Let's Make a Deal, The Star Treatment, -and- Weapons of Choice

Let's Make a Deal - trio swaps two children for cockatoo
The Star Treatment - paparazzi turning lenses on politicians
Weapons of Choice - Illinois arguing over concealed carry permits

On this day in history: March 3, 1934 - John Dillinger escapes from an escape-proof jail in Crown Point Indiana, using a wooden pistol he carved himself. It's his second escape.

Born on this day in history: March 3, 1962 - Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1962 - ) Born in East St Louis, Mo., track and field athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest female athletes in history. She has won numerous Olympic medals from 1984 to 1992.

Scripture of the Day: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. - Psalm 37:3

Video of the Day: The Crevasse - Making of 3D Street Art - submitted by Danica

Imagine my surprise when I encountered these steam-powered cars while driving past the lake on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

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The Weather: Weather forecasts have been in a continuous state of flux lately. It is difficult to place any credibility on weather reports. It is more realistic to simply look out the window and propose—based upon what one sees outside that window—what the weather shall be for the balance of the day. This methodology was not particularly successful this morning, however: When I looked through the window of our home and viewed the sidewalk outside, I made the forecast that today would be dry. The sidewalk was dry, and it did not appear that it had rained recently. 30 minutes later, however, I peered at the live feed from my Web cam on my desktop and saw that the rain was descending amain! The wind that howled all night has not abated. It is a fierce wind that accompanies the rain. My new forecast is for a truly hideous, wet, windy, dark, dismal day! Nonetheless, I shall rejoice in the day, since it is the day the Lord has made for us!

Watch Where You're Going!, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Every Move You Make

Watch Where You're Going! - bus driver accused of falling asleep at wheel
Matters of Life and Death - lawmakers in two states declare fetuses are people
Every Move You Make - radio chip coming soon to your driver's license?

On this day in history: March 2, 1968 - Syd Barrett leaves Pink Floyd, after melting his mind with various extremely dangerous drugs. He spends the following years mumbling about pork chops and refrigerators.

Born on this day in history: March 2, 1977 - Chris Martin (1977-) Born Christopher Anthony John Martin on March 2, 1977 in Devon, England. The son of a teacher and an accountant, Martin attended University College London where he met Will Champion, Guy Berryman and Jonny Buckland who would go on to form the band Coldplay.

Scripture of the Day: Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. — Psalm 37:1-2

Video of the Day: wow tenspace - submitted by Cindy

Imagine my surprise when I spotted this bumper sticker on a car this morning while driving to my office! Click to enlarge.

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The Weekend Friday evening, we watched a DVD containing four episodes from season one of "Boston Legal."

The weather was dry and grill-friendly Saturday. I grilled a pork tenderloin and made a batch of Cajun black beans. The tenderloin came from Sav-Mor Foods vacuum sealed and seasoned with Italian herbs. While grilling it, I sprayed it with a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For the beans, I sautéed a large white onion, diced; two large Jalapeños, diced; a medium habanero, diced; a handful of fresh cilantro leaves; two large cluster tomatoes, diced; two tablespoons garlic, minced; 1/2 bottle of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale; the juice from a can of black beans; two tablespoons of Gebhardt's chili powder; a tablespoon of red pepper flakes; a tablespoon of ground black pepper; four tablespoons of brown sugar; and a handful of jasmine rice in a medium saucepan. When the onions became translucent, I placed the lid on the saucepan and reduced the heat to just above low. This cooked for an hour. I added the black beans, stirred, and reduced the heat to low. This continued to simmer while I grilled the pork tenderloin. It was a delicious meal. Following dinner, we watched a DVD containing another four episodes from season one of "Boston Legal."

