Food for Thought - man arrested for "thinking of cheeseburger" Drink Up! - troopers raid popular bars for unlicensed beers They're Here! - Ohio man claims to have captured evidence of UFOs
On this day in history: March 9, 1967 - Josef Stalin's daughter, Svetlana Alliluyeva, walks into the U.S. Embassy at New Delhi and asks to defect.
Born on this day in history: March 9, 1964 - Juliette Binoche (1964 - ) Parisian actress Juliette Binoche got started on stage as a teenager and went on to stardom in André Téchiné's Rendez-vous (1985), which won Binoche a César. Binoche went on to international success in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988). Later films include The English Patient' (1996), for which she won an Oscar, and Dan in Real Life (2007).
Scripture of the Day: God has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. — 2 Timothy 1:9
Video of the Day:ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through the Walmart parking lot on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
COLD! The temperature dropped to 33° early this morning! It rained yesterday, and hail was forecast but did not appear. It is a mere 36° at 8 AM. This is COLD!
Bad Religion - defectors say Church of Scientology hides abuse Tase me Bro! - man laughed off Taser jolt while battling Rochester cops Place Your Bets - chips are down for U.S. casinos as revenues slide
On this day in history: March 8, 1968 - A Soviet submarine sinks in the Pacific Ocean, killing all 97 crew members aboard. Later in the year a U.S. submarine secretly retrieves an encryption machine, codebooks, and nuclear warheads from the Soviet vessel. A further bold attempt is made in 1974 to bring up the entire submarine using the CIA ship Glomar Explorer, built by Howard Hughes. That mission supposedly fails, and is made public by the Los Angeles Times to the great embarrassment of the Agency.
Born on this day in history: March 8, 1945 - Micky Dolenz (1945 - ) Musician, actor, director. In 1965 Micky Dolenz was catapulted to fame when he was cast as the drummer and lead vocalist in the television series and band "The Monkees." Thanks to this role, his voice can be heard for all posterity on such classic hit songs as "Last Train to Clarksville" (1966) and "I'm a Believer" (1966).
Scripture of the Day: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Video of the Day: How to Survive a Zombie Attack - submitted by Cindy
Laura and Brian were given a special personal tour of the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation last Friday morning. Laura returned to civilization with some nice photographstaken with her Nikon Coolpix 995 digital camera. I produced a slide show from 149 of her photographs. You may view the slide show HERE! The slide show lasts 13 minutes, so be certain you have the free time to view it.
ESP 5000 Wolverine Entertainment Storage Player Traditionally, I have taken a laptop with me when doing a photo shoot. If I fill my two 16GB CompactFlash storage cards, I can move the photographs to the laptop. If I wish to show a client the photographs I have taken, I can download the images onto the laptop and run a slide show. This methodology of managing photographs while in the field works, but it is slow, and the added weight of the laptop is not welcomed graciously. My Tamrac camera bag is easily heavy enoughcontaining a Nikon D3, Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens, Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens, Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens, Nikon Speedlight SB-900, and an array of accessories and spare batteries!
I spent several hours researching alternative storage devices and decided upon the ESP 5000 Wolverine from Wolverine Data. Click the image to enlarge it.
The Wolverine abates the weight issue nicely: It weighs but a few ounces. Copying or moving files from camera cards to the Wolverine is very simple: When a camera (or any storage card) is inserted into the Wolverine's card slot, the unit automatically queries what one wishes done with the images or data on the card. If one chooses to copy or move the images, this is done quickly, and the progress is displayed graphically. The camera card may then be reinserted into the camera, and one is ready to continue shooting! If one wishes to run a slide show, the Wolverine will do so instantly, since there is negligible start-up time, and a slide show may be run directly from the camera card, without needing to copy or move the images! If a television is available, the slide show may be displayed on the television. The Wolverine is available in several capacitiesfrom 80GB to 250GB. I opted for the 250GB model.
