Update 7-4-07: A little more background information. Michelle Wright is a mother of eight children. The shooting was captured on videotape by a neighbor. The neighbor was suspicious because the car allegedly driven by Wright drove up with its lights off. Word on the street is that this shooting in retaliation for an earlier shooting. According to officer Gillis, "She was tired of the rival gang messing with her kids." Keep in mind accusations are not proof!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Criminal Parental Judgment by Michelle Wright or Taking the Law into Your Own Hands? Update
Update 7-4-07: A little more background information. Michelle Wright is a mother of eight children. The shooting was captured on videotape by a neighbor. The neighbor was suspicious because the car allegedly driven by Wright drove up with its lights off. Word on the street is that this shooting in retaliation for an earlier shooting. According to officer Gillis, "She was tired of the rival gang messing with her kids." Keep in mind accusations are not proof!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Benoit Murder Update (6-18-08)
"He was feeling depressed, that kind of thing," McDevitt said. Apparently, shortly before the killings, Benoit and his wife argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their mentally retarded 7-year-old son, according to an attorney for the WWE wrestling league.
Update 7-2-07: The New York Daily News has speculated that Benoit abused gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB a/k/a "date-rape drug.") GHB which is associated with blackouts and memory loss, was thought by some to be a performance enhancing drug back in the 1990's. Legal Pub cautions that the toxicology report has still not been released, so this is still speculation.
Update 7-12-07 Stone Called Steve Austin's Ex Wife allegedly has reported abusive conduct in her relationship as well. Speculation has been fueled that perhaps the wrestling world powers need to provide more education and counseling for its entertainers.
Update 7-13-07:
Benoit regularly received deliveries from MedXLife.com which allegedly sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet. Six people at the pharmacy have already pleaded guilty to supplying athletes with drugs. Benoit apparently also injected his son with growth hormone because he thought he was too small for his age. Since the death of MedXLife.com customer Eddie Guerrero from heart failure in November 2005 - the WWE has a strict testing procedure.
Update 7-17-07 Coronor's autopsy report contains toxicology data indicating Benoit had elevated levels of testosterone associated with steroid use. No surprise here. Still does not prove steroids caused the rage. Hydrocodone (pain killer) and xanax (anti anxiety) were also reported in his system. Dr. Astin who allegedly prescribed the steroids faces charges for improper prescription writing...
Update 7-24-07: There is an excellent comment that should be read about why steroids were likely a very minor factor in the Benoit murder- family suicide. I will not repeat it here as it should be read in the comment section where the author placed it!
Update 9-6-07: Steroids may not have been the cause of the murder-suicide after all. Brain scan and pathology reports are allegedly consistent with brain damage (protein and plaque formation around the dead tissue) from multiple concussions. This alone may account for the depression and bizarre behavior of Chris Benoit. It may also serve as an additional defense in the event of any wrongful death lawsuit.
Update 6-18-08: A recent comment on the Pub argues that the crime scene findings are consistent with murder and not murder suicide. For example, all the empty alcohol containers but only one victim with alcohol in her blood stream. Read the comment and judge for your self whether this should remain an open investigation.
Update 3-2-10: We shall never know if steroids played any role in this tragedy. What we do know is that due to unreasonable spamming, any further comments on this particular thread will need to be sent to legalpub@legalpub.net. They will then be posted manually.
Suspicion of Money Laundering
The house next door to me has many people coming and going, with many of the neighbors concerned with what is going on there. There are nearly always three black vehicles parked outside with tinted windows, a Mercedes S Class, a Cadillac SUV and a BMW worth probably $200k or more. The home cost them around $1.2 million. One of the women who lives there also works at the local bank as an assistant manager of teller operations. The home is listed in the real estate records as owned by a single woman with the last name of "T****". One neighbor who lives across the street from this home thinks they are in the business of money laundering, based on the expensive vehicles and many people coming and going, and bank connections. Should I report this unusual activity to the police or FBI? I have no proof that anything illegal is going on, but we are all concerned. I would prefer to remain anonomous so they don't come knocking on my door.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Skateboarder Choked by Officer or Apprehension of Dangerous Criminal?
