Bet the Huskers
According to the latest line from the handicappers in Las Vegas, USC is laying 17 points to Nebraska. The over/under is 56. Take the points with Nebraska for a sure win. Game time is 8:00 pm EDT.
However, USC is sorely distracted by the Reggie Bush allegations so the door is open for a Husker surprise. Final score: Nebraska 28, USC 27.
For the sake of full disclosure, I'm originally from Nebraska. A bias is conceivable. Go Big Red!
[Update]
Oops! Huskers lose 28 - 10.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Organic-Food Firm Linked to E. Coli Outbreak
(Washington) An organic-food grower in California, Natural Selection Foods, has been linked to E. coli illnesses in at least 19 states. One person has died and about 100 others have been sickened. Overly-organic packaged spinach, sold by more than 30 companies, is being blamed.
Natural Selection Foods in San Juan Bautista, California, which also conducts business as Earthbound Farm, claims to be the largest provider of organic foods in North America. How comforting.
(Washington) An organic-food grower in California, Natural Selection Foods, has been linked to E. coli illnesses in at least 19 states. One person has died and about 100 others have been sickened. Overly-organic packaged spinach, sold by more than 30 companies, is being blamed.
Natural Selection Foods in San Juan Bautista, California, which also conducts business as Earthbound Farm, claims to be the largest provider of organic foods in North America. How comforting.
Superdome Ready for Football
A year since the landmark Louisiana Superdome was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the facility is ready for some football. Next week, the New Orleans Saints will host the Atlanta Falcons in the 1.9 million square-foot stadium, marking the completion of a $185 million rebuilding effort by engineers, architects, and construction contractors.
The overhauling of the Superdome started with three months of review, testing and inspection to determine what needed fixing and to produce project plans and estimates. Then followed three months of simply clearing an estimated "5,000 tons of damaged and water-soaked carpeting, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, furniture and equipment and 3.8 million gallons of water from the dome and garages." Nuts and bolts rebuilding has been a 24/7 job for the last six months by a construction force of 850 workers with the biggest task being the repair of the near 10-acre roof.
Phew!
According to architectural director Paul Griesemer, "This was a chance to be involved in something truly historic. Not just from a football stadium or NFL stadium, but the building was such a focal point of the human tragedy, and in the same regard, it's going to be the focal point of the rebuilding."
Most of the rebuilding money came from FEMA ($113 million) and a large amount ($41 million) was made available by refinancing existing debt. Additionally, the NFL kicked in $15 million and the state of Louisiana ponied up $13 million.
Somewhat fortuitously, plans for upgrade of the Superdome were being considered when Katrina hit thereby allowing for some renovation to occur concurrent with the rebuilding. Consequently, the Superdome will have a new scoreboard, remodeled concession stands, and upgraded seating, suites, and lounges.
The reopening of the Superdome will surely be triumphed. However, it will also be disparaged. There is still much destruction evident in and around New Orleans and activist voices will complain that the stadium was a priority while the community has been ignored. They have a point.
Nonetheless, the Louisiana Superdome is iconic, known around the world, and a symbol of New Orleans as a enjoyable destination. Its rebirth will help revitalize the traditional flow of tourists with their pockets full of spending money. More out-of-town cash will show up in local businesses, bolstering the entire economy. That's the argument of the city's leaders. I would agree.
Link: STACLU
A year since the landmark Louisiana Superdome was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the facility is ready for some football. Next week, the New Orleans Saints will host the Atlanta Falcons in the 1.9 million square-foot stadium, marking the completion of a $185 million rebuilding effort by engineers, architects, and construction contractors.
The overhauling of the Superdome started with three months of review, testing and inspection to determine what needed fixing and to produce project plans and estimates. Then followed three months of simply clearing an estimated "5,000 tons of damaged and water-soaked carpeting, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, furniture and equipment and 3.8 million gallons of water from the dome and garages." Nuts and bolts rebuilding has been a 24/7 job for the last six months by a construction force of 850 workers with the biggest task being the repair of the near 10-acre roof.
Phew!
According to architectural director Paul Griesemer, "This was a chance to be involved in something truly historic. Not just from a football stadium or NFL stadium, but the building was such a focal point of the human tragedy, and in the same regard, it's going to be the focal point of the rebuilding."
