Documents have been uncovered that James Lonsdale-Bryans, an amateur diplomat and fascist sympathizer, proposed to German diplomats during World War II that the two countries simply divide up the world. Lonsdale-Bryans had high-level connections to the English Foreign Ministry, but there is no evidence that he was supported in his efforts.
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Archive for August, 2008
“Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen”: British Figure Proposed Dividing World Between England and Germany During World War II
Published 1, August 31, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 5 CommentsLouisiana Pastor Confesses to Turning Church to Satanic Sacrifices and Child Molestation
Published 1, August 31, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Religion , Society 14 Comments
Jurors in Amite, Louisiana are hearing a disturbing confession by former Hosanna Church Pastor Louis Lamonica. Lamonica confessed to “dedications to Satan” inside the Ponchatoula church, though most of the parishioners did not know that church elders had turned from worshipping Christ to Satan. This week, his lawyer has argued that Lamonica only confessed to molesting children (including family members) because he believed it would help him get his children back and further argued that he was being controlled by a false prophet — Lois Mowbray (shown here).
Pakistani Legislator Supports “Centuries-Old Tradition” of Honor Killings
Published 1, August 31, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
A Pakistani lawmaker, Israr Ullah Zehri, has publicly supported honor killings even in the face of a recent case in which five women were buried alive by Muslim religious fanatics. While the case is the latest outrage that has disgusted the world, Zehri insisted it is a time-honored tradition for immoral people to be dealt with under Sharia law.
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New York Police Bust Police Detective as Notorious “Bling Bandit”
Published 1, August 31, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
The police have finally arrested the so-called “Bling Bandit” and it turns out that it is one of their own. Known for his flashy watch and ring, the bandit knocked over nine banks and businesses. He is allegedly Athelson Kelson, 59, a former NYPD detective and decorated Vietnam veteran. The ring proved his undoing. Showing a detective’s shield, it is a type given to detectives upon their retirement.
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“The People on the Bus Go Help, Help, Help . . .”: Honolulu Police Arrest Drunk Bus Driver
Published 1, August 31, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
Bus authorities have finally taken Searle Pestana, 61, off the road in Hawaii. However, it was not the two prior drunk driving convictions that convinced the Honolulu city bus company that he was not ideal for driving passengers. It was the weaving with the bus and the sideswiping of a tree that finally did it.
Maurice the Meter Menace: Police Search for Alleged Parking Meter Felon
Published 1, August 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
In Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman’s character Lucas Jackson was sent to a work gang for cutting off the heads of parking meters. He has now been outdone by the not-so-cool Maurice Mizrahi, 34, who is accused of pulling 87 meters out of the ground and taking them home to drill out over $6000 in quarters. His own mother called the police.
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Pro-Golfer Tripp Isenhour Gets a Legal Mulligan on Killing Protected Hawk
Published 1, August 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 8 Comments
Tripp Isenhour may be popular with golfers but he is despised by environmentalists. The golfer is accused of intentionally killing a protected red-shouldered hawk (shown here) on at the Grand Cypress Golf Club because the bird’s chirping was interrupting his filming of an instructional video. Isenhour received a very light sentence of one year probation and 100 hours of community service. He will only have to do 40 hours of service in exchange for a small contribution to a wildlife preserve.
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Journalist Arrested for Telling Son to Walk Home from McDonalds
Published 1, August 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 88 Comments
Dave Lieber is a columnist for Fort Worth Star-Telegram who has found himself in a bizarre situation where he has been criminally charged for telling his 11-year-old son to walk home a few blocks from McDonalds. It began with an argument in McDonald’s and Lieber leaving his son to walk home. Lieber would return a short time later to find police speaking to his son and thought that the matter was closed by an amicable reunion and mutual apologies of the father and son. It wasn’t.
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Grasshoppers Destroy Man’s Eye and Disclaim Liability
Published 1, August 30, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Carroll Master went to watch the Greensboro Grasshoopers play in Greensboro, North Carolina with his wife and his two-year-old son. It would cost him his eye. Master was hit in the left eye by a foul ball. It is the latest in such spectator injuries and is part of an ongoing debate over the liability of such teams for torts.
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Two Pinches of Negligence: Magazine Causes Poisonings Due to Typo in Apple Cake Recipe
Published 1, August 29, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 30 Comments
Now this could make for an interesting tort case — literally. Ok, it was technically an apple cake not a torte but liability is likely to follow a bizarre accident over a typo in a published recipe in Stockholm, Sweden. Instead of calling for two pinches of nutmeg, a type in the cooking magazine Matmagasinet called for “20 nutmeg nuts” resulting in at least four poison cases.
Showstopper: Bernie Ward Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Prison
Published 1, August 29, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 9 Comments
Show’s over for former liberal radio host Bernie Ward. The San Francisco radio personality was sentenced to seven years on child pornography charges. Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker sentenced Ward to seven years and three months in federal prison calling his case a “personal tragedy.”
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Carnegie Mellon Professor Arrested Three Times in Eight Days for Drunk Driving
Published 1, August 29, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments
After the removal of Iowa Central Community College President Robert Paxton for a chugging picture at a boat party, it appears that academics are having some serious alcohol problems this week. Prosecutors in Pittsburgh have called for the jailing of Carnegie Mellon University professor and former Dean Jeffrey Hunker, 51, who has been charged with drunken driving three times in eight days. In the first incident, Hunker ran over a yard, hit a tree, and then ran into a house. Hunker was computer security director in the Clinton administration. He was then hired as dean of Carnegie Mellon’s H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management in 2001.
