This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Five Things: President Barack Obama's 50th Birthday

No rain today, but lots of clouds; today in history, Anne Frank is captured; wagon rides in the park

Posted Thu, Aug 4, 2011 at 10:43 am ET|Updated Thu, Aug 4, 2011 at 3:16 pm ET

Today we’ll have lots of clouds keeping the temperature hovering around 90 degrees and the UV index low. Some clouds will dissipate by the later afternoon. We don’t expect any rain.
On this day in the year 1944 Anne Frank and her family were captured by the Nazi Gestapo when a Dutch informer gave up their hiding place where they had lived for two years. Anne would die in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp less than a year later. Read The Secret Annex to hear Anne’s story in her own words.
Enjoy a 90-minute wagon ride through the wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park. A naturalist will help you and kids four years old and up look for butterflies or hunt for bats. Stop for a snack at the observation platform. Rides leave from the South King’s Highway entrance. Rides run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. both dates. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.
"Syria would be a better place without President Assad," White House spokesman Jay Carney said at a news conference. After more than five months, violence continues in and around Hama as grassroots efforts to oust President Assad and his autocracy are met by fierce resistance from Assad’s forces. Working hard to control and insulate the area, President Assad has expelled all independent media and civilian protesters are reportedly being massacred, drawing harsh condemnation from the UN Security Council.
Today is President Barack Obama's 50th birthday.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here