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

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Judge: New Mexico police officers to stand trial for murder
• 2 women pass Army Ranger School, first female graduates
• 10 Boko Haram suspects 'to face trial in Chad over twin attacks'
• U.S., allies conduct 18 air strikes in Syria, Iraq: U.S. military

Bad News

• US gun store sells painting by shooter in racially charged case I refuse to label this "art."
• State Department Finds Its Fight for Gay Rights Abroad Resonates at Home While it's good that the State Department wants to do something about it, I don't think there is very much they can do.
• Up to 150 drowned, shot dead fleeing Boko Haram in Nigeria
• Islamic State militants behead archaeologist in Palmyra: Syrian official

10 years! 10 whole years?

Other than posting links to stuff I find interesting or amusing, I seldom really blog any more. I guess that's why I failed to notice that my glob was 10 years old on Thursday.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• A 'giant relief': Brewers minor league player says he's gay
• Exclusion of Blacks From Juries Raises Renewed Scrutiny The scrutiny is good. Peremptory challenges should be abolished.
• U.S., allies conduct 22 air strikes against Islamic State - U.S. military
• California moves to provide interpreters in all court cases
• Over 60 same-sex couples married at Puerto Rico wedding

Bad News

• Inmates say they worked for free for jail officials There should be no privately-run jails.
• Woman fined for Facebook pic of police car in disabled spot

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Cameroon pledges 2,450 troops to anti-Boko Haram force
• Judge temporarily blocks Alabama abortion clinic regulation
• Federal court nixes Sheriff Arpaio's bid to stop Obama immigration plan
• Five arrested after public beating of Afghan father and daughter It's good that they were arrested. But it remains to be seen whether they are convicted and significantly punished.

Bad News

• Anti-Nazi couple's barn burned down in eastern Germany
• Masked men hurl smoke bombs at venue of Ukraine gay forum
• Arkansas governor cuts state contracts with Planned Parenthood
• IS 'beheads' 12 in battle for Libya's Sirte

My 17th warning about Walmart

Walmart is a dangerous place. Stay out.

New Orleans Walmart evacuated, armed suspects inside

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Court throws out Arizona sheriff's immigration policy challenge
• Austria's nonsense museum spreads comic relief
• U.S., allies hit Islamic State with 23 air strikes in Iraq: U.S.
• Group files complaint against judge over marriage sentence This guy should not be a judge.
• Georgia: Democrat wins runoff for Brookhaven House seat This gives the Democrats enough votes to block amendments to the state constitution. He campaigned against a "religious freedom restoration" bill.

Bad News

• Islamic State attacks in and around Iraqi refinery town
• Russia's top court upholds decree to classify army losses
• U.S. woman hostage raped by Islamic State leader before death: U.S. officials

Animal headline of the day

Man in bear costume harasses mother bear, 2 cubs in Alaska

Recent news round-up

Good News

• US, Chile put spotlight on extremist attacks on LGBT people It's good they're having this meeting.
• Colorado appeals court backs gay couple in wedding cake dispute
• NY man gets 16-year sentence for trying to support jihadists
• U.S. military's transgender care costs 'negligible,' study says
• U.S., allies target Islamic State in Syria, Iraq with 24 air strikes: U.S. military
• Puerto Rico prepares for mass wedding of gay couples
• California bans secret hearings on most police shooting deaths
• Stubbing it out: Ethiopia implements smoking ban

Bad News

• Kentucky Clerk Defies Court on Marriage Licenses for Gay Couples
• Broadway Hears Static Over FCC Proposed Auction Of Bandwidth For Wireless Mics
• Azerbaijan jails rights activists Leyla and Arif Yunus
• At least 6 killed in Boko Haram attack near Nigeria's Maiduguri
• Law curbing public assembly takes effect in Thailand
• Cambodian leader orders arrest of opposition senator
• Germany says Iraqi Kurdish forces report chemical attack
• US general says Islamic State gaining in Afghanistan

