What a Dog!, Old Glory, -and- Creatures of the Night

What a Dog! - The World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California
Old Glory - school officials in Massachusetts town won't let students recite Pledge of Allegiance
Creatures of the Night - woman blames vampire for car crash

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, 1985 - Michael Phelps (1985 - ) Born in Baltimore, Maryland, swimmer Michael Phelps became the youngest male swimmer at an Olympic Games in 68 years. He now holds the record for the most gold medals at a single Olympics-eight-at the 2008 Beijing Games. Phelps has now won a total of 16 Olympic medals, and more than 50 medals internationally.

Scripture of the Day: The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. - Zechariah 14:9

Video of the Day: Kills with One Bite

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

Technology News
Five possible bugs facing the new iPhone 4
Cisco launches Cius Android tablet for business
Mozilla posts first-release code for Firefox 4
Sony to recall half-million laptops on heat risk
What the Windows 8 leak tells us
Amazon.com experiences hours-long outage
Why the Flash era isn't over

Riding with the Lizard
I decided to get some automobile insurance quotes this morning. We have our automobile insurance with Allied Insurance. I have had this policy for 20+ years. I added Laura 10 years ago. The premium is $ 1506.60 annually.

I completed the online form and got a quote from Geico. The premium would be $ 1118.40. That would represent a savings of $ 388.20. That is a significant savings, and I was eager to initiate the change. Laura suggested I get a quote from Progressive Insurance. The quote was $2185.60!

GREAT SCOTT!

I knew there was something sneaky about that Flo woman!

The gecko is my friend!

We shall ride with the lizard!

Fighting Back, Clean Your Plate, -and- Liar Liar

Fighting Back - wrestler puts bungling burglar in headlock
Clean Your Plate - girl must eat every 15 minutes to stay alive
Liar Liar - beauty queen striped of title over age and origin lies

On this day in history: June 29, 1992 - Mohammed Boudiaf is assassinated by one of his own bodyguards less than six months after becoming President of Algeria. A former hero in the war of independence, Boudiaf had been chosen by the Islamic Salvation Front to serve as figurehead for their regime. More than 100,000 Algerians will later die in political bloodshed in the following decade.

Born on this day in history: June 29, 1941 - Stokely Carmichael (1941 - 1998) 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: The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8

Video of the Day: Hitler Reacts to the iPhone 4 Antenna Issue - submitted by Chris

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

Technology News
Microsoft Windows 8 features allegedly leaked
Google issues Android 2.2 to Nexus One phones
Microsoft: "hard core" will be first to buy Kinert

Stupid Criminals, Mr.Ed, -and- Hic!

Stupid Criminals - Jewell thieves let down by planning as getaway car runs out of fuel
Mr. Ed - creepy 'Horseboy' photo on Scottish road becomes latest Google Street View mystery
Hic! - trapped drunk driver opens another beer as awaits rescue

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

Born on this day in history: June 28, 963 John Cusack (1966 - ) Actor. Born in Evanston, Illinois, on June 28, 1966. The fourth of five children, including actress Joan Cusack. John joined the Piven Theatre Workshop at the age of 8 and had become one of Chicago's busiest commercial voiceover actors by the age of 12.

Scripture of the Day: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. — 2 Peter 3:9

Video of the Day: Will It Blend? - iPHone 4 - submitted by Chris

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

Technology News
Twitter hacker gets slap on wrist
One Droid X killer feature the iPhone 4 lacks
Apple criticized by left-handed org over iPhone 4

