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December 30, 2004
Gay-bashing cop goes unpunished
I'm reprinting this article sourced from the StarTribune website.
I find it nothing but totally appalling. I faintly recall this story in the news last year, but had since forgotten about it. As I remember, this cop, the chief's son no less (read: pompous ass on a power-trip) was in a gay bar, where he was drunk and started a fight slurring homophobic remarks. The fight moved outside where he flashed his police-issued pistol, then threatened police action against the people he started a fight with, THEN, when the police arrived, HE FLED THE SCENE!
...Begin StarTribune article...
Son of former St. Paul police chief won't be charged in bar brawl Howie Padilla, Star Tribune December 30, 2004 LORETZ1230
St. Paul police Sgt. Jon Loretz will not face any criminal charges in connection with a bar brawl in September 2003, prosecutors said Wednesday. After poring over 21 witness statements taken by investigators at the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minneapolis city attorneys found insufficient evidence to file misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges against Loretz, said Assistant City Attorney Mary Ellen Heng. Several people at the gay-friendly St. Paul bar formerly known as Lucy's Saloon claimed that Loretz struck several women on the dance floor and yelled homophobic remarks. Witnesses also had said that Loretz tried to use his authority as a police officer to threaten patrons and employees. Among the charges Minneapolis prosecutors explored were weapons charges and assault charges, including an allegation that Loretz brandished a gun during the fight, Heng said. This past September, Olmsted County prosecutors determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring felony charges against Loretz. About a month later, the Minneapolis city attorney's office was tapped to examine the case for possible gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges. Ramsey County turned over the investigations to avoid a conflict of interest.
Wednesday's decision brings to a close the criminal phase of the case. The St. Paul Police Department will now begin an internal review of the fight and its aftermath, said department spokesman Officer Paul Schnell. "We're going to ensure any officers involved were in compliance with any and all department policies," Schnell said. Loretz, the son of former St. Paul Police Chief William Finney, is assigned to the department's family violence unit but has been on sick leave since Aug. 9, Schnell said. His personnel file includes 15 thank you letters and letters of recognition, and a record of an oral reprimand from Finney for being in a preventable car accident. The most serious disciplinary action was a three-day suspension for excessive force in 1999. That incident involved a drug bust in which a 17-year-old boy's tooth was chipped when Loretz wrestled him to the ground.
Kevin Short, Loretz's attorney, said that he never had any doubts that his client would be cleared of any allegations of criminal wrongdoing in connection with the fight at Lucy's.
"I have known since the first day that there would be no credible evidence to suggest he should be charged," Short said. "We're satisfied that justice finally made its way through the system."
...End StarTribune article...
Now TWO prosecuting offices have failed to charge him with anything, even though there are 21 FUCKING WITNESSES? This is an outrage.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
I've finally grown up
I was eight years old before I stopped wetting the bed. It was a source of embarrassment for me and prevented any early-childhood sleepovers with friends. Because of this, along with other late-bloomer attributes I posses, I've always felt a little behind the other kids. But now I've really done it. I really did it. I can now be referred to as an adult.
I removed 101.3 KDWB from my car's presets. This is the KOOL-like station that plays all the
rap and hip-hop that all the kids seem to be listening to these days.
I just got sick of always scanning through the channels to get to it, even though it's what I listen to half of the time I spend in the car.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 08:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 28, 2004
Every morning
...I'm greeted to constant pounding while some new condos are going up across the street. Check out TheGroveland.com if you want to be my neighbor. More photos in the gallery.
Needless to say, given my fear of heights, my aspirations for a career in construction have gone out the window.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 27, 2004
Is this for real?
OMG - they have a website, petition, and the whole works!
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 22, 2004
Christmas spirit
The Christmas spirit has been alive and kicking at the office lately. Joe went to visit with a client for a couple of days, so a few of our coworkers decided to show him how much we appreciate him by preparing a little surprise for his return.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 20, 2004
Heart-warming Superbowl spot
I recall watching this with some friends from work (my previous employer). Our agency had done it's first ever superbowl spot this year and we all gathered at the copywriter's place to watch it on a white sheet draped across his living room with a projector we swiped from the office. Thinking back, it was actually one of my last nights drinking.
I went to the party directly from coming from a buddy's place in Duluth. I tend to drink more than my share, so I always liked to bring some of my own so as not to intrude on anyone else's generosity. It was a Sunday, and all of the liquor stores were closed, so on my way out of Duluth I crossed the bridge into Superior, Wisconsin. That was my second mistake - I hope I never have to return. After doting around town in half a foot of snow, I finally came upon a bar that was open in a strip mall. As I'd come to know after my vast experience of running out of booze on Sundays, most Wisconsin bars will sell you liquor "over the counter." So, I parked the car, stepped in to find a rather charming group of individuals watching the pregame show. I finally got the 19 year old suspected-super-senior to help me with a 12 pack of Heinekin, and $18 later I was on my way back to town.
