Rob's Cat Rescue Fundraiser and a Funny Question about a book cover

 One of the ways that I tried to help animal rescues fundraise and at the same time, people who are grieving the loss of their pets To give lectures based on my series of books called Pets and the afterlife. In the lecture, I teach people how pets communicate from the other side. During a recent talk, an attendee  asked me if that was actually my picture on the cover of my latest book... and her reason for asking surprised me.   That's today's blog.

(Photo: My latest book, and photo taken afterward to prove it's me and wasn't photoshopped!).

Rob's Cat Rescue Fundraiser and a Funny Question

(Photo: Attendees are coming in for the lecture). 

FRIENDS OF FERAL FELINES -  This feral cat rescue in Westbrook ME hosted me for an afternoon of teaching people how their pets communicate from the other side. It was a full house with  between 30 and 40 people.  Many shared their own experiences and there were lot of great questions, too. Several people reported feeling their cat in spirit, others reported hearing them, dreaming of them and various other ways. Everybody was attentive and participated. Although it was scheduled for 45 to 60 minutes it ran an hour and a half because many people wanted to share their stories and ask questions about their experiences. Overall, I think there was a lot of healing and people seemed pretty happy by the time they left. I believe that the rescue made over 500 dollars or more to help with medical care and food for the rescue cats.

NICE EMAIL RECEIVED AFTER - "Rob, Thank you for doing this. I learned so much. I appreciate you helping so many people with their loss of pets then connecting them with their pets."

THE FUNNY QUESTION - Although many people bought one of the four pets in the afterlife series of books, some liked the ghost or spirit books. One woman came up to The table and looked at all of my books on display. She saw my newest book, "Haunting of Emery Estate," and seemed to study my arms while I was talking with others. 

   I was wearing a polo shirt with half sleeves so it was obscuring my arms. That's when she said to me, "Is that really you on the cover of your latest book?" I assured her that it was and that the picture was only from a year ago.  When I asked her why she didn't think it was me, she said, "You look jacked on that cover."  She apparently thought my bicep was photoshopped.  I thanked her and told her I haven't changed, it's just loose fitting shirts (I work out daily). It made me blush and smile. :)  

  It also made me realize that the cover does get attention, so the next book I am working on with Monique Toosoon will feature a similar image.

  In the meantime, in this blog is a picture of the book cover and a picture I took after the fundraiser once I changed into a tee shirt when I got home. I was not going to flex at the event!   

  As a side note, as I've aged, it's been more important to work out daily, even for 15-20 minutes a day. It makes a difference.   

Idiot of the Week: Another Republican Legislator Sentenced for sex with a Minor

Are you disgusted yet? The last several idiots of the week have been elected Republican officials who have been recently arrested for having sex with minors. It's sickening. This party claims to be religious, yet more legislators who are Republican are the ones committing these disgusting crimes and destroying the lives of children! Here's this week's idiot.

 (Caption:  Former state Sen. Ray Holmberg arrives at the Quentin N. Burdick U.S. courthouse in Fargo for a plea hearing in North Dakota U.S. District Court on Aug. 8, 2024. (Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor)) 

Ex-North Dakota lawmaker gets 10 years for going to Europe with intent to pay for sex with a minor 

By JACK DURA , March 26, 2025,AP News 

A once-powerful former North Dakota lawmaker was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for traveling to Europe with the intent to pay for sex with a minor.

Former state senator Ray Holmberg’s attorney, Mark Friese, confirmed the sentence to The Associated Press but declined to comment after the hearing, which KFGO radio reported included seven hours of testimony, victim statements and an apology from the shackled 81-year-old.

Holmberg pleaded guilty last year in U.S. District Court in Fargo, North Dakota, to one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

KFGO reported that during Wednesday’s hearing, the defense and prosecution agreed that Holmberg should serve about three years because of his age and poor health, but federal Judge Daniel Hovland said Holmberg is still a threat to underage boys. Hovland called Holmberg’s character “egregious and despicable” and said that a 37-month sentence wouldn’t deter others.

