There is an interesting story out of English where a teacher is suing the school system for failing to take action after he made various complaints over Muslim students who direct anti-Christian language toward him and praised the 9-11 hijackers. Nicholas Kafouris, 52, is suing his former school for racial discrimination. It appears that things may be a bit tougher since the days of Mark Thackeray in East London in “To Sir With Love.”
To Kafir With Love: Christian Teacher Sues London School for Discrimination Over Alleged Hateful Statements From Muslim Students
Published 1, February 9, 2010 Academics , International , Politics , Religion , Society Leave a CommentTwelve-Year-Old Girl Seeks Divorce From Eighty-Year-Old Man in Saudi Arabia
Published 1, February 9, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 1 Comment
State-sanctioned child abuse continues in Saudi Arabia. This month, a 12-year-old girl is trying to secure a divorce from her 80-year-old husband in Saudi Arabia. Not only was the marriage consummated but the man is a family member on her father’s side. Both the girl and mother opposed the marriage.
Continue reading ‘Twelve-Year-Old Girl Seeks Divorce From Eighty-Year-Old Man in Saudi Arabia’
My Way Killings: Police Are Dealing With An Increase in Attacks Over Bad Karaoke
Published 1, February 9, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society Leave a Comment
Police in the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries are trying to deal with a new rash of crime: Karaoke or “My Way” murders. People are being shot and stabbed over bad karaoke and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” appears to be a common trigger for violence.
Continue reading ‘My Way Killings: Police Are Dealing With An Increase in Attacks Over Bad Karaoke’
Snack Attack: Obama Administration Set to Seek Ban on Vending Machines With Sugarly Snacks and Drinks
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Society 18 Comments
President Barack Obama is preparing to ask Congress to ban vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks. It could raise another fight over federalism.
Continue reading ‘Snack Attack: Obama Administration Set to Seek Ban on Vending Machines With Sugarly Snacks and Drinks’
Say Goodbye to the Dentist’s Drill . . . And Hello to the Acid Syringe
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Science , Society 5 Comments
This might not sound like much an improvement, but the hated dentist’s drill is about to be replaced with the “acid syringe.” Pick your poison, drill or acid. Sounds like something from the Marquis de Sade school of dentistry.
Continue reading ‘Say Goodbye to the Dentist’s Drill . . . And Hello to the Acid Syringe’
T is For Torture: Soldier Allegedly Waterboards Four-Year-Old Daughter After She Fails To Recite Alphabet
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society 10 Comments
Soldier Joshua Tabor is accused to using “enhanced interrogation” techniques perfected by the Bush Administration (aka torture) as a parenting skill with his four-year-old daughter. When she failed to recite the alphabet correctly, Tabor allegedly held her under water as a corrective measure.
Continue reading ‘T is For Torture: Soldier Allegedly Waterboards Four-Year-Old Daughter After She Fails To Recite Alphabet’
OK, Maybe Our Snow Is Not That Deep After All . . .
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International 29 CommentsThis certainly puts our 33 inches of snow into better perspective. These men are enjoying the Russian version of cliff diving in Acapulco.
Continue reading ‘OK, Maybe Our Snow Is Not That Deep After All . . .’
Florida Police Officer Arrested For Allegedly Writing Fraudulent Tickets
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
Florida police officer Paul C. Lawrence, 38, allegedly was so good in combating traffic violations that he did not wait for them to occur before ticketing citizens. Lawrence has been charged with giving tickets to people who were not even in the state, let alone on the highway.
Continue reading ‘Florida Police Officer Arrested For Allegedly Writing Fraudulent Tickets’
Study: This Blog May Save Your Life
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Science , Society 6 Comments
A recent study raises an alarming concern over people blogging on other sites. Scientists at Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London have found that people can die from boredom. The logical conclusion is that regularly blogging at this site is not simply a social but medical necessity.
Continue reading ‘Study: This Blog May Save Your Life’
Palin Ready to Run Against “Hopey, Changey” Policies With Combination of Oil and God
Published 1, February 8, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 82 CommentsLike many bloggers, I find Palin irresistible to watch like a primate without an opposable thumb: a reverse evolutionary wonder that is able to function despite the obvious advantages of other competing mammals. The Tea Party convention (covered adoringly by Fox) was no disappointment with Palin proclaiming that she is prepared to run against Obama and his “hopey, changey” policies. When asked about her priorities for the nation, she quickly rattled off three priorities, including oil/gas exploration and an Administration that openly seeks “divine intervention” so that we can prosper again.
Staying Snow Positive During the Snowpocalypse
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Environment , Society 6 CommentsBeing snowed in is simply a matter of attitude. Meet Bailey the Snow Dog.
Continue reading ‘Staying Snow Positive During the Snowpocalypse’
Seeing Red Over Blue Slipping
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Columns , Congress , Military , Politics , Society 3 Comments
In light of today’s controversy over Sen. Richard Shelby’s hold on 70 nominations (here) due to a disagreement over Air Force tankers, this 2001 column may be of interest.
Continue reading ‘Seeing Red Over Blue Slipping’
Sen. Shelby Accused Of Blocking 70 Nominations Over Air Force Tanker Deal
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Congress , Military , Politics , Society 37 Comments
Senator Richard Shelby really likes air tankers. Shelby reportedly is blocking 70 nominations in a dispute over the long-controversial Air Force tanker deal. This contract has been criticized for years as wasteful and unnecessary. Shelby is supporting the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company against Boeing in the dispute because the Europeans are promising to build the tankers in his state.