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Anti-Christ or Artistic Angst: Pope and Catholic Activists Seeks Removal of Kippenberger Art Piece of Crucified Frog
Published 1, August 29, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 46 Comments
An art museum in Bolzano, Italy has refused demands from Catholics, including Pope Benedict XVI to take down and no longer show “Zuerst die Fuesse” (“First the Feet”), an art piece by the late German artist Martin Kippenberger showing a crucified frog. The frog’s eyes are shown popping out and his tongue sticking out. He wears a loincloth and holds a mug of beer and an egg in its hands.
Federal Judge Samuel Kent Indicted for Sex Crimes
Published 1, August 29, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Society 6 Comments
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent became the first federal judge in history to be indicted for sex crimes, specifically abusive sexual contact and attempted aggravated sexual abuse of case manager Cathy McBroom. This ignoble moment will likely be followed by impeachment in Congress, though traditionally the House will wait for the conclusion of the criminal prosecution.
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Baccalagerate: University President Resigns After Publication of Beer Keg Chugging Picture
Published 1, August 28, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Iowa Central Community College President Robert Paxton has had his share of controversies, including a past indictment for fraud. However, it was a picture of Paxton holding the spigot of a small beer keg over the mouth of a young woman on the boat that finally convinced the school board to let him go. He will not go empty handed, however. He will eventually take an impressive $400,000 from the school — and can presumably keep the keg. Moreover, he could use the picture to secure a job as a spokesman in the recent campaign of university presidents to lower the drinking age for college students.
Blitzkrabs: Europe Threatened by “Nazi Raccoons” and “Stalin Crabs”
Published 1, August 28, 2008 Bizarre , Environment 11 Comments
It appears that Adolph Hitler and Josef Stalin are continuing their respective reigns of terror. Governments are planning a cull of so-called “Nazi Raccoons,” which were introduced by Hermann Goering to Germany in 1934 to “enrich the Reich’s fauna.” The raccoons are actually imports from America. In the meantime, England is also fretting over the movement of huge numbers of “Stalin crabs” toward its shores.
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Castro Regime Arrests Outspoken Punk Rocker for “Social Dangerousness”
Published 1, August 28, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Cuban authorities have arrested and jailed punk rocker Gorki Aguila for “social dangerousness,” a charge that could carry up to four years in prison. Aguila has been an outspoken critic of the Castro brothers and their brutal regime. The arrest is a telling reminder to celebrities and gadflies who continue to fawn on Castro that he remains a dictator who denies basic freedoms to a people.
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Potty Patriotism: Atheist Thrown Out of Yankee Stadium for Trying to Go to Bathroom During the Singing of God Bless America
Published 1, August 28, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society , Torts 56 Comments
A rather fluid first amendment controversy is brewing over police conduct at the Yankee stadium. Fan Brad Campeau-Laurion says that when he tried to go to the bathroom during the singing of “God Bless America,” he was roughed up a bit and then thrown out of the stadium. It appears that this has been a long complaint by fans over a sing-or-get-out policy by George Steinbrenner.
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ABC Reporter Arrested While Trying to Take Pictures of Lobbyists and Donors Partying at Democratic Convention
Published 1, August 28, 2008 Media , Politics , Society 27 Comments
ABC News should earn accolades for engaging in serious journalism in Denver: detailing how the party elite has been feted by an array of high-priced lobbyists at expensive parties. One of its reporters, however, was roughed up and arrested when he tried to take pictures of the democratic leaders and their donors. Producer Asa Eslocker was arrested outside the Brown Palace. In the meantime, Democratic leaders have said nothing in response to the complaints over the conspicuous consumption of lobbyist dollars at the convention.
Body of Missing Iowa Professor Identified
Published 1, August 27, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
The search of University of Iowa professor Arthur Miller is over. A body found in an Iowa City park has been identified as Miller, who was facing charges related to his alleged offer to exchange good grades for fondling female students.
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Showdown: Judge Orders Harriet Myers to Testify and Congress Moves to Call Her to Hearing
Published 1, August 27, 2008 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 16 Comments
U.S. District Judge John Bates has ruled that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers must testify in Congress — another ruling rejecting the arguments of Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Bates ruled that the House Judiciary Committee may proceed to schedule a hearing with Miers and Chairman John Conyers has indicated that he is going to do precisely that.
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Pastor Fakes Terminal Cancer to Hide Pornography Addiction
Published 1, August 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society , Torts 17 Comments
Pastor Michael Guglielmucci has shocked his flock of faithful at the Edge Church International in Australia that he is not dying from cancer and that he used the fraud to hide a 16-year addiction to pornography. Guglielmucci is internationally known for his hit song, Healer.
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Twenty Mile Cancer Belt Found in Pennsylvania
Published 1, August 27, 2008 Environment , Justice , Society 12 Comments
Federal epidemiologists have identified a twenty mile stretch in Pennsylvania between Hazleton and Tamaqua where citizens are 400 times more likely to develop a rare blood disorder called polycythemia vera, or PV — a form of cancer. A local Superfund site is being cited as a possible cause, but no conclusion has been reached on the cause for the cancer cluster.
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Have You Heard the One About the “Bullman,” the Fattening Hog, and the Humorless Father? It’s No Joke
Published 1, August 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 19 Comments
It appears that parents, police and prosecutors in Harlan, Kentucky have a poor sense of humor and an even worse sense of criminal justice. A recent controversy began with a bad joke by politician and former gubernatorial candidate Otis “Bullman” Hensley at a grocery store. The joke to a mother and her two daughters would land Hensley in jail for three days and facing 10 years in jail.
