Civil liberties groups have long objected that President Barack Obama has continued and even expanded on many of George Bush’s abuses in the area of national security, including blocking any investigation into the torture program. Now, civil liberties groups are targeting Obama’s continued use of an assassination list and his assertion that he can simply kill a U.S. citizen without any criminal charge or trial.
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Archive for August, 2010
Civil Rights Groups Challenge Obama’s Assassination List
Published 1, August 31, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 48 CommentsWith Friends Like This: Juror Faces Contempt Charge After Suggesting Defendant Was Guilty on Facebook Before The Verdict
Published 1, August 31, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law 10 Comments
Hadley Jons of Warren, Michigan may want to look at who her “friends” are on Facebook. One of them blew the whistle when she indicated that a defendant was guilty in a trial for resisting arrest before the verdict in the case. Now, she faces a possible contempt charge.
Continue reading ‘With Friends Like This: Juror Faces Contempt Charge After Suggesting Defendant Was Guilty on Facebook Before The Verdict’
Rep. Johnson Accused of Nepotism and Abuse of Scholarships
Published 1, August 31, 2010 Academics , Congress , Society 6 Comments
Dallas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson has been accused of nepotism and abuse in the awarding of thousands of dollars in college scholarships to four relatives and a top aide’s two children. Scholarships came from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
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Putin’em In Their Place: Russian Leader Defends Police Brutality as Just Desserts For Protesters
Published 1, August 31, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 21 Comments
Vladimir Putin took time off this week from trying to become a Russian action figure as a firefighter, whale shooter, and Hells Angel to return to a common conventional role: Russian dictator. With protests scheduled around Russia concerning the loss of civil liberties and his own prolonged rule, Putin defended any use of police brutalilty — promising protesters that they should expect a “whack on the bonce”.
Sixty Percent of Americans View Palin As Unqualified To Be President — Two Percent Say She Is A Muslim
Published 1, August 30, 2010 Politics , Religion , Society 106 Comments
According to a recent poll, sixty percent of Americans view Sarah Palin as unqualified to be President while a huge seventy percent lack confidence in her. My favorite aspect of the poll is that two percent believe she is a Muslim.
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Afghan President Karzai Fires Top Prosecutor To Halt Corruption Investigations
Published 1, August 30, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 17 Comments
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been widely denounced for rampant corruption, including reportedly huge amounts of money funneled to his family and particularly his powerful brothers. Now, he has dispensed with any semblance of neutrality (and honesty) and has fired his most senior prosecutor Fazel Ahmed Faqiryar for his insistence on investigating corruption. The United States is in a poor position to criticize. Not only have we long turned a blind eye to billions stolen in corruption but it was recently revealed that the CIA is bribing various members of Karzai’s government.
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Billions Wasted in Iraq As U.S. States Cut Back Basic Services
Published 1, August 30, 2010 Congress , International , Politics , Society 42 Comments
As U.S. cities and states closing or selling off parks (here and here) or suspending basic services, another report has confirmed billions of new hospitals and facilities were built in Iraq and then left to rot.
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Leading Israeli Rabbi and Shas Party Leader Calls for a Plague on President Mahmoud Abbas and The Palestinian People Before The Start of Negotiations
Published 1, August 30, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 26 Comments
Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef called for a lethal plague on the head of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people — shortly before the start of negotiations with the Palestinians.
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This is Meeska, the talking dog who will tell you what you need to know after a long day at work.
Continue reading ‘Husky Love’
CIA Reportedly Bribing Large Number of Afghan Officials
Published 1, August 29, 2010 International , Military , Politics , Society 22 Comments
The Bush and Obama Administration have made great public pronouncements about working to address the rampant corruption among Afghan leaders who have reportedly stolen millions of dollars. The Administration may want to start with its own bribes. A report has revealed that the CIA is making regular secret payments to members of President Hamid Karzai’s administration. It appears bribes from the United States are not really corruption because we are doing the corrupting.
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Manhattan Judge Resigns After Pornography Found On Court Computer
Published 1, August 29, 2010 Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Disgraced Manhattan judge James Gibbons, an ex-prosecutor, has resigned after court officials found a large amount of pornography on his work computer. Gibbons earlier had attracted controversy over fathering a son with a young Legal Aid lawyer.
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Family Reportedly Filmed Catholic Priest Having Relations With Teen Daughter In Their Home
Published 1, August 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion 16 Comments
A Pennsylvania family has revealed that they took a videotape of their teenage daughter having sex at their home with a Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Luis A. Bonilla Margarito. They allege that he is also the father of a child by the girl who was a senior at a Catholic high school in Reading.
