This is a case of a really brave duck and a really really restrained dog.
Archive for January, 2010
CBS Refuses to Air Gay Dating Commercial During Superbowl
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Society 59 CommentsCBS has rejected a Super Bowl ad submitted by ManCrunch.com, a gay dating site that shows two male football fans making out. The network said that the commercial violated its standards and sources suggested it was just a ploy to get publicity. ManCrunch has called the move discriminatory and pointed to controversial commercials that have run in the past.
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Long Arm of the Law: Video Captures Police Beating Tasered Suspect
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 7 CommentsThis video of Winnipeg police officers repeatedly beating Cody Bousquet during an arrest on February 27, 2009. Bousquet reportedly had been tasered by the officers. One of the officers Const. Ryan Law was previously arrested for aggravated assault for kicking a suspect in the stomach in an interrogation room. He is the nephew of the Chief of Police.
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Please Stare at This Light: Rip Torn Arrested For Breaking Into Bank
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 8 Comments
In Salisbury, Connecticut, actor Elmore “Rip” Torn, 78, has been arrested for breaking into a bank and carrying a firearm while intoxicated. He was found inside of the Litchfield Bancorp with a loaded gun. He appears to have had everything but the one thing he needed from MIB: his neuralyzer.
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Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Sue Dem Fans? Political and Legal Fight Brewing Over “Who Dat” Tee-Shirts
Published 1, January 31, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society , Torts 8 Comments
A federal court may have to decide who owns the “who dat” phrase in footnote. The NFL, which has a reputation of claiming a wide array of trademark rights against fans, has sent letters to various companies and fans telling them not to use the phrase “who dat” in combination with the Saints’ fleur-de-lis logo. It has led to Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (fresh from his prostitution scandal) to cry foul and demand that “who dat” belongs to the people. In the meantime, two fans have claimed ownership to the phrase since 1966.
Psst, Looking For Some Really Good Sh-t? Arizona Police Find Almost 800 Pounds of Pot in Septic Tank
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 36 Comments
Next time you are asked that question from a pot dealer, you may want to ask if he is speaking figuratively or literally. Police in Tucson, Arizona stopped a truck with a septic tank filled with human waste . . . and 743 pounds of pot.
Philadelphia Father Accused of Setting Puppy on Fire for Nipping at Kids
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Society 8 Comments
John Fleet, 33, was allegedly upset by a pit bull puppy when it nipped at his kids. That is understandable. His reaction was not. He allegedly rubbed alcohol on the puppy (not the one shown) and set it on fire in front of the kids.
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O’Keefe Goes Public With Defense on Landrieu Controversy
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society 306 Comments
Conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe has gone public with what is likely to be his defense at trial to the felony charge that he entered federal property with “false pretenses for the purpose of committing a felony.”
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Iranian Cleric Calls for Execution of More Protesters As Sanctioned By God
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Leading Iranian Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati used his Friday prayer sermon to celebrate the recent executions of protesters and to call for more executions as the will of God. Jannati explained that the Koran (Qur’an) expressly allows rulers to execute critics.
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Meteorite Sets Off Firestorm of Litigation in Lorton
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 37 Comments
There is a fascinating property dispute brewing in Virginia. Dr. Marc Gallini and Frank Ciampi almost became galactic fodder when a meteorite came crashing into Examining Room No. 2 at their Williamsburg Square Family Practice. They decided to give the meteorite to the Smithsonian for a $5000 payment of “appreciation.” Now, the landlord Deniz Mutlu and his family have reportedly notified the Smithsonian that the meteorite is theirs, His brother and fellow landlord, Erol Mutlu, wrote to the museum that they would come to retrieve it by the end of the day.
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A Nose for Crime: London Police Arrest Man For Blowing Nose at Traffic Light
Published 1, January 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 12 Comments
We have another curiosity out of London where police arrested Michael Mancini, 39, for blowing his nose in his van while it was stopped at a traffic light. The police officer insisted that he was not in control of his vehicle.
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Obama Reportedly Orders Justice Department to Consider Alternative Sites for Terror Trial
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 36 Comments
Attorney General Eric Holder suffered an embarrassing setback yesterday when the White House ordered the Justice Department to find another location for the trial of the 9/11 suspects. If true, this would be a troubling intervention of the White House into a pending criminal case and seems to follow political pressure on the venue for the trial.
