Nancy Reagan 1921-2016

Photo Credit: United States Navy

Few will ever forget this 2004 image of former First Lady Nancy Reagan as she said a final, tearful goodbye to her beloved husband, former California Governor, and 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan. 

Today we say goodbye to Nancy as she passes on earlier today from congestive heart failure at the age of 94.  

  

Hollywood Promo shot of Nancy Reagan 1949-1950

Photo Courtesy of Reagan National Library 

Photo Credit:Unknown/Univ of Texas Photo Archives

Courtesy of: Reagan Library and U.S. National Archives

Nancy Reagan led a full life that transcended both entertainment in Hollywood and the Beltway antics of national political life in Washington DC, including an assassination attempt on her husband.   Through it all, two things remained constant: her love for and devotion to "Ronnie," and a  grace, style, and public demeanor that made her one of the most popular First Ladies in the history of the United States. Her devotion to events and causes that benefited American families also endeared her to most Americans regardless of the political leanings.

According to official from the Reagan National Library in Simi Valley, Mrs. Reagan will be buried on the grounds of the library alongside her husband.  Nancy and Ronnie will be together once again.

Rest in Peace Nancy......you will be sorely missed.

Til next time..............

Another Radio Icon Signs Off For The Last Time

Growing up, I loved the way they kept me entertained. Those voices down the road, close by and in places far away. First as a child, and even as a teenager, I couldn't wait to go to bed at night because my trusty transistor radio was always there to keep me company and keep me entertained until I drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning.  Guys like Tony Perry, Mike Beverly, Lynn Wright, Coyote McCloud, Carl Mayfield, and Phil Williams close to home to the big names in even bigger cities far away like Coyote Calhoun, John "Records" Landecker, and Larry Lujack were some of my best early childhood friends. As I got older.....I wanted to be like them.

Eventually, I became one of them. 1982 was the year I joined the radio fraternity. After a few years doing the "radio thing" in too many places to list here, I ended up in California. That's where I discovered a whole new treasure trove of talented men and women who reinvigorated my love for the crazy business I has chosen as a career years earlier.  People like Dr. Don Rose, Bobby Ocean, Sylvia Chacon, Charlie Van Dyke, Robert W. Morgan, The Real Don Steele, Shotgun Tom Kelly, Jeff and Jer, Rich Brother Robbin, Dave Rickards, Shelly Dunn, and Charlie Tuna.

As a child and as an adult in the radio biz, these men and women were some of the truest entertainers, motivators, and professional role models one could hope for. Today some of these folks are still practicing the craft they love.....entertaining. Some are enjoying the "retired life," and sadly some have passed on.  Today, we lost another one of the "Great Ones" in Charlie Tuna as he passes on at the age of 71.

Charlie was the consummate professional on the air and off. Entertaining us during the day and at night and on the weekends using his time, talent, and energy to help raise awareness and funds for causes that were important to him on both the local and national level. He touched many lives over the course of his career. He truly was one of the "Great Ones" and will be dearly missed by all who knew him and fans who didn't.

Thanks for the memories Charlie! You've had a great life and career, now it's times to take a break for a bit.

Rest In Peace....You will be missed!



..............Til Next Time

Powerball Humor

This makes total sense to us and, it's pretty darned funny too!

 

Til Next Time...........................

If You Can't Be On The Beach....

Maybe this is the next best thing.  Butte Creek Canyon is a great  little hiking, biking, and fishing spot just a few minutes east of Chico, California.  Close enough that you can get to town in a hurry if you need too, but far enough out that you can get lost real easy if you're not careful. There are several great fishing and swimming spots and several trails perfect for the hiker.  We always have a good time when we head out to the canyon.  Yesterday was a beautiful day in the canyon and sunrises there are always cool.  These are shots taken from the rim of the canyon early yesterday morning.  A very cool and peaceful way to start the day!

Til Next Time..................

12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 5

Day 5 - Colbie Caillat "Christmas In The Sand" If you live near the beach you've no doubt experienced one or two of these. Here's one for you Southern California style. Enjoy!!! Til Next Time......Cheers!

Well, Yeah.....We Got That!

In recent years, I have found myself having to answer that same tiresome question over and over again: "Why do you stay in California? What is so special about a place that has endured more than it's fair share of natural disasters and lunatic politicians that seem bent on turning The Golden State into the next socialist frontier? And why do you want to stay in a place that always seem to make headlines for all the wrong reasons?"  Yes, it's true that California has a unique set of problems that other parts of country, in some cases, don't have to deal with or at least not as regularly as those of us in California do.

