My Bad Tequila
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Lady with a Leg; HammerHead's in San Carlos; V-Town Derby Dames; Alaska; Odile Hurricane; Diana Gabaldon; Gilligan's Island; Bonanza;

9/28/2014

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September 2014 Blog

Hola Amigas y Amigos, Labor Day is always a great way to start September 1st as it fell upon the first Monday of September which this year just happened to be on 9-1-2014;

This Blog is dedicated to "Lady with a Leg" who I believe should become the spokesperson for CABO STRONG and the rebuilding, restoring of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo in the BAJA of Mexico!  *Spoiler Alert - the photo of her is at the very end of this Blog, to give all something very deep and spiritual to think about after being entertained.   "I am a writer of words, bringing visions to the minds of those who read the stories I pen; but, this picture captures more than the words I am gifted to scribe." rico austin


Our gang of four – Connie aka Ginger; Tina, Don and Rico went to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico and became the first paying customers at HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille - great food, friendly atmosphere, cold beer, delicious margaritas and a view of the marina.  Gracias Doug, Troy, Norene, Oscar, Suzy & Emilio 4 a Funtastic Time at HammerHead's Dockside Bar & Grille! (become friends with them at:) https://www.facebook.com/HammerHeadsDockside?fref=ts  We settled for a four day cruise as opposed to a three hour cruise on Gilligan’s Island, yes 50 years ago in 1964, the first episode of the Castaways aired on CBS. Gilligan's Island is an American sitcom created and produced by Sherwood Schwartz and originally produced by United Artists Television. The situation comedy series featured Bob Denver as First Mate Willy Gilligan, the bumbling, accident-prone crewman (affectionately known as "Little Buddy" by "the Skipper") of the S.S. Minnow.  Actor Alan Hale, Jr. better known as the Skipper Jonas Grumby; Jim Backus as snooty millionaire Thurston Howell III;  Natalie Schafer as Mrs. Howell aka Lovey; Russell Johnson the high school science teacher Roy Hinkley aka The Professor; Tina Louise as the Sexy Movie Star Ginger Grant, and Dawn Wells as Mary Ann Summers, the vacationing Farm Girl. 

Gilligan’s Island aired for three seasons on the CBS network from September 26, 1964 to April 17, 1967. The sitcom was originally sponsored by Philip Morris & Company (the tobacco company) and Procter & Gamble, the show followed the comic adventures of seven castaways as they attempted to survive the island on which they had been shipwrecked. Most episodes revolve around the dissimilar castaways' conflicts and their failed attempts (frequently Gilligan's fault) to escape their plight. Gilligan's Island ran for a total of 98 episodes. The first season, consisting of 36 episodes, was filmed in black and white. These episodes were later colorized for syndication. The show's second and third seasons (62 episodes) and the three television movie sequels were filmed in color. The show enjoyed solid ratings during its original filming run, then grew in popularity during decades of syndication, especially in the 1970s and 1980s when many markets ran the show in the late afternoon after school (yes, that is when I was first introduced to the Skipper and his Little Buddy - Gilligan.) Today, the title character of Gilligan is widely recognized as an American cultural icon. Whenever asked the choice of which castaway I’d rather have – Ginger or Mary Ann, I always chose Ginger except those times I would choose Mary Ann.  Um, still not sure as they both made my boat float – ironic isn’t it, since their boat was shipwrecked.

My wife Connie told me that her and her little brother Wade would race down the driveway of their Minnesota home to get to turn the TV on for ½ hour.  Connie wanted Dark Shadows and Wade wanted Gilligan’s Island because Connie knew that those Castaways were never getting off that island and it frustrated her into watching a scary show.

Since we recognizing an iconic sitcom, why not honor an iconic weekly Western that is also celebrating 50+ years of success. 

55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza!   Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U!   Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid!    Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out!   Ben was one heck of an old man & dad!  Hop Sing always had dinner  awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch!   Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chinaman.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EJebBY-Yk0
55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chi
55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip belIf YOU had a Fast Gun & a Fast Horse, You could do just about anything you pleased with anyone you pleased!  I should've been a cowboy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIq1LvzSLsk 

As I traveled to Alaska this last week, I thought about the last time I was there 2 years ago in July 2012 and decided that I would republish that Blog written 8 seasons ago to remind us that many things change; but, there are some that remain the same.  On my last evening before flying back to my Arizona home, I stopped into Pancho Villas Mexican Restaurant in Anchorage where I had a book signing and there to greet me was Dawarita at the bar and she says, "I remember you - author of 'My Bad Tequila,' however I don't remember your name. We exchanged pleasantries and names, I ordered a Margarita and then she asked if she might buy me a shot of Tequila.  Not much to anyone's surprise, I accepted and she went onto say, "Rico, you are the perfect person to try this on, we just received these place mats from Tequila Cazadores and she poured me not 1, not 2; but 3 shots of this nectar of which I love - Anejo, Reposado and Blanco were there for my taking and enjoyment.  Unfortunately, I did not get to see Carlos or Ricardo - the owners, but I did get to visit their great establishment one more time and wouldn't you know it - a commercial featuring Pancho Villas' came on the television set and there was Dawnarita pouring a thirsty Alaskan hombre a drink!

