Hola Amigas & Amigos,

October has been a very cool month for the most part, other than Ebola getting spread from city to city by a careless, self centered person / nurse Amber Joy Vinson that was more worried about her own personal wedding plans other than the welfare of her family, friends and Human Mankind in Cleveland.  I’m sure that she’ll not be wanting to keep her maiden name of Vinson after this stooge move.   If you are flabbergasted by the childlike decisions of Vinson, you’re really going to be bowled over by the next story (pun intended).   Doctor Craig Spencer rides around freely on the subway, goes bowling while touching everything in sight at the snackbar, hugs friends, all after returning from treating Ebola patients in Africa.  Talk about irresponsibility to the Nth Degree from Health Care Workers, these are supposed to be professionals who have taken oath to promote wellness, who are trained to keep us safe.  A sad state of affairs for the United States, for the World and for the Human Race.

 Sometimes you hear of a wonderful place in the world and you just know that someday you need to experience it firsthand up close and personal.  Well, this is the way I’ve felt about the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin for many, many years.  With all the close friends I have from Wisconsin, I’ll attempt to name the former ones and then later the ones I met after my awesome travels to the Cheesehead Country.  John P., Joe V., Mark B., Don K., Patrick C., Denny & Gail P., JP D., Muffy D., Mousie D., Dea B-D., Bitsy D., Susannah S-T.,

Yes, Dairyland is only one of two states I had never traveled to despite having many friends and umpteen acquaitances from there, most of whom I have traveled South for the warm climate of Central & Southern Arizona.  The other state West Virginia of which I only have two friends, both of whom are not married to their first cousin, sister, mother or daughter – those things can make for a bad divorce within the family.  The most asked question of divorce proceedings in West Virginia is, “If I get a divorce from my wife, will she still be my sister?”   Okay, now I may not have any friends in WV.  Sorry, for the jokes at your state’s expense, but Arkansas is off bounds as my Dad was born in Arkansas and my good buddy Robbie lives and hunts in that Great State.

Well back to my Ebola story, no wait, I mean Wisconsin story:  To make this writing assignment much easier and to show my true appreciation,  I will just submit my Letter of Thanks to those that hosted one of the top weekends of my long and somewhat luxurious life of hanging with Tequila Familias, Movie Stars, Screen Writers, Film Producers, Stage Directors, Professional Athletes, Roller Derby Girls, Music Artists, Divas, Sculpture Chiselers, Bar Proprietors, Tire Guys, Crab Fishermen, Football Fanatics and an occasional stripper aka pole dancer.

Hello Boone, Romey, Mark, Peggy & Genevieve for an excellent trip & super fun memories.   Also, Thanks to Don for helping Mark put it together and the planning stages of getting us from Arizona & Texas to Beautiful WhassUp Wausau!

Mark & Genevieve - the food, the fire burning and warming the place with the sweet aroma of wood smoldering in the fireplace, the welcome basket, the Don Julio were all fantastic.    Also Mark, please thank Bill for the 9 holes of golf at Greenwood Hills Country Club!  Peggy, thank You for your hospitality and sharing your friends & relatives with us.    The bus was a Kick & so were all the all folks of the Packer Nation that clammered onto the traveling circus!   Please tell John, thanks for bringing a television to help keep the crowds down at Lambeau Field.

Romey, Gracias para todo Amigo, for the initiation of becoming Roman Cantina Lifetime Members, for the many shots of Tequila, for the bonita botela de rojo of Tierra de Indios Anejo Tequila that made it safely to Arizona wrapped in my protective Levis inside the center of the suitcase.  It is now proudly displayed on the mantle for all to marvel at its Mexican beauty.   The Romano's sauce will be tasted often and vigorously spread on all foods that are strong enough to tolerate its super duper strength.   Please give our Gracias to Mrs. Donna B. and her hospitality and story of when she wrote the letter in 1965 to help her Dad get Green Bay Packer season tickets.

Boone aka Dan,  Thank You for allowing me and the other wild ones to hang out at your drinking establishments and sell things including books, timeshares, jewelry and more shares of Packer stock.  Very cool of You to buy me out on the children's book, "ARIZONA Is Where I Live," to be able to give each child in your daughter's class their very own copy.   Your staff at Bunker's 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bunkers/219996431458346?fref=ts  
and at The Chatterbox
https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-CHATTERBOX/114622810633?rf=117540758272535 were exceptional and quite friendly given our loudness and yelling What’sUp Wausau every few seconds. 

Amiga Lisa for sharing your stories about nephew Nik Wallenda and giving him a copy of “My Bad Tequila” for his reading enjoyment as he does his next high wire act, I believe in Chicago on November 2nd in an attempt to tame some skyscrapers.  He has conquered the Grand Canyon and her heights.  I watched in terror as he made his journey on live television that gusty day that GOD seen fit to let him walk on a cable strung high above the Colorado River.

Don, Tina, Travis, Sara & Connie - Thank You for being roommates in a log cabin fit for a King of Queens and not drinking all of the Tequila & for saving some squeaky cheese curds!   

Connie & I had an absolute blast and can't wait to return to see Our WISCONSIN Familia!   

Now back to the scary Ebola saga that is more frightening than any Halloween imaginable.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) and President Barack Hussein Obama have acted very irresponsible in their not successfully trying to contain this horrific disease originating in Africa.  And now Aides to President Obama are criticizing decisions by three states to quarantine people who are returning from Eboa-stricken West Africa.  Are You fricking kidding me?  These three states are being proactive in the war against this deadly virus and possible outbreak never before seen in the United States.  Officials in New York, New Jersey and Illinois have acted in the best interests of its citizens in the wake of a new Ebola case in New York as they cannot rely on people to safely quarantine themselves and show personal responsibility.   I completely stand by these states in the correct decisions of these states and hope that the other 47 will act accordingly as our President and his administration will not do make the right decisions.  For the complete story, click onto the following link. http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/10/26/obama-ebola-quarantine-samantha-power-anthony-fauci/17955781/

To leave this Blog on a smiley note that leads away from 2 deadly viruses of Ebola and Obama, let’s travel South to the tip of the Baja where Caboholics abound and acts of kindness are true and profound.

As you all must have heard and seen of much devastation handed to the Baja by Hurricane Odile in September.  Well two special groups of persons came together of which I personally know and am affiliated, I’m sure there were many other groups and caring individuals who shared by way of donations, rebuilding and prayers.

Caboholics Support Group collected in excess of $30,000 in a fund set up by Amiga and Caboholic Founder Maddie H. aka Corona which has been distributed for the homeless, the hungry, the downtrodden, abandoned pets and orphaned children.  I am proud to be a member of this great fun organization of persons enjoying Cabo and everything she has to offer.

Bisbee’s Cabo Relief Fund put together by the Wayne Bisbee Family including Bisbee’s Marlin World Magazine and Bisbee’s Black & Blue which is one of the World’s Richest Fishing Tournaments held in Los Cabos, California Baja Sur, Mexico. https://www.facebook.com/bisbeescaborelieffund  Wayne and his family donated the first $250,000 to get the fund off to a good rolling start.   Where CABO RELIEF FUND MONEY IS BEING SPENT - Housing for those that lost everything ....... Club Dust Houses being put together at the Casa Hogar orphanage, then they are loaded onto a truck for their final building site. The orphans are even helping assemble the kits. Pretty cool thing to see!   And guess who won first place in the Overall Team & $500 Daily? – Casa Hogar Team of 10 anglers and crew were fishing on behalf of the local non-profit organization that provides food, shelter and education to under-privileged #LosCabos boys.  Angler Omar Castaneda scored the win after landing the biggest qualifying fish of the tournamentearning a check of $258,325 all of it being donated back to the orphanage of Casa Hogar Cabo.  

Dreams do come True!  AMEN!!!     

I must mention that there were many teams fishing that normally would not have due to an anonymous donation allowing teams that used a Cabo based fish crew and rented a Cabo fishing boat to be allowed to waive the $5000 entry fee.  By allowing this “Hook Up” program it allowed some of us (wished I had an extra week of vacation) to fish in the Most Glamorous, Richest Fishing Tourney on the face of the Globe.  Caboholics had (4) teams of four men and/or women in the Tourney, all I believe were first timers / virgins in the Bisbee Tournament.  One of the teams placed 8th overall.  Everyone had a Fishing Great Experience – even the anglers that were skunked (didn’t catch a darn thing except a tequila or cerveza buzz).  Cabo - where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean and Miguel Hill plays his guitar and sings “No Bad Days” with the Cabo Cowboys.  Check out my good Amigo & his musica:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLwiy-dFCK0  

Another fellow Caboholic and Amiga - Julia H. B. and her esposo (husband) collected shoes for Feeding Los Cabos Kids.  Her hubby and she did an email / facebook campaign to their friends and family and this is the great result.  In Julia’s own words, “ Amazing is the generosity that GOD places on people’s hearts.”

Remember “Lady with a Leg” from the last issue of the blog in September 2014.  Well a fellow Caboholic read my Blog and suggested that we all donate for a Prosthesis for this Warrior of a Woman with a Heart of a Lion.  Within a few hours another Caboholic posted that there was an individual that would bear the full cost of the prosthesis if we could find this Amiga.   Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if Amiga Mariana E. didn’t see a news cast “Historias de Los Cabos”  by El Jitomatazo on Cabo about the Odile Hurricane and in this documentary she sees “Lady with a Leg” getting interviewed by Francisco Aviles “El Cazador,” and now we know that Juanita is her name.   Still awaiting news of whether she has been fitted for her new prosthesis.   As soon as I know, I’ll relay the outstanding news in my next blog.  Check out the interview, in Spanish, but You’ll understand what is happening.   ;-)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9rmOhQNjHI

 As always, plenty of photos at the end of the Blog so skeptics can’t call Bullsh-t!

 Vaya con Dios!

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

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

  Welcome basket by Genevieve & Mark - Wausau, Wisconsin is a great place to visit!

 Sara, Don, Rico, Travis, Mark, Chris, Tina, Romey, Connie at Mark's bar in Wausau, WI;

               Author Rico Austin & Illustrator Connie Austin at Lambeau Field  10-19-2014
                          Green Bay Packers kicked some Carolina Panther butt,  38 - 17 

      Author / Writer / Tequila Connoisseur Rico Austin making good on a dare in Wisconsin

  Green Bay Amigo Joe and Connie Austin showing at Lambeau Field with My Bad Tequila

  This is the lovely log home that we stayed at when visiting Wausau, Wisconsin!

                  Matthews is watching Matthews play at Lambeau Field - 
                   home of Vince Lombardi & Brett Favre & the Packer Nation!

