Stupid Criminals, Reserve Not Met, -and- GI Jane

Stupid Criminals - man tries to pay McDonald's cashier with marijuana
Reserve Not Met - Bigfoot hoax body for sale on eBay
GI Jane - Obama believes women should register for draft

On this day in history: October 14, 1943 - An estimated 200 inmates of Sobibor escape the Polish extermination camp after killing 11 SS guards in an uprising. 52 of the fugitives manage to survive. The Nazis close the facility shortly thereafter.

Born on this day in history: October 14, 1978 - Usher Raymond (1978-) Born Usher Raymond IV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, singer-songwriter Usher began singing gospel at 6. His 1994 debut album, produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, was an instant success. Usher is now one of the most recognizable faces in R&B, thanks to sponsorship deals and feature film appearances.

Scripture of the Day: To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. — Deuteronomy 10:14

Video of the Day:
Boston Legal: Dances with Wolves - submitted by Frank

Is "Dreams from My Father" the work of Bill Ayers? Click to enlarge.

The Wind Has Abated! The fierce wind that has plagued us for nearly a week appears to have abated! It is forecast to be in the low-to-mid 80s through the balance of the week. Without the wind, it shall be fine weather indeed. Friday is CUHS Homecoming. The Homecoming parade shall begin at 3 PM and pass by my office. I shall photograph this event and produce a slide show from select images. I shall alert readers when this slide show is available for viewing.

Tax Dollars at Work, What Am I Bid?, -and- Sleeping with the Enemy

Tax Dollars at Work - sex offenders receive financial aid
What Am I Bid? - man auctions entire life on eBay
Sleeping with the Enemy - Switzerland to sign huge gas deal with Iran

On this day in history: February 18, 1980 - A significant percentage of the Soviet space program's scientists are killed when a Vostok rocket explodes on the launch pad. Fifty people die at the Plesetsk Space Center.

Born on this day in history: February 18, 1970 - Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) (1970-) Born Dana Owens in Newark, N.J., rapper, record producer and actress Queen Latifah issued her first album in 1989, "All Hail to the Queen," which sold over one million copies. In 1991, she became CEO of her own record company, and went on to star in films like "The Bone Collector" (1999), with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie, and in "Chicago" (2002).

Scripture of the Day: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

Video of the Day: Nolia 888 Concept Phone - submitted by Amber

The "Hero of Chappaquiddick" speaks on why he supports amnesty for those sneaking across the Rio Grande. This just may be the quote of the century!! Click to enlarge.

We had intended to grill steaks for dinner last evening. Yesterday was a "normal day" on our food calendar, and Laura said she hungered for a steak. I stopped at Sav-Mor Foods on the way home and bought two huge, thick top sirloin steaks.

When Laura arrived at home, prior to attending worship practice at Harvest Christian Center, she said that she had an upset stomach. I suggested we wait until the following evening to grill the steaks—switching the two days on the food calendar. She agreed.

I produced a marinade from extra-virgin olive oil, Cabernet Sauvignon, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and Tony Chachere's More Spice. I placed the steaks in a large zip-lock bag, added the marinade, and placed the bag in the refrigerator. The steaks shall be tossed upon the grill this evening—along with Jalapeños, large white mushrooms, a quartered red bell pepper, and halved red potatoes. It shall be a tasty meal!

Seller Beware, Semper Fi, -and- Never Too Young

Seller Beware - woman faces $10 million fine for eBay business
Semper Fi - Berkeley gives Marines the boot
Never Too Young - West Virginia considers hunter training in schools

On this day in history: February 1, 1964 - Governor Matthew Welsh of Indiana declares "Louie, Louie" as recorded by The Kingsmen (originally by Richard Berry & The Pharaohs) "pornographic." And while the FCC couldn't figure out the lyrics, the governor's move backfires by making the song one of the most covered titles in existence.

Born on this day in history: February 1, 1968 - Lisa Marie Presley (1968-) Born in Memphis, TN, daughter of Elvis Presley, singer Lisa Marie Presley was sole heir and inherited Graceland, the King of Rock’s legendary estate. She has been married and divorced three times, including to superstar Michael Jackson. Presley now pursues a singing career, and debuted her first album in 2003.

Scripture of the Day: My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. - 1 John 2:1-2

Video of the Day: Pancakes II - submitted by Amber

It is dry today! It was foggy earlier this morning, but the only moisture on the ground is from the fog. Hopefully, today will be dry. Yesterday, the rain and wind were relentless. Laura reported that the power went off in Chico yesterday. Sierra Nevada, where she works, has its own power, so the company was not affected by the outage. Many others in Chico remained without power for extended periods. Some still are without power. We did not suffer any outages here in Corning. Hopefully this respite from the storm will last through the weekend.

For dinner last evening, we had chicken fajitas. I made a quantity of guacamole, with two large avocados and salsa. I sliced a large white onion, 16 garlic cloves, a large red bell pepper, two large Jalapeño peppers, and two grilled chicken breasts. Laura sautéed the vegetables in extra-virgin olive oil and seasoned them with Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning and ground black pepper. When they were cooked but still crisp, she added the chicken, stirred, covered, and removed from the heat. She warmed flour tortillas, and we dined. It was delightful. We ate it all!