I had forgot had magical the Denali area is – aka Mount McKinley as it stands [native name Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan for "The High One", Dghelaayce’e in Ahtna)] is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,237 feet (6,168 m) above sea level. At some 18,000 feet (5,500 m), the base-to-peak rise is considered the largest of any mountain situated entirely above sea level.  Measured by topographic prominence, it is the third most prominent peak after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. Located in the Alaska Range in the interior of US state of Alaska, McKinley is the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve.

The first European to document sighting the mountain was George Vancouver in 1794. In 1903, James Wickersham recorded the first attempt at climbing McKinley, which was unsuccessful. In 1906, Frederick Cook claimed the first ascent, which was later proven to be false. The first verifiable ascent to McKinley's summit was achieved on June 7, 1913 by climbers Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum, who went by the South Summit. In 1951, Bradford Washburn pioneered the West Buttress route, considered to be the safest and easiest route and therefore the most popular currently in use.

On September 11, 2013, Alaska's lieutenant governor Mead Treadwell announced Mount McKinley is 20,237 feet (6,168 m) tall and not 20,320 feet (6,194 m) as measured in 1952 using photogrammetry. Courtesy of Wikipedia! 

I did pass by an Alaska version of Sturgis and you’ll see the pictures, I was either the first one there or the last to leave – not sure.

A couple of videos that I shot with my BlackBerry phone are now posted on You Tube and I’ve included the addresses in case you’re the least bit interested. I have to warn you, I am singing along with the radio – Bee Gees – “If I can’t have You” & Gloria Estefan – “Turn the Beat Around” which was filmed next to the Trans-Alaska pipeline that goes on and on – over 800 miles I believe. if I would have been just a few years older I am sure I would have taveled North to work on the pipeline as jobs were scarce in Idaho during these years and I kept tabs on the construction, hoping I would graduate high school, but NOOO!  The pipeline was started in 1973 and completed in 1977. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcW-OsjpYOs   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-hwatr-JFI

hool before completed; but NOOOO!!!
"You don't know me if You don't like me! Ever walk the Streets of Bakersfield?" Just arrived into Buck Owens and Merle Haggard territory along with a little bit of Dwight Yoakam; Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield! Pictured is Buck Owens' Cadillac that was custom built for ELVIS PRESLEY . Buck won it in a poker game in 1976; but story is he cheated! Oh well, Buck put it to good use as a Display - 21 guns and that my Friends is My Lucky Numero!"You don't know me if You don't like me!  Ever walk the Streets of Bakersfield?"   Just arrived into Buck Owens and Merle Haggard territory along with a little bit of Dwight Yoakam; Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield!  Pictured below is Buck Owens' Cadillac that was custom built for ELVIS PRESLEY .  Buck won it in a poker game in 1976; but story is he cheated!   Oh well, Buck put it to good use as a Display - 21 guns and that my Friends is My Lucky Numero!

This is how I spent my last Saturday night, September 20th, 2014 with the V TOWN DERBY DAMES who played a match at home vs. Unforgiven Roller Girls of Bakersfield!   Then went to party with 4 teams of women -  V Town Derby Dames, Unforgiven Roller Girls, Pacific Coast Recycled Rollers and the b team in Visalia aka V-Town - the Derby Darlings;  By the way the Dames kicked some Bakersfield ass with a score of 230 - 60 in the premier match!  My bruises are minimal since I didn’t get elbowed & hip bounced too much that night! C'mon out and watch the hottest, fastest skaters - the V TOWN DERBY DAMES on Saturday, November 8th at 5:00 pm in Visalia, California.  http://www.vtownderbydames.com/   https://www.facebook.com/vtownderbydames?fref=ts

Odile, a category 4 Hurricane devastated Cabo San Lucas and was the worst storm / hurricane to hit the baja since storm tracking has been in place.  There were some great stories of incredible human giving and sacrifice and too, there were stories of man acting out in his lowest form as a wild beast.  Wayne Bisbee, founder of the Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tournament was one of the first to come to the rescue starting with a $250,000 donation from the Bisbee Family to the Bisbee’s Relief Fund which  All funds collected through the relief fund will help support the residents and businesses rebuild, provide temporary housing for all in the Cabo area.  Here is the website should you decide to donate.  https://bisbeesconservationfund.org/donate/CaboRelief

Also, there is another legitimate fund that you may opt to donate which has been started by 'Caboholics Support Group' founders, Maddie & Johnny Haney aka Mr. & Mrs. Corona of Cabo San Lucas.  The site is http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/cabo-strong-relief-efforts-after-hurricane-odile/235470

Now, for the unhuman part of the story when I found out that I had Caboholic Amigas & Amigos that were having to band together in their neighborhoods to ward off looters and thieves that carried machetes to hack away at a person if that is what it took to take someone else’s electronics or property.

