The Scoop on Poop, The Do, -and- Inked

The Scoop on Poop - Miami zoo hosts excrement exhibit
The Do - inmate's massive hair weave causes jail flooding
Inked - tattooing to become legal in Oklahoma

On this day in history: October 31, 1993 - Actor River Phoenix dies of a drug overdose on the sidewalk in front of the Viper Room in West Hollywood.

Born on this day in history: October 31, 1936 - Michael Landon (1936 - 1991) Television actor, born in New York City, New York, USA. He endeared himself to audiences as Little Joe in the television western series, "Bonanza" (1959–1973), and as Charles Ingalls on "Little House on the Prairie" (1974–1983). He occasionally wrote and directed for the series he starred in, including "Highway to Heaven" (1984–1988).

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Having a Bad Day

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News Corp.'s MySpace.com on Monday said it had licensed a new technology to stop users from posting unauthorized copyrighted music site and oust frequent violators of its policy. MySpace licensed technology from privately-held Gracenote allowing it to review music recordings uploaded by community members to their profiles. The technology compares those filed with Gracenote's database of copyrighted material and can block uploads without proper rights.

Harvest Festival - Tonight is the 12th annual Harvest Festival. This is an alternative to Halloween hosted by Harvest Christian Center. The event is free to all area youth and features candy, games, music, and entertainment in a safe Christian environment. Last year, over 1500 local youth attended this event, and even greater numbers are expected tonight.

This was the scene at the local market this morning! Click to enlarge.

Satan Worship, House of Filth, -and- The Eye of the Beholder

Satan Worship - pagans given day off for Halloween
House of Filth - more than 200 animals and birds removed from small Florida home
The Eye of the Beholder - transsexual crowned beauty queen in Thailand

On this day in history: October 30, 1938 - CBS radio announces that glistening, black-eyed Martians have landed at Grover's Mill, New Jersey. Luckily for the extraterrestrials, the news is announced during a Mercury Theatre program and later discounted as a work of fiction. Needless to say, the event causes widespread panic before the government manages to clamp a lid on it.

Born on this day in history: October 30, 1896 - Ruth Gordon (1896 - 1985) actress. She wrote, with her husband, "Adam's Rib," 1952; won Oscar for "Rosemary's Baby," 1968.

Be certain to watch this awesome video! Submitted by Frank. Shooting the Dillon M134D Minigun

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We watched The Island. [Michael Bay's stylish sci-fi thriller stars Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson as members of a strictly regulated indoor futuristic colony who hope to win the lottery, a contest in which the grand prize is a trip to an Utopian island, reportedly the last uncontaminated place on Earth. But a startling discovery about the true nature of "the Island"—and their very existence—leads the two to stage a desperate escape to the outside world.] This movie is exciting, the acting is excellent, the photography and special effects are stellar, and the story is a brilliant condemnation of human cloning. I highly recommend this movie.

Cluck Cluck, Save the Children, -and- Family Feud

Cluck Cluck - NBC refuses ads for Dixie Chick movie
Save the Children - Nicaragua poised to outlaw all abortions
Family Feud - court battle ends after 43 years

On this day in history: October 27, 1964 - In a private ceremony, Sonny and Cher marry each other by exchanging rings in a Tijuana motel bathroom. Five years later, with a baby on the way, they get married for real.

Born on this day in history: October 27, 1858 - Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919) president (26th). He led the "Rough Riders" during Spanish-American War, and served as the 26th U.S. president, 1901-09.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Frank. The Love Boat

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For dinner last evening, we had sautéed calamari steaks and oven fries. Oven fries are delicious and are a very healthful alternative to traditional French fries. Here is the methodology: Coat an oven-safe glass cooking dish with cooking spray. Slice white potatoes lengthwise into thick wedges and arrange in cooking dish. Coat the potato wedges with cooking spray. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Remove the paper towel and place the dish in a conventional oven that has been preheated to 400 degrees. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn oven to broil and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are browned well. Enjoy!

Speak Up!, No Fueling, -and- Shoo!

Speak Up! - Sheriff Joe requires English classes for inmates
No Fueling - gas guzzlers charged triple to park
Shoo! - China bans rave parties from Great Wall

On this day in history: October 26, 2005 - This blog began!

