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Jennifer D. Wade Journal

Welcome to my online diary, enjoy your stay!

Blog posts May 2008

Weed!

Day Two of vacation and, so far, I am pretty much on schedule.

  • Clothes to the dry cleaners.  Check
  • Laundry finished.  Check.
  • Ironing finished.  Check.
  • Joined a gym.  Check.
  • Worked out. (scheduled for Monday)
  • Watched softball.  Check.
  • Cleaning finished.  Check.
  • Restocked wine supply.  Check.
  • Painted the back steps. (I've bought the paint and the brush. Actual painting scheduled for Monday)

Damn, I've been busy!

In a few moments, I plan to take advantage of the recent rain and go pull some weeds while the ground is kind of loose.  Of course, they're not the kind of "weed" that's being referred to in this classic bit from Chris Rock.  ***Warning.  The content may be considered objectionable by some viewers.***

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A Slow Start

Well, here we are.  Day One of my stretch of 10 days off from work.  As you might imagine, I have big plans - BIG PLANS - for these days.  And, if you are, in fact, imagining that, then you have a very active imagination.

In truth, my plans for today and the other nine days are extremely mundane.  they're hardly worth writing about.  But, I won't let that stop me.

Even as we speak, the first big event is already in progress.  There is a load of towels in the washing machine.  Yes, and, in a half-hour or so, the towels will be in the dryer and there will be a load of sheets in the washer.  I know.  Too much fun.  But, I didn't feel like I could just start cold by carting an armload of slacks and sweaters to the dry cleaner.  No, best to ease into these things gradually.

Here's what else is on my list:

  • Buy wine
  • Join a gym
  • Actually work out at the gym
  • More than once
  • Paint the wooden steps by the back door

But wait!  there's more!

  • Mow the lawn
  • Weed the flower beds
  • Watch softball on TV
  • Watch softball in person
  • Pick up dry cleaning

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  Better have some lunch first before I get started.

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Dangerous Formula

Mix a holiday with warm weather and several hours of drinking and what do you get?  News!  Or, at least somthing that has the potential to be news.

Case in point, the recently passed Memorial Day.  Skies were sunny and the temperature was in the 80's. Perfect conditions to fire up the grill and pop open a few beers.  That was the afternoon and evening.

Around 9:30pm, this is what we started to hear on the scanners in the newsroom:

a)  A one-car crash in Sweet Valley;
b)  Someone hit with a hammer; possibly a baby hit, too;
c)  Something that sounded kind of serious in Scranton;
d)  Another potentially serious call in another part of Scranton;
e)  And, let's not forget the stabbing that happened earlier in the evening in Clinton County.

Busy.  Busy.

Of all the calls, only e) proved to be newsworthy.  Subsequent scanner chatter made a) sound less serious than first thought, and the scene was all clear by the time we got there.  c) and d) were minor domestic disputes.  b) also turned out to be a domestic dispute;  no one was badly hurt and the baby is safe and sound.

Of course, this was just Memorial Day.  We'll have to wait to see what happens on the Fourth of July when we add fireworks to the mix!

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These Girls are Good

I spent a good deal of the weekend watching women's college softball.  Sixteen teams played in the super regionals to determine the eight teams that will play in the WOMEN'S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES.

Some of the usual suspects made it through - UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State.  All those teams are from the traditionally softball-dominant PAC-10.  But, this year, we also have teams from the SEC (Alabama and Florida) and from the ACC (Virginia Tech) that look like they could challenge for the title.  Va Tech wasn't seeded, but their pitcher, Angela Tincher, is awesome.  Earlier this year, she managed to no-hit Team USA, so she could carry the Hokies to a title.  The action starts Thursday at noon on ESPN.

Some of the players you'll see in the WCWS will continue their careers with NPF, National Pro Fastpitch.  It's a six-team league that includes the PHILADELPHIA FORCE (which happens to play its home games at Bicentennial Park in Allentown).  This year's team could include draftee pitchers Katie Burkhart (Arizona State) and Megan Gibson (Texas A&M) - after they finish their college careers in the aforementioned WCWS.  The Force also drafted Savannah Long, Oklahoma's outstanding shortstop.  Va Tech's Angela Tincher went to the AKRON RACERS.

