Ex Congressman Weiner Approves Message About When Your Weiner Needs To Be Tweeted

After Osama bin Laden was killed I was a bit appalled to see an ad in the Fort Worth Weekly in which the ad depicted the corpse of bin Laden being buried at sea, with an aircraft carrier in the background.

This in an ad to sell condoms.

Somehow this seemed a bit tasteless to me.

And now, this morning, again in Fort Worth Weekly, I saw another condom ad, this one using scandalized former Congressman Anthony Weiner as ad fodder, with the clever ad line of "When your WEINER needs to be TWEETED...YOU BETTER SHOP CONDOM SENSE."

The ad also says, "I'm Ex Congressman Weiner, and I Approve this Message."

Does Condom Sense and FW Weekly run their ads by a lawyer to make sure they aren't setting themselves up for some legal woes? I somehow think no lawyer is consulted before the ad is run.

The Morning Of The Last Day Of June In Texas Is Chilled To 76 Degrees

You can not tell it by looking through the bars of my patio prison cell, at the blue oasis below, that the last day of June has dawned chillier than yesterday's dawn, with this morning chilled to a pleasant 76 degrees.

So, I temporarily have my windows open, with slightly cool, highly humid air circulating into my interior space.

June zipped by, seemingly even faster than the regular monthly slipping. The month started with me wondering if I would be heading north for a reunion. The month ended with me glad I did not do that.

This morning I am once more realizing I would not long survive being a customer service type person. It is so frustrating trying to nicely help someone when the someone does not have the slightest clue and continually wastes time with nonsensical stuff and does not do what you've clearly explained.

Okay, the above paragraph was totally cryptic. If it weren't cryptic it would expose the culprit.

Back to the less controversial weather/temperature topic. No thunderstorm materialized yesterday, despite the prediction of the possibility. Today we are scheduled to get to a real temperature of 102 with the humidity making it feel like it is 108. No thunderstorm in the forecast. So, we will likely get one.

Before it gets any hotter I think I'll go swimming in that blue oasis you see above.

Tripping Over Mount Tandy Seismic Testing Cable Whle Finding Fireworks On The Tandy Highway & Scoping Out A Location To Watch The Fort Worth Fireworks

Swimming this morning was the best in a long time. The air temperature and water temperature seemed a perfect match.

When the time came for my noontime salubrious aerobic stimulation I decided to do something different and drive to the top of Mount Tandy to do me some hiking in the Tandy Hills Natural Area Sanatorium.

The hills were exceptionally natural today.

Earlier today I blogged about the 4th of July and the various venues where one can view fireworks and get some 4th of July action in the D/FW Metroplex zone.

Stenotrophomonas then made an informative comment to that particular blogging, commenting...

"A popular place to watch the downtown fireworks is the slope of Mt Tandy, near the lower traffic barrier. I wonder if Dawson will clean up their trash this week If not, will it be trampled by the crowds, or trip them up in the dark. Or maybe someone will steal the cables and equipment, just like the person last year in need of golf balls."

The cables to which Mr. Stenotrophomonas refers are the seismic testing cables strewn along the trail that leads from the top of Mount Tandy. If you look close you can see the yellow cable posing the tripping threat in the picture above.

Anyone injured by tripping over a seismic testing cable left carelessly on the ground, please remember that that Barnett Shale Natural Gas Drillers have deep pockets. Lawyers love targets with deep pockets.

Below is the Fort Worth Fireworks viewing zone to which Stenotrophomonas refers. You can see the stunning skyline of beautiful downtown Fort Worth in the distance.

I can see why viewing the Fort Worth Fireworks from this location might be fun. I may do just that in a few days.

Speaking of fireworks, check out the photo below.

In the aforementioned blogging about the 4th of July I opined about the dearth of local availability of personal fireworks of the firecracker/rocket sort, due to the lack of Indian Reservations anywhere nearby.

Today, I found the above "firework" laying on the ground on the Tandy Highway between the two creek crossings that the Fort Worth Water Boys messed up. This particular piece of ordnance had yet to be exploded, the fuse was waiting to be lit.

