Read Mary Ann Culbertson's Letter to the Editor in support of Mayor Gary Strack!

Read Mary Ann Culbertson's Letter to the Editor in support of Mayor Gary Strack!

The Final Frontier, Life with Big Brother, -and- Surf's Up!

The Final Frontier - NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars and leave them there forever
Life with Big Brother - Baltimore hands out first trans-fat citation
Surf's Up! - Internet reception reaches summit of Mount Everest

On this day in history: October 29, 1994 - Armed with a semi-automatic rifle, Colorado upholsterer Francisco Duran fires 27 shots at the White House from the sidewalk on Pennsylvania Ave. Because he opted for Chinese-made SKS rifle, few of Duran's shots come anywhere near the building. Nevertheless, he receives a life sentence for attempting to assassinate President Clinton.

Born on this day in history: October 29, 1971 - Winona Ryder (1971 - ) Born in Winona, Michigan, actress Winona Ryder made her film debut in Lucas (1986), and went on to starring roles in such films as Little Women (1995) and Girl, Interrupted (1999).

Scripture of the Day: I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. — Romans 12:1

Video of the Day: Humorous Milwaukee Tool Commercial - 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
Adobe issues Shockwave patch
"Anonymous" plans DDoS attack on RIAA today
Adobe says 0-Day attacks hit Flash via Acrobat, Reader

That Explains It!, Boo!, -and- Stupid Criminals

That Explains It! - scientists find "liberal gene"
Boo! - "moss man" burglary suspect claims Halloween mix-up
Stupid Criminals - teen holds up convenience store with bottle of salad dressing

On this day in history: October 28, 1922 - Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini seizes power in Italy, with the assistance of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius XI declared "Mussolini is a man sent by divine providence." In return for this endorsement, the silly dictator signs the Lateran treaty, restoring papal sovereignty over the Vatican.

Born on this day in history: October 28, 1955 - Bill Gates (1955 - ) Born in Seattle, Washington, computer engineer and entrepreneur Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard in 1975 to write computer programs. In 1977, he co-founded Microsoft. By the late 1990s, he had become the wealthiest man in America. In June 2008, Gates officially retired to devote his time to his charitable foundation's projects.

Scripture of the Day: All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever. — 1 Peter 1:24-25

Video of the Day: "Call Me Senator" - from David Zuker

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

Technology News
Android takes first place in PC World's Top 100 Tech Products of 2010
Chinese computer trumps US One as world's fastest
MySpace overhauls site, focuses on entertainment

Arf!, Animal Kingdom, -and- I Feel the Earth Move

Arf! - man sees alligator drag dog away
Animal Kingdom - drug-sniffing dogs are now for hire
I Feel the Earth Move - rare earthquake in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta puzzles experts

On this day in history: October 27, 1964 - In a private ceremony, Sonny and Cher marry each other by exchanging rings in a Tijuana motel bathroom. Five years later, with a baby on the way, they get married for real.

Born on this day in history: October 27, 1939 - John Cleese (1939 - ) While British comedian John Cleese was still a law student, he landed a comedy-writing job for BBC radio. In 1969, Cleese and several friends created the Monty Python sketch team, which became a TV and stage phenomenon. After the group disbanded, Cleese continued to perform in films such as A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and Shrek 2 (2004).

Scripture of the Day: The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12

Video of the Day: Ronald Reagan Talks about Democrat Accomplishments

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

Technology News
Barnes and Nobel launches Android-based Nook Color
Report: iPhone iOS 4.1 glitch allows access to locked phones
Five ways the Nook could beat the Kindle

This Is Your Captain, Duty Calls, -and- We Have a Winner!

This Is Your Captain - stowaway hamster causes Royal Brunei flight to be delayed in Brunei
Duty Calls - ten-year-old boy called for jury duty
We Have a Winner! - librarian enters the Guinness Book of records for collecting 22.1 grams of "belly button fluff" over 26 years

On this day in history: October 26, 1984 - 19-year-old John D. McCollum kills himself with a .22 caliber handgun after spending the day listening to Ozzy Osbourne records. One year later, McCollum's parents file suit against Ozzy and CBS Records, alleging that the song "Suicide Solution" from the album Blizzard of Ozz contributed to their son's death. Except that the song's subject was quite plainly alcohol addiction. The case is eventually thrown out of court.

