Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Judge Miriam Goldan Cedarbaum Rejects Roy Den Hollander's Discrimination Suit Like A Model Snubbing A Geek At A Trendy Night Club


In my younger, wilder days, ladies night was an event that I, like most males, looked forward to because it meant that the ratio of women to men would be more favorable than usual. Much to my surprise, not all men like ladies night at clubs. In fact, one lawsuit alleged that it was discrimination against men. Fortunately for those enjoying the custom, Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum disagreed and dismissed the lawsuit from a Manhattan federal court. Specifically, Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum ruled that nightclubs can price their products as they wish because they're not acting as representatives of the state.


Attorney Roy Den Hollander, a crusader against feminism, represented the plaintiffs. Hollander argued that ladies' nights discriminate against men by offering women free or discounted admission and drinks. His argument for the existence of "state action" involved the relationship of the state to the business pursuant to the procedure for licensing alcohol sales. While a decent argument, according to CNN he called the judge a feminist and her ruling consistent with discrimination embedded in American institutions. (Legal Pub never encourages calling any judge names and instead suggests that an appeal is a preferred means of communicating one's displeasure with a ruling.)


Had the judge not rejected the argument, the plaintiffs were to be a class of individual men over the age of 21 who entered New York nightclubs on a ladies' night since June 21, 2004. The nightclubs' attorney argued that cover charges for men are not so burdensome as to deny entry to male customers. Furthermore, they argued that males may benefit from ladies' nights because it encourages females to patronize the club. (Gravamen argument resulting in victory!) .

Hollander is no stranger to controversy. He sued Columbia University, because its women's studies program is discriminatory because the school lacked a comparable men's program. One can predict a difficult struggle with that lawsuit as well.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Tony Alamo (p.k.a. Bernie Hoffman) Denies Child Pornography Charges And Compares Himself To Jesus. Is This the Martyr Defense? Update 12-4-08


Evangelist Tony Alamo (real name Bernie Hoffman) faces some serious charges. He was arrested Thursday in Flagstaff, Arizona, on charges related to a child pornography. Tony Alamo is a principal in Tony Alamo Christian Ministries. What makes the charges even more bizarre is that Alamo is in his 70's. Apparently, he was such an important suspect that the FBI, the Flagstaff Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety all participated in the arrest. The official federal charge involves knowingly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.

Alamo was transported to Coconino County Jail in Flagstaff for his initial appearance Friday in federal court. What evidence do they have? 100 federal and state agents raided Alamo's 15-acre compound in Arkansas. They removed six children and have taken them into temporary custody. Will Tony's own words be detrimental to his case: Evangelist: 'Puberty' is age of sexual consent?

Alamo has denied any wrongdoing. He publicly commented: "It's a hoax... They're just trying to make our church look evil ... by saying I'm a pornographer. Saying that I rape little children. ... I love children. I don't abuse them. Never have. Never will." Alamo apparently has taken a martyr position and compared himself to Christ.
"Why were they after Jesus?" he asked. "It's the same reason. Jesus is living within me."

Keep in mind all suspects are innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law!

Update 12-4=08: Six more children connected to the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries were taken into protective custody Wednesday to determine if they have been physically or sexually abused. The children, all siblings from Arkansas, were seized in Indiana. In total, 32 children have been seized from followers of jailed evangelist Tony Alamo since September. Tony Alamo has been charged with knowingly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
Update 11-16-09: Evangelist Tony Alamo should live the rest of his life in prison. He has been sentenced to 175 years on charges that included taking minors across state lines for sex. A jury previously convicted Alamo in July on 10 federal counts covering offenses that spanned 11 years and dated back to 1994. According to documents from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, the 75-year-old founder and leader of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries, will serve the sentences on each count consecutively. This should mean 175 years in prison. Alamo was also fined $250,000.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Did Susan LeFevre Get More Leniency Than Linda Darby?


Reader: Legal Pub, How does this system of so called justice that you support treat parties so differently. Compare Susan LeFevre who gets probation to Linda Darby (LEGAL PUB LINK) who goes back to prison.


Legal Pub: Let's look at these stories in a bit of detail. Your original premise shows that you are some what misinformed. Darby was convicted of murder. She escaped from prison. While out of prison, she conducted herself admirably. Nevertheless, she was convicted of murder. She was returned to prison and while her original case is being "looked into" she remains incarcerated.


Susan LeFevre is a California woman who escaped from a Michigan prison 32 years ago. While on the lam, she existed as a San Diego suburban mother of three, known as Marie Walsh. After her recent capture she was sentenced to probation. Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner felt it significant that LeFevre had already served 14 months in prison on a drug conviction at the time of her escape. Longtime Fugitive Sentenced Critics argue that LeFevre had to serve 5 1/2 years in prison to be elgible for parol with her original sentence and that sentence should be extended because of the escape. However, the judge exclaimed that, "The court finds no reason to give you extra time," said Groner. Judge Groner then ordered two years of probation for the escape. To her credit, LeFevre, 53, acknowledged it was wrong for her to have escaped. But to educate you a little further, LeFevre is still in jail! Her attorneys still need to get her original 10-year sentence for heroin thrown out in Saginaw County Circuit Court.