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Mother Arrested for Encouraging Son to Fight
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 12 Comments
A mother in Indianapolis is criminally charged after a neighbor allegedly witnessed her encouraging her son to fight another boy with a stick. Amy Meehan is neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her four children have been taken away from her during the resolution of the matter.
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Police Arrest Three Allegedly Planning Assassination of Sen. Barack Obama In Denver
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 15 Comments
Three men have been arrested in an alleged plot to kill Senator Barack Obama by shooting him from a high sniper position. Various guns and equipment were seized by the police in the arrest of Tharin Robert Gartrell, 28, Nathan Johnson, 32, and Shawn Robert Adolf, 33.
Scientists Discover BPS Systems: Bovine Positioning Systems
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Bizarre , Environment , Society 27 Comments
This has absolutely nothing to do with the law, policy, religion, or any connection to this site with the possible exception of the environment. However, I find it amazing that after thousands of years of herding cattle, scientists have discovered that cows tend to uniformly align themselves in the north-south direction. This makes them something of bovine compasses — a condition apparently shared with deer and other animals.
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Temple University’s Sexual Harassment Police Struck Down as Violation of Free Speech
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Society , Torts 9 Comments
In an important decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has struck down Temple University’s prior sexual harassment policy as unconstitutional as a limit on the free-speech right of students. Christian DeJohn, a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, sued the university, its former president, David Adamany, and two professors, for preventing him from expressing his views about the role of women in the military. Adamany and the school were rightfully found guilty in the dispute and Temple University is an example of how educators have abandoned free speech tenets and have denied the free expression required for students to have a full and unfettered education.
Arkansas Moves to Ban Adoption by Unmarried Couples
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society , Supreme Court 4 Comments
In a measure clearly targeting gay and lesbian couples, Arkansas voters will vote Nov. 4th on a measure to prohibit unmarried couples from fostering or adopting children. Not only would it prevent gay and lesbian couples from adopting, but it is likely to increase the turnout of evangelical voters at the polls for the presidential election to the advantage of John McCain.
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The Siege of Jericho: Little League Pitcher Tossed for Being Too Good
Published 1, August 26, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 13 Comments
Lawyers have been called in to resolve a fight brewing over a Little League call in New Haven, Connecticut. Nine-year-old pitcher Jericho Scott has been dropped from his team on Liga Juvenil De Baseball De New Haven (Youth Baseball League of New Haven). However, Scott was cut because he was too good, not too bad, to play. Scott’s throws so fast that officials complained that he was scaring the other kids and dominating games. To make matters worse, the league president has been accused of trying to remove Scott to help his own team, which is currently in second.
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Nepal Supreme Court Rules that “Living Goddess” Has Right to School and Free Movement
Published 1, August 25, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 96 Comments
There is outrage in Kathmandu after the Nepal Supreme Court ruled that the Kumari has rights. The country has long taken a pre-pubescent girl that declared her a “living goddess” – - a nice status but it comes with a denial of school and other basic rights like freedom of movement. The ruling means the the current Kumari, nine-year-old Preeti Shakya, can be freed from a virtual ornate prison in the palace.
Appearance of “Gay Jesus” Causes Uproar In Ohio
Published 1, August 25, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 279 Comments
The good people of Elyria, Ohio are in an uproar with the appearance of a school poster featuring a “Gay Jesus.” The poster was the work of a student atheist group at Lorain County Community College and the students are now facing allegations of violating school prohibitions of insulting a religious faith.
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Human Rights Group: Five Women Buried Alive After Women Tried to Marry Men of Their Choice
Published 1, August 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 7 Comments
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has released a frightening account of its continued investigation into the alleged burning alive of five women in Pakistan after three of the women tried to marry men of their own choosing. The incident reportedly occurred in a remote area of Balochistan province and involved the younger brother of Mr. Sadiq Umrani, the provincial minister and a prominent leader of the Pakistan People’s Party. After one month, no arrests or progress has been made by police investigating the matter.
California Law School To Be The Setting for Documentary on Porn Star IL
Published 1, August 25, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 4 Comments
It may not be the type of exposure that West Los Angeles School of Law was seeking, but the school will be the focus of a new documentary “Porn Star Goes to Law School,” the account of Traci Bryant, 38, (known as Anita Cannibal) who is now a IL — studying while continuing to work in the porn industry.
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Total Transparency: Experts Call on IOC to X-Ray Chinese Gymnasts
Published 1, August 25, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 6 Comments
For many weeks during the Chinese gymnast scandal, lawyers have been scratching their heads over the rather dim-witted focus of the IOC on documents that can be (and have been in the past) altered by the Chinese government. Criminal lawyers are accustomed to expert testimony establishing the age of victims with considerable precision through x-rays and medical testimony. Various experts have now spoken out and called for simple x-ray examinations to confirm the age of the gymnasts through actual science rather than Olympic spin.
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When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best Complaint: Conservatives Launch Protest Against Same-Sex Hallmark Cards
Published 1, August 24, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 64 Comments
The American Family Association has launched a crusade against Hallmark Greeting Cards for its decision to introduce a series of cards for same-sex couples. The AFA wants to start with a write-in campaign.
California Officials Bust Major Organic Vegetable Ring and Citing Adolescent Food Felon
Published 1, August 24, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 Comments
Katie Lewis was nine when she became a vegetable villain. Two years ago, she decided to sell organic zucchini and other homegrown produce on a little table in Clayton, California. Responding to complaints from two residents, Mayor Gregory Manning and other officials shutdown her down after a health code investigation.
