Nathalie Blanchard seems to have had one “friend” too many on her Facebook page. The Quebec woman is on long-term sick leave but posted pictures of herself on the beach and enjoying a show with the Chippendales. One of the viewers was the insurance company paying for her total disability due to depression from her job at IBM.
With Friends Like These . . . : Woman Loses Disability Payments Due to Facebook Page
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 8 CommentsShock Lobster: Company Invents Lobster Stunning Machine
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , International , Society 8 Comments
With the increased use of tasers on humans, it was perhaps inevitable that the crustacean set would demand their own stunning device. Simon Buckhaven of CrustaStun has developed a system that allows lobsters to be zapped to death in a device rather than boiled alive. It was such a breakthrough that PETA organized a lobster dinner fundraiser with lobsters dispatched with the CrustaStun device. The problem is that the machines were lost in transit and PETA had to boil hundreds of lobsters alive.
Continue reading ‘Shock Lobster: Company Invents Lobster Stunning Machine’
Bacterial Spray: Procter and Gamble Recalls Vicks Nasal Spray
Published 1, November 20, 2009 International , Society , Torts 2 Comments
We have a new major recall this morning. Procter & Gamble is recalling Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Britain and Germany because of the presence of bacteria. Shooting live bacteria up your nose puts a new meaning in the gamble that comes with Procter & Gamble.
Continue reading ‘Bacterial Spray: Procter and Gamble Recalls Vicks Nasal Spray’
Shock Video: Officers Stop Bicyclists on Video and . . . Hug them
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Society 13 CommentsI am confused. Where’s the taser?
Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Officers Stop Bicyclists on Video and . . . Hug them’
Court: Corps of Engineers Responsible for Flood Damage in New Orleans
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Media , Politics , Society , Torts 21 Comments
A federal judge in New Orleans has found “monumental negligence” by the U.S. Army’s Corps of Engineers in the operation and maintenance of a shipping channel called the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. The finding allows residents to collect damages against the U.S. government after their homes were swamped by Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters in 2005.
Continue reading ‘Court: Corps of Engineers Responsible for Flood Damage in New Orleans’
Pat Robertson Claims Islam Not Religion — and Virginia Governor-Elect McDonnell Refuses to Disavow Comment
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 25 Comments
Pat Robertson has declared that Islam is not a religion but a “violent political system.” For many, such statements are nothing new from Robertson. However, it was a bit more surprising yesterday to learn that Virginia Governor Elect Bob McDonnell has refused to disavow that view. McDonnell was opposed during the recent campaign for having extreme religious views and close ties to evangelical leaders like Robertson.
Continue reading ‘Pat Robertson Claims Islam Not Religion — and Virginia Governor-Elect McDonnell Refuses to Disavow Comment’
Barney The Bovine Canine: Man Barred From Owning Dogs for Ten Years After Overfeeding Dalmatian
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International , Society 14 Comments
John Green 50, has attained the novel status of being banned from keeping dogs for ten years. Green’s victim was a Dalmatian named Barney, who he overfed to the point that he weighed “11 stone” — a stone is roughly the equivalent to 14 pounds. This made Barney look like he ate the other 100 Dalmatians.
Continue reading ‘Barney The Bovine Canine: Man Barred From Owning Dogs for Ten Years After Overfeeding Dalmatian’
Court: Paranoid Schizophrenic with IQ of 61 and Manic Depression is Eligible for Execution
Published 1, November 20, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 10 Comments
Donald Giles would appear to have the trifecta of mental incompetence arguments against execution. He is a paranoid schizophrenic with an IQ of 61 and a history of suicide attempts and depression. However, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Martin McDonald has ruled that Giles, 41, may be put to death if the jury so rules in his trial for the 2003 murder and robbery of Charles Goodlett.
Continue reading ‘Court: Paranoid Schizophrenic with IQ of 61 and Manic Depression is Eligible for Execution’
Prison Barbie: Accountant Steals a Half Million Dollars and Buys Dolls
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
Accountant Margot Jean Strawn, 58, has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing $500,000 from a trust account. What is a little more striking is what she used the money for: to buy dolls on the Internet.
Continue reading ‘Prison Barbie: Accountant Steals a Half Million Dollars and Buys Dolls’
Lehigh Students Arrested for Failing to Leave Tip
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 49 Comments
Lehigh students Leslie Pope and John Wagner believe that they now know why tipping is mandatory at the Lehigh Pub in Bethlehem. After they received what they called horrendous service, they paid the bill with no tip. They ended up in jail for the $16.35 tip.
Continue reading ‘Lehigh Students Arrested for Failing to Leave Tip’
Bathe or Tase: Police Officer Tasers 10-Year-Old Girl Who Refused to Take Shower
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Arkansas police officer Dustin Bradshaw, used a Taser on a 10-year-old girl at the mother’s request after the little girl refused to take a shower and refused to obey him.
Continue reading ‘Bathe or Tase: Police Officer Tasers 10-Year-Old Girl Who Refused to Take Shower’
Psalm Like It Hot: Conservatives Rally Around Psalm 109
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 24 Comments
Conservatives have picked a curious new slogan to oppose President Barack Obama: “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” It is a quote from Psalm 109:8, but conservatives leave off the full passage: “Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.” It is a damnation or imprecatory prayer.
