You've Got Mail, Typo, -and- Arf!

You've Got Mail - U.S. Internet spam king arrested
Typo - keystroke error sends $2.5 million check to school counselor
Arf! - Yoko Ono eats dog to protest fox hunting

On this day in history: May 31, 1996 - Timothy Leary dies quietly in his sleep, thereby failing his intended mission of suiciding live on the Internet.

Born on this day in history: May 31, 1930 - Clint Eastwood (1930- ) Born in the San Francisco area, actor, director and producer Clint Eastward landed the role of Rowdy Yates in TV series Rawhide (1959), which ran for eight seasons, then went to Italy to star in Sergio Leone "spaghetti westerns? (1964), which made him a worldwide star. Back in the U.S., he starred in the hugely popular Dirty Harry film series, which included five films over 17 years. Eastwood gained critical acclaim for directing and starring in his own movies, including Unforgiven (1992), Space Cowboys (2000) and more. Eastwood has been married twice, and fathered several children out of wedlock.

Today's Video: Sleep Last Night? - a tribute to our troops - submitted by Harvest Christian Center

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Ultimate List of Car Songs! View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

Steve McQueen in "The Blob." Click to enlarge.

Mommy Dearest, Fast Food Rage, -and- Hot Properties

Mommy Dearest - mom left twins in car while she went to bar
Fast Food Rage - Wendy's manager shot over chili sauce
Hot Properties - ocean-view lots in Hawaii offered for $39.95

On this day in history: May 30, 1431 - Joan of Arc is burned at the stake in Rouen, France for relapsing into heresy.

Born on this day in history: May 30, 1901 - Cornelia Otis Skinner (1901 - 1979) actress, author. She wrote satirical and witty light verse, monologues and monodramas; appeared in "Blood and Sand," 1921 with her father Otis Skinner.

Today's Video: Remember Me - submitted by Laura

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Car Songs: Ultimate List of Car Songs! - View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

There is no explanation needed! Click to enlarge.

Fighting Back, Reality TV, -and- Nap Time

Fighting Back - man clad in underwear pins leopard
Reality TV - contestants vie for woman's kidney
Nap Time - burglary suspect found sleeping in car

On this day in history: May 29, 1999 - Hikers discover the skeletal remains of Philip "Taylor" in his Ford Aerostar at the bottom of a 200-foot ravine in Malibu, California. The onetime bassist for the band Iron Butterfly had disappeared four years prior.

Born on this day in history: May 29, 1736 - Patrick Henry (1736 - 1799) statesman, orator. He was a brilliant orator of the American Revolution ("Give me liberty or give me death", 1755); first governor of VA.

Today's Video: Steve McQueen Mustang Commercial

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

I hope everyone had a festive and safe Memorial Day weekend. Laura and I chose not to travel over the weekend. We generally do not travel during holidays. We chose to rest, enjoy some excellent meals, and eschew the traffic and high fuel prices.

Sunday, I made a spicy barbecue sauce, and Laura used it to glaze some grilled chicken breasts. I made a green bean sauté. I steamed green beans and whole garlic cloves for three minutes in the microwave and set aside. I sautéed sliced white onion, sliced white mushrooms, and sliced cluster tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil and Cajun seasoning. When the vegetables were cooked, I added the green beans and garlic and stirred. The meal was delightful.

Monday, Laura put a spicy dry rub on two huge, thick New York strip steaks and grilled them perfectly—charred on the outside and rare in the center. I made a green salad with spring mix, sliced white mushrooms, sliced red onion, sliced celery, sliced red bell pepper, and grape tomatoes. It was an excellent meal.

Fighting Back, Don't Call, -and- Hic!

Fighting Back - home invaders chased away by guest with gun
Don't Call - Nissan warns cell phones can disable car keys
Hic! - man arrested for DUI in McDonald's drive-through

On this day in history: May 25, 2006 - Enron CEO Kenneth Lay is found guilty on six counts of conspiracy.

Born on this day in history: May 25, 1927 - Robert Ludlum (1927 - ____) novelist. His thrillers include "The Bourne Identity."

Today's Video: Mustang Chase

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

The wind appears to have ceased its howling! The morning is calm, the sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds are singing! The weather promises to be wonderful for Memorial Day weekend.

For those of you who intend to travel this weekend, please drive carefully! Despite high fuel prices, this is predicted to be a very busy holiday weekend on highways across the U.S. I shall restrain my wanderlust until next weekend.

