On this day in history: July 31, 1945 - Wearing a stolen army uniform, prisoner John Giles attempts to escape from Alcatraz Island by boarding an outbound cargo boat. But instead of San Francisco, the vessel heads for Angel Island, where Giles is promptly captured.
Born on this day in history: July 31, 1944 - Geraldine Chaplin (1944 - ____) actress. Her films include "Dr. Zhivago," 1965 and "Nashville," 1975; daughter of Charlie Chaplin.
Today's Video: The Kings of Gravitation - Few Training Days
Fighting Back - man, 93, shoots violent robber Never Too Old - woman, 84, still jumps out of planes Just Say Nein - some in Berlin oppose McDonald's arrival
On this day in history: July 30, 1975 - Jimmy Hoffa probably dead.
Born on this day in history: July 30, 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947 - ____) actor He was 5 times Mr. Universe and 6 times Mr. Olympia; star of numerous films including "Twins," 1988 and "Total Recall," 1990.
Today's Video:Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band
Here is Carlocito, Carmelita's Boy-faced Dog. I did not dream of him, but now some of you may! Click to enlarge.
Tomorrow is Laura's birthday. We celebrated her birthday over the weekend: Saturday, we had chips, guacamole, and peach margaritas and played Scrabble. We had grilled New York strip steaks, lobster tails, and steamed asparagus for dinner. There was so much food that we had a redux on Sunday evening—substituting grilled corn on the cob and grilled red potato halves for the asparagus. Earlier in the afternoon, we had chips, guacamole, and strawberry margaritas.
The sermon at Harvest Christian Center Sunday morning was given by Rev. David Woods. Rev. Woods is a world-famous evangelist from Portland, OR. His sermon was powerful and was followed by an altar call, at which several were delivered from bondage and others were healed of afflictions. Tonight begins a crusade that will last through Friday. Each evening this week, Rev. Woods will lead the crusade. It shall be a powerful experience. Many shall be delivered, many shall be healed, and many shall be saved! Praise God!
How Sour It Is - thieves rob 11-year-old boy's lemonade stand Sole Purpose - foot fetishist dials 911 292 times What's Up Doc? - doctor falls asleep during surgery
On this day in history: July 27, - At the Chateau d'Auvers, Vincent van Gogh presses a revolver to his chest and pulls the trigger. Somehow the bullet misses the vital organs, and the painter manages to stumble over to a friend's house. The following night, Van Gogh dies of an infection in the arms of his brother Theo.
Born on this day in history: July 27, 1906 - Leo Durocher (1906 - 1991) baseball player, manager He was an infielder, 1928-1941; manager for 24 years; coined the phrase "Nice guys finish last."
Today's Video: Crazy Dog
Here is a photograph of my nephew, Alex, and his newly-acquired BMW 540i. Click to enlarge.
[While I slept] I spent the day fishing on a guide boat in the Sea of Cortez. The fishing guide deposited me at the dock, and I took a taxi to my hotel in Santa Maria, Baja. The fishing had been good. The guide was to deliver a few select fish to my hotel for consumption that evening by me and my guests, and I directed him to distribute the balance of the day's catch among the needy who gathered at the dock.
I showered, changed clothes, and went to the hotel lounge to enjoy a frosty margarita and await my guests. Soon, my guests arrived. They were locals I had met on a prior fishing adventure and with whom I had formed friendships.
The previous evening, we had all gathered at the house of one of these guests and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. Tonight, it was my turn to provide food and drink. We had a few drinks in the lounge, and a young waiter appeared and announced that our dinner was ready. We adjourned to the dining room and found a feast laid out before us, featuring the fish I had caught earlier, prepared several ways, along with warm tortillas and several vegetable dishes.
Following dinner, we gathered in the lounge for an after-dinner drink, following which, my guests thanked me and departed, and I went up to my room. As I prepared to enter my room, I saw a young girl furtively moving about the hallway, avoiding my glance. I thought her actions odd and mentioned this to a maid who was pushing her cart down the hallway. She said, "Oh, that's Carmelita, the Frog-faced Girl. She helps me clean. She is shy because of her face. It embarrasses her." The girl appeared again, and I saw that she had a severe overbite, which did, in fact, give her face the appearance of that of a frog. The maid called Carmelita to her and said, "Say hello to Señor David, Carmelita." Carmelita avoided eye contact and said, "Hello." Save for the overbite, Carmelita was a beautiful young woman. She disappeared into a nearby room, pushing the maid's cart, and the maid said, "It is a sad story, Señor David. Years ago, Carmelita was savaged by a drunken uncle, and she now bears the effects of that attack." Carmelita's visage, I realized, was not the result of overbite but was evidently a result of an attack that must have displaced her jaw. "Cannot a doctor repair the damage?" I asked. "Carmelita's family is very poor," she said and entered the room into which Carmelita had gone.
That night, I prayed for Carmelita. The following morning, there was a knock at the door. I said, "Yes?" and Carmelita opened the door and, looking down, said, "You are leaving today. I was sent to take your bags downstairs." A thought came to mind. I said, "Carmelita, would you be willing to try an experiment?" She looked at me with a very puzzled expression and said, "An experiment?" "Yes," I said. "Perhaps I can mend your face." "Please," she answered. I asked her to sit on the bed, took her face in my hands, and said, "This will hurt, but only for a brief while." "I don't mind," she replied. I held her lower jaw firmly with my left hand, grasped her forehead with my left hand, and quickly and with great force twisted and pulled back on her forehead. There was a very audible "snap," and Carmelita cried out in pain. Her face, however, was mended. She was beautiful. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Oh, Señor David. How can I repay you for your great kindness?" "Your lovely smile is sufficient payment, Carmelita. Have a wonderful life."
It's So Easy... - producers: "Cavemen" not racial metaphor No Diving - thieves steal swimming pool, 1000 gallons of water Bad Parenting - woman banned for life from Wal-Mart
On this day in history: July 26, 1984 - Serial killer and cannibal Ed Gein dies at the Mendota Mental Health Institute, a home for the criminally insane. Gein inspired the films "Psycho" and "Silence of the Lambs."
Born on this day in history: July 26, 1928 - Stanley Kubrick (1928 - ____) film director, writer His films have a cool, formal visual style, meticulous attention to detail, and often ironic pessimism -- "2001," "Dr Strangelove," and "Lolita."
Today's Video: Flying Steps - We are electric
For dinner last evening, I made a chicken and pasta dish: I simmered sliced white onion, minced garlic, sliced Fresno peppers, sliced Japanese eggplant, diced tomatoes, and shredded (previously grilled) chicken breast in extra-virgin olive oil and Cabernet Sauvignon—seasoned with ground black pepper, sea salt, and Italian seasoning. After this had simmered for two hours, I placed a quantity of fresh basil leaves on top and continued the simmering. An hour later, Laura stirred to incorporate the basil leaves. I cooked a package of Barilla penne for 9 minutes (the box carries a recommendation for 11 minutes), drained, and incorporated into the sauce. I toasted garlic bread under the broiler. It was delightful.
I dreamed of Carmelita, the Frog-faced Girl. I shall tell you of this dream in tomorrow's post.
iDisappointment - Apple shares fall on iPhone numbers Sacrifice - Elizabeth Edwards gives up tangerines to fight global warming Role Model - anger-management instructor arrested for domestic battery
On this day in history: July 25, 1917 - Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, also known as Mata Hari, is found guilty of spying and is sentenced to death.
Born on this day in history: July 25, 1848 - A. J. Balfour (1848 - 1930) statesman He was Prime Minister, 1902-05; wrote "Balfour Declaration," 1917, approving the establishment of Jewish state in Palestine.
Today's Video: Paintjam Dan Dunn - submitted by Frank
Here is a photograph of one of Mr. Nitro's ancestors—a 1949 Dodge Power Wagon. Click to enlarge.
Yesterday, my new Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 arrived. FedEx delivered the mouse at 4 PM, so it was too late to toy with it. I had shopping to perform and dinner plans to complete. Today, I shall fully explore this new Bluetooth mouse. It is to be used with my new HP notebook, which is scheduled to arrive today.
