Interested-Participant

Women With Troubles - October 2006

Check out this list of women with troubles reported in the news during October 2006. Each name is linked to an Interested-Participant blog entry displaying detailed information.

(AK) Lisa Huff, 36,
neighbor - Charged with sexual abuse of a minor,

(AK) Miklene Gilligan, 34,
neighbor - Charged with sex abuse of boy, 13,

(AR) Kelly Campbell, 41,
computer-lab teacher - Accused of engaging in sex with a 16-year-old male student,

(AZ) Veronica Bullock, 26,
neighbor mother of two - Sentenced to 30 days for sex abuse of boy, 12,

(CA) Dedra Ann Archini, 35,
daycare operator - Sentenced to 3 years prison for molesting stepsister's son, 13,

(CA) Vickie L. Kerby, 50,
teacher's aide - Sentenced to six months in jail or a county work program for sex with boy, 15,

(CA) Cherie Jane Stout, 50,
neighbor - Accused of sexually molesting two young girls, ages 5 and 7,

(CO) Jennie Overstreet, 33,
teacher - Pleaded guilty to sex assault of child,

(FL) Seneka Arrington, 22,
English teacher - Accused of sex with boy, 14,

(FL) Janelle Marie Bird, 25,
teacher - Sentenced to 2 years prison for sex with boy, 14,

(FL) Kristy Lynn Vaughn, 26,
neighbor - Sentenced to probation for contributing to delinquency and engaging in sex with boy, 16,

(GA) Angela Coffey, 33,
teacher - Arrested for sex with boy, 17,

(ID) Rayenell Carmona Underwood, 27,
neighbor - Pleaded guilty to engaging in sex with boy, 14,

(IL) Tiffany Daddino, 27,
juvenile counselor - Sentenced to 4 years in prison for sexual assault and conspiracy to commit escape of boy, 15,

(IN) Teresa Getz, 36,
teacher's aide - Accused of sex and giving STD to boy, 14,

(IN) Amanda Sylvester, 20,
neighbor - Charged with felony sex with boy, 15,

(IN) Schmeca White, 27,
special ed. teacher - Convicted of vicarious sexual gratification and battery of child. Sentenced to nine and one-half years in prison,

(LA) Marla K. Meeks, 34,
teacher - Charged with felony carnal knowledge of boy, 15,

(MI) Jami Lee Knox, 41,
neighbor mother of three - Charged with criminal sex with boy, 15, her son's friend,

(MO) Susan Sharp, 49,
teacher - Convicted of rape, sodomy of teen boys,

(NC) Heather Marie Shelton, 23,
teacher - Charged with theft. Unresolved is case of felony sex with male student, 18,

(NC) Elizabeth Conley Solomon, 39,
teacher's assistant - Accused of sex with male student, 16,

(NC) Rebecca Withrow, 30,
teacher - Arrested for sex with male student, 11,

(NJ) Amy Burke, 32,
teacher - Arrested for sex assault of boy student, 13,

(NV) Tracie Nelson,
teacher - Accused of sex with boy, 15. Nelson attempted suicide,

(NY) Kimberly Baker, 22,
neighbor - Charged with rape of boy, 13, who impregnated her,

(NY) Khemwatie Bedessie, 37,
day care aide - Charged with rape of 4-year-old,

(NY) Tara Gravino, 34,
neighbor mother of six - Arrested for allegedly raping daughter's male friend, 14,

(NY) Lina Sinha, 41,
Montessori teacher - Faces 80 counts of rape, sodomy and tampering with witnesses at January trial,

(OH) Twyana Davis,
neighbor - Sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison for rape of boy, 12,

(OH) Dawn M. Fisher, 33,
neighbor mother of three - Sentenced to no jail for unlawful sex with boy, 14, who impregnated her,

(OH) Crystal McGrath aka Crystal Stewarz, 26,
neighbor - Indicted for sex with two boys, 13 and 14,

(OH) Charlene Sims, 35,
homemaker and mother - Arrested for sex with boy,14,

(OK) Regina McKay, 33,
teacher - Accused of rape of male student, 17,

(OK) Stephanie Swintek-Walker, 33,
child welfare worker - Sentenced to 6 months prison for rape of boy, 13,

(PA) Leasa Ann Fleming, 37,
neighbor - Convicted of sex assault of 8 and 9-year-old children,

(PA) Melissa Janine Mitch, 20,
neighbor - Sentenced to 9 to 23 months for sex with boy, 14,

(TX) Marci Ann Hearn, 40,
parole officer - Charged with indecency with child, 16,

(TX) Regina Bowling, 38,
homemaker - Arrested for sex with boy, 14, and then arrested again for sex with a different boy,

(UT) Amber Childs, 30,
neighbor - Pleaded to lewdness with 5-year-old boy,

(UT) Melinda Lee Deluca, 30,
teacher - Pleaded guilty to attempted forcible sex abuse. Sentencing to be in December,

(UT) Kathryn Louise Parmley, 48,
speech pathologist - Charged with unlawful sex with teen boy,

(VA) Amy Davis, 41,
neighborhood mother - Accused of providing drugs and alcohol to minors,

(VA) Karen Susan Patton, 41,
teacher, married, 2 kids - Charged with having sex with boy, 13.

As always, I thank the tipsters.

Labels: Women With Troubles

Following Entry Posted 10/31/2006 11:49:00 PM

Smiling Bob Lawsuit

(Dayton, Ohio) Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge John W. Kessler approved a $4.7 million class-action settlement of a lawsuit brought against the company marketing the sexual enhancement herbal supplement that is known for its "Smiling Bob" commercials.

Cincinnati-based Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals settled without admitting liability.

From WDTN.com:

"The court approved the creation of a settlement fund of $4.7 million and they'll be a claims process and a notice sent out. And individuals who were affected will have an opportunity to make a claim," Attorney Jeff Goldenberg told 2News.

More than 1.5 million men said the all-herbal natural male enhancement supplement known as Enzyte did not work for them. But they said they could not get their money back from Berkeley Nutraceuticals.

Goldenberg said this settlement will get them a refund, and also dismiss federal fraud charges against Berkeley. "When you think you've been harmed by a company, regardless of how small the damage, there is mechanisms in the legal process to assist you and others whether its ten others or five million other people."

After you subtract the lawyers' take, the amount left for the 1.5 million men who found the product ineffective comes to under $2 apiece. Also, taking into account the postage required to file a claim, each individual victim is left with about one limp dollar.

Consequently, one might contend that the adjudication of the case resulted in little more than irony. Even the settlement wasn't stiff.

Heh.

Following Entry Posted 10/31/2006 07:50:00 AM

Robber Shoots Self, Dies

(Oakland, California) Early last Saturday, not far from the liquor store the robber was found dead.

From ContraCostaTimes:

Police officers found the body of Sharffeequa Williams, 24, about 1:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of 12th Street after he apparently bled to death from a wound to his femoral artery.

During the hold-up of Appian Liquors, Williams initially placed the handgun on the counter so he could grab cash from the register, Oakland police detective Sgt. Phil Green said.

But as Williams placed the gun back into his waistband, he squeezed the trigger and shot himself, Green said.

There's surveillance video of Sharffeequa shooting himself. Hopefully, it will make the news. I'd like to see it.

Certainly, Sharffeequa's family and friends are saddened by his death. In all candor, I'm not.

Following Entry Posted 10/31/2006 07:06:00 AM

Brits Make Liver

(Newcastle, England) Dr. Nico Forraz and Professor Colin McGuckin of Newcastle University led a team of researchers who have successfully grown tiny sections of human liver. The cells were produced from umbilical cord blood in a NASA-derived microgravity bioreactor, which mimics weightlessness.

From BBC:

Professor Ian Gilmore, a liver specialist at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, told BBC News the team's work was significant.

"Firstly that they are able to do it from umbilical cord blood and not requiring embryos. That's quite a big ethical leap forward.

"And they are producing such a significant amount of tissue."

But he said: "We're a long way from producing a whole liver. The liver has its own blood supply, its own fibrous skeleton, they are just producing the individual liver cells.

"But nonetheless it is exciting because there is a real dearth of treatments available for people with liver disease.

"Many people are waiting for transplants. Anything that does give some hope, even over a 10-year period, is cause for celebration."

Without cloning and without destroying any human embryos, we have stem cell research producing significant results. It can be done despite what Michael J. Fox, the Democrats and abortion advocates contend.

Following Entry Posted 10/31/2006 06:29:00 AM

Set 'Em Up, Joe

The demand for Scotch whisky by China is pushing prices up.

From Scotsman.com:

The price of a bottle of whisky is set to rise by 10 per cent as growing demand for the spirit in China hits supplies in Scotland, distillers warned last night.

Exports to China soared by 86 per cent last year, making 2005 one of the best years for whisky exports.

And in the first six months of this year, exports to China rose by 30 per cent compared with the same period last year.

It wasn't bad enough that the Chinese put upward price pressure on the petroleum market. Now, they're going to do the same with Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Glenlivet.

It's recommended that prudent imbibers stock up before the price increases.

Following Entry Posted 10/31/2006 04:18:00 AM

To Pierce or Not

(Crawfordsville, Indiana) Putting unnecessary holes into one's body can be hazardous to one's health.

From KIROTV.com:

An Indiana teenager who decided to get her breasts pierced for her 18th birthday faces reconstructive surgery after a flesh-destroying infection forced doctors to remove her left breast.

Stephanie Edington remained hospitalized Friday at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, where surgeons also removed lymph nodes and infected skin up to her collar bone.

Edington was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, or gas gangrene, and has already undergone three surgeries. She'll need breast reconstruction.

Edington's doctor, Robert Goulet Jr., said the piercing likely wasn't responsible for the infection. I agree. Obviously, bacteria caused the infection. Even so, the piercing itself isn't blameless. If a hole were not poked into her body, the bacteria would not have entered.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/30/2006 05:50:00 PM

Islamic Rampage in France

The leftist media would do everyone a favor if they started emphasizing this persistent problem.

An average of 112 cars a day have been torched across France so far this year and there have been 15 attacks a day on police and emergency services. Nearly 3,000 police officers have been injured in clashes this year. Officers have been badly injured in four ambushes in the Paris outskirts since September.

Some police talk of open war with youths who are bent on more than vandalism. "The thing that has changed over the past month is that they now want to kill us," said Bruno Beschizza, the leader of Synergie, a union to which 40 per cent of officers belong. Action Police, a hardline union, said: "We are in a civil war, orchestrated by radical Islamists." Car-burning has become so routine on the estates that it has been eclipsed in news coverage by the violence against police.

Although the swath of violence has been blamed on radical Islamofascists, it's become so common that one could easily contend that the violence is not radical behavior at all, rather it's just business as usual for followers of the religion of peace.

I'm convinced that the majority of the followers of Islam are advocates of the violence because they could stop it if they were not. After all, they prevent recurrence of a variety of crimes by dismemberment of body parts and are able to preserve honor by killing wayward females. Therefore, I believe the endemic violence in France could easily end if the "moderate" Muslims wanted it to happen.

Following Entry Posted 10/30/2006 04:47:00 PM

Dennis the Menace Stolen

(Monterey, California) Be on the lookout for a statue-napper. The city's 120 pound bronze of Dennis the Menace, built with the help of cartoonist Hank Ketcham, creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip, was boosted from the park.

From MercuryNews.com:

The much-loved, kid-sized statue of the iconic comic strip character was taken Wednesday night from the Monterey park named after him. Outraged city officials offered a $5,000 reward Friday for the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves.

Monterey Mayor Dan Albert said the 3-foot-tall, bronze statue is "a symbol of goodness and happiness of the city," and likened its taking to stealing the community's heart.

The statue is valued at $25,000 to $35,000.

Monterey Police are looking for leads in the case and have set up an anonymous tip line. It's believed that several tipsters have implicated the Mr. Wilson gang.

Following Entry Posted 10/30/2006 07:38:00 AM

President Fox Sends Troops to Oaxaca

(Oaxaca, Mexico) As reported previously, leftist protesters have been in a near-riot mode against the Oaxaca state government for several months and, on Friday, violence caused the death of an Indymedia reporter, Bradley Roland Will of New York City. As a result, Mexican President Vicente Fox decided to send in federal troops.

From ElPasoTimes.com:

Federal police with assault rifles and riot-shields advanced into Oaxaca on Sunday, bypassing or extinguishing barricades of burning tires and tree trunks in this normally picturesque tourist destination wracked by five months of protests and violence.

Officers in bulky black helmets lined a highway just shy of a sign reading "Welcome to Oaxaca" and used fire extinguishers to douse flames at a roadblock abandoned by retreating demonstrators.

Flanked by armored vehicles, water-cannon and bulldozers and with helicopters roaring overhead, they faced a knot of protesters who yelled insults and readied piles of stones to hurl. Some protesters used syringes to pierce their arms and legs, then paint signs decrying the police in blood.

Interesting. While the leftists were painting signs in blood and vamoosing, "some residents emerged from their homes cheering and waving white flags" as police marched by. It seems that the citizens of Oaxaca don't necessarily support the leftist rioters.

Regarding the investigation of the death of Bradley Will,

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said those who shot Will may have been Oaxaca police and Mayor Manuel Martinez Feria of Santa Lucia del Camino said five men seen brandishing pistols at the time of the shooting had been turned over to authorities. He identified them as two members of Santa Lucia's city council, two of that town's police officers and a former justice of the peace from another town.

In all candor, that seems like a most unlikely handful of people to be in the streets allegedly brandishing pistols. Maybe they were simply acting as responsible citizens trying to protect their property.

Nonetheless, we'll have to wait for the completion of the investigation to know what actually happened and, with the U.S. Ambassador taking an interest, I imagine the Mexican authorities will put forth a prudent effort to find the killer of Bradley Will.

Following Entry Posted 10/30/2006 06:24:00 AM

Brazil Re-Elects Leftist President

(Sao Paulo, Brazil) Sure, he's corrupt and under investigation for electoral malfeasance. However, the voters ignored those aspects of his first term as they must have also ignored a relatively sluggish economy and 10 percent unemployment. None of these factors deterred Brazilian voters from re-electing Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva as President.

From WaPo:

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won a landslide victory giving him a powerful mandate to press his anti-poverty campaign, but corruption scandals dogging his leftist party and thinner support in Congress could mar his second term.

Silva beat his center-right opponent, former Sao Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin, by 61 to 39 percent of the votes cast. It's believed that Silva's expansion of the Family Allowance program, which gives 11 million poor families monthly government checks, assured him enough voters for victory.

On the positive side, although Silva is a typical socialist, he's not considered as strident as Venezuela's Chavez and Bolivia's Morales, fellow South American leaders. I think that means Silva will confiscate property, imprison citizens and execute opponents at a slower rate.

Following Entry Posted 10/30/2006 05:32:00 AM

Nigerian Plane Crash Kills Muslim Leader

(Abuja, Nigeria) Yesterday, a commercial Aviation Development Co. (ADC) plane crashed right after takeoff from Abuja airport, killing 99 people onboard. Seven people survived.

The Boeing 737 plowed into a farm about one mile from the runway. Reportedly, the weather was stormy, however, one official stated that he visited the crash site and described the condition of the plane as deplorable and it had bald tires.

Importantly, among those who died was the Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Muhammadu, also called Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido. The sultan was the traditional ruler of Northern Nigeria and the Muslim spiritual leader for Nigeria's 70 million followers of the religion of peace. The Governor of Sokoto declared six days of mourning for the sultan whose son also died in the crash.

The cause of the crash is unknown and under investigation. Notably, it appears that airplanes over Nigeria have a significant propensity for falling out of the sky. Yesterday's was the third crash in the last year for a nation which is about twice the size of California.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/29/2006 06:47:00 AM

Boy, 5, Has Opiates and Pot in Blood System

(Las Cruces, New Mexico) The 54-year-old guardian of a 5-year-old boy, Darla Jarvis, was charged with child abuse after doctors found opiates and marijuana in the boy's blood system.

From Las Cruces Sun-News:

Court records state that Las Cruces police were called to Memorial Medical Center on Oct. 14 regarding the child's accidental overdose of approximately four Vicodin, a prescription narcotic pain killer.

Doctors performed a urinalysis that showed the boy was positive for opiates and marijuana, court records stated.

"(The doctor) explained that for the child to test positive (for marijuana), he had to have been exposed to a chronic smoker or ingested the marijuana," the officer reported.

Jarvis claims that the boy accidentally ingested her prescription Vicodin. She also claims her roommate was a marijuana smoker and she has asked him to leave.

The boy's mother is reportedly in prison and Jarvis has been the boy's guardian since he was 18 months old. It's unknown how Jarvis became a guardian.

Jarvis was issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of first-degree child abuse.

Following Entry Posted 10/29/2006 06:31:00 AM

Boxing Champ Trevor Berbick Murdered

(Kingston, Jamaica) Originally from Jamaica, former world heavyweight boxing champ Trevor Berbick retired from the fight game in 2000 and spent his time as a coach. Now he's dead.

From LATimes.com:

Trevor Berbick, a former heavyweight champion best remembered for beating Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight, was found dead Saturday in a church courtyard in Kingston, Jamaica.

Berbick had chop wounds on his head, according to police, who are treating his death as a homicide. Berbick's body was discovered about 6:30 a.m. in his hometown parish of Portland, according to constable Beverly Howell.

