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  • Don't release the hounds Raft of unusual state laws to take effect 2013

     If you want to stay out of trouble in California, don’t let your dog chase a bear. And don’t get caught releasing feral hogs in Kentucky. New laws prohibiting both of those activities are among the dozens of regulations and changes taking effect in 2013. The new laws cover everything from prohibiting law enforcement officers from having sex with inmates on their way to prison to revising the term “motor vehicle” to exclude swamp buggies.

    More than 200 new laws will be on the books Jan. 1 and while some may seem silly or outdated others like the approval of same-sex marriage in Maryland have garnered national attention over the past year.

    Here’s a glance at some of the new state laws taking effect in 2013:

    --- New York:  Starting next week, selling electronic cigarettes to minors in New York will be illegal. State law already prohibits selling cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco to those under 18 and retailers can be slapped with a $1,000 fine if they are caught. Sen. Owen Johnson, R-Babylon, sponsored the measure and says E-cigarettes “have not been proven to be safe for use at any age.” The battery-powered devices are used to inhale vaporized liquid nicotine instead of tobacco smoke. They were initially marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes but some say their candy flavors appeal to minors.

    --- Illinois: Lawmakers in Illinois stayed busy this year. For one, they passed a law that gives motorcyclists the go-ahead to run red lights. Motorcycles and bicycles aren’t usually heavy enough to trigger ground sensors that switch traffic lights from red to green so many two-wheeled motorists stay stuck at intersections and have to wait for a larger vehicle to come. Under the new measure, when a motorcycle comes up to a red light or a left-turn arrow and waits for two minutes or more for the light to change, they will be able to legally proceed if the coast is clear.

    Lawmakers in Illinois also sent a message to snoopy bosses this year after passing a measure that makes it illegal for employers to ask job applicants for passwords to their online profiles on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. The law was pushed through after civil liberties groups criticized the practice as an invasion of privacy.

    Former Texas Rangers owner Brad Corbett dies once had 4 managers in 8 days

    Items like this can be found on our Rangers blog.

    Brad Corbett’s tumultuous six-year run as Rangers owner can be defined by one game.

    On July 4, 1977, the Rangers lost, 1-0, to Kansas City at Arlington Stadium. After the game, a tearful Corbett stormed into the Rangers’ clubhouse and loudly proclaimed, “I’m selling this team because it’s killing me. They’re dogs on the field, and they’re dogs off the field.”

    Corbett kept the team for nearly three more years. The mercurial owner never changed.

    The impulsive Corbett constantly made moves, trading away young talent such as left-hander Dave Righetti and third baseman Bill Madlock for fading veterans. Corbett spent wildly on free-agent busts such as shortstop Bert Campaneris and outfielder Richie Zisk.

    The approach never brought Corbett a champion. The Rangers had their first brush with legitimacy during the Corbett era (1974-80) by finishing second three times in the American League West but never reached the postseason.

    Corbett, 75, died in his sleep Monday, his daughter Pamela Corbett Murrin told The Associated Press.

    Corbett moved from Long Island, N.Y., to Fort Worth in 1968. He quickly parlayed a $300,000 loan from the Small Business Administration into a fortune in the plastic-piping and chemical-tubing businesses.

    Corbett realized his dream of owning a major league team by putting together a collection of local investors that purchased the Rangers from Bob Short two days before the 1974 season. The group paid $9.6 million and assumed $1 million in debt.

    The brash Corbett took the spotlight. Others held the title, but Corbett served as his own general manager. He reveled in making trades on a whim.

    Corbett once famously pulled off a trade during a men’s room conversation with Cleveland executive Gabe Paul. The Rangers in 1978 sent outfielder Bobby Bonds and young right-hander Len Barker to the Indians for infielder Larvell “Sugar Bear” Blanks and right-hander Jim Kern.

    The club took on the air of a circus. In 1977, the Rangers employed four managers in a span of eight games. In 1978, Sports Illustrated revealed Corbett consulted his son, Brad Jr., on trades

    The Queen's Christmas Speech To Be Broadcast In 3D

    Settling down to watch the Queen's speech after Christmas dinner, viewers could be transported to Buckingham Palace, almost able to feel the pine needles of the Royal Christmas tree as the speech is broadcast in 3D for the first time.

    Behind the scenes footage of the broadcast, recorded on December 7, has been released, revealing the monarch in snazzy 3D glasses.

    Not your average plastic iMax frames, the Queen's 3D specs are decorated on each side with the letter Q made from Swarovski crystals. They were first worn by the Queen during a visit to a movie training centre in Toronto in 2010.

    The Queen, who has watched her 3D Christmas message, said she enjoyed the experience.

    A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the monarch thought the broadcast was "absolutely lovely".

    She added: "We wanted to do something a bit different and special in this Jubilee year, so doing it for the first time in 3D seemed a good thing, technology-wise, to do.
    The Queen recording her Christmas broadcast

    "The Queen absolutely agreed straight away there was no need for convincing at all, she was absolutely ready to embrace something new in this year."