Last week, I migrated my main office system and Laura's home desktop system to Microsoft Office 2007. I shall install Office 2007 on the new notebook tomorrow. Office 2007 is a significant advancement from Office 2003, which I had been using. I am still acclimating myself to all the changes, enhancements, and new features. The HP notebook will have Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate. I am eager to explore this new 64-bit operating system.
On this day in history: July 24, 1999 - Former Guns N' Roses guitarist "Slash" is arrested in West Hollywood for allegedly beating his girlfriend at the Le Parc Hotel five days prior.
Born on this day in history: July 24, 1898 - Amelia Earhart (1898 - 1937) aviatrix She was the first woman to solo across the Atlantic and from Hawaii to California; mysteriously disappeared, 1937.
Today's Video: Ghost Ridin' Grandma
[While I slept] I was seated in the outdoor-dining area of a restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, conversing with a group of people who were sharing my table. I had just met them, and we were sharing our backgrounds. I felt something brush against my leg and looked down to see a small gnome-like boy crouching beneath the table. I remarked upon this, and a young woman seated to my right said, "Oh, that's just Bahia—Bahia the Crumbsnatcher. He spends his days scuttling about beneath the tables here in search of fallen morsels. Ignore him, and whatever you do, do not feed him."
I thought her warning odd, took pity on young Bahia, and secretly handed him a warm tortilla. He took it and devoured it greedily. I reached down to hand him another tortilla and felt great pain in my hand. I quickly brought my hand up from beneath the table and held it high, displaying to all a large Gila monster dangling therefrom, its sharp teeth tearing into the flesh of my hand. I screamed in pain and flailed my hand about.
The young woman sitting next to me grabbed my flailing hand and pierced the Gila monster's neck with a bamboo skewer. The Gila monster released its grip upon my hand. The young woman held the Gila monster for a moment, suspended by the skewer, then shook him loose from the skewer. It fell to the floor and scurried away.
"I cautioned you against feeding Bahia," she said, as she poured tequila on my wound and bound it with a linen napkin.
iHack - iPhone security flaw lets hackers take over The Unreal Thing - is that a fake in your pocket? I Saw What You Did - man spies on daughter, catches wife cheating
On this day in history: July 23, 1996 - Harry Morgan, Col. Potter on TV's "M*A*S*H," is arraigned on charges of spousal abuse. LAPD officers responding to a 911 call at the couple's Brentwood, California home had discovered his wife Barbara bruised and bleeding from her face.
Born on this day in history: July 23, 1888 - Raymond Chandler (1888 - 1959) short-story writer, novelist He was considered master of "hard-boiled" crime stories, e.g., "The Big Sleep," 1939 and "Playback," 1958.
Today's Video: Dodge Nitro Pepsi Edition
This is indeed a world gone mad: PETA and other ultra-liberal, tree-hugging, self-righteous groups of morons complained so vehemently about a recent Dodge Nitro commercial—in which a Nitro appears to electrocute a dog who urinated on one of its wheels—that Chrysler publicly announced that it would not air the commercial in the United States. The commercial was originally produced for the European market. While it appeared patently obvious to me that the "electrocution" was simulated, the outcry against the commercial was too loud for Chrysler advertising executives to ignore.
While this commercial will apparently never be televised in this country, a Mercury commercial which is currently being shown depicts a zombie-like woman wearing an amulet. She buries the amulet in the ground, and through apparent sorcery, a Mercury Mariner forms from tendrils reaching up from the soil. Apparently, sorcery and demonic invocation are acceptable in television commercials.
The Fly - squirming larvae pulled from traveler's head Mommy Dearest - "gang mom" drove teens to murder Parking Lot Rage - man runs over woman with shopping cart
On this day in history: July 20, 1994 - O.J. Simpson offers a $500,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the Real Killers. To this day, progress remains elusive, although Simpson's golf score has improved somewhat.
Born on this day in history: July 20, 1919 - Edmund Hillary (1919 - ____) mountaineer, explorer. He was the first, with Tenzing Norkay, to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, 1953.
