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Buddy’s March for Survival
An African penguin is on the march of (and for) its life right now.
(African Penguin, stock image)
Buddy, an African penguin, was recently discovered stolen by two recklessly misguided students from a South African marine park. A news report from the BBC states that the two students took Buddy as a demonstration, in which the guilty party concocted their high-minded statement to promote animals being reunited back into their natural habitat.
There’s just one minor issue: How high-minded is it to potentially kill the very animal they attempted to save?
“But Buddy was born in the park, and has no idea how to survive in the wild.
Experts say the penguin could last for just two more weeks before he will starve to death.”
–BBC News Online
There’s a significant problem with protestors, which is that the macro cause may be worthy of discussion and debate, but a critical question far too often remains unanswered: “What happens the next day?” This introspective of the micro, a necessary cognitive exercise, is rarely contemplated with any degree of seriousness or consequence within the exhilarating spirit of protest. It needs to be said that protests can be a great, powerful force for good. On the other hand, protests can equally translate into a powerfully reckless and dangerous force for evil. In this situation, there’s no doubt the two students made a statement. Yes, the academic scholars made a declaration akin to animal malpractice that has the heart-wrenching probability of marching an innocent penguin (and its family) to its death.
Buddy was part of a breeding pair, and was looking after his two new chicks with mate Francis when he was stolen.
Since his disappearance, one of the chicks has died, although park officials do not know if this was related. Francis is also now unable to leave the nest, as Buddy is not there to take over from her.
–BBC News Online
Dr. Ian Malcolm famously said, “Life…finds a way.”
Let’s pray Buddy safely finds his way back to his home and family in the coming days.
Our Puzzling Future
Have you pulled the blanket down from over your head? Yes, that presidential debate last night was real and wasn’t an SNL sketch…yet.
The always entertaining and insightful author and essayist Christopher Buckley’s rationale for relieving himself the responsibility of satirizing high-stakes political circumstances was, once again, effortlessly reaffirmed during yesterday’s presidential debate. His imaginatively shrewd writing that amusingly paints the politically powerful with shades of absurdity and twinkling nonsense now needs no outside author, as the starring characters from both sides have willingly taken on his role as penman and penwoman.
Mr. Buckley can’t believe he used to make this stuff up.
On a completely alternative, and therefore happy note, the only spectacle being promoted on television more than the presidential debate is the new Dan Brown book adapted for the silver screen. Skipping the slightly underwhelming 2009 “The Lost Symbol,” Mr. Brown’s 2013 thriller “Inferno” was chosen for grand cinematic treatment. Having read “Inferno,” the excited anticipation for the movie is warranted. Get ready for a fun, thought-provoking ride! Incredibly, from the little shown in the trailer, every one of the scenes look precisely as I pictured them with my imagination from just words on a page.
A testament to the brilliant vision of both Dan Brown and Ron Howard.
Favoring suspense over information, the engrossing plot and pulse-racing sequences won’t be disclosed. The spectacular reveals and intellectual twists-and-turns deserve genuine shock and awe, coupled with unnerving curiosity and reality.
And who better to preview and hype Robert Langdon’s adventures than, well, Robert Langdon himself.
October 28th cannot arrive soon enough. As surprising as this will read, readers and audiences will learn more and feel better equipped to confront the complexities of the world (past, present and future) from a Dan Brown novel and/or film than from a modern presidential debate.
And Dan Brown’s “Inferno” deals with hell…
That’s One Way to Tailor Suits
Welcome to “Wait, What!? Wednesday.”
This a Jimmy’s Daily Planet special.
This blog already celebrates the first day of the workweek with “Happy Monday!” Then, on occasion, there’s “Throwback Thursday” and “Flashback Friday.” The inspiration behind “Wait, What!? Wednesday” wasn’t to write a paragraph with the most quotation marks, but to add a random midweek surprise. The first name that came to mind was magician extraordinaire David Blaine.
You didn’t see that coming, but he probably did.
Magic has always been difficult to fully believe because strategically-placed distractions, spacial manipulation and slight, yet masterful illusions have been revealed to the public throughout the years. Some of these tricks are for beginners at birthday parties, while a couple elaborate stunts have been given the Wizard of Oz treatment. Even so, most magic tricks cannot logically be explained by even the most perceptive eye.
This is where we cycle back to David Blaine. Arguably, Mr. Blaine’s most famous trick is levitating in mid-air right in front of people on a public street. Pure insanity. Interestingly, the video clip below features the magician embracing the laws of gravity instead of defying them.
Seeing that card trick almost made my heart skip a beat.
Where Am I?
It’s time to play the game “Where Am I?” again!
Here’s the riddle with clues sprinkled throughout:
The sun is shining, with gorgeous views,
the water glistens and sparkles, with a hue so blue
Then all of a sudden, a torrential storm will pop-up,
raining enough to fill more than one shaking cup
Detached from the daily grind it is, an envious trait,
be sure to apply sunscreen and bring along some bait
But beware of the sharks, as well as this dangerous park,
their footprints leave terrifying, scream-worthy marks
Don’t think so literally, let your imagination sway,
now take a deep breath and enjoy your playful lay by the bay!
Have your guess ready for tomorrow’s big reveal!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 