FIRST SHOT!
Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill"
Last Thursday, my wife and I took my mom to the doctor's for a follow up appointment after she had an asthma attack on Wednesday that landed her in the emergency room at Kaiser in Sacramento.
After her appointment at the Kaiser facility in Folsom, we decided to check out the new Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill" that just opened a few months ago.
Folsom, California, is an old cowboy town that has a great deal of history attached to the 1849 California Gold Rush. And of course, to Johnny Cash singing about the time he spent in Folsom Prison.
I'd say Folsom is most commonly known for its famous Folsom Prison, but there is a lot more to the city. With a city of over 72,000 residents, Folsom is building up, modernizing, and yet at the same time holding on to its historical roots.
It's "downtown" hasn't really changed in over a hundred years, its parks celebrate its building of a power plant to bring needed services to folks, and each year it puts on a pretty darn good professional rodeo.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo starts out days before the actual rodeo with an annual Folsom Pro Rodeo Cattle Drive right there in downtown on historic Sutter Street of Old Town Folsom.
It is always wonderful to see the expressions on the faces of the people there as the cattle are moved through town. Mostly their faces show a combination of wonder and curiosity - but enjoyment for certain.
The city of Folsom is turning into a hub of sorts for folks up around here in my area who want a little more than what our biggest town of Jackson can offer. Jackson has a population of about 4,600 residents, so that's our big town for us.
Jackson is a great town, but Folsom just has more to offer in the way of more stores and restaurants and such - much much more.
And yes, that includes the new Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill."
When we walked in, immediately, you can't help but notice how nice it is. On the walls, there are pictures and Toby memorabilia.
Among the pictures were one's of him with our troops overseas.
Now I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything that Toby Keith has done for our troops overseas.
By him going over there and entertaining them when possible, he has given them something from home that they will never forget.
Being in the military once upon a time, I can tell you that that is a big deal to them. So to me, Toby is as good as they come for doing such a thing.
As for the gals serving us, well they were right there to help and very friendly. Our server was a real nice gal named Kendall - and was very nice to talk with. Polite, friendly, personable, goes a long way with me when I go out to a restaurant. She was all of that.
I told my wife and mom that they could have an adult beverage if they wanted since I'm the designated driver. They laughed and ordered Cokes, I had ice tea.
After she brought our drinks, I found out that Kendall was born and raised in Folsom. She is a Cowgirl!
She has had a horse all her life, and in fact she has a 16 year old gelding named Cody that she first got when she was 10 years old. She confessed to enjoying her job and loving her work there at Toby Keith's.
It was good to see, there is nothing worse than going somewhere and being waited on by someone who doesn't like their job or being their. Kendall is a nice gal with a great attitude.
Kendall, like all the gals, was dressed in denim shorts, tank tops, rhinestone belts, and cowboy boots. She said during Football Season they'll probably wear NFL Jerseys and during the Winter months wear flannel shirts. Either way, the gals are all country and easy on the eyes to say the least.
As for the food, well my wife, my mom and I all ate well. The portions were big and the food was excellent.
We were there during the day, and it is a comfortable place. It has TVs everywhere you look. Country music being played, but certainly not too loud where we couldn't talk among ourselves and not hear each other.
And that's saying a lot, after years of target shooting my hearing is pretty shot - pardon the pun - so being somewhere where the music is too loud drives me nuts.
Toby Keith has a great voice and it's always a pleasure to listen to his music because I can hear the words to his songs. I wish I could say that about others in Country Music these days because good voices are becoming harder and harder to find.
After we were told they have concerts there, and line dancing. My wife immediately checked out their dance floor. I'm willing to bet that we'll probably make a run out there at least once a month for her to line dance if she likes it.
The Line Dancing is on Wednesday Nights and from what we were told the place gets pretty crowded. We were also told that the same can be said for their concert nights.
Phil Vassar was there last Friday night, and in October they will have Joe Nichols there in Folsom. My wife and I really like the place and will probably try to see the Joe Nichols concert on Wednesday October 24th.
