"Reinventing" James Bond To What?

Above, the last James Bond movie for two years.

The killing of James Bond (Daniel Craig) in No Time To Die is controversial, so say the least. But what would be more controversial is if the next Bond movie doesn't pick up where No Time To Die left off.

Main characters have been killed off before (Sherlock Holmes comes immediately to mind) but were revived in a "cliffhanger" way. That should be the way the Bond movies ought to proceed.

However, Deadline posted the following yesterday:

EXCLUSIVE: James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has revealed that it will be “at least two years“ before the next 007 movie begins filming and that the task of finding an actor to replace Daniel Craig hasn’t begun “because it’s a reinvention of Bond.”

Speaking to us at a star-studded private event in central London to honor Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson for their BFI Fellowships, Broccoli wouldn’t be drawn on who would play Bond next but did offer an update on the decision-making process.

“Nobody’s in the running,” she disclosed. “We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through. There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time. I’d say that filming is at least two years away.”

Just what in hell does she mean the plan is to make the next movie a "reinvention" of Bond? 

Reinventing him to what? A black person? A transgender? A woman? A gay male? Is the reinvention going to be more Hollywood woke bullshit? (They should be reminded that if they go woke, they'll go broke. Just ask the Walt Disney Company.)

If they stray too far, does the Ian Fleming estate have a say in it and can they veto it?

If it is something too radical (like incorporating any of the above), they will have lost me and many other 007 fans. 

They next two years will be interesting to see what happens.

Democrats Calling John Block An "Insurrectionist"

The so-called U.S. Capitol "riot" that took place on January 6, 2021 that the Democrats are trying to make hay over is being called an "insurrection". 

In case you don't know what "insurrection" means:

a violent uprising against an authority or government.

It was a protest over the fraud-riddled 2020 election that got out of hand. Nothing more, nothing less. Remember also, the Capitol Police ushered in the protesters. There's plenty of eye-witnesses to this and video to back that up.

They are trying to paint any Republican candidate who was marching, that day are being painted as an "insurrectionist" by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. This includes GOP state representative candidate John Block of New Mexico. He was there in Washington that day, but did not even step foot inside the Capitol building.

He found out that he is being tarred by the DLCC's broad brush as an "insurrectionist". He and others in the same situation should sue them.

Block sent me an email that begins with:

Armand,

One of the first things people will tell you if you plan to run for office is that it’s a good idea to google yourself from time to time. Well, I did that recently and this is what I found on the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) website:

Calling me an “insurrectionist,” the Democrats’ top legislative campaign committee in Washington D.C., sent out this press release days after we won the June 7 primary:

“Just this week, insurrectionist John Block won the Republican primary for New Mexico HD-51, joining insurrectionists eyeing elected office in 2022 in states like Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas.”

This desperate rhetoric is the same stuff the Fake News CNN and MSNBC talking heads have been pushing with the sham January 6th Witch Hunt against President Donald Trump. They lie through their teeth and bash law-abiding citizens as “insurrectionists.” They even claimed I’m “normalizing anti-democratic extremism.”

These leftists are parroting the same talking points being thrown out by Democrat Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who tried to remove my county’s duly elected commissioners after they stood up against election fraud.

I won’t stand for the lies. This is the real reason they are attacking me: They know I will always stand up for election integrity, and I will expose their corruption while in the Legislature. The D.C. and Santa Fe Swamp Democrats are horrified.

If you're incensed over this kind of dirty politics, be sure to donate to Block's campaign.

To do so click on this image:

 

Hutchinson Matter: Greta Nails It

 

RV Industry Still Setting Records

Above, at a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Incredible as it may seem, the RV industry is setting records in RV shipments to dealers.

This comes after gasoline and diesel prices have gone practically through the roof.

According to kpcnews:

ELKHART — Despite record-high gas and diesel prices, the RV Industry Association reports that May was another record month for RV manufacturers.

