December 2007

“Follow the Chicken”

Q:  Do you have a separate business that you have     incorporated . . . or is this something you do     just in your own name? A.  Sir, I had a vision back when I was a child that …


Trekkie Sues Auction House Claiming Trek Prop Is Fake

The Associated Press reported Friday that a Star Trek fan who paid $6,000 for what he believed to be a poker visor worn by the android "Data" on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is now suing, claiming it is a…


Egypt Says It Will Copyright Pyramids

The head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities told reporters on December 25 that the country’s parliament would likely pass a law requiring anyone who reproduces one of its famous monuments to pay royalties.  Zahi Hawass said that the law…


Another Football-Related Trial Continuance Granted

Last season, a judge agreed to continue a trial date after counsel pointed out that the date would impair the parties’ ability to watch the New Orleans Saints play for the NFC championship.  Now a judge in Baton Rouge has…


Gang of Drunken Santas Attack Theater

Witnesses estimated the crowd of drunken Santas numbered about 50, and said that they rushed in through the front door of Hoyts Cinema in Christchurch, New Zealand, and began ripping down movie posters and smashing things. "They were all dressed…


Warrant Issued for Formerly Naked SF Mayoral Candidate

San Francisco’s slate of mayoral candidates is frequently very colorful (including perennial candidate "Starchild"), and only infrequently naked.  Even less frequently are candidates naked in public, although guitar-playing is common. Sources reported on December 21 that a warrant had been…



Italian Court Renames Couple’s Baby

A court in Genoa, Italy, has ordered that a 15-month-old boy be renamed "Gregory" after finding that the name his parents chose, "Friday," violated an administrative rule that precludes giving children "ridiculous or shameful" names. The boy, who was born…


Santa Groped

Once again, ’tis the season for Christmas-assault cases.  Most of these stories involve simple assault and battery upon (on sometimes by) Santa Claus, but this is the first such story I’ve come across in which someone touched his Kringle. A…