Drive My Car, Stupid Criminals, -and- Mommie Dearest

Drive My Car - deputy resigns after wife takes patrol car for joyride
Stupid Criminals - men try to steal truck that doesn't run
Mommie Dearest - woman charged with nursing baby while intoxicated

On this day in history: April 29, 1996 - Search and rescue teams begin dragging Maryland's muddy Wicomico River after former CIA director William Colby is reported missing. They soon discover his partially-submerged canoe underneath a boat dock, but his body isn't located until it rises to the surface a week later.

Born on this day in history: April 29, 1957 - Daniel Day-Lewis (1957- ) Film actor, born in London, UK, the son of C Day-Lewis. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic and, after several small roles on stage and television, became well known for "My Beautiful Launderette" (1985) and "Room With A View" (1985). He won awards for his portrayal of handicapped Irish writer Christy Brown in "My Left Foot" (1989, Oscar, BAFTA).

Scripture of the Day: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable*#151;if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. - Philippians 4:8

Video of the Day: Coolest iPhone Ever - submitted by Darin

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

I have been playing Wolfenstein 3D Lite on my iPhone. Playing it brings back fond memories of playing the PC game circa 1992. I highly recommend this game! There are few things in this world that will surpass the delight of playing a rousing game of Wolfenstein 3D while standing in line at the bank!

Drink Up!, Taxman, -and- Keep Your Hands on the Wheel!

Drink Up! - NYC tap water bottled, sold for $1.50
Taxman - Biden calls paying higher taxes a patriotic act
Keep Your Hands on the Wheel! - texting while driving "more dangerous than drugs or alcohol"

On this day in history: September 18, 1946 - Harry S. Truman signs the National Security Act of 1947 thus establishing the CIA.

Born on this day in history: September 18, 1971 - Lance Armstrong (1971-) Born in Plano, Texas, cyclist Lance Armstrong began competitive cycling and triathlons at 13, setting early records. By 1998, Armstrong was winning the grueling Tour de France and went on to win it an unprecedented seven times.

Scripture of the Day: Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. - Ecclesiastes 9:18

Video of the Day: Pussy versus Printer - submitted by Cindy

Be afraid, Mrs. Butterworth. Be very, very afraid!

Photographs from last Sunday’s Harvest Christian Center softball tournament await your viewing pleasure.

From the index page for Photo Gallery of Local Events, choose Harvest Christian Center Softball Tournament – September, 2008.

You may view the images individually, or you may view them as a slide show. To view as a slide show, click on “start slide show” on the left beneath the first image.

Beware the Darktime
As summer nears its end and fall approaches, the mornings remain in darkness increasingly longer. Recently, it has been dark when I arrive at my office at 6 AM. I have never mused upon this, however, and have simply tread with caution as I traverse the dark passage.

I park at the rear of my office and walk to the alley, down the alley to the sidewalk, to the front of my office, and into the front door—whereupon I disengage the alarm system.

Yesterday morning, as I strode down the dark alley, I came very suddenly upon another creature! Because of the darkness, I remained unaware of this creature until it was very near. It was too dark to determine specifics, yet I assumed that the creature was human, since by the silhouette of the creature I was able to discern that it was walking upright. Since there are no gorillas here, and since bears rarely travel into the city, I was further convinced that it was human.

The creature was, most likely, a harmless derelict. Nonetheless, the encounter gave me great pause, and I determined that—in order to travel my morning path in greater safety—I should henceforth delay my arrival at my office sufficiently to ensure that the journey from Mr. Nitro to my office be made not in darkness but in light. So it shall be—until such a time that the daylight arrives earlier.

Cash or Charge?, Crime and Punishment, -and- I Spy

Cash or Charge? - doomsday cult says credit cards satanic
Crime and Punishment - hoax caller jailed for four years
I Spy - CIA enlists Google's help

On this day in history: April 1, 1996 - Wilson Pickett arrested for possession of cocaine, after a screaming, bloodied woman is seen running from his house.

Born on this day in history: April 1, 1932 - Debbie Reynolds (1932-) Born Mary Frances Reynolds in El Paso, TX, actress Debbie Reynolds gained notice in musical "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), and is best known for "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), opposite Gene Kelly. In 1964, she won an Oscar for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." In later years, Reynolds has split her time among stage, screen and TV appearances.

