Archive for September, 2008

Amazing X-Ray of 15-Year-Old Knife Victim

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments

The English police are seeking some thugs in a horrific stabbing crime near a bus stop. I am not going to try to invent some substantive reason for adding these x-ray images other than to note: THIS KID SURVIVED. A 15-year-old boy tried to stop a robbery in England and was stabbed in the head by the assailants. These are his x-rays in the criminal case. It is an amazing feat of medical science that he pulled through. [WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES]

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Would You Like to Come Upstairs and See My Fatwa? Pakistani President Sanctioned for Flirting with Sarah Palin

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments

On this SNL video of Tina Faye playing Sarah Palin, she complains about a couple of Pakistani guys “literally embracing her.” It appears that it was more than comic relief. Pakistani cleric Maulana Abdul Ghafar has issued a fatwah against Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for “unIslamic” flirting with Palin in New York.

Continue reading ‘Would You Like to Come Upstairs and See My Fatwa? Pakistani President Sanctioned for Flirting with Sarah Palin’

Over 200 Killed or Injured in Another Stampede at a Hindu Temple in India

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society , Torts Leave a Comment

India has experienced yet another stampede at a Hindu temple. Over 25,000 devotees showed up to pass through a steep and narrow pathway to 15th century Chamunda Devi temple. The resulting stampede killed at least 147 and injured at least 55 others. Estimates continue to rise and now some reports put the deaths and injuries above 300.

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Obama Denounced by Republican Leader as the Anti-Christ While McCain Faces Allegations that He is the Aztec Demon Itzcoliuhqui

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 27 Comments

Republican activists appear to be increasingly leaving behind oil, the economy, and the war as campaign issues in favor of a single campaign issue: Obama is the anti-Christ foretold in Revelations. Only recently, James Bramlett sent out an email warning that Satan was behind Obama’s success. Now, Dutchess County Republican Committee Chairwoman Corinne Weber has sent an email warning that Obama may not just be powered by the Anti-Christ, he may be the Anti-Christ himself. [Update: S.C. Mayor agrees that Obama may indeed be the Biblical Beast]
Continue reading ‘Obama Denounced by Republican Leader as the Anti-Christ While McCain Faces Allegations that He is the Aztec Demon Itzcoliuhqui’

The Troutman Found With Dead Cats: New York Landlord Sued for Allegedly Using Cat Carcases to Force Tenants to Leave

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 2 Comments

Heskel Properties of Manhattan is being sued for a bizarre effort to force tenants out of an apartment building that it recently purchased: it littered the property with dead cats to create a stench at 64 Troutman — a building in Brooklyn. The tenants apparently have rent-controlled apartment and they accuse the new owner of using animal carcases to get them to voluntarily leave the units.

Continue reading ‘The Troutman Found With Dead Cats: New York Landlord Sued for Allegedly Using Cat Carcases to Force Tenants to Leave’

Officer (Not So) Friendly: Iowa Man Charged with Assault After Hugging Police Officer

Published 1, September 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments

On a Saturday afternoon in Iowa City, Iowa, Luke Schreder had a dangerous, felonious idea: he thought that a police officer just “needed a hug.” The officer proceeded to charge him with assault on a peace officer for his spontaneous act of affection.
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Special Prosecutor Appointed to Investigate the U.S. Attorneys Firings

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Politics 12 Comments

After many months of refusing demands for a special prosecutor, Attorney General Michael Mukasey has finally yielded after the Justice Department’s own Inspector General called for such an appointment. He appointed Nora Dannehy, an experienced career federal prosecutor in Connecticut.

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Inspector General’s Report Calls for Appointment of Special Prosecutor

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics 5 Comments

For many months, some of us have been calling for a special prosecutor to handle allegations of criminality in the Bush Administration, particularly with regard to unlawful surveillance, torture, and political firings. Now the Inspector General has called for such an appointment to further investigate the removal of nine U.S. Attorneys — adding pressure to Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

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Muslim Forklift Operator Sues English Company For Having to “Handle” Alcohol

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society , Torts 2 Comments

Mohammed Ahmed, 32, is suing the English company Tesco because some of the crates that he was forced to lift with his machine contained alcohol, which he insists violates his religious beliefs. The company insists that it tried to accommodate him but that virtually all such jobs involved some interaction with alcohol products.

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Egyptian Journalist Jailed for Writing About Mubarak’s Health

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Congress , Uncategorized Leave a Comment

The Egyptian appeals court on Sunday upheld the conviction of Ibrahim Eissa, editor of the independent daily al-Dustor. His crime? He simply wrote about the health of 80-year-old President Hosni Mubarak and was accused of damaging national security by spreading rumors.

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Potty Confusion in Personchester: Gender-Nuetral Toilets Cause Chaos at Manchester University

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 10 Comments

Jennie Killip, the women’s officer at the students’ union at Manchester University, considered traditional toilet signs to be insulting to transgender students by referring to “Gents” or “Ladies” or “Men” or “Women.” What if you are somewhere in between, she asked. So, the school changed the signs to “Toilets with urinals” and just “Toilets.” The result was chaos as students ran about trying to decide where to go to the bathroom.

Continue reading ‘Potty Confusion in Personchester: Gender-Nuetral Toilets Cause Chaos at Manchester University’

China Accused of Lies and Cover-up in Massacre

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics 2 Comments

Do you remember that “separatist attack” in Kashgar that the Chinese government and media reported days before the Olympics? Evidence now indicates that the government lied to the world about two separatists killing Chinese paramilitary police. Photographs from tourist now show that it was a fight between paramilitary officers and that the government promptly sought to seize any photographs from tourists across the street. They missed a roll.