A couple years ago exploding fireworks set a section of the Tandy Hills on fire, doing what Mother Nature used to do via lightning strikes, clearing the prairie of intruders and pests. When the burned section on the Tandy Hills grew back, it did not seem like much of an improvement to me.

I wonder who is hiking to the core of the Tandy Hills armed with fireworks? And then littering the ground with them? I am almost absolutely 100% certain it is not Stenotrophomonas. And I know with 100% certain it is not me. I guess that leave Don Young as the chief suspect, til other possible culprits are identified.

The 4th Of July In The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

The 4th of July is in 5 days. In the picture you are looking at a Fort Worth Fireworks explosion from a past 4th of July. You can tell it is Fort Worth by the cowboy on a horse and the stunning skyline of beautiful downtown Fort Worth in the distance.

When the case was being made, to me, of all that I would find wonderful about moving from Washington to the hamlet of Haslet on the northern border of Fort Worth, the chief propagandist included, among the many attributes, the fact that, supposedly, one could see 8 or 9 different fireworks displays whilst sitting outside at the location she'd found in Haslet.

The propagandist failed to mention the main reason one could see so many different fireworks shows, at once, was that the topography was nearly flat, allowing one to see, I don't know for sure, maybe 20 miles in the distance.

Regardless, not being a huge fan of fireworks, the possibility of seeing multiple fireworks shows, at once, really was not a huge selling point for me.

But, when my first 4th of July in Texas came to be, I eagerly sat outside awaiting all the fireworks.

I expected a lot of booming to being going on, all over the place, with the official fireworks just being part of the mayhem. I was used to my neighborhood of Mount Vernon being a virtual war zone on the 4th of July, with the arms supplied by the area Indian Reservations.

There are no area Indian Reservations in my zone of Texas. Or, pretty much any zone of Texas.

4th of July being hugely more sedate in Texas than it was where I lived in Washington was one of my Texas surprises, what with this being where the west began, I expected a lot of wild west 4th of July spirit of the individuals setting off rockets and firecrackers sort.

But, with no Indian suppliers it must be difficult to come into possession of explosive holiday toys in Texas.

Ironically, the best fireworks display I've seen in Texas did not take place on the 4th of July. It took place at the turn of the century, millennium celebration in downtown Fort Worth. That was one amazing show.

Unlike when I lived in Haslet, at my current location I do not have a view of the horizon and fireworks shows in the distance. Unless I go over to Miss Puerto Rico's and watch from her panoramic view.

Or I could drive to one of the D/FW Metroplex 4th of July events listed below, some of which have fireworks shows, which I could have watched from Haslet. Way in the distance.....

Fort Worth’s Fourth
When: July 4 at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Trinity River behind LaGrave Field in Fort Worth
What: Free live music and family fun including pony rides, a cardboard slide derby, and water wars. Food will be available for purchase.

Fireworks at Arlington Highlands
When: July 4 at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Arlington Highlands, 4000 Retail Connection Way, Arlington, TX
What: Free live entertainment by A Hard Night’s Day and free face painting and sno-cones from 7 to 9 p.m. (First 2,000 sno-cones are free. They are $1 afterwards).

Denton Kiwanis Club Fireworks Show
When: July 4 at 5:30 p.m. Music begins at 6:30 p.m.
Where: UNT Fouts Field
What: The Denton Kiwani’s Club hosts a night of live music by City Folk followed by an array of fireworks. The event is free but donations will be accepted before, during, and after the show.

Fair Park Fourth
When: July 4 at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fair Park
What: This event, presented by Friends of Fair Park, is the city of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration. The evening will include free and reduced admission to Fair Park’s eight museums, Bellagio-style Esplanade Fountain shows, and live performances. Food will be available for purchase.

Addison Kaboom Town
When: July 3 at 5 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m.
Where: Addison Circle Park
What: Rated as one of the top places to watch fireworks in the country by USA Today, Kaboom Town is a 30-minute fireworks show in the metroplex like no other. Live entertainment and an air show will precede the fireworks.

Electric Theater
When: July 2-4 at 1 p.m.
Where: Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas
What: Want to beat the heat this July 4th weekend? The Museum of Nature & Science has indoor fireworks. The Electric Theater is an interactive lesson on electro-magnetism that concludes with a light show. The Independence Day presentations are free to members and general admission for non-members.

Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks
When: July 3 and 4 following the last races which begin at 5 p.m.
Where: Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie
What: Two-days of thoroughbred racing and family fun such as a petting zoo, pony rides and bounce houses. Following the races, there will be a 20-minute fireworks display and live entertainment.

BigTop 4thFest
When: July 4 at 12 p.m.
Where: Bedford Boys Ranch Park
What: BigTop Celebration is an old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration with a circus themed twist. 4thFest includes a free concert, bounce houses, a variety of free family activates, festival-style food and, of course, a fireworks extravaganza when the sun goes down. 4thFest visitors can also take a dip in Bedford’s Splash Aquatic Center for an additional fee.

Frisco Freedom Fest
When: July 2 at 4 p.m.
Where: Pizza Hut Park and Simpson Plaza, located in front of Frisco City Hall
What: Frisco Freedom Fest is a party in the heart of Frisco. The Taste of Frisco also returns this weekend with Frisco restaurants serving some of their most popular menu items. Freedom Fest will conclude with a 20-minute fireworks spectacle.

Fireworks over Lake Grapevine
When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Grapevine and surrounding parks
What: The City of Grapevine will be shutting down Fairway Drive for their annual fireworks extravaganza. Admission is free at most viewing locations, although some parks along Lake Grapevine may charge a minimal admission fee.

Willie Nelson's Annual Picnic & Throwdown
When: July 4 at 11:30 a.m., first artist take the stage at 12 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth
What: Willie Nelson's picnic is a Texas tradition that features a day full of country music performances. The picnic was recently revealed as a top destination for the 4th by Yahoo Travel. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the gate, and are available through Ticketmaster or Billy Bob's box office.

Cowboys Stadium 4th of July Rally
When: July 4 at 12 p.m.
Where: Cowboys Stadium
What: Never been to the Cowboys Stadium? This year's 4th would be a perfect time to go. Cowboys Stadium is hosting a Texas-sized Fourth of July Rally for the whole family. The event will include alumni player autograph signing, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appearances and photo opportunities. Everyone wearing patriotic clothing will receive $5 off the price of a stadium tour. Parking will be free with the purchase of a tour ticket.

Picnic in the Park
When: July 2 at 12 p.m.
Where: Firewheel Town Center in Garland
What: Shopping more your style than fireworks? Firewheel Town Center will be hosting a picnic offering area families an opportunity to play as well as enjoy live music , all located near the open-air regional shopping mall.

Commemorative Air Force Squadron
When: July 2, 3, and 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Meacham Field in Fort Worth
What: The Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron will be conducting flight experiences for $595 to $1495, depending on seat location. For those not interested in flight experiecne, warbirds and vintage aircraft will be on display. There will be a $5 fee to enter the display area.

The Last Wednesday Of June Dawns Blue In Texas With A Thunderstorm On The Menu

As you can see, gazing skyward above the bars of my patio prison cell, the last Wednesday of June is yet one more blue sky morning in Texas.

The forecast for today has been greatly altered from what it was yesterday, with a predicted real temperature of 103, really feeling like 111.

The new forecast for today is for it to only get to 99 degrees with it really feeling like 105.

With a Thunderstorm now added to the prediction.

I must remember to email CatsPaw today regarding a visit to the Paradise Center.

But, before I remember to do that, I must remember to go swimming. As in right now.

95 Degrees Walking With My Sister Along Village Creek Looking At A Blue Heron

The last time I went walking at Village Creek Natural Historic Area my mom went walking with me.

Today I took my sister, known as Cbonesmom, who lives in Chandler, walking with me. Chandler is a Phoenix suburb in Arizona.

My sister and I walked quite a long distance. And then the battery on my phone ran out just as my sister was telling me something very interesting.

I called my sister after I took the picture, you see above, of a Blue Heron looking for fish in Village Creek.

The Blue Heron must not have gotten the memo about the safety of eating the fish you catch in Village Creek.

Actually, now that you are making me think about it, fish caught in Village Creek must be okay to eat, because one often sees people fishing in Village Creek and there are no signs warning about the consumption of any fish you might catch.