            Some of the favorite things I brought back from Wisconsin to Arizona
Romano's Sauce,  Green Bay Packers beer coozie,  Tierra de Indios Anejo Tequila, GB ticket

 Adios to Wausau & Green Bay on Highway 29 - hey that was my football jersey #29 at BSU

                Football that was intercepted by Hero Pat Tillman on Jan. 2, 2000;  
                           Thrown by Brett Favre at Lambeau Field

Young Readers in Wisconsin enjoying a copy of "ARIZONA Is Where I Live" Children's book
                          Bunker's at Tribute Golf Course book signing 10-18-2014

        Book Signing at Bunkers Bar & Grill in Wausau, Wisconsin!   Gracias to Boone

           The Chatterbox book signing - great time - Gracias Mike, Mark & Boone!

  Caboholic Julia H. B. and her esposo (husband) collected these shoes for Feeding Los Cabos Kids.  Her hubby and she did an email / facebook campaign to their friends and family and this is the great result.  In Julia’s own words,
                “ Amazing is the generosity that GOD places on people’s hearts.”

                   Bisbee's Black & Blue Fishing Tournament in Cabo San Lucas 2014
 Team Casa Hogar - First Place Overall Team - $258,325, all donated back to the Orphanage

       #‎2014BisbeesBlackandBlue‬  And the winner is ..... ‪#‎AnglerOmarCastaneda‬ of  #‎TeamCasaHogar‬ is at the scale with a 385lb Blue Marlin! Congratulations!!!!

                       Caboholics Team 1 which placed #8 overall in Bisbee's Black & Blue

       Caboholics Fishing Team #1 - Lou, Pam, James, Maddie, not pictured - Lisa

Caboholics helping out after devastating Category 4 Odile Hurricane in Cabo San Lucas

 There is more to the Bisbee Family than this - a Familia Grande that helps Cabo San Lucas

      Author Rico Austin's marlin catch in 2003 in Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, Mexico
                   Also, got engaged to now wife Connie 2 days prior at Sol Mar
                     He caught the fish and the girl during same trip to Cabo!
        Someday he hopes to fish in the Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tourney

                                     Juanita - "Lady with a Leg!"    
          The next time I present Amiga Juanita, I hope it is with her new Prosthesis;

    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;

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

  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

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

     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!

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 #! 

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

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

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
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& 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

www.mybadtequila.com



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Dwight Yoakam in concert at Historic Fox Theatre in Tucson!

My Amigo Abby Cady's shadow is in the picture wearing his U of A Wildcats Cap!

Robin Williams RIP in one of my favorite movies, Mrs. Doubtfire!   Rest in Peace on Ork!

Parrot Grande Weekend at Tapatio Cliffs at Pointe Hilton in Phoenix, Arizona;

Pictured Clockwise from Top Left to Right:  Gordie RIP with a Cabo Wabo Cowboy hat & Cabo Wabo Tequila, Boise State Broncos Logo, Alice Cooper, more Cabo Wabo Tequila, Amigos Kelly McGuire &  Mexico Mark Mulligan, Blue Monkey & Justin Bieber & Blue ELVIS aka Writer / Author Rico Austin, Amigo Sam Rainwater, Blu Kaboy Bobblehead Doll & epic, best selling, award winning My Bad Tequila & In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter

Amigo Grant Gardner, owner of El Capitan Mexican Grill in Flagstaff, Arizona with his personal autographed copy of My Bad Tequila while  Author / Writer / Tequila drinking Gringo Extraordinaire Rico Austin shows off the El Capitan Menu!

  Oooh, I see two of my Favorites:   Pacifico Beer & Azunia Tequila at El Capitan in Flagstaff!

I love this Logo, the food & the Tequila at El Capitan - Fresh Mexican Grill in Flagstaff, AZ!

    Lost photo of Author / Writer Rico Austin #29 Boise State Bronco jersey in 1985!

            Boise State Mania Fanatics getting ready for some Bronco Football!!!
  Blu Kaboy, Rich Collins, Elf, Rico Austin, Michel Bourgeau at Sam Boyd Stadium!

   Boise State Bronco Football Amigos Steve Elliott and Rico Austin on Blue Turf in Idaho!

Coach Chris "Pete" Petersen and Blue ELVIS aka Rico Austin at MAACO Bowl in 2012  during a happier time;  Good Luck Coach Pete at University of Washington Huskies!

           Boise State University Football Team 1985 - last year of the Green Turf;

     Author / Writer Rico Austin seated in bottom row, 2nd from right #29!

The Blue ELVI aka Rico Austin & Rich Collins & Blu Kaboy aka Emilio after another victory!

     Ironically, this is the Boise State vs. University of Washington MAACO Bowl 

which was Coach Chris Petersen's last Bowl game with BSU, now with U of Washington

Even Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus travel from the North Pole to cheer on the Broncos!

http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2014/03/rico-austins-private-idaho.html

This is copied from Annette Snyder's Blog "Fifty Authors from Fifty States" as written by guest blogger and author Rico Austin.  The website above is to the direct site and original posting by Annette Snyder on March 23rd.

I was thrilled to be chosen to represent Arizona last year, 2013 in the Fifty Authors from Fifty States Blog as it has been my home on and off for the last 23 years; but, I am truly honored to have been given the nod to represent Idaho where I lived life to the fullest of my first 30 years. 

My own private Idaho is not based upon the 1991 American independent drama film, but of my experiences while growing up in a community and state of sparse population, but abundant with endless adventures for my four younger brothers, numerous cousins and me.

I was born and raised in Southwest Idaho, along the banks of the Snake River and couldn’t wait to find my own way. This part of the state is a farming mecca with never ending fields of potatoes, corn, hops and wheat bordered by orchards of fruit bearing cherries, apples, pears, plums and the most round peaches.  As you drive through the countless trees, you’ll pass through vineyards of glorious grapes that become some of the finest wines of North America such as those grown and bottled at Ste. Chapelle, Idaho’s largest winery just across the river from my small hometown of Marsing, population 801.  When I graduated high school there in the mid 70s the population was 510; others and I have left, but we have been replaced by those seeking a more tranquil life and peaceful, serene views of the winding Snake River and of the local landmark of Lizard Butte.

While still in Southwestern Idaho, we have to pay homage to the capital city of Boise, located in the high desert area about 40 miles from Marsing, (once the center of my world) is a tree lined valley of the Boise River, a distinct landmark for the early French fur trappers and traders which originally named this area, “La riviere boisee,’ which translated means, “the wooded river.”  Boise is the largest city and metropolitan area between Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah and is home to Boise State University, the largest university in the state.  BSU Broncos have the famed Smurf Turf aka the Blue Field of Football and have been nationally ranked in Football and in Basketball.  I studied at Boise State while playing football and it is here that my first, bestselling novel and winner of 14 awards, “My Bad Tequila” began during a Spring Break trip from BSU to San Carlos, Mexico, gone heavily awry. This is the story of that adventurous, journey of mystery which spans 30 years of the main character’s life.  My favorite line from the book is, “You’ll see the true reflection of me when the tequila bottle is empty,” I shouted out to the wind as I tossed the sad, angry, bottle-shaped mirror to the sea.

Growing up I loved camping, rafting, hiking, boating and fishing in the Salmon River Mountain Range, Owyhee Mountains and the Teton Range that are part of the Rocky Mountains of North America.  Exploring my
state was high upon my list, almost as high as the elevation of these ranges where vast mother lodes of gold and
silver have been mined; but, still veins await discovery.  One of my favorite places to camp and walk the outdoors was in the Sawtooth Mountains on the south central part of the state where hundreds of lakes were created by by vanished alpine glaciers. The largest of these lakes being Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake and Sawtooth Lake of which many a trout have been pulled and served up as the main course of a delicious campfire meal.  Some of you may have heard of a place named Sun Valley, Idaho and/or the neighboring town of Ketchum, a skiers dream and home of former Olympic Gold Medalist,  Picabo Street.  She won gold medals in super G at the 1998 Winter Olympics and in downhill at 1996 World Championships.  She also won the World Cup downhill season titles in 1995 and 1996, the first American woman to do so.  

Street was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame in 2004.  Sun Valley is also the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest American Writers, who too loved the Idaho outdoors and the adventures that were awaiting him.

There are so many numerous places of natural beauty within the State of Idaho, from the top of the panhandle with the towns of Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene hosting the lakes of Pend Oreille and Coeur d’Alene with its famous floating green where golfers from around the world test their skill and swing.  The
University of Idaho, home of the Vandals is located in nearby Moscow, next to the Washington border.  In Central Idaho is where Ski Town USA aka McCall is located, with the Payette Lake for water skiers being surrounded by the town and Brundage Mountain on the outskirts of town for the snow skiers.  McCall is mentioned in two of my books, each having a story that connects the reader to this place of the beauty and my favorite town within the borders of Idaho.  An in-depth look at Idaho through the towns of McCall and Marsing are shared in the biography / memoir telling the true story of how and when I met the legitimate, illegitimate son of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Mr. Elvis Presley.  You will read of all the trials and tribulations of ghostwriting, John Dennis Smith’s epic and incredible mystery of being adopted and discovering his birthright.  This is his journey of finding out WHO his birth mother and father really were.  

This too, is of my adventure, trying to get the full story documented, written and published for the world to read of this incredible, well kept secret of over five decades.

As we finish our travels to the eastern part of the state we have Pocatello which is home to one of the three state universities, Idaho State University and the Bengals mascot.  From Idaho Falls, you can see the towering Tetons in the background heading northeast to the entry of Yellowstone National Park by way of West Yellowstone, another picturesque spot in the very diverse state of Idaho that is made up of pure evergreen and aspen forests of wilderness with untamed rivers flowing through the rugged landscape. When visiting this unique place on Earth with breath taking views of Hells Canyon, Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon, River of No Return, Shoshone Indian Ice Caves and the Bruneau Sand Dunes, there are three things you do not want to forget:  a camera to capture the beauty, a fishing pole to cast into the lakes and rivers, and a pen to encompass your thoughts as you see what Lewis and Clark first beheld in my own private Idaho. 

http://www.amazon.com/Rico-Austin/e/B004HY01DG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

 Entering Eastern Idaho from the Utah border on the Interstate

  Hells Canyon with the Snake River

St. Chapelle Winery - owned by Symms Fruit Ranches near Marsing, Idaho on Sunny Slope

  Lizard Butte - Easter Morning Ritual each & every year!Winding, long, Snake River at beautiful Marsing, Idaho;   This is the area where Author Rico Austin was raised, worked, went to school & learned to swim with 4 brothers & numerous cousins. 

  ARIZONA Is Where I Live is Rico's only Children's Book!

                                           Downtown Boise, Idaho

 Sawtooth Mountains - near Stanley  & Sun Valley, Idaho

    Author Rico Austin in 1985 during Summer Double Days of Football on the Boise State University Turf - last year of Green Turf before the Blue Smurf Turf - his practice jersey was #14 and Game Day Jersey #29 which was the same number that his Amigo Rick Woods of Steeler Fame wore when BSU won the Division I AA National Championship in 1980;   Boise State began as a Junior College and at one time had a 31 Game Winning Streak under Coach Lyle Smith. Boise won thirteen conference titles in football under Smith and the NJCAA National Football Championship in 1958.  Smith's final record is 156–26–6 

Shoshone Falls just east of Twin Falls where Evel Knievel made his attempted jump over the Snake River Canyon on September 8, 1974.

