To Serve and Protect, Mommy Dearest, -and- What's Your Age Little Girl?

To Serve and Protect - woman arrested for overdue library books
Mommy Dearest - woman arrested for filling baby bottle with wine
What's Your Age Little Girl? - hacker uncovers proof Chinese gymnast is underage

On this day in history: August 22, 1992 - FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi fires a rifle shot that kills unarmed Vicki Weaver, at the Ruby Ridge standoff. Horiuchi claimed he was trying to shoot another man in the back. The FBI also killed Weaver's fourteen year old son Sam, and the son's dog.

Born on this day in history: August 22, John Lee Hooker (1917 - 2001) Born in Clarksdale, Missouri, blues singer and guitarist John Lee Hooker began in Detroit in 1948 with the release of "Boogie Chillun," the biggest of several hits. He appeared in films and was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Scripture of the Day: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." - Genesis 8:22

Video of the Day: Amazing Contortionist - Rubber Boy - submitted by Amber

Olympic panorama before 100m final shows photographers, Beijing National Stadium. A 360-degree, high-resolution panorama, shot by Kari Kuukka from a photographer's corral about 30 minutes before the start of the men's 100m final at Beijing National Stadium on Saturday, gives an up-close look at the working shooters in attendance and the Canon and Nikon gear they were using.

Click the image to view an auto-panning 360-degree panorama of Beijing Olympics Stadium. The Shift key will zoom in, the Command (Mac) / Control (Windows) key will zoom out. Click and hold down the mouse button inside the photo to navigate around. (If you pan down to track level you'll see many more photographers in position for the race as well.)

To Serve and Protect, All Donations Are Final, -and- Mommy Dearest

To Serve and Protect - Buffalo Police batter their way into wrong house, traumatize family
All Donations are Final - Edwards' campaign backers want money back
Mommy Dearest - 70-year-old mother of twins pleased with son, says daughter a "burden"

On this day in history: August 18, 1590 - Sent to England to get supplies three years prior, John White finally returns to Roanoke Island and discovers his colony "strongly enclosed with a high palisade of great trees, with [curtain walls] and [bastions] -- very fort-like." There is no sign of the settlers or where they may have gone.

Born on this day in history: August 18, 1957 - Denis Leary (1957- ) Comedian, actor, writer, producer. Born on August 18, 1957, in Worcester, Massachusetts. After becoming popular as a fast-talking, sarcastic comedian in the 1990s, Denis Leary has demonstrated his ability to be a dramatic performer and creative force behind the camera. Born into a blue-collar Irish family, he did not consider an acting career until a teacher persuaded him to perform in a school production. Leary later attended Emerson College and was one of the founders of the Emerson Comedy Workshop. After graduation, he briefly taught acting and screenwriting at the school. All the while, Leary continued to develop his comic talents, doing stand-up at the local comedy clubs.

Scripture of the Day: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18

Video of the Day: Kobayashi vs Giant Bear - submitted by Amber

Surf's up! Click to enlarge.

Cool weather! Today is significantly cooler than it has been of late. It is forecast to be a mere 90 degrees today and 88 degrees for the next few days. This is certainly cooler than the 110+ days we experienced last week.

Corning's annual Olive Festival takes place this week. This event will certainly benefit from cooler weather.

Update on News & Review publication of Maria Muldaur photograph: Apparently, I misunderstood that my 1974 photograph of Maria Muldaur would be used in last week's Chico News & Review. The photograph is set to appear in the next issue of the Sacramento News & Review—to be available this Thursday in print and online at Sacramento News & Review.

California Schemin', Breaker Breaker, -and- Mommy Dearest

California Schemin' - CA legislators tell school kids to celebrate homosexuality
Breaker Breaker - mom says walkie-talkie picks up trashy trucker talk
Mommy Dearest - woman arrested for driving with small child on roof of car

On this day in history: August 8, 1963 - By tampering with railway signals, a 15 man team halts the Glasgow-to-Euston Royal Mail train in Buckinghamshire. The criminals make off with 120 sacks containing £2.6 million in cash. The incident goes down in history as "The Great Train Robbery."

