Beaten Into Submission by Owner and Her Students

In a very brief but great clip I saw on a local TV channel, a man showing a gun came into a Beauty School.  Fully expecting the female owner to give the cash up easily he turned to the patrons and started demanding watches, rings and cash.  That was right before the owner tripped him and down he went.  She then commenced to beating the living daylights out of this misfit.

The owner then yelled to all of her students “get him” and they commenced to beating him with anything that wasn’t nailed down – including sticks and table legs.  Even the cops kind of sniggered that he’d been beaten with anything – every time he tried to get out they’d grab him and pull him back in an the beating was renewed with great fervor.  He was taken to the local Hospital where he was treated for multiple goose-eggs, abrasions and lacerations.  He was released into police custody in “good condition”.

I wouldn’t want to have to recount the incident to my new cell mates.  This crook got no respect and took a tremendous ass kicking – we need more citizens like these brave women.  Good job ladies!

One Stop Shopping For Bad Guys!

I’ve been watching the news since last week’s robbery of a local pharmacy without any news of an arrest or any leads coming in.  Well, so much for the First 48 Hours eh?  I did run into an interesting snippet of news on a similar crime that occurred in Florida.  The only similarities were that they were both armed robberies pulled by white males and the targets were pharmacies.  The similarity stops there.

In our local robbery the weapon was a gun and the object was cash – a traditionalist – if I may add.  The Florida robber used a pair of scissors as his weapon of choice and the target was a narcotic called OxyContin.  Local police spotted the robber right away and made a quick arrest of the violent drug fiend.

This really ticks me off on a personal note.  Statistically, patients who take prescription painkillers are not addicts.  They need the medication to ward off the sometimes unbearable pain with the help of these medications.  Then you get a couple of crazy junkies who get in the news doing ridiculous (but serious) crimes, like pulling an armed robbery to procure a fix for their darn drug habits.  Now, enters patient “X” asking her/his Doctor to write a prescription for some pain pills for an injury – and you can see them stiffen up their butts tighter than an acorn, all the while describing the evils of pain medications and the horrors of addiction.  All over a few drug addled citizens who pull a stunt like this man did. 

Go back to your heroin or enter a methadone program guys!  The pharmacy is for sick people that don’t need their physicians so scared of the DEA and addiction, that some practices will flat-out state “we don’t write prescriptions for pain medicine”.  This happened to a relative of mine with a chronic back problem and also a cancer survivor.  She’s not the guy over in Cell Block A, just a woman who needs a pain pill every now and then.

I guess this jerk, in the midst of a drug flashback, got it in his head that he was robbing people and whatever else to buy illegal dope, so why not rob the pharmacy and get your dope and a sack of cash for a room and meal as well.  So there you are, another idiotic action to score drugs and cash puts another lame brained junkie behind bars.  Threaten the employees with a pair of scissors indeed.  Your new cell-mate is waiting so please plead guilty and go away!

Domestic Violence Or Just Drunken Hi-Jinx? 

Well another less than notable headline in our local news drew my eyes to the article.  A nineteen year old male had been drinking and his girlfriend told Police (who were called to the scene?) were told by the man’s girlfriend that he got drunk and they started arguing.  In the midst of all this, the woman was pushed and tripped over a broom handle and fell on the floor.  The suspect stated that his girlfriend had hit him, which prompted the shoving away.  The police stated they saw red marks on and around her knee and leg. 

They had to locate the young man since he had left the scene.  Police located him and said “he smelled like alcohol”.  It was not reported if the young woman involved was intoxicated or took part in a fight with her boyfriend.  Police took him to jail and booked him on “underage drinking” and “domestic violence” charges.  He saw a judge the same day and was set free on his own recognizance.  The young woman was given a packet of information on domestic violence and victims rights.  A protective order was also issued to keep the intoxicated teen from returning and getting into further trouble. 

These problems face all too many women who silently suffer, some for years, and endure the torture of mental and physical violence inflicted on them by men.  Some hide behind the female-centric view that in an argument or fight, the woman is ALWAYS the victim.  I don’t agree with that in every case.  I hope the law deals fairly with this youth – right or wrong he must go before the judge and convince him that he was innocent.  We’ll see?

Police Looking for Leads

I live in a small resort town that is very quiet most of the year in the “off tourist seasons”. You’ve driven through hundreds just like it sprinkled across the country. There are a few gas stations/markets and a downtown area of about 9 square blocks, inhabited by small shops, largely tourist driven and a sprinkling of professional offices for those nasty divorces or the latest toothache or cold. If you live here for very long you either know or went to school with a family member that represents the whole population. Cozy but a little restrictive for my tastes. But, it’s home and we all can relate to “home” and home towns right?