Bruneau Dunes State Park - Southwest Idaho

Author Rico Austin at BSU Blue Turf with 3 of the 4 original, famous BLUE ELVI or BLUE ELVISES!  The four soldiers made a pact when in Iraq that when they returned to their home in Boise, ID that they would have Elvis outfits made and attend home football games at Boise State University.   Johnny Vogt - pictured far right, loaned his costume to Rico Austin to wear in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas MAACO Bowl on December 22, 2012.   Boise State kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:16 left in the game to defeat Washington 28–26 to win their third consecutive Maaco Bowl Las Vegas game.

Summer time, summer time is here, just a couple of days after the Solstice which is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere.

Hey, sorry to start the informational learning so quickly into the Blog, just thought I’d throw a little surprise in there as usually I start out with a Hola Amigas & Amigos or Que Pasan Compadres.  Nope, this time, straight to the learning curve of life.  If you already knew about the Solstice, I’ll guarantee that You won’t know anything or everything about our other three subjects that we’re gonna cover, maybe more if we get sidetracked and you know with Tequila drinking Uncle Rico that is very possible.

Okay, let’s see we’ve got Summer introductions finished, now let’s visit a cool place that I discovered last week in WYOMING! 

Some of us including myself travel many different parts of the country and that is what makes our employment fun at times and sometimes difficult, as we’re away from loved ones on the road more than most of the population.

Every once in awhile we’ll stumble upon a town that is quite unique and that we feel that we are a part of or think to ourselves, “man, I wouldn’t mind hangin’ here for a couple of weeks, looks like a cool place.”

Well, I had the opportunity to travel through Wyoming last week and while the state is not the most beautiful state in the Union, it does have its moments;   Yellowstone, Laramie, Cody and now another unique town that I discovered as I drove down the highway of life which landed me in Buffalo, Wyoming.   Hell, I even like the name of this town!

I hope YOU enjoy the pictures at the end of this Blog as I felt this town deserved a little more than just a drive by.  Would have loved to spend the night, but got here too early in the day, so onto Billings, Montana I drove, all the  while thinking about this town where the Population is almost as high as the Elevation with the Bighorn Mountains in the Background.   You’ll see what I mean!

The Beautiful Downtown of Buffalo, WY which is also their official mascot and their state flag is of a Buffalo.  Didn’t see any, but loads of antelope and saw a few deer – in fact one ran across the road in front of me into the KOA camp and I got a shot (camera shot so don’t get too excited) of it.   The inside of the Occidental Hotel had animal trophies galore.   But I assure YOU, no animals were harmed during this excursion and the only time I carry a gun is when I’m in Los Angeles or Seattle or Denver or Albuquerque and definitely in Chicago – home of the Mobsters and Corrupt Politicians, uh where again did Barack Hussein Obama say he was from? Let’s see Indonesia and Chicago! Okay, I will not go there – don’t want to be labeled a birther or son of a bitcher or …….

Speaking of Southern California, I stumbled upon an Air Museum that I had no idea existed, March Field Air Museum at 22550 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 of which you’ll be able to see it, just off the 215 Freeway. www.marchfield.org

Actually I saw this off the freeway as I was headed South from Riverside area towards Temecula, a little town called Perris, California.  So I took the off ramp, paid my $10.00 very reasonable admission and was welcomed by the nicest gentleman who just happens to be a former Navigator in the Royal Air Force serving in World War II. Mr. Ken Wright, an English Bloke was a B-17 Combat Wingman and shared a very unique and interesting story with me.

Ken, we’re on a first name basis now, joined the Royal Air Force in Great Britain on December 8th, 1941.  Why does that date sound familiar or a bit peculiar – because that was exactly 1 day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on the infamous 7th day of December 1941.  When Ken told me this, my first reaction was Wow! You joined in the fight for Freedom because of the attack in Hawaii of the USS Arizona and he replied in his British accent, “No, the 8th of December, 1941 was the day that I became 18 years of age and I could legally join the service.  I’m no mathematician, but that makes Ken 91 years young and counting and just in case some of you ladies are thinking, hey a handsome World War II hero is what I’ve been waiting for – not gonna happen. He is still married to his first bride Debra and they have some history together, so back off all You Old Maids and Young Senoritas! 

If you’re in the area and want to see some cool, ancient flying aviation equipment and planes this is your stop. They also have “Parties in an Airplane,” “Simulator Rides,” “Guided Docent Tours,” “Tram Tours,” and a Museum Gift Shop.  I swear I am not fabricating about the “Parties in an Airplane” as Ken Wright even verified that for me and a guy named Brian B. was present as well.  So get down to March Field and have a “Party in a Plane.”

Okay, now some uncover, secret agent news: “MEXICO Got Lucky” will be my next best selling book. The announcement came via www.vivasancarlos.mx/ on the Bulletin Board.  This is the true, incredible story of Lucky, a poodle mix that was stolen in San Carlos, Mexico and was held captive for over three months all the while the entire country was searching for Lucky to get the $26,000 peso reward. I hope to debut this book on Labor Day Weekend in English and it will later be translated into a Spanish language version for the Mexican population.  Go to Facebook and give “Mexico got Lucky” a like and be one of the first to read of this unbelievable journey of one dog and the man that roamed the streets of Mexico searching for his lost dog aka son. Don’t be surprised when Disney Pictures picks this up for an Oscar winning movie. https://www.facebook.com/MexicoGotLucky?fref=ts

In the words of the great Henry Ford, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”


I seen some crazy ass sh-t this evening at Oakland Walmart - different world just 2 blocks away at Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel; Quick visit at Walmart, was propositioned by large gal in orange next to the car, she says, "You wanna hot tamale, I get it to you Louisiana style!" "Um, no thanks!" was my polite refusal as her eight year old daughter or niece is there listening and watching every word and move. Saw a theft, but the 2 greeters were busy chatting to each other, "Man I can't believe Homey got married! - first greeter to other greeter as thief and I walk out the door. "Yeah, that's fuc-ing crazy, can't believe it," says greeter number two to greeter number one as thief gets in a car waiting just outside the door. Then walking back to my car, get propositioned a 2nd time & I just chuckle while another dude lifts the chick in the orange onto the back of the car so she can sit while workin' it. Then I have to witness a guy peeing next to his car, guess he knew the bathroom in Walmart would be a little messy. Next a fender bender with two very nice, new expensive cars with chrome wheels (not original equipment) and finally witnesses, several different stories and I got in my car and drove slowly away, back to the Hilton I will stay while in Oakland! San Fran is wild, but not like this!

I wanna go back, there is some wild, unbelievable things happenin' at Walmart while I sit in my room with a lonely laptop that loves to have me tap on her letter keys until she writes "I Love YOU Rico Suave with the smoothest touch this side of the Mississippi." Okay, well ...... Amigo Julio Bermejo did give me a cool Alcatraz Tequila bottle last night. The tequila was 15 years old in that bottle, we (4 of us - Julio, Kern, Reggie & Rico) sipped on it and finally he poured the rest into a pitcher for margaritas since I was traveling by plane and would not be able to take a 1/2 bottle of good tequila through security! Thanks alot Bin Laden!

Yeah, now I know why the Oakland Raiders & Oakland Raiders Fans are thugs, they have to be to survive in Oakland, California across from the Bay - the step child of San Francisco, California! I'm sure glad that this Hilton is barricaded up like a cartel king pin's hacienda to keep the rest of Oakland out! Sorry for the cruelty Oakland, but I've witnessed your fans at our Arizona Cardinals games and it ain't pretty, but I do love Jack London Square & Jackie's book - Fang and Amigo, Hero Pat Tillman RIP grew up just down the road in San Jose, California!

Oh, & one more thing - another guest with pretty far-out clothing & I am being kind, has his book in his hand called, "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome." I kid you knot!

Thought I was safe here at Hilton, turns out some locals are having a wedding & reception (of which I might add I was not invited) and a shooting broke out, heard the guy was marrying some other dude's Ho and that is all I know!

I can't tell the good guys from the bad guys, everyone looks "bad" in Raider ville! I was hoping those were firecrackers going off, but no sounds like more shooting and a couple more cops have arrived! Locked in my room with diet Dr. Pepper, wings & popcorn, I'm gonna wait this thing out!

With this all said, I do miss Jim Plunkett. James William "Jim" Plunkett (born December 5, 1947) is a former American football quarterback who played college football for Stanford University, where he won the Heisman Trophy, and professionally for three National Football League teams: the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. He led the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories (XV and XVIII). He is the only eligible quarterback to start (and win) two Super Bowls without being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

A curious quirk in Plunkett's career is that he never once played against the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him; he was injured early in 1985 and did not play in the Raiders' playoff run ending in a 27-20 Divisional Round loss to New England.

Currently, Plunkett does a post-game radio show of Raiders games, and is a co-host of several Raiders TV shows. Wish I could have ran into him while in Oakland instead of the characters at Walmart.

And lastly, how about that idiotic cannibalistic hombre from Uruguay? Luis Suarez should be living in Juarez a border town in Mexico where hoodlums, convicts and drug lords rule the city or perhaps he is the right country as his coach, team mates and countrymen of futbol (soccer) fans continue to idolize a biting animal. What makes this even worse is that Suarez has bit opponents not once, not twice, but now a record three times and his only punishment is that he is banned by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) for several months, and that most of Uruguay as a country believe that Suarez really didn’t do anything that bad. If he was as good as the Urugauyans claim, then why not let his footballing do the talking, why must he cheat for any advantage and try to maim or hurt his worthy opponents. Luis Suarez now claims: I lost my balance and my face hit the player, hurting my teeth.  WoW!

Uruguay captain Diego Lugano has described Luis Suárez's four-month ban as an act of "barbarity" that breaches the player's human rights. Fifa suspended Suarez from all football-related activity until the end of October after he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's final group game on Tuesday, June 24th, 2014.  If FIFA would have wanted to do the right thing, Luis Suarez would never be allowed on a Soccer field again. Pete Rose never hurt anyone and was banned from Major League Baseball forever. How dishonorable now for the country of Uruguay that when mentioned, the first thing that comes to our minds is, “Isn’t that where that Hannibal the Cannibal character played futbol (soccer).View shared post

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new pages on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" & “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled” & “Mexico got Lucky.”

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Son-of-the-KING-an-ELVIS-paradox-unveiled/454127424682020?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com

          Buffalo, Wyoming where the Population is almost as high as the Elevation

                  Occidental Hotel on Main Street in Buffalo, WY

Occidental Hotel - this historic hotel founded in 1880, when you walk in this famous hotel, you will be walking where many famous people of the Old West walked – Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Tom Horn, the young Teddy Roosevelt... and many more.

