The Reason for the Season, Weapons of Choice, -and- Fly the Friendly Skies

The Reason for the Season - Utah legislator tells retailers to say "Merry Christmas"
Weapons of Choice - Texas gun law battle brewing over "open carry" proposal
Fly the Friendly Skies - drug could cure jet lag

On this day in history: December 3, 1974 - Civil aviation authorities in England issue a warning to pilots to avoid a 40 foot long inflated pig. The aeropork had escaped its tether during a Pink Floyd photo shoot. Radar contact was lost at 18,000 feet.

Born on this day in history: December 3, 1948 - Ozzy Osbourne (1948 - ) Born in Birmingham, England, musician Ozzy Osbourne is known as lead singer of Black Sabbath, which recorded metal anthems like "War Pig"” (1971). He went solo in 1978, cultivating a social misfit image, then struggled with substance abuse. Osbourne regained popularity with reality TV show "The Osbournes," which featured his family.

Scripture of the Day: Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:3

Video of the Day: Budweiser Rocky Horse SuperBowl Commercial - submitted by Jay

The eyes have it! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

I had a peculiar dream last night: I dreamed that a woman came to my office and inquired about engaging me to photograph her "...daughter and friends." I asked if this were a birthday party, and she replied, "No. They're practicing for a musical presentation at their school." We agreed upon the fee and a date and time. She gave me a deposit and departed. At the appointed date and time, I met the woman at a local park. She had over a dozen children with her. They appeared to be approximately 12 years of age. The children began performing, and I began photographing them. They danced and sang—performing the musical, "Oklahoma!" Their performances were stunning. I was amazed by their dancing and singing talents. Without benefit of music, they sang perfectly and danced flawlessly. When the shoot was completed, I said to the woman, "I am amazed by the incredible talent of these children." She said, "Well, they're just a bunch of kids playing around." I did not understand her attitude. When I arrived at my office and viewed the images on my computer, the costumes the children had worn were not displayed! Their attire was ordinary daily wear. Gone, also, was the performing grace and skill they had exhibited! Their poses were ungainly and child-like. I awakened.

Smell that Smell, Pump up the Volume, -and- To Serve and Protect

Smell that Smell - Lloyds insures winemaker's nose for $8 million
Pump up the Volume - cops aim to seize cars for loud music
To Serve and Protect - cop accused of stealing hot dogs, fired

On this day in history: February 19, 1982 - The guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, dies during the Diary of a Madman tour after the plane he is flying in buzzes the band's tour bus and clips the wing of the plane, crashing into a nearby farmhouse.

Born on this day in history: February 19, 1955 - Bruce Willis (1955– ) Born in West Germany, and raised in New Jersey, actor Bruce Willis became known for his role in TV show "Moonlighting" (1985-?). He made a film debut in "Blind Date" (1987), and achieved star status in the "Die Hard" series, starting in 1988.

Scripture of the Day: Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus. - Acts 3:19-20

Video of the Day: Vizio GV47LF 47" LCT HDTV

Mmmmm-waaah! Yikes!

Our Vizio GV47LF 47" LCD HDTV arrived yesterday. My business neighbor, Corey (of Corning Auto Parts, two doors from my office), indicated a need for our 27" Hitachi CRT TV. He helped me unpack and set up the Vizio LCD unit and scampered away with the Hitachi TV and the box and packing materials for the Vizio TV. Thank you, Corey!

The Vizio unit is superb. Laura indicated a great desire for this unit. She rarely asks for anything, so it was a pleasure and a delight to be able to please her.

We watched "Night at the Museum" to initiate the new TV.

Laura declared we must now purchase an HD DVR/Satellite Receiver, add HD programming to our DirecTV service, and purchase a Blu-Ray DVD player. So it shall be!

Lost!, Queerly Beloved, -and- Can You Hear Me Now?

Lost! - baby abandoned twice in one night
Queerly Beloved - correctional officers disciplined for "gay" wedding
Can You Hear Me Now? - teen accused of jamming police radio

On this day in history: October 26, 1984 - 19-year-old John D. McCollum kills himself with a .22 caliber handgun after spending the day listening to Ozzy Osbourne records. One year later, McCollum's parents file suit against Ozzy and CBS Records, alleging that the song "Suicide Solution," from the album Blizzard of Ozz, contributed to their son's death. Except that the song's subject was quite plainly alcohol addiction. The case is eventually thrown out of court.

Born on this day in history: October 26, 1911 - Mahalia Jackson
(1911–1972) American gospel singer, born in New Orleans.

Scripture of the Day: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Video of the Day: Happy Birthday - this blog is 2 years old today!

Happy Birthday Blog! This blog is 2 years old today! Click to enlarge.

New Feature: Bible Class Notes are now available for viewing via the "Bible Class Notes" link in the Links section. These are notes taken during Bible class at Harvest Christian Center. New notes will be added each week, following each Wednesday's Bible class.

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 4!

Updating Windows for the new Daylight Saving Time

Congress has changed the dates for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States starting in 2007. Canada has adopted similar DST dates. These changes could cause clocks and Microsoft Outlook calendar appointments on Windows devices to display incorrect times for March 11 – April 1, 2007 and October 28 – November 4, 2007 and again in subsequent years.

Here is the URL from Microsoft for resources for updating your Windows-powered computers: Time Zone Update for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Here is the URL from Microsoft for resources for updating your Windows-powered mobile devices: Daylight Saving Time 2007 Updates.

Bad Cop/Good Cop, Armed and Stupid, -and- Getting Air

Bad Cop/Good Cop - fake officer pulls over real one
Armed and Stupid - anti-gun activist makes illegal gun purchase
Getting Air - balloons carry man in lawnchair 193 miles

On this day in history: July 11, 1979 - The derelict space station Skylab finally returns to Earth, ignominiously breaking into 500 separate fragments which are swallowed by the Indian Ocean. That is, except for the ones which crash into Woorlba Sheep Station, near Balladonia in Western Australia. Shortly thereafter, President Jimmy Carter telephones the prime minister of that country to apologize for scattering NASA litter on his nation.

Born on this day in history: July 11, 1897 - Blind Lemon Johnson (c. 1897 - 1930) blues singer Blind from birth, "the King of the Country Blues" recorded during the 1920s; died in Chicago, lost in the streets during a snowstorm.

Today's Video: Black Sabbath - "Paranoid" (1970)

Along the route to my office this morning, I encountered people harvesting mushrooms. The mushrooms were very large. It must be the fertilizer they use that is producing such large results!

It is cold this morning! The weatherpeople are predicting rain! It certainly looks dismal outside, and the possibility that it might rain appears high. Yikes! Quick, someone alert Al Gore!

For dinner last evening, we had Johnsonville brats: I sprayed a sauté pan with Pam and arranged six Johnsonville brats. I peeled a head of garlic and scattered the cloves over the brats. I sliced a large white onion into six sections and scattered over the brats and garlic. I sliced a large zucchini on the bias and layered atop the onions, brats, and garlic. I sliced four large mushrooms into quarters and layered atop the zucchini, onions, brats, and garlic. I liberally seasoned with Red Monkey Cajun Spice. I sliced a large tomato into six thin slices, layered atop the mushrooms, zucchini, onions, brats, and garlic and seasoned with sea salt and ground black pepper. Laura placed the sauté pan on the stove and set the burner to medium. Ten minutes later, she reduced the heat to medium-low and continued to cook for twenty minutes. Spicy brown mustard was used as a condiment. The meal was delightful.

Tonight, we shall have some of the ham and beans from Sunday's dinner.