Hic! - vodka kills as many Russians as a war Emergency! - man upset with McDonald's burger order calls 911 repeatedly There Goes the Neighborhood - man accused of damage to neighbor's yard with bulldozer while intoxicated
On this day in history: June 30, 1999 - Two members of the Old Order Amish, Abner Stoltzfus and Abner Stoltzfus, are sentenced to one year in prison for trafficking cocaine to other Amish folk in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The men had scored their drugs from a Philadelphia motorcycle gang.
Born on this day in history: June 30, 1917 - Lena Horne (1917 - ) Born in Brooklyn, NY, singer and actress Lena Horne began performing at age 16 at Harlem's Cotton Club. She was the first African-American to sign a long-term film contract. Outspoken about discrimination, Horne was blacklisted during the 1950s, then worked in film and on stage later. Her autobiography "Lena" was published in 1965.
Scripture of the Day: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. — Matthew 6:33
Video of the Day: iPhone 3GS Dropped in Pool, Still Works!
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this vehicle while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
I received a telephone call yesterday afternoon. The caller inquired regarding my price schedule for photographing pets. I answered her questions, and she booked a photo shoot for this morning. When I arrived and saw her dog, I immediately found it necessary to increase my fee! Yikes!
Double Vision - identical twin sisters marry identical twin brothers The Getaway - 6-year-old girl escapes would-be rapist while in leg shackles Inked - robbery suspect ID'd by tattoo
On this day in history: June 29, 1967 - Actress Jayne Mansfield is decapitated in a car crash, when her convertible collides with a parked tractor-trailer. To downplay the gruesome death, sources spread the falsehood that only her wig flew off in the accident.
Born on this day in history: June 29, 1941 - Stokely Carmichael (1941 - ) Born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, activist Stokely Carmichael emigrated to the U.S. in 1952, and became a leader in the 1960s civil rights movement. In 1969, he moved to Guinea to support Pan-Africanism.
Scripture of the Day: For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever ... — Psalm 37:28
Video of the Day: Liquid Nitrogen into a Swimming Pool - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene! Click to enlarge.
Hot Weekend!
It was particularly hot this weekend. While preparing to depart for a wedding that I was to photograph, Mr. Nitro's exterior temperature probe displayed this frightening image.
Please excuse the quality of the image. Sweat was pouring from my face, and the sun blazing through Mr. Nitro's windshield made it difficult to see what the camera was seeing!
It was actually a mere 109°, but the temperature probe reacted to the heat collected in the cloistered space where it is housed.
On this day in history: June 26, John F. Kennedy tells the German nation and pastry lovers everywhere "Ich bin ein Berliner"; whether or not he is, in fact, a jelly donut remains a matter of speculation to this day.
Born on this day in history: June 26, Pearl S. Buck (1892 - 1973) Born in Hillsboro, WV, Pearl S. Buck was raised by American missionary parents in Chinkiang, China. She lived in China until age 40. Her second novel, "The Good Earth" (1931), won the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prize for Literature. In 1964, she established the Pearl S. Buck Foundation to help children.
Scripture of the Day: Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. — Proverbs 3:25-26
Video of the Day: Attempting 230MPH in a Hennessey Viper pt 2 - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while passing the lake on the way to my office!
Anniversary Dinner
Although our 9th anniversary (and my birthday) was yesterday, we shall celebrate this evening. I shall be making pasta carbonara, and we shall pair it with an excellent vintage wine gifted Laura that we have been saving for this occasion.
Birthday/Anniversary UPDATE - 9:30 AM:
WOW! A special package just arrived from Omaha Steaks. It was sent to us from reader Chris! Chris and I have been long-distance friends for many, many years. Although we live far apart and have never physically met, we have remained great friends since the pre-Web days of BBSes and 300-baud modems!
The contents of this package will indeed provide excellent flesh for the new grill when it arrives next week!
Avast! - luxury yachts offer pirate-hunting cruises The Armed Citizen - Smith & Wesson profit doubles as demand for handguns and tactical rifles remains strong Brave New Schools - Bucknell University requires permit to hand out bibles
On this day in history: June 25, 1876 - During the Battle of Little Big Horn, General George Armstrong Custer witnesses a large group of Indians fleeing their village, and decides to press his advantage. The cavalry officer shouts, "We've caught them napping, boys!" Then he splits his force of 210 men into three groups, in order to slaughter as many of the retreating noncombatants as possible. Which is right about the time Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse sweep in and kill the white men. Two days later, Custer's body is found amidst a cluster of 42 other corpses.
Born on this day in history: June 25, 1945 - Carly Simon (1945-) Born in New York City, singer-songwriter Carly Simon's first hit single was "You're So Vain" in 1972. She has two children with songwriter James Taylor, whom she divorced in 1983. She has published a series of children's books and won an Oscar and a Grammy for "Let the River Run," written for the movie "Working Girl."