Continue reading ‘Psalm Like It Hot: Conservatives Rally Around Psalm 109′
Scout or Scab? Union Threatens Legal Action Over Scout Who Cleared Trash
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 44 Comments
Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union’s Allentown chapter, may have picked the wrong target for a threat of legal action by the union. Balzano threated the city with a grievance filing after Boy Scout Kevin Anderson, 17, says he cleared a walking path in an east Allentown, Pa. park so people could walk along the river. That should have been a job given to union employees, Balzano, claimed, and is threatening a legal filing.
Continue reading ‘Scout or Scab? Union Threatens Legal Action Over Scout Who Cleared Trash’
Sharia Court Stones Woman to Death for Adultery — Gives Man 100 Lashes
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
The Sharia courts of Somalia have another atrocity to their credit. The Islamic court of al-Shabab sentenced a woman to be stoned to death for adultery. The man was given 100 lashes.
Continue reading ‘Sharia Court Stones Woman to Death for Adultery — Gives Man 100 Lashes’
Court Rules Against Arizona Deputy on Swiping Lawyer’s Note — Arpaio To Defy Court
Published 1, November 19, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 23 CommentsThere has been a ruling in the Arizona case where an officer, Officer Adam Stoddard with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is clearly shown on this videotape reading and then swiping the confidential papers of defense attorney Joanne Cuccia in court. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe found against Stoddard and ordered him to either apologize or report to jail — a remarkably light sentence. However, his boss is Sheriff Joe Arpaio who has said that his officer will defy the order.
Continue reading ‘Court Rules Against Arizona Deputy on Swiping Lawyer’s Note — Arpaio To Defy Court’
Sentence First, Verdict Afterwards: Obama Assures Public KSM Will Be Convicted and Executed
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 48 Comments
It was the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland that declared “Sentence first! Verdict afterwards.” However, President Barack Obama appears to have taken a lesson our two from her majesty. Today, President Obama assured Americans that they should not be offended by trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in federal court because he will be convicted and executed. I will be discussing this story tonight on MSNBC Countdown.
Continue reading ‘Sentence First, Verdict Afterwards: Obama Assures Public KSM Will Be Convicted and Executed’
Not Ready for Prime Time: Minnesota Thugs Videotape Themselves Attacking People and Supply Names in YouTube Segment
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
Minneapolis and St. Paul are looking for a group of thugs whom videotaped themselves beating up pedestrians and threatening people. They should be relatively easy to locate: they included their real names and street names in formal credits on a YouTube video entitled “Watch This T.V.”
Detective Offers Conflicting Testimony in World Bank Case
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 8 Comments
This afternoon, the Plaintiffs in the World Bank/IMF protest case filed a notice with the Court of the receipt of an affidavit in the case from a police detective, who contradicts the sworn testimony of former D.C. (and current Philadelphia) Police Chief Charles Ramsey. As lead counsel in one of the two cases (with my colleague Daniel Schwartz of Bryan Cave), I am limited in what I can say on the case. However, to reduce calls to my office, I am posting the filing below.
Continue reading ‘Detective Offers Conflicting Testimony in World Bank Case’
Tweet Torts: Rocker Courtney Love Sued by Designer For Defamation on Twitter
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Media , Society , Torts 7 Comments
We have been following the expansion of defamation cases linked to Internet sites, here, and here. We now have an interesting Twitter case involving rock star Courtney Love, who lost her bid recently to dismiss a libel action filed by designer Dawn Simorangkir. Simorangkir claims in the lawsuit that Love “has embarked in what is nothing short of an obsessive and delusional crusade to terrorize and destroy” her.
Continue reading ‘Tweet Torts: Rocker Courtney Love Sued by Designer For Defamation on Twitter’
The Arresting Look: English Police Denounce “Shrek” Felon as “Too Ugly” for Crime
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 18 Comments
This is a bit harsh. Police has nicknamed David Holyoak, 33, as “Shrek” and publicly stated that he is “too ugly” for crime and a menace to criminal gangs.
Continue reading ‘The Arresting Look: English Police Denounce “Shrek” Felon as “Too Ugly” for Crime’
Xenophon v. Xenu: Leading Australian Senator Calls for Criminal Investigation of Church of Scientology
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
In the aftermath of the criminal conviction in France (here), the Church of Scientology is facing a call for a criminal investigation in Australia from Senator Nick Xenophon, who presented the case against the church before the legislature.
Continue reading ‘Xenophon v. Xenu: Leading Australian Senator Calls for Criminal Investigation of Church of Scientology’
O’Reilly: “I Don’t Care About The Constitution”
Published 1, November 18, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 75 Comments Conservative commentators continue their war on the Constitution this week with increasingly shrill rhetoric of how our laws and civil liberties are endangering us. Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, however, achieved a remarkable low by declaring “I don’t care about the Constitution” on air in a discussion of Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision to try five detainees in New York.
