Sushi and Enjoy

Sushi - We had fully intended to dine upon the wonderful tri-tip we enjoyed Sunday. However: We were in Chico, I was driving, and I found that I was drawn inexorably to Big Tuna!

Big Tuna is a wonderful, small, out-of-the way sushi bistro that is a favorite of ours.

Big Tuna Sushi Bistro
We enjoyed Spider Rolls (fried soft-shell crab, cucumber, and gobo)

Calamari Rings (Panko-breaded calamari rings)

Hamachi Rolls (yellowtail tuna)

Cucumber Sunomono (cucumber slices marinated in rice wine vinegar)

and Seared Tuna (with asparagus and mushrooms in soy butter sauce)

The food was wonderful.

Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!

International Sushi Day, Laughing at Siri, and Gun Control

International Sushi Day - Today is International Sushi Day. I salivate copiously as I write, since sushi is easily my favorite of all things edible! Sushi really has nothing to do with raw fish. It refers to the vinegar-seasoned rice used in making what we refer to as sushi.

There are many types of this dish that are generically (often wrongly) called "sushi." Sashimi is simply slices of raw fish (often salmon or tuna). It is not served with the sushi rice. Nigiri is made from forming a handful of rice into a mound, and placing a piece of seafood over the top. Maki rolls are made from wrapping sushi rice and various fillings inside a seaweed wrapper.

Maki rolls have had the most variations created in Western society. For example, the "California Roll" is made with avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber. There is also the inside-out California Roll that has the rice on the outside. The "Philadelphia Roll" has smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. the "Texas Roll" has tuna, avocado, cucumber, and is rolled in crushed French-fried onions.

And that little mound of green paste next to your sushi? That is wasabi. It is goooooood!

Laughing at Siri - Microsoft laughs at Siri!

Gun Control - Interesting facts concerning liberals and gun violence.

California Schemin', Breaker Breaker, -and- Mommy Dearest

California Schemin' - CA legislators tell school kids to celebrate homosexuality
Breaker Breaker - mom says walkie-talkie picks up trashy trucker talk
Mommy Dearest - woman arrested for driving with small child on roof of car

On this day in history: August 8, 1963 - By tampering with railway signals, a 15 man team halts the Glasgow-to-Euston Royal Mail train in Buckinghamshire. The criminals make off with 120 sacks containing £2.6 million in cash. The incident goes down in history as "The Great Train Robbery."

Born on this day in history: August 8, 1937 - Dustin Hoffman (1937 - ) Born in Los Angeles, actor Dustin Hoffman made his Broadway debut in 1961. His first leading role, in "The Graduate" (1967), led to similar anti-hero roles. He went on to a wider range, winning Oscars for "Kramer v. Kramer" (1979) and "Rain Man" (1988).

Scripture of the Day: But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 3/5

Fairy tales. Click to enlarge.

It is amazing what numbers can do. They say you can do anything with them.

The Beauty of Math

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this:

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

~~~ AMEN ~~~

He's Alive!, Slap!, -and- The Midnight Cowboy Opens His Eyes

He's Alive! - "dead" man awakens before autopsy, asks for glass of water
Slap! - woman attacked husband with frozen lasagna
The Midnight Cowboy Opens His Eyes - Jon Voight praises McCain, repudiates his own Vietnam protests

On this day in history: August 7, 1882 - Ellison Hatfield is stabbed 26 times and shot in the back by Tolbert McCoy and two of his brothers. Two days later, the Hatfield clan captures the three McCoys and executes them by firing squad. Thus begins generations of bloodshed between the families, ultimately causing about 100 casualties.

Born on this day in history: August 7, 1975 - Charlize Theron (1975-) Born in Benoni, South Africa, actress Charlize Theron studied dance and moved to New York to join the Joffrey Ballet. In 1995, a knee injury led to acting. Her first starring role was in the Disney remake of "Mighty Joe Young" in 1998. In 2004, Theron won an Oscar for her work in "Monster."

Scripture of the Day: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her [the woman caught in adultery]." - John 8:7

Video of the Day: Iron Chef Sushi Battle 2/5

This is not surprising. Click to enlarge.

The weather appears to have returned to "normal." It was a high of 102 degrees yesterday, and it is forecast to reach 99 degrees today. The rain that lasted a few seconds early yesterday morning did not return, the storm clouds disappeared, and the lightning strikes ceased. There were no reports of new fires from the lightning strikes. All appears well.

UPDATE: I was mistaken! SEVENTEEN new fires resulted from the lightning strikes! For the most part, these new fires are under control.

Maui, on the other hand, is suffering the worst cold spell in the history of that island!

For dinner Tuesday evening, I cut vegetables and made rice, and Laura stir-fried sliced chicken breasts and the vegetables. Laura dusted the chicken slices with cornstarch, Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and powdered ginger. She stir-fried the chicken until it was browned and added the vegetables—sliced white onion, sliced garlic, sliced mushrooms, sliced celery, and sliced Serrano peppers. When the vegetables were nearly done, she added a package of sugar snap peas and stir-fried for another minute. It was a delicious meal. I added Chinese hot sauce to my rice, topped with the stir-fry, and placed a dollop of wasabi paste on my plate. Laura added teriyaki sauce to her rice and vegetables.

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!

Fighting Back, Grave Injustice, -and- Look up in the Sky!

Fighting Back - man mauled by grizzly kills bear, lives to tell tale
Grave Injustice - investigators seek missing funeral funds
Look up in the Sky! - winged stuntman beats commercial flight

On this day in history: June 9, 1980 - In the midst of a cocaine binge, comedian Richard Pryor attempts suicide by dousing himself with rum and setting it ablaze. The self-immolation attempt goes haywire when the flaming man leaps from his apartment window and runs down the street, screaming in agony. Pryor barely survives the incident, and only after six weeks of intensive care and three skin graft surgeries.

Born on this day in history: June 9, 1963 - Johnny Depp (1963-) Born in Owensboro, KY, and raised in FL, actor and director Johnny Depp left school at 17 to play in garage bands. He gained teen idol status on TV's "21 Jump Street" and today has carved a niche for himself as a serious, somewhat dark, idiosyncratic performer, consistently selecting roles that surprise critics and audiences alike.

Scripture of the Day: People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. - 1 Timothy 6:9

Video of the Day: Amazing Stick Men - submitted by Frank

You in a heap o' trouble, boy! Click to enlarge.

The wind has abated—now that the weekend has passed. The wind that plagued us most of last week returned Friday evening, after a brief respite, and continued through the weekend. It is gone this morning, and today promises to be calm and hot. It is forecast to be 96 degrees today.

Friday even, we had grilled cheeseburgers. Laura incorporated thinly sliced steamed mushrooms and Jalapeños, minced garlic, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and ground black pepper into Sierra Nevada beef. She grilled the patties, topping with extra-sharp cheddar cheese just prior to removing them from the grill. At the table, we applied condiments to sourdough bread and added sliced tomato, sliced onion, and baby spinach leaves. It was an excellent meal.

Saturday evening, I grilled New York strip steaks, large white mushrooms, medium white potatoes, and large Jalapeños. I rubbed the steaks four hours prior to grilling with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper. It was a wonderful meal.

Sunday evening, we enjoyed sushi. I made California rolls with shrimp and avocado, green onion, and Jalapeño slices. It was wonderful.

We watched "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" Saturday evening. [Get ready to globe-trot with one of the big screen's greatest adventurers. When Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) -- the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist -- is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant (resting place of the original Ten Commandments), he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas teamed up to create this all-time favorite.] I had not seen this (or any of the Indiana Jones movies) previously. I enjoyed it a good deal and was impressed by the special effects and video quality of this 27-year-old movie. I highly recommend it.