According to an RVIA survey of manufacturers ending in May, total RV shipments ended the month at 50,529 new units, the best May on record and an increase of 2.6% compared to the 49,241 units shipped during May 2021. Through May, RV shipments are up 11.8 percent compared to the same point last year with 279,038 wholesale shipments.

“The summer RVing season is off to an incredible start with millions of Americans heading to their favorite outdoor destination to spend quality time with friends and family,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “Thanks to the work of RV manufacturers and suppliers, consumers looking to purchase a new RV have more options to choose from as inventory continues to be rebuilt at RV dealerships across North America.”

To read more, go here. 

Man Gored By Bison At Yellowstone

Above, a resting bison near a gas station in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the second time in less than a month, a visitor to Yellowstone National Park was gored by a wild bison. This time, it was not too far from Old Faithful Geyser.

According to UPI:

June 29 (UPI) -- For the second time in less than a month, a wild bison charged a group of people at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and gored one of them, park officials said.

The National Park Service said that the bison charged a 34-year-old Colorado man earlier this week near Yellowstone's most famous attraction, the Old Faithful geyser.

Officials said the man was walking with his family near the geyser when the animal abruptly charged them. The man was gored and received an injury to his arm. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

To read more, go here. 

"Complaint" Has Lincoln Bust and Plaque Removed From Cornell University

Above, a statuette of Abraham Lincoln in a hallway at the
Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The "cancel culture" has hit New York's Cornell University.

The University removed a bust of President Abraham Lincoln and plaque commemorating the Gettysburg Address from the library without any word as to the reason(s) why, except some malcontent apparently "complained" about it.

According to Breitbart:

A professor at Cornell University says the school’s library has removed a bronzed Gettysburg Address plaque and a bust of President Abraham Lincoln after somebody complained.

“Someone complained, and it was gone,” Cornell professor Randy Wayne told the College Fix, referring to a Gettysburg Address plaque and Lincoln bust that had been on display in the Ivy League university’s Kroch Library since 2013.

The professor said that he had noticed that the items were gone after stopping by the library several weeks ago, adding that when he asked the librarians about it, they were unable to give any details, other than saying it was removed as a result of some type of complaint.

The plaque and bust have been replaced with, “Well, nothing,” Wayne told the College Fix.

While it remains unclear as to why the plaque and bust have been removed from Cornell’s library, the call to remove U.S. historical figures on college campuses is a bizarre new trend among students in what is becoming an increasingly irascible society.

To read the full article, go here. 

"Adventures of Superman" Plaque Database Listings

Above, article on the plaque dedication by the Daily News.

Last night, I was perusing around online and I came upon some postings about the Adventures of Superman plaque we dedicated in Tarzana, California in August 2014.

I wasn't planning on saying anything until two years from now when the tenth anniversary of that dedication arrives. It is even hard to believe that in two months, eight years will have passed since the dedication. But since many aren't aware the plaque even exists, even though the dedication did get some good press, I thought it would be a good time to note some websites who have posted information on the plaque and where it's located so they can go see it.

Above, the Adventures of Superman plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I should note for posterity that two who were at the dedication, one as a participant and one as a spectator, are no longer with us. They being Jack Larson, who helped made the Adventures of Superman the classic television show it is with his portrayal as Jimmy Olsen and Ted Newsom, whose knowledge of entertainment history educated many over the years. Actress Noel Neill couldn't attend the dedication due to her fragile health at the time but was well aware of the plaque, is also no longer with us.

I was checking around for websites that posted listings about the plaque, some I've already posted about, and found some more.

The first is Roadside America. I have posted about their listing before, but here is their listing about the plaque: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/44540.

Next, is Historical Marker Database. Here is their listing: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=125644.

Nicelocal has also posted a listing about the plaque. Their listing can be reached at: https://nicelocal.com/los-angeles/cultural_places/adventures_of_superman_plaque/.

Another listing is at Geek Field Guides. Their listing can be reached at: https://www.geekfieldguides.com/superman-plaque-tarzana-california/.