Continue reading ‘O’Reilly: “I Don’t Care About The Constitution”’
More Randy Than Good: Man Agrees To Remove Pile of Hundreds of Dead Deer from Property
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society , Torts 16 Comments
In North Buffalo, Pennsylvania, Randy Good has created a novel and disgusting nuisance. He has agreed to remove a pile of hundreds of dead deer from his property which has neighbors gagging from the odor.
Hello, Cali Calling: Texas Man Arrested After Selling Pot Door-to-Door Until Knocking on the Door of a Police Officer
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments
Anthony Carrazco, 19, has learned the perils of door-to-door sales. Carrazco, however, was not selling Hoovers or Avon. He was selling marijuana door-to-door until he knocked on the door of a Brownsville cop. He was not amused to learn that rather than “Avon calling” it was the Cali Cartel.
Shaming Undermines Justice
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Torts , USA Today 21 Comments
Here is today’s column in USA Today on the continuing trend toward shaming or creative punishments.
Continue reading ‘Shaming Undermines Justice’
Wolf, Dog, or Wog? Breeders Raises Troubling Legal Questions Over Hybrid Wolf/Dogs
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society , Torts 32 Comments
It appears that the recent popularity over new hybrid dog breeds (like Labradoodles) has spawned a more dangerous market for hybrid dog/wolf pups. Animal activists are warning about the potential for attacks. Moreover, the new breeds could still be illegal in some states and may expose owners to strict liability.
Continue reading ‘Wolf, Dog, or Wog? Breeders Raises Troubling Legal Questions Over Hybrid Wolf/Dogs’
Qaddafi Hires a Room Full of Attractive Italian Women to Convince Them to Come to Libya for a Vacation and Conversion
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qaddafi (aka Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi) may have bombed at the United Nations with his rambling speech, but he is still trying to win the hearts and minds of the young. This week, Qaddafi spoke to an audience of young Italian women about the need for them to convert and come and see him in Libya for a vacation.
Sheer Genius: Sweet Child O Mine Performed Mano-a-Mano
Published 1, November 17, 2009 Bizarre , Society 9 CommentsGerry Phillips is to hand farts what Louis Armstrong is to trumpets.
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You Would Be Crazy Not To Own a Gun: Senators Propose Law To Guarantee Gun Ownership for Mentally Incapacitated Veterans
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Military , Politics , Society 76 Comments
We recently saw a court rule that a quadriplegic has a right to hunt with a special chair where he literally blows away deer by blowing into a tube attached to the trigger. Now, Senators have adopted a provision to guarantee the right of “mentally incapacitated” veterans to buy firearms. After the shooting at Fort Hood, the provision passed with the support of Republican North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic Virginia Senator Jim Webb is attracting criticism.
Family Accuses Chicago Officers of Dangling Suspect Out of a Window and then Dropping Him
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 6 Comments
The family of Matthias Mayhorn has filed a complaint against two Chicago police officers alleging that they dangled Mayhorn out of a second floor window, fired their weapons near him, and then dropped him. They also allege that the officers refused to call immediate medical attention. He died later at a hospital from his injuries. The case shows how one event can present radically different accounts.
Gay Teen Burned, Decapitated, and Dismembered — Police Blame Lifestyle
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 23 Comments
George Steven Lopez Mercado was a gay teen in Puerto Rico who was found on the side of a road partially burned, decapitated, and dismembered. The response of the police was reportedly horror . . . at his lifestyle.
Continue reading ‘Gay Teen Burned, Decapitated, and Dismembered — Police Blame Lifestyle’
The DUI Necessity Defense: Montana Supreme Court Rules That Woman Can Claim Necessity Defense in Driving Drunk to Avoid Fight
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Necessity defenses in tort and criminal law are always somewhat controversial and rarely successful in criminal prosecutions. However, Lisa Marie Leprowse has secured a reversal of her DUI conviction from the Montana Supreme Court, which ruled that the trial court erred in not allowing her to argue that she drove drunk to avoid a fight.
Continue reading ‘The DUI Necessity Defense: Montana Supreme Court Rules That Woman Can Claim Necessity Defense in Driving Drunk to Avoid Fight’
President Obama Calls On China to Be More Transparent and Open — And Then Bars The Release of Any More Photos of Detainee Abuse to the Media and Public
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 30 Comments
President Barack Obama and his Administration set a new level of hypocrisy this weekend with calls on the Chinese government and military to end censorship and be more open with the public while barring disclosure of embarrassing photos of detainee abuse.
Continue reading ‘President Obama Calls On China to Be More Transparent and Open — And Then Bars The Release of Any More Photos of Detainee Abuse to the Media and Public’
Connecticut Teacher Arrested After Stealing Money for Another Teacher and Caught on Videotape
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments
There are theories on the rational criminal actor, but I doubt Susan Dinnean, 55, would qualify in Wilton, Connecticut. The teacher at Middlebrook Middle School is accused of stealing $20 from the purse of another teacher — resulting in her loss of a $95,000 a year job.
Continue reading ‘Connecticut Teacher Arrested After Stealing Money for Another Teacher and Caught on Videotape’
A Bit Too Fresh: Chinese Discover Way To Keep Fish Alive After Being Fried
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society 43 CommentsThis is obviously a cultural divide. This video shows how the Chinese have devised a way to keep a fish alive during frying so that it can be eaten alive.