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Obama Avoids Pork Issue in State of the Union
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 21 Comments
For those who wanted President Barack Obama to address the issue of pork in the State of the Union, the speech of Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez this week shows just how much Obama is withholding from the public. Fernandez not only praised the benefits of eating pork but encouraged that a little pork in your diet can spice up your love life. What do we get? A discussion of market recovery and jobs initiatives.
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Not-So-Happy Meal: Colorado Man Tells Children To Bite Officers at McDonald’s
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment
Joshua Alger, 28, in Colorado Springs, Colorado is a few fries short of a Happy Meal. Not only did an intoxicated Alger allegedly pass out in a McDonald’s play area, but he encouraged his two children to bite the arresting officers.
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Oregon Police Officer Pepper Sprays Burning Man
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 19 Comments
When Daniel Shaull, 26, was spotted by a Portland officer after he burst into flames, the officer grabbed what she thought was a fire extinguisher and ran to put him out. Instead she succeeded in pepper spraying Shaull, who died later of his injuries.
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Author J.D. Salinger has died at 91. The author of “The Catcher in the Rye” died on Wednesday in his New Hampshire home.
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Van Steals Porsche to Go to Court on Stolen Lexus
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
Tony Van, 37, a hairstylist from San Francisco, is allegedly someone who likes to arrive in style. When he appeared in court to face charges of stealing a Porsche, Van allegedly decided to arrive in a stolen Lexus — leading to another arrest and charge.
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Virginia School Pulls Diary of Anne Frank From Shelves After Objection to Sexual Explicit Reference
Published 1, January 29, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 36 Comments
The Culpepper County Public Schools has become the latest addition to the dubious list of schools banning Anne Frank’s ‘Diary of a Young Girl.” The move to pull the books from all of the shelves in the county reportedly came after one parent found a passage to be sexually explicit.
Continue reading ‘Virginia School Pulls Diary of Anne Frank From Shelves After Objection to Sexual Explicit Reference’
Filmmaker O’Keefe Tweets on Pending Charges
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 320 Comments
It appears that conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe is continuing to comment on his case. Raw Story and other sites are reporting that O’Keefe tweeted shortly around midnight last night that “Govt official concedes no attempt to wiretap.” In the meantime, it appears that the stunt in New Orleans may have been an effort to cut off the telephones or film their operation as opposed to wiretapping calls. I discussed this story on Hardball and Rachel Maddow.
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Justice Alito Shown Shaking His Head and Mouthing “Not True” in Response to State of the Union Address
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 178 Comments
In a breach of protocol, Associate Justice Sam Alito was filmed during the State of the Union address last night shaking his head and mouthing “not true” in response to the President’s criticism of the Citizens United ruling on corporate campaign finance limits. Ironically, Rep. Joe Wilson promised to restrain himself during this speech and not scream “you lie” again during the President’s speech. For a justice, this breach (shown below) is no less remarkable. It is, in a word, injudicious.
Teacher Resigns After Sending Home 5-Year-Old Special Needs Student With Bag of Human Feces
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 30 Comments
Elementary school teacher Sue Graham in Yakima, Washington has resigned after being reprimanded for sending a bag of human feces home with a five-year-old student from her special education class. She sent home the feces with a sticky note reading âThis little turd was found on the floor in my room.â Her husband, Ron Graham, also resigned.
Dork Hunters: English Police Use Anti-Terror Laws To Detain Film Crew of Children’s Program
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 9 Comments
The hosts and film crew from ITV show Toonattik were shooting a scene for “Dork Hunters” when they were detained by police in London under the Terrorism Act. They were wearing utility belts with “spangly” hairdryers and hairbrushes and flak jackets.
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Punxsutawney PETA: Animal Rights Organization Wants Town To Use Robotic Groundhog
Published 1, January 28, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 20 Comments
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to free its famous groundhog and use a robotic animal to stop what it views as cruelty to Phil. In response, the town insists that Phil lives a better life than most children in Pennsylvania — which raises some serious questions about the lives of kids in that state that live below the standards of a large caged rodent.
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I’m Loving It: Dutch Court Rules Against McDonald’s For Firing Employee Over Slice of Cheese
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 61 Comments
A Dutch court has ruled against McDonald’s and found that the company was wrong to fire an employee who simply gave a colleague an extra piece cheese on her hamburger. She had paid for a hamburger and McDonald’s viewed the gesture as a violation of company policy against gifts.
Botox Terrorists: Black Market Botox Raising Concerns With Terrorism Experts
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 13 Comments
Authorities appear to be on the look out for youthful-looking terrorists with a notable absence of winkles. The burgeoning black market Botox market is raising concerns of how one of its active ingredients might be used by bio-terrorists.