While Holmberg denied actually having sex with anyone under 18, Hovland said he can “read between the lines,” the radio station reported.

Prosecutors said Holmberg traveled at least 14 times from 2011 to 2021 to Prague, Czech Republic, to pay for sex with adolescent-age boys. In court last year, Holmberg admitted to paying young male masseuses, some of whom he had sexual contact with at an alleged brothel. But he claimed not to know for certain how old they were.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl said the crime was “an assault of the dignity of many young boys.” And the majority and minority leaders in the North Dakota Legislature described Holmberg’s crimes as “evil” in a statement that vowed additional resources to law enforcement to help combat increases in criminal sexual assaults and human trafficking, KFGO reported.

Holmberg served 45 years in the North Dakota Senate. He resigned in 2022 after The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported on his many text messages with a man in jail in connection with child sexual abuse material. Holmberg chaired two powerful legislative panels, including the Senate’s budget-writing committee.

Records previously obtained by The Associated Press show that Holmberg made dozens of trips throughout the U.S. and to other countries since 1999. Destinations included cities in more than 30 states as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and Norway. At least one of Holmberg’s trips to Prague was state-funded through a teacher exchange program, the Klemetsrud Puhl wrote in court filings last week.

“Holmberg’s offending conduct over the course of decades ... can only be described as corruption,” she wrote. “That is, he used his position to serve his own ends.”

In one example the prosecutor described, Holmberg brought a University of North Dakota student to the university president’s suite for hockey games, representing “a right to access some of the most influential people in the state” — including the UND president, governor and congressmembers — with the expectation of him engaging in sexual activity with Holmberg, she wrote.

In 2012 and 2013, Holmberg posed as a teenage boy in an online chatroom for teens who had undergone circumcision, and misled and manipulated a 16-year-old Canadian boy into sending him explicit photos, the filing said.

The full story of the relationship is unclear because the boy later took his own life in 2021, “but no doubt Holmberg’s conduct contributed to his struggles,” Klemetsrud Puhl said.

Former U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon said the acts described in the prosecutor’s filing paints a picture for the judge of Holmberg’s overall character.

“What we see here is a defendant who has a decades-long track record of identifying extremely vulnerable young men, grooming them and eventually using them for sex,” Purdon said.

Tragic Hero of the Week: Father drowns saving son and niece in Florida

Today's hero met a tragic ending as he sacrificed his life to save his son and neice who were caught in rip tides off the Florida coast. 

(photo: Josh Curtis, a beloved Army veteran, husband, and father, lost his life on April 24, 2025, while heroically saving his son and niece from dangerous rip currents in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Credit: GoFundMe page) 

Mass. veteran drowns saving son and niece in Florida, family says

Mass. veteran drowns saving son and niece in Florida, family says “His selfless actions were a reflection of the man he was—brave, loving, and devoted to those he cared about.”

By Dialynn Dwyer, Boston Globe May 1, 2025

A Massachusetts father and Army veteran is being remembered for his heroism after he drowned saving his son and niece from a rip current while on vacation in Florida.

Joshua Curtis, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, died April 24 in Fernandina Beach, according to a GoFundMe page started to help his family.

Family members told CBS News that the 38-year-old rushed into the water when his 6-year-old son, Owen, and niece got stuck in a rip current, drowning as he rescued them.

Lance Jones, a nearby resident who helped save the children, told the network Curtis was working to keep the children up even as he went under.

“I think he did everything he could to just keep those two kids afloat,” Jones said. “The hardest thing was Owen and just the sheer look of panic on his face. He just kept saying, ‘I can’t swim, I can’t swim, my dad said he’s drowning.’ I said, ‘Hey buddy, I got you, we gotta swim in.'”

According to CBS, Curtis is survived by his wife and son. The family from Halifax, Massachusetts was in Florida visiting his hometown and his relatives.

