Creatures of the Night, Real Estate Slump, -and- Take the Money and Run

Creatures of the Night - 38 dead after being bitten by vampire bats
Real Estate Slump - man pays record $750 million for Riviera villa
Take the Money and Run - cash grab on 10 freeway creates hazardous situation

On this day in history: August 11, 1997 - Responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at the L'Elysee condominiums in West Los Angeles, LAPD officers encounter Christian Slater "swinging his arms and yelling incoherently" in the building stairwell. The movie actor reveals to police that "the Germans are coming and they will kill us." He also mentions that he has been awake for most of two days, and the last thing he remembers is "snorting a couple of lines of cocaine this morning." When officers attempt to put him in handcuffs, Slater knocks one of them to the floor and makes an unsuccessful grab for the cop's weapon. His punishment? 59 days in jail.

Born on this day in history: August 11, 1921 - Alex Haley (1921–92) Born in Ithaca, New York, and raised in Tennessee, writer Alex Haley was a journalist in the U.S. Coast Guard (1939–59). His acclaimed work, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family" (1976, Pulitzer), became a phenomenally successful TV mini-series in 1977.

Scripture of the Day: And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. - Romans 8:11

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 5/5 - Judgment and Final Score

Regardless of how bad things seem, there is always someone having a worse day! Click to enlarge.

For dinner Saturday, I grilled New York strip steaks and vegetables. I marinated two huge New York strip steaks, halved yellow squash, halved red bell pepper, and whole white mushrooms in extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning for six hours in a zip-lock bag. Laura turned the bag each hour. I grilled the steaks and vegetables over a high flame—producing a nice char on the outside of the steaks and vegetables and maintaining a rare center on the steaks. At the table, Laura used teriyaki sauce as a dip for her steak. I used wasabi paste as a condiment for my steak. It was a delightful meal.

Sunday—following the early service at Harvest Christian Center—I shopped and bought some beautiful pork loin chops, Ruffles potato chips, bacon and cheese dip, and the ingredients to make salsa. I spent a bit over two hours producing an enormous batch of salsa, using two bunches of green onions (chopped), four center stalks of celery (thinly sliced), a large white onion (diced), half a bunch of cilantro (whole leaves, stems removed), 8 large Jalapeños (diced), 3 large habaneros (diced), 24 large Roma tomatoes (diced), fresh lime juice, Gebhardt's chili powder, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and sea salt.

We played Scrabble and snacked on chips, dip, and salsa. It was a tasty snack.

For dinner, I made a pot of red beans. I simmered red beans, Gebhardt's chili powder, and a quantity of fresh salsa. I grilled three large pork loin chops over a high flame—spraying with a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar every few minutes. When the chops were nicely charred on the exterior, I turned off the flame under them and continued to grill over indirect heat. I brushed the chops with a glaze made from catsup, molasses, brown sugar, Tony Chachere's Louisiana hot sauce, lime juice, Gebhardt's chili powder, and crushed red peppers. After 10 minutes, I turned the chops and applied the glaze to the side which had been facing the grill. Ten minutes later, I took everything to the table, and we enjoyed a festive meal.

California Schemin', Breaker Breaker, -and- Mommy Dearest

California Schemin' - CA legislators tell school kids to celebrate homosexuality
Breaker Breaker - mom says walkie-talkie picks up trashy trucker talk
Mommy Dearest - woman arrested for driving with small child on roof of car

On this day in history: August 8, 1963 - By tampering with railway signals, a 15 man team halts the Glasgow-to-Euston Royal Mail train in Buckinghamshire. The criminals make off with 120 sacks containing £2.6 million in cash. The incident goes down in history as "The Great Train Robbery."

Born on this day in history: August 8, 1937 - Dustin Hoffman (1937 - ) Born in Los Angeles, actor Dustin Hoffman made his Broadway debut in 1961. His first leading role, in "The Graduate" (1967), led to similar anti-hero roles. He went on to a wider range, winning Oscars for "Kramer v. Kramer" (1979) and "Rain Man" (1988).