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Running on Empty: AWOL Soldier Arrested After Stolen Humvee Runs Out of Gas
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society 8 Comments
A soldier has learned in a very personal way the perils of gas guzzlers. Private Sean Johnson reportedly decided to go AWOL and grabbed a Humvee to make his escape. He was arrested down the road with an out-of-gas Humvee as eco-friendly AWOL soldiers zoomed by in their Minis.
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Head Haitian Voodoo Priest Objects To Scientologists and Others Proselytizing Through Aid Activities
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 14 Comments
We have been following the arrival of Scientologists and Evangelicals in Haiti to spread their faith with needed aid to survivors. Now, Haiti’s top Voodoo priest is objecting to the use of the aid efforts to spread the off-island faiths.
Chavez: U.S. Caused Haiti Earthquake With “Tectonic Weapon”
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 15 Comments
A Spanish newspaper claims that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the United States of causing the earthquake in Haiti by a U.S. “tectonic weapons test” that is being called “The Earthquake Weapon.”
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D’oh! Man Arrested For Possession of Pornographic Images of The Simpson Children
Published 1, January 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society 23 Comments
Police in Ipswich, Australia have arrested Kurt James Milner, 28, for possession of pornographic images of . . . Marge Simpson and the Powerpuff Girls. We have previously discussed the controversy over whether cartoon or computer generated images can be pornography. This case will answer that question in Australia.
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Pimped Out: Filmmaker James O’Keefe and Son of U.S. Attorney Arrested in Possible Effort to Bug Office of Sen. Mary Landrieu
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 63 CommentsIn what must be great news for ACORN, the filmmaker that was responsible for the recent controversy has been arrested in a bizarre effort to bug the offices of U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. Filmmaker James O’Keefe (shown left) was reportedly arrested with other individuals in the Hale Boggs Federal Building in downtown New Orleans. Also arrested were Joseph Basel, 24, Stan Dai , 24, and Robert Flanagan, 24. Notably, Flanagan is the son of the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. I discussed the story on the Countdown segment below. O’Keefe previously dressed as a pimp to implicate Acorn in a videotaped interview.
California District Attorney Boycotts Judge Who Ruled For Defendant
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Recently, we saw how San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis ordered a boycott of a judge who is deemed too protective over defendant rights, here. Now the ABA Journal is reporting below that another prosecutor has followed suit with her own boycott of a judge in Santa Clara. District Attorney Dolores Carr confirmed that she is boycotting Superior Court Judge Andrea Bryan after the judge ruled for a criminal defendant. It is a dangerous trend that should result in a prompt rebukes from the bar as an attack on the very foundation of an independent judiciary.
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Collared: Catholic Priest Arrested Shoplifting Butter and a Sofa Cover
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 22 Comments
In West City, Illinois, police were a bit surprised when they arrested a shoplifter at Wal-Mart. It was not the fact that he had curiously chosen butter and a sofa cover (or the stolen computer power pack they found later). It was the fact that Steven Poole is the Rev. Steven Poole of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser, Illinois.
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A Secret Public Bailout? Administration Officials Reportedly Agreed To Keep AIG Bailout Plan Secret Through National Security Protections
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 7 Comments
According to the article below, administration officials sought to use national security protections to withhold the details of the details of the American International Group bailout. It is only the latest example of how the government uses such protections to conceal information to avoid embarrassment or public review.
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China Leads World in Research Growth
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Academics , International , Politics , Society 3 Comments
While we continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into Iraq and Afghanistan, China is now leading the world in research growth. The recent report on Chinese investment in new science is startling in comparison to our own illogical policies of raising our debt limits to fund these foreign operations while states sell off public lands and cut back on school budgets, here.
How Do You Spell Absurd? School District Quarantines All Copies of Merrian Webster Dictionary
Published 1, January 26, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society 28 Comments
The good people of Menifee Union School District have taken a stand against indecency. Across the district in every school library Merriam Webster’s 10th edition dictionary has been locked away because one parent complained that it contained a definition of “oral sex.”
The Stark Truth: A Step-By-Step Guide on How You Die From Hypothermia
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Society 43 Comments
I saw this article on Reddit and found it so well-written and informative I could not put it down. It is how you die (or possibly survive) from hypothermia. It is written by Peter Stark, a contributor to Outside and author of Driving to Greenland.
