It Begins...

...and so, as the Drudge Report put it today,

In Alexandria, Virginia today, former Trump Campaign Chair Paul Manafort is on trial for being a “shrewd liar who orchestrated a global scheme to avoid paying US taxes on millions of dollars.”  By the way, the last I checked, it is not illegal to be wealthy in America and just because someone uses the tax code to their advantage doesn’t make them a criminal either.

But wait, how has Paul Manafort been brought to trial so quickly, in a Federal Court System that operates at the speed of a slow boat to China?  Could it be that it is because Manafort is associated with a President of the United States that the “Deep State” hates and wants to nullify?  That would make this case “politically inspired” and a very slippery slope for all Americans who care about equal protection under the law.  This is beginning to appear as if we are living in some “Banana Republic” State!

I say this because the powers to be (FBI & Justice Department) couldn’t bring themselves to prosecute a Candidate for President of the United States that clearly broke the laws of the land with her home-grown data server and classified information that was hacked by the same people that Mueller is investigating, which has nothing to do with this case against Manafort.  "Oh, what a web we weave when first we decide to deceive."  And, that campaign is responsible for the so-called "dossier" that was fabricated to "pin on Trump" during the election and make him look bad if he was to get elected. We are going to find out that the "dossier" is part of the "insurance policy" that FBI Agent Strzok and FBI Lawyer, turned Strzok's concubine, Lisa Page was discussing when they were planning the FBI's interference of a Presidential Election.  But I digress…

In Today's opening arguments, prosecutors, from special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, are painting a picture of Manafort as a man who has “lived an extravagant lifestyle fueled by secret income” that he made as a lobbyist in Ukraine.  All the time funneling money through the “cash spigot of unreported bank accounts in three foreign countries to create sham loans and collect untaxed income he spent on luxury goods.”  The opening statement indicated that prosecutors plan to put Manafort's wealth on trial as a key element of their case, arguing he funded his lavish spending habits by breaking the law. 

Manafort faces a maximum sentence of 305 years in prison; if convicted. Manafort denies all charges. "All of these charges boil down to one simple issue”, says Uzo Asonye, the prosecutor, “that Paul Manafort lied and Manafort placed himself and his money over the law."  These prosecutors are not above painting a picture of a lifestyle for Manafort that may appear to many to be extreme, in an effort to win some “points” from a jury of what could be considered as “middle-class Americans.”

Defense attorney Thomas Zehnle is placing the blame on Manafort’s longtime assistant Rick Gates, who pleaded guilty to Federal conspiracy charges and lying earlier this year.  Zehnle says although those charges were dropped after his guilty plea he has changed his story over time, as the government placed legal pressure on him, “saying anything to the government,” according to Zehnle.  Manafort’s “trust in Gales was misplaced,” Zehnle suggests.  “Gates found himself in legal trouble because he embezzled millions of dollars from his longtime employer,” who was Paul Manafort.  "He had his hand in the cookie jar," Zehnle said of Gates.  Today was the first time Manafort's team has revealed its defense strategy in full.  The defense intends to use witnesses, the prosecution plan to call, to substantiate their charge that it was Gates who lied and stole money.

Gates could also be a key witness in other parts of Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.  Emmett Sullivan, the judge, in this case, has strictly instructed no mention of Paul Manafort's role in the Trump campaign, no mention of Trump, Russia or collusion” during court proceedings, according to senior White House aide Kellyanne Conway.  She spoke this morning on Fox News. "This trial obviously centers on matters that have nothing to do with the campaign."

Manafort is in jail and will likely remain there throughout the trail.  A three-member DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected his request to overturn a lower court’s decision to send him to jail before the trial, after prosecutors accused him of tampering with witnesses.  That came after Manafort contributing to an op-ed in a foreign newspaper while under a gag order.

What is at stake here is for Americans to have confidence in our government.  Instead of investigating to find a crime, the United States Judicial should be stepping in and rectify the true crime in the 2016 Presidential election.  Someone needs to pay the disciplinary price for their criminal activities otherwise the US Citizens will not be able to trust our government.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been absolutely missing in action on this.  He is either incompetent or ignorant?  He needs to do his job or let the President select someone who will.

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

Hot fun in the summertime.  I’m not talking about Sly and the Family Stone’s Top 40 Hit of 1991, but rather the number of days that Phoenix has recorded an official temperature of 110 or more.  On average we have 18 days a year and that has not changed since the National Weather Service has been keeping track.

