Saturday, September 19, 2009 
Associated Press
 
I’m 67 and thought I had seen and heard every excuse imagined UNTIL  NOW but when I saw this article I thought this excuse has to be the # 1 excuses of all time. 

I think it would be fun to make a list of weird excuses so if anyone has any to add to this one would love to have you share it. ………flagranny2

 STUART, Fla —  Authorities have filed another 90 charges of possession of child pornography against a Martin County man who blamed the crime on his cat.

According to a sheriff’s report, Jensen Beach resident Keith Griffin told investigators that pornographic images downloaded when his cat jumped on his computer keyboard while he was downloading music.

Griffin was arrested in early August and charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Investigators filed the additional charges on Thursday.

Griffin is being held in lieu of $2.2 million bail at the Martin County Jail. He was not immediately known if he has an attorney.

Sheriff’s officials said a family friend was caring for the cat.

Friday, September 11, 2009

I came across this article and it just floored me.  Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you find out you haven’t………flagranny2

                                                                                                                                       
Essex, England, Steve Gator was walking home from work when a couple of “thugs” started shouting tauts and abusive language at him concerning his cousin.  When he confronted them he was hit so hard causing him to fall and smash his head on the pavement which obviously left him with brain damage. 

His head was smashed so bad that surgeons had to remove half of his skull with only skin covering his brain.  He is now waiting surgery to have a new skull plate put in. 

The kicker to this is the two “thugs” who were involved were not found guilty based on NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE?   If visual evidence isn’t enough then what would be?

For the full article see

FOXNews.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

“Some men see things as they are and say ‘why.’
“I dream things that never were and say ‘why not.’” 

Kennedy looses battle of Brain Cancer

Click here for a timeline of Ted Kennedy’s life.

Michael Jackson’s cardiologist, Dr. Conrad Murray, is suspect of homicide or possible manslaughter in Jackson’s death and could face criminal charges.Doctor Murray told investigators that he had given Jackson two  sedatives (didn’t say which kind) through the night  in an unsuccessful attempt to help (unsuccessfully) Jackson to get some sleep.  

The morning of his death Dr. Murray said he had given Jackson a 25mg dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol.  The toxicology report found other substances in Jackson’s system but were not believed to have been a contributing factor in Jackson’s death.

Along with Dr. Murray, cardiologist, sources say that dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein will be charged with medical malpractice.  Click here for full article

Dr. Conrad Murray

  

 

                                            Dr. Arnold Klein 

I don’t know if I could handle living with ‘Proteus Syndrome’ and take it in stride as this young woman has, could  you?  Here is her compelling story.

A woman is campaigning to raise awareness of a rare condition which has left her with 11 stone (70kg) legs.

Mandy Sellars, 32, from Lancashire, suffers from Proteus syndrome, a condition also thought to have affected the “Elephant Man”, Joseph Merrick.

Although she was born with abnormally large legs and feet – which continue to grow – her body is of average size.

Doctors may have to amputate in the future, but Ms Sellars says she wants to raise awareness before it happens.

Proteus Syndrome is only thought to affect about 120 people worldwide, which ensures Ms Sellars receives some stares in public.

I quite fancy having a go at snowboarding actually, maybe paragliding or white water rafting would be wonderful

Mandy Sellars

“I expect people to look – I think that’s quite inevitable because I would if I was in their position – but a smile can bring so much to one person,” she said.

She told the BBC of her relief at finally being diagnosed with the condition in May 2006, which allowed her to meet other sufferers.

“I wanted to belong,” said Ms Sellars.

“I wanted to find other people that had the condition, and to be able to relate to them and them to relate to me and know what it’s like to live with this condition and how different it is.”

Mandy was born with oversized limbs

Proteus Syndrome is an extremely rare condition which involves atypical growth of the bones, skin, head and a variety of other symptoms.

The name comes from the Greek god Proteus who could change his form.

There is no known cure and if Ms Sellars limbs continue to grow – her feet are 16ins long while her legs are 35ins in diameter at the bottom and 28ins at the top – doctors say they will have to amputate.

“I have goals for when that does happen,” she added.