    Inside the Occidental Hotel, notice all the instruments & heads of animals - 
   would rather see the instruments being played and the animals roaming wild; but - this is an incredibly historic hotel -  when you walk in this famous hotel, you will be walking where many famous people of the Old West walked – Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Tom Horn, the young Teddy Roosevelt... and many more.

      Occidental Hotel - 2nd picture of this historic hotel founded in 1880, when you walk in this famous hotel, you will be walking where many famous people of the Old West walked – Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Tom Horn, the young Teddy Roosevelt... and many more.

    Another angle of the Bar & Restaurant in the Historic Occidental Hotel

      Cowboy roping a calf for branding - Main St., Buffalo. WY

           Wyoming Cowboy of years past!    An American Heritage

          Not everyone drives a Pickup Truck in Wyoming, taken on Main St., Buffalo, WY

        This Post Office was built years after the end of the Pony Express Riders of which my

           Great Grandfather Abraham Shippy.   Abraham's wife was Sarah Shippy;  

          My Grandfather was born in 1896 and died in 1957, before I was born; 

My Great Grandfather was born in 1845 & was 16 years old when the Pony Express was dissolved after only 18 months in 1861 and he made his last ride with the Pony Express.

                                  Truth is stranger than Fiction

         Notice the white tail deer in center of picture, on KOA Camp in Buffalo, WY

      Where some of the Cowgirls & Cowboys whet their whistles in the Summer Heat!

         Big Horn Tire with the Big Horn Mountains in the background -

         Buffalo, WY  Population 4585 - SALUTE!     Remember Hee Haw?    ;-)

                

        Author Rico Austin with World War II Hero & Pilot - Ken Wright, former Navigator in    the Royal Air Force serving in World War II. Mr. Ken Wright, an English Bloke was a B-17 Combat Wingman and shared a very unique and interesting story with me.

  Entrance into March Field, just outside Riverside, CA; A great place for Plane Acificiandos

      One of the many planes and fighter jets available to look over at March Field Museum

    This picture taken outside, at the parking lot; When you pay inside You'll be allowed to walk through the grounds for up personal photographs and viewing

                           Author Uncle Rico Austin at March Field

                            Author Rico Austin, Hero Ken Wright & Brian

               Preview of Rico Austin's next book cover - Mexico got Lucky!

              Just an ordinary day at Oakland, CA  WALMART or is it?

        There is more going on that the initial eye contact can comprehend!
       Gal in Orange by the small girl and gal sitting on trunk of car is soliciting each male;

            Man in white T-Shirt with his back to the photo is taking a leak on a car,

     next to a car that was just involved in a fender bender; 

            Stolen merchandise is already half way to Stockton!

  Oakland's Finest showing up at Hilton Oakland Airport to calm down wedding attendees!

            Lot's of shooting, cussing & Walmart bags!

        As close to an Oakland cop car as I want to be - lucky me, didn't see the inside, but ....

            One of my Heroes - Pat Tillman has a park named after him in Oakland, CA!

               "The Biter"  look at those chompers - Hannibal the Cannibal Suarez!

              a face that only a Uruguay or Uruguayan or Orangutan could love!

               Kiddies - This is what a non-hero & bad sportsmanship looks like! 

                               Uh, no thanks!   No Mas Futbol para ti!

  Author Rico Austin with Tequila Extraordinaire Julio Bermejo at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco,  Richmond District!

                                          This is where the story begins: 
     NORRA Mexican 1000 Baja Race - prerace drinks of  Azuñia Tequila 
              at San Diego Old Town Mexican Restaurant!

Amigas & Amigos - Wow, Memorial Day is just around the corner, so let us begin by thanking all those that have served and to those that are currently serving so that You and I can enjoy freedom of speech, freedom to attend the church we wish and for being able to walk down the streets in our towns without fear.  There is much wrong with our Country, the United States of America; but, it is still the greatest nation on Earth.

Some crazy ass shit this month, I was part of the Azuñia Race Team and Rick Johnson Race Team in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Baja race that covered over 1300 miles of the roughest, desert terrain in the world.  https://www.norra.com/ Yes, Rico the mild mannered writer embarked on what may have been his wildest, grandest, coolest adventure to date!  This is what movies and dreams are made of.  Writing about the NORRA Mexican 1000 as a crew member, spectator and racer in the toughest cross country race in the World.  I had my doubts from the beginning if Jim Riley of Intersect Beverage would be able to supply enough Azuñia Tequila to get us from Ensenada to the finish line in San Jose del Cabo.  Yes, there was Tequila everywhere, every night, every afternoon and there it was staring at us every morning; however, good race drivers and crew members wait until the race is over at the end of each day to begin whetting our whistle with sweet agave and cervezas.  My goal is to write of this particular adventure as I interviewed nearly 30 drivers and various crew members.  Team Azuñia and Rick Johnson Racing had four vehicles entered into the race:  ’71’ Nova – Snortin Nortins,  ‘57’ Chevy – Rippin Rooster, a Trophylite Truck and a 1970s model Jalopy.   Of the four starting vehicles, we had three that finished and the ‘57’ Chevy Rippin Rooster took first in its class of Vintage Production Sedan driven by Jim Riley, Dana Dague and Damen Jeffries with navigators Steve Ware, Justin Pulliman and Mike Lawrence.  There were 25 of us that made up the team.   Just so I don’t spoil the reading for when the book is out, I’ll just tell you it was an awesome experience included with a short vacation in Cabo San Lucas at the end with friends Matt, Tricia, Connor, Rich & Rhonda with tons of pictures of this journey, some of which I shall share at the end of this blog.  http://www.azuniatequila.com/

Corporate Greed won out again – Boise State University Football Field aka Bronco Stadium with the Blue Turf is now Albertsons Stadium.  It’s Joe Albertsons' supermarket but the football field is his too.   Situated right next to Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho – home of where the BSU men’s and women’s basketball team plays their home court games.  Not liking corporate names at all, even though Albertsons, LLC has agreed to commit $12.5 million over 15 years.

Looks as if Tiger Woods might never get back to where he once was due to his back injury.  Jack Nicklaus can sleep a little easier on his back knowing that in the near future his record winning 18 major championships are safe for now.  Eldrick “Tiger” Woods has won 14 major championships but has been in a drought for several years since last winning U.S. Open in 2008.   Yes, age and infidelity have taken a toll on the 38 year old golfer as he has been abused with the same nine iron that he felt so comfortable in the past swinging.   Miss Elin Nordegren, a Swedish former model found out Tiger was cheating on her with several different mistresses and hookers and on the early hours of Thanksgiving Day, 2009 one of Tiger’s golf clubs was missing from the bag. It didn’t take long before Tiger knew exactly where that club was:  being gripped by his soon to be ex-wife as she swung many times at Tiger and at his car.  The National Enquirer was to blame for Tiger getting found out.  If you remember many years ago, I wrote that Tiger Woods was a selfish bastard that only thought of himself, this after he being the only top golfer that did not attend Payne Stewart’s funeral.  When Tiger was asked about why he did not attend, his response was, that he would be too upset and not be able to concentrate on his game of golf and guess who won that weekend, YES the same man that did not pay his respects to a golf great – Mr. Payne Stewart.  Strange how Tiger has time for many extra marital affairs but no time to attend a funeral.

Now we have Tiger giving advice to Rory McIlroy who just broke off his engagement with Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki from 2011 to 2014.  He proposed on the 31 December 2013 in Sydney, where she said yes.  On 21 May 2014, it was announced that McIlroy had ended the engagement: "The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had.”   Yes, Tiger had been seen talking to Rory earlier and it is greatly rumored that he advised the younger McIlroy of against tying the noose unless you want to get beat up by a club on a holiday.  As Nike would not say, “Just Don’t Do It.”

I’ve been blessed with another great writing project that has made it to my corner of the world.  LUCKY, is about a dog that was stolen in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico this last early March, 2014 and through the gigantic efforts of the Mexican, American and Canadian population in the surrounding towns and cities, Lucky was found 300 miles south of San Carlos this last May, 2014.  His friend and owner Jim K. searched diligently and offered a reward of up to $23,000 pesos - $2000 US Dollars for the save return of Lucky.  I had made some comments on Facebook about Lucky as I had Jim as a Facebook friend whom I had never met; but, Jim had read my epic, award winning adventure and mystery novel, “My Bad Tequila” and had enjoyed it, so guess who “Luckily” got the call to write the story of “Lucky.”  Yes, sometimes we just get “LUCKY.”   In the words of the great Henry Ford, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new pages on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" & “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled”

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Son-of-the-KING-an-ELVIS-paradox-unveiled/454127424682020?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM
www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com

 SPLASH - between Tijuana & Ensenada on Pacific Ocean with Dana Dague, Nathan Ford & Rick Dorn  (sick, dehydrated Rico taking picture)

Team Azuñia & Rick Johnson Race Team - 70s Jalopy, '57' Chevy - Rippin Rooster & 

'71' Nova - Snortin Nortins, all getting staged at Ensenada for start of Race - Mother's Day 

   #619 - 1971 Nova - Snortin' Nortins - lasted 400 miles into Day 1 of 1300 + mile race

      Day 1 preparation with Videographer Bobby Guitterez & Driver Jim Riley - Ensenada!

                   Bad Ass Galaxy 500 - in same class Vintage Production Sedan

Late night repairs on Trophylite Truck after 539 miles 1st day racing - Baja de Los Angeles, Mexico!               Least favorite place to spend the noche of the Baja!  

            Ensenada, Loreto, Paz & San Jose Del Cabo are Bueno!

Hollywood Dowland, Leo Gladden, Mike Malloy & Justin Pulliman working with wrenches!

    Amigos Dana Dague & Nathan Ford trying to get Rippin Rooster 
                    ready for Day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000!

Retired Fire Chief and Road Warrior Mike Malloy fueling the Rippin Rooster
        in Bahia de Los Angeles for Day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000!

Navigator Mike Lawrence after Day 1 in Rippin Roosterat Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja Norte!

 That is one ugly Author, Writer, Blogger, Tequila Drinker & Crew Member Rico Austin
waking up in back seat of pickup, his bed for the night after Day 1,
this is what the NORRA Mexican 1000 does to a Hombre after 500 + miles
in the Baja Desert, I was one of the lucky ones as 2 of the guys - Hoss Milson 
& Steve Ware spent the night in the Baja - 80 miles from civilization and 50 miles
from Baja Highway 1 guarding the broken down 1971 Nova - Snortin Nortins &
believe you me that desert gets cold at night especially where they were near the
Pacific Ocean;  Team Azunia only allotted 5 rooms for 25 crew members
which included 22 men and 3 women; but who's counting?

Off Baja #1  near Pacific Ocean - Day 2 from Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja Norte near the Sea of Cortez all the way across Baja to Pacific Ocean and back again to Loreto along the Sea of Cortez in Baja Sur!

