What's Up Doc?, Never Too Young, -and- License to Drive

What's Up Doc? - surgeons find fir tree growing in man's lung
Never Too Young - 13-year-old boy accused of robbing Illinois bank
License to Drive - Chico man hits gas inside his garage, plows through wall

On this day in history: April 15, 1955 - The first McDonald's franchise opens in Des Plains, a suburb of Chicago. Because it is the first one launched by Ray Kroc, he names it "McDonald's #1" despite the fact that the McDonald brothers had already opened eight of their chain restaurants before they began accepting licensees. Kroc's unfortunate numbering system guarantees perpetual confusion for amateur fast food historians the world over.

Born on this day in history: April 15, 1959 - Emma Thompson (1959- ) Born in London, actress Emma Thompson made her stage debut while still a student. In 1989, she appeared in "Henry V," directed by Kenneth Branagh, whom she married and later divorced (1996). With Branagh, Thompson made several films, including "Dead Again" (1991) and "Much Ado About Nothing" (1993). Other notable films include "Primary Colors" (1998), "Love Actually" (2003) and "Howard's End" (1992), for which she won an Oscar and a BAFTA.

Scripture of the Day: But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. - 1 Corinthians 15:20

Video of the Day: Rodenator - Burrowing Pest Control - submitted by Frank

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

The Wind that plagued us severely yesterday has abated! This is a wonderful relief. The wind yesterday was fierce and unrelenting. It howled throughout the day and night and made what otherwise have been a beautiful day miserable.

Corning Wind Makes National News! Corning, CA, was reported as having the most severe wind of anywhere in the U.S., with winds reported at 48 MPH and gusts up to 56 MPH!

Grilling outdoors was impossible last evening, so I grilled indoors! We enjoyed Johnsonville Brats, Jalapeños, mushrooms, and squash, cooked on the indoor grill. Click to enlarge.

To Serve and Protect, Fill 'er Up!, -and- Life Imitates Art

To Serve and Protect - officer accused of threatening Starbucks manager for free coffee
Fill 'er Up! - man stole $44,000 in gas, police say
Life Imitates Art - balloons carry gun away in "CSI"-like suicide

On this day in history: July 18, 1984 - James Oliver Huberty walks into a crowded McDonald's restaurant in San Ysidro, California and starts shooting. Carrying an Uzi carbine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a Browning 9mm pistol, Huberty guns down 40 people. 21 of them, mostly children, die from their wounds. A San Diego police sniper finally solves the situation more than an hour later. Ultimately, the McDonald's Corporation opts to bulldoze the franchise and build a community park there.

Born on this day in history: July 18, 1918 - Nelson (Rolihlahla) Mandela (1918 - ) South African statesman and president (1994–99), born in Transkei, SE South Africa. He was a lawyer in Johannesburg, then joined the African National Congress in 1944. For the next 20 years he directed a campaign of defiance against the South African government and its racist policies.

Scripture of the Day: But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever -- yes, for ever and ever. - Daniel 7:18

Video of the Day: Girls Habanero-eating Contest

This was the scene at the local farmers market. Unfortunately, it was only in my dream that this scene existed. Dream photography is a very new scientific technique. I hope this displays well. Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, we had the two remaining stuffed mushrooms from an earlier meal and a rice dish. I placed 1 1/2 cups of Calrose rice, 2 cups of water, a large white mushroom (thinly sliced), a handful of frozen corn kernels, a cluster tomato (diced), garlic powder, Tony Chachere's More Spice, Italian seasoning, and ground cumin in an electric rice cooker and pressed the on button. I reheated the stuffed mushrooms. It was a delicious meal.

Tonight, we shall have a Red Baron Supreme pizza. We shall adorn it with sliced white mushrooms, diced Jalapeño, sliced cluster tomatoes, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and provolone cheese.

Tomorrow, we shall cook a rack of baby back ribs on the barbecue—low and slow, mopping each 15 minutes with a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, light rum, honey, Gebhardt's chili powder, Tony Chachere's More Spice, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, garlic powder, and ground ginger. I shall make a batch of spicy Cajun beans.

Sunday will begin a six-day crusade at Harvest Christian Center, featuring evangelist David Woods.

Let's Make a Deal, Weapons of Choice, -and- He's Back!

Let's Make a Deal - Bulgarian farmer swaps wife for goat
Weapons of Choice - Wal-Mart to film gun sales
He's Back! - "French Spiderman" scales Hong Kong hotel

On this day in history: April 15, 1955 - The first McDonald's franchise opens in Des Plains, a suburb of Chicago. Because it is the first one launched by Ray Kroc, he names it "McDonald's #1" despite the fact that the McDonald brothers had already opened eight of their chain restaurants before they began accepting licensees. Kroc's unfortunate numbering system guarantees perpetual confusion for amateur fast food historians the world over.

Born on this day in history: April 15, 1959 - Emma Thompson (1959– ) Born in London, actress Emma Thompson made her stage debut while still a student. In 1989, she appeared in "Henry V" directed by Kenneth Branagh, whom she married and later divorced (1996). With Branagh, Thompson made several films, including "Dead Again" (1991) and "Much Ado About Nothing" (1993). Other notable films include "Primary Colors" (1998), "Love Actually" (2003) and "Howard's End" (1992), for which she won an Oscar and a BAFTA.

Scripture of the Day: Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Video of the Day: "The Raven" - submitted by Amber

While driving home from the office yesterday, I decided to go for a drive in the country. I encountered this scene. Click to enlarge.

(Our Daily Bread, April 9, 2008)
The Oyster Man
In the days of John Wesley, lay preachers with limited education would sometimes conduct the church services. One man used Luke 19:21 as his text: "Lord, I feared Thee, because Thou art an austere man" (KJV). Not knowing the word "austere," he thought the text spoke of "an oyster man."

He explained how a diver must grope in the dark, freezing water to retrieve oysters. In his attempt, he cuts his hands on the sharp edges of the shells. After he obtains an oyster, he rises to the surface, clutching it "in his torn and bleeding hands." The preacher added, "Christ descended from the glory of heaven into...sinful human society, in order to retrieve humans and bring them back up with Him to the glory of heaven. His torn and bleeding hands are a sign of the value He has placed on the object of His quest."

Afterward, 12 men received Christ. Later that night, someone came to Wesley to complain about unschooled preachers who were too ignorant even to know the meaning of the texts they were preaching on. The Oxford-educated Wesley simply said, "Never mind. The Lord got a dozen oysters tonight."

Fighting Back, Don't Call, -and- Hic!

Fighting Back - home invaders chased away by guest with gun
Don't Call - Nissan warns cell phones can disable car keys
Hic! - man arrested for DUI in McDonald's drive-through

On this day in history: May 25, 2006 - Enron CEO Kenneth Lay is found guilty on six counts of conspiracy.

Born on this day in history: May 25, 1927 - Robert Ludlum (1927 - ____) novelist. His thrillers include "The Bourne Identity."

Today's Video: Mustang Chase

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

The wind appears to have ceased its howling! The morning is calm, the sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds are singing! The weather promises to be wonderful for Memorial Day weekend.

For those of you who intend to travel this weekend, please drive carefully! Despite high fuel prices, this is predicted to be a very busy holiday weekend on highways across the U.S. I shall restrain my wanderlust until next weekend.