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Chinese Government Pressuring Lawyers to Stop Representing Tainted Milk Victims

Published 1, September 29, 2008 Bizarre , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Torts Leave a Comment

Chinese public interest lawyers are being pressured to drop clients injured by the latest Chinese product scandal related to tainted milk. The Chinese government now views these victims and their claims to be an unacceptable embarrassment.
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Texas Jury Acquits Man Who Forced Teens to Kneel in Front of Him and Fatally Shot One in the Back

Published 1, September 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 20 Comments

A Laredo, Texas jury has acquitted a man who was accused of murdering a boy who broke into his home with other teens in search of snacks and sodas in July 2007. Jose Luis Gonzalez, 63, shot Francisco Anguiano, 13, in the back after making him and his three friends kneel in front of him in his trailer after catching him in a break-in. For some, it is an example of the increasing carnage under the so-called Castle Doctrine or make-my-day laws.

Continue reading ‘Texas Jury Acquits Man Who Forced Teens to Kneel in Front of Him and Fatally Shot One in the Back’

Atheist Sues Army Over Sectarian Ceremonies

Published 1, September 28, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 2 Comments

Army Specialist Dustin Chalker is a loyal soldier, a good citizen, and an atheist. It is the last of his characteristics that has caused problems when he is ordered to sit through ceremonies with sectarian religious observations. With the help of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, he has filed suit in a federal district court in Kansas (which is also a party), challenging the practices as a violation of the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
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The Devil Makes Him Do It: Christian Leader Suggests Satan is Behind Obama and God Has Sent Palin in Response

Published 1, September 28, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments

James Bramlett, a well-known Christian advocate and former CBN employee, has unraveled the political and biblical entrails this year. The result is quite alarming. Barack Obama’s true campaign sponsor? SATAN. Fortunately, Bramlett has informed his readers that God sent Sarah Palin, who appeared to protect the faithful from the Godless hoard. In the meantime, Tina Faye and Saturday Night Live has another popular (though Godless) hit in a take-off of the Katie Couric interview, below.

Continue reading ‘The Devil Makes Him Do It: Christian Leader Suggests Satan is Behind Obama and God Has Sent Palin in Response’

A Lawyer’s Lament: Paul Newman Dead at 83

Published 1, September 27, 2008 Bizarre , Society 15 Comments

The legendary Paul Newman is dead at 83. Newman was a favorite of many lawyers (particularly this lawyer) for his great performances in law-related movies from Cool Hand Luke to The Verdict.

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Palin Trivia: Quick Name the Five Colleges that Sarah Palin Attended in Six Years to Get Her College Degree

Published 1, September 27, 2008 Academics , Bizarre 28 Comments
Tags:

Academics around the country are playing a weird new trivia game akin to Where’s Waldo — Collegiate Edition. I have been challenged by professors to name all of the colleges that Palin attended in her long pursuit of a college degree. Palin pools appear the rage among the academic set. For those who want to check their academic trivia, the answer is below. (Hint: she switched six times in six years but one college was a repeat)

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Norman Evasion: Mistrial Declared in Baseball Player Joe Petcka’s Pet Problem

Published 1, September 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 6 Comments

A New York judge has declared a hung jury at the trial of a former minor league baseball player and actor Joseph Petcka for his alleged beating, stomping and kicking his girlfriend’s cat to death during a drunken fury. The jury deliberated for five days on the charge of aggravated animal cruelty in the death of Norman.

Continue reading ‘Norman Evasion: Mistrial Declared in Baseball Player Joe Petcka’s Pet Problem’

Picking Between Anorexic and Obese Students at Harvard: School Removes Calorie Counters From Dining Halls

Published 1, September 27, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 4 Comments

Harvard University appears to have made a curious choice in its dining halls. Harvard University Dining Services has been supplying index cards with nutritional information for people concerned about fat and calorie content — part of a national trend to give more information to consumers. It has now, however, pulled the cards after students and parents complained that it would worsen eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

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Dead Schunk in the Middle of a Row: Wisconsin Court Rules That Family Members Can Inherit Estate After Assisting in Suicide

Published 1, September 27, 2008 Bizarre , Society 2 Comments

A very interesting ruling out of Wisconsin this week on assisted suicide and inheritance. Judge Margaret Vergeront ruled that Linda Schunk, and youngest child, Megan, may inherit the estate of Edward Schunk, 63, even if they assisted him in killing himself. Schunk effectively disinherited six of his children and left most everything to Linda and Megan before committing suicide at a cabin with their alleged help. This led to a family row over the role of Linda and Megan allegedly in enriching themselves by arming Ed.
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I Quit: Washington Mutual CEO Fishman Gets $20 Million for 17 days of Work — Before the Whole Company Was Sold

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Bizarre , Society 38 Comments

The virtual collapse of Washington Mutual was a tragedy for many thousands of customers and clients. Everyone, however, is breathing a sigh of relief: he recently hired CEO Alan H. Fishman has landed on his feet. He only worked at WaMu for 17 days and will receive roughly $20 million. Thinking on the bright side, just think how much he would have cost to fire if he ran a successful company. This is a budget basement deal. I am also using this opportunity to demand my own termination at George Washington Law School.

Continue reading ‘I Quit: Washington Mutual CEO Fishman Gets $20 Million for 17 days of Work — Before the Whole Company Was Sold’

Charges Dropped in Flatulent Assault on Officer

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments

The prosecutors of Kanawha County have asked to drop charged filed against 34-year-old Jose Cruz who was accused of committing assault on an officer by expelling gas near him. He still faces DUI charges, however.