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Times: Patients Dying From Over Exposure in Radiation Therapy
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Society , Torts 10 Comments
The New York Times has a disturbing article on how negligence in the use of radiology machines has led to fatal radiation overdoses. It is astonishing since most people assume that these machines are calibrated to avoid such operator error.
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Does The President Have A Telediction?
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 34 CommentsA recent picture of President Barack Obama speaking to elementary students with his ubiquitous teleprompter raises the question of whether it is time for an intervention to deal with his “Telediction”
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S.C. Lt. Governor Bauer Compares Poor People to Stray Cats
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 211 Comments
South Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is being ridiculed for a recent speech where he appears to compare poor people to stray cats and connect having “ample food supply” to increasing welfare demand.
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The Offal Truth: The U.S. Lifts Its Ban on Haggis Importation After 21 Years
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 27 Comments
Robert Burns called it “great chieftan o’ the puddin-race” but the United States government just called it contraband for decades. Now, first being banned from importation, the Scots have been given a green light to send waves of haggis to our shores. After 21 years, one of the last great prohibitions has fallen and now Americans will be able to experience the stomach curling, soul-crushing dish known simply as “the Haggis.”
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang’s my arm.
Continue reading ‘The Offal Truth: The U.S. Lifts Its Ban on Haggis Importation After 21 Years’
Head of the Family: Islamic Radio Station Founder Claims Wife Dominated Him Before He Beheaded Her
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Religion , Society 4 Comments
Muzzammil Hassan, the founder of an Islam-oriented television station, has fired his attorney and hired a new attorney who promised a “revolutionary defense” for the beheading of Hassan’s late wife. It appears to be a type of spousal abuse syndrome claim.
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Vast Wasteland: Chavez Shutdown Last Major Critical Television Station
Published 1, January 25, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Society 6 CommentsVenezuela president Hugo Chavez continued his assault on free speech and the free press with the closing of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), the last major television channel offering criticism of his regime. Previously, his government kicked the station off free television channels. RCTV then continued to criticize his policies on cable. Now it has been barred from any broadcast.
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I was just lying on the couch and then he just seemed to disappear?
Desperate Haitians Given Scientology Lessons and Solar-Powered Bibles
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 29 Comments
Relief has arrived in Haiti this week in the form of planes of Scientologists who will help Haitians heal spiritually and Evangelical Christians bringing solar-powered bibles.
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New York Men Jailed for Five Days After Being Caught in Possession of Coconut Candy
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Criminal law , Society , Torts 9 Comments
While in Pittsburgh a teen is claiming that he was beaten by officers who were suspicious of a Mountain Dew in his pocket (here), Cesar Rodriguez and Jose Pena claim that they were not only arrested but jailed for days for what turned out to be candy mistaken as crack.
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Get Horizontal: Pittsburgh Police Beat and Arrest Teenager Only To Find That Mysterious Object Was Bottle of Mountain Dew
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 19 Comments
Pittsburgh authorities are investigating a case where an 18-year-old student, Jordan Miles, was struck repeatedly by undercover officers who saw a large object in his clothing. It turned out to be a Mountain Dew (“Get Vertical”).
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China: Missing Reformer Lawyer “Is Where He Should Be” After Alleged Torture By Government
Published 1, January 24, 2010 Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 12 CommentsSupporters of reformer and lawyer Gao Zhisheng have been trying to confirm rumors that he died after being tortured by the government. In a chilling response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu stated that Gao is “where he should be.”
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Video: New York Police Officers Beat Handcuffed Suspect
Published 1, January 23, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 60 CommentsNew York authorities have suspended two police officers and are considering criminal charges after this video showed them assaulting a handcuffed man, Jonathan Baez, 28. The video shows Officer John Cicero, 28, hitting Baez. Officer William Green, 26, is also seen hitting and kicking Baez.
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Christie’s Pulls Human Skull and Crossbones From Auction
Published 1, January 23, 2010 Bizarre , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Christie’s has pulled a human skull and crossbones from auction over a rivaling claim for the body parts — valued at $20,000. The parts were reportedly used by Yale’s secret Order of Skull and Bones (with members like George W. Bush).
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Geter Done: Georgia Mother Arrested After Forcing Son To Kill Hamster With Hammer As Punishment for Bad Grades
Published 1, January 23, 2010 Uncategorized 22 Comments
Police in Georgia have arrested Lynn Middlebrooks Geter who is charged with forcing her 12-year-old son to kill his pet hamster with a hammer as a punishment for bad grades (the boy’s bad grades not the hamster’s). “Killing pet with hammer” appears to be farther down on after “no television” and “no sleepovers.” Way down on the list.