The original sentence for LeFevre seemed very harsh for a recreational user. LeFevre was arrested when a friend attempted to sell a small amount of heroin to an undercover agent. When she was just 19, she was arrested on a heroin charge. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in 1974. In 1976 she scaled a prison fence and with the help of her grandfather, she escaped. Her first chance at parole comes after 5 1/2 years in prison, unless her original sentence is overturned. Assistant prosecutor Robert Donaldson argued that living all this time under an alias is "fraud." True, but 10 years in prison for a 19 year old who made a mistake is not right either. Judge Groner's decision not to add to her sentence is the first step in correcting an injustice. Hopefully the courts will reduce her original sentence because, she "has three kids who really need her."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Troy Davis Stayed Execution But Richard Henyard Dies Of Lethal Injection

One of the reasons why this country is so great is because our judicial system works. Specifically, Troy Davis will get a new trial instead of execution; whereas, Richard "Ric Ric" Henyard was put to death. To mostly a crowd of cheers, the U.S. Supreme Court decision to grant a reprieve to Georgia inmate, Troy Davis, two hours before his scheduled execution was announced. Davis was originally convicted of the 1989 slaying of Mark MacPhail, an off-duty police officer. McPhail had been working as a security guard. He was attempting to help a homeless man who had been pistol whipped when he was shot and killed. The shooter was originally identified as Davis who was with two other men.

Troy Davis, 39, learned of the stay while watching t.v. Supporters of Davis have argued that he deserves a new trial because seven of the nine witnesses have recanted their testimony. "This is not over yet," announced Davis to a sea of reporters. "This is the beginning of my blessing." Supporters of Davis include the Rev. Al Sharpton, Davis' sister, Martina Correia, former President Jimmy Carter and South Africa Archbishop Desmond Tutu. ity. The basis of the new trial is that in addition to seven witnesses recanting their testimony, three others say Sylvester "Red" Coles (who testified against Davis) allegedly confessed to the killing.

A different result occurred in Florida where Richard "Ric Ric" Henyard, 34, was executed by lethal injection after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant him a stay. Henyard was convicted of killing two sisters — 7-year-old Jamilya Lewis and Jasmine Lewis, 3. Their mother, Dorothy Lewis, survived several gun shots after being carjacked and raped. Both girls, were shot in the head. Not nearly as many protesters supported the cold hearted Henyard.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Christine Levinson Searches High And Low For Her Missing Husband, Bob Levinson


When a wife is missing, too often the husband is the first suspect. When a husband is missing, the wife is often correctly portrayed as a heroine in search of her lost mate. Christine Levinson is an example of a devoted spouse. She has been searching for her husband, Bob, who disappeared last year in Iran. Bob Levinson disappeared in March of 2007 while on a business trip to Kish (an Iranian island.) Bob is a retired FBI agent. He worked as a consultant for private security after retirement. Christine's search has included asking the United Nations to help find her husband. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, wants to help, but not much useful aid occurred. Levinson and three of her adult children flew to New York to attempt to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad; however, was "unavailable." Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, did take the time to meet with Christine.

A web site, http://www.helpboblevinson.com/ , has been set up to help find Bob. Christine has offered a $5,000 reward, for anyone who might have information about her husband. Christine has even traveled to Iran to retrace her husband's footsteps. Christine serves as an inspirational example of how a person should act when their spouse turns up "missing."

Monday, September 22, 2008

Is Viktor Bout The Merchant of Death?


Some times, film art accurately portrays reality. Other times, it does not. Viktor Bout, was allegedly portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the 2005 movie "Lord of War" as an evil powerful man. In the nonfiction world, Viktor Bout is some times called the "The Merchant of Death." Bout was arrested in Thailand on March 6, 2008 and has now been indicted in the U.S. on four terrorism charges.

Bout denies any guilt despite being labeled as one of the world's most-wanted arms traffickers. Bout is accused of conspiring to kill Americans, U.S. officers and employees, and providing materials to aid terrorists. Chained at the ankles, the 41 year-old Bout made no comment in Bangkok's Criminal Court. However, defense attorney Preecha Prasertsak requested that the court dismiss all charges because the Russian had been illegally detained. The judge has taken the motion under advisement.
Bout continues to fight extradition. A June 9 hearing was postponed when Bout's attorney at had heart problems. Interesting commentary may be found here: Indictment.
A court-appointed attorney failed to show up for the rescheduled hearing on July 28. Bout was then assigned representation by Preecha.

