CSULB Kowtows To Political Correctness

Following the 2016 election, the administration of California State University, Long Beach (my alma mater) allowed a post-election protest. That's okay, but then they posted a video of it on their Facebook page. If that's the image they wanted to convey, that's fine, too. Only they won't get any more monetary contributions from me. Since this and other idiotic decisions made by the CSULB administration, I ended any and all contributions to the university and alumni association.

They've stopped calling me for contributions since I told them off.

Now, they've made another idiotic decision

From Patch.com:

LONG BEACH, CA – The statue of the Cal State Long Beach mascot Prospector Pete will soon be removed in order to disassociate the university from California's gold rush and its impact on native Americans, says Cal State Long Beach President Jane Close Conoley. 

A timeline is yet to be determined, but the statue will be transplanted to a future alumni center, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported. 

The Prospector Pete image reflected Founding President Pete Peterson's common references to having struck the gold of education by establishing Long Beach State College, Conoley told the newspaper in an Email. 

"President Peterson was absolutely correct; education is precious." But, Conoley said, as the university's diversity grew and more voices were heard, "we came to know that the 1849 California gold rush was a time in history when the indigenous peoples of California endured subjugation, violence and threats of genocide." 

In September 2017, Cal State Long Beach's Associated Students Inc. started working on a resolution that passed in March to move or relocate the statue. It acknowledges the campus's location of being placed on Tongva Tribe land, whose inhabitants are said to have been enslaved by settlers to build missions in the greater Los Angeles area.

My comments about the article at Patch.com:

It is getting so that history is not being honored or even discussed these days. Here we have another example of political correctness run amok. History should be discussed, be it good or bad. Decisions by CSULB in recent years has made me decide to discontinue making donations to the school or alumni association (I am of the CSULB class of 1979). This country is going crazy. The statue should be left alone and kept where it is.

They're painting with a broad brush the implication that all of the 49ers in the Mother Lode abused the Indians there. Perhaps a small minority did, but does that justify tarring all those who went for find gold?

Notice the university's seal at top. There's a pick and shovel on it to signify the 49ers. Looks like they'll have to change that, too.

The cost of removing/moving the statue is a waste of taxpayers' money. President Jane Close Conoley is sure no Stephen Horn (the president of CSULB during my time there).

Man Who Walked Near Old Faithful In More Hot Water

Above, Old Faithful Geyser erupting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This guy is a prime candidate for a Darwin Award.

This is the same guy who walked dangerously close to Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Some say he also urinated into the geyser.

The New York Post reported:

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A man accused of walking dangerously close to the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park faces additional charges after a police chase in Wyoming’s capital city. 

Police said Thursday that they arrested 27-year-old Gabriel Villalva of Greeley, Colorado, after he drove recklessly around Cheyenne, which is a seven-hour drive from Yellowstone. 

Police say they stopped Villalva with spike strips after a 15-minute chase Wednesday. They say he spun his wheels and his SUV caught fire. 

Police say they fired beanbag rounds to subdue him.

In case you're wondering, a Darwin Award is:

The Darwin Award is a fictional award which is given out to people who commit acts of utter stupidity that often involve their own injury or even death. The name is derived from Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution (survival of the fittest), since the winners of the Darwin award aren't expected to survive long enough or remain capable of propagating their own hereditary stupidity.

To read more, go here. 

Best Restaurants and Cafés Near Sensoji

Above, the Nakamise Dori shopping arcade. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite hangouts in Tokyo is Asakusa, specifically the Sensoji and Nakamise Dori areas as well as the area at the Sumida River.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on the best restaurants and cafés near Sensoji Temple.

It begins with:

With over 30 million visitors annually, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is one of those Tokyo sights that virtually every traveller checks out at least once. And for good reason: Metropolitan Tokyo's oldest temple offers entertainment for hours, from the bustling Nakamise shopping arcade in front of it to the calmness of neighbouring Asakusa Shrine. But getting a proper meal around Sensoji can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're looking for something better than the usual tourist nosh. That's why we've rounded up 15 of the best eateries in the area, including traditional restaurants, trendy cafés and down-to-earth izakayas. Take your pick below.

To read more, go here. 

Social Media Antitrust Executive Order Drafted

In recent months, it has become apparent that some social media sites have an obvious bias against conservative viewpoints by employing such tactics as "shadow banning" to outright bans while promoting leftist/liberal viewpoints.

The Trump Administration is considering whether such actions are in violation of antitrust and other laws and has drafted a draft executive order to investigate.

According to Bloomberg:

(Bloomberg) -- The White House is considering a draft executive order for President Donald Trump that would instruct federal antitrust and law enforcement agencies to open probes into the practices of Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Facebook Inc., and other social media companies. 

Bloomberg News obtained a draft of the order, which a White House official said was in its early stages and hasn’t been run past other government agencies. Separately, Lindsey Walters, deputy White House press secretary, said in an emailed statement that the document isn’t the result of an official White House policy making process. 

The document instructs U.S. antitrust authorities to “thoroughly investigate whether any online platform has acted in violation of the antitrust laws.” It instructs other government agencies to recommend within a month after it’s signed, actions that could potentially “protect competition among online platforms and address online platform bias.”
Read the Executive Order draft on bias in online platforms. 

The document doesn’t name any companies. If signed, the order would represent a significant escalation of Trump’s aversion to Google, Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies, whom he’s publicly accused of silencing conservative voices and news sources online.

To read more, go here. 

Autumnal Equinox

Above, the mesas on the last day of summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Autumnal Equinox arrived at 6:54 PM Pacific Time, so that would make it 7:54 here, since I am in the Mountain Time Zone. That was about six minutes ago as I write this.

It seems like only recently that summer arrived. Time flies when you're having fun, or whatever.

Taking A Walk

Above, the back propane access gate and the propane tank behind the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since my cardiologist wants me to get more exercise, I took a stroll around the property. I just got back a little while ago.

Above, the power lines, access road and Scott's residence. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I headed out the back gate (now that I have the combination to the back gate lock that the propane company uses to fill the tank) to the area where, a few weeks ago, a couple of neighbors (Scott and James) and I set up our sniper's nest for coyotes.

Above, the wash and the back part of the second acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I then headed a little bit up the powerline access road that is in back of the property and took a few photos.

Above, "Barking Spider Road and the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From there, I walked to the second acre.

Above, the east side of the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I walked through the second acre along "Barking Spider Road" to the front, passing along the GOCO Beast Barn.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn. I may get some chairs and a table for the area by the side door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From there, I headed back to the house.

Above, th front of the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a nice day for a walk with blue skies and puffy clouds.

Above, the three mesas from the deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Woodpecker

One nice thing about living here in New Mexico, I can occasionally see different varieties of wildlife.

Yesterday, I saw a tarantula on my walkway. This time of year is mating season for them and it was out looking for a hook-up.

A little while ago, a woodpecker was working on my crabapple tree in front of the house. I got up to get my camera and he flew off. But, fortunately, he came back and I managed to get these two photos before he went up into the tree where I couldn't see him because of the foliage.

UPDATE (9/24/18):

This particular woodpecker is a red-naped sapsucker.

For more information, go here.

National Parks In Autumn

Above, Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With kids back in school, the summer crowds at our national parks are gone. Fall is a good time to visit national parks as the weather has cooled down to more comfortable temperatures.

WinnebaGo Life has an article on visiting several national parks during the fall months.

It begins with:

In recent years, our National Parks have been smashing attendance records. Last year, nearly matched the National Park System’s record-breaking centennial in 2016. As wonderful as it is that more people are enjoying the treasure that is our National Park System, this does have a little bit of a downside, especially if you’re looking for a serene escape into nature at one of the more popular parks. 

To alleviate the strain on some of our parks, shuttle systems have been instituted. Some shuttles, like the one in Zion National Park, are mandatory for most of the year, sometimes resulting in an experience that’s a little more theme park in feel. (You can only drive your car through Zion from November to March, now.) 

But, as summer winds down and fall begins, a more serene experience opens up once again at some of the busiest National Parks. If you have the flexibility, try visiting Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks in the fall. The crowds die down, along with the mosquitoes (in the case of Yellowstone and Grand Teton), making them just perfect to visit in the fall.

To read more, go here.

Poshmark

Above, the shirt I bought through Poshmark. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Recently, I bought a replacement Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang shirt through a website called Poshmark.

I am pleased to report that I am quite satisfied with their service and I received the shirt within days after ordering.

What's Poshmark?

Poshmark is the largest social commerce marketplace for fashion where anyone can buy, sell and share their personal style. With over two million Seller Stylists and millions of shoppers, Poshmark brings together a vibrant community everyday to express themselves and share their love of fashion.

You or I can even sell clothing and accessories through them!