Williams apparently choked one of the skateboarders after forcing him to the ground. Later he is seen chasing and wrestling two others while holding them in a headlock. The YouTube video was reportedly taken by Matthew Jon McCormack and another skater.
Update 7-3-07: An internal review board has cleared the officer who appeared to choke a skateboarder in a video posted online.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wife Inspires 72 Year Old Marine to Ward Off Pickpocketer
Here is a great feel good story out of Grand Rapids Michigan.
Bill Barnes, age 72, is a tough ex Marines with Golden Gloves boxing experience. The retired iron worker is also happily married to Patricia. He would not want to return home without the three hundred dollars. "I wouldn't want my wife to give me hell for lettin' that guy get my money." Barnes explained.
Jesse Daniel Rae, 27, is accused of trying to pick Barnes' pocket. He was arraigned Monday in Rockford District Court on one count of unarmed robbery, a 15-year felony. (Remember all suspects are presumed innocent until found guilty.)
Kent County sheriff's deputies report that the store manager quickly intervened and slammed Rae to the ground and detained him.
Barnes is a retired iron worker, who now works part-time as a starter at a golf course.
Nancy Grace Weds: Twins Expected Update 12-6
Imagine CNN interrogator, Nancy Grace, asking herself questions as to her "secret marriage" and her pregnancy with twins. It was recently announced that in April Grace married David Linch, an Atlanta-based investment banker. The twins are due in January. I can see all of you trying to do the math. Let's just say if the babies are born "a little premature," there may be some talk...
Grace admits "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to get married. I told my family only two days before." Nancy will likely continue with her show. But if she needs a substitute for a few weeks, Legal Pub is available to fill in during her absence. Congratulations to Nancy and David.
Update 11-5-07: Headline News anchor Nancy Grace and her husband David Linch welcomed twins Lucy Elizabeth and John David on Sunday. The twins were apparently an early delivery for Grace, who had developed a pulmonary edema during the pregnancy.
"Her physician determined it would be best for Nancy, and for the twins, to deliver them [on Sunday]," a rep for Grace said. "Lucy Elizabeth, John David, and their proud parents are now resting comfortably."
Update 12-6-07: Stay at home mom? Nope. Nancy Grace will return to Headline News on 1-7-08 (Two months after giving birth.)
Is Sex Change Operation for Prisoner a Good Use of Tax Dollars?
A Boston federal court has been trying to answer this question over the last year. After hundreds of hours of testimony and at least ten expert witnesses pontificating on the merits of the operation, the court may not be much closer to an answer. The prisoner/patient is a murderer serving life in prison. Legal Pub questions whether taxes be used to pay for his sex-change operation?
Michelle (previously known as Robert) Kosilek wants a sex change. To date, no transgender inmate has succeeded in obtaining a court ordered sex-change. The Massachusetts Correction Department opposes the surgery. They argue that it would make Kosilek a target for sexual assault. (But Legal Pub questions, if he has the sex change, should he not then be housed in the Women's Prison?)
The A.P. has reported that the State has spent $52,000 on experts to testify about an operation that would cost about $20,000.
State Sen. Scott Brown said,"They are prisoners. They are there because they've broken the law," who unsuccessfully introduced a bill to ban sex-change surgery for inmates. Other folks, people who want to get these types of surgeries, they have to go through their insurance carrier or save up for it and do it independently. Yet if you are in prison, you can do it for nothing? That doesn't make a lot of sense."
The opposition argues that Kosilek ( who allegedly has attempted suicide ) needs the sex-change surgery as much a medical necessity for treatment.
Kosilek , 58, killed his wife in 1990 after she spilled boiling tea on his genitals. He legally changed his name to Michelle in 1993. He alleges that the States refusal to pay for the surgery violates the Eighth Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Steroid Roid Rage, Insanity or Marital Problems to Blame for Deaths?
What Legal Pub does know is that steroid abuse has been linked to depression, paranoia, and aggressive behavior by some so called experts. Other experts disagree as to whether steroids will make a nonviolent person become violent. Investigators don't know if Benoit had any drugs in his system right now. Look for that information in the future. Benoit (pronounced ben-WAH) killed his wife, 43-year-old Nancy, and then his son Daniel during the weekend. Benoit then killed himself on Monday.
Legal Pub also has reason to believe that Nancy Benoit filed for a divorce in May 2003 after three years of marriage. She alleged at the time "cruel treatment." She subsequently dropped the complaint and her request for a restraining order. At the time, she asked for permanent custody of Daniel and child support based on salary of $500,000 per year in the original pleadings. In response, Benoit had sought joint custody. Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.
High School Students Do Not Enjoy Freedom of Speech
The Supreme Court voted 5 to 4 on Monday against a student's right to display the banner. the court granted schools the power to restrict expression of pro-drug speech and apparently publications. Joseph Frederick, at a school-sanctioned event in 2002, was suspended for displaying the banner."The message on Frederick's banner is cryptic," said Chief Justice John Roberts. Justices Samuel Alito and Anthony Kennedy said the court's opinion "goes no further" than speech interpreted as dealing with illegal drug use."It provides no support" for any restriction that goes to political or social issues.
Contrast that to a Newark New Jersey school district. It said that it regrets removing a picture of a male student kissing his boyfriend from a high school yearbook. Andre Jackson, the student, was disappointed that the Newark schools superintendent had not delivered the apology face-to-face in public. Jackson, age 18, said: "I would accept an apology - a public apology."
The district said it would issue an unredacted version of the yearbook to any student of East Side High School who wants one. District spokeswoman Valerie Merritt said school official Bolden would meet with Jackson on Tuesday. Previously, Bolden had allegedly commented that the picture, which showed Jackson kissing 19 year old David Escobales, was "illicit."
Steven Goldstein, chairman of the gay rights group Garden State Equality, said Jackson had not heard from the district as of 10 p.m. Monday.
Jackson said his sexual orientation was never a problem at school.
Newark public schools have about 42,000 students.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Pearson Loses Frivoulous Suit Against Dry Cleaners. Update 8-15-07: Peason Appeals Case.
The judge ruled today in favor of the dry cleaner that was sued for losing a pair of pants. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff ruled that Custom Cleaners did not violate the city's Consumer Protection Act as alleged by Roy L. Pearson, despite a sign saying "Satisfaction Guaranteed."
"Plaintiff Roy L. Pearson, Jr. takes nothing from the defendants, and defendants Soo Chung, Jin Nam Chung and Ki Y. Chung are awarded the costs of this action against the plaintiff Roy L. Pearson, Jr."
Pearson, an administrative law judge, sued for several million dollars because of a lost pair of pants that later turned up.The signs in the shop have since been removed.
See Old Blog Entry for more details about the original story.
Update 8-15-07: Pearson has apparently initiated an appeal of this case. Apparently, he does not mind being the target of jokes...
Wise Up! Husbands and Boyfriends Are Always the First Suspects! Cutts Trial Results 2-16-08
Husbands and Boyfriends are always the first suspects. In Canton, Ohio, it is no different. Authorities have arrested Bobby Cutts Jr. the pregnant woman's boyfriend on murder charges. Myisha Ferrell, a female friend of Butts, was also arrested for allegedly hindering the investigation. Ferrell is 29. Bobby Cutts, a police officer, faces charges of murdering 26-year-old Jessie Davis and her fetus.
The body of Davis was found Saturday in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Her unborn child appeared to be due any day. Davis had been reported missing June 15.Two year old Blake gave the first clues, saying: "Mommy was crying. Mommy broke the table. Mommy's in rug." Bleach had also been spilled in the home apparently trying to cover up blood stains.
Cutts, a Canton police officer, is the primary suspect. He has an estranged wife. (He should have realized that he would be a prime suspect. )
Update 2-15-08 Cutts was apparently found guilty of several counts of murder. He was not convicted on one count. Expect Cutts to appeal.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
History Always Repeats Itself: Jessie Jackson Arrested
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Track Coach Weds 16 Year Old Student Athlete
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Discontent Convicted Murder's Ghost or Just Another Shadow on the Legal System?
An unexplained image captured by surveillance video at the First Judicial District Courthouse in Santa Fe New Mexico has the legal community at a loss for words. (That in and of itself makes it newsworthy.) ABC has video footage which some claim is the ghost of a deceased criminal. For example, Deputy Anthony Maes thinks it may be the ghost of Andy Lopez. Lopez took nine people hostage at the courthouse in February of 1985 before being shot by a deputy.
