Pay the Piper - woman ordered to pay $80,000 per song for illegal downloads Armed and Dangerous - cop accused of pulling gun at McDonald's when order takes too long Stupid Criminals - man unwittingly follows would-be victim to sheriff's office
On this day in history: June 19, 1999 - While taking a walk, horror author Stephen King is struck by a van piloted by a distracted Bryan Smith. King's extensive injuries (broken leg, broken hip, lacerated scalp and collapsed lung) remanded him to a hospital bed for three weeks. Smith would later die in his sleep on Stephen King's birthday.
Born on this day in history: June 19, 1962 - Paula Abdul (1962-) Born in Los Angeles, CA, dancer, singer and choreographer Paula Abdul began as an L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer for Janet Jackson. She started recording in 1990, winning a Grammy. After dropping out of the limelight, Abdul re-emerged in 2002 as a judge on Fox’s popular "American Idol" series.
Scripture of the Day: How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. — Psalm 31:19
Video of the Day: How Catnip Gets Cats High - submitted by Cindy
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: June 12, 1994 - Nicole Brown Simpson and her male friend Ronald Goldman are savagely murdered in front of Simpson's condominium complex in Brentwood, California. The most plausible suspect turns out to be Nicole's estranged husband O.J., who is arrested for the crime a month later. A jury later finds Simpson not guilty, and in a subsequent civil case, he is found guilty.
Born on this day in history: June 12, 1929 - Anne Frank (1929 - 1945) Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Jewish diarist and concentration camp victim, Anne Frank fled the Nazis to The Netherlands in 1933. During the occupation, she hid in an office flat in Amsterdam with her family and kept a moving diary, later published. Frank died in Belsen concentration camp.
Scripture of the Day: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. — Psalm 103:12
Video of the Day: Brat Drop
No caption required! Click to enlarge.
A visitor from Johnsonville!
A visitor from Johnsonville came to this blog yesterday and invited everyone to enter a campaign the company is currently running: "We have this new campaign called Create Your Own Ville, you can create your own Johnsonville ad and enter for a chance at $23,000 in cash and grilling prizes. Anyone else here fans of Johnsonville, or plan on checking out the site to enter a VILLE? Go on to http://www.createyourownville.com to check it out!"
That sounds like an excellent idea to me. I shall certainly enter!
New features in iPhone 3G OS 3.0
1. Cut/Paste 2. Copy/Paste 3. Shake to undo/redo typing 4. Text selection for easy mass deletion 5. MMS 6. Landscape keyboard in Notes 7. Landscape keyboard in Mail 8. Landscape keyboard in Messages 9. Forward texts or picture messages 10. Delete individual texts or picture messages 11. Sending progress bar in Messages app moved to title instead of over the keyboard area (allows typing new message while the first one is sending) 12. USB tethering 13. Bluetooth tethering 14. Stereo bluetooth (A2DP) 15. Spotlight search (searches all app titles, mail, media, contact details, and calendar appointments) 16. Search in Notes 17. Search in Mail 18. Search in iPod 19. In-App purchases 20. Option to have double clicking the home button go to the Spotlight Search 21. Option to have double clicking the home button go to the Camera 22. Preview icon in lower left hand corner for last shot taken in Camera app 23. Shake to shuffle in iPod 24. Scrolling of screenshots in App Store 25. Type of phone used under each call in Recents (i.e., mobile, home, work, etc.) 26. Call history log (including call duration) 27. Option to Share Contact in each contact listing 28. Hold link in Safari to Copy 29. Hold link in Safari to Open in New Page 30. Auto Fill contact information, usernames and passwords in Safari 31. Login to your YouTube account 32. See Comments in YouTube 33. Subscribe in YouTube 34. Rate in YouTube 35. Shake to undo what you have typed 36. Option to retry sending failed text messages, indicated by red exclamation point next to text 37. Turn-by-turn GPS capabilities 38. Maps can be run inside other applications 39. Access to dock port for accessories to communicate 40. Peer-to-peer connectivity using Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi required) 41. New Voice memo application 42. Extended Parental controls 43. Anti-phishing 44. Wi-Fi auto login 45. Note syncing in iTunes 46. Improved Stocks app 47. New calendar types (CalDAV) 48. Prompt to confirm deleting a note 49. Prompt to confirm deleting a photo 50. Option to select multiple photos to attach to an email 51. "Find My iPhone" option for MobileMe users 52. Unlimited size podcast downloads over 3G 53. Pushing home button on first home screen takes user to Spotlight 54. Pushing home button on Spotlight takes user to first home screen 55. Variable speed playback for audio books 56. App Store subscriptions 57. Push notifications 58. Audio/Video tags 59. New video streaming capabilities (HTML 5 video, h.264 and HTTP) 60. Calendar subscriptions 61. iTunes login 62. iTunes account creation 63. Encypted profiles 64. LDAP (directory services) 65. VPN on-demand 66. EAP SIM 67. Proxy support 68. OTA profiles 69. Revoke certificates 70. Exchange ActiveSync Policies 71. Media scrubber 72. More languages 73. Improved keyboards 74. Failed app updates now are shown in a duplicate icon and labeled "Paused" 75. When selecting multiple emails to forward/delete, any unread emails' blue dot are shown next to the red selector dot instead of being overridden by the red selector dot 76. Non-contact phone calls list their city and state of origin in Recents and Visual Voicemail under the number. 77. Ability to change ringtones straight from Favorites 78. Lap time display now displayed smaller and above time in Stopwatch 79. Polished Phone, Messages, and iPod icons 80. Swipe to delete notes in the Notes app 81. Advanced Bluetooth options for Handsfree devices 82. Option to close a single web page in Safari page view, which immediately opens a new blank page 83. Improved predictive dictionary 84. Blue dot now displayed in center of location circle in Maps (V1 only) 85. Listening to music while charging the battery now displays the album art instead of the battery 86. Smaller font for song title on lock screen 87. Option in Phone Settings to choose your phone number 88. Option to disable text message reminder alerts 89. Option to disable text message previews 90. Option to show subject field in text messages 91. Ability to integrate iPod music into apps 92. Clickable email links in App Store app descriptions 93. JavaScript 3x speed boost 94. 