TRUE CRIME TUESDAY for October 29, 2013

'If the law supposes that,'said Mr Bumble...'the law is a ass, a idiot.'

Charles Dickens, from Oliver Twist

It's murder getting a driver's license...when you're already dead.

An Ohio man is learning the hard way that it's tough to get a driver's license when you're dead...legally, that is.  Donald Miller, Jr., who disappeared in the 1980s was declared legally dead in 1994. His ex-wife was able to collect social security survivor benefits, as is her right.

Then a strange thing happened. Donald returned home in 2005, and that's when his problems really started. Unable to get a job or a license, he naturally appealed the ruling. But Probate Court Judge Allan Davis has told Miller he is out of luck, since the ruling cannot only be reversed within three years of a decision.

From the Columbus Dispatch article, “I don’t know where that leaves you, but you’re still deceased as far as the law is concerned,” the judge said.

The ex-wife supported the judge's decision, since she would have to pay back thousands of dollars in benefits should the law resurrect Mr. Miller from the grave.

Which poses an interesting question. If Donald Miller is dead already, what happens if he dies in an accident or is murdered? Can anyone be held accountable for his death?

In a word, no.

Let's hope he doesn't have any enemies. If he was murdered, a defense attorney would only have to request a dismissal based on the fact that the victim was already dead. Based on the probate court ruling, a judge would be forced to comply and dismiss the charges.

Ridiculous? Well, maybe. But no more ridiculous than a judge staring a man in the face and telling him he's still six feet under.

Where's Oliver Wendell Holmes when you need him?



CIA Shenanigans.  Bars, Brothels and Magic...The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception!

In 1959 a famous magician was hired to write a manual of sleight of hand and deception for the CIA. It was part of the Cold War attempt to control people's minds by tricking them into taking LSD and
revealing government secrets. The CIA even employed prostitutes to lure suspects to brothels for the experiments.

 Although it was once thought all the manuals had been destroyed, one complete copy survived. And now it can be yours! And yes, it's even available on Kindle.  Seems that deception is not just relegated to government officials anymore. Imagine the fun you can have with this manual. And why not? After all, you, the taxpayer, paid for it.  Some of the best examples of deception can be found in this Boston Globe story, complete with illustrations.

Please, deceive responsibly.




The Case of The Missing Bourbon

One of the most sought after whiskies in America, 20 year old Pappy Van Winkle, has disappeared from a warehouse in Kentucky, according to a story in the New York Times. 195 bottles of the ultra rare spirit was spirited out of storage in Frankfort, Kentucky. This is hardly the work of a few winos or miscreants hoping to get drunk. The bottles have a suggested retail price of $130, and can go for much more at auction; as high as $1,190! The whiskey, which is aged for two decades, is described as "the most complex bourbon you have ever tasted" and has a cult following.

No suspects have been arrested, but Sean Brock, a restaurant owner in Nashville, has his own theory.  “I’m pretty sure it was George Clooney and the boys from ‘Ocean’s 11.’ ".