Division of Assets - married Cambodian couple saw home in half after separation So Long! - Nebraska law allows parents to abandon teens Hello - Joe Biden introduced as "John McCain" at Florida event
On this day in history: October 9, 1919 - The Cincinnati Reds win the World Series, but only because key Chicago White Sox ballplayers agreed to throw the series for $100,000 in bribes.
Born on this day in history: October 9, 1890 - Aimée Semple McPherson (1890 - 1944) Born Oct. 9, 1890, near Ingersoll, Ont., Canada; died Sept. 27, 1944, Oakland, California, controversial American Pentecostal evangelist and early radio preacher whose International Church of the Foursquare Gospel brought her wealth, notoriety, and a following numbering in the tens of thousands.
Scripture of the Day: Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness. — 1 Kings 10:9
Video of the Day: Monkey Waiters
Courage! Click to enlarge.
The Howling Wind and Falling Temperature The wind is howling again today—as it did yesterday. I had a photo shoot yesterday morning that was cancelled due to the howling wind. At least it was warm yesterday—albeit cold in the morning (52 degrees), it was warm in the afternoon (low 90s). Today, it is forecast to be a mere 77 degrees at peak temperature, and tomorrow is forecast to be a bone-chilling 70-degree high! Soon, it shall be requisite to don long trousers, socks, and shoes! How I loathe the thought.
On this day in history: October 3, 1995 - A jury of his "peers" finds Orenthal James Simpson not guilty. Later, OJ resumes his golfing career while hunting for The Real Killers.
Born on this day in history: October 3, 1941 - Chubby Checker 1941-) Born Ernest Evans in Spring Gulley, South Carolina, son of a tobacco farmer, singer Chubby Checker began performing in churches and on the streets of Philadelphia. His recording of "The Twist" hit No. 1 in 1961, and revolutionized popular culture by letting couples break apart on the dance floor.
Scripture of the Day: Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.'" Aaron remained silent. — Leviticus 10:3
Video of the Day: Full Palin vs. Biden Vice Presidential Debate
"Say it ain't so, Joe!"
Those of you who read my blog yesterday will recall that I predicted John McCain would choose Sarah Palin for his running mate at a time when most people had never heard of Sarah Palin and long before John McCain announced his choice.
Readers of yesterday’s blog will also recall that I predicted that Sarah Palin would assuage her supporters and astound her detractors and that she would win the debate. Sarah Palin did this easily—virtually romping through the first half of the debate with an energy that made her opponent, Joe Biden, seem positively geriatric. She answered questions directly, in a language that was easily understood by the average viewer. She was graceful, sincere, happy, down-to-earth, energetic, and credible—in direct opposition to her dour opponent, who seemed pained by the process and by the end of the debate was visibly haggard and in dire need of a "good night’s sleep"—something he appeared not to have enjoyed in a good while.
Sarah Palin quickly, adroitly, and very successfully positioned herself as an articulate, honest, caring "average American" whose goal was to effectuate change in the political structure of Washington D.C. and eliminate the gross, wanton spending and lack of restraint that had ushered in the current financial crisis. She positioned herself as diametrically opposed to the entrenched structure of Washington D.C.—typified by Joe Biden and endorsed by Barak Obama.
The most outstanding and memorable sound bite of the evening is undoubtedly when Palin said, "Say it ain't so, Joe, there you go again pointing backward. Now, doggone it, let's look ahead and tell Americans what we have to plan to do for them in the future."
By the mid-point of the debate, it was obvious that Sarah Palin would be victorious. This was certainly apparent to Sarah, since the energy, enthusiasm, and glowing smiles that she had displayed through this point—strong though they all had been—increased dramatically. She veritably pranced, like a thoroughbred, through the second half of the debate, and the effect upon Joe Biden—who had already displayed a nearly total lack of enthusiasm and energy—since he began to slump, speak in a near monotone, and take on a defeated expression.
Joe Biden’s sole opposition to a McCain-Palin administration seemed to be the tired rhetoric that it would be a continuation of the policies of the current administration. Sarah Palin quickly dispatched this concept as completely flawed and without substance early in the debate. Biden, however, returned to it several times, and Palin reminded him (and the audience) each time that he was doing so. She gracefully and very successfully demonstrated that Biden and Obama had little substantive platform—other than the continuance of the tired mantra of "four more years of the same." Palin demonstrated that she and McCain would bring real change to Washington D.C.—something that the average voter enthusiastically demands. She enumerated the changes she had made in the politics of Alaska—often reaching across party lines to effectuate changes that reduced government spending, lowered—and, in many cases, eliminated—taxes, and elevated the voters’ confidence in government.
