Drive My Car - deputy resigns after wife takes patrol car for joyride Stupid Criminals - men try to steal truck that doesn't run Mommie Dearest - woman charged with nursing baby while intoxicated
On this day in history: April 29, 1996 - Search and rescue teams begin dragging Maryland's muddy Wicomico River after former CIA director William Colby is reported missing. They soon discover his partially-submerged canoe underneath a boat dock, but his body isn't located until it rises to the surface a week later.
Born on this day in history: April 29, 1957 - Daniel Day-Lewis (1957- ) Film actor, born in London, UK, the son of C Day-Lewis. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic and, after several small roles on stage and television, became well known for "My Beautiful Launderette" (1985) and "Room With A View" (1985). He won awards for his portrayal of handicapped Irish writer Christy Brown in "My Left Foot" (1989, Oscar, BAFTA).
Scripture of the Day: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable*#151;if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. - Philippians 4:8
Video of the Day: Coolest iPhone Ever - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to work this morning! Click to enlarge.
I have been playing Wolfenstein 3D Lite on my iPhone. Playing it brings back fond memories of playing the PC game circa 1992. I highly recommend this game!
There are few things in this world that will surpass the delight of playing a rousing game of Wolfenstein 3D while standing in line at the bank!
On this day in history: April 23, 1985 - The Coca-Cola Bottling Company announces that it has irrevocably changed the formula for its flagship beverage, unveiling "New Coke." The company stands firm on its decision until public pressure finally forces them to reintroduce the original drink, exactly 79 days later.
Born on this day in history: April 23, 1936 - Roy Orbison (1936 - 1988) Born in Vernon, TX, singer-songwriter Roy Orbison began playing at age 8 on radio stations, and had his first hit single, "Only The Lonely" (written for Elvis Presley), in 1960, followed by a succession of smash hits, including signature "Oh, Pretty Woman" (1964). Tributes to his music continue long after Orbison's sudden death from a heart attack.
Scripture of the Day: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. - Philippians 4:23
Video of the Day: Terry Tate - Get Out the Vote
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while passing the park on the way to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
Heat Wave: We are experiencing a heat wave. Weather forecasters say this heat wave will end today, and temperatures will drop by more than 20°! This will be a short-lived respite from the heat, however, since scorching, triple-digit temperatures will soon be the order of the day.
Yesterday, this was the temperature outside Mr. Nitro, as displayed by his exterior temperature probe. Fortunately, the inside temperature was cool and comfortable. Click to enlarge.
On this day in history: April 7, 1989 - Soviet nuclear submarine Komsomolets sinks in the Norwegian sea, with two nuclear reactors and two nuclear torpedoes aboard. 41 crew members die, and the submarine remains one mile below the surface of the ocean, with its nuclear weapons intact.
Born on this day in history: April 7, 1964 - Russell Crowe (1964-) Born in Wellington, New Zealand, actor Russell Crowe began as a child actor, teen rock singer and in the Australian theater. Breakthrough film roles included 1992's "Proof" and the controversial "Romper Stomper" (1993). He hit big in the U.S. in "L.A. Confidential" (1997), followed by starring roles in increasingly A-list Hollywood properties, notably "The Gladiator" (2000). Widespread rumors about Crowe's brash personality have increased with his fame.
Scripture of the Day: ...present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Video of the Day: Cat Does Taxes - submitted by Darin
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.
When I departed my house this morning at 7 AM, the sky was blue and clear, and the sun was shining brightly. Now—45 minutes later—it appears that the weatherpeople correctly forecast today's weather: The sun is hiding behind very dark, threatening clouds, and the temperature is dropping quickly. Rain is predicted for today, and it now appears this prediction will materialize.