Bout was arrested after a sting operation where U.S. agents posed as Colombian rebels.
Bout has a long list of alleged clients including African dictators and warlords. It could make for a whose who of terrorists should they be called to testify. If convicted, Bout faces a life sentence.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Wendy Brown Deserves A Chance To Relive The ChildHood She Never Experienced


Drew Barrymore played the role of an undercover reporter who returned to high school as a student in Never Been Kissed. Wendy Brown of Green Bay has apparently pulled a similar stunt, but there does not appear to be a happy ending like Drew Barrymore experienced. Wendy is a 33-year-old woman accused of stealing her daughter's identity in order to go back to high school and be a cheerleader. Ms. Brown now faces a felony identity theft charge after enrolling in Ashwaubenon High School as her 15-year-old daughter. Brown's daughter lives in Nevada with Brown's mother.

Before we all condemn, Wendy, how can we blame her for wanting a second chance? Wendy Brown wanted to get her high school degree. She dreamed of being a cheerleader. Wendy apparently felt that she did not have a happy childhood and wanted to experience the teen age years that she'd missed. Brown was not entirely unsuccessful. She apparently attended a few preschool cheer leading practices, received a cheerleader's locker and went to a pool party at the cheer leading coach's house. Unfortunately, problems began when a $134.50 check Brown gave to the cheer leading coach for her uniform bounced. Kim Demeny, a high school employee, told investigators that Wendy looked older than a student but had the demeanor of a high school girl. A school liaison officer started investigating after Brown attended the first day of class.
Assistant Principal Dirk Ribbins discovered that Brown's daughter was actually enrolled at Pahrump Valley High School. The story would make for a great movie with a possible happy ending but unfortunately, Brown apparently has a history of identity theft crimes. Bond was set at $8,000. If found guilty, Wendy faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This seems too harsh of a punishment for trying to fulfill childhood dreams. Wendy needs a good Wisconsin attorney, can any one help her?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Did Judge Verla Sue Holland Have Love Stains on Her Chin From District Attorney Thomas O'Connell While Trying Charles Dean Hood For Murder?



How many times in the middle of a heated trial has one party questioned the judge's rulings under their breath?

Imaginary Defendant: "I can't believe it. They are winning every objection! That opposing lawyer must be sleeping with the judge. LOL. "

Well, maybe it is not so funny. In fact, it may be darn right alarming if true. A former judge and an ex-Texas prosecutor are being accused of an alleged sexual affair which may have affected some cases which they tried together. For example, Charles Dean Hood received the death penalty for killing a 26 year old topless dancer and her 46 year old boyfriend in Plano, Texas in 1990. Hood's lawyers are arguing former Judge Verla Sue Holland was biased because of her alleged sexual relationship with ex-Collin County District Attorney Thomas O'Connell.
Hood's claim that the judge and prosecutor having a sexual relationship "would have had a significant impact on the ability of the judicial system to accord Mr. Hood a fair and impartial trial." Hood is no longer on the bench. But in the interest of justice, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will reconsider the appropriateness of jury instructions given in Hood's trial. In the mean time, the 1990 affair has apparently may have halted Hood's execution. See: Affair halts execution?



The canons of ethics mandate avoidance of the appearance of impropriety. Former assistant district attorney Matthew Goeller provided affidavit testimony that it was "common knowledge" that the judge and prosecutor "had a romantic relationship" during the time Hood was tried in 1990. Neither Holland nor O'Connell have been disciplined by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct or the State Bar of Texas. Because of this appearance of partiality (even if it did not exist) a new trial for Hood is likely.

Update 9-18-09 Technically, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals postponed Charles Dean Hood's execution because it wanted to reconsider whether the jury instructions were flawed.
The appellate court generally dismissed claims by Hood's attorneys that the trial was not fair because of the relationship between Judge Verla Sue Holland and former Collin County District Attorney Tom O'Connell.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Is Obama the Answer To Yemen Bombings? `by Internet Tough Guy


Obama supporters claim that he can overcome all of the hatred of foreigners toward the U.S.

If elected, perhaps he can start with Yeman where a suicide bomb attack outside the gates of the U.S. Embassy killed 10 security staff and civilians. Apparently six attackers also died according to CNN., an official told CNN. Yemen's Embassy spokesman Mohammed al-Basha claimed the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest. What leads to further distrust is the fact that the ensuing gun battle was between attackers in police uniform and the Embassy security staff. In such conflicts, it is hard to decide who is on what side.
A second car apparently exploded before it reached a second protective barrier. No U.S. Embassy employees were killed. Trev Mason, an eye witness tells what he saw here: Listen to witness


Yemen is the ancestral home of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The U.S. State Department has expected violence from Islamic extremists in Yemen. Specifically, there have been warnings "about possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses and perceived interests." Violence has become part of life in Yemen. In April there was a rocket attack on a residential area consisting of Western oil workers. Previously in March, three mortar rounds landed near the Embassy. Authorities struggle with Al Qaeda affiliated groups. The perception is that Al Qaeda related groups are free to impose their will on others. The problem is that perception too often becomes reality.


