Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is Now Open!

Don't forget to drop by the gift shop, where you can plaster your favorite chapter mascot across your chest, desk or tote bag. (And all merchandise is American-made, for you red-blooded types who care about such things.) Check out the new online Gift Shop to find out what the hubbub's all about!

Death by Dishonor
In Turkey, the honor of one's family is still writ in blood.
New York Times, Jul 13, 2003
Much of Cemse Allak's story has been lost in a whirl of conflicting versions of her death. By most accounts,

Ms. Allak fell victim to the age-old honor code that survives in the villages of southeastern Turkey, a system so unforgiving that some villagers here said they were relieved to learn of Ms. Allak's death. If she had survived, the villagers said, the family of the man who had been killed with her would have been obliged to take revenge on Ms. Allak's family, since it was Ms. Allak's brother who was suspected of his murder.

"When the girl Cemse died, the matter was closed," said Shelalettin Cakar, a local farmer. "In such cases, if one dies and the other lives, it is not equal. So it was better for both of them to die ..."

(Chapter 6)

Voodoo Child
The ritual murder of a young boy continues to stymie Scotland Yard.

(Chapter 7)

Murder by Bagel
A classic lover's triangle comes full circle — with a doughy twist.

(Chapter 6)

Feeling Chipper
The absolutely wrongest way to operate an industrial wood chipper.

(Chapter 1)

Another Hood Ornament
Yet again, driver speeds home with victim in windshield — but not entire victim.

(Chapter 4)

Kit Hit
Russian mob rubs out its latest foe — a caviar-sniffing cat.

(Chapter 9)

Archives:  Jul 03 - Feb 03 - Dec 02 - Nov 02 - Sep 02 - Jul 02
May 02 - Apr 02 - Feb 02 - Jan 02 - Dec 01 - Dec 99
Nov 99 - Sep 99 - Aug 99 - Jul 99 - May 99 - Apr 99
Feb 99 - Jan 99 - Dec 98 - Oct 98 - Sep 98 - Aug 98
Jul 98 - Jun 98 - May 98 - Apr 98 - Mar 98