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The place where the world comes together in honesty and mirth.
Windmills Tilted, Scared Cows Butchered, Lies Skewered on the Lance of Reality ... or something to that effect.


Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift
Today's horoscope says:
There's nothing quite like a healthy dose of attention to boost your mood!
Look carefully and you'll catch some admiring glances being tossed your way.
There's a strong current of flirtatiousness around you, so don't be surprised if you get approached by a smiling stranger.
Be careful not to get too friendly though -- or you might send out the wrong (overly encouraging) message!
Crowded areas will also charge up your energy, so spend time in a city or other urban area.

Some of our readers today have been in:
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
London, England, United Kingdom
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Milan, Lombardia, Italy

as well as Slovakia, Malta, Bulgaria, Israel, Finland, Austria, Norway, Georgia, Mexico, Peru, Kuwait, Serbia, Bangladesh, Latvia, Greece, Scotland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Wales, Iran, Singapore, Poland, Taiwan, Sweden, Afghanistan, Belgium, Tibet, Croatia, Pakistan, Romania, Paraguay, Sudan, Vietnam, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Maldives, Qatar, Brazil, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Slovenia, China, Iraq, Ecuador, Nigeria, Colombia, Chile, Honduras, Paupa New Guinea, Moldova, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Norway, Finland

and in cities across the United States such as Altamonte Springs, Fairfax, Mt. Pleasant, Warner Robins and more.

Today is:
Today is Saturday, May 14, the 134th day of 2011.
There are 231 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are:
World Belly Dance Day
World Naked Gardening Day
and
Masturbation Day

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

President Obama's Weekly Address


Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Washington D.C.
Recently, there have been signs that the economy is picking up steam.  Last month, we saw the strongest job growth in five years, and have added more than three-quarters of a million private sector jobs in just three months.  But there are still too many Americans who are either looking for work, or struggling to pay the bills and make the mortgage.  Paychecks aren’t getting any bigger, but the cost of everything from groceries to college tuition keeps on rising.
Without a doubt, one of the biggest burdens over the last few months has been the price of gasoline.  In many places, gas is now more than $4 a gallon, meaning that you could be paying more than $60 to fill up your tank.
These spikes in gas prices are often temporary, and while there are no quick fixes to the problem, there are a few steps we should take that make good sense.
First, we should make sure that no one is taking advantage of consumers at the pump.  That’s why we’ve launched a task force led by the Attorney General that has one job: rooting out cases of fraud or manipulation in the markets that might affect gas prices, including any illegal activity by traders and speculators.
Second, we should increase safe and responsible oil production here at home.  Last year, America’s oil production reached its highest level since 2003.  But I believe that we should expand oil production in America – even as we increase safety and environmental standards.
To do this, I am directing the Department of Interior to conduct annual lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, while respecting sensitive areas, and to speed up the evaluation of oil and gas resources in the mid and south Atlantic.  We plan to lease new areas in the Gulf of Mexico as well, and work to create new incentives for industry to develop their unused leases both on and offshore.
We’re also taking steps to give companies time to meet higher safety standards when it comes to exploration and drilling.  That’s why my Administration is extending drilling leases in areas of the Gulf that were impacted by the temporary moratorium, as well as certain areas off the coast of Alaska.  And to streamline that permitting process, I am establishing a new team to coordinate work on Alaska drilling permits.
Finally, the third step we should take is to eliminate the taxpayer subsidies we give to oil and gas companies.  In the last few months, the biggest oil companies made about $4 billion in profits each week.  And yet, they get $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies each year.  Four billion dollars at a time when Americans can barely fill up their tanks.  Four billion dollars at a time when we’re trying to reduce our deficit.
This isn’t fair, it makes no sense.  Before I was President, the CEOs of these companies even admitted that the tax subsidies made no sense.  Well, next week, there is a vote in Congress to end these oil company giveaways once and for all.  And I hope Democrats and Republicans come together and get this done.
The American people shouldn’t be subsidizing oil companies at a time when they’re making near-record profits.  As a nation, we should be investing in the clean, renewable sources of energy that are the ultimate solution to high-gas prices.  That’s why we’re investing in clean energy technology, helping businesses that manufacture solar panels and wind turbines, and making sure that our cars and trucks can go further on a tank of gas – a step that could save families as much as $3,000 at the pump.
These are investments worth making – investments that will save us money, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect the health and safety of our planet.  That’s an energy policy for the future, and it’s what I’ll be fighting for in the weeks and months to come.
Thanks.