Wildfires, earthquakes, drought, and floods?  Yep! We got that!

Celebrities who are arrogant enough to think that world really is sitting on the edge of it's collective seat just waiting for their next big cause or political rant?  Well, yeah.....of course we have that!

Illegal immigration, arguably the worst unemployment in the nation, and politicans who have taken the state from the seventh largest economy in the world right up to the edge of an abyss that would take decades to recover from?  Yes! Yes! Yes! We have all of that!  Truth be told, there's all that and probably a few other things that would certainly make any member of the state tourism board or local chamber of commerce cringe at the mere thought of.

But you know what.......

Those things pale in comparison to the enormity of the positives that can be found in every part of the Golden State.

Big Bear -- During the winter, Big Bear is one of the world's premiere ski resorts with something for every visitor! At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, many of the animals live cage free, for the most part, inside a large secure compound. Millions of people have visited in amazement and enjoyed the wonders of a park that is second to none in the world. Palomar Mountain in Southern California boasts the world famous Palomar Observatory where the night time views are spectacular and the self guided  daytime tours are free for everyone. Julian, California is one of  if not the world's coolest small town. Famous for their apple orchards and homemade pies. The hospitality here is amazing and unless your own mother has made it, you haven't had a real apple pie until you visit Julian

   California also boasts over 800 miles of accessible coastline with warm sandy beaches to the south, steep rocky shoreline to the north and  everything in between.  Near Monterey, within mere minutes of      each other are of the homes of world class golf at Pebble Beach, the storybook village of Carmel where Clint Eastwood was once mayor, and Cannery Row....the adopted home of literary genius John Steinbeck. The history, culture, and beauty of this part of California is beyond belief. Beyond that and a couple of  hours to the north, is the city of San Francisco and a whole new world of treasures to explore. Then there's Lake Tahoe, which is amazing not just for it's winter skiing, but it's summer lifestyle as well. If  you love the water but can't be near the ocean....Lake Tahoe is the perfect alternative. Let's not forget Yosemite National Park either.  The farther north you go, the more you realize California isn't just about beaches, freeways, and the touristy stuff.  Northern California is an outdoor sportsman's very own heaven.  Whether you're in the valley or the mountains of Northern California, you'll find hundreds of miles of waterways for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Across the Golden State, you'll also find some of America's most famous streets and roads too including the scenic north-south coastal drive on CA 1, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Cannery Row on the central coast and the world famous Route 66 through the deserts of Southern California.

   And as if all that weren't enough,  The state of California is also the home of both the highest and lowest elevation points in the lower 48 states.  Mt. Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, and Death Valley, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in the United States. And the crazy part? They lie only 85 miles apart and less than two hours from each other by car. 

    Finally the people.  While it's true that the state itself is governed by what many refer to sarcastically as a  group of gypsies, tramps, and thieves, the people of California, for the most part, are some of the most
normal, down to earth people you would ever want to meet. Yes we have the politicians, the Hollywood
elite, and all the 60's hippie type Berkley throwaways that love to "Occupy" everything that they can, but they by no means represent what California is as a whole or what it has to offer it's citizens and guests.  Yes, things could always be better. Just name me one place where that isn't true. Despite the negatives you and read about in the press, California (especially Southern California) is still a great place to work, play, and call home.

   At the end of the day.....When I tell people of my love for California, this is how I usually describe it:  There's not another place in the world where you can get up in the morning, eat breakfast, then go play comfortably at the beach. Come home for lunch and change clothes. Then head out for an afternoon in the snow and still make it home in time for dinner. All in the month of January. A pretty decent life you ask?

Well, Yeah! We Got That!!!

...............til next time

Norma Torres Has A Near Meltdown

Thursday night I wrote of the California State Assembly and their horribly bad and very illegal decision to add approximately nine billion dollars in new taxes on the population of a state that is already one of the most if not the most heavily taxed state in the nation. They accomplished this by calling the new taxes...."fees." This creative writing/terminology on their part lowered the threshold for the number of votes they needed to pass the illegal legislation. I call it illegal for one simple reason. Back in the 70's, the people of California passed the now famous Proposition 13. Prop 13 clearly states that the California State Assembly and the California State Senate must both have a two thirds majority vote in order to levy new taxes on the citizenry. What they did Thursday night was a clearly illegal effort to circumvent Prop 13 and the wishes of the people of the state of California.

