Grandfather Injured By Charging Bison

 

The above video is a good example for keeping your distance from bison in Yellowstone National Park or anywhere else. Bison are surprisingly fast.

Fortunately, the grandfather, although injured, is expected to fully recover.

From Cowboy State Daily: 

A man was seriously injured Friday evening after being thrown 8 feet into the air by an angry bull bison in Yellowstone National Park.

Mike MacLeod, a professional photographer from Bozeman, Montana, said the incident happened at the Bridge Bay Campground, south of Fishing Bridge.

MacLeod said the man was walking with his grandson when the agitated bison made them the targets of its aggression.

“I was just trying to get some dramatic footage of that bison having a fit,” he told Cowboy State Daily. “It’s changed my idea of what to expect from these guys at this time of year, because I would not have predicted that happening.”

The National Park Service has not released any information on the incident.

To read more, go here. 

Michael Reagan Dies At 80

Above, Michael Reagan and Armand circa 1978.

Sad news has been announced.

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, died at age 80. He died on Sunday, but the news of his passing was released today.

According to ABC News:

Michael Reagan died following a battle with cancer, according to Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young America's Foundation and director of the Reagan Ranch.

I met Michael Reagan back around 1978. He later introduced me to his father that year at the opening of Citizens For The Republic headquarters, President Reagan's political action committee. 

My condolences to the Reagan family.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation posted:

Statement by Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on the Death of Michael Reagan

Simi Valley, California – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute mourns the passing of Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, and a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy. 

Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals. A successful author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and sought-after public speaker, Michael used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency. Yet beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was, above all, a devoted son and a deeply loyal friend to the Reagan Foundation and Institute. 

For decades, Michael remained closely connected to the Reagan Library, faithfully attending each February 6th birthday celebration honoring President Reagan. He was a familiar and beloved presence at Foundation events, welcoming friends, family, and visitors alike. Whether escorting guests through the Library, engaging in heartfelt conversations in the Museum Store, or lingering long after events had concluded, Michael never measured his time—only the meaning of each interaction. He took genuine joy in speaking with visitors who shared their admiration for his father, ensuring that every person felt seen, heard, and connected to President Reagan’s enduring story. 

President Reagan reflected on his son in An American Life, writing of Michael, “When I read his book, I had even more of a fatherly pride in Mike than I had had before…. he was happy and at peace with himself.” Those words speak not only to a father’s pride, but to the quiet strength and authenticity with which Michael lived his life. 

Michael Reagan’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him and to the millions who valued his dedication to preserving President Reagan’s legacy. His presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls. 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute extends its heartfelt condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of sorrow. 

Donald Trump Jr. Imitates Dad At Charlie Kirk Memorial

 

Cruise Ship Minimum Age Policy For Solo Bookings

Above, the pool deck of the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spring break is just around the corner. With that, students of high school and college ages will be planning travel during the break.

When it comes to cruises, high schoolers and some college-age students face age restrictions on cruise lines, particularly for solo travelers.

That's the topic of an article from ABC News.

They begin with:

As families and young people prepare for spring break and summer travel, cruise lines' policies on the minimum age for travel from the United States have the potential to impact their plans.

For some cruise lines, 18 is the minimum age to travel solo, while others require solo travelers to be at least 21 years old, with some exceptions.

Ahead of spring break and summer travel, here is what to know about four major cruise lines' age policies.

To read further, go here. 

Whistleblower: ABC Debate Collusion With Kamala Harris

While the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was in progress, I smelled a rat. She was just too good. 

Although her answers were evasive (to put it mildly) she seemed so ready that only someone who had the questions in advance could do.

Resist The Mainstream reported:

ABC News finds itself at the center of a controversy surrounding the recent Trump-Harris presidential debate.

The network vehemently denies allegations of collusion with Harris’s team, following the emergence of a document purportedly written by an anonymous “whistleblower.”

The unverified affidavit, allegedly sworn and notarized on September 9, claims that ABC News provided Harris with debate questions in advance and agreed to certain preconditions to give her an advantage over Trump. 