The Force will be at home during my vacation week.  Maybe I'll go down to the Valley and take in a game.

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Well, tomorrow it's back to the news producing game.  Before I start my stretch of 10 days off, I have to work my way through a stretch of four days of producing.  I think I've only done one newscast since I moved to the assignment desk in early February. But, with something like 5,000 newscasts under my belt, I'm guessing it will all come back to me in a hurry.  Wish me luck.

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Lord Have Mercy

At work, it's been a week filled with crazy callers.  One of the craziest managed to get to a phone last night and, at approximately 10:15pm, called to ask this question:

"I heard a rumor that gas is going up to $15 a gallon.  Is that true?"  My answer was that I hadn't heard that, but that the caller was free to believe whatever she wanted.

Of course, the way things have been going, it's not hard to see how rumors like that get started.  It seems like the price goes up a little more every day.  We're already paying about 80-cents more per gallon than this time last year.  If you have the stomach for it, you can check out the going rates in PA at THIS website.

The best sound bite I've heard about what's happening came from a guy filling up in some other part of the country who said, "I'm just going to close my eyes and pump."

Mercy.  Take it away, Duffy.

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Still Here

Sorry for the lack of updates.  There just hasn't been much going on lately that's seemed blog-worthy.  After all, two extra weeks of vacation is pretty hard to top!

So, here's what's been doin'.  On Saturday, I drove to Bloomsburg to meet a friend, see a movie and do dinner.  We saw "Baby Mama," which was on the predictable side but had lots of really funny moments.  One of the best was when one of the characters delivered a slam against the UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON, a.k.a. "Da U."  The joke played on an unfair stereotype, but it was still funny.

After the movie, we went into town and had an early dinner at Russell's, where I enjoyed a glass of MAGIC HAT #9.  My friend and I also enjoyed watching all the kids come in for their pre-prom meal.  Judging by the prevalence of the color orange, I'm guessing that these kids were from a neighboring school district, but I wouldn't swear to that.  Anyway, we especially enjoyed marvelling over the dress code that, for the guys, included a tux and sneakers, a tux and a ball cap, or a tux with half of the dress shirt hanging out.  The girls generally favored brightly-colored cocktail-style dresses.  But, the one I noticed most wore a more traditional white gown that included a poofy skirt.  I noticed her not only because of the skirt - and because of her trepidation about sliding onto the bench behind the table - but also because of the wad of gum she was chewing!

On the work front, I'm looking ahead to next week when I'll return to producing the 11PM news for a few days.  I think I've only produced one newscast over the past four months or so, so I hope I remember everything I have to do.  My guess is that it won't be a problem.  At any rate, it's only for four days.  Then, I'll be off for 10!  Plenty of time to recover.

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Vacation

So, how's this for Karma?  On the way into work, I got stuck in a backup on the interstate.  It was my own fault, really.  I saw the sign warning me of the construction work.  But, half the time those signs are wrong, and the backups caused by similar work in recent days haven't been too bad.  I opted for the interstate and got caught.

Anyway, as I approached the merge point, I decided to let a tractor trailer get in line ahead of me.  I crossed my fingers and hoped that my good deed might lead to some good fortune for me. 

Did it ever!  How does two extra weeks of vacation sound!?!

Here's the deal.  In my almost 20 years of working in this business, I've never had more than two weeks of paid vacation per year.  A couple times I was on the verge of getting a third week but, each time, I took another job and reset the counter to two.  When I began my second stint at WNEP, I asked if my first stint of seven years would count toward vacation.  The answer was no, because I had been gone for more than a year.  That was the New York Times corporate policy.

