While You Were Sleeping, Fire!, -and- It's Not an Act!

While You Were Sleeping - scientists develop new software that maps dreams
Fire! - NYC firefighter arrested for calling in false alarms to his own firehouse
It’s Not an Act! - stage prop replaced with sharp knife, actor injured during scene

On this day in history: December 12, 1989 - Leona Helmsley fined $7 million and sentenced to jail for 21 months for tax evasion. They made the bitch serve 900 hours of community service.

Born on this day in history: December 12, 1915 - 1915 - Frank Sinatra (1915 - 1998) Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, singer and actor Frank Sinatra rose to prominence with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra (1940?2). He quickly emerged as a teen idol, and grew into a global superstar, expanding in film roles, including an Oscar-winning performance in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Marriages to film stars Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow were widely publicized. Sinatra is the only singer in history to have hit records in five consecutive decades.

Scripture of the Day: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12

Video of the Day: Dream State - submitted by Amber

Say, "Hello" to Mr. Butterfly! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

How Italians do business

Luigi (the father) says to his son, "I want you to marry a girl of my choice." The son says: "I will choose my own bride!" Luigi says, "But the girl is Bill Gates’ daughter." Son answers, "Well, in that case, okay."

Next Luigi approaches Bill Gates and says, "I have a husband for your daughter." Bill Gates answers, "But my daughter is too young to marry!" Luigi says, "But this young man is a vice-president of the World Bank!" Bill Gates answers, "Ah, in that case, okay."

Finally, Luigi goes to see the president of the World Bank. Luigi says, "I have a young man to recommend as a vice-president." The president answers, "But I already have more vice-presidents than I need!" Luigi says, "But this young man is Bill Gates’son-in-law." The president answers, "Ah, in that case, okay."

And that is how Italians do business!

Little Miss Dangerous, Slow Down!, -and- Mondo Cane

Little Miss Dangerous - woman crashes into convenience store, tries to buy beer
Slow Down! - student caught doing 105 MPH in 30-MPH zone
Mondo Cane - Leona Helmsley's multi-billion-dollar estate may go to dogs

On this day in history: July 2, 1982 - Vietnam vet Larry Walters climbs aboard an aluminum lawn chair in Southern California, equipped with 42 weather balloons, a CB radio, a parachute, and a pellet gun. During his two-hour voyage from San Pedro to Long Beach, Walters reaches an altitude of 16,000 feet and eventually becomes tangled in some power lines. Walters survives, but receives a $1,500 fine from the FAA.

Born on this day in history: July 2, 1947 - Larry David (1947-) Born in Brooklyn, New York, producer, writer and actor Larry David began doing stand-up comedy in New York nightclubs in 1974. In 1989, he and Jerry Seinfeld developed the legendary "Seinfeld" series, which David wrote and produced until 1996. In 1999, David created the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" series for HBO, which won a Golden Globe in 2003.

Scripture of the Day: For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Matthew 7:2

Video of the Day: The Two Talking Cats - submitted by Cindy

This was the scene that greeted me as I drove to my office this morning. This trick did not end well! Click to enlarge.

Fighting Back, Occupied, -and- Hot Air

Fighting Back - victim shoots, kills home invader
Occupied - man locked in restroom for four days
Hot Air - skeptical scientists urge world to "do nothing" at UN climate conference

On this day in history: December 12, 1989 - Leona Helmsley fined $7 million and sentenced to jail for 21 months for tax evasion. She was also made to serve 900 hours of community service.

Born on this day in history: December 12, 1915 - Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, singer and actor Frank Sinatra rose to prominence with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. He quickly emerged as a teen idol, and grew into a global superstar, expanding in film roles, including an Oscar-winning performance in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Marriages to film stars Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow were widely publicized. Sinatra is the only singer in history to have hit records in five consecutive decades.

Scripture of the Day: "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)

Video of the Day: The Vegetable Orchestra - submitted by Amber

LED ZEPPELIN returned to the stage Sunday night with their first full set in 19 years — and younger members of the crowd had heard nothing like it. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
Nikon Photographer Forum - a free forum for photography enthusiasts
Corning California Net - a free message board for Corning, California
Olive Hut Blog - specials, olive news, recipes, and more

For dinner last evening, I made a very delightful meal: I baked two medium, quartered red potatoes in the microwave oven and set aside. I sliced a large white onion and coarsely chopped a head of peeled garlic cloves. I sautéed the onion and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil until caramelized. I tossed in a package of baby spinach. As the spinach cooked down, I moved the spinach, onion, and garlic to the side of the sauté pan and placed the potato quarters on the open surface of the pan. After 3 minutes, I added thick slices of leftover grilled London Broil and cooked for 2 minutes. The meal was wonderful. Nothing remained when the final bite was chewed.

Bad Parenting, Stupid Criminals, -and- Arf!

Bad Parenting - Tampa man gives steroids to skating son
Stupid Criminals - man robs bank in company-issued vest
Arf! - Leona Helmsley leaves $12 million to dog

On this day in history: August 29, 1904 - David Hyrum Smith, son of Mormon founder Joseph Smith, dies in an insane asylum after 27 years of lunacy. His father in 1844 had predicted that his unborn son would be named David and that he would be "President and King of Israel". At least he got the name right.

Born on this day in history: August 29, 1920 - Charlie Parker (1920 - 1955) musician. "Yardbird" was a legendary jazz saxophonist and co-creator of "bebop."

Scripture of the Day: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Video of the Day: Toast - submitted by Darin

For dinner last evening, we had roast beef sandwiches and leftover pasta salad. Laura sautéed sliced white onion in extra-virgin olive oil until translucent and caramelized, added deli shaved roast beef and sautéed until slightly crispy, and placed sliced Monterey jack cheese atop this. She toasted 9-grain bread slices. When the cheese was melted, Laura divided the beef, onion, and cheese and placed atop a toast slice. We added garden tomato (a gift from my friend and business neighbor, Corey) slices and condiments (spicy brown mustard for Laura and spicy brown mustard and wasabi paste for me) and enjoyed a delightful meal.