Interested-Participant

Following Entry Posted 8/31/2005 08:17:00 AM

Mom Gets Hand Slap in Baby's Diaper Rash Death

(Ebensburg, Pennsylvania) This case makes me sick. Amy Livingston, 28, effectively kills her 15-month-old baby through neglect, almost kills her 4-year-old son the same way, pleads guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy and, with credit for time served, she'll probably walk out of jail in a year.

Amy Livingston
Convicted of manslaughter, child sexual assault
Livingston boo-hooed her way through yesterday's sentencing after pleading guilty to manslaughter and statutory sexual assault as part of the lamest plea agreement ever negotiated. The result, 19 to 59 months (wink-wink) for manslaughter of her baby and six to 24 months (wink-wink) for sexual assault of the neighborhood boy.

All time is to be served concurrently (boo-hoo, boo-hoo) and, at the defendant's request (sniff-sniff), it won't be in state prison. She'll do her time in the county jail. By the way, when Amy, the dangerous moron, addressed the court, she expressed no contrition. She cried, but only because she sees herself as the victim.

And, there's more idiocy. Livingston's (lawyer, family, et al.) entire argument for a lenient sentence was that she was exasperated (boo-hoo), that she's immature (sniff-sniff), and that her husband left her to be deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army. Hell, I would have left without being in the service.

In case you're wondering who choreographed this comedy, it was Cambria County Judge F. Joseph Leahey and whoever was prosecuting the case. The best that I can tell is that the judge had to get back to watching his Ironside videos and the entire staff in the district attorney's office was on vacation. I guess we should be thankful that she didn't get just community service.

Following Entry Posted 8/31/2005 06:26:00 AM

Study: No Brain Cancer From Mobile Phones

(London) Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research have found no correlation between a type of brain cancer called acoustic neuroma and the number of years a patient had used a mobile phone. They also were unable to correlate the number of calls, the length of calls, and the type of cell phone to any brain cancers.

This is obviously good news in the interim before the results of another study indicate differently, which seems to happen with regularity. Unfortunately, researchers at the institute failed to investigate and confirm the suspicion that excessive cell phone use results in a dramatic drop in IQ.

Following Entry Posted 8/31/2005 05:22:00 AM

Iraqis Reportedly Drown After Bomb Scare

(Baghdad) This story demonstrates just how on edge the general population is in some parts of Iraq.

From XinhuaNet.com:

Twenty-four people drowned in the Tigris river on Wednesday after a false suicide bomb alarm scared them off a bridge in Baghdad, an Iraqi police source said.

"Someone among the people walking on the Aaimma bridge in al-Aadhamiya district of Baghdad suddenly shouted 'there is a suicide bomber on the bridge' and then the people panicked and jumped into the Tigris river. So far 24 people drowned," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Details of the incident are sketchy. I hope the source is mistaken about the number of people. Nevertheless, and no pun intended, everybody is jumpy due to the dangerous security situation.

[Update, 8/31/05, 0600 EDT]

This report has it as a stampede killing hundreds.

From the BBC:

At least five hundred people have been killed in a stampede in northern Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

The incident happened on a bridge over the Tigris River as hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims marched as part of an annual religious festival.

It was sparked by rumours of a suicide bomber in a crowd. In the ensuing panic many pilgrims were crushed and some fell into the river.

Mortar rounds had been fired into the crowd earlier, killing seven people.

About 36 others were injured when four mortar round landed close to the Kadhimiya mosque.

Contrary to the previous report, it appears that people were pushed off the bridge as opposed to jumping off. Either way, it's another ugly example of followers of the religion of peace not being very peaceful.

Following Entry Posted 8/30/2005 10:56:00 PM

50,000 Virgins on Display

Some stories just ache to be passed along.

From The Washington Times:

Ludzidzini Royal Village, Swaziland -- Fifty thousand bare-breasted virgins danced for the king of Swaziland yesterday, vying to become his 13th wife.

King Mswati III, the last absolute monarch in sub-Saharan Africa, arrived dressed in a leopard-skin loincloth to watch the ceremony called the Reed Dance, which he has used since 1999 to pluck brides from the ranks of girls dressed in little more than beaded miniskirts.

Wielding machetes and singing tributes to the king and queen mother, called "the Great She-Elephant," the girls danced around the royal stadium in the hope of catching the eye of the 37-year-old monarch.

Human rights groups have expressed disapproval of the king's actions. I don't necessarily approve or disapprove, but I am astonished. Finding and gathering 50,000 bare-breasted virgins in this day and age seems unlikely. I'm fairly certain it couldn't be done in Ohio.

Following Entry Posted 8/30/2005 09:12:00 PM

Child Sex Offender Battles for Custody

(Pasadena, Texas) In 2003, 27-year-old teacher, Lisa Zuniga, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old student and was sentenced to deferred adjudication, meaning that after she completes ten years probation she won't have a criminal record. At the time of sentencing, she was pregnant with the 13-year-old boy's child and gave birth to a daughter shortly thereafter.

Lisa Zuniga Duran
This week, 29-year-old Lisa Zuniga Duran (she's now married) will defend herself in family court against an attempt by the boy-father (now 17) and his mother, Tammy Ambriz, to have custody of the child taken away from Zuniga Duran and awarded to them. Oddly, in the criminal trial in 2003, the judge ordered Zuniga to register as a sex offender and avoid contact with minors.

Regarding the criminal case, it's an outrage that a teacher received essentially no punishment for molesting a 13-year-old student. In my opinion, some time in prison was warranted.

[Update 06/07/06]

Father sues for custody.

Following Entry Posted 8/30/2005 06:37:00 PM

Woman Gets 90 Days for Copulation with Minor

(Manteca, California) San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Franklin Stephenson sentenced 39-year-old Cindy Farmanian to 90 days in jail after she pleaded guilty to two charges: oral copulation of a person under age 18, and dissuading a 13-year-old boy from reporting a crime.

Cindy Farmanian
In a plea agreement, seven other charges were dropped. Farmanian will also have to attend a 90-day alcohol treatment program. Interestingly, she was initially turned in by her husband, Police Lieutenant Greg Farmanian. Apparently, he noticed that she was boozing it up and getting intimate with a bunch of teenage boys and decided to put a stop to it.

It's also interesting that Farmanian's husband, the defense lawyer, the prosecutor, and the judge all believe that the devil firewater made her commit the crimes, so she won't have to register as a sex offender.

Following Entry Posted 8/30/2005 04:47:00 AM

Study: Terrorists Easily Enter U.S.

Simply put, by using a variety of tactics, terrorists are entering the United States with unacceptable ease. According to a study by the Center for Immigration Studies, gaps in the nation's border security, visa approval, and immigration systems have allowed dozens of terrorists to enter and embed themselves in the United States between 1993 and 2004. Ultimately, at least 21 foreign nationals became naturalized U.S. citizens before being identified as terrorists. The report of the study will be formally released later today at the National Press Club.

From the Associated Press:

Overall, 59 of 94 foreign-born nationals who were either convicted or indicted on terror charges broke federal immigration laws to enter or remain in the country between 1993 and 2004, the report found. It also noted:
_Twenty-two of the 94 either had student visas or other applications approving them to study in the United States; another 17 used visitor visas to enter the country.

_In at least 13 instances, suspected and convicted terrorists overstayed their temporary visas.

_Seven of the 94 were indicted for using false driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards and immigration records.

_Twenty-one became naturalized citizens.
The report identified many of the immigrants as affiliated with at least one terror organization, including 40 with al-Qaida, 16 with Hamas, 16 with the Palestinian or Egyptian Islamic Jihad, and six with Hezbollah.

The Department of Homeland Security has enacted programs to improve immigration enforcement, undeniably not a moment too soon. According to Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke, the levels of scrutiny imposed by the new programs "vastly improve the odds of stopping" the terrorists before they act.

Frankly, the odds of my satisfaction with national security are not improved when it's described in terms of a mathematical probability. What's next? Television news reporting the chance of terror right after the weatherman tells us the chance of rain? Obviously, more needs to be done. National security should be a "yes or no" issue, not something that requires a handicapper.

[Update 8/30/05, 1630 EDT]

The full report, Moving Beyond the 9/11 Staff report on Terrorist Travel by Janice L. Kephart, has been posted on the Internet. It's informative and engaging, particularly the section on the extent that terrorists use sham marriages to gain permanent residency and citizenship in the U.S. Beguiling American women into marriage is an effective tactic used intentionally to further their terrorist goals. I'm not shocked.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 03:35:00 PM

Woman Flees to Avoid Arrest for Sex with Boy Under 12 - Updated

(Muskegon, Michigan) When 32-year-old Dorothy Hanrahan heard that the police were looking for her, she packed up her six children and, along with her husband, skipped town for parts unknown. According to Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague, Hanrahan is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having sex with a boy under the age of 12.

From the Muskegon Chronicle:

The prosecutor said the child is not related to her and that she "befriended" several neighborhood children "before focusing on this particular boy."

"She bought him gifts and groomed him for a sexual relationship," Tague said. She is alleged to have had sex with the boy "on repeated occasions throughout the summer," he said.

"We are also investigating whether she may have had sex with another underage male," Tague said. "There could be further charges."

So, be on the lookout for Dorothy Hanrahan. She's Hispanic, brown hair, brown eyes, 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 175 pounds, and she's traveling with six kids and her husband. If anyone has information on her whereabouts, call the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department, 724-6351, or Silent Observer, 72-CRIME.

If convicted of the charges against her, Hanrahan could be sentenced to life in prison.

[Update 9/13/05]

According to this report, Dorothy Hanrahan was arrested and is in the Muskegon County Jail awaiting trial. Earlier today she was arraigned on four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for engaging in sex and sex acts with an 11-year-old boy. A trial date was not disclosed.

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 02:02:00 PM

Mrs. Teacher, 53, Sticky with Boy, 14

(El Paso, Texas) Arrest warrants have been issued for a second-grade teacher at Vista Hills Elementary School and her husband pertaining to the molestation of a 14-year-old boy and attempts to cover it up.

From a report by Heath Haussamen for the Las Cruces Sun-News:

Donna McKnight, 53, of 11235 Signal Ridge in El Paso, is facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, a fourth-degree felony. Her husband, Ronald McKnight, 49, is charged with one count of bribery of a witness, a third-degree felony.

[ ... ]

According to court records, on Aug. 7 the 14-year-old boy was doing work at the home of Ronald McKnight's mother at 1205 Hueco in Chaparral, in southern Dona Ana County. He was approached by Donna McKnight who asked "if he wanted to make some extra money." Ronald McKnight was also at the home at the time, court records state.

Investigators report Donna McKnight told the boy she was going to have him rub suntan lotion on her skin. She then removed her clothes and told the boy to touch her intimate parts, which he did. At one point, Donna McKnight forced him to touch her, court records state.

She also pulled the boy toward her for a kiss on the mouth, court records state.

McKnight also allegedly told the boy she could "give him pleasure," but he refused.

Ronald McKnight became involved during a car ride afterward, when he told the boy "if he made his wife happy, they would allow him to drive the Jeep," court records state.

Donna McKnight propositioned the boy once more during the day for "the same kind of fun that they had that morning," court records state, but the boy refused.

He was paid $35 by the McKnights, records state.

The boy told his mother who alerted the police. According to investigators, Ronald McKnight subsequently left a message on the boy's mother's answering machine in which he offered to pay for two years college if they would "drop the complaint." McKnight also said his wife "has a 34-year career which would come to an end for 15 minutes of insanity."

If convicted of the offenses, each faces a possible three years in prison.

[Update 8/30/05]

A family member alerted the police that the McKnights were at a motel in Las Cruces where they were arrested yesterday morning. Both are being held on $50,000 cash bonds.

In a new development in the case, police said that family members alleged McKnight and her husband also were having sex with their son and daughter and it had gone on for years. The El Paso Police Department is investigating the allegations of abuse involving the McKnight children.

[Update II, 8/30/05]

Donna & Ronald
McKnight
According to another report, the McKnight children are both minors who live with their parents and they claim that they had been raped and molested by both parents for several years. Also, new sexual assault allegations in several counties in New Mexico and El Paso County are being investigated.

[Update III, 9/12/05]

A Dona Ana County grand jury in New Mexico has indicted Donna McKnight on charges of criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact of a minor, and other charges. If convicted, she faces a possible seven and one-half years in prison.

Also, Ronald McKnight was indicted by the grand jury on charges of bribery of a witness and other charges. If convicted, he faces a possible six years in prison.

Obviously, happy days are over for the McKnights. By successfully being charged with sex crimes and other felonies in two states, it's hard to imagine them surviving the judicial process without spending some time behind cold, steel bars.

[Update 02/28/06]

Donna McKnight sentenced to four years in prison.

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 10:20:00 AM

U.S. Troops Kill Senior Taliban

(Kabul, Afghanistan) Elimination of an enemy leader is always welcome news.

From ADNKI.com:

Three Taliban fighters, including a top commander, have been shot and killed by US troops in Afghanistan's southern region of Uruzgan. Payenda Mohammed, commander of a group of some 150 Taliban fighters involved in a series of attacks against Afghan government troops and officials, died along with the other two insurgents in a clash last Wednesday, the US military in Afghanistan announced on Monday.

According to the governor of Uruzgan province, Jan Mohammad Khan, Payenda Mohammed was a main Taliban commander in the province who had a reputation for conducting rocket attacks, ambushes, guerrilla-style attacks and setting up illegal checkpoints.

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 08:36:00 AM

Female Jail Guard Fired for Sex with Inmate

(Canton, New York) It's generally recognized that inmates occasionally engage in sexual activity with each other while locked up, however, to have a female corrections officer handing out intimate goodies is rare. Consequently, the story of corrections officer Robin Forbes is newsworthy.

From NewsWatch50.com:

A female corrections officer at the St. Lawrence County Jail has been fired for allegedly having sex with an inmate.

County Sheriff Gary Jarvis called the alleged incident, "an embarrassment." Jarvis said Robin Forbes of Hermon was fired August 2nd after being caught having sex in a secluded area of the jail.

"Oh, Officer Forbes! Another strip search? Well, if you must."

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 05:32:00 AM

Die-Hards Will Die Hard

(New Orleans) Hurricane Katrina has been downgraded to Category 4 with winds of 155 MPH. Landfall is expected within the next hour, about 0630 EDT.

From the head of Jefferson Parish comes this chilling quote, "I'm expecting that some people who are die-hards will die hard." Currently, it's believed that at least 100,000 people did not evacuate.

Following Entry Posted 8/29/2005 05:03:00 AM

Three Nursing Home Patients Die During Hurricane Evacuation

(Baton Rouge, Louisiana) This story comes about a year after two nursing home patients died during evacuation for Hurricane Ivan.

From WWLTV.com:

An official with the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office says three residents of a New Orleans nursing home fleeing Hurricane Katrina aboard a school bus died today (Sunday) during an evacuation to a Baton Rouge church.

The names, ages and sexes of the dead were not available.

Don Moreau, chief of operations, says the coroner's office responded to a call from emergency medical technicians to a Baptist church, which was the destination for the bus of nursing home patients. Once there, Moreau says one person was dead inside the church and another was found dead inside the bus.

He says the person in the bus appeared to have been dead for some time.

Moreau says the others on the bus, 21 people, were transported to Earl K- Long Hospital, where a third nursing home resident later died.

No clues on the causes of the deaths, however, the coroner's office remarked that many people on the bus appeared to be dehydrated. It's not known how long the evacuees were on the bus. Nevertheless, it appears that the evacuation process itself can be life-threatening to nursing home residents.

Following Entry Posted 8/28/2005 03:10:00 PM

Katrina's Older Sister Camille

In August of 1969, Hurricane Camille made landfall at Gulfport, Mississippi, with winds gusting over 200 MPH. Just a few miles away at the Richelieu Apartments in Pass Christian, Mississippi, 23 people decided to ride out the storm and have a "hurricane party."

Richelieu Apartments before Hurricane Camille
Tragically, it turned out to be a farewell party.

Richelieu Apartments after Hurricane Camille
(Photos credit: Chauncey Hinman)
The only method that assures safety from hurricanes is evacuation. Simply leave the area quickly.

Following Entry Posted 8/28/2005 12:43:00 PM

Lodi Muslims Suspect Government Mole

(Lodi, California) The Lodi Muslim community has been rocked by two prominent citizens being implicated in a federal terrorism investigation.

From ABC7News.com:

Hamid Hayat is accused of lying about attending a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. His father, Umer Hayat, was also arrested for lying about his son's involvement.

Muslim leaders in Lodi say since those arrests, a man who'd forged deep ties in the community has now disappeared. Federal prosecutors have revealed they did have a cooperating witness in Lodi, but did not name the person.

What a cheap shot. Blame it on the guy who skipped town. Instead of trying to distance themselves from terrorist activities and summarily denounce terrorism, the Muslims in Lodi are saying that someone ratted them out.

In my estimation, we would probably benefit by having more moles.

Companion at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 8/28/2005 10:50:00 AM

Letter From A Pen Pal

Rusty Shackleford has struck up a philosophical dialogue with an Islamic pen pal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At The Jawa Report, Rusty relates his latest communication with Karim. Although, there are no surprises on the Islamic perspective, it's interesting to see how lizard-leaping logic is used in the argument. Take a look and observe a debate with someone who makes pronouncements that contradict previous pronouncements and, all along, Karim apparently thinks it makes sense.

As a belief system, Karim seems to be able to take every dictate of Islam independent of all other dictates. Consequently, Islam is a "religion of peace" is not conflicted by "kill the infidels."

Rather disjointed thinking, I'd say. Yet, somehow, hundreds of millions of Muslims think it all makes perfect sense.

Following Entry Posted 8/28/2005 09:14:00 AM

Hurricane Katrina

(New Orleans, Louisiana) Hurricane Katrina is now rated as a Category 5 with wind speeds of 160 MPH. Southeastern Louisiana is under evacuation orders, mandatory or voluntary. President Bush has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana, authorizing federal emergency management officials to release federal aid and coordinate disaster relief efforts.

From The Times-Picayune:

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin followed at 5 p.m., issuing a voluntary evacuation.

Nagin said late Saturday that he's having his legal staff look into whether he can order a mandatory evacuation of the city, a step he's been hesitant to do because of potential liability on the part of the city for closing hotels and other businesses.

"Come the first break of light in the morning, you may have the first mandatory evacuation of New Orleans," Nagin told WWL-TV.

[ ... ]

State Police activated the state's redesigned contraflow plan Saturday at 4 p.m., allowing traffic to use both sides of Interstates 55, 59 and 10 to evacuate New Orleans to the north, east and west after early afternoon traffic left westbound lanes of I-10 backed up bumper-to-bumper for miles in the 93-degree heat. Within hours, however, the contraflow system seemed to have alleviated much of the logjam.

The Crescent City Connection and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway suspended toll collections to move traffic more quickly.

[ ... ]

"This is a day that will demand your full attention and cooperation," Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard warned at mid-afternoon.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a test. This is the real deal," Nagin said at his news conference a little later.

Nagin said the city would open the Superdome as a special-needs shelter today at 8 a.m.