Surveillance video shows a spot of light coming from either the roof or near the courthouse's back door. It moves toward the west across the front bumper of a parked police. The light appears to cast shadows. Now the question remains, is it a ghost or just a long shadow of lady justice as she removes her blindfold before the weekend?
Comedians Get Into the Legal Act or Are they All Wet?
Wes Cravens has filed suit against his neighbor Pauly Shore. Cravens claims water seeps down a slope and damages his home.
Craven alleges that a landslide occurred in December after Shore installed a pool, spa, landscaping and other improvements. Cravens, director of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Scream" claims that water damage has created his own nightmare. Shore's publicist did not comment; however its anticipated that they will say Cravens is all wet. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. (Now, if Pauly had simply included him on the guest list for the pool party, would this have ever happened?)
Update: I wonder if Pauly Shore sued this person who assaulted him?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5328f232d0
Out of Control Austin Crowd Murders Passenger
Mob mentality results in an innocent death. Two wrongs never make a right. Investigators are gathering evidence concerning David Rivas Morales death. Morales died defending the driver of a car that struck and injured a two year old boy. There were two to 20 attackers according to Austin Police. Morales, 40, was a passenger in the car that struck the boy. The boy was treated at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. When the driver went to check on the child, he was confronted by several people. Morales got out of the car to protect the driver and was attacked as well. The driver is cooperating with investigators. The child, Michael Hosea Jr., is going to be fine. The crowd had presumably been at the Juneteenth festival. The city sponsered festival for Juneteenth commemorates Texas slaves getting freed.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
PonyTail Bandit (Morgan Michelle Hoke?) Out Does Barbie Bandits! Update 2-13-08
FBI had put out an all points bulletin for An
The unknown female wears a baseball cap and has shoulder-length blond hair pulled back in a ponytail according to an FBI press release. The female suspect typically slouches with her arms folded. (She could use Pilotes or Alexander Technique to improve her posture.) "In each of the robberies, a woman entered the bank, verbally demanded money, and then left the bank on foot," according to the FBI release.
"In Austin, we're fortunate we don't see a whole lot of bank robberies," said Austin police spokesman Kevin Buchman. The FBI believes the same woman is now responsible for the robberies in the Pacific Northwest.
She is considered armed, dangerous and of course "blond" so do not try to date her without first reading the safe way to approach in God is a Woman, Dating Disasters.. Otherwise, if you do hook up, you will need to read Sex Starved Marriage by Michelle Wiener Davis because she is likely to do major time in jail once she is caught.
Update: The FBI has posted more pictures of the PonyTail Bandit http://www.amw.com/fugitives/video_photos.cfm?id=45550
Update 10-6-07: From Federal Bureau of Investigation www.fbi.gov comes the latest word. While Legal Pub named her the "Ponytail Bandit" and yes, we do want the movie rights, the FBI describes her as " a pretty young woman whose shoulder-length blond ponytail sprouts from the back of her baseball cap in images captured by banks she allegedly robbed in three states in May." We think the description does not do her justice. In each performance, she approaches bank tellers, nicely asks for money, and then waits, arms crossed, slouching slightly, until tellers give her the money. (Then she smiles and says thank you!) The Ponytail bandit does not fit the stereotype of a bank robber because she is pretty and polite.While a famous celebrate, who has captured the imagination of many men, she remains a fugitive wanted for robberies in Washington, California and Texas.
Last year more than $72 million was stolen across the country in robberies.
Other FBI interesting information:
In Baltimore, Jeff Cisar created a website(bankbandits.org) designed to spotlight suspected bank robbers in the Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia regions. The site includes surveillance images from band robberies. He has surveillance images and names of suspects such as "Bad Rug Bandit," "Banana Bandit," "Paparazzi Bandit." Similarly, in Seattle, Larry Carr creates unique names assigned to bank robbers -- "Attila the Bun," "Groundhog Day Bandit," Hollywood Bandit."
At one time it appeared that the Ponytail bandit was about to be caught, she eluded capture. If she is smart enough to never rob again, she may just reform long enough to play herself when the T.V. movie comes out in the future. She has the looks and demeanor to play herself and make an honest living.