“It is with great pride and sadness that we say goodbye to a man that embodies what it means to be a soldier, father, husband and ultimately a hero,” Curtis’s family said in a statement obtained by CBS.

According to the network, Curtis served in the Army for 15 years and also coached youth football for the Silver Lake Warriors in Kingston, Plympton, and Halifax.

In a statement, the football program said its community is mourning the “heartbreaking loss.”

“His selfless actions were a reflection of the man he was—brave, loving, and devoted to those he cared about,” the statement on Facebook reads. “Josh was an Army veteran, a family man, a coach, and a friend to so many in our community. His impact on the Warrior family was immediate and lasting. His son had just completed his first year of football, and Josh was preparing to take on the role of head coach for our Mighty Mites this upcoming season. His passion, leadership, and kindness will be deeply missed on and off the field.”

According to the GoFundMe page for the family, money raised will support the family traveling to and from Massachusetts to attend Curtis’s funeral. Another GoFundMe page has been set up to help his wife and son “with funeral costs, living expenses, and future needs as they navigate this devastating loss.” A celebration of his life was held Tuesday night in Florida, according to CBS.

Book of the week: "The Ghost Had an Early Checkout" by Josh Lanyon, Great LGBTQ Mystery

 I recently enjoyed the second book in a series by Josh Lanyon called "The Ghost Had an Early Checkout." It's the followup to "The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks," which I reviewed back in January 2025.  It features the same characters, an artist named Perry, who is partnered Nick, with an ex-Navy SEAL turned private investigator. Today's blog is my review of the "Early Checkout."

The characters, Nick and Perry are very likeable, and I could relate to both. I love the way the author portrays their relationship, with the anxieties, ups and downs. Since it's an MM book, there's a scene with romance, but the story mostly focuses on the interesting mystery. The author is masterful in presenting the various characters/suspects and it will keep you guessing. Another 5 star book by Josh Lanyon. Josh is truly one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write an MM mystery with great characters. 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Now living in Los Angeles with former Navy SEAL Nick Reno, artist Perry Foster comes to the rescue of elderly and eccentric Horace Daly, the legendary film star of such horror classics as Why Won’t You Die, My Darling?

Horace owns the famous, but now run-down, Hollywood hotel Angel’s Rest, rumored to be haunted. But as far as Perry can tell, the scariest thing about Angel’s Rest is the cast of crazy tenants—one of whom seems determined to bring down the final curtain on Horace—and anyone else who gets in the way.

VIDEO INTERVIEW: The Spotlight Network on Haunting of Emery Estate

I recently paid a service for a television-style professional TV interview and here is the 15 minute result. 

VIDEO INTERVIEW: The Spotlight Network's Logan Crawford talks about the Haunting of Emery Estate by Rob Gutro and Monique Toosoon 👻 

What secrets linger in the walls when the living leave—and the dead refuse to go? In this spine-tingling episode of The Spotlight Network, Rob Gutro takes us deep into the chilling true account of a five-hour paranormal investigation in Haunting of Emery Estate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14k7yucb36E

THIS IS THE WEEKEND!! Rob at the Pennhurst Paracon 2025 in Pennsylvania!

 THIS IS THE WEEKEND!! "We are thrilled to welcome 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐛 𝐆𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐨 to the lineup of paranormal guests!"

I will be a speaker at the 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 (Pennsylvania) 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 & 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡! It will be my first time at this amazing Paracon, that features the Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, Johsn Gates, Project Fear, Adam Berry and Amui Bruni and Patti Negri among others!! - Its being held about 40 mins. west of Philadelphia!) WEBSITE: https://pennhurstasylum.com/

Science: Shingles vaccine may directly guard against dementia, study hints

 This is encouraging news from our scientists! I've been getting the Shingles vaccine now since 2012, and now it appears there's a side benefit. Here's the story.

Shingles vaccine may directly guard against dementia, study hints

By Clarissa Brincat, Live Science, May 5, 2025

The lower incidence of dementia seen in adults who received the shingles vaccine is likely not just a correlation, scientists say, based on new results of an observational study.

