Tunnel Warfare

 

Moffat Tunnel

Under the radar, the upcoming shit storm is brewing. Colorado owns the Moffat Tunnel. When it was built, a 99 year lease, at $12,000 a year, was signed by the Denver & Salt Lake Pacific RR. That railroad was later acquired by the Denver & Rio Grande. Later the Union Pacific acquired the D&RG. The lease is up January 2025 and players everywhere are licking their chops. An example.

MORE

Lost in the noise is the Union Pacific. They own the rail right of way to and from the tunnel. In the past, they have demonstrated a willingness to shut down a line. Prime example is the line from Canyon City via Tennessee Pass to Minturn. They own enough tracks in Wyoming and Utah to move the freight now going through the tunnel. Anyone who knows the history of the UP knows every decision is bottom line based.

Circa 1953, our father was the section foreman responsible for the tunnel. Sisty, while born in Denver, lived there at the East Portal along with our parents and me. The place has a large place in my heart.

Before the tunnel, the railroad ran over Rollins Pass. In my youth I spent a lot of time on that old road and fishing the high mountain lakes around it.

MORE

Pussyfooting about a pussy cat

The encounter does not qualify as a mountain lion attack because the man was never touched by the lion, CPW said

MORE

The man in question might not agree.

 As always, YMMV

Making Political Hay (and byproduct)

 Aurora, CO

Perhaps the national and international coverage has been needlessly inflammatory? Another view. Still, sunshine is a wonderful disinfectant.

MORE

Snark. The Laramie, WY County Sheriff continues to poke the Denver metro bear. Confused? Cheyenne is the county seat of Laramie County. Laramie is the county seat of Albany County. There is no Cheyenne County.

MORE

Voting

The 2024 voting guide arrived today. 109 pages. One is sent to every registered voter households in Colorado. How many voters will read it and how many voters will simply throw it in the trash?

I didn’t see any in the trash here at this old foggy/foggyette mansion.

Pensions

Public employee pensions are a mess across the country. Mismanagement in all forms is the reason. Bailout for this fund will amount to about $3,100 per voting age Colorado resident.

MORE

Isn’t it time to recognize pension funds are a cookie jar for hedge funds?

Value Judgement

Kindasorta challenge was made on another format regarding my possible expertise in buying/selling automobiles. In past years several small import pickups passed through the WSF fleet. Among them were three Mitsubishi Mighty Maxes, three Ford Couriers/Mazdas, a Chevy LUV (Isuzu) and a Datsun(Nissan).

 Why not Toyota, you ask? Aren’t Toyotas superior? Yes, Toyotas are better. All of the trucks mentioned are about 80-90% as good as a Toyota. All were purchased for around 50% of the going price of a Toyota. Everyone is different with different motivation. Personally, I never gave, or give now, a rat’s ass about anyone judging me by what I drive. I do care about value for my money.

 There are rare exception about what others think. Westbound, I-90 on Snoqualmie Pass the Washington State Patrol was doing a snow tire/traction device check on all vehicles. As I pulled up in a 4x4 Mighty Max with studded snow tires and Colorado plates, they just waved me through.

 As a “road warrior” driving 400+ miles some days, I had two Lincoln Towncars. The second went over 250,000 miles with routine maintenance.

Quiet, comfortable, stable and a trunk worthy of a small pickup, they fitted my needs. The “Lincoln” name didn’t mean anything to me. The reliability and functionality did.

To be clear, I had my moments in my youth. Example, a 1958 Fiat Abarth Zagato (double bubble roof) in Italian Racing Red soaked up a lot of disposable income. Part of soaking up disposable income was keeping it running and more was spent on young ladies who were attracted to the Abarth. Sort of an forerunner to, “It’s Banner and Frank”. 

Celebrity Endorsements

Do they have much influence?

