Senior-Aged People Need To Visit These National Parks

Above, Yosemite National Park's Tenaya Creek. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My great uncle used to say, "Growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative."

Indeed, now that I have reached 70, I can appreciate that folks in my age group need to keep active. One way to do so is visiting national parks.

There are some national parks more senior-friendly than others. Sports Illustrated has posted a list of national parks that seniors need to visit.

They begin with:

Visiting and exploring national parks is something that everyone, regardless of age, should be able to enjoy. Alas, there are some people who believe that the older they get, the tougher it will be to get out there.

While there may be some intimidation conquering some regions of the United States at an advanced age, there is still plenty for seniors to take in. Some parks even have trails designed specifically to ease the difficulty of the trip.

Jacqueline Kehoe, a Yahoo Creator, put together a list of the best national parks in the country for seniors to visit. 

Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended they take advantage of the American the Beautiful Senior Pass, which provides access to the parks for life at a one-time fee. Also, grab a national parks passport to document all of your adventures.

To see what national parks that are senior-friendly, go here. 

Japan Visitors Set New Spending Record

Above, the Hozomon Gate at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Thanks to the weak Japanese yen, tourist spending in Japan has reached record levels. 

Reuters reported:

TOKYO, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Visitor spending in Japan broke an annual record in just nine months, official data showed on Wednesday, demonstrating the economic power of a tourism boom fuelled by the weak yen.

Travellers spent 5.86 trillion yen ($39.27 billion) through September, preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed. That eclipsed the 5.3 trillion yen spent in all of 2023, a record for any 12-month period.

The current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen is 1 USD = 149.92 JPY.

To read more, go here. 

Can Americans Travel To Cuba?

Above, 1950s U.S. vintage cars can still be seen in Havana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in April 2019, a friend and I took a cruise aboard the Majesty of the Seas of Royal Caribbean to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba.

It was a fun and interesting trip. The interesting part was our visit to Havana. Since I have never been in a communist country before, I thought a trip there would be educational. The Cuban people were friendly. One thing I found, Cuban cigars are overrated, the ones I bought were no better than the Olivas I normally buy. 

Then, two months later, President Donald Trump paused group and cruise ship travel. But, Americans can still travel to Cuba. It is "perfectly legal for US individuals to visit Cuba for one of twelve specific purposes defined by the United States Treasury Department, and to travel on one of the many daily commercial flights to Havana, which mostly depart from Miami," according to travel writer Tony Perrottet in Condé Nast Traveler. 

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article by Perrottlet on the current ins and outs of travel to Cuba.

It begins with:

Even in 2024, the question “can Americans travel to Cuba?” is still frequently asked among US travelers. Few destinations create such simultaneous longing and confusion as this crocodile-shaped island only 95 miles south of Key West. It has held a mythic status since the early 20th century for its vibrant mix of Latin and Caribbean cultures, its hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, its African-influenced music, and its vintage charm; today, Chevrolets and Buicks from the ’50s rattle down Spanish colonial streets in Old Havana that have hardly changed since Ernest Hemingway was knocking back mojitos there.

Yet Cuba has long been a metaphorical forbidden fruit due to political rifts. A web of travel restrictions imposed in the 1960s made it difficult for Americans to make the journey, an idea that still lingers today. And while the limits on tourism were largely lifted in 2016, many still find the prospect daunting.

For some insider knowledge, I spoke to Johnny Considine, founder of the travel agency Cuba Private Travel, a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, and a long-term resident of Havana. We discussed the steps American travelers need to take when visiting Cuba, as well as the best times to go, what to see, and more.

To read more, go here.

15 Money-Saving Secrets Cruise Lines Won't Tell You

Above, at Nassau, the Norwegian Sky is at far left. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Our recent cruise to the Bahamas was with Norwegian Cruise Line aboard a smaller and older shop, Norwegian Sky. 

Cruising on a new mega-ship (thar accommodates 4,000+ people) is not my cup of tea. The Norwegian Sky was just the right size (around 2,000 people). 

During the cruise booking, we signed up for two excursions: jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay and boat/bus tours of Nassau. 

Since a friend and I had taken cruises before, we knew ahead of time how to save some cash. Which is the topic of an article in FinanceBuzz.

They begin it with:

Many cruise lines tout their bargains for the world to see, but there are several ways to save while booking — or even while on board — that these companies are less likely to advertise.

From booking at the right time to avoiding pricey excursions, these 15 lesser-known cruise hacks can help you save serious money on travel this year.

To read more, go here. 

Fernando Valenzuela Hospitalized

Legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has been hospitalized for an unspecific illness. He has stepped down from the broadcasting booth to concentrate on his health.

I have a signed baseball from Valenzuela.

Much has been speculated about the nature of Valenzuela's illness. One person speculated that it is liver cancer.

A recent photo of Valenzuela with former Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax has been posted. His weight loss is very much evident. 

Above, Fernando Valenzuela and Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium
 on August 10, 2024. Photo Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images.

Whatever the nature of his illness may be, best wishes and prayers are extended for his full recovery. 

To read more, go here.

President Nixon’s Lasting Impact On American Indian Life (Video)

 Yesterday morning, I received the following email from the Richard Nixon Foundation.

Five Oklahoma Tribal Leaders to Gather and Assess Impact of Nixon Policies on American Indian Life On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the First Americans Museum and the Richard Nixon Foundation will host a landmark policy conference, Tribal Self-Determination Revisited: President Nixon’s Lasting Impact on American Indian Life. The event will bring together five prominent Oklahoma tribal leaders, along with policy makers and members of the Nixon administration, to discuss, reflect on and assess the ongoing effects —more than 50 years later— of the Nixon administration’s transformational federal policies on American Indian life and tribal sovereignty.

Snow Later In The Week?

Above, the first snow dusting on October 28, 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we are about to get our first chance of snow this week. At least that's according to the National Weather Service.

This is our usual typical "brief" autumn. It us not unusual for us to get some snow in October.

Here's this week's forecast:

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind around 15 mph.

Thursday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. South wind 10 to 20 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night

Rain showers before midnight, then rain and snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 34. South wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

How To Catch New RV Problems Before You Buy

Above, my RV's "shakedown cruise" was a short trip to Las Vegas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Much has been written about problems with new RVs. They really manifested themselves during the pandemic. New workers had been hired and not adequately trained. Parts have been hard to get due to supply chain problems. And so on.

When I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie, the only problem (covered under warranty) was a ceiling vent lid in the bathroom that glued itself shut. 

But, there's a way to catch new RV problems before you shell out thousands of dollars to buy it. Do It Yourself RV has some essential tips on how to catch those problems.

They begin with:

If there’s one sore point in purchasing a new RV, it’s all the new RV problems that come with it. In fact, for those of you who are not in the know, there’s even what we call a ‘shakedown’ period. Technically, a shakedown period occurs every time you take the RV out of long-term storage and hit the road.

However, that very first time is a doozy, and all those feelings of excitement and adventure melt away as the slides fail to move, latches fail to catch, tires blow, batteries die, and the roof leaks. Maybe it’s not as apocalyptic as all that. But, hopefully, we’re driving the point home.

Brand-new RVs are not always the lustrous, shining houses that roll down the road they’re made out to be. But the good news is that you have a very good chance of eliminating these new ownership woes if you’re ready and willing to do a little pre-purchase homework. We’ll tell you how.

To read more (and see some videos), go here. 

 

FBI: Crime Up 4.5%

 

Guess what? Crime isn't down 2.1%, according to the FBI. They just released a "stealth-edit" update: violent crime is actually up 4.5%.https://t.co/hLRWthHKC0

— Tom Bevan (@TomBevanRCP) October 16, 2024

Best Route 66 Campgrounds By State

Above, Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fabled Route 66, which was decommissioned back in 1985, still beckons travelers and history buffs.

I've driven it many times, most recently two days ago, since it is now an alternate route of Interstate 40 from Gallup, New Mexico to Iyanbito of the Navajo Nation. 

Along the way, there are RV parks and campgrounds for RVers and RV Life has listed the best ones by state. I've stayed at three of them.

They begin with:

Traveling to a specific destination is fun, but sometimes you can find more joy in the journey. This is one of the main reasons why Route 66 is still so popular among RVers. Whether you’ve traveled it dozens of times or are preparing for your first voyage this fall, you’ll want to know about some of the best Route 66 campgrounds in each state.

Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” or “The Main Street of America,” begins in Illinois and terminates in California, crossing five additional states along the way. The path has been broken and altered in places, but the majority of the route is still open for business. Along the way, you’ll find lot of unique attractions, museums, and restaurants.

But at the end of each day, you’ll need a place to set up camp. That’s why we’ve compiled the best RV parks in each state you’ll travel through. It’s always good to have a plan mapped out ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to take unexpected stops and have fun along the way! Now let’s get into it: Route 66 is waiting for you!

To read more, go here. 

Sky News Australia: SNL Turns On Kamala Harris

 Sky News Australia has reported that Saturday Night Live has turned against Kamala Harris. 

As evidence, they presented this skit from SNL:

Ships That Got The Best (and Worst) CDC Sanitation Scores

Above, the Norwegian Sky scored a perfect 100 for sanitation in May. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nice to know that a ship I took a cruise on scored well in the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program.

Maybe that's why I didn't contract any illness during the cruise. 

USA Today reported:

Gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus can be unfortunate anywhere, but they can be especially miserable on cruise ships, where they can easily spread without proper sanitation. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program is specifically designed to help keep GI illnesses from spreading on cruises by inspecting vessels, responding to outbreaks, training ship supervisors, and more.  

So far, this year, only two cruise ships have failed inspection, but several others have been close to the edge. Here’s how to find the sanitation reports for any ship sailing to the U.S.  

How are ships scored?  

Ships are scored on a scale of 100 for how well they’re keeping standards set in the VSP Operations Manual and given recommendations for addressing any issues.  

A score of 86 or above is considered satisfactory. Anything below that is considered failing.  

The ship I took on a cruise to the Bahamas in August had scored a perfect 100:

•  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky in May 

It was one of twenty ships that scored 100. 

To read more, go here. 

A Little Drive

Since the weather here in New Mexico looks like it could rain any minute, I decided to take a little Jeep drive on a road inside Cibola National Forest.

I gave the Jeep a good 4 wheel drive workout on a hill near the corral near the entrance to Six Mile Canyon. 

As you can see from the photos below, it is cloudy out. 

Halloween In Jamestown

Last evening, I took a drive around our community in the Jeep and saw this Halloween display at Chris Schumaker's "convention center" (actually, his residence) featuring a 12' tall stripper.

 

Royal Caribbean Will Raise Gratuity Rates Next Month

Above, dinner on board Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the
 Seas (now in mothballs somewhere in Greece) in 2019.

  

Last week, I mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line's gratuities when ordering a cocktail from the Norwegian Sky smoking area bar. It was $20 a pop.

It looks like Royal Caribbean will be raising their gratuity rates starting next month.

USA Today reported:

Royal Caribbean International guests may face steeper bills on their next cruise. The cruise line will raise its recommended gratuity rates next month, according to the company.

Passengers staying in suites will pay $21 per guest each day, up from $20.50, while rates for all other cabin categories will increase from $18 to $18.50.

The changes take effect Nov. 1. Travelers who book and pay their gratuities ahead of that date can lock in the current rate, the cruise line told USA TODAY in an email. 

Gratuities are automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts, but can be adjusted up or down before they disembark. Those funds are “distributed to crew members, including dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services teams as well as others onboard who work to enhance the overall cruise experience,” according to the line’s websi

I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas in 2919. I don't recall the gratuity amount.  

To read more, go here.

Gov. Tim Walz Fudd and The Shotgun

 

On Monday's "Chris Plante The Right Squad," slammed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's failed attempt to appeal to male voters through a staged hunting photo-op.@ChrisPlanteShow @TianaTheFirst @hiltonsbeckham @MatthewFoldi @RobertBluey pic.twitter.com/dDBj5HD0tJ

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 15, 2024

Tsuchinshan–ATLAS Comet

During last weekend's clampout in the Arizona desert, I tried to see the  C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) comet.

Unfortunately, there was a bright moon so I had no such luck. Last night, it was cloudy out so I could not see it. I'll try again tonight.

The only comet I had been able to see, and photograph, was Hale-Bopp. It was bright enough to see without any effort even from downtown Los Angeles and from the Silverlake Reservoir. 

Below is one of my Hale-Bopp photographs taken near Agua Dulce in 1997:

Here's where the Tsuchinshan–ATLAS comet will be:

Photo by: Rob Perillo/KATC.

The Points Guy: Cruise Ship Guide

Above, a cruise ship docked at Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up to now, I have been on three cruises in my life.

The first was with Celebrity in 2001 with my mom and daughter to Alaska. The second was with Royal Caribbean for a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in 2019.

The last was two months ago (already?!) with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

While all were enjoyable, cruising is not my favorite way to travel. I caught some viral bugs with the trips to Alaska and Cuba. I came out unscathed with the cruise to the Bahamas. Considering how many people are packed onboard, it should come as no surprise that one may catch a bug, especially in this era of COVID-19.