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English Holiday Inn To Offer “Bed Warmers” to Travelers While Nevada Brothel Offers First Male “Prostidude”
Published 1, January 23, 2010 Bizarre , Society 4 Comments
This is a serious case of misleading advertising. When Holiday Inn announced it would offer “bed warmers” for guests, many swingers were already packing when they found out that the employees are literally warming the bed. However, Shady Lady Ranch offers a new and different meaning of a bed warmer outside of Vegas.
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Teacher Suspended Over Picture With Stripper at Bridal Shower on Facebook
Published 1, January 23, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 24 Comments
A Pennsylvania high school teacher has been suspended after someone at a bridal party posted pictures on Facebook. One such picture showed the unnamed teacher with a male stripper.
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Florida Man Charged After Killing Dog in “Improvised Surgery” Using Super Glue and Dental Floss
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 23 Comments
William Jones has been arrested in Florida after he killed a dog in a horrific “improvised surgery.” Zoe, a two-year-old hound/retriever mix, died on a kitchen table that Jones turned into a surgery table at his house.
Bomb Detector or Divining Rod? Device Widely Used in Iraq Denounced by Experts As Useless
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Bizarre , International , Military , Politics , Society 7 Comments
The BBC is reporting on a bomb detector in Iraq that is being denounced by experts as little more than a glorified divining road (what the Brits call a “dowsing rod”). The deployment of the ADE-651A was called “absolutely immoral” and could be the basis for the loss of lives.
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New and Improved Terror: Taliban Announces It Will Drop Use of Tongue Cuttings, School Bombings, and Suicide Bombings (Against Civilians)
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
The war on terror just got more dangerous. The Taliban has actual image consultations and is now rebranding the organization in a kindler and gentler image. In a new code of conduct, Mullah Muhammad Omar has ordered that the organization will now forego such signature methods as suicide bombings against civilians, burning down schools, or cutting off ears, lips and tongues. Next the Taliban will announce that it is starting a Terror for Tots program to reach out to underprivileged children. Wait, they already have that program.
The Incriminating Invocation: Officer Searches Car of Teenager After He Asks for a Lawyer and Finds Dead Mother
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 22 Comments
There is an interesting case out of Columbia, Missouri where an officer, Jessica McNabb, found a body in the trunk of the car of teenager, Daniel Sanders. That unfortunately is not so interesting in today’s world. What is striking is the reason for the search of the trunk: Sanders asked for a lawyer. The body turned out to be his mother.
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The Best and Worst of Legal Commercials
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society , Torts 4 CommentsTrolman Glaser & Lichtman, a personal injury law firm in New York city has shown that not all legal commercials have to be obnoxious.
New York Flight Diverted Over Praying Jewish Teenager
Published 1, January 22, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
A US Airway flight from New York was diverted and the bomb squad called after a Jewish teenager was caught . . . praying. The teen was praying with a traditional tefillin on the flight and said that he explained the practice, but the flight crew went into full alert on Flight 3079.
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Supreme Court Rules 5-4 Against Campaign Limitations in The Hillary The Movie Case
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics , Society 254 Comments
In a decision that could have a dramatic effect on the upcoming elections, the Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 in favor of a group of conservative filmmakers in the “Hillary: The Movie” Case. The result of the decision could increase spending for corporations, unions, and nonprofits in the election. I previously discussed the case and the likelihood of this 5-4 ruling. I discussed the case on this segment of Countdown. Other commentators like Glenn Greenwald have also weighed in on the case with similar views, here.
Study: Paleolithic Women Dug Farmers
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Academics , International , Society 20 Comments
If you really want to impress women, join the Grange or the FFA. That is the finding of a remarkable study of the DNA of most British men that shows that they are direct descendants of farmers who left Iraq and Syria over 10,000 years ago. It turns out that hunter-gatherer women dug the fact that they could grow food and dumped those bronzed spear-throwing hunks for guys with farmer’s tans.
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New York Police Officer in DUI Case Suggests Victim Was Intoxicated and Responsible for Her Own Death
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 4 CommentsNew York Police Officer Andrew Kelly is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. There is also an investigation into a possible cover-up of his accident when he was off-duty. The defense has now responded by claiming that the victim,Vionique Valnord (33), was drunk and responsible for her own death.
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Court Orders Ex-Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick To Pay Over $300,000 in 90 Days in Blistering Opinion
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Criminal law , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David Groner issued a blistering order against Ex-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick this week, accusing him of lying and hiding money. Groner ordered Kilpatrick to pay more than $300,000 within 90 days — more than the amount actually requested by the prosecutors.