For those who haven't seen the August 16, 2014 dedication, here's a four minute clip of Jack Larson's address:

Today's Drive

Above, on Maverick Road in Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I did some Jeep driving around the area near our subdivision.

First, I headed over to the fence line of Cibola National Forest. It is a road the runs alongside of the border fence. I parked the Jeep, got out the folding camp chair that I keep in the Jeep and sat and enjoyed the scenery. 

Above, relaxing at the Cibola National Forest border fence. 

After about 45 minutes, I headed out.

I then went up Maverick Road at Mesa Ridge Ranch to see the longhorn steers there.

Above, at the end of the fence line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They were further away from the fence, so I had to use the zoom feature of my phone's camera. 

After that, I headed home to relax on the deck with a botte of Alien Amber Ale. I then decided to go to Denny's for a salmon dinner. 

Above, two longhorn steers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All in all, a nice day.

Grand Canyon Generated $710 Million For Local Economy

Above, the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National parks are great assets to the country. Besides preserving scenic and historic places, national parks generate revenue and jobs for local economies.

A report was released yesterday that showed what Grand Canyon National Park generated for the local economy in 2021.

KTAR News reported:

PHOENIX — Tourism in Grand Canyon National Park brought in $710 million for the local economy in 2021, according to a report released Monday.

The park’s 4.5 million visitors last year spurred the spending and supported nearly 9,500 jobs in the area, the peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis conducted by economists at the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey revealed.

“Grand Canyon is proud to be welcoming back more visitors from across the country and world since the beginning of the pandemic,” Superintendent Ed Keable said in a press release.

To read more, go here. 

Fog Shrouded Mesas

We're getting a bit of a respite from thunderstorms today. But we do have a 20% chance of them tonight.

However, we have a rarity here in Jamestown, New Mexico: fog.

There's a layer of fog on the valley floor (or near to it) right now with only the tops of the mesas poking through. This is definitely picture-worthy!

 

23 Best Road Trips In The USA

Above, end of the road for Highway 1 in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With gasoline at record prices, it is somewhat funny that Travel + Leisure should now post an article on 23 best road trips in the USA. Well, they have.

I have been on some of the highways they listed and each were well worth a drive, whether it is in a car or an RV.

They begin with:

From the dramatic California coast to history-lined thoroughfares of New England, there are countless scenic drives across the country — and some stellar standouts — so we've picked the best road trips in the U.S.A. with heart-stopping views. For example, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, now over 75 years old, winds its way past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty, offering different panoramic vistas depending on the season.

But sometimes it's the man-made sights that make the trip. As you cruise on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, the view to the west includes the greatest hits of American architecture, such as Willis Tower, better known as the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. To the east, there are 26 miles of Lake Michigan beaches.

And on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, travelers are treated to a good time, Florida style. The island chain's stretch of road encompasses everything from underwater coral reefs and 7 Mile Bridge, one of the longest in the world, to marinas where you can hand-feed tarpon and beach bars filled with Jimmy Buffett fans drinking margaritas.

To see what they are, go here. 

AOL Trouble

Some people really don't like AOL. Some dislike it to the extent that they call it AO-hell. I have been with AOL for 22 years. 

It is rare that I have problems with the AOL email app or website. Today was one of those days.

Earlier, I was getting error messages from AOL on my computer when I tried to access my emails. Then, I tried my phone's AOL app. It seemed fine at first as I was able to access my emails. But, those same emails kept popping up after I earlier deleted them.

I tried reaching AOL's technical support (they say they're available 24/7) but was kept on hold for 25 minutes. I gave up.

Right now, it appears AOL got things straightened out and I am able to access my emails from my computer and old emails that were deleted earlier aren't popping back on my phone app.

Fingers crossed. 

Southwest Chief Collides With Truck, 3 Killed

Above, a westbound Southwest Chief train pulls into Gallup station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A train of the Amtrak line I took two years ago from Riverside, California to Gallup, New Mexico following my aunt's funeral collided with a dump truck in Missouri and derailed. Three people were killed.