Well, the NYT is out and LocalTV is in and, as I (and at least one other person) learned yesterday, the rules have changed.  Now, our previous years of service DO count toward vacation.  So, my seven previous years plus the 4.5 on the second go-round make me eligible for four weeks of vaca!

Now all I have to do is decide what to do with all that time off!  Maybe this 1982 classic from the Go-Go's will inspire me!

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Seasons Change

 

What a difference a few months can make.  That was then:


September 2007

This is now:


May 2008

Well,  at least Ryan Howard currently has a six-game hitting streak.  Looks like he may be coming out of HIS slump.

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Cletus Adams


I know what you're thinking.  Who the hell is Cletus Adams?  That's what I thought, too, when I got the email from him < cletus_adms @ yahoo.de > .  But, it turns out, he's the guy who wants to give me lots and lots of money!  Simply because I have a blog and because I go to the grocery store.  That's what he says, so it must be true!  And all I have to do is give him a little bit of information about myself!  (Of course, I think I've ruined my chances now by breaking the confidentiality clause.  Oh well.)  Look:
UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION
 
United Nations Foundation,
Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
UN Foundation Grant.
 
This is to notify you that you have been chosen By the Board of trustees of the above International (Charity & Human Developmental) Organization, as one of the final recipients of a Cash Grant/Donation for your personal development.
 
The UN Foundation was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turners' historic $1 billion gift to support UN Causes and activities.
 
The UN Foundation builds and implements public-private
partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. The UN Foundation is
a public charity.
 
The Secretary-General established the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP) in March 1998 to coordinate, channel and monitor contributions from the UN Foundation. UNFIP is the central administrative vehicle within the UN system to identify and select projects for UN Foundation funding, receive and distribute UN Foundation funds,and monitor and evaluate the use of UN Foundation funds.
 
In line with the arrangements for the 10th year anniversary program this year, the UN Foundation in conjunction with the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Organization
(UNO) and the European Union, is giving out a yearly donation of Ten Million United States Dollars as specific Donations/Grants to 100 lucky international recipients worldwide in different categories for
their personal and community development and upliftment of their educational morale. The objective is to make a notable change in the standard of  
living of people in United Nations Member Countries.
 
Based on the random selection of internet Web Pages and millions of Supermarket cash invoices worldwide you were selected among the beneficiaries to receive the sum of US$100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars)as developmental aid from the UN
Foundation, in accordance with the enabling act of Parliament Be informed that the UN Foundation has been assured of highest Organization standard courtesy
of the United Nations if we can achieve a great positive change in the general welfare of the universe through this program.
 
Beneficiaries have been chosen from every UN Member Nation from all Continents. The idea of this donation is that within ten years from now, there will be notable wealth among many unusual people around the
world. This will give everyone the opportunity to improve their standards of living. It’s important to note that you will only be chosen to receive the
donation once, which implies that subsequent yearly donation will not get to you again.
 
The ITIL Foundation, Spain has been appointed to oversee this development affair.
 
You are required to expeditiously Contact the Executive Secretary of The ITIL Foundation Spain with the details below for documentation and processing of the release of your cash aid, between the hours of
8.00am- 7.00pm on Monday through Saturday.Please endeavor to quote your Qualification numbers(UNI/ITIL-816-1119 G-987-94) in all discussions.
 
Executive Secretary: ITIL Foundation, Spain - Terkild Terkildsen
 Email: gt.foundation@gmail.com  Telephone: 0034 669635082
 
Please note that the release of your cash aid/donations is to be administered by The ITIL Foundation, Spain under delegated powers from the UN Foundation.
 
You are hereby advised to keep this whole information
confidential until your donations have been duly remitted to you. There have been many cases of double and unqualified claim, due to beneficiaries divulging details of donations to third parties.
 
On behalf of the Board, faithfully, Mr Terkild Terkildsen
Unit Co-ordinator
UN WORLD GRANT DEPT.
 