11 homescreens now allowed 95. Reboots to "slide to unlock" screen instead of homescreen 96. In Settings>General>Home>Search Results, users can choose what is searched on the phone and in what order. 97. Application count added in Settings>General>About 98. Option "Load Remote Images" added in Mail settings 99. Global address book option available if Exchange account is set up 100. Speed control in audiobooks 101. 30 second repeat option for audiobooks 102. Improved scrubbing speeds when holding white dot in song progress bar in iPod 103. When sending a text, your text box where you typed smoothly fades from white to green instead of instantly changing from white to green. 104. When moving an app across homescreens, holding the app on either the left or right side will slowly advance the app one through one homescreen at a time, without leaving empty spots in the bottom right corner or each homescreen it advances through. 105. Album name displayed on lockscreen iPod controls 106. Shake to shuffle on lockscreen iPod controls 107. Podcasts saved on iPhone now show Run Time, Time Left and Date Published 108. Screen goes from dimmed to full brightness after each song when playing the iPod while plugged in 109. WAVE file support in Mail 110. Attachment no longer automatically downloaded until user taps the attachment in Mail 111. When using a bluetooth headset with iPod, volume bar is removed and bluetooth headset name is displayed in its place. 112. A hard reset on your phone (holding sleep and home for 10 seconds) now turns it off instead of restarting it. 113. A space is no longer needed between two words for predictive texting to function.
Armed and Dangerous - cop tasers high school student who won't turn off cell phone Weapons of Choice - Fort Bliss soldiers told to register private weapons Heroes - two mothers, grandfather lift car off trapped boy
On this day in history: June 5, 1968 - Seconds after Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot dead by Sirhan Sirhan in a Los Angeles hotel, witnesses wrestle the Palestinian to the ground and grab his smoking .22-caliber revolver. Sirhan later claims to have been acting unconsciously, possibly the result of hypnotic brainwashing.
Born on this day in history: June 5, 1878 - Pancho Villa (1878 - 1923) Born Doroteo Arango in Hacienda de Rio Grande, Mexico, revolutionary Pancho Villa fought against Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz in 1909 and led the successful revolt against Victoriano Huerta in 1914. Although pardoned in 1920, Villa was assassinated.
Scripture of the Day: [Bless the LORD] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. - Psalm 103:5
Video of the Day: Orkin Commercials - these commercials are so excellent I could not decide upon which to include, so I am including both!
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning!
Laura will be enjoying Paella Day at Sierra Nevada today! This is an employees-only event, so please do not go there expecting to enjoy paella! Her report and photographs of this event will follow later today, so be certain to return to view them! She made a message with her iPhone regarding this event. You can download it HERE. Right-click on the link, save the file, and open it with QuickTime.
Fighting Back - cruise-ship passenger fends off pirates with deck chair Armed and Dangerous - NYPD officers accused of raping drunk woman Don't Bet on It! - Minnesota seeks ISP online gambling block
On this day in history: April 30, 1945 - Newlyweds Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun kill themselves in the charming and romantic Fuhrerbunker, ending all hope for a ten-thousand-year Reich.
Born on this day in history: April 30, 1982 - Kirsten Dunst (1982-) Born in Point Pleasant, NJ, actress Kirsten Dunst began as a child actor and successfully transitioned into adult roles. She has already garnered over 40 film and TV credits, including films like "Interview with the Vampire," at age 11, and a string of Hollywood productions, including "Little Women" (1994) and "Spiderman" (2002), opposite fellow child phenom Tobey Maguire.
Scripture of the Day: To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. - Philippians 4:20
Video of the Day: Hero Dog - submitted by Frank
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Tuesday's Dinner For dinner Tuesday, I grilled a large London broil, yellow squash, and white mushrooms. I baked russet potatoes in the microwave. Laura placed an excellent rub on the London broil the previous day. I grilled the meat until it was nicely charred on the outside and still rare in the center. It was an excellent meal. There is a quantity of the London broil remaining for a future meal.
Wednesday's Dinner For dinner last evening, I made Sautéed Chicken Livers with Chiles de Arbol and Green Onions over Jasmine Rice. I coated the livers with highly seasoned corn meal and sautéd them in extra-virgin olive oil that had warmed for several minutes with whole dried Chiles de Arbol. When the livers were done on one side, I turned them and continued cooking. When they were fully cooked, I turned off the burner and tossed the chopped green onions atop the chicken livers. I cooked absolutely perfect jasmine rice in the microwave: In an uncovered casserole dish, I added rice and two cups of water for each cup of dry rice. I cooked uncovered for 5 minutes on high. I cooked for 10 minutes on medium. At the end of the cooking cycle, I removed the casserole dish from the microwave and put its lid in place. I allowed the rice to sit for 10 minutes prior to serving it. It was a delicious meal.
On this day in history: April 10, 2003 - FBI agents raid the Noonday, Texas home of avowed white supremacist William Joseph Krar. Upon searching the domicile and some rented storage units, the agents turn up an arsenal including briefcase bombs with remote-controlled detonators, full-auto machine guns, silencers, nearly 500,000 rounds of ammunition, a 1953 military land mine, more than 800 grams of sodium cyanide, and a copy of "The Turner Diaries." Krar later receives 11 years for possession of a dangerous chemical weapon.