 Gold King Mine

The debacle that keeps on giving. At the time of this debacle, the EPA had 1,000 lawyers on staff and one, only one, mining engineer. Aside note, our esteemed junior Senator trained as a mining engineer but went on to open a craft beer brewery and saloon.

MORE

Accountability for the disaster? Don’t be silly.

MORE

GMC?Ford 10 speed disaster

Ford and General Motors jointly developed a 10 speed automatic for heavy duty truck use. It has been a huge problem for many operators with the worst issue the transmission will downshift to second gear while at highway speeds. There are several other, less dramatic, problems. One aftermarket fix is now available.

MORE

Neither General Motors, Ford, or Ram will build you a heavy duty pickup with a manual transmission.

Got a Lemon? Make Lemonaide

 Made me Laugh

When current events keep harshing your mellow, a good non political, non woke, cartoon refreshes.

Emperor Polis + Wolves

He is term limited and his husband a radical environmentalists. Seems he is hiding his interference. Seems others see his interference and are calling him out.

MORE

Sisty

Friday was the annual Salud Family Health picnic. Among others, my sister was recognized for her thirty + (volunteer/unpaid) service to the organization and her many years on the board of directors.

MORE

I’m one proud brother, humbled by what she has accomplished.

Banner is a good boy – when he wants to be

He enjoys roaming the hillside in back of our complex. I enjoy letting him do his business where I don’t need to pick it up; him being a two bagger. Recently he has decided to ignore me once free of the leash. He indulges in eating grass (which he then pukes in the apartment from time to time). He isn’t eating grass because he lacks anything. He eats grass because he is a glutton.

 I became so irritated I finally read the instructions for the remote training collar that has been gathering dust for months. Now he wants to be a good boy.

A neighbor doesn’t like me and isn’t shy. She once said to me, “I like Banner. I don’t like you!” Recently she inquired if the training collar transmitter affects my pacemaker. When I replied it didn’t she said, “That is too bad”.

As always, YMMV

 

As always, YMMV

Utopia Sells

 Cure cancer and stop climate change?

That seems to be claims by promoters.

MORE

Wyoming land grab model coming to your locality in the future

Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer and much of this is over my head.

The Bureau of Land Management is creating new categories of public land leases (hello, Loper?) that will halt common uses in favor of “conservation”, i.e., radical environmentalist wet dreams.

MORE

Earlier this year a bizarre scheme was shot down by the Wyoming Congressional delegation. The Security and Exchange Commission was on the verge of approving a scheme where private companies could raise money to buy recreational rights to BLM managed lands in Wyoming. This would allow these companies to deny public access. Recreational use would be the exclusive domain of these private companies.

Bad Judgment Compounded

The company I hang paper for had a Denver agent go into the hospital. As a favor (and handsome compensation) I spent two days covering the assignments. At one house, loan seriously delinquent, was an Audi SUV with a temporary license. Curious, I checked it out. The door was unlocked so I looked at the mileage, 134,000.

Expensive cars new will have expensive repairs used. Any late model European car, with over 100,000 miles will be a money pit. Wow, I bought this for $4,000! Yes, and you will spend twice that, per year, keeping it running. Don’t believe me? Check the Car Wizard YouTube channel.

 Low Humor

Q: What's it called when you do the same thing over and over but expect a different result?

A: Voting

 Some Daily Joy

Abuella Dora and Banner enjoying a treat moment.

As Always, YMMV

Humane, or Proudly Ignorant?

 

Ain’t None of them Cowboys

Feral horses are often a problem on open ranges. They are prolific breeders with few predators. They overgraze the range. During droughts and harsh winters they die slow deaths from starvation.

Controlling their population gets people stirred up. People love horses. Love, without understanding, or even caring to understand facts, is animal cruelty. Cue Emperor Polis.

MORE

Shooting Update

Victor Anthony De Santiago, the man who tried to kill a Colorado State Trooper, was born in California. He was a long time Colorado resident with a criminal record. To date, there is no indication he had any affiliation with Venezuela gangs.

