While You Were Sleeping - scientists develop new software that maps dreams Fire! - NYC firefighter arrested for calling in false alarms to his own firehouse It’s Not an Act! - stage prop replaced with sharp knife, actor injured during scene
On this day in history: December 12, 1989 - Leona Helmsley fined $7 million and sentenced to jail for 21 months for tax evasion. They made the bitch serve 900 hours of community service.
Born on this day in history: December 12, 1915 - 1915 - Frank Sinatra (1915 - 1998) Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, singer and actor Frank Sinatra rose to prominence with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra (1940?2). He quickly emerged as a teen idol, and grew into a global superstar, expanding in film roles, including an Oscar-winning performance in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Marriages to film stars Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow were widely publicized. Sinatra is the only singer in history to have hit records in five consecutive decades.
Scripture of the Day: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12
Video of the Day: Dream State - submitted by Amber
Luigi (the father) says to his son, "I want you to marry a girl of my choice." The son says: "I will choose my own bride!" Luigi says, "But the girl is Bill Gates’ daughter." Son answers, "Well, in that case, okay."
Next Luigi approaches Bill Gates and says, "I have a husband for your daughter." Bill Gates answers, "But my daughter is too young to marry!" Luigi says, "But this young man is a vice-president of the World Bank!" Bill Gates answers, "Ah, in that case, okay."
Finally, Luigi goes to see the president of the World Bank. Luigi says, "I have a young man to recommend as a vice-president." The president answers, "But I already have more vice-presidents than I need!" Luigi says, "But this young man is Bill Gates’son-in-law." The president answers, "Ah, in that case, okay."
Stupid Criminals - robber shoots self in groin Vacation - family completes trip with dead grandma in RV Ah Wilderness - federal ruling allows back-country trails to stay open
On this day in history: January 16, 1942 - Raising money for the war, actress Carol Lombard and her mother are killed along with a score of others in a Las Vegas airplane crash.
Born on this day in history: January 16, 1932 - Dian Fossey (1032-85) Primatologist. Born on January 16, 1932, in San Francisco, California. Dian Fossey enriched our understanding of gorillas through her intense study of these animals from the 1960s to 1980s. She was interested in animals from childhood, but changed college courses from pre-veterinary studies to occupational therapy.
Scripture of the Day: Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." - Ruth 1:16
[While I slept] I received a call from a friend who said the roof had blown off his house during the recent storm. He said he was hosting a barbecue and roof-mending party and invited me. When I arrived, there were several people at work on the roof, using a very unsafe-looking ladder to gain access to the roof. I told my friend that heights bothered me, and he suggested I make guacamole and grill the chicken wings. I eagerly agreed to do so. There was a huge avocado tree in the yard, and each time I suggested that I had produced sufficient guacamole, my friend said more was needed. I filled five 5-gallon buckets with guacamole. He said that would be enough.
[While I was awake] The friend who had appeared in my dream visited my office. I told him of my dream. He said that he had lost a portion of a roof during the storm (albeit the roof of a storage building) and that his sister had a huge avocado tree in her yard!
Heat of the Moment - Daytona Beach, Florida braces for snow Cold Case File - FBI to re-examine D.B. Cooper skyjacking Inked - men shoot themselves while tracing gun for tattoo design
On this day in history: January 2, 1995 - Marion Barry inaugurated as mayor of Washington, D.C., four years after leaving the office in disgrace to serve a six-month sentence for smoking crack.
Born on this day in history: January 2, 1969 - (1969-) Born in Walnut Creek, CA, model Christy Turlington got her start by chance when a photographer snapped a photo of her on horseback and it landed at a modeling agency. Today, she has appeared on more than 300 magazine covers and is best known for work for Calvin Klein and Georgio Armani. Turlington is married to actor-filmmaker Edward Burns and has two children.
Scripture of the Day: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
Video of the Day: Adaptability
Here is an available-light photograph taken with a Nikon D3 DSLR camera. I did not take this photograph. I wish I had taken this photograph! Click to enlarge.
Well, good morning! Welcome to 2008! I hope this is a glorious year for everyone!
Cell Phone Distraction: I have long railed against people who talk on their cell phones while driving. I have seen several written reports and one television program which documented the findings regarding the distraction cell phones cause to those who use them while driving. I have personally experienced many instances of people using cell phones while driving and appearing to focus more on their conversations than their driving. I have had one near collision because of my proximity to a cell-phone-using driver.