Born on this day in history: April 10, 1984 - Mandy Moore (1984-) Born Amanda Leigh Moore in Nashua, NH, raised in Orlando, FL, singer and actor Mandy Moore had a big hit in 1999, "Candy," followed by album "I Wanna Be With You" (2002). Moore has parlayed music success into an acting career.
Scripture of the Day: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
Video of the Day: Easter Gospel "Sing Alleluia"
Imagine my surprise when I stopped at the marina this morning to check on my boat and encountered this scene! Click to enlarge.
Armed and Dangerous - sheriff deputy investigated for discharging weapon in station Bang! - gun dealers experiencing shortage of ammunition Searching - fortune hunter plans to search for a buried treasure using Google Earth
On this day in history: February 13, 1917 - Mata Hari is arrested for spying.
Born on this day in history: February 13, 1944 - Stockard Channing (1944-) Born Susan Williams Antonia Stockard in New York City, actress Stockard Channing landed the role of Rizzo in film musical "Grease" (1978) and won a Tony on Broadway in "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg" (1985). In 1999, she joined the cast of TV's "The West Wing," earning an Emmy for her portrayal of First Lady Abby Bartlett.
Scripture of the Day: If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. - 1 John 4:20
Video of the Day: Aurora Borealis - submitted by Laura
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this sign at the entrance to the dock at the lake behind my office! Click to enlarge.
Friday the 13th Here is all you could ever hope to know about Friday the 13th: Phobia The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia, a word derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Paraskev (?a?as?e??) (meaning Friday), and dekatres (de?at?e??) (meaning thirteen), attached to phoba (f??a) (meaning fear). This is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a simple phobia (fear) of the number thirteen, and is also known as friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term triskaidekaphobia was derived in 1911 and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.
History According to folklorists, there is no written evidence for a "Friday the 13th" superstition before the 19th century. The earliest known documented reference in English occurs in an 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossini: Rossini was surrounded to the last by admiring and affectionate friends; and if it be true that, like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that on Friday, the 13th of November, he died.
However, some folklore is passed on through oral traditions. In addition, "determining the origins of superstitions is an inexact science, at best. In fact, it's mostly guesswork." Consequently, several theories have been proposed about the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition.
One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: that thirteen is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.
In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve hours of the clock, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, twelve gods of Olympus, etc., whereas the number thirteen was considered irregular, transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the Last Supper or a Norse myth, that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one of the diners.
Friday has been considered an unlucky day at least since the 14th century's The Canterbury Tales, and many other professions have regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys or begin new projects. Black Friday has been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s. It has also been suggested that Friday was the day that Jesus was crucified.
On the other hand, another theory by author Charles Panati, one of the leading authorities on the subject of "Origins" maintains that the superstition can be traced back to ancient myth:
The actual origin of the superstition, though, appears also to be a tale in Norse mythology. Friday is named for Frigga, the free-spirited goddess of love and fertility. When Norse and Germanic tribes converted to Christianity, Frigga was banished in shame to a mountaintop and labeled a witch. It was believed that every Friday, the spiteful goddess convened a meeting with eleven other witches, plus the devil - a gathering of thirteen - and plotted ill turns of fate for the coming week. For many centuries in Scandinavia, Friday was known as "Witches' Sabbath."
Another theory about the origin of the superstition traces the event to the arrest of the legendary Knights Templar. According to one expert:
The Knights Templar were a monastic military order founded in Jerusalem in 1118 C.E., whose mission was to protect Christian pilgrims during the Crusades. Over the next two centuries, the Knights Templar became extraordinarily powerful and wealthy. Threatened by that power and eager to acquire their wealth, King Philip secretly ordered the mass arrest of all the Knights Templar in France on Friday, October 13, 1307 - Friday the 13th.
The connection between the superstition and the Knights Templar was popularized in the 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, however, some experts think that it is relatively recent and is a modern-day invention. For example, the superstition is rarely found before the 20th century, when it became extremely common. One author, noting that references are all but nonexistent before 1907 but frequently seen thereafter, has argued that its popularity derives from the publication that year of Thomas W. Lawson's popular novel Friday, the Thirteenth, in which an unscrupulous broker takes advantage of the superstition to create a Wall Street panic on a Friday the 13th.
Social impact According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day". Despite this, representatives for both Delta and Continental Airlines say that their airlines don't suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays.
Rate of accidents There are conflicting studies about the risk of accidents on Friday the 13th. The Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics (CVS) on June 12, 2008, stated that "fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft occur when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday than on other Fridays, because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home; but statistically speaking, driving is a little bit safer on Friday 13th; in the last two years, Dutch insurers received reports of an average 7,800 traffic accidents each Friday; but the average figure when the 13th fell on a Friday was just 7,500. However, a 1993 study in the British Medical Journal that compared the ratio of traffic accidents between Friday the 6th and Friday the 13th, stated that there is a significant increase in traffic-related accidents on Fridays the 13th.
On this day in history: February 5, 1979 - Woodrow Bussey files suit against the Adolf Coors Brewing Company for failing to warn him that their product, Coors Beer, is an intoxicating beverage.
Born on this day in history: February 5, 1962 - Jennifer Jason Leigh (1962-) Actress. Born Jennifer Leigh Morrow on February 5, 1962 in Los Angeles. The daughter of actor Vic Morrow and screenwriter Barbara Turner, Leigh became interested in acting at a young age.
