As reported on June 29th, 2009 by Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A federal judge sentenced Bernard Madoff, the convicted mastermind of the largest and most sweeping Ponzi scheme ever, to the maximum sentence of 150 years in federal court Monday. Shortly before receiving his sentence, Madoff offered an apology, which he delivered facing Judge Chin.
"I live in a tormented state for all the pain and suffering I created," he said. "I left a legacy of shame. It is something I will live with for the rest of my life." Madoff said he was not asking for forgiveness and not offering any excuses for his behavior. "How can you excuse betraying thousands of investors?" he asked. "How can you excuse deceiving hundreds of employees? How can you excuse lying to and deceiving your wife who still stands by you?" Madoff then said, "I apologize to my victims. I will turn and face you." Addressing the victims in the courtroom directly, he offered, "I am sorry. I know it will not help you."
Lawyer Ira Lee Sorkin, who represents Madoff, asked for a 12-year sentence. In a letter to the judge, Sorkin explained that his 71-year-old client "has an approximate life expectancy of 13 years" and isn't likely to outlive the requested sentence by more than a year.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: Well…12 years,…150 years…potato/ pototo! It seems that many people are a little angry with him. I’m not sure why no one seemed to fall for this sociopath’s apology? He felt bad…I mean…really bad!…that his wife was going to have to return her fur…and that he got caught. His lawyer figured out his exact life expectancy in order to request one year free before he died? That’s so nice! The judge must’ve been working with a different team of doctors. Apparently he is expected to live until age 222…that way he’ll get that extra free year that he wanted so badly to go bungee jumping…and to go to Disneyland!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Cops Find 100 Pounds of Pot in Casket
As reported on June 26, 2009 on aol.com AP
DALLAS (June 26) -- A casket minus a cadaver yielded nearly 100 pounds of marijuana after a traffic stop in Dallas. William Dale Crock of Cave City, Ark., was in jail Friday on a marijuana possession charge, plus traffic and seat belt violations.
Dallas police say Crock was arrested Wednesday when bundles of marijuana were discovered under the casket's cover and pillow.
Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse said the van turned up during surveillance on a suspected drug house. Police stopped the van in Mesquite after noticing Crock not wearing a seat belt. Officers also said he allegedly ran a red light and made an improper lane change.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the casket in the van.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: Note to self: Wear seat belt when carrying casket full of drugs!
DALLAS (June 26) -- A casket minus a cadaver yielded nearly 100 pounds of marijuana after a traffic stop in Dallas. William Dale Crock of Cave City, Ark., was in jail Friday on a marijuana possession charge, plus traffic and seat belt violations.
Dallas police say Crock was arrested Wednesday when bundles of marijuana were discovered under the casket's cover and pillow.
Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse said the van turned up during surveillance on a suspected drug house. Police stopped the van in Mesquite after noticing Crock not wearing a seat belt. Officers also said he allegedly ran a red light and made an improper lane change.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the casket in the van.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: Note to self: Wear seat belt when carrying casket full of drugs!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mammals Evolve Faster in the Tropics
As reported on June 26, 2009 on aol.com AP
(June 25) - Mammals living in the tropics are experiencing genetic mutations more quickly and therefore are evolving faster than those in cooler environments, according to a New Zealand study.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Auckland University of Technology, counters a longstanding assumption that climate does not impact the genetic mutations of warm-blooded animals, the Australian Associated Press reported.
"The results show that species occupying warmer climates have almost 50 percent more DNA evolution relative to those in cooler climates," biologist Len Gillman told the news service. "These results come from pairs of species generally living in close proximity to each other so we would expect the effect to be far more pronounced over continental and global scales."
Prior studies have shown that plants and certain marine life evolve faster in warmer climates. But the New Zealand study is first evidence of microevolution in mammals, the BBC News reported. Microevolution occurs when a population changes genetically over time in a way that is advantageous for the animal, such as developing a resistance to disease or pesticides. The gene is then passed down to future generations.
"The result was unexpected," Gillman told the BBC of the study, which looked at 260 mammal species.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: So this is why David Lee Roth always wished they all could be California girls? I always suspected some sort of genetic mutation. They don’t make sport’s bras powerful enough for some of those girls! Must be the heat!