Scripture of the Day: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? - Matthew 6:25
Video of the Day: 1450HP Hennessey Venom Viper Attempts Record pt1 - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign at the park while driving to my office!
Today is a very special day!
Today is my birthday! It is also the 9th anniversary of my marriage to Laura!
On this day in history: June 24, 1374 - In a sudden outbreak of Dancing Mania (aka "St. John's Dance"), people in the streets of Aix-la-Chapelle experience terrible hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapse from exhaustion. Many of the sufferers are afflicted with frothing at the mouth, diabolical screaming, and sexual frenzy. The phenomenon lasts well into the month of July. Nowadays, ergot madness is suspected as being the ultimate cause of the disorder.
Born on this day in history: June 24, 1895 - Jack Dempsey (1895 - 1983) Born in Manassa, CO, boxer Jack Dempsey boxed in mining camps and turned pro in 1912. He won the 1919 heavyweight championship, defending the title five times before his loss in 1926. Dempsey moved on to sports promotion and business, opening a famous New York restaurant.
Scripture of the Day: Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:23-26
Video of the Day: Motorcycle Stunts - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at a local restaurant this morning! Click to enlarge.
Summer has arrived! Click image to enlarge.
The new grill! When I ordered the Weber S-620 grill online from Home Depot, it showed that the unit was in stock. I added a cover and placed my order. This was early in the afternoon yesterday. When I arrived at my home, I was concerned that I had not received an order confirmation or an order number.
I logged onto my account at Home Depot online to check the status of my order, and the system indicated that I had no order in the system!
I called the customer service department on my iPhone and was promptly placed on hold. While I waited, I brought up the product page, and there was a notice that stated the grill was out of stock.
When a live representative answered my call, I explained the situation. She said that she found my order and that it was being processed. She said that if the grill showed availability when I ordered, it was likely that I ordered the ONLY Weber S-620 in stock in the Home Depot system! She said that was how it appeared and that I should receive my order in 5-7 business days. She gave me an order confirmation number.
Come Fly with Me - Air Canada to permit pets as hand luggage Stupid Criminals - man breaks into Maine restaurant, eats lobster, drinks wine, falls asleep Somebody's Watching You - FTC plans to monitor blogs for claims, payments
On this day in history: June 23, 1611 - Believing there to be a secret stash of food hidden aboard ship, the mutinous crew of Henry Hudson's fourth voyage sets Henry, his son, and seven loyal shipmates adrift in an open boat on the Atlantic Ocean. They are never heard from again.
Born on this day in history: June 23, 1929 - June Carter Cash (1929-2003) Born in Maces Springs, VA, daughter of Ezra and Mother Maybelle Carter, June Carter belonged to the first family of country music. She and sisters Helen and Anita performed as the Carter Sisters. Carter performed with Johnny Cash and the two married in 1968. After semi-retirement, she began recording again in 1999, winning two Grammys. Carter died in Nashville, TN.
Scripture of the Day: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
Video of the Day: Digital TV Converter Hack - submitted by Jay
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while driving to my office this morning!
New Grill
Our grill is very quickly approaching the end of its usefulness. I replaced the burner a few years ago, and it is due to be replaced again. Since the grill is eight years old and is literally falling apart in every area, I believe the most efficacious thing would be to replace it.
I have decided that the new grill must have an all stainless-steel intrior—the grill, burners, etc., must all of be high-grade stainless-steel construction. The exterior may be stainless steel as well, but this is not a necessity.
We have recently seen infra red grills on the Food TV Network. We have no knowledge of these other than what we saw there. I shall investigate them further, of course, but any input from readers would be greatly appreciated. My inclination leads me toward a Weber stainless-steel unit. I am, however, eager for input from others!
On this day in history: June 22, 1969 - Judy Garland dies of a barbiturate overdose in her London apartment, either by accident or suicide.
Born on this day in history: June 22, 1949 - Meryl Streep (1949 - ) Born in Summit, NJ, actress Meryl Streep made her stage debut in 1969, and film debut in 1977. She won her first Oscar in "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), and is known for her range and facility with accents in movies like "Sophie's Choice" (1982), "Bridges of Madison County" (1995) and "Adaption" (2002). In 2004, she won the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement award.
Scripture of the Day: He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. - Proverbs 18:22
Video of the Day: Matrix Runs on Windows XP - submitted by Jay
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Weekend Food The weather was relatively cool and a bit windy over the weekend. Although summer officially began yesterday, it was not typical summer weather for this area.
Saturday morning, I made a frittata with diced red potatoes, sliced bacon, sliced Jalapeños, sliced white onion, baby spinach, sliced white mushrooms, whole garlic cloves, Nulaid egg substitute, sea salt, Pappy's Seasoning, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper. It was excellent. A quantity remains for our delight this evening following prayer night at Harvest Christian Center.