Continue reading ‘Sen. Shelby Accused Of Blocking 70 Nominations Over Air Force Tanker Deal’
Perdition in Pink: Religious Groups Protest Release of Pink Quija Board
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 22 Comments
Religious groups are sounding the alarm over the release of a soul-sucking, spirit-crushing new product released by those heathens at Hasbro. It is a pink version of the Ouija board that has corrupted millions of children in this country and turned them into satanic, soulless zombies. All that for just $19.99!
Continue reading ‘Perdition in Pink: Religious Groups Protest Release of Pink Quija Board’
Hoosick? Matthew Beck is One Sick Dog Catcher
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 4 Comments
Matthew Beck, 46, may be a dog’s nightmare. He was the dog catcher for the town of Hoosick, New York. He has pleaded guilty to shooting stray dogs that he found and burying them in his barnyard manure pile.
Continue reading ‘Hoosick? Matthew Beck is One Sick Dog Catcher’
Semper Fraud: Two False Heroes Challenge The Constitutionality of The Stolen Valor Act
Published 1, February 7, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Military , Society 15 Comments
Previously, I have questioned the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act, which criminalized false claims of military medals and decorations. Now, two cases in Colorado could become a test for viability of the act — an appropriate forum given it is the home state of Rep. John Tony Salazar who was the chief sponsor of the 2005 law. The cases involve two men, Xavier Alvarez and Rick Glen Strandlof (shown left) who are challenging the law as a violation of their first amendment rights. Both claimed to be decorated Marines. Dan Elliott has an interesting article on these cases in The Los Angeles Times.
Continue reading ‘Semper Fraud: Two False Heroes Challenge The Constitutionality of The Stolen Valor Act’
Mammals Join Together During the Snowpocalypse
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Bizarre , Environment 100 Comments
At times like this, mammals must stick together. Now, if only I can get the wildlife to shovel the two feet of snow on my driveway.
Continue reading ‘Mammals Join Together During the Snowpocalypse’
Jenny Craig to Slim Down Claims: Weight Watchers Wins Fight With Rival on Fat Claims
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Society , Torts 3 Comments
Weight Watchers International Inc. has announced that it has reached a settlement with Jenny Craig to end its advertisement campaign stating that its pre-packaged meals were found superior to those of Weight Watchers.
Continue reading ‘Jenny Craig to Slim Down Claims: Weight Watchers Wins Fight With Rival on Fat Claims’
The Good Faith Defense: Cherie Booth (Wife of Tony Blair) Under Fire For Sparing Man Due to the Fact That He is Religious
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , International , Politics , Religion , Society 14 Comments
After her husband former Prime Minister Tony Blair declared secularists to be an equal or greater danger than terrorists (here), his wife Cherie Booth is under fire for granting leniency to a man accused of criminal assault because he is religious. Her statement in court would suggest that, if the man were an atheist or agnostic, such leniency might not be appropriate.
Continue reading ‘The Good Faith Defense: Cherie Booth (Wife of Tony Blair) Under Fire For Sparing Man Due to the Fact That He is Religious’
Not So Sharpie: New York Police Arrest Lime-Green Marker Menace
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 20 Comments
The New York authorities have finally caught up to Alexa Gonzalez, who saw her open life of crime end with an arrest in her junior high school in Queens. Gonzalez was caught doodling on her desk with erasable marker and promptly cuffed and taken downtown.
Continue reading ‘Not So Sharpie: New York Police Arrest Lime-Green Marker Menace’
How To Light a Cigarette With Only an AK-47
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Bizarre , Society 13 CommentsIn our category of useful things to know, I give you how to light a cigarette if you are caught in the desert with no matches and only an AK-47.
Continue reading ‘How To Light a Cigarette With Only an AK-47′
Family Group Accused of Using False Picture of Lesbian Couple
Published 1, February 6, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 41 Comments
Scott Maxwell at the Orlando Sentinel has an extraordinary story about the lengths that social conservatives and anti-gay advocates will go to block the adoption of children by gay couples. Vanessa Alenier and her partner, Melanie Leon, are affluent and loving parents who were awarded custody of a child who was in their foster care in Florida. One problem for the Florida Family Policy Council, it appears, is that they are also attractive, so (on the left) is the picture the council posted with their calls for opposition to the adoption while (on the right) is the actual couple.
Continue reading ‘Family Group Accused of Using False Picture of Lesbian Couple’
Frozen Water or Snowpocalypse? Washington Descends Into Panic With Approaching Storm
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Society 89 Comments
This is getting a bit out of control, folks. I know that I am a Chicago native with a snow attitude but people in this town are doing everything short of sacrificing their young to please the Snow God.
Heinz Drops Classic Ketchup Packet and Destroys The Hopes and Dreams of Children Around the Country
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Bizarre , Society 11 Comments
In a shocking development, Heinz company is about to issue a new package for ketchup. No one seems to realize the clear import of this thoughtless corporate act for children across the country.
New York Court to Decide Whether Human Genes Can Be Patented
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Science , Society 6 Comments
There is an interesting case developing in New York where a court is being asked to declare that companies cannot patent human genes. The case involves a patent claim by Myriad Genetics, and the University of Utah Research Foundation, In 1994, the company and foundation isolated the DNA sequence for the BRCA1 and later the BRCA2 genes — mutations that greatly increase a woman’s chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The patent protects a test that the company and foundation are selling to detect the genes.
