To Serve and Protect, No Service, -and- iTunes to My Tunes

To Serve and Protect - calf dies after cops use Taser
No Service - reservist sentenced for wearing medals he did not earn
iTunes to My Tunes - hacker breaks link between iTunes and iPod

On this day in history: February 21, 1931 - The first attempted hijacking of an airplane occurs when revolutionary soldiers in Peru seize a Ford Tri-motor and demand pilots drop propaganda leaflets over the capital, Lima.

Born on this day in history: February 21, 1943 - David Geffen (1943-) Born in New York City, media mogul David Geffen, an energetic music and movie executive, was a millionaire by age of 25, and, by 1998, had a personal worth valued at over $1 billion. With Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Geffen founded Dreamworks, an influential Hollywood film studio.

Scripture of the Day: Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things. - Joel 2:21

Video of the Day: Ticket to Ride - submitted by Cindy

I encountered this patriotic flag sale at Wal-Mart this morning.

It is raining again! The beautiful weather has departed, and in its place is rain. While it is not particularly cold, it is particularly wet. The weather forecast is for rain through the weekend and into next week. There will be no outdoor grilling this weekend, apparently.

UPDATE 8 AM: Mr. Nitro is ill. Laura is taking him to the dealership to have him inspected. I am sad and concerned for his welfare. I am very thankful for Laura and all the assistance she is giving in this matter!

Where's the Garlic?, Fish out of Water, -and- iRevolution

Where's the Garlic? - man beats peacock he says was vampire
A Fish out of Water - freakish eel skull turns up far inland
iRebellion - Universal in dispute with Apple over iTunes

On this day in history: July 2, 1937 - Attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane, Amelia Earhart disappears over the Pacific with her navigator, Fred Noonan.

Born on this day in history: July 2, 1925 - Medgar Evers (1925 - 1963) civil rights leader He was shot to death in front of his home; became martyr for civil rights cause; awarded 1963 Spingarn Medal.

Today's Video: "Mac or PC" Rap Music Video

While on my way to the office this morning, I encountered this fine-looking deer. Unfortunately, there was insufficient time to slay it and prepare it for the grill. Click to enlarge.

We had a frittata for brunch on Saturday. I prepared it while Laura was at the salon, having her hair trimmed. The frittata consisted of Johnsonville ground pork sausage, three small red potatoes, two heads of garlic, four large Jalapeños, 2 large habaneros, one large white onion, six jumbo eggs, and a quantity of pepperjack cheese. It was delicious, and there was such a quantity that the balance shall serve as our evening meal tonight.

We drove to Red Bluff on Saturday and viewed "Ratatouille." Rarely does feature-length animation reach such heights. It was a wonderfully engaging and delightful movie. I highly recommend it to everyone.

We rarely see movies in theatres—preferring to rent them, when released, from NetFlix and watch them at home. Despite enjoying "Ratatouille" greatly, I was reminded why we so seldom go to the theatre: The seat was uncomfortable—compared to the recliner from which I view movies at home—,the noise of other theatre patrons was annoying, and—worst of all—there was no beer!

For dinner last evening, we had a lovely London broil—well-rubbed with Red Monkey Steak Spice—, mushrooms, yellow squash, and red bell pepper—all grilled perfectly by Laura. It was a delicious meal.

8:30 AM UPDATE: When I arrived at my office this morning and turned on all the monitors, I determined that Pandora (my secondary computer system) had died. I generally greet situations such as this with stressful unease. This morning, however, I cast my care and relied upon God for direction. A few moments ago, I heard a voice—as distinctly as I now hear the clicking of the keyboard keys as I type this—say, "Turn around and look at Pandora." I turned and saw that Pandora is alive! I can offer no reason for her earlier demise. I offer now only the constant that with God all things are possible! Praise God!

Bad Apple, Fight Club, -and- To Serve and Protect

Bad Apple - personal data found hidden in iTunes tracks
Fight Club - private schoolboy bashing filmed for Internet
To Serve and Protect - first transgender cop on Kansas City police force

On this day in history: June 4, 1967 - The Emmy for best comedy TV series is won by "The Monkees."

Born on this day in history: June 4, 1911 - Rosalind Russell (1911 - 1976) actress, philanthropist. Her films included "His Girl Friday;" "My Sister Eileen;" and "Auntie Mame."

Today's Video: "'Walker, Texas Ranger' Theme"

VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.

Ultimate List of Car Songs! View the list and submit your favorite car song(s)!

We took Mr. Nitro to Chico yesterday after the early service at Harvest Christian Center. The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze. Mr. Nitro averaged 21.9 mpg for the journey. He has now traveled 575 miles. Laura's new car, Mr. Yaris, has traveled considerably farther—well over 5,000 miles—since she commutes to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. each weekday. Laura exclaimed that she enjoyed being a passenger for the journey.

Saturday, I made black bean chili with shredded grilled chicken. Laura made cornbread. It was a delicious meal. Laura scurried off to work this morning with a quantity of chili and cornbread in tow.

Sunday, I made steamed green beans. Laura grilled a London broil perfectly. I made a red-wine sauce for the meat with Merlot, sliced white mushrooms, sliced white onions, minced garlic, and Cajun seasonings. It was a delightful repast. There were no leftovers.