To Serve and Protect, Fly Me to the Moon, -and- Take It on the Run

To Serve and Protect - sheriff driving on expired license for 14 months
Fly Me to the Moon - tickets for private lunar visit $100 million
Take It on the Run - convict ties monitoring tag to dog, flees

On this day in history: June 28, 1967 - Actress Jayne Mansfield is killed in a car crash, when her convertible collides with a parked tractor-trailer.

Born on this day in history: June 28, 1861 - William James Mayo (1861 - 1939) surgeon. He is best known as the founder of the Mayo Clinic, 1915.

Today's Video: Glock with Drum Magazine! - submitted by Frank

On my way to the office this morning, I encountered this Dodge Nitro! Click to enlarge.

For dinner this evening, I shall be making giant shrimp with thick spaghetti. I shall cook a package of Barilla thick spaghetti al denté and set aside while Laura sautés giant shrimp that have been marinating in extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped habanero, sun-dried tomatoes, and Red Monkey Mango Habanero Spice Rub. When the shrimp are cooked, Laura will incorporate the spaghetti. At the table, we shall add crushed red pepper and grated Romano cheese. The meal shall be delightful. There is no doubt.

The Fats of Life, Foul Ball, -and- Never Too Young

The Fats of Life - Krispy Kreme introduces multigrain doughnut
Foul Ball - soccer mom goes berserk
Never Too Young - 6-year-old recruited as suicide bomber

On this day in history: June 28, 1997 - Mike Tyson is disqualified from a championship boxing bout after biting off a large portion of Evander Holyfield's ear. Tyson is later banned from boxing and fined $3 million for the incident.

Born on this day in history: June 28, 1926 - Mel Brooks (1926 - ____) comedian, producer, director. He wrote and directed "The Producers," 1968 and "Blazing Saddles," 1974.

Today's Video: Don't Stop! - submitted by Frank

I stopped at a car show on the way to my office this morning.
There—nestled among the entrants—was a Dodge Nitro! Click to enlarge.

Fighting Back, Hi!, -and- Waaa!

Fighting Back - ex-Marine, 72, teaches pickpocket a lesson
Hi! - man spends year in jail for waving at daughter
Waaa! - apple juice tantrum causes emergency landing

On this day in history: June 27, 1988 - Hillel Slovak, original guitarist from the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, dies of a heroin overdose in Hollywood.

Born on this day in history: June 27, 1930 - H. Ross Perot (1930 - ____) computer industrialist, philanthropist He is a self-made billionaire; founder/owner of Electronics Data Systems, 1962-84; presidential candidate, 1992.

Today's Video: Surfing Dog! - submitted by Laura

Here is a new photograph showing Mr. Nitro's personalized license plate. Click to enlarge.

We received a shipment of pickled ginger and wasabi sesame seeds yesterday from Asia Foods. We buy pickled ginger from this source regularly. The wasabi sesame seeds are a new item. They are wonderful! We had a salad last evening, featuring mixed greens, green beans, kidney beans, white onion, white mushroom, Jalapeños, yellow squash, and tomatoes. We sprinkled wasabi sesame seeds and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper spice on our salads, atop ranch dressing. The combination of the lemon pepper spice and wasabi sesame seeds was delicious and exciting.

Abandoned!, Tug of War, -and- Open Wide!

Abandoned! - parents arrested for leaving toddler in Florida sun
Tug of War - pregnant woman attacked over beach towel
Open Wide! - hot-dog champ gets jaw arthritis

On this day in history: June 26, 1945 - The United Nations Charter is signed at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House.

Born on this day in history: June 26, 1892 - Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973) author. She was known for her novels of life in China, e.g., "The Good Earth"; won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938.

Today's Video: I Can't See! - submitted by Chris

I saw this accident on my way to the office this morning. Fortunately, I had a tow strap with me, and Mr. Nitro was able to effortlessly pull the tank back onto the road. Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, I made steamed green beans and sautéed rock fish fillets. I placed the green beans in a casserole dish, sprinkled with Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice Rub, placed a bit of water in the bottom of the dish, and cooked on high for three minutes in the microwave. I seasoned the rock fish fillets on one side only with Red Monkey Mango Habanero Spice Rub and placed in a sauté pan that had been sprayed with Pam. Laura sautéed the fillets for five minutes on medium heat. She did not turn the fillets. It was a delightful meal. The Red Monkey spices are incredible!