Most of the rebuilding money came from FEMA ($113 million) and a large amount ($41 million) was made available by refinancing existing debt. Additionally, the NFL kicked in $15 million and the state of Louisiana ponied up $13 million.
Somewhat fortuitously, plans for upgrade of the Superdome were being considered when Katrina hit thereby allowing for some renovation to occur concurrent with the rebuilding. Consequently, the Superdome will have a new scoreboard, remodeled concession stands, and upgraded seating, suites, and lounges.
The reopening of the Superdome will surely be triumphed. However, it will also be disparaged. There is still much destruction evident in and around New Orleans and activist voices will complain that the stadium was a priority while the community has been ignored. They have a point.
Nonetheless, the Louisiana Superdome is iconic, known around the world, and a symbol of New Orleans as a enjoyable destination. Its rebirth will help revitalize the traditional flow of tourists with their pockets full of spending money. More out-of-town cash will show up in local businesses, bolstering the entire economy. That's the argument of the city's leaders. I would agree.
Link: STACLU
Rats Invade Boston
With Massachusetts being an overwhelmingly Blue State, one might think that an invasion of rats, some the size of small children, wouldn't even be noticed. But it has.
Presumably, the Humane Society, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the American Civil Liberties Union are carefully monitoring the methods used to control and detain the invaders to assure that they are not subjected to harrassing, stressful, or torturous treatment and that their cases are adjudicated by a properly constituted judicial authority in accordance with the Benji Convention.
With Massachusetts being an overwhelmingly Blue State, one might think that an invasion of rats, some the size of small children, wouldn't even be noticed. But it has.
Presumably, the Humane Society, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the American Civil Liberties Union are carefully monitoring the methods used to control and detain the invaders to assure that they are not subjected to harrassing, stressful, or torturous treatment and that their cases are adjudicated by a properly constituted judicial authority in accordance with the Benji Convention.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Habitat for Illegality
Presumably, the purpose of Habitat for Humanity is to provide homes for poor U.S. citizens. Maybe I'm doing too much presumin' since agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have found illegal aliens living in a Habitat for Humanity home.
Not only that, but they're fugitives.
Source
Presumably, the purpose of Habitat for Humanity is to provide homes for poor U.S. citizens. Maybe I'm doing too much presumin' since agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have found illegal aliens living in a Habitat for Humanity home.
Not only that, but they're fugitives.
Source
UN All-Female Peacekeeping Force Deployment
(Wazirabad, India) A force of 125 female Indian police officers is preparing to deploy to Liberia as UN peacekeepers to assist in the nation's recovery from years of civil war.. The women are aged 25 to 30 and attached to India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
According to battalion commander Sunita Dhundia, her tanned and toned physique glistening in the sun-drenched drill field,
I think it warrants noting that the UN also seems to have finally figured out how to solve the problem of male peacekeepers committing rampant rape, as is occurring in the Congo and elsewhere. Just send people less prone to be rapists, such as women.
Tactically, it's ground-breaking and innovative, however, the success of sending an all-female peacekeeping force remains to be seen. I'll pray for their safety and success.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
(Wazirabad, India) A force of 125 female Indian police officers is preparing to deploy to Liberia as UN peacekeepers to assist in the nation's recovery from years of civil war.. The women are aged 25 to 30 and attached to India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
According to battalion commander Sunita Dhundia, her tanned and toned physique glistening in the sun-drenched drill field,
"We're prepared to take casualties. My girls know the hazards of the call of duty -- they have to do it, they're soldiers."Many of the women have fighting experience from confrontations with Islamic guerillas in the disputed Kashmir region. Additionally, with their combat experience and an expected greater level of approachability, it's believed the all-female unit will create a new dimension in UN peacekeeping efforts.
I think it warrants noting that the UN also seems to have finally figured out how to solve the problem of male peacekeepers committing rampant rape, as is occurring in the Congo and elsewhere. Just send people less prone to be rapists, such as women.
Tactically, it's ground-breaking and innovative, however, the success of sending an all-female peacekeeping force remains to be seen. I'll pray for their safety and success.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
Three Journalists Murdered in Iraq
Unidentified gunmen are blamed.