Scripture of the Day: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1

Video of the Day: A Bad Cat Day - submitted by Laura

What a difference the wind makes! My first thought when exiting our home this morning was that it was significantly warmer than yesterday morning. I quickly realized that it merely appeared to be warmer, because there was no wind! The strong wind that has plagued us for many days has abated—hopefully, for a long while! The weather forecasts have changed: Rain had been predicted for Wednesday. Now, the forecast is for sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. This sounds considerably better!

For dinner last evening, we had penne with Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. I cooked a box of Barilla penne until al dente, drained, and set aside. I sliced white onion, red bell pepper, eight white mushrooms, a head of peeled garlic, and grilled Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. Laura seasoned this with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil. When this was cooked, she added the penne, turned the burner to medium-low, and stirred several times. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno Parmesan cheese. It was delightful. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fore!, Weapons of Choice, -and- Never Too Young

Fore! - pro golfer kills hawk with golf ball, faces charges
Weapons of Choice - Oklahoma bill would lower concealed-gun age to 18
Never Too Young - Brazilian boy, 8, passes law school entrance exam

On this day in history: March 7, 1990 - The CIA stages a fake satellite explosion of a KH-11 spy satellite code named Misty which was in low earth orbit. Both American and Russian sources reported Misty's destruction, but amateur astronomers have shown that this was a deception to allow it to achieve a higher, less detectable orbit.

Born on this day in history: March 7, 1942 - Tammy Faye (Bakker) Messner (1942-2007) Born in International Falls, MN, televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker met and married Jim Bakker at college in Minneapolis. In the mid-1970s, the couple launched a Christian television network, which reached 13 million viewers, funding an opulent lifestyle for the Bakkers. Evidence of Jim Bakker's sexual escapades unraveled the empire, and, in 1992, the two divorced. In 1996, Bakker published her autobiography, T"ammy: Telling It My Way."

Scripture of the Day: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, ... - Philippians 3:7-8

Video of the Day: How to Prepare for Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time (DST; also summer time in British English) is the convention of advancing clocks so that afternoons have more daylight and mornings have less. Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn. Modern DST was first proposed in 1907 by William Willett. Many countries have used it since then; details vary by location and change occasionally.

The practice is controversial. Adding daylight to afternoons benefits retailing, sports, and other activities that exploit sunlight after working hours, but causes problems for farming, entertainment and other occupations tied to the sun. Extra afternoon daylight reduces traffic fatalities; its effect on health and crime is less clear. An early goal of DST was to reduce evening usage of incandescent lighting, formerly a primary use of electricity; modern heating and cooling usage patterns can cause DST to increase electricity consumption.

DST's clock shifts can serve as fire safety reminders, but they complicate timekeeping and can disrupt meetings, travel, billing, recordkeeping, medical devices, and heavy equipment. Many computer-based systems can adjust their clocks automatically, but this can be limited and error-prone, particularly when DST rules change.

Do You Want Fries with That?, Bad Parenting, -and- Wake Up!

Do You Want Fries with That? - Clinton's campaign spends $95,000 at low-end deli
Bad Parenting - baby left for 8 days without food or water
Wake Up! - laptops in sleep or hibernation mode most vulnerable to attack

On this day in history: February 22, 1994 - CIA agent Aldrich Ames charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. His betrayal, starting in 1985, resulted in the executions of a good number of important undercover agents within the Soviet Union. The CIA knew without doubt there was a mole in its ranks. And though by 1989 Ames had acquired unexplainable wealth from his spying and did very little to conceal the spying, he somehow managed to evade being caught for five more years.

Born on this day in history: February 22, 1732 - George Washington (1732–99) Born in Westmoreland County, VA, first President George Washington (1789–97) commanded the Continental army. With skill, patience and courage, he led American forces through the Revolution. A natural leader rather than thinker or orator, President Washington had difficulty coping with the unruly new government, and, in 1796, announced he would not run again, setting a two-term precedent.

Scripture of the Day: Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? - Isaiah 2:22

Video of the Day: Funny Cats Part 11 - submitted by Cindy

Here is a photograph of Wednesday's lunar eclipse. Click to enlarge.

It is still raining, and Mr. Nitro is still in the shop! Mr. Nitro's repairs should be completed today, and he should be ready to return home around 3:30 PM. I eagerly await swooping down upon him and returning him to my care. The weather will not so soon change. It is forecast to rain through the weekend and cease late Sunday evening.

Fighting Back, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Sue Me!

