Book 2 Chapter 9

                                                       

II 

(CHAPTER 9)

2:30

FLOCK OF BIRDS 

             Well, I'm back and feel so full of energy because of how Daisy made me feel in talking to her on this second bigger break of the day.  I pulled out all of my materials from under Elvira's    cushions and three blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice.  A flock of birds is flying bye.                    

          Four more chapters to go in book two, and I'm so ready to get back to work.  Dais and I went under Mr. Steve's office window but, even though he saw us standing there; was again busy on the phone.  I also went went to the bathroom and "Stretched my Legs as they say.                     

            Just like in all of my longer breaks, yesterday and today; Daisy and I "Made the Rounds" in guarding our fenced in two acres.  Daisy and I, and also Dawn, Blinky and Rosie; sniffed each   other through the south fence which separates our two properties.  Libby just neighed.                     

REX NEXT TO DRIVEWAY             FRONT YARD                    OUR GRAVEYARD       

   

            I love going up there to the front yard to visit with Daisy, who's such a good motivator in helping me stay focused and disciplined.  I can tell it's two thirty  by how much the shadows are  now leaning away from me.  On this big break Daisy and I sat next to our little graveyard.           

          Well, here I go on chapter nine.  Dais said she's proud of me for being able to keep to my schedule of writing one chapter for each of the twelve hours of sunlight on these first two days of Spring.  But, now I'll say a quick prayer and go ahead to finish the final four chapters.                  

          Hey Stanley!  Daisy is so right in telling me how it seems like you're looking over me and being a good Guardian Angel on these first two days.  Not even once have I been tempted to be    lazy by my bad Angel Lilith.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert.           

                

                                        STANLEY                                                      LILITH   

                       

              Hey Stanley?  Thank you for giving me good guidance when my bad Angel Lilith tries to tempt me me to do bad things, like chewing and tearing up my blankets and things I shouldn't. But I would never tear you guys Barry, Robin and Maurice.  You're good blankets.

              Stanley!  When I took my break after chapter four, or part one; I told Daisy about how my bad Angel Lilith might've given up on trying to make me do wrong.  But Daisy said; "Don't kid yourself."  Lilith is probably just "Biding her Time" she told me.  A Crow is cawing.   

              Daisy said in one of her dreams last night her Guardian Angel Ramona showed up.  But in that same dream her bad Angel Eddie barged in and was trying to scare her.  As I've said before, Eddie looks just like that band IRON MAIDEN'S mascot Eddie.   They're both scary! 

        

EDDIE

ARTWORK BY DEREK RIGGS

             

                I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how one type of music Mr. Steve likes is "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal."  Daisy and Millie heard he and Mr. Dave talk about playing along to some of IRON MAIDEN songs.  IRON MAIDEN has a really talented Drummer.

            Dais says she jumped when she first saw a picture of IRON MAIDEN'S mascot Eddie on an album cover.  She recognized right away where her bad Angel Eddie.  Until then shed didn't know his name but now she does alright.  Two Crows are fighting out in the desert.

           One time our boss's mom talked with him about that old 19th century story "Ramona," where Daisy got the name for her Guardian Angel.  As I've said before, the original girl Ramona was a California Indian girl.  Bravo Company's scent just came floating in to me back here. 

               

                     ANDY AND HELEN                                                     MR. RANDY                           

          

              I just thought of how it was at times really cold this last Winter.  Andy and Helen kept each other warm a few times sitting up in the Mulberry tree, instead of being down there in their burrow.  Mr. Randy said in "Arkansas" where he used to live it could get "freezing cold."

             Mr. Randy told our boss in Arkansas during Winter it "can hurt a lot" to do even simple things like catching a Football.  Mr. Steve told him about being hit by a baseball in cold weather and how much it hurts.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.  

            When he was a kid playing Little League during the late 1960's Mr. Steve was at times his team's "Leadoff Hitter."  That means he was the first "Batter" to go "Face" the Pitcher when the game starts.  So, his primary job was to "Get on Base;" then "Set the Table" so to speak.

                    

DAGOBERTO "BERT" CAMPANERIS 

(OAKLAND "ATHLETICS" /  1972) 

              

             In my first two books I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team growing up was the Oakland "A's," or "Athletics."  During the 1960's and 1970's their leadoff hitter was that Cuban guy Bert Campaneris.  Two of the Pigeons are now flying bye.

            Daisy and Millie one time were in our boss's office and heard him talking to his brother Sam about Bert Campaneris.  He was a really fast runner who led the Major Leagues in "Stolen Bases" a few times during his career.   Now the other two Pigeons are also going bye.

           Bert Campaneris was with the A's when they were still located in Kansas City, moving with the team out here to Northern California in 1968.  When in Kansas City the team was bad, but after they relocated to Oakland they became really good.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

      

                 CHARLES O. FINLEY (1918-1996)                            BERT CAMPANERIS

                                  ("OAKLAND" A'S / 1970'S)                                                      ("KANSAS CITY" A'S / 1967)

   

           It was when the A's were still in Kansas City that their owner, that Irish guy Charles O. Finley; made his team wear white shoes.  Mr. Steve heard one reason he did it was because his    only good player was Bert Campaneris.  When he ran so fast white shoes "stood out."                  

        Being his Little League team's Leadoff Hitter, our boss studied Bert Campaneris and he learned a lot about what to do.  But back in those days, unlike today with the Internet; the A's      weren't on tv that much because they had a bad team.  A Lizard went running bye.                        

         Mr. Steve noticed how Bert Campaneris was so patient, with "a good eye" that forced the Pitcher to "throw strikes;" or give up a "Walk."  But, he was also a "Line Drive Hitter" who got on base that way too if the Pitcher did throw strikes.  Our boss was also a line drive hitter.            

  

BERT CAMPANERIS SLIDING

(1973 "WORLD SERIES" / N.Y. METS VS. OAKLAND A's)

            Once he got on "First" base, Mr. Bert was always a "Threat to Steal" Second base; so the Pitcher had to "Keep and Eye" on him.  This distracted him from totally concentrating on the      A's second in the lineup hitter, for years a guy named Joe Rudi.  I smell Andy over there.              

            Mr. Steve told his brother Sam, who I've mentioned was a really good Baseball player as a kid; Bert Campaneris made sliding into a base "artistic."  He could go in on either side, and was a great what they call "Pop Up Slider."  Dawn and Blinky are doing obligatory barks.                  

           I guess, a pop up slider goes into the base, jumps up quickly; ready to continue running if possible.  A man once joked how Mr. Bert at times seemed to "hydroplane" along the ground like a Speed Boat in water.  He could go bye on either side and touch the base with either hand.                

                 PITCHING              BERT CAMPANERIS                 BATTING             

              (KANSAS CITY A'S )        

               

            I just thought of that time in 1965 when, because the A's were so bad; as a "Gimmick" Charles Finley had Bert Campaneris play all nine positions in a game.  He even "Pitched" right  and left-handed too I guess.  There are two bent vapor trails way up there in the high sky.             

            Mr. Steve, who also hits and throws right and left-handed, told his brother Sam how Mr. Bert doing it was another reason to admire him.  As the lead off hitter, once you get on first base; you have to try to get into what they call "Scoring Position."  A Train whistled faintly.                   

            Scoring position means getting to second or third base so, with a hit you can score a run for your team; which Mr. Bert did a lot.  Daisy says our boss told his brother, on "Defense" Bert  Campaneris played "Shortstop."  A really good "Fielder," he also had a "strong arm."                    

EDDIE GAEDEL (1925-1961)

(ST. LOUIS "BROWNS" / AUGUST 19, 1951)

   

      I just thought of that time in 1951 when, also as one of those gimmicks; the St. Louis "Browns" had Eddie Gaedel go up there and bat for them.  He was a three foot seven inches tall midget.  And of course, his "Strike Zone" was so small; he "Walked" on four pitches.                    

             The Browns in 1951 were also a really bad team I guess, so having Mr. Eddie bat was just one way to get attention.  And it worked Daisy thinks, because to this day people remember and talk about it.  The orange and black Monarch Butterfly just went fluttering bye.                             

            Mr. Steve once did some artwork for a husband and wife who were midgets Dais told me.  They were so amused, and very interested when he showed them the famous photo of that little guy Eddie Gaedel.  He even made them copies of it for them to take home and show their kids.                          

1970'S OAKLAND A'S                             REGGIE JACKSON     

    

            I just thought of how, in the 1970's; the A's won three "World Series" championships and five "Division" titles.  During those years that guy Reggie Jackson was "Driving In" Mr. Bert a  lot to score some runs.  He also hit a lot of those Home Runs too from what Daisy heard.               

         Mr. Steve once noticed how the A's owner Charles Finley was born on February the 22nd, and died on February the 19th; Miss Harriet's birthday.  I've mentioned before how his dad was  born on February 23rd, Grandma Córdova on the 24th.  Cleo and Leo went flying bye.                 

         As I've said a few times in these first two books, Mr. Steve became an instant A's fan when he was twelve years old.  He saw that "Sports Illustrated" Magazine cover, with an A's Pitcher    wearing some green Kansas City uniforms.  His Little League team also wore  green too.                    

   "ARBORVITAE" BUSH                                                 MR. MIKE              

           Boy!  Right now I'm looking at the Arborvitae bushes right here next to the Patio, which is making me appreciate what a good color green is.   I remember that morning Mr. Mike said he's noticed how the Arborvitae bushes stay green even during Winter.  I've noticed that too.               

         Our boss told Mr. Mike he's always liked the A's green uniforms, but knows a lot of people think green is a "terrible" color for sports.  But, as Sister Rita Joseph would say; liking a certain color is a "subjective" thing.  I really love royal blue, while Daisy prefers red by far.                      

