If you are going to Utah, you may be seeing the return of the restaurant equivalent of a beer burka. Legislators in the heavily Mormon state have reinstated the required use of Zion curtains to separate diners from bartenders. In beer-only restaurants, bartenders will now have to be shielded from public eye.
Continue reading ‘Beer Burkas: Utah Legislators Require Restaurants To Install “Zion Curtains” To Prevent Customers From Seeing Beers Being Opened or Poured’
Archive for August, 2011
Beer Burkas: Utah Legislators Require Restaurants To Install “Zion Curtains” To Prevent Customers From Seeing Beers Being Opened or Poured
Published 1, August 31, 2011 Politics , Religion , Society 34 CommentsIndelible Ruling: Federal Judge Allows Case of Free Speech Protester To Go Forward Against TSA
Published 1, August 31, 2011 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 25 Comments
Aaron Tobey attained a degree of fame in carrying out a rather novel form of protest for civil liberties at an airport security point. Tobey stripped down and used a black marker to display a quote from of the Fourth Amendment on his bare chest reading “The right of the people to be secure … against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.” He was arrested for his conduct, but now federal District Judge Henry Hudson had ruled that part of his lawsuit against the TSA can go forward to trial.
Continue reading ‘Indelible Ruling: Federal Judge Allows Case of Free Speech Protester To Go Forward Against TSA’
Pastor Proposes National Atheist Registry To Better Track Godless Citizens
Published 1, August 31, 2011 Bizarre , Religion , Society 60 Comments
Pastor Mike Stahl is the head of an “internet church” called the Church of the Living Water and has drawn national attention due to a proposal he made a year ago: a national registry for atheists. We have seen religious and political leaders in the last year attacking atheists and even comparing them to terrorists. Stahl’s proposed national registry is the natural outgrowth of such demagoguery.
Continue reading ‘Pastor Proposes National Atheist Registry To Better Track Godless Citizens’
Ohio Man Arrested After Romp With Raft
Published 1, August 31, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law 30 Comments
While Edwin Tobergta, 32, may not be the first man to grow attached to an inflatable friend, he may be the first to develop such an amorous relationship with an inflatable pool raft. Tobergta was arrested after being spotted naked and having sex with the raft. This was not the first inflatable vixen that led Togergta astray.
Continue reading ‘Ohio Man Arrested After Romp With Raft’
D.C. Police Officer Who Attacked Transgender Citizens Had Prior Alcohol Related Offenses
Published 1, August 31, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 11 Comments
D.C. police officer Kenneth Furr was recently arrested having shot transgender citizens in a drunken rage. It now appears that the D.C. Metropolitan Police was aware of prior alcohol-related incidents by Furr. We previously followed a detective who brandished his gun to threaten people who hit his private Hummer with a snowball. In that incident, Assistant Chief Peter Newsham told the media that the gun in his hand (and clearly shown on videotape) was really just a cellphone.
Continue reading ‘D.C. Police Officer Who Attacked Transgender Citizens Had Prior Alcohol Related Offenses’
Put’in on the Chaps: Latest Installment of the World’s Most Visible and Longest Running Midlife Crisis
Published 1, August 30, 2011 Bizarre , International , Politics 14 Comments
Exactly when does this get embarrassing for Russians? The latest installment of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s attempt to morph into a Russian action hero occurred with the start of the election campaign for United Russia Pary when he drove a Harley through the street. I hear the bike actually runs on his own excreted testosterone, which his Russian handlers insist is 100 times more powerful than that of a professional wrestler half is age and 10 times greater than a grizzly bear.
Ninth Circuit Holds Firefighter Can Sue Detectives After Arrest Based on False Allegations of Child Pornography
Published 1, August 30, 2011 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law 22 Comments
The Ninth Circuit has handed down a major ruling that a firefighter can sue detectives who accused him falsely of creating two child-pornography websites. The Ninth Circuit panel ruled in an opinion written by Judge Richard Paez that Washington State Police officers Rachel Gardner and John Sager had shown a “reckless disregard for the truth” when they arrested Spokane firefighter Todd Chism in 2008.
Negligence or Assumption of the Risk? Paintball Causes British Woman’s Breast Implant to Rupture
Published 1, August 30, 2011 Society , Torts 28 Comments
Now this is a bizarre potential tort case out of Britain. A 26-year-old woman’s gel breast implant exploded when hit by a paintball traveling at 190mph. The question is whether Paintzone Park near Croydon, or the paintball gun manufacturers, should be liable under a strict liability or negligence theory.
Continue reading ‘Negligence or Assumption of the Risk? Paintball Causes British Woman’s Breast Implant to Rupture’
Florida Driver Sues After Being Ticketed For Flashing Lights To Warn Other Drivers Of Speed Trap
Published 1, August 30, 2011 Bizarre , Society 23 Comments
The Florida Highway Patrol is the defendant in an interesting class action by Eric Campbell, who was ticketed for warning other drivers of a speed trap. Drivers will sometimes flash their lights to warn approaching cars in the opposite lane of the speed trap. However, the Florida Highway Patrol insists that that is illegal and gave Campbell a ticket for improper use of high beams.
Continue reading ‘Florida Driver Sues After Being Ticketed For Flashing Lights To Warn Other Drivers Of Speed Trap’
Giving Mercy A Bad Name? Catholic School Cancels Goodwill Ramadan Dinner
Published 1, August 30, 2011 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
A goodwill dinner planned for Ramadan at the Catholic Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati has been cancelled after an outcry from parents. The wonderful interfaith gesture to the Muslim community ended in sectarian prejudices as parents objected it was too close to the 9-11 anniversary and “sent the wrong message.” My favorite quote came from one parent who said “I’m glad it’s canceled; it wasn’t a good thing . . . It would have really given Mercy a bad name.” Yes, Mercy now stands for something entirely different.
Continue reading ‘Giving Mercy A Bad Name? Catholic School Cancels Goodwill Ramadan Dinner’
El Paso County Jury Rules In Favor Of Family Of Burglar Killed By Business Owner
Published 1, August 29, 2011 Society , Torts 73 Comments
A Colorado jury has rendered a rare award to the family of a burglar killed in the course of a crime. Verdicts like this one are likely to be used by advocates of Castle Doctrine or “Make-My-Day laws — laws designed to protect citizens from criminal liability in the protection of their homes, or in some cases, their businesses. The El Paso jury awarded roughly $300,000 to the family of Robert Johnson Fox, who was shot in the course of an attempted burglary of a car lot.
