Armed and Dangerous, Say, "Cheese"!, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Armed and Dangerous - Miami-Dade trooper accused of writing hundreds of take tickets
Say, "Cheese"! - tourist lost on frozen sea saved by Web cam viewer
Somebody's Watching You - police want backdoor to Web users' private data

On this day in history: February 4, 1974 - Patty Hearst kidnapped.

Born on this day in history: February 4, 1913 - Rosa Parks (1913 - 2005) Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, civil rights advocate Rosa Parks was a community activist best known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, which resulted in the famous bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. (1955-6). Parks is honored as the "mother" of the civil rights movement.

Scripture of the Day: I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the
horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:1-2

Video of the Day: Puppy vs. Cat - submitted by Danica

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing though Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Technology News
Google, NSA may team up to investigate attacks
Microsoft investigates new Internet Explorer flaw
Government
warns of looming cyberthreat

Dinner, Breakfast, and Laura's Journey
For dinner last evening, I peeled a large head of garlic, kept the cloves whole, and sautéed with a white onion (cut into eighths) and a dozen crimini mushrooms (cut into quarters) in extra-virgin olive oil. I seasoned with Pappy's, ground black pepper, dried parsley flakes, and cumin. I parboiled a quantity of asparagus spears for three minutes and set aside. I sliced some of the London Broil from Sunday's dinner into very thin slices and set aside. When the onions were caramelized and translucent, I tossed in the meat and asparagus. I stirred quickly for three minutes—at which time we enjoyed a delightful meal.

This morning, I diced the remaining London Broil, seasoned it with Red Monkey Mango Habanera seasoning, ground black pepper, and dried parsley flakes. I sautéed this for five minutes. I added four beaten eggs. When the eggs were cooked, I added four slices of extra-sharp cheddar cheese and folded and chopped the mixture with a spatula. I warmed some Mission flour tortillas in the microwave oven for 30 seconds and took the food to the table. At the table, we added Casa Lupe hot salsa. It was a delicious breakfast.

Laura will be departing this morning—beginning her Tucson adventure. She will drive to the Sacramento Airport and fly to Tucson, AZ, where she will be met by her daughter, Rachel. She will return next Monday. The cats and I shall cavort with great abandon during her absence!

Once again, Laura must spar for her luggage!

Laura boarding the plane for the Phoenix connection.




2:27 PM: Laura is at the Phoenix Roadhouse.




A tall spicy one after my mile-long trek from terminal A to terminal B for my connecting flight to Tucson. No kidding. Google the layout of Sky Harbor Airport--YIKES...




The airport bar.

Fighting Back, All Rise, -and- House of Filth

Fighting Back - mall pianist chases down thief
All Rise - Australia to start online court hearings
House of Filth - over 200 pets seized from Texas home

On this day in history: February 4, 1974 - Patty Hearst kidnapped.

Born on this day in history: January 4, 1913 - Rosa (Lee McCauley) Parks (1913-2005) Born in Tuskegee, AL, civil rights advocate Rosa Parks was a community activist best known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, which resulted in the famous bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. (1955–6). Parks is honored as the ‘mother’ of the civil rights movement.

Scripture of the Day: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5

Video of the Day: - Michael Winslow As Jimi Hendrix - submitted by Jay

Sunshine! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the birds are singing! Following an intense storm Saturday—with extreme winds and torrential rain—yesterday was sunny and warm. Today is sunny and warm, as well. There is no wind. The forecast for the next several days indicates (assuming the weatherpeople are correct) this beautiful weather will continue!

Saturday, Laura marinated two thick top sirloin steaks and four large white mushrooms with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, Cabernet Sauvignon, ground black pepper, sea salt, and Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning. The steaks and mushrooms marinated for four hours. I grilled them on the indoor grill—charring the outside nicely and maintaining a nice rareness in the center. I baked two large red potatoes in the microwave. It was a delicious meal.

Yesterday, Laura worked in the nursery at Harvest Christian Center during the second service. We attended the first service together, following which I journeyed home and made a frittata. I generally use spinach in frittatas, but on this occasion, I used broccoli instead of spinach. I sautéed diced red potatoes, slivered white onion, chopped Jalapeños, chopped broccoli, bacon strips (cut into 1" sections), and a head of peeled garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil. I seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice seasoning, ground black pepper, and sea salt. When done, I added six beaten jumbo eggs and turned the burner to low. When the eggs were fully cooked, I added eight slices of pepperjack cheese and turned the burner off. It was especially delightful, and the leftovers shall make a fine dinner following Bible college Wednesday evening.

For dinner last evening, I cooked a box of penne until al dente and set aside. I slivered sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, with minced garlic, sea salt, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. When this was sufficiently cooked, I added 36 medium peeled, poached shrimp and the penne. Laura stirred this and took it to the table. It was delicious. The leftovers followed Laura to work this morning.

No Support, Bang!, -and- Challenged

No Support - New York attorney general accuses Dell of fraud
Bang! - Illinois issues gun-owner card to 10-month-old baby
Challenged - Judge asks, "So what's a Web site?"

On this day in history: May 17, 1974 - During a gun battle with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, the LAPD fires tear gas into their Watts hideout. The canisters ignite a fire which soon consumes the house. Three other SLA members, including kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, watch the events unfold on TV in their motel room down the street from Disneyland.

Born on this day in history: May 17, 1956 - Sugar Ray Leonard (1956 - ____) boxer. He won Golden Gloves, 1972 and Olympic Gold, 1976; enormously popular with classic bouts against Duran and Hearns; record of 36-2-1 with 25 KOs.

Today's Video: Dodge Charger V8

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

While driving to my office this morning, I spotted this cat driving a tractor. If only our cats were this productive! Click to enlarge.