(June 25) - Mammals living in the tropics are experiencing genetic mutations more quickly and therefore are evolving faster than those in cooler environments, according to a New Zealand study.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Auckland University of Technology, counters a longstanding assumption that climate does not impact the genetic mutations of warm-blooded animals, the Australian Associated Press reported.
"The results show that species occupying warmer climates have almost 50 percent more DNA evolution relative to those in cooler climates," biologist Len Gillman told the news service. "These results come from pairs of species generally living in close proximity to each other so we would expect the effect to be far more pronounced over continental and global scales."
Prior studies have shown that plants and certain marine life evolve faster in warmer climates. But the New Zealand study is first evidence of microevolution in mammals, the BBC News reported. Microevolution occurs when a population changes genetically over time in a way that is advantageous for the animal, such as developing a resistance to disease or pesticides. The gene is then passed down to future generations.
"The result was unexpected," Gillman told the BBC of the study, which looked at 260 mammal species.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: So this is why David Lee Roth always wished they all could be California girls? I always suspected some sort of genetic mutation. They don’t make sport’s bras powerful enough for some of those girls! Must be the heat!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Phil Spector Is Behind Bars, Wants His iPod
As reported on June 25, 2009 on spinner.com
Legendary producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector may be taking the Martha Stewart approach to jail-time. At least, in a way. Spector, age 69, has just begun to serve his 19 years to life sentence and, according to the Associated Press, he'd like to serve it with certain luxuries: specifically, the ability to listen to music, check email and watch his favorite shows.
Spector is being held in a single cell in a "sensitive-needs facility" area of his new home, the State Prison at Corcoran, Calif. As a medium-security inmate at California's largest prison, he is allowed to ask for certain creature comforts and, at the top of his list, are an iPod, a television and a computer. Prison officials have indicated that those wishes will likely be granted.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: That’s really nice of them. Come to think of it…if he has an ipod, a computer and a television, then he will officially have my life! Wait a minute…does he have to pay a mortgage…and for other people’s health insurance too? No?...oh…wait, who’s the criminal? I’m so confused!
Legendary producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector may be taking the Martha Stewart approach to jail-time. At least, in a way. Spector, age 69, has just begun to serve his 19 years to life sentence and, according to the Associated Press, he'd like to serve it with certain luxuries: specifically, the ability to listen to music, check email and watch his favorite shows.
Spector is being held in a single cell in a "sensitive-needs facility" area of his new home, the State Prison at Corcoran, Calif. As a medium-security inmate at California's largest prison, he is allowed to ask for certain creature comforts and, at the top of his list, are an iPod, a television and a computer. Prison officials have indicated that those wishes will likely be granted.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: That’s really nice of them. Come to think of it…if he has an ipod, a computer and a television, then he will officially have my life! Wait a minute…does he have to pay a mortgage…and for other people’s health insurance too? No?...oh…wait, who’s the criminal? I’m so confused!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Redlands teen arrested three times in a day, escapes custody
As reported on 6/23/09 By Stacia Glenn on thedailybulletin.com
Police said a 16-year-old Redlands boy was arrested three times in a day, ending his minor crime spree by running from the police station in handcuffs and leading officers on a brief chase. His brief escape highlights a problem police have struggled with since September: there is no safe place to detain prisoners in the city. Officers encountered him about noon Saturday after he was reported vandalizing property in the 800 block of Colton Avenue. After finding him nearby, police were detaining him in a field while waiting for a witness to arrive. When the boy tried to run and struggled with officers, they tased him, said Redlands spokesman Carl Baker. After the teen was arrested, he was cited and released to his father.
A little more than two hours later, CVS employees reported that two boys on bicycles had stolen alcohol from the Orange Street store and were seen riding toward Smiley Park. Police located and arrested the same boy and 21-year-old Evean Hodge. They then brought them to the police annex on Cajon Street, where two other prisoners were handcuffed to chairs in the lobby while waiting to be taken to the county jail. The boy's dad had already arrived.
It was then that the teen decided to make his escape. "The teen bolted out the front door with handcuffs on, down the steps and our officers were after him in a foot pursuit," Baker said.
One of the officers injured his knee and elbow on the steps as he ran after the boy, who was eventually captured west of the Redlands Bowl. Because he has heart issues, the boy was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center and then booked into juvenile hall after receiving a clean bill of health.
