Lights Out!, Spousal Abuse, -and- Unholy

Lights Out! - CA may ban conventional light bulbs by 2012
Spousal Abuse - CA woman poisons husband for breast enhancement
Unholy - Puerto Rican minister says he is Jesus incarnate

On this day in history: January 31, 1950 - President Truman gives the go-ahead for the development of Edward Teller's hydrogen bomb.

Born on this day in history: January 31, 1919 - Jackie Robinson (1919–72)
Born in Cairo, GA, baseball player Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in the major leagues, becoming a star for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1947–56). Robinson was Rookie of the Year in 1947 and league batting champion and Most Valuable Player in 1949.

Today's Video: Six Drummers!

Amazing Web Site: Caveman's Crib - Visit the Geico caveman!

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RAMMMMM Update: RAMMMMM is sold. The funds will arrive via bank transfer this morning, and a transport truck will pick him up soon for his journey to his new home in Colorado.

Arf!, Cat Gone Wild, -and- Swoop!

Arf! - psychologist makes patient wear dog collar
Cat Gone Wild - 15-pound tabby prescribed Prozac
Swoop! - eagle carrying deer head causes blackout

On this day in history: January 30, 1835 - Andrew Jackson is the subject of the first recorded assassination attempt on a U.S. president. After a man fires shots at him, Jackson beat the man senseless.

Born on this day in history: January 30, 1912 - Barbara Tuchman (1912 - 1989) historian She is known for her Pulitzer prize-winning historical books, e.g., "The Guns of August."

Today's Video: 66-inch Jump!

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House of Filth, Never Too Young, -and- Liberals Gone Wild

House of Filth - 66 pets found in house
Never Too Young - 12-year-old boy undergoes sex change
Liberals Gone Wild - Florida gives gun permits to felons

On this day in history: January 29, 1919 - Prohibition begins, and with it the rise of organized crime.

Born on this day in history: January 29, 1880 - W. C. Fields (1880 - 1946) actor, comedian. He was famous in vaudeville, stage, film and radio for hard drinking and dislike of children; starred with Mae West in "My Little Chickadee," 1940.

Today's Video: Blonde in a Library

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I went to Italy over the weekend. I realized I would need to learn how to ask, "Where is the restroom?" in Italian in order to survive. I practiced this phrase in during the flight. Soon after arriving in Rome, I found that I needed to use the restroom. I turned to a nearby Italian woman and asked, "Dove è il restroom?" in excellent Italian.

Unfortunately, I was unable to understand her reply!

Shhh!, Smile!, -and- Shut Up!

Shhh! - school bans talking at lunch
Smile! - teacher put boy's head in photocopier
Shut Up! - court rules boy's screaming killed chickens

On this day in history: January 26, 1998 - Residents of the Japanese town of Ito are attacked by a pack of raving wild monkeys. A total of 26 were injured and had to receive rabies shots. It remains unclear why the monkeys chose to attack.

Born on this day in history: January 26, 1961 - Wayne Gretzky (1961 - ____) ice-hockey player. He became perhaps the greatest player in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL); first player to win the MVP Hart Trophy 8 years in a row.

Today's Video: Oil Change Mishap!

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RAMMMMM Update: RAMMMMM departed for his new home in San Luis Obispo at 10:45 AM. I am saddened by his departure, yet I am satisfied he is going to a good home, and I am excited by the prospect of seeking his replacement.

RAMMMMM Update: The buyer called yesterday afternoon and said he was displeased with the way RAMMMMM handled on the freeway. I told him I would meet him at my office in the morning and unwind the deal. This morning at 7:45 AM, I walked to my office (White Fang is still unwell and unable to leave the confines of the house), met the buyer, unwound the sale, and returned home with RAMMMMM.

