Fighting Back, To Serve and Protect, -and- Never Too Old

Fighting Back - two crime victims kill their attackers
To Serve and Protect - confidential internal affairs report mistakenly put on Internet
Never Too Old - 56-year-old becomes first woman to swim Atlantic Ocean

On this day in history: February 9, 1989 - Officials for the World Wrestling Federation testify before the New Jersey Senate that their matches are actually rigged.

Born on this day in history: February 9, 1944 - Alice Walker (1944 - ) Born in Eatonton, GA, poet and novelist Alice Walker is best known for her novels, notably "The Color Purple" (1982), which won a Pulitzer and was made into a successful movie.

Scripture of the Day: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. - 1 John 4:16

Verizon Dead Zone Axe Guy
Video of the Day:

Imagine my surprise when I happened upon this unusual specimen while photographing birds near the lake behind my office! Click to enlarge.

Zeus' New Trick: Sunday morning, I arose at 4:45 AM. I quietly slithered from the bedroom, allowing Laura to continue sleeping. I turned on the light in the refrigerator door and toasted an English muffin. I turned on a lamp in the dining room, sat in my recliner, turned on my Microsoft wireless mouse, and pushed it across the mouse pad slightly, causing my HP notebook’s 17" LCD display to become active. I nibbled on the English muffin while solving the first of the three crossword puzzles I do each Sunday morning. (I solve five crossword puzzles each Monday; four each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; and three each Saturday.) Suddenly, the house fell into near darkness. Only the glow of the HP’s display pierced this darkness. "The florescent light bulb in the lamp must have expired," I thought. This did not surprise me, since it was approximately five years old.

I employed the X-10 remote to engage a lamp in the living room.

Imagine my surprise moments later, as I walked into the kitchen to make a cup of green tea with honey and noticed that the cord for the lamp in the dining room had been unplugged from the wall socket, with Zeus close beside, staring up at me for kudos of his handiwork!

If Zeus is capable of this, of what other devious deeds may he be capable? My mind is awhirl considering the possibilities!

Zeus will necessitate closer watching, I fear!

The Weekend: Friday afternoon, I boiled 17 chicken wings for 20 minutes, removed from the pan, allowed them to cool, and patted them dry with a paper towel. I placed the wings in a zip-seal bag and coated them with Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce. I sloshed the wings about in order to ensure they were fully coated with the hot sauce. I then poured in a quantity of barbecue sauce, sloshed the wings about, removed the excess air, sealed the bag, and placed it in the refrigerator. Saturday afternoon, tossed the wings onto the grill. Laura poured the sauce mixture that remained in the bag into a glass measuring cup and handed the cup and a brush to me. I grilled the chicken wings for 40 minutes—turning them and basting them with the sauce mixture every 10 minutes. Laura cooked OrIda curly fries in the conventional oven. It was a delightful meal.

Sunday morning, I put a spicy dry rub on a huge tri-tip, covered it with aluminum foil, and placed it in the refrigerator. Sunday evening, I made a salad with heart of Romaine, sliced white mushrooms, chopped green onions, and diced cluster tomatoes. I seasoned it with sea salt, ground black pepper, dried parsley, and sesame seeds. I dressed it with extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, and lime juice. I grilled the tri-tip until it was nicely charred on the outside and rare in the center—spraying it while it roasted with a mixture of 1/3 extra-virgin olive oil and 2/3 balsamic vinegar. It was a delicious meal. We intend to enjoy a redux this evening.

The weather was mild throughout the weekend. Just as I began grilling Sunday afternoon, the wind suddenly became fierce, and the rain began falling greatly! Yikes! I pulled the hood of my jacket over my head and sallied forth—determined that I would not be deterred from my appointed task!

Up in Smoke, What Stinks?, -and- Never Too Old

Up in Smoke - Kellogs to drop Olympian Phelps
What Stinks? - New York City solves syrup smell mystery
Never Too Old - 60-year-old Canadian woman gives birth to twins

On this day in history: February 6, 1951 - Radio personality Paul Harvey is arrested for trying to break into Argonne Atomic Lab.