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Keeping the Plainsman Plain (and Straight): New Mexico Board of Education Takes Over Student Publications After Lesbian Yearbook Picture

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Academics , Constitutional Law , Society 8 Comments

The good people on the board of education in Clovis, New Mexico have voted to review all of the content of all student publications after a Yearbook published pictures of lesbian couples in their high school. Principals are also empowered to censor such publications like the Plainsman Yearbook. The Plainsman of Clovis High will be be both plain and straight.
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Ninth Circuit Rules That U.S. Companies Not Guilty of Genocide in Use of Pesticides in Ivory Coast

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Courts , Society , Torts Leave a Comment

The United States Court of Appeals has ruled that 700 Ivory Coast farm workers cannot establish that exposure to a U.S.-made pesticide, known as DBCP for dibromochloropropane, constituted genocide. The court ruled that there was no evidence that Amvac Chemical Corp. of Newport Beach, Dole Food Co. of Westlake Village, Dow Chemical Co. and Shell Oil Co. intended to harm the farm workers.
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Tony Alamo Arrested on Mann Act Violations

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 9 Comments

Police found minister Tony Alamo holed up in the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona when they finally arrested the Arkansas preacher for transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes. A minister who used to associate with people like Bill Clinton, Alamo has been giving interviews, including the interviews below, steadfastly defending himself from godless critics from the Vatican, homosexuals, and the federal government.
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For Whom the Torts Toll: Disney is Sued After Hemmingway Bites Girl

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Uncategorized 3 Comments

An interesting case was filed against Disneyland in California over a dog bite. Lena Dickerson was 2-years-old when she was encouraged to pet a German shepherd-Labrador retriever mix named Hemmingway at the Disneyland petting zoo in October of 2006. She was severely bitten on the face and left with scarring.
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Michigan Court Narrows Definition of Sex Offender to Exclude Bestiality

Published 1, September 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments

The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that the definition of sex offender does not include people convicted of bestiality. That means that Jeffrey Scott Haynes, 45, will not have to register after serving time for have sex with sheep.
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Problem Solved? New York Police Taser Naked Man on Ledge Who Then Dies in Fall

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments

Many police departments spent countless minutes trying to get people off building ledges or perches. New York police, however, have a more efficient approach: they shot him with a taser and collect him after he falls. In the case of Inman Morales, 35, it resulted in his death.

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The Witch-Resistant Candidate: Palin Participates in Blessing to Protect Her From Witchcraft

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 40 Comments

Gov. Sarah Palin has campaigned on being resistant to earmarks and corruption, but she can now claim to be witch-resistant. A video below has emerged on YouTube that shows Palin participating in a collective blessing from Bishop Thomas Muthee, a regular at her evangelical Wasilla Assembly of God church, who prays for protection from “every form of witchcraft.”

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Tort Magnet: Man Hit by Train Hours After Being Hit by Car

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 3 Comments

For ambulance chasers, Robert Evans, 46, is a perpetual motion machine of torts. He started the day by being hit by a hit-and-run driver in Boulder, Colorado and finished the day by being hit by a train. (He appears to have run out of time on adding a plane accident). He appears fine, though required hospitalization for being clipped by the coal train.
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Man Sues Over Amputation of Penis Under the “Emergency Rule”

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 4 Comments

In Louisville; Kentucky, a major malpractice case has been filed by a man who consented to a circumcision and instead discovered after the surgery that the doctors had amputated his penis. Philip Seaton has sued both the surgeon Dr. John Patterson and anesthesiologist, Dr. Oliver James. This is a recent example of the ongoing debate in torts over the scope of the “emergency rule” and authority of doctors to act without consent. Putting aside the sensational or gruesome elements, the case is highly illustrative of the problems in this area of torts.
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New Mexico Officer Accidentally Shoots and Kills Himself

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Society 8 Comments

Albuquerque police Lt. Todd Parkins tragically died Wednesday morning after he shot himself in the chest by accident. Parkins, a veteran police officer married to a former police officer, accidentally discharged his weapon when he was putting it into a home safe.
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Flatulent Felony: West Virginia Man Charged with Gaseous Battery on Officer

Published 1, September 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 13 Comments

Jose Cruz was being charged with a DUI in South Charleston, West Virginia when he intentionally or negligently expelled gas in the presence of the arresting officer. The result was a charge for battery upon an officer, who noted in the charge form that it was particularly potent.
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Y’allgenics: Louisiana Legislator Calls for Program for the Sterilization of Women on Welfare

Published 1, September 24, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 20 Comments

State Rep. John LaBruzzo, R-Metairie had announced that he may have a way to help end multigenerational welfare families: pay women on welfare $1000 to have their Fallopian tubes tied. Since it is voluntary, he insists that it is not eugenics. It’s friendlier. More like Y’allgenics.

Continue reading ‘Y’allgenics: Louisiana Legislator Calls for Program for the Sterilization of Women on Welfare’

Leading French Author Pierre Péan Prosecuted for Hate Speech

Published 1, September 24, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 5 Comments

We have been discussing an alarming trend against free speech rights — in the West. Another such example emerged this week with criminal charges filed against leading French author Pierre Péan, who is charged with racial hatred for derogatory things said about Tutsis in a book in a book about Rwandan genocide.
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Student Suspended for Wearing Political Tee-Shirt in Colorado

Published 1, September 24, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 8 Comments

Even at eleven years old, Daxx Dalton shares his father’s intense conservative views and displayed those views by wearing a tee-shirt to school that read “Obama is a terrorist’s best friend.” The fifth grader wore the tee-shirt on a day when the students at Aurora Frontier K-8 School were asked to wear red, white and blue to show their patriotism. The school suspended him for the infraction and created a first amendment controversy.
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Oklahoma Supreme Court Disbars Judge Over Use of Sex Device in Court

Published 1, September 24, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments

Former Oklahoma District Judge Donald Thompson, 61, has been disbarred by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Thompson was convicted in June 2006 of using a “penis pump” in court under his robes and served prison time on that conviction.