Today's Video: Canon Rock 2
I got a new cell phone. This new Nokia has great anti-theft capability! Click to enlarge.
Phoebe—my notebook computer—died last weekend. She shall be refurbished and go to a foster home soon. She provided me with five years of excellent service.
On Monday, I custom-configured and ordered an HP Pavilion dv9500t notebook. The new Phoebe is expected to ship next Thursday. Here is the configuration of the new Phoebe:
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7300 (2.00 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 511MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM) 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050) Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit) 8-Cell Lithium Ion Battery LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) 1 Expansion Port 3 connector 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) Notebook keyboard with scroll bar and integrated numeric keypad 3 USB 2.0 ports IEEE 1394 1 Consumer IR (Remote Receiver) HP Mobile Remote Control TV-Out (S-video) 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader Built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down pad
On this day in history: July 19, 1991 - Heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson rapes Desiree Washington, one of the Miss Black America contestants, after a pageant rehearsal. The illicit nookie lands Tyson in prison for three years.
Born on this day in history: July 19, 1834 - Edgar Degas (1834 - 1917) artist. He was an impressionist noted for his paintings of ballet dancers and cafe life.
Today's Video: Canon Rock
Imagine my horror when I encountered this scene on my lawn when leaving for the office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Bad Dad - man loses visitation rights for taking son to bull run To Serve and Protect - firefighter charged with making false 911 calls Queerly Beloved - homosexual activists ask Ft. Lauderdale mayor to quit
On this day in history: July 18, 1969 - Driving home from a party on Chappaquiddick Island, Senator Ted Kennedy's car goes over the side of Dike Bridge and flips over into a pond. Kennedy manages to free himself from the automobile, but his passenger, one Mary Jo Kopechne, drowns. For some reason, Kennedy tells no one about the accident for at least an hour, and waits until the following morning to notify local police.
Born on this day in history: July 18, 1913 - Red Skelton (1913 - 1997) comedian, actor. He was a master of pantomime and slapstick comedy; hosted "The Red Skelton Show" from 1951 to 1971.
Today's Video: Canon
It is raining! It appears that it has been raining for some time. All is wet. The sun is beginning to peer from behind the clouds. Today will be very humid.
Cindy's description of her lunch yesterday prompted me to crave a similar meal last evening. I sliced Claussen dill pickles, a large tomato, and a red onion. Laura toasted sourdough bread. We made sandwiches with mesquite-smoked turkey breast, pepperjack cheese, and the sliced pickles, tomato, and red onion. We also had Jalapeño kettle chips and Caffeine-free Diet Pepsi. Laura put spicy brown mustard and mayonnaise on her sandwich. I used only spicy brown mustard. It was a delightful meal. I decided that we shall dine similarly on Monday evenings. Laura has worship practice on Monday evenings from 6 PM to 8 PM, and such a meal would fit well into that routine—affording a simple, quick meal with minimal cleanup.
Help! - 911 call leads to man's own arrest The Naked Truth - VT town considers banning nudity Push! - woman forced to give birth in jail cell
On this day in history: July 17, 1955 - Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California.
Born on this day in history: July 17, 1674 - Isaac Watts (1674 - 1748) minister He is regarded as the "father of English hymnody" and best known for "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," 1707.
Today's Video: Bull Run
For dinner last evening, we had giant shrimp with thick spaghetti. I peeled and cleaned a pound of giant shrimp and placed them in a stainless-steel bowl. I added extra-virgin olive oil, three tablespoons of minced garlic, three tablespoons of grated ginger, and Red Monkey Mango Habanera Spice. I placed the bowl in the refrigerator for two hours. I cooked a box of Barilla thick spaghetti until al dente, flushed with cold water to stem the cooking process, and set aside. Laura sautéed the shrimp, and tossed in the spaghetti when the shrimp were cooked. At the table, we plated and sprinkled with crushed red peppers, Parmesan cheese, and Progresso Italian bread crumbs. Laura was soon heard making guttural growling sounds. I took this to mean that she was enjoying the meal.
