Roots, The Real Thing, -and- Faith Under Fire

Roots - California jailers confiscate Phil Spector's wig
The Real Thing - Venezuela bans Coke Zero, cites "health dangers"
Faith Under Fire - pair jailed eight weeks for passing out anti-Catholic, anti-Muslim tracts

On this day in history: June 11, 1962 - Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin escape from Alcatraz.

Born on this day in history: June 11, 1910 - Jacques Cousteau (1910 - 1997) Born in Saint-Ande, France, underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau pioneered underwater TV. In 1950, he commanded the French naval research ship Calypso. Cousteau's films include the Oscar-winning "The Golden Fish" (1960).

Scripture of the Day: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Video of the Day: How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear - submitted by Cindy

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

Where is summer?

What became of summer? It is 61° and forecast to be a high of 77° today. It is nearly the middle of June! It should be hot! Thundershowers are forecast for today. Great Scott!

Although it was overcast, dreary, and a bit cool last evening, I did manage to do a bit of grilling: I put a spicy dry rub on some Foster Farms boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I charred the chicken and a package of Johnsonville brats over a high flame. I turned the chicken and brats and continued to grill them for a few minutes. I then moved everything to the front of the grill, turned the front burner off, left the rear burner on high, and continued to cook for another 20 minutes. I made spicy Spanish rice in the microwave. It was a delicious meal.

A Johnsonville brat followed Laura to Chico this morning to become the centerpiece of her lunch.

Tonight, I shall shred the leftover chicken breasts and produce a quantity of cold Oriental noodle salad. I shall combine ramen noodles, the chicken, peas, kernel corn, red bell pepper, Jalapeño pepper, celery, yellow squash, green onions, white mushrooms (sliced and poached), extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles, ground ginger, garlic powder, and crushed red peppers in a large stainless-steel bowl. This is a favorite of ours.

Friday evening, I shall halve the two leftover Johnsonville brats and sauté them. When they are hot, I shall turn off the heat and place pepperjack cheese atop them. I shall toast Francisco sourdough buns. At the table, we will add sliced tomato, red onion, Klausen pickle slices, and condiments. I shall make a batch of oven fries to accompany these delicious sandwiches.

Hotel California, Free Falling, -and- Gnawing Concern

Hotel California - Alcatraz to become upscale lodging
Free Falling - toddler survives 40-foot plunge
Gnawing Concern - nearly 800 rats removed from Oregon home

On this day in history: June 16, 1948 - In the first skyjacking of a commercial plane, three armed men storm the cockpit of the Miss Macao, a passenger seaplane operated by Cathay Pacific airline. When the pilot refuses to turn over the controls, he is shot dead and the plane crashes into the ocean. The only survivor among the 27 people on board is the leader of the terrorists.

Born on this day in history: June 16, 1917 - Katharine Graham (1917 - 2001) Born in New York City, publisher Katharine Graham took over the Washington Post and Newsweek after the suicide of her husband, and acted as publisher for 10 years. Graham’s memoir Personal History won a Pulitzer Prize in 1997.

Scripture of the Day: ... what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. - Galatians 6:16

Video of the Day: Latte Art Printing Machine - submitted by Cap'n Jack

Click to enlarge.

Friday evening, we produced a wonderful pizza: I sautéed julienned white onion, sliced white mushrooms, and chopped Jalapeños. I thinly sliced a cluster tomato. Laura removed the pepperoni from a Red Baron thin-crust pepperoni pizza, scattered the sautéed items, laid the tomatoes atop this, replaced the pepperoni, and seasoned it with Tony Chachere's More Spice. She then shredded a quantity of Monterey jack cheese over the pizza and baked it until the crust was golden brown and the cheese was bubbling. It was excellent.

Saturday afternoon, we snacked upon smoked Gouda cheese, Italian salami, tomato and olive oil Triscuits, and frozen margaritas while playing Scrabble.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed bacon sandwiches. I placed 15 strips of bacon on paper towels, in a Pyrex baking dish, covered with more paper towels, and cooked in the microwave oven. I toasted sourdough bread slices. At the able, we added Sierra Nevada Stout mustard, sliced cluster tomato, and Vlasic Stacker pickles. It was a delightful meal.

We watched "Déjà vu" [ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) finds himself dogged by that feeling as he investigates a bombing on a New Orleans ferry. Should he shrug off the unsettling sensation, or can it help him unravel the clues he needs to save hundreds of innocent people from disaster? Directed by Tony Scott, this thriller also stars James Caviezel and Val Kilmer.] The movie explores the possibility of going back in time and changing the outcome of events. The movie is exciting, well-acted, and believable. I recommend it.

Sunday evening, we enjoyed sushi. I made California rolls, using Calrose rice, shrimp, avocado, Jalapeño, and green onion. It was delightful.

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!

Frozen in Time, Don't Say a Word, -and- Name Game

Frozen in Time - watch from Titanic for auction on eBay
Don't Say a Word - librarian fired for reporting child pornography
Name Game - mental hospital renamed "lunatic asylum"

On this day in history: March 21, 1963 - Alcatraz Prison closed.

Born on this day in history: March 21, 1685 - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) composer, organist. He was a master of church music and Composer of the Baroque era; works include "Brandenburg Concertos," 1721 and "Well-Tempered Clavier," 1722-44.

Scripture of the Day: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. - Romans 3:21-22

Video of the Day: Real Transformer - submitted by Danica

The Three Stooges, 2008! Click to enlarge.

The DirecTV fiasco: When I ordered the HD DVR/receiver online from DirecTV, I scheduled an installation for Thursday, March 20th, between noon and 5 PM. Yesterday morning, I sensed somehow that all was not well. I looked at the installation order online and determined that my billing address and telephone number were listed as the installation address and telephone number! The representative assured me that she had effectuated the requisite changes in order to assure the installation would be completed properly.

I closed my office and went to our house and awaited the installer. He did not appear. At 5 PM, I telephoned DirecTV and learned that the installer had gone to my office, found no one there, and departed—without calling me! The DirecTV representative said the address mistake was excusable, but the lack of a telephone call was inexcusable. He said he would see that my account was credited $100 for the inconvenience. He rescheduled the installation for Saturday, March 22, between noon and 4 PM. My fingers (and toes, and eyes!) are crossed.

Girl Gone Wild, Fighting Back, -and- Ungodly

Girl Gone Wild - Paris Hilton loses inheritance
Fighting Back - robbery victim knifes attackers
Ungodly - Cambodia bans door-to-door evangelism

On this day in history: July 31, 1945 - Wearing a stolen army uniform, prisoner John Giles attempts to escape from Alcatraz Island by boarding an outbound cargo boat. But instead of San Francisco, the vessel heads for Angel Island, where Giles is promptly captured.

Born on this day in history: July 31, 1944 - Geraldine Chaplin (1944 - ____) actress. Her films include "Dr. Zhivago," 1965 and "Nashville," 1975; daughter of Charlie Chaplin.

Today's Video: The Kings of Gravitation - Few Training Days

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURA!

Jaws of Death, Corny, -and- Animal Cruelty

Jaws of Death - swimmers rush into sea to get closer look at 16' shark
Corny - top scientist says biofuels scam
Animal Cruelty - two arrested for harassing dolphins

On this day in history: June 11, 1962 - Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin escape from Alcatraz.

Born on this day in history: June 11, Jacques Cousteau (1910 - 1997) naval officer, explorer. He was well known for his extensive underseas investigations; co-inventor of the aqualung which made SCUBA diving possible.

Today's Video: - Rednecks of the South - submitted by Darin

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Ultimate List of Car Songs! View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

Paris Hilton on her way back to the pokey!

For those of you who are eagerly awaiting my report on the SAVU Smoker Bag: You shall need to wait a week. We did not employ the bag last weekend.

Friday evening, we ordered a Chicken Garlic Supreme pizza from Round Table Pizza. It was delightful. I thinly sliced a habanero pepper. It was a wonderful condiment. We enjoyed the leftover pizza for brunch Saturday morning.

For dinner Saturday, we had grilled top sirloin, asparagus, and mushrooms. Laura manned the grill and did an excellent job. We each managed to eat only half of our steak.

Sunday, following service at Harvest Christian Center, we visited my mother and had a brunch with her that Laura prepared. Here is Laura's recipe:
Tasty Turkey Wraps

Sunday evening, I sautéed sliced white mushrooms and whole garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil and Cajun seasoning. When the garlic and mushrooms were cooked, I added the leftover top sirloin steaks and pan-seared them on each side. I baked some sweet potatoes. It was a delightful meal.