Born on this day in history: October 26, 2005 - This blog was born!

Be certain to watch this awesome video! Submitted by Laura. So You Think You Want to Ride in an F-18?

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Today is the 1-year anniversary of this blog! During that year, this blog has had nearly 20,000 visitors! I wish to take this opportunity to thank all who visit, read, and comment here!

A hacker known for cracking the copy-protection technology in DVDs claims to have unlocked the playback restrictions of Apple Computer's iPod and iTunes music products and plans to license his code to others. Currently, songs purchased from Apple's online iTunes Music Store can not be played on portable devices made by other companies. Songs purchased from many other online music stores will not play on iPods. The hacker—known as "DVD Jon"—said he has developed a way around those restrictions by creating code that mimics Apple's copy-protection system. But unlike his previous work, which he usually posts for free, the Norway native plans to capitalize on his efforts through his Redwood Shores, CA-based DoubleTwist Ventures.

Ya Gotta Take Her Out, Achtung!, -and- Bang!

Ya Gotta Take Her Out - 7-Eleven pulls Cocaine
Achtung! - Germany drags homeschool kids to class
Bang! - jailer fired for shooting inmate with toy gun

On this day in history: October 25, 1991 - On the way back from a Huey Lewis concert, rock promoter Bill Graham is killed when his helicopter hits high-voltage power lines in Vallejo, California.

Born on this day in history: October 25, 1881 - Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) painter, sculptor He was a seminal modern artist who, with Braque, founded the Cubist movement, e.g., "Guernica," 1937.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Laura. Is This How Your Morning Begins?

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Years of overfishing have left so few red snapper that almost none reach full maturity, scientists say. To avoid eliminating the highly sought-after species, federal regulators said Monday they plan to cut the numbers of red snapper that may be caught by almost 30 percent next year. Red snapper are highly popular in the seafood industry for their delicate flavor and among anglers for their aggressive behavior.

Laura and I shall be enjoying sautéed red snapper fillets for dinner this evening. The meal was planned prior to the publication of this news article.

Call Me!, Coming Out of the Broom Closet, -and- Snatched!

Call Me! - cell-phone use increases risk of infertility
Coming Out of the Broom Closet - pagan club at U of Wisconsin
Snatched! - homeless man steals lobster from Red Lobster

On this day in history: October 24, 1947 - Walt Disney testifies to the House Unamerican Activities Committee, naming Disney employees he believes to be Communists, ranting about how Communists were infiltrating the unions he has to deal with, and how "Commie groups began smear campaigns against [him]."

Born on this day in history: October 24, 1632 - Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632 - 1723) biologist. He pioneered lens-grinding and microscopy; discovered protozoa; described bacteria, 1683; studied capillary circulation.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Laura. Don't Drink and Dance!

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My cat, Zeus, has recently developed a penchant for swatting at me with his forepaws. He seems to take particular delight in swatting my feet through the covers while I situate myself in bed. I have given him the nickname, "Swat." He sleeps at the foot of our bed, on my side, and is easily awakened if I change positions during the night—quickly going into "swat mode."

This has to be the ultimate rich redneck's RV! Click to enlarge.

The Eyes of a Ranger, The Color Purple, -and- Passing Gas

The Eyes of a Ranger - Chuck Norris mania sweeping the Internet
The Color Purple - Oregon State University develops new tomato
Passing Gas - pregnancy mistaken for flatulence

On this day in history: October 23, 1995 - The murderer of the popstar singer Selena, and president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, found guilty in Houston of her slaying.

Born on this day in history: October 23, 1942 - Michael Crichton (1942 - ____) novelist. His works include "Jurassic Park," "The Great Train Robbery," "Terminal Man," "Rising Sun," and "Congo."

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Laura. The New Cellmate

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For dinner Saturday, we had filet mignon and giant shrimp, marinated in extra-virgin La Conda Ranch olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red peppers. There was a sufficient amount of filet mignon remaining after we became sated that we were able to enjoy filet mignon, fried eggs, and sourdough toast for brunch on Sunday.

Sunday evening, we had sautéed calamari steaks and cauliflower, broccoli, and radiatori in an herb and butter sauce. We enjoyed a bottle of Crane Lake Chardonnay with this meal. The wine was on sale at Sav-Mor Foods for $1.98 a bottle—an incredible discount from the list price of $10.00 a bottle. The wine was so delightful, I intend to purchase several bottles during my next visit to the market, should it remain available at that price!

