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In response to the escalating rage over the death of St. Charles teen Megan Meier, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen today introduced legislation that would make “cyber-harassment” a crime.

If approved, the Board Bill 404, sponsored by Board of Aldermen president Lewis Reed and Alderwoman April Ford-Griffin, would prohibit “harassment by means or use of the Internet or other electronic communications.” The offense would carry a fine of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.

St. Louis is not the first Missouri city to respond to the controversy with legislation in recent weeks. Florissant and Dardenne Prairie (where Meier lived), passed similar ordinances last week, and the neighboring city of St. Charles is reportedly considering a law that would carry a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

“It is my hope that we can avoid future situations like those that have affected surrounding communities,” Ford-Griffin said.

The text of the bill is not yet available on the city’s online database but a press release covering the topic included an overview that describes the Alderman’s broadly encompassing definition of “cyber-harassment.”

The document states: “Cyber-harassment consists of…an individual [that] intends to harass, alarm, annoy, abuse, threaten, intimidate, torment or embarrass any other person by means of the transmission of electronic communication.”

Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri, says his organization is concerned that rash legislation will have unintended consequences.

“Our concern is that people are being too hasty in responding to a specific situation, and not being careful in narrowly drawing a statute,” he says. “The danger is, if the law is struck down as being overly broad it is completely struck down so it wouldn’t even protect the people they’re trying to protect. Really they should be careful and diligent rather try and ramrod something through.”

According to Rory Roundtree, an assistant to Reed, says the proposed legislation still has to clear the committee process and the earliest it could become an ordinance is the end of January.

-Keegan Hamilton

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Snoop seduces us with the keytar on A to Z.

Shop 'n Save gas? Surely, you jest.

Marriage-101 tackles her beef with blogrolls.

We love all things trashy.

THERE
Even those on a bender can get into the holiday spirit. (Via Unique Daily)

Could this Swarovski-encrusted pot top the Spaloo? (Or this? Or this?)

Oh man, there's been some inflation since last century. (Via Rocketboom)

Will ingesting hair be the next fad diet? (Via Neatorama)

A napkin notepad will not only absorb your thoughts but also a small spill.

EVERYWHERE
Woman persecuted in Sudan for allowing students to name a teddy bear.

You've probably gawked at The Smoking Gun's smorgasbord of Tony La Russa drunk-driving video footage by now.

No? Well, go here, if you must.

This is what Florida's very liberal public-records law can do for you. (Hey, strong Sunshine laws are a very, very good thing in a free society, but that doesn't mean you have to look. Though Unreal -- a proud punster in our own right -- has to tip our linguistic cap to TSG on this one: "Bottom of the Fifth" is brilliant!)

What really whomps Unreal upside the melon is the pathetically abortive, virtually unwatchable Associated Press product the website of our hometown Lee Enterprises fishwrap, stltoday.com, is offering up on its homepage.

The AP video is 28 seconds long.

The Smoking Gun, meanwhile, has divided the footage up into six segments, of 41 seconds, 1 minute 45 seconds, 44 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute 5 seconds, and 1 minute 27 seconds -- a total of 5 minutes 12 seconds, if Unreal's dicey math skillz can be trusted.

If you're gonna show the shit, show the damn shit.

[Update November 30 3:00 p.m.]: We're told the Post only made do with the AP video until they could acquire DVDs from Florida officials. The stltoday video can be found here.

-Unreal

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
It looks like someone needed to attend that hip-hop journalism seminar after all.

Didja catch a glimpse of this St. Louis sunrise?

We want our CSB!

Someone outs the first "vigilante" who outed the Drews. Now it's become a case not only of endless finger-pointing but unflattering photographs. (Scroll down to see!)

THERE
What color does this li'l guy turn when squished?

Finally lyrical genius Tay Zonday gets to cash in on his YouTube hit.

Please don't buy us a "draaaank."

Seven things you must never do when in Shanghai.

EVERYWHERE
A pregnant woman is Tased.

Keegan Hamilton makes a stop on Waterford Crystal Drive in Dardenne Prairie, where lives were forever altered by cyberspace.

There's a big stink in Crystal City over plans for an iron-ore smelter. Join Chad Garrison, and take a whiff.

