Stupid Criminals, Stick 'em Up!, -and- Window Seat Please

Stupid Criminals - beer bribe entices alleged burglar to leave
Stick 'em Up! - woman Twitters through bank robbery
Window Seat Please - all-pet airline hits skies

On this day in history: July 15, 1869 - During war with Prussia, French ruler Napoleon III commissions Hippolye Mege Mouries to find a butter substitute. A patent for margarine is issued, it being based on beef fat instead of milk fat. But even with the tactically superior spread, the war is still lost.

Born on this day in history: July 15, 1951 - Jesse Ventura (1951-) Born James George Janos in Minneapolis, Minnesota, professional wrestler and politician Jesse Ventura served in Vietnam in 1970, and, afterward, a popular wrestler and movie actor. In 1998, Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota, the first Reform Party candidate ever to hold state or federal office. Ventura chose not to run again.

Scripture of the Day: Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. — Psalm 37:16-17

Video of the Day: London street has record cell phone texting injuries - submitted by Amber

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at a photo shoot this morning and encountered this scene! Click to enlarge.

HOT Weather!
It was hot yesterday!

At 9 PM last evening, it was still 99°!

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Stupid Criminals, Sell this House, -and- Vanished

Stupid Criminals - alleged bank robber seeks ride from undercover cop
Sell this House - Aspen home sells for $43 million
Vanished - man's laptop stolen—from his lap

On this day in history: July 14, 1881 - In the Sumner, New Mexico home of his friend Pete Maxwell, notorious outlaw Billy the Kid steps into a darkened bedroom and is shot dead by sheriff Pat Garrett. Billy's last words are "¿Quién es?" (Who is it?)

Born on this day in history: July 14, 1912 - Woody Guthrie (1912 - 1967) Born in Okemah, Oklahoma, folk musician and songwriter Woody Guthrie lived a hobo’s life until becoming a radio personality in Los Angeles in 1937. He wrote or adapted more than 1000 songs, including "This Land is Your Land" (1940). Guthrie spent his last years ravaged by Huntington's chorea.

Scripture of the Day: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." — John 17:15

Video of the Day: Golf Trick Shots - submitted by Cap'n Jack

Imagine my surprise when I received a handful of these from a client this morning! Click to enlarge.

The Old Grill

With the new grill in place, it was time to discard the old grill. I put it at the curb with a sign reading, "FREE! WORKS GREAT!" at 4:30 PM. When Laura peered outside at 6:45 PM, ti was gone. Free items do not remain at curbside for long in this region, it would seem. I am pleased that someone will get some use from the old grill.

Hot Weather

Mr. Nitro's temperature sensor indicated that it was 82° this morning at 7:30 AM as I drove to my office. It is now 86° at 8:25 AM. Today will be a hot day. There is no doubt.

The Kind Lawyer

One afternoon a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate. He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?" "We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat grass." "Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the lawyer said. "But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree." "Bring them along," the lawyer replied. Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You come with us, also." The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and SIX children with me!" "Bring them all, as well," the lawyer answered. They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine was. Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said, "Sir, you are too kind." "Thank you for taking all of us with you." The lawyer replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The grass is almost a foot high!"

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Bolt from the Blue, Swarm!, -and- Book 'im Dano!

Bolt from the Blue - woman saved by lightning strike
Swarm! - man survives 1,000 bee stings
Book 'im Dano! - police take barking dog into custody after neighbors complain

On this day in history: July 13, 2005 - Former WorldCom Inc. boss Bernard Ebbers was sentenced to 25 years in prison for leading the largest corporate fraud in U.S. history.

Born on this day in history: July 13, 1942 - Harrison Ford (1942– ) Born in Chicago, Illinois, actor Harrison Ford served a long apprenticeship before achieving stardom in "Star Wars" (1977) and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981). Later films enhanced his reputation. Ford received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award in 2000.