Sunday evening, we watched "No Country for Old Men." [A hunter (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a dead body, $2 million and a stash of heroin in the woods. He absconds with the cash, but brutal thief Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) comes looking for it, with a local sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) on his trail. The roles of hunter and prey blur as the violent pursuits of money and justice collide. Joel and Ethan Coen direct this dark morality tale, which won four Oscars in 2008, including Best Picture.] The mere fact that this movie won four Oscars should have prepared me for disappointment, but my appreciation of Tommy Lee Jones drove me to want to enjoy the movie. This could very easily be the worst movie I have ever seen—at least, I judge it to be the worst mainstream movie I have ever seen. Surely, there are independent films that are worse yet, but for a major Hollywood movie, this one is truly abysmal. There is a very simple plot, scant plot development, and no character development. The action—what little there is of it—is, for the most part, senseless, gory killing. The one opportunity for special effects comes at the end of the movie, when the hunter's car is T-boned by another car. Unfortunately, this accident is anticipated—so there is no element of surprise—and there are no special effects or dramatic photography whatever. The movie adopts the premise that the depiction of gory, senseless murder is a theme. In actuality, the movie is embarrassingly gruesome and, ultimately, boring.

Spider-Boy, Hot Air, -and- I Put a Spell on You

Spider-Boy - boy has spiders alive in his head
Hot Air - environmental group says children "bad for planet"
I Put a Spell on You - couple burned alive for black magic

On this day in history: May 7, 1959 - Boxing promoter Don King is arrested in Cleveland on suspicion of drug dealing. His criminal record includes a 1955 arrest for arson, a 1954 arrest for murder, and others.

Born on this day in history: May 7, 1919 - Eva Peron (1919 - 1952) political leader. "Evita" was the second wife of Argentine president Juan Peron; she "co-governed" during his first term as president, 1946-52.

Today's Video: Why Men Have Sheds - submitted by Frank

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

Paris Hilton Goes to the Slammer!

One of my brothers was here over the weekend. He will return home to Fullerton, CA today. He was our dinner guest during his stay. Friday evening, we had sushi. Laura ordered a vast array of sushi items from Raley's in Chico and picked up the order on her way home. We ate until we could eat no more, and there was sushi remaining. I devoured the leftovers Saturday morning.

Saturday evening, we had cheeseburgers and margaritas. Laura added minced garlic, poached mushroom slices, and seasonings to ground beef and formed oblong patties to approximate the dimensions of the sourdough buns. When the patties had nearly completed grilling, she added mozzarella cheese slices to them and toasted the buns. Sliced tomato, red onion, and pickle—along with wasabi mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, and spicy catsup—completed the delicious half-pound burgers. They were delightful.

Sunday, we had grilled rib eye steaks and steamed asparagus. The rib eyes were huge and incredibly thick—weighing well over a pound each. Laura applied a spicy dry rub several hours before grilling them with great precision. It was a wonderful meal.

We watched "Happy Feet," "Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties," and "Charlotte's Web." All three movies were excellent, and I highly recommend them.

Fighting Back, Sticker Tricker, -and- Stick to It

Fighting Back - 99-year-old woman fights off home invader
Sticker Tricker - man "buys" everything from Wal-Mart for 75 cents
Stick to It - naked man glued to exercise bike during robbery

On this day in history: May 4, 2001 - After dinner at Vitello's in Studio City, film and television actor Robert Blake remembers that he left something at the restaurant. When he returns to the car, he discovers his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, slumped over in the passenger seat. She had been shot in the head by person or persons unknown. Bakley later dies of her injury. One year later, Blake is charged with the murder. He is found not guilty.

Born on this day in history: May 4, 1796 - Horace Mann (1796 - 1859) educator, politician. He is considered the father of American public education; founder and president of Antioch College, 1852-59.

Today's Video: How a Dog Gets a Ball out of the Pool

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

There is a small pond behind my office. One of the businesses nearby has been dumping toxic waste into this pond. The offending party has been caught and prosecuted, and the dumping has ceased. The damage the toxic waste has done to the catfish in the pond is irreversible, however. They have experienced dramatic mutation. Click to enlarge.

Dinner plans last evening changed when Laura emailed me and declared she was sated by half her lunch and was bringing me the balance. It was a delicious treat from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. restaurant: Italian Pizza Sandwich—thinly sliced black forest ham, pastrami, and salami, served on hand-tossed flatbread with basil pesto, fontina cheese, lettuce chiffonade, in a red wine vinaigrette, with a side of pasta salad with artichoke hearts, penne, and sun-dried tomato. It was a delightful repast.

One of my brothers is visiting for the weekend. He shall come to our house for sushi this evening. Laura will order an assortment of sushi items from Raley's and pick it up on her way home. It has been some time since we have enjoyed sushi, and I am very eager for it.