Arthur Firstenberg, 59, has filed a lawsuit raising a claim of the still controversial theory of “electromagnetic sensitivities.” He demanded that his neighbor Raphaela Monribot limit her use of her computer, IPhone and other devices due to his sensitivities. He is now suing her for $530,000.
Continue reading ‘Some Ask Why, Some Say WiFi: Man Sues Neighbor Over Use of Electronics in’
Archive for March, 2010
Some Ask Why, Some Say WiFi: Man Sues Neighbor Over Use of Electronics in
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 21 CommentsDrill, Baby, Drill: Obama Calls For Lifting of 20 Year Ban on Drilling Off Virginia Coastline
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Environment , Politics , Society 59 Comments
Civil libertarians have long complained that, as soon as he got into office, President Barack Obama appeared to morph into former President George Bush on everything from surveillance policies to blocking investigations of torture. Now, environmentalists may join that chorus of criticism with Obama wanting to lift a 20-year ban on drilling off the Virginia coastline — as well as to open large areas of the Gulf of Mexico.
With Friends Like This (Part III) . . .
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 11 Comments
Obama may wish that people stop trying to help him, particularly his Vice President. With Al Sharpton and Castro (here) endorsing his health care plan as a victory of socialism, Obama is insisting that this is not a wealth redistribution system. Now, Joe Biden has triggered another firestorm with comments that seem to agree that Obama is actively redistributing the wealth. I doubt this is the debate that the White House wants to have in the wake of the health care passage.
Jail Bait: Woman Convicted and Forced to Wear Ankle Monitor For Selling a Single Goldfish
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International , Society 12 Comments
We have another odd criminal case out of England where pet shop owner Joan Higgins, 66, has been charged criminally, fined, and forced to wear an ankle monitor for two month after the crime of selling a single goldfish. Her son Mark was also convicted criminally and forced to do 120 hours of community service.
General Sheehen Apologizes For Anti-Gay Comments on Dutch Defeat at Srebrenica
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Bizarre , Military , Politics , Society 13 Comments
Retired U.S. General John J. Sheehan was the source of worldwide condemnations recently after he blamed the Srebrenica massacre on the presence of gay soldiers in their Army. The former NATO Commander testified that he was told that the presence of the gay soldiers was a significant contributor to the troops being captured without a serious fight. The Dutch general to whom he attributed the information later denied telling him that the homosexuality of soldiers contributed to the loss.
Continue reading ‘General Sheehen Apologizes For Anti-Gay Comments on Dutch Defeat at Srebrenica’
Is the Individual Mandate Constitutional?
Published 1, March 31, 2010 Columns , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Society , Supreme Court , USA Today 99 Comments
Below is today’s column on the constitutional challenges to the health care legislation. I will be participating in a live chat at 1:00 p.m. at the Forum with USA Today. Continue reading ‘Is the Individual Mandate Constitutional?’
Happy Passover to all of our Jewish bloggers and readers!
Continue reading ‘HAPPY PASSOVER!’
Comedian Charged With Human Rights Violation By Lesbian Insulted At Club
Published 1, March 30, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Society 32 Comments
Comedian Guy Earle has been called before the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal for violating the human rights of a lesbian couple with insulting comments at a nightclub. Lorna Pardy, 32, filed the complaint after she was insulted at dinner with her partner. She alleges Earle, restaurant owner Salam Ismail and Zesty Food Services Inc. “discriminated against her in the provision of a service … on the basis of her sex and her sexual orientation.”
Continue reading ‘Comedian Charged With Human Rights Violation By Lesbian Insulted At Club’
Sumo Suits Barred at Queen’s University As Racist and Dehumanizing
Published 1, March 30, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International 14 Comments
Sumo suits, a common sight on school campuses, have been declared prohibited racist objects by the student government of Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. The student body declared the suits to be both racist and dehumanizing toward the Japanese.
Continue reading ‘Sumo Suits Barred at Queen’s University As Racist and Dehumanizing’
Rice Investigating Korn: Feds To Look into Possible Ponzi Scheme After Lawyer Jumps To His Death
Published 1, March 30, 2010 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 3 Comments
Attorney Jay Korn, 70, jumped to his death last week in Hempstead, New York. After his death, former clients came forward with allegations of a $11 million Ponzi scheme created by Korn.
Continue reading ‘Rice Investigating Korn: Feds To Look into Possible Ponzi Scheme After Lawyer Jumps To His Death’
Police Burglarize Homes to Teach Lesson to Citizens
Published 1, March 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 11 Comments
Police in Exeter have a curious way of encouraging people to lock their doors — they burglarize the homes. The Exeter police have been going into unlocked homes and putting valuables in “swag bags” and leaving them with crime prevention information as a lesson to the home owners.
Continue reading ‘Police Burglarize Homes to Teach Lesson to Citizens’
Jail Bird: Englishman Faces Six Months in Jail for Flipping the Bird at Arab Student
Published 1, March 30, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International 6 Comments
There has been growing unease in Dubai, particularly among foreigners, over that country’s increasing enforcement of morality codes under Sharia-based laws (here). The latest victim is Simon Andrews, 56, who is facing six months in jail for flipping the bird in public.
