Most times are interesting, but recent times?

 

Math with a dash of sarcasm

A favorite columnist, Jon Caldara, discussing nuclear energy.

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Even the environazis are seeing the light.

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Still, rice bowls need to be broken

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Wolves

So, WSF. More wolves? Yep.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt6PUeDaSCs

Tesla

Loveland, CO on Garfield Avenue just North of Highway 34 is a Tesla dealership. When I drove by Saturday afternoon, about 20 protesters were on the sidewalk. With neither time nor interest I didn’t try to read their signs or listen to their shouts.

Do you think Elon will be disturbed by this demonstration?

Wyoming

Parking scofflaws and winter roads.

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Thermostat

The furnace repairman arrives.

Husband:    “Let me show you the thermostat”.

Repairman: “I see it right down the hall”.

Husband:     “That is my wife’s thermostat. Let me show you the thermostat”.

Old joke. How well would that work with the new ‘smart’ thermostats?

Keep Colorado Blue

Emperor Polis is term limited. Paul Wiser, current Attorney General and in Polis’ pocket has announced for Governor. Now, another Polis sycophant has announced for Attorney General.

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Like Obama, Polis wants that third term, and/or US Senate. My hope? President Trump’s success in the next two years will turn Colorado Red. More voters are unaffiliated than belong to either party. Add, the huge mess our State government has become. If nothing else will make people use their glass belly button wiper, then we are doomed.

More Blue. Qualified or not qualified?

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Shouldn't that be the question rather than preferred pronouns?

Blue, Woke an Green – who is that working out?

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A DOGE and rights win

An editorial about the scale of federal law enforcement. Trimming this would save money and reduce threats to our rights, an lives. Waco, amyone?

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DOGE

There is a lot of pain as this plays out. People close to me are being hurt. They are good people, working hard to do right. You can be assured the entrenched bureaucrats will see the cuts start at the bottom before moving up to their positions. Example? USFS cutting the boots on the ground firefighters.

Will many of the wealthy exploit the turmoil to further enrich themselves? Does a bear shit in the woods?

Will we emerge at the end of 47’s (assuming he isn’t murdered) term a stronger and more prosperous nation? Yes! No pain, no gain?

Old Memory

Many years ago watching the Seafair Torchlight Parade with my sons, I noticed a frail older gentleman in a wheel chair a few feet away. How early he had to arrive to get a curbside space I can’t guess. As the colors came up the street, I saw him struggling to stand up. Pissing of many spectators I stepped onto the street, went to his chair, and helped him to his feet. As he stood I steadied him, then we both saluted the colors as they passed. I helped him back into his chair and went back to my sons. I don’t think we said a word. I’d forgotten this until my middle son mentioned it the other day.

I understand the parade has morphed into something I wouldn’t watch today. Sad.

 As always, YMMV

Once again, a reminder, no how well written, anonymous comments won’t be published. The only censorship on this blog. Trolls OK, if that is your thing. See the header picture.

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.

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and

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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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

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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

Jackalopes

 

Jackalopes

Banner often accompanies me on my trips. My explanation to those who question me, in an accusing  tone of voice, about making him spend hours in the backseat, is he is along to protect my vehicle from savage jackalopes. Lets me brag that I’ve never encountered a jackalope while he is with me. At that point the questioner usually wanders off shaking their head and muttering under their breath.

Democracy: Why care about just 500,000 people?

Wyoming is on track to be screwed over by the enviroNazis who dominate the Bureau of Land Management.

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Paranoid or Prescient?

Going down a rabbit hole trying to connect dots.

1.    Many are speculating some new engineered crisis will happen before or after the Presidential election.

2.    Thousands of military aged male illegal immigrants are within our borders. Many are from China or Islamic countries. Will they form a fifth column?

3.    If Trump actually wins the election (unlikely IMO because the winner will be determined by those who count the votes) these fifth columnists will be activated, a state of national emergency will be declared, and civil liberties and elections will be suspended.

4.   What will the fifth columnists attack? Low hanging fruit. The electrical grid. Municipal water systems. Railroad tracks and bridges.

5.   Local terror?

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I devoutly hope I’m wrong.

Circular firing squad

The Colorado GOP Party continued infighting won’t do anything to return Colorado to a red state, or even a purple state.

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I’m a registered Independent who “leans” Republican. This is not for any love for most of them; rather a loathing of (P)regressive Democrats.

Parting Remark

As always, YMMV

A Semi-Coherent Hodge .Podge Post

Denver’s Ugly Sister, Shoplifters, and Food Deserts

Aurora borders Denver’s east side. It is divided between two counties which complicates many government functions. The current mayor is Mike Coffman, one of a few politicians I admire. This is a recent Falsebook post.

 An Alternative to the Closure of Walmart's Neighborhood Market

Lots of handwringing going on about the upcoming June 7th closure of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, located at 10400 E. Colfax Avenue, in Northwest Aurora.

So-called community activists are complaining that the Walmart Neighborhood Market is the only option in the area and how the surrounding neighborhoods will now become a "food desert" without any fresh food options.

I went up to the area yesterday afternoon and that couldn't be further from the truth. Less than a block away, at 10777 E. Colfax Avenue, is "Lowe's Mercado" which is a much larger, welcoming, and a remarkably clean grocery store.

Lowe's Mercado was originally established to serve the Hispanic immigrant community but has since evolved to welcome everyone with an amazing selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. All of their signs and advertising are in both Spanish and English.

A key difference between Lowe's Mercado and Walmart's Neighborhood Market is that Walmart has a reputation for being tolerant of shop lifting while Lowe's Mercado's policies don't tolerate it. The difference is probably the biggest reason why Lowe's Mercado can be successful, and Walmart was not, while operating in the same area.

No doubt, there will be individuals who will be negatively impacted by the closure of the Walmart Neighborhood Market at Havana and Colfax, and they will be the shoppers who routinely fill their carts up and walk out of the Walmart store without paying. Good luck trying that at Lowe's Mercado.

In the photo are Lowe's Mercado Store Manager Luis Guereca and Assistant Manager Lupita Pinzon during my visit yesterday.

 

 If you are arrested for stealing a car in Denver you get released on a personal recognizance bond. Get arrested in Aurora and you go to jail, then bond out on a cash bond. Upon conviction, spend 180 days in jail. The incoming mayor is continuing Mike’s policies. Aurora’s city council was dominated by “wokes”. No longer. Aurora has a large legal immigrant population. Those who have obtained citizenship are not supporting (P)regressives anymore.

 Mike Coffman will make a great addition to President Trump’s Cabinet.

Bio

Choose your Petard

There is a current effort to put an initiative on the ballot to ban hunting mountain lions.

Lions

 In other news, it seems one of the wolves introduced in the state was killed by a mountain lion.

Wolves

Exercising Constitutional Rights, Vigorously, Pisses People Off

RINOs are annoyed. A long article about the influence some Deplorables have on public opinion.

Wyoming Politics

This long article is, to me, an example of good journalism all too rare today.

Should Have Used Taylor Swift Singing

Heavy Metal bear deterrent.

Snark

Lightning

From a Falsebook posting.

Lightning struck at a ranch in Jackson County Saturday, killing the rancher and 34 head of cattle. 51-year-old Mike Morgan had just finished branding his cattle and was starting to feed them when the lightning struck and killed him, according to Jackson County Coroner George Crocket.

Crocket said the storm blew in just northwest of Rand, and the lightning knocked 100 head of cattle off their feet, with 34 of them dying.

The call came in to Jackson County dispatch at 2:08 p.m.

Our condolences to the Morgan family.

We are also hearing of ranchers in the area and from neighboring counties gathering to help bury the cattle that died.

In my teens I worked the hay fields within a few miles of where this happened.

My mother was struck twice in her lifetime, likely near miss; not direct hits. Sisty’s American Saddle Bred horse was killed by lightning. He was found dead in a pasture. None of the other horses seemed to be harmed.

A Spot of Clear Thinking

The Law Dog blog author’s post, “Because We Are Here, Lad” is worth your time.

Don’t Be a Dude

Wearing a cowboy hat in the West is a serious matter. Per one ‘expert’.

“Black hats are for villains, white for good guys, grey for people who shoot the train robber but keep the money.”

Cowboy up

Memorial Day

Not a day I spend socializing or doing “things”. To me, a day of reflection. The picture is from today’s Memorial remembrance conducting by American Legion Post 44, Steamboat Springs, CO.

Organized in 1919-20 and named after Leo Hill, the first townsman killed in WWI, it survives. I’ve paid due for many years although never an active member. It clearly shows the schism between the ‘locals’ and the trust fund snots. Not too many trust fund snots present.

That scene was replayed thousands of times across the country.

 For those who might sneer at the gray beards and pot bellies of the honor guard, have no doubt they can still load, maneuver, and smoke your ass. Maybe not for long, but long enough to get the job done.

Chinese Products

When I first moved into my current place five+ years ago I bought two cheap nightlights at the Dollar Store. Other than power outages, they have been burning 24/7/365. While I might like to replace them with something more decorative, I’m too cheap to toss something that is still working.