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War Veteran and Amputee Denied Handicapped Sticker Because He “May Get Better”
Published 1, August 29, 2010 Bizarre , International , Military , Politics , Society 11 Comments
In England, Lance Corporal Johno is facing a bit of a high demand from his government. After losing a leg in Afghanistan, Johno applied three times for a disabled parking badge. They finally informed him of the reason: he “may get better.”
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Passing the D Cup: Politician Raffles Off Breast Implants to Raise Campaign Cash
Published 1, August 29, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Gustavo Rojas, a Venezuelan legislative candidate, is passing around the cup for campaign donations and hit upon a novel raffle: free breast implants.
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I Have a Nightmare: Glenn Beck To Speak At Lincoln Memorial
Published 1, August 28, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 262 Comments
Today is the day for Fox News commentator Glenn Beck to share his dream on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
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Man Looking For “Ghost Train” Killed By Real Train
Published 1, August 28, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 7 Comments
In Statesville, North Carolina, Christopher Kaiser, 29, was looking for the famed “ghost train” of Iredell County when he encountered a real train around 2:45 a.m. Though tragic, in any litigation, his death would likely be treated as an assumption of the risk.
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Urine in the Fast Lane: Researchers Discover Method of Powering Fuel Cells With Human Urine
Published 1, August 28, 2010 Academics , Environment , Science , Society 10 Comments
We previously saw how researchers found a way to power cars with human waste. Now, chemistry experts have learned how to convert human urine into fuel cells. Dubbed “pee-power,” the advance could open up a literally free flowing force of energy.
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American Airlines Hit With Record Fine For Safety Violations
Published 1, August 27, 2010 Politics , Society 9 Comments
American Airlines has been hit with the largest fine in history for safety violations which may cause customers pause before using the carrier. The $24.2 million civil penalty addressing American Airlines’ failure to properly inspect wire bundles in the wheel wells of its MD-80 aircraft.
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Baby Dies After Hospital Staff Use Alcohol Rather Than Saline To Flush System
Published 1, August 27, 2010 Society , Torts 25 Comments
There is a terrible case of malpractice in Findlay, Ohio. Tressel Meinardi, 7 months, son of Emilie and Scott Meinardi, had open heart surgery but the staff at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital mistakingly used alcohol rather than saline to flushed his system — killing the baby.
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Saudi Arabian Couple Allegedly Implant 24 Nails and a Needle in the Feet and Forehead of Maid
Published 1, August 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 26 Comments
There has been a large number of stories about the abuse of maids and household staff in Saudi Arabia, particularly among foreign workers. However, doctors were still shocked to examine Mrs. L.T. Ariyawathi, 49, a mother of three. She was less than five months in Saudi Arabia and returned with 24 nails in her foot and a needle implanted in her forehead. Punishments by her employers.
Grand Mufti of Dubai Calls For Ban on Marriages To Non-Muslims
Published 1, August 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
Ever wonder if anyone has ever answered the call of a preacher asking if “anyone objects to this union” at a marriage? The Grand Mufti of Dubai is that guy. The Grand Mufti Dr Ahmad al-Haddad, the emirate’s most senior Islamic scholar has called for a ban on Dubai citizens marrying non-Muslims to protect the Islamic faith.
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Teens Foul A Pool and Receive Burglary Charge
Published 1, August 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 16 Comments
This story only intrigued me due to one of the mug shots for Andrew Harris, 18, and Michael Cline, 19. These teens were caught defecating in a hotel pool as a joke. Once arrested, it is a good idea to look a bit contrite. God help his lawyer if his mug shot is actually shown to the judge.
Continue reading ‘Teens Foul A Pool and Receive Burglary Charge’
Man Sues PetSmart Store For $1 Million After Slipping On Dog Poop
Published 1, August 26, 2010 Bizarre , Torts 26 Comments
PetSmart is facing a negligence lawsuit over an injury but the real culprit fled the scene on all fours. Robert Holloway, 69, went to PetSmart for bird seed and dog food and slipped on a pile of dog poop. The accident cost him four teeth and a back injury. However, they were four false teeth. He is suing for $1 million.
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Teen Saves Drowning Boy and Then Receives $2000 Bill From Hospital
Published 1, August 26, 2010 Bizarre , Society 24 CommentsThis falls under the category of no good deed goes unpunished. Treval Hall, 17, saved a drowning boy in Kenosha, Wisconsin and was taken to a hospital with the boy. His reward for saving Aaron Puente, 14, was a bill from Aurora Medical Center for more than $2000.
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A Yen for Futons: Court Orders Woman To Pay One Million Yen For Unreasonable Futon Hitting
Published 1, August 26, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Now this is a nuisance case that has a uniquely Japanese character. Judge Akihiro Takemura of the Osaka District Court has ordered a 63-year-old woman to pay 1 million yen in damages to a 72-year-old neighbor for years of noisy futon pounding.
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Man Lights Another Man Dressed as Sheep on Fire — Friends Try Unsuccessfully To Douse Flames With Alcohol
Published 1, August 25, 2010 Bizarre , International , Torts 14 Comments
A case in England shows that Torts exams are not so fanciful after all. Peter Wallace, 24, was returning on a train with fellow Hiberinian soccer fans — many of who were dressed in costumes (which the English call “fancy dress.”) One man was dressed as a sheep and Wallace thought it was funny to constantly flick his lighter near the cotton balls covering his body — until he burst into flames. Friends then made the matter worse by trying to douse the flames but throwing alcohol on the flaming man-sheep. Even worse, the victim Aberdeen supporter Arjuna Rabindranath, 24, is an Aberdeen soccer fan.
Meet Mary Bale: Cat Dumper
Published 1, August 25, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 19 CommentsThe search is over for the woman shown on this video petting a cat and then dumping it into a closed trash can. As we previously discussed, people in Coventry have been looking for the woman who turns out to be Mary Bale, a customer services assistant with the Royal Bank of Scotland.
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Grandfather Arrested For Allegedly Smuggling Drugs To Grandson in Jail
Published 1, August 25, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 9 Comments
Previously, we saw a mother who was arrested smuggling drugs into a prison. Now we have Richard Heritz, 85, who was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle marijuana into jail for his grandson.
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Bad Egg: Investigators Round Up One of Their Alleged Usual Suspects
Published 1, August 25, 2010 Criminal law , Society , Torts 18 Comments
The growing Salmonella outbreak has led investigators back to a familiar character: Austin “Jack” DeCoster — head of Wright County Eggs. Investigators have stated that there has been much wrong with Wright Eggs for years from sanitation violations to unsafe work conditions to hiring of illegal immigrants to sexual abuse of female employees.
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Gators! Alligator Crawls Out of New York Sewer
Published 1, August 24, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Environment 10 Comments
Finally, an urban legend is proven. The story of alligators living in the New York sewers has long been a popular urban legend — supposedly flushed down toilets after being brought back as babies from Florida by New York kids.
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Mass Rape In The Congo Near U.N. Compound
Published 1, August 24, 2010 Criminal law , International 20 Comments
International groups have been struggling for years to get action from countries on the epidemic of rape in Africa. There are now reports of a premeditated mass rape of an entire village by Hutu rebels, who gang raped roughly 200 women and girls as well as two baby boys.
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Federal Court Blocks Human Stem Cell Research
Published 1, August 24, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
United States District Court Judge Royce Lamberth has issued an order that is a serious blow to those of us who have advocated the expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction to stop all such funding under the new Obama policy.
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Good Judge or Bad Gamble in Nevada: Judge Orders Defendant To Write Report Criticizing Drug Policies as Punishment
Published 1, August 24, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 9 Comments
Nevada Judge Dave Gamble has issued a curious sentence to a drug defendant. Matthew Palazzolo, 25, was ordered to write a report on the “nonsensical character” of medical marijuana laws and how pot is a gateway drug. In my view it is an improper sentence that should result in not just a reversal but a review of Gamble’s conduct.
Continue reading ‘Good Judge or Bad Gamble in Nevada: Judge Orders Defendant To Write Report Criticizing Drug Policies as Punishment’
People in Coventry are looking for this woman who is shown outside of the Sacred Heart School first petting a cat and then dumping it into a trash can.
Continue reading ‘Not a Cat Person’
Three Top Officers Demoted in Indianapolis Over Botched Investigation of Officer
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
The Second In Command of the Indianapolis Police Department and two other officers have been demoted over their handling of an officer who killed a motorcyclist in an alleged drunken accident. Assistant Chief Darryl Pierce, Deputy Chief Ron Hicks and Homeland Security Commander John Conley will now hold the rank of lieutenant.
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Minneapolis Pays $165,000 To Zombies
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 13 Comments
The recent crackdown in Minnesota on zombies has resulted in an expensive settlement. The city has agreed to pay them $165,000– which goes far on the average vombie expense account.
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“New Dawn” in Iraq A Lot Like The “Old Dawn”
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Military , Politics , Society 14 Comments
The Administration’s much celebrated shift from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn has been criticized as deceptive given the over 50,000 soldiers remaining in the country. Now, according to Army Times, it appears that the Administration simply renamed combat units and left them in the country.
