What Caught My Eye Today

Fred's Note: In light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech, today's entry is dedicated to the students and faculty who lost their lives.

A gunman opened fire in a Virginia Tech dorm and then, two hours later, in a classroom across campus Monday, killing at least 30 people in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history. The gunman was killed, bringing the death toll to 31. It was not immediately clear whether the gunman was shot by police or took his own life. The massacre took place at opposite sides of the 2,600-acre campus, beginning at about 7:15 a.m. at West Ambler Johnston, a coed dormitory that houses 895 people, and continuing at least two hours later at Norris Hall, an engineering building about a half-mile away, authorities said. Police said they were still investigating the shooting at the dorm when they got word of gunfire at the classroom building. Some students bitterly questioned why the gunman was able to strike a second time, two hours after the bloodshed began. After the shootings, all entrances to the campus were closed, and classes were canceled through Tuesday. The university set up a meeting place for families to reunite with their children. It also made counselors available and planned an assembly for Tuesday at the basketball arena. Besides taking a few moments to offer up condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this attack, consider taking another moment to reflect on the last time you did something to anger someone else. Was it worth it? Did it make you feel better? Life is too short and far too precious. Be nice, for all our sakes.