Cool news, Patrick.  That Wicks building doesnt really change the
location of the con since it's basically just right next door to the
Radison there and from the outside, its a nice large structure with a
few floors to be able to spread stuff out among depending on how they
convert it over to expo space.

Looking forward to next April!   Now just start teasing us with the
special guests that will helping us break it in. ;-)

-Joe







--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "comiconguy" <patlqp@...> wrote:
>
> Well Joe, you beat me to it!!  I've been waiting on pins and needles
> for months wanting to tell you all about our new home.  Waiting for
> the official word from the Expomart so we could make the
> announcement.  (Then they wait until I'm on vacation to break the
> story. Arrrgh!)  So anyway for those of you not paying attention,
> say "goodbye" to the Expomart and say "hello" to the Expomart?!
> (actually I don't know whether they'll be keeping the Expomart name
> but the idea is the same).  The Pittsburgh Comicon will officially be
> moving right next door to the new exhibition facility going in the
> former Wickes Furniture store.  The good people of the Expomart had
> asked us to be patient about finding a new home because they really
> wanted to keep us as a client and now we will be one of the very
> first (if not the first) convention to take place in the new
> facility.  The new facility will be comprable in size and will allow
> us to maintain our long held relationship with both the Expomart
> staff and the Radisson.  We'll be working out other details as we go,
> (shuttles from the hotel to the new facility, where various events
> will be held, etc.) but we are VERY excited about the new facility
> and we can now get on with the business of planning and promoting the
> show.  I'll keep you all up to date on our plans and guests and you
> can expect to hear more from me soon.
>
> Thank you all for being patient while waiting for announcement of our
> new digs.  It was killing me not to tell you before.  But there you
> have it.  Pittsburgh Comicon 2009 WILL be at the new exhibition
> facility in Monroeville, April 24, 25 & 26, 2009.
>
> Talk to you all soon,
>
> Patrick A. Thomas
> Marketing Director - Pittsburgh Comicon
>

Ive given this careful thought, But I think Mr.T would be pretty cool,
Id even dig out  the old A-Team comics for that. What do you all think?
Who would you like to see at one of our local Cons?

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "Brandys Dad"
<brandysdad_2000@...> wrote:
>Great spot, lots of parking, can't wait to see what it looks like
when they are done!

> Cool news, Patrick.  That Wicks building doesnt really change the
> location of the con since it's basically just right next door to the
> Radison there and from the outside, its a nice large structure with
a
> few floors to be able to spread stuff out among depending on how
they
> convert it over to expo space.
>
> Looking forward to next April!   Now just start teasing us with the
> special guests that will helping us break it in. ;-)
>
> -Joe
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "comiconguy" <patlqp@> wrote:
> >
> > Well Joe, you beat me to it!!  I've been waiting on pins and
needles
> > for months wanting to tell you all about our new home.  Waiting
for
> > the official word from the Expomart so we could make the
> > announcement.  (Then they wait until I'm on vacation to break the
> > story. Arrrgh!)  So anyway for those of you not paying attention,
> > say "goodbye" to the Expomart and say "hello" to the Expomart?!
> > (actually I don't know whether they'll be keeping the Expomart
name
> > but the idea is the same).  The Pittsburgh Comicon will
officially be
> > moving right next door to the new exhibition facility going in
the
> > former Wickes Furniture store.  The good people of the Expomart
had
> > asked us to be patient about finding a new home because they
really
> > wanted to keep us as a client and now we will be one of the very
> > first (if not the first) convention to take place in the new
> > facility.  The new facility will be comprable in size and will
allow
> > us to maintain our long held relationship with both the Expomart
> > staff and the Radisson.  We'll be working out other details as we
go,
> > (shuttles from the hotel to the new facility, where various
events
> > will be held, etc.) but we are VERY excited about the new
facility
> > and we can now get on with the business of planning and promoting
the
> > show.  I'll keep you all up to date on our plans and guests and
you
> > can expect to hear more from me soon.
> >
> > Thank you all for being patient while waiting for announcement of
our
> > new digs.  It was killing me not to tell you before.  But there
you
> > have it.  Pittsburgh Comicon 2009 WILL be at the new exhibition
> > facility in Monroeville, April 24, 25 & 26, 2009.
> >
> > Talk to you all soon,
> >
> > Patrick A. Thomas
> > Marketing Director - Pittsburgh Comicon
> >
>

....or more correctly, the home that Jerry Siegel conceived of the
character of Superman in the Cleveland suburbs is in need of some help
in order to save it.