Continue reading ‘A Bit Too Fresh: Chinese Discover Way To Keep Fish Alive After Being Fried’
Warning Shot: Las Vegas Officer Accidentally Fired Gun At Cuffed Suspect
Published 1, November 16, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 11 CommentsThis video should be in every police academy training program. The female officer shown in the video from Las Vegas stands with gun drawn while a suspect is cuffed and then accidently discharges her weapon — barely missing both the suspect and the other officer.
Continue reading ‘Warning Shot: Las Vegas Officer Accidentally Fired Gun At Cuffed Suspect’
Proof that dogs are too smart to pay $10,000 to sweat to death in a self-help program, here.
Continue reading ‘A Fan of Dogs’
Indian Tribe Sues Self-Help Author Over Use of Sweat Lodge
Published 1, November 15, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 19 Comments
We previously followed the investigation into the three deaths in a sweat lodge run by “Spiritual Warrior” James Arthur Ray at the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Arizona. Now, the Lakota Sioux Tribe is suing, demanding the prosecution of Ray under the 1869 Treaty of Fr. Laramie for appropriating a Native American ritual.
Continue reading ‘Indian Tribe Sues Self-Help Author Over Use of Sweat Lodge’
Bain of His Existence: Man Dies in Mother’s Home After Being Tasered Twice by Police
Published 1, November 15, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 11 Comments
We have another death associated with a taser. Darryl Bain, 43, was tasered twice and died in the Long Island home of his mother in Coram, New York.
Continue reading ‘Bain of His Existence: Man Dies in Mother’s Home After Being Tasered Twice by Police’
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Man Convicted After Turning in a Discarded Shotgun to Police
Published 1, November 15, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 35 Comments
Paul Clarke, 27, a veteran, thought that he was doing the right thing when he found a shotgun in his garden. He took the shotgun to the police station and was immediately arrested for possession of a firearm without permit and criminally charged — an offense that brings five years imprisonment. Prosecutor Brian Stalk insisted that this is a strict liability offense and his intent to help police does not matter — he is a menace to society as defined under the criminal code.
Journalist Charged with Pornography for Sending Pictures of Woman in Unassisted Child Birth to Government Officials
Published 1, November 15, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 5 Comments
There is a disturbing trial being held in Zambia where the news editor of The Post, Chansa Kabwela, sent photos of a woman giving birth in a hospital car park without assistance to highlight the costs of a nursing strike and poor government policies. She was right. The officials, including Zambia’s President, Rupiah Banda, were horrified. They immediately arrested Kabwela for distributing pornography.
Continue reading ‘Journalist Charged with Pornography for Sending Pictures of Woman in Unassisted Child Birth to Government Officials’
“Religious Convictions”: When Children Die, Religion Is No Defense
Published 1, November 15, 2009 Bizarre , Columns , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court , Torts 17 Comments
Here is today’s column from the Washington Post on the benefits of a new type of “good-faith” defense. While “religious convictions” are usually a reference to personal faith, it turns out that it has a distinct and disturbing meaning for criminal sentencing.
Continue reading ‘“Religious Convictions”: When Children Die, Religion Is No Defense’
City of Fights: Internet Promotion Sparks Violence in Paris
Published 1, November 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society , Torts 6 Comments
We often discuss liability issues associated with promotional events. Now, it seems that the French are dealing with the same problem. An Internet company canceled a promotional event in which it promised to hand out thousands of dollars in cash. The result was violence as the crowd took out their disappointment on police and parked cars. The site for Mailorama still shows a bus throwing money.
Continue reading ‘City of Fights: Internet Promotion Sparks Violence in Paris’
And the American Challenger Sets, Jumps and . . .
Published 1, November 14, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 7 CommentsThe agony of defeat . . .
Continue reading ‘And the American Challenger Sets, Jumps and . . .’
School Accused of Terrorizing Students With Faked Murder
Published 1, November 14, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , International , Society 13 Comments
Parents at the Fox Hill Primary School in Sheffield England are a bit put out over a curious educational program at the school. When children showed up at the school recently, they were met by a bloody crime scene, a dead teacher on the ground, and police. They were asked to solve the crime but not told that it was all for fun.
Continue reading ‘School Accused of Terrorizing Students With Faked Murder’
The Lawyers Who Say Meep! High School Calls Police After Attorney Says Meep to Principal
Published 1, November 14, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 87 Comments
First there were the Knights Who Say Ni! (below). Now we have the problem of the lawyers who say Meep! After reading the recent publications over the decision of the principal of Danvers High School banning students from saying the word “Meep,” Entertainment lawyer Theodora Michaels decided to act and wrote a letter using the four-letter word to Principal Thomas Murray, who comes across as a high school version of Dean Vernon Wormer from Animal House. She was immediately reported to the police for investigation by the school.
Continue reading ‘The Lawyers Who Say Meep! High School Calls Police After Attorney Says Meep to Principal’
Federal Court Upholds Right of Woman to Sue After Police Officers Tackle Her In Emergency Room During Premature Birth
Published 1, November 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 7 Comments
A federal court of appeals has ruled that Melanie Dawn Williams, 24, can sue after she was tackled by Jacksonville, Florida police in a hospital where she was experiencing a premature birth. Once inside the ER and she screamed, “I’m pregnant. Someone help me. I am bleeding.” It took the intervention of a nurse to get the police to release her to deal with her serious medical condition.
Ex-Rep. William Jefferson Given 13-Year Sentence
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 7 Comments
The former Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson received a sentence of 13 years today — the longest term ever imposed on a congressman convicted of bribery. However, it was significantly below the 27 years sought by the Justice Department, which also failed in its attempt to have Jefferson immediately incarcerated. Instead, Jefferson, 62, will be allowed to remain free pending his appeals.
Continue reading ‘Ex-Rep. William Jefferson Given 13-Year Sentence’
9-11 Defendants to be Given Real Trials as Holder Stands on Principle — Sort Of
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Military , Politics , Society 22 Comments
Attorney General Eric Holder has ordered actual trials for five 9/11 suspects rather than military tribunals. The decision places the United States squarely back on the road of the rule of law in giving due process even to our most hated defendants. The five defendants include 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The other four are Waleed bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi and Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali. However, this courageous act was diminished by an inexplicable decision of Holder to order five other defendants — including USS Cole suspect Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri — be tried in a military tribunal. I discussed this decision on this segment of MSNBC Countdown.
Continue reading ‘9-11 Defendants to be Given Real Trials as Holder Stands on Principle — Sort Of’
The Secret of NIMH: Scientists Develop Super-Smart Rat
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Society 43 Comments
Scientists have made a breakthrough in research increasing brain activity and memory. They have created Hobbie-J, the world’s smartest rat. Hobbie-j is the result of a sinister organization known NIMH. Ok, it is less sinister when spelled out: U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.
Continue reading ‘The Secret of NIMH: Scientists Develop Super-Smart Rat’
Larry King and a Moment of Merciful Silence
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Society 71 CommentsIt is rare on national television to have a guest refuse to speak and then just sit there, but that was the scene on Larry King Live with Carrie Prejean. It is always exciting to see legal technicalities and interpretations become the subject du jour for celebrity talk shows.
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Hasan Charged With 13 Counts of Premeditated Murder as Obama Calls for Investigation of Warning Signs
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 25 Comments
Maj. Nidal M. Hasan was charged by the Army with 13 counts of premeditated murder. To the chagrin of conservative commentators, he is not charged with terrorism, a controversy I discussed last night on this segment of Rachel Maddow.
Kelo’s Revenge: Pfizer Abandons New London Site After Town Used Eminent Domain to Destroy Homes of Residents
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 8 Comments
Many of us expressed outrage at the actions of the city leaders of New London, Connecticut when they used eminent domain to seize the property of citizens against their will in order to give it to the Pfizer corporation. This anger grew with the inexplicable decision of the Supreme Court in Kelo v. City of New London to uphold the abusive action. Now, after all of the pain the city caused its own residents and $80 million it spent to buy and bulldoze the property, Pfizer announced this week that it was closing the facility — leaving the city worse off than when it began. For prior testimony on the Kelo decision, click here.
Continue reading ‘Kelo’s Revenge: Pfizer Abandons New London Site After Town Used Eminent Domain to Destroy Homes of Residents’
Arranged Marriage Between 14-year-Old Girl and 23-Year-Old Man Ends with Gunfire and Arrest
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Vincent Mosby, 23, is a defendant at the heart of a bizarre criminal case. Mosby is accused of marrying a 14-year-old girl under a contract for a dowry purchased at Wal-Mart and then threatening her family when they removed the girl.
Perils of the Press VII: Beaver Leaves Impression on Bell
Published 1, November 13, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Society 3 CommentsCBS Correspondent Debbye Turner Bell has learned the wisdom of at least half of W.C. Fields warning “Never work with children or animals.” A beaver sprayed the reporter during a segment of The Early Show.
Continue reading ‘Perils of the Press VII: Beaver Leaves Impression on Bell’
ACORN Challenges Congressional Ban on Federal Funds
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics 16 Comments
ACORN is continuing its approach of “the best defense is a good offense.” The group has not only sued the filmmakers who recently disclosed misconduct by the organization, but it is now suing Congress for its ban on federal funding to the organization, alleging a bill of attainder in singling out the non-profit.
Continue reading ‘ACORN Challenges Congressional Ban on Federal Funds’
Keeping Corpses Straight: Rhode Island Governor Bars Same Sex Couples From Joint Funeral Arrangements
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 31 Comments
It appears that opponents of same-sex marriage cannot even tolerate the thought of gay couples being buried together. Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri (R) has vetoed a bill that would have added “domestic partners” to the list of people authorized by law to make joint funeral arrangements. He feels that idea of joint burials smacks too much of a marriage.
