To Serve and Protect, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Ranch of Dark Shadows

To Serve and Protect - drunk cop asleep at wheel of patrol car
The Kids Are Alright - 11-year-old boy steered bus to avoid semi
Ranch of Dark Shadows - Texas cult accused of marrying pubescent girls

On this day in history: April 9, 1992 - Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering by a federal court in Miami.

Born on this day in history: April 9, 1933 - Jean-Paul Belmondo (1933– ) Actor, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, NC France. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, took part in provincial tours, and appeared in several films, but it was the film "A Bout de Souffle" (1959, "Breathless") which made him famous. Later films include "Le Voleur" (1967, "The Thief"), "Hold Up" (1985), "Peut-Être" (1999, "Perhaps"), and "Amazone" (2000).

Scripture of the Day: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:9

Video of the Day: McCain Girls: Raining McCain - submitted by Amber

I took the long way to my office this morning and encountered this scene!
Click to enlarge.

Warm weather is coming! Today is forecast to be 72 degrees; Thursday is forecast to be 81 degrees; Friday is forecast to be 83 degrees; and Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be in the high 80s! YES!

For dinner last evening, I employed the remains of a large beef roast and the attendant juices from Sunday's dinner. I shredded the roast and simmered for two hours with two heads of peeled garlic cloves, a large sliced white onion, two large sliced Jalapeño peppers, three stalks of sliced celery, four large sliced white mushrooms, three cups of baby spinach leaves, a can of beef consommé, a half cup of Almaden Cabernet Sauvignon, two cups of brown rice, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, sea salt, and ground cumin. It was delicious, and a great quantity remains for a future meal.

Cash or Charge?, Crime and Punishment, -and- I Spy

Cash or Charge? - doomsday cult says credit cards satanic
Crime and Punishment - hoax caller jailed for four years
I Spy - CIA enlists Google's help

On this day in history: April 1, 1996 - Wilson Pickett arrested for possession of cocaine, after a screaming, bloodied woman is seen running from his house.

Born on this day in history: April 1, 1932 - Debbie Reynolds (1932-) Born Mary Frances Reynolds in El Paso, TX, actress Debbie Reynolds gained notice in musical "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), and is best known for "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), opposite Gene Kelly. In 1964, she won an Oscar for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." In later years, Reynolds has split her time among stage, screen and TV appearances.

Scripture of the Day: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1

Video of the Day: A Bad Cat Day - submitted by Laura

What a difference the wind makes! My first thought when exiting our home this morning was that it was significantly warmer than yesterday morning. I quickly realized that it merely appeared to be warmer, because there was no wind! The strong wind that has plagued us for many days has abated—hopefully, for a long while! The weather forecasts have changed: Rain had been predicted for Wednesday. Now, the forecast is for sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. This sounds considerably better!

For dinner last evening, we had penne with Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. I cooked a box of Barilla penne until al dente, drained, and set aside. I sliced white onion, red bell pepper, eight white mushrooms, a head of peeled garlic, and grilled Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. Laura seasoned this with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil. When this was cooked, she added the penne, turned the burner to medium-low, and stirred several times. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno Parmesan cheese. It was delightful. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.