--
Hello Friend,
 
 
CONTACT HOMELAND SECURITY NETWORK FOR YOUR CONSIGNMENT
 
I waited for you to contact me for your Confirmable Bank Draft of US$1.3 M One million three hundred thousand United States Dollar but I did not hear from you for a couple of months now. Then I went to the bank to confirm if the draft has expired and Dr.Wilson th Director Bank of Africa told me that before the draft will get to your hand that it will expire. So I told him to cash the US$1.3 M UNITED STATES DOLLARS to cash payment to avoid losing this funds under expiration as I will be out out of the country for a 3 Months Course and I will not come back till ending of July 2008.The money was now package in trunk box and was deposited with the HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK,it was registered as made in African fabrics.What you have to do now is to contact HOME LAND SECURITY NET- WORK to know when they will deliver your Consignment to your address. I paid the shipping fee and insurance premium.I would have paid the security keeping fee only that i do not know when you will contact them.The only money you will send to the HOME LAND SECURITY COMPANY to deliver your Consignment direct to your postal Address in your country is the Security Keeping Fee of the Courier Company so far.Again, don\'t be deceived by anybody to pay any other money except the security keeping fee. I would have paid that but they said no because they don\'t know when you will contact them and in case of demurrage. You have to contact HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK now for the delivery of your consignment with this information bellow;
 
Name of the security company: HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK Company\'s email address homeland.securitynetwork@gmail.com ) Directors of the company: Dr. Frank Okoh
 
Finally, make sure that you reconfirm the following information to them;
1: YOUR FULL NAME.........
2: YOUR HOME/OFFICE ADDRESS.......
3: SEX..............
4: YOUR PHONE NUMBER..........
 
This information is to avoid any mistake on the Delivery and ask them to give you the tracking number to enable you track your package over there and know when it will get to your address. Let me repeat again, try to contact them as soon as you receive this mail to avoid any further delay and remember to pay them their Security Keeping fee only for their immediate action.
Note this. The HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK don\'t know the contents of the Box. I registered it that it contains made in African fabrics. They did not know the contents was money. This is to avoid them delaying with the trunk box. Don\'t let them know that box contents money so that they will not tamper with your trunk box.
 
Yours\' Faithfully,
Mr.Cletus Adams.  

I know what you're thinking.  Who the hell is Cletus Adams?  That's what I thought, too, when I got the email from him < cletus_adms @ yahoo.de > .  But, it turns out, he's the guy who wants to give me lots and lots of money!  Simply because I have a blog and because I go to the grocery store.  That's what he says, so it must be true!  And all I have to do is give him a little bit of information about myself!  (Of course, I think I've ruined my chances now by breaking the confidentiality clause.  Oh well.)  Look:
UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION
 
United Nations Foundation,
Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
UN Foundation Grant.
 
This is to notify you that you have been chosen By the Board of trustees of the above International (Charity & Human Developmental) Organization, as one of the final recipients of a Cash Grant/Donation for your personal development.
 
The UN Foundation was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turners' historic $1 billion gift to support UN Causes and activities.
 
The UN Foundation builds and implements public-private
partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. The UN Foundation is
a public charity.
 
The Secretary-General established the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP) in March 1998 to coordinate, channel and monitor contributions from the UN Foundation. UNFIP is the central administrative vehicle within the UN system to identify and select projects for UN Foundation funding, receive and distribute UN Foundation funds,and monitor and evaluate the use of UN Foundation funds.
 
In line with the arrangements for the 10th year anniversary program this year, the UN Foundation in conjunction with the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Organization
(UNO) and the European Union, is giving out a yearly donation of Ten Million United States Dollars as specific Donations/Grants to 100 lucky international recipients worldwide in different categories for
their personal and community development and upliftment of their educational morale. The objective is to make a notable change in the standard of  
living of people in United Nations Member Countries.
 
Based on the random selection of internet Web Pages and millions of Supermarket cash invoices worldwide you were selected among the beneficiaries to receive the sum of US$100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars)as developmental aid from the UN
Foundation, in accordance with the enabling act of Parliament Be informed that the UN Foundation has been assured of highest Organization standard courtesy
of the United Nations if we can achieve a great positive change in the general welfare of the universe through this program.
 
