Now See This, Armed and Dangerous, -and- Don't Start!

Now See This - woman nearly blinded turning brown eyes blue
Armed and Dangerous - man's taser death ruled homicide
Don't Start! - Toyota developing anti-drunk-driving gadget

On this day in history: August 31, 1997 - Lady Diana, and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed, killed in car crash inside a Paris tunnel.

Born on this day in history: August 31, 1956 - Chris Falco - 53-year-old divorced father of three. Chris work as an IT Leader in the Aerospace industry. On the side he designs free screen savers for the world, and low-cost ones for businesses and organizations. Chris like to surf the Internet and play computer games. He also fixes computers and does Web work. Chris like taking pictures with his digital camera, and he love to cook and spend time with his kids.

Scripture of the Day: Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. - Proverbs 3:31-32

Video of the Day: Happy Birthday, Chris!

Chris Falco and his cat, Tails

Chris Falco Chris and I have been long-distance friends for many, many years—since the old days of BBSes, in fact. In those days of yore, Chris and I communicated via a system known as echo mail on the Intelec network. This was a system whereby individual BBSes (Bulletin Board System, or BBS, is a computer system running software that allows users to connect and log in to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, a user can perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging messages with other users, either through electronic mail or in public message boards. Many BBSes also offer on-line games, in which users can compete with each other, and BBSes with multiple phone lines often provide chat rooms, allowing users to interact with each other.) interconnected to share mail "packets" that were downloaded (generally daily) and thereby allowed users of one BBS to communicate with users of other BBSes. The process is incredibly slow compared with email and high-speed Internet connectivity, but at the time (early 1990s) it was exciting, and via this methodology, Chris and I became friends!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my friend!

Technology News
Snow Leopard incompatibility list includes big names
Conficker Worm still alive and kicking
MIcrosoft names top 10 Windows malware

iPhone News
Apple says it's not to blame for "exploding" iPhones
iPhone turns Pittsburgh man into Columbo, helps cops catch robbers

To Protect and Serve, Don't Call Me!, -and- Jumping the Gun

To Protect and Serve - Miami cop stole Crime Stoppers reward cash
Don't Call Me! - new law will end some robo calls
Jumping the Gun - Florida man faatally shoots himself before jury's "not guilty" verdict

On this day in history: August 28, 1988 - Three Italian fighter jets from the precision flight team Frecce Tricolori collide while attempting their "Pierced Heart" stunt during an air show at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany. The wreckage of one plane tumbles into the crowd and explodes, killing 40 spectators and seriously injuring hundreds more. The death toll reaches 69 two months later.

Born on this day in history: August 28, 1965 - Shania Twain (1965-) Born Eileen Edwards, in Windsor, Canada, country singer and songwriter Shania Twain was performing by age 10. In 1987, her mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident, leaving Twain to care for three younger siblings. In 1993, she went to Nashville and released "The Woman in Me" in 1995, which sold 12 million copies, becoming the bestselling country album by a female artist in history.

Scripture of the Day: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

Video of the Day: LEAKED: New iPhone Commercial

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while entering the gated parking area behind my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The Mystery of the Giant Olive The mystery of the Giant Olive is solved! A new eye-catching ceramic sculpture sits on the property of a 38-acre olive orchard run by the DeCamilla brothers. They had the sculpture created in recognition of Corning as the Olive City. They hired Sacramento-based ceramic sculptor Chuck Owens to build the giant olive. It took him one month to build it.

Video of Giant Olive

Email from Red Monkey! I received an email message from Donna—the product manager of Red Monkey Foods. She read what I had written in this blog concerning Red Monkey products and asked for feedback from me. I shall send her a reply when I have completed today's blog and tell her that we thoroughly enjoy Red Monkey products!

Technology News
64-bit Snow Leopard defaults to 32-bit kernel
DHS updates rules on border laptop searches

iPhone News
Nikon DSLR remote app gets updated
Facebook 3.0 for iPhone pours on the features

Undesignated Driver, Weapons of Choice, -and- Never Too Young

Undesignated Driver - New Mexico man arrested for 22nd DUI
Weapons of Choice - Montana prepares to challenge U.S. gun laws
Never Too Young - British teen becomes youngest to sail around world solo

On this day in history: August 27, 1990 - Blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan is killed when his Bell 206B helicopter crashes into a man-made ski hill near Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Born on this day in history: August 27, 1910 - Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997) Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, missionary Mother Teresa went to India in 1928, taking her final vows in 1937. In 1957 she began work with lepers and in disaster areas of the world. In 2003, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

Scripture of the Day: As for you, the anointing you received from him [the Spirit] remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him. - 1 John 2:27

Video of the Day: Lock n' Load Sneak Preview

I felt great wanderlust this morning and explored an unfamiliar area while driving to my office this morning. Click to enlarge.

Laura took this photograph on her way to work this morning. It is at the junction of Hall Road and South Avenue. If you know the origin and/or purpose of this giant olive, please share this information with me! Click image to enlarge.

Technology News
Apple confirms anti-malware added to Snow Leopard
Legal, financial maelstrom hits Pirate Bay
Tools to keep your kids safe online
Man with 25 IDs nabbed by face-recognition tech

iPhone News
EA brings Madden NFL to iPhone
Camera Genius for iPhone

Learning Curve, Burning Man, -and- Alms for the Poor

Learning Curve - school misspells "education"
Burning Man - homeless man bursts into flames after being tasered
Alms for the Poor - Australian "beg-a-holic" rakes in $50G a year

On this day in history: August 26, 1980 - Hotel workers discover a 1,000-pound time bomb at Harveys Resort & Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Attached to the device is a ransom note, demanding that $3 million be delivered to a remote location by helicopter.After the delivery goes bad, bomb squad personnel are left to defuse the gadget by robot. The resulting blast blows a five-story hole in the structure and causes $12 million in damage.

Born on this day in history: August 26, 1960 - Branford Marsalis (1960-) Born in Beaux Bridge, Louisiana, musician Branford Marsalis comes from a jazz musician family. He became a national celebrity in 1992 when he signed as musical director for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show." A Grammy Award-winner, Marsalis is also a music producer, writer and performer of film scores.

Scripture of the Day: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. - Romans 8:26

Video of the Day: Bill O'Reilly Goes After Jon Stewart Over His FOX News Criticism - submitted by Amber

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Photographs from Corning Olive Festival - Friday
Select photographs from Friday’s Corning Olive Festival Parade 2009 await your viewing pleasure. From the Corning Chamber of Commerce Web site – http://www.corningchamber.org – click on Local Events Photo Gallery and choose Corning Olive Festival 2009 – Friday. The images may be viewed individually or as a slide show. To view them as a slide show, click on “Start Slide Show” near the bottom left of the first photograph. Photographs from Saturday’s Olive Festival events will be available soon, and I will send an announcement when they are.

Update - 1 PM Select photographs from Saturday's Corning Olive Festival 2009 now await your viewing pleasure.

Technology News
Microsoft beefs up anti-piracy protection in Office
More Mac malware surfaces as pirated apps
Jessica Biel will destroy your computer
Shutttle grounded by hydrogen valve glitch
Symantec pulls Norton patch after error reports

iPhone News
TextExpander available for iPhone/iPod Touch
TextPlus enables you to send free messages

Can You Hear Me Now?, Animal Kingdom, -and- Surf's Down

Can You Hear Me Now? - man sentenced for biting off rival's ear
Animal Kingdom - repair shop finds live goat in car trunk
Surf's Down - illegal downloaders in Britain my lose Web access

On this day in history: August 25, 2001 - Rhythm and blues singer Aaliyah and 8 others die in a plane crash on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas. Excessive weight aboard the tail end likely caused the plane to go down.

Born on this day in history: August 25, 1930 - Sean Connery (1930 - ) Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, actor Sean Connery was cast in "Dr. No" as Ian Fleming's secret agent James Bond in 1963, which made him an international star. He won an Oscar as an aging Irish cop in "The Untouchables" (1987). Connery was knighted in 1999.

Scripture of the Day: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. — Proverbs 3:3-4

Video of the Day: Carjacking Gone Wrong - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Cool Weather This morning, Mr. Nitro's exterior temperature probe registered a relatively frosty 57° as I drove to my office at 6:30 AM. Brrrr.

Windows 7 I am a Microsoft Partner. One of the benefits of this is the availability of software via the MAPS (Microsoft Action Pack Subscription) program. I downloaded Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit yesterday. This will be put on Phoebe (my HP 17" Core Duo notebook. This morning, I am downloading Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. This will be put on my HP Core 2 Quad workstation. I shall report my findings with this new OS when I have spent some time with it.

Juliette Lewis We watched Juliette Lewis and her new band, the New Romantics, in concert last night. We had no idea that she was a powerful, energetic, and very talented singer, songwriter, and performer. We were thoroughly impressed. The 36-year-old actress performed very impressively. Laura was prompted to ferret about in Wikipedia for details on Juliette Lewis and learned the disturbing fact that she is a Scientologist! We prayed that God would send someone into her life to lead her to Christ and away from this abhorrent group!

Technology News
SmarterFox packs productivity wallop
Wikipedia to add editing safeguard for the living

iPhone News
Rhapsody for iPhone on the way to the App Store

Wake Up!, Surf's Down, -and- The Right to Carry

Wake Up! - sleepwalker survives 55-foot plunge
Surf's Down - Hacker attacks, disables Michael Savage's Web site
The Right to Carry - travel writer eschews Arizona over open carry

On this day in history: August 24, 1981 - Mark David Chapman sentenced to 20 years for killing Beatle John Lennon.

Born on this day in history: August 24, 1955 - Mike Huckabee - Born: August 24, 1955 (Hope, AR) Lieutenant governor of Arkansas from 1993 to 1996. Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007.

Scripture of the Day: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." — John 8:31-32

Video of the Day: The Dangers of Texting While Driving - This is very graphic!

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The Weekend The weekend was busy: Friday, we attended the Corning Olive Festival Parade. I took 350 photographs of the parade.

Saturday morning, we attended the Corning Olive Festival activities at Woodson Park. I took nearly 700 photographs there. Select photographs will be available for viewing online soon. I shall alert readers when they are available. Saturday evening, I made ginger shrimp and pasta. I cooked a package of Barilla Thick Spaghetti until al dente and set aside. I sautéed minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sea salt, and red pepper flakes, in extra-virgin olive oil. I tossed in 38 medium cooked shrimp and stirred until the shrimp were heated. I added the pasta, stirred, turned off the burner, and let this sit for five minutes. Laura transferred the shrimp and pasta to a large pasta bowl and stirred. At the table, we added more red pepper flakes. Laura added shredded Parmesan cheese, and I added bleu cheese. It was a delightful meal. A quantity remains for a later meal.

Sunday, I marinated an enormous London Broil with extra-virgin olive oil, Merlot, Monterey steak seasoning, ground black pepper, Pappy's Seasoning, sea salt, granulated garlic, and red pepper flakes. I shucked and cleaned four ears of white corn and poached for five minutes in the microwave. I brushed the corn with extra-virgin olive oil, Pappy's Seasoning, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sea salt and set aside. Five hours later, I took the meat from the refrigerator. I started the grill. 15 minutes later, I took the meat and corn outside and determined that the propane tank was empty, and the extra propane tank was also empty! I sautéed the London Broil—searing it nicely on both sides. I added some Merlot to the sauté pan and tossed in some white mushrooms. I let this cook, uncovered, for five minutes. I poached the corn for five minutes in the microwave. This was a wonderful meal. The meat was nicely seared on the exterior and rare in the center. There is a great quantity remaining for another meal.

I must remember to replace the propane tanks!

Technology News
Walmart recalls fiery DVD players
Teen becomes first born in U.K. for cyberbullying
Ten ways to break your laptop

iPhone News
Where To destination finder released for iPhone
Nav with turn-by-turn, text-to-speech for only $1.99 for iPhone

Fighting Back, What's Cooking?, -and- Rats!

Fighting Back - 72-year-old pizza parlor worker foils shotgun-toting robbers
What's Cooking? - altered Sears Web site offers grill to "cook babies"
Rats! - rodent-eating plant discovered in Philippines

On this day in history: August 21, 1996 - Superfreak Rick James (prisoner J29237) is released from Folsom Prison after serving a two year sentence for drugs and assault. He had planned to marry his fiancée, Tanja Anne Hijazi, upon release but she had been nicked for shoplifting a pair of boots two days earlier.

Born on this day in history: August 21, 1956 - Kim Cattrall (1956-) Born Clare Woodgate in Liverpool, England, and raised on Vancouver Island, Canada, actress Kim Cattrall was first noticed by director Otto Preminger in 1975. In 1998, Cattrall became an international celebrity playing Samantha Jones in HBO’s award-winning comedy series "Sex and the City."

Scripture of the Day: My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. — Proverbs 3:21-22

Video of the Day: Rat Attack! - submitted by Cap'n Jack

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this vehicle while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Yesterday
In preparation for this weekend's Olive Festival, I was charging my camera battery. I had the battery in the charger on the workbench, and I was seated in my chair, with the camera in my hands. I was cleaning smudges from the viewfinder and other glass areas and dusting the body. A client entered and asked me a question concerning a virus her computer is reporting that has infected her system. She said, "I'm surprised that a guy like you that's in the tech world and all still uses an old time camera like that. You should get one of those new digital cameras. They're little and take better pictures than those big old clunkers like you've got there. I've got a Sony that's just great and it only cost $200." I smiled and said, "I have
been using digital cameras exclusively since 1998. I have owned several models of digital cameras. This particular camera is a Nikon D3. It is currently the finest digital camera produced by Nikon." She crinkled her nose and squinted her eyes. "Really?" she said. "Are you sure?" I said, "I will let you consider that question. Surely in time, you will come to realize why I choose not to answer it." She stared intently at the photographs on the wall. After several minutes of silence, she said, "Well, your pictures are sure beautiful, so I guess that must be quite a camera." I said, "Actually, those photographs were taken about ten years ago, using a camera that is comparable to my current camera equally as a 1971 Ford Pinto is comparable to a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo." "Well, the pictures are sure
pretty," she said. And that was that.

Technology News
China jails four for Microsoft XP piracy
Phishing apps found on Facebook
Wordpress gets its own URL shortener

iPhone News
Wikipedia app hits iPhone

Fighting Back, Surf's Down, -and- Grave Injustice

Fighting Back - Florida court okays force against retreating attackers
Surf's Down - Internet detox center opens near Seattle
Grave Injustice - wrong body in casket

On this day in history: August 20, 1989 - Born Free conservationist George Adamson and two assistants are gunned down by Somali poachers at Kampi Ya Simba, Kenya.

Born on this day in history: August 20, 1954 - Al Roker (1954-) Born in Queens, New York, weatherman and TV personality Al Roker reported weather in Ohio and D.C. before becoming NBC's "Today" show weatherman in 1996. He has won nine Emmys for shows he's produced. In 2002, Roker underwent a televised gastric bypass surgery to lose weight.