Continue reading ‘New York Court to Decide Whether Human Genes Can Be Patented’
Flasher Identified By His Pronounced . . . Tooth
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
In what may be something of a disappointment for Ian Rushing, 27, women identified the Oregon man as the alleged “St. Helens Flasher” by his pronounced bad tooth.
Continue reading ‘Flasher Identified By His Pronounced . . . Tooth’
Aged Shackleton Scotch: Crates Found Buried in Arctic Ice Under Shackleton’s Shack
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Science , Society 22 Comments
For those of us who are Sir Ernest Shackleton groupies, this story is wonderful. Five crates of whisky and brandy belonging to Shackleton have been recovered from under the Antarctic ice after 100 years. Just for the record, as we wait to receive our estimated 30 inches of snow today, I am burying crates of my favorite wine under the house for the regulars of my blog to recover after my demise.
Sixteen-Year-Old Turkish Girl Buried Alive in Honor Killing
Published 1, February 5, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Science , Society 15 CommentsWe have another Islamic honor killing, but this one adds a horrific element: burying the victim alive. Turkish police believe that the 16-year-old girl was buried alive in south-eastern Turkey in a town called Kahta.
Continue reading ‘Sixteen-Year-Old Turkish Girl Buried Alive in Honor Killing’
Obama Administration Claims Right to Kill Americans Suspected of Terrorism
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Military , Politics , Society 260 Comments
Today in a congressional hearing, Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair acknowledged that the U.S. may, with executive approval, deliberately target and kill U.S. citizens who are suspected of being involved in terrorism. I discussed this story in the segment on MSNBC Countdown below.
Continue reading ‘Obama Administration Claims Right to Kill Americans Suspected of Terrorism’
Self-Help Guru James Ray Arrested
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 13 Comments
We have been following the criminal investigation into the deaths at a sweat lodge run by self-help guru James Ray. Ray has now been arrested Wednesday and charged with manslaughter in deaths of three people at the Arizona sweat lodge ceremony.
Continue reading ‘Self-Help Guru James Ray Arrested’
Goth Cats: Woman Convicted of Animal Cruelty for Piercings
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 23 Comments
There is an interesting case out of Pennsylvania where a dog groomer has been convicted of animal cruelty for ear and neck piercings. It is the defense of Holly Crawford that makes the case particularly notable.
Continue reading ‘Goth Cats: Woman Convicted of Animal Cruelty for Piercings’
Soft on Sharia? Saudi Arabia Gives Rape Victim 100 Lashes But Is Outdone By Bangladesh Which Gives Rape Victim 101 Lashes
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh seem to be vying for which country is the most repressive in the application of Islamic Sharia law. The Saudi courts have ordered a Filipino woman to be lashed 100 times after she was raped. The Bangladesh courts outdid their Saudi counterparts and ordered a girl lashed 101 times for being raped. At what point does the Obama Administration publicly denounce these countries for systemic human rights violations against women?
Clarence Thomas Defends Recent Ruling on Campaign Finance
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Academics , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 27 Comments
Associate Justice Clarence Thomas appeared to take on President Obama this week in discussing the ruling in Citizens United — contradicting the President’s portrayal in the State of the Union. In my view, the President did overstate the holding (not unheard of in the halls of Congress), but I continue to despair over the increasing public role played by justices (here). In my view, Thomas should not be engaging in such a public debate and should allow these decisions to speak for themselves.
Continue reading ‘Clarence Thomas Defends Recent Ruling on Campaign Finance’
Houston Judge Resigns After Claims of Bias Against Domestic Abuse Victims
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Harris County criminal Court-at-Law Judge Reagan Helm has resigned after protests over his allegedly taunting remarks to victims of domestic violence. Helm, 68, reportedly admitted to suffering from dementia and having “medical issues.” He was accused of extreme bias against women in these cases. In one instance, Helm told men accused of domestic abuse that these women have them “by the balls.”
Continue reading ‘Houston Judge Resigns After Claims of Bias Against Domestic Abuse Victims’
The Problem With Trolls: Florida Police Arrest Three “Trolls” Demanding Payment to “Cross the Bridge”
Published 1, February 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 19 Comments
Police in Florida have been dealing with the long-ignored menace of trolls. While we are all taught how to trick trolls in the “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” the victim forgot the “rob-me-when-I’m-fatter” trick when Jimmy Lee Morris (27), Dylan Patrick O’Shea (18), and Christopher L. Johnson (24) demanded that he “pay a toll to the troll.”
Fighting Crime . . . One Statistic A Time: Brooklyn Police Accused of Fixing the Books
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 11 Comments
There is an interesting investigation in Brooklyn where Internal Affairs is looking into allegations that Brooklyn police officers refused to take criminal complaints and downgraded crimes to lower crime statistics. It brings a new meaning to officers warning people not to become a statistic.
Continue reading ‘Fighting Crime . . . One Statistic A Time: Brooklyn Police Accused of Fixing the Books’
Family Research Council’s Peter Sprigg Calls For Preservation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” . . . And The Criminalization of Homosexuality
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Military , Society 101 CommentsFamily Research Council’s Peter Sprigg does not appear quite ready to accept gays serving the country in the military. On Hardball, he not only opposed the elimination of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy but argued that all gays should be arrested as criminals.