Fire and Brimstone Used to Commit Arson
Bush Tax Cuts Still Not Enough For Some
The delusional Brown stated, "We either walk out of here free or we die." Brown and his wife, Elaine, were sentenced in April to 63 months in prison for failing to pay $1 million in tax. Brown's supporters include Randy Weaver who led the 1992 standoff with ATF agents at Ruby Ridge, Idaho. Let's all hope for a better outcome for all involved than Ruby Ridge.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Alleged Pervert Pedophile Ring Busted
Authorities used surveillance tactics developed for targeting drug dealers and terrorists.
Mr. Cox will remain in prison until he is no longer a threat to children. (Hopefully indefinitely.) After Cox's arrest on Sept. 28, 2006, authorities were able to infiltrate the chat room and collect evidence on the other members. Cox's computer had over 75,000 indecent and explicit images.
Gordon Mackintosh, tried to restart the chat room in January. He was arrested in January.
Mackintosh, 33, plead guilty to 27 charges of distributing indecent images.
There is no place for such perverts in today's society. May these gentleman spend the rest of their days behind bars with those who share their deviant vision of life.
Update 7-23-07 Thomas Lane, 57, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Larry J. McKinney for possession of child pornography. On Jan. 3, 2007, Lane pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant possessed images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and links to Child Porn internet web sites. Lane was als convicted in 1998 for receipt of child pornography. Judge McKinney imposed lifetime supervised release following Lane’s release from prison this time.
For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Men Starting To Get Justice in Court
The teens will mainly live with their father, who will have responsibility for making decisions about their health, education and welfare. Bach and her lawyer, Debra A. Opri, declined comment.
Editors note: Most states have a presumption that men should be awarded custody 50% of the time. It is time to advocate for the children. Shared 50/50 parenting. Three days with one parent, the next three with the other. Or seven days with one parent and seven with the other. This archaic concept of one parent being presumed superior over the other needs to end!
Real Life Soprano or Just a Funny Guy ?
FBI's "Operation Family Secrets" investigated 18 long-unsolved mob murders allegedly tied to organized crime. U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said, "It is remarkable for both the breadth of the murders charged and for naming the entire Chicago Outfit as a criminal enterprise under the anti-racketeering law."
The list of defendants includes: James Marcello, Frank Calabrese Sr. and Joseph "Joey the Clown" Lombardo. The defendants also include a retired Chicago police officer, Anthony Doyle.
All have pleaded not guilty and are presumed innocent.
Tony Accardo, the alleged mob boss died in 1992 at age 86. He never served any jail time.
A federal marshal assigned to guard a prosecution witness has been charged with leaking information about his whereabouts to organized crime. The marshal has pleaded not guilty to this charge. Witness, Nicholas Calabrese, brother of Frank Calabrese Sr., is expected to testify against his brother. Nicholas pled guilty in May to taking part in 14 mob murders. This included the murder of Tony "The Ant" Spilotro (Chicago Outfit's man in Las Vegas.) Spilotro, allegedly inspired the character played by Joe Pesci in the movie "Casino." Spilotro and his brother were beaten to death and buried in an Indiana cornfield in 1986.
Lombardo, 78, and Schweihs disappeared in 2005 after the indictment was unsealed. After nine months on the run, the FBI captured him in a suburban alley in January 2006. Schweihs was captured in Kentucky in December 2005.
When U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel, inquired about Lombardo's health and asked why he hadn't seen a doctor lately, Joey the Clown responded: "I was supposed to see him nine months ago, but I was - what do they call it? - I was unavailable."
In the 1980s, Lombardo was convicted of attempting to bribe Sen. Howard Cannon of Nevada.
Lombardo attorney Rick Halprin denies that his client is a powerful organized crime leader. Expect a defense that Lombardo is just a funny guy. Experts say the Chicago crime syndicate won't be decapitated even if the government gets all of convictions.
Gus Russo, author of "The Outfit," noted that the federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act has helped prosecutors make progress against organized crime. Russo said,
"Regretfully, greed is such a part of our culture that you're always going to have a criminal element and it will organize.This will hurt the mob but it won't end it." The trial is expected to take four months.
