Chuck Norris' Birthday - Today is Chuck Norris' Birthday! In the News - They walk among us! Dining - Saturday's weather was so warm and sunny that I fell under the thrall of the grill and produced a delightful dinner that featured excellent top sirloin steaks (deliciously dry-rubbed by Laura), Jalapeños, white potatoes, and asparagus (fresh from a client's garden!). It was a wonderful meal. Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist. He founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do.
Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as Way of the Dragon, in which he starred alongside Bruce Lee, and was The Cannon Group's leading star in the 1980s.
He played the starring role in the television series "Walker, Texas Ranger" from 1993 until 2001.
Norris is a devout Christian and political conservative. He has written several books on Christianity and donated to a number of Republican candidates and causes. In 2007 and 2008, he campaigned for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who was running for the Republican nomination for president in 2008.
Norris also writes a column for the conservative website WorldNetDaily. Since 2005 Norris has been widely associated with an Internet meme which documents fictional and often absurd feats associated with him. See the link, "Chuck Norris Facts" on the left of this blog.
Sunday evening, we ate a delightful pizza created by Laura while watching a Bela Lugosi classic, White Zombie! The pizza was delicious, and the movie was excellent!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Chuck Norris' Birthday, In the News, Dining, and Enjoy
Friday, December 20, 2013
International Human Solidarity Day,In the News, I Don't Give a Duck about A&E, and Enjoy
International Human Solidarity Day - The General Assembly, on 22 December 2005, by resolution 60/209 identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the 21st century. The General Assembly proclaimed 20 December of each year International Human Solidarity Day. In the News - They walk among us! I Don't Give a Duck About A&E - Indeed! Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!
By resolution 57/265 the General Assembly, on 20 December 2002, established the World Solidarity Fund, which was set up in February 2003 as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme. Its objective is to eradicate poverty and promote human and social development in developing countries, in particular among the poorest segments of their populations.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Fats of Life, Soup's On, -and- Best Foot Forward
The Fats of Life - ballpark to sell 4800-calorie burger
Soup's On - Spanish police seize 42-piece dinnerware set made entirely of cocaine
Best Foot Forward - Chuck Norris to receive humanitarian award
On this day in history: March 26, 1830 - Joseph Smith publishes The Book of Mormon, after translating it from golden plates turned over by the angel Moroni. Smith maintained that the text contained in the tablets were written in "Reformed Egyptian" which he read by means of two magic stones from the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim.
Born on this day in history: March 26, 1948 - Steven Tyler (1948- ) Born Steven Tallarico in Yonkers, NY, musician Steve Tyler and Joe Perry founded rock band Aerosmith in the 1970s, which is still popular today.
Scripture of the Day: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:16-17
Video of the Day: Hugs with Lions - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign while journeying to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
iPhones Our 16GB iPhone 3G shipment arrived yesterday. I charged the iPhones and activated them. We kept our previous mobile telephone numbers. AT&T performed the transfer of the numbers from Verizon. It was a simple process activating Laura's iPhone. Within only two or three minutes of calling the AT&T activation center on my office land line, Laura's iPhone was activated. My iPhone, however, was another story altogether: Initially, the AT&T activation representative was unable to find my iPhone in the system. She transferred my call to another representative—one that would, she assured me, be able to resolve the issue and activate my iPhone. The second representative, however, was equally unable to assist me and said she would transfer my call to the "automated activation system." That concerned me, since I wondered how an automated system could perform a task that live support staff had been unable to accomplish. Nonetheless, I thanked the representative and proceeded to input the information when requested by the automated activation system. Once this was accomplished, I was told to turn off the iPhone, wait five minutes, and the iPhone would be activated. I waited twenty minutes. The iPhone still displayed, "No Service." I called the AT&T activation center again and somehow managed to get the same representative who initially took my call. She apologized and said that she now saw the iPhone in the system. She said, however, that since the automated activation had failed, it would be necessary to remove the SIM card and reinsert it. I did so, and the balance of the activation went smoothly.