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Dead Woman Shopping: Couple Accused of Stealing Credit Card of Friend Who Died On Their Couch
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment
Quick: what do you do when a friend dies on your couch? Call police. Try CPR. Well, according to police, Michael Wheaton (25) and Sabrina Tomcho (20) recommend stealing her credit card and going on a buying spree.
Joan of Arc: Study Finds Sacred Relic Contains Mummy and Cat Bones
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 9 Comments
For centuries, the Archbishops of Tours (Chinon, France) have protected one of the holiest relics of the Church: the charred bones of Joan of Arc. Kept in a bottle and showing signs of the burning, the bones were a prized possession in France where Joan of Arc is the national heroine. New tests, however, reveal that the bottle contains the bones of a cat and an Egyptian.
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Phone Flog: Saudi Court Orders 13-Year-Old Girl Flogged and Jailed For Bringing Phone to School
Published 1, January 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
A Saudi court has sentenced a 13-year-old girl to 90 lashes and two months in jail for the crime of bringing a cell phone to school. To make the sentence all the more barbaric, the judge ordered the girl flogging in front of the other children.
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The Ultimate Fatwa: Saudi Arabia Closes Women’s Hospital Health Club
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
After previously shutting down health clubs for women as “unIslamic,” Saudi authorities have now shutdown a fitness center connected to one of the leading hospitals despite objections that women are suffering from high rates of heart disease and diabetes due to diet and lack of exercise.
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Chinese Supreme Court Justice Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Corruption
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Justice 9 CommentsFormer Chinese Supreme Court Justice Huang Songyou, 52, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption after being convicted of taking more than 3.9 million yuan ($570,000) in bribes from four lawyers in return for favorable rulings. He was also convicted of embezzling 1.2 million yuan of government funds in 1997 when he was president of a city-level court in Guang-dong Province.
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Dems Debate Changing Rules After Loss in Massachusetts
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 161 Comments
Leading Democrats are hinting at the possibility of changing the rules in light of the victory of Scott Brown in Massachusetts — possibly doing away with the long-protected right to filibuster. Rep. Barney Frank has called for the Senate to change its rules while Vice President Joe Biden has decried the use of the rule by Republicans.
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Pennsylvania Judge Arrested for Allegedly Choking Wife
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Pennsylvania Judge C. Joseph Rehkamp, 61, has turned himself in to the police to be charged with domestic abuse after allegedly choking his wife, according the ABA Journal.
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Video: Olympian Wardrobe Malfunction
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Bizarre , International , Society 7 Comments
The video below may be the ultimate malfunction for an Olympic athlete. For all of us who have had open zipper moments or torn pants, this may make you feel a little better. UK bobsled competitor Gillian Cooke become an overnight YouTube sensation.
China Pulls Avatar From Movie Theaters
Published 1, January 20, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Society 6 Comments
The Chinese government has joined the line of those who would like to see Avatar sent to a distant planet. We have already seen the Vatican, the Marines, and even a Chicago Alderman pan the movie, here. The Chinese officials have a particular gripe with the movie. The heartless corporation supported by the military looks a lot like them and could lead to civil unrest.
Sighting The Bible: Military Contractor Found Adding Biblical Citations to Weapons
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 388 Comments
ABC has a truly bizarre and disturbing story. Brian Ross reports that a military contractor has encoded hidden New Testament Bible passages on high-powered rifle sites. The contractor is Trijicon, which apparently confirmed the practice.
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Video: Loud Jets Fan Arrested at Chargers Game
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law 11 CommentsThis video purportedly shows a Jets fan being arrested for rooting too loudly in the Jets-Chargers game. The arrest of New York native Bill Carroll came in the third quarter, so he missed the Jets whip the Chargers.
“When you’re a Jet,
You’re the swingin’est thing:
Little boy, you’re a man;
Little man, you’re a king! “
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Beating the Rap: Murderer Sings His Way Out of Death Sentence
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
Cordaro Hardin, 21, has brought new meaning to the expressions of trying to “beat the rap.” Before being sentenced for murder, Hardin decided to try to rap himself to a lighter sentence with a song entitled “Where Do I Go From Here?” The court supplied the answer and sentenced him to two life sentences in prison. On the other hand, he could have gone to death row.