Beneficiaries have been chosen from every UN Member Nation from all Continents. The idea of this donation is that within ten years from now, there will be notable wealth among many unusual people around the
world. This will give everyone the opportunity to improve their standards of living. It’s important to note that you will only be chosen to receive the
donation once, which implies that subsequent yearly donation will not get to you again.
 
The ITIL Foundation, Spain has been appointed to oversee this development affair.
 
You are required to expeditiously Contact the Executive Secretary of The ITIL Foundation Spain with the details below for documentation and processing of the release of your cash aid, between the hours of
8.00am- 7.00pm on Monday through Saturday.Please endeavor to quote your Qualification numbers(UNI/ITIL-816-1119 G-987-94) in all discussions.
 
Executive Secretary: ITIL Foundation, Spain - Terkild Terkildsen
 Email: gt.foundation@gmail.com  Telephone: 0034 669635082
 
Please note that the release of your cash aid/donations is to be administered by The ITIL Foundation, Spain under delegated powers from the UN Foundation.
 
You are hereby advised to keep this whole information
confidential until your donations have been duly remitted to you. There have been many cases of double and unqualified claim, due to beneficiaries divulging details of donations to third parties.
 
On behalf of the Board, faithfully, Mr Terkild Terkildsen
Unit Co-ordinator
UN WORLD GRANT DEPT.
 
--
Hello Friend,
 
 
CONTACT HOMELAND SECURITY NETWORK FOR YOUR CONSIGNMENT
 
I waited for you to contact me for your Confirmable Bank Draft of US$1.3 M One million three hundred thousand United States Dollar but I did not hear from you for a couple of months now. Then I went to the bank to confirm if the draft has expired and Dr.Wilson th Director Bank of Africa told me that before the draft will get to your hand that it will expire. So I told him to cash the US$1.3 M UNITED STATES DOLLARS to cash payment to avoid losing this funds under expiration as I will be out out of the country for a 3 Months Course and I will not come back till ending of July 2008.The money was now package in trunk box and was deposited with the HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK,it was registered as made in African fabrics.What you have to do now is to contact HOME LAND SECURITY NET- WORK to know when they will deliver your Consignment to your address. I paid the shipping fee and insurance premium.I would have paid the security keeping fee only that i do not know when you will contact them.The only money you will send to the HOME LAND SECURITY COMPANY to deliver your Consignment direct to your postal Address in your country is the Security Keeping Fee of the Courier Company so far.Again, don\'t be deceived by anybody to pay any other money except the security keeping fee. I would have paid that but they said no because they don\'t know when you will contact them and in case of demurrage. You have to contact HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK now for the delivery of your consignment with this information bellow;
 
Name of the security company: HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK Company\'s email address homeland.securitynetwork@gmail.com ) Directors of the company: Dr. Frank Okoh
 
Finally, make sure that you reconfirm the following information to them;
1: YOUR FULL NAME.........
2: YOUR HOME/OFFICE ADDRESS.......
3: SEX..............
4: YOUR PHONE NUMBER..........
 
This information is to avoid any mistake on the Delivery and ask them to give you the tracking number to enable you track your package over there and know when it will get to your address. Let me repeat again, try to contact them as soon as you receive this mail to avoid any further delay and remember to pay them their Security Keeping fee only for their immediate action.
Note this. The HOME LAND SECURITY NETWORK don\'t know the contents of the Box. I registered it that it contains made in African fabrics. They did not know the contents was money. This is to avoid them delaying with the trunk box. Don\'t let them know that box contents money so that they will not tamper with your trunk box.
 
Yours\' Faithfully,
Mr.Cletus Adams.  
 

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I Love L.A.

That's L.A. as in LARRY ANDERSEN, former Phillies pitcher and current Phillies broadcaster.  He's the color guy, and he is certainly colorful.  He speaks his mind, tells entertaining stories, and isn't shy about saying when a particular player (or the team as a whole) is not playing well.

