Behind the Hollywood Sign


Went hiking up Mount Lee to get some photos from behind the Hollywood sign. Last time I did this I parked near the Griffith Observatory and ended up hiking 12 miles round trip and I didn’t have water so I was dehydrated and tired as all can be. I knew I wasn’t going to make that mistake again. This time I research a closer place to park and hike up behind the Hollywood sign and this time it was only a 4.4 mile round trip and I brought lots of water. That was much more pleasant. I parked by the Lake Hollywood park and from the park you get some nice views of the sign. Then I hiked up a nice paved road all the way to the sign. When you hike up behind the Hollywood sign you get spectacular panoramic views of the entire area. It’s a very nice experience and it makes you feel like you are on top of the world.

Catholic Morning Coffee

Four old Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee in St. Peters Square.

The first Catholic man tells his friends, “My son is a priest, when he walks into a room, everyone calls him ‘Father’.”

The second Catholic man chirps, “My son is a Bishop. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Grace’.”

The third Catholic gent says, “My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room everyone bows their head and says ‘Your Eminence”

The fourth Catholic man says very proudly, “My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Holiness’.”

Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, The four men give her a subtle, “Well….?”
She proudly replies, I have a daughter,

Slim & Tall
40D Bust
24″ Waist and
34″ Hips

When she walks into a room, people say, ‘OH MY GOD!’

A Bit of Lost History

A bit of lost history captured by Kodak…

Cowboys around the Hoodlum Wagon, Spur Ranch, Texas, 1910. Hoodlum Wagon was usually driven by the “Hood” — the wrangler who watched over the horse herd at night.


Judging by the saddle style, this unidentified cowboy was working in the late 1870s or 1880s. In his holster, he carries a Colt model 1873 single action revolver with hard rubber grips, and he has looped his left arm around a Winchester model 1873 carbine in a saddle scabbard. On the back of the photo is the light pencil inscription “Indian fighter.”


Snow Tunnel ~ On the Ouray and Silverton Toll Rd ~ Colorado ~ 1888


1899 Concord, Michigan “Buggy & Wagon Shop”


Thankful someone took the time to photograph this type of beauty – April 1937. Buttermilk Junction, Martin County, IN.


1887 – West Center Street, Anaheim, California. Disneyland is standing here!


Moser’s Guns, Banjos, and Mules at the Livery stable in East Tennessee around 1890.


In 1906, a massive magnitude 7.9 earthquake ruptured the entire San Andreas Fault in Northern California. That is a huge running crack in the ground. Now they are building houses right on the line as fast as the boards can be delivered.


This is what real cowboys looked like in 1887.


Some of the toughest, bravest people we know of. They gave it their all to go west and start a new life. This wagon train is in eastern Colorado in 1880.


This moose team belonged to W.R. (Billy/Buffalo Bill) Day. They were found by a Metis near Baptiste Lake, Alberta, in 1910 and were reared by bottle and broken to drive by Mr. Day at Athabasca Landing during the winter of 1910. Mr. Day and the moose team hauled mail and supplies.


In the American Civil War, soldiers were required to have at least four opposing front teeth, so that they could open a gunpowder pouch. Some draftees had their front teeth removed to avoid service. In our day they just jumped the border into Canada.


Here we have a tired old prospector during the Klondike Gold Rush.


Lulu Parr – Her skill with the gun caught the attention of Pawnee Bill, who signed her to his show in 1903. She left that show but came back in 1911. By that time, Pawnee Bill had joined Buffalo Bill’s show. Buffalo Bill was so in awe of Lulu’s willingness to ride unbroken ponies that he presented her with an ivory-handled Colt single-action revolver, engraved with “Buffalo Bill Cody to Lulu Parr—1911.”


View from the driver’s seat of a 40 mule team. These rigs were used to haul Borax out of Boron, CA and then loaded onto railroads for manufacturing.


Hoops had to be removed before taking your seat in a carriage and then they were hooked onto the back of the carriage.


Omaha Board of Trade in Mountains near Deadwood, SD April 26, 1889. It was created in 1889 by Grabill, John C H., photographer. The picture presents procession of stagecoaches loaded with passengers coming down a mountain road.