Scripture of the Day: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." — John 17:4

Video of the Day: Evian Roller Babies - Making Of

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The New Grill

We readied the new grill Friday afternoon for weekend grilling. We completed the assembly (For the most part, the grill was assembled. All that was necessary was attaching the table and side burner, placing the Flavorizer® bars, placing the grills, placing the propane tank, connecting the side burner, and testing the system.) We placed the cover on the grill and adjourned to the cool air that awaited us indoors.

Saturday, we grilled burger patties from Omaha Steaks (thank you, Chris!) and enjoyed bacon cheeseburgers and Ore-Ida® onion rings.

Laura took these photographs with her iPhone:

Sunday, we grilled an incredible top sirloin steak and stuffed baked potatoes from Omaha Steaks (thank you, Chris!), an excellent ahi steak, and asparagus. We enjoyed an excellent bottle of Nevada City Winery Directors' Reserve Contour that was given to Laura. Laura photographed the wine bottle, and I photographed the food. We used our iPhones.









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Koobface worm preying on Twitter users
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iPhone News
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Death by Chocolate, Grave Injustice, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Death by Chocolate - worker dies after falling into vat
Grave Injustice - manager, three gravediggers move bodies to resell plots
Homeland Insecurity - State Department under cyber attack for fourth day

On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.

Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) Born in Richmond, Virginia, tennis player Arthur Ashe was the first African-American to win the U.S. national singles and open championships (1968) and the first black professional to play in apartheid South Africa (1973). Ashe became a spokesman for AIDS education after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion.

Scripture of the Day: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. — Philippians 4:11

Video of the Day: Evian Roller Babies - submitted by Frank

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The New Grill

Reader Will appeared shortly following the delivery of the new grill. The box containing the new grill was enormous. When Will assured me it would fit into his Ford pickup, I was incredulous. However, it fit nicely! We unloaded it onto the sidewalk in front of the house wherein Laura and I reside. That afternoon, I removed the cardboard encasing the new grill. I then wrestled (and I do mean wrestled!) the new grill from its perch within a plastic carrier. I placed the flavorizer® bars and cooking grates. I installed the inner rack. That was as far as I could go, since I could find no screwdriver with which to attach the side burner and work table. This afternoon, I shall attach these items, and the new grill will be ready for use!

Perhaps I have been playing Zombieville USA too much!

I dreamed of zombies last evening. They were the zombies of the game. They was a great infestation of them upon the city. It was not nearly as enjoyable killing zombies in my dream as it is in the game. The zombies in my dream looked like the zombies in the game, but they were much more aggressive and more difficult to kill. I much prefer the game. Perhaps, however, this dream is a sign that I should play another game for a time.

Just the Facts Ma'am, Brave New Schools, -and- Stay on Track

Just the Facts Ma'am - LAPD's public database omits nearly 40% of this year's crimes
Brave New Schools - teacher apologizes for mock marriage to student
Stay on Track - Metrorail operator caught sleeping on job

On this day in history: July 9, 1997 - Mike Tyson banned from boxing for one year, and fined $3M for biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear.

Born on this day in history: July 9, 1956 - Tom Hanks (1956-) Born in Concord, California, actor and director Tom Hanks began in community theater and guest roles on TV shows. His break came in "Big" (1988). Success followed with "Sleepless in Seattle," "Forrest Gump" and Oscar-winning performances. In 2002, Hanks became the youngest actor ever to receive the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Scripture of the Day: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. — Proverbs 31:10

Video of the Day: How to Jump a Car - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I saw this grill in the parking lot at my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The New Grill

The long wait has ended: The new grill has arrived!

Although the shipper's Web site states a telephone call will be made four hours prior to a delivery--something that was also stated in a telephone conversation with the main office of the shipper on Tuesday--there was no telephone call made.

Instead, the grill was delivered at 7:50 AM. It is fortunate that I am always here early!

Reader Will arrived shortly following the delivery to give me an offering of produce from his garden. He recently bought a new car and has not been driving his large Ford truck. This morning, however, he was driving the truck. I pressed him into service, and together we wrestled the 250-pound giant into his truck and deposited it at the front steps of our house. Later this afternoon, I shall unpack and assemble the creature. Then, let the grilling begin!