Death by Chocolate, Grave Injustice, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Death by Chocolate - worker dies after falling into vat
Grave Injustice - manager, three gravediggers move bodies to resell plots
Homeland Insecurity - State Department under cyber attack for fourth day

On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.

Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) Born in Richmond, Virginia, tennis player Arthur Ashe was the first African-American to win the U.S. national singles and open championships (1968) and the first black professional to play in apartheid South Africa (1973). Ashe became a spokesman for AIDS education after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion.

Scripture of the Day: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. — Philippians 4:11

Video of the Day: Evian Roller Babies - submitted by Frank

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

The New Grill

Reader Will appeared shortly following the delivery of the new grill. The box containing the new grill was enormous. When Will assured me it would fit into his Ford pickup, I was incredulous. However, it fit nicely! We unloaded it onto the sidewalk in front of the house wherein Laura and I reside. That afternoon, I removed the cardboard encasing the new grill. I then wrestled (and I do mean wrestled!) the new grill from its perch within a plastic carrier. I placed the flavorizer® bars and cooking grates. I installed the inner rack. That was as far as I could go, since I could find no screwdriver with which to attach the side burner and work table. This afternoon, I shall attach these items, and the new grill will be ready for use!

Perhaps I have been playing Zombieville USA too much!

I dreamed of zombies last evening. They were the zombies of the game. They was a great infestation of them upon the city. It was not nearly as enjoyable killing zombies in my dream as it is in the game. The zombies in my dream looked like the zombies in the game, but they were much more aggressive and more difficult to kill. I much prefer the game. Perhaps, however, this dream is a sign that I should play another game for a time.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road, Homeland Insecurity, -and- Lost!

Keep Your Eyes on the Road! - bus driver caught texting while driving
Homeland Insecurity - sensitive data missing from National Archives
Lost! - GPS system could fail next year report warns

On this day in history: May 20, 1960 - Music DJ Alan Freed, originator of the term "Rock and Roll," is indicted in New York in the Payola scandal. Freed had accepted $30,650 from five record companies to play their records, although to be fair "pay for play" was the accepted practice up to that point.

Born on this day in history: May 20, 1946 - Cher (1946 - ) Born Cherilyn La Piere Sarkisian in El Centro, CA, singer and actress Cher originally paired in a singing act with then-husband Salvatore "Sonny" Bono (1935-98), and was known for rock anthem "I Got You Babe" (1965). Cher found greater success on her own, as a singer and a stage and film actress, winning an Academy Award for "Moonstruck" (1987).

Scripture of the Day: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21

Video of the Day: Fast New Shelby Mustang GT-500 Full Test - submitted by Darin

Laura's Journey Ends

NOTE: I have added several new photographs from Laura's journey to the blog entries for the previous three days! Be certain to re-visit those entries!

Laura getting ready to board the airplane in LA to return to Sacramento

Inside the airplane on the return trip from LA to Sacramento

Crime and Punishment, Burning Down the House, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Crime and Punishment - PA judges accused of jailing kids for cash
Burning Down the House - 19-year-old woman who sang about blaze charged with 7 arsons
Homeland Insecurity - 67 computers missing from Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory

On this day in history: February 12, 1976 - Actor Sal Mineo killed in the carport of his West Hollywood home. There were rumors of a gay crime of passion but in 1979 it turned out to be a routine mugger who stabbed him for his money.

Born on this day in history: February 12, 1809 - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865) Born near Hodgenville, KY, 16th President Abe Lincoln (1861-5) was the first president elected from the anti-slavery Republican Party in 1860, which led Southern states to form the Confederacy. In the civil war that followed, the inexperienced Lincoln proved an extraordinary leader and eloquent public speaker in such addresses as the Gettysburg Address (1863). Lincoln preserved the Union during the American Civil War and brought about the emancipation of the slaves. He was assassinated by Southern fanatic John Wilkes Booth.

Scripture of the Day: We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

Video of the Day: Happy Valentine's Day 2009!

Happy Valentine's Day! Click to enlarge.

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th-century America was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States.

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend in average twice as much money as women.

