Free Republic

To protect 300,000 trucks a year from a persistent pigeon invasion, the automaker turned to an ancient practice: falconryEl Charro works shifts at the Hermosillo plant where he flies around trying to scare pigeons. FordFord Motor’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico churns out over 300,000 pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles a year, employing 4,300 workers and a security guard known as “El Charro.” El Charro, a common term for a Mexican cowboy, is no ordinary watchman. He stands about two feet tall and patrols the skies above Ford’s 12.1-million-square-foot plant in the northern Mexican city. And the hawk is...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Former University of New Mexico President F. Chris Garcia was arrested and jailed Thursday in connection with a multistate, online prostitution ring that authorities say was run by a physics professor from New Jersey. Police said Garcia, 71, and Fairleigh Dickinson professor David Flory, 68, were among seven members identified in the top echelon of the ring. Six have been arrested, and warrants have been issued for one more, Albuquerque police Chief Ray Schultz said. Investigators said the ring had some 1,400 members, including 200 prostitutes, but there was no indication that any other universities or students...

Ageless TV personality Charo is giving some pointed criticism of current pop star Lady Gaga. Appearing on Friday's Good Day New York, the "Cuchi-Cuchi" actress, singer, and comedienne said, "I see Lady Gaga like Madonna with diarrhea." "The voice is gifted because she is so powerful with the voice...but why does she have to remind people of Madonna? Why don't she go her own self? I never copy nobody," Charo said in her choppy English. "I was me and I created something that was me. I can not feel comfortable being a copy of other people," She added. Charo did...