Faith-Healing Parents in Oregon Convicted of Negligent Homicide
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 535 Comments
A church in Oregon has the infamous reputation of killing children in the name of faith. Now, two parents — Jeff and Marci Beagley — have been found guilty of negligent homicide. Their case was discussed in this prior column. It is a welcomed charge (often religious parents are given lesser charges in the death of their children due to faith-healing), but the likely sentence is likely to be relatively low given the history of this church and the loss of life.
Continue reading ‘Faith-Healing Parents in Oregon Convicted of Negligent Homicide’
Pay Misty for Me: Courts Mull Over Restitution Payments to Victims of Child Pornography From Possessors
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 6 Comments
In a disgusting pornographic collection called “the Misty series,” a little girl named Amy was photographed by her uncle who then distributed the pictures worldwide on the Internet. As discussed earlier, now an adult, Amy has succeeded to securing restitution not from her uncle but from a man who was found in possession of the pictures. As reported by John Schwartz in the New York Times article below, it has raised serious questions from lawyers and law professors (including myself) but the Obama Administration is now supporting such claims.
Continue reading ‘Pay Misty for Me: Courts Mull Over Restitution Payments to Victims of Child Pornography From Possessors’
Spray-On Glass is Coming
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Academics , International , Science , Society 15 Comments
It appears that a Turkish company has perfected the invention of “liquid glass” in a breakthrough that will likely make it and its German patent holder fantastically wealthy. With the United States pouring billions into these wars (while cutting educational budgets) and countries like China spending equally on new research (here), we will increasingly be the consumers rather than the inventors of such new technology.
France Refuses Citizenship to Moroccan Man Who Forces Wife To Wear Veil
Published 1, February 3, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 CommentsFrance has been stepping up its opposition to the Muslim tradition of women wearing full veils. It has not only moved toward a ban in public places, but it has now denied citizenship to a Moroccan man for his attitude toward women, including forcing his wife to wear a veil.
Continue reading ‘France Refuses Citizenship to Moroccan Man Who Forces Wife To Wear Veil’
This video shows the ugly face of the goose peril being ignored by our leaders.
Continue reading ‘Goose, Goose, . . . Duck!’
Early Draft of Constitution Found
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Academics , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 53 Comments
Lorianne Updike Toler, lawyer and head of the Constitutional Sources Project in Pennsylvania, has found a rare early draft of the United States Constitution in the hand of James Wilson. It is a major historical and legal find at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Continue reading ‘Early Draft of Constitution Found’
Yes, it is time for the world’s most famous rodent to fixate the nation with his shadow-phobic response. It appears that good people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania have rejected the demand of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to free Phil into the wild and get a robotic groundhog (which presumably would detect a shadow through sensors).
Sex, Surfing, and the SEC: Investigation Finds Workers Surfing For Porn on Government Computers
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Bizarre , Society 29 Comments
Ever wonder what those guys at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission were doing during the financial market meltdown. A recent investigation uncovered more than two dozen SEC employees and contractors were surfing for porn on their computers, including one supervisor who made more than 1,800 attempts to look up pornography in a 17-day span.
Tenant Calls Police After Landlord Found Naked On Her Couch . . . Landlord Evicts Tenant
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 3 Comments
If you feel that your landlord is a pain, you may want to consider the alternative. Meet Ivan Rak, 45, who was arrested after being found naked on the couch of a tenant. The tenant says that Rak has been harassing her and later evicted her in Lorain, Ohio.
Police Run Over Woman’s Dog and Then Charge Her For Damage To Cruiser
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Bizarre , International , Torts 21 Comments
When Heidi Schwank, 65, was told by police that her Australian Shepherd Robby had been hit by a car on the highway in Germany, she was predictably upset. However, she became incensed later when she learned that Roddy was intentionally run over by the police and then presented with a bill for the damage to the car.
Continue reading ‘Police Run Over Woman’s Dog and Then Charge Her For Damage To Cruiser’
Death Cat: Staff At Nursing Home Claim To Have Cat That Predicted Over 50 Deaths
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Bizarre , Science , Society 19 Comments
Even for cat lovers, Oscar the Cat is not a welcomed sight in your bed at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The unsociable cat is known to curl up in bed with only one type of patient: those who have only hours to live.
Continue reading ‘Death Cat: Staff At Nursing Home Claim To Have Cat That Predicted Over 50 Deaths’
Study: All You Need To Run Is A Pair Of Feet
Published 1, February 2, 2010 Academics , Environment , Science 8 Comments
While the old adage said “all you need to run is a pair of shoes,” researchers have found (and reported in Nature magazine) that all you need is a pair of feet. In their study, the researchers found that, before the invention of shoes, humans ran differently . . . and better.
Continue reading ‘Study: All You Need To Run Is A Pair Of Feet’
Washington Woman Allegedly Killed as “Warlock” in Wiccan Murder
Published 1, February 1, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 14 Comments
Police in Everett, Washington are dealing in a rather bizarre murder where Eric Christensen allegedly kiled Sherry Harlan, 35, for breaking a “Wiccan blood oath” by texting another man on her cellphone. Christensen, 40, allegedly cut up her body and distributed it around Snohomish County. Text-based blood oath violations were presumably not one of the original Wiccan problems but all religions have to adapt to modern technology.
