A judge in New York has recently sided with the parents of a thirty-year-old man and ordered him to move out of the family's home.

According to news reports, Christina and Mark Rotondo asked their son Michael on five different occasions to move out of their home, each time giving him several weeks to vacate. One such notice read, "After a discussion with your Mother, we have decided you must leave this house immediately. You have 14 days to vacate. You will not be allowed to return. We will take whatever actions are necessary to enforce this decision."

The written notices, which even included offers of cash and help finding a new home, were ignored. Frustrated, the Rotondos filed for an ejectment proceeding. Michael countered with a request for the court to dismiss the case, claiming that for the past eight years he "has never been expected to contribute to household expenses, or assisted with chores and the maintenance of the premises, and claims that this is simply a component of his living agreement."

Michael further contends New York case law requires a six-month notice to quit before a tenant can be removed through ejection action. New York State Supreme Court Judge Donald Greenwood disagreed, granting the order for eviction and noting, "I think the notice is sufficient."

"I'm getting together the means to [leave]," Michael said. "With my parents, they want me out right away, and they're not really interested in providing reasonable time, and the court is siding with them, as it seems."

After the court hearing, Rotondo told reporters he plans to appeal the case and finds the ruling "ridiculous." He said he expects to be able to leave within three months, which "ironically" would be six months from the first notice in February.

—Source: CNN.com

The makers of a banana costume are suing a former distributor, claiming the company is stealing its banana design.

Rasta Imposta, a New Jersey Halloween costume company, is suing Kangaroo Manufacturing Inc. of Arizona after Kangaroo started selling a costume of similar color and design to Rasta's banana costume.

According to news reports, U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman agreed, observing similarities in the "soft, smooth, almost shiny look and feel" and the "golden yellow and uniform color that appears distinct from the more muted inconsistent tones of a natural banana." In his 35 page opinion, Judge Hillman went on to note that bananas can "appear ripe, overripe, or unripe, ranging in color from yellow, to brown, to green. The shape can be long or more stout, relatively elongated or thin or more plump. The banana may be whole or partially peeled."

Kangaroo maintains that "[t]here is nothing original about making a banana yellow or the ends...black, as this is exactly how a ripe banana appears in nature."

—Source: nj1015.com

A Virginia man is suing the Fairfax County Police Department and a lifeguard for saving his life after they pulled him out of the water.

According to news reports, Mateusz Fijalkowski allegedly suffered a bipolar episode and tried to drown himself in a pool. Fijalkowski, who was underwater for more than two minutes before a lifeguard jumped in to save him, claims eight police officers stood by and watched. The officers claim to have acted appropriately to save Fijalkowski and protect themselves and the lifeguard from a disturbed person.

Fijalkowski, who has since been diagnosed with bipolar disease, is seeking more than $100,000 for medical bills and says he had never suffered any mental health episodes before the near drowning.

—Source: washingtontimes.com

Former Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino and the University of Louisville Athletic Association (ULAA) are locked in a lawsuit over what constitutes "inappropriate behavior."

Pitino is suing ULAA for breach of contract, claiming his suspension lacked proper notice and that he was not fired for “just cause,” thus entitling him under his contract to roughly $4.3 million per year through 2026. ULAA attorneys have filed a motion for summary judgment requesting dismissal of the lawsuit. Pitino’s attorneys counter, claiming the motion should be denied because the school has not yet proven Pitino violated a “major” NCAA rule.

According to NCAA bylaws, head coaches are responsible for assistant coaches and administrators who report to them. Pitino claims he was unaware of the escort scandal involving former assistant coach Andre McGee and allegations of sex parties for recruits and players. ULAA’s attorneys argue Pitino’s knowledge of McGee’s actions is “irrelevant” under the rules.

"Pitino cannot go back in time," the motion said. "The addition of the presumed responsibility language was an effort by the NCAA to avoid exactly the argument Pitino is making in this case. Pitino’s defense of 'I didn’t know' is no longer valid. Pitino was responsible for the actions of his staff members, whether he knew about them or not.

"Pitino sued ULAA for nearly $40 million while it continues to try to recover from the harm Pitino caused by the multiple highly publicized scandals that occurred on his watch. Yet, Pitino attempts to portray himself as the 'victim' because ULAA detailed Pitino’s long history of scandals in its motion for summary judgment."

ULAA has announced it intends to vigorously defend itself against Pitino’s frivolous claims.

—Source: courier-journal.com