Best wishes to all on this Memorial Day. We are camping today in the Shenandoah but my thoughts will be with my late father, Jack Turley, who served in the Pacific with the Navy and all of the others who served and continue to serve this country.
Continue reading ‘Happy Memorial Day’
Archive for May, 2010
Fifteen-Year-Old Girl Raped By Leading Church Member — Then Forced To Apologize to Congregation and Shipped Out of State
Published 1, May 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 63 Comments
An arrest in New Hampshire has revealed a shocking story of a 15-year-old girl who was raped and impregnated by a leading church member at the Trinity Baptist Church in 1997. She was allegedly forced by the church to stand before the congregation and apologize before being taken out of state — and out of the reach of police investigating the rape.
Continue reading ‘Fifteen-Year-Old Girl Raped By Leading Church Member — Then Forced To Apologize to Congregation and Shipped Out of State’
Hollywood Goes Authoritarian: Stone and Allen Long For a Dictator With the Right Stuff
Published 1, May 31, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 19 Comments
Hollywood stars appear to be yearning for some authoritarian relief. This week, Oliver Stone proclaimed his deep admiration of Hugo Chavez, who has stifled dissent and cracked down on journalists in his country. In the meantime, Woody Allen stated that Obama should be given dictatorial powers.
Continue reading ‘Hollywood Goes Authoritarian: Stone and Allen Long For a Dictator With the Right Stuff’
New Zealand Bans Kosher Slaughtering
Published 1, May 30, 2010 Animals , International , Religion , Society 41 Comments
New Zealand’s new Animal Welfare (Commercial Slaughter) Code has banned kosher slaughtering by requiring that all animals slaughtered commercially be stunned prior to killing. The law still allows kosher meat to be imported from other countries.
Continue reading ‘New Zealand Bans Kosher Slaughtering’
This is why men identify with dogs. It just does not make sense. How does this stick do it?
Maryland Police Again Threaten Citizens With Arrest for Filming Them in Public
Published 1, May 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 10 CommentsWe have been following how police in the United States and abroad have started to arrest people filming them in public, including today’s story out of California (here). Maryland police continue (in my view wrongly) to claim that recording them in public is a crime in that state as shown in this video from the Preakness.
Continue reading ‘Maryland Police Again Threaten Citizens With Arrest for Filming Them in Public’
The eternal dance between man and dog continues . . .
Homeowners’ Association Foreclosed on Soldier’s Home For Failure to Pay $800 in Fee — Selling the $300,000 Home for $3500
Published 1, May 30, 2010 Bizarre , Military , Politics , Society 55 Comments
When Michael Clauer went to Iraq as a captain commanding over 100 soldiers in Iraq, he was likely contemplating many potential dire consequences, but he probably was not thinking about the threat posed by his homeowners’ association. Because Clauer’s wife did not pay the homeowners’ fees, the association foreclosed on his $300,000 house and sold it for $3,500. They owed only $800. The story reveals the gross abuse allowed under a Texas law which gives such associations the right to foreclose on homes for failure to pay ANY amount — and to foreclose without a court order. Select Management Co., which runs the development, has refused any comment.
Video: Protesters Allege Police Harassed Cyclists and Then Arrested Photographer Recording the Harassment
Published 1, May 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 6 CommentsThis video reportedly shows Los Angeles police menacing riders in a “critical mass” bike protest against British Petroleum by sticking out their feet. According to the cyclists, when one person filming the scene objected, he was arrested.
Big Fella’s Baxter Ward is this week’s Pet of the Week.
Report: White House Had Clinton Offer Intelligence Position to Sestak to Drop Out of Race Against Specter
Published 1, May 29, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 26 Comments
After months of evading questions, the White House appears to have confirmed that it did play a leading role in trying to get Rep. Joe Sestak to drop out of the race against now defeated Sen. Arlen Specter. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel reportedly asked former President Bill Clinton to offer an unpaid position on an intelligence board in exchange for Sestak pulling out.
Continue reading ‘Report: White House Had Clinton Offer Intelligence Position to Sestak to Drop Out of Race Against Specter’
The Uncola: Student Prosecuted for Defecating in Soda of Classmate
Published 1, May 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 8 Comments
In Camden, New Jersey, a 17-year-old high school student has pleaded guilty to defecating in a classmate’s soda during an auto-shop class.
Continue reading ‘The Uncola: Student Prosecuted for Defecating in Soda of Classmate’
Scientists Announced Breakthrough in Ebola Drug
Published 1, May 29, 2010 Academics , International , Science , Society 6 Comments
In a little reported story, scientists have made a breakthrough in the fight against Ebola — the often fatal “bleeding disease.” Thomas Geisbert of Boston University and a team of researchers have developed an experimental drug that appears to protect monkeys from the most lethal strain of Ebola.
Continue reading ‘Scientists Announced Breakthrough in Ebola Drug’
According to Bill O’Reilly, Columbia Professor Marc Lamont Hill looks like a cocaine dealer. The answer appears to be that all cocaine dealers wear straight dress shirt collars.
