Texts from Last Night

Halloween

(513): I'm at the back whiskey bar with a 7 and 7 in a winnie the pooh costume. Come find me. http://tfl.nu/1ljx

(908): Walked into the bathroom and saw a Minion eating out Harley Quinn so this Halloween will be hard to top. http://tfl.nu/d9os

(865): We have had more Sex in the past 48 hours then we have in the past 3 months. I think it was from me dressing up as Darth Vader. http://tfl.nu/d4vq

Not Halloween

(813): The difference between 22 and 28 is bigger than I realised. I had the urge to put on Spongebob and give him a cookie. http://tfl.nu/rp4t

(863): Headphones came off my phone same time as The Weeknd sang "Who's gonna fuck you like me?"...Everyone at work heard it. http://tfl.nu/weki

(778): Sorry for trying to baptize you last night
(1-778): You knew the entire thing in Latin I was so impressed http://tfl.nu/go57

(937): That's the 2nd med student that has had his tongue in my butthole, what gives. http://tfl.nu/n6c3

(250): I have drunkenly angered a family of raccoons. Please send help immediately. http://tfl.nu/zqjx

(585): I JUST WOKE UP WITH MY UBER DRIVER http://tfl.nu/hw9x

Recent news round-up

Good News

• US: School district violated transgender student's rights
• Los Angeles sheriff's deputy gets 8 years in jail beating
• Turkish, U.S. air strikes kill more than 50 Islamic State militants in Syria: agency
• Troops drive Boko Haram extremists out of Nigerian school

Bad News

• Neighbors upset over church’s homeless family program
• Islamic State group advances in central Syria, seizing town

Animal headline of the day

Injured deer runs into emergency room, gets strapped to gurney

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Taiwan crowds march in Asia's biggest gay pride parade
• New U.S.-backed Syrian rebel alliance launches offensive against Islamic State
• U.S., allies say conduct seven air strikes in Syria, 14 in Iraq

Bad News

• Publisher of secular books killed, 3 wounded in Bangladesh

Happy HallowQueen!

I love Lake Street Dive. Their annual Halloween video is fantastic this year.

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• New York clothing bin operator fined for donation scheme: prosecutor
• Gay marriage signed into law in Ireland
• AP-GfK Poll: Opinions shift on marriage licenses
• Alabama version of 'Skull and Bones' publicly exposed
• US envoy urges Thai junta to lift curbs on free speech

Bad News

• Florida man who shot theatergoer for texting to invoke 'stand your ground' This is a very bad law.

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Obama administration weighs in on transgender bathroom debate
• SXSW restores talks on gaming harassment once canceled over threats
• British police arrest second teenager over TalkTalk cyber attack
• Rapper turned IS fighter killed by US strike in Syria

Bad News

• Roman Polanski: Polish court rejects US extradition
• IS beheads four Iraq Kurd fighters after joint US raid

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Praying football coach placed on paid leave by district He should be fired.
• Fish Success Story: Cod Makes a Comeback
• U.S. judge bars Alabama from defunding Planned Parenthood clinics
• Drone carrying drugs, hacksaw blades crashes at Oklahoma prison

Bad News

• Islamic State on recruitment spree in Russia
• Two more boys charged with 'insulting' Erdogan Another example of why Turkey should not be allowed in the EU.

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Judge says drone was invading the privacy of the man who shot it
• Officer fired for throwing student in South Carolina classroom arrest, FBI, Justice Department probe violent US school arrest Video seems to be the best antidote to police brutality.
• Broadway’s ‘Hamilton’ Will Be Field Trip For 20K Students At $10 A Pop
• Nigerian troops rescue over 330 women, children held by Boko Haram

Bad News

• Telemarketers may be big winner in Obama’s budget deal with Congress

Today's news round-up

Good News

• New York City to Offer SAT Free to 11th-Grade Students
• Ole Miss removes Mississippi flag with Confederate emblem
• Tragic new album by late Roy Orbison due out
• Times Square Sidles Up To VOD With New BroadwayHD Streaming Service
• U.S. reports 15 more air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq

Animal headline of the day

Dog named Trigger shoots owner during Indiana waterfowl hunt

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• India paves way for women in army combat roles
• 45 in custody over 'Boko Haram plot' in Lagos: sources
• U.S.-led forces carry out 22 air strikes in Iraq: U.S. military
• Cameroon army drives Boko Haram militants back across northern border

Bad News

• Bombings kill at least 37 in northeast Nigeria -officials

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• ‘I Am Cait’ Renewed For Season 2 By E!
• New Mexico secretary of state resigns, enters guilty plea Another Republican in trouble.
• New Jersey Senate Overrides Christie’s Veto of Gun Control Bill
• FCC caps "egregious rates" charged on inmate phone calls
• Verizon follows AT&T, asks FCC to let it enable Wi-Fi calling This would be great for me. The cellular reception in the rear of my apartment where my office (and wi-fi) is is pretty weak.
• New York Philharmonic Discusses Temporary Home at Hunter College This also would be great for me. It's an easy trip from where I live.

