Went to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue today to take a look at the White House. Here are some photos I took while there.
After checking out the White House I happened to notice the National Christmas tree looks like it lost its Christmas spirit.
The White House
Too Much Monday Morning Excitement
Over the weekend I bought a new pot for my office plant and today I got the plant nicely situated in its new home and then low and behold a bug climbed in through the window and volunteered to be the first bug eaten by the Venus fly trap. What a great way to start off the week!
Flag Day 2017
In honor of Flag Day 2017, here is a photo of the greatest flag ever.
San Diego Administration Center
Went by the San Diego Administration Center and I liked the architecture so I snapped a couple photos of the building.
Orca Encounter Sea World San Diego
I went to the Orca Encounter show at Sea World in San Diego, California. The show has been changed as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has protested Sea World numerous times and also the movie Black Fish has portrayed Sea World in a negative light. For me Sea World is doing nothing different than any zoo around the world is doing, except that Sea World works hard to help rehabilitate many animals in the wild. I have personally seen Sea World get called down to the local beach to where they captured an injured harbor seal and take it to fix it and then release it back into the wild. Sea World changed their show to be more friendly to the killer whales by showing behaviors that they would normally do in the wild. They showed characteristics of the orcas, hunting techniques, and even the size difference between and orca and a blue whale. Sea World also showed how they care for the orcas. It was certainly a good show and worth the chance to go visit.
After the show I walked back to the orca tank and to my surprise there was an orca that appeared to be sleeping. I talked with the Sea World trainer and she informed me that this particular orca seemed to enjoy sleeping while the others would swim around and learn from each other. The trainer also told me that orca’s can sleep while they are swimming. They do that by shutting down 1/2 of their brain. Even though this orca looks like it shut down 100% of it’s brain, it was pretty amazing to hear.
Overturned Golf Cart
While golfing, a handsome senior gentleman accidentally overturned his golf cart late one afternoon. A very attractive, 40ish, female golfer, who lives in a villa on the golf course, heard the noise and called out, “Are you OK?”
“I’m OK, thanks,” he replied, as he pulled himself out of the twisted cart.
She said, “Come up to my villa, rest a while, and I’ll help you with the cart later.” The old guy noticed her silky bathrobe was partially open, revealing what appeared to be a very nice figure.
“That’s mighty nice of you,” he answered, “but I don’t think my wife would like it.”
“Oh, come on now!” she insisted. She was so pretty and very, very persuasive. He was weak. “Well, OK,” he finally agreed.
After a couple of Scotch and sodas, he thanked her and said, “I feel a lot better now. But I know my wife is going to be really upset. So I’d better go now.”
“Don’t be silly!” she said with a smile, letting her robe fall slightly more open. “Stay for a while. Your wife won’t know anything…..By the way, where is she?”
He replied, “Still under the cart, I guess.”
The American Health Insurance Situation
The medical community is unable to reach consensus on what to do with America’s health insurance situation.
The Allergists were in favor of scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
Meanwhile, Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, “Over my dead body!” while the Pediatricians said, “Oh, grow up!”
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow.
The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would “put a whole new face on the matter.”
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.
Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and those lofty Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington.
Memorial Day 2017
It takes a special kind of person to raise their hand and swear an oath to uphold the ideals that we believe in. Unfortunately some pay the ultimate price and never make it home. Please take time to remember those who have fallen while serving in line of duty and loved ones that are gone. Honor life by remembering those who are gone.
Naval Air Station Coronado North Island
While passing by the Naval Air Station on Coronado North Island I was amazed by the helicopters that were sitting on the ground and getting worked on. From my understanding these helicopters are used to assist the Navy Seals in completing their missions. Even if it is from afar it is pretty awesome to think about what kind of missions these aircraft have been on or what kind of men they carried out to complete their missions. Could one of these been the same type of helicopter that carried Seal Team 6 to kill Osama Bin Laden? I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of whatever these aircraft are bringing my way and I’m sure there are many bad guys out there that feel the same way.
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
My vehicle was not performing great so I took my vehicle to the garage. They recommended that I replace the spark plugs. Here is what my spark plugs looked like after removing them from the vehicle.
