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

Somebody's Watching You - Police look to hack citizens' home PCs
Matters of Life and Death - schools give morning-after pills secretly
Drive - San Francisco considers fee on vehicles entering city

On this day in history: January 5, 1998 - Congressman Sonny Bono dead from blunt force trauma to his head after a direct collision with a pine tree at Heavenly Valley Ski Area.

Born on this day in history: January 5, 1946 - Diane Keaton (1946-) Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles, actress Diane Keaton starred in several of Woody Allen's best-known films, including, "Annie Hall" (1977), which earned her a Best Actress Oscar. She also appeared in the 1972 hit, "The Godfather" and its sequels. Keaton now splits her time between acting and directing.

Scripture of the Day:

Video of the Day: Here is my friend, Frank, at the dragstrip with his 1993 Mustang Cobra!

No caption necessary! 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
Naughtiest and Nicest CEOs of 2008
Funniest Stories of 2008

We did a good deal of relaxing and reading over the weekend. I read "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis ["Mere Christianity" is a theological book by C. S. Lewis, adapted from a series of BBC radio talks made between 1941 and 1944, while Lewis was at Oxford during World War II. Considered a classic of Christian apologetics, the transcripts of the broadcasts, expanded into the book, originally appeared in print as three separate pamphlets: The Case for Christianity (1942), Christian Behaviour (1942), and Beyond Personality (1944.] and "The Believer's Authority" by Kenneth Hagin [Do we have authority that we don't know about - that we haven't discovered - that we're not using? Kenneth Hagin points out that "as a result of my studies, I concluded that we as a Church have authority on the earth that we've never yet realized."].

C. S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" is certainly dated, but the moral positions he takes and the points he makes are easily as true and viable today as they were in the 1940s. The book is a very straight-forward approach to life, in general, and moral behavior, in particular. I highly recommend this book.

"The Believer's Authority" presents an incredible explanation of how one can take control of one's life by declaration of the authority given one by God. Hagin's own faith and his declaration of authority over his physical condition endowed him with the power to rise from the bed—which he had been doomed never to vacate by doctors—and walk!

Saturday evening, we watched "Noëlle" [In this heartfelt Christmas tale, aloof Father Jonathan Keene (David Wall) comes to Cape Cod to close a failing parish run by caring yet troubled Father Simeon Joyce (Sean Patrick Brennan). But both men harbor secrets fueled by guilt and shame, and soon, Keene questions his faith. As his heart opens to the townsfolk, especially the lovely Marjorie Worthington (Kerry Wall), Keene discovers the magic of forgiveness and the gift of a second chance.] This was one of the most boring, poorly-acted, disjointed and superficial movies I have seen in a great while. I cannot, with clear conscience, recommend this movie.

Fighting Back, Hic!, -and- iSue

Fighting Back - couple threaten, unmask intruder
Hic! - woman held after fifth DUI since May
iSue - Apple may be sued over chemicals in iPhone

On this day in history: October 17, 1989 - The Loma Prieta earthquake strikes the San Francisco Bay Area, killing 67 and causing billions in property damage. The 6.9 magnitude temblor manages to collapse a long section of the double-decker I-880 freeway, smashing motorists between the two layers. Part of the Bay Bridge also collapses.

Born on this day in history: October 17, 1920 - Montgomery Clift (1920 - 1966) actor. He was best known for playing troubled heroes: "From Here to Eternity," 1953; "The Misfits," 1961.

Scripture of the Day: "The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare." (Psalm 25:14-15)

Video of the Day: Lawn Mower Racing 2006 Hog Happnin - submitted by Darin

Rain was forecast for today, but today is sunny and beautiful! Hopefully, the storm that was predicted has changed its course and not simply been delayed. Only time will provide the answer.

For dinner last night, I grilled top sirloin steaks, Jalapeños, and red potatoes on an indoor grill. It was too cold, wet, and windy for grilling outdoors. This was the first time I have used this indoor grill, and the results were surprisingly good. Now, when the weather does not allow grilling outdoors, we shall grill indoors.

Abandoned!, Tug of War, -and- Open Wide!

Abandoned! - parents arrested for leaving toddler in Florida sun
Tug of War - pregnant woman attacked over beach towel
Open Wide! - hot-dog champ gets jaw arthritis

On this day in history: June 26, 1945 - The United Nations Charter is signed at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House.

Born on this day in history: June 26, 1892 - Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973) author. She was known for her novels of life in China, e.g., "The Good Earth"; won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938.