The photographs were taken with my iPhone. Click images to enlarge.
The mushrooms, Jalapeños, and onion:
The potatoes and garlic cloves are added:
The bacon is added:
The spinach is added:
The eggs are added:
It is time to eat!
Saturday evening, I made garlic-ginger prawns with fettuccine. It was delicious. None remained following our gluttonous foraging.
The prawns are sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, sea salt, crushed red peppers, parsley flakes, minced garlic, and grated ginger:
Pay the Piper - woman ordered to pay $80,000 per song for illegal downloads Armed and Dangerous - cop accused of pulling gun at McDonald's when order takes too long Stupid Criminals - man unwittingly follows would-be victim to sheriff's office
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, 1962 - Paula Abdul (1962-) Born in Los Angeles, CA, dancer, singer and choreographer Paula Abdul began as an L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer for Janet Jackson. She started recording in 1990, winning a Grammy. After dropping out of the limelight, Abdul re-emerged in 2002 as a judge on Fox’s popular "American Idol" series.
Scripture of the Day: How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. — Psalm 31:19
Video of the Day: How Catnip Gets Cats High - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
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, 1942 - Paul McCartney (1942– ) Born in Liverpool, England, musician, songwriter and composer Paul McCartney found fame as one of the Fab Four Beatles. After the group's 1970 breakup, he performed solo and with his own bands. In 1978, he was declared the most successful composer of all time, playing his 3000th concert in St Petersburg in 2004. McCartney was knighted in 1997.
Scripture of the Day: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4
Video of the Day: Weird Al takes on Craigslist with the Doors
The new iPhone OS 3.0 is awesome! Click to enlarge.
The iPhone OS 3.0 Update
The download went surprisingly quickly, considering my lowly 1.5-2.0/Mb/sec connection.
The first time iTunes tried to install the software, it failed.
I disconnected and re-connected my iPhone, and the update went smoothly.
When it came to the point that iTunes contacted the activation server, the process crashed again. The message appeared that the SIM was not inserted properly. What?
I was considering removing and re-inserting the SIM, when the message appeared on the iPhone that the SIM was locked. I entered the unlock code, and the activation was successful.
iTunes then said the iPhone was ready to use.
I disconnected the iPhone, and the icons were scattered randomly across six screens--few of them in their previous positions. Some screens had only two or three icons. Some screens were full. Some of my favorites that I had on the first screen prior to the update were now several screens away.
I rearranged the icons. The applications I have tried all seem to work fine under the new OS. The first that I tried, of course, was Zombieville USA. It worked fine. That was my main concern, understandably.
All seems well now, but I sincerely hope that the issues that plagued me do not happen to uninitiated people who turn in fright from the process!
Laura's iPhone, on the other hand, completed the update process without issue.
Could I Get Some Help Here? - store clerk murdered; customers keep shopping Parking Wars - residents ticketed for parking in own driveways Running - man's sprint for bus leads to Olympics
On this day in history: June 17, 1994 - O.J. Simpson fails to turn himself in to the LAPD at a prearranged time and is later spotted in a white Ford Bronco on a Los Angeles expressway. After a low-speed pursuit through the freeways and streets of Brentwood, O.J. is finally arrested live on television in the driveway of his mansion. According to one of the defense attorneys who served on O.J.'s "Dream Team," Simpson tried to kill himself in the car, but the gun misfired. The Juice allegedly told him: "I pulled the trigger and it didn't go off."
Born on this day in history: June 17, 1980 - Venus Williams (1980- ) Born in Lynwood, CA, tennis champ Venus Williams was the first African-American to reach No. 1 ranking. She's won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and Olympic gold.
Scripture of the Day: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. - Ephesians 1:17
Video of the Day: iPhone OS 3.0 Final: Review
iPhone OS 3.0 employing Internet tethering.
iPhone OS 3.0 update
You may obtain the iPhone OS 3.0 update by doing the following: Connect your iPhone or iPod Touch. When iTunes loads, select the device, go to Summary, and click "Check for Update."
The update should be available at 10 AM Pacific.
If you have an iPhone, the update is free. If you have an iPod Touch, the update is $9.95, paid via iTunes.
Stupid Criminals - woman jams 33 Blu-Ray DVDs down pants at Target ET Go Home - French prosecutor seeks dissolution of Scientology Chicken Little - crop circle predicts end of world
On this day in history: June 16, 1948 - In the first skyjacking of a commercial plane, three armed men storm the cockpit of the Miss Macao, a passenger seaplane operated by Cathay Pacific airline. When the pilot refuses to turn over the controls, he is shot dead and the plane crashes into the ocean. The only survivor among the 27 people on board is the leader of the terrorists.