The items they sell include:  Women's Clothing, Men's Clothing, Handbags, Shoes, Jewelry & Accessories, Makeup, Kids and Brands.

To see what they have, go here.

Good Sam Denies Medical Emergency Air Ambulance Claim

Above, the air ambulance helicopter that took me to Twin Falls. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

This is a story I can relate to somewhat.

When I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada last July, I was in no condition to make any medical or any other kinds of decisions. Luckily, my friend Mitch Geriminsky took charge. He was told that there's a hospital in Elko, Nevada and a better facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. He opted for Twin Falls. Soon, I was airlifted by helicopter to Twin Falls.

Fortunately, since this was a medical emergency, it was all covered.

Some people aren't so lucky with their insurers.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Of the many dubious reasons insurers use for denying claims, one of the most bizarre is telling a patient they neglected to obtain prior approval for treatment in the midst of a medical emergency. 

Because, of course, the first thing most people think of in a life-or-death situation is phoning some insurance company’s call center and jumping through bureaucratic hoops. 

Kathy Mutchler faced this Catch-22 recently — and found herself saddled with a $71,000 air ambulance bill — after being diagnosed with a severe kidney infection in Mammoth Lakes, where she was staying with her wife in an RV park. 

Mutchler, 64, who these days calls the open road home, is a member of the Good Sam Club, the world’s largest organization of recreational vehicle owners. You’ve probably seen the stickers on the backs of RVs and campers. 

Mutchler pays $89.99 annually for the service’s TravelAssist program, which, among other things, says it covers medical evacuations if suitable care isn’t available locally, as well as any costs involved in returning to your RV. 

Mutchler’s wife, Kathy O’Hara, 60, joined her for the trip and contacted Good Sam as soon as they landed in Nevada to let the organization know what was happening. She was given a case number by a service rep. 

Mutchler was hospitalized for three nights. Her condition gradually improved, she was released from the Reno medical center, and she and O’Hara rented a car for the return to Mammoth Lakes — an expense they believed that, like the air ambulance, would be covered by the Good Sam coverage. 

It was on the drive home that a Good Sam rep called. Mutchler’s claim had been denied. She’d be responsible for the air ambulance and rental car costs.

To read more, go here.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Gets PG-13 Rating

Above, the Japanese poster to the 2014 Gareth Edwards film.

"I want this on my tombstone."

That was the reaction by director Michael Dougherty to the MPAA's rating of PG-13 of Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

According to Heroic Hollywood:

The first trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters premiered during the Warner Bros. Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The trailer really brought the house down and since then, fans have been eager to see more of the mayhem that director Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat; Krampus) has in store for the sequel to Gareth Edwards’ 2014 film. 

Recently, it was announced that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have given the official rating to Godzilla: King of the Monsters as well as the description for the rating. The film is officially rated PG-13 due to sequences of monster action violence and destruction, and for some language.

I wonder what Dougherty's reaction would be if it were rated R?

To read more, go here. 

Free Tokyo Walking Tours

Above, one interesting tour is a nighttime tour that will take visitors to Godzilla Road in Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People wanting to save money or younger people who may not have a lot of money can still get enjoyment out of a tour of Japan's capital, Tokyo. 

Because...these tours of Tokyo are FREE!

What's the catch? They're walking tours.

According to Tokyo Cheapo:

Walking tours are a good way to meet new people and explore Tokyo. Also, unlike bus tours, Tokyo walking tours tend to be smaller, which means that the guide can better focus on his/her guests and you’re not as pressed for time. It’s also more likely for you to get glimpses of everyday Japanese life when on a walking tour. 

In no particular order, here are some groups that organize free Tokyo walking tours for fellow cheapos—note, though, that you’ll still have to pay for admission whenever necessary, and that if you’ll be eating, it’s considered polite to treat your guide to a meal.

To learn more, go here. 

Japan Visitor Growth In August In Single Digits

Above, a view of the Sumida River from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the second month in a row, Japan saw monthly tourist increases in the single digits.

News On Japan reported:

The estimated number of visitors to Japan in August rose 4.1 pct from a year earlier to 2,577,800, marking single-digit growth for the second consecutive month due to recent disasters in the country, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday. 

A powerful earthquake in Osaka Prefecture in June and downpours that devastated other western parts of the country in July led to many Japan trip cancelations, the organization said.

To read more, go here. 

Where's The Aquarium?

.Above, the sign at the elevator. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I went to see my cardiologist this morning at the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, I spotted a sign near the elevators that reminded me of the Laurel & Hardy short, "County Hospital".