Texas Murder Suspect Fights Pre-Trial Jailing Due to Half-Ton Weight
Published 1, August 24, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 2 Comments
Police and lawyers in Edinburg, Texas have an intriguing problem on their hands. Mayra Lizbeth Rosales, 27, is accused of murdering her 2-year-old nephew, Eliseo Gonzalez Jr. The problem is that she weighs roughly 1,000 pounds and cannot fit through the door of her home to be taken to jail and the sheriff is afraid that she will die without constant medical attention.
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A Perfect Tort at the Olympics: Cuban Taekwondo Athlete Banned for Life
Published 1, August 24, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 7 Comments
(I’m No) Angel Matos, Cuba’s leading Taekwondo athelete, handed in a perfect tort performance his week — completing a flawless assault and battery on a referee with difficult aggravated elements. Lawyers gave him a 9.7 — taking away only for the failure to leave the jurisdiction before service of process. As the pictures below show, Matos single handedly introduced a torts competition into the games when he kicked ref Chakir Chelbat in the head for an unpopular call.
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Knoller Conviction Reinstated in Whipple Murder
Published 1, August 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Justice , Lawyering , Society , Torts 11 Comments
The on-going litigation over the murder case of lawyers Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel has resulted in another ruling in San Franscisco. A Superior Court judge has reinstated the conviction of Knoller in the 2002 second-degree murder of her apartment neighbor Diane Whipple. Whipple was savagely attacked by Knoller’s and Noel’s two Presa Canario dogs. The case has taken many legal turns and this ruling will now return Knoller to jail.
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View to a Kill: Seattle Searching for Tree Killer
Published 1, August 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 2 Comments
Seattle is facing a bizarre series of attacks on their trees. Someone has been drilling holes into mature trees and injecting them with a herbicide along the picturesque Burke Gilman trial. It is not a unique crime — often committed by people who want a better view from their homes.
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A Bit Too Real: Woman Tries to Kidnap Ex-Virtual Boyfriend
Published 1, August 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
In Claymont, Delaware, police are dealing with a virtual relationship turned violently real. Police have issued a warrant for Kimberly Jernigan, 33, of North Carolina who tried to kidnap her former virtual boyfriend — a 52-year-old from Delaware.
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Sen. Vitter Seeks to Use Campaign Funds to Pay for Legal Bills Over Prostitution Scandal
Published 1, August 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
With Sen. Ted Stevens (R. Alaska) and Rep. Don Young (R. Alaska) both asking to create funds to allow contributors to help pay for their legal defenses on corruption charges, Sen. David Vitter (R.La) wants to go one step further — to use actual campaign funds. It doesn’t seem to matter that voters thought that they were giving money to help a senatorial candidate, not a busted john.
Religious Man Eaten After Seeking Blessing from Crocodile
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Bizarre , Environment , Religion , Society , Torts 21 Comments
Rubel Sheikh, 25, reportedly went to a shrine in Bangladesh to receive the blessings of one of five crocodiles in the shrine pond. He quickly became a Bangladish when the crocodile skipped the blessing and went straight to eating Sheikh.
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No Breiner: Texas Officer Insists That He Was Paid To Have Sex With Prostitutes As Part of His Duties
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 CommentsBeaumont, Texas Police Officer Keith Breiner took the stand in his own defense in the scandal involving vice cops having sex with prostitutes. Breiner insisted that he had to have sex with the women to make the case against them and that he was just doing his job. The department disagrees and suspended him and Lt. David Kiker for their when-in-Rome approach to vice operations.
Abuse Charges Against Michigan Teacher Dropped As Prosecutor Faces Bar Disciplinary Action
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 13 Comments
A highly controversial prosecution of a Michigan kindergarten teacher has ended with a new team of prosecutors dropping all charges “in the interests of justice.” The admission did not come until after James Perry, 34, was put through two trials — the first resulted in an overturned conviction due to conflicting evidence. In the meantime, one of the prosecutors responsible for the case will find himself on the defense side of a bar charge for prosecutorial misconduct. Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca will have to answer for his controversial actions in the case. Assistant Prosecutor Andrea Dean in the case argued that possession of movies like Harry Potter should be considered “non-erotic pornography.”
Florida Principal Outs High School Lesbian, Orders Her to Stay Away from Children, and Punishes Students Who Support Her
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society , Torts 30 Comments
It appears that a principal at Ponce de Leon High School felt that he had made an important discovery himself in Florida. Principal David Davis was shocked when a student came to him about being harassed about being a lesbian. It was not the harassment but the lesbian part that shocked Davis who immediately lectured the girl on her immoral lifestyle, told her to stay away from children, and then outed her to her parents.
Bigfoot Hoaxster Sighting! Ex-Cop and Ex-Correctional Officer Fess Up to World’s Stupidest Stunt
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
A television studio has the photos! An actual Bigfoot hoaxster sitting in a studio as big as life. Former police officer Matt Whitton and his equally dim-witted friend (and former correctional officer) Rick Dyer came out of hiding to fess up to fabricating the carcass of a Bigfoot. Whitten has now been fired from the police force, which takes a dim view of lying on national television. Conversely, Dyer is currently working as a car salesman where his conduct may be viewed as a positive resume item.
FIG leaf? The OIC Insists That There is No Evidence of Underaged Chinese Gymnasts
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 9 Comments
As if to fulfill the worst stereotypes of itself, the International Olympic Committee issued a statement today insisting that there is no evidence of any falsification of the age of Chinese gymnasts — citing the simple fact that they have valid Chinese passports. This is also the first indication that Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been put on the IOC. In the meantime, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) — the organization will do the investigation — has previously said that a passport is all that is required to “prove” age despite prior falsifications of that very document.