[ ... ]

Though no curfew had been issued by Saturday evening, New Orleans Police Chief Eddie Compass said he and Nagin likely will call a curfew and station police officers at local shopping centers to prevent looting.

"Looters will be dealt with severely and harshly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said.

Entergy Corp. officials said the company has geared up for disaster with about 7,500 lineman and tree-trimmers ready to mobilize.

No more planning, it's time to act. Leave now.

Following Entry Posted 8/28/2005 01:02:00 AM

Child Molesting Teacher Serves Only 4 of 10-Year Sentence

(Talladega County, Alabama) This story should frost some cookies.

From DailyHome.com:

Linda Dingler, 49, was a teacher at Lincoln High School in 1999 and had at that time been carrying on a sexual relationship with a student who was 13 or 14 years old.

In November of that year, she was arrested and indicted on three counts of sodomy in the second degree and one count each of soliciting the student over the Internet and transmission of obscene material to a minor, all of which are class B felonies. In June 2001, she accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

She will be released next month, not on parole or probation, but what the state Department of Corrections refers to as EOS, for end of sentence.

One source indicates that Dingler was originally sentenced to ten years for one count of transferring obscene material to a child by computer, ten years for one count of soliciting a child by computer, and ten years for second-degree sodomy. So, her convictions resulted in three 10-year sentences, all to run concurrently. Yet, through some type of administrative loophole and without a parole hearing, Dingler, a teacher convicted of child molestation, will get out of prison next month after serving a mere four years.

The scheme that allows her release is a program where an inmate gets two and one-half days knocked off a sentence for every day of good behavior. This means that all sentences in actuality become 40 percent of the time specified by the court. Five years become two and 25 years means only ten. I wonder if the juries know this tidbit of penal trivia.

The victim's parents are outraged. They accepted the provisions of the plea agreement with the understanding that Dingler would serve a minimum of eight years. Compounding that, they didn't even have a chance to protest since there was no parole hearing. I understand their anger. Just reading about the case frosts my cookies.

Following Entry Posted 8/27/2005 12:46:00 PM

California Chips and Fries

Check out the latest health alert.

From the Los Angeles Times:

California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer sued nine snack- and fast-food giants Friday, saying the law requires them to tell the public that their potato chips and French fries contain a toxic chemical.

In a suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Lockyer sought a court order compelling the companies to place warnings on their cooked potato products because they contain higher levels of a suspected carcinogen, acrylamide, than other foods.

Lockyer said he didn't want to tell people to stop eating fries and chips. No, he wants each company to tell everybody that they might get cancer if they eat fries and chips. What a guy.

What is more interesting is the irony represented by this latest action. Arguably, California is a leader in per capita marijuana smoking due to the proliferation of medical marijuana clubs and I've read that the side effects of smoking medical marijuana are arrested by eating fries and chips. So, if one has cancer and uses medical marijuana to ease the pain and then eats chips and fries due to the side effects of using marijuana, one may get more cancer. Or something like that....

Following Entry Posted 8/27/2005 10:24:00 AM

Wrong Kidney Removed

(Sleepy Hollow, New York) One would imagine that modern medicine has advanced enough to preclude stupid errors like this.

From TheJournalNews.com:

A patient at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center had an operation this week on the wrong area of his body, in the second local case of so-called wrong-site surgery in two months.

Two egregious errors in two months makes one wonder if the same incompetent crew was at work. The hospital expressed deep regrets for leaving the patient without a healthy kidney.

Following Entry Posted 8/27/2005 07:23:00 AM

Predicting Hurricane Katrina

It doesn't take a scientist to notice how absolutely wrong the hurricane predictions regarding the path of Katrina have been. First, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Katrina would make landfall in central Florida and veer north to track along the eastern seaboard. But Katrina went west and then southwest to make landfall in southern Florida.

Oops! Obviously, the NHC had to go back to the drawing boards. Next came the announcement that Katrina would cross southern Florida into the Gulf of Mexico and then veer north. Afterward, Katrina would travel along the west coast of Florida to make another landfall somewhere east of Mobile, Alabama. Instead, Katrina continued on a westerly track, and strengthened.

Oops! Again. Now the NHC is predicting that Katrina will make landfall in the vicinity of New Orleans.

Stay tuned. There may be future oops.

In the meantime, since it seems that anybody's guess is valid right now, I'll throw in my prediction. Katrina will stall in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, continue to gain strength, then reverse direction and go back across Florida, making landfall just south of Tampa. The storm will leave a path of devastation across Florida and regain strength once over warm Atlantic waters. Katrina will then make a sharp left turn and head up toward the Carolina Outer Banks.

As an aside, female anchor, Kelly Cass, on the Weather Channel just said, "You know, sometimes these storms get so big that they alter the environment." Superb meteorological analysis, don't you think? Ignorant me, I always thought that storms come with the environment.

Following Entry Posted 8/27/2005 05:39:00 AM

Mall Terror Suspect Nuradin Abdi

(Columbus, Ohio) After drawing attention to himself by bragging that he was going to blow up a shopping mall, Nuradin Abdi was arrested by federal agents in November 2003 on immigration violations. Subsequently, he was indicted for conspiring with al-Qaeda operative Iyman Faris to detonate a bomb at a Columbus-area shopping mall. Faris is currently enjoying a 20-year stretch in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring in the failed plot to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge.

At a hearing yesterday before U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley, Abdi's defense lawyers asked the court to dismiss the case due to misconduct by the U.S. government. In what could be called an "Abu Ghraib by proxy" defense, Abdi's lawyers contend that the U.S. government caused Abdi to go insane because of the way prisoners were treated in Iraq. As such, the defense asked that all of Abdi's statements to investigators be excluded from the case which is scheduled to be tried next month.

Judge Marbley said he would rule on the defense's motion within two weeks.

[Update 08/02/07]

Abdi sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 8/26/2005 07:08:00 PM

Rolling Blackouts in Southern California

A power transmission emergency was declared by the California Independent System Operator about 1600 PDT yesterday, prompting rolling blackouts in areas of Fontana, La Puente, Cathedral City, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Ontario. Each community was affected for about 30 minutes. The cause has been attributed to high ambient temperatures and the loss of an important transmission line.

Following Entry Posted 8/26/2005 06:23:00 PM

Chinese Gun Runners on Trial

(Qinghai Province, China) In one of the largest arms-smuggling cases in China's history, 17 Chinese are being tried in Xining, the capital of the remote western province of Qinghai. They are accused of buying more than 900 guns and 1,500 gun accessories in Pakistan for transport into China, where private ownership of firearms is illegal.

From the Daily Times:

It was not clear whether the guns were headed for Muslim separatists in Xinjiang, who have been fighting for decades for an independent "East Turkestan" homeland and whom Beijing calls terrorists, or to meet demand amid a growing wave of violent crime that has come with China’s economic reforms.

The trial is expected to wrap up tomorrow and the accused gun-runners could be sentenced to death. No information is provided regarding the source of the guns.

Following Entry Posted 8/26/2005 03:25:00 PM

Two Senior Egyptian Police Killed in Sinai Sweep

(Cairo, Egypt) According to the Egyptian Interior Ministry, two senior police officers were killed by land mines during the massive manhunt for terrorists in the Sinai.

From the Arab News:

Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Adel and Lt. Col. Omar Abdel Moneim were the highest ranked police officers killed in Egypt since a violent insurgency in the mid-1990s and the first slain since about 4,000 security personnel launched a massive sweep Sunday of the northern Sinai for suspects linked to July's triple Sharm El-Sheik attacks and October's bombings at the Taba and nearby Ras Shitan resorts.

Yesterday's blasts occurred after two land mines exploded on the 1,800-meter high Halal mountain, about 60 kilometers south of the Mediterranean coastal town of El-Arish, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

On conditions of anonymity, officials stated that they believe fugitives, who traditionally hide in the Sinai's mountains, planted the mines. Egyptian security forces have detained 650 people thus far in the Sinai sweep which started last Sunday. A primary target still at large is Salem Khadr El-Shenoub, suspected of harboring terrorists linked to the Taba and Ras Shitan attacks.

Also worthy of mentioning is that the indigenous Bedouin tribesmen, steeped in knowledge of hideouts and smuggling routes, have emerged as key suspects sometimes and valuable informers at other times. However, in general, it's believed that the tribesmen collaborate with the terrorists at a level less than originally thought due to significantly different ideologies and interests. For instance, the autonomous Bedouins do not like to have the police looking at their affairs which is exactly what happens if they collaborate with the terrorists. So, unless there are family ties, I suspect the tribesmen provide little help for the terrorists.

Companion at Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 8/26/2005 01:27:00 PM

Survey: Swedes Biggest Whiners

According to a survey of global complaining conducted by NOP World, a business research consulting firm, the Swedish were found to be the world's premier country in bitching and moaning. In second place were the Brits, followed by the Aussies and Canadians in 3rd and 4th places.

At the bottom of the list reside the Taiwanese, who narrowly beat out Saudi Arabians, Chinese, Poles, and Russians as the population who whines least. The U.S. came in at 5th place, tied with Argentina and Brazil.

Interestingly, the polling found that "the wealthiest and better educated respondents tended to be the most likely to speak out if they were unhappy." I suspect this indicates that people with time on their hands often are the chief complainers. Obviously, those people who are up to their belt loops in muck trying to clear the swamp of deadly snakes just don't have time to piss and moan.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 11:06:00 PM

Canadians for Kinky Friedman

According to the Toronto Star, the official headquarters for Canadians For Kinky Friedman For Governor Of Texas In 2006 has been opened in Toronto.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 10:09:00 PM

Homeless Mom Gets 9 Years for Molesting Boy

(Lakewood, Colorado) After three years of sexually assaulting a boy and having a child by him, 31-year-old Tani Leigh Firkins pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child before Jefferson County Court Judge Peter A. Weir. She was sentenced today to nine years in prison.

Tani Leigh Firkins
Apparently, Firkins was homeless and lived in a shelter operated by the boy's parents when she began molesting him at age 14. The sex continued until the boy was 17 and charges were filed when a videotape surfaced of their sexual relationship. The boy's parents are justifiably outraged about Firkins. They took Firkins and her two other children in and gave them comfort and shelter and, all along, Firkins was having sex with the boy and provided him, and some of his friends, with marijuana and alcohol.

Just prior to being arrested and shortly after Firkins gave birth to the boy's child, social services took custody of the infant along with the other Firkins children.

The parents of the boy are also pursuing the possibility of additional charges being filed in Denver where they contend that, conservatively, 50 to 100 sexual assaults occurred. They have scheduled a meeting with Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.

[Update 03/23/07]

Firkins sentenced in Denver District Court to six more years in prison.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 08:29:00 AM

Blogger "Flag" Button

I'm sure you've probably noticed it. John Ray thinks it "looks like the thin end of the wedge of censorship." That's my assessment, also.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 07:03:00 AM

Arizona Shootings Were Preventable

(Glendale, Arizona) The killing of two employees in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart Superstore appears to be an example where two conflicting laws precluded prevention of the incident. The suspected shooter, Edward Liu, who obtained his gun just days before the killings, had satisfactorily passed a background check in accordance with federal and state law governing sale of firearms. However, according to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients' private medical records are confidential and cannot be released. Therefore, the background check of Edward Liu did not include review of his alleged history of mental instability contained in his medical files.

In summary, one set of laws specify that an individual will be evaluated for the suitability of possessing a deadly weapon while another set of laws prevent access to the information necessary to comprehensively perform the evaluation. If anything, it seems the law requiring background checks for potential buyers of deadly weapons should override the restrictions on releasing private medical information.

See also Privacy Law Prevents Gun Background Checks.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 05:08:00 AM

Titan Rain - Web Attacks Traced to China

A prudent observer of world affairs will likely not find the following report surprising. Simply put, hundreds of attacks on computer networks owned by the U.S. Defense Department and other agencies have been launched from websites in China.

From the Houston Chronicle:

Classified systems have not been compromised, but authorities remain concerned because, as one official said, even seemingly innocuous information, when pulled together from various sources, can yield useful intelligence to an adversary.

"The scope of this thing is surprisingly big," said one of four government officials who spoke separately about the incidents, which stretch back as far as two or three years and have been code-named Titan Rain by U.S. investigators. All officials insisted on anonymity, given the sensitivity of the matter.

U.S. analysts are divided on whether the attacks constitute a coordinated Chinese government campaign to penetrate U.S. networks and spy on government databanks. Some in the Pentagon are said to be convinced of official Chinese involvement; others see the electronic probing as the work of other hackers using Chinese networks to disguise the origins of the attacks.

There appears to be agreement among analysts that Titan Rain is organized and coordinated, but it's unknown who is directly responsible. It is known, however, that computer network attacks are like a flood. Last year, the Pentagon alone identified 79,000 separate intrusion attempts by all sources.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.

Following Entry Posted 8/25/2005 01:11:00 AM

Leftists Supporting The Troops?

Rob Port at Wizbang has the story about anti-war protestors besieging wounded and disabled soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., with taunts and protest signs. One sign displayed "Maimed for a Lie." CNSNews.com purportedly will provide videotaped confirmation of the story later today.

True or otherwise, the story is somewhat credible based on previous antics of anti-war protesters. It's not unusual for radical leftists to voice their dissension in an outrageous and disturbing manner. In fact, on many occasions their actions have been substantively indistinguishable from children's temper tantrums. It's a lousy way for them to influence the public to be sympathetic to their viewpoint.

If this reported stunt at Walter Reed actually occurred, my guess is that they'll lose support. It's contrary to their mantra that they "support the troops." (via Drudge)

[Update 8/25/05, 1100 EDT]

Rob Port has updated the story, indicating that the hospital protest was organized by Code Pink Women for Peace and it apparently has been going on for some time. It's really disgusting that our wounded fighting men and women have to see these anti-war extremists out the windows of the hospital while they are trying to heal and recuperate. Clearly, these leftist low-lifes do not support the troops. All they seem to do is bring more agony to people who are already in pain.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 11:54:00 PM

Castration Won't Deter Sex Offenders

(Louisville, Kentucky) Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel has criticized proposed legislation that would impose a castration penalty for sex offenders. Stengel maintains that castration has no deterrent effect.

Oh, really?

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 11:25:00 PM

Louisiana Woman and 15-Year-Old Boy

(Houma, Louisiana) Although she's married with four children, 26-year-old Brianne B. D'Errico decided nonetheless to engage in sex with a 15-year-old boy. She was arrested and charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said authorities were alerted by the boy's family that there had been a "relationship" for about three months.

If convicted, D'Errico could receive ten years in jail and a $5,000 fine. She is free on $2,500 bond.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 02:40:00 PM

Report of Osama bin Laden Injury

Mac Powell has the provocative news at In The Bullpen. Apparently, "various Islamic websites" are the sources for the information which describes an injury to bin Laden's left leg incurred while he was involved in an attack on a Spanish base, presumably in western Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, more than once we heard rumors of an enemy leader's death or injury that didn't pan out. So, the search is on for confirmation. Bin Laden's leg on a platter would be fine, as long as it was accompanied with his head.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 01:37:00 PM

Woman Accused of Criminal Sex with Boy

(Hastings, Minnesota) Dawn Marie Juelsgaard, 33, has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a 14-year-old boy she hired to help her in her sales business. The boy admitted to Dakota County Sheriff's deputies that he and Juelsgaard had sex on three occasions between July 11 and July 20.

Juelsgaard faces up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine if convicted of the charges against her.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 01:00:00 PM

California Islamic Leader Under FBI Scrutiny

(Garden Grove, California) A grocer, who leads a lesser-known radical Islamic group, is being seriously looked at by the FBI. He is Iyad K. Hilal, Islamic author, philosopher, and leader of the extreme group Hizb ut-Tahrir in the U.S.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Hizb ut-Tahrir, which means Party of Liberation, has been banned in parts of Europe and the Middle East. After the July 7 bombings in London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair proposed banning the group there.

It advocates a return to the days when all Muslims were governed by a religious leader known as the caliph.

The Orange County businessman is apparently not suspected of any terrorist acts, but local FBI terrorism investigators have launched an inquiry into the activities of him and his group. An FBI spokeswoman in Los Angeles, Cathy Viray, declined to call it an investigation but confirmed that "we're looking into the matter." She declined to comment further.

Southern California Muslims who know Hilal, 56, said he was an Islamic scholar whose writings argued that the religion was incompatible with democracy.

Hilal seeks a caliphate state and he directs his anti-democratic teachings primarily to university students. While claiming to be non-violent, Hizb ut-Tahrir has strong ties to former leader Bakri Mohammed, the Syrian who praised the terrorists responsible for the 9-11 and London attacks. It's also believed that the members of Hizb ut-Tahrir are a politically-sensitized pool of individuals from which al-Qaeda frequently recruits.

FBI agents seem to have adequate justification to be checking on Iyad K. Hilal and Hizb ut-Tahrir. I would be troubled if they didn't.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 11:41:00 AM

Deathly Overdose on Death Row

(San Quentin, California) Nicholas Rodriguez, 27, is the first death row inmate to die of an unintentional heroin overdose in San Quentin State Prison. Officials closed the investigation into the incident without determining how the drugs got into the prison's high security area.

So, where's Human Rights Watch? Where's Amnesty International? For crying out loud, inmates are in danger of losing their lives.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 10:04:00 AM

Atlanta Compiling Database of Homeless

(Atlanta, Georgia) Starting today, a team of Atlanta police officers will be surveying the downtown homeless and panhandler populations to compile a database to assist in directing needy people to government services. The effort comes on the heels of a new law signed last week by Mayor Shirley Franklin which prohibits panhandling at tourist destinations in and around downtown Atlanta.

Full implementation of the new law won't occur for at least a month thereby allowing for the word to get out and for the homeless to get help. When implemented, police will issue citations and court summons to panhandlers who violate the new ordinance. Violators could receive as much as 30 days of community service, a fine of $1,000, and up to 30 days in jail.

Of course, there's opposition. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already threatened to sue on the basis that the new law violates rights of free speech. Although it's not really clear, the ACLU seems to believe that the right to beg is guaranteed by the Constitution. Don't ask me where in the Constitution. I don't have a clue.

Frankly, I would have anticipated the ACLU to have a big problem with the city creating a database of homeless people and panhandlers, claiming invasion of privacy or something. Admittedly, I might just be premature.

Following Entry Posted 8/24/2005 12:22:00 AM

Plane Crash in Peru

(Lima, Peru) Preliminary indications are that bad weather caused the crash of a TANS Peru airliner carrying 100 people about 300 miles northeast of Lima. Casualty estimates are sketchy, ranging from 37 to 70 dead. The Boeing 737-200 carried a crew of eight and several Americans were among the 92 passengers.

Just after 3pm local time, the plane was on a landing approach to the airport at Pucallpa when it was hit by a strong crosswind. The pilot is believed to have tried an emergency landing without landing gear on a nearby road.

