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.
Continue reading ‘Civil Rights Groups Challenge Obama’s Assassination List’
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 105 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.
Continue reading ‘Sixty Percent of Americans View Palin As Unqualified To Be President — Two Percent Say She Is A Muslim’
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.
Continue reading ‘Afghan President Karzai Fires Top Prosecutor To Halt Corruption Investigations’
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.
Continue reading ‘Billions Wasted in Iraq As U.S. States Cut Back Basic Services’
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.
Continue reading ‘Leading Israeli Rabbi and Shas Party Leader Calls for a Plague on President Mahmoud Abbas and The Palestinian People Before The Start of Negotiations’
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.
Continue reading ‘CIA Reportedly Bribing Large Number of Afghan Officials’
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.
Continue reading ‘Manhattan Judge Resigns After Pornography Found On Court Computer’
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.
Continue reading ‘Family Reportedly Filmed Catholic Priest Having Relations With Teen Daughter In Their Home’
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.”
Continue reading ‘War Veteran and Amputee Denied Handicapped Sticker Because He “May Get Better”’
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.
Continue reading ‘Passing the D Cup: Politician Raffles Off Breast Implants to Raise Campaign Cash’
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.
Continue reading ‘I Have a Nightmare: Glenn Beck To Speak At Lincoln Memorial’
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.
Continue reading ‘Man Looking For “Ghost Train” Killed By Real Train’
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.
Continue reading ‘Urine in the Fast Lane: Researchers Discover Method of Powering Fuel Cells With Human Urine’
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 21 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.
Continue reading ‘Baby Dies After Hospital Staff Use Alcohol Rather Than Saline To Flush System’
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.
Continue reading ‘Grand Mufti of Dubai Calls For Ban on Marriages To Non-Muslims’
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 22 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.
Continue reading ‘Man Sues PetSmart Store For $1 Million After Slipping On Dog Poop’
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.
Continue reading ‘Teen Saves Drowning Boy and Then Receives $2000 Bill From Hospital’
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.
Continue reading ‘A Yen for Futons: Court Orders Woman To Pay One Million Yen For Unreasonable Futon Hitting’
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.
Continue reading ‘Meet Mary Bale: Cat Dumper’
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.
Continue reading ‘Grandfather Arrested For Allegedly Smuggling Drugs To Grandson in Jail’
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.
Continue reading ‘Bad Egg: Investigators Round Up One of Their Alleged Usual Suspects’
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.
Continue reading ‘Gators! Alligator Crawls Out of New York Sewer’
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.
Continue reading ‘Three Top Officers Demoted in Indianapolis Over Botched Investigation of Officer’
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.
Continue reading ‘“New Dawn” in Iraq A Lot Like The “Old Dawn”’
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.
Continue reading ‘Starving Women In Pakistan Barred By Muslim Tenets From Accepting Aid From Male Relief Workers’
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.
Continue reading ‘Friending the Dear One: Only 65 People Join North Korea’s New Facebook Page’
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.
Continue reading ‘Farewell To a Highland Laddie: Billy Millin, One of The Greatest of the Greatest Generation’
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 16 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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Wanted: Medicine Man for Uncle Sam
Published 1, August 20, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion 19 Comments
Are you a medicine man looking for gainful employment with excellent medical benefits? Perhaps you should consider an exciting career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is looking for their own medicine man to administer to Native American inmates.
Continue reading ‘Wanted: Medicine Man for Uncle Sam’
Spine for a Spine: Saudi Judge Seeks Doctors To Paralyze Defendant Under Sharia Law
Published 1, August 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 21 Comments
We have a new outrage produced by the Sharia courts. This one comes from Saudi Arabia where a judge sees no reason why he should stop at “an eye for an eye” when he might be able to order a spine for a spine. “Judge” Saoud bin Suleiman al-Youssef asked hospitals to inform him of whether they can perform an operation to paralyze the man.