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Harvard Re-Takes Number One Slot in College Rankings
Published 1, August 22, 2008 Academics , Society 7 Comments
In a bit of a surprise for many academics, Harvard University has re-taken the number one slot in the college rankings of U.S. News and World Report. Princeton fell to the second position followed by Yale, MIT and Stanford. The rankings of the top ten universities and liberal arts colleges are below.
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Formal Investigation Launched into Age of Chinese Gymnast He Kexin
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 20 CommentsThe International Olympic Committee has ordered an investigation into the mounting evidence of an official campaign by the Chinese government to falsify the age of gold medalist He Kexin. Recently uncovered Chinese documents reinforce the widespread view that China has lied to the OIC and, again, altered government documents to qualify an underaged athlete.
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U.S. Hacker Hits Gold: Documents Appear to Confirm Falsified Ages of Chinese Gymnast
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 12 CommentsA U.S. hacker has gained access to closed Chinese documents that allegedly prove what has long been alleged: China is lying about the ages of its gymnastic team. The documents relate to He Kexin, who edged out American Nastia Liukin for the gold on uneven bars. The disclosure is the work of “Stryde,” a computer security expert for the New York-based Intrepidus Group. The site Stryde Hax revealed a detailed forensic search for He’s age. Stryde was identified by Information Week as Mike Walker.
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Denver Bans the Carrying of Feces and Urine for Nefarious Purposes
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 24 Comments
Police in Denver are now authorized by the city council to arrest people who are found carrying feces or urine for nefarious purposes. Denver officials are expected protesters at the convention and have adopted an openly hostile attitude toward such demonstrations. Indeed, they might want to read today’s story on how the Chinese handle such nuisances at great events like the Olympics, here.
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Two Chinese Elderly Women Face a Year in Reeducation Camp for Applying for a Protest Permit
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 4 Comments
In a further demonstration of China’s complete failure to honor its promises on the treatment of protests, two elderly women, Wu Dianyuan, 79, and Wang Xiuying, 77, are facing a year of “reeducation through labor” because they applied for permits to demonstrate during the Olympics.
Citizen Takes Picture of Cop in Traffic Violation and is Promptly Arrested and Jailed
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 9 CommentsAndrew Carter thought that he was performing a public duty when he photographed an English police officer going the wrong way down a one-way street. Officer Aqil Farooq did not agree — upon seeing Farooq, he jumped out of the van, knocked the camera to the ground, handcuffed and arrested Carter. Carter was then taken in the very same van to jail.
Sen. Stevens Seeks to Set Up Fund Connected to His Official Duties in the Senate: To Defend Him on Corruption Charges
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
Under Senate ethics rules, a Senator can establish a legal expense fund and accept contributions if it is related to his “official duties.” Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has asked the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee to approve such a fund to help him defend himself against claims that he sold his official duties to the highest bidder. He is not alone. His equally ethically challenged colleague, Don Young (R-Alaska) has created such a fund to help him fight allegations of corrupt practices.
University of Iowa Professor Disappears After Charges Filed in Fondling-for-Grades Scandal
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 CommentsUniversity of Iowa professor Arthur Miller, 66, has been reported missing after he was charged with four counts of seeking bribes in the form of fondling female students in exchange for higher grades.
How a Jihadist Curtailed a President’s Authority
Published 1, August 21, 2008 Academics , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Military , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Today, the New York Times ran a book review that I wrote on The Challenge: Hamdan v. Rumsfeld and the Fight Over Presidential Power by Jonathan Mahler. The book details the development of the Hamdan case, which ultimately ended in the Supreme Court with a defeat for the Bush Administration.
Continue reading ‘How a Jihadist Curtailed a President’s Authority’
Gnome de Guerre: Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Aggravated Assault with Garden Gnome
Published 1, August 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 33 Comments
Charles S. Morrison, 31, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania proved that a person with a temper and a garden gnome can be a dangerous combination. Morrison was convicted of five criminal charges, including aggravated assault for throwing a 2-pound concrete garden gnome through a glass door at his stepdaughter.
South Carolina Father Accused of Killing Unarmed Teen at Party
Published 1, August 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 14 Comments
Lexington, South Carolina authorities are dealing over a difficult criminal case this week. Francis Marion Reeves III, 62, is charged with murder in the Friday shooting death of 17-year-old Deshaun Rashad Clark. The case could turn on very murky facts involving a theft, beating, retaliation, and a drive-by — and one irate father. It also bears some resemblance to the recent controversial White case in New York.
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Father Charged in Electrocution of 11-Month-Old Son From Defective Clock
Published 1, August 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 28 Comments
In Denver, Colorado, a father, Ernesto Talavera-Nunez, is charged with the death of his 11-month-old son who touched exposed electrical wires on an alarm clock that he had repaired. He could now face 16 years for a class-three child abuse felony.
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Two Bronx Cops Charged with Road Rage Assault
Published 1, August 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 4 Comments
Two off-duty NYPD Officers Michelle Anglin, 37, and Koleen Robinson, 24, were charged with assault, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon for a road rage incident that resulted in the beating of driver Marion Smith. The incident began in true New York tradition with two driver’s screaming profanities at each other — but the police officers proceeded to pistol-whip Smith for his insults. They then allegedly fled the scene.
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Tapeworm Tort: Chicago Restaurant Sued for 9-Foot Tapeworm
Published 1, August 20, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 15 Comments
Now, this makes for an interesting factual causation case. We often talk about the chain of causation, but this case involves a 9-foot tapeworm of causation. Anthony Franz blames Shaw’s Crab House in 2006 and had salmon salad. He later became violently ill and “passed” the giant tapeworm.