Scripture of the Day: Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:11
Video of the Day: Catfish Noodling - submitted by Darin
I encountered this scene while passing the park this morning. This little girl needs to learn how to control her temper! Click to enlarge.
Rain? The weather forecasts all indicate there will be rain today and tomorrow and the possibility of thundershowers tomorrow. They show clear skies and sunshine for Saturday and mostly sunny on Sunday, with a slight chance of showers. California really needs rain. Lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks are all dangerously low, and water will become a premium if we do not get rain soon. I realize this, of course, and I hope that the forecasters are correct. Nonetheless, I certainly enjoyed those sunny, warm days we enjoyed last week!
Zeus: My cat, Zeus, is undergoing a transmogrification: Traditionally, he has vehemently opposed being held and would never deign to nestle in one's lap. Of late, however, he has become greatly accepting of being held and purrs with great abandon while being petted. He has taken to climbing into our laps and spending long periods of time there. We would never have imagined this of Zeus. He has eschewed such behavior for many years. He is truly a changed kitty!
Zeus and Thor: Zeus and Thor (Laura's cat) traditionally showed no interest in milk whatever. In the nearly 7 years that they have lived with us, they have been offered saucers of milk several times, and never have they done more than briefly taste it and walk away. For the last several weeks, however, both Zeus and Thor have been enjoying daily saucers of milk. They lap greedily at the milk and do not complete this procedure until the saucer is empty. They are truly changed kitties!
Zeus has ambitions: Zeus is an ambitious cat. He often comes to me with ideas that he proposes and seems fully sincere regarding the execution of these ideas. This morning, he told me he had decided that he wished to move to Beverly Hills and become a street vendor, selling maps to the stars' homes. I will not encourage him in this endeavor, since I do not believe he is prepared to address life as an outdoor cat. Nonetheless, I do not dissuade him from expressing his ambitions.
On this day in history: January 15, 1947 - The body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short is discovered in a vacant lot, her mutilated corpse chopped in half at the waist. Her murder is known as The Black Dahlia Murder, one of the most lurid murder cases in Los Angeles history. The murderer was never found.
Born on this day in history: January 15, 1929 - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968) Born in Atlanta, GA, Baptist minister Martin Luther King, Jr., was the guiding light for the most crucial years in America's civil-rights struggle. Chosen president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, advocating nonviolence, he was jailed, attacked and had his house bombed. King's finest hour came on August 28, 1963, leading the march in Washington, DC, and making his famous "I have a dream" speech. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Scripture of the Day: For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. - Psalm 100:5
Video of the Day: The Loaded Dancer - submitted by Connie
Remembrances of things past. Click to enlarge.
My cat, Zeus, often speaks in my dreams. He does not ask for cat food or milk. He does not ask to be petted. He does not ask to be allowed outside. He speaks of the things he wishes to do! He has expressed his desire to be a tour guide at MOMA, a croupier, a CIA operative, a rock star, the captain of a cruise ship, and so forth. The list is long, and his aspirations are often very great indeed. Last night, while I slept, Zeus told me of his current desire: He said that he wished to journey to Los Angeles and help solve the Black Dahlia Murder! Imagine my great surprise when I began composing today's blog posting and encountered the news item for "on this day in history" that stated today is the day—in 1947—on which the body of Elizabeth Short was found! It could well be that I simply remembered this to be the anniversary of Elizabeth Short's demise, but that would certainly seem an odd bit of trivia to store in memory. However, having no alternative explanation, I shall (for the time being, at least) accept that as the genesis of my dream.
On this day in history: December 1, 1997 - Member of the Georgia Senate Ralph Abernathy attempts to smuggle marijuana into the US from Jamaica in his underwear. He is caught by a drug-sniffing canine and fined $500. Abernathy is the son of the famous civil rights leader of the same name who was Martin Luther King's lieutenant. In January he is censured by the Georgia State Senate.
Born on this day in history: December 1, 1939 - Lee Trevino (1939 - ) Born Dec. 1, 1939, near Dallas, TX. U.S. golfer. Of Mexican American descent, Trevino received a grade-school education, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and worked as an odd-job man and assistant professional at golf courses in his native Texas. In 1967 he unexpectedly came in fifth in the U.S. Open, then won it the next year. In 1971 Trevino became the first player to win the U.S., British, and Canadian Open championships in a single year. He won the British Open in 1972 and the U.S. PGA Championship in 1974. He then underwent several back surgeries but returned to win the PGA again in 1984.
Scripture of the Day: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. — Romans 12:1
Video of the Day: What Is Scientology? - from "Boston Legal"
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving past the lake behind my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
It was a bit difficult returning to the office, following a four-day hiatus! I quickly acclimated myself to lounging and napping. I accomplished very little over those four days, but I certainly did lounge and nap well!
It is December suddenly. This year will soon be ended, and it seems to me that the year has passed quickly. It does not seem all that long ago that doomsayers were predicting that when the clocks struck midnight on 12-31-1999, worldwide computer issues would cause the world as we knew it to somehow become irreversibly ineffectual technologically. I doubted this sincerely and eagerly awoke on the morning of January 1, 2000 to find things very much as they were when I had gone abed.
It seems as time passes, the more quickly it appears to pass!
Taking the Rap - murderer sentenced to 40 years after writing song about killing Armed and Dangerous - undercover officers use Taser on pallbearer Surf's Down - Iran admits to blocking millions of Web sites
On this day in history: November 20, 1912 - Mad Bomber Carl Warr enters Los Angeles city jail with 60 sticks of dynamite strapped to himself. After an hour, two detectives attack Warr who then pulls the bomb's trigger. Nothing happens, and the freakishly masked bomber begs police to kill him.