I am pleased to see the new DMV regulations regarding cell-phone use while driving. I posted three threads in the Main forum today regarding this. HOWEVER, this afternoon I experienced a cell-phone user that easily out-distances all others I have encountered--IN THE MARKET! I use my cell phone perhaps once a month, and I turn it on only when I intend to make a call. It is difficult for me to imagine such a burning desire--let alone a NEED--to use a cell phone while driving, unless one is lost or late for an appointment, of course. I do not recall EVER using my cell phone in the market. I suppose it could prove helpful for asking a spouse's opinion regarding dinner plans, for example, but I have never used my cell phone in the market.
As I was shopping at Sav-Mor Foods shortly after 2 PM today, I rounded an aisle with my cart, saw a woman headed in my direction with her cart, and moved to the far right of the aisle so she would have room to pass. I saw that she was talking on her cell phone. She was absorbed in conversation and pushed her cart along, seemingly oblivious of the items shelved in that aisle. As she neared me, she suddenly began to fling her free hand about--gesticulating and cursing loudly into the cell phone. She reapplied her hand to the cart, pushed it ahead violently, swerved to her left, crashed solidly into my cart, and gave me a scowling glance! As if the collision were MY fault! She did not apologize. She simply swung her cart about, disentangling it from mine, and continued, still chatting on the cell phone.
"Excuse me," I said. She stared at me, obviously wondering why I was talking to her. She gave me a blank stare, and I continued, "What make, model, and color vehicle do you drive?" "Why?" she asked. "I wish to be ever-vigilant for this vehicle. I wish to ensure that I never occupy the same roadway as you. You have demonstrated your inability to successfully maneuver a shopping cart. I have no desire to fall victim to your lack of ability to maneuver a motor vehicle." She cursed at me. I continued, completing my shopping.
[While I slept] I drove to Harvest Christian Center at 8:15 AM. Laura had been there since 7:30 AM, rehearsing with the worship team. I sat in the seat adjacent to the seat where Laura had positioned her Bible and notebook. I took my HP iPAQ from my pocket and opened QuickVerse, in anticipation of using it during the service. I then opened Mah Jongg and played while listening to the worship rehearsal.
Suddenly, I was aware that it was no longer worship rehearsal. Worship had begun, and everyone was standing, except me. I returned my iPAQ to my pocket and stood. As worship was ending, a stranger to me appeared at the podium, placed a Bible on the podium, opened the Bible, and looked out into the audience. The stranger wore a dark, three-piece suit. The coat was much longer than that of a standard suit. It seemed in the tradition of coats favored by traditional evangelists of the early 1900s. The stranger gave a powerful sermon--the basis of which was the necessity for Christians to spread the Good News.
I awakened, thinking this to be an unusual dream. I forgot the dream, as I went about my morning. Laura left for her worship rehearsal. I showered and dressed and drove to the church.
I sat in the seat adjacent to where Laura had placed her Bible and notebook. I took my HP iPAQ from my pocket and opened QuickVerse. There was no time for game-playing. I placed the iPAQ back in my pocket. Pastor Nick opened the service. Worship followed. Pastor Rob came to the podium, without the wireless microphone he generally uses. Following an award to Matt, who is leaving to begin studies at a Christian college in Texas, a slide show of photographs of Matt began. During this slide show, I noticed a stranger in the front center row. He was wearing a wireless microphone. He was dressed in a dark, three-piece suit. The suit coat was long--like that worn by evangelists in the early 1900s.
Pastor Rob introduced the stranger as Rev. Bobby Nott and said that he had started Harvest Christian Center. Rev. Nott gave a very spirited sermon. He spoke of the necessity for Christians to disciple those who had not heard the Good News.
Fighting Back - 72-year-old man fights off 21-year-old gang member Sore Winner - $1 million lottery winner may have to return winnings Bah Humbug! - Arizona governor nixes "Christmas" tree
On this day in history: November 30, 1954 - At 1 pm, an 8.5 pound stone meteorite falls from the sky and strikes Elizabeth Hulitt Hodge from Sylacauga, Alabama. The housewife was seriously bruised but survived, although the meteorite destroyed her radio.
Born on this day in history: November 30, 1947 - David Mamet (1947 - ____) dramatist, playwright, director. His films include "Speed the Plow," and "House of Games."
Scripture of the Day: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." (2 Peter 3:10-11)
While on my way to the office this morning, I spotted this Dodge Nitro limo. Click to enlarge.
And here is Selina and her limo! Click to enlarge.