Born on this day in history: June 16, 1917 - Katharine Graham (1917 - 2001) Born in New York City, publisher Katharine Graham took over the "Washington Post" and "Newsweek" after the suicide of her husband, and acted as publisher for 10 years. Graham's memoir "Personal History" won a Pulitzer Prize in 1997.
Scripture of the Day: But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. - Romans 16:26
Video of the Day: How to Survive a Zombie Attack - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Clearing disk space after installing Vista SP2
As with SP1, you may remove backup files made during the service pack installation.
Simply open a command prompt and issue the command compcln
It will ask you to confirm. After a couple minutes you will have your reclaimed approximately 800MB of disk space! As with SP1, once you have removed backup files, the service pack installation is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Animal Kingdom - hummingbirds "faster than jets" Anybody Home? - Wrecking crew uses GPS, demolishes wrong house Stupid Criminals - online postings led police to serial cat killer
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, 1964 - Courteney Cox (1964- ) Born in Birmingham, AL, actress Courteney Cox modeled in New York then became famous as Monica Geller on the TV series "Friends," which ran for 10 years. Her films include "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994) and "Scream" (1996).
Scripture of the Day: Instead you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." - James 4:15
Video of the Day: Laser Flashlight Hack - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
The Weekend The weekend was very serene and restorative—until Laura sprayed catnip on the kitties' scratching post! The cats quickly became feral. My cat, Zeus, is a great devotee of catnip, as evidenced by this photograph!
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. A jury later finds Simpson not guilty, and in a subsequent civil case, he is found guilty.
Born on this day in history: June 12, 1929 - Anne Frank (1929 - 1945) Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Jewish diarist and concentration camp victim, Anne Frank fled the Nazis to The Netherlands in 1933. During the occupation, she hid in an office flat in Amsterdam with her family and kept a moving diary, later published. Frank died in Belsen concentration camp.
Scripture of the Day: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. — Psalm 103:12
Video of the Day: Brat Drop
No caption required! Click to enlarge.
A visitor from Johnsonville!
A visitor from Johnsonville came to this blog yesterday and invited everyone to enter a campaign the company is currently running: "We have this new campaign called Create Your Own Ville, you can create your own Johnsonville ad and enter for a chance at $23,000 in cash and grilling prizes. Anyone else here fans of Johnsonville, or plan on checking out the site to enter a VILLE? Go on to http://www.createyourownville.com to check it out!"
That sounds like an excellent idea to me. I shall certainly enter!
New features in iPhone 3G OS 3.0
1. Cut/Paste 2. Copy/Paste 3. Shake to undo/redo typing 4. Text selection for easy mass deletion 5. MMS 6. Landscape keyboard in Notes 7. Landscape keyboard in Mail 8. Landscape keyboard in Messages 9. Forward texts or picture messages 10. Delete individual texts or picture messages 11. Sending progress bar in Messages app moved to title instead of over the keyboard area (allows typing new message while the first one is sending) 12. USB tethering 13. Bluetooth tethering 14. Stereo bluetooth (A2DP) 15. Spotlight search (searches all app titles, mail, media, contact details, and calendar appointments) 16. Search in Notes 17. Search in Mail 18. Search in iPod 19. In-App purchases 20. Option to have double clicking the home button go to the Spotlight Search 21. Option to have double clicking the home button go to the Camera 22. Preview icon in lower left hand corner for last shot taken in Camera app 23. Shake to shuffle in iPod 24. Scrolling of screenshots in App Store 25. Type of phone used under each call in Recents (i.e., mobile, home, work, etc.) 26. Call history log (including call duration) 27. Option to Share Contact in each contact listing 28. Hold link in Safari to Copy 29. Hold link in Safari to Open in New Page 30. Auto Fill contact information, usernames and passwords in Safari 31. Login to your YouTube account 32. See Comments in YouTube 33. Subscribe in YouTube 34. Rate in YouTube 35. Shake to undo what you have typed 36. Option to retry sending failed text messages, indicated by red exclamation point next to text 37. Turn-by-turn GPS capabilities 38. Maps can be run inside other applications 39. Access to dock port for accessories to communicate 40. Peer-to-peer connectivity using Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi required) 41. New Voice memo application 42. Extended Parental controls 43. Anti-phishing 44. Wi-Fi auto login 45. Note syncing in iTunes 46. Improved Stocks app 47. New calendar types (CalDAV) 48. Prompt to confirm deleting a note 49. Prompt to confirm deleting a photo 50. Option to select multiple photos to attach to an email 51. "Find My iPhone" option for MobileMe users 52. Unlimited size podcast downloads over 3G 53. Pushing home button on first home screen takes user to Spotlight 54. Pushing home button on Spotlight takes user to first home screen 55. Variable speed playback for audio books 56. App Store subscriptions 57. Push notifications 58. Audio/Video tags 59. New video streaming capabilities (HTML 5 video, h.264 and HTTP) 60. Calendar subscriptions 61. iTunes login 62. iTunes account creation 63. Encypted profiles 64. LDAP (directory services) 65. VPN on-demand 66. EAP SIM 67. Proxy support 68. OTA profiles 69. Revoke certificates 70. Exchange ActiveSync Policies 71. Media scrubber 72. More languages 73. Improved keyboards 74. Failed app updates now are shown in a duplicate icon and labeled "Paused" 75. When selecting multiple emails to forward/delete, any unread emails' blue dot are shown next to the red selector dot instead of being overridden by the red selector dot 76. Non-contact phone calls list their city and state of origin in Recents and Visual Voicemail under the number. 