Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 09:52:00 PM

Rodney King Arrested

(Rialto, California) Rodney King was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of making criminal threats. I guess he just can't get along.

Predictable? I'd say so.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 06:54:00 PM

Massive Oil Discovery Announced

(Colombo, Sri Lanka) President Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka has announced the discovery of massive oil deposits along the country's southern and western coasts. Apparently, the oil field discovery was kept secret for some time, but now is being revealed ahead of plans to start drilling next month. Efforts are ongoing to determine if more deposits exist along the northern coast of the island. Estimates of potential reserves were not specified.

Obviously, this is dramatic news for Sri Lanka and South Asia with both India and China expected to be keenly interested. About the size of West Virginia, the country of slightly more than 20 million is currently an importer of oil. With a massive oil deposit harnessed, it's easy to predict a flood of petrodollars into the economy which currently has a GDP of approximately $80 billion.


[Update]

According to a report in the Khaleej Times, the news of a major oil discovery in Sri Lanka has been met with skepticism since there was an occasion in the past where a major discovery didn't produce results. This time, however, credence has been added to the claim since "Finance Minister Sarath Amunugama told the Joint Annual Discussions of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund last month in Washington DC that the findings of a seismic survey conducted recently in the Gulf of Mannar had revealed the presence of a world class petroleum system offshore."

We shall see.

Nevertheless, some Sri Lankans fear that oil will attract unwanted foreign attention from predatory nations. Oddly, Norway, Japan and the U.S. are believed somewhat excluded from the group of "predator big powers" because of their involvement in the Sri Lankan peace process.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 04:05:00 PM

Worker Fed to Lions by Boss

(South Africa) A 37-year-old white South African building contractor, Mark Scott-Crossley, was sentenced to life in prison for feeding black farm worker, Nelson Chisale, to lions at Mokwalo White Lion Project near Kruger National Park. An accomplice, Simon Mathebula, 43, was sentenced to 12 years.

Sick.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 09:01:00 AM

America's No.1 Hooker Jailed

(New York) Wearing a flirty black chiffon skirt and a shoulder-baring black sweater while teetering prominently on 4-inch stiletto heels of black patent-leather pumps, 25-year-old Canadian, Natalia McLennan, was handcuffed and jailed on prostitution and money laundering charges. It's reported that she used to be the Canadian Tap-Dancing champion so she'll be able to pass the time at Rikers Island entertaining the other inmates by dancing in her spiked heels.

Poor thing. How was she to know that shooting her mouth off to a magazine reporter that she charged $2,000 per hour for a minimum two-hour session of sex would get her noticed by the police. McLennan's boasts were the basis of a cover story in New York Magazine.

For boasting that she practically ran a multi-million dollar escort operation, including hiring and firing hookers, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Michael Ambrecht jailed McLennan on $50,000 bail.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 07:28:00 AM

Polygamy Legalized in the Netherlands

It was destined to happen.


Trio Marry in Netherlands
From BrusselsJournal.com:

Last Friday the first civil union of three partners was registered. Victor de Bruijn (46) from Roosendaal "married" both Bianca (31) and Mirjam (35) in a ceremony before a notary who duly registered their civil union.

"I love both Bianca and Mirjam, so I am marrying them both," Victor said. He had previously been married to Bianca. Two and a half years ago they met Mirjam Geven through an internet chatbox. Eight weeks later Mirjam deserted her husband and came to live with Victor and Bianca. After Mirjam's divorce the threesome decided to marry.

When the "sanctity" of marriage devolves to become a mere function of arithmetic, all kinds of marriages are possible. And, since committed leftists also believe that animals possess constitutional rights, what prevents the next equation from including a dog or a sheep? (Hat tip: Michelle Malkin)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2005 12:47:00 AM

Blogging? Haven't the Foggiest

(London) Conducted by advertising firm DDB, a survey of British taxi drivers, pub landlords, and hairdressers -- long considered the best indicators of popular trends -- found that 72% had never heard of blogging.

Blimey!
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2005 11:51:00 PM

Canadian Guilty of Smuggling Illegal Aliens into U.S.

(Bangor, Maine) A 39-year-old Canadian mother of three, Savita Singh-Murray, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to charges of attempting to smuggle three South American illegal aliens into the United States. The three illegals were citizens of Guyana who had entered Canada on forged passports.

This case is intriguing since the reporting has been sparse and sketchy and it appears that Singh-Murray is full of different stories. First she said she was the aunt of the three people, named Awad Hansraj, 21, Lalita Depaul, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile identified as Sheliza A., and she was taking them into the U.S. for a visit. Then she said that her former boyfriend threatened to kill her husband and children if she didn't do the smuggling. Then her husband, Bryon Murray, said $4,000 was involved in the smuggling.

Further complicating the story are court documents that state Singh-Murray and her husband previously were implicated in the smuggling of Guyanese nationals in Buffalo, N.Y.

Given such scraps of information about the case, it's entirely logical to suspect that Singh-Murray is involved with some sort of ongoing smuggling enterprise. She is originally from Guyana and on two separate occasions has been involved with smuggling Guyanese at two different border checkpoints. The Guyanese seem to have developed a comfortable pathway to illegally enter Canada using forged documents. Upon arrival, it appears that Singh-Murray is tasked with the job of getting them into the U.S.