Homeland Security, Homeand Insecurity, -and- Brave New Schools

Homeland Security - clown finds airport security no laughing matter
Homeland Insecurity - guilty verdicts in Fort Dix attack plot trial
Brave New Schools - bus driver accused of pulling knife on students over cookie crumbs

On this day in history: December 23, 1995 - Bodies of 16 members of the Solar Temple cult who had committed suicide are found on a plateau in the French Alps. Their bodies are charred and arranged in a star formation. Causes of death included stabbing, asphyxiation, gunshot, and poisoning. In 1994, 53 other members had suicided in similar fashion.

Born on this day in history: December 23, 1948 - Susan Lucci (1948-) Born in Scarsdale, New York, actress Susan Lucci won the part of Erica Kane on daytime soap opera "All My Children" when she was 21, and has portrayed Erica for 30 years. Lucci became famous for 18 Daytime Emmy Award nominations before finally winning in 1999.

Scripture of the Day: Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. - Luke 12:23

Video of the Day: Police vs. Street Racer

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

When I arrived home yesterday afternoon at 4 PM, I put away the goods I had purchased at the market and perched in my recliner with my laptop and sent Laura an email. I told her the weather report was predicting a rain storm that night and that she should park in the front of our house to avoid the dismal walkway that would result from such a rain. She parked in the carport at the rear of our house. It is good that she did! It was damp last night, yet there was no rain. It was, however, sufficiently cold that all was covered with a chitinous carapace of rime! Mr. Nitro was fully encased in ice. By parking in the carport, Laura's Yaris was saved this cryogenic fate.

Homeland Insecurity, Slither, -and- Global Cooling

Homeland Insecurity - video shows terror training in Pocono Mountains
Slither - latest massage technique uses snakes
Global Cooling - cyclists brave freezing-cold weather to promote global-warming awareness

On this day in history: October 23, 1995 - The murderer of the popstar singer Selena, and president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, found guilty in Houston of her slaying.

Born on this day in history: October 23, 1925 - Johnny Carson (1925–2005 )
Born in Corning, Iowa, and raised in Nebraska, comedian and talk show host Johnny Carson first hosted TV quiz show "Who Do You Trust?" (1958?63). As host of the "Tonight Show," 1962?92, Carson leveraged his midwestern innocence and cosmopolitan wit into a 30-year run. Upon retiring, he was regarded as almost a national institution.

Scripture of the Day: "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. — 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Video of the Day: Komodo Dragons - submitted by Cap'n Jack

Southern Sheriff Pulls Over Obama Campaign Bus For Broken Taillight! Click to enlarge.

Sometimes I talk in my sleep. This morning, at 5:20 AM, I was talking in my sleep so loudly that I awakened myself. I was dreaming; and in my dream, I was recounting the story of an event that took place in my life many years prior. I was telling this story with such excitement and animation that I awakened myself.

Oh, well: It was time to arise!

Fighting Back, Homeland Insecurity, -and- Garbage Police

Fighting Back - man kills 1 of 3 armed intruders
Homeland Insecurity - Hawaii man accused of helping China design missile
Garbage Police - San Francisco mayor proposes $1,000 fine for not sorting trash

On this day in history: August 4, 1994 - Howard Stern withdraws his candidacy for governor of New York, ostensibly to avoid complying with the financial disclosure laws.

Born on this day in history: August 4, 1901 - Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) Born in New Orleans, jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong began playing with local bands and on riverboats. In 1947, he formed the All Stars, a Dixieland-style sextet. Armstrong appeared in over 50 films, and had many hit recordings, including "Mack the Knife" and "Hello Dolly!" His autobiography, "Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans," was published in 1954.

Scripture of the Day: Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. - Acts 8:4

Video of the Day: "Vanishing Point 2008"

My dreams are often strange. This morning's dream—following a return to sleep after a bathroom visit—easily qualifies as one of the strangest. I found myself on the stage of an outdoor amphitheatre. The stage had a full compliment of guitars, amplifiers, speaker boxes, microphones, keyboards, and drums. I was standing in the center of the stage, near the front. I was holding the Samick Stratocaster I recently purchased. The guitar strap hung across my chest and over my shoulder. One end of the Monster Cable was plugged into the guitar, and the other end of the 25' cable was plugged into the Crate amplifier I recently purchased.