   I'll admit it, I'm a real pop culture geek and being able to see
places in the flesh where things that were important mileposts in my
geekdom are really enjoyable experiences.  In the Cleveland area this
past April, my wife and I saw the home where the exteriors and some
scenes for 'A Christmas Story' were filmed back in the early 80's.
That house has been lovingly restored and stocked with period
furniture to make it look as close to it did that Xmas morning that
Ralphie came down the stairs looking like a demented Easter bunny.

   Now for those of us that are comic geeks, the home that Jerry Siegel
came up with perhaps the most instantly recognizable of all
superheroes in Superman, is in need of being saved.  Whether you're a
DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, or other 'universe' fan, you know that
Superman is one of those characters that helped to pave the way for
all of those costumed do gooders (and evil villans) that we have today.

   I know that the economy is not the best at the moment for many
people out there, but if those of us that have gotten enjoyment from
any superheroes in our lifetime would donate even $10 or bid on some
of the neat auctions being held to help support the cause, we might
have a small hand in preserving something that's important to all of
us as comic book / superhero fans and we can feel good about in the
process. The neat thing for us being in the Pittsburgh area in general
is that we are close enough to be able to see this place first hand as
it's also in the Cleveland area.

Here is a link to the page that has the general information as well as
additional links to auctions, shirts and ways to donate.

http://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/articles/saving-the-house-where-supe\
rman-was-born.aspx

That's great news, thanks for sharing!  Its a short move, and will
hopefully be an easy change for everyone involved!

I'm excited to hear that 2009 is a GO!

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "comiconguy" <patlqp@...> wrote:
>
> Well Joe, you beat me to it!!  I've been waiting on pins and needles
> for months wanting to tell you all about our new home.  Waiting for
> the official word from the Expomart so we could make the
> announcement.  (Then they wait until I'm on vacation to break the
> story. Arrrgh!)  So anyway for those of you not paying attention,
> say "goodbye" to the Expomart and say "hello" to the Expomart?!
> (actually I don't know whether they'll be keeping the Expomart name
> but the idea is the same).  The Pittsburgh Comicon will officially be
> moving right next door to the new exhibition facility going in the
> former Wickes Furniture store.  The good people of the Expomart had
> asked us to be patient about finding a new home because they really
> wanted to keep us as a client and now we will be one of the very
> first (if not the first) convention to take place in the new
> facility.  The new facility will be comprable in size and will allow
> us to maintain our long held relationship with both the Expomart
> staff and the Radisson.  We'll be working out other details as we go,
> (shuttles from the hotel to the new facility, where various events
> will be held, etc.) but we are VERY excited about the new facility
> and we can now get on with the business of planning and promoting the
> show.  I'll keep you all up to date on our plans and guests and you
> can expect to hear more from me soon.
>
> Thank you all for being patient while waiting for announcement of our
> new digs.  It was killing me not to tell you before.  But there you
> have it.  Pittsburgh Comicon 2009 WILL be at the new exhibition
> facility in Monroeville, April 24, 25 & 26, 2009.
>
> Talk to you all soon,
>
> Patrick A. Thomas
> Marketing Director - Pittsburgh Comicon
>

in monongahela, washington county
350 a month, includes all utilities, phone, digital cable, cable
internet(i
have a wifi set up that i can connect for Laptops) (another 15 if you want
your own DVR in your bedroom), each room has own heat, livingroom has A/C,
apt has own washer, dryer, electric stove and full size fridge
you need your own bedroom furniture but there is a large built in closet
on route 88, not far off 43 to get to 51, on bus line to downtown pgh and
Cal U
I am on dialysis, so i get up MWF at 540AM, I get up for work TTH at 730am
so no late night noise a must
geek, nerd, scifi fan prefered and i'm more oscar madison than felix
unger,
someone who cooks basic food would be great, I have 3 cats so cat lover a
must (2 are 5 months old, one 6 years old)

no homophobes, bigots need reply,

please forward if you know anyone who might be interested/ other
pittsburgh
area lists that allow ..........

