Fighting Back, The Taxman, -and- Missing

Fighting Back - homeowner shoots, kills masked intruder
The Taxman - Oregon proposes 1900% beer tax hike
Missing - 150 bowling balls disappear from bowling alley

On this day in history: February 17, 1989 - The cinematic masterpiece "Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure" starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter opened in theaters.

Born on this day in history: February 17, 1963 - Michael Jordan (1963 - ) Born in New York City, basketball star Michael Jordan played with the Chicago Bulls from 1984, and was named the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player five times. He holds the record for most points in an NBA play-off game (63), and scored over 50 game points 34 times. He earned his nickname, Air Jordan, for his remarkable athleticism.

Scripture of the Day: For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. -Isaiah 54:5

Video of the Day: Amazing Northern Lights Time Lapse - submitted by Laura

Imagine my surprise when, upon entering the back of my office this morning,
I was greeted by this vulpine creature, welcoming me! Click to enlarge.

RAIN! It has been raining nearly without respite for several days now. The water levels of lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks have risen significantly. The forecasts are for the rain to abate tomorrow. That will be good—should these forecasts prove correct. The ground must be allowed to absorb some of this water.

For dinner last evening, I cooked a box of Barilla thick spaghetti—stopping the cooking process just prior to it becoming al dente. I sautéed fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sea salt in extra-virgin olive oil. I added 90 medium cooked, deveined shrimp and stirred until the shrimp were heated throughout. I added the pasta and slowly stirred until it was incorporated. I sprinkled dried chives and a ground Cayenne pepper / ground chile de arbol mixture atop the pasta. At the table, we added fresh cilantro leaves, red pepper flakes, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese. It was delicious. A quantity followed Laura to Chico this morning, and an amount sufficient for another dinner waits in the refrigerator.

Fighting Back, Unused Minutes, -and- The Taxman Stalleth

Fighting Back - chef uses giant spoon to fend off robber
Unused Minutes - teenage girl goes berserk when dad takes cell phone
The Taxman Stalleth 30-day delay for California tax refunds

On this day in history: January 29, 1919 - Prohibition begins, and with it the rise of organized crime.

Born on this day in history: January 29, 1918 - John Forsythe (1918- ) Actor. Born John Lincoln Freund, on January 29, 1918, in Penns Grove, New Jersey.The eldest son of Sam and Blanche Freund, John briefly attended the University of North Carolina before leaving academia to work as a baseball announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Billed as John Forsythe, he appeared in regional plays before making his Broadway debut as Private Cootes in "Vickie" (1942). The following year, he moved to Hollywood, where he landed supporting roles in the action features "Northern Pursuit" and "Destination Tokyo." While struggling to find suitable film parts, Forsythe studied at the famed Actors Studio, graduating with the school's first commencement class in 1947.

Scripture of the Day: They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. - Psalm 22:5

Video of the Day: Newstopia - iGun - submitted by Frank

Say, "Ahhhh!" Click to enlarge.

My first car was a red 1952 Jaguar XK120. I was 17 years old and a nascent rock star. I unceremoniously declined my mother's offer of her pristine red and white 1955 Chevrolet Bel Aire Sport Coupe. The Chevrolet had a high-performance 283cid engine, factory dual exhaust, and 4-barrel carburetor. She bought the car new, it was still like new, and she wanted a new 1960 Chevrolet Impala convertible.


Today, the Chevy would fetch a vast sum at the Mecum Auto Auction. The Jaguar would garner greatly less enthusiasm there. In 1961, however, the Jaguar seemed the appropriate vehicle for me. It better suited my image—or, at least, what I imagined my image to be. Ah, the foolishness of youth!