Fighting Back, Running on Empty, -and- Resident Evil

Fighting Back - suspected burglar shot by homeowner
Running on Empty - some gas stations refusing to sell gas
Resident Evil - Charles Manson scheduled for parole hearing

On this day in history: May 24, 1964 - In the closing minutes of a match between Peru and Argentina, after a referee disallows a goal, a riot ensues. 318 people are killed and 500 injured in Lima, Peru, making it the worst soccer riot in history.

Born on this day in history: May 24, 1941 - Bob Dylan (1941 - ____) singer, songwriter. His songs include "Blowin' in the Wind," 1962; "The Times are Changin'," 1964; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1988.

Today's Video: Honda Chorus - submitted by Jay

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

The wind has abated! The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds are singing. It is entirely possible that this beautiful weather will continue through the Memorial Day weekend.

During my journey to my office this morning, I encountered a silver Dodge Nitro SXT. Mr. Nitro was noticeably excited to encounter a member of his family, and I had to apply a good deal of restraint to keep him from engaging in an embarrassing display.

Rotten Apple, Hic!, -and- 911

Rotten Apple - Steve Jobs proposes Al Gore for president
Hic! - drunk driver not arrested, dies in crash hours later
911 - girl calls for police help over messy room

On this day in history: May 23, 1934 - A group of FBI agents and police officers from two states ambush Bonnie and Clyde on a highway near Gibsland, Louisiana. The men open fire as the bank robbers drive past the concealed posse, unloading hundreds of rounds into the car.

Born on this day in history: May 23, 1933 - Joan Collins (1933 - ____) actress. She played Alexis Carrington Colby on TV soap opera "Dynasty," 1981-89.

Today's Video: A Tribute to Rube Goldberg - submitted by Frank

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Here is Al Gore, displaying his conservation skills. How many trees died to make this mess? Click to enlarge.

The wind that has plagued us continues. It continues, however, with considerably less vigor than it displayed yesterday and Monday. Yesterday, the wind was so fierce that there were storm warnings posted for the Tidy Bowl Man. Hopefully, this wind will soon diminish greatly—leaving only a gentle breeze. Otherwise, the weather is perfect. The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds would be singing were the wind to abate.

Brave New Schools, Huh?, -and- Flip this House

Brave New Schools - Scientology taught as mainstream education
Huh? - Edwards charged $55K to talk to students about poverty
Flip this House - vintage home for sale for $1

On this day in history: May 22, 1954 - 400 people attend the Bar Mitzvah for Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) in Hibbing, Minnesota. He later converts to Christianity in 1979.

Born on this day in history: May 22, 1859 - Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930) author, physician. He created the detective Sherlock Holmes in "A Study in Scarlet," 1887.

Today's Video: Ferrari vs Dodge Viper - See Who Wins!

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Here is another photograph from May Madness Corning Car Show. Click to enlarge.

Mr. Nitro—my 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T—now has 500 miles on his odometer. He is averaging 18.9 mpg for city driving and 21.9 mpg for highway driving. He is a worthy and noble replacement for RAMMMMM. Mr. Nitro lusts for a visit to the beach at the Sacramento River (approximately 5 miles from here). This was a favorite of RAMMMMM's. This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and I prefer to avoid travel on holiday weekends. The following weekend, perhaps Mr. Nitro shall journey to the beach!

Don't Call, Unamerican Activity, -and- The Kids Are Alright

Don't Call - anti-cell-phone lawmaker rear-ends car while on cell phone
Unamerican Activity - Las Vegas orders Hummer dealership to take down U.S. flag
The Kids Are Alright - CA teen girl climbs Mt. Everest

On this day in history: May 21, 1979 - A judge gives Dan White only seven years for the premeditated murders of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone, prompting thousands to march on San Francisco's City Hall. In what will come to be known as the White Night Riots, the demonstration takes a violent turn, resulting in significant property damage and the torching of twelve SFPD cruisers. Police respond with brutal beatdowns at gay bars in the Castro district.

Born on this day in history: May 21, 1844 - Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910) artist. He was the archetype of the modern naive artist; his primitive works possess a dreamlike quality: "The Sleeping Gypsy," 1897.

Today's Video: M-134 Full Automatic BB Minigun! - submitted by Phillip

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Here is another photograph from the recent May Madness Corning Car Show. Click to enlarge.

