Merry Christmas Eve, In the News, and Enjoy

- Merry Christmas to all from David and Laura

In the News - They walk among us!

Brawl Breaks Out Over New Air Jordans

Woman Jailed for Throwing Peanut Butter at Brother

"Duck Dynasty": Twitter Blocks "iStandWithPhil.com" Content

Bloomberg Anchor Quickly Robbed of Bitcoin After Displaying It on TV

Wildlife Experts Perplexed Over Dozen Dead Bald Eagles

Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!

12/12/12

12-12-12 - Welcome to December 12, 2012, which is either lucky or the end of the world as we know it. Today's date, 12/12/12, is considered auspicious by some, doomed by others, and just plain easy to remember by many. The number certainly holds significance in human existence throughout history—a fact of which there is indisputable evidence:

Apart from there being 12 hours of day and night, and 12 months in the year in the Roman calendar, there 12 signs of the Zodiac, 12 Apostles, 12 days of Christmas, 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 Old Testament prophets, etc.

Some say the day symbolizes love, others completeness or fulfillment.

The New York Times wrote that many couples consider it lucky to get married on repetitive dates, with 07-07-07, 10-10-10 and 11-11-11 each breaking Las Vegas records.

Mmany doomsdayers believe the date 12/12/12 heralds the end of the world—mainly owing to an interpretation of the Mayan calendar. More pedantic believers in the end-of-the-world, meantime, are convinced that the actual doomsday is on 12/21/12—when the Mayan calendar is set to end.

Mathematics fanatics are excited by the sheer number of ways the number 12 can be divided: halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and twelfths.

The number 12 brings harmony to the yin and yang of Chinese numerology: The number 1 is a yang number ruled by the Sun, while 2 is a yin number ruled by the Moon.

Numerology experts say 12 — considered a "three" number because the digits add up to three — corresponds with the largest planet, Jupiter (to the Sun's No. 1 and the Moon's No. 2), which means wealth.

Well, there you have it!

Laura Is Mirthful - Laura sent me this photograph of herself. She took it in response to my forwarding to her an invoice for a chain I ordered for her. She is pleased!

Emergency!, Stupid Criminals, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Emergency! - woman calls 911 when husband refuses to eat dinner
Stupid Criminals - killer trips on baggy pants, falls to death
Homeland Insecurity - TSA releases data on air marshals' Sig Sauer P250 .357 SIG pistols

On this day in history: December 24, 1989 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega seeks asylum at the Papal Nunciature. American troops try blasting him with rock music and the sounds of rabbits being slaughtered, but he takes two weeks to emerge. The isthmus groundhog does not see his shadow and is taken by the US Army to Florida lockup where he still resides.

Born on this day in history: December 24, 1905 - Howard Hughes (1905 - 1976) After inheriting the family oil business at 18, Texan Howard Hughes stepped into the role of entrepreneur. He used his fortune to create an empire that included film production, aviation companies, and medical research.

Scripture of the Day: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." — Luke 2:10

Video of the Day: "Give Me Jesus" - Jeremy Camp

A cat's love is a wonderful thing. It does, however, come at a cost! Click to enlarge.

Christmas Delicacies, One and All!
Laura and I will be enjoying some choice hors d'oeurvres—including fine cheeses, caviar, and Champagne, but the kitties have nothing to fear: Their larder is full! Notice the lineup of kitty treats awaiting their snacking pleasure! Click to enlarge.

Technology News
Web-based Lookout protects mobile devices, data
DDoS attack hobbles major sites, including Amazon
Hackers claim to crack Kindle copyright armor

Where Do Babes Come From?, Park It!, -and- Dear Santa

Where Do Babies Come From? - woman who did not know she was pregnant gives birth 10 minutes after entering hospital for stomach pains
Park It - world's messiest car banned from road
Dear Santa - man arrested for flashing gang signs on Santa's lap

On this day in history: December 24, 1997 - It is revealed that actor Woody Allen (age 62) was married to his adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn (age 27) in Venice, Italy yesterday. She becomes her own stepmother, and Woody his own neurotic son in law.