Blade!, Hic!, -and- Mommy Dearest

Blade! - indicted actor Wesley Snipes in Namibia
Hic! - bear "hunted" by King of Spain drunk on vodka
Mommy Dearest - no charges for woman who killed her unborn child

On this day in history: October 20, 1977 - En route to a gig at Louisiana State University, Lynyrd Skynyrd band members Ronnie Van Zandt and Steve Gaines are killed when their private plane runs out of fuel and crashes into a swamp in Gillsburg, Mississippi.

Born on this day in history: October 20, 1931 - Mickey Mantle (1931 - 1995) baseball player. The "Mick" was a NY Yankee home run slugger and winner of the 1956 Triple Crown.

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For dinner last evening, we enjoyed some incredibly delicious burritos. I placed a 2-pound beef roast in a 4-quart sauté pan on medium heat. I added a bottle of Sierra Nevada Brown Ale, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 thinly sliced white onions, 10 chile peppers (5 varieties), 5 sliced cluster tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, cumin, ground black pepper, and sea salt. After 1 hour, I turned the heat to medium-low and stirred the ingredients. After 2 hours, I turned the roast over and stirred the ingredients. Laura arrived and began tending the cooking process. The house was filled with a wonderful aroma. After 3 hours, the roast began breaking apart. After 4 hours, Laura had finalized the shredding of the meat, the liquids had dispersed, and our stomachs cried out to be serviced. Laura warmed 4 flour tortillas, and we settled down to enjoy the finest burritos we had ever tasted. A frosty Sierra Nevada Brown Ale washed down the spicy delight nicely.

The Doctor Is Not In, She Wears It Well, -and- Without a Net

The Doctor Is Not In - clinic closed after abortionist disappears
She Wears It Well - British Airways clerk defends right to wear cross
Without a Net - balancing at 1980 feet

On this day in history: October 19, 1982 - Maverick car maker John DeLorean is arrested in Los Angeles with $24M worth of cocaine in his suitcase. The case is later thrown out of court when a judge rules that the FBI sting operation constituted entrapment.

Born on this day in history: October 19, 1931 - John LeCarre (1931 - ____) novelist. He made George Smiley, antithesis of James Bond, famous in "Call from the Dead," 1962; also wrote "Little Drummer Girl," 1983 and "Perfect Spy," 1986.

Be certain to watch this beautiful video! For Your True Love

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A gun battle ended with an armed robbery suspect dead and an elderly couple lucky to be alive. Beth Greer, 73, and her husband Tommy Greer, 60, say they returned home from work shortly before 11 PM Monday night and within minutes were staring down the barrel of a gun. Greer screamed for her husband, who was inside. The gunman walked past her and into the house to confront Tommy Greer. Still outside, Beth Greer had grabbed a gun from her car. "In an instant, he stepped back into the garage. One step in the garage, still with his gun pointed at me, and I just opened fire on him. I just shot, shot, shot, shot," Beth Greer remembered.

Friends! Click to enlarge.

Goodbye Norma Jeane, You're Not It, -and- Don't Bite!

Goodbye Norma Jeane - June DiMaggio: Marilyn Monroe was murdered
You're Not It - Massachusetts school bans tag
Don't Bite! - Mike Tyson says he may fight women

On this day in history: October 18, 1945 - The USSR's nuclear program receives plans for America's plutonium bomb, courtesy of secret agent Klaus Fuchs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Born on this day in history: October 18, 1939 - Mike Ditka (1939 - ____) football player, coach. "Hammer" was a five-time all-pro tight end, 1961-72; coached Chicago Bears, 1982-1991 and won Super Bowl 1986; coach of New Orleans Saints, 1997--

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! It Won't Fit!

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Actor Wesley Snipes was indicted Tuesday on eight counts of tax fraud, accused of trying to cheat the government out of nearly $12 million in false refund claims, and not filing returns for six years. He has not been arrested, because authorities have no idea where he is! Apparently, Snipes is unfamiliar with Willie Nelson and Al Capone and their dealings with the IRS.