Fighting Back, Mother Figure, -and- Brave New World

Fighting Back - mother holding 3-year-old fights off shark with camera
Mother Figure - dog nurses tiger cubs in China zoo
Brave New World - go-ahead for human-animal embryos

On this day in history: May 18, 1980 - After a 5.1-magnitude earthquake in Washington state, 57 people are killed in an avalanche of volcanic mud in the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The volcano spews out 200 million cubic yards of of pumice, ash, and debris which covers 24 square miles of the valley below.

Born on this day in history: May 18, 1946 - Reggie Jackson (1946 - ____) baseball player. "Mr. October" hit three consecutive home runs in the 1977 World Series and established or tied seven Series records; entered Hall of Fame, 1993.

Today's Video: Ford GT linelock

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Here is a photograph from last Saturday's car show. Click to enlarge.

No Support, Bang!, -and- Challenged

No Support - New York attorney general accuses Dell of fraud
Bang! - Illinois issues gun-owner card to 10-month-old baby
Challenged - Judge asks, "So what's a Web site?"

On this day in history: May 17, 1974 - During a gun battle with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, the LAPD fires tear gas into their Watts hideout. The canisters ignite a fire which soon consumes the house. Three other SLA members, including kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, watch the events unfold on TV in their motel room down the street from Disneyland.

Born on this day in history: May 17, 1956 - Sugar Ray Leonard (1956 - ____) boxer. He won Golden Gloves, 1972 and Olympic Gold, 1976; enormously popular with classic bouts against Duran and Hearns; record of 36-2-1 with 25 KOs.

Today's Video: Dodge Charger V8

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While driving to my office this morning, I spotted this cat driving a tractor. If only our cats were this productive! Click to enlarge.

Global Warming on Hold, Minority Report, -and- Please Be Seated

Global Warming on Hold - April temperatures below average
Minority Report - 7th grader suspended because hair too short
Please Be Seated - governor speaks to graduating class of one

On this day in history: May 16, 1995 - After receiving an anonymous tip that a runaway teen was hiding there, police in Coral Gables, Florida search Jennifer Capriati's motel room and uncover 20 grams of marijuana. The 18-year-old professional tennis player winds up diverted to a drug treatment program, avoiding a court trial.

Born on this day in history: May 16, 1955 - Debra Winger (1955 - ____) actress. She was an Oscar nominee for "Terms of Endearment," 1983; starred in "Urban Cowboy," 1980; "An Officer and a Gentleman," 1982; & "Shadowlands," 1994.

Today's Video: Dodge Charger 1968

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Police presence at May Madness—Corning's annual car show—was inconspicuous. Click to enlarge

Paris at Tent City?, Headache!, -and- How Ironic!

Paris at Tent City? - Sheriff Joe Arpaio offers lodging
Headache! - bullet in woman's head for 64 years
How Ironic! - guy named "Stoner" busted for growing pot

On this day in history: May 15, 1997 - Federal prosecutors in the Unabomber trial file the necessary paperwork requesting the death penalty for Ted Kaczynski.

Born on this day in history: May 15, 1894 - Katherine Anne Porter (1894 - 1980) novelist, short-story writer. She was a master stylist of texture and complexity of character delineation; won Pulitzer, 1966, for her only full length novel "Ship of Fools."

Today's Video: Gallop Around the Bay III - 150+ Mustangs! - submitted by Frank

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

While on my way to the office this morning, I noticed this eye-catching plumber's truck. Click to enlarge.

Homos on the Range, Alien Nation, -and- Brave New Schools

Homos on the Range - "gay" cowboy love scenes traumatize schoolgirl
Alien Nation - Travolta leads attack on BBS exposé of Scientology
Brave New Schools - convicted prostitutes becoming teachers?

On this day in history: May 14, 1976 - Keith Relf, former vocalist of the Yardbirds, is electrocuted in his London home while playing a guitar in the bathtub.

Born on this day in history: May 14, 1944 - George Lucas (1944 - ____) film director. His films include "Star Wars," 1977; "The Empire Strikes Back," 1980; and "The Return of the Jedi," 1983.

Today's Video: 1968 Dodge Charger R/T in Action

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

May Madness, Corning's annual car show, was a great success. The burnout competition—held in front of the police station!—was, as always, a popular event.