Hollywood Dowland on top of the world in his race suit after navigating in the Trophylite on Day 2;   Driver Jim Riley in background before he put on his driver's suit to finish Day 2 to Loreto in the '57' Chevy - Rippin' Rooster and crew member Chris Taylor checking out his arm after being mosquito bitten on the Baja in Bay of Los Angeles!   ;-(

Mexican Fans of the Rippin' Rooster pose while navigator Justin Pulliman gets ready to       jump in with  Driver & Tequila CEO Jim Riley of Azunia Tequila!

                                      AZUNIA TEQUILA  -

Proud Sponsor of NORRA Mexican 1000 & other fine races - La Mision in Loreto, Mexico

 End of Day 2 at Loreto, Baja Sur with Walter Messer (green shirt) age 76 on his way to completing his first NORRA Mexican 1000 with Chase Crew Members Chris Malloy, Hollywood Dowland & Mike Malloy

Crew Members Leo Gladden, Hoss Milson & Josh Schartel sleep on flat bed trailer after end of Day 2 in Loreto, Baja Sur!   These guys were suppose to join me in Room 211 at La Mision where the party was being held, but Leo drinkin' Tequila, couldn't remember the room number so out came the sleeping bags!

Room 211 at La Mision in Loreto, Baja Sur, Mexico;   Notice the sign on the bed - You'll see what it reads in the next picture;     My mattress on the floor is far left side against the wall, dream bed after previous night sleeping  in the Gray Pickup Chase Truck!

 "Hoss,  This is Your BED!"   Rico wanted to make sure Hoss got to have the bed in Room 211 since he had spent the previous night in the Baja desert alone with Amigo Steve;   He deserved a nice soft bed, but no!!!
He had to sleep on flat bed trailer because Leo forgot the Room Number - Mas Tequila!

  Rico proved his team spirit to the crew that night & was officially accepted!

Team Azunia Tequila & Rick Johnson Race Team vehicles all lined up along the road in Loreto, Baja Sur behind La Mision Hotel;  The Red Truck with Hauler, the Jalopy, the '57' Chevy, the Gray Pickup Chase Truck and a Writer's Shadow all on the Cobblestone Road beginning of Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz!

Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz, Writer Rico Austin filling the Rippin' Rooster while Retired Fire Chief Mike Malloy has fire extinguisher handy in case fire breaks out!  

                    Safety Numero Uno Priority!

YEAH,  now that's what I'm talkin' about - NORRA Mexican 1000 Party with Azunia Tequila!

Mexican School Boys on break getting Team Stickers and posing in front of Jalopy
        with Rick Johnson behind the wheel on Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz!

Driver / Racer Rick Johnson at NORRA 1000 finish line awaiting his shot of Azunia Tequila & maybe congratulatory Kiss from who else - of course, his lovely wife Brenda Johnson!

Jim Riley & Steve Ware riding to the finish line with a 1st PLACE WIN in the class of Vintage Production Sedan!
Congratulations to all TEAM Members:  Jim Riley, Rick Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Mark Taylor, Chris Taylor, Steve Ware, Chris Ware, Bobby Guiterrez, Chris Malloy, Mike Malloy, Hollywood Dowland, Hoss Milson, Leo Gladden, Justin Pulliman, Rick Dorn, Nathan Ford, Dana Dague, Damen Jeffries, Mel Jeffries, Mike Lawrence, Paco Sheriff, Josh Schartel & Rico Austin!


Congratulations to Todd, Shirley & Kyle Jergensen for their great finish & thanks for use of the trailer!
Congratulations to Trophylite Drivers & Navigators - Chris Fantl, Justin Havens & Ben "Race" Philips!
Congratulations to TEAM Messer - Walter, Gary & Troy Messer (3 generations) & Doc Chantler & Mike Padilla!

         GREAT RACE & THANK YOU ALL for letting me be a part of NORRA 2014 - Rico Austin

Team Messer with a 2nd place finish in their class with a 5 man team including drivers and pit support.  Mike Padilla (not pictured - taking picture) built a solid t1970 F-100 Ford Truck with zero mechanical issues; 
Pictured left to right: Gary Messer, Troy Messer, Rico Austin, Walter Messer and Mooney (Doc) Chantler.  3 generations of Messers w/ Grandpa Walter driving across the finish line & downing his shot of Azunia Tequila

Writer Rico Austin giving a finisher their shots of Azunia Tequila as they cross
     the finish line in San Jose del Cabo at end of NORRA Mexican 1000!

At end of NORRA Mexican 1000 - Brenda Johnson standing on left in white T-Shirt
set up the Azunia Tequila welcoming bar at end of each leg each night;
Navigator Chris Ware in black FOX T-Shirt;  Steve Ware in black hat & white T-shirt;
Driver Jim Riley in black hat, black T-Shirt & sunglasses standing, finishes in '57' Bel Air;
Driver Rick Johnson seated in black T-Shirt with sunglasses on head, finishes in Jalopy!

Motley Crew of Team Azunia & Rick Johnson Race Team - Rico A., Hollywood D., Chris T., Justin P., Hoss M. kneeling, Leo G., Josh S., Mike M., far right - driver of Trophylite;

Victory Row Celebration - Hollywood Dowland, Brenda Johnson, Rico Austin, Hoss Mlson, 
 Josh Schartel,  Mike Malloy, driver of Trophylite,  Driver Rick Johnson,  Driver Jim Riley

Rhonda Collins & Connie Austin at NORRA Mexican 1000 Fiesta in San Jose del Cabo!
                           It was a "Full Moon" Noche - May 14th, 2014

Victory Celebration for Rick Johnson Race Team & Team Azunia at Rick & Brenda Johnson's AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles, Mexico!
                  Look at all those beer cans - all in a day's work on May 15th!

Pool party & victory celebration at Los Barriles, Rico holding the NORRA Mexican 1000 Trophy with Justin, compliments of the '57' Bel Air with Jim Riley and Steve Ware riding the Rippin Rooster into San Jose del Cabo for a 1st place finish in the Vintage Production Sedan class - What a Team!

       Mike, Rico & Chris on Los Barriles Beach with Sea of Cortez in background!

             Rico Austin with Azunia Tequila & Jim Riley with Baja Trophy!
               Both with a Baja Smile that lasted for more than 1300 miles!

          Mechanic Extrordinare - Mr. Leo Gladden sporting the Azunia Team Hat!

           The Boys just Chilaxing at AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles, Mexico!

     Rick Johnson is already planning team's strategy for NORRA Mexican 1000 in 2015!

    Famed Road Warriors & Chasers, Mike & Chris Malloy taking in the Win!

The DJs rocked the house with Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Sammy Hagar, The Eagles, Jimmy Buffet,  Zac Brown, Van Halen,  George Strait,  Alan Jackson,  Meatloaf, Journey,

   A little Father & Son time with Mark Taylor & Chris Taylor while Mel Jeffries, the thinker!

  Connie & Rico Austin enjoying AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles on Sea of Cortez!

This Familia made the best hot dogs & hamburgers, notice the racing decals on cart!
 Rick Johnson still strategizing in background for next year 2015 NORRA Mexican 1000!

Rico paying his last respects to '57' Chevy - Rippin' Rooster with a bottle of Azunia Tequila!

There was another IDAHO Amigo on the crew taking it easy in Cabo!
Nathan F. reading the numero uno libro in Mexico - MY BAD TEQUILA!

Nathan Ford, Robyn & Dana Dague relaxing with Margaritas in Cabo after grueling race

      Rico & Connie's last night in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at Pueblo Bonito Rose

       The BAJA Rock at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas!

             The Arch aka El Arco at Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, Mexico!

   I can't go any further, the entire length of the Baja from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas

     Hey, I guess I could go a little further South, traveled the entire length of the BAJA!

Seriously, did YOU really think I was going to drive back to Tijuana or San Diego?   
          My kind of Airport, Cabo has a Tequila Tasting Bar!   YES, I will return!

          Rory & Tiger discussing marriage, hot chicks and club wielding wives!   
     Rory takes Tiger's advice and breaks off engagement to Caroline Wozniacki; 
     "It's not her, it's me.  The problem is mine," confesses a smiling Rory McIlroy!

        It's Joe Albertsons' Supermarket, but the stadium is Joe's as well!  

  Joe Albertson has everything, even a park in Boise named after his late wife, Kathyrn!

Looks like a Football Stadium, wait just a dog gone minute, is this a Supermarket?
Wonder if there are any Cheerleaders wandering around in the produce department?

      This is Boise State University Football Stadium in 1985 - last year of green turf;
             Writer, Blogger Uncle Rico Austin #29, bottom far right, next to last;

 Writer Rico Austin in training at BSU as a football team member in  1985; 

29 years later he would be a team member for Azunia, racing down the Baja  

                       LUCKY, the most famous dog in Sonora, Mexico!
                     Thanks to All that helped Jim find his Amigo Perro!

Hey Amigos, glad March and its Madness is over as it came in like a lion and went out like a little pussy wildcat, uh excuse me, I stand corrected, out like a pack of Huskies.  Kentucky couldn’t get it done in the NCCA Basketball Tourney and left the court to the University of Connecticut.  Let the April Showers bring in the Cinco de Mayo flowers and holiday!

     Disappointed!!! Only Hollywood can turn a Great Bible Story - "NOAH" into a madman, almost baby killer with transporter size like talking boulders with another insane Killer that is able to stow away on board the Ark. My advice don't waste YOUR Time or Money.  Actor Russell Crowe should be embarrassed beyond belief for portraying such a wicked and lunatic Noah character.  Hollyweird sure showed its horrible colors in the making of this film. I saw several people walk out during the movie, I kept thinking or wishing it would get better.  Silly ME!!!  2 Thumbs down and 2 Middle Fingers to Hollywood!!   No Bueno pelicula!

     Let me tell You about my best friend, well not my absolute best friend, but a Compadre that I admire and of whose business and marketing sense is second to none.  Don Laughlin is who I speak of, the rogue businessman, gambler with roots from Minnesota that told Las Vegas to kiss his ass and he built his own Casino Resort Getaway on the banks of the beautiful and scenic Colorado River across the bridge from Bullhead City, Arizona.  http://www.riversideresort.com/  Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino was founded and established in 1966 as Laughlin, Nevada’s first hotel and casino. Yes, I’ve known Don now for about 21 Black Jack Years, the last 7 of which I have not gambled, thanks to a great organization called GA (Gamblers Anonymous).  If You’ve ever lost time from work or school due to gambling, There is HOPE!  http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/  On April 6th, 2007 in the early morning hours I placed my last bet in Caesars Palace, which was my gambling establishment of choice, even before Hang Over the movie was made and I’ve partied with Zach Galifiankis in Vegas Baby!  Thanks to the help of GA and My Dear LORD, I no longer have the urge to purchase a lottery ticket, enter a raffle or place any sort of bet – I’m not bragging, just letting You know that if You believe You might have a problem, there is help out there.  Any Addiction is Bad, when it interferes with Your Family, Work, School or consumes your time, thinking and most of your hard earned dinero.  No One is of Perfection and sometimes we need Love, Understanding and Help.  Don’t be afraid to seek it if You need it. 