Here are some of the features of the Wolverine:
Download images directly from any digital camera without a computer
Use it to backup and carry all your digital images
Display JPEG, Bitmap, Tiff, Text and RAW images (most popular SLR Cameras)
Print directly to printers
Store and Play Thousands of Songs
Supports five music Formats: MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, AAC (MP4-audio) & CDA
Easy, drag and drop music files from your computer and play them instantly
Store and Play Hundreds of Hours of Video
Supports: MPEG-1, MPEG-4, WMV9 and Xvid
Built-in FM Radio
Listen and RECORD your favorite talk shows or music from any FM Radio Station
Scan and preset up to 18 different Radio Stations
Plugs to TV and Stereo System
With the included Video/Audio cable connect the ESP directly to any TV or Projector
View a slide show of your favorite photos or watch recorded videos on the big screen
Connect to a stereo system to enjoy and share your music collection
Record Video Directly from TV/DVD/VCR/Camcorder or any other video source (require optional Cradle)
Use the ESP as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record directly from TV/DVD/VCR/Camcorder using the optional Cradle System (not included)
Bring last night's game, cartoons or an entire season of your favorite TV series with you and watch them anytime, anywhere
On this day in history: March 5, 1982 - John Belushi found dead at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood from a cocaine and heroin overdose. A sketchy woman, Cathy Smith, is later charged with administering the fatal injections.
Born on this day in history: March 5, 1958 - Andy Gibb (1958 - 1988) Born in Manchester, England, singer Andy Gibb became the first male solo artist to land three consecutive No. 1 hits on the 'Billboard Hot 100'. The youngest brother of the band members of the Bee Gees, Andy collaborated with his siblings to create the hit singles "Shadow Dancing" (1978) and "Don't Throw It All Away" (1979)
Scripture of the Day: These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Video of the Day: Rob Zombie - "Living Dead Girl" - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through the parking lot at Walmart while on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Laura Visits the Wild Animals This morning, Laura will visit the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation. As you may recall, the Foundation brought an eight-week-old leopard cub to Laura at Sierra Nevada. This morning, Laura and Brian will visit the leopardalong with a new tiger cub and a wide assortment of other wild animals, birds, and reptilesat the Foundation's current location in Durham. They will also tour the site of what will be the new Foundation home. Laura is eager to visit the wildlife and is taking her real camera (a Nikon Coolpix 995) to photograph them.
On this day in history: March 4, 1861 - The "Stars and Bars" is formally adopted as the flag of the Confederate States of America.
Born on this day in history: March 4, 1958 - Patricia Heaton (1958 - ) Born in Bay Village, Ohio, actress Patricia Heaton made her Broadway debut in gospel musical Don't Get God Started (1987). Heaton also appeared in film, including Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992) and Space Jam (1996). In 1996, she landed the role of Debra Barone on the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond" (1996-2005), which won her an Emmy.
Scripture of the Day: "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Video of the Day:White Zombie Trailer - submitted by Amber
White Zombie was the first feature-length zombie movie.
Photography Can Be Dangerous! Tuesday, I braved the wind to photograph a field of wildflowers around the corner from our house. When I returned, the wind caught the security door and was going to slam it into the new Weber grill. I grabbed the door, and it grabbed my foot. I tried to yank my foot loose (I was wearing sandals, stupidly), and the door slammed on my ankle and cut a deep gash in my ankle. The pain was too much, and I tumbled to the floor in the entryway. I managed to hold my Nikon D3 with the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 attached free from the fall. The camera and lens escaped unharmed, but I broke a few toes and have an unattractive gash on my ankle. Let this serve as an example to anyone considering a career in photography!
Fighting Back - 74-year-old babysitter battles thug who sexually assaulted 10-year-old girl Faith under Fire - praying in park called "disorderly conduct" Going to Pot - California insurer offers medical marijuana coverage
On this day in history: March 3, 1934 - John Dillinger escapes from an escape-proof jail in Crown Point Indiana, using a wooden pistol he carved himself. It's his second escape.
Born on this day in history: March 3, 1982 - Jessica Biel (1982 - ) Minnesota actress Jessica Biel got her start in 1994 as a teen model. Her print work earned Biel a role on the wholesome TV drama "7th Heaven." After appearing in a scandalous magazine spread, however, Biel left the show to pursue a film career. Since then, she's appeared in dozens of films including The Illusionist (2008) and Powder Blue (2009).