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French Official Accuses U.S. of “Occupying” Haiti
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Environment , International , Politics , Society 23 Comments
Just a day after the Chavez claim, a French official is now accusing the United States of “occupying” Haiti and turning away relief supplies. French minister in charge of humanitarian relief Alain Joyandet made the allegation after having an argument with a U.S. commander over the flight plan for a French evacuation flight.
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Video: Police Allegedly Bump Man and Then Arrest Him for Assault
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 10 CommentsThis is an interesting video where witnesses say that police arrested a man in New Hampshire by claiming that he assaulted an officer. The alleged assault takes place around 3:20 on the tape.
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England Arrested: Forensic Experts Prove False Rape Claim
Published 1, January 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 6 Comments
There was an impressive victory for forensic science in England this week. Rosanne England, 21, wanted to be a rape victim. She only needed a rapist. England was arrested after forensic investigators showed that she had made up her story of a rape that led to the wrongful arrest of Derek Cummings, 59, a father of two teenage daughters.
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Congress Exempts Amish From Health Care Bill
Published 1, January 18, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 183 Comments
There is an interesting controversy brewing over the current version of the health care bill in which Amish families are exempted from the mandatory coverage. Other groups may also receive exemptions.
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Morality Police in Indonesia Arrest Female Student For Relations With Her Boyfriend . . . And Then Repeatedly Rape Woman
Published 1, January 18, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 53 CommentsWe have yet another example of abuse by Sharia authorities. In Indonesia, three members of the Sharia police arrested a 20-year-old student who was accused of immoral relations with her boyfriend. They allegedly took the woman to the police station and took turns raping her until she was hospitalized with internal bleeding.
Chavez Accuses the United States of Using Earthquake to Occupy Haiti
Published 1, January 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 26 CommentsVenezuela’s President Hugo Chavez yesterday accused the United States of seeking to occupy Haiti by sending troops to the island. That’s right, you got us. We want to occupy one of the poorest nations on Earth in the midst of a complete breakdown of services and society. That is because our work in Iraq and Afghanistan are going so well. He really caught us on this one.
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British Researchers Announce Eye Test To Predict Alzheimer’s 20 Years Before Symptoms Appear
Published 1, January 18, 2010 Academics , International , Society 9 Comments
In what could be a major breakthrough in dealing with Alzheimer’s, British scientists believe that they have an inexpensive eye test that could detect the disease 20 years before the first symptoms.
Happy Martin Luther King Day!
Published 1, January 18, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 39 Comments
Best wishes to everyone on Martin Luther King Day! The messages today, however, appear a bit confused with the holiday . . .
This is why I like dogs.
Continue reading ‘SUV DOG’
You Have Osama Bin Laden Eyes: Spanish Legislator’s Picture Used For Award Poster of Aged Osama Bin Laden
Published 1, January 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 7 Comments
Gaspar Llamazares of the Spanish United Left party has an interesting claim of appropriation of name or likeness against the FBI. When the FBI was trying to come up with a picture of an aging Osama Bin Laden, they reportedly decided the easiest thing to do was to use Llamazares’ picture as the basis for the widely distributed poster.
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A Schilling Short? Democratic Senate Candidate Defames Red Sox Pitcher
Published 1, January 17, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 49 Comments
We recently saw how a single interview is viewed as ending the New York Senate run of Harold Ford Jr. just as it was beginning. Now, an interview with Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is being cited as a possible fatal mistake in the close race to replace the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy against Republican Scott Brown. While she did not discuss pedicures and limo rides like Ford, she may have committed a greater political sin in Boston: she called the Red Sox Icon Curt Schilling a Yankee fan.
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Diamonds Are a Neptunian’s Best Friend
Published 1, January 17, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , International , Society 6 Comments
This Valentine’s Day why promise your loved one a diamond when you can promise her an ocean of diamonds. Scientists now believe that Neptune and Uranus may have diamond icebergs floating on seas of liquid diamond.
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Moko Madness: Teenage Dolphin Steals Surf Boards and Leaves Swimmers Stranded
Published 1, January 17, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International , Society 5 Comments
Even though dolphin are now considered the second most intelligent species on Earth, dolphin teenagers like their human counterparts are often . . . well . . . bums. Take Moko. New Zealand police are dealing with repeated cases of Moko stealing surfboards, beach balls, overturning kayaks, and tipping over water skiers. It does little to cry “Get a Pod” or “Grow up.” Mojo is an incorrigible beach bum.