Droid X
Laura and I have been using iPhone 3G units for 18 months. She has complained littleother than the lack of multitasking and lack of flash support. Laura is not, by nature, a complainer. I am. I shall not belabor the issue here. Friday, reader Chris noted my interest in the upcoming Motorola Droid X and alerted me that Best Buy is taking pre-orders for the phone. Following extensive research, I determined that this is the phone I crave/need, and I called the local Best Buy to pre-order two Droid X units. The salesperson with whom I spoke was surprised that I knew of the pre-order that Best Buy would be implementing on the Droid X. He said the store had not actually begun taking pre-orders and took instead a pre-pre-order for two Droid X units. The Droid X is expected to ship on July 15. I am ecstatic. Excitedly, I removed all Apple software from my HP notebook last evening and removed all photographs and music from my iPhone—as well as all 3rd-party applications—withe the sole exception of the Sirius app. I use this daily when riding our Reebok recumbent cycle. I shall remove all the Apple software from Hal today. A dark cloud which has been hovering overhead is abating. Happy days shall soon return!

Droid X main features:

* Processor: 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP3630 processor (45-nanometer)
* Memory: 512MB
* Graphics chip: Imagination Technologies PowerVR SGX530
* Mobile Wi-Fi hot spot: TI Mobile Wireless LAN: WiLink 6.0
* Band/Modes: CDMA 800/1900, EV-DO Rev. A
* Storage: 8GB onboard, 16GB microSD preinstalled, total memory expandable up to 40 GB
* Operating system: Android 2.1
* Display: 4.3-inch WVGA (854 x 480), WVGA display houses 400,000 pixels
* Camera: 8.0 megapixel, Auto Focus, Dual LED Flash
* Browser: Webkit HTML5-based browser; Adobe Flash 10.1 after update, pinch-to-zoom
* Video: 720p HD Capture, HD Playback via HDMI or DLNA, H.263, H.264, MPEG4, WMA v10
* Playback: 30 frames per second encode and decode
* Talk and standby time (specified): Talk time 480 minutes, standby time 220 hours
* Connectivity: Bluetooth Version 2.1+EDR, USB 2.0 HS, OTA, HDMI, DLNA
* Location services: aGPS (assisted), sGPS (stand-alone), Google Maps
* Battery: 1540 mAh
* Dimensions:: 65.50 (x) 127.50(y) 9.90(z) mm, 2.6 (x) x 5.0 (y) x 0.4 (z) inches
* Price, availability: $199 after a $100 rebate; on sale July 15

Missing in Action, Role Models, -and- Bad Day

Missing in Action - 11 of 17 AWOL Afghans Found—on Facebook
Role Models - parent brawl breaks out during kindergarten graduation
Bad Day - Wake County man hit by lightning—then mauled by a bear

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 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. Simon was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994 for her contributions to music.

Scripture of the Day: "Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 23:24

Video of the Day: Motorola Droid X

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

Technology News
Apple iPhone 4 antenna problems confirmed via tests
Apple responds to iPhone 4 "death grip" reports
iPhone 4 vs. Droid X vs. EVO 4G: carriers go to war

Anniversary
Today, Laura and I celebrate our tenth anniversary (and my birthday!). This evening, we shall enjoy chilled, poached shrimp, spicy cocktail sauce, and champagne. Tomorrow, we shall enjoy grilled top sirloin steaks and twice-stuffed potatoes (from Omaha Steaks, sent—along with an excellent assortment of other delicacies—by Chris!) and grilled prawns.

I sent this bouquet to Laura at her work. Because our cats delight in attacking flora, she must leave it on her desk at Sierra Nevada. Were she to bring the bouquet home, the cats would make quick work of it!

Free Ride, Border Wars, -and- Weapons of Choice

Free Ride - California welfare cards can be used in many casino ATMs
Border Wars - 2 Riverside County cities vote to support Arizona's anti-illegal immigration law
Weapons of Choice - Chicago mayor defends handgun ban

On this day in history: June 24, 2004 - Rapper DMX is arrested at New York's JFK Airport after he and a partner were trying to steal a car. While attempting to flee, DMX plows his SUV into a security gate while claiming to be an undercover federal agent.
He later pleads guilty, blames Valium and receives jail time.