Today's Video: I Can't See! - submitted by Chris

I saw this accident on my way to the office this morning. Fortunately, I had a tow strap with me, and Mr. Nitro was able to effortlessly pull the tank back onto the road. Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, I made steamed green beans and sautéed rock fish fillets. I placed the green beans in a casserole dish, sprinkled with Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice Rub, placed a bit of water in the bottom of the dish, and cooked on high for three minutes in the microwave. I seasoned the rock fish fillets on one side only with Red Monkey Mango Habanero Spice Rub and placed in a sauté pan that had been sprayed with Pam. Laura sautéed the fillets for five minutes on medium heat. She did not turn the fillets. It was a delightful meal. The Red Monkey spices are incredible!

Snip!, Taps, -and- Armed!

Snip! - barber stabs second client with scissors
Taps - SF mayor bans bottled water for city offices
Armed! - shooting sports among fastest-growing recreation for women

On this day in history: June 25, 1910 - The Mann Act, sometimes known as the White Slave Traffic Act of 1910, makes it a federal crime to convey or assist in transporting women across state lines for prostitution, debauchery, or "any other immoral purpose."

Born on this day in history: June 25, 1903 - George Orwell (1903 - 1950) novelist, critic. He is best known for "Animal Farm," 1946 and "1984," 1949.

Today's Video: Pit Bull and Chicks

Today is my birthday! It is also Laura's and my anniversary!

Friday evening, my brother (visiting from Southern California) brought a gallon bucket of margaritas, a large container of wasabi peas, and a birthday card. He ordered a King Arthur Supreme pizza from Round Table Pizza. We had a delightful meal and excellent visit.

Saturday evening, we had New York strip steaks and asparagus for dinner. I blanched the asparagus for three minutes and placed in the refrigerator to chill. Laura dry rubbed the steaks with Red Monkey Steak Rub and grilled perfectly—nicely charred on the outside and rare in the center. It was a delicious repast.

Sunday, we enjoyed a lunch visit with my mother. We enjoyed a pasta salad I had prepared the previous day. The salad consisted of large pasta shells, medium shrimp, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced dill pickle, and pear tomatoes. The dressing was mayonnaise, ranch dressing, wasabi paste, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, sea salt, and dill weed. It was a wonderful visit and a delicious salad.

You've Got Mail, Typo, -and- Arf!

You've Got Mail - U.S. Internet spam king arrested
Typo - keystroke error sends $2.5 million check to school counselor
Arf! - Yoko Ono eats dog to protest fox hunting

On this day in history: May 31, 1996 - Timothy Leary dies quietly in his sleep, thereby failing his intended mission of suiciding live on the Internet.

Born on this day in history: May 31, 1930 - Clint Eastwood (1930- ) Born in the San Francisco area, actor, director and producer Clint Eastward landed the role of Rowdy Yates in TV series Rawhide (1959), which ran for eight seasons, then went to Italy to star in Sergio Leone "spaghetti westerns? (1964), which made him a worldwide star. Back in the U.S., he starred in the hugely popular Dirty Harry film series, which included five films over 17 years. Eastwood gained critical acclaim for directing and starring in his own movies, including Unforgiven (1992), Space Cowboys (2000) and more. Eastwood has been married twice, and fathered several children out of wedlock.

Today's Video: Sleep Last Night? - a tribute to our troops - submitted by Harvest Christian Center

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Ultimate List of Car Songs! View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

Steve McQueen in "The Blob." Click to enlarge.

Don't Call, Unamerican Activity, -and- The Kids Are Alright

Don't Call - anti-cell-phone lawmaker rear-ends car while on cell phone
Unamerican Activity - Las Vegas orders Hummer dealership to take down U.S. flag
The Kids Are Alright - CA teen girl climbs Mt. Everest

On this day in history: May 21, 1979 - A judge gives Dan White only seven years for the premeditated murders of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone, prompting thousands to march on San Francisco's City Hall. In what will come to be known as the White Night Riots, the demonstration takes a violent turn, resulting in significant property damage and the torching of twelve SFPD cruisers. Police respond with brutal beatdowns at gay bars in the Castro district.

Born on this day in history: May 21, 1844 - Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910) artist. He was the archetype of the modern naive artist; his primitive works possess a dreamlike quality: "The Sleeping Gypsy," 1897.

Today's Video: M-134 Full Automatic BB Minigun! - submitted by Phillip

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Here is another photograph from the recent May Madness Corning Car Show. Click to enlarge.