47 Years Since JFK Was Shot

A Facebook friend asked the question Where were you on November 22, 1963? JFK assassination. Here's what I said:

Harry Ells High School, Richmond, Calif. Between classes I ran into a friend. "Did you hear?" he asked. "What?" "Kennedy's been shot." I didn't believe him. Next class was chemistry. We were due to take a test. Students were crying. The teacher told us there was nothing we could do to change what had happened. He made us take the test.

"HARRY POTTER" GRAVESITE DRAWS TOURISTS TO RAMLE, ISRAEL

There is a new tourist draw to the Holy Land. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the Bible. The Israel Department of Tourism released this today:

New York - November 19, 2010: Inspired and intrigued by the final tale of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, travelers from around the world are flocking to the Israeli town of Ramle to visit the gravesite of "Harry Potter."

In reality, the grave belongs to a deceased British soldier who incidentally shared the name with the famous wizard, and who was killed in battle with an armed band in Palestine in 1939 during the period of the British Mandate.

"Harry Potter's grave is an intriguing and coincidental attraction for travelers visiting Ramle," says Haim Gutin, Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America, "and it adds some extra excitement for Harry Potter fans arriving in Israel."

Every year, thousands of travelers come to Ramle, located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, to visit the town's archeological sites, ancient caves and UNESCO-recognized White Mosque.

I wish instead we would see a revival of interest in traveling to the Holy Land because it is the land of the Bible.

Burney Falls Through 51 Years ('55, '57, '06)

1. Burney Falls, 2. Burney Falls 1957, 3. Burney Falls, California

Little change in more than half a century. All photos by my family.

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

We Honor Our Veterans on This, Their Day

It's Veterans Day!

Anniversary of Dempsey's Kick

40 years ago today Tom Dempsey kicked the longest field goal in NFL history, 63 yards, for the N.O. Saints, winning a game 19-17 over the Detroit Lions with no time on the clock. Never broken (tied once). Dempsey was born with only part of a right arm and with a club right foot. All things are possible.

Giants Closer Is a Believer

Brian Wilson talks about his faith and the surprising meaning of the arm-crossing he does after each save.

Giants Win the World Series

I've been rooting for the San Francisco Giants since 1958. They are finally the World Series champions.