U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow had a way with words — and his courtroom was rarely dull because of it. He was humorous, blunt, compassionate. For 24 years, he used those traits to make people feel comfortable in the often intimidating federal court system, and was known to catch many off guard with his colorful remarks — like telling a defendant who was upset about his jail conditions, “Well, the Pontchartrain Hotel is full.”