[While I slept] Upon arriving at my office, I unlocked the front door, stepped inside and disarmed the alarm, prayed over the office and its contents, turned on the three computer monitors, started the ISpy Web cam software, and opened Microsoft Outlook 2007. As the email downloaded, I turned on the television and satellite receiver and tuned the receiver to the Fox News Channel. I then turned on the florescent lights, unlocked and opened the central interior door, walked to the rear door, and unlocked and opened the rear door.
To my great surprise, a large tortoise sat upon the concrete in front of the rear door! Its legs and head were drawn inside its shell, and it appeared to be enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun. I did not disturb the tortoise. I thought about it, as I went about my morning routine, and I checked several times during the next few hours and found the tortoise reposed as I had found him initially.
It was a Monday, and the waste management truck comes to empty my dumpster each Monday—generally in the last hour or so of the morning. I walked to the rear of my office to push the dumpster to the alley, where it would be emptied by the waste management truck. As I walked through the rear door, I looked to the spot where the tortoise had rested and saw that he was gone. I felt a bit sad but imagined that the tortoise had moved to a more welcome environment. I pushed the dumpster to the alley and returned to my office.
As I settled into my chair and reached for my mouse, I felt something brush against my left foot. I looked down and saw the tortoise! At first, I imagined that the tortoise simply looked larger inside my office, but as I regarded him more closely, it was apparent that he was, in fact, substantially larger than he had been less than an hour before! In fact, he was so significantly larger that my initial observation was he must not be the same tortoise I had seen earlier. Yet, a tortoise of any dimensions in the city, certainly, and this tortoise was unlikely to be a mere companion of the original tortoise. It must be, I thought, the same tortoise—somehow nearly doubled in size since first I viewed him!
I imagined that the tortoise must be someone's pet and that someone was, no doubt, looking for him. I determined to care for the tortoise until his owner came to claim him. I could not, however, continue to call the tortoise using pronouns, and I decided to name him Terrance—at least for his tenure in my care.
As I went about my day, Terrance followed me about the office—slowly. I had the remnants of a salad left over from the previous week. It had no dressing on it and was still relatively fresh. I placed the salad on a paper plate and offered it to Terrance. He ate greedily. I filled a plastic bowl with spring water from the water cooler and placed it beside the salad. Terrance ate and drank without stopping. When the salad and water were gone, Terrance crept to a corner of the office and appeared to nap.
A few hours later, I felt a nudging against my left foot. I looked down and saw Terrance. He was apparently hungry and thirsty once again—due, no doubt, to a great extent because he had once again nearly doubled in size! Terrance needed more food, and there was none at my office. I backed my Nitro R/T up to the rear of my office and opened the rear gate. With considerable effort, I hoisted Terrance and placed him inside the vehicle. He only barely fit! I locked my office and took Terrance to my house. At the house, I placed Terrance on the rear lawn. There, he would have plenty of grass upon which to feed. I took a stainless-steel bowl from the kitchen, filled it with spring water, and placed it in the shade at the rear of the house. Terrance ceased eating grass and strutted to the water. He drank thirstily. Once again, he had very nearly doubled in size since our journey to the house. I estimated him at 5 feet in circumference and well over 150 pounds!
I left Terrance and walked to the house. I called the local news services and informed them of Terrance and his mysterious growth cycles, and I said that I intended to tend to his needs until his rightful owner came to claim him.
I returned to the rear yard to check on Terrance. Once again, he had doubled in size. Soon, he would be too large for the yard! In preparation for his next growth spurt, I led Terrance down the alley and across the street, to a large field near my house. There, Terrance would have sufficient grass upon which to feed and sufficient water to drink, there being a small creek running through the field.
Suddenly, the street was filled with vehicles bearing the logos of news media, and the sky was filled with helicopters that were similarly identified. One of the helicopters—bearing the logo of the Fox News Channel—landed near me, where I stood, watching over Terrance. From the helicopter, Laurie Dhue appeared, with camera crew in tow. Laurie began interviewing me. She showed great interest in the story and considerable concern for Terrance—who doubled in size during the interview!
An enormous helicopter—bearing the insignia of PETA—hovered over us and landed nearby. A spokesperson appeared and confronted me, saying that I had no right whatever to “the creature,” as she called Terrance, and that she would now see that “the best interests of the creature” were served! Laurie Dhue was visibly disturbed, and I loudly protested the removal of Terrance from my care. Armed guards from the PETA helicopter appeared, and a team carrying a large stainless-steel cage accompanied them. All appeared to be lost!
Laurie Dhue whispered to me, “You should not give up hope. I am going to make a call. Please trust me. All will be well.” I took solace from her words, yet I feared the worst. The men with the cage were descending upon Terrance!