I customarily eschew conspiracy theories. They take too many people to get things right and they seldom occur without hitches. That said, it sure seems that Singh-Murray is working an ongoing people-smuggling enterprise. As an aside, I wonder why this story hasn't been reported by the mainstream media.

Singh-Murray is being held without bail at the Piscataquis County Jail. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. It's not clear what happens next in the case.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2005 05:19:00 PM

Meth Lab Seizures Decrease

(Topeka, Kansas) It seems that the new law which requires taking cold and allergy medicines off store shelves and selling them only at pharmacies is having the desired effect.

From KansasCity.com:

From June, when the law took effect, through August, the number of seized meth labs was down 64 percent compared with the same period in 2004 - a drop from 135 to 49 labs, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

"If this pattern continues, this is the best thing for law enforcement since glazed doughnuts," said KBI Deputy Director Kyle Smith. "We are seeing a distinct drop as the law goes into effect."

According to the new law, buyers of cold and allergy tablets containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine or ephedrine must now show identification and sign a log book. Also, stores are not allowed to sell more than three packages within a week to a customer.

Many states have enacted or are contemplating similar laws which restrict the availability of medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. Consistently, the result has been evidence of fewer methamphetamine labs.

In a related effort, there is indication that manufacturers of decongestant medication are now trending toward replacing the pseudoephedrine in their products with phenylephrine which is a less effective medicine, but it is not suitable for manufacturing meth.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2005 08:46:00 AM

Woman Accused of Sex with Boy Under 13

(Chilton, Wisconsin) Twenty-year-old Sheena M. Pope has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child aged 13 or younger for an alleged incident last February. A court appearance has been scheduled for October 17. The first-degree sexual assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2005 05:50:00 AM

Sarah Bench-Salorio Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes

(Los Angeles) Following up on a previous report, former English teacher at Santiago Charter Middle School, Sarah Bench-Salorio, 29, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of lewd contact for having sex with three young boys. Bench-Salorio taught the boys, aged 11 to 13, during the years 2003 and 2004. She seduced the boys over dinners, through e-mails and telephone calls for months before she molested them.

 
Teacher Sarah Bench-Salorio Pleads Guilty
(Photos: www.NBC4.tv)
Yesterday, Bench-Salorio pleaded guilty to 29 counts of lewd acts with the three boys before Judge Richard Toohey in Orange County Superior Court under an agreement that she be sentenced to three to six years in prison. As an aside, this equates to a range of about one to two months prison for each felony child sex crime. In other words, Bench-Salorio had no books thrown at her.

According to Mark Macaulay of the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Bench-Salorio will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. Deputy District Attorney John Christl pegged her as a "sexual predator."

Bench-Salorio's attorney, Allan Stokke, stated:

"My client concluded it was in her best interest to plead guilty and get a sentence of between three and six years as opposed to 64 years," which she could have faced as a maximum term if the case had gone to trial, Stokke said.

Bench-Salorio, jailed in lieu of $500,000 bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18.

For several reasons, my take is disgust. First is what she did to the boys. As an example, one boy "estimated the number of times he and his teacher had sex by the condoms in a box that he went through -- 22 of them, he said -- and added that sometimes no condom was used." Bench-Salorio experienced no momentary lapse of judgment. She was engaged in long-term, serial sexual criminal behavior with children.

Now, couple that with the fact that she is married with three foster children and listen to her apologists claim that she suffers from depression and a bipolar condition. Well, boo-freakin'-hoo! She can be bipolar and a convict. She can be depressed and a convict. Just make her a convict for a long time.

Unfortunately, she'll be in prison for no more then six years and I seriously doubt that she'll get the full six. Think of the damage she's done. Think of the victimized boys, their families, her own family, the school. Think of what would be the punishment for a man committing similar crimes. Given all the circumstances, is six years reasonable punishment? I don't think so. Not even close. Bench-Salorio should be looking at double or triple that amount or more.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.


[Update 01/07/06]

Bench-Salorio sentenced.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 05:55:00 PM

Sharm el-Sheikh Terror Suspect Killed

(Cairo) Apparently, a prominent suspect refused to respond appropriately to the Egyptian police, so a deadly consequence of hot lead was delivered to his carcass.

From Reuters AlertNet:

Egyptian police in the Sinai peninsula shot dead on Wednesday one of the men suspected in the bombings which killed 67 people in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in July, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The suspect, Moussa Mohamed Salem Badran, born in 1978 and a resident of the North Sinai town of El Arish, had refused to surrender and opened fire on a group of policemen who tried to arrest him in the Mount Halal area, it said.

I'm going to have a cookie.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 05:39:00 PM

Satellites to Monitor Wild Sex

Presumably, monitoring sex by satellite will advance modern science.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 04:42:00 PM

Rhein-Main Closes as U.S. Base

(Germany) Since the end of World War II, Rhein-Main Air Base has been the "Gateway to Europe" for the U.S. military. Sadly for me and other nostalgics, times have changed. The last scheduled military flight has taken off from the historic airfield.

From the Stars and Stripes:

"It's really a bittersweet kind of thing," said Lt. Col. Michael Polhemus, commander of the 726th Air Mobility Squadron, which is finalizing its move from Rhein-Main to Spangdahlem Air Base, about 120 miles west of Frankfurt.