Well, a local pharmacy was “robbed at gunpoint” by a large, white, clean shaven, male wearing a “ball cap” this past Tuesday. Apparently “at gunpoint” is a legal interpretation that I don’t understand. Friday’s news said he “showed a pistol” which is not “pointing a pistol” to me. Since I have been shown pistols a few times in my youth. It kind of took on the motion of a slight tug on the coat, which expanded the open jacket to reveal a holstered pistol. I consider this a gentleman’s way of letting one know that the party in question is packing “lethal force” – not like a crack addled nutbar waving a revolver around like a High School band twirling their batons. We’ve all seen this guys on TV cop shows. Employees of the store were a little shaken up and upset but were left unharmed after turning over cash to the thief. They certainly must have been, since the local police brought in a sketch artist to make a rendering of their descriptions. It was also found, that the surveillance camera was on the “fritz” so there’s no footage! All of the employees, cash and narcotics in one place and no video? Tisk..tisk…!!

Even the cheap, drive-up gas stations with a single employee inside are on multiple video cams – I watch them on TV and laugh at the crooks that get locked in or trying to break out of the little cubicle by throwing their pilfered cash registers into the doors, in a vain attempt to break free. Anonymous tip lines have been set up – which says to me that the police have no clue who their man is and realize what a tragedy this could have escalated into. We’re happy no one was hurt. Not to put down our local cops – they’re good, but lack of video and a generic description don’t offer many leads. Maybe a phone tip will come in?

Oddly, I was sitting in one of the chairs in back at precisely the same time the previous day (Monday), waiting for a prescription to be filled and scoping out their security system (out of boredom) while waiting and everyone was in such a good mood – just locals making small talk. What a difference a day makes eh? What would I have done if it was one day earlier, I keep wondering? Why, make a citizen’s arrest – on the spot! I would have been sitting two strides from where the robber stood. No mercy, no fear – just take him down hard – when he looked to the register and began his demands, he’d have been down already. Or, maybe I would have done nothing at all, not sure unless you’re there I suppose. What would you do?

What would you consider the charges?  I have to login to a service, not knowing what it is but “it’s good to do it”?  <a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/ztwf8jr2c7” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>   So ther they have coerced me to add this code in the post body in order to establish the ownership of this blog.

I don’t really care for this sort of thing but so as not to prod the sleeping bear, we’ll do what it takes – not to wake him.

Nets 18 In Drug Smuggling Ring

In breaking news, it was reported on news channels today that an organized ring of drug importers have been smuggling drugs into JFK International Airport.

It appears early on, that18 members of the alleged drug smuggling ring, were working with other airline employees in the Dominican Republic.  The drugs would be packaged in suitcases – filled with Heroin and Cocaine and when the planes touched down at JFK Airport, the airline employees would pick them out of the baggage carts and bypass Customs completely.  This bust will have junkies ready to jump out of windows very shortly as a major source of illicit and top shelf narcotics impact the street scene - notably by their absence.

Being somewhat of a skeptic of the “War on Drugs”, I was actually pleased with the way that US officials pulled this bust off and in doing so, sealed a leak in the damn.  Another stream of poison has been sealed for now and we’re happy to hear that there are some victories in this never ending and sometimes boring drug war.  Detailed information will be passed along if the forthcoming news is important enough to continue with.  As far as this crew goes, they will be looking at some stiff jail time when sentencing is handed down.

 What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up Son?

Officials of an Arkansas elementary school were surprised to see lights come on in the school’s bus yard last Monday night around 11 pm.  They immediately took action and called their local Police department, reporting a bus stolen, who then zeroed in on a 10 yr. old boy who they found out (later), had taken a school bus for a “joyride” and led authorities on a chase along a local highway. 

Police from three counties, four towns and the Arkansas State Police began chasing the bus and it’s young driver. Naturally, the police set up spike strips in the road but the youngster avoided them!  He then rolled on, heading North along Highway 65 and into Jefferson County with a caravan of cops in tow.  Like the car chase scene at the end of the movie “Blues Brothers”.

“We’re now coming into town and our speed is 25 miles an hour,” officers reportedly said over a radio scanner.  Well as it turned out, the chase rolled on for another 40+ miles until the school bus slowed down enough for a Sherriff’s Deputy to stop the vehicle when to their dismay, they discovered that the “perp” was just a child.  That didn’t keep them from slapping the cuffs on him and bringing him in – only to have him be released into his parents’ custody. It’s unclear if and what charges the child may face. 

Officials for the school stated that he was in with a group of youngsters caught on video, who tried to pull the same gag in September.  Gag did you say?  Pranksters did you say?  This is GTA (grand theft auto) my friends and this little cretin and his pals have set themselves up for a trip to “Boot Camp” IMO.  Or, some serious, supervised community service and probation at least. 

I realize that Arkansas is not filled with roller skating, miniature golf courses, kids’ bowling nights and go-kart hang-outs in every town, but this was a 10 yr. old child come on!  Someone has to get their attention NOW!  And while they’re at it, have a Social Services Representative check out the “home front” as well, seeing as the parents allow their little kids to roam the neighborhood at 11 pm at night.   Give me a break!