        I've mentioned before how Miss Sandy's mom got he and Sandy their first jobs when they were in High School.  At that pharmacy next to the Lake View Terrace hospital, the Pharmacist said the A's uniforms were "puke" green.  Dais told me puke, or "vomit;"  is throw up.                          

   (1968)                BERT CAMPANERIS                   (1973)

            

          I guess, one thing Mr. Steve noticed is, when batting Bert Campaneris would crouch in a low position.  So, like that little guy Eddie Gaedel; he would have a smaller strike zone for the      Pitcher to hit on his throws.  It made it more difficult to throw a pitch in the strike zone.               

          As soon as the ball left the Pitcher's hand in coming towards him, Mr. Bert would raise up and swing if the pitch was a strike.  "He was like a spring" if he did swing but, he had a good eye to let it go bye if it wasn't.   Oh!  Dawn and Blinky are doing their obligatory barks.                       

          There have now been in 2014 a lot of good Baseball players from the island of "Cuba," but in our boss's subjective opinion Mr. Bert is still "one of the best."  His family must've left Cuba pretty after Fidel Castro's Communists came into power in 1959.  Blinky sounds so brave.          

    

             DRAGPIPE                          2002 ALBUM                            MR. RICH                 

                  I've mentioned a few times before how, like Bert Campaneris's family; Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Rich's parents are originally from Cuba too.  Someday I want to hear the album Mr. Rich's band DRAGPIPE did.  Our boss likes their song "Cruise" Daisy says.

           Over these last two days I'm scheduled to learn about the "Caribbean" Ocean region.  In book three tomorrow Dais has me scheduled to write about "Haiti," the only place where black Slaves successfully revolted and broke away from their whited owners.  I smell Sage.

           Mr. Steve and Mr. Rich have talked about Cuba, and that guy Fidel Castro; who turned the island into a "Communist Dictatorship" after overthrowing the "Batista" government back in 1959.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are now flying over Libby's Corral.   

  

RON HUNT (MONTREAL "EXPOS")

             Our boss and his brother Sam have talked about how Mr. Steve was a Leadoff Hitter.  Mr. Steve told him about studying Ron Hunt, a Leadoff Hitter who turned "getting hit" by the pitch "into an art." Dawn and Blinky are doing some obligatory barking over there. 

             If the Pitcher hits the Batter the Batter automatically gets to go to first base according to what Daisy heard.  Ron Hunt, a right-handed Batter; "crowded the plate" and "choked up" on the bat for "better bat control."   I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

             Mr. Steve told his brother Ron Hunt "let the pitch hit him," expertly timing when to spin away afterward without it hitting him "squarely;" and it not hurting.  This upset Pitchers who at times hit him on purpose, which he didn't mind as he got on base.  A Lizard ran bye.    

                                                

    "ORACLE" OF DELPHI        

                     

             All of a sudden I just thought about people who can predict the future, like those girl "Oracles" the ancient Greeks and Romans used to go to in "Delphi."  Nostradamus, and later  Edgar Casey; also predicted the future.  Boy!  I wish I had one of those "Crystal Balls."  

            The problem with having the Oracle or "Pythia" predict your future is, she went into a trance and talked in "Riddles;" so you had to pay close attention.  Like Nostradamus;  you had to kind of  "interpret" the "Cryptic" messages.  I can smell a Lizard around here.

            I mentioned yesterday how at Delphi, as you waited to go in and see the Oracle; you stood below some high marble walls.  And up near the the roof it said, "Know Thyself" and "Nothing in Excess."  Some of the Ducks are quacking but as usual Daffy's voice is way louder.

                                                                                                            "RUINS" OF DELPHI

                   

               I've mentioned how another name for an Oracle is a "Sybil." And at Delphi when you listened to her you had to keep in mind those two things written up there on the wall.  Some did not and "Misinterpreted" what the Oracle told them in code.  I like hearing Daffy's voice.

              That Greek King in the story asked the Oracle if he should go to war.  She said, if he did "A Kingdom will fall."  He rushed out but it turned out it was own Kingdom that was destroyed in a war.  He didn't know himself well enough to realize he was often too reckless.

              Yesterday I wrote about that brave girl Horse "Reckless" who, during the Korean War got wounded carrying ammunition to the front during a battle.  And she also evacuated wounded Soldiers too.  Mr. Dave was once in that band called RECKLESS according to Daisy.

           

GOLIATH THE GOPHER SNAKE

PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON

  

             Oh wow!  Goliath must've come in from the back desert without me seeing him.  He was hiding under Moe the middle Shed, and just sprang out and is biting a pretty big-sized Lizard.  It's doomed because Goliath is wrapping around it, so will now squeeze all it's life out.

             I just thought about how Mr. Rich's family are originally from Cuba, and how his dad at first was on the side of Fidel Castro rebel fighters.  But then he saw that Fidel Castro was not as good for the people as he had thought.  So, he and his family decided to leave Cuba. 

             Bravo Company's scent just came in with a slight breeze, and I can tell Andy also smelled them too by his alert but relaxed body language.  Goliath ate the Lizard and is now using the left gate slot to crawl out into the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  I smell Sage. 

                                                

                                       LUIS TIANT  (CLEVELAND "INDIANS"/ 1968)   

                               

              One time Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talked about this Baseball Pitcher named Luis Tiant who, like Bert Campaneris; was from "Cuba."  And like Jim Plunkett, he had to adapt to getting older; and not having the physical abilities he had when young.  Sage smells good.

              In the late 1960's, on the Cleveland "Indians;" Luis Tiant was really good.  Daisy says the Indians uniforms had "Cutoff" shoulders, as did the Cincinnati "Reds," Mr. Rick's favorite team the Pittsburgh "Pirates; and the Kansas City "A's" too.  Heathcliff crowed.

             Mr. Rich's family is from Cuba, and he and our boss have talked about Fidel Castro's Communists coming to power there in 1959.  Mr. Rich's father originally supported Castro, but changed his mind.  Bravo Company is streaming bye out in the desert behind the Sheds.

                                                            

                                             LUIS TIANT (BOSTON "RED SOX" / 1975)                

                                                                                    

              I remember that morning when, as they loaded our Truck Rex to go to the dump; Mr. Steve told Mr. Mike how, as a young Pitcher on the Indians; Luis Tiant "threw hard."  But then he injured his arm so lost "Velocity."  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.

             Like Jim Plunkett did in Football, or Bill Walton in Basketball; Luis Tiant adjusted to changed circumstances to make up for lack of arm strength.  He went to the "Minor" Leagues, learned a new way to pitch; then made it back to the Major Leagues.  I smell Sage.

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his brother Sam Luis Tiant got "Traded" from the Indians to the Minnesota "Twins."  One time he faxed the Twins line drawing "TC" logo to a customer in the city of "St. Paul; for his boys to color.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.     

                                                

 LUIS TIANT 

                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY RICH PILLING            

                           

             From what our boss told Mr. Mike, Luis Tiant ended up on the Boston "Red Sox;" and made a "comeback."  Not being able to throw as hard as when he was with the Indians, he used "deception" and "unpredictability" to "disrupt" the Hitters timing.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.

            I guess, on the Red Sox Mr. Luis would "change his body and arm motions" to keep the hitters "Off Balance" as they say.  As good as he had been in Cleveland, he did even better in the 1970's with Boston; using this style Mr. Rick called "Junk Ball."   Libby whinnied. 

            Mr. Steve's brother Rock remembers how, as kids playing "Wiffleball;" they imitated the many "exaggerated " and "herky jerky" windups and "changeup" deliveries Luis Tiant used.  The goal was to get the Hitter "guessing" as to what pitch was coming.  I smell Andy.    

      

1975 "WORLD SERIES

 

             I guess in the 1975 "World Series" the Red Sox lost to the Cincinnati "Reds," but Mr. Luis did good.  Daisy heard Mr. Rick remember how he had four pitches with four "variations" of each; always mixing the angle and pitch speed in his delivery.  A Lizard ran bye.

            Dais says our boss told Mr. Rich how, because of the U.S.'s "bad relations" with Cuba; Mr. Luis didn't see his parents for almost twenty years.  But then Fidel Castro, who was a good Baseball player himself; gave permission for them to go to America.  I smell Sage.  

           Mr. Steve thinks when Jim Plunkett played for the Raiders in the early 1980's he, like Luis Tiant; relied on his experience.  Daisy does that too in her old age, joking how it's better to work "smarter" rather than "harder."  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert.

    

JIM PLUNKETT ("RAIDERS")

        

          Daisy says our boss told Mr. Mike how in his comeback Jim Plunkett could still throw the "Long Ball," or "Bomb;" as the Raiders were known for.  But, he could also just "Hand off the ball to his different "Runners;" or throw short "Screen" passes.  I can smell  new Sage.

          Speedy Gonzales with Andy watching, just darted under Manny the far right Shed; dust he raised still lingering and floating in the air.  Boy!  It never "Ceases to Amaze" me how quick he is.  He's probably wondering why I haven't even tried to chase him again today.

           Hey!  I wonder if we could possibly make some money by having a league for Dogs playing or "Competing" in sports?  Daisy thinks it might just "Go Over" as they say but also told me not to get "over-confident."  Hey God!  I'll trust that You'll guide me in the right direction.

                                                                                   

                                                            BEN DAVIDSON (1940-2012)

               Oh!  I just thought of something.  Yesterday in book one, when I was writing about those "Handlebar" mustaches some men wear; somehow I totally missed on my outline the subject of an Oakland Raiders' Football player named Ben Davidson.  Heathcliff just crowed.

           So, I can fit that guy Ben Davidson in right here.  Daisy saw a tv show about the American Football League.  It said Ben Davidson was a really big Defensive Lineman who was six feet eight inches tall, and weighed two hundred and seventy pounds.  I smell some Sage.