Aircraft capacity at Spangdahlem Air Base and Ramstein Air Base has been expanded in recent years in preparation for Rhein-Main's closure in accordance with a 1999 agreement between the U.S. and Germany.

Officials are planning a formal farewell ceremony on Oct. 10 at the celebrated air base where American jets departed around the clock during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and where 52 American hostages returned in 1981 after 444 days in Iranian captivity.

The primary transit point between the U.S. and the Middle East will now be Ramstein Air Base. Rhein-Main will be absorbed into the adjacent Frankfurt International Airport officially on October 1.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 02:39:00 PM

Sea Serpent Photographed


Giant Squid
From Reuters:

The first photographs of a live giant squid -- one of the most mysterious creatures in the deep ocean -- suggest it is a more active creature than previously thought, a Japanese scientist said on Wednesday.

Until now the only information about the behaviour of the creatures which measure up to 18 metres (59 feet) in length has been based on dead or dying squid washed up on shore or captured in commercial fishing nets.

But Tsunemi Kubodera, of the National Science Museum, and Kyoichi Mori of the Ogasawara Whale Watching Association, both in Tokyo have captured the first images of Architeuthis attacking bait 900 metres (yards) below the surface in the cold, dark waters of the North Pacific.

Finally we have a picture of a live sea serpent. Of course, this means that we have the technology to produce an actual photo of an extraterrestrial being.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 02:06:00 PM

Woman Ticketed for Not Having Kids

(New York) This story goes in the "Stuck on Stupid" file.

From TheChamplainChannel.com:

The Rivington Playground on Manhattan's East Side has a small sign at the entrance that says adults are prohibited unless they are accompanied by a child. Sandra Catena, 47, said she didn't see the sign when she sat down to wait for an arts festival to start.

Two New York City police officers asked her if she was with a child. When she said no, they gave her a ticket that could bring a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

A parks department spokesman said the purpose of the law is to keep pedophiles away for the parks. So, the logic must be that if a person is not accompanied by a child, that person is a pedophile. Of course, by this logic, normal childless citizens do not have park privileges. Stuck on stupid? You bet. My solution to the problem of ubiquitous pedophiles in society is quit releasing them from prison.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2005 01:00:00 AM

Cheerleading Coach Faces Sex Charges

(Barberton, Ohio) Cheerleading and dance coach Mishelle Robinson, a married mother of two, was arrested last week and charged with two felony counts of sexual battery on a juvenile for alleged sexual contact with a 16-year-old male student on August 15.


Mishelle Robinson
Robinson, 31, has been suspended from her position at American Pro Cheer in Green Township. She is free on $25,000 bond. Her case will be presented to a Summit County grand jury later today (9/28).


[Update 02/05/06]

Robinson pleads guilty in accordance with a plea agreement.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 11:08:00 PM

No Jail in Teacher-Student Sex-Porn Case

(Worcester, Massachusetts) Last December, Amber S. Jennings, former English teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, was charged with engaging a minor in sexual intercourse and distribution of pornography to a minor. Jennings, 32, apparently had been caught in a long-term effort to keep a 16-year-old male student's participle from dangling.


Amber S. Jennings
Since last December, the prosecution and defense have battled in annoying back and forth negotiations which have finally concluded in a plea agreement. Jennings pleaded guilty yesterday to sending obscene photos, videos and electronic messages to a 16-year-old male student with whom she was having a sexual relationship. The obscene photos included images of Jennings exposing her breasts and genitals.

For her plea, Jennings got no jail, a mere two years probation, and it wouldn't come as a surprise if she also got a trip to Disneyland for all the trouble the court put her through. The victim's mother and other family members opposed the plea, believing the punishment was not comparable to what a man in her position would have received. Well, duh!

Superior Court Judge Kenneth J. Fishman will rule within two weeks on whether Jennings will be required to register as a sex offender. Based upon what's happened thus far in the case, the judge will probably let her slide and apologize to boot.

There have been no reports of what Jennings' husband and two children think of the situation. My take is, "Hell, it's Massachusetts, the state that gave convicted murderer Willie Horton a weekend pass from prison so he could go kill again."


[Update 9/29/05]

Jennings will not have to register as a sex offender and she must give up her license to teach in Massachusetts. Of course, this means that other states are fertile grounds for her to teach.

From BostonHerald.com:

Amber S. Jennings, 32, who admitted this week that she e-mailed photos of herself naked to her former student, also criticized the boy's mother who reportedly said she wants to cash in on the incident with a civil suit.

"It is just unfortunate that she would go so far as to ruin her son's life in order to profit," Jennings told the Worcester Telegram and Gazette this week.

[ ... ]

Jennings told the paper she's writing a book about the case.

So, let me see if I understand. Jennings, a 32-year-old married mother of two daughters, is blaming the boy's mother for ruining his life.

Not surprising. This is what happens when people are allowed to commit crimes and the only penalty is a hand slap. Jennings arrogantly broke the law prior to being caught and, just as arrogantly, blames someone else for the mess she created. And, as expected, Superior Court Judge Kenneth J. Fishman has ruled in a manner which indicates that he doesn't take teacher-student sexual behavior very seriously. Consequently, Jennings is allowed to walk away from court comfortably feeling that she got screwed by the system and nothing is her fault. Thanks, Judge.