Social Climber, Never Too Young, -and- Controlling the Substances

Social Climber - Hillary admits she was not named for Sir Edmund
Never Too Young - 14-year-old girl accused of supplying machine guns
Controlling the Substances - using LSD to cure alcoholism

On this day in history: October 17, 1989 - The Loma Prieta earthquake strikes the San Francisco Bay Area, killing 67 and causing billions in property damage. The 6.9-magnitude temblor manages to collapse a long section of the double-decker I-880 freeway, smushing motorists between the two layers. Part of the Bay Bridge also collapses.

Born on this day in history: October 17, 1915 - Arthur Miller (1915 - ____) dramatist. He dealt with social and political problems in "Death of a Salesman," 1950 and "The Crucible," 1953.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Save the Beer!

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I was discussing food with my friend Corey—the owner of neighboring Corning Auto Parts—and shared with him the wonderful green bean dish I made to accompany the grilled top sirloin steaks last Saturday. He suggested that I include it in a blog post, so here it is!

I poached a pound of green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, rinsed in cold water, and set aside. In a large sauté pan, I cooked three strips of extra-thick, hardwood-smoked bacon, cut into one-inch sections, over medium heat. After the bacon cooked for 2 minutes, I added sliced red onion and minced garlic and cooked for another 2 minutes. I then added sliced white mushrooms and cooked for another 4 minutes. I then added sliced cluster tomatoes, ground black pepper, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper and cooked for 10 minutes, turning the heat to one notch above low. I then turned the heat to low, stirred in the green beans, and awaited Laura's grilling of the steaks. The beans were delightful!

Bang!, In God We Trust, -and- Brave New Schools

Bang! - cat-killer principal resigns, may be charged with felony
In God We Trust - British Airways prohibits woman from wearing cross
Brave New Schools - teachers pass "illiterate" boy

On this day in history: October 16, 1996 - 84 are killed and more than 180 injured in Guatemala City when 47,000 soccer fans attempt to squeeze into 36,000 seats at Mateo Flores Stadium.

Born on this day in history: October 16, 1856 - Oscar Wilde (1856 - 1900) playwright, novelist. He was noted for his flamboyant witty, sophisticated plays, e.g., "The Importance of Being Ernest," 1895.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Inside

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Friday evening, I watched "Inside Man." (Laura retired early in anticipation of an early appointment with her hair stylist.) [Dispatched to a crime scene where a bank robbery is in progress, police detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) hopes to apprehend the cunning thief (Clive Owen) so he can make his case for a promotion. But when a savvy negotiator (Jodie Foster) with questionable motives arrives on the scene, an already unstable situation threatens to implode. Spike Lee directs this tense action-drama co-starring Willem Dafoe and Christopher Plummer.] This movie was suspenseful and exciting, well-acted and well-scripted—to a point. The movie began to drag near the end, the ending was altogether too predictable, and the message seems to be that crime does pay and—additionally—a "little" police corruption is excusable. I do not recommend this movie.

Sunday afternoon, we watched "The Second Chance." [Christian pop artist Michael W. Smith stars in this inspirational story of two preachers who have nothing in common—except for their faith in God's awesome power. When Ethan Jenkins (Smith), a pastor at a colossal suburban church called The Rock, is called to work alongside street-smart African-American minister Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi Carr), both men are forced to reexamine their assumptions about spirituality and saving souls.] This is a wonderful movie with an inspiring story, excellent photography, good acting, and awesome soundtrack. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I highly recommend it.

We played a good deal of backgammon Sunday and were weary from the game-play when it became time to ponder dinner preparation. We had intended to slow-cook a beef roast and prepare burritos, but it was much too late in the day to consider this. We decided upon something we do very, very rarely: We ordered a pizza from Round Table—an extra-large Ulti-Meat pizza. It was wonderful, and more than half of it remained when we had become sated. Laura slithered off to work this morning with pizza in tow for her lunch. I enjoyed two cold slices and a Caffeine-free Diet Pepsi for breakfast.

Serve and Protect, Ahoy, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Serve and Protect - policeman suspended over graphic MySpace page
Ahoy! - message in a bottle travels 20,000 miles in 47 days
Somebody's Watching You - homeowners asked to spy on neighbors

On this day in history: October 13, 1972 - Due to poor visibility, a Uruguayan Air Force plane carrying the Montevideo Old Christians Rugby Club crashes high in the Chilean Andes. Of the 45 people aboard the flight, only 27 survive the crash, and just 16 make it to their rescue 72 days later. Their secret? Cannibalism.