In the stirring documentary Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten, punk lives on -- at least onscreen.

In addition to a review of the Clash doc, film director Julien Temple speaks with Annie Zaleski about his relationship with Strummer.

Unreal can't get enough of the St. Louis Browns, handcrafted nativity scenes and the ever-popular Town Talk backtalk.

Ian Froeb hits a new Webster Groves wine bar while Kristie McClanahan avoids the sauce with Yogi DeTox Tea.

Although its band members might get funky sometimes, Riddle of Steel's rock remains strong on its latest album 1985.

Annie Zaleski examines how the stars aligned perfectly for the rock & roll threesome of Victoria to unite.

In B-Sides, Roy Kasten gains religious insights from singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked.

Although Dennis Brown was pleasantly surprised by Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold, the same couldn't be said for the second helping.

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Hip-hop journalism revealed. Thanks, Pub Def!

What packed a Preservation Board meeting on Monday?

So many things can be uncovered by one simple Google search.

Check out this not-so-empty nest on Washington Avenue.

THERE
Mad scientists have created an alleged cancer-repellent supermouse.

What bizarre sightings have you made on Google Earth?

OK, just because one illegal alien did a good deed doesn't mean they're all awesome.

Another day, another dude getting Tased.

EVERYWHERE
Police on the Laci Stacy Peterson case are on the lookout for a barrel.

Anyone who has ever filed a Sunshine request for public records in the state of Missouri will attest that the process isn’t exactly user friendly. Want a police report in which a suspect was arrested but not charged? Not a chance. Need records detailing which establishments in the city have had the police called most frequently? That will be $5 per page, and you’ll have to wait a minimum of three to five days.

With such hassles commonplace, it comes as little surprise that Missouri was recently given a failing grade in a nationwide study of freedom-of-information compliance. The assessment came from watchdog groups the Better Government Association and the National Freedom of Information Coalition, the latter a nonprofit based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

States were awarded points based on five categories: response time, appeals, expedited review, sanctions and fees. Missouri scored 6.5 out of a possible 16 points, bad enough to tie for twelfth-worst overall. For a complete breakdown of the study’s criteria, click here.

Virtually all of Missouri’s points came from the response time category, in which the state earned all four possible points. On the other hand, the state’s review process got a zero.

The Show Me State was hardly alone in its ineptitude, 38 states were given failing grades and none was awarded an A. Nebraska and New Jersey were the two highest-scoring states, earning 14 points each, good enough for a B. Alabama and South Dakota were the worst overall, each laying goose eggs across the board.

“Take a look at the numbers for your state, and then for other states, and you'll come to one inescapable conclusion: state FOI laws are in desperate need of reform,” NFOIC director Charles Davis wrote in analyzing the results. “From the moment a citizen walks into the state agency to make a records request to the final denial of access by a state court, each step in the process is, in most states, a stacked deck in favor of governmental secrecy. The BGA report might simply confirm what you already knew about FOI in your state, but it should serve as a catalyst for change.”

If you’d like to see some improvement in the way our state handles Sunshine requests, try sending an e-mail to Governor Matt Blunt.

Just hope he doesn’t delete it.

-Keegan Hamilton

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Ian brings a new book to the table and tells us all about it.

Find out what artists should have been featured on Brit Box.

Thou shalt love thy neighbor even more with cohousing.

What does The Beautiful Kind do when she gets stood up by her MySpace friends?

Dear Boss, please excuse us from the office for the next six months or so.

THERE
The most innovative homeless person -- ever.

There's no mistake: Your moral compass has guided you to this quiz. (Via Neatorama)

A step-by-step analysis of how the Kindle's design should make book sluts feel violated. (Via Core77)

Why does Al Gore have so much to say about Viagra?

Guitars have been destroyed in many ways throughout time, but never blended. Until now.

EVERYWHERE
Steve Fossett's wife wants him declared dead.