APB (Paula B)

AIM EnsBarlow
LiveJournal: mamabeast
MSN mama_Beast@...

I thought this crap was going to be stopped !!!

 

In a message dated 9/7/2008 10:07:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, hdeepa86@yahoo.in writes:

****** Mamta beauty show ************

---

Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now.

---

Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.

Hey folks,

I've noticed some artists like Tod and others who attend the Pitt Con
have Deviant Art accounts. I was thinking of opening a DA account
specifically to help promote the Con, the artists and the fans. But, I
wanted to get some thoughts or questions on it before doing so.

I also have a DA account - http://charactersink.deviantart.com/ if you
want to check it out.

Let me know what you think.

Andrew

IT'S COMING...SAT. OCT 18TH..THE OPENING RECEPTION FOR MY NEW
SHOW...MORE SOON...MALCOLM

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWS04/80912039/1001/NE\
WS#pluckcomments

I heard about this "Lost police folder" a couple weeks ago and it just
made me furious. Look no matter your thoughts on this case EVERONE
deserves a fair trial so lets get on with it.
  --- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "briantlaslo" <blaslo@...> wrote:
>
> http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20080912/NEWS04/80912039/1001/NEWS#pluckcomments
>

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "batmiteforever"
<batmiteforever@...> wrote:
>
>  I heard about this "Lost police folder" a couple weeks ago and it
just
> made me furious. Look no matter your thoughts on this case EVERONE
> deserves a fair trial so lets get on with it.
>  --- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "briantlaslo" <blaslo@> wrote:
> >
> > http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
> AID=/20080912/NEWS04/80912039/1001/NEWS#pluckcomments
> >
>

  Looks like the People VS George will go down in the annals of the
law books for Case law under "prosecutorial misconduct" and more.
This will set precedence for many victims of overzealous buthole like
this power hungry district attorney.

How sweet will the law suit and reward be for the Georges, with all
of this evidence proving that the District attorney's office withheld
major evidence that would have otherwise led even the "moron male
hating 8 out of 12 jury" to conclude other suspects were more likely
the cause. Now that all this evidence against this District
attorney's office for failing to provide 7 sworn statements offering
not 1 but 2 different suspects both of which were involved in a spree
of comic and baseball card robberies during that same time in that
very same area, it will be like a check in hand for the Georges from
the Districts attorney office. Mike's lawyers will sue the shit out
of those corrupt SOB's. Let's see where to start....n hmmm... Oh yes,
Will full misconduct, withholding evidence resulting in 1.5 years of
Mikes life lost, family hardship, debt, loss of career, reputation
damage on and on.  There will be a clear cut award. There is NO
escaping, the district Attorneys office has been charged and it's
noted forever in the annals of court misconduct as a warning to other
overzealous District Attorneys just looking to put a notch in their
belt using innocent fall guy's like Mike. In this particular
Districts attorneys case, to clear "Daddy's screw up while he was the
police chief during the murder". After the new trial ( which will
last about 2 minutes and give up an innocent verdict and further
slaps against the District Attorneys office ), the settlement is the
only thing left to debate. I think that Mikes sacrifice of 1-2 years
will pay off very well.  I pray for the Georges and clearly they have
angels on their side.

Here is just a few quotes from the judge during the appeal that
brought the charges of Prosecutorial misconduct and had the entire
trial and verdict against Michael George thrown out.

