I hope it's a happy, healthy, prosperous one.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Spaz the kitten's exercise programme
Spaz, the deaf, visually challenged, slightly odd kitten has an exhausting workout in the washing machine.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Court rules that casino floor is not a weapon
The state Supreme Court has thrown out a felony assault conviction against a mixed martial arts fighter accused of slamming a drunk amputee into a casino floor. At issue, according to the opinion released on Thursday, was the prosecution's contention that the floor of Mason County's Little Creek Casino was a weapon. In a unanimous decision, the high court found that it was not. James Michael Marohl, described in court documents as a mixed martial arts fighter, was convicted of third-degree assault in the June 2007 incident, in which he forced an intoxicated man to the floor, according to the Supreme Court opinion. The other man suffered scrapes and bruises, and a broken prosthetic arm.
Writing for the unanimous court, Justice Richard Sanders noted that the alleged victim had been cut off from the bar after imbibing to excess. The man was walking to his seat when he knocked over a chair, nearly striking the wife of a friend of Marohl's. Confronted by the woman's husband, the alleged victim repeatedly put his arm around the man while attempting to apologize. Marohl then grabbed the alleged victim from behind and was forcing him toward the exit, when the amputee dropped to the floor. Sanders noted that conflicting descriptions of the incident were offered at trial. Witnesses for the prosecution described Marohl choking the victim until he lost consciousness and forcing him to the floor. Defense witnesses said Marohl was simply trying to guide him out of the bar when he tripped and fell.
In either case, both men fell to the casino floor, Sanders said. Either the choke hold or the impact caused the alleged victim to lose consciousness for several minutes. "The impact with the casino floor caused (the victim) to suffer bruises and scrapes on his face, and his prosthetic arm broke off above the elbow joint," Sanders said in the opinion. "Marohl got to his feet and walked away but then returned to try to help (the victim) off the ground." Charged with second-degree assault, a Mason County jury convicted Marohl of a lesser offence, third-degree assault. But the high court found jurors were misinformed when the prosecution suggested the casino floor could qualify and be considered as a weapon in determining whether Marohl committed third-degree assault.
"Accepting Marohl forced (the victim) to the ground, there is no evidence his use of the ground transformed it into an object similar to a weapon," Sanders noted. "The issue in this case is whether a floor is an instrument or thing likely to produce harm when the defendant causes the victim to impact the ground. The plain meaning of the statute is unambiguous - under these circumstances, the casino floor was not similar to a weapon, nor was it likely to produce bodily harm.'" Reversing a Court of Appeals decision affirming the conviction, the high court dismissed the jury's finding.
Writing for the unanimous court, Justice Richard Sanders noted that the alleged victim had been cut off from the bar after imbibing to excess. The man was walking to his seat when he knocked over a chair, nearly striking the wife of a friend of Marohl's. Confronted by the woman's husband, the alleged victim repeatedly put his arm around the man while attempting to apologize. Marohl then grabbed the alleged victim from behind and was forcing him toward the exit, when the amputee dropped to the floor. Sanders noted that conflicting descriptions of the incident were offered at trial. Witnesses for the prosecution described Marohl choking the victim until he lost consciousness and forcing him to the floor. Defense witnesses said Marohl was simply trying to guide him out of the bar when he tripped and fell.
In either case, both men fell to the casino floor, Sanders said. Either the choke hold or the impact caused the alleged victim to lose consciousness for several minutes. "The impact with the casino floor caused (the victim) to suffer bruises and scrapes on his face, and his prosthetic arm broke off above the elbow joint," Sanders said in the opinion. "Marohl got to his feet and walked away but then returned to try to help (the victim) off the ground." Charged with second-degree assault, a Mason County jury convicted Marohl of a lesser offence, third-degree assault. But the high court found jurors were misinformed when the prosecution suggested the casino floor could qualify and be considered as a weapon in determining whether Marohl committed third-degree assault.