Utah Governor Signs Law Authorizing Use of Eminent Domain Over Federal Lands
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 140 Comments
In the latest sign of how American politics has descended into virtual graffiti legislation, the governor of Utah has signed legislation authorizing the state to exercise eminent domain over federal lands. It is clearly unconstitutional but that seems to matter little to legislators or Gov. Gary Herbert who signed the two bills.
Continue reading ‘Utah Governor Signs Law Authorizing Use of Eminent Domain Over Federal Lands’
Protester Identified in Abuse of Man With Parkinson’s Disease
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 111 CommentsMany of us were shocked by the scene of Tea Party activists attacking a disabled man with Parkinson’s disease who held a sign calling for health care reform. One man threw money at Robert A. Letcher, 60, and began screaming uncontrollably that him. The man has now been identified as Chris Reichert and he has issued an apology.
Continue reading ‘Protester Identified in Abuse of Man With Parkinson’s Disease’
Proof in the Pudding: Couple Arrested for Tampering With Jell-O Boxes
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 10 Comments
Alexander Clement, 68, and his wife, Christine Clement, 64, have been charged with food tampering with Jell-O boxes. Described as a well-off couple, they allegedly filled boxes with sand and salt to get the $1.40 refund upon returning the items.
Continue reading ‘Proof in the Pudding: Couple Arrested for Tampering With Jell-O Boxes’
Getting Dumped: Boyfriend Picks Wrong Car For Message to Girlfriend
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
There is only one thing more vile that a guy defecating in the car of his girlfriend as a sign of his unhappiness in the relationship: selecting the wrong car. This is why Hallmark is a good option for people like Austin Purifoy, 18, of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Continue reading ‘Getting Dumped: Boyfriend Picks Wrong Car For Message to Girlfriend’
Teachers Refuse to Rescue Boy in Tree and Then Call Police When Passing Mother Get Him Down
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Society 31 Comments
English are quickly replacing the Russians for mindless bureaucracy. Here is the latest. The teachers at Manor School in Melksham, Wiltshire found a child had climbed a 20 foot tree. However, health and school policy barred them from rescuing the child so, under the policy, they retreated to inside the school to observe. When Kim Barrett, 38, (a mother with a six-year-old child at a different school) passed by, she immediately rescued the child. The teachers then promptly called police to have her charged with trespass.
Continue reading ‘Teachers Refuse to Rescue Boy in Tree and Then Call Police When Passing Mother Get Him Down’
BOCh RVF 26062002 . . . And We Thought Moon Unit Was Over The Top
Published 1, March 29, 2010 Bizarre , International 6 Comments
Moscow officials have refused a birth certificate to a six-year-old boy because of his name: BOCh RVF 26062002. Officials were ok with Simply a Hero and Viagra but BOCh RVF 26062002 was simply too much.
Continue reading ‘BOCh RVF 26062002 . . . And We Thought Moon Unit Was Over The Top’
FELINE FATALITY OR FRAME UP?
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 14 Comments
It was only after the family dog was arrested and taken to the pound that Tinker Bell miraculously got up and walked away . . .
Gay Barracks? Marine Commandant Promises to Force Gay To Live in Separate Housing
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Military , Society 70 Comments
Marine Corps’ commandant Gen. James Conway has declared that, if Congress allows openly gay personnel, those marines will be given separate rooms to avoid forcing straight marines to share quarters with homosexuals.
Continue reading ‘Gay Barracks? Marine Commandant Promises to Force Gay To Live in Separate Housing’
Ex-Sea Org Members Sue Scientology for Alleged Slave Labor Conditions
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Religion , Society , Torts 14 Comments
Scientology is facing another lawsuit from ex-members that are lifting the veil over its ultra-secret Sea Organization. Former Sea Org members say that the Church treated them as virtual slaves and forced them to work 100-hour weeks for pennies an hour. The Church insists that it can treat Sea Org members as akin to monks that are paid little while accepting to rigid lifestyles.
Continue reading ‘Ex-Sea Org Members Sue Scientology for Alleged Slave Labor Conditions’
Lock and Learn: English School Fakes Shooting Death of Science Teacher As Lesson
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 13 Comments
We have another case of English teachers accused of terrorizing students with a fake violent crime. We previously saw this curious pedagogical technique in Sheffield, here. Now, teachers at Blackminster Middle School in Evesham, Worcester are under attack for faking the killing of a teacher in front of screaming children aged 10 to 13.
Continue reading ‘Lock and Learn: English School Fakes Shooting Death of Science Teacher As Lesson’
Drunk Wolfe Tries To Resuscitate Dead Possum in Pennsylvania
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
Donald Wolfe, 55, was arrested this week in an act of mercy. Police found him giving the kiss of life to a dead possum on the side of the road. He also tried what appeared to be a seance to revive the animal. Oh yea, he was reportedly as drunk as the possum was dead.
Continue reading ‘Drunk Wolfe Tries To Resuscitate Dead Possum in Pennsylvania’
Jury Awards Houston Woman $9 Million Against Wal-Mart in Dispute Over $200
Published 1, March 28, 2010 Criminal law , Society 26 Comments
A Houston jury has ruled against Wal-Mart in a case where the store falsely accused a woman of trying to exchange counterfeit money orders. Nitra Gipson, 24, was awarded $9 million in the case where she was jailed for two days on the allegations. Prosecutors later learned that the money orders at the heart of the allegations were perfectly valid.
Continue reading ‘Jury Awards Houston Woman $9 Million Against Wal-Mart in Dispute Over $200′
The New Senator No: Reid Again Votes No On Health Care By Mistake
Published 1, March 27, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics 31 Comments
Ted Stevens has competition as “Senator No.” This one votes no even when he means yes. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, for the second time, mistakenly called out “no” on the health care legislation. He quickly changed his vote to yes on the “fixes” to the health care legislation this week.
Continue reading ‘The New Senator No: Reid Again Votes No On Health Care By Mistake’
Ninth Circuit Rules Police Officers Were Justified in Tasering Pregnant Woman Three Times Over Traffic Ticket
Published 1, March 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 103 Comments
The United States Court of Appeals has ruled that three Seattle police officers were justified when they tasered a pregnant mother three times when she refused to sign a traffic ticket. Malaika Brooks was driving her son to Seattle’s African American Academy in 2004 when she was stopped for doing 32 mph in a school zone. When she refused to get out of her car to be arrested, one officer tasered her repeatedly despite (she claims) knowing that she was pregnant.
Continue reading ‘Ninth Circuit Rules Police Officers Were Justified in Tasering Pregnant Woman Three Times Over Traffic Ticket’
Vaya Con Dios, Rush: Congress Passes Fix in Health Care
Published 1, March 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Society 133 Comments
The departure of Rush Limbaugh for Costa Rica is now imminent with the passage of the second health care legislation — the so-called fixes of the original bill. Limbaugh threatened earlier that if Congress dared to pass the legislation he would leave for Costa Rica, here. It was an offer that Congress could simply not pass up.
Continue reading ‘Vaya Con Dios, Rush: Congress Passes Fix in Health Care’
Things You Do Not Want Your Dog Bringing Home
Published 1, March 27, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Environment , Society 13 CommentsI can take the occasional dead bird, but the police cruiser is a bit much for a dog to leave at my door step. This video from Chattanooga, Tennessee shows Winston, a pit bull mix, ripping the bumper off a police car. In all, Winston left four cars (including two police cruisers) with flat tires and a missing bumper.
Continue reading ‘Things You Do Not Want Your Dog Bringing Home’
Why Are British Veterinarians Killing Themselves?
Published 1, March 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Science , Society 7 Comments
There is an interesting story today about the startling suicide rate for British veterinarians — 400 percent the rate of the general public.
Continue reading ‘Why Are British Veterinarians Killing Themselves?’
Church Bars Father From Taking Daughter to Easter Mass
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 51 Comments
We previously followed the dispute between Joseph Reyes and his ex-wife over the religious upbringing of their daughter, here. The judge in the case has now barred Joseph Reyes from bringing his daughter to Easter mass in a ruling that raises some troubling questions under the first amendment and parental rights.
Continue reading ‘Church Bars Father From Taking Daughter to Easter Mass’
Sour Milk: Bulgarian Official Fired For Milking Virtual Cow
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 4 Comments
This one may be a bit difficult to explain on your resume. A Bulgaria official was fired after he was spotted milking a virtual cow in a committee meeting. The official is a virtual farmer who was simply tending to his stock as part of FarmVille.
Continue reading ‘Sour Milk: Bulgarian Official Fired For Milking Virtual Cow’
California Teacher Arrested for TWI (Teaching While Intoxicated)
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 35 Comments
Teacher Tonya Neff, 40, of Toro Canyon Middle School is the subject of a curious charge: teaching while drunk. She is accused of taking prescription drugs and alcohol before teaching.
Continue reading ‘California Teacher Arrested for TWI (Teaching While Intoxicated)’
A Cat Fight in Kalamazoo: Owner Faces Criminal Charge Over Feline Fight
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 23 Comments
Sarah Hill allegedly has been harboring and feeding a dangerous criminal: her eight-year-old cat Cameron. She has been criminally charged under a Kalamazoo city ordinance after a neighbor reported that Cameron had attacked her cat.
Continue reading ‘A Cat Fight in Kalamazoo: Owner Faces Criminal Charge Over Feline Fight’
Chavez Critic Arrested For Criticizing Chavez At Press Conference in Aruba
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Society 15 Comments
Hugo Chavez has continued his crackdown on free speech with the arrest of one of his leading critics in the media for remarks deemed “offensive” to the wannabe totalitarian leader. Guillermo Zuloaga, owner of Globovision, was arrested for statements he allegedly made while attending an Inter American Press Association meeting on the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba.
Continue reading ‘Chavez Critic Arrested For Criticizing Chavez At Press Conference in Aruba’
With Friends Like This — Part II
Published 1, March 26, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 55 Comments
First, President Barach Obama has Al Sharpton proclaiming that the health care bill was simply the fulfillment of his promise of socialism, here. Now, Fidel Castro himself endorsed the plan as a socialistic victory. In the meantime, conservatives are on fire about a clip of Ed Schultz calling for a socialist take over of talk radio, here.
Early Human Gives Finger To Scientists: Proto-Human Discovery Shatters Theories on Early Human History
Published 1, March 25, 2010 Academics , Science 44 Comments
A finger bone found in a cave in 2006 in Russia has scientists re-examining their assumptions about early human history. A DNA analysis would suggest that proto-humans left Africa about a million years ago and traveled as far as Siberia. Of course, now that Sarah Palin is a host on Discovery Channel, she may have her own views given that she believes scientists have forgotten that the Earth is only a few thousand years old.
Continue reading ‘Early Human Gives Finger To Scientists: Proto-Human Discovery Shatters Theories on Early Human History’
Repo This: Mother Arrested After Throwing Baby Threw Car Window
Published 1, March 25, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 27 Comments
Dallas mother Krystal Gardner, 28, had a novel way to prevent the repo man from taking her 2001 Ford Expedition — she threw her 1-year-old child through the window of the vehicle to prevent it from being taken.
Continue reading ‘Repo This: Mother Arrested After Throwing Baby Threw Car Window’
NYT: Pope Spared American Priest Who Molested Hundreds of Deaf Boys
Published 1, March 25, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 216 Comments
The sex abuse scandal has increasingly entangled Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican in allegations of the cover-up of molesting priests. Now, one case has directly implicated the Pope after it was learned that in the 1990s then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger effectively spared an American molesting hundreds of deaf boys. The then Cardinal received letters from Wisconsin priests asking him to move against the Reverend Lawrence Murphy, who worked at the St John’s School for the Deaf in St Francis, Wisconsin. He appears to have blocked efforts to defrock Murphy.
Continue reading ‘NYT: Pope Spared American Priest Who Molested Hundreds of Deaf Boys’
Satanic Tweets: Sharia Court Bans Discussion of Amputation Punishment on Twitter and Facebook
Published 1, March 25, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
An Islamic court in Nigeria has banned any debates on the use of amputations as punishment on Twitter, Facebook, or blogs to protect Islamic traditions from being mocked or disrespected.
Continue reading ‘Satanic Tweets: Sharia Court Bans Discussion of Amputation Punishment on Twitter and Facebook’
Palintology: Discovery Gives Palin Her Own Reality Show
Published 1, March 25, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Science , Society 62 Comments
It’s official. You will now be able to not just watch Sarah Palin offering sage political advice on Fox News, but then switch over to Discovery Channel to watch her new reality show. In a reported $1 million per episode deal, Discovery will feature interesting people and things in Alaska with Palin as the guide.
Continue reading ‘Palintology: Discovery Gives Palin Her Own Reality Show’
In Loco Parentis: School Arranges for Teenager’s Abortion During School Hours Without Notifying Parents
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 140 Comments
Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington has triggered a dispute over parental rights when it arranged for an abortion of a teenage girl during school hours without notifying her parents. While the parents signed a consent form to allow her to use the clinic, they never agreed that such trips to the nurse would include an abortion.
Continue reading ‘In Loco Parentis: School Arranges for Teenager’s Abortion During School Hours Without Notifying Parents’
Court Rules School Violated Lesbian’s Constitutional Rights in Canceling Prom But Declines To Order Relief
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Religion , Society 32 Comments
U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson has ruled that Itawamba Agricultural High School did violate the constitutional rights of Constance McMillen, 18, in canceling her class prom when she asked to attend with her girlfriend while wearing a tuxedo. However, the court declined to order that the school must hold the prom.
Continue reading ‘Court Rules School Violated Lesbian’s Constitutional Rights in Canceling Prom But Declines To Order Relief’
Video: Police Officer Stomps on Man on Ground During Arrest
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Criminal law , Society 20 CommentsThis video has caused an outrage in Victoria, B.C. and triggered an investigation by the police department into excessive force by these officers.
Continue reading ‘Video: Police Officer Stomps on Man on Ground During Arrest’
“I Wasn’t There”: Amy Bishop Denies Even Being Present For Shooting
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 28 Comments
Former Alabama Professor Amy Bishop appears to be working on the evil twin defense. Despite witness accounting describing her killed his former colleagues, Bishop has declared “I wasn’t there.”
Continue reading ‘“I Wasn’t There”: Amy Bishop Denies Even Being Present For Shooting’
Curbside Carrion: New Mexico Zoo Accused of Throwing Dead Giraffe in Trash Bin
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 9 Comments
The Rio Grande Zoo is accused of failing to separate its trash in a big way. Garbage collectors were a bit surprised to find a dismembered fully grown giraffe in a garbage bin. It turned out to be Kashka, a beloved animal from the zoo.
Continue reading ‘Curbside Carrion: New Mexico Zoo Accused of Throwing Dead Giraffe in Trash Bin’
Pro-Life and Camera Shy: Obama To Sign Ban On Federal Funding of Abortion
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 101 Comments
After holding a large public ceremony for the signing of the health care bill, President Barack Obama is barring cameras when he signs the executive order needed to secure the votes for the narrow passage: a ban on federal funding of abortion.
Continue reading ‘Pro-Life and Camera Shy: Obama To Sign Ban On Federal Funding of Abortion’
North Carolina Woman Wins $9 Million For Alienation of Affection
Published 1, March 24, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 14 Comments
If Elizabeth Edwards is serious about filing an alienation of affection lawsuit in North Carolina, here, she may want to chat with Cynthia Shackelford who just pulled in a $9 million verdict against her husband’s lover, Anne Lundquist, 49.