     Getting back to Laughlin and my buddy Don, I told him this last time I visited his town that I had 4 heroes of which he was one.  The others were / are Conrad Hilton, Clint Eastwood and my mother’s favorite actor – Mr. John Wayne.  I respect Laughlin and Hilton for their business sense and overcoming all odds of starting small and growing tall.  Clint Eastwood because he is not afraid to go against the grain of Hollywood and tells it like it is – believes in Patriotism and Freedom and tells the world what he thinks of Obama and his lousy leadership despite what most others in Tinsel Town say.  Clint didn’t like Obama before it was cool to dislike Obama as his backers continue to diminish.  John Wayne, I like because of his acting and because my mother adored him.  True Grit!!!  Well, I never got my picture taken with the other three, but I did get a photo with Don on my last trip to his Riverside Resort, “Where the Customer is King” with 26 different reasons why You or I should choose his establishment over any of the others that line the river banks, proudly displayed on his bar napkins.  After hangin’ with Mr. Laughlin for an hour or so, I made my way to Losers Lounge to see the band Groove Inc. with lead singer Brian from Queens, NY and the band members from Kansas City, MO.

     Bike Week in Cave Creek and Scottsdale, AZ lasted from March 28th until April 6th, 2014.  That is one long week of 10 days which is actually 1/3 of a month Bike Days.  I had a book signing on both Friday evening and all day Saturday of April 4th & 5th at Hogs N’ Horses http://cavecreeklive.com/hogs-n-horses-cave-creek , owned by Amigo TC Thorstenson, the Buffalo Trainer and Rider and also walked across the street at my other Amigo’s bar, the Hideaway Grill  http://www.hideaway-usa.com/  owned by biker Mark Bradshaw to visit with friends and have a cocktail of margarita laced with Azunia Tequila.  http://www.azuniatequila.com/


     Lame is how I would describe the last episode of “How I Met Your Mother.”  Barney Stinson aka Doogie Howser aka Neil Patrick Harris is a dumbass actor whose character should have been killed off at least 2 years ago to save the show of his weak and pointless pick-up lines.   His character was pathetic as was the entire last episode.  You would think with a gang of Hollywood writers they could have, would have, should have come up with a much better ending to a show that has nine years of belly fat hanging over its belt.  Glad, ecstatic that M.D. (mad dog) Doogie or Doggie will have to move on and will no longer inhabit my television set.  Adios to YOU and those kids’ mother.

     RIP Mickey Rooney passed away on April 6th at 93 years of age.  Thank YOU for being one of Hollywood's brightest stars in the 1930s and 1940s.   

         RIP Peaches Geldof age 25, the daughter of Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates was pronounced dead in Wrotham, England.  The death is being treated as unexplained and sudden according to police.  Peaches mother died of an overdose when Peaches was only 11 years young.  Ironically her last tweet was an Instagram of herself and her mother Paula Yates.  “Me and my mum,” tweeted Peaches on April 6th, 2014.  When I read this story it reminded me of a love I lost long ago when I was 18 years naive, to a girl named Peaches who lived along the banks of the Snake River in a small town called Glenns Ferry, Idaho.  I remember driving my 1976 Rally Sport Camaro 102 miles each way from my home in Marsing, Idaho also situated along the Snake River to see my beautiful Peaches who now lives somewhere in Southern California with a family of her own.

     Stay tuned next month as I travel on an adventure of a Writing and Riding Riot with the Drivers of the NORRA Baja 1000 coming soon to a Baja Peninsula near you with Drivers and Vintage Cars being fueled with Mexico’s finest Azunia Tequila.    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-general-tire-norra-mexican-1000-conquistadors-de-baja-1971 

     Check out the fellow Author Annette Snyder's "Fifty Authors from Fifty States" Blog of which I was honored to be chosen to write of my birth state, Idaho!  http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2014/03/rico-austins-private-idaho.html

     Special Congratulations to the Fort Gibson High School Girl's Basketball Team who has won the last 2 State Championships in the Great State of Oklahoma and 3 Championships in the last 4 years.  Go and like their Facebook page and tell em' Rico Austin a fan from Arizona sent ya!  https://www.facebook.com/fortgibsonladytigersbasketball

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new pages on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" & “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled”

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Son-of-the-KING-an-ELVIS-paradox-unveiled/454127424682020?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com

blog.mybadtequila.com

        Mr. Don Laughlin with Author Rico Austin in Winners Lounge
                          Laughlin, Nevada  3/25/2014

Que pasa Amigas & Amigos?

The short month of February has blown by with many winter storms in the big cities and small towns.  I believe that everyone officially wants spring to arrive as it has in my part of the world – beautiful Arizona with the brittle brush sprouting its yellow flowers into the desert wild.

Lots of Hollywood to discuss from deadly overdoses to Oscar winners to gentle, old age related deaths to …….

Let us start by mentioning RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman who at the age of 46 returned to his demon, his master of darkness - Heroin was awaiting return to Philip’s successful life.  The sinister, Evil Heroin wanted to replace the goodness of Success and Family.  Heroin is not content being in the distant past, forgotten about, put in a corner of bad choices from a yesterday that no longer controls.  Yes, Heroin was constantly trying to remind the actor Hoffman of what he had been missing for 23, long years.  It is true that Philip Seymour Hoffman entered rehab this last May 2013 after staying clean for over two decades, but Heroin will not let its previous indulgers rest as he must persist to agonize and pursue relentless on its former users.  This incredibly, talented actor that won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the writer Truman Capote in the 2005 film, Capote. Philip who starred in other films such as The Hunger Games, Pirate Radio, Twister and The Ides of March was another victim of drug abuse led by the infamous, torturous Heroin and his bludgeoning sidekicks, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Amphetamines, each of them portraying themselves as fun drugs, a cool way to get high and away from reality.  The only true reality that was removed for Mr. Hoffman was Philip’s life and his lifetime partnership with Mimi O’Donnell, a costume designer and his future with their three children, Cooper, Tallulah and Willa.   On Groundhog’s day, February 2nd, 2014 – a day that Philip Seymour Hoffman’s family and friends would love to have back with a new beginning, not the same horrible, traumatic ending which will be relived over and over in their minds with never the chance for another rebirth of a great, new, sunshine filled day as was possible in Bill Murray’s portrayal of a weather man on February 2nd, in the film Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American philosophical comedy film directed by RIP Harold Ramis who too passed away this February, 2014.  Starring alongside Bill Murray was Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott.  It was written by Ramis and Danny Rubin, based on a story by Rubin. Murray plays Phil Connors, an egocentric and arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during a hated assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. After indulging in hedonism and numerous suicide attempts, he begins to re-examine his life and priorities.  In 2006, the film was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". 

The comedian actor Mr. Bill Murray honored his late friend and collaborator Mr. Harold Ramis who passed away on February 24th, 2014 with an amusing tribute during the Oscars as he and actress Amy Adams were presenting the best cinematography award.  After all nominees were announced, Bill added an additional nominee as he playfully stated, “We forgot one.  Harold Ramis for Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, and Groundhog Day.”  Occasionally we see honor in Hollywood.  I’ve always admired Bill and Harold, two true friends that made amends in the end as Bill went and visited Harold before his death and made the following statement about his late Amigo after his death, saying that Ramis had “earned his keep on this planet.” 

If You’d like to see Bill’s tribute at the Oscars for his lifetime friend Harold then click away at the site that follows:  http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/oscars/bill-murray-honors-harold-ramis-oscars-article-1.1708579

*Special Note – Philip Seymour Hoffman was our first choice to portray the older Rico Austin in Double Shot, the movie based on my, best selling epic novel, “My Bad Tequila.”

I was in Universal City, California staying at the Sheraton Hotel which is located on the back lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.  This particular Sheraton is known as “The Hotel of the Stars.” Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California.  Shirley Temple RIP was a leading child film actress during the Great Depression, starring in works like Bright Eyes and Captain January. When her rendition of the song "On a Good Ship Lollipop" became famous in the 1930s, she earned a special Academy Award. Temple took on some acting roles as an adult before entering politics, becoming a U.S. diplomat for the United Nations. She died on February 10, 2014, at age 85, in California.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt called Temple "Little Miss Miracle" for raising the public's morale during times of economic hardship during the Great Depression, even going so far as to say, "As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right."

One of the many highlights of this year’s OSCAR Awards was Bette Midler pouring her heart on stage while singing “Wind Beneath My Wings”.   Her 1988 hit song which was featured in the film "The Rose"  tugged at my heart strings while paying tribute to those who have died in show business over the past year.”

Another glorious and highly unexpected highlight was when Matthew McConaughey was chosen as Best Actor for his leading role in Dallas Buyer’s Club and the acceptance speech which he gave thanking GOD for his life and existence.  Matthew, I commend You for not being afraid to mention GOD in Hollywood and for making the world know of your gratitude and faith.   Mr. Matthew McConaughey, You rocked it Amigo by thanking GOD & giving him credit! Hollywood could use a Guy like You! Congratulations and I hope to meet You in person someday and Yes, please invite Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, she can trip and fall on me anytime.

Jared Leto returned to Hollywood film from his rock star persona in "Dallas Buyers Club" that won him an OSCAR for Best Supporting Actor as he transformed himself into HIV-positive character Rayon.  "This is for the 36 million people out there who have lost the battle to AIDS," Leto said as he accepted the Oscar.  "To those of you who have felt injustice because of who you love and who you are, I stand here with you and for you."

"Dallas Buyers Club" is based on the true story of homophobic drug addict Ron Woodroof, played by Matthew McConaughey, who smuggles much needed but unapproved medication into the United States to distribute to other AIDS patients. He forms an unlikely friendship and alliance with the sweet and tolerant Rayon.

Pink was the color and the performer who sang an emotional “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as a tribute to the Wizard of OZ on its 75th year anniversary.  http://youtu.be/8Zr0ULEeblc  

My newest writing / book, a Biography “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled” will soon be hitting the bookstores and Amazon.com.  In fact the debut book signing will be in downtown Prescott, Arizona on historic Whiskey Row.  Friday night, March 14th from 4 – 6:30 pm at the Bird Cage Saloon  http://www.birdcagesaloon.com/  and then again on Saturday afternoon, March 15th from 2 – 5:00 pm at The Palace Restaurant and Saloon http://www.historicpalace.com/ for a fantastic read, good food, tasty drinks and a great start to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Russia pulled off an incredible and interesting Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi; but, unfortunately the aggression displayed and shown to Ukraine has diminished much of the goodwill earned from the outside world.  President Vladimir Putin delivered a robust defense of Russia's actions in Crimea, stating he would use force in Ukraine only as a last resort, easing market fears of East-West tension over the former Soviet Republic could lead to war.  Why can’t we all just get along as we drink Tequila and Vodka?