From: kvocelle@zimmerman.com
Subject: Southern Gentleman
Date: November 26, 2007 4:37:50 PM CST

Hope all is well and that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We have a terrific program currently taking place at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation -- located 75 miles east of Atlanta in Greensboro, Ga. The Southern Gentlemen package is the ultimate in men's getaways. Sophisticated gentlemen enjoy all the luxuries of staying at a Ritz-Carlton while getting to indulge in all the essentials that make the perfect weekend with the boys -- golf, guns and cognac.

Please see the release below that highlights the Southern Gentlemen program. Let us know if you need any additional information or high-resolution images.

Best wishes,
Kristen

kristen vocelle
the/zimmerman/agency
850.668.2222
kvocelle@zimmerman.com

Contact: Kristen Vocelle/Melanie Vigliotti
The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222
Email: kvocelle@zimmerman.com

SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN PLAY (AND PUTT) AT THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE, REYNOLDS PLANTATION

From shooting skeet against the red clay hills of Georgia to taking aim at 18 holes of golf designed by one of the greatest architects of the game, refined chaps revel in a men only escape at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. Located on Lake Oconee, 75 miles east of Atlanta, the Southern Gentlemen is a three-night package, starting at $719* per evening, now - March 18, 2008

"Southern Gentlemen" Package
Four Days/Three Nights
Based on Double Occupancy
Starting at $719* per evening, now through March 18, 2008

. Lake View Accommodations
. Bass fishing on Lake Oconee for two
. One round of skeet shooting at The Gun Club per person
. Cigars & cognac at The Lodge Campfire
. 18 holes of golf at The Oconee Course per person
. Steak dinner at Linger Longer for two

With rolling terrain as a backdrop at The Gun Club, expert marksmen and first-time novices take aim at Olympic and American-style skeet. Adventures continue on Lake Oconee, where bass boats graze the surface at 75 miles per hour. With more fish-per-square-acre than any lake in Georgia, Lake Oconee offers anglers a chance to fight large mouth bass, bream, catfish, crappie and striped bass hybrids.

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Once again, tears are shed over the loss of Gaslight Square.

Over at B.E.L.T., Toby Weiss has a good laugh over the triangle/acid-wash denim look in Fenton.

And we have a NaNoWriMo winner!

One of the finer Internet sites, Strange Maps, has this awesome map of the Mississippi River's history.

THERE
Is there a conspiracy afoot?

Don't wait for fame and fortune to come knocking: Get your sexy mug on a magazine cover today! (Via Neatorama)

Maybe we wrote off LOLcats too soon?

Only click here if you want to feel all depressed the rest of this gray Monday.

EVERYWHERE
Does Smokey Bear need to take up permanent residence in southern California?

Not totally satisfied with your weekend itinerary? Never fear, Go! is here! This regular feature highlights everything from rock shows to art openings, from delicious dishes to hidden-gem hangouts.

Friday, 11/23

Mat Time: In the aftermath of yesterday's gluttonous affair, Southtown Yoga (3719 South Kingshighway; 314-353-1004) offers a bonus class today to give thanks to the body. This two-hour, $15 class centering on aiding digestion and the release of toxins will have you feeling one step closer to fully mended by 1 p.m.

How Big's Your Stocking?: Sidestep the flailing sale shoppers by scooting to Clarksville, Missouri, for Stuff Your Stock'n -- a weekend chock-full of artists, wine, music and tinsel-coated trees. Through Sunday, experience small-town fun every day, Friday, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Red Hot: Surely you've recovered from Wednesday's binge drinking and Thursday's face-stuffing by 4 p.m. That's when newly appointed see-and-be-seen destination, Red Restaurant and Lounge (1130 Washington Avenue; 314-588-7864), kicks off its weekday happy hour. With $2 domestic beers, $3 bottle imports and drafts and select cocktails on the cheap, you'll be set until 7 p.m.

Saturday, 11/24

Shell-shocked: Drop by Mad Art (2727 South 12th Street; 314-771-8230) for a variety show that promises to be
not just another ubiquitous burlesque act. Yes, an adults-only "Country Christmas" hosted by The Bombshell Betties might get Santa on the naughty list. Hit up holiday-spirit wrangler Paul Friswold.

