This week’s not so nasty news April 27th

Item #1: A horse named Alfred
My father was named Alfred, was called Al, and used A. F. in his signature.
Many years ago, after mom died, father Alfred escaped Pennsylvania to a nondescript place SW of West Palm Beach. Official name was Greenacres. This isn’t far from Lake Okeechobee and the towns of Pahokee (considered Mel Tillis’ hometown – we drove there for a look at the Lake) and Clewiston. No one cared about Clewiston until the pony got loose.

A local police officer, named Buffie McLeod, {Buffie? } and partner Jennifer Diaz got the call. A tiny horse was on the run. All of maybe 3 feet tall, the brown miniature pony, its hairy mane flopping around, was spotted running on historic highway #27.

Run Alfred, run!

More about Alfred

Item #2: A beaver named Justin
In this case the missing was a beaver named Justin, a beloved taxidermied one. I would call it “stuffed” but am told that word is for pork chops and Chicken Cordon Bleu {and how did that get started?}.
So Justin Beaver went missing, and now is back.
All’s well

This reminds me of a story about a train derailment
See: Off again, on again …

Item #3: A devil named Tasmanian
I know you have been as worried as I have been about the Tasmanian Devil, the carnivorous marsupial of the land down under.
Here using a cute photo, but they are noted for their ferocity when feeding. One doesn’t want to get between one and its next meal.

The Wikipedia entry explains: devil facial tumour disease (DFTD)

So along comes a study that says somewhat like Mark Twain, “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
Healthy Tasmanian devils found

Interestingly, the photo of the region in this link was supplied by the Toledo Zoo, but whether Spain or Ohio is not mentioned. Geographers want to know.

Item #4: Truckers unite!
I’m going to call this a good outcome. In the long run, the man involved needs help. Hope he gets it.
However, from the photo, there seems to be space between the trailers. So, I guess, there is not enough information.
There are photos, but I haven’t included one.
semis help prevent suicide

Item #5: Odd twist to a bacon eating contest
They know him as Zack.
Zack rode into town, ate bacon faster than the locals, and left.

This reminds me of a western (novel & ) movie with Alan Ladd playing Shane.
Shane, the film

Organizers of the Air Capitol Bacon & Beer Festival put out a call in the hopes of identifying this bacon champion of the midwest.
So far, Zack, remains the mysterious stranger. Like Shane.
Legend in his own time

And that, for this week, is the not so nasty news.
John