From Guardian.co.uk:
Unidentified gunmen are blamed.
From Guardian.co.uk:
Freelance photographer Safa Isma'il Enad, 31, was shot in a photo print shop in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory, an Iraqi press freedom organisation run by local journalists.The deaths are being investigated.
[ ... ]
Hadi Anawi al-Joubouri, 56, was ambushed as he was driving 125 miles northeast of Baghdad, according to the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory. His body was found riddled with bullets.
[ ... ]
Last Saturday, Abdel Karim al-Rubai, 40, a design editor for Iraq's state-run daily paper al-Sabah, was shot dead while travelling to work in Baghdad.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Liberia's Land, Air Space and Waters Put at U.S. Disposal
When you hear that the whole world hates the United States, realize that it's not true. One example is the African country of Liberia.
From AllAfrica.com:
When you hear that the whole world hates the United States, realize that it's not true. One example is the African country of Liberia.
From AllAfrica.com:
The National Legislature has adopted a resolution yesterday assuring open access to the Bush Administration in its global approach to combating terrorism.Quite a commitment, I think. Some might say that the leaders in Liberia realize a close relationship with the U.S. can boost their economy. There's also the belief that Liberia is trying to change its image as an alleged former haven for al Qaeda diamond smuggling and gun-running. Either way, it's positive for the U.S. A West African country about the size of the state of Tennessee has made itself available as a base for supporting American interests.
The resolution which was adopted in Joint Session of the Legislature Assembled in solidarity with the "brave and gallant people of America" coincided with the 5th Anniversary of what is generally referred to as "9/11."
The resolution reads in part: "Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the democratic, free and peaceful people of the United States of America were wantonly, unjustifiably and grievously attacked in their home. Now, therefore, we, the Senate and the House of Representatives in Legislature assembled, reflecting the collective voice of the people of the Republic of Liberia, resolve That the people of Liberia shall continue to make available to the noble people of the Untied States its land, air space and territorial waters, as well as any other asset which lies within its domain in its search of justice against all aggressors."
By opening up the Liberian territory to the U.S. government in its bid to track down what the Legislature described as aggressors, it hoped the Bush Administration would make a dramatic headway in combating international terrorism.
Prophet Joke Results in Death Sentence
There are many people who believe that all cultures should be blindly tolerated. I suggest that those people try and keep down a tolerable bite of this story which is somewhat similar to the Danish cartoon episode.
From Guardian.co.uk:
Meanwhile, 31-year-old Hadi sits in prison with no apparent hope and, on September 5, he reportedly started a fast to starve himself to death.
It seems to me that this would be an opportunity for all those moderate followers of the religion of peace, who we keep hearing about but never see, to protest the cruel and unusual punishment of Hadi. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International might want to help also. Living behind bars for 13 years is sufficient punishment for telling a bad joke.
There are many people who believe that all cultures should be blindly tolerated. I suggest that those people try and keep down a tolerable bite of this story which is somewhat similar to the Danish cartoon episode.
From Guardian.co.uk:
The current status of Hadi's case is indeterminate. He has been sentenced to death but, after Hadi's father and a local sheikh from Najran met with King Abdullah, the sentenced may have been commuted to life in prison. Nobody is sure.Hadi Saeed al-Mutif grew up in the countryside in southern Saudi Arabia and at the age of 18 started training to become a policeman. Two months into his training, Hadi had gathered with other recruits for afternoon prayers, as required by the rules. "Let us pray upon the Prophet .." the Imam said - at which point Hadi allegedly quipped: "... and upon his penis."
A couple of his fellow recruits reported Hadi to the authorities at the training centre and he was ordered to stand under the Saudi flag for two hours as a punishment.
That might have been the end of the matter, except that a military inspector happened to be visiting at the time. Instead, this silly incident set in motion a train of events which is still continuing after almost 13 years, involving every level of Saudi Arabia's Byzantine justice system and even reaching the ears of the king.
Meanwhile, 31-year-old Hadi sits in prison with no apparent hope and, on September 5, he reportedly started a fast to starve himself to death.