Free Ride - "freebies" new threat to music industry The Bionic Dog - dog breaks new ground with his metallic paw You've Got Mail - NV couple blame Internet for neglect
On this day in history: July 16, 1945 - First Atomic Bomb is exploded at Trinity, Alamagordo, New Mexico. The explosion yields the equivalent 18,000 tons of TNT.
Born on this day in history: July 16, 1907 - Barbara Stanwyck (1907 - 1990) actress. She starred in 80 films including "Stella Dallas," 1937; "Sorry, Wrong Number," 1948; and "The Thorn Birds."
Today's Video: Louis CK's Stupid Dog
On Saturday, we watched Bobby Flay compete on "Iron Chef America." The secret ingredient was American Kobe Beef. During commercial breaks, Laura applied a Red Monkey Savory Steak rub to two giant rib eye steaks. Watching the beef being cooked and eaten on the television program heightened our senses and caused us to salivate uncontrollably in anticipation of our steaks. Laura grilled them perfectly. They were charred on the exterior and rare inside. She also grilled red potatoes, Jalapeños, white mushrooms, and zucchini. It was an excellent meal.
Yesterday, I prepared a pot of Cajun black beans. I simmered sliced white onion, whole garlic cloves (one head), sliced celery, sliced Jalapeños, and diced tomatoes in Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I seasoned the mixture with Red Monkey Cajun Spice, ground black pepper, ground Cayenne pepper, cumin, and sea salt. After this had simmered for two hours, Laura added a can of black beans, stirred, and turned the burner to low. She applied a Red Monkey Mango Habanera rub to three large pork loin chops and pan-seared them. She added a bit of Almaden Chardonnay to steam and maintain moistness near the end of the cooking process. I made a dipping sauce with catsup, blackberry preserves, two types of hot sauce, molasses, rice wine vinegar, and ground Cayenne pepper. It was a delightful meal.
Shut Up! - Web DJs silenced by royalty fees No Q - mayor outlaws grilling after 8 PM Ouch! - man survives pickup rolling over his head
On this day in history: July 13, 1994 - Tonya Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, is sentenced in Portland, Oregon, to two years in prison for his role in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan. He serves six months.
Born on this day in history: July 13, 1942 - Harrison Ford (1942 - ____) actor. He is best known for his roles as Hans Solo in "Star Wars" films and Indiana Jones; received Oscar nomination for "The Witness," 1985.
Today's Video: Serious Frog Jumpin' in Calaveras County
Happy Friday the 13th! There is nothing one need fear today. Today is not unlike any other day. The fact that the 13th of the month falls on a Friday has absolutely no significance whatever. Superstition is something embraced by those who have no faith in God.
For dinner last evening, I prepared a delightful salad. It contained butter lettuce, diced red bell pepper, diced Jalapeño pepper, diced red onion, chopped celery, diced red onion, red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, bacon, Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice, and wasabi sesame seeds. It was wonderful. It was large. It is all gone!
On this day in history: July 12, 1843 - Mormon leader Joseph Smith discloses a divine revelation instructing his followers to take multiple wives, in what the LDS Church calls "plural marriage" but everyone else calls polygamy. The Mormons are ultimately forced to disclaim the practice in September 1890.
Born on this day in history: July 12, Oscar Hammerstein (1895 - 1960) lyricist, musical comedy author He was influential in the development of musical comedy; known especially for his collaboration with the composer Richard Rodgers.
The weatherpeople were right! It rained yesterday! It rained lightly for approximately 15 seconds. It rained sufficiently that the coating of dust on Mr. Nitro turned to mud. It was most unseemly for Mr. Nitro to appear in public in this condition. I took him to the car wash and cleaned him thoroughly. I then drove him to the river and back to air-dry him. He was most grateful.
On this day in history: July 11, 1979 - The derelict space station Skylab finally returns to Earth, ignominiously breaking into 500 separate fragments which are swallowed by the Indian Ocean. That is, except for the ones which crash into Woorlba Sheep Station, near Balladonia in Western Australia. Shortly thereafter, President Jimmy Carter telephones the prime minister of that country to apologize for scattering NASA litter on his nation.