There is a mist in our world that only good deeds done can help lift!  I fear for our Country, for our Earth, for our Universe;   After seeing the same looting, killing, stealing, murdering in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur as was done in New Orleans Louisiana, all after devastating hurricanes, all I seem to know, is this is how it will be when other destruction is upon our land!  Machetes used in Africa, used in Mexico, people killing people for products - stereos, computers, laptops, iphones in the name of necessities such as food & water;  I am truly saddened by our world; but the good thing is that people rise up such as BISBEE'S CABO RELIEF FUND & Caboholics Support Group to help Good overcome Evil!  Very saddened by Mexico and Mexicans as I thought they might be different from what I witnessed in Lousiana, USA;

But wait, Human decency finds itself atop cruelty as witnessed by a well known business Giggling Marlin which posted 2 signs outside their doors after reopening:  We Are Open  &    "If You are hungry and have no money, We have a hot meal for You,  Please Come In."   & again, below it in Spanish   "Si tienes hombre y no tienes dinero, nosotros una comida gratis por usted,  Por Favor, Venga"      -  WoW, the Giggling Marlin skyrocketed in value with me!  The picture below shows this is no fallacy, but indeed a true act of kindness.   They have no idea that I have put this into the "My Bad Tequila" Blog.    I just went onto their website for the first time and saw owner Gary W.'s message.  His nickname is Goyo and when in Cabo stop in, say hello and let him know that You saw this message on my Blog, order some food, have a drink and thank him for his kindness in the wake of Hurricane Odile.    www.gigglingmarlin.com   

https://bisbeesconservationfund.org/donate/CaboReliefhttps://bisbeesconservationfund.org/donate/CaboReliefand businesses of #LosCabos by providing #emergencyhousing and #emergI've finally arrived - invited to Green Bay Packers game and will be doing 3 different book signings while in beautiful Wisconsin - 1 of 2 states of which I've never the opportunity to visit!  Can YOU say Cheesehead?  https://www.facebook.com/TributeGolfCourse  Bunkers Bar at Tribute Golf Course and The Chatterbox – both in Wausau, Wisconsin!   This is 1 of 2 states that I have never visited.  Now, only West Virginia will remain to be conquered. https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-CHATTERBOX/114622810633?fref=ts 55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chinaman55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chinaman

55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chinaman 55 years ago on 9-12-1959, these 4 Horsemen rode into our lives & we called it Bonanza! Go Little Joe, you're one heck of an actor & Little House on the Prairie will be waiting 4 U! Hoss is the favorite; but never got laid! Adam was always the ladies' man, but a bit too serious, so the writer's wrote you out! Ben was one heck of an old man & dad! Hop Sing always had dinner awaiting in the kettle & was wearing a cool, blue outfit (actually didn't know it was blue until we got our 1st color tv - 12" in 1968) with a little circle hat when the riding men came back to the Ponderosa Ranch! Check out some Hop Sing in the Bonanza clip below - pretty cool, little Chinaman I’ve been watching the OUTLANDER Series on Starz Network since I've participated in 2 book signings with world famous Diana Gabaldon, the author of the Outlander Series. In fact about 2 years ago, I stood at the end of a line to get my 20th Anniversary copy of Outlander signed & Diana looks up at me and says, "Hello Rico, how have you been?" and then signed in her Outlander Novel, "For Rico: Enjoyed My Bad Tequila" Diana Gabaldon. I then said, "You read 'My Bad Tequila'" and she said, "of course!" I've attached her signing on her book to the bottom of blog.

And, I haven’t even began to report on all the sporting events that have happened, especially College & NFL Football with the Adrian Petersen child beating and the wife beater Ray Rice of the Ravens. I truly do not know what is the most disturbing, Ravens football player Ray Rice knocking his then fiancée, now wife, unconscious in an elevator, the NFL lying to protect him or the women defending Rice for punching “an unarmed woman.” All are equally repulsive. But a woman, saying Rice’s wife Janay Palmer deserved it, is downright unacceptable and insane.  Roger Goodell should be looking for a new position outside the NFL as he is no longer respected as an honest leader quarterbacking the NFL.

Whoa and don’t even get me started with the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder who is a racist of the worst degree.  When I looked up Eric Holder on Facebook, I was directed to Al Sharpton – this is the absolute truth.  Now, isn’t that something that Facebook even recognizes birds of a feather and is getting them flocked together.  Lastly, Obama has finally agreed that ISIS might possibly be a threat – Hallelujah and after 13 years and a few days after the anniversary date of September 11, 2001.   *Special Thanks to our living and deceased heroes in the Armed Forces who know that “Freedom doesn’t come free.”  Remembrance for those that gave their lives on that tragic day in September 2001.  “May we never forget.”

"The Cow"  - Amigas & Amigos, a little joke to kick off Your Week and to give Your Spirit a Lift and Your Face a Smile after you read this,  "The Cow."

Suddenly, a cow runs out into the road, and a limo driving late at night, hits it head-on and the car comes to a stop. The woman in the back seat - in her usual abrasive manner, says to thechauffeur, "You get out and check on that poor cow. You were driving." So the chauffeur gets out, checks, and reports that the animal is dead, but it appeared to be very old.  Well, says the woman, "You were driving, so you go and tell the farmer in that lighted farmhouse over there."Two hours later the chauffeur returns totally inebriated, a full belly, his hair ruffled, and a big grin on his face. "My Gosh, what happened to you?" asks the woman.  The chauffeur replies, "When I got there, the farmer opened his best bottle of single malt scotch, the wife gave me a meal fit for a king,and the daughter made love to me." "What on earth did you say?" asks the woman.  Well, I just knocked on the door, and when it opened, I said to them, "I'm Nancy Pelosi's chauffeur, and I've just killed the old cow."

