Of Local Interest

Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America. Surely, things of interest happen here, right? Well, not much actually.

Then there's stuff like this.

The Weekly World News published photos in its Feb. 7 issue of the "top 10
ugliest people." Among the images was one of Jason Schechterle, a Phoenix police
officer who suffered fourth-degree burns to his hands and face in an on-duty
accident.

When I first heard this on local radio yesterday, I was disgusted. As the Republic's piece details, Schechterle was injured in early 2001 when his patrol car was rear-ended and exploded. He suffered serious burns and literally had his face removed by surgeons simply to save his life!

Another local radio report today had the Weekly World News chalking the whole thing up to ignorance. I understand it's a tabloid, but ignorance!? I guess if by ignorance they mean no fact-checking and due diligence, I suppose I'll bite.

"I understand my appearance is going to bring a lot of attention, both positive and negative, but this was over the top," he [Schechterle]said. Indeed!