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UMass be Kidding: Campus Minister Offers College Credit to Students Volunteering for Obama

Published 1, September 23, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 50 Comments

It appears that working for Obama will not only put you in good stead with God but gain you some badly needed credits at the University of Massachusetts. School officials have moved to rescind an offer of two college credits for students who volunteer for Democrat Barack Obama. This follows a Denver professor who assigned students an essay to write critical things about GOP Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

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Of Mice and People: Parents in St. Louis Seek to Ban Steinbeck Classic

Published 1, September 23, 2008 Uncategorized 11 Comments

In Kansas City, Dana Washington is leading the latest move to ban a book in America. Washington wants John Steinbeck’s classic “Of Mice And Men” removed from Washington High School’s 500 book reading list because it uses the n-word. It is a standard that would effectively ban most of the classics from that period. Parents insist that it is technically not a ban, but a mere removal action from the required reading list. Of course, we will still have to work on that sexist title.
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Bookstore Chain Pulls Magazine for Cover Showing Female Ministers

Published 1, September 23, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 13 Comments

The mullahs in Iran have nothing on us. The Southern Baptist convention has ordered a book chain to remove a magazine for its shelves as offensive because of its cover showing female ministers. If you want to see a picture of female ministers, you will have to go to somewhere other than Lifeway Bookstores. The offensive magazine was none other than that notorious libertarian rag Gospel Today.
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Knoller Gets 15 Years to Life in Dog Attack

Published 1, September 23, 2008 Criminal law , Society , Torts 3 Comments

Marjorie Knoller has bee resentenced after her long trip through the courts. She was previously released when her original sentence was overturned. Now, she is back in jail for 15 years to life for the 2001 mauling death of Dianne Whipple. That is considerably more than the four-year prison term that she originally received in 2002.
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Pet Stole Owner Forced to Pay Damages and Costs to Thief Who Stole his Money

Published 1, September 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 14 Comments

If Mark Poveromo feels a bit confused in New Haven, Connecticut, he is not the only one. A judge recently ordered Poveromo to pay damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees to a thief who stole his money. Builder Mark R. Koch of Illinois first stole the money, was convicted of theft, and then successfully sued Poveromo for damages.

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Laying Hands Upon: Pittsburgh Debates Whether “Spiritual Palace” is Really Swinger’s Club

Published 1, September 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 8 Comments

This could make for an interesting constitutional challenge in Pittsburgh. John and Kim Ondrik insist that they are running a church out of their home, which they call the Spiritual Palace of the Church for Spiritual Humanism. Their neighbors call it a swingers club.
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Rape Charges Dropped After “Victim” Sends Love Letters to Prison

Published 1, September 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments

In Winnipeg, Canada, prosecutors were preparing for a trial for rape when they had a curious series of statements from the victim in the form of love letters to the accused in prison. The woman initially denied sending any letters but eventually admitted that she missed the accused and was pregnant with his child.

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Latest Chinese Product Scandal: Over 50,000 Children Poisoned by Tainted Milk

Published 1, September 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society , Torts 6 Comments

China is again ordering a rash of arrests and resignations after the latest product scandal. In this case, diary producers sold milk containing the industrial chemical melamine, which killed four child and sickened nearly 53,000 others. This is not just another case of rampant Chinese pollution entering the food system. Melamine is sometimes put into milk to mimic high-protein additives.

Continue reading ‘Latest Chinese Product Scandal: Over 50,000 Children Poisoned by Tainted Milk’

Bush Administration Loses Ruling on Cheney Records

Published 1, September 21, 2008 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 29 Comments

The Administration has lost another ruling in its opposition to open government rules. The Bush Administration and particularly Vice President Dick Cheney has spent a huge amount of time and money fighting efforts to preserve documents and emails. On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that Cheney must preserve a broad range of records from his time in office under the Presidential Records Act.
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Tony Alamo’s Evangelical Church Raided After Allegation of Child Abuse and Pornography

Published 1, September 21, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 12 Comments

Evangelical minister Tony Alamo blames the Catholics. But, police insist that they had evidence of child abuse and pornography at his headquarters in Fouke, Arkansas. Critics have long called Alamo’s massive church a cult, but he insists that it is “true Christianity.”

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Wisconsin Prisoner Wins $295,000 for Moldy Mattress

Published 1, September 21, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 8 Comments

A federal jury awarded a Wisconsin prisoner $295,000 after officials forced him to sleep on a wet, moldy mattress for two months. Reggie Townsend, 29, is serving time for reckless homicide and won the judgment against the New Lisbon Correctional Institution.
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A Cell Just Right: Goldilocks Burglar Arrested in Montana

Published 1, September 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment

In Billings, Montana, children know of Goldilocks and the Three Bears but Tracy Mullins, 47, gave a more modern version when he broke into a home, ate food from the kitchen, messed up the home, and then fell asleep on a child’s bed — only to be discovered by the family in the morning.
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Court Drug Coordinator Arrested as Mole for Drug Dealers

Published 1, September 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments

Court Drug Coordinator Emily Cayton, of Scappoose, Oregon has been arrest for allegedly leaking information to drug dealers. Cayton is accused to tipping off dealers about warrants secured by the police. Obviously, such information could have resulted in fatalities for officers carrying out such warrants.
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Bush Administration Loses Major Case of Transgender Discrimination at Library of Congress

Published 1, September 20, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics , Society 36 Comments

The Library of Congress has lost a major discrimination case brought by a former special forces commander. Diane Schroer (formerly David Schroer) was hired as a senior terrorism analyst, but then denied the position when he informed the Library of Congress that he intended to have a sex change operation. The opinion below is an important victory for transgender rights and a baffling decision by the Justice Department to defend such a clearly discriminatory act.
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Arrested Parents Warned 2-Year-Old Before Shooting That Loaded Gun Could Cause “Bad Boo Boos”

Published 1, September 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 20 Comments

In Jewett City, Connecticut, police are dealing with an all-too-common situation. Two-year-old Wyatt Matteau shot himself in the eye when he played with his father’s gun — left in the open and loaded. His mother Rebecca Matteau warned him before she left the room not to play with the gun because it could cause “bad boo boos.”
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Son of Rep. Allen Boyd Arrested for Smuggling Illegal Immigrants

Published 1, September 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments

In Tuscon, Arizona, the son of Democratic Florida Congressman Allen Boyd has been arrested for human smuggling of five immigrants, including a 6-year-old girl. The Border Police also found a gun and drugs in Boyd’s truck. John Boyd is now facing federal charges.
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In the Can: Bush Administration Prosecutes Woman for Spilling Diet Coke

Published 1, September 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 16 Comments

Natalie Walters is looking at a two-day trial and potentially six months in jail. Her crime? She poured a soda on the counter of a cafeteria at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.
U.S. Attorney Tom Moss is pursuing her conviction with remarkable vigor.
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Colorado Man Charged with Assisting Suicide by Giving Roommate Loaded Gun

Published 1, September 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 4 Comments

A case out of Eagle County, Colorado presents a novel question in both criminal law and torts. Jacob Weiss, 19, is charged with manslaughter because he allegedly handed a loaded gun to his suicidal roommate.

