In the News Today Repeat Offender - eight-year-old boy arrested for fifth time Ungodly - pagans campaign for census vote Friend Request - hookers flocking to Facebook since Craigslist crackdown
On this Day in History: February 28, 1993 - Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco use armed force attempting to serve Branch Davidian leader David Koresh with a search warrant (one with no actual evidence of any illegal activity whatsoever), in what the BATF viewed as a publicity stunt to improve their image. While the agents carefully coordinated the raid with eleven different media outlets, something apparently tipped off Koresh and things do not go well: six Davidians and four ATF agents were killed. The warrant instead could have been served peacefully, while Koresh did his daily morning jog.
Born on this Day in History: February 28, 1940 - Mario Andretti (1940 - ) Racecar driver Mario Andretti began in midget car racing, and soon emerged as one of motor racing's most versatile drivers. In a Formula One career (1968-82), he competed in 128 Grand Prix, winning 16. Andretti is the only person to win the Daytona 500 (1967), the Indianapolis 500 (1969, 1981) and the Grand Prix (1978).
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Chris
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Hal III (My graphic workstation at my office is named "Hal," and my HP mobile graphic workstation is named "Hal Jr.," so it seems appropriate that my new Xoom be named, "Hal III.") is on a FedEx truck, on his way to me! Tracking shows he departed the FedEx facility in Chico at 8:05 AM this morning. I eagerly await his arrival!
You may expect a full review of Hal III in tomorrow's blog post!
In the News Today Weapons of Choice - gunrunning scandal uncovered at ATF Clean Your Plate! - all-you-can-eat sushi patron bounced for not eating rice Matters of Life and Death - Virginia passes bill that will close most abortion most clinics
On this Day in History: February 25, 1922 - Henri Landru, the notorious French serial killer known as "Bluebeard," guillotined for murdering ten women, and one boy. His motive was purely financial; by placing classified ads Landru lured selected women into his clutches, married them, and disposed of their bodies without a trace. While denying guilt to the end, a drawing given to his attorney had written on the reverse, "I did it. I burned their bodies in my kitchen oven."
Born on this Day in History: February 25, 1943 - George Harrison (1943 - 2001) Born in Liverpool, England, musician George Harrison played lead guitar for the Beatles. After the group's break-up he made solo albums, including All Things Must Pass (1970). He also performed with other artists such as The Traveling Wilburys. He produced several films as well, such as Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979).
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day
- I had intended to feature a glowing review of the new Motorola Xoom tablet PC in today's blog post. Sadly, this shall be delayed until Tuesday's blog post.
Here are the events that caused my review to be set off until Tuesday:
I telephoned the Verizon dealer here: "Hello, Verizon," a lady answered. "Good morning. Do you have a Motorola Xoom in stock?" a asked." "No." [plonk!] I as surprised by this response, yet I vowed not to allow it to impede my acquisition of this new creature. I anticipated some issues—since the Xoom was released yesterday—yet I did not anticipate someone would simply say, "No" in response to my question of availability and end the call in such a fashion!
I then called the Verizon store in Chico. I intended to have a Xoom awaiting Laura's journeying there after work. (The Verizon store in only a few blocks from Sierra Nevada.) My first call resulted in being told that all sales personnel were busy. I was told that a sales representative would return my call within an hour. I gave my office phone number.
After a wait of well beyond an hour, I called again and said I had not received a return call and wished to make a purchase. I was put on hold. Following a wait of about five minutes, a sales representative came online. I told her I wanted a Xoom with no accessories and the minimum $20/month, 1GB data plan. I told her that Laura would pick it up shortly after 5 PM. I gave her my credit card information and told her that it was critical that the unit be ready for Laura to pick up when she arrived there.