Born on this day in history: August 8, 1937 - Dustin Hoffman (1937 - ) Born in Los Angeles, actor Dustin Hoffman made his Broadway debut in 1961. His first leading role, in "The Graduate" (1967), led to similar anti-hero roles. He went on to a wider range, winning Oscars for "Kramer v. Kramer" (1979) and "Rain Man" (1988).

Scripture of the Day: But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 3/5

Fairy tales. Click to enlarge.

It is amazing what numbers can do. They say you can do anything with them.

The Beauty of Math

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this:

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

~~~ AMEN ~~~

Mommy Dearest, She's Alive!, -and- Keep Your Eyes on the Road!

Mommy Dearest - parents forget 4-year-old daughter at airport
She's Alive! - "dead" woman sues hospital
Keep Your Eyes on the Road! - man stopped doing 80 MPH in wrong lane, while texting

On this day in history: August 6, 1970 - 750 unkempt Yippies show up at Disneyland, hell-bent "to liberate Minnie Mouse, have free rein of the park and infiltrate Tom Sawyer's Island," according to Youth International Party leaflets. Instead, they wind up scuffling with Disney security and other patrons, eventually prompting Anaheim police to close the park early and forcibly eject the dirty longhairs.

Born on this day in history: August 6, 1928 - Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enigmatic artist Andy Warhol was a founder of the 1960s Pop Art movement. His Campbell's Soup can paintings (1961) made him a celebrity, and his collaborative work, including underground films, was produced in a loft called “The Factory.” In 1969, he launched fashion and gossip magazine Interview, and then created best-selling silkscreen portraits of international personalities. The Andy Warhol Museum opened in Pittsburgh in 1994.

Scripture of the Day: But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs [Those who served as priests in Old Testament times.] as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. - Hebrews 8:6

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 1/5

Imagine my surprise when I discovered the new sushi section at the local market near our house! Click to enlarge.

Yikes! There was lightning throughout the night and morning, and it continues still! Rain fell during the night, but only a small amount—just enough to make Mr. Nitro look truly filthy. The sky looks threatening, and there may be more rain soon. Rain would certainly be preferable to wildfires started by lightning strikes! I pray that there are no more fires and that the rain falls and cleans and refreshes everything it touches!

Don't Push Me!, Grand Theft Cart, -and- Mommy Dearest

Don't Push Me! - man spends 53 hours in shopping cart
Grand Theft Cart - golf-cart thief caught on interstate
Mommy Dearest - mother charged for leaving baby to die in car while she drinks in bar

On this day in history: July 15, 1869 - During war with Prussia, French ruler Napoleon III commissions Hippolye Mege Mouries to find a butter substitute. A patent for margarine is issued, it being based on beef fat instead of milk fat. But even with the tactically superior spread, the war is still lost.

Born on this day in history: July 15, 1951 - Jesse Ventura (1951-) Born James George Janos in Minneapolis, Minnesota, professional wrestler and politician Jesse Ventura served in Vietnam in 1970, and, afterward, a popular wrestler and movie actor. In 1998, Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota, the first Reform Party candidate ever to hold state or federal office. Ventura chose not to run again.

Scripture of the Day: "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" - Mark 7:15

Video of the Day: Dragon the Leopard Gecko - submitted by Cindy

Ronald Reagan Quotes

It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.

Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Government always finds a need for whatever money it gets.

Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.

Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.

I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist.'

If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.

It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!

One way to make sure crime doesn't pay would be to let the government run it.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.

Recession is when a neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours.

Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.

The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.

There are no easy answers but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.

They say the world has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong.

Thomas Jefferson once said, 'We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.' And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.
To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will.

Today, if you invent a better mousetrap, the government comes along with a better mouse.

We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.

We have the duty to protect the life of an unborn child.