Born on this day in history: October 26, 1947 - Jaclyn Smith (1947 - ) actress, model. Born October 26, 1947, in Houston, Texas. The only daughter of Margaret and Jack Smith, she enjoyed a carefree childhood before attending Trinity University in the nearby city of San Antonio. After completing just one year of college, Smith moved to New York City in hopes of launching a career in acting. Within two months of her arrival, she was cast in a slew of TV commercials for Breck shampoo. Shortly after her debut as the latest "Breck Girl," Smith landed her first film role as a model in Goodbye Columbus (1969).

Scripture of the Day: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Video of the Day: Ronald Reagan Tells Soviet Jokes

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

Technology News
Firesheep Firefox add-On hijacks Twitter, Facebook over Wi-Fi
Fake defragmenter holds PCs for ransom
Top 10 tech tricks we're sick of seeing in movies

His Chosen People, Arf!, -and- For Sale by Owner

His Chosen People - Vatican synod ends with criticism of Israel, Bible
Arf! - man jailed for rescuing his dog from pound
For Sale by Owner - Google CEO, "Don't like Street View photographing your house? Move!"

On this day in history: October 25, 1991 - On the way back from a Huey Lewis concert, rock promoter Bill Graham is killed when his helicopter hits high-voltage power lines in Vallejo, California.

Born on this day in history: October 25, 1881 - Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) Born in Málaga, Spain, artist Pablo Picasso is one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. His major creation is "Guernica," a Cubist expression of the horror of war. A great innovator, his vast body of work includes paintings, illustrations of classical texts, sculpture, ceramics, lithography, and film.

Scripture of the Day: Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:19-20

Video of the Day: Ronald Reagan - Reagan-Mondale debate: There you

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

Technology News
Adobe announces digital publishing suite
Microsoft Kinect hits stores next week
12-year-old earns $3000 bug bounty from Mozilla

Food Fight, Animal Kingdom, -and- Stupid Criminals

Food Fight - Fort Pierce man accused of corn dog attack by mustard-coated woman
Animal Kingdom - runaway crocodile blamed for plane crash
Stupid Criminals - Texas man arrested after sending pot text to police officer

On this day in history: October 22, 1934 - Notorious bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd dies of multiple gunshot wounds in the back, after a shootout with the FBI at the Conkle Farm in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Born on this day in history: October 22, 1967 - Carlos Mencia (1967 - ) Born in Honduras, comedian Carlos Mencia became a regular performer at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles before earning his own special on HBO. His straightforward stand-up was a hit with audiences, and landed him his own show, "Mind of Mencia" in 2005. He also continues to tour.

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: It's Morning Again in America 1984 - submitted by Frank



Video of the Day: Mourning in America 2010 - 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
Google Earth historical layer adds WWII images
Netflix experiences site outage
Facebook files three lawsuits against spammers

There's a New Chief in Town, Homeland Insecurity, -and- Supersize Me

There's a New Chief in Town - college student named police chief in Mexico; no one else applied
Homeland Insecurity - pilot refuses full-body scan, pat down
Supersize Me - law firm opens drive-thru service

On this day in history: October 21, 1995 - Shannon Hoon, lead singer of the pop band Blind Melon, dies of a heroin overdose in New Orleans, inside the band's tour bus.

Born on this day in history: October 21, 1917 - Dizzy Gillespie (1917 - 1993) Jazz trumpeter, composer. Born John Birks Gillespie in Cheraw, South Carolina. He was one of the seminal figures of the bebop movement and played in prominent swing bands (1937–44), including those of Benny Carter and Charlie Barnet.