Berbick was listed as 52, according to boxing records, but various other sources claimed he was anywhere from 49 to 56.

Police have arrested a suspect in Berbick's death. The name of the suspect has not been released.

Berbick's championship reign came to an end via a second-round knockout by 20-year-old Mike Tyson in the mid-eighties. He banged around for awhile, going downhill all the way. For a time, he was in prison for theft, rape and assault. Berbick finished his career with a 50-11-1 record including 33 knockouts.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/28/2006 06:01:00 PM

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Characterized by periods of uncontrolled vocal spasms, throat tightness and hoarseness, spasmodic dysphonia disorder is mysterious. It's likely because no cause nor cure has been identified. Also, the disorder is not well known, however, an estimated 30,000 Americans have it. One is Scott Adams, the popular Dilbert cartoonist, who recently recovered from the disorder.

From Seattle Times:

"I don't want to give false hope to people who are suffering from the same thing," Adams said. "I don't even know if my voice is going to last."

Adams, 49, appears to be a rare example of someone who has largely -- but not totally -- recovered from spasmodic dysphonia, a disorder in which parts of the brain controlling speech shut down or go haywire.

One of the most peculiar aspects of spasmodic dysphonia is that patients are typically unable to have intimate conversations in their normal voice. Yet they can speak under different circumstances, such as immediately after sneezing or laughing, or in an exaggerated falsetto or baritone, or while reciting poetry, according to support groups.

A possible cause of the disorder has been cited as abnormal chromosomes. Treatment includes injecting the vocal chords with botulinum toxin which paralyzes the tissue and prevents spasms. Some therapeutic value has been derived from chanting nursery rhymes which Adams believes helped his recovery.

Heh.

Following Entry Posted 10/28/2006 05:14:00 AM

Congratulations!

St. Louis Cardinals win the 2006 World Series, 4 games to 1, over the Detroit Tigers.

I didn't have a preference since my team had a bad year and didn't even make the playoffs, however, I was hoping that the series would return for a sixth game in Detroit. I wanted to see baseball played in cold weather with the possibility of snow.

Following Entry Posted 10/28/2006 04:36:00 AM

Indymedia Reporter Gunned Down in Mexico

(Oaxaca, Mexico) A 36-year-old activist reporter, Bradley Roland Will of New York City, was shot and killed yesterday in the southern Mexican city of Oaxaca when gunfire erupted during a street protest. Leftist protesters had barricaded the streets, calling for the ouster of Oaxaca Governor Ruiz.

From AP:

The gunfire erupted in a rough Oaxaca neighborhood Friday when armed men tried to remove a blockade set up by protesters who are demanding the resignation of Oaxaca Gov. Ulises Ruiz, said state officials and witnesses. Both sides fired but it was not clear who shot first.

Bradley Roland Will, 36, from New York City, was shot in the abdomen and died later at a Red Cross hospital, police, witnesses and friends said. Will worked for Indymedia.org, an independent Web-based media organization and also sold video footage on freelance basis, said friends and Indymedia colleague Hinrich Schuleze.

Indymedia reports that Mr. Will was an activist and, as such, he was possibly helping with the barricades and right in the middle of the gunplay.

There's disagreement regarding the identity of the armed group who tried to remove the barricades. Oaxaca government officials state it was armed residents tired of the "permanent violence, threats and kidnappings." The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Tony Garza, believes it was the police. Previous skirmishes with the leftists involved both armed gangs and the police.

Who specifically killed Bradley Will may never be known. Gunfire reportedly came from many directions.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/27/2006 04:11:00 PM

Teacher in Sex Case Arrested for Theft

(Candler, North Carolina) Last April, a 22-year-old teacher's assistant at North Buncombe High School, Heather Shelton, surrendered to Buncombe County Sheriff's deputies upon being charged with felony sex with an 18-year-old male student. Although the male was 18 years old, state law makes it a crime for a teacher to have sex with a student, despite his age.

Subsequently, the Shelton case became the subject of much heated discussion regarding the appropriateness of North Carolina state law governing student-teacher relationships. The status of the case is unknown, however, the controversy regarding the law appears to have abated somewhat since April.

But it may flare up due to this report. Heather Shelton is back in the news.

At least one of four Leicester residents charged with stealing from homes under construction in Candler was caught red-handed with the items while leaving the subdivision, according to a police report.

The suspects charged Thursday include a former North Buncombe High School teacher's assistant facing charges of having a sex with a student.

Heather Marie Shelton, 23, has been charged with breaking and entering, larceny and conspiracy along with three others, Jo Luker Brown, 46, Joshua Heath Meece, 20, and John Tay Rogers, 39. All four are being held on $10,000 bond.

Following Entry Posted 10/27/2006 06:47:00 AM

Akron Club Girl Goes Wild, Claims Rape

(Akron, Ohio) Allegedly, on September 13, a 17-year-old girl went to Mango's Night Club, drank alcohol, and danced on the bar in various stages of undress while a Girls Gone Wild crew captured the episode on video. Afterward, the girl claims she was "raped by a Girls Gone Wild cameraman in the back of the crew's bus, which was parked outside the club on South Main Street in downtown Akron."

Consequently, Mango's owner, Edmond Jaber, and the general manager, Holly Everson, were arrested and charged with felony child endangering, furnishing alcohol to a minor and having a minor in an event containing nudity. Both Jaber, 48, and Everson, 35, were booked and released on bond.

Akron police officers are continuing to investigate the incident and more arrests are possible.

Following Entry Posted 10/27/2006 05:59:00 AM

Fake Russian Vodka Kills

(Moscow, Russia) As the world's largest consumer of vodka, Russia loses many citizens yearly due to alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related sickness. In recent months, fake vodka has added to the death toll.

From AlertNet.org:

A Russian region has imposed a state of emergency after more than 400 people were taken to hospital and 15 died as a result of drinking tainted alcohol, Russian television reported on Thursday.

The state of emergency was declared in the Pskov region, about 700 km (435 miles) west of Moscow, but other regions across the country also reported mass outbreaks of alcohol poisoning with dozens of deaths.

Public health officials who seized alcohol on sale in the Pskov region found it contained substances usually used in medicines, Channel One television said.

Many of the imbibers exhibit liver problems. Authorities are investigating.

Following Entry Posted 10/27/2006 03:04:00 AM

Somalian Islamists Declare Holy War Against Ethiopia

(Mogadishu, Somalia) The Islamist Courts Union has organized mass demonstrations to be held after Friday prayers to show support for a holy war declared against Ethiopia.

According to Sheik Ahmed Abdulahi Hussien, known as Sheik Fanah, head of the public relations for the Islamic Courts Union, demonstrators will be asked to join in the holy war against the Ethiopians. It's claimed that thousands of jihadists have already signed up.

Meanwhile, the Islamists are expanding their control of the country. Sources say that the town of Sakow was taken on Wednesday by Islamist fighters without a shot being fired. Sakow had been a temporary base for Somali transitional government militias commanded by Col. Barre Hirale. It's also reported that Islamic Courts fighters are within kilometers of the town of Baardheere, a primary militia base under Col. Hirale.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/26/2006 07:47:00 PM

Schmeca White - Nasty Teacher Gets 9.5 Years

(South Bend, Indiana) In May 2005, former aide at Greene Intermediate Center, Schmeca White, 27, was arrested on felony charges of inappropriate sexual activities with special education students between the ages of 11 and 15. Specific charges included two counts each of child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor, along with sexual battery, criminal deviate conduct, and battery.

Earlier this month, White was convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, vicarious sexual gratification and battery, forcing students into simulated sex and choking a student. Jurors had to listen to descriptions of White's disgusting classroom behavior which included one reported incident that she stripped naked.

Yesterday, Schmeca White, now 28, was sentenced. She received nine and one-half years in prison to be followed by four years probation. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender. According to Judge Roland W. Chamblee Jr., White's lack of a criminal record prevented him from handing out the maximum sentence.

White spoke at her sentencing and maintained that she is innocent.

"I still say that I'm innocent, regardless of what victims said I did," White said. " ... I did nothing to those children and I still say that."

Unfortunately for White, the evidence convinced the jury of her guilt. Now she gets to join a number of other criminals, also claiming innocence, in an Indiana state prison.

Interestingly, there's already been discussion of White being released early for good behavior but this is inconsistent with current experience. Behind bars since her arrest last year, White has been a problem prisoner.

There are signs that the same type of classroom behavior that first put Schmeca White behind bars nearly 547-days ago, has continued, after her arrest, leading to at least three jail transfers.

"From her flat file paperwork, she's been aggressive with the, sexually, excuse me, sexually aggressive with the female inmates, and was moved to the medical unit, and she became sexually aggressive with male and female inmates at that point," said anonymously.

I suspect White may have difficulty supporting the contention that she is a model prisoner.

Companion posts at Conservative Thinking and The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/26/2006 04:57:00 PM

Castro Dead or Close to Dead

From three different sources, I have received strong indications that Castro has died or is about to. Babalu Blog is one source. An emailer also passed on the rumor of his death.

Another emailer stated that Hugo Chavez left Venezuela a few days ago to say some last words to Fidel, indicating he's close to death. There's no confirmation as yet.

I just hope Castro's last days are painful. Excruciatingly painful! Maybe the citizens of Cuba can glean a small measure of comfort knowing that every one of Fidel's evil nerves is screaming.

Following Entry Posted 10/26/2006 02:29:00 PM

Iran, Hezbollah Charged for Argentine Bombings

(Buenos Aires, Argentina) Argentina has made an international call for action against former leaders of the government of Iran and the leadership of Hezbollah. It's about time.

Iran is accused of organizing attacks against the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) charities group and the Israeli Embassy which claimed more than 100 lives and wounded hundreds more. Hezbollah is accused of carrying out the attacks.

The Argentine prosecutor demanded international arrest warrants for:

- Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former Iranian President,

- Hojatoleslam Ali Fallahian, former Iranian Minister of Intelligence and Security,

- Ali Akbar Velayati, former Iranian Foreign Minister,

- Major General Mohsen Rezai, ex-Supreme Commander, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC),

- Major General Ahmad Vahidi, former Commander of the IRGC Qods Force,

- Mohsen Rabbani, former cultural attache at the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires,

- Ahmad Reza Asgari, AKA Mohsen Ranjbaran, former Iranian embassy official in Buenos Aires,

- Imad Fayez Mugniyeh, AKA Imad Fayez Moughnieh, headed the Shiite Lebanese Hezbollah overseas operation.

According to Argentine chief prosecutor Alberto Nisman, "We have proven that the decision to attack the AMIA headquarters on July 18, 1994 ... was a decision made by the highest authorities in Iran's government at the time." A 21-year-old Hezbollah bomber, Ibrahim Hussein Berro, a Lebanese citizen, was positively identified as the man who drove the explosives-packed van to the Jewish center on July 18, 1994.

The 300,000-strong Argentine Jewish community has been loudly demanding justice for over a decade for the 1992 embassy bombing and the 1994 Jewish center bombing. All along, the investigations of the terrorist acts were allegedly marred by corrupt police and government officials. In particular, former Argentine leader Carlos Saul Menem was allegedly funneled $10 million in a Swiss bank account by Iranian intelligence to cease the investigations into the attacks.

Response from Iran via IHT.com:

Iranian state TV news said Thursday that Argentine prosecutors had "repeated their baseless accusations" of Iran's "meddling" in the 1994 explosion, but the newscaster did not say that Rafsanjani or any other Iranian official had been named.

Iranian TV did not cover the Argentine chief prosecutor's remarks and no Iranian newspapers were published today due to an Islamic feast.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/26/2006 03:33:00 AM

Alligator Harvest

(New Orleans, Louisiana) Indications are that the 2006 Louisiana alligator season will be bountiful.

From HoumaToday.com:

Final numbers are still being tallied, but Ruth Elsey, biologist manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, said the count should show between 95 and 98 percent of the harvest quota of 32,000 reached.

"Most people did well; prices were strong," Elsey said.

This year's season ran from Sept. 6 through Oct. 6.

Prices for a harvested alligator were reported as high as $35 to $36 per foot, considered good by hunters and wildlife officials. The total value of this year's harvest is still being calculated. But last year, meat and hides were valued by the department at $40 million across Louisiana.

Heh.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 08:36:00 PM

Terror Rehearsal on Oslo-Prague Flight

I fear these incidents occur much more frequently than reported. Part of the problem is that the rehearsals seldom actually reach the threshold of being criminal so the perpetrators are let go.

From Aftenposten:

Czech security police (BIS) have reported an attempt to storm the cockpit of a flight from Oslo to Prague.

The BIS annual report for 2005, released on Tuesday, mentions flight OK 447 in September 2005, where three Egyptian citizens tried to gain access to the pilots.

According to BIS spokesman Jan Subrt, police terrorism experts believe that the three Egyptians were not trying to hijack the plan but rather testing the security measures on board the plan, which was owned by Czech Airlines (CSA).

"The crew on board discovered the three Egyptians trying to open the door into the cockpit. When the stewards intervened they immediately gave up their attempts and gave the excuse that they were looking for a staff member because they wanted to buy chewing gum," Subrt said. [sic all]

Sure, I also travel with two buddies when I look for chewing gum ... Sheesh! These guys couldn't even come up with a plausible excuse. Nevertheless, more ominous is this paragraph.

This is the second time in recent weeks that Norway is linked to terrorism in the Czech Republic. In the end of September Czech authorities significantly increased security measures around Prague's Jewish memorials after receiving a tip from Norway, a few days after Norway's Police Security Service (PST) revealed alleged terrorist plans against the US and Israeli embassies in Oslo.

Stand by, friends. I expect that the terrorists will soon cease their rehearsals.

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 07:26:00 PM

Hanging Ten for Jesus

(Daytona Beach, Florida) Sometime overnight yesterday, thieves stole thousands of dollars and 10 valuable surfboards from the Christian surfing ministry known as Crosswaves Ministries. According to head ministry surfer dude Jim McCleary:

"I had a terrible sinking feeling in my stomach and ran to the back of the trailer and basically almost started crying," Crosswaves Ministries McCleary said. "I also thought it was stealing from God and the mission that he has to help kids and help families."

Well, dominoes and biscuits, McCleary has forgiven the thieves, whoever they are.

Readers are requested to be on the lookout for the boards. They're blue and 6 feet long. Readers are also requested to let me know if there is a Christian Hot Tub and Massage Ministry somewhere in Ohio.

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 06:22:00 AM

Hookers for the Troops

(Almere, The Netherlands) A leading female politician wants to provide deployed male Dutch soldiers with Dutch prostitutes. It's anyone's guess what she proposes to provide for female and homosexual Dutch soldiers.

From Ananova:

Annemarie Jorritsma, a politician for the centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the mayor of the town of Almere, went on national Dutch TV to demand the 'extra benefits' for soldiers.

She added: "The army must think about how their soldiers can let off some steam."

The ideas has been backed by the Dutch sex workers union which said it thought the idea had some merit.

Hmm ... "let off some steam" may not be a good enough reason for the spouses of the troops. Not only that, but the mullahs in Afghanistan might not exhibit a lot of tolerance toward Holland importing hookers. In fact, I'd bet that they would protest quite forcefully.

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 05:43:00 AM

The NBA's New Balls

Despite complaints, Commissioner David Stern has decided that the NBA needs new balls. They're made of microfiber composite and are more uniform than traditional leather.

I think this is a good move. It gives some teams an additional excuse for sucking out loud.

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 05:04:00 AM

Freeze! This Is A Sticky-Up!

(Parma, Ohio) An 18-year-old woman, Dionna Johnson, was arrested for an alleged carjacking and robbery of a 78-year-old woman using a glue gun as a weapon. Johnson and four juvenile girls knocked down the elderly Parma Heights woman and stole her car.

Johnson was booked with bond set at $25,000. The juveniles face aggravated robbery charges.

Following Entry Posted 10/25/2006 01:55:00 AM

Female Teacher Booked on Sex Charge

(Deridder, Louisiana) A 34-year-old teacher at South Beauregard Junior High, Marla K. Meeks, was arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student. Meeks turned herself in to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's office on Monday. Reportedly, Meeks was friends with the boy's parents.

Meeks was booked on charges of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation for sexual purposes. She was released on $35,000 bond.

[Update 02/22/08]

Meek pleads guilty, sentenced to prison.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/24/2006 06:05:00 PM

Female Molester Pleads Guilty

(Pocatello, Idaho) Last May, 27-year-old neighborhood woman, Rayenell Carmona Underwood, was arrested for having sex with a 14-year-old boy on numerous occasions. Carmona was subsequently rearrested for violating a no-contact order. She claimed that she couldn't help herself because she loved the boy.

Yesterday, Carmona pleaded guilty before Sixth District Judge Ronald Bush, who instructed her to admit her crime.

"I was living with him and his mom," Carmona said. "I had sex with him and he was underage."

Carmona is scheduled for sentencing in December. It's reported that she faces life in prison. Ha-ha-ha-ha! Sure she does.

Watch her get probation or, at most, a short stretch in the county jail. I hope I'm wrong. About three years in state prison should clear her thinking. I don't believe in being excessively harsh but I do think that she'll contact the boy if she's allowed on the street. He should have a chance to complete his teen years without her influence.

[Update 03/13/07]

Carmona sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/24/2006 08:26:00 AM

Antibiotic Prescriptions Filled Free

Wow!