One of the major proponents of Thursday nights action in Sacramento was Assemblywoman Norma Torres (D-Pomona). I wrote Thursday of her near meltdown on the floor of the state capitol as she tried to bully her fellow assemblymen and women to accept and support this illegal legislation. I finally managed to obtained part of the audio of that near meltdown. Give it a listen and see what you think.

This woman is supposed to be a professional legislator, not an emotional train wreck on display for the whole world. Even some people from her own assembly district don't like her. No wonder people in other parts of the country look at California and shake their heads.

For the record, both sides have been working on this budget for over a year. California's Republican Caucus has said time and time again they would be willing to look at new taxes. But only after the Democrats cut subsidized education and health care for illegal immigrants. A huge portion of the prison population in California is made up of illegals. Then there is the insane pension plan that many state workers get. Far above and beyond the pensions or 401k's of your average American. I haven't even mentioned the money and power hungry teachers and prison guards union leadership that on a routinely try to undermine Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger every time they get the chance. The libs however refuse to address any of this. So here we are. The only difference between the automakers and the state of California? We have stood up and said NO! No bailout for the wasteful spenders in the State Assembly and Senate. Still people like Ms Torres seem to float to the top every time there's money to be extorted from the people.

Unfortunately, the state of California is full of people like Ms Torres who like to play on people's fears, emotions, and lack of knowledge when it comes to matters of politics. She's a very sad lady and a big part of the problem here in California. But the problem isn't just in California. Every state in America has their own Norma Torres' using fear and intimidation to get their way.

Until those of us who reside in the middle of the political spectrum start paying attention and making our voices heard and getting involved in the process, the Norma Torres' of the world will continue to dominate the political landscape. California as a state and the United States as a nation are better than this. But we won't be if we don't get involved!!!

Til Next Time................

The Socialist Republic of California

For years, most of the rest of America has looked at California and just shook their heads at some of the insanity that comes from the left coast. Tonight....those Americans who are really paying attention are looking at California with a great deal of trepidation and fear. You see, tonight the state of California became a state whose leadership has finally shown their true colors.....red and yellow with a hammer and sickle in the middle of the flag. Tonight the Democrat dominated state assembly flipped the middle finger to the people of the state with the type of resounding pride typically seen from gang bangers in the crime ridden sections of America's inner cities. Wow! That sounded pretty harsh right outta the chute....so let me explain.

Back in 1979 the people of the State of California passed Proposition 13 which requires the State Assembly muster a 2/3's majority in order to establish new taxes. Tonight our wonderfully bizarre group of legislators have decided they won't tax us anymore. Instead, their gonna "fee" us to death. Some of the new "fees" all Californians are facing? According to their plan, gasoline usage fees will increase the current "gas tax" by 50 percent. There is also an attempt underway to triple the auto registration "fees." And here's the kicker........As some of you may know, California has one of the highest state income taxes in the nation. Now they want to charge a fee of five percent of the total tax owed as a "filing fee." If these "fee's" are legal as they claim, I wonder why we're only seeing them now?

As of now Governor Schwarzenegger says he will veto the bill, but most observers are saying don't hold your breath. On the other side Norma Torres (D-Pomona) literally had a meltdown when trying to convince her fellow assembly members to support the new fee. Crying uncontrollably and using vulgarites on the floor of the state assembly, she seemed like a total lunatic that had lost any grip she made have had on reality. The arrogance of state senator Mark Leno (D) was sickening as he proclaimed December 18 as the day the Democrats "Saved California." Then there are the authors of this piece of socialist legislation: State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. These two are nothing more that socialist is sheeps clothing.

If you live outside of California and are laughing and thinking we are getting what we deserve....be forwarned. If this sort of disregard for the rule of law is allowed to succeed here in California, your state could be next.

If you are in California, simply call the numbers below and let them know what you think. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

State Capitol Building

Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone:1-916-445-2841

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

1-916-615-4006State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass

1-323-937-4747 or 1-916-319-2047

California is on the edge of a financial abyss and these people claim to have the best interest of California and it's citizens at heart. They do not. Don't fall for their propoganda. Pay attention to what's going on around us and be a part of the solution before these socialist troublemakers turn California into something resembling a third world nation.

Til Next Time.................

