Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
Harvard Library confirms book among stacks is bound in human skin
Among Harvard University's stacks upon stacks of books in one of its library is a 19th century edition of the French writer Arsene Houssaye's "Des destinies de lame," which experts just confirmed is bound in human skin. Published June 5, 2014
U.S. says hackers stole data on 16K South Koreans working for America
Hackers have likely stolen data from at least some of the 16,000-plus South Koreans who have worked for America's fighting forces, the U.S. military confirmed Thursday. Published June 5, 2014
Secret Service seeks software to ‘detect sarcasm’ on Twitter
The Secret Service has put out the word that it wants new software to detect and analyze sarcasm in Twitter posts and has asked companies to step up to the plate and send in their proposals. Published June 5, 2014
Christian baker bucks order for gay weddings: ‘I’m not going to make cakes’ for them
A Colorado baker with long-held Christian beliefs who was just ordered by the state's Civil Rights Commission to abide by a judge's order and make cakes for same-sex partners said no — that's not going to happen. Published June 5, 2014
Navy jet smashes into sea during carrier approach off California coast
A U.S. Navy jet crashed into the water off the coast of Southern California late Wednesday evening, as the pilot — who safely ejected — was making a beeline for the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. Published June 5, 2014
Angry families of soldiers who died saving Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl demand truth
Families of the six U.S. soldiers who reportedly died while trying to save Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl are angry, demanding answers and asking: Was it worth it? Published June 5, 2014
14 NYC firefighters, 10 civilians hurt in raging Staten Island blaze
At least 14 firefighters have been hurt while battling a raging, five-alarm fire that broke out early Thursday morning on Staten Island. Published June 5, 2014
Nancy Pelosi flustered by teen’s NSA query, blames Bush
An obviously flustered House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tried to field a teenager's blunt question about the National Security Agency — but ultimately wrapped by tossing some of blame for the recent intelligence spy scandals back on the George W. Bush administration. Published June 4, 2014
Chris Christie to receive ‘Father of the Year’ award
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may have alienated a swath of constituents with the "Bridgegate" scandal, but as a dad, he's still tops. Published June 4, 2014
Man down: Queen’s own pageboy faints during her Parliament speech
One of the four pageboys tasked to carry the queen's train into Parliament so that she could deliver her annual State Opening speech interrupted proceedings a bit when — with a reportedly loud thump — he fell to the floor in an apparent faint. Published June 4, 2014
Mich. mom incensed as new law locks out parents from nurses’ sex talks with kids
A Michigan mother is outraged at a new state law posted at her medical provider's office that forced her to stand aside and let the nurse speak privately with her minor-aged child about STDs and birth control. Published June 4, 2014
John Kerry caught napping at Obama presser, alongside struggling Susan Rice
Perhaps President Obama's touted speaking skills are waning? Secretary of State John Kerry was caught taking a nap during the president's recent presser in Warsaw — and National Security Adviser Susan Rice wasn't exactly paying full attention, either. Published June 4, 2014
President Obama pumps iron in Poland
Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger: President Obama traded his golf clubs for some light-weight dumbbells and took to the gym at his Warsaw, Poland, based five-star Marriott Hotel, as captured by photos taken on the sly from another man working out at the same facility. Published June 4, 2014
Washington company offers up new coffee drink with marijuana-laced punch
Mirth Provisions, a Washington-based company, is putting a new product on the local market aimed at capturing the marijuana smoking crowd: A new coffee beverage that's infused with cannabis. Published June 4, 2014
Allen West calls for articles of impeachment against Obama
Former Florida Rep. Allen West said during a chat with "The Capitol Hill Show with Tim Constantine" that the House should draw up articles of impeachment against President Obama over his handling of the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl affair. Published June 4, 2014
Obama admits: ‘Absolutely,’ freed Taliban militants could hurt Americans
President Obama admitted during a press conference in Warsaw on Tuesday that the five Taliban members he ordered to be released from Guantanamo Bay could very well turn around and harm Americans — but apparently, that it was a chance he was willing to take. Published June 4, 2014
Drug sting nets N.J. police 12K bags of heroin, 325 arrests
New Jersey law enforcement officers working an eight-week sting operation wrapped up with the seizure of almost 12,000 bags of packaged heroin and the arrest of 325. Published June 4, 2014
Justin Bieber faces fresh ire over second video of jokes to join KKK
Pop-sensation Justin Bieber is facing new fire for a second video that's emerged of him making racial remarks against blacks — this time, joking about joining the Ku Klux Klan. Published June 4, 2014
Delaware in gridlock as engineers shut I-495 bridge over tilting pillars
Drivers that take the Interstate 495 bridge through Wilmington, Del. — and there are about 90,000 of them each day — will have to find a new route for who knows how long, after engineers discovered four tilting pillars and shut down access. Published June 4, 2014
American dream dead, 63 percent say: ‘Pessimism reflective of financial realities’
The American Dream is dead — at least according to six in 10 respondents to a new CNNMoney poll about the state of the nation. Published June 4, 2014