Continue reading ‘North Carolina Woman Wins $9 Million For Alienation of Affection’
England Expels Mossad Rep in London Over Dubai Hit
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Criminal law , International 13 Comments
England took the remarkably light response of expelling Mossad’s representative in London over the use of false British passports in the Dubai hit on Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in January. What will be interesting is the degree to which Interpol seeks to interview the man, who is likely protected by diplomatic privilege.
Continue reading ‘England Expels Mossad Rep in London Over Dubai Hit’
Lunar Water: Now Available in Three Distinct Flavors
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Bizarre , Science 8 Comments
It appears that Earth is not the only place you can find different flavors of water. Scientists have found that the Moon has three flavors to choose from, including the acquired taste option of water with organic molecule diacetylene (H2C4).
Continue reading ‘Lunar Water: Now Available in Three Distinct Flavors’
Wedding Crasher: Russian Roulette At Wedding Ends With Guest Shooting Himself in The Head
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
What is a Russian wedding without a game of Russian roulette. In the video below, a guest brings a wedding to a close by playing a fake game of Russian roulette with what he thought was an empty gun. It wasn’t . . . as another guest found out.
A Guy Walks Into a Bar in a Hospital Gown and an IV Needle In His Arm . . .
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 4 Comments
No, this isn’t a joke. Elbert Lewis Thompson, 20, walked into a Pittsburgh bar and ordered a drink. He stood out in his hospital gown and the IV needle still stuck into his arm.
Continue reading ‘A Guy Walks Into a Bar in a Hospital Gown and an IV Needle In His Arm . . .’
Colorado Officer in Uniform and in a Marked Patrol Car Arrested for DUI
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 18 Comments
David Dolan, 48, is not your typical DUI suspect. He is not only a Colorado State Patrol trooper with 21 years of service but he was driving a marked patrol car when pulled over by police.
Continue reading ‘Colorado Officer in Uniform and in a Marked Patrol Car Arrested for DUI’
A Randy Moment: Congressman Admits Screaming “Baby Killer” on House Floor
Published 1, March 23, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Religion , Society 46 Comments
The heckler who screamed “Baby Killer” at Rep. Bart Stupak (D., MI) during the health care debate has been uncovered. It was not, as widely assumed, a person in the public gallery. Rather it was Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R., TX) who has fessed up to the infraction, here. After Joe Wilson (R., SC) screamed “you lie” at the President during the State of the Union and Justice Sam Alito saying “not true” and shaking his head at the State of the Union (here), Republicans appear to have growing distemper in their ranks.
Continue reading ‘A Randy Moment: Congressman Admits Screaming “Baby Killer” on House Floor’
With Friends Like This: Al Sharpton Insists That the Public Voted for Socialism With the Election of Obama
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 95 CommentsAl Sharpton is the gift that keep on giving for conservatives. His comment on CNN on socialism is likely to make the top hits for political commercials in the mid-term elections. Sharpton said “The American Public Overwhelmingly Voted for Socialism When They Elected President Obama.”
Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Breaking Into Home and Demanding Sex for $20
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 7 Comments
Jose Erebia, 27, has a rather distorted view of the criminal code. Erebia is accused of breaking into a home and demanding that a woman sell him sex for $20.
Continue reading ‘Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Breaking Into Home and Demanding Sex for $20′
A Mighty Steed: Details Released in Another Abuse Case
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 31 Comments
Stories on child abuse with the Scouts are increasingly being heard, particularly after discovery in a recent lawsuit. One shocking account involves a brave 14-year-old counselor named Adam Steed (shown left) who refused to allow leadership to allegedly cover up the presence of a molester in their ranks. Steed and counselor Brad Stowell were part of a Mormon-based scouting program.
Continue reading ‘A Mighty Steed: Details Released in Another Abuse Case’
Secret Service Warns Public That They Would Confiscate Any Cameras Used to Take Pictures of First Family
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 62 Comments
This story on the First Lady taking the kids to a Broadway show in New York has an interesting element: a warning by the Secret Service that anyone taking their picture would have their cameras confiscated. Perhaps the Secret Service General Counsel could point us to where in the Constitution and federal law the Secret Service has the authority to ban photographs by the public and the confiscation of cellphones and pictures to enforce the ban.
Rhode Island Teacher Hangs Effigy of Obama in High School Classroom
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 9 CommentsA recently fired teacher at a Rhode Island school left a final object lesson for high school students hanging in the classroom: an effigy of President Obama. The teacher and his colleagues were fired as part of an effort to comply with accountability standards at failing schools.
Continue reading ‘Rhode Island Teacher Hangs Effigy of Obama in High School Classroom’
Video: Truck Pushes Car Down Highway at 60 MPH
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Bizarre , International 17 CommentsThis is an amazing video. A truck (lorry) in Yorkshire first hits a car and then speeds down the highway while the driver appears clueless that he has added a Renault and screaming driver to his load. Why does this video seem so appropriate on the morning after the health care bill’s passage? Continue reading ‘Video: Truck Pushes Car Down Highway at 60 MPH’
Health Care Passes On Promise of Obama To Block Public Spending on Abortion
Published 1, March 22, 2010 Congress , Politics , Society 27 CommentsThe health bill passed with 219 votes last night, but not until President Barack Obama issued an executive order that blocks federal funding of abortion — a move that unleashed a torrent of criticism from women’s groups who say that he broke his campaign promise and principles on the issue for passage. In the meantime, the package of “fixes” may be in jeopardy in the Senate — potentially leaving the original Senate bill in the same unpopular state.
Continue reading ‘Health Care Passes On Promise of Obama To Block Public Spending on Abortion’
You have heard of cowboys singing cows into slumber. Well, here is dog wrangler warbling some pups into a deep sleep.
The Hump restaurant has closed after weeks of being embroiled in a scandal involving the sale of whale meat. The Los Angeles restaurant has declared that the closing is a “self-imposed punishment,” though it is doubtful that the restaurant could have survived the criminal prosecution and growing boycott.
We have been following Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to use the controversial “deem and pass” tactic to pass the health care bill to help members avoid accountability for voting for the unpopular Senate bill. Now, after a week of widespread condemnations, Pelosi has backed down and said that there will be a straight vote.
Continue reading ‘Pelosi Passes on Deem and Pass’
Saudi Arabian Court Re-Sentences Television Host to Death for Sorcery
Published 1, March 21, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
It appears that Lebanese talk show host Ali Hussain Sibat is again facing death for sorcery in Saudi Arabia. A court in Medina reaffirmed his conviction despite being reversed earlier by the court of appeals. He was convicted of claiming to be able to predict the future on his show, which is treated as a form of witchcraft in the Kingdom.
Continue reading ‘Saudi Arabian Court Re-Sentences Television Host to Death for Sorcery’
Pope: The Real Threat is the Scourge of Secularism
Published 1, March 21, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 26 Comments
In the midst of apologizing for abuses of children by Catholic priests, Pope Benedict XVI used his public comments to blame liberal secularism for threatening the Church and society. The Pope appears to be joining former Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders (here and here) campaigning against the scourge of seclurism — even as he apologizes for the widespread abuses of his church. It is astonishing to watch the expanding campaign against secularists, a rather unlikely group for villification. It appears that the scandal of pedophilic priests is only a distraction from the real threat to society — people who want society guided by civic rather than religious principles.
Continue reading ‘Pope: The Real Threat is the Scourge of Secularism’
General Sheehan: Srebrenica Massacre Due in Part To Gays In Dutch Military
Published 1, March 20, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Military , Politics , Society 21 CommentsDutch officials have expressed outrage at the statements by retired U.S. General John J. Sheehan blaming the Srebrenica massacre on the presence of gay soldiers in their Army. The former NATO Commander testified that he was told that the presence of the gay soldiers was a significant contributor to the troops being captured without a serious fight.
Continue reading ‘General Sheehan: Srebrenica Massacre Due in Part To Gays In Dutch Military’
Stripped Inheritance: Ninth Circuit Rules Against Family of Anna Nicole Smith
Published 1, March 20, 2010 Courts , Society 3 Comments
The long saga over the estate of Texas oilman J. Howard Marshall II has ended with the family of the late Anna Nicole Smith (aka Vickie Lynn Marshall) receiving nothing. As previously discussed, Smith’s case ultimately led to an important ruling of the Supreme Court.
Continue reading ‘Stripped Inheritance: Ninth Circuit Rules Against Family of Anna Nicole Smith’
Combat Cuisine: India Develops Chili Grenade
Published 1, March 20, 2010 Bizarre , International , Military , Science , Society 6 Comments
The Indian Army is turning to native cuisine for combat. The army has decided to use its infamous bhut jolokia pepper — the hottest in the world — as the basis for a new grenade. The Chili grenade explodes in a cloud of pepper — leaving people blind and gasping for hours. It is known as the Ghost Pepper in the West and urban legends say it can be lethal.
Continue reading ‘Combat Cuisine: India Develops Chili Grenade’
Blind But Not Hooded Justice: Court Dismisses Imperial Wizard From Jury Duty
Published 1, March 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
A recent decision by Indiana Judge Roland Chamblee Jr. may have citizens lining up in white robes to get out of jury duty. Chamblee excused Railton Loy from jury duty after he told the court that he is the Imperial Wizard of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and could only be fair to white folks.
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Deem, Pass, and Sue: Lawsuits Prepared To Challenge Deem and Pass
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law 45 CommentsVarious conservative scholars and legislators are lining up to file suit if the health bill passes on a “self-executing” rule. As I stated earlier, I believe the tactic violates the principles of good government but not the Constitution. However, this could be an interesting challenge and could raise a couple of novel questions. I will be discussing this issue on tonight’s Countdown.
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New York Police Targets Elderly Couple’s Home 50 Times Since 2002
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 15 Comments
The New York Police Department has apologized to an elderly couple for targeting their home at least 50 times since 2002. Police say that it was due to computer glitch when the address of Walter and Rose Martin’s Brooklyn home was used in a test of the department’s computer system.
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“The Perversion Files”: Trial Reveals Secret Files on Alleged Child Abuse in the Scouts
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 16 Comments
The Boy Scouts of America are accused of engaging in a cover-up of abuse that is reminiscent of the Catholic Church. In a Portland, Oregon court, long undisclosed files have been discovered (over the objections of the Scouts) that reveal numerous such cases of abuse. The Scouts reportedly called the documents “the perversion files.”
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A Pest for a Doctor: Scientists Engineer Mosquitos To Give Vaccinations
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Science , Society 8 Comments
Be careful about swatting that mosquito — it may be trying to save your life. Japanese scientists believe that they have created a “prototype mosquito” that will give “flying vaccinations” for things like malaria.
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Murder, He Wrote: Virginia Man Executed in Case Involving Mocking Letter to Prosecutors
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 79 Comments
Paul Warner Powell could be the first man put to death in part for sheer cockiness. Powell was convicted in a second trial of the murder and attempted rape of Stacie Reed, 16. The evidence against him included a letter that he wrote to prosecutors mocking them with admissions of his crime after he assumed that he could not be tried again for the crime after a reversal.
Marriage of Convenience? Baltimore Judge Reassigned After Stopping Trial to Marry Alleged Abuser to His Victim
Published 1, March 19, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Society 6 CommentsBaltimore County District Court Judge Darrell Russell Jr. is under intense criticism this week after he stopped a non-jury trial to perform a wedding ceremony in his chambers for defendant Frederick Wood and his girlfriend. They then promptly invoked spousal immunity in the domestic violence case to prevent the state from calling the wife to testify against her newly minted husband. Russell has been reassigned to reviewing motions in civil cases in chambers pending investigation.
Oprah To Stand Trial For Defamation in Philadelphia
Published 1, March 18, 2010 International , Society , Torts 21 Comments
Oprah Winfrey appears set for another defamation trial — this time in Philadelphia where she has been sued by Lerato Nomvuyo Mzamane, former headmistress of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Mzamane claims that Oprah defamed her in speaking about a sex-abuse scandal at the school that she created.
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Wal-Mart Expresses Sympathy For Terminally Ill Worker . . . And Then Fires Him
Published 1, March 18, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 143 Comments
Walmart worker Joseph Casias, 29, can take heart from the fact that the company is highly “sympathetic” to his struggle with an inoperable brain tumor. The sympathy, however, did not prevent the company from firing him because he used legal medical marijuana to deal with the pain of the tumor.
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Non-Stimulus Package: North Korea Claims to Have Executed Top Finance Adviser
Published 1, March 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 17 Comments
North Korea appears to have a slightly different approach to financial scandals. Rather than handing out billions of dollars of public funds for bonuses and loans, North Korea just shot its top financial official. There appears less of an emphasis on recovery in this plan.
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Single Room Occupancy: Dead Body Found In Bed Frame At Motel
Published 1, March 18, 2010 Uncategorized 8 Comments
The Budget Lodge motel could face some interesting lawsuits after the body of Sony Millbrook, 28, was found in the bed frame in a room that the hotel rented out to other guests. Millbrook, the mother of five, has been missing since January.
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Detention Dentition: Sheriff’s Office Pays $100,000 to Inmate After Deputy Ripped Cemented Grill Out of His Mouth
Published 1, March 18, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 12 Comments
In Tennessee, Deputy Tanya Mayhew of the Davidson County Sheriff’s office can scratch dentistry off her list of possible moonlighting jobs. Anthony McCoy, 31, will receive $100,000 after Mayhew ripped his gold grill out of his mouth during booking.
Coercion to Commit Sin: Dubai Arrests Couple for Sending Explicit Text Messages
Published 1, March 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
We learned recently that you had to be careful how you say goodbye in Dubai (here) after a couple was arrested for kissing on the streets. It appears that you cannot even opt for texting your desires without ending up in the Dubai hoosegow. Two Emirates airlines cabin crew have been ordered jailed for three months over sexually explicit text messages. The Indian flight attendant and her cabin services supervisor were convicted of “coercion to commit sin.”
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Since there is so much attention being given the Irish today, this video shows the English at play. There is nothing more invigorating than chasing Double Gloucester cheese.
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Fall From Grace: “Prophet of God” Charged After “Marrying” Ten Year Old Niece
Published 1, March 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 23 Comments
In Minnesota, James Wallace Fall, 58, is accused of marrying his ten-year-old niece. Fall insists that he is a “prophet of God.” He insists that the marriage is sanctioned by the Bible, which is full of accounts of figures with multiple and often adolescent wives.
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Clipping Patients: Dentists Accused of Using Paper Clips for Root Canal Patients
Published 1, March 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 9 Comments
Massachusetts dentist Michael Clair is accused of using actual paper clips instead of stainless steel posts inside the teeth of root canal patients. He then allegedly billed Medicaid for the more expensive parts. Continue reading ‘Clipping Patients: Dentists Accused of Using Paper Clips for Root Canal Patients’
Jogger Killed on Beach By Pilot Making Emergency Landing
Published 1, March 17, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 15 Comments
A bizarre mishap led to a death in South Carolina when a small plane making an emergency landing killed a jogger on the beach. Robert Gary Jones, 38, was jogging and listening on his iPod when he was hit from behind. Edward I. Smith says that he had lost the propeller of his airplane and was blinded by oil on the windshield at the time of the landing.
