Good Parenting, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Un-holy

Good Parenting - Kansas dad lifts car off 6-year-old daughter
The Kids Are Alright - 6-year-old girl saves mother after car wreck
Un-holy - priest outrages police, tells poor to shoplift

On this day in history: December 21, 1970 - President Nixon meets with prescription drug addict Elvis Presley at the White House to discuss The King's becoming a special drug enforcement agent. He presents Nixon with a pistol, and receives a special DEA badge in return.

Born on this day in history: December 21, 1957 - Ray Romano (1957 - ) Born New York City, comedian-actor Ray Romano landed an appearance on "The Tonight Show." In 1996, he debuted the CBS sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," which earned several Emmys and ran for nine seasons. A documentary about his stand-up gigs was released in 2007 and his new sitcom, "Men of a Certain Age," hit the airwaves in 2009.

Scripture of the Day: And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ... With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. — Acts 2:21, 40-41

Video of the Day: Rope Swing Fail - submitted by Darin

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

The Weekend in Review My plans of tossing a large hunk of sirloin onto the Weber vanished quickly Saturday morning when I peered outside and evaluated the day's weather—interpolating AcuWeather's forecast into my prognostication. Instead, I stewed the large sirloin roast in a pot. I seared all sides in extra-virgin olive oil then added two cups of Merlot, one cup of spring water, a quantity of Pappy's seasoning, several dashes of Red Monkey Mango Habanera seasoning, parsley flakes, Monterey steak seasoning, ground Cayenne pepper, whole mushrooms, large carrots (cut into 1-inch lengths), a large white onion (cut into six sections), six large stalks of celery (cut into 1-inch lengths), six large Jalapeños (cut into eights), four large Roma tomatoes (cut into sixths), two large heads of garlic (peeled), and six medium red potatoes (quartered). This cooked for four hours. It was absolutely wonderful. A quantity of leftover stew followed Laura to Chico this morning for her lunch. We shall have a redux of Saturday's dinner tomorrow evening. The remaining sirloin will then be used to make burritos later in the week.

Sunday morning, I performed with the worship team using my new guitar for the first time. It is a wonderful instrument.

Last evening, I made Jalapeño-bacon cheeseburgers and oven fries. I sautéed ground sirloin patties and sliced Jalapeños. I cut large baking potatoes into thin sections and placed in a bag with seasonings and extra-virgin olive oil. I massaged the bag to thoroughly coat the fries. I baked them in the conventional oven at 400°. Laura tended to the meal at this point. She placed the sautéed Jalapeño slices, bacon slices, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese slices atop the patties and turned the oven to broil. She toasted whole-wheat burger buns, and took everything to the table. We assembled our burgers—adding condiments large tomato slices. It was a delightful meal.

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Fighting Back, Weapons of Choice, -and- Bedside Manner

Fighting Back - rise in justified shootings continues
Weapons of Choice - new rule allowing loaded guns in national parks challenged
Bedside
Manner - patient left without food for 26 days, starves to death

On this day in history: January 9, 2002 - The DOJ confirms reports that a criminal investigation of mega-corporation Enron has begun. The Texas energy profiteers gave loads of cash to the Republican party before accounting fraud and insider trading caused thousands of Enron employees to lose their savings and pensions.

Born on this day in history: January 9, 1913 - Richard Nixon (1913 - 1994) Born in Yorba Linda, CA, 37th President Richard Nixon (1969-74) was Eisenhower's vice-president in 1952. After several political setbacks, he won the presidency in 1968, and was re-elected by a landslide in 1972. He was then brought down by the scandal known as "Watergate." Facing certain impeachment, in August 1974, Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign.

Scripture of the Day: Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? - Isaiah 2:22

Video of the Day: Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No
Keyboard - submitted by Chris

Here is the first shot of the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet FR500CJ starting
production. Aside from getting a factory-built, honest-to-goodness drag
racer, you get one of the coolest VIN number schemes ever.