           A few years ago Mr. Steve met a man from "El Sereno," who went to "Woodrow Wilson High School" and then "East L.A. College;" with Ben Davidson.   He said Mr. Ben is "huge."  I glanced up and see Speedy Gonzalez using the right gate slot to run into the desert.

         

 "CONAN THE BARBARIAN" 

("REXOR" / 1982)

 

          I guess, after his Football career ended; Ben Davidson became an Actor.  One time Mr. Steve and that girl Miss Pam watched the movie "Conan the Barbarian," where he played a bad guy named "Rexor."  He was also in the tv show "Happy Days" too from what Daisy heard.         

           Dais told me how, in Conan the Barbarian Ben Davidson carries a big sword kind of like the one our boss has near the fireplace in the living room.  And over the years he's bought and      sold helmets which looked like the one he wears.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.                  

          Another tv show Mr. Ben acted in was "M.A.S.H.," which I mentioned yesterday in book one; and is about the Korean War.  I wrote then how M.A.S.H. is just short for "Mobile Army      Surgical Hospital."  Our boss's dad almost had his feet amputated during the Korean War.                                   PETER, PAUL AND MARY 

  ("UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER / 1986)

   PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

  

                  Mr. Steve one time told his sister Celina about taking pictures of those early 1960's Folk Singers PETER, PAUL AND MARY at the Universal Amphitheater.  One of the people he took pictures of that night was Mike Farrell who played a Doctor in M.A.S.H.  I smell Sage.

             Daisy says our boss and the guy who went to school with Ben Davidson talked about how he played in the "A.F.L." before it merged with the N.F.L.  Mr. Steve told him the Raiders logo was harder to draw than other logos without a man's face in it.  Dawn's barking.

             I just glanced up and see Benjamin the Cow Bird running around the northeast corner of the house at the far end of the Patio to my left.   Seeing my valuable collection of things to chew on over makes me think of the green rubber ball Mr. Chris got for me.  I smell Blinky.  

                                              

                                                               "MOTOCROSS" RIDER

                       

           Oh wow!  What a coincidence that, just as I was about to say that guy from East L.A. told Mr. Steve Ben Davidson rode Motorcycles; a "Motocross" rider went bye out there in the desert.  Hey God!   I can now see all the floating dust he raised out there on Primavera Road. 

                When that guy said Ben Davidson "started late," our boss told him Mr. Bobby did too; in both cases they just had "Natural Talent."  Ben Davidson's main job was to "Rush" in there and tackle the Quarterback.  In those days that meant to "kill him" as Mr. Steve joked.

               I guess in College Ben Davidson played for the University of Washington "Huskies," who  won not just one but two of those big "Rose Bowl" games.  After that, he was "Drafted into the Pro's" as they say.  When he was with Miss Emily, they saw the Huskies play U.C.L.A.        

                

                                  (ON LEFT)                   ADOLPH HITER               (ON RIGHT)

                                                                (WORLD WAR I / 1814-1818)   

                 I guess as a pro Ben Davidson didn't do that good at first so, as a "Gimmick" grew his handlebar mustache and became a villain; or a "Heel" in Wrestling.  A Handlebar mustache like Adolph Hitler had in World War I "gets attention" he joked.   Theodora went running bye.

            Yesterday I wrote how Hitler cut his handlebar mustache into his famous square form as a way to make a Gas Mask fit tighter.  I like the First World War photo of he and his Dog named "Fuchsl" which, as I've mentioned; is "Little Fox" in German.  I smell Arborvitae.    

            Later today I'll learn about Boxer Muhammad Ali.  Mr. Steve thinks he was influenced by a 1950's Wrestler named "Gorgeous George," who "made money" in getting people to hate him through his "Outrageous" behavior.   Gorgeous George had longer hair than usual.

               

                 "GORGEOUS GEORGE"                                      "BEANIE AND CECIL"

  

                  I guess that guy Gorgeous George purposely tried to make people hate him so they would pay to see him get destroyed or "Crushed."  I've mentioned over the last two days how Mr. Steve thinks many people secretly "Love to Hate."  They seem to "need an enemy" to despise. 

                 Yesterday I wrote about that cartoon "Beanie and Cecil."  The villain, "Dishonest John;" wears all black.  And just like Ben Davidson, he also has one of those skinny and curly handlebar mustaches too.  Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral over there.

           As I've said before, Mr. Steve suspected  AC/DC'S song "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"  was based on Dishonest John's "Business Card."  And a while back he found out it was alright. The card said, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap / Special Rates on Sundays and Holidays."   

                

                                                          ART ARAGON (1927-2008)    

          

                  Oh!  Mentioning Dishonest John's business card reminds me to talk about a Boxer from Belén named Art Aragon.  I was supposed to write about him yesterday but forgot, so can do it now instead.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve's father was Art Aragon's friend until he died.

            After he retired from Boxing Art Aragon set up a "Bail Bonds" business, which was near the "Van Nuys Courthouse."  He used to pass out a business card which said, "I'll get you out if it takes me ten years."  A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the desert.

           Dais says she heard our boss and his father talk on the phone about Art Aragon.  During the 1940's and 1950's he fought as a "Lightweight," later as a bigger "Welterweight;" which is about one hundred and forty pounds.  I can smell the big Mulberry tree over there.    

  

                        ART ARAGON (RIGHT)          "OLYMPIC" AUDITORIUM       BOBBY CHACON (RIGHT)

                 Daisy heard Mr. Bobby went to lunch with Mr. Steve, his dad and Art Aragon.   He and Art Aragon fought in famous fights at that "Olympic" Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.  Mr. Steve has told Mr. Ralph and others how Art Aragon was a "very friendly person."

            I guess Art Aragon was five feet nine like Mr. Steve's father, who Boxed in the Marines.  He was also born in Belén and became famous in the 1950's after World War II; being in the first ever "Nationally" televised fight.    I see Bravo Company out there in the desert.

           Art Aragon and Mr. Bobby "Had in Common" being the non-Spanish speaking "Pocho Villain" to Mexicans who hated them beating the Mexican Boxers.  Muhammad Ali admired Art Aragon.  Dais heard Art Aragon was Audie Murphy's friend, naming a son after him.  

  

               AUDIE MURPHY (1925-1971)                      MARILYN MONROE (1926-1962)

                 I guess, Art Aragon was in that 1955 movie where Audie Murphy played himself; and he was friends with Marilyn Monroe too.  Speedy Gonzalez just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to zoom out into the back desert.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.

            Art Aragon's nickname was the "Golden Boy," wearing a gold robe and gold trunks as his gimmick.  Mr. Steve and his father talked about him dying six years ago, then being buried in a Jewish cemetery.  He had converted to Judaism toward the end of his life for his wife.

           Daisy once heard our boss and Mr. Gary the Barber in San Fernando talk about how Art Aragon got his nickname from a 1939 movie.  Mr. Gary says back in the 1920's a Heavyweight Boxer named Jack DeMave was the "original" Golden Boy.  Heathcliff is crowing.

                                                                              

OSCAR DE LA HOY / JOHNNY TAPIA

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

      

             Mr. Steve one time, back in the late 1980's; went down to East L.A. and took pictures at the "Resurrection " Gym of training Boxers.  One was Oscar De La Hoya, who at that time was only a teenager; his nickname also ended up being the "Golden Boy."  I smell Andy.

            Daisy saw a tv show about Oscar De La Hoya which said he got his nickname because of winning a Gold Medal in the Olympics.  On that day in East L.A. another Fighter working out was Johnny Tapia, who was from New Mexico.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.

           Like Oscar De La Hoya, Johnny Tapia later became a World Champion.  He spent a day at Mr. Steve's house on Hagar Street watching Boxing Videos one time.  Hey Blessed Mother!  I guess Daisy noticed how Johnny Tapia had a tattoo of You right in the middle of his chest.

                                                                                          BEATRICE CASTILLO                                 STELLA CÓRDOVA               

                                                                                                                                      

                I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's mom's best friend is her Cousin "Beatrice," who lives with her husband "Placido" down there in "Pico Rivera."  Their three "Castillo" kids, Larry, Mike and Carol; have known Mr. Steve's family for a long time.  They also knew Art Aragon.

          Before starting First Grade at St. Ferdinand's, Mr. Steve went to "Kindergarten" in two different schools; the first with Carol in his class in Pico Rivera.  But, when his dad bought that house in Sylmar; he went to "Hubbard" Street public School.  Heathcliff crowed.

         Mr. Steve told his Niece Stephanie he still remembers the "mixed feelings" he had the first time his mom dropped him off for Kindergarten.  "On the one hand," he was "afraid" of being alone for the first time, but he was also "kind of curious" too.  I smell Andy over there.

                                             

LARRY CASTILLO AND SON        

           

                  Like Mr. Steve's parents, our boss's Cousin Beatrice and her husband Placido decided to move to California from New Mexico because they thought it would be better opportunities for their family.  I've mentioned how Mr. Castillo was in the "Air Force."  I smell Mesquite.

            Our boss told his mom he had this dream about visiting the Castillo's in Pico Rivera, and watching a San Diego "Chargers" Football game on tv; as they ate her and Miss Beatrice's "New Mexico influenced" food.  A Charger is a "War Horse."  Libby whinnied over there.

           Mr. Steve heard his dad and Art Aragon one time talk about this really pretty girl from Belén who was related to Mr. Castillo.  "Gloria" Castillo was born in 1933, the year after Mr. Steve's dad.  1933 is the year Adolph Hitler and Franklin D. Roosevelt came into power.   

                  

GLORIA CASTILLO (1933-1978) 

          

                  According to what Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his dad talk about that one time, Gloria Castillo came out here from Belén and was in some of those "Plays."  Back in the 1950's, I guess she was even in a few of those "Sci-Fi" or "B" movies.  Andy's over there looking at me.