Animal headline of the day

Police say dogs seeking cupcakes caused small stove fire

Today's news round-up

Good News

• FCC issues largest robocalling fine ever against travel marketer
• U.N. urges Thailand to amend tough law on insulting royalty
• Federal judge orders South Carolina attorney general to pay legal costs for gay marriage case

Bad News

• Heavily armed 'Oath Keepers' inject disquieting element in Ferguson
• After 2 Killers Fled, New York Prisoners Say, Beatings Were Next
• Blast kills around 50 in Nigeria's Borno state
• Charges filed against Washington Post reporter who covered 2014 Ferguson protests

Living with moose XII

"Summer in Maine."

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Judge strikes down Oklahoma law restricting abortion drugs
• After Netflix, Adobe extends parental leave policy
• Nearly 30 U.S.-led air strikes target Islamic State: statement
• U.S. sends six jets, 300 personnel to Turkey base in Islamic State fight
• Board: Ohio judges can't choose marriage type they perform

Bad News

• Nick Symmonds left off US roster for worlds in Beijing

Cartoon of the day

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Space vegetables are on the menu for the first time at the International Space Station
• New York, Combating Worker Abuse, Will Require Salon Owners to Secure Wage Bonds
• Pregnant Officer Denied Chance to Take Sergeant’s Exam Fights Back
• Bahrain lifts ban on pro-opposition newspaper

Bad News

• Suspected Boko Haram gunmen kill four in road ambush in Nigeria's Borno state
• Zimbabwe police bar trade union protests over job losses
• Bomb in Egypt's Sinai kills two police

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Vice digital editorial staffers join union
• Michael Sam makes Canadian Football League debut
• Uganda gay pride party after tough law overturned

Bad News

• Trump defends 'blood' comment about debate moderator One would think that someone now in politics would want to be politically correct.
• 5 women accused of being witches beaten to death in India

Living with coyotes XXXV

Colorado: Coyote Attacks Family Dog in Backyard in Crowded Neighborhood

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Court says warrant needed for mobile phone location data
• Islamic State targeted in 15 air strikes by U.S., allies: statement
• Virginia revokes license plates featuring Confederate flag
• A 15-Year-Old Tech Genius Is Using Her Coding Skills to Curb Cyberbullying
• Netflix is reviving Mr. Peabody and Sherman for a new series this October

Bad News

• Thai man jailed for 30 yrs for 'insulting' royals on Facebook
• Fourth secular blogger hacked to death in Bangladesh

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Texas Watchdog Group’s Complaints Prompted Corruption Indictments
• Senate report urges government crackdown on airline fees Unfortunately, this report was made by the Democratic committee. The Republican congress will ignore it. 
• Stolen Stradivarius violin is recovered after 35 years
• Catholic groups lose another contraceptive court ruling

Bad News

• IS kidnaps civilians in Syria, mass executions in Iraq
• Jailed journalist in Azerbaijan goes on trial

Living with mountain lions XVI

Another lion-like animal spotted in Milwaukee metro area

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Judge: Idaho's anti-dairy spying law is unconstitutional
• Federal court says Texas voter ID violates Voting Rights Act
• Detective in Manhattan Biker Assault Case Is Sentenced to Jail
• Judge orders Texas to recognize spouse on same-sex death certificate

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Metropolitan Opera Says Its ‘Otello’ Tenor Will Not Wear Blackface
• Guinea ready to help regional fight against Boko Haram: president
• U.S. drone hits Syria in first lethal strike launched from Turkey
• Utah group to start Boy Scout troop welcoming gay leaders
• Chicago's health care plans to cover gender reassignment services
• Thousands of California convicts to regain voting rights
• San Francisco deputy convicted of assaulting patient in hospital

Bad News

• Seven killed, about 20 taken in suspected Boko Haram attack in Cameroon
• Boko Haram kills nine fishermen by Lake Chad: fisherman, survivor
• Islamic State group in Egypt threatens to kill Croat hostage
• Bismarck bishop tells parishes to break ties with Boy Scouts

Yesterday's news round-up

Good News

• Senate blocks Planned Parenthood defunding measure
• Democrats Unveil a Plan to Fight Gerrymandering
• Boko Haram 'under siege' as Nigeria rescues 178 hostages
• U.S., allies stage 29 air strikes against Islamic State: statement

Both Good and Bad News

• Violent NYC Homophobe Picks Married West Point Gay Grads To Attack, Loses It's bad that they were attacked, good that they taught this guy a lesson.