Oops! I missed an important day

I didn't get to blog about Back to the Future Day yesterday. But this happened:

Lots of Texts From Last Night

For starters

(603): Do you remember when you first moved into my parents house with me and we came home to find that my dad bolted the headboard to the wall http://tfl.nu/wp9b

(516): Well, my mom found the ball gag and whip. Looks like I'm never going home again. http://tfl.nu/69nn

Questions

(207): is telling someone you can be his trophy wife the same as proposing? http://tfl.nu/iyy6

(814): Is "You've never made me cum." an acceptable breakup line? http://tfl.nu/8b31

(907): Is it a bad thing for a seven year old to call one an alcoholic? Asking for a friend.. http://tfl.nu/iszm

Plan B

(308): He brought over a bottle of tequila and a box of donuts with the Plan B, so I guess you could say things are getting pretty serious. http://tfl.nu/e63k

(585): I don't know what you're doing this morning, but obtaining Plan B is my number-one priority. http://tfl.nu/yg9j

(206): Nothing like sunday church bells to aid your walk to the pharmacy to get plan b http://tfl.nu/y3qk

Tinder

(520): My tinder date had to be home by 8:30 cause she's on house arrest. http://tfl.nu/on57

(502): My Tinder date from last night is my Uber driver for tonight's Tinder date...neither of us said a word. http://tfl.nu/1okt

(315): Dude, she set my Tinder preference to men, set the radius to 100 miles, and used up all of my right swipes. I think she's mad. http://tfl.nu/fu61

Last night I...

(631): Was so high at one point last night that while showering I was worried that using too much hot water would slow down our Internet. http://tfl.nu/yvh6

(616): i wasnt sure i had a crush on her until i woke up this morning and saw i had googled fifteen variations of "lesbian marriage in estonia". where the fuck is estonia http://tfl.nu/4qiu

(289): I called 911 when they kicked me out of the bar last night. http://tfl.nu/doi4

(775): I punched the bar tender after he cut me off. Hopped over the bar and made my own drink. That's how I got tazed http://tfl.nu/6o84

Last night you...

(207): You thought you were Snapchating on your tablet, but were really just poking John Stamos' face on my Full House dvd case... http://tfl.nu/2ch6

(608): Just in case you forgot, last night you came home drunk and pissed all over my laptop. You owe me a laptop. http://tfl.nu/kr3l

Uncategorized

(407): for once I'd like a one night stand where I don't meet the guys mom or wife in the morning http://tfl.nu/fcai

(647): oh, i solved that problem. i told him i wanted to steal my roommate's nephew. radio silence. haven't heard from him since. http://tfl.nu/6t09

(813): It's not a funeral, it's a celebration of life.  Going commando AND braless is really just honoring him! http://tfl.nu/y3ko

(248): I'm just impressed that you can puke without losing your gum http://tfl.nu/ah2o

(253): the bartender goes "wow its so good to see you sober" and gives me a hug http://tfl.nu/2jc8

(207): I had sex with a mask on because I have the flu and I didn't want to get him sick. http://tfl.nu/zq68

(716): He had to put his grandma's photo away before I tied him to the bed. She doesn't need to see any of that. http://tfl.nu/hk7h

(703):  I ask for a dick pic and he sends a picture of Dick Cheney.  Who does that? http://tfl.nu/21wg

And finally

(434): Worst way to find out I have a half sister http://tfl.nu/ntqn

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Utah agrees to end same-sex parent birth certificate lawsuit
• New York City Prepares to Plant One Millionth Tree, Fulfilling a Promise
• Trudeau's Liberal juggernaut sets new course for Canada
• NBA GMs predict James will lead Cavs to title this season I'm from Cleveland, in case you haven't figured that out. Cleveland hasn't had a champion in any major league sport in about 50 years.
• Iraq says forces recapture refinery town from IS militants
• Alabama offers limited driver's license services in rural areas
• Tennessee county overwhelmingly shuts down Confederate flag measure

Bad News

• Candidate for Montgomery County register of wills won’t sign same-sex marriage docs Basically she is saying if she is elected she won't do part of her job.
• Republicans to charge media to cover 2016 convention

Living with raccoons III

A raccoon tries to sneak into Giants-Eagles game

Today's news round-up

Good News

• U.S. appeals court upholds core of N.Y., Connecticut gun laws
• Crackdown: Amazon sues to stop phony product reviews
• Facebook Will Now Warn You If Another Country Is Spying on You
• Philadelphia Orchestra approves 1-year musicians contract
• Most states show increase in high school graduation rates
• Charges filed against woman who shot at fleeing shoplifters in Home Depot parking lot I missed this when it came out a few days ago.

Part Good, Part Bad News

• Texas defunds Planned Parenthood clinics but Louisiana ordered to pay, Federal judge blocks Bobby Jindal's Planned Parenthood defunding

Cartoon of the day

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Schools across US find alternatives to suspending students It is so good to see school administrators act as professionals and not "zero tolerance" enforcers.
• Iraqi forces advance against IS on three fronts
• U.S., allies conduct 18 air strikes in Iraq, five in Syria: U.S. military
• Nigerian soldiers foil suicide attack at army base
• US donates vehicles to aid Cameroon in Boko Haram fight

Bad News

• Australia: 'We don't look after people like you.' Transgender people refused medical care
• Women targeted in Taliban takeover of Afghan city
• Female suicide bombers kill 11 in NE Nigeria: police

