On the Weber
Thanksgiving – 2021
It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.
The WWII generation did a better job of running a modern society.
Nothing new about highway rest stops. They have been around for a long time now.
Oct. 15, 2021 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Washington closes several rest areas along Interstate 5 indefinitely due to vandalism, trash
“Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced the long-term closure of several rest areas between Everett and the Canadian border this week due to vandalism and ongoing maintenance issues.”
Long-term closure? No chance for a quick cleanup, ongoing State Patrol enforcement, maintenance & volunteer groups to keep rest stops cleaned up and ready to go?
49 other states operate highway rest stops. If I was Governor, I would insist on picking the top 3 states that are best at running rest stops and running WA rest stops in a similar manner until further improvements could be made.
These are federal highways. Publicly funded highway safety facilities will be shut down because of misbehavior? WTF?
“…some visitors have not been using the facilities for their intended purpose…”
Living at rest stops, illegal dumping, littering, vandalism and verbal threats against employees will keep gasoline tanker truck and HAZMAT transport operators from stopping to take a break for safety?
Oct. 15, 2021 Seattle Times
Five I-5 rest areas to close in Snohomish and Whatcom counties over trash, vandalism
“…another Snohomish County traveler mentioned filthy conditions in August, including sewage around the crowded RV waste-disposal areas, and suggested tighter State Patrol enforcement.”
A large number of comments follow the article.
From comments:
Oct 15, 2021 KING 5 News video:
Several rest areas along I-5 closed in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties
Misbehavior will keep Mom & Pops, who are visiting from out of state, from getting a positive and welcoming impression of WA?
Welcome TF Home Troops
Related:
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Washington State Ferries & A Press Release Style Of News Reporting
Remain in your homes and wait for further instructions
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
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Symbol of a culture that was once strong (Man On The Moon in ’69). A culture that is now weak. A culture that will yield the right of way to violators while pushing good citizens to the side & collecting big tax money all along the way.
Port Hadlock
Washington Coast
No, Thanks.
Love to see newspeople showing initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
People who take no public funds or private donations are free to ask questions at any time. Why not the press?
I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.
Nov 13, 2021 KOMO News
Biden bill would give local news outlets ‘shot in the arm’
“The measure would allow newspapers, digital news outlets and radio and television stations to claim a tax credit of $25,000 the first year and $15,000 the next four years for up to 1,500 journalists.”
“Already, about one-fourth of the country’s newspapers have closed and half of local journalism jobs have evaporated in the past 15 years, according to research from the University of North Carolina.”
KOMO News on Twitter:
This is journalism:
KOMO News Nov 14, 2021
Arby’s to sell two vodka flavors inspired by its curly and crinkle fries
KOMO News on Twitter:
“Would you try Arby’s curly fry or crinkle fry flavored vodka?”
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need federal support.
Got it.
Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
A photo tour of Penn Cove here:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
A few public policy questions newspeople will not ask:
Related:
Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press
TV News – Interview people from various sides of any issue?
Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of newspeople who play along by not asking questions.
Weatherwax Trail
A few hours of dry weather on Tuesday. This trail was well sheltered from the wind.
Local info here.
There’s nothing like being direct… pic.twitter.com/GGdzx7pUY8
— ZNeveri (@ZNeveri) November 8, 2021
Random thoughts:
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Some may have become skeptical along the way.
Secrecy Re: JFK assassination files that remain sealed does not enhance government credibility.
Since WWII, information now available on:
USS Calhoun County sailors dumped thousands of tons of radioactive waste, using GIs in mustard gas experiments, using GIs to test nuclear weapons, Agent Orange, MCAS El Toro and Camp Lejeune water contamination & Gulf War Syndrome.
Links & sources:
JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Possibly of interest:
JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Quality time at Point Partridge
Washington Coast
Seen on Twitter:
“How do you thank a veteran? Here’s what our employees had to say.”
My answer:
Reach for an honest understanding of US foreign policy.
Find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
Look for TV newspeople to play along by not asking questions.
Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:
Two major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.
School teachers and newspeople are OK with promoting this urban legend.
Local press:
Hometown pride running high. High enough to stop asking questions?
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?
Glorification of military service / total nonsense:
WA Secretary of State
“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
Related:
USMC Birthday and Veterans Day Memories
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Several questions newspeople will avoid asking:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Thursday – Washington Coast
Domestic terrorists, COVID for kids, murder hornets, unsafe Halloween candy, white supremacists, ISIS threat close to election day, climate change, and voting rights restrictions.
All recent stories linked to source.