The train was of the Southwest Chief line. The train was en route from Los Angeles to Chicago.

It likely came through Gallup at about 7:00-8:00 this morning.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

MENDON, Mo. — Three people were killed and several others were injured Monday when a passenger train traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago struck a dump truck and derailed in a remote, rural area of Missouri, officials said.

Two of the people who died were on the train and one was in the truck, Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Justin Dunn said. It was not immediately clear exactly how many people were hurt, the patrol said. Several hospitals said they had received patients and were expecting more.

The Southwest Chief was carrying about 243 passengers and 12 crew members when the collision happened near Mendon, Amtrak said. The Highway Patrol said seven cars derailed.

The collision occurred at a rural intersection on a gravel road with no crossing arms, Dunn said. A 911 call about the collision came in at 12:43 p.m. and the first emergency responders arrived within 20 minutes, he said.

To read more, go here. 

Getting Green

It had been raining off & on for most of the day today.

After dinner, I took a little stroll in Barking Spider Acre to see how much plant growth there is following the monsoon rains we've been getting.

I am happy to report that grass is beginning to push through and making the acre a little more green. It isn't too much, but enough to be noticeable.

It should be even greener in the next two weeks, almost like a golf course (provided we get more rain). Then, I'll have to do more mowing. But that's okay, I find driving the mower to be fun.

Some pictures:

 

Celebrate The 75th Anniversary of "The Roswell Incident" This Weekend

Above, the "Alien Autopsy" exhibit at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming weekend, July 1-3, 2022 to be exact, the annual Roswell UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico will be held.

The organizers plan on making the festival with a special one as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Roswell Incident, the finding by a rancher of a "flying disc" on his ranch.

Above, the famous Roswell Record front page of July 8, 1947. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In case you are not familiar with the Roswell Incident, Sky At Night Magazine posted an article on what "really" happened in July 1947 in and near Roswell.

They begin it with:

July 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the Roswell incident, where believers say an extraterrestrial spacecraft crashed in the New Mexico desert, with debris – and possibly alien bodies – being recovered by the US government, marking the beginning of a decades-long cover-up.

What really happened at Roswell, and why does this mystery still attract such interest and controversy, decades later?

To read the full article, go here.

Above, vendors galore on Roswell's main street during the UFO Festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After you're done reading the above article and if you happen to have plenty of time on your hands, you may want to head out to Roswell this weekend to take in the UFO Festival. Along with the Festival, Roswell also has the Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center. As the aforementioned Sky At Night Magazine article states, "The city of Roswell had embraced its heritage, a UFO museum had been opened and annual events were held to mark the occasion."

Above, the Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I attended the 2018 Roswell UFO Festival and had a great time. There's plenty to see and do and the main street of Roswell is loaded with shops selling a myriad of UFO and alien goods. Also, during the festival, various vendors set up booths in the middle of the street with more goods for visitors to part with their dollars for. But beware, as various events are held throughout the city, be prepared to do a lot of walking. This is one town that can use a big convention center to hold things all in one place. 

Above, yours truly with a pair of extra-terrestrials. 

For out-of-towner attendees, there's plenty of accommodations in Roswell. We stayed at an RV park in town in 2018.

For more information on the Roswell UFO Festival, go here.

Roswell Dispatch July 9, 1947 Front Page Discovered

 

Above, the July 9, 1947 edition of the Roswell Morning Dispatch.

This is the first time I've heard of the Roswell Morning Dispatch, but it was another newspaper published in Roswell, New Mexico during the time of the famous Roswell Incident involving a crashed flying saucer. The famous July 8, 1947 front page of the Roswell Daily Record on the flying saucer is very familiar one as it has been posted for years. I have a reprint copy framed and hung in my living room.

The Roswell Morning Dispatch front page of July 9, 1947 has been recently discovered. Why it has taken 75 years to be discovered is a mystery. 

U.S. News & World Report posted:

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The Roswell incident has been one of the most thoroughly researched and debated mysteries in the history of the UFO phenomenon and among the most enduring.