It seems to me that this would be an opportunity for all those moderate followers of the religion of peace, who we keep hearing about but never see, to protest the cruel and unusual punishment of Hadi. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International might want to help also. Living behind bars for 13 years is sufficient punishment for telling a bad joke.
Russian Central Banker Assassinated
(Moscow) There was a high-profile attack on Russia's financial credibility yesterday.
From MOSNEWS.com:
Officials stated that Kozlov's murder had the earmarks of a contract killing. Presumably, his aggressive campaign against corruption made him a target for murder by organized criminal elements.
(Moscow) There was a high-profile attack on Russia's financial credibility yesterday.
From MOSNEWS.com:
The first deputy chairman of Russia's central bank died in hospital on Thursday, hours after gunmen with automatic weapons attacked him outside a Moscow sports stadium and killed his driver, officials said. Andrei Kozlov, 41, a high-profile figure in Russian finance who was in charge of cleaning up the murky and fragmented banking system, had undergone emergency surgery overnight for serious gunshot wounds to his chest and head.Kozlov died early this morning.
Officials stated that Kozlov's murder had the earmarks of a contract killing. Presumably, his aggressive campaign against corruption made him a target for murder by organized criminal elements.
Accused Molester Rearrested
(Chubbuck, Idaho) Last May, 27-year-old neighborhood woman, Rayenell Carmona Underwood, was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy on numerous occasions. She was booked into the Bannock County Jail on two counts of lewd conduct with a minor and later released with a court order to have no contact with the victim.
According to a report from yesterday, Underwood has been rearrested for violating her no-contact order. She claims that she is in love with the boy.
Having been determined to be competent by a psychologist, Underwood is awaiting trial on the lewd conduct charges.
[Update 10/24/06]
Carmona pleads guilty.
[Update 03/13/07]
Carmona sentenced.
(Chubbuck, Idaho) Last May, 27-year-old neighborhood woman, Rayenell Carmona Underwood, was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy on numerous occasions. She was booked into the Bannock County Jail on two counts of lewd conduct with a minor and later released with a court order to have no contact with the victim.According to a report from yesterday, Underwood has been rearrested for violating her no-contact order. She claims that she is in love with the boy.
Having been determined to be competent by a psychologist, Underwood is awaiting trial on the lewd conduct charges.
[Update 10/24/06]
Carmona pleads guilty.
[Update 03/13/07]
Carmona sentenced.
ACLU - Enemy Sympathizers
Every time I try to beguile myself into thinking the ACLU has reached the limit of outrageous anti-Americanism, another shoe drops. Here's the latest handcuffing stunt by the ACLU courtesy of Jay at Stop The ACLU.
I don't suppose it crossed the minds of the Supremes that they have given terrorists free license to surreptitiously enter courtrooms to further their primary goal of murdering as many Americans as possible. Also, the ruling logically sets a precedent for all background questionnaires for employment to be challenged and ruled unconstitutional.
Not being a legal scholar, all I can do is apply common sense. Doing so, the decision by the Ohio Supreme Court makes no damn sense. Regarding the ACLU, any deep-rooted and unfounded hope that the organization has someone in its hierarchy that respects the traditions and institutions of American freedom are gone. I see the ACLU as a fifth column, enemy sympathizers bent on sabotaging efforts to protect the United States from terrorists.
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.
Every time I try to beguile myself into thinking the ACLU has reached the limit of outrageous anti-Americanism, another shoe drops. Here's the latest handcuffing stunt by the ACLU courtesy of Jay at Stop The ACLU.
Today, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that attorneys seeking to represent indigent clients are no longer required to sign documents swearing that they are not terrorists and have no involvement with terrorist groups. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio had challenged the provision, which is part of the Ohio Patriot Act, calling the requirement unnecessary red tape that will do nothing to prevent terrorism.As an Ohioan, I'm angry. Not only is my anger directed at the ACLU, which I consider to be an agency that almost exclusively supports America's enemies, but I'm also angry at the Ohio Supreme Court. What's next? No more oaths of office?
"We are pleased the court recognized that attorneys should not be forced to sign these ineffective and offensive pledges," said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. "The Ohio Patriot Act is an assault on the fundamental liberties of all Ohioans. Hopefully, this decision is a stepping stone to reining in this overreaching and flawed law."
I don't suppose it crossed the minds of the Supremes that they have given terrorists free license to surreptitiously enter courtrooms to further their primary goal of murdering as many Americans as possible. Also, the ruling logically sets a precedent for all background questionnaires for employment to be challenged and ruled unconstitutional.
Not being a legal scholar, all I can do is apply common sense. Doing so, the decision by the Ohio Supreme Court makes no damn sense. Regarding the ACLU, any deep-rooted and unfounded hope that the organization has someone in its hierarchy that respects the traditions and institutions of American freedom are gone. I see the ACLU as a fifth column, enemy sympathizers bent on sabotaging efforts to protect the United States from terrorists.
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, September 13, 2006
Condi and the Bachelor
(Stellarton, Nova Scotia) Bruce Campion-Smith has a provocative piece in today's Toronto Star which hints that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has a very special personal relationship with Ottawa's most eligible bachelor, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
(Stellarton, Nova Scotia) Bruce Campion-Smith has a provocative piece in today's Toronto Star which hints that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has a very special personal relationship with Ottawa's most eligible bachelor, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.
During a spring visit with Rice in Washington, MacKay, who turns 41 two weeks from today, had gushed that the two shared a "chemistry" and conceded he had always been a "fan."The piece lacks lust but it's packed with "Oh, how sweet." Think about it. He gushed of chemistry and she had a lovely trip. Just like peas and carrots.
MacKay steered clear of any such fawning talk yesterday. But it was obvious he was smitten with one of the world's most powerful women as they exchanged a handshake and double-cheek kiss. The feeling appeared mutual. Rice, who has never married, repeatedly called MacKay by his first name and seemed in no rush to finish up her morning agenda.
"This has been a lovely trip, Peter," she told him.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
Massive Weapons Raid in UK
(London) Metropolitan Police swarmed a residence in a suburban neighborhood and confiscated hundreds and hundreds of illegal pump-action shotguns, pistols and semi-automatic weapons stored by a suspected international arms trafficking cartel.
From Daily Mail:
The raids were prompted by investigations launched after a series of gangland-type shootings in London last year. The weapons smuggling is reportedly not terrorist-related. A 55-year-old man was arrested in London and an accomplice is being detained in New Jersey.
Stand by. I expect this episode will likely trigger anti-gun advocates to do some loud complaining about America and the Second Amendment.
(London) Metropolitan Police swarmed a residence in a suburban neighborhood and confiscated hundreds and hundreds of illegal pump-action shotguns, pistols and semi-automatic weapons stored by a suspected international arms trafficking cartel.
From Daily Mail:
Detective Superintendent Kevin Davis, head of Scotland Yard's Operation Trident squad which targets gun crime in the black community, said the largest amount of weapons had been recovered from a three-bedroom house in a suburban street.Concurrently, police in New Jersey conducted an operation to apprehend individuals suspected of being the source of the weapons sent to the UK.
"This is the biggest firearms haul we have ever had," he said. "The premises raided were used to store hundreds and hundreds of weapons. I have never seen anything like it."
Mr Davis added: "Guns are mounted on every available wall space in the property and live ammunition was found lying on the floor.
"There are guns everywhere. It will take us at least three days to log it all and bag up the evidence."
The raids were prompted by investigations launched after a series of gangland-type shootings in London last year. The weapons smuggling is reportedly not terrorist-related. A 55-year-old man was arrested in London and an accomplice is being detained in New Jersey.
Stand by. I expect this episode will likely trigger anti-gun advocates to do some loud complaining about America and the Second Amendment.
North Korean Arms to Syria Intercepted
Here's an interesting axis-of-evil news item.
From JTA.org:
Here's an interesting axis-of-evil news item.
From JTA.org:
A North Korean shipment of air-defense systems that may have been on its way to Hezbollah was intercepted en route to Syria.I would assume this equipment was ordered and sent before the war between Hezbollah and Israel.
A ship carrying 18 truck-mounted mobile radars and three command vehicles was stopped this week while docked in Cyprus after Interpol issued an arms-smuggling alert.