Mr. Nitro took us to Chico on Sunday. He has less than 400 miles on his odometer, so he was excited by the opportunity to go for a journey. His gas mileage average for the trip—including some city driving—was 20.9 mpg. I thought this was particularly good, given his newness.

Here is a photograph of Mr. Nitro, freshly bathed and awaiting the journey, and gleefully displaying his new license plates. Click to enlarge.

Mommy Dearest, Taxman, -and- Cold Case

Mommy Dearest - mother indicted for selling daughter
Taxman - Girls Gone Wild founder to face federal tax charges
Cold Case - DNA could solve mystery of Billy the Kid

On this day in history: May 11, 1960 - Four Mossad agents abduct fugitive Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann from a bus stop in Buenos Aires.

Born on this day in history: May 11, 1904 - Salvador Dali (1904 - 1989) painter, printmaker. He led the Surrealist Movement; noted for his explorations of subconscious imagery, e.g., "Persistence of Memory," 1931.

Today's Video: Dodge Charger - Burnout One

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

A Soldier's Message: It's Hard to Come Home! - excellent patriotic slide show in PDF format - submitted by Laura

Excellent Resource: Operation Clambake - The Inner Secrets of Scientology

While on my way to the office this morning, I noticed that the local Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise is featuring a Hillary Special. Click to enlarge

Today is the second day of May Madness, Corning's annual car show. The mixer was last evening at Corning Ford. Tonight, the burnout elimination and cruise will take place. Tomorrow, the burnout finals, show and shine, raffles, and award presentations will take place.

Fighting Back, They Fought the Law, -and- Playing Dress-up

Fighting Back - armed store owner blasts jewel thieves
They Fought the Law - human sacrifice cult battles with police
Playing Dress-up - student tries to make roadkill pretty

On this day in history: May 10, 1924 - Attorney General Harlan Fiske Stone selects J. Edgar Hoover to head the Bureau of Investigation, later known as the FBI. He will remain at the post until his death 48 years later.

Born on this day in history: May 10, 1899 - Fred Astaire (1899 - 1987) dancer, actor. He was the leading dance star of his generation in "Top Hat," 1935 and "Daddy Long Legs," 1955.

Today's Video: Get Out of My Bed, Cat! - submitted by Laura

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Corning's annual car show, May Madness, begins tonight with a mixer at Corning Ford. Tomorrow afternoon, there will be burnout eliminations and a cruise. Saturday will feature burnout finals and a show and shine.

Keep the Faith, Hot Air, -and- Animal Kingdom

Keep the Faith - Texans vote to add "God" to state pledge
Hot Air - global warming not the end of the world as we know it
Wild Kingdom - brown bear kills moose 20 feet from home

On this day in history: May 9, 1950 - L. Ron Hubbard publishes the first edition of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This follows on the heels of a feature article in the pulp sci-fi magazine Astounding Science Fiction. A book review in the The New Republic describes the work as "a bold and immodest mixture of complete nonsense and perfectly reasonable common sense, taken from long-acknowledged findings and disguised and distorted by a crazy, newly invented terminology." The subsequent movement goes on to become one of the scariest, most powerful pseudo-religious cults in modern history.

Born on this day in history: May 9, 1949 - Billy Joel (1949 - ____) singer, songwriter. He had five #1 songs from his album "An Innocent Man," 1983.

Today's Video: AK-47 - 300 Rounds and on Fire - submitted by Frank

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Excellent Resource: Break the Chain - this is an excellent resource for information on email chain letters.

Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and Quasimodo were all talking one day.

Sleeping Beauty said, "I believe myself to be the most beautiful girl in the world."

Tom Thumb said, "I must be the smallest person in the world."

Quasimodo said, "I absolutely have to be the most disgusting person in the world."

So they all decided to go to the Guinness Book of World Records to have their claims verified.

Sleeping Beauty went in first and came out looking deliriously happy. "It's official, I AM the most beautiful girl in the world."

Tom Thumb went next and emerged triumphant, "I am now officially the smallest person in the world."

Sometime later, Quasimodo comes out looking utterly confused and says, "Who is Rosie O'Donnell?"

Let Freedom Ring, Help!, -and- A Stupid Thing to Doo

Let Freedom Ring - 2nd Amendment more important than ever
Help! - "Spider-Man" father saves son
A Stupid Thing to Doo - ticket payment smeared with dog waste

On this day in history: May 8, 1999 - Actress Dana Plato, who played Kimberly Drummond on "Diff'rent Strokes," dies in Oklahoma of an overdose of Valium and Loritab. Just the previous day, Plato had appeared on the Howard Stern syndicated radio program claiming to be clean and sober.