Bad News

• Two women face civil rights violations after allegedly attacking lesbian couple at Six Flags New England It's bad the couple was attacked.
• Lesbian couple: Bakery refused to make our wedding cake
• Venezuela first lady runs for congress; spouse's foe blocked

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Benin sends 800 troops to fight Boko Haram
• Nigeria air strikes kill 'large number' of Boko Haram

Bad News

• Russian police detain several gay activists
• Journalist slain in Mexico City had signs of torture

Living with moose XI

Moose spotted in Colorado Springs shopping center, apartment complex

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Appeals court affirms conviction of woman in hot sauce case
• Dutch activists call for Caribbean Netherlands to adopt gay rights

Bad News

• A Thousand Points of Hate: Couple Plans Massive Series of Anti-Gay Marriage Billboards I'd bet the couple is taking salaries from donations they receive.

Animal headline of the day

Texas man shoots armadillo, gets hit in face by bullet ricochet

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Obama to extend college aid grants to some prison inmates
• Over 100 militants killed in anti-Boko Haram operation: Chad army
• U.S.-led coalition stages 41 air strikes on Islamic State: military statement
• Indiana clears Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing after videos
• Police Officer Involved in Deadly Cincinnati Shooting of Samuel DuBose Indicted for Murder, Dismissed from Force
• Judge blocks release of recordings by anti-abortion group It's just a temporary restraining order, until there can be a hearing.
• Japan police arrest MtGox CEO over loss of Bitcoins: media

Bad News

• Senegalese journalist gets 6 months for homosexuality

I have very mixed feelings about this

• Man shoots down drone hovering over house I don't advocate violating the law, but this is clearly a violation of privacy. 

Animal headline of the day

Zoo keeper steps in with teddy bear to hand-rear baby sloth

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Court dismisses lawsuit seeking personhood for 2 NY chimps I know the judge.
• Pentagon will start process to end ban on transgender troops next week
• Chad says killed 117 Boko Haram fighters in two-week campaign
• New Mexico dispatcher who hung up on caller resigns and Albuquerque Fire Department dispatcher's license suspended
• U.S., allies conduct 22 air strikes in Iraq against Islamic State: U.S. military
• Indiana convention's CEO calls for broader LGBT protections

Bad News

• Boko Haram 'slits throats of 10 fishermen' near Lake Chad
• Senate Republicans aim divert Planned Parenthood funds in abortion dispute
• At least '18 dead' in IS attack on Kurd-held Syria town

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• US judge rules Greenpeace in contempt for Oregon protest and Police try to quell protest involving Arctic-bound ship and Arctic-bound ship leaves Portland after oil drilling protest
• Nigerian soldiers rescue 71 children, women from Boko Haram
• White House opposes Congress cutting off Planned Parenthood funds
• Los Angeles passes law banning large-capacity gun magazines
• Wall Street Money Dries Up for Lawmaker After Anti-Gay Remarks
• Google refuses French order to apply 'right to be forgotten' globally

Bad News

• Man stabs several people at Jerusalem gay pride parade

Living with wild turkeys XVIII

Wandering turkey causes stir at University of Michigan

Today's news round-up

Good News

• U.S. appeals court upholds bulk of Obama air pollution rule
• 'I am an American' says man who tried to join Islamic State It's good that he's going (back) to jail.
• Obama to African leaders: No one should be president for life
• Oklahoma court: Ten Commandments monument at Capitol must go
• U.S.-led coalition targets Islamic State in 32 air strikes: statement
• Mississippi school district fined $7,500 for opening prayer
• Obama says Ethiopia should not jail journalists, restrict opponents
• White House says Snowden should 'come home, be judged'