Woman Accused of Sex Assault of Two Boys
(Houston, Texas) A 32-year-old neighborhood mom, Deborah Joyce Lux, has been accused of engaging in sex with two boys, ages 13 and 16. It's alleged that she had sex with her own son's 13-year-old friend.
The parents of a 16-year-old neighborhood boy alerted the Harris County Sheriff's Department to the possibility of sexual abuse and an investigation was launched. Ultimately, Lux was charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child.
Lux denies having engaged in sex with underage boys, however, she accused another woman of the offenses. According to Harris County Sheriff's Lt. John Martin, the other woman admitted to the allegations and is expected to be charged.
[Update 0545 EDT]
Another report identifies Deborah Joyce Lux with the alias of Deborah Joyce Conway. The other woman's name is Laniece Linthicum, 26, who admitted having sex with the 16-year-old approximately 10 times in the last several months. (Tip: Don Morgenstern)
[Update 02/25/07]
Lux sentenced to prison.
(Houston, Texas) A 32-year-old neighborhood mom, Deborah Joyce Lux, has been accused of engaging in sex with two boys, ages 13 and 16. It's alleged that she had sex with her own son's 13-year-old friend.The parents of a 16-year-old neighborhood boy alerted the Harris County Sheriff's Department to the possibility of sexual abuse and an investigation was launched. Ultimately, Lux was charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child.
Lux denies having engaged in sex with underage boys, however, she accused another woman of the offenses. According to Harris County Sheriff's Lt. John Martin, the other woman admitted to the allegations and is expected to be charged.
[Update 0545 EDT]
Another report identifies Deborah Joyce Lux with the alias of Deborah Joyce Conway. The other woman's name is Laniece Linthicum, 26, who admitted having sex with the 16-year-old approximately 10 times in the last several months. (Tip: Don Morgenstern)
[Update 02/25/07]
Lux sentenced to prison.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Lafave: "I was a kindhearted person who loved children"
Maybe so, but I don't think it's a legitimate defense for having sex with a minor. Furthermore, I believe probation is a ridiculous punishment for a convicted sexual predator.
In an interview with Matt Lauer, Debra Lafave admits she "made a really, really, really bad choice." In the patois of the intellectually challenged, "Well, duh!"
The interview will air tomorrow on NBC.
Maybe so, but I don't think it's a legitimate defense for having sex with a minor. Furthermore, I believe probation is a ridiculous punishment for a convicted sexual predator.In an interview with Matt Lauer, Debra Lafave admits she "made a really, really, really bad choice." In the patois of the intellectually challenged, "Well, duh!"
The interview will air tomorrow on NBC.
Woman Sentenced in Child Sex Case
(Atchison, Kansas) In June, a 33-year-old Atchison woman, Melissa Contreras (aka Melissa Truman and Melissa Servaes), pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
Contreras' plea was part of a deal that called for the dismissal of a charge of giving alcohol to a minor. Contreras admitted to a premeditated sexual tryst with a 15-year-old boy.
Yesterday, in Atchison County District Court Judge Martin Asher sentenced Contreras to 32 months in prison. Since it was previously reported that she faced a maximum of 11 years to a minimum of 31 months in prison, 32 months has to be considered lenient.
The victim's family is sorely upset with the sentence. They believe that Contreras received a light sentence because she is a woman. The victim's family even anticipated that Judge Asher would be easy and organized a picket line outside the courthouse to send a message that child molesters, male or female, need stern punishment. Apparently, it didn't work.
(Atchison, Kansas) In June, a 33-year-old Atchison woman, Melissa Contreras (aka Melissa Truman and Melissa Servaes), pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Contreras' plea was part of a deal that called for the dismissal of a charge of giving alcohol to a minor. Contreras admitted to a premeditated sexual tryst with a 15-year-old boy.
Yesterday, in Atchison County District Court Judge Martin Asher sentenced Contreras to 32 months in prison. Since it was previously reported that she faced a maximum of 11 years to a minimum of 31 months in prison, 32 months has to be considered lenient.