  Judges is quoted  during his reaming of the prosecutor. Especially
when he would ask them if "it" was ever investigated and their reply
was always "no".Did you check his alibi "no" again. It was said that
for the next 30 years when prosecutorial misconduct is mentioned in
court they will be quoting the 2008 People vs. George
( "it" meaning the other two suspects one of which had a second
degree murder charge against him and served 15 years in prison...did
I forget to mention he had just been let out before the murder??)


The most pathetic and largest injustice is that Barbara George's
family was screwed out of true justice when this District attorney's
father was chief. Now even with the discovery of this so called "lost
file" the family appears to not want to believe that anyone other
than Mike could have done this. Of course the other suspect convict
is dead, leaving only one looser druggie to pursue with crap for
evidence now. So I guess for this family having Mike, the guy to get
their pound of flesh out of  from, the former husband of their
daughter who they hated to begin with ( Mike did cheat on her
admittedly) is what they seem to want to stick too. They evidently
can't believe the police could have done anything wrong.... I feel
sorry for them. I would want my pound of flesh from the inept police
dept and this ass District attorney for wasting my time and giving
misleading and false hope.

> The most pathetic and largest injustice is that Barbara George's
> family was screwed out of true justice when this District attorney's
> father was chief. Now even with the discovery of this so called "lost
> file" the family appears to not want to believe that anyone other
> than Mike could have done this. Of course the other suspect convict
> is dead, leaving only one looser druggie to pursue with crap for
> evidence now. So I guess for this family having Mike, the guy to get
> their pound of flesh out of  from, the former husband of their
> daughter who they hated to begin with ( Mike did cheat on her
> admittedly) is what they seem to want to stick too. They evidently
> can't believe the police could have done anything wrong.... I feel
> sorry for them. I would want my pound of flesh from the inept police
> dept and this ass District attorney for wasting my time and giving
> misleading and false hope.
>
Geez, Ed, talk about striking fear in the hearts of the cowardly.
Heh.  Anyways, I agree whole-heartedly with the sentiment.  In fact, I
have drafted and sent a letter to the Michigan State Attorney General,
Mike Cox, requesting his office conduct an investigation of the Macomb
County Prosecutor's Office and the Clinton Township Police based on
their questionable ethics and incompetent investigation.  It outlines
a number of issues that need to be looked at and investigated,
properly. Considering the number of cases from this County that have
been found to have been unjustly prosecuted and the defendant's
unjustly incarcerated, of which one is way too many, it is something
that someone in authority needs to take a serious look at.

For those that are curious, the content of the letter has been
reprinted on fatrepublicanclub.wordpress.com.

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Beard Jr." <artofedbeard@...>
wrote:
> After the new trial ( which will last about 2 minutes and give up
>  an innocent verdict

You know Ed, I really hope you're right.  The original trial did about
as much as it could do to completely break any faith that I had in the
system, and everyone in my crew of convention attendees said some
version of that in our letters to the judge.

I mean, did you see that one article with the reaction from one of the
jurors?  How shocked and disgusted he was at his decision being thrown
out? the guy says something about Mike along the lines of "you could
tell he was lying every time he moved his lips".  What??  You mean
when he DIDN'T testify??  When exactly were you able to gather this
amazing insight?

If it doesn't go to a jury, I'd start feeling a little better.  But
right now, I can't put any faith in 12 strangers to rise above
manipulation, ugly words and their own sense of morality or how
someone is "supposed" to react at a funeral and understand the concept
of reasonable doubt

This is certainly great news, no question about that, but I'm just too
hesitant to jump right to the happy reunion scene at next years Comicon

Bri

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, Lisa Davis <lisad_2711@...> wrote:
>
> Hey...
>
> This just shows now that GOD is actually in control of any situation!
>

You'd think he'd try to organize things a little better so as to not
put people through unneeded misery & heartache then...  which is what
these poor people are all going though.

Good news, and hopefully a better chance at justice.

- AcroRay

Source:http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/NEWS04/80917036/\
1006

Judge delays decision on whether to release George
Jurors who convicted man of killing wife are among protesters

BY AMBER HUNT • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • September 17, 2008


As his courtroom teemed with family members, friends, prosecutors and
protesters, Macomb County Circuit Court James Biernat levied another
in a growing list of surprises this morning when he held off on
deciding whether Michael George – the so-called Comic Book Killer –
would be released on bond.

