Blended Learning - El 'Teacher's Brief'

World-renowned Department Store mogul Harold P. Warbuckle was arrested yesterday in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas on suspicion of illegally hunting bears on the property surrounding his 50-acre ranch and estate. Warbuckle, president and CEO of an international department store chain, has always been known for his passion for hunting and guns. The retail magnate was detained and jailed early yesterday morning after park ranger Ernest Marshall discovered a shotgun shell lodged in the hindquarters of a bear cub near Warbuckle's ranch. Marshall was doing his daily sweep of Amarillo's natural wildlife preserve, which borders Warbuckle's ranch on three sides. Warbuckle was released after posting the quarter million dollar bail assessed by judge Wanda Killjoy. He refused to comment on his case after leaving the courthouse early this morning accompanied by his team of lawyers and his loyal hound dog 'Hooch'.

This case is of interest not only to animal rights activists and bear lovers, but also to financial analysts and investors. The backlash from Warbuckle's arrest could have financial implications not only for Warbuckle's Department Stores, but for his business partners as well. Warbuckle has significant retail contracts with many large businesses, notably with the San Francisco-based cosmetic manufacturer the Delavigne Corporation.

The Texas Mountain bear is on the endangered species list, with fewer than 100 bears in the wild today. The bear shot by Warbuckle, affectionately known as 'Cinnamon' by the veterinarians supervising its recovery, is in stable condition at the Amarillo Valley Bear Clinic.