Sunday, the weather was most foul. My plans for grilling outdoors could not be realized without great fear of drowning from the torrents of water falling from the sky or being carried off by the fearsome wind. Therefore, I grilled Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the indoor grill. I seasoned the breasts with chicken Monterey seasoning and sprayed them with a mixture of one part extra-virgin olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar. I grilled five large white mushrooms—spraying them with the olive oil-balsamic vinegar mixture. We also had a salad: Mixed greens, sliced cucumber, sliced white mushroom, julienned red onion, pear tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper. It was a delicious meal.

Following dinner, we watched another DVD containing yet another four episodes from season one of "Boston Legal."

Drama Queen, Pay As You Go, -and- Stop the Presses!

Drama Queen - man jailed after fight with wife over her TV habit
Pay As You Go - airline may charge $1.40 to use restroom
Stop the Presses! - Colorado's oldest newspaper closes

On this day in history: February 27, 1859 - Congressman Dan Sickles of New York shoots and kills Philip Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key (who wrote the Star Spangled Banner). Sickles later pleads insanity and is acquitted.

Born on this day in history: February 27, 1932 - Elizabeth Taylor (1932– ) Born in London, film star Elizabeth Taylor was a child actor, notably in "National Velvet" (1944). Later films included "Butterfield 8" (1960), which earned her an Oscar, and "Cleopatra" (1962), which led to her well-publicized marriage to Richard Burton. With Burton, Taylor made several more films, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966). In 1985, she founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research. She has been married eight times, including to U.S. Senator John Warner (1976–82). Taylor became a dame in 1999.

Scripture of the Day: For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. — Isaiah 41:13

Video of the Day: Chris Isaak - "Wicked Dream"

Imagine my surprise when I saw the message on this traffic sign while driving to my office this morning!

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Chris Isaak I have always enjoyed Chris Isaak's music. Last evening, Laura and I watched the premiere of Chris Isaak's new show - "The Chris Isaak Hour." We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Chris Isaak presents "The Chris Isaak Hour," a weekly one-hour interview show featuring music's most popular artists. Intelligent, thoughtful and sometimes irreverent, Isaak invites musical guests to relive the highs and lows of their careers through a blend of storytelling and performance. Whether it's a spontaneous acoustic number or an onstage performance, each musician plays their own material as well as the songs of those who most inspired them.

Trisha Yearwood was the guest last evening. Yearwood performed solo and with Isaak. It was highly entertaining. The show is on the Biography Channel each Thursday evening at 7 PM. Last evening's premiere will air again tonight at 8 PM.

Show Me the Money, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Alien Nation

Show Me the Money - atheist Richard Dawkins wants $100,000 for hour-long debate with Christian Ray Comfort
Matters of Life and Death - Democrats block move to stop forced abortion funding
Alien Nation - scientists find natural explanation for UFOs

On this day in history: February 26, 1974 - A U.S. Senate report reveals Ford Motor's involvement in Nazi Germany's war efforts, for which CEO Henry Ford received the Grand Cross of the German Eagle from Adolf Hitler himself. After the war, the car company was paid nearly $1M reparation by the U.S. government to compensate for one of its plants that was bombed within the Reich.

Born on this day in history: February 26, 1932 - Johnny Cash (1932-2003) Born in Kingsland, AR, singer Johnny Cash, one of the greatest stars of country music, recorded his first hits, "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues," in 1956. In 1968, he married June Carter (1929-2003), a member of country music's famous "first family." Cash was inducted into the Country Music Association (CMA) Hall of Fame in 1980.

Scripture of the Day: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. - Isaiah 41:10-11

Video of the Day: Johnny Cash - "Hurt"

Johnny Cash. Click to enlarge.

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Johnny Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 - September 12, 2003) was a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Primarily a country music artist, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll (especially early in his career), as well as blues, folk and gospel.

Cash was known for his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice, the "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, his demeanor, and his dark clothing, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black." He traditionally started his concerts with the introduction "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."

Much of Cash's music, especially that of his later career, echoed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. His signature songs include "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," "Get Rhythm," "Hurt," and "Man in Black." He also recorded humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time" and "A Boy Named Sue," a duet with June Carter called "Jackson," as well as railroad songs such as "Hey Porter" and "Rock Island Line."

