Forums | MacLife
You are not logged in.
#1 2005-01-07 2:07 pm
- NokX
- Member of the Month

- From: Knoxville, TN
- Registered: 2000-07-17
- Posts: 6190
Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
i thought i'd seen it all...
Link
'Fear Factor' sued for rat-eating episode
Viewer contends show caused him 'injury and great pain'
CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -- A viewer is suing NBC for $2.5 million, contending that he threw up because of a "Fear Factor" episode in which contestants ate rats mixed in a blender.
Austin Aitken told The Associated Press he watches "Fear Factor" often and had no problem with past installments where the reality show's participants ate worms and insects in pursuit of a $50,000 prize -- but eating rats went "too far."
"It's barbaric, some of the things they ask these individuals to do," Aitken said Thursday.
Aitken's handwritten lawsuit contends the rat-eating made his blood pressure rise, resulting in being dizzy and lightheaded -- and vomiting. Because he was disoriented he ran into a doorway, "causing suffering, injury and great pain."
Asked why he didn't shut off his television before the rat-eating segment, Aitken said he couldn't do it quick enough.
NBC responded with a brief statement: "We believe that the claim is completely without merit."
Aitken, a 49-year-old part-time paralegal, said he wants to send a message to NBC and other networks with the lawsuit. He said he isn't concerned with winning a cash judgment in court.
"I just put any figure. You really think I expect to get $2.5 million?" he said.
you continue to watch a show, that consistently has insanely gross stunts on it, and then sue because one finally made you throw up and you can't walk your 49-year-old butt to the bathroom properly? ha...what a joke.
on a side note...
an old friend of mine, his mom is suing the red cross (yeah...that volunteer organization that helps millions because of donations given by people) because she had bad asthma after volunteering to go up to NYC after 9/11 and help out with the red cross up there. that's pretty low, i think. she's already tried to sue the local school system for a window (that she didn't properly hold up) fell on her arm and Sears for having a chair break on her while sitting in it. this lady is a nutcase.
"Those who would give us a 'living' Constitution are actually giving us a dead Constitution, since such a thing is completely unable to protect us against the encroachments of government power." Kevin Gutzman
Offline
#3 2005-01-07 3:03 pm
- [Tycho?]
- As Elusive As Doubt

- From: May the best sentience win
- Registered: 2000-06-19
- Posts: 3146
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Good god thats stupid. Sueing for throwing up is bad enough, but for watching a TV show that is notoriously disgusting? Rediculous. Sue a glass manufacterer for stepping on the shards of a glass you dropped. Sue a store for stubbing your toe while walking around. There are not serious injuries damn it.
And sueing after you volunteerd to do something is also stupid.
I could bore you with a philosophical tirade about freedom and tyranny, or try and explain to you what new horizons are suddenly open to me, but I doubt you would understand and if you did it might frighten you. That amuses me.
Offline
#4 2005-01-07 3:15 pm
- Jaligard
- Sarcasm is just one service I offer.

- Registered: 2001-02-03
- Posts: 5198
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Your friends mom probably has a better case against the Environmental Protection Agency, which declared that the air was safe to breathe even though they knew it to be unsafe.
As for reality television. You're watching for human misery and you get what you pay for. If this would help reality television go away, though, I'd be all for it. Since, at best, this would result in another dumbass disclaimer ("Coffee is hot."), I have to give it a thumb's down.
George Bush: "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."
George Bush: "One of the hardest parts of my job is to try to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
Offline
#5 2005-01-07 3:31 pm
- JakeTheTall
- Cargo Cultist

- From: In Permanent Opposition
- Registered: 2003-03-13
- Posts: 7889
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
...handwritten lawsuit...
Go CNN...must be a slow news day.
Luckily, the legal system has a few means to have the judge decide quickly if this should continue.
And yes...why do you care, exactly?
“I don’t see (subprime mortgage market troubles) imposing a serious problem. I think it’s going to be largely contained” -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, April 2007
Offline
#6 2005-01-07 3:42 pm
- midgetcop
- java smurf

- From: Hogtown
- Registered: 2004-05-25
- Posts: 1606
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
smurf. People have too much smurfing time on their hands. You should know what you're getting into if you're watching an episode of Fear Factor. And if it's SO SHOCKING that you can't get to the TV and change the channel, then you're pretty goddamn pathetic.
And if this is not a lame attempt at money, then what exactly is it? If it's a message, then it's a prety useless one. It's pretty simple: if you don't like it, change the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Fear Factor isn't violating any FCC regulations.
When life demands more of people than they demand of life - as is ordinarily the case - what results is a resentment of life almost as deep-seated as the fear of death
- Tom Robbins
Offline
#7 2005-01-07 4:08 pm
- Troutski
- Dutuwende