Scripture of the Day: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone. - Ephesians 2:19-20

Video of the Day: Rotting Watermelon

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while driving to my office this morning. Click to enlarge.

Tomorrow at 6 PM, the Corning Olive Festival will take place on Solano Street, beginning at 6 PM. Saturday, Olive Festival events will take place in Woodson Park, on South Street.

Technology News
Symantec identifies "Dirtiest Web Sites of Summer"
Apple releases fix for Mac Pro hard drive issues
Rogue Facebook apps steal log-in data, send spam
Missouri woman charged with cyberbullying

iPhone News
Simply Photo for iPhone offers remote photo viewing
Discovery Channel app now available
Home Shopping Network app launches
Police Scanner - also iPhone spyware

CSI Don't Know, Get Out!, -and- Go Home!

CSI Don't Know - scientists say DNA evidence can be faked
Get Out! - bank auctions woman's house by mistake
Go Home! - New Jersey city may impose nation's first curfew on adults

On this day in history: August 19, 1983 - Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon (from LSU) is sentenced to five years in prison for counterfeiting.

Born on this day in history: August 19, 1919 - Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990) (born Aug. 19, 1919, New York City, N.Y., U.S.—died Feb. 24, 1990, Far Hills, N.Y.) American business leader, owner-publisher of Forbes magazine, and promoter of capitalism known for his opulent lifestyle and lively self-promotion. After graduating from Princeton University (A.B., 1941) Forbes served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He entered New Jersey politics in 1949 and served in the state senate (1951–58); his 1957 campaign for governor was unsuccessful. Meanwhile his father died in 1954 and Forbes became publisher and editor in chief of Forbes. Under his direction the glossy business magazine grew from a circulation of 100,000 to 720,000; he also founded Nation's Heritage magazine and Egg, a journal for art lovers. His other business interests included property developments in California, Maine, and Fiji. Forbes' other properties included a château in France, a mansion in London, an island in the South Seas, a palace in Tangier, Morocco, and collections of motorcycles, Fabergé imperial Easter eggs, and Oriental paintings. In one of his hobbies, hot air ballooning, he set six world records. On his last birthday he created a controversy by giving a $2 million party, for which he flew approximately 1,000 guests to Tangier. His fortune was estimated at between $400 million and $1 billion.

Scripture of the Day: We love because he first loved us. — 1 John 4:19

Video of the Day: sushi - submitted by Darin

I was late reaching my office this morning. I was delayed by the traffic! Click to enlarge.

It Will Be Hot Today!
Yesterday, the weatherpeople forecast a high of 101°. At 3 PM, it was 108°! Today, the high is forecast to be 108°. Based upon yesterday's forecast, I assume we can expect the high to reach 115°! YIKES!

New Model
Here is a photograph I took recently of a new model I discovered. Is not she lovely?

Technology News
YouTube launches online store
New alliance aims to unite malware fight

iPhone News
Apple probes iPhone explosion reports
AAA Roadside Assistance app sends location information
iPhone OS 3.0 mail security fixed in OS 3.1
Found footage: the iPhone Sonic Ruler
Prevent Spotlight from resurrecting your deleted emails

Animal Kingdom, Book Him Dano, -and- iBoom

Animal Kingdom - the weirdest creatures on Earth
Book Him Dano - drunk driver abandons car with bicyclist stuck in windshield
iBoom - Apple says exploding iPhones "isolated incidents"

On this day in history: August 18, 1999 - A giant black rainbow encircles the Earth, sucking all oxygen from the atmosphere. The air returns shortly thereafter, but only after millions die from asphyxiation. On the bright side, the survivors go on to build a utopian civilization. It all happens precisely as predicted in the 1950s by Criswell, the TV psychic immortalized in the movie "Plan 9 from Outer Space."

Born on this day in history: August 18, 1969 - Edward Norton (1969–) Actor. Born August 18, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts. His father, Edward Norton Sr., was a former federal prosecutor under the Carter administration and his mother, Robin, was an English teacher. He grew up the eldest of three children in the progressive multicultural community of Columbia, Maryland, which was founded by his grandfather, James Rouse (who also designed Boston’s Fanueil Hall). Norton was an extremely bright and serious young boy, deciding at age five to pursue acting after watching a babysitter perform in "If I Were a Princess." Shortly after, he commanded the stage in Annie Get Your Gun at Orenstein’s Columbia School for Theatrical Arts, and is rumored to have asked questions like, "What is my objective in this scene?" at the tender age of eight.

Scripture of the Day: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — Romans 8:18

Video of the Day: How to Cut, Copy, and Paste on Your iPhone - submitted by Darin

Imgine my surprise when I encountered this yawning fox at the back door of my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Youth Fair Photographs from the Youth Fair await your viewing pleasure. From the Corning Chamber of Commerce Web site, click on Local Events Photo Gallery and choose Youth Fair. The photographs may be viewed individually by clicking on the thumbnails, or they may be viewed as a slide show by clicking on “Start Slide Show” at the bottom left of the first photograph.

Readers Cindy and Danica will be visiting the New Clairvaux winery this weekend. Here is a photograph of the monks who produce the wine there.
Brother Justice is front row, far right.