Honoring Common Sense, July 23, 2007

Last Friday, California broadcasting icon Pete Wilson went into Stanford Medical Center for what supposed to be a routine hip replacement procedure. Acording to reports, all was going well until Pete went into cardiac arrest. He, sadly, never recovered.

Today, a stunned Bay Area asks why and how something like this could happen to a man, who by all accounts, was a picture of perfect health except for his recent hip injury. That is a question that will be answered in time I'm sure. But for now Pete Wilson is being remembered as a man who loved his family. He loved California and he loved to debate. Yes, Pete Wilson loved to debate. Not from the left and not from the right. Instead, Pete would engage listeners, viewers, and those around him from a position he commonly referred to as common sense. That, in and of itself, made Pete a much welcomed breath of fresh air in a decidedly and overwhelmingly liberal California. Part of that may be due to the fact that he was born and raised in the Midwestern United States. Throughout his career, he carried himself with style, professionalism, and a personality that made him a perfect fit here in California. All the while never losing the values and common sense instilled in him as child growing up in the Midwest.

In San Francisco, Pete worked for ABC owned and operated KGO AM 810 and ABC7 KGO-TV. On the KGO radio side Pete did a mid afternoon talk show. Each day at the shows conclusion he would go downstairs,put on his TV news anchor hat, and prepare for his 6pm newscast on ABC7.

For those of us who listened or watched on a regular basis......it's almost like losing a good friend or a member of your extended family. All we can do is offer our prayers and condolences to Pete's family and friends.

If you would like to read what Pete's TV colleagues are saying......click here.

From the Radio side......lots of audio remembrances and Pete's last monologue from the beginning of this past Wednesday's show(which, sadly, would turn out to be his last).

God Speed Pete................we will miss you.

Til Next time...............

originally posted 7-23-07 on Yahoo 360

Slipped Another One By Us, November 06, 2006

Across America, people look at the state of California and just shake their heads. From Hollywood in the south to Berkley and San Francisco in the north, the state of California has some real winners breathing our air here in the "Golden State." No where is that more obvious than at the state capital in Sacramento. The people that the "left coasters" elect to the State Assembly and Senate are the best example I can give you of everything that is wrong here in California. We have assembly members who actually voted against a bill that would have made it a sex crime to posses even one child pornography picture. Then there is the assembly member name Gil "One Bill Gil" Sedeo. He has earned the nickname "One Bill Gill" because over the last few years, the only bill he has proposed in the assembly is one to give drivers licenses to illegals...repeatedly, year after year. It even cost one governor his job.

The list of goofy stuff our state assembly tries to shove down our throats is never ending. At times it's hard to even act suprised when it comes to some of their proposals. But I think they have finally found a way to top even the most bizzare of their past actions.

About eight weeks ago with virtually no publicity, Debra Bowen (D) Redondo Beach (yes the same Debra Bowen whose Voters Bill of Rights I wrote about yesterday) carried a bill in the state senate that, if signed into law, would give California's 55 Electorial College votes to the winner of the national popular vote in presidential elections. Her reasoning was that it would increase California's influence when it comes to who occupies the White House and therefore forcing candidates to spend more time in California.

What Ms Bowen, the bill's original authors, and its supporters aren't taking into account is precisely the potential senario that we have seen in the last two presidential elections. Let's say that California's 55 electoral votes go to the winner of the national poular vote. Let's also say that the final count is really, really close.....like it was in the 2000 Bush-Gore contest. Instead of having the fiasco of a Florida like recount, we would have the total unfettered chaos of a national recount. Imagine for a moment what that would be like. Lawyers in every polling place during the election, lawyers in every elections office after the election, months of recounting votes, and years and years of crying and whinning from the losers. Yes it would be chaos of epic porportions. Florida times 50.....

Secondly, there is the possibility that California's 55 electoral votes could end up going to a candidate that the majority of Californians would never support. So, in theory you could have a candidate that is extremely popular east of the Mississippi but maybe not out west. And if they won the popular vote, you could have all of California's electorial going to a candidate that only a minority of Californians voted for.

A huge portion of the country might chuckle at that prospect and say it serves California right, but before you laugh too loudly, there are 10 other states considering similar legislation including Colorado. Should this become a reality and if you live in a small or rural state this could be extremely bad news for you. This is nothing more than a power grab being played out by liberal leaning urban areas across the country who will stop at nothing to impose their will on the rest of us.

The Wall Street Journal did an excellent piece on this attempt at hijacking our electoral process. You can read about it here........... http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pdupont/?id=110008855 Oh and by the way, don't forget to vote tomorrow!