"We dont have a physical building you would expect for a Police Department. We don't have a secure place to keep people," he said. "We're locking people up in the lobby of the old city hall until we can transport them."
The department's holding cell went out of commission in September after the police station on Brookside Avenue shut down due to safety concerns.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: I’m wondering what safety concerns there were in the out of commission holding cell? Was it really more dangerous than running down a flight of steps handcuffed to a chair? I’ve seen the “slips, trips and falls” video that is put out so people are warned of safety hazards in the workplace but don’t remember anything in there about being handcuffed in a field. I’m also concerned that the father of this 16 year old boy may not have been watching him closely enough after the police released him to him the first time. Was he actually at CVS picking up alcohol for his father? I do think it is very nice that the police took him to the hospital to check his health. Are they sure it was his heart and not some sort of synapse issue in his brain?…I’m just saying…I can’t imagine not learning my lesson the first time I had to run away from the police! This is the same kind of kid who would run with scissors! That’s crazy man!
Police said a 16-year-old Redlands boy was arrested three times in a day, ending his minor crime spree by running from the police station in handcuffs and leading officers on a brief chase. His brief escape highlights a problem police have struggled with since September: there is no safe place to detain prisoners in the city. Officers encountered him about noon Saturday after he was reported vandalizing property in the 800 block of Colton Avenue. After finding him nearby, police were detaining him in a field while waiting for a witness to arrive. When the boy tried to run and struggled with officers, they tased him, said Redlands spokesman Carl Baker. After the teen was arrested, he was cited and released to his father.
A little more than two hours later, CVS employees reported that two boys on bicycles had stolen alcohol from the Orange Street store and were seen riding toward Smiley Park. Police located and arrested the same boy and 21-year-old Evean Hodge. They then brought them to the police annex on Cajon Street, where two other prisoners were handcuffed to chairs in the lobby while waiting to be taken to the county jail. The boy's dad had already arrived.
It was then that the teen decided to make his escape. "The teen bolted out the front door with handcuffs on, down the steps and our officers were after him in a foot pursuit," Baker said.
One of the officers injured his knee and elbow on the steps as he ran after the boy, who was eventually captured west of the Redlands Bowl. Because he has heart issues, the boy was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center and then booked into juvenile hall after receiving a clean bill of health.
"We dont have a physical building you would expect for a Police Department. We don't have a secure place to keep people," he said. "We're locking people up in the lobby of the old city hall until we can transport them."
The department's holding cell went out of commission in September after the police station on Brookside Avenue shut down due to safety concerns.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: I’m wondering what safety concerns there were in the out of commission holding cell? Was it really more dangerous than running down a flight of steps handcuffed to a chair? I’ve seen the “slips, trips and falls” video that is put out so people are warned of safety hazards in the workplace but don’t remember anything in there about being handcuffed in a field. I’m also concerned that the father of this 16 year old boy may not have been watching him closely enough after the police released him to him the first time. Was he actually at CVS picking up alcohol for his father? I do think it is very nice that the police took him to the hospital to check his health. Are they sure it was his heart and not some sort of synapse issue in his brain?…I’m just saying…I can’t imagine not learning my lesson the first time I had to run away from the police! This is the same kind of kid who would run with scissors! That’s crazy man!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
SC Gov. Mark Sanford says he's had an affair
As reported on June 24, 2009 by Jim Davenport on Yahoo.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he's been having an affair with a woman from Argentina and will resign as head of the Republican Governors' Association.
The married father of four emotionally apologized to his wife, staff and others at a news conference after returning Wednesday from a trip to Argentina that followed a days long absence. His staff had said the Republican was hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Sanford says he met the woman about eight years ago and it became romantic about a year ago. He says his wife and family have known about it for the past five months. Sanford says, "I've let down a lot of people."
Editor Rozek’s Note: uh…do you think? You let down a lot of people? If I had a dollar for every politician who was “hiking on the Appalachian trail”, I’d be a millionaire. That trail must be packed! People! This isn’t just a politician thing ya know? Why do we keep asking these guys to resign? Is it because we’re upset that they did something unethical or wrong?...or is it because we’re embarrassed that the people running our country can’t do it without getting caught? Mrs. Sanford says to her kids, “Okay kids! Let's go to the park. Daddy is showing you how to treat women in the future by enforcing the fact that he can’t respect Mommy and their commitment to their family!” …This is why I’m building an ark!...the Appalachian trail?...you couldn’t even come up with the one about having a “dental conference” like everyone else?
