Free Republic

MADISON, Wis. — Could it be a case of John Doe collateral damage? At least one target of Wisconsin’s politically charged John Doe investigation — whose home was raided and whose personal information was seized — tells Wisconsin Reporter they’re a victim of identity theft. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because the probe comes with a strict gag order. Targets who speak publicly about the John Doe could go to jail. Wisconsin Reporter obtained a copy of an Internal Revenue Service letter alerting the subject to the identify theft problem. The letter, titled, “Identity Verification Service,” advises that...

February 23, 2010 Doctors in America call for 'safer' hot dog to prevent child choking deaths US paediatricians say the hot dog is perfectly shaped to "wedge tightly into a child?s hypopharynx" Giles Whittell, Washington That iconic symbol of all things American, the hot dog, needs a safety makeover, doctors said yesterday. The fast-food favourite was singled out in an academic journal for causing nearly one in five food-related choking deaths among young children. Perfectly shaped to “wedge tightly into a child’s hypopharynx”, the frankfurter-style sausage at the heart of the hot dog is a prime culprit in the wave...

BARRE, Vt. -- Put down the flute and keep your eyes on the road. And forget about sipping that cup of coffee on the way to work, or smoking a cigarette on the way home. In some states, it could soon be illegal -- if it isn't already. Emboldened by the passage of cell phone bans for drivers in some communities, states are turning their attention to other things that drive motorists to distraction. Vermont lawmakers are considering a measure that would ban eating, drinking, smoking, reading, writing, personal grooming, playing an instrument, "interacting with pets or cargo," talking on...