One must take care how you say Goodbye in Dubai. A British couple was spotted kissing in public in Dubai by an Emirati mother and quickly arrested. The British man named Ayman Najafi and female friend now face a month in jail for indecency.
Continue reading ‘A Kiss Before a Flogging: Western Couple Arrested for Kissing in Public In Dubai’
Archive for March, 2010
A Kiss Before a Flogging: Western Couple Arrested for Kissing in Public In Dubai
Published 1, March 15, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 14 CommentsHumans continue to try to transcend the language barrier with dogs.
New York Man Arrested After Videotaping Torture of Cat and Then Posting the Video on YouTube
Published 1, March 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment 32 Comments
Eric Estrada, 18, has been arrested in Syracuse, New York after he posted a YouTube video of himself torturing a cat with an electric shaver and blow dryer.
Boy Toy: Two-Year-Old Boy Climbs Into Claw Machine
Published 1, March 14, 2010 Bizarre , International 22 Comments
Customers interested in using a claw machine to secure a candy or prize were a bit surprised in Perth, Australian to find Cohen Stone, 2, staring back at them from inside the machine. Stone had climbed through the hatch of the machine in search of candy and become trapped. The picture with the story below makes the read worth it.
Continue reading ‘Boy Toy: Two-Year-Old Boy Climbs Into Claw Machine’
Woman Declines to Cooperate With Police in the Investigation of Her Partner So Police Report Her to Air Force as a Lesbian
Published 1, March 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Politics , Society 30 Comments
Jene Newsome, 28, had succeeded in living under the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy of the Air Force for years despite the fact that she lived with her lesbian partner in Rapid City, South Dakota. However, her nine-year career as an aircraft armament system craftsman came to an end when members of the Rapid City police department outed her as a lesbian in what appears to be an act of raw retaliation. Police Chief Steve Allender has supported his officers’ decision to report Newsome.
Continue reading ‘Woman Declines to Cooperate With Police in the Investigation of Her Partner So Police Report Her to Air Force as a Lesbian’
Chavez Calls For the Regulation of the Internet
Published 1, March 14, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Society 37 Comments
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has continued his campaign against free speech and the free press with a new call for regulation of the Internet. Chavez (like his mentor Fidel Castro) wants to control both the media and any public forums of information.
Continue reading ‘Chavez Calls For the Regulation of the Internet’
“Open The Door, I’ll Get It Myself”: James Brown’s Body Reportedly Goes Missing
Published 1, March 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments
LaRhonda Pettit, 48, daughter of James Brown claims that the singer’s body has gone missing from its crypt. Brown, 73, died in December 2006 and she claims his body is being hidden to prevent a a full autopsy being carried out. She has always challenged the claim that he died from pneumonia.
Continue reading ‘“Open The Door, I’ll Get It Myself”: James Brown’s Body Reportedly Goes Missing’
In Hot Water: Utah House Majority Leader Goes Public With Hot Tub Incident With 15-Year-Old Girl
Published 1, March 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 49 Comments
Rep. Kevin Garn, Majority Leader of the Utah House of Representatives, has disclosed that he had a nude hot tub experience with a 15-year-old employee in 1985 and later paid Cheryl Maher $150,000 if she would keep quiet. He was running for Congress at the time.
English Woman Arrested After Videotaping Her Car Splashing Children With Roadside Water
Published 1, March 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 16 CommentsI just saw this video of a driver who has been charged with purposively splashing school children with water. Kerry Callard, 29, was arrested. The voice that you hear is her male companion.
Pubic Enemy #1: Woman Crashes Car After Allegedly Shaving While Driving
Published 1, March 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 11 Comments
Megan Barnes may have succeeded in establishing the most bizarre case of distracted driving. Barnes is accused of crashing into a car in the Florida Keys on her way to visit her boyfriend. Police say that she was driving while shaving her bikini area — as her ex-husband held the wheel from the passenger seat.
Continue reading ‘Pubic Enemy #1: Woman Crashes Car After Allegedly Shaving While Driving’
Nebraska Man Found Too Drunk in Court To Be Sentenced for a DUI
Published 1, March 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
Jason Botos, 30, had a novel defense to avoid being sentenced for drunk driving in Nebraska: he was too drunk. Botos showed up at the Papillion courthouse so drunk that his father needed help from deputies to get him from the car to the courtroom.
Continue reading ‘Nebraska Man Found Too Drunk in Court To Be Sentenced for a DUI’
Ohio Man Arrested After Striking Children in Walmart
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 22 CommentsRalph Conone, 68, is accused of walking through a Walmart store hitting children in their heads with a key sticking out of his fist for fun. He was arrested in a Columbus Walmart.
Continue reading ‘Ohio Man Arrested After Striking Children in Walmart’
Suddenly the Olympic Games Seem Less Impressive . . .
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Society 18 CommentsExactly how did this guy not make the U.S. ice dancing team?
Continue reading ‘Suddenly the Olympic Games Seem Less Impressive . . .’
Top Cop: Officer Remains Calm in the Face of a Deranged Motorist
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Society 22 CommentsWe have seen too many videos of officers tasering or arresting people who give the slightest objection to a command. This video shows that many officers display a patience and restraint that is not just commendable but almost superhuman. I give you our choice for Officer of the Week.
Continue reading ‘Top Cop: Officer Remains Calm in the Face of a Deranged Motorist’
Pride in His Work: Rove Publicly Rejoices in the Use of Torture
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 31 Comments
With President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder blocked any investigation or prosecution of those responsible for the torture program, Bush officials like Vice President Dick Cheney have been publicly celebrating the use of torture. Now, Karl Rove says that he is “proud” that the administration used torture “that broke the will of these terrorists.”
Continue reading ‘Pride in His Work: Rove Publicly Rejoices in the Use of Torture’
Onward Christian Soldiers: Pawlenty Accused of Diverting Money Supporting Troops to Office Supporting Religious Organization
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Military , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Gov. Tim Pawlenty appears to have a broader definition of who constitutes his “troops” in Minnesota. Sen. Don Betzold, has accused Pawlenty of diverting funds from the “Support Our Troops” license plate program to his Governor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives. The office works to connect religious organizations with state funds — organizations viewed as a critical part of the Republican political base.
The No-Press Presser: California Candidate for Governor Throws Press Out of Press Conference When They Try To Ask Questions
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 29 Comments
Meg Whitman, Republican candidate for governor in California, had a curious way of calling a press event. Whitman invited the press and was then shocked to learn that they actually wanted to ask questions. It then went from bad to worse.
Continue reading ‘The No-Press Presser: California Candidate for Governor Throws Press Out of Press Conference When They Try To Ask Questions’
Mississippi High School Cancels Prom When Lesbian Asks To Bring Her Girlfriend
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 62 Comments
Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old Mississippi lesbian student, asked officials at Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old Mississippi lesbian student, asked officials at Itawamba County Agricultural High School in Fulton if she could attend her class prom with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo. The response of the school was to cancel the entire prom to avoid her attending as a lesbian.
Continue reading ‘Mississippi High School Cancels Prom When Lesbian Asks To Bring Her Girlfriend’
Sushi Chef Indicted For Sale of Whale Meat
Published 1, March 12, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International 2 Comments
It is official. The federal government has secured an indictment against chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto, 45, and his Hump restaurant for selling whale meat. The charges allege violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to sell any kind of whale meat.
Continue reading ‘Sushi Chef Indicted For Sale of Whale Meat’
Perils of the Press: Reporter Loses Temper After Flubbing Line
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Bizarre , Media 15 CommentsThe only thing worse than flubbing a line is having the live camera capture your reaction afterwards. It is really the reaction of the anchor that makes this video a keeper.
Continue reading ‘Perils of the Press: Reporter Loses Temper After Flubbing Line’
Caulk and Tuck: Women Hospitalized After Being Injected With Commercial Silicone in Buttock Enhancements
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 42 Comments
Six women in New Jersey have been hospitalized after undergoing cosmetic procedures for buttock-enhancements. The unlicensed providers used commercial rather than medical silicone — the same material used in bathroom caulk.
Monica Conyers Sentenced to Three Years in Jail
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
Monica Conyers, former Detroit City Councilwoman and wife of Judiciary Chairman John Conyers was sentenced to 37-month prison term for birbery — a sentence that has been challenged by some on the city council as too light, here.
Continue reading ‘Monica Conyers Sentenced to Three Years in Jail’
Vatican’s Chief Exorcist Claims Devil Is Gaining Ground Within the Church
Published 1, March 11, 2010 International , Politics , Religion , Society 26 Comments
The Vatican’s Chief Exorcist, Father Gabriele Amorth, 85, has gone public with an allegation that “the Devil is at work inside the Vatican.” He also reveals that the devil has a playful side and often mocks him.
Continue reading ‘Vatican’s Chief Exorcist Claims Devil Is Gaining Ground Within the Church’
Living (and Lethal) History: Teacher Accidently Fires Vintage Gun in History Class
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 13 Comments
Dwain Haggard, the superintendent of a rural Montana school district, gave students a realistic demonstration of a black powder muzzleloader when he accidentally fired the weapon in class and shot a ball through the “o” in North on the classroom map.
Polly Want a Crack Lawyer?: Bank of America Again Forecloses on Wrong House and Then Takes Woman’s Parrot
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 21 Comments
We have been following the astonishing list of cases where the Bank of America forecloses on the wrong homes and then litigates cases insisting that it acted reasonably. Now we have a Pittsburgh woman who has sued the bank after it allegedly improperly seized her home, damaged her property, and kept her pet parrot as an effective hostage during the dispute. Presumably, the parrot now says “punitive damages, punitive damages’ over and over again.
Singer Faces Two Years in Prison For Tearing Up Bible and Insulting Catholic Church
Published 1, March 11, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
We have been following the crackdown on free speech in the West and particularly the alarming trend toward Western blasphemy prosecution, here. Now, in Poland, one of the lead signers and guitarists in the heavy metal band Behemoth has been criminally charged with insulting Roman Catholics for tearing up a Bible on stage and calling the Catholic Church “the most murderous cult on the
planet.” For a video, see below.
Roberts Criticizes Obama For State of the Union — Without a Word of Criticism for Alito
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Politics , Supreme Court 40 Comments
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts spoke publicly to criticize President Barack Obama for his State of the Union — calling his reference to the Citizens United “very troubling.” He implicitly denounced the President for allowing the speech to “degenerate[] to a political pep rally.” Most notably, however, he did not have a single word of objection for fellow conservative justice Sam Alito for his expression of disagreement during the address. Robert’s Rules of Order now appear to be rather selective in their application.
Tears of the Clown: Woman Sues After Falling in Over-Sized Clown Shoes
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Sherri Perper, 56, of Queens, New York has filed a personal injury lawsuit due to defective shoes allegedly acquired from Forum Novelties. The shoes were over-sized clown shoes that she was wearing as part of her Halloween costume in 2008. She tripped and fell.
Continue reading ‘Tears of the Clown: Woman Sues After Falling in Over-Sized Clown Shoes’
Irresistible Offer: Limbaugh Promises to Move to Costa Rica If Health Care Passes
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Society 29 Comments
Rush Limbaugh may have given the Obama Administration the very thing needed to pass the health care legislation by a wide margin. Limbaugh has promised to leave the country if it passes.
Continue reading ‘Irresistible Offer: Limbaugh Promises to Move to Costa Rica If Health Care Passes’
Got Milk? Chef Offering Customers Cheese Made From Wife’s Breast Milk
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 10 Comments
There seems to be a certain disconnect from reality in restaurants this week. In California, a restaurant is accused of openly selling whale meat in violation of federal law (here). In New York, Chef Daniel Angerer is openly discussing his sale of cheese made from his wife’s breast milk despite the fact that it is also presumptively illegal.
Continue reading ‘Got Milk? Chef Offering Customers Cheese Made From Wife’s Breast Milk’
California Restaurant Faces Criminal Charges Over Sale of Whale Meat
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International , Society 1 CommentA Japanese restaurant called The Hump was the subject of a covert operation by animal activists and may now face criminal indictment for selling whale meat. The sting was organized by Louie Psihoyos, director of “The Cove,” which focused on dolphin hunting and won the academy award this month.
Continue reading ‘California Restaurant Faces Criminal Charges Over Sale of Whale Meat’
Just Keep Saying “There’s No Place Like Home, There’s No Place . . . “
Published 1, March 10, 2010 Bizarre , Environment 5 CommentsThis video of a tornado in Oklahoma is pretty remarkable.
Continue reading ‘Just Keep Saying “There’s No Place Like Home, There’s No Place . . . “’
Crist v. Rubio: Forget Back Taxes, How About Back Waxes?
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 15 Comments
In the past, political scandals center on back taxes. In Florida’s senatorial race, however, it is back waxes. Gov. Charlie Crist raised the question on Fox News — questioning whether his opponent Marco Rubio charged the Republican party for a back wax.
Continue reading ‘Crist v. Rubio: Forget Back Taxes, How About Back Waxes?’
Hybrid From Hell: Prius Reportedly Takes Man on 90 MPH Ride on California Highway
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 44 Comments
Prius drivers have always hoped for a car that could go hundreds miles without stopping. However, they hoped it could stop if they wanted it to. Jim Sikes claims that his Prius suddenly stuck going 90 mph and would not stop — requiring the highway patrol to ride along side and give him advice on how to stop the vehicle. Cases like this reinforce the use of the “Toyota Defense” in criminal cases. The biggest problem is that in a good gas guzzler, he would simply run out of gas. In the Prius, he kept going and going . . .
Continue reading ‘Hybrid From Hell: Prius Reportedly Takes Man on 90 MPH Ride on California Highway’
Doubting Thomas: Court Appoints Special Investigator To Look Into Alleged Unethical Conduct of Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics 16 Comments
Where Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is widely criticized for abuses in office, many of those abuses (including investigating judges who stand up to Arpaio) are only possible with the help of his enabler Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas. Now, Thomas appears to finally be facing a professional review. The Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court has ordered a special investigator to look into his alleged unethical conduct.
Continue reading ‘Doubting Thomas: Court Appoints Special Investigator To Look Into Alleged Unethical Conduct of Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’
Two Missouri University Students Arrested For Leaving Cotton Balls Outside of Black Culture Center
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 70 Comments
Two Missouri University students have been arrested for throwing cotton balls in front of a black culture center in an act that is being investigated as a hate crime.
Continue reading ‘Two Missouri University Students Arrested For Leaving Cotton Balls Outside of Black Culture Center’
A Reddit contributor spotted this perfectly Orwellian message on the sign for the New Canaan Baptist Church.
Continue reading ‘Think Not Lest Ye Be Damned’
“I’m Gay”: Anti-Gay Rights Legislator in California Comes Out of The Closet Following Arrest
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 34 Comments
Last week, we discussed the arrest of anti-gay California Senator Roy Ashburn (R., Bakersfield) for DUI after reportedly leaving a gay bar with an unidentified man. He has now confirmed that he is in fact gay.
Continue reading ‘“I’m Gay”: Anti-Gay Rights Legislator in California Comes Out of The Closet Following Arrest’
Drunk Crossing: Romanian Government Erect Drunk Crossing Signs
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 14 Comments
Romanian officials are posting signs to deal with a growing problem: cars running over drunks.
Continue reading ‘Drunk Crossing: Romanian Government Erect Drunk Crossing Signs’
Stolen Valor is Offensive, But Is It A Crime?
Published 1, March 9, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Military , Politics , Society 21 Comments
We have been following a number of “stolen valor” cases recently on this blog. The crime of falsely claiming medals and military service is all the rage. Even journalists have been implicated as with Darrow “Duke” Tully, publisher of Arizona Republic and close associate to Sen. John McCain. Tully resigned as publisher after it was learned that he did not fly 100 combat missions over Vietnam, crash a fighter in Korea, or receive the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Indeed, he never served at all. Below is today’s column on the subject (which was the subject of this segment of NPR’s Talk of the Nation.
Continue reading ‘Stolen Valor is Offensive, But Is It A Crime?’
Question of the Day: What Is Scarier Than An Enraged Rahm Emanuel Poking His Finger In Your Chest?
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 43 Comments
Answer: A naked enraged Rahm Emanuel poking his finger in your chest while you are taking a shower.
That is what outgoing Rep. Eric Massa (D, NY) says happened when he was taking a shower in the member’s club. Massa says that he was forced out because he planned to vote against the health bill.
Milwaukee Police Sergeant Sentenced to Eighteen Months for Assault on Handcuffed Suspect
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 24 CommentsA former Milwaukee County sergeant was sentenced to 18 months in prison for assaulting a handcuffed suspect in a police cruiser. As shown in this video, former Milwaukee County Sergeant Scott Krause punched Ray Calderon several times after he kicked the patrol window and cursed at deputies.
Got Milk? Inmate Charged With Third Degree Assault For Squirting Breast Milk on Guard
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 33 Comments
Inmate Toni Tramel will be the subject of new basis for an felonious assault on a prison guard: assault by breast milk. While Tramel claims it was an accident, a guard said that she was squirted in the face by Tramel on purpose when Tramel was being processed for public intoxication.
Continue reading ‘Got Milk? Inmate Charged With Third Degree Assault For Squirting Breast Milk on Guard’
Biting the Hand . . . : AIG Transcript Reveals Irate Employees Demanding Bonuses and Mocking The Public Over Bailout
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 28 Comments
There is a transcript from executives at the American International Group (AIG) that is likely to infuriate many Americans, still smarting over the $165 million in bonuses paid to executives after the huge federal bailout. Statements from a conference call reveal executives who express contempt for the public and bravado in their own business abilities. These include statements from employees hoping that the public loses a trillion dollars and blaming the problems on Congress, and the public rather than their own business decisions.
Team of Scientists Affirm Giant Asteroid Theory . . . Despite Alleged Miscalculation of 64,994,999 Years
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Environment , International , Religion , Science , Society 40 Comments
A leading group of scientists have concluded that a single giant asteroid killed off the dinosaurs 65 million years ago — finding overwhelming evidence to support the theory over alternative theories such as a massive earthquake or multiple asteroids. The team, however, failed to include a single creationist who could point out that, since the Earth is only 5000 years old, leading scientists like Sarah Palin have found that they are 64,994,999 years off.
Loose Canonization: Nun’s Relapse Leaves the Late Pope John Paul II Short a Miracle for Beatification and Eventual Sainthood
Published 1, March 8, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 19 Comments
It appears that the late Pope John Paul II may be short one miracle. Supporters of an expedited process for sainthood for John Paul suffered a blow this month with the news that accounts of Sister Marie Simon-Pierre’s recovery from Parkinson’s disease may have been premature. Three years ago, the sister explained how she regained her health after a night of prayer to John Paul. That miracle was the basis for the call for rapid canonization.
This will soon be up on every seal body shop and teenage habitat.
West Virginia Woman Claims Trooper Raped Her — and Then Internal Affairs Told Her Not To Tell Alone
Published 1, March 7, 2010 Criminal law , Society 19 Comments
A West Virginia woman has accused a West Virginia state trooper of raping her and then internal affairs officers telling her to keep quiet about the crime. She has stated that the cruiser audio system captured part of the trooper’s assault. This is the second rape allegation against a trooper in 18 months.
New York Times: Scientology Defectors Report Coercion, Beatings, and Threats After Seeking To Leave Church
Published 1, March 7, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion 16 Comments
The New York Times has a striking account today of Scientologists who allegedly faced threats and coercion in seeking to leave the church. Christie King Collbran and her husband, Chris, gave a detailed account of they were effectively raised to serve the ultra-secret Sea Organization, or Sea Org in the Church. After signing a “billion year contract,” they say that they were faced with fines and forced confessions in seeking to break free from the Church.
International Hit and Run: Romanian Diplomat Flees Singapore After Triple Hit and Run
Published 1, March 7, 2010 Criminal law , International , Society , Torts 3 Comments
Romanian diplomat Dr. Silviu Ionescu fled Singapore after allegedly racking up three victims in two separate hit-and-run acidents on Dec. 15, 2009. He was seen fleeing from a black Audi belonging to the Romanian Embassy in Singapore. One of his victims, Tong Wai, 30, died on Christmas Day.
Taking the Rap: Teenager Arrested for Playing Rap Music Degrading Toward Women
Published 1, March 7, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 17 Comments
Nathan Michael Wilkie, 19, has a curious rap sheet that now includes the offense of listening to rap. He was charged under a new law for the offense of offensive behavior for listening to music by underground rapper Kid Selzy on his car stereo.
Continue reading ‘Taking the Rap: Teenager Arrested for Playing Rap Music Degrading Toward Women’
Overdue and Overexposed: Michigan Police Arrest Man Who Stripped and Stole Children’s Book at Library
Published 1, March 6, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
The police has arrested the man who was the subject of our prior competition to name the book that a naked man checks out of the library. He is Terrence Miles, 52, and he is accused of striping and stealing children’s book from a local library in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Sumo Arrested After Ripping Cash Machine Out of a Wall
Published 1, March 6, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 9 Comments
Moscow police have arrested a plus-sized felon. They believe that a sumo wrestler yanked a 200-pound cash machine off the wall and carried it off for the $850 cash inside.
Continue reading ‘Sumo Arrested After Ripping Cash Machine Out of a Wall’
Virginia Is For [Straight] Lovers: Virginia Attorney General Orders Colleges and Universities To Lift Ban on Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians
Published 1, March 6, 2010 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 107 Comments
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II has not wasted time carrying out his conservative social agenda. He has sent a letter to the state’s public colleges and universities to rescind policies that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation — advising them that they have no authority to ban such discrimination.
Continue reading ‘Virginia Is For [Straight] Lovers: Virginia Attorney General Orders Colleges and Universities To Lift Ban on Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians’
Bad Prediction: Psychic Charged With Fraud in Financial Investments
Published 1, March 6, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 11 Comments
Sean David Morton apparently did not see this one coming. The self-proclaimed psychic who called himself “America’s Prophet” claims to be able to predict future changes in the stock market. There are of course always skeptics. In this case, the sober people at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Morton is now charged with fraud.
Continue reading ‘Bad Prediction: Psychic Charged With Fraud in Financial Investments’
Gentleman’s Club: Pope’s Aide Arrested After Allegedly Caught Procuring Male Prostitutes
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 48 Comments
Angelo Balducci, “Gentleman of His Holiness” Pope Benedict, has been fired after reportedly being caught by Italian police arranging for male prostitutes to be brought to him. The young men reportedly include one who is studying for the priesthood.
Sit, Spin, Rinse: Japan Introduces Dog Washing Machine
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Bizarre , International 12 Comments
This is the newest technological advance out of Japan: the Dog Washing Machine. It seems more popular with owners than dogs.
Continue reading ‘Sit, Spin, Rinse: Japan Introduces Dog Washing Machine’
I just saw this video. This is how you remove an unwanted tree and a wanted porch at one time.
Shredded: California Man Sentenced to Eight Years For Stealing $4 Bag of Shredded Cheese
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Criminal law , Society 47 Comments
Robert Ferguson, a repeat offender, was sentenced to eight years for stealing a $3.99 bag of shredded cheese under the state’s three strikes law. Ferguson is no Jean Valjean — he has a criminal record going back 30 years. He was found to be bipolar by state psychologists.
Hamas Bans Male Hairdressers From Women’s Hair Salons
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
Gaza’s Islamic Hamas government has banned men from working in women’s hair salons as part of its move to impose strict Islamic law and traditions on Gaza’s 1.5 million people.
Continue reading ‘Hamas Bans Male Hairdressers From Women’s Hair Salons’
Eleven-Year-Old Boy Buys Nine Mansions in Dubai for $44 Million
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 4 Comments
Some of our kids pester us for a new Wii game. For the eleven-year-old son of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, a shopping spree includes $44 million worth of mansions in Dubai. That is the equivalent of what an average citizen in Azerbaijan would make in 10,000 years.
Continue reading ‘Eleven-Year-Old Boy Buys Nine Mansions in Dubai for $44 Million’
North Korea Executes Man For Passing Along the Price of Rice to Friend in South Korea
Published 1, March 5, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 3 Comments
We have another story out of the worker’s paradise in North Korea. A North Korean factory worker named Chong was executed by firing squad for passing along information on rice and living conditions to a friend who defected to South Korea.
Continue reading ‘North Korea Executes Man For Passing Along the Price of Rice to Friend in South Korea’
California Senator (and Fierce Opponent to Gay Rights) Reportedly Arrested for DUI After Leaving Gay Bar
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 51 CommentsState Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Calif.) is known as a fierce opponent of gay rights. It was, therefore, more than a bit curious when he was arrested for drunk driving after reportedly leaving a gay bar with an unidentified man in the passenger seat.
Three White Teachers Suspended For Giving Children Pictures to O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman, and RuPaul to Use in Black History Parade
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Society 37 Comments
Three Los Angeles elementary school teachers accused of giving children portraits of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul to carry in a Black History Month parade. Kids in the other classes were given pictures of such notables as Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman and President Obama.
Dubai Woman Who Went to Court to File Harassment Claim Without Male Guardian Is Sentenced to 300 Lashes and 18 Months in Jail
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
Sawsan Salim went to court to file harassment complaints against her local government in 2007. Her papers were in order but she was missing one detail. She had ventured out without a male family escort. For that crime she has been sentenced to 300 lashes and 18 months in jail.
Federal Court Rules Woman Must Pay As Much As $40,000 for 37 Songs She Downloaded At Age 14
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Society , Torts 62 Comments
We have continued to follow the outrageous expansion of copyright and trademark litigation (here and here and here), particularly the recording industry which is seeking crippling penalties for downloading song. Now, the industry has succeeded in nailing Whitney Harper who was between 14-16 years old when she downloaded 37 songs. The Court of Appeals increased the penalties against her — amounting to as much as $40,000.
Continue reading ‘Federal Court Rules Woman Must Pay As Much As $40,000 for 37 Songs She Downloaded At Age 14′
Venus de Malum: Police Order New Jersey Family Cover Up Nude Snowwoman
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 26 Comments
A family in Rahway, New Jersey was ordered by police to cover up their nude snow woman after a neighbor complained. Maria Conneran added a bikini top and skirt to satisfy scandalized neighbors.