Game on: Whether you're rooting for KU or MU, hustle to The Church Key (4127 Manchester Avenue; 314-601-3828), voted Best New Bar this year, to watch the much-anticipated battle on a 14-foot projector. Game time is at 7 p.m. and drink specials include $2 domestic bottles from 6 to 9 and $2 PBR all night long.

Rock & Roll: While football players rush and tackle, another rough-and-tough match will be under way -- The Arch Rival Rollergirls Championship. These badasses on wheels, featured last year in the RFT, face off at 7:30 p.m. at All American Sports Mall (11133 Lindbergh Business Court; 314-487-4625). Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Sunday, 11/25

Laces Out: Still on a sports high? More grunting and punting is on the schedule when the glorious Rams -- coming off a two-game winning streak, mind you -- take on the Seattle Seahawks at noon inside the Edward Jones Dome (701 Convention Plaza; 314-342-5201). Get tickets, priced $35 to $100, from Ticketmaster.

Fir Lovers: Although the iconic Christmas tree has been the center of controversy in recent years, that won't stop pine enthusiasts from flocking to Celebration of Trees at the St. Charles Convention Center (1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles; 636-669-3000) from noon to 4 p.m. Want to know more? Check out Alison Sieloff's write-up here.

And get your weekend music roundup on A to Z!

-Jeanette Kozlowski

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Another sports quiz -- but this time it's local.

Pointless poetry for all you Scrooges.

So, does a Kirkwood McMansion come with fries?

Now that's dedication!

THERE
Facebook pulls down its banner-ad standards.

RSVP: You're invited to the pug party! (Via Cute Overload)

How much is it gonna take to get you home?

Concoct something tasty from Turkey Day leftovers.

Have a teeny-weeny spot o' tea.

It's what you crave.

EVERYWHERE
Black Friday: long lines, low inventory and possibility of being crushed to death by fellow suburbanites (holiday cheer not included).

Your daily guide to what they're whispering about in the next cubicle.

HERE
Gut Check and A to Z go on a four-day holiday hiatus.

Today there are too many thankful local bloggers to count.

Benny recalls a past biggest bar night of the year.

THERE
This is so not what the world needs: pink Tasers for the ladies! (Via Neatorama)

Hung over? Gather more ingredients, and keep up with the holiday drinking spirit.

The cutest and cleanest restroom bug.

Got a hundred million burning a hole in your pocket? Think twice.

Buyers be wary: Some Black Friday steals might just be marked-down junk.

EVERYWHERE
Happy Thanksgiving! Save a spot at the table for uninvited guests.

Aimee Levitt marvels at the life of local comic-book artists.

The Tase craze: What's the story behind the incident at Wash. U.'s Gargoyle club?

Does Cate Blanchett play a convincing Bob Dylan in the biopic I'm Not There?

Modern English rock collection Brit Box mixes a lot of brilliant with a little blah.

Unreal's not one to push our beliefs -- though this week we can't help ourself.

Call off the funeral: Punk's still very much alive with rockers Against Me!

Is The In?'s An American Cocktail barroom bound?

Mustard Seed Theatre's Remnant even gets Paul Friswold in the holiday spirit.

At HotCity Theatre, Thomas Gibbons' Permanent Collection leaves theatergoers much to ruminate on.

And Ian has the stories to sink your teeth into right here.

After failing to make the cut for the St. Louis Walk of Fame, Mickey Carroll was on hand yesterday in Los Angeles to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 88-year-old Carroll, along with six surviving Munchkins from the 1939 film classic The Wizard of Oz, accepted the award on behalf of all the midget actors who starred in the movie.

This summer Carroll and his caretaker, Linda Dodge, organized a campaign to earn the Bel-Nor resident similar recognition in his hometown of St. Louis. The effort failed last month when St. Louis Walk of Fame founder and owner of Blueberry Hill, Joe Edwards, announced that the 120-person selection committee did not give Carroll enough votes to earn a star on the sidewalks of the Delmar Loop.

Yesterday in Los Angeles, Carroll told ABC News: “We finally deserved one. After 70 years, the best picture ever made, the whole world saw this movie, and now we got our star.”

Omitted from that interview -- I presume -- was this quote from Carroll: “And Joe Edwards can now officially kiss my tiny ol’ wrinkled ass!”

-Chad Garrison