The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to…
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California's Proposed AB 1414 Would Deprive Lower-Income Tenants of Critical Internet Service

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help.

There’s a good reason why one of Ronald Reagan’s most memorable adages remains so poignant today.

Namely, government officials’ ability to harm people whom their well-intentioned laws are meant to benefit remains a tragic and all-too-common pitfall of government activity.

A recent illustration of that tragic paradox exists in a California proposal known as AB 1414, which if enacted would prohibit landlords from making internet service subscriptions with specific service providers part of their rental packages.

Although any proposal that purports to increase tenant choice seems superficially positive in the abstract, the problem with AB 1414 is that it would only…[more]

July 23, 2025 • 01:03 PM

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Jester’s Courtroom
It's All in the Name of Fun
Tuesday, June 14 2016

Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres' producer is being sued by a woman who claims Ellen mispronounced her name in a segment called, "What's Wrong with These Signs."

Titi (TEE'-tee) Pierce, a Georgia real estate agent, alleges in her lawsuit against Warner Bros. that DeGeneres displayed one of Pierce's real estate signs and mispronounced her name to make a joke about breasts. Pierce, who further claims it was the first time anyone has ever mispronounced her name, said that since the sign included her cellphone number she has been subjected to "ridiculing and harassing" phone calls. She is seeking unspecified monetary damages for what she claims are invasion of privacy, defamation and emotional distress.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show executive producers say, "We try to have fun every day and make people laugh and never intend to hurt anyone's feelings."

Source:  wgntv.com

Cooking Up a Lawsuit
Tuesday, June 07 2016

A California woman is suing Walmart for injuries she claims to have suffered as a result of a faulty gas grill.

Yvonne Mello claims she injured her hand opening a gas barbecue grill she purchased from Walmart and that days later she suffered a fractured ankle because she couldn't grab anything due to her hand injury. In her Solano County Superior Court lawsuit, Mello claims the gas grill was dangerous and defective.

According to news sources, a Walmart corporate representative could not be reached for comment about the case.

Source:  dailyrepublic.com (CA)

Hat's (Not) Off to this Lawsuit
Tuesday, May 31 2016

A fan is suing singer Chris Brown for allegedly stealing his hat.

According to news reports, Marq Stevenson is seeking $2,750 in compensation for his "stolen" hat. Stevenson claims that he passed his cap to one of Brown's road crew to have it autographed by Brown, but he didn't get the cap back. Stevenson wants to be reimbursed for the hat ($25), for his floor seat concert ticket ($225) and demands an extra $2500 for the bullying he allegedly withstood from Brown's crew when he tried to get his hat back.

As a footnote, apparently the hat was never signed, and Stevenson claims he is no longer seeking the autograph.

Source:  TMZ.com

Neighbors' Lawsuit Crosses the Line
Tuesday, May 24 2016

Actress Minnie Driver is being sued by her neighbors who claim she has "intentionally" interfered with their plans to build a home on their property.

According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Daniel and Mary Lou Perelmutter allege that Driver speeds her car toward the couple and their construction worker, and has thrown "baby food jars filled with black paint against the walls of the home."

Driver denies the claims, stating, "I would never drive dangerously with my children or with other people's children. That is an egregious allegation."

The Perelmutters further claim Driver has blocked access to their shared driveway by installing an electronic gate and not providing them with the code.

"There are all kinds of easement codes and he was found in contempt of that before, and now we're asking that he be found in contempt of that again," Driver told news sources. "I absolutely understand where his property line is, but easements trump property lines."

The Perelmutters claim Driver's alleged conduct has caused "severe emotional distress" resulting in "significant anxiety, sleeplessness and depression."

"Mr. Perelmutter's lawsuit is frivolous," countered Ellyn Garofalo, Driver's attorney, adding that the problems have been going on for some time. Garofalo calls the lawsuit "frivolous" and says it will be "successfully defended."

According to news sources, last year Driver filed a temporary restraining order against Daniel Perlmutter for cursing at her son and blowing smoke in his face.

Sources: people.com and etonline.com

Lawsuit Attempts to Deflate Tradition
Wednesday, May 18 2016

An Omaha, Nebraska, man has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to end the more than 60-year-old tradition of having balloons released at University of Nebraska football games.

Randall Krause alleges in his lawsuit that the release of thousands of bright red balloons by Cornhusker fans following the first touchdown at home games violates the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

“The mass balloon releases during football games at Memorial Stadium result in the open dumping of solid waste,” Mr. Krause alleged in a 14-page complaint.

According to news reports, Steve Smith, spokesman for the school, noted in a statement that, "Every balloon released in Memorial Stadium is natural latex biodegradable, and they are tied off with 100% cotton strings."

Sources:  breitbart.com and foxnews.com

 



Notable Quote   
 
"Federal employee unions are bracing for battle after courts have lifted a series of injunctions that were stalling the Trump administration's plans to end collective bargaining rights at a number of agencies.Trump in March signed an executive order laying the groundwork for a sweeping rescission of a number of existing union contracts at government agencies. The administration argues 18 different…[more]
 
 
— Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill
 
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