The naive think Obama can cure all of these evils. However, too many supporters have forgotten that he has to win an election first. Only then will the country find out if he is the foreign policy Messiah his supporters claim him to be. Personally, I suspect the "great facilitator" will be the "great capitulater." But as one Obama supporter explained to me, "Well that is all right, as long as we don't give up."
~Internet Tough Guy

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Athletes Margaret Hoelzer and Chris Witty Publicize Their Alleged ChildHood Molestation

Athletes Margaret Hoelzer and Chris Witty have come forward to tell their stories about alleged childhood molestation. Margaret Hoelzer, an Olympic swimmer from the Beijing Olympics, has publicised that she was sexually abused as a child. Winning three medals in Beijing probably was not as tough as coming forward with her story to the A.P.

Hoelzer, now 25, was born in Huntsville, Alabama. At age 5, Hoelzer claims that she was abuse by a playmate's father for about two years. She apparently did not realize that she was abused back then until she was in the fifth grade. She only realized that she had been abused from age 5 to 7 when a friend came to that conclusion. Margaret apparently told her mother.
Hoelzer's mom told her father who apparently called the police. The family then counseled with the National Child Advocacy Center.

Hoelzer was never raped. There was no physical evidence of molestation. Nevertheless, the alleged molester was arrested. The case was presented to a grand

Chris Witty, a gold medal winning speed skater, has a similar claim. She alleges that she was abused and violated by a trusted neighbor from the age of 4 to 11. After her win at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Witty went public with her story. For Witty, going public with her claims helped her obtain closure. With Hoelzer, closure may remain elusive. But it is not for lack of effort. Hoelzer has become involved with the National Child Advocacy Center. Hoelzer also returned to counseling in 2006.

Why should we care? Chris Newlin, executive director of the National Child Advocacy Center, shares statistics that one in four girls and one in seven boys under the age of 18 will be the victims of sexual abuse. These statistics are shocking. Such abuse must end.

On a brighter Olympic athletic note, Brendan Hansen lost the gold medal that he won as part of the men's 400 medley relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hansen discovered his medal was gone from his baggage during a flight from his hometown in Pennsylvania to his house in Texas. Fortunately, a passenger found Hansen's medal and turned it over to authorities. Tragedy averted!

Monday, September 15, 2008

SIDS Remains A Life Threatening Illnes For Infants ~ by Legal Pub


Everyone has heard the story. Healthy baby. Good parents. One night the 2 month old child never wakes up from her sleep. Suddenly unfounded suspicions arise. Blame is distributed quicker and more frequently then sympathy. But is there really always some one at fault?


Despite advances in research, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for one death in every two thousand births according to the National Centers for Health Statistics. SIDS is a natural cause of death. While the American Academy of Paediatrics's Back to Sleep campaign, has help cut the SIDS rate in half by advocating that babies sleep on their back, healthy babies still die. Approximately 2,500 infant deaths from SIDS are projected this year. Most SIDS deaths occur when the infant is between 2 and 4 months old. Another 2,000 will also die in their sleep without the formal label of SIDS.


Why is SIDS under reported? When a baby is found lying on her tummy or in a bed with an adult, or with a soft toy, the coroner can't rule out the possibility that the baby was accidentally smothered. Consequently, such deaths may be labeled as "possible accidental asphyxia" or "threats to breathing" rather than SIDS. That's why the number of SIDS deaths are likely under reported. If SIDS cases are being assigned a other diagnoses, it makes it nearly impossible for researchers to intelligently extrapolate from the reported data. Regardless, the best advice to parents is to follow the sleep recommendations, including putting babies down on their backs. As Dr. Krous has explained, "Nothing we know at the present time will absolutely prevent SIDS, but the risk can be substantially reduced."

While current data is not conclusive, there are some trends that have appeared. For example, African-American, Native American, and premature babies, are at a greater risk of SIDS. Similarly, sleeping on a soft surface and exposure to secondhand smoke raises the risk of SIDS for all babies. Babies who sleep on their stomachs or on their sides have two times higher risk of SIDS then back sleepers. Babies should not sleep near bedding because of the risks of increased inhalation of carbon dioxide from rebreathing exhaled air.


Serotonin helps regulate breathing and arousal. An Italian study suggests that if a baby's arousal center isn't functioning properly, then that baby might not wake up so as to reposition and improve its oxygen supply. Children's Hospital Boston has conducted research to explain why SIDS rates drop dramatically after six months and disappear entirely at one year. Their conclusion is that with age, the brain stem matures and appropriately adjusts serotonin levels.

SIDS likely has more than one explanation. Besides brain stem abnormalities, undiagnosed genetic anomalies and a metabolic disorder called MCADD (medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) may also be possible culprits. QT syndrome, an electrical disorder in the heart, may also account for some SIDS deaths. (MCADD and long QT syndrome can be successfully treated if caught in time by a blood test.)

An AAP analysis, suggests that 20 percent of all SIDS deaths occurred while the baby was in the care of someone other than a parent. One third of these infants died during the first week of childcare. It has been suggested that babies who typically sleep on their backs are statisticlaly more likely to die from SIDS when put down to sleep on their stomachs. This highlights the need to use well qualified, licensed facilities whenever possible.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Rose Pizem, Age 4, Victim of A Nasty Family Love Triangle While Saleh Choudhary Is A Victim Of A Bad Lesson Plan?