Continue reading ‘Washington Woman Allegedly Killed as “Warlock” in Wiccan Murder’
Gibbs: KSM Will Be Tried, Convicted, and Executed
Published 1, February 1, 2010 Uncategorized 53 Comments
We have previously noted the problem with President Barack Obama assuring the public that people like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) will be convicted. After the previous such incidents (here), many of us noted that a president is expected to avoid such comments which are inimical to a fair trial and sitting an unbiased jury. Now, in the video below, White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs has decided to pick up the role as the Red Queen to promise not just a conviction but execution for KSM.
Continue reading ‘Gibbs: KSM Will Be Tried, Convicted, and Executed’
Between a Rock and A Hard Place: Baltimore Woman Accused of Raising Money for Cancer Victim and Then Keeping It
Published 1, February 1, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 17 Comments
Donna Rock is accused of one of the lowest possible crimes: raising money for a 5-year-old girl with cancer and then keeping the money for herself. This week, Rock was arrested and charged with theft of the money raised for Serena Lambert.
Continue reading ‘Between a Rock and A Hard Place: Baltimore Woman Accused of Raising Money for Cancer Victim and Then Keeping It’
Police Set Man On Fire With Taser — Again
Published 1, February 1, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Police in Perth are investigating a case where officers accidentally set a 44-year-old man on fire after shooting him with a taser. The man has previously doused himself and his house with fuel and was threatening to light himself on fire. This is the second such case for the city’s police, here, in less than a year.
Continue reading ‘Police Set Man On Fire With Taser — Again’
“God Hates Signs”: Westboro Protest Triggers Theater of the Absurd
Published 1, February 1, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 25 Comments
The good people at The Laughingsquid showed the world how to deal with fanatics like the hate-mongering Westboro Church crowd. Westboro loves to show up at funerals and other events with large signs proclaiming such things as “GOD HATES FAGS.” A bunch of counter-demonstrators showed up recently with signs of their own proclaiming such things “I WAS PROMISED DONUTS” and “GOD HATES SIGNS.”
Continue reading ‘“God Hates Signs”: Westboro Protest Triggers Theater of the Absurd’
This is a case of a really brave duck and a really really restrained dog.
CBS Refuses to Air Gay Dating Commercial During Superbowl
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Society 58 CommentsCBS has rejected a Super Bowl ad submitted by ManCrunch.com, a gay dating site that shows two male football fans making out. The network said that the commercial violated its standards and sources suggested it was just a ploy to get publicity. ManCrunch has called the move discriminatory and pointed to controversial commercials that have run in the past.
Continue reading ‘CBS Refuses to Air Gay Dating Commercial During Superbowl’
Long Arm of the Law: Video Captures Police Beating Tasered Suspect
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 7 CommentsThis video of Winnipeg police officers repeatedly beating Cody Bousquet during an arrest on February 27, 2009. Bousquet reportedly had been tasered by the officers. One of the officers Const. Ryan Law was previously arrested for aggravated assault for kicking a suspect in the stomach in an interrogation room. He is the nephew of the Chief of Police.
Continue reading ‘Long Arm of the Law: Video Captures Police Beating Tasered Suspect’
Please Stare at This Light: Rip Torn Arrested For Breaking Into Bank
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 8 Comments
In Salisbury, Connecticut, actor Elmore “Rip” Torn, 78, has been arrested for breaking into a bank and carrying a firearm while intoxicated. He was found inside of the Litchfield Bancorp with a loaded gun. He appears to have had everything but the one thing he needed from MIB: his neuralyzer.
Continue reading ‘Please Stare at This Light: Rip Torn Arrested For Breaking Into Bank’
Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Sue Dem Fans? Political and Legal Fight Brewing Over “Who Dat” Tee-Shirts
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society , Torts 8 Comments
A federal court may have to decide who owns the “who dat” phrase in footnote. The NFL, which has a reputation of claiming a wide array of trademark rights against fans, has sent letters to various companies and fans telling them not to use the phrase “who dat” in combination with the Saints’ fleur-de-lis logo. It has led to Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (fresh from his prostitution scandal) to cry foul and demand that “who dat” belongs to the people. In the meantime, two fans have claimed ownership to the phrase since 1966.
Psst, Looking For Some Really Good Sh-t? Arizona Police Find Almost 800 Pounds of Pot in Septic Tank
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 35 Comments
Next time you are asked that question from a pot dealer, you may want to ask if he is speaking figuratively or literally. Police in Tucson, Arizona stopped a truck with a septic tank filled with human waste . . . and 743 pounds of pot.
Philadelphia Father Accused of Setting Puppy on Fire for Nipping at Kids
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Society 8 Comments
John Fleet, 33, was allegedly upset by a pit bull puppy when it nipped at his kids. That is understandable. His reaction was not. He allegedly rubbed alcohol on the puppy (not the one shown) and set it on fire in front of the kids.
Continue reading ‘Philadelphia Father Accused of Setting Puppy on Fire for Nipping at Kids’
O’Keefe Goes Public With Defense on Landrieu Controversy
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society 304 Comments
Conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe has gone public with what is likely to be his defense at trial to the felony charge that he entered federal property with “false pretenses for the purpose of committing a felony.”
Continue reading ‘O’Keefe Goes Public With Defense on Landrieu Controversy’
Iranian Cleric Calls for Execution of More Protesters As Sanctioned By God
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Leading Iranian Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati used his Friday prayer sermon to celebrate the recent executions of protesters and to call for more executions as the will of God. Jannati explained that the Koran (Qur’an) expressly allows rulers to execute critics.