77. Ability to change ringtones straight from Favorites 78. Lap time display now displayed smaller and above time in Stopwatch 79. Polished Phone, Messages, and iPod icons 80. Swipe to delete notes in the Notes app 81. Advanced Bluetooth options for Handsfree devices 82. Option to close a single web page in Safari page view, which immediately opens a new blank page 83. Improved predictive dictionary 84. Blue dot now displayed in center of location circle in Maps (V1 only) 85. Listening to music while charging the battery now displays the album art instead of the battery 86. Smaller font for song title on lock screen 87. Option in Phone Settings to choose your phone number 88. Option to disable text message reminder alerts 89. Option to disable text message previews 90. Option to show subject field in text messages 91. Ability to integrate iPod music into apps 92. Clickable email links in App Store app descriptions 93. JavaScript 3x speed boost 94. 11 homescreens now allowed 95. Reboots to "slide to unlock" screen instead of homescreen 96. In Settings>General>Home>Search Results, users can choose what is searched on the phone and in what order. 97. Application count added in Settings>General>About 98. Option "Load Remote Images" added in Mail settings 99. Global address book option available if Exchange account is set up 100. Speed control in audiobooks 101. 30 second repeat option for audiobooks 102. Improved scrubbing speeds when holding white dot in song progress bar in iPod 103. When sending a text, your text box where you typed smoothly fades from white to green instead of instantly changing from white to green. 104. When moving an app across homescreens, holding the app on either the left or right side will slowly advance the app one through one homescreen at a time, without leaving empty spots in the bottom right corner or each homescreen it advances through. 105. Album name displayed on lockscreen iPod controls 106. Shake to shuffle on lockscreen iPod controls 107. Podcasts saved on iPhone now show Run Time, Time Left and Date Published 108. Screen goes from dimmed to full brightness after each song when playing the iPod while plugged in 109. WAVE file support in Mail 110. Attachment no longer automatically downloaded until user taps the attachment in Mail 111. When using a bluetooth headset with iPod, volume bar is removed and bluetooth headset name is displayed in its place. 112. A hard reset on your phone (holding sleep and home for 10 seconds) now turns it off instead of restarting it. 113. A space is no longer needed between two words for predictive texting to function.
Roots - California jailers confiscate Phil Spector's wig The Real Thing - Venezuela bans Coke Zero, cites "health dangers" Faith Under Fire - pair jailed eight weeks for passing out anti-Catholic, anti-Muslim tracts
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, 1910 - Jacques Cousteau (1910 - 1997) Born in Saint-Ande, France, underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau pioneered underwater TV. In 1950, he commanded the French naval research ship Calypso. Cousteau's films include the Oscar-winning "The Golden Fish" (1960).
Scripture of the Day: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Video of the Day: How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Where is summer?
What became of summer? It is 61° and forecast to be a high of 77° today. It is nearly the middle of June! It should be hot! Thundershowers are forecast for today. Great Scott!
Although it was overcast, dreary, and a bit cool last evening, I did manage to do a bit of grilling: I put a spicy dry rub on some Foster Farms boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I charred the chicken and a package of Johnsonville brats over a high flame. I turned the chicken and brats and continued to grill them for a few minutes. I then moved everything to the front of the grill, turned the front burner off, left the rear burner on high, and continued to cook for another 20 minutes. I made spicy Spanish rice in the microwave. It was a delicious meal.
A Johnsonville brat followed Laura to Chico this morning to become the centerpiece of her lunch.
Tonight, I shall shred the leftover chicken breasts and produce a quantity of cold Oriental noodle salad. I shall combine ramen noodles, the chicken, peas, kernel corn, red bell pepper, Jalapeño pepper, celery, yellow squash, green onions, white mushrooms (sliced and poached), extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles, ground ginger, garlic powder, and crushed red peppers in a large stainless-steel bowl. This is a favorite of ours.
Friday evening, I shall halve the two leftover Johnsonville brats and sauté them. When they are hot, I shall turn off the heat and place pepperjack cheese atop them. I shall toast Francisco sourdough buns. At the table, we will add sliced tomato, red onion, Klausen pickle slices, and condiments. I shall make a batch of oven fries to accompany these delicious sandwiches.