World Belly Dance Day

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Today is World Belly Dance Day!

The Top 5 American Enemies

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One Down ...

Insurance companies whine ...

... about $49 billion unpaid by uninsured
This is why they fought so hard to keep everyone from getting insurance.
If everyone had insurance, they couldn't charge you $80 for an aspirin.

Since 40M people have no insurance, they charge you $80 for the aspirin
and say, "We have to make up for the uninsured losses," which they caused.

Have you ever ...

... just wanted to say ...
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... to obnoxious asshole?

What Now?!!

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The truth be told

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The Contractor

Morris, a building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months.

He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he’d been given. “This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on,” he said.

“I know,” the owner said, “But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.”

The contractor said, “Well, I don’t mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.”

Louisiana readies to open spillway, flood Cajun country

This image provided by NASA Saturday May 14, 2011 and taken by an Expedition 27 crew member aboard the International Space Station May 12, 2011 clearl
Army engineers prepared Saturday to slowly open the gates of an emergency spillway along the rising Mississippi River, diverting floodwaters from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, yet inundating homes and farms in parts of Louisiana's populated Cajun country.

Ziggy

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International court to seek Libya arrest warrants

An international prosecutor said Friday he will seek arrest warrants next week for three top Libyan leaders on charges of murder and persecution during their attempts to crush the uprising against Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

Former Juarez Police Chief Seeks Political Asylum in the US


Marisol Valles Garcia was forced to flee her country due to continuous threats, she says from the safety of the United States "My country is so close, but so far away"

Three supporters of terrorism charged in Florida

Three South Florida men have been charged with providing about $45,000 in financial support to the Pakistani Taliban, which the State Department has designated as a terrorist organization.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Miami announced Saturday the arrests of Hafiz Muhammed Sher Ali Khan and sons Irfan Khan and Izhar Khan.

Hafiz Khan is the imam at Miami Mosque, also known as Flagler Mosque, and Izhar Khan is the imam at Jamaat Al-Mumineen Mosque in nearby Margate.

Officials say the mosques are not suspected of wrongdoing.

Authorities say they have recorded conversations in which Hafiz Khan supported violence perpetrated by the Pakistani Taliban.

If convicted, the men face 15 years in prison for each of the four counts.

Burglars caught due to wet underpants

A couple of burglars who took a dip in a family's garden hot tub before breaking into their home were caught by discarded underwear. Ashley and Cherie Deakin were asleep at their home in Orchard Drive, Oswaldtwistle, when Thomas Pendlebury, 19, and Glynn Threlfall, 18, had a cheeky soak and then stole £3,500 of possessions.

The incident happened around 1.30am on December 13 and police discovered a trail of wet footprints leading away from the outdoor spa. Det Sgt Geoff Warbuton of Accrington’s burglary team said there was no forensic evidence, but inquiries around a pair of discarded boxer shorts led them to Pendlebury.


He said: “That was the catalyst to the investigation. They had dipped into a neighbour’s hot tub one night and then gone in next door’s the next night. His boxers were wet so he left them at the scene of a crime. It started off as a wheeze, but burglary is an intrusive crime which left this family distraught. None of the stolen property has been returned. We are delighted with the sentence.”

Threlfall was jailed for two-and-a-half years and Pendlebury was given a 12-month suspended sentence. Mrs Deakin, 40, who works for Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Blackburn, said: "We were shocked at how cheeky it was. It is so unusual having people trying to sneak on to your property to use the hot tub. It is bizarre."

Raccoon meat, drugs and liquor seized at car wash

Four people were arrested at a North Houston car wash where, in addition to washes and waxes, illegal drugs and raccoon meat were sold, Houston police said. Undercover officers said they went inside the full-service car wash located in the 4300 block of Yale and were able to purchase marijuana, prescription drugs and liquor.

HPD's deferential response team raided the business after receiving complaints from neighbours. Police said they found two weapons and more than 1,000 prescription pills. Police checked the serial numbers of the two guns, and a 12-gauge came back reported stolen.


In addition to that, investigators said illegal gambling was taking place. There were two dominoes tables set up. Undercover officers who went into the business earlier in the day said there was high-stakes gambling going on inside a shed in the back.

The owner Michael Maxwell said it’s all lies. “I don't know why they are here. They don't have a warrant. They come storming into my place,” Maxwell said. “I got all my permits that go with this place. I am licensed with the city. I pay my taxes. This is my property and it is private.”