Scripture of the Day: But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 3/5

Fairy tales. Click to enlarge.

It is amazing what numbers can do. They say you can do anything with them.

The Beauty of Math

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this:

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

~~~ AMEN ~~~

He's Alive!, Slap!, -and- The Midnight Cowboy Opens His Eyes

He's Alive! - "dead" man awakens before autopsy, asks for glass of water
Slap! - woman attacked husband with frozen lasagna
The Midnight Cowboy Opens His Eyes - Jon Voight praises McCain, repudiates his own Vietnam protests

On this day in history: August 7, 1882 - Ellison Hatfield is stabbed 26 times and shot in the back by Tolbert McCoy and two of his brothers. Two days later, the Hatfield clan captures the three McCoys and executes them by firing squad. Thus begins generations of bloodshed between the families, ultimately causing about 100 casualties.

Born on this day in history: August 7, 1975 - Charlize Theron (1975-) Born in Benoni, South Africa, actress Charlize Theron studied dance and moved to New York to join the Joffrey Ballet. In 1995, a knee injury led to acting. Her first starring role was in the Disney remake of "Mighty Joe Young" in 1998. In 2004, Theron won an Oscar for her work in "Monster."

Scripture of the Day: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her [the woman caught in adultery]." - John 8:7

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 2/5

This is not surprising. Click to enlarge.

The weather appears to have returned to "normal." It was a high of 102 degrees yesterday, and it is forecast to reach 99 degrees today. The rain that lasted a few seconds early yesterday morning did not return, the storm clouds disappeared, and the lightning strikes ceased. There were no reports of new fires from the lightning strikes. All appears well.

UPDATE: I was mistaken! SEVENTEEN new fires resulted from the lightning strikes! For the most part, these new fires are under control.

Maui, on the other hand, is suffering the worst cold spell in the history of that island!

For dinner Tuesday evening, I cut vegetables and made rice, and Laura stir-fried sliced chicken breasts and the vegetables. Laura dusted the chicken slices with cornstarch, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and powdered ginger. She stir-fried the chicken until it was browned and added the vegetables—sliced white onion, sliced garlic, sliced mushrooms, sliced celery, and sliced Serrano peppers. When the vegetables were nearly done, she added a package of sugar snap peas and stir-fried for another minute. It was a delicious meal. I added Chinese hot sauce to my rice, topped with the stir-fry, and placed a dollop of wasabi paste on my plate. Laura added teriyaki sauce to her rice and vegetables.

Mommy Dearest, She's Alive!, -and- Keep Your Eyes on the Road!

Mommy Dearest - parents forget 4-year-old daughter at airport
She's Alive! - "dead" woman sues hospital
Keep Your Eyes on the Road! - man stopped doing 80 MPH in wrong lane, while texting

On this day in history: August 6, 1970 - 750 unkempt Yippies show up at Disneyland, hell-bent "to liberate Minnie Mouse, have free rein of the park and infiltrate Tom Sawyer's Island," according to Youth International Party leaflets. Instead, they wind up scuffling with Disney security and other patrons, eventually prompting Anaheim police to close the park early and forcibly eject the dirty longhairs.

Born on this day in history: August 6, 1928 - Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enigmatic artist Andy Warhol was a founder of the 1960s Pop Art movement. His Campbell's Soup can paintings (1961) made him a celebrity, and his collaborative work, including underground films, was produced in a loft called “The Factory.” In 1969, he launched fashion and gossip magazine Interview, and then created best-selling silkscreen portraits of international personalities. The Andy Warhol Museum opened in Pittsburgh in 1994.

Scripture of the Day: But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs [Those who served as priests in Old Testament times.] as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. - Hebrews 8:6

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 1/5

Imagine my surprise when I discovered the new sushi section at the local market near our house! Click to enlarge.

Yikes! There was lightning throughout the night and morning, and it continues still! Rain fell during the night, but only a small amount—just enough to make Mr. Nitro look truly filthy. The sky looks threatening, and there may be more rain soon. Rain would certainly be preferable to wildfires started by lightning strikes! I pray that there are no more fires and that the rain falls and cleans and refreshes everything it touches!