Scripture of the Day: I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. — Psalm 40:8

Video of the Day: Worst Drag Racing Accident - 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
Dizzy Gillespie honored with birthday Google doodle
Netflix profits up, considering streaming-only option this year
Google Docs get drag-and-drop support

School Daze, DOH!, -and- Animal Kingdom

School Daze - Detroit prosecutor proposes jail for parents who skip kids' school conferences
DOH! - Vatican declares Simpsons "are true Catholics"
Animal Kingdom - Black bear burglarizes Lake County home, steals pork roast

On this day in history: October 20, 1977 - En route to a gig at Louisiana State University, Lynyrd Skynyrd band members Ronnie Van Zandt and Steve Gaines are killed when their private plane runs out of fuel and crashes into a swamp in Gillsburg, Mississippi

Born on this day in history: October 20, 1882 - Bela Lugosi (1882 - 1956) Hungarian-born film actor Bela Lugosi became famous for his sinister portrayal of vampire Count Dracula in several Dracula films. After the success of his portrayal, Lugosi went on to star in horror films such as Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Raven, and Son of Frankenstein. At his death, Lugosi was buried wearing his Dracula stage costume.

Scripture of the Day: - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. — Psalm 51:12

Video of the Day: Off-Road Madness - 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
Google releases new stable version of Chrome 7
Virus fighting: An international sport
Google ditches all Street View Wi-Fi scanning

ESL, Brave New Schools, -and- Stupid Criminals

ESL - Serbian boy awakens speaking English
Brave New Schools - teachers fired for flirting with students on Facebook
Stupid Criminals - man arrested but thanks cops for finding long-lost bong

On this day in history: October 19, 1982 - Maverick carmaker John DeLorean is arrested in Los Angeles with $24M worth of cocaine in his suitcase. The case is later thrown out of court when a judge rules that the FBI sting operation constituted entrapment.

Born on this day in history: October 19, 1962 - Evander Holyfield (1962 - ) Born in Atmore, Alabama, American boxer Evander Holyfield won the National Golden Gloves Championship in 1984 as an amateur, and made the Olympic Boxing Team the same year. He then became the only professional fighter to win the heavyweight championship four separate times. In 1990, he became Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Scripture of the Day: Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. — Psalm 37:4

Video of the Day: PanoPlanet Live Wallpaper for Android

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

Technology News
Microsoft issues warning about increased Java attacks
Congress asks Facebook for answers about app privacy
MIcrosoft unveils 17 Kinect-enabled Xbox games

Weapons of Choice, Dirty Old Man, -and- She's Alive!

Weapons of Choice - state accused of stripping 2nd Amendment rights
Dirty Old Man - randy 92-year-old banned from public libraries
She's Alive! - Woman, 89, thought dead found breathing, moving - police did not check for pulse

On this day in history: October 18, 1968 - A police raid nets 168 grains (10.9 grams) of dope resin in the apartment of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The couple is fined UKP 150.

Born on this day in history: October 18, 1926 - Chuck Berry 1926 - ) Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Chuck Berry began as a singer in his church choir. He signed on to Chess Records in 1955, and singles such as "Johnny B. Goode" and "Maybellene" became instant hits. His impact on music earned Berry one of the first slots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and received Kennedy Center Honors in 2000.

Scripture of the Day: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27:14

Video of the Day: Elvis Costello - "Pump it Up" - submitted by Laura - I played this video for Laura last evening. She demanded (!) that I replay it several times and that I make it the Video of the Day today—declaring it to be "the best song ever!" (see lyrics below technology news)

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

Technology News
Facebook caught up in apps privacy breach
Netflix on the Nintendo Wii: No more disc
Google's five-step checklist for a hacker-free life

"Pump it Up" - as performed by Elvis Costello

I've been on tenterhooks
ending in dirty looks,
list'ning to the music,
thinking 'bout this 'n' that.
She said that's that.
I don't wanna chitter-chat.
Turn it down a little bit
or turn it down flat.

Pump it up when you don't really need it.
Pump it up until you can feel it.

Down in the pleasure centre,
hell bent or heaven sent,
listen to the propaganda,
listen to the latest slander.
There's nothing underhand
that she wouldn't understand.

Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don't really need it.

She's been a bad girl.
She's like a chemical.
Though you try to stop it,
she's like a narcotic.
You wanna torture her.
You wanna talk to her.
All the things you bought for her,
putting up your temperature.

Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don't really need it.

Out in the fashion show,
down in the bargain bin,
you put your passion out
under the pressure pin.
Fall into submission,
hit-and-run transmission.
No use wishing now for any other sin.

Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don't really need it.

