Fighting Back, Fighting Back Two, -and- Daddy Dearest

Fighting Back - man high on medical marijuana taken down by black-belt flight attendant
Fighting Back Too - 94-year-old man fights off home invader
Daddy Dearest - man accused of waterboarding 4-year-old daughter because she would not recite her ABC's

On this day in history: February 8, 1994 - During an argument Jack Nicholson destroys the windshield of a car with a golf club, screaming "You cut me off!" Charges were dismissed on May 2 after the matter was settled privately. Nicholson did this one month before he was to host the annual Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Born on this day in history: February 8, 1931 - James Dean (1931 - 1955) Born in Marion, Indiana, actor James Dean starred in only three films, including Rebel Without a Cause (1955). His untimely death in a car accident helped make him a cult figure who represented youthful rebellion. In 1965, he was the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Scripture of the Day: [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:43-45

Video of the Day: Superstar Rajini Kanth Fight Part 2 - submitted by Frank

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Technology News
Survey: Majority of people don't want an iPad
China shuts down hacker training Web site
BlackBerry has spyware too, researcher says

Grounded, Back to School, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Grounded - after morning coffee, woman finds dead bat in filter
Back to School - MI law requires GED for parole
Somebody's Watching You - homeowner links cameras to city cops

On this day in history: September 30, 1955 - Heading westbound on Highway 466 just outside Cholame, California, movie star James Dean is killed in a head-on collision with another driver. University student Donald Turnupseed was driving home in his Ford when he swerved into the oncoming lane, smashing into Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder.

Born on this day in history: September 30, 1924 - Truman Capote (1924 - 1984) Born in New Orleans, writer Truman Capote moved to New York City in 1942, working as an office boy at The New Yorker. His first novel, "Other Voices, Other Rooms" (1948), launched a literary career that’s best-known for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1958). Capote cultivated celebrity status and was famous for his jet-setting lifestyle.

Scripture of the Day: For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. — Nehemiah 9:30

Video of the Day: Cats vs. Dogs - submitted by Danica

Break a leg, Sarah. Click to enlarge.

Click here to see yourself onscreen!

The United Way

The United Way realized that it had never received a donation from the city's most successful lawyer. So a United Way volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office.

The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, "Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don't give a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give something back to your community through the United Way?"

The lawyer thinks for a minute and says, "First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?"

Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbles, "Uh... no, I didn't know that."

"Secondly," says the lawyer, "did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?" The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again.

"Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister's husband died in dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?"

The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says, "I'm so sorry, I had no idea."

And the lawyer says, "So . . . if I didn't give any money to them, what makes you think I'd give any to you?"

All in the Family, To Serve and Protect, -and- Junk Mail

All in the Family - pizza worker sees dad when wig falls off robber
To Serve and Protect - cop busted for selling confidential information
Junk Mail - man gets 30 months in prison for spamming AOL

On this day in history: July 16, 1998 - An inattentive deputy sheriff in Lafayette, IN, drives his automobile into the stolen tombstone of actor James Dean. The 400 pound tombstone, which was stolen two days prior from Dean's gravesite at Park Cemetery (and later abandoned on a country road), rips the transmission out of the deputy's vehicle.

Born on this day in history: July 16, 1967 - Will Ferrell (1967-) Born in Irvine, California, the son of Righteous Brothers keyboard player Lee Ferrell, actor-comedian Will Ferrell began comedy shtick in high school. He joined The Groundlings, a Los Angeles improv troupe, and, in 1995, the cast of Saturday Night Live. Ferrell has since moved into films.

Scripture of the Day: [After Jesus had raised the son of the widow from Nain:] They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." - Luke 7:16

Video of the Day: Andy Kaufman Elvis impersonation (1979 Johnny Cash show) - submitted by Amber

The sky is blue and the birds are singing! Hopefully, the wildfires that have plagued California for weeks are nearing containment. Temperatures have dropped, winds have abated, and evacuation orders have been rescinded!

For dinner last evening, we had chicken, mashed potatoes, and celery and carrots. I diced white potatoes, peeled a head of garlic, and placed the potatoes and garlic in a covered casserole dish. I sliced celery and cut baby carrots into thirds, lengthwise. I seasoned the celery and carrots with Red Monkey lemon pepper seasoning, celery salt, and Tony Chachere's More Spice. Laura seasoned the potatoes, cooked them for 8 minutes in the microwave oven, added I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, ranch dressing, grated cheeses (cheddar, jack, and Jalapeño), and whipped with an electric mixer. She steamed the vegetables and reheated the Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which had been previously grilled. It was a delightful meal.

Fighting Back, Interesting, -and- Fill It Up!

Fighting Back - doctor pulls pistol to fend off patient
Interesting - loan shark charged children 100% interest
Fill It Up! - futuristic toy car runs on tap water

On this day in history: February 8, 1994 - During an argument Jack Nicholson destroys the windshield of a car with a golf club, screaming "You cut me off!" Charges were dismissed on May 2 after the matter was settled privately. Nicholson did this one month before he was to host the annual Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Born on this day in history: February 8, 1931 - James (Byron) Dean (1931–55)
Born in Marion, IN, actor James Dean starred in only three films, including "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), but became a cult figure of youthful rebellion. Dean was killed in a car accident.

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: The Matrix Spoof - submitted by Chris

Behind the scenes, an offer is made! Click to enlarge.

As I said earlier, Laura and I began a Bible-based weight-management program, The Lord's Table, last Saturday at Harvest Christian Center. Part of the program is a "food calendar," which suggests how we should eat each weekday—for a 60-day period. Yesterday was a "fast day," meaning that only water was to be taken. The workbook for the program is a tremendous resource, and fasting was accomplished with surprising ease. Today is a "normal day," meaning we can eat as we generally would. Weekends are not included in the food calendar. The Lord's Table teaches us that food is not the problem, and removing certain foods from one's diet is not the answer. Proper diet and weight management results from "feeding" on God's Word and abstaining from self-indulgence and feeding the flesh.

We meet with other students each Saturday morning and complete lessons in the workbook throughout the week. You may, however, register for the program and complete the lessons online at no charge! I highly recommend this program.