Finally, some word filters out about what Amber's husband thinks. Russell Jennings is quoted as saying that his marriage is "somewhat strained as of late."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 05:15:00 PM

Former Rep. Dellums Considering Mayor's Job

(Oakland, California) Former U.S. Representative Ron Dellums, a 28-year veteran Democrat in Congress, is sniffing at becoming the next Mayor of Oakland. The idea became a possibility in June when an outburst of support was seen during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR). Interviewed this past week, Dellums indicated that:

[T]he risks involved in staking his reputation on a city with seemingly intractable problems such as high rates of violent crime, sagging public finances and underachieving schools only make a mayoral run seem more attractive.

Despite whether Dellums runs for mayor, it should be pointed out that the Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal doesn't seem to have done jack-shinola in 50 years. For crying out loud, what the hell were they celebrating back in June? The high rates of violent crime? The sagging public finances? Or was it the underachieving schools? Sheesh! It makes one wonder what will be accomplished in the next 50 years.

Getting back to Dellums, for those who aren't familiar with the former Democratic congressman, his political history reasonably indicates that the only distinction between him and an avowed communist is that Dellums was never heard to say in public, "I'm an avowed communist." And arguably, there is no better objective indicator of his core political philosophy than the Internet. Just do a Google search of "Dellums" and "communist" and you'll get more hits than if you Google "Dellums" and "Democrat."

As to whether Dellums and his communist/socialist belief system take over Oakland or not, it really makes no difference. The East Bay is already infested with more Marxist ideologues than any other place in North America. What's one more?
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 08:41:00 AM

Faster Bird Flu Test

(Singapore) Good news! A new, faster test for bird flu has been invented.

From Ninemsn.com.au:

Scientists in Singapore say they have developed a test kit which can detect bird flu infections in poultry within four hours - a tool which could help health officials control the spread of the deadly virus.

In the absence of a vaccine, early identification of the virus is especially important, and current tests used by laboratories take two to three days and sometimes up to a week.

"The faster you are able to detect the H5N1 (virus), the earlier you can impose some kind of isolation procedure and the faster poultry can be culled to prevent the spread of the virus," Ren Ee Chee, a professor at the Genome Institute of Singapore who led the research team, said.

The virus - which has a death rate of about 50 per cent - has killed 65 people in four Asian nations since late 2003 and has forced the culling of millions of birds, destroying the livelihood of many impoverished farmers.

World Health Organization experts have warned that avian flu could become a human flu pandemic.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 05:57:00 AM

Sex For Boots

(Akron, Ohio) Various motivations cause people to assault others, but I've never heard this one before.

A Holliston Road man, 51, assaulted a Harrison Avenue woman, 22, on Sept. 15 in the area of Diagonal Road and Superior Avenue. The woman said a quarrel began when the man wanted to trade sex for a pair of boots.

Apparently, the two are acquaintances, if that matters. I'm having a difficult time trying to grasp the idea that boots and sex can be equivalent in value. Sex for money, sex for drugs, yes, but sex for boots does not compute.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 05:17:00 AM

Trailer Park Woman Accused of Raping Boy

(Chattanooga, Tennessee) A 28-year-old woman, Christyal D. Lawrence, was arrested and charged with statutory rape of a 14-year-old boy.


Christyal D. Lawrence
Lawrence allegedly contacted the boy by telephone and invited him to her trailer. Once there, Lawrence lured him into the bedroom, "kissed him multiple times, performed a sex act on him, and engaged in sex with him." Subsequently, the boy's grandmother found love letters from Lawrence in the boy's drawer.

Lawrence was placed on $25,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on October 11.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2005 03:09:00 AM

"Cool Mom" in Serious Car Crash with Four Youths

(Golden, Colorado) "Cool Mom" Sylvia Ann Johnson, 41, who was charged with and pleaded guilty to a list of eleven crimes related to hosting drug and alcohol parties and having sex with teen boys, was due to be sentenced Monday (9/26). Unfortunately, on Sunday she was involved in a serious traffic accident with four adolescents and is hospitalized. According to Pam Russell, speaking for the Jefferson County District Attorney's office, her sentencing has been postponed.


"Cool Mom" Sylvia Ann Johnson
Although the Colorado State Patrol is still investigating the accident, it's known that Sylvia "Cool Mom" Johnson was not driving and may face additional charges since all the youths were too young to be licensed. Details of the accident are as follows:

From ClickOnDetroit.com:

A 2005 Jeep Liberty was being driven by a 14-year-old girl when it slid across the eastern lanes during a lane change. The vehicle swerved across the frontage road and then rolled end over end, the CSP said. An 11-year-old boy who was ejected from the vehicle was airlifted to Swedish Hospital, and Johnson was also transported there. Both were in serious condition.

Two 14-year-old girls, including the driver, and a 12-year-old boy were transported to Skyridge Hospital. One of the 14-year-old girls and the 12-year-old boy were in serious condition. The 14-year-old driver has minor injuries.

Only the driver is reported to have been wearing a seat belt.