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Obama Threatens to Veto Intelligence Oversight Reforms — House Passes Watered Down Version With Few Reforms
Published 1, March 17, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 35 Comments
The Obama Administration has succeeded in watering down any reform of the intelligence oversight system — fighting to retain the same powers based on the same rationales as the Bush Administration.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of the leprechauns of the blog.
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Deem and Pass: Pelosi Indicates That She May Pass Health Bill Under a Controversial Self-Executing Rule
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 45 CommentsIt appears that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is contemplating the use of a “deem and pass” tactic to secure passage of the health-care bill. The procedural tactic is designed to allow members to avoid accountability for their votes and would reflect a conclusion that, in an up or down vote, the bill for fail.
That’s Why They Call Him “The Leader of the Pew”
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Religion , Society 8 CommentsI just saw this video from 2008 of the perils of incorporating a motorcyle into your sermon.
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New California Assembly Speaker Gives Aide $65,000 Raise for $190,008 Salary
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 13 Comments
New Assembly Speaker John A. Perez is under attack this week after he gave his chief of staff, Sara Ramirez, an annual pay increase of nearly $65,000 for an annual salary of $190,008. That is $80,424 higher than that of Perez or Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.
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Penny Wise and Pound Foolish: Two IRS Agents Visit Sacramento Car Wash to Demanding 4 Cents in Overdue Taxes
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 Comments
Aaron Zeff, the owner of Harv’s Metro Car Wash recently complained that two IRS agents came to his business and demanded payment of his over-due taxes in a rude and condescending manner. What was even more remarkable is the amount of unpaid taxes that led the IRS to send two agents in a car across town to collect: 4 cents.
Foiled By a Fob: Alleged Car Thief Trapped in Car By Owner Using Remote Locking Button
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
In Florida, Travis Neeley, 19, and Peter Scandizzo, 25, were reportedly foiled by a fob in their effort to steal a car. When the owner saw Neeley in his car, he continually hit the lock button to keep him trapped as police raced to the scene.
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Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Allegedly Runs 11 Stop Signs and Kills Man While Speaking on His Cell Phone and Listening to His IPod.
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments
Prosecutors in Pennsylvania has revealed that they believe Frederick Poust III, 38, was listening to his iPod and talking on his cell phone when he ran 11 stop signs and crashed his school bus — killing a man.
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A Dish Best Served Cold: Restaurant Apologizes For Sale of Whale Meat
Published 1, March 16, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International , Politics , Society 5 CommentsThe parent company for Hump Restaurant effectively pleaded guilty today in public with an apology for selling whale meat at the Los Angeles establishment. Not only is the apology itself less than redeeming for environmentalists, but it also effectively throws chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto, 45, under the bus.
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Wife of Clarence Thomas Organizes Tea Party Group
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 117 Comments
Virginia Thomas, wife of Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, forms tea party group. Virginia Thomas told a recent panel “I am an ordinary citizen from Omaha, Neb., who just may have the chance to preserve liberty along with you and other people like you.” She specifically went on to say that she was going to work against Obama’s “hard-left agenda.” It is an association that will likely add to a further patina of politics surrounding the Court, which just ruled in favor of conservative groups in the Citizens United case. I will be discussing this story tonight on Countdown.
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What Inquiring Prosecutors Want To Know: Rielle Hunter Offers Details on Edwards Affair — And A Potential Criminal Prosecution
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 15 Comments
With reports of an expected indictment of former presidential candidate John Edwards for use of campaign funds on his mistress, it would not exactly be the time for a tell-all interview from the mistress. However, Rielle Hunter gives a highly damaging account to Gentleman’s Quarterly that could play a role in any prosecution. Nevertheless, Edwards has reportedly proposed to marry Hunter, who appears in a series of somewhat seductive poses in the magazine.
Over Exposed: Utah Man Arrested After Allegedly Taking Abuse of Infant Son Pictures to Walgreen to Be Developed
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
In Utah, Sergio Diaz-Palomino, 34, is accused of not just being a sexual deviate, but a moronic sexual deviate. He was arrested after he allegedly photographed himself sexually assaulting his infant son and then took the pictures to be developed at a Walgreens store.
Until Nothing Remains: Scientology Accused To Trying To Block Film on Church Abuses
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 5 CommentsBis Nichts Mehr Bleibt, or Until Nothing Remains, is a movie based on an account of how a German family was ripped apart by its associations with Scientology, which is depicted as authoritarian, abusive, and cult-like. The Church is being accused of campaigning to block the airing of the film on German television and has charged that it should be blocked as fostering “intolerance and discrimination against a religious community.” It appears to be the latest version of a blasphemy claim in the West, here.
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Ugh! Popular Ugg Boots Criticized For Causing Foot Problems
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 16 Comments
We now know why they are called Uggs. Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and known for his sensible shoes, has gone public with criticism of Ugg as causing ankle, knee, hip and back problems.
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Pope on a Rope: New Allegations Connect Pope To Abusive Priest in Bavaria
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 44 CommentsThe Church abuse scandal has now touched Pope Benedict XVI directly with an allegation that he was directly involved in a decision to allow an abusive priest to continue pastoral duties — leading to additional crimes against children.
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