The FBI has some real idiots working for them

Spanish lawmaker's photo used for bin Laden poster
It didn't cross anyone's mind that someone might object to having his facial features used in a wanted poster for the world's most notorious terrorist? Or did they just think that nobody would recognize the facial features they stole copied? The FBI employs some real numbskulls.

Facebook people: Help LGBT charities get free money

JPMorganChase is giving away $5 million to charities chosen by Facebook users. The first round of voting was in December. Now there's a few days to vote for the final prizes--one group will get $1 million for its work. There are three LGBT-oriented charities among the finalists, and I urge you to vote for them.

You do have to become a fan of Chase Community Giving (I suppose you can un-fan them after voting.) Each Facebook user gets 5 votes. (I'm not sure what, if anything, I will do with my last 2.) Click on the 3 "badges" below--they are actually different links, taking you to the different groups' voting pages, with detailed information on who they are and what they would do if they got the million dollars. Please vote for them. The last day is Friday, January 22.

Here is a detailed description of the program from Chase's FAQs:

Chase Community Giving is a program run by Chase that allows Facebook users to vote for local charities and non-profits, and helps direct Chase corporate philanthropy dollars to eligible organizations in the following focus areas: education, healthcare, housing, the environment, combating hunger, arts and culture, human services, and animal welfare. The grassroots campaign aims to inspire a new way of corporate philanthropy.

The eligible charity receiving the most votes will be awarded $1 million, the top five runners-up will receive $100,000 each, and the 100 finalists, including the top winners, will be awarded $25,000 each. Additionally, a special Advisory Board led by prominent national philanthropists will allocate $1 million to the nominated charities of its choice.

My recommendations:

The Matthew Shepard Foundation, fighting hate crimes:
The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), fighting harassment and bullying in schools:

The Trevor Project, fighting youth suicides:

Living with mountain lions V (and bobcats, too)

Colorado: Mountain lions kill pet (scroll down)

Living with coyotes XIII

Sandyshoes, who lives on Cape Cod, reported seeing a coyote in her driveway.

(This is a generic picture of a coyote, not the one she saw.)

Stupid product of the day--and maybe for a lot longer

Taylor Gifts' Flameless remote control candles

This is the most stupid product I've seen in a long time. I suppose it might be of some use to a disabled person, but otherwise, why would anyone need this thing? The little remote is just begging to get lost.

Public Service Announcement

Estimated taxes are due tomorrow.

Living with bobcats XVI

Arizona: Bobcat kittens will stay at Prescott Lakes

Happy Palindrome Day!

It's 01/11/10.

Plat du jour

I guess this guy thinks more of his car than his children.