Alien Nation, Arf!, -and- Cold Duck

Alien Nation - Scientology names Tom Cruise "Christ"
Arf! - WA senator says bars should allow dogs
Cold Duck - bird survives two days in refrigerator after being shot

On this day in history: January 25, 1971 - Charles Manson and three of his followers are convicted in Los Angeles of the Tate and LaBianca murders. All were sentenced to the gas chamber, with sentences commuted to life imprisonment when the death penalty was temporarily abolished.

Born on this day in history: January 25, 1933 - Corazon Aquino (1933 - ____) political leader. She was president of Philippines, 1986-94; received the Living Legacy Award, 1991.

Today's Video: Suzuki Hayabusa Goes 220mph!

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Here is an amazing photograph. This was sent to me by Frank, and I deemed it too good not to share. Click to enlarge.

RAMMMMM shall be leaving for his new home in San Luis Obispo tomorrow morning! An agreement was reached regarding the sale price. I am saddened by RAMMMMM's impending departure, but I am very pleased that he will be going to a new owner who has expressed great concern for ensuring that RAMMMMM will be maintained with the same great care that I have always given him! Praise God!

Go Granny!, Time Out, -and- Lost!

Go Granny! - 72-year-old woman arrested after high-speed chase
Time Out - 3-year-old girl kicked off plane after tantrum
Lost! - visitor to NYC wanders aimlessly for 5 days

On this day in history: January 24, 1986 - Crackpot and founder of the fraudulent Scientology movement, L. Ron Hubbard dies.

Born on this day in history: January 24, 1928 - Desmond Morris (1928 - ____) zoologist. He is best known for "Human Ape," and "Body Language."

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There was frost on RAMMMMM's windshield again today. Yes, RAMMMMM is still here. The "buyer" came yesterday and inspected RAMMMMM and was not fully satisfied that RAMMMMM was in perfect condition (he is 20 years old!) and made an offer that I was unwilling to accept. RAMMMMM seemed happy this morning to have been spared separation from me. He appeared gleeful when I greeted him this morning! The timing was obviously not God's timing. So be it.

One Rotten Apple?, Spare the Rod, -and- Hold the Spam

One Rotten Apple? - Steve Jobs questioned by SEC
Spare the Rod - California proposes jail time for spanking
Hold the Spam - MySpace sues email marketer

On this day in history: January 23, 1996 - A professional bungee jumper practicing for the Superbowl was killed during rehearsal. Laura Patterson, 43, died of massive head injuries at the New Orleans Superdome.

Born on this day in history: January 23, 1928 - Jeanne Moreau (1928 - ____) actress. Her films include "Frantic: Lovers."

Today's Video: Women Can't Parallel Park

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It is cold again this morning! I thought the severely cold weather had ended, but obviously it has not. RAMMMMM's windshield was covered with ice this morning. Brrrrr! When I arrived at the office at 7:40 AM, the temperature inside the office was 49 degrees. Yesterday morning at approximately the same time, it was 58 degrees in my office.

Speaking of RAMMMMM, a gentleman is traveling here from San Luis Obispo (about 400 miles south of here) to purchase RAMMMMM! It is with a good deal of sadness that I anticipate parting company with my dear friend of these last 20+ years!

False God, In God We Trust, -and- Conspiracy Theory

False God - modern pagans honor Zeus in Athens
In God We Trust - atheist leader admits misinformation in Bible study
Conspiracy Theory - Howard Hunt blames JFK hit on LBJ

On this day in history: January 22, 1918 - Manitoba, Canada film censor board decides to ban comedies, on the grounds that they make audiences "too frivolous."

Born on this day in history: January 22, 1561 - Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626) philosopher, statesman, essayist He was an early advocate of inductive learning from intensive observation; wrote "Novum Organum," 1620.

Today's Video: Deer on Frozen Lake Saved by Helicopter

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Here is a scan of the box in which the wonderful corn dogs I described over the weekend resided. I very highly recommend these delicious corn dogs. Laura defrosted them and baked them for 15 minutes at 375 degrees, and they were identical to the corn dogs at the state fair! Click to enlarge.