(I find it interesting that elements of reality are often integrated into dreams.)

Musicians began taking their positions on the stage, and a great wave of people began filling the large open area facing the stage. Soon, the musicians were all in place and had completed the tuning ritual. All looked to me for a sign.

Suddenly, without hesitation or consideration, I began to play and sing a medley of rock anthems from the 1960s. It was a very young crowd—late teens and early 20s. As they moved to the music and mouthed the lyrics, they began aging noticeably! Gradually, with each song, they progressively aged.

The dream ended, and I awakened. It was not an unpleasant dream. In fact, I was smiling when I awakened. It was, however, a very strange dream.

Animal Kingdom, Unusual Punishment, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Animal Kingdom - Spokane monkey goes wild, bites three
Unusual Punishment - prisoners get LCD TVs, mountain views
Homeland Insecurity - deal soon on eavesdropping law

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: You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? - 1 Corinthians 3:3

Video of the Day: Need a new flashlight? - submitted by Frank

"I put a spell on you!" BEWARE! Do not fall under his thrall! Click to enlarge.

Hillary is fighting the spell! Click to enlarge.

The weather was beautiful over the weekend—sunny and warm. Yesterday morning, there was an unwelcome wind, but it did not last long. This morning, the sun continues to shine, the sky is blue, there is no wind, and birds are singing loudly.

One of my brothers came to dinner last evening. I made a marinade (extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and ground black pepper) Saturday. Laura placed 7 large Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag, covered with the marinade, and placed in the refrigerator. She turned the chicken over several times throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Laura sings with the worship group at Harvest Christian Center every other month, and this is one of the months she sings. We went to church separately yesterday, and I departed following the early service. I produced a pasta salad with Barilla large shells (cooked al denté, of course), garbanzo beans, kidney beans, sweet peas, sliced red onion, sliced celery, grape tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, Tony Chachere's More Spice, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, lime juice, mayonnaise, and wasabi paste.

Laura grilled the chicken perfectly (nice char marks on the outside and moist throughout). I made a quantity of toasted garlic bread. The meal was delightful. Laura had Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, my brother had Almaden Chardonnay, and I had Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale.

Following dinner, we watched "Next." [Las Vegas magician Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) can see a few minutes into the future, an ability he uses to enhance his shows -- and to win at blackjack. But when FBI counterterror agent (Julianne Moore) wants his help in thwarting a nuclear attack on Los Angeles, Cris finds his psychic skills put to the ultimate test. Based on Philip K. Dick's short story "The Golden Man," this sci-fi thriller co-stars Jessica Biel and Peter Falk.] The movie had excellent special effects, was well-produced, well-acted, and entertaining. I highly recommend it.

Trapped, Heat of the Moment, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Trapped! - 89-year-old woman uses axe to get back inside
Heat of the Moment - Harvard astrophysicist says global warming caused by sun
Homeland Insecurity - NYPD warns of chlorine terror risk

On this day in history: February 14, 1929 - The Capone gang kills six members of the "Bugs" Moran gang and one other person at the S.M.C. Cartage company in Chicago, in an event known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Bogus police officers were used so that it appeared to be a routine police bust. Except for all the bodies.

Born on this day in history: February 14, 1942 - Michael Bloomberg (1942-) Businessman, politician. Born Michael Rubens Bloomberg on February 14, 1942 in Medford, Massachusetts. In 2002, Bloomberg entered the political arena when he became the 108th mayor of New York.

Scripture of the Day: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. - Habakkuk 2:14

Video of the Day: My Valentine - Martina McBride

Yikes! Certainly no caption is necessary! Click to enlarge.

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day—and its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men—his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl—who may have been his jailer's daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It is no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Brave New Schools, Never Too Old, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Brave New Schools - teacher roughs up special-ed student, resigns
Never Too Old - 109-year-old woman gets first passport
Homeland Insecurity - official sneaks fake bomb past TIA security

On this day in history: January 29, 1919 - Prohibition begins, and with it the rise of organized crime.

Born on this day in history: January 29, 1885 - Huddie William Ledbetter (Leadbelly) (1885-1949) Musician, born near Morringsport, Louisiana, USA. A legendary singer and guitarist, he was raised near Shreveport, LA, worked on farms in Texas, and began performing in Dallas, TX as a protégé of Blind Lemon Jefferson in the 1910s. (Leadbelly got his nickname because of his deep bass voice.) In 1917 he was sentenced to prison on a murder conviction; eight years later he literally sang a plea of mercy to the Texas governor and was pardoned. In 1930 he was sentenced to 10 years for wounding a group of men with a knife, and in 1934 he composed a song for the Louisiana governor. With the intervention of the folklorists John and Alan Lomax, he won a reprieve in 1935. Over the next year, he travelled with John Lomax and recorded hundreds of songs that formed a cornerstone of the Library of Congress folklore archives. In 1938 he moved permanently to New York City where he recorded for Columbia Records and became a celebrated figure in literary and political circles. His best-known songs include "Irene, Good Night," "Rock Island Line," and "Midnight Special."

Scripture of the Day: Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes." - Deuteronomy 1:29-30

Video of the Day: Subaru DC Mountain Lab 1.5 - submitted by Frank

Here is a crop of an available-light photograph of my cat, Zeus, taken with my new Nikon D3 DSLR. This lens was a Nikkor 24-120mm at 120mm. Click to enlarge.

No frost today! It is not warmer today; it is drier, however, and there was no frost on Mr. Nitro's windshield this morning. The frost has a great psychological effect—making it seem much colder than it is. The lack of frost has the opposite effect.

Laura and I always vote using absentee ballots. I have completed my ballot, and Laura shall complete hers this evening. They shall go out in tomorrow's mail.

For dinner last evening, I grilled chicken breasts and steamed cauliflower. I dry-rubbed four large Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts with Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning and ground black pepper. I sprayed the chicken breasts with olive oil Pam and placed (sprayed-side down) on the indoor grill. I covered the chicken breasts with a tent of aluminum foil. After ten minutes, I sprayed the tops of the chicken breasts and turned them. I repeated this procedure twice. I separated the florets from a head of cauliflower, placed in a covered casserole dish, and seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning. I placed two tablespoons of water in the bottom of the casserole dish and cooked the cauliflower on high for three minutes in the microwave. Laura declared it was the most delicious food that had emerged from the indoor grill to date. It was delightful. The two leftover chicken breasts shall be shredded and used to make burritos Thursday.

Blast Off!, Homeland Insecurity, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Blast Off! - rocket at museum found to be live
Homeland Insecurity - loaded gun slips through airport security
Somebody's Watching You - AT&T looking at Internet filtering

On this day in history: January 24, 1986 - Crackpot and founder of the fraudulent Scientology movement, L. Ron Hubbard dies. His bad science fiction writing has grown alarmingly prolific in the years since his death.

Born on this day in history: January 24, 1949 - John Belushi (1949–82) Born in Chicago, IL, comedian John Belushi appeared with the Second City comedy troop in the 1970s, and gained fame on "Saturday Night Live" (1974–9). He died of a drug overdose in California.

Scripture of the Day: To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. - Jude 1:24-25/

Video of the Day: Dog vs. Balloons - submitted by Darin

The rain continues! While it was dry (albeit cold, gloomy, and windy) most of the day yesterday, it began raining late last night and continues now. While it is a light rain, it is constant, and the ground is becoming saturated. Puddles abound, and the water levels in local creeks and streams are rising. Rain is forecast for the next several days.

I am daily marking off the days on my Nikon World calendar, waiting impatiently for March 20—the first day of spring!

During Bible college class last evening, we were instructed to choose a partner—someone we did not know well—and ask each other three questions. This was an interesting and informative exchange. Interestingly, the answer to the first question, "What is something that the congregation does not know about you?" was the same for me and my partner: "I am very sensitive."