Born on this day in history: December 24, 1971 - Ricky Martin (1971-) Born Enrique Jose Martin Morales IV in San Juan, Puerto Rico, pop singer Ricky Martin auditioned three times for teen group Menudo before earning a spot in 1984. He released a solo album in 1988, then acted in TV soaps and on the Broadway stage. His album 'Ricky Martin' (2000) debuted at No. 1. Martin is credited with bringing Latin cultural influences into the mainstream.

Scripture of the Day: I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. -John 12:24

Video of the Day: Give Me Jesus

Merry Christmas! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

Top Things for 2008!
Top Mug Shots of 2008!
Sports Illustrated Photos of the Year
Best Quotes of 2008

The Grinch, How Ironic!, -and- Surf's Down

The Grinch - man steals Christmas decorations from 16 neighbors
How Ironic! - spelling bee champion honored with misspelled sign
Surf's Down - China said to be blocking Web sites again

On this day in history: December 17, 1969 - The US Air Force terminates Project Blue Book, which investigated reports of UFO's.

Born on this day in history: December 17, 1929 - William L Safire (1929– )
Journalist, born in New York City, New York, USA. A former speechwriter and public relations writer, he also took on a weekly column devoted to verbal oddities.

Scripture of the Day: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:17-18

Video of the Day: Cute Animal Christmas Song - submitted by Cindy

I encountered this imaginative use for a Mac this morning while driving to my office. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site:
David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

COLD! It is 29° at the moment! The weatherpeople predicted it would reach a low of 24°, but it did not. I wonder, however, whether one can actually notice the difference between 24° and 29°. I rather doubt it. All I know is it is cold!

Praise God!, Watch This!, -and- The Kids Are Alright

Praise God! - 80% of Americans say they are Christians
Watch This! - man arrested after shooting self with nail gun
The Kids Are Alright - 11-year-old painter shares earnings with sick

On this day in history: December 26, 1996 - The body of Jon Benet Ramsey is found beaten and strangled in the Boulder, Colorado home of John and Patsy Ramsey. The case remains unsolved.

Born on this day in history: December 26, 1940 - Phil Spector (1940– ) Born in New York City, record producer and songwriter Phil Spector produced 20 hits in three years, working with artists like the Crystals and the Righteous Brothers. Spector is credited with creating a trademark "wall of sound."

Scripture of the Day: "Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'" (Luke 2:28-32)

Video of the Day: How to Break up a Cat Fight - submitted by Phillip

Here is a photograph of the bridge over the Sacramento River near here. The bridge was filled with shoppers on their way to the mall to take advantage of after-Christmas sales. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
Nikon Photographer Forum - a free forum for photography enthusiasts
Corning California Message Board - a free message board for Corning
Olive Hut Blog - specials, olive news, recipes, and more

BRRR! I became cold when I left the warmth of our house and walked to Mr. Nitro. I became colder yet when I saw the ice covering Mr. Nitro. When I boarded him, started his engine, and saw "28 degrees" displayed on his external temperature display, however, I very nearly returned to the house! Good sense prevailed, however, and here I am!

Fighting Back, To Serve and Protect, -and- A Very Redneck Christmas

Fighting Back - home-invasion suspect fatally wounded by resident
To Serve and Protect - Parole Commissioner in state car nabbed at DUI checkpoint
A Very Redneck Christmas - man accused of running over neighbor’s Christmas decorations, shooting him

On this day in history: December 10, 1993 - Adolf Hitler is baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in a ceremony performed inside their London temple. Mormons use this strange retroactive baptismal ritual to ensure ancestors or other relatives may join them in heaven.

Born on this day in history: December 10, 1830 - Emily (Elizabeth) Dickinson
(1830–86) Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, poet Emily Dickinson published only two poems during her lifetime. After her death, sister Lavinia Dickinson published several more collections. Dickinson has now gained a cult-like following.