Born on this day in history: July 11, 1897 - Blind Lemon Johnson (c. 1897 - 1930) blues singer Blind from birth, "the King of the Country Blues" recorded during the 1920s; died in Chicago, lost in the streets during a snowstorm.
Today's Video: Black Sabbath - "Paranoid" (1970)
Along the route to my office this morning, I encountered people harvesting mushrooms. The mushrooms were very large. It must be the fertilizer they use that is producing such large results!
It is cold this morning! The weatherpeople are predicting rain! It certainly looks dismal outside, and the possibility that it might rain appears high. Yikes! Quick, someone alert Al Gore!
For dinner last evening, we had Johnsonville brats: I sprayed a sauté pan with Pam and arranged six Johnsonville brats. I peeled a head of garlic and scattered the cloves over the brats. I sliced a large white onion into six sections and scattered over the brats and garlic. I sliced a large zucchini on the bias and layered atop the onions, brats, and garlic. I sliced four large mushrooms into quarters and layered atop the zucchini, onions, brats, and garlic. I liberally seasoned with Red Monkey Cajun Spice. I sliced a large tomato into six thin slices, layered atop the mushrooms, zucchini, onions, brats, and garlic and seasoned with sea salt and ground black pepper. Laura placed the sauté pan on the stove and set the burner to medium. Ten minutes later, she reduced the heat to medium-low and continued to cook for twenty minutes. Spicy brown mustard was used as a condiment. The meal was delightful.
Tonight, we shall have some of the ham and beans from Sunday's dinner.
Global Cooling - snow in Buenos Aires first time in 89 years No Pets - petless family flees flea invasion So Low - Madonna's guitar solo at Live Earth faked?
On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.
Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) tennis player, AIDS spokesperson. He was the first black player to win the men's singles at Wimbledon, 1975.
Today's Video: Dodge Sniffing Dog
Shopping for a new head can certainly be a chore. Click to enlarge.
Stupid Criminal - bank robber disguises himself as tree Waste Not - "green" light bulbs pack toxic ingredient All Dried Up - woman arrested for not watering lawn
On this day in history: July 9, 1997 - Attempting to spring him from the Arizona state prison at Florence, Rebecca Thornton meets her husband Floyd at the perimeter fence with a rifle. There the escape plan goes haywire, and Rebecca shoots her death-row husband after he instructs her: "Shoot me! I'm sorry things went wrong. Shoot me! Shoot me!" Then they are both gunned down by the guards.
Born on this day in history: July 9, 1908 - Paul Brown (1908 - 1991) football coach He is a NFL hall of famer who, as a coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, was known for calling plays from the sidelines.
Today's Video: The Zimmers Backstage at Graham Norton - submitted by Jeffrey
It was hot over the weekend, and this heat wave is forecast to continue through Wednesday—when the temperature is expected to drop below 100 degrees for the first time in several days.
We visited with my mother Saturday. Laura made shrimp wraps with large tortillas, medium shrimp, diced Jalapeños, slivered red onion, slivered tomato, julienned butter lettuce, minced garlic, mayonnaise, and curry powder. They were wonderful.
We journeyed to Chico in Mr. Nitro. Mr. Nitro recorded the best highway fuel economy to date: 22.1 MPG.
Sunday—following service at Harvest Christian Center—I made a pot of beans. I stewed the bone from a large spiral-cut ham in two bottles of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot ale for two hours. I took the bone from the pot, removed all the meat, returned the meat to the pot, and added a sliced red onion, a sliced white onion, a head of garlic (peeled, whole cloves), five stalks of celery (sliced), sea salt, ground black pepper, and cumin. Laura added three tablespoons of brown sugar and tended the pot for two hours—at which time she added four cans of white beans (drained), stirred, and turned the burner to low. It was a delightful meal.
Leftovers - dinner guest finds bodies in freezer Never Too Young - 11-year-old girl charged with DUI, 100-MPH chase Never Too Old - 84-year-old man opens BB-gun range for kids
On this day in history: July 6, 1944 - Fire breaks out at a matinee performance of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Baily Circus burning 168 people to death, and injuring an additional 250. The main tent had been waterproofed with wax thinned by gasoline.