Technology News
Clearwire launches WiMAX in Atlanta, Vegas, Portland
Three men charged with stealing 130 million credit cards

iPhone News
Facebook for iPhone 3.0 submitted to Apple, awaits approval
Squeezer - a URL-shortener app for iPhone

Fighting Back, Putting the Squeeze On, -and- Falling Down

Fighting Back - 72-year-old shop owner fatally shoots two robbers
Putting the Squeeze On - NYC tickets 10-year-old lemonade-selling girl
Falling Down - NYC man falls 30 feet through rusted sidewalk plate

On this day in history: August 17, 1948 - Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard is arrested for bad checks in San Luis Obispo, California. In court a fortnight later, Hubbard pays the $25 fine.

Born on this day in history: August 17, 1943 - Robert De Niro (1943 - ) Born in New York City, actor and director Robert made his film debut in 1965, and received Oscars for "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) and "Raging Bull" (1980). In 2002, he set up a production company to help revitalize Manhattan after 9/11. De Niro received an American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

Scripture of the Day: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. - John 15:16

Video of the Day: Paul Gilbert - "Hey Joe"

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning!

Weekend Grilling
The weekend provided weather that was perfect for grilling: It was hot, and there was a nice breeze.

Saturday, I grilled large, thick New York strip steaks. Laura performed a spicy dry rub on the steaks early in the day, using Pappy's Seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.The steaks were accompanied by baked russet potatoes, slathered with sour cream and sprinkled with fresh chives, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, and crushed red peppers. It was a delightful meal. Nearly half of the steaks remained following our meal.

Sunday, following service at Harvest Christian Center, I sautéed the leftover New York strip steaks and made fried eggs and toasted Oroweat Health Nut bread. It was an excellent brunch.

Sunday, I liberally sprinkled three huge chicken halves with Pappy's Seasoning, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, granulated garlic, and ground cumin. I grilled the chicken for four hours using indirect heat. The chicken was wonderfully moist and flavorful. The meat fell easily from the bones. A great quantity of chicken remains for future meals.

Technology News
Study: Twitter 40% pointless babble
How to make strong, easy-to-remember passwords
Security firms discover botnet on Twitter

iPhone News
TomTom for iPhone now available in U.S.
A study in excess: $1000 iPhone cases

The Day the Music Died, Fight Club, -and- Squeaking By

The Day the Music Died - Guitar legend Les Paul has died at 94
Fight Club - police say couple forced 6-year-old and 9-year-old to fight
Squeaking By - Manson family member Lynette Fromme released from prison

On this day in history: August 14, 1965 - Salvatore Bono and Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre capture #1 on the American pop charts with their song "I Got You Babe," launching the careers of Sonny & Cher.

Born on this day in history: August 14, 1966 - Halle Berry (1966-) Actress, model. Born August 14, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio. Berry garnered the most positive critical notice of her film career in late 2001, for her performance as the wife of a death row prisoner in the dark drama "Monster's Ball." The role earned Berry a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Drama and the Academy Award for Leading Actress.

Scripture of the Day: "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:14,20

Video of the Day: Les Paul (on his 93rd birthday!) - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Les Paul.

Technology News
Energy Department eyes super-fast Ethernet

iPhone News
Camera Genius for iPhone updates and improves

Fighting Back, Fly Me to the Moon, -and- Don't Call

Fighting Back - sexual predator beaten with his own gun
Fly Me to the Moon - JetBlue offers all-you-can-jet pass for $599
Don't Call - New Jersey teacher fined $22K for phone call made during class

On this day in history: August 13, 1521 - After an 80-day siege, Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortés captures Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire.

Born on this day in history: August 13, 1959 - Danny Bonaduce (1959–) Actor, radio disc jockey, reality television star. Born Dante Daniel Bonaduce on August 13, 1959, in Broomhall, Pennsylvania. The child actor first appeared on television in commercials and on such shows as "Bewitched" and "Mayberry R.F.D." Cast as the wise-cracking Danny Partridge, he shot to stardom as part of the hit show "The Partridge Family in 1970." Shirley Jones led the cast as the mother of the performing family. After the show ended in 1974, Bonaduce made numerous television guest appearances on "Police Story," "CHiPs," "Fantasy Island," and "Eight Is Enough," among other programs. Like many child stars, Bonaduce had a hard time getting work and got into drugs and other sorts of trouble. He was arrested several times for assault and drug possession, including a 1991 arrest for assaulting a transvestite in Phoenix.

Scripture of the Day: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. — John 15:13

Video of the Day: Mythbusters Toast 1/2 Ton of Thermite - submitted by Danica

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

A juggler, driving to his next performance, was stopped by the police. The officer looked in the driver's window and asked, "What are those knives doing in your car?" "I juggle them in my act," he replied. "Oh, yeah?" says the cop. "Let's see you do it." So the juggler got out of his car and started tossing and juggling the knives. A guy driving by sees this and says to his wife, "Wow, am I glad I quit drinking! Look at the test they're making you do now!"