Animal headline of the day

Cockatoo with dinosaur-like screech vexes neighbors

Yesterday's news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Malaysia arrests hacker for supplying US targets to Islamic State It's good he was arrested.
• US-designated 'terrorist' killed in Syria strike: monitor

Yesterday's news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• All drones to require federal registration
• Apple ordered to pay $234 million to university for infringing patent
• Treasure trove of late Triassic fossils discovered in Utah
• Canada's Girl Guides say all transgender girls are welcome
• US to conduct counter-Boko Haram ops in Nigeria
• U.S. judge rules Maryland can ditch Confederate flag license plates

Bad News

• New IS branch claims Saudi shooting that killed 5
• 2 bombs explode by Nigerian mosque, killing at least 30
• IS pays recruiters $10,000 per person: UN

Animal headline of the day

American flight from Texas to Germany delayed by bees

Recent news round-up, Part 4

Good News

• U.S. DoJ disrupts botnet, arrests Moldovan administrator
• O'Hare opens latest new runway in decadelong modernization
• California Lt. Gov. Newsom pushes ballot measure to tighten gun controls
• Court overturns conviction of woman who did meth while pregnant
• Two Officers Were Shot; Wisconsin Store Liable for Gun Sale I hope they will make gun sellers similarly responsible when the victim is a civilian. 
• Court: Pot as tip no reason for police to seize car I am glad they are reforming the law used here, but they aren't going far enough. There should be no forfeiture unless they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the asset was used to commit a crime, the same level of proof required to convict someone of a crime.

Bad News

• Trent Lott pushing legislation that limits college rape investigations
• Portland police chief: Community will be less safe with concealed carry law

Recent news round-up, Part 3

Good News

• Judge orders Utah to keep cash flowing to Planned Parenthood
• Turkish politician had right to deny Armenia genocide: Europe court I very much dislike these infringements on free speech. It doesn't matter if what he said was incorrect.
• Iraqi forces and militia seize most of Baiji refinery: officials
• Islamic State targeted in 25 air strikes by U.S.-led coalition: statement

Partially Good, Partially Bad News

• Oklahoma judge halts 1 abortion law, lets another stand

Bad News

• When rights collide: transgender teen barred from locker room over privacy The right to "privacy" that the school district claims it is protecting does not exist. There is no right not to have to share a locker room with someone with a different anatomy than yours. 
• Mom-of-Two Booted Off American Airlines Flight: 'I Was Mortified' What I'd like to know is if the flight attendant was disciplined. I hope she does sue the airline.
• Blasts in northeast Nigeria's Maiduguri kill at least seven -Red Cross

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Netflix Execs Say They Plan To Offer News And Are Negotiating For ‘Star Wars’
• The end of restaurant tipping?
• “‘Homeland’ Is Racist” Graffiti Airs On Showtime Series; Showrunner Alex Gansa Admires Act Of “Artistic Sabotage”
• Yahoo aims to phase out passwords with new service
• New York Police Officer Is Convicted of Lying About Photographer’s Arrest
• Obama deploys military to Cameroon for Boko Haram mission
• Nigeria, Cameroon welcome US troops in Boko Haram fight

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Village Voice Sold to Peter Barbey, Owner of a Pennsylvania Newspaper It would be great if the Voice regained its, er, voice. Reading it every week was one of the things that made me want to live in New York City.
• New York Times offers daily digital access with newsstand copies
• Apple loses patent lawsuit to University of Wisconsin, faces hefty damages
• Prominent astronomer resigns over student sexual harassment
• U.S. report calls for end to 'conversion therapy' for LGBT youth
• Virginia governor tightens gun control rules, creates task force

Bad News

• Medicare Premiums May Soar as Social Security Payments Stay Flat

Animal headline of the day

Pesky owl at Maryland park doesn't give a hoot about runners

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Republican lawmaker seeks ban on LGBT conversion therapy
• FDNY Supports LGBTQ Youth in New Video
• Confederate Flag Supporters Indicted in Clash With Black Partygoers
• Graffiti artist Fairey to go to trial over tagging in 2016 We don't know if there is sufficient evidence to convict him. What we do know is that he has shown little regard for obeying the law in the past--though it is legally irrelevant to this case. 
• Officer, 37, becomes third woman to pass US Ranger school
• De Blasio: NYPD Officers Will Be Trained To Make Arrests With Least Possible Force
• U.S. forces air drop ammunition to Syrian Arabs: military official

Bad News

• Hazing and Drinking Deaths at Asian-American Fraternities Raise Concerns (It's not the raising of concerns that's bad, of course.)