They Raise Them Early in Wyoming 

MORE

Please understand I don’t applaud this hunter; just understand the culture. I was raised with subsistence (poacher) hunters. The ethos was a quick kill. Don’t make an animal suffer. I’m opposed to archery hunting because a quick kill is unlikely.

Rare Earths

This is, hopefully, good news.

MORE

Wolves

Yes, I know, not everyone is interested. 

MORE

Daily Life

From the local rag’s Cop Log. It isn’t all shoot ups and high speed chases. We sometimes forget what law enforcement handles day to day.

MORE

 As always, YMMV

Imported Criminal Gangs

More Aurora, CO gang news and opinions

MORE

Tren de Araqua?

They openly call for killing police officers. This story will likely have legs. Aside, can you say accuracy is finial (h/t Wyatt Earp)?

MORE

Attention Whore

Colorado’s Secretary of State

MORE

Rank RINOs

Afflicting Wyoming for many decades are the Cheneys. Both have endorsed Joyous Cackles, to the surprise of few.

MORE

Outside of Jackson Hole, few Wyoming residents care for them. Another gathering place for the rich, Saratoga, takes their money with a smile and then go wash their hands. Fishing the North Platte River is the draw. It is common to see six or more executive jets parked on the airport ramp. Dick Cheney is a well known belligerent drunk in Saratoga’s saloons.

 Wyoming Republicans respond to the Cheney endorsements.

MORE

 2009

I.Am.Mental mentioned how long she has been blogging prompting me to check my blog. Seems I started somewhere in 2009. Amazing, because I’m still blogging and others are still reading the disjointed ramblings of a Latter Day Luddite and establishment menace.

 Full Disclosure. More people are here for Banner stories than any other reason.

 As always, YMMV

Stand Your Ground, but, Don't be Stupid

 

Self Defense or Overkill?

Ten .45 rounds fired, man down and very dead. The lawyers will have a job on this one. To me it appears to have started as self defense then spiraled out of control.

MORE

Labor Day Party

Resident in our building have holiday gathering. I’m not a great fan. The people organizing them I like so I show up. Banner goes to visit Sisty. He hates being alone in our apartment. The idea of an 80 lb friendly eating machine among people and food is not to be contemplated.

Here Comes de Hook

Only when your vehicle is on the hook do most people even notice a tow truck.

MORE

In some neighborhoods and apartment complexes you can hear, “Here come de hook” or,

    “aquí viene el camión de recompra”

 Colofornia News

“Wealthy” conservative backers of ballot initiatives keep blocking the benign, and for our benefit, (P)regressive plans. Horrors!

MORE

The same Democrats complaining never seem to have a problem with wealthy dark money groups interfering when it coincides with their ideology.

At least seven initiatives will be on the ballot this election. Some were funded by dark money (P)regressive money. Can you spell hypocrisy?

MORE

 Unicorn Farts Meets Reality

Confession. I have little understand of “carbon capture” and little interest in learning more. Seems to this Latter Day Luddite like some Ponzi scheme. What is apparent it takes a lot of electricity. Other than climate change hustlers, does anyone else even see a need?

MORE

Venezuela Gangs Colorado Tren de Aragua 

My, my, cow pies being kicked all over the place.

MORE

and MORE

This situation is now an international story and mixed into national politics. Not a bad thing; sunlight is a great disinfectant.

Mike Coffman is the Aurora Mayor (term limited) and is nobody's patsy. Aurora has always been a pimple on Denver's ass (years past we owned two homes there). It is divided by two counties (Adams on the North, Arapahoe on the South) that results in different tax and bond systems. Denver's main jail sits on the North side.  The city is home to more immigrants, legal and illegal, than any other place in Colorado. There is a significant perpetually pissed off black population and a mobile "unhoused" population. Squeezed continually are 'native' Mexican descendants. The city council is always split between (P)regressives and conservatives. At the moment the conservatives have a slim majority. The Chief of Police office has been a revolving door forever. Some officers would have been at home in the LAPD Rampart division circa Rodney King.