Following the move by Wal-Mart to offer cheap prescription drugs was Target. And, with two large retailers pushing low-cost drugs, Meijer Inc. decided to offer an even better deal.

With 176 stores in Ohio and four other states, Meijer President Mark Murray announced yesterday that the company will launch "a free prescription drug program to provide antibiotic medicines to customers."

From DDN:

Any customer can take their prescription to any Meijer pharmacy and receive the designated antibiotic free. There are "no strings attached" to the deal, Murray said. "No club to join or membership forms or fees. It's just free."

These low-cost and no-cost drug initiatives were prompted by Wal-Mart's $4 per prescription plan announced a couple of months ago and they will surely have a positive impact on the American consumer. Think about it. A sea change in drug pricing occurred and not one law had to be passed. It came about through visionary retail management.

Of course, there's another side to consider. People will naturally start asking what the drug companies have been doing all along if such dramatic retail price reductions are achievable. You might hear the word "gouging" bandied about.

Following Entry Posted 10/24/2006 06:40:00 AM

Bali Bombers Freed

How can there be an effective campaign against terrorism when there are virtually no meaningful consequences for the perpetrators? This report really frosts my cookies.

From The Courier-Mail:

Two Islamic militants jailed for the Bali bombings that killed 202 people were freed today and nine others had their sentences reduced to mark the end of the Islamic fasting month, officials said.

Indonesia traditionally marks national holidays by cutting prison terms for inmates who exhibit good behaviour - usually by several months - but the decision is likely to anger countries that lost citizens in the 2002 attacks on two crowded nightclubs. [Ya' think?]

Eighty-eight of those killed were Australians.

Sirojul Munir left the jail in East Kalimantan's capital of Balikpapan early today after 45 days were shaved from his five-year sentence, said Edi, a prison official who uses a single name.

The paperwork has been completed for the other militant, Mujarod bin Salim, said Ilham Jaya, the warden at the main prison on Bali island, and he was technically a free man.

He was expected to leave the jail within an hour.

The international community needs to do something about the regular miscarriage of justice occurring in Indonesia. People are being murdered by thug Islamist terrorists with impunity. And it's going to get worse unless pressure is applied on the government to take stronger action. The Bali bombers should have been executed.

Following Entry Posted 10/24/2006 05:45:00 AM

Students Appeal Confederate Flag Ban

(Alvin, Texas) Here's something for everyone's political correctness file.

From TheFacts.com:

Two Harby Junior High students said it is not only their constitutional right to wear and possess images of the Confederate flag while at school, but also a matter of history and respect.

The 13-year-old boys are asking Alvin ISD to honor the city's founders by returning Confederate memorabilia to a display case at the school and by allowing students to wear Confederate flag symbols to class.

"We want to honor our veterans from all of the wars," said student Marshall Alexander. "Most students don't know about this because they aren't teaching it anymore. You should teach all of history, every single war."

Alexander said he and his friend, Robert Kauffman, have collected more than 800 names on a petition and are in the process of a second appeal with the district.

Since the town of Alvin was founded by a man who fought for the Confederacy, it would seem an appropriate subject to cover in school. Alvin also has a Confederate cemetery and some streets are named after Confederate generals. Prohibiting the school to acknowledge the unique cultural and political history of the town is politically correct but, at the same time, it's academically dishonest.

Superintendent Greg Smith says the Confederate symbol is "divisive." Yes, as are cartoons of Mohammad, criticism of the 9/11 widows, wearing a Texas A&M sweatshirt among a group of Texas Longhorn fans and a divorce proceeding between a man and a woman. All are divisive but that doesn't mean they should be banned.

Following Entry Posted 10/24/2006 03:43:00 AM

Police Department Fired

(Troy, Texas) Sometimes, bold actions are necessary.

From KRGV-TV:

Officials in the Central Texas city of Troy say they hope to hire a new police chief this month after firing the entire department.

The city fired its police chief and three officers over the last two months for reasons including insubordination and poor performance.

Troy Mayor Sammy Warren believes the town is safer without a police department. Rightly so, I reckon. Troy is deep in the heart of Texas and pretty much all the fellas and gals have firearms close by for protection.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/23/2006 05:22:00 PM

Point Blank Honor Killing

(Ankara, Turkey) Be tolerant of the family values of the religion of peace if you want. I can't even stomach the thought. Here, a 15-year-old girl was murdered for honor.

From Middle East Times:

The young girl, from a mainly Kurdish town near Turkey's eastern border with Iran, was murdered by an elder brother Saturday, press reports said. The victim, named only as Naile, had apparently not been aware that she was pregnant until she started feeling unwell and was admitted to a hospital, where she gave birth to a boy, the reports added.

She later told her mother that the pregnancy had resulted from a rape. When other members of the family heard the news, the elder brother shot her dead at point-blank range in a street of the town, and then fled.

The Vatan newspaper quoted the local public prosecutor as saying that the family were believed to have convened a meeting at which they designated the brother to kill the girl, in order to remove what they saw as a stain on their honor.

Sick, absolutely sick!

Nevertheless, reading about this latest honor killing I was struck by the irony of recent news reports that many Western women are converting to Islam because it is so glorious and wonderful and loving and peaceful. Who are these women and how can they ignore honor killings (of women), stoning to death (of women) and beatings (of women) imposed by omnipotent Islam?

Maybe they just don't know that Muslim women are constantly at risk of bodily injury and even death if they are perceived to misbehave. Get a clue, ladies, and realize that converting to Islam establishes lifelong candidacy for abusive and potentially deadly treatment.

Following Entry Posted 10/23/2006 05:27:00 AM

China's Blog Real Name System

Predictably, the communist Chinese government will soon require real name registration for bloggers. Pseudonyms will not be allowed.

From Xinhuanet.com:

With widespread online rumor saying China will implement a blog real name system, the Internet Society of China (ISC) has clarified that so far the Ministry of Information Industry has not officially made any related policies.

However, a real name system will be an unavoidable choice if China wants to standardize and develop its blog industry, Huang Chengqing, ISC secretary general, told Xinhua on Sunday.

Blog industry? What's that?

The ISC, affiliated to the Ministry of Information Industry, was entrusted by the ministry to form a blog research panel to provide solutions for the development of China's blog industry.

"We suggest, in a recent report submitted to the ministry, that a real name system be implemented in China's blog industry," Huang said.

[ ... ]

Huang said the foundation of the blog real name system is an equilibrium between freedom and responsibility. "There exists no freedom without any abstention, and to limit also benefits the further development of this industry."

He said the system they have recommended is a background real name system, which requires bloggers provide their real names and other real information when applying for a blog but allows them to use pseudonyms in their blog articles.

So, let me see if I understand this scheme correctly. Bloggers will enjoy an equilibrium between freedom and responsibility by providing their real names and other "real" information to the ChiComs who, by the way, have been directly responsible for the deaths of millions of citizens.

Freedom and responsibility? Yeah, right! Only useful idiots will be fooled by this blatant ploy to censor Internet content by controlling, and eliminating when necessary, the individual bloggers.

Come on! You didn't think the communists would ever really allow free speech, did you?

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/23/2006 04:30:00 AM

Israel May Retake Gaza-Egypt Border

(Jerusalem) Since the Israelis vacated the Gaza Strip, weapons have been arriving from Egypt at a disturbing and deadly rate. Given that they are then used against the Israelis, it's logical to take action to stop the supply.

From AlertNet:

Several Israeli cabinet ministers called on Sunday for a military operation to retake control of Gaza's southern border and prevent Palestinian militants smuggling weapons from neighbouring Egypt.

"Action must be taken without hesitation. Any hesitation is dangerous and we must act immediately," Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai of the religious party Shas told reporters.

It's estimated that tons of weapons and ordnance have been smuggled into Gaza from Egypt via tunnels. The flow needs to be stopped but nothing will likely happen prior to Prime Minister Olmert's Washington trip, scheduled for mid-November. Of course, any action by Israel will be reported by the elite media as unwarranted aggression.

Following Entry Posted 10/23/2006 03:52:00 AM

Bashar Assad's Syrian Regime in Trouble

Former Syrian Vice President Abdul-Halim Khaddam has been making quite provocative statements about President Bashar al-Assad.

"Ask yourselves, my brothers, after six years of his taking over the administration of the country, what has Bashar Assad done except spread corruption, increase suffering and (take) wrong decisions that have led to weakening national unity and subjecting Syria to Arab and international isolation," Khaddam said.

"I assure you that the corrupt and tyrannical regime is on the brink of collapse and in the near future, the ruler will see the opportunists and hypocrites that rallied around him fleeing. He and his corrupt family and entourage will find themselves in the hands of justice," he added.

Khaddam's statements followed his reported meeting last week in Saudi Arabia with King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan. The discussions in the meeting were not disclosed but the Saudis have expressed Arab displeasure with President Assad's closeness with Iran. It didn't help that Assad said the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan were "half men" because they didn't support Lebanon during the Israeli-Hezbollah war.

Khaddam, who is wanted for treason in Syria, linked the assassination of Lebanese ex-Premier Rafik Hariri to a threat made by Assad. Now Khaddam is at the forefront of the effort to see Assad overthrown. He's working all political angles, capitalizing on a general undercurrent of Arab distrust of the Iranians and Assad's coziness with Ahmadinejad. Khaddam heads the newly-formed National Salvation Front and plans on opening an office in Washington.

Viewing the situation from a distance, I suspect that the media may be exaggerating the importance of Khaddam's one meeting with with the Saudis. Assad is propped up by the entire Baathist party and any regime change will not be easy. However, if other Arab leaders jump on the bash Bashar bandwagon, maybe something will happen.

Let's hope so.

Following Entry Posted 10/23/2006 12:22:00 AM

Ohio State Elevator Death

(Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State's Stradley Hall student residence has three elevators, two passenger and one freight, with a history of minor problems. Tragically, last Friday a problem with one elevator led to the death of student Andrew K. Polakowski, an 18-year-old freshman business major from Erie, Pennsylvania.

From The Columbus Dispatch:

Polakowski was with a group of students who got on the elevator when it stopped on the third floor about 11:30 p.m., said Rick Amweg, Ohio State University assistant chief of police.

For some reason, Polakowski decided to climb out of the car, whose doors remained open, Amweg said. As he did, the car dropped farther.

"He tried to get off, and he became pinned between the elevator and the building," Amweg said.

Although the doors remained open as the elevator moved down, police and state inspectors would not say whether the elevator had malfunctioned until they completed their investigations. Amweg said there was no indication of horseplay on the part of the students.

Columbus firefighters forced the elevator car up far enough to remove Polakowski. He was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.

Franklin County Coroner Brad Lewis believes Polakowski died from asphyxiation rather than injury.

State elevator inspectors will be on scene early Monday morning to continue the investigation of the incident. Hopefully they will discover why the elevators were allowed to continue operating with known problems.

Several students outside the residence hall yesterday said they had experienced minor problems with elevators in Stradley. Sixth-floor resident Jeremy Kopp said it was difficult to hold a door open with a hand or foot.

Alex Morando said he was stuck on an elevator two weeks ago for about 45 minutes.

This incident should not have happened. Condolences to the family and friends of Andrew Polakowski.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/22/2006 09:55:00 PM

Woman Accused of Molesting Little Girls

(Riverside County, California) A 50-year-old woman, Cherie Jane Stout, is in the process of being extradited from Arizona on arrest warrants for sexually molesting two young girls. According to the criminal complaint, Stout and an accomplice, 36-year-old Jaime Rosa Cruz, committed lewd acts in 2003 against the girls, then 5 and 7 years old. Cruz is in custody and facing 10 charges.

Stout, however, is in Arizona, having declined to waive extradition. Riverside County authorities must obtain a warrant from Gov. Schwarzenegger to have her returned to California. It's expected to take weeks.

Strangely, Arizona officials have arrested Stout but released her without bail. So, Stout roams free. It appears that the Arizona courts are not aware of the seriousness of the crimes that Stout allegedly committed.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/22/2006 04:03:00 PM

Today's Quotable

From John Ratzenberger of "Cheers" fame:

"No one should write a book until they're over 55," said the actor, who turns 60 next April. "I really don't want to read a book by someone who's 20 years old about their experiences."

I sure we've all seen autobiographies penned by cocky people not old enough to run for Congress.

Following Entry Posted 10/22/2006 02:30:00 PM

Girl Scalped From Eyebrows Back

(Niagara Falls) A 12-year-old Ohio girl was scalped at a go-kart track.

From TheStar.com:

Emergency crews found the girl "with extensive injuries to her head" at Niagara Go-Karts and Mini Putt at about 5:20 p.m., Niagara Regional Police Sgt. Jim Moody said.

"She was enjoying some of the go-kart rides (when) her long hair became entangled in the axle mechanism of the go-kart," Moody said. "It's been reported that she has had her scalp removed from her skull, from the eyebrow area, right back."

The girl was airlifted to a Rochester hospital where she's in critical condition. Her name wasn't released.

Now, we need to know if there were signs at the go-kart track warning people of the hazards of long hair and loose fitting clothing. If not, the track owners may be negligent. Incidents of this nature are preventable.

Following Entry Posted 10/22/2006 01:04:00 PM

American Pervert Exiled to Canada

(Buffalo, New York) In April 2006, 35-year-old Malcolm Watson, an English teacher at the prestigious all-girl Buffalo Seminary, was arrested and charged with sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. He was caught in a mall parking lot steaming up his car windows with a 15-year-old female student.

In August, Watson was convicted of child sex abuse and sentenced to live in Canada for three years. To my knowledge, the Canadians were never consulted.

Nevertheless, Watson begins his sentence tomorrow.

In all candor, the idea of sending convicted American perverts to another country is quite appealing but I wouldn't select Canada. Someplace further away would be my choice ... maybe a nation in southeast Asia or Africa. Although not greatly distant, a reverse-Mariel boatlift to Cuba might also be doable.

Tip: Matt Hurley

Companion posts at Conservative Thinking and The Jawa Report.

[Update 10/25/06]

Kick him out of Ontario says Premier Dalton McGuinty.

From 680News.com:

Malcolm Watson, a Buffalo school teacher, was sentenced to three years' probation in St. Catharines for sexually abusing with a 15-year-old student. Tourism Minister Jim Bradley, who represents St. Catharines, says the sentence violates international law.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he doesn't want Ontario to become some kind of dumping ground for American sex offenders.

"It's obviously not the kind of precedent that we want to allow the Americans to establish," he said. "It's not the kind of thing we are prepared to accept."

Well, finally we hear from the Canadians.

Following Entry Posted 10/22/2006 02:51:00 AM

Two Women Accused of Child Sex Abuse

(Fairbanks, Alaska) Two Alaskan women, Lisa Huff and Miklene Gilligan, have been charged for alleged child sexual abuse in two separate high-profile cases and, ostensibly to protect the victims, the media have been excluded from attending the criminal proceedings. However, general information is known.

Lisa Huff, 36, was accused of repeated sexual abuse of a boy earlier this year and fled to Australia in June, attempting to avoid prosecution. Troopers arrested her last Tuesday after being notified that she had returned to Fairbanks. Huff was then formally charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse. She is being held with bail set at $50,000.

Miklene Gilligan, 34, was arrested for allegedly being observed performing oral sex on a 13-year-old boy in August. She faces one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Bail set at $25,000.

Media representatives were barred from Huff's proceedings by Fairbanks District Court Magistrate Patrick Hammers. Gilligan's proceedings were closed by Superior Court Judge Douglas Blankenship.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 5/31/08]

Miklene Gilligan pleads no contest to reduced charge. Sentencing in Sept.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/21/2006 11:58:00 PM

Female Molester Gets Probation

(Osceola County, Florida) A 26-year-old Osceola woman, Kristy Lynn Vaughn, was arrested last February for perpetrating a hoax and allegedly engaging in sex with a 16-year-old boy. Vaughn was implicated in a 911 hoax where a caller claimed she had been carjacked. The hoax was perpetrated to distract authorities from questioning Vaughn.

This week, Vaughn pleaded no contest to lewd or lascivious battery, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor and sex with a child. Circuit Judge Frank Kaney sentenced Vaughn to 10 years of sex-offender probation. She was also ordered to pay all costs incurred because of the hoax.

It's worth mentioning that she had a child by the boy, however, the court ordered that she have no contact with the father.

Following Entry Posted 10/21/2006 06:08:00 PM

'Men Only' Law

(Riverside, California) It appears that the "all men are created equal" provision of the U.S. Constitution has been interpreted to mean that women are more equal.

It's about what the definition of 'his' is.

From LATimes.com:

A Riverside County judge dismissed an indecent exposure charge against a woman who allegedly disrobed in front of a 14-year-old boy, saying the law applies only to men.

Superior Court Judge Robert W. Armstrong said this week that the law mentions a person who "exposes his person."

"Usually when a section proscribes conduct, it's 'his or her.' This one is not," Armstrong said. "It's gender specific."

Riverside County Deputy Dist. Atty. Alison N. Norton argued that the lack of a feminine reference in the penal code was a typo and that solely applying the law to men would violate the state Constitution.

Now, this ruling has to create confusion within the legal, as well as criminal, communities. California is known to be quite liberal, delineating special mention of the tweener transgender crowd within state law. The pic-a-sex people are gender non-specific. Consequently, Judge Armstrong's ruling excludes them from living in any legal framework.

