All Navajo Tribal Parks To Be Closed During Annular Eclipse Oct. 14

Above, the start of the "diamond ring effect" of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I had guessed in my September 19 blog post of the closure of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park during the October 14 annular solar eclipse, all other Navajo tribal parks will be closed during the event.

According to Space.com:

A solar eclipse will be visible across most of the Americas, including eight U.S. states from Oregon to Texas, in October, but you won't be able to see it from a few key places after all. 

While millions of people will be flocking to the path of annularity — the narrow strip from which the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse can be seen — there are some locations along this path that will be closed to the public during the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14. 

This month, it was announced that all Navajo Tribal Parks would close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT on October 14, 2023, due to Navajo cultural beliefs surrounding the event. This includes Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park and parts of the Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Local businesses may also be closed.  

In Navajo culture, an eclipse is a new beginning. The Navajo word for a solar eclipse jóhonaa'éí daaztsą́ means "the death of the sun" according to Navajo Traditional Teachings. During a solar eclipse, many Navajo people will remain inside, fasting and praying.

To read more, go here.

Precious Metals Declined

Precious metals aren't doing so well this week. But this is temporary, because what goes down, must come up. The current COMEX spot price for silver is shown above. 

According to Coin News:

On Tuesday, for a second consecutive day, precious metals declined together, with losses ranging from 0.5% for palladium to 1.1% for platinum. Gold ended the day at a more than five-week low.

"Gold and silver prices are down and near daily lows in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. U.S. Treasury yields are on the rise and near multi-year highs, while the U.S. dollar index today scored a 6.5-month high. Both are bearish outside market forces constricting the precious metals bulls," Jim Wyckoff, a senior analyst at Kitco Inc, said in a daily research note.

In regards to silver, Coin News reported:

Meanwhile, silver for December delivery settled down 18.9 cents, or 0.8%, to $23.196 an ounce. The close was the weakest since Sept. 14. Silver futures ranged from $23.10 and $23.39. They dropped by 1.9% on Monday.

To read more, go here.

Gov. Newsom Signs Sweeping Radical Gun Control Laws

It is a sure bet that lawsuits will be pouring out as a result of new gun control bills signed by radical leftist Gov. Gavin Newsom in California.

As time goes on, it is more obvious to me that I made the right decision to move out of Commiefornia!

The Daily Caller reported:

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several gun control bills into law on Tuesday that add heavy taxes for gun purchases and severely restrict where citizens can legally carry in the state, a video of the signing showed.

The laws will raise the eligible age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, add an additional 11% excise tax to all gun sales and place expansive restrictions on where California citizens can carry guns, including within 1,000 feet of a school, at a public gathering, at a park, at or near a church, on a sidewalk next to a park and any parking lots. Newsom framed the move as a response to the “rights reduction” caused by gun laws that function under a “1790s framework,” a recording of the signing showed.

To read more, go here. 

Social Security and A Government Shut-Down

This coming Sunday, if the congress (House and Senate) and the White House don't come to an agreement on a spending bill, the government will shut down.

What does that mean for those of us geezers who are collecting Social Security? Nothing.

According to NBC News (via AOL):

If the federal government shuts down on Sunday, numerous publicly funded agencies will stop work and their employees won't be paid, but Social Security checks will still go out.

Social Security is considered a mandatory program and it isn't funded by the shorter-term appropriations bills passed by Congress and signed by the president. That means its operations and funding don't stop when the government shuts down.

That's important for a large portion of Americans, as about 67 million people are currently receiving monthly Social Security benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. Those benefits primarily go to retirees, but also to people with disabilities as well as dependents of deceased beneficiaries.

Medicare and Veterans Affairs benefits also continue being distributed during a shutdown.

To read more, go here. 

Money Magazine's Review of Progressive RV Insurance

Above, camping at Lake Cachuma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are looking to change their insurance carriers on their RVs or who are new (or about to be new) to become an RV owner, the following should be put under consideration.

It is Money magazine's review of Progressive RV insurance, including pros and cons.

I insure my motorhome through Progressive and have done so for the five years since I've owned it. I find the premium to be reasonable. So far, I have had no need to file any claims. (Knock on wood.)