I predicted that Sarah Palin would assuage her supporters and astound her detractors. She did that very successfully by the mid-point of the debate. She also accomplished something else: She captured the attention of independent and undecided voters and—in many cases, I am certain—won their hearts and minds.
My predictions have, thus far, been correct. I shall now make another prediction: John McCain and Sarah Palin shall be victorious on November 4!
Sleep Tight - bedbugs make a return via low-cost flights The Armed Citizen - under anonymity, gun licenses soar in Florida Brave New Schools - 5th grader suspended for anti-Obama shirt
On this day in history: September 23, 1952 - Responding to accusations that he diverted $18,000 in contributions into his pocket, Senator Richard M. Nixon rescues his candidacy for Vice President by insisting that he had never accepted any money. Although Nixon does admit he accepted a cocker spaniel named Checkers for his daughter Tricia. The televised monologue rescues his political career.
Born on this day in history: September 23, 1949 - Bruce Springsteen (1949– ) Born in Freehold, New Jersey, rock musician Bruce Sprintsteen began performing with local groups in Asbury Park, New Jersey, before forming his own band in 1971 and signing with Columbia Records. Promoted as the new Bob Dylan, Springsteen hit it big with "Born to Run" (1975). He has performed at numerous rock benefits, such as Live Aid and Amnesty International.
Scripture of the Day: "If you can?" said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes. — Mark 9:23
Video of the Day: The Terror of Killer Dumpling - submitted by Amber
"Joe Biden said you weren't good enough to shine my shoes. I told him he was wrong!" Click to enlarge.
Saturday morning, while Laura was at the salon, I produced two marinades. I made a marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and honey. I placed two huge New York strip steaks in a Glad bag, poured the marinade over them, and placed in the refrigerator. I made a marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and Tony Chachere's More Spice. I placed Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a Glad bag and poured 2/3 of the marinade over them. I placed giant prawns in another Glad bag and poured the remaining marinade over them.
Saturday evening, I grilled the New York strip steaks and prawns and steamed some sugar snap peas. The steaks were perfect: Charred on the outside, and rare in the center. The giant prawns were delightful. I removed the tails prior to placing in the marinade. The butcher had slit the backs deveined them. The meat popped out of the shells easily. They were succulent beyond description.
Sunday morning—following the early service at Harvest Christian Center, Laura cooked OreIda potatoes O'Brien, fried eggs, and two lovely pieces of leftover New York strip steaks. It was a wonderful brunch.
Sunday evening, Laura grilled the chicken breasts, red bell peppers, yellow squash, and potatoes. The chicken was moist, tender, and delicious. The vegetables were wonderful. A quantity of chicken remains for another meal later in the week.
When I returned home from the office yesterday, I produced an enormous batch of salsa, using 12 large cluster tomatoes, 4 huge Jalapeños, two large habaneros, a large white onion, three stalks of celery, a large quantity of minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, cumin, ground black pepper, sea salt, and parsley. For dinner, Laura cooked New York-style pork sausage (cut into 1/2-inch pieces), Eggland's Best large eggs, leftover potatoes O'Brien, Tony Chachere's More Spice, sea salt, and ground black pepper. She warmed flour tortillas, and we made burritos—liberally adding fresh salsa. It was a delicious meal.
Fighting Back - man protects family, blasts intruder with shotgun Meow! - firefighter saves cat with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation If You Say So Joe! - Biden: Hillary a better pick than me
On this day in history: September 11, 1991 - Boxer Mike Tyson is arrested for raping Desiree Washington in an Indianapolis hotel room. After his conviction and three years spent behind bars, Tyson continues to maintain his innocence.
Born on this day in history: September 11, 1885 - D.H. Lawrence (1885 - 1930) Born in Eastwood, England. The son of a miner, novelist D. H. Lawrence found success with Sons and Lovers (1913). In 1915, he published The Rainbow, and was prosecuted for obscenity. His novel Lady Chatterley's Lover was privately published in Florence, and copies were confiscated in England. Many films have been made from his fiction.
Scripture of the Day: You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:11
Video of the Day: Sarah Palin Acceptance Speech, Part 5 (end)
Sarah Palin when she was a young girl. Click to enlarge.
Sep 11 2001: The single largest terrorist attack in history occurs when four commercial jetliners are hijacked. Two of which slam into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Another plane is crashed into the Pentagon. 2,915 people are killed in the attacks, coordinated by Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden. The civilized world is horrified—especially after seeing footage of Palestinians celebrating in the streets. For the first time in U.S. history, all flights are grounded throughout the country. All major government facilities are evacuated as well as many local facilities.
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.
