Today's News: Paralympics pride; remarkable connections; funniest book Forward ever; and Animal crackers

I haven't been following the Paralympics as much as I should have, but here's some great news:

GOLD FOR CANADA 🇨🇦

Nicholas Bennett wins Canada’s first gold medal at the Paralympics.

He swims his way to gold in the 100m breaststroke SB14. It’s his second medal at the Games. Canada now has 11 medals in Paris.https://t.co/nHgA1oV408

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) September 2, 2024

It was at the sharp turn coming up from along the seine. I believe there was an issue with the chain and he ran into the barriers right in front of me. Devastating turn of events, but it was incredible to see him get back up and finish the race out. He waved at us the next lap <3

— Je suis fatigué (@DevittIsabelle) September 2, 2024

BRENT LAKATOS WINS SILVER FOR CANADA! 🇨🇦🥈💨

The six-time Paralympian brings home Team Canada’s first athletics medal of the Paris2024 #Paralympics in the T53 400m final with a Season’s Best time of 47.25s! 👏

📸: Marcus Hartmann / Gate3 Photo Agency pic.twitter.com/rOnMHiwiAA

— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) September 1, 2024

Here is a wonderful statement about the meaning of the Olympics and Paralympics:

After Team Canada’s women’s sitting volleyball victory today I asked Allison Lang about this being so much more than sport

And then she answered with 60 seconds of magic I’ll never forget.

Here’s 🇨🇦 Allison Lang on what the Paralympics are truly about.

pic.twitter.com/fPU9ojQMib

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) September 2, 2024

Moving on, here are some remarkable connections: 

first, I was today years old before I heard about this amazing tribute:

This episode is one of the few unalloyed miracles in American history. The monument in Ireland is made of large iron eagle feathers, and now the monument in Oklahoma is a traditional Celtic symbol for the unity of mind, body, and spirit, fashioned by an indigenous artist. https://t.co/K0PBseEbzd

— Charles P. Pierce (@CharlesPPierce) September 2, 2024

Here is the BBC story on both tributes - Native American tribe unveil sculpture to honour Irish connection 

Next, some bikers helping out:

Post by @cctvidiotss

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Next, the funniest Forward ever written:

Post by @barryglassner

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(The book, by the way, is Disaster Inc by Caimh McDonnell 

Finally, a few funny Animal Crackers:

Post by @hitoshitomii1

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Beware of the dog.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/tjo0V6Bedg

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) August 24, 2024

She was a rescue:

Post by @paulnoth

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Jeff Permar is an avid gardener and when he noticed his vegetables were going missing, he set up a camera to catch the culprit.

It was 'Chunk', the groundhog who munched the vegetables away while blatantly staring into the camera. pic.twitter.com/sqNWA2NqCL

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) September 1, 2024

It was at that moment when he conceded that the people who told him he had put on weight may have had a point. pic.twitter.com/LVQj1MP7wg

— Paul Bronks (@SlenderSherbet) August 31, 2024

Turtles rush to rescue their flipped friend..🐢💪❤️ pic.twitter.com/a4paV7G9i9

— 𝕐o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) August 30, 2024

What do you suppose they are talking about? pic.twitter.com/bXh37PneO1

— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) August 29, 2024