Never Too Young - 16-year-old runs for Fremont city council Man in the Box - Minneapolis man accidentally boarded up in his house Animal Kingdom - lion escapes zoo, swims to school
On this day in history: June 10, 1692 - Bridget Bishop is hanged at Gallows Hill near Salem, Massachusetts after having been convicted of "certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft & Sorceries." Bishop is just the first casualty of what will come to be known as the Salem Witch Trials.
Born on this day in history: June 10, 1922 - Judy Garland (1922 - 1969) Born Frances Gumm in Grand Rapids, MN, actress and singer Judy Garland was a child star in "The Wizard of Oz," but career demands and drug problems caused difficulties. Concerts and occasional films continued with public success, but her private life was full of overwhelming difficulties, and she died from an apparent overdose of sleeping pills.
Scripture of the Day: I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10
Video of the Day: KEN BLOCK GYMKHANA TWO THE INFOMERCIAL - submitted by Frank
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
COPS
I was preparing to journey to Chico yesterday afternoon. I had several errands that required my traveling to Chico. As I sat in Mr. Nitro and prepared for my departure, this scene presented itself:
I do not have any details regarding this. There is nothing in the news this morning. My curiosity must be satisfied, so I shall investigate the matter thoroughly.
On this day in history: June 9, 1930 - Jake Lingle, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, is shot dead gangland-style at the Illinois Central train station underpass, during rush hour. Dozens of people witness the murder, and the Leo Vincent Brothers are caught four months later after an intensive manhunt. Lingle was allegedly killed over a $100,000 gambling debt owed to Al Capone.
Born on this day in history: June 9, 1963 - Johnny Depp (1963-) Born in Owensboro, KY, and raised in FL, actor and director Johnny Depp left school at 17 to play in garage bands. He gained teen idol status on TV's "21 Jump Street" and today has carved a niche for himself as a serious, somewhat dark, idiosyncratic performer, consistently selecting roles that surprise critics and audiences alike.
Scripture of the Day: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
Video of the Day: The 2012 Pelosi GTxi SS/RT Sport Edition - submitted by Jeffrey
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign on the local Burger King while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
[While I slept]
I received a telephone call from an old girlfriend I had not seen in approximately ten years. She said she was a patient in a mental hospital near here and was having an uncontrollable craving for a cheeseburger. She begged me to purchase her a cheeseburger at Burger King and bring it to her. I did so. When she had finished eating the cheeseburger, she thanked me. I wished her well and walked toward the nearest exit. I was passing through the exit door, when I was grasped by two interns and told that I should not foolishly attempt to escape. I told them there was a mistake and that I was a visitor—not a patient. The interns looked at each other, smiled, and one of them remarked, "That's what about half the people in here say." They both laughed. I assured them I was merely visiting someone, but they refused to listen. They took me to a room that had only a small windowhigh, hear the ceiling. It was far too small to serve as an escape route.
One of the interns gave me a shot. I saw the label on the bottle: Thorazine. They left me alone in the room and locked the door as they left.
As I sat and contemplated what I could do to be freed from my confinement, I sat upon the bed, placed my elbows on my knees, rested my head in my hands, and was considering various methodologies of escape when I felt the weight of my iPhone in my shirt pocket. Obviously, hey had not realized I had this device! I spent nearly two hours sending emails and making telephone calls—trying to contact someone who could help get me freed. No-one answered the phone calls. I left messages when this was an option. I sent emails to everyone I thought would be able to help and tried to relax while waiting for replies.
After several hours, I had received no return phone calls nor any email replies. One of the interns entered my room and brought me a tray containing my evening meal. The food was surprisingly good.
I devised a plan to charge my iPhone without its presence being discovered. Suddenly, I awakened and realized that it was late: Darkness filled the tiny window. Without realizing what I was doing, I started a blog. I named it "Somebody Save Me!" and published it on Wordpress.
As the days passed, I added my thoughts and experiences to my blog. I entered several posts each day.
After a dozen or so days, I received a comment from someone who called himself "Bill O'Reilly." I smiled at what I considered an obvious alias and replied to the comment saying, "What a pleasure it is to have you visit my blog, Mr. O'Reilly. I am an enthusiastic viewer of your program. That is, I was prior to my confinement here." I slept.
"Bill O'Reilly" began commenting on my blog posts daily. Soon, he was commenting several times a day.
Suddenly, one day an email message arrived. The authorcalling himself "Bill O'Reilly"— said a special segment would air on his television program that evening. The segment would focus upon me and my blog. He said that the story would bring national focus on my plight and would help effectuate my release.
At 5 PM that day, I sat in the common room, positioned in front of the television. Several of the patients were there. I realized I had not seen my friend since the day I brought her a cheeseburger.
When the segment about me began, images of me flashed on the screen. Patients, interns, nurses, and doctors all gasped as they recognized me as the subject of those images.