This last weekend as I was at my good friend TC Thorstenson's bar & restaurant - Hogs N Horses, I overheard a young English bloke at about 4 years old ask TC, "Mister, are you a real cowboy" in his high pitched British accent.   I had to smile to myself as the youngster could not have found more of a cowboy in Arizona had he had a year to look.  TC is the world renowned Buffalo rider and trainer.

On Sunday morning, March 16th, my Guest Blog representing Idaho will be featured on fellow author Annette Snyder's blog:  http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/ 

Remember there are pictures at the very bottom of the BLOG!   If you like this Blog and have not purchased one of my books, please do so, You will be greatly rewarded with entertainment and a knowledge that will have been gained.

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new pages on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" & “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled”

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Son-of-the-KING-an-ELVIS-paradox-unveiled/454127424682020?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com

blog.mybadtequila.com

http://site.mybadtequila.com/Guestbook.php

Brittle Brush blooms in February - April in Arizona desert.  It is considered a weed, but when it blooms its yellow flowers, I love it to grow wild!   

RIP  Philip Seymour Hoffman   -  Heroin is bad stuff,   Stay away, go for the Tequila!

                                      RIP   Philip Seymour Hoffman!

                                               RIP Shirley Temple "Little Miss Miracle"

                                         RIP Shirley Temple Black - U.S. Diplomat 
                                            for the United Nations & a Movie Starlet

                  Matthew McConaughey accepting his OSCAR for Best Actor
                            in "Dallas Buyers Club" & giving Thanks to GOD!

PINK singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at 2014 OSCARS for 75th Anniversary for "Wizard of OZ."   Pink absolutely stunning in her Ruby Dress & Ruby High Heel Shoes!

The stunning, sensational Bette Midler performing at the
   2014 OSCARS, "Wind Beneath My Wings"

 Amy Adams & Bill Murray at OSCARS 2014 in which Bill gives a warm tribute to Amigo Harold Ramis  RIP of Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Stripes & Groundhog Day fame!

              The first OSCARS that I can remember watching completely and

                        while completing my tax return for 2013!

          Book Signing debut for "Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled" at Historic        Bird Cage Saloon in downtown Prescott, AZ on Whiskey Row

Cowboy, Buffalo Rider & Trainer, Hogs N Horses owner TC Thorstenson talks about riding horses to this curious little English youngster that asked TC, "Hey Mister, are You a real Cowboy?

 Children from England in the United Kingdom enjoying the tales and rope lessons from Cowboy TC Thorstenson

   Book Signing debut for "Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled" at historic 
  "The Palace Restaurant and Saloon" in downtown Prescott, AZ on Whiskey Row!

  Rico Austin's newest book, the biography of ELVIS & his legitimate, illegitimate son!

Hola Amigas & Amigos, as I was adding archived Blogs from November 2009, I came across this one and figured I should probably post this once again as it serves thanks and a lesson for humanity of living by the Golden Rule. I hope You do enjoy this, nearly 5 years later than when first posted.

Hello Amigos, Brothers & Sisters,
Today is about GOD, about his Greatness, his Goodness and his Love!  It is G day in the alphabet and the only thing I can think of to write about is GOD.  I am not a prophet, an evangelist nor a spiritual adviser.  I do however, know of God's Love for all his Children and I am thankful I am one of his many Children in this fantastic world that he created.  All the animals, plants, sea creatures, birds and the brainpower he has given us to build unbelievable structures and do incredible things with electronics that are in our airplanes, cars, trains, space shuttles and even our computers.

This Blog today is not about a certain religion or belief, it is not about Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism; it is about Brotherly Love for one another. It is about the Golden Rule - "Do unto others that you would have them do unto you" or more simply "Treat others as you want to be treated."  Not too difficult of a concept to comprehend; but, in today's face paced world, it is overlooked daily by most of us, Moi included.

Let us all take a moment to say a Prayer for Our Planet, Our World, Our Country, Our Friends, Our Family and Our Household.

On Easter Sunday 2007 it was estimated that 2 billion Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Christians recited, sang or read the short prayer in hundreds of languages.  "Although many theological differences and various modes and manners of worship divide Christians, there is a sense of solidarity in knowing that Christians around the globe are praying together....., and these words always unite us" according to a Fuller Seminary professor.

Let us all recite the Lord's Prayer, it is perhaps the best-known prayer in Christianity and I being a Christian know this Prayer.

"Our Father, which art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy Name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen"

While we're at it , let's not forget to thank our Lord GOD for all that he has blessed us with and to say a special prayer for those who can not walk, for those who can not see, for those who are afflicted with disease or afflicted with sorrow, for those who are without parents or relatives.  Say a special Prayer for our Soldiers and International Red Cross as they put themselves in harm's way to help defeat World Terrorism and provide us with the Freedom that GOD gave to us all.

Amen,

Rico Austin
Author & CEO - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality"

January 2014 Blog

Happy New Year (Feliz Ano Prospero Nuevo) Amigas & Amigos;

Are you all as excited for 2014 as am I?   2013 kicked most of our asses and now to get back on that damn burro and ride it into the glorious New Year’s sunset.

Pismo Beach was the first stop of my book signing tour on Monday evening, Jan. 6th which was the same night as the National Championship for College Football between Florida State and Auburn.  Well, as I was driving from Scottsdale making my way up to Pismo Beach, my most direct route took me onto 210 West, you guessed it at about 1:30 - 2:00 pm right past the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.   At first I wondering what in the heck is going on with all this traffic, I left specially early at 6:00 am to avoid the LA bumper to bumper ride down memory lane.  Why do I call it “memory lane?”  Because when you’re stuck in traffic for minutes and hours upon the asphalt blacktop, there is a lot of time on your hands to recollect about the past, to think about all those good times, bad times and lost times with relatives and friends.  Should spend some time rehearsing for the future as well and thinking ahead; but, realistically we are thinking about something that has already occurred in our life, in our day at work or at play.

I’m cruising along at a comfortable 70 mph in a 65 mph speed zone when red tail lights coming from all 5 lanes including HOV lane are staring back at me and alerting me that something is amiss, awaking me from my bliss with my cruise control fully in progress and lit.   At first I’m thinking how bad of an accident lies ahead?  Will there be bodies strewn (wrecklessly) across the sewn together tar?  How far ahead is this disaster and will I make it to Pismo Beach in time for my book signing and to watch the football game in The Boardroom?   That is when I saw the limo with a giant, striped orange and white tail flowing like Tequila from the exterior rear of the black, extra long and luxurious van and the Auburn Tiger stickers pasted to the sides of the vehicle, and at this moment is when a light bulb went off in my head and I said aloud, “Oh my goodness, I forgot the National Championship was being played this year at the Rose Bowl.”  I then settled down and enjoyed the crawl, rolled down my tinted windows and started giving thumbs up to the Florida State fans and middle fingers up to the Auburn fans.  I don’t dislike Auburn, just tired of SEC fans constantly chattering, chanting, tweeting and twerping that no other conference in College Football can compete with the South East Conference.  Oh, is that so – Alabama, who lost to Oklahoma by a two touchdown margin being favored by 14.  The Sooners kicked some Crimson Tide butt in a complete football game of one hour by a score of 35 – 21, same score and margin as the Oklahoma Boomer Sooners trounced and gave a good ol’ fashioned ass-whoopin’ to Notre Dame.  Yes, the University of Oklahoma handed both teams that played in the 2013 Championship game a 35 – 21 spanking.

Okay, now that the world is back in sequence and I’ve pissed off my SEC fans, time to move on.  This year’s BCS Championship game was fun to watch as the SEC fell to an “inferior conference.”  I think not!    Speaking of which the Oregon Ducks of the PAC 12, that bunch looked like lame ducks in their bowl game – embarrassing is the word I think that I’ve heard most Eugene and surrounding residents use.  I would also like to add it was a total “Quack Up.”

I arrived exactly three minutes before game kickoff and had even checked into the Hilton Garden Inn before driving down to the boardwalk area, then carting in my books into The Boardroom Pub for some serious beer drinking and wing eating and book signing while watching football with in between signatures, gulps and bites. This is the last and final BCS (Bowl Championship Series) game.   Oh, how I love the feel of those three consonants as they roll off my tongue – Final BCS game!   Special thanks to viewers and fans, Steve aka Tim Tebow's older brother, Johnny, Joyce, Tony the cook and Bob the Bartender for an incredible, delightful evening.

Next stop Santa Cruz with its gigantic, sprawling roller coaster and some of the gnarliest Christmas lights at a house in town that would make any Elf  blush with or without green and red leotards.  I went through a little community known as Watsonville, known for their tasty and delicious strawberries just a few miles south of Santa Cruz.

The City by the Bay always brings a smile to my face and a glow to my heart – the most beautiful city in the United States.  I usually have only positive things to write and say about San Francisco, however, a parking incident and an unjustified tow will have their day on paper.  First, we’ll discuss the good stuff. 

My favorite Mexican food joint in all of Northern California is Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant with owner and bartender Julio Bermejo behind the spirits that flow continuously.  This mecca for Tequila drinkers and Food lovers was established by Julio’s father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bermejo in the year 1965 of Our LORD.

I was scheduled for 2 book signings on Wednesday and Thursday nights and I’ve also been working on obtaining my Master (MBA) in Tequila for nearly four, long years which can be taken only at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant by Tequila instructor and aficionado Julio Bermejo who is also the Ambassador from the U.S. to Mexico for Tequila.  It was on Wednesday night, January 8th which is Elvis Presley’s birthday. Elvis was born in 1935 and if he had not left the building at such an early age, he would have been 79 years young that last Wednesday evening.  I had completed my 35th tequila sampling from the nation’s best selection of premium 100% Agave Tequila.  My 35th Tequila sampling was an Extra Anejo Tequila – Herradura Seleccion Suprema – Unbelievable!   I am now studying and drinking for my Ph.D., Dr. Rico Austin – Tequila Ph.D. has a Margarita ring to it and sounds a bit exotic.   I do like the sound of that – “paging Dr. Rico, paging Dr. Rico, can you please come to the bar, Dr. Rico, we need you to give a Tequila shot to a beautiful Senorita, she needs your attention right away.  Paging Dr. Rico!”

Are you ready for the, what is ironic about this story?   Remember, my first novel was “My Bad Tequila” and my second book, an autobiography, “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter.”   Becoming a “Tequila Master” on Elvis Presley’s birthday – was it “Another coincidence or the subconscious mind at work?”

I now have my Blue Agave Ph.D card readily available for show and tell.  This Blue Agave Club is now 8,000 members strong across the globe with nearly 800 members having successfully passed the course thus becoming a “TEQUILA MASTER.”  There are nearly 200 members worldwide that have achieved their “TEQUILA Ph.D.”   One of the few, the proud, the Tequila Master.