Continue reading ‘Why Does This Man Look Like a Drug Dealer?’
Like A Good Neighbor? State Farm Charges Family for Bumper of Car that Killed Their Dog
Published 1, May 28, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Society , Torts 52 Comments
Kim Flemming thought that losing Jake, her 12-year-old yellow Labrador, in Aurora, Ontario was bad enough. That was until she received a letter from State Farm Insurance demanding that she pay for the dented bumper on the car that killed Jake.
Nun Excommunicated After Supporting Abortion To Protect Life of Mother
Published 1, May 28, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 37 Comments
While the Catholic Church may be criticized for covering up crimes by priests and resisting efforts to discipline offenders, it seems to waste to time with errant nuns. Sister Margaret McBride has been excommunicated for the offense of approving an abortion to protect the life of a mother as a senior administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. There does not even appear to be any room for mitigating circumstances in such a case. Bishop Thomas Olmstead (left) immediately excommunicated McBride.
Continue reading ‘Nun Excommunicated After Supporting Abortion To Protect Life of Mother’
Court Orders Additional Jail Time for Couple Arrested in Alleged “Eunuch Wedding”
Published 1, May 28, 2010 Bizarre , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Pakistani fertilizer dealer Malik Mohammad Iqbal, 42, and his eunuch partner “Rani” Kashif, 19, are at the center of a controversy over whether they were throwing a party with other “eunuchs” or throwing a wedding party. They have been charged with trying to wed and unnatural acts under a Sharia-based law.
Continue reading ‘Court Orders Additional Jail Time for Couple Arrested in Alleged “Eunuch Wedding”’
Israel Arrests Activists Yelling Insults at Rahm Emanuel
Published 1, May 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 6 CommentsTwo Israeli activists were arrested for shouting insults at White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in Israel this week. The activists spotted Emanuel in Jerusalem’s Old City with his family and shouted “Jerusalem is not for sale.” Heck, Rahm Emanuel is known to say worse stuff in a shower, here. That would be protected speech in the United States, but it appears that you can be arrested for shouting at celebrities and high-ranking officials in Israel.
Continue reading ‘Israel Arrests Activists Yelling Insults at Rahm Emanuel’
Long Beach Police Rush to Save Drowning Man — Run Over Sunbather
Published 1, May 28, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Long Beach police are investigating a beach tragedy after one of its officers rushed to help a drowning man — only to run over a sunbather and crush his spine.
Continue reading ‘Long Beach Police Rush to Save Drowning Man — Run Over Sunbather’
Please tell me that the father was near the shore still trying to catch even a minnow after hours of fruitless casting.
Continue reading ‘Not Another Fish Story’
Coming to a College Campus Near You: Vodka Eyeballing
Published 1, May 27, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Society 22 CommentsThere was a time when we got things like the Beatles and Monty Python from our British cousins. The most recent import from England, however, is far less redeeming: vodka eyeballing. Upset that vodka shots took too long to be absorbed into their blood streams, British drinkers have discovered that pouring vodka directly into your eye socket results in a faster avenue to inebriation.
Continue reading ‘Coming to a College Campus Near You: Vodka Eyeballing’
BP Official Takes the Fifth While New Details Emerge of Argument Shortly Before The Deepwater Horizon Explosion
Published 1, May 27, 2010 Environment , International , Society , Torts 61 Comments
The legal situation over the Deepwater Horizon explosion appears to be getting more serious as accounts emerged that there was a serious argument between Transocean and BP officials shortly before the blast — with references to the possible use of the blowout preventer. One BP official, Robert Kaluza, has become the first known person associated with the blast to invoke the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination to refuse to answer questions.
Dial M for Murder: Telephone Company Suspends Number Due to Deaths of Prior Owners
Published 1, May 27, 2010 Bizarre , International 7 Comments
It appears 0888 888 888 is the cellphone version of the monkey’s paw — bringing disaster to all those who acquire it. The Bulgarian mobile phone company has removed the number from circulation after all of its previous owners died within the last ten years.
Once again, I will simply note that Cubs fans are the greatest fans in the world.
Amnesty International Issues Report Accusing Israel of War Crimes
Published 1, May 27, 2010 International , Military , Politics , Society 18 Comments
Amnesty International (winner of the Nobel Peace Prize) has issued a 430-page report accusing both Israel and Hamas of war crimes. While few have any illusions about Hamas and its violation of international law, the accusations against Israel are quite damaging and join those of the United Nations investigation by the Goldstone Commission.
Continue reading ‘Amnesty International Issues Report Accusing Israel of War Crimes’
Question of the Day: What is Worse Than an Accident with a Truck?
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Bizarre , Society 15 Comments
Answer: A truck carrying 17 million bees.
A truck hauling 7,000 hives was involved in a four-car accident in Minnesota. A report says that “rescue crews were using fire hoses to douse an angry swarm of bees.” That does not seem like a good way of calming irate bees.
In my younger days, I worked as an assistant to a bee researcher at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Research in Maryland. We would use smoke to quiet the bees, but that might not appeal to firefighters.
For the full story, click here.
Bank Robbers Destroy Bank, Leave Cash Machine
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 6 Comments
Bank robbers in Germany went a bit overboard with the explosives in trying to break open a cash machine in Malliss. They destroyed the bank. The only thing remaining intact was the bank’s cash machine.
Continue reading ‘Bank Robbers Destroy Bank, Leave Cash Machine’
U.S. Debt: Now Over $13,000,000,000,000
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Congress , Politics , Society 60 Comments
While Congress continues to gush money in Iraq and Afghanistan (and offers to pay for an over $200 million missile system for Israel), U.S. debt is now over $13,000,000,000,000. That is roughly $118,000 per taxpayer.
Continue reading ‘U.S. Debt: Now Over $13,000,000,000,000′
English Court Rules Breast Enlargement Not a Human Right
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International 8 Comments
A 58-year-old British transsexual identified only as “C” lost a unique claim in England when Judge David Bean ruled that the state-funded health service’s refusal to pay for a breast enlargement was not a violation of her human rights.
Continue reading ‘English Court Rules Breast Enlargement Not a Human Right’
Sharia Police in Indonesia To Issue Islamic Skirts To “Offending Women” on Street
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
AFP is reporting that Sharia police in Indonesia’s Aceh province have been armed with 20,000 skirts in its battle against unIslamic figure-hugging or short outfits on women. Women will be told to put on the skirts to adhere to Islamic values.
Continue reading ‘Sharia Police in Indonesia To Issue Islamic Skirts To “Offending Women” on Street’
Senate Rejects Two Proposals To Allow Importation of Low-Cost Drugs
Published 1, May 26, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 10 Comments
The United States Senate yielded again to demands from the powerful pharmaceutical lobby and killed two separate proposals that would have allowed citizens to obtain cheaper drugs in the United States. Both the White House and Congress have been killing such proposals despite the fact that soaring drug costs are crippling many families. The vote was 51-48 on the first bill by Sen. Byron Dorgan (with 25 sponsors).
Continue reading ‘Senate Rejects Two Proposals To Allow Importation of Low-Cost Drugs’
Hooked on History: Hayworth Becomes The Latest Casualty of World War II
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 28 CommentsArizona Senatorial candidate and conservative commentator J.D. Hayworth may have some explaining to do to the “greatest generation” and his high school history professor. Hayworth has insisted that the United States never declared war on Germany in World War II — leading to this video. (I must say that with the Frog video on immigration (here), this Arizona election is becoming quite entertaining). As Thomas Jefferson said, “History, in general, only informs us what bad government is.”
Continue reading ‘Hooked on History: Hayworth Becomes The Latest Casualty of World War II’
Washington Post Details Stock Holdings and Trades of Moran
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 9 Comments
The Washington Post has an interesting article today on the stock trades of Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.). I have been a long critic of members playing the stock market (here) given the dangers posed by insider information and advantage. With considerable resources tied up in particular areas, members can influence the markets through legislation or anticipate market shifts due to forthcoming changes.
Continue reading ‘Washington Post Details Stock Holdings and Trades of Moran’
Florida Man Sentenced to Life for Theft of $4 of Socks
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Criminal law , Society 13 Comments
Dean Rockmore, 48, has the distinction of serving life for the theft of socks. The Daytona Beach man received a mandatory life sentence as a repeat offender after he ran from a store with $4 of socks.
Continue reading ‘Florida Man Sentenced to Life for Theft of $4 of Socks’
High School Football Coach Removed After Allegedly Sending Explicit Pictures To His 20-Year-Old Girlfriend
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 9 Comments
Jason Robinson, 32, has been removed as head football coach for the Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida after allegedly sending inappropriate pictures to his 20-year-old girlfriend. The age of the girlfriend makes this story rather interesting since two adults sharing such pictures should not normally be a matter for discipline let alone removal.
George Mason Law School Wins Dismissal of Rotunda Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Society 9 Comments
We have been following the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former George Mason Clinical professor Kyndra Rotunda (wife of constitutional law professor Ron Rotunda) against George Mason Law School and Dean Daniel Polsby (left). This week, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema not only dismissed the sexual harassment claims against Polsby and the school but barred Rotunda from amending her complaint.
Continue reading ‘George Mason Law School Wins Dismissal of Rotunda Sexual Harassment Lawsuit’
Illinois School Scraps Girl Varsity Basketball Team’s Visit To Arizona
Published 1, May 25, 2010 Academics , Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 29 Comments
There is a growing controversy in Illinois where School District 113 has blocked the Township High School ‘s Girls Varsity Basketball Team from traveling to Arizona in December due to the passage of that state’s controversial immigration law. I was asked to consider the argument of the District that it was compelled to bar such travel as a constitutional matter. While I respect (and share) the concerns of the Board over this law, I do not believe the trip is barred as a matter of constitutional law. Given the hard work of these girls in achieving such a honor, I believe the board should reconsider its decision if they make the championship. While there remain legitimate objections to the law, I do not believe that this bar on travel is compelled as a legal matter.
Continue reading ‘Illinois School Scraps Girl Varsity Basketball Team’s Visit To Arizona’
The man who shot this video at a Japanese Zoo insists that this is the original and was not altered in any way. You be the judge.
Continue reading ‘Kung Fu Bear’
Polling Poultry: Nevada Bans Chicken Costumes During Upcoming Election
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Bizarre , Politics 74 Comments
It appears that officials will not allow free range chickens to roam on election day in Nevada. Republican Senate candidate Sue Lowden has been ridiculed for her comment about how people used to barter for medical care. Critics have suggested that she was looking back fondly on the way “our grandparents would bring a chicken to the doctor.” Now, officials have banned chicken suits at polling places to stop critics from ridiculing Lowden.
Continue reading ‘Polling Poultry: Nevada Bans Chicken Costumes During Upcoming Election’
School’s Out: Gaza Gunmen Burn Girl’s U.N. School for Teaching “Dancing and Immorality”
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 4 Comments
While religious police in Saudi Arabia are herding Emo girls (here), gunmen in the Gaza Strip have burned down a U.N.-run summer camp for children for educating girls and playing hip hop music.
Continue reading ‘School’s Out: Gaza Gunmen Burn Girl’s U.N. School for Teaching “Dancing and Immorality”’
Mississippi School Disciplines Student For Using Foul Word After Speech Class
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 17 Comments
Hinds Community College in Mississippi is receiving some unwanted attention due to a controversy involving the discipline of Isaac Rosenbloom, 30, for using a single foul word in the presence of a teacher after a speech class.
Continue reading ‘Mississippi School Disciplines Student For Using Foul Word After Speech Class’
City of Brotherly Love: Thieves Steal Another Wheelchair From A Disabled Person in Philadelphia
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Criminal law , Society 10 Comments
Just days after we discussed the low-lives who stole a wheelchair and dog from a disabled man in Philadelphia (here), it has happened again. An eight-year-old boy who suffers from cerebral palsy had his wheelchair stolen when he went into his home briefly with his nurse.
Continue reading ‘City of Brotherly Love: Thieves Steal Another Wheelchair From A Disabled Person in Philadelphia’
Herding Emos: Saudi Religious Police Round Up Emo Girls
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 4 Comments
Saudi religious police have declared war on the emo girls. Ten “emos” were rounded up at a coffee shop at the King Abdullah University.
Continue reading ‘Herding Emos: Saudi Religious Police Round Up Emo Girls’
Meet Jose Lopez Madrigal: Accused Rapist and Nine Time Deportee
Published 1, May 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
In Edmonds, Washington, Jose Lopez Madrigal is in jail for alleged rape. He is not unfamiliar with custody, however. Police have learned that Madrigal has been deported nine times.
Continue reading ‘Meet Jose Lopez Madrigal: Accused Rapist and Nine Time Deportee’
This guy appears to be working quite hard to remove his family from the gene pool.
Continue reading ‘How Not To Get Rid Of Your Yard Trash’
Ever wonder why bears steal picnic baskets? Because no one will serve them.
Continue reading ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service’
England To Shield Identities of Alleged Rapists
Published 1, May 23, 2010 Criminal law , International , Media , Politics 33 CommentsRape shield laws have always been controversial with defense counsel and some civil libertarians because they shield the identity of the alleged victim but not the alleged attacker. Now, the coalition government in England appears ready to address that controversy by banning the identification of both alleged victims and criminal defendants in rape cases.
Continue reading ‘England To Shield Identities of Alleged Rapists’
Hopping Mad: Politics in Arizona Goes To The Frogs
Published 1, May 23, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society , Torts 19 CommentsArizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) has turned to humor and an amphibian advocate to make her case to Arizona voters — making fun at critics who have been denouncing the Arizona law without reading it. The video has become a hit and pushed Brewer ahead of her Democratic opponent in the race, Terry Goddard.
Continue reading ‘Hopping Mad: Politics in Arizona Goes To The Frogs’
Obama Official Suggests That Government May Not Process Illegal Immigrants Arrested Under Arizona Law
Published 1, May 23, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 9 Comments
The Obama Administration appears close to doing what many thought was unthinkable from a political standpoint: opposing the enforcement of federal law for any illegal immigrants caught in Arizona. That appears to be the suggestion of John Morton, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an interview this week.
Federal Agents Seize Toy Gun That Can Be Converted Into Semi-Automatic Weapon
Published 1, May 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 12 Comments
Now this would make for an interesting foreseeable misuse case. Federal authorities are reporting a toy pellet gun is being converted into a semi-automatic weapon for gang members.
