Death by Chocolate, Grave Injustice, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Death by Chocolate - worker dies after falling into vat
Grave Injustice - manager, three gravediggers move bodies to resell plots
Homeland Insecurity - State Department under cyber attack for fourth day

On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.

Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) Born in Richmond, Virginia, tennis player Arthur Ashe was the first African-American to win the U.S. national singles and open championships (1968) and the first black professional to play in apartheid South Africa (1973). Ashe became a spokesman for AIDS education after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion.

Scripture of the Day: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. — Philippians 4:11

Video of the Day: Evian Roller Babies - submitted by Frank

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

The New Grill

Reader Will appeared shortly following the delivery of the new grill. The box containing the new grill was enormous. When Will assured me it would fit into his Ford pickup, I was incredulous. However, it fit nicely! We unloaded it onto the sidewalk in front of the house wherein Laura and I reside. That afternoon, I removed the cardboard encasing the new grill. I then wrestled (and I do mean wrestled!) the new grill from its perch within a plastic carrier. I placed the flavorizer® bars and cooking grates. I installed the inner rack. That was as far as I could go, since I could find no screwdriver with which to attach the side burner and work table. This afternoon, I shall attach these items, and the new grill will be ready for use!

Perhaps I have been playing Zombieville USA too much!

I dreamed of zombies last evening. They were the zombies of the game. They was a great infestation of them upon the city. It was not nearly as enjoyable killing zombies in my dream as it is in the game. The zombies in my dream looked like the zombies in the game, but they were much more aggressive and more difficult to kill. I much prefer the game. Perhaps, however, this dream is a sign that I should play another game for a time.

The Mane Thing, Love at First Cite, -and- Never Too Young

The Mane Thing - horses get hair-extensions
Love at First Cite - woman marries traffic cop who ticketed her
Never Too Young - 22-year-old grocery clerk becomes mayor

On this day in history: April 9, 1992 - Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering by a federal court in Miami.

Born on this day in history: April 9, 1926 - Hugh Hefner (1926- ) Born in Chicago, IL, editor and publisher Hugh Hefner grew up in a family of strict Methodists, and then invested $10,000 to start "Playboy" magazine in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe posing nude in the first issue. He went on to influence the country's views on sexuality and to build an empire of Playboy media, real estate, nightclubs and more.

Scripture of the Day: By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:2

Video of the Day: Way of the Guard - submitted by Danica

Imagine my surprise when this enormous butterfly landed upon my arm while I was walking through the park this morning! Click to enlarge.

Today's Weather: It appears that the gloomy, overcast weather that visited upon us yesterday has returned. Yesterday, the afternoon was excellent—following a dreary morning. This morning is equally gloomy, and there were scattered rain drops on Mr. Nitro when I departed for my office at 7 AM.

Must-see Web Site: Caroline!

Is There a Moron in the House?, Survivor, -and- Stupid Criminals

Is There a Moron in the House? - doctor claims space aliens hold key to free energy
Survivor - town council votes dog off Palm Beach island
Stupid Criminals - accused rapist gives victim his phone number

On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.

Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) Born in Richmond, Virginia, tennis player Arthur Ashe was the first African-American to win the U.S. national singles and open championships (1968) and the first black professional to play in apartheid South Africa (1973). Ashe became a spokesman for AIDS education after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion.

Scripture of the Day: And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." - Revelation 7:10

Video of the Day: Paradise Fire 2008 - submitted by Danica

This was the scene at a local bullfight early this morning. This will not end well! Click to enlarge.

The fires continue to rage. Today's video shows the aftermath of fires that are currently raging in the Paradise, CA area—approximately 45 miles from here. There have been over 4,000 people evacuated thus far, and there is no immediate end in sight. While the Paradise fires are but a few of over 1,000 fires currently raging in California, the proximity of these fires makes them particularly dramatic to local residents. Many have relatives and friends who live in Paradise—many of whom have been displaced from their homes. The ash falling here in Corning this morning looks like a light snowfall. We pray for the victims of the fires and other natural threats throughout our nation. May God shower His mercy upon us all!

Here is a photograph showing the incredibly poor air quality in Chico!

To Serve and Protect, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Ranch of Dark Shadows

To Serve and Protect - drunk cop asleep at wheel of patrol car
The Kids Are Alright - 11-year-old boy steered bus to avoid semi
Ranch of Dark Shadows - Texas cult accused of marrying pubescent girls

On this day in history: April 9, 1992 - Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering by a federal court in Miami.