Snip!, Taps, -and- Armed!

Snip! - barber stabs second client with scissors
Taps - SF mayor bans bottled water for city offices
Armed! - shooting sports among fastest-growing recreation for women

On this day in history: June 25, 1910 - The Mann Act, sometimes known as the White Slave Traffic Act of 1910, makes it a federal crime to convey or assist in transporting women across state lines for prostitution, debauchery, or "any other immoral purpose."

Born on this day in history: June 25, 1903 - George Orwell (1903 - 1950) novelist, critic. He is best known for "Animal Farm," 1946 and "1984," 1949.

Today's Video: Pit Bull and Chicks

Today is my birthday! It is also Laura's and my anniversary!

Friday evening, my brother (visiting from Southern California) brought a gallon bucket of margaritas, a large container of wasabi peas, and a birthday card. He ordered a King Arthur Supreme pizza from Round Table Pizza. We had a delightful meal and excellent visit.

Saturday evening, we had New York strip steaks and asparagus for dinner. I blanched the asparagus for three minutes and placed in the refrigerator to chill. Laura dry rubbed the steaks with Red Monkey Steak Rub and grilled perfectly—nicely charred on the outside and rare in the center. It was a delicious repast.

Sunday, we enjoyed a lunch visit with my mother. We enjoyed a pasta salad I had prepared the previous day. The salad consisted of large pasta shells, medium shrimp, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced dill pickle, and pear tomatoes. The dressing was mayonnaise, ranch dressing, wasabi paste, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, sea salt, and dill weed. It was a wonderful visit and a delicious salad.

We'll Always Have Paris, Bolt from the Blue, -and- The Water's Fine

We'll Always Have Paris - Hilton says shes "proud" she served jail sentence
Bolt from the Blue - lightning kills man under cloudless sky
The Water's Fine - fire crew used hydrant to fill pool

On this day in history: June 22, 1940 - France surrenders. Adolf Hitler forces the instrument of surrender to be signed in the very railcar in which the French inflicted the humiliating World War I Treaty of Versailles upon the Germans.

Born on this day in history: June 22, 1949 - Meryl Streep (1949 - ____) actress. She has starred in many films, including "The Deer Hunter," 1978 and "Kramer vs. Kramer," 1979.

Today's Video: Just for Fun

The weather—on this, the second day of summer—continues to be relatively mild. It has been in the low 90s for the last several days, and evenings bring a gentle breeze. It is very pleasant weather.

For dinner last evening, we had gourmet burritos. I simmered the remainder of the pig butt in Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for several hours. I added six sliced Jalapeños, two diced habaneros, two sliced white onions, two diced tomatoes, ground black pepper, sea salt, ground cumin, and ground cayenne. Laura began tending to the pan when she arrived. Eventually, the pig meat shredded beautifully. The meal was delightful. Laura left for work this morning with leftovers in tow.

Fighting Back, House of Filth, -and- Noisy Neighborhood

Fighting Back - Vietnam vet strangles rabid bobcat
House of Filth - over 50 dogs seized from Long Island home
Noisy Neighborhood - couple faces jail over kids' pool noise

On this day in history: June 21, 1982 - Using an innovative Jodie Foster defense, John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

Born on this day in history: June 21, 1732 - Martha Washington (1732 - 1802) first lady She was America's first First Lady; also the first U.S. woman to have her likeness appear on a U.S. stamp.

Today's Video: Cats and Dogs

Big, Fighting Back, -and- Fore!

Big - world's largest airliner to serve as private jet
Fighting Back 17-year-old shoots would-be carjacker
Fore! - golfer's bad swing sparks brush fire

On this day in history: June 20, 1993 - Vince Foster, Deputy White House Counsel for President Clinton, apparently commits suicide with an unnumbered pistol at Fort Marcy Park in Virginia. Foster's empty briefcase later turns up at the White House. But after it is searched again, it is miraculously found to contain his suicide note.

