What Kind of Moron Would Shoot a Swan? »

This post is certainly not technology related, but I cannot help but wonder about the thought process of some people.

According to a report from Wilmington NC television station WECT, some residents are saying that hunters are shooting Swans in Hewlett’s Creek.  These Swans are the kind that children feed with bread crumbs, in some cases they will eat right out of your hand.  Shooting an animal like that is wrong on so many levels:

1. The animal does not fear humans and so cannot distinguish the threat.  So they are not really “hunting”, are they?
2. It is illegal to shoot animals in Wilmington City Limits.
3. It’s a Swan – it is not like they are killing a wild boar or a bear.  I suppose these guys need something that presents a little less of a challenge.

The residents that say they have witnessed Swans being shot also say that the hunters are covering up their boat numbers so that they cannot be identified.  Evidently, they know that what they are doing is wrong and would probably be embarrassed to get caught.

Hopefully, the residents will get some evidence on camera.

If you are one of the “hunters” who shoot animals as they innocently swim close to you, please leave a comment because there are lots of people who would love to see if you can create a complete sentence with your words .

North Carolina Man Steals Child’s Identity »

According to Alamance County Deputies, 44 year old Mebane, NC resident Michael John Maris stole the social security number and identity of a 3-year-old child.  He then used it to get natural gas service and a telephone.

Maris was charged with two counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of identity theft.  His bond has been set at $5,000.

The child’s grandmother, Linda Raker, was alerted to the problem when a collection agency contacted her requesting payment for the natural gas bill – which was in her granddaughter’s name.  That, of course, raised red flags (what child needs natural gas service, afterall ) and the grandmother notified the authorities.

It also seems that Mr. Maris is related to the grandmother, but the Sheriff did not disclose the exact nature of the relationship.

Identity theft is quickly becoming a serious epidemic.  In fact, the United States FBI website says that you cannot prevent the theft of your identity – yikes!  If you think you are a victim of identity theft, contact the authorities first and then follow these other steps