Til next time..............

originally posted 11/6/06 on Yahoo 360

Voters Bill of Rights, November 05, 2006

As this mid term election season draws to a close with elections taking place on Tuesday, one thing that I have noticed is that you can't go to a political website without seeing something about something being proposed called a "Voters Bill Of Rights." I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this one. But if there were to be a Voters Bill of Rights created, one right that I certainly would love to see included would go something like this: The right not to be subjected to two, four, or eight years of the losers crying and whining like little girls because their candidates just couldn't cut the mustard. Unfortunately, the way this mid-term election is shaping up, I don't think we'll be seeing that one anytime soon.

But back to the subject at hand......the "Voters Bill of Rights" pictured above comes from a website called www.51capitalmarch.com . This website has some pretty interesting stuff on it that is worth the read if you have the time. Also, out here in California, we have a lady named Debra Bowen running for Secretary of State. She, like many others, has a proposed "Voters Bill of Rights" on her website and it looks something like this:

The ability to register to vote, to cast a ballot, and to have that ballot counted accurately is the very foundation of our democracy. To that end, every one of California's voters is entitled to the following rights:

1. The Right To Register To Vote.
2. The Right To Vote.
3. The Right to Vote In A Tamper-Proof Election.
4. The Right To Vote On Paper.
5. The Right To Have Each Vote Counted Accurately.
6. The Right To Have Election Results Properly Audited.
7. The Right To An Open, Transparent, Public Process.
8. The Right To Elections Officials Who Operate Free of Partisan Influence.
9. The Right To Know that Elected Officials Are Free From the Influence of Campaign Contributions From Voting Machine Vendors.
10. The Right To Find Out How Money Is Being Raised And Spent In The Political Process.

Now after having having read this and perusing her website for a bit, three thoughts immediately come to mind.

1. Her website contains endorsements from several liberal newspapers, a couple dozen prominent democrat/liberal politicans on both the state and national level, and three times as many liberal organizations across the state. So much for voters right # 8.

2. Going back to my earlier "crying and whining like a little girl" comment: Read comments 1 thru 6 again. Now don't these sound an awful lot like the moans of the Gore and Kerry supporters from the 2000 and 2004 presidental elections? That crying and whining just never ends does it?

and finally, 3. All this other stuff aside......on most every one of these voters rights pages that I've seen, I have yet to see one single right that isn't already guaranteed by some already granted right or law that is currently on the books. The key is getting our government officials (whether elected or appointed) to enforce the laws that are already on the books. Whether it's elections, immigration, or any other issue currently being debated.....it is imperative that we hold our elected officials accountable for enforcing laws that are on the books.

Bottom line......Mr Politican that wants my vote......stop wasting my time and tax dollars on things like Voters Bill of Rights or Immigration Reform. All I want you to do, be honest, don't steal, and enforce the all the laws that are on the books....not just the ones that suit you. If you want my vote....that's what you are going to have to do for me.

Til Next Time....................

originally posted 11/5/06 on Yahoo 360

Legalized Loan Sharking In California, September 28, 2006

ONCE AGAIN MEMBERS OF OUR ARMED FORCES are coming under fire from the enemy. This time though it's not from terrorists or insurgents in a foreign land. This enemy is homegrown and known as the banking industry. In particular, the shady side of the banking industry known as "payday lenders." These thieves are targeting young inexperienced servicemembers around the country and some of our nation's finest are paying a dear price for it. Some "worst case" scenarios have played out here in California with unsuspecting servicemembers paying up to 400% in interest according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

Read the story below and at the end of it, learn how you can help by clicking on the link for the Center for Responsible Lending. These men and women defend us around the world on a daily basis. One way we can help them is by strongly and loudly making our voices heard and helping to put an end to this obscene practice by payday lenders.

Payday Lenders Sabotage Military in CA

PR Newswire

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Predatory payday lenders will continue to gouge soldiers, sailors and aviators in California with more than 400 percent interest on loans thanks to the payday-lending industry's intense lobbying of state legislators.

High-ranking Navy and Marine officers, consumer groups and their allies in the legislature tried to ban this sort of predatory lending, but it looks like they will fall short as the legislative session ends this week.

"We may have missed a chance to keep our service people out of the clutches of predators," said Paul Leonard, director of the California office of the Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit that goes after predatory lenders.

"Our legislators could give them some financial body armor, but it doesn't look like that will happen."

