Fighting Back, Somebody's Watching You, -and- Matters of Life and Death

Fighting Back - rape victim drives attacker to police station after he falls asleep in car
Somebody's Watching You - Internet black boxes to record every email and Web site visit
Matters of Life and Death - assisted suicide green-lighted in Washington

On this day in history: November 6, 2002 - Actress Winona Ryder found guilty of shoplifting, after she lifted $5500 in crap from Saks Fifth Avenue on Wilshire Boulevard. Among the merchandise she stole was a $760 sweater and $600 hair decorations. And an $80 pair of socks.

Born on this day in history: November 6, 1955 - Maria Shriver (1955-) Born in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of diplomat Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy, journalist and California First Lady (2003 - ) Maria Shriver worked in correspondent roles at CBS News from 1978 – 2003. She resigned when husband, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, became 38th Governor of California. Shriver has written several children’s books.

Scripture of the Day: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. — Hebrews 11:6

Video of the Day: 2008 Dodge Challenger Burnout - submitted by Darin

Superhero - another photograph from last Friday's Harvest Festival. Click to enlarge.

Today is beautiful! The sun is shining, the wind is low, the sky is clear, and the birds are singing! It is forecast to be in the low 70s through the weekend. I realize we need rain, but this is certainly nicer!

When I bought Ahi fillets at Sav-Mor Foods earlier in the week, I used one fillet for the salad I described in an earlier post. The other fillet remains vacuum-sealed and waiting use. I believe I shall make sushi tomorrow evening!

For dinner last evening, we enjoyed egg and bacon burritos. I cracked and beat six Eggland's Best eggs and cut 15 slices of cooked bacon into one-inch pieces and added to the eggs. I seasoned this with Tony Chachere's More Spice and cooked until fluffy and done. Laura warmed four large Mission flour tortillas. At the table, we assembled burritos—adding grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, fresh Chiles d'Arbo, crushed red peppers, and Louisiana hot sauce. Following dinner, we attended Bible class at Harvest Christian Center.

Fighting Back, They Young and the Speeding, -and- Fat Cat

Fighting Back - homeowner shoots, injures man trying to break into his house
The Young and the Speeding - 1-year-old leads cops on 100-mph chase
Fat Cat - 44-pound domestic cat found

On this day in history: July 30, 1938 - In his Dearborn, Michigan office Henry Ford proudly accepts a Nazi medal on his 75th birthday. The Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle is the highest award the Reich can bestow on foreigners. The medal arrives with a note of personal greetings from Adolf Hitler. A rabid anti-Semite, Ford paid for copies of the racist hoax Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion to be deposited in major U.S. libraries.

Born on this day in history: July 30, 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947 - ) Born near Graz, Austria, bodybuilder, actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger won several Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles. In the 1980s, he starred in a new genre of action films, including Conan the Barbarian (1982) and The Terminator (1984). Schwarzenegger became an American citizen in 1983, and, in 2003, was elected governor of California.

Scripture of the Day: At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?" - John 7:30-31

Video of the Day: Russian Street Racing, Really Crazy - submitted by Darin

Today is the first day following the merger of the Sirius and XM satellite radio systems. It is certainly not encouraging that Sirius' "Listen on Line" feature is not functioning this morning! This office is eerily quiet—following the death of the television last week and the crash of Sirius this morning. EEK!

Sirius Update - 8:10 AM: Apparently, it was Phaedra (my main system) and not Sirius Satellite Radio that was misbehaving this morning! As the morning progressed, additional applications began to stop responding. Ultimately, I was left with only the Web cam and HotFax MessageCenter running—and they, just barely. Yikes! I restarted Phaedra, and all appears well now. She is about 6 years of age, so she has certainly had a long and fruitful life. I am not, however, enthusiastic about the idea of replacing her at this time! Be good, Phaedra!

Somebody's Watching You, This Land Was Your Land, -and- The Kids Are Alright

Somebody's Watching You - new surveillance camera sees through clothing
This Land Was Your Land - city taking brothers' land for private developer
The Kids Are Alright - teens rescue boy from avalanche

On this day in history: March 10, 1977 - Roman Polanski gives a thirteen-year old girl Quaaludes and molests her during a photo shoot at Jack Nicholson's home. He later flees the country to avoid statutory rape charges.

Born on this day in history: March 10, 1958 - Sharon Stone (1958-) Born in Meadville, PA, actor and producer Sharon Stone began as a model in the late 1970s. Her first notable film part came in "Total Recall" (1990), opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stardom arrived when she landed the role of bisexual murder suspect in blockbuster "Basic Instinct," with Michael Douglas.

Scripture of the Day: All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." - Galatians 3:10-11

Video of the Day: Al Gore Explains Global Warming - submitted by Frank

What is wrong with this picture? Look closely, and you will see that the magazine is in backwards! Yikes! Click to enlarge.

Dear Abby,

I am a 60-year-old woman who is married to a man who acts like he hates me.

In public, he pretends he loves me and talks about how wonderful I am. But in private, he shakes his finger in my face and calls me the "B" word.

He constantly tells me how ugly I am without make-up. I've tried everything, including a face-lift, botox treatments, and a chin tuck. I even went on a diet and lost 20 pounds.

He quit his job a few years ago after having an affair with a woman in his office. He hasn't even looked for another job. We haven't slept together since, I confronted him about the affair. He denied it, of course, but everybody knew it. It was humiliating. I believe he is still messing around.

While we both want to sell this house, we argue constantly about when to put it on the market. The house we want will be available in a few months.

My husband wants to put our house on the market now. I think we should wait a while. He has already started collecting boxes and packing up his stuff.

Do you think he is planning to leave me?

Signed,

Worried in NY

Dear Worried in NY:

I doubt it. He wants to move back into the White House as much as you do.

Fighting Back, Never Too Old, -and- Just Say Nein

Fighting Back - man, 93, shoots violent robber
Never Too Old - woman, 84, still jumps out of planes
Just Say Nein - some in Berlin oppose McDonald's arrival

On this day in history: July 30, 1975 - Jimmy Hoffa probably dead.

Born on this day in history: July 30, 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947 - ____) actor He was 5 times Mr. Universe and 6 times Mr. Olympia; star of numerous films including "Twins," 1988 and "Total Recall," 1990.

Today's Video:Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band

Here is Carlocito, Carmelita's Boy-faced Dog. I did not dream of him, but now some of you may! Click to enlarge.

Tomorrow is Laura's birthday. We celebrated her birthday over the weekend: Saturday, we had chips, guacamole, and peach margaritas and played Scrabble. We had grilled New York strip steaks, lobster tails, and steamed asparagus for dinner. There was so much food that we had a redux on Sunday evening—substituting grilled corn on the cob and grilled red potato halves for the asparagus. Earlier in the afternoon, we had chips, guacamole, and strawberry margaritas.

The sermon at Harvest Christian Center Sunday morning was given by Rev. David Woods. Rev. Woods is a world-famous evangelist from Portland, OR. His sermon was powerful and was followed by an altar call, at which several were delivered from bondage and others were healed of afflictions. Tonight begins a crusade that will last through Friday. Each evening this week, Rev. Woods will lead the crusade. It shall be a powerful experience. Many shall be delivered, many shall be healed, and many shall be saved! Praise God!