- From: Dry Rot, Texas
- Registered: 2001-03-28
- Posts: 3545
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
[whisper]Another lame frivilous thread about lame frivilous lawsuits.[/whisper]
Offline
#8 2005-01-07 4:19 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
booboo. People have too much washing time on their hands. You should know what you're getting into if you're watching an episode of Fear Factor. And if it's SO SHOCKING that you can't get to the TV and change the channel, then you're pretty goddamn pathetic.
And if this is not a lame attempt at money, then what exactly is it? If it's a message, then it's a prety useless one. It's pretty simple: if you don't like it, change the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Fear Factor isn't violating any FCC regulations.
More pathetic are those who obsess over these lawsuits. Suit is obviously bogus, so who cares.
The Forum Troll Sees Own Stupidity and Raises
Offline
#9 2005-01-07 4:40 pm
- midgetcop
- java smurf

- From: Hogtown
- Registered: 2004-05-25
- Posts: 1606
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
booboo. People have too much washing time on their hands. You should know what you're getting into if you're watching an episode of Fear Factor. And if it's SO SHOCKING that you can't get to the TV and change the channel, then you're pretty goddamn pathetic.
And if this is not a lame attempt at money, then what exactly is it? If it's a message, then it's a prety useless one. It's pretty simple: if you don't like it, change the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Fear Factor isn't violating any FCC regulations.More pathetic are those who obsess over these lawsuits. Suit is obviously bogus, so who cares.
I agree, but I don't necessarily think that a thread and the ensuing comments would be considered "obsessing".
I mean, like any other topic on these boards, can we not discuss anything?
When life demands more of people than they demand of life - as is ordinarily the case - what results is a resentment of life almost as deep-seated as the fear of death
- Tom Robbins
Offline
#10 2005-01-07 4:44 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
I think people get pissed off about these suits because they tie up the already over-burdened judicial system to hear them. It delays legimitmate suits, not to mention wastes taxpayer money.
Perhaps we need a "loser pays" system to help prevent these types of cases.
It is an odd thing, but every one who disappears is said to be seen at San Francisco. It must be a delightful city, and possess all the attractions of the next world.
- Oscar Wilde
Offline
#11 2005-01-07 4:47 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
booboo. People have too much washing time on their hands. You should know what you're getting into if you're watching an episode of Fear Factor. And if it's SO SHOCKING that you can't get to the TV and change the channel, then you're pretty goddamn pathetic.
And if this is not a lame attempt at money, then what exactly is it? If it's a message, then it's a prety useless one. It's pretty simple: if you don't like it, change the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Fear Factor isn't violating any FCC regulations.More pathetic are those who obsess over these lawsuits. Suit is obviously bogus, so who cares.
I agree, but I don't necessarily think that a thread and the ensuing comments would be considered "obsessing".
I mean, like any other topic on these boards, can we not discuss anything?
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.
The Forum Troll Sees Own Stupidity and Raises
Offline
#12 2005-01-07 4:56 pm
- Freezer mac
- iPod scroll wheel

- From: next to a big cold lake.
- Registered: 2001-01-06
- Posts: 7367
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Your friends mom probably has a better case against the Environmental Protection Agency, which declared that the air was safe to breathe even though they knew it to be unsafe.
As for reality television. You're watching for human misery and you get what you pay for. If this would help reality television go away, though, I'd be all for it. Since, at best, this would result in another dumbass disclaimer ("Coffee is hot."), I have to give it a thumb's down.
hmm the coffee i like is cold
a better disclaimer would read : "Hot Coffee is Hot"... because "when in doubt, it is best to assume that everyone is an idiot."
Offline
#13 2005-01-07 5:11 pm
- midgetcop
- java smurf

- From: Hogtown
- Registered: 2004-05-25
- Posts: 1606
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.
True, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore his posts/topics out of partisanship.
When life demands more of people than they demand of life - as is ordinarily the case - what results is a resentment of life almost as deep-seated as the fear of death
- Tom Robbins
Offline
#14 2005-01-07 6:30 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
booboo. People have too much washing time on their hands. You should know what you're getting into if you're watching an episode of Fear Factor. And if it's SO SHOCKING that you can't get to the TV and change the channel, then you're pretty goddamn pathetic.
And if this is not a lame attempt at money, then what exactly is it? If it's a message, then it's a prety useless one. It's pretty simple: if you don't like it, change the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Fear Factor isn't violating any FCC regulations.More pathetic are those who obsess over these lawsuits. Suit is obviously bogus, so who cares.
I agree, but I don't necessarily think that a thread and the ensuing comments would be considered "obsessing".
I mean, like any other topic on these boards, can we not discuss anything?Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.
Deal with it.
A Little C4 Knocking at Your Door
Offline
#15 2005-01-07 7:36 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.True, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore his posts/topics out of partisanship.
It ain't the partisanship, its the stupidity.
The Forum Troll Sees Own Stupidity and Raises
Offline
#16 2005-01-07 7:52 pm
- midgetcop
- java smurf