True Believers

My neighbor down the hall is a fanatical Democrat true believer. A LA Chicano, he and his wife participated in Cesar Chavez’s farm worker marches back in the day. He is a retired high school principal. There is no dialogue with the man. Any opposing views he shouts down. What amazes me is he won’t accept any criticism  of Biden. Scary, an educated person who ignores reality. I asked him, “Do you have more money in your pocket now than three years ago?”  He was emphatic, “Yes”.  I didn’t ask him why his wife is a frequent visitor to our community food sharing table.

Another Good Idea with Evil Potential – SAR

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Just because we are paranoid doesn’t mean we don’t have reasons to be.

As Always, YMMV

Combat Fatigue Respite

 

Alfred E Neuman state

My personal life, for the moment, is improving and my usual umbrage about the state of the world is merely at a simmer. Undoubtedly that will change. For the moment, my focus is inward.

Surveillance State

With 46 balconies facing the open hillside where Banner does his business, eyes are always on us. Further, many doing the surveillance are not shy with their opinions on how Banner is cared for by his guardian.

Coal and Electricity

Craig, CO, located in Northwest Colorado, has always been a boom or bust town. Railroad, cattle, sheep, uranium and coal have had their day. The TriState power plant is literally adjacent to the Trapper mine. Now both are being shut down. Headed south on Hwy 13 there are other open pit coal mines. All are in danger of closing.

David Moffat’s Denver, Salt Lake, and Pacific railroad reached Craig in 1913. He ran out of investor money. The Denver and Rio Grande acquired the company and later the Union Pacific acquired the D&RG (fuck you Fred Anschutz).

Now, 40 miles to the west a mammoth power line is under construction that will send solar and wind generated electricity, in Wyoming, to Las Vegas and California.

Who supplies electricity (and natural gas) to the region is a hodgepodge of co-ops, for profit companies, and local independent operations all tied into the regional grid. Xcel, a Minnesota headquartered company established in 1903 wants to dominate the system. Being woke and green (and arrogant), constant re-alignments by other ‘stakeholders’ who are not in agreement keep lawyers and reporters busy.

I will say the Xcel ‘boots on the ground’ employees are as good as you will find.

About 4% of electricity produced in Colorado is by hydro. There is a lot of potential. That won’t happen with the environazies calling the shots. Add the unofficial Colorado motto, “Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting”, and you have political gridlock.

Of passing interest, Boulder, CO receives electricity from hydro built in 1906. You don’t hear any proposals to “free” Boulder Creek by tearing down the dam.

Television

I haven’t owned a television going on ten years. This past weekend in the motel room, watching,  I found myself just flipping thru channels. Sports were the only thing I found interesting. I loathe six to ten commercials in a row. Yes I know there are ways around them but that would require reading instructions to achieve a goal that I have no real personal interest.

One channel had some talking head proclaiming, in a sky is falling tone of voice, that if Trump is elected, he will never leave office and will cancel future elections. If only.

Cheyenne + Facebook?

Big plans afoot and everyone involved has signed NDA’s. I didn’t know elected officials can sign NDAs. 

Meta

Personal Relief

My oldest son, 51, is autistic and has lived for several years in a chaotic mental health complex located in the Seattle Wallingford/Fremont district (about eight blocks from the Troll). The area has become increasingly dangerous and staffing issues at the complex has compounded the problem. He has now moved to an adult family (group) home in SE Renton. How this will work out is, of course, unknown. The area is much safer and, hopefully, people on site to assist him with problems. I’m relieved he is finally out of Keystone and the city of Seattle.

Alignment Scam

The one man shop that works on my cars doesn’t do alignments. He tells me a good alignment rack is six figures. Recently he replaced all four struts on my 2002 Ford Taurus (a four figure ouch!) which changed the alignment. Two local shops wouldn’t do an alignment without doing approximately $700 in repairs. Total bullshit! If the car needed a lower control arm, or had a wheel bearing making noise, etc., my mechanic would have told me.

The tire store I use recommended a small shop. Busy, I had to wait two weeks for an appointment. Arrived, one hour and $150 later, I drove away with a proper alignment. As a bonus, Banner got a treat!

This will be the last time the car will meet specs. While the mileage is 81,000, age is always a factor.

Because of my background I knew I was being scammed. I have left proper Goggle reviews, for what that is worth, on the two scam shop sites. Their response is, “We have reached out to him”. Yeah, go fuck yourselves.

As always, YMMV

Good Dog

 Banner

He has been with me now for four years. Every year he gets a vet checkup, shots, and a year supply of heart worm protection. Still in good health, he gained three pounds from last year (80 to 83) and now has a lot of gray hair. Despite his best efforts, I’m still not fully trained but he hasn’t given up. There are at least eight people in our building who give him treats including one who comes to our door. The best thing about him is the smiles and laughter he generates as we make our rounds. I won the dog lottery with him.