Fighting Back, Slither, -and- Vanished!

Fighting Back - alleged carjacker gets shot in buttocks
Slither - snakes coming to town in Australia
Vanished! - woman returns after 18 years in Cambodian jungle

On this day in history: January 18, 1997 - Todd Bridges, "Willis" on Diff'rent Strokes, booked in Marina Del Rey on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He repeatedly rammed the weapon, his car, into another vehicle after an argument in a video arcade.

Born on this day in history: January 18, 1943 - Janis Joplin (1943 - 1970) singer. She was best known as a white blues and soul singer.

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Today's Video: Fastest Rock Climber

Spammer Convicted:LOS ANGELES - A man faces a sentence of up to 101 years in federal prison after being the first person in the U.S. convicted under a federal anti-spam law, authorities said.

Jeffrey Brett Goodin, 45, of Azusa, was found guilty Friday of running a "phishing" scheme that tricked people into believing they were giving personal information to a legitimate business. Prosecutors said Goodin then used the information to go on a spending spree.

Goodin is the first person in the nation convicted under the 2003 CAN-SPAM Act, the U.S. attorney's office said. The law forbids e-mail marketers from sending false or misleading messages and requires them to provide recipients with a way to opt out of receiving future mailings.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Goodin used several compromised Internet accounts to send e-mails to America Online users. The e-mails appeared to be from the company's billing department and told customers to update their billing information or lose service.

The e-mails referred people to one of several Web pages controlled by Goodin where they could enter their personal information, prosecutors said.

In addition to the anti-spam conviction, Goodin was convicted of 10 other counts, including wire fraud, misuse of the AOL trademark and attempted witness harassment.

Goodin is scheduled to be sentenced June 11.

Fighting Back, The Sky Is Falling!, -and- Matter of Life and Death

Fighting Back - homeowner shoots burglary suspect
The Sky Is Falling! - ice chunk crashes through roof
Matter of Life and Death - Arizona bill would legalize assisted suicide

On this day in history: January 18, 1990 - Washington DC mayor Marion Barry is arrested on cocaine possession charges at the Vista International Hotel, as he tokes on a glass crack pipe while being videotaped with his mistress Rasheeda.

Born on this day in history: January 18, 1882 - A. A. Milne (1882 - 1965) humorist, children's author. He was the originator of the immensely popular stories of Christopher Robin and his toy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.

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Today's Video: BMW M3 Rally Car in Action

Last evening's dinner: I simmered two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a medium white onion (thinly sliced), four large white mushrooms (thickly sliced), and a medley of herbs and spices in a cup of Chardonnay for two hours. I added a cup of medium-grain white rice and continued to simmer for another thirty minutes. Laura added a can of cream of chicken soup and turned the burner to low. Thirty minutes later, Laura stirred the dish and declared it ready. It was delightful.

It is warmer this morning! It is very noticeably warmer, in fact: Yesterday, it was 52 degrees in my office at 7:30 AM. This morning, it was 58 degrees at 7:30 AM. Also, the fierce wind is gone! The sun is shining brightly, and spring will soon be upon us!

But Your Honor..., Animal Kingdom, -and- Tall People

But Your Honor... - attorney found naked in courthouse with 14-year-old girl
Animal Kingdom - dog buried alive saved by neighbor
Tall People - model thrown off bus because of height

On this day in history: January 17, 1950 - Seven men wearing Halloween masks rob the Brink's office in Boston of $1.2M cash and $1.5M securities. One of the robbers confesses to the job in 1953, eleven days before the statute of limitations was to expire.

Born on this day in history: January 17, 1706 - Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) statesman, diplomat, inventor, printer. He published "Poor Richard's Almanac", 1732-57; invented bifocal glasses and the lightning rod.

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Today's Video: Cheerleaders Gone Wild

Interesting Web Site: Parkiing Perfection - hone your parking skills!