Continue reading ‘Venus de Malum: Police Order New Jersey Family Cover Up Nude Snowwoman’
Passing The Plate for Pedophiles: Bishop Criticized For Asking Parishoners to Help Pay For Abuse Damages
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
Bishop Denis Brennan (Bishop of Ferns in Ireland) is being criticized for asking parishioners to help to pay for compensation claims linked to sexual abuse damages. The diocese has already paid 8 million euros to settle 48 civil actions arising from decades of sexual abuse by priests. An additional 13 actions are pending.
Couple Arrested After Allegedly Blind-Folding and Videotaping Falling 11-Month Old Baby
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 13 Comments
Delmer Doss, 19, and his girlfriend Amber Burgess, 19, have their own alleged version of family videos of their 11-month old baby. Police say that the couple blindfolded their 11-month-old son and then recorded the child bumping into walls with a video camera.
John Edwards Is Reportedly Close to An Indictment While Elizabeth Edwards Reportedly Threatens a Lawsuit Against Former Aide for Alienation of Affection
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 8 Comments
The National Enquirer is reporting that a federal grand jury is close to indicting two-time presidential candidate John Edwards for the misuse of campaign funds. ABC News reported earlier that Edwards’ mistress (with whom he recently admitted having a child after months of denial) had spoken to the grand jury, here. In the meantime, there is an equally interesting report that Elizabeth Edwards may be preparing to sue her husband’s longtime aide Andrew Young for alienation of affection (here).
New York Air Controller At Kennedy Airport Suspended After Letting His Two Children Direct Aircraft
Published 1, March 4, 2010 Bizarre , Society 27 Comments
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a bizarre incident where a child was allowed to direct air traffic at John F. Kennedy airport,. An air controller brought the child to work on February 17th and apparently fed the child lines to give orders to pilots. Both the air controller and the supervisor have been suspended. Now it appears that the air controller not only let his 9-year-old son direct planes at JFK but repeated the stunt with the boy’s twin sister the following day, here.
Obama To Cave On Tort Reform — Adding Provisions to Health Bill That Could Kill 4,800 a Year
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Congress , Politics , Society , Torts 108 Comments
In yet another morphing of George Bush and Barack Obama, the Administration has indicated that it will include “tort reform” in the new and smaller health care bill — provisions that the CBO has said could cost 4,800 lives a year. While an estimated roughly 100,000 people die each year from malpractice, the Administration is about to make it more difficult to sue doctors and hospitals.
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Calls for Knutering: PETA Demands German Polar Bear Be Castrated
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International , Science , Society 14 Comments
First, animal rights activists wanted to euthanize Knut as a polar bear cub at the Berlin Zoo, here. Now, they want to castrate him. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Knut (now grown) to be castrated to avoid his mating with another bear who is his cousin. Giovanna has been placed in the same area as Knut and they are getting quite close. That has led to call to neuter Knut.
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Flash In The Pants: Suspect Swallows Flash Drive In Bid To Destroy Evidence
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments
Florin Necula downloaded a flash drive in January to the surprise of Secret Service agents who had arrested him on suspicion of credit card theft. the Kingston flash drive was in his pocket and he swallowed it while in custody. The problem is that “this too will [not] pass.” Necula has finally agreed to have the flash drive surgically removed after it failed to pass naturally.
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The Perils of Going Green in Orange: California Couple Charged for Planting Environmentally Friendly Yard Without Grass
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Politics , Society 20 Comments
While Christopher Sheehan is being prosecuted in Florida in a case involving his iron garden, here, Quan and Angelina Ha are being prosecuted in California for their wood chip garden. The Has sought to conserve water in the drought-plagued City of Orange by replacing their lawn with eco-friendly plants and chips. They have now been charged with a misdemeanor and told that they must have a water-consuming lawn.
My Iron Garden: Florida Man Arrested After Demanding Driver’s License for His “Beautiful Face” Or Else
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
Christopher Sheehan, 51, has been arrested after sending a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles demanding a driver’s license or he would seek “day of reckoning when I pull all of you lying pigs into an iron garden from which you will not escape.”
Yes, You Did Get Less Sleep Last Night — Earth’s Day Shortened By Chilean Earthquake
Published 1, March 3, 2010 Bizarre , International , Science , Society 6 Comments
Today, the Turley Blog is posting early due to the shortening of the day after the Chilean earthquake. The reason that many of our regulars are likely to feel a bit groggy this morning is that the earthquake has shortened the day by one-millionth of a second. Yes, you are right: you did get less sleep last night.
The Toyota Defense: Man Demands Review of Vehicular Homicide Sentence in Light of Recall
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 10 Comments
Koua Fong Lee may be the first man to bring a “Toyota Defense” — claiming that the recent recall supports his earlier defense claim that he was not responsible for vehicular homicide in 2006.