Born on this day in history: June 24, 1885 - 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: The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. - 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Video of the Day:

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

Technology News
PCI Express 3.0 spec nears completion
Some iPhone 4 owners reported discolored screens
Windows Live update will create wide pipeline to the cloud

Toto This Isn't Kansas Anymore, Over Budget, -and- Lady Godiva's Ride

Toto This Isn't Kansas Anymore - dog blown away by huge storm
Over Budget - Jerry Brown's tale of frugality omits his $ 1.8-million home
Lady Godiva's Ride - naked woman steals cars, leads officers on chase

On this day in history: June 23, 1996 - A story by Watergate reporter Bob Woodward in the Washington Post reveals to the world that First Lady Hillary Clinton employed psychic Jean Houston to help her get in touch with her inner "Eleanor Roosevelt." We elect freaks, people.

Born on this day in history: June 23, 1929 - June Carter Cash (1929 - 2003) Born in Maces Springs, Virginia, 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.

Scripture of the Day: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will
not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Video of the Day: 10 Best Wipeout Moments - submitted by Darin

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

Technology News
McAfee releases "Family Protection" app for iOS
New Apple iOS 4 squashes ancient bugs
Microsoft shoots for the stars with Bing update

Animal Kingdom, Weapons of Choice, -and- Book 'em Dano!

Animal Kingdom - woman found with 32 cats in Motel 6 room
Weapons of Choice - open-carry activists laud North Carolina
Book 'em Dano! - anti-terror law upheld by high court

On this day in history: June 22, 1941 - The German Army invades Russia, quickly destroying five Russian armies and one fourth of the Red air force. At completion of the war in 1945, nearly 27 million Soviets were dead. Thus ended the German-Soviet "Peace and Friendship" Treaty.

Born on this day in history: June 22, 1949 - Meryl Streep (1949 - ) New Jersey actress Meryl Streep made her 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), Adaption(2002) and Julie and Julia (2009). Streep has received 15 Oscar and 23 Golden Globe nods-more than any other actor in history.

Scripture of the Day: The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. - Psalm 121:7-8

Video of the Day: Banned iPhone Promo - submitted by Chris

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

Technology News
Apples iOS 4 benchmarked: Is it faster?
Hands on: Windows Live Messenger for iPhone
Apple's iOS 4 release notes show iPhone, iPod features

Going to Pot, Book 'im Dano!, -and- Pump Down the Volume!

Going to Pot - marijuana dispensaries resist L.A. crackdown
Book 'im Dano! - budget crisis leaves Los Angeles' $74 million iail empty
Pump Down the Volume! - man arrested for loud music after being told to turn it down

On this day in history: June 21, 1982 - Using an innovative Jodie Foster defense, John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. Nobody is impressed by this verdict.

Born on this day in history: June 21, 1982 - Prince William (1982 - ) The eldest son of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Charles, Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales is second in line to the throne of England.

Scripture of the Day: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1

Video of the Day: Surprised Kitty - submitted by Darin

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

Technology News
Update: Intuit's services affected by second outage
Googling from the command line with GoogleCL
Apple quietly adds anti-malware to Snow Leopard update

Slimed, Send in the Clowns, -and- Messin' with Sasquatch

Slimed - Tori Spelling talks to Farrah Fawcett's ghost
Send in the Clowns - UK circus offers free therapy for people with coulrophobia
Messin' with Sasquatch - Virginia man says he's on brink of major breakthrough in search for Bigfoot

On this day in history: June 18, 1959 - Based on his erratic behavior, the Governor of Louisiana, Earl K. Long, is committed to a state mental hospital. Long responds by arranging for the hospital's director to be fired, and the new director proclaims him perfectly sane. (It is no secret that the man was completely nuts.)

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: Cutest Kitty Ever - submitted by Amber

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

Technology News
Apple is hackers' new bulls-eye
Hands-on with YouTube video editing
Verizon confirms, previews Droid X on Web site

Birthday/Anniversary
Next Friday is my birthday and Laura's and my anniversary.