Born on this day in history: June 20, 1924 - Chet Atkins (1924 - 2001) musician. "Mr. Guitar" was a virtuoso guitarist who has been associated with Grand Ole Opry since 1950.

Today's Video: Cat Dreams

My excellent friend Chris just sent me a wonderful birthday gift: 5 assorted jugs of Red Monkey Spice Rubs! I have salivated copiously when reading of these spice rubs on his blog! I am most eager to put them to use! There is: Lemon Pepper, Barbeque Spice, Mango Habanera, Cajun Spice, and Savory Steak! I am drooling uncontrollably while fondling the jugs. I must go.

Where's the Beef?, Mommy Dearest, -and- Extra Credit

Where's the Beef? - Ted Nugent rips Paul McCartney for firing burger-eating roadies
Mommy Dearest - mother keeps daughter prisoner without sunshine
Extra Credit - student stages robbery to wipe bad grades

On this day in history: June 19, 1999 - While taking a walk, horror author Stephen King is struck by a van piloted by a distracted Bryan Smith. King's extensive injuries (broken leg, broken hip, lacerated scalp and collapsed lung) remanded him to a hospital bed for three weeks. Smith would later die in his sleep on Stephen King's birthday.

Born on this day in history: June 19, 1834 - Charles H. Spurgeon (1834 - 1892) preacher. His humorous sermons at the Metropolitan Tabernacle drew congregations of 6,000; wrote collections of pithy sayings, "John Ploughman's Talk," 1869.

Today's Video: The Puzzle

For last evening's meal, I made steamed broccoli, brown rice with mushrooms, and pork steaks. I made a marinade with tequila, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper. I cut two thick pork steaks from Sunday's pork butt and marinated them for two hours. I sautéed the steaks in the marinade, which thickened into a delicious glaze. The remaining glaze from the sauté pan was drizzled over the rice. It was a delightful meal.

Hot Air, Arf!, -and- Grand Theft Auto

Hot Air - father of climatology dismisses global warming
Arf! - rest homes for dogs
Grand Theft Auto - Honda Accord stolen twice in one day

On this day in history: June 18, 1996 - Ted Kaczynski is indicted on ten criminal counts. He is suspected of being the Unabomber, who perpetrated 16 bomb attacks on people involved in technology.

Born on this day in history: June 18, 1939 - Lou Brock (1939 - ____) baseball player. He held the all-time stolen-base record of 938 (1961-79) until 1991; elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 1985.

Today's Video: Marilyn Manson 15 Years Ago

Paris Hilton made a friend in jail. Her new friend is so enamored of Paris that she had her image inked onto her foot!

I am displeased to report that the SAVU Smoker Bag was an utter disappointment. While the pig butt cooked in it was incredibly juicy, tender, and delicious, it had no smoke flavor whatever and did not compare favorably with pig roasted on the grill. The six-pound pig butt cooked incredibly quickly—a mere two hours—and cleanup was quick and easy, but the results did not emulate barbecued pig in any way. I recommend the SAVU Smoker Bag as a means of quickly and easily cooking meats and vegetables with ease, but I cannot recommend the bag as an alternative to traditional barbecuing.

Home Alone, When Animals Attack, -and- Hic!

Home Alone - judge orders man not to have girlfriend for three years
When Animals Attack - squirrel goes on rampage, injures 3
Hic! - man gets two DUIs from same cop in one day

On this day in history: June 15, 1992 - The Supreme Court rules in US v. Alvarez-Machain that it is permissible for America to abduct suspects in foreign countries and smuggle them into the United States for trial, without extradition approval from those other countries.

Born on this day in history: June 15, 1932 - Mario Cuomo (1932 - ____) politician, lawyer, talk show host. He was democratic governor of New York, 1982-1994; wrote "Reason to Believe;" hosts weekly radio show, "Mario Talk Show - Talk to Mario."

Today's Video: "Paris in Jail" - The Music Video

Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died yesterday at the age of 87, according to a family spokesman.

After battling pneumonia, she slipped into a coma yesterday at the couple's home in Montreat, N.C., where she was surrounded by her husband and five children. Spokesman Larry Ross said she died at 5:05 p.m. Eastern time.

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

From the Pen to the Pen, Snack Attack, -and- Fish Story

From the Pen to the Pen - Stan Lee to create Paris Hilton animated series for MTV
Snack Attack - city of Seattle could ban microwave popcorn
Fish Story - jumping sturgeon knocks woman unconscious

On this day in history: June 14, 1954 - At the Lincoln Memorial, President Dwight Eisenhower signs a law inserting the words "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance. Eisenhower declares: "From this day forward, the millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty."

Born on this day in history: June 14, 1946 - Donald Trump (1946 - ____) businessman. He is one of Manhattan's most grandiose builders and billionaires.

Today's Video: Paris Hilton in Jail - "The Cellblock Life" (Episode 2)

It was 83 degrees in my office when I arrived at 7:15 AM this morning—prompting me to engage the air conditioning. It appears today will be very warm indeed. There is a fierce wind blowing, unfortunately. I loathe the wind. With the intense heat and the fierce wind, the outdoors will be like a blast furnace today. I shall not spend much time outside today.

If He Did It, Rated G, -and- Animal Cruelty

If He Did It - O.J. Simpson's daughter must testify
Rated G - Christian site takes on YouTube
Animal Cruelty - Australian police probe kangaroo mutilation deaths

On this day in history: June 13, 1920 - The United States Postal Service rules that children may not be sent via Parcel Post.

Born on this day in history: June 13, 1865 - William Butler Yeats (1865 - 1939) poet, dramatist. He was the leader of the Irish literary renaissance; Founded Abbey Theater, Dublin.

Today's Video:Paris Hilton in Jail - "The Cellblock Life" (Episode 1)

Another warm day is predicted. The temperature reached 100+ degrees yesterday. There was a nice breeze in the evening, however. It was 77 degrees in my office when I arrived here this morning at 7:15 AM. It shall be very warm very soon!

For dinner last evening, I made rigatoni and giant shrimp: I peeled giant shrimp and marinated them in extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, seasonings, and crushed red pepper. I cooked the rigatoni and set aside. Laura sautéed the shrimp and stirred in the pasta when the shrimp were done. At the table, we added shredded mozzarella cheese, crushed red peppers, and freshly ground black pepper. It was delightful. I will add this recipe and a tip for grating ginger to the Recipes list when time permits.

Vanished, Mommy Dearest, -and- Uplifting

Vanished - "hiccup girl" may be runaway
Mommy Dearest - mother charged after 10-year-old son found begging for food
Uplifting - NYC store offers walk-in Botox

On this day in history: June 12, 1994 - Nicole Brown Simpson and her male friend Ronald Goldman are savagely murdered in front of Simpson's condominium complex in Brentwood, California. The most plausible suspect turns out to be Nicole's estranged husband O.J., who is arrested for the crime a month later.

Born on this day in history: June 12, 1924 - George Bush (1924 - ____) 41st president. He was U.S. Ambassador to China; Vice President to Ronald Reagan, 1981-89, and President, 1989-93.

Today's Video: Emily and Henrietta

Recipes: I have started a recipe list—finally! I have been urged by many visitors to create a list of recipes and cooking tips that have appeared in this blog, and the list is now available via the "Recipes" link below the visitor counter. There is only one recipe in the list this morning, but the list will grow quickly, so check it often!

On the way to my office this morning, I saw this cat smelling a flower near the lake behind my office. Click to enlarge.

Jaws of Death, Corny, -and- Animal Cruelty

Jaws of Death - swimmers rush into sea to get closer look at 16' shark
Corny - top scientist says biofuels scam
Animal Cruelty - two arrested for harassing dolphins

On this day in history: June 11, 1962 - Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin escape from Alcatraz.