Born on this day in history: November 20, 1946 - Duane Allman (1946-1971) Howard Duane Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 20, 1946. Duane, as he was known, and his brother, Gregg, were raised by their mother Geraldine Allman after their father, Willis, was murdered when Duane was just 3-years-old. Geraldine, "Mama A" moved with her boys to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1957. Once Gregg heard a neighbor playing guitar, he decided that he needed to learn the instrument. Duane soon followed suit, and became an even better player than his brother. The boys were influenced by the bluesy music of artists such as B.B King, whom they saw in concert while teenagers. Duane dropped out of high school to stay home and practice guitar and when Gregg graduated from Sea Breeze High School in 1965, the young men formed their first official band, the Allman Joys. When the Allman Joys became The Hour Glass in 1967, the group moved to Los Angeles. During this time, Duane perfected his electric slide guitar technique, using an empty Coricidin glass bottle over his ring finger as a slide. Duane simply loved to play the guitar, and was a much in-demand session musician for acts such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Boz Scaggs, and Herbie Mann. When he grew frustrated by the limits of being a session musician, Allman headed back to Florida with a few musicians. In March 1969, the Allman Brothers Band was formed, featuring Jaimoe Johanson, Dickie Betts, Berry Oakley, Reese Wynans, and Duane and Gregg Allman. Their debut self-titled album dropped in 1969 and the band began to tour. A huge fan of Eric Clapton, Duane Allman was surprised and thrilled to be asked to play on Clapton’s album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs." Clapton was, in turn, a huge Duane Allman fan. In addition to touring with his band, Allman was known to drop in on recording sessions to jam with whomever happened to be recording. Allman often received cash payments but rarely album credit, so it is impossible to know exactly how many recordings of his work exist. Duane Allman died on October 29, 1971, less than a month before his 25th birthday. His tragic death was the result of a motorcycle accident; when he swerved to avoid a turning truck, he lost control of his vehicle and was thrown through the air. He died a few hours later. The Allman Brothers had recorded just three albums, but his fame was secured.
Scripture of the Day: Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. -Psalm 95:1-2
Video of the Day: Too Many Robots - submitted by Cindy
[While I slept] I owned an exotic-car dealership. The showroom and lot were filled with an incredible collection of modern high-performance cars and vintage American muscle cars. Business was good. I decided to have the carpet of the showroom floor replaced with travertine tile. I met with my friend, Frank, [a tile man in real life] and selected the tile from samples he showed me. In anticipation of the tile being installed, the cars in the showroom were moved to the lot. The following morning, I drove to the dealership in my 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T convertible and saw that the cars were all gone! In order to avoid disturbing any evidence, I remained in my Challenger and called the police. Two detectives arrived to take my statement. One of them looked at my Challenger and said, "Nice car. Why didn't they take that?" There was a supercilious tone to his voice. "Because it was not here," I replied. I suddenly felt the urge to sneeze and reached into my pocket for a tissue. [I routinely carry tissues.] I awoke, on the verge of sneezing, and I had a tissue in my hand—taken from the box at bedside.
Hometown Christmas – This coming Saturday, November 22nd, kicks off the holiday season with Corning Hometown Christmas. This event draws people from all over the North State. The day starts with a pancake breakfast at 7 AM at the Veterans Memorial Hall, and you can start your Christmas shopping after breakfast. Crafter booths will be set up in the hall. There will also be a lunch of clam chowder in a bread bowl and honker potatoes served by the Senior Center starting at 11 AM. Solano Street will be closed from the Memorial Hall to 3rd Street, with more craft and food vendors along the sidewalks. There will be free carriage rides starting in front of the Corning Chamber of Commerce office, and there will also be live Christmas trees for sale. There will be fun activities for the kids, including a jump house, face painting, hair coloring, cookie walk, fun games, lollipop tree, and lots of give-away toys and candy. Santa will arrive on the fire truck at 1 PM and will be available for photos at the chamber office from 2 to 3:30 PM. You will want to check out the art exhibit of local artists at PremierWest Bank. The highlight of the day will be the Lighted Parade. It is spectacular!
On this day in history: November 3, 1913 - Income tax law signed.
Born on this day in history: November 3, 1952 - Roseanne Barr (1952– ) Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, comedian and producer Roseanne Barr began in stand-up comedy in the 1980s, and is best known for her realistic TV sitcom "Roseanne" (1988?97). She has written two autobiographical books.
Scripture of the Day: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:3
Video of the Day: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for John McCain
Selfish! Click to enlarge.
The Weather: I prayed for a respite from the rain for Friday evening, so that the Harvest Festival at Harvest Christian Center could be enjoyed by thousands of local youth. My prayer was answered! It rained earlier in the day, and there was a light sprinkling late in the afternoon, but the rain abated completely during the festival, there was no wind, and the temperature was pleasant. 18 gallons of chili was enjoyed—along with hot chocolate, several hundred cookies, popcorn, and an incredible quantity of candy. It was a wonderful event. I shall have a slide show available for viewing soon and will alert readers when this is ready.
Saturday was extremely wet and uninviting. I made Barilla thick spaghetti with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and Classico marinara sauce. I also made garlic toast. My brother came to dinner.
Sunday, the sun returned, and it was sufficiently warm that I was able to open several doors and windows. The cats thoroughly enjoyed lounging by the open front door, relaxing and sniffing at the great outdoors.