"Accepting Marohl forced (the victim) to the ground, there is no evidence his use of the ground transformed it into an object similar to a weapon," Sanders noted. "The issue in this case is whether a floor is an instrument or thing likely to produce harm when the defendant causes the victim to impact the ground. The plain meaning of the statute is unambiguous - under these circumstances, the casino floor was not similar to a weapon, nor was it likely to produce bodily harm.'" Reversing a Court of Appeals decision affirming the conviction, the high court dismissed the jury's finding.
Airline passenger blames tabasco spill for lewd act
Arrested this week for allegedly masturbating while seated next to a teenage girl on an aeroplane, 50-year-old Rafael Escamilla told police that he was actually massaging and itching himself because he had spilled Tabasco sauce on his penis. Escamilla’s unique explanation for his alleged indecent exposure is contained in police reports detailing the December 26 incident on a SkyWest Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to Lewiston, Idaho. Escamilla, a Florida resident, was in Idaho visiting family.
The girl, a high school cheerleader who just turned 17, told police that she was seated directly next to Escamilla, and had chatted briefly with him at the trip’s outset. Mid-flight, as she looked at prom dresses in Seventeen magazine, the teenager spotted something moving “out of my corner of my eye.” In a handwritten statement, the girl recalled, “I looked over and I could clearly see the man’s penis going side to side under the tray table that was down.” Escamilla, she added, had one hand on his laptop (which was atop the tray table) and the other “under the tray table.” Upon arrival at Nez Perce County Regional Airport, the girl, upset and crying, told her father about what had transpired on the flight. The man contacted a Transportation Security Administration supervisor, who in turn summoned Lewiston Police Department officers.
When confronted by police, Escamilla denied exposing himself. “I wasn’t out, I wasn’t hanging out,” he claimed. As reported by Officer Chris Reese, Escamilla “explained to me that he had spilled Tabasco sauce or something similar on his ‘penis’ and had an incredible itch.” He was rubbing his groin, Escamilla explained, “because it was the worst ‘itch in the world.’” Escamilla said he tried to be discreet by covering himself with his laptop, but that the girl must have “suspected something.” During further questioning, Escamilla changed his Tabasco story, claiming that it “might” be from his breakfast that morning “as he did have Tabasco sauce with his eggs.” Asked why he did not just go to the bathroom to “take care of this problem,” Escamilla told Reese that he “didn’t feel that it would help.”
Reese noted that Escamilla used the words “rub” and “massage” to describe how he addressed the “incredible itch.” The cop reported that, “while I was speaking with [Escamilla], he never showed any obvious signs that he had an itch in this particular part of his body.” Escamilla was then handcuffed and transported to the county jail, where the above mug shot was snapped. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of indecent exposure, and a District Court hearing was set for January 18. According to an online biography, Escamilla is an accomplished physical therapist who holds a Ph.D. and has worked as a professor at Duke University and California State University. Escamilla currently works as research director at the Florida orthopedics and sports medicine institute founded by Dr. James Andrews, the noted surgeon whose clientele has included Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Charles Barkley, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Clemens, and Drew Brees.
The girl, a high school cheerleader who just turned 17, told police that she was seated directly next to Escamilla, and had chatted briefly with him at the trip’s outset. Mid-flight, as she looked at prom dresses in Seventeen magazine, the teenager spotted something moving “out of my corner of my eye.” In a handwritten statement, the girl recalled, “I looked over and I could clearly see the man’s penis going side to side under the tray table that was down.” Escamilla, she added, had one hand on his laptop (which was atop the tray table) and the other “under the tray table.” Upon arrival at Nez Perce County Regional Airport, the girl, upset and crying, told her father about what had transpired on the flight. The man contacted a Transportation Security Administration supervisor, who in turn summoned Lewiston Police Department officers.