Born on this day in history: May 8, 1884 - Harry S. Truman (1884 - 1972) president (33rd), politician. He was U.S. president from 1945-53 when he propounded a doctrine of containment of communism.

Today's Video: Children See - submitted by Laura

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

When IT and taxidermy collide: A U.S. artist and inventor has combined IT and taxidermy to create a computer housed in a dead beaver.
Kasey McMahon, 34, from Los Angeles, spent three months creating his Compubeaver, reports Metro News.

Spider-Boy, Hot Air, -and- I Put a Spell on You

Spider-Boy - boy has spiders alive in his head
Hot Air - environmental group says children "bad for planet"
I Put a Spell on You - couple burned alive for black magic

On this day in history: May 7, 1959 - Boxing promoter Don King is arrested in Cleveland on suspicion of drug dealing. His criminal record includes a 1955 arrest for arson, a 1954 arrest for murder, and others.

Born on this day in history: May 7, 1919 - Eva Peron (1919 - 1952) political leader. "Evita" was the second wife of Argentine president Juan Peron; she "co-governed" during his first term as president, 1946-52.

Today's Video: Why Men Have Sheds - submitted by Frank

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Paris Hilton Goes to the Slammer!

One of my brothers was here over the weekend. He will return home to Fullerton, CA today. He was our dinner guest during his stay. Friday evening, we had sushi. Laura ordered a vast array of sushi items from Raley's in Chico and picked up the order on her way home. We ate until we could eat no more, and there was sushi remaining. I devoured the leftovers Saturday morning.

Saturday evening, we had cheeseburgers and margaritas. Laura added minced garlic, poached mushroom slices, and seasonings to ground beef and formed oblong patties to approximate the dimensions of the sourdough buns. When the patties had nearly completed grilling, she added mozzarella cheese slices to them and toasted the buns. Sliced tomato, red onion, and pickle—along with wasabi mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, and spicy catsup—completed the delicious half-pound burgers. They were delightful.

Sunday, we had grilled rib eye steaks and steamed asparagus. The rib eyes were huge and incredibly thick—weighing well over a pound each. Laura applied a spicy dry rub several hours before grilling them with great precision. It was a wonderful meal.

We watched "Happy Feet," "Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties," and "Charlotte's Web." All three movies were excellent, and I highly recommend them.

Fighting Back, Sticker Tricker, -and- Stick to It

Fighting Back - 99-year-old woman fights off home invader
Sticker Tricker - man "buys" everything from Wal-Mart for 75 cents
Stick to It - naked man glued to exercise bike during robbery

On this day in history: May 4, 2001 - After dinner at Vitello's in Studio City, film and television actor Robert Blake remembers that he left something at the restaurant. When he returns to the car, he discovers his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, slumped over in the passenger seat. She had been shot in the head by person or persons unknown. Bakley later dies of her injury. One year later, Blake is charged with the murder. He is found not guilty.

Born on this day in history: May 4, 1796 - Horace Mann (1796 - 1859) educator, politician. He is considered the father of American public education; founder and president of Antioch College, 1852-59.

Today's Video: How a Dog Gets a Ball out of the Pool

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

There is a small pond behind my office. One of the businesses nearby has been dumping toxic waste into this pond. The offending party has been caught and prosecuted, and the dumping has ceased. The damage the toxic waste has done to the catfish in the pond is irreversible, however. They have experienced dramatic mutation. Click to enlarge.

Dinner plans last evening changed when Laura emailed me and declared she was sated by half her lunch and was bringing me the balance. It was a delicious treat from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. restaurant: Italian Pizza Sandwich—thinly sliced black forest ham, pastrami, and salami, served on hand-tossed flatbread with basil pesto, fontina cheese, lettuce chiffonade, in a red wine vinaigrette, with a side of pasta salad with artichoke hearts, penne, and sun-dried tomato. It was a delightful repast.

One of my brothers is visiting for the weekend. He shall come to our house for sushi this evening. Laura will order an assortment of sushi items from Raley's and pick it up on her way home. It has been some time since we have enjoyed sushi, and I am very eager for it.

