The Fats of Life, Soup's On, -and- Best Foot Forward

The Fats of Life - ballpark to sell 4800-calorie burger
Soup's On - Spanish police seize 42-piece dinnerware set made entirely of cocaine
Best Foot Forward - Chuck Norris to receive humanitarian award

On this day in history: March 26, 1830 - Joseph Smith publishes The Book of Mormon, after translating it from golden plates turned over by the angel Moroni. Smith maintained that the text contained in the tablets were written in "Reformed Egyptian" which he read by means of two magic stones from the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim.

Born on this day in history: March 26, 1948 - Steven Tyler (1948- ) Born Steven Tallarico in Yonkers, NY, musician Steve Tyler and Joe Perry founded rock band Aerosmith in the 1970s, which is still popular today.

Scripture of the Day: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:16-17

Video of the Day: Hugs with Lions - submitted by Cindy

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

iPhones Our 16GB iPhone 3G shipment arrived yesterday. I charged the iPhones and activated them. We kept our previous mobile telephone numbers. AT&T performed the transfer of the numbers from Verizon. It was a simple process activating Laura's iPhone. Within only two or three minutes of calling the AT&T activation center on my office land line, Laura's iPhone was activated. My iPhone, however, was another story altogether: Initially, the AT&T activation representative was unable to find my iPhone in the system. She transferred my call to another representative—one that would, she assured me, be able to resolve the issue and activate my iPhone. The second representative, however, was equally unable to assist me and said she would transfer my call to the "automated activation system." That concerned me, since I wondered how an automated system could perform a task that live support staff had been unable to accomplish. Nonetheless, I thanked the representative and proceeded to input the information when requested by the automated activation system. Once this was accomplished, I was told to turn off the iPhone, wait five minutes, and the iPhone would be activated. I waited twenty minutes. The iPhone still displayed, "No Service." I called the AT&T activation center again and somehow managed to get the same representative who initially took my call. She apologized and said that she now saw the iPhone in the system. She said, however, that since the automated activation had failed, it would be necessary to remove the SIM card and reinsert it. I did so, and the balance of the activation went smoothly.

In a word, the iPhone is incredible. While I have a good deal of acclimation ahead of me, I quickly learned the basic functions of the iPhone (There is no manual supplied. There is a manual available online, however.) I sent and received telephone calls and emails—using the Contacts that were stored in the iPhone following syncing it with my main office computer's Outlook 2007 Contacts. I took a few photographs and marveled at the quality and low-light capabilities of the iPhone's camera.

I added Corning, CA, to the Weather application. Up-to-the-minute weather is presented for whatever city one adds. New York, NY, and Cupertino, CA, are the default cities.

I toyed with Maps—quickly obtaining Google-based driving instructions from my home to my office. Maps uses GPS technology to determine the current location of the iPhone.

I installed Bible—a truly impressive, FREE application that contains a dizzying compendium of translations—including all the popular versions, along with such niche translations as Conversational Japanese!

I installed Spell Check. This is an excellent application that spell-checks as one types, offers suggestions, and links to Google for more information on a typed word. This is a FREE application.

Our iPhones will replace our HP iPAQ hx2795 PDAs and our Motorola RAZR cell phones. Soon, I shall discontinue land line service for our home.

I must go. Mr. iPhone is calling out to me!

The Fats of Life, I Spy, -and- Life Imitates Art

The Fats of Life - man sheds 140 pounds to join Marines
I Spy - San Francisco artist to replace eye with Web cam
Life Imitates Art - Crime novelist attacked while jogging, in scene similar to book

On this day in history: October 18, 1997 - Gary Glitter arrested in Britain on a child porn charge. Glitter had brought his computer in for repair, where contraband images were discovered.

Born on this day in history: October 18, 1968 - Owen Wilson (1968-) Born in Dallas, Texas, actor and writer Owen Wilson is known for his subdued comedic personas, and made his first feature in 1993. He went on to co-write film comedies and appear in big budget films, often with actor Ben Stiller.

Scripture of the Day: When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." — Acts 11:18

Video of the Day: Animated Aurora Borealis, from Orbit - submitted by Cap'n Jack

This is a panorama created from six photographs taken at last month's Harvest Festival. Click to enlarge.

If you enjoy panoramas, you will wish to download the free Microsoft application, Windows Live Photo Gallery. This application makes creating perfect panoramas easy! Get it now from Microsoft

Spring-like weather! The beautiful weather continues. It was in the upper 70s yesterday and is forecast to be in the low-to-mid 70s today. This Saturday, the annual Corning Hometown Christmas will take place. There will be food, craft, and entertainment throughout the day and a lighted parade at 5:30 PM.