While touring the streets of San Franciso, I found the warmest spot in San Francisco when the sun is shining on Nob Hill.  Where else, but on Phoenix Street? - it is less than 1/2 block long and is surrounded by houses on all 3 sides, so gets almost no wind. Pretty wild and I discovered this on my own - don't need no stinkin' tour guide!

Also, Where would you expect to find an old Chinese woman hanging her "Granny Panties" in the window to dry?  China Town?  Red Light District?  Nope, it was Nob Hill, near intersection of Phoenix and Pacific! If you look closely at top window, you can see her hanging her undies in the open!  Pictures at the end of the Blog.

Loved a comment from one of my fans at Tommy's book signing! Rico, you are different than most writers / authors in that You don't just observe, You partake in living life, as did Hemingway! WoW, what a compliment!

And now for the finale of the first Blog of 2014!  Drum roll please;  San Francisco seems to be as corrupt a city as Chicago! My car was illegally impounded and a parking violation added to it. When I went to my car, there was another vehicle in the parking spot and my car had been towed. $452.00 to get it out, once I found where it was located and on the windshield was the violation ticket for another $100.00   The recording at AutoReturn says that if the car is not picked up within a couple of hours an additional $60.00 will be added each few hours until the car is retrieved. Talking with a couple of local residents and a taxi cab driver (that took me to my car – another $40.00), they explained that the city concentrates on vehicles with out-of-state license plates and rental cars.  There is a tow hearing that you can request, but, guess what?  nothing available for a week and I like most tourists and visitors have to leave.  Very disappointed in another branch of government, this time the SF city and SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Association).  Seems as if every level of government from local to federal and national has corrupt officials and employees.  Shame on the City by the Bay.  Side note:  several cars in the impound area with out of state plates and dust – owners did not have the financial means to retrieve their vehicles while fees and costs are compounded daily.  Rita is not a lovely Meter Maid in San Franciso!   Here is a breakdown of the costs that equal $592.00:

 SF Admin Fee – Excluding Tickets   -   $254.00

Tow Passenger Vehicle    -    $218.00

Parking Violation   -    $100.00

Cab Fare    -   $40.00

Freedom of Speech, able to Blog and post on Facebook & Twitter   -    Priceless

Remember there are pictures at the very bottom of the BLOG!   If you like this Blog and have not purchased one of my books, please do so, You will be greatly rewarded with entertainment and a knowledge that will have been gained.

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)"

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com

blog.mybadtequila.com

Chinese lady hanging her Granny Panties and unmentionables in the  window to naturally dry in the streaming sunlight of the window glare!
           Uncle Rico is not a peeping tom, just happened to walk by on Pacific!!!

        "In order to write about life, first you must live it." Papa Hemingway RIP!

Feliz Navidad to my Amigas & Amigos;  

May YOU All have a Great Holiday Season whether Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Festivus for the Rest of US is how You celebrate.  I do hope that 2014 is a Fantastic Year for my Family, my Friends and my Loyal Readers for both Health, Happiness and Prosperity.

This is my first ever having a Guest Blogger.  My Amigo from the Boise, Idaho area, Mr. Steve Elliott posted his stance and reasoning behind his not wanting the Minimum Wage hiked up to $15.00 or even close to that amount as it will have severe implications for all of us.  So please pay close attention and if You or You know someone that works for minimum wage share this information so that he or she might realize that raising a wage so drastic, quick and high will hurt all of us in many forms of higher prices and phenomenal inflation - two things that America does not need during its recovery. 

I believe Steve's comments below to be spot on.  Please enjoy and take this warning to heart.  And, Yes he is also a Boise State University Bronco Fan and Season Ticket Holder.  Maybe that is why are views are so closely linked and we both grew up along the Snake River - 15 miles apart, one in Marsing and the other in Wilder and we never knew each other until 30 years later through business and sharing the same American ideals of Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness of enjoying life, family and friends.  We both know that Freedom doesn't come free and would like to thank all those that have served and are serving in the Armed Forces.

"Just watched a news report about raising the minimum wage to around $15.00 hr. While I wholeheartedly embrace the concept of making more money to better our lives, I am totally against this drastic of an increase.

 Here's why.
The majority of businesses affected by this will be fast food places, restaurants, and basically every retail store and service based company in the country. All of these entities will be forced to raise their prices. And wages across the board, not just the minimum. There isn't an option here folks. Trust me on that. So while most folks will get higher wages, they will instantly pay much higher prices everywhere they go. I predict that it will backlash and hurt the economy, not help it. Prices will balloon. Who benefits? Government. Think about it. Sales tax will increase, income tax will increase. Food stamp costs will increase. Gas prices will increase. Again. Why? Because minimum wages just skyrocketed by 66%. So add that amount to: a Big Mac, a pair of shoes, a gallon of gas, a haircut, a loaf of bread.

 If you think it won't happen, think again. That's how businesses operate. It's called Capitalism.  Careful what you wish for..."

Please scroll down to see photographs and to pay tribute to American Hero - Patrick Tillman RIP of the US Army!

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)"

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis

Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com

Happy Thanksgiving; Happy Hanukkah; Kings Kids Orphanage in San Carlos
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

I want to write and to let you in on a great place in Mexico. It is the San Carlos / Guaymas, Sonora area along the Sea of Cortez.  I first discovered this place on a Spring Break trip from Boise State University in Idaho. There were 19 students, 3 chaperones and a bus driver on a March 1986 vacation. It is of this first trip down to Mexico that 70% of the epic, award winning, adventure & mystery novel “My Bad Tequila” is written.

Well almost 20 years later my wife Connie and I go back down and buy a vacation condo.  One holiday  we were down there and one of our neighbors that had a condo down there too asked us if we had anything to donate for the orphanage as Gerri and her husband Tony were driving over to the orphanage which is about 10 – 15 miles from our condo near the beautiful blue waters of the  Sea of Cortez. We had a little food, but that was about it because we knew nothing of this place for children without families.

On our next trip we brought down children’s clothes and young adult clothing as the age ranges are from newborn to senior in high school. We also brought some food and were able to meet the children, only the young ones that were not school age yet as we stopped in during late morning.  The children are adorable, loving and well mannered.  On that first trip the ladies caring for the children thought we were there to adopt and brought out all the newborn babies and toddlers for us to look over. As much as we would have wanted to take one home, that was not are reason for being there. All the caregivers spoke Spanish and I know conversational Spanish so we were able to communicate that we were only interested in donating clothes and food.

One of the most memorable stops was when we brought cereal and toys. One of the brands was Fruit Loops and as soon as one of the young toddlers saw the Fruit Loop box he became very excited, jumping up and down and smiling while clapping his hands. The ladies there had never seen Fruit Loops nor had any of the other children except this young boy who was about three years of age.  Somewhere in his past life before being in the orphanage he had either seen Fruit Loops advertised or had eaten them because that was brand recognition to the Nth degree. Of course we had to open the box right then and all the children loved the cereal without the need of milk. It was like candy to them.  So now each time we visit we try to take new fun cereals along with Fruit Loops.

Well now comes the sales pitch on a way you can help the orphanage and get a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift (a great read) for that special someone or treat yourself.

This year I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from eKindle book sales on Amazon.com from today (Thanksgiving Eve) & (Hanukkah Eve) until Christmas Eve for purchasing food, clothing & TOYS, lots of fun TOYS for the Kings Kids Orphanage! My books are “My Bad Tequila,”  “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter” & “ARIZONA Is Where I Live.”  I have just finished on Thanksgiving night, “Son of the KING, an ELVIS Paradox Unveiled,” and am now in the editing stages with hopes of it being published in January 2014. Below is the website of the Orphanage if You would want to make a direct donation! May GOD Bless US All & Remind US of how fortunate WE are & to Count Our Blessings Each & Every Day! Happy Thanksgiving! Feel Free to Share, more sales = more TOYS! http://kingskidsorphanage.com/


Saludos y Vayan con Dios,

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)"
https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts


Now that You’ve had the opportunity to “LIKE,” it is now time to “Buy” and help out several youngsters at the Kings Kid Orphanage.
http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis
Uncle Rico Rico Austin Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com

blog.mybadtequila.com

Swine Flu Season & ObamaCare is coming, get Your Flu Shots!

What does a one-eyed Pirate Author drink while watching ASU Football?    SOL  Cervezas!

    My Bad Tequila with Rico Austin caricature                      
                by Amigo & Artist John Kenneth Schoen
   

    Author Rico Austin & Mike Gibson aka Gibbo trying the menu of drinks at Sandals!

Group Picture at Pool Bar - Julie, Joe, Debra, Jeanette, David, Ian & Connie - Bahamas!

                     Connie with Atlantis in Background at Nassau Bahamas

       Meeting of the Minds - Olaf, Chris, Gibbo & Rico

                 Rico & Connie enjoying the hammock on Cay Island!

       Yes, contrary to belief - Authors & Writers do like to swing!  Just ask Rico

 Rico & Connie Austin reading Author & Amigo Derringer Bolton's books on Bahama Beach

        Rico with Psy on far side of Sandals Pool!   They just finished entertaining the crowd!

    Texas Mike bought all 3 of Rico's books during book signing in the Piano Bar at Sandals

                        First Book Signing ever held at Sandals Nassau Bahamas

         Rico with Amiga Peggy from the East Coast at Book Signing in Piano Bar

       Amigas Jeanette, Birta & Debra sitting at Piano with Piano Man at Sandals!

         Amiga Liv on her Birthday singing with Piano Man as Amiga Sybille joins in.

 Amigas Liv & Sybille with Amigo Olaf enjoying the Piano Bar at Sandals in Nassau Bahamas

          Friends & Family gathered around for a night of singing in the Piano Bar

          Rico & Bartender before the Book Signing - just Boys & their Beers enjoying Life

      What a great surprise - Sandals brought out food for Rico's book signing - Yummy!

        Connie at Gordon's on the Pier - a pleasant dining experience at Sandals!

The next day after book signing, strolling on the beach & find Dave reading In the Shadow of ELVIS & Chris enjoying my best seller MY BAD TEQUILA in the Bahamas BABY!

     All 3 of Olaf's beautiful girls - Birta, Sybille, & birthday girl Liv sitting next to Piano Man!

 Amigo Chris with shirt tied up - don't know what that is all about? 

    Maybe showing off his new Belly Button Ring - Lol;   Just kidding Amigo!  

           Rico & Gibbo wearing Gilligan's Hat discussing Obamacare!

Amigo David & Amiga Jeanette enjoying some privacy on their private isle - Cay Island!

       Hey the party's just getting started!  Olaf, Connie, Chris on land, Gibbo & Rico

   Rico is only 4.5 million short of purchasing this Yacht, he'll have to sell a few more books!

        Group photo - One of the most relaxing vacations ever!   I love Bahamas & Sandals!