Mommy Dearest, She's Alive!, -and- Keep Your Eyes on the Road!

Mommy Dearest - parents forget 4-year-old daughter at airport
She's Alive! - "dead" woman sues hospital
Keep Your Eyes on the Road! - man stopped doing 80 MPH in wrong lane, while texting

On this day in history: August 6, 1970 - 750 unkempt Yippies show up at Disneyland, hell-bent "to liberate Minnie Mouse, have free rein of the park and infiltrate Tom Sawyer's Island," according to Youth International Party leaflets. Instead, they wind up scuffling with Disney security and other patrons, eventually prompting Anaheim police to close the park early and forcibly eject the dirty longhairs.

Born on this day in history: August 6, 1928 - Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enigmatic artist Andy Warhol was a founder of the 1960s Pop Art movement. His Campbell's Soup can paintings (1961) made him a celebrity, and his collaborative work, including underground films, was produced in a loft called “The Factory.” In 1969, he launched fashion and gossip magazine Interview, and then created best-selling silkscreen portraits of international personalities. The Andy Warhol Museum opened in Pittsburgh in 1994.

Scripture of the Day: But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs [Those who served as priests in Old Testament times.] as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. - Hebrews 8:6

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 1/5

Imagine my surprise when I discovered the new sushi section at the local market near our house! Click to enlarge.

Yikes! There was lightning throughout the night and morning, and it continues still! Rain fell during the night, but only a small amount—just enough to make Mr. Nitro look truly filthy. The sky looks threatening, and there may be more rain soon. Rain would certainly be preferable to wildfires started by lightning strikes! I pray that there are no more fires and that the rain falls and cleans and refreshes everything it touches!

Relax!, Monkey Business, -and- Slow Down!

Relax! - town wants to ban couches from porches
Monkey Business - Spanish parliament to extend rights to apes
Slow Down! - man arrested after speeding 22 times in 45 days

On this day in history: June 26, 1990 - Irish Republican Army bombs the Carlton Club, an exclusive conservative gentleman's cabal in London.

Born on this day in history: June 26, 1892 - Pearl S. Buck (1892 - 1973) Born in Hillsboro, WV, Pearl S. Buck was raised by American missionary parents in Chinkiang, China. She lived in China until age 40. Her second novel, "The Good Earth" (1931), won the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prize for Literature. In 1964, she established the Pearl S. Buck Foundation to help children.

Scripture of the Day: "I [Darius King of Persia] issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." - Daniel 6:26-27

Video of the Day: How to Make Cheese - submitted by Danica

Here is the birthday/anniversary (she called it a "birthiversary" card Laura made for me! Click to enlarge.

The fires continue. The air quality is horrid. The sky is darkened from the smoke of many fires near here. This morning, there were ashes from the nearby fires on Mr. Nitro. While the ashes were lightly scattered about him, this is the first time I have seen such evidence of the fires. I continue to pray for the welfare of those who have been affected by the fires and for those still in danger from the fires.

Fighting Back, New Sheriff in Town, -and- Slow Down

Fighting Back - armed customer foils bank robbery
New Sheriff in Town - Orange County to review concealed-weapon permits
Slow Down - speeders to pay extra for police fuel

On this day in history: June 19, 1999 - While taking a walk, horror author Stephen King is struck by a van piloted by a distracted Bryan Smith. King's extensive injuries (broken leg, broken hip, lacerated scalp and collapsed lung) remanded him to a hospital bed for three weeks. Smith would later die in his sleep on Stephen King's birthday.

Born on this day in history: June 19, 1962 - Paula Abdul (1962-) Born in Los Angeles, CA, dancer, singer and choreographer Paula Abdul began as an L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer for Janet Jackson. She started recording in 1990, winning a Grammy. After dropping out of the limelight, Abdul re-emerged in 2002 as a judge on Fox’s popular "American Idol" series.

Scripture of the Day: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Video of the Day: Can You Dance Like a 1st-grader? - submitted by Frank

I encountered this scene while passing Corning Lake on the way to my office
this morning. Click to enlarge.

For dinner last evening, we had a user-configured pizza—created from a Red Baron thin-crust pepperoni pizza. I sautéed sliced mushrooms, sliced red onion, and sliced Jalapeños. I sliced cluster tomatoes. I cut cooked bacon into 1-inch sections. Laura removed the pepperoni from the pizza. She spread the mushrooms, onion, and Jalapeño and seasoned with Tony Chachere's More Spice and garlic powder. She added the tomatoes and pepperoni. She covered the pizza with sliced Provolone cheese and scattered the bacon atop it. It was wonderful. Two sliced remained after dining and followed me to my office for breakfast this morning.

Laura documented the creation of the pizza photographically. Tomorrow, I shall feature images of the production of this delightful pizza.

License and Registration, Matchmaker, -and- Heil!

License and Registration - British speeder clocked at 172 mph
Matchmaker - astrologer in court over love spell
Heil! - police find swastika cut into NJ cornfield

On this day in history: September 25, 1980 - After spending the whole day drinking, Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham dies from alcohol poisoning.

Born on this day in history: September 25, 1897 - William Faulkner (1897 - 1962) novelist He wrote about a microcosm of the post-Civil War deep South in "The Sound and the Fury," 1929.

Scripture of the Day: "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." (1 John 2:1)

Video of the Day: It’s JerryTime: Jerry Strikes Back

Here is one of Mr. Nitro’s ancestors—a 1942 Dodge Power Wagon. Click to enlarge.

Here is another of Mr. Nitro’s ancestors—a 1941 Dodge sedan delivery. Click to enlarge.

Last evening, I made penne with marinara sauce. I simmered two pounds of ground sirloin, 12 large white onions (sliced into quarters), 8 tablespoons of Christopher Ranch minced garlic, 5 large cluster tomatoes (diced), sea salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning for two hours. When the liquid had cooked down, Laura added a jar of Classico marinara sauce. I cooked a package of Barilla penne until al dente, drained, and added to the sauce. Laura incorporated the pasta into the sauce and browned some garlic bread under the broiler. At the table, we added DiGiorno grated Italian cheese and crushed red peppers. It was a delightful meal.