Of course, there are other difficulties indicated by the ruling, not the least of which is Judge Armstrong's apparent physical problem of recto-cranial fusion.

Furthermore, without any specific personal knowledge regarding Judge Armstrong, I'd blindly guess that he has had many conversations on the subject of gender with assertive feminist womyn.

[Update]

(Via Don Morgenstern) It's reported that the name of the woman, who had been charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure, is Alexis Luz Garcia, 40. Apparently, she exposed herself to the boy because he was making too much noise playing basketball.

For background, Judge Armstrong retired from the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1997 and now only works part time as a visiting judge.

[Update 09/13/07]

Judge Armstrong's decision overturned.

Following Entry Posted 10/21/2006 05:39:00 AM

Politically Correct Munitions

Check out the latest from the UK. I guess we're seeing the end of hot lead and loud noises on the battlefield.

From Reuters:

British arms manufacturer BAE Systems is planning to design 'green' munitions, including lead-free bullets and rockets with reduced toxins, Britain's Times reports. Also in the pipeline are jets, fighting vehicles and artillery without dangerous compounds which can "harm the environment and pose a risk to people," the company is quoted as saying.

"Weapons are going to be used and when they are, we try to make them as safe for the user as possible," said Dr Debbie Allen, director of the company's corporate social responsibility.

BAE Systems has full support from Britain's Ministry of Defence, which wants to see quieter warheads in order to reduce noise pollution and grenades that produce less smoke.

Just what's needed. Socially responsible warfare. No noise, no smoke, no lead sounds more like surrender than warfare.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/21/2006 04:27:00 AM

Dine With Your Dog Day

Declared by the governors of California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nebraska and West Virginia, today is officially "Dine With Your Dog Day." Events are planned to celebrate the day, including dog-food eating contests featuring celebrities. Yes, they found some idiot celebrities willing to eat dog-food.

The idea man behind Dine With Your Dog Day is Dick Van Patten of TV's "Eight Is Enough" fame. Van Patten owns a dog-food company and he started the event to sell his products. He's been able to get some of his Hollywood buddies to support the effort.

Bon appetit!

I understand that eating dog-food will make one's fur lush and shiny. However, adverse reactions, such as sniffing a neighbor's behind and licking oneself, have been noted. Also worth mentioning is that people in the Far East don't celebrate dining with dogs but they do dine with dogs. Fried, baked, and stewed.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/20/2006 11:58:00 PM

Teacher Regina McKay Sentenced

See updated post.

Following Entry Posted 10/20/2006 10:40:00 PM

Teacher Student Sex and More

(Lonoke, Arkansas) According to court documents, 41-year-old computer-lab teacher for the Lonoke School District, Kelly Campbell, allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old male student. Kelly Campbell is the wife of Lonoke Police Chief Jay Campbell and mixing it up with a schoolboy appears to be the least of her problems. She's been implicated in a spree of crimes and faces a laundry list of sex offenses, drug offenses, burglary and tampering.

The small town of Lonoke is in turmoil. In addition to criminal counts against Kelly Campbell, her husband Jay Campbell faces charges of theft, criminal conspiracy and hindering prosecution. Also, the mayor of Lonoke, Thomas Privett, faces theft charges and two bail bondsmen are facing charges of participating in an ongoing criminal enterprise. All the alleged crimes centered around the administration of the town jail and the Police Chief.

Chief Jay Campbell was suspended from his position, with pay. All have been released on bail.

Adjudication of the cases against the Campbells, Privett and the bail bondsmen has been delayed to the first quarter 2007 to allow defense attorneys sufficient time to review mountains of documentation. I'll follow the cases. The situation looks messy.

Tip: Jason Cann

Companion post at Conservative Thinking.

[Update 04/17/07]

Jay and Kelly Campbell convicted of multiple crimes.

Following Entry Posted 10/20/2006 02:57:00 PM

Sherrod Didn't Think of His Kids

It's news to me that Democrat Sherrod Brown had an extremely sour breakup with his first wife. He and Larke Brown split in 1986 and divorced in 1987 but they continued to be tied together by their two children. And, it has been a bumpy ride.

Court records tell the story of harshness between Sherrod and Larke. Sherrod had to respond to contempt motions for nonpayment of child support and restraining orders alleging overly assertive and abusive behavior. Allegations flew on both sides.

Now, ugly divorces happen all the time so, in that regard, the Brown breakup was not unusual. However, reading through the synopsis of the episode, one gets a strong feeling that not once did Sherrod Brown think of the impact of the divorce on his children. Divorce, by definition, is devastating to the kids from a marriage. A prudent, compassionate and thoughtful father would assure that the welfare of his children was paramount in his mind.

Obviously, I can't look in Sherrod Brown's mind but I can see what he did. If anything, Sherrod seems to have made his divorce more painful for his kids as opposed to less painful. In fact, it appears as though he viewed himself as an island and acted accordingly. Way too much I and me with little hint of we and us.

I personally know how divorce can make kids feel as though part of their entire being has been stripped away. It produces a sad emptiness. Like I said, it's devastating. Any kindness helps.

Sherrod Brown apparently didn't have any of these thoughts during his drawn-out divorce feud with Larke. I've always questioned Brown's political compass but this is the first time I've seen his character laid bare. I now have no questions regarding his soul nor his lack of the right stuff to be a public servant.

Matt Hurley has all the details at WMD.

Following Entry Posted 10/20/2006 02:07:00 AM

'Nasty in Manhattan' Going to Trial

(New York City) According to last month's report, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Carol Berkman gave 41-year-old Lina Sinha until October 18 to decide whether she would accept a new plea deal after the judge rejected the first offer as inadequate. Judge Berkman specified that the agreement must include at least six years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea.

From NYPost.com:

An East Side Montessori school director charged with seducing two male students -- starting when they were only 12 and 13 -- declined yesterday to take a judge's best-deal plea offer of six years in prison, paving the way for a trial as early as mid-January.

Lina Sinha, 40, is fighting 80 counts of rape, sodomy and tampering with witnesses and evidence to cover her tracks.

"We are ramping up for trial," said her lawyer, Gerald Shargel.

Maybe, and maybe not. Frankly, I suspect that Sinha will closely weigh her chances of winning in court, which appear slim, and decide to skip to India where she has family and friends. I'm fairly convinced that she will do anything to avoid even one day in prison.

[Update 02/27/07]

Sinha trial underway.

[Update 03/30/07]

Lina Sinha convicted. Sentencing scheduled for April 19th.

[Update 04/19/07]

Sinha sentenced to prison.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/19/2006 11:47:00 PM

Teacher Deluca Guilty of Sex Crime

(West Jordan, Utah) There's progress in the case of 30-year-old Melinda Lee Deluca, the former American Sign Language teacher at Copper Hills High School. Let's review.

In February 2006, Deluca was charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse of one of her students, a 16-year-old boy. She was fired from her teaching position.

In July, Deluca claimed she was attacked by two assailants who severely beat her. She required hospitalization.

In September, after hundreds of hours of investigation, the police were able to get Deluca to admit that she created the story to garner sympathy.

Earlier today, Deluca pleaded guilty to reduced charges of one count of attempted forcible sex abuse in accordance with an agreement with the prosecution. A December sentencing is scheduled.

Based upon recent history of cases involving female sexual molesters, I don't believe that Deluca will get any meaningful punishment for her crime. In fact, I suspect she'll walk away with probation.

[Update 01/11/07]

Deluca sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/19/2006 03:02:00 PM

Alert PETA

This should make Pamela Anderson hoppingly, or floppingly depending on one's viewpoint, disgruntled.

Smithfield Foods plans to build a $200 million cattle slaughter plant in Texas County, Okla., with ContiGroup Cos., expanding its production capacity by two-thirds.

Smithfield said it agreed in principle to form a joint venture with ContiGroup for the project, which is expected to get under way in January. The plant, which will be able to process 5,000 head of cattle a day, should be operational by mid-2008.

Each day, 5,000 cattle slaughtered. Day in and day out, millions of pounds of animal flesh will be processed. Send donations to PETA P. Anderson, Box E-I-E-I-O, Hollywood, California.

Following Entry Posted 10/19/2006 01:42:00 PM

Speech Pathologist Accused of Sex with Boy

(Farmington, Utah) A 48-year-old speech and language pathologist for the Davis County School District, Kathryn Louise Parmley, was summoned to court to face charges that she engaged in sex with a 17-year-old boy. Parmley is married to a deputy prosecutor in adjacent Weber County.

Parmley has been charged with two third-degree felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old in incidents occurring between September 2005 and June 2006. The boy dated Parmley's daughter before allegedly having sex with the mother.

Parmley is free without bail. The school system put her on administrative leave.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 07/16/07]

Parmley sentenced in accordance with plea deal.

Following Entry Posted 10/19/2006 12:53:00 PM

Female Parole Officer and Boy

(Arlington, Texas) A 40-year-old parole officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Marci Ann Hearn, has been arrested for alleged inappropriate conduct with a 16-year-old boy.

Hearn faces one count of indecency with a child by contact for an incident that allegedly occurred on September 24. As of Tuesday night, Hearn was being held in the Arlington Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/19/2006 01:17:00 AM

ACLU Sues to Protect Garbage, Drugs, Prostitution

(Fresno, California) The city of Fresno decides to clean up hazardous homeless camps on downtown city property and the ACLU files a lawsuit.

From SacBee.com:

City officials said the tent cities set up by the homeless are safety hazards, a nuisance and hotbeds of crime.

"The sweeps are done when neighbors start to complain about the smell, the tons of garbage that accumulates, and the drug use and prostitution that goes on," said Rhonda Jorn, a spokeswoman for the city.

"We have to be fair to the people that live in the area," she said.

The city posts fliers in advance giving the homeless notice that workers will be clearing out a settlement, giving people an opportunity to gather their personal items, she said.

Although advance notice of the cleanup was provided, the ACLU claims that the sweeps "violate the constitutional right to be free of unreasonable seizure of property and deprivation of property without due process of law."

Next, a judge decides what's 'fair.'

This has been a production of Stop The ACLU Blogburst. If you would like to join us, please email Jay@stoptheaclu.com or GribbitR@gmail.com. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll. Over 200 blogs already on-board.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 03:15:00 PM

Ohio to Force Welfare on Amish

(Claridon Township, Ohio) The Ohio state Office of Family Stability (OFS) is having a wedgie. Ohio's Amish communities do not believe in nor want welfare. They won't take food stamps. This Amish attitude is contrary to the nanny state philosophy held by bureaucratic serf-makers.

The Amish communities in Geauga and Holmes counties have refused to plant their maws on the teats of the taxpayer-funded state welfare sow. Rather than trumpet the Amish spirit of personal responsibility, the state Deputy Director of OFS, Jeanne Carroll, has issued a mandate to figuratively shove welfare down Amish throats. Billboards and other local means will be used to advertise food stamps. Hopefully, the campaign will state, "Hey Amish people! You need this so much, we have to advertise."

According to OFS employee Tim Taylor, "No matter how much we do, the Amish won't sign up. It's not something they endorse."

The state Office of Family Stability could use some instability. I say the bureaucrats managing the agency should be fired. Trying to manufacture needy people is not in the public's interest.

[Update 10/21/06]

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has reversed its decision to shove food stamps on the Amish. I wonder why.

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 06:21:00 AM

English Teacher Accused of Sex with Boy

(Norcross, Georgia) A 33-year-old English teacher at Meadowcreek High School, Angela Coffey, was arrested for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old boy. Coffey resigned from her teaching position on Monday. Police say the relationship lasted from March to August this year.

Coffey was booked and released on $16,000 bail. A court date remains to be scheduled.

[Update 03/31/07]

Coffey indicted.

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 05:45:00 AM

Woman Gets 6 Months for Rape

(Tulsa, Oklahoma) In the summer of 2005, 33-year-old Department of Human Services child welfare specialist, Stephanie Swintek-Walker, was jailed for allegedly raping a 13-year-old boy she attempted to adopt in 2003. She was booked and released.

This week, Stephanie Swintek-Walker pleaded no contest to rape of the boy and was sentenced to six months in jail.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 04:26:00 AM

Molester Gets 6 Months County Work or Jail

(Stockton, California) Last June, 50-year-old sign-language teacher's aide with the Stockton Unified School District, Vickie L. Kerby, was arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with a 15-year-old boy.

This week, Kerby pleaded guilty to felony unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor before San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Bernard Barber.

Barber sentenced Kerby to six months in jail or a county work program and three years probation. Her plea also specifies registration as a sex offender and prohibition from working in California schools.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 02:25:00 AM

Strickland Squishy On Unlawful Sex

News has surfaced which indicates that Ohio Democrat Ted Strickland has a laissez-faire attitude toward sexual offenders and, as a consequence, his character and capacity to serve the public should be seriously questioned.

Previously, it was reported that Strickland failed to condemn a bizarre study which found that sexual abuse is not always bad for children. Apparently, Ted Strickland believes that child sexual abuse can sometimes produce positive results. It's also been reported that Strickland coddled a campaign manager who was previously convicted of sexual misconduct before pre-teen girls at a school.

These episodes are telling. Specifically, Strickland apparently does not share the overwhelming outrage of society concerning child sex offenses and offenders. His lack of a rigorous and firm position against sexual molestation and predation is unacceptable. Squishiness is not an admirable leadership trait.

Strickland should bow out of public service and go back to teaching psychology.

Following Entry Posted 10/18/2006 01:08:00 AM

Teacher Indicted for Sex with Boy

(Wytheville, Virginia) Last January, 41-year-old English teacher at Scott Memorial Middle School, Karen Susan Patton, was arrested for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student. Patton, a married mother of two, resigned her teaching position.

This week, Patton, now 42, was indicted by a Wythe County grand jury. She faces four counts of unlawful carnal knowledge and one count of non-forcible sodomy.

A trial date of March 6 has been scheduled.

[Update 03/13/07]

Patton pleads no contest.

[Update 06/26/07]

Patton sentenced.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/17/2006 11:13:00 PM

Woman Guilty of Molesting Children

(Bedford, Pennsylvania) In May 2006, 37-year-old Leasa Ann Fleming was arrested and booked for allegedly molesting several children in November 2004.

Yesterday, Fleming pleaded guilty in Bedford County Court to aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors. She pleaded no contest to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.

From PennLive.com:

According to her attorney and prosecutors, Fleming showed pornographic videos to two of her friend's great-grandsons and performed a sex act on the woman's great-granddaughter while baby-sitting them in November 2004. The boys were 8 and 9 years old and girl was 9.

She showed pornographic movies to two other children -- then 10 and 13 -- on other occasions and propositioned the 13-year-old for sex, but the child refused, prosecutors said.

Information on sentencing was not made available.

Following Entry Posted 10/17/2006 09:20:00 PM

California Cows

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has adopted a campaign promoting cheese from the Happy Cows of California. I'm certain that most people have viewed the Happy Cow television commercials which appear to be quite successful in advertising real California cheese.

But, is there truth in the advertising?

I think California has at least a few unhappy cows producing cheese.

Following Entry Posted 10/17/2006 07:50:00 PM

Where's The Data

So, in the news I hear that Madonna went to Africa and adopted an infant. Not too long ago, Angelina Jolie went to Southeast Asia and adopted an infant. Coupled with these humanitarian efforts, there have been rumblings of other celebrities planning on adopting infants from foreign countries.

This is all well and good but, frankly, I'm having difficulty locating a link to the data source which indicates that the last available American infant was adopted. Anybody?

Following Entry Posted 10/17/2006 07:49:00 PM

Homemaker Arrested for Sex with Boy

(Hamilton, Ohio) A 35-year-old married homemaker and mother, Charlene Sims, has been arrested by Butler County Sheriff's deputies for engaging in sex with a 14-year-old boy.

Sims has been charged with three felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 09:45:00 PM

Day Care Aide Arraigned in Sex Case

(Queens, New York) Last March, 37-year-old teacher's aide at Veda's Learning World, Khemwatie Bedessie, was arrested for sexually abusing a 4-year-old boy.

According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, the boy complained of repeated sexual encounters to his parents who alerted the authorities. It's alleged that Bedessie, a Guyanese immigrant, molested the boy in the bathroom during nap time.

Earlier today, Bedessie was arraigned on charges of rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. She pleaded not guilty and was released after posting $100,000 bail. If convicted, Bedessie could face 25 years in prison.

[Update 08/01/07]

Bedessie sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 06:55:00 PM

Muslim Teacher Axed

(Yorkshire, England) A 24-year-old Muslim teacher at Headfield C of E Junior School, Aishah Azmi, has been suspended from her position for refusing to take off her veil during lessons.

Aishah Azmi
Students found it difficult to understand Miss Azmi without seeing her lips move. With the exception of the classroom while teaching, Miss Azmi was otherwise permitted to wear her veil throughout the school.

Even though the Muslim Council of Britain disagrees with her, Miss Azmi is to plead her case against the school system before an employment tribunal "in a fortnight."

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 11:01:00 AM

Organic Foods Fading

Cost is blamed for a predicted dismal future in the organic foods market.

From Advertising Age:

Some marketers are spending more to introduce organic versions of mainstream foods than they are earning from sales of organics, as consumers balk at paying double the price for organic versions of their favorite products. It's all mounting evidence that the trend, like the low-carb craze before it, is hurtling toward a crash.

