Animal Kingdom, Bad Parenting, -and- Keep the Change

Animal Kingdom - sightings show cougars expanding into central US
Bad Parenting - German couple abandons three children in restaurant
Keep the Change - parking-meter repairman steals $170,000 from broken meters

On this day in history: April 24, 1928 - The Supreme Court of Canada declares that though women are indeed legal "persons," they are nevertheless ineligible to serve in the Canadian Senate. The Court agreed that the term "person" applies equally to humans of both genders, but the British North America Act referred specifically to "fit and qualified persons" -- necessarily excluding unfit and unqualified people (aka females).

Born on this day in history: April 24, 1942 - Barbra Streisand (1942 - ) Born in New York City, singer, actress and director Barbara Streisand became famous in Broadway's "Funny Girl" (1964), which she repeated in the 1968 film version to win an Oscar. Later films include "Hello Dolly" (1969), "Yentl" (1983), which she co-scripted, composed, directed and starred in, and "Prince of Tides" (1991), in which she also starred and co-produced and directed. A multi-talented entertainer, Streisand has won numerous Grammys, and maintains parallel careers as recording artist and actress.

Scripture of the Day: The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. - Proverbs 10:21

Video of the Day: Amazing Accidents - submitted by Darin

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

Charging My Batteries: I am charging my Nikon D3 camera battery and the batteries for my Nikon SB-900 Speedlight, in preparation for attending and photographing ChicoFest at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. It will be an exciting event, and I am eager to photograph the event and the inner workings of the brewery.

For more information on ChicoFest, click the link above!

Fighting Back, Going off the Deep End, -and- Bad Parenting

Fighting Back - homeowner shoots would-be burglar
Going off the Deep End - lifeguard mandated for 2-foot wading pool
Bad Parenting - baby put up for sale on Craigslist

On this day in history: May 28, 1998 - Talented comedian Phil Hartman dies at the hand of his crazy wife Brynne, who then commits suicide after the police arrive. Hartman's corpse is found in bed with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

Born on this day in history: May 28, 1944 - Rudolph Giuliani (1944 - ) Born in New York City, former Mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani (1993–2001) was U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York (1983–9), before being elected New York mayor. Giuliani is best known for his leadership in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on New York on September 11, 2001. He was awarded an honorary knighthood by the UK in 2002.

Scripture of the Day: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:28

Video of the Day: Honda ASIMO Conducts The Detroit Symphony Orchestra - submitted by Amber

A family that lives on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska decided to build a sturdy, colorful playground for their 3- and 4-year-old sons. They lined the bottom with smooth-stone gravel all around to avoid knee scrapes and other injuries. They finished building it one Friday evening and were very pleased with the end product. The following morning, the mom was about to wake up the boys and have them go out to play in their new play center. This is what she saw from the upstairs window: Click to enlarge.

No storm! The thunderstorm that was forecast for yesterday did not materialize! Thank you, Lord, for the glorious day you gave us in place of the one predicted by man!

It appears that today will be a beautiful day. The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue and clear, and the birds are singing merrily.

For dinner last evening, I made beef stir fry, with grilled top sirloin, sliced mushrooms, sliced red bell pepper, sliced garlic, sliced white onion, and sugar snap peas—stir-fried in extra-virgin olive oil and seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice, curry powder, crushed red pepper, cumin, and ground black pepper. To accompany this, I mad fried rice, with cooked Calrose rice, minced garlic, grated ginger, eggs, and baby peas—stir-fried in extra-virgin olive oil and seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice, curry powder, saffron, and crushed red peppers. It was a delightful meal.

I recorded the second half of "The Andromeda Strain." We shall watch it later in the week.

Do You Want Fries with That?, Bad Parenting, -and- Wake Up!

Do You Want Fries with That? - Clinton's campaign spends $95,000 at low-end deli
Bad Parenting - baby left for 8 days without food or water
Wake Up! - laptops in sleep or hibernation mode most vulnerable to attack

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, 1732 - George Washington (1732–99) Born in Westmoreland County, VA, first President George Washington (1789–97) commanded the Continental army. With skill, patience and courage, he led American forces through the Revolution. A natural leader rather than thinker or orator, 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: Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? - Isaiah 2:22

Video of the Day: Funny Cats Part 11 - submitted by Cindy

Here is a photograph of Wednesday's lunar eclipse. Click to enlarge.

It is still raining, and Mr. Nitro is still in the shop! Mr. Nitro's repairs should be completed today, and he should be ready to return home around 3:30 PM. I eagerly await swooping down upon him and returning him to my care. The weather will not so soon change. It is forecast to rain through the weekend and cease late Sunday evening.