Book 'im Dano!, Mama Mia!, -and- Hic!

Book 'im Dano! - 14-year-old boy impersonates Chicago cop
Mama Mia! - woman gives birth to 8 babies in 5 minutes
Hic! - trapped man survives by drinking whisky

On this day in history: January 27, 1992 - Prostitute Aileen Wuornos found guilty after she killed seven "johns." She claimed self defense but was still sentenced to death.

Born on this day in history: January 27, 1948 - Mikhail Baryshnikov (1948 - ) Born in Riga, Latvia, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov trained with the Kirov Ballet in St Petersburg, and in 1974, defected to the West, joining the American Ballet Theatre, and later the New York City Ballet. He also appeared in Hollywood films.

Scripture of the Day: He [the one who delights in and meditates upon the Law of the Lord] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. - Psalm 1:3

Video of the Day: Trucking Duck - submitted by Frank

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

Cold and dry. It was a mere 31° this morning as I drove to my office at 7 AM. It was very dry, however, and there was no ice on Mr. Nitro's windshield. Yesterday morning, it was necessary to wait for 5 minutes while Mr. Nitro's defroster melted the carapace of ice from his windshield. Looking at all that ice made it seem much colder than it was.

For dinner last evening, I made a simple, hearty dish that is a favorite of ours: I placed a half-head of cabbage (cut into 2" wedges, several small red potatoes (quartered), a small red onion (cut into 6 sections), a handful of baby carrots, and a package of Johnsonville brats in a large Corning casserole dish. I seasoned this with sea salt, ground black pepper, dried parsley flakes, and red pepper flakes. I cooked this in the microwave for 18 minutes on power level 5. Laura stirred the ingredients and cooked for another 8 minutes on power level 5. At the table, we used spicy brown mustard as a condiment for the vegetables and brats. It is a delicious, hearty, and very easy-to-make meal.

UPDATE - 8 AM: I received a surprise visit at my office from Pastor Rob Kee—a very dear friend and former pastor of Harvest Christian Center. What a wonderful surprise it was to visit with my dear friend and brother in Christ! 11 months ago, he answered a call from the Lord and passed the mantle to Pastor Mike Sharp and moved to Lompoc, CA, where he is now pastor of Riverview Church of God. It was a glorious visit!

Family Matters, Stupid Criminals, -and- Armed and Dangerous

Family Matters - majority voters bash Obama's "family" values
Stupid Criminals - hit-and-run suspect sues NYC over damaged car
Armed and Dangerous - police department arrests, jails, investigates 10 officers in 4 months

On this day in history: August 26, 1980 - Hotel workers discover a 1,000-pound time bomb at Harveys Resort & Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Attached to the device is a ransom note, demanding that $3 million be delivered to a remote location by helicopter. After the delivery goes bad, bomb squad personnel are left to defuse the gadget by robot. The resulting blast blows a five-story hole in the structure and causes $12 million in damage.

Born on this day in history: August 26, 1960 - Branford Marsalis (1960-) Born in Beaux Bridge, Louisiana, musician Branford Marsalis comes from a jazz musician family. He became a national celebrity in 1992 when he signed as musical director for Jay Leno’s "Tonight Show." A Grammy Award-winner, Marsalis is also a music producer, writer and performer of film scores.

Scripture of the Day: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. - Romans 8:26-27

Video of the Day: Sand Animation of Animals - submitted by Cindy

Obama and his pals. Click to enlarge.

Images from yesterday's Harvest Christian Center Baseball Tournament await your viewing pleasure. From the index page for - the Local Events Photo Gallery - choose Harvest Christian Center Baseball Tournament 2008. You may view the images individually, or you may view them as a slide show. To view them as a slide show, click on the "start slide show" link at the left, below the first image. I shall be creating slide shows from photographs of the Olive Festival-both Friday night and Saturday-and will announce when the slide shows are available.

Never Too Young, Marooned!, -and- Matters of Life and Death

Never Too Young - 8-year-old girl files for divorce
Marooned! - Nebraska law allows abandonment of teens
Matters of Life and Death - Fed protects doctors from being forced to perform abortions

On this day in history: August 25, 2001 - Rhythm and blues singer Aaliyah and 8 others die in a plane crash on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas. Excessive weight aboard the tail end likely caused the plane to go down.