Fighting Back marathon runner chases down burglar
Matters of Life and Death - Missouri must take inmates to abortion clinic
Sue Me! - German newspaper compares Cruise to Goebbels

On this day in history: January 23, 1998 - Montana hermit Ted Kaczynski admits to four Unabomber attacks, pleading guilty in in a federal plea bargain that spares him the death penalty, but denies him the right of appeal.

Born on this day in history: January 23, 1957 - Princess Caroline of Monaco (1957-) Princess Caroline Louise Margueritte, eldest daughter of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly, the American actress who died in a car accident in 1982, is considered the most stable of the Grimaldi children, including brother Albert and younger sister Stephanie. Caroline still made headlines with various romantic relationships, including three difficult marriages, which resulted in four children. Caroline serves as Monaco's de facto first lady since her mother's death.

Scripture of the Day: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. - 1 Peter 1:23

Video of the Day: First Day Jitters

The mystery of the disappearing ducks in the pond behing my office was solved yesterday! Click to enlarge.

Rain! The rain has returned. It appears that it rained throughout the night and early morning. The rain is relatively light, but it is constant. It is a bit warmer than it was yesterday, however. It is a toasty 38 degrees currently, and the low during the night was 35 degrees--significantly warmer than yesterday's low of 31 degrees.

Laura attended the annual Employee Appreciation Dinner at Sierra Nevada last evening. She received an award commemorating five years with the company. It does not seem as if it has been five years already that she has worked there. Time seems to be passing more quickly of late. Yesterday, I renewed the registrations for Mr. Yaris and Mr. Nitro online. It has been nearly a year since we purchased these vehicles. In fact, the 5th of February will be one year for Mr. Nitro, and Mr. Yaris will celebrate his birthday two days prior to that.

Slither, Jury Duty, -and- Heat of the Moment

Slither - man arrested after stroll with python
Jury Duty - court orders passers-by to serve
Heat of the Moment - global-warming protest frosted with snow

On this day in history: January 18, 1991 - The United States admits that the CIA paid Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega over $300,000 during his career as undercover narc.

Born on this day in history: January 18, 1955 - Kevin Costner (1955– ) Born in Compton, CA, actor Kevin Costner gained fame in "Bull Durham" (1988) and "Field of Dreams" (1989). He directed and starred in epic film "Dances With Wolves" (1990), which won seven Oscars. Costner has gone on to starring roles in numerous films.

Scripture of the Day: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19

Video of the Day: Nikon D3 Preview!

Mr. D3 has arrived! He is wonderful well beyond the limits of the human imagination! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
Nikon Photographer Forum - a free forum for photography enthusiasts
Corning California Message Board - a free message board for Corning
Olive Hut Blog - specials, olive news, recipes, and more

The Saga of the Nikon D3: (NOTE: The following took place yesterday.) On September 12, 2007, I pre-ordered a Nikon D3 Digital SLR body to replace my Nikon D1 Digital SLR body (available in the For Sale Forum on this board). Because I am a certified Nikon Professional Services member, my order was prioritized by Nikon. Nikon would ship a D3 body to the seller (Ritz Camera) under my name, when the camera became available. The camera began shipping in late December, and my position on the NPS list arose this week. Nikon shipped a D3 body to Ritz Camera, and Ritz Camera shipped it to me two days ago.

So far, so good, you are thinking. Ah!

I tracked the shipment and was understandably upset when tracking this morning resulted in the status showing "no one at home - delivery not made"! I raced to my house and retrieved the FedEx door tag. Yikes! Apparently, Ritz Camera was unable to differentiate between "billing address" and "shipping address" and was further unable to read the shipping directions from the NPS directive.

I scanned the FedEx door tag and emailed it to Laura. She called a few minutes ago to say that she had successfully retrieved the 8-pound (!) package from the FedEx depot at the airport in Chico on her way home from her position as Executive Assistant to the owner of Sierra Nevada.

I am now able to relax for the first time since 10 AM this morning, when I received the abhorrent status report.

I told Laura how relieved I was, and she said, "Look on the bright side. They could have left it on the doorstep, and somebody could have grabbed it." That certainly made me appreciate the way things took place. The thought of some scofflaw selling my $5,000 camera body to buy meth conjured an image that I shall not soon forget.

To Serve and Protect, Animal Kingdom, -and- Homeland Insecurity

To Serve and Protect - 2 officers fired for Web misuse
Animal Kingdom - crows wield tools with human-like skill
Homeland Insecurity - CIA, FBI computers used for Wikipedia edits

On this day in history: August 17, 1948 - Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard is arrested for bad checks in San Luis Obispo, California. In court a fortnight later, Hubbard pays the $25 fine.