When I went to buy new spark plugs I asked 5 or 6 places which they recommend and they all said the NGK Iridium spark plugs are the best. According to the box they claim to use less fuel, smoother idle, and have a longer life. Only time will tell how great they are, but immediately after installing them into my vehicle it does seem to idle smoother and there are no issues with starting the vehicle.
Political Dumb and Dumber
Kim Jong Un had no military experience whatsoever before Daddy made him a four-star general. This snot-nosed twerp had never accomplished anything in his life that would even come close to military leadership. He hadn’t even so much as led a Cub Scout troop, coached a sports team, or commanded a military platoon. So he is made the “Beloved Leader” of North Korea. Oh nuts!
The United States did the same thing. We took an arrogant phony community organizer, who had never worn a uniform, never ran so much as an ice-cream stand, and made him Commander-in-Chief. A guy, who had never had a real job, worked on a budget, or led anything more than an ACORN demonstration, and we made him “Beloved Leader” of the United States – Twice!
So if you think North Koreans are stupid…think about that.
Sights Around the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas
Here are some sights that can be seen around the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Israeli Quarterback
The coach had put together the perfect team for the Chicago Bears. The only thing that was missing was a good quarterback. He had scouted all the colleges and even the Canadian and European leagues, but he couldn’t find a super athlete who could ensure a Super Bowl win.
Then one night while watching CNN he saw a war-zone scene in the West Bank. In one corner of the background, he spotted a young Israeli soldier with a truly incredible arm. He threw a hand grenade straight into a 15th story window 100 yards away.
KABOOM!
He threw another hand grenade 75 yards away, right into a chimney.
KA-BLOOEY!
Then he threw another at a passing car going 90 mph.
BULLS-EYE!
“I’ve got to get this guy!” the coach said to himself. “He has the perfect arm!”
So, he brings him to the States and teaches him the great game of football. And the Bears go on to win the Super Bowl.
The young man is hailed as the great hero of football, and when the coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants is to call his mother.
“Mom”, he says into the phone, “I just won the Super Bowl!
“I don’t want to talk to you”, the old woman says. “You are not my son!”
“I don’t think you understand, Mother,” the young man pleads. “I’ve won the greatest sporting event in the world. I’m here among thousands of my adoring fans.”
“No! Let me tell you!” his mother retorts. “At this very moment, there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their lives last week, and I have to keep your sister in the house so she doesn’t get raped!” The old lady pauses, and then tearfully says,……….
“I will never forgive you for making us move to Chicago.”
Cali Comfort BBQ
This weekend I went to La Mesa to and ate some Cali Comfort BBQ. It was a local joint with a sports bar feel to it. Here in the photos you can see Tri-tip, brisket, pulled pork sandwich, french fries, onion rings, and some pink and regular lemonade. The BBQ sauce was good and the staff was friendly. Here are some photos of the food and drinks.
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
While in Las Vegas, Nevada I snapped this photo of the Trump Hotel.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The first week of April is when the cherry blossoms, otherwise known as sakura, are blooming on the island of Honshu, Japan. Here are some photos of some of the different cherry blossom sights you can see.
Air Force One’s New Ornament
It has been reported that Air Force One had a new ornament installed in support of Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States, who dares to Make America Great Again!
Chin Chin Restaurant
When I was in Las Vegas, Nevada I came across this restaurant. I saw the name and had to laugh because “chin chin” in Japanese means penis. I can’t say that I want to eat here. Who knows what they might serve? Yikes!
The Legless Parrot
A guy is browsing in a pet shop, and sees a parrot sitting on a little perch. It doesn’t have any feet or legs. The guy says aloud, “Jeesh, I wonder what happened to this parrot?”
The parrot says, “I was born this way. I’m a defective parrot.”
“Holy crap,” the guy replies. “You actually understood and answered me!”
“I got every word,” says the parrot. “I happen to be a highly intelligent and a thoroughly educated bird.”
“Oh yeah?” the guy asks. “Then answer this, how do you hang onto your perch, without any feet?”
“Well,” the parrot says, “this is very embarrassing, but since you asked, I wrap my weenie around this wooden bar, like a little hook. You can’t see it, because of my feathers.”
“Wow,” says the guy. “You really can understand, and can speak English, can’t you?”
“Actually, I speak both Spanish and English, and I can converse with reasonable competence on almost any topic, politics, religion, sports, physics, philosophy. I’m especially good at ornithology. You really ought to buy me, I’d be a great companion.”
The guy looks at the $200.00 price tag. “Sorry, but I just can’t afford that.”
“Pssssssst,” says the parrot, “I’m defective, so the truth is, nobody wants me, cause I don’t have any feet. You can probably get me for $20, just make the guy an offer!”
The guy offers $20, and walks out with the parrot. Weeks go by. The parrot is sensational. He has a great sense of humor, he’s interesting, he’s a great pal, he understands everything, he sympathizes, and he’s insightful. The guy is delighted. One day the guy comes home from work, and the parrot goes, “Psssssssssssst,” and motions him over with one wing.
“I don’t know if I should tell you this or not, but it’s about your wife, and the UPS man.”
“What are you talking about?” asks the guy.
“When the UPS man delivered a package today, your wife greeted him at the door, in a sheer black nightie.”
“WHAT???” the guy asks incredulously.
“THEN what happened?”
“Well, then the UPS man came into the house, and lifted up her nightie, and began petting her all over” reported the parrot.
“NO!” he exclaims, “and she let him?”
“Yes. Then he continued taking off the nightie, got down on his knees, and began to kiss her all over.”
Then the frantic guy demands, “THEN WHAT HAPPENED?”
“I don’t know. I got a hard-on, and fell off my perch!”
True Food Facts that will make you say “Whaaaaat?”
Did you know?
1. A strawberry isn’t a berry but a banana is.
2. Avocados and watermelon are berries, too.
3. Cashews grow on trees like this:
4. And Brussels sprouts grow in long stalks like this:
5. Chocolate milk was invented in Ireland.
6. Ketchup used to be sold as medicine.
7. Carrots were originally purple.
8. McDonalds sells 75 hamburgers every second of every day.
9. Yams and sweet potatoes are not the same thing.
10. Ripe cranberries will bounce like rubber balls.
11. An average ear of corn has an even number of rows, usually 16.
12. Betty White is actually older than sliced bread.
13. Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas.
14. Honey never spoils. You can eat 32,000-year-old honey.
15. Peanuts are not nuts. They grow in the ground like this, so they are legumes.
16. Vending machines are twice as likely to kill you than a shark is.
17. Coconuts kill more people than sharks every year. So do cows.
18. Pound cake got its name from its original recipe, which called for a pound each of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour.
19. The probability of you drinking a glass of water that contains a molecule of water that also passed through a dinosaur is almost 100%.
20. Honey is made from nectar and bee vomit.
21. Pineapples grow like this:
22. Quinoa is the seeds of this plant:
23. Kiwis grow on vines:
24. Ginger is the root of a plant:
25. And cinnamon is just the inner part of this tree:
26. And artichokes are flowers that are eaten as buds. This is what they look like when flowered:
27. Spam is short for spiced ham.
28. Popsicles were invented by an 11-year-old in 1905.
29. Apples, like pears and plums, belong to the rose family.
30. The official state VEGETABLE of Oklahoma is the watermelon.
31. Peas are one the most popular pizza toppings in Brazil:
32. There are over 7,500 varieties of apples throughout the world, and it would take you 20 years to try them all if you had one each day.
33. The twists in pretzels are made to look like arms crossed in prayer.
34. Canola oil was originally called rapeseed oil, but renamed by the Canadian oil industry in 1978 to avoid negative connotations. Canola is short for Canadian oil.
35. And no matter what color Froot Loop you eat, they all taste the same.
Valley of Fire
The Valley of Fire is located outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. It has spectacular views because the surrounding mountains are brown, but the Valley of Fire has a reddish tint to it. It must be because there is more iron in the dirt there. It is quite a site to see and in case you can’t make it there, here are some photos.
Video Landing in San Diego at Night
Here is a time lapsed video of a view from an airplane landing at the San Diego airport at night.