*** Spoiler Alert - Best Picture is the Last One - "Lady with a Leg!"

Adios & Vayan Con Dios Amigos!
Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO & Amigo of

MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com
http://blog.mybadtequila.com



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    HammerHead's Dockside Bar & Grille - first paying customers on August 31st, 2014;

           Left to Right:  HammerHead with Mick Jagger lips on wall,

        Rico with Cabo Cowboy Hat, Connie aka Ginger, Miss Tina & Smiling Mr. Don;

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The S. S. Minnow Castaways of Gilligan's Island;  Left to Right: The Professor, Mary Ann, Gilligan, Ginger = Hot, Thurston Howell III, Mrs. Howell aka Lovey, The Skipper;

                                                          All on  Gilligan's Isle

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  BONANZA of the Cartwright Family;  Left to Right: Ben - Lorne Greene; 

Adam - Pernell Roberts;  Little Joe - Michael Landon;  Hoss - Dan Blocker; and Horses

                        Not pictured: Hop Sing - Victor Sen Yung

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    In Visalia, CA for roller derby, Rico with the V-Town Derby Dames - Rough & Hot Skaters!


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     Rico's favorite V-Town Derby Dames:   They had a free ticket waiting for me at Will Call!

          Left to Right: Pyro Princess #911;  Rico;  GymNasty #9975;   Busty Chops #36D

          I tried to get Busty Chops to change her number to 38D;  Great, Fun Derby Girls!

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Roller Party, Left to Right: Chris - Coach of V-Town Derby Dames & Derby Darlings;

Author Rico,  Manager of Roller Towne - Jesse;  Waitress Girl - didn't get her name or #! 


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      The V-Town Derby Dames & Darlings want to wish You a very Merry Christmas 2014!


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    V-Town Derby Dames & Derby Darlings - What a Hot Group of Skatin' Mommas!


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Diana Gabaldon signing her 20th Anniversary Edition of Outlander to fellow Scottsdale, AZ Author Rico Austin, "For Rico   -   Enjoyed My Bad Tequila       Diana Gabaldon

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Arizona Authors - Rico Austin, Marcia Fine, Diana Gabaldon, Donis Casey & Connie Mariano
    at Arizona Authors & Appetizers sponsored by Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library
        Scottsdale Civic Center Library,  Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ - May 20th, 2011


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Fellow Scottsdale, AZ Author - Diana Gabaldon getting costumed for her cameo in the
     series based on her best seller "Outlander" being shown on Starz Network!   
                               Break a Leg, Amiga Diana!  So Pleased for You!!!   ;-)


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 Picture of Dwight Yoakum & Buck Owens taken at the Palace in Bakersfield, CA;


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The Cadillac with 21 guns attached to it that Buck Owens won from ELVIS in a poker game!
                                Story is that Buck cheated; but, ELVIS still gave it to him!


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     I found Sturgis in Alaska, can't remember if I was the first to arrive or the last to leave!

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    Author / Writer Rico Austin waiting on his Sturgis, Alaska motorcycle Amigas & Amigos!

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      No BEER today at Sturgis, Alaska!       Harley Davidson & Moose Parking only!

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This is where the bands play & stay when they perform at Sturgis, Alaska - the Last Frontier

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     This is the way that I like to be welcomed to a Hampton Inn after working all day!

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Notice the electrical plug outlet which is attached to the dip stick in the oil to keep the engine block from freezing at -70 degrees Fahrenheit in the Winter &  +20 degrees in the winter!    A guy in Anchorage told me, "Do you know that there is only one thing worse than Fairbanks in the Summer?"     I answered, "No," what is worse.    He then answered, "Fairbanks in the Winter!"     & I believe he is telling the truth about the interior of Alaska!

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      Here's the type of vehicles that the Hotels have in Fairbanks - not a minivan!

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            Not a Minivan in Fairbanks,  It's a HAMPTON INN VAN for real men & women!

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 Now you see why a minivan is not used - Polar Bear & Brown Bear at Hilton Anchorage!
 Notice how small my suitcase & laptop are compared to the size of these Wild Beasts;

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 The Trans-Alaska Pipeline above ground between Anchorage & Fairbanks, getting ready to go over a river, this area heavily watched and guarded because of liberal crazies that want to blow it up or put a hole in it so it leaks and then kills wildlife and plants, does not make a lot of sense as they are destroying the environment even more than did the pipeline.


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    If YOU mess with the Trans Alaska Pipeline or Related Facilities the FBI and Rico Austin will hunt your ass down and feed YOU either a Polar Bear, a Grizzly Bear or a Brown Bear!

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Here's another place in Alaska where the Pipeline is going underground to cross the Hwy!


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        Ever wonder what kind of boat Santa Claus fishes from?    Here it is!!!
               Notice the "North Pole, AK"  under the name Golden Nugget!
      Santa and some of his Elves are in the store buying beer for their little outing!
   Mrs. Santa is checking the list twice to see who has been naughty & who has been nice!


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         This is what the North Pole looks like in early September 2014;  
                           located just South of Fairbanks!

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  YEP,  this is where all the Big Decisions are made all Year - Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus' Home!The Grandchildren don't know that they'll be receiving a Genuine Letter from Santa and the North Pole and will own a square inch of this Wonderland this December 2014!  Sshh!

 
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  Uncle Rico Austin was put in time out by Santa because he knows when I've been bad!
  Stay tuned & keep scrolling through the pictures and you'll know how naughty I was!  Ssh!


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Just continue down St. Nicholas Dr. and you'll run into Santa's house in North Pole, AK!


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No, I didn't go to the Whorehouse, just took this picture while visiting The Great Alaskan Bush Company in Anchorage, AK;  There is also (1) other Great Alaskan Bush Company in Phoenix, AZ;  Both of these establishments were owned by Brothers, one in Alaska and one in Arizona.  I believe both of the brothers are now deceased and some of the family sold so now no longer affiliated with each other.   Just some information that I gathered from Santa as we were discussing why I was in there and I threw the question back at him, so don't worry I am still getting my stuff for Christmas, just had to spend a few minutes in the "Time Out Sled" for naughty boys and girls.   I have one more cool sign that I took a picture of, remember they don't allow cameras or videos at the Great Alaskan Bush  Co.



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          Uh, yeah, I saw Santa and a few of his Elves visiting this place as well; 
I think I'm safe for just about every year here out for getting some really cool gifts!


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   Now if You're wondering what is a tequila drinking, mild mannered Author / Writer doing in the Great Alaskan Bush Company, let me remind You all that I am also a Tire Guy and that is what a Tire Guy does - after a long day of work & pretending to be the Michelin Man we need to relax and have a cold one while watching a hot one twirl around the pole and then we go home - no touchy, just looky and no nooky!    It's all Safe & Harmless Fun unless your wife or girlfriend or Santa finds out!    That's a Big NO BUENO!   ;-(

 
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   Okay, back to the other Wildlife, this is just outside the little town of Denali!


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   Here is some background on the politics behind the name change back to Denali from Mount McKinley.   YES Sir, those damn Politicians are always mucking things up!


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   I am exactly 41.5 miles from the South Summit of Denali aka Mount McKinley!


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   Denali aka Mount McKinley in the background - just a mere 41.5 miles away!


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  Gasoline at $5.00 a gallon - I'm not complaining as I was never so glad to see a pump in the middle of nowhere.  I gladly paid $20.00 for 4 lovely gallons of fuel that kept me from being stranded and eaten by a Polar Bear or Grizzly Bear or Brown Bear, oh MY!


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   Yep, that's my rental car and this place is closed, it is after 6:00 pm; but the door was open even though there was a closed sign and I was scared as I pushed the door open and yelled "Hello, can I buy some gas?"  Luckily, a woman answered and said she'd be right out!This was a scary situation, I had no gun, no ammo, no cell phone service, no food, no water and no gas!  I did have cash, a green Jefferson which took care of everything.   When traveling the lonely, long roads of Alaska, keep an eye on the fuel gauge!  


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This is the Alaskan Flag that was created / designed by a 13 year old boy named Benny Benson who was in the seventh grade.  The American Legion held a territory -wide contest for school children in 1926 and the flag was adopted for the Alaska Territory on May 2, 1927.

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Amiga Dawnarita serving me a delicious margarita & (3) Shots of Cazadores at Pancho's Villa Mexican Restaurant in Anchorage, AK;  I had a book signing there in June of 2012;


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Now this is living large - Cazadores Margarita & a shot of each Anejo, Reposado & Blanco - all of Cazadores fine Tequila, on the house as they wanted my opinion of what I tasted! 
It pays to have your Masters in Tequila & working on your Doctorates in Tequila at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.  Now traveling in Alaska & getting Tequila!


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Some of You might think or believe I'm leaving or exiting; but, those that know me well realize that I am going to 555 Corona Street where the beer is cold and the women aren't.


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  Caboholic Amiga Mariana with My Bad Tequila & Caboholic Amigo Johnny Corona with Cowboy Hat & Beer in Cabo San Lucas this summer before Hurricane Odile 2014!

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  Just a small showing of the actual force of Category 4 Hurricane Odile 2014!  
     Many homes of the poorer Mexicans were completely devastated and lost.
 Hotels were damaged with complete walls missing and the airport was inoperable!
But, you will see in the next few photos, CABO STRONG attitude overpowered the storm!

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       This Mexican hard working man showed what CABO STRONG really is!
 Within just a few days, some businesses are back to operating, hoping the Tourist return


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If YOU live within a 50 Mile Radius of WAUSAU, WI then I expect to see You there!
Uncle Rico is going to his first Green Bay Packer game at Lambeau Field!   YEEHAW!!!


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  I look forward to see all of You that live within a 50 Mile Radius of WAUSAU, WI!
Uncle Rico is going to his first Green Bay Packer game at Lambeau Field!  YAHOOO!!!

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                                              "LADY with a LEG!"     ;-)   
                    This is Determination & Citizenship at its Peak
This Cabo San Lucas photo is of a woman that sees herself as having a leg, not missing a leg.   She has become one of the CABO STRONG and doing her part to clean up the havoc caused by Hurricane Odile 2014;  I hope those that are on Welfare because of laziness and perceived personal problems are embarrassed when they see this picture. 
                 I am Humbled and Thankful for this "Lady with a Leg!"

 "I am a writer of words, bringing visions to the minds of those who read the stories I pen; but, this picture captures the heart, more than the words I am gifted to scribe."   rico austin
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Sunglasses - Spoof Video of Author Rico Austin by John Kenneth Schoen

9/28/2014

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Alaska;  Sun Valley & McCall, ID; Ernie Els; Dirty Tequila; Penn State; Vote for America

9/14/2014

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Compadres & Amigas,

As I traveled through Alaska this last week, I decided to dig up this Blog on my last visit to the Great State just two years earlier as a reminder of how some things change and others remain the same.  Please enjoy!