Suddenly, a video crew burst into the room. Bright lights, microphones, and video cameras were everywhere. Megyn Kelly walked up to me and said, "Relax, David, we're here to get you out of this place!" Bill O'Reilly led a group of people through the room. They confronted doctors—demanding an explanation for my forced residency there. Megyn said she enjoyed my blog greatly and hoped I would continue with it once I was out of the asylum. I assured her I would.
I awakened, turned onto my left side, snatched my iPhone from the nightstand, and checked my email. There were no messages from Bill O'Reilly. I was not surprised there there were none, but I had to be certain.
On this day in history: June 8, 1986 - Former UN Secretary General and Nazi war criminal Kurt Waldheim is elected president of Austria. One year later, the U.S. Justice Department places him on a watch list of undesirable aliens, making Waldheim the first foreign head of state legally forbidden from visiting America.
Born on this day in history: June 8, 1867 - Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1959) Born in Richland Center, WI, architect Frank Lloyd Wright studied with Louis Sullivan and founded his own Chicago practice in 1893. Influential through his love of natural textures, his mastery of organic architecture led to international fame. In 1949, Wright received the American Institute of Architects' Gold Medal.
Scripture of the Day: He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
Video of the Day: Toadzilla - submitted by Cap'n Jack
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Zombieville U.S.A.
I admit that I take inordinate pleasure shooting zombies and watching their heads explode! As has been stated previously, no tears are shed over slain zombies! Over the weekend, I played Zombieville U.S.A. on my iPhone with incalculable zeal. I delighted greatly watching zombie brains spew forth from the blast of the shotgun—my weapon of choice. At one point, I had amassed 325 shotgun shells and was near the end of the 19th level. Suddenly, I was beset by four dark-green zombies (two from the front and two from the back), two white zombies from the rear, and three light-green zombies from the front! Yikes! I was unable to escape. They killed me and ate my brains!
While I reached level 19 several times, Laura remains the zombie-killing champion in our house. She has reached level 23. I must attempt to best her ranking!
Armed and Dangerous - cop tasers high school student who won't turn off cell phone Weapons of Choice - Fort Bliss soldiers told to register private weapons Heroes - two mothers, grandfather lift car off trapped boy
On this day in history: June 5, 1968 - Seconds after Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot dead by Sirhan Sirhan in a Los Angeles hotel, witnesses wrestle the Palestinian to the ground and grab his smoking .22-caliber revolver. Sirhan later claims to have been acting unconsciously, possibly the result of hypnotic brainwashing.
Born on this day in history: June 5, 1878 - Pancho Villa (1878 - 1923) Born Doroteo Arango in Hacienda de Rio Grande, Mexico, revolutionary Pancho Villa fought against Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz in 1909 and led the successful revolt against Victoriano Huerta in 1914. Although pardoned in 1920, Villa was assassinated.
Scripture of the Day: [Bless the LORD] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. - Psalm 103:5
Video of the Day: Orkin Commercials - these commercials are so excellent I could not decide upon which to include, so I am including both!
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning!
Laura will be enjoying Paella Day at Sierra Nevada today! This is an employees-only event, so please do not go there expecting to enjoy paella! Her report and photographs of this event will follow later today, so be certain to return to view them! She made a message with her iPhone regarding this event. You can download it HERE. Right-click on the link, save the file, and open it with QuickTime.
On this day in history: June 4, 1967 - The Emmy for best comedy TV series is won by The Monkees. Good heavens.
Born on this day in history: June 4, ???? - Angelina Jolie Born in Los Angeles, the daughter of movie star Jon Voight, actress Angelina Jolie began studying acting at age 11 at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. Her film roles have won awards and box office appeal, including in "Gia" (1998), "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," with Brad Pitt (2005).
Scripture of the Day: Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:3-4
Video of the Day: Terry Bryan Catching an Arrow - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
CatCam has returned!
As regular readers will recall, Phaedra—my main system here at my office—expired two weeks ago. I replaced Phaedra with Hal—a cutting-edge Hewlett-Packard unit with great speed and storage. Hal, of course, uses the Microsoft Vista operating system. The old Web cam that ran CatCam on Phaedra would not work under Vista. I bought a Microsoft LifeCam 6000. Everything I had read indicated that the software I had used with Phaedra for CatCam—ISpy—would not work under Vista. I have been searching for a replacement application, without success. Yesterday, I decided to try ISpy. It works flawlessly under Vista! I now await a 15' USB 2.0 extension cable so that I can place the Microsoft Web camera in the window. This camera is very advanced and offers such features as zoom, pan, tilt, etc.—directly from the camera software. I will get the camera configured and aimed optimally when the extension cable arrives. For now, the camera sits inside my office and peers out at the street.