Weiss shared an apartment with the 18-year-old, who had discussed suicide. Weiss then gave him a loaded shotgun. Both had been drinking.

Under Colorado law, it is a Class 4 felony to assist in a suicide.

One interesting question is whether, if this can be manslaughter, it can be considered an intentional tort or negligence. Obviously, there are defenses of consent, assumption of the risk, and contributory negligence — depending on the type of tort alleged. However, particularly if the victim (who had not been identified) was viewed as disturbed or lacking capacity at the time, the family could seek civil recovery.

For the full story, click here.

Dog Owner Sentenced in Dog Mauling Case

Published 1, September 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts Leave a Comment

Diane Cockrell, 52, has pleaded no contest to three criminal counts related to the deaths of two neighbors (including a 91-year-old man) killed by her bulldogs. The sentencing in Michigan occurs as the most famous mauling case of Diane Whipple continues in California. These cases are often brought both criminally and civilly by victims or their survivors.
Continue reading ‘Dog Owner Sentenced in Dog Mauling Case’

Petcka’s Pet Problem: Actor and Former N.Y. Mets Player Joseph Petcka on Trial for Killing Girlfriend’s Cat

Published 1, September 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society , Torts 48 Comments

Former Mets minor leaguer and sometime actor Joseph Petcka is on trial for killing his girlfriend’s 8-year-old tabby, Norman. It is a good example of such cases where both criminal and civil charges can be brought. His former girlfriend Sports Illustrated reporter Lisa Altobelli insists that it was intentional while Petcka insists that it was an accident.

Continue reading ‘Petcka’s Pet Problem: Actor and Former N.Y. Mets Player Joseph Petcka on Trial for Killing Girlfriend’s Cat’

Oh, Say, Can You See My Lawyer: Josh Howard Denounces National Anthem in Video

Published 1, September 18, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 17 Comments

There is an interesting controversy over the free speech rights of a major league basketball player and a team’s effort to avoid unpopular public demonstrations. Mavericks player Josh Howard is shown in the video below disrespecting the national anthem and saying that, as an African-American, he was opposed to it. Obviously, school children have the right not to sing the song as do adults. The question is whether a player can be sanctioned under a contract for embarrassing public displays.
Continue reading ‘Oh, Say, Can You See My Lawyer: Josh Howard Denounces National Anthem in Video’

Nigerian Man Arrested with 86 Wives — and 86 Lawyers

Published 1, September 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 2 Comments

Bello Masaba, a Nigerian man, is defending himself before a Sharia court after his arrest for having 86 wives and 170 children. Islamic law allows only four wives. Worse yet, he now has 86 lawyers — one for each wife — as his attorneys defend him from punishment and a rash of divorces.

Continue reading ‘Nigerian Man Arrested with 86 Wives — and 86 Lawyers’

Half-Baked Alaska: State Attorney General Cites Loyalty to Palin in Refusing Lawful Supoenas

Published 1, September 18, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 22 Comments

This may not be what the McCain/Palin campaign meant by carrying on the Bush legacy, but Gov. Sarah Palin has refused to comply with subpoenas in the investigation of her firing of Alaska’s former public safety commissioner. Now, her Attorney General has refused to comply with the lawful legislative subpoenas. That sounds vaguely familiar.
Continue reading ‘Half-Baked Alaska: State Attorney General Cites Loyalty to Palin in Refusing Lawful Supoenas’

Anti-Witch and Pro-Palin: Kenyan Minister at Heart of Latest Controversy Over Faith-Based Politics

Published 1, September 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 52 Comments

In the video below, Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin credits and praises a Kenyan Minister named Thomas Muthee with helping her to achieve the Alaskan governorship through prayer. It turns out the Muthee also hunts down witches and makes Rev. John Hagee look positively normal.

Continue reading ‘Anti-Witch and Pro-Palin: Kenyan Minister at Heart of Latest Controversy Over Faith-Based Politics’

Chinese Sofas Withdrawn Due to Chemical Injuries

Published 1, September 17, 2008 Society , Torts 4 Comments

In the latest product case manufactured in China, a French retailer has pulled Chinese-made sofas from the market after people developed a chemical reaction from sitting on them. The culprit appears to be an excessive treatment of an anti-mold chemical. This follows arrests in the Chinese tainted milk case.
Continue reading ‘Chinese Sofas Withdrawn Due to Chemical Injuries’

Florida Judge Finds Baggy Pant Law Unconstitutional

Published 1, September 17, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments

Riviera Beach, Florida is facing a crisis. The city’s new law to criminalize “saggy” or baggy pants has been struck down as unconstitutional. Palm Beach Circuit Judge Paul Moyle appears to believe that the Constitution protects people from having their clothing style choices dictated by politicians. What a rube in a robe. Who will not protect the good people of Riviera Beach from the clothing choices of others?
Continue reading ‘Florida Judge Finds Baggy Pant Law Unconstitutional’

CSI Petah Tikva: Forensic Experts Use DNA to Track Down Canine Criminals

Published 1, September 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment

The city of Petah Tikva in Israel has created a type of canine CSI shop to identify unlawfully popping dogs from their DNA — to track down and punish their owners.
Continue reading ‘CSI Petah Tikva: Forensic Experts Use DNA to Track Down Canine Criminals’

