Off to Never-Never Land, Heat of the Moment, -and- Separation of Church and State

Off to Never-never Land - Michael Jackson faces forced sale of ranch
Heat of the Moment - temperature monitors report worldwide global cooling
Separation of Church and State - IRS investigating Obama's church

On this day in history: February 27, 1977 - Rolling Stone Keith Richards arrested in Toronto with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg for possession of heroin. Found guilty at trial over one year later, he manages to get off with a suspended sentence plus benefit concerts for the blind.

Born on this day in history: February 27, 1932 - Elizabeth Taylor (1932– ) Born in London, film star Elizabeth Taylor was a child actor, notably in "National Velvet" (1944). Later films included "Butterfield 8" (1960), which earned her an Oscar, and "Cleopatra" (1962), which led to her well-publicized marriage to Richard Burton. With Burton, Taylor made several more films, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966). In 1985, she founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research. She has been married eight times, including to U.S. Senator John Warner (1976–82). Taylor became a dame in 1999.

Scripture of the Day: Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries." - Daniel 2:27-28

Video of the Day: Star Wars according to a 3-year-old

Don't tell Bill I'm quitting. He's having fun.

Due to financial issues, Bill's campaign for Hillary has been scaled down considerably.

Beautiful weather! It is another beautiful day today. It is forecast to be 70 degrees today and warmer yet tomorrow and Friday. The weekend promises to be in the mid-70s. While spring is 23 days away, this weather is very spring-like, and it is very welcome!

Fighting Back, Unearthly, -and- Can You Hear Me Now?

Fighting Back - telephone-wielding grandmother chases off man with Taser
Unearthly - man convinces girl he is part werewolf, part vampire
Can You Hear Me Now? - Blackberry service outage in North America

On this day in history: February 12, 1967 - Police in London arrest Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Marianne Faithfull after they discover amphetamine pills, cannabis resin and Marianne scandalously naked but for a fur rug. The two Rolling Stones received jail sentences which were successfully appealed.

Born on this day in history: February 12, 1809 - Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) Born near Hodgenville, KY, 16th President Abe Lincoln (1861?5) was the first president elected from the anti-slavery Republican Party in 1860, which led Southern states to form the Confederacy. In the civil war that followed, the inexperienced Lincoln proved an extraordinary leader and eloquent public speaker in such addresses as the Gettysburg Address (1863). Lincoln was assassinated by Southern fanatic John Wilkes Booth.

Scripture of the Day: "Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." - Jeremiah 2:12-13

Video of the Day: Matrix Ping Pong - submitted by Amber

I have been playing about with a new logo. Click to enlarge.

Laura returned yesterday afternoon. She had an excellent visit with her daughter, granddaughter, son-in-lay, and sister in Tucson, Arizona. She reported that the weather was lovely, with temperatures in the upper 70s.

I made spaghetti with Italian sausage marinara sauce for dinner last evening. After four days of eating un-spicy food, Laura commented on the heat level of the dish! I simmered sliced white mushrooms, sliced white onion, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and sliced Johnsonville Italian sausage in Cabernet Sauvignon, seasoning with Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. When this had simmered for two hours, I added a jar of Classico four-cheese marinara sauce and allowed to simmer an additional 30 minutes. I cooked a package of Barilla thick spaghetti until al dente, drained, and placed into a large pasta bowl. I poured the sauce over the spaghetti. Laura stirred this, covered with aluminum foil, and took it to the table. I spread I Can't Believe It's Not Butter on two large slices of sourdough bread, cut into halves. I spread minced garlic over this and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and Italian seasoning. I placed in the conventional oven, under the broiler, and Laura tended to this until the bread was toasted nicely and brought it to the table. It was a delicious meal, and Laura declared she had missed my cooking greatly.

It was 72 degrees here yesterday afternoon. It is forecast to be warmer yet this weekend. Today, it is overcast yet warm. The clouds are predicted to clear by mid morning.

Lockdown, Mommy Dearest, -and- Fiddling Around

Lockdown - jailers fired for encouraging fashion show
Mommy Dearest - 7-year-old girl shot 6 times saving own mother
Fiddling Around - Toyota's new robot can play the violin

On this day in history: December 6, 1969 - A concert by the Rolling Stones at Altamont ends in the death of a fan at the hands of the Hells Angels, who were hired for security.

Born on this day in history: December 6, 1896 - Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) Born in New York City, lyricist Ira Gershwin began his long collaboration with brother George in 1918, creating classics like "The Man I Love" (1924). He also contributed lyrics to "Porgy and Bess" (1935). Later, Gershwin collaborated with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern and Harold Arlen.

Scripture of the Day: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me; just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)

Video of the Day: Terry Fator, Part 4 of 5 - submitted by Frank

I happened upon this scene on my way to the office this morning. Some might consider this fox lazy, but I think he is sly! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Site: Corning California Net - A free forum for Corning, California!

Recommended Site: Nikon Photographer - A free forum for all photographers (NOT just Nikon users!) and anyone interested in photography!

It is raining! Yesterday was beautiful and sunny, but today is dark, dreary, and wet. I am pleased that I went shopping yesterday. Shopping in the rain is a most unpleasant task.

[While I slept] I arrived home from my office and was greeted by my cat, Zeus. He generally greets me by rubbing against my legs as I walk into the house and leaping onto the dining room table as I near it, where he then positions himself to receive petting. He did not do this, however. He pressed himself tightly against my leg and would not move. His body shook. At first, I imagined that he was ill, but touching his nose indicated that he was not. I looked into his eyes and saw fear! Zeus had been frightened by something! "Zeus," I said, "what has frightened you?" Zeus lifted his paw and pointed at the monitor for Laura's computer. Onscreen was a local news story with the headline, "Cat Burglar Strikes Again!" I bent down, took Zeus into my arms, stroked his soft fur, and said, "Zeus, fear not! A cat burglar is a thief who uses stealth while stealing. It is not someone who steals cats!" Zeus looked up at me and meowed. The fear was gone from his eyes!