Scripture of the Day: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Video of the Day: Ferrari Drive - submitted by Frank

Here are some photographs I took this weekend of the native American gathering at the Sacramento River near here. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

Saturday, Laura and I journeyed to Chico to Home Depot to replace the exploded microwave oven. I attempted to purchase the oven upon which we decided online but received a message that shipping to our Zip Code was unavailable. I felt that Corning was being slighted. When I entered the Zip Code for the Home Depot store in Chico, the same message appeared. Apparently, shipping is not available anywhere. That is interesting.

As we passed the Chico Mall, we noticed that the parking lot was completely filled. Not a single parking space was available. Yikes! When we reached Home Depot, however, there were several good parking spaces available. I parked Mr. Nitro in a secure area, and we strolled into the store. The microwave we desired was on display. There was none in inventory, however. We took the display oven and received a 10% discount. It is a beautiful 2.1 cu ft GE Profile oven with black body and stainless-steel front. It has enormous capacity and many features that were not present on the previous oven.

Last evening—following a delightful dinner of grilled London Broil, white onion, red potatoes, Jalapeños, and red bell pepper, we settled into our recliners and watched a Johnny Cash DVD. The new microwave made a wonderful batch of popcorn.

Controlling the Substances, Bad Deed, -and- Law of the Land

Controlling the Substances - couple to sue cops for killing pot plants
Bad Deed - Boy Scouts selling Christmas trees robbed at gunpoint
Law of the Land - judges endorse faith-based prison program

On this day in history: December 5, 1933 - Fourteen years of Prohibition end when Utah ratifies the 21st Amendment.

Born on this day in history: December 5, 1935 - Little Richard (1035 - ) Musician, born in Macon, Georgia, USA. One of the early and most flamboyant stars of rock 'n' roll, he sang and played piano in church choirs and with gospel groups throughout his childhood, performing in medicine shows on the Southern vaudeville circuit. He made his recording debut with RCA in 1952 in Atlanta, and continued to record in a blues style for independent labels in Houston and New Orleans over the next four years. In 1956 he had a breakthrough single, "Tutti Frutti," which sold three million copies and established his basic style of histrionic singing and manic piano playing. Over the next three years he sold over 18 million records and appeared in several motion pictures, but in 1960 he became a minister in the Seventh Day Adventist church and renounced rock 'n' roll and his own homosexuality. He returned to rock in 1963, touring England with the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and he straddled the worlds of pop music and evangelism over the next 30 years. In 1986 he became an inaugural member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. "Tutti Frutti" was named the official rock song of the state of Georgia in 1989.

Scripture of the Day: "Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'" (John 10:7, 9-10)

Video of the Day: Terry Fator, Part 3 of 5 - submitted by Frank

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

A Baby's Hug

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?' Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.' Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.' Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'

Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.' I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'

Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.

Fighting Back, Sore Winner, -and- Bah Humbug!

Fighting Back - 72-year-old man fights off 21-year-old gang member
Sore Winner - $1 million lottery winner may have to return winnings
Bah Humbug! - Arizona governor nixes "Christmas" tree

On this day in history: November 30, 1954 - At 1 pm, an 8.5 pound stone meteorite falls from the sky and strikes Elizabeth Hulitt Hodge from Sylacauga, Alabama. The housewife was seriously bruised but survived, although the meteorite destroyed her radio.

Born on this day in history: November 30, 1947 - David Mamet (1947 - ____) dramatist, playwright, director. His films include "Speed the Plow," and "House of Games."

Scripture of the Day: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." (2 Peter 3:10-11)

While on my way to the office this morning, I spotted this Dodge Nitro limo.
Click to enlarge.

And here is Selina and her limo! Click to enlarge.

[While I slept] Upon arriving at my office, I unlocked the front door, stepped inside and disarmed the alarm, prayed over the office and its contents, turned on the three computer monitors, started the ISpy Web cam software, and opened Microsoft Outlook 2007. As the email downloaded, I turned on the television and satellite receiver and tuned the receiver to the Fox News Channel. I then turned on the florescent lights, unlocked and opened the central interior door, walked to the rear door, and unlocked and opened the rear door.