George will remain in the county jail at least until Friday awaiting
Biernat's written decision. Biernat last Friday overturned a jury's
verdict convicting George of killing his wife, Barbara George, in the
back of the Clinton Township comic book store they owned in July 1990.

A new trial date is set for Dec. 2.

Biernat's decision sparked an outcry from jurors, who said they were
thoughtful and deliberate when deciding George's fate. Several jurors
joined dozens of other people protesting outside of the circuit
courthouse before the morning bond hearing, carrying homemade signs
reading, "Keep Convicted Killers Behind Bars" and "Nothing `Comical'
About Murder."

Biernat on Friday said the case was too flimsy for a reasonable jury
to find George guilty. He made the ruling despite having twice denied
defense requests to toss out the case during the trial.

It's extremely rare for a judge to order a new trial after a jury has
reached a verdict. The prosecution plans to file an appeal with the
state Court of Appeals within the next two weeks.

"I think it's a travesty," said jury foreman Garry Kuzinskoski, a
45-year-old sales engineer.

"We went through every piece of evidence," added juror Madette Bui,
39, a registered nurse. "Everybody agreed on first-degree murder. We
knew exactly why we were deciding it."

Joe Kosmala, George's lawyer, praised Biernat and lambasted the jury,
calling it "renegade" and saying that jurors disregarded the judge's
instructions. He accused them of considering the penalty attached to
the charges – juries aren't allowed to weigh penalties – and decided
he was a murderer because the prosecution painted him as a liar and
philanderer.

Bui's jaw visibly dropped as Kosmala spoke.

"He wasn't in that room with us," she said after the hearing. "He
didn't hear what we talked about."

George was arrested in the slaying last year and charged by Prosecutor
Eric Smith's cold case unit. The case was circumstantial: The murder
weapon was never recovered and there were no witnesses to the crime.

"Although it was all circumstantial, it was all still evidence, and
all of it pointed to him," said juror Sandra Layne, 50, an elementary
school custodian, who stood outside the courthouse with a sign
reading, "The jury has spoken."

In requesting a new trial Friday, the defense brought forth police
reports that weren't discovered until after the trial. One included
information about a man who knew the Georges and left town soon after
the slaying.

Bui said that information wouldn't have changed her verdict.

"I hope our verdict stands," she said, "but if that doesn't happen,
they need to get a brand-new jury and a brand-new judge."

On Friday, Biernat accused Assistant Prosecutor Steve Kaplan of acting
inappropriately during the trial, in part because he showed a picture
of George in his closing argument that hadn't been admitted into evidence.

Layne laughed at the idea that the photograph swayed the jury's
decision. The picture, she said, "was just hokey."

The key evidence, she said, came from a longtime customer who said he
called the comic book store and Michael George answered the phone
around the time police believe Barbara George was murdered. Michael
George had told police he was at his mother's house in Hazel Park in
the hours surrounding the shooting.

"I was 100% from the day we decided to convict him, and I'll be 100%
until the day I die," Layne said.

Biernat's ruling also has drawn harsh criticism from Smith, who, since
the Friday ruling, has refused to offer defendants who come before
Biernat any plea deals.

Smith said that he's taking a stand against a judge who has gotten too
soft on crime.

"This was just another example of that," Smith said. "It's time for us
to stand up for the victims of crime in Macomb County."

Smith said he was offended Biernat held off on deciding the bond
issue. Biernat scheduled today's hearing on Friday, after he ruled for
a new trial.

"He set this date. The families came out. He should have been ready,"
Smith said.

Of the three motions that faced him, Biernat ruled on just one: He
refused the prosecution's request that he recuse himself from the
case. He delayed ruling on another prosecution request that he
postpone the rescheduled Dec. 2 trial date until the state's Court of
Appeals gets a chance to review the case.

Biernat said he ruled fairly throughout the trial and even avoided
media coverage of the case to maintain his objectivity. He even
avoided a post-conviction episode of NBC's "Dateline" program, he said.