[Update 8/25/05]

According to this report, 58 people survived and 37 perished in the crash. Three passengers are currently unaccounted for. Two Americans were among the dead, Stephen Michael Lotti and Sherra Young Gay.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 11:50:00 PM

Pat Robertson Preaches

Pat Robertson said that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez should be assassinated and probably most rational, freedom-loving people secretly tend to agree with him. Nonetheless, Robertson should have kept those words from falling out of his mouth because, if Chavez is taken out, the United States will be boxed in without a shred of deniability. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Robertson's words actually caused an in-progress black operation to be aborted.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 11:12:00 PM

Ohio City Declares English the Official Language

(Norton, Ohio) Yesterday, the Norton City Council adopted a resolution by a vote of 4 to 3 mandating that English be used in all documents, publications, correspondence or any written material on behalf of the city.

It's interesting that three council members voted against the resolution.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 10:59:00 PM

High School Has 65 Pregnant Girls

(Canton, Ohio) There's a report out of Canton that 65 girls at Timken High School are pregnant out of a total of 490 female students. NewsNet5.com and WorldNetDaily have the story, but that's about it. So far, it seems that most other media sources don't think it's important enough to mention.

From the standpoint of pregnancy rate, the 65 girls represent slightly more than 13 percent at the school which is only marginally higher than the national rate of 10 percent. From the perspective of the sheer number of pregnancies, it would seem logical to have an obstetrician and a gynecologist on the faculty. Alphabetically, the Timken High School Prenatal Department would fit nicely between mathematics and science. Expect your property taxes to increase accordingly.

Kidding aside, it's not unreasonable to anticipate that most of the pregnant girls won't finish high school nor is it unreasonable to expect that a host of grandparents are going to be asked to raise another generation of children.

It's an outrage.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 11:15:00 AM

Woman Arrested for Rape of Boy

(Hoosick Falls, New York) Village police arrested 33-year-old Bonnie Rock on charges of felony rape and endangering the welfare of a child. Rock allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old boy about ten times in the past few weeks. Apparently, police were tipped to the alleged sexual behavior by Rensselaer County Child Protective Services.

Rock is in custody in the Rensselaer County Jail without bail. She is scheduled to appear before Village Justice Edward Gorman tomorrow morning.

[Update 8/24/05]

According to this report, acting Village Judge Edward J. Gorman released Rock without a hearing and without bail. There was no hearing because media interest would have caused safety and security problems in the village's small courtroom. No bail was set because Rock is not considered a flight risk since she has three children, ages 14, 9, and 6. However, she will be required to wear an electronic monitor and is only allowed to go to work, to the grocery store, and to take her children for visits to the doctor.

Rock's attorney, Richard McNally, stated that he hopes the case is settled in Hoosick Falls Village Court and not in Rensselaer County Court where felony cases are typically adjudicated. It's not clear what happens next in the case.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 09:00:00 AM

Men's Vogue

Apparently, there are a number of men in society who need a periodical to tell them about the latest trends in fragrances, herbal shampoos, matching accessories, and stylish shoes. Consequently, the publishers of Vogue have decided to introduce Men's Vogue to the already fairly-saturated magazine market. Although the target market is probably men who prefer umbrellas in their cocktails, don't be surprised if Men's Vogue shows up at the barber shop.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 08:22:00 AM

Network Television Slumping

Based on the summer ratings thus far, network television is taking it in the shorts.

From Variety.com:

With three weeks left to go, the broadcast nets are down a collective 10% among adults 18-49 vs. last summer -- and 15% in viewers 18-34. ABC is the only net up over last year, while Fox is flat; other four nets are down sharply.

The numbers have analysts scratching their heads. I don't understand why. All they have to do is look at some of the shows and ask themselves the question, "Is this programming worth my time?" In most cases, only the disingenuous would answer affirmatively.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 07:31:00 AM

Woman Sentenced for Sex with Boy

(Snohomish County, Washington) Last November, 37-year-old Gina Marie Bell decided to have sex with one of her children's friends, a 14-year-old boy. Yesterday, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Linda Krese sentenced Bell to a year and a day in jail for admitting to 3rd degree child rape. Upon her release, she will have to register as a sex offender.

The judge also specified that Bell is permitted to have only limited contact with minors, including her own children, until she undergoes an evaluation for sexual deviancy. For what it's worth, I've completed my evaluation. She's a pervert.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 07:02:00 AM

Man Accused of Plotting to Bomb VA Office

(Seattle, Washington) A 53-year-old man, Charles "Charlie" Merle Whitaker III, has been arrested for allegedly making threats to bomb the Veterans Administration offices in Seattle. Federal agents were tipped by former roommates that Whitaker made violent and aggressive comments regarding the VA including his intention to "blow up the building."

Whitaker is in state custody in the King County Jail on investigation of threatening to bomb or damage property and on suspicion of a drug violation. He's scheduled to appear in court later today. The U.S. Attorney's office is considering possible federal charges.

Following Entry Posted 8/23/2005 12:03:00 AM

Palestinian Kidnappers Free French Journalist

(Gaza City) Here's a followup to a previous report regarding the kidnapping of French television journalist Muhammed Ouathi.

From the Khaleej Times:

A French television journalist abducted by Palestinian gunmen in Gaza a week ago was freed unharmed on Monday, witnesses said.

The kidnapping of Mohammad Ouathi, a soundman for France 3 television, was the longest in a series of abductions of foreign journalists and aid workers in Gaza. No group claimed responsibility. Ouathi is a Frenchman of Algerian origin.

His release was announced by the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), an umbrella group of Palestinian militants that said it helped mediate an end to the abduction.

No other details concerning Ouathi's release were disclosed. My guess would be that a ransom was paid.

Interestingly, the PRC, which is dominated by Fatah gunmen, claimed it helped free Ouathi. It's believed by others that the PRC was directly responsible for the kidnapping.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 11:33:00 PM

Library Lends People

(Almelo, Holland) The local public library has launched a new initiative to lend out people in an effort to dispel stereotypes. According to the library director, Jan Krol, several varieties of people, including gypsies, Muslims, and homosexuals, can be borrowed for one-hour sessions. This idea has great potential, especially if the list of people available for borrowing includes French chambermaids and Swedish lingerie models.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 10:37:00 PM

Egyptians Sweep Sinai for Terrorists

With adequate evidence that the Sinai Peninsula is a hotbed for terrorists, several thousand Egyptian police supported with armored vehicles were mobilized yesterday to search and apprehend perpetrators and anyone with information. The sweep started in the towns of El-Arish and Sheikh Zuayed and a total of about 500 individuals were detained for questioning. El-Arish has been identified as an explosives smuggling center.

In addition to the towns, security forces fanned out on the desert in the operation which is expected to take several days. The manhunt has been called open-ended, whatever that means. Hopefully, it means that they will continue searching and apprehending terrorists until there are none residing anywhere outside the comfy walls of Egyptian prisons.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 10:03:00 PM

Cops Forced to Take Taxis on Emergencies

I saw a movie where the police chief didn't have a driver's license and was forced to take a cab everywhere he went. That was art. Here's a case of reality following art.

From Aftenposten:

Police in Oksnes and Bo in Vesteralen, high up on Norway's northwest coast, have such equipment shortages that they have to call a taxi to respond to emergency calls.

Area police have had their fleet of vehicles trimmed from two to one due to budget cuts, and have repeatedly had to ring a taxi when needing another car to respond to a call ....

Fortunately, the mayor said he'll donate a sled for responding to calls in the winter. It seems that one may safely assume that there are no high-speed chases involving taxis and sleds.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 12:16:00 PM

Shuttle Landing Site in France

From the Stars and Stripes:

The United States and France have agreed to establish an emergency landing site for the shuttle at Istres air base, north of Marseille.

The agreement allows Americans to use the base during shuttle launches only. Istres was selected because it has one of the longest runways in Europe, three miles.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 11:14:00 AM

Man Spies on Stepdaughter

(Akron, Ohio) A 51-year-old Springfield Township man, Lowell Longshore, installed a camera in the shower to spy on his 19-year-old stepdaughter. He was arrested and charged with voyeurism.

Dummy.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 10:33:00 AM

Cheap 65-inch Plasma Televisions

Just in time for football season, Matsushita is expected to announce this week that its dropping the price of its 65-inch plasma television to less than $1,000, less than half its current price. The company is planning on a simultaneous worldwide introduction of cheaper units to expand its share of the market.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 08:01:00 AM

Intimate Pruner

Eva LongoriaFrom PageSix:

DESPERATE housewife Eva Longoria says she only discovered her sexual self after she got some pruning done in an intimate area.

I can't be the only person that believes celebrities sometimes reveal just a bit too much about themselves. And, people can't wash the knowledge from their minds so, every time I see Desperate Housewives, this little tidbit of information will be in the back of my mind.

Sheesh!

[Update 8/31/05]

Kevin at Wizbang has posted a couple additional smoking hot pictures of Eva. He focuses on the subject of push-up bras, but I can't get intimate pruning off my mind.

Following Entry Posted 8/22/2005 06:15:00 AM

Congressman Kucinich Marries British Citizen

(Cleveland, Ohio) I didn't expect an invitation and my expectation was met.

From the Plain Dealer:

Wedding bells chimed at Cleveland City Hall Sunday as Rep. Dennis Kucinich said vows in a ceremony attended by about 250 people, including a host of politicians and a couple of movie stars.

Kucinich, 58, married Elizabeth Harper, a British citizen who works for a monetary-policy think tank in Chicago. It's his third marriage.

They were married at The Mall outside City Hall in Cleveland and the ceremony was witnessed by several celebrities. Notables included Shirley MacLaine and Sean Penn. For those that would like to formally send along best wishes, it's rumored they've registered at MoveOn.org and PETA.

Following Entry Posted 8/21/2005 11:35:00 PM

Terrorist Catch and Release Program

So the Filipinos arrest an al-Qaeda linked terrorist, Daud Santos, preparing to blow up the U.S. Embassy in Manila with 1,000 kg of explosives and then, astonishingly, release him on bail.

Pretty disgusting, eh?

Following Entry Posted 8/21/2005 11:10:00 AM

Women Caned for Gambling

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Here's another story attesting to the absolutely miserable lives women (and men) lead under Sharia law. Being a Westerner, I find it difficult to understand how they put up with it.

From the Mainichi Daily News:

Indonesia caned women Friday for the first time after they were accused of illegal gambling in the staunchly conservative province of Aceh.

More than 1,000 people gathered after Friday prayers to watch as four women were struck in the back with rattan canes, each receiving seven blows, Alias Abubakar, an official in the central town of Takengon told private-radio El-Shinta.

Authorities confiscated 65,000 rupiah (US$7) from the women, who were found guilty of betting on card games, he said.

To be fair, some men were also recently flogged for gambling, so the prohibition is not gender specific. Nonetheless, women are restricted and punished much more under Islamic law than men. In fact, women are treated almost like pieces of property.

Naturally, since Sharia law is not a product of the U.S., there is no outrage by international human rights organizations. However, if caning occurred at Guantanamo Bay, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International would be catalysts for violent protests and riots worldwide.

Following Entry Posted 8/21/2005 08:25:00 AM

Women Join Hamas

From the Jerusalem Post:

Hamas revealed over the weekend that dozens of women in the Gaza Strip have joined its armed wing, Izzaddin Kassam, and were preparing to carry out attacks on Israel.

Pictures posted on the Hamas-affiliated Palestine Information Center Web site showed masked women, dressed in military fatigues and armed with Kalashnikov rifles and pistols, receiving training at a secret location in the Gaza Strip.

According to Hamas, the women were being trained in planting roadside bombs, firing rockets and mortars and infiltrating Jewish settlements.

Undoubtedly, Palestinian women have been involved with terrorist activities all along, but this is the first time that I've heard that Hamas has formed an official all-female military unit. Stupid me, I was under the impression that the Palestinians would be less belligerent when the Israeli settlers left the Gaza Strip. On the contrary, they are emboldened.

Following Entry Posted 8/21/2005 04:11:00 AM

Ontario Needs New Nukes

(Totonto) It should be simple to understand that a number of major generating facilities, representing thousands of megawatts, have reached or are reaching the end of their useful lives and no replacement generating units are in the pipeline. Since the time required to build new units can be more than a decade, analysts believe the time to act is now to assure that power will be available to the grid in the future.

From TheStar.com:

Ontario needs more nuclear power plants and will soon have to decide how many and where new reactors should be built, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan says.

"I think the people of Ontario need to know that that decision is coming quickly ... clearly we have to look seriously at nuclear. There is no doubt (sic) it," he told the Toronto Star yesterday.

Duncan said the existing nuclear reactors, which produce about 50 per cent of the province's power, will reach the end of their life expectancy by 2020, putting Ontario's energy future even further into question.

And since it takes 12 to 15 years to complete a nuclear facility, costing billions of dollars, time is of the essence, the minister said.

Ontario, with a liberal government and an environmentally-idealistic electorate, may literally have to have the lights turned off before approval is given for new nuclear power plants. Already, Greenpeace Canada spokesman Dave Martin has said that there is a conspiracy at work by the government, Ontario Power Generation, and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to overstate Ontario's electricity needs. Interestingly, Martin's assertion comes on the heels of several system-wide brownouts imposed by operators due to insufficient generating capabilities.

Just the thought of new nuclear plants has the environmentalists puckered as they continue to advocate alternative energy sources and conservation. Unfortunately, wind power, solar cells, and conservation have not proven to be able to take the place of large capacity fossil, hydro, and nuclear units in terms of cost and reliability. Typically, wind farms and solar generators have to rely on subsidies and tax credits to produce power competitively. Also, the sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn't always blow. Nevertheless, solar and wind power, and also conservation, are fine for tweaking the edges of a power supply curve, but they're not capable of producing the thousands of megawatts of electricity required to meet the residential and industrial needs of the province.

In summary, it's foreseen that Ontario will not be able to meet the electrical needs of its citizens without building new, large generating facilities. The choices are coal, oil, nuclear, and hydro, all of which represent some defined, manageable risk to the environment with hydro fairly exploited to the maximum already. The Energy Minister and others favor nuclear power. On the other hand, the environmentalists are against all options other than alternative sources and they won't be satisfied until the world is blanketed with wildflowers and bunny rabbits and folk music is piped in from the heavens. Expect a loud political debate on the issue.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 10:01:00 PM

Taliban Told U.S. to Kill Osama in '98

As I recall, the U.S. had a different president back in 1998.

From the Daily Times.com.pk:

During a meeting between an American diplomat and a Taliban official in 1998, the latter suggested that one way of dealing with Osama Bin Laden “would be for the US to kill him or arrange for Bin Laden to be assassinated”.

This is one of the revelations found in US government documents released last week. The US diplomat who met Taliban official Wakil Ahmed, an aide to Mulla Omar, was Alan Eastham Jr, the No 2 man at the US embassy in Islamabad. More than one meeting took place between the two in November and December of 1998, three years before the 9/11 attacks.

The documents declassified Thursday indicate that bin Laden was clearly Washington's priority in 1998. Unfortunately, it appears that nothing substantive was undertaken to get him until after 9/11.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 09:00:00 PM

Saudis Whack Another Terrorist

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Here's some good news.

In conjunction with Thurday's Medina raid that resulted in the death of al-Qaeda biggie, Saleh al-Awfi, the Saudis report that most-wanted terrorist, Majed al-Hasseri, was also whacked the same day in Riyadh. The Saudis are rather proud of their success at neutralizing, by killing or capturing, 24 of 26 most-wanted terror suspects who were identified in 2003.

Since Saudis continue to be implicated in terror acts, there's reason to believe that the kingdom needs to update its most-wanted list.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 06:35:00 PM

Teacher with 12-Year-Old Boy

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) A substitute Santa Fe school teacher, Nancy McCulloch, 33, has been arrested and charged with criminal sexual contact of a minor and attempt to commit a felony for sexually abusing a 12-year-old male student. McCulloch pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to State Police Sergeant Chris Valdez, more charges are likely.

Trackback to Wizbang.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 11:39:00 AM

NCAA Backtracks

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has decided to backtrack from its absolutely brainless politically correct pronouncement banning Indian mascots. Now, the NCAA brain surgeons say it's acceptable to use Indian names if the tribe approves.

Maybe I'm looking at this issue from the wrong perspective, but it seems to me that the universities and colleges are being set up for a ready-made shakedown. Consider for a moment the scenario where the university is forced to get permission from the tribal elders for use of the name Sioux, Seminole, Apache, Comanche, Cherokee, or whatever. Would not the response be, "Sure, we will give our blessing if you pay us?"

Thanks, NCAA. You laid one stinking loaf and, to cover the stench, you pinched out another.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 09:36:00 AM

Ohio Couple Accused of Child Prostitution

(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) I'm no longer astonished by the level of depravity brought about by addictive drug usage. It just sickens me.

From the Post-Gazette.com:

Pittsburgh police patrolling the North Side early Tuesday stumbled across a twisted tale of interstate child prostitution, sex abuse and drug addiction, according to the FBI.

As a result, a man and woman from Warren, Ohio, were hauled in to U.S. District Court yesterday to face federal charges of transporting a 15-year-old runaway from Warren to Pittsburgh to sell her to a man for sex in exchange for cocaine.

Greg Lowery, 44, who has an extensive criminal record in Warren, and Pamela Tilley, 45, could face at least a mandatory five years in prison if convicted.

If they are guilty of the alleged behavior, five years in prison would be a travesty. In addition to being apparent sicko druggies, Lowery and Tilley are alleged to have sexually assaulted the 15-year-old and also a 13-year-old female escapee from a juvenile placement center in Ohio.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday. In the meantime, Lowery and Tilley are locked up in the Allegheny County Jail. The girls are in foster care.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.

Following Entry Posted 8/20/2005 07:57:00 AM

High School Principal Beaten by Student

From WWLTV.com:

A former student of Covington High School was sentenced to six months in jail for battery on the principal and assistant principal of the school, the St. Tammany Parish district attorney announced Friday.

According to prosecutors, Delloyd Marigny, 17, become angry when he was told he was going to be expelled and grabbed the arm and neck of the principal, slamming him into a book case and cinder block wall.

The report doesn't mention why Delloyd was being expelled but it's not a stretch to assume it might have something to do with discipline. In liberal parlance, it seems that Delloyd has "issues." My crystal ball says that Delloyd will likely have a life encompassing at least several substantial stays in the slammer.

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 06:34:00 PM

No More Cooties

(London) Modern science has made a breakthrough with the invention of antimicrobial underpants. The British Ministry of Defense is even supplying the cootie-free skivvies as part of the new desert uniform for soldiers. Woo-hoo!

From TheStar.com:

Col. Silas Suchanek, who led the team that procured the new equipment, said the unisex trunks were made from artificial fibres for comfort, with silver particles woven into the material to prevent soldiers from sweating.

Hi-Yo, Silver! Interestingly, I've noticed that I seem to sweat less when I have a lot of silver, but I never thought of putting any in my shorts.

Nevertheless, just think how popular the new cootie-free knickers will be among the sultry "Love-You-Long-Time" salesgirls in Skanktown. You have to admit that the Brits hit a home run with this idea. Maybe next they can make bed linen cootie-free to stave off the emerging bedbug problem in hotels around the world.

All in all, the idea sounds smashing with one possible exception. Specifically, just how much of a problem will people have trying to get through airport security screening while sporting metallic underwear?