In a word, the iPhone is incredible. While I have a good deal of acclimation ahead of me, I quickly learned the basic functions of the iPhone (There is no manual supplied. There is a manual available online, however.) I sent and received telephone calls and emails—using the Contacts that were stored in the iPhone following syncing it with my main office computer's Outlook 2007 Contacts. I took a few photographs and marveled at the quality and low-light capabilities of the iPhone's camera.
I added Corning, CA, to the Weather application. Up-to-the-minute weather is presented for whatever city one adds. New York, NY, and Cupertino, CA, are the default cities.
I toyed with Maps—quickly obtaining Google-based driving instructions from my home to my office. Maps uses GPS technology to determine the current location of the iPhone.
I installed Bible—a truly impressive, FREE application that contains a dizzying compendium of translations—including all the popular versions, along with such niche translations as Conversational Japanese!
I installed Spell Check. This is an excellent application that spell-checks as one types, offers suggestions, and links to Google for more information on a typed word. This is a FREE application.
Our iPhones will replace our HP iPAQ hx2795 PDAs and our Motorola RAZR cell phones. Soon, I shall discontinue land line service for our home.
I must go. Mr. iPhone is calling out to me!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
To Serve and Protect, Overtime -and- Eek!
To Serve and Protect - officer pilfered pastries with his free coffee, police say
Overtime - off-duty worker allegedly punched clock to collect more than $3,700
Eek! - woman finds mouse head in frozen beans
On this day in history: October 30, 1938 - CBS radio announces that glistening, black-eyed Martians have landed at Grover's Mill, New Jersey. Luckily for the extraterrestrials, the news is announced during a Mercury Theatre program and later discounted as a work of fiction. Needless to say, the event causes widespread panic before the government manages to clamp a lid on it.
Born on this day in history: October 30, 1797 - John Adams - Born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, second president (1797–1801) John Adams was a Massachusetts delegate to the First (1774) and Second (1775–7) Continental Congresses. He helped edit Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. As president, Adams antagonized supporters and was defeated for re-election by Jefferson (1800).
Scripture of the Day: The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. — Proverbs 10:30
Video of the Day: Chuck Norris - Will It Blend?
Yet more bumper stickers! Click to enlarge.
Chuck Norris Facts - the Big List Be certain to view the new list of
Chuck Norris facts! You may access this list from the Links section of this blog. Enjoy!
Harvest Festival Tomorrow evening, Harvest Christian Center will host the annual Harvest Festival. The weather reports indicate the possibility of rain. The event is scheduled to take place regardless of the weather. Rain would, however, considerably reduce my enthusiasm with regard to photographing the event. While my Nikon D3 is "highly weatherproof," I have no desire whatever to personally determine to what extent this feature addresses rain! Yikes! I shall, therefore, pray that it does not rain until the following day.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Weapons of Choice, Don't Print That! - and- Stupid Criminals
Weapons of Choice - Chuck Norris: “Thugs can look down the barrel of my gun!”
Don’t Print That! - Christian Science Monitor goes to Web-only publication
Stupid Criminals - car-thief suspect drives stolen Lexus to court
On this day in history: October 29, 1994 - Armed with a semi-automatic rifle, Colorado upholsterer Francisco Duran fires 27 shots at the White House from the sidewalk on Pennsylvania Ave. Because he opted for Chinese-made SKS rifle, few of Duran's shots come anywhere near the building. Nevertheless, he receives a life sentence for attempting to assassinate President Clinton.
Born on this day in history: October 29, 1971 - Winona Ryder (1971– ) Born in Winona, Michigan, actress Winona Ryder made her film debut in "Lucas" (1986), and went on to starring roles in such films as "Little Women" (1995) and "Girl, Interrupted" (1999).
Scripture of the Day: How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? — Hebrews 10:29
Video of the Day: Chuck Norris: An Outlaw's Worst Nightmare?
More bumper stickers! Click to enlarge.