But he criticized Smith's office for "vilifying attacks on the court"
in the days since he ordered a new trial. He said it could taint a new
jury pool and "is contrary to the spirit of the law."

Joe Kowynia, Barbara George's brother, left the hearing disheartened.
He said Biernat seems hell-bent on freeing George, and he expects
Friday's written ruling to allow him bond.

It's unusual for a judge to allow defendants facing first-degree
murder charges to post bond. Biernat set a $1-million bond; the family
had to pay 10% and buy a GPS tether that kept George under house
arrest at his mother's. George, his two daughters and his second wife,
Renee, live in Pennsylvania.
-----------------
Just as a side note, do you know what we call protesters and activists
outside of courtrooms?  Unemployed.  LOL.

Yeah I read this too, how about this quote: Bui's jaw visibly dropped
as Kosmala spoke.

"He wasn't in that room with us," she said after the hearing. "He
didn't hear what we talked about."

  How about this woman didnt read or get to hear what was in
this "LOST" file but feels the verdict should stand. Yeah that sounds
fair. The police and prosocuter with hold evidence...excuse me "FIND"
a folder no nix that sombody gets a moment of honesty and clues
investigators to it's existence...but too bad...how dare they give
him a new trial. What kinda BS is that...this is still America right
and we all get to defend our selves, dont we? What are they afraid of
their moment in the spotlight being wiped out or extending the 15
minutes a little longer? Sit down, shut up and let this play out
fairly for once.........please.
--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "axxinjaxxin" <axxinjaxxin@...>
wrote:
>
> Source:http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20080917/NEWS04/80917036/1006
>
> Judge delays decision on whether to release George
> Jurors who convicted man of killing wife are among protesters
>
> BY AMBER HUNT • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • September 17, 2008
>
>
> As his courtroom teemed with family members, friends, prosecutors
and
> protesters, Macomb County Circuit Court James Biernat levied another
> in a growing list of surprises this morning when he held off on
> deciding whether Michael George – the so-called Comic Book Killer –
> would be released on bond.
>
> George will remain in the county jail at least until Friday awaiting
> Biernat's written decision. Biernat last Friday overturned a jury's
> verdict convicting George of killing his wife, Barbara George, in
the
> back of the Clinton Township comic book store they owned in July
1990.
>
> A new trial date is set for Dec. 2.
>
> Biernat's decision sparked an outcry from jurors, who said they were
> thoughtful and deliberate when deciding George's fate. Several
jurors
> joined dozens of other people protesting outside of the circuit
> courthouse before the morning bond hearing, carrying homemade signs
> reading, "Keep Convicted Killers Behind Bars" and "Nothing `Comical'
> About Murder."
>
> Biernat on Friday said the case was too flimsy for a reasonable jury
> to find George guilty. He made the ruling despite having twice
denied
> defense requests to toss out the case during the trial.
>
> It's extremely rare for a judge to order a new trial after a jury
has
> reached a verdict. The prosecution plans to file an appeal with the
> state Court of Appeals within the next two weeks.
>
> "I think it's a travesty," said jury foreman Garry Kuzinskoski, a
> 45-year-old sales engineer.
>
> "We went through every piece of evidence," added juror Madette Bui,
> 39, a registered nurse. "Everybody agreed on first-degree murder. We
> knew exactly why we were deciding it."
>
> Joe Kosmala, George's lawyer, praised Biernat and lambasted the
jury,
> calling it "renegade" and saying that jurors disregarded the judge's
> instructions. He accused them of considering the penalty attached to
> the charges – juries aren't allowed to weigh penalties – and decided
> he was a murderer because the prosecution painted him as a liar and
> philanderer.
>
> Bui's jaw visibly dropped as Kosmala spoke.
>
> "He wasn't in that room with us," she said after the hearing. "He
> didn't hear what we talked about."
>
> George was arrested in the slaying last year and charged by
Prosecutor
> Eric Smith's cold case unit. The case was circumstantial: The murder
> weapon was never recovered and there were no witnesses to the crime.
>
> "Although it was all circumstantial, it was all still evidence, and
> all of it pointed to him," said juror Sandra Layne, 50, an
elementary
> school custodian, who stood outside the courthouse with a sign
> reading, "The jury has spoken."
>
> In requesting a new trial Friday, the defense brought forth police
> reports that weren't discovered until after the trial. One included
> information about a man who knew the Georges and left town soon
after
> the slaying.
>
> Bui said that information wouldn't have changed her verdict.
>
> "I hope our verdict stands," she said, "but if that doesn't happen,
> they need to get a brand-new jury and a brand-new judge."
>
> On Friday, Biernat accused Assistant Prosecutor Steve Kaplan of
acting
> inappropriately during the trial, in part because he showed a
picture
> of George in his closing argument that hadn't been admitted into
evidence.
>
> Layne laughed at the idea that the photograph swayed the jury's
> decision. The picture, she said, "was just hokey."
>
> The key evidence, she said, came from a longtime customer who said
he
> called the comic book store and Michael George answered the phone
> around the time police believe Barbara George was murdered. Michael
> George had told police he was at his mother's house in Hazel Park in
> the hours surrounding the shooting.
>
> "I was 100% from the day we decided to convict him, and I'll be 100%
> until the day I die," Layne said.
>
> Biernat's ruling also has drawn harsh criticism from Smith, who,
since
> the Friday ruling, has refused to offer defendants who come before
> Biernat any plea deals.
>
> Smith said that he's taking a stand against a judge who has gotten
too
> soft on crime.
>
> "This was just another example of that," Smith said. "It's time for
us
> to stand up for the victims of crime in Macomb County."
>
> Smith said he was offended Biernat held off on deciding the bond
> issue. Biernat scheduled today's hearing on Friday, after he ruled
for
> a new trial.
>
> "He set this date. The families came out. He should have been
ready,"
> Smith said.
>
> Of the three motions that faced him, Biernat ruled on just one: He
> refused the prosecution's request that he recuse himself from the
> case. He delayed ruling on another prosecution request that he
> postpone the rescheduled Dec. 2 trial date until the state's Court
of
> Appeals gets a chance to review the case.
>
> Biernat said he ruled fairly throughout the trial and even avoided
> media coverage of the case to maintain his objectivity. He even
> avoided a post-conviction episode of NBC's "Dateline" program, he
said.
>
> But he criticized Smith's office for "vilifying attacks on the
court"
> in the days since he ordered a new trial. He said it could taint a
new
> jury pool and "is contrary to the spirit of the law."
>
> Joe Kowynia, Barbara George's brother, left the hearing
disheartened.
> He said Biernat seems hell-bent on freeing George, and he expects
> Friday's written ruling to allow him bond.
>
> It's unusual for a judge to allow defendants facing first-degree
> murder charges to post bond. Biernat set a $1-million bond; the
family
> had to pay 10% and buy a GPS tether that kept George under house
> arrest at his mother's. George, his two daughters and his second
wife,
> Renee, live in Pennsylvania.
> -----------------
> Just as a side note, do you know what we call protesters and
activists
> outside of courtrooms?  Unemployed.  LOL.
>

Cleveland, OH (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a
Cleveland courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling
over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being
beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his
aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that
family unity be maintained to the degree possible

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him
more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When
the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the
judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who
should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare
officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Cleveland
Browns, whom
the boy firmly believes is not capable of beating anyone.


Just trying lighten the mood in here  as of late. Have a good weekend
folks

Cleveland, OH (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a
Cleveland courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling
over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being
beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his
aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that
family unity be maintained to the degree possible

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him
more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When
the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the
judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who
should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare
officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Cleveland
Browns, whom
the boy firmly believes is not capable of beating anyone.

Just trying lighten the mood in here as of late. Have a good weekend
folks

Much Appreciated Laughter.
(I'm always looking for new ways to make fun of the Browns)
Thanks, Dugger!!

P.A.T.