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Turns Out The “New Dawn” Is A Lot Like The “Old Dawn”
Published 1, August 19, 2010 International , Military , Politics 61 CommentsThe Administration has heralded the withdrawal of the last combat troops from Iraq as evidence that it is partially keeping campaign promises to pull out of Iraq. What has been largely ignored in coverage is not only that 50,000 military personnel remain but the Administration is going to double the number of security contractors to take up the slack. That is the change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn.
Continue reading ‘Turns Out The “New Dawn” Is A Lot Like The “Old Dawn”’
Right-Wing Internet Host At Center of Violent Speech Case
Published 1, August 19, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Society 40 Comments
The conviction of right-wing Internet radio host Harold C. Turner of threatening three federal judges sets the stage for an interesting appellate fight over the first amendment. The case involving some of the best known Seventh Circuit judges — William J. Bauer, Frank H. Easterbrook and Richard A. Posner — was heard in New York by a Brooklyn jury. Two prior trials led to mistrials.
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Lawyer Gets $6 Million After Colleague Falls On Her On Dance Floor
Published 1, August 19, 2010 International , Lawyering , Society , Torts 12 Comments
A Vancouver lawyer has secured a remarkably large award of $6 million for injuries sustained when a colleague at the law firm of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP fell back on her while dancing. What is striking is that Michelle Marie Danicek, 32 was able to get full payment for her future earnings as a lawyer in the case.
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Red Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, and Dead Squirrel: English Man Drowns Squirrel in Defiance of State
Published 1, August 19, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Environment , International 12 Comments
Norris Atthey, founder of The Morpeth Red Squirrel Action Group, was intent on making a statement about humane culling (some would say killing) of squirrels. Thus, in a move designed to provoke the authorities, he publicly announced his drowning of a grey squirrel. As a result, the squirrel died and Mr. Atthey, 67, was forced to plead guilty to a charge of animal cruelty.
Continue reading ‘Red Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, and Dead Squirrel: English Man Drowns Squirrel in Defiance of State’
Bartender Flambé: Virginia Police Arrest Flaming Bartenders
Published 1, August 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 5 Comments
No, this is not a case involving an unconstitutional crackdown on a gay bar. Two fire-breathing bartenders — Tegee Rogers, 33, and Justin Fedorchak, 39, — are the center of an interesting legal fight. The two men face up to 45 years in prison each for performing flaming bar tricks at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon, Virginia.
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650 Million Year Old Fossil or 650 Million Year Miscalculation?
Published 1, August 19, 2010 Religion , Science 5 Comments
Scientists believe that they have found the oldest record of animal life on Earth: 650 Million year old fossil sponges in Australia. For their part, Creationists this week believe they have found an almost 650 million year miscalculation by scientists who seem to forget that the Earth is only 5000 years old — as established by the Bible and Palintology.
Continue reading ’650 Million Year Old Fossil or 650 Million Year Miscalculation?’
The Last Full Measure of Depravity: Developers Push For Gettysburg Casino
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Politics , Society 33 Comments
We have followed earlier controversies involving the development of Civil War battlefields and historic areas by Disney, Walmart, and other corporations — often with the help of local politicians bent on trading their heritage for short-term gains. We can now add Gettysburg where local politicians have been pushing for a Gettysburg Casino over the objections of preservationists.
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“Death By Hooker”: English Banker Tricks Katie’s Lovely Escorts Into Carrying Out Real Execution
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 13 Comments
English Police are dealing with a truly bizarre crime. Colin Birch, 44, was an assistant Vice President at Deutsche Bank in London who was recently laid off. He arranged for two escorts to meet him in the forest to punish him and carry out a faux execution. However, it turned out to be real with Birch hanging in the forest in what police have called “death by hooker.”
Louisiana Man Charged With 473 Counts of Sexual Assault on Underage Relative
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 12 Comments
Among accused child molesters, Holland McMorris, 63 in Tioga, La. may set a record. He was charged with 473 counts of sexual assault after he allegedly molested an underage relative for more than three years.