           Daisy heard our boss's father say Gloria Castillo was in a movie about "Bat Masterson," and another one about that guy "Zorro" who I've written about before.   Libby's slowly walking around near the back of her Corral, along Primavera Road.  I can smell Arborvitae.

           I like finding out about that early 19th century "Californio" period Zorro lived in, when up here in "Alta" California we were part of a newly independent "Mexico."  It's too bad that girl Gloria Castillo died of cancer at only forty five years old.   She knew Art Aragon.    

   

                                         U.C.L.A. CAMPUS                                              MISS EMILY 

                                     

            Daisy says it was Miss Emily, raising money to repair New York City's Statue of Liberty; who got Mr. Steve that job taking pictures of PETER, PAULAND MARY down at the Universal Amphitheatre.  Now she works for U.C.L.A.  I'm looking at her old coffee table now.                      

         I guess PETER, PAUL AND MARY were "popular" in the early 1960's, and did a good song about a Dragon Dais told me.  They were singing in N.Y.C. Coffee Houses when Bob Dylan  started playing Folk music with electric instruments.  Two Crows are fighting.                                

            Someday, I'd like to see either the movie made about those Korean War Hospitals; or the tv show based on the movie.  Mr. Steve told his sister Susan Mike Farrell, who played the part of that Doctor on the tv show; was "very friendly."  Bravo Company's scent floated in.

            

  SOUTH KOREA-NORTH KOREA / JAPAN    

  

            What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to learn about "Korea" now, I kind of feel like doing it.  Daisy and Millie saw a really good tv show about the Korean peninsula.  This    Encyclopedia says Korea, as a "political entity;" first "emerged" in the 10th century A.D.            

            I guess before the 900's, there were a few "centuries of bloody conflict" over in Korea between three kingdoms.  But, finally in 936 A.D.; the "Goryeo" culture conquered the entire      peninsula.  A little gray Sparrow carrying a long twig in its mouth went running bye.                     

              The Goryeo society "evolved into" or became "Korea" in 936, expanding all the way up to that "Yalu" River in the north.  That River was very important during the Korean War.  I've    mentioned before how we have Korean's living up here in our area of the High Desert.                        

  GUTENBERG BIBLE         JOANNES GUTENBERG            PRINTING PRESS   

(c.1393-1468)

          Oh!  My Encyclopedia calls Goryeo society "highly cultured," even printing through the world's first "metal movable type."  And they did it way before that one German man Johannes Gutenberg invented his "Printing Press" in the 15th century.  I smell Heathcliff over there.          

            Last Summer that Korean man came over to our house to buy some tools from Mr. Steve.  I remember he and our boss talking about Korea's history, which Daisy and I both noticed the man called "very violent."  He said his family are originally from that "Pusan" area.                     

         When Mr. Steve told the Korean man how his father fought in the Korean War, like other Koreans who live around us; he said "Tell him thank you."  And, when he said it he nodded his    head; and kind of bowed slightly.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral.                        

GENGHIS KHAN (1162-1227)

          Yesterday I wrote about that guy Genghis Khan, who united the "Mongol" tribes, then used cavalry to conquer the biggest land empire in history.  That one map shows in pink how his empire was even bigger than Alexander the Great's.  I guess one part of it was  Korea.                  

           Libby whinnied over there, and I can see her walking slowly around near the back of her Corral; along Primavera Road.  Heathcliff crowed, and his Hens are clucking happily; which is    making me feel pretty good.  The four Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral.                         

         It says here what that tv show Daisy saw said too, how at the end of the 14th century the "Josean" Koreans "overthrew" those  Goryeo's; who had become "vassals" of the Mongols.  For the next two centuries in, "relative peace;" their "dynasty" ruled.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                

YI SEONG-GYE (1335-1408)

  

            I guess, the man who was the "first monarch" of that Josean "Dynasty," which began in 1388; was named Yi Seong-Gye.  Oh! I notice he died on May the 24th, which I've mentioned       before is Mr. Steve's parents wedding anniversary.  His brother Sam was born on the 23rd.          

          That Korean man who bought those tools talked with our boss about the Josean dynasty, and how the "Korean Alphabet" was created during their reign.  Mr. Steve has done lettering in  Korean for people around here where he copies what they show him.  A Lizard ran bye.                

         Daisy told me the man on the tv show about Korea said what my Encyclopedia says too, how "towards the end" of the Josean monarchy they were called the "Hermit Kingdom."  They  were "Isolationists."  Samson and Delilah are right now flying over Manny, Moe and Jack.           

                            FLOCK OF BIRDS                                                     MR. RANDY

            I just glanced up from sitting down here on Elvira and see a flock of Birds going bye up there in mid-afternoon sky.  That reminds me of the morning when Mr. Randy said how seeing a  flock of Birds make him feel "grateful to be alive."  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.          

            Late in the 19th century, "Imperial" Japan began to control Korea.  Daisy says the man on the tv show used the word "repressive" to describe how they treated the people, which means they were really mean.  I see my collection of things to chew on at the far end of the Patio.             

           A while back I guess Mr. Steve was hired by this older Korean lady to letter a banner for her.  When he asked what he was saying, she said they were "honoring the memory" of March      the 1st, 1919; when the Koreans revolted against the Japanese.  I smell some Joshua trees.           

                           "INDEPENDANCE MOVEMENT" / CELEBRATING MARCH 1, 1919

 

           That one Korean lady told Mr. Steve, in 1919 "demonstrations" against the Japanese "turned into a big revolution."  The Japanese "killed so many," including some of her relatives I guess.  A painting in my Encyclopedia shows Japanese Soldiers on Horses swinging swords.          

             In 1919, World War I had just ended the year before; and that really gigantic "Spanish Flu" pandemic was going on.  Even though that Korean "Uprising" was "brutally put down," it "paved the way for eventual independence" it says here.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.              

          Oh!  Dawn's barking over there, and it's not just her obligatory bark but is her alarm bark; which is making Blinky bark too.  I can smell them, and old Rosie; standing there on the    other side of the southern fence separating our properties.  Blinky has such a good voice.                       

                                        MR. STEVE'S DAD            KOREAN WAR             105 "HOWITZER"

       

          Over the last two days I've written about how Mr. Steve's father fought in Korean War and almost lost his feet to "Frostbite."  That Korean lady nodded when our boss told her his dad said in Korea it was "either over one hundred degrees or below zero."   A Crow is cawing faintly.        

         As I've talked about, during the Korean War Mr. Steve's father's job, "Fire Direction;" was to tell the artillery where to shoot.  He would use "Binoculars," like the ones our boss has in his    office; to see the Chinese and North Korean lines.  But his were mounted on a tripod.                    

      I'll come back to learning more about Korea over the next two days, sometimes when learning abut Japan.  I just noticed Andy over there looking in this direction, and can smell the    clump of Joshua trees above and just behind he and Helen's burrow.  Libby is neighing.                                                                                                                   

                   "CONAN THE BARBARIAN"                                       ARNOLD  / GOVERNOR PETE WILSON  

                                                                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                          

               I want to someday see that one movie Ben Davidson was in about Conan the Barbarian, who I guess is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Yesterday I mentioned how Mr. Steve took his picture when Harriet got that Magazine assignment one time.  He was in "Twins" too.  

               Daisy says in the movie Conan hunts down and kills a mean "Wizard," who had killed his parents; and leads a "Snake Cult."  The Wizard can turn into a Snake, and the arrows he shoots turn into Snakes.  Our boss watched Conan the Barbarian with his friend Miss Pam.  

                Oh!  Just as I mention Snakes, I see Goliath crawling out into the desert through the right vertical gate slot.  Dais says in that movie Conan kills this giant Snake guarding a Shrine.  That's like how that three-headed Dog "Cerberus"  guards the entrance to underworld "Hades."   

                                        

    MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)                            "ROLLIE FINGERS                  

     

          Oh!  I'm now hearing that song "Boléro."  I notice Maurice Ravel who wrote it had a handlebar mustache like Ben Davidson and Adolph Hitler.  Boy!  It must be so weird to "shave" your face the way most men do Daisy thinks, and I have to totally agree with her on that.             

          Looking at the green Arborvitae bushes makes me think of the Oakland A's Baseball player Rollie Fingers.  He wore a handlebar mustache pitching for those good 1970's teams that won all of those championships.  A little brown Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.                        

           Dais saw a tv show about the 1970's Oakland A's teams, who won five "Division" titles and three "World Series."  I guess Rollie Fingers was a "Relief" Pitcher who was what they call a "Closer" who finished the games.  A Train whistled faintly out in the northern desert. 

                                                   

EARLY AFTERNOON SKY

          

              The sky is so blue.  Hey God!  Thank You for making clouds, and having it be so that these first two days of Spring have been warmer; compared to last year at this time.  Ah!  Right now the Sun's warmth is making me feel really, really good as I sit back here on the Patio.  

          For some reason I just thought about that guy O.J. Simpson.  Daisy and Millie saw this tv show which said he, like Jim Plunkett; grew up in Northern California but played professionally mainly back east.   "O.J." was a "Running Back" for the Buffalo "Bills" team.  

          Dais says our boss thinks O.J. Simpson was one of the best Running Backs in history.  He was a fast runner who dodged guys trying to tackle him.  I've mentioned how my nickname is "Juke," because I'm also hard to catch like that one Running Back Barry Sanders.     

                                

                                                                  O.J. SIMPSON

                 

          Dais and I decided that I'd mainly write about O.J. Simpson tomorrow in book three when I write about famous people born on our boss's birthday.  But I can also talk about him now in book two.  The scent of Theodora's Creosote bush just floated over here into my left nostril. 

