Animal Cruelty, Jaws of Death, -and- The Fats of Life

Animal Cruelty - trooper beats, kicks K9 partner
Jaws of Death - huge alligator on loose outside Florida elementary school
The Fats of Life - judge holds court in parking lot for 500-pound man

On this day in history: May 2, 1946 - Six prisoners attempt to escape the federal prison on Alcatraz island. They take over their cellblock but fail to gain access to the outside. One guard held hostage is executed by prisoners, and another dies in the attempt to retake the cellblock. The Battle of Alcatraz ends only after the deaths of three prisoners, and two others are subsequently executed at San Quentin.

Born on this day in history: May 2, 1985 - Sarah Hughes (1985-) Born in Great Neck, NY, figure skater Sarah Hughes was surprise gold medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. She is currently skating professionally and attending Yale University.

Scripture of the Day: Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. - Ecclesiastes 5:2

Video of the Day: Back in the days of the Soviet Union, the Soviet Red Army had an official choir composed of male soldiers and musicians. It still exists. The Red Army Choir performs throughout Russia to this day. Now consider the Finnish rock band called The Leningrad Cowboys. A little while ago, they held a concert in Russia, in which - to the screaming applause of Russkie teen-agers - they got the Red Army Choir to join them on stage for a performance of "Sweet Home Alabama." In English. You couldn't make this up. We are talking seriously off-the-wall here. Better have that Stoli ready when you watch it! - submitted by Frank

Yikes! No caption needed! Click to enlarge.

It is warmer today! Yesterday morning, as I drove to my office a 6:30 AM, Mr. Nitro's exterior temperature display registered 46 degrees. This morning, a half-hour earlier, at 6 AM, the display registered 54 degrees. This is a significant increase, and it was very noticeable! The air is calm, the sky is blue and clear, the sun is shining brightly, and the birds are singing! It appears that this will be a particularly beautiful, warm weekend!

Cop Gone Wild, Animal Cruelty, -and- Wrong Turn

Cop Gone Wild - sheriff captain charged as peeping tom
Animal Cruelty - woman faced jail time for staring at police dog
Wrong Turn - teen hits school during driving lesson

On this day in history: June 6, 1991 - For robbing a Las Vegas video store five weeks earlier, a judge gives former "Diff'rent Strokes" child star Dana Plato a six-year suspended sentence. Plato's haul from the caper was $164, which she obtained by brandishing a pellet gun at the clerk.

Born on this day in history: June 6, 1887 - Ruth Benedict (1887 - 1948) anthropologist. She was an expert on American Indian tribes; wrote classic "Patterns of Culture," 1934; "Race, Science and Politics," 1940.

Today's Video: Funniest Cat Ever

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

Ultimate List of Car Songs! View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

Here is Mr. Nitro visiting with his grandfather. Click to enlarge.

For dinner Monday evening, I poached Atlantic cod fillets in white wine, seasonings, and dill weed. I steamed broccoli and baby carrots. Laura declared that Atlantic cod is her favorite white fish.

For dinner Tuesday evening, I had planned to serve leftover black bean and chicken chili, but Laura declared she was tired of the chili—having eaten it for dinner Saturday and lunch Monday—and wished to have a pasta dish. I cooked whole-grain gemelli and sliced and seasoned zucchini, red bell pepper, and cluster tomatoes. Laura sautéed the vegetables in extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic. When the vegetables were done, she introduced the gemelli. We sprinkled our pasta with grated mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper at the table. It was delightful.