Fighting Back, Doing the Right Thing, -and- Avast!

Fighting Back - woman fends off home invaders with chili, broom
Doing the Right Thing - struggling single mom facing eviction returns $271,000 after bank error
Avast! U.S. Navy detains 17 suspected pirates

On this day in history: May 15, 1997 - Federal prosecutors in the Unabomber trial file the necessary paperwork requesting the death penalty for Ted Kaczynski.

Born on this day in history: May 15, 1923 - Richard Avedon (1923 - 2004) Born in New York City, photographer Richard Avedon began shooting fashion for "Harper's Bazaar" (1945-65), and became known for stark portraits of people in unusual poses. He published his first book of celebrity portraits, "Observations," in 1959. In 1963, Avedon photographed aspects of the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements, then became famous working for "Vogue."

Scripture of the Day: So after they [the church at Antioch] had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them [Barnabas and Saul] and sent them off. — Acts 13:3

Video of the Day: Video tour of Sierra Nevada Nevada Brewing Co. and interview with owner, Ken Grossman - submitted by Laura

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on Fox News!

UPDATE 12:40 PM: I set up the new Microsoft Life Web Cam 6000. I am waiting for extension cables in order to place it in the front window of my office. Until then, you will see random images sent from when the mood strikes me.

Laura's Journey: Laura is on her way to Sacramento, where she will attend a business seminar. This afternoon, she will board an airplane and fly to Tucson, AZ, where she will spend five days visiting with her daughter, Rachel, son-in-law, David, granddaughter, Parker, and other relatives and friends.

She shall send photographs from her iPhone, documenting the journey. I shall include them here when I receive them, so be certain to check back routinely to follow Laura's journey!

Laura is packing for her trip. The kitties apparently do not wish her to depart!

Laura is at the seminar, musing over the resources.

The first break, after the intro session.

Session 1: Organize your life.

It is time for Laura to have lunch!

Laura is at the Sacramento airport! Do not share your beverage with the pilot!

Laura is on the airplane! Tell the pilot to fly with great caution!

Fighting Back, No TLC, -and- Do As He Says

Fighting Back - kids chase lemonade stand robber, phone police
No TLC - women dressed as nurses target Florida shoppers
Do As He Says - Gore's electrical usage up 10% over last year

On this day in history: June 18, 1996 - Ted Kaczynski is indicted on ten criminal counts. He is suspected of being the Unabomber, who perpetrated 16 bomb attacks on people involved in technology.

Born on this day in history: June 18, 1942 - Paul McCartney (1942– ) Born in Liverpool, England, musician, songwriter and composer Paul McCartney found fame as one of the Fab Four Beatles. After the group?s 1970 breakup, he performed solo and with his own bands. In 1978, he was declared the most successful composer of all time, playing his 3000th concert in St Petersburg in 2004. McCartney was knighted in 1997.

Scripture of the Day: "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" - 2 Chronicles 6:18

Video of the Day: Challenger: Faster than a Speeding Bullitt? - submitted by Darin

I saw this scene near Corning Lake this morning. Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, we had Johnsonville brat sandwiches. Laura grilled Johnsonville brats and Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts (to be used in a future meal). When the brats were nearly done, she split two in half and topped them with Provolone cheese. She toasted two sourdough buns on the grill. At the table, we added thinly-sliced red onion, Klausen Stackers, and hot dog mustard. Ruffles sour cream and onion potato chips accompanied the meal. It was delicious.

Fighting Back, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Sue Me!

Fighting Back marathon runner chases down burglar
Matters of Life and Death - Missouri must take inmates to abortion clinic
Sue Me! - German newspaper compares Cruise to Goebbels

On this day in history: January 23, 1998 - Montana hermit Ted Kaczynski admits to four Unabomber attacks, pleading guilty in in a federal plea bargain that spares him the death penalty, but denies him the right of appeal.

Born on this day in history: January 23, 1957 - Princess Caroline of Monaco (1957-) Princess Caroline Louise Margueritte, eldest daughter of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly, the American actress who died in a car accident in 1982, is considered the most stable of the Grimaldi children, including brother Albert and younger sister Stephanie. Caroline still made headlines with various romantic relationships, including three difficult marriages, which resulted in four children. Caroline serves as Monaco's de facto first lady since her mother's death.

Scripture of the Day: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. - 1 Peter 1:23

Video of the Day: First Day Jitters

The mystery of the disappearing ducks in the pond behing my office was solved yesterday! Click to enlarge.

Rain! The rain has returned. It appears that it rained throughout the night and early morning. The rain is relatively light, but it is constant. It is a bit warmer than it was yesterday, however. It is a toasty 38 degrees currently, and the low during the night was 35 degrees--significantly warmer than yesterday's low of 31 degrees.

Laura attended the annual Employee Appreciation Dinner at Sierra Nevada last evening. She received an award commemorating five years with the company. It does not seem as if it has been five years already that she has worked there. Time seems to be passing more quickly of late. Yesterday, I renewed the registrations for Mr. Yaris and Mr. Nitro online. It has been nearly a year since we purchased these vehicles. In fact, the 5th of February will be one year for Mr. Nitro, and Mr. Yaris will celebrate his birthday two days prior to that.

Hot Air, Arf!, -and- Grand Theft Auto

Hot Air - father of climatology dismisses global warming
Arf! - rest homes for dogs
Grand Theft Auto - Honda Accord stolen twice in one day

On this day in history: June 18, 1996 - Ted Kaczynski is indicted on ten criminal counts. He is suspected of being the Unabomber, who perpetrated 16 bomb attacks on people involved in technology.

Born on this day in history: June 18, 1939 - Lou Brock (1939 - ____) baseball player. He held the all-time stolen-base record of 938 (1961-79) until 1991; elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 1985.

Today's Video: Marilyn Manson 15 Years Ago

Paris Hilton made a friend in jail. Her new friend is so enamored of Paris that she had her image inked onto her foot!

I am displeased to report that the SAVU Smoker Bag was an utter disappointment. While the pig butt cooked in it was incredibly juicy, tender, and delicious, it had no smoke flavor whatever and did not compare favorably with pig roasted on the grill. The six-pound pig butt cooked incredibly quickly—a mere two hours—and cleanup was quick and easy, but the results did not emulate barbecued pig in any way. I recommend the SAVU Smoker Bag as a means of quickly and easily cooking meats and vegetables with ease, but I cannot recommend the bag as an alternative to traditional barbecuing.

Paris at Tent City?, Headache!, -and- How Ironic!

Paris at Tent City? - Sheriff Joe Arpaio offers lodging
Headache! - bullet in woman's head for 64 years
How Ironic! - guy named "Stoner" busted for growing pot

On this day in history: May 15, 1997 - Federal prosecutors in the Unabomber trial file the necessary paperwork requesting the death penalty for Ted Kaczynski.

Born on this day in history: May 15, 1894 - Katherine Anne Porter (1894 - 1980) novelist, short-story writer. She was a master stylist of texture and complexity of character delineation; won Pulitzer, 1966, for her only full length novel "Ship of Fools."

Today's Video: Gallop Around the Bay III - 150+ Mustangs! - submitted by Frank

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

While on my way to the office this morning, I noticed this eye-catching plumber's truck. Click to enlarge.