Born on this day in history: August 17, 1786 - Davy Crockett (1786 - 1836) frontiersman, soldier, politician. "The King of the Wild Frontier" was said to have grinned down bears; was one of the legendary figures to die at the Alamo.

Today's Video: Proper Road Rage Defense - submitted by Frank
Chicks prefer the Nitro over the Hummer! Click to enlarge.

[While I slept] I awakened, feeling thirsty, and walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water. As I walked toward the kitchen, my attention was drawn to the large window in the adjacent dining room. The moon lighted the yard beyond the window and made the outdoors appear very inviting. As I gazed at this scene, I noticed movement near the barn. The barn shaded this area from moonlight, and, in the shadows, I saw a large form moving toward the barn. I decided to investigate.

I armed myself with a Colt AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, which I kept in the pantry. I took a large Maglite from a shelf in the pantry, attached it to the rifle, turned it on, and walked to the barn. As I entered the barn, I heard the sound of heavy breathing and slipped the AR-15 into the firing position. I probed the darkness with the Maglite. There, lying on a bed of hay, was Storm! I engaged the safety on my rifle, walked to Storm, knelt by her side, and began stroking her massive frame. Storm purred deeply and contentedly. “Welcome back, my friend,” I said. Storm fixed her gaze upon me and purred even more loudly. “Wait here and rest, Storm,” I said. “I shall return quickly with food and water for you.”

I walked to the house, prepared a bowl of leftover roast beef and a bowl of spring water, removed the Maglite from the rifle, and walked back to the barn, the Maglite clasped between my left arm and rib cage and a bowl in each hand. Storm rose as I walked to her and ate and drank with great relish. I sat with Storm for nearly two hours. When I prepared to return to the house to continue my sleep, I told Storm, “Storm, please stay here, and I shall return in the morning.” She appeared to understand, reclined on the hay, and held out her right paw toward me. I took her massive leopard paw in my right hand and squeezed it, smiling at her. I returned to the house and quickly fell asleep.

In the morning, I awakened, dressed quickly, and walked to the barn with a large bottle of water and some leftover grilled chicken breast. Storm was there! I was overjoyed to see that she had remained through the night. I filled her water bowl and put the chicken in her food bowl. I stroked her beautiful fur as she ate and drank.

After she had eaten, I told her, “Come to the house with me, Storm. I must eat something, and then we shall go on an adventure!” She seemed to understand and followed me to the house. I gave Storm a small bowl of milk. She lapped at it with her huge tongue while I prepared myself a spinach, bacon, cheese, and mushroom omelet. After I had eaten, I strapped on a black ballistic nylon holster, inserted a Sig Sauer P229 semi-automatic pistol into the holster, and beckoned Storm to follow me.

Together, we walked the perimeter of my property, pausing at one point so that Storm could drink from the small creek that fed the pond. It was a beautiful day—warm but not yet unpleasantly so—the sky was blue, and the birds were singing. We walked about my property for several hours. We stopped at the pond, and I caught several nice trout for our dinner.

At dusk, I prepared the trout, some poached asparagus, and some brown rice with celery, red onion, and mushrooms. Storm lay on the tile floor in the kitchen and watched me as I cooked. She seemed to enjoy watching me prepare our meal. I deboned the trout and prepared plates of food for us and set them on the dining room table. I placed a bowl of water and a small bowl of milk at Storm’s place at the table and poured some Chablis for myself. Storm appeared to be waiting for me to start eating, as she had made no move toward her food. I said a prayer—thanking God for the bounty we were about to enjoy and for Storm and her great friendship—and we began eating. Storm was so large that she sat on her haunches and easily reached her food. The dinner was delightful. Storm watched me wash the dishes and bowls.

We went into the den and watched Animal Planet. Storm sat near me and seemed to enjoy watching all the animals on television. She was close enough that I was able to reach out and stroke her massive back. In time, Storm grew tired. She lay on the floor of the den and yawned—her huge mouth opening incredibly widely, exposing large, sharp teeth. “Storm,” I thought to myself, “I am certainly glad we are friends!”

I was tired, also, and I rose from my chair and said, “Come, Storm. You need not sleep in the barn.” Storm followed me to the bedroom. She fell asleep on the floor at the foot of the bed. I fell asleep while delighting in the sound of her breathing.