Continue reading ‘El Paso County Jury Rules In Favor Of Family Of Burglar Killed By Business Owner’
Study: Half of Adult Population in U.S. To Be Obese By 2030
Published 1, August 29, 2011 Academics , Society 46 Comments
A study by the Mailman School of Public Health in Columbia University in New York estimates that half of both men and women in the U.S. will be obese by 2030 if current trends continue. Currently, 32 percent of men and 35 per cent of women are obese. Our cousins in England will not be far behind — with rates of obesity of 41-48 percent for men and 35-43 percent for women by 2030.
Continue reading ‘Study: Half of Adult Population in U.S. To Be Obese By 2030′
Booked on Orbitz? Russians Announce Plans for Space Hotel
Published 1, August 29, 2011 Bizarre , Science 15 Comments
If you are really trying to get away from it all, Russia appears to have the answer. The Russians are planning a space hotel to orbit 200 miles above Earth by 2016. The four-room Hotel in the Heavens can handle up to seven guests. Of course, Russian hotels are already known for a rather stripped down sense of accommodation. Yet, tourists might be a bit uneasy after the recent explosion of the Russian supply ship to the space station.
Continue reading ‘Booked on Orbitz? Russians Announce Plans for Space Hotel’
Extreme Elements in Libya and Egypt Appear in Wake of Revolutions
Published 1, August 29, 2011 International , Politics , Religion 17 Comments
Many people have been concerned about the Obama Administration’s intervention into the Libyan Civil War with little knowledge of the character of the emerging new government, including indications of strong influences of religious extremists. The concern is that, as in Afghanistan with Al Qaeda, we are supporting the ascension of potentially more dangerous elements. That concern was heightened this week when the new Libyan government flatly rejected any possible extradition of Abdel Baset al-Megrahi — the terrorist mastermind behind the bombing of Pan Am flight 103. In the meantime in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood’s party has already announced sweeping proposed changes to structure society under Sharia law, including limits on tourists, banning bikinis and sunbathing. Other Islamic parties are calling for the removal of art and artifacts as non-Islamic.
Continue reading ‘Extreme Elements in Libya and Egypt Appear in Wake of Revolutions’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
When politicians frame the debate on taxes, higher income taxes on the wealthy are always preceded by the descriptor “job-crushing” and lower capital gains taxes “encourage investment.” Investment is often used as the justification for a tax rate of 15% on capital gains, monies from the sale of stock, and dividends, which are now included in the 15% bracket. For the wealthy, those making $379,150 and above, ordinary income is taxed at 35%.
Is this “investment” justification backed by the data?
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Today we have The Ronettes in glorious STEREO!
Things That Tick Me Off: Irene’s Hurricane Coverage in Washington
Published 1, August 28, 2011 Environment , Media , Things That Tick Me Off 163 Comments
My brother sent me this mocking picture making the rounds on the Internet. I thought it was àpropos in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The coverage in Washington of the hurricane-that-wasn’t has been absolutely bizarre. It is good to see that this city does not just panic with an inch of snow. We panic with any weather above a flurry or a misting. Folks in parts of North Carolina and other coastal areas have had legitimate concerns (including New York, Vermont and other areas) and Irene’s flooding and power outages were expected to take quite a toll in those hardest hit areas. However, the D.C. coverage was comically ridiculous. I watched one story of how Irene had began “its trail of misery and destruction” toward Washington. General Sherman’s March To the Sea had less dire reviews. I am only talking about Northern Virginia and Washington where the coverage continued in sharp contrast with the actual forecasted weather for our area.
Continue reading ‘Things That Tick Me Off: Irene’s Hurricane Coverage in Washington’
Here is our picture of the week from our erstwhile colleague in the City of Light, Eric Tenin.
Why Don’t Politicians Want to Pay for Disaster Relief?
Published 1, August 27, 2011 Congress , Environment , Justice , Politics , Religion , Things That Tick Me Off 43 Comments
Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Bogger
It is a big deal when you read that New York City is shutting down their transit system and ordering evacuations due to the impending hurricane that is making its way up the Eastern coast. It also concerned me because my daughter is now in NYC and is unable to get out before Monday. I can only imagine the devastation that will occur all the way from the Carolinas up to the Northeast due to Hurricane Irene. When you read the stories and see the pictures of the havoc and sometimes death that is the result of these kind of natural disasters, it is hard to understand why some politicians are clamoring that the government should not pay for relief unless there are corresponding spending cuts! Continue reading ‘Why Don’t Politicians Want to Pay for Disaster Relief?’
My Embarrassing Secret Belief
Published 1, August 27, 2011 Bizarre , Columns , Media , Military , Politics , Science , Society , Uncategorized 147 CommentsSubmitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger
In the years, I’ve spent commenting here at Professor Turley’s blog, I have presented myself as an honest person, sensible and with humane beliefs. Many regulars think of me as sort of a blog “elder statesman” and one who has a rational view of the world. There are of course others, fewer in number I assert, who think me a fool and a knave, which shows you can’t please everyone. Professor Turley himself has expressed fondness related to my tendency to be honest and open about myself personally.
Yet through all of these years here, I have harbored a secret belief that I’ve avoided mentioning for fear that the esteem in which I’m held, will disappear in an avalanche of ridicule and disappointment. I have to admit that to a retired old guy on the wrong side of sixty years, my place here has provided comfort to my self-esteem and certainly the feeling that I can still find things in life to accomplish. To those who haven’t realized the obvious yet from my writings, I have my vanities and indeed my insecurities, so being a guest blogger has stroked those needy aspects of my ego. Since I’ve received much gratification from this, I have been loath to be completely honest about one of my more deeply held beliefs. I came across an article that impels me to break my silence and reveal this belief here and now. While in the eyes of some reading this blog, it might lower their opinion of me and expose me to ridicule, I must finally admit to you my dirty little secret.
Is Florida’s Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Constitutional?
Published 1, August 27, 2011 Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Politics 105 Comments-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Governor Rick Scott (R-Florida) imagines that welfare recipients were likely drug addicts so he signed a law that mandates drug testing before they can receive cash benefits from the state. “The goal of this is to make sure we don’t waste taxpayers’ money,” Scott said. How’s that working out? About 2 percent have tested positive and ninety-six percent proved to be drug free — leaving the state on the hook to reimburse the cost of their tests.
Financially, Florida taxpayers may save a whopping $40,800-$98,400 for a program that has been predicted to cost $178 million. That’s before the legal costs from a threatened ACLU challenge to the law’s constitutionality.
