Curses, foiled again Police arrested Steven Long, 23, in South Daytona, Fla., after he aroused their suspicion by riding past on a bicycle with a 59-inch television wedged between his lap and the handlebars. When spotted, Long ditched the bike and the TV, which was indeed stolen, but was caught while fleeing on foot. (Orlando Sentinel) Neo-Nazi Daren C. Abbey, 28, threatened to stab Marlon L. Baker, a 46-year-old African American man, after telling him “blacks are not welcome here” in Bayview, Wash. When Abbey persisted with threats and racial slurs, Baker knocked him down with one punch to the face, breaking his nose. Police who charged Abbey with battery and malicious harassment noted the back of Baker’s shirt read, “Spokane Boxing Club. “If he had been able to read that,” Lt. Stu Miller said, “maybe he wouldn’t have done that.” (Spokane’s KREM-TV)
Big brother is back Russia’s largest retail bank has begun using automated teller machines with built-in lie detectors. Speech Technology Center developed the voice-analysis system for Sberbank to prevent consumer credit fraud by interrogating customers applying for credit at the ATMs. Software detects nervousness or emotional distress, possibly indicating the credit applicant is lying or has something to hide when asked questions like, “Are you employed?” and, “At this moment, do you have any other outstanding loans?” Speech Technology Center’s other big client is the Federal Security Service, the Russian domestic intelligence agency that evolved from the Soviet KGB. (The New York Times)
Love hurts The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Joel Santos, 25, tried to stop his girlfriend from leaving after an argument in Orange County by lying on the ground in front of her car. She promptly ran over him, sending him to the hospital in critical condition, according to FHP Sgt Kim Montes. (Orlando Sentinel)
Not a square to spare New York City’s Parks Department began rationing toilet paper in women’s restrooms along the Coney Island boardwalk. Despite assurances by department official Meghan Lalor that “our budget for these supplies is consistent” and “there’s no need to ration,” bathroom attendants insisted stocks were so low that they’ve stopped refilling toilet paper dispensers and started making beachgoers form “ration lines” in bathrooms to be issued single-ply toilet paper squares. Toilet paper isn’t being rationed in the men’s rooms because there isn’t any to ration. (New York Post)
Irony of the week While protesting New York State’s helmet laws, Parish motorcyclist Philip A. Contos, 55, suddenly spun out of control, flipped over his bike’s handlebars and hit his head on the pavement. He wasn’t wearing a helmet and died. (Associated Press)
Compiled from the nation’s press by Roland Sweet. Authentication on demand.