Scripture of the Day: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Video of the Day:Zombieland - The Rules - submitted by Chris
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Zombies All Month! Darin suggested that zombies be the theme for the Video of the Day throughout the week. I agreed. Chris then suggested that this be the theme for the entire month. I agreed! Email my your submissions. Any reference to zombies will qualify a video for consideration!
Fighting Back - former Marine chokes car-theft suspect to death Good News! - teacher wins major victory for God in school Run Chicken Little Run! -hundreds of fish fall from the sky over remote Australian town
On this day in history: March 2, 1968 - Syd Barrett leaves Pink Floyd, after melting his mind with various extremely dangerous drugs. He spends the following years mumbling about pork chops and refrigerators.
Born on this day in history: March 2, 1968 - Daniel Craig (1968 - ) Scottish actor Daniel Craig was introduced to an international audience when he appeared as Angelina Jolie's love interest in Lara Croft: Tom Raider (2001). Craig became a household name when he became the sixth actor cast in the role of secret agent James Bond in the film Casino Royale (2006), for which he won a BAFTA award.
Scripture of the Day: He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. - Job 23:10-11
Video of the Day: Electric Drag Racing: White Zombie - submitted by Cap'n Jack
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Zombies! It was suggested that zombies be the subject of the video of the day through the week (or beyond, perhaps) by a reader. I agreed. If you have a video you wish to submit for Video of the Day, please email me with the YouTube URL for the video, and I shall consider it for inclusion here. The video must meet one simple criterion: It must address zombies in some fashion. As you will see from the video submitted by Cap'n Jack and linked here as the Video of the Day, the reference to zombies need not be specifically to flesh-eating creatures! I eagerly await your submissions! - David
On this day in history: March 1, 1971 - The radical group Weather Underground explodes a bomb in a restroom of the U.S. Capitol building, causing significant damage. The bomb exploded after an intensive search of the building yielded no results. Nobody is ever convicted of the attack.
Born on this day in history: March 1, 1954 - Ron Howard (1954 - ) Ron Howard gained fame as a child actor on TV shows such as "Happy Days" (1973) and "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960). He went on to great success as the director of such films as Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2002), and Frost/Nixon (2008). He is also the uncredited narrator of the critically acclaimed TV show, "Arrested Development."
Scripture of the Day: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:25-26
Video of the Day:Zombieland trailer - 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.
Animal Kingdom - Kirshner Wildlife Foundation to appear on Jay Leno Chopper Mom - Memphis woman threatens school employees with sword Fooled Again - CNN falls for "World's First Hot Dog" hoax
On this day in history: February 26, 1974 - A U.S. Senate report reveals Ford Motor's involvement in Nazi Germany's war efforts, for which CEO Henry Ford received the Grand Cross of the German Eagle from Adolf Hitler himself. After the war, the car company was paid nearly $1M reparation by the U.S. government to compensate for one of its plants that was bombed within the Reich.
Born on this day in history: February 26, 1932 - Johnny Cash (1932 - 2003) Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, singer Johnny Cash, one of the greatest stars of country music, recorded his first hits, "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues," in 1956. In 1968, he married June Carter (1929-2003), a member of country music's famous "first family." Cash was inducted into the Country Music Association (CMA) Hall of Fame in 1980.
Scripture of the Day: This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. - 1 John 4:9
Video of the Day: Johnny Cash - "I Walk the Line"
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
TGIF, The Weather, and the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation Perchance it is specific to my own personal interpretation of the Mobius Continuum; however, this week seems to have passed particularly slowly. It is Friday morning, yet it seems to me that considerably more than seven days have passed since the last Friday morning. Possibly, I have simply entered the Continuum obliquely and have been, therefore, unable to travel in space and time in a single movementmy travel having been significantly lengthened by the circuitous path created by my oblique entry into the Continuum. Hopefully, today will pass quickly, and the weekend will be upon us without undue wait.