Barring a major revelation between now and July, Roswell will mark the 75th anniversary of the alleged 1947 UFO crash with the debate over what occurred here far from settled.

That hasn’t been for a lack of digging. For decades now, journalists, authors, documentary film crews and others fascinated by the incident have unearthed and publicized countless bits of information and artifacts of that time.

Along the way, they’ve brought attention to many pieces of Roswell history, such as the July 1947 front pages of the Roswell Daily Record that recorded initial reports of the incident along with a follow-up version of events presented by the military that some now view as one of history’s greatest cover-ups.

The intensity of focus placed on the Roswell incident for three-quarters of a century has led some to posit that most contemporaneous records have already been scrutinized. But one piece of local history recently uncovered provides an interesting companion to those iconic 1947 headlines the public has become familiar with — while adding yet more pages to a still-growing historical record.

The Roswell Morning Dispatch, a long-defunct sister newspaper of the Roswell Daily Record, was published in the mornings from 1928-1950. The Dispatch covered the news of the day, and as such, it carried accounts in July 1947 of the unfolding events related to the alleged recovery of a crashed “Flying Disk” outside Roswell, along with the military’s explanations for what had occurred.

Its historical headlines were discovered among archived editions of the newspaper, the Daily Record reported.

Above, the famous Roswell Daily Record front page of July 8, 1947 on
display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There must be a July 8, 1947 front page of the Roswell Morning Dispatch floating around somewhere, waiting to be discovered. That is the date the Roswell Daily Record published its famous flying saucer headline.

To read more, go here.

Political Shift: 1 Million Voters Switch To The GOP

Is there going to be a "red wave" in the upcoming November general election?

If the following is any indication, it might just happen. A million-plus voters have switched party alliances to the GOP. 

According to the Associated Press:

WASHINGTON (AP) — A political shift is beginning to take hold across the U.S. as tens of thousands of suburban swing voters who helped fuel the Democratic Party’s gains in recent years are becoming Republicans.

More than 1 million voters across 43 states have switched to the Republican Party over the last year, according to voter registration data analyzed by The Associated Press. The previously unreported number reflects a phenomenon that is playing out in virtually every region of the country — Democratic and Republican states along with cities and small towns — in the period since President Joe Biden replaced former President Donald Trump.

But nowhere is the shift more pronounced — and dangerous for Democrats — than in the suburbs, where well-educated swing voters who turned against Trump’s Republican Party in recent years appear to be swinging back. Over the last year, far more people are switching to the GOP across suburban counties from Denver to Atlanta and Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Republicans also gained ground in counties around medium-size cities such as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; Augusta, Georgia; and Des Moines, Iowa.

This is not a total surprise when one considers the turmoil the Democrats have wrought. People are waking up to the sheer madness of the Democrats in dealing with law & order, social issues, inflation, fuel costs, foreign policy failures, abuse of power and the economy. People have had enough.

To read more, go here. 

Rain and Pecan Beer

Above, yesterday's rain. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our monthly dinner at the home of Gallup historian/author Martin Link.

Along the way, there were scattered rain showers, which is what the region needs. It appears that this will continue through this week.

This definitely will save me money on my water bill since I had to water the yard before the monsoon rains started. The rains will take care of that. 

Above, Sierra Blanca's Pecan Beer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the dinner, we tried out some Pecan Beer from New Mexico's Sierra Blanca Brewery (the same folks who brew Alien Amber Ale). Everyone liked it. It is an easy beer with not too strong a taste. The taste of the pecans were definitely there. Nice and smooth. This was my first time trying it. 

Since I am in charge of bringing beer to the monthly dinners, we'll be trying out different brews each month. The assembled liked that idea. Along with chile peppers, New Mexico seems to have plenty of beer brews to choose from.

According to the National Weather Service, today's forecast:

Overnight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Current State Of The RV Industry

Above, Marin RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oddly, the high gasoline and diesel prices isn't hampering purchases and rentals of RVs. The industry is showing steady growth even in these uncertain times. It would really be surging if manufacturers could get parts to complete new units.

