Faith under Fire, Jaws of Death, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Faith under Fire - atheists abandon attempt to ban baptisms
Jaws of Death - man fights off black bear with bare hands to save 8-year-old son
Somebody's Watching You - spy cam in Walmart sends credit card information to thieves

On this day in history: August 15, 1969 - Woodstock begins on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. Tickets are $18 for three days of counterculture musical acts, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Sha-Na-Na.

Born on this day in history: August 15, 1972 - Ben Affleck (1972-) Actor, screenwriter. Affleck grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His first acting experience was in "The Dark End of the Street" (1979), an independent film. At the age of eight, Affleck appeared in a PBS production, "The Voyage of the Mimi." That same year, he met his future best friend, Matt Damon, a 10-year-old who lived two blocks away.

Scripture of the Day: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

Video of the Day: Google Maps: Part 1 of "The Googling" - submitted by Laura

Mr. Fly came to have his portrait taken. He would not come inside my studio, so I met him outside. Click to enlarge.

Hot! It is going to be particularly hot again today, and it is forecast to be hotter yet for the weekend. The high here yesterday was reported as 110 degrees. It is expected to be that again today and reach 112 to 115 over the weekend!

Imagine my fear and loathing when I reached Mr. Nitro yesterday afternoon, in preparation to journey to my home, when I realized I had neglected to affix the sun shield! Great Scott! The leather seat seared the flesh on the backs of my legs. My hands quickly cooked and left large patches of skin on the steering wheel. Perhaps I exaggerate. I do not exaggerate much, however!

For those who feverishly ferreted the Chico News & Review for my Maria Muldaur photograph: Do not despair. I was not able to find it, either. I assume that was intended for next week's issue. I shall determine this and advise you.

Fighting Back, How Ironic!, -and- They're Here!

Fighting Back - armed doctor chases off robber at restaurant
How Ironic! - stolen credit card used to buy program to prevent identity theft
They're Here! - mystery vibrations have Green Bay couple spinning

On this day in history: July 24, 1999 - Former Guns N' Roses guitarist "Slash" is arrested in West Hollywood for allegedly beating his girlfriend at the Le Parc Hotel five days prior.

Born on this day in history: July 24, 1970 - Jennifer Lopez (1970-) Born in the Bronx, New York, actress and pop singer Jennifer Lopez got her break in 1997 in Selena, making her the highest-paid Latina actress in history. Lopez's musical career also took off, and the 2001 J. Lo album debuted at No. 1. Lopez's romances have been widely publicized, including with rapper Sean "Puffy" Combs, actor Ben Affleck and current husband singer Marc Anthony.

Scripture of the Day: What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord! - Romans 7:24-25

Video of the Day: Western Spaghetti - submitted by Amber

Laura worked late yesterday. It was the only evening this week that she was not scheduled to work in the nursery or sing on the worship team during this week's David Woods crusade at Harvest Christian Center. Tonight, she will be working in the nursery, and Friday (the final evening of the crusade) she will be singing with the worship team. I decided that last evening would be a perfect time for a pre-birthday dinner! I grilled the remaining two Omaha Steaks filets mignons that were sent us by reader Chris. I also grilled two large white mushrooms and two white potatoes. I steamed and chilled a quantity of broccoli. We shred a bottle of 2001 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a truly delightful meal.

Again today, the air quality is abysmal. The wildfires are under control, but they continue to smolder, and the wind drives the smoke into the city.

I have not yet removed the carcass of the dead Sony CRT TV from the wall mounting in my office. I have been enjoying Sirius satellite radio via the Internet. Since I have an account for Mr. Nitro, listening via the Internet is free. I listened to Jazz Café Tuesday and Blues yesterday. I am listening to Blues again today. Perhaps I shall go to Netflix and watch a movie. I am surviving well without a television. Who would have thought?

Somebody's Watching You, Weapons of Choice, -and- Crime and Punishment

Somebody's Watching You - online storage of medical records not covered by privacy law
Weapons of Choice - bill forces states to accept concealed-weapon permits from other states
Crime and Punishment - top court may allow states to execute child rapists

On this day in history: April 17, 1965 - The FBI Laboratory in Washington reports their inability to make out the vocals on the hit single "Louie Louie." Thus, the Bureau is unable to determine whether the record constitutes obscene matter.

Born on this day in history: April 17, Jennifer Garner (1972-) Born in Houston, TX, raised in Charleston, WV, actress Jennifer Garner began with bit parts on TV shows like "Spin City" and "Law and Order." In 2000, her work on TV show "Felicity" led to the lead role on spy drama "Alias," which made her a star. Garner married for the second time to actor Ben Affleck in 2005. Their daughter, Violet, was born the following November.

Scripture of the Day: Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. - James 4:17

Video of the Day: Teen Sets Record inflating balloons with his nose - submitted by Philip

Apparently, birds of a feather do not necessarily flock together! Click to enlarge.

The wind continues! The wind that has been plaguing us for over a week now continues today. It is forecast to be in the 80s today, so at least the wind should not be cold. Yesterday, it was cold!

Last night—while preparing to leave for Bible class at Harvest Christian Center, we watched Dick Cheney's speech at the Annual Radio and TV Correspondents Dinner. He explained "global warming," saying he observed that it was, in fact, getting warmer. He said he had no doubt that we are "...in the midst of a global warming—or, as I prefer to call it, spring!"