The victim's family is sorely upset with the sentence. They believe that Contreras received a light sentence because she is a woman. The victim's family even anticipated that Judge Asher would be easy and organized a picket line outside the courthouse to send a message that child molesters, male or female, need stern punishment. Apparently, it didn't work.
Attack on U.S. Embassy in Syria
(Damascus) Breaking news!
Several sources are reporting loud explosions and heavy gunfire in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. One witness stated that it appeared the U.S. Embassy was being attacked. A security source said that Syrian police may have foiled a bomb attack against the Americans.
Emergency vehicles rushed to the area and security forces have sealed off the neighborhood where several embassies, security installations and diplomats' residences are located.
No official confirmation of the events has been issued.
From Bloomberg, nervous investors pushed U.S. stock-index futures downward after news of the attack.
[Update 0525 EDT]
It's now reported that three attackers were killed when a car bomb was detonated. Apparently, the three tried to drive into the embassy compound and were met with gunfire from the guards. They then blew themselves up. No damage assessment yet. No American casualties reported.
According to Interior Minister General Bassam Abdel Majid speaking on state television, "A terrorist operation targeted the US Embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control. Three terrorists were killed and one was wounded."
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
(Damascus) Breaking news!
Several sources are reporting loud explosions and heavy gunfire in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. One witness stated that it appeared the U.S. Embassy was being attacked. A security source said that Syrian police may have foiled a bomb attack against the Americans.
Emergency vehicles rushed to the area and security forces have sealed off the neighborhood where several embassies, security installations and diplomats' residences are located.
No official confirmation of the events has been issued.
From Bloomberg, nervous investors pushed U.S. stock-index futures downward after news of the attack.
[Update 0525 EDT]
It's now reported that three attackers were killed when a car bomb was detonated. Apparently, the three tried to drive into the embassy compound and were met with gunfire from the guards. They then blew themselves up. No damage assessment yet. No American casualties reported.
According to Interior Minister General Bassam Abdel Majid speaking on state television, "A terrorist operation targeted the US Embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control. Three terrorists were killed and one was wounded."
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
Fatwa Outlaws Life Insurance
(Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India) The supreme Muslim body for Sunnis, Darul Uloom of Deoband, recently issued Fatwa 837 declaring life insurance illegal under Sharia Law.
From Times Now:
However, there isn't common agreement among all Muslim leaders. According to Kalbe Javwad, a prominent Shia leader:
Look, their guiding belief system sanctions and, some would say, encourages killing. There are "honor killings" and a variety of homicidal and suicidal acts of martyrdom, all ostensibly conducted with the approval of higher spiritual authority. An ambitious entrepreneur wouldn't need a John D. Rockefeller intellect to figure out how to rake in some lucrative life insurance payouts.
Muslims are more than adept at regularly killing each other in large numbers already. They don't need a profit motive.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
(Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India) The supreme Muslim body for Sunnis, Darul Uloom of Deoband, recently issued Fatwa 837 declaring life insurance illegal under Sharia Law.
From Times Now:
"Fatwa had rightly stated that insurance of life is against Shariyat (Islamic laws). No true Muslim should go for it, because Islam prohibits gambling and earning through interest; and insurance is nothing less than gambling," said Khalid Rashid, Vice-President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Sunni religious leader.So, there you go. Purchasing a life insurance policy is no different than betting money on a blackjack table. At least that's what one Muslim leader says.
However, there isn't common agreement among all Muslim leaders. According to Kalbe Javwad, a prominent Shia leader:
"In Shias, there is no such ban. This controversy has been raised for the first time; it has no big meaning for Shias. In Iran, there is no such ban on getting life insured."I guess the controversy regarding the legality of life insurance will just have to be added to the list of sticking points between Sunnis and Shias. My personal take on the issue is that Muslims should never be allowed to obtain life insurance, interest-bearing or otherwise.
Look, their guiding belief system sanctions and, some would say, encourages killing. There are "honor killings" and a variety of homicidal and suicidal acts of martyrdom, all ostensibly conducted with the approval of higher spiritual authority. An ambitious entrepreneur wouldn't need a John D. Rockefeller intellect to figure out how to rake in some lucrative life insurance payouts.
Muslims are more than adept at regularly killing each other in large numbers already. They don't need a profit motive.
Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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