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Salt Lake City may name street for gay civil rights leader
• Islamic State targeted in 24 air attacks by U.S.-led coalition: statement

Bad News

• Charles Koch: ‘What we’re after is to fight against special interests’ He doesn't understand that he and the other contributors to his PACs are also a "special interest."
• Turkish editor jailed pending trial for insulting Erdogan: media
• Iran tests new precision-guided ballistic missile
• Nine killed in Cameroon blasts blamed on Boko Haram, as Chad toll rises

Yesterday's news round-up

Good News

• Gov. Brown approves automatic voter registration for Californians
• Openly gay US ambassador to Denmark weds partner
• Obama backs away from law to access encrypted information
• A Badge, a Gun, and a New Gender Identity
• Hollywood women say 'no more' to pay disparity, harassment
• Woman stops intruder with medieval combat skills, sword

Bad News

• 5 suicide bombings target Chad, killing at least 36 people

Recent news round-up

Good News

• New California law extends privacy rights to electronic data All states should do this. Better yet, the courts should say this is a constitutional right. 
• FBI director: We will collect and publish more info about fatal police shootings
• France launches new air strike in Syria against IS: minister

Bad News

• Video shows judge berating, sentencing domestic violence victim to jail
• California officers ignored dying man's distress

Today's news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Michigan pays $1.9M in legal fees for gay marriage case
• California Gov. Signs Three LGBT-Supportive Bills

Today's news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Officer in James Blake Arrest Used Excessive Force, Panel Says
• Protection Bureau Seeks End to Arbitration-Only Clauses in Consumer Contracts This has a lot of hurdles to get over before it can go into effect, but it would be great if it happens. Then maybe something can be done about mandatory arbitration of employee-employer disputes.
• Government tests technology to find illegal drone operators
• U.S., allies focus air strikes on Islamic State in Iraq

Bad News

• 12-year-old boy suspended for staring at girl
• Private database lets police skirt license plate data limits
• Nigeria: Female suicide bombers kill 18 including in mosque

Today's news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Court says fired UBS worker had right to free speech
• Ten Commandments monument removed from Oklahoma Capital grounds
• Changes to justices' opinions will be highlighted
• Fresh round of U.S.-led air strikes target Islamic State in Syria, Iraq
• California governor signs gender wage-gap bill

Bad News

• IS claims wave of attacks in Iraq that killed 56 people

Today's news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• FAA proposes nearly $2 million fine against drone operator
• Cisco security researchers disable big distributor of 'ransomware'
• US forecast calls for lower heating bills this winter I sure hope this is correct. Last year was very bad for us.
• Md. birth certificates law takes effect
• Wright house aimed at wider audience rediscovered in Madison

Bad News

• 11 Chadian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack: army

Colbert is making late night television classy

Semi-random thoughts

• Putting my name in the title of your email does not make it any more likely I'll read it. In fact, it might make it less likely.
• I am amazed at how many brick and mortar stores don't put their address on the home page of their websites.
• I had forgotten how much I like Häagen Dazs Belgian chocolate ice cream. Which is probably a good thing.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Texan mom wins fight against textbook that 'erased' slavery
• California Governor Signs Hard-Won Right-to-Die Legislation
• U.S. leads 21 air strikes against Islamic State in Syria, Iraq

Bad News

• 3 female journalists stopped from entering Jags locker room

Animal headline of the day

French bulldog chases 2 bears from California home

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Scouring the Web to Make New Words ‘Lookupable’
• Police can no longer pepper-spray students for minor misbehavior at school, judge says
• Gay Student Allowed In-State Tuition After Marrying Florida Resident
• 5 fired at Miami-Dade lockup where teen died in beat-down
• Oklahoma pre-k teacher accused in left-handed controversy resigns
• Spain, Morocco arrest suspected Islamic State recruiters

Bad News

• Two Egyptian policemen shot dead by IS in Sinai
• Syrian activists: IS group destroys ancient Palmyra arch
• Suicide attacks kill six in Niger: aid worker

When a quartet can only afford one cello

Wiener Cello Ensemble 5 1 Bolero 1

Posted by Eudes Jansen Freitas on Friday, September 18, 2015

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Biden: No question transgender people can serve in military
• Pledging to Fight Injustices, Hillary Clinton Focuses on Transgender Rights in Speech

Bad News

• After Passing Strict Voter ID Laws, One State Shuts Down 31 DMVs That Issue Licenses
• 24 killed in Baghdad suicide attack claimed by IS

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Notorious patent troll dealt fatal blow as Judge throws out 168 cases
• Android fans have yet another reason to cheer Motorola
• Islamic State targeted in 28 air strikes by U.S., allies: statement

Bad News

• Boko Haram suspected after Abuja suburbs hit by blasts
• Suicide bombers kill 10 people in Borno state in Nigeria

Whoever put giant googly eyes in this tree – take the rest of the day off.

Source: The Poke

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Missouri Finds Planned Parenthood Didn’t Mishandle Fetal Tissue
• 2 constables convicted in woman's arrest over unpaid ticket
• Oklahoma panel orders removal of Ten Commandments monument
• Virginia teacher who used 'N-word' allowed back in classroom
• Farmworkers Finally Get Safety Regs Every Other Industry Has Had for Decades
• US sends search-and-rescue aircraft, crew to Turkey
• FBI arrests 10 Puerto Rico police in corruption crackdown
• U.S. sanctions Islamic State supporters, targets finances
• Coalition fighting Islamic State launch 17 airstrikes in Syria, Iraq

Semi-Good, Semi-Bad News

• Idaho woman gets 1½ year term for California egg donor fraud She should have gotten a lot more than 1½ years.