Born on this day in history: April 9, 1933 - Jean-Paul Belmondo (1933– ) Actor, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, NC France. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, took part in provincial tours, and appeared in several films, but it was the film "A Bout de Souffle" (1959, "Breathless") which made him famous. Later films include "Le Voleur" (1967, "The Thief"), "Hold Up" (1985), "Peut-Être" (1999, "Perhaps"), and "Amazone" (2000).

Scripture of the Day: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:9

Video of the Day: McCain Girls: Raining McCain - submitted by Amber

I took the long way to my office this morning and encountered this scene!
Click to enlarge.

Warm weather is coming! Today is forecast to be 72 degrees; Thursday is forecast to be 81 degrees; Friday is forecast to be 83 degrees; and Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be in the high 80s! YES!

For dinner last evening, I employed the remains of a large beef roast and the attendant juices from Sunday's dinner. I shredded the roast and simmered for two hours with two heads of peeled garlic cloves, a large sliced white onion, two large sliced Jalapeño peppers, three stalks of sliced celery, four large sliced white mushrooms, three cups of baby spinach leaves, a can of beef consommé, a half cup of Almaden Cabernet Sauvignon, two cups of brown rice, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, sea salt, and ground cumin. It was delicious, and a great quantity remains for a future meal.

Slither, Jury Duty, -and- Heat of the Moment

Slither - man arrested after stroll with python
Jury Duty - court orders passers-by to serve
Heat of the Moment - global-warming protest frosted with snow

On this day in history: January 18, 1991 - The United States admits that the CIA paid Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega over $300,000 during his career as undercover narc.

Born on this day in history: January 18, 1955 - Kevin Costner (1955– ) Born in Compton, CA, actor Kevin Costner gained fame in "Bull Durham" (1988) and "Field of Dreams" (1989). He directed and starred in epic film "Dances With Wolves" (1990), which won seven Oscars. Costner has gone on to starring roles in numerous films.

Scripture of the Day: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19

Video of the Day: Nikon D3 Preview!

Mr. D3 has arrived! He is wonderful well beyond the limits of the human imagination! Click to enlarge.

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

The Saga of the Nikon D3: (NOTE: The following took place yesterday.) On September 12, 2007, I pre-ordered a Nikon D3 Digital SLR body to replace my Nikon D1 Digital SLR body (available in the For Sale Forum on this board). Because I am a certified Nikon Professional Services member, my order was prioritized by Nikon. Nikon would ship a D3 body to the seller (Ritz Camera) under my name, when the camera became available. The camera began shipping in late December, and my position on the NPS list arose this week. Nikon shipped a D3 body to Ritz Camera, and Ritz Camera shipped it to me two days ago.

So far, so good, you are thinking. Ah!

I tracked the shipment and was understandably upset when tracking this morning resulted in the status showing "no one at home - delivery not made"! I raced to my house and retrieved the FedEx door tag. Yikes! Apparently, Ritz Camera was unable to differentiate between "billing address" and "shipping address" and was further unable to read the shipping directions from the NPS directive.

I scanned the FedEx door tag and emailed it to Laura. She called a few minutes ago to say that she had successfully retrieved the 8-pound (!) package from the FedEx depot at the airport in Chico on her way home from her position as Executive Assistant to the owner of Sierra Nevada.

I am now able to relax for the first time since 10 AM this morning, when I received the abhorrent status report.

I told Laura how relieved I was, and she said, "Look on the bright side. They could have left it on the doorstep, and somebody could have grabbed it." That certainly made me appreciate the way things took place. The thought of some scofflaw selling my $5,000 camera body to buy meth conjured an image that I shall not soon forget.

Global Cooling, No Pets, -and- So Low

Global Cooling - snow in Buenos Aires first time in 89 years
No Pets - petless family flees flea invasion
So Low - Madonna's guitar solo at Live Earth faked?

On this day in history: July 10, 1992 - Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sentenced to 40 years in prison for eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.

Born on this day in history: July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) tennis player, AIDS spokesperson. He was the first black player to win the men's singles at Wimbledon, 1975.

Today's Video: Dodge Sniffing Dog

Shopping for a new head can certainly be a chore. Click to enlarge.