Heat of the Moment, Dog Fight, -and- Crime and Punishment

Heat of the Moment - "global warming" simply no longer happening
Dog Fight - non-kosher hot dogs spark unholy war
Crime and Punishment - teens facing possible 25-year sentence for brutal cat killing

On this day in history: March 23, 1997 - Heaven's Gate suicides leave 39 dead, all wearing Nike shoes.

Born on this day in history: March 23, 1908 - Joan Crawford (1908 - 1977) Born in San Antonio, TX, actress Joan Crawford began in silent and became a star in the 1930s and 1940s, winning an Oscar for "Mildred Pierce" (1945). After her death, adopted daughter Christine published a critical biography, "Mommie Dearest," which was filmed in 1981.

Scripture of the Day: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!...For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. - Romans 11:33-36

Video of the Day: Water

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

iPhones: I ordered two iPhones. I intend for them to replace our Motorola RAZR cell phones and our HP iPAQs. Additionally, I intend to discontinue our land line.

The Weekend: The rain that was forecast for Saturday and Sunday did not arrive. It did rain briefly Saturday night, but otherwise the weekend was dry—albeit very windy and uncomfortably cold.

Friday evening, we enjoyed a Garlic Chicken pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. It was delicious. We watched the first four episodes of season 2 of "Boston Legal." We chortled merrily as we watched these episodes.

Saturday morning, I made sausage patties, potatoes O'Brien, fried eggs, and biscuits for brunch. It was an excellent meal.

I did not brave the wind Saturday. I grilled indoors—producing a nice charring on a package of Johnsonville brats. We made sandwiches with Colombo sourdough rolls, brats, sliced white onion, sliced Jalapeño, sliced cluster tomato, and condiments. Laura toasted the Colombo rolls under the broiler in the conventional oven while I grilled the brats. It was a very tasty meal.

During the day, we watched several episodes of "DEA" on Spike TV.

Saturday evening, we watched "Fireproof." This starts with Caleb, the fire captain, (Kirk Cameron) chewing out a trainee at the fire station for leaving his partner behind during a house fire. Caleb was most emphatic, you NEVER leave your partner behind. It then shows him going home and how horrible his married life is now. He argues with his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), over money and how chores are divided (he does none). She fires back with his time on the computer, not family-friendly Web sites, and how he has saved $24,000 for his boat, not a common goal. Caleb calls his father who tells him he will come in the next day to see him. His dad does and tells him that he needs Jesus in his life and Caleb disagrees, but agrees to hold off on the divorce for 40 days. His dad promises to send him a package. The next day, Caleb gets a hand written book from his father called the Love Dare. The movie ends with them retaking their vows as Christians. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I highly recommend it.

Sunday, following service at Harvest Christian Center, I made biscuits, sausage patties, and fried eggs.

During the day, we watched several episodes of "Planet Earth" on HD Theatre. This is an incredible series. I highly recommend it.

I braved the gale-force wind and grilled outdoors. I grilled two huge New York strip steaks until they were perfectly charred on the outside and rare in the center. I baked two large russet potatoes and made a vegetable dish, consisting of corn, thinly sliced carrot, julienned white onion, diced Jalapeño, and seasonings. We had sour cream with chopped chives on the potatoes. Laura used teriyaki sauce as a dipping sauce for her steak. I enjoyed wasabi with mine. We enjoyed an excellent bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a wonderful meal.

Sunday evening, we watched "The Ultimate Gift." Drew Fuller plays Jason Stevens, the spoiled grandson of a deceased billionaire (James Garner) whose expectations from the will are put off while he is led through several tasks designed to make him a better person. Along the way, he meets and befriends a young girl named Emily, played by Abigail Breslin (just before "Little Miss Sunshine" hit the theatres and made her a big star). Her mother, Alexia, played by Ali Hillis. The movie is entertaining, albeit predictable, and evocative. I recommend it.

Crime and Punishment, Burning Down the House, -and- Homeland Insecurity

Crime and Punishment - PA judges accused of jailing kids for cash
Burning Down the House - 19-year-old woman who sang about blaze charged with 7 arsons
Homeland Insecurity - 67 computers missing from Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory

On this day in history: February 12, 1976 - Actor Sal Mineo killed in the carport of his West Hollywood home. There were rumors of a gay crime of passion but in 1979 it turned out to be a routine mugger who stabbed him for his money.