Above, the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care hospital. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the bottom of the sign for the 3rd Floor, it indicated that the center's Solarium is on that floor.

In "County Hospital" Stan Laurel goes to the hospital to visit his friend Oliver Hardy. When he gets there he asks where to find Ollie. A nurse tells him his room is near the solarium upstairs.

Stanley goes there and asks if that's near the aquarium.

Here's the full "County Hospital" short:

Ramp Finished

Above, the finished ramp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After going to see the cardiologist and having breakfast with the neighbors down at Denny's, I came home to find that Russell installed and graded the top layer of gravel onto the ramp into the second acre.

Above, trying it out with The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I was looking at it, Russell and his wife came by. I told him he did a fast and great job.

I also tried it out with The Beast and everything went perfectly.

Above, another view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the ramp extends into the existing "road" through the property alongside the GOCO Beast Barn, I'm now calling it Barking Spider Road.

Above, the NM tarantula. No, it didn't bark, just growled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of spiders, I found a black (with red) New Mexico tarantula on my walkway. It is the first time I've seen one since I've lived here.

For the fun of it, I ordered an aluminum street sign (only $10.00) through BuildASign.com.

Here's what it will look like:

35th Anniversary of Glenn Strange's Passing

Thanks to Bryan Kendrick at the Universal Horror Films Facebook page, today is the 35th anniversary of the passing of actor Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 – September 20, 1973).

He played the Frankenstein Monster in three films and was in many westerns. He was Sam the bartender on television's Gunsmoke.

I remember his passing as it was around the time I was down in San Diego at the Town & Country Hotel for the California Republican Party State Convention.

Some Glenn Strange photo mementos at the Valley Relics Museum:

Ramp Work Started

Above, after hearing tractor engine noise, this is what I saw. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I stepped outside with a cup of coffee to sit out on the deck and enjoy the weather (we had a half-inch of rain overnight) when I heard a tractor engine not too far away. I looked and found that Russell, my neighbor with a gravel business, had already brought over two loads of soil to the second acre and was grading it into the shape of a ramp.

Above, the graded soil. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I went over and took some photos. He said he had nothing going on so he figured he'd get started.

Above, this will work nicely for The Beast. The beginning
 of "Barking Spider Road"? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow, he will bring over a load of gravel to spread over the top of the soil.

I wasn't expecting work to begin until early next week or this weekend at the earliest. But he got busy on it now.

The man works fast!

What The Mainstream Media Won't Report

You most likely won't see any of this reported by the mainstream media:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park To Re-Open

Above, a helicopter view of a vent from Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's some good news coming from Hawaii's Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is set to re-open.

The Weather Channel reported:

Months after eruptions at the Big Island's Kilauea volcano forced the record-long closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the popular tourist destination will reopen Saturday without one key element — lava.

Back in April, a massive lava lake continued to boil and bubble at the park until eruptions beginning in May emptied the lake entirely of its molten rock. Now, all that remains is a large, gaping hole. 

To read more, go here. 

Replacement Shirt Has Arrived!

Above, the replacement shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My replacement Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang shirt arrived in today's mail.

It is an exact duplicate of the one the Wells, Nevada paramedics cut to pieces on July 27. It is in excellent shape (like the last one was).

However, in view of the angina episode I had last night, it probably wouldn't be prudent yet to wear it as I don't want this one to meet the same fate as the other.

At least until after I see my cardiologist tomorrow morning.

So Far, So Good

Above, this morning.

So far, so good this morning.

Everything seems normal today and there's no chest pain or any other kinds of discomfort. But as a precaution, I did set an appointment for tomorrow morning with my cardiologist to see if there's anything going on. Maybe an adjustment in the medications I am taking is needed. Maybe not.

But last night's episode (angina?) was enough to get my attention. Thankfully, I have nitroglycerin on hand just in case and took one along with a low-dose chewable asprin. This was the first occurrence of any sort since I had the stents put in almost two months ago.

The whole thing lasted about half a minute at most while I was watching television.

Oh-oh!

When I was given two nitroglycerin pills when I was having my heart attack, other than the chest pain relief they provided, I remember no side-effects.

Tonight, a little over an hour ago (around 8:15), I felt a very brief chest pain that lasted under a minute. As a precaution, I put a nitroglycerin pill under my tongue. By that time, the chest pain was gone. However, I felt a burning under my tongue and felt a slight headache.