Daily Mail reported that the document, supposedly authored by a male staffer with a decade-long tenure at the network, has rapidly gained traction on social media platforms.

 
To read more, go here.

A Little Something From CSPAN

 Here's a little something from CSPAN:

Tonight's 3 Against 1 Gang-up

Well, the debate (or three against one gang-up) is now history. I can easily see the bias against former President Donald Trump by the ABC "moderators". 

Oddly, the CNN moderators did a far better job during the Trump-Biden debate. And, Harris's body language was a big giveaway when Trump scored K.O. punches. Oh, yes, the cackle made it in tonight.

Here's some reactions screen-shot during the debate:

Delta Airlines Issues Apology To Passengers Over Outage

Above, a Delta jet at the Twin Falls, Idaho airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next month, I am to go with a friend on a cruise to the Bahamas. The package includes flights to and from Miami via Delta Airlines.

Currently, Delta and other airlines are canceling flights. This is fallout from a massive IT outage that took place last Friday.

According to ABC News:

Delta apologized for its widespread cancellations and delays over the last several days, issuing a new message Wednesday to customers affected by the fallout from the global IT outage last Friday.

The airline also says it plans to issue 10,000 bonus miles and offers to reimburse "reasonable expenses."

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the disruption to your recent travel plans caused by a vendor technology outage affecting airlines and companies worldwide,” the airline said. “Delta teams have been working tirelessly to restore our operation to get our customers safely to their final destinations. We understand that unexpected disruptions like this are difficult for everyone and do not reflect the operational reliability and experience you have come to know and expect from us.”

Delta also said that if passengers incurred “any hotel, meal, or transportation expenses while in transit resulting from this flight disruption,” they may submit a claim to the airline for a reasonable expenses reimbursement.

“Please note that we do not reimburse prepaid expenses, including but not limited to hotel reservations at your destination, vacation experiences, lost wages, concerts, or other tickets,” Delta said.  

Thousands of flights were canceled in the U.S. after American Airlines, United and Delta asked the FAA for global ground stop on all flights.

We are keeping an eye on further developments along with weather conditions. After all, we're in hurricane season.

To read more, go here. 

Killer of State Police Officer Captured

Above, Jaremy Smith shown in a police photo. New Mexico State Police photo.

A wanted cop and paramedic killer has been captured following a police chase in Bernalillo County.

According to ABC News:

The suspect wanted in the killings of a New Mexico state trooper and a South Carolina paramedic was captured Sunday following a shooting involving law enforcement, authorities said.

The suspect, Jaremy Smith, was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, after leading police on a chase that resulted in a shooting involving at least one deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, according to the New Mexico State Police.

Smith is suspected in the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare early Friday and the slaying of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a South Carolina paramedic who was reported missing on Thursday, authorities said.

The 33-year-old suspect, who was identified on Saturday by police, was the subject of a massive manhunt. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler had said during a news conference, "Jaremy Smith, we are coming for you."

Hopefully, Smith will be extradited to South Carolina for trial and, possibly, executed if found guilty. South Carolina has the death penalty.

To read more, go here.

CONGRATS TO THE "GODZILLA MINUS ONE" SPECIAL EFFECTS TEAM!

 

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. 

Hurricane Hilary: Catastrophe For Insurers?

Hurricane Hilary (or rather, Tropical Storm Hilary) has made its way through Southern California. 

Reuters reported:

LOS ANGELES, Aug 21 (Reuters) - The first tropical storm to hit Los Angeles in more than 80 years unleashed floods across parts of Southern California more accustomed to drought, as officials urged the public to stay safe as they began to count the cost of damage.

The National Weather Service downgraded the hurricane to a tropical depression but not before California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California, with flash flood warnings until at least 3 a.m. (1000 GMT) on Monday.