Continue reading ‘Is Florida’s Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Constitutional?’
Christian College Bans National Anthem
Published 1, August 27, 2011 Constitutional Law , Religion 66 Comments-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Goshen College in Indiana, a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, has banned The Star Spangled Banner at all sporting events. The main value with which the college seeks to be identified with is: Christ-centered.
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
In memory of the recent passing of Jerry Leiber, half of the Leiber/Stoller songwriting duo, we present Elvis Presley in glorious STEREO!
Eleven Out of Ten Doctors Agree: Perry’s Shaky Math on Tort Reform
Published 1, August 26, 2011 Politics , Society , Torts 92 Comments
With Rick Perry taking the lead in the Republican primary, tort reform is expected to be, again, a major campaign issue. I have long been a critic of efforts to cap damages and I have seen firsthand how these caps often lead to families being unable to secure counsel in fights with big companies. Now, Perry is claiming that his “reforms” have led to 21,000 more doctors coming to Texas. The article below shows how this claim is entirely unsupported.
Continue reading ‘Eleven Out of Ten Doctors Agree: Perry’s Shaky Math on Tort Reform’
Things That Tick Me Off: WordPress
Published 1, August 26, 2011 Bizarre , Things That Tick Me Off 58 Comments
Since the start of this blog, we have used WordPress as a publishing platform. Recently, however, WordPress appears to be working to drive off bloggers by imposing insular charges for every little thing. Indeed, they routinely charge you more if you are one of their more successful blogs beyond the annual fee for the blog (which is quite reasonable). Thus, they will now put advertising on your blog without your consent unless you pay them not to. Once again, if you are a successful blog, they zero in on your blog for such placement. Now, with no warning, WordPress has changed the basic tool for embedding videos by requiring bloggers to pay $60 a year for a video feature.
Continue reading ‘Things That Tick Me Off: WordPress’
Meet PSR J1719-1438 b — The Diamond Planet
Published 1, August 26, 2011 Bizarre , Science 19 Comments
You might want to dump those De Beers shares. Scientists have discovered a plant that may be basically a giant diamond. The planet circles around pulsar J1719-1438. Sure, it is 4,000 light years away, but isn’t she worth it?
Continue reading ‘Meet PSR J1719-1438 b — The Diamond Planet’
Leading Republican Indiana Legislator Refuses To Resign After Arranging Meeting With Alleged Male Prostitute on Craigslist
Published 1, August 26, 2011 Criminal law , Society 31 Comments
State Rep. Phil Hinkle , R-Indianapolis, is in a rather curious position. He admits that he paid a young man $80 to come to his hotel room for a good time but insists that he is neither gay nor guilty of any criminal act. He has refused to resign after being stripped of his committee chairmanships. Hinkle is viewed as an anti-homosexual legislator and has been outspoken in his opposition to same-sex marriage.
Photos of Cracks in Washington Monument After Earthquake
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Bizarre , Environment 44 Comments
This is one of the photos released today by the Park Police showing the cracks in the Washington monument. Below is another picture.
Continue reading ‘Photos of Cracks in Washington Monument After Earthquake’
Negligence of Act of God? Ninety-Five-Year-Old California Man Stung Over 600 Times By Bees
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Animals , Environment , Torts 20 Comments
This week, I was milking sympathy after being stung twice by bees on two successive days walking our dog, Molly, through our nearby forest. The sympathy then came to an end when I saw this story about an elderly man in Redondo Beach, California.
Kentucky Man Loses Lawsuit Over Amputation of His Penis Without Consent
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Bizarre , Torts 34 CommentsThere is an interesting torts case of consent out of Shelbyville, Kentucky where truck driver Phillip Seaton, 64, sued after a doctor amputated part of his penis in what was supposed to be a simple circumcision operation. Dr. John Patterson insists that, upon examination, he found the penis to be infused with cancer and took the step in the best interests of the patient. A jury agreed and ruled for Patterson.
Continue reading ‘Kentucky Man Loses Lawsuit Over Amputation of His Penis Without Consent’
Law Professor Sues Pitt For Age Discrimination
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Academics , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Society 3 Comments
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is being sued for age discrimination by tax professor William J. Brown. Brown, 73, first began at Pitt in 1968 and earned tenure at that institution. After 30 years, he left to accept a post as director of the Graduate Tax Program at Duquesne’s business school. When he returned in 2006, he alleged was blocked to returning as a full-time faculty member by a decision of the law school to seek younger faculty members.
Continue reading ‘Law Professor Sues Pitt For Age Discrimination’
Appellate Lawyer Of The Week Interview
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering 2 Comments
I was honored recently to be selected as the Appellate Lawyer of the Week featured in the National Law Journal. Here is the interview. The interview was a chance to speak with one of the great legal journalists, Tony Mauro, whom I have long admired.
Ninth Circuit Rules Family Can Sue California Officer Who Shot Handcuffed Son In Back of Cruiser
Published 1, August 25, 2011 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments
We previously followed the case of Madera (Ca.) officer Marcy Noriega, who shot and killed a handcuffed suspect, Everardo Torres, in the back of a cruiser — after mistaking her semiautomatic pistol for her Taser. Now, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has ruled that Torres’ family can bring a lawsuit against the officer. Previously, Chief U.S. District Judge Anthony Ishii ruled that the officer had complete immunity from lawsuit in such a circumstance.
Continue reading ‘Ninth Circuit Rules Family Can Sue California Officer Who Shot Handcuffed Son In Back of Cruiser’
Obama Administration Pressures Prosecutors To Drop Criminal Investigations Of Banks Over Mortgage Fraud
Published 1, August 24, 2011 Congress , Criminal law , Politics , Society 79 Comments
The last few years have been replete with stories of fraudulent and possibly criminal acts for banks in the mortgage crisis. Thousands have lost their homes and faced financial ruin. The Administration is yielding to demands from lobbyists for the banks and particularly targeting Eric T. Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York, in demanding support for a deal that would offer just civil fines rather than criminal penalties.
USGS Revenge? Earthquake Hits Cantor’s District After He Led Fight To Slash Funding
Published 1, August 24, 2011 Congress , Environment , Politics , Science 37 Comments
The epicenter was Mineral Virginia in the district of Republican Congressman Eric Cantor. You may recall Cantor’s effort to slash the budget of the United States Geological Service (USGS).