Continue reading ‘Federal Agents Seize Toy Gun That Can Be Converted Into Semi-Automatic Weapon’
Air Ball: Basketball The Way God Intended It To Be Played
Published 1, May 23, 2010 Bizarre , Society 2 CommentsThese guys seems to have transcended both the NBA rules and physics to play basketball the way that football fans would want it played.
Continue reading ‘Air Ball: Basketball The Way God Intended It To Be Played’
This week’s winner as Pet of the Week is Buddha (aka “Bu”) who is the companion of Stan (who informs me that he is the one in the white cap in the picture below). Bu is a therapy dog and a canine with real character. If you are interested in nominating a pet (any species allowed), you can find the questions here.
Thieves in Philadelphia Steal Disabled Man’s Wheelchair and Dog
Published 1, May 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments
We often chronicle the standouts in criminal law, but none quite match to the villainy this week of thieves in Philadelphia who stole not just the wheelchair of a disabled man in Philadelphia but his pet dog, Bengie.
Continue reading ‘Thieves in Philadelphia Steal Disabled Man’s Wheelchair and Dog’
JetBlue Pilot Taken Off Flight After Allegedly Promising to Die “In Spectacular Fashion”
Published 1, May 22, 2010 Bizarre , Society 3 Comments
A JetBlue pilot was taken off a flight at Logan Airport this week after he allegedly threatened to kill himself “in spectacular fashion” in an email to his girlfriend.
Continue reading ‘JetBlue Pilot Taken Off Flight After Allegedly Promising to Die “In Spectacular Fashion”’
There will be a delay in any postings this weekend due to my annual trip with the family to Shrinemont, a retreat in the mountains of Virginia.
Confirmation-Lite: Clinton Library May Not Turn Over Documents For Kagan Confirmation Hearings
Published 1, May 21, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 18 Comments
Some of us have long complained that confirmation hearings have become a rather bad joke (here) — carefully choreographed events devoid of substance. While many of us thought it could not positively become more content-free, it has. The director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum has announced that the library cannot possibly turn over the prior writings of nominee Elena Kagan from her prior government service in time for the June 28, 2010 hearings. Rather than move the date, the Senate Judiciary Committee and White House appear intent on holding a hearing without the burden of knowledge of Kagan’s prior writings. Given her wafer-thin record of writing as an academic, that will guarantee a confirmation hearing that makes Dancing With the Stars looks like a tenure review meeting.
Fast Drinker, Slow Learner: Vermont Man Arrested For DUI After Serving 20 Years for Fatal DUI
Published 1, May 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 Comments
Douglas Gardner, 54, appears to have been waiting a long time for a good drink and drive. After being incarcerated for 20 years after a prior fatal DUI accident, Gardner has been arrested for his 9th DUI arrest in Saint Albans, Vermont.
Kiana Firouz: Give Her Asylum!
Published 1, May 21, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Society 29 Comments
Iranian lesbian activist Kiana Firouz has released a breakthrough film at risk to her own life — detailing her struggle as a lesbian in Iran. She is now fighting for asylum in England and the world’s community should be heard in support of the petition.
The Soprano Defense: Mafia Boss Released Early Due to Depression
Published 1, May 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 2 Comments
Mafia boss Salvatore “Vito” Vitale has been released early from prison in Italy due to depression. It appears that Vitale has found jail emotionally hard — more so than his role in murdering a 13-year-old boy and then dissolving him in acid before his incarceration.
Continue reading ‘The Soprano Defense: Mafia Boss Released Early Due to Depression’
George Washington Finally Makes Good
Published 1, May 21, 2010 Academics , Politics , Society 5 Comments
George Washington’s long and sordid history as a book scofflaw has come to an end. The library book borrowed by by Washington and never returned to the New York Society Library has been returned 221 years overdue.
Continue reading ‘George Washington Finally Makes Good’
Blumenthal: Politics’ Unlikely Walter Mitty
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 68 Comments
The controversy over Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s claim of service in the Vietnam War continues. After the New York Times was accused of leaving out exculpatory statements made by Blumenthal on one such occasion, the newspaper insists that the earlier comment does not alter the misleading representations, here. Moreover, newly disclosed statements like “I wore the uniform in Vietnam and many came back to all kinds of disrespect” undermine his defense. Below is my column today on the New York Times blog discussing the scandal.
Continue reading ‘Blumenthal: Politics’ Unlikely Walter Mitty’
Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett Issues Subpoenas To Strip Anonymity From Critics
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 14 Comments
Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has subpoenas to learn the identity of two critics on Twitter who chastised Corbett for his “Bonusgate” investigation of legislative corruption. The tweets objected to Corbett’s handling of the trials of 25 former and current state lawmakers charged with using taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes.
Forbidden Love: Gay Couple Sentenced to 14 Years in Malawi For Holding Marriage Ceremony
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 5 Comments
Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labor for holding a private wedding ceremony. The Malawi court found that such a ceremony and relationship constitutes gross indecency and involves unnatural acts. Judge Nyakwawa Usiwa-Usiwa stated he wanted to protect the public “from people like you.”