Born on this day in history: October 13, 1941 - Paul Simon (1941 - ____) singer, songwriter. He established his fame as part of "Simon & Garfunkel" with "Sounds of Silence," then continued a solo career of innovative music with "Graceland."

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Heineken Dog

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Yesterday morning, I received a call from a woman who wanted to make an appointment to have her computer serviced. She said that the system had slowed down significantly recently. I asked her whether she had anti-virus and anti-spyware applications installed, and she said that she did not. I told her that I could make an appointment for her at 10 AM on the next day. She agreed. This morning, the woman called and said, "You'll have to come here and fix my computer." "I do not make house calls," I replied. "You have to. I just found out it's Friday the 13th, and I'm not driving anywhere. I'm not leaving the house." "Such thinking is patently absurd," I replied. "I'm just superstitious," she said. "So you'll have to come here." "If you are determined to feed your paranoia, I can change your appointment to Monday at 10 AM," I replied "I need my computer fixed today, so you'll have to come here and fix it!" she said, with a tone of rising anger in her voice. "I shall not abide your dictating to me," I said. "Have a nice day. I shall pray for you. If you decide that you wish to make a new appointment, do not hesitate to call."

Pet the doggie! Click to enlarge.

Now You See It Now You Don't, No More Copy Cats, -and- Caught in the Act

Now You See It Now You Don't - YouTube blocked access to anti-Clinton video
No More Copy Cats - pet-cloning company closes its doors
Caught in the Act - police chief steals windshield

On this day in history: October 12, 1969 - Police capture Charles Manson at Barker Ranch, inside Death Valley National Park. Charlie is arrested for arson, after burning a maintenance vehicle blocking his favorite dune buggy route. One of his followers, Susan Atkins, is arrested the following day and spills the beans about the Tate/LaBianca murderers. Manson has not left prison since.

Born on this day in history: October 12, 1935 - Luciano Pavarotti (1935 - ____) lyric tenor. He is the outstanding tenor of his generation, noted for his mastery of the highest notes of a tenor's range.

Be certain to watch this amazing video! Submitted by Frank. Get Me to School on Time!

Beer Pairings from the head chef at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.! Right-click, choose "Save File As...," name the file "BeerPairings.pub" (without the quotes), and save to your computer. This is a Microsoft Publisher file. Beer Pairings

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Pet the kitty! Click to enlarge.

Say No Evil, Scary Movie, -and- The Naked Truth

Say No Evil - jury awards $11.3 million over defamatory Internet posts
Scary Movie - anti-Democrat campaign video from producers of "Airplane!"
The Naked Truth - prosecutor caught nude at work

On this day in history: October 11, 1952 - Referee Francis DeReus halts the college football match between Wesleyan and Dubuque because of the profanity spewing from Dubuque's coach, Maco Mercer.

Born on this day in history: October 11, 1884 - Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962) first lady, social reformer. She was "First Lady of the World", U.S. delegate to U.N., 1945-53, and wrote "It's Up to the Women," 1953.

Be certain to watch this painful video! Submitted by Laura Olympics Oops #3

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Britain's Leisure & Gaming and payment processor FireOne joined the list of companies fleeing a U.S. ban on online gaming on Tuesday, as signs emerged that Europe is to open up its gambling market. Leisure & Gaming said it would stop serving U.S. gamblers if President George W. Bush signed into law a ban that was unexpectedly passed by Congress at the start of this month. Payment processor FireOne said it would stop serving U.S. gamblers after the ban. It warned this would have a "significant impact" on its business, knocking 26 percent off its share price by 1254 GMT. The statements followed more bad news from the online gaming sector on Monday, with World Gaming fighting for survival and sector-leader PartyGaming earmarked to exit the FTSE 100 index after losing 63 percent of its value last week.

Now, these guys are pals! Click to enlarge.

Dress for Success, Nothing Original, -and- It's Alive!

Dress for Success - Texas sheriff makes inmates wear pink
Nothing Original - Web sites helps students cheat
It's Alive! - Bigfoot in Malaysia?