Boy Shoots Four – Takes Own Life

I am in Northern Ohio broadcast area and receive a couple of Cleveland TV channels.  We watched this week in horror as another troubled youth walked into a local school and opened fire.  At the time of the first broadcast there was great confusion and not many hard facts, as Cleveland Police and various officials tried to give details as they were still looking for anymore possible victims.

It turns out that the final toll was two male teachers, aged 57 and 42 yrs old, a 17 yr old male and 14 yr old female student, were all wounded and have survived.  All are reported to be in good or stable condition.  A fifth student, a 14 yr old female hurt her knee during the melee.  It is much less bleak an outcome as it could have been, if the shooter had placed killing shots rather than just randomly shooting

The shooting took place at an “Alternative School” named SuccessTech which has a predominately Black enrollment, with a spattering of White and Hispanic students.  It was founded to assist inner-city youth in gaining skills and tools to help them become more productive in the business community upon graduation and does boast a 94% graduation rate.

The shooter, a 14 yr old male freshman student was suspended earlier in the week for fighting and came back in blazing away at anyone who moved.  Cleveland Police found the young shooter - Asa Coon dead, apparently from a self inflicted gunshot wound.  Two different calibers of shell cases were found as well as some knives.   

I have heard various students state; the youth “was crazy, wore a trenchcoat, and he just wanted to gain popularity.”  Many students want to be popular, some ARE crazy and some do wear the trenchcoat as a means of association with the original “Trenchcoat” High School shootings.  Was he any or all of the above?  We’ll never know – at least for now, since Asa Coon is now dead.  He can’t share whatever was behind his bad attitude, and predisposition for murderous violence.  Some say it’s the community, the family, media, rap music and video games.

I hope that more background is revealed in this tragic incident – but I’m just reporting the news, as I witnessed it unfolding.  Such a waste! 

Payoff to Resolve Allegations 

Allegations of price gouging, inflation of drug pricing schemes have lead to a $515 million dollar fine, United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan announced on 9/28/2007. 

First, the Government alleged that, from approximately 2000 through mid-2003, BMS knowingly and willfully paid illegal remuneration to physicians and other health care providers to induce them to purchase BMS drugs.

BMS paid the illegal remuneration in the form of consulting fees and expenses to physicians and other health care providers to participate in various consulting programs, advisory boards, and preceptorships. Some of these programs involved travel to luxurious resorts.

The Government also alleged that, from 1994 through 2001, Apothecon knowingly and willfully paid illegal remuneration such as stocking allowances, price protection payments, prebates, market share payments, and free goods in order to induce its retail pharmacy and wholesaler customers to purchase its products. In both cases, the Government alleged that, by paying this illegal remuneration to physicians and others, BMS and Apothecon knowingly caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to the federal health care programs.

Second, the Government alleged that, from 2002 through the end of 2005, BMS knowingly promoted the sale and use of Abilify, an atypical antipsychotic drug, for pediatric use and to treat dementia-related psychosis, both “off-label” uses.

Rather than completely recount the US Government’s allegations and proof of facts, I’d rather talk about the crooked drug wholesalers who cut “back room” deals with BMS and the Physicians who take an oath “Do no harm….”.  It’s difficult in today’s environment to even do business with Doctors and pharmacies.  I know when I walk into the waiting room that my Dr. may be one who gives out samples or writes prescriptions for 2 or 3 extra medications to assist in a regimen that is already successful.  It makes me wonder why they would write these very expensive “name brand only” prescriptions that cost me hundreds of dollars to fill – knowing that they really won’t have any noticeable impact on my condition.  When questioned, I’m usually told a variation of “let me know if that helped or not and we can continue or not, at your next appointment.

I received a new “cousin” (whatever that really means) drug to the medication that I have taken for 20 years and told that it has new and more desirable effects than the old drug.  The old drug cost $10 per months supply, and my co-pay on the newly released drug jumps up to $75 dollars per 30 days supply! 

I questioned a local pharmacist that I’ve known for 20+ years about what was going on and he took me to the side and told me that all of the pharmacy outlets buy from the same wholesaler and that his pharmacy’s policy aligned with that of the wholesaler.  That being to supply the cheapest brand of a generic (even to imported versions) and charge the same as the established generics.  He added that all of the new drugs didn’t make them the best choice either but the Dr. wrote it for me and I could  choose to fill it or not.  In this scenario it was about profits for the manufacturers and not the wholesalers or any individual pharmacy.

I’m very happy to hear that the U.S. government and elected officials are really doing something to attempt forcing the drug companies (who have only enriched themselves and their distribution chain) back in line and that Americans are sick and tired of them and their illegal activities.  Something we all talk about and everyone “kind of” knew already – but now is being uncovered and facing much closer scrutiny. 

 The bulk of that settlement should have gone to consumers who had been misled and ripped of systematically – because the drug manufacturers could do it and have been getting away with it for decades.  Hopefully, we’ll see some more self-reforming companies and less lawsuits – but I kind of doubt it for the near future.