Reading up on nitroglycerin, headaches are a common side-effect and they're proof the medicine is working. I haven't found anything on under-tongue burning.

I will call my cardiologist in the morning and get his opinion about the chest pain. Thank goodness I have Life Alert.

New App Guides Visitors Through Narita Airport's Terminals

Above, Narita Airport Terminal One Arrival Lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's main gateway into the country is Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture.

TRBusiness reported that the airport has a new smartphone app that will guide visitors "seamlessly" through the airport's terminals.

They wrote:

Toyko’s Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) has released a new mobile app to guide passengers seamlessly through its terminals. 

NAA claims the airport is the first in Japan to utilise ‘precise indoor navigation from any location to a boarding gate or other destination’. 

NariNavi enables travellers to track their current location using a smartphone to lead them efficiently to the boarding gate, restaurants or shops.

To read more, go here. 

Best Camping In Yellowstone National Park

Above, the Gibbon River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today must be Thrillist's Yellowstone National Park day as they have another helpful article on the park posted.

This one is the best camping in Yellowstone.

When we visited Yellowstone National Park three years ago, we stayed at the West Entrance/Yellowstone Park KOA located just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. Private campgrounds outside of Yellowstone such as this is another option for travelers, especially if all the campgrounds are full.

There's a number of camping options in Yellowstone and the article covers them all.

Their article begins with:

It is illegal to sleep overnight in Yellowstone’s parking lots or picnic grounds -- a fun fact I learned on my previous visit four years ago, when a park ranger woke me with a loud rap on my car window and abruptly asked me to move. (In my defense, I thought I’d already left the park, having passed under one of those big “You Are Now Leaving the Park” stone arches, but apparently I stopped some 30 feet shy of indeed leaving the park.) 

Please don’t sleep in your car in Yellowstone. You have better options! Yellowstone has a grand total of 2,178 camping sites spread across 12 campgrounds, seven of which are run by the National Park Service and are first come, first served. The other five are run by a private concessionaire called Yellowstone National Park Lodges -- these require reservations and are a bit more pricey. Visits to all campgrounds are limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day, and 30 days the rest of the year -- with the exception of Fishing Bridge, where I guess you could just live out your remaining days in an RV if you wished. You also have options for backcountry camping in Yellowstone -- meaning you’re sleeping in the park’s undeveloped wild, carrying everything you need with you -- and glamping, meaning the opposite of that, plus private chefs and massages.

To read more, go here. 

Thrillist's "Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide"

Above, Clepsydra Geyser. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there's anyone out there who has never visited Yellowstone National Park, they should put it on their bucket list and go.

Yellowstone is the definitive national park and it is so large and diverse, one only scratches the surface of what it has to offer even if they stay there a week. I've been there twice and still haven't seen everything.

Above, two Yellowstone mountain goats. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thrillist has posted their "ultimate" Yellowstone National Park travel guide and it is well worth a read and bookmarked.

It begins with:

There is no surviving piece of the American West more iconic than Yellowstone. Early Native Americans lived in the region for more than 10,000 years before white explorers designated it the world’s first national park in 1872. Our National Park Service was created here in the Mammoth area in 1916, when the U.S. Army was protecting the park from poachers and developers who looked at Yellowstone’s vast resources the way Sylvester looks at Tweety. Two years later the Army moved out, and the NPS has been a custodian of this land ever since (that’s why the park rangers wear Army hats). 

Even by national park standards (which is to say pretty high), the ecological diversity contained within Yellowstone National Park is absolutely astounding. On your visit expect to see bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and birds -- many, many birds. The especially lucky will spot wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, or grizzly bears. 

But the animals are the least of it. Geologically, the Yellowstone region -- carved by glaciers and sitting atop one of the world’s largest active volcanoes -- is in a class of its own. It contains the largest concentration of thermal features anywhere in the world, like bubbling hot mud pots and steaming, hissing thermal pools that seem too colorful and alien to exist naturally. It also contains more than half of the world’s geysers, period.

Above, a mom and one of her cubs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Gravel Ramp Project

Above, the general area where the dirt/gravel ramp will be made. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next week's project will be to have a dirt & gravel ramp for the motorhome made.

When I brought in The Beast to see how it fit inside the GOCO Beast Barn the back end (at least the trailer hitch) scraped on the edge of the road. Nothing was damaged, but the dirt caked onto the hitch.