Licensed to Drive, They're NOT Here!, -and- Kitchen Bouquet

Licensed to Drive - man crashes into DMV after passing driver's test
They're NOT Here! - kids behind UFO sightings over Manhattan
Kitchen Bouquet - D.C. superior court judge shuts down burger joint because of smell

On this day in history: October 15, 1917 - Dutch spy H21, also known as Mata Hari, is executed in Paris by a 12-man firing squad. The dancer, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, had slept with a number of high-ranking military officers from around the world and passed secrets along to the German high command.

Born on this day in history: October 15, 1945 - Penny Marshall (1945 - ) Born in New York City, actress and director Penny Marshall played Jack Klugman's secretary on the sitcom "The Odd Couple" (1970-75). She became a TV star in 1976 as Laverne DeFazio on "Laverne & Shirley" (1977-1983), and then one of Hollywood's most bankable directors after directing Big (1988) and A League Of Their Own (1991).

Scripture of the Day: How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. — 2 Samuel 7:22

Video of the Day: iPhone Commercial Parody - 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
Yahoo acknowledges, apologizes for Yahoo.com outage
Teens sending 3,339 textss monthly, study says
Netgear-branded Roku box now available

El Abhir, Without a Net, -and- Vote Yes on No

- man raised from dead after doctor prays for patient
Without a Net - Swedish man dies in live "cyber suicide" broadcast
Vote Yes on No - Texas county's absentee ballot features Chilean flag

On this day in history: October 14, 1977 - During an anti-gay rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Anita Bryant gets hit in the face mid-prayer with a banana cream pie. Bryant finishes with custard dripping from her face: "Father, I want to ask that you forgive him and that we love him, and that we're praying for him to be delivered from his deviant lifestyle."

Born on this day in history: October 14, Usher (1978 - ) Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, singer-songwriter Usher began singing gospel at six years old. He released his eponymous debut album while still in high school, and it became an instant success. By the time he released his third album, Usher was one of the most recognizable faces in R&B.

Scripture of the Day: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. — Romans 12:2

Video of the Day: - "Alison" - Elvis Costello - This song was an "earworm" for me this morning. I could sing the words but needed to resort to humming when I arrived at the title! On the third trip through the alphabet, it came to me—thus negating the necessity of using Google to find the song title! Whew! This is one of my favorite Elvis Costello songs—along with "Watching the Detectives" and "Is She Really Going out with Him?" My rock group performed all three songs when when we were Night Flight.

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

Technology News
FCC fielded 764 "bill shock" complaints this year
Google Instant now factored into search share
"X" marks the spot of suspected asteroid collision

A Wink and a Nod, Going Once---Going Twice---, -and- I Got the Music in Me

A Wink and a Nod - Pizza Express teaches staff to flirt with customers
Going Once--Going Twice-- - California to sell 24 government buildings
I Got the Music in Me - rock band's stunt shuts down 101 Freeway

On this day in history: October 13, 54 - Roman Emperor Claudius I consumes a favorite mushroom dish prepared by his fourth wife, Agrippina. What he does not know is that the meal is laced with the toxin of the Amanita phalloides mushroom. Feeling ill the next morning, Claudius summons his personal physician. Unfortunately, the doctor happens to be a co-conspirator in the scheme, administering a colocynth enema which kills Claudius instantly.

Born on this day in history: October 13, 1941 - Paul Simon (1941 - ) Born in Newark, New Jersey, singer/songwriter Paul Simon met Art Garfunkel in the sixth grade. The duo cut their first album in 1964. Hits followed, including "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." They split in 1970, and Simon continued solo, winning awards for albums such as Graceland (1986).

Scripture of the Day: "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: Probably the Funniest Cat Video You'll Ever See - 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
Microsost issues its biggest ever security fix
Android bet pays off for HTC, Samsung
Study: iPhone 4 glass breaks, cracks More than iPhone 3GS
What's behind the Microsoft mega-patch?

SETI up and Take Notice, Weapons of Choice, -and- Heat of the Moment

SETI up and Take Notice - strange signal comes from alien planet, scientist says
Weapons of Choice - bank encourages armed customers
Heat of the Moment - US physics professor: 'Global warming is the greatest and most successful pseudoscientific fraud I have seen in my long life'

On this day in history: October 12, 1969 - Police capture Charles Manson at Barker Ranch, inside Death Valley National Park. Charlie is arrested for arson, after burning a maintenance vehicle blocking his favorite dune buggy route. One of his followers, Susan Atkins, is arrested the following day and spills the beans about the Tate/LaBianca murderers. Manson has not left prison since.