Payday lenders make borrowers sign a postdated check for, say, $300 to borrow $255 for two weeks. When borrowers can't repay the principal, they roll the loan over for another two weeks -- and another $45. In California, the average payday borrower winds up paying $660 on a $255 loan.

These predators cluster around the nation's military bases seeking to hook young, cash-strapped, financially inexperienced soldiers and sailors on this expensive kind of debt. Military people are three or four times more likely to be victims of payday lenders, the Pentagon says. And as the industry grows fat on loans to soldiers and sailors, the problem gets worse.

"We're hearing more and more stories from sailors who get themselves in a cycle of debt," says Navy Capt. Mark Patton, who testified for the military at a hearing of the Senate Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee.

Fed up with these predations, the Pentagon issued a report earlier this month saying these predators bankrupt and ruin young soldiers. And that wasn't all. Payday lenders are hurting the military's ability to defend the country.

"Predatory lending," the report said, "undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all volunteer fighting force."

It called for a 36-percent ceiling on interest on payday loans to members of the military -- the same cap many states impose in their usury laws to ban loan sharks.

Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) then added the 36-percent cap to a bill he introduced that had already passed the lower house of the legislature.

The bill was about to go to the floor of the Senate for a vote when the banking committee called it back. At this point the committee had a chance to help the people who protect this country. Instead they went AWOL: They stripped the 36-percent interest-rate cap.

The military, hoping to get at least some protection for service members, is supporting the watered-down bill, but still wants the 36-percent cap.

It may get that, instead, from Congress. U.S. Senators Jim Talent, a Missouri Republican, and Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, got the 36-percent cap passed in an amendment to a defense bill. While the payday lobbyists stalk Capitol Hill, the amendment awaits its fate in a House-Senate conference committee.

"We're hoping Congress will stand up to the payday industry if California legislators will not," said the Center for Responsible Lending's Paul Leonard. "Our service people deserve far better than financial ruin --or trying to survive in a war zone while they're fretting about how they'll pay next month's bills."

For more information: Michael Flagg, (202) 349-1862 or mike.flagg@responsiblelending.org ; or Sharon Reuss, (919) 313-8527, sharon.ruess@responsiblelending.org

About the Center for Responsible Lending

The Center for Responsible Lending www.responsiblelending.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to protecting homeownership and family wealth by working to eliminate abusive financial practices. CRL is affiliated with Self-Help www.selfhelp.org one of the nation's largest community development financial institutions.

Til Next Time.........
Originally posted 9/28/06 on Yahoo 360

A Few Good People Left In California, Aug.10, 2006

Except for Martiniville (the state of Massachusetts) and the southern half of New York state, most of the rest of America views California as the "Wacko State." Seriously, when you hear about California on the news, it's either illegal immigrants stealing the state, freeway car chases, Michael Jackson's debauchery, people like Scott Petterson, or idiots like Barbra Boxer and Nancy Pelosi.

However, the truth is that there are real Americans that still live in California, that are still fighting the good fight. Not just for California but for the rest of America too. One such example is a non-profit organization in San Diego called the "Warrior Foundation.

Warrior Foundation's mission is to help wounded and disabled military heroes leading the fight in the war against Terror. They vow to assist, honor, and support the soldiers who have so bravely served and sacrificed for our country. They do this in a variety of ways including procuring hard to get items for troops at Balboa Naval Hospital. They have purchased plane tickets for wounded troops so they can visit home over the holidays without having to worry about money. When wounded troops can't travel because of their injuries, they pay for family members to come to San Diego so they can be with their loved ones.

In addition to financial and material contributions from individuals from across the country, the Warrior Foundation has received incredible support from the San Diego business community including small business owners and high powered corporate entities such as Budget Rent A Car and Holiday Inn just to name a couple.

To the Warrior Foundation, it matters not if the "wounded warrior" is a San Diego native. They have provided support for troops and family members from as far away as Ohio. The prevailing attitude is that as long as a wounded military member (or a member of their family) is in San Diego, then they ARE PART OF SAN DIEGO. Check out the audio right here, to hear first hand an example of this All American attitude in action. It's approximately four and a half to five minutes long, but trust me, it's well worth the listen and proved to me that there are still a few good people left in California.

Learn more at: The Warrior Foundation

(originally posted on Yahoo 360 on 8-10-06)

Weekend Getaway Pt.3, February 12, 2006

The Last Day

Day three started early as we still had the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the California Academy of Sciences/Steinhart Aquarium to see.