At approximately 5:15 PM, Laura called me from the Verizon store and said the sales agent wished to speak to me. Following the sales agent's attempt to interest me in other tablets—saying that the Xoom was "expensive," she finally appeared to accept my insistence that I was interested solely in the Xoom. She then tried to add a plethora of accessories. I repeated my earlier telephone conversation—in which I said I wanted only the unit and the minimum $20/month data plan. She told me that would provide only 1GB/month and began reciting the estimated data usage for various Internet tasks. I told her I intended to use Wi-Fi nearly all the time and that 1GB/month would easily exceed my 3G/4G access. She said, "If you want Wi-Fi, you'll need the Wi-Fi card and the $60/month data plan." WHAT?????
I decided at this point that this person was unfamiliar with the Xoom and equally unfamiliar with Verizon plans. I said, "Please return Laura's phone to her and tell her to come home at once.
I ordered a Xoom from Verizon online. This was accomplished quickly and without issue. If I had ordered prior to 4:30 PM, my Xoom would have been delivered today, with free overnight shipping.
Ah, well. I shall download the manual and begin making a list of applications I wish to evaluate.
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Mommie Dearest - mom left kids alone while she worked as stripper Drive My Car - 10 cheapest cars to own Just Say No - Seattle-area restaurant refuses service to TSA agents
On this Day in History: February 24, 1998 - A man "on a mission from God" hijacks a Turkish Airlines jet with 68 on board, claiming to have a bomb in his teddy bear, and attempts to divert it to Iran. Passengers put an end to his plans.
Born on this Day in History: February 24, 1955 - Steven Jobs (1955 - ) California entrepreneur Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976. The company's Apple II computer helped launch the personal computer revolution in 1977. During his time away from the company in 1985, he helped bring Pixar Animation to world fame. He then returned to Apple, ushering in a new era of computing with his 2001 iPod and 2007 iPhone.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day -
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Face-to-Face - woman on quest to meet all 330 of her Facebook friends The Kids Are Alright - 6th-grader helps police catch burglars His Honor - 94-year-old mayor quits after 48 years in office
On this Day in History: February 23, 1996 - The "Freeway Killer" William G Bonin executed at San Quentin. For his last meal he chose two pepperoni and sausage pizzas, three coffee ice creams, and fifteen cans of Coca Cola totaling a rather unhealthy 6391 calories.
Born on this Day in History: February 23, 1965 - Michael Dell (1965 - ) Born in Houston, Texas, entrepreneur Michael Dell founded Dell Computers as a college student, with the idea of selling custom-made PCs directly to customers. The company's success made Dell, at the age of 27, the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company in history. As of 2009, Forbes estimated Dell's net worth at $12.3 billion.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Is It Art? - police arrest 11-year-old boy over "inappropriate" stick figure drawing Homeland Insecurity - undercover agent slips past TSA scanner with gun in bra Rage Against the Machine - Alaska state representative objects to "intrusive" TSA pat-down
On this Day in History: February 22, 1994 - CIA agent Aldrich Ames charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. His betrayal, starting in 1985, resulted in the executions of a good number of important undercover agents within the Soviet Union. The CIA knew without doubt there was a mole in its ranks. And though by 1989 Ames had acquired unexplainable wealth from his spying and did very little to conceal the spying, he somehow managed to evade being caught for five more years.
Born on this Day in History: February 22, 1732 - George Washington (1732 - 1799) Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington was elected the first U.S. President. A natural leader, he commanded the Continental army and led American forces through the Revolution. President Washington had difficulty coping with the unruly new government and, in 1796, announced he would not run again, setting a two-term precedent.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Fighting Back - would-be robbers end up losing money as stickup goes wrong Weapons of Choice - Texas poised to pass bill allowing guns on campus No Tears in Heaven - boy, 4, says angels sang to him while lifeless
On this Day in History: February 21, 1931 - The first attempted hijacking of an airplane occurs when revolutionary soldiers in Peru seize a Ford Tri-motor and demand pilots drop propaganda leaflets over the capital, Lima.