Born on this day in history: August 25, 1930 - Sean Connery (1930 - ) Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, actor Sean Connery was cast in "Dr. No" as Ian Fleming's secret agent James Bond in 1963, which made him an international star. He won an Oscar as an aging Irish cop in "The Untouchables" (1987). Connery was knighted in 1999.

Scripture of the Day: But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. - Romans 8:25

Video of the Day: Joe Biden's Racist Slip - submitted by Darin

Hear no evil! Click to enlarge.

What a pair! Click to enlarge.

The Corning Olive Festival parade took place last Friday evening, and the Olive Festival events filled Woodson Park on Saturday. Slide shows created from photographs of these events will soon be available online, and I shall alert readers of their availability.

The Harvest Christian Center baseball tournament took place yesterday afternoon. A slide show created from photographs of this event will soon be available online, and I shall alert readers of this availability.

Laura tended the grill Saturday evening. She grilled huge top sirloin steaks, yellow squash, Jalapeños, red bell peppers, and white mushrooms. She marinated everything with a marinade that I prepared from extra-virgin olive oil, granulated garlic, ground ginger, rice wine vinegar, and Tony Chachere's More Spice. It was delicious.

Yesterday morning, I made a large frittata using leftovers from Saturday's dinner. I sliced leftover top sirloin, red bell pepper, Jalapeño, and yellow squash. I cubed red potatoes and steamed in the microwave with sliced white onion. I sautéed the onions and potatoes, and added the leftovers. Laura took over. She seasoned the mixture with Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and granulated garlic. She whisked six eggs and poured over the mixture. I sliced cheddar cheese. Laura added the cheese to the frittata when the eggs were done, took the sauté pan to the table, and allowed the frittata to rest for five minutes—allowing the cheese to melt perfectly. We enjoyed half of this delightful frittata, and the balance awaits our dining pleasure later this week.

For dinner last evening, I made grilled chicken wings. Laura made a batch of Fridays beer-batter onion rings. It was wonderful. I removed the wing ends from a dozen large chicken wings, placed the wings in a zip-lock bag, and covered with Louisiana hot sauce. The wings marinated in the sauce for 8 hours. I grilled the wings over a high flame until they were nicely charred on both sides, brushing with reserved marinade prior to turning. I then turned off the flame under the wings, left the flame high on the front burner, and continued grilling over indirect heat for 45 minutes—brushing with marinade each 10 minutes. It was wonderful. Three chicken wings remain and shall follow Laura to work this morning for her lunch.

The Word, Roach Motel, -and- Everything's Relative

The Word - 1,600-year-old version of the Bible goes online
Roach Motel - man blows up apartment spraying for bugs
Everything's Relative - world's fastest snail crowned

On this day in history: July 22, 1994 - In court, O.J. pleads "absolutely, 100% not guilty" of savagely killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Born on this day in history: July 22, 1947 - Danny Glover (1947– ) Born in San Francisco, actor Danny Glover got his break in "The Color Purple" (1985). He went on to play both villains and heroes, starring in the "Lethal Weapon" movie series. In 1998, Glover was appointed a UN goodwill ambassador.

Scripture of the Day: "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." - 2 Samuel 7:22

Video of the Day: Nascargot Racing

This was the scene at the annual World Snail Racing Championships in Congham, Norfolk. Click to enlarge.

Laura and I attended David Woods' Crusade at Harvest Christian Center last evening. Laura sang on the worship team. This was the second evening of the Crusade, which will run through Friday evening. David Woods is a gifted speaker, and his message was powerful and well-received.

Crosstown Traffic, Heat of the Moment, -and- iRobbed

Crosstown Traffic - New Zealand drivers use blow-up dolls to avoid traffic regulations
Heat of the Moment - truckers face fines for idling rigs over 5 minutes
iRobbed - iPhones used for bait in Craigslist robberies

On this day in history: June 13, 1985 - Mailroom workers discover a bomb inside a suspicious parcel at Boeing, Inc.'s Fabrication Division in Auburn, Washington. After the police bomb squad disarms it, investigators discover the initials "FC" stamped on both caps, making it the first explosive device recovered intact from the Unabomber.

Born on this day in history: June 13, 1986 - Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (1986-) Born in Sherman Oaks, CA, actress twins Mary-Kate and Ashley debuted at nine months old, sharing the role of Michelle on ABC sitcom "Full House," which ran for eight years. By 12, the girls had starred in home videos, feature films, multimedia entertainment and another ABC series, "Two of a Kind."

Scripture of the Day: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. - Ephesians 6:13

Video of the Day: 120-watt Crate Guitar Amplifier

I sold my Fender SJ-64S acoustic guitar and bought a Crate FXT120 guitar amp

and a Samick Strat guitar.

When I am not touring with Sammy Hagar, I shall assist Laura by accompanying her as she rehearses the songs she performs with the worship team at Harvest Christian Center

The Price Is Right, Meow!, -and- Pet MD

The Price Is Right - restaurant lets customers determine cost of meals
Meow! - cat survives three weeks in storage container
Pet MD - suicidal pets get anti-depressants

On this day in history: February 25, 1932 - Austrian Adolf Hitler granted German citizenship, to meet a "minor" technical requirement in order to run for president.

Born on this day in history: February 25, 1943 - George Harrison (1943–2001) Born in Liverpool, England, musician George Harrison played lead guitar and sang with the Beatles, developing an interest in Eastern music and religion. After the Beatles’ break-up, he made solo albums, including "All Things Must Pass" (1970), and performed with other artists, notably "super-group" The Traveling Wilburys (1988–90). He also produced several films, such as "Monty Python's Life of Brian" (1979). Harrison died after a long battle against cancer.

Scripture of the Day: Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. - John 2:24-25

Video of the Day: Little Girl Sings "Indescribable"

This is a photograph I took at Harvest Christian Center. It represents the passing of the mantle from Pastor Rob Kee to Pastor Mike Sharp. Click to enlarge.

Following a weekend of near-hurricane-force winds and torrential rain, today is a beautiful day—filled with sunshine and the singing of birds!

Saturday evening, my two brothers came to our house for dinner. I made pasta with marinara sauce. The pasta was Barilla thick spaghetti. For the sauce, I simmered Johnsonville Italian sausage (mild, since one of my brothers eschews spicy foods), sliced white onion, sliced white mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, diced Roma tomatoes, a package of bacon (cut into 1-inch strips), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and Tony Chachere's More Spice in Almaden Cabernet Sauvignon. Laura stirred this while it simmered for two hours. She then added a jar of Classico marinara sauce and stirred. I cooked the pasta until al dente, and Laura incorporated it into the marinara sauce and transferred it to a large pasta bowl. I toasted garlic bread under the broiler. At the table, we added DiGiorno grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red peppers. We had a delightful Woodbridge Zinfandel with the meal. It was a delicious dinner.

Saturday morning—following The Lord's Table class at Harvest Christian Center, I made an excellent frittata with diced red potatoes, diced Jalapeño peppers, a large habanero pepper (sliced very thinly), a package of bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces), a sliced white onion, two heads of garlic cloves (peeled), six jumbo eggs (beaten), and eight slices of sharp cheddar cheese. We ate only 1/4 of this, along with tortilla chips and salsa.

Sunday morning, we attended a very special service at Harvest Christian Center. The mantle was passed from Pastor Rob Kee to Pastor Mike Sharp. For a press release of this event, Click here. It was a wonderful event, and the sanctuary was filled to capacity and dozens observed from the foyer.

Sunday even, Laura grilled a large London broil, halved red onion, two large Jalapeño peppers, two large halved red potatoes, and two large halved Roma tomatoes. The wind had abated sufficiently for Laura to grill outdoors. It was a delicious meal.

Following church service, we had another 1/4 of the frittata and a package of miniature Pillsbury biscuits. We shall enjoy the balance of the frittata following Bible class on Wednesday evening.

Ground Control to Major Tom, Don't Pay the Piper, -and- It Doesn't Pay to Advertise

Ground Control to Major Tom - hackers post YouTube video declaring war on Scientology
Don't Pay the Piper - download 25 million songs legally
It Doesn't Pay to Advertise - woman sought hit man on Craigslist

On this day in history: January 28, 1978 - "Vampire of Sacramento" Richard Chase is arrested. Miscellaneous human organs are found in his refrigerator. He managed to kill six people, drinking the blood of two of his victims.

Born on this day in history: January 28, 1968 - Sarah McLachlan (1968-) Born in Halifax, Canada, singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan had her debut album in 1988, gaining a following for her atmospheric folk-pop music. In 1993, her single "Possession" broke the Top 100. In 1997, McLachlan founded the successful Lilith Fair, an annual tour of women musicians.

Scripture of the Day: We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. - Colossians 1:28

Video of the Day: Live Time-lapse Art - submitted by Danica

What is this? It is a Hill-Billy! Click to enlarge.

It almost snowed last evening! The wind howled all day yesterday and into the evening. At approximately 9 PM, there was a sudden sleet storm. The sleet fell relentlessly for approximately 20 minutes. If it had been a few degrees colder, the sleet would certainly have taken the form of snow! When the sleet ceased, the wind was gone as well. This morning, there is no wind, and the streets are dry. It is cold, however. Mr. Nitro's windshield required defrosting. Mr. Yaris was parked in the carport and avoided the frost.

Laura received recognition and an award yesterday during service at Harvest Christian Center. She was named "Ministering Member of the Month" for her word as a teacher in the nursery! Although this was a complete surprise to her, Laura maintained her composure and gave a very spirited and emotionally charged acceptance speech.

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa at Harvest Christian Center yesterday. Doug LaMalfa is a fourth-generation rice farmer who has lived in Northern California all of his life. He and his wife, Jill, have four children and make their home on the family farm in Richvale, California. He was first elected the Legislature in 2002 to represent the sprawling 2nd Assembly District covering nine counties in Northern California.

Assemblyman LaMalfa spoke of his faith (He is a devout Christian. His wife was unable to accompany him, because she is on the worship team at their home church in Richvale.) and his dedication to serving the people of his district.

A staunch believer in reducing the tax burden on working families, Assemblyman LaMalfa says that, "taxpayers know better than bureaucrats and politicians how to spend and invest their own hard-earned money." He is a leader in opposing new taxes to cover the fiscal blunders by spendthrift politicians.

Doug LaMalfa supports strong law enforcement and returning state tax dollars back to counties to put more sheriff's deputies and firefighters in our communities. Since being elected in 2002, Doug LaMalfa has led the fight to restore millions in funding for our rural sheriffs.

As an active political leader in his community, LaMalfa championed the "3-Strikes" law to lock up repeat violent criminals. In 2005, Assemblyman LaMalfa teamed-up with Senator Tom McClintock to sponsor the Homeowner and Property Protection Act to stop the abuses of government taking private property using Eminent Domain. This issue is likely to be placed on the November 2006 statewide ballot for the people to decide. LaMalfa believes that marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman and that it must be protected. As an Assemblyman, LaMalfa continues to fight hard to defend the Protection of Marriage Act, Proposition. 22 from those who would violate the legal authority of the people of California.

Assemblyman LaMalfa firmly believes that government should first do no harm, and that government should provide, in the most efficient manner possible, only those essential services that individuals and families cannot provide for themselves.

LaMalfa praised the leadership and congregation for their political activism and encouraged us that it is perfectly legal for a church to be politically active regarding issues, and only the endorsement of candidates is unacceptable.

The Kids Are Alright, Online, -and- Never Too Thin

The Kids Are Alright - 3rd-grader rescues choking pal
Online - Wi-Fi causing autism?
Never too Thin - Web sites promoting anorexia shut down

On this day in history: November 21, 1997 - Lead singer of INXS, Michael Hutchence, found hanged in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Sydney Australia. Police have denied that his death was due to Autoerotic Asphyxiation.

Born on this day in history: November 21, Goldie Hawn (1945 - ____) actress, comedienne, producer. She won an Oscar for "Cactus Flower," 1969; other films include "Protocol," 1984 and "The First Wives Club," 1996.

Scripture of the Day: "I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way, in all your speaking, and in all your knowledge." (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)

Video of the Day: Thanksgiving - George Winston

Laura has set a beautiful table in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner. Click to enlarge.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We shall be attending a Thanksgiving worship service at Harvest Christmas Center. For dinner afterwards, we shall have one of the new Freschetta 10-topping pizzas. I described this pizza in an earlier post. It is wonderful and easily equal in taste and appearance to a take-and-bake pizza.

For Thanksgiving dinner, we shall have a roasted turkey breast, oyster dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, poached asparagus, turkey gravy, cranberries, and champagne.

Laura and I wish you all a very festive and safe Thanksgiving.

Comin' 'round the Bend, Going Postal, -and- Stop Thief!

Comin' 'round the Bend - Marysville woman "being silly" hit by train
Going Postal - mailman shot for slow delivery
Stop Thief! - man arrested for stealing "virtual furniture"

On this day in history: November 15, 1941 - SS chief Himmler orders the arrest and concentration of all homosexuals in Germany. Excluded were certain top Nazi officials who happened to be homosexuals—including Himmler.

Born on this day in history: November 15, 1930 - J. G. Ballard (1930 - ____) novelist. He writes books of surrealistic fiction with apocalyptic themes; wrote the best-selling novel "Empire of the Sun," 1984.

Scripture of the Day: "Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight." (Psalm 119:143)

Video of the Day: Funny Animal Bloopers - submitted by Darin

This was the sunset that greeted us yesterday at 4:59 PM. It was a very happy sunset! 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!

This Saturday is the 12th annual Hometown Christmas. For details on this event, see the Calendar of North State Events.

My friend and business neighbor, Corey (owner of Corning Auto Parts), gave me a giant jug of hot and sweet Jalapeño slices yesterday. I could not resist the urge to taste them, and so I did. They are wonderful. They are hot, and a sweet under taste soon kicks in and mellows the heat. They will be excellent on sandwiches and nachos. Sunday, I plan to make a large batch of nachos for our snacking delight while playing Scrabble.

This Saturday is the 12th annual Corning Hometown Christmas. For details, see the Calendar of North State Events. There will be a live Nativity scene, craft and food booths, photographs with Santa, a lighted parade, and more. There will be free games for children, provided by Harvest Christian Center. I shall photograph the event and announce the availability of the slide show I produce from the photographs.

Laura took Mr. Nitro to Chico this morning. He needs to have his brake system reprogrammed, and he is due for his first check-up and oil change. While he has only 1365 miles on his odometer, he is past the 6-month check-up period, and the brake reprogramming is a critical issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. So off to Chico Mr. Nitro went, under Laura's aegis. It is the first time we have been separated since I obtained him on February 5, 2007, and I miss him and eagerly await his return.

To Serve and Protect, Man's Best Friend, -and- Animal Kingdom

To Serve and Protect - federal agent used seized money for personal debts
Man's Best Friend - family dog saves toddler from deadly snake
Animal Kingdom - African lion roaming woods in West Virginia

On this day in history: November 1, 1950 - Attempt by Puerto Rican nationalists to assassinate President Truman at Blair House fails, leaving one of them dead.

Born on this day in history: November 1, 1937 - Bill Anderson (1937 - ____) singer, songwriter. "Whispering Bill" was a top country music star of 1960s; wrote "Walk Out Backward," 1962 and "Strangers," 1965.

Scripture of the Day: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18)

Video of the Day: Sawed in Half - submitted by Don

Why trampolines can be dangerous. I encountered this scene on my way to the office this morning. It shows the potential danger lurking, waiting for the carefree trampoline enthusiast! 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!

Last evening was the Harvest Festival at Harvest Christian Center. This was the Thirteenth Annual Free Harvest Festival to be Harvest Christian Center. There was lots of candy, toys, games, chili, cookies, cotton candy, popcorn, pony rides, and bouncing castles. It was an excellent event, the attendance was high, and the weather was beautiful. It was a warm evening—in the 70s!—and there was no wind. It was a wonderful event. I took several hundred photographs and will soon be sharing some of them in a slide show. I shall announce the availability of the slide show when it is ready for viewing.

Fighting Back, Fighting Back 2, -and- Wanted...

Fighting Back - hijacked ship crew overpowers pirates
Fighting Back 2 - Samaritans foil alleged rape in progress
Wanted... - Craig's List ad leads to murder

On this day in history: October 30, 1966 - The Zodiac kills his first victim, 18-year-old Cheri Jo Bates, in the library parking lot of a community college in Riverside, California.

Born on this day in history: October 30, 1912 - Gordon Parks (1912 - 2006) photographer, director. He was a photographer for "Life" magazine, 1948-72; directed film "Shaft," 1972; won Spingarn, 1972.

Scripture of the Day: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Video of the Day: Bangkok Market - submitted by Laura

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of my brothers is now a television star! 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!

As a safe, Christian alternative to the Satanic celebration of Halloween, Harvest Christian Center will host the annual Harvest Festival. Everyone is invited to attend the Thirteenth Annual Free Harvest Festival, 5 PM to 9 PM, Harvest Christian Center, 1006 Sixth Street, Corning. Lots of candy, toys, games, chili, cookies and popcorn, pony rides, and bouncing castles. Free drawing for adults 18 years and older. For further information, please call 530-824-2091. This is an excellent event that traditionally attracts several thousand attendees. Laura baked ten dozen cookies for this event last evening. She shall be operating the fishing booth game, and I shall be photographing the event.

For information regarding the dark history of Halloween, read The Facts about Halloween.

Heat of the Moment, Heat of the Moment, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Heat of the Moment - Gore climate theory savaged by hurricane expert
Heat of the Moment - think tank: withdraw Gore film's Oscar
Somebody's Watching You - overhead cam falls onto field in Seattle

On this day in history: October 15, 1917 - Dutch spy H21, also known as Mata Hari, is executed in Paris by a 12-man firing squad. The dancer, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, had slept with a number of high-ranking military officers from around the world and passed secrets along to the German high command.

Born on this day in history: October 15, 1924 - Lee Iacocca (1924 - ____) auto business executive. As president and chairman of the foundering Chrysler Corp., he secured the largest federal financial assistance ever given to a private corporation.

Scripture of the Day: "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." (2 Samuel 7:22)

Video of the Day: Puehse Twins Skateboarding - Part 2 - submitted by Amber

The weather was beautiful over the weekend—particularly yesterday, when the temperature reached 72 degrees by early afternoon. The sun was bright in the sky, the sky was blue, the clouds were white and scattered, the wind was mild, and the birds were singing. It was necessary to engage Mr. Nitro's air conditioning (albeit on the lowest fan speed) while Laura and I journeyed to Chico.

The weather forecast for the next several days does not look particularly inviting. The forecast for next Sunday looks very promising, however. This is of significant importance, since next Sunday is Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s Oktoberfest celebration. I shall be photographing the event. Good weather would certainly be wonderful for this event!

Friday evening, we had another of the new DiGiorno Ultimate Pepperoni pizzas we discovered the week previous. This is a wonderful pizza with an impressive crust. I highly recommend it.

Saturday morning, I made a large frittata, with 10 jumbo eggs, 1/2 package of fresh baby spinach, three Jalapeños, a medium white onion, a head of garlic, six large white mushrooms, 1/2 pound of deli ham, 9 slices of medium cheddar cheese, and herbs and spices. It was delightful. We were able to devour only half of this wonderful meal.

Saturday evening, we had steamed broccoli and grilled chicken breasts and red potatoes. I washed and dried eight Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I marinated them in extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sea salt, cumin, and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper Spice. The chicken marinated for six hours in a large zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. We turned the chicken every hour. Laura grilled the chicken perfectly, creating perfect grill marks on the exterior and brushing it while it cooked with the leftover marinade. It was a wonderful meal. We froze two large breasts and have four breasts in the refrigerator for a meal later in the week.

Yesterday, while Laura performed nursery duties at Harvest Christian Center, I created a marinade using extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Merlot, minced garlic, Red Monkey Cajun Spice, sea salt, and ground black pepper. I marinated two thick top sirloin steaks. When we returned from Chico, we spoke of grilling around 6 PM. The day quickly grew late, however, and dinner became snacking. The steaks will get tossed onto the grill tomorrow night. Tonight, Laura has choir practice, and we shall have the remaining half of Saturday's frittata for dinner.

They're Here!, Eat Your Vegetables!, -and- Animal Kingdom

They're Here! - Tom Cruise building bunker for protection against alien attack
Eat Your Vegetables! - the boy who is allergic to almost EVERY food
Animal Kingdom - bear rescued from California bridge

On this day in history: October 1, 1993 - Richard Allen Davis kidnaps Polly Klaas during a slumber party in her Petaluma, California home and later murders the 12-year-old. The horrific ordeal transforms her father, Mark Klaas, into a major media figure.

Born on this day in history: October 1, 1935 - Julie Andrews (1935 - ____) actress, singer, author. She won an Oscar, 1964, for "Mary Poppins;" Oscar nominee for "Sound of Music," 1965; writes children's books as Julie Edwards.

Scripture of the Day: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)

Video of the Day: Passion of the Christ Music Video - submitted by Donny

This should be enough garlic to ward off any threat of vampire attack! Click to enlarge.

The weather cooperated fairly well for Friday's Homecoming Parade. While it was not sunny and not particularly warm, it was fairly pleasant and dry. This morning, there were a few rain drops on Mr. Nitro when I departed for my office. This is not a good sign.

Saturday, I made a scrumptious frittata with red potatoes, garlic (two heads!), white onion, Jalapeños, Habaneros, Italian sausage, spinach, eggs, pepperjack cheese, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Cajun spice. We ate only half and shall have the balance for an evening meal.

Saturday evening, Laura grilled large New York strip steaks, Jalapeños, large white mushrooms, yellow squash, and red potatoes. It was delicious. Laura grilled everything perfectly. The steaks had excellent grill marks and were charred nicely on the exterior and rare in the middle.

Sunday, we snacked on Mission Cilantro and Lime tortilla chips, homemade salsa, and Cuervo Especial margaritas and played Scrabble. Laura played well and won one game. It is not an easy task to best me at Scrabble play, and Laura is to be commended. While I was overall champion, her win is significant—given my Scrabble prowess. I would like to take this opportunity to assert there is no truth whatever to the rumor that I have taken steroids to enhance my Scrabble play! These rumors are patently untrue.

Sunday morning, while Laura tended to the nursery at Harvest Christian Center, I produced a very fine pasta salad—composed of large pasta shells, sliced celery, sliced radishes, diced red onion, garbanzo beans, diced red pepper, pear tomatoes, sea salt, ground black pepper, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and wasabi paste. I completed the salad at 11:30 AM, and it sat in repose in the refrigerator, awaiting dinner time. Laura marinated seven large boneless, skinless chicken breasts with extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper spice. She grilled the chicken perfectly. It was succulent and moist and very flavorful. The salad was wonderful. A goodly amount of leftovers await later dining pleasure.

The Deep, Ribbit!, -and- Tell It to Al Gore

The Deep - fisherman catches "living fossil"
Ribbit! - woman nearly croaks with frog in salad
Tell It to Al Gore - Elton John: shut down the Internet

On this day in history: August 2, 1876 - Drinking at a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, Jack McCall notices Wild Bill Hickok playing poker at a corner table. Then he calmly walks over to the table and blows a wide hole in the back of Hickok's head with a .45 revolver. The professional gambler and onetime lawman was holding a pair of aces and a pair of eights, now known as the "Dead Man's Hand."

Born on this day in history: August 2, 1924 - James Baldwin (1924 - 1987) novelist, essayist He was a noted spokesman for American blacks in 1950s-60s.

Today's Video: Battle on Haifa Street - submitted by Phillip

Last evening, Laura and I attended a crusade at Harvest Christian Center. Laura sang in the choir during worship, prior to the sermon by evangelist David Woods. Rev. Woods is a world-famous evangelist from Portland, OR. His sermon was powerful and was followed by an altar call, at which several were delivered from bondage and others were healed of afflictions. This was the third evening of the crusade, which continues through Friday.

Fighting Back, Never Too Old, -and- Just Say Nein

Fighting Back - man, 93, shoots violent robber
Never Too Old - woman, 84, still jumps out of planes
Just Say Nein - some in Berlin oppose McDonald's arrival

On this day in history: July 30, 1975 - Jimmy Hoffa probably dead.

Born on this day in history: July 30, 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947 - ____) actor He was 5 times Mr. Universe and 6 times Mr. Olympia; star of numerous films including "Twins," 1988 and "Total Recall," 1990.

Today's Video:Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band

Here is Carlocito, Carmelita's Boy-faced Dog. I did not dream of him, but now some of you may! Click to enlarge.

Tomorrow is Laura's birthday. We celebrated her birthday over the weekend: Saturday, we had chips, guacamole, and peach margaritas and played Scrabble. We had grilled New York strip steaks, lobster tails, and steamed asparagus for dinner. There was so much food that we had a redux on Sunday evening—substituting grilled corn on the cob and grilled red potato halves for the asparagus. Earlier in the afternoon, we had chips, guacamole, and strawberry margaritas.

The sermon at Harvest Christian Center Sunday morning was given by Rev. David Woods. Rev. Woods is a world-famous evangelist from Portland, OR. His sermon was powerful and was followed by an altar call, at which several were delivered from bondage and others were healed of afflictions. Tonight begins a crusade that will last through Friday. Each evening this week, Rev. Woods will lead the crusade. It shall be a powerful experience. Many shall be delivered, many shall be healed, and many shall be saved! Praise God!