“Why not? It can be a different life. It could be a more adventurous life. Things I can’t do now I might be able to do then.

“I quite fancy having a go at snowboarding actually, maybe paragliding or white water rafting would be wonderful, it really would. So you never know – watch this space.”

Thursday, July 23, 2009
Fox News

 As I watched the news I realized how fortunate I was to have lived during Cronkite’s life as a journalist in every facet. 
 

Mourners gathered Thursday to bid farewell to legendary “Evening News” anchor Walter Cronkite at his star-studded New York City funeral.

Cronkite’s casket was carried in to the private ceremony about 1:30 P.M. Thursday at St. Bartholomew’s Church in midtown Manhattan.

The service drew scores of Hollywood’s glitterati, as well as his loved ones, friends and colleagues. Cronkite died Friday at his Manhattan home at age 92.

I’m sure that by now everyone knows about his career and accomplishments but I wanted to express my own feelings as well.

As I watched the news I realized how fortunate I was to have lived during Cronkite’s life as a journalist in every facet. 

To me, he was a reporter who spoke his mind without fear of loosing his job due to any political influence.

Thursday as I listened I vividly recalled the day he had to report the assassination of president Kennedy he didn’t hold back his feelings, he wore his heart on his sleeve.

From 1952 until he retired he was known as the most trusted reporter in America.  He will truly be missed!!!!  ……flagranny2

 
“AND THAT’S THE WAY IT WAS”

Friday, July 17, 2009
SOURCE- Associated Press
  

NEW YORK —  A CBS executive says retired CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, “the most trusted man in America,” has died at his home in New York. He was 92.

CBS vice president Linda Mason says Cronkite died at 7:42 p.m. after a long illness, with his family by his side.

He was the face of CBS News from 1962 to 1981, when stories ranged from the John F. Kennedy assassination to Watergate and the Iranian hostage crisis.

More info to follow as it is published ….flagranny2

Saturday, July 04, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — DEVELOPING: Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that authorities were called to a condominium and found McNair and a woman shot to death inside. Aaron said police don’t yet know the circumstances of the shooting.

“I don’t have any answers for you now as to what’s happened, who’s responsible,” he said.

Aaron said police tentatively have identified the woman but did not release her name.

To read the rest of this article  click here

Thursday, June 25, 2009

It’s surprising how much we take for granted until we read a story like Brooke’s. How often do we say babies are a “Miracle”? Let’s take it a step further and not only use the word Miracle but include the words” Miracle and healthy”?

Normally you would expect your 16 year old daughter anxiously hoping she will be asked to the prom, get her drivers’s license or at least permit, etc. I know when we were expecting our daughters I can honestly say I didn’t give those words a second thought. I did think about it but mostly as a passing thought.  How blessed we are!!  …..flagranny2

Click here to see pictures of Brooke

To learn more about Brooke, watch “Child Frozen in Time” at 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2 on TLC.

Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fox News
 

 Heart attack claims the life of Michael Jackson at age 50

“He WAS the world“

 Music icon Michael Jackson, whose fame spanned from his childhood with the legendary Jackson 5 to a superstar solo career that earned him the nickname ‘King of Pop,’ died Thursday afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital.

To follow this article continue [ here ]

 No words can convey one’s  feelings……flagranny2

here

Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fox News

“And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels,” Jaclyn Smith said.

Farrah Fawcett, the multiple Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated American actress best known for her role as the vivacious Jill Munroe in the 1970s television series “Charlie’s Angels,” died in a Santa Monica hospital. She was 62.

Her spokesman, Paul Bloch, confirmed that the iconic actress died Thursday morning shortly after 9 a.m. PDT.

Other “Charlie’s Angels” stars paid tribute to her.

“Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels,” Jaclyn Smith said.

Said Cheryl Ladd: “She was incredibly brave, and God will be welcoming her with open arms.”

Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in September 2006 and, despite going into remission and enduring extensive chemotherapy and surgery both in the U.S. and Germany, it was revealed earlier this year that the cancer had spread to her liver. She stopped receiving treatment in May..          For the full article continue

For Farrah Fawcett’s family and friends please know my thoughts and prayers are with you ………flagranny2

WESH.COM
June 22, 2009

 See previous posts [here]

LONGWOOD, Fla. — The case of a woman who lost both arms and legs to a flesh-eating bacteria settled her lawsuit with the Orlando Regional Healthcare System on Monday

Claudia Mejia, after 4 years struggling has finally settled her lawsuit with the hospital but still had pending legal action against the doctors and nurses.  Four years ago she went to the hospital as a soon to be mother but  ended up leaving  a mother and an amputee. She was told she had a flesh-eating bacteria and they would have to amputate both arms and legs. What a choice! 

Click here to read the article and related articles.

I’ve included two articles in one post because in both crimes the convictions were the same but the punishments were far from being the same. The NFL player, charged with manslauter, received 30 days in jail while the 17 year old teen received 23 years without parole.  Did the punishment fit the crime?  Comments welcomed.

MIAMI —  The NFL and the Cleveland Browns are reviewing the charges against wide receiver Donte Stallworth, who is accused of killing a pedestrian while driving his Bentley drunk after a night out at a posh South Beach hotel. 

Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, according to Stallworth attorney Christopher Lyons. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, Stallworth, 28, told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken driving education programs.

“I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy,” said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. “I will bear this burden for the rest of my life.”

Stallworth faced 15 years in prison. After his release from jail, Stallworth [ Full story ]

 ***********************************************

Ohio Teen Gets 23 Years in Prison for killing mother over video game

 ELYRIA, Ohio —  A northeast Ohio teen who shot and killed his mother and wounded his minister father was sentenced Tuesday to 23 years in prison for crimes rooted in his obsession with video games with violent themes.

Daniel Petric, 17, who could have gotten life without parole, shook his head slightly, sniffled and held back tears but sat down without saying a word when given the chance by Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge.

Petric’s eyes were red from crying when his father, Mark Petric, asked the judge to be lenient and said his son regrets killing his mother and reminds his father often that he is glad his father survived.

“He’s told me that many times,” said Mark Petric. As for his mother, Daniel Petric’s frequent comment is “Dad, I miss mom. I miss mom,” the father said.

“He still does not understand why he did something so terrible,” Mark Petric told the judge. [ continue ]

Source: – CNN.com
By Alan Duke
June 10, 2009 

Donald Trump poses with Carrie Prejean in May. Prejean was removed as Miss California USA on Wednesday.

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN)– Carrie Prejean has been dethroned as Miss California USA for “contract violations,” including missing scheduled pageant events, according to a state pageant official.

Prejean, 22, retained her title last month despite a controversy over topless photos, missed appearances and her statements against same-sex marriage.

Miss USA pageant owner Donald Trump decided to fire Prejean a month after he gave her a second chance.

“Carrie is a beautiful young woman, and I wish her well as she pursues her other interests,” Trump said.

Runner-up Tami Farrell, who was Miss Malibu, will immediately assume the Miss California USA title, state pageant Executive Director Keith Lewis said.

This was a decision based solely on contract violations, including Ms. Prejean’s unwillingness to…[ Continue ]

Source: Wesh2.com
June 9, 2009

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Four men led Brevard deputies on a chase that began on the Beachline and ended up on an Interstate 95 on-ramp, said authorities.

OCOEE, Fla. — Arson Victim Says She Was Threatened With Voodoo

SOURCE: FoxNews & Orlando Sentinel
UPDATED: 8:01 am EDT June 10, 2009

NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Authorities said a Broward man attacked his girlfriend with a machete and chopped off four of her fingers.

The sheriff’s office reports that the woman was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery Tuesday night. She was listed in critical condition.

Authorities said the attacker, Ramos-Murillo, 21, was also taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. He faces attempted murder charges once he’s released.

Authorities aren’t saying what led to the attack.

Sunday, June 07, 2009
Foxnews.com/ AP
 RECIFE, Brazil —  Search ships methodically worked through a “sea of debris” from a doomed Air France jet Sunday, recovering 15 more bodies near the spot where the Airbus A330 is believed to have gone down a week ago.