So far in 2018, we have recorded 12 such days already, with 2 more days predicted to be 110 or more.  In theory, we will only have 4 more days and then we are home free until next June!  If you believe that, I have a deal for you!

But, “It’s a dry heat” right?  No, not this time of year.  You see we are in the monsoon season where tropical moisture comes up from the Gulf and lands smack dab in the valley.  Bringing with it haboobs, wind, severe lighting and of course tropical rain, pushing our humidity up to deadly heating conditions. 

Heat is the weather condition that kills more people than any other weather element.  Dry or Moist, it can be deadly.  

I’ve been in Arizona now going on 10 years and for whatever reason, this summer seems to be taking the biggest toll on me.  In saying this, I’m not complaining, just explaining!  I have found that you can always find a way to deal to deal with the heat and I don’t have to shovel sunshine any time during the year.  

So, therefore, we live here and not in Michigan anymore because once we get by most of August and the threat of 110 degree days, the rest of our lives are comfortable and joyful.  All the way to next summer!

Hot fun in the summertime.   Not just a reality but a marker for better things to come. 

Intersectionality - So What is It?

If you are at all asking yourself, "What the hell has gotten into people these days?  They all seem to be mad at something and have become unhinged."  That's because the answer is, they are!

And it is by no mistake, these "snowflakes" intend to be that way.  Dale Carnegie has been dead for nearly 63 years, and people have forgotten how to win friends and influence people.  Today, they just yell from the rafters, usually invoking some sort hostile victim status.  This is now known as intersectionality, and where you are on the social pecking list determines what you can expect to receive, or demand to receive, whichever is the case.

Take the Resist Movement, for example.  They hate Trump and anything he does.  Ignore the fact that he won the US Presidency legitimately by the system we have used for electing US Presidents, like forever.  Also, ignore the fact that the economy is doing quite well, unemployment hasn't been this good in a lifetime especially among minorities, he has pulled some of our so-called "friends" aside and suggested that they might be taking economic advantage of the United States in areas of trade, NATO and maybe even quieting that sawed-off little dictator in North Korea.  And he has done it in short of 2 years.  His predecessor couldn't accomplish it even in 8 years.  But, don't confuse the "snowflakes" with the facts, they just get louder and raunchier, 'cause after all, Hillary was going to win 1 million votes to one.   It's selfish behavior on their part; I know.

 This video from Prager U sums up perfectly what intersectionality is and worth taking a few moments to watch.  

Packing for a Cruise Vacation

We are taking a 7-day cruise late this summer with some friends from Florida and it has been a while since I last went on a cruise.  21 years to be exact!  The world has certainly changed in that period of time.  We are looking to just hang out, enjoy the Caribbean Ocean Breeze, relax, eat some good food, take in some beach time and, of course, visit those touristy spots that the cruise ship wants us to pay too much money for the excursion.

My wife has been asking me what I'm gonna pack?  As she already has nearly completed the process for herself, with the only things not in the suitcase already, being items she has not purchased yet.  Like an entire new wardrobe!  She keeps telling me that she can't wear, "That old thing on the cruise!"  This is the subject for another time! 

Back to cruise packing.  I say that less is more.  The KISS Method.  (Keep It Simple Stupid)!  Don't bring all your stuff along with the kitchen sink.  Besides, even though we will be in a balcony suite, which sounds enormous, it really isn't.   Enough room to where you will have to step out of it to change your mind.  Storing all the stuff you bring could be an issue.  Again, less is more. 

Comfort, lightweight and casual is my theme for this trip.  And, today I found the Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide, giving me just the advice I need to pack my bag, so let me share.

https://www.cruisetraveloutlet.com/before-you-board/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/

Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide

First-time cruisers always ask us “what should I pack on a cruise?”  Well, we have asked all our veteran cruisers what are the must-have items and tricks that they have picked up along the way. Our cruise packing list has all the insights for a first-time cruiser and even a few tricks an experienced cruiser could use!

What to pack for a cruise (or land vacation) varies depending on how many days you will be travelling for! If you are going away for 3 days you obviously won’t need as many clothes as you would if you are travelling for two weeks! Let’s assume we are travelling for 7 days to a warm climate destination:

Casual attire

·        3-5 bathing suits

·        3-5 T-Shirts to wear with bathing suits

·        1 pair of comfortable shoes to explore your destination

·        1 pair of flip flops for the pool or beach

·        1 pair of sneakers –if you plan to go on an excursion that requires them or you’ll be hitting up the gym.

