Somebody's Watching You, Never Too Young, -and- Fruitcakery

Somebody's Watching You - police use GPS to track suspects despite murky law
Never Too Young - New York toddler is tiny pool shark
Fruitcakery - Scientologists in France to go on trial for fraud

On this day in history: May 26, 1960 - America's UN Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge charges the Soviets with having bugged the Moscow embassy. He shows off a large wooden carving of the United States seal which had been hollowed out to conceal a sophisticated resonant cavity transmitter. Less than 30 years later a newly-rebuilt Moscow embassy is determined to be "structurally riddled with eavesdropping devices."

Born on this day in history: May 26, 1907 - John Wayne (1907 - 1979) Film actor, born in Winterset, Iowa, USA. After a succession of small parts in low-budget films and serials, he achieved stardom as the Ringo Kid in "Stagecoach" (1939).

Scripture of the Day: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." — Jeremiah 33:3

Video of the Day: Crazy Cat Attacking Spuds Dog - submitted by Cindy

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this scene as I passed the lake while driving to my office this morning! Click to enlarge.

NEWS UPDATE - 10:01 AM CA Supreme Court upholds gay marriage ban!

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend has ended. It is time to return to the workday routine and cast off the tendrils of leisure that bound me during that period. This is a difficult task. I so enjoyed three days of doing virtually nothing that I find myself missing doing so greatly! Oh, well, back to the grind go I!

What otherwise might have been a relatively serene drive to my office this morning (a five-block drive when the most direct route is taken) became relatively nightmarish when I remembered that I needed to fuel Mr. Nitro. Initially, I was very pleased when I saw a spot was available at the pumps at Valero (a block from our house). The serenity became a frighteningly gruesome event when I saw the price of fuel: $2.67 per gallon for 87 octane (the vintage Mr. Nitro prefers). Yikes! Mr. Nitro was most thirsty, and it took 17.281 gallons of fuel (at a cost of $48.02) to slake Mr. Nitro's thirst!

Other than shopping and grilling, we did little over the long weekend. Images from our grilling adventures can be viewed on my iPhone photo blog. There is a link in the Links section of this blog that will take you there.

What's Up Doc?, Never Too Young, -and- License to Drive

What's Up Doc? - surgeons find fir tree growing in man's lung
Never Too Young - 13-year-old boy accused of robbing Illinois bank
License to Drive - Chico man hits gas inside his garage, plows through wall

On this day in history: April 15, 1955 - The first McDonald's franchise opens in Des Plains, a suburb of Chicago. Because it is the first one launched by Ray Kroc, he names it "McDonald's #1" despite the fact that the McDonald brothers had already opened eight of their chain restaurants before they began accepting licensees. Kroc's unfortunate numbering system guarantees perpetual confusion for amateur fast food historians the world over.

Born on this day in history: April 15, 1959 - Emma Thompson (1959- ) Born in London, actress Emma Thompson made her stage debut while still a student. In 1989, she appeared in "Henry V," directed by Kenneth Branagh, whom she married and later divorced (1996). With Branagh, Thompson made several films, including "Dead Again" (1991) and "Much Ado About Nothing" (1993). Other notable films include "Primary Colors" (1998), "Love Actually" (2003) and "Howard's End" (1992), for which she won an Oscar and a BAFTA.

Scripture of the Day: But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. - 1 Corinthians 15:20

Video of the Day: Rodenator - Burrowing Pest Control - submitted by Frank

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

The Wind that plagued us severely yesterday has abated! This is a wonderful relief. The wind yesterday was fierce and unrelenting. It howled throughout the day and night and made what otherwise have been a beautiful day miserable.

Corning Wind Makes National News! Corning, CA, was reported as having the most severe wind of anywhere in the U.S., with winds reported at 48 MPH and gusts up to 56 MPH!

Grilling outdoors was impossible last evening, so I grilled indoors! We enjoyed Johnsonville Brats, Jalapeños, mushrooms, and squash, cooked on the indoor grill. Click to enlarge.

The Mane Thing, Love at First Cite, -and- Never Too Young

The Mane Thing - horses get hair-extensions
Love at First Cite - woman marries traffic cop who ticketed her
Never Too Young - 22-year-old grocery clerk becomes mayor

On this day in history: April 9, 1992 - Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering by a federal court in Miami.

Born on this day in history: April 9, 1926 - Hugh Hefner (1926- ) Born in Chicago, IL, editor and publisher Hugh Hefner grew up in a family of strict Methodists, and then invested $10,000 to start "Playboy" magazine in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe posing nude in the first issue. He went on to influence the country's views on sexuality and to build an empire of Playboy media, real estate, nightclubs and more.

Scripture of the Day: By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:2

Video of the Day: Way of the Guard - submitted by Danica

Imagine my surprise when this enormous butterfly landed upon my arm while I was walking through the park this morning! Click to enlarge.

Today's Weather: It appears that the gloomy, overcast weather that visited upon us yesterday has returned. Yesterday, the afternoon was excellent—following a dreary morning. This morning is equally gloomy, and there were scattered rain drops on Mr. Nitro when I departed for my office at 7 AM.

Must-see Web Site: Caroline!