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 04:56:00 PM

Woman Killed for Being Pregnant with Female Fetus

(Rajkot, India) Twenty-five-year-old Nita Koli, six months pregnant with a female fetus, was set on fire by her husband, Sanjay, and mother-in-law, Kuwar Koli, for "not being able to give birth to a boy." Nita died from her burns Wednesday.

From The Times of India:

Sources say Nita, who has two daughters, may have been killed after a sex determination test that possibly revealed that she was carrying a female foetus.

The mother-in-law and the husband were arrested yesterday and charged with murder.

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 03:07:00 PM

German Court Sentences 9/11 Terrorist to Seven Years

(Hamburg, Germany) The Hamburg State Superior Court found Moroccan citizen Mounir al-Motassadeq, 31, guilty of membership in the 9-11 terrorist organization and sentenced him to seven years in prison, less than half the 15 years imposed on him in 2003 verdict that was overturned.

From Expatica.com:

Presiding Judge Ernst-Rainer Schudt ruled that Motassadeq had been the "polite, friendly, reserved" member of an eight-man terror cell. Led by an Egyptian, Mohammed Atta, it formed in the German port city of Hamburg in autumn 1999.

"From being friendly, nice young men, they turned into fanatics," said Schudt. Motassadeq had "gone along" with this, not dissociating himself, and had taken over administrative tasks for the group.

Three of the cell members including Atta later piloted hijacked planes that were used as missiles on September 11, 2001 in attacks on New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. U.S. President George W. Bush declared a "war on terrorism" in response.

"The complete picture shows the accused to have been a member of a terrorist organization, but not to have been an accessory to the murderers of September 11," said Schudt.

Mounir al-Motassadeq
9/11 Terrorist
What a bunch of crap! Somebody needs to wipe the smile off this bastard's face. So what if he was polite, friendly, and reserved? He was equally responsible for the 3,000 deaths on September 11, 2001. In fact, if he took over "administrative tasks," he effectively managed the operation. This make me sick. Motassadeq deserves nothing more than the pitch darkness, extreme coldness, and concrete hardness of a prison cell for the rest of his life.

[Update 01/08/07]

Mounir el Motassadeq sentenced again.

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 01:53:00 PM

Beth Geisel Gets DWI

(Albany, New York) Most people, after finding themselves in a hole, quit digging. Not 42-year-old Sandra "Beth" Geisel. Remember, it's only been a couple weeks since she was indicted for rape of a student in a high-profile case that has embarrassed and humiliated her children, her husband, her friends and the Christian Brothers Academy. Yet today, around 0830 EDT, she decides to drive while sloshed, cuts off a police car, and gets arrested for driving while intoxicated. She blew a 0.13 on the breathalyzer.

Beth Geisel pleads not guilty to DWI
(Photo - WNYT)
The only explanation I can figure for Geisel's behavior is that she's trying to fortify her contention that the hooch made her commit the rape of a student, or that she's exceedingly stupid. In either case, she's a menace to society.

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 11:28:00 AM

Kudzu-Eating Goats

(Peachtree City, Georgia) In a pilot project, the Peachtree City Council has allocated $10,000 to see if goats can be used to control the spread of kudzu. It would be cheaper than herbicides in killing the kudzu which blankets many areas of the U.S., particularly in the southeast.

Native to Asia, kudzu was originally introduced in the U.S. as an ornamental plant and later used as fodder. Since the 1950s, however, due to its relentless growth and ability to completely cover other vegetation, it's been classified as a weed. In 1998, kudzu was officially listed by the U.S. Congress as a Federal Noxious Weed.

Following Entry Posted 8/19/2005 09:13:00 AM

Attack on U.S. Navy Ships in Jordan Port

(Aqaba, Jordan) A mortar round was fired in the direction of two U.S. Navy warships in docked in the Jordanian Red Sea Port of Aqaba this morning. According to a statement by the U.S. 5th Fleet, the projectile flew across the bow of the USS Ashland (LSD -48), a dock landing ship, and hit a warehouse. There were no American casualties, however, one Jordanian soldier died of injuries.

Also in port was the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), an amphibious assault ship. Both ships subsequently left port.

Concurrently, there were two other mortar attacks, one near a hospital in Aqaba and one on a road near the airport of the resort city of Eilat.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility, however, the missiles used are believed to be Katusha-style rockets, used by pro-Iranian Shiite Hezbollah terrorists.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 08:07:00 PM

Teacher Arrested for Crack

(Saratoga Springs, New York) A 38-year-old physical education teacher and basketball coach at Saratoga Springs Central Catholic High School, David Speers, was arrested with a companion, Pamela Baumgardner, 37, for trying to buy drugs on an Albany street corner. Speers was charged with loitering for the purpose of buying drugs and criminal possession of crack cocaine. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany fired Speers.

Both Speers and Baumgardner were locked up in the Albany County Jail with bail set at $1,000 each.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 07:13:00 PM

Female Teacher Faces Sex Charges

(Grand Barachois, New Brunswick) A teacher at Ecole Pere Edgar T. LeBlanc, Rene Gaudet, has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old male student. She has been suspended from her teaching position and is scheduled to return to court on August 25.

[Update 01/27/06]

Gaudet sentenced to house arrest.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 12:45:00 PM

Gaza Protesters Fighting Off Soldiers

Live blogging (noon EDT) of clash at Kfar Darom, one of the most religious of 21 settlements.

- Troops clashing w/protesters on roof of synagogue (est. 300 at start),

- Sand, paint, and diesel oil thrown on troops, soldiers spraying soap on protesters,

- IDF not armed but outnumber protesters 30 to 40 to one,

- SWAT teams carrying out settlers one by one,

- Soldiers trying to breech barbed wire encircling synagogue,

- Security forces trying to clear roof before nightfall (1300 EDT),

- Cranes being used to put IDF troops inside large containers onto synagogue roof,

- (1209 EDT) About 100 protesters on roof,

- Soldiers using water cannon shooting water mixed with blue dye and turpentine,

- Five police officers have been injured, taken away on stretchers,

- Police say that acid was thrown at them,

- Leader of the settlers holding Israeli flag on top of synagogue,

- (1220 EDT) Soldiers reach rooftop and are removing barbed wire,

- Soldiers have upper hand now (1235 EDT), protesters being apprehended and put on buses,

- (1240 EDT) Soldiers in control of roof, show's over.

Newscasters report that those apprehended will be prosecuted for violently fighting the police, security forces, soldiers, and SWAT teams. The non-violent protest became violent, resulting in five injured soldiers and two injured protesters.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 10:43:00 AM

Bloggers With Military Service

Rusty Shackleford spent some time comparing Leftist bloggers' military service to Right bloggers' military service. Understandably and consistent with their general attitude towards the military, the Lefties lost. Take a look.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 09:59:00 AM

Woman Gets 10 Years for Sex with Boy

(Springdale, Arkansas) A 29-year-old Springdale woman, Shannon Hernandez, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Additionally, she must register as a sex offender within 120 days of her release. Hernandez was given credit for 76 days time served in the Washington County Jail.

The punishment in this case seems more appropriate than what is normally meted out to female sexual abusers. Too often, courts impose insultingly lenient sentences on women who molest children.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 09:22:00 AM

Teri Hatcher Ponders Renting Escort

Apparently, Teri Hatcher is more desperate than she portrays on Desperate Housewives.

From the Daily Record:

The star, who has just turned 40, confessed she is often too busy to date and has to rely on sex toys.

And in a frank interview, she said she has given serious thought to paying a gigolo.

Teri said: "You know, I once thought of what it would be like to hire a male hooker."

"I have never done that but the thought crossed my mind."

I'm certain that she has crossed the minds of many men also. And, I don't think they would ask for payment.

[Update]

Rusty Shackleford, male prostitute, has followed up on Teri Hatcher's reported proclivities and posted a full-fledged photo spread with commentary. A studious review is warranted.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 08:18:00 AM

Saudi al-Qaeda Leader Killed

Here's some good news.

From Reuters:

Saudi security forces killed the leader of the kingdom's al Qaeda group in a clash in the holy city of Medina on Thursday, a security source said.

He said security forces had killed Saleh al-Awfi, who was believed to have taken over leadership of al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia last year.

In a telephone interview from Riyadh, Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Mansour al-Turki said ongoing raids against suspected terrorists resulted in the killing.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 07:38:00 AM

Cleveland State Professor Electrocuted

(Cleveland) Biology professor Tarun K. Mal was electrocuted about 10:50am Tuesday while plugging in a device in a Cleveland State University science lab. He was found on the floor and taken to St. Vincent Charity Hospital, where he died. Mal leaves behind a wife and a 3-year-old daughter.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 07:05:00 AM

Elephant Dies of Herpes

(Columbus, Ohio) Ganesh, a 7,000 pound Asian elephant, has died of herpes according to spokesman Harry Peachey of the Columbus Zoo.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 06:00:00 AM

Jennings Tribute?

From the Associated Press:

"World News Tonight" topped the evening news ratings for the first time in more than a year - the increased viewership amounting to yet another tribute to Peter Jennings.

Uh ... it seems to me that people showing up after someone leaves could be taken two ways.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 04:41:00 AM

Al-Qaeda Fundraising in India

(Calcutta, India) Two Bangladeshis have been taken into custody by Calcutta police for distributing handbills and raising funds in support of a group called Mujahideen al-Qaeda Pacific International. Authorities are surprised and alarmed by the presence of al-Qaeda sympathizers in minority neighborhoods of the city.

Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee stated that an investigation has been launched to determine who is involved with the handbill and fundraising effort.

Chad Evans also has a report at In The Bullpen.

Following Entry Posted 8/18/2005 02:40:00 AM

Islamic Jihad Plots Attack of Departing Gaza Settlers

Wednesday morning, Israeli Security uncovered a plot to attack evacuating forces and Gaza settlers when a 10-kg explosive belt was found hidden in a solar water heater at the Muwassi Palestinian enclave. According to this report, Islamic Jihad masterminded the plot where two cell members would wear IDF uniforms and explode themselves in suicide attacks.

So, as the Israelis bend over for the Palestinians and vacate the Gaza Strip, attempts are made to murder them as they leave. Helluva deal.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 07:57:00 PM

Cheaper Chilies From China

Americans are not the only people who complain about cheap Chinese imports. Mexicans now are feeling the heartburn. In the late 1990s, the Mexican market for chili peppers was penetrated by cheaper chilies from China.

From Herald.com:

The trickle soon became a flood. Between 50 percent and 80 percent of the dried peppers now sold in Mexico are imported, according to wholesalers and analysts.

Abroad, Mexico is losing market share as its top customer for peppers, the United States, increasingly is looking to China -- and recently Peru, Chile and parts of Africa -- to meet demand. India long has been the top U.S. chili provider but also is seeing its piece of the American pie shrink due to Chinese competition.

I suspect that a tabasco-strength insult now chinks the national pride knowing that most of the chilies bought in Mexico come from China.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 11:56:00 AM

Survey: Half of Mexico Wants to Live in the U.S.

(Mexico City) According to a survey conducted by the Washington-based Pew Hispanic Center, almost half of all Mexicans want to move to the United States. To be precise, 46 percent of the 1,200 Mexicans surveyed said they would high tail it north if they had a chance.

Interestingly, among college graduates, typically in the upper strata of society, 35 percent said they would like to live in the U.S. This finding is somewhat contrary to the generally accepted belief that people would likely stay in their birth nation if the standard of living improved. Obviously, other factors are involved if upper crust Mexicans still desire to move to the U.S.

In summary, rich or poor, a significant segment of the Mexican population will continue to claw their way to a life north of the border, despite what happens to the economy in Mexico.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 10:30:00 AM

A Thickening Plot

(Westerville, Ohio) All right, here's the story. A doctor, married to a policewoman, is under investigation by the county sheriff and the FBI for lying to public officials and stealing morphine from the scene of a suicide. He's also under investigation for drug dependency, impersonating an FBI agent, and using the identity of a man killed in an automobile accident in January.

The doctor is David A. Rath and he was the Delaware County Coroner when all the alleged improprieties occurred. Rath resigned as coroner two weeks ago and, last week, he was indicted by a grand jury for lying to officials. And, even as I write, the investigation continues and the plot thickens.

Mike Meckler has the details of the story and contends that it all sounds like a bad TV movie. I disagree and suggest to Mike that he check out what is currently being programmed on the tube. Hell, in comparison, the Rath story would probably make good television viewing. It's got all the elements of a hit series save maybe some salacious sexual content and a murder.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 07:57:00 AM

Schools Ban Soft Drinks, Lose Thousands in Funds

(Seattle, Washington) Tens of thousands of dollars in activity fund revenue has vaporized with the decision by the Seattle School Board to ban soft drinks and junk food.

From The Seattle Times:

By canceling an exclusive vending contract with Coca-Cola, the Seattle district will lose an estimated $315,000 this school year. Individual high schools are losing up to $25,000 each, while some middle schools are losing more than $10,000.

[ ... ]

"It's going to devastate us. It's going to absolutely devastate us," said Rainier Beach Athletic Director Dan Jurdy, who also used to be the school's activity coordinator. Jurdy said he quit his activity role last spring partly because he was so discouraged by the looming cutbacks. The football program, too, faces reductions. The school relied on the Coke money to buy uniforms, helmets and padding which cost hundreds of dollars per player, he said. He's not even sure how the school will afford travel to the state tournament.

Jurdy suggested the school save $5,000 by axing the yearbook, which typically loses money.

No football, no yearbook, and what you find in the vending machines is bottled water and rice cakes. Understandably, if a student was toying with the idea of dropping out of school, it would be hard to dispute the contention that this latest leftist social policy sealed the deal.

From the perspective of an Interested-Participant, it appears the Seattle School Board is more concerned about the contents of vending machines than the contents of students' minds.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 05:40:00 AM

Survey: Studmuffins Are Hairy, Chunky, and Poor

According to a Playgirl magazine survey of 2,000 readers and reported in the NY Daily News, women are unimpressed with "waxed chests and rock-hard abs" and much prefer scruffy, chubby men who are "rough around the edges."

"This survey shows that the guy who's most attractive to our readers is not your average Hollywood hunk," said Playgirl editrix Jill Sieracki. "It's the average Joe who came up on top. Women are practical about their choices, and they're smart."

And metrosexuals are definitely out. Women don't want a man who one ups them on manicures, hair styles, or body lotions.

As a consequence of the survey results, Playgirl is now looking for that newly-defined studmuffin, presumably for a feature photo spread. So, guys, put down the beer and send in your best beefcake snapshot to models@playgirlmag.com.

Following Entry Posted 8/17/2005 12:37:00 AM

Pakistani Women Barred From Voting

(Lahore, Pakistan) Geo News channel reports that hundreds of thousands of women will be prohibited from voting in the upcoming Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) council elections.

From the Daily Times:

Tribal elder Haji Rahat Hussain said agreements to bar women from contesting and voting in the local council elections were signed by male candidates including nazims and naib nazims [local/district officials] with a view to maintain law and order, the channel reported. "Traditionally, our women have always stayed away from elections and they are not even ready to step out of their homes," he told Geo.

So, traditionally, women have not voted, therefore, women should be barred from voting. It's screwy logic, for sure. Nonetheless, it is consistent with fundamental Islamic teachings that women are subservient to men. The Election Commission and the government are being asked to intervene to allow women to have access to the polls.

District elections are due to start this week and are considered to be an indication of the level of support the various political parties can expect in the Pakistani general elections in 2007.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 11:14:00 PM

Pakistani Family Honor

(Lahore, Pakistan) The son of Muhammad and Nazo Afzal, Asif, saw his sister, Sumera, in an intimate circumstance with cousin Zeeshan and became enraged. Asif suspected for a while that his sister was having an affair with cousin Zeeshan and, seeing them together, he decided to do something about it. Asif grabbed a gun and shot Sumera in the head.

Sumera was rushed to the hospital, but couldn't be saved. Nazo and Zeeshan went to the police to register a case against Asif. It's not clear whether anything will happen to Asif for the murder. I haven't heard of many perpetrators of honor killings being punished in Pakistan.

Nevertheless, it appears that it's more honorable to have a murderer in the family than an lovemaker.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 10:30:00 PM

Kidnapped Canadian Executed by Terrorists

(Baghdad) On August 2, 32-year-old Iraqi-Canadian citizen, Zaid Meerwali, was kidnapped from his home in Baghdad by ten terrorists disguised as policemen. The attackers beat Meerwali's wife and robbed his home of jewelry and cash before taking him away.

The kidnappers contacted the family and demanded $250,000 ransom. As arrangements were being made for the money, the kidnappers stopped phoning. Subsequently, Meerwali was found to have been murdered with a gunshot wound to the head.

News of the murder prompted Prime Minister Paul Martin to tell all Canadians to leave Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for Meerwali's murder, however, Sunni and Baathist extremists have been mentioned.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 11:26:00 AM

Marijuana for Cattle Feed

Moo! Moo! Moo! From Moscow comes the report that the Russians are planning on feeding cows marijuana plants over the winter months.

From Reuters:

Drug workers said they adopted the unusual form of animal husbandry after they were forced to destroy the sunflowers and maize crops that the 40 tonnes of marijuana had been planted among, Novye Izvestia daily reported.

"There is simply no other way out. You see, the fields are planted with feed crops and if we remove it all the cows will have nothing to eat," a Federal Drugs Control Service spokeswoman for the Urals region of Sverdlovsk told the paper.

This would seem to be a rare opportunity to see what happens when a population of animals ingests a significant quantity of cannabis. Mere observation may be able to explain the story of the cow jumping over the moon. Also, it may be possible to buy milk and cheese fortified not only with vitamin D, but with THC too. Imagine the market for pizza made with mozzarella spiked with THC.

I expect that PETA, the Humane Society, and other animal advocacy groups may want to weigh in on this issue.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 10:13:00 AM

Terrorist Cell Raided in Pakistan

(Karachi, Pakistan) In July, Syed Waseem Akhtar was arrested in Hyderabad for setting his own house on fire. During interrogation, Waseem Akhtar disclosed that he was a part of a newly-formed cell of 20 to 25 youths, belonging to Jamaat-i-Islami. Their group is a student wing called Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and it was directed to kill some important personalities to disrupt law and order in Karachi.

Ismail Aby Saeed and Jawaid Farooqi were named as leaders of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba.

As a result of the information provided by Waseem Akhtar, four terrorists were arrested during raids in several Karachi neighborhoods. They have been identified as Abubakar, Tanveer Malik, Nauman and Junaid.

Jamaat-i-Islami was founded decades ago by Maulana Maududi to promote strict Islamic governance of all aspects of Muslim life. The group has been linked to about every terrorist and radical Islamic group in South Asia, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Unfortunately, Jamaat-i-Islami is also Pakistan's largest religious political party.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 08:17:00 AM

Plane Crash in Venezuela

(Caracas, Venezuela) A charter jet with 152 listed passengers crashed in remote western Venezuela sometime after 0300 local time today. According to Francisco Paz, president of the National Aviation Institute, the plane was owned by West Caribbean Airways and was en route from Panama to the Caribbean island of Martinique when the pilot reported engine trouble to the Caracas airport.