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Police Officer and Former Correctional Guard Accused of Fraudulent Bigfoot Story
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 27 CommentsMatthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer in Georgia seemed eager to grab their 15 minutes of fame to the point of claiming to have the actual body of a deceased Bigfoot frozen in their freezer. It turned out to be a rubber suit and the question now is whether the two will be criminally charged with fraud for their efforts. Whitton is a police officer in Clayton County who is on leave after being wounded in the line of duty and Dyer is a former correctional officer.
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Louisiana Man Kills Girlfriend During Gun Demonstration
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
Curtis C. Murray of Gretna, Louisiana has been arrested for negligent homicide after he shot and killed his girlfriend while showing her a gun. Averyell Davis, 23, died after receiving a shot to the abdomen.
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Hospital Staff Dance and Play Cards as Patient Dies After Being Abandoned in Chair for 22 Hours
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 8 Comments
A North Carolina mental patient died after nurses and doctors at the state mental hospital left him in a chair for 22 hours without food or assistance. The death of Steven H. Sabock, 50, was recorded on a security video. He choked on medication while a nurse stands nearby without rendering assistance at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro.
Sixteen-Year-Old Girl Drinks Bleach to Avoid Arranged Marriage with 75-Year-Old Man in Saudi Arabia
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 11 Comments
The continued abuse of girls in arranged marriages in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries is a global scandal. This week, we have yet another glimpse into the nightmare faced by young girls. A girl known only as Shaikha drank a bottle of bleach in an attempted suicide to avoid an arranged marriage with a 75-year-old man.
Hands on a Hardbody: Texas Dealership Settles Case Over Suicide in Truck Contest
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 6 Comments
Now here is an interesting torts lawsuit. Patterson Nissan car dealership of Longview, Texas settled a lawsuit filed by Chalala Gutierrez, the widow of Richard Thomas Vega II. Vega committed suicide after dropping out of a contest in which contestants tried to keep their hand on a truck the longest. When he lost the “Hands on a Hardbody” contest, he walked across the street, stole a gun, and shot himself.
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Pick-Up and Get Out: Texas Home Owner Told by Association to Get Rid of F-150 Truck In Drive-Way
Published 1, August 19, 2008 Bizarre , Society 12 Comments
Jim Greenwood has a brand new Ford F-150 sitting in his driveway — the virtual symbol of the Texan lifestyle. However, the Stonebriar home owners association in Frisco, Texas views the F-150 as decidedly low-brow in their high-end community and has told him to remove it. The HOA allows only the Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Avalanche, Honda Ridgeline and Lincoln Mark LT. Ford’s new motto is “Drive One,” just don’t try to park one in Frisco.
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Human Rights Group: Pakistani Women Being Burned or Mutilated with Acid by Husbands and Boyfriends
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Society 8 Comments
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has published a very disturbing study that found that in 2007 dozens of women were burned in acid attacks or set on fire in Pakistan by their husbands or boyfriends. The government appears to have done little to deter these attacks.
Pelosi: Obama Blessed by God
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 65 Comments
God may be technically an independent, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that he is the power behind the selection of Barack Obama as our leader. It was God who “blessed us” with the elevation of Obama — a remark that seems designed to justify a controversial video below on Obama being divinely chosen for good or evil.
Afghan Justice: Rape Victims Jailed for Illegal Sexual Contacts
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 8 Comments
Afghan justice was once again on display with a recent visit of journalists who visited a women’s prison in Lashkar Gah where two-thirds of the women were convicted of illegal sex offenses with many simply being victims of rape.
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Cheek Slapped with Cosmetic Charges: North Carolina Spa Owner Faces 20 Felony Counts for Cosmetic Injections
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 2 Comments
Criminal charges have been filed against a spa owner in Greensboro, North Carolina in a case that is likely to also produce civil lawsuits. Lauretta Cheek is charged with causing kidney failure in people who received injections of Silskin, a cosmetic drug that is supposed to be given only under a doctor’s proscription. Her spa, Altmed of the Triad, has been shutdown. The case may shed light on the shadowy world of so-called “medspas.”
China “Taking Care” of Hundreds of Bibles Seized at Airport
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
From pollution to crackdowns on reporters, the Olympics have served to highlight many of the aspects of Chinese life that officials wanted to conceal. Now, a group of American Christians are refusing to leave an airport after the Chinese seized hundreds of bibles in their luggage. A custom official insists that they are merely “taking care” of the Bibles for them.
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Texas Police Officer Under Fire for Letting Dog Die While Ticketing Couple
Published 1, August 18, 2008 Bizarre , Society 23 Comments
Pet owners are outraged by the video below of a San Marcos police forcing Michael Gonzalez thought that to wait by the side of the road as his dog, Missy, dies in his car. Gonzalez was speeding between 90 to 100 miles an hour to an emergency veterinary clinic when he was pulled over. The officer showed callous disregard for his concerns, even telling him that he can simply buy a new dog. Unfortunately, this is not unique conduct, even when a driver’s life appears at risk as in the video below of a woman who lost her baby after police disregarded her pleas for medical assistance in St. Louis.
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No Reprieve for Khristian Condemned by Bible Passages
Published 1, August 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 33 CommentsConvicted murder Kristian Oliver was a bit put out when he learned that jurors relied not simply on the evidence but biblical passages during their deliberations to convict him. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled that the use of a biblical passage in jury deliberations is not enough to warrant reversal of his death sentence.