Technology News
New Safari 4.0.3 browser fixes six vulnerabilities
Twitter on the blink again, no word on cause

iPhone News
Eight people download $1000 iPhone app I Am Rich
eBay iPhone app gets update
Pastie app makes pre-formatted emails easier to do

I Didn't See that Coming!, Where Was Mickey?, -and- Man's Best Friend

I Didn't See that Coming! - crystal ball sets unforeseen fire
Where Was Mickey? - man guilty of groping Minnie Mouse at Disneyland
Man's Best Friend - over 600 dogs seized in Texas puppy mill

On this day in history: August 12, 1951 - Dr. Jean Vieu discovers two patients stricken with abdominal pain and grotesque hallucinations in Pont St. Esprit, France. They are just the first of more than 230 afflicted townspeople, thanks to bread tainted with ergot.

Born on this day in history: August 12, 1881 - Cecil B. De Mille (1881 - 1959) Born in Ashfield, Massachusetts, film director Cecil B. De Mille made the first Hollywood picture in 1914, directing more than 70 films. A master of the spectacle, De Mille triumphed in "The Ten Commandments" (1923, remake 1956) and "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952).

Scripture of the Day: My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. — Proverbs 3:11-12

Video of the Day: Jay Leno Interview on "Top Gear" - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I saw these bling-encrusted guns at the local shooting range while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

My cat, Zeus, enjoys leaping to the top of a 6-foot bookcase and peering down upon us. Laura took these photographs of him last evening with her iPhone.

Technology News
Florida school may trash 200 Macs to go PC-only
Judge bars sale of RealNetworks' DVD software
Clearwire bets on fourth quarter for WiMax
Judge orders Microsoft to stop selling Word

iPhone News
Duke Nukem 3D blasts into the App Store
iPhone explodes in face

Rewriting History, Law of the Land, -and- Domestic Problems

Rewriting History - the ten most historically inaccurate movies
Law of the Land - courtroom spectator yawns, gets sentenced to six months
Domestic Problems - man jumps into river to avoid nagging wife

On this day in history: August 11, 1997 - Responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at the L'Elysee condominiums in West Los Angeles, LAPD officers encounter Christian Slater "swinging his arms and yelling incoherently" in the building stairwell. The movie actor reveals to police that "the Germans are coming and they will kill us." He also mentions that he has been awake for most of two days, and the last thing he remembers is "snorting a couple of lines of cocaine this morning." When officers attempt to put him in handcuffs, Slater knocks one of them to the floor and makes an unsuccessful grab for the cop's weapon. His punishment? 59 days in jail.

Born on this day in history: August 11, 1921 - Alex Haley (1921 - 1992) Originally a member of the Coast Guard, Alex Haley began writing to avoid boredom during long bouts at sea. His 1976 book "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which followed the lives of Haley's African ancestors, questioned the relationships between races and brought the author to the forefront of American consciousness.

Scripture of the Day: And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. — Romans 8:11

Video of the Day: Illegal Street Drifting in Japan - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this pistol at the local shooting range while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The Best Burgers Ever!

Last evening, we enjoyed the best burgers ever produced on this planet! I sautéed sliced red onion and sliced white mushrooms in extra-virgin olive oil and set aside. I grilled Omaha Steaks burger patties (thank you, Chris!) on our new Weber S-620 grill. I seasoned the patties with Monterey Steak seasoning. I marinated Laura's patty with teriyaki sauce. I marinated my patty with Worcestershire sauce. I grilled the burger patties on one side and turned them on the grill. I topped them with heaping mounds of the grilled red onion and mushrooms. I topped this with large squares of Swiss cheese. I toasted Oroweat cracked wheat buns on the grill. When the patties had cooked to medium and the cheese had melted and enclosed the red onion and mushrooms, I took the patties and buns to the table. There, we adorned the buns with mustard and added slices of fresh, home-grown tomatoes (thank you, Wil!) and heart of Romaine. Words cannot describe the incredible dining pleasure we received from these burgers!

Technology News
Windows 7: 64-bit to go prime time

iPhone News
USAA app lets iPhone users deposit checks
e-textbooks coming to the iPhone
New way to navigate your iPhone: scratching

Fighting Back, New Kid in Town, -and- It's Alive!

Fighting Back - worshipers disarm gunman during robbery attempt at church
New Kid in Town - flying frog among 353 new Himalayan species
It's Alive! - "dead" baby awakens before funeral

On this day in history: August 10, 1969 - Leno and Rosemary LaBianca are brutally murdered in their Los Feliz, California home by followers of Charles Manson. They take some of their victims' blood and smear HEALTER SKELTER on the refrigerator door.

Born on this day in history: August 10, 1960 - Antonio Banderas (1960 - ) Born in Malaga, Spain, actor Antonio Banderas got his start working with film director Pedro Almod?var, which led to a starring role in "Philadelphia" with Tom Hanks (1993) and international success. Banderas is married to actress Melanie Griffith.

Scripture of the Day: For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. — Psalm 84:11

Video of the Day: Puehse Twins Skateboarding - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I saw this gun at the local shooting range while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Friday's Poser Since Friday's poser remains unanswered, I shall extend the time until the answer is revealed (unless, of course, someone answers it) until this Friday. Remember, it is: "What do you call a sous chef at Burger King?"