Bad News

• At least 25 people killed by militants in Nigeria's northeast

Living with mountain lions XV

Lion sighted in Milwaukee, police close streets in area

Recent(ish) news round-up

Good News

• Citizens United loses New York ruling over donors
• Koch Brothers' political group struggles in Alaska
• Obama Delivers Tough-Love Message to End Kenya Trip
• US and Turkey to create 'IS-free zone' in Syria
• Officials: Iraqi forces retake Anbar University near Ramadi
• Cameroon to deploy 2,000 more troops after Boko Haram attacks
• U.S., allies conduct 20 air strikes in Iraq: U.S. Military
• Kurds cut key IS supply route in northern Syria: monitor
• New York Gov. Cuomo announces new LaGuardia Airport
• Boy Scouts lift blanket ban on gay adult leaders, employees

Sort of Good News

• Texas prosecutor names committee to review Sandra Bland case Cases like like this should be investigated by completely independent prosecutors.
• Egypt cuts debauchery jail term for dancer She should never have even been prosecuted.

Bad News

• Female suicide bomber kills 19 at northern Nigeria market
• At least 16 killed in Boko Haram raids on Lake Chad villages
• Boko Haram fighters behead three in Cameroon raid

I'm still alive

I'm just on vacation in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Don't expect to see much here until at least the 27th.

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Nearly 5 years in prison for owners in fatal mauling by dogs
• Selling that sofa online? Think about going to the cop shop
• Mother, uncle charged in death of Maryland boy beaten over cake It's good they were charged with murder.

Bad News

• Thailand enshrines junta's unsanctioned protests ban in law
• Oklahoma Republicans compare food-stamp recipients to animals
• Venezuela bars opposition leader from holding office

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• EEOC: UPS discriminates with bans on beards, long hair
• U.S. says computer hacking forum Darkode dismantled, 12 charged
• Judge rules Utah should put 2 moms on birth certificate
• Experts: Ruling against college seeks to protect accused
• Court: New health law doesn't infringe on religious freedom
• Wal-Mart sued for denying health insurance to gay employee's spouse
• Iraq forces pounding IS around Ramadi
• Islamic State targeted in 33 air strikes by U.S.-led coalition: statement
• Turkish court annuls controversial Erdogan education law

Bad News

• At least 30 dead in triple Islamist attack in NE Nigeria

Happy Bastille Day!

It's Bastille Day, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789--their 4th of July.

And happy anniversary to Helen and Rachel, and happy birthday to Johanna!

Animal headline of the day

Polish cow on the run for 2 years is finally caught

Cartoon of the day

Rhymes with Orange


This really is about what I think of LinkedIn.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Whataburger takes stand against Texas' new open carry law
• NYC hosts its first disability pride parade
• IS admits losing control of Libya city

Bad News

• U.S. military drills stoke politics of suspicion in Texas
• Bahrain re-arrests prominent Sunni opponent freed in June

Texts from last night

(817): Just because you have put things in my vagina does not mean you know me http://tfl.nu/vehz

(720): Your ability to eat ass like its your job and yet turn down quinoa because it's "gross" is confusing. http://tfl.nu/ydo1

(201): So our bartender was in the bathroom the same time I was so I ordered a beer mid stream.....is that weird? http://tfl.nu/c7nq

Last night...