Slide Show of Images from May Madness
Replacing Phaedra, the scanner, the Web camera, and several programs has taken a good deal of my time and energy. Yesterday, however, I did complete the creation of a 125-image slide show from the 508 photographs I took at last month's May Madness, the annual Corning Car Show. From the Photo Gallery of Local Events, choose May Madness Car Show, May 2009. You may view the images individually or view them as a slide show. To view as a slide show, click on the "View Slide Show" link below the first image.
Thunderstorm!
Last night—beginning around 11 PM—the fiercest thunderstorm I can recall experiencing visited us! The thunder was deafening, and the lightning was incredibly bright and frequent. The rain that accompanied this storm fell with great abandon. This morning, everything is fresh and clean, the sky is clear, the sun is shining, and the birds are singing.
Stupid Criminals - murder suspect drops cell phone, calls cops to get it back He Did It! - man arrested for 153rd time says he will plead guilty Homeland Insecurity - U.S. releases secret nuclear list accidentally
On this day in history: June 3, 1968 - Valerie Solanas, author of the SCUM Manifesto, arrives at the art studio of Andy Warhol and shoots him three times in the torso. Warhol barely survives the attempt on his life. Solanas is later jailed and institutionalized.
Born on this day in history: June 3, 1906 - Josephine Baker (1906 - 1975) Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, MO, singer-dancer Josephine Baker debuted on Broadway in "Shuffle Along" (1921). In 1925, she appeared in an all-black act at the Folies Bergère and became an instant success. In the 1950s, Baker supported racial equality, and addressed crowds at the 1963 March on Washington.
Scripture of the Day: Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. — Proverbs 16:3
Video of the Day: iPhone Car Remote - Must See!
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this tattooed pig while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Rain! Rain fell yesterday, albeit for an extremely brief period—approximately 5 seconds. The weatherpeople forecast thundershowers. While 5 seconds of light rain does not, in my mind, constitute thundershowers, it does fulfill the predictions to a minor extent. It was sufficient to make Mr. Nitro look very nappy. Before the rain fell, he had a light coat of dust. Following the rain, he looks very much in need of a bath!
This morning, I awakened at 4:30 AM and watched a fairly impressive lightning display. So far, the day is clear, sunny, and warm. Forecasts, however, once again call for thundershowers. We shall see.
Mommie Dearest - mother used sons to commit armed robberies in Arizona All Dressed Up - bride in wedding gown saves family from fire Busted! - cocaine found in Red Bull in Hong Kong, confiscated
On this day in history: June 2, 1996 - Ray Combs, host of television's "Family Feud," hangs himself with his bedsheets at Glendale Adventist Hospital. Combs was on a 72-hour suicide watch.
Born on this day in history: June 2, 1972 - Wayne Brady (1972-) Born in Orlando, FL, comedian-actor Wayne Brady started at local clubs and Disney World and moved to Los Angeles in 1996. His break was on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," ABC's version of the British improv show. Brady went on to star in his own variety and daytime talk shows.
Scripture of the Day: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2
Video of the Day: Guiness World Record: Shallow Dive - submitted by Amber
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Zombieville USA
I have watched Laura play Zombieville USA—gleefully slaying zombies with an assortment of weapons—and found that I could no longer resist the urge to travel beyond the first level of play afforded me with the free version, Zombieville USA Lite. I surrendered to the irresistible craving to obtain more powerful weaponry, move to higher levels, and kill more zombies! I pointed my iPhone to the App Store and purchased the full version! It is the best return for $1.99 I can imagine! I highly recommend this game to anyone who is fascinated by powerful weapons and has an insatiable lust for slaughtering the undead!
Fighting Back - senior bowlers strike down purse thief Friends - Phil Spector plays air chess in jail with cockroach Global Cooling - freeze watch in June for New York
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) Once known as Norma Jean Baker in Los Angeles, movie star and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe adopted her stage name in 1946 after signing with Twentieth Century Fox. She’s best remembered for roles in "Bus Stop" (1956) and "Some Like It Hot" (1959). Monroe died of a barbiturate overdose.
Scripture of the Day: What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? — Romans 6:1
Video of the Day: Awesome Alligator Gar - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I arrived at my office this morning and saw that an arcade had opened in the adjacent building! Click to enlarge.
It is June already!
It seems that this year is passing very quickly. If it were not for the fact that I hear this espoused often by others, I would think it simply my imagination. Because it is a common conversational topic, however, I can only assume that this year is, in fact, passing very quickly! I have no scientific data to support this position, however, and I rely fully upon empirical proof that this is taking place.
I was feted!
I was feted at Harvest Christian Center yesterday morning. I was named Ministry Member of the Month for my creation and maintenance of the church Web site and for my performance as official photographer of church events. I was truly humbled by the presentation and by the thunderous applause that was given me. I present my services joyously, and my sole objective is the glorification of God. Nonetheless, it is truly wonderful and greatly encouraging to be recognized in this fashion!