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "dugger_rockz" <dugger_rockz@...>
wrote:
>
>
>
> Cleveland, OH (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a
> Cleveland courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling
> over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being
> beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his
> aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that
> family unity be maintained to the degree possible
>
> The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him
> more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When
> the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
> cried out that they also beat him.
>
> After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
> that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the
> judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who
> should have custody of him.
>
> After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child
welfare
> officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Cleveland
> Browns, whom
> the boy firmly believes is not capable of beating anyone.
>
>
> Just trying lighten the mood in here  as of late. Have a good weekend
> folks
>

http://www.wxyz.com/news/story.aspx?content_id=2ce053eb-066d-4032-8986-0b9dcae1b\
d15

A Macomb County Circuit Court judge has denied bond for the man known
as the "comic book killer." Michael George will remain in the Macomb
County Jail even though his first degree murder charge, for the
shooting death of his first wife Barbara George, has been overturned.

For the family of Barbara George, it's a continuation of an 18 year
nightmare that began on June 13, 1990 in the back of the comic book
store the couple owned in Clinton Township. At the time, Michael
George was not arrested and he collected $130,000 in life insurance
after Barbara's death.

George moved to Pennsylvania with their two children, re-married and
had 5 other children. Last year, new evidence was presented that
ultimately led to his extradition and conviction. His conviction was
overturned this summer when word spread that the prosecution withheld
a witness, and new evidence had surfaced.

The prosecution is now asking the court of appeals to uphold the
conviction. If not, George will face a new murder trial on December 2.

Barbara's brother and sister are pleased with the court's ruling, and
do not want Michael George to be out on the street. However, they know
their long ordeal is still not over.

I am getting so freaking sick and tired of hearing from the worthless
Jurors and Barbara's 'family.' These Jurors, people that were either
to dumb to get out of Jury Duty or too worthless, are just fearful
that their 15 minutes of fame is fading away. Furthermore, what about
Barbara's daughters. Tracy and Michelle had to grow up without their
mother being around. Now, with the gleeful assistance of their
mother's 'family', they have lost their father. Where is Justice for
them? It certainly did not exist 18 years ago, when Eric Smith's
father could have cared less. His department did not even conduct the
most simple of investigations. Why? Why were legitimate tips and
possible leads ignored by Eric Smith's father and his detectives? That
is what should be looked into. Macomb County should know why this was
allowed to occur.  Damn it, this gets my rockets firing!  Eric Smith
is bastardizing everything I have held dear in terms of the Judicial
System.  The worst part is, I can not do a damn thing about it, other
than write my frustrations out.  They want to tag Michael as "The
Comic Book Killer."  Maybe someone should explain "With Great Power
Comes Great Responsibility" to Eric Smith and Steve Kaplan.

--- In pittscomicon@yahoogroups.com, "axxinjaxxin" <axxinjaxxin@...>
wrote:
>
>
http://www.wxyz.com/news/story.aspx?content_id=2ce053eb-066d-4032-8986-0b9dcae1b\
d15
>
> A Macomb County Circuit Court judge has denied bond for the man known
> as the "comic book killer." Michael George will remain in the Macomb
> County Jail even though his first degree murder charge, for the
> shooting death of his first wife Barbara George, has been overturned.
>
> For the family of Barbara George, it's a continuation of an 18 year
> nightmare that began on June 13, 1990 in the back of the comic book
> store the couple owned in Clinton Township. At the time, Michael
> George was not arrested and he collected $130,000 in life insurance
> after Barbara's death.
>
> George moved to Pennsylvania with their two children, re-married and
> had 5 other children. Last year, new evidence was presented that
> ultimately led to his extradition and conviction. His conviction was
> overturned this summer when word spread that the prosecution withheld
> a witness, and new evidence had surfaced.
>
> The prosecution is now asking the court of appeals to uphold the
> conviction. If not, George will face a new murder trial on December 2.
>
> Barbara's brother and sister are pleased with the court's ruling, and
> do not want Michael George to be out on the street. However, they know
> their long ordeal is still not over.
>