Born on this day in history: October 12, 1968 - Hugh Jackman (1968 - Australian actor Hugh Jackman got his first taste of professional acting on the Melbourne stage. He soon entered the international film scene, and is perhaps best known for playing Wolverine in X-Men (2000), which spawned a film franchise. In 2008, he entered the ranks of A-list heartthrobs when he was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine.

Scripture of the Day: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5-6

Video of the Day: Viper twin turbo 1900 hp 7.99 1/4 mile - 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
New Windows Phone 7: Everything you need to know
PA school district settles webcam spying case for $610K
Sex offender tracking system crashes after data overload

Somebody's Watching You, California Schemin', -and- Road Trip

Somebody's Watching You - tracking devices used in ID tags in Huston schools
California Schemin' - Facebook founder gives $100,000 to pot campaign
Road Trip - Google cars drive themselves in traffic

On this day in history: October 11, 1952 - Referee Francis DeReus halts the college football match between Wesleyan and Dubuque because of the profanity spewing from Dubuque's coach, Maco Mercer.

Born on this day in history: October 11, 1884 - Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962) Born in New York City, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of the first lady when her husband became president in 1933. Not content to stay in the background, Eleanor spoke out for human rights, women's issues, and children's causes. In 1945, she became a U. N. General Assembly delegate, and was also chair of the U.N. Human Rights Commission.

Scripture of the Day: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. — Psalm 62:8

Video of the Day: Re-elect Mayor Gary Strack Fundraiser - September 30, 2010 - captured by Laura - produced by David

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

Technology News
Video: Google self-driving cars in action!
Adobe Air comes to Android
Microsoft launches Windows Phone 7—9 models out in November

Stupid Criminals, Controlling the Substances, -and- Take a Bite out of Crime

Stupid Criminals - thieves leave trail of snack wrappers
Controlling the Substances - new poll shows California tilting against legalized marijuana
Take a Bite out of Crime - man sinks teeth into police dog

On this day in history: October 8, 1871 - Catherine O'Leary's cow starts the Chicago Fire, killing 250 and destroying 17,000 buildings. Bad cow.

Born on this day in history: October 8, 1970 - Matt Damon (1970 - ) Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, actor Matt Damon was studying English at Harvard, but left early to pursue a career in acting. He went on to star in Good Will Hunting (1997), a film he wrote in partnership with co-star Ben Affleck. Later films include Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Talented Mr Ripley (1999), and The Bourne Identity (2002)

Scripture of the Day: "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign God among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God." — Isaiah 43:11-12

Video of the Day: Monkey Taunts Tigers - 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
Mozilla releases Firefox 4 beta for Android
Is preserving privacy online technically impossible?
Microsoft Security Essentials now available as free download for small businesses
Microsoft to patch 49 vulnerabilities next week

The Law of the Land, Somebody's Watching You, -and- Nobody's Watching You

The Law of the Land - Mississippi judge jails lawyer for refusing to recite Pledge of Allegiance
Somebody's Watching You - U.K. school installs facial-recognition system to catch late students
Nobody's Watching You - officials lose track of 16,000 sex offenders in nationwide electronic monitoring failure

On this day in history: October 7, 1964 - Walter W. Jenkins, chief White House aide and longtime friend of President Lyndon B. Johnson, is arrested for disorderly conduct two blocks from the White House. Jenkins was discovered in a YMCA pay toilet with another man.

Born on this day in history: October 7, 1931 - Desmond Tutu (1931 - ) Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, Anglican clergyman Desmond Tutu became the first black Bishop of Johannesburg (1984). A critic of the apartheid system, he repeatedly risked imprisonment, earning the 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace.