Do Not Assume the Position: Florida Police Taser Naked Man Walking a Dog

Published 1, September 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments

Tallahassee police tasered a naked 40-year-old man walking his dog. The man did not respond immediately to their commands and was considered a potential danger to officers. It appears that naked men are universally viewed as imminent dangers by officers given another such case out of Wichita.
Continue reading ‘Do Not Assume the Position: Florida Police Taser Naked Man Walking a Dog’

Mickey Mouse Meets Sharia Sam: Disney Character Condemned to Death under Sharia Law

Published 1, September 16, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 18 Comments

Mickey Mouse is a marked rodent. Just this morning, I opined that it would be difficult to top a Saudi Cleric who has called for the execution of horoscope readers on television in the name of Sharia law. I spoke too soon. Sheikh Muhammad Munajid has now called for the death on television of Mickey Mouse and his cartoon kindred rodent Jerry. A former diplomat, Munajid explains that Sharia demands the death of all mice — actual or cartoon. It is not clear whether Disney is expected to have a cartoon stoning or simply change the ending to Fantasia.

Continue reading ‘Mickey Mouse Meets Sharia Sam: Disney Character Condemned to Death under Sharia Law’

Tulane Law School Issues Apology for Errors in Study of Louisiana Supreme Court

Published 1, September 16, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Justice , Politics , Society 8 Comments

Recently, a study from one of my former colleagues at Tulane Law School attracted national attention, including on this blog. The study by Tulane Law Professor Vernon Palmer and Loyola assistant professor of economics John Levendis found a disturbing correlation between contributions and voting on the Court. The Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr., has now released a letter from Tulane Law School Dean Lawrence Ponoroff apologizing to the Court for errors in the study.
Continue reading ‘Tulane Law School Issues Apology for Errors in Study of Louisiana Supreme Court’

England Officially Recognizes Sharia Rulings

Published 1, September 16, 2008 Justice , Religion , Society 12 Comments

British courts will now enforce rulings from Sharia courts in cases ranging from divorce to domestic violence. The five Sharia courts will now be recognized as binding systems of adjudication.
Continue reading ‘England Officially Recognizes Sharia Rulings’

Latest Horoscope: Saturn Rising and Saudis Executing — Saudi Cleric Calls for the Execution of Horoscope Readers

Published 1, September 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 4 Comments

Not to be outdone by extremists in Israel today, leading Saudi cleric Sheikh Saleh al-Fozan in Riyadh has called for the execution for people who read horoscopes on television as “sorcerers.” This follows another leading cleric, Sheikh Saleh al-Lohaidan, calling for the death of television station owners for unIslamic programming in the form of comedies and soap operas.

Continue reading ‘Latest Horoscope: Saturn Rising and Saudis Executing — Saudi Cleric Calls for the Execution of Horoscope Readers’

“Modesty Squads”: Orthodox Jewish Vigilantes Terrorize Israeli Citizens

Published 1, September 16, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 14 Comments

Taking a lead from Muslim religious police and extremist gangs in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, orthodox Jews have created their own “modesty squads” to beat and terrorize residents who do not adhere to their own extreme religious views in ultra-Orthodox Maalot Dafna neighbourhood in Jerusalem. This includes throwing acid on girls who are not sufficiently modest. The government’s policy of carving out special neighborhoods for sects like the Haredi clearly contributes to this religious-based thuggery.
Continue reading ‘“Modesty Squads”: Orthodox Jewish Vigilantes Terrorize Israeli Citizens’

Witchcraft Rumor Causes Stampede at Soccer Match — Killing 13 People

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 3 Comments

A rumor that a soccer player was using witchcraft in Kinshasa, Congo led to a stampede in which 13 people were killed. All of the victims were aged between 11 and 16.

Continue reading ‘Witchcraft Rumor Causes Stampede at Soccer Match — Killing 13 People’

Audio Interrogation Tapes in Casey Anthony Case Released

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has released tapes from the interrogation of Casey Anthony in the investigation of the suspected death of her daughter Caylee. The tapes from July 16th not only show the disbelief and suspicion of the police, but also the perils of participating in such interrogations without counsel.

Continue reading ‘Audio Interrogation Tapes in Casey Anthony Case Released’

Ultimate Collar: Catholic Priest Charged with Dealing Cocaine From Office and Rectory

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 15 Comments

Police in Urbana, Illinois The Reverend Christopher Layden who is accused of selling cocaine from his church office and rectory. The 31-one-year old priest faces three criminal counts and has been suspended by the church.

Continue reading ‘Ultimate Collar: Catholic Priest Charged with Dealing Cocaine From Office and Rectory’

New Television Classic: Fey as Palin Clip

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Politics , Society 5 Comments

I just watched this clip of Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin. The likeness is so uncanny that it is now clear that Saturday Night Live (SNL) must have been behind her selection. Continue reading ‘New Television Classic: Fey as Palin Clip’

First Permit Then Powwow: Santa Rosa Faces Challenge on Permit Rule for Ceremony on Private Land

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 1 Comment

The American Civil Liberties Union has an interesting challenge on behalf of the Echota Cherokee Indian Tribe: contesting the need for a permit for a Powwow from Santa Rosa County for a ceremony on private land.

Continue reading ‘First Permit Then Powwow: Santa Rosa Faces Challenge on Permit Rule for Ceremony on Private Land’

Resumed Postings

Published 1, September 15, 2008 Uncategorized 8 Comments

For a couple of days, I have not posted material due to the death of an uncle in California. I am back now and will resume posting entries from our ongoing selection of the profound and the profoundly bizarre.

Student Suspended for Broken Pencil Sharpener

Published 1, September 12, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 99 Comments

Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary School officials have supplied yet another example of blind mindless application of policies. They has suspended a student for having a broken pencil sharpener.

