Gunshots

I settled into bed last night, late as usual. Before I had even thought about trying to sleep, I heard a noise that sounded like a gunshot. Norman started barking madly, and I thought about getting out of bed to investigate. But, I would have to put on lots of clothes, I might find myself in danger, and it probably wasn't a gunshot anyway. I thought about the Kitty Genovese case, famously (and incorrectly, it turns out, used to illustrate the bystander effect). I wondered if some human or animal was bleeding out in my backyard, condemned to perish without me taking action. I decided very uncharitably that I didn't want to get involved, but I did note that the noise occurred at 2:15 a.m., with a second boom at 2:16. At 2:22, I heard what sounded like large pieces of wood being moved. Even if I wasn't going to get out of bed, I was prepared to answer questions from police if they showed up today (which they did not). Perhaps I watch too much Law and Order and shows on Investigation Discovery.

So far, it looks like the sounds were not associated with bodily harm to any persons or animals. If I learn more, I will update you.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Happy birthday to my dearest grandma!

Quotation of the Day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Edition

Apple TV

I wanted to easily transfer my iPhone/uPad content to the television, so I invested in an Apple TV. So far, we've used it for watching Netflix and movies I rented via iTunes. Last week, though, I utilized it to view a Webinar I was streaming on my phone via the GoToMeeting app. More comfortable to sit on the couch than at my desk, though at times I did get a little distracted.

National Bird Day

Today is National Bird Day! Please think of the beauty of the sights and sounds of the almost 10,000 species of birds that enrich our lives and provide a vital role in the ecosystem. In the next century, almost 12% of these species face extinction risk. Visit Born Free to learn more about what you can do to help birds!

Here's some information from the Humane Society of the United States about how to feed wild birds during the winter.

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