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Gunning for Slaughterhouse? Supreme Court Hears Arguments in McDonald Gun Case
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Columns , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 46 Comments
Today, the Supreme Court will take up the potentially historic case of McDonald v. Chicago on gun rights. There is more at stake than just the application of the Second Amendment to the states, as I discussed in today’s column in Roll Call below:
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Bullets for Ballots: Maliki Accused of Handing Out Guns for Votes
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Bizarre , International , Media , Military , Society 20 Comments
Political opponents have charged that Iraqi Prime minister, Nour al-Maliki, was come up with a unique version of a “chicken in every pot”: a gun in every home. Critics have released pictures of al-Maliki handing out thousands of guns to tribal leaders to win votes. The guns reportedly have personal messages engraved into them from al-Maliki.
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Perils of the Press: Florida Men Arrested for Chasing and Shooting At Newspaper Carriers
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
Jerry Stefani, 49, and Douglas Wienberg, 39, may want to just go with Internet news in the future. The two were arrested after chasing newspaper carriers and then firing shots at them in the mistaken belief that they were prowlers.
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Pregnant Bartender at Topless Bar Sues After Being Fired
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Bizarre , Society 69 Comments
Jennifer Paviglianiti, 29, of Centereach, N.Y., has filed an interesting discrimination lawsuit against her former boss, John Doxey and the Cafe Royale Gentleman’s Club (a topless bar). When she became pregnant, she was allegedly fired because her new image was not what the club members expected.
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To Serve and Protect: Ohio Officer Pushes Man Out of Way of Careening Car Before Being Hit Himself on Highway
Published 1, March 2, 2010 Bizarre , Society 13 Comments
When Lt. john Lambert took his oath to serve and protect, he meant it. In the video below, Lambert pushes a driver out of the way only to be struck himself by a careening car on Interstate 176. The result was broken bones, including his pelvis as well as damage to his left eye socket.
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Wedding Crasher: Elephant Goes on Rampage at Wedding and Tramples 20 Cars and Sexually Assaults a Truck
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society , Torts 24 Comments
A Hindu wedding in New Delhi experienced the ultimate wedding crasher when the elephant used in the ceremony spotted a female elephant in a nearby field. The elephant proceeded to smash 20 cars, tried to mate with a truck, and then smashed through a shopping mall during a 15-hour rampage.
Sue Them All and Let God Sort Them Out: Family Adopts Shotgun Approach to Suing a Wide Variety of Defendants in Child’s Death
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 15 Comments
The Kudlis family appears to view litigation as a matter of suing them all and letting God sort them out. The family suffered a terrible loss in the death of 3-year-old Marten Kudlis, who was killed in an accident in front of an ice cream store by Francis Hernandez, 25, an illegal immigrant. Their lawsuit, however, has raised eyebrows over the wide variety of 20-named defendants from the ice cream shop to the city to a car dealer.
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Out of Step: Victory of All-White Team in National Stepping Competition Leads to Controversy and Then Elevation of African-American Team
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 17 CommentsThere is an interesting controversy brewing in Atlanta where an all-white Zeta Tau Alpha team from the University of Arkansas won this year’s step competition — a traditionally black competition. The victory unleashed a torrent of criticism from fans who felt that white teams should be barred. The controversy then grew when Sprite suddenly announced that unexplained “scoring discrepancies” resulted in a black team being elevated to a tie with Arkansas and given a co-first place standing. This is a video of “The Matrix” performance of the Arkansas team
Zero Tolerance, Zero Intelligence: Indiana School Suspends Girl Who Touched a Pill
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 40 Comments
School officials in Jeffersonville, Indiana have suspended a middle school student for touching a pill in an act that stretches the zero tolerance policies to a new extreme. Rachael Greer was suspended because she was given a pill by another student and refused it. However, the school decided that, by holding the pill, it was “possession.”
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California Woman Arrested After Throwing Puppy Into Traffic During Argument With Boyfriend
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
Danielle Graham, 21, was arguing with her boyfriend Hakeem Funtua, 24, when she decided to emphasize her points by grabbing his pit bull puppy and throwing it into traffic where it was killed. When police tried to arrest Graham, Hakeem joined her in resisting arrest and had to be pepper sprayed.
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Dubai Police: Al-Mabhouh Was Drugged and Then Suffocated
Published 1, March 1, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Dubai police now say that they have identified 26 suspects in the assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh — widely believed to be a Mossad operation. The government also released toxicology reports that show that Al-Mabhouh was first drugged and then suffocated.
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