The Lull Before the Storm - If the weatherpeople are correct, there is a major storm heading this way. Considering the incredibly pleasant weather we have had to date, one would imagine I should NOT be complaining. I am, however, complaining. I like the sunshine and the natural warmth produced by the sun! I know we need rain, but I do not believe I must welcome it! Oh, well!

I am NOT saying that I AM Batman. I am simply saying that no one has ever seen ME and Batman in the same room together.

A man came out to find the inside of his 18-month-old Toyota Sequoia trashed.

A grizzly bear had somehow got a door open. Once inside it got trapped when the door shut behind him, probably by the wind.





All the door panels were ripped off, the headliner torn to pieces, and the headrests, leather seats, and dash shredded.



The steering column was twisted Sideways. Two of the six airbags went off; the other four the bear ripped to pieces.





When the bear ripped off the door panels he also clawed all the wiring harnesses out.

The vehicle has been written off by the insurance company. The cost of this vehicle new was over $70,000, and they stopped counting the repair costs at $60,000 plus.

The housing bubble has burst for Hollywood veteran CONNIE STEVENS – she’s losing her Beverly Hills home in a short sale, sources tell The ENQUIRER.

The 74-year-old singer/actress , best known for her role as Crick­et Blake on the 1960s classic TV show "Hawaiian Eye," has report­edly been offered $800,000 for the 3,085-square-foot house. But that’s a whopping $1.1 million less than what she cur­rently owes on the property, which she rents out, say sources.

Fighting Back, Run Chicken Little!, -and- Would You Like Fries with That?

Fighting Back - man kills attacking bear with stick
Run Chicken Little! - ice chunk falls from sky, crashes through roof, hits woman in bed
Would You Like Fries with That? - McDonald’s says no longer promoting “gay” agenda, boycott ended

On this day in history: October 10, 1994 - Evel Knievel is arrested in a Sunnyvale, California topless bar for beating 22-year-old girlfriend Krystal Kennedy back at the Comfort Inn motel.

Born on this day in history: October 10, 1917 - Thelonious Monk (1917 - 1982) Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on October 10, 1917, Thelonious Monk is an American pianist and one of the most prolific composers in the history of jazz and had great influence on the other musicians who later developed the bebop movement.

Scripture of the Day: But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. — Jeremiah 10:10

Video of the Day: Ted Nugent - Behind the Scenes, "Guitar Hero"

Some people have too much time on their hands! Click to enlarge.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
6:00 pm - Oooh, Bath. Bummer.
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Faith under Fire, Jaws of Death, -and- Somebody's Watching You

Faith under Fire - atheists abandon attempt to ban baptisms
Jaws of Death - man fights off black bear with bare hands to save 8-year-old son
Somebody's Watching You - spy cam in Walmart sends credit card information to thieves

On this day in history: August 15, 1969 - Woodstock begins on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. Tickets are $18 for three days of counterculture musical acts, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Sha-Na-Na.

Born on this day in history: August 15, 1972 - Ben Affleck (1972-) Actor, screenwriter. Affleck grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His first acting experience was in "The Dark End of the Street" (1979), an independent film. At the age of eight, Affleck appeared in a PBS production, "The Voyage of the Mimi." That same year, he met his future best friend, Matt Damon, a 10-year-old who lived two blocks away.

Scripture of the Day: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

Video of the Day: Google Maps: Part 1 of "The Googling" - submitted by Laura

Mr. Fly came to have his portrait taken. He would not come inside my studio, so I met him outside. Click to enlarge.

Hot! It is going to be particularly hot again today, and it is forecast to be hotter yet for the weekend. The high here yesterday was reported as 110 degrees. It is expected to be that again today and reach 112 to 115 over the weekend!

Imagine my fear and loathing when I reached Mr. Nitro yesterday afternoon, in preparation to journey to my home, when I realized I had neglected to affix the sun shield! Great Scott! The leather seat seared the flesh on the backs of my legs. My hands quickly cooked and left large patches of skin on the steering wheel. Perhaps I exaggerate. I do not exaggerate much, however!

For those who feverishly ferreted the Chico News & Review for my Maria Muldaur photograph: Do not despair. I was not able to find it, either. I assume that was intended for next week's issue. I shall determine this and advise you.