We had leftover rigatoni and shrimp in garlic-ginger sauce last evening. I made a side dish that was particularly delightful: I poached cauliflower in salted, boiling water for 3 minutes, drained, immersed in cold water for 3 minutes, and drained. In a stainless steel mixing bowl, I combined the cauliflower, 3 Roma tomatoes (cut into bite-size pieces), and an avocado (cut into bite-size pieces), extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, and seasonings. I stirred this mixture and refrigerated for 3 hours. It was wonderful.

Thou Shalt Not..., The Naked Truth, -and- If the Shoe Fits

Thou Shalt Not... - MI law could mean life in prison for adultery
The Naked Truth - bare-bottom bandit gets 3-5 years
If the Shoe Fits - sneaker addicts get their kicks collecting

On this day in history: January 16, 1989 - Three days of race riots begin in Overtown, Miami, when a black man fleeing on motorcycle is killed by a Hispanic police officer. 125 blocks are sealed off during the riots.

Born on this day in history: January 16, 1911 - Dizzy Dean (1911 - 1974) baseball player, sportscaster. As a pitcher, 1930-41, he was the only pitcher (except Denny McLain, 1968) to win 30 games in one season, 1934; inducted into the Hall of Fame, 1953.

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Today's Video: Dukes of Hazard - Drifting

Interesting Web Site: Perception Laboratory's Face Transformer You can use the Perception Laboratory's Face Transformer to change the age, race or sex of a facial image, to transform it to the style of a famous artist, to make an exaggerated caricature or even make an ape of yourself!

Wild Girls Gone, Easy Come Easy Go, -and- Out of Reach

Wild Girls Gone - politician wants to ban Girls Gone Wild ads
Easy Come Easy Go - man wins $315 million Powerball in 2002, broke now
Out of Reach - piracy Web site to buy island nation

On this day in history: January 15, 1947 - The body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short is discovered in a vacant lot, her mutilated corpse chopped in half at the waist. Her murder is known as The Black Dahlia Murder, one of the most lurid murder cases in Los Angeles history. The murderer was never found.

Born on this day in history: January 15, 1908 - Edward Teller (1908 - ____) nuclear physicist. He participated in the production of the first atomic bomb, 1945, and led the development of the first thermonuclear weapon, the hydrogen bomb.

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Video of the Day: Amazing Pool Trickshots

Heaven and Hell: A man spoke with the Lord about heaven and hell. The Lord said to the man, "Come, I will show you hell." They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot of stew. Everyone was famished, desperate and starving. Each held a spoon that reached the pot, but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arm that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible. "Come, now I will show you heaven," the Lord said after a while.

They entered another room, identical to the first - the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long-handled spoons. But there everyone was happy and well-nourished. "I don't understand," said the man. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room and everything was the same?" The Lord smiled, "Ah, it is simple," he said. "Here they have learned to feed each other."

It was so cold yesterday morning that water froze in the copper pipe that supplies the refrigerator. I have never seen this happen previously!

As is often the case on Friday evenings, snacking displaced dinner. The pepperoni pizza we had planned to eat Friday evening became Saturday brunch. For dinner on Saturday, we had large rigatoni with large shrimp in a sauce of olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, and sea salt.

For dinner last evening, we had grilled top sirloin steaks, potatoes, and green beans. Laura put a spicy dry rub on the steaks and halved and baked the potatoes in the microwave. She sprayed the steaks and potato halves with a mixture of one part extra-virgin olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar. She sprinkled spicy seasonings on the potato halves and grilled the steaks and potatoes. The green beans were seasoned and cooked in the microwave in a covered casserole dish for three minutes. The steaks were grilled perfectly—charred on the outside and very rare in the center. A bottle of Crane Lake Cabernet complimented the meal.

