Walmart Mind Games and a Case of Mistaken Identity 2 Bizarre Personal Injury Claims
Ever since an elderly woman sued McDonald’s for severe burns she sustained after spilling their scalding hot coffee on her lap, there’s been a persistent myth of America as a “litigious society.” Some skeptics like to give the side-eye to people with legitimate claims, assuming that they’re only in it for the money. In our experience, most people get involved in the complex and overwhelming legal process not for profit, but simply to be made whole after a serious injury. However, there are some cases put forward for truly bizarre reasons.
out, but the judge ruled that, though bizarre, the case deserved to move forward. We think Microsoft’s lawyer said it best: “I think this is akin to someone saying they sustained injuries because their boat fell off the edge of the world.” A Bad Case of Michael Jordan-itis Back in 2006, Portland resident Alan Heckard sued Michael Jordan and Nike to the tune of $832 million, not because they’d done anything directly to him, but because he was sick of being mistaken for the famous athlete. Everywhere he went, he claimed, he was hounded and harassed by people thinking he was the “Space Jam” star, causing him persistent emotional distress and problems at his job. Oh, and it was also Nike’s fault for making Jordon such a ubiquitous star.
Here are two of the strangest. Microsoft Mind Control
Charred Chili-Cheese C O R N In 2008, a Canadian named Jerry Rose filed a $2 billion claim against Microsoft, Walmart, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other defendants for allegedly subjecting him to “invasive brain computer interface technology, research, experiments, field studies, and surgery.” Oh, and also satanic rituals. Basically, the guy thought these corporations (and, apparently, some cops on horses) were trying to control his mind. The lawyers for several of the defendants tried to get the case thrown You’ll find all of the flavors of elote, Mexican street corn, in this dish, without any of the mess. It’s the rare side that can outshine any main course.
Of course, the courts threw the suit out wholesale. They probably they took one look at a picture of Michael Jordan, took a long look at Heckard, and realized that, well, no — he doesn’t really look like Jordan at all.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 ears of corn, husked • 4 tablespoons high-smoke- point oil, such as canola or vegetable • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced • 1/2 red chili (such as Fresno) or DIRECTIONS 1. Heat grill to medium. 2. Brush corn with 2 tablespoons
jalapeño, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 2 ounces fresh cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled • 1/4 cup cilantro • Salt and pepper, to taste 3. Cut kernels off cob and combine with shallots, chilis, lime juice, cheese, and remaining oil. 4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
WASHINGTON REVOLUTION PARADE FIREWORKS
COLONIAL JULY USA CONGRESS
BARBECUE FREEDOM AMERICA
oil and grill until visibly charred, 10–12 minutes.
Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine
(810) 966-9467 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog