Word to the wise: the next time you’re at a party, don’t make fun of the guy farting, because he just might cut you and everyone around you! (Via Boing Boing) At a party this weekend in Bristol, Connecticut, a 21-year-old gentleman stabbed four people, killing one. Why? Apparently they were making fun of his farting. From CBS Local: The Hartford Courant, quoting (court) documents, reported that Higgins told police he was angry at being derided and wanted to teach people that they shouldn’t trifle with him. Higgins appeared in court Tuesday charged with murder, assault and carrying a dangerous weapon, and was ordered held in lieu of $2 million bond. The original story can be found here: “Cops: Flatulence Behind Fatal Stabbing In Bristol.” … Read entire article »

Like his confrere in Russia, Silvio Berlusconi is a controversial leader in Italy. From lavish gifts to female legislators to questionable business ties, Berlusconi is larger than life—and often acts larger than the law. His most recent scandal involves lavish parties thrown with models, prostitutes, and …more underage models. Just because a rich European leader doesn’t have to pay for it, doesn’t mean he won’t also pay for it. In short, no survey of charismatic, megalomaniacal presidents would be complete without Italy’s greasy Duce. The Guardian: A “significant” number of women had sex with the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, for money at his residence near Milan, prosecutors alleged in a document published today. More from The Economist. And photos from The Telegraph and Vanity Fair. … Read entire article »