 Another great month of Summer has gained on us and where better to be than in the wild of Alaska and taking in the beauty of Central and Southwest Idaho and then one more crazy night in Vegas.

Unfortunately, there has also been tragedy and lunatics abounding again in the state of Colorado of which we will discuss later in the Blog.  And lastly we will cover the statue of Joe Paterno aka JoePa (literally & figuratively).

4th of July, our nation’s birthday I spent the evening prior in my hometown of Marsing, IDAHO with my mother, wife, brother, his girlfriend, niece and nephews.  The fireworks were incredible as seen coming off the reflection of the Snake River into the dark of the sky.  Marsing, ID is the home of a very special young man and Boise State University football player – Shea McClellin that once lived off Chicken Dinner Road on a 20 acre farm became the highest drafted Idaho-born player from Boise State as he was chosen in the first round by the Chicago Bears. 

Next morning on the 4th of July we left beautiful downtown Marsing after I paid my respects to the Marsing street I was raised on, “Canal Street” and headed north for McCall, Idaho aka (ski town USA) as there is the crystal clear, blue Payette Lake that resembles Lake Tahoe clarity and sereneness.    Boise Amigos Kory, Michelle, Rich & Rhonda invited us for a memorable and laughter filled 4th;   Exactly 25 years to the date of the famous incident at the Yacht Club as mentioned in the epic, award winning novel, Rico was invited back this time for a book signing on the famous deck that overlooks the gorgeous lake with fireworks galore.  This is one of the most beautiful settings of which YOU will ever be able to view a firework show second to none (Disneyland comes close.)

Time to move on along near the 45th parallel to Red Fish Lake and then into Sun Valley / Ketchum ID area.  If You have ever visited the Sun Valley area in the Summer time you would never question why Ernest Hemingway aka Papa made this is final home.  If You ever make it to Ketchum a trip is not full without a stop at Whiskey Jacques on Main St. where Brent, Mark, Dave or Cody will greet You will a beer and a smile (order may be reversed.)  Again, another memorable book signing while the rambling, rolling, grooving, good times music played by the Musketeer Gripweed band helped keep the bookworms in rhythm.

Oprah Book Club 2.0 has begun to shake the literary world once again and we’re awaiting the phone call to arrive in Chicago to talk about why Oprah just has to recommend “My Bad Tequila” to her fans.  I do hope it is during football season so that Oprah can take me to the Bears game and then we’ll meet up with Shea McClellin and show Ms. Winfrey how a couple of Idaho and former Boise State Football players party with Tequila.

“Dirty Tequila” is a different animal of Tequila than I have ever tasted thanks to co-owners and entrepreneurs George & Corbin of the greater Phoenix area.  The best way to describe it is:  “Tequila perfected!  It starts with 110 proof blue agave tequila and with the addition of natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners, including agave nectar, the result is a uniquely smooth delicious tequila drink that will not leave your throat burning.  You can sip this tequila chilled neat, on the rocks, or mixed with your favorite tequila cocktails to add a little extra flavor to the mix.”   Should be available in several different markets by August 1st, 2012; but guess what?  I have already tried it at a “Dirty Tequila” party on the water at Lake Pleasant and man is it great tasting.  For a few fun pictures of the fiesta continue reading and at the end of the Blog – there they be.  There was even the Son of Elvis present:  have You heard the story of John Smith the DNA positively tested son of the Rock n Roll Great, Elvis Presley?  Well, he is alive and living well somewhere in Cave Creek, Arizona with his lovely wife Lisa.  There may be a book deal in the works for an Amigo that You may have heard of.  We’ll keep You posted as the story progresses.

The final day of the British Open was anything but ho-hum.  At the start of the round Adam Scott with the world renowned caddy Steve Williams led the field by 4 shots and still led the field with 4 shots with only 4 holes to play.  On the 15th hole things began to unravel for the Aussie and his Aussie caddy as he bogeyed the 15th, 16th, 17th and needed to save par with a makeable 7 foot putt and bogey again.  Meanwhile back on the course South African Ernie Els was busy stocking away birdie after birdie and yes, birdies the 18th hole.  While Els awaited his fate as the last twosome of Scott and McDowell played the 18th hole the world watched the heartbreaking collapse of Adam Scott.  While watching I could not help but think of another Australian golfer that came so close but was denied time and time again – Mr. Greg Norman (one of my favorite all-time golfers).   Well Ernie again won the British Open exactly 10 years and a day to his last win of the Open.

Now You may be asking, what happened to Tiger Woods?  Yes, Amigos of the golfing world Tiger collapsed as well, faltering in the last few holes except for birdie on the 18th.   The truth is I don’t care about Tiger Woods as I am not a fan, yes I will admit he is a good golfer; however, as a human being I have had little to no respect for this guy for many years and here is the rest of the story as quoted by Paul Harvey.  Tiger Woods was the only major golfing personality that did not attend Payne Stewart’s funeral in 1999.  He felt that it was more important that he get ready to play and try to win the tournament on Thursday.   I remember seeing a picture of all the great golfing professionals standing together saddened by the departure of their close golfing amigo and Tiger Woods is missing from the picture with a story telling of Eldrick (Tiger) Woods believing that it was more important to concentrate on his golfing and guess who won – yes, tigger won it.  I kept that newspaper picture clipping on my refrigerator door for over a year as a reminder of why I would not get caught on in tiggermania or as I think of it “total selfishness.”    There is also the case of when he (Tiger) did not go to honor Jackie Robinson after he'd won the Masters  -  he was on vacation, he had no excuse not to go -- and then tried to defend his decision.  He later apologized to Rachel Robinson but the harm had been done.  Tiger needs to learn about character about life and about honesty and integrity.  I am surprised that he still has any sponsors left after the humiliation he has bestowed upon his family and friends including the quick dismissal of close confidant and caddy – Steve Williams who stayed quiet and loyal throughout the entire sex scandal.  Woods may have apologized to lots of people or collateral as he might call and think of them; but, He will never be able to apologize to one of Golfer’s Greatest Statesmen and Characters – Mr. Payne Stewart RIP.  

Now for the not so fun news of the crazy fuc_s  that want to kill and maim and hurt innocent children, women and men.  Aurora, Colorado is the latest town to undergo a tragic ending by lunatic James Holmes at the Black Knight Batman midnight showing.  Poor Colorado has had its share of dumbasses, stupid fuc- s and lunatics including the Columbine School students and killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold and a rapist who was visiting Vail, professional basketball player Kobe Bryant.  Lucky for Colorado, Kobe does not live in the state but the citizens of Los Angeles have to claim him.   All four of these individuals will not / did not get their deserved and correct punishment.   Public hangings would definitely make a person reconsider their motives, their planned killings, their rapes before carrying out such atrocities.  We the public have paid for Harris and Klebold and will most likely pay to house Holmes for many years in a solitary confined area away from the other prisoners of whom may be offered cigarettes, money or bitches to off Holmes.   We did not have to pay for Bryant, he did that on his own by offering and paying a substantial amount of NBA money to the victim to spare her of explicit testimony.  Kobe even bought his wife an extra large diamond ring to satisfy her anger and disappointment in a relationship that was founded on lies, adultery and betrayal.

To all the families and friends of the Aurora shooting, my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers.  To Holmes and all the other crazy fuc-s scattered throughout the world such as Tucson, Norway, Virginia, Oklahoma, Iowa, California, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq:   We will survive and you will not Break our Spirit,  Love and Pursuit of Continuous Freedom.

“The statue of Joe Paterno, Penn State's late, disgraced former football coach, has been taken down, after university officials announced early Sunday their decision to remove it.

‘I now believe that, contrary to its original intention, coach Paterno's statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our university and beyond,’ Penn State president Rodney Erickson said in a statement. ‘I believe that, were it to remain, the statue will be a recurring wound to the multitude of individuals across the nation and beyond who have been the victims of child abuse.’

The decision comes on the heels of a damning 267-page report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh--which concluded Paterno concealed information about former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky's sexual abuse of underage boys--and a day before the NCAA announces sanctions against the school and its football program.” – YAHOO News!

Early this Sunday morning, a blue quilted moving blanket was placed over Paterno’s statued head of the 7 foot tall, 900 pound statue which had been erected in 2001 at Beaver Stadium on the State College, Pa., campus.  This same day July 22nd, 2012 the statue was airlifted via forklift and placed in an unnamed secure storage unit where it may be the winning bid for an upcoming Storage Wars televised segment.  In case some of You are familiar with Penn State but not Storage Wars it is a reality show on A&E Network and features auctioneers Dan Dotson and Laura Dotson, as well as auction hunters Barry Weiss (my favorite), Dave Hester, Darrell Sheets and the team of Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante.  Executive Producer and Creator Thom Beers serves as the off-screen narrator.  And that is all I am going to say about that except that Penn State finally has some balls and did the right thing so that the abused victims, their families and the surrounding community can start to heal.  One more thing, give Penn State Football the “Death Penalty” for at least one year and start the program anew.  How deep and how many layers beneath the truth surface did the cover up go?   How many players and other coaches knew what took place in the locker room, behind the bleachers and in the closed, darkened  classrooms as well as Sandusky’s family home?   Yes, there are still many questions of which we and more importantly the many victims will never learn the answers to.   Yes, Penn State Football and the University has not only been tarnished but has an evil taboo that will take perhaps decades or even longer before its brand is once again one to be proud of.    I feel for my Amigas and Amigos that have graduated from Penn State because it is currently not something that YOU want sticking out in a resume and during that interview You are asked, “So what do You think of Joe Paterno?” or “Are You a huge fan of the Nittany Lions Football program?”  One thing is clear, I love College Football and have cheered for Penn State in games past; but, children’s’ lives being protected and not being ruined is far more important to this Sports Fan and I am certain it is for most adult persons in this Mega World we live in and share with our Fellow Man or Woman.

Now to end this Blog on a great note where else to end the trip other than the last frontier Alaska.   There is an incredible place that serves the best Grandes and Mexican Food in the town of Anchorage since 1972 – Pancho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant owned by Carlos & Ricardo with Dawnarita serving as manager and helping Carlos serve up tasty Margaritas mixed with Jimador, Cazadores, Patron, Tres Generaciones and Corralejo Tequilas.    A fun crowd showed up for the “My Bad Tequila” book signing including Jimmy Moose (yes, that is his real name) who moved to Alaska some twenty to thirty some odd years ago because of his name and to escape where he came from – Pittsburgh or Cleveland or Erie or some city that was near a lake, river or canal.   Jimmy knew that a better life awaited him in the cold north because of his last name and he followed his calling and has been content in Alaska for all these many years as has Kim, Donna, Leonard and dozens of other Anchoragites.  Each of them gave me the Eskimo welcome and told me I could stay at their igloos anytime except when it gets very warm.

I traveled to Wasilla but did not see the Sarah Palin the former governor or Bristol or the little guy that helped trip up the last presidential election because of young Bristol Palin getting pregnant out of wedlock.    Who cares if the Republican Vice President Nominee’s daughter did get knocked up?  What should have it mattered?  You are right, it should not have mattered, but the media had a field day with it as did the opposition.  I believe Bristol now has a reality show called “Bristol Palin, Life’s a Tripp” which is the name of her son.   I do wish Sarah would have finished her Governorship with Alaska as she was elected by the people of that great state to serve, but book deals and television appearances seemed to be much more fun and liberating than running the largest State in the United States.   I did lose a great deal of respect for Ms. Palin for not finishing her term and as I traveled around the State, I found that several Alaskans held the same sentiments as an Arizonan.

I have to admit I wanted John McCain to become our new President because I felt if ever a person deserved to be our leader it was McCain who served our Great Nation, who was a Prisoner of War, who is a Businessman, a true and honest American but it was not to be.   The handlers of McCain did not let John McCain be the Man and the Maverick of which we knew him to be as he served in Arizona.  I try to stay away from Politics but it is an election year and I believe I can look at the candidates unbiased as I was once a Democrat, I was once a Republican and now I am an Independent.   I have never voted strictly along party lines and wish that most individuals would not, but I know from polls and from what I see in the media most people vote along their party lines and nothing else in taken into account.   In 2008, I believed Hillary Clinton would be a good choice, I believed Obama and in his change, but I was an Arizonan and knew the many good and honorable things that John McCain had done and I voted as such. 

Before YOU read any further I ask that each of YOU be open-minded to continue to read my Blog in the future whether or not YOU agree with my point of view.  This is what makes America so great, it is the Freedom of Choice and the Choice to Agree or to Disagree.  I welcome any comments in disagreement or agreement and will post them all as long as the posts / comments do not personally attack an individual or a group.  That being said, let us continue to read and write.

This year I wish Hillary Clinton would have the opportunity to run on the Democratic ticket as I have lost all respect for Barack Hussein Obama for several reasons:  (1) Never taking the blame for anything these past 4 years.  Obama asked to be elected and the people answered his wish.  Once in office Obama blamed the past administration for everything, “Bush did this, Bush did that.”   I look at the Office of a new President of the United States as a new, fresh CEO taking over the reins of a company in trouble and turning the company around.  The new CEO never mentions the Old or Past Administration, he or she just leads the company toward new goals, new profits and does what she or he promised.    (2)  Obama told us how he would bring change, how he would bring the parties closer together, how he would be non-partisan.   The only thing that has changed is that I like You are worse off than we were 4 years ago before Obama took control of the White House.   (3) Vacations, galore at the expense of the taxpayers – You & I are footing the bill as Obama, Michelle and their two daughters flit about the country and the world.  (4)  Constant campaigning for another term rather than concentrating on the poor economy and the dismal job market.   Barack Hussein Obama told us that the economy is much better even though there are still hundreds of thousands of Americans out of work.   I am fortunate to be working, but tell the multitudes that are not working or who have lost their homes that the economy is good is like getting personally and physically slapped by the President himself.   (5) The majority of the people told Obama that they did not want Government controlled Health Care but he believes he knows better for us and pushed it anyway.   (6) Immigration issue has had a band aid put on it and now the policies in place are even more controversial than before.  (7)  There are many other reasons, but my intention is not to run Obama into the ground but for us to look at perhaps a new solution - WE the PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA need a Businessman or Businesswoman more than ever to help US become a Global Leader once again and restore OUR GREAT COUNTRY to where it was during the Reagan Administration.   WE need to gain OUR Respect back from Foreign Countries and WE need to help show OUR YOUNG what it means to be PROUD AMERICANS.    Vote not for Color,  Vote not for Religion,  Vote not for Party,  BUT PLEASE Vote for Leadership, Vote for Freedom, Vote for Positive Change, Vote for a Better America and VOTE!

Enjoy & Share! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q22H3a_QNVA
New website to get Your copy of “My Bad Tequila" eReader: http://www.bibliocracy.com/e-books/travel/my-bad-tequila for only $2.99

& available in hardcover, paperback & eKindle on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/MY-BAD-TEQUILA-ebook/dp/B004OC03TS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339399474&sr=8-1

& available in hardcover, paperback & Nook at BarnesAndNoble.com   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bad-tequila-rico-austin/1103214438?ean=9780981978932

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,

Uncle Rico Rico Austin Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM


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    Rico Austin Ph.D.

    Enjoy the writing & the craziest adventures of the most interesting Tequila Connoisseur & Story Teller in the World- !

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