AKMA’s Random Thoughts

And Now, A Word from Margaret

Margaret, as you know, keeps vigilantly up to date by observing web-based news services (she presently favors Google News, but still draws on CNN from time to time, and for the correct political take on current events always turns to Mike Golby). Tonight she called my attention to two quick points from the day’s news.

First, she directed my attention to a report on the Winona Ryder verdict that observed that “no other shoplifting defendant in Beverly Hills was charged with grand theft and burglary, two felonies that carry a maximum three-year sentence” (MSNBC story, quoting a television program unsettlingly named “Celebrity Justice”). That is, no shoplifter had ever been charged of the crimes of which Winona Ryder was convicted. I’m not in any way in favor of shoplifting as a pastime, but it’s hard for me not to see this as a publicity stunt from the prosecutor’s office.

Second, in a development that would have Douglas Adams saying “I told you so” if he were still available for comment, sea lions seem to have excellent long-term memory. Maybe they should be allowed to vote, or tell me where I put my keys. . . .