-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
With the recent appearance of Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner’s Reckless Endangerment, the focus on the financial meltdown turns to Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (F&F). The claim is that the role of F&F in the meltdown is being marginalized or ignored. Some claim that this book fills an important void.
However, the role of F&F has been well researched and documented.
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
The California Supreme Court has ruled on a case involving California’s pimp law. Jomo Zambia was in his car at a “notorious intersection,” known for its plethora of prostitutes. He offered his pimp services to a woman he believed to be a prostitute. These services “included providing housing and clothing, if she turned over all of her money to him.”
The prostitute turned out to be an LAPD Officer working undercover. Zambia was arrested and later convicted of the crime of pandering, as one who “induces, persuades or encourages another person to become a prostitute.”
Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger
I’m sure most Americans are aware that former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has been on a bus tour along the east coast of the United States. What is the purpose of her tour?
Only Palin knows for sure. She did, however, provide people with her reason for taking this tour of historical places on her Sarah PAC website.
It’s interesting when (for the 100th time) reporters shout out, “Why are you traveling to historical sites? What are you trying to accomplish?” I repeat my answer, “It’s so important for Americans to learn about our past so we can clearly see our way forward in challenging times; so, we’re bringing attention to our great nation’s foundation.” When that answer isn’t what the reporters want to hear, we’ve asked them if they’ve ever visited these sites like the National Archives, Gettysburg, etc. When they confirm that they haven’t, it’s good to say, “Well, there you go. You’ll learn a lot about America today.” (They usually don’t want to hear that either!)
Continue reading “The Bells Are Ringing: Sarah Palin and the Revised Story of Paul Revere’s Ride”
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Medicare is the nation’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. The government acts as the insurer with premiums paid through payroll taxes by both employee and employer. The law was signed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and former President Harry S. Truman was the first Medicare enrollee and his wife Bess was the second.
-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
In the effort to keep our readers fully informed of the most controversial issues of our day, we at the Turley blog turn over every leaf. While other cultural wars rage on, it is time to turn our attention to this pressing issue. The correct way to hang toilet paper, over or under?
The miracle that is modern physics has solved this contentious debate.
Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
It was Aristotle who first pointed out that a society both influences and is influenced by its role models. For a generation of Americans from 1955-1975, Marshall Matt Dillon filled that bill. Now at age 88, the actor who portrayed that role is dead. James Arness, older brother of actor Peter Graves, died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood California.
In an apparent rejection of a plea bargain, former senator and 2008 presidential candidate John Edwards has been indicted on six counts of conspiracy, campaign contribution violations, and false statements. If he goes to trial, he is obviously risking a jail term. However, the case of the Justice Department is no slam dunk and presents novel legal theories that will offer strong appellate arguments if allowed by the trial court. This will make the pre-trial motions even more important than usual for the defendant. The two-year investigation has now led to a warrant (below) for his arrest.
Continue reading “Edwards Indicted . . . But How Strong Is The Case?”
Attorney Reema N. Bajaj, 25, has been charged with three counts of prostitution and has admitted that she was a prostitute but gave up the occupation after graduating law school. She is not alone in allegedly the combination of two of the oldest professions.
Continue reading “Corpus Delicti: Illinois Lawyer Charged With Prostitution”
Former prosecutor Stephen Lopresti will keep his law license after jurors acquitted him of fixing tickets. Lopresti was charged with felony DWI after a 2006 accident in the Bronx. Despite the testimony of two corrupt officers, the jury found Lopresti not guilty.
In the latest outrage from China’s burgeoning organ black market, a teenager in China known only as Little Zhern, 17, sold one of his kidneys in arrange to buy an iPad 2.
Continue reading “Now If I Can Only Find a Dialysis App: Chinese Teen Sells Kidney For iPad”
In Laconia, New Hampshire there is an interesting case that may give some of our clients pause before accepting a plea bargain. Jonathan E. Lord, 25, had accepted a plea bargain to spend one year in jail for trying to run over Police officer Michael Finogle. However, Judge James O’Neill III rejected the plea (because he felt the plea was too lenient) so the case went to trial . . . and Lord was acquitted of one felony charge of reckless conduct and two misdemeanor charges of disobeying an officer and reckless operation.
Continue reading “Good Lord: Judge Rejects Plea As Too Lenient, Jury Then Acquits Defendant”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has caused a considerable stir with a warning that cellphones may increase the risk of brain tumors. If you are interested, the study below ranks cellphones by the radiation that they emit. My iPhone seems a bit high, but here is the list.
Continue reading “WHO Warns Cellphone Use Is “Possibly Carcinogenic”: How Much Radiation Does Your Cellphone Emit?”
This amazing photograph has been released by NASA and, if you look closely, you will see a comet speeding to its demise on a collision course with the sun.
Continue reading “A Comet’s End”
This YouTube video features the unlikely sensation known as Steven Kendal, a 53-year-old Telecommunications Specialist from England.
Continue reading “Meet Steven Kendel — England’s Dancing Sensation”
We have been following cases of police detaining or arresting people who either photograph them or photograph public scenes in this country and other countries like England. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has been repeated criticized for stopping citizens engaged in entirely lawful photography. The latest such victim is Christopher Fussell who kept the camera running (below) during the confrontation where officers displayed a complete lack of knowledge of the existing laws — and rights of citizens.