Fighting Back, Recidivism, -and- No Yolk

Fighting Back - dog bites woman's attacker, thwarts rape
Recidivism - Two ex-Guantanamo inmates appear in Al-Qaeda video
No Yolk - egg carton has warning that contents 'may contain eggs'

On this day in history: January 26, 1971 - Charles Manson and three of his followers are convicted in Los Angeles of the Tate and LaBianca murders. All were sentenced to the gas chamber, with sentences commuted to life imprisonment when the death penalty was temporarily abolished.

Born on this day in history: January 26, 1958 - Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) Born in New Orleans, comedian Ellen DeGeneres became famous for her self-titled TV series, "Ellen." In 1997, the show made headlines when DeGeneres's character became the first lead in sitcom history to acknowledge her homosexuality on air, which led to cancellation in 1998. She then made a few movies, and again hit it big with a daytime TV talk show.

Scripture of the Day: But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2

Video of the Day: Guy Fieri: TGI Friday's Commercial - submitted by Cindy

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this motorcyclist this morning on the way to my office! Click to enlarge.

Many, many years ago, I had a custom van. It had two gas tanks. I was returning from a concert in Sacramento, CA. The van began to run poorly. I looked at the fuel gauge and thought to myself that it was time to switch to the auxiliary tank. My female companion noticed that the van was running poorly and asked me what was wrong. I said everything was fine, that I simply needed to switch tanks, and pressed the switch to do so. Unfortunately, the auxiliary tank was empty! Apparently, I had previously switched tanks and neglected to fill the empty tank. We were approximately midway between Marysville and Oroville—about 15 miles from the nearest gas station. It was winter, it was cold, and we were out of gas. This was long ago, and there were no cellular telephones. I told my companion that I would walk ahead and find a house with lights on and ask to use the telephone. I told her to stay in the van and keep the doors locked. I began to walk.


It was well past midnight; I had walked about 20 minutes; there had been no traffic; and I was very cold. Suddenly, a creature riding a very loud Harley screeched to a halt near me.


The rider asked whether that was my van that he had passed a few minutes prior. I said that it was and told him the van had run out of gas. He offered me a ride, saying he was going to Oroville. This offer was fortuitous and afforded a very reasonable solution to my problem, since I had a new 1978 Toyota Celica GT at my home and a 2.5-gallon gas can. It would be a simple matter, I thought, to get the Celica, take the gas can to a service station, fill it, and return to the van.

Little did I know that this motorcyclist was a drug-crazed maniac! I climbed onto the Harley, and before I could negotiate resting spots for my feet, he blasted off into the night—piloting his roaring machine with feral abandon, propelling it at an extremely high rate of speed, with no semblance of caution and no apparent fear. At times, he appeared to be falling into an unconscious state! Then, he would suddenly spring upright and appear to be taking full control of the demon craft—only to suddenly swerve onto the shoulder, causing the Harley to slide about in the gravel and fight for traction!


It was easily the most frightening ride I have ever taken in my life! When we arrived at my house, my legs were as if made of soft rubber, as I attempted to free myself from the loathsome machine and stand upright. I managed, however, to do so. I put the gas can in the Celica, drove to a station, filled the can, and returned to the van. Soon, both vehicles were resting comfortably in my driveway.

For reasons that should be obvious, I only very rarely think of that evening. Last night, as I slept, however, I re-lived the entire nightmarish ride on the demon cycle! I tossed and turned and awakened suddenly, sweating and trembling. It was 3:45 AM. I did not return to sleep, since I feared taking that ride yet once again!

Heat of the Moment, Avast!, -and- Never Too Young

Heat of the Moment - critique mounts against biofuels
Avast! - sailor convicted on 10 counts of wearing unearned medals
Never Too Young - teen arrested for plane hijack plot

On this day in history: January 25, 1971 - Charles Manson and three of his followers are convicted in Los Angeles of the Tate and LaBianca murders. All were sentenced to the gas chamber, with sentences commuted to life imprisonment when the death penalty was temporarily abolished.

