Torch my ride! Debt-heavy consumers, finding their pocketbooks unable to support their monstrous gas-guzzlers, are apparently turning to perfectly rational and legal means of debt resolution: insurance fraud. Meanwhile, across the pond, people are are still immolating cars for the more
traditional reason: destroying the evidence. Should you find yourself in either situation any time soon Slate has a handy
guide for you. If you have no such plans however, you may still want to read
this in case your car ignites legitimately. And have a damn good story ready.
posted by baphomet
on Jun 12, 2006 -
44 comments
French-fried cars for New Year In Detroit, it has been a custom to fire guns during New Year's celebrations. Perhaps we should put aside our current dislike of the French and borrow this fine way to usher in a brand new year. After all, it is the French who have given us taste, culture, refinement, and the liberty of self-expression.
posted by Postroad
on Jan 3, 2004 -
48 comments
Arsonists try to burn down a mosque in Melbourne, Australia I was going to title this link 'Another terrorist attack', but I was concerned that would unduly alarm people:
Deputy Victorian Police Commissioner Bill Kelly said police had no evidence to suggest the Doncaster attack was a response to the Bali bombing.
"It's not being looked at as a retaliation attack, it's just being looked at as an arson attack on a building," he said.
"But obviously given what has happened last Saturday that puts another dimension into the investigation to follow-up on to make sure it either is or isn't politically or religiously motivated."
Terrorists or arsonists? I suppose it depends upon whether you're Muslim or not. Sounds like terrorism to me.
But like us easy-going Aussies like to say: 'No worries. She'll be right, mate.'
Damn them all.
posted by chrisgregory
on Oct 17, 2002 -
27 comments
Couldn't he have just bought a fancy car to impress the ladies? A Minnesota Police Chief is now the owner of nine counts of criminal arson, all in the name of impressing the honeys.
At first,
nobody really knew how the fire happened. Apparently, he lit the buildings on fire with the intentions of going in and saving his ex-girl, who lives in one of the buildings. This chick must have been
somethin' else.
I'm betting the business owners and historical society in the community would be impassioned enough to want to go light up his house in a heartbeat.
I'd say he ought to be due for some good old fashioned time at the Gray Bar Hotel, if he gets any. I shudder to think what cellmates do to cops in prison!
Then there's
This dude!. Can't you go scuba-diving in Key West, like everyone else, man?
Where are our heroes, nowadays?
posted by beejaywhy2k
on Apr 13, 2002 -
6 comments
More Public Servants to Rally Around. In what appears to be a extremely trying time, the members of the NSW Fire Brigade have been working insane hours, under the most intense
conditions....and with a largely volunteer force. Although, I heard NSW Premier Bob Carr this morning on the news state that he intends to have the (accused) arson culprits visit burn wards and help with clean-up with the intent to "traumatize" theses kids. Strong stuff but I gather that's the kinda guy he is. Of course, if you feel the urge, you can
give until it hurts. (registration required). Makes me want to emmigrate again.
posted by Dagobert
on Jan 5, 2002 -
4 comments
October Coffee Crisis. Montreal Gazette: "In its communiques, the BAF warned that Second Cup franchises were to be 'in the line of fire' and warned of an escalation of violent acts if Second Cup and other chains insist on keeping their trademark English names." More Trudeau nostalgia?
posted by todd
on Oct 12, 2000 -
7 comments