Yesterday was certainly not the beautiful day it seemed to be early in the morning. By mid-morning, the sun had begun hiding behind clouds, the temperature did not reach expectations, light rain fell, and a power outage occurred in the late afternoon! Currently, forecasts show sunshine and 70° temperatures for Saturday and Sunday. I shall make my own weather forecasts when I awaken and peer out the window tomorrow morningthereby producing a forecast of considerably greater reliability.
The Kirshner Wildlife Foundation will appear on Jay Leno early next month. See the lead story here today for details. The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation is in Durhamnear Chicoin Butte County. Equal parts wildlife sanctuary, educational park, and research center, the Foundation is home to a remarkable assortment of wild and exotic animals, many of them endangered species. A priority of the Foundation is to provide these animals with all they need to keep them healthy and contented. This involves giving them the best quality care: daily exercise, needed interaction, and the highest quality nutrition. In return, the public has the awe-inspiring opportunity to witness first-hand their beauty and value as a natural part of the world's ecosystems.
What Is Your Emergency? - Tracy, CA residents now must pay fee for 9-1-1 calls Jaws of Death - terror as mall shark tank cracks Hmmm - GM to kill Hummer as sales fall through
On this day in history: February 25, 1932 - Austrian Adolf Hitler granted German citizenship, to meet a "minor" technical requirement in order to run for president.
Born on this day in history: February 25, 1943 - George Harrison (1943 - 2001) Born in Liverpool, England, musician George Harrison played lead guitar for the Beatles. After the group's break-up he made solo albums, including "All Things Must Pass" (1970). He also performed with other artists such as The Traveling Wilburys. He produced several films as well, such as Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979).
Scripture of the Day: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37-39
Video of the Day: Parking WIN - 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.
What a Beautiful Day this Promises to Be! The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, there is no wind, and the birds are singing! It is difficult to imagine this day is so wonderfully restorative when considering loathsome the weather has been of late, and this difficulty is compounded by the forecasts that currently call for rainstorms for the next four days! I shall enjoy this beautiful day while it lasts, and tomorrow I shall recall it with great fondness, as I huddle indoors and watch torrents of rain fall outside!
Fighting Back - teacher tackles Colorado school shooter Stupid Criminals - man sent 500 texts on stolen phone Gun Control - NRA gun instructor accidentally shoots student
On this day in history: February 24, 1998 - A man "on a mission from God" hijacks a Turkish Airlines jet with 68 on board, claiming to have a bomb in his teddy bear, and attempts to divert it to Iran. Passengers put an end to his plans.
Born on this day in history: February 24, 1955 - Steven Jobs (1955 - ) California entrepreneur Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976. The company's Apple II computer helped launch the personal computer revolution in 1977. During his time away from the company in 1985, he helped bring Pixar Animation to world fame. He then returned to Apple, ushering in a new era of computing with his 2001 iPod and 2007 iPhone.
Scripture of the Day: We love because [God] first loved us. - 1 John 4:19
Video of the Day: MWC: Microsoft debuts Windows Phone 7 Series
Here is Laura with the two-month-old baby leopard that the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation brought to SNBC. She thoroughly enjoyed playing with the leopard. Click to enlarge.
Good News - police inspector cuts crime by praying Seasick - 350 become ill on cruise ship in Caribbean Running with the Big Dogs - Arizona Great Dane is tallest dog ever
On this day in history: February 23, 1885 - The British hangman at Exeter Gaol tries three times to hang John Lee of Devonshire, for the murder of Emma Keyse. The trap refused to open. His sentence was commuted to life, and he was eventually released.
Born on this day in history: February 23, 1965 - Michael Dell (1965 - ) Born in Houston, Texas, entrepreneur Michael Dell founded Dell Computers as a college student, with the idea of selling custom-made PCs directly to customers. The company's success made Dell, at the age of 27, the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company in history. As of 2009, "Forbes" estimated Dell's net worth at $12.3 billion.
