Take a Number, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Making the Grade

Take a Number - man beats teen girl over who was first in line at McDonald's
Matters of Life and Death - California approves nurse-assisted suicide
Making the Grade - kids spread cheating methods on YouTube

On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabitating with a 16-year-old girl.

Born on this day in history: October 2, 1869 - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948) Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Poorbandar, India, and later known as Mahatma or "Great Soul," Indian nationalist leader Gandhi studied law in London, fought discrimination in South Africa, and returned to India in 1914 to advocate nonviolent protest in the movement to achieve independence. Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi.

Scripture of the Day: In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. — Psalm 10:2

Video of the Day: McCain: Gwen Ifill Will Do a Totally Objective Job

Look out, Sarah! He bites! Click to enlarge.

Tonight's Vice Presidential Debate will be an outstanding opportunity for Sarah Palin to assuage supports and astound critics!

I predicted Sarah Palin would be John McCain's choice for running mate long prior to the announcement. The nearly universal response was, "Who"? I have followed Palin's career for years with great interest, and when I made the prediction, I was certain that it would be greeted with disbelief. I was correct. When McCain announced his choice of Palin, however, many asked, "How in the world did you know?" The simple truth is I did not know! I sensed that McCain would choose her, and I expressed that sense as a prediction.

I will make another prediction: I predict that Sarah Palin will be victorious tonight and do so by a wide margin!

Go, Sarah!

Dirty Tricks! I make my prediction with the full knowledge that there are dark forces working to thwart Sarah Palin's victory. As if it were not sufficient that the moderator be selected—as was the moderator for the McCain-Biden debate—from the murky pond of ultra-liberal Obama enthusiasts at PBS, there is now the issue that the moderator of tonight's debate, Gwen Ifill, is apparently a book to come out the time the next president takes office, and the book is very favorable to Barack Obama!

Simply put, if Obama wins the presidency, Ifill's book will quickly become a best seller. For every 100,000 copies sold, Ifill will receive approximately $350,000! That certainly gives her a vested interest in Obama's election! John McCain was, quite simply, entirely too accepting of this choice of moderator (see today's video), and I believe Ifill should be replaced summarily!

Slave Labor, Unholy Matrimony, -and- Slow Down!

Slave Labor - NY millionaire gets prison for abuse of housekeepers
Unholy Matrimony - bigamist "forgot" drunken 1978 marriage
Slow Down! - motorcyclist cited for driving 144 MPH

On this day in history: June 27, 1844 - Mormon leader Joseph Smith, along with his brother Hyrum, are shot and killed by a mob while in jail at Carthage, Illinois. According to church legend, after Smith is shot a man raises a knife to decapitate him, but is thwarted by a thunderbolt from heaven.

Born on this day in history: June 27, 1975 - Tobey Maguire (1975-) Born in Santa Monica, CA, actor Tobey Maguire spent years playing "sensitive young man" roles before hitting it big in the action adventure "Spiderman"(2002) and then "Seabiscuit" (2003).

Scripture of the Day: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? - Matthew 6:27

Video of the Day: Thermite Experiment

Here is one of Laura's photographs of the pork loins she so masterfully
barbecued last weekend. Click to enlarge.

The sky appears clearer this morning than it has been in many days. Blue sky is visible, and the smell of smoke from the fires is not as strong as it has been recently. Hopefully, these are signs that the fires that have been plaguing California are coming under control.

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!

Fighting Back, To Serve and Protect, -and- A Very Redneck Christmas

Fighting Back - home-invasion suspect fatally wounded by resident
To Serve and Protect - Parole Commissioner in state car nabbed at DUI checkpoint
A Very Redneck Christmas - man accused of running over neighbor’s Christmas decorations, shooting him

On this day in history: December 10, 1993 - Adolf Hitler is baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in a ceremony performed inside their London temple. Mormons use this strange retroactive baptismal ritual to ensure ancestors or other relatives may join them in heaven.

Born on this day in history: December 10, 1830 - Emily (Elizabeth) Dickinson
(1830–86) Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, poet Emily Dickinson published only two poems during her lifetime. After her death, sister Lavinia Dickinson published several more collections. Dickinson has now gained a cult-like following.

Scripture of the Day: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Video of the Day: Ferrari Drive - submitted by Frank

Here are some photographs I took this weekend of the native American gathering at the Sacramento River near here. 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!

Saturday, Laura and I journeyed to Chico to Home Depot to replace the exploded microwave oven. I attempted to purchase the oven upon which we decided online but received a message that shipping to our Zip Code was unavailable. I felt that Corning was being slighted. When I entered the Zip Code for the Home Depot store in Chico, the same message appeared. Apparently, shipping is not available anywhere. That is interesting.

As we passed the Chico Mall, we noticed that the parking lot was completely filled. Not a single parking space was available. Yikes! When we reached Home Depot, however, there were several good parking spaces available. I parked Mr. Nitro in a secure area, and we strolled into the store. The microwave we desired was on display. There was none in inventory, however. We took the display oven and received a 10% discount. It is a beautiful 2.1 cu ft GE Profile oven with black body and stainless-steel front. It has enormous capacity and many features that were not present on the previous oven.

Last evening—following a delightful dinner of grilled London Broil, white onion, red potatoes, Jalapeños, and red bell pepper, we settled into our recliners and watched a Johnny Cash DVD. The new microwave made a wonderful batch of popcorn.

Fighting Back, Freedom of Speech, -and- Smashing Proposal

Fighting Back - carjacker shot by off-duty cop
Freedom of Speech - EU mulls Internet clampdown to combat terrorism
Smashing Proposal - man uses demolition car to propose

On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabitating with a 16-year-old girl.

Born on this day in history: October 2, 1890 - Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977) comedian. He was the leader of the Marx brother team and famous for his ad-lib insults in his TV show "You Bet Your Life," 1950-1961.

Scripture of the Day: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25)

Video of the Day: Because You Loved Me - Passion of Christ - submitted by Donny

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.” May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life. It's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

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.

Fighting Back, Stormy Weather, -and- Sleep Well

Fighting Back - retired Marine tackles bank robber
Stormy Weather - iPod users report lightning strikes
Sleep Well - new bed mattress costs $60,000

On this day in history: July 12, 1843 - Mormon leader Joseph Smith discloses a divine revelation instructing his followers to take multiple wives, in what the LDS Church calls "plural marriage" but everyone else calls polygamy. The Mormons are ultimately forced to disclaim the practice in September 1890.

Born on this day in history: July 12, Oscar Hammerstein (1895 - 1960) lyricist, musical comedy author He was influential in the development of musical comedy; known especially for his collaboration with the composer Richard Rodgers.

Today's Video: Anti-Helium Makes Jay Leno Talk Like Ving Rhames - submitted by Chris

The weatherpeople were right! It rained yesterday! It rained lightly for approximately 15 seconds. It rained sufficiently that the coating of dust on Mr. Nitro turned to mud. It was most unseemly for Mr. Nitro to appear in public in this condition. I took him to the car wash and cleaned him thoroughly. I then drove him to the river and back to air-dry him. He was most grateful.