On this day in history: October 10, 1962 - The British Broadcasting Company bans "Monster Mash"—the Halloween-themed novelty tune by Bobby "Boris" Pickett—for being "offensive." The BBC never specifies precisely what it is about the song that is problematic.

Born on this day in history: October 10, 1900 - Helen Hayes (1900 - 1993) actress. She was the "First Lady of the American Theater," whose films included "A Farewell to Arms," 1932 and "Airport," 1970.

Be certain to watch this painful video! Submitted by Laura Olympics Oops #2

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Imagine the shock my friend received this morning when we returned from a fishing trip and this view of his garage presented itself! His wife had called his cell phone earlier and said she had a "small accident" with the pickup. She did not mention the damage to the garage door and his Ferrari! Click to enlarge.

Fueling the Flames, Bite Me!, -and- Fighting Back

Fueling the Flames - massive anti-Chavez rally in Venezuela
Bite Me! - woman sinks teeth into opponent during road rage incident
Fighting Back - homeowner kills would-be robber

On this day in history: October 9, 1967 - After being debriefed by CIA field agent Felix Rodriguez, Che Guevara is executed in a schoolhouse in La Higuera, Bolivia. Guevara had been captured by the Bolivian 2nd Ranger Battalion, which was specifically trained by U.S. Army Special Forces to catch him.

Born on this day in history: October 9, 1890 - Aimee Semple Mcpherson (1890 - 1944) religious leader, evangelist. She was the most famous evangelist of her day; founder of International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; built Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, CA.

Be certain to watch this painful video! Submitted by Laura Olympics Oops #1

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Yesterday, I made a potato salad with white potatoes (cooked for 5 minutes in the microwave, cooled, and diced), grated ginger, minced garlic, sliced red onion, chopped Thai basil, sliced chiles (four varieties), celery salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, extra-virgin La Conda olive oil, and rice wine vinegar.

Laura did a dry rub on two racks of baby back ribs. She placed them bone-side down on the rear of the grill, with the rear burner off and the front burner on low. Every 20 minutes, she sprayed them with a mixture of 3 parts balsamic vinegar and 1 part extra-virgin La Conda olive oil.

While the ribs cooked, we played several games of backgammon and snacked on wasabi peas.

We anticipated the propane tank would expire during the rib-cooking process, and we had a fresh propane tank ready. As Laura was checking the ribs at the 2-hour point, the propane expired—precisely when the ribs reached perfection!

It was a wonderful Sunday meal.

Off the Street, A Man and a Woman, -and- It's All in the Game

Off the Street - serial molester given 90-year sentence
A Man and a Woman - same-sex marriage ban upheld in California
It's All in the Game - teen fined $250 for playing hacky sac

On this day in history: October 6, 1981 - During a commemoration of the Yom Kippur War, armed gunmen leap from a truck and begin shooting into the reviewing stand at Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Along with Sadat, the assassins kill eight others.

Born on this day in history: October 6, 1924 - Joseph Losery (1924 - ____) minister, civil rights leader. He was active in the 1960s civil rights movement as president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference; continues to speak out on political issues.

Be certain to watch this awesome video! Submitted by Frank. Shelby GT 500

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A university professor challenged his class, "Did God create everything?" A student replied, "Yes." The professor continued, "If God created everything, then He created evil too. And since our works define who we are, then God is evil." The class became silent. Suddenly another student raised his hand and asked, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Yes." The student replied, "No, sir, darkness does not exist. Darkness is just the absence of light. Light, we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break the white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. But you cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present." Then the young man asked, "Sir, does evil exist?" Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course." To this, the student replied, "No, evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. It is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness, a word that man has created to describe the absence of light. God did not create evil. It is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. Evil is like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light." The professor sat down. The young man's name was Albert Einstein.

Somebody's Watching You, No Fueling, -and- Texas Justice

Somebody's Watching You - Milwaukee law could require security cameras in bars
No Fueling - U.S. motorists, businesses eschew Citgo
Texas Justice - child molesters to get 25 years for 1st offense, death for 2nd

On this day in history: October 5, 1994 - Predicting that the world would soon end in an environmental disaster, homeopath Luc Jouret and 52 others belonging to his Order of the Solar Temple commit mass suicide near Cheiry, Switzerland and Montreal, Canada.

