http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel Si vis pacem, para bellum! Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:47:44 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en At one point during the recent road trip, we crossed over Hoover Dam. We came from the Arizona side and encountered a security check point on US 93 about 9 miles before reaching the dam. According to the "Tips for Crossing the Dam" document: Any vehicle may be fully inspected before ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2009/01/05/dam-security/ It's just as I predicted - drivers in California are ignoring the anti-texting law that went into effect January 1st. The better half snapped this in traffic yesterday . . . This seems appropriate . . . http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2009/01/04/bumper-stickers-wed-like-to-see-2/ The better half spotted this classic in traffic today. Not only is it a classic Checker Marathon, but has a custom license tag that evokes even more nostalgia . . . http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2009/01/03/classic-checker-marathon/ I resolved to get on the treadmill and find out if those little chest pains I get once in a while are anything serious. Mission accomplished - today I went and got a Cardiac Stress Test. A cardiac stress test is a medical test that indirectly reflects arterial blood flow to ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2009/01/02/new-years-resolution-1/ http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2009/01/01/happy-new-year/ On the way south from Grand Canyon, toward Williams, you pass the Planes of Fame Aviation Museum. This Air Force Constellation sits just outside the main hangar there. Clickable Image. It's been a long time since I used to crawl around in the belly of the Navy EC121K version of one of ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/31/air-museum-at-valle-arizona/ Last June, the state of California enacted a law prohibiting drivers from using a cell phone while driving unless equipped with hands-free device. That worked so good, that the observed non-compliance rate, actually increased by about 50 percent (myself and the better half, being the observers). I hope, for the ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/30/another-inept-california-law/ Hell, what about a rough sign? http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/29/rough-road/ Oh look! Right here in the remote desert of Nevada, you can get a bath and massage at Madam Butterfly's or visit Mabel's to relax at the Cherry Patch Ranch. Nevada is known for gambling and bordellos - more the former and less the latter, these days. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/28/nevada-ranches-and-spas/ At least I think it is, from what I can see - maybe it's a 1955. One thing is for sure, this is really a cool car. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/27/1956-buick-roadmaster/ Seven Day Vehicle Entry Fee: $25.00 Campground RV Fee: $30.00 Getting mired in the snow: FREE. Getting towed out of the snow after a three-hour wait: PRICELESS! Shit happens. We're having adult beverages now in a nice warm RV before going to bed. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/26/visiting-the-national-parks/ This sign can be seen in Flagstaff, Arizona. Other similar signs were seen in Quartzsite, Wickenberg, Surprise, Phoenix and Camp Verde. We're not in California anymore, Toto. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/25/gun-signs/ I think they must have named this area in Joshua Tree National Park after one of Mickey Mantle's organs. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/24/fried-liver-wash/ Union Pacific Locomotive seen in Banning Pass, near Palm Springs, California. Heading out to Arizona in the morning. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/23/patriot-express/ I decided on a Barsony® Holster and GLock 30 combo for CCW. It took some time to become accustomed to the weight and bulk, but I'll be OK with it. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/22/ccw-harness/ Aiming at the imaginary nose on this head, I managed to keep all ten rounds confined to a five-inch pattern roughly centered on the nose at seven-yards. The pistol was 'Fat Man,' my Glock 30 .45 ACP. I also did pretty well today with 'Little Boy,' my Glock 26 9mm pistol. http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/21/headshot/ I found this picture on the internet when the better half asked me if we would be able to cook while we're traveling down the road in a rented motorhome. I was looking to see if there were any gadgets that we could use to heat meals, á lá crockpot-style. ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/20/cruise-pot-cooking/ This baby was built at a time when GM was free to build good cars without the intervention of untenable government regulations, the unreasonable expenses and pressures from the UAW, and without having to beg the government to bail them out. I didn't pixel out the license tags as I usually ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/19/purdy-1933-chevy/ From the NRANews Channel Nothing to Fear? - 17 Dec 2008 - Wayne LaPierre Barack Obama says gun owners have "nothing to fear" from his incoming administration. But instead of simply promising he won't support new gun-control legislation, which would actually mean something, gun owners get empty statements of support for "common-sense gun ... http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/18/nothing-to-fear/ On this day, one-hundred five years ago, Orville and Wilbur intrepidly propelled themselves skyward. Today, things have changed considerably . . . I give you - The Shuttle Shuttle. Image courtesy NASA Image of the Day http://reynosawatch.org/minstrel/2008/12/17/happy-wright-stuff-day/