This is a stunning photograph from 1862. The image shows a horse-drawn Civil War ambulance crew removing the wounded from a battlefield.

California is a Sanctuary State


Watched NBC news tonight only to learn that California has become a sanctuary state. This is not a big surprise since California is probably the biggest liberal state in the union, however California is all about the money and I hope that they will lose federal funding because of this. Whenever a state puts criminals over citizens of the United States this poses a huge problem for the people of that state, but also for the people of the country. Choosing to accept illegal immigrants and protect them over the citizens puts the safety and security of those citizens at risk.

Message to the National Football League


This is how real men and women behave during the singing of the National Anthem of the United States. Leave politics out of sports. This is during the playing of the National Anthem during Monday night football in Arrowhead Stadium where the Kansas City Chiefs played the Washington Redskins. Please take note of all the people standing, even in the nosebleed seats, of the stadium.

The Next Generation

Jury Duty


I received a summons in the mail to go to jury duty. On the day of jury duty I had to go to the Hall of Justice, which sounded really cool. Who knows what superhero you might get to meet?

As I walked in and passed the elevators it was engraved into the wall, “WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.” That was pretty cool as everyone has the right to due process.

While waiting to find out which courtroom I was to report to I notice an ABC news vehicle pulling up in front of the building. There must be some kind of big case going on.

Here is a picture I took of the California seal and the San Diego Superior Court.

Also while I was waiting I saw this reminder on the wall of the rules for jurors to remember. After having the juror experience it was pretty neat to see the choreography of how the events took place throughout the day and how the juror selection took place. As it is a civic duty I am glad I was able to do my part.

The Will to Win


Yesterday I was at a sporting event and I saw this on the back of a person’s t-shirt, so I quickly snapped a photo. Some people want the reward without putting in the effort to earn it. Nothing in this world comes easy. There is no shortcut to victory. If you want victory, you need to put in the effort to train and prepare for it and even then it still does not come easy.

Tacos El Gordo


Ever since I arrived here in San Diego, California people have told me that San Diego has great Mexican food and tacos. So I decided to give it a try. A couple people recommended that I go to Tacos El Gordo because they are the closest you can get to tacos in Tijuana, Mexico. Upon entering Tacos El Gordo I noticed there were about 3 or 4 different lines and I wasn’t sure which one to get in, so I asked. The cashier explained to me that there is different types of meat and to get into the line of the taco you would like to eat. After getting your food, then come and pay for it. After paying $2.50 per carne asada taco, I found a seat to see what they tasted like. The taco had spicy meat and it was pretty good and tasty, but they were a little small. I didn’t think they were quite worth the $2.50 per taco, but it was good to have a new experience and give them a try.

In the Hood


Signs you know you are in the hood.

Bird Photos at Lindo Lakes


Went to Lindo Lakes near Santee, California and while there wasn’t much to look at around there, but I was able to get some nice photos of some birds and waterfowl.

Tale of Two Alligators


Two alligators were sitting at the side of the swamp near the lake. The smaller one turned to the bigger one and said, “I can’t understand how you can be so much bigger than me. We’re the same age; we were the same size as kids. I just don’t get it.”

“Well,” said the big gator, “what have you been eating?” “Politicians, same as you,” replied the small gator.

“Hmm…..Well, where do you catch them?” “Down the other side of the swamp near the parking lot by the Capitol.”

“Same here. Hmm…. How do you catch them?”

“Well, I crawl up under one of their Lexus cars and wait for one to unlock the car door. Then I jump out, grab them by the leg, shake the shit out of them and eat ’em!”

“Same here.” says the big gator. “Do you eat Democrats or Republicans?”

“I eat the Democrats” says the little guy.

“Ah!” says the big gator. “I think I see your problem. You’re not getting any real nourishment. You see, by the time you finish shaking the shit out of a Democrat, there’s nothing left but an asshole and a briefcase.”

Cicada


While waiting outside in Japan I heard a noise and happened to look up to see this cicada in a tree. Luckily I had my camera and was able to snap a couple photos of it. If you haven’t ever seen a cicada before they are a pretty wicked look insect.

Spinning Coaster


Have you ever had the urge to ride a roller coaster on the 2nd story of a building that spins? If you have, then I have the ride just for you. In Yokohama, Japan there is a roller coaster called the spinning coaster which does exactly that. It is on the roof of a building, the car where everybody sits is round and it spins as passengers ride the ride.