Born on this day in history: January 25, 1981 - Alicia Keys (1981-) Born Alicia Augello Cook in New York City, musician Alicia Keys blends pop, gospel, R&B and soul, and burst onto the music scene in 2001 with her debut album "Songs in A Minor," which racked up 5 Grammys.

Scripture of the Day: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
- Philemon 1:25

Video of the Day: Very Funny Cats Part 9 - submitted by Cindy

Got beer! Click to enlarge.

Light Bulb Comparison Excel spreadsheet shows cost comparison between incandescent, CFL, and LED light bulbs.

The rain continues! It rained throughout the night and continues today. The forecast for the next five days: Rain! While the rain has been relatively light (albeit continuous), and there is no immediate threat of flooding, this weather is certainly uninviting. I am eager to put my new Nikon D3 DSLR to use, but I certainly have no desire to take it out into the rain!

There was an armed robbery at Valero early Monday morning. There was an armed robbery there last year. The robbers were apprehended within minutes. The suspect in Monday's robbery has not been found. This is particularly disturbing, since Valero is only a block from our house. Thankfully, we enjoy the protection of God's angels! (We also have a Sig Sauer P229 .357 Sig and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum.) We shall remain secure from scofflaws!

Paint It White, To Serve and Protect, -and- Don't Point!

Paint It White - U.K. skin-bleaching trade exposed
To Serve and Protect - parking chief fired for illegal parking
Don't Point! - teen arrested for pointing laser at police helicopter

On this day in history: November 27, 1969 - Court appointed attorney Ronald Hughes, handling the Charles Manson case, disappears on a camping trip to Sespe Hot Springs in Southern California, accompanied by two Manson followers. His decomposed body is identified by dental x-rays five months later.

Born on this day in history: November 27, 1937 - Gail Sheehy (1937 - ____) writer, journalist, editor. She is best known for "Pathfinders: Predictable Crises of Adult Life," 1976.

Scripture of the Day: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

Video of the Day: Dodge Viper twin-turbo 1900 hp 7.99 1/4 mile - submitted by Phillip

Band Wagon: 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T rock band vehicle. The Beatles never reunited. Nor has SCREAM, a little band from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, that played their last gig in 1975. While not as socially significant as a Beatles reunion, the thought of participating in a rock reunion with my old high school buddies was irresistible. After brushing off 20 years of musical inactivity, all the exaltation and exasperation of playing live returned.

One burden for local rock bands is the necessity of hefting and hauling gear to practices and gigs. In high school, at least one member, or his parent, had to have a pickup, station wagon, or van. Today, 30 years on, the same rules apply.

For this adventure, the Dodge Nitro R/T is a perfect fit. Its snazzy looks and tough-guy appeal are augmented by its cargo/passenger versatility. The 4.0L V-6 with the full-time 4WD option may come in handy should the weather turn nasty.

They're Not Here!, 'Tis the Season, -and- Come Fly with Me

They're Not Here! - alien ad campaign angers New Mexico tourism officials
'Tis the Season - Americans fed up with "Happy Holidays"
Come Fly with Me - regional airlines lower bar for pilots

On this day in history: November 26, 1975 - Manson family member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme found guilty of attempting to assassinate President Ford.

Born on this day in history: November 26, 1938 - Tina Turner (1938 - ____) singer. She won Grammys for "Proud Mary," 1972 and "What's Love Got to Do With It?," 1984.

Scripture of the Day: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28)

Video of the Day: Laser Cats - submitted by Phillip

I hope that everyone had a festive and safe Thanksgiving. The weather here was beautiful throughout Thanksgiving and the weekend. Mornings were cool, but the sun was bright, the sky was clear, and the days were warm and wonderful.

Laura and I attended a candlelight Thanksgiving service at Harvest Christian Center Wednesday evening. It was an awesome experience.

Following the candlelight Thanksgiving service, we dined upon a 10-topping Freschetta pizza and retired early.