Update: 7-3-07 Emma Seifert has testified that Joey and the mobsters are no laughing matter. She testified that she was preparing to make her morning coffee when two gunmen burst through the door. She testified that she did not have time to warn her husband Daniel before they gunned him down on the morning of Sept. 27, 1974.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Disbarment Appropriate Remedy
Nevertheless, Nifong's life is ruined. Without a law license, he can not practice any kind of law. Without his reputation, seems few will want to employ him. But he disgraced the profession when he committed "intentional prosecutorial misconduct." The punishment, in sum, fits the crime.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Inexcusable Prosecutor Misconduct Warrants Further Suspension
Friday, June 15, 2007
Dateless idiots are not limted to the U.K. or the U.S.
For Cranley, read this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0978797957/ref=cm_rev_next/104-2494628-7570362?ie=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=byExactRating%5F5&n=283155&s=books&customer-reviews.start=11
and when you are ready to date again, maybe you won't repeat the same mistakes.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
An Iowa Name Says it All ... Butt Officer
Callous Negligent Treatment at Hospital Results in Needless Death
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Therapist Molested Disabled Children
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Preservatives in Vaccines Causing Autism? Update 2-12-09
Update: For a link concerning a study allegedly relating vaccines to autism see: http://www.healthsentinel.com/org_news.php?id=082&title=Study+
Update 2-5-08: According to a study published today in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella do not cause autism. This is the largest study yet showing no evidence linking the childhood shot to the development disorder.
"This study really supports the view these are safe vaccines," said David Brown, a researcher at Britain's Health Protection Agency who worked on the study. "The evidence is now so solid there really isn't a need for further studies here."
Update 2-12-09: A Department of Justice special court will rule today whether certain vaccines cause autism. A special panel of "Masters" will issue a ruling concerning a group of parents claims that early childhood vaccinations triggered their children's autism.
Does the MMR vaccine led to autism? Three families -- the Cedillos, the Hazelhursts and the Snyders will soon find out what the Vaccine Court Omnibus Autism Proceeding has decided.
Update 2-28-11: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that vaccine manufacturers cannot be sued over design defects. The vote was a 6-2 majority decision in a case brought by the parents of a child who developed seizures after a routine diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccination. (Bruesewitz v Wyeth Inc). The court reasoned that the 1986 law enacted by Congress set up a no fault scheme to compensate any child injured by vaccine side effects. Consequently, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act pre-empts lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Maine's Maniac Imitating Film or Just a Bad Landscaper?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Unlawful Search and Seizure Man Now Requires Magnums?
As compensation Legal Pub suggests a 6 week supply of Magnums until the swelling goes down. Ian this is your cue for a story. http://didyoustoptothink.blogspot.com/
Athletes and Stars Can Be Good Role Models
Because it's not dirty laundry, it is unlikely to make a lot of news. Another famous person goes to jail but unlike other fallen heroes, it is not as an inmate.The AP has reported that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees made a surprise visit to Beaver, Utah. Brees visited inmates at the Beaver County correctional facility on Friday. "I was pretty blown away by the idea that somebody like him would come to a small town like Beaver, Utah," Sgt. Curt Heslington of the Beaver County sheriff's department said. Drew Brees spoke to 124 inmates in the Beaver County residential treatment program. He encouraged inmates by sharing his own trials and tribulations. "What Drew Brees did for us was incredible... It was highly motivating, not only for our residents but for me and for the staff," said Henslington. Brees signed autographs and posed for pictures after his speeches, then left town quietly like a gentleman. See Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Anonymous Lawsuits Against Borat
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's interactions with unsuspecting ordinary people drew great laughs at the theater. A man anonymously identified as John Doe sued 20th Century Fox last week over the scene in which he is seen "fleeing in apparent terror," When you watch the film, he appears to be screaming "go away."
The comedy has grossed $260 million plus more than $60 million in DVD sales and it appears this anonymous man wants his share.
"Borat" has been sued at least three times already. The film attracted complaints from people who say they were tricked into appearing in the film. In February a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by two college fraternity members who were filmed drinking alcohol and making ignorant racist remarks. The college plaintiffs had the audacity to claim that the scenes tarnished their reputations!