Roughly 10 minutes later, when the plane was in the area of Machiques in the western state of Zulia, contact was lost and residents heard a loud explosion. Rescue teams have been dispatched. No information is available on casualties.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 08:04:00 AM

American Professor Killed in Brazil

(Sao Paulo, Brazil) While being robbed in a small town in the Amazon rain forest, Professor James Petersen, 51, was shot to death. U.S. Embassy spokesman John Wilcox said Petersen died in a restaurant in the town of Iranduba, about 1,650 miles northwest of Sao Paulo.

Petersen, Chairman of the University of Vermont Anthropology Department, was doing research in the rain forest. According to one source, three suspects were apprehended but the information is unconfirmed.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 07:20:00 AM

Chopper Down in Afghanistan

(Kabul, Afghanistan) According to Spanish military sources, 17 Spanish soldiers serving with NATO Forces have been killed in a helicopter crash in western Afghanistan.

From News International Pakistan:

Security officials in Afghanistan said two Pumas had collided about 10km (six miles) south of Herat and five people were still missing.

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Spain has about 850 troops deployed in Afghanistan.

It will be interesting to see how the Spanish public reacts to this news. They have been known to cave when circumstances become stressful.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 06:40:00 AM

Israeli Soldiers Storm Gaza

Nothing about this story is pleasant. Israeli security forces entered the main settlement of Neve Dekalim, using a bulldozer and bolt cutters to break down the gates.

From The Courier-Mail:

Around 1000 police and soldiers stormed into the settlement as hundreds of orange-clad protestors tried to block the path of several removal lorries.

Many protestors were thrown to the floor in the violent pushing and shoving as settlers, most of them youngsters, threw themselves at the wall of police barring their way.

At least a dozen youngsters were arrested, most of them dragged off screaming and kicking as the crowd howled in rage: "Jews don't evict Jews," the settlers shouted.

One religious man spat at the soldiers, "Nazis! Shame on you."

From ABC News Online:

The clash between the police and up to 1,000 pro-settlement protesters took place near the Kissufm entry point between Israel and Gush Katif.

Police say an Israeli army officer was injured in violent clashes which resulted in more than 500 arrests.

Local Israeli police chief Yuri Bar-Lev said another 250 protesters were forced back by his officers.

He described their behaviour as irresponsible and said it could lead to a catastrophe.

I hope I'm wrong but, in my opinion, the escalation in violence will probably lead to severe injury or death before the 48-hour operation is over. The youngsters, particularly, are at risk.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 06:13:00 AM

Wildlife Bought and Sold on Web Illegally

This should surprise absolutely nobody.

From ABC News Online:

Research carried out by the International Fund for Animal Welfare found that more than 9,000 live animals, or parts from dead ones, were on sale online in a single week.

Fund spokeswoman Jenny Hawley says the Internet has given a boost to the centuries-old illegal wildlife trade.

Let me guess. The 'research' consisted of a Google search.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 05:54:00 AM

Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sex with Student

(Fairfax, Virginia) In April, 24-year-old Fairfax County Public School substitute teacher, Dana V. Snyder, was charged with two counts of carnal knowledge with a minor for allegedly having sexual relations with a 14-year-old boy, a former student.

Dana V. Snyder
Yesterday, Snyder pleaded guilty before Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Smith to having sex with a minor on two occasions as part of a plea agreement. Other charges will not be pursued. If convicted, the felonies carry a possible 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Following Entry Posted 8/16/2005 05:18:00 AM

Japanese Earthquake at 7.2 Richter

Off the coast of Honshu, north by northeast from Tokyo, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred at 11:46:30 AM local time (02:46:30 AM UTC). The event's hypocentral depth is estimated to be 33 miles below sea level. The earthquake coordinates are 38.267 degrees North Latitude, 141.990 degrees East Longitude.

Earthquake Japan 8/16/05
At least 27 people were reported injured in Miyagi Prefecture, and blackouts occurred in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures. A tsunami warning was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency but later lifted after waves only inches high were observed.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 08:29:00 PM

Woman Arrested For Rape of Boy

(Mount Olive, North Carolina) Wayne County Sheriff's deputies arrested Shannon Kathleen Munn, 25, and charged her with felony statutory rape and a felony statutory sex offense of a 15-year-old boy. The crimes were reported by the boy's aunt and uncle.

Munn is in the Wayne County jail in lieu of $100,000 secured bond.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 06:43:00 PM

Cindy Sheehan's Husband Seeks Divorce

Outside President Bush's Crawford ranch, Cindy Sheehan probably won't be able to avoid the process server bringing divorce papers from her husband, Patrick Sheehan. According to the petition, it took over 28 years for him to decide that he didn't want to live the rest of his life with Cindy.

It's interesting that it should occur at this time. And, since she's been given the bully pulpit by the media, I wonder what she'll have to say about her husband. Recent experience tends to indicate that she has very few kind words in her vocabulary.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 05:26:00 PM

The Strangelet

The strangelet is aptly named. Theoretically, it's an ultra dense, minute piece of matter that travels at cosmic speeds. It's also theorized that strangelets are responsible for unexplained seismic events. Researchers at Southern Methodist University "proposed that two strangelets of unknown mass moving at roughly 400 km/s had passed through Earth" which "may have been responsible for two unexplained seismic events recorded on October 22 and November 24 in 1993."

It seems to me that strangelets are somewhat similar to neutrinos with one big difference. While neutrinos zip through matter without interacting, strangelets interact violently with matter. Of course, I'm not a theoretical physicist, I'm just a blogger. So, what the hell do I know?

Nevertheless, when scientists themselves name something a 'strangelet,' it must be strange. (via Instapundit)

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 04:14:00 PM

Police Raid Helios Airways' Offices in Cyprus

Updating a previous report about the plane crash in Greece, Cypriot police raided the offices of Helios Airways to search for evidence of a "possible criminal offence" (sic). Apparently, there has been a history of complaints about the airline. A total of 115 passengers and six crew were killed in the crash.

In Salonika, a man was arrested on suspicion of creating a hoax with his claim that he received a chilling text message from a passenger on the plane before it crashed.

He has reportedly confessed to fraudulently claiming he received a text message from a cousin on board the flight.

The man told private television Alpha that the text carried the following message: "We're cold. The pilot is blue. We're going to die. Farewell."

If this guy actually perpetrated a hoax in the middle of a tragic occurrence, somebody ought to regularly smack the sick bastard, every day he's in prison and at least weekly after he gets out.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 03:35:00 PM

Abu Zubair, Zarqawi Aide, Killed

(Mosul, Iraq) One of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's lieutenants, Abu Zubair, was ambushed and shot dead by Iraqi National Guard Forces in Mosul according to a statement by U.S. authorities. Abu Zubair was wanted for several attacks in Mosul, one of which left five policemen dead.

This is great news on two counts; one is that al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership is weakened and, two is that it was accomplished by Iraqi forces.

Tipped by Chad Evans.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 02:21:00 PM

Gaza Kidnap Victim is French-Algerian Muslim

Updating a previous report, the journalist kidnapped in Gaza City has become an embarrassment for the Palestinian Authority.

From the Jerusalem Post:

The journalist was identified as Muhammed Ouathi, an Algerian Muslim with French citizenship who was working as a soundman for French Television Channel III.

Eyewitnesses said three kidnappers armed with rifles kidnapped him while he was walking back to his hotel in Gaza City. The three threatened Ouathi, pulled him into a white Subaru and drove away to an unknown destination.

PA Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfik Abu Khoussa said that Outahi was abducted while he was with another three French journalists.

"The unknown kidnappers left the three French journalists and abducted the half French, half Algerian journalist and took him to an unknown place," he added.

It appears that the kidnappers went fishing for a victim, found a keeper, and threw the others back. No group has claimed responsibility and Hamas has condemned the abduction. Given the level of lawlessness in Gaza, any of a number of thug criminal gangs could be responsible for the kidnapping.

[Update 8/15/05, 1530]

France has weighed in on the kidnapping of Ouathi.

From Aljazeera.Net:

"French authorities condemn the kidnapping last night in Gaza of Mohamed Ouathi, a sound engineer for France 3 television, and call for his immediate release," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

"Our consulate in Jerusalem is fully mobilized to this end, in liaison with the relevant Palestinian authorities," it said.

I believe that full mobilization of the consulate means they've stocked up on pate and wine and hired additional bartenders and food servers.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 03:39:00 AM

Convicted Teachers Keep Teaching Certificates

The Buffalo News recently identified five Western New York teachers, convicted of sex crimes involving children, who still had their teaching credentials.

- Christopher J. Cross, substitute teacher at West Hertel Academy, currently in jail for molesting 8th-grade girls,

- Joel Fidanza, a gym teacher in Medina, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to child endangerment of a 15-year-old girl,

- Jeffrey Hart, an employee of the Tonawanda School District, serving a federal prison term for child pornography,

- Kevin Rocktaschel, registered sex offender, Williamsville music teacher, admitted having sex with a 15-year-old girl,

- Rachelle Vantucci, registered sex offender, substitute teacher in Geneseo, admitted having sex with a 16-year-old boy.

Current rules and regulations don't adequately address revocation of teaching credentials. More troubling is the fact that each tenured teacher continues to be paid while being investigated which typically takes about 18 months, costing over $160,000.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 02:35:00 AM

Urine-Powered Battery

(Singapore) A team of researchers led by Dr. Ki Bang Lee at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore has developed a urine-powered battery. The battery is comprised of a layer of paper steeped in copper chloride sandwiched between strips of magnesium and copper. According to Dr. Lee, 1.5 volts is generated from 0.2 milliliter of urine.

If my calculations are correct, typical robust beer drinkers would have several thousand volts at their disposal.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 02:07:00 AM

Fergie Gets Drenched with Champagne

(Sotogrande, Spain) While handing out prizes at a polo tournament, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, was drenched with champagne by a sore loser.

From the Mirror.co.uk:

Many royals would have lost their rag. But pointing out the culprit, she laughed and gave him a playful wigging before an official led her back to present the trophies.

How nice. Fergie, 41, didn't lose her rag and even was into some playful wigging. I'm not really sure what playful wigging is, but it must be fun.

Following Entry Posted 8/15/2005 12:45:00 AM

Al Qaeda Prisoner Doesn't Pray, Drinks Whiskey Instead

(Ankara, Turkey) Apprehended four days ago in Istanbul, top Al Qaeda operative Luai Sakra is suspected to be the financier of the 2003 bombings in Istanbul and planned attacks on Israeli vessels.

During his off-the-record talks with police forces, Sakra gave misleading information about the planned attack whereas he gave a rather credible account of the November 15-20 attacks in Istanbul.

When told that he would be granted time and space to perform his religious rituals, Sakra shocked the authorities by saying that he doesn't "do the namaz." He also announced that he is an avid alcohol consumer, an action strictly forbidden by Islam. His personal favourites are whiskey and wine, Sakra revealed.

Sakra is considered one of the 5 most important figures in Al Qaeda and he had a few other things to say.

- Sakra claimed that he helped the militants who involved the 9/11 Attacks. Sarka said: "I provided them passport and other things."

- Sakra: "I knew London bombing."

- Sakra: "I do not pray. I drink alcohol and like very much drinking."

- Turkish police asked Sakra whether he like to pray after the operation. But he rejected the offer and said "I do not pray. I do not like praying."

- "I do drink alcohol and I prefer like whisky and wine," Sakra added.

- Sakra also confessed that he knew the London attack before the assaults happened.

- Sakra however claims that he knew nothing about the Egypt bombings.

It's somewhat hard to envision Sakra as a hard line al Qaeda biggie since he apparently lacks the fundamentalist persona. I'd say he appears to be no more than an everyday opportunistic thug. Of course, that description seems to apply to many of the terrorists. There's more at the link.

[Update 8/15/05, 0535 EDT]

Chad Evans notes that Sakra also told his Turkish interrogators that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is in Northern Iraq.

[Update 8/25/05]

In another report, Chad Evans has more detailed information about Sakra. Apparently, Sakra had tipped off the Syrian Secret Service of the planned 9/11 attacks beforehand. The Syrians told the CIA, but after the attack. Also, whereas Sakra told Turkish investigators (above) that he supplied the 9/11 attackers with "passport and other things," Chad reports that the "other things" included money. It's unknown where the money came from, however, it seems certain that Sakra was very familiar with the Hamburg cell responsible for 9/11.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 11:00:00 PM

Mexicans Smuggling Drugs on Tour Buses

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Mexican drug smugglers are using charter tour buses to haul large amounts of contraband across the border.

No surprise here, they use whatever works.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 08:53:00 PM

International Underwear Festival

(Nova Friburgo, Brazil) There are some parties that I just hate to miss.

International
Underwear Festival
From Xinhuanet.com:

Model wear new-style underwears during a show in an international underwear festival held in Nova Friburgo, Brazil, August 10, 2005. More than 100 underwear companies participate in the four-day festival in Nova Friburgo, well-known for its underwear culture, to promote their lastet designs and materials. (sic the paragraph)

Given that my drawers are chock-a-block full of drawers, I consider myself to be part of the underwear culture. Even so, no invitation to the festival was received. It's probably just as well. From the media photos, I didn't see anything that I would wear.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 07:28:00 PM

Indian Call Centers Selling Personal Information

Detailed personal information of tens of thousands of Australians is being made available illegally on the black market by workers at Indian call centers. Nobody should be shocked. Cyber crime is just too easy.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 07:15:00 PM

Kidnapping in Gaza

(Gaza City) A French television sound engineer was kidnapped by three gunmen outside his hotel in Gaza City and bundled into a waiting car just hours before Israel commenced its withdrawal of Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip. The technician works for French 3 Public Television.

[Update 8/14/05, 2330 EDT]

From TurkishWeekly.net:

Palestinian security forces have said they are investigating reports that a member of a French television crew was kidnapped by gunmen outside his Gaza City hotel.

At this time, there's not much confirmation of the story. It's understandable in light of the fact that the Israelis are presently shushing settlers out of the Gaza Strip. They have 48 hours to leave or be forced out. Expect trouble.

[Update 8/15/05, 1400 EDT]

From the Jerusalem Post:

The journalist was identified as Muhammed Ouathi, an Algerian Muslim with French citizenship who was working as a soundman for French Television Channel III.

Eyewitnesses said three kidnappers armed with rifles kidnapped him while he was walking back to his hotel in Gaza City. The three threatened Ouathi, pulled him into a white Subaru and drove away to an unknown destination.

PA Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfik Abu Khoussa said that Outahi was abducted while he was with another three French journalists.

"The unknown kidnappers left the three French journalists and abducted the half French, half Algerian journalist and took him to an unknown place," he added.

It appears that the kidnappers went fishing for a victim, found a keeper, and threw the others back. No group has claimed responsibility and Hamas has condemned the abduction. Given the level of lawlessness in Gaza, any of a number of criminal gangs could be responsible for the kidnapping.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 09:40:00 AM

Plane Crash in Greece

(Grammatiko, Greece) At 12:20pm local time (9:20 GMT), a charter Helios Airways flight out of Cyprus crashed north of Athens, killing all 121 people onboard. It's suspected that cabin depressurization caused the pilots to lose consciousness.

The ultimate destination of the flight was Prague and, according to Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek, 80 of the passengers were children returning from a holiday on the Mediterranean island.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 07:31:00 AM

High-Speed Chase of Illegals From China

(Corpus Christi, Texas) A truck packed with illegals from China led Sheriff's deputies and Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase across southwestern Nueces County Friday morning. After about a hour, the truck was ditched and the driver bailed. According to Nueces County Sheriff Capt. Vidal J. De La Cerda, the illegals just gave up. No numbers were indicated.

From KRISTV.com:

"They appear to be from China. They hardly speak any English at all. We did find the majority of them have about $50.00 on them ... a little food, a little water, so apparently they were trying to make it up north somewhere." Officials said in the last six months or so they have seen quite a few illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico and they say that is a big concern.

"That raises an alarm to us in law enforcement where we have to be more careful as to what kind of individual we're going to pull over. We don't know if these guys were terrorists, if they had weapons on them or if the were just trying to find a job in the country. It could go either way, so it's getting a little dangerous," Capt. Cerda said.

Authorities are still searching for the driver.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 07:04:00 AM

Hunting the Wild Huckleberry

(Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington) Fruit pickers, be advised that the wild huckleberry season starts tomorrow in Eastern Washington. The aromatic and succulent berries are rare and highly desired, so get your gloves and bucket and don't forget to get a permit. The Forest Service tries to make sure that enough are left for Yogi and Boo Boo and also the Yakama tribe, which uses the berry in religious ceremonies.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 06:34:00 AM

All In A Week's Work

(El Paso, Texas) As you read this story, think about trying to stop flood waters using a shovel.

From the El Paso Times:

Last week, Customs and Border Protection officers at El Paso's bridges caught 25 fugitives, 19 people who made false claims of citizenship, 22 people who used papers that belonged to others, three people using counterfeit documents, two people who tried to avoid inspection and three people who overstayed their visas, agency officials said Friday.

Authorities also stopped 17 drug smuggling attempts and 16 attempts to smuggle foods and plants. And, all this happened in one week at an official border crossing.

If these numbers are multiplied by the weeks in a year times the number of border crossings along with the addition of an estimate of the number of crooks that don't get caught, the result is disturbingly high. It's beyond me how this is allowed to continue. The ship of state won't sail smoothly for very long with a big damn hole in the hull.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 06:01:00 AM

MS-13 Gangster Arrested for Murder

(Starr County, Texas) A band of illegal aliens, including six Mara Salvartruchas or MS-13s, were led across the U.S.-Mexico border by a smuggler who ended up dead.

From Team4News.com:

It is a first for the U.S. Border Patrol -- a case where an alleged smuggler has ended up dead at the hands of the reputed Salvadoran gang known as the Mara Salvartruchas or MS-13s.

Border Patrol spokesman Roy Cervantes says, "This is the first case that we've seen where MS-13 has resulted to this type of violence."

Border Patrol agents say that early Wednesday morning 25 illegal immigrants were crossing through ranch land north of Roma in Starr County when a fight broke out.

The smuggler was beaten to death using rocks because he left one MS-13 gangster behind in Mexico. Police are searching for three other suspects, also MS-13 members, in the murder. The victim's identity is unknown. He's 20-ish and Mexican.

Following Entry Posted 8/14/2005 05:09:00 AM

Quick-Strike Counterterrorism Commands

Separate, synchronized special operations combatant commands ready on short notice to go after terrorist cells sounds like a very good idea. Mac Powell has the details.

Following Entry Posted 8/13/2005 09:06:00 AM

'Desperate Housewives' in China

Somewhat inconsistent with recent government efforts to restrict American motion pictures and television shows in China, the prime-time comedy-drama-soap, Desperate Housewives, is set to explode in the world's most populous nation.

From Variety:

The ABC sudser will premiere this September at 10 p.m. on the Everyday Jiayi block of primetime programming, which airs on state-run CCTV-8. Zone Vision operates the one-hour block, which airs seven nights a week on the broadcaster's countrywide cable system, reaching a whopping 700 million eyeballs, or about 180 million TV households.

Whether any scenes or dialogue will have to be cut from the racy show remains to be seen, but even so, Chinese viewers will be exposed to a new level of Western-style sizzle.