Scripture of the Day: Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5
Video of the Day: HTC Hero Android phone controlling LEGO Mindstorms robot
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene at a client's office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Love Hurts - man beaten with high-heel on Waffle House Valentine's date Stick to It - device could create real-life Spiderman Insufficient Funds - Citigroup says Fed ordered 7-day wait on withdrawals
On this day in history: February 22, 1994 - CIA agent Aldrich Ames charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. His betrayal, starting in 1985, resulted in the executions of a good number of important undercover agents within the Soviet Union. The CIA knew without doubt there was a mole in its ranks. And though by 1989 Ames had acquired unexplainable wealth from his spying and did very little to conceal the spying, he somehow managed to evade being caught for five more years.
Born on this day in history: February 22, George Washington (1732 - 1799) Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington was elected the first U.S. President. A natural leader, he commanded the Continental army and led American forces through the Revolution. President Washington had difficulty coping with the unruly new government and, in 1796, announced he would not run again, setting a two-term precedent.
Scripture of the Day: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18
Video of the Day: Jaguar Underwater Swim
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while at a client's office! Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: February 19, 1998 - Lt. Col. Larry Wayne Harris (Aryan Nations) and William Leavitt are arrested in Henderson, NV for possession of the biological toxin anthrax, military grade, enough to kill an entire city. Their Mercedes is hermetically sealed by authorities and brought to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for hazmat.
Born on this day in history: February 19, 1940 - Smokey Robinson 1940 - ) Born in Detroit, Michigan, singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson formed the group The Miracles, which signed with Motown Records in 1958. Robinson composed and produced many hits, including "Shop Around" (1960) and "My Girl" (1965). He also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988, earning him the title "King of Motown."
Scripture of the Day: Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. — 1 John 4:11-12
Laura Will Pet a Jaguar! Laura will be meeting Tuesday with a representative of The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation to discuss SNBC's support of the Foundation. Laura, as you know, is the assistant to Ken. In addition to her duties as his assistant, she oversees donations. The representative is bringing a baby jaguar to the meeting. Laura is eager to pet the jaguar. I am jealous. Click to enlarge.
The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation is a special place. Equal parts wildlife sanctuary, educational park, and research center, the Foundation is home to a remarkable assortment of wild and exotic animalsmany of them endangered species. A priority of the Foundation is to provide these animals with all they need to keep them healthy and contented. This involves giving them the best quality care: daily exercise, needed interaction, and the highest quality nutrition. In return, the public has the awe-inspiring opportunity to witness first-hand their beauty and value as a natural part of the world's ecosystems. The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation was founded in 1994. In all of this time, it have been an all-volunteer staff, with all monies going to feed, care, and house the resident animals. The animals have the potential to inspire minds and to change lives!
On this day in history: February 18, 2001 - During the Daytona 500, NASCAR phenom Dale Earnhardt crashes into the wall and dies instantly. His widow later files a lawsuit to keep his autopsy photos sealed, and Florida subsequently passes a law to prevent them from ever being released.
Born on this day in history: February 18, 1931 - Toni Morrison (1931 - ) Born in Lorain, Ohio, writer Toni Morrison came to national fame in 1987 with her novel Beloved (1987), which earned a Pulitzer Prize and an American Book Award. In 1993, she became the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. She then landed a Grammy nomination in 2008 for her narration of children's book Who's Got Game? (2007)
Scripture of the Day: I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39
Video of the Day: Life Your Way
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Late! - woman charged with making false report after she invents car-crash story to keep job Food Fight! - four charged in altercatiion at Chuck E. Cheese vending machine Oops! - Oprah tries to wipe birthmark off Drew Brees' face
On this day in history: February 17, 1974 - Forty-nine people trampled to death at a soccer stampede in Cairo, after crowds tear down entry barriers to the Zamalek vs Dukla game.
Born on this day in history: February 17, 1963 - Michael Jordan (1963 - ) Born in New York City, basketball star Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984, and was named the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player five times. He holds the record for most points in an NBA play-off game (63), and scored over 50 game points 34 times. He earned his nickname, Air Jordan, for his remarkable athleticism.
Scripture of the Day: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8:35-37
Video of the Day: Apple iPad Commercial (parody)
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing through Walmart on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.