Continue reading ‘Keeping Corpses Straight: Rhode Island Governor Bars Same Sex Couples From Joint Funeral Arrangements’
Catholic Church in Delaware Files for Bankruptcy Protection on Eve of Sexual-Abuse Trial
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 26 Comments
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington appears to have learned a few secular lessons from corporate felons in that state. On the eve of the first trial of dozens of sex-abuse cases with hundreds of millions in potential damages, the diocese filed for bankruptcy to try to make any damages more difficult to collect. The decision by Bishop W. Francis Malooly is being attacked as an effort to reduce potential damages in the various cases moving toward trial.
Marine Reservist Attacks Bearded Greek Orthodox Priest Mistaken for Terrorist
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 30 Comments
A Marine reservist, Jasen Bruce, is under arrest in Tampa after beating a man whom he believed was a Muslim terrorist. The man turned out to be Father Alexios Marakis, a bearded Greek Orthodox priest in a traditional Greek robe.
Continue reading ‘Marine Reservist Attacks Bearded Greek Orthodox Priest Mistaken for Terrorist’
Abating Mrs. Cartwright: English Woman Declared Noise Nuisance for Vocalizing Intimate Moments in Her Home
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 9 Comments
While English courts are generally viewed as rather buttoned down and proper, a trial last week was rated strictly adults only. The Newcastle Crown Court played a recording of Caroline and Steve Cartwright having sex in a novel nuisance case. Neighbors have complained that the couple is a bit vocal in their amorous moments.
Continue reading ‘Abating Mrs. Cartwright: English Woman Declared Noise Nuisance for Vocalizing Intimate Moments in Her Home’
Alma Market: North Carolina School Ordered to Stop Selling Grades as Fundraiser
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 13 Comments
Educators at the Rosewood Middle School had struggled with raising money. Candy and other traditional items did not generate much money for the Goldsboro, North Carolina school. Then they found a commodity that the public was hankering for: they started to sell grades. Until, that is, a bunch of do gooders stepped in and objected.
Continue reading ‘Alma Market: North Carolina School Ordered to Stop Selling Grades as Fundraiser’
Semper Fraud: Federal Prosecutors Charge Another For “Stolen Valor”
Published 1, November 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society 11 Comments
We have another criminal case of unauthorized wearing of medals — a growing line of such cases of “stolen valor” cases. Steven Burton, 39, of Palm Springs, California would wear enough Navy medals to make a Soviet general blush, but he never served a day in the military. He made the mistake of going to his High School reunion in a Marine uniform, where he ran into a real Navy commander who was a bit curious about his Navy Cross.
Continue reading ‘Semper Fraud: Federal Prosecutors Charge Another For “Stolen Valor”’
Chicago Man Sues Former Attorney and Loyola For Abuse by Mother
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Courts , Society , Torts 9 Comments
There is an interesting lawsuit filed in Chicago where Carlos J. Carillo, 23, is suing attorney Stacey Platt and the Loyola Child Law Center for representing him as a minor during a divorce proceeding with his parents but not acting on their knowledge of his mother’s child abuse.
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Blowing Away Deer: Judge Rules That Quadriplegic Has Right to Gun To Hunt
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 70 Comments
A New Jersey judge has ruled at a quadriplegic must be allowed to buy a gun for hunting, which will be mounted on his wheelchair and fired by blowing into a tube. James Cap has been paralyzed for 30 years after an injury in a high school football game.
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A Place Called Mom’s: Russian Man Given Sentence Reduction After Killing and Eating Mother Due to His Being Hungry
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 7 Comments
A Russian judge gave a new meaning to mitigating factors in sentencing. Sergey Gavrilov, 27, killed and ate his mother in southern Russia. The judge, however, gave the man a lenient sentence on the grounds that he was hungry.
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O’Reilly: “We Can’t Kill All Of The Muslims So We Wanna Win As Many Hearts and Minds” As Possible
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 61 CommentsBill O’Reilly made an extraordinary statement last night in addressing the difficult fact that “we can’t kill all the Muslims.” This follows an equally bizarre statement from his interviewee Fox News contributor Col. Ralph Peters that there are no Christian or Jewish terrorists.
Form Follows Function: Columbia Professor Arrested for Punching Female University Employee
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 42 Comments
Well-known Columbia architecture professor Lionel McIntyre, 59, was arrested yesterday in a Harlem bar after punching a female university employee, Camille Davis, in the face at a Harlem bar. The argument was over race relations (McIntyre is black and Davis is white) and the two got into an argument over “white privilege.”
When In Romulus, Do As the Romulans Do: Vatican See Looks for Sinless Extraterrestrial Life
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 20 Comments
The Vatican appears to have gotten over that whole Galileo business when they were willing to put scientists to death for saying that the Earth moved around the Sun. Now, the Pope’s chief astronomer, Father Jose Gabriel Funes, says that intelligent life may exist on other planets and the Holy See is looking to the skies.
Glennbeckrapedandmurderedayounggirlin1990.com Wins in Trademark Challenge Against Glenn Beck
Published 1, November 11, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Glenn Beck has lost a bizarre trademark fight with the founder of glennbeckrapedandmurderedayounggirlin1990.com, Isaac Eiland-Hall. Eiland-Hall created the Internet sensation to mock the style of Beck and Fox News — leading to a challenge over the use of Beck’s name with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
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Video: Subway Car Stops Inches from Woman on Track
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Society 7 CommentsWhile subway operators are often accused of negligence or texting or sleeping, it is important to keep in mind those operators who fulfill their duties with stellar success. This video appears to show a drunk woman who owes her life to not only this operator but the two people who frantically alert the operator that a woman is on the track.
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Texas Woman Allegedly Fakes Breast Cancer to Pay for Breast Implants
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 54 Comments
We have previously seen stories where people fake cancer or illnesses to get friends and co-workers to give them money. However, Trista Joy Lathern, 24, of Texas takes the cake. She is accused of faking breast cancer in order to get friends to donate money, so she could get breast implants to save her failing marriage.
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Lost Army of King Cambyses II Found
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Once again, as a military history buff, I find this incredibly cool. Archeologists may have solved one of the great mysteries of military history: the lost army of Persian King Cambyses II. Loss 2,500 years ago, it is believed to have been found — or what is left of it — by Italian researchers in the western Egyptian desert.
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Maclaren Recalls Strollers After Severing of Fingertips of Children
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 12 Comments
One of the leading stroller manufacturers, Maclaren, has recalled strollers after its products resulted in the horrific severing of the fingertips of a dozen children.
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Girl Suspended After Shaving Head for Cancer Victims — Including Her Dying Father
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Media , Society 11 Comments
Emily Pridham, 15, stood out when she showed up at Mount Alvernia College in Brisbane, Australia with a shaven head. She was suspended for violating the school’s dress code, even though she shaved her head to raise money for cancer research — her father is dying of cancer.
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New Zealand Cancels Dead Rabbit Toss Competition
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 27 Comments
It appears that you have missed your chance to participate in the annual Dead Rabbit Throw competition in New Zealand. Animal welfare activists seem to have found it somehow distasteful to have families try to throw dead rabbits the farthest.
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I give you this moment of starlings zen.
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New York Bus Driver Kills Man on First Day Back From Suspension for Texting While Driving
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 3 Comments
While MARTA drivers in Atlanta appear to be petitioning God with prayer (here), drivers in New York appear to be texting friends with gossip. The difference is that the MARTA driver stopped the bus. NYC Transit driver Jeremy Philhower is the subject of an investigation after running over and killing Seth Kahn, 22, as he crossed the street. Many are outraged that Philhower was previously suspended for texting while driving but was allowed back behind a wheel.
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God is My Co-Pilot: Atlanta MARTA Driver Forces Passengers to Pray
Published 1, November 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 8 Comments
A MARTA bus driver in Atlanta has been suspended after he allegedly stopped the bus and told passengers to pray. LeRoy Matthews stopped the bus on Nov. 3rd at 7:30 pm for the impromptu religious observance.
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Thank God: The Boy Who Was Denied Chemotherapy For Religious Reasons (and Ordered into Treatment by a Judge) Is Now Cancer Free
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 21 Comments
Many followed the case (here) of Daniel Hauser of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota when his fundamentalist Mom fled with him to avoid chemotherapy for his cancer on religious grounds. Few may be aware of the end of the story. He has completed his last chemotherapy sessions and is now cancer-free — thanks to the judge who overrode his mother’s objections.
Witch Doctors in Tanzania Accused of Killing Albinos for Magical Body Parts
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 14 Comments
As we have been following on this blog, witch doctors in Africa continue to cause great suffering and abuses, here and here and here and here. Now, there is a report from Tanzania that witch doctors have caused the slaughter of more than 50 albinos for their body parts.
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Canadian Judge Finds Catholic Bishop Thwarted Investigation of Abusive Priest
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 5 Comments
A Canadian judge made a disturbing finding in the sentencing of Father Bernard Cloutier who was convicted of abusing young boys. The judge heard evidence that retired Bishop Gérard Dionne thwarted a 1983 police investigation into Cloutier’s sexual abuse.
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The Lion’s Den: National Zoo the Scene of an All-Too-Real Predator-Prey Exhibit
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 11 CommentsFamilies got a bit too real of a zoological lesson at the National Zoo this week when a deer somehow jumped into the wrong exhibit: the lion enclosure. Nature took it from there.
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Officer Assigned to Anti-Shoplifting Duty is Convicted of Shoplifting
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 3 Comments
Peter Cokell, 34, was convicted recently for stealing two PlayStation 3 games in England. No surprise there. What is a bit odd is that he was the police officer assigned to prevent shoplifting at the store.
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Pet Cemetery: Long Island Woman Accused of Being Serial Pet Killer
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 10 Comments
Police in Suffolk County are investigating what they claim could be the Ted Bundy of pet serial killers. Sharon McDonough is accused of torturing, killing, and burying dozens of pets in her Long Island backyard.
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Big-Box Banishment: Wal-Mart Bans Gay Couple From Store for Life After They Prove Their Did NOT Shoplift
Published 1, November 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 40 Comments
Attorneys Joe Paolucci and Thomas Hitchcock were declared persona non grata recently by Wal-Mart – banished from the store for life. Their banishment came after they had proven that they had not shoplifted a package of bic lighters from the store. The gay couple alleges that before the banishment they were subject to abusive homophobic treatment by store employees, who seemed intent on showing that they shoplifted that lighters worth $15.84.