Born on this Day in History: February 21, 1933 - Nina Simone (1933 - 2003) Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina, Nina Simone became an accomplished pianist. Her recording of "I Loves You Porgy" brought her to the top of the music charts in 1958, and marked the start of musical career that included more than 40 live and studio albums. Her life is now the inspiration for the 2012 film, I Put a Spell on You.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Frank
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Dumb and Dumber - drunk man drives to police station to pick up drunk friend The Birds - cops bust huge cock-fighting operation in Northern California I Robot - first-ever robot marathon planned
On this Day in History: February 18, 2001 - During the Daytona 500, NASCAR phenom Dale Earnhardt crashes into the wall and dies instantly. His widow later files a lawsuit to keep his autopsy photos sealed, and Florida subsequently passes a law to prevent them from ever being released.
Born on this Day in History: February 18, 1931 - Toni Morrison (1931 - ) Born in Lorain, Ohio, writer Toni Morrison came to national fame in 1987 with her novel Beloved (1987), which earned a Pulitzer Prize and an American Book Award. In 1993, she became the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. She then landed a Grammy nomination in 2008 for her narration of children's book Who's Got Game? (2007).
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Frank
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today The Doctor Is Out - computerized telephone hotline diagnoses coughs Testing the Faith - Catholics rethink celibacy rule Take the Money and Run - two TSA agents arrested at JFK for stealing $160,00 from bags
On this Day in History: February 17, 1989 - The cinematic masterpiece Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter opened in theaters. Pictured here, Bill and Ted's Excellent Breakfast Cereal.
Born on this Day in History: February 17, 1963 - Michael Jordan (1963 - ) Born in New York City, basketball star Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984, and was named the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player five times. He holds the record for most points in an NBA play-off game (63), and scored over 50 game points 34 times. He earned his nickname, Air Jordan, for his remarkable athleticism.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - 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.
In the News Today Face Off - man arrested after fight over Facebook status The Grape of Wrath - 75-year-old man arrested after throwing grape at ex-wife Don't Ask - California stores face lawsuits after Zip Code ruling
On this Day in History: February 16, 1959 - Failed baseball player Fidel Castro is sworn in as President For Life of Cuba. During his first year of rule 500 are put to the firing squad, an RBI record any dictator would be proud of.
Born on this Day in History: February 16, 1959 - John McEnroe (1959 - ) Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and raised in New York City, tennis player John McEnroe is one of the most successful players in the history of tennis. He racked up 17 Grand Slam titles, 77 career single titles and 77 doubles titles, and is known for his intense playing style and his rivalry with Swedish tennis player Bjorn Borg.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
I HATE FACEBOOK! YIKES! If ever there were any doubt whatever that Facebook is a viral, seething pustule that leeches upon one unduly, I just received this email--sent to one of my active email addresses:
"Welcome back. Your account has been reactivated. Please note it may take several hours for your groups, events, notes, and other content from applications to be fully restored. Thank you for your patience."
I went to Facebook and was required to sign in with my defunct/inaccessible email address—at which point I was yet again thwarted when attempting to delete my account.
In the News Today Somebody's Watching You - officials pull plug on website promoting hidden camera gadgets for principals
Speeders - man arrested after filming himself driving 140 MPH
Dead Bull - UM study says energy drinks pose serious risk to kids
On this Day in History: February 15, 1936 - At a speech in Berlin, Hitler confronts German industry with the challenge of creating the Volkswagen. Thus Ferdinand Porsche designs the Beetle which is now widely seen as the final solution to fahrvergnugen. But neither Hitler nor Porsche would have the foresight to realize how groovy the Beetle would be, man.