Born on this day in history: February 6, 1911 - Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) Fortieth president of the United States, governor, actor. Born Ronald Wilson Reagan on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. Leading what was known as the Reagan Revolution, Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of conservatism in American politics when he became president of the United States in 1981. Perhaps as a precursor of things to come, he served as student body president in high school. He was also active in sports, such as football, and in drama.

After high school, Reagan attended Eureka College where he continued to participate in student government and theater. He graduated in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology. Working as a radio announcer and sportscaster for a time, Reagan made his way to Hollywood after securing a film contract with Warner Bros. in 1937. His first film, "Love is on the Air," was released later that year.

During his Hollywood years, Reagan made more than 50 films of varying quality. One of his best remembered roles was as George "The Gipper" Gipp in the sports drama "Knute Rockne All American" (1940). He also turned in strong performances in "Brother Rat" (1938) and "Dark Victory" (1939) with Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. Reagan earned his greatest kudos, however, for "Kings Row" (1942), in which he played a rich young man who loses it all, but later redeems himself.

In addition to a successful film career, Reagan's personal life was also thriving. He married actress Jane Wyman in 1940. The following year, the couple welcomed their first daughter Maureen. Four years later, they adopted son Michael. Their marriage, unfortunately, did not last. They divorced by the end of the decade.

During World War II, Reagan served in the Army Air Corps, making several training films for the military. Reagan was honorably discharged in 1945, having reached the rank of captain. In 1947, he was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild-a post he would hold several times during his career. He also testified in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee that same year. Initially a Democrat, Reagan became more conservative over the years. He also held strong anticommunist views and was a member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, an industry organization opposed to communism. Other members included actors John Wayne and Gary Cooper.

By the 1950s, Reagan's film career was in decline. One of his most famous films from this time was his co-starring role opposite a chimpanzee in the family comedy Bedtime for Bonzo (1951). Finding love again, Reagan married actress Nancy Davis in March of the following year. Their first daughter, Patricia, arrived that fall. The couple appeared on screen together in the war drama Hellcats of the Navy in 1957. Their son Ronald Prescott was born the next year.

In 1962, Reagan officially became a Republican and soon focused much of his time on politics. He ran for governor of California in 1966 and enjoyed the support of such stars as friend John Wayne. Taking office in 1967, Reagan soon announced his presidential ambitions. He failed in his 1968 bid for the Republican nomination, but he was reelected governor in 1970. One of his most notable acts was his effort to cut enrollment in the state's welfare program by signing the California Welfare Reform Act in 1971.

Undeterred by his earlier failure, Reagan pressed on in his quest for the highest office in the nation. He lost the 1976 Republican nomination to then-president Gerald Ford, but he was victorious in his efforts to represent his party in the 1980 election. Scoring a huge upset against Democratic president Jimmy Carter, Reagan took office in 1981.

Only months after becoming the country's commander in chief, Reagan shot by a would-be assassin on March 30. He was wounded, but later made a full recovery. In the interim, vice president George Bush briefly took over as president.

Reagan is remembered for advancing his conservative policies. He lobbied for increased defense spending, especially such programs as the so-called Star Wars missile defense system. His fervor over military expansion and arms development earned him the nickname "Ronnie Raygun" in some circles. In foreign affairs, Reagan remained true to his anticommunist views. He maintained a tense and sometimes adversarial relationship to the Soviet Union and other communist states.

On the domestic side, Reagan seemed to take a hands-off approach to improving the economy. He did work for tax cuts, but he sought to reduce the government spending by cutting social programs, which caused some uproar. He did, however, make history at home by appointing Sandra Day O'Connor as the female judge to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. No matter what happened, Reagan remained quite popular with most voters, easily winning re-election in 1984 against Walter Mondale.

After leaving office in 1989, Reagan maintained a busy schedule of events and other activities for a number of years before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He spent his final years in seclusion. On June 5, 2004, Reagan died in his Los Angeles home from pneumonia. He was given a national funeral in Washington, D.C. and later laid to rest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

Scripture of the Day: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. - 1 John 4:12

Video of the Day: Tribute to Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan. Click to enlarge.

