Brave New Schools, Jaws of Death, -and- Short People

Brave New Schools - Maine middle school considering birth-control patches for 11-year-old girls
Jaws of Death - man saves wife from crocodile
Short People - world's smallest girl proud of her tiny size

On this day in history: April 7, 1989 - Soviet nuclear submarine Komsomolets sinks in the Norwegian sea, with two nuclear reactors and two nuclear torpedoes aboard. 41 crew members die, and the submarine remains one mile below the surface of the ocean, with its nuclear weapons intact.

Born on this day in history: April 7, 1964 - Russell Crowe (1964-) Born in Wellington, New Zealand, actor Russell Crowe began as a child actor, teen rock singer and in the Australian theater. Breakthrough film roles included 1992’s "Proof" and the controversial "Romper Stomper" (1993). He hit big in the U.S. in "L.A. Confidential" (1997), followed by starring roles in increasingly A-list Hollywood properties, notably "The Gladiator" (2000). Widespread rumors about Crowe’s brash personality have increased with his fame.

Scripture of the Day: For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Video of the Day: Jedi Baseball - submitted by Amber

Will Condi Rice be the next Vice President of the U.S.? Click to enlarge.

The blog is late this morning! We had an issue with an electrical outlet in our kitchen, and I met with an electrician this morning at 7:30 AM. He quickly corrected the problem, and all is now well. This delayed the blog, however. For those who eagerly await it each weekday morning, I apologize.

We watched "Cars" in Blu-ray on our new home theatre equipment. This is easily the best movie with which to demonstrate the awesomeness of Blu-ray. We had seen the movie previously and enjoyed it a good deal, but viewing it in Blu-ray was an incredibly more exciting experience.

One of my brothers came to dinner on Saturday. We had grilled pork tenderloins and potato salad. I made the potato salad Friday afternoon, using baby red potatoes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, white onion, peas, hard-boiled eggs, and dill pickles. For the dressing, I mixed mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, wasabi paste, ground black pepper, Tony Chachere's More Spice, and celery salt. Laura dry-rubbed the pork tenderloins with Tony Chachere's More Spice, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and sea salt. She tossed them onto the grill and nicely charred the exterior. I completed the grilling process, while Laura prepared the table. It was a delightful meal. Following dinner, we watched "Disturbia" in Blu-ray. It was a very suspenseful movie. I recommend it.

Woman Bites Dog, Brave New Schools, -and- Fruit of the Vine

Woman Bites Dog - attacks pit bull to save pet
Brave New Schools - 6-year-old suspended for sexual harassment
Fruit of the Vine - Italian wine under investigation for adulteration

On this day in history: April 4, 1988 - Arizona Governor Evan Mecham becomes the first U.S. governor to be impeached and removed from office in nearly 60 years. He was convicted for obstructing justice by discouraging a state official from investigating a death threat, and also misusing $80,000 in public money.

Born on this day in history: April 4, 1965 - Robert Downey Jr. (1965-) Born in New York City, son of avant-garde filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., actor Robert Downey first appeared in films like "Weird Science" (1985), and gained profile as the flamboyant cocaine addict in "Less Than Zero" (1987). He went on to Charlie Chaplin biopic (1992) and other success. Downey has suffered serious drug and legal problems, serving jail time, but recently re-married and his career is back on track.

Scripture of the Day: But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. - Galatians 4:4

Video of the Day: Expelled Preview of "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." This is a controversial documentary film which claims that educators and scientists are being persecuted for their belief that there is evidence of design in nature. Hosted by Ben Stein, it claims that what the film calls "Big Science" allows no dissent from the scientific theory of evolution, and blames the theory for a range of modern movements from Nazism to Planned Parenthood. It is due to be released on April 18, 2008. Submitted by Laura

Here is the limited-edition Bruce Lee Model Nikon D3! Click to enlarge.

It is considerably warmer this morning than it has been for the last several days. I inadvertently left my jacket in the cargo area of Mr. Nitro yesterday afternoon and found it sufficiently warm this morning that I eschewed it. I walked from the rear parking area to the front of my office and was not particularly troubled by the temperature. The temperature display on the heating/cooling control showed the interior temperature to be 65 degrees. This is 4 degrees warmer than yesterday. The forecast for tomorrow and Sunday are now several degrees warmer than they were yesterday. This is encouraging!

Fighting Back, Daddy Dearest, -and- That Sucks!

Fighting Back - Pizza Hut driver suspended for shooting robber
Daddy Dearest - drunken driver flees crash, abandons injured daughter
That Sucks! - fans willing to donate blood to keep "Moonlight" on air

On this day in history: April 3, 1882 - Notorious outlaw Jesse James is shot and killed in his own home for a $5,000 reward. The assailants are Charles and Robert Ford, both members of the James gang.

Born on this day in history: April 3, 1924 - Marlon Brando (1924-2004) Born in Omaha, NE, actor Marlon Brando played his greatest stage role as Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947), also playing the screen version (1951), which earned four Oscars. Other award-winning films followed, including "The Wild One" and "On the Waterfront" (both 1954). Brando went on to a half-century of intense highs, self-indulgent lows and a tempestuous personal life. He is remembered as a consummate actor.

Scripture of the Day: It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality... - 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Video of the Day: Berkeley Protests Marine Recruiting Center - submitted by Laura

A change in the weather this morning brought unexpected snow. In order to reach my office, it was necessary to employ alternative transportation. Click to enlarge.

The caption for the above story is a lie! It is sunny, warm, there is no wind, the sky is blue and clear, and birds are singing! It is forecast to be in the low 70s today and in the high 70s by Saturday!

Fighting Back, Free Falling, -and- Get in Line

Fighting Back - 12-year-old boy kills man attacking mother
Free Falling - pilot falls out of plane, plane keeps going
Get in Line - man goes berserk at car wash

On this day in history: April 2, - World-famous aviator Charles Lindbergh and Dr. John F. Condon turn over $50,000 in ransom money to an unidentified man in a Bronx cemetery. Lindbergh's kidnapped infant, however, is never returned -- his corpse is discovered the following month.

Born on this day in history: April 2, 1939 - Marvin Gaye (1939–84) Born in Washington DC, singer and composer Marvin Gaye wrote hit "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1968) and other soul classics. In 1961, he married Anna Gordy, Motown president Berry Gordy's sister, and then released a series of Motown hits. The album "What's Going On" (1971) marked his new, socially conscious style. In later years, Gaye was beset by problems, which culminated in being shot to death by his father.

Scripture of the Day: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:2-3

Video of the Day: Bill Clinton Library - submitted by Frank

"And brinig me back a burger!" Click to enlarge.

Beautiful weather! The weather is beautiful today: It is sunny, the skies are blue, and birds are singing loudly. The wind remains absent, and the temperature is forecast to be in the low 70s today and the high 70s by the weekend!

For dinner last evening, I made a salad with Romaine lettuce, English cucumber, red onion, white mushrooms, raw asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, grape tomatoes, bacon, and wasabi sesame seeds. At the table, we added crumbled blue cheese. Laura used a raspberry vinaigrette, and I used ranch dressing. It was wonderful.

Cash or Charge?, Crime and Punishment, -and- I Spy

Cash or Charge? - doomsday cult says credit cards satanic
Crime and Punishment - hoax caller jailed for four years
I Spy - CIA enlists Google's help

On this day in history: April 1, 1996 - Wilson Pickett arrested for possession of cocaine, after a screaming, bloodied woman is seen running from his house.

Born on this day in history: April 1, 1932 - Debbie Reynolds (1932-) Born Mary Frances Reynolds in El Paso, TX, actress Debbie Reynolds gained notice in musical "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), and is best known for "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), opposite Gene Kelly. In 1964, she won an Oscar for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." In later years, Reynolds has split her time among stage, screen and TV appearances.

Scripture of the Day: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1

Video of the Day: A Bad Cat Day - submitted by Laura

What a difference the wind makes! My first thought when exiting our home this morning was that it was significantly warmer than yesterday morning. I quickly realized that it merely appeared to be warmer, because there was no wind! The strong wind that has plagued us for many days has abated—hopefully, for a long while! The weather forecasts have changed: Rain had been predicted for Wednesday. Now, the forecast is for sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. This sounds considerably better!

For dinner last evening, we had penne with Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. I cooked a box of Barilla penne until al dente, drained, and set aside. I sliced white onion, red bell pepper, eight white mushrooms, a head of peeled garlic, and grilled Johnsonville hot Italian sausage. Laura seasoned this with Tony Chachere's More Spice and ground black pepper and sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil. When this was cooked, she added the penne, turned the burner to medium-low, and stirred several times. At the table, we added crushed red peppers and DiGiorno Parmesan cheese. It was delightful. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.