I prefer smaller ships (about 2,000 passengers tops) as I don't like crowds. The new mega ships may be nice with a lot of amenities, but I am not thrilled to sail with 3,000 to 5,000 people. I am perfectly satisfied with a smaller ship with good food, plenty of bars, hot tubs/swimming pools and a casino (I've come out ahead on the cruises to Cuba and Bahamas).

Above, the casino during the Key West/Havana cruise. I came
out ahead here playing roulette. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, if one is thinking about taking their first cruise, The Points Guy has a guide to 20 popular cruise lines. 

They begin their guide with:

Thinking about booking your first cruise? The sheer range of choices can be daunting. There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans — no two alike.

The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small-ship operators such as Windstar Cruises.

Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with multiple pool areas, deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements. Others specialize in intimate, boutique hotel-style ships.

Some lines, such as Carnival, are aimed at a budget crowd. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day.

Where should you start your search for the perfect cruise for you? Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. As you'll see, it's not meant to be an in-depth review of the lines. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.

Once you've narrowed down the choices to a few brands that you think best fit your style, do a deeper dive into them and their specific ships, their itineraries and home ports and their comparable costs (either on your own or with the help of a cruise-savvy travel agent). Note that TPG has many in-depth guides to individual lines, which you can find by clicking on our cruise line hub pages linked in each segment below.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico U.S. Senate Debate Tonight

It looks like I'll have to make another batch of popcorn tonight.

The reason being is that the first televised debate between incumbent U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will take place this evening on KOAT.

According to the Albuquerque Journal:

Senate candidates Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will have their first televised debate Monday on KOAT TV. Airing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Channel 7, the debate should touch on some of the most pressing issues facing New Mexicans.

Viewers can also tune in online, where the debate will be available on YouTube.

Republican Domenici and Democratic incumbent Heinrich have spoken about each other in televised attack ads already, but the debate could give voters a chance to see the two political candidates speak to each other and answer direct questions.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To begin the week, we have The Association performing their 1966 hit, "Along Comes Mary" on the Smothers Brothers show.

From Wikipedia:

The Association is an American sunshine pop band from Los Angeles, California. During the late 1960s, the band had numerous hits at or near the top of the Billboard charts (including "Windy", "Cherish", "Never My Love" and "Along Comes Mary") and were the lead-off band at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival. Generally consisting of six to eight members, they are known for intricate vocal harmonies by the band's multiple singers.

Their best-known lineup included Terry Kirkman (vocals, woodwind instruments), Russ Giguere (vocals, guitar), Jim Yester (vocals, rhythm and lead guitar), Jules Alexander (vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Brian Cole (vocals, bass) and Ted Bluechel Jr. (vocals, drums). This lineup recorded their first two albums, And Then... Along Comes the Association and Renaissance (both 1966) before Larry Ramos replaced Alexander in early 1967. With Ramos, the group recorded their third and fourth albums, Insight Out and Birthday. Alexander re-joined in late 1968, and the group released their fifth album The Association in 1969. Keyboardist Richard Thompson replaced Giguere in 1970, with whom the band recorded their final two albums Stop Your Motor (1971) and Waterbeds in Trinidad! (1972). The group has since been through several lineup changes, and has not released any new albums.

At The Clampsite

It was scorching hot during the clampout in Bouse, Arizona. It had to have been over 100° each day. It did cool off during the night. I managed to sleep pretty well with the RV's windows open.

The clampout was the fall doins of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No.  5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus. 

Despite the heat, we managed to have a good time. Saturday night's dinner was barbecued steak with beans and salad. It was good.

Some photos of the clampsite:

Above, Bobby, Tim and Tom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, enjoying tequila sunrises. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, having a tequila sunrise.

Above, outside of my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the clampout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Saturday night's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly doing a Gary Julian impersonation. Photo by Tom Garland.

 

Back From The Clampout

Around 2:30 this afternoon, I got back home in Jamestown, New Mexico from the fall clampout with Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

The clampout was held in Bouse, Arizona, which was part of Gen. George S. Patton's Desert Training Center. It was quite hot during the daytime hours. Sierra remained at home minding the store.

We had a plaque dedication for a new plaque along with a rededication of an older plaque that was relocated a small park. In fact, the park holds s everal clamper plaques along with some military vehicles. It has to be the biggest collection of clamper plaques outside of Murphys, California. They were placed in various years by the Lost Dutchman and/or Billy Holcomb and Squibob Chapters.

