Today I am going to share with you a fantastic article about one of the most egregious cases of identity theft in recent history, a list with the 20 “best” countries in the world, a fascinating animated chart showing the top 15 carbon emitters since 1850, we look at the best collection of the 2024 solar eclipse photos and videos and we end with the cutest video of penguin chicks jumping off a 50 foot cliff in Antarctica. Be fearless you guys! The regular longer post returns on Friday featuring the usual mix of eclectic curated links along with my commentary, thank you for reading my blog.
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Back with another short Tuesday post. I will see you all Friday with the usual longer post.
Tuesday posts are intended to be short by design and to act like a little escape in your busy lives because, you know, I even have no idea what will show up here. But make no mistake, there will be something to educate you or entertain you and sometimes inspire you. Like them penguin chicks in the video below!
Former University of Iowa Hospital Employee Used Fake Identity for 35 Years
This appears to be a very normal news headline. But the details revealed in it will totally shock you. Of course being able to do this for 35 years is remarkable. But do you know why I would single this one out on a Tuesday post here? Because the real person involved suffered to a great extent battling for years to prove he is who he is and not that other guy. To the extent of going to prison for two years and even committed to a mental hospital, please sit down, using the identity of the other guy who assumed his own identity. Probably the most egregious use of identity theft I have come across. Mostly because what the poor guy went through to fight back. A cop finally listened, got DNA from the real father and…justice delayed but finally done.
So, never give up ok! If there is a Netflix show candidate, this is it!
Because Woods continued to insist, throughout the judicial process, that he was William Woods and not Matthew Kierans, a judge ruled in February 2020 that he was not mentally competent to stand trial and he was sent to a mental hospital in California, where he received psychotropic medication and other mental health treatment. In March 2021, Woods pleaded no contest to the identity theft charges — meaning he accepted the conviction but did not admit guilt. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment with credit for the two years he already served in the county jail and the hospital and was released. He was also ordered to pay $400 in fines and to stop using the name William Woods.
The 20 Best Countries in the World
I find such lists interesting. How do you define best anyway? Anyway, Greece is #3 on the list! Other surprises are Ireland at #4 and Israel at #8. Also, surprised to see Sri Lanka make the list at #19. What do you think of this list?
Europe dominated this year’s list of the countries Traveler readers have been choosing to go—matching what you were probably seeing all over Instagram.
Animated Chart: The World’s Top 15 Carbon Emitters (1850-2022)
I love these animated charts at Visual Capitalist. You push the play button and sit back and learn how we got here. Three trends are obvious: United Kingdom ruled until about 1890, then USA led this until about 2005 and then, well, China took over.
The Best Photos and Videos of the 2024 Solar Eclipse
Kottke managed to collect the best eclipse photos and videos from around the web, there is a lot to enjoy!
Penguin Chicks Jumping Off a 50 Foot Cliff in Antarctica
Do not click if you have seen this before. Enjoy! One of my favorite videos I have ever posted here.
This blog started with a focus on miles and points and travel. It has evolved since then. All the miles & points sections return on Friday, along with the other gems you have become accustomed to.
Let me leave you with this:
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The identity theft report is really something. Thanks for the links.
Saw that ID Theft thing a couple days ago somewhere but just read part. I’ll read all of it now. But…
CRAZY PENGUIN CHICKS!!! That is an awesome and excellent video! Wow!
Great post as always! Thanks so very much!
Good morning Buzz,
Looks fascinating the article on identity, thank you.
Yes, loved the chicks video.
Have a great day!
Can you imagine fighting for years to prove it is you and the other guy is lying and…losing in front of the judge who sentences you for being the other guy pretending to be…you?
The dude who did this…of course he can say I am sorry….but how can you be sorry delivering this existential beating to another human for….35 years!
The penguins resemble former bloggers posting their final post and switching to ghost writing and finally stopping the bleeding!
Thanks, hopefully I see you Friday…
Why Israel on the best countries list is a surprise?
Because at the present moment it is probably not that safe?
They did the survey before October 7th. My personal experience is not as good as everyone’s else, I don’t like the hotels there. Diversity, food and kindness is amazing, Jews, Arabs, Druze and Beduins alike.
Here is another list
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/world-happiness-report-americans-top-20-0f59cf98