Hand of Faith and Robin’s Gold Nuggets
The Golden Nugget casino located on Fremont Street in Las Vegas has on display the “Hand of Faith” and Robin’s gold nuggets. These two golden nuggets were both found in Australia. The Hand of Faith nugget weighs in at a whopping 61 pounds 11 ounces. Wow! It is difficult to believe this huge nugget was found with only using a metal detector by Kevin Hillier. It was found behind his trailer and buried in the vertical position only 12 inches below the dirt. That’s quite an amazing find.
The Robin’s nugget was found in Australia November 9th of 1975 near Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. It weighs in at 189.7 troy ounces.
True Courage
Is it fighting a bull without a weapon? Is it flying a fighter in combat? Is it free fall parachuting? Is it bungee jumping? Is it white water rafting? Ah – But aare nothing!
This, my friend, is true courage:
(It’s also the last photo I have of my dog.)
Pawn Stars
I was in Las Vegas, Nevada and decided to stop in on the Pawn Stars, t.v. show on the History channel, 24 hour pawn shop to see what it was like. To my surprise the pawn shop wasn’t very big, but it seemed to have a selection of old equipment, toys, art work, cartoons, comic books, money, weapons, guns, knives, instruments, and even t-shirts for sale. When talking with another person I was surprised to find out that Rick Harris, his son “Big Haus,” “Chumlee” or even the Old Man don’t really ever come into the pawn shop. When they do come into the shop, the shop is closed for filming and it isn’t open to the public, which means the people who come into the store on the show must be paid actors. That was kind of a disappointment to hear. Here are photos of what the shop looks like, what was inside it, and the different items.
Griffith Observatory
Last weekend I wanted to hike Mount Lee so I could get some photos behind the Hollywood sign. On the way up there I parked near the Griffith Observatory. The observatory was pretty cool because it is located high on a hill which I’m sure gives some spectacular views of the night sky. Here are some photos of the observatory.
Here is a view of Hollywood from near the observatory.
This is a view of the Hollywood sign from the observatory. As you can see it’s a pretty neat angle to see the iconic Hollywood sign from.
Hollywood Sign Hike
Last weekend I hiked up Mount Lee to the Hollywood sign. Before I left I did my research about where to park and how long of a hike it would be. To my surprise some of the information was incorrect. The hike was supposed to be only a 3 mile round trip hike, it ended up being a 10 mile hike. I was able to get free parking over by the Griffith Observatory which was nice and the view behind the Hollywood sign was very scenic and beautiful. I’m certainly glad I can check that off my bucket list. Here are a few of my best shots.
Donald J. Trump’s Presidential Address to Congress
Tonight I watched the Presidential address to congress and I have to admit that it was one of his better speeches. He didn’t seem to spew much of the rhetoric we heard on the campaign trail, but rather seemed to focus on what it would take to make America great again. One of my favorite lines was, “My job is not to represent the world, but to represent the people of the United States of America.” Some of the key issues he brought up was enforcing laws and supporting law enforcement officials. He brought up getting rid of Obama care and instead of government forcing people to purchase a government plan, they lower insurance costs so people can choose their own health care plans. A couple other key points are to create fair trade with other countries and lowering taxes on businesses. He also talked about getting rid of illegal immigrants with criminal records and keeping out immigrants that come from countries where proper vetting doesn’t take place in order to protect the safety of the American people. He also talked about America working with foreign countries to promote peace and prosperity throughout the world. He said the problems America is faced with are problems that we can solve and now is the time to dream big and bold for the success of the country.
This speech was about an hour long and from what I saw it was well received by the Republican party, but the Democratic party sat the majority of the time. There were several key points where everybody stood and clapped, but most of the time it was only the Republicans doing most of the clapping. I felt this speech was well delivered. It set a good tone and a good message to rebuild the infrastructure in the United States, bring back and encourage business growth, and ensure the safety of the American people. These are not bad values and they are not bad things to strive for. I look forward to seeing what accomplishments he is able to complete.
Pan for Gold
Hollywood should learn how to get real gold. Here is a kit to get them started.
Oscars – Fool’s Gold
Some chase real gold, other’s chase fool’s gold.