·        4 shorts

·        7 casual shirts

·        3 beach cover-ups

·        3-7 pairs of socks (depending on how often you plan on wearing your sneakers)

·        7-10 pairs of underwear

·        1 sweatshirt/sweater – nights can be chilly on deck

·        1 hat or visor

·        1 disposable rain poncho – so you are prepared in the unfortunate case of a quick rain shower at the port!

For the Ladies:

·        3 bras

·        3-7 Sports Bras

Formal attire

Most people don’t bother to bring formal attire anymore, but if you enjoy dressing up, by all means, go for it, they’ll be at least to evenings to wear the formal with if you would like.

Don’t go overboard! This isn’t meant to be a fashion show, just a fun reason to get dressed up.

·        For the ladies: Dress or dress slacks, skirts, a few nice tops, dress shoes, and a sweater for the dining room.

·        For the gentlemen: Suit (preferably one where you can wear the slacks on an informal night), dress shirts, a couple ties, and dress shoes.

  

For the Stateroom

Staying organized in your stateroom is the key to not feeling cramped. Remember to pack these items for the best use of space

Nesting luggage – If you’re in the market for new luggage, buy a set that nests inside one another, then shove it under your bed!
Laundry bag – Packing an extra bag for dirty clothes is a great idea that makes repacking (and laundry) at the end of your trip easier. You can hang the bag on the door and throw it in your suitcase at the end of the trip, voila packing done!

 Miscellaneous

A bunch of odds and ends that will have you cruising like a pro.

·        Wine – Most cruise lines will allow 1 to 2 bottles of wine per stateroom, although most charge a corking fee. This varies from cruise line to cruise line ask you travel consultant for details.

·        Highlighter – When doesn’t a highlighter come in handy? This will be helpful to organize your daily plan so you don’t miss out on any cruise fun! Highlight key items on the daily itinerary so you never miss out on something

·        Sunscreen – A vacation is always less fun when you are fried! Protect your skin and your vacation. Pack extra sunscreen!

·       Passport - You do not need a passport if you are going on a closed loop cruise departing from the United States. However, we do recommend that you make a copy of your passport and carry it in a separate bag.

·        Beach bag – Something that folds flat in your suitcase for trips in port and for extra goodies to 
take home at the end of the cruise

·        Camera & camera charger– To capture the great memories!

·        Water bottle – Not just good for water, bring your juice/coffee, etc. out to the pool or in port with 
you.

·        Pen – Keep a pen handy in your purse or carry on to complete customs paperwork.

  

What Not to Pack!

Save space in your luggage; don’t pack any of the following items!

·        Hair dryer – All staterooms have them and your hair is likely going to be blowing in the wind anyway.

·        Beach towels – You can use the beach towels provided on the ship!

·        Drinks/snacks – There are plenty on board! Unless you have a specific snack you can’t live without, leave it at home and explore the new tastes of your cruise ship!

·        Shampoo/conditioner– This will also be supplied by the cruise line or hotel resort. If you like a particular kind, pack your own, but if you have no preference, save the space in your luggage!

·        Never pack medication in checked bags!

·        Never pack your passport, Keep it on your person.

Cruise Packing Tip

Suitcases very rarely get lost, but the last thing you want is to be on the cruise without your suitcase. We suggest you consider packing half of your clothes in your companion suitcase and vice versa(if he or she refuses, explain to them how miserable both of you will be on vacation if you don’t have your clothes). Your bags do not always arrive in your room before you do, so we recommend packing a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

Check out the site:
https://www.cruisetraveloutlet.com/before-you-board/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/

The Left Should Be Upset At Obama

Tonight Donald Trump will announce his selection to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the United States Supreme Court. The Republicans will cheer and proclaim it as a major accomplishment in Trump’s political legacy. Democrats will proclaim the pick “dead on arrival”. Of course, the Democrats don’t have a thing to say about it. The Republicans will make this about continuing to move the country back to the centre after Obama took it far left. But the Dems shouldn’t be upset at Trump for moving the Court. They should be upset at one Barrack Hussein Obama. After all, it IS his fault.

How is it Obama’s fault that the Court is moving to the right? Very simple, during his term he had the opportunity to select two Supreme Court Justices, and nominated a third, Merrick Garland, who, because it was the last year of the Obama presidency, and a presidential election year, the Senate decided to wait to see who the incoming president would be and let either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump decide. But Obama could have actually had four nominees. Had he been able to persuade ageing dinosaur, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (who’s 85), and almost ageing dinosaur, Steven Breyer (who’s 79) that their time was up, he could have made this a liberal court for many generations down the road.