Continue reading ‘Iranian Cleric Calls for Execution of More Protesters As Sanctioned By God’
Meteorite Sets Off Firestorm of Litigation in Lorton
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 37 Comments
There is a fascinating property dispute brewing in Virginia. Dr. Marc Gallini and Frank Ciampi almost became galactic fodder when a meteorite came crashing into Examining Room No. 2 at their Williamsburg Square Family Practice. They decided to give the meteorite to the Smithsonian for a $5000 payment of “appreciation.” Now, the landlord Deniz Mutlu and his family have reportedly notified the Smithsonian that the meteorite is theirs, His brother and fellow landlord, Erol Mutlu, wrote to the museum that they would come to retrieve it by the end of the day.
Continue reading ‘Meteorite Sets Off Firestorm of Litigation in Lorton’
A Nose for Crime: London Police Arrest Man For Blowing Nose at Traffic Light
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 12 Comments
We have another curiosity out of London where police arrested Michael Mancini, 39, for blowing his nose in his van while it was stopped at a traffic light. The police officer insisted that he was not in control of his vehicle.
Continue reading ‘A Nose for Crime: London Police Arrest Man For Blowing Nose at Traffic Light’
Obama Reportedly Orders Justice Department to Consider Alternative Sites for Terror Trial
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 36 Comments
Attorney General Eric Holder suffered an embarrassing setback yesterday when the White House ordered the Justice Department to find another location for the trial of the 9/11 suspects. If true, this would be a troubling intervention of the White House into a pending criminal case and seems to follow political pressure on the venue for the trial.
Continue reading ‘Obama Reportedly Orders Justice Department to Consider Alternative Sites for Terror Trial’
Obama Avoids Pork Issue in State of the Union
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 21 Comments
For those who wanted President Barack Obama to address the issue of pork in the State of the Union, the speech of Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez this week shows just how much Obama is withholding from the public. Fernandez not only praised the benefits of eating pork but encouraged that a little pork in your diet can spice up your love life. What do we get? A discussion of market recovery and jobs initiatives.
Continue reading ‘Obama Avoids Pork Issue in State of the Union’
Not-So-Happy Meal: Colorado Man Tells Children To Bite Officers at McDonald’s
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment
Joshua Alger, 28, in Colorado Springs, Colorado is a few fries short of a Happy Meal. Not only did an intoxicated Alger allegedly pass out in a McDonald’s play area, but he encouraged his two children to bite the arresting officers.
Continue reading ‘Not-So-Happy Meal: Colorado Man Tells Children To Bite Officers at McDonald’s’
Oregon Police Officer Pepper Sprays Burning Man
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
When Daniel Shaull, 26, was spotted by a Portland officer after he burst into flames, the officer grabbed what she thought was a fire extinguisher and ran to put him out. Instead she succeeded in pepper spraying Shaull, who died later of his injuries.
Continue reading ‘Oregon Police Officer Pepper Sprays Burning Man’
Author J.D. Salinger has died at 91. The author of “The Catcher in the Rye” died on Wednesday in his New Hampshire home.
Continue reading ‘J.D. Salinger Dead at 91′
Van Steals Porsche to Go to Court on Stolen Lexus
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
Tony Van, 37, a hairstylist from San Francisco, is allegedly someone who likes to arrive in style. When he appeared in court to face charges of stealing a Porsche, Van allegedly decided to arrive in a stolen Lexus — leading to another arrest and charge.
Continue reading ‘Van Steals Porsche to Go to Court on Stolen Lexus’
Virginia School Pulls Diary of Anne Frank From Shelves After Objection to Sexual Explicit Reference
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 34 Comments
The Culpepper County Public Schools has become the latest addition to the dubious list of schools banning Anne Frank’s ‘Diary of a Young Girl.” The move to pull the books from all of the shelves in the county reportedly came after one parent found a passage to be sexually explicit.
Continue reading ‘Virginia School Pulls Diary of Anne Frank From Shelves After Objection to Sexual Explicit Reference’
Filmmaker O’Keefe Tweets on Pending Charges
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 320 Comments
It appears that conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe is continuing to comment on his case. Raw Story and other sites are reporting that O’Keefe tweeted shortly around midnight last night that “Govt official concedes no attempt to wiretap.” In the meantime, it appears that the stunt in New Orleans may have been an effort to cut off the telephones or film their operation as opposed to wiretapping calls. I discussed this story on Hardball and Rachel Maddow.
Continue reading ‘Filmmaker O’Keefe Tweets on Pending Charges’
Justice Alito Shown Shaking His Head and Mouthing “Not True” in Response to State of the Union Address
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 177 Comments
In a breach of protocol, Associate Justice Sam Alito was filmed during the State of the Union address last night shaking his head and mouthing “not true” in response to the President’s criticism of the Citizens United ruling on corporate campaign finance limits. Ironically, Rep. Joe Wilson promised to restrain himself during this speech and not scream “you lie” again during the President’s speech. For a justice, this breach (shown below) is no less remarkable. It is, in a word, injudicious.
Teacher Resigns After Sending Home 5-Year-Old Special Needs Student With Bag of Human Feces
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 29 Comments
Elementary school teacher Sue Graham in Yakima, Washington has resigned after being reprimanded for sending a bag of human feces home with a five-year-old student from her special education class. She sent home the feces with a sticky note reading “This little turd was found on the floor in my room.” Her husband, Ron Graham, also resigned.