Born on this day in history: February 12, 1809 - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865) Born near Hodgenville, KY, 16th President Abe Lincoln (1861-5) was the first president elected from the anti-slavery Republican Party in 1860, which led Southern states to form the Confederacy. In the civil war that followed, the inexperienced Lincoln proved an extraordinary leader and eloquent public speaker in such addresses as the Gettysburg Address (1863). Lincoln preserved the Union during the American Civil War and brought about the emancipation of the slaves. He was assassinated by Southern fanatic John Wilkes Booth.

Scripture of the Day: We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

Video of the Day: Happy Valentine's Day 2009!

Happy Valentine's Day! Click to enlarge.

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th-century America was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States.

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend in average twice as much money as women.

Lola, Crime and Punishment, -and- Watch Out!

Lola - father of five naturally turning into woman
Crime and Punishment - man gets 4,060 years for molesting children
Watch Out! - flat-screen TVs blamed for accelerating global warming

On this day in history: July 3, 1963 - Two former secretaries of the Nation of Islam file paternity suits against the head of their church, the honorable Elijah Muhammad. They claimed the prophet had fathered their four children. The allegations eventually cause Malcolm X to quit the NOI.

Born on this day in history: July 3, 1883 - Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924) born July 3, 1883, Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary [now in Czech Republic]—died June 3, 1924, Kierling, near Vienna, Austria. German-language writer of visionary fiction, whose posthumously published novels—especially "Der Prozess" (1925; "The Trial") and "Das Schloss" (1926; "The Castle")—express the anxieties and alienation of 20th-century man.

Scripture of the Day: This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. - Jeremiah 7:3

Video of the Day: Disney-MGM Studios 4th of July Fireworks

I wish everyone a very festive and safe 4th of July! Enjoy the day, and God bless America!

The Blond Guy

An Irishman, a Mexican, and a blond guy were doing construction work on scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building.

They were eating lunch and the Irishman said, "Corned beef and cabbage! If I get corned beef and cabbage one more time for lunch, I'm going to jump off this building."

The Mexican opened his lunch box and exclaimed, "Burritos again! If I get burritos one more time I'm going to jump off, too."

The blond opened his lunch and said, "Bologna again! If I get a bologna sandwich one more time, I'm jumping too."

The next day, the Irishman opened his lunch box, saw corned beef and cabbage, and jumped to his death.

The Mexican opened his lunch, saw a burrito, and jumped, too.

The blond guy opened his lunch, saw the bologna and jumped to his death as well.

At the funeral, the Irishman's wife was weeping. She said, "If I'd known how really tired he was of corned beef and cabbage, I never would have given it to him again!"

The Mexican's wife also wept and said, "I could have given him tacos or enchiladas! I didn't realize he hated burritos so much."

Everyone turned and stared at the blond's wife. The blond's wife said, "Don't look at me. The idiot made his own lunch."

You Want Fries with That?, The Kids Are Alright, -and- Crime and Punishment

You Want Fries with That? - NY restaurant offers $175 burger
The Kids Are Alright - teen saves 5-year-old boy from drowning
Crime and Punishment - city to jail people who do not cut lawns

On this day in history: May 21, 1979 - A judge gives Dan White only seven years for the premeditated murders of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone, prompting thousands to march on San Francisco's City Hall. In what will come to be known as the White Night Riots, the demonstration takes a violent turn, resulting in significant property damage and the torching of twelve SFPD cruisers. Police respond with brutal beatdowns at gay bars in the Castro district.

Born on this day in history: May 21, 1917 - Raymond Burr (1917–93) 1957–66 Television actor, born in Westminster, Canada. Coming from Canada to study at Stanford University, he began as a stage actor, appearing in regional theatre before moving into television dramas and films. He starred as the burly detective in the "Perry Mason" (1957–66) and "Ironside" (1967–75) series, winning two Emmys. He went on to appear in several TV mini-series and in extended versions of Perry Mason.

Scripture of the Day: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Video of the Day: What Matters to You? - submitted by Amber

I saw this campaign button on a teller at the bank yesterday afternoon!