    The Queen will pay tribute in her Christmas broadcast to the nation's Olympic and Paralympic athletes for inspiring all those who watched their achievements.

    The monarch will hail the "splendid summer of sport" and highlight how the sportsmen and women gave the spectators the chance to feel part of the "excitement and drama".

    A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman outlined the themes of the message: "The Queen's broadcast this year focuses on service, achievement and the spirit of togetherness."

    During the address, which will be broadcast in full on Christmas Day, the Queen will say: "As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.

    Prank Call Nurse 'Had Made Two Earlier Suicide Attempts'

    A nurse who was found dead days after transferring a prank call made to the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness, had made two previous suicide attempts, it has been claimed.

    Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found dead days after she transferred the call from two Australian DJs to a colleague who then described Kate's condition in detail.

    It has now emerged she was being treated with anti-depressants and had made two attempts to take her own life during a family holiday in India, last December.


    Jacintha Saldanha had made two suicide attempts previously, it is claimed

    According to the Daily Mail, she was rushed to hospital after an overdose of pills, but tried to commit suicide again just nine days later by jumping from a building.

    She was treated for depression and admitted to a psychiatric ward at Father Muller Medical College Hospital in
    Mangalore, India, The Sun said.


    Her brother Naveen Saldanha, 42, told the newspaper: “We didn’t know about the first incident, but we knew about the second.”

    The news comes as it emerged Scotland Yard has submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service relating to the prank call.

    The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will now consider whether any potential offences may have been committed, Scotland Yard said.

    Ms Saldanha, a mother-of-two, was found dead in her nurses' quarters at London's King Edward VII's Hospital by a colleague and a security guard on 7 December.

    king edward hospital
    Saldanha worked at the King Edward VII hospital, where the Duchess was staying

    Three days earlier she put through a call from DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian, believing they were the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

    Ms Saldanha left two notes in her room and was found with marks on her wrist when her body was discovered, Westminster Coroner's Court in London heard as an inquest was opened and adjourned.

    Greig and Christian spoke of their grief on Australian television soon after the nurse's death.

    They said their prank had prompted "a tragic turn of events no-one could have predicted or expected".

    A Scotland Yard spokesman told the Press Association: "Following the death of Jacintha Saldanha, officers have liaised with the CPS as to whether any criminal offences had been committed in relation to the hoax call made to King Edward VII Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday 4 December.

    Rihanna: Police Called To Singer’s Barbados Villa Over Male Trespasser

    Police were reportedly called to the Barbados villa where Rihanna is currently vacationing after a man allegedly trespassed onto the property.

    It’s alleged that police received a telephone call from the villa after the man, who is believed to be a German national, entered the private residence.

    TMZ reports that by the time the police arrived on the scene the stranger had already left.

    It’s believed officers are still investigating the incident and want to question the man.

    According to the Daily Mail, the unknown man — who was wearing a pair of swimming trunks — was removed by Rihanna’s security team before any serious disturbance occurred.

    Rihanna was later seen looking through a pair of binoculars as she walked outside on the villa’s terrace.

    Rihanna Pictured In Her Barbados Villa On Holiday

    As previously reported by TheInquisitr, the “Diamonds” singer recently donated $3.5 Barbados dollars (US $ 1.75 million) to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados in honor of her late grandmother, Clara “Dolly” Braithwaite.
    At the donation ceremony on Saturday, the 24-year-old said:

        “This was my way of giving back to Barbados in a form of philanthropy, by assisting the QEH in its continued modernization programme.”


        “I believe that this will have a huge impact on the people of Barbados this was all done to save lives or at least extend it. I thank you all for being a part of it. Thank you. I’m really excited about it.”

    After a hectic year of record breaking success, a rumored reconciliation — and breakup — with singer Chris Brown, the songstress is holidaying with girlfriends in her native Barbados to see in the season.

    Ashton Kutcher Spotted With Mila Kunis In Iowa

    Ashton Kutcher was spotted with Mila Kunis in Iowa just days after he officially filed for divorce from his estranged wife, actress Demi Moore.

    Kutcher’s lawyers filed the divorce papers on Friday, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the termination of their marriage, reports Sky News.

    Meanwhile, the two former That 70s Show actors were spotted in Kutcher’s hometown of Cedar Rapids shopping and eating frozen yogurt.

    An inside source close to Kutcher revealed:

        “Ashton was really excited about bringing Mila home to hang out with his family. He couldn’t wait to get back to Iowa because people don’t bother him there and said he was looking forward to chilling out.”

    Mila Kunis is reportedly already close to Kutcher’s family. They have known each other for 14 years since the pair met on the set of the comedy series. Kutcher and Kunis were spotted together picking up some last minute gifts for friends and family at Bed, Bath & Beyond. A member of the store’s staff stated:

        “They were picking out gifts for his family. They bought robes, slippers and candles. It’s really cold in Iowa right now, so I’m sure it will come in handy.”