I have noticed that gasoline prices have been going down a bit during the past week or so. Hopefully, this trend will continue as we go deeper into the summer vacation season.

Camper Report has posted an article on the current state of the RV industry.

They begin it with:

Despite the surge in gas prices and economic uncertainty in general, the RV industry saw an increase in interest of buying an RV from May to June. Gone are the days of steady-as-it-goes; we now live in a time where things can change on a moment’s notice. We want to take a deep dive and look at how this has affected the RV industry. 

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 start off the week, today is the last Monday of June, is the British rock group Led Zeppelin. They began as the "New Yardbirds" in 1968. This song, which came from their second album Led Zeppelin II from 1969, "Whole Lotta Love".

Roe vs. Wade Meltdown

Since the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, I've been seeing videos and photos of some of the so-called (or arguably) female protesters.

By the looks of many of them, the need for an abortion should be not necessary as it would be doubtful any self-respecting male would want to even touch them, not to mention even getting them pregnant. As Rodney Dangerfield would say, they're too ugly.

Here's one shared by Monica Crowley on Twitter:

To see the video, go here.

RV Life: Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Above, camping in Chaco Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heat exhaustion is one topic I've never considered.

Fortunately for us, it is preventable and RV Life has posted an article on what the symptoms are while one is out camping in their RV. They also have tips on preventing heat exhaustion.

They begin with:

As we move into the hottest part of summer, it’s important to consider the environmental risks that RVers, campers, and other outdoorsmen face. Heat exhaustion is a very real threat to anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun. Even though it’s not always obvious from the get-go, there are several heat exhaustion symptoms that can let you know there’s a problem. 

As someone who has experienced heat exhaustion myself, it’s not a fun time! It interrupted my whole day and left me feeling weak, nauseous, and shaky. Thankfully, we were able to address it before it evolved into heat stroke, but this condition can be quite serious. 

Below, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to heat exhaustion, including its symptoms, treatment options, prevention, and the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s important to know what to look out for!

 To read more, go here.

The State of Comic Books

The topic on the current state of comic books in comparison to ones of the Silver Age is one I have thought about on occasion over the years.

I haven't purchased any current comic books in ages. I have bought some Silver Age issues that I didn't have to fill in some gaps. I have to credit comic books in fueling my joy of reading.

Kirk Hastings, the administrator of the Facebook page, Silver Age Mythology of Superman, posted the following last night. I've noticed the same differences which mainly boils down to writers and publishers taking the fun out of comic books. I also wonder if the artists of today's comic books ever took a life drawing/anatomy art class in their lives.

He wrote:

Recently I’ve been reading through my old Silver Age superhero comics (mostly Superman/DC), and I’ve noticed a few things about them:

1. The older stories almost always focused on straightforward action, adventure, mystery, and non-stop thrills. Newer comics focus on disturbing violence, sexual situations, shock value, and constantly pushing the moral envelope. (And it seems each issue has to somehow “top” the previous one in these four categories too!)

2. In almost all older superhero comics, the conflict in the stories was between the hero and the villains. In today’s stories the conflict is almost always within the hero himself -- or between him and his friends (who often betray him or turn on him).

3. Older comics strove to be apolitical, and thus appeal to a mass audience of all persuasions. Modern comics always seem to want to push some radical new politically-based idea (usually leftist in nature).

4. Older comics almost always depicted women in a realistic fashion (both in character and appearance-wise). Today’s comics almost always depict women as sex objects with exaggerated sexual characteristics, and wearing ludicrously revealing outfits that no self-respecting woman in her right mind would wear in public!

5. The older superheroes were always sure of themselves, and were confident in their knowledge of right vs. wrong. Today’s (so-called) heroes almost always have feet of clay, don’t know what they believe, and have no personal moral code whatsoever. (And they are often little different than the villains they oppose!)

6. Older comics were almost always inspiring. Good always triumphed over evil, and most endings were (at least partly) happy ones. Modern comics are almost always downbeat, dark, and often show the bad guys (and evil) getting the upper hand.

