The Name Game - biologist honors Neil Young with new variety of spider
Weapons of Choice - Dennis Farina arrested at LAX for carrying loaded handgun
Crime and Punishment - dad jailed when 18-year-old daughter fails math test
On this day in history: May 12, 1797 - Following Napoleon's conquest of Venice, Ludovico Manin reluctantly steps down as its last Doge. Thus ends the Most Serene Republic's 820-year history of national sovereignty.
Born on this day in history: May 12, 1907 - Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003) Born in Hartford, CT, actress Katharine Hepburn made her stage debut in 1928, and from 1932 on, attained international fame as a strong character actress. Among her outstanding films is "Woman of the Year (1942)," which was the beginning of a 25-year relationship with co-star Spencer Tracy. She won several Oscars, notably for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" (1967) and "On Golden Pond" (1981). In 1991 she published "Me: Stories of My Life."
Scripture of the Day: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:
Video of the Day: Baby Back Ribs Recipe - from the Barbecue Web
Laura's granddaughter, Parker, enjoys baby back ribs for the first time! Click to enlarge.
May Madness—the annual Corning Car Show— was held last weekend. It was a great success. Soon, I shall have a slide show created from selected photographs I took of the event. I shall publish the URL here when it is ready for viewing.
Saturday, we watched "Into the Blue" in HD on the USA Network. [A group of divers discovers a dangerous deep-sea treasure in this thriller starring Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Ashley Scott and Tyson Beckford. While diving in the deep blue waters off the Bahamas, the team finds a sunken plane with an illegal cargo worth millions. But ruthless drug kingpins are also after the plane's illicit booty, and the divers wind up in hot water as they quickly go from the hunters to the hunted.] We were very pleasantly surprised. Neither of us expected the movie to be as well-acted and entertaining as it was. It was actually highly entertaining and well-acted. I recommend it. The photography (particularly in HD) was awesome.
Later that day, we watched "The World's Fastest Indian" on Blu-ray Disc. [Based on a true story, this drama follows 67-year-old grandfather and New Zealander Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) as he flies across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and blazes into the record books at 183.586 mph on his customized Indian Scout motorcycle. Set in 1967.] This movie was absolutely wonderful and heartwarming. Anthony Hopkins' acting was (as always) flawless, and the story was fascinating. I highly recommend this movie.
For dinner Sunday, we had linguine with giant shrimp. I marinated giant shrimp in extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and rice wine vinegar. I cooked a package of Barilla linguine until al denté, drained, and set aside. Laura sautéed the shrimp in the marinade. When the shrimp were cooked, she incorporated the linguine, added more extra-virgin olive oil and Tony Chachere's More Spice, stirred, and took the dish to the table. At the table, we added DiGiorno shredded Parmesan cheese and crushed red peppers. A bottle of Robert Mondavi 2004 Private Reserve Chardonnay accompanied the meal. It was wonderful. Leftovers followed Laura to Chico this morning, to be enjoyed for lunch.