And, then, he comes up with lines like this (said after a Jimmy Rollins hit in his first game back from the DL): " Forget Kotter.  Welcome back, Jimmy Rollins!"

Yes, I love L.A. 

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Twenty years ago today, I donned cap and gown and graduated from college.  Unlike today, which is rainy and overcast, that day was sunny and bright.  It was also kind of warm, I think.  For the record, I don't remember anything said by the commencement speaker, SEN. MARK HATFIELD of Oregon.

Here now for your listening enjoyment are three songs that I closely associate with those years ( 1984-1988 ) at JUNIATA COLLEGE (and my junior year abroad at LEEDS).

First up, Dead Milkmen with "Bitchin' Camaro."

Now, "Don't Leave Me This Way," a 1986 smash from the Communards.

And, finally, Violent Femmes with "Blister in the Sun."

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LOL ...

 ... or maybe it should be OMG.

I know it's a FOX station, but I can't believe this made air in a major television market.  It's from earlier this year, when a news anchor read the text of steamy text messages between the mayor of Detroit and the woman he was having an affair with - who happened to be his top aide.  If you're like me, you can't help but LOL!

(thanks to a co-worker for pointing this out)

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It's the Oil, Stupid

Another day, another record.  The price of oil has just topped $122/barrel.  But, there are still a few hours left in the trading day, so it may go even higher before the bell rings.  Even if it drops slightly, it will probably still close at yet another all-time high.

What's fueling all this?  Several factors, including the traditional supply/demand and the ever-weakening dollar.  Then, Goldman Sachs PILES ON by prognosticating that crude could go as high as $200/barrel sooner rather than later.  How is a speculator to resist?  Did you ever hear of a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Now, please welcome Pink Floyd, recorded 2 July, 2005 at Live 8 in London!

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Talkin' 'Bout Money

The federal government has informed me that on Monday I will receive my economic stimulus payment.  Thank you very much.  I will actually spend it and do my part to stimulate the economy.  I'm planning to get some replacement windows - which, hopefully, will earn me a deduction on my taxes!

Also, I just got off the phone with one of the credit card companies.  It seems that someone made a $500 payment on one of my accounts.  Yes, a payment!  Someone else paid my bill - and then some!  Not that I don't appreciate it, but I'm not in the habit of accepting gifts from strangers.  So, I asked the credit card company to find out who made the payment and give them the credit.

While we're on the subject of money, I thought a little Sublime might be appropriate in these turbulant times.

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Front Page News

Want to know what the big stories are anywhere in the world?  Then, check out the NEWSEUM's collection of front pages from more than 500 newspapers.  It's updated daily.  Thanks to the Surly Editor at NewsBlues.com for the link, which I also put on the NEWS page of my web site (where I have links to fewer than 500 newspapers).

The Newseum opened a couple of weeks ago in Washington, DC.  It's the new home for ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopolous."  I haven't been down to see the Newseum yet.  Hopefully, someday.

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Rooftop Driver

You just can't make this stuff up.  On Wednesday, I spotted this little gem on the AP wire:

Man who walked naked along Pa. highway charged
Eds: APNewsNow.
      READING, Pa. (AP) - A 38-year-old Reading man who walked naked
along a highway after being thrown into the woods following a crash
is charged with a variety of crimes.
      Police say John Messerly was driving his employer's minivan
April 4 when he climbed out the window and stood on the roof. He
was thrown into the woods when the van crashed. Police say he then
stripped naked and led officers on a chase. Police say Messerly had
cocaine in his system.
      In an interview with the Reading Eagle, Messerly denied climbing
onto the roof. He said he was adjusting lumber that had come loose
when he was thrown from the vehicle. He said he stripped naked to
check himself for injuries.
      Messerly is charged with risking a catastrophe, indecent
exposure, resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated and other
offenses.
      ---
      Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/
     
      (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
     
AP-NY-04-30-08 1604EDT

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17 blog posts