Suddenly, a S.W.A.T. team from the local police department appeared and forced the PETA personnel away from Terrance. The S.W.A.T. team leader held forth a court order, signed by a local judge, that gave temporary custody of Terrance to me. The PETA spokesperson argued that a local judge had no say in the matter and that she would soon have this court order rescinded. I felt saddened by what seemed to be a harsh reality.
Suddenly, another helicopter appeared and landed. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared, followed by a large contingent from the California National Guard. The Governor posed with me and Terrance, the media photographers converged and greedily photographed us, and the crowd that had gathered cheered loudly.
Beam Me Up - thieves use car's GPS to find victim's home The Armed Citizen - no permit needed to buy concealable gun in Missouri At Ease - drill instructor faces 225 abuse charges
On this day in history: August 24, 1981 - Mark David Chapman sentenced to 20 years for killing Beatle John Lennon.
Born on this day in history: August 24, 1872 - Max Beerbohm (1872 - 1956) essayist, caricaturist, parodist. "The Incomparable Max" wrote many elegant essays; the novel "Zuleika Dobson" 1911, and a pictorial volume of caricatures.
Scripture of the Day: “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)
Video of the Day: Process Enacted - submitted by Danica
[While I slept] Renée, the Girl Who Hid in the Strawberry Tree
It was a Saturday morning, just after 8 AM. There was a knock at my door. It was my friend, Renée. After a brief greeting, she invited me to accompany her to her sister’s wedding. I had never met Renée’s sister. I knew that I would recognize her if I were to meet her, however, since Renée and her sister, Andréa, were identical twins. ‘I would enjoy that,” I said. “I would like to see the two of you together. That would be interesting. When is the wedding, and where will it take place?” I knew that Andréa lived somewhere in Southern Oregon, but I did not know the name of the city in which she lived. “She lives in Southern Oregon,” Renée replied. “I’m sure I’ve told you that.” “You have mentioned that she lives in Southern Oregon, but you have never said in what city she lives.” “She lives in a forest,” Renée replied. “It is a distance from the nearest city, but there is no need for you to worry about directions, because I will drive.” I had been a passenger in Renée’s Chrysler 300C several times and knew her to be a safe and competent driver. “That sounds good,” I said. “When is the wedding?” “It is tomorrow afternoon,” she replied. “We must leave now.” While the immediacy of the journey seemed odd, I did not protest. “Pack whatever you wish,” Renée said. “I will return in an hour.”
An hour later, Renée returned, and we began the journey. Two steaming mugs sat in the cup holders of her car. She had made hot tea with honey and lemon. It was a cool fall morning, and the tea was delicious and warming. Soon, I was asleep.
I awakened and saw by the clock on the Chrysler’s dash that it was nearly 5 PM! I had slept for almost eight hours! I apologized to Renée for falling asleep. “I am sorry,” I said. “I have no idea why I fell asleep. I cannot imagine why I did so and how I slept so long.” “That’s no problem,” she said. “I have made this trip by myself many times, so it doesn’t matter that you were asleep.” “Well,” I said, “it is a long journey, and I should have helped with the driving or—at the very least—kept you company.” “It’s fine,” she said. I noticed the surroundings for the first time. I had been to Southern Oregon many times and did not recognize the area through which we were passing. “Where are we?” I asked. “We are in the forest, only a few miles from my sister’s. Relax, and we will be there in no time.”
I fell asleep again. Later, I was being awakened by Renée. She said, “we’re here!” I rubbed my eyes and saw a large house. We were parked in a circular driveway. There were three other cars parked there. The area was beautiful, but it looked considerably more like a jungle than a forest. Instead of the pine and redwood trees I expected to see, the trees were coconut palm, banana, and other tropical trees. I prepared to ask Renée where we were, but she was no longer in the car. I saw her on the front porch of the house, talking to a girl who could only be her sister, Andréa, since—with the exception of attire—the girls were identical. It was an interesting scene. I had to recall what Renée had been wearing in order to tell which girl she was!
There were several couples in the house. I was introduced to everyone by Andréa. Renée appeared to know everyone. They were friendly. We exchanged pleasantries and enjoyed wine and canapés. It was becoming dark as I took my gear into the large house and followed Andréa to what was to be my room during our stay. “I’ll leave you to unpack,” she said. “Dinner will be in an hour. I shall see you then.” She smiled and walked out of the room.
Dinner was simple yet delicious: Grilled beef tenderloin, steamed asparagus, roasted baby red potatoes, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Soon, it was late. People were saying goodbye to Andréa and telling her they would see her the following day. I was feeling sleepy—despite my long nap during the journey—and I said, “Goodnight, ladies,” to Andréa and Renée—realizing that I had no idea who was Andréa and who was Renée, since the girls had changed clothing while I unpacked. I fell asleep while wondering why Andréa’s fiancé had not been present.
