Faith under Fire, Jaws of Death, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Faith under Fire - atheists abandon attempt to ban baptisms
Jaws of Death - man fights off black bear with bare hands to save 8-year-old son
Somebody's Watching You - spy cam in Walmart sends credit card information to thieves

On this day in history: August 15, 1969 - Woodstock begins on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. Tickets are $18 for three days of counterculture musical acts, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Sha-Na-Na.

Born on this day in history: August 15, 1972 - Ben Affleck (1972-) Actor, screenwriter. Affleck grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His first acting experience was in "The Dark End of the Street" (1979), an independent film. At the age of eight, Affleck appeared in a PBS production, "The Voyage of the Mimi." That same year, he met his future best friend, Matt Damon, a 10-year-old who lived two blocks away.

Scripture of the Day: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

Video of the Day: Google Maps: Part 1 of "The Googling" - submitted by Laura

Mr. Fly came to have his portrait taken. He would not come inside my studio, so I met him outside. Click to enlarge.

Hot! It is going to be particularly hot again today, and it is forecast to be hotter yet for the weekend. The high here yesterday was reported as 110 degrees. It is expected to be that again today and reach 112 to 115 over the weekend!

Imagine my fear and loathing when I reached Mr. Nitro yesterday afternoon, in preparation to journey to my home, when I realized I had neglected to affix the sun shield! Great Scott! The leather seat seared the flesh on the backs of my legs. My hands quickly cooked and left large patches of skin on the steering wheel. Perhaps I exaggerate. I do not exaggerate much, however!

For those who feverishly ferreted the Chico News & Review for my Maria Muldaur photograph: Do not despair. I was not able to find it, either. I assume that was intended for next week's issue. I shall determine this and advise you.

Fighting Back, All Rise, -and- House of Filth

Fighting Back - mall pianist chases down thief
All Rise - Australia to start online court hearings
House of Filth - over 200 pets seized from Texas home

On this day in history: February 4, 1974 - Patty Hearst kidnapped.

Born on this day in history: January 4, 1913 - Rosa (Lee McCauley) Parks (1913-2005) Born in Tuskegee, AL, civil rights advocate Rosa Parks was a community activist best known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, which resulted in the famous bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. (1955–6). Parks is honored as the ‘mother’ of the civil rights movement.

Scripture of the Day: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5

Video of the Day: - Michael Winslow As Jimi Hendrix - submitted by Jay

Sunshine! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the birds are singing! Following an intense storm Saturday—with extreme winds and torrential rain—yesterday was sunny and warm. Today is sunny and warm, as well. There is no wind. The forecast for the next several days indicates (assuming the weatherpeople are correct) this beautiful weather will continue!

Saturday, Laura marinated two thick top sirloin steaks and four large white mushrooms with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, Cabernet Sauvignon, ground black pepper, sea salt, and Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning. The steaks and mushrooms marinated for four hours. I grilled them on the indoor grill—charring the outside nicely and maintaining a nice rareness in the center. I baked two large red potatoes in the microwave. It was a delicious meal.

Yesterday, Laura worked in the nursery at Harvest Christian Center during the second service. We attended the first service together, following which I journeyed home and made a frittata. I generally use spinach in frittatas, but on this occasion, I used broccoli instead of spinach. I sautéed diced red potatoes, slivered white onion, chopped Jalapeños, chopped broccoli, bacon strips (cut into 1" sections), and a head of peeled garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil. I seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning, ground black pepper, and sea salt. When done, I added six beaten jumbo eggs and turned the burner to low. When the eggs were fully cooked, I added eight slices of pepperjack cheese and turned the burner off. It was especially delightful, and the leftovers shall make a fine dinner following Bible college Wednesday evening.

For dinner last evening, I cooked a box of penne until al dente and set aside. I slivered sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, with minced garlic, sea salt, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. When this was sufficiently cooked, I added 36 medium peeled, poached shrimp and the penne. Laura stirred this and took it to the table. It was delicious. The leftovers followed Laura to work this morning.

It's Alive!, Movin' on Up, -and- It Came from Outer Space

It's Alive! - man wakes during autopsy
Movin' on Up - Alaskan village to relocate
It Came from Outer Space - mystery illness strikes after meteorite hits Peruvian village

On this day in history: September 18, 1970 - Jimi Hendrix dies in London from barbiturate overdose.

Born on this day in history: September 18, 1956 - Debbi Fields (1956 - ____) business executive. She is the founder of "Mrs. Fields Cookies, Inc.," 1979.

Scripture of the Day: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)

Video of the Day: It's JerryTime - The Landlord - submitted by Cindy

I saw Bobby Flay on television yesterday, and he was driving a new silver Dodge Nitro SLT. Bobby Flay has good taste!

For dinner last evening, I made fettuccine with shrimp and Alfredo sauce. It was delightful.

Up a Tree, Law of the Land, -and- Zap!

Up a Tree - crocs keep Australian cowboy at bay for 7 days
Law of the Land - federal judge drops $3,000 in strip joint
Zap! - hospital guard uses taser on man holding newborn

On this day in history: August 15, 1969 - Woodstock begins on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. Tickets are $18 for three days of counterculture musical acts, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Sha-Na-Na.

Born on this day in history: August 15, 1885 - Edna Ferber (1885 - 1968) novelist. Her best-selling novels included "So Big: Show Boat," 1926, "Giant," 1952.

Today's Video: Printer Problem - submitted by Chris

Today is the 38th anniversary of the first day of Woodstock. It seems amazing to me that nearly 4 decades have passed since this event began. I recall well watching the event on television.

What a kinder, gentler time that was—despite the general notion that Woodstock revelers were a drastic departure from the norm. By today's standards, they seem positively childlike. How unfortunate it is that society has come to this.

How time flies, as it is said. How critical it is that we use our brief time on Earth wisely.