The review begins with:

Progressive is the largest motor insurance carrier in the U.S. and provides some of the best RV insurance because of its different coverage types. The company also offers numerous add-ons that allow you to customize your policy. Read our Progressive RV insurance review below to learn about its coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and the pros and cons of buying a policy with this company.

To read the review, go here. 

Sen. Menendez Refuses To Resign

New Jersey Democrat Senator Bob Menendez is in hot water over his indictment on bribery charges.

However, he is defiant and refuses to resign.

From ABC News:

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., signaled Monday that he will remain in office despite pressure to resign after being indicted on corruption charges.

Menendez was defiant as he delivered his first public remarks since the Sept. 22 indictment. He spoke in Union Station, New Jersey, where he started his political career four decades ago. He didn't take any questions from the press.

"Everything I've accomplished I've worked for despite the naysayers and everyone who has underestimated me," he said. "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator."

Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes in exchange for wielding his power to enrich three businessmen -- Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daides -- and benefit the Egyptian government. Those bribes, according to prosecutors, included gold bars, a luxury convertible car, home mortgage payments and more.

To read more, go here. 

Gold, Silver Spot Prices Weaker

Above, a 90% silver 1976 Kennedy gem proof half dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gold and silver spot prices started the week yesterday on a downward note. It hasn't gotten any better today (as yet).

Personally, I see this as an opportunity to buy more silver (gold is too overpriced for my taste). COMEX silver spot price is around $23.13/toz as this is written.

From Kitco News:

(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are weaker in early U.S. trading Tuesday. Technical selling is featured in both precious metals as the charts remain in bearish postures. U.S. Treasury yields have been on the rise and are near multi-year highs, while the U.S. dollar index hovers near a 6.5-month high—both bearish outside market elements for the metals. December gold was last down $5.50 at $1,931.10 and December silver was down $0.105 at $23.28.

To read more, go here. 

FBI Accused of Keeping Gold Coins, Silver of Private Citizens

The reputation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been severely tarnished in recent years. The following won't to anything to restore its luster, but quite the opposite, unfortunately.

From CoinWeek:

Civil forfeiture is a controversial tactic of government and law enforcement agencies. Your property can be taken without criminal charges levied against you, and it’s up to the Government to decide when (or if) you get it back.

But two people in the Los Angeles area–people who might be considered typical bullion customers and investors in precious metals–are fighting back against this policy in a court of law, with the help of a lawsuit filed by the non-profit Institute for Justice.

Don Mellein, a 79-year-old retiree, and Jeni Pearsons are accusing the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) of losing or stealing their gold and silver coins after the business where they stored the precious metal was raided on March 22, 2021. Neither were accused of any crime.

U.S. Private Vaults, based in Beverly Hills, California, had been under investigation by the FBI for knowingly renting safe deposit boxes to certain customers who then used the boxes to store illegal drugs. The warrant authorizing the raid focused on the company itself and explicitly excluded the seizure of boxes belonging to private customers. The FBI assured the issuing judge that any property taken from uninvolved customers would be held merely for “safekeeping” until such time that the agency could properly return it to the rightful owners. Drugs were indeed found – along with cash, firearms, gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuables. 

All told, around 1,400 customers of U.S Private Vaults had their property seized. These customers (including Mellein and Pearsons) all received the same form letter informing them about the civil forfeiture of their property.

There is much more to this story, including a class-action lawsuit. To read more, go here. 

House Panel Passes Bill To Thwart CBDC

Some good news has come out of the House of Representatives. It is a first step in thwarting the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), but it is an important step nonetheless.

From Banking Dive:

The House Financial Services Committee last week passed a bill that would stop the Federal Reserve from working on a central bank digital currency, giving the full House a chance to consider the legislation.

The bill would amend the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit Federal Reserve-supervised banks from issuing “a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label, directly to an individual,” according to the text of that proposed bill, H.R. 5403. 

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-MN, who is also the House Majority Whip, proposed the bill, which he refers to as the “CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act.” It was passed by the committee Wednesday to the House floor. 

To read more, go here. 

Pipe Break Fixed

The pipe break near the fire station has been fixed. The water is back on.

