Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Taxman Cometh, Fighting Back, -and- Charge It!

In the News Today:
  • The Taxman Cometh - California tells online retailers to start collecting sales taxes from customers
  • Fighting Back - online retailers strike back at new California tax law
  • Charge It! - homeless man arrested for using outdoor outlet to charge his cell phones

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Did You Land a Google+ Invite? Consider Yourself Lucky
  • Six Things Google+ Can Do That Facebook Can't
  • Google+ Users Want App Store, Facebook Data Imports


    On this Day in History:
    June 30, 1882 - Charles Guiteau, the assassin of President Garfield, is hanged. Tickets for the event went for as much as $300.







    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:




    Video of the Day: - submitted by Darin

    Forgotten Cars

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




  • Wednesday, June 29, 2011

    Rent Control, Left Behind, -and- Imagine

    In the News Today:
  • Rent Control - landlord sets late-paying renter afire
  • Left Behind - bungled headcount misses tourist at Great Barrier Reef
  • Imagine - John Lennon was a closet Republican and Ronald Reagan fan

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Microsoft Delivers Office 2010 SP1 Upgrade
  • Google Sites Now Allows You To Create A Mobile Landing Page
  • Microsoft Office 365 Ditches the Beta Tag


    On this Day in History:
    June 29, 1603 - The Globe Theater, William Shakespeare's original theatrical venue, burns to the ground.







    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:




    Video of the Day: - submitted by Cindy

    Cats Celebrate the 4th of July

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




  • Tuesday, June 28, 2011

    Don't Try this at Home!, That's a Wrap!, -and- Matters of Life and Death

    In the News Today:
  • Don't Try This at Home! - Police: Man keeps driving on I-45 with pedestrian in windshield
  • That's a Wrap! - charge dropped against woman who taped cops from own yard
  • Matters of Life and Death - Texas votes to defund Planned Parenthood

    Technology in the News Today:
  • 600 Filmmakers Sign Complaint About Apple's Final Cut Pro X
  • Man Behind the Phishing Scheme Gets 13 Years in the Slammer
  • Next-Gen Wi-Fi, WiGig, Schedules Testing for Fourth Quarter


    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, 1966 - 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:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Cindy

    Indoor Skydiving

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




  • Monday, June 27, 2011

    Matters of Life and Death, Great Play!, -and- She's a Real Doll!

    In the News Today:
  • Matters of Life and Death - Ryder denies rental of trucks for disposal of aborted babies
  • Great Play! - USF Bulls offensive lineman Danous Estenor lifts car to free trapped man
  • She's a Real Doll! - Japanese pop star created digitally fools fans

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Fine Out If Your Personal Data Is Part of LulzSec's Grand Finale
  • The New Digital Signature for Gmail
  • Citi: Hackers Stole $2.7 Million from Customers


    On this Day in History:
    June 27, 1988 - Hillel Slovak, original guitarist from rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers dies of a heroin overdose in Hollywood.







    Born on this Day in History: June 27, 1949 - Vera Wang (1949 - ) When New York figure skater Vera Wang failed to make the U.S. Olympic team, she entered the fashion industry. After 16 years with Vogue, Wang designed wedding dresses and figure skating costumes for stars such as Michelle Kwan, Jennifer Lopez, and Victoria Beckham. She also expanded her line to include perfume, jewelry, and shoe collections.





    Scripture of the Day:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Darin

    MAN KAT!

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




  • Friday, June 24, 2011

    In the News Today:
  • Fighting Back - burglar scared off by man dressed as Thor after New Year party
  • Homeland Insecurity- Mexican troops cross into the United States at Bridge Two
  • Drive My Car - Volkswagen Autopilot lets you drive hands-free at 80 MPH

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Google Sites Now Automatically Render for Mobile
  • PayPal, MPA Shut Accounts of Suspected Movie Pirates
  • Japanese Pop Idol Actually a Digital Creation


    On this Day in History:
    June 24, 1993 - Yale computer science professor Dr. David Gelernter opens a padded envelope in his office when it suddenly explodes. Gelernter loses the sight in one eye, the hearing in one ear, and part of his right hand. In this condition he manages to walk down five flights of stairs and over to the university hospital a block away. It is the handiwork of the Unabomber.







    Born on this Day in History: June 24, 1895 - ack 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:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Danica

    Conan O'Brien blasts Final Cut Pro X

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




  • Thursday, June 23, 2011

    It's Me Or the Dog, Drive My Car, -and- What's Cooking?

    In the News Today:
  • It's Me Or the Dog - Long Island man sues ex-girlfriend for $11 million for taking dog
  • Drive My Car - police charge 7-year-old boy with taking mom's car to visit dad
  • What's Cooking? - reality show, "MasterChef" faked crowd scene

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Canadian Staples in Customer Privacy Hot Water
  • FBI Busts International "Scareware" Rings
  • UK Hacker Formally Charged for Cyber Attacks


    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."







    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:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Cindy

    First Barbie TV Ad!

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




  • Wednesday, June 22, 2011

    Fighting Back, Drink Up!, -and- To Protect and Serve

    In the News Today:
  • Fighting Back - 3 men arrested after woman tries to thwart alleged heist at Walmart
  • Drink Up! - Outrage as chef charges $5.30 for tap water
  • To Protect and Serve - cops arrest woman for taping them while standing on her own property

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Potential Plugin Security Breach Forces WordPress.org To Reset Passwords
  • PS3 Hacker Resigned to Prison Sentence after Money Dries Up
  • Firefox 5 Review and Rating


    On this Day in History:
    June 22, 1993 - Dr. Charles Epstein of Tiburon, CA is injured when he opens a padded manilla package containing a surprise gift from the Unabomber.







