Santa Barbara Shooting <-- Link

Isla Vista Shooting <--- Link

In the spotlight of a brutal attack in Santa Barbara by a young man who felt as if he'd been rejected one too many times, the truth comes to light. Many actually never knew his first name till the attack happened. Many had never hung with him, or knew his hobbies or interests, yet in the aftermath, it is he, who is not allowed the final word. In today's world however, we look at killers with hate, disdain and often times grief, we never really look at what that killer has gone through or suffered. 

It takes a lot to become a killer, or at least someone brave enough to go on a killing spree. You risk your own life. You risk your family's lives, and whatever friends you have made, their lives as well. But once a killer is formed, they often see nothing but what they've been put through. Some simply do not have the guts to continue with their plan, but a select few do, and it's those who are so filled with hate, that become killers, or ticking time bombs.

Quote: " Elliot Rodger had announced in a manifesto and in a YouTube video that he intended to kill women for rejecting him, and the initial stages of his attack reflected the plan that he laid out: First, he killed three people at his apartment building, then tried to attack a sorority before he targeted passersby, police say."

Upon first impressions, the guy you see is rather handsome but then that all vanishes when you can literally hear the pain, anger, and hatred in his voice. At 22 no person should have that range of emotions in their voice. When he begins telling about what he's had to go through, you tend to feel pity, then horror over knowing, you're either too far away to get to him, to make him see reason, or, as was the case with most likely many of those who knew him, simply didn't know what it was he had planned on doing till it was too late.

I've always said I could feel someone's pain even if I'm not personally there and despite his tall words, this young man, was scared. How can he be scared you say? Take a good long had look into his eyes and you'll see someone simply wishing, things had gone differently, had turned out differently. While many of his friends were getting laid or living their lives, he was left behind. Often, this leads to feelings of being forgotten, thrown aside, and worse, feelings of anger and hatred begin to boil up to the surface.

People have always been taught to include everyone in your daily school activities. Be that art class, English class, gym class, or whatever other classes you may be in. Lend a hand, become a study partner,  but it's my firm belief that if you leave someone out, exclude them when they may need a helping hand most (even if they get straight A's) these are likely the people who on the inside, are too insecure to approach a girl, to ask one out, or to make themselves noticed till it's too late and they go off the deep end.

Chances are Elliot was a guy, who was insecure about himself, his self image, and how he even viewed himself in the earlier stages. But as time went by he became more self assured that he was a god, and not a guy and this is the where man kind has failed so many. 

Do I feel sorrow for what happened to those who died and were injured? Yes of course. Do I feel pity? No. Why? Because I was where he was at one point. I was excluded in school, harassed, bullied, and picked on. I was never noticed even when I succeeded at a grade or did something that made my teacher smile. If I came up with a good idea in Art class, and the teacher liked it, I was called teacher's pet or had the items I was working on destroyed to the point where I was forced to start over again. Did I feel hatred, anger and wanted to get revenge on these people? Certainly but over time I realized it just wasn't worth it. School is school, and at some point in our lives we have to grow up. Some never do, like those who destroyed my sculpture of my first dragon like horse in Art Class and others move on and become better people through life's never ending acts of change.

Would I of befriended this guy? Probably. Would I of dated him? Again, probably. Why? Because I don't see the looks or the insecurities, those are easy to get over once you have someone there whose by your side no matter what. Do I feel sorrow at what his family now has to deal with? Yes. They've not only lost a son, nephew, grandson, or brother, but they've lost a family member who they most likely had high hopes for.

22 years old is simply too young an age to die at.

It's also an age too young to feel what this young man was feeling. So next time you think you have someone amongst you, who might be feeling a bit low, give them a helping hand. Show them that they matter. Even if it means stepping out of your own personal comfort zone.

The New Madrid Fault Line

New Madrid Seismeic Zone <---Link

Great Lakes Tectonic Zone <--- Link

How many of you think that quakes can only happen near a known fault line? How many agree that it's possible for them to happen even on a stable plate zone? If you think it's the latter than you'd be correct. All across the globe there are hundreds if not thousands of dormant but ancient fault zones that haven't been reawoken. There is even one under Lake Ontario in Ontario Canada, the prime source of nearly all the Seismic Activity in Ontario itself. However in the mid western USA, there is a fault zone that many either know about, and choose to ignore due to it's inactivity, or, simply do not know about at all and have no idea of the very real danger they are in. 

Quote: "he New Madrid fault system was responsible for the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes and may have the potential to produce large earthquakes in the future. Since 1812, frequent smaller earthquakes have been recorded in the area. Earthquakes that occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone potentially threaten parts of seven American states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi." 

