he needs to complete his bachelor's degree with distinction. Enrolling for an "easy A" class in accounting, Noel's life would take a beautiful turn when he encountered Brea, a history major student from an average family. Their relationship started with a few extra lessons and soon blossomed into a beautiful one. 

A Las Vegas Affair by Arlene Krieger narrates how Noel and Brea overcome several hurdles to maintain their undying love for each other despite several oppositions. As Noel gets a new job offer in Las Vegas, the couple meets new people, and their love for each other is put to the test. Will the newlyweds overcome all obstacles and keep their love burning? Or will their love for each other quench at the site of these new challenges?

This book is well written. A simple plot, but well-crafted and articulated by the author to give it an awesome new twist and narrative. I found the book to be a nice read. The book was well written—almost the picture of perfection. Over 270+ pages, and I found only one error, the misspelling of "cheque," e.g., "Brea took the check and thanked him profusely and then reminded him..." Regardless, the aforementioned error did not stop me from enjoying this book.

On the other hand, I felt the story was rushed. It felt like I was flying from one scene to the next at a really fast pace. I also didn't like how, for the most part, when a scene was being switched, there was no indication. The story just continued. This often confuses me, and I'm sure it'll confuse other readers too.

This book falls under the romance genre, and I'm grateful the author limited the explicit love scenes in the book. I would recommend this book to young adults looking for a quick read and lovers of the romance genre. They'll love this book.

Fifty years and counting, The Stylistics have been performing and recording. It is rare that any
single performer or group can sustain themselves in the limelight for over a half a century. What is their
secret? What makes millions of fans around the planet return to witness their genius? How were they
fortunate enough to attract the top writers and musicians? The answers to these questions unfold while
the book tells the story of the iconic group.
The music attributed to the ensemble is a genre unto itself. Their sound is instantly
recognizable, their voices and harmonies perfectly intertwined. And in 2024, as they arrange themselves
inside a state-of-the-art recording studio, singing new music, it is clear their voices ring as beautifully as
their very first recording.
Some will say it’s luck, some say the spiritual world has imbued them with purity of sound, but
as the author of this book, I believe it’s innate talent and the tenacity of their hard work.
Let their sound go on forever!

                                Freedom Twice Lost

                Fleeing the confines of Communism, Roberto Miranda landed on the shores of America to have his freedom torn away the second time. Landing on Death Row, his life was about to end for a second time. This is his story to freedom.

                Racing out of Cuba from the infiltration of Communist regime, Roberto Miranda sought political asylum after a terrifying boat ride into the Straits of Florida. Witnessing his friends and countrymen drowning in makeshift boats, he promised himself if he landed safely, he would let the world know what was happening. The ugliness of Communism.

                After a stint in a holding camp and he was sponsored by a northern farmer who paid the bus trip up to a northern state. At the first drop of snow, Roberto packed his bags and headed to Las Vegas. It was a guarantee he would never see snow and the city was also known for its large Cuban population. Packing his few possessions, he arrived in Las Vegas, enmeshed in the Cuban community, found a place to live and a job.                                                                      A murder took place. Roberto knew the victim and he knew the murderer. Framed for the crime, without adequate funds, he relied on a public defender to defend him. Fresh out of law school, the inexperienced attorney, who was conducting his first murder case, casually accepted Roberto’s death sentence as part of his education. Fourteen years on Death Row sat an innocent man, never knowing which day on earth would be his last.                                        An angel appeared, Attorney Laura Fitzsimmons, who had studied the file and quickly realized Roberto’s inept representation. Astute, she filed the right pleadings, attended the hearings and through her tenacious work, an innocent man was finally released.                                     Reentering society, Roberto gleaned a bevy of friends who provided necessities and the representation of Gerry Spence, one of the top litigation attorneys in America. Exposing the sham of the public defender, Clark County coughed up the largest award ever given to wrongfully accused man. The outcome was a six-million-dollar award along with a dozen laws changing the landscape of the Public Defender’s Office.                                                                                                                                                                 Roberto had no intentions of becoming a martyr for the poor, the immigrants, nor the Spanish speaking asylum seekers, yet in fact, that was how his life played out. A hero, a man of unspoken virtues, his life made a difference. He changed the lives of thousands landing on American soil seeking the platitudes inscribed in our constitution.    

Attaining Fulfillment In The Legal Profession

3 Strategies For Finding Happiness

Money and status – these are the achievements for which lawyers are popularly known to aspire. And, indeed, many do aspire and achieve those things, but they’re not guaranteed to provide happiness; far from it, according to new research that includes data from 6,200 lawyers.

In fact, the research shows that lawyers who are paid the least – those working in public-service jobs – enjoy the highest levels of health and well-being. Meanwhile, partner-track jobs and high income have nearly no correlation to happiness.  

“Throughout the history of literature, we’ve been given many examples illustrating the folly of blind ambition,” says Arlene Krieger, a paralegal and literary humorist who authored the novel, “Privileged Attorneys: Las Vegas Style” (www.arlenesbooks.com).

“But lawyers aren’t like most people; they’re sharks, at least that’s what so many jokes and quotes have told us. Any cut-throat lawyer wouldn’t want to tarnish this reputation, which is so valuable in this competitive industry. Like it or not, lawyers are like other people. If you want to be happy in the legal profession, you’ll need more than making partner.”

Want to be happy while working in the legal field? Krieger offers some suggestions.

·         Charity: High-powered, high-status attorneys are not as happy as public service attorneys, whose work include law reform organizations and legal services, as well as in government agencies at all levels. That includes educational and public international organizations, charities, private public interest law firms and private law firms performing pro bono work.

“Those legal professionals do the work because they believe in their work,” Krieger says. “It’s not about the money for them; their first form of currency is meaningful work. If you’re rich and unhappy as a lawyer, try some pro bono work, or something along those lines. Or, charity work not related to law may be a nice break for you.”

·         Creative outlets: Legal professionals tend to be intelligent, multidimensional people. Given their commitment to their profession, however, many do not cultivate other aspects of their personality.

“I don’t know where I’d be without expressing myself through my writing,” she says. “It lets me exercise what I’m good at, provides catharsis and lets me know that there’s more to life than the legal world.”

·         A nurturing environment: Public-service lawyers drink less alcohol than their higher-income peers, according to the research. Ambition and the relentless pursuit of money and status can be stressful, which can drive lawyers – who are known for alcohol consumption – to drink more. Of course, alcohol isn’t a reliable long-term solution for well-being.

“What has given me meaning and support is my family, which provides a loving and nurturing environment at home,” Krieger says. “A reliable support system is tremendously beneficial, but there are other measures you can take if you don’t have a network of loving people. Yoga, meditation and other health measures, such as exercise and nutritious eating, all help you foster a wholesome lifestyle and a more patient attitude.”

About Arlene Krieger

Arlene Krieger’s is the author of numerous books. Her latest “Privileged Attorneys: Las Vegas Style” (www.arlenesbooks.com), proves that lawyers can be funny. Krieger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Baltimore. She now works as a paralegal and accountant. She is also the author of “Little Anthony: My Journey, My Destiny,” which was featured recently on ABC’s “The View.” Little Anthony himself was spotlighted

Released by Stacy  of Newest Publication by Arlene Krieger, renown Las Vegas Author

Arlene Krieger has published the following books about Las Vegas: Freedom Twice Lost, a biography of a wrongly accused man who sat on Death Row for 14 years, Tony Sacca Las Vegas Ambassador of Entertainment, a biography of a legendary performer, Little Anthony, My Journey, My Destiny, a biography of the iconic Little Anthony of the Imperials, The Nite Kings, a biography of Rich Perez’s struggle to be inducted into the Entertainer’s Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.

The author has lived in Las Vegas for many years and began writing stories about major personalities living in the city. She has been privy to meet influential people in Las Vegas who have hired her to write their stories.

Her newest release is a novel based upon observations and insights into the world of Las Vegas attorneys.  It is a rare comedic view of their lives and how they conduct the business of law. A must summer read that will make both men and women, attorneys and their clients roar with laughter. Her writing has been touted by major critics as excellent, interesting, and page turning. Bill O’Reilly commented that Little Anthony, My Journey, My Destiny, is a “must read.”