To my great surprise, a large tortoise sat upon the concrete in front of the rear door! Its legs and head were drawn inside its shell, and it appeared to be enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun. I did not disturb the tortoise. I thought about it, as I went about my morning routine, and I checked several times during the next few hours and found the tortoise reposed as I had found him initially.

It was a Monday, and the waste management truck comes to empty my dumpster each Monday—generally in the last hour or so of the morning. I walked to the rear of my office to push the dumpster to the alley, where it would be emptied by the waste management truck. As I walked through the rear door, I looked to the spot where the tortoise had rested and saw that he was gone. I felt a bit sad but imagined that the tortoise had moved to a more welcome environment. I pushed the dumpster to the alley and returned to my office.

As I settled into my chair and reached for my mouse, I felt something brush against my left foot. I looked down and saw the tortoise! At first, I imagined that the tortoise simply looked larger inside my office, but as I regarded him more closely, it was apparent that he was, in fact, substantially larger than he had been less than an hour before! In fact, he was so significantly larger that my initial observation was he must not be the same tortoise I had seen earlier. Yet, a tortoise of any dimensions in the city, certainly, and this tortoise was unlikely to be a mere companion of the original tortoise. It must be, I thought, the same tortoise—somehow nearly doubled in size since first I viewed him!

I imagined that the tortoise must be someone's pet and that someone was, no doubt, looking for him. I determined to care for the tortoise until his owner came to claim him. I could not, however, continue to call the tortoise using pronouns, and I decided to name him Terrance—at least for his tenure in my care.

As I went about my day, Terrance followed me about the office—slowly. I had the remnants of a salad left over from the previous week. It had no dressing on it and was still relatively fresh. I placed the salad on a paper plate and offered it to Terrance. He ate greedily. I filled a plastic bowl with spring water from the water cooler and placed it beside the salad. Terrance ate and drank without stopping. When the salad and water were gone, Terrance crept to a corner of the office and appeared to nap.

A few hours later, I felt a nudging against my left foot. I looked down and saw Terrance. He was apparently hungry and thirsty once again—due, no doubt, to a great extent because he had once again nearly doubled in size! Terrance needed more food, and there was none at my office. I backed my Nitro R/T up to the rear of my office and opened the rear gate. With considerable effort, I hoisted Terrance and placed him inside the vehicle. He only barely fit! I locked my office and took Terrance to my house. At the house, I placed Terrance on the rear lawn. There, he would have plenty of grass upon which to feed. I took a stainless-steel bowl from the kitchen, filled it with spring water, and placed it in the shade at the rear of the house. Terrance ceased eating grass and strutted to the water. He drank thirstily. Once again, he had very nearly doubled in size since our journey to the house. I estimated him at 5 feet in circumference and well over 150 pounds!

I left Terrance and walked to the house. I called the local news services and informed them of Terrance and his mysterious growth cycles, and I said that I intended to tend to his needs until his rightful owner came to claim him.

I returned to the rear yard to check on Terrance. Once again, he had doubled in size. Soon, he would be too large for the yard! In preparation for his next growth spurt, I led Terrance down the alley and across the street, to a large field near my house. There, Terrance would have sufficient grass upon which to feed and sufficient water to drink, there being a small creek running through the field.

Suddenly, the street was filled with vehicles bearing the logos of news media, and the sky was filled with helicopters that were similarly identified. One of the helicopters—bearing the logo of the Fox News Channel—landed near me, where I stood, watching over Terrance. From the helicopter, Laurie Dhue appeared, with camera crew in tow. Laurie began interviewing me. She showed great interest in the story and considerable concern for Terrance—who doubled in size during the interview!

An enormous helicopter—bearing the insignia of PETA—hovered over us and landed nearby. A spokesperson appeared and confronted me, saying that I had no right whatever to “the creature,” as she called Terrance, and that she would now see that “the best interests of the creature” were served! Laurie Dhue was visibly disturbed, and I loudly protested the removal of Terrance from my care. Armed guards from the PETA helicopter appeared, and a team carrying a large stainless-steel cage accompanied them. All appeared to be lost!