Born on this Day in History: February 15, 1954 - Matt Groening (1954 - ) Born in Portland, Oregon, cartoonist Matt Groening earned fans with his strip, "Life in Hell" (1980). Groening then landed an animation deal with the Fox Network in 1985, broadcasting his cartoons on "The Tracey Ullman Show." The popular shorts led to the spin-off "The Simpsons," which, in 2009, became the longest running primetime series in the U.S.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Phillip
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
GOODBYE FACEBOOK! Approximately three years ago, I found it necessary to create a Facebook account in order to contact a former band member who sent me an invitation to view his Facebook page. I had not communicated with him in many, many years and was eager to do so. I created a Facebook account, contacted him through his Facebook page, and immediately moved the conversation (and future conversations with him) to private email. At that point, I forgot about my Facebook account. A year or so later, I determined that—while I never visited Facebook—the flow of friend, app, and game requests had become a flood. I attempted to delete my account. For about ten months, I attempted—without success—to delete my Facebook account!) The seemingly insurmountable issue with which I was dealing was that I had created my account with an email address that no longer belonged to me. (Many readers will recall that a year or so ago, I sold my prior domain.) Attempts to delete my account ended unsuccessfully each time I reached that point at which Facebook required me to confirm that I was, in fact, the owner of the account. Since I no longer had access to the email account of record, I was unable to confirm my identity as the owner of the account. Last evening, I was SO determined that I would find a way to delete my Facebook account that I lay in bed with my Motorola Droid X and a determination that I would not sleep until the deed was done. The good news is I did, in fact, accomplish thee removal of my Facebook account! The bad news is I have no idea whatever how I managed this! Perhaps it shall remain forever something not to be understood.
RAINBOWS!!! Laura managed to capture this image of two rainbows yesterday with her Motorola Droid X.
In the News Today Fighting Back - father of three fights off crocodile attack Matters of Life and Death - Congress investigates de-funding Planned Parenthood Queen for a Day - Miss San Antonio to lose crown over weight gain
On this Day in History: February 14, 1929 - The Capone gang kills six members of the "Bugs" Moran gang and one other person at the S.M.C. Cartage company in Chicago, in an event known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Bogus police officers were used so that it appeared to be a routine police bust. Except for all the bodies.
Born on this Day in History: February 14, 1942 - Michael Bloomberg (1942 - ) Born in Massachusetts, Michael Rubens Bloomberg became one of America's most successful businessmen after launching his software company Bloomberg L.P. in 1986. In 2002, Bloomberg entered the political arena, becoming the 108th mayor of New York. Bloomberg won re-election to a third term in 2009. He accepts only $1 annually for his services.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day - submitted by Danica
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Fighting Back - cyclist fends off leopard with mountain bike Matters of Life and Death - Ohio abortion bill poses biggest challenge to Roe v. Wade yet Animal Kingdom - Texas proposal would require you to buy insurance for your dog
On this Day in History: February 11, 2004 - Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling arrested by the FBI. He is later found guilty of no less than 19 counts of conspiracy, fraud, making false statements and insider trading.
Born on this Day in History: February 11, 1969 - Jennifer Aniston (1969 - ) Actress Jennifer Anniston achieved worldwide fame in her role as Rachel Green in acclaimed TV series "Friends" (1994-2004), for which she won Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild awards. She also appeared in film, including the cult classic Office Space (1999) and Marley & Me (2008), which broke box office records.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day -
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
In the News Today Fighting Back - Virginia House okays use of deadly force against home intruders Gun Control - plant manager charged for negligently shooting employee after missing a bird Saddle Up! - Montana senate votes to adopt cowboy code of behavior
On this Day in History: February 10, 1863 - Midgets Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren married in a ceremony promoted and orchestrated by P.T. Barnum. Reception tickets $75 (adjusted for inflation, $1250 in today's dollars). Commodore Nutt served as best man.
Born on this Day in History: February 10, 1967 - Laura Dern (1967 - ) Los Angeles, California, native Laura Dern turned heads as David Lynch's ingénue in the cult hits Blue Velvet (1986) and Wild at Heart (1990). But Dern is best known for her role in the blockbuster hit Jurassic Park, which broke box-office records. Her recent role in the 2008 drama Recount won the actress a Golden Globe.
Scripture of the Day
Video of the Day -
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at Walmart while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