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Glover: Haiti Earthquake is the Result of Failure to Deal with Global Warming
Published 1, January 16, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International , Society 21 Comments
First we had Pat Robertson saying that the Haitian earthquake was punishment from God for a pact with the devil. Now Danny Glover seems to say that it is the response for failing to reach a pact on global warming.
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Elephants May Again Roam Vermont
Published 1, January 16, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Soon elephant may walk the state of Vermont if Rep. Dick Lawrence has his way. He is seeking to lift the ban on elephants in the state. While some countries and states have considered banning circus elephants over allegations of animal cruelty, Vermont banned all elephants in fear that they would bring tuberculosis to the state.
Michigan Couple Arrested After Dragging to Death Kmart Guard
Published 1, January 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments
In Michigan, police have arrested a couple, James Dean Woodworth (39) and Samantha Lorraine Lomasney (20), after they allegedly dragged to death Greg Wainio, a “loss prevention officer” at Kmart.
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Remember When Mom Told You Not To Play With Fire . . . This Is What She Never Told You
Published 1, January 16, 2010 Bizarre , Society 5 CommentsThis kinda makes me feel a little wimpy about my bic lighter for the grill.
Military Arrests Soldier in Afghanistan for Child Porn After He Receives Picture of 4-Year Old Niece in Wading Pool
Published 1, January 16, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Military , Society 45 Comments
When Specialist Billy Miller an Illinois National Guardsman in Afghanistan complained about being homesick his mother, Terri Miller, sent him a picture of a little girl that he helped raise in a wading pool. One picture showed a buttocks exposed and Miller was promptly arrested for possession of child pornography.
Hey, Ladies, We’re Evolving!!!
Published 1, January 15, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 47 Comments
The men on this blog finally have something to say to our spouses and significant others when confronted with complaints about toilet seats being left up or the lack of regular bathing: we are evolving faster than you. Of course, the new research showing that the Y chromosome is the fastest evolving in the human code may only confirm for many women that we are in need of serious evolutionary progress as a gender.
Moldrin: Johnson and Johnson Recalls Over-The-Counter Drugs Over Possible Contamination
Published 1, January 15, 2010 Society , Torts 8 Comments
McNeil-PPC, a division of Johnson and Johnson has recalled Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, and other drugs after complaints over an “unusual moldy, musty or mildew-like” odor. There were also complaints over stomach problems, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
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Repo Man Takes Car With Infant Inside
Published 1, January 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 13 Comments
We have another repo man taking a car with a child inside. The latest case occurred in San Jose where Isabel Leuvano was just 17 days late on her payments and parked the running car in the driveway of her ex-husband to pick up her daughter.
Former Chief U.N. Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter Arrested in Sex Sting
Published 1, January 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 24 Comments
Former chief United Nations weapons inspector Scott Ritter, 48, has been arrested in a Pennsylvania sex sting involving a lewd Internet conversation with a person he thought was a 15-year-old girl. The charges are reportedly supported by a videotape of Ritter that (if true) makes a plea likely.
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Ford Recall? Pundits Pan Ford Interview With New York Times and Declare Candidacy for Senate DOA
Published 1, January 15, 2010 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 19 Comments
Many of us scratched our heads when Harold Ford Jr. announced that he was going to run for the Senate in New York. Of course, Hillary Clinton did the same thing when she decided to instantly become a New Yorker (as did Bobby Kennedy). However, neither Clinton nor Kennedy ever had an interview like the one Ford gave to the New York Times. Peter Beinart of the Daily Beast called it a case of a Ford “imploding” while the Gawker called it a case where the Times stood by and allowed Ford to “destroy himself.” Not since Sarah Palin has an interview gone so bad with the pundits.
Taser Tots: Kankakee Police Officer Tasers Children in Demonstration
Published 1, January 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 45 Comments
A police officer in Kankakee has a curious method of applied learning for children. While visiting the Kankakee Junior High School, he called for volunteers and tasered students in a demonstration. One of the parents rushed her son to the hospital because he has a pre-existing heart murmur.
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This video shows Oxford’s finest using their riot shield as sleds in the snow.
Continue reading ‘Police At Play’
Three Missouri Men Arrested After Allegedly Kidnapping Wrong Man in New Jersey
Published 1, January 14, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 Comments
According to police, these guys may be the worst kidnappers in history. Police believe that they kidnapped the wrong guy from New Jersey, only to have him bolt in Missouri. One officer called Douglas Stangeland, 46, of Nevada; Andrew David Wadel, 21, and Lonnie Eugene Swarnes, 44, “bumbling idiots” after their arrest near a convenience store in Lake Ozark.
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