Bad News

• Homophobic mobs attack LGBT people in Kenya with impunity: report
• Islamic State group says it guns down Italian in Bangladesh
• Study finds increase in foreign fighters heading for Syria, Iraq

Micro movie review

Pawn Sacrifice: The story of  Bobby Fischer from his rise as a chess prodigy in Brooklyn to his Cold War era challenge of the Soviet champion, to his descent to mental illness. It's a gripping story, very well-acted.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• U.S., allies conduct 23 air strikes in Syria, Iraq: U.S. military
• France carries out airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State

Bad News

• Record number of guns found in U.S. airport searches: TSA
• IS shuts playgrounds in east Syria city: monitor
• 'IS fighters' attack Afghan police posts: officials
• Nine dead in suspected Boko Haram attack in NE Nigeria: police

Today's news round-up--not very much

Bad News

• Islamic State gaining ground in Afghanistan: UN
• 15 civilians killed in Boko Haram attack in SE Niger: TV

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Transgender inmate wins suit against Maryland prison officials, Judge: Maryland prison mistreated transgender inmate In addition to the lawsuit itself, it is also good that prisons have improved their compliance with the rules since this happened.
• Arizona sheriff faces new round of contempt hearings
• A Public School Wants to Eliminate the Tampon Taboo A misleading headline (which this news source frequently does). The article is about a program to provide girls with free products--there is nothing about a taboo.
• Clerk Kim Davis switching parties to become a Republican Good riddance.
• Nigerian military claims surrender of 200 Boko Haram fighters

Bad News

• Boko Haram fighters kill at least 15 in Niger village raid: sources

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Oregon court upholds civil rights of transgender bar customers
• Judge rejects latest stay request from Kentucky clerk Davis 
• Colorado teen arrested over 'swatting' of California school: FBI If he is found guilty he should go to jail.

Bad News

• More than 20 killed in NE Nigeria market bombing

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Former peanut company CEO sentenced to 28 years for salmonella outbreak
• Federal judge rules 'Happy Birthday' song in public domain

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• U.S. says 17.6 million Americans gained health insurance through law
• Met Opera breaks blackface tradition in 'Otello'
• US announces $19M in grants to expand use of body cameras
• Archaeologists recover cannon from sunken Confederate ship
• Perfect pre-Roman era tomb discovered at Pompeii
• Boko Haram fighters die in clashes with Cameroon army

Bad News

• Study shows employers shifting more medical costs to workers
• IS executes 10 people accused of being gay in Syria: monitor
• France rejects Google appeal over 'right to be forgotten'
• At least 80 people killed in bomb blasts in Nigeria's Borno state

I've never even heard of boomwhackers

I think Bach is smiling in his grave.

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Judge reinstates Arkansas' Planned Parenthood contract
• Nigeria: Schools to reopen as forces push out extremists, Nigeria frees 90 after dislodging Boko Haram from NE villages

Bad News

• Three blasts hit northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri: military, At least five killed in suicide bomb attack in northern Cameroon
• Egypt police general gunned down in Sinai street

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Amanda Simpson becomes the highest ranking openly transgender official in the Obama administration I met her once, a number of years ago.
• Obama nominates first openly gay service secretary to lead Army
• Duke University hospital creates gender clinic
• UNH: Students can pick their first names
• Chief judge quashes 21,000 arrest orders, ends debt-collection policy
• Argentina Lifts Ban on Gay Men Giving Blood
• Farmworkers union claims victory in California labor battle
• California Gov. Brown to sign expanded fair pay legislation
• Carried-Interest Tax Break Divides Again, After Trump Revives the Issue
• US auto workers get first raise in a decade

Bad News

• Deputy Kentucky clerk questions validity of licenses altered by Kim Davis I'd say she was interfering. She should be sent back to jail.

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Alabama Adds Evolution Requirement, Climate Study For Schools
• Court again denies Kim Davis' bid to delay marriage licenses
• Missouri House fails to override veto of bill limiting union powers
• Judge: Arrest for cursing on ticket is a rights violation
• Wyoming couple charged in 16-year-old's alcohol death

Bad News

• Defiant Baruch Fraternity Pledge Fought Back in Fatal Hazing, Report Says But it's good they are prosecuting.
• Teen Stabs Her Mom to Death After Watching Hours of ISIS Videos

Goats: Sometimes they're the heroes, sometimes they're the villains

Dog park committee enlists land-clearing specialists: goats

Concerns over aggressive goats lead to Idaho trail closure

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Prosecutors planning retrial of officer in civil rights case
• French dad jailed for killing son, 3, in washing machine
• U.S., allies conduct 25 air strikes against Islamic State militants: U.S. military
• Australian aircraft in first mission in Syria: defence
• Egypt military says two soldiers, 64 militants killed in Sinai

Bad News

• FCC: Lyft took users for a ride regarding robocalls, texts
• Armed Right-Wing Group Oath Keepers Offers to Protect Kim Davis UPDATE: Oath Keepers Release Statement, Cancels Security Detail Planned in Morehead
• Al Qaeda chief urges lone wolf attacks, militant unity
• 'Islamic State' militants say attacked Pakistan-Afghan border post
• Official: Suicide bombers kill 7 in northern Cameroon town
• Bombs in northeast Nigeria kill at least 12

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Transgender Alabama woman fired from nursing home receives settlement
• California legislature approves bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide
• Hungarian camerawoman faces criminal charges for kicking refugees, Fired Hungarian camerawoman apologizes for kicking migrants
• U.S., allies conduct 30 air strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military
• Officer fired after body camera footage backs up complaints It's great that he was fired, but I'm surprised that other officers would file complaints. While I would like to think they did it because of the body cameras, I suspect they had additional reasons why they wanted him gone. 