Dork Hunters: English Police Use Anti-Terror Laws To Detain Film Crew of Children’s Program
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 8 Comments
The hosts and film crew from ITV show Toonattik were shooting a scene for “Dork Hunters” when they were detained by police in London under the Terrorism Act. They were wearing utility belts with “spangly” hairdryers and hairbrushes and flak jackets.
Continue reading ‘Dork Hunters: English Police Use Anti-Terror Laws To Detain Film Crew of Children’s Program’
Punxsutawney PETA: Animal Rights Organization Wants Town To Use Robotic Groundhog
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 20 Comments
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to free its famous groundhog and use a robotic animal to stop what it views as cruelty to Phil. In response, the town insists that Phil lives a better life than most children in Pennsylvania — which raises some serious questions about the lives of kids in that state that live below the standards of a large caged rodent.
Continue reading ‘Punxsutawney PETA: Animal Rights Organization Wants Town To Use Robotic Groundhog’
I’m Loving It: Dutch Court Rules Against McDonald’s For Firing Employee Over Slice of Cheese
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 60 Comments
A Dutch court has ruled against McDonald’s and found that the company was wrong to fire an employee who simply gave a colleague an extra piece cheese on her hamburger. She had paid for a hamburger and McDonald’s viewed the gesture as a violation of company policy against gifts.
Botox Terrorists: Black Market Botox Raising Concerns With Terrorism Experts
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 13 Comments
Authorities appear to be on the look out for youthful-looking terrorists with a notable absence of winkles. The burgeoning black market Botox market is raising concerns of how one of its active ingredients might be used by bio-terrorists.
Continue reading ‘Botox Terrorists: Black Market Botox Raising Concerns With Terrorism Experts’
Running on Empty: AWOL Soldier Arrested After Stolen Humvee Runs Out of Gas
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society 8 Comments
A soldier has learned in a very personal way the perils of gas guzzlers. Private Sean Johnson reportedly decided to go AWOL and grabbed a Humvee to make his escape. He was arrested down the road with an out-of-gas Humvee as eco-friendly AWOL soldiers zoomed by in their Minis.
Continue reading ‘Running on Empty: AWOL Soldier Arrested After Stolen Humvee Runs Out of Gas’
Head Haitian Voodoo Priest Objects To Scientologists and Others Proselytizing Through Aid Activities
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
We have been following the arrival of Scientologists and Evangelicals in Haiti to spread their faith with needed aid to survivors. Now, Haiti’s top Voodoo priest is objecting to the use of the aid efforts to spread the off-island faiths.
Chavez: U.S. Caused Haiti Earthquake With “Tectonic Weapon”
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 13 Comments
A Spanish newspaper claims that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the United States of causing the earthquake in Haiti by a U.S. “tectonic weapons test” that is being called “The Earthquake Weapon.”
Continue reading ‘Chavez: U.S. Caused Haiti Earthquake With “Tectonic Weapon”’
D’oh! Man Arrested For Possession of Pornographic Images of The Simpson Children
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society 23 Comments
Police in Ipswich, Australia have arrested Kurt James Milner, 28, for possession of pornographic images of . . . Marge Simpson and the Powerpuff Girls. We have previously discussed the controversy over whether cartoon or computer generated images can be pornography. This case will answer that question in Australia.
Continue reading ‘D’oh! Man Arrested For Possession of Pornographic Images of The Simpson Children’
Pimped Out: Filmmaker James O’Keefe and Son of U.S. Attorney Arrested in Possible Effort to Bug Office of Sen. Mary Landrieu
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 62 CommentsIn what must be great news for ACORN, the filmmaker that was responsible for the recent controversy has been arrested in a bizarre effort to bug the offices of U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. Filmmaker James O’Keefe (shown left) was reportedly arrested with other individuals in the Hale Boggs Federal Building in downtown New Orleans. Also arrested were Joseph Basel, 24, Stan Dai , 24, and Robert Flanagan, 24. Notably, Flanagan is the son of the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. I discussed the story on the Countdown segment below. O’Keefe previously dressed as a pimp to implicate Acorn in a videotaped interview.
California District Attorney Boycotts Judge Who Ruled For Defendant
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Recently, we saw how San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis ordered a boycott of a judge who is deemed too protective over defendant rights, here. Now the ABA Journal is reporting below that another prosecutor has followed suit with her own boycott of a judge in Santa Clara. District Attorney Dolores Carr confirmed that she is boycotting Superior Court Judge Andrea Bryan after the judge ruled for a criminal defendant. It is a dangerous trend that should result in a prompt rebukes from the bar as an attack on the very foundation of an independent judiciary.
Continue reading ‘California District Attorney Boycotts Judge Who Ruled For Defendant’
Collared: Catholic Priest Arrested Shoplifting Butter and a Sofa Cover
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 20 Comments
In West City, Illinois, police were a bit surprised when they arrested a shoplifter at Wal-Mart. It was not the fact that he had curiously chosen butter and a sofa cover (or the stolen computer power pack they found later). It was the fact that Steven Poole is the Rev. Steven Poole of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser, Illinois.