Ronald Reagan:As you will most likely surmise, Ronald Reagan is my favorite President. His moral values and conservative positions mirror my own. No other American President has ever embodied the spirit of pride and faith in this country and its citizenry. In fact, none have ever come close to doing so.

Sleep: I generally retire of an evening at 11 PM or shortly thereafter. Last evening, Laura declared herself to be most tired and expressed the desire to go abed at 9 PM. She cautioned me that it would be far too early for me to repose, yet—albeit in full agreement with her caution—I retired at that hour. I awakened at 3:45 AM and knew that more sleep would be difficult and would, most likely, result in prolonged lethargy. I arose, performed toilet, brewed a large mug of green tea with honey, toasted two blueberry waffles, nestled into my recliner, pulled my HP notebook to me (It resides upon a wheeled notebook table.), and began my day. At a time when the sun rises earlier and the weather is more seemly, I would have journeyed to my office to begin my day. With the wind howling, the temperature low, and the sky dark, I did not feel an invitation to do so. Three hours later, Laura was astir, the cats were beginning their day of frolicking, and daylight was beginning to pierce the darkness. I clutched the large bag that holds my Nikon camera gear and drove to my office. Here I am. It appears that today shall be a day most pluvial.

Pricey Pasta, Heat of the Moment, -and- Never Too Old

Pricey Pasta - bitter wife allegedly used $1000 bottle of wine to make sauce
Heat of the Moment - climate scientists say 2008 coolest year of decade
Never Too Old - 70-year-old woman gives birth

On this day in history: December 8, 1980 - Beatle John Lennon shot by a lunatic, Mark David Chapman, outside Lennon's apartment in New York City mere hours after receiving the Beatle's autograph.

Born on this day in history: December 8, 1943 - Jim Morrison (1943–71) Born in Melbourne, Florida, rock musician Jim Morrison and keyboard player Ray Manzerek formed rock band, The Doors (1965). With songs like "Light My Fire" (1967), the group hit it big in the 1960s. A controversial figure, Morrison died of a heart attack in Paris

Scripture of the Day: I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. — Luke 12:8

Video of the Day: Fat Cat Watching TV, Sitting on the Couch - submitted by Cindy

Skateboarders honing their skills. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

The fog returned over the weekend; but thankfully, it did not visit us today. It was cold all weekend—although it did not freeze. Temperatures were below 40° Saturday and Sunday morning. Reader Chris made me feel warmer when he spoke in an email communication of the snow and freezing weather he is experiencing in Michigan. I was reminded of one of the several reasons I live in California.

I took a walking tour of our yard Saturday morning—searching for creatures of which to make photographic studies. It was too cold, however: All the creatures were apparently sheltered.

Friday evening, we enjoyed huge baked Burbank Russet potatoes (a large brown-skinned, white-fleshed cultivar of potato), topped with cheddar cheese, chili, chopped white onion, and diced Jalapeños. They were excellent.

Saturday afternoon, I grilled three large T-bone steaks. Laura dry-rubbed them wonderfully with a variety of herbs and spices. I grilled them over a high flame—charring the exteriors, while leaving the centers rare. I baked two large Burbank Russet potatoes and finished them on the grill. That morning, I made slaw with sliced cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, and rice wine vinegar. The meal was a delight, and the third T-bone remains for a future meal.

Sunday evening, we attended a Christmas party at the home of pastors Mike and Stephanie Sharp of Harvest Christian Center. The party was hosted by the Sharps for the leadership staff and department heads and coordinators. The party was wonderful. The Sharps are generous and gracious hosts.

To Serve and Protect, Never Too Old, -and- Bright Red Lights Big City

To Serve and Protect - cop tasers teen for fun at party
Never Too Old - 76-year-old NYC pickpocket arrested for 73rd time
Bright Red Lights Big City - San Francisco weighs decriminalizing prostitution

On this day in history: October 22, 1976 - Red dye #4 is banned by the US Food and Drug Administration, because it causes tumors in the bladders of dogs. The dye is still used in Canada.