(863): I tried to suck your dick underwater and almost drowned http://tfl.nu/nwd4

(204): You were petting a 40 year old man's moustache for 15 minutes http://tfl.nu/1623

(470): you flipped over the sheets and there was my bed. filled with ding dongs. http://tfl.nu/zbrg

(706): He dared you to draw a map of the USA on your wall in mustard. You drew something that vaguely resembled a velociraptor eating Oklahoma, got embarrassed because you forgot how to spell America, then hid out in the coat closet until everybody left. http://tfl.nu/fgjf

(337): She asked how comfortable I was with her while we were in the shower. She then proceeded to pee in said shower. http://tfl.nu/xurr

(612): Dude, I woke up with wet dollar bills in my boxers where did you take me??? http://tfl.nu/7z0t

Today's news round-up

Good News

• U.S. air strike kills Islamic State leader in Afghanistan
• NYPD To Track Potential Problem Police Officers With Database

Bad News

• Islamic State 'behind blast' at Italian consulate in Cairo
• American Samoa questions gay marriage validity in territory
• Boko Haram brutally kills 5 civilians in Niger
• Boko Haram attacks northern Nigeria town: military sources

Today's news round-up, Part 2

Bad News

• Plan to Require Checks for Ammunition Sales is Suspended in New York

Today's news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Spotify search warrant helps nab alleged child abductors
• Turkey arrests 21 suspected IS members in major operation
• Iraq's Shi'ite militias target Falluja in Anbar campaign
• Kentucky Gov. Beshear: Issue marriage licenses or resign
• Perfumania, Maker Of Donald Trump Fragrances, Cuts Ties With Mogul
• Canadian teenager sentenced to 16 months in jail for online harassment, bomb threats
• Jury to 50 Cent: Pay $5M to woman who sued over sex tape

Bad News

• Health Law’s Contraceptive Rule Eased for Businesses With Religious Objections

Plat du jour

Another naysayer from Texas.

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• New York governor to name special prosecutor for killings by police This should be permanent. The local district attorneys have a built-in conflict of interest.
• Missouri law addresses concerns after Ferguson shooting
• Ethiopia frees journalists ahead of Obama visit
• Florida Supreme Court orders redrawing of some U.S. congressional districts

Bad News

• Ugandan police detain the president's 2 top opponents This is not the action of a democracy.
• Catholic Church gets win in liberal California Legislature Regulated assisted suicide should be legal.

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Israeli man gets 14 months for stealing Madonna's songs
• South Carolina's Confederate flag will be removed Friday
• Same-sex couples to get federal marriage benefits: attorney general
• Celebrity chefs pull out of Trump's Washington DC hotel
• U.S. FAA to change navigation codes named after Trump

Bad News

• Two suicide bombers kill around 30 in northern Nigeria

Living with mountain lions XIV

Mountain lion spotted roaming around San Francisco

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Donald Trump Immigration Stance Costs Him ESPN’s ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic
• PGA Grand Slam to move from Trump Course in Los Angeles
• New York to Hold Parade for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team
• Court upholds ban on contractor political contributions
• Public finally gets pathway to 'Billionaires' Beach'
• Time Warner Cable owes $229,500 to woman it would not stop calling
• West Virginia DMV changes photo policy after transgender women threaten lawsuit I met Kitzmiller at TLDEF's annual fundraising event last month. She really likes to talk.

Bad News

• Nigeria suicide blast 'kills 25' in Zaria
• Kenya protesters warn Obama not to bring up gay rights in visit
• Islamic State takes ground from Syrian Kurds after air strikes

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• Now playing: Harpsichord of Columbus' era sounds again
• All NY colleges to adopt 'yes means yes' sex assault policy
• Florida State University president backs decision to boot quarterback
• Biden to hail gay marriage ruling in NYC appearance
• L.A Unified takes on sexting with education campaign, not punishment
• CVS quits powerful U.S. Chamber of Commerce in dispute over tobacco lobbying

Bad News

• Report: Number of US heroin users rose 300,000 over a decade
• Broadway theatergoer tries to recharge phone in onstage plug
• Another Impostor Caught Posing As Studio Teacher: “My Daughter Was Scared”

Happy Read Naked Day!