I have "Photograph" by Def Leppard set as my ringtone currently on my new iPhone. If you have need of custom ringtones for your iPhone, by all means do not pay for them! You will find an excellent, quick, easy-to-use, and free online ringtone maker here: Audiko - the free iPhone Ringtone Maker Audiko will quickly and easily take an audio file from your computer, allow you to clip the portion from the file you wish to use for your ringtone, convert it to an iPhone ringtone, and upload it to iTunes on your computer!
Here is a photograph I took of my cat, Zeus, yesterday afternoon with my iPhone. I am impressed by the quality of the images the iPhone produces. Click to enlarge.
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.
Animal Kingdom - 100+ animals taken from Buffalo apartment Mommie Dearest - Polish student reports mother to police for torture All Clear! - bomb squad called over toilet float
On this day in history: February 10, 1863 - Midgets Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren married in a ceremony promoted and orchestrated by P.T. Barnum, reception tickets $75 (adjusted for inflation, $1250 in today's dollars). Commodore Nutt served as best man.
Born on this day in history: February 10, 1961 - George Stephanopoulos (1961-) Born in Fall River, Mass., political commentator George Stephanopoulos worked for then-House majority leader Dick Gephardt. In 1991, he signed on to Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, and served as senior advisor in the White House. Stephanopoulos is now a TV analyst for ABC News.
Scripture of the Day: In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. - 1 John 4:17
Video of the Day: Don't Be Afraid of Dead Zones
Here is Laura (on the left) at her company's annual Employee Appreciation Dinner last month. Click to enlarge.
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! The AccuWeather Gadget indicated that it was 29° as I perched in my recliner, gathering news items for today's blog post on my HP notebook. It was 6 AM, and the house was warm, but it was obviously cold outside! Fortunately, it was very dry as well, so there was no ice on Mr. Nitro's windshield. The rain that was forecast for today and tomorrow has not appeared. Weather forecasts still show rain, so perhaps it will come later today. Meanwhile, it is cold! I am now at my office, it is 7:30 AM, and the outside temperature has reached a frosty 31°. The temperature gauge in the office showed 60° when I arrived. All the computers keep the building relatively warm.
I am enjoying a great treat this morning: Laura had lunch at Hula's Chinese BBQ yesterday, and she brought me her leftovers. I am enjoying a rice, noodle, beef, and vegetable delight. It is tasty indeed, and the crushed red peppers I added are helping to warm me.
Pranksters hack into electronic road sign: Someone hacked an electronic road sign on Cohasset Road in Chico yesterday morning and altered its message. For several hours, the sign read "CHUCK NORRIS FOR PRESIDENT." While I certainly do not condone hacking electronic road signs, I find the premise of the message to be excellent!
Mommie Dearest - mother teaches 12-year-old daughter to shoplift The Kids Are Alright - Boy Scout earns 121 merit badges Hot and Cold - Gore braves severe ice storm to testify on global warming
On this day in history: January 28, 1978 - "Vampire of Sacramento" Richard Chase is arrested. Miscellaneous human organs are found in his refrigerator. He managed to kill six people, drinking the blood of two of his victims.
Born on this day in history: January 28, 1968 - Sarah McLachlan (1968-) Born in Halifax, Canada, singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan had her debut album in 1988, gaining a following for her atmospheric folk-pop music. In 1993, her single "Possession" broke the Top 100. In 1997, McLachlan founded the successful Lilith Fair, an annual tour of women musicians.
Scripture of the Day: [Those who follow the LORD are firmly planted, healthy, and full of life.] Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. - Psalm 1:4
Video of the Day: Bizarre Foods: Guinea Pig - submitted by Jay
How tequila works! Click to enlarge.
COLD! It was a mere 30° as I drove to my office at 7 AM this morning. Fortunately, there was no wind, and it was dry. Only a slight patina of ice encrusted Mr. Nitro's windshield this morning, and it was quickly and easily removed with a squirt and cycle of the wipers. It was so cold, however, that once Mr. Nitro got underway, the residual washer fluid instantaneously froze, and it was necessary to repeat the process several times during the grueling, five-block drive to my office.
