Don't go to Mexico warns the U.S. State Department

"Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.
Chickens...
Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.
...coming home...
The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states.
...to roost...
The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted."

Worn at an angle

Bragan, County Monaghan

Who loved who so much that...

...he had a half-dozen red roses delivered three times a week to her crypt for 20 years?

Carsonist caught!

New York Times: For two weeks, Upper West Side residents have been puzzled by a series of arsons in which four cars were set ablaze. An investigation that started with the Fire Department grew to include police anticrime units and plainclothes officers.

At 3 a.m. on Thursday, the beefed-up law enforcement effort paid off, the authorities said.
Two police officers in an unmarked car, a sport utility vehicle, were on Central Park West near 83rd Street when they spotted a man ducking around parked cars and looking into them. After he stood near the rear of their S.U.V., they questioned him. He was carrying a loaded handgun in a shoulder holster — and he also had a teriyaki-sauce bottle containing gasoline, the authorities said.

The suspect, Christopher A. Buxo, 54, whose last known address was in Inwood, faces arson and firearms charges, the police said.

It was not clear what the motive was for the crimes. Rambling notes were left next to some of the cars that were set afire. They referred to “mind control” and sexual disrespect, and complained about the court system. During questioning, Mr. Buxo was “incoherent,” said Chief Fire Marshal Robert Byrnes.