My brother came to dinner Sunday. Most likely, he shall be returning to Southern California Tuesday or Wednesday. I marinated three large, thick New York strip steaks in extra-virgin olive oil, granulated garlic, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, and Merlot. I marinated huge prawns (deveined, tails removed) in extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, granulated garlic, lemon pepper, ground ginger, lime juice, and powdered wasabi. I grilled the steaks and prawns over a very high flame—charring the steaks nicely on the outside, while leaving the center nice and rare. The prawns were succulent and wonderful, not unlike small lobster tails. Laura baked a quantity of steak fries in the conventional oven. It was a delightful meal.
VOTE! If you have not already voted (Laura and I have. We vote absentee always.) do not neglect voting tomorrow! It is important that you exercise your right to vote—unless, of course, you intend not to vote for John McCain. In this case, it would be best that you stay home!
Fighting Back - Christian college to allow students to carry concealed firearms? Armed and Dangerous - NJ Cop Puts CBS 2 Cameraman In Chokehold Following Directions - driver steered his van straight into a lake, after his GPS told him to
On this day in history: October 28, 1965 - Pope Paul VI issues Nostra Aetate in which he absolves the Jews of killing Jesus, thus reversing 760 years of official Vatican policy. Innocent III had declared in 1205 that "the Jews, by their own guilt, are consigned to perpetual servitude because they crucified the Lord."
Born on this day in history: October 28, 1955 - Bill Gates (1955 - ) Born in Seattle, Washington, computer engineer and entrepreneur Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard in 1975 to write computer programming. In 1977, he co-founded Microsoft to develop and produce DOS, a basic operating system for computers. By the late 1990s, he had become the wealthiest man in America. Established in 2000, his charitable foundation works to improve global health and education. Gates received an honorary knighthood in 2004. In June 2008, Gates officially retired after 33 years of running the day-to-day operations of Microsoft and devote his time to the foundation's projects and causes.
Scripture of the Day: The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. — Proverbs 10:28
Video of the Day: Iguana Eyes - submitted by Cindy
Click to enlarge.
Cold, dark mornings: With each passing day, the mornings become colder and stay dark longer. Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday morning. The mornings will then remain dark an additional hour. Eek! I dislike darkness and cold. I miss summer.
This Friday, Harvest Christian Center will host the annual Harvest Festival. Hopefully, the weather will remain dry and pleasant for this event. Thousands of young people are expected to attend this free alternative to Halloween. I shall photograph the event and will produce a slide show from the photographs. I shall alert readers when this slide show is available for viewing.
On this day in history: September 4, 1991 - 25 workers are killed when a fire breaks out at the Imperial Foods food processing plant in Hamlet, North Carolina. Most of the victims—predominantly single mothers—die of smoke inhalation. The facility's rear exit had been padlocked by management to deter employee pilferage. The Imperial plant had never once in its 11-year history been inspected by the state. The owner, Emmet Roe, later receives 19 years in prison for the 25 counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Born on this day in history: September 4, 1981 - Beyonce Knowles (1981-) Born in Houston, Texas, Beyonc" Knowles is the lead singer of R&B group Destiny"s Child. After appearing on Star Search, the group was signed to Columbia Records, and their first release, "Destiny"s Child" (1997), was a huge success. In 2004, as a solo artist, Knowles won five Grammy Awards, and has also moved into acting. She married long-time boyfriend Jay-Z in April 2008.
Scripture of the Day: He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. - Acts 9:4-5
Video of the Day: The Gentle Attack
The next President and Vice President of the United States! Click to enlarge.
Laura was unduly fatigued last evening, so I attended Bible class alone. I set the DVR to record Sarah Palin's speech and departed for Harvest Christian Center. When I returned home, Laura excitedly urged me to play the recording.
Assuming the role of Republican Rottweiler, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani—in his keynote address—dismissed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama as a "celebrity senator" without leadership experience or significant accomplishment, ridiculing his years as a community organizer in Chicago. Giuliani's speech was powerful and invoked considerable cheering and applause—along with a goodly amount of laughter. His speech was an outstanding lead-in to Sarah Palin's speech.
When Sarah Palin stood before the audience, the ovation was thundering, and it seemed that it would be endless—prompting Brit Hume to humorously question whether the audience would allow Palin to speak. It was reportedly the longest and most enthusiastic ovation ever given a political figure.
Sarah Palin's sensational performance at the Republican Party Convention may turn out to be the turning point of the election. Barak Obama enthusiasts hoping she would fall flat on her big night were in for a nasty shock. Her speech turned the election upside down. It was simply stunning. Democrats and their left-wing media backers had been sneering that she was a small town nobody—a hick from the Alaskan sticks put into a job well beyond her capabilities. Believe me, you will not hear that inanity repeated! Sarah Palin emerged as an electrifying mix of intelligence, passion, energy, optimism and plain speaking.
When Sarah Palin concluded her speech, the audience approval was thundering. It continued as her son, daughters, baby, husband, parents, and her oldest daughter's fiancé joined her.
When the roar from the crowd began to subside, an unexpected appearance by John McCain brought the audience to a frenzied state of roaring approval of what will most likely be the next President and Vice President of the United States!
On this day in history: August 28, 1968 - U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala John Gordon Mein is shot to death after guerrillas force his car off the road in Guatemala City. It is the first assassination of a U.S. Ambassador in the line of duty.
Born on this day in history: August 28, 1965 - Shania Twain (1965-) Born Eileen Edwards, in Windsor, Canada, country singer and songwriter Shania Twain was performing by age 10. In 1987, her mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident, leaving Twain to care for three younger siblings. In 1993, she went to Nashville and released "The Woman in Me" in 1995, which sold 12 million copies, becoming the bestselling country album by a female artist in history.
Scripture of the Day: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
Video of the Day: 40ft Robot Elephant - submitted by Danica
Obama and his pals. Click to enlarge.
Hot and windy! That is the forecast. It reached 110 degrees yesterday, although the fierce wind that plagued us during the early morning subsided by late morning. Hopefully, the wind will abate similarly today. It is currently 86 degrees at 7:14 AM! It is predicted to be 108 degrees today, 110 degrees tomorrow, and drop to a relatively cool 99 degrees on Saturday and a frosty 89 degrees on Sunday.
I had an interesting photographic assignment yesterday: I was commissioned to photograph fraternal twins. I am not nearly as adept at guessing age as the people who do this on the midway at carnivals, but I estimate these twins were six months of age. The mother commissioned the shoot in order to have photographs to submit to a baby contest—the top prize for which is $50,000. It shall be interesting to see how these twins fare against the competition.
On this day in history: August 27, 1990 - Blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan is killed when his Bell 206B helicopter crashes into a man-made ski hill near Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Born on this day in history: August 27, 1910 - Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997) Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, missionary Mother Teresa went to India in 1928, taking her final vows in 1937. In 1957 she began work with lepers and in disaster areas of the world. In 2003, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II.
Scripture of the Day: The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" - Matthew 8:27
Video of the Day: Advanced Yoga, Headstand - submitted by Amber
He hears nothing! Click to enlarge.
Images from Corning Olive Festival 2008 await your viewing pleasure. From the index page for - the Local Events Photo Gallery - choose Corning Olive Festival - Friday or Corning Olive Festival - Saturday. You may view the images individually, or you may view them as a slide show. To view them as a slide show, click on the "start slide show" link at the left, below the first image.
Family Matters - majority voters bash Obama's "family" values Stupid Criminals - hit-and-run suspect sues NYC over damaged car Armed and Dangerous - police department arrests, jails, investigates 10 officers in 4 months
On this day in history: August 26, 1980 - Hotel workers discover a 1,000-pound time bomb at Harveys Resort & Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Attached to the device is a ransom note, demanding that $3 million be delivered to a remote location by helicopter. After the delivery goes bad, bomb squad personnel are left to defuse the gadget by robot. The resulting blast blows a five-story hole in the structure and causes $12 million in damage.
Born on this day in history: August 26, 1960 - Branford Marsalis (1960-) Born in Beaux Bridge, Louisiana, musician Branford Marsalis comes from a jazz musician family. He became a national celebrity in 1992 when he signed as musical director for Jay Leno’s "Tonight Show." A Grammy Award-winner, Marsalis is also a music producer, writer and performer of film scores.
Scripture of the Day: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. - Romans 8:26-27
Video of the Day: Sand Animation of Animals - submitted by Cindy
Obama and his pals. Click to enlarge.
Images from yesterday's Harvest Christian Center Baseball Tournament await your viewing pleasure. From the index page for - the Local Events Photo Gallery - choose Harvest Christian Center Baseball Tournament 2008. You may view the images individually, or you may view them as a slide show. To view them as a slide show, click on the "start slide show" link at the left, below the first image. I shall be creating slide shows from photographs of the Olive Festival-both Friday night and Saturday-and will announce when the slide shows are available.
Fighting Back - 88-year-old foils gun-bearing robber Whoa! - 60-year-old man postpones marriage to 10-year-old girl Armed and Dangerous - police taser boy with broken back 19 times
On this day in history: August 1, 1996 - Former Eagle Scout and United States Marine Charles Whitman carries a sniper rifle onto University of Texas at Austin. There he climbs to the top of UT tower and begins firing indiscriminately at dozens of people, killing 13. Whitman is finally taken out 96 minutes later by three Austin PD officers.
Born on this day in history: August 1, 1942 - Jerry Garcia (1942–95) Born in San Francisco, guitarist and songwriter Jerry Garcia began playing in local clubs. In 1965, he formed The Grateful Dead band, which performed psychedelic rock. Fans of the band, known as "Deadheads" would follow The Grateful Dead from concert to concert.
Scripture of the Day: O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. - Psalm 8:1
Video of the Day: "Vanishing Point" (1997) - submitted by Darin
Just when I thought I had "seen it all"! Click to enlarge.
For dinner last evening, we had grilled pork loin chops, steamed broccoli, and potatoes O'Brien. I steamed and chilled the broccoli. Laura made the potatoes O'Brien, using OreIda Potatoes O'Brien and adding Tony Chachere's More Spice and granulated garlic. I dry-rubbed three very thick pork loin chops with Tony Chachere's More Spice, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, and Gebhardt's chili powder. After dry-rubbing both sides, I topped them with a generous amount of homemade salsa. I grilled them for 5 minutes over medium flamesnicely charring the bottoms. I then turned off the flame under the loin chops and continued to cook over medium indirect heat for 30 minutes. I did not turn the meat. The salsa juices oozed into the meat and flavored it and kept it moist. It was a wonderful meal.
Laura has departed and is driving to the Sacramento airport. She will fly directly from there to Tucson, AZ. The cats are resting—I have no doubt. They know well that there will be cavorting in store for them tonight!
As Carl Perkins once said, "Put your cat clothes on."
On this day in history: April 21, 1992 - Convicted murderer Robert Alton Harris consumes two large pizzas, a bucket of fried chicken, and some ice cream on the eve of his execution.
Born on this day in history: April 21, 1958 - Andie MacDowell (1958-) Born in Gaffney, SC, actress Andie MacDowell began as a model and got her acting break in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" (1984), though Glenn Close re-recorded her lines. She had success in "Groundhog Day" (1993), opposite Bill Murray, and in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), with Hugh Grant.