Fighting Back, Somebody's Watching You, -and- Lost and Found

Fighting Back - would-be robbers outgunned by homeowner
Somebody's Watching You - teacher arrested under peeping-Tom law
Lost and Found - woman reunited with ring lost 28 years ago

On this day in history: January 12, 1928 - Murderer Ruth Snyder executed in the Electric Chair at Ossining. Photographer Thomas Howard catches the moment of death with a camera secretly strapped to his ankle, and the photo runs on the front page of the New York Daily News.

Born on this day in history: January 12, 1876 - Jack London (1876 - 1916) novelist. He was noted for books dealing with brutal realism, e.g. "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang."

Today's Video: Antoine Dufour - "Scratch" - outstanding guitarist.

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This morning is the coldest day on record for Corning, CA since 1562! At least it feels as if it is! Brrrrr! Fortunately, it is dry, and there was no ice on RAMMMMM's windshield this morning. It is, however, incredibly cold, and the wind is fierce. I long for summer!

For dinner last evening, I simmered pork sirloin chops, 14 large garlic cloves, a large white onion (quartered), a bell pepper (cut into 1/2-inch-wide slices, 8 medium white mushrooms (quartered), and Cajun seasoning in red wine in a 4-quart sauté pan. After this had simmered for two hours, I added a cup of medium-grain white rice and continued simmering for 45 minutes. It was delightful. The pork was fork-tender, moist, and delicious, and the rice and vegetables were very tasty indeed.

Fighting Back, Get Down, -and- Mommy Dearest

Fighting Back - suspect shot during home invasion
Get Down - man shoots friend in argument over James Brown's height
Mommy Dearest - woman puts baby in warm oven while husband moves out

On this day in history: January 11, 1962 - In the Peruvian Andes, an avalanche buries 3,000 people alive as the volcano Huascaran erupts.

Born on this day in history: January 11, 1946 - Naomi Judd (1946 - ____) singer. She was the mother in the country duo, "The Judds", winner of seven Grammy awards.

Today's Video: Don Ross - "RockBarra" - outstanding guitarist.

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Interesting Web Site: Harrison County, MS Web Cam - Jail Cam

We watched "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" [When scientists develop a miracle drug to treat unwanted mutations, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his heroic band of X-Men must battle a group of mutants known as the Brotherhood, led by Xavier's former ally (Ian McKellen). Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Romijn and James Marsden reprise their roles from the first two films, with the addition of new recruits Kelsey Grammer and Ben Foster.] This is an exciting movie with excellent acting and incredible special effects. The story is very sad at several points, and X-Men fans may find themselves wet-eyed. It is a great movie, and I highly recommend it.

Role Model, Homesick, -and- Moo

Role Model - former coach accused of hitting players
Homesick - ex-con robs bank to go back to prison
Moo - milk cancels health benefits of drinking tea

On this day in history: January 10, 1998 - German psychologist Heidi Fittkau-Garthe was charged in the Canary Islands with a plot of murder-suicide in which 31 cult followers, including five children, were to ingest poison. After the suicides they were to be picked up by spaceship for an unspecified destination.

Born on this day in history: January 10, 1949 - George Foreman (1949 - ____) boxer. He won the gold medal at the 1968 Olympics; pro heavyweight champ, 1973-1974; made comeback, 1987.

Today's Video: Andy Mckee - "Drifting" - outstanding guitarist.

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Yesterday morning was cold! RAMMMMM's windshield was covered with a thick coating of ice! It was forecast that this morning would be colder! Fortunately, however, this morning is warmer, and RAMMMMM's windshield was free of ice! I was, understandably, very pleased.

Bang!, Jaws of Death, -and- Buy Me!

Bang! - security guard shoots at woman who took library book
Jaws of Death - woman saves husband from crocodile attack
Buy Me! - world's smallest "country" for sale

On this day in history: January 9, 2002 - The DOJ confirms reports that a criminal investigation of mega-corporation Enron has begun. Accounting fraud and insider trading caused thousands of Enron employees to lose their savings and pensions.