Born on this day in history: June 11, Jacques Cousteau (1910 - 1997) naval officer, explorer. He was well known for his extensive underseas investigations; co-inventor of the aqualung which made SCUBA diving possible.

Today's Video: - Rednecks of the South - submitted by Darin

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)!

Paris Hilton on her way back to the pokey!

For those of you who are eagerly awaiting my report on the SAVU Smoker Bag: You shall need to wait a week. We did not employ the bag last weekend.

Friday evening, we ordered a Chicken Garlic Supreme pizza from Round Table Pizza. It was delightful. I thinly sliced a habanero pepper. It was a wonderful condiment. We enjoyed the leftover pizza for brunch Saturday morning.

For dinner Saturday, we had grilled top sirloin, asparagus, and mushrooms. Laura manned the grill and did an excellent job. We each managed to eat only half of our steak.

Sunday, following service at Harvest Christian Center, we visited my mother and had a brunch with her that Laura prepared. Here is Laura's recipe:
Tasty Turkey Wraps

Sunday evening, I sautéed sliced white mushrooms and whole garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil and Cajun seasoning. When the garlic and mushrooms were cooked, I added the leftover top sirloin steaks and pan-seared them on each side. I baked some sweet potatoes. It was a delightful meal.

Suicide Blonde, All Dressed Up, -and- Animal Kingdom

Suicide Blonde - Paris Hilton may go back to jail
All Dressed Up - man in drag arrested for stalking
Animal Kingdom - adoption group says cat invasion due to global warming

On this day in history: June 8, 1999 - The government of Colombia announces that it will include the estimated value of its illegal drug crops, exceeding half a billion dollars, when calculating its Gross National Product.

Born on this day in history: June 8, 1925 - Barbara Bush (1925 - ____) first lady. She founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy; wrote "C. Fred's Story: A Dog's Life," 1984 as a contribution to literacy campaign.

Today's Video: Chris Norman - "Needles and Pins" Live

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)!

UPDATE: Paris Hilton ordered back to jail!

My friend and business neighbor, Corey, of Corning Auto Parts, gave me an SAVU Smoker Bag. We shall use this Saturday to roast a large pig butt on the grill. I shall give a full report of this in Monday's blog post.

Take Me Home!, Call Waiting, -and- 10-4

Take Me Home! - Paris Hilton released from jail for "medical reasons"
Call Waiting - man drowns trying to get cell phone in sewer
10-4 - trucker saves young father from traffic

On this day in history: June 7, 1982 - In an effort to defray its $500,000 annual upkeep costs, Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public only five years after Elvis died in an upstairs bathroom. The bathroom is kept off-limits to tourists.

Born on this day in history: June 7, 1981 - Anna Kournikova (1981 - ____) tennis player. She is known for her glamour on and off the tennis court.

Today's Video: Most People Riding a Surfboard

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)!

The weather remains cool, although there has been no rain nor fierce wind since Tuesday's powerful storm. The storm did a good deal of damage in this area. It brought down trees and power poles and left some areas without power or telephone service for several hours. While I did not experience any loss of electric power, the telephone at my office was affected for several hours, and the DirecTV satellite signal was lost for about twenty minutes.

Paris Hilton was released from jail today for "medical reasons." She shall serve the 40-day balance of her sentence confined to her home and must wear an ankle bracelet. This is not hawt! It shall be interesting, however, to see whether Paris can successfully complete the 40-day home confinement without slipping out of her ankle bracelet and making the party scene. Of course, with the resources she has available to her, she could easily arrange for the party to come to her!

Cop Gone Wild, Animal Cruelty, -and- Wrong Turn

Cop Gone Wild - sheriff captain charged as peeping tom
Animal Cruelty - woman faced jail time for staring at police dog
Wrong Turn - teen hits school during driving lesson

On this day in history: June 6, 1991 - For robbing a Las Vegas video store five weeks earlier, a judge gives former "Diff'rent Strokes" child star Dana Plato a six-year suspended sentence. Plato's haul from the caper was $164, which she obtained by brandishing a pellet gun at the clerk.