7. Older comics were full of boundless imagination, and would not let much of anything stand in the way of an interesting, compelling story that couldn’t help but draw you into it. Today’s comics are mostly mired in “relevancy”, “realism”, so-called “mature themes”, and “political correctness”.

8. Older comics were almost always rated G or PG. Modern comics should almost always be rated R (or worse!). Older comics were deliberately produced for a mass audience consisting of ALL ages (good business practice!); most of today’s comics are NOT (most of them are directed toward some small minority audience).

9. Older comics taught respect for authority (particularly law enforcement officials). Today’s comics teach rebellion against any and ALL authority.

10. Older comics respected the high moral ideals of sexual decency, integrity, and moral self-control. Modern comics constantly push radical, explicit, deviant behavior into the face of its readers (and portray it as “normal”).

… Can YOU think of any OTHER ways in which older comics differed from modern ones?

Comments are welcome! 

Wet Week Ahead

Above, the old corral and the mesas at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that we'll be having a wet week in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

The last real rain we had came Wednesday, but since then, we've had a few drops here and there.

The forecast according to the National Weather Service for the coming week:

Overnight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. High near 70. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then scattered showers. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Thursday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Saturday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Weather Forecasting Stone

 

Grand Teton's Colter Bay Closed For Season

Above, Colter Bay Marina during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boaters who like to take their boats out on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park are out of luck this summer season.

The lake is very low, practically empty in some areas. 

According to Buckrail:

MOOSE, Wyo. — Colter Bay Marina in Grand Teton National Park is looking very dry this summer.

According to the park, Due to low water levels on Jackson Lake, the Colter Bay Marina and all associates activities and services will not be operating for the 2022 summer season.

According to the article, Jackson Lake is a natural lake that is fed by the Snake River. The Jackson Lake Dam raises the water level about 39 feet to the lake. 

In some parts of the lake, it is only 47% full.

To read more and see photos of the lake, go here.

10 Tips For Visiting A National Park This Summer

Above, Yosemite National Park's North Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heading out to a national park this summer? If so, you may want to do a few things in preparation for the trip.

CNET has posted 10 tips for visiting a national park (or several of them) this summer.

They begin with:

I recently finished a 5-week, 9,900 mile road trip where I visited 9 National Parks. Last year, I did a 10,000 mile road trip and visited four others. All told, I've been to 23 out of the 63 National Parks in the United States. I hope you're planning on seeing at least one this summer, because they're all amazing. 

Below are a few tips I'd give to those headed to a park (or parks!) this summer. It's also worth checking each park's respective website. Every park has one and they're filled with maps, things to do and see, and most importantly, if there are any road closures or other important info.

To read more, go here. 

Roe vs. Wade Overturning Reactions

 

It is interesting to see some reactions to the Supreme Court's decision on abortion by overturning Roe vs. Wade.

I decided to post some that I just saw on Twitter.

Here's some of them:

Sen. Ted Cruz: The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs case, reversing Roe v. Wade, is nothing short of a massive victory for life, and it will save the lives of millions of innocent babies.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham: The moment we have long dreaded has arrived, and our nation will be the worse for it. This ruling will destroy both lives and livelihoods. Make no mistake: the effort is not to protect life but to diminish it, to control women and relegate them as second-class citizens.

Actor James Woods: The Supreme Court decision today, when culled from the hysteria of the left, is a momentous decision for States’ Rights. Yet again the foresight of our Founders is seen to be an enduring marvel. Two centuries ago they knew that a bloated government was tantamount to monarchy.

Lindsey Boylan: A court that does not recognize the full human rights of women is not a legitimate court.

David Limbaugh: You wait — the left will start regulatory hell trying to circumvent this decision — or overrule it through tyrannical regulation. They never stop. You must understand that. They never stop — that’s why we don’t have the luxury of relaxing ourselves. I would say the left is unhinged but I hate to be master of the obvious. So, in the spirit of democracy, I will let you decide for yourself.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Ronchetti: Today’s Supreme Court ruling does not change the law in NM, but does pave the way to end MLG's extreme policy of making New Mexico the late-term abortion capital of North America.