Scripture of the Day: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. — Psalm 63:1

Video of the Day: Jay Leno's Garage - Shogun with NOS - 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
Text anyone, anywhere free with HeyWire
Facebook granted geolocation patent
Office 15 to include app store?
Vodafone fixes hole in customer site after data exposed
Facebook rolls out new features

Fighting Back, To Protect and Serve, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Fighting Back - Amber Alert and sharp-eyed citizen help save missing girl in California
To Protect and Serve - two cops accused with robbing undercover officer
Somebody's Watching You - murder captured by Google Street View car

On this day in history: October 6, 1977 - Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, Jr., Los Angeles' infamous "Hillside Stranglers," rape and murder their first victim, 21-year-old waitress Elissa Kastin. They dump her naked corpse on Chevy Chase Drive.

Born on this day in history: October 6, 1905 - Helen Wills Moody (1905 - 1998) Born in Centerville, California, tennis player Helen Wills dominated women's tennis from 1927-1939, winning her first U.S. women's singles title in 1923. In total, she won 31 Grand Slam titles.

Scripture of the Day: Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal. — Isaiah 26:4

Video of the Day: Soggy Bottom Boys-In The Jail House Now - 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
Ballmer promises Windows-based tablet by Christmas
Opera Mini Web browser coming to Verizon phones
Foursquare explains 11-hour outage, then crashes again
Adobe fixes 23 vulnerabilities in Reader, Acrobat
WD hits 3TB with USB 3.0 external drives
Google tries for Android sequel with Google TV

Political Musings
I generally eschew discussions specific to my philosophical and political positions. I feel constrained to do so this morning, however, to do precisely this—following my viewing of an episode of “Hannity” on the Fox News Channel.

Frank Luntz* appeared, with a focus group from California. The focus group responded to a video of California governor candidates Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown. I found the overall responses from pro-Brown members of the group to be unconscionably insipid and nearly completely without substantive merit. Without exception, their position was that Meg Whitman had somehow subverted immigration statutes, in general, and her own stated immigration position, in particular. They appeared to have no understanding whatever of the facts in the matter, and—when presented with the facts—were comfortable with their ignorance and unchanged by the facts!

The facts: Meg Whitman employed her former maid, Nicky Diaz Santillan, through a commercial employment agency. Whitman told the employment agency that it was requisite that prospective hires be fully legal residents. Santillan presented a California driver’s license and Social Security Card as proof of her legal residency. These documents were obtained fraudulently by Santillan. Whitman had no way of knowing this, of course. When it came to Whitman’s attention that Santillan was not legally documented, she discharged her.

The facts held no interest whatever for the pro-Brown group participants—although pro-Whitman members deemed the facts to be substantive and of considerable importance. One pro-Brown member in fact—a schoolteacher, in fact!—stated that she could understand what Santillan did and, in fact, would do “…whatever it takes…” to ensure her employment and her ability to care for her family. When pro-Whitman members asked her directly whether her statement meant that she would break laws (as Santillan had clearly done!), she skirted the question and repeated only, “…whatever it takes…” This prompted a pro-Whitman member to say that breaking the law made Santillan a criminal and that anyone doing similarly would be culpable, as well. At this point, another pro-Brown member echoed the “…whatever it takes…” position, and several nodded or otherwise indicated agreement.

I find it absurdly dishonest and patently immoral to take the position that it is somehow acceptable conduct to overtly break laws under the guise of personal necessity. Were this to be acceptable, it would be a lawless world in which we live—where personal needs are precedent and, therefore, supplant criminal law!
Santillan said she is not a Democratic pawn in California's race for governor, but her attorney refused again to provide key details about her claims that Whitman employed her for nearly a decade despite knowing she was in the U.S. illegally.

"I make my own decisions and I am not anyone's puppet," Diaz Santillan said in a prepared statement she read at the Los Angeles office of her attorney, Gloria Allred.
Allred, who has longtime Democratic ties and donated money to Brown when he ran for attorney general , has yet to disclose details about how she became involved in the case or disclose who, if anyone, is picking up the bill for her legal work.

Allred says Santillan was referred to her by another lawyer, whom she will not name. Allred did not answer directly when asked if that lawyer had ties to Whitman's opponent, Democrat Jerry Brown, or his Democratic allies.

Allred also sidestepped a question about whether she had any contact with labor unions working to get Brown elected.

"I'm not going to play any kind of guessing game," Allred said. When asked about a union link, she said she would need more details before responding.