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Did Lou Gehrig Have Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Science , Society 11 Comments
The New York Times has an interesting article that explores recent suggestions that Yankees legend Lou Gehrig may not have had Lou Gehrig’s disease. It turns out that “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” may have been felled by concussions or brain trauma.
Continue reading ‘Did Lou Gehrig Have Lou Gehrig’s Disease?’
Mass Vampire Bat Attacks Reported in Peru
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Environment , International 5 Comments
Just when you have overcome those childhood fears of bats . . . . four children have died in Peru from an outbreak of rabies spread by vampire bats.
Continue reading ‘Mass Vampire Bat Attacks Reported in Peru’
American Taliban: Meet Michael Voris
Published 1, August 18, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 79 Comments Meet Michael Voris who believes that the country needs a dictator who is “benevolent” and most importantly a Catholic. Voris advocates Catholic rule for the nation in this video, which surprisingly does not appear to be a joke.
Continue reading ‘American Taliban: Meet Michael Voris’
Taliban Stones Couple To Death — With Support of Our Allies
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 29 Comments
The Taliban resume public executions on Sunday by stoning to death a young couple who had committed the crime of falling in love and eloping. The couple — Khayyam, 25, and Siddiqa, 19 — publicly proclaimed their love for each other and reportedly refused to yield to the fanatics who are retaking control of parts of the country.
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Anzio Landing: Italian Police Investigate Topless “Attractive Woman” Putting On Sun Lotion
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 29 Comments
While the French are cracking down on people walking around in bathing suits, the Italians are dealing with the case of the over-oiled sun bather. Anzio beach has not seen such fierce fighting since the Fifth Army’s VI Corps landed in 1944. The cause was a single Italian woman who was putting on sun lotion in a “sensual” way. The woman is described by police as “attractive” and topless. A mother brought the charge and said that the scene was a distraction for her sons aged 12 and 14.
Oh Canada: Government Criticized After Ex-Sex Offender Found Administering Bizarre Penile Test on Children
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , International 13 Comments
What would be the most sought after job for an ex-sex offender. According to the article below, an ex-offender got a job operating a bizarre device used in Canada called the penile plethysmography (PPG) on children. It has been used for 25 years before finally be stopped by the Canadian government.
Continue reading ‘Oh Canada: Government Criticized After Ex-Sex Offender Found Administering Bizarre Penile Test on Children’
Government Cover Up: France Cracking Down on Tourists in Bathing Suits
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 8 Comments
It appears that it is not simply Muslim countries arresting people for walking around in bathing suits after complaints of tourists walking around with “hairy chests.” French officials are now threatening male tourists in France with $48 fines for walking around without their shirts on and may soon begin sanctioning women walking around in bikinis at seaside places like Cannes and St. Tropez.
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Expanding the Flock: Researchers Find Over 1000 Brits Are Offspring of Catholic Priests
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 9 Comments
At least 1000 British citizens use the term “father” with special meaning in reference to Catholic priests. Research has found that at least 1000 Brits are the children of Catholic priests.
Continue reading ‘Expanding the Flock: Researchers Find Over 1000 Brits Are Offspring of Catholic Priests’
Not So Suttle: Man Charged With Relieving Himself on Officer’s Shoe
Published 1, August 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 3 Comments
Tyrelle Suttle, 21, is facing a rare felony: urinating on the shoe and leg of an officer. The alleged crime occurred after his arrest for public drunkenness and criminal mischief in Northhampton, Pa.
Continue reading ‘Not So Suttle: Man Charged With Relieving Himself on Officer’s Shoe’
Ohio Man Allegedly Rapes Teen Who Then Has His Child — Then (Ten Years Later) He Allegedly Molests The Daughter
Published 1, August 16, 2010 Criminal law 13 CommentsThere is a highly disturbing case out of Ohio where Richard Stephson, 55, is facing molestation charges that he allegedly abused his daughter for years. That is bad enough. However, police charge that this was the child that resulted from Stephson raping and impregnating a teenage girl years before.
