Afternoon Edition - 9/12/05

Bicycular Homicide?
Okay, maybe I’m just using a play on words, but the actual story is not a laughing matter. Jean Calder, 71, was plowed-down by bicyclist Christopher Lightning, 51. Captain Ron Noble who arrested Lightning says, “A car and a bicycle are both vehicles and if they are operated in a way that could be criminal, then charges are filed equally in both situations.” Lightning is being charged with manslaughter and reckless driving after running through a stop sign and mowing down granny Calder. Bail has been set at $57,500.

Want a Lesbian? Consume Nicotine
Dick Swaab, a neurobiologist and brain researcher wrote about a controversial new theory in De Telegraaf, a University of Amsterdam magazine, detailing how smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of having a lesbian daughter. His study details how the hypothalamus is influenced by various substances, including nicotine. Swaab believes a person’s sexual preference is determined in this part of the brain.

So Amazing; Luther Remembered
On Tuesday, September 20, J Records will drop So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross. Alicia Keys, Elton John, Celine Dion, Jamie Fox, Aretha Franklin and Mary J Blige are among the artists who recorded songs either made by or made famous by Vandross. Blige will cover Vandross’ first hit, Never Too Much. Blige told the folks at Billboard, “No one heard anyone that brought that much soul.”

Ah those Brits
UK gays are celebrating yet another victory after not only having the Civil Partnership Act pass, but it will make all “gay marriages” legal as of December 5, of this year. Now, married gay servicemen will be extended the same benefits as their straight counterparts including on-base married living quarters. The ban on homosexuality was lifted from the UK army four years ago.

Keep passin’ the open windows…