         A picture in my Encyclopedia shows O.J. Simpson running against U.C.L.A.  Miss Emily works for the U.C.L.A. "Athletic Department," so that's why Mr. Steve went with her to some Football games down there at the "Rose Bowl."  A Train whistled faintly to my left.  

       I notice in the picture of O.J. Simpson how the U.C.L.A Players, besides their regular "Face Masks; have little bars sticking down from the top of their helmet.  I guess, in the 1960's College Football Players had no logos on helmets; and only wore white socks.  Dawn's barking.

       

                                         O.J. SIMPSON WITH WIFE "NICOLE"    

       

            O.J. Simpson was born on July the 9th just like Mr. Steve.  So, that means in "Astrology" he's what they call a "Cancer;" whose symbol is a Crab.   I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve does not really believe in Astrology.  That big blue Dragonfly just went zooming bye.

           Daisy says our boss thinks O.J. killed his second wife named "Nicole."  In the 1990's he was involved in two famous Trials here in Los Angeles.  The first "Criminal" trial was on tv so Mr. Steve watched it as he worked.  Mr. Rick's daughter is also named Nicole too.

           Growing up down there in Sylmar, the only famous person Mr. Steve knew who was born on his birthday was O.J. Simpson.  Now he knows of a few more, like that Actor Tom Hanks for example.  Right now I smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.  

              

O.J. SIMPSON (BUFFALO "BILLS")

            

             Because he shared a birthday with O.J. Simpson Mr. Steve watched him closer than other "Celebrities."  He now says, "he sure had me fooled;" mainly because he seemed so friendly and nice Daisy says.  But it turned out he was an "Overly Possessive" and really jealous person.    

            Mr. Steve thinks O.J. killed his wife and also a guy named Ron Goldman too.  He and Mr. Grant talked about how, in a society that "Worships Money;" a rich person like O.J. can get out of trouble.  Daisy heard Mr. Grant joke, "How much justice can you afford?"   

           Daisy says Mr. Grant, who's a Lawyer; is also convinced O.J. did it.  You cannot "Plant" over three hundred pieces of evidence in such a short time to "Frame" one person he thinks.  It would also be hard to get all of the Police Officers, Detectives and others to "Conspire."                                               

O.J. SIMPSON "CRIMINAL" TRIAL

     (SHERI LEWIS SECOND FROM RIGHT / 1994)   

                 

            Another reason Mr. Steve was so interested in O.J.'s first trial is that one of the L.A. City "Prosecutors" was a girl named Sheri Lewis.  She was a Law School "Classmate" of our boss, Mr. Grant and Miss Emily.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve "Flunked Out" of Law School.

           Like most College Athletes, O.J. Simpson didn't graduate I guess.  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mike John Elway got a B.A. in "Economics" from "Stanford, and that's why he's been a good "Businessman" since retiring from Football.   Anyway, I'll come back to O.J. 

           I just thought of how back in 1984 at C.S.U.N.,  Mr. Steve's brother Sam's Sylmar High Baseball team barely lost to John Elway's Granada Hills team; who got to play for the L.A. City Championship at "Dodger Stadium."  Mr. Steve has Footballs.  And other balls too.

    

                                                JOHN ELWAY (DENVER "BRONCOS)

  

           After College John Elway played professionally for the Denver "Broncos, now being their  "General Manager;" but also owning those Auto Dealerships in Denver.  Mr. Steve has drawn a few of the Bronco's logos over the years Daisy heard.  A Bronco is an "untamed" Horse.  

          My Encyclopedia says the city of Denver is located a mile up in the "Rocky" Mountains so that's why it's even called the "Mile High City."  It's now Colorado's Capital and started in 1858 as a Gold Rush settlement called "Montana City."  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.

          Dais told me a smart kid who lives near us figured out that our house in Piñon Hills is four thousand one hundred and twenty feet above "Sea Level."  The town of Wrightwood is about six thousand feet above Sea Level, so that's why people go there for the snow.  I smell Sage.

    

   O.J SIMPSON "BRONCO CHASE"       

 

           I remember that time Mr. Grant and his blind Dog Miggie visited us.  As he watered the Mulberry trees Mr. Steve told Mr. Grant about the Sunday of O.J.'s now famous "Bronco Chase, when a lot of Police Cars were following his Ford "Bronco."  A Train whistled faintly.                    

           Back in 1994 our boss was driving from Sylmar to West L.A., to visit with that girl Debra and her little daughter Talia.  He knew "something was wrong" when, there was no traffic going through the "Sepulveda Pass;" when usually there are many Cars.  I smell Sage.                            

          Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking with Miss Susan at work about the city of Denver.  He told her about living there for a short period in the late 1950's, when his dad was going to College.  His mom didn't like living in Denver because there was "too much snow."                                                       

 JAMES W. DENVER (1817-1892)

       

           This is interesting.  It says in this Encyclopedia that Denver was named in honor of a man named James W. Denver.  Under the picture of him it says he was the "Territorial Governor" of "Kansas," when people were fighting and killing each other over the issue of Slavery.

           Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and his mom remembered living in Denver for that short time.  It was their bad luck how a huge "Blizzard" or storm hit the area, so Mr. Steve's mom still thinks about trying to keep everyone warm.  That Monarch Butterfly fluttered bye.

          Aha!  I knew I was being  watched, and now see Rudy the Roadrunner looking at me from underneath Manny the far right Shed.  If I know him, he'll wait for the right time to run around the northeast corner of the house; over there to my left.  I now smell some Arborvitae.

        

2014 CHEVROLET "COLORADO" 

  

                    Daisy says a man once came to our house driving a "Colorado" Truck, like the name of the State Denver is in.  He said his "Chevy" was the "exact same" vehicle called "Canyon" by "G.M.C."  I've mentioned before how Colorado means "Colored Red" in Spanish.

             Mr. Steve told that man how one of his customers told him General Motors worked with that Japanese company "Isuzu" in designing and building the Colorado Truck.  It's now a "Mid-Sized Pickup," but began as a "Compact."  I can smell the baby Cholla cactus.

             I just thought of that Musician John Denver, who Dais heard had some big hits back in the 1970's.  I guess, our boss's mom likes his songs; and used to sing some of them with her Girl Scout troops.  Daisy really likes the one he did about the Rocky Mountains I guess.    

        

JOHN DENVER (1943-1997)

  

              Someday, I want to hear John Denver's songs because Daisy says he's a good Singer and acoustic Guitarist.  One of Mr. Dave's customers told him, even though he's "associated" with Colorado; John Denver was born in "Roswell," New Mexico.  Libby just whinnied.

             I guess, John Denver's father was a Pilot in the Air Force, so the family never stayed in one town "for any length of time."  Daisy heard our boss one time talking with Mr. Ralph about John Denver also being a Pilot.  Samson and Delilah flew over Libby's Corral.

             Mr. Vic who Videotaped events Mr. Steve or his brother Rock worked at, was a Pilot; so knew John Denver died in a Plane crash.  He'd read about the "Rutan Long EZ" John Denver was killed in up there in Northern California.  I smell the Joshua trees behind Andy.

  

 "RUTAN LONG EZ"      

                                                                PHOTO BY HISTORYTHINGS.COM   

                                                                            

                   Dais says Mr. Vic told our boss, in 1997 the small Plane John Denver crashed in was an "experimental design;" a "light" one man Aircraft.  Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy rode in that small "Cessna" Plane, but "weren't comfortable" he told his Nephew Dalton.  Daffy's quacking.   

            Mr. Vic said the small Plane John Denver died in had a "tricycle" landing gear, the two rear wheels "fixed;" the front "nose wheel" being "retractable."  That means it goes up or down Daisy told me.  A line of Ants is going bye on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's couch.

           That Rutan Long EZ Plane John Denver was killed in had a "Canard" body style Mr. Vic said, with "swept wings" that had "rudders" on the tips of each wing.  I guess John Denver died in the "Monterey Bay" up there in Northern California.   I smell some Beavertail cactus.  

"FORCES" OF FLIGHT        

                 

         Yesterday I learned about the four "Forces" that have to be "overcome" in order for an Airplane to be able to fly in the air.  "Thrust" pushes forward, "Drag" or "Resistance" pushes    to the back.  "Lift" is the upward acting force, while "Gravity" pushes downward.                        

          Mr. Vic heard John Denver ran out of gas when he crashed down into the water.  Like our Truck Rex, his small Plane had two gas tanks; and "it's possible he couldn't switch to the second  tank in time."  The cockpit was "cramped," what Mr. Vic call a "Tight Squeeze."                          

         For some reason I just thought of that man John Brown, one of those "Abolitionists" who really wanted to get rid of Slavery in the years leading up to the American Civil War.  I guess he was totally willing to kill other people in order to do it too.  Frida and Diego flew bye.                                      

                                                           JOHN BROWN (1800-1859)

 

             Hey God!  Daisy saw that tv show about the State of "Kansas" where, in the 1850's John Brown and some of his many sons killed white people who wanted Slavery.  He used swords to kill them in Your name too.  James W. Denver was Governor of Kansas at that time. 

            Dais and I would sure like to know God if John Brown is up there in Heaven with You Guys.  In 1859, two years before the Civil War; he was "Executed" by hanging after trying to "incite" a Slave rebellion or "insurrection."  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye.

            I remember that beautiful morning when our boss and Mr. Cliff talked about the subject of "Hand Grenades," or small exploding bombs thrown at an enemy.  Daisy told me how there's a harmless "Dummy" grenade in Mr. Steve's office.  Mr. Cliff used the word "pineapple."    

    

                          PRIMITIVE "GRENADES"                    ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES

 

        This Encyclopedia says that a "Grenade" can be a "small thrown explosive weapon," or nowadays a "shell projectile shot from the muzzle of a gun." The name "may" come from the      Latin word "granatus" or "filled with grain."  Small pieces of metal are in a grenade.                   

           I guess, thrown grenades have been used for centuries in some parts of the world.  But the first "documented" use of the word grenade was in the 8th century A.D. by that Eastern Roman  Byzantine Empire I've learned about.  Mr. Steve's dad threw grenades in his war.                           

           Well, back to writing about Football.  The Denver Broncos, who John Elway played for as a Quarterback; are now in the N.F.L.  As I've said, that's short for "National Football League."  Mr. Cliff jokes how Daisy's "stocky build" would make her be a good "Linebacker."   

                          

                            1940'S  (U.C.L.A.)     FOOTBALL HELMETS      1950'S (L.A. RAMS)

          

             Two pictures in my Encyclopedia show how for a long time Football players didn't even have protective "Face Masks."  Right up until the years after World War II helmets were made of leather I guess.  If we ever were to play Football Daisy and I would want face masks.

             Until 1960 when the "American Football League" began the N.F.L., which the Rams have always been in; had no real "Competition."   Boy!  I'd definitely wear a Football helmet, especially one with the yellow Ram horns on it.  The big Dragonfly zoomed bye. 

             The Denver Broncos were in the A.F.L. until 1968 when the two leagues "Merged."  A tv show Dais saw said at first, in the early 1960's; the A.F.L. didn't have that many good Players so people "Made fun Of" the league.  But Mr. Steve liked the A.F.L. just because of that.                                                             

"UNDERDOG"       

                

            It was Daisy who explained how, when people gamble on sports one team is "favored" to win while the other team, the "underdog;" is expected to lose the game.  She and I have at times   wondered how Underdog got his name.  Cher just went under Theodora's Creosote bush.            

          As I said yesterday, in the early 1960's as a kid Mr. Steve liked watching A.F.L. games on tv, even though there weren't that many.  At first the "Chargers" were called the "Los Angeles" Chargers, but then they moved down to "San Diego."  I can smell Cher over there.                        

         The Chargers are Mr. Steve's Nephew Sammy Jr.'s favorite Football team.  Our boss has never had a a favorite Football team in the way he's like the Oakland A's in Baseball.  Cher just jumped up on Moe and if I know her, which I do; she'll yawn and take a short nap there.                                                             

LANCE ALWORTH  (SAN DIEGO "CHARGERS")  

               

           I'm looking at that color picture of Lance Alworth, who was the good "Receiver" for the Chargers back in the 1960's.  I notice again how, even in the mid-1960's; Players had only one      little skinny bar for protection.  Yup!  Cher just yawned and is laying down to sleep.                      

         Daisy heard our boss talking with Mr. Ralph about how he's always liked the Chargers' uniforms, especially the "Powder" blue versions.  But now, their primary color is "Navy" blue;    like the color of our Sheds.   Yellow and white are still their secondary colors I guess.                      

        Seeing the mid-afternoon sky makes me think of how "Sky" blue is U.C.L.A.'s primary color.  Boy!  I'm starting to like sky blue as much as royal blue, and better understand why in      North Carolina it's the official State color of "Tar Heel" blue.  Mr. Randy likes sky blue.                        

  2014 DODGE "CHARGER"  ("HELLCAT")                       "BULLITT" (1966 CHARGER)               

   

           Dais one time heard our boss and Mr. Cliff talking about how "Dodge" has been making Cars called "Chargers" since 1966, when Mr. Steve was eleven.  They remembered how, since      then; there have been many different "forms" and sizes of Charger.  I can smell Cher.                   

           Mr. Cliff said today, in 2014; the Charger "Hellcat" is a "high performance" Car like the one in that famous chase scene from "Bullitt."  One of our boss's Dodge customers described the current Charger version as mainly being a "four door sedan."  A Train whistled.                            

           You can tell Mr. Cliff knows a lot about Airplanes and things like that.  Mr. Steve told him one of his customer's father flew "Hellcat" Fighters against the Japanese in World War II.  As a  kid our boss built a model of a Hellcat but it was destroyed in that 1971 earthquake.                       

GRUMMAN "F6F "HELLCAT"  /  VOUGHT F4U "CORSAIR"

        

          I guess, like our boss; as a kid Mr. Cliff built models too.  And one of the Second World War Planes they both built was the "Corsair."  In 1943, the second year of World War II for the  U.S.; the Hellcats replaced the F44 "Wildcats" Mr. Cliff said.  Cher just now woke up.                  

            According to Mr. Cliff, the Wildcats "didn't do that good" against those Japanese "Zero" Fighters; so the Hellcats and Corsairs were invented.  It turned out Hellcats were much better at operating from Aircraft Carriers.  I notice the bent shape of the Corsair's wings.                           

          Oh my God!  Cher ambushed a little Finch who just happened to be flying bye and didn't even notice her on top of Moe.  She intercepted it right out of the air, bit its neck to kill it; and is now landing on the ground.  She's now running underneath Moe to eat in peace.  Wow!                                                                    

                                                 JOE NAMATH (NEW YORK "JETS")   

                   

             I just thought of that guy Joe Namath, who Mr. Steve met at the "Forum Club" back in the mid-1980's.  In the 1960's, he played for the "American Football League" New York "Jets." At the very end of his career Joe Namath came out here to play for the "Rams" I guess. 

            The Oakland A's were the first team to wear white shoes so our boss wore white shoes in 1968.  Joe Namath also wore white "Cleats" so was a target for guys like Ben Davidson.  He kind of chuckled when Mr. Steve told him of getting in fights over wearing white shoes.

            As I said yesterday, in 1968 Mr. Steve asked his mom to get some white Baseball cleats for Christmas.  She looked "High and Low," but could only find Soccer shoes; which Mr. Steve wore when all the other Little League kids had only black.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.

                   

                                                    DOUG FLUTIE (BUFFALO "BILLS")    

                 

              I just thought of that guy Doug Flutie who, like Jim Plunkett, John Elway and also Joe Namath; was a "Quarterback."  As I've said, the Quarterback is called a "Field General;" who guides his team's "Offense."  On that tv show we watched I noticed he wore white shoes.

            Mr. Steve told Joe Namath about the "lengths" his mom went to in getting him those white Soccer shoes.  Daisy says Joe Namath was amused and nodded his head because, in those days; it was hard to find anything other than black sports cleats.  I can smell Sage.   

           In 1969 players called Mr. Steve names for wearing the white shoes.  A boy named "Dean" even "Spiked" him on purpose, and they got in a big fight; which ended in a "Bench-Clearing" brawl.  For the rest of that season both teams really hated each other Daisy's told me. 

                   

JOE NAMATH (OS ANGELES "RAMS") 

               

                   For one season at the end of his career Joe Namath played for the Rams.  Mr. Steve told him a Japanese saying, "The nail which sticks up gets hammered down."  He said, "Yeh, I also had a Bull's eye on my back too."  In a picture all the Rams players are in white shoes. 

            Daisy says our boss used to have a customer near "Beaver Falls" Pennsylvania where Joe Namath grew up.  That Parts Manager went to the same Catholic High School as Joe Namath.  I guess Mr. Rick knows how the town of Beaver Falls is near the city of Pittsburgh.           

           I've mentioned before how "Cleats" are just special shoes with "Spikes" on the bottom for gripping the ground.  The spikes grab the ground so you can run better and I really do think we could make money inventing cleats for us Dogs.  Each sale is four shoes not just two!

    

                    MODERN BASEBALL CLEATS                         18TH CENTURY ARTILLERY

                                                                                                                                                                      PAINTING BY DON TROIANI

      

       Mr. Steve read how sports shoes with "spikes" on the bottom use the same principle as Revolutionary War era artillery having raised "notches" on the "Tread" of the wheels.  In 1960's America wearing white cleats in Little League Baseball got some mad.  I smell Arborvitae.           

           Daisy thinks that man Charles O. Finley, who owned the A's; was so right in being the first one to have his team wear white shoes and "Color-Coordinated" uniforms.  Nowadays, in 2014;  there are dirt gripping cleats in almost every color I guess.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.               

           In these first two books I've mentioned how Mr. Steve and his brothers, and Mr. Rick too; played Baseball at the "Sylmar Independent Baseball League;" or "S.I.B.L." for short.  In 1968 Mr. Steve and that other boy Dean hated each other.  But in 1969 they were "Teammates." 

                        

        DICK JACKSON / ERNANI BERNARDI                                        S.I.B.L.   

      PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

               

             Daisy says, "ironically;" our boss and that kid Dean went "Up in League" and ended up being on the same team.  That man Dick Jackson, who I wrote about yesterday; knew they didn't like each other but forced them to cooperate as teammates.  Some Ducks are quacking.

             Hey God!  Was it You who caused Mr. Steve and that other boy Dean to end up becoming friends.  Daisy thinks it was probably You alright and I kind of want to believe she might just be totally right about that.  Theodora went flying bye and is going toward the north.  

             I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Mr. Steve's mother's best friend is her Cousin "Beatrice," or "Bee" for short.  Their mom's were sisters and now they're kind of like loyal sisters too.  That guy Christopher Columbus' wife was also named Beatrice. 

                                                                 

                                                           BEATRICE CASTILLO 

       

            As I wrote yesterday, Mr. Steve's mom and her Cousin were born in 1935; Bee in March and his mom in August.  Beatrice married that man Placido Castillo and they also moved from New Mexico to Los Angeles.  "Pico Rivera," where they live; is thirty miles from Sylmar. 

           Mr. Castillo served in the Air Force, his oldest son Larry is about a year older than Mr. Steve.  Both being born in the same year of 1955, as I said earlier; Mr. Steve and Carol were in that same Pico Rivera Kindergarden class.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.         

            I just thought of how the last name "Castillo" is also a famous name and means "Castle" in Spanish.  Just like Mr. Steve's parent's, Beatrice has been with her husband Placido for almost sixty years.  Oh!  That big blue and green Dragonfly zipped bye, coming from my left. 