Born on this day in history: July 6, 1946 - George W. Bush (1946 - ____) 43rd US President. He was the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive four-year terms.
Today's Video: Sam the Bellhop - submitted by Frank
Here is a recent photograph of Parker. Parker is the daughter of Rachel and David Gideon—Laura's daughter and son-in-law. Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: July 5, 1946 - Louis Reard's latest swimsuit creation, the two-piece Bikini, goes on sale in Paris.
Born on this day in history: July 5, 1810 - P. T. Barnum (1810 - 1891) circus owner. He created "The Greatest Show on Earth," 1871, complete with flashy ads and freak shows.
Today's Video: My Cat and Turtle
It appears that the warm weather has arrived! Click to enlarge.
I hope everyone had a safe and festive Fourth of July! Laura, Zeus, Thor, and I stayed indoors, relaxing, watching marathons of "Cops" and "King of the Hill," snacking on chips and salsa, and sipping Jose Cuervo margaritas. It was wonderfully restorative and peaceful. For dinner, we had grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts and grilled corn on the cob. Laura rubbed the chicken breasts with Red Monkey Barbecue Spice Rub and grilled them perfectly. She pre-cooked the corn in the microwave for five minutes then charred on the grill. It was a delightful meal. The Red Monkey spices are incredibly delicious!
Fighting Back - Subway customer hero for gunning down robbers Saved! - "gay"-rights leader liberated from homosexuality by God Let It Shine! - humans accused of overusing Sun
On this day in history: July 3, 1971 - Jim Morrison is found dead of an apparent heart attack in his Paris apartment bathtub.
Born on this day in history: July 3, 1947 - Dave Barry (1947 - ____) columnist, humorist. He is a syndicated columnist with the "Miami Herald," 1983--.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots.
Thanks to Chris for this great photograph! Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: July 2, 1937 - Attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane, Amelia Earhart disappears over the Pacific with her navigator, Fred Noonan.
Born on this day in history: July 2, 1925 - Medgar Evers (1925 - 1963) civil rights leader He was shot to death in front of his home; became martyr for civil rights cause; awarded 1963 Spingarn Medal.
Today's Video: "Mac or PC" Rap Music Video
While on my way to the office this morning, I encountered this fine-looking deer. Unfortunately, there was insufficient time to slay it and prepare it for the grill. Click to enlarge.
We had a frittata for brunch on Saturday. I prepared it while Laura was at the salon, having her hair trimmed. The frittata consisted of Johnsonville ground pork sausage, three small red potatoes, two heads of garlic, four large Jalapeños, 2 large habaneros, one large white onion, six jumbo eggs, and a quantity of pepperjack cheese. It was delicious, and there was such a quantity that the balance shall serve as our evening meal tonight.
We drove to Red Bluff on Saturday and viewed "Ratatouille." Rarely does feature-length animation reach such heights. It was a wonderfully engaging and delightful movie. I highly recommend it to everyone.
We rarely see movies in theatres—preferring to rent them, when released, from NetFlix and watch them at home. Despite enjoying "Ratatouille" greatly, I was reminded why we so seldom go to the theatre: The seat was uncomfortable—compared to the recliner from which I view movies at home—,the noise of other theatre patrons was annoying, and—worst of all—there was no beer!
For dinner last evening, we had a lovely London broil—well-rubbed with Red Monkey Steak Spice—, mushrooms, yellow squash, and red bell pepper—all grilled perfectly by Laura. It was a delicious meal.
8:30 AM UPDATE: When I arrived at my office this morning and turned on all the monitors, I determined that Pandora (my secondary computer system) had died. I generally greet situations such as this with stressful unease. This morning, however, I cast my care and relied upon God for direction. A few moments ago, I heard a voice—as distinctly as I now hear the clicking of the keyboard keys as I type this—say, "Turn around and look at Pandora." I turned and saw that Pandora is alive! I can offer no reason for her earlier demise. I offer now only the constant that with God all things are possible! Praise God!