The shingles vaccine may prevent or delay dementia, compelling new data suggest.

In a study published April 23 in the journal JAMA, researchers analyzed electronic health records from across Australia. They found that older adults who were eligible for a free shingles vaccine were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the following 7.4 years than those who were slightly too old to qualify for the vaccination program.

These findings support the "viral hypothesis" of Alzheimer's disease, which posits that viral infections contribute to the development of the condition, which is the most common form of dementia. Specifically, the hypothesis points to herpesviruses, a family of viruses that includes varicella-zoster virus, the germ behind chickenpox and shingles.

If confirmed by additional research, the results of the new study suggest that an effective and low-cost tool for reducing dementia risk may already exist.

"It is very hard to see how anything other than the vaccine could explain the strong protective effect" observed in the study, Dr. Sten Vermund, dean of the University of South Florida College of Public Health, who was not involved in the work, told Live Science in an email.

A pseudo-clinical trial If a person contracts chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in the nervous system for decades before reactivating later to cause shingles, a condition marked by a painful rash. The ability to fall latent and then "reawaken" in the body is a core characteristic of herpesviruses.

Karma: 'I'm in ruins,' said teary My Pillow Guy Mike Lindell

If you do something good, Karma will return the favor. If you do something bad, bad will happen to you. In Buddhism and Hinduism, karma is the principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions (thoughts, words, and deeds) determine their future experiences in this life and their next life. Since Mike Lindell, the "My Pillow Guy" propogated the "big lie" as an outspoken supporter of Trump's discredited claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him, he has several lawsuits against him. Today's blog is an example of the Bad Karma catching up.

(Photo: Karma catches up with idiot Mike Lindell. Credit: ABC News) 

His own stupidity brought his once famous and prosperous company into ruins. (Oh, and Lindell is teary that he lives off $1,000 per week... The median weekly earnings for the nation's full-time wage and salary workers was $1,194 in the first quarter of 2025, so boo-freaking-hoo). 

Although "My Pillow" hasn't as yet (April 2025) filed for bankruptcy it seems like it may happen. The My Pillow company has faced several challenges, including: ***note #3 is the kicker** 

1) Loss of Retail Partners: Several major retailers, including Walmart, Kohls, and Bed Bath & Beyond, stopped carrying MyPillow products.

 2) Negative BBB Rating: The Better Business Bureau revoked MyPillow's accreditation and lowered its rating to F due to numerous consumer complaints, particularly about the "buy one, get one free" offer. 

3) Controversy over Pricing: MyPillow's sale of a classic pillow for $14.88 was met with criticism due to its association with a Nazi dog whistle.

'I'm in ruins,' teary Mike Lindell tells judge in Smartmatic sanctions hearing

The MyPillow CEO and Trump ally says he has no money after legal battles.

Soo Rin Kim, ABC Network News, April 16, 2025

National headlines from ABC NewsCatch up on the developing stories making headlines. Election denier and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell continues to refuse to pay more than $50,000 in sanctions he has been ordered to pay to voting software company Smartmatic over "frivolous" election claims -- alleging he's left with no money after numerous legal battles.

"I'm in ruins," a teary Lindell said through a Zoom screen during a motion hearing in the U.S. District Court in Washington on Wednesday, pleading to Judge Carl Nichols to allow him to wait until after the final judgement comes out to make any payment in the case, which he has already lost.

Last month, Smartmatic filed a motion to hold Lindell in contempt, alleging the MyPillow CEO has been dodging his court-ordered payment of $56,369 to Smartmatic for months.

Lindell, however, insisted that he does not have the means to pay the amount due to various financial difficulties he has suffered over the last few years due to what he again claimed was "lawfare" waged against him for trying to "secure the election."

"I borrowed everything I can. Nobody will lend me any money anymore," Lindell claimed. "I can't turn back time ... but I will tell you, I don't have any money."