Israeli police found a suitcase containing the human remains of Rose Pizem, a missing 4-year-old girl, in the Yarkon river in Tel Aviv. Roni Ron, the girl's 45 year old grandfather, allegedly told police he stuffed her body in a suitcase and dumped it in the Yarkon River. Tests will be performed to confirm the identification of the body. The grandfather initially claimed that he accidentally killed Rose when he slapped her. He later allegedly changed his story. Rose's mother, Marie-Charlotte Renault-Pizam, 23, has denied any role in her daughter's disappearance. She told police she thought Ron sent Rose to an institution in France. Police, however, claim that they have evidence of a telephone conversation that proves she knew her daughter was dead. Rose's great-grandmother, Vivienne Yaakov, reported the girl missing in July. She said she had not seen her great-grandchild for about two months. Rose and her mother had been staying with Yaakov. Yaakov said Ron took Rose and she never returned.

The police investigation suggests a twisted family love triangle as there is some evidence to romantically link Marie and Ron. Rose was born in France in 2003. Marie moved to Israel after a custody battle with Rose's father, Benjamin Pizem. At some point, Marie apparently fell in love with Ron, her father in law. Benjamin Pizem told Israel's Haaretz newspaper that his father was manipulative. He remains hopeful that Rose is still alive despite what appears to be the discovery of her remains. This case sounds similar to Caylee Anthony but without the family love triangle!
Closer to home, a Chicago teacher is accused of discriminating against a Pakistani-American student (Saleh Choudhary) whom she requested to assume a role play of a terrorist. Mohmmad Fahad Choudhary, the victim's brother described for the local news the humiliation of his brother. Allegedly the teacher singled out his younger brother in front of his class to assume the role of a terrorist. "She used the example of if Saleh were to go on to an airplane, put his backpack down and put two wires together and the plane were to blow up - and she didn't make a point," said Christina Abraham, Council on American-Islamic Relations. Saleh Choudhary was a sixth grader last April when this incident allegedly took place. "Everybody started teasing him and calling him a terrorist after the comments were made by the teacher," Mohmmad said.
Saleh's family filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights. The superintendent of Chicago Public Schools indicates that suspension or possible termination may be considered. The teacher is currently teaching in a different school. The teachers Union cautions that the teacher in question is entitled to due process. Otherwise, folks, it has just been another day as the world turns...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Drug Raiding Bear Takes a Bite Out of The Drug Trade~ by Legal Pub


Drug enforcement may have a new weapon. A large black bear in Utah raided a clandestine marijuana growing operation. Not only did the bear disrupt operation, it also chased the grower away. Garfield County Sheriffs Department may have a new weapon in the fight to clean up neighborhoods around the country. "This bear is definitely law-enforcement minded," said Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins. The bear ripped apart food containers and cans and left teeth marks, claw marks and bear prints at the scene of the raid. Prior to the bear's raid, the Boulder Mountain operation included 4,000 "starter" sacks of pot and 888 young plants. The bear disrupted the operation so many times, it chased the marijuana farmers away.


Perhaps it is time to bring this tactic to our urban cities.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Large Hadron Collider To Prove God Did Not Create The World ~by Surfer Dude


Who said Switzerland was neutral? They certainly are not when it comes to the creation argument. The Large Hadron Collider, an overpriced particle accelerator designed to simulate conditions of the "Big Bang" that supposedly created the physical Universe has been activated. So far, there is not much to see but flashing dots on a TV screen. (If I want to watch that I can turn on my T.V. set as my cable has long since been turned off because of failure to pay my bill.)

In a few months, the collider will be used to smash particles into each other by sending two beams of protons around the tunnel in opposite directions. Those fearing the worse have argued that a black hole may be created that swallows the planet. A legal attempt to halt the project failed. Others have simply argued it is a huge colossal waste of money.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy claims that the project is a huge victory for Europe. (But the French's idea of victory may be variable given their experience in WWII.) You can look at the experiment here: Big Bang Experiment The collider will become more intense next year and may actually start generating data more interesting then a few blips on a screen in 2009. Until then, don't expect much. Nevertheless, feel free to watch the boring current data here: CERN data
Experimenters hope to hope to discover a theoretical particle called the Higgs boson ("God particle.") The collider could create conditions similar to a millionth of a second after the Big Bang. Why should any reader give a hoot about this expensive experiment? As your resident egg head, I have struggled to come up with a reason. Will it produce better lives? Doubtful. Will it create a better surf board? Definitely not. Will it destroy the world? CERN scientists say any black hole created would not have enough energy to stick around very long before dissolving. John Huth, of Harvard, called such fears "baloney." So what is the real danger if this machine works?

The real danger is anarchy that may result when egg heads prove there is no God and no divine creation. But fear not J.J., I don't need a 9 billion dollar collider to prove there is a God. Just ask any surfer such as Todd Endris or any one else who has caught the perfect wave or survived a shark attack and they will set the egg heads straight. Jesus saves!