Announced Thursday, details are lacking in the Zone Vision Networks deal with Disney's foreign sales arm, Buena Vista Intl. Television -- Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP). Nevertheless, excitement from timely press coverage of the deal is everywhere as the Chinese anxiously await seeing and hearing American suburban housewives speak Mandarin.

Trackback to Wizbang.

Following Entry Posted 8/13/2005 06:00:00 AM

Teacher's Aide Accused of Raping Boy

(Great Falls, Montana) When she found out that the police wanted to arrest her for rape of a 14-year-old boy, 41-year-old middle school teacher's aide Michele Malady skipped town.

From the Billings Gazette:

Michele Malady, a mother of three, was in jail on $75,000 bail awaiting extradition from Whitefish to Great Falls, police said.

She fled Thursday after learning police were looking for her and was arrested in the northwestern Montana community without incident, the Cascade County attorney's office said.

Malady apparently met the boy through one of her teenage children, not through her job with the Great Falls School District, Detective Eric Baumann said.

Court documents indicate that Michele Malady told her husband that she was in love with someone who was 27 years younger than herself and the husband told police that he heard his wife and the boy having sex. The relationship was also confirmed by the 14-year-old.

The most bothersome aspect of this case is that Malady used her kids' peer group as a dating pool. How sick is that?

[Update 8/13/05, 0930 EDT]

From The Daily Inter Lake:

Great Falls Police notified Whitefish that they believed Michele Evonne Malady, 41, was on her way there, armed with a shotgun and possibly suicidal.

Fortunately, she was arrested without incident. Bond has been set at $75,000.

[Update 07/19/06]

Malady sentenced to two years in prison.

Following Entry Posted 8/13/2005 04:55:00 AM

American Parents of An American Soldier

(Quad-Cities) Not everyone allows personal grief to be used as a propaganda tool by anti-American zealots. At a wreath-laying ceremony yesterday at Arsenal Island, the parents of MIA Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin spoke.

From The Quad-City Times:

Matt Maupin was taken prisoner April 9, 2004, when a fuel convoy he was guarding came under attack. Unlike the mother of a fallen soldier who is camped outside President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, the Maupins do not blame the government for whatever has happened to their son.

"We don't blame anyone for Matt," Carolyn Maupin said. "No one likes war, but we have to support our troops who are there."

[ ... ]

"He knew what he was doing and he knew the possibilities," Keith Maupin said of his son's decision to enlist. "I told him, 'If you can't do what you have to do, you don't need to go.'"

Maupin said he asked his son, "What the hell are you going to do in Iraq?"

His son replied, "I'm an army of one, Dad."

Two salient points need emphasis. First, Matt Maupin made the decision to become a soldier and defend and protect the constitution of the United States. And second, his parents supported his decision and continue to be supportive of that decision. This is in stark contrast to the blabber being heard from Cindy Sheehan and her radical left handlers outside President Bush's ranch.

Maupin is officially listed as missing in action by the U.S. Army.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 07:16:00 PM

Teacher Wants Porn Charges Dropped

(Worcester, Massachusetts) Remember Shepherd Hill Regional High School English teacher Amber Jennings who was charged with engaging a minor in sexual intercourse and distribution of pornography to a minor? While teaching English, she was caught going around the world with a 16-year-old male student. That was a year ago.

Amber Jennings
Yesterday, 31-year-old Jennings asked the Worcester Superior Court to dismiss all charges against her, which include posing a minor in sexual conduct, posing a minor in a state of nudity, and disseminating obscene material to a minor. Prosecutors contend that Jennings videotaped and photographed nudity and sexual activities and even sent some images to the student via email. There's no word yet on the judge's decision.

[Update 9/14/05]

On Monday, Worcester Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman denied the motion to dismiss charges on Amber Jennings. Consequently, English teacher Jennings awaits trial on charges of depicting a minor in sexual conduct, posing a minor in a state of nudity, and dissemination of material harmful to minors.

Her lawyer, Peter Ettenberg, thinks she's being "selectively prosecuted." I think he's right. Criminals are selected from the general population for prosecution. It's a good thing, Ettenberg. Smell the coffee, pal.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 10:57:00 AM

Islamic Extremist Camps in Britain's Parks

According to West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn, Islamic extremists are running indoctrination camps in the Lake District and other national parks in the United Kingdom.

"Wherever there's a national park, you'll find them - the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, the West Highlands."

Constable Cramphorn expressed frustration at the inability of the police to combat the extremists' efforts to radicalize young Muslims. He argued that more powers are needed.

In the meantime, "All we can do is track them," said the constable.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 10:05:00 AM

Women Lose Weight Eating at McDonald's

According to this report, Merab Morgan of Raleigh, North Carolina, ate nothing but McDonald's fast-food for 90 days and lost 37 lbs. In another test, Soso Whaley of Kensington, N.H., ate nothing but McDonald's fast-food for 90 days and lost 36 lbs.

I suspect the obesity alarmists will try to poo-poo these data.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 09:43:00 AM

Latvian Debauchery

(Riga, Latvia) Arguably, the face of European nightlife has changed dramatically and Riga is the real deal.

From The Baltic Times:

With accession to the European Union and the arrival of discount airlines, Riga has become accessible to every last lad in London. The economics are straightforward: A pint costs three quid in dear Albion, but in Riga it can be had for a third of that price. Ditto that on bed and breakfast. And then there's the bonus: in distant lands one can behave like a lunatic and not worry about the consequences. For many that alone is reason enough to hop on board a plane - inexpensive or otherwise - and head east.

[ ... ]

In essence, this sex tourism phenomenon should not come as a surprise. Riga is inexpensive, attractive and, to put it bluntly, fun (all relative, to be sure, but true nonetheless). These are its advantages, so the city's leadership should use them. It may be politically incorrect to say it, but Latvian women are beautiful; those who think otherwise should ask a representative of any international modeling agency.

Beautiful women, inexpensive nightlife, what's not to like? So, gather up your kavorka and revise your travel plans accordingly.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 08:40:00 AM

Jacko Now Bahrainian

Michael Jackson has found life after Neverland.

From the Bahrain Tribune:

Popstar Michael Jackson has decided to make Bahrain his permanent home, a report in Asharq Al Awsat newspaper said yesterday.

Jackson, who has been staying in Bahrain for nearly two months now, has described Bahrain as a surprise compared with all the cities he has stayed in so far and plans to bring his family over to stay with him, the paper said.

With Jackson's flair for finding new and innovative ways to be controversial, it will be interesting to see how he behaves himself in a Muslim country. Also, if the Islamic fundamentalists consider normal, everyday American citizens to be infidels, it's hard to imagine Michael Jackson being anything but a lightning rod for their hatred.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 07:34:00 AM

Salman Rushdie's New Novel

(Amsterdam) There will certainly be headlines about this story.

From Deutche Presse Agentur:

Salman Rushdie strikes a blow at Islamist extremism and terrorism in his new novel, "Shalimar the Clown," published in Dutch Thursday, a month before the English version is due to appear on the bookshelves.

In a simultaneous article in the Times of London and Dutch daily Volkskrant, the author, himself a Muslim who lived under sentence of death from a fatwa issued by the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, calls for an Islamic reformation to bring the faith into the modern world.

Though the fatwa was lifted in 1998, Rushdie continues to live under guard.

Frankly, Mr. Rushdie better beef up his security because his new novel calls for an Islamic reformation and there is no aspect of the religion that doesn't get harshly criticized. I predict fatwas on top of fatwas.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 06:56:00 AM

Seven Years Jail for 9-Year-Old Girl

(Ranchi, India) In 1998, nine-year-old Rupa Kumari (aka Aneeta) was caught riding a train without a ticket and a magistrate jailed her when she couldn't pay the fine. Rupa was supposed to be in jail for nine days but, due to bureaucratic bungling, she ended up spending seven years behind bars. Fortunately, a visiting high court justice heard her story and she was released.

This story seems to stretch the limits of believability but, in a country of a billion people, it's imaginable.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 05:54:00 AM

Female Muslim Comedian

The following produced a few belly laughs for me. It's a column with reviews of stand-up comedy acts making the rounds in Britain. Here's a snippet about Shazia Mirza - female, Muslim, and funny.

From the Independent Online:

"My name is Shazia Mirza. At least, that's what it says on my pilot's license."

And ...

"I always wanted to be like my white friends, who had abortions, herpes and chlamydia. And my mother would say, 'Wait until you are married, your husband will give you all of that.'"

And ...

"I'm terrified I'll die a virgin. Not because I'm obsessed with sex. I'm not, I don't think it's that big a deal. But I don't want to get to Paradise and have to sleep with one of the suicide bombers."

It's refreshing to see some humor from the Muslim community. There's more at the link.

Mirza also has a website.

Following Entry Posted 8/12/2005 01:45:00 AM

NARAL's Lie Machine Stalls

Sufficient pressure was applied to the National Abortion Rights Action League regarding its patently false accusatory ad against SCOTUS nominee John Roberts that it was pulled. Good.

Mac Powell has all the details at In The Bullpen, including Lou Dobbs' lame attempt to defend it.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 07:10:00 PM

Criminal Sex With Student

(Kingston, Michigan) A 27-year-old English teacher at Kingston High School, Kristen A. Margrif, has been charged with eight counts of criminal sexual contact with an eighth-grade student. Apparently, Magrif confided in her pastor that she was intimately tutoring the 16-year-old over a period of weeks at several locations. In accordance with state law, her pastor notified the authorities.

Magrif is scheduled to appear in court on August 22. She is currently free on a $45,000 personal recognizance bond.

[Update 8/12/05, 1745 EDT]

Kristen A. Margrif
According to this report, Magrif is having problems in her marriage and is going through a divorce. Consequently, it appears that she has an excuse for her behavior.

[Update 06/04/06]

Margrif sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 06:02:00 PM

'Gorgeous' Teacher Gets 9 Months for Child Sex

(McMinnville, Tennessee) Last February, Centertown Elementary School teacher Pamela Rogers Turner, 27, was arrested and charged with 15 counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and 13 counts of statutory rape of one of her students, a 13-year-old boy.

Pamela Rogers Turner
Today, Turner pleaded no contest as part of an agreement with the prosecution and received 9 months in jail and loss of teaching credentials in a ruling by Judge Bart Stanley. After the jail term, Turner will be subjected to supervised probation for seven years and three months.

In summary, a 27-year-old teacher plays hide the sausage with a 13-year-old student for three months, gets charged with 28 felony sex crimes, and is sentenced to a paltry nine months in jail. You can check my math, but that figures out to be about ten days behind bars for each sex crime. In my opinion, there's a world full of pedophiles who would volunteer for that kind of punishment. As a deterrent to potential future child rapists, Judge Stanley's ruling isn't. One can only assume that Judge Stanley conferred with Judge Ollie prior to sentencing Turner.

[Update 8/12/05, 0445 EDT]

From another report, the court also ruled that Turner will be required to register as a child sex offender and the terms of the plea agreement prevent her from realizing monetary gain from the case.

Kevin Aylward at Wizbang has a couple of photos of Pamela Turner (aka Pamela Rogers, Pamela Rogers Turner) in court.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.

[Update 02/27/06]

Pamela Rogers released from jail.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 09:50:00 AM

Birth Without Pregnancy

(Long Beach, CA) It is apparently not unheard of for a woman to give birth without experiencing the wonder and joy of pregnancy.

From NBCSandiego.com:

Annice Allen said she went to [sic] hospital thinking she was having severe menstrual cramps. Three hours later, she found out she was 23 to 24 weeks pregnant and gave birth to a 1-pound, 4-ounce girl she named Jimice.

"The doctor says, 'Ok, the fetus is 23 weeks,'" Allen said. "We said, 'The fetus?' We went back and forth with that, and he said, 'How old are you?' I said, 'I'm 37.' So, he puts his hand on me and says, 'A fetus is a baby.' I said, 'I know a fetus is a baby, but I didn't know I was pregnant.'"

It's still kind of hard to believe that she was totally oblivious. Of course, my involvement with pregnancy has been limited to operating the starter pistol and watching from the bleachers. Oh yeah, and decades ago I was a voyager in the process.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 09:09:00 AM

Woman Sues Because Rescue Was Late

(New London, Conn.) Barbara Connors, 75, was saved from drowning by a rescue crew of divers in Saybrook, Conn. Having lived, she is now suing the city for being rescued too late to prevent brain damage. It's a helluva way to thank the rescuers who risked their lives to save hers.

Just a guess, but I'd wager that Saybrook has no shortage of avaricious trial lawyers.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 07:13:00 AM

Another Police Officer Killed in Nuevo Laredo

(Nuevo Laredo, Mexico) In the battle for supremacy between the Gulf Coast drug smugglers and those of the Pacific Coast, regular citizens and police officers are regularly targeted. Such was the case yesterday when two "very young" gunmen pulled alongside Maria de la Paz Rangel's car and opened fire. Rangel was wounded while her passenger, policewoman Adriana de Leon Martinez, was killed.

Of 110 murders in Nuevo Laredo this year, 15 have been police officers, and almost all the killings have been gangland style. Last Friday, City Councilman Leopoldo Ramos, was killed by three gunmen wielding automatic rifles only blocks away from City Hall. As a result, hundreds of additional federal police were sent to Nuevo Laredo over the weekend. Nevertheless, nobody is optimistic that the violence will end soon.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 06:15:00 AM

Learning English in Thailand

From the Bangkok Post:

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng has set a one-month deadline to revamp English language teaching nationwide by switching from learning by rote and grammar to English language for communication, after tests revealed that Thais have the second-worst English language skills in Southeast Asia.

On Tuesday, the Higher Education Commission's English proficiency development centre revealed Thais came eighth and fourth in the nine and six Southeast Asian countries rated by TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) and TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), scoring on average only 201 on a cumulative scale of 300 and 524 of the full 990 score respectively.

This has promoted the drafting of a special English-language curriculum for workers in six major industries.

Also, with China becoming an economic powerhouse, the Thais have started teaching Mandarin, now important in trade and investment negotiations.

It's interesting that SE Asians are placing paramount importance on learning English at the same time that at least one group in the U.S. is trying to delete the subject as a requirement for graduation from American schools.

Following Entry Posted 8/11/2005 01:10:00 AM

More Child Sex Charges Against Teacher's Aide

(Crown Point. Indiana) As a follow up to a previous report, 23-year-old teacher's aide Amber Kay Marshall faces new charges of felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction. The new charges were filed in Lake County and are in addition to the charges filed in Porter County even though they involve the same two special education male students, ages 14 and 16.

Marshall faces a possible 31 years in prison if convicted. She remains free on $75,000 bail.

[Update 07/10/07]

Marshall sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 07:55:00 PM

Bomb Makers Blow Themselves Up

(Istanbul, Turkey) This probably happens much more regularly than is reported.

From the Turkish Daily News:

Turkish police said on Tuesday that two men killed in a blast in an Istanbul flat were Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members in the process of making a bomb.

An additional five people were injured.

From a fundamental Islamist perspective, would a man be given martyr status and 72 virgins if he never completed the suicide mission because he blew himself up while making a bomb?

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 07:34:00 PM

Istanbul Al-Qaeda Bombing Suspects Arrested

(Istanbul, Turkey) A 21-year-old Syrian, Hamed Obysi, has been arrested by Turkish police on charges of belonging to Al-Qaeda. Another Syrian, 32-year-old Luai Sakra, was apprehended by Turkish police for suspected involvement in the November 2003 bombings in Istanbul.

From TurkishPress.com:

The two Syrians were apprehended as part of the same operation, launched upon the discovery of two forged passports in a flat in Antalya, Anatolia [Turkish state-run news agency] said.

Suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden trucks outside two synagogues in Istanbul on November 15, 2003, and the British consulate and the British-based HSBC bank five days later, killing a total of 63 people.

Seventy-one people were charged in connection with the bombings, the deadliest such attacks on Turkish soil.

In a nutshell, two Syrian al-Qaeda members operating in Turkey are behind bars. Splendid.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 06:49:00 PM

Supervising Counselor for Homeless Arrested

(Jacksonville, Florida) A lead counselor for the I.M. Sulzbacher Center, Michael Collins, 39, has been arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking.

Imagine that! Illegal narcotics trafficking at a homeless shelter! It can't be the norm because the media keeps telling us that homeless people are primarily women with children and Vietnam veterans who have been forgotten by the Veterans Administration. Surely, drugs at a homeless shelter must be an isolated incident. Jeez! What's next? Is a convicted sexual predator going to sneak into a homeless shelter?

Boy, I hope not. We sure wouldn't want the public believing that vagrants are most likely to be alcoholics, junkies, or ex-cons.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 06:25:00 PM

Terrorist Bombings in Southern Philippines

(Zamboanga City, Philippines) Two bombs detonated and wounded 26 in this port city Wednesday night. Muslim terrorists of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) are believed to be responsible.

From ABS-CBN Interactive:

The first bomb, which exploded along Campaner Street, damaged shops and wounded 14 people. The second, in a room of a nearby hotel on Climaco Avenue, wounded 12.

Four people in the first blast were identified as Abdurahim Asdali, 55, Jimmy Timpong, 25, corn vendor Fermina Ehe and Frederico Batocloy, 32.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Batocloy said he saw a white multicab passed by a copra warehouse where he was employed as a security guard when it suddenly exploded. It happened at 7:20 p.m.

The explosion wrecked the multicab and partially damaged a house, reports said.

While police and military bomb disposal personnel were looking for evidence, the second explosion rocked the second floor of St. Ann's Pension House on Climaco Avenue past 8 p.m.

The second blast was only two blocks away from the first explosion.

"These explosions appear to be terror attacks," military spokesman Lt.Col. Buenaventura Pascual said, adding that a third bomb was found in the area but did not explode.

The Abu Sayyaf is a guerrilla group linked to Jemaah Islamiah, a southeast Asian Al Qaeda affiliate. Thus far, no group has claimed responsibility for the Zamboanga explosions.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 05:50:00 PM

BOLO - George & Jennifer Hyatte

(Kingston, Tennessee) Be on the look out for escaped inmate George Hyatte and his wife, Jennifer Hyatte. The wife pulled a gun on Correction Department Officer Wayne "Cotton" Morgan who later died.

George & Jennifer Hyatte
A large amount of blood in the abandoned getaway vehicle is believed to be from a wound on Jennifer. She may seek medical help or, based on the quantity of blood, she may have died. FoxNews is reporting that the sheriff in Tennessee believes he knows the location of George Hyatte. The story continues to develop.

George Hyatte is a black man, 34 years old, five feet five inches tall and and weighs about 140 pounds. Jennifer Hyatte is a white woman, 31 years old, with red hair, about five feet four inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.

Anyone with information, please call 1-800-TBI-FIND. The Hyattes are considered armed and dangerous.

[Update 0300 EDT, 8/11/05]

(Columbus, Ohio) George and Jennifer Hyatte were apprehended about 10pm EDT at the Best Value Inn, located at 4875 Sinclair Road on the north side of Columbus.

From NBC4i.com:

According to the U.S. Marshals Office, a SWAT team surrounded the Erlanger, Ky., Econo Lodge after investigators spotted a gold van used by the couple. The van was spotted Wednesday at about 4:30 p.m.