We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.

We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added.

Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence.

When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.

Fighting Back, Law of the Land, -and- Mommy Dearest

Fighting Back - gunman shot, killed with own gun by store manager
Law of the Land - judge gives offenders choice: pay fine or donate blood
Mommy Dearest - woman shoots 8-year-old daughter in leg to win $1 bet

On this day in history: May 5, 1982 - Secretary Janet Smith in the computer science department at Vanderbilt University is injured when she opens a package from the Unabomber.

Born on this day in history: May 5, 1959 - Brian Williams (1959-) Born in Elmira, NY, TV news anchor Brian Williams began his career in Kansas before moving to local CBS outlet in New York City, where he won an Emmy for reporting on the stock market collapse. Climbing the ranks, he took over from Tom Brokaw as anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2004. Williams at first drew criticism for being stiff, but his acclaimed coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 improved his image.

Scripture of the Day: And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:5

Video of the Day:

David Gallo: Underwater Astonishment - submitted by Laura

Laura took this photograph of Sunday's grilled chicken and hot Italian sausage. Click to enlarge.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The Weekend: The weekend was warm and sunny. We enjoyed leftover fettuccine with marinara sauce Friday evening. For Saturday's dinner, I grilled New York strip steaks, Jalapeño peppers, yellow squash, white mushrooms, and baby red potatoes. The steaks were excellent, and I grilled them perfectly—charring them nicely on the exterior and leaving them rare in the center.

Sunday's dinner was a mixed grill and rice with tomato, corn and peas. Laura grilled seven large Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts and five Johnsonville hot Italian sausages. She charred the chicken and sausages nicely then moved them away from the flame. She brushed the chicken and sausages with spicy barbecue sauce and turned several times. I placed a cup of Calrose rice, 2 cups of water, a handful of frozen corn kernels, a handful of frozen peas, 2 diced Roma tomatoes, ground black pepper, and Tony Chachere's More Spice in the rice cooker. The rice was wonderful. We shall make this tasty, easy-to-prepare side dish again soon.

Friday evening, we watched "Walk the Line" [2005) PG-13 Among the pantheon of great country singers, Johnny Cash (played here by Joaquin Phoenix) may just be the most enigmatic. James Mangold's film distills Cash's transformation from man to icon -- from his hardscrabble days on an Arkansas farm to Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn., where Cash finally found a way for his talent to come into its own. Reese Witherspoon plays his beloved June, alongside co-stars Robert Patrick and Shelby Lynne.] We had seen this movie previously, but we had not seen it in HD. I recorded it previously with our DVR. It is a wonderful movie, and I highly recommend it. Joaquin Phoenix gives an incredible performance as Johnny Cash, and Reese Witherspoon is stunning as June Carter.

Sunday evening, we watched "The Bourne Supremacy" [2004) PG-13 When a CIA sting in Berlin turns murderously wrong, everyone suspects it's the handiwork of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). As the CIA hunts for their lost ex-killer Bourne, Bourne himself is pursued by a ruthless cartel bent on framing him up -- and leaving him dead. Franka Potente returns as Marie Helena Kreutz alongside Joan Allen as Agent Helen Landy.] We had seen this movie previously, but we had not seen it in HD. It is an exciting, well-produced movie, and I highly recommend it.

Brave New Schools, Armed and Dangerous, -and- Mommy Dearest

Brave New Schools - student assignment: plan a bank robbery
Armed and Dangerous - woman pulls gun on deliverymen for not removing shoes
Mommy Dearest - baby for sale on Craigslist

On this day in history: March 26, 1830 - Joseph Smith publishes The Book of Mormon, after translating it from golden plates turned over by the angel Moroni. Smith maintained that the text contained in the tablets were written in "Reformed Egyptian" which he read by means of two magic stones from the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim.

Born on this day in history: March 26, 1948 - Steven Tyler (1948- ) Born Steven Tallarico in Yonkers, NY, musician Steve Tyler and Joe Perry founded rock band Aerosmith in the 1970s, which is still popular today.

Scripture of the Day: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. - Galatians 3:26-27

Video of the Day: Budweiser Commercial - submitted by Darin

"I remember landing under sniper fire," Clinton recounted. "There was supposed to be some kind of a greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base." Click to enlarge.