For dinner last evening, I made chicken enchiladas. I made enchilada sauce by adding Gebhardt's chili powder, ground Chile d'Arbol, ground Cayenne, and granulated garlic to tomato sauce. I shredded two large, grilled chicken breasts. I poured some of the sauce over the shredded chicken in a stainless-steel bowl and tossed to cover. I placed a quantity of chicken in flour tortillas, rolled tightly, and placed in a Pyrex baking dish that I first coated with sauce. I topped the enchiladas with the remaining sauce—smoothing it evenly over, and fully coating, the exposed portions of the enchiladas. I sliced extra-sharp cheddar cheese and covered the enchiladas with the cheese slices. I baked the dish in the microwave oven until the cheese was melted and bubbling. We had salsa which I made Saturday morning for a condiment. It was incredibly delicious. Leftovers shall follow Laura to Chico this morning.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Send in the Clones, Eat Your Vegetables, -and- Somebody's Watching You
Send in the Clones - FDA says food from replicants safe
Eat Your Vegetables - PETA requests meat-free diet for cannibal
Somebody's Watching You - FCC asks Comcast about Internet filter
On this day in history: January 15, 1919 - In Boston, an immense storage tank alongside a rum distillery suddenly explodes, producing a flash flood of 2.3 million gallons of sticky molasses. Whole buildings are knocked off their foundations and reduced to rubble by an eight-foot wall of liquid traveling 35 miles per hour. 21 killed and 150 injured as a result of this industrial accident.
Born on this day in history: January 15, 1913 - Lloyd Bridges (1913-1998)Actor. Born Lloyd Vernet Bridges, Jr. in San Leandro, California. Bridges, who began his film career with B-grade movies for Columbia in the 1940s, starred in more than 150 films in his fifty year Hollywood career. After memorable roles in Home of the Brave and High Noon, Bridges career was interrupted when he was blacklisted by the FBI during Hollywood's infamous Red Purge. He rebounded with a starring role in the television series "Sea Hunt," which ran from 1958-61 and continued to star in films through the 1980s, including "East of Eden" and "Airplane." Of his four children, two, Jeff and Beau, also embarked on careers in Hollywood.
Scripture of the Day: To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. - Titus 1:15
Video of the Day: Office Fight - submitted by Frank
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
ICE! Mr. Nitro was sheathed in ice this morning! Obviously, it became very cold during the night! It is clear, however, and there is no wind. The fog that plagued us yesterday morning is gone, and this promises to be a beautiful, sunny day.
Chuck Norris invites voters to Huckabee fundraiser
Visit ranch barbecue through Internet streaming - © 2008 WorldNetDaily.com
Martial arts champion and television and movie star Chuck Norris is inviting voters to see a fundraiser for GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee on his Texas ranch.
When Chuck Norris endorsed Huckabee in his WND column, support for the former Arkansas governor rocketed by 50 percent within days. A few more days, and a report came out that the endorsement sparked a 66 percent hike in Internet posts about Huckabee. Even other GOP candidates have noted the Chuck Norris endorsement.
Now voters across the country are being invited to "attend" a fundraiser for Huckabee at WND columnist Chuck Norris' private ranch, via the Internet.
Norris will act as host to an old-fashioned Texas-style barbecue fundraiser for Huckabee Jan. 20 at Lone Wolf Ranch. Voters across the country can join them by logging to the Chuck 4 Huck website, and following a link to the Huckabee campaign site, where for a donation they will be given a password that provides live online access to the event.
Among the highlights will be a performance of Huckabee's rock band, Capitol Offense, as well as a martial arts demonstration, according to a spokesman for Chuck Norris.
The band, led by the bass-playing candidate, is an eight-man musical group formed in 1996. "Not your average garage band, they have been an opening act for musical headliners such as Willie Nelson and Grand Funk Railroad," Chuck Norris said.
"Mike Huckabee is a gifted leader and a man of the people and he will change politics in this country," Chuck Norris said in his announcement. "Given his unprecedented success in this primary season, he already has.
"But the job is not finished by a long shot. He still needs our help as well as our vote. That's why I am calling upon my friends and people in my community to joint me on Jan. 20 in support of 'The People's President' – Mike Huckabee," he said.
"I am tremendously honored and grateful for Chuck Norris' support – and I am pleased that we can provide an opportunity for the online community to join us via the Internet," Huckabee said during a campaign stop in Michigan.