Okay, yes, the Cobra Jet gets an upgraded 5.4-liter V8 with a cold air
intake, A/C delete, 9-inch rear end, a six speed manual or three speed auto
with custom shifter, a roll hoop, gauges, a specialized suspension and huge
drag slicks, but it also gets a VIN starting with the car's name. This first
car off the line is VIN number FR500CJ001. Since it is not a road-legal car
to begin with, it does not have to maintain the traditional VIN coding, so
it can be whatever it wants to be. Click to enlarge.

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Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

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When I first viewed the video my friend from afar, Chris, sent me, I was unable to contain my delight and chortled in such a loud and effusive manner that employees from neighboring businesses rushed to my office to check on my welfare. The video so amused me that I felt compelled to share it here as the Video of the Day.

I am currently reading Max Lucado's "Cast of Characters." [Do you believe that God can use you to accomplish extraordinary things? If you have any doubts, take a look at the heroes in the Bible. You'll find people like Mary, Peter, David, Joseph and Esther--ordinary people who allowed God to work through them in amazing ways. In "Cast of Characters," Max Lucado gleans from several of his best-selling works to present some of the Bible's most interesting lives. Each chapter includes related Biblical text and discussion questions for individual or group study. Come closer to God's heart for you, by spending time with this cast of characters.] I am enjoying this book a great deal. Max Lucado is a favorite of mine. I highly recommend this book.

Rocketman, Animal Kingdom, -and- Daddy Dearest

Rocketman - jetpack pilot flies over English Channel
Animal Kingdom - woman held captive by pony-sized pig
Daddy Dearest - man dumps 9 kids at hospital and leaves

On this day in history: September 26, 1960 - Kennedy and Nixon face off in the first televised presidential debate. Nixon had been recuperating from illness yet refused to wear makeup for the camera, looking haggard and gray. Radio viewers gave positive opinions for Nixon's performance but so many people saw the debate televised that Kennedy gained the lead in the polls, ultimately winning the election.

Born on this day in history: September 26, 1981 - Serena Williams (1981– ) Born in Saginaw, Michigan, and sister of Venus, tennis player Serena Williams won the U.S. Open singles title in 1999. Further successes include the French Open (2002), Wimbledon (2002, 2003), the U.S. Open (2002), and the Australian Open (2003).

Scripture of the Day: "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." — Luke 9:26

Video of the Day: Woman Lives with 130 Cats - submitted by Cindy

It is simple, really! Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, I made Chicken Alfredo. I sliced six large white mushrooms and poached in boiling, salted water for 30 minutes, drained, and placed in a large sauté pan. I added three large sliced, previously-grilled Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a jar of Classico Alfredo sauce. I simmered this on low for 30 minutes. I cooked Barilla thick spaghetti until al denté. Laura incorporated the thick spaghetti into the chicken, mushrooms, and Alfredo sauce. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno grated Parmesan, Romano, and Pecorino cheeses. We also had toasted garlic bread.

Matters of Life and Death, Never Too Old, -and- Animal Kingdom

Matters of Life and Death - YouTube censors criticism of Planned Parenthood
Never Too Old - woman gets first driver's license—at 73
Animal Kingdom - cat survives 70-mile trip under owner's car

On this day in history: September 3, 1971 - The office of Daniel Ellsberg's Beverly Hills psychiatrist is burglarized by Nixon's plumbers, led by CIA operative E. Howard Hunt. Watergate investigators later uncover a memo about the burglary addressed to White House domestic affairs adviser John Ehrlichman, predating the actual crime.

Born on this day in history: September 3, 1965 - Charlie Sheen (1965-) Born Carlos Irwin Estevez in New York City, son of Martin Sheen (Ramon Estevez), actor Charlie Sheen got his break in "Platoon" (1986). Notorious for battles with drugs and alcohol, Sheen was star witness in the Heidi Fleiss Hollywood madam trial in 1995. He currently stars in the hit sitcom "Two and Half Men."

Scripture of the Day: "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." - John 9:3

Video of the Day: Hands Free: It's the Law in California - submitted by Jeffrey

Sarah Palin - the next vice president of the United States! Click to enlarge.

The Elderly Man

An elderly man suffered a massive heart attack. The family drove wildly to get him to the emergency room.