Last November, two individuals from a Romanian village sued 20th Century Fox claiming the film wrongly depicted them as criminals.
A suit concerning a bathroom scene was apparently deleted from the movie after a South Carolina man filed a lawsuit.
Is ABC Exploiting Paris Hilton's Misfortune?
As Paris Hilton headed back to jail, there was a media frenzy outside the L.A. courthouse reminiscent of O.J. and Michael Jackson. Apparently a plane flying a banner "We Love Paris - The Darling Family" flew overhead as a promotion for ABC's new fall show "Dirty Sexy Money." ABC claims that the banner refers to Paris, France, because the Darling family (the family in the show) owns property in France. T.V. marketers stoop to an all time low when they think the public is that stupid. Why not just admit you are trying to cash in on the latest celebrate delinquent?
Friday, June 8, 2007
Tearful, Traumatize, Hilton Has Only Herself to Blame
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Cell Phones Kill! Wrongful Death Suit Around the Corner For Drowning in Sewer? Update 10-30-08
Teacher Lawsuit Strikes Back at Pupils
In this day and age when teachers have been prosecuted for inappropriate behavior, one teacher is apparently striking back at students. A math teacher in Indiana, Daniel Clevenger, is reportedly suing a group of students who made a film of an evil teddy bear. The four boys, all aged 16, made 'The Teddy Bear Master' a film in which a teddy bear was trying to harass and kill a teacher named Mr. Clevenger. The toys' leader, The Teddy Bear Master, orders a Sopranos' like hit of the teacher for embarrassing him. In the film, some students fight back and try to save their teacher - but the would be heros are unsuccessful in the 78-minute film. The four Knightstown Intermediate School students have been named as Isaac Imel, Harrison Null, Charlie Ours and Cody Overbay. Their parents are also sued. (If nothing else, what an innovative way to get publicity for a film!)
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Product Liability Lawsuit Concerning Perpetual Erection
Video Surveillance Documents Crimes, Poor Fashion & Horrible Judgment
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Outrageous Divorce Settlement or Just Good Advice? Update 3-24-08
Michael Polsky's estranged wife was awarded $184 million Monday in Chicago. This appears to be one of the biggest divorce verdicts in U.S. history. Maya Polsky , a 55-year-old homemaker and art gallery owner, filed for divorce from her husband in 2003. Judge William Boyd ruled in October that Maya Polsky was entitled to half of the Chicago couple's assets. Her share was estimated at $176 million. However, on Monday, the judge amended his decision to include previously omitted assets that increased the value of her award to $184 million. Attorney, Howard Rosenfeld, said more than $170 million of the award is nontaxable cash. He said "She's very much satisfied with the court's decision. She thinks she was fairly treated by the court," The couple married in 1975 in Kiev, Ukraine. They arrived in the United States in 1976 with only four suitcases and $500 in cash. In 1980, they moved from Detroit to Chicago, where Michael Polsky became wealthy in the energy business. Michael Polsky 's attorneys may appeal Monday's decision. "He ...always believed that this shouldn't have been a 50-50 split," attorney Joseph Tighe said. David Meyer, a law professor at the University of Illinois said the Polsky case is "remarkable and historic" because of the size of the award and the split of the estate equally. "Gaetano Ferro, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, said he wasn't aware of a bigger award in the U.S. Michael Polsky is now president and CEO of Invenergy Wind LLC, a Chicago-based wind energy company. This case has become the rally cry for some Marriage Strike Advocates.
Update 8-27: There is a separate article on Marriage Strike dated 7-28-07 in the Archives. LINK
Update 1-8-08: Best reason for a prenuptial agreement? Rupert Murdoch, developed his worldwide media empire when he inherited his father's Australian newspaper in 1952. He was married to Anna Murdoch for 32 years. They split amicably in 1998. The divorce was finalized in June 1999 when Rupert agreed to let his ex-wife leave with $1.7 billion worth of assets, $110 million of it in cash. Seventeen days later, Rupert married Wendi Deng. I wonder if he was smart enough to get a prenup?
Update 3-24-08 Heather Mills got 48.6 million from her split with Paul McCartney? Bet he wishes he would have had wings to fly away a heck of a lot cheaper!