He screwed up.

Democrats tried very diligently to convince RBG to step down, but she refused to do so. I don’t know as if anyone talked to Breyer about it. And I’m certain no one approached Kennedy. He was, after all, appointed by Ronald Reagan, and though a waffler on the Court, wasn’t really all that liberal on most issues. Still, Obama’s inability to convince either Ginsburg or Breyer to leave, will most assuredly allow Donald Trump at least one more pick and possibly two on the High Court.

So, how often has that happened? Well, 12 of the last 25 presidents have had three picks during their terms. Obama made three nominations, but as mentioned Merrick Garland didn’t get a vote in the Senate. And he could have had a whopping five picks had he played his cards right. But alas, like most of his presidency, Barack Hussein Obama was out shooting hoops or late for a tee time somewhere to be worried about choosing someone for the Supreme Court. He screwed up this one like he screwed up most everything else in his tenure at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

And so, as Donald Trump gets set to make his second selection to the high Court in just 18 months in office, I need to remind you, whether you feel that his selection is great or not, that what could have been, and maybe even to go so far as to say what should have been, never was, because the guy in the White House was incompetent before Donald Trump. So, liberals…do not blame Trump if you don’t like his pick. Just like you shouldn’t blame The Donald because he beat the worst political candidate in the history of the presidency! You need to place the blame squarely at the feet of whose at fault. That person is Barack Hussein Obama.

Carry on world…you’re dismissed!

Repost from the Lone Cactus:

https://thelonecactus317896151.wordpress.com/2018/07/09/the-left-should-be-upset-at-obama/

Left Cringes As Trump’s Popularity Grows

This is shared from my Arizona Friend on Wordpress, The Lone Cactus
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/78730301

He's got this one figured out!

You’ve heard of the latest psychotic neuroses right? TDS or Trump Derangement Syndrome? This is where if you’re a liberal, you’re going bat-crazy right now that Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. You’re in a constant state of denial, and you can’t imagine how the country could have gotten it so wrong.

After everything that Donald Trump has done to right the economy, you’re really upset because it was, after all, Barack Obama, not Donald Trump that turned the economy around (after eight straight years of stagnant growth…the worst of any president since Herbert Hoover). Even as you got a new, high paying job and got to quit the two part-time jobs you got under Obama, and now you’re making a “living wage” thanks to the new factory that moved back to this country from Mexico, you can’t seem to believe it’s Donald Trump’s doing.

Even after you spent your tax break on a family vacation this summer, you harp about how the rich are getting it all, and the middle class got screwed. And just when you think that it couldn’t get any worse, Anthony Kennedy resigns from the Supreme Court, and Donald Trump is going to be the benefactor of choosing yet another Justice. That means that IF Ruth Bader Ginsburg makes it through the term, it’s probably going to be a solid 5-4 conservative court. IF RBG retires or dies in the next year and a half, then it becomes a 6-3 court. And IF Steven Breyer follows her (he’s 79 after all), then it becomes a 7-2 court, and you can forget about ever getting a decent decision out of them.

In the meantime, the Senate is busy pushing through judicial nominations to flood the lower federal courts with more conservative judges. And that was after Obama pushed to do the same thing on the liberal side!

And you wonder how the country got it so wrong? Why does it seem that Trump is actually winning, when he wants to tear kids away from their families at the border, and still wants to build that damn wall?

Well, the country is slipping over to Trump. According to a Harvard University study just released, his approval rating is up in the last month two points to 47%. While 90% of Republicans support him, Independents’ support grew by 10% in the past month, and yes, even Democrats’ support increased by 4%. And that was a study from Harvard, for God’s sake….those guys are supposed to be liberal!

IF (and again, that’s a big “IF”) Trump were to continue on this path for the next few months, it could spell a complete doom to this “Big Blue Wave” that Nancy Pelosi has predicted. I mean, when was the last time she got something right. When was the last time she was able to actually get a sentence out without stumbling? Apparently, the “generic battle” for Congress has evened up. Oh, and their approval rating? It’s the highest it’s been in 28 years! And how can that be with the Republicans in charge of both houses of Congress?

Liberals need to realize that where Barack Obama lost over 900 seats nationwide for the Democrats, making him the largest political loser in history, Donald Trump may well be better for the Republican party than even Ronald Reagan was. And that’s a feat even the most ardent liberal wishes they could top!

Carry on world…you’re dismissed!