Santillan has not taken a single question from reporters during three public appearances since last week.

In my opinion, (based upon my scrutiny of her past), Gloria Allred is, at best, an attention-seeking ambulance chaser and, at worst, a dishonest, self-serving caricature of herself.

Frank I. Luntz (born February 23, 1962) is an American political consultant and pollster. His most recent work has been with the Fox News Channel as a frequent commentator and analyst, as well as running focus groups after presidential debates. Luntz's specialty is “testing language and finding words that will help his clients sell their product or turn public opinion on an issue or a candidate. He is also an author of business books dealing with communication strategies and public opinion. Luntz's current company, The Word Doctors, specializes in message creation and image management for commercial and political clients.

Stay Home, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Dishonorable Mention

Stay Home - America's 25 most dangerous neighborhoods
Matters of Life and Death - abortion practitioner points gun at praying pro-life advocates in South Carolina
Dishonorable Mention - federal judge charged with buying drugs from stripper

On this day in history: October 5, 1994 - Predicting that the world would soon end in an environmental disaster, homeopath Luc Jouret and 52 others belonging to his Order of the Solar Temple commit mass suicide near Cheiry, Switzerland and Montreal, Canada.

Born on this day in history: October 5, 1958 - Bernie Mac (1958 - 2008) Born Bernard Jeffery McCollough in Chicago, Illinois, actor-comedian Bernie Mac joined the club circuit in 1977. After starring in Spike Lee's The Original Kings of Comedy (1997), he created a TV sitcom that won Emmy and Peabody awards. Mac also starred in Ocean's Eleven and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

Scripture of the Day: Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. — Isaiah 55:6

Video of the Day: Urban Freestyler - 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
Fake Apple iTunes receipts used as malware tool
Virgin Mobile launches no-contract Android phone
Nature's oddities: The strangest creatures on Earth

Stupid Criminals, I'll Have..., -and- The Check's in the Mail

Stupid Criminals - carjacler just released, attempted to steal car in jail parking lot, unable to drive away because he didn't know how to operate a manual transmission
I'll Have... - Wendy's employee tells drive-through customer to call 911, robbery underway
The Check's in the Mail - Democrat representative lost driver's license when renewal check bounced

On this day in history: October 4, 1970 - Janis Joplin accidentally overdoses on an unusually-pure dose of heroin at the Landmark Motor Hotel in Los Angeles.

Born on this day in history: October 4, 1941 - Anne Rice (1941 - ) New Orleans writer Anne Rice gained a vast cult readership with her first novel, Interview with the Vampire (1976). After its success, Rice created three more books in her Vampire Chronicles, and wrote several more works. Despite her success, Rice renounced her vampire novels in 1998, after her return to the Catholic faith.

Scripture of the Day: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. — Proverbs 27:1

Video of the Day: Jay Leno's Garage SSC Ultimate Aero - Part 1

Video of the Day: Jay Leno's Garage SSC Ultimate Aero - Part 2

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

Technology News
48 hackers charged so far with stealing $12.5 million from banks
"Toasted Skin Syndrome" warning for laptop users
Verizon to refund up to $90 million on bogus data charges

Hot Pants, Animal Kingdom, -and- Brave New Schools

Hot Pants -Louisville man charged with theft after stuffing box of chicken wings down pants
Animal Kingdom - one third of "extinct" animals turn up again
Brave New Schools - elementary school to sell ad space on permission slips, school notices

On this day in history: October 1, 1987 - The Whittier Narrows earthquake hits Los Angeles, killing 7 and causing hundreds of millions in damage.

Born on this day in history: October 1, 1924 - Jimmy Carter (1924 - ) Born in Plains, Georgia, 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter served in the navy, ran his family's peanut business, and was elected president in 1976. In 1979, he achieved historic agreements between Israel and Egypt. After U.S. hostages were seized in Iran, he lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan. Carter has since been active in social concerns, winning the 2002 Nobel Prize for Peace.

Scripture of the Day: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. — Matthew 5:11-12

Video of the Day: Police vs. Street Racer

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

Technology News
Google promotes replacement for JPEG image format
Zeus Trojan attack: Defend yourself
Facebook improves photo uploads, sharing