As one grocery exec put it, it's unreasonable to expect someone to pay $2.29 for a box of Kraft organic macaroni and cheese when the regular is priced at two for 99 cents. People will always be reluctant to pay more for products without any tangible benefit.

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 08:57:00 AM

Illegal Alien Accused of Raping Schoolgirl

(Scottsdale, Arizona) A 26-year-old illegal alien janitor at Saguaro High School, Roberto Lemus-Retana, has been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl. On August 25, she had returned to school to retrieve her books when she was allegedly accosted by Lemus-Retana.

Lemus-Retana is charged with kidnapping, sexual conduct with a minor, public sexual indecency with a minor and sexual abuse. He admitted to having sex with the girl, stating it was consensual.

ABM Janitorial Services hired Lemus-Retana based on counterfeit documents. Background checks based on the counterfeit information failed to identify any discrepancies. Isn't that interesting?

It appears that checks of people's backgrounds are not very reliable. I'd suggest it's time to check the people responsible for conducting background checks. It wouldn't be surprising if some of them were also illegal aliens, inclined to protecting trespassers.

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 07:18:00 AM

Italian Journo Kidnapped in Afghanistan

(Kabul, Afghanistan) Italian photojournalist Gabriele Torsello, nicknamed Kash, has been documenting the conflict between India and Pakistan in Kashmir for years. He was kidnapped on Thursday.

From Xinhuanet.com:

Five gunmen seized Gabriele Torsello on the highway from the capital of Helmand province to neighboring Kandahar province, Pajhwok News Agency quoted traveling companion Gholam Mohammad as saying.

The kidnapping was confirmed by a spokesman in the office the Italian Ambassador to Afghanistan. Also, a call to Torsello's mobile phone was answered by a man who stated, "We are the Taliban and we have abducted the foreigner on charges of spying."

However, a Taliban spokesman denied involvement in the kidnapping, saying criminals committed it. Excuse me but based upon just general behavior, it's hard to tell the difference between Taliban and common thugs.

From another source today, the kidnappers are reported to have contacted an Italian aid agency and said that Torsello is fine and they would make their ransom demand soon.

It's noteworthy that the Taliban is able to access the media so swimmingly.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/16/2006 05:47:00 AM

Muncie Woman Accused of Sex with Boy

(Muncie, Indiana) A 20-year-old woman, Amanda Sylvester, has been accused of engaging in a 10-month sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy. Sylvester is charged with felony sexual misconduct with a minor.

Sylvester was booked into the Delaware County Jail and released on $10,000 bond. A March 19 trial date has been scheduled.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/15/2006 06:11:00 PM

Hawaii Earthquake 10/15/06

Reliably, Scott Boone at Speed of Thought has all the data and graphics of today's 6.6 magnitude earthquake off the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The quake occurred shortly after 7 am Hawaii Time. Aftershocks followed in abundance.

No fatalities nor serious injuries reported thus far. No tsunami detected.

On the Big Island, buildings are damaged, roads closed from landslides, North Kona hospital evacuated, debris and rubble impeding traffic, infrastructure damage being assessed.

On Oahu, power out. Some buildings with structural damage.

Outbound traffic from airports is halted temporarily due to power outage. Inbound traffic allowed to land.

There's also a live streaming video feed from TheHawaiiChannel.com. Check it out.

Following Entry Posted 10/15/2006 03:01:00 PM

Locust Alert in Africa

A warning has been issued in Africa on the potential for devastating swarms of locusts in the near future. Previous swarms have annihilated crops prompting the necessity for massive international food aid.

From TheTideNews.com:

Countries in north and west Africa have been warned to be on alert for an outbreak of locusts, which devastated Mauritania two years ago.

Locusts had been found in Mauritania, and were laying eggs that were expected to hatch in the next 10 days, said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAG).

One UN FAG official, Keith Cressman, stated, "We are taking it very sinuously." Frankly, I'd recommend a more direct approach but the UN typically takes its own sweet time.

Nevertheless, a locust outbreak will offer the FAG group an opportunity to test a new environmentally-friendly pesticide. Hopefully, the FAG's efforts will be successful.

Following Entry Posted 10/15/2006 12:39:00 PM

Zimbabwe - Good News and Bad News

(Harare, Zimbabwe) First, to accentiate the positive:

Tourism
Zimbabwe has launched an international tourism fair to promote its largely deserted resorts. Business at the once-popular destinations has evaporated in the last six years. The government blames bad Western press.
Whites May Farm
President Robert Mugabe's government has announced it is considering allowing some interested whites to return to farming. This is an odd announcement since the government hasn't completed its confiscation of white-owned farmland started six years ago.
Inflation Decreased
In September, Zimbabwe's annual inflation rate decreased to 1,023 percent. Zimbabwe can claim world leadership in the category of inflation rate.

And then, there's the bad news. Astute readers will notice that the good news from Zimbabwe was presented with a bit of sarcasm. Smiley faces can't hide a collapsed economy.

Stratospheric Inflation
Although the rate of inflation decreased from 1,204 percent to 1,023 percent in September, it's still a major negative.
Stratospheric Interest Rate
Zimbabwe's Central Bank raised the nation's accommodation rate, the lending interest rate to commercial banks, to 500 percent for secured loans and 600 percent for unsecured loans.
Food Shortage
It's estimated by the UN World Food Programme that 1.4 million Zimbabweans will need food aid in the next six months. Prior to President Mugabe taking power, Zimbabwe was the "breadbasket of the region," exporting maize and cereal grains.
Massive Power Outages
Zimbabwe suffers from persistent widespread power outages due to breakdown of generating and transmission equipment. The cash-strapped nation can't afford to perform repairs nor replace equipment and there has been rampant theft of cable from the transmission lines bringing power from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There has also been a shortage of coal for the generating plants. No funds are available to mine the coal nor to purchase fuel to transport already-mined coal. Notably, families in cities are resorting to gathering wood for cooking and heat.
No Blood for Hospitals
A recent fire has prompted the National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) to halt supplies of blood and blood products to Zimbabwean hospitals. Locations with proper refrigeration are being sought.

And so, we have a snapshot of the economic turmoil in Zimbabwe. For those leftists that believe a government run by a thug dictator can achieve utopia may have to wait a while for Zimbabwe to come around.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/14/2006 11:58:00 PM

Teacher's Aide Accused of Sex, Lewdness with Boy

(Fernley, Nevada) A Fernley Intermediate School teacher's aide, Tracie Nelson, has been accused of engaging in sex with a 15-year-old boy. Nelson's age is variously reported as somewhere between 26 and 37, inclusive. Apparently, Nelson had sex with the boy in a car while his teen buddies watched.

Naturally, the school district suspended Nelson, with pay, of course.

A criminal complaint has been filed charging Nelson with sexual seduction, lewdness and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Before police could arrest her, Nelson allegedly attempted suicide by drug overdose and was rushed to the hospital. She'll be arrested upon her recovery and release from the hospital.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 10/28/06]

Nelson waived her preliminary hearing and is expected to accept a plea deal on Monday. The 37-year-old reportedly will plead guilty in exchange for dismissal of the contributing to the delinquency charges. Since her arrest on October 19, she's been held in the Lyon County Jail on $10,000 bail.

[Update 03/22/07]

Nelson sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/14/2006 03:14:00 PM

Quakers Evict Homeless

(Seattle, Washington) Even the Quakers realize that there is a limit to charity. For years, a homeless camp was welcomed on Quaker property in the University District of the city. Not anymore.

From Seattle Times:

Quakers bearing coffee, doughnuts and bagels told those still around the building on Ninth Avenue Northeast and Northeast 40th Street to leave -- for good. They posted notices that Seattle police would be patrolling the area and that trespassers would be prosecuted.

The Quakers finally saw the danger of appeasing vagrants, many of whom are substance abusers. Children in a preschool on the same property were considered particularly at risk.

Following Entry Posted 10/14/2006 12:15:00 PM

Female Teacher Guilty of Rape, Sodomy

(Poplar Bluff, Missouri) A 49-year-old former New Madrid Central Middle School teacher, Susan Sharp, pleaded guilty to two counts each of second-degree statutory rape and second-degree statutory sodomy resulting from engaging in sex with underage teen boys.

The sex occurred on October 17, 2004, at Sharp's home in an evening of kissing, oral sex, intercourse and pill-popping.

From Belleville.com:

Information in the case emerged after a 15-year-old boy tried to kill himself with an overdose of an anti-anxiety drug.

During a routine follow-up by the sheriff's department, the teen disclosed that he and Sharp had had sex the week before he attempted suicide. He said he'd struggled with suicidal thoughts and gone to Sharp's home, taking more of her pills and, he believed, having sex with her again.

Sharp's prosecution was moved to Butler County from New Madrid County where the Sharp family is prominent. The Missouri Attorney General's Office is handling the case and has recommended a seven-year sentence on each count, to run concurrently.

Susan Sharp will be sentenced on December 19.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 02/07/07]

Sharp sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/14/2006 02:53:00 AM

Teacher Accused of Sex with 11-Year-Old Boy

(Smithfield, North Carolina) A 30-year-old former fifth-grade teacher at Polenta Elementary School, Rebecca Withrow, was arrested yesterday for engaging in sex with an 11-year-old boy. The sex allegedly occurred in the classroom between February and June 2003.

School officials only recently were made aware of the allegations and alerted police. It's unknown why it took so long to expose the alleged behavior. Withrow was suspended from her teaching position and subsequently resigned.

Withdrow faces charges of rape of a child, indecent liberties with a child and sex with a student. She is in custody at the Johnston County Jail in lieu of $750,000 bond.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 10/18/06]

Whoa! Momma!

From Winston-Salem Journal:

A schoolteacher accused of raping an 11-year-old student in 2003 also had an affair with the boy's father, officials said.

Rebecca Withrow, a fifth-grade teacher at Polenta Elementary School, is charged with rape, indecent liberties and committing a sex offense against a student.

The plot thickens.

[Update 06/15/07]

Withrow pleads no contest and is sentenced.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 11:18:00 PM

FAA Bans Fixed-Wing VFR Over East River

Announced earlier.

From 7Online.com:

The Federal Aviation Administration laid down some new rules for fixed-wing planes flying in Manhattan.

Those fixed-wing planes have been banned from the East River corridor in New York unless the pilot is in direct contact with air traffic control.

Little late, don't you think?

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 10:27:00 PM

Bangladeshi Banker Wins Nobel Peace Prize

It's logical that banking practices and world peace are related. Right?

(Dhaka, Bangladesh) Known as the banker for the poor, Muhammad Yunus has devoted the last two decades to building a business by giving tiny loans known as microcredit to impoverished people who could not qualify for loans from conventional lending institutions.

As a result of his achievements, Yunus has been awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

From Guardian.co.uk:

Mr Yunus lent the villagers the money to buy their own materials and cut out the middleman. They all paid him back, day by day, over a year, and his impulsive gesture slowly became a fully fledged business with the founding of Grameen Bank in 1983.

"In showing that poor people could be productive and make money he broke with the old mindset that all aid should be about providing services like education and health," said Kevin Watkins, director of the UN human development report office.

Yunus' efforts are credited with allowing millions of people, primarily women, to achieve higher standards of living.

In keeping with his creative and charitable nature, Yunus announced yesterday that he would donate his prize money, about $1.4 million, to "good causes."

Yunus said he would use his share to fund a project to produce low-cost, nutritious food for the poor, an eye hospital, a drinking water project and a health care scheme.

"I will donate all my money to these enterprises. These will be purely social business enterprises, ie not-for-profit organisations," he said.

Congratulations are appropriate.

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 04:46:00 PM

Taliban Collects Ransom

(Kabul, Afghanistan) Two kidnapped Pakistani engineers were released yesterday by the Taliban after somebody paid ransom. It's anyone's guess who paid.

From PakTribune.com:

The two engineers, who were working for a road construction company, were freed after Taliban militants were paid a big ransom of 60,000 U.S. dollars, said Haji Aqha Lalei, head of the reconciliation commission in Kandahar.

He didn't say who had paid the ransom, but said local elders and government had negotiated with the militants for the hostages' release.

Apparently, there was a skirmish during the kidnapping on Sunday and two Taliban were killed. However, it didn't stop the abductions.

Personally, I sense a corrupt coziness between the government, the tribal elders and the Taliban in this incident and it's all about money. The quick business-like manner in which everything occurred suggests it was preplanned.

Tip: George R.

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 02:46:00 PM

Illegal Alien Traffic Trashes Nature Area

(Phoenix, Arizona) Federal authorities have closed the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge which shares the border with Mexico for 5.5 miles. Security and decimation of the environment are noted as reasons that "the land will be indefinitely inaccessible to the public."

Notably, the refuge is not the first federally-protected area closed to the public. Previously, a third of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was closed for the same reasons. Anyone surprised?

From AZCentral.com:

Originally established as a haven for the meek-mannered masked bobwhite quail, the 118,000-acre [Buenos Aires] refuge has been ravaged by illegal-immigrant traffic in recent years.

More than 250,000 illegal immigrants entered the refuge in 2004 and 2005. Their footsteps and vehicles have cut more than 1,300 miles of trails through the native grassland, some of which could take more than a century to recover. The landscape is dotted with rusting, abandoned vehicles and tons of clothing and trash.

Additionally, major emphasis is on security since smugglers and traffickers are regularly shooting at and sometimes killing law enforcers. So far two large tracts of land have been closed to the public and I assume there will be more.

Given that the natural environment is being trashed by the illegals with recovery seen as a long-term project, it's curious to me that the leftist environmental crowd can support continued, if not wide open, trespassing on the land. I haven't heard one peep about protecting the national refuges from the interlopers. But the enviros will broadcast megaphonic peeps when the suggestion is made to drill oil on a few acres of frozen tundra in Alaska. Somewhat hypocritical, don't you think?

And what about the meek-mannered endangered masked bobwhite quail? Poor thing. It's been forgotten.

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 12:44:00 PM

English Teacher Accused of Sex with Boy

(Daytona Beach, Florida) A 22-year-old 9th-grade English teacher at Matanzas High School in Flagler County, Seneka Arrington, has been accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

Arrington has been terminated from her teaching position since she was still on probation as a new employee. She has not been charged with a crime, however, the Daytona Beach Police Department has opened an investigation.

Tip: Jason Cann

Following Entry Posted 10/13/2006 11:10:00 AM

Suburban Marijuana "Grow Houses"

(Cleveland, Ohio) Area law enforcement agencies are raising the alarm on the existence of indoor marijuana farms, called "grow houses," in suburban neighborhoods. According to Michael Barnhardt of the Medina County drug task force, recent raids indicate that the grow houses may be operating in many communities.

From Cleveland.com:

The raid on the Baywood Drive residence, three other homes and four apartments in Brunswick and Brunswick Township netted 600 marijuana plants and $60,000 worth of plant-growing equipment. The bust led to a raid in Lorain County on a house in Avon.

Agents located the houses in Brunswick after another grow house in Wadsworth caught fire earlier this year. Information gathered after that led to the other raids.

Twelve people were arrested and charged with growing marijuana with intent to distribute. They are scheduled to go to trial Nov. 27 and each faces eight years in prison if found guilty.

The pot farmers taken into custody were Vietnamese, however, there's no evidence that they are linked to the Vietnamese gang problem moving into the U.S. from Canada. Logically, since Vietnamese-speaking people are a minute segment of the population in North America, I would suspect some sort of connection.

Notably, grow houses are very large consumers of electricity due to the lighting required for the plants and consumption can be an indicator of an indoor farm. However, electric power distributors typically "would not alert police if they saw a huge increase in electrical usage" even though it's evidence of a crime being committed.

I don't understand. Possession of child pornography is a crime simply because it's evidence of child sexual abuse being committed and it's viewed as furthering the crime of child sexual abuse. Why shouldn't it be a crime to withhold evidence of a drug farm and shouldn't the utility be considered complicit if electricity continued to be supplied in massive amounts after it became known that usage was for criminal purposes.

I'm not advocating new law, rather, just pointing out an apparent disparity in reasoning. Customarily, I'm in favor of fewer laws. Nonetheless, to be a good business neighbor, I'd suggest that prudent managers adopt guidelines to notify somebody when electricity consumption at a particular residence increased ten or twenty fold above historical usage for the neighborhood without a reasonable explanation.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 11:58:00 PM

Merry Studies

It's not necessary to be merry to get a masters degree in Robin Hood studies. Just studious.

From Ananova.com:

Nottingham University will provide the course to students, reports the BBC.

During the one-year course students will work with 15th century manuscripts in looking at the outlaw's place in English society.

The course will also use stories, songs and plays to investigate the medieval world of the Nottingham legend.

I understand that tights are optional.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 10:33:00 PM

Female Teacher's Aide Accused of Sex with Male Student

(Cashiers, North Carolina) A 39-year-old first-grade teacher's assistant at Blue Ridge School, Elizabeth Conley Solomon, has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe, the alleged sex occurred off school grounds and was reported by a parent who overheard students discussing the relationship.

Solomon was suspended from her position.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 06:54:00 PM

Tyler Stanger and Cory Lidle

Yesterday's plane crash in New York City has saddened many people. Two remarkable lives were lost.

