A pen for self-defense

Arizona -- As we all know, a number of everyday items - and things you regularly carry on your person in particular - can come in handy in a self-defense situation. The unassuming pen is definitely on that short list of things you could potentially grab for if you ever found yourself in a tight spot.

So far, so good. Only problem is that most pens really don't stand much of anything before they break. Heck, a lot of them don't even function properly purely as writing tools...

Enter the Tactical Pens and similar special designed self-defense pens. These tools are - in addition to being pens (duh) - made to withstand serious abuse without splitting, bending or breaking.

The end to all your troubles? Well of course not. Like everything else they have their advantages and disadvantages, and you will of course be at least somewhat trained in the application. And also, keeping it in your purse or briefcase - you know the usual hiding place for your pepper spray canister - won't do you any good at all.

Unruly students

Georgia -- So, you're a teacher for special needs children and you're having a couple of unruly students in your class.

Two disruptive, teenage students refuse to return to their seats - what do you do? That's simple, you just pepper spray them.

At least that ways the solution one female Bibb County teacher used recently in her classroom, according to 41nbc.com.

This really makes me wonder if she was only having a permanent brain meltdown or simply had lost it temporarily.

At least it goes to show that a lot of teachers unfortunately don't have the skills or training needed to control potential violent conflicts and other similar problems at school.

Lame excuses #10

Australia -- A 18-year-old amateur boxer from Samoa reportedly tried to convince authorities he acted in "self-defense" when he savagely beat a 41-year-old blind man and knocked down his carer, before robbing the 30-year-old carer while he lay unconscious.

The victims had rushed to the aid a distressed woman in a Brisbane inner-city public toilet block on July 28, 2009, according to couriermail.com.au.

I guess his mother must be really proud of this good-for-nothing P.O.S...

Paramedics safety

South Africa -- Female paramedics in Durban Deep and Johannesburg are scared for their own safety - and it appears more than rightfully so after reading this news article by timeslive.co.za.

The work force has been promised the female paramedics self-defense training for more than a year and some has gone through that. But do they send the ones being out there doing the job...? Oh no - these knuckleheads send the managers. Yeah, you read that right. Smart move... Not.

One female paramedic said the panic buttons that the paramedics carry have never been used because they do not work. Her shift commander said the batteries are flat. Brilliant excuse, playing with people lives like that...