Pillar Envy: Wisconsin Bar Sued LexisNexis Over Use of Column Symbol
Published 1, August 24, 2011 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 18 Comments
We have another rather bizarre infringement action based on a fairly common symbol. The State Bar of Wisconsin has sued LexisNexis over its use of an online logo that looks like its own symbol. Once again, as with prior lawsuits by Apple and other organizations, I fail to understand the tightening stranglehold of infringement actions over the use of common symbols and terms. The column is a standard symbol for lawyers and schools. In my view, the Wisconsin Bar is showing poor judgment in litigating such an issue — particularly when there is little danger of confusion for observers.
Continue reading ‘Pillar Envy: Wisconsin Bar Sued LexisNexis Over Use of Column Symbol’
Illinois Officials Seek Disbarment of Ex-McDermott Partner Who Allegedly Lied On School Financial Aid Form
Published 1, August 24, 2011 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 9 CommentsFormer McDermott Will & Emery partner Bruce Paul Golden is facing disbarment in Illinois after officials learned that he had allegedly lied about his income on a financial aid form for a private school. The school is Francis W. Parker, one of the most affluent schools in Chicago. I graduated from Parker’s traditional rival, Latin School of Chicago. Both are ridiculously expensive, but Golden is accused of actually altering his tax forms to establish a base for support.
I was sitting in my office an hour ago when my pictures begin to fall off the walls. It was a rare earthquake in D.C. and it was pretty exciting. I am told that it was a 5.9 quake. Of course, this could lead to Georgetown law reporting their quake as 6.0 and our revising our figures accordingly.
Continue reading ‘EARTHQUAKE!’
Lawyers and Law Professors Erupt in Bitter Debate After Identification of “ScamProf”
Published 1, August 23, 2011 Academics , Bizarre , Free Speech , Lawyering , Media , Politics 18 Comments
It is often said that “academic politics are so vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.”[FN1] Some may view the recent dust up between University of Colorado Paul Campos (left) and University of Chicago law professor Brian Leiter as such an example. However, there are some important issues raised in the controversy over the writings of “ScamProf.” Campos recently admitted that he is the anonymous law professor who created such a stir with a criticism of law teaching and law schools. Critics say that Campos only came forward after various bloggers had deduced his identity. However, Leiter and others went further and challenged Campos personally and professionally.
Continue reading ‘Lawyers and Law Professors Erupt in Bitter Debate After Identification of “ScamProf”’
Swimsuit Lawsuit: Bankruptcy Lawyer Sues New York Over Swimsuit Requirements in Lifeguard Tryouts
Published 1, August 23, 2011 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 13 Comments
Roy Lester, 61, has filed a rather novel challenge against the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Lester is a bankruptcy lawyer who has worked as a Long Island lifeguard as a second job. He has filed an age discrimination suit based on the requirement that he wear either a speedo swimsuit or, alternatively, a loose-fitting swimsuit. He insists that he should be allowed to wear swim jammers and that the denial of his choice constitutes age discrimination. Lester is a bankruptcy lawyer and this lawsuit indicates that he is better suited for that field than constitutional and discrimination law.
Continue reading ‘Swimsuit Lawsuit: Bankruptcy Lawyer Sues New York Over Swimsuit Requirements in Lifeguard Tryouts’
South Carolina Pastor Charged With Serial Rapes Of Women Behind Church
Published 1, August 23, 2011 Criminal law , Religion , Society 13 Comments
South Carolina Dale Richardson has been arrested on charges that he is a serial rapist who kidnapped women and assaulted them in a trailer behind his Freedom Free Will Baptist Church.
Continue reading ‘South Carolina Pastor Charged With Serial Rapes Of Women Behind Church’
Proposed Libyan Constitution Would Make Sharia The Governing Law
Published 1, August 23, 2011 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 77 Comments
For months, critics have observed that the rebels in Libya contains worrisome elements of religious extremists and that the rebel forces have been accused of war crimes (as have the government forces). The concern is that, like our work in Afghanistan (ultimately helping Al Qaeda and the Taliban), we have little understanding of who we are bringing to power in Libya in our intervention into that civil war. That concern is magnified this week by the release of the draft constitution, which (unless changed) would make Sharia law the governing law of Libya.
Continue reading ‘Proposed Libyan Constitution Would Make Sharia The Governing Law’
Industry Launches Campaign Against Closing Outdated Power Plants
Published 1, August 22, 2011 Environment , Politics , Science , Society 24 Comments
Industry lobbyists and political allies are launching a full court press against the closure of highly polluting coal-fired plants across the United States this month. The effort dovetails with the focus of Republican candidates like Bachmann, Gingrich, and Perry to demonize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and even call for its elimination. However, this move has been delayed too long and is expected to save thousands of lives. The story is the latest example of how industry is able to treat such health risks as abstractions while fighting to keep such plants operating.
Continue reading ‘Industry Launches Campaign Against Closing Outdated Power Plants’
Bank of America Executive Caught Promising Perry Support
Published 1, August 22, 2011 Politics , Society 25 CommentsEven wonder how those lobbyists let candidates know where the money is coming from? A camera caught a Bank of America executive quietly assuring Gov. Rick Perry of the support of the Bank of America.
Continue reading ‘Bank of America Executive Caught Promising Perry Support’
Was Queen Hatsheput Poisoned? Scientists Find Evidence of What Could Be One Of The World’s Oldest Product Liability Cases
Published 1, August 22, 2011 Academics , Science , Torts 5 Comments
There was an interesting story out of Germany where researchers have found a highly carcinogenic substance in a flask of lotion believed to have belonged to Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt 3,500 years ago and was known to have powerful enemies, including her stepson Thutmose III. However, she may have died from poisoning at her own hand.
Continue reading ‘Was Queen Hatsheput Poisoned? Scientists Find Evidence of What Could Be One Of The World’s Oldest Product Liability Cases’
The Manliness Gap? Scottish Men Selected As World’s Most Manly
Published 1, August 22, 2011 Bizarre , Politics , Society 27 Comments
This week, Atlantic Magazine ran a story on Rick Perry, Manly Man — a piece exploring how Perry is known to emphasize his manliness — both physically and verbally. The magazine considers how well the macho image will play across the political spectrum. However, that may be the least of the problems for the Perry camp. Word has now reached our shores of the selection of the Scots, not the Americans, as the world’s most manly specimens. Now, I take nothing from the Scots. It takes a lot of guts to wear kilts in a cold, wet climate. However, the world’s manliest? Followed close by the English? I fully expect this to become a major issue in the presidential election: the manliest gap.