Bad News

• Kentucky clerk again asks for delay on gay-marriage licenses
• Thai junta leader warns critics will be prosecuted
• Bombs in northeast Nigeria kill at least 12
• Islamists in Germany trying to recruit young refugees

Animal headline of the day

Loose monkey makes life a little bananas in Kentucky town

Recent news round-up. Part 2

Good News

• Couple charged with endangerment after boy shoots brother They should be charged, and the children should be removed from their care.
• Camerawoman in Hungary fired for kicking, tripping migrants
• ‘Dear Fat People’ comedian loses job over ‘fat phobic’ video

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Transgender San Francisco inmates to be housed by gender identity
• Justice Dept. seeks to ease path for corporate prosecutions
• Justice Department looks to sharpen computer crime law
• New York state OKs $15 minimum wage for fast-food workers
• New York governor pushes for $15 statewide minimum wage
• Coalition air strikes destroy Islamic State base: U.S. military
• Seattle enlists legal help to fight NRA lawsuit over gun tax

Bad News

• IS claims to hold Norwegian, Chinese captives

Animal headline of the day

Owner of wayward chicken in San Francisco comes forward

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Jailed Kentucky clerk seeks emergency injunction in gay marriage case This is something she should have done long ago (although the Kentucky courts, not the federal, are probably the proper place). As long as all people can get marriage licenses in the county on an equal basis, she should be able to get an accommodation. But I wonder if the governor has the power under Kentucky law to do this.
• Obama orders government contractors to offer paid sick leave
• U.S., allies conduct 15 air strikes in Syria and Iraq: military
• Cameron says UK drone strike killed British IS fighters in Syria

Bad News

• Islamophobic, anti-Semitic hate crimes soar in London

Perfect analogy

H/T to Helen Kramer

Recent news round-up

Good News

• San Francisco school adopting gender-neutral bathrooms
• Islamic State targeted in 21 air strikes by U.S.-led forces
• No GoFundMe for Kim Davis: Crowdfunding puts the brakes on the disturbing bigots-get-rich-quick trend

Semi-Good, Semi-Bad News

• Vice News reporters held in Turkey return to Britain However, their Iraqi translator is still being held, and now a Danish reporter has been arrested.

Bad News

• NYC: Activists Say Police Abuse of Transgender People Persists Despite Reforms
• Oregon judge refuses to perform same-sex marriages
• Fire at Washington state Planned Parenthood ruled arson

Not-quite-micro movie review

Phoenix: After surviving a concentration camp, a German-Jewish nightclub singer returns to Berlin, with a severely wounded face. She has plastic surgery, but it only gives her a semblance of her former appearance.  She is told her non-Jewish husband had been the one who betrayed her to the Nazis. She doesn't want to believe it, but needs to know for sure. She finds him, but doesn't reveal herself. He notices the resemblance, and concocts a plan for her to impersonate herself, so she can claim her money, which they would split. She agrees, in order to find out if he had informed on her.

Weird, huh?

The film starts out slow, with a lot of things irrelevant to the main plot. But once she finds him, it becomes a gripping tale of danger and deceit on two parallel levels. The acting is excellent, but there are some holes in the plot.

Recent news round-up, Part 4

Good News

• Florida college band member gets 4 years in hazing death

Recent news round-up, Part 3

Good News

• California family to get $1 million after bullied child committed suicide
• New York City teacher arrested for flying drone at U.S. Open stadium They really need to crack down on drone operators.
• Oklahoma Republican chairman to resign after 5-month term

Bad News

• Thai junta hits royal critics with record jail time

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• U.S. court: Transgender illegal immigrant cannot be deported to Mexico
• Harvard gives students more latitude to describe their gender
• U.S., allies conduct 21 air strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military
• 3 Indians get 20 years in jail for raping Japanese student
• New federal requirements on cellphone surveillance All law enforcement agencies in the country should be following this.

Bad News

• Double suicide bombing in north Cameroon kills 19, wounds 143
• Official: Islamic militants destroy ancient tombs in Syria
• IS retakes part of Iraqi town of Baiji: Pentagon

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• With clerk jailed, gay Kentucky couples get marriage license
• Judge refuses to drop charges against police in Gray death
• Plan targets health care bias against transgender people
• A new app that lets users' friends 'virtually walk them home at night' is exploding in popularity
• Curt Schilling’s ESPN Season Is Over After Tweet Comparing Muslim Extremists To Nazis

Bad News

• Tennessee judge refuses straight couple’s divorce, citing SCOTUS gay marriage ruling This is ridiculous.
• Boko Haram attacks leave over 2.1 mn displaced in Nigeria

Animal headline of the day--double play

China enlists monkeys to keep birds from spoiling big parade

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• NY court refuses to hear appeals in chimp personhood case
• U.S. court denies $2 million legal fees to conservatives in voting rights case
• Nigeria military claims recapture of key town from Boko Haram
• Consumer panel: Airlines should disclose fees, seat size

Bad News

• Turkish court arrests British reporters on 'IS terror' charges
• Multiple suicide attacks kill 12 Iraqi troops, militiamen
• Turk soldier killed on border with Islamic State territory in Syria: officials