Laurie Dhue whispered to me, “You should not give up hope. I am going to make a call. Please trust me. All will be well.” I took solace from her words, yet I feared the worst. The men with the cage were descending upon Terrance!

Suddenly, a S.W.A.T. team from the local police department appeared and forced the PETA personnel away from Terrance. The S.W.A.T. team leader held forth a court order, signed by a local judge, that gave temporary custody of Terrance to me. The PETA spokesperson argued that a local judge had no say in the matter and that she would soon have this court order rescinded. I felt saddened by what seemed to be a harsh reality.

Suddenly, another helicopter appeared and landed. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared, followed by a large contingent from the California National Guard. The Governor posed with me and Terrance, the media photographers converged and greedily photographed us, and the crowd that had gathered cheered loudly.

Animal Kingdom, All Rise, -and- Funny Money

Animal Kingdom - dogs display aspects of human intelligence
All Rise - scientists say standing up as good as exercise
Funny Money - man tries to deposit fake $1 million bill

On this day in history: November 29, 1961 - The US sends the chimpanzee Enos into space, on the Mercury Atlas 5 capsule from Cape Canaveral.

Born on this day in history: November 29, 1898 - C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) scholar, author. Wrote "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Scripture of the Day: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1,26)

Video of the Day: Wake Up! - submitted by Phillip

I encountered this patriotic Nitro on the way to my office this morning. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

The Month Before Christmas

'Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-BOX, an iPod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets are hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "DreamTree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

To Serve and Protect, Call Jenny, -and- Just Say No

To Serve and Protect - deputies flatten tires on wrong cars
Call Jenny - Santa told to slim down for Christmas
Just Say No - passengers revolt after being told to fly on jet with its wing tip missing

On this day in history: November 5, 1975 - Logger Travis Walton is abducted by aliens near Snowflake, Arizona and is missing for five days. Aliens performed "various experiments" on the abductee. Walton finds the experience immensely lucrative as his experiences are chronicled in the mediocre book Fire in the Sky and a very bad film by Paramount.

Born on this day in history: November 5, 1926 -
John Berger (1926 - ____) painter, teacher, art critic. He began his career as a painter and teacher of drawing; became art critic for the "Tribune," and "New Statesman."

Scripture of the Day: "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing." (Romans 13:6)

Video of the Day: History of LOL Cats - submitted by Chris

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

Friday evening, we had a Red Baron Special Deluxe pizza. I chopped two large Jalapeño peppers, and Laura sprinkled them atop the pizza prior to cooking it. These pizzas have been on sale at Sav-Mor Foods of late for less than $3.00 each!

Saturday morning, I made a delightful brunch: I sliced grilled London broil into thin pieces and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, with sliced red onion, minced garlic, and sliced Jalapeño peppers. I seasoned with sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Cajun Spice. When the onions were caramelized, I added eight beaten eggs, stirring as the mixture cooked. Laura grated some cheddar cheese. When the eggs were done, I warmed some large flour tortillas, and we made breakfast burritos. They were wonderful.

Saturday evening, one of my brothers came to dinner. I made a pasta salad, with rigatoni, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, celery, red onion, pear tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice. Laura grilled pork loin chops and Johnsonville Italian sausages. I made two dipping sauces—one mild, for my brother, and one very spicy, for Laura and me. It was a delightful dinner.

Sunday—following service at Harvest Christian Center—we had the leftovers from Saturday's brunch. Instead of tortillas, we used Mission tortilla chips and Casa Lupe salsa. It was excellent.

For dinner Sunday evening, I made a marinade with extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sea salt, cumin, and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice. Laura cleaned and marinated eight large Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts. She grilled the chicken, red potatoes, huge white mushrooms, and large Jalapeño peppers. It was a wonderful meal. Some of the leftover chicken will find its way into the leftover pasta salad and be enjoyed after Bible class on Wednesday.