Moments ago, a wonderful package arrived from Omaha Steaks—sent by Chris!

Thank you, Chris!

Needless to say, this will greatly simplify meal planning for our anniversary dinner!

Keep Your Hands on the Wheel, Look Out!, -and- Killer Bees

Keep Your Hands on the Wheel - woman fined for nursing baby while driving
Look Out! - villagers live in fear of dive-bombing buzzard
Killer Bees - man dies after being stung over 500 times

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: Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord -- and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. - Psalm 68:4-5

Video of the Day: The Two Talking Cats - submitted by Cindy

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

Technology News
Behind the scenes of Windows Phone 7
YouTube adds simple video editor
Apples iTunes 9.2 fixes bugs, adds features
Intuit's Web sites hit by major outage

Hold the Mayo, Unlicensed to Drive, -and- Animal Kingdom

Hold the Mayo - 74-year-old Boise woman arrested on suspicion of damaging library books with condiments
Unlicensed to Drive - 14-year-old boy steals school bus, drives to mall
Animal Kingdom - pet dog can climb trees

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, 1971 - Tupac Shakur (1971 - 1996) Born in New York, Tupac Shakur got his start after his poetry teacher organized a concert featuring his rap group. The performance eventually led to a record deal. Shakur's album All Eyez on Me is one of the highest-selling rap albums of all time and, even after his death in 1996, continues to be one of the best-selling artists in the world.

Scripture of the Day: As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. — Psalm 103:13

Video of the Day: Cutest Surprised Kitty Ever - submitted by Cindy

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

Technology News
Mac OS X 10.6.4 update fixes 24 vulnerabilities
Microsoft's revamped Hotmail begins rollout
Motorola launching new Droid 2 on June 23
Microsoft Office 2010: Six key features you should know
Hacker in AT&T-iPad security case arrested on drug charges

Lock Up When You Leave, No Kids Allowed, -and- Going to Pot

Lock Up When You leave - police guard Tadley HSBC bank's door left open
No Kids Allowed - ex-Scientologists claim forced abortoins
Going to Pot - Union Square may need to weed the weed

On this day in history: June 15, 1922 - 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, 1973 - Neil Patrick Harri ( 1973 - ) Actor Neil Patrick Harris entered the spotlight as a pre-teen prodigy on TV's "Doogie Howser, M.D." in 1989. He next wowed fans as a successful Broadway star, then returned to television in the 2005 sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother." In 2008, he starred as the aspiring super-villain in the Internet phenomenon, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog."

Scripture of the Day: The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. — Proverbs 23:24

Video of the Day: BP Spills Coffee - submitted by Frank

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

Technology News
AT&T blames hackers for iPad breach
Facebook CEO disses iPhone, removes post
Hackers were right to disclose AT&T-iPad hole

With this Ring, Burger Madness, -and- Heat of the Moment

With this Ring - couple tie the knot at Home Depot
Burger Madness - Wendy's order turns into fast-food fight
Heat of the Moment - error on Himalayan glaciers melts UN climate panel's reputation

On this day in history: June 14, 1989 - Zsa Zsa Gabor is arrested for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer and driving with an expired license. Afterwards Zsa Zsa complains to the press that the handling she received from the BHPD "was like Nazi Germany." Ultimately, Gabor is convicted and sentenced to 72 hours in jail.

Born on this day in history: June 14, 1946 - Donald Trump (1946 - ) Born in Queens, New York, real-estate developer Donald Trump got started constructing middle-income apartments. In 1971, he moved to Manhattan, making his mark on the skyline with the Javits Convention Center, the Trump Tower and many more. Trump gained pop status in 2004, as host of the hit TV show "The Apprentice."

