Farewell, Sanjaya

Alas, Sanjaya Malakar was just voted off of American Idol. I voted for him three times last night and noticed that my votes were going through a little too easily. I knew this would happen at some time or other, and even though I may be in a slim minority I am sad to see him go. Farewell, Sanjaya! I hope you succeed in any and all future endeavors you choose to pursue.

Entwistle prosecutors file rebuttal

Yesterday prosecutors in the Neil Entwistle case filed a rebuttal to the defense motion to throw out practically all evidence in the case. They argued that the two initial well-being checks of Entwistle's rented house were constitutional because they were conducted at the urging of worried friends and family members. Incidentally, the Herald also reports that two months ago Entwistle called a lawyer representing the owners of his house to ask for his security deposit and last month's rent to be returned.

As for me, I actually agree with the defense in this case. The right to decide who can enter one's home is more important than the right to know where one's loved ones are at all times. It seems unindividualistic and un-American that others' concerns about my well-being could give the police the right to enter my home without my permission.

Additionally, I must take objection to the wording of the last part of today's Herald article:

"...Entwistle shot his wife and daughter with a gun he stole from her parents’ Carver home to hide a secret life of debt, Internet scams and deviant sexual behavior."

The Herald's articles on Entwistle have always been inflammatory, but this statement is factually inaccurate. Although he did have porn sites and attempted to contact escort services, there is no evidence to suggest that Entwistle engaged in any deviant sexual behavior, or any sexual behavior at all, in the days leading up to the murders. I much prefer the Globe's description of Entwistle's motive for murder:

"...Entwistle had fatally shot his wife and daughter because the unemployed engineer was despondent about his finances and family situation..."

A hearing is scheduled for Monday, so stay tuned till then.

P.S. My condolences to everyone who was affected by the Virginia Tech shooting. May all 33 victims rest in peace.

All Duke charges dropped

Thank goodness! Prosecutors have finally decided to drop all charges against the three Duke lacrosse players who were falsely accused of raping a stripper. I never believed her story for one minute. For the full story, see Court TV.

Pring-Wilson gets new trial

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has ordered a new trial for accused murderer and former Harvard student Alexander Pring-Wilson. This is good news - I agree with Pring-Wilson's claim that he killed Michael Colono in self-defense. Check the Boston Globe for more details.

In other interesting crime news, Christopher Pittman turned 18 Monday. This teenager was convicted of killing his grandparents after he unsuccessfully tried to blame the medication Zoloft for the crime. It's surprising how many supporters he seems to have - not only does his family support him, but he is regularly visited by several individuals who never even knew him before the murders. Read more at Court TV.

Finally, now that we know who Anna Nicole Smith's baby's father is, there's a glimmer of hope that the news media will start covering more interesting stories than this boring, annoying case. I doubt it, though, but I can always hope!

My "Idol" opinions

I haven't blogged about "American Idol" yet this season, so I thought I'd start. What an injustice that Gina went home tonight. She, along with Chris Sligh, who went home last week, was one of the only unique candidates. Haley has no talent and should have been voted off a long time ago. On the other hand, I actually like Sanjaya. He is truly unique, and his voice isn't nearly as bad as everyone seems to think. LaKisha, Melinda, and Jordin may have good voices, but they are all kind of alike and rather boring.

Perhaps more ranting to come later!