Continue reading ‘The Manliness Gap? Scottish Men Selected As World’s Most Manly’
Todd Palin: Of Course Sarah Quit For The Money
Published 1, August 22, 2011 Bizarre , Politics , Society 17 Comments
There is an interesting video of Todd Palin out in the last few days that finally admits what many have long argued: Sarah Palin quit the Alaskan governorship to cash in on her celebrity status. When a woman confronted Todd about his wife not finishing her term, he responds “What would you do” with “thousands and thousands of dollars a day?” He notes that the had “all this debt” and made the obvious choice.
Continue reading ‘Todd Palin: Of Course Sarah Quit For The Money’
The Unofficial Turley Blog Job Creation Plan
Published 1, August 21, 2011 Congress , Politics , Society 65 Comments
Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger
We have heard both sides of the aisle claim that they have the next big idea to bring jobs back to Main Street. Recently President Obama, according to an article from former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, has claimed that he will be submitting a Jobs Bill to Congress when they return from their 5 week summer hiatus. Continue reading ‘The Unofficial Turley Blog Job Creation Plan’
Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger
A recent development in Congress is the creation of the so-called “Super Congress”; a bi-partisan committee tasked with recommending steps to reduce federal budget deficits by at least $1.5 trillion over 10 years. Like most committees, the Super Congress has to submit its recommendations to the rest of Congress for consideration. Unlike most committees, the Super Congress has a loaded back-end provision that will institute automatic military and domestic (read Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid) spending cuts in 2013 that neither side wants will be triggered. This would seem to give the committee some incentives to find viable solutions. But does it really?
Who’s Really Who on the Blogs?
Published 1, August 21, 2011 Columns , Free Speech , Media , Politics , Society , Things That Tick Me Off 73 CommentsSubmitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger
Many years now at this site there have been side debates raging about false identities, used by people who are being paid to disrupt our discussions by making comments aimed at sidetracking issues. OpEdNews, a site run by Rob Kall, which I subscribe to sends me daily updates of articles of interest. Yesterday I received this intriguing article from Thom Hartmann’s podcast. It is an interview with Lee Fong from ThinkProgress on just this subject. Check out this link and see what you think.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Caught-Fake-conservative-by-Thom-Hartmann-110820-341.html
Continue reading ‘Who’s Really Who on the Blogs?’
Securities and Exchange Commission Accused of Shredding Investigation Documents for Nearly Twenty Years
Published 1, August 21, 2011 Congress , Justice , Politics , Uncategorized 43 Comments
Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger
Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to respond to allegations made by a whistleblower that the agency had destroyed files from preliminary investigations of financial firms—including Goldman Sachs, SAC Capital Advisors, Deutsche Bank, AIG, and Bernie Madoff
Investment Securities.
A Bloomberg article reported that Grassley’s request was prompted by a letter that he received from SEC attorney Darcy Flynn claiming that the SEC had “destroyed documents including materials related to Goldman Sachs’ trades of American International Group Inc. (AIG) credit- default swaps in 2009, insider-trading probes of Deutsche Bank AG (DBK), Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (LEHMQ) and SAC Capital Advisors LP, and investigations of possible financial fraud at Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) and Bank of America Corp. (BAC) in 2007 and 2008.”
Here is our picture of the week from our erstwhile colleague in the City of Light, Eric Tenin.
Ninth Circuit Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of Teacher Who Criticized Creationism
Published 1, August 21, 2011 Academics , Constitutional Law , Courts , Supreme Court 21 Comments-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
We have previously discussed the case of Dr. James Corbett, a history teacher at Capistrano Valley high school, who was sued over comments he made when he referred to creationism as “superstitious nonsense.” A three-judge panel for The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit unanimously ruled that the district court’s judgement on the constitutionality of Corbett’s statements be vacated. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s finding that Corbett was entitled to qualified immunity.
Continue reading ‘Ninth Circuit Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of Teacher Who Criticized Creationism’
Have Todd Rider And MIT Banned The Common Cold?
Published 1, August 21, 2011 Academics , Science , Society 20 CommentsSubmitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
Before the early part of the twentieth century most methods of treating infection were based on medical folklore. It’s true that in the nineteenth century Pasteur and Koch had observed and isolated various bacteria and postulated their connection to disease and some vaccines had been developed, but, by and large, medical researchers had failed to take up the challenge of curing bacterial infections. It wasn’t until the 1930′s with Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin that antibiotics were developed which attacked bacterial infections directly. This mass alleviation of disease and suffering has been hailed as one of the greatest developments in medicine.
Continue reading ‘Have Todd Rider And MIT Banned The Common Cold?’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
I used to do the “wrap-it-around-the-tree” knot but I’ve started doing the Ian knot. Over a lifetime, it’s estimated to save you 4 days of time. Although, with my late start, I don’t expect to realize that much time savings.
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Today we present a song written by Michael Nesmith (the future Monkee) and sung by The Stone Poneys (with Linda Ronstadt) in glorious STEREO!
Jobless in Georgia
Published 1, August 20, 2011 Columns , Media , Politics , Society , Things That Tick Me Off 24 CommentsSubmitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger
While we the privileged, who have time for such things, argue about law, politics, and society from our individual perspectives, we can easily forget that the results of these arguments affect real people in their lives. In the present American discourse, curt slogans and political bombast rule the airwaves and the Internet. The consequences of arguments won and lost are often subsumed by the anger of the debate itself. I personally feel a great empathy for those people ground down by the decisions and actions of those with financial power who have influence on executive and legislative power. The result of this empathy is anger at what I see is the blindness of our corporate and political leaders towards the lives of average people and the deafness of those same leaders to the cries for help all around them. Continue reading ‘Jobless in Georgia’
Are There Any Wieners When Two Top Dogs Take Beef To Court?
Published 1, August 20, 2011 Courts , Media 20 Comments-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Sara Lee Corp., maker of Ball Park franks, and Kraft Foods Inc., maker of Oscar Mayer wieners, are in a Chicago federal court. Sara Lee sued Kraft Foods over the latter’s claim that their hot dogs won a national taste test and are “100% pure beef.” Kraft Foods countersued over Sara Lee’s claim of an “all beef” hot dog and misrepresenting of a culinary award as “America’s best” hot dog.
Continue reading ‘Are There Any Wieners When Two Top Dogs Take Beef To Court?’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Today we present Perry Como in glorious STEREO!
Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
The creepy, plastic, perpetually grinning Burger King mascot is no more according to spokesperson, Miguel Piedra. “We are food-centric, and we want to appeal to a broader audience,” he added. First appearing in print ads in 1955, the King will be dethroned this month but may appear in another form, accoridng to the spokesman.