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The look on this dog captures the meaning of Halloween.
Video: Torpedo Sinks French Ship
Published 1, November 8, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Military , Society 5 CommentsFor those of us who are military history buffs, this video is amazing. On the video, you can see the impact of modern torpedoes on large shipping.
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Separation Anxiety: British Courts To Decide Who Is a Jew
Published 1, November 8, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
There is an intriguing case in London where the British courts will decide who is a Jew and who decides such a question. The British have long maintained publicly supported religious schools — an affront to the separation of church and state. Now, inevitably, the state must decide who can be excluded from one of the Jewish schools run by the government. Not surprisingly, at the heart of the controversy is Lord Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, who recently blamed secularism for the decline and potential fall of Western Civilization, here. He insists that only children with Jewish mothers (recognized in Orthodox synagogues) are truly Jewish.
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Baby Trafficking: Police Arrest Doctors and Nurses in Baby Selling Syndicate
Published 1, November 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 12 Comments
We have another horrific baby-selling conspiracy. Previously such a scheme was uncovered in China, here. Now, a similar scheme has been uncovered in Mexico City where staff told mothers at the Central West Hospital that their babies died and were cremated — only to sell them to wealthy couples.
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DWF (Driving While Female): Two Professors Arrested in Saudi Arabia for Driving Themselves to the Mall
Published 1, November 8, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Jeddah police arrested two female professors from King Abdulaziz University this week for the crime of driving themselves to the mall. Police were shocked by the sight of a woman behind the wheel of a car and immediately pulled them over. We have previously followed the struggle of women to enjoy this freedom of movement in the Kingdom (here)
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Meet Mary Strey: The World’s Most Honest Drunk Driver
Published 1, November 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments
Mary Strey may be condemned for driving while drunk, but there is something redeeming in the 911 call below where she calls to report herself to police in Neillsville, Wisconsin.
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Korean Woman Passed Driver’s Exam on 950th Attempt
Published 1, November 7, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society 6 Comments
While many of us were opposed to women-only parking spots in South Korea, we may want to make an exception for Cha Sa-Soon who just passed her written driver’s license exam after 950 attempts.
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Is This Your Homework, Larry? Students in Two Cases Implicated in Crimes After Allegedly Leaving Homework at the Crime Scene
Published 1, November 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Despite the claims of parents about always doing your homework, homework has been the undoing of many a fine criminal. In two cases this week, alleged high school and college felons were implicated when they left homework at the scene of the crime.
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The Meaning of Guts
Published 1, November 7, 2009 International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Who says that a math geek cannot become a super hero? Mahmoud Vahidnia is a math student at Tehran’s Sharif Technical University where he recently won the gold medal at the country’s National Math Olympics (yes, geeks have an Olympics of their own). Vahidnia, however, has become a political icon in Iran after he publicly chastised the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the brutal crackdown of protesters.
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A Lesson in Equine Etiquette
Published 1, November 7, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 8 CommentsThis must be a mother horse.
Sharia Family Values: Man Stoned to Death in Somalia for Adultery While Pregnant Woman Spared To Be Stoned Immediately After Giving Birth
Published 1, November 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 12 Comments
The Sharia courts of southern Somalia are busy again showing the world the importance of the separation of mosque and state. In the latest outrage, the Sharia court of al-Shabab ordered Abas Hussein Abdirahman, 33, stoned to death in front of a crowd of some 300 people in the town of Merka. The Islamic judges, however, showed mercy for the woman who is pregnant. She will be allowed to give birth and then immediately stoned to death.
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Hezbollah Bans “The Diary of Anne Frank” As Zionist Propaganda
Published 1, November 6, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 36 Comments
The good people at Hezbollah are offering the world another insight into extremist thought. The militant group has banned “The Diary of Anne Frank” from schools as Zionist propaganda by focusing on the plight of some Jews. I suppose when you are teaching kids to blow up innocent people, an account of an innocent victim can appear propagandistic.
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Sesame Shill? PBS Accused of Showing Anti-Fox Bias “On the Street”
Published 1, November 6, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 33 Comments
While conservatives believe that the Pledge of Allegiance “drives Liberals crazy,” Sesame Street seems to have the same effect on them. Conservatives are outraged by what they view as a dissing from Oscar the Grouch and an unnamed muppet who referred to a network called “Pox News” in a dismissive way.
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Blockbuster Lawsuit: Texas Woman Sues Over Publication of Video Selections on Facebook
Published 1, November 6, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Media , Society , Torts 9 Comments
Blockbuster and Facebook are the defendants in two interesting privacy lawsuits in Texas where Cathryn Harris is suing them for revealing her name and movie rental tastes. Even more shocking is that anyone is still renting “The Jewel of Nile” with Michael Douglas in 2009.
Congressman Promises to Drive Liberals Crazy with Pledge of Allegiance and Then Stumbles on the Words
Published 1, November 6, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 24 CommentsRep. Todd Akin is under fire for claiming that saying the Pledge of Allegiance “drives liberals crazy.” However, the Missouri congressman seems to stumble on the words when he leads a group of teabaggers in Washington.
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