Rev. Franklin Graham: The United States Supreme Court just announced one of the most significant rulings in my lifetime—officially voting to overturn the 1973 Roe v Wade decision because it was "egregiously wrong from the start," as stated by Justice Samuel Alito.

NY Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik: Maxine Waters is inciting violence, AOC is inciting violence, I don't care how you look at it.

Steven Crowder: You have the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. You do not have the Constitutional right end the heartbeat of another human being. Any questions? 

Tyler Fischer: I’d go to the my body my choice protest tonight but I’m not vaccinated so wouldn’t be welcome there.

Scott Adams: BREAKING: Dick’s cause abortions.

Lauren Chen: Dick's Sporting Goods will literally pay for their employees' abortions. If you shop at Dick's, you are directly funding abortions. 

Actor Rob Reiner: Women have no right to make their own reproductive health decisions. Separation of Church and State is being obliterated. Everyone has a right to carry a concealed firearm. We’re being tyrannized by an Autocratic minority.

Actress Barbara Crampton: This is a sad day for women and the reproductive rights we’ve had for 50 years. I’m sickened. Republicans will try to ban abortion NATIONWIDE if they get control of Congress. Don’t let them bring us back to the dark ages.

Rep. Yvette Herrell: Today, Life wins. In 1973, the Supreme Court disregarded the Constitution, ignored science, & defied the will of the American people by imposing abortion on demand across the country. Our nation has lost over 63 million of her most vulnerable citizens to this tragic practice. In Dobbs, SCOTUS has finally returned the question of abortion to the 50 states & restored the democratic right of Americans to defend the unborn. Now, it is our responsibility as Americans to build a society where every mother and her child are protected, supported, and loved.

RV Travel: 7 Tips For A Happy RV Toilet

Above, Cousin Eddie emptying his RV holding tanks into a city storm drain.

The great example of how not to deal with a full RV toilet was by Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). Of course, it was all for laughs. But there are those out there who just may do some things equally stupid.

There are definite dos and don'ts involved with RV toilets and RV Travel posted some tips on dealing with them.

They begin with:

For many new to the RV lifestyle, the RV toilet is a mysterious dweller in a tiny closet. But if you plan on spending any time with your RV, you’ll soon need to get intimately acquainted. Here are important tips to get along with what can be a good friend on the road.

To read more, go here. 

Experiencing Mesa Verde National Park In An RV

Above, Square Tower House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwest corner of Colorado. The nearest towns are Cortez and Mancos. 

It is a national park whose focus is on manmade dwellings by ancient Native Americans instead of natural features. I was last there two years ago.

TravelAwaits has posted an article with eight tips on visiting Mesa Verde National Park in an RV.

The article makes one error. It states there's no concessionaire there and to bring your own food and beverages. Aramark is the concessionaire and there are restaurants and snack bars in Mesa Verde.

Above, at camp at the Cortez KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That aside, the article does provide some useful information including restaurants and campgrounds in nearby towns. We stayed at the KOA Kampground in Cortez.

The article begins with:

Mesa Verde National Park is found on Colorado’s Western border and is one of the most unique parks in the collection. You’ll discover, among other amazing sights, the amazing and sacred Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, where the ancient Indigenous people lived for over 700 years, from A.D. 550 to 1300. 

The park consists of 52,073 acres of federal land. Totally deserted by A.D. 1300 (no one knows exactly why, but warfare seems to be a factor), President Teddy Roosevelt made the pristine landscape a national park on June 29, 1906.

Mesa Verde National Park is within an hour’s drive from Durango and Dolores, both of which make excellent home bases for your RV travels. Here are some tips for visiting the park in an RV, plus suggestions for where to stay and eat along the way.

To read the full article, go here. 

To access the National Park Service's official website for Mesa Verde National Park, go here.