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Federal judge orders Kentucky clerk and her staff to court I don't think fines will have any effect on her. Sympathizers from around the country will contribute to pay her fines.
• Senate leader: Not enough votes to defund Planned Parenthood
• Uber drivers granted class action status in lawsuit over employment
• Graffiti artist Fairey will stand trial for property damage Time and again he has shown he has no respect for the law.
• Producer Of Nickelodeon Shows Finally Signs Studio Teachers Union’s Contract

Bad News

• Home detention for white police chief who shot black man He should have gone to jail for a year, not home detention.
• Azeri court jails corruption-busting journalist
• Boko Haram killers on horseback massacre nearly 80 in NE Nigeria

From Texts From Last Night

(419): Went to the lab to print and realized the guy next to me was the one we stole all the beer from last night..... Oops http://tfl.nu/gosu

(801): Worse. He's Mormon. At least a gay guy will go get drinks with me. http://tfl.nu/uglm

(832): Just remember: We don't tell our English professor about our fetishes unless she specifically asks about them. http://tfl.nu/x6j3

(512): He's going to wonder why I have burn marks on my asshole http://tfl.nu/x7h1

(608): Did you put Adderal in the fishtank in the lobby? The fish are acting like Olympic sprinters. Asshole. http://tfl.nu/qrfy

(703): I was so drunk last night dude. I woke up this morning to my oven being wide open and my pants on the kitchen floor. http://tfl.nu/hrkf

(919): I came home braless and wearing a tail.... http://tfl.nu/c52h

(417): Also my bed has glitter in it for reasons I do not recall http://tfl.nu/s2qy

(206): Not sure what happened last night, but I woke up without a shirt on and cereal glued to my boobs... http://tfl.nu/99gc

(703): I'm just wondering how Jon managed to get vomit ON THE CEILING? http://tfl.nu/cxjr

(610): I wonder what dick looks like without astigmatism? http://tfl.nu/qax9

(303): how did you set a fucking salad on fire???????? http://tfl.nu/te2j

Recent news round-up

Good News

• In first, Saudi women allowed to run in local elections
• Turkish jets join US-led coalition strikes on Islamic State
• Chad executes 10 Boko Haram members by firing squad: sources
• Nigeria arrests Boko Haram commander linked with suicide attacks
• Kurdish forces free seven villages in Iraq: officials

Bad News

• Egypt sentences 3 Al-Jazeera reporters to 3 years in prison
• IS cracks down on western Iraqi town after rare protest
• IS in Syria executes over 90 people in month: monitor
• IS fighters try to push into new district in Syrian capital

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Spain officials dismiss 'gag-law' fine for woman over photo It's good that the local officials were overruled in this case, but this broadly and vaguely written law is still very easily abused by the police.
• Ruling threatens sex offender laws in 40 Massachusetts towns 
• U.S. confirms Islamic State computer expert killed in air strike
• Virginia teen gets 11 years for supporting Islamic State
• Egypt court sentences 12 IS supporters to death

Bad News

• Extremists kill 28 in villages in northeastern Nigeria
• Prosecutors: No retrial for white officer who shot black man

Living with moose XIII

Colorado: Moose on the loose in Westminster

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Gap to end on-call scheduling
• Portland, Oregon, Catholic school changes gay hiring policy after backlash
• Arizona severs ties with prison operator over July riots The running of prisons should never be contracted out to private companies.

Bad News

• Suicide bombers kill officer in northeastern Nigerian city
• IS suicide bombing kills 2 Iraqi army generals in Anbar

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Military transgender ban set to end next May
• NorCal Catholic Hospital To Allow Tubal Ligation After Lawsuit Threat
• University of Oregon case prompts new federal guidance on student therapy records privacy
• Big 12 supports prohibiting transfers for violence issues
• Planned Parenthood report says fetal tissue videos were distorted
• Illinois: Activists hail new law on school discipline; districts say few changes needed "Zero-tolerance" policies are mainly a way for school administrators to avoid their responsibility to use good professional judgment.    

Bad News

• Armed Student Holds Hostages at West Virginia High School, Surrenders
• Kentucky Clerk Continues To Deny Same-Sex Couples Marriage Licenses
• Maine: Sanford methadone clinic to close, citing LePage policies

Cartoon of the day

H/T to Lynette Nusbacher

Today's news round-up

Good News

• UN chief offers support to Nigeria to counter Boko Haram
• France offers to host international meeting on Boko Haram: Hollande
• 14 suspected IS recruiters arrested in Spain, Morocco
• Wine train issues apology to black women booted from train
• Group turns over donor list from gay marriage fight in Maine
• University student pleads guilty to making Android spy app

Bad News

• Clock shock: British admit Big Ben's bongs not quite on time
• Girl suicide bomber kills 5, injures 41 in northeast Nigeria
• Islamic State attacks kill 51 Syrian soldiers in north: monitor
• Student playing with gun shoots child at Georgia school

Texts from last night

Ashley Madison

(812): See, remember when you wanted to get an Ashley Madison account and I told you not to and you hated me? You. Are. Welcome. http://tfl.nu/sl3a

(202): Looks like I'm not in the Ashly Madison files. But my wife is. http://tfl.nu/6az8

(432): Hooray!  My email address wasn't leaked by Ashley Madison!
(334): I will chop off your penis http://tfl.nu/8rdx

Miscellaneous

(516): The notary thing was a good idea. I can charge $2 per signature. I'm currently being paid in beer. http://tfl.nu/4nep

(540): pizza hut and my weed lady just showed up at the same time. I feel 22 again. http://tfl.nu/tbp9

(651): He was playing minecraft so I took a shower with my vibrator  http://tfl.nu/6o1b

(+61): For both our sake, we've decided to ban watching combat sports before sex http://tfl.nu/5e78

What you did last night

(519): you made out with another girl for some wings http://tfl.nu/lvcd

(847): Yeah you were fine except for when you peed under the bar http://tfl.nu/mfiq

(506): you asked the cab driver if he wanted to meet your parents, last night. http://tfl.nu/xzfp

What I did last night

(603): Well I didn't know she was a dominatrix...so I kind of just went with it http://tfl.nu/evih

(210): My blue shorts are now brown from all the stripper fake tan http://tfl.nu/p1s5

(732): We went camping and met these lesbians and now I have S'mores where there shouldn't be S'mores. http://tfl.nu/umaz

(563): I woke up in the basement of a pizza restaurant... I would say the tequila hit me pretty hard. http://tfl.nu/kgi1

What happened last night?

(218): Why was I lying under a truck last night? http://tfl.nu/sv51

(910): Was i rolling around in a parking lot last night http://tfl.nu/j6oh

(919): So why are your hands bright blue and have you seen my roommate.
(919): Both questions will answer each other. http://tfl.nu/9fys

And last, but not least

(406): Because you touch yourself at night.
(701): ...What time of day am I supposed to do it? http://tfl.nu/h0zu

Today's news round-up

Good News

• The FTC can regulate companies with bad cybersecurity, court rules
• 3 finalists for Thurber Prize for American Humor are women
• Chicago commuter trains will stop marking gender on monthly passes
• U.S., Turkey to launch 'comprehensive' anti-Islamic State operation
• Bangladesh charges 10 for allegedly beating boy to death Hopefully they will be prosecuted, and if found guilty, heavily punished.
• Judge overhauls troubled Ferguson, Missouri, court

Bad News

• Judge fines Final Exit group convicted of assisting Minnesota suicide This should not be a crime.
• Islamic State claims to kill 30 for sodomy, UN meeting told
• Islamic State suicide attacks targeting Iraqi outpost kill 8

Today's news round-up--not much today

Bad News

• Activists: Islamic State destroys temple at Syria's Palmyra
• IS mutilated body of famed Syrian archeologist: family

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Michigan couple that challenged gay marriage ban to wed I've met them. Very down-to-earth people.
• Regional military chiefs finalize plans for Boko Haram force
• U.S.-led coalition stages 27 air strikes on Islamic State: statement

Bad News

• Provincial official: Islamic State militants kill up to 50 troops in ambushes west of Baghdad
• Boko Haram strengthens ties with Islamic State group

Animal headline of the day

Pig OK after flying out of trailer going 65 mph on highway

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Asteroid will not destroy Earth next month: NASA
• White House: Islamic State second-in-command killed in U.S. air strike
• Appeals court reinstates wage rules for home care workers
• Nashville hotel cancels reservations for hate group CCC, cited by Dylann Roof

Bad News

• IS destroys ancient monastery in central Syria
• Test of Islamic State mortar fragments shows chemical arms traces: U.S. general
• Google ordered to remove news links by UK authority
• Two Nigerian soldiers killed by Boko Haram land mine
• Tens of thousands displaced by Boko Haram in two weeks in Chad

Micro movie reviews

I have been forgetting to post these.

Mr. Holmes: Sherlock Holmes, in his 90s and long retired to bee-keeping in the country, tries to remember his last case (told in flashbacks), which he hadn't solved. Ian McKellen does a masterful job as the title character. A fine film.

Irrational Man: Woody Allen's latest. A burnt out philosophy professor, involved with one of his colleagues, as well as one of his students, finds a reason to live. There are a few holes in the plot, which is set in a small college town, where all the students have perfect complexions. The film is fair, far from Allen's best.

Today's news round-up--not much

Good News

• Court: Woman who left child in car deserves new hearing
• Americans back federal funds for Planned Parenthood health services: poll
• Gay Couples Are Eligible for Social Security Benefits, U.S. Decides
• Illinois: Rauner signs bill banning gay conversion therapy for young people

Yesterday's news round-up

Good News

• Tanks from retired shuttle Endeavour going to space station It's good to see the government economizing.
• Justice Dept. Presses Civil Rights Agenda in Local Courts
• Extended 2nd Life for a Mosaic Mural That Was Lost for Years
• Matisyahu row: Jewish singer invited back to festival
• Planned Parenthood Florida says it will resume abortions

Bad News

• California prosecutors say Uber's background checks missed convicts
• India police say 2 brothers behead sister for alleged affair

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• FDA approves female sex pill, but with safety restrictions
• New trial upheld for 5 ex-cops in post-Katrina shootings
• White House Hires First Openly Transgender Staff Member
• Admiral Says ‘No Reason’ to Bar Women From SEALs

Bad News

• Myanmar suspended radio with Shwe Mann links due to bias: minister