Perhaps Aurora's biggest problem is the Califorication of Colorado with the suburban Liberals keeping their neighbors nice while pushing problems into Aurora and surrounding locales.

Boulder Mentality

Emperor Polis’ husband is a Boulder native and boulder to his bones. He isn’t the most savvy p.r. person. Perhaps he doesn’t feel a need?

MORE

As always, YMMV

Immigrants, Seeking to Assimilate to a Better Life

Welcome to Venezuela Norte

Sanctuary city Denver welcomed some 4,500 Venezuelans in recent years. Yearning for freedom and opportunity, they only want to assimilate per the (P)regressive narrative. The reality is somewhat different.

MORE

and

MORE

This, along with the cartel drug gangs and gang bangers makes one yearn for the simpler times of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

While Denver leaders piss and moan, Aurora is different. The term limited mayor, Mike Coffman, marine and former Congressman has the backing of most of the community to fight back. His successor, Mayor Pro Temp Dustin Zyonek, is of a like mind.

ADDENDUM

MORE

Wolves

The wolves are to be relocated. Where? Who knows at this point? Of course, per the environazis, the fault lies with the ranchers whose livestock is being killed.

MORE

Red Desert

The B.L.M. wants to lock up the area as reported in a recent blog. Now this news. Is a showdown looming?

MORE

Those of us old enough remember many uranium boom and bust events. Will this be just another or will the overall political environment allow this country to enjoy economic energy?

With the passing of Senator Harry Reid (D) (Corrupt) Nevada, will the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository be finished and used?

ADDENDUM

This from LL Virtual Mirage

** Uranium Energy (UEC.A) said on Tuesday it restarted uranium production at its Christensen Ranch operations in Wyoming, with shipments expected in November or December. Uranium is the most widely used fuel for nuclear energy. According to the International Energy Agency, with a global push for clean energy, nuclear generation could roughly double by 2050, and so should supply. With a rebound in uranium prices, miners are planning to restart defunct mines to boost the domestic supply of nuclear reactor fuel at a time when the country gets most of its fuel from Russia

Timothy McVeigh

People still remember he used ammonium nitrate base to carry out the OKC bombing. Understandably, concerns are raised when 30 tons of the stuff disappears. The whole story can be found here but the Cliff Notes is faulty latches allowing 30 tons of fertilizer to be spread over 1500 miles of railroad tracks.

MORE

Tenth Anniversary 

Sisty is far better at keeping track of dates. Heart problem, bradycardio, where the heartbeat is too slow to keep enough blood flow to the brain, caused me to face plant. Two days later a pacemaker was implanted. Spending Labor Day Weekend in ICU isn’t my fondest memory. No problems since, and with eight years of  battery life left, I should be good to go for awhile.

About a month later my nose was reworked from the several times I used it to hit a fist.

Nearly three years later I finally paid off the co-pays.

Bird Hunting

A neighbor was an avid bird hunter until heart problems, diabetes and losing a leg stopped him. I shared with him my one and only bird hunting experience. I was around 18, friends invited me to hunt pheasants, and one loaned me a single shot 20 gauge. We were hunting in a harvested corn field. I saw a pheasant running between rows and shot him. My friends were upset; explained that you must shoot them while flying. When the day was over we had harvested exactly one pheasant.

This neighbor relives working with dogs by scattering treats along the hall for Banner who now goes up the hall moving and sniffing from side to side.

A Memorable Wedding Ceremony

MORE

When the lovely Karen Larsen and I exchanged vows a thunderstorm was forming. During the reception it passed over the town of Steamboat Springs with golf ball sized hail. My aunt Nancy, peering out a window, exclaimed, “Well, I’ve always said when Frank got married all hell would break loose”.

We are a family noted for positive affirmations.

 As always, YMMV