It is windy today! Today, we are plagued with a wind such as this part of the world has never previously experienced. It was all I could do to remain upright while walking from the parking lot behind my office to the front door of my office. Yikes! Hopefully, this wind will abate prior to the Memorial Day weekend. Also, it is forecast to be a relatively chilly 79 degrees today! This does not inspire the cavorting generally associated with Memorial Day weekend!

The Name Game, Weapons of Choice, -and- Crime and Punishment

The Name Game - biologist honors Neil Young with new variety of spider
Weapons of Choice - Dennis Farina arrested at LAX for carrying loaded handgun
Crime and Punishment - dad jailed when 18-year-old daughter fails math test

On this day in history: May 12, 1797 - Following Napoleon's conquest of Venice, Ludovico Manin reluctantly steps down as its last Doge. Thus ends the Most Serene Republic's 820-year history of national sovereignty.

Born on this day in history: May 12, 1907 - Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003) Born in Hartford, CT, actress Katharine Hepburn made her stage debut in 1928, and from 1932 on, attained international fame as a strong character actress. Among her outstanding films is "Woman of the Year (1942)," which was the beginning of a 25-year relationship with co-star Spencer Tracy. She won several Oscars, notably for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" (1967) and "On Golden Pond" (1981). In 1991 she published "Me: Stories of My Life."

Scripture of the Day: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:

Video of the Day: Baby Back Ribs Recipe - from the Barbecue Web

Laura's granddaughter, Parker, enjoys baby back ribs for the first time! Click to enlarge.

May Madness—the annual Corning Car Show— was held last weekend. It was a great success. Soon, I shall have a slide show created from selected photographs I took of the event. I shall publish the URL here when it is ready for viewing.

Saturday, we watched "Into the Blue" in HD on the USA Network. [A group of divers discovers a dangerous deep-sea treasure in this thriller starring Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Ashley Scott and Tyson Beckford. While diving in the deep blue waters off the Bahamas, the team finds a sunken plane with an illegal cargo worth millions. But ruthless drug kingpins are also after the plane's illicit booty, and the divers wind up in hot water as they quickly go from the hunters to the hunted.] We were very pleasantly surprised. Neither of us expected the movie to be as well-acted and entertaining as it was. It was actually highly entertaining and well-acted. I recommend it. The photography (particularly in HD) was awesome.

Later that day, we watched "The World's Fastest Indian" on Blu-ray Disc. [Based on a true story, this drama follows 67-year-old grandfather and New Zealander Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) as he flies across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and blazes into the record books at 183.586 mph on his customized Indian Scout motorcycle. Set in 1967.] This movie was absolutely wonderful and heartwarming. Anthony Hopkins' acting was (as always) flawless, and the story was fascinating. I highly recommend this movie.

For dinner Sunday, we had linguine with giant shrimp. I marinated giant shrimp in extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and rice wine vinegar. I cooked a package of Barilla linguine until al denté, drained, and set aside. Laura sautéed the shrimp in the marinade. When the shrimp were cooked, she incorporated the linguine, added more extra-virgin olive oil and Tony Chachere's More Spice, stirred, and took the dish to the table. At the table, we added DiGiorno shredded Parmesan cheese and crushed red peppers. A bottle of Robert Mondavi 2004 Private Reserve Chardonnay accompanied the meal. It was wonderful. Leftovers followed Laura to Chico this morning, to be enjoyed for lunch.

Fighting Back, Crime and Punishment, -and- Heat of the Moment

Fighting Back - business owner kills suspected burglar
Crime and Punishment - cop shoots, kills man who gunned down his K9 partner
Heat of the Moment - coolest April in 11 years

On this day in history: May 9, 1950 - L. Ron Hubbard publishes the first edition of "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health." This follows on the heels of a feature article in the pulp sci-fi magazine "Astounding Science Fiction." A book review in the "The New Republic" describes the work as "a bold and immodest mixture of complete nonsense and perfectly reasonable common sense, taken from long-acknowledged findings and disguised and distorted by a crazy, newly-invented terminology." The subsequent movement goes on to become one of the scariest, most powerful pseudo-religious cults in modern history.

Born on this day in history: May 9, 1946 - Candice (Patricia) Bergen (1946-)
Born in Beverly Hills, CA, daughter of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, actress Candice Bergen began her career alongside her father's puppets Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. She modeled as a teen, then moved into acting, gaining success with "Carnal Knowledge" (1971). In 1988, she launched her most-famous role in sitcom "Murphy Brown" (1988-1998), which won her five Emmys. Bergen published her memoir, "Knock Wood," in 1984.