I did not ask my sister how HOT it was in the Arizona desert today. Likely it is hotter than the relatively chilly 98 degrees I am currently being cooled to.

The forecast for today was 103, if I remember right, with a Heat Index of 110 or 111. I don't know why it is so much colder than the forecast, currently with a Heat Index of only 106.

I blogged on my Durango Roadtripping blog for the 2nd time this year, this morning, in a blogging titled, "Opinions About the Top Ten Best National Park Hikes in America."

My swimming pool has been successfully shocked, so tomorrow morning I can be back in my regular swimming rut. What a relief.

80 Degrees This Last Tuesday Of June In Texas While Up North It Has Been 296 Days Since Seattle Hit 80 Degrees

I was up late last night, thus up slightly late this last Tuesday of June of 2011. As you can sort of see, looking out one of my viewing portals on the world, it is yet one more rainless day in Texas.

And HOT. Heading to a predicted Heat Index today of 110.

When I woke up the computer this morning my computer temperature monitoring device indicated it was 80 degrees in the outer world.

There was an amusing story in the Seattle P-I this morning with the headline, "When Will We Reach 80 Degrees."

Apparently it has been 296 days since the last time Seattle hit 80 degrees, on September 3, 2010, when Seattle was heated to a torrid 84.

I remember being up in the Seattle zone in August of 2004. The temperatures were in the high 70s, low 80s, with the Seattle P-I having an article about the locals sweltering in the "Heat Wave." I recollect taking that article back with me to Texas for the amusement of the HOT Texas locals.

I will not be cooling off in the swimming pool this morning. It got its weekly shock treatment late yesterday.

Hiking the HOT Tandy Hills While Trying To Identify People In Washington

In the picture you are looking north on Lost Sunglasses Ridge in the Tandy Hills Natural Sanatorium Area today around noon.

I came upon a couple other hikers on the hills today. This was unusual. Not many people have discovered the salubrious effects of subjecting oneself to a natural sauna/steam at 94 degrees with the humidity making it feel like 108.

Us who were not there have been busily conducting a forensic examination of the photo evidence to try and figure out who was at the Neff Ranch in the Skagit Valley this past Saturday.

The majority of the photos were somewhat easy to identify.

But, near as we can tell, several people have had serious work done to their faces, which has greatly altered their appearance from what we remember from decades ago.

Just minutes ago I got email from Betty Jo Bouvier asking if I was able to identify photos #4, 11, 24 and 27.

Typing this out I just realized the photos Betty Jo is talking about. I thought she was referencing a group photo.

I must go answer Betty Jo's question correctly and then have lunch. Sirloin steak that I got from Town Talk today.

I Am Up Early In Texas Thinking Old People Should Moisturize & Stay Out Of The Heat

As you can see looking through the bars of my patio prison cell at the swimming pool below I am up before the sun on this last Monday of June of 2011.

I woke up in the middle of the night with a strange pain across my chest zone. I lay there wondering if this is what a heart attack feels like. And then the pain went away and remains away.

Speaking of being old enough to have a heart attack, I just looked at 37 photos of old people. As I was looking at the photos I thought to myself that some people really need to learn to use a moisturizing lotion.

Speaking of moisturizing, I think I'll go get wet in the pool now, but before I do that I must mention that tomorrow we are currently scheduled to have a HEAT INDEX of 111. That is HOT.

Using Face Recognition Software With Honey Lulu To Identify Strangers In Washington

I was looking at the picture you are looking at, which was taken some time yesterday, at a ranch in the Skagit Valley of Washington, when I flipped open my phone for the first time today and saw several missed calls.

One of the calls was from Honey Lulu, last night at 8:35.

I was staring at the picture trying to figure out who these strangers were, thinking I'd call Honey Lulu back as soon as I blogged about Fort Worth's swimming pool woes, when the phone lit up with an incoming call from Honey Lulu.

Both Honey Lulu and I had the aforementioned picture on our screen. We then tried to figure out who these people were. We think we correctly identified all but one or two or three.

In another 20 years correctly identifying all but one or two or three will likely be more difficult than it was today.