Now, I'm really not one for Bars. My days of going to some place to drink and raise hell are pretty much gone, but that doesn't mean I'm dead. We both like Country Music, and my wife likes dancing. And yes, I admit that I do too on occasion.
So yes, we'll probably drive out to Folsom and see how things go.
Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill" is a nice place with friendly folks, we'll check out how it is at night when it comes alive with a concert and get back to you. Until then, I recommend that you find out if there is one of the 11 locations near you - and check it out. http://countrybarfolsom.com/locations
Besides the good food and nice atmosphere, Toby Keith supports our troops by going the extra mile, I take great pleasure in supporting a man like him.
SECOND SHOT!
The National Hotel, Jackson, California
At the heart of the California gold country was the National Hotel.
The original building was constructed in 1849 at the joining of two streams that were supposedly sacred to local Indians. Most used the spot to water cattle.
Around 1849, three men, Ellis Evans, D. C. White and Armstrong Askey felt that the growing town of "Botileas", which was named for the great number of whiskey bottles found around the springs, needed a hotel. They built a two-story frame building and named it "The Louisiana House".
The town was renamed "Jackson" after Col. Jackson. Then in 1862, what was known as the "great fire" destroyed most of Jackson along with the hotel. Resolved to have it there, after the "great fire," the same three men rebuilt the hotel.
The National Hotel has seen the heyday of the California Gold Rush when gold was discovered and floods of people from all over the world came to the California Gold Country.
My grandpa once described historic buildings like "The National" as a beautiful woman that just needed some help. Over the 150 years, she has been through a lot. Now though, she has been refurbished and modernized and improved.
Yes, the National Hotel is again open for visitors to come and stay.
It is said that every California governor has been in the hotel, along with a number of Presidents and movie stars such as John Ford and John Wayne. When you walk through the doors you feel you have stepped back into California history.
Like most who live in the area, I watched the work go on. And like most, I can testify to the fact that the National Hotel is more beautiful than ever. The workmanship, the detail, the time spent to get things right were all worth while.
The National Hotel's website says, "Come to savor the sumptuousness of our wines, our Wild West history, the treasure of our rivers for rafting or fishing or to simply recharge your spirit in the sanctuary of the hotel with your family, or for a romantic weekend- all your expectations will be exceeded. You will find it all at….The National.
At The National, we will provide the indulgence all discriminating land barons and rich scalawags came to expect; sumptuous meals prepared by our executive chef, dream your dreams in the cocoon of exquisite beds and luxuriate in the opulence of the entire property.
Stroll through our lobby, listen to the baby grand and be spoiled by our staff, dressed in period costume. Our wine cellar offers Bacchus’ best from our extensive wine cellar or linger over your favorite cocktail at our fully restored original bar."
The National Hotel in Jackson is a piece of history that is now a modern beautiful getaway for the person who wants to come to the Gold Country and enjoy life.
I love that fact that someone took the time to invest their money in a great old historic building like The National Hotel. Especially, when they do it with the desire to see the hotel regain her glory.
There were a lot of men and women who worked very hard to make The National into the beauty that she is.
I agree with their website when they say, "As we re-open this grand structure, our guests will find it’s been transformed to its former glory; honoring its past while embracing all the modern luxuries.
The gold today comes from the vineyards, the jaw dropping beauty of the landscape and the richness of the history of the true old west."
And yes, The National Hotel is the Old West!
THIRD SHOT!
August 25, 2012
The University of Virginia declined President Obama’s request to speak on campus next week, citing security costs and the disruption of classes.
University officials said the Obama campaign wanted to use one of two outdoor venues – the school’s Amphitheater or the Harrison-Small Library plaza – when the president visits Charlottesville on Wednesday, according to NBC affiliate WVIR-TV.
School officials said more than 186 classes would have to be cancelled, in the first week of the fall semester.
The president is scheduled next week to visit three battleground states with a focus on wooing college voters, as the Republican Party holds its national convention in Tampa, Fla.
