From Steve Chandler: “Fearless – Creating the Courage To Change The Things You Can.”

Oh, big whoop. Puppies are brighter than human babies at nine months, for crying out loud.

CHIMPANZEES have long been known for their ability to mimic humans. Now scientists have found that baby chimps’ mental development can even be more advanced than children of the same age.
At nine months, the animals are just as curious and capable of recognising carers and familiar objects as the average baby. When compared with infants kept in isolated conditions in orphanages, the animals are even more advanced.

For one thing, you can house train a puppy in weeks.
Try that with a baby.

Watching the Growth of Walmart Across America. (link fixed)
And Target.
h/t Michael K.

Andrea Shea-King;

“When I arrived at the LCC (Launch Control Center), NASA Public Affairs news chief Hugh Harris was already seated at the communications console, headset on. I slid into the chair beside him and opened my 3-ring binder containing the launch sequence that I would be talking to.”

Appalachian Lifestyles.
h/t Richard

Michael Cole will be on Biker TV on Sunday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. when the Outdoor Life Network.
Ride For Diabetes website.

I was asked to send you an update on the ride as of right now I am in Valemount BC after a bike show in Edmonton , Which went well I had some good media coverage with CTV . Now just a few days from the final mile.
In one way I’m glad its coming to an end with all the worry and stress. The trip has all but bankrupt me. I hope to get lots of media at the end of the ride, after all if it wasn’t for them this trip would have been a waste of time.
The ride was done in the dead of winter to cause a stir and it seems it has partly thanks to you. If you want to see whats up for the end of the ride go to my web site www.ridefordiabetes.com and click “events”.
I haven’t had much sleep since this has started with riding fixing media and answering e mail it has been a long one again – thank you for your interest
– Michael Cole

Consider helping him out if you are able – he’s certainly worked for it.
CTV clip here

A US Coast Guard camera caught it all.

via Secrets of Vancouver

And the winner is “martin”…

“Mr Dion: Your car is ready.”

Jan – “I think, I can. I think, I caan. I thiiiiink, I caaaaan. I thhhh
hhhh
hhhhh
h”
Irene – “Its not stalled, its just resting.”
Rich – ” I didn’t know CAA did skate-key calls.”
Fred – “Isn’t that cute. The pickup truck has deployed its spare tire vehicle.”

Less honourable mentions here.

On January 1, Michael Cole embarked on a cross-Canada quest to raise awareness and support for diabetes research.
…on a Harley Davidson.

Today’s New Years dinner – “special needs” turkey

Last year on this day, I invited readers to post their top three predictions for 2008. How did they turn out?
A few hits, lots and lots of misses, but Arnie Madsen came the closest!
1.Outbreak of civil/religious war in Pakistan
2.Market crash worse than 1929 , EURO becomes world standard currency.
3.Israel fights back after years of failed appeasements to Palestinians .
So, let’s try this again.
Your top three predictions for 2009 are welcome in the comments. Remember – I said three.

h/t David Thompson

To you all, and thank you for the kind notes and well wishes.
Hope Santa was good to you – have a wonderful day, wherever you may be!

A new working model of the mysterious 2,000-year-old astronomical calculator, dubbed the Antikythera Device, has been unveiled, incorporating the most recent discoveries announced two years ago by an international team of researchers.
The new model was demonstrated by its creator, former museum curator Michael Wright, who had created an earlier model based on decades of study. He demonstrates how the more complete device works in a video originally created on the New Scientist Website.

Video
h/t Charles MacDonald

“Linux! Leave our kids alone….”
Update – and the rest of the story.

Reader Jeanette writes;

As a non-practising Christian I have never displayed a nativity scene in my home, mostly out of principal and respect for those for whom the Christmas story is meaningful. I don’t believe in being a “Sunday Christian”, or even a “Christmas Christian”.
That was until recently, when I started to realize that in doing so I am silently condoning the demise of our Judeo-Christian culture. For me being a “secular Christian” is now a political statement against those liberal forces that are causing us to say “Happy Holidays” and Holiday tree” etc.
So this year I decided to add a Nativity scene to my Christmas decorations and I needed to go out and buy one. In previous years they have abounded at all the major retailers throughout the Christmas season and in the post Christmas sale period. To my shock there wasn’t a single nativity scene for sale at Walmart in Regina nor at Costco! I have yet to check out Zellers and Canadian Tire. Is that because they are sold out, or not bringing them in for sale?
Do I think it’s a conspiracy, No! But is it more evidence that the liberal movement to destroy our Christian culture? It could be. Perhaps this could be a discussion on SDA.
Merry Christmas Kate, and Happy New Year

Comments open for your feedback…