Surfer Dude


Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Is Albert Jack Stanley The Right Tool To Prosecute Corruption In The Energy Industry? ~by Legal Pub


Waiting for my gas pump to shut off, a senior citizen at the pump next to me exclaimed, "These prices are criminal!" Compelled to field an explanation, I began by suggesting that one way to hit back is with more fuel efficient vehicles and alternative energy sources. He wasn't buying it. (No way his 1988 Cadillac with 3,500 miles was going to be traded in on a Prius.) Attempting another route, I agreed that higher gas prices may indeed be criminal. As the elderly gentleman pulled away from the pump with a look of understanding, I could not help but notice his bumper sticker said F.B.I. (Farm Bureau Insurance). With a huge jump in logic, another possible solution burst into my head. Perhaps another way to get at the root of the problem may be to get the other "FBI" on the trail of major players behind energy transactions that consumers are forced to accept. With a little research, it appears that the Justice Department and the FBI may be a step ahead of the senior citizen and myself.


Albert "Jack" Stanley has a reputation for winning billion-dollar contracts in Third World countries. This KBR (Halliburton subsidiary) executive knew how to get a deal closed in places like Egypt and Yemen. But last weak, he plead guilty of bribes, kickbacks and high-level corruption to secure deals in Nigeria. Now the investigation has caught fire and threatens to expose even more scandal in the oil industry. Who knows what the end result will be; however, there are potential implications for many corporations and governments. It is suspected that as many as 80 indictments of U.S. corporate executives accused of bribing foreign officials may follow. $182 million in bribes were allegedly paid by Halliburton and its partners from engineering companies located in France, Italy and Japan. Prosecution will not likely be in a friendly forum as the United Kingdom apparently has jurisdiction because Stanley maintained a home in the U.K. and conducted business there.

Involvement of the FBI has apparently generated a great deal of fear. The tactics of the gentlemen from the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission apparently are pale in comparison. It makes sense, since the FBI is more familiar with dealing with organized crime and the thugs who orchestrate the criminal activity. Will the gas prices come back down? For several days the prices have fallen some. One can not say the long range effects of the investigation; however, now when an elderly consumer looks at the pump prices and says, "this is criminal," he may be right!
If you want sex, drugs and gifts involving an oil probe investigation, read this:
Update 4-8-09: This seems like a story with a bottomless pit. A guilty plea was apparently entered by Albert "Jack" Stanley, the former chairman and CEO of KBR. He allegedly admitted to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by helping arrange and hide more than $182 million in illegal payments to Nigerian government officials. The companies involved are powerhouses, and the cast of characters is intimidating. Whether it will lead to any other convictions or companies getting in trouble is any one's guess at this time.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Shelley Malil Accused Of Attacking Kendra Beebe As Hollywood Shows It's Ugly Side


Prosecutors have brought additional charges against Shelley Malil, the actor who played Haziz in "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Malil is accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend ( Kendra Beebe) 20 times. Shelley Malil, 43, was charged with residential burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors claim Malil stabbed Beebe with two knives while chasing her around her San Marcos home. A man with Beebe grabbed one knife but Malil picked up another and allegedly continued the attack. Malil previously pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted murder, with a special circumstance of premeditation and one count of personal use of a knife and inflicting great bodily injury. Malil faces life in prison if convicted. Bail has been reduced from $10 million to $3 million. Malil is represented by attorney, Steve Meiser.
Beebe, 35, suffered deep wounds to her lungs and throat but fortunately is expected to recover.
Malil has also appeared in numerous TV shows, including "NYPD Blue" and "Scrubs." Keep in mind, all suspects are assumed to be innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Alicia Monique Alexander, Princess Berthomieux, and Janecia Peters All Victims of The Grim Sleeper? 2-25-10 With Possible Tip. Lonnie David Franklin?


$500,000 reward to catch a serial killer who has killed at least 10 women and a man? It is not enough. The family of A 1988 victim, Alicia Monique Alexander announced the reward. However one can not help but question whether the amount is sufficient. The killing has been over a two decade period and to date there are few clues. All the victims were found in or near South Los Angeles. Police suspect some of the women were prostitutes but that is not necessarily true. Ballistics show that seven of the women and one man were killed by the same handgun during the period of 1985 to 1988. The women all appear to have been sexually assaulted and most were dumped in the same alley.

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved the reward proposed by City Councilman Bernard Parks, a former police chief. The killing of Alicia Alexander demonstrates how fast life can change. Her father, Porter Alexander, last saw his daughter in September 1988 as the 18-year-old made a quick trip to the store. Four days later, police found her body in a nearby alley with a gunshot wound in the chest.