On Tuesday, Obama is scheduled to hold a rally at Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa, then one at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Virginia's top Democrat is playing down the snub. Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Brian Moran told the station, "We're proud that he's coming. We're very excited that he's coming to Charlottesville, regardless of where in Charlottesville."
University spokesperson Carol Wood confirmed to the TV station that President Obama will not be speaking at the university.
And the university’s communications office said Friday, school officials offered John Paul Jones Arena, but were told it "was not academic enough" by the Obama for America campaign.
To me, if it's all about location than it seems that backdrop and stage design are more important to the Obama campaign that the actual message itself.
But that's nothing new!
FOURTH SHOT!
News Media Doesn't Report Democrats In Trouble With The Law
I know folks are hearing a lot about a Republican who said something he wishes he hadn't, but you probably hadn't heard about a few Democrats in trouble.
The House officially reprimanded California Democrat Laura Richardson for conduct violations this month.
The House has officially reprimanded California Democrat Laura Richardson for forcing her congressional staff to do campaign work and for violating codes of conduct for government service.
The official reprimand comes with a $10,000 fine. It's another blow to the three-term lawmaker's uphill re-election race against fellow Democratic Rep. Janice Hahn.
Richardson has admitted to all seven counts levied against her and agreed to accept the reprimand.
The Ethics Committee report said Richardson forced employees in her Long Beach office to do campaign work after their workday had ended - and then sought to tamper with and influence the testimony of staff members by suggesting they tell the committee their campaign work had been "voluntary."
Imagine that!
Here's another story that has been overlooked in the News:
Illinois State House expelled Democrat Rep. Derrick Smith over bribery charges.
On August 17th, it was barely reported anywhere that Illinois State lawmakers kicked out a West Side Democrat accused of taking a $7,000 bribe, marking the first expulsion from the Illinois House since 1905.
Rep. Derrick Smith failed to show up to defend himself or hear his fellow House lawmakers condemn his alleged actions before the 100-6 vote was taken. Three lawmakers voted present - the same way that Obama used to vote present on matters that he didn't want to commit to when he was in the Illinois State House.
Here's another one:
Minnesota Democrat lawmaker urged to step aside after rest-stop liaison with 17-year-old boy
A Minnesota state lawmaker, a democrat, who authorities say admitted having a liaison with a 17-year-old boy at a rest stop faced calls from party leaders to give up his re-election bid.
Democrat Rep. Kerry Gauthier, 56, hasn't been charged in the July incident, and authorities said he wouldn't be because the boy was older than 16, the legal age of consent, and no money was exchanged.
Police say the teenager responded to the lawmaker's Craigslist ad for "no strings attached" sex.
Gauthier admitted to the liaison, according to police reports made public late last week. The teen told police the two had oral sex, according to the reports.
Gauthier hasn't commented to reporters on the incident. A call to his cellphone rolled to voicemail on Monday. Thissen's statement said he expects Gauthier to "address these issues publicly and soon."
Gauthier was elected in 2010 with 73 percent of the vote. He is not married.
I can't help but wonder how many more Democrats are doing things either improper or illegal that the liberal News Media isn't reporting or burying? I'm willing to bet there are others!
FIFTH SHOT!
Texas judge warns of "civil unrest," UN troop presence if Obama re-elected
It was reported on August 23, 2012, that a local Texas judge says his county should beef up security in preparation for "civil unrest" if President Obama is re-elected.
He is worried Obama may try to "hand over sovereignty" to the United Nations.
Lubbock County Judge Tom Head told MyFoxLubbock.com that he wants his county to be prepared, which is why he's backing a new tax hike to pay for extra deputies and attorneys.
"(Obama is) going to try to hand over the sovereignty of the United States to the U.N., and what is going to happen when that happens?" Head asked, according to MyFoxLubbock.com. "I'm thinking the worst. Civil unrest, civil disobedience, civil war maybe. And we're not just talking a few riots here and demonstrations, we're talking Lexington, Concord, take up arms and get rid of the guy."
Head went on to predict that if that happens, Obama will "send in U.N. troops."
