The Mark of the Beast - VA lawmakers block forced microchip implantation Catch a Wave - 12-year-old surfer signs with major surfwear company Time Out - 6-year-old girl handcuffed, committed for classroom behavior
On this day in history: February 12, 1789 - Ethan Allen dies in a drunken sleigh accident while crossing the frozen Lake Champlain, reminiscing with friends and rye. Much of the circumstance remains a mystery.
Born on this day in history: February 12, 1809 - Abraham Lincoln 1809 - 1865) Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States (1861-65), known for his eloquence as a spokesman for democracy and historically for preserving the Union during the American Civil War and bringing about the emancipation of the slaves.
Scripture of the Day: Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. — 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Video of the Day: T-shirt War - submitted by Amber
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this wedding while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: April 14, 1865 - President Abraham Lincoln receives a cranial gunshot wound from the nation's most famous actor, John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln dies the following day, primarily from ill-advised attempts to extract the bullet lodged in his brain.
Born on this day in history: April 14, 1977 - Sarah Michelle Gellar (1977-) Born in New York City, actress Sarah Michelle made her first TV movie in 1983. In 1993, she joined the cast of soap "All My Children," earning an Emmy, and then moved into leading films roles. In 1997, Gellar landed her star-making role on TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." She is now pursuing a film career.
Scripture of the Day: Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. - Proverbs 10:2
Video of the Day: Cat Yawning - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
The Wind: The fierce wind that plagued us earlier in the month has returned! It would be a beautiful day—as was yesterday—were it not for this foul wind. The sun is shining brightly, but the birds are unable to maintain a perching posture on the telephone wires because of the wind. Consequently, they are not singing.
For dinner last evening, I made lemon chicken. I cooked jasmine rice in the electric rice cooker. While the rice cooked, I sautéd Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1"-wide slices), bevel-sliced celery, and sliced white onion. I made a sauce with a large Meyers lemon that was given to Laura by a coworker, cornstarch, sugar, and red pepper flakes. I spread the rice on a serving platter, positioned the chicken and vegetables atop the rice, and drizzled the lemon sauce over the dish. It was a delicious meal.
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.
To Serve and Protect - officer accused of 2nd career: robbing banks Trapped! - reality show held women against their will Heat of the Moment - cold temperatures freeze gardening season
On this day in history: April 14, 1865 - President Abraham Lincoln receives a cranial gunshot wound from the nation's most famous actor, John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln dies the following day.
Born on this day in history: April 14, 1977 - Sarah Michelle Gellar (1977-) Born in New York City, actress Sarah Michelle made her first TV movie in 1983. In 1993, she joined the cast of soap "All My Children," earning an Emmy, and then moved into leading films roles. In 1997, Gellar landed her star-making role on TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." She is now pursuing a film career.
Scripture of the Day: We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. - 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Video of the Day: Max Neptune and the Manacing Squid trailer
While driving to my office this morning, I detoured through a rural area and spotted this abandoned clown train. I shall have nightmares now, certainly! Click to enlarge.
Friday evening, we viewed "The Prestige" in Blu-ray. [At the dawn of the 20th century, rival magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are desperate to reveal each other's secrets. Obsessed by the escalating competition, the two illusionists begin to perform increasingly risky tricks—which soon turn deadly. Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie also star in this taut psychological thriller from director Christopher Nolan.]
"The Prestige" is masterful storytelling, with superb direction, powerful performances from an excellent cast, awesome set and production design, and impressive cinematography.
"The Prestige" is difficult to place into any specific genre, since it blurs the fine line between mystery, drama, suspense, and fantasy. The story becomes a never-ending stream of wonder for the mind, and it is impossible to tell exactly where the story is going to lead next.
The first half of "The Prestige" is exciting and captures the viewer's attention and holds it firmly. The second half of the film, unfortunately, becomes progressively convoluted, confusing, and tedious. By the end of the film, what was once excitement has descended into ennui. I do not recommend this movie.
Saturday evening, we watched "I Am Legend" on Blu-ray [A terrible virus has spread across the planet and turned the human race into bloodthirsty monsters. Mankind's only hope for survival is scientist Robert Neville (Will Smith), the one person left unaffected by the epidemic. When he's not fighting for his life against the hordes of the infected, Neville searches for a cure to reverse the virus's effects—all the while battling his own doubt and despair as he spends every day alone.]
"I Am Legend" is a truly scary movie, because of the incredible realism. The cinematography is excellent. The set design is awesome. The special effects are impressive. Smith's portrayal of despair and borderline insanity of three years of seclusion add to the overall effect. Suspense scenes climax unexpectedly—greatly enhancing the overall scare factor.
"I Am Legend" overall is an excellent movie, and I highly recommend it.
Fighting Back - telephone-wielding grandmother chases off man with Taser Unearthly - man convinces girl he is part werewolf, part vampire Can You Hear Me Now? - Blackberry service outage in North America
On this day in history: February 12, 1967 - Police in London arrest Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Marianne Faithfull after they discover amphetamine pills, cannabis resin and Marianne scandalously naked but for a fur rug. The two Rolling Stones received jail sentences which were successfully appealed.
Born on this day in history: February 12, 1809 - Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) 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 was assassinated by Southern fanatic John Wilkes Booth.
Scripture of the Day: "Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." - Jeremiah 2:12-13
Video of the Day: Matrix Ping Pong - submitted by Amber
I have been playing about with a new logo. Click to enlarge.
Laura returned yesterday afternoon. She had an excellent visit with her daughter, granddaughter, son-in-lay, and sister in Tucson, Arizona. She reported that the weather was lovely, with temperatures in the upper 70s.
I made spaghetti with Italian sausage marinara sauce for dinner last evening. After four days of eating un-spicy food, Laura commented on the heat level of the dish! I simmered sliced white mushrooms, sliced white onion, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and sliced Johnsonville Italian sausage in Cabernet Sauvignon, seasoning with Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. When this had simmered for two hours, I added a jar of Classico four-cheese marinara sauce and allowed to simmer an additional 30 minutes. I cooked a package of Barilla thick spaghetti until al dente, drained, and placed into a large pasta bowl. I poured the sauce over the spaghetti. Laura stirred this, covered with aluminum foil, and took it to the table. I spread I Can't Believe It's Not Butter on two large slices of sourdough bread, cut into halves. I spread minced garlic over this and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and Italian seasoning. I placed in the conventional oven, under the broiler, and Laura tended to this until the bread was toasted nicely and brought it to the table. It was a delicious meal, and Laura declared she had missed my cooking greatly.
It was 72 degrees here yesterday afternoon. It is forecast to be warmer yet this weekend. Today, it is overcast yet warm. The clouds are predicted to clear by mid morning.