He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career and came to occupy a commanding position in music history.

What's Up Doc?, Hic!, -and- May I Take Your Order?

What's Up Doc? - CA dentist claims groping part of treatment
Hic! - booze bust nets 1,382 beer cans on boat
May I Take Your Order? - McDonald's worker drive-through drug dealer

On this day in history: February 25, 1932 - Austrian Adolf Hitler granted German citizenship, to meet a "minor" technical requirement in order to run for president.

Born on this day in history: February 25, 1943 - George Harrison (1943-2001) Born in Liverpool, England, musician George Harrison played lead guitar and sang with the Beatles, developing an interest in Eastern music and religion. After the Beatles' break-up, he made solo albums, including "All Things Must Pass" (1970), and performed with other artists, notably "super-group" The Traveling Wilburys (1988-90). He also produced several films, such as "Monty Python's Life of Brian" (1979). Harrison died after a long battle against cancer.

Scripture of the Day: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

Video of the Day: "Motorcycle" - submitted by Jay

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this lightning strike while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

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Grilling: The weather yesterday was beautiful. It was sunny, warm, dry, and calm. I tossed a gargantuan London broil onto the grill last evening, as the sun set and the frogs in the neighbor's pond began to croak. Earlier, I had prepared salads with heart of Romaine, cluster tomatoes, large white mushrooms, and green onions. I grilled the large hunk of animal flesh over a high flame—nicely charring the exterior while leaving the center rare. It was a delightful meal.

Fighting Back, Bible Proof, -and- Lost in Space

Fighting Back - 75-year-old man tackles 230-pound thief
Bible Proof - archaeologists discover seals from Kingdom of Judah
Lost in Space - $273 million global-warming satellite goes missing, crashes

On this day in history: February 24, 1868 - President Andrew Johnson impeached for High Crimes and Misdemeanors. There are no other presidential impeachments until Clinton's in 1998.

Born on this day in history: February 24, 1955 - Steven Jobs (1955 - ) Born in San Francisco, CA, computer inventor and entrepreneur Steve Jobs and ex-Hewlett-Packard engineer Stephen Wozniak (1950? ) founded Apple Computer in a garage in 1976. Their brainchild, the Apple II computer (1977), helped to launch the personal computer revolution.

Scripture of the Day: The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. — Psalm 138:8

Video of the Day: No God in School - This is a must-see video! - submitted by Don.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the enormous rainbow trout caught in the lake behind my office! Click to enlarge.

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The Weather: The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, there is but a gentle breeze, and the birds are singing loudly and with great abandon. This shall be a glorious day—made all the better by the charring of animal flesh upon the grill this evening!

I had intended to grill the gigantic London broil that sat—wonderfully dry-rubbed—in our refrigerator last evening. The rain was very, very light and did not impede me in the matter at all. The wind, however, was fierce! I have not seen any official reports, yet I estimate the wind at well beyond 75 MPH! The large, heavy trash container that I pushed to the alley behind my office yesterday morning was emptied by Waste Management in the early afternoon. I heard the rumbling of the large truck and the subsequent sounds of it emptying my trash container but decided to wait until such time as I was leaving for the day to return the container to its station behind my office. At 4 PM, when I exited my office, I saw that the wind had borne the container across the alley and well into the parking area on the other side of the alley! I have never encountered such a wind in this area previously!

The wind howled throughout the night and was howling yet when I went abed. I am certain you can well imagine my glee upon arising this morning and finding that the wind had departed!

Fighting Back, Drop That!, -and- Get Thee Behind Me Satan!