The pair then took a cab from Erlanger, located outside of Cincinnati, to Columbus, according to U.S. Marshals. Investigators said the cab driver called police and gave a description of the pair. An undercover Marshal searched the motel and found the Hyattes' room, on the motel's second floor.

Investigators said they called the motel room and Jennifer Hyatte answered the phone. Then they said they told her and her husband to surrender peacefully, Ivanic reported.

Police officers and a SWAT team were outside the room when they surrendered, Ivanic reported.

Witnesses said Jennifer Hyatte was carried down the motel's steps. She had apparently been wounded from Tuesday's shootout, Ivanic reported. Police said Hyatte, a former prison nurse, was shot.

Both are in custody. Splendid.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 02:54:00 PM

When 'Dumbing Down' is Not 'Dumbing Down'

(Topeka, Kansas) Kansas Senate Vice President John Vratil told the Kansas Board of Education that students should be exempted from meeting proficiency requirements in math and reading because it's unrealistic. Almost in the same breath, Vratil insisted he's not trying to 'dumb down' the education system.

Apparently, someone much smarter needs to explain this. In my opinion, Vratil contradicted himself in successive statements. To me, eliminating requirements in education is the definition of dumbing down.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 02:15:00 PM

Animal Activist Arrested for Cruelty

(Lawrenceville, Georgia) A veteran animal rescue activist and president of All Dog and Cat Rescue Angels, Patricia Siems, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. She left her terrier in her locked car for 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the day. According to veterinarian Mike Miller of Duluth Animal Hospital, "the dog could well have been dead in an hour."

Oops!

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 01:55:00 PM

Female School Bus Driver Accused of Molesting Boy

(Villa Rica, Georgia) Carroll County School District bus driver Jennifer Deanna Harbuck was arrested last week and charged with child molestation for having sex with a 15-year-old boy. Harbuck admitted to having sex with the boy, who is related to her, over a time period dating back to the Fall of 2004. The molestation became known when the boy told his parents.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 01:43:00 PM

Woman, 38, Accused of Child Molestation

(Carrollton, Georgia) Police arrested a 38-year-old Carroll County woman, Natalie Pike, and charged her with aggravated child molestation and child molestation for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old boy. The boy's mother found a love letter sent by Pike to her boy and alleges that local church members knew of the molestation and didn't report it in accordance with state law.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 05:38:00 AM

Suicide Bomb on Chinese Bus

Rusty Shackleford has the story with photos at The Jawa Report and it illustrates nicely how the Chinese government is hiding problems. Apparently, suicide bombings happen regularly in China but seldom are they reported in any media.

Following Entry Posted 8/10/2005 03:11:00 AM

Military Bans the Term 'Warrior'

(Colorado Springs, CO) The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) whose chief is U.S. Adm. Timothy J. Keating has decided that the military jargon is insensitive to American Indians. Although there have been no complaints, Adm. Keating has banned the use of certain words, including warrior, brave, and chief, from the military lexicon.

According to a NORAD spokesperson, Master Sgt. John Tomassi, the military is following the lead of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in prohibiting the use of Indian names.

Just think. With one stroke of a pen, Adm. Keating changed my perception of the North American aerospace defense network from a high-tech and reliable weapons and intelligence command into a bunch of whimpering pussies. After learning of this latest politically correct infestation at the commanding officer level, I immediately felt less safe.

It's also disturbing that Keating's irresponsible edict folds all too nicely into Osama bin Laden's propaganda to al-Qaeda terrorists and recruits that the American military is weak and cannot win. The U.S. military can't be expected to intimidate an enemy when it's viewed as sensitive and cowardly, bending over for every whiny complaint in society.

Rumsfeld should send out a war party to bring back Keating's scalp.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 11:50:00 PM

Woman Sentenced for Unlawful Sex with Boy

(Salina, Kansas) A 27-year-old woman, Carol M. Hurley, was sentenced to 29 months in prison for unlawful sexual activity with a teenage boy on many occasions between October 2003 and May 2005. Prior to sentencing by District Judge Daniel Hebert, Hurley apologized to the court and her family. She said she did it because she had trouble with her marriage, apparently for a long time. No comment was received from her husband.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 07:45:00 PM

Woman, Two Boys, and An Infant

(Creal Springs, Illinois) A 23-year-old woman, Brandi Thompson (maiden name Horn), will go to trial on December 6 to face four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse for allegedly engaging in sex with two boys, ages 14 and 16. Judge Phillip Palmer had ordered paternity testing on Thompson's son, born in the Spring, and the results have been filed under seal with the circuit court. It's suspected that the infant was fathered by the 16-year-old.

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for November 28. Thompson faces a possible three to seven years in prison on each felony count.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 04:40:00 PM

Bhagwan Rajneesh Resurrected

(Kathmandu, Nepal) More seasoned readers will remember Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh as the cult guru who accumulated a fortune and thousands of dope-smoking, free-love followers at a compound outside The Dalles, Oregon. He's probably best known for his fleet of Rolls Royces and his ultimate deportation resulting from allegations of murder, arson, and attempting to infect an entire town with salmonella.

Well, that's all old news, as is Bhagwan Rajneesh who died in 1990. However, his memory endures as do his disciples. Apparently, there are Rajneesh centers still around and, according to this report, an attempt is underway to open cult conclaves in Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev and Tashkent. Consequently, for those of the Bhagwanian persuasion, your hedonistic pseudo-religious cravings can soon be satiated in travels through Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Ukraine.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 08:02:00 AM

Unidentified Green River Victims

From The Seattle Times:

When Green River killer Gary L. Ridgway was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003 for the murders of 48 Seattle-area women, four of his victims were identified only as "Jane Doe."

Yesterday, more than 1-1/2 years later, investigators made a plea to the public to help identify the four victims, known only as bones 10, 16, 17 and 20. They are asking individuals who may know about people who went missing in King County in the 1970s and 1980s to contact them.

The number to call is 206-296-7575.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 07:45:00 AM

Saudis Imprison and Deport AIDS Infected Foreigners

Foreigners who are unlucky enough to be in Saudi Arabia when they learn they have AIDS or are HIV positive will be jailed and deported without treatment. There seems to be a lack of compassion. Of course, regarding Saudi citizens, they may be stoned or beheaded for committing adultery or engaging in homosexual acts.

Update your travel itinerary accordingly.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 04:37:00 AM

Pakistani Swaps Daughter for Election Win

(Islamabad, Pakistan) It's illegal to treat women and girls as property but it happens all the time.

From the Indo-Asian News Service:

A candidate in Pakistan's Northwestern Frontier Province gave away his 11-year-old daughter to his opponent in exchange for latter's withdrawal from next week' local elections, a news report said Sunday.

Daily Times quoted an unnamed election official as saying that Ajoon, a resident of Kohistan district, more than 120 km northwest of here, made the offer considering his opponent Vilayat Noor politically stronger.

The two men were the only candidates for the post of nazim, or chief administrator.

Ajoon also paid his opponent 200,000 rupees (about $3,300) to sweeten the deal.

This incident exemplifies the ineffectiveness of the national government in establishing and enforcing laws on remote regions of mountainous northern Pakistan. The thousand-year-old religious and societal customs endure despite legislative actions taken in the capitol of Islamabad.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 04:11:00 AM

Focus on Migraine Gene

(Queensland, Australia) Recent findings from research conducted by a team at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) may lead to relief for sufferers of migraine headaches.

According to Dr. Dale Nyholt, lead researcher, "We've identified a chromosome, chromosome five, which harbours a gene which is implicated in the common form of migraine headaches. Hopefully we'll be able to identify that gene which will lead immediately to diagnostic tests, then a few years down the track to more total treatments hopefully."

Splendid.

Following Entry Posted 8/09/2005 03:38:00 AM

Honor Killing

(Buner Valley, Pakistan) Two young lovers, 16-year-old Zahida and 18-year-old Sajjad, were caught being intimate in the corn field about 7km from the city of Daggar.

From The Frontier Post:

Khan Bahadure 20, shot them with 12 bore gun in the near by maze crops field and went to police station Daggar along with the gun on Monday.

The Daggar police brought the dead bodies to headquarter hospital Daggar for autopsy where the locals poured to see them.

As per the statement recorded by the assailant, he early in the morning saw both of them in objectionable condition in the nearby maze crops field and shot them dead on the spot. Police have registered the case and investigating.

Disregarding the poor English, one must suspect that Khan committed two murders then turned himself in to the police with an apparent air of nonchalance. He saw something objectionable, took care of it and, without trepidation, told the police. Notably, honor killings are usually not spur of the moment actions so it's probably reasonable to assume that Khan was directed by tribal elders to commit the killings or, at least, had their tacit approval. Such is life under Sharia law in the remote Buner Valley, flanked by some of the world's highest mountains, in the Northwest Frontier Province.

Following Entry Posted 8/08/2005 02:51:00 PM

National Health Care: Waiting Lists for Waiting Lists

Sure, national health systems, or socialized medicine, provide care for everybody for nothing, but there's a significant downside. Readers of Interested-Participant know that providing everything to everybody for nothing results in depletion of resources and, with health care, this culminates in patient waiting times that are unhealthy. In fact, Canada Care provides computer-generated death condolences at the same time that patients are informed of their waiting times for procedures or appointments, just in case they died while waiting.

The subject of the long waits for medical care is a hot issue in Britain, Canada, and Australia, three nations with national health care which have failed miserably in tackling the problem. Hardly a week goes by without loud public complaints about the long waits. Check out the latest from Australia.

From The Courier-Mail:

WAITING lists at a major Queensland hospital have blown out to 10 years due to underfunding within the state's public health system, a doctor has told an inquiry.

Dr Jason Jenkins, a vascular surgeon at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), today gave a savage critique of Queensland's public health system, accusing the state Government of running hospitals like businesses as patients were dying waiting for surgery.

He said waiting times for non-urgent surgery at RBWH had blown out to 10 years and the situation had become so critical there were "waiting lists for waiting lists."

Got a boo-boo? Get in line.

Following Entry Posted 8/08/2005 01:31:00 PM

Iraqi News Agency

The announcement that Iraq is to have it own news agency, Aswat Al-Iraq (Voices of Iraq), staffed and managed by Iraqi journalists, was most welcome. However, my enthusiasm was tempered somewhat by the realization that Aswat Al-Iraq is a project being overseen by the Reuters Foundation and the United Nations, two organizations that frequently exceed the threshold of reasonableness in avoiding use of the words 'terrorist' and 'terrorism.' Frankly, I'm sickened when a murdering, thug terrorist is referred to as a militant or an insurgent or a freedom fighter.

Consequently, my expectations are that reporting from Aswat Al-Iraq will be accommodating to the terrorists while displaying a bold anti-American bias. This belief is supported by the fact that the journalists themselves will become targets for the terrorists. They will be reporting in an environment of fearfulness. I hope I'm wrong.

Following Entry Posted 8/08/2005 06:14:00 AM

Hooters in Germany

(Saarbrucken, Germany) Good food, beautiful women, and really cold beer have been promised in the announcement that the first Hooters restaurant will open in Germany in October.

From the Stars and Stripes:

Sort of bad news: The well-known American sports bar/restaurant won't open in Ramstein, as previously reported, but rather in Neunkirchen.

The location change isn't devastating news, considering that Hooters and all the perks that come with it will be within a 30-minute drive for the nearly 54,000 Americans that live in the Kaiserslautern area. As an added bonus, Hooters officials are exploring the possibility of having weekend buses run from Ramstein Air Base to the Neunkirchen Hooters.

While Hooters is best known for its mouth-watering, um, chicken wings, the company isn't shy about flaunting its most valuable assets, having flown two Hooters girls to Germany for Friday morning's news conference.

"Why would you want to go to Hooters?" asked Harry Grindrod, director of Hooters franchise operations in Europe. "I think I have two very good examples standing right next to me."

So, the military is going to provide bus transportation for servicemen to go to Hooters. I wonder if the feminista crowd will weigh in on this.

Following Entry Posted 8/08/2005 05:37:00 AM

At Least It Wasn't 'Epidural'

(Namas, Saudi Arabia) Here's an odd story.

From the Arab News:

The woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy in the emergency room. The baby was transferred to the newborn section of the hospital and the mother taken to the post-natal care unit. The father in appreciation of the emergency department employees decided to name his son 'Emergency' after the emergency department.

The surname wasn't disclosed.

Following Entry Posted 8/08/2005 05:06:00 AM

Peter Jennings Dies

(New York City) At his apartment yesterday, ABC news anchor Peter Jennings died of lung cancer at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife, two children, and a sister. Rest in peace.

Following Entry Posted 8/07/2005 04:05:00 PM

PETA Protest Increases KFC Business

(Logan, Utah) John Ray posts a report of a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protest that backfired. KFC realized a significant increase in business when the PETA crowd was outside complaining about unhappy chickens.

From KUTV.com:

A protest against the manner in which chickens are slaughtered for fast-food chain KFC drew additional customers rather than drive them away from the local outlet in this northern Utah city.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protest against KFC drew 10 sympathetic people, including someone dressed in a chicken costume, on Monday. But at one point, around lunchtime, more than 30 people stood in line to order chicken to eat.

"I think there's a place in this world for all of God's creations ... right next to the mashed potatoes," said Rusty Smith, a KFC customer who sat on a patch of grass outside the restaurant with a group of co-workers, watching the protest.

I love chicken and, frankly, I couldn't care less how they are slaughtered. I probably need some sort of chicken sensitivity training. Unfortunately, it will have to wait for me to finish my sensitivity training for the Patagonian toothfish, the desert tortoise, the Great White Shark, the Preble's deer mouse, and the Norwegian gray rat.

Following Entry Posted 8/06/2005 06:57:00 PM

The Cause of Unemployment?

Here's an interesting data point that appeared yesterday in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Nearly a third of adults in Cleveland are illiterate, meaning they can't fill out a job application or read a simple story to a child.

This would explain why Cleveland has an unemployment rate higher than the national average. A third of the workers can't fill out a job application.

Following Entry Posted 8/06/2005 04:34:00 PM

Gay Inmates Abused

Apparently, the California Constitution guarantees the right of people to not be called names.

From the SacBee:

About 20 gay inmates were forced to remove their clothes in a busy hallway July 19 at the Men's Central Jail while being called names and taunted with vulgar sexual language by some deputies, the ACLU said in a letter to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, citing inmates' claims.

"Such behavior by staff demonstrates a level of immaturity, lack of professionalism, and sadism, which tarnishes the reputation of the entire department," wrote Ricardo Garcia and Jody Kent, who monitor jailhouse issues for the ACLU of Southern California.

The ACLU wanted anti-discrimination training for all deputies.

The same thing happened to me. I went to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, and was called names and taunted with vulgar sexual language everyday. It's nice to see the ACLU devoting resources to the dangerous problem of name-calling. What a bunch of dicks.

Following Entry Posted 8/06/2005 03:47:00 PM

Mom Put Drano in Baby's Bottle

(Medina, Ohio) Several weeks ago, 22-year-old Tasha Michl went to court to face charges that she attempted to poison her 9-month-old baby by putting toilet bowl cleaner in the baby's bottle.

Tasha Michl
Yesterday, Michl was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by five years probation. She stated that her actions were a "cry for help."

This case is sickening. Hopefully, she'll continue crying for the entire three years she resides in Club Concrete. Of course, being whiny and exceedingly stupid are usually not attributes which mitigate the stresses of the slammer.

Following Entry Posted 8/06/2005 12:03:00 PM

Law Schools Don't Teach Common Sense

(Salt Lake City, Utah) The story is simple. A 14-year-old female babysitter encourages an 8-year-old boy to play the game Truth or Dare which results in sexual contact. The boy tells his mother, the mother tells the police, then both the babysitter and the boy are arrested and charged with lewd conduct with a minor.

From KUTV.com:

Prosecutors say that, while the babysitter initiated the contact, the young boy was a willing participant.

Therefore, in some sort of recto-cranial logic, the district attorney's office decided that the 8-year-old boy was equally responsible for the criminal sexual contact and charges were filed.

I'd like to know the name of the rocket scientist that filed the charges against the boy. People who have the courage to make their stupidity public should be recognized.

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 09:34:00 PM

Today's Bogus Study

Make up your own mind.

From CNN/Money:

Women who cross their legs provocatively, wear short skirts or massage a man's shoulders at work get fewer pay raises and promotions, according to Friday's USA Today.

The newspaper, citing a Tulane University study, said 49 percent of MBA graduates polled admitted that they have tried to advance in their careers by sometimes engaging in certain sexual behaviors, including sending flirty e-mails and wearing revealing clothing.

If this is true, then Jessica Simpson is starring in the Dukes of Hazzard movie because she normally dresses like an Amish librarian and has years of experience as a thespian. If this is true, Monica Lewinsky was involved with a secret government underdesk operation not because she flashed her thong, but because she had a puritanical and professional demeanor.

I'm unconvinced.

It appears to me that the Tulane survey had a predetermined agenda-driven outcome. The polling was merely a search for consenting opinions. My contention is somewhat supported by the author of the study, Tulane professor Arthur Brief, who stated that women shouldn't allow men to be chivalrous because it represents "benevolent sexism." This indicates to me that Professor Brief has bought into the radical feminist ideology about society where all feminine wiles are eliminated and unattractive women have a chance at success.

In my opinion, feminine allure can be a key factor in a woman's professional success and it will take a lot more than this bogus Tulane survey to convince me otherwise. (H/T Country Store)

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 08:02:00 PM

Condemned Killer Gets Presidential Award

Here's the scenario. A man forms a gang of murderous thugs and infests every major city in the United States with crime. Oops! Along the way, he gets convicted of four murders and is sentenced to death. That was 24 years ago, but no worry.

From The Mercury-News:

Convicted murderer Stanley "Tookie" Williams has received an award for his good deeds on death row, complete with a letter from President Bush praising the notorious gang founder for demonstrating "the outstanding character of America."

Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips street gang, has been an anti-gang activist during his many years on death row at San Quentin State Prison, where he was sent after being convicted in 1981 for killing four people.

"Good deeds on death row!"

This is wrong and it sends the wrong message to other condemned killers. And, since when does death row symbolize just another opportunity to queer the system? The only communication ever permitted from death row should be, "BZZZ-ZZZ! Next! We have an opening."

No mail, no pencils, no paper, no opportunity for good deeds and, above all, no Presidential Awards!

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 11:13:00 AM

Ontario Brownout

The Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) was forced to decrease the voltage supplied to users by 5 percent yesterday, creating a rare brownout. It lasted until 8pm last night and was blamed on lack of generation. Four generating units (totaling 3,000MW) were unavailable due to repair or maintenance.

Jeez! I hope people aren't planning maintenance shutdowns for the first week in August. If so, they should fire someone.

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 09:29:00 AM

Jordanian Al Qaeda Cell Smashed

(Amman, Jordan) After last month's attacks at Sharm el-Sheikh and in London, the Jordanian Security Forces have been more vigilant and aggressive in protecting the kingdom.

From the Indo-Asian News Service (Deutsche Presse Agentur):

Jordanian authorities have broken up a terror cell of 17 suspects who belonged to Al Qaeda branches in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the pro-government al-Rai daily reported Thursday.

