| Two murders and two life sentences won't alter one convict's ...
First thing we have to say: You sure have been asleep a long time. This didn't just happen overnight. Must have been some party. But then we have to ask: So what? Every insider in Dallas politics knows one thing: Someday soon, people are going to wake up and discover that the official face of Dallas County--Republican and white for so long--has turned Democrat and tan. The insiders wonder if this year's race for district attorney is the big moment. Three white men in the March Republican primary. Three black men in the Democratic primary. Gotta go one way or the other. It does make a difference who is Dallas County DA. But does it make any difference what color he is? You may think it makes no personal difference to you who gets elected. The district attorney prosecutes people for crime.
Shell Continues to Innovate at the Pump
HOUSTON, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Shell becomes the first gasoline retailer in the world to adopt Pay By Touch biometric payment technology at its pumps and inside convenience stores. A recognized industry innovator, Shell also is testing attendant hand-held wireless card scanners abroad. Both technologies are intended to add more convenience and security to customer transactions. Simultaneously, "infotainment" technologies are also launching at various Shell-branded stations across the United States to further maximize outstanding customer experiences and to educate them about the importance of fuel quality. "We want Shell to be the first choice for motorists and we aim to achieve that with operational excellence," said Chris Suess, manager of Global Refueling Innovations.
Attorney wants death row ruling immediately
If Rothgery rules that Smith is retarded, Smith, who was convicted in the 1994 murder of a police informant, could not be executed. Rothgery held hearings on the matter in late 2006 and early 2007 and also has received several briefs from both sides in the case, but hasn't issued a ruling yet, according to court records. Smith first began pushing the mental retardation argument in 2003, according to records. “We think we're entitled to a ruling and if Mr. Smith shouldn't be on death row, he shouldn't be on death row," said Alan Rossman, one of Smith's attorneys. But Rothgery said he has a busy docket and isn't going to rush a decision. “I'm going to make the decision when I make the decision. It's a very complicated case with a lot of detailed evidence," he said. “I'm not going to be pushed into making a decision until I'm ready." Luc Lecavalier, the psychologist who examined Smith for the defense, testified last year that he determined Smith's IQ was 69, one point lower than the state's threshold for execution.
Grosvenor House scoops award for Best New Business Hotel Worldwide
The star-studded ceremony was held at the London Hilton Park Lane, with the awards being recognised throughout the industry as the premier accolades for business travel. Compromising of forty-six categories that highlight the very best in business travel from hotels, airlines to car rental and luggage brands, the awards seek to benchmark global excellence in the travel and hospitality industry. 'The Business Traveller Awards are vital accolades that identify exceptional levels of quality and service across the business travel industry on a global level' commented Pam Wilby, general manger, Grosvenor House. Wilby added: 'By encompassing all elements of the industry these awards truly reflect how the discerning business traveller would like their needs to be met. For Grosvenor House to be honoured as a new mover on the global stage is a testament to our commitment in providing a unique service to each of our valued guests.' Grosvenor House, Dubai opened 2005 and has since received numerous accolades for its corporate offering and excellent service, with the most recent award being the 2007 MENA award for Best Corporate Hotel.
News of the Weird
On Nov. 18, two inebriated men in separate cars, driving past the Carpet Classic Floor Studio in Highland Township, Mich., lost control at the same time, and both smashed into the store. Christopher Dougherty, 22, the subject of a "drunk pedestrian" police call in Kingsport, Tenn., on Oct. 14, was tracked to a Hardee's restaurant, where he was found face-down in a plate of gravy. Tina Williams was arrested in St. Augustine, Fla., on Super Bowl Sunday, charged with DWI and failure to have her 1-year-old daughter seat-belted or in a car seat. However, a case of Busch beer was safely buckled up in the front seat. Alarming headlines "Boy Glues Hand to Bed to Avoid School" (MSNBC.com version of an Associated Press story). Send Weird News to Chuck Shepherd, P.O.
New baseball stadium could lead to tax hike
Gwinnett County officials have said no property tax increases are planned to help pay for the new baseball stadium, but records obtained under the Georgia Open Records Act reveal that's not necessarily the case. The documents show officials discussed a small property tax increase in the context of the overall financing package for the stadium, which will house the top minor-league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. .
Game On: Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate'
The best-selling, groundbreaking "Mystery Case Files" series gets another excellent installment. The fourth game in this hidden-object casual game franchise finds players immersed in the dark world of a carnival. Fortuneteller Madame Fate has foreseen her death and needs you to prevent her demise. You search for lists of items hidden within carnival settings. You also hunt for hidden rooms within rooms and solve word puzzles -- and some seriously brain-bending crystal-ball puzzles. -- Winda Benedetti .
Woman testifies against ex-Peru military officers about massacre
It happened in the midst of a civil war in Peru between the government and the Shining Path guerrilla group. Rondon's unit blocked an escape route in a village in the Andean highlands while Hurtado's men searched from house to house, according to court documents. Ultimately, dozens of people were forced into two buildings and Hurtado's soldiers opened fire on them, the lawsuit alleges. The suit was filed under the U.S. Alien Tort Statute and Torture Victim Protection Act, which allows non-U.S. citizens to bring to courts cases of international law violations if the accused lives or has assets in the United States. Hurtado came to the U.S. in 2002 and recently served a six-month sentence in a Miami federal prison for lying to U.S. officials to obtain a visa. He remains in federal custody pending deportation proceedings.
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