Grrr!, Arf!, -and- Grave Error

Grrr! - tiny terrier sacrifices its life to save 5 children from pitbulls
Arf! - MA lawmaker wants seat belt law for dogs
Grave Error - body mix-up leads to wrong woman being buried

On this day in history: May 3, 1987 - The Miami Herald runs a story that Senator Gary Hart had spent the preceding weekend alone with a woman other than his wife. The Presidential candidate withdraws from the race just five days later, and the homewrecker, one Donna Rice, goes on to launch a career crusading against pornography.

Born on this day in history: May 3, 1920 - Sugar Ray Robinson (1920 - 1989) boxer. He was noted for his boxing brains and brawn; welterweight champ, 1946-51 and five times middleweight champ, 1951-60.

Today's Video: Einstein the Bird - submitted by Laura

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Today is the National Day of Prayer! On this, the National Day of Prayer, I pray for the Body of Christ, for our President and all elected officials—federal, state, and local—all military and law enforcement personnel, all foreign leaders, and people of all nations.

There have been several national days of prayer in the U.S. before the day was made official in 1952. The Continental Congress issued a day of prayer in 1775 to designate "a time for prayer in forming a new nation." Thomas Jefferson argued, however, that although individual religious organizations had the right to designate a day of prayer, the U.S. government should not have that right.

On April 17, 1952, President Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law. It was in 1972 that the National Prayer Committee was formed. It went on to create the National Day of Prayer Task Force, with the intended purpose of coordinating events for the National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Reagan signed a bill into law decreeing that the National Day of Prayer should be held on the first Thursday of May.

The intention of the National Day of Prayer was always that it would be a day when members of all faiths could pray together in their own way. It would involve Christians, Jews, Muslims, as well as Buddhists, Hindus, Aboriginals, Zoroastrians, and all others, of any faith or of no organized religion, who wished to participate.

Satan Slept Here, Lost!, -and- The Kids Are Alright

Satan Slept Here - hotel replaces Bible with Gore's global-warming book
Lost! - lawyer sues dry cleaners for $67 million for losing trousers
The Kids Are Alright - 4-year-old saves mother by calling 911

On this day in history: May 2, 1957 - Mob figure Frank Costello is shot in the head by Vincent "the Chin" Gigante. Instead of killing him, the bullet circumnavigates between his skin and cranium, exiting through the original wound. Costello retires from the Mafia soon after.

Born on this day in history: May 2, 1903 - Benjamin Spock (1903 - 1998) physician, author. He was a major influence on modern U.S. child-rearing practices; "Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care," 1946 has sold millions of copies.

Today's Video: Chase Scene from "Bullit"

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Today's video is the chase scene from "Bullit." In my opinion, this is the greatest movie chase scene ever filmed. A friend and I were in San Francisco while the movie was being filmed. We had no idea what was taking place until we inquired why the street was blocked off and why such a crowd of people had gathered. We did not get to see much, other than a very brief glimpse of the Mustang chasing the Charger. We were excited to have accidentally happened upon this event, however, and eagerly awaited the release of the movie. At that time, I was a Ford enthusiast and had a 1966 Ford Mustang GT. Understandably, I cheered Steve McQueen as he chased the 1968 Dodge Charger with his 1968 Ford Mustang. In 1980, I became a Dodge enthusiast and have purchased only Dodge products since then. Understandably, I now cheer for the Dodge Charger—even though I am fully aware of the outcome of the chase!

Heat of the Moment, Abracadabra, -and- Crash!

Heat of the Moment - ocean currents to blame for warming
Abracadabra - magicians sue over revealed secrets
Crash! - family staged 23 accidents to collect insurance

On this day in history: May 1, 1942 - The 215th and final hanging occurs at California's San Quentin maximum security prison. Subsequent executions utilize the facility's gas chamber, and, ultimately, inmate's choice of that or lethal injection.

Born on this day in history: May 1, 1939 - Judy Collins (1939 - ____) folksinger, film maker. She was a 1960s coffee house singer who hit it big with "Both Sides Now;" 29 albums including "Wildflowers," 1967 and "Living," 1971.

Today's Video: Tom Cruise Mastercard Ad

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Happy May Day! May Day in the United States is commonly regarded as a commemoration of the execution of the Haymarket martyrs, who were arrested after the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois, which occurred on May 4, but was the culmination of labor unrest which began on May 1. In this form, May Day has become an international celebration of the social and economic achievements of the working class and labor movement.

Now, get to work!