Fighting Back - holdup victim grabs knife, kills robber
Drop That! - collect a rock on Federal land, forfeit your car
Get Thee Behind Me Satan! - MTV to air new reality show featuring teenage Wiccans

On this day in history: February 23, 1885 - The British hangman at Exeter Gaol tries three times to hang John Lee of Devonshire, for the murder of Emma Keyse. The trap refused to open. His sentence was commuted to life, and he was eventually released.

Born on this day in history: February 23, 1965 - Michael Dell (1965 - ) Born in Houston, TX, entrepreneur Michael Dell founded Dell Computers as a college student, with the idea of selling custom-made PCs directly to customers. The company now brings in about $18 billion a year. Dell's breathtaking success made him, at age 27, the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company in history.

Scripture of the Day: Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. - Exodus 15:6

Video of the Day: Huge Street Racing Bust - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning!

Recommended New Site: Ishi Archery Club I just completed the construction of this new site and invite all to visit and see what the club offers!

The Weather: The weather Saturday was beautiful. I should have grilled the enormous London broil upon which I applied a wonderful dry rub! As it happened, however, we watched several episodes of "Boston Legal" on DVD from Netflix, lounged, had a backgammon tournament (ending in a tie!), snacked on specialty cheeses, salami, Triscuits, and sliced Jalapeños. We snacked a bit too fiercely and did not find ourselves harboring sufficient hunger to warrant grilling. Since the weatherpeople had been incorrect when forecasting Saturday's weather, I offered that their forecast for Sunday would be incorrect, as well. It was not! Sunday's weather featured non-stop rain and incredible winds. There was not the remotest possibility of grilling on Sunday. I made potatoes O'Brien, New York style breakfast sausages, and fried eggs for brunch, following the service at Harvest Christian Center. The London Broil will bide its time in the refrigerator and will get tossed onto the grill Tuesday. The weather today is still most foul, but forecasts show sunshine and dryness returning tomorrow.

The Academy Awards: Laura said that she wished to watch the Academy Awards last evening. I graciously allowed her to do so. I perched in my recliner and putted the comforter over my head. I napped through the majority of the program.

Fighting Back, $10,000 Challenge, -and- How Ironic!

Fighting Back - cleaning lady turns tables on would-be robbers
$10,000 Challenge - Ray Comfort v. Richard Dawkins: Christian author throws down gauntlet in challenging celebrity atheist to debate
How Ironic! - man burns dog, dog burns house, house burns man

On this day in history: February 20, 1971 - An erroneous warning is emitted on the Emergency Broadcast System causing a number of stations to go off the air, and others to completely ignore the alert (thus pointing out that many key stations would not react to any emergency broadcast over the system.)

Born on this day in history: February 20, 1967 - Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) Born in Aberdeen, WA, musician Kurt Cobain and friend Krist Novoselic formed rock band Nirvana (1986), which performed music dubbed "grunge." Nirvana's breakthrough hit "Nevermind" sold ten million copies, earning a reported $550 million in the U.S. alone. Cobain, who married rock singer Courtney Love in 1992, began using heroin and suffered in and out of treatment until his suicide by shotgun in 1994.

Scripture of the Day: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24

Video of the Day: How to Eat Sushi - submitted by Darin

NEW from DeWalt: THE 16-D RAPIDFIRE - A new Nail Gun, made by Dewalt, has just been introduced. It can drive a 16-D nail through a 2 X 4 at 200 yards. This makes construction a breeze, you can sit in your lawn chair and build a fence. Just get your wife to hold the fence boards in place while you sit back, relax with a cold beer and when she has the board in the right place, just fire away. With the hundred-round magazine, you can build the fence with a minimum of reloading. After a
day of fence building with the new DeWalt Rapid fire nail gun, the wife will not ask you to build or fix anything else again. Click to enlarge.

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The Weather: Yesterday was a beautiful day. The afternoon temperature was 67°, the sky was blue and clear, there was no wind, and the birds sang loudly. Today promises to be equally excellent. There are storms predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Looking at the sky this morning, this seems unlikely, but the weather can (and does!) change rapidly here. We shall see.