There's air in the lines, but that should be resolved as time goes on. There's some rust in the water, but that's also resolving.

A big "thank-you" to the Whispering Cedars Water Association repair crew for getting on it right away.

Nandoh Munoz posted this photo on Facebook of the repairs in progress. The fire station is in the background.

 

Gas Prices In Redlands, California

Gasoline prices have been rising drastically lately, it is worse in some areas than in others.

My "honorary sister" sent this photo of gasoline prices taken in Redlands, California last night. Redlands is a small city in San Bernardino County just off Interstate 10.

Her only comment was, "FJB".

Welcome to the "People's Utopia of Commiefornia".

AAA National and California Average Gasoline Prices

 Self-explanatory.

I paid $3.709 in New Mexico today.

30 Ridiculously Beautiful Places In Arizona

Above, Tucson district of Saguaro National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now is the time to visit Arizona. The temperatures during fall are moderating and by going now, you'll beat the influx of snowbirds (RVers from northern and colder climates) and get a campsite.

Travel Lens has posted an article on 30 "ridiculously" beautiful places to visit in Arizona.

They begin it with:

Arizona, often dubbed the Grand Canyon State, is a mosaic of contrasting landscapes and cultures. From its sprawling deserts to snow-capped peaks, the state offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural richness.

To see what they are, go here. 

No More Red Cliffs Rum

Above, Honeyville in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things I always do whenever I am in Durango, Colorado is to stop at Honeyville at the north end of town to pick up a bottle of Red Cliffs rum. This I did during my trip to Ridgway or, at least, tried to do.

Honeyville discontinued it.

They said that they weren't selling enough to continue it, so they stopped brewing it last year.

Above, getting some Red Cliffs rum last year at Honeyville.

It was a great-tasting rum with some spice to it. It was better, in my opinion, than the rum I bought in Cuba in 2019.

This was definitely disappointing. 

How Much Does It Cost To Winterize An RV?

Above, winterizing is still necessary even though my
 motorhome has its own garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Half Marathon and 5K in Ridgway, Colorado last Saturday, summer ended and fall began.

That means cold temperatures are just around the corner, especially at night. In some areas, early snows can arrive in October. This is the time to think about winterizing the RV.

When I lived in Los Angeles, I didn't have to winterize the RV. Since I moved to New Mexico, it is something I have to do each year as it gets below freezing (32° F) often even though I have an RV garage.

One may wonder, how much does it cost to winterize an RV? That is the topic of an article from Do It Yourself RV.

They begin it with:

For many of us, the summer heat is dying down, so we need to start planning for fall and winter. If you don’t use your RV all year long, this may be the period when you store your vehicle for a few months. Before you park your RV in your backyard or drop it off at a storage facility, you’ll need to properly winterize it. But how much does this cost?

Winterization may cost less than $50 if you stick to a budget, but it can also add up if you factor in the extra cost of cleaning, maintenance, specialty parts/products, and a storage facility. Essentially, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want! In order to get a proper level of winterization, though, you will usually need to spend at least a bit of money.

With that in mind, let’s break down some of the different parts of winterization and how much they will each cost. Your RV may require more or less care than others, so the price will always vary. But after consulting the content below, you should have a good idea of how much you might spend this coming winter.

To read more, go here. 

RV Wind Protection

Above, at camp in Barstow, California in 2017 before the winds kicked up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping or driving in windy conditions is no fun. The worst I experienced was in 2017 in Barstow, California during a clamp-out. The winds got to bad it ripped up awnings, blew tents like tumbleweeds and kicked up dust. I remember it as I was just getting over bronchitis at time.

There are things one can do to minimize the misery of camping and driving in windy conditions. RV Life has posted some "tips and tricks" for smoother travels.

They begin with:

You never know what kind of weather you might run into during your RV travels. Storms are a bit easier to predict, but wind can spring up when you least expect it! But as a general rule, fall and winter tend to have more extreme weather. It can be a real hassle to protect your RV and your campsite from the wind, but there are always some things you can try. Let’s talk about wind protection and how you can stay safe in the campground and on the road!

In most cases, wind is just an annoyance. Nobody likes to deal with gusts of air ruining their hair, blowing smoke in their face, or lifting camp chairs off the ground. But there are some circumstances where windstorms become downright dangerous. It’s rare to see gusts that are strong enough to rock or tip your vehicle, but it’s always a possibility.

Being proactive against wind can make a huge difference during your next trip. You can have an infinitely better experience by tweaking a few habits and being especially careful while you’re driving. Selecting the right campground and site can also make a windy day more bearable. Read on to hear our best tips and tricks for RV wind protection this fall.

To read more, go here. 

Water Leak Near The Fire Station

Above, the water tank that feeds our end of the subdivision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the water will be turned off for the better part of the day today.

A water leak has sprung up near the fire station, so the water will have to be shut off while repairs are made. 

This may be the first water leak we've had on our end (green water tank) of the subdivision since I've moved here. The others have been further up the hill that is fed by the white water tank. 

I'll have to jump into the shower before the water is shut off.  

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. 

The passing of Canada's Gordon Lightfoot in May at age 84 saddened fans around the world. Still, he had a great run and was active practically to the end.

I had previously posted his songs "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (just hit the "Gordon Lightfoot" tag link below to get to them), so to start off the week, here is "Carefree Highway", one of my favorites.

In and Around Ridgway, Colorado

Above, the cow pasture next to Basecamp 550 with its giant American flag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I was in Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon and 5K, I stayed at Basecamp 550 RV Park just south of town.

Ridgway is ten miles north on Highway 550 of Ouray. 

Above, driving through Ouray on Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is next to a cattle pasture that is notable for a giant American flag.

It is an older campground that has a mix of RV spaces and glamping cabins. The management were friendly and helpful.

I got there Friday afternoon. After resting up after my six-hour drive from New Mexico, I headed into town to go to the True Grit Café where the marathon check-in was taking place. I got my gold volunteer shirt while there. I stayed for dinner and tried their Cajun salmon. It was excellent. So far, I tried the salmon and their chili (at different times) and was not disappointed in either.

While walking to the café, I took a photo of the store used in True Grit (1969) as the undertaker business (actor Hank Worden was the undertaker in the movie). I noticed that the old firehouse is being renovated and expanded to include dining and retail space. It looks to be a nice project.

Naturally, I took some photos.

Above, at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Madame Moo". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, relaxing after arriving at Basecamp 550.

Above, the undertaker's in True Grit (1969). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, construction work at the firehouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view from my table at True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, John Wayne movie stills and poster in the True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the glamping cabin tents at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again

Above, at the Ross Family ranch set from True Grit (1969).

This morning, I headed out of Colorado for New Mexico.

Before leaving, I was going to empty the motorhome's holding tanks, but the cap to the outlet (or is it inlet?) was stuck tight. So I decided to skip it and find an RV dump station along the way.

I got on the road at about 7:00 this morning. The drive was a pleasant one with a mix of pine trees and aspens, which were in their fall colors.

Above, the house used as the Ross Family home in True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The price for gasoline in Colorado was over $4.04/gallon, so I decided to get gasoline in Farmington, New Mexico for $3.99. The drive was mostly downhill and I was able to coast the motorhome. I had over a quarter tank of gas starting out of Ridgway. When I reached Farmington, I had just under a quarter tank.

Above, the Welcome To Colorado sign on Highway 140. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took the longer, but more scenic Highway 140 out of Colorado to Farmington. I tried to go to the Fort Lewis Country Store, but I couldn't locate it and there were no cars around to indicate where it was. So I gave up.

Before leaving Colorado, as I was entering Durango, I saw the 8:30 Durango train heading out of town. 

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided to use the dump station at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. I've stayed there twice. So I paid their fee and emptied the holding tanks. Since the nighttime temperatures are dropping, it is best to keep the tanks empty.

I got home at 1:25. Before reaching home, I stopped at Big Ass Burger in Thoreau to get a cheeseburger and their famous curly fries.

All in all, it was a good trip.

Yesterday At Ridgway's Grit Series Marathon

Above, Ethan Wayne and yours truly.

