Matters of Life and Death, You Can't Have It Your Way!, -and- Animal Kingdom

Matters of Life and Death - 1 million red envelopes deluge White House
You Can't Have It Your Way! - man fires shots into McDonald's when told he's early for lunch
Animal Kingdom - urban coyote attacks on the rise

On this day in history: March 31, 1991 - Danny Bonaduce arrested for assault after he fought with a transvestite prostitute. No contest, 750 hours community service.

Born on this day in history: March 31, 1943 - Christopher Walken (1943- ) Born in New York City, actor Christopher Walken made his Broadway debut at 16. His first big film role was in "The Anderson Tapes" (1971), and he won an Oscar for "The Deer Hunter" (1978). With an ability to play both sinister and comic roles, Walken has appeared in an enormous range of roles.

Scripture of the Day: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Video of the Day: The Perfect Crime - submitted by Chris

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

The iPhone: We have been using our iPhones for several days now. The more I use my iPhone, the more amazed I am by its capabilities and its speed. There are thousands and thousands (some say 25,000) applications for the iPhone—a great many of which are free. I installed Bible and quickly became greatly enamored of it. It presents a very capable interface for a multitude of Bible translations. Another application I truly enjoy is Shazam. Shazam analyzes any song that is playing and reports the artist, title, CD, discography of the artist, etc. It is an amazing program. Visit iTunes and see for yourself the vast array of available applications. In addition to the applications to be found at iTunes, many private developers offer applications for the iPhone. The availability of applications is nearly endless.

Laura took this photograph of her cat, Thor, with her iPhone last evening:

The Wind: The wind that has plagued us unmercifully since last Sunday morning appears to have abated! This is wonderful. I loathe the wind. It serves to provide nothing—other than cold, airborne irritants, and general discomfort. I am pleased to see it gone!

The Sky Isn't Falling, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Don't Call

The Sky Isn't Falling - world doesn't end, doomsday cult gives up
The Kids Are Alright - 3-year-old girl can swim over 400 meters
Don't Call - cell phones more dangerous than smoking

On this day in history: March 31, 1889 - Eiffel Tower completed.

Born on this day in history: March 31, 1943 - Christopher Walken (1943– ) Born in New York City, actor Christopher Walken made his Broadway debut at 16. His first big film role was in "The Anderson Tapes" (1971), and he won an Oscar for "The Deer Hunter" (1978). With an ability to play both sinister and comic roles, Walken has appeared in an enormous range of roles.

Scripture of the Day: Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. - Proverbs 3:31-32

Video of the Day: US Navy SEALS Combat Swim

The storm that was forecast for Friday did not materialize. It was a sunny, warm weekend—although the wind was fierce. Had it not been for the wind, the weather would have been ideal.

Saturday afternoon, we snacked upon garlic Triscuits and artichoke-Parmesan dip and played a rousing game of Scrabble. We then watched "Transformers" on our new HD video system. The special effects were staggering, and we thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed a grilled London broil, grilled Jalapeños, and grilled red potatoes. Laura grilled Johnsonville hot Italian sausage, also. This will be used to produce a pasta dish later in the week. Grilling the sausage significantly enhances the flavor.

Sunday—following service at Harvest Christian Center, we had a delightful brunch: I dry-rubbed tri-tip steaks with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper, sprayed with olive oil Pam, and grilled on the indoor grill. Laura made potatoes O'Brien and sunny-side-up fried eggs. At the table, we added Tony Chachere's Louisiana hot sauce and crushed red peppers.

Sunday evening, we enjoyed BLTs, made with toasted garlic-cheddar sourdough bread.

Never Too Young, Say "Cheese"!, -and- Robocop

Never Too Young - hockey brawl between 8-year-olds stuns police
Say "Cheese"! - man arrested for shooting traffic camera
Robocop - high-tech drones joining Miami police force

On this day in history: November 28, 1981 - Natalie Wood topples off her yacht near Catalina Island and drowns. Her husband, Robert Wagner, and friend, Christopher Walken, were onboard and unaware of her predicament.

Born on this day in history: November 28, 1936 - Gary Hart (1936 - ____) politician. He was the Democratic senator from Colorado, 1975-86; his scandal-ridden bid for the presidential nomination in 1984 rocked the party.

Scripture of the Day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (1 Chronicles 16:8)

Video of the Day: Twin Musical Tesla Coils playing Mario Bros.
Theme - submitted by Phillip

Here is a photograph I took last week of the ruins of Premier West Bank.
Click to enlarge. To see more photographs of the ruins, go to Photo Gallery of Local Events.

For dinner last evening, I made grilled pork loin chops and brown rice. I grilled two of the thickest pork loin chops I have ever seen on the indoor grill. I allowed the grill to reach its full heat, tossed the chops (dry-rubbed with sea salt, ground black pepper, and Gebhardt's chili powder) on the grill, and covered with an aluminum-foil tent. They were delicious—nice grill marks, seared on the outside, and juicy and moist on the inside. For the rice, I placed 1 1/2 cups of brown rice, three cups of water, three large sliced white mushrooms, two sliced celery stalks, one sliced red bell pepper, sea salt, ground black pepper, and ground sage in a covered pot. I cooked this on high for 10 minutes, reduced the heat to medium-low, cooked for 30 minutes, reduced the heat to low, and cooked for another 10 minutes. It was a delightful meal.

Telemarketers: Undoubtedly, the number of telemarketing calls I receive is significantly diminished by the inclusion of my telephone numbers in the National Do Not Call List. However, the calls do sneak in under the radar—so to speak. Last evening at around 6 PM, the following conversation took place:

ME: Hello Mr. Telemarketer. What is it you are attempting to peddle?
TM: Uh...why do you say that?
ME: I would like to keep this conversation brief. I am expecting an important telephone call from Chuck Norris. What is it you are attempting to peddle?
TM: Uh...well...anyway...this is [name redacted] representing [newspaper name redacted]...
ME: I am not interested. Good bye.
TM: You haven't heard what we're offering...
ME: There is no time. Save your energy for someone who does not daily read this newspaper online at no cost. Good bye.
TM: But...
ME: (Plonk)