After what seemed like a very long wait, the E.R. Doctor appeared, wearing his scrubs. He said, "I'm afraid he is brain-dead, but his heart is still beating."

"Oh, Dear God," cried his wife, her hands clasped against her cheeks with shock.

"We've never had a Democrat in the family before."

No More Classes, Stupid Criminals, -and- Bad Hair Day

No More Classes - boy glues hand to bed to escape school
Stupid Criminals - man hiding knives in pants stabs self
Bad Hair Day - Texas students suspended for refusing haircuts

On this day in history: January 9, 2002 - The DOJ confirms reports that a criminal investigation of mega-corporation Enron has begun. The Texas energy profiteers gave loads of cash to the Republican party before accounting fraud and insider trading caused thousands of Enron employees to lose their savings and pensions.

Born on this day in history: January 9, 1913 - Richard (Milhous) Nixon (1913–94) Born in Yorba Linda, CA, 37th President Richard Nixon (1969–74) was Eisenhower's vice-president in 1952. After several political setbacks, he won the presidency in 1968, and was re-elected by a landslide in 1972. He was then brought down by the scandal known as "Watergate." Facing certain impeachment, in August 1974, Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign.

Scripture of the Day: "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." - Colossians 1:9

Video of the Day: Le Cadeau du Temps – submitted by Cindy

Here is this morning's poll from World Net Daily. Click to enlarge.

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Dry Streets! The streets are dry this morning. While it sprinkled during the night, the heavy rains that plagued us yesterday appear to be gone, for now. The weather forecast is for clear weather for the next several days. More rain is certain to be on the way, but for now, at least, we can enjoy a break.

I produced beef enchiladas last evening. Laura had a large lunch and was not sufficiently hungry to properly enjoy the enchiladas, so we shall dine upon them following Bible class this evening.

I simmered a pound of Sierra Nevada ground beef, a large white onion (sliced very thin), three large Jalapeño peppers (diced), four tablespoons of minced garlic, a liberal shaking of Tony Chachere's More Spice Seasoning, two tablespoons of Gebhardt's Chili Powder, a tablespoon of ground black pepper, and a cup of red chili sauce for an hour. I set this aside to cool. When it had cooled sufficiently, I filled ten Mission flour tortillas with the mixture, rolled them, and placed them in a Pyrex baking dish that was first coated with red chili sauce. I covered the enchiladas with sauce and placed eight squares of sliced Colby-jack cheese atop them.

I made some guacamole to accompany the enchiladas. I am eager for them.

Heat of the Moment, Not Welcome, -and- Dive!

Heat of the Moment - over 400 prominent scientists dispute global warming
Not Welcome - couple forced to take in criminal lodger
Dive! - cocaine kingpins have submarine fleet

On this day in history: December 21, 1970 - President Nixon meets with prescription drug addict Elvis Presley at the White House to discuss The King's becoming a special drug enforcement agent. He presents Nixon with a pistol, and receives a special DEA badge in return.

Born on this day in history: December 21, 1940 - Frank Zappa (1940–93) Avant-garde rock musician and composer, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He played guitar in a high school blues and rock band and briefly studied music theory in college. He led the satirical "underground" band The Mothers of Invention (with varying line-ups) in the 1960s and 1970s, making inventive and often scabrous albums such as "Freak-Out!" (1966) and "We're Only in it for the Money" (1967, a parody of the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album). Influential solo albums included "Lumpy Gravy" (1968) and "Hot Rats" (1969); and from various new groupings of Mothers came "Just Another Band from LA," "Over-Nite Sensation," and more. He created and scored the film "200 Motels," and composed serious music, performed by Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez, and others.

Scripture of the Day: "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)

Video of the Day: Creation - submitted by Laura

Here is an amazing photograph of the Orion Nebula, taken with a Nikon D3, at ISO 1600 for 70 seconds! Click to enlarge.

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

Merry Christmas! I wish everyone a glorious Christmas! May your Christmas be filled with family, friends, joy, and happiness. Happy Birthday, Jesus!