Lindell claimed he was recently forced to lay off hundreds of MyPillow employees, lost multiple MyPillow warehouse units over the past two years and even owes millions of dollars to the IRS for what he described as a COVID-era employee retention credit.

He claimed he has "nothing" except for two houses, which he claimed are in the process of being liquidated, and a truck.

He even claimed he can no longer adhere to a previously proposed plan of making monthly installments of $5,000.

After listening through Lindell's plight, Nichols acknowledged that these claims are "non-verifiable representation" at the moment and gave Lindell until Friday to file under seal financial statements and other documents to prove his claims.

"I have nothing to hide," Lindell said as he agreed to do so and added he wants Smartmatic to see the financial situation he's in as well.

Smartmatic's attorney said his client would prefer to see the payment made in a lump sum as soon as possible but acknowledged he would respect the judge's ruling.

Tonight, LIVE at 9pm ET You Tube: Paranormal Zone TV Talks w/Rob and Monique about Emery Estate!

 Tonight, LIVE at 9pm ET

Please tune in if you're awake For this awesome TONIGHT AT 9pm ET - TUNE IN for a Live interview with my friends Norene, host of Paranormal Zone TV and Monique Toosoon, my friend, co-author and paranormal drag queen. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRISF2oL0bohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRISF2oL0bo

Canvas Rebel Article: Meet Rob Gutro

Back in April I was contacted by a website called Canvas Rebel, who spotlights small business owners for interviews. Today's Blog brings you that interview. Check out the CanvasRebel site, too, because there are a lot of inspirational people profiled!

ABOUT CANVAS REBEL: Our mission is to create a space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling.  Our love of the storytelling format comes from our founding of VoyageLA almost a decade ago, where we ask folks to share the story of their lives and how they got to where they are today. We’ve been fortunate to expand across dozens of cities nationwide.

Meet Rob Gutro

 CANVAS REBEL Stories & Insights APRIL 10, 2025

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rob Gutro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rob, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is to educate people on what happens after we die and the choices we make that determine where we go in the afterlife. We have a choice of either being Earthbound as a ghost or crossing over as a spirit. I define them and explain how they exist and how they use energy to communicate. I am a Scientist by trade so the science of energy plays a main role in my explanations. I also teach people how to recognize signs from either loved ones in spirit or EarthBound ghosts. All of these things are based on my experiences and my ultimate mission is to bring understanding and comfort to those who lost loved ones.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Rob Gutro. I am a meteorologist by trade and I’m also a medium and a paranormal investigator.
My journey into the Paranormal began at 13 years old when my grandfather who passed away, appeared to me in full color 7 months later. I later learned that my mother and her father the one that appeared to me both had the gift to communicate with people who passed.
In 2005 when my puppy was tragically killed by a car, he reawakened the abilities and help me understand how pets communicate from the afterlife.
As someone who journals I wrote everything down and that became the impetus for my first book. My father passed a couple of years after that and I help prove to my own family that my dad was at his own wake in his own funeral.