Born on this day in history: June 6, 1887 - Ruth Benedict (1887 - 1948) anthropologist. She was an expert on American Indian tribes; wrote classic "Patterns of Culture," 1934; "Race, Science and Politics," 1940.

Today's Video: Funniest Cat Ever

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)!

Here is Mr. Nitro visiting with his grandfather. Click to enlarge.

For dinner Monday evening, I poached Atlantic cod fillets in white wine, seasonings, and dill weed. I steamed broccoli and baby carrots. Laura declared that Atlantic cod is her favorite white fish.

For dinner Tuesday evening, I had planned to serve leftover black bean and chicken chili, but Laura declared she was tired of the chili—having eaten it for dinner Saturday and lunch Monday—and wished to have a pasta dish. I cooked whole-grain gemelli and sliced and seasoned zucchini, red bell pepper, and cluster tomatoes. Laura sautéed the vegetables in extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic. When the vegetables were done, she introduced the gemelli. We sprinkled our pasta with grated mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper at the table. It was delightful.

Don't Eat It!, Foul, -and- Leaving on a Jet Plane

Don't Eat It! - seafood from China raised in untreated sewage
Foul - court rejects FCC broadcast decency limit
Leaving on a Jet Plane - road-rage suspect tries to fly out of U.S.

On this day in history: June 5, 1956 - Elvis Presley appears on Milton Berle TV show. His undulating hip movements during the song "Hound Dog" cause quite a controversy.

Born on this day in history: June 5, 1898 - Federico Garcia Lorca (1898 - 1936) poet, dramatist. He was noted for his poems of death and for his dramatic trilogy: "Blood Wedding,"1933; "Yerma," 1934; and "The House of Bernarda Alba," 1936.

Today's Video: 912-horsepower Mustang - submitted by Frank

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)!

Great Scott! It is overcast, windy, and chilly. It appears as if it may rain! Yikes!

Bad Apple, Fight Club, -and- To Serve and Protect

Bad Apple - personal data found hidden in iTunes tracks
Fight Club - private schoolboy bashing filmed for Internet
To Serve and Protect - first transgender cop on Kansas City police force

On this day in history: June 4, 1967 - The Emmy for best comedy TV series is won by "The Monkees."

Born on this day in history: June 4, 1911 - Rosalind Russell (1911 - 1976) actress, philanthropist. Her films included "His Girl Friday;" "My Sister Eileen;" and "Auntie Mame."

Today's Video: "'Walker, Texas Ranger' Theme"

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)!

We took Mr. Nitro to Chico yesterday after the early service at Harvest Christian Center. The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze. Mr. Nitro averaged 21.9 mpg for the journey. He has now traveled 575 miles. Laura's new car, Mr. Yaris, has traveled considerably farther—well over 5,000 miles—since she commutes to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. each weekday. Laura exclaimed that she enjoyed being a passenger for the journey.

Saturday, I made black bean chili with shredded grilled chicken. Laura made cornbread. It was a delicious meal. Laura scurried off to work this morning with a quantity of chili and cornbread in tow.

Sunday, I made steamed green beans. Laura grilled a London broil perfectly. I made a red-wine sauce for the meat with Merlot, sliced white mushrooms, sliced white onions, minced garlic, and Cajun seasonings. It was a delightful repast. There were no leftovers.

No Brotherly Love, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Animal Kingdom

No Brotherly Love - Philadelphia boots Boy Scouts from headquarters
The Kids Are Alright - homeschooled kid wins national spelling bee
Animal Kingdom - new breed of cat retails for $22,000

On this day in history: June 1, 1660 - After having received a last-minute reprieve seven months earlier, Mary Dyer is hanged for heresy after returning to Boston. Dyer was a member of the Quakers, a subversive religious sect which had been banned by the Puritan colony under "pain of death."

Born on this day in history: June 1, 1926 - Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) actress. She was the ultimate pin-up girl who starred in "Some Like It Hot," 1959 and "Bus Stop," 1956.

Today's Video: No Smoking in the Bathroom - submitted by Chris

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)!

Here is the new sign for my parking space. Click to enlarge.