Scripture of the Day: For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Video of the Day: Old Muscle Car Show

Good Morning! Click to enlarge.

The May Madness Car Show is finally here. Corning Ford will kicked off the event with a Car Show Mixer last night. Today, the registration begins at 4 PM at the Transportation Center, and the Burnout Eliminations start at 5 pm. There will be food and other vendors operating from 5 PM to 9 PM, and the Cruise begins at 7 PM.

Saturday morning registration takes place at the Transportation Center from 7 AM to 10 AM, and the Pancake Breakfast at the Corning Volunteer Fire Hall will be held at the same time. There will be more vendors throughout the day. The Hydraulic Show begins at 10 AM, and the Burnout Finals are at 11 AM. Starting at 12 PM, the Raffle Drawings will begin, and the Awards Presentation will start at 3 PM.

Armed and Dangerous, Crime and Punishment, -and- Victor-Victoria

Armed and Dangerous - taser shock triggers fire in man's pants
Crime and Punishment - China food-safety law to allow for life in prison
Victor-Victoria - children's hospital launches sex change for children program

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."

Somebody's Watching You, Weapons of Choice, -and- Crime and Punishment

Somebody's Watching You - online storage of medical records not covered by privacy law
Weapons of Choice - bill forces states to accept concealed-weapon permits from other states
Crime and Punishment - top court may allow states to execute child rapists

On this day in history: April 17, 1965 - The FBI Laboratory in Washington reports their inability to make out the vocals on the hit single "Louie Louie." Thus, the Bureau is unable to determine whether the record constitutes obscene matter.

Born on this day in history: April 17, Jennifer Garner (1972-) Born in Houston, TX, raised in Charleston, WV, actress Jennifer Garner began with bit parts on TV shows like "Spin City" and "Law and Order." In 2000, her work on TV show "Felicity" led to the lead role on spy drama "Alias," which made her a star. Garner married for the second time to actor Ben Affleck in 2005. Their daughter, Violet, was born the following November.

Scripture of the Day: Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. - James 4:17

Video of the Day: Teen Sets Record inflating balloons with his nose - submitted by Philip

Apparently, birds of a feather do not necessarily flock together! Click to enlarge.

The wind continues! The wind that has been plaguing us for over a week now continues today. It is forecast to be in the 80s today, so at least the wind should not be cold. Yesterday, it was cold!

Last night—while preparing to leave for Bible class at Harvest Christian Center, we watched Dick Cheney's speech at the Annual Radio and TV Correspondents Dinner. He explained "global warming," saying he observed that it was, in fact, getting warmer. He said he had no doubt that we are "...in the midst of a global warming—or, as I prefer to call it, spring!"

Cash or Charge?, Crime and Punishment, -and- I Spy

Cash or Charge? - doomsday cult says credit cards satanic
Crime and Punishment - hoax caller jailed for four years
I Spy - CIA enlists Google's help

On this day in history: April 1, 1996 - Wilson Pickett arrested for possession of cocaine, after a screaming, bloodied woman is seen running from his house.

Born on this day in history: April 1, 1932 - Debbie Reynolds (1932-) Born Mary Frances Reynolds in El Paso, TX, actress Debbie Reynolds gained notice in musical "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), and is best known for "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), opposite Gene Kelly. In 1964, she won an Oscar for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." In later years, Reynolds has split her time among stage, screen and TV appearances.

Scripture of the Day: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1

Video of the Day: A Bad Cat Day - submitted by Laura

What a difference the wind makes! My first thought when exiting our home this morning was that it was significantly warmer than yesterday morning. I quickly realized that it merely appeared to be warmer, because there was no wind! The strong wind that has plagued us for many days has abated—hopefully, for a long while! The weather forecasts have changed: Rain had been predicted for Wednesday. Now, the forecast is for sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. This sounds considerably better!