In March 2002, 14-year-old Princess Berthomieux was found beaten and strangled in an alley in the city of Inglewood. DNA linked her to the suspect in the earlier murders. In 2003 and in January 2007, victims bodies were found in a garbage bag. The January of 2007 victim was Janecia Peters, age 25. The time between the killings caused the LA Weekly newspaper to name the killer as the "Grim Sleeper." Police have DNA and one physical description of the killer (a victim survived a 1988 attack.) The killer's description (back in 1988) was that he is a black man in his 30s driving an orange Ford Pinto. (11 years have passed so do the math.) If there is any one out there that may fit this description, call CRIMESTOPPERS! Even if they are not guilty, their taste in transportation could definitely need improvement.
Update 3-19-09: For you youngsters, a photo was added to demonstrate a similar type of "Pinto."
Update 2-25-10: Sometimes tips can be helpful. Sometimes they are not. The following post is being added to this article. Law enforcement or reporters who read this publication can choose to investigate this matter by directly contacting the poster's email.:
"jf said...
hello my name is jf i have follow this guy trail for years. i believe this a serial killer. please help me to get the police attencion. im looking for the parents of this girl to support me with the police. i told already police where is the van used in one of the murder. about the pinto a friend of mine bougth the car from the killer. im presenting to los angeles police my report. i feel like they ignored me. please any body can contac me to my email juanfelix3320@hotmail.com "
Update 7-9-10: Lonnie David Franklin Jr., 57, has been apprehended and is being held without bail. His arraignment will be Aug. 9. Deputy Public Defender Regina A. Laughney will represent him. Franklin is suspected of killing seven women between 1985 and 1988. Slayings resumed in 2002, with a killing that year, another in 2003 and a third in 2007. He is of course to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

A Gift To Legal Pub From Ian Coburn, Author of God Is A Woman

Legal Pub,

You and your readers have been some of my book’s biggest and most loyal fans. Also, I enjoy reading your blog, which I find more illuminating than most of the stories on the nightly news. So, I wanted all of you to be among some of the first to know… the popularity and style of the book landed me a column called “Ask a Guy” with Lifetime! You can follow the column, new ones posted each Thursday, at:

http://www.mylifetime.com/lifestyle/relationships/luv-views/blog/topic/17620

So please spread the word and send in your questions/post comments. (Questions come to me anonymously.) That’s not the big news, though; the big news is that if the column goes well, I have a book deal with a major publisher to write 50 Things You Don’t Know about Every Guy. The book will be short, definitive, and complete. Each chapter will consist of examining items from the list in detail. You guys are the first to view this; a clip of ten items from the list. After the list is a link to a clip of a chapter, to show you the book’s format. Enjoy!

1) We don’t care what your friends think and wish you could form your own opinion about us without having to take a potty break with them every 45 minutes.
2) Our shoes don’t say a damn thing about us. Clothes aren’t about fashion to men; they’re about comfort. Do you see us wearing uncomfortable high heels? Corsets? Pantyhose? Comfort is why we wear stained sweatshirts.
3) Along with 2), we throw jeans over the back of a chair to air them out and wear again because we don’t have time to wash and dry them before an upcoming occasion requires their particular level of comfort. If you want them washed, don’t plan four days of straight events that will require their comfort; give our jeans a day off!
4) Also with 2), quit complaining when you see a guy wearing socks with sandals. You know damn well a woman is responsible for that attire. She forces him to wear the uncomfortable sandals and he adds the socks to help curtail the blisters the stupid sandals cause. It’s a sister’s fault, not the guy’s.
5) If you don’t want us to stare at your breasts, stop wearing shirts three sizes too small or having your twins pop up half-way out of your top or dress… on second thought, don’t stop doing that; we won’t stare anymore, I promise.
6) There are only seven colors—blue, red, green, brown, purple, orange, and yellow (in order of importance). Describing something as canary, burgundy, fuchsia (I had to have a woman spell it), or chestnut is the equivalent of a dork describing to you what the Romulans did to the Klingons (I had to have a dork spell it) on K-9 in episode 14 of Star Trek, season 2. We don’t grimace, though, because while you babble about colors that don’t exist, it provides us the perfect opportunity to stare mindlessly at your breasts.
7) For those of you that keep unwittingly falling for gay guys, use 6). If a guy listens intently while you describe the fuchsia fabric you bought instead of using it as an opportunity to stare mindlessly at your breasts, he is gay.
8) The sexier, hotter, more revealing and expensive your outfit, the less we remember it because the more it makes us want to just tear it off you. I’ve had girlfriends who loved wearing lingerie; I don’t remember what any of it looked like and most of it stayed on for less than a millisecond… Want us to remember your clothes? Wear sweats, a baggy t-shirt, and fuchsia curlers when we go out. Guys don’t focus on women’s clothes; we focus on removing them. I can’t believe you can’t put two and two together when it comes to hot outfits and guys not remembering them.
9) A lot of times we don’t call after sex because you lied and we lost interest. The woman who had green eyes, a 36-C cup, a tight ass, and I didn’t know smoked when we left the bar, just came out of my bathroom naked with brown eyes, a pair of double A’s, a fat butt, and a cigarette dangling from her mouth, now that she had removed her colored contacts, extreme push up bra, and three sizes too tight pair of jeans. We still sleep with you on the spot because… well, it would be rude not to. But don’t expect a call from us, ever.
10) If your idea of going out is bar hopping with your friends to fourteen clubs in one night, your boyfriend will be staying home. We only bar hop because we are searching for women or striking out with the ones at our current location. Since we already have you, bar hopping is pointlessly tiring. A pub crawl? That’s completely different… If you want your boyfriend to bar hop with you, tell him it’s a pub crawl.

The Chapter Link: http://www.godisawoman.net/Print%20Versions/clip.htm

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

What Is More Scary Then Marriage Itself? Jason and Rachael Storm Wed In Funeral Home? ~by Surfer Dude


To me, weddings are always scary. Frankly, marriage is a nightmare. But I have to admit that I like getting drunk for free at receptions. So, I took the long trip inland to attend a wedding this weekend. It had a cool theme, the beach. Who would have thought that a California groom would travel all the way to the Midwest just to get married in a sand box? The groom faked like he was drowning when posed with the "Do you take this beach babe as your lawfully wedded designated driver?" Yup, engaged dudes amaze me. As strange as that wedding might be, I would have DIED for the opportunity to attend a Michigan wedding that literally exemplified fear of marriage. Jason Storm and his new wife Rachael got married at Jason's office, the local funeral home. Not a bad idea when you consider the potential savings on flowers, corsages and old black suits. The only down side may be the risk of the reception being a bit dead, but that is a chance worth taking.
Jason is the funeral director of Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, so it is unlikely that he will have to kill himself over the next year to pay for the use of the facility. While I didn't attend this "scary" wedding, I have heard that the dinner and dancing was first classand the reception lively. (No stiffs allowed.) Rev. Greg Prather presided over the ceremony. The bride and groom were not haunted by the setting so why should the guests mind? The wedding went off without a hitch and several advantages of the facility came to light. For example, a stone faced corpses is unlikely to object and provide a reason why the happy couple should not wed. Similarly, corpses never gossip about what happened at the bachelor party and they certainly don't show up hung over for the wedding.
Scary? Sure, all marriage is scary. But there were no caskets or corpse in the room but perhaps they were on stand by in the event the wedding party and witnesses failed to show. (The dead have voted for years in Chicago, so why not add witnessing weddings to their resume?)

Best of luck to Jason and Rachael Storm. Hopefully your funeral wedding will not be a death sentence like mine.


Surfer Dude

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Actress Dame Helen Brings Date Rape Into The Public Eye


In Britain's GQ magazine, Dame Helen, a 63-year-old, spoke of date rape, using cocaine, and her Academy Award winning portrayal of The Queen. She revealed that she was date-raped "a couple of times" when she was young but complained that "you couldn't do that in those days." Helen said it was rape even if the woman waited until the last second to say "no." However, she added, "I don't think she can have that man into court under those circumstances. I guess it is one of the subtle parts of the men/women relationship that has to be negotiated and worked out between them." Legal Pub disagrees! Prosecution can and should be pursued.

What is date rape? "Date rape" refers to the non-consensual sexual activity between people who are acquainted either platonic or sexually. This type of unwelcome assault takes place during a social interaction. It may be planned or spontaneous. The majority of rape victims (68 percent) knew their rapist either as a boyfriend, friend or casual acquaintance. (Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000) In some cases, drugs such as flunitrazepam, GHB, midazolam, temamepam, or ketamine are used to neutralize resistance or even consciousness. However, good old alcohol is the most frequent chemical used in date rape. Memory loss is the number one reason for lack of prosecution of the crime. This makes date rape more difficult to prove then it would otherwise be.


What should you do if you suspect "date rape?" First, there are signs that sexual activity has taken place even if you have no memory of it. (It is important to note that you can also have no memory of consensual sex, so be careful prior to making accusations.) Signs of a sexual assault may include; soreness or bruising in the genital area, soreness or bruising in the anal area, bruising on the inner and/or outer thighs, bruising on the wrists and forearms, defensive bruising or scratching, used condoms, and traces of semen or vaginal fluids on clothes or furniture. Signs that a date rape drug may have been given include: feeling "hung-over" despite having ingested little or no alcohol, a sense of having had hallucinations or very "real" dreams, fleeting memories of feeling or acting intoxicated despite having taken no drugs or alcohol and no clear memory of events during an 8 to 24 hour period. But there is no way to be sure without medical testing. If you suspect date rape with a drug, go to a hospital quickly and be properly tested. Drugs can be found in your system if you act quickly. Also request a preliminary rape exam.


How can one protect against "date rape drugs?"


1. Don't accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from people you do not know.


2. In bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender.


3. Only accept drinks in close containers: bottles, cans or tetra packs.


4. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.


5. Never drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.


6. If there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated," leave the party or club immediately and don't go back!


7. There is a brand new defense against date rape drugs called "Drink Safe Technology." It involves litmus paper strips that change color when they come in contact with a date rape drug. The strips fit in your purse or pocket and can be used quickly and discretely. Visit http://www.drinksafetech.com/.