Scripture of the Day: Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. - Philippians 3:20

Video of the Day: Deadly Mexican Staring Frog of Southern Sri Lanka - submitted by Danica

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

Technology News
FTC preps investigation against Apple's ad tactics
Apple secrecy is bitter fruit on Hill
ITC examining HTC's patent claim against Apple

Standoff, Brave New Schools, -and- Sir Have You Been Drinking?

Standoff - hostage crisis in Sacramento stretches into 3rd day
Brave New Schools - teachers tamper with test scores
Sir Have You Been Drinking? - 400 drunken-driving convictions in D.C. based on flawed test, official says

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, 1959 - Hugh Laurie (1959 - ) British comedian Hugh Laurie made it to fame after his sketch won the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He became a household name in England in the 1980s with sitcoms such as "Jeeves and Wooster." In 2004, his role as a doctor on the drama "House" earned him two Golden Globes, two Screen Actor's Guild awards, and made him an American star.

Scripture of the Day: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. — Psalm 46:10

Video of the Day: Miracle Tire - submitted by Darin

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

Technology News
FBI probing AT&T breach that exposed iPad emails
Microsoft exposes help vulnerability advisory
Adobe releases Flash Player 10.1, fixes bugs

Bad Apple, Let's Go Surfin', -and- The Fats of Life

Bad Apple Apple's worst security breach: 114,000 iPad owners exposed
Let's Go Surfin' - Chinese Internet addicts stage mutiny at boot camp
The Fats of Life - US woman aims to become world's heaviest

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: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

Video of the Day: Indian spiderman in Karnataka - submitted by Amber

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

Technology News
Analyst challenges Apple's iPhone 4 "retina display" claims
Bing adds Facebook search results
Judge limits DHS laptop border searches
NASA wants to send your face into space

Laura accidentally left her iPhone on her desk yesterday when she left work and journeyed home. I did not wish her to make the trek this morning without means of communication, should she encounter the need. I insisted that she take my iPhone with her. She did. Although I greatly detest the device, I find that being without it is unexpectedly abhorrent. I must find an alternate methodology of tuning the acoustic Fender guitar I keep at my office: I generally rely upon the guitar-tuning app on my iPhone.

Here's the Beef, Law of the Land, -and- A Room with a View

Here's the Beef - Australian café claims world's biggest burger
Law of the Land - police chief parks in handicapped zone, tickets himself
A Room with a View - New York hotel room costs $35,000 a night

On this day in history: June 9, 1980 - In the midst of a cocaine binge, comedian Richard Pryor attempts suicide by dousing himself with rum and setting it ablaze. The self-immolation attempt goes haywire when the flaming man leaps from his apartment window and runs down the street, screaming in agony. Pryor barely survives the incident, and only after six weeks of intensive care and three skin graft surgeries.

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: Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." — Matthew 7:13-14

Video of the Day: Apple iPhone 4G - Steve Jobs demo fail - submitted by Cap'n Jack

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

Technology News
Microsoft releases ten patches, three critical
DirecTV posts workaround for unresponsive DVRs
Apple's Safari 4.1, 5.0 fix 47 vulnerabilities

After the Bell, DIY, -and- Up in Smoke

After the Bell - 7-foot gator captured at Tampa middle school
DIY - pothole vigilante fixes own street
Up in Smoke - Los Angeles closes over 400 pot clinics

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: The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. — Habakkuk 3:19

Video of the Day: iPad Steering Wheel Mount Product Demonstration

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

Technology News
Ford steering Google Maps into its cars
IBM set to open Brazil research lab
Adobe launches Lightroom 3, updated Photoshop.com

Surf's Down, Repo Man, -and- Star Power

Surf's Down - Australia becomes third country to officially investigate Google over Street View camera cars
Repo Man - man's plan to repossess lawnmower goes all wrong
Star Power - backstage demands of divas mind-boggling

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

Born on this day in history: June 7, 1958 - Prince (1958 - ) Named after the jazz band Prince Roger Trio, Minneapolis, Minnesota, native Prince became a professional musician in his teens. The singer released his first album in 1978 and, since his debut, has won seven Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to music.