I further developed my abilities by going into historic homes sensing anyone who lingered as a ghost and then proving their identity with house historians. I later joined a paranormal investigation team and help solve many hauntings, crossing ghosts over.
Meanwhile for 10 years I provided free pet Spirit readings to people while I honed my skills communicating with pets who passed. Now I offer readings for a small fee and they are all done by email.
I also offer fundraising lectures to animal rescues who would like me to teach people how their pets communicate from the afterlife. I’ve been doing that for over 7 years and I’ve raised thousands of dollars. So if any of your readers know any rescue that would like me to do a fundraiser they can contact me. The rescue charges and admission and I do not ask for anything for the rescue as it goes all to supporting the shelter animals.
I also teach adult education courses in the Paranormal in Northern New England. I also give lectures in libraries about all kinds of paranormal experiences and topics, based on the books that I have published.
I have done countless pet readings for people around the world in many countries on every continent. I have brought people peace with the messages from their pets who have passed on. Bringing people comfort and Publishing my books. All of which attained best seller status and the last 5 reached #1 in various categories on Amazon. My book pets in the afterlife 3, messages from Spirit dogs won an international book award for one of the best books on Grief and loss for three straight years.
These are the things that I am most proud of.
The main things that I would like people to know about my work is that I use science to explain how the Paranormal works. I also try to teach people how to look for signs from their loved ones and Empower them so they do not have to rely on a medium. Everybody has the ability, they only need to understand how it all works.
I have three series of books that will explain the paranormal. One is the ghost in spirits series which explains the difference between the two entities and how energy explains their existence and how they communicate.
The second series is the pets and the afterlife series which teaches readers how their pets communicate from the afterlife and what signs to look for.
The third series is called ghosts on a mediums vacation. In that series wherever I have traveled I write about the ghost I have encountered and provide some history of each location.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Interviews, social media, and public appearances have helped me build my audience. I find that my audience also increases especially by word of mouth. Whenever I do a pet reading for someone they usually tell others.
Having worked in a Communications science position I understand how to put together press packages so that made it very easy to send out to potential podcasts, YouTube shows that cater to the Paranormal, and also paranormal conferences. I’ve learned that it’s really all about marketing after your book publishes.
I’ve also created promotional postcards for each book or each series that I use in public appearances.
In addition I always sell books at public appearances and ensure that I have a way to accept cash, check, charge, or pay apps like venmo.
When you’re starting out I learned that the most important thing to do is to do things that will widen your audiences. I have found that Book Fairs do not work well. I found paranormal conferences work better, but focusing on the aspect of pets allowed me to open doors to that audience for the other series of books I have.
Podcasts, particularly the Unsolved Mysteries podcast I was featured on really open the door for people to know who I am. I’ve also measured Outreach by different social media apps and learned that tiktok reaches the most people, which forced me to do more videos. I also hired someone to make professional book trailers which has helped with the exposure. So there are a lot of aspects of marketing that an author has to take into account and be proactive in to attain a wider audience.
Happily, my 15 years of self-promotion has paid off with my last five books going to the number one spot on Amazon and winning an international book award for 3 years! My point here is that authors will be their best promoters.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is a slow process. I started out with a Blog, and then I would write something once a week about a paranormal topic. I started sharing those on Facebook and Twitter. When Twitter became hostile and I was not getting responses I left the platform. You have to go on whatever platform you will get the most positive reception.
As social media platforms developed, I joined them and began posting a social post on the business Facebook page, an Instagram page, linkedin, threads, and blue sky. I also create some videos and put them on my YouTube channel and tiktok.. So it’s constantly coming up with new material every single day.
My advice is to find the platforms that would most support your business, and create an account. Then be prepared to populate them every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.robgutro.com
• Instagram: Robgutro_author
• Facebook: RobGutroAuthorMedium
• Linkedin: Rob-gutro-531a311b5
• Youtube: RobGutro
• Other: Tiktok: @robgutro
  Bluesky: robgutroauthor.bsky.social

Image Credits

Rob Gutro

Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

An Idiot Menagerie of the Week: Alligators, ATM Thieves, Stabbing over Food, Exposure

Since there are so many idiots, and this time, none of them are political or religious. But there a lot of those waiting in the wings. These happen to all be from Maryland, not that the state has the corner on Idiots. I've batched these idiots up for your entertainment.

Live Alligators Confiscated From MD Apartment

Two live alligators were confiscated from a Hyattsville, Maryland apartment after the MD Natural Resources received tips about the animals. A 28-year-old Washington, D.C., man was charged with illegal importation and possession of two live American alligators. Both creatures were seized by natural resources police officers and relocated to wildlife education centers. The man faces up to $2,000 in fines if convicted.

Man Exposing Himself At Intersection Charged with Indecent Exposure

A man who reportedly exposed himself at an intersection has been charged with indecent exposure, police reported. A 67-year-old Columbia man was arrested and charged after police said he exposed himself to multiple victims.   **NOTE: The article didn't say anything about dementia, so perhaps that was the issue. If that's the case, it's not about an idiot, but it would instead be sad. **

Man Who Stabbed Roommate While Arguing About Food, Chores Sentenced

An Elkridge, Maryland man who stabbed his roommate during an argument about food and chores has been sentenced. Andre Maxwell Cooper admitted that on July 14, 2024, he and one of his roommates got into an argument over food and chores. He told the roommate he was going to "mess her up." He then forced his way into the victim's room and began punching and stabbing her. She was taken by their other roommate to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Cooper has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

ATM Robbery Suspects Who Used Jaws Of Life Face 95 Charges

Three robbery suspects who used jaws of life to break into ATMs across Prince George's County, Maryland, now face a combined 95 charges, police say. The investigation revealed the suspects targeted ATMs at businesses across the county. In five robberies, the suspects used hydraulic rescue tools, commonly called the “jaws of life,” to break into the machines and steal tens of thousands of dollars in cash. Detectives estimate that approximately $200,000 was stolen during these robberies.

Heroes of the Week: Kangala Wildlife Rescue finds Dachshund safe after 529 days in Australian wilderness!

This week's heroes are the folks in the Kangala Wildlife Rescue, Australia who helped find a miniature Dachshund who was lost in the Australian wilderness for 529 days! The mini-Dachshund disappeared from her playpen while the parents were camping... a true nightmare. It's amazing that little dog managed to survive over 1 1/2 years in the wilderness. That's one smart little dog, and she's obviously fierce to scare away predators. Here's the amazing story. 

(photo: Valerie the miniature dachshund Facebook/Kangala Wildlife Rescue) 

Dog found using owner's t-shirt after 529 days in Australian wilderness

Brandon Drenon, BBC News, April 27, 2025

A miniature dachshund has been found alive and well after spending more than 500 days in the Australian wilderness.

Kangala Wildlife Rescue said it had been working "around the clock" to find the dog, Valerie, on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Australia. She was last seen by her owners on a camping trip in November 2023.

Georgia Gardner and her boyfriend, Joshua Fishlock, had momentarily left Valerie in a playpen at their campsite while the couple went fishing. When they returned, she was gone.

Valerie's 529 days in the wilderness - surviving intense heat and avoiding venomous snakes - was brought to an end in part through using Ms Gardner's t-shirt to create a "scent trail" to a trap.

"After weeks of tireless efforts [...] Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well," Kangala said in a social media post.

The charity said volunteers spent more than 1,000 hours searching for Valerie, covering more than 5,000km (3,109 miles).

The rescue effort included surveillance cameras and a trap cage with a remote door system filled with food, Ms Gardner's clothes and some of Valerie's toys from home.

Lisa Karran, a director of Kangala, said she wore the remnants of Ms Gardner's clothes as she approached Valerie after the dog had been trapped, and sat with her until the dog was "completely calm".

*************VIDEO REPORT:

Video Link: https://youtu.be/HkJORj-mkdM?si=ScIUdkU6UIAGr_TV

In the initial days after Valerie went missing, other campers spotted her underneath a parked car which startled the dog and sent her fleeing into bushland, the Washington Post reported.

Months later, island locals reported seeing a pink collar that matched Valerie's, much to the surprise of Jared Karran, another Kangala director.

"Of all dogs, that would be the last one I would say would survive out there, but they do have a good sense of smell," Mr Karran said.

In a 15-minute video on social media, Mr and Ms Karran explained how the "rollercoaster" rescue had transpired.

Ms Karran said they had to wait until Valerie was in the right part of the trap and calm enough to ensure she would not attempt another escape.

"She went right into the back corner, which is where we wanted her. I pressed the button and thankfully it all worked perfectly," Mr Karran said.

"I know people were a little bit frustrated, like 'why is it taking so long?' But these are the things that we were doing in the background," he said.

Ms Gardner said on social media after Valerie's long-awaited rescue: "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope.

"Sometimes good things happen to good people."