Monday, December 03, 2007
True South, Police State, -and- Monkey Business
True South - Chuck Norris blasts "The Golden Compass"
Police State - cops test surveillance system at tree lighting
Monkey Business - young chimp beats college students
On this day in history: December 3, 1974 - Civil aviation authorities in England issue a warning to pilots to avoid a 40-foot-long inflated pig. The aeropork had escaped its tether during a Pink Floyd photo shoot.
Born on this day in history: December 3, 1930 - Jean-Luc Godard (1930 - ____) director. He was a founder of French New Wave cinema; his controversial films include "Breathless," 1960 and "Hail Mary," 1985.
Scripture of the Day: "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35)
Video of the Day: Terry Fator, Ventriloquist - Part 1 of 5 - submitted by Frank
Here is a photograph of the new Nikon D3 professional digital SLR. I am impatiently awaiting mine to arrive. 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!
Friday evening, we had six-cheese ravioli for dinner. Laura brought this treat home from Sierra Nevada. It was delicious. We also enjoyed some of Sierra Nevada's fresh bread and wonderful dipping oil.
Saturday morning, I arose at 7 AM. It was 28 degrees when I started making a giant batch of chili. AccuWeather is a Sidebar Gadget on my Vista Ultimate Desktop, and I checked my email just before I began preparations for making the enormous batch of chili. I used 6 pounds of ground sirloin, 4 white onions, 12 Jalapeños, 4 stalks of celery, 2 Habaneros, 8 Roma tomatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 2 packages of Carroll Shelby's chili seasoning, 8 tablespoons of Gebhardt's chili powder, 4 tablespoons of ground Cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper, and 2 bottles of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. The chili simmered all day, and we enjoyed it for dinner. At the table, we added fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
Sunday morning, Laura sang in the choir at Harvest Christian Center. We attended the early service. Laura stayed to sing in the choir at the late service. I scurried home and made a scrumptious frittata, with five small white potatoes, two small white onions, two heads of whole, peeled garlic, six Jalapeños, six jumbo eggs, a package of New York-style link sausage, and cheddar cheese. It was a treat, and half remains for a future meal.
For dinner that evening, we enjoyed some beef tamales. These tamales were produced by a lady who attends Harvest Christian Center. She and her daughters produced 48 dozen authentic, traditional tamales for a fundraiser for one of the young members of the congregation. He will soon leave to attend a Christian college in Texas. The church has been holding fundraisers to help defray the costs he will encounter. We are having a large yard sale for this purpose on the 15th.
Tell Wal-Mart, "Thank you"!
- for ending corporate contributions to national homosexual activist groups.
- for resisting pressure to treat homosexual partners the same way as married couples for purposes of giving employee benefits.
- for not censoring the word "Christmas" in marketing materials during the Christmas-shopping season.
- for supporting the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign by allowing their bell-ringers to solicit contributions on Wal-Mart property--and for throwing a $1 million donation in the kettle.
No corporation as large as Wal-Mart will ever be perfect in all of their corporate practices. But in the last year and a half, Wal-Mart has shown that it will listen to the concerns of its customers who hold to traditional values and that it has the backbone to resist at least some of the demands of "political correctness."
So when you shop at Wal-Mart this season, tell your local store manager, "Thank you and Merry Christmas!"
Family Research Council
801 G Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Family Research Council
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Road Rage, Firestopper, -and- Home Improvements
Road Rage - motorist attacks speed-camera operator
Firestopper - 9-year-old girl saves 34 from fire
Home Improvement - man gets jail time for property fixes
On this day in history: August 28, 2005 - Death Row Records founder Suge Knight is shot in the leg during an early morning party in Miami Beach, Florida.
Born on this day in history: August 28, 1828 - Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910) novelist, philosopher. He is known as one of the world's greatest novelists; wrote "War and Peace," 1865-69 and "Resurrection," 1899.