I would not be at all surprised if the insurance claims industry assigns a catastrophe status to this event, along with a catastrophe code number, in the days ahead or have done so already. Major events such as this usually are assigned catastrophe status for anticipated high damage claims. Insurers will be hiring additional claims staff to handle the increased numbers of claims. I served on several catastrophes, the last being the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) defines a catastrophe as an event that causes. $24 million or more in insured property losses and affects a significant number of. property/casualty policyholders and insurers.

It is possible that retired property adjusters, such as myself, are called up to join catastrophe teams. Good money is made in joining catastrophe claim teams.

To read more, go here.

Jeff Beck Dead At 78

Above, the Yardbirds on the Milton Berle Show in 1966 featuring Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page with "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago".

I hate waking up to sad news.

The latest is guitar legend Jeff Beck, came upon the scene as Eric Clapton's replacement guitarist with the Yardbirds.

According to ABC News:

Musician Jeff Beck has died after contracting bacterial meningitis, according to his family.

He was 78 years old.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing," his representatives said in a statement. "After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

Beck, one of rock's legendary guitarists, first burst onto the scene as a member of the British band the Yardbirds. He joined the band as a replacement for fellow guitar legend Eric Clapton in 1965.

To read more, go here. 

Elizabeth II, R.I.P.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at 96, it was announced within the past half hour.

According to ABC News:

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II "died peacefully" on Thursday, according to the royal family. She was 96.

The news of her death came just hours after Buckingham Palace announced that the queen's doctors were "concerned" about her health and were keeping her under "medical supervision" at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family's estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she has been vacationing this summer.

She was the longest reigning monarch in British history. She had reigned so long that her image appeared on a magazine cover in a 1953 episode of the Adventures of Superman, "A Ghost For Scotland Yard".

Prince Charles automatically became King upon his mother's death. The date of his coronation is yet to be determined.

To read more, go here.

Remington Arms Settles Sandy Hook Liability Claims

In an action that I totally disagree with, Remington Arms settled a liability lawsuit with families of the Sandy Hook massacre victims.

ABC News reported:

Remington Arms agreed Tuesday to settle liability claims from the families of five adults and four children killed in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, according to a new court filing, marking the first time a gun manufacturer has been held liable for a mass shooting in the U.S.

Remington agreed to pay the families $73 million.

The settlement comes over seven years after the families sued the maker of the Bushmaster XM15-E2S semiautomatic rifle that was used in the 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza, 20, forced his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School, and in the course of 264 seconds, fatally shot 20 first-graders and six staff members.

The rifle Lanza used was Remington’s version of the AR-15 assault rifle, which is substantially similar to the standard issue M16 military service rifle used by the U.S. Army and other nations’ armed forces, but fires only in semiautomatic mode.

I'm afraid that this settlement will open up a "can of worms" for the future.

To read the full story, go here. 

Fauci Says He Would Support Vaccine Mandate For Domestic Flights

Above, Magic Valley Regional Airport in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As if we aren't mandated to death already.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would support a domestic air travel mandate to get more people to be vaccinated.

Forbes reported:

In a recent interview with ABC News, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he would be in favor of a vaccine requirement for all U.S. citizens on domestic flights.

The comments come at a time when the Omicron variant is busy spreading like a wildfire around the globe, prompting waves of new travel restrictions in many destinations, including Puerto Rico, Thailand, and much of Europe.

Fauci said that his support for such a mandate is more about supporting legislation that encourages people to get vaccinated rather than in-air safety. 

Fauci told ABC News. “Anything that could get people more vaccinated would be welcome.”

"But,” he added, “with regard to the spread of virus in the country, I mean, I think if you look at wearing a mask and the filtration on planes, things are reasonably safe.”

 To read more, go here.

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts

Above, a smoking Kilauea volcano crater during our approach by helicopter in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, COVID-19 has been slightly bumped from the news coming out of Hawaii.

The volcano has decided to erupt again.

From ABC News:

HONOLULU -- One of the most active volcanos on Earth is erupting on Hawaii's Big Island.

Officials with the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed Wednesday that an eruption has begun in Kilauea volcano's Halemaumau crater at the volcano's summit.

