Mystery, Mastery and Musicians

1. It's pretty easy to understand why the cops took this phone call so seriously. Wouldn't you if someone let you know that you had been told about a badly beaten man—who was not yet dead—laying somewhere with a five-mile vicinity. And then when you ask for more information, the informant grows strangely quiet. , where a couple of guys loaded for coyotes is sure to draw discussion, and kids hang some inappropriate artwork on a man's house.

2. On the table today as part of our weekly Wednesday package are a discussion of pets, some cool things to do, and a closer look at Grant Yosenick, who is the subject of our Whiz Kid feature. It's a story you'll want to share with your kids; if Grant can do all this, there's no reason your kids can't get stuff accomplished, either.

3. Steve Baric, an accomplished trial lawyer who is also a city councilman for Rancho Santa Margarita, has been in the California Republican Party.

4. On this day in history, March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest by would-be assassin John Hinkley, Jr. In 1858, a patent was granted for putting an eraser on one end of a pencil.  In 1870, the 15th amendment gave black men the right to vote. 

5. Some talented musicians were born today: Eric Clapton (66), Celine Dion (43), Norah Jones (32) and M.C. Hammer (49). Also Warren Beatty (74), John Astin (81), Paul Reiser (54), Robbie Coltrane (61) and Beverly Hills 90210's Ian Ziering (47). Among the deceased are Peter Marshall (1930), Frankie Laine (1913), Vincent Van Gogh (1853) and racing legend Secretariat (1970).

For What it's Worth: March is Supply Management Month. This is Root Canal Awareness Week (as if you wouldn't be aware if you needed a root canal). Today is Doctors Day, as well as Pencil Day.