Continue reading ‘Ohio Man Allegedly Rapes Teen Who Then Has His Child — Then (Ten Years Later) He Allegedly Molests The Daughter’
Mr. Sloppy Plows Truck Into Crowd and Kills Eight Bystanders
Published 1, August 16, 2010 Society , Torts 8 Comments
The death of eight people and injuring of dozens of others at the California 200 desert race races some serious liability questions. The accident occurred after Brett M. Sloppy, 28, (unfortunate name in this instance) lost control of his modified 2000 Ford Ranger and went airborne. He landed on people standing dangerously close to the open track.
Continue reading ‘Mr. Sloppy Plows Truck Into Crowd and Kills Eight Bystanders’
Packing Heat: Men Arrested After Allegedly Hiding Sawed Off Shotgun in Stroller With 8-Month Old Baby
Published 1, August 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 8 Comments
Daryl McGregory, 19, and Michael Nelson, 22, are facing charges after police found that they were pushing a stroller around with not just a baby but a sawed-off shotgun.
Continue reading ‘Packing Heat: Men Arrested After Allegedly Hiding Sawed Off Shotgun in Stroller With 8-Month Old Baby’
The Ice Man: Oregon Man Arrested for Making Dry Ice Bombs
Published 1, August 16, 2010 Bizarre , Courts 13 Comments
Douglas Kaynor, 59, is facing some charges that make him sound like he is an al qaeda operative. Kaynor was arrested for an act tried by countless teenagers: making a bomb out of dry ice and soda bottles. He is now facing, however, some serious charges and a long potential jail stint.
Continue reading ‘The Ice Man: Oregon Man Arrested for Making Dry Ice Bombs’
English Social Workers Pay For Prostitutes and Lap Dances for Welfare Clients
Published 1, August 16, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 14 Comments
Public relief officials in England have approved funding prostitutes and lap dances for the disabled as legitimate expenses under social services regulations. In one case, local officials paid off on the use of public funds for a prostitute in Amsterdam.
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This is either the most incriminating paper trail or the worst frame job in history.
Continue reading ‘Following The Paper Trail’
Heretical Hit: Catholic Pastor’s Video Challenging Church Doctrine Goes Viral
Published 1, August 15, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 8 CommentsRev. Joseph Breen, longtime pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church in Nashville has become a hit with a video that some conservative Catholics are calling nothing short of heresy. On the video, Breen challenges the Church’s rules on celibate priests, birth control and papal authority.
Continue reading ‘Heretical Hit: Catholic Pastor’s Video Challenging Church Doctrine Goes Viral’
Denver Police Department Fights Efforts to Fire Officer Who Is Shown Attacking Man Speaking on a Cell Phone
Published 1, August 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 49 Comments
There is a controversy in Denver over the handling of a police camera and the appropriate punishment of an officer shown beating two men. The incident was caught on Denver’s High Activity Location Observation video surveillance (H.A.L.O) system.
Continue reading ‘Denver Police Department Fights Efforts to Fire Officer Who Is Shown Attacking Man Speaking on a Cell Phone’
CNN: America’s Most Infested News Organization
Published 1, August 15, 2010 Media , Society 11 Comments
The growing bed bug epidemic in New York has now reached the Fourth Estate. CNN, billed as the Most Trusted Name in News, is now the most infested. The Time Warner Center has been declared over-run by bed bugs.
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AA (Texas Style): Judge Sentences Drunk Driver To Life Imprisonment
Published 1, August 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 20 Comments
We have seen some cases raising questions over the leniency shown repeat drunk drivers. However, one Texas judge has now gone to the other far extreme and sentenced Bobby Stovall, 54, to life in prison for his ninth DUI.