The old saying goes, it's "It's happened before, it'll happen again, we just don't know when, or how bad it'll be." So with that in mind, these seven states have begun a race against time to reinforce structures that are most likely to be damaged or collapse: Bridges, tall, un-reinforced buildings and before earthquake reinforcements became available to them. However, this zone has shown that it can go 300 or even 500yrs with no issues, and only belch out small, unnoticed quakes for a few years before giving out the Big One. 

Quote: "Because uplift rates associated with large New Madrid earthquakes could not have occurred continuously over geological timescales without dramatically altering the local topography, studies have concluded that the seismic activity there cannot have gone on for longer than 64,000 years, making the NMSZ a young feature, or earthquakes and the associated uplift migrate around the area over time, or that the NMSZ has short periods of activity interspersed with long periods of quiet. Archeological studies have found from studies of sand blows and soil horizons that previous series of very large earthquakes have occurred in the NMSZ in recent prehistory. Based on artifacts found buried by sand blow deposits and from carbon-14 studies, previous large earthquakes like those of 1811–1812 appear to have happened around AD 1450 and around AD 900, as well as approximately AD 300. Evidence has been found for an apparent series of large earthquakes around 2350 BC. About 80 km southwest of the presently-defined NMSZ but close enough to be associated with the Reelfoot Rift, near Marianna, Arkansas, two sets of liquefaction features indicative of large earthquakes have been tentatively identified and dated to 3500 B.C. and 4800 B.C. These features were interpreted to have been caused by groups of large earthquakes timed closely together." That being said, this shows that the area goes long periods of quiet before going boom and then it seems to almost always produce an 8.0 quake. 

So with even that being said, this zone would more than likely be even more active than even the San Andres Fault just outside of California, making this area, even more dangerous. The real question that people now have to answer is: Are we ready? And sadly, in hindsight of what happened during Hurricane Katrina, many scientists don't believe we are. It took First Responders and FEMA nearly several days before they could get into the crippled City of New Orleans. None had suspected that the Hurricane would of broken the Levis down and no one ever guessed it'd be as bad as it was (however this is coming from people who believe in the phrase "Never say never"). After that, scientists now believe, that if a New Madrid Quake were to happen today, the seven affected states and their respective cities, simply would not be ready to cope with a 3 month long period of seismic unrest. 

Keep in mind, the early quake was felt as far away as New York City and there are even records of it showing up in Ontario. That's a pretty far stretched out area for a quake, however, if it's happened once, it'll happen again. Ontario itself sees about a dozen small tremors and quakes each month due to the Great Lakes Tectonic Zone, however, Ontario has never seen an 8.0 quake that I know of or have read about, most have been small, only big enough for people with more sensitive senses to feel and often times, they have over exaggerated that fact, however if a New Madrid quake were to happen, everyone would feel it and there would be no denying what we had just felt.

So in the future, when you scoff and say "it can't happen to me." Remember. Never say never.

California Chrome: Does he have what it takes to be a Triple Crown Winner?

California Chrome <-- link

The Unlikely Story of California Chrome <-- link

Despite what many people may think, Chrome may not have the best pedigree in the world (his mother was bought for a stunning $8000!) or the ideal stable name (Dumb Ass Partners featuring a donkey on their silks), but he does have one thing going for him; Determination. This stunning, Chestnut colt with the four white stockings, once believed to be a bad omen in the horse world, has proved everyone wrong, and surprised quite a few. When this colt first one the Kentucky Derby, then the Preakness (May 17), people began to ask the multimillion dollar question; Does he have what it takes to be a Triple Crown Winner?

Considering he won the Kentucky Derby by 13/4lengths, people began to take notice, but when he won yesterday's Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the run for the Crown, they began to ponder; Can he do it?

Personally speaking, I have watched the video for the Derby and needless to say, I think we have another Secretariat on our hands because he won the Derby in the same fashion. Coming from behind and then roaring to the head of the field only to win with room to spare. And he did the same with yesterday's run. Do we dare hold out hope that he can do it? I think so. Knocking on fake wood, or even real wood, that this colt doesn't break down or injure himself in the paddock, I think he stands a good chance at doing the impossible. Could he be another Secretariat? Certainly. Will he be as good as the great horse? Probably, but I doubt he'll do what Secretariat did which was take the Belmont by 31lengths and have plenty of room to spare.