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he's been having an affair with a woman from Argentina and will resign as head of the Republican Governors' Association.
The married father of four emotionally apologized to his wife, staff and others at a news conference after returning Wednesday from a trip to Argentina that followed a days long absence. His staff had said the Republican was hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Sanford says he met the woman about eight years ago and it became romantic about a year ago. He says his wife and family have known about it for the past five months. Sanford says, "I've let down a lot of people."
Editor Rozek’s Note: uh…do you think? You let down a lot of people? If I had a dollar for every politician who was “hiking on the Appalachian trail”, I’d be a millionaire. That trail must be packed! People! This isn’t just a politician thing ya know? Why do we keep asking these guys to resign? Is it because we’re upset that they did something unethical or wrong?...or is it because we’re embarrassed that the people running our country can’t do it without getting caught? Mrs. Sanford says to her kids, “Okay kids! Let's go to the park. Daddy is showing you how to treat women in the future by enforcing the fact that he can’t respect Mommy and their commitment to their family!” …This is why I’m building an ark!...the Appalachian trail?...you couldn’t even come up with the one about having a “dental conference” like everyone else?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Woman illegally downloads 24 songs, fined to tune of $1.9 million
As reported by Elianne Friend on June 19, 2009 – CNN.com
(CNN) -- A federal jury Thursday found a 32-year-old Minnesota woman guilty of illegally downloading music from the Internet and fined her $80,000 each -- a total of $1.9 million -- for 24 songs. Jammie Thomas-Rasset's case was the first such copyright infringement case to go to trial in the United States, her attorney said. Attorney Joe Sibley said that his client was shocked at fine, noting that the price tag on the songs she downloaded was 99 cents.
Thomas-Rasset downloaded work by artists such as No Doubt, Linkin Park, Gloria Estefan and Sheryl Crow. This was the second trial for Thomas-Rasset. The judge ordered a retrial in 2007 after there was an error in the wording of jury instructions. Thomas-Rasset is married with four children and works for an Indian tribe in Minnesota.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: I’d pay $80,000 a song for some of my favorites. I’m not sure Gloria Estefan has any I’d put that price tag on though…well…wait…that’s not true! I think that “Conga” was well worth it…but “come on! shake your body baby do the conga! I know I can’t control myself any longa!” You can get hours of enjoyment from that. I wonder what the error in the jury instructions that would end up needing a retrial was? “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. It is now my duty to instruct you on the law that applies to this case. It is your duty to determine the effect and value of the evidence and to decide all questions of fact. Please remember that every one of you have downloaded a song or two or have listened to music illegally online and danced in front of the mirror in your bedroom.”
(CNN) -- A federal jury Thursday found a 32-year-old Minnesota woman guilty of illegally downloading music from the Internet and fined her $80,000 each -- a total of $1.9 million -- for 24 songs. Jammie Thomas-Rasset's case was the first such copyright infringement case to go to trial in the United States, her attorney said. Attorney Joe Sibley said that his client was shocked at fine, noting that the price tag on the songs she downloaded was 99 cents.
Thomas-Rasset downloaded work by artists such as No Doubt, Linkin Park, Gloria Estefan and Sheryl Crow. This was the second trial for Thomas-Rasset. The judge ordered a retrial in 2007 after there was an error in the wording of jury instructions. Thomas-Rasset is married with four children and works for an Indian tribe in Minnesota.
Editor Rozek’s Notes: I’d pay $80,000 a song for some of my favorites. I’m not sure Gloria Estefan has any I’d put that price tag on though…well…wait…that’s not true! I think that “Conga” was well worth it…but “come on! shake your body baby do the conga! I know I can’t control myself any longa!” You can get hours of enjoyment from that. I wonder what the error in the jury instructions that would end up needing a retrial was? “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. It is now my duty to instruct you on the law that applies to this case. It is your duty to determine the effect and value of the evidence and to decide all questions of fact. Please remember that every one of you have downloaded a song or two or have listened to music illegally online and danced in front of the mirror in your bedroom.”
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