Power Play: Arizona Utility Commissioner Threatens To Cut Off Power to Los Angeles If City Boycotts State
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 59 Comments
Arizona Corporation Commission member Gary Pierce has threatened that the state may cut off power to Los Angeles if that city goes forward with a boycott of his state over its controversial immigration law. The city gets 25 percent of its power from Arizona.
Continue reading ‘Power Play: Arizona Utility Commissioner Threatens To Cut Off Power to Los Angeles If City Boycotts State’
Census-less Crimes: Census Workers Accused of Wrongdoing
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Torts 3 Comments
We have seen a rash of census workers accused of wrongdoing this month. In Indiana, Daniel Miller, 39, (left) is accused of raping a 21-year-old disabled woman after forcing his way into her home during a Census visit, here. In New Jersey, Frank J. Kuni was arrested after a woman recognized him as a sex offender. In St. Louis, a citizen was bitten in the stomach by a Census worker’s dog.
Continue reading ‘Census-less Crimes: Census Workers Accused of Wrongdoing’
Bad Hair Day: Woman Arrested After Driving 102 MPH To Salon Appointment
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 16 Comments
In South Carolina, Sandra Powell, 72, really wanted to get to that hair appointment. She was clocked at over 100 mph and, when finally caught, explained that she was late for her hair appointment.
Continue reading ‘Bad Hair Day: Woman Arrested After Driving 102 MPH To Salon Appointment’
London Unveils Its Olympic Mascots to a Collective “Huh?”
Published 1, May 20, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 10 Comments
What in the name of Mount Olympus are these things? These are the “mascots” for the London Games.
Continue reading ‘London Unveils Its Olympic Mascots to a Collective “Huh?”’
Daughter of Scientology Head in Australia Goes Public With Allegations of Abuse
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 14 Comments
The increasing wave of former Scientologists going public appears to be growing. The video below details the allegations of Scarlett Hanna, daughter of Vicki Dunstan, president of the Church of Scientology in Australia, and Mark Hanna, a former Asian/Pacific director of public affairs for the church.
Continue reading ‘Daughter of Scientology Head in Australia Goes Public With Allegations of Abuse’
Beer Appreciation Week: A Call for Craft Beers Or Beers-For-Babies?
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 17 Comments
Rep. Betsy Markey has introduced House Resolution 1297 to support “the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer Week.” Or does it? Given the current state of political discourse, I am distressed that no one has found a way to oppose this resolution and attack its sponsor. Instead, the most that has been said is that Congress has more important things to address than beer. Where is Rush Limbaugh to cut through the froth and uncover the evil Democratic purpose and plan? It should be obvious. The very same week that Democrats introduced this resolution Matthew Brace allegedly sought to sell a baby for two beers. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Continue reading ‘Beer Appreciation Week: A Call for Craft Beers Or Beers-For-Babies?’
Mazda Dealership Sells Mentally Disabled Woman a Car at a 60 Percent Mark Up After She Comes In For New Tires
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 25 Comments
We have another entry in the rotten people file today (in addition to the TSA worker who allegedly robbed a disabled person, here). Mazda of Canada has stripped Mazda of Orangeville of the right to sell its cars after it sold a mentally-disabled woman, Madeline Leonard, a 2010 Mazda 6 at a huge overcharge of $66,000 for a $41,000 car that was previously used as a demonstrator. Leonard came in to simply buy new tires.
Connecticut Supreme Court Removes Secretary of State From Ballot for Attorney General For Lack of Legal Experience
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
There is an interesting ruling out of Connecticut where the Supreme Court has issued a rare ruling barring a candidate from running for Attorney General of the state. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz will be taken off the ballot because she lacks the minimum ten years of legal experience under state law.
Continue reading ‘Connecticut Supreme Court Removes Secretary of State From Ballot for Attorney General For Lack of Legal Experience’
TSA Agent Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Money From Disabled Person at Checkpoint
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 11 Comments
Leroy Ray, a Transportation Security Administration agent at Newark Airport, has been arrested in a particularly nasty alleged crime: stealing money from a handicapped person at a security checkpoint.
Continue reading ‘TSA Agent Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Money From Disabled Person at Checkpoint’
Yachting In Space: Japanese Deploy Solar Sail to Propel Spacecraft Toward the Sun
Published 1, May 19, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Science 3 Comments
Japanese scientists are deploying a fascinating new experiment this week: a solar sail. First raised by science fiction writers like Jules Verne in 1865, the Japanese have launched a “space yacht” that will be propelled by a solar sail.
Continue reading ‘Yachting In Space: Japanese Deploy Solar Sail to Propel Spacecraft Toward the Sun’
Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich knows the horror of war. While Richard Blumenthal may know the pain and panic of service in Toys for Tots, Yanukovich has seen the ugly face of a wreath on attack.