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Connecticut Woman Arrested After Trying To Deposit Envelope of Cocaine At Deposit Window
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 14 Comments
In this economy, everyone is being a bit more careful with their assets. So Kendl Murphy, 43, was just trying to be responsible when she pulled into a South Windsor, Connecticut drive-thru deposit window to make her deposit: an envelope filled with cocaine.
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Got Milk? Not At This Price . . .
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 12 Comments
There is an interesting dispute in Maine where the state has demanded that Shaw’s Supermarket end a milk giveaway promotion as violative of state law protecting intra-state dairies.
Continue reading ‘Got Milk? Not At This Price . . .’
Mad Mullah Men: Iranians Unveil New Cruise Missile Named “The Ambassador of Death”
Published 1, August 23, 2010 Bizarre , International , Military , Politics , Society 13 Comments
You have to love those advertising Mad Mullah Men of Tehran. Faced with the challenge of naming their new unnamed bomber, the Iranians have dubbed the 4-meter-long drone “The Ambassador of Death.”
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If these kittens are not named Yin and Yang, there is something terribly wrong with this world,
Starving Women In Pakistan Barred By Muslim Tenets From Accepting Aid From Male Relief Workers
Published 1, August 22, 2010 International , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
In Pakistan, religious prohibitions are increasing the death rate among women and children. Eighty-five percent of homeless individuals after the flooding are women and children. However, Muslim tenets prohibit women from receiving aid from males — leaving them in some cases to choose between starvation if they avoid the aid or possible beatings if they are seen accepting the aid from male aid workers.
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English Writer Exposes Practice of First Cousin Marriage Among Pakistanis
Published 1, August 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics 17 CommentsTazeen Ahmad has written a simply incredible article below on the long-ignored problems associated with the marriage of first cousins by Pakistani families in England and other parts of the world. Ahmad not only describes the birth defects that arise but the pressure that led to first cousin marriages in her own family.
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Murdering Little Death: Mexican Woman Arrested in Murder of Midget Wrestlers
Published 1, August 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 4 Comments
We previously followed the murder investigation of twin midget wrestlers Alejandro “Espectrito” and Alberto “La Parkita” (“Little Death”) Perez Jimenez. Now, a 65-year-old woman has been arrested after being identified on surveillance video.
Continue reading ‘Murdering Little Death: Mexican Woman Arrested in Murder of Midget Wrestlers’
Friending the Dear One: Only 65 People Join North Korea’s New Facebook Page
Published 1, August 21, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 13 Comments
No wonder the Dear One — North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il — is in such a bad mood lately with his sinking of a South Korean ship and promising to unleash a nuclear holocaust. His minions created a Facebook page for North Korea but only 65 have friended him. That would just account for embassy staff or CIA monitors.
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Farewell To a Highland Laddie: Billy Millin, One of The Greatest of the Greatest Generation
Published 1, August 21, 2010 International , Military 14 Comments
For military buffs, he is one of our favorite characters from Normandy: Billy Millin, the Scottish bagpiper who bravely walked the beaches on D-Day playing the “Highland Laddie” while men were shot around him. MIllin died this week — one of the truly greatest of the greatest generation.
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This video is almost hypnotic.
Continue reading ‘You Call Those Bubbles, Kid? I’ll Show You Bubbles’
Oh, There It Is: Oil Plume Found 22 Miles Long and 3000 Feet Deep Despite Administration’s Public Statements
Published 1, August 20, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 36 Comments
Faced with widespread criticism over its response to the BP oil spill and the President’s plan to lift the ban on drilling along the pristine areas off our East Coast, the Obama Administration launched a public campaign with officials like Carol Browner proclaiming that the oil seemed to just disappear. This was done a few days before the announcement that the President was going to allow drilling to resume. Now, that amazing disappearing oil has been located — an oil plume at least 22 miles long and 3,000 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Seattle’s Judge Judy Suspended For Abusive Courtroom Conduct
Published 1, August 20, 2010 Bizarre , Lawyering , Politics , Society 30 Comments
Judge Judith Raub Eiler has been billed Seattle’s Judge Judy — abrasive and grandstanding. Her reviews, however, have become increasingly harsh from her colleagues who suspended her for her abusive treatment of lawyers and parties.
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Skating Star Kurt Browning Burns Mansion With Leaf Blower
Published 1, August 20, 2010 Bizarre , Society 17 Comments
Canadian figure skating champion Kurt Browning has helped teach people around the world how to do a triple axel. He can now add a lesson on how not to dry out your Porsche convertible.
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