Thursday morning, we made preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. I poached two large bundles of asparagus and placed in the refrigerator to chill. I sliced a loaf of garlic sourdough bread into cubes and toasted in the oven. I sautéed two medium white onions, two heads of peeled and chopped garlic, six diced Jalapeños, a diced red bell pepper, four large sliced white mushrooms, three sliced celery stalks, and seasonings in extra-virgin olive oil. Laura tended to this as I drained two jars of Pacific oysters. Laura added the oysters to the sauté pan and broke them apart with wooden spoons. Laura then added a large package of baby spinach to the sauté pan and continued to tend it. I took the toasted sourdough cubes from the oven and placed them in a large stainless-steel bowl. Laura added the contents of the sauté pan and a can of chicken stock and stirred the dressing. She then placed it in a large Pyrex baking dish, covered with aluminum foil, and placed in the refrigerator. She did a spicy dry rub on a 5-pound turkey breast. I roasted the turkey breast at 350 degrees for one hour, uncovered, in a roasting pan. I placed an aluminum foil tent over the turkey and continued to roast for another two hours at 225 degrees. When the turkey was done, I removed it from the oven, covered with the aluminum foil, and allowed it to rest while I baked the oyster dressing for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. I sliced the turkey breast, removed the asparagus from the refrigerator and placed it on the dining table, along with the sliced turkey breast, oyster dressing, a pot of turkey gravy, and a bowl of cranberry sauce. The meal was delightful. Champagne accompanied the food.

Friday evening, we revisited the Thanksgiving meal—without the asparagus, which had been fully devoured on Thanksgiving.

Saturday morning, I made baked cubed white potatoes, sliced white onion, a head of whole, peeled garlic cloves, and two sliced Jalapeños in the microwave oven in a Pyrex baking dish for eight minutes. I removed this from the microwave, seasoned with sea salt, ground black pepper, and Cajun seasoning, cracked six jumbo eggs and arranged them on top, and baked in the conventional oven for twenty minutes at 400 degrees. Laura grated some medium cheddar cheese and distributed it atop the food when I removed it from the oven. It was a delightful meal.

For dinner Saturday evening, Laura made chicken enchiladas—using the four leftover chicken breasts I had grilled earlier in the week. I made a fresh salsa with diced Roma tomato and diced Jalapeño. It was a wonderful meal. Five enchiladas remain and shall be our dinner on Wednesday, following Bible class at Harvest Christian Center.

Sunday, I grilled a large tri-tip and made a casserole of steamed white potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and baby carrots. We enjoyed this with an extraordinary Woodbridge Zinfandel.

Now, it is Monday, and it is time to toil once again!

Slither!, Oink!, -and- Animal Kingdom

Slither! - "snake man" sits in tub with 87 rattlesnakes
Oink! - fishermen catch feral pig in Pacific Ocean
Animal Kingdom - dolphins save injured surfer from shark attack

On this day in history: November 12, 1933 - Hugh Gray of the British Aluminium Company took five pictures of the Loch Ness Monster, the first known photos. Four the the five exposures were blank, and the remaining photo was later proven to be a hoax.

Born on this day in history: November 12, 1934 - Charles Manson born in Cincinnati to a 16-year-old prostitute and an unknown father.

Scripture of the Day: "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9)

Video of the Day: Office Snowball Fight - submitted by Amber

The Makers of FRESCHETTA PIZZAMORÉ™ Pizza Introduce its NEW Pre-Sliced, Restaurant-Style Pizza with a Revolutionary Bake and Serve Tray. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

For dinner on Friday, we had one of the new FRESCHETTA PIZZAMORÉ™ pizzas. We had the 10-topping pizza, and it was extraordinary! I highly recommend this pizza. It is nearly equal to a fresh take-and-bake pizza. The crust, sauce, and toppings are first-rate.

For dinner on Saturday, I made beef fajitas. I sautéed sliced Jalapeños, sliced red bell pepper, sliced white onion, and sliced garlic (one head, of course!) in extra-virgin olive oil, seasoned with sea salt, ground black pepper, cumin, and ground Cayenne pepper. When the onions were caramelized, I added thinly sliced sirloin and stirred. At the table, we built fajitas with the mixture, using warm flour tortillas, sliced avocado, crushed red peppers, and Crystal Extra-Hot Louisiana Hot Sauce.

Sunday evening, I made Barilla thick spaghetti and marinara sauce. Laura sautéed Italian sausage in extra-virgin olive oil, while I sliced red bell pepper, white onion, white mushrooms, and Roma tomatoes. I added four tablespoons of minced garlic and handed the mixture to Laura. Laura added it to the sausage and stirred, seasoning with sea salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Laura then added a package of baby spinach and stirred. The sauce simmered for an hour, and Laura added a jar of Classico Roasted Garlic marinara sauce. I cooked a package of Barilla thick spaghetti until al dente, drained, and placed in a large pasta bowl. I poured the sauce over the spaghetti. Laura incorporated the spaghetti into the sauce and took the bowl to the table. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno grated Parmesan cheese. A quantity of leftovers followed Laura to Chico this morning.

I Can Hear You Now!, Meet George Jetson, -and- I Don't

I Can Hear You Now! - artist implants "third ear" on own arm
Meet George Jetson - flying car about to take off?
I Don't - researcher says humans will wed robots

On this day in history: October 12, 1969 - Police capture Charles Manson at Barker Ranch, inside Death Valley National Park. Charlie is arrested for arson, after burning a maintenance vehicle blocking his favorite dune buggy route. One of his followers, Susan Atkins, is arrested the following day and spills the beans about the Tate/LaBianca murderers. Manson has not left prison since.

Born on this day in history: October 12, 1935 - Luciano Pavarotti (1935 - 2007) lyric tenor He was the outstanding tenor of his generation, noted for his mastery of the highest notes of a tenor's range.

Scripture of the Day: "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Video of the Day: The Bouncing Ball

Construction is now completed for the deck at the rear of our house. It is larger than I had anticipated. Click to enlarge.

The rain has arrived! It was sprinkling lightly as I left my house at 6:55 AM. The rainfall quickly increased, and it is now raining heavily. Pastor Rob Kee of Harvest Christian Center told me recently that October 31 is the last day on which it is acceptable to wear shorts. I am determined to reach this date. I have made the concession of wearing socks with my sandals today, however. I am pleased that Mr. Nitro's fuel tank is full and grocery shopping was done yesterday. Rain is forecast for the next several days. I see no grilling in the near future, sadly.

For dinner last evening, we had salmon fillets and steamed cauliflower with garlic cloves. I cleaned and separated a head of cauliflower and placed in a covered casserole dish, added a head of peeled garlic cloves, and seasoned with sea salt and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice. I seasoned two large salmon fillets with Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice and brushed them with teriyaki sauce. I steamed the cauliflower and garlic in the microwave on high for five minutes. I pan-seared the salmon fillets in a large sauté pan, skin-side down, until the meat turned opaque. It was an incredible delicious meal.

Law of the Land, Beach Patrol San Diego, -and- Mommy Dearest

Law of the Land - Scientology faces criminal charges
Beach Patrol San Diego - 16 face charges after beach brawl
Mommy Dearest - 5-year-old designated driver for drunk mom

On this day in history: September 5, 1975 - Manson Family member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme almost assassinates President Gerald Ford with a .45 automatic in Sacramento, California. But Fromme is tackled by a Secret Service agent before she can remember to rack a round into the firing chamber.

Born on this day in history: September 5, 1940 - Raquel Welch (1940 - ____) actress, model. She starred in "One Million Years, BC," 1967; famous for her figure and sexiness; starred on Broadway in "Woman of the Year," 1982.

Scripture of the Day: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20)

Video of the Day: Backspace - Unfold

Here is a recent photograph of Laura’s daughter, Rachel, and granddaughter, Parker. Click to enlarge.

Interestingly, while Laura and I were watching "Beach Patrol San Diego," a riotous encounter between drunken beach-goers and police was taking place on a San Diego beach. There is now renewed interest in banning alcohol from San Diego beaches. This is something we discussed while watching the show. It would seem—given that the majority of problems on the beaches involve alcohol—many problems would be avoided if alcohol were banned. See the second story in today's news links to read about this beach fracas.

iThumb, Atta Boy!, -and- Fighting Back

iThumb - man surgically alters thumb to better use iPhone
Atta Boy! - 9-year-old saves dad by taking wheel of speeding big rig
Fighting Back - clerk grabs robber's shotgun

On this day in history: August 10, 1969 - Leno and Rosemary LaBianca are brutally murdered in their Los Feliz, California home by followers of Charles Manson.

Born on this day in history: August 10, 1874 - Herbert Hoover (1874 - 1964) president (31st), engineer. He was chief Allied relief administrator during WW I; led the U.S. as president during the early years of the Depression.

Today's Video: Jaguar vs. Croc - submitted by Cindy

No one was waiting at my office when I arrived at 7:15 AM this morning. Today is beginning much more favorably than yesterday.

It is noticeably warmer today. It was 78 degrees inside my office when I arrived here. The air conditioning system is now engaged.

Corning's annual Olive Festival events will soon be taking place. Consult the Calendar of North State Events for details.

I Beg of You, Walk this Way, -and- Animal Kingdom

I Beg of You - panhandler shot to death over 25 cents
Walk this Way - town bans police cowboy boots
Animal Kingdom - kangaroo on the loose in Mississippi

On this day in history: August 9, 1969 - Tate Murders by Charles Manson's followers.

Born on this day in history: August 9, 1963 - Whitney Houston (1963 - ____) singer. She won a Grammy, 1986, for top female vocalist; hits include "How Will I Know," 1987; film debut in "The Bodyguard," 1992.

Today's Video: Invisible Water Effect

When I arrived at my office at 7:15 AM this morning, there was a car parked outside my front door. As I opened my door, a woman exited the car and followed me into my office. "What can I do for you?" I asked, as I turned on the lights and the computer monitors and connected the wireless Internet feed. "My Internet's shut off." "What do you mean by 'shut off'?" I inquired. "I mean they turned it off cause my credit card got cancelled." "I see," I said. "What can I do for you?" "You can tell them to turn it back on and send me a bill and I'll send them a money order," she replied. "It may not be an option to pay by money order," I said. "Who is your Internet service provider?" (I represent three ISPs, and only one of them accepts payment by money order.) "AOL," she replied. "AOL? I have no connection with AOL," I said. "You would need to contact AOL directly." "I did," she said, "and that's when they told me I was shut off cause of my credit card." "The only option I can offer," I said, "is a new account with Snowcrest. That would be a $15.00 one-time set-up fee, and you would be billed $15.00 a month, payable quarterly, and you may pay by money order." "When do I have to pay the set-up fee?" she asked. "Whenever you wish to initiate service," I replied. "Can't you just send me a bill for it?" she asked, frowning. "I can send you a bill, of course," I said. "Then, when you have the $15.00, you can pay the bill, and I will initiate service." "No," she said, visibly upset, "I mean get me hooked up and send me a bill." "That is not an option," I said. "Have a nice day." She glared at me, said something that I shall not repeat here, and exited my office.

What a lovely way for the day to begin! Yikes!

Fighting Back, Running on Empty, -and- Resident Evil

Fighting Back - suspected burglar shot by homeowner
Running on Empty - some gas stations refusing to sell gas
Resident Evil - Charles Manson scheduled for parole hearing

On this day in history: May 24, 1964 - In the closing minutes of a match between Peru and Argentina, after a referee disallows a goal, a riot ensues. 318 people are killed and 500 injured in Lima, Peru, making it the worst soccer riot in history.

Born on this day in history: May 24, 1941 - Bob Dylan (1941 - ____) singer, songwriter. His songs include "Blowin' in the Wind," 1962; "The Times are Changin'," 1964; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1988.

Today's Video: Honda Chorus - submitted by Jay

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

The wind has abated! The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds are singing. It is entirely possible that this beautiful weather will continue through the Memorial Day weekend.

During my journey to my office this morning, I encountered a silver Dodge Nitro SXT. Mr. Nitro was noticeably excited to encounter a member of his family, and I had to apply a good deal of restraint to keep him from engaging in an embarrassing display.