Johnson still faces a possible 58 years for her child sex abuse crimes. It's unknown what the judge was thinking before the accident, but it can't bode well for "Cool Mom" to have put kids in the hospital with serious injuries. Once again, she's caught being irresponsible with kids -- to their detriment. The long-term significance of the kids' injuries is still unknown, however, based upon Johnson's repeated negligent and irresponsible stunts, I personally believe that "Cool Mom" Johnson needs a long stretch in the cooler just to avoid more danger to children.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2005 11:56:00 PM

Pfc. Lynndie England Convicted for Abu Ghraib Abuse

File this story under crimes that are blown way out of proportion by a left-leaning mainstream media.

From LATimes.com:

WASHINGTON -- Lynndie R. England, the Army private who became a grinning icon of Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse as she held a dog leash attached to a naked Iraqi detainee, was convicted today on six of seven charges at a military court martial.

She faces up to 10 years in a military prison. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Tuesday at Ft. Hood, Texas, where her court martial trial was held.

[ ... ]

England, 22, was found guilty on one of two conspiracy charges, four counts of maltreating detainees, and one count of committing an indecent act. Conviction on all counts would have exposed her to at least 11 years imprisonment.

Military prosecutors considered her the so-called poster girl of the Abu Ghraib abuse, seen smiling and flashing her thumbs upward in numerous photos in which she posed in front of naked and bound male detainees.

England's defense attorneys contend that she was easily manipulated. Well, duh! It's fairly obvious that she is also not too bright. Unfortunately though, by being stupid she became the pivot point for an international scandal. Consequently, she'll probably get hammered for something that's criminal but hardly the level of major crimes. Hell, there are female child abusers, arguably more serious criminals, that get off with probation. England will surely get significant cell time.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2005 11:26:00 PM

Zarqawi Deputy Abu Azzam Eats Hot Lead

(Washington) Pentagon officials confirm that Abu Azzam, the No. 2 Al-Qaeda leader in Iraq, was killed during a raid by coalition troops Sunday night. Coalition forces raided a house in response to an informant's tip and Azzam opened fire. Return fire tore apart Azzam's stinking thug carcass, resulting in death.

Azzam was reported to be Zarqawi's man in control of financing and arranging travel of foreign thugs into western Iraq from Syria and other countries. Obviously, Zarqawi now needs to deputize a new thug.

Also covering: Outside The Beltway, The Jawa Report
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2005 10:02:00 PM

Homeless Multiplication Factor

(Contra Costa County, California) In the past, I've questioned the methods used to estimate homeless populations, thinking that they mostly were gross exaggerations (see The Five Laws of Homelessness). Consequently, it was enlightening to see the following:

An independent count pegged the number of "desperate homeless" in Contra Costa at 7,500 to 8,500. Factoring in those who bunk on friend's couches or sleep in cars, the number swells to around 15,000....

So, it appears the process consists of "independent counters" estimating a range of total homeless which is then multiplied by a "couches and cars" factor.

This doesn't change my thinking that homeless populations are grossly exaggerated and the explanation provided seems to be a reckless use of arithmetic. Interestingly, Contra Costa County has historically had difficulty counting the homeless. Back in the 1990s, homeless advocates couldn't decide whether there were 13,000 or 20,000 vagrants in the county.

The simple fact that homeless estimates are all over the place is my primary basis for being skeptical of any numbers. Also, there's the census conducted by the city of Chicago where the actual number of homeless found was more than 70,000 less than estimated.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2005 01:26:00 PM

"Scuz" Nickname Called Prejudicial

(West Chester, Pennsylvania) In a court of law, it would seem appropriate that a defendant's known aliases be accepted as valid information for a jury to hear. Nevertheless,

From Local6.com:

A defense attorney has asked a judge to bar any references to his client's nickname -- "Scuz" -- in his upcoming murder trial, saying the moniker could negatively influence jurors.

Demetrius "Scuz" Fiorentino, 31, of Coatesville, is charged with the April 2004 robbery and shooting death of Joel "Wellz" Taylor, 19, of Queens, N.Y., during a botched drug deal in a Coatesville crack house in Coatesville.

Defense attorney Laurence Harmelin cited the dictionary definition of scuzzball as "an unpleasant, dirty or dangerous person; creep" and scuzzy as "dirty, shabby or foul in condition or nature."

Harmelin told Common Pleas Judge Phyllis Streitel on Friday that connotations of Fiorentino's nickname would prejudice jurors against the defendant.

Presently, it's unknown how Judge Streitel will rule. However, if "Scuz" is deemed unacceptable, "Turd Sandwich" and "Slick Willie" are definitely out of the question.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2005 12:32:00 PM

Geisel Gets 6 Months

(Albany, New York) As anticipated, Christian Brothers Academy teacher, Beth Geisel, accepted a plea deal this morning regarding rape charges which gets her six months in jail and ten years probation. She will also get credit for time served since her arrest for DWI.


[Update 9/26/05, 1400EDT]

According to another report, Sandra "Beth" Geisel pleaded guilty to one count of rape and, in addition to six months in jail and ten years probation, she will have register as a sex offender.

From Capitalnews9.com:

Defense Attorney Donald Kinsella said, "A trial would have been a spectacle for her family. As you can see, you all are invited by the DA's office saying this isn't something you should miss. A trial would have been a total spectacle."

District Attorney David Soares said, "This is a person who is going to be subjected to probation for the next 10 years, will have to register as a sex offender, whose life is totally changed now as a result as her behavior. We held her accountable. This is the best disposition in this case."

It's not clear what happens if she violates her probation.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2005 11:56:00 PM

DC Anti-War Protest 9/24/05


Cindy Sheehan & Jesse Jackson
Obviously, the picture above is begging for a caption. Feel free to comment. If you're interested in looking at more pix of this weekend's lunacy in Washington. Check out:

Gateway Pundit,
The Jawa Report,
Sweetness & Light,
Michelle Malkin.

Pictured on these sites is a good overview of the weekend's events. Go visit.

It's obvious to me and somewhat contradictory that a massive amount of blind, deep-seated hatred easily resides in the hearts, minds, and words of many people who, just as easily, beguile themselves into thinking they are peace-loving and peaceful. Typically, seething hatred doesn't mingle with peacefulness. Except, of course, in those cases where a person is schizophrenic.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2005 09:00:00 PM

Something Stinks in Cleveland

(Cleveland, Ohio) You won't find this story in the tourism brochures.

From 19actionnews.com:

People around Downtown Cleveland have been asking, "What stinks?"

The city thinks it knows, but it's asking for help from state officials.

The Cleveland Division of Air Quality has received dozens of complaints this year about a strong odor coming from the industrial part of the Flats.

The stench has been blamed on General Environmental Management, a waste treatment company. The complaints might well hint that it's politically incorrect in 21st Century America for garbage to stink. I don't know how it can be completely eliminated but given the usual nanny-state response to such problems, taxpayers will probably be asked to fund a special Ohio Department of Anti-Stink Security. I'm not advocating anything, however, the acronym, OD-ASS, does have a certain appeal.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2005 03:00:00 PM

Police Protest Dumping Homeless

(Los Angeles) The Los Angeles Police Department claims that officers from neighboring communities are dumping their homeless people on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. LAPD officers believe that they have seen police cars from El Monte, El Segundo, Burbank, and Pasadena drop off intoxicated, drug-addicted, and homeless individuals from all over the county. Officials from other communities generally plead ignorance about the alleged practice. They admit that bum dumping was common years ago but the departments now strictly ban the act.

However, LAPD commander Capt. Andrew Smith said he and other officers have witnessed out-of-area police cars dumping people, often under the cover of darkness. Consequently, the LAPD has ordered its personnel to begin stopping out-of-area police cars seen dumping people.

Evidently, Los Angeles has only a finite amount of compassion available and the introduction of alien vagrants from other cites is intolerable. I wonder why the LAPD isn't happier with the arrival of alien homeless. After all, they represent more opportunities to experience the joy of giving.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2005 10:01:00 AM

Washington Republicans Dumping 11th Commandment

(Yakima, Washington) The Republican Party Executive Committee in the State of Washington has recommended that the 11th Commandment be repealed. It specifies that no Republican will attack or defame another Republican. Members believe it primarily benefits incumbent politicians.

They ought to replace it with "Thou shall not covet the citizens' wallets."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2005 09:49:00 PM

30,000 Tax Payments Dumped in SF Bay

(San Francisco, California) File this story under "Stuff Happens."

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

On Sept. 11, a courier taking mail from the post office to a check processing center in Hayward got into an accident on the San Mateo Bridge. Thousands of the checks went flying into the water and were not recovered.

For those that mailed a tax payment to the IRS office in San Francisco between September 1 and September 13, tell them you sent cash.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2005 03:36:00 PM

Beth Geisel to Get "Sweet Deal"

(Albany, New York) It's being reported that Beth Geisel, the Christian Brothers Academy students' favorite moll, will be offered a sweet plea deal by the prosecution on Monday. According to the New York Post, the deal may be a misdemeanor conviction with less than a year in prison. Albany County District Attorney David Soares only says, "Stay tuned."

Geisel continues to languish on a paper-thin mattress in cold confinement at the Albany County Jail on charges of rape and drunken driving. I bet she could use a shot and a beer right now.


[Update] Geisel Gets 6 Months
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2005 02:15:00 PM

Lightning Strikes Two Planes on Takeoff

(Honolulu, Hawaii) Even in paradise, there are occasional stormy messages from Mother Nature. Within one hour, lightning struck both Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines planes shortly after takeoff.

From the SacBee.com:

Hawaiian Flight 20 to Sacramento, Calif., took off about 1:30 p.m. and was about five to 10 minutes into the flight when the front of the plane was struck by a lightening bolt ....

[ ... ]

Around 2:25 p.m., Aloha Flight 270, carrying 119 passengers and crew, lifted off for Kona International Airport on the Big Island, and again within five to 10 minutes had been hit by lightening ....

Both planes immediately returned safely to the airport. Afterward, demonstrators are rumored to have planned a protest blaming both incidents on President Bush for creating global warming.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2005 12:52:00 PM

Rescued Hostage Roy Hallums on 60 Minutes Tomorrow

Try to make sure you get a chance to watch tomorrow's 60 Minutes segment on Roy Hallums. Roy has first-hand knowledge of what's in the hearts and minds of the terrorists in Iraq after being held hostage from last November until just last week.