"The suspects planned to stage attacks on intelligence personnel and foreign officers inside the country," the paper quoted State Security Court Public Prosecutor Fawaz Otoum as saying.

They were also involved in recruiting terrorists and collecting donations for Al Qaeda groups in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, he added.

Otoum expected the suspects to go on trial before the state security court at the end of this month.

The terrorists, ages 22 to 27, were arrested in Amman's western neighborhoods. The courts in Jordan are currently trying several groups suspected of plotting acts of terrorism inside Jordan. One group planned the country's first chemical attack in coordination with the Jordanian fugitive Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi. Notably, those convicted of terrorism can be condemned to death.

This is good news. Anytime a pocket of evil is cleansed, it should be heralded. Unfortunately, the MSM ignores good news in the GWOT since they are busy checking on the adopted children of SCOTUS nominee, John Roberts.

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 08:27:00 AM

Child Sex Offender Sentenced to Needlework

(Edinburg, Texas) Hidalgo County State District Judge Rose Guerra Reyna sentenced Robert Thompson to 320 hours of crocheting after he pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a child. Apparently, the sexual assault charge came about as part of a divorce proceeding and there was no evidence to support it. Nevertheless, Thompson was conned into pleading no contest to make everything go away. Unfortunately, he'll have to register as a sex offender for life and cannot see his kids for five years.

Some deal.

Following Entry Posted 8/05/2005 07:23:00 AM

Russian Mini-Submarine Trapped by Nets on Seabed

Breaking news from the Far East.

From ABC News Online:

A Japanese ship is racing to help the crew of a Russian mini-submarine trapped on the seabed.

The Priz mini-submarine was carrying out a routine exercise in the Bay of Kamchatka in far eastern Russia when it ran into trouble.

Military officials say its propeller is tangled in fishing nets.

"The net has wrapped around the propeller and the vessel has got caught in the net's anchor wire," Navy chief Alexander Dygalo said on Russian television.

Russian Priz Mini-Submarine
The boat is about 40 feet long and carries a crew of seven. It's at a depth of about 600 feet. Current estimates are that the crew has from one to five days' worth of oxygen.

[Update 0200 EDT, 8/07/05]

From CNN International:

A Russian mini-submarine that had been trapped at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean since Thursday surfaced Sunday, and all seven of the crew members on board are alive and in satisfactory condition, officials said.

Authorities had been concerned about the amount of oxygen available to the crew after the mini-submarine became entangled and trapped on the ocean floor, nearly 190 meters (625 feet) below the surface in Berezovaya Bay -- 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on Russia's far eastern coast.

"I would like to thank our British colleagues for their aid in saving the crew," said Vladimir Pepelyayev, deputy head of the Russian navy's headquarters, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax. "The crew's condition is satisfactory."

Following a request for assistance from Russia, U.S. and British rescuers had responded to the scene.

A British crew lowered into the water an unmanned rescue vehicle called a Scorpio 45, which cut the items pinning the sub underwater.

The sub was raised about 0320 GMT.

Following Entry Posted 8/04/2005 07:29:00 AM

More Women With Boys

Last March, I compiled a listing of names (Women With Boys) of women that had been accused, convicted, or sentenced for various sexual offenses during the preceding calendar quarter. The following is an extension of that listing. It is comprised of women who have been in the news due to sexual offenses against minors since March.

(CO) Nicole Andrea Barnhart, 35,
teacher, married, 2 children - Sex assault of boy, 16,

(KY) Pamela Charles, 35,
teacher's aide - Rape/sodomy of male student, 14,

(MI) Laura L. Findlay, 30,
band teacher - 1st degree criminal sex with boys under 16,

(CA) Elisa Kawasaki, 25,
biology teacher - Statutory rape of male student, 16,

(ME) Deborah Lepkowski, 44,
girls' athletics coach - Unlawful sexual contact with female student,

(CA) Catherine Rose, 47,
teacher's aide - Unlawful sex with male student, 17,

(CA) Margaret De Barraicua, 30,
teacher, married, one child - Rape of male student, 16,

(AR) Michelle Sikes, 34,
school interpreter, married, two kids - 1st degree sex assault (pleaded guilty) of boy, 15,

(NY) Joann Hernandez, 27,
teacher, married, three kids - Sex abuse of male student, 15,

(AL) Tiffany Elkins, 36,
teacher, two daughters - Rape/sodomy of two boys under 16,

(NY) Samantha Solomon, 29,
guidance counselor - Affair with student,

(NY) Rhianna Ellis, 25,
teacher - Had child fathered by 10-grader,

(VA) Dana V. Snyder, 24,
teacher - Sex with male student, 14,

(AL) Christy Lynn Chapman, 31,
teacher - Rape/sodomy of two boys under 16,

(CA) Elizabeth Stow, 26,
teacher - Sex/oral sex with three 17-year-old male students,

(CO) Gwen Anne Cardozo, 33,
teacher, married, four children - Sentenced to probation for sexual assault of male student, 17,

(IN) Desiree Lawrence, 26,
guidance counselor - Sex with male student, 17,

(TX) Michelle Dawn Sewell, 27,
teacher - Performed sex acts on male student, 16,

(OH) Maria Rose White, 27,
mother - Rape of boy, 12,

(PA) Amber Holland, 21,
mother - Had child fathered by boy, 14,

(AL) Harriet Laquette Gordon, 30,
teacher - Rape of special education student, 13,

(PA) Amy Livingston, 27,
mother of four - Sex assault of boy, 15,

(IN) Schmeca White, 27,
teacher - Sex with special ed students, 11 to 15,

(FL) Kelly Lynn Dalecki, 28,
teacher - Pleaded guilty (and not guilty) to lewd/lascivious acts with boy, 13,

(CA) Rebecca Ann Boicelli, 33,
teacher - Pleaded no contest to lewd act, had child fathered by boy, 16,

(IL) Gina Purvis, 29,
teacher - Sexual assault of male student, 15,

(OH) Kelly L. Smith, 33,
neighbor - Sentenced to five years after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with three boys, ages 13 to 15,

(NY) Karlie Hall, 31,
teacher's aide - Forgery, child endangerment/lewdness with male student, 14,

(SC) Crystal Fischer, 26,
school bus driver - Criminal sexual contact with boy, 15,

(CO) Donna Sue Lopus, 39,
teacher, married - Sexual assault of mentally disabled male student, 16,

(NC) Nicole Pomerleau, 31,
teacher - Pleaded guilty to indecent liberties with male student, 16,

(MA) Jennifer L. Marshall, 34,
neighbor - Statutory sexual seduction of boy, 15,

(PA) Tina Knoble, 35,
neighbor - Involuntary deviate sex with boy, 14,

(MI) Suzanne (Susanne) Eble, 35,
teacher's aide, two kids - Pleaded no contest to criminal sexual conduct with boy, 14,

(AL) Sarah Louise Nelson, 41,
neighbor - Misdemeanor sexual abuse of several young boys,

(CA) Tanda Rucker, 31,
teacher, girls' basketball coach - Unlawful sex with several teenage girls,

(TN) Kristi Dance Oakes, 32,
teacher - Statutory rape of boy, 16,

(WA) Lucrecia Martinez-Rowe, 38,
neighbor - Rape of two boys, both 14,

(VA) Melissa Michelle Deel, 32,
teacher, married - Sentenced to 14 months for oral sex with male student, 13,

(IL) Taylor A. March, 21,
babysitter - Child porn and fondling child under 24 months,

(OH) Leslie Thrasher, 35,
neighbor - Sentenced to 8 years after pleading guilty to rape of boy, 12,

(KY) Shannon Yager, 36,
school administrator, daughter - Rape of boy, 15,

(TX) Charlya Hill, 38,
teacher - Sexual assault of male student, 16,

(CT) Beth Raymond, 31,
athletics coach - Sexual assault of juvenile male learning disabled student,

(CA) Christel Puentes Ochoa, 23,
school secretary - Rape/molestation of boys,

(NH) Rachael True, 18,
neighbor - Felony sexual assault of boy, 13,

(NY) Peggy Goble, 28,
neighbor, one son - Sexual abuse of boy, 13,

(PA) Lisa Marie Cope, 40,
pimp - Prostituted two girls, 14 and 15, for drugs,

(TX) Stephanie Burleson, 35,
teacher - Sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to molesting female student, 16,

(NC) Katherine B. "Katy" Tew, 30,
teacher - Pleaded not guilty to taking indecent liberties with male student, 17,

(IN) Amber K. Marshall, 23,
teacher - Sexual abuse of two male students, 14 and 15,

(NJ) Robin Gialanella, 26,
teacher - Sentenced to 364 days after pleading guilty to child endangerment,

(MN) Tammy Lynn Schleeter, 33,
divorced - Criminal sexual conduct with boy,

(MI) Elizabeth Miklosovic, 36,
teacher - Sentenced to 5 to 25 years for sexual assault of female student, 14,

(TX) Rosa Amelia Lara, 27,
neighbor - Sentenced to deportation for sexual assault of boy, 15,

(PA) Elizabeth Berthoud, 23,
teacher - Inappropriate sexual relationship with students,

(MI) Stephanie Elizabeth Bissell, 34,
mother of four - Sentenced to two to 15 years for criminal sex with boy, 14,

(FL) Tammy Lee Huggins, 36,
teacher's aide - Sentenced to three years after pleading guilty to sex offenses againsts students aged 12 to 17,

(VA) Shelby Sue Shelton, 49,
teacher - Charged with carnal knowledge of female student,

(TX) Dawn Reiser, 30,
teacher, married - Convicted of sexual assault of male student, 13,

(PA) Virginia Ellen (Dolly) Johns, 25,
neighbor, married - Rape of boy, 12,

(CA) Joan Marie Marquez-Sladky (aka Joan Marie Sladky), 27,
teacher - Unlawful sex with male student, 16,

(OH) Jodie Lyn Drake, 35,
neighbor - Extended-term sexual relations with boy, 15,

(NJ) Diane West, 50,
guidance counselor - Sentencing date of 10/21 set for sexual assault of boy, 15,

(IL) Jennifer Brummett, 25,
teacher - Sentenced to probation for criminal sexual abuse of male student,

(FL) Debra Lafave, 24,
teacher - Trial in Dec. for sex with boy, 14,

(CO) Sylvia Ann Johnson ("Cool Mom"), 40,
neighbor - Pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency, sentencing on 9/26,

(MN) Carrie Parker, 33,
neighbor - Sentenced to 33 months for sex with boy under 16,

(CA) Renee Biggel,
teacher - Molestation of student under 18,

(NY) Sandra "Beth" Geisel, 42,
teacher, married, 4 kids - Rape of male student, 16,

(NJ) Maria Saco, 28,
teacher - Sentenced to one year in jail for sex with male student, 14,

(CA) Marci Marie Calarruda (aka Boughton), 32,
neighbor - Rape of best friend's son, 13,

(KY) Ashley Hubbard, 18,
neighbor - Rape/sodomy of two boys, both 12,

(FL) Lauressa McClure, 39,
neighbor - Unlawful sexual activity with boy, 16.

Unless specified otherwise, all offenses noted are alleged.

[Update] There are over 70 names on the list and, when coupled with the list posted in March, well over 100 females have been implicated in incidents of inappropriate sexual behavior with minors over a period of about nine months. Each is different and each is serious. Nonetheless, the prevalence of the predatory sexual behavior may be even higher than is reported in the news since I speculate many cases are hidden from the public. In any event, the frequency of the incidents seems to go unnoticed by the media.

Note that I didn't go searching for stories about women with boys. They popped up in general reading, usually while looking for something totally unrelated. All I did was document the occurrences with a post and then compile the list after a period of time. All the while, I tried to keep abreast of legal proceedings so the posts could be updated to reflect their ultimate disposition. I'm hoping to be able to collect enough data to support or dispute the contention that female predatory behavior is treated less harshly by the judicial system than male predatory behavior. Thus far, it's too early to tell.

Labels: Women With Troubles

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 05:06:00 PM

Roadside Bomb Kills 14 Ohio Marines

From Reuters:

Insurgents blew up a U.S. assault vehicle in western Iraq Wednesday, killing 14 Marines and a civilian interpreter in the deadliest roadside bomb attack against American forces since the war began.

From WKYC.com:

According to U.S. Central Command, 14 Marines and a civilian interpreter, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), were killed in action early Wednesday morning when their amphibious assault vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device (IED).

The victims' names have not been released. Over the last three days, 20 U.S. Marines from the same unit have been killed in action.

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 04:30:00 PM

Meth For Bail Scheme

(Lincoln, Illinois) This story indicates that some people just don't understand the old saying that "once you find yourself in a hole, quit digging."

From Pantagraph.com:

A 24-year-old Lincoln woman was charged with trying to make methamphetamine to raise bail for her mother, a former police officer facing her own drug charges.

Authorities said Brianna Strohl's mother, Diana Short, 46, asked her collect materials to make meth because Short needed to post another $7,500 to get out of jail. Short, who had been a Lincoln police officer until her arrest, previously was accused of growing marijuana plants in her basement.

Strohl and Short both were charged Tuesday with several felony counts related to making meth. Short now needs $25,000 to get out of jail, and Strohl needs $10,000.

Short instructed her daughter to make the meth via the jail house telephone despite warnings that calls were monitored. Before that, she asked the other, less than tight-lipped, inmates how to make the meth.

I'm convinced that drugs make people stupid.

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 06:15:00 AM

Woman Puts Child Porn on Web

(Peoria, Illinois) Updating a previous post, Taylor A. March, 21, has been examined by psychological experts and declared competent to aid in her own defense. As a reminder, she was the woman arrested in May for fondling an infant in a broadcast to an Internet chat room, "Preteen Sex on Camera." March is scheduled to be back in court next week.

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 05:00:00 AM

Brit Arrested with 452 Passports

(Bangkok, Thailand) An Algerian-born Brit was arrested at Bangkok International Airport for trying to smuggle 452 phony European passports out of Thailand.

From The Courier-Mail:

The suspect, identified as Mahieddine Daikh, 35, was arrested as he tried to board a China Airlines flight bound for Amsterdam carrying fake Belgian, French, Portuguese and Spanish documents.

"At first we found 138 forged passports in his carry-on bag," Colonel Chanatpol Yongbanjerd of the airport's immigration command said.

"Then we found another 314 in his checked luggage."

The man was en route to Scotland, Chanatpol said.

Thailand has been known as a source of forged documents.

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 04:24:00 AM

How Much Is That Doggie on the Menu?

The Marmot reports that a growing number of restaurants in downtown Moscow are serving dog meat dishes at their customers' request. Some wonder where the dog meat is coming from since there is no dog meat industry around Moscow to supply the product. There is no reason to wonder, though, since it's been noticed "that the stray dogs that used to run around outside the restaurants are now nowhere to be found."

On the menu tonight, we're having bok choy, kim chee, and Rin Tin Tin. Mmmm! Yummy!

Following Entry Posted 8/03/2005 03:37:00 AM

American Journalist Shot Dead in Basra

American journalist Steven Vincent was found shot to death after being abducted Tuesday evening by five gunmen in a police car in Basra.

From The Globe and Mail:

"I can confirm to you that officials in Basra have recovered the body of journalist Steven Vincent," said embassy spokesman Pete Mitchell. "The U.S. Embassy is working with British military and local Iraqi officials in Basra to determine who is responsible for the death of this journalist. Our condolences go out to the family."

Vincent had been investigating and writing about police corruption and abuses of power in Basra. In a New York Times opinion piece four days ago, Vincent was critical of the rise in Shi'ite Islamist fundamentalism in Basra.

Following Entry Posted 8/02/2005 07:44:00 PM

Woman, 39, Naughty With Boy, 16

(Brooksville, Florida) Hernando County Sheriff's Deputies have charged 39-year-old Lauressa McClure with one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor for having sex with a 16-year-old boy. If convicted of the second-degree felony, McClure could be sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

Following Entry Posted 8/02/2005 03:13:00 PM

Fuzzy Science Alert: Cows Pollute More Than Cars

(Sacramento, CA) With the latest announcement from the California envirocracy, the price of milk is sure to go up.

From The Mercury-News:

Dairies are the No. 1 source of smog-producing pollution in the San Joaquin Valley, producing more than even cars and light trucks, according to a report released by air regulators.

The San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, in a report released Monday, has determined that a cow annually emits 19.3 pounds of volatile organic compounds, the gases that contribute to smog. That is 50 percent more than currently thought, the report said.

At that new rate, dairies in the San Joaquin Valley produce more than 50 tons of VOCs a day, exceeding the amount released by cars and light trucks in the region by nearly 20 tons a day, district officials said.

If I believed that this is a good idea, which I don't, then I'd also believe that it surely was a wise act to slaughter all the hundreds of millions of bison that used to roam the Great Plains. Just think of the level of volatile organic compounds emanating from their exhaust pipes. And what about the massive herds of caribou in Canada? Or wildebeest in the Serengeti? Shouldn't they be slaughtered, or culled, or taxed?

The country of New Zealand instituted a similar nanny-state scheme to tax flatulence of livestock a couple years ago and it was met with vigorous opposition from the sheep herders. I think the idea was ultimately shelved or ameliorated.

Nevertheless, the pollution control district relied solely on data from Great Britain and a feedlot in Texas to conclude that California dairymen needed more government regulation.

"We've been cautioning them that a large component of their estimate is something for which there was very little California data," said Charles Krauter, a researcher at California State University-Fresno.

Michael Marsh, head of Western United Dairymen, said his group will ask the district's Governing Board to review the findings.

"If they don't and our farmers are caught being forced to rely upon on an emission factor for regulation that's not based on science, we will, of course, review all our legal options," he said.

I tend to believe that oftentimes problems with the environment have less to do with the actual conditions and more to do with the number of agenda-driven biologists out to find data to support their preconceived notions. At first glance, the 'cows pollute more than cars' contention appears to one of those notions.

Following Entry Posted 8/02/2005 04:07:00 AM

ICE Sweeps Target MS-13 Gang Members

Authorities conducted a sweep of 27 states, targeting more than 80 violent street gangs, including Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), 18th Street Gang, Latin Kings, Mexican Mafia, Asian Boyz, and the Jamaican Posse. Over the past two weeks, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested 582 gang member and associates.

From The Washington Times:

"We have a message for violent street gang members in America: Stopping your violence and criminal activities is high on ICE's list of priorities," said Marcy Forman, the agency's director of investigations. "We're backing up our resolve with results ... and we're just getting started."

Ms. Forman said at a press briefing yesterday that 11 gang leaders, 490 members and 81 associates were arrested on charges related to violent crimes, immigration violations and possession of fraudulent documents.

She said 261 were identified as foreign nationals with criminal records.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, more than 1,000 gang members have been apprehended since March and more than 90 percent were illegal aliens. The anti-gang initiative originally targeted the violent MS-13 gang and, in May, it was expanded to include all criminal prison and street gangs. The sweep, part of ICE's ongoing "Operation Community Shield," covered large urban areas and smaller cities known as gang havens throughout the nation.

Federal authorities estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 MS-13 members live in 31 states -- the majority of them in the country illegally.

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