Armed and Dangerous, Crime and Punishment, -and- Victor-Victoria

Armed and Dangerous - taser shock triggers fire in man's pants
Crime and Punishment - China food-safety law to allow for life in prison
Victor-Victoria - children's hospital launches sex change for children program

On this day in history: April 21, 1992 - Convicted murderer Robert Alton Harris consumes two large pizzas, a bucket of fried chicken, and some ice cream on the eve of his execution.

Born on this day in history: April 21, 1958 - Andie MacDowell
(1958-)
Born in Gaffney, SC, actress Andie MacDowell began as a model and got her acting break in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" (1984), though Glenn Close re-recorded her lines. She had success in "Groundhog Day" (1993), opposite Bill Murray, and in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), with Hugh Grant.

Scripture of the Day: And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. - 1 John 4:21

Video of the Day: Stuck in Vermont 75: Jr. Iron Chef - submitted by Danica

While driving to my office this morning, I decided to go for an excursion near the lake. I saw this floating gazebo. Click to enlarge.

Friday evening, we enjoyed a variety of sushi. One of my brothers joined us for dinner. I made 12 large California rolls with shrimp, avocado, and green onion. Laura picked up a large platter of various sushi morsels at Raley's on her way home. We had champagne to soothe the sting of the wasabi. It was wonderful I vow that we shall enjoy sushi more often.

After dinner, we watched "16 Blocks" in Blu-ray. [Tasked with escorting chatty prosecution witness Eddie Bunker (rapper and seasoned actor Mos Def) from police custody to a nearby courthouse, aging New York City cop Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) reluctantly gears up for the 16-block trek. But with powerful forces intent on keeping them from reaching their destination, they'll be lucky to make it there alive. David Morse co-stars in director Richard Donner's action thriller.] We all enjoyed this movie a good deal. Bruce Willis' performance was excellent, as was Mos Def's. The action scenes were well done, and the movie was exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

On Saturday, my brother joined us for dinner again. I made red beans and rice: I simmered a head of peeled garlic (sliced thickly), red bell pepper (diced), white onion (sliced thinly), celery (sliced thickly), Roma tomatoes (diced), in extra-virgin olive oil—seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice, brown sugar, molasses, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Gebhardt's chili powder. When the onions became translucent, I added a cup of cooked white rice and two cans of red beans—with juice. This simmered on low for two hours. Laura did a dry rub on two huge racks of baby back ribs (halved), using garlic powder, Tony Chachere's More Spice, sea salt, ground black pepper, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar. She charred the ribs then moved away from the flame and cooked for two hours—spraying every 20 minutes with a mixture of one part extra-virgin olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar. It was a delightful meal. Laura photographed the food during cooking, and I will share some of these images here tomorrow.

After dinner, we watched "Ultimate Avengers: The Movie" in Blu-ray. [Captain America and his dream team of superheroes fight to save the world from evil in this original animated feature. Sixty years after courageously diverting a missile aimed at the White House and plummeting into the North Atlantic, the star-spangled superhero emerges from the ocean depths to join Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Wasp and Giant Man in an all-out war against the sinister forces that threaten humanity.] This animated movie was well produced but grew tiresome relatively quickly. It was marginally enjoyable.

Sunday morning—following the early service at Harvest Christian Center, I made potatoes O'Brien, bacon, and fried eggs. It was delicious. We watched several episodes of "King of the Hill" that had recorded throughout the week on DVR. We snacked and napped. At 5:30 PM, we returned to Harvest Christian Center for John Jacobs Next Generation Power Force - A Strength Team with a Message of Hope to Lift the World. It was an excellent event that featured acts of strength and testimony from an ex-NFL football player and a man who holds a record for bench-pressing over 1,000 pounds. I took over 500 photographs and will soon produce a slide show using some of these photographs. I shall post the URL here when the slide show is ready for viewing.

Following the Power Force presentation, we had a Red Baron pepperoni pizza and watched an episode of "Lockup."