Scripture of the Day: And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. - 1 John 4:21
Video of the Day: Stuck in Vermont 75: Jr. Iron Chef - submitted by Danica
While driving to my office this morning, I decided to go for an excursion near the lake. I saw this floating gazebo. Click to enlarge.
Friday evening, we enjoyed a variety of sushi. One of my brothers joined us for dinner. I made 12 large California rolls with shrimp, avocado, and green onion. Laura picked up a large platter of various sushi morsels at Raley's on her way home. We had champagne to soothe the sting of the wasabi. It was wonderful I vow that we shall enjoy sushi more often.
After dinner, we watched "16 Blocks" in Blu-ray. [Tasked with escorting chatty prosecution witness Eddie Bunker (rapper and seasoned actor Mos Def) from police custody to a nearby courthouse, aging New York City cop Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) reluctantly gears up for the 16-block trek. But with powerful forces intent on keeping them from reaching their destination, they'll be lucky to make it there alive. David Morse co-stars in director Richard Donner's action thriller.] We all enjoyed this movie a good deal. Bruce Willis' performance was excellent, as was Mos Def's. The action scenes were well done, and the movie was exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
On Saturday, my brother joined us for dinner again. I made red beans and rice: I simmered a head of peeled garlic (sliced thickly), red bell pepper (diced), white onion (sliced thinly), celery (sliced thickly), Roma tomatoes (diced), in extra-virgin olive oil—seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice, brown sugar, molasses, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Gebhardt's chili powder. When the onions became translucent, I added a cup of cooked white rice and two cans of red beans—with juice. This simmered on low for two hours. Laura did a dry rub on two huge racks of baby back ribs (halved), using garlic powder, Tony Chachere's More Spice, sea salt, ground black pepper, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar. She charred the ribs then moved away from the flame and cooked for two hours—spraying every 20 minutes with a mixture of one part extra-virgin olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar. It was a delightful meal. Laura photographed the food during cooking, and I will share some of these images here tomorrow.
After dinner, we watched "Ultimate Avengers: The Movie" in Blu-ray. [Captain America and his dream team of superheroes fight to save the world from evil in this original animated feature. Sixty years after courageously diverting a missile aimed at the White House and plummeting into the North Atlantic, the star-spangled superhero emerges from the ocean depths to join Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Wasp and Giant Man in an all-out war against the sinister forces that threaten humanity.] This animated movie was well produced but grew tiresome relatively quickly. It was marginally enjoyable.
Sunday morning—following the early service at Harvest Christian Center, I made potatoes O'Brien, bacon, and fried eggs. It was delicious. We watched several episodes of "King of the Hill" that had recorded throughout the week on DVR. We snacked and napped. At 5:30 PM, we returned to Harvest Christian Center for John Jacobs Next Generation Power Force - A Strength Team with a Message of Hope to Lift the World. It was an excellent event that featured acts of strength and testimony from an ex-NFL football player and a man who holds a record for bench-pressing over 1,000 pounds. I took over 500 photographs and will soon produce a slide show using some of these photographs. I shall post the URL here when the slide show is ready for viewing.
Following the Power Force presentation, we had a Red Baron pepperoni pizza and watched an episode of "Lockup."
On this day in history: March 26, 1830 - Joseph Smith publishes The Book of Mormon, after translating it from golden plates turned over by the angel Moroni. Smith maintained that the text contained in the tablets were written in "Reformed Egyptian" which he read by means of two magic stones from the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim.
Born on this day in history: March 26, 1948 - Steven Tyler (1948- ) Born Steven Tallarico in Yonkers, NY, musician Steve Tyler and Joe Perry founded rock band Aerosmith in the 1970s, which is still popular today.
Scripture of the Day: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. - Galatians 3:26-27
Video of the Day: Budweiser Commercial - submitted by Darin
"I remember landing under sniper fire," Clinton recounted. "There was supposed to be some kind of a greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base." Click to enlarge.
Rain? It is too early to be certain, but it appears today will not see the rain that was forecast. It is noticeably cooler this morning than it has been recently, but all is dry, and the sky appears clear. This could quickly change, of course, yet it is a pleasant notion that the weatherpeople have failed to accurately predict today's weather. Wait...what is this I see in my Web cam? SUNLIGHT! The sun is beginning to shine brightly. All may be well!
On this day in history: January 8, 1991 - Guitarist Steve Clark from Def Leppard found dead from a drug and alcohol overdose. He was 31.
Born on this day in history: January 8, 1935 - Elvis Presley (1935–77) Born in Tupelo, MS, pop singer Elvis Presley caused a national sensation on Ed Sullivan's Talk of the Town in 1956 because of his ‘scandalous’ pelvic gyrations. That same year, he released his first million-selling single, ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ and starred in the first of 33 films. After 1974, Presley became drug-dependent, spending his last years living reclusively at his Memphis home, Graceland.
Scripture of the Day: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8
RAIN! The rain has returned. Yesterday was beautiful, sunny, and warm. Today is windy, cold, and wet. Hopefully, this storm will soon pass. There are still many in this area without power, and the streams, creeks, and rivers are dangerously high.
For dinner last evening, I made grilled pork loin chops and a red potato, mushroom, red bell pepper, and onion casserole. I seasoned three very thick pork loin chops with Tony Chachere's More Spice Seasoning, ground black pepper, and ground sage. I grilled them on our indoor grill until the outside was charred and crispy. The inside was moist and juicy. We used Tony Chachere's Cajun Power Garlic Sauce as a dipping sauce for the pork. It was a delightful meal.