                       

DRAGONFLY

             That Dragonfly, which I can still hear faintly; is now flying over the fence surrounding Libby's Corral.  Libby, whose scent just now floated over here; is standing still over there and watching that Dragonfly go whizzing bye.  I smell Heathcliff and his Hens over there.

             Mr. Steve and his brother Rock one time were remembering how sports on tv used to be very "limited" compared to now.  In the 1960's the Dodgers "Televised" only "Away" games in San Francisco, and later San Diego.  Now in 2014 almost every game is on the tv. 

            As a kid, Mr. Steve liked visiting the Castillo's in Pico Rivera on Sundays because then he could watch the Chargers A.F.L. games on tv; it not being televised in Sylmar.  As I've said a few times, Mr. Steve's Nephew Sammy Jr. over there in Littlerock is now a Chargers fan.

    

                                                       LANCE ALWORTH (SAN DIEGO "CHARGERS")

            The San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos before John Elway's era; and Oakland Raiders were all originally in the "A.F.L."  In the 1960's the Chargers had that "Wide Receiver" Lance Alworth.  Even though he wasn't fast, I guess he was so smart and had "Good Hands."  

            Daisy told me a Wide Receiver is also called a "Flanker," because they usually "Set Up" before the play out on the sides; or "Flanks."  Mr. Steve's customer in "Escondido," as a kid in 1964; went with his dad to a Chargers preseason practice.  A Train whistled faintly. 

            That guy in Escondido said, the Chargers practiced at "Sunset" Park in "La Mesa;" where the Basketball player Bill Walton and MEGADETH'S Dave Mustaine were from.  I've mentioned how "Mesa" is "Table" in English.  A dirt road near us is called La Measa.

                     

LANCE ALWORTH  

                   

            I guess, during the 1960's A.F.L. years; that guy Lance Alworth made some unbelievably great "Artistic" catches; so is in the Football Hall of Fame.  Because the A.F.L. had to compete with the established N.F.L., more offense was encouraged.  That means scoring points.   

           Daisy heard Lance Alworth was such a good Athlete, like John Elway; he could've played professional Baseball too.  Our boss's friend Mr. Rick's favorite Baseball team the Pittsburgh "Pirates" once "Offered" him a contract.  I smell a Lizard somewhere around here.

          The Parts Manager said Lance Alworth's nickname was "Bambi," because he "jumped" high and "ran perfect routes" as a Receiver.  He was "like a Deer being chased by a predator," who wants to kill and eat it.  Dais told me about a dirt road near us called Bambi.

                       

          CASSIUS CLAY  / SONNY LISTON                                       MR. GARY

          

         One time our boss and Mr. Gary talked about how, like Muhammad Ali, that guy Lance Alworth was rarely "Flat-Footed."  He ran on the "balls of his feet" similar to how Muhammad Ali moved around the Ring as a young fighter.  The Lizard is now doing some pushups.                 

        Ah!  The Lizard just ran down the wall, ducking behind the steel water bucket near the sliding glass door going into the dining room.  I'm having one of those "DéjàVu" feelings right      now because that reminds me of another time I saw a Lizard do that.  I smell Sage.                        

          Thinking about Lance Alworth's nickname Bambi makes me imagine him nimbly running down the field.  According to what we heard Miss Susan say, there are Deer living in those San      Gabriel mountains over there to my right; beyond Libby's Corral.  Libby whinnied.                      

    

                                                                                                            "BAMBI"

             Hey Blessed Mother!  As You remember, one of the best Saturday mornings Daisy and I ever had was the time we watched that cartoon about Bambi the girl Deer.  In it a boy Deer likes her and so does her friends "Thumper" the Rabbit and "Flower the Skunk.  I like Sage. 

             According to my Encyclopedia that cartoon Bambi first came out in 1942, the fourth year of World War II; the first year the U.S. was "fully officially involved."  Mr. Steve's dad was ten years old, his mom only seven.   Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral. 

             Someday both Daisy and I really want to see that cartoon Bambi again because our boss says you can often "learn a lot" watching something you've seen before.  And we would also like to see some highlights of that guy Lance Alworth's career.  Libby's scent just floated in.   

    

                                               SAN DIEGO CHARGERS UNIFORMS

             Mr. Steve told his Nephew Sammy Jr., the San Diego Chargers have "gone through" a few uniform changes since the 1960's when they were in the A.F.L.  He said to his mom how, now if he see's pictures of the Chargers; he thinks of being a kid.  Heathcliff just crowed.

             I've said a few times how Mr. Steve thinks you usually don't fully appreciate the moment until later.  And sometimes you never do.  Aha!  I just glanced up because I heard the crunching and cracking sound of Mouse bones being broken, and it's Cher eating over there.  

            Cher's near the Mulberry tree and right now she's tearing that Mouse and, if I know her; she'll gnaw and chew on the body.  She and others around here even eat the little Mouse heads, which Daisy is because the brain is one of the best tasting parts.  I smell the dead Mouse.

                                                                     FLOCK OF BIRDS

            Looking up at the sky and seeing some Birds going bye makes me think about how Mr. Steve still enjoys coloring things and doing artwork.  Even though her favorite color is red, and mine is royal blue; Daisy and I kind of like sky blue too.  Cher's gone but I still smell her. 

            I've mentioned before how since even before World War II there was only the "National Football League."  But then, in the 1960's; that competitor "American Football League" came in.  My Encyclopedia says the "upstart" A.F.L. competed with the "established" N.F.L.

           The A.F.L. "was in existence" from 1960 through 1966; then in 1967 "Merging" with the N.F.L.  So from then on teams like the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers, or Patriots back east; became members of the N.F.L.  A Motorcycle zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road.

          

    DAN FOUTS (SAN DIEGO "CHARGERS")

 

              Daisy and Millie saw a good tv about a Chargers' Quarterback named Dan Fouts, who I guess was one of the best "Passers" in history.  But, unfortunately for him; the teams he was on did not have good "Defenses" so his teams were very often "Outscored."  A Crow cawed.

             Because the A.F.L. competed with the N.F.L. for Players; the N.F.L. "Owners" at times had to pay more than they wanted to.  Daisy says they sure didn't like that so always "Made fun Of" the A.F.L., Mr. Steve also laughed at for liking that league.  I smell Arborvitae.  

            One time on the phone Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy how friends would "needle" him about following an "inferior" League.  Daisy's noticed, the A.F.L. logo used red as the primary color; black and white as secondary colors.  The Broncos used red, with white and navy blue.

                     

                                                             DENVER "BRONCOS"

                                                                (A.F.L. / 1960-1966)

 

             This picture shows an old A.F.L. game where the Broncos are playing the Patriots, and I really like the kicking Horse emblem on the Broncos' helmets.  Later, orange replaced red as the Broncos main color, royal blue used rather than navy.  Mr. Steve drew the Broncos' logos.  

             I guess when that guy from Granada Hills High John Elway began playing Quarterback for the Broncos, they wore the orange, white and royal uniforms.  Instead of a kicking Horse now a "D" was on on the sides of the helmets.  Frida and Diego just flew bye right now.

            Daisy heard our boss talking with his brother Sam about John Elway losing a few Super Bowls wearing that second "Color Scheme."  Then the Broncos made navy their primary color, with white and orange as secondary colors.  Dais thinks some uniforms "bring bad luck."

   

                                   OLD                BRONCOS" UNIFORMS                NEW

              Daisy says our boss has a customer in Colorado who's a Broncos fan.  He likes the third color scheme because, in those uniforms; the Broncos won two Super Bowls with John Elway.  I guess those uniforms had an unusual pointy stripe pattern on their helmet and pants. 

             Mr. Steve says he kind of likes the non-tradition "Stripe Pattern" the Broncos now have on their helmets and uniforms.  Football uniforms usually have only horizontal or vertical stripe patterns.  I wrote yesterday how the first "Super Bowl" was played back in 1967.

            This one Encyclopedia says the first Super Bowl was almost an an "afterthought to the merger agreement."  The champion of each League would play against each other at the end of the season.  And, after the 1969 season there would be no more A.F.L.; only the N.F.L.   

  

     L.A. "MEMORIAL COLISEUM"        

       

            Mr. Steve and his brother Rock talked about how, now the Super Bowl is worth "billions of dollars;" but in 1966 it was "totally different."  That first Super Bowl was played down at the L.A. "Coliseum" and was not nearly as important as it is now.   Few cared about it.  

           Over the years, and not just for sports teams; our boss and Mr. Mark in Hawaii have sold many types of "Advertising."  Daisy says one time they talked about how in 2014 a thirty second Super Bowl "Ad" or "Spot" costs millions of dollars.  A little Lizard just ran bye.  

           From what Dais heard, the L.A. Coliseum was chosen as the site of the first Super Bowl only six weeks before the event.  Now cities compete and work hard to be able to "host" a Super Bowl many "years in advance;" like how they pick Olympic cities.  Dawn's barking.    

               

          "SUPER BOWL I"             

            (LOS ANGELES / 1967)             

                            

           That first Super Bowl was called the "AFL / NFL World Championship Game," and was only renamed the Super Bowl a few years later.  Daisy says our boss told Miss Susan at work he heard the "most expensive" ticket in 1967 was twelve dollars.  She thought that funny.

            Dais says our boss "rooted" for the A.F.L. against the "Heavily Favored" N.F.L. in those first three Super Bowls, but all his friends wanted the to N.F.L. to win.  So he says, like "dumb guys" they all were; they argued about it in ridiculous ways.  I hear Crows cawing.