The Museum of Modern Art was an experience to say the least. Envision an episode of Frasier, where the scene is set at a museum and everything that goes along with it. That was exactly what it was like. Overall, it was a little stuffier than I like, but it was enjoyable. There was one photography exhibit though that did catch my eye. It all revolved around the 1906 earthquake and the ensuing fires that San Francisco endured. It was a striking exhibit that in many ways reminded me of the situation the Gulf Coast region is dealing with now after the last hurricane season. I guess no matter where you live or no matter what era you live in, a tragedy is still a tragedy. Other than that one exhibit, I wasn't overly impressed with the Museum. I guess modern art just isn't my thing.

Then we were off to the California Academy of Sciences and the Steinhardt Aquarium. This place was too cool. With the exception of being on the watefront, this was probably my favorite of all our stops. If you're even remotely interested in science, then there's something here for you. From wildlife of the earthly type to astrobiology and everything in between.....it was the best. Next year sometime they are going to be moving their whole operation from their downtown location to the Golden Gate Park. The new building will almost triple their size and give them much more room to have bigge and better exhibits. If you ever make the trip to San Francisco, This is one place you certainly don't want to miss.

After that we began our trip home. On our way out we made one last stop at Treausre Island for a last gaze at the city from accross the bay. There it occurred to me again that as liberal as the city is and as maddening as it's residents attitudes can be, it is still a beautiful city with some incredible treasures that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. We've been fortunate to make the trip twice and I feel we are much better people for it.

(originally posted 2-12-06 on Yahoo 360)

Weekend Getaway Pt. 2, February 11, 2006

Day 2

Day two was a full day of lots of cools stuff. It all started with a short walk to the B.A.R.T. station for a subway ride to the waterfront. Our young one had never ridden a subway before and was eager to try something new.

On the way there, he asked if we could sit in the last car of the subway. When I asked him why, he said so he could watch the light disappear at the end of the tunnel as we pull away. Kat and I immediately started laughing and he couldn't understand why. I explained to him that as adults, we spend most of our time looking for that theoretical light at the end of the tunnel and here he is...a twelve year old without a care in world wanting to watch it disappear. He still didn't get it, not that I really expected him to. I just told him that when he got to be our age....he'd understand. Oh, to be twelve again without a care in the world.

After that came the Blue and Gold Bay Cruise. That was a lot of fun. The boat was only about half full so there was plenty of room to move around. The peace of being out on the water is something that's hard to desribe. After spending over a decade in the Navy, going out on a boat is something that is still exciting for me. Part of the cruise included going "under" the Golden Gate Bridge. Everybody see pictures of the bridge from various angles and distances, but seeing it from underneath give you a whole new perspective. We also sailed by Alcatraz.....that was different to say the least. We didn't stop, so we didn't get to see much of it. Next time to go to SF we'll be taking that tour.

When the harbor cruise was over we had a quick bite on the yacht slips just off the pier. That's where we got the pics of the birds...up close and personal. Then it was off to the Exploratorium.

We decided to walk the mile and a half or two miles to the Exploratorium so we could enjoy the unusually clear, sunny, and warm day in San Francisco. Normally during the winter, SF is shrouded in fog and is somewhat cool. However, on this trip it was sunny and warm the whole time. Our walk took us through Fort Mason and the Marina District. Fort Mason was interesting to walk through. It's a very historic Army installation that was decommisioned back in the 90's. Lots of hills and lots of green. The Marina District looks totally different now that it did back in the 80's. Everytime you see the pictures on tv or in magazines of the Loma Prieta earthquake and houses off their foundations and burning....well that's Marina District. Now it's full of multimillion dollars townhome and condos. I guess that's how the other half lives. We're almost to the exploratorium now....and I'm starting to get tired after walking up and down all the hills back at Fort Mason.

Once we got to the Exploratorium, Eston was off and running. This is a place designed primarily for kids. Lots of hands experiments for the kids to participate in. Let me tell you, the place was packed. I don't think I've seen so many kids in one place at the same time since I was in school myself. The cool stuff for the adults is all outside. Unfortunately alot of that was messy and blocked off due to a major rehab of most of the architecture and horticulture exhibits. Nonetheless, we had a great time watching Eston. I don't think I've seen him that excited...oh say since Christmas Morning? LOL By the time we were done there is was time for dinner and some rest and relaxtion. Tomorrow's another day!