So do we keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best? Defiantly! I certainly hope that this colt can do it. In fact, I have a gut feeling that he can, if just given that chance. But only the future will tell what this great animal can do. And, even if he doesn't win the Crown, he'll have won the dozens of hearts of those who thought he couldn't do it.

California Chrome, the winner of the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, wins the second leg of the Triple Crown. The 139th Preakness Stakes.

Above: Chrome getting a bath

Chrome was always flashy. Seen here as a colt.

Chrome has notable bloodlines, such as Northern Dancer on his mother's side and on his father's side Seattle Slew and of course, Secretariat.

Underworld 5 OFFICIALLY in development

Quote: "BloodyDisgusting reports that Screen Gems is actively developing a new Underworld film, tentatively titledUnderworld: Next Generation. They suggest that the latest sequel will follow Eve, the daughter of Kate Beckinsale’s leather-clad vampire Selene and Scott Speedman’s confused vampire/lycan hybrid Michael, who became the central plot point of the last film. Those discussing returning cast should note that Speedman did not return for Awakening, and was replaced by an unconvincing stand-in. The site states that the hunt for a writer and director is now on, but that Len Wiseman is returning as producer." 

So it's official, Underworld 5 is in production! I enjoy the email signup that I did to be brought up to speed with everything. As a person who owns all 4 of the first 4 films, I needed to know just when the next one was coming out! I sincerely hope that Kate is init, but I am going to thoroughly enjoy seeing Speedman and Eve come back in the next film.

Well, for those of you who watch my blog, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted, especially those who are die hard Underworld fans. Till the next update, stay safe!

Yellowstone Volcano Alert

3/16/2014 Yellowstone Supervolcano Update 

Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

Mount St. Helens <--reference link

Pele (Deity) <-- reference link

It is with growing alarm that many people have been hearing, seeing and noticing that it seems Yellowstone's super volcano may be coming back to life after a 640,000yr rest. What some people do not know, is that this volcano is one of the world's largest super volcanoes, next to Hawaii and others. In total the Earth has 15 super volcanoes with the ability to alter and change life as we know it. Is this something we should be worried about? YES! Yellowstone sits on the outer edges of both Canada and the USA's bread basket. Should this volcano wake up, it would destroy dozens of acres of farmland, crops, cattle and of course, killing up to thousands of people.

As it stands, we, as a human race, rely heavily on what our bread baskets can grow, and later on the fall harvest. What we have forgotten, is that a 2 or even 3 degree drop in temperature, could destroy our crops worldwide and sadly, yes, Yellowstone has that ability. During it's last eruption, Yellowstone formed one of the world's largest sunken caldera's that can only be seen by either air, or space, this is how big this area is. You as a resident of that area, drive through it!

Quote: "If another catastrophic caldera-forming Yellowstone eruption were to occur, it quite likely would alter global weather patterns and have enormous effects on human activity, especially agricultural production, for one-to-two decades. In fact, the relatively small 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines was shown to have temporarily, yet measurably, changed global temperatures."

Alarming isn't it? It should be. For those of you who scoff and rely heavily on your computers, you may as well kiss them goodbye for much of our energy is supplied by the USA. Also, keep in mind, that Yellowstone has not one but several Nuclear Reactor Plants that provide other sources of energy. Should Yellowstone go off, it has the potential to destroy these plants means of cooling the reactors down, by clogging the waterways with thick, cement like, ash. Keep talking smack when you aren't allowed outside for several years because the air you breath in, is too toxic.

Know how we have food shortages now? Ha! What we're dealing with right now, is a joke compared to what will happen, should Yellowstone go off. Massive, country wide, food shortages will be the leading cause of death, alongside, fresh water shortages, clean air shortages and so on. However, is there hope? Sure. We as a people, have found out ways of quickly replanting as is a prime example after Mount. St. Helens erupted in the 1980's. Shortly after the volcano settled down, and the all clear was given, thousands of acres of forest were quickly replanted with native plants and trees. Though the company that did this, had to often times dig several feet below the ash fall, they managed to get the trees going. 30yrs later, it doesn't even look like Helens blew unless one looks closely enough.

Are we able to survive what Yellowstone has to throw at us? Most likely. Will there be a great loss of life? Definitely. Is there anything we can do, to prevent it? Evacuate now or have an evacuation plan at the ready. Remember to have items you want salvaged packed up and ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep family heirlooms packed up and in boxes. Buy a trailer, buy a camper and have each vehicle tested, and ready to go should the notice be given. Remember, if you wait till the last second to leave, then you won't be leaving at all except in a body bag.

How far should you evacuate? Well they've deemed that the last eruption blast was about a 100miles in all directions. If you can get out of the blast zone or red zone as it's sometimes called, then you stand a good chance. Remember, the eruption itself is not what kills you. It's the super heated clouds of debris, and the ash itself that does. Is it wise to have a bunker somewhere nearby and out of the blast zone? Probably. A bunker, built underground, well away from the blast zone (most preferably out of the area altogether), will not only shelter you, but offers an easier way to stock pile food, blankets, water, and so on. Is this a doomsday type of deal? Certainly. Once Yellowstone settles down, and relaxes as it were, you're going to be looking out at a landscape that is not only scarred, but completely and utterly destroyed. South will look like North, and North will look like South, with the sky completely darkened during the day due to the vast volume of ash that has been erupted out.

Are the fleeing buffalo a good sign that Yellowstone is coming to life? Duh! All animals can sense danger that's right below their feet. Remember, these guys were fleeing the park during the coldest time of the season; April, when much of Yellowstone, as we saw, was still covered in snow. Buffalo won't leave their winter grazing grounds that early in the season for no apparent reason.

However there is hope as stated in the next quote.

Quote: "The long-term nature of volcanism in this part of North America suggests that more eruptions will occur as the Yellowstone National Park continues to evolve. The most recent series of eruptions, 160,000 to 70,000 years ago, extruded more than 20 thick rhyolite lava flows and domes, most of them within the youngest caldera. Other post-caldera lavas are basalts, erupted around the margins of the rhyolitic calderas. Based on Yellowstone's history, the next eruptions are likely to expel lavas, which might be either rhyolites or basalts, possibly accompanied by moderate explosive activity. Far less likely would be another enormous outpouring of material that could lead to a fourth caldera."

As seen in this quote, the likelihood of another Caldera forming eruption is not likely to happen anytime soon, however, the next eruptions could still be very bad. Is it a wise idea to prepare now, rather than wait till after an eruption? Of course! Eruptions can last for a few hrs, or a few months. It's always a good idea to stock up, have an evacuation plan, and know your evacuation routes, in and out of the area that you live in. Remember never go back into the blast zone until the all clear has been given! If the all clear has not been given then chances are, there is still small eruptions going on that you simply can not see. These smaller eruptions, as seen oftentimes in Hawaii, have been known to lead to bigger ones. Mount St. Helens, is again, a prime example of that. Small eruptions during the 1980s eventually lead to the big explosion that killed 57 people. Chances are, these were people who either refused to listen, refused to leave the area, or were monitoring the mountain (Johnston's Ridge is named after the scientist who yelled "Vancouver Vancouver, it's happening!" His body was never found). Never return to your home till the all clear has been given by authorities! Listening to these people, even though at times, they withhold information, could save your life!

Also a poem founded in Hawaii is a good thing to keep in mind;

Red is her color

Black is her hair

Respect the Fire Maiden

or I warn you

Beware

The above poem speaks about Pele, the Goddess who is often said to be seen in and around Hawaii's active volcanoes. Often considered a highly and quick tempered Goddess, she is known to often be seen just before or shortly after an eruption. She is known as the Volcano Goddess and as such, is to be respected. 

Quote: " In addition to being recognized as the goddess of volcanoes, Pele is also known for her power, passion, jealousy, and capriciousness. She has numerous siblings, including Kāne Milohai, Kamohoaliʻi, Nāmaka and numerous sisters named Hiʻiaka, the most famous being Hiʻiakaikapoliopele (Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele). They are usually considered to be the offspring of Haumea. Pele's siblings include deities of various types of wind, rain, fire, ocean wave forms, and cloud forms. Her home is believed to be the fire pit called Halemaʻumaʻu crater, at the summit caldera ofKīlauea, one of the Earth's most active volcanoes; but her domain encompasses all volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi."

However, even though science wishes to say that there's a logical reason for everything, science can not dispute the many sightings, and claims for the above poem. The old saying goes; behind every legend, is a reason and behind every reason, is a legend waiting to be born.

Should you respect the above poem? Sure, if you want too. Should you respect the volcanoes that may be in your area? Definitely, especially if you wish to see your 80th birthday. No matter their size, no matter their beauty, all volcanoes should be treated with the utmost respect. If you fail to respect the volcano, then the volcano will not respect you. Failure to respect something this powerful, and unpredictable, is the quickest way to an early grave. 

So my advice? Stock pile, and prepare. You don't necessarily have to run screaming to the nearest hill, but it is a good idea to be prepared. Just in case the unknown should happen.