Rain? It is too early to be certain, but it appears today will not see the rain that was forecast. It is noticeably cooler this morning than it has been recently, but all is dry, and the sky appears clear. This could quickly change, of course, yet it is a pleasant notion that the weatherpeople have failed to accurately predict today's weather. Wait...what is this I see in my Web cam? SUNLIGHT! The sun is beginning to shine brightly. All may be well!

Weapons of Choice, Mommy Dearest, -and- Beep! Beep!

Weapons of Choice - court rules against San Francisco handgun ban
Mommy Dearest - woman sells teen son's car after finding booze
Beep! Beep! - Tata Nano, $2,500 car, unveiled in India

On this day in history: January 10, 1998 - German psychologist Heidi Fittkau-Garthe was charged in the Canary Islands with a plot of murder-suicide in which 31 cult followers, including five children, were to ingest poison. After the suicides they were to be picked up by spaceship for an unspecified destination.

Born on this day in history: January 10, 1945 - Rod Stewart (1945– ) Born in London, singer-songwriter Rod Stewart began as a soloist, then joined The Faces (1969-75). In 1971, he topped both UK and U.S. music charts with album, "Every Picture Tells a Story" and single "Maggie May." Stewart has gone on to numerous hits. His 1975 song "Sailing" has become the unofficial British Navy anthem.

Scripture of the Day: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." - Proverbs 1:10

Video of the Day: The Death and Life of Ice Cream - submitted by Danica

Great Scott! It is Frankenhillary! Run for the hills! 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

More rain! It is raining once again—albeit very gently. It began raining lightly as we left Bible class at Harvest Christian Center, and it appears (based upon the quantity of standing water) that it rained throughout the night. It is not particularly cold, however, there is almost no wind, and the rain is very light. There are still many thousands in the area without power, and the damage to buildings and trees was great during the recent storm. I pray that the rain continues to fall gently and that the 70+ MPH wind does not reappear!

For dinner last evening, we had the enchiladas and guacamole I described in yesterday's blog entry. It was a delicious meal. Leftovers from this delightful repast shall entertain us Friday evening. A quantity of enchiladas remains, but the guacamole was completely consumed. I shall make more guacamole. The local market (Sav-Mor Foods—a mere block from our house) is featuring beautiful, ripe avocados for $ .88 each. This is a great bargain, and I intend to take full advantage of it. Avocados are wonderfully nutritious and delicious!

Mommy Dearest, It's Not Delivery, -and- Attorney of Record

Mommy Dearest - baby abandoned when shoplifting goes wrong
It's Not Delivery - 5 million frozen pizzas recalled
Attorney of Record - sex sting snares lawyer

On this day in history: November 2, 1988 - The Internet Worm is released by Cornell grad student Robert Morris. His ingenious program was meant to explore the Internet harmlessly, but due to a bug, it crashed some 6,000 computers.

Born on this day in history: November 2, 1938 - Patrick Buchanan (1938 - ____) politician. He was director of communication under Reagan, 1985-87; presidential candidate, 1992, 1996.

Scripture of the Day: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Video of the Day: Barrett .50 Cal Demo - submitted by Phillip

Imagine Mr. Nitro's dismay when he found this beast usurping his parking spot this morning. Rather than engage in a battle with the interloper, Mr. Nitro graciously parked elsewhere. Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone
interested in photography!

Law of the Land, Beach Patrol San Diego, -and- Mommy Dearest

Law of the Land - Scientology faces criminal charges
Beach Patrol San Diego - 16 face charges after beach brawl
Mommy Dearest - 5-year-old designated driver for drunk mom

On this day in history: September 5, 1975 - Manson Family member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme almost assassinates President Gerald Ford with a .45 automatic in Sacramento, California. But Fromme is tackled by a Secret Service agent before she can remember to rack a round into the firing chamber.

Born on this day in history: September 5, 1940 - Raquel Welch (1940 - ____) actress, model. She starred in "One Million Years, BC," 1967; famous for her figure and sexiness; starred on Broadway in "Woman of the Year," 1982.

Scripture of the Day: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20)

Video of the Day: Backspace - Unfold

Here is a recent photograph of Laura’s daughter, Rachel, and granddaughter, Parker. Click to enlarge.

Interestingly, while Laura and I were watching "Beach Patrol San Diego," a riotous encounter between drunken beach-goers and police was taking place on a San Diego beach. There is now renewed interest in banning alcohol from San Diego beaches. This is something we discussed while watching the show. It would seem—given that the majority of problems on the beaches involve alcohol—many problems would be avoided if alcohol were banned. See the second story in today's news links to read about this beach fracas.