Above, another view of the ramp area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, to eliminate that, a neighbor from across Whispering Cedars Road on East Blue Cedar Loop who has his own gravel business, will bring in a couple of loads of dirt and one load of gravel to make a gently sloping ramp from the road into the property.

He came by today and we took a look at how much compacting dirt and gravel will be needed.

Once the Mustang's door is finished, I will park The Beast inside the GOCO Beast Barn.

Rush: Will Kavanaugh’s Accuser Show Up at the Hearing?

So Brett Kavanaugh's accuser is not going to appear Monday to testify and she demands that the FBI investigate her allegations before she would consent to do so.

Her attorney says she doesn't have to corroborate the charge. Of course she does! The burden of proof is on her and her client. The alleged charge, sexual assault that took place over 30 years ago by high schoolers is not something the FBI would even get involved in.

This is such a bogus delaying tactic by the Democrats. It stinks to high heaven. Some GOP senators are falling for it, which makes this even more outrageous.

Here's what El Rushbo had to say about this yesterday:

Okay. So after all this, Christine Blasey Ford is not gonna show up for the hearing? She hasn’t accepted the invitation to show up for the hearing — and yet they moved it? They rescheduled. It was supposed to be Thursday, the vote. They canceled the vote, they moved the vote — well, they delayed it — so that they could have this hearing with Christine Blasey Ford and Kavanaugh, and she hadn’t even accepted the invitation to show up, and now her lawyer is saying it’s not her job to corroborate her story? 

She’s not the one that has to corroborate her story? (summarized) “No, no, no, no! She’s making the allegation. So she doesn’t have to corroborate anything. It needs to be investigated.” This is no different than Harry Reid saying, “I have a friend that told me that Mitt Romney hasn’t paid his taxes in 10 years,” and the media says to Harry Reid, “What’s your evidence?” And Harry Reid says, “Don’t ask me! You need to go talk to Romney. Romney’s the guy hadn’t paid his taxes in 10 years.” 

And the media said, “Oh, yeah! Okay.” So they all ran off and start badgering Romney about why he hadn’t paid his taxes in 10 years. This is exactly what this is! 

This lawyer who, by the way… Katz is her name. She is a Democrat activist. She is plainly saying it’s not her job to corroborate her story. Her efforts, her legal efforts are funded by George Soros. There is no doubt what this is. We’ve been here before. How in the world can you say that the accuser doesn’t have to corroborate anything? “Debra Katz, the attorney for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, said that it is not her client’s job to corroborate her claims. 

“Katz said on CNN on Monday that investigators should be responsible for proving Christine Blasey Ford’s claim that Kavanaugh held her down and drunkenly groped her while at a party in high school.” So she can make this claim. She doesn’t have to prove it. She doesn’t have to have any evidence. The investigators have to track it down and prove it. But now the Democrats are saying, “Wait a minute. We shouldn’t be investigating this.” Like Kamala Harris, Kamala Harris said, “We shouldn’t be investigating this. The FBI should.” 

You know, this woman, Kamala Harris… These people are so dense. Does she not know the FBI does not investigate these kinds of crimes? The FBI does not investigate local crimes, high school drunken party crimes. The FBI doesn’t investigate those. But then again that’s not what this is about. This is about delaying everything so Kavanaugh does not get on the court and the Republicans are playing right along with this.

This is all a bunch of B.S.!

To read more, go here.

Interstate 10 Road Trip

Above, a statue of General Patton and his dog Willie in front of the General Patton
Memorial Museum. It is off of I-10 east of Indio. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been a while since I've taken a road trip along the southernmost east-west Interstate, Interstate 10.

The last time was three years ago when I went to the George Patton Memorial Museum near Indio and Joshua Tree National Park. I have driven it into Arizona a few times.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on Interstate 10 with a spotlight on 12 best places to visit along the way.

They wrote:

Interstate 10 is the southernmost cross-country highway you can take in the US. It runs about 2,500 miles from Santa Monica, California to Jacksonville, Florida, and passes through major cities like Phoenix, San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans.

This southern US route is perfect for full-timers or snowbirds who don’t want to stay in one spot all winter. Interstate 10 passes the RVer’s haven of Quartzsite and lots of scenic parks, wildlife refuges, RV resorts, and campgrounds.

These are twelve of our favorite parks along the way that you will want to take the exit for. We mapped them out on RV Trip Wizard (seen above), where you can also find and add in more campgrounds and points of interest.

Above, The Beast at the Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park.
The park's south entrance is accessible from I-10. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.