Continue reading ‘When Wreaths Attack’
We Band of (Harvard) Brothers: Connecticut Attorney General (and Senatorial Candidate) Richard Blumenthal Accused of Lying About Service in Vietnam
Published 1, May 18, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 57 CommentsConnecticut Senatorial candidate and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is now the focus of a potentially disastrous scandal after journalists alleged that he has lied about his service in Vietnam. It appears that Blumenthal never served in Vietnam despite repeated references to such service and his difficulties in “coming home” from the war.
Continue reading ‘We Band of (Harvard) Brothers: Connecticut Attorney General (and Senatorial Candidate) Richard Blumenthal Accused of Lying About Service in Vietnam’
Jessica Halter, 18, had a prom to remember in Ohio. She is accused of assaulting an officer, a paramedic, and spitting blood at another officer.
Continue reading ‘Prom Meltdown Leads To Arrest’
Interrupted Service: Woman Sues Telephone Company After Billing Records Exposed Her Affair
Published 1, May 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Torts 10 Comments
Now this is an interesting torts case. Gabriella Nagy in Toronto is suing Rogers Wireless Inc. over its billing practices. This is not some dispute over over-charges or late penalties. Nagy is accusing the company of exposing her affair to her husband by allowing him to see her call records to her lover. He promptly left her. She is demanding $600,000 for invasion of privacy and breach of contract.
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New York Closing Parks and Historic Sites Due to Budget Shortfalls
Published 1, May 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics 54 Comments
Gov. Paterson and parks Commissioner Carol Ash are planning to close dozens of parks and historic sites to help close the state’s $9.2 billion deficit. These sites include historic locations from the Revolutionary War as well as the cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks on Long Island. We continue this downward spiral across the country as we continue to spend billions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Moreover, many of these closures and cancellations will save a million dollars or less while the Obama administration is planning to pay for a short-range missile defense system for Israel of more than $200 million and increasing military aid to over $3.15 billion this year, here.
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Obama’s Aunt Wins Asylum After Being Turned Down in 2004
Published 1, May 18, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 12 CommentsPresident Barack Obama’s Kenyan aunt Zeituni Onyango will be allowed to stay in the United States after a six-year struggle to win asylum. What is curious is that she was denied asylum in 2004 and has reportedly remained in the country illegally. Yet, Judge Leonard Shapiro ruled that she can now stay.
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Pizza to Die For: Italian Prosecutors Allege Pizzerias in Naples Have Been Using Coffin Wood
Published 1, May 18, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Torts 7 Comments
If you thought that Neapolitan pizza on your last vacation to Italy was to die for, you were more right. Italian prosecutors allege that pizzeria owners in Naples have been using coffin wood to make their pizzas and save on the cost of combustible material.
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Supreme Court Rules Government Can Hold Citizens Indefinitely If They Are Deemed Sexually Dangerous
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 50 Comments
The U.S. Supreme Court has given the federal government sweeping new authority to hold people indefinitely — even after the completion of their sentences — if they find the individuals to be “sexually dangerous.” Notably, it is a reversal of the nation’s most conservative court of appeals — the Fourth Circuit — which ruled that Congress could not impose such an open-ended denial of liberty. Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan argued for such authority, here. In the decision below written by Justice Stephen Breyer in United States v. Comstock, only two conservative justices dissented: Thomas and Scalia.
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Crowning of Arab-American As Miss USA Unleashes Torrent of Attacks From the Right
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 64 Comments
Miss Michigan Rima Fakih, 24, made history this week as the first Arab-American to win the Miss USA competition, here.
The extreme right has gone ballistic –painting Fakih as a mole for Hamas and part of some Islamic threat despite her appearing in a bikini and contradicting most conservative Islamic mores — including new allegations that she won a stripper contest, here.
Continue reading ‘Crowning of Arab-American As Miss USA Unleashes Torrent of Attacks From the Right’
Noam Chomsky Denied Entry By Israel
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Academics , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 48 Comments
Israeli authorities barred leading American intellectual Noam Chomsky entry into Israeli-controlled territory. Chomsky is a critic of Israeli policies and recently Israel has been denying entry to such critics, including United Nations officials, here..
Texas Lawyer Fires Gun At Census Worker Five Times
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 35 Comments
Texas lawyer Carolyn Barnes, 53, allegedly did not want to answer the ten questions on the census form in a big way. She is accused of firing a gun at Kathleen Gittel, a census worker, five times when she came to her door. Barnes has had a rather lengthy history of run-ins with the law and I do not mean as an advocate.
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New Zealand Court Gives Probation to Man With Violent History Who Broke Into Home of Mother and Chased Her Down the Street
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 6 Comments
This is something out of Clockwork Orange. Burt Te Manu Tangiata Rikihana, 27, was arrested in December after he forced his way into a home of a woman with a three-year-old child. He chased the mother down the street as she screamed. Despite a previous attempted murder conviction, the court gave him probation and community service which Rikihana correctly called “a joke.”
