Never Too Young, Girls Gone Wild, -and- Free-falling

Never Too Young - school accuses 5-year-old of sexual harassment
Girls Gone Wild - MADD cuts ties with Miss Teen USA
Free-falling - skydiver survives 15,000-foot plunge

On this day in history: December 21, 1970 - President Nixon meets with prescription drug addict Elvis Presley at the White House to discuss The King's becoming a special drug enforcement agent. He presents Nixon with a pistol and receives a special DEA badge in return.

Born on this day in history: December 21, 1940 - Frank Zappa (1940 - 1993) singer, guitarist, philosopher, actor. He was the lead guitarist of "Frank Zappa & Mothers of Invention;" now has a planet in the galaxy, Zappafrank, named in his memory.

Today's Video: Awesome 1/3-scale Ferrari. Submitted by Frank.

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

It rained during the night and is raining now. It is wet, but it is considerably warmer than it was yesterday. RAMMMMM was thirsty this morning and required fuel. He guzzled 22.779 gallons of 89-octane fuel for $61.01. His thirst was slaked, although his fuel tank remained over 1/3 empty. He is a beast; there is no doubt.

On my way to the office this morning, I encountered this charming scene of children at play. "Hurry, Daddy!" one called. "Come see the little kitties!" Click to enlarge.

It's Alive!, Big Brother, -and- Run!

It's Alive! - UK says robots to have rights
Big Brother - facial recognition makes finding Web photos easier
Run! - people flee as 120 elephants run amok

On this day in history: December 20, 1957 - Elvis receives orders from the draft board to serve in the United States Army, which he does without complaint.

Born on this day in history: December 20, 1881 - Branch Rickey (1881 - 1965) baseball player, manager, executive. He devised the farm system of training ballplayers, 1919; broke the color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, 1946.

Today's Video: Awesome M-60 Torture Test. Submitted by Phillip.

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There was ice on RAMMMMM's windshield this morning! Brrrrr! Fortunately, there was no wind!

We had burritos last evening, made with shredded pork sirloin, rice, salsa, and Habanero sauce. We used the new Mission multi-grain tortillas for the first time. They are very tasty, but they lack the flexibility of the Mission flour tortillas and must be rolled up with great care.

Tonight, we shall have sautéed catfish fillets and yellow squash with garlic, Jalapeños, red onion, and cluster tomatoes.

I was surprised and disappointed by Donald Trump's decision to give Miss USA "a second chance." Certainly, she violated the conditions of her contract and should have been dismissed. I believe Trump's decision sends the wrong message—proposing, in effect, that a contestant from a small town may be excused for being seduced by the big city and that her alcohol and drug use was not altogether her fault. I say this is patently wrong.

Going to Pot, Critters, -and- Cruel to Be Kind

Going to Pot - woman arrested for marijuana-filled Christmas card
Critters - 52 new species found in Borneo
Cruel to Be Kind - lethal injections outlawed in California

On this day in history: December 19, 1991 - Yankee's pitcher Steve Howe arrested for criminal possession of cocaine. It's merely one of NINE TIMES this has happened (and seven suspensions, plus one drunk driving arrest.)

Born on this day in history: December 19, 1910 - Jean Genet (1910 - 1986) dramatist, author. He transformed erotic material into poetic vision, e.g., "Our Lady of the Flowers," 1942 which was a cult classic.

Today's Video: Metal Storm - awesome 1,000,000-round-per-minute gun! Submitted by Phillip.

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

What Are You?, You're in the Army Now!, -and- Grrrrr!

What Are You? - silver medalist loses medal over failed gender test
You're in the Army Now! - Tucson military recruiters ran cocaine
Grrrrr! - pit bull sends U.S. Postal Service packing

On this day in history: December 18, 1940 - Hitler formulates plans, issued today as Directive 21, for the invasion of Russia. The intent of Operation Barbarossa was to destroy the Red Army. Fighting on two fronts eventually caused Germany's defeat.

Born on this day in history: December 18, 1916 - Betty Grable (1916 - 1973) actress She was a WW II pin-up girl; her marriages included Jackie Coogan and Henry James.

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Laura submitted this great Web site: Elf Yourself - visit this Web site, supply a photograph of yourself (or someone else), and prepare to be amused!

Saturday morning, Laura and my mother journeyed to the Abbey of New Clairvaux a few miles from here, where they engaged in wine tasting. Laura bought two bottles of Zinfandel.

The weather yesterday was sunny and (relatively) warm. The barbecue cried out to us to be put into service! We went shopping at Safeway after attending the 8:30 AM service at Harvest Christian Center and snatched a large London broil to toss upon the grill. Laura did a spicy dry rub on the beast and grilled it perfectly—charred on the outside and rare in the center. I made a salad with Romaine lettuce, red bell pepper, white mushrooms, celery, and pear tomatoes. We enjoyed one of the bottles of Zinfandel from New Clairvaux. The meal was delightful.

Bad Example, Invasion USA, -and- Thump Thump

Bad Example - company director passes out on railroad tracks
Invasion USA - border fence firm caught using illegals
Thump Thump - TV chef puts roadkill on the menu

On this day in history: December 15, 1944 - En route to Paris, "swing" big band leader Glenn Miller vanishes over the English Channel. Miller, listed as Missing In Action, was serving as a Major in the Army Air Force Band when his plane went down.

Born on this day in history: December 15, 1888 - Maxwell Anderson (1888 - 1959) dramatist. His plays include "Key Largo," 1939 and the Pulitzer-winning "Both Your House," 1933.

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

It was cold last night! When I left for the office this morning, I saw this ice formation on our lawn! Click to enlarge.