Webcam footage of the crater showed lava fountains covering the floor of the crater and billowing clouds of volcanic gas were rising into the air. The same area has been home to a large lava lake at various times throughout the volcano's eruptive past.

The eruption is not in an area with homes and is entirely contained within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

To read more, go here. 

Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Excluded

Above, Asya and I having lunch in Santa Monica a week before my move to New Mexico.

Before the pandemic started, Asya and I were talking about a visit by her to New Mexico for a couple of weeks or so. She resides in St. Petersburg, Russia. The pandemic put a pause on that. She was stuck in Denmark for a few months when the pandemic hit and travel restrictions were enacted.

As everyone is aware, the pandemic has hit every country. 

Russia claims to have developed the first vaccine for COVID-19, called Sputnik V. 

According to the Moscow Times:

Russia has confirmed 7,464,708 cases of coronavirus and 205,531 deaths, according to the national coronavirus information center. Russia’s total excess fatality count since the start of the coronavirus pandemic is around 596,000.

On the number of Russians vaccinated, ABC News reported:

Vaccination rates have remained low, too, with only 32% of the country’s 146 million population having received at least one shot of a vaccine and only 28% fully vaccinated.

Unfortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration does not recognize Sputnik V vaccine, which will cause some problems when new rules are announced in November on foreign visitors to the U.S. In 2019, over 300,000 Russians visited the U.S.

Axios reported:

New rules allowing fully vaccinated international travelers to enter the U.S. beginning in November will exclude those vaccinated by Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, the Washington Post reports.

Why it matters: Sputnik V's exclusion will mean millions of fully vaccinated individuals won't be eligible to travel to the U.S., per the Post.

• It will also have a wider international impact, as Russia has plans to distribute its vaccine to around 70 countries.  

State of play: According to the new rules, non-citizens entering the country must be inoculated with vaccines approved for emergency use by either the Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization, per the Post.

• These include the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines used widely in the U.S., as well as the AstraZeneca vaccine. It also includes the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines developed by China.

WHO has paused its review process of the Sputnik V vaccine over concerns about its manufacturing process, according to the Washington Post.

It will be interesting to see how things shake out once the new rules are announced.

Vaccination Horror Stories

There's an old saying, "Everyone's different!"

That certainly holds true to many things in life to many people. And that definitely includes vaccinations for COVID-19 or any other disease. A vaccine may not even faze one person, but that same vaccine may cause death to someone else due to an adverse reaction.

Trib 24/7 posted comments from people replying to the question if anyone lost someone who was unvaccinated to the coronavirus. Instead, they received many responses from people whose loved ones  died due to the vaccines. 

They begin with:

An ABC news fishing expedition on Facebook took a startling turn over the weekend, after a reporter asked readers to share stories of loved ones who died of Covid after refusing or delaying to get the vaccine.

Instead, thousands of readers reported of loved ones who died after vaccination and, even worse, dying from adverse reactions to the vaccine.

To read the full story, go here. 

Guns and RVs

Since we're a little over a month away from the summer vacation season, it is probably a good idea to take a look on that age-old question about carrying firearms in an RV.

There are publications out there that address the legality of carrying firearms in one's RV on a state-by-state basis.

RV Life posted an article on this six years ago and they wrote:

Is it legal to carry guns in RVs?

Again, there’s no easy “yes” or “no” asnwer. If you still want to travel with personal protection and you don’t have a concealed carry weapon permit, you can reduce your chances of violating firearms transport laws by:

• Carrying copies of your firearms certifications, ownership registrations etc. on board. 

• Keeping all weapons unloaded, in a locked container far from the reach of the driver while the RV is moving.

• Storing ammo as far away from weapons as possible.

The decision of whether or not to carry a gun in the RV is a huge one. Before you decide, do your research so you can be confident and informed about your rights when traveling. 

Did you know that as of 2010, it is now legal to carry loaded guns into a national park?

To read more, go here.