Continue reading ‘AA (Texas Style): Judge Sentences Drunk Driver To Life Imprisonment’
Video Shows Slater Sliding To Freedom At Kennedy Airport
Published 1, August 14, 2010 Bizarre , Society 7 Comments
NBC has released this video showing ex-flight attendant Steven Slaters wild ride down the escape slide on his JetBlue flight. In the meantime, JetBlue has been criticized for not cooperating in the early investigation of the incident.
Continue reading ‘Video Shows Slater Sliding To Freedom At Kennedy Airport’
“Baby Bong” Mother Claims Innocence in Allegation of Getting Baby High
Published 1, August 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 8 Comments
Rachel Stieringer, 19, is facing a firestorm criticism after she posted a picture of her baby with her bong. While the picture seems to show the baby smoking the bong, Stieringer insists that it was a joke and notes that there was no bowl on the bong.
Continue reading ‘“Baby Bong” Mother Claims Innocence in Allegation of Getting Baby High’
Gilded Lead Foot: Driver Hit With $1 Million Speeding Ticket
Published 1, August 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 26 Comments
A motorist was caught doing 180 mph in his Mercedes sports car in Switzerland and now may set the world record for a speeding ticket at $1 million or £656,000.
Continue reading ‘Gilded Lead Foot: Driver Hit With $1 Million Speeding Ticket’
Ontario Woman Arrested Over Alleged Sham Cancer
Published 1, August 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 6 Comments
We have previously followed people who either fake being wounded soldiers or cancer patients. Now we can add the name of Ashley Anne Kirilow, 23, of Ontario, Canada. She was arrested for allegedly faking cancer to rake in thousands of dollars in charity donations.
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South Carolina Senatorial Candidate Alvin Greene Indicted
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics 31 Comments
In South Carolina, U.S. Senate candidate Alvin Greene has been hit with a felony indictment for showing pornography to a South Carolina college student. The grand jury issued the indictment for disseminating, procuring or promoting obscenity. As expressed earlier, I have serious reservations about this charge. He was also given a misdemeanor charge of communicating obscene materials to a person without consent.
Continue reading ‘South Carolina Senatorial Candidate Alvin Greene Indicted’
Paris Hilton Sued For Wearing Wrong Hair
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 21 Comments
Paris Hilton is the subject of a fascinating lawsuit over her wearing the wrong hair. Hilton, 32, is being sued for fraud and breach of contract by Hairtech International Inc. after she wore hair extensions of another company when she was supposed to be marketing their own product.
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Psychic Leads Police To Spot in Murder Vision in a Missing Child Case Only To Discover Another Body
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 34 Comments
Question: if you hire a psychic to find a body and she directs you to a different body, are you still obligated to pay a finder fee? Psychic Cheryl Carroll-Lagerwey is being given credit for directing police to a spot in a park in Australia in the search of a missing child. Instead, the police found the headless torso of an adult woman.
Continue reading ‘Psychic Leads Police To Spot in Murder Vision in a Missing Child Case Only To Discover Another Body’
Randy Duck: Disney Character Accused of Molestation in the Happiest Place on Earth
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 18 Comments
A Pennsylvania woman has charged that she was molested at Disney World. The culprit? No it was not one of the usual suspects: the Pirates of the Caribbean or Yosemite Sam or Pepé Le Pew. It was Donald Duck who allegedly groped her breast when she sought his autograph.
Continue reading ‘Randy Duck: Disney Character Accused of Molestation in the Happiest Place on Earth’
Teachable Moments: NRA Safety Instructor Shoots Pupil
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , Society 28 Comments
NRA gun safety instructor Michael Phillips, 32, experienced something of a teachable moment in class when he accidentally shot one of his students this week in Orlando.
Continue reading ‘Teachable Moments: NRA Safety Instructor Shoots Pupil’
Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch? Ottoman Hand Grenade Discovered
Published 1, August 13, 2010 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 12 Comments
A 100-year-old hand grenade from the Ottoman period was found recently during digs near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City wall, The hand grenade was the size of a fist and embedded in the wall.