Technology News
Apple working on software fix for MacBook Pro hard drives
Mozilla issues first Firefox 3.6 alpha version
FAQ: The ins and outs of DoS attacks

iPhone News
iPhone and Wii Remote hacked to work together

To Protect and Serve, Nurse Betty, -and- The Girl Can't Help It

To Protect and Serve - cop pleads guilty to driving 149 MPH on motorcycle
Nurse Betty - nurse of the year charged with not being a nurse
The Girl Can't Help It - 86-year-old woman faces 61st arrest

On this day in history: August 7, 1882 - Ellison Hatfield is stabbed 26 times and shot in the back by Tolbert McCoy and two of his brothers. Two days later, the Hatfield clan captures the three McCoys and executes them by firing squad. Thus begins generations of bloodshed between the families, ultimately causing about 100 casualties.

Born on this day in history: August 7, 1975 - Charlize Theron (1975-) Born in rural Benoni, South Africa, Charlize Theron began modeling after she won a local competition. She traveled to New York to study dance, but a knee injury sidetracked her career. She moved on to acting, and won an Academy Award for her portrayal of a serial killer in the film "Monster," as well as an Oscar nomination for her role as a coal miner in "North Country." Theron is also a U.N. Messenger of Peace—one of only 10 in the world.

Scripture of the Day: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. — 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Video of the Day: Burger King to 6-month-old baby: No shoes, no service

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign at the local zoo this morning while driving to my office!

Friday Quiz - What do you call a sous chef at Burger King? (The answer will appear in Monday's blog entry.)

Rain! Apparently, it rained late last night or early this morning! It did not rain much. It did rain sufficiently to turn the dust that was on Mr. Nitro to unattractive mud spots.

Youth Fair Tomorrow, the annual youth fair will take place. This is a popular event that gives the young people of the area an opportunity to enjoy a free celebration in one of our local parks. Many diversions will await visitors. I shall photograph the event and make a slide show of select photographs available.

Technology News
Windows 7: RTM in pictures
Pancake machine churns out 200 flapjacks per hour

iPhone News
Offender Locator banished from iTunes App Store
Apple breaks App Store silence

Squeaking By, Surf's Down, -and- Armed and Dangerous

Squeaking By - Lynette Fromme to be released from prison
Surf's Down - NYC coffee shops discontinue free Wi-Fi
Armed and Dangerous - police taser 76-year-old man on tractor in parade

On this day in history: August 6, 1970 - 750 unkempt Yippies show up at Disneyland, hell-bent "to liberate Minnie Mouse, have free rein of the park and infiltrate Tom Sawyer's Island," according to Youth International Party leaflets. Instead, they wind up scuffling with Disney security and other patrons, eventually prompting Anaheim police to close the park early and forcibly eject the dirty longhairs.

Born on this day in history: August 6, 1928 - Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enigmatic artist Andy Warhol was a founder of the 1960s Pop Art movement. His Campbell's Soup can paintings (1961) made him a celebrity, and his collaborative work, including underground films, was produced in a loft called "The Factory." In 1969, he launched fashion and gossip magazine "Interview," and then created best-selling silkscreen portraits of international personalities. The Andy Warhol Museum opened in Pittsburgh in 1994.

Scripture of the Day: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. - 1 Corinthians 13:6

Video of the Day: Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton - "Sultans of Swing"

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene as I passed the park on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Stormy Weather?

The weatherpeople are predicting stormy weather today. While this seems absurd, the sky this morning does not belie this notion!

Laura's Dragonfly

Laura had a brief encounter with a dragonfly while fueling Mr. Yaris at Valero this morning!

Technology News
Twitter hit by DDoS attack
Murdoch to Web users: Oh, yes, you will pay
USB solar panels charge cell phones on the go

iPhone News
iPhone instant messaging application
HotelPal iPhone app launches
iCam brings video from home to the iPhone
five iPhone apps for the lawyer

Animal House, Flying High, -and- Enjoy Your Trip

Animal House - 102 animals removed from home
Flying High - American flag will remain at Clearwater parks, buildings
Enjoy Your Trip - Lufthansa promises sunshine on holiday or money back

On this day in history: August 5, 1983 - Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield is charged in Toronto with cruelty to animals after fatally beaning a seagull with a baseball.

Born on this day in history: August 5, 1930 - Neil Armstrong (1930 - ) Born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, astronaut Neil Armstrong was a fighter pilot in Korea and later a civilian test pilot. In 1969, he, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins led the Apollo 11 expedition. Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the Moon.

Scripture of the Day: He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied. So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." — Zechariah 4:5-6

Video of the Day: Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler "Layla" Live

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while stopping at a client's on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Technology News
Nikon digital camera is first with projector
Google refreshes Street View Web site
Some Tweets now out of bounds at ESPN

iPhone News
Netflix expected to launch watch-instantly streaming video for iPhone
Find your iPhone with Beep My Cell
iPhone robot

Let the Bidding Begin, What Am I Bid?, -and- Burning Man

Let the Bidding Begin - the weirdest things ever put on eBay
What Am I Bid? - Hollywood props go on block
Burning Man - dog walker bursts into flames after being struck by lightning

On this day in history: August 4, 1994 - Howard Stern withdraws his candidacy for governor of New York, ostensibly to avoid complying with the financial disclosure laws.