When confronted by police, Escamilla denied exposing himself. “I wasn’t out, I wasn’t hanging out,” he claimed. As reported by Officer Chris Reese, Escamilla “explained to me that he had spilled Tabasco sauce or something similar on his ‘penis’ and had an incredible itch.” He was rubbing his groin, Escamilla explained, “because it was the worst ‘itch in the world.’” Escamilla said he tried to be discreet by covering himself with his laptop, but that the girl must have “suspected something.” During further questioning, Escamilla changed his Tabasco story, claiming that it “might” be from his breakfast that morning “as he did have Tabasco sauce with his eggs.” Asked why he did not just go to the bathroom to “take care of this problem,” Escamilla told Reese that he “didn’t feel that it would help.”
Reese noted that Escamilla used the words “rub” and “massage” to describe how he addressed the “incredible itch.” The cop reported that, “while I was speaking with [Escamilla], he never showed any obvious signs that he had an itch in this particular part of his body.” Escamilla was then handcuffed and transported to the county jail, where the above mug shot was snapped. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of indecent exposure, and a District Court hearing was set for January 18. According to an online biography, Escamilla is an accomplished physical therapist who holds a Ph.D. and has worked as a professor at Duke University and California State University. Escamilla currently works as research director at the Florida orthopedics and sports medicine institute founded by Dr. James Andrews, the noted surgeon whose clientele has included Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Charles Barkley, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Clemens, and Drew Brees.
Man blames Ozzy Osbourne for him drinking and driving.
Ozzy Osbourne is considered the mad man of rock-and-roll, and a Portage County man claims the rocker's music drove him mad on Christmas Eve. Solon police say after 33-year-old William Liston, of Aurora, was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence, he told the officer quote, "Ozzy Osbourne and his music made me do it." Frank Klarich, of Newbury, was driving through Solon when he came across Liston.
"A lady came up to us and said there was a driver ahead of her that was driving erratic, so we told her to get back in her car and we followed him...called 911," said Klarich. As Liston drove erratically on Route 91, and then 422, Klarich relayed his movements to police. "He was all over the road, bouncing from kerb to kerb. After he saw we were following him, that's when he accelerated and went ahead of us," Klarich said.
Solon police say at one point, Liston ran an SUV off the road. The driver was not hurt. Eventually police were able to catch up with Liston and charged him with OVI, hit-and-run and failure to control. Witnesses are amazed that no one was hurt. "His head was bouncing around and he was losing consciousness the whole time he was driving," said Klarich.
Police say they found a bottle containing four different kinds of prescription pills in Liston's pocket, and those who saw him on the road that night believe the drugs are more to blame than Ozzy Osbourne. "Just a poor excuse, you know...that's all," said Klarich. Police say this is Liston's second drunk driving arrest in six years. He had a prior conviction for the crime back in 2005.
With news video.
"A lady came up to us and said there was a driver ahead of her that was driving erratic, so we told her to get back in her car and we followed him...called 911," said Klarich. As Liston drove erratically on Route 91, and then 422, Klarich relayed his movements to police. "He was all over the road, bouncing from kerb to kerb. After he saw we were following him, that's when he accelerated and went ahead of us," Klarich said.
Solon police say at one point, Liston ran an SUV off the road. The driver was not hurt. Eventually police were able to catch up with Liston and charged him with OVI, hit-and-run and failure to control. Witnesses are amazed that no one was hurt. "His head was bouncing around and he was losing consciousness the whole time he was driving," said Klarich.
Police say they found a bottle containing four different kinds of prescription pills in Liston's pocket, and those who saw him on the road that night believe the drugs are more to blame than Ozzy Osbourne. "Just a poor excuse, you know...that's all," said Klarich. Police say this is Liston's second drunk driving arrest in six years. He had a prior conviction for the crime back in 2005.
With news video.
Sex toy drive-thru opens in Alabama after finding a loophole in the law
Business is brisk with cars lining up three deep at a new drive-thru in Alabama that fought the law to sell adult items including vibrators, lubricants, lingerie and sex toys to customers who seek privacy and convenience. The Pleasures store in Huntsville is owned by Sherri Williams who found a loophole in the conservative Bible belt state's anti-obscenity laws. Sex toys can be sold if they are needed for 'medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial, or law enforcement' purpose.
