Stupid Criminals, Reserve Not Met, -and- GI Jane

Stupid Criminals - man tries to pay McDonald's cashier with marijuana
Reserve Not Met - Bigfoot hoax body for sale on eBay
GI Jane - Obama believes women should register for draft

On this day in history: October 14, 1943 - An estimated 200 inmates of Sobibor escape the Polish extermination camp after killing 11 SS guards in an uprising. 52 of the fugitives manage to survive. The Nazis close the facility shortly thereafter.

Born on this day in history: October 14, 1978 - Usher Raymond (1978-) Born Usher Raymond IV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, singer-songwriter Usher began singing gospel at 6. His 1994 debut album, produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, was an instant success. Usher is now one of the most recognizable faces in R&B, thanks to sponsorship deals and feature film appearances.

Scripture of the Day: To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. — Deuteronomy 10:14

Video of the Day:
Boston Legal: Dances with Wolves - submitted by Frank

Is "Dreams from My Father" the work of Bill Ayers? Click to enlarge.

The Wind Has Abated! The fierce wind that has plagued us for nearly a week appears to have abated! It is forecast to be in the low-to-mid 80s through the balance of the week. Without the wind, it shall be fine weather indeed. Friday is CUHS Homecoming. The Homecoming parade shall begin at 3 PM and pass by my office. I shall photograph this event and produce a slide show from select images. I shall alert readers when this slide show is available for viewing.

Fighting Back, They Young and the Speeding, -and- Fat Cat

Fighting Back - homeowner shoots, injures man trying to break into his house
The Young and the Speeding - 1-year-old leads cops on 100-mph chase
Fat Cat - 44-pound domestic cat found

On this day in history: July 30, 1938 - In his Dearborn, Michigan office Henry Ford proudly accepts a Nazi medal on his 75th birthday. The Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle is the highest award the Reich can bestow on foreigners. The medal arrives with a note of personal greetings from Adolf Hitler. A rabid anti-Semite, Ford paid for copies of the racist hoax Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion to be deposited in major U.S. libraries.

Born on this day in history: July 30, 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947 - ) Born near Graz, Austria, bodybuilder, actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger won several Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles. In the 1980s, he starred in a new genre of action films, including Conan the Barbarian (1982) and The Terminator (1984). Schwarzenegger became an American citizen in 1983, and, in 2003, was elected governor of California.

Scripture of the Day: At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?" - John 7:30-31

Video of the Day: Russian Street Racing, Really Crazy - submitted by Darin

Today is the first day following the merger of the Sirius and XM satellite radio systems. It is certainly not encouraging that Sirius' "Listen on Line" feature is not functioning this morning! This office is eerily quiet—following the death of the television last week and the crash of Sirius this morning. EEK!

Sirius Update - 8:10 AM: Apparently, it was Phaedra (my main system) and not Sirius Satellite Radio that was misbehaving this morning! As the morning progressed, additional applications began to stop responding. Ultimately, I was left with only the Web cam and HotFax MessageCenter running—and they, just barely. Yikes! I restarted Phaedra, and all appears well now. She is about 6 years of age, so she has certainly had a long and fruitful life. I am not, however, enthusiastic about the idea of replacing her at this time! Be good, Phaedra!

Comin' 'round the Bend, Going Postal, -and- Stop Thief!

Comin' 'round the Bend - Marysville woman "being silly" hit by train
Going Postal - mailman shot for slow delivery
Stop Thief! - man arrested for stealing "virtual furniture"

On this day in history: November 15, 1941 - SS chief Himmler orders the arrest and concentration of all homosexuals in Germany. Excluded were certain top Nazi officials who happened to be homosexuals—including Himmler.

Born on this day in history: November 15, 1930 - J. G. Ballard (1930 - ____) novelist. He writes books of surrealistic fiction with apocalyptic themes; wrote the best-selling novel "Empire of the Sun," 1984.

Scripture of the Day: "Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight." (Psalm 119:143)

Video of the Day: Funny Animal Bloopers - submitted by Darin

This was the sunset that greeted us yesterday at 4:59 PM. It was a very happy sunset! 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!

This Saturday is the 12th annual Hometown Christmas. For details on this event, see the Calendar of North State Events.

My friend and business neighbor, Corey (owner of Corning Auto Parts), gave me a giant jug of hot and sweet Jalapeño slices yesterday. I could not resist the urge to taste them, and so I did. They are wonderful. They are hot, and a sweet under taste soon kicks in and mellows the heat. They will be excellent on sandwiches and nachos. Sunday, I plan to make a large batch of nachos for our snacking delight while playing Scrabble.

This Saturday is the 12th annual Corning Hometown Christmas. For details, see the Calendar of North State Events. There will be a live Nativity scene, craft and food booths, photographs with Santa, a lighted parade, and more. There will be free games for children, provided by Harvest Christian Center. I shall photograph the event and announce the availability of the slide show I produce from the photographs.

Laura took Mr. Nitro to Chico this morning. He needs to have his brake system reprogrammed, and he is due for his first check-up and oil change. While he has only 1365 miles on his odometer, he is past the 6-month check-up period, and the brake reprogramming is a critical issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. So off to Chico Mr. Nitro went, under Laura's aegis. It is the first time we have been separated since I obtained him on February 5, 2007, and I miss him and eagerly await his return.