Continue reading ‘Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch? Ottoman Hand Grenade Discovered’
Video: Deaf Man Allegedly Tackled and Choked By Security Personnel As Friend Tries to Intervene
Published 1, August 12, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 CommentsThis video (that recently appeared on YouTube) purportedly shows security guards who tackle and put a man in a choke hold after an alarm goes off at a store. However, his friend reportedly tried to show that they were both deaf and that his friend has a receipt. The only account is on YouTube and I am looking for any further information, including the statement from the store.
Iran Accused of Torturing Woman To Confess To Murder
Published 1, August 12, 2010 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 40 Comments
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s lawyer has gone public with an allegation that his client was severely beaten and tortured before her public confession to being an accomplice to the murder of her husband. Previously, the woman was sentenced to stoning for adultery. After international outcry, Iran added the murder charge.
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Scientology Wins Major Court Ruling
Published 1, August 12, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Religion , Society 23 Comments
The Church of Scientology won a major victory in federal court when U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer granting summary judgment in two major lawsuits alleging labor law violations, human trafficking and forced abortions. The opinion raises some interesting questions over the deference shown by courts in such disputes.
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The Ultimate Game of Holdem: New Mexico Man Allowed To Play Poker To Pay Off Fraud Victims
Published 1, August 12, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
If you see Samuel McMaster Jr., 59, at the poker table this year, do not bother him. He is working off his criminal sentence. The convicted con artist accepted a plea bargain after defrauding 20 victims — and agreed to play poker to pay off his debt.
Bend It Like Kim Jong Il: Noth Korean Soccer Team Reportedly Tortured After Loss in World Cup
Published 1, August 12, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 36 CommentsThe International Soccer organization, Fifa, has launched an investigation into allegations that the North Korean World Cup coach and players were tortured by the government after losing all three games at the World Cup competition in South Africa and conceding the most goals of any team.
Today Muslims around the world will be able to set their clocks by Mecca-time. The Royal Mecca Clock Tower starts operations today — a Muslim alternative to Big Ben and Greenwich Mean Time. As noted earlier, Muslims have argued that Mecca not Greenwich should be the touchstone for time internationally.
Continue reading ‘Big Al-Ben’
As expected, President Obama is planning to lift the drilling moratorium and to return to his planned drilling program off pristine areas of the East Coast. While Obama is no longer claiming that oil rigs really do not spill much, it really does not matter much. Bureau head Michael Bromwich has announced that the six-month ban is unlikely to be renewed in a blow to environmentalists. One lasting change? The Obama Administration changed the name of the scandal-laden Minerals Management Service to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
Naughty Bodies: Stripper Charged After Customer Found Under Car
Published 1, August 11, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 24 Comments
Kristina Hensley, a exotic dancer with Naughty Bodies, has been arrested after a client was found under her car in Ohio.
Continue reading ‘Naughty Bodies: Stripper Charged After Customer Found Under Car’
“When You’re Here, You’re Family”: Man Punches Another Man at Olive Garden When Autistic Child Interrupted His “Dining Experience”
Published 1, August 11, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 27 Comments
Paul Blankfeld, 36, was arrested in Boynton Beach, Florida, after he allegedly punched a father at an Olive Garden because an autistic baby was crying too much and interrupting his “dining experience.”
Continue reading ‘“When You’re Here, You’re Family”: Man Punches Another Man at Olive Garden When Autistic Child Interrupted His “Dining Experience”’
New York Man Arrested for Allegedly Marinating Cat in Trunk
Published 1, August 11, 2010 Animals , Bizarre , Criminal law 15 Comments
In Buffalo, Gary L. Korkuc, 51, is facing a particularly disgusting allegation that he was driving around with a cat marinating in his trunk to be eaten later.
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