Read Naked Day

Texts from last night

(630): Remember when I made fun of you when you ran out of toilet paper on your brother's birthday and had to use coffee filters? Guess what happened today http://tfl.nu/cse0

(813): Bringing my cat to a booty call was not my finest hour http://tfl.nu/fu54

(503): how should I feel if a guy kept complimenting my bangs while I was giving him a blowjob? http://tfl.nu/571v

(562): I woke up in an ill fitting childs tutu this morning and the shower curtain is knocked down. Wtf happened? http://tfl.nu/zj7u

(504): Of course I'm going to see her again. She had waterproof handcuffs in her shower. http://tfl.nu/5itm

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Obama looks like he’s actually having fun being president
• U.S., allies conduct 14 air strikes in Syria, nine in Iraq: military

Bad News

• Suspected Boko Haram insurgents step up attacks in Nigeria

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Iceland makes blasphemy legal
• Surrogate children granted legal recognition in France
• Air strike kills IS leader in Syria: Pentagon
• Chad seizes suspected Boko Haram weapons cache in N'Djamena
• Kenya detains alleged Islamic State recruiters from Uganda
• Pakistani police save Christian couple from 'blasphemy' mob
• NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio signs law to ban employers from asking job candidates about criminal history
• Sweet Cakes final order: Gresham bakery must pay $135,000 for denying service to same-sex couple

Bad News

• New Spain law sets big fines for disseminating police images
• In under two days, Boko Haram kills nearly 170 in NE Nigeria
• Russian MPs pass 'right to be forgotten' Internet law
• IS says it destroyed archaeological pieces from Palmyra
• IS destroys statue outside Syria's Palmyra museum

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Washington state Girl Scouts return donation over anti-transgender demand

Bad News

• Tennessee store owner posts sign telling gays to stay away
• Islamic State threatens to topple Hamas in Gaza

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• US probing possible airline collusion to keep fares high
• Flo Rida, Jonathan Scott out of Miss USA, Macy's dumps Trump
• Federal judge: Alabama counties must allow gay marriage
• 5th Circuit tells courts to issue same-sex marriage rulings
• Baltimore to put cameras in police vans, review riot gear
• Oklahoma Supreme Court Orders Removal Of Ten Commandments Monument From State Capitol
• Judge Blocks Florida Law Requiring 24-Hour Waiting Period For Abortions
• Misty Copeland Named First Black Female Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theater
• Syrian Kurds say thwart big Islamic State attack on border town

Bad News

• In first, IS beheads two Syria women for 'sorcery': NGO

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Justices uphold Arizona's system for redistricting
• Louisiana issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples
• NBC severing business relationship with Donald Trump
• John Oliver To Media: Transgender Medical Choices “None Of Your F*cking Business”
• Pine Bush School District Agrees to Pay $4.48 Million to Settle Anti-Semitism Suit
• Mozambique scraps colonial-era homosexuality ban
• Colorado's high court blocks school voucher program
• Supreme Court Allows Texas Abortion Clinics to Remain Open
• Ninth Circuit Panel Revives Transgender Inmate’s Bid for Surgery

Bad News

• Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan to retire after next season
• Texas attorney general calls court's gay marriage decision 'a lawless ruling'
• Hounded and out of work, gay Ukrainians flee rebel east

Cartoon of the day

Rhymes with Orange

Texts from last night

(620): I just found a reminder in my phone to ask you about your sex life in 7 years. So how is that going? http://tfl.nu/0dn7

(615): The guys who program Autocorrect have never seen a vagina in person http://tfl.nu/64c8

(407): He sent me a dick pic, and it had smeared lipstick on it. So I sent him the pic of my tit with the hickey ring your brother gave me. http://tfl.nu/a7jm

(540): Chipotle farts are not good for seducing boys. http://tfl.nu/72bo

(337): Her son walked in on us and asked if he could "wrestle too." http://tfl.nu/wi1y

(513): where did we go last night? there's dollar bills all over my room & they're all wet. http://tfl.nu/hb26