    Yahoo! News adds that the pair were also spotted at Fruitzen Frozen Yogurt in Cedar Rapids on Saturday night and they appeared to be enjoying themselves. A source revealed that Ashton ordered peach yogurt, while Mila had orange sorbet.

    Kutcher and Kunis have been dating for around nine months, though they only officially announced they were dating this fall. It is not clear how long Kutcher’s divorce with Demi Moore will take.

    Pearl Pendants Most Desired by Women

    Pendants are connected with a chain and are worn around the neck; they happen to be the closest jewel to the heart. Now, a jewel that's closest to your heart ought to be as beautiful as your heart; hence without a shadow of a doubt it has to be pearl pendants.The pearl is said to be the most craved stone of all by a woman. So if it's a pendant with a pearl, need one ask the beauty and elegance it would bring in to the one who wears it?

    It also make a perfect gift for the one you love, it's an easy way of letting her know that you care for her and that you understand her and know what her inner most desires are. Diamond pendants have a unique style and beauty of their own. It falls into an entirely different class. The best thing about these pendants is that, they have the diamonds that display style and elegance and a beautiful pearl whose beauty is beyond limits. It's a deadly combination that would exponentially enhance the beauty and style of the one who wear it. They suit all attires and the best part being that they can be worn on any occasion, be it a Hip Hop party or a family dinner party.

    The different varieties of pendants that are available include aquamarine, topaz, champagne diamond, pink kunzite, zircon, tanzanite, citrine and emerald pendants. White gold pearl pendant is immensely popular among women, especially among young women. It would leave no chance for you to escape from being envied and notice by one and all. It would spotlight you wherever you go and would unquestionably make you the inspirer to all. So now when you go out to buy something special for your sweet heart, and want it to be cherished by her at all times, then look no further, pearl pendants is exactly what you need.

    Pregnant Jenna Dewan-Tatum Shows Off Her Baby Bump!

    Tis the season for baby bumpin' (at least for Jenna Dewan-Tatum).

    The 32-year-old mom-to-be was glowing as she showed off her bump while heading to Plush Beauty Bar in West Hollywood Friday.

    Pregnant Jenna Dewan-Tatum stays mum in interview just hours before revealing baby news

    Sporting over-the-knee boots and a black and white dress that bared her cleavage, Channing Tatum's wife couldn't keep the smile off her face on her way to a day of pampering.

    The gorgeous couple announced that they were expecting their first child earlier this week.

    "We are absolutely over the moon," the duo told us in an exclusive statement.  "As you can imagine, we couldn't feel more blessed!"

    Check out other baby-bumpin' stars in our gallery!

    Walmart Sells Assault Weapons But Bans Music With Swear Words

    Walmart sells assault weapons but bans music that contains swear words.

    That policy tells you a lot about this country.

    We can guess why Walmart sells assault weapons: Its customers want them, and the company can make a lot of money selling them.

    But Walmart's customers probably also want music that contains swear words, and Walmart could probably make money selling that, too.

    And music with curse words is legal (First Amendment and all that), so this isn't about legality.

    So why the no-cursing policy?

    Based on a description on Walmart's web site, it seems that the retailer worries that some customers might find music with swear words "objectionable":


    Wal-Mart does not display album or song titles that contain profanity...Wal-Mart selects 30-second sample clips such that only clips that do not contain profanity are made available to customers. However, other portions of the recordings may contain profanity, and the 30-second sample clips or the recording as a whole may be deemed by some customers to be offensive, indecent or objectionable. Occasionally, Wal-Mart may refuse to stock music merchandise that may not seem appropriate. However, Wal-Mart may carry some recordings that some customers might find offensive, indecent or objectionable.

    So Walmart bans profanity on the grounds that some people might find it objectionable, but proudly sells assault weapons that can be used to slaughter people.

    Isn't Walmart worried that some people might find that objectionable?  Like the parents of children who were just murdered with an assault weapon, for example? Or the parents who worry that their children might be murdered with an assault weapon? Or anyone worried that anyone might be murdered with an assault weapon?

    People Who Pay Higher Taxes Are Happier

    They say money can't buy you happiness, but what about forking over some of it to the government?

    Higher taxes are correlated with higher life satisfaction, according to a November study by six economists affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Labor in Bonn, Germany. The economists analyzed data about 25,000 Germans between 1985 to 2010, where respondents answered the question, "How satisfied ed are you with your life, all things considered?" on a scale of 0 to 10.

    If only lawmakers understood as much. With the Bush tax cuts scheduled to expire at the end of the year, the Obama administration and Congressional Republicans continue to wrangle over which income groups should take the hit.

    It is unclear why people who pay higher taxes are happier. But the study suggests a few reasons: People enjoy the public services higher taxes pay for, some view taxes as a social obligation and lower-income people value the protection that government can provide against poverty.

    Other research also indicates public goods can make people happier. A recent study by Skandia International found that people in European countries with strong safety nets need less money to be happy.

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