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Terrorists Strike Christiansburg
Published 1, August 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments
The authorities in Christiansburg and Pearisburg can finally use some of that anti-terrorism grant money that Congress has spread around the country. They nailed two “terrorists” in the midst of an attack on the local Wal-Mart and K-Mart. The two Pembroke teenagers left defaced playing cards mimicking the movie “The Dark Knight” in the stores. They were arrested, admitted everything . . . and were charged with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.
PM George Galloway Wins Defamation Lawsuit Suit; Shutdowns London’s Only Jewish Radio Station
Published 1, August 17, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Media , Religion , Torts 4 Comments
PM George Galloway won his case against Jcom, a non-profit Jewish radio station in London for broadcasting a defamatory radio segment accusing him of anti-Semitism. The radio program is broadcast over the Internet to a tiny audience — only 36 people heard the juvenile segment by Richard Malach.
Not So Sharpe: District Attorney Intern Arrested for Trying to Sell Copies of Case Documents
Published 1, August 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 11 Comments
Robert Sharpe will at least be familiar with the people prosecuting him in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Sharpe was a volunteer intern with the Onslow County District Attorney’s Office after he tried to sell an undercover agent copies from the Cesar Laurean case. He is facing felony embezzlement and misdemeanor larceny charges.
Community Outraged By Unrestricted Release of Religious Pedaphilic Leader
Published 1, August 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
One could well understand why Harrisburg resident Angel Fox does not want George Feigley, 68, as a neighbor. Feigley is the former head of the Neo American Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which was found to be a sex cult where children were abused by depraved church members. Since his 1975 conviction on charges of statutory rape, indecent assault and corrupting the morals of minors predated Megan’s Law, he will not be required to register as a sex offender. Moreover, since he was never given parole, he has no probation limitations.
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Miami Man Pounds on Doors Screaming for Help When Police Arrive and Taser Him to Death
Published 1, August 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 Comments
Miami-Dade police officers are being accused of excessive force in the death of Kenneth Oliver, 45, who was repeatedly hit with taser shocks. Witnesses called police to report a drunken Oliver knocking on doors and asking for help. The police arrived and, reportedly over the objections of onlookers, shoot him four times with tasers — killing him. The case is similar to another recent case, below.
Reading, Writing, and Re-Loading: School District To Train and Arm Teachers
Published 1, August 16, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 22 CommentsWhile other school districts are demanding teachers get more certifications on math and science, the Harrold Independent School District wants teachers trained to lock and load weapons at school. School officials have announced that teachers will be trained and armed in the future to protect the students and themselves from a possible attack on the school.
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Twist on a Cross Dressing Lawsuit: California Family Sues School in Fatal Shooting of Son — For Allowing Him to Wear Make-up and Girl’s Clothing
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society , Torts 46 Comments
A newly filed lawsuit in Ventura, California puts a new twist on past controversies over kids who want to cross dress in school. Increasingly, schools are leaving the matter to the parents and allowing cross dressing. The King family of Oxnard says that E.O. Green Junior High School is responsible for the fatal shooting of their 15-year-old son Larry King for not enforcing it dress code and preventing him from wearing make up and girls clothes.
Ex-Boyfriend Gets Two Years for Killing Tweety Cat
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Torts 1 Comment
Scott Allen Atkinson of Los Angeles wanted an effective way to express his displeasure with his girlfriend, so he killed her cat Tweety and left a note telling her to “follow the blood trail to find Tweety.” A judge just left an order for Atkinson to follow to jail for two years.
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The ICE Man Cometh: ICE Sends Notice to Wrong Home, Then Arrests Him for Failiure to Respond, and Holds Him Until He Dies From Untreated Cancer
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 10 Comments
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has come under increasing attack for the brutish approach that it has taken to deportation cases, often refusing medical care and coercing people to waive their rights. In the case of Chinese computer engineer Hiu Lui Ng, the abuses may have killed him.
Continue reading ‘The ICE Man Cometh: ICE Sends Notice to Wrong Home, Then Arrests Him for Failiure to Respond, and Holds Him Until He Dies From Untreated Cancer’
Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht Charged with New Ethics Violation
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Courts , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 8 Comments
Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht was required to appear before the Texas Ethics Commission on a new ethics charge: that a substantial discount given to him by a Texas firm resulted in a violation of campaign finance laws. Hecht had raked up $440,000 in legal fees in defending himself against charges that he violated judicial ethics when he advocated the selection of Harriet Miers for the United States Supreme Court.
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Ethics Charges Filed Against Praying Alabama Judge
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Religion , Society 22 Comments
In Andalusia, Alabama, Covington County Circuit Judge Ashley McKathan has struggled to find ways to interject his faith into court proceedings. He had the Ten Commandments embroidered on his robe and,
as discussed earlier he asked the parties and staff in his courtroom to join in a prayer circle during a hearing earlier this year. Now, the American Civil Liberties Union has filed ethics charges against him over the incident.
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Rounding Up the Usual Suspects at Disney: Tinkerbell, Cinderella, and Snow White Arrested in Protests Over Unfair Labor Contract
Published 1, August 15, 2008 Bizarre , Society 10 Comments
Tourists in Anaheim, California were given a unique insight into “The Happiest Place on Earth” this week. As they entered the park, they walked by Disney characters Cinderella, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Snow White and others handcuffed and waiting to be bused away to jail. They are workers protesting the move by the company to make health benefits unaffordable for many workers.