    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:


    Video of the Day: -

    1700 horsepower '69 Charger

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




  • Tuesday, June 21, 2011

    Homeland Insecurtiy, Global Cooling, -and- The Cutting Edge

    In the News Today:
  • Homeland Insecurity - AZ Sheriff: Why more troops at Korean border than U.S. Border?
  • Global Cooling - snow falling in Colorado on eve of Northern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice
  • The Cutting Edge - new high-tech razor priced at $100,000

    Technology in the News Today:
  • LulzSec "Obtained" the Entire 2011 UK Census
  • 19-Year-Old Alleged LulzSec Ringleader Arrested in England
  • Dropbox Accounts Were Accessible by Anyone for Four Hours on Monday


    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, William, the Duke of Cambridge is second in line to the throne of England.





    Scripture of the Day:




    Video of the Day: -

    EGAD!

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




  • Monday, June 20, 2011

    Armed and Dangerous, May I Take Your Order?, -and- Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

    In the News Today:
  • Armed and Dangerous - family sues FBI over "terrifying" raid
  • May I Take Your Order? - woman calls 9-1-1 over wrong Chinese takeout
  • Hair Today Gone Tomorrow - thieves steal #30,000 in hair extensions from beauty store

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Google to Bring 250,000 British Library Books Online
  • New Wireless Spec Allows Lights to Flicker and Talk
  • Smartphone Data Use Skyrockets


    On this Day in History:
    June 20, 1893 - Lizzie Borden is found innocent of giving her stepmother and father forty and forty-one whacks, respectively.







    Born on this Day in History: June 20, 1967 - Nicole Kidman (1967 - ) Raised in Sydney, Australia, Nicole Kidman got her U.S. breakthrough with Dead Calm (1989). A string of international successes followed, including To Die For (1995), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), and The Hours (2002), which earned her an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. In 2003, Kidman received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.





    Scripture of the Day:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Darin

    Watch This!

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




  • Friday, June 17, 2011

    Sir Have You Been Drinking?, Sail Away, -and- Last Call

    In the News Today:
  • Sir Have You Been Drinking? - arrested man tells cops "48 beers was 10 too many"
  • Sail Away - Newport Beach man refuses to remove 72-foot ship from backyard
  • Last Call - kids' lemonade stand shut down, fined $500 by county

    Technology in the News Today:
  • With Cameras, New Tech Turns Any TV Into a Touch Screen
  • Microsoft Warns of IT Support Phone Scams
  • LulzSec Leaks 62,000 Usernames, Passwords; Find Out if Yours Was


    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:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Darin - Huge gathering of big trucks, little trucks, and other mud-hungry vehicles in Louisiana mud oasis!

    Play Me!

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




  • Thursday, June 16, 2011

    Somebody's Watching You, Go Fish!, -and- "Land of the Free"?

    In the News Today:
  • Somebody's Watching You - Apple to ban iPhone filming at events
  • Go Fish! - San Francisco mulls banning sale of goldfish
  • "Land of the Free"? - California, New York, New Jersey come out at the bottom of individual freedoms study

    Technology in the News Today:
  • LulzSec Hackers Take Down CIA Web site
  • Manage Your Online Identity With Google's "Me on the Web"
  • Google Homepage Doodle Provides Lunar Eclipse Live Feed


    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:




    Video of the Day: - This is the view that has plagued me since last Thursday!

    "Fixing the Sidewalk"

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




  • Wednesday, June 15, 2011

    The Kids Are Alright, Lawnmower Man, -and- To Protect and Serve

    In the News Today:
  • The Kids Are Alright - 6-year-old boy saves choking 2-year-old sister
  • Lawnmower Man - Canadian woman returns home from vacation, finds front lawn missing
  • To Protect and Serve - D.C. cop charged with scamming 85-year-old woman

    Technology in the News Today:
  • Lookout Adds "Safe Browsing" Feature for Android Devices
  • Hands On: Swype 3.0 for Honeycomb Tablets
  • Google Unveils Instant Pages, New Voice and Image Search Technologies


    On this Day in History:
    June 15, 1993 - The Washington Times reports that at least 1,416 Boy Scout leaders have been expelled for molestation since 1973. Of course, those were only the ones who actually got caught.







    Born on this Day in History: June 15, 1973 - Neil Patrick Harris (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:




    Video of the Day: - Submitted by Darin

    Big-block Chevrolet S-10 Blazer STUCK!

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






    I determined it was time to upgrade my office. The new setup is ergonomically excellent, and productivity has increased a good deal. There is an issue that must be addressed, however: I have not yet found a suitable perch for the 84" Vizio LED HDTV!




  • Tuesday, June 14, 2011

    Somebody's Watching You, The Red White and Blue, -and- Animal Kingdom

    In the News Today:
  • Somebody's Watching You - FBI agents get leeway to push privacy bounds
  • The Red White and Blue - Texas backs right to fly Old Glory against homeowners associations' rules
  • Animal Kingdom - Carlisle Area School District's mowing chores outsourced to sheep

    Technology in the News Today:
  • How Citigroup Hackers Broke in through "Front Door"
  • American Airlines to Offer Android Tablets for In-flight Entertainment in First Class
  • FBI Adds 'Prominent Bloggers' to Members of the Press


    On this Day in History:
    June 14, 1954 - At the Lincoln Memorial, President Dwight Eisenhower signs a law inserting the words "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance. Eisenhower declares: "From this day forward, the millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty."







    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:


    Video of the Day: - submitted by Jay

    Gun "Control" in Australia

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






    Verizon Folio Keyboard Case for Motorola XOOM




    NOTE: Click image to enlarge!