A restaurant concentrating on food quality? What a concept.
Obamas Take Separate Planes So First Lady Can Get A Few More Hours of Vacation in Martha’s Vineyard?
Published 1, August 19, 2011 Bizarre , Politics 64 Comments
While I do not recall a great deal of grumbling from conservatives about George Bush’s long vacations, I have to agree with the criticism of the First Family taking two separate planes to their vacation on Martha’s Vineyard — apparently to give the First Lady a few hours head start on the vacation. At a time of tremendous economic sacrifice, it seems pretty insensitive to take separate planes and motorcades at a cost of an estimated $100,000.
Continue reading ‘Obamas Take Separate Planes So First Lady Can Get A Few More Hours of Vacation in Martha’s Vineyard?’
Rick Perry: Earth “Pretty Old” and Evolution “Got Some Gaps”
Published 1, August 19, 2011 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Science 110 Comments
Gov. Rick Perry was asked directly about his view on creationism and the religious dogma regarding the age of the Earth. His response was truly Bushesque, saying that the Earth is “pretty old” and evolution “got some gaps.” He wants both evolution and creationism taught side by side as equal “theories” in public schools.
Continue reading ‘Rick Perry: Earth “Pretty Old” and Evolution “Got Some Gaps”’
Jury Awards Chicago Family $300,000 For Abusive Police Raid Leading To Shooting Of Family Dog
Published 1, August 19, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law 32 Comments
The family of Thomas Russell III has been awarded $300,000 by a federal jury this week for an abusive raid that led to the police shooting the family dog. We have been following a long line of cases where family dogs are shot by police.
Auditors Conclude That $6.6 Billion Simply Disappeared From Planes Filled With Cash To Iraq
Published 1, August 19, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Politics 23 Comments
For years, the media has reported billions of dollars stolen or missing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Karzai family in particular has been singled out in allegations of such pilfering as well as an array of other crimes such as drug dealing. Now, auditors have found that $6.6 billion has simply disappeared — cash sent by the plane load to Iraq.
Continue reading ‘Auditors Conclude That $6.6 Billion Simply Disappeared From Planes Filled With Cash To Iraq’
Spanish Police Attack Young People On Street In Preparation For Arrival Of Pope
Published 1, August 19, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion 11 CommentsJudging from this video, the Spanish have retained a Francoesque approach to dealing with the public and the concept of free assembly. The attacks on these young people appear entirely unprovoked. The police are preparing for the arrival of the Pope.
Continue reading ‘Spanish Police Attack Young People On Street In Preparation For Arrival Of Pope’
Reach Out And Touch Someone: AT&T Purchases Hundreds of Books By Gov. Rick Perry To Hand Out Free To State Legislators
Published 1, August 18, 2011 Politics , Society 19 Comments
While it has been generally panned as superficial and little more than expanded soundbites, Gov. Rick Perry’s Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America From Washington clearly has one big fan: AT&T. AT&T purchased hundreds of the books to hand out free.
Continue reading ‘Reach Out And Touch Someone: AT&T Purchases Hundreds of Books By Gov. Rick Perry To Hand Out Free To State Legislators’
Citibank Accused Of Killing Indonesian Man in Harsh Interrogation
Published 1, August 18, 2011 Criminal law , International 15 Comments
The death of Irzen Octa in interrogation in Jakarta has raised an outcry internationally. What is a bit surprising is that his interrogators were not Indonesian police but Citibank employees. The company who proclaims “your Citi never sleeps” appears to harshly interrogated the man for hours in a tiny room over just $5,700 on his Citibank credit card.
Continue reading ‘Citibank Accused Of Killing Indonesian Man in Harsh Interrogation’
“Casket Cartel” Takes Monks To Court
Published 1, August 18, 2011 Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Society 98 Comments
Louisiana regulators have decided to appeal a ruling in favor of casket-making monks that found a state law unconstitutional in giving funeral directors exclusive rights to sell caskets. The law has been criticized as a case of a powerful lobby getting politicians to snuff out their competition. Louisiana legislators caved into demands for the protective measures, but Judge Stanwood R. Duval, of the U.S. District Court in New Orleans found that the legislation did not even satisfy the low rational basis test. The regulators are now appealing to the Fifth Circuit.
Actor Gérard Depardieu Forces Flight To Return To Terminal After Urinating In Aisle
Published 1, August 18, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 26 Comments
It is getting to the point that you have to wear waders on flights these days. We just saw a recent case of Robert “Sandy” Vietze, 18, (a member of the U.S. Olympic ski Team) peeing on the leg of an 11-year-old girl. Now, famed actor Gerard Depardieu forced a plane to return to the airport after he relieved himself in the middle of the plane aisle in first class. The actor from Green Card and such masterpieces as Cyrano de Bergerac appears not to have been charged in contrast with other cases.
Take One and Don’t Call Us In The Morning: Drug Company Lawyer Accused Of Offering Bribe To Expert
Published 1, August 17, 2011 Criminal law , International 14 Comments
Lawyer Jorge Hernandez Marin had a novel alleged approach to an opposing expert in litigation on behalf of drug maker Baxter International: take this ticket, money, and don’t call me in the morning. Marin was reportedly caught on tape offering to double the fee of the opposing expert, accountant Rafael Aspuru Alvarez, and giving him a free ticket to Las Vegas or some other city if he made himself unavailable.
Tobacco Companies File Free Speech Challenge To New Graphic Cigarette Labels
Published 1, August 17, 2011 Congress , Constitutional Law , Free Speech 34 Comments
Four of the five largest U.S. tobacco companies have filed a free speech challenge to the new packaging for cigarettes. I have previously criticized the graphic images of corpses and diseased organs. If the case goes to the Supreme Court, it could resolve the long-standing debate over the scope of free speech rights held by corporations as opposed to individuals. In that sense, it could be the extension of the Citizen United case in adding elements of personhood to corporations in the free speech area.
Continue reading ‘Tobacco Companies File Free Speech Challenge To New Graphic Cigarette Labels’
Will a Bad Movie Make For Good Science? Europeans Plan Mission To Destroy Asteroid
Published 1, August 17, 2011 Academics , Science 78 Comments
It made for one of the worst movies of all time, but the plot of Armageddon is now the operational plans for the European Space Agency. The ESA plans to fire a satellite at an asteroid in 2015 to see if it can destroy (or change the course) of an asteroid. Since Armageddon almost destroyed the career of Bruce Willis, there is hope for ESA.