Tyler Stanger, 26, led a life of substance, purpose and responsibility. In addition to being a devoted husband, a doting family man and a successful businessman, Tyler was a former Eagle Scout and strong supporter of scouting. Tyler leaves a wife and two-year-old daughter.

Cory Lidle, 34, is best described as focused, perseverant and accomplished. Cory too was a devoted husband and family man and he succeeded in the world of every boy's dream, as a major league baseball player. Cory leaves a wife and six-year-old son.

Both men can be characterized as "All American" solid citizens. Both will be missed. Both will be remembered.

Condolences to the families and friends of Tyler Stanger and Cory Lidle.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 04:40:00 PM

Homemaker Arrested Again for Indecent Acts

(Allen, Texas) Last April, 38-year-old female homemaker, Regina Bowling, was arrested by Allen police for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy. She was booked and released on bond.

From last night comes the report that Bowling has been arrested again for alleged indecency with a different boy. She has been released on bond, again.

Maybe the authorities ought to reconsider their position on having Bowling out of jail.

[Update 06/30/07]

Bowling indicted.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 03:28:00 PM

Parasite in Mom Promotes Birth of Boy

Here's a line of thought.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis.

And, the infection by Toxoplasma gondii in humans is caused by:

Accidentally swallowing cat feces from a Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the organism in its feces.

Given those two scientific nuggets, check out this report from The South Asian Women's Forum (SAWF).

While expecting mothers may hardly have any preferences for blue or pink researchers have now found that the presence of a particular parasite called Toxoplasma gondii can increase the likelihood of a woman having a baby boy.

Consequently, I've been toying with the idea of opening up a shop. Kitty's Tea & Dumplings might be a success if sandwiched between the bridal shoppe and Lane Bryant. The location would guarantee some traffic from mothers-to-be and also mothers-in-law wanting grandsons. Seeking venture capital.

It's not necessarily a good line of thought.

Link: STACLU

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 01:26:00 PM

Religion of Inhumanity

Express your own disgust.

From AINA.org:

Mosul, Iraq (AINA) -- On Monday, October 9, a prominent Assyrian (also known as Chaldean and Syriac) priest, Fr. Paulos Iskander (Paul Alexander), was kidnapped by an unknown Islamic group. His ransom was posted at either $250,000 or $350,000. This group had demanded that signs be posted once again on his church apologizing for the Pope's remarks as a condition for negotiations to begin.

Father Alexander was beheaded on Wednesday.

Frankly, I don't know how some people can completely absolve Islam from being responsible for this atrocity and many, many others. A thorough statistical analysis of the causes of terrorism and related violence would likely find Islam as the root.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 10:55:00 AM

Dow at Record High

Just announced. Intraday record high for the Dow Jones index at above 11914 and rising.

Pardon me if I wait until the elite media tells me why I should believe this news is bad and an indication of the conspiratorial powers of the Republican Party. In the meantime, I'll feel good enough to have a doughnut.

Following Entry Posted 10/12/2006 10:41:00 AM

Armed Homeless Man Shoots, Kills Attacker

(Seattle, Washington) A 52-year-old homeless man with a concealed weapons license shot and killed a mentally ill man who attacked him.

Classified as a Dangerous Mentally Ill Offender (DMIO) after release from prison on an arson conviction, 25-year-old Daniel Culotti died from one shot to the abdomen from a .357-caliber handgun. He was under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Seattle Mental Health agency.

The 52-year-old homeless man was questioned by police and released. His name was not made public.

Okay, one question. I know that the Pacific Northwest is quite liberal but I can't fathom how someone could get a concealed weapons permit without having a permanent address. Anybody? It's also somewhat unnerving to know that people who customarily reside in cardboard boxes may be legally packing heat.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/11/2006 07:53:00 PM

Female Molester Gets 3 Years in Prison

(San Mateo, California) Last we heard, 35-year-old daycare operator Dedra Ann Archini was in jail on $500,000 bail after getting caught violating her bail conditions established during a previous release. As a reminder, Archini had previously pleaded no contest to molesting her 13-year-old stepsister's son.

Today in San Mateo County Superior Court, Archini was sentenced to three years in prison.

From CBS5.com:

At today's sentencing hearing, Judge Craig Parsons, noting the episodes of sexual intercourse and oral sex with the 13-year-old victim, declared that "probation would not be appropriate in this case."

In addition to her three-year prison sentence, Archini will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life.

A three-year stretch may help recalibrate Archini's thinking. Noticeably missing in the disposition of this case, however, is any mention of her future as a daycare operator.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/11/2006 08:02:00 AM

Convicted Molester Gets No Jail

(Toledo, Ohio) In early September, 33-year-old mother of three Dawn M. Fisher pleaded no contest to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in accordance with a deal offered by the prosecution.

As a reminder, Fisher engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy, became pregnant and gave birth. She denied all allegations until DNA testing of the newborn proved the boy was the father.

Yesterday, Judge James Bates sentenced Fisher to five years community control and no jail time. She had faced a possible five years in prison. Surprisingly, Judge Bates admitted that he would have ruled differently for a man in similar circumstances.

From WTOL.com:

Judge Bates told Fisher, "If I had a male in front of me that would have had sex with a 14-year-old female, I think everybody in the courtroom would know what I would do to that particular offender. They would be going to a state institution for a very lengthy period of time."

Judge Bates' admission can be added to the statements of inequality recently voiced by Utah District Judge Mark Kouris as he sentenced a female sexual offender to probation. According to Judge Kouris:

"If this was a 29-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, I would be inclined to order some incarceration."

My friends, we've got two cases in different parts of the country where sitting judges have openly admitted a gender bias in the American justice system.

Consequently, I suggest we won't have to wait too long before a handful of incarcerated male sex offenders files a lawsuit claiming denial of equal treatment under the law. Then I suspect the Supreme Court will be asked to rule on the systemic gender bias in the judicial system. My guess is that some convicts will ultimately be set free.

Think about it. Female sex offenders are regularly getting little or no punishment while men are treated harshly. The disparity will ultimately have to be addressed by the highest court in the nation.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 07/26/07]

Fisher violates probation.

Following Entry Posted 10/11/2006 06:36:00 AM

Trial Set for Alleged Molester

(Farmington Hills, Michigan) A married mother of three, 41-year-old Jami Lee Knox, was in Oakland County Circuit Court yesterday for a pre-trial hearing to determine a trial date. Judge Rae Lee Chabot set the trial for November 27.

As a reminder, Knox has been charged with criminal sexual conduct for engaging in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy who is her son's friend. Knox is accused of luring the boy into numerous sex sessions and sometimes even posed as the boy's mother and called the school to get him released.

Knox faces three counts of criminal sexual conduct and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Conviction carries 45 to 75 months in prison.

A final pre-trial hearing is set for October 30. The defense and the prosecution are still in discussions seeking a mutual understanding of the case and options for sentencing if she pleads guilty. The prosecutor said he would not offer a plea bargain. In the meantime, Knox remains free on $50,000 bail.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 11/14/06]

Knox takes deal, pleads no contest.

[Update 01/02/07]

Knox sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/11/2006 04:56:00 AM

Two Muslims Convicted in Terrorism Trial

(Albany, New York) Two Muslim men affiliated with the Central Avenue Mosque, Yassin M. Aref and Mohammed M. Hossain, were convicted yesterday of dozens of terrorism-related charges in U.S. District Court. A jury deliberated for four days before handing down the verdict.

Aref, the local imam of the Central Avenue Mosque and a Kurdish refugee, was found guilty on 10 counts. Hossain, a 51-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant and pizza shop owner, was found guilty of 27 counts.

From TimesUnion.com:

Yassin M. Aref, the religious leader, and Mohammed M. Hossain are accused of taking part in a fictitious plot to help launder money from the sale of a shoulder-fired missile to terrorists plotting an attack in New York City.

Aref faced separate charges for allegedly lying on a green card application and while being interviewed by FBI agents about his ties to a Kurdish political party.

Attorneys for both men have stated their intentions to appeal. Sentencing is scheduled for February 12th.

Following Entry Posted 10/11/2006 01:28:00 AM

Elephant Vasectomy

(Lake Buena Vista, Florida) Dr. Mark Stetter, a veterinarian at Walt Disney World, is going to Africa to perform vasectomies on elephants. Stetter explains the process in not too technical terms.

From WFTV.com:

The two biggest challenges: elephants are the size of semi-trucks, and their testicles -- the size of a "respectable cantaloupe," Stetter said -- are behind 2 inches of skin, a foot of muscle and 4 inches of fat.

"What we want to do is get to the middle of something that's in that semi-truck, and we want to do it without emptying out everything that's in the truck," Stetter explains.

Using the tools doctors use for arthroscopic knee surgeries on humans -- a laparoscope and a video monitor -- Stetter can perform what he says is a two-hour procedure to sterilize male elephants without disrupting their important testosterone production.

The elephant must first be shot from a helicopter with an anesthesia dart, guided to an open area, and propped up by a crane truck so that he can stand while sleeping.

Stetter said field tests, as recently as July in South Africa, have revealed no postoperative complications for the elephants.

Now, it seems to me there could be some real breakthroughs in science if Dr. Stetter started to perform a vasectomy on Mr. Nose, the talking elephant, and showed the beast the 5-foot contraception tool. Imagine cute Mr. Nose saying, "No! No! No! No!"

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/10/2006 07:43:00 PM

Sex in Mosque

(Nairobi, Kenya) A guy and a girl have sex in a mosque and get sentenced to prison. Peter Kimani and Jennifer Wairimu got 18 months.

You know it wasn't a Sharia court since the Islamos will behead people for cartoons and a Sharia court would have definitely cut something off for jiggy-jiggy squirt-squirt in a mosque.

Following Entry Posted 10/10/2006 04:53:00 PM

Twyana Davis - Monster Sex Predator

(Columbus, Ohio) Here's a case that has been festering for over a decade. Let's review.

Eleven years ago, Twyana Davis dumped her newborn daughter in a trashcan. Subsequently, she was charged with child endangerment and given probation. Astonishingly, the authorities returned the previously-dumped daughter to Davis. Then she became a spokeswoman for unwed pregnant teenagers, wrote a book about it, appeared on The Oprah Show and ultimately admitted to raping a 12-year-old boy.

Davis eventually pleaded guilty to one count of rape and today, in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Judge Michael Holbrook sentenced her to 10 to 25 years in prison. Holbrook called Davis a sham manipulator and labeled her as a sexual predator.

Davis' attorney believes she was treated leniently saying she could have been prosecuted for at least 100 counts of rape. Even so, Davis plans to appeal the sexual predator label part of the sentence.

I'm obviously too uneducated to understand but could someone tell me why she wasn't prosecuted for attempted murder of her daughter? Also, maybe someone could enlighten me on how the jello-brained authorities could return the baby girl to Davis after she attempted to murder her? And another thing. What on Earth qualifies Davis to counsel unwed pregnant teens? I guess I'll have to watch Oprah to understand why complete, criminal idiots are trumpeted. Someone, please remind me to put it on my schedule.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/10/2006 02:15:00 PM

Jet Diverted on Bomb Threat

(Cleveland, Ohio) Last night, a Cincinnati to Newark flight was forced down at Cleveland Hopkins Airport after a bomb threat by a 45-year-old man from New Jersey. No bomb was found nor were there any injuries. The man likely faces federal charges of disruption of a flight crew.

Frankly, I think this guy should be charged with a terrorist act and face at least 20 years in federal prison without a prayer for parole. It's time that society take a strong stand against bomb threats on airplanes, or anywhere else, for that matter.

Following Entry Posted 10/10/2006 01:02:00 PM

School System Sued for Not Protecting Students

(Bayonne, New Jersey) Some readers may recall the case of Bayonne High School guidance counselor Diane West, 52, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a 15-year-old male student and received probation.

The lenient sentence resulted from West's defenders convincing the court that her offense was only a single lapse of judgment in an otherwise stellar career in education. However, new information concerning Diane West indicates otherwise and the school system is being sued for neglecting to protect students.

From NYTimes.com:

It was not until 2001, when relatives of the boy, Christopher Castlegrande, filed a complaint with the police of statutory rape against Ms. West, that she left her $74,000-a-year job and lost her unfettered access to Bayonne High School's students.

After Ms. West was arrested, school officials insisted for more than a year that the allegation was the only accusation of misconduct in a sterling 24-year career. They allowed her to take an early retirement package that fattened her pension, and gave her a farewell party with cake and ice cream. When Ms. West pleaded guilty in 2005 to sexual assault charges, glowing references from co-workers, supervisors and friends helped persuade a judge to sentence her only to probation. She was also spared the ordeal of having to register as a sex offender.

Now, with Mr. Castlegrande suing the school district for failing to protect students from a woman with a sexual appetite for under-age boys, this city of 62,000 has been forced to examine how little was done to stop her earlier. Even as the news media were saturated with coverage of teachers like Pamela Smart and Mary Kay Letourneau who slept with their students, Bayonne averted its eyes for years.

Details of the lawsuit are not known but the Times article describes a history of inappropriate behavior by West that was apparently ignored by the Bayonne School System. Notably, West married a former student after she became pregnant and gave birth to his child while he was still a student. Also, early in her teaching career, West was seen pawing a 13-year-old student at an eighth-grade dance.

With the lawsuit, the Bayonne School System will likely be forced to reexamine its entire philosophy regarding inappropriate behavior by teachers.

[Update 10/24/06]

The school system has settled with Mr. Castlegrande.

From The Jersey Journal:

A settlement has been reached in a federal lawsuit filed against the Bayonne Board of Education and eight current and/or former school employees by Christopher Castlegrande, the former Bayonne High School student involved in a sexual relationship with his then-guidance counselor, Diane Cherchio West.

Castlegrande's Bloomfield attorney, Robert Bianchi, said that as of yesterday, the case is "completely resolved" and "dismissed with prejudice, meaning that nobody can go after anybody."

Bianchi declined to disclose the financial terms of the settlement. "My client has instructed me not to release the numbers," he said.

Rumors were that Castlegrande wanted $400,000 so, with the attorney's fees, the school's insurance company likely ponied up about a half million dollars. It's rumor, though. However, it's not rumor that Diane West walked away from court with a hand slap for her inappropriate and criminal behavior.

Show's over, folks. Move along, there's nothing else to see here.

Following Entry Posted 10/10/2006 12:15:00 AM

NAACP Losing Clout

The oldest American civil rights organization, the NAACP, has been suffering from diminishing membership since the loud protest days of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. As an example, in South Florida the black citizenry has ballooned while the local branches of the NAACP has seen plummeting membership.

From Miami.com:

The Miami-Dade NAACP, which boasted 5,000 members in the late 1980s, now has 500 to 600, said Adora Obi Nweze, the state NAACP president who founded the branch.

Membership in the Fort Lauderdale branch was about 2,000 in the mid- to late 1980s, said Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Carlton B. Moore, who was branch president then. As of last month, membership was about 250, according to one member.

Jeez! That's about an 80 to 90% decrease in South Florida. Nationally, NAACP leaders say the membership is down to 300,000 from one-half million several decades ago.

Reasons cited for the decline are that: 1) Activists from decades ago are dying of old age and 2) There is a lack of interest in young people toward community activism. However, corrective measures are planned. Membership campaigns targeting young people and young families will be conducted in the near future.

Just a thought, maybe the contemporary black community doesn't have near as much to complain about and protest against as blacks did in times past. It's generally recognized that, over the years, the NAACP has been quite successful in helping address many grievances regarding equality and discrimination.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/09/2006 02:10:00 PM

Mohammad Cartoons on YouTube

(Copenhagen, Denmark) Holy moly! It appears that the world may see another flare-up of Muslim indignation. Danish television has aired video of images mocking Mohammad which were drawn by members of the anti-immigrant Danish People's Party (DPP) during summer camp.

From Reuters.com:

The foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that footage of the cartoons was first posted on the video-sharing web site YouTube, which is not hosted in Denmark.

"Danish television channels TV-2 and DR later aired extracts," it said. "The intention of airing the extracts was not to provoke Muslims but to illustrate the matter in an interview on DR with the chairman of the DPP Youth Organization, who distanced himself (from) the video clips."

The ministry issued a strong advisory to Danes against travel to the Gaza Strip and cautioned against travel to Israel and the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey.

"A militant group in Gaza has made threats against Danes in the Palestinian areas in connection with the (cartoon) matter on October 9," the advisory said. "We urge Danes to use caution as the matter could lead to negative reactions."

Yeah, that's what it says. There could be some "negative reactions" from the followers of the religion of peace. Excuse me! It seems that all their reactions are negative ... uh, that is, except when infidels are murdered. Then, they rejoice.

Following Entry Posted 10/09/2006 11:38:00 AM

Reuters Editor Booted, Wrote Coulter Smear Book

Nobody is talking details but it seems that Reuters editor Joe Maguire lost his job just as he submitted the final version of his smear book on Ann Coulter.

From NYTimes.com:

On Tuesday, Joe Maguire, one of two editors in charge of markets coverage at Reuters, handed his bosses the galleys of his new book, "Brainless: The Lies and Lunacy of Ann Coulter." On Wednesday, Mr. Maguire discovered he would have plenty of free time to promote his book, which comes out this week. Neither side in this dispute would say that he was fired.

