Detroit— Indicted contractor Bobby Ferguson is facing mobster charges, so Monday he hired a lawyer who defended the late John Gotti, one of the most infamous mob bosses of the 20th century.

Florida lawyer Susan Van Dusen filed paperwork Monday in federal court to defend Ferguson in a City Hall corruption case that also involves his close friend, ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
"This fellow (Ferguson) made a wise choice," said Miami lawyer Jeff Weiner, former president of the National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers, who has worked alongside Van Dusen. "She's seen it all. She's a lady. She's not one of these lawyers who comes in screaming and yelling. She's rock solid, and she practices with a lot of honor and integrity."...

Southfield — A Marine who died after his platoon was ambushed on patrol in Afghanistan was laid to rest Monday.

Seven Marines escorted the flag-draped casket of Lance Cpl. Steven P. Stevens II, 23, out of Hope United Methodist Church as a bagpipe played "Amazing Grace."

Stevens, who grew up in Detroit and was in his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, died June 22, according to the Pentagon.

The marine was deployed March 21, 2012, eight days after his wife gave birth to his only son, Kairo, whom he never met.

"Please watch over our son and help guide him in the right direction," Monique Stevens wrote in the funeral program. "Watch over us from heaven."
Stevens, an avid swimmer, broke city and state records for the backstroke. He graduated from Detroit Technology High School and attended Florida A&M on a full swimming scholarship, but left to join the Marine Corps.

That's one of the things Kly that we laymen don't understand. How do suits get to trial when (of course, this is subjective) they appear to be real reaches? I know that we honor one's access to the justice system, but part of that system is determing the justiciability of a suit.

When I was growing up in Michigan, I couldn’t wait to get out. There was no view as thrilling as the map of a big city laid out from an airplane window at nightfall. Each time my parents took us on a trip, I plotted my escape. I poured over our weekly issue of The New Yorker, memorizing the places advertised in the back of the magazine.

My years living in big cities had given me an unexpected education in getting the most out of small city life.

On Sunday afternoons, my brother and I sat in my godmother’s car, playing the game we called “Driving to Chicago.” (Thankfully, her keys were safely put away.)

Eventually, I got my wish. I've lived in Chicago, New York, Washington, and Tokyo. And now, I’m back in Ann Arbor, the town where I was born. Only I’m not standing on our Main Street and despairing...

Another rich one from The Land of the World's Stupidest Criminals:

Police were summoned to an apartment here and found a man unconscious on the floor from an overdose of heroin. Another man was giving him CPR. That man told police that he had just graduated from a drug rehabilitation program and wanted to "celebrate" by shooting heroin with his friend who O.D.

Al "Scarface" Capone may be long gone but his bulletproof 1928 Cadillac touring car is still around.
And it's for sale.
On July 28, the Series 341-A, 341 cubic inch, V-8 Caddie will be auctioned the day before the annual Concours d'Elegance of America classic car show at the Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth Township.

The striking green and black Cadillac is expected to fetch $300,000 to $500,000, according to Alain Squindo, director of private collections for RM Auctions.

"This is a very special automobile, not withstanding its Capone history," Squindo said. "It is a luxury car from a classic era as one of the first bulletproof cars that still survives. It's a very heavy car and a very good looking car."
Heavy indeed.

It carries an extra 3,000 pounds of armor plating and glass an inch thick. The side windows raise high enough to reveal circular gun ports and the rear window drops so riders could shoot at any pursuers....

Another Wonder Winner from The Land of the World's Stupidest Criminals:

The headline read: "Man Sought for Passing $100 Bills with Wrong President."

Seems a dimwit twice tried (unsuccessfully) to make purchases with counterfeit $100 bills. Instead of having Ben Franklin's portrait on them, the bills had Abe Lincoln. Man was described as "Hispanic." I guess he can be forgiven because they probably don't teach American history in his native land.

OMG!! I mean come on. You would think, whether or not from the country that perhaps a little research/comparison might be in order?? TB is this in AZ? If so, GET OUT while you can before it rubs off.

From the northern areas of New Jersey is this story. Nine months ago, they were hit by an unusually early snowstorm. Last Halloween the area was buried under a big snowstorm, and now, nine months later the local hospitals are reporting a 50% increase in baby births.

Doesn't anyone play board games anymore?

Just think of all that extra talent pool the producers of Jersey Shore will have to pick from in 20 years!

SC,

What a scary. That is not that bad an area is it??

Was it the Garment District? I ask because when I took the cab to meet for the Sopranos tour, I remember looking for the big Thimble (?) which is the area we met in. It didn't seem particularly unsafe.

TIS

When I get a chance I'm gonna hook up with the same company that has a NY Movies tour, with Godfather locations... Economy's bad; need to get the ads back up.

Speaking of the Sopranos tour, tho, I have those video tapes somewhere. I don't think I've watched them since I recorded them! I gotta find them....!

Geoff,

I don't know if you remember but you were with me when I bought a "Bada Bing" hat from the "Bada Bing" before we left. I wear it many times in the morning when I go for my run.

Yikes!! Oh no!!! Me and my big mouth.

Yep, that's it.


TIS


BTW, does Satin Dolls still exist?

Ha! I thought I was going to read about fish. I didn't know Detroit was known for fishing. Bass GUITAR makes more sense.