Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Attention Shoppers, Can You See Me Now?, -and- Slipping Out


Attention Shoppers - Wal-Mart blacklisted for Black Friday
Can You See Me Now? - man arrested after cell phone shows him molesting girl
Slipping Out - inmate uses petroleum jelly to escape

On this day in history: November 21, 1980 - Don Henley, drummer for the Eagles, arrested for drug possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor when a naked 16-year-old girl is found in his home suffering from drug overdose.

Born on this day in history: November 21, 1945 - Goldie Hawn (1945 - ____) actress, comedienne, producer. She won an Oscar for "Cactus Flower," 1969; other films include "Protocol," 1984 and "The First Wives Club," 1996.

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

Despite intense opposition from many fishermen, California wildlife regulators are creating the nation's most extensive network of "marine protected areas"—stretches of ocean where fishing will be banned or severely restricted. The first chain of refuges, covering some 200 square miles and stretching from Santa Barbara to Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, is due to take effect early next year. The state plans similar protected zones along the more intensely fished coasts of northern and southern California. Conservationists say such networks are a new approach to saving the oceans from overfishing. They believe California's plan could serve as a model for other states and countries.

Monday, November 20, 2006

No Juice, Bad Image, -and- Scram!


No Juice - some affiliates will not air Simpson show
Bad Image - meteorologist fired over nude MySpace photo
Scram! - school dance turns away homeschooled teen

On this day in history: November 20, 1912 - Mad Bomber Carl Warr enters Los Angeles city jail with 60 sticks of dynamite strapped to himself. After an hour, two detectives attack Warr who then pulls the bomb's trigger. Nothing happens, and the freakishly masked bomber begs police to kill him.

Born on this day in history: November 20, 1925 - Robert F. Kennedy (1925 - 1968) politician, lawyer. He was an aggressive fighter for civil rights and served as U.S. Attorney General, 1961-64.

Be certain to watch this hilarious video! Submitted by Chris. DUI

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

We watched "Something to Sing About." [Tommy (Darius McCrary) worries that he'll never get a break. An ex-con with the voice of an angel, Tommy finds his luck changing when Memaw (Irma P. Hall), a kindly grandmother who hears him singing one day, takes him in. Soon, he's found God, lands a job and has a chance for his big singing break. He's also caught the eye of Memaw's beautiful granddaughter. But Tommy's old friend doesn't believe he's changed, and he must fight for his new life.] This is a good story with good acting and a good soundtrack. It is an encouraging, uplifting movie. I recommend it.

We watched "Hometown Legend." [Divine intervention on the gridiron propels a high school football squad to prominence in this uplifting, inspirational drama. In a town with little hope, the Crusaders, a team of perennial losers, show that a bit of faith can help win battles on the football field and beyond, giving the town -- and the team's newest player, a teenage drifter -- something to believe in. Produced by best-selling Christian author Jerry Jenkins.] The story is almost a cliché, but it is thoroughly redeemed by a well-written and believable screenplay, a surprise ending, and excellent acting. I recommend it.

Friday, November 17, 2006

The Armed Citizen, The Armed Citizens, -and- The Truth About Cats and Dogs


The Armed Citizen - state senator foils robbery by teens
The Armed Citizens - Idaho town asks residents to own guns
The Truth About Dogs and Cats - dog and cat allegedly mate, reproduce

On this day in history: November 17, 1992 - Scaremongering journalists at Dateline NBC falsify a demonstration involving a GM truck exploding on impact. In reality the trucks do not explode on impact.

Born on this day in history: November 17, 1902 - Eugene Wigner (1902 - 1995) physicist. He was the joint winner, with Jensen and Mayer, of the Nobel Prize, 1963, for extensive work on quantum mechanics.

Today's Video: Self Defense

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

Tomorrow is the 11th annual Corning Hometown Christmas. The downtown area will offer food and craft booths, entertainment, and a lighted parade. It may seem odd to have a Christmas event precede Thanksgiving (it seems odd to me), but there you have it!

While on my way to the office this morning, I encountered this albino buck and could not resist stopping to photograph it and share it here. Click to enlarge.





Thursday, November 16, 2006

Call Video Professor!, The Right to Remain Silent, -and- Hog Wild


Call Video Professor! - Larry King admits he has never used the Internet
The Right to Remain Silent - would-be rapist killed by car while fleeing
Hog Wild - millions of feral pigs invade Texas

On this day in history: November 16, 1906 - Opera star Enrico Caruso is charged with an indecent act committed in the monkey house of New York's Central Park Zoo. He pinched the bottom of a woman described as "pretty and plump," causing outrage amongst New York high society. Caruso claimed a monkey pinched the lady's bottom.

Born on this day in history: November 16, 1873 - W. C. Handy (1873 - 1958) composer, singer. "The Father of the Blues" integrated the blues idiom into the then-fashionable ragtime; composed the classic "St. Louis Blues."

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

Crab Season Opens: About 150 crab boats set out midday Tuesday from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, and Bodega Bay minutes after owners agreed on a price with processors. The boats are expected to return loaded with thousands of pounds of crabs for fish markets as the annual Dungeness crab season gets under way. Fishermen will get $1.85 a pound for their catch under the agreement. Consumers are expected to pay an average of about $5 a pound. A state Department of Fish and Game marine biologist predicts a good year, but because California has no trap limits, all the legal-size crabs could be taken quickly and the season shortened.

While on my way to the office this morning, I encountered this freshly painted white line and could not resist stopping to photograph it and share it here. Click to enlarge.





Wednesday, November 15, 2006

In His Image, "If I Did It," -and- Alien Chicken


In His Image - Jesus dolls rejected by Toys for Tots
"If I Did It" - O.J. Simpson interviewed on Fox News
Alien Chicken - KFC targets ETs with huge logo

On this day in history: November 15, 1990 - Producers acknowledge that Milli Vanilli (the 1990 "Best Artist" Grammy Award winners) did not sing on their album.

Born on this day in history: November 15, 1887 - Georgia O'Keeffe (1887 - 1986) painter. She was one of the founders of Modernism and best known for "Black Iris," 1926 and "Cow's Skull," 1931.

Today's Video: Submitted by Katherine. Referee Training

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

For some reason (perhaps the late-night snack of Peanut M&Ms is a contributing factor), my dreams are generally odd. Last night was no exception: I lived in a gated community. I backed my red Dodge Viper out of my garage, closed the garage door with the remote control, and backed into the street in front of my home. As I prepared to depart, a young blond woman appeared and said, "Good morning. My name is Alicia. I just bought the house next door. The moving company is arriving this morning with my furniture and my car, but I must get to work. Could I trouble you to drop me at work? It is near your office." I agreed—not questioning how she knew where my office was (this was, after all, a dream)—and told her to hop aboard. She directed me to her real estate office, thanked me, got out of my Viper, and entered her office. I drove to my office. It was a short distance from her office. From the window of my office, I could see the Viper and her office. At the end of the business day, I saw Alicia walking across the parking lot toward my office. I suddenly realized that the Viper was gone. Alicia entered my office and said, "I thought you might have gone already. I didn't see your car outside." "Apparently," I replied, "someone has stolen it." Alicia looked very sad, tears fell from her eyes, and she said, "I'm so sorry. It was a beautiful car." "Do not concern yourself," I said. "This is only a dream. I really do not own a Viper, so no one could have really stolen it from me." Alicia appeared not to understand and said, "Do you mean you don't think any of this is real?" "I will show you," I said—at which point I awakened.