I stayed for the half time show and witnessed the JT-Janet spectacle live. We saw our spot run, ate, laughed at the ads, drank, and generally had a good time. I decided that the party was a little too docile for me, feined sleepiness and headed to the Saloon.
I had a few stiff ones while watching the latest Top 40 videos and went home drunk. Passed out and woke up late for work in the morning.
Thank gawd I don't have to live like that anymore.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 19, 2004
Brrr
Woke up this morning, looked out my bathroom window and saw all of the chimneys in the Wedge neighborhood going crazy. Winter is here.
Going to a friend's house this afternoon for a nice holiday dinner. These are the folks that have made my sobriety really enjoyable. They make me feel real, so I'm looking forward to it.
In other news, my roommate has dug out the battery-powered sweater defuzzer that my mother gave me as a stocking-stuffer years ago. It's his favorite new toy. He can defuzz sweaters for hours and hours at a time!
Defuzzing Maniac
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 15, 2004
All time low
Okay, so maybe not an all-time low, but I sure haven't seen it this low in a couple of years. I filled up tonight for $1.75 a gallon - and that was for premium. Regular was running $1.59.
Took the too-large (32") TV back tonight and exchanged it for a more amicable 27" - it fits much better in the space. Bigger isn't always better.
Got through my sickness and depression that seemed to come with it, though it was about 10 degrees all day today and my throat seems to be feeling it. I've got my humidifier cranked on high tonight.
Did a lot of AA service work this weekend. It feels really great to be able to lend a hand. It almost seems automatic - I don't have to make myself do it, it just seems to come naturally, but after looking back at the weekend I really feel good about myself. It's only 11 days 'til Christmas and I haven't even started shopping. Sometimes I can be the world's worst procrastinator.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 04, 2004
Alexander sucked
Alexander absolutely sucked. Don't even bother with a rental. The only redeeming quality of the movie was that Colin Farrell kissed a couple of guys.
AND, it's three hours. Trust me, DO NOT GO TO THIS MOVIE.
Jim and I concluded that the only reason the film was distributed was because they sunk millions into producing it and needed to try to recoup some of the cost.
I've got the flu. Yes, I went to the movies, and hopefully I gave it to the old lady who sat in the seat in front of me, that I was using as a footstool. Seriously - there were plenty of other seats in the theatre, why take the one I'm resting my feet on. Is it just because you can? I can't stand self-entitled old people. I had an old lady cut me off the other day, so I honked at her. She gave me dirtiest look, as if to say, "How dare you honk at me. I am old. That gives me the right to cut you off."
Yes, I'm discontent right now. My body aches. I've rented the latest Harry Potter flick in the hopes that it entertains me for a couple of hours so I don't have to think.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 02, 2004
It's snowing
Ok, well sort of. You can't really tell from my high quality picture phone snapshot ;-)
I'm back at work - day two now - after my long vacation. I'm actually full time now. I was contracting prior to this, but fortunately, the company decided they couldn't live without me and brought me on full time. Okay, so I'm being sarcastic. They could live without me, it just wouldn't be as pretty.
Honestly, though, I'm just grateful to have a job. This is a great company and I feel fortunate to be a part of what's going on here.
Thanksgiving was just fine. Got to see a lot of the family I haven't seen in a while. With all the drama in my family, it's always a little awkward. People are sort of fake, and don't say what they're really thinking, but perhaps that's because they want the holidays to be a happy time. I wonder what's better... a fake happiness, or no happiness at all.
Anyhow, no big dramas occurred this past Thanksgiving and all in all, things went off fairly well. Grandma sent me home with my normal portion of leftovers in cool-whip containers. There's nothing like serving myself up some mashed potatoes and stuffing from her kitchen - yummy!
Otherwise life is just okay right now. Nothing special. No big catostrophies. Nothing really exciting. I seem to be a little restless, but maybe that's just because I tend to be drawn to drama and there's none of that going on right now. Just need to learn to be comfortable with the status quo.
There are a couple of guys on the prospective dating horizon, so we'll see where that goes.
My sponsor tells me that I've still got a little over two months before I can even consider it, so I'm in no rush.
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
More snow
Here's a better photo of the snow. I just love it. It makes me so happy. It's so pretty. Damn - I'm parked outside and I don't have an ice scraper.
I'm going to see Miss Richfield 1981's show tonight - Fall on your knees - Six Yule Orientation. I'm going with the Legion of Decency, so the night should prove fun.
Miss Richfield 1981
Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