Scripture of the Day: Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. — Psalm 90:2, 4

Video of the Day: World's Largest Catfish - submitted by Cap'n Jack

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

Technology News
Report: Microsoft Could Buy AOL
Microsoft issues Silverlight fix
Beta of Windows 7 update due in July
Mom finds her kidnapped kids via Facebook

Fighting Back, Too Sexy for Her Job, -and- Hackers

Fighting Back - Former Army Ranger fends off attackers; unarmed victim battles 2 knife-wielding intruders
Too Sexy for Her Job = Citibank fires woman bor being too hot
Hackers - 10 bizarre-but-true ways your home is susceptible to hackers

On this day in history: June 4, 1989 - 645 rail passengers are killed in a natural gas explosion near Ufa, Russia. Their two trains are torn apart as they pass each other, throwing sparks near a leaky pipeline.

Born on this day in history: June 4, 1975 - Angelina Jolie (1975 - ) 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: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. — 1 Chronicles 29:11

Video of the Day: Pro Trampoline - submitted by Lillian

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

Technology News
Sirius XM adds Android app
Microsoft patch update: 10 patches for 34 holes
HTC straddles Windows and Android worlds

The Blame Game, South of the Border, -and- Don't Bite!

The Blame Game - CBS News says George W. Bush to blame for Gore's marriage breakup
South of the Border - Mexico opens California office to supply illegals with IDs
Don't Bite! - couple to marry in shark tank

On this day in history: June 3, 1998 - 15-year-old teen idol Brad Renfro is arrested in Knoxville, Tennessee and charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine.

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: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. — Proverbs 15:1

Video of the Day: Robbie the Cat's Chewbacca impression - submitted by Amber

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

Technology News
Microsoft shows off "Wave 4" Windows Live Essentials apps
What Computex's Android tablets mean for the iPad
Nokia unveils bicycle-powered phone charger

Emergency, Drive My Car, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Emergency - drunk man called 911 multiple times to complain his mother took his beer away
Drive My Car - 13-year-old girl charged with careless driving after crashing dad's SUV during grocery-store run
Somebody's Watching You - city dumps dispatcher for Facebook "confession"

On this day in history: June 2, 1793 - Jean-Paul Marat recites names of 29 people to the French Assembly, virtually all of whom will be guillotined. Over the next year 17,000 will be executed in the Reign of Terror.

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: Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. - Hebrews 9:28

Video of the Day: The Product Tester: Mighty Mendit

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

Technology News
How fast is your broadband? FCC bets you don't know
Facebook "Like" button draws privacy scrutiny
Google's Android favored for phones, tablets

A Time to Howl, A Time to Read, -and- A Bolt from the Blue

A Time to Howl - thousands of teenagers going to school as werewolves
A Time to Read - four-year-olds to be fingerprinted to borrow books from library
A Bolt from the Blue - nine-year-old girl struck by lightning, survives without a scratch

On this day in history: June 1, 1967 - The Beatles officially release their new album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, in both mono and stereo versions.

Born on this day in history: June 1, 1926 - Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) Once known as Norma Jean Baker in Los Angeles, move 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: I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." — Revelation 21:2-4

Video of the Day: The Product Tester: Open It

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

Technology News
Asus challenges Apple iPad with Eee Pad
Infected Chinese site leaves gamers vulnerable
Firefox for Windows starts 64-bit transition

The Eee Pad goes on sale in the first quarter of the 2011. It will run on Windows 7 OS and will be priced between $399 and $449, the Wall Street Journal reports. It runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo chip, and it supports Adobe Flash. It will be available in 10 and 12 inch models.

Asus announced plans for an App Store for its tablet computers, too. Will doubt developers will flock to build apps for this thing.