Because of him, I get “positive affirmations”. The Abuela neighbor across the hall, “Banner, I feel so sorry for you! You have to live with that grumpy old man”.

Others. “Oh, it is Banner! And frank.”

Bear Story

A story of drunken grizzly bears getting run over by trains in Montana brought to mind a past incident.

 Circa 1972 driving North on Idaho Hwy 93 North of Salmon, ID (a narrow, steep, and winding two  lane road) coming around a corner I saw a pickup truck with a bed mounted camper  wedged against the bank on the passenger side. The driver had his window down and was vigorously waving. Seems he had run over a black bear that was now wedged under his truck directly under the driver side door and pawing the air every time he tried to open the door.

While assessing the situation, he asked me to retrieve a rifle from his camper and shoot the bear.

Noticing a handyman (high lift) jack mounted on the front bumper I used that to lift the truck off the bear. The second the bear was free it bolted across the road and down a steep bank.

Cancer News (Hopeful)

A deeply personal subject. While cancer free, some 60% of extended family member, both paternal and maternal, have died from cancer or currently suffering. This report is good news.

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Despite billions spend worldwide every year searching for answers, the question always is, why not a cure? Is the “cancer industry” too lucrative that cures would break too many rice bowls?

Up yours, Emperor Polis (and not by your husband)

Proposition HH, a convoluted (P)regressive attempt to circumvent TABOR under the smoke screen of ‘property tax relief’ was soundly rejected by Colorado voters by a margin of >20%. This was  a way for the state to gain control over setting taxes. As it now stands, this is the way property taxes are determined.

Each year county commissioners, city councils, school boards, governing boards of special districts, and other taxing authorities determine the revenue needed and allowed under the law to provide services for the following year.

Each taxing authority calculates a tax rate based on the revenue needed from property tax and the total assessed value of real and personal property located within their boundaries. The tax rate is often expressed as a mill levy.

Back when Colorado was a ‘Red State’ the Taxpayers Bill or Rights (TABOR) was added to the state constitution. It limits how taxes can be raised and requires the state to refund excess taxes collected and mandates a balanced budget.

This alone has prevented the complete Californication of Colorado and drives the (P)regressives into fits of rage.

The fallout of the failure has even unhinged hardcore MAGA hating (P)regressives.

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Emperor Polis has called a special session of the state legislation November 17^th to try and undo the election. Right now, the Dims have control of both the House and Senate. Based on the trends in this off year election, the vote is slanted to the right and the next election may end the (P)regessive stranglehold.

The only real tactic the RINOs have is in the Senate. If enough Senators don’t show up, no quorum is possible. Even so, some RINOs are in favor of a Special Session. They seem to think they can score political points. Typical RINO circular firing squad thinking.

Since Emperor Polis is term limited, he has his eye on the Presidency. Failing that, the Senate, IMO.

 Blog Comments

Some comments have viewpoints that have little to do with what I post. So long as they put a name to their comment I let it go. Free speech, and all that. What is clearly stated on the header is anonymous comments will be deleted. Want to use this blog to spread your message? Fine, so long as you put your name/handle on it.

Facebook Humor

The History of the Middle Finger:

Well, now......here's something I never knew before, and now that I know it, I feel compelled to send it on to my more intelligent friends in the hope that they, too, will feel edified.

Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as 'plucking the yew' (or 'pluck yew').

Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and they began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, See, we can still pluck yew! Since 'pluck yew' is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodentalfricative 'F', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute! It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as 'giving the bird.'

And yew thought yew knew every plucking thing. Didn't yew!

Passive Aggression

Local story. A man pissed at traffic past his house took action. Nails and screws on the roadway and driveways.

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Our county has fallen in love with traffic circles. Nearby a botched traffic circle project has kept two roads closed. The contractor was fired and the half finished traffic circle is keeping the roads closed. While I have some sympathy for the individual, he seems a taco short of a combination plate.

As always, YMMV

 

 

 

Life Goes On

 

The Big Picture is grim. In the small picture there are pleasures.

Root Beer floats! In honor of LL, I will attend.

Banner will be bummed as he won’t attend. 75 lbs of treat hunting lab in the midst of all that temptation I don’t want to contemplate.

Inflation

Inflation hits everyone in ways big and small. Banner has powerful jaws that allow him to break bones and eat the toughest rawhide. He is selective in what chew toys he likes.

After a year of experimenting, I’ve settled on this product. It takes him months to destroy one and his vet likes the condition of Banner’s teeth and gums.

Bottom line? In two years the prices has gone up from $14 to $21.

At this rate I may need to start a GoFundMe for Banner chew toys.