Maguire was granted approval to write the book but the approval was apparently withdrawn after Reuters management saw the content. In a company statement:

"Our editorial policy and The Reuters Trust Principles are prominently displayed for all to see on www.about.reuters.com. Mr. Maguire's book will soon be available. Both speak for themselves."

The Trust Principles are "integrity, independence and freedom from bias."

Now I haven't read nor do I plan to read the Maguire book. With confidence, I expect it's full of false premises and avoids facts like all the other leftist screeds in the marketplace. Given that, I find it interesting that Reuters has standards of objectivity. The company has often been pejoratively called al-Reuters for its reliably leftist slant and let's not forget the recent controversy over "doctored" Reuters photos of the Israeli-Hezbollah War. Maybe Reuters management has adopted a new strategy of reporting facts as opposed to opinion.

Just don't expect me to hold my breath. Reuters is light years distant from objective journalism.

Following Entry Posted 10/09/2006 07:05:00 AM

Iraqi Policemen Poisoned

(Numaniya, Iraq) According to police sources, hundreds of Iraqi policemen were poisoned during their Ramadan meal yesterday. Fatalities have been reported but numbers vary. Whatever the cause, it sure seemed to act quickly. Some men collapsed after standing upon completion of the meal.

From Reuters:

At least seven policemen died and hundreds of others fell ill after suffering food poisoning on Sunday evening in the town of Numaniya, south of Baghdad, police sources at the base said on Monday.

It was not clear if the poisoning at an Iraqi military base was deliberate but police sources said they arrested four cooks on Monday suspected of tampering with the food.

But the spokesman for the commander of the Iraqi armed forces said no one had died.

"Three hundred and fifty to 400 people were poisoned, they were given medical treatment instantly and four were taken to a nearby hospital and everyone has returned to normal," spokesman Brigadier Qasim al-Musawi told a news conference.

Aljazeera.net reports that "policemen began bleeding from the ears and nose after the meal." The policemen are attached to the 4th Division, National Police, nicknamed the "Karrar" division, after a title of Imam Ali, the 4th Muslim caliph.

The food and water have been sampled for testing. Almost all the victims are Shi'ite Muslims from southern Iraq. They blame a Sunni contractor providing food for the base. Wasit Province Governor Hamad al-Latif stated that the food and water are provided by an unnamed Australian contractor working through Iraqi subcontractors.

The investigation continues.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/08/2006 11:43:00 PM

North Korea Splodes Nuke

(Pyongyang, North Korea) There's nothing good about this news.

From Xinhuanet.com:

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said on Monday that it has conducted a nuclear test, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

So, now what does the rational part of the world do?

STACLU also has the story and reports that a 3.58 Richter seismic tremor was detected by South Korean intelligence a few hours ago (Monday morning Korean Time).

[Update 10/08/06, 2350 EDT]

As a result of the announced test, the South Korean government has called an emergency meeting of foreign and defense ministers.

[Update 10/09/06, 0015 EDT]

Robert Koehler in S. Korea indicates that the seismic tremor occurred about 10:36 am Korean Time.

[Update 10/09/06, 0045 EDT]

From Mainichi Daily News:

North Korea said Monday it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test. The country's official Korean Central News Agency said the test was performed successfully and that there had been no radioactive leakage from the site.

"The nuclear test is a historic event that brought happiness to the our military and people," KCNA said. "The nuclear test will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region."

A value system must be somewhat askew for happiness to be defined by a nuclear bomb. Most folks would be happy with a puppy. Oh, darn! I forgot. There are no puppies in North Korea.

Following Entry Posted 10/08/2006 08:33:00 PM

Two German Journos Murdered in Afghanistan

(Baghlan Province, Afghanistan) In a generally calm area northwest of Kabul, two journalists working as freelancers for Deutsche Welle, Karen Fischer, 30, and Christian Struwe, 38, were murdered in their tent early yesterday morning.

According to Said Ekramuddin Massumie, governor of Baghlan Province, about six people are suspects believed to have been directly involved in the murders. A motive has not been revealed.

A Taliban spokesman, Kari Yussuf Ahmadi, stated that they didn't do it. "We only attack Americans and their supporters," he said. He didn't mention infidels so I think he's lying.

Condolences to the families of Karen Fischer and Christian Struwe.

Following Entry Posted 10/08/2006 02:24:00 PM

Blade Endorses Anything Non-GOP

I swear. The editors of Toledo Blade must have had to check their endorsement for governor piece several times to make sure they put someone's name in. Today's ridiculous rant against the Republican party is thinly veiled as an endorsement for Democrat Ted Strickland. I counted about 900 words in the piece and 750 are devoted to blasting Republicans.

Of Strickland, little is mentioned other than that he's "worthy" and that he's not a Republican. Some space is devoted to reminding us that Strickland went to school and that he was a congressman. The Blade also considers it important that Strickland doesn't come from a big city. However, no mention is made of any true accomplishments by Strickland nor is there any hint of what he plans for the future.

Strangely, the Blade emphasizes that Strickland is a psychologist. He's taught psychology and was a psychological counselor for prison inmates. Now, someone please tell me. Which great accomplishments of civilization can psychologists take credit for? If one were looking for generals to fight a war, if one were seeking project leaders to build a canal or a railroad or a skyscraper, or if one wanted someone to lead millions of people in a positive direction, I cannot imagine that one would be perusing the roster of available psychologists. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see Strickland's psychology background as a positive. If anything, psychologists don't make decisions. They sit, ask people what they think and say, "Uh huh."

In summary, the Toledo Blade endorses Strickland not because he's a better man for the job, but because he's not a Republican. The newspaper has an agenda. It really didn't make any difference which Democrat was chosen to run for governor.

Following Entry Posted 10/08/2006 12:30:00 PM

PD Endorses Dolt

In my mind, it's actually embarrassing. The Cleveland Plain Dealer criticizes Democrat Ted Strickland as a man who possesses "apparent passivity" and "lack of boldness," a man who is also "stunningly free of vision."

In comparison, while paraphrasing and ignoring the ugly political spin, the Plain Dealer sees Republican Ken Blackwell as dynamic and bold, a man who would freely engage in the exploration of ideas.

The two candidates are described correctly as "starkly different." Yes, very much so. Blackwell is seen to possess leadership qualities. Strickland is seen to have no leadership qualities, a virtual dolt. However, the newspaper attempts to compensate for Strickland's glaring lack of leadership talent by asserting relative confidence that he will have smart people around him.

So, who did the Plain Dealer endorse? Strickland, astonishingly!

I'm certain that everyone has heard the cliche that a "grand jury could indict a ham sandwich." Well, the Plain Dealer has proven that a supposedly objective group of journalists can endorse a dolt for governor when voters have a clear choice to vote for a leader with a vision for the future.

In summary, northeast Ohio's liberal house organ, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, is opposed to dynamic and visionary leadership , therefore, a dolt is endorsed to run the state. How pathetic?

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/07/2006 11:59:00 PM

Mr. Nose, The Talking Elephant

(Yongin, South Korea) This is unimaginable.

From The Seoul Times:

A 16-year-old Asian male elephant surprised his trainer and other people because the male elephant speaks the human language, said the elephant trainer Kim Jong-Gap.

Kim, 39, who works at Everland Zoo in Yongin, South Korea's Gyeonggi Province, said on Sept. 7, 2006 that he heard his elephant named Mr. Nose speak words of the human language. It happend while he was working.

Kim said that Mr. Nose is able to pronounce eight words including "Good," "Lie Down," "No," "Not Yet," and "Turn Around." The elephant's pronunciation of the Korean language is nearly the same as any Korean person.

Good! That means only Korean-speaking people have to be nervous if Mr. Nose tells them to turn around and lie down.

Following Entry Posted 10/07/2006 05:01:00 PM

International Breast Milk Shipments

Last April, the International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) shipped the first quantity of American breast milk to South Africa to feed babies orphaned by AIDS. Thus far, 180 liters of breast milk have been donated.

More donors are sought.

Following Entry Posted 10/07/2006 01:09:00 PM

Reported Terrorist Plot in Prague

(Prague, Czech Republic) Islamic extremists, suspiciously linked to a planned attack in Oslo, Norway, two weeks ago, plotted to murder dozens of Jews in Prague.

From Haaretz.com:

Islamic extremists planned to kidnap dozens of Jews in Prague and hold them hostage before murdering them, the daily Mlada Fronta Dnes reported on Friday.

According to Czech Chief Rabbi Ephraim Sidon, the central Prague Jerusalem Synagogue was the target. Intelligence sources say the terrorists planned to kidnap the Jews and make unreasonable demands followed by blowing up the building, killing everyone.

Armed guards were dispersed around buildings in the city after a security service warning of an imminent attack. Authorities are neither providing nor confirming any details.

Via Pirate's Cove which cites leftist blogosphere skepticism on the validity of the reporting. It's suggested the story was planted.

Following Entry Posted 10/07/2006 11:10:00 AM

Egypt's Coptic Christians Under Attack

Islamic terrorists and Egyptian state police are being implicated in the isolation and persecution of the nation's seven million Coptic Christians.

Catholic News Service:

The Catholic News Service reports that the American Coptic Union (ACU) claims in a recent letter that human rights abuses against the Copts have been escalating since September 11, 2001, and the Egyptian government has not responded with any protection. ACU is a nonprofit organization that represents Coptic people in the US and Egypt.

"The daily horrors of shame-rape, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and forced conversion, particularly in the southern part of Upper Egypt, are seriously eroding the Copts' economic, social, and religious existence," says the letter to the American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice ahead of her meeting with the Egyptian government.

[ ... ]

"While the Egypt government continues to isolate its Coptic population, it has never discussed the constitutional rights of Egypt's Christians nor has it legislated any new laws or presidential decrees to ensure human rights for the Copts," it reads. "In fact, human rights activists are often harassed, attacked and falsely imprisoned."

As I recall, the international community took action to to stop ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. Why is it allowed to occur in Egypt? Also, given the enormity of millions of Egyptian Coptics being persecuted by the religion of peace AND Egyptian state security, why are we not seeing front page headlines about it?

Furthermore, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch should worry less about how fat Gitmo detainees are and focus serious emphasis on real human rights violations.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/06/2006 09:56:00 AM

Strickland Not Strict on Child Sex Issues

Okay, Ohio voters. Listen up. With the putative sex offenses of a congressman in the news, it's an appropriate time to revisit the dubious record of Ohio candidate for governor, Democrat Ted Strickland. Fortunately, Matt Hurley has researched Strickland's history and collected some of the highlights regarding child sex issues.

Most notable to me was Strickland's refusal to condemn a bizarre study which found that sexual abuse is not always bad for children. In my mind, anyone who feels strongly about protecting children would not agree with Strickland's lack of condemnation of the study. Despite party affiliation, Strickland's capricious attitude toward defending the youngsters in society should be a deal-breaker at the voting booth.

Let's all be strangely appreciative that Ted Strickland is not seeking to run a daycare center.

Following Entry Posted 10/06/2006 08:04:00 AM

NYCLU Sues for Islamic Garb on Officers

(New York City) The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has filed suit in Manhattan federal court to allow a Muslim corrections officer to wear a traditional Islamic kufi hat as part of his uniform.

According to the lawsuit, Abdus Samad N. Haqq must wear the kufi to have taqwa, the consciousness of Allah, at all times. The kufi also demonstrates religious devotion during the five-a-day prayer sessions.

The Department of Corrections has opposed modifying prison uniform regulations for reasons of religious practice.

It's probably predictable that a win in this case by the NYCLU will lead to the ACLU filing suit to change the uniforms of the U.S. military.

This has been a production of Stop The ACLU Blogburst. If you would like to join us, please email Jay@stoptheaclu.com or GribbitR@gmail.com. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll. Over 200 blogs already on-board.

Following Entry Posted 10/06/2006 07:19:00 AM

Woman Seeks Child Support, Gets Arrested

(Warrensburg, New York) It's probably safe to assume that today, more than any other, Kimberly A. Baker remembers that math class was hard.

From TimesUnion.com:

Police charged a 22-year-old woman with rape Thursday after she went to County Court hoping to receive child support from a boy who was 13 when he impregnated her, authorities said.

Kimberly Baker became pregnant in October 2003, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Department, but authorities were unaware of the illicit sexual relationship until she filed for the child support this August from the father, now 16.

Baker was booked and remanded with bail set at $10,000.

[Update 10/18/06]

Baker found to have had sex with a different boy, age 14, in 2003.

[Update 03/16/07]

Baker pleads not guilty to eight counts of rape.

[Update 02/12/08]

Baker pleaded guilty to second-degree rape in August 2007 and was sentenced to probation. Last week, Baker pleaded guilty to violating her probation and was sentenced to two to six years in prison.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 11:52:00 PM

Sun Info on Blog?

This little nugget furrowed my brow.

Sun Microsystems Inc. chief executive Jonathan Schwartz has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to let him announce news about his computer networking company on his personal blog.

I must be missing something. It seems like an odd request.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 11:26:00 PM

Woman Allegedly Rapes Boy, 14

(Lyons, New York) A 34-year-old mother of six children, Tara Gravino, was arrested for allegedly raping her daughter's 14-year-old male classmate. Gravino faces charges of second-degree rape, unlawfully dealing with a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.

A concerned parent notified authorities that Gravino was allowing underage drinking of alcohol in her home. Gravino was booked and released on bail.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 10:01:00 PM

New Jersey Teacher Arrested for Sex with Student

(Perth Amboy, New Jersey) A 32-year-old teacher at McGinnis School, Amy Burke, was arrested yesterday for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old student.

Burke has been charged with official misconduct, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

The relationship is reported to have started last spring and was brought to the attention of authorities by another student's parents.

[Update 11/29/06]

Burke pleads guilty.

[Update 03/31/07]

Burke sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 08:28:00 PM

Earth Liberation Firebombers Plead Guilty

(Tacoma, Washington) Two members of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) terrorist group, Lacey Phillabaum and Jennifer Kolar, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to arson and "other crimes" in accordance with a plea agreement. Both admitted their responsibility in the May 2001 firebombing of the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture. They caused $7 million in damage.

The prosecution will recommend for Kolar, 33, to receive a federal prison sentence of five-to-seven years. A three-to-five year term will be recommended for Phillabaum, 31. Each faced a minimum of 30 years if convicted at trial.

It's not known when sentencing will occur but, in the meantime, both Kolar and Phillabaum have committed to assist the feds in their investigations of the ELF and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF).

[Update 03/08/07]

Without being officially sentenced, Phillabaum goes to prison.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 05:55:00 PM

Counselor's Sex Crimes Net 4 Years in Prison

(Waukegan, Illinois) In November 2005, juvenile counselor and therapist, Tiffany Daddino, was charged with criminal sexual assault for engaging in sex with a 15-year-old boy in a residential treatment center. Daddino was suspended from her position and later resigned. She was booked into the Lake County Jail with bail set at $500,000 since she was considered a flight risk.

Yesterday, 27-year-old Daddino was sentenced in accordance with a deal to four years in prison in return for pleading guilty to predatory sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and conspiracy to commit escape. Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras concurred with the plea agreement. Daddino admitted to sex with a 15-year-old boy and aiding his escape while he was on furlough from the center.

Daddino was also ordered to complete three years' probation after release from prison and to register as a sex offender. She will also be required to donate $20,000 total to Crimestoppers and a children's help group.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 01:46:00 PM

ASU Profs Assault Caucasian Club Rep

(Tempe, Arizona) Following up on a previous report, it's alleged that two ASU professors have assaulted one of the supporters of the Caucasian American Men of ASU (CAMASU).

From The Arizona Growler:

Emily Mitchell, a field representative for Leadership Institute, reports via email that two Arizona State University professors assaulted, injured, and harassed her yesterday over her support of Caucasian-American Men of ASU, an officially-recognized campus group. Unfortunately for the assailants, she has video.

Mitchell filed a hate crime report describing the assault by two female professors from the College of Fine Arts. The professors refused to state their names. The assault left Mitchell quite shaken, with a bloody hand and damaged video equipment.

Now, I've watched the video and, frankly, I don't see a hate crime. Of course, since 'hate crime' is so ill-defined and subjective, what do I know? However, I do see disagreement between the professors and Mitchell which allegedly escalated to assault. The video doesn't capture the actual assault but it's easy to believe that it occurred. To be fair, though, the conversation leading up to the assault could easily be interpreted as Mitchell goading the professors into reacting dramatically. Even so, the professors are not justified in assaulting Mitchell.

Nonetheless, in an effort to identify the assaulting professors so formal charges can be filed, CAMASU students distributed "Wanted" posters (link - pdf file) around campus but were told by ASU Police to stop because there were "some complaints." Consequently, Emily Mitchell is struggling to find the names of the two professors while the ASU Police appears to be running interference.

All in all, Emily Mitchell was promoting CAMASU when she was engaged by two liberal professors and the result was a skirmish. The alleged assault was wrong and the perpetrators should at least buy Mitchell a new camera and pay for any medical bills.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 11:15:00 AM

Judge Complains of Light Sentence to Woman

(Danville, Pennsylvania) Last June, a 20-year-old Williamsport woman, Melissa Janine Mitch, was arrested and charged with statutory sexual assault and corruption of a minor for engaging in sex with a 14-year-old boy. Apparently, the hormone-charged boy was persistent so she "gave in" to him. Mitch was booked and released.

Today, it's reported that Judge Scott W. Naus sentenced Mitch to nine to 23 months in jail and then complained about his sentence.