Privileged Attorneys Las Vegas Style

Privileged Attorneys is a romantic comedy wrapped around a Las Vegas law office. Ted, the stalwart father and head of the firm, after making millions of dollars, decides to retire. His dilemma is that he has three sons, who are also attorneys in the firm, and he can’t decide which son should become head of the firm and with it, a substantial trust fund. Unbeknownst to his wife, he creates a contest: the three sons will have six months to put money in the firm’s coffers. Whoever deposits the most money is the winner. In Ted’s eyes, this becomes the easiest solution to the problem.

We see three happy sons who end up fighting and enacting ridiculous antics to depost the most money. At one point, the firm receives a letter from the state bar to cease and desist many of their outrageous ploys.

When Susan, the wife and matriarch of the household, discovers Ted’s plan, her anger bars him from their master suite. Ted’s life turns into shambles as he sees his sons fighting and his wife reject his love.

Richard, the eldest, single, working in personal injury, finally finds love that turns array. John, the middle son, has four children, a houseful of pets and confusion and practices bankruptcy. Paul, the youngest, who looks exactly like Richard, practices family law and has had four divorces under his belt but finally discovers the “one”.

There is love, anger, despair, and absurd humor as the story takes place from the beginning to the end of the contest. The theme, “There are some things they never taught you in law school,” clings through every thread of the story. Humor is visited from the simplest slapstick scenes to the top of the cynic chart.

Attaining Fulfillment In The Legal Profession

3 Strategies For Finding Happiness

Money and status – these are the achievements for which lawyers are popularly known to aspire. And, indeed, many do aspire and achieve those things, but they’re not guaranteed to provide happiness; far from it, according to new research that includes data from 6,200 lawyers.

In fact, the research shows that lawyers who are paid the least – those working in public-service jobs – enjoy the highest levels of health and well-being. Meanwhile, partner-track jobs and high income have nearly no correlation to happiness.  

“Throughout the history of literature, we’ve been given many examples illustrating the folly of blind ambition,” says Arlene Krieger, a paralegal and literary humorist who authored the novel, “Privileged Attorneys: Las Vegas Style” (www.arlenesbooks.com).

“But lawyers aren’t like most people; they’re sharks, at least that’s what so many jokes and quotes have told us. Any cut-throat lawyer wouldn’t want to tarnish this reputation, which is so valuable in this competitive industry. Like it or not, lawyers are like other people. If you want to be happy in the legal profession, you’ll need more than making partner.”

Want to be happy while working in the legal field? Krieger offers some suggestions.

·         Charity: High-powered, high-status attorneys are not as happy as public service attorneys, whose work include law reform organizations and legal services, as well as in government agencies at all levels. That includes educational and public international organizations, charities, private public interest law firms and private law firms performing pro bono work.

“Those legal professionals do the work because they believe in their work,” Krieger says. “It’s not about the money for them; their first form of currency is meaningful work. If you’re rich and unhappy as a lawyer, try some pro bono work, or something along those lines. Or, charity work not related to law may be a nice break for you.”

·         Creative outlets: Legal professionals tend to be intelligent, multidimensional people. Given their commitment to their profession, however, many do not cultivate other aspects of their personality.

“I don’t know where I’d be without expressing myself through my writing,” she says. “It lets me exercise what I’m good at, provides catharsis and lets me know that there’s more to life than the legal world.”

·         A nurturing environment: Public-service lawyers drink less alcohol than their higher-income peers, according to the research. Ambition and the relentless pursuit of money and status can be stressful, which can drive lawyers – who are known for alcohol consumption – to drink more. Of course, alcohol isn’t a reliable long-term solution for well-being.

“What has given me meaning and support is my family, which provides a loving and nurturing environment at home,” Krieger says. “A reliable support system is tremendously beneficial, but there are other measures you can take if you don’t have a network of loving people. Yoga, meditation and other health measures, such as exercise and nutritious eating, all help you foster a wholesome lifestyle and a more patient attitude.”

About Arlene Krieger

Arlene Krieger’s is the author of numerous books. Her latest “Privileged Attorneys: Las Vegas Style” (www.arlenesbooks.com), proves that lawyers can be funny. Krieger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Baltimore. She now works as a paralegal and accountant. She is also the author of “Little Anthony: My Journey, My Destiny,” which was featured recently on ABC’s “The View.” Little Anthony himself was spotlighted.