I have certainly heard from folks about my reference to Attorney General Michael Mukasey’s explanation for not taking action in the political hiring scandal as the “Elmer Fudd defense”, click here. Mukasey stated that, once again, he would not take action in this matter, but suggested it was due to the fact that the culprits left the Justice Department before he could take action. The problem is that he has blocked action in matters involving clear crimes with officials still in office.
Continue reading ‘Mukasey’s Elmer Fudd Defense’
Socratic Sans Toga: Kansas Professor Under Review for Mooning Judges
Published 1, August 14, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 2 Comments
Bill Shanahan, a professor at Fort Hays State University, is facing disciplinary measures after he dropped his pants and mooned judges at a debate event out of frustration with scoring of his team. The video below has become a popular item — outside of University administrators who are a bit ticked.
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Louisiana Officer Charged with Manslaughter Over Taser Killing
Published 1, August 14, 2008 Criminal law , Society 9 Comments
Officer Scott Nugent of Winnfield, Louisiana has been charged with manslaughter by a grand jury in the death of Baron “Scooter” Pikes, 21. Pikes was tasered nine times while handcuffed in a case that has raised racial questions in the state.
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The Golden Years: China Challenged Over Age of Female Gymnasts
Published 1, August 14, 2008 Politics , Society , Uncategorized 6 Comments
Even after their gold medal finish, China is facing widespread suspicion that it forged documents to use underaged girls in the competition in violation of Olympic rules. Half of the team appear much younger than 16. After China used an attractive nine-year-old girl to lip sync the opening song because the actual girl singing was viewed as too homely (here), many people believed that the Chinese are perfectly capable of such deception. For my part, I am just relieved that there is finally a legal issue at the Olympics to talk about.
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Bush Science: Bush Administration Seeks to Limit Role of the Scientists on Environmental Science
Published 1, August 13, 2008 Bizarre , Environment , Politics 17 Comments
President Bush has long had problems with science. In his first term, Bush used his own vaulted scientific knowledge to dismiss the findings of his own EPA scientists on global warming as “junk science.” Click here. Since that time, he has led one of the most anti-environmental administrations in history and turned the United States into the global villain in opposing significant steps to combat global warming. Now, after scientists linked the threat against polar bears to global warming, Bush is moving to reduce the authority of scientists on such questions. He may have learned this technique on his recent trip to China where the government is a kindred spirit on the environment. The Chinese recently changed pollution forecasts by changing the forecasters, here.
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Supreme Court Considers New Religion Case Over Candy Canes
Published 1, August 13, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Society 8 Comments
The Supreme Court has been asked to consider an interesting case out of Saginaw, Michigan. Fifth grader Joel Curry, 11, was asked to remove religious expressions contained on candy canes being sold at Heritage High School. Despite the fact that he was still given an A for the exercise, he sued for being told to remove the religious expressions from the notes attached to the candy canes.
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Nation on Fire: Mexicans Finally Rally Against Corrupt and Violent Police
Published 1, August 13, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
In a case that reads like a scene from Man on Fire with Denzel Washington, Mexican police officers have been arrested in the abduction and death of the son of a wealthy industrialist. Fernando Marti, 14, was the latest victim in the kidnapping rage in Mexico. He was found dead in a trunk and his abductors proved to be members of the Judicial Police force. Mexicans are now calling for reform and and Mexico City is disbanding the force.
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Charges Dropped After Video Shows Denver Police Beating Man
Published 1, August 13, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 CommentsAnother police beating has only been proven by a lucky videotape, linked below. John Heaney was charged with assault on a police officer and criminal mischief until a video showed that Denver police detective beat him outside Coors field.
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No Fury Like a Woman Texted: Estranged Wife Nails Husband in Private Sting Operation
Published 1, August 13, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
Arnold Reed, 40, of Plattsburgh, N.Y. has learned that there is no greater wrath than an ex-wife texted. His 23-year-old estranged wife says that she mistakenly text messaged him from her new cell phone. Thinking that he was communicating with a stranger, he struck up a conversation that ultimately led to his estranged wife setting up a sting involving underage sex. He was arrested in South Hero, Vermont.
Shock Video: Florida Deputy Resigns After Captured on Tape Beating Handcuffed Suspect
Published 1, August 12, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments
A dashboard camera caught a police beating of a handcuffed suspect that has now prompted one of the officers to resign. Pablo Gilberto Valenzuela, 42, was arrested on May 26 on suspicion of the robbery of a pharmacy in West Palm Beach. After he was cuffed, he was repeatedly kicked and hit in the face and body — breaking his jaw and causing extensive bruising. Kurt Graham, a rookie officer, has now resigned.
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Bathing It Your Way: Employee in Hot Water After Posting Video Bathing in Kitchen Sink of Ohio Burger King
Published 1, August 12, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 18 Comments
If you ever needed another reason not to eat at a fast food restaurant, you may want to see this video of an employee calling himself Mr. Unstable bathing in the kitchen sink of the Burger King in Xenia, Ohio.
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One Mind, No Soul: Mother and Other Religious Sect Members Arrested in Death of Toddler
Published 1, August 12, 2008 Uncategorized 9 Comments
Baltimore is dealing with a horrific death of a Javon Thompson, who was nineteen months old when he was allegedly starved to death because he would not say “Amen.” His mother, Ria Ramkissoon (shown here), and three others (Queen Antoinette, 40, also known as Toni Ellsberry or Toni Sloan; Marcus Cobbs, 21; and Trevia Williams, 21) all members of a religious sect known as 1 Mind Ministries. They found his remains in a suitcase left in a shed. Unfortunately, this is not a unique tale and children appear to be the ones who have paid for the religious extremism of their parents.
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