The Fats of Life, Man's Best Friend, -and- Burp!

The Fats of Life - woman sheds 110 pounds to join Army
Man's Best Friend - man punches shark, saves his dog
Burp! - Utah bans alcoholic malt beverages

On this day in history: October 1, 1993 - Richard Allen Davis kidnaps Polly Klaas during a slumber party in her Petaluma, California home and later murders the 12-year-old. The horrific ordeal transforms her father, Mark Klaas, into a major media figure.

Born on this day in history: October 1, 1903 - Vladimir Horowitz Biography (1903 - 1989) Russian pianist. He attended the Kiev Conservatory and made his debut in 1921. His stunning technique gained him a large international reputation, and he became an inveterate touring performer, giving 100 concerts a year in the U.S. alone. In 1933 he married Arturo Toscanini's daughter, Wanda. Always susceptible to nervous strain, in 1953 he decided to quit public performance; his return to the concert stage in 1965 was attended by great publicity. He favoured the works of Romantics such as Robert Schumann, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and his friend Sergey Rachmaninoff. He continued to perform into his 80s.

Scripture of the Day: Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. — Isaiah 10:1-2


Video of the Day: Rats Having Fun - submitted by Darin

Go, Sarah! Click to enlarge.

"Fireproof": Setting box office on fire! A Christian film has been blazing hot in movie theaters—earning $6.8 million and becoming the fourth best-selling movie in the nation! "Fireproof" had the highest opening weekend box office of the year for films released on 1,000 screens or less. Samuel Goldwyn Films' "Fireproof," starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea, is a faith-based movie with a powerful message to couples: "Never leave your partner behind."

"Fireproof" was produced by Sherwood Pictures—a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. Director Alex Kendrick is an associate pastor at the church. He and his brother, Stephen Kendrick, wrote the screenplay.

Laura and I are particularly excited to see "Fireproof" doing so well, since we have been great enthusiasts of the films produced by Sherwood Pictures—"Flywheel" and "Facing the Giants"—and of Kirk Cameron's work in the "Left Behind" series and "The Way of the Master."

For dinner last evening, I made Cajun Rice with Beef: I placed 1 1/2 cups of Calrose rice in a large sauté pan. I added 2 1/4 cups of juice from the a batch of salsa I made last week. I then added thinly sliced top sirloin steak that had been grilled Sunday, a large white onion (sliced), three large Jalapeños (diced), a stalk of celery (thinly sliced), a head of garlic (finely chopped), a small habanero pepper (finely chopped), two large cluster tomatoes (diced), sea salt, Gebhardt's chili powder, and Tony Chachere's More Spice. I brought this to a rolling boil on high and cooked for five minutes. I lowered the burner to one notch above low and cooked, unattended, for 45 minutes. It was wonderful.

Animal Cruelty, Jaws of Death, -and- The Fats of Life

Animal Cruelty - trooper beats, kicks K9 partner
Jaws of Death - huge alligator on loose outside Florida elementary school
The Fats of Life - judge holds court in parking lot for 500-pound man

On this day in history: May 2, 1946 - Six prisoners attempt to escape the federal prison on Alcatraz island. They take over their cellblock but fail to gain access to the outside. One guard held hostage is executed by prisoners, and another dies in the attempt to retake the cellblock. The Battle of Alcatraz ends only after the deaths of three prisoners, and two others are subsequently executed at San Quentin.

Born on this day in history: May 2, 1985 - Sarah Hughes (1985-) Born in Great Neck, NY, figure skater Sarah Hughes was surprise gold medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. She is currently skating professionally and attending Yale University.

Scripture of the Day: Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. - Ecclesiastes 5:2

Video of the Day: Back in the days of the Soviet Union, the Soviet Red Army had an official choir composed of male soldiers and musicians. It still exists. The Red Army Choir performs throughout Russia to this day. Now consider the Finnish rock band called The Leningrad Cowboys. A little while ago, they held a concert in Russia, in which - to the screaming applause of Russkie teen-agers - they got the Red Army Choir to join them on stage for a performance of "Sweet Home Alabama." In English. You couldn't make this up. We are talking seriously off-the-wall here. Better have that Stoli ready when you watch it! - submitted by Frank

Yikes! No caption needed! Click to enlarge.

It is warmer today! Yesterday morning, as I drove to my office a 6:30 AM, Mr. Nitro's exterior temperature display registered 46 degrees. This morning, a half-hour earlier, at 6 AM, the display registered 54 degrees. This is a significant increase, and it was very noticeable! The air is calm, the sky is blue and clear, the sun is shining brightly, and the birds are singing! It appears that this will be a particularly beautiful, warm weekend!