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Declining Standards

How Low Can We Go?

By Buck Wolf, About.com

Why are convicted felons becoming soldiers and police officers? Why are babies getting gun permits? Are our standards hopelessly declining?

Dictionary to Define 'Meh'

Hmmmm . . . If 'Meh' could earn a spot in the Collins English Dictionary what other, ahem, word are out there. Ugh!

Nader's Name Misspelled on Presidential Ballots

You'd think election officials in Clark County, Wash., had reached a Nadir (as in "low point") if they misspell presidential candidate Ralph Nader's name, but they list him as "Nadar."

Homeland Security Uses Wikipedia

DHS reportedly referred to a Wikipedia page (which anyone can edit) to decide whether an asylum seeker could enter the country.

Grammar Vigilantes Banned From National Park

When you remove typos from rare signs -- even in the name of good English -- you could end up on probation, barred from the Grand Canyon. In defense of the language lovers, the were shocked by the made-up word, "emense."

Inflatable Doll Puts Lifeguaed in Hot Water

When a lifeguard needed to take a break, he left an inflatable doll in his place, complete with binoculars and whistle, and that didn't leave beach goers pumped up.

Mom Shocked Her Six-Year-Old Got Credit Card

Can your credit score be ruined before you hit junior high? Bank of America is now explaining away how it accidentally issued a credit card to a child.

Typo on Diplomas Embarrasses Ohio Principal

What can you say about your "educaiton" when that's how it's spelled on your diploma?

Police Issue Gun Permit to 10-Month-Old Boy

Someone sent an application for a gun permit for a white male named Bubba Ludwig, a lawful citizen who had never been convicted of a felony or addicted to drugs. Unfortunately, they didn't ask if the applicant was a baby.

Yesterday's Criminals, Tomorrow's Cops

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser is looking to expand the police force, and he isn't afraid to hire someone with a background in tangling with those who fight crime.

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