How Adversity Dulls Our Perceptions

Adversity, we are told, heightens our senses, imprinting sights and sounds precisely in our memories.

But new Weizmann Institute research, which appeared in Nature Neuroscience this week, suggests the exact opposite [...]

MRSA in bedbugs and meat

Expert weighs in
MRSA, the potentially deadly bacteria more formally known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has grabbed quite a few headlines this week.

Cameras in Texas schools to keep eyes on fries

From the "It's getting a bit ridiculous now" Department:

The next time children in some elementary schools in Texas try to sneak extra french fries onto their tray in the cafeteria line, the eye in the sky will be watching them.

Retail Math

Yes, there's 2 cent surcharge for stocking up.

Cities surviving the recession

Some metro areas have managed to hold onto jobs despite the economic downturn.  
Also: 

Five Habits Of Financially Savvy Couples

 
We know you've heard it before, but it's time to get your finances in order. That goes for the both of you. Managing money can be daunting, especially when there's debt involved. But it's a crucial practice, especially in a relationship, where one partner's bad habits can bring both partners down. We asked several money- and relationship-smart YourTango Experts to tell us how financially savvy couples live. How do they spend, save and talk about money? Are they always on an uber-strict budget? Find out.

Best degrees to earn online

These five are prime candidates for getting your education electronically.  
Also: 

Look and feel 20 years younger

Walk uphill, use sunscreen and dim the lights, and you'll feel years peel away.  
Also: 

Tips for summer weight loss

Planning meals — and taking time to enjoy them — will help you get in shape for warmer weather. 
Also: 

Fitness secrets from men

A protein shake following a strenuous workout is one way to improve results.  
Also: 

Can jump rope make you fit?

Some gyms offer classes touting the benefits of this playground favorite. 
Also: 

Ten Products Designed For Lazy People

Ever since The Clapper hit the market in 1985, the device has been famous for its hilarious premise: to relieve people from doing the simplest of tasks. But in today's society of instant gratification and digital versions of almost anything, ease-of-use is becoming increasingly normal... and ridiculous.

Here are some wacky inventions that ensure you'll never have to lift a finger again.

Non Sequitur

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Teen's 'Hannah Montana' life

Kylee Saunders is a normal teenager during the week, but on weekends it's a different story.  
Also: 

Random Celebrity Photo

Claudia Cardinale and Frank Zappa
Claudia Cardinale and Frank Zappa

How to Steal Like an Artist

How to Steal Like an Artist (and 9 other things nobody told me) is a condensation of a talk given at Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York, by artist and author Austin Kleon. It was hard for me to select just one good idea from this post to quote.
My mom used to say to me, “Garbage in, garbage out.”
It used to drive me nuts. But now I know what she means.
Your job is to collect ideas. The best way to collect ideas is to read. Read, read, read, read, read. Read the newspaper. Read the weather. Read the signs on the road. Read the faces of strangers. The more you read, the more you can choose to be influenced by.

How to Haggle Like Your Old Man

The Art of Manliness offers an extensive tutorial in the art of negotiation, also known as haggling.
Depending on where you are in the world, negotiation is either a part of everyday life or an uncomfortable practice that’s consciously avoided whenever possible.
But here’s a truth that many of us, especially those of us living in the Western World, don’t always consider: whether or not you realize it, every interaction you have with another person is a negotiation. From picking a romantic date with your wife to finding an agreeable price for some tchotchke gift with the local thingamajig salesman, we’re navigating a world of back and forth deal-making.
If you accept and embrace that, you can become much better at it, getting what you want from your life and feeling more fulfilled. If you reject it, your other choice is to take what’s given you and hope that it matches what you want. I learned from Dad long ago that the first option comes with better odds.
The article contains lots of advice and tips. As long as you are nice about it, you have nothing to lose by asking for a better deal.

Why, Why, Why?

Why, why, why…

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are almost dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on ‘insufficient funds’ when they already know there is not enough money?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, ‘It’s all right?’ Well, it isn’t all right, so why don’t we say, ‘That really hurt, why don’t you watch where you’re going?’
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

Reminscing about the Day

Here are some clips from TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s.