"I don't want 'em in Lubbock County. OK. So I'm going to stand in front of their armored personnel carrier and say 'you're not coming in here,'" he said, adding he wants "trained, equipped, seasoned veteran officers to back me."
Head clarified Wednesday that the remarks referred to a "worst-case scenario" that "probably" won't happen.
County Commissioner Gilbert Flores scolded Head for the comments, reportedly saying he was "ashamed" at what he said.
Head reportedly made the remarks Monday before an interview with the Fox affiliate in Lubbock, Texas.
MyFoxLubbock.com says the mics picked up the remarks and the judge gave the channel permission to use them, though he reportedly has said they're out of context.
I don't even know what to say to that other than that I don't think Obama is that stupid to try something like that. It would lead to chaos.
SIXTH SHOT!
Labor Department spent $500G in Stimulus Funds on green-job ad blitz on Olbermann, Maddow at MSNBC
August 22, 2012
Stimulus cash spent to air green jobs ads on MSNBC
Labor Dept. Uses Stimulus Spending to Promote...
The Obama administration paid a PR firm nearly $500,000 in stimulus funds to run a barrage of ads on White House-friendly cable programs promoting its green job training program.
According to government records, the Labor Department paid the money in late 2009 to a company that negotiated a media buy on MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and "The Rachel Maddow Show." The ad was set to run more than 100 times -- 14 times a week for two months.
It's unclear how many people might have gotten involved in the green job training program because of the ads. But in terms of direct economic impact, the official online entry on the contract listed zero jobs created as a result of the payment.
"On the surface, this doesn't pass the basic sniff test," Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who sits on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told Fox News.
Chaffetz, who said he's writing a letter to the Labor Department seeking more information about the contract, complained that the federal government already spends "way too much" on advertising as it is.
He said the targeting of these ads also raises questions about "political motivations."
The $495,000 contract was awarded to McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations.
Two department spokesmen also told The Washington Times that Larry King's former CNN show was considered for carrying the ad but was dropped because MSNBC was thought to be able to reach more viewers.
But Rick Manning, a spokesman with Americans for Limited Government who used to be chief of staff in the Labor Department's public affairs office in the George W. Bush administration, took issue with the department's explanation of the purchase.
"The fact that they claim that they delegated this spending authority to a consultant without oversight is outrageous," he said.
The Maddow and Olbermann shows - the latter of which is no longer on MSNBC - have been two of the friendliest programs toward the Obama administration on cable TV.
Maddow herself cut an MSNBC ad last year touting government investment in infrastructure - an Obama priority.
The official "award summary" on the Labor Department contract explained that the ads were meant for "raising awareness among employers and influencers" about the green job training program and to move a "target audience" to contact the Job Corps Call Center to ask about enrolling.
The summary cited "existing and new training initiatives in high-growth and environmentally friendly career areas."
According to the Labor Department, the Job Corps committed more than $9 million in stimulus funds toward growing its training program and brought in more than 60,000 students to participate in the process.
The department reported that it was adding training programs "for an emerging green economy" - by developing concentrations for such careers as weatherization technician, smart meter technician and other fields.
This was really hard to believe at first, then it made more sense. It must be nice to get repaid for supporting Obama. No wonder the News Media is in his pocket.
For a long time, I've questioned the motives of the liberal media. For a long time, I've wondered if their support of liberal ideals could really be based on some altruistic notion passed along by some Communist professor in college.
I wondered because I know that altruism and Communist do not go hand in hand, they are in fact opposites. Altruism is the opposite of selfishness. It is selflessness. Communism is selfishness because it is about gaining control and power over others.
Altruism is the concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures. It is the core of various religions. As a boy, I learned that the concern for the welfare of others is at the heart of being a Catholic. It is about what motivates us to help others without wanting anything in return for ourself.
The liberal media has tried to pass themselves off as this all caring entity when in reality it is just pretentious bullshit.
This report is just more proof that the liberal media is like a hooker. More and more people are seeing what it is, the only thing left is negotiating price.
Story by Tom Correa