Continue reading ‘New Zealand Court Gives Probation to Man With Violent History Who Broke Into Home of Mother and Chased Her Down the Street’
Ryanair Fined 3 Million Euros for Abandoning Passengers
Published 1, May 17, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 9 Comments
Ryanair has long been condemned as leading the industry toward cattle car conditions in air travel. The budget airline headed by CEO Michael O’Leary has now been fined 3 million euro ($3.17 million) for abandoning its passengers.
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While the Calvary Episcopal Church may be bringing pets into the flock of the faithful, it is important to note that many wild animals have shown faith without the need of special programs or chewy treats.
Continue reading ‘The Pious Prairie Dog’
All Dogs Go To Heaven: Church Begins Pet Ministry
Published 1, May 16, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Calvary Episcopal Church has started what is billed as the first service for animals: the “Perfect Paws Pet Ministry” to gain Heaven for pets that heed and heel upon hearing the word of God.
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Obama to Ask For $205 Million To Give To Israel for a Rocket Defense System as Part of a $3.15 Billion Aid Package
Published 1, May 16, 2010 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 18 Comments
President Barack Obama is moving to increase military aid to Israel to $3.15 billion, including $205 million for a short-range missile defense system. With cities and states in the United States selling off parks and closing programs (and the federal deficit reaching disastrous levels), it is astonishing that the Administration is still gushing out such money — particularly for one of the wealthiest nations on Earth.
Continue reading ‘Obama to Ask For $205 Million To Give To Israel for a Rocket Defense System as Part of a $3.15 Billion Aid Package’
Heather Has Two Mommies . . . And No School: Catholic School Bars Entry to Girl Because Her Parents Are Lesbians
Published 1, May 16, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion 40 Comments
Liberal Catholics are condemning the decision of a Catholic school to bar a girl from enrollment because her parents are lesbians. The eight-year-old was originally admitted but her acceptance was rescinded by the St. Paul Elementary School in Hingham, Massachusetts.
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I give you a dancing dog.
Continue reading ‘Dancing Dog’
Lili (the pet of Blogenfreude) is this week’s winner and our first feline as Pet of the Week. Adopted in 1997 by one of my former torts students, Lili personifies the dignity and a sense of justified superiority that fits our blog so well. I have some great nominations pending so please send in your own pets. The questions can be found here.
Continue reading ‘Pet of the Week: Meet Lili’
Jury Convicted Ohio Officer in Videotaped Shooting of Unarmed Motorcyclist (Video)
Published 1, May 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 19 Comments
A jury in Ottawa Hills, Ohio has convicted Officer Thomas White of felonious assault in a trial where jurors watched a video of his shooting of Michael McCloskey, Jr. — an unarmed motorcyclist. The video is below.
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Meet Ola Mae Agee — Alleged Crack Dealer
Published 1, May 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Pensacola, Florida (The Weekly Vice) – Ola Mae Agee, 87, in Pensacola, Florida made for a rather curious mug shot this week after being arrested for allegedly selling crack to an undercover officer.
Continue reading ‘Meet Ola Mae Agee — Alleged Crack Dealer’
King: A Mosque Near Groundzero Is “Very Offensive”
Published 1, May 15, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 20 Comments
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) has publicly condemned the proposal to build a mosque two blocks from ground zero in New York. King declared that such a project “is very offensive.” Fox News host Gretchen Carlson added her own condemnation on air, declaring it a “slap in the face.”
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Autistic Child Charged With Terrorism Over School Drawing
Published 1, May 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 46 Comments
Shane Finn, 14, is an autistic eighth grader with the mental capacity of a third grader. He did something not unknown to kids around the world. He drew a stick figure of himself shooting his teacher. He is now an accused terrorist in Georgia.
Continue reading ‘Autistic Child Charged With Terrorism Over School Drawing’
Video Shows Ohio Officer Shooting Unarmed Motor Cyclist
Published 1, May 14, 2010 Bizarre , Society 32 CommentsThe trial of Ottawa Hills, Ohio Officer Thomas White has begun with a startling videotape of his shooting biker Michael McCloskey. White had followed McCloskey and his friends as they raced on their Harley Davidsons.
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California Teacher Reportedly Finds Flag Picture Offensive
Published 1, May 14, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 22 Comments
Just a week after students were told to take off their tee-shirts showing the American flag as offensive on Cinco de Mayo, a California middle student was told that her drawing of an American flag with the words God Bless America was offensive.
Continue reading ‘California Teacher Reportedly Finds Flag Picture Offensive’
Video: Columbia Professor Faints on Glenn Beck Show
Published 1, May 14, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Society 13 CommentsThis video from April shows Professor David Buckner fainting on the Glenn Beck Show. What is notable is how no one but Beck comes to the man’s aid.
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Houston Teacher Fired After Release of Beating Video
Published 1, May 14, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 9 CommentsHouston teacher Sheri Davis has attained a degree of infamy after the release of a videotape showing her beating a 13-year-old student in front of her classroom.
She has been terminated from employment.
Continue reading ‘Houston Teacher Fired After Release of Beating Video’
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