To me, the program will likely confirm that which is fairly obvious. Specifically, the thinking of the terrorists is not radically different from the viewpoint of the mainstream media. Nonetheless, I'm certain that Roy Hallums' nuts and bolts recollections of the murderous criminal terrorists will be riveting, even though the program is provided by "All-the-news-that's-fit-to create" CBS.

Integral in keeping Roy Hallums' story alive has been The Jawa Report. Go check out Rusty's coverage. Digger also weighs in.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 07:40:00 PM

Elisa Kawasaki Sentenced in Student Sex Case

(Hanford, California) As some may recall, last April former 25-year-old Hanford West High School biology teacher, Elisa Kawasaki, was arrested for having sex with a 16-year-old student. Last month, Kawasaki pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sex with a minor in accordance with a plea agreement.

Today, Judge Thomas DeSantos sentenced her to 180 days in the county jail and five years probation. Contrary to the desires of the mother of the victim, Kawasaki will not have to register as a sex offender.

My take is that Kawasaki was treated rather leniently by the court and, probably, considerably more leniently than a man would have been in similar circumstances. The details of the relationship indicate that a student's britches were under the control of a person in a position of authority for several months. It wasn't a one-time lapse in judgment. It was extended and frequent in nature and Kawasaki was the aggressor. She should have been required to at least register as a sex offender.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 05:39:00 PM

Gunmen Seize U.S.-Run Oil Platform

(Nigeria) Frankly, I think we are going to see more attacks against oil facilities, in general.

From the Scotsman.com:

MORE than 100 armed militants stormed a United States-operated oil production platform in Nigeria and forced it to shut down yesterday in response to the arrest of an ethnic militia leader on treason charges.

Armed with assault rifles, the gang invaded the Idama platform operated by Chevron in the southern Niger Delta, escalating a simmering political crisis in the world's eighth-largest oil exporter.

"Eight boats, each carrying 15 armed people, occupied the Idama flow station. Six government security forces had their weapons taken from them," a source close to Chevron said. "Apparently the militants are now heading for more stations. The situation can only get worse."

The conflict is centered around the Nigerian government headed by President Olusegun Obasanjo and the rebel leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Dokubo-Asari. The two are warring over the distribution of oil revenue and it's not an insignificant conflict. Last year, the NDPVF sent oil prices on the world market to record levels after declaring war on foreign oil companies. That spat was resolved with promises of more money to the poor. Subsequent lack of follow-through has led to the latest actions by Mr. Asari.

The impact on the price of gasoline at the pump will be a function of how many production facilities Asari's group decides to attack.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 04:10:00 PM

Mother Guilty in Rape of Daughter

(White Plains, New York) Updating a previous report, a woman [name withheld to protect minors] pleaded guilty to second-degree rape in arranging for her 13-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old friend to get liquored up and have sex with two guys she recruited, an 18 and a 19-year-old, in a hotel room she paid for. She admitted in Westchester County Court that she was in the room when the sex occurred.

The woman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26. Judge Rory Bellantoni stated she would receive six months in jail and ten years probation. I reiterate. She gets a meager six months in jail and probation!

Holy freakin' moly!

Chris Short has more at Conservative Thinking.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 02:52:00 PM

Hamas Truck Explodes at Palestinian Rally

(Jebaliya, Gaza Strip) When fanaticism and ignorance are combined with large amounts of explosives, bad things happen.

From JPost.com:

A pickup truck carrying masked terrorists blew up at a Hamas rally at the Jebaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Friday. At least 19 Palestinians were killed and 85 injured, hospital doctors said.

From Timesonline.co.uk:

A lorry carrying weapons and masked Hamas militants exploded at a rally in Gaza today, killing ten Palestinians, including two children, and wounding more than 85 people.

Obviously, the reporting is fresh so a firm number of casualties is not yet known. What is known, however, is that seven terrorists in a pickup truck inadvertently detonated explosives which killed themselves and a number of their most dedicated supporters. One witness saw five dead children. There is also a report that a prominent Hamas figure, Ahmed Randoul, was killed or seriously wounded in the blast.

Afterward and as would be expected, Hamas blamed the blast on the Israelis because an aircraft had been seen in the vicinity. Witnesses saw differently and blamed the terrorists for mishandling the explosives.

I wonder if anyone is collecting data on the numbers of people killed due to the frequent recklessness and carelessness of terrorists. Regular as rain, they mistakenly kill themselves and others.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 02:06:00 PM

John Lennon's FBI File

According to this report, the FBI's surveillance and investigation of John Lennon concluded that he was "constantly under the influence of narcotics" and, therefore, too stoned to be a real revolutionary.

Imagine that.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 06:59:00 AM

Explosion in Belarus Wounds Dozens

(Vitebsk, Belarus) Last night, a bomb exploded outside a cafe in this city in northeastern Belarus, injuring more than 50. Four are said to be in grave condition.

The device seems somewhat amateurish, consisting of an explosive packed into a beer can with metal fragments. It was buried in a flower bed outside a cafe in the city center. A similar device was detonated a week ago near a bus stop and injured two people. It's unknown how the devices were triggered.

The Belarus Secret Police, the KGB, ruled out terrorism. Instead, the bombing is being blamed on "malicious hooliganism." Another source suspects a business dispute. And another suggests that criminal gangs are responsible.