(originally posted 2-11-08 on Yahoo 360)

Weekend Getaway Pt.1, February 10, 2006

Day 1

For as long as I've lived in California, I've always heard people complain about California's major cities for a variety of reasons......including the traffic. After this past weekend though, I have to say I have no complaints at all. You see, last Friday was the first day of a long weekend that's been a long time coming. Our weekend jaunt to San Francisco was eagerly anticipated for weeks and not even the Bay area's reputation for horrible traffic conditions was going to spoil the fun. Once Weekend Getaway Pt.1

we got there, the traffic didn't seem to be that bad at all. I don't know, maybe I'm just getting used to driving in urban areas....or maybe all those complaints are a little unjustified. Either way, getting around San Francisco during our trip was a breeze.

We arrived at the hotel at the scheduled time, but the room wasn't quite ready. So, we decided to explore for a while. We walked around the Financial District and nearby areas for a bit. It's amazing how small you feel when you're walking amongst buildings that are so big.

Our first stop was the Asian Art Museum. If you're into all things Oriental, then you'd be in heaven here. That place is huge too. If it can be painted, sculpted, or carved....they've done it. And they have the museum exhibits to prove it! We were there for quite a while, and I must admit I was starting to get a little restless until we came across the exhibit featuring items related to the Chinese Zodiac and the Lunar New Year.

Now this exhibit really got my attention. As it turns out, I was born in the year of the Dragon! On the upside, the Dragon says I'm vital, ambitious, daring, gifted, confident, forceful and creative. (note to self.....try not to smile too much as I agree with the dragon) On the flipside the Dragon also says I can abrasive, demanding, and unwilling to compromise. (second note to self....take Dragon off the Christmas card list) If you were born in 1940, 52, 64, 76, or 88, you also share these traits that come with being born in the year of the Dragon. In case you're wondering, 2006 is the year of the Dog. If you're interested in where you fall in the Chinese Zodiac....let me know and I'll be happy to share the information I have with you.

Later, we hopped on one of the classic streetcars (these are too cool). We're talking circa 1946-48 and they were in excellent condition. Not exactly what you would expect from a major urban mass transit system. Then again, no one could ever accuse San Francisco of being predictable. We took the streetcar to Fishermans Warf and spent the evening there. We grabbed a bite to eat (seafood of course) and did some shopping.

There are a couple of streetside crab shacks on Fisherman's Warf that I highly recomend. One is called "Rick's Lighthouse" and the other is simply called "The Crab Shack." WOW!!!!!!!! While neither are much to look at, their creations are the epitome what fresh dockside seafood is all about. Again, I highly recomend both as long as you're not allergic to shellfish.

At the end of the night, I found myself somewhat conflicted about my first day of our weekend in San Francisco. Because of its politics and some of the ultra liberal attitudes of its residents, I've never been a big fan of San Francisco overall. That is about as big of an understatement as you'll ever hear me make. But the city itself is a beautiful city with a lot to offer if you're willing to look past the nonsense. For me and my love of the ocean, being on the waterfront and taking in all that comes with it was more than enough to make me forget all the rest.....if only for a weekend.

(originally posted 2-10-06 on Yahoo 360)

Encouragement for the Troops January 17, 2006

Yesterday, another National Guard unit from Sacramento, California returned home from a year long deployment to Iraq. It was an emotional homecoming for both the soldiers and the families. This long deployment was a successful one for the unit as they played a major role in the clearing of Fallujah based insurgent activity. Their success came with a high price though in the form of several unit members killed in action. The proof of that price was very evident to those that witnessed the emotionally intense return of our local heros. Despite all the excitement of the long awaited homecoming, one young guardsman (who didn't look old enough to be out of high school) delayed his personal homecoming long enough to say thank you to everyone to took the time to write his unit during their deployment. He told the TV reporter that all the letters he received while he was in Iraq meant more than anyone could imagine. He also apologized for not answering every letter he received. He said he hoped those who wrote would understand because.....he was a little busy.

A few words of encouragement or even a simple thank you, especially when it comes from a total stranger, means so much to those far away from home.....especially when they are in a combat zone. Speaking from my own personal experience in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, mail call is generally the highlight of each day.

Below are a couple of links where you can send letters or cards to the troops and bring a smile to someone who could probably use a little encouragement.

www.amillionthanks.org and www.anysoldier.com

Who knows, maybe you'll even make a new friend too!

(originally posted 1-17-06 on Yahoo 360)