'It's been doing well, and really well on nights when it's cold or rainy,' said employee Toni Kennedy. 'Discretion and the ease of it are big, and convenience. We're Americans. We like everything convenient.' A 1998 law banned the sale of products intended for sexual stimulation. With two sex-toy stores in Alabama's Tennessee Valley, Williams sued to overturn the law with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.
She won initially when a federal judge ruled in 1999 there was no rational basis for the law. But the state appealed and Williams lost, allowing the law to remain on the books. The US Supreme Court refused to hear the case in 2007, ending Williams' challenge. Distribution of sex toys is a misdemeanour on the first offence with a maximum penalty of a $10,000 (£6,500) fine and one year in jail. The law does not ban possession. But under the legal loophole customers buying sex toys fill out an anonymous form with 10 questions including whether they or a partner have difficulty with sexual fulfillment.
YouTube link.
In November, Williams held the grand opening for an expanded Pleasures store in an old bank building at a busy intersection. It seemed like a waste not to use the old drive-thru window once run by bank tellers, so workers now sell all sorts of adult products from the side of the building. Just like at a fast-food restaurant, there's a brightly lit sign outside with products and prices - herbal 'enhancement pills' are eight dollars (£5) per dose. Williams believes her drive-thru is the first in the country to offer adult novelties for sale.
'It's been doing well, and really well on nights when it's cold or rainy,' said employee Toni Kennedy. 'Discretion and the ease of it are big, and convenience. We're Americans. We like everything convenient.' A 1998 law banned the sale of products intended for sexual stimulation. With two sex-toy stores in Alabama's Tennessee Valley, Williams sued to overturn the law with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.
She won initially when a federal judge ruled in 1999 there was no rational basis for the law. But the state appealed and Williams lost, allowing the law to remain on the books. The US Supreme Court refused to hear the case in 2007, ending Williams' challenge. Distribution of sex toys is a misdemeanour on the first offence with a maximum penalty of a $10,000 (£6,500) fine and one year in jail. The law does not ban possession. But under the legal loophole customers buying sex toys fill out an anonymous form with 10 questions including whether they or a partner have difficulty with sexual fulfillment.
YouTube link.
In November, Williams held the grand opening for an expanded Pleasures store in an old bank building at a busy intersection. It seemed like a waste not to use the old drive-thru window once run by bank tellers, so workers now sell all sorts of adult products from the side of the building. Just like at a fast-food restaurant, there's a brightly lit sign outside with products and prices - herbal 'enhancement pills' are eight dollars (£5) per dose. Williams believes her drive-thru is the first in the country to offer adult novelties for sale.
Puppy Love calendar has dog lovers feeling hot under the collar
It may be puppy love but it's anything but innocent. A new calendar which has been produced to raise funds for an Irish animal welfare charity is causing controversy thanks to its risque calendar girls - and dogs. The Puppy Love calendar was the idea of model Melissa Hayward who got her dog from Ash Animal Rescue in Wicklow three years ago.
She said that because they have a "no kill" policy, they are struggling to raise enough funds to feed and house all the animals they have at the shelter. So she convinced her friends to donate their time and expertise for free for the 1940s style photographs. All the models, make up artists and photographers waived their fees to make the glossy product.
But she admitted that she didn't expect so much controversy - especially surrounding one picture which shows a model breastfeeding a puppy. "The reaction from everyone has been great, even the people who said they can't stock it," she said. "But some have said they can't stock it because it's too sexy. I expected some reaction but not this."
The March model - Agata Dembiecka - is pictured cradling a puppy and appears to be breastfeeding it. "She's a member of PETA and she was completely comfortable with the shoot," said Melissa. They are hoping to sell 1,000 copies of the calendar for 10 euros each, with all funds going to Ash.
Surprisingly, The Daily Mail also have a problem with this. They do go to the trouble of publishing all the pages, mind.