For dinner last evening, we had penne with Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. I cooked a box of Barilla penne until al dente, drained, and set aside. I sliced white onion, red bell pepper, eight white mushrooms, a head of peeled garlic, and grilled Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. Laura seasoned this with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil. When this was cooked, she added the penne, turned the burner to medium-low, and stirred several times. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno Parmesan cheese. It was delightful. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fighting Back, Crime and Punishment, -and- From Mexico with Love

Fighting Back - 81-year-old kills home intruder
Crime and Punishment - Texas man gets 60 years for 10th DUI
From Mexico with Love - gang had James Bond Car

On this day in history: February 20, 1968 - The U.S. goes off the gold standard.

Born on this day in history: February 20, 1928 - Fred (McFeeley) Rogers (1928–2003) Born in Latrobe, PA, TV personality Fred Rogers became famous as host of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," a show for preschoolers that debuted in 1965. Rogers’ distinctive manner made him a national institution.

Scripture of the Day: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Video of the Day: Big Dog Quadruped Robot - submitted by Frank

Happy Spring! Today is the first day of spring!

Spring is finally here! It appears that today will be a beautiful, sunny day. This is the forecast. While the weatherpeople are wrong more often then not, it appears—looking at the morning sky—that their forecast for today is correct. The rain that was forecast for yesterday arrived as a very brief sprinkling.

An installer from DirecTV is coming today to install an dual-feed HD dish and a DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR. With the latest DVR and HD technology rolled into one easy-to-use unit, the DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR will change the way you enjoy home theater. Images are sharper. Colors are brighter. Sound is crisper. And now they can be recorded. The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing you to enjoy photos and music stored on your Intel® Viiv™ processor technology-based PC — on your TV.

Features:

High definition (mpeg-2, mpeg-4) and standard definition (mpeg-2) enabled. View the best in both HD and SD programming.

Record up to 200 hours of SD programming, up to 50 hours of HD programming. Watch your favorite shows on your own schedule.

Record two shows at once while watching another recording.

Series Link feature: Automatically record an entire season of your favorite shows, even if they change day or time.

One-touch record, auto record, manual record and bookmarks.

Pause and rewind live HD TV for up to 90 minutes. Control what you watch—back up, slow down or use instant replay.

Media Share capable: Listen to music and view photos stored on your Intel® Viiv™ processor technology-based PC.

2 satellite tuners for access to SD and HD DIRECTV programming.

Take advantage of DIRECTV interactive features like DIRECTV Active™. Get weather information, lottery results and horoscopes onscreen.

14-day Advanced Program Guide®. Search the channel guide for shows up to 14 days in advance.

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capable. Listen to superb theater-quality sound with additional hardware.

View and log Caller ID info provided by your local phone company.

Parental controls/locks: Enjoy peace of mind over what your children are watching by locking out objectionable programming.

This will be a fine companion to the Vizio GV47LF 47" LCD HDTV we installed Tuesday.

Soon, a Sony BDPS300 Blu-Ray DVD player will arrive. This unit will play Blu-Ray DVDs, of course, but it offers another exciting feature: It offers complete backward compatibility. We can still enjoy our current favorite CDs and DVDs, no matter the format. In fact, they look and sound better than ever before, because the BDPS300 can take our current DVD library and upconvert it to a near high-definition experience (1080p) via HDMI connection or 1080i via component video.

Burn Baby Burn!, Mary Ann Does Mary Jane, -and- Crime and Punishment

Burn Baby Burn! - Apple iPod fire probe after Nano shoots sparks while recharging
Mary Ann Does Mary Jane - Dawn Wells busted for marijuana possession
Crime and Punishment - child rapists could face execution in Colorado

On this day in history: March 12, 1980 - A Chicago jury finds John Wayne Gacy guilty of the murders of 33 men and boys. The next day, he is sentenced to death; after years on death row, Gacy is finally executed in May 10, 1994.

Born on this day in history: March 12, 1922 - Jack Kerouac (1922–69) Born in Lowell, MA, writer Jack Kerouac is best known for "On the Road" (1957), a semi-autobiographical tale that spoke for the Beat Generation. Trying to escape notoriety, he drank heavily and lived out his final years back in Lowell with his mother.

Scripture of the Day: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12

Video of the Day: Ginger Versus Mary Ann: The Eternal Question

Wherefore art thou, voters???? Click to enlarge.

I purchased fuel for Mr. Nitro this morning on the way to my office. It was an experience I shall not soon forget. Click to enlarge.