 The cause of the doomed jet is still unknown although after recovering a total of 17 bodies, (2 bodies were recovered Saturday, and Brazilian and French ships picked up 15 more Sunday),  about 45 miles from where the jet sent out it’s last signal, indicated electrical failure and loss of cabin pressure. 

The French agency investigating the disaster said airspeed instruments on the plane had not been replaced as the maker had recommended, but cautioned that it was too early to draw conclusions if the airspeed instruments…. [Continue ]

Large Chunks of Air France Jet Found in Atlantic Ocean

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Source – AP via FoxNews

An update related to my previous article (Florida Woman Who Lost Arms, Legs During Birth Works for Answers) 

After 4 years of trying to get some compension the wait is finally over.  However regardless of the settlement amount the damage has been done….flagranny2

SANFORD, Fla —  A woman who became infected with flesh-eating bacteria after giving birth, leading to the amputation of her arms and legs, has settled her lawsuit against the central Florida hospital.

Edwards’ attorney confirmed the settlement Monday but wouldn’t comment on the amount.

Edwards was admitted to Orlando Regional South Seminole Hospital in Longwood on April 28, 2005, and gave birth to her son, Matthew. Fever set in over the next few hours, and her conditioned worsened over the next couple days. Doctors eventually concluded her body was being attacked by Group A Streptococcal infection. They amputated all four limbs, hoping to save her life.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Source – FoxNews, LA Times and CNN

Farrah Fawcett is finally breaking her silence, slamming tabloids and a California medical center for releasing information, some of it false, regarding her condition.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times from August, but held at Fawcett’s request until now, the actress said that the gravity of her struggle with anal cancer was exacerbated by having to endure it under public scrutiny.

“It’s much easier to go through something and deal with it without being under a microscope,”Fawcett, 62 said. “It was stressful. I was terrified getting the chemo. It’s not pleasant. And the radiation is not pleasant.”

PHOTOS: Click for pictures of Farrah Fawcett.

Moreover, the actress was stunned to learn just how far supermarket tabloids would go with false and misleading headlines, such as a December 2006 story that read “Farrah Begs: ‘Let Me Die.’”

“God, I would never say something like that,” she told the Times. “To think that people who did look up to me and felt positive because I was going through it too and yet I was strong … it just negated all that.”

But the manner and speed in which details about her condition leaked to the tabloids caused the “Charlie’s Angels” star to grow suspicious that someone at the UCLA medical center was sending her confidential medical information to the press.

Indeed, even when the tabloid reports were false, Fawcett told the Times that they were based on some truth“God, I would never say something like that,” she told the Times. “To think that people who did look up to me and felt positive because I was going through it too and yet I was strong … it just negated all that.”

Fawcett said, UCLA repeatedly asked her to donate money to the hospital for a foundation to be set up in her name.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times from August, but held at Fawcett’s request until now, the actress said that the gravity of her struggle with anal cancer was exacerbated by having to endure it under public scrutiny.

PHOTOS: Click for pictures of Farrah Fawcett.

So Fawcett decided to attempt to catch UCLA in the leak in May of 2007, deliberately not revealing to any of her friends or family that her cancer had returned.

Within days of her diagnosis, the Enquirer was reporting the news.Last week, Fawcett’s long-time partner Ryan O’Neal revealed that Fawcett’s condition was deteriorating, that she had lost all of her hair and that her treatment had “pretty much ended.”[full story]

RELATED: Click here for the full article from the Los Angeles Times

Saturday, May 09, 2009
Associated Press – Source
 

1987 file photo: Chuck Daly, head coach of the Detroit Pistons

DETROIT —  Chuck Daly, who coached the original Dream Team to the Olympic gold medal in 1992 after winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, died at age 78 Saturday morning, the Pistons said.

He was renowned for his ability to create harmony out of diverse personalities at all levels of the game, whether they were Ivy Leaguers at Pennsylvania, Dream Teamers Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, or Pistons as dissimilar as Dennis Rodman and Joe Dumars. 

“It’s a players’ league. They allow you to coach them or they don’t,” Daly once said. “Once they stop allowing you to coach, you’re on your way out.”

For the whole article [click Here]