Only in California, and more

Only in California

A California motorcyclist is suing BMW, claiming that riding his motorcycle gave him a permanent erection. Henry Wolf says that after taking a four-hour ride on his cycle’s ridged seat he developed an erection that’s lasted 20 months and damaged his genitals. “He is now unable to engage in sexual activity,” the suit says, “which is causing him substantial emotional and mental anguish.”

What's in a name?

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A new Asian restaurant in West Palm Beach, Fla., has been denied a trademark on obscenity grounds. Owner Paul Ardaji says “Fuku” is a Japanese word meaning good fortune, wealth, and prosperity, but state officials said the name “includes immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter.” Said Ardaji: “The state looks at things from a very narrow scope.”