Born on this day in history: October 22, 1942 - Annette Funicello (1942-) Born in Utica, New York, actress Annette Funicello is best known for her roles in the "Mickey Mouse Club" and 1960s teenage beach movies.

Scripture of the Day: "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." — Matthew 10:22

Video of the Day: Johnny Cash - I Am the Nation

Ah, now I understand! Click to enlarge.

I watched "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" on Netflix here at my office yesterday. [Hosted by Ben Stein, this controversial documentary examines how pro-intelligent design scholars and scientists are often chastised, fired or denied tenured positions by those who believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. Nathan Frankowski's film explores how scientists who believe in God are oppressed and how the acceptance of evolution may have played a role in the formation of organizations such as the Nazi regime and Planned Parenthood.] I highly recommend this movie to everyone.

Matters of Life and Death, Never Too Old, -and- Animal Kingdom

Matters of Life and Death - YouTube censors criticism of Planned Parenthood
Never Too Old - woman gets first driver's license—at 73
Animal Kingdom - cat survives 70-mile trip under owner's car

On this day in history: September 3, 1971 - The office of Daniel Ellsberg's Beverly Hills psychiatrist is burglarized by Nixon's plumbers, led by CIA operative E. Howard Hunt. Watergate investigators later uncover a memo about the burglary addressed to White House domestic affairs adviser John Ehrlichman, predating the actual crime.

Born on this day in history: September 3, 1965 - Charlie Sheen (1965-) Born Carlos Irwin Estevez in New York City, son of Martin Sheen (Ramon Estevez), actor Charlie Sheen got his break in "Platoon" (1986). Notorious for battles with drugs and alcohol, Sheen was star witness in the Heidi Fleiss Hollywood madam trial in 1995. He currently stars in the hit sitcom "Two and Half Men."

Scripture of the Day: "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." - John 9:3

Video of the Day: Hands Free: It's the Law in California - submitted by Jeffrey

Sarah Palin - the next vice president of the United States! Click to enlarge.

The Elderly Man

An elderly man suffered a massive heart attack. The family drove wildly to get him to the emergency room.

After what seemed like a very long wait, the E.R. Doctor appeared, wearing his scrubs. He said, "I'm afraid he is brain-dead, but his heart is still beating."

"Oh, Dear God," cried his wife, her hands clasped against her cheeks with shock.

"We've never had a Democrat in the family before."

To Serve and Protect, You Are Getting Very Sleepy, -and- Never Too Old

To Serve and Protect - cop admits to drinking 18 beers, going on duty
You Are Getting Very Sleepy - bandit hypnotizing cashiers, bank tellers
Never Too Old - 93-year-old charged in sex sting

On this day in history: March 25, 1967 - As part of Operation Green Mist, the U.S. Army detonates explosive warheads containing the deadly sarin nerve agent at Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve on the big island of Hawaii. The open-air tests are kept secret for more than thirty years.

Born on this day in history: March 25, 1934 - Gloria Steinem (1934– ) Born in Toledo, OH, feminist and writer Gloria Steinem began as a journalist, attracting attention with an article, "I Was a Playboy Bunny," based on undercover work. In 1971, she joined other feminists in forming the National Women's Political Caucus, and took the lead in launching Ms magazine (1972). Steinem has been working for social reform ever since.

Scripture of the Day: He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." - Daniel 3:25

Video of the Day: Kung Fu - submitted by Cindy

Can you hear me now? Click to enlarge.

I intended to sauté Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts with mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion last evening. Laura decried this notion, crying out for the chicken breasts to be grilled. I sprayed the chicken breasts with olive oil Pam and seasoned liberally with Tony Chachere's More Spice. I grilled them on the indoor grill for 10 minutes per side. I made a casserole of sliced white onion, sliced yellow squash, sliced red potatoes, and a head of whole, peeled garlic cloves. I seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper and baked in the microwave. It was a delightful meal. The grilled chicken was delicious. I was pleased that Laura requested that it be grilled. It was charred nicely on the exterior and moist and tender throughout.