DOUCHE OF THE DAY: Not-Guilty Plea Entered for Mass Shooting Suspect James Holmes

A judge on Tuesday entered a standard plea of not guilty for James Holmes, the man suspected in a mass shooting at aColorado movie theater, after he and his attorneys said they were not ready to enter a plea. In court documents, Holmes’ attorneys had suggested that they might enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity for the shooting rampage at the theater that left 12 people dead and 58 injured on July 20, 2012. Holmes’ sanity was expected to be a major issue at Tuesday’s arraignment; his attorneys still may enter an insanity plea but it would be subject to the judge’s approval. Prosecutors say they will make a decision on whether it not to seek the death penalty against the 25-year-old Holmes at a hearing April 1. [KTLA]

NYC Cop convicted for cannibal plot

New York police officer Gilberto Valle conspired to kidnap women, who prosecutors argued he planned to rape, torture, cook and eat, a federal jury decided Tuesday. Valle's lawyers argued the former police officer's e-mails and online postings were just "fantasy role-play" and"dark improv theater," but prosecutors said he was "deadly serious." Valle faces life in prison for the kidnap conspiracy conviction. He was also found guilty of illegally accessing a federal law enforcement database. The database, which Valle was trained to use and had access to as a cop, helped him research potential victims, prosecutors said. No one was ever kidnapped or eaten, but the jury did see what prosecutors said were detailed plans to carry out Valle's plot. A document found on his wife's laptop was titled "Abducting and Cooking Kimberly -- A Blueprint." It included a photograph of Kimberly Sauer and personal information, including her bra size and shoe size. Sauer's testimony revealed that some of the information -- a different last name, birthplace, birth date and college education -- was inaccurate. The same document listed "materials needed," which included a gag, rope, chloroform and a tarp for the trunk. The FBI never found any of these items in Valle's possession. References to the blueprint were found in chats the FBI deemed "fantasy role-play," along with references to waterboarding and chloroform, terms frequently used in the online conversations. Valle will be sentenced at a later date by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Gardephe. FREAKY. [CNN]

South Dakota to allow armed teachers in schools

Teachers will not be forced to carry guns under the South Dakota law. The US state of South Dakota has enacted a law allowing school districts to arm teachers and other school staff. The law's backers say it will prevent mass school shootings like a December massacre in Connecticut that killed 26. Amid a push by the White House to strengthen gun laws, the bill reflects a growing divide in the US over whether more or fewer guns keep people safe. The measure does not force school districts to arm teachers and will not require teachers to carry guns. But it allows each school district to choose if staff could be armed. It takes effect in July. Several representatives of school boards, teachers and other staff spoke against the bill in legislative hearings, arguing guns would make schools more dangerous. But sponsor Representative Scott Craig said this week had heard from a number of school officials who back it. Mr Craig said rural districts do not have the money to hire full-time police officers. [BBC]

Black Smoke After 1st Votes on 2nd Day of Conclave

Black smoke poured from the chimney fixed to the roof of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday morning, indicating that the cardinals’ first two votes of the day were inconclusive.The 115 voting cardinals are taking part in the second day of the secretive conclave to elect a new pope. They will have two more opportunities to vote later Wednesday. A two-thirds majority is required to confirm a new pontiff to step into the shoes left empty by the historic resignation of Benedict XVI at the end of last month. Whoever it may be will take on the leadership of a church that has been rocked by child sex abuse scandals and corruption claims in recent years. [KTLA]

Writing guide to be published by 50 Shades of Grey author

A new book from E L James, the author of the ever popular soft-core porn novel 50 Shades of Grey, will be a how-to guide on one of life's most enduring passions: writing. Vintage Books announced Monday that James has collaborated with the publisher on "Fifty Shades of Grey: Inner Goddess (A Journal)." It combines professional advice from the million-selling author and lined pages for readers to set down their own ideas, or "inner goddess." Vintage says the journal will have a soft leather cover, "bonded." Vintage is a paperback imprint of Random House Inc. James' erotic trilogy was acquired by Vintage last year and has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide. The "Inner Goddess" journal will be published May 1. [Today]