CLICK ON A DATE AND SIT BACK AND ENJOY

1. JACKIE GLEASON ON THE ROCKY MARCIANO SHOW THE MAIN EVENT (1960)
2. JAMES DEAN: HIS FINAL TV APPEARANCE (1954)
3. ELVIS SINGS BLUE SUEDE SHOES (1956)
4. A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY, THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL (1959-62)
5. THE EDSEL INTRODUCED ON NBC (1957)
6. BOBBY DARIN'S "MACK THE KNIFE" (1959)
7. WESTINGHOUSE DEBUTS HI-TECH "ADVANCED TV" (1951)
8. WILLIAM BENDIX AS LOVABLE CHESTER A. RILEY (1956)
9. ICONS I: WHAT MADE 50'S TV GOLDEN (COMPILATION, (1952-60)
10. THE PATTI PAGE SHOW (1958)
11. BLOOPERS FROM THE HONEYMOONERS (1957-58)
12. THE CENSORED JERRY LEE LEWIS HERE UNCENSORED! (1957-59)
13. A TRUE 50's DOO WOP TV CLASSIC (1958)
14. FAMILY AFFAIR (1966)
15. ALAN FREED'S BIG BEAT DANCE PARTY DANCERS (1959)
16. THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW (1957)
17. The Inventor Of TV Sketch Comedy ERNIE KOVACS (1954)
18. THE RED SKELTON SHOW (1959)
19. ICONS: THE DELINQUENCY RAMPAGE! (COMPILATION, 1957-60)
20. FATHER KNOWS BEST (1953)
21. PETTICOAT JUNCTION (1962)
22. OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BOB MATTHIAS (1956)
23. DANCES OF THE 1950's: THE HAND JIVE (1957)
24. GROUCHO MARX YOU BET YOUR LIFE (1959)
25. DRAGNET (1959)
26. THE IMMORTAL MUSICAL COMEDY OF VICTOR BORGE 1951
27. EDDIE FISHER SINGS A MEDLEY OF HIS BIGGEST HITS 1953
28.. ABBOTT & COSTELLO: WHO'S ON FIRST? 1951
29. MORE DANCES OF THE 1950's THE JITTERBUG 1958
30. THE HONEYMOONERS ... IN COLOR! 1969
31. THE ORIGINAL FLASH GORDON SERIAL theatres-1939; TV-1960's
32. THE LONE RANGER 1955
33. THE ENDEARING GRIMACES OF EDDIE CANTOR 1952
34. BOBBY DARIN NERVOUSLY HOSTS A BEAUTY CONTEST 1957
35. MORE DANCES OF THE 1950's: THE LINDY HOP 1959
36. SHAKE, BABY, SHAKE! IT'S THE KILLER AGAIN! 1958
37. THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW 1958
38. SID CAESAR: YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS 1957
39. HERE COMES TOBOR! 1954
40. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN 1954
41. THE ADVENTURES OF FLIPPER 1964
42. SPIKE JONES 1951
43. CAPTAIN VIDEO & HIS VIDEO RANGERS 1950
44. THE LIBERACE SHOW 1952
45. MEDIC 1954
46. THE BIG VALLEY 1965
47. THE ROOTS OF TV BASEBALL 1950-57
48. Mc HALE'S NAVY 1962
49. HOPALONG CASSIDY 1952
50. DARK SHADOWS 1966
51. FADS & FANCIES OF THE 50s & 60s
52. I LOVE LUCY 1952
53. THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW 1962
54. THE BEATLES FIRST TELEVISION APPEARANCE 1963
55. BAT MASTERSON 1958
56. MARTY ROBBINS ON THE JOHNNY CASH SHOW 1964
57. FRANK SINATRA SPEAKS CANDIDLY 1954
58. PASSWORD 1962
59. STAR TREK TV ON DEMAND 1966-present
60. MORE DANCES OF THE 50's: THE SWINGBACK 1958
61. THE LIVE TV FRIDGE COMMERCIAL CATASTROPHE 1954
62. THE ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW 1957
63. BUILDING THE 1958 DODGE 1957
64. FIGHT CLASSIC: ROCKY MARCIANO vs. JERSEY JOE WALCOTT 1952
65. AND MORE GREAT ICONS OF THE 50's VOL III 1952-59
66. ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS 1959
67. SATURDAY NIGHTLIVE~~ BEFORE SNL 1954-58
68. FELIX THE CAT 1959
69. THE DONNA REED SHOW 1958
70. THE GOLDBERGS 1952
71. LUCILLE BALL & CAROL BURNETT 1965
72. THE LITTLE RASCALS 1955
73. HIGHWAY PATROL 1956
74. LOST IN SPACE 1966
75. BEULAH 1951
76. BEWITCHED 1966
77. I DREAM OF JEANIE 1966
78. SEA HUNT 1957
79. DYNAMITE JOE RINDONE 1954

Reality sets in

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Airplanes turned into homes

Costa Rica's Hotel Costa Verde offers a luxury suite created from a Boeing 727. 
Also: 

"Jacob's Ladder"

(In Jamestown, St. Helena)
In 1829, the Saint Helena Railway Company built an inclined-plane cableway on Saint Helena.  It was intended to lift supplies from the port and capital of Jamestown up to Ladder Hill Fort.  It was rebuilt as a long, steep staircase, by the Royal Engineers in 1871 now known as Jacob’s Ladder...

The staircase is now lit and can be used to climb up Ladder Hill, where the suburb of Half Tree Hollow has developed. The staircase consists of 699 steps and ascends 183 metres (600 ft). A timed run takes place up Jacob's Ladder every year, with people coming from all over the world to take part.

Cambodia's Abandoned Town

Bokor Hill Station
 

The history of Cambodia in the twentieth century is one of almost continual struggle and conflict. One place which encapsulates the traumatic events which the country persevered is the Bokor Hill Station. This eerie ghost town has been abandoned not once, but twice in its history.

Awesome Pictures

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Argentine Farmer Makes Giant Guitar With 7,000 Trees

Pedro Martin Ureta, a 70-year old Argentine farmer from General Levalle, has used 7,000 cypress and eucalyptus trees to create a giant guitar in memory of his late wife, Graciela, who died in 1977, when she was only 25. He consulted a number of landscapers, but none of them were interested in such a daring endeavor, so the farmer just had to do it himself.

Planting the tree guitar required a family effort. His kids would stand in a row, three meters apart, and the farm hands would plant trees in those exact spots, after which they re-formed the line in another position and more trees were planted. Most of the guitar, including the body and star-shaped hole were designed using cypress trees, as for the strings the bluish tones of eucalyptus trees were used.

Alien Visit

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An Itty Bitty Critter Committee to join human astronauts on Shuttle Endeavour

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Oh, sure, human astronauts will be on board Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission set to launch Monday. But so will five microscopic life forms: Water Bears, also known as Tardigrades (shown above); the bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans and Bacillus subtilis; and the archaea Haloarcula marismortui and Pyrococcus furiosus. More about "Shuttle LIFE" here, via the Planetary Society.

Wine yeasts reveal prehistoric microbial world

When having a glass of wine or beer, have you ever wondered why and how yeast “learnt” to produce these superb food products? Yeasts are unicellular fungi and so far [...]

B.C.

...

Shanghai's new one-dog limit causes anguish

China's largest city is setting a limit of one-dog per family in an effort to gain control over the soaring pet population and curb rabies.

A Cat and An Owl at play

Animal Babies

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Dog adopts orphaned raccoon

A dog in eastern Missouri adopted an orphaned baby raccoon as her own after losing a puppy in labour. "We saved her life, and she saved the raccoon's life," said Sharon Maag of the St. Peters rescue group, SNUGGLE, Special Needs Under Gentle Guided Love Everyday. "I think what goes around comes around. It's the circle of life. I think that's the way it goes. She's just returning the favour."


Sasha the dog was likely headed for euthanization after being surrendered to a shelter with what appeared to be a large lump. The group SNUGGLE rescued her. "We weren't sure if it was a tumour or if she was pregnant so we brought her here," Maag said. "They did an ultrasound. She had two puppies inside of her. One was born dead." Around the same time, the baby raccoon showed up. It was found alone at a home in Saint Charles under the carport.

"We started off bottle feeding it and just couldn't keep up with its needs," veterinarian Dr. Kelly Hogan said. They thought to try Sasha, and a remarkable thing happened. Mother and pup took to the raccoon as if it was the puppy they had lost - cleaning it, grooming it and nursing it. "Even when he started making little raccoon kind of noises, she didn't have a problem with it," Hogan said. "And she loves him. She's protective of him now."


Sasha even jumps for her baby if workers have to take the raccoon away for any reason. "It's absolutely heartwarming to see that, to see them side-by-side like that and her attachment to him, it's amazing," Hogan said. Sasha will soon have to part with the baby raccoon. It's expected to be weaned in a few weeks, going to a wildlife rescue before being released back into the wild.

Animal Pictures

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