I felt someone gently shaking me awake. “Dress and come downstairs,” Renée—or, perhaps, Andréa—said. “Andréa has brunch ready.” It was Renée. The table was set for three. Andréa and Renée were seated. There were platters of sausage, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes. Andréa filled plates for each of us, and Renée filled our glasses with mimosa. We finished our meal, and the girls cleared the table. Wedding guests began to arrive. The people from the previous day were there—as well as several new people, to whom Andréa introduced me. We had champagne and migrated into the backyard—a beautiful area with incredible tropical flowers and plants, a large swimming pool, and a lovely white gazebo—festively adorned with flowers and containing an altar and dozens of white chairs. On the altar sat two tall, white candles in gold candle holders and an open Bible. I walked to the alter and looked at the Bible. It was leather-bound and appeared very old.
I was thirsty and wished to have more champagne. I realized I had not seen the twins for some time. I had been engaged in conversation with a man and his wife—discussing general issues. I walked to the house, filled my glass, and looked for the girls. I found them in the library. Andréa was painting Renée’s fingernails a very bright red. Renée’s toenails were already painted this color—as were Andréa’s fingernails and toenails. I was surprised—since I had never seen Renée’s nails painted previously—and it showed, apparently, since Renée said, to Andréa, “David’s surprised. He’s never seen my nails painted before.” “Really?” Andréa said. “David, when we were little girls, we used to paint our nails red and hide in the strawberry trees!” “What?” I said. “Surely you realize strawberries do not grow on trees.” “Not in California,” the girls said, in unison, “but here they do.” The girls laughed. “Go back to the party,” Renée said. “We’ll be right out.”
I returned to the party and chatted idly with various guests. Bottles of champagne sat in silver buckets on a long table, in the shade provided by tropical plants and flowers, near the gazebo. I filled my glass again. Soon, the wedding ceremony began. I thought it odd that I had not met the bridegroom. The man standing at Andréa’s side during the ceremony seemed oddly familiar, but I was certain we had not been introduced. Following the ceremony, the bride and groom walked through the house and into a waiting limousine. The limousine disappeared, as the wedding guests waved at the departing couple.
I looked for Renée and did not see her among the guests. Everyone moved to the backyard and filled their champagne glasses. I continued to look for Renée but did not see her. A girl approached me. She had been a bridesmaid, and Renée had introduced us, but I could not recall her name. “David,” she said, “you must be looking for Renée. Follow me.” She took me by the hand and led me around the swimming pool and down a narrow path. Soon, we were in a small grove of trees. “These are strawberry trees,” the girl said. “Renée is probably hiding in one of them. She and her sister often did that as children.” I looked closely, and the trees were indeed strawberry trees. There were dozens of them.
“In which tree will I find Renée?” I asked. “I have no idea,” the girl replied. “She’s hiding!”
Heat of the Moment - study concludes global warming "hot air" Crash! - woman jumps into wrecked car to fake injury Law of the Land - judge has unprepared lawyer arrested
On this day in history: August 21, 1996 - Superfreak Rick James (prisoner J29237) is released from Folsom Prison after serving a two-year sentence for drugs and assault. He had planned to marry his fiance, Tanja Anne Hijazi, upon release but she had been jailed for shoplifting a pair of boots two days earlier.
Born on this day in history: August 21, 1938 - Kenny Rogers (1938 - ____) singer, actor. He is a well known country-rock singer whose best songs include "Ruby" and "Lucille" and "Lady."
Scripture of the Day: "Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." - Deuteronomy 8:3
Video of the Day: Tricky Chopsticks? - submitted by Darin
Friday night, I dreamed of Renée, the Girl Who Hid in the Strawberry Tree. I have composed the dream and shall include it in Friday's blog post. I think you shall find it an interesting and thought-provoking dream.
This is the week of the annual Corning Olive Festival. Various activities and events will take place throughout the week, culminating on Saturday in Woodson Park. For an event schedule, see the Calendar of North State Events.
By Popular Demand: Here is the WAV file I use for Outlook 2007 New Mail Notification. It is a very eerie, robotic voice intoning, "Incoming message!" Incoming WAV Right-click, choose "Save Target As," and save to your hard drive in your WAV directory. Go to Control Panel, System Sounds (location varies with Windows versions), click on New Mail Notification, click on Browse, and browse to and select the incoming.wav file. Enjoy!