Continue reading ‘Student Suspended for Broken Pencil Sharpener’

Crossing the Line Between Crime and Comedy: Italian Accused of Telling Joke About the Pope

Published 1, September 12, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 8 Comments

Italian comedienne Sabina Guzzanti is facing a criminal charge for a bad joke. In Italy, it is a crime to insult the Pope or “offending the honour of the sacred and inviolable person” . Guzzanti is accused of crossing the line between comedy and crime in saying that Pope Benedict XVI would go to Hell and be tormented by homosexual demons. The joke could cost her is a prison term of up to five years.
Continue reading ‘Crossing the Line Between Crime and Comedy: Italian Accused of Telling Joke About the Pope’

Good News, Bad News: Scottish Man Gives Away All of His Wealth After a False Diagnosis of Terminal Cancer

Published 1, September 11, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 2 Comments

Now, this makes for an interesting torts case. Andy Lees, 72, was toward that he was dying with little time left by St. Johns’s Hospital. The Scottish man proceeded to give away all that he owned to friends and relatives — except for money spent on the funeral. Then he not only failed to die of cancer, but it turns out that he does not have lung cancer at all.
Continue reading ‘Good News, Bad News: Scottish Man Gives Away All of His Wealth After a False Diagnosis of Terminal Cancer’

Perils on the Playground: Cases in Arizona and Portsmouth of Pedophiles Posing as Children Alarm Authorities

Published 1, September 11, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 4 Comments

Just when you thought you had heard everything to worry about as a parent, Neil Havens Rodreick II comes along (pictured on the left). The 30-year-old sex offender was able to pose as a 12-year-old boy in Arizona schools for two years. He has been criminally charged. However, he is not unique. In England, James Chester, 22, posed as a teen schoolboy to have sex and eventually flee with a 13-year-old girl.

Continue reading ‘Perils on the Playground: Cases in Arizona and Portsmouth of Pedophiles Posing as Children Alarm Authorities’

High Kicking to Freedom: American Dancer Told to Dance in Airport by Israeli Security

Published 1, September 11, 2008 Bizarre , Society 10 Comments

The arrival of the famous Alvin Ailey dance troupe in Jerusalem has resulted in a growing controversy over the treatment of a black dancer with a Muslim name. Abdur-Rahim Jackson was told twice to dance before security personnel before he was eventually released. When he successfully danced for his freedom, one security agent reportedly suggested that he might want to change his name.

Continue reading ‘High Kicking to Freedom: American Dancer Told to Dance in Airport by Israeli Security’

American Airlines Loses Corpse

Published 1, September 10, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 36 Comments

Tort law has long treated the mishandling of a corpse harshly due to the obvious emotional distress caused by such negligence. When Miguel Olaya’s wife of 26 years died of cancer, he probably thought the worst was over. That is before he gave her body to American Airlines to ship to Ecuador. The airline allegedly lost his wife Teresa for four days and could not tell him where she was.

Continue reading ‘American Airlines Loses Corpse’

Court Overturns James Ford Seale’s Conviction for 1964 Murders

Published 1, September 10, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Society 13 Comments

Prosecutors were heralded recently for their prosecution of James Ford Seale for the kidnapping of two black teenagers in Mississippi in 1964 that led to the deaths of Charles Eddie Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee. The former klansman was tried over 40 years after the crime, but a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled that the prosecution violated the five-year statute of limitations for such crimes.

Continue reading ‘Court Overturns James Ford Seale’s Conviction for 1964 Murders’

Ordering Thai to Go: Thailand’s Prime Minister Thrown Out of Office Over Cooking Show

Published 1, September 9, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 5 Comments

Thailand’s prime minister Samak Sundaravej was found guilty of violating the countries constitution and forced to resign along with his Cabinet on Tuesday. His offense? He hosted a cooking show. It appears to take a bit more in this country and Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to defend Samak that his regular appearance on the show is no evidence that he had a cooking show.

Continue reading ‘Ordering Thai to Go: Thailand’s Prime Minister Thrown Out of Office Over Cooking Show’

Scientology Faces New Fraud Charges In France

Published 1, September 9, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society 19 Comments

With countries like Germany seeking to ban Scientology from their countries as a dangerous cult or criminal organization, the controversial church is facing new fraud charges in France. A French judge has ordered a trial on fraud allegations from a former member who charged that the church scammed her out of 20,000 euros.
Continue reading ‘Scientology Faces New Fraud Charges In France’

Russians Move Against South Park; Kenny in Hiding

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 7 Comments

Russia seems intent on making itself and its leaders into cartoon caricatures of late. Thus, it should be no surprise that the Russians are actually fighting cartoon characters in court. Russian prosecutors have filed an action against the South Park series after “experts” concluded that it “bore signs of extremist activity.” The prosecutors are seeking to ban the program.
Continue reading ‘Russians Move Against South Park; Kenny in Hiding’

Joy Returns to Yeshiva, But Some are Not Joyful

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 2 Comments

Literature Professor Joy Ladin wants to put the she back into Yeshiva. Formerly known as Jay Ladin, 47, has returned to the school as a woman and was put on leave after an outcry from religious conservatives at the school. She has now been reinstated over the objections of some of the faculty.
Continue reading ‘Joy Returns to Yeshiva, But Some are Not Joyful’

Shock Video: Van Filmed as it Runs Over Bicylcist

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments

Police in Washington Park, Illinois are searching for a driver and passenger who ran down a bicyclist at a gas station, as shown on the video below.

Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Van Filmed as it Runs Over Bicylcist’

Endorsed by God: Religious Right Defies IRS on Church Endorsements

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Politics , Religion , Society 115 Comments

Dozens of conservative pastors are defying the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ban on ministers using their pulpits to endorse political candidates. Organized by the Alliance Defense Fund, the ministers are effectively daring the IRS to take away their tax-exempt status. The effort is an obvious set-up for litigation, though they may put conservatives like Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito in a tough position. ADF advocates insist that the ADF’s “Pulpit Initiative” is to intended to show that the “proper role” of pastors is to try to direct the voting of the faithful.