Maybe I'm viewing the situation too simplistically, but if people are terrorized by bomb blasts which injure dozens, it's terrorism. Despite the reason and the perpetrator, exploding bombs is a terrorist tactic. The blast in Belarus meets my definition.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 04:19:00 AM

Indictment in Lodi Islamic Terror Probe

(Sacramento, California) In the ongoing three-year probe of the alleged Lodi, California, Islamic terrorist cell, five people have been implicated and, of those, three have been deported for immigration violations and two are being held in federal custody without bail.

Last month, 47-year-old Islamic cleric Muhammad Adil Khan and his son were deported for overstaying their visas. On Wednesday of this week, 39-year-old Islamic cleric Shabbir Ahmed was deported for the same reason. The three were deported without being charged with any crimes, however, the government alleged that they intended to set up a terror training camp in Lodi. It's noteworthy that both Ahmed and Khan are allegedly linked to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

The two being held in custody, charged with lying to federal agents, are 23-year-old Hamid Hayat and his father, 47-year-old Umer Hayat. In a development yesterday resulting from a federal grand jury hearing, prosecutors charged Hamid Hayat with providing material support to terrorists.

From MercuryNews.com:

The federal indictment alleged that Hamid Hayat, 23, provided material support and resources for carrying out international acts of terror between March 2003 and June 4, 2005, when he was arrested days after returning to the United States from Pakistan. Hayat faces multiple charges for which the combined maximum sentence is 31 years in prison.

"Today's charge centers around the fact that Hamid Hayat attended a terrorist training camp in Pakistan in 2004, returned to this country with the intent of committing jihad against America, and by doing so provided material support to terrorists," U.S. attorney McGregor Scott said.

The charge is the most serious that could be filed against a person without the individual actually committing a terrorist act. Hamid Hayat's father, Umer, has not been implicated in the more serious crimes. Yet.

According to prosecutors, Hamid Hayat admitted his terrorist intentions in a videotaped interrogation session where he stated that he "intended to commit jihad in the U.S. He did not have any orders to fight at present; however, he was awaiting such orders."

Interestingly, the indictment was handed up the day before a hearing is scheduled to discuss releasing Hamid and Umer Hayat on bail. To alleviate the court's concern that they represent serious flight risks, the Hayats and their relatives have ponied up equity in four Lodi properties totaling more than $1.2 million. So, later today, we'll know if a judge sets a bail amount. I think the father might get bail but not the son. The likelihood of flight by Hamid Hayat has increased substantially with his indictment.

In conclusion, the effect of the focused federal investigation of the Islamic community in Lodi, California, is believed to have disrupted for now any plans of a hidden terror cell with training capabilities. In the words of U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott, "What I am sure of is that whatever was intended isn't going to happen now."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2005 01:32:00 AM

What Happens in Vegas

(Las Vegas, Nevada) Last Saturday, 35-year-old Leavander Johnson entered the ring at the MGM Grand Hotel Casino to defend his IBF Lightweight title against Jesus Chavez. Fight statistics indicate that Johnson received 299 power punches to the head before referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight in the 11th round.

Yesterday, at 4:23pm local time, Leavander Johnson died at the University Medical Center from brain injuries he received from the fight. His death follows the July 2 death in Las Vegas of Mexican fighter Martin Sanchez from injuries received in a fight with Russian boxer Rustam Nugaev.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2005 10:19:00 AM

Iraqi Journalist Gunned Down

(Mosul, Iraq) Another Iraqi journalist has been killed, bringing the total number of murdered journalists to over 40 since counting began in March 2003.

From AlertNet.org:

A journalist from Radio Nineveh was gunned down on Wednesday night in Mosul, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad. Hospital and police sources said Ahlam Younnis was driving in a car with her husband, who was also killed, and her son, who was wounded in the attack.

In the past week, two other journalists were also killed in Mosul. Firas Maadidi, Mosul bureau chief for As-Saffir newspaper and chief editor of the daily Al-Masar was gunned down, and Hind Ismail, As-Saffir reporter, was found with a single gun shot to her head.

These were brave people murdered by criminals. Yet the mainstream media (MSM) continue to characterize these heinous crimes as valueless deaths by sanitized 'insurgents.' Where's the outrage? These people were journalists! Civilians doing their jobs! And, all along, the MSM ignore the horrible crimes and avoid attaching responsibility to any group other than the nebulous ill-defined 'insurgency.'

For the love of all that's sacred, give us all a break and start calling murderers murderers. A duck will always be a duck, despite what the MSM call it. The problem is that, if the MSM doesn't call the terrorists murderers, the terrorists think they are doing okay. They're fortified to commit more murders.

Celebrate your legacy for the first decade of the 21st Century, MSM. It comes dripping with the blood of unreported murders committed by thug criminals. Thug criminal gangs can be called insurgents, or ducks for that matter, but they're still thug criminal gangs. To my knowledge, the MSM has not yet reported any crimes being committed by these gangs.

Murdering innocents can never be classified as anything but a crime.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2005 07:55:00 AM

American Lawyers Tell Arab Nations to Pressure U.S.

(Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) A close ally of the indelibly leftist American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), has been sending lawyers to defend the terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Ba