Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe IRONY ON LOS ANGELES WEB SITE There's always been a concern in the media about a previously scheduled commercial running in the wrong program next to the wrong item. The same problem often happens when two billboards are placed side-by-side on a highway and their messages, when read together, can either be funny or ironic. Like having a billboard for Planned Parenthood or a local family planning clinic next to a billboard for a local right-to-life group. Advertisement And there's that possibly apocryphal story about a network showing of a New Testament epic in which Judas' betrayal ends a scene. The network then takes a commercial break. The first thing heard in the commercial is: "If he kissed you once, will he kiss you again? Be certain with Certs." Well, it's happened again. Likely this time it came about simply at the whim of a computer that puts copy next to commercial content. The Web site for CBS television station KCBS in Los Angeles carried a story about the latest bit of embarrassment for the Los Angeles Police Department. It was about the resignation of LAPD Chief Bernard Parks in the wake of the police commission's decision not to renew his contract. Just to the right, in an adjacent panel was a paid commercial banner ... seeking new recruits for the LAPD. Advertisement MORE FREEDOM-SEEKERS FOUND IN FLORIDA WATERS The Coast Guard says it picked up 15 migrants in a 23-foot-long boat off the coast of Miami on Monday. The Miami Herald says the people in the boat were from the Dominican Republic and claimed to have been previously on a raft for some time. At least one known American resident alien and a Canadian citizen were also reportedly onboard. The group was first spotted by a local police boat in off shore waters near Terminal Island. A 111-foot cutter, the Manitou, based in Miami Beach, was sent out to pick up the aliens. No word on the fate of the men. They could be ordered sent back home after interviews with the INS. MORE ON IMMIGRATION ... Many police chiefs in Colorado say they don't want the power to make immigration-related arrests in their state. The Denver Post says a bill under consideration in the Colorado state Legislature would empower the law-enforcement officers to do just that. Some advocates of the bill, according to the paper, say the measure would help in the war on terrorism. One state legislator, Rep. Don Lee, R-Littleton, says the state should lend a hand in the fight against terrorism and work at the local level to do so. Advertisement Others, including the police chief of Glenwood Springs, Terry Wilson, tell the publication that there is enough to do right now and local police already "have enough on their plate." Some feel that the two areas of legal expertise are self-exclusive and each policing group should operate in its own sphere. PETS MAY NOT NEED YEARLY BOOSTER SHOTS Despite the fact that many pet owners religiously take their animals to the vet for yearly inoculations, at least one state health department says the practice may be a waste of money. State animal epidemiologists in Texas tell media that new research shows that most yearly vaccines for dogs and cats are not only costly but can do more harm than good. The Houston Chronicle says animal experts now say that too many shots could actually put animals at increased risk for disease. Texas is considering relaxing its rules about rabies vaccination schedules. The Chronicle says some want the yearly shots to only be required every three years. Veterinarians at Texas A&M note that more than 30 other states have recently changed their vaccination schedules.