Scripture of the Day: “Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29)
Video of the Day: Chuck Norris Mountain Dew Commercial - submitted by Laura
[While I slept] A knocking at the door roused me from my attention to a crossword puzzle I was completing online. I rose and walked to the door. A beautiful, young lady stood there. “Hello,” she said, “I am Rosanne, and this is my daughter, Lucy. We have fresh tamales for sale. Would you like some fresh tamales?” “One moment, please,” I replied. I called Laura at her office and asked her whether she desired some fresh tamales for dinner. She said that sounded wonderful. “Come in, please,” I said to Rosanne and her lovely daughter. They entered the house, and I asked them to be seated, pointing to the sofa. They sat, and my cat, Zeus, appeared, walked to Lucy, and began rubbing against her legs. “Hi, kitty,” Lucy said. She appeared to be approximately 10 years of age. “What’s your name?” To my great surprise, Zeus answered! “My name is Zeus. But you can call me ‘Triple Digit,’ ‘cause I’m hawt!” “I’ll call you ‘Triple D’ for short,” Lucy said, and she began petting Zeus.
[While I was awake]
I used the Mr. Clean Pro-Series AutoDry Car Wash System this morning for the first time, and I am amazed by the results! I washed my Dodge Nitro R/T and Laura's Toyota Yaris. The cars dried absolutely without spots. They look cleaner and shinier than they ever have following previous washes. The Nitro was in the shade, but the Yaris was mostly in the sun and still dried completely spot-free.
The Pro-Series kit comes with a wash mitt, a wheel scrubber, a filter, soap, the sprayer unit, and quick-attach/detach connector.
First, the vehicle is sprayed with water. Next, the sprayer is turned to the soap setting, and the vehicle is covered with soap. The mitt is used to wipe the vehicle, ensuring all dirt and scum is removed. The sprayer is turned to the rinse setting, and the soap is rinsed away. There is a high-powered spray setting for stubborn dirt. Lastly, the sprayer is set to the auto-dry setting, and the vehicle is sprayed with filtered water.
The results are absolutely amazing. The vehicles have never looked this clean and shiny. They look as if they have just been waxed!
For some reason, my system had no washer in the quick-connect unit that attaches to the hose, so I had to supply one. I assume this was an oversight at the factory, since no mention is made of the need to insert a washer in the owner's manual and yet the unit could not possibly work without a washer present.
I bought the Mr. Clean Pro-Series AutoDry Car Wash System from Auto Barn (http://www.autobarn.com) for $39.95. The Pro-Series model is about $10 more than the standard model but is well worth it, in my opinion.
I have to say, this unit really impressed me! Generally, I watch television commercials and laugh at the claims they make. I did the same when I saw the Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System commercial. Later, however, I became curious and did some research. I read a good many reports from people with expensive black cars who praised the performance of the system, so I decided to try it. It is 100% as advertised!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Bad Apple, Fight Club, -and- To Serve and Protect
Bad Apple - personal data found hidden in iTunes tracks
Fight Club - private schoolboy bashing filmed for Internet
To Serve and Protect - first transgender cop on Kansas City police force
On this day in history: June 4, 1967 - The Emmy for best comedy TV series is won by "The Monkees."
Born on this day in history: June 4, 1911 - Rosalind Russell (1911 - 1976) actress, philanthropist. Her films included "His Girl Friday;" "My Sister Eileen;" and "Auntie Mame."
Today's Video: "'Walker, Texas Ranger' Theme"
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)!
We took Mr. Nitro to Chico yesterday after the early service at Harvest Christian Center. The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze. Mr. Nitro averaged 21.9 mpg for the journey. He has now traveled 575 miles. Laura's new car, Mr. Yaris, has traveled considerably farther—well over 5,000 miles—since she commutes to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. each weekday. Laura exclaimed that she enjoyed being a passenger for the journey.
Saturday, I made black bean chili with shredded grilled chicken. Laura made cornbread. It was a delicious meal. Laura scurried off to work this morning with a quantity of chili and cornbread in tow.
Sunday, I made steamed green beans. Laura grilled a London broil perfectly. I made a red-wine sauce for the meat with Merlot, sliced white mushrooms, sliced white onions, minced garlic, and Cajun seasonings. It was a delightful repast. There were no leftovers.