From The Daily Item:

Melissa Mitch pleaded guilty to corruption of minors after she had sex with the boy while staying with him and his mother.

Judge Naus felt she was getting off with a lighter charge because she was a woman.

"I don't think this gives you enough time," he said. "It's atrocious that you're only charged with corruption. I'm going to give you every day because I don't think what's here is enough."

I don't know all the details. Maybe his hands were tied to a particular outcome. Presumably, the judge has the authority to impose a stiffer sentence. Nonetheless, it's unusual for a judge to complain about his own ruling while accusing the system of treating Mitch leniently because she's a woman.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 10:02:00 AM

Woman Indicted for Sex with Two Boys

(Steubenville, Ohio) In August, 26-year-old Crystal McGrath, aka Crystal Stewarz, was arrested for allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys, ages 13 and 14. Later, she was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Yesterday, Crystal D. McGrath was indicted on the charges.

[Update 01/17/07]

McGrath pleads guilty.

Following Entry Posted 10/05/2006 12:00:00 AM

Amber Childs Pleads No Contest to Reduced Charges

(Provo, Utah) Well, the enduring case of alleged sex crimes against a 5-year-old boy by Amber Childs is coming to conclusion. As of July 2006, Childs faced felony charges of aggravated sex abuse of a child, sodomy on a child and tampering with a witness or juror.

However, the case took a turn yesterday and all her charges were reduced to misdemeanors in accordance with a deal from the prosecutors.

From NewsNet.byu.edu:

A woman from Palmyra in south Utah County pleaded no contest Tuesday to three charges relating to an incident of sexual abuse of a young boy that happened four years ago.

Amber Childs, 30, was originally charged with aggravated sex abuse of a child, sodomy on a child, and tampering with a witness or juror in 2002, according to court records.

On Tuesday in 4th District Court, all three charges were reduced to class-A misdemeanors resulting in two charges of lewdness involving a child and one charge of attempted tampering with a witness or juror.

Childs pleaded no contest to the reduced charges but will be sentenced Nov. 6 as if she pleaded guilty.

The charges were changed to lewdness with a child and attempted tampering with a witness. I speculate that she'll receive no jail time when sentenced.

[Update 12/26/06]

Childs sentenced.

[Update 12/18/07]

Childs gets 30 days for probation violation.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/04/2006 10:36:00 PM

Teacher Janelle Bird Gets Two Years in Prison

(Pensacola, Florida) Last December, Escambia High School reading teacher Janelle Marie Bird was arrested for allegedly having a two-year sexual relationship with a student that started when he was a 14-year-old.

In July, Bird was convicted by a jury of two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and two lesser counts of unnatural and lascivious act. At the time, it was reported that she faced a possible 30 years in prison and, notably, she had previously rejected a plea deal which would have given her eight years. I predicted she would see a sentence of ten years.

Boy! Was I wrong?

Today, Escambia County Circuit Judge Nick Geeker sentenced Bird to a mere two years in prison. I'm a little surprised. The nature of her crimes, two years of sex with a boy starting at age 14, were such that I thought she would surely see a handsome stretch in the slammer. However, I can be faulted for forgetting the first rule of American jurisprudence, females are never as guilty as men in similar circumstances.

Following Entry Posted 10/04/2006 06:53:00 PM

Child Molester Lives in Hole Behind School

(St. Marys, Georgia) Man! Of all the things a community has to worry about, I wouldn't think that this is one of them.

From Local6.com:

A sex offender wanted by the Virginia State Police was arrested after he was found in a wooded area behind Mary Lee Clark Elementary School, where he was apparently living in a hole, according to a WJXT-TV report.

Timothy Primrose, 50, of Virginia Beach, was being held and expected to be extradited back to Virginia.

Primrose is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 1996 of attempted rape, forcible sodomy and taking indecent liberties with children in Virginia, according to the report.

The hole measured 4 feet by 8 feet with a depth of 6 feet, ironically, about the size of a grave. Police are continuing to investigate since it appears someone has been supplying Primrose with provisions.

Following Entry Posted 10/04/2006 04:38:00 PM

No Fishing in Danube

(Belgrade, Serbia) A ruptured oil tank at a crude processing plant near the Romanian border is being blamed for a 980-foot wide oil slick in the Danube River.

From UPI.com:

A 62-mile-long waste oil slick is moving down the Danube River from Serbia, threatening to pollute waters in Bulgaria and Romania.

Mayor Ivan Tsankov, of the western Bulgarian town of Vidin, said Wednesday local authorities banned using water from the Danube and fishing in the river, the Serbian B92 Belgrade radio reported.

Bulgaria's ecology ministry has demanded an investigation into the pollution by all European countries through which the Danube flows.

Heavy financial losses and ecological damages are expected.

On a totally unrelated note, just what was Johann Strauss looking at when he composed The Blue Danube Waltz? I've seen the Danube. It's not blue, it's brown. Strauss must have been blind.

Following Entry Posted 10/04/2006 03:23:00 PM

Girl Killed for Family Honor

(Gaziantep, Turkey) A 22-year-old Turkish man, Selahattin Sezgin, has been sentenced to life in prison for the "honor killing" of his pregnant sister, 16-year-old Meryem. To restore family honor, Selahattin tracked down his sister after she ran away from home and shot her in the head and chest.

Selahattin claimed he killed his sister in anger during an argument. The court didn't believe him.

Following Entry Posted 10/04/2006 11:39:00 AM

Caucasian-American Club on Campus

(Tempe, Arizona) Presumably, there will be considerable opposition to this idea by Arizona State University sophomore Matthew Jezierski. The group is known as CAMASU, Caucasian American Men of ASU, and its purpose is to give Caucasian males recognition.

From ASU Web Devil:

The student group of more than 40 members plans to become an official organization by registering with the Student Organization Resource Center today, Jezierski said.

"As soon as we become an official group, we can be taken more seriously," Jezierski said. "It won't be like we're preaching on campus."

After Jezierski learned of the group last month from Leadership Institute field representative Emily Mitchell, he said he immediately became involved.

After spending time on campus talking with students who said they wanted more representation for white males, Mitchell decided CAMASU was needed.

Feminists are opposed. Imagine that.

The group is sending a negative message to the campus, Feminist Organization member Cali Kahlman said.

"The group sounds like it consists of white men who cannot comprehend how ... much easier they have it than the majority of society," Kahlman said.

I suppose that when it comes to defining the adversary, feminists pretty much have their minds made up. Nonetheless, the group includes some women and it's not restricted to Caucasians.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/03/2006 11:33:00 PM

Oregon School Requires Islamic Garb on Students

(Nyssa, Oregon) The courts and the ACLU make sure that Christian prayer and the Ten Commandments are removed from public schools and, all the while, we've got Islam being shoved down our kids' throats. How can a person not get heartburn?

From Local6.com:

Officials at a public school in Oregon are defending a seventh-grade social studies unit on Islam that included students dressing in traditional Islamic dress.

Kendlee Garner of Nyssa told the Ontario Argus Observer that she objected to the amount of time dedicated to the unit on Islam -- four weeks -- as well as the wearing of religious garb and the lack of parental notification. She said her son told her about the activity, and when she objected, he got an alternate assignment in the library.

School officials say that students have to understand the rise of Islam and the interaction with Europe. And yesterday, the good old trusty Supreme Court decided not to pursue the issue of Islamic indoctrination by passing on the opportunity to rule on a California case.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.

Following Entry Posted 10/03/2006 09:38:00 AM

North Korea Announces Nuke Test

Today, North Korea indicated that it will conduct a nuclear test. This news has to be troublesome to everyone.

From AP:

The statement from Pyongyang gave no precise date as to when a test might occur.

"The DPRK will in the future conduct a nuclear test in a condition where safety is firmly guaranteed," the North's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, using its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Seoul quickly announced that it had raised its security level.

Expect a flurry of diplomatic wrangling.

Following Entry Posted 10/03/2006 08:31:00 AM

Teacher Jennie Overstreet Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes

(Canon City, Colorado) According to a previous report, sixth-grade teacher Jennie Overstreet, 33, faced 21 charges related to allegations of sexual assault of children under the age of 15. The specific charges included sexual assault on a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and distributing the drug dextroamphetamine.

Yesterday, Overstreet pleaded guilty in accordance with a deal struck with the Fremont County District Attorney's Office.

From KOAA.com:

She admitted guilt on two counts of sexual assault on a child. In exchange 17 other charges against her will be dropped. Authorities arrested Overstreet last spring just after she resigned her job as an elementary school teacher. She will be sentenced next month.

Under her plea deal, she's looking at anywhere from two years to life in prison.

Offhand, I'd guess she'll be sentenced to seven years in prison with half of it suspended. With good behavior and credit for time served, she'll see three years maximum behind bars. I hope my guess is wrong. Unfortunately, that's the way the female teacher cookie crumbles.

[Update 11/24/06]

Overstreet sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/03/2006 07:02:00 AM

Teacher's Aide Schmeca White Convicted

All the charges filed against Schemeca White were serious charges, felony charges, and these three convictions are enough to land her a maximum sentence of 19-years behind bars.

What happened to Schemeca White in the courtroom was somewhat of a comfort to those who had children in her classroom. Debra Walker, mother of a victim said, "I was a little disappointed, but justice have been served. So I'm okay," with it.

Although jurors returned more verdicts of not guilty than guilty in general, they believed the testimony of six special education students who talked about the unbelievable things going on at the school.

Deputy Prosecutor Liz Hurley stated, "She was convicted of vicarious sexual gratification, which means she directed students to perform sexual acts with each other in the classroom. She was convicted of battery to a child under fourteen for choking a student."

White's sentencing has been scheduled for October 25.

[Update 10/26/06]

White sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 10/03/2006 06:10:00 AM

Boy Claims STD From Teacher's Aide

(Mishawaka, Indiana) A mid-thirties teacher's aide at Grissom Middle School, Teresa Getz, was arrested for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student.

From WNDU.com:

Court documents allege about a dozen separate sexual encounters took place, between June of last year, and July of this year, and mention times when the boy would spend the night.

Getz gave a statement to police denying any wrongdoing.

The documents indicate the boy was able to identify very private tattoo on Getz body, furthermore, the boy claimed he received a sexually transmitted disease from Getz.

WHOA! Intimate tattoo and an STD! The case is not stacking up well for Getz.

She was booked into the St. Joseph County Jail and released on bond. A December trial date has been scheduled.

Tip: Don Morgenstern

[Update 01/07/08]

Getz goes on trial.

[Update 01/12/08]

Mistrial declared in Getz case.

From WNDU:

Jurors could not come to an agreement about if Teresa Getz had sex with an eighth grade student, or not.

The case was handed over to the jury Wednesday afternoon, and jurors spent several hours deliberating, before telling a judge they could not come to an agreement.

During the trial, jurors heard from the alleged victim Tuesday, and Wednesday Getz took the stand in her defense.

She refuted all the student's claims; that they had sex and oral sex many times throughout the summer of 2006.

Getz was hit hard in cross-examination, as the attorney went through all the details of the student's story, but Getz refuted it all consistently and stayed calm.

Getz admits the student spent a lot of time at her house, even staying the night, but says he was helping with chores, and playing with her three children.

Inconsistencies in both Getz and the student’s stories from when they were first reported until now were brought up on both sides in the closing statements.

It's not known whether the prosecutors will retry the case. Since it appears to be a he said - she said situation, they may not.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 11:55:00 PM

Mom Nabbed for Giving Booze, Drugs to Kids

(Virginia Beach, Virginia) A 41-year-old mother, Amy Davis, has been accused of providing drugs and alcohol to minors. A girl told her mother that Davis provided marijuana to her and the mother alerted the police. An investigation determined that the activity had been occurring for several months.

Davis was charged with distributing drugs to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was booked and released on $1,500 bond.

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 07:11:00 PM

Wounded Soldiers at Risk in Brit Hospitals

(Birmingham, England) The socialized health care system in the United Kingdom has been criticized for many things but this is the first I've heard that they cannot protect wounded British soldiers from Muslim radicals.

From Telegraph.co.uk:

A paratrooper wounded in Afghanistan was threatened by a Muslim visitor to the British hospital where he is recovering.

Seriously wounded soldiers have complained that they are worried about their safety after being left on wards that are open to the public at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.

On one occasion a member of the Parachute Regiment, still dressed in his combat uniform after being evacuated from Afghanistan, was accosted by a Muslim over the British involvement in the country.

"You have been killing my Muslim brothers in Afghanistan," the man said during a tirade.

Because the soldier was badly injured and could not defend himself, he was very worried for his safety, sources told The Daily Telegraph.

Arguably, the most serious indictment of the British National Health Service (NHS) is the following:

Soldiers on operations say they would rather receive a more serious injury and go to the top American military hospital in Ramstein, Germany, than end up in a NHS hospital.

Imagine the ridiculous scenario of a Brit soldier saying, "Please, shoot me again. I don't want to go to the NHS."

Tip: Hot Air

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 09:31:00 AM

Hugo Chavez Mole in White House?

Yep! That's according to this report. Of course, Hollerin' Hugo's putative mole can't even compare with the stinking rash of anti-American saboteurs who feed the elite media.

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 09:01:00 AM

Mohammad Cartoons to Air in Norway

Check out this report from News From Norway. Norwegian television is scheduled to broadcast a program with images of the Mohammad cartoons today.

Presumably, we can expect some 'peaceful' commentary from the followers of the religion of peace.

Tip: OpinionBug.com

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 08:34:00 AM

Hamster Abuse

(Janesville, Wisconsin) A 23-year-old woman, Lisa R. Gaiser, was arrested Saturday for hamster abuse. She faces 78 criminal counts total for neglecting her pets. Gaiser's rat roommate squealed on her and police found six dead hamsters in her home.

Gaiser was booked into the Rock County Jail with bond set at $13, 836. Notably, she faces charges from a previous complaint that she didn't feed her dog.

It's worth noting that the State of Wisconsin takes hamster neglect quite seriously. As an illustration, bond for Gaiser was set almost $5,000 higher than bond for a woman recently arrested in Delaware for sexually assaulting a four-year-old boy.

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 07:05:00 AM

Video of 9/11 Murderers

A copy of a videotape depicting a pre-9/11 party attended by the key players in the hijackings has surfaced.

From TimesOnline.co.uk:

It is the first time that a videotape has appeared of Mohammed Atta -- who flew an American Airlines plane into the north tower of the World Trade Center -- at a training camp in Afghanistan. It fills in a significant gap in the timing of the build-up to the attacks on the United States.

Dates on the tape show Atta was filmed on January 18, 2000, together with Ziad Jarrah, the pilot of United Airlines flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania after the passengers apparently stormed the flight deck.

[ ... ]

The high quality, unedited film shows Bin Laden addressing his followers at the mud-walled complex near Kandahar. One of the main figures in the September 11 plot, Ramzi Binalshibh, is identifiable in the crowd, as is a bodyguard whose task was to kill Bin Laden with two bullets to the head if he faced capture.

Dating on the tape indicates that the Al-Qaeda leader was filmed on January 8, 2000, 10 days before Atta and Jarrah recorded their wills.

There's no soundtrack on the tape and it's reported that lip readers have been unable to interpret the content of the conversation.

Watch the video.

Companion post at The Jawa Report. The Jawa also has a pic of the Mohammad Bobblehead.

Following Entry Posted 10/02/2006 06:34:00 AM

Illegals in Toolbox

(Sarita, Texas) Imagine a good old boy arriving at a job site for work. The first thing he does is break out his equipment by opening the toolbox in the bed of his pickup truck.

And, Voila! A matching set of amigos.

From Team4News.com:

Border Patrol Agents find two people hidden in a closed toolbox.

The couple was sweating profusely when they were rescued from the toolbox.

The driver, a 41 year-old United States citizen and another person, a 31 year-old United States citizen were arrested and charged with alien smuggling.

Actually they weren't exactly matching, one of the illegals is four-months pregnant.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Following Entry Posted 10/01/2006 10:07:00 PM

Congressman Resigns Over Emails to Teen

Representative Mark Foley (R-FL) has resigned from Congress amid concerns and questions regarding emails and instant messages he sent to a teen boy. The communications have been described as worrisome, inappropriate, overly-friendly and sexually suggestive. In one instance, Foley requested that the boy send a picture of himself. However, scant details have been reported about the communications themselves but they must be damning enough. Congressman Foley skipped town as a result.

Current status of the scandal is that the Democrats are pointing fingers at the House Republican leadership for allegedly knowing about and trying to cover up Foley's indiscretions. The Foley event will surely be rolled into the Democrat campaign attack on a supposed Republican culture of corruption. Also being attacked is the inability to protect House pages. House Speaker Hastert will likely have to answer a slew of questions as investigations are conducted.

The impact of Foley's stunt on the November elections will hurt the Republicans. How much remains to be seen. However, since there are five weeks until the elections, plenty of time remains for all kinds of political mischief on both sides. Fasten your seat belts, voters. It will be a thrilling ride.

That said, I think it's odd that there have been no indications of Foley having a history of immorality. Without warning, a 52-year-old man develops a predeliction and decides to communicate with a teen boy in a lascivious manner? I don't think so. If all the allegations are true, there likely would be a track record of previous licentious behavior by Foley. Therefore, I believe Foley's past should be thoroughly examined.

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