50yrs for Tim Horton's

Quote: Tim Hortons Inc. (known internationally as Tim Horton's Cafe and Bake Shop) is a Canadian multinational fast casual restaurant known for its coffee and doughnuts. It is also Canada's largest fast food service; at the end of 2013, it had 3,588 restaurants in Canada, 859 in the United States and 38 in the Persian Gulf region. It was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade, after an initial venture in hamburger restaurants. In 1967, Horton partnered with investor Ron Joyce, who assumed control over operations after Tim Horton died in 1974, and expanded the chain into a multi-million dollar franchise. Charade left the organization in 1966 and briefly returned in 1970 and 1993 through 1996.

Tim Hortons franchises spread rapidly and eventually overtook McDonald's as Canada's largest food service operator. The company opened twice as many Canadian outlets as McDonald's and system-wide sales also surpassed those of McDonald's Canadian operations as of 2002. The chain accounted for 22.6% of all fast food industry revenues in Canada in 2005. Tim Hortons commands 76% of the Canadian market for baked goods (based on the number of customers served) and holds 62% of the Canadian coffee market (compared to Starbucks, in the number two position, at 7%).

In November 2010, Tim Hortons extended Interac debit payment system acceptance to most of its stores. The company previously began accepting Interac in its stores in Western Canada in 2003 and, later, MasterCard and MasterCardPayPass across most of its stores in 2007. The company often indicated the delay of broader or wider electronic payment acceptance was to "ensure speed of service." In 2012, Tim Hortons began accepting Visa cards, and in 2013, began accepting American Express cards." End Quote

Tim Horton's Wikipedia

A Cat's Fetish For Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn & Jack Link's Teriyaki Jerky

Have you ever owned an animal that would eat anything and everything? A goat perhaps? Or even a dog? How bout a cat? No? Well I do and she walks in a black, silky coat, fit for a queen, yet curiously enough, her name is that of the Egyptian Cat Goddess of Fertility but don't let my cat know that!

Bastet, Bassy, Bass, as many call her, enjoys many things. Lounging in the sun, laying in the window, watching the birds, walks on her leash, the easy stuff. She also enjoys, Smartfood Popcorn. But here's the clincher, it has to be the White Cheddar, or she will simply turn her nose up at it. 

This cat knows when I've brought a bag of this stuff home, and she along with her mother, knows when it's being opened for they both come running, noses twitching, ears twitching and tails lashing too and fro. Then, as you dip your hand into the bag, they start letting off soft but gradually building in volume, meows of disdain when you don't share with them, such as is their right.

Both Bastet and her mother, will even do tricks. Such as fetching, sitting up on their hind paws, and gingerly taking a piece from your fingers. Bastet has even learned how to take a piece from someone's very lips! Not an easy task for a cat who would much rather just bit your lips to get said piece of popcorn!

However, what are the hazards of this stuff? Well, that's easy. The kernels for one, aren't for a cat, even the shell can get lodged in their throats and cause infection, bleeding, or even death should they choke. I've always, no matter what, removed the shellings, even if it meant biting it off myself, before giving it to them.

What else do these frisky felines of mine like? Well, Jack Link's Teriyaki Beef Jerky isn't safe even as an unopened package with Bastet and Nala around. These two have, at one time, ripped a bag to shreds and eaten the entire contents! And they know when a bag has been brought into the home. They greet you at the door with a rather accusing look on their faces, as if asking just what in hell you're doing with their jerky!

Nala however, was trained to do tricks with this stuff. Get a stool and hold your hand over it and she'll jump up onit, sit on her hind legs and holding her head straight up, will gently take that piece of jerky right from your fingers without even so much as a whisker touching you! Want to play over under? Get a bigger stool, and have her crawl under each of the 4 sides, then have her jump onto the top and have her bow, by making her come to the very edge, and lower her front end downwards.

Bastet on the other hand, would much prefer if you would just give her the damn piece of jerky, rather than make her do a bunch of seemingly worthless tricks. She's funny that way. However, if encouraged, she will do a few tricks, such as sitting on her hind end, following your hand that holds the jerky piece and so on.

So as someone once asked me "Is it wise to feed our cats these things?" and my reply is always the same; "In small quantities and not all the time. Like a human, cats enjoy a lil zest in their everyday life and spicing it up with new and interesting treats, is often the best way to go. Plus these are items that are family owned and can often be trusted not to have anything bad in them (ie. poison or being recalled for one stupid thing or other)." Remember, a happy cat, is a happy owner, no matter what you may feed your furry feline friend.