Love to see more discussion Re:
ISIS Threat
Oct. 29, 2021 CBS News
Virginia malls and shopping centers increase security amid ISIS threat
The War on Terror has prompted law enforcement authorities to inform the public by looking into the future and announcing that a threat may exist.
If the good guys can tell what the bad guys will do before they do it-surely, these powerful crime fighting tools will be used to shut down gang and cartel activity, heroin trafficking, bank robberies, mass casualty shootings, etc.
The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, Real ID, tracking of cell phones, etc.) appears to have played no role in preventing these crimes:
Mar 16, 2021 NBC News video
8 dead in Atlanta-area spa shootings, suspect arrested
Voting Rights
What voting rights are currently restricted?
Climate Change
Aug, 10, 2017 KUOW
What was Washington State like during the last ice age?
Did the last ice age end because of man-made causes?
What role will other parts of the world play in acting on environmental concerns?
Why do environmental concerns not lead newspeople to ask:
When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?
Penn Cove
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
A photo tour of Penn Cove here:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Out on the tails at Fort Ebey
Wondering if something like 89 cents of each dollar collected for daytime parking fees goes directly towards funding of the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of enforcement related warning signs, kiosks, pay boxes, fluorescent placards, and the manufacturing and distribution of enforcement related literature, blank forms and documentation materials.
I have purchased a daytime parking pass for WA State Parks every year since the pass was first required.
I don’t purchase the pass because I believe in it. Taxes are meant to pay for parks. I purchase the pass to avoid being hassled.
I love the parks. I’m sure many good people work for the parks. Somewhere up in the chain of command, things don’t look right.
In the past few months, I have spent time in various state parks in different parts of the state.
Fort Ebey
The blacktop road to the beach is trashed and has been for years now.
A showroom quality fleet of vehicles are driven by parks staff on the property.
Are the trucks changed out for new when they are only 12 months old?
Oyhut State Park Ocean Beach Access
The parking area features ponding water and blacktop that was worn out a long time ago.
If the parks require a daytime parking fee, we should see parks that have been well maintained.
Fort Casey
Several years ago at Fort Casey in the camping area near the ferry dock:
All of the metal fire rings were replaced. Not a few that were damaged or worn out, but every single one.
How can this be justified?
Daytime parking pass fees are also used to fund the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of sturdy gates to keep you and your annual parking pass out of selected parks during winter months.
Park shown here (Rosario Beach) is located at sea level. More fees should bring greater access, not less.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photos by Monica.
Damon Point on Saturday
Was not aware, until today, that Mount Rainier can be seen from this beach.
East winds out there today.
Remember the old tradition of having your Halloween candy X-rayed?
It is still a good idea.
Before the kids are allowed to eat any candy- round them up and carpool with neighbors to the courthouse to get the loot X-rayed.
The X-ray will reveal any needles, razor blades, or metal filings in the treats.
Is there a test for weed killer or rat poison? Ask about it.
Cold War era ritual lives on:
Greene County, Ohio
“Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer said the X-ray machine will allow deputies to check for some foreign objects in candy.”
“However, Fischer said the sheriff’s office is not equipped with equipment to check for narcotics in the candy.”
“The Greene County Sheriff’s office said the Greene County Courthouse will open at 7:30 on Sunday, for people to scan their candy through the x-ray machine, it allows deputies to check for foreign objects in the candy.”
Camden County, Missouri
“Come down to the Camden County Courthouse on October 31st for a free x-ray screening from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. The screening runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to the public.”
Greater participation in 2019:
X-Ray Your Halloween Candy – 2019
Also:
Halloween has been moved to Thursday
Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Almost out of time to see Christmas merchandise on display before Halloween arrives.
The large pine cones pressure-treated with industrial cinnamon scent are back.
Related:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Trick or treater showing up outside of prescribed times and age limits.
Wednesday – Washington Coast
Wednesday – Washington Coast
Wednesday – Washington Coast
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
Another giant election season for the press to again avoid asking what the major parties believe in or stand for.
Look for news coverage to be more about personalities than what the major parties are all about.
Much of what goes on is OK with both major parties.
Both parties seem to be OK with undeclared wars, wasteful Homeland Security spending, federal prohibition of marijuana, treating 18-20 year old adults as 2nd class citizens and newspeople who play along by not asking questions.
Both major parties are OK with a glorification of military service and this total nonsense:
WA Secretary of State
“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?
A big election season is very much about political personalities and group identities. Watch for political experts to reach out to latino, black, Asian American, and women voters. Surely, members of a specific group would think, act & vote as one?
The big election season is not very much about discussing and asking questions about things that do not change no matter what political party or personality is in power.
Look for newspeople to avoid asking candidates and elected officials of any party:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Related:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Pentagon Going After Cartels Update
Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt