Dentist under investigation for using paper clips in root canals

FALL RIVER, Massachusetts: A former dentist is accused of using paper clips during root canals and billing Medicaid for the stainless steel posts that should have been used for the procedure. The attorney general indicted Michael Clair two weeks ago. The charges against Clair included assault and battery, false claim submissions to Medicaid, illegal drug prescription and larceny. According to MSNBC, Clair was investigated by Medicaid for fraud in 2002 when he allegedly hired other dentists and filed claims under their numbers. He has also been accused of illegally prescribing drugs to his staff.

Library book returned after 45 years

LONDON, Great Britain: A first edition of the paperback Quatermass and the Pit by Nigel Kneale was returned to Dinnington library after it had been absent for 45 years. The identity of the borrower is still unknown. The book arrived as an unmarked package in the mail. Its checkout date was Sept. 24, 1965. Staff believe the book originated from the former Dinnington library, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, which closed in 2000. Reuters reported a library assistant initially assumed it was a regular return until she started examining the book and realized its age.

Indians provide list of proper manners

NEW DELHI, India: In anticipation of hosting the Commonwealth Games this fall, New Delhi tourism has put together a list of dos and don’ts for its citizens. The actions enumerated are “don’t spit,” “don’t urinate in public,” “don’t litter,” “keep public transport safe” and “keep houses and shops clean.” The tourism board plans on advertising good manners through billboards, websites, pamphlets and various other audio-visual means. According to Reuters, the board does have concerns about starting the campaign too early, lest it lose momentum. The games will occur Oct. 3-14, 2010. The New Delhi administration wants to present itself as a truly global city and hopes tourists will identify it as sophisticated.

Railway posts false explosion on website

PARIS, France: The French railway operator SNCF accidentally posted a statement on its website saying over 100 people had died in a train explosion. SNCF was conducting a training exercise and a staff member accidentally posted the mock scenario on the Internet. The supposed catastrophe took place in Macon, in the Burgundy region. BBC News reported the message stated a high-speed TGV train on the Paris to Dijon line had exploded and 102 people were confirmed dead, with 380 people injured. SNCF became aware of the posting when journalists started inundating customer service operators’ telephone lines inquiring about the accident. The railway then released another statement explaining the misunderstanding.

Car sex leads to death

MOSCOW, Russia: A Russian couple died after having sex in their car. Moscow police said the couple went to have sex in their Volkswagen which was parked in a small enclosed garage, where they likely turned on the engine to stay warm and inhaled exhaust fumes, reported the Edinburgh News. They likely died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most Russians keep their cars in small iron garages, where an enclosed, running car could be lethal.

Published in Volume 64, Number 24 of The Uniter (March 25, 2010)