Fighting Back, Occupied, -and- Hot Air

Fighting Back - victim shoots, kills home invader
Occupied - man locked in restroom for four days
Hot Air - skeptical scientists urge world to "do nothing" at UN climate conference

On this day in history: December 12, 1989 - Leona Helmsley fined $7 million and sentenced to jail for 21 months for tax evasion. She was also made to serve 900 hours of community service.

Born on this day in history: December 12, 1915 - Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, singer and actor Frank Sinatra rose to prominence with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. He quickly emerged as a teen idol, and grew into a global superstar, expanding in film roles, including an Oscar-winning performance in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Marriages to film stars Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow were widely publicized. Sinatra is the only singer in history to have hit records in five consecutive decades.

Scripture of the Day: "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)

Video of the Day: The Vegetable Orchestra - submitted by Amber

LED ZEPPELIN returned to the stage Sunday night with their first full set in 19 years — and younger members of the crowd had heard nothing like it. Click to enlarge.

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

For dinner last evening, I made a very delightful meal: I baked two medium, quartered red potatoes in the microwave oven and set aside. I sliced a large white onion and coarsely chopped a head of peeled garlic cloves. I sautéed the onion and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil until caramelized. I tossed in a package of baby spinach. As the spinach cooked down, I moved the spinach, onion, and garlic to the side of the sauté pan and placed the potato quarters on the open surface of the pan. After 3 minutes, I added thick slices of leftover grilled London Broil and cooked for 2 minutes. The meal was wonderful. Nothing remained when the final bite was chewed.

Fighting Back, Fighting Back Too, -and- Flying High

Fighting Back - hero guard: "It was me, the gunman, and God"
Fighting Back - off-duty constable kills robbery suspect
Flying High - man sets record for flight after being hit by car

On this day in history: December 11, 1985 - Computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton is killed outside his Sacramento business when he investigates a package left by the Unabomber. It's his first confirmed kill.

Born on this day in history: December 11, 1944 - Brenda Lee (1944– ) Born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Atlanta, Georgia, pop singer Brenda Lee recorded over five decades, beginning to sing at age 10 with Country & Western star Red Foley, and touring with stars like Patsy Cline and Mel Tillis. In 1959, Lee hit No.1 on rock charts with "Sweet Nothings." At 18, nicknamed "Little Miss Dynamite," she became a worldwide star.

Scripture of the Day: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Video of the Day: Ninja Dance Party - submitted by Darin

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, AZ, has a new Web site! Sheriff Joe Arpaio Click to enlarge.

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

Willy the Tortoise RIVERSIDE, California - It was not exactly a high-speed chase. Willy the tortoise made a crawl for freedom this week, getting half a mile from the fenced yard where he lives in a doghouse.

Shelley Larsen figures the 200-pound shellback escaped after her 18-year-old son, Aaron, left a gate open Thursday.

"I don't think the public realizes how big and how very strong tortoises are," Welsh said. "The whole shelter was abuzz. Willy is the size of a small bathtub."

The department posted photos of Willy on its Web site and he was recognized by Shelley Larsen's 21-year-old daughter, Lisa. Willy was back home after fewer than six hours of freedom.

It was the third time Willy has gotten out since the family bought him at a pet store for $130 for Lisa's 10th birthday.

At the time, Willy could fit in the palm of a person's hand.

"We had no idea he'd get so big," said Shelley Larsen's husband, Robbie.

Willy is now so strong that he sometimes knocks down tables when he lumbers around their house in Rubidoux. And he can easily give rides to the Larsen family's nieces and nephews.

Given a tortoise's long life span, Robbie Larsen expects Willy will someday be giving rides to the sons and daughters of those nieces and nephews.