 

Yesterday was an enjoyable day at the Ridgway, Colorado Grit Series marathons for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

I was assigned at the aid station just outside the fence to the Ross Family ranch set used in "True Grit" (1969). 

The first group of runners were of the half marathon. They were later followed by the 5k runners. Our aid station was the turnaround location for the 5k.

When I arrived at the marathon start/finish location, I was greeted by Ethan Wayne. Patrick Wayne did not attend. I heard that he was having some sort of procedure done. I hope he will be well enough to attend next year.

After the races were done and on my way out, I stopped to hand Ethan Wayne a donation check in memory of Bill Wilson and in Mike Hobbie's name (who is currently battling lung cancer.

6 Tips For Scoring A National Park Campsite

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finding a campsite in a national park isn't as easy as it used to be.

These days, most parks have a mix of reservations-only and first-come, first-served. The numbers of sites that are first-come, first-served are dwindling as they are being turned into reservations-only sites.

With more people in RVs, getting a campsite it tougher, but it can be done. I have managed to get a campsite at Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and Lassen Volcanic National Parks in recent years.

RV Travel has posted six tips for scoring a national park campsite.

They begin it with:

National parks are among the most popular places for RV travelers. The National Park Service reported that it had more than 312 million visitors in 2022. Add record-breaking RV sales and rentals over the last few years, and you have a huge demand for national park campsites. Unfortunately, that makes it even harder than ever to actually get a coveted reservation.

Here are some tips for scoring a national park campsite:

To see what the tips are, go here. 

Moderate Weather For Ridgway This Weekend

Above, Patrick Wayne at last year's Ridgway Grit Series Marathon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The weather this weekend in Ridgway, Colorado, the site of the Grit Series Half Marathon and 5K for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, will be moderate.

There are reports that some areas of the Rockies will be seeing rain or snow, especially in the higher elevations. Thankfully, Ridgway won't be one of them.

According to the National Weather Service, this weekend's forecast in Ridgway:

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light south southwest after midnight.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 72.

2 Million Visitors Arrived In Japan In August

Above, Asakusa's 5-storied pagoda. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism industry is making a steady recovery in the numbers of foreign tourists coming into the country.

Over two million visitors arrived in Japan in August.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japan welcomed more than 2 million visitors for a third straight month in August, recovering to more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels for the first time, official data showed on Wednesday.

The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was 2.16 million last month, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

Visitor arrivals improved to 85.6% of the levels seen in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic led to travel curbs around the world.

The August numbers were down from a post-pandemic high of 2.32 million in July, but the recovery is continuing, aided by increases in international flights and a weak yen, which makes trips to Japan more affordable than they have been in decades.

To read more, go here. 

NMSSA Survey Shows Strong Opposition To Gov MLG Gun Edict

The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) recently commissioned a survey on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's recent unconstitutional edict suspending the 2nd Amendment in Bernalillo County and public safety measures and the results aren't exactly a surprise.

According to the Piñon Post:

A recent statewide survey commissioned by the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) has shed light on the sentiments of New Mexico voters regarding public safety measures. The data overwhelmingly suggests that most voters in the state believe that the key to ensuring safety for their families is addressing crime and incarcerating criminals rather than implementing unconstitutional gun bans.

A striking 68 percent of New Mexico voters expressed their opposition to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order that prohibits law-abiding citizens from openly and concealed carrying firearms in Albuquerque. Moreover, 89 percent of voters firmly believe that criminals will ignore this ban.

The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 83 percent of respondents consider a “crackdown on crime,” which includes “putting criminals behind bars,” to be the most effective approach to protecting families and loved ones from harm. This perspective underscores the belief that it is the actions of criminals, rather than inanimate objects, that are primarily responsible for crime. The governor has refused to call a special session to address crime, despite the crisis ravaging New Mexico streets.

 To read more, go here.

"Ramar of the Jungle"

Back in the early 1960s, the Adventures of Superman was briefly replaced on the local Los Angeles station (I am guessing KTTV-Channel 11) by Ramar of the Jungle.

At that point, I had never heard of Ramar of the Jungle, but I watched the show anyway. One thing I did notice on some episodes, music cues used in the 1951 episodes of Adventures of Superman were sometimes used in Ramar of the Jungle. I found the show entertaining.

Ramar of the Jungle starred Jon Hall and it lasted for 52 episodes between 1952 and 1954. Like the Superman series, it was a syndicated show.

From Wikipedia:

Ramar of the Jungle is an American television series that starred Jon Hall as Dr. Tom Reynolds (the titular "ramar" being the natives' title for a white medicine man). Episodes were set in Africa and India. The series aired in syndication, premiering on October 7, 1952, and airing through 1954. Reruns continued "until the end of the 1960s."

In addition to Jon Hall as Dr. Tom Reynolds (Ramar), the series also starred Ray Montgomery as Reynolds' associate, Professor Howard Ogden. Victor Millan played the role of Zahir and Nick Stewart played Willy-Willy. Other cast members included M'liss McClure as Trudy Van Dyne, James Fairfax as Charlie, Joel Fluellen as Chaba, Ludwig Stossel as Peter Van Dyne, Milicent Patrick as the White Goddess, Harry Lauter as Bellows, and Emmitt Smith (not the football player) as Chief Bolla.

Hall created the series, and starred in it, obviously trying to emulate the then-popular Jungle Jim films.

Here is an episode that aired in 1953:

Interestingly, both Jon Hall and George Reeves co-starred in The Mutineers (1949), below:

Both Reeves and Hall died by self-inflicted gunshot wounds. To end the weakness and suffering due to cancer of the bladder, Hall shot himself in the head at the age of 64 in 1979.

Texas Real Estate Developer Creating Cartel City

This is a weird story. It is weird that it hasn't been stopped.

A Texas developer is giving illegal aliens home loans to create their own community about sixty square miles in size.

According to Headline USA:

(Jacob Bruns, Headline USA) A Texas land developer has decided to create a city of illegal immigrants by giving out easy home loans to new foreigners, the Daily Wire reported.

The sprawling settlement of Colony Ridge is located north of Houston, consuming over 60 square miles of land. Its population—most of whom are presumed to be illegal immigrants—is already estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 and 75,000.

The “town” is reportedly filled with stray dogs, dilapidated buildings, half-finished construction and full-time tent campers.

Colony Ridge is the brainchild of developer William “Trey” Harris, who is using what most would consider to be predatory lending practices that exploit the vulnerability and desperation of newly arrived illegals looking for a place to live.

To read more, go here.

71 Years of "Adventures of Superman"

Yesterday marked 71 years since the Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves hit the airwaves for the first time. It aired on Chicago's WENR.

Filmed in 1951, the syndicated series languished until a sponsor could be found. Eventually, Kellogg's Cereals of Battle Creek, Michigan stepped up and became its prime sponsor.

The into included Kellogg's sponsorship:

Dennis Hays posted the following on Facebook:

On this date September 19, 1952 the Adventures of Superman makes its television debut on Chicago's WENR. 

The show is the first television series to feature Superman and began filming in 1951 in California on RKO-Pathé stages and the RKO Forty Acres back lot. It was sponsored by cereal manufacturer Kellogg's. The show was produced for first-run television syndication. 

As a syndicated show sold separately in every market, Adventures of Superman did not have an official national premiere date. Here are some of the dates and markets for the launch of the series. 

September 19, 1952 at WENR in Chicago

February 9, 1953 at KECA in Los Angeles (later known as KABC).

April 1, 1953 on WJZ in New York (later known as WABC).

And various other dates in smaller markets. 

On April 8, 1953, Variety reviewed the April 1 New York premiere, writing, "It's to National Comics credit that its television version is restrained on the scripting side and well done technically ... Filming is top-notch, with no expense spared to get those special effects. George Reeves, who acts Superman, doesn't have too much of a role in the initial pix, since most of it deals with boyhood of the hero, but he registered nicely as the meek reporter and as the hero. Phyllis Coates was okay as Lois Lane, the girl reporter, while John Hamilton fits the fictitious concept of the editor. Other roles were well handled."

It is kind of hard to believe that the show is over 70 years old. Then again, I will be hitting 70 next year and I drive a Willys Jeep that's 71 years old. That's also hard to believe sometimes.