Continue reading ‘Will a Bad Movie Make For Good Science? Europeans Plan Mission To Destroy Asteroid’
Reverse Ad Placement: Abercrombie & Fitch Offers To Pay Jersey Shore Cast To Stop Wearing Its Clothing
Published 1, August 17, 2011 Bizarre , Society 18 Comments
One of my lifelong commitments is to go to my grave without having seen a single episode of Jersey Shore, a show that from all accounts represents the de-evolution of our species. In a reverse of the booming business of ad placement in television shows, retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has reportedly offered a “substantial payment” to the cast if they would stop wearing their brand clothing on air. The store fears that the obnoxious characters are dragging down their brand.
Is The Media Actively Erasing Ron Paul From Election Coverage?
Published 1, August 16, 2011 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 98 Comments
While some on our blog (including many regulars who I respect) disagree, I have never hidden my respect for Ron Paul. I have occasional lunches with Paul who is one of the brightest and most engaging minds in Congress. This segment by John Stewart does a great job in addressing the concerted effort to ignore Paul despite his almost winning the recent Iowa straw poll. Even “XXX” got more attention by Associated Press.
Continue reading ‘Is The Media Actively Erasing Ron Paul From Election Coverage?’
American Taliban: Meet John Benefiel
Published 1, August 16, 2011 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 32 CommentsSarah Palin had Thomas Muthee and John McCain had John Hagee and Rod Parsely and Barack Obama had Jeremiah Wright. For Rick Perry, his bizarre religious ally may be John Benefiel, the head of the Heartland Apostolic Reformation Network. Benefiel was one of the official organizers of Perry’s controversial The Response prayer rally. In this YouTube clip, Benefiel calls the Statue of Liberty a “demonic idol.”
Secession Makes The Heart Grow Fonder? Perry Insists Voters Choose A Candidate “In Love” With The United States
Published 1, August 16, 2011 Bizarre , Politics , Society 41 Comments
Texas Governor Rick Perry has revealed one of the main distinctions that he sees between himself and Barack Obama. He insists that American needs a president who is “in love” with America. As someone who previously indicated that he was contemplating secession of his state from the United States, this appears to be a case of “separation secession making the heart grow fonder.”
Britain Calls On Asian Governments To Move Against Sale of Rhino Horn
Published 1, August 16, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International 8 Comments
The British government has formally asked China, Vietnam and other Asian countries to tell their citizens that rhino horn has no medicinal value to try to save the rhino from extinction. The belief that the horn holds medicinal value is deeply grained within Asian culture, as I discovered years ago in Taiwan.
Continue reading ‘Britain Calls On Asian Governments To Move Against Sale of Rhino Horn’
Man Arrested After Driving While Using Two Cellphones
Published 1, August 16, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 Comments
In Norwich, England, police are used to folks talking on cellphones while driving. However, they were not prepared for David Secker, 34, who allegedly was steering with his knees while talking on one cellphone and texting on a second cellphone.
Continue reading ‘Man Arrested After Driving While Using Two Cellphones’
And I cannot even figure out all of the standard options on my IPhone . . .
Continue reading ‘Meet Marco Tempest: IPod Magician’
Did Butch Cassidy Survive The Bolivan Shootout?
Published 1, August 15, 2011 Academics , Bizarre , Society 17 Comments
This morning, I was stuck in traffic on 395 as police rounded up horses that had gotten loose. Upon arriving at the work, I found this story which is irresistible as part of the spontaneous cowboy theme this morning. The discovery of a book manuscript has led some to suggest that Butch Cassidy did not die with Robert Redford in Bolivia (Ok, with The Sundance Kid). To the contrary, it is claimed, Butch Cassidy died in 1937 as William T. Phillips, a machinist who in Spokane. Somehow dying in your bed after a second career as a machinist does not work quite as well as the shootout with Bolivian cavalry in 1908. I believe Cassidy is shown here sitting with the mustache and bowler on the far right next to the flowers.
Continue reading ‘Did Butch Cassidy Survive The Bolivan Shootout?’
Sherlock Holmes Work Removed From School Library in Virginia
Published 1, August 15, 2011 Constitutional Law , Free Speech , Politics , Religion , Society 36 Comments
The children of Rising Western Albemarle High School in Albemarle County, Virginia are finally safe this week after parents found a lurking danger in their school: a copy of the Sherlock Holmes story, A Study In Scarlet. Parent Brette Stevenson first brought the Victorian-era book to the attention of the school board as inappropriate for children. The book contains a harsh and erroneous view of the Mormon religion.
Continue reading ‘Sherlock Holmes Work Removed From School Library in Virginia’
Blogger Detained in Egypt For Defamation Of Military
Published 1, August 15, 2011 Criminal law , Free Speech , International , Military , Politics , Society 13 Comments
Blogger Asma Mahfuz has been arrested by Egypt’s military for defaming the military council on the Internet. It is a part of an expanding trend of governments cracking down on first speech by using defamation and blasphemy laws.
Continue reading ‘Blogger Detained in Egypt For Defamation Of Military’
With Friends Like This: Pakistan Reportedly Showed China Downed Stealth Helicopter
Published 1, August 15, 2011 International , Military , Politics 11 Comments
The United States continues to pour foreign military aid and other funds into Pakistan by the billions despite years of knowledge that the Pakistani intelligence service was protecting terrorist suspects. Now, a report has surfaced that our erstwhile allies arranged to have the Chinese inspect the wreckage of the secret Stealth helicopter used in the operation — even as the U.S. was trying to recover the wreckage from Osama Bin Laden’s compound.
Air America: Federal Government Spending $200 Million in Subsidies For “Essential Air Service”
Published 1, August 15, 2011 Congress , Politics , Society 28 Comments
While Congress is rolling back on scientific and environmental programs, it is continuing to spend $200 million in subsidies to pay for people to fly in nearly empty planes from remote airfields under the Essential Air Service program. Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are planning to kill the 200-year-old page system to save $5 million, but they supported this continuing program costing almost a quarter of a billion dollars. In some cases, a coach ticket cost the taxpayers over $4000 in subsidies.