The new and old plaques commemorate the A & C Mercantile store, the oldest business in Bouse.

A few photos:

Above, the old plaque is below the new one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the A & C Mercantie store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a row of past ECV plaques. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a WWII tank on display at the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, getting the dedication set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly at the plaque dedication.

Above, the reading of the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Campaign Contributions

The 2024 election campaign is down to the home stretch.

I did my bit for "king and country" by donating to Republican U.S. Senate candidates this morning. 

They are:

• Nella Domenici for New Mexico 
• Sen. Ted Cruz for Texas
• Kari Lake for Arizona 

All were done through WinRed.com. They are handling campaign donations for GOP candidates. To make a donation, go to the WinRed website and look up your state's candidate(s) here.

Black Hawk Helicopter Appears and Damages Supplies With Rotor Wash

 

Another angle of the Blackhawk rotor wash of the supply area in western North Carolina pic.twitter.com/zUSJgWe43D

— Washingtons ghost (@hartgoat) October 7, 2024

From the Western Journal:

Video from a North Carolina disaster relief station appears to show a Black Hawk helicopter damaging the site with its rotor wash.

According to one report, the incident came only 40 minutes after the civilian aid site was allegedly “slow rolled” by a pair of suspicious black SUVs.

The situation unfolded Sunday as people gathered supplies to help Hurricane Helene victims at a Burnsville parking lot.

A video of the encounter showed the helicopter arriving over the parking lot where volunteers and aid were being staged.

To read more, go here. 

John Wayne and The Draft

In recognition of the 82nd anniversary yesterday of the John Wayne movie, Flying Tigers (1942), the official John Wayne Facebook page addressed Wayne's draft exemption during World War II.

They wrote:

“Don’t try to win this war all by yourself.” —John Wayne as Captain Jim Gordon in Flying Tigers⁣​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Today marks the 82nd Anniversary of the release of Flying Tigers (1942). This was John Wayne's first role as a pilot. The New York Times called the film “a first rate aerial circus chock-full of exciting dog fights” adding, “Mr. Wayne is the sort of fellow who inspires confidence.”

Though many had questioned John Wayne's getting an exemption from military service during World War II, it was not entirely his fault. Duke was exempted from service due to his age (34 at the time of Pearl Harbor) and family status, classified as 3-A (family deferment). He repeatedly wrote to John Ford, asking to be placed in Ford's military unit, but Ford consistently postponed it until after he had finished one more film.

John Wayne did not attempt to prevent his reclassification as 1-A (draft eligible), but Republic Pictures was emphatically resistant to losing him; Herbert J. Yates, President of Republic, threatened Duke with a lawsuit if he walked away from his contract and Republic intervened in the Selective Service process, requesting his further deferment.

 

Florida Looters Could Meet Shooters, Gov. DeSantis Warns

Potential looters taking advantage of Hurricane Milton to loot someone's business or home may find themselves staring down a gun barrel, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

During a press briefing, the governor issued a warning that since Florida is a Second Amendment state, looters wanting to loot in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton had better think twice.

According to Florida Politics:

'You don't know what's behind that door.'

Another hurricane brings another unambiguous assertion of Floridians’ right to self-defense from the state’s Governor.

“If you think you’re going to go in and loot, you got another thing coming,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a briefing at the state’s Emergency Operations Center.

“If you go into somebody’s house after the storm passes, think that you’re going to be able to commit crimes, you’re going to get in really serious trouble. And quite frankly, you don’t know what’s behind that door in a Second Amendment state.”

Variations of this theme are a staple of storm press conferences for DeSantis, and Hurricane Milton continues the tradition familiar to Floridians who were around for 2023’s Hurricane Idalia and 2022’s Hurricane Ian. 

To read more, go here. 

Che Guevara Executed 57 Years Ago

Above, an image of Che Guevara on a government building at the 
Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow will mark 57 years since the October 9, 1967 execution of communist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara by Bolivian forces. 

Here's a short video on his execution:

He was buried in secret intending to be never found. But his remains were found in 1997 under an airfield  in Vallegrande, Bolivia.

After being positively identified as Guevara's, the remains were sent to Cuba for burial. 

Here's a video on the finding:

Watchdog Found $7 Billion In Untapped FEMA Funds

 

Watchdog found $7B in untapped FEMA funds — even though DHS Secretary Mayorkas said none available for future disasters https://t.co/sKOahimGfp pic.twitter.com/8Nwi67kuHW

— New York Post (@nypost) October 7, 2024