She said that because they have a "no kill" policy, they are struggling to raise enough funds to feed and house all the animals they have at the shelter. So she convinced her friends to donate their time and expertise for free for the 1940s style photographs. All the models, make up artists and photographers waived their fees to make the glossy product.
But she admitted that she didn't expect so much controversy - especially surrounding one picture which shows a model breastfeeding a puppy. "The reaction from everyone has been great, even the people who said they can't stock it," she said. "But some have said they can't stock it because it's too sexy. I expected some reaction but not this."
The March model - Agata Dembiecka - is pictured cradling a puppy and appears to be breastfeeding it. "She's a member of PETA and she was completely comfortable with the shoot," said Melissa. They are hoping to sell 1,000 copies of the calendar for 10 euros each, with all funds going to Ash.
Surprisingly, The Daily Mail also have a problem with this. They do go to the trouble of publishing all the pages, mind.
Dog survives six-week winter walk in rural Berkshire
A lost dog which gave villagers the run around for more than six weeks as it braved sub-zero temperatures in rural Berkshire has finally been rescued. The mink hound, named Angel, is believed to have survived the freezing conditions by foraging for scraps. Wearing a red collar, she was spotted in Axford, Wilts, on 6 November before sightings were reported in Ramsbury, Enborne, Speen and Hungerford.
Angel was eventually rescued by the Newbury Dogs Trust on 16 December. Assistant manager Jenny Hopkins, who had to use a specialist net to catch Angel, said the dog had relied on its animal instincts to survive. "She would have probably travelled up to 30 miles a day for six weeks. We knew it was her because of the descriptions people were giving of her - she's a scruffy hound and most are smooth.
"I was out trying to catch her myself, but she wasn't accepting of people because she was so frightened. We even set up dog traps, but she wouldn't go in them. The villages were very rural. She disappeared for a few days before being spotted again and it was possible she was going down the tow-paths along the canal which had iced up. It was just survival of the fittest."
Paula Boyden, deputy veterinary director at the charity, added: "Given the weather conditions that we have experienced over the past few weeks, I am surprised to hear that she survived and was picked up in such good condition. However, with temperatures due to plummet to well below zero again, the challenge of finding food and shelter may well have proven to be an impossible task if she had not been rescued."
Angel was eventually rescued by the Newbury Dogs Trust on 16 December. Assistant manager Jenny Hopkins, who had to use a specialist net to catch Angel, said the dog had relied on its animal instincts to survive. "She would have probably travelled up to 30 miles a day for six weeks. We knew it was her because of the descriptions people were giving of her - she's a scruffy hound and most are smooth.
"I was out trying to catch her myself, but she wasn't accepting of people because she was so frightened. We even set up dog traps, but she wouldn't go in them. The villages were very rural. She disappeared for a few days before being spotted again and it was possible she was going down the tow-paths along the canal which had iced up. It was just survival of the fittest."
Paula Boyden, deputy veterinary director at the charity, added: "Given the weather conditions that we have experienced over the past few weeks, I am surprised to hear that she survived and was picked up in such good condition. However, with temperatures due to plummet to well below zero again, the challenge of finding food and shelter may well have proven to be an impossible task if she had not been rescued."
Man dials 999 to report shop selling milk past its expiry date
A 999 call reporting milk being sold after its expiry date has been released by police as part of an appeal to ring operators only in an emergencies.
In the 48-second call a man complains that a shop is selling 'expired milk' which staff won't remove from the shelves.
The man says: "I'm in a store and the goods they've got here, they won't take them off the rack. There's expired milk and I've asked him [the shopkeeper] to take it off the shelf."
When the operator asks why he has called 999 the man replies: "He doesn't want to comply, that's why I want to involve the police."
In the 48-second call a man complains that a shop is selling 'expired milk' which staff won't remove from the shelves.
The man says: "I'm in a store and the goods they've got here, they won't take them off the rack. There's expired milk and I've asked him [the shopkeeper] to take it off the shelf."
When the operator asks why he has called 999 the man replies: "He doesn't want to comply, that's why I want to involve the police."
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