Continue reading ‘Air America: Federal Government Spending $200 Million in Subsidies For “Essential Air Service”’
Michele Bachman, Christian Reconstructionism and the Law
Published 1, August 15, 2011 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 51 CommentsBy Mike Appleton (Guest Blogger)
When Byron York asked Michelle Bachmann last week whether, if elected President, she would be “submissive” to her husband, the audience reacted with a collective gasp, followed by scattered boos. After a brief pause, Rep. Bachmann calmly replied that her relationship with her husband is one of mutual love and respect. Continue reading ‘Michele Bachman, Christian Reconstructionism and the Law’
We have a couple of good friends who live in Paris, including Eric Tenin who is the founder of parisdailyphoto — a wonderful site featuring his pictures from the City of Light. I was so taken by Eric’s photos (and I so love Paris) that I invited him to send me a picture a week to feature on our blog — our own window into Paris each week. This is the first picture, but more pics can be seen each day on his site.
Continue reading ‘Paris Picture of the Week’
An Example of Why We Need Health Care Reform
Published 1, August 14, 2011 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Politics , Society , Things That Tick Me Off 72 Comments
Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger
With the recent news of an appeals court decision that struck down the individual mandate portion of the Health Care Reform act, the problems with our Health Care system is on the front page again. While we hear politicians claim that the market place should decide all health care cost and access issues, millions are without coverage and the costs Americans pay for health insurance is staggering. Continue reading ‘An Example of Why We Need Health Care Reform’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
The Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK/MKO) has been designated a terrorist organization since 1997 when the Clinton administration put the MEK on the State Department’s list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The Bush administration added two alleged MEK front organizations to the State Department’s terrorist list in 2003.
Continue reading ‘Buying Your Way Off The US Terrorist List’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Today we have the fabulous voice of Sarah Vaughan in glorious STEREO!
Boys of Fall: Coach Orders Carpenter Off Job For Wearing Wrong Tee Shirt
Published 1, August 13, 2011 Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Society , Things That Tick Me Off 19 CommentsSubmitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
With the end of summer comes the beginning of the fall ritual that is college football. You know, where men of strength and character mold the minds and bodies of our youth into men of strength and character. There are plenty of good examples and one particularly curious one. Oklahoma State FB coach Mike Gundy is a world-wide phenom for his 2007 YouTube meltdown in which he attempted to deflect criticism from a OSU football player with his famous, “I’m a Man. I’m 40!” tirade against the local newspaper reporter, Jenni Carlson, for printing, well, the truth. You can re-live that moment here.
Continue reading ‘Boys of Fall: Coach Orders Carpenter Off Job For Wearing Wrong Tee Shirt’
Widener University Goes Soviet On Law School Professor
Published 1, August 13, 2011 Academics , Torts 50 Comments-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
We have previously discussed the events at Widener Law School regarding Professor Lawrence Connell and Dean Linda Ammons, here, here, and here. The university formed a committee to hear the allegations of racial harassment, sexual discrimination, and retaliation. The committee, in its report, found no clear and convincing evidence of a university code violation on the racial harassment or sexual discrimination allegations.
Continue reading ‘Widener University Goes Soviet On Law School Professor’
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Grab you headphones/earbuds and enjoy Dusty Springfield in glorious STEREO!
Court of Appeals Strikes Down Individual Mandate As Unconstitutional
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics 53 CommentsIn a major victory for opponents to President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta has ruled that the individual mandate provision is unconstitutional. The decision affirmed part of a January ruling by U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson of Florida.
Continue reading ‘Court of Appeals Strikes Down Individual Mandate As Unconstitutional’
The Torroll Under The Bridge: Music Teacher Arrested After Reportedly Having Sex With Child-Like Dolls Under Bridge Leading To Elementary School
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Bizarre , Criminal law 16 Comments
Tennessee music teacher Daniel Torroll, 56, was arrested Thursday after being allegedly seen engaging in sex acts with a child-like doll near an elementary school. His statements to police and press are a good example of how half a defense is sometimes worse than no defense at all.
The Xinjiang 13: China Blacklists Leading American Academics While Universities Remain Silent
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Academics , Free Speech , International , Media , Politics , Science , Society 16 Comments
We have seen the gradual dependence of the United States on China, which holds a huge amount of our debt. The result has been foreign policies designed to appease the Chinese government, including near silence on human rights abuses by that country. Now, academia has its own scandal of kowtowing to the Chinese, which have become equally dominant in research and education. Schools like Georgetown and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have said virtually nothing after their faculty were barred from entering China or flying on Chinese airlines due to objections to their writings. They are called the “Xinjiang 13” and their virtual abandonment by leading universities shows how academic freedom values have been sacrificed to maintain our dependence on Chinese funding.
[Do Not] Bring Out Your Dead: Illinois Announces It Can No Longer Pay For Burials
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Uncategorized 33 Comments
As our leaders continue to spend billions in three unpopular wars, our cities and states continue to move closer and closer to a state of nature. This week, the state of Illinois will stop paying to bury the dead. Funeral directors have been sent a letter that they will have to find something to do with indigent dead people.
Continue reading ‘[Do Not] Bring Out Your Dead: Illinois Announces It Can No Longer Pay For Burials’
Perry Prays For Pollution? Perry Tells CBN That He Asks God To Intervene With The EPA
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Politics , Religion , Society 47 Comments
Texas Governor Rick Perry appears to be out doing his opponents who have made the curtailment or actual elimination of the EPA a major part of the Republican presidential election (here and here). While Newt Gingrich wants to disband the EPA, Perry has brought in the big guns and announced that he actually prays to God to seek divine intervention in curtailing pollution laws.
Continue reading ‘Perry Prays For Pollution? Perry Tells CBN That He Asks God To Intervene With The EPA’
Now Putin The Archeologist: Russian Strongman “Discovers” Ancient Jars At Ancient Site
Published 1, August 12, 2011 Bizarre , International , Politics , Science , Society 14 Comments
Call me a skeptic. For years, the world has been fed a constant stream of images of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin engaged in what may be the longest running mid-life crisis in history. Putin has been shown as a race car driver, great white hunter, jet pilot, oceanologist, martial artist and other action hero outfits. Each appearance has been accompanied by some fawning account of his aides on how he is superhuman. Now, Putin’s macho action series has turned to scuba diving. While only having dived three times, Putin was shown at an ancient Greek Black sea site and . . . you guessed it . . . he “discovered” two sixth century urns under the water. What is really amazing is that the urn were less than seven feet from the surface, together, and just lying exposed for thousands of years waiting for Putin. It was almost like someone put them there and directed Putin who was only in the water for a brief time when he added world-class archeologist to this action hero box.
Continue reading ‘Now Putin The Archeologist: Russian Strongman “Discovers” Ancient Jars At Ancient Site’
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