- From: Hogtown
- Registered: 2004-05-25
- Posts: 1606
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.True, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore his posts/topics out of partisanship.
It ain't the partisanship, its the stupidity.
Somehow, in this case I doubt it.
I think that you're too afraid to agree with his POV. So instead you would rather call this entire topic 'stupid', and worthless.
When life demands more of people than they demand of life - as is ordinarily the case - what results is a resentment of life almost as deep-seated as the fear of death
- Tom Robbins
Offline
#17 2005-01-07 9:01 pm
- aki
- Member
- Registered: 2000-02-02
- Posts: 3990
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.True, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore his posts/topics out of partisanship.
It ain't the partisanship, its the stupidity.
Somehow, in this case I doubt it.
I think that you're too afraid to agree with his POV. So instead you would rather call this entire topic 'stupid', and worthless.
Go Midget!
Offline
#18 2005-01-07 9:54 pm
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Nokx, being the archetypal dumb conservative, does have a habit of obsessing over them.True, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore his posts/topics out of partisanship.
It ain't the partisanship, its the stupidity.
Somehow, in this case I doubt it.
I think that you're too afraid to agree with his POV. So instead you would rather call this entire topic 'stupid', and worthless.
His POV? I think there are possibly some needed reforms to address some abuses. I think the scale of the abuses is greatly magnified. This case will obviously get thrown out. Unless you only want to limit his POV to "what a joke" which I'll agree with, but in that case, its not a topic for minithink, its unplugged.
The Forum Troll Sees Own Stupidity and Raises
Offline
#20 2005-01-07 10:17 pm
- Jaligard
- Sarcasm is just one service I offer.

- Registered: 2001-02-03
- Posts: 5198
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Isn't there already legislation for this stuff?
George Bush: "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."
George Bush: "One of the hardest parts of my job is to try to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
Offline
#21 2005-01-07 11:05 pm
- ShnickyShnack
- Commander of Insurgent Cell "Dreamboat"

- From: Amidst a superiority complex
- Registered: 2001-05-25
- Posts: 40363
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
I'm sure the producers of "Fear Factor" are just loving this.
"Goody! Loads of free coverage!"
And I don't see how this sort of lawsuit can be stopped without altering the constitution, perhaps dangerously so (for who can be trusted to decide where the line should be drawn between a seriou and frivolous lawsuit?).
"Those of us who have looked to the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders’ equity, myself especially, are in a state of shocked disbelief." -- Alan Greenspan
Offline
#22 2005-01-08 8:00 am
- Farmerkev
- Official Dementor
- Moderator
- Registered: 2003-01-03
- Posts: 16667
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
I'm sure the producers of "Fear Factor" are just loving this.
"Goody! Loads of free coverage!"
And I don't see how this sort of lawsuit can be stopped without altering the constitution, perhaps dangerously so (for who can be trusted to decide where the line should be drawn between a seriou and frivolous lawsuit?).
Trust the same people you are forced to trust now, a panel of judges. Make the filing of crap like this a serious criminal offense with large fines and jail time. Eliminate the 'nothing to lose' aspect and people will change.
Minithink isn't a "to the death" cage match.
Offline
#23 2005-01-08 8:01 am
- Pro_
- One skull short of a mousketeer reunion

- From: my parents, thanks for asking.
- Registered: 2002-12-07
- Posts: 3866
Offline
#24 2005-01-08 8:58 am
- KingFred
- is enjoying his status as
- Royal Wombat

- Registered: 2002-05-09
- Posts: 7541
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
well, what the smurf would you expect from eating that?
The guy suing didn't eat nuthin, he only watched it on the teevee.
Besides, I hear it tastes like chicken.
Exploring the intertubes
Offline
#25 2005-01-08 9:12 am
- Ribtorus
- Member

- Registered: 2002-07-11
- Posts: 13268
Re: Another Lame Frivilous Lawsuit
Do losing plaintiffs in a civil suit have to pay the total court costs?
It's not a movie.
Offline