Born on this day in history: January 9, 1913 - Richard Nixon (1913 - 1994) president (37th), author. He was the first president to resign; he ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam, repaired relations with China, and initiated detente with the USSR.

Today's Video: Spiders on Drugs.

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On the way to the office this morning, I encountered a swarm of glass wing butterflies. They are lovely creatures, as you can easily see. Click to enlarge.

Night of the Living PC, Hey Mr. Postman, -and- What Would Walt Say?

Night of the Living PC - Internet under attack by zombie computers
Hey Mr. Postman - letter delivered 52 years late
What Would Walt Say? - Disney World Tigger punches boy in face

On this day in history: January 8, 1991 - Guitarist Steve Clark from Def Leppard found dead from a drug and alcohol overdose. He was 31.

Born on this day in history: January 8, 1935 - Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) singer, actor. He was "The King" of Rock 'n' Roll; hits include "Hound Dog," 1956 and "All Shook Up," 1957.

Today's Video: Submitted by Frank. The Last Handgun on Earth.

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This morning, the sun is shining brightly, but the wind is cold and fierce. The wind is forecast to abate by late morning. If it does, this will be a day much like yesterday—sunny and warm.

Saturday, I made soup using the carcasses of the game hens we grilled previously. I simmered the carcasses for two hours in water, removed all the flesh from the bones, and returned the flesh to the pot, adding 24 ounces of chicken stock. I added baby carrots, a head of garlic (peeled, of course), a large white onion (thinly sliced), six celery stalks (cut into 1/2-inch sections), six medium white mushrooms (thinly sliced), six Roma tomatoes (diced), Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, poultry seasoning, and ground sage. The soup simmered for four hours. It was delightful.

Sunday, I made a marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, Merlot, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, and Cajun seasoning. White Fang marinated extra-thick top sirloin steaks, red bell pepper quarters, and whole Jalapeños. The meat and peppers marinated for two hours. White Fang grilled everything to perfection. She also toasted garlic bread in the barbecue. We had a nice bottle of Zinfandel with the meal. It was wonderful.

Law of the Land, Calling Hank Hill, -and- Tax Dollars at Work

Law of the Land - pro-life students sue schools over censorship
Calling Hank Hill - gene could create perfect lawn
Tax Dollars at Work - DMV instructor trades passing grade for strip

On this day in history: January 5, 1998 - Congressman Sonny Bono dead from blunt force trauma to his head after a direct collision with a pine tree at Heavenly Valley Ski Area.

Born on this day in history: January 5, 1932 - Chuck Noll (1932 - ____) football coach. He was head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, 1969-1991; won four Super Bowls ('74, '75, '78, '79).

Today's Video: Incredible Drummer!

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FREE VOICEMAIL! It sounds incredible, but NetZero is offering FREE VOICEMAIL! You can choose the area code and city for your FREE telephone number and use the system voice mail message or record your own! You can be notified by email when a new voicemail message is left, and you can play your voicemail messages from any telephone, or you may access, play, and manage them from the Web! This FREE voicemail system is full-featured and includes Caller ID, call forwarding, etc. Get it now at: Private Phone

They're Here!, Law of the Land, -and- Just the Facts

They're Here! - mysterious object crashes through roof in New Jersey
Law of the Land - court rules boy has dad and 2 moms
Just the Facts - scientists warn about celebrity mumbo-jumbo

On this day in history: January 4, 1997 - Rumors run rampant through Israel, particularly over talk radio, that a UFO will land at Tel Aviv on the following day. The predictions are purported to have been made by spoonbender Uri Geller. Thousands flock to the beaches, but no saucers.

Born on this day in history: January 4, 1935 - Floyd Patterson (1935 - ____) boxer. He won the heavyweight title by defeating Archie Moore, 1956; first to gain the title a second time in a rematch with Ingemar Johansson.

