Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Big Picture: Tough Guy Challenge 2010

The 24th annual Tough Guy Challenge took place last weekend, on Sunday, January 31st, on South Perton Farm, near Wolverhampton, England. Despite being billed as "the safest most dangerous taste of physical and mental endurance pain in the world", this year's race still attracted over 5,000 men and women - all of them signing a disclaimer saying "It's my own bloody fault for being here". About 600 racers did not complete the course this year - the winner being Paul Jones of Oswestry, England, completing the course in one hour 18 minutes. The Challenge is annual event to raise cash for charity with funds going to the Mr. Mouse Farm for Unfortunates. Special thanks today to photographer Mike King, who was kind enough to share 16 of his great photographs of the 2010 Tough Guy Challenge below. (31 photos total)
Click the image to see the full collection.>

Groundhog Day: How accurate is Punxsutawney Phil?

Like most TV weathermen, Punxsutawney Phil is more about style than science. Each Groundhog Day, people gather at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania to await a winter weather prediction from America's favorite furry forecaster.

Today, the marmot meteorologist saw his shadow, foretelling six more weeks of winter. But just how accurate is Groundhog Day?

Flipping through the history books, it seems Punxsutawney Phil has spotted his shadow 99 out of 114 times. That would mean poor Pennsylvania rarely gets an early spring. However, according to the Stormfax Almanac, the groundhog is only right 39 percent of the time – a failing grade in school terms.
Click on either picture to read the article.

Les Misérables: Law and Grace

Les Misérables has become my all time favorite Musical (although Oklahoma! is a VERY strong contender). I have always wanted to read the book, but felt like the musical was 'just as good'.

Today Chuck Colson challenged that notion. He talks about the story behind the story, something I often miss because of the theatrics.

I encourage you to click the link above to read Chuck Colson's commentary and then to find a copy of the book.