Born on this day in history: October 5, 1954 - Bob Geldof (1954 - ____) actor, musician, singer. He was the organizer of Live-Aid, which raised $84 million for African famine, 1985; runner-up for Nobel Peace Prize, 1986.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Laura. Who Let the Dogs Out?

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The president and co-owner of a Wilmington-based temporary labor service company pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to conspiring to provide work for hundreds of illegal aliens. Maximino Garcia, president of Garcia Labor Co. in Ohio Inc. and Tennessee-based Garcia Labor Co. Inc., entered a plea agreement that requires him to forfeit $12 million and face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Julie Myers, assistant secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Garcia's plea should serve as a warning to others. "Companies that use cheap, illegal alien labor as a business model should be on notice," Myers said. "ICE is dramatically enhancing its enforcement efforts against illegal employment schemes."

We Have Liftoff!, Somebody's Watching You, -and- She Don't Lie

We Have Liftoff! - Neiman Marcus gift book offers space flight
Somebody's Watching You - IMs not as private as you think
She Don't Lie - Eric Clapton playing "Cocaine" in concert again

On this day in history: October 4, 1970 - Janis Joplin accidentally overdoses on an unusually-pure dose of heroin at the Landmark Motor Hotel in Los Angeles.

Born on this day in history: October 4, 1941 - Anne Rice (1941 - ____) novelist. She wrote "Interview with a Vampire."

Be certain to watch this awesome video! Submitted by Jay. Bud Wave

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I recently found it necessary to sequester myself in a hiding spot at a client's in order to investigate her complaints of computer theft. She feared that someone was breaking into her house while she slept. I determined it was an inside job!

Bozo, Late for Class, -and- Take a Number

Bozo - clown running for mayor of Alameda
Late for Class - school gives parents detention for tardiness
Take a Number - stores limit number of teens inside

On this day in history: October 3, 1995 - A jury of his "peers" finds Orenthal James Simpson not guilty. Later, OJ resumes his golfing career while hunting for "the real killers."

Born on this day in history: October 3, 1900 - Thomas Wolfe (1900 - 1938) novelist. He is best known for his first novel, "Look Homeward Angel," 1929.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Carol. Airplane!

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Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is pushing to create a cheaper, more flexible work force by capping wages, using more part-time workers, and scheduling more staff on nights and weekends. Wal-Mart executives say they embraced the new policies for a large number of their 1.3 million workers to better serve customers, but some Wal-Mart workers say the changes are further reducing their modest incomes and putting a strain on personal lives.

Bang!, Don't Bet on It!, -and- Feed Me!

Bang! - accused cop-killer shot 68 times
Don't Bet on It! - Bush signs bill to prevent Internet Gambling
Feed Me! - woman arrested for hamster abuse

On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabiting with a 16-year-old girl.

Born on this day in history: October 2, 1890 - Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977) comedian. He was the leader of the Marx brother team and famous for his ad-lib insults in his TV show "You Bet Your Life," 1950-1961.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Don't Answer!

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We had a glorious weekend at Harvest Christian Center: Saturday, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Rob Kee as pastor. A special program of worship was followed by short speeches given by various members of the congregation and a dessert social. Saturday and Sunday, the sermons were given by Pastor Rick Herring from Southern California, Rob's supervising pastor when he entered the ministry in 1991! Rick gave very powerful sermons. It was a glorious weekend of worship, praise, and fellowship!

My mother came to dinner on Sunday. I produced a pasta salad consisting of penne, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, julienne red onion, chopped heart of celery, sliced red bell pepper, and marinated artichoke hearts. The dressing was La Conda extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, celery salt, ground black pepper, and other herbs and spices. Laura mixed it after I produced it and applied a sprinkling of Hungarian paprika and placed it in the refrigerator to chill. We also had grilled giant shrimp and grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The marinade for the shrimp and chicken consisted of La Conda extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, celery salt, and other herbs and spices. We also had toasted garlic bread. The meal was a great success. Mother took with her a care package of leftovers, and Laura slithered off to work this morning with a bounty of leftovers in tow.

Only in Northern California! Reader Frank spotted and photographed this truck-limo in Red Bluff recently. Click to enlarge.