Cosmo Clock 21 Giant Ferris Wheel in Yokohama

The Cosmo Clock 21 is a giant ferris wheel in Yokohama, Japan. It was built in 1992 and stands 354 feet tall. It is a short walk from the Sakuragicho train station and it is part of the Cosmo World Amusement park. I decided to go for a ride on it and see what kinds of interesting things are to be seen while riding it. First off there are some special seats on the ferris wheel that have a glass bottom that you can look out as you’re slowly going around. There are many other interesting things to be seen. You can see a putt putt golf course and a gazebo on different rooftops. You can see the bridges spanning across Yokohama bay. You can also see landmark tower. No matter what it is you may find interesting the Cosmo Clock ferris wheel gives you spectacular views around Yokohama.

Vanish Roller Coaster in Japan


If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, Japan and are looking for something to do, you should take the subway train over to the Sakuragicho train station in Yokohama. A short walk from the train station you will see a big ferris wheel and at the base of that ferris wheel is a roller coaster named “Vanish.” It is rightly named because the roller coaster actually goes down into a tunnel, but it gives the illusion that is in vanishing into water. It’s a fun ride and is pretty unique.

The Kumachan Available in Apple News

The Kumachan is now available in Apple News and can be read an previewed through the Apple News application.  Above is the icon for the channel and below is the link to the news feed:

https://apple.news/TTo-7AcJhRTKnvEfK52oNgw

Be sure to add us to your favorites.

Orion Beer Towel


I received an Orion Beer towel as a gift. The towel is awesome because, not only does it have a cool design with beer and a whale shark, but it is also a reminder of the time I spent in Okinawa. I don’t exactly remember the whole story from when I went and visited the Orion beer company in Nago, Okinawa. The main part of the story of how Okinawa became popular was back when mainland Japan took over Okinawa the mainland Japanese told the Okinawan’s that they were to buy and drink the Japanese beer. The Okinawan’s made their own beer and boycotted the mainland beer and thus was the Orion beer story. Every year they celebrate and host eisa festivals with singing, dancing, food tents, and also Orion beer tents. Orion beer was the first beer that I actually enjoyed drinking and I really enjoyed the festivals. Kampai!

Life Reminders

Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Building


While walking over to the White House I passed by the Dwight D. Eisenhower executive building. I really liked the architectural detail in building. It certainly was worth snapping a couple photos.

Impeach Trump Sticker


While walking down the street in Washington D.C. I happened to see a sticker stuck to a lamp post that said,
“tRUMP is an ASS
IMPEACH
THE PUTIN PUPPET”

D.C. is a pretty liberal city, however I’m curious as if these liberals actually think things through. In the event of Donald J. Trump being impeached, Mike Pence will be the next President of the United States. It’s not like a Democrat will suddenly become the next POTUS. What grounds are they using to define Donald Trump as being an ass? Is it because they don’t like his personality? Is it because they don’t like the way he conducts business? Is it because he defeated Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election? Only time will tell on how great of a job Trump is doing for the United States.

George Washington Statue


Walked through the George Washington University Campus in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington D.C. and passed by this statue. I felt it wouldn’t be right to pass by a statue of one of the greatest leaders in American history and not capture a photo of the moment I had.

Scenery Along the California Pacific Coast Highway


Since I will probably never make the drive again in my lifetime, here are photos I took of different sights, scenery, signs, and other miscellaneous things along the California Pacific Coast Highway 1 between Los Angeles and Monterey. I was told that the views are just absolutely gorgeous and I guess for California standards they are pretty nice, but I have seen much better. California scenery hasn’t really impressed me because it seems the majority of it is just desert and coast. Things don’t really start to get interesting until you are either around San Francisco or north or if you are more inland towards Yosemite national forest.

Hearst Castle


Driving north on California Pacific Coast Highway 1 I saw a sign for the Hearst Castle so I decided to stop and check it out. I took some photos as I walked around, but once I saw the price of the tickets to look at some dead, rich, people’s house, I quickly knew this was not my cup of tea. So I used it as a much needed rest stop and kept driving north.

Bubble Gum Alley in San Louis Obispo


I heard about this alley in San Louis Obispo called the bubble gum alley because people go there and stick pieces of gum to the wall. For whatever reason that I cannot explain now, I knew that I had to see this. When I got there it was about mid day and unfortunately for me the smell was rather ripe, so I quickly snapped some photos and went on my way.

Retro Revolution in Fremantle, Australia


Are you ready for the party of all parties? Well here it is, 5 old school DJ’s from the 90’s & beyond for one night of fun.

SONICSSS GLOBAL NETWORK has rounded up Metro Freo’s original 90’s resident DJ’s Steve Spinner & Steve Barrington along with DJ Birdie, Dean Charles & Dave ‘3D’ Ward for a trip into clublands coming of age.

Featuring OG Club Dancers, cash prize for best dressed 90’s style, special lighting and fx, playing all the original 90’s Hits & Club Classics, RnB, Hip Hop, House, Dance, Acid, Trance, Hip House, Techno, Happy Hardcore & Rave Favourites.

So whether you were a regular at Metropolis Fremantle in the 90’s or just want to experience what it was like, Retro Revolution : Metropolis Fremantle Reunion 90’s Edition is a night not to be missed.

Friday August 18th 2017 Metropolis Fremantle, Western Australia 9pm – late.

Tickets on sale now https://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=75963

San Diego Duck Boat Tours


Around San Diego, California you may see some tour vehicles that have a seal painted on the side of them. The tours use duck boats and they drive around on land and then they drive right into the water to cruise over and check out some sea lions or seals in the San Diego bay. They are really cool and look like a blast.

Landing at Salt Lake City

I was trying to figure out what that black spot was.  Is it a swage pond?  Is it a solar panels?  Whatever it is, it is pretty big in size.


For the first time in my life I took a flight that landed in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve never been to Salt Lake City before and from what I could tell from the sky it looks like it is a city that is elevated desert. There are mountains all around and there is still snow on top of some of the mountains, but other than that there wasn’t much around.

The Wedding Night

Mike was going to be married to Jane, so his father sat him down for a little chat. He said, ‘Mike, let me tell you something.
On my wedding night in our honeymoon suite, I took off my pants, handed them to your mother, and said, ‘Here, try these on!,

She did and said, ‘These are too big, I can’t wear them.’ I replied, ‘Exactly, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.’
Ever since that night we have never had any problems.’

‘Hmmm,’ said Mike. He thought that might be good thing to try.

On his honeymoon, Mike took off his pants and said to Jane, ‘Here try these on.’ She tried them on and said, ‘These are too large, they don’t fit me. ‘Mike said, ‘Exactly, I wear the pants in this family, and I always will. I don’t want you to ever forget that.’

Then Jane took off her pants, and handed them to Mike. She said, ‘Here, you try on mine.’ He did and said,
‘I can’t get into your pants.’ Jane said, ‘Exactly. And if you don’t change your smart ass attitude, you never will.’

“They lived happily ever after”

Senior Toons That May Be True

Political Quotes From Famous People

a man wearing a suit and tie

John Adams

1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.
-John Adams

2. If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.
-Mark Twain

3. Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but then I repeat myself.
-Mark Twain

4. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill

5. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
-George Bernard Shaw

6. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, for which he proposes to pay with your money.
-G. Gordon Liddy

7. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
-P.J. O’Rourke,Civil Libertarian

8. Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it.
If it stops moving, subsidize it.
-Ronald Reagan (1986)

9. I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
-Will Rogers

10. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free!
-P. J. O’Rourke

11. No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
-Mark Twain (1866)

12. Talk is cheap, except when Congress does it.
-Anonymous

13. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism
is the equal sharing of misery.
-Winston Churchill

14. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
-Mark Twain

15. There is no distinctly Native American criminal class, save Congress.
-Mark Twain

16. What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
-Edward Langley

17. A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Thomas Jefferson

Five Best Sentences

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity, by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. For whatever one person receives without work, another person must then work without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anyone anything that the government does not first take from someone else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.

5. When half the people get the idea that they need not work because the other half will take care of them, but when that first half gets the idea that it does no good to work because the second half will receive what they worked for, that is the beginning of the end of any Nation!