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The 2006 Darwin Awards: Two students who died after climbing into a huge helium-filled balloon for the "buzz" of inhaling the gas have been named the winners of the 2006 Darwin Awards. Jason Ackerman and Sara Rydman, both 21, were discovered with their feet sticking out of a deflated balloon used to advertise property in LakeView, South Florida. The two apparently pulled the balloon out of the sky and squeezed themselves inside, where they died of oxygen starvation.

The awards are named in honor of Charles Darwin and given out every year to people "who have improved the gene pool by removing themselves from it."

This year's runner-up was a man who flew his copper wire-bound kite during a thunder storm. The 26-year-old, from Belize, died after the kite sent a fatal bolt of lightning through his body. He was an electrician.

In third place was a Brazilian who tried to dismantle a rocket-propelled grenade by driving back and forth over it with his car. When the weapon failed to break up, he attacked it with a sledgehammer. The explosion killed him and destroyed six cars and his workplace.

6 Weeks Before the Mast, Quick - I'm on My Break, -and- Have It Your Way

6 Weeks Before the Mast - 14-year-old boy crosses Atlantic alone
Quick - I'm on My Break - construction worker crosses street, robs bank
Have It Your Way - young turn to Web sites without rules

On this day in history: January 3, 1990 - Manuel Noriega surrenders at the Papal Nunciature. He is brought to Miami and charged with drug trafficking and money laundering.

Born on this day in history: January 3, 1892 - J. R. R. Tolkien (1892 - 1973) novelist, scholar. He achieved fame for his richly inventive epic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," 1954-55.

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Candidates for a job at a DIY store were made to dance to a Michael Jackson song when they went for their interviews. One candidate said he felt "humiliated" as he and other interviewees at the B & Q store in Norwich were asked to perform to the Jackson Five's "Blame It On the Boogie." The interviews, which have been criticised by the GMB union, continued with the candidates being asked to pull funny faces so that managers could take pictures of them. It would seem to me that forcing applicants to listen to the song would be sufficiently humiliating.

What Is the Porpoise?, Free Lunch, -and- Oops!

What Is the Porpoise? - amazing dolphin boat can leap out of the water
Free Lunch - Paris Hilton skips out on restaurant bill
Oops! - Britney Spears collapses at New Year's party

On this day in history: January 2, 1995 - Marion Barry inaugurated as mayor of Washington, D.C., four years after leaving the office in disgrace to serve a six-month sentence for smoking crack.

Born on this day in history: January 2, 1920 - Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992) science writer, science-fiction writer. He was a prolific non-fiction and SF author who created the "robotic laws" and the "Foundation" series.

Today's Video: Incredible Guitarist!

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I hope everyone enjoyed a festive and safe New Year's Eve and a glorious New Year's Day! The weather here was beautiful—sunny and warm.

For Sunday dinner, Laura and I feasted upon grilled New York steaks, baked potatoes, poached baby asparagus, and a delightful New Clairvaux Zinfandel. Laura applied a spicy dry rub to the steaks and grilled them perfectly—charred on the outside and rare in the center. We watched a "Cops" marathon on Court TV until the beginning of 2007.

Last evening, we dined upon grilled game hens, stuffing, and more of the wonderful New Clairvaux Zinfandel. I poached thinly sliced mushrooms, white onion, garlic, celery, and Jalapeño in white wine, seasoned with Cajun spices, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, and poultry seasoning. I cubed sourdough bread and stirred in the poached mixture. Laura transferred the stuffing to a Pyrex baking dish and set aside. She applied a spicy dry rub to the game hens, stuffed them with white onion and lemon halves, and grilled them over medium flames for five minutes, turned them, grilled them an additional five minutes, and turned off the flame under the birds. She continued cooking them over indirect heat for 90 minutes—turning each 15 minutes and spraying them when turned with a mixture of one part extra-virgin olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar. When the hens were nearly done, Laura baked the stuffing in the oven until the top was crispy. It was a delightful meal.