Born on this day in history: August 4, 1901 - Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) Born August 4, 1901, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.--died July 6, 1971, New York, New York. The leading trumpeter and one of the most influential artists in jazz history.
Armstrong grew up in dire poverty in New Orleans, Louisiana, when jazz was very young. As a child he worked at odd jobs and sang in a boys' quartet. In
1913 he was sent to the Colored Waifs Home as a juvenile delinquent. There he learned to play cornet in the home's band, and playing music quickly became a passion; in his teens he learned music by listening to the pioneer jazz artists of the day, including the leading New Orleans cornetist, King Oliver. Armstrong developed rapidly: he played in marching and jazz bands, becoming skillful enough to replace Oliver in the important Kid Ory band about 1918, and in the early 1920s he played in Mississippi riverboat dance bands.

Scripture of the Day: For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4

Video of the Day: "Lock N' Load" - Big Stick and Rocks to Rockets

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving past the lake on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Cool Weather!

Mr. Nitro's exterior probe indicated that it was 59° while I was driving to my office at 7:30 AM this morning! That is nearly cryogenic—compared to the low-80° temperatures at that time for many weeks. The high today is forecast to be a mere 89°! It appears this week will be relatively cool.

Chicken Livers and Rice

For dinner last evening, I made chicken livers and rice—a great favorite of ours. I cooked a cup of Jasmine rice in the microwave (in a covered casserole dish: 1 cup Jasmine rice, 2 cups water, cook on high for 5 minutes, cook on power level 3 for 10 minutes) and set aside. I coated chicken livers with panko bread crumbs that I had seasoned with Pappy's, garlic powder, and crushed red peppers. I sautéed the livers in extra-virgin olive oil and crushed red peppers until they were crispy on both sides. I spread the rice out on a serving platter. I tossed six green onions, chopped, into the sauté pan, removed from the heat, and poured the chicken livers, green onions, and olive oil over the rice. At the table, we added generous dollops of sambal. It was a delightful meal.

The Corruption Trial

At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting attorney attacked a witness. "Isn't it true," he bellowed, "that you accepted $5,000 to compromise this case?" The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn't heard the question. "Isn't it true that you accepted $5,000 to compromise this case?" the lawyer repeated. The witness still did not respond. Finally, the judge leaned over and said, "Sir, please answer the question." "Oh," the startled witness said, "I thought he was talking to you!"

Technology News

Report: Apple tried to silence family over exploding iPod
Clearwire targets Texas for WiMAX
Twitter warms up malware filter
New Firefox patches authentication security holes
PayPal suffers from e-commerce outage

iPhone News
Microsoft: how to port iPhone apps to Windows Mobile
Portable power for your iPhone, $9.99 shipped
iLike revamps iPhone concert app, launches artist app program
More iPhone OS 3.1 beta improvements discovered
Become a detective with "Find My iPhone"

Rise of the Machines, Lost, -and- The Fats of Life

Rise of the Machines - scientists fear revolt by killer robots
Lost - lottery winner loses $500,000 ticket
The Fats of Life - U.K. troops too chubby to fight

On this day in history: August 3, 1996 - "Macarena" by Los Del Rio #1 on the pop charts. The accompanying dancing disease afflicts millions before final eradication.

Born on this day in history: August 3, 1941 - Martha Stewart (1941-) Born Martha Kostyra in Nutley, New Jersey, lifestyle guru Martha Stewart began as a caterer in Westport, Connecticut, publishing best-selling books. In 1991, she launched "Martha Stewart Living magazine," which grew into a lifestyle empire. In 2003, Stewart was sentenced to prison on charges related to securities fraud. Upon release, Stewart went back to work, hosting two TV shows.

Scripture of the Day: What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? — Romans 8:31-32

Video of the Day: Cars.gov Takes Over Your Computer! - submitted by Cap'n Jack

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The Weekend

The weather was considerably cooler than the previous weekend. It was approximately 15° cooler, in fact. We enjoyed a delicious brown rice and mushroom casserole Saturday. I cooked brown rice, sliced garlic, sliced shallots, sliced white mushrooms, and seasonings in the microwave. I sautéed a large, chicken breast (sliced into thin strips) in extra-virgin olive oil. When the rice was cooked, I incorporated the chicken. It was wonderful. A quantity of leftovers followed Laura to work this morning for her lunch.

Sunday, I created an incredible dinner on the grill: I grilled whole ears of white corn, huge prawns, and succulent Omaha Steaks filets mignon (thank you, Chris!). We enjoyed a bottle of vintage Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon with the meal. It was wonderful.

Technology News
DIY home surveillance with a Web cam
Using software updates to spread malware
Microsoft acknowledges Windows 7 activation leak

iPhone News
Apple releases fix for iPhone SMS vulnerability
A DIY document scanner for iPhones