Continue reading ‘Collared: Catholic Priest Arrested Shoplifting Butter and a Sofa Cover’
A Secret Public Bailout? Administration Officials Reportedly Agreed To Keep AIG Bailout Plan Secret Through National Security Protections
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 7 Comments
According to the article below, administration officials sought to use national security protections to withhold the details of the details of the American International Group bailout. It is only the latest example of how the government uses such protections to conceal information to avoid embarrassment or public review.
Continue reading ‘A Secret Public Bailout? Administration Officials Reportedly Agreed To Keep AIG Bailout Plan Secret Through National Security Protections’
China Leads World in Research Growth
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Academics , International , Politics , Society 2 Comments
While we continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into Iraq and Afghanistan, China is now leading the world in research growth. The recent report on Chinese investment in new science is startling in comparison to our own illogical policies of raising our debt limits to fund these foreign operations while states sell off public lands and cut back on school budgets, here.
How Do You Spell Absurd? School District Quarantines All Copies of Merrian Webster Dictionary
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 28 Comments
The good people of Menifee Union School District have taken a stand against indecency. Across the district in every school library Merriam Webster’s 10th edition dictionary has been locked away because one parent complained that it contained a definition of “oral sex.”
The Stark Truth: A Step-By-Step Guide on How You Die From Hypothermia
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Society 42 Comments
I saw this article on Reddit and found it so well-written and informative I could not put it down. It is how you die (or possibly survive) from hypothermia. It is written by Peter Stark, a contributor to Outside and author of Driving to Greenland.
Continue reading ‘The Stark Truth: A Step-By-Step Guide on How You Die From Hypothermia’
Times: Patients Dying From Over Exposure in Radiation Therapy
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Society , Torts 10 Comments
The New York Times has a disturbing article on how negligence in the use of radiology machines has led to fatal radiation overdoses. It is astonishing since most people assume that these machines are calibrated to avoid such operator error.
Continue reading ‘Times: Patients Dying From Over Exposure in Radiation Therapy’
Does The President Have A Telediction?
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 34 CommentsA recent picture of President Barack Obama speaking to elementary students with his ubiquitous teleprompter raises the question of whether it is time for an intervention to deal with his “Telediction”
Continue reading ‘Does The President Have A Telediction?’
S.C. Lt. Governor Bauer Compares Poor People to Stray Cats
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 209 Comments
South Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is being ridiculed for a recent speech where he appears to compare poor people to stray cats and connect having “ample food supply” to increasing welfare demand.
Continue reading ‘S.C. Lt. Governor Bauer Compares Poor People to Stray Cats’
The Offal Truth: The U.S. Lifts Its Ban on Haggis Importation After 21 Years
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 27 Comments
Robert Burns called it “great chieftan o’ the puddin-race” but the United States government just called it contraband for decades. Now, first being banned from importation, the Scots have been given a green light to send waves of haggis to our shores. After 21 years, one of the last great prohibitions has fallen and now Americans will be able to experience the stomach curling, soul-crushing dish known simply as “the Haggis.”
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang’s my arm.
Continue reading ‘The Offal Truth: The U.S. Lifts Its Ban on Haggis Importation After 21 Years’
Head of the Family: Islamic Radio Station Founder Claims Wife Dominated Him Before He Beheaded Her
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Religion , Society 4 Comments
Muzzammil Hassan, the founder of an Islam-oriented television station, has fired his attorney and hired a new attorney who promised a “revolutionary defense” for the beheading of Hassan’s late wife. It appears to be a type of spousal abuse syndrome claim.
Continue reading ‘Head of the Family: Islamic Radio Station Founder Claims Wife Dominated Him Before He Beheaded Her’
Vast Wasteland: Chavez Shutdown Last Major Critical Television Station
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Society 6 CommentsVenezuela president Hugo Chavez continued his assault on free speech and the free press with the closing of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), the last major television channel offering criticism of his regime. Previously, his government kicked the station off free television channels. RCTV then continued to criticize his policies on cable. Now it has been barred from any broadcast.
Continue reading ‘Vast Wasteland: Chavez Shutdown Last Major Critical Television Station’
I was just lying on the couch and then he just seemed to disappear?
Desperate Haitians Given Scientology Lessons and Solar-Powered Bibles
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 24 Comments
Relief has arrived in Haiti this week in the form of planes of Scientologists who will help Haitians heal spiritually and Evangelical Christians bringing solar-powered bibles.
Continue reading ‘Desperate Haitians Given Scientology Lessons and Solar-Powered Bibles’
New York Men Jailed for Five Days After Being Caught in Possession of Coconut Candy
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Criminal law , Society , Torts 9 Comments
While in Pittsburgh a teen is claiming that he was beaten by officers who were suspicious of a Mountain Dew in his pocket (here), Cesar Rodriguez and Jose Pena claim that they were not only arrested but jailed for days for what turned out to be candy mistaken as crack.
Continue reading ‘New York Men Jailed for Five Days After Being Caught in Possession of Coconut Candy’
Get Horizontal: Pittsburgh Police Beat and Arrest Teenager Only To Find That Mysterious Object Was Bottle of Mountain Dew
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 18 Comments
Pittsburgh authorities are investigating a case where an 18-year-old student, Jordan Miles, was struck repeatedly by undercover officers who saw a large object in his clothing. It turned out to be a Mountain Dew (“Get Vertical”).
Continue reading ‘Get Horizontal: Pittsburgh Police Beat and Arrest Teenager Only To Find That Mysterious Object Was Bottle of Mountain Dew’
Recent Comments