Continue reading ‘Endorsed by God: Religious Right Defies IRS on Church Endorsements’

Honor Killing: Parents Kill Girl Who Sought Annulment After She was Forced to Marry 45-Year-Old Man — at Age 9

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments

Saira Nusrat Bibi has become the latest victim in the barbaric cycle of arranged marriages and honor killings in Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries. Forced into a marriage at age nine to a 45-year-old man, she had taken the extraordinary step to fighting for an annulment. She was winning in that effort, but (now 17) was denounced by many in the country as an heretic against Islam. Her parents have now killed her in the latest honor killing.
Continue reading ‘Honor Killing: Parents Kill Girl Who Sought Annulment After She was Forced to Marry 45-Year-Old Man — at Age 9′

Dentist Arrested for Dumping Needles and Medical Waste Off Jersey Shore

Published 1, September 8, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments

New Jersey officials have been struggling to find the source of medical waste that has been washing up on its shores — closing various beaches. They now have the culprit: Dr. Thomas McFarland, who has reportedly confessed to the crimes.

Continue reading ‘Dentist Arrested for Dumping Needles and Medical Waste Off Jersey Shore’

Inclement Crimes: Utah Cracks Down on People Capturing Rainwater

Published 1, September 7, 2008 Bizarre , Environment , Society 121 Comments

Rebecca Nelson thought that she was helping the environment when she captured rainwater in a barrel and use it on her garden. Car dealer Mark Miller thought he was “greening” his facility with a cistern to use to wash vehicles. They were both violating the law in Utah where it is against the law to capture rain water. With California creating a “water bank,” one can imagine an expanded array of hydrocrimes, including bank robbery with intent to garden.

Continue reading ‘Inclement Crimes: Utah Cracks Down on People Capturing Rainwater’

Swaziland Is For Lovers: Protests Over Consumption of Expanding Royal Family

Published 1, September 7, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 10 Comments

Swaziland may be one of the poorest countries on Earth, but that did not stop its King Mswati III from throwing a massive birthday party for himself or send his various wives on a shopping blasts to Europe on private planes. Despite his control of the country’s finances, the King enjoys about $30 million was set aside for “royal emoluments.”
Continue reading ‘Swaziland Is For Lovers: Protests Over Consumption of Expanding Royal Family’

Nevada Judge Halverson Allegedly Attacked by Husband with Frying Pan

Published 1, September 7, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments

The ongoing sage of suspended Nevada District Judge Elizabeth Halverson just got stranger. On Thursday night, her husband Edward Halverson, 49, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and battery her with a frying pan. He has a long criminal record. Judge Halverson was known to berate and ridicule her husband in court, referring to him as “Evil Ed.”

Continue reading ‘Nevada Judge Halverson Allegedly Attacked by Husband with Frying Pan’

Walter Reed Middle School Becomes Political Backdrop and National Talking Point

Published 1, September 6, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 15 Comments

John McCain’s campaign is getting a lot of flak over showing a picture of Walter Reed Middle School, located in Los Angeles rather than Washington’s Walter Reed Medical Center. Of course, it was a lot better than Senator Sen. Lindsey Graham speaking about how successful the Administration has been with a backdrop of row after row of graves.
Continue reading ‘Walter Reed Middle School Becomes Political Backdrop and National Talking Point’

Why Do You Think They Call it the High Jump? Russian Athlete Disqualified After Competing High on Vodka and Red Bull

Published 1, September 6, 2008 Bizarre , Society 5 Comments

In the video below, Ivan Ukhov, a Russian high jumper, took a more literal meaning to the high jump when he alleged competed while drunk on vodka and Red Bull. Ukkov is shown ultimately missing the jump and then passing out under the bar. He apparently had more skill in finding a different bar before the competition. However, the incident will undermine Red Bulls’ slogan: “It Gives You Wings.”

Continue reading ‘Why Do You Think They Call it the High Jump? Russian Athlete Disqualified After Competing High on Vodka and Red Bull’

Faith-Based Murder: Jordanian Activists Document False Honor Killing Claims

Published 1, September 6, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 8 Comments

Jordanian human rights advocates are fighting to raise awareness of not just the roughly two dozen honor killings in that country each year, but the fact that some of these killings are being falsely portrayed as motivated by religious values. Indeed, Jordan’s first female coroner, Israa Tawalbeh, has identified one 18-year-old girl named Maha who was killed by her brother when she refused to continue to work for him as a prostitute — he claimed to have killed her for his family’s honor.
Continue reading ‘Faith-Based Murder: Jordanian Activists Document False Honor Killing Claims’

The Bird Rock Bandits v. The “Flying Hawaiian”: Four High School Friends Sentenced in Killing of Professor Surfer Emery Kauanui

Published 1, September 6, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 8 Comments

In a controversial decision, California Superior Court Judge John S. Einhorn sentenced four friends involved in the death of professional surfer Emery Kauanui to relatively short sentences of between 90 and 349 days. All pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. A fifth individual, Seth Cravens, is awaiting trial. The five men were called the Bird Rock Bandits and alleged by prosecutors to be a gang in LaJolla, California. In the meantime, his mother (shown with the surfer) has sued the Bird Rock Bandits, their parents, and the bar (where the fight began) in a wrongful death action.
Continue reading ‘The Bird Rock Bandits v. The “Flying Hawaiian”: Four High School Friends Sentenced in Killing of Professor Surfer Emery Kauanui’

Canadian Jet Ski Attack Foiled: U.S. Jails Canadian Drowning Victim and Rescuer

Published 1, September 5, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 23 Comments

It appears that all of those billions of dollars for Homeland Security has paid off. The Administration has nailed two Canadians on our shores and protected the nation from the Maple Leaf hoard. Jason Haist took a rather novel way to sneak into the country: he almost drowned himself. The man who tried to rescue him was also arrested. After being released from a hospital, Haist sits in own of our jails awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge.

Continue reading ‘Canadian Jet Ski Attack Foiled: U.S. Jails Canadian Drowning Victim and Rescuer’

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