           In the first two Super Bowls the A.F.L. champs, the Kansas City "Chiefs" and Oakland "Raiders;" lost to the Green Bay "Packers."  The Packers Coach was that guy Vince Lombardi.  The Twin Joshua tree's two blended scents just now came floating in from the back desert. 

 

 THE "TWINS"   

              Daisy heard that first 1967 Super Bowl was not even "Sold Out" as they say.  Only sixty two thousand of the over one hundred thousand seats were filled.  Just a few weeks before that a  U.S.C. College Football game drew way more people I guess.   I like how the Twins smell.

                Hey God!  Mr. Steve says it's a good thing the first Super Bowl wasn't sold out.  At one end of the Coliseum was a giant clock, and during the game the heavy iron "hand" of the clock fell off and destroyed some empty seats.  Smelling the Twins makes me feel good.

             Did You save those people God, by having the game not be a sellout?  Had those seats at the Coliseum been filled, it's a "good possibility" our boss thinks; a few people "would've died."  Daisy thinks, because You have a reason for everything; it was probably You alright.  

       

 GREEN BAY "PACKERS" / KANSAS CITY "CHIEFS"

                     

              Because she's been in all parts of the house, Daisy saw that area near our boss's bedroom bathroom where he has all of the different logos he's done line drawings of over the years.  And two were the Packers and Chiefs I guess.   I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there. 

            Daisy says she liked the Packers "G" logo, but that other Dog Millie thought the Chiefs "Arrowhead" shaped emblem was better.  I've mentioned before how, sometimes our boss gives away copies of logos he's drawn or traced for others to color.  Two Pigeons flew bye.

           That first Super Bowl was "Blocked Out" in L.A., so wasn't on tv.  In those days I guess they thought putting events on tv hurt the "Attendance, whereas now almost all sporting events  can be seen on tv if a person's interested.  A Train whistled out in the northern desert.  

    

   THREE AMERICAN "NETWORKS"

(A.B.C – N.B.C – C.B.S. / 1967)        

     

           One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss and his father talking about how, in the 1960's; there were only those three "Major Networks" I mentioned yesterday.  So, there was a lot less to watch on tv.  Nowadays there are "dozens" of different channels according to Dais.

          That first Super Bowl was unique in certain ways, like being "Broadcast" on two of the three Networks;" which would never happen today Daisy heard.  There were "two" Second Half "Kickoffs" in that very first 1967 Super Bowl.  Andy's over there sniffing the air.

         I guess, one Network "mistimed" a "commercial break," so the Packers had to redo their first kick off to the Chiefs; which got Coach Lombardi mad.  Today many top bands play Super Bowl "Halftimes."  But in 1967 it was a High School marching band and "Drill Team."  

        

     PIGEON'S FLYING BYE           

                        

            What a coincidence.  Just when I'm about to write about how hundreds of Pigeons were released at halftime of the first Super Bowl, I look up to see two of our Pigeons flying bye going toward the north; or to my left.  Dawn's barking.  I can also smell Blinky and Rosie too.

            Mr. Steve read in that first Super Bowl two "types" of balls were used.  When the Packers had the ball a rounder N.F.L. "Duke" Football was used, the Chiefs Offense had the thin A.F.L. ball.  A thick football was "better-suited" for the Packers running "Ground" game. 

           Daisy heard the skinnier A.F.L. ball was easier to throw, which the Chiefs liked.  We like when our boss "Plays Catch" with people, either Baseball or Football; because then Daisy and I can also have fun trying to get the balls.  I'm good at catching things with my mouth. 

                                                                                                                         AL DAVIS (1929-2011)  

            

             At first the A.F.L. was at a disadvantage to the N.F.L. in getting the better Players so, for the "Entertainment Value;" wanted more offense than defense.  Lance Alworth's Chargers and the Oakland Raiders under that Coach Al Davis did that.  Andy's now looking at me.

             A picture shows Al Davis and I notice how the Oakland Raiders Players have two bars on their helmets for protection, and one has an all black helmet.  The caption says Al Davis was "at one time" the A.F.L.'s "Commissioner."  I smell Bravo Company behind the Sheds.

           Daisy says the Raiders, whether they were in Oakland or Los Angeles; use black as their primary color.  Using white and silver as secondary colors gives their uniforms an intimidating look.  The mid-afternoon shadows are leaning more and more away from me over here.

                            

                                  LANCE ALWORTH / SID GILLMAN (1911-2003)

         

                 I've mentioned before how the L.A. and then San Diego "Chargers" were one of the original early 1960's A.F.L. teams.  A tv show said the reason why they had a "potent" offense, besides having Lance Alworth as a Receiver; was their Coach Sid Gillman.  I smell Sage.

              That guy Sid Gillman liked passing, and in a picture I notice again how Lance Alworth only had a  single skinny bar on his helmet.  Daisy says now Football Players have "elaborate" face masks for protection.  She thinks they look kind of like Roman Gladiator helmets.

              Daisy heard our boss and his brother Sam one time talking about how most of the time the "Quarterbacks" in Football wears a number in the "Teens,"  But those 1960's Chargers had one who wore #21.  From 1955 through 1959 Sid Gillman was Coach of the N.F.L. Rams.

                                 

       SID GILLMAN (LOS ANGELES "RAMS" / 1955)         

PHOTO BY PHIL BATH            

          

           The caption below this picture says it shows Sid Gillman being "carried off the field" in celebration after his Rams team beat the Packers to win the 1955 N.F.L. championship.  Wow!  I would love to be carried like that.  I've mentioned before how our boss was born in 1955.

           It says here, on offense; Sid Gillman was an "ardent proponent" of  the "vertical game."  That means passing, in which he was a "creative innovator" whose influence is still felt.  Bravo Company, with their new babies; are using the gate slots to come in from the desert.   

             Daisy heard in the first Super Bowl the Packers beat the Chiefs by over twenty five points, The Packers "grinding" running offense was just too strong for the Chiefs.  Plus Mr. Steve said, the Packers also had a good Defense too.  Bravo Company all went underneath Manny.

                                                             

                                    COACHES HANK STRAM / VINCE LOMBARDI 

                                                              (FIRST SUPER BOWL / 1967)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

             A color picture shows the Chief's Coach Hank Stram shaking hands with Vince Lombardi at the end of that first Super Bowl.  They're both wearing ties I notice.  Daisy says now most of the Football Coaches just wear regular clothes, and don't really "dress up" for the game.

          In the picture you can see the far end of the Coliseum, and the big clock whose hand broke off.   I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's Nephews in Connecticut, Dalton and Austin; are fans of the New England "Patriots" Football team.  Libby's over there walking around.

         Like the Denver "Broncos," San Diego "Chargers" and Oakland "Raiders;" the Patriots were originally members of the A.F.L.   From what Dais says, in Football the Player called the "Center" has to "Hike" the ball to the Quarterback.  Boy!  The air is so clear right now. 

        

CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT      

               

              It was Daisy who explained how in Football once the Quarterback gets the ball from the Center, he can either "Pass" it to a Receiver; or  "Hand it Off" to a Running Back.  He can also run himself too.  Boy!  Seeing the blue sky over the back desert is making me feel good.   

           This tv show said Vince Lombardi's 1960's Packers were, "first and foremost;" a running team who threw the ball "sparingly."  Their "pounding" running game was intended to "wear down" an opponent in the same way some Boxers try to do in a fight.  I smell Sage.

            Dais says the Packers famous "Play" was a "Power Sweep," when the big Linemen who often drop straight back on passing plays to protect a throwing Quarterback; "Pull Out" and run to the left or right.  Then they "Block" for the Runner.  The Dragonfly zipped bye. 

    

GREEN BAY "POWER SWEEP"

                    

             A good diagram shows how the Packers Power Sweep play was supposed to work.  The Packers are shown in yellow circles, the other team in gray, and black lines show which defensive Players each offensive Player was supposed to block on the play.  A Lizard just ran bye.

            I notice on the diagram the Power Sweep requires the two big "Guards," shown with red lines; to run to the outside.  They get in front of the Running Back with the ball, and then knock out of the way defensive Players trying to "Make the Tackle."  I smell new Sage.  

            Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss talking to one of his customers in the State of "Rhode Island."  Like Mr. Steve's Nephews Dalton and Austin in Connecticut, he's a fan of the New England Patriots too.  His favorite Players was a Guard named John Hannah.  

              

JOHN HANNAH (NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS")

         

             Daisy says the Parts Manager in Rhode Island told Mr. Steve John Hannah was good at protecting Quarterbacks on passing plays, but "even better" at blocking for Runners on power sweeps.  Laverne and Shirley are leading Bravo Company from underneath Manny.

           The Part Manager joked, he would "hate to be a defensive player" trying to tackle the Patriots Runner; with John Hannah "paving the way" coming toward you.  Boy!  I'll bet Dais would be good at clearing the way for me if I were a Runner.  She can hit hard.

           I guess that other Dog Millie thought it was funny when Mr. Steve said, if there's ever a Dog Football team; Daisy could play Lineman.  Yesterday I wrote about that one time when she accidentally totally bowled Mr. Steve over.  He joked we could call Daisy a "Linegirl."

                                                           

                                      TOM BRADY (NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS)                                                                                                                               

           Daisy says our boss told that Parts Manager in Rhode Island about this other customer he has near the San Francisco Bay area.  That guy was Catholic and born in 1977 like Tom Brady so knew about him in High School.  Theodora just went running bye in front of the Sheds. 

          As I said yesterday, Tom Brady went to that one Catholic High School named after Father Serra; in "San Mateo."  That other Quarterback Doug Flutie, who I've been mentioning in these first two long books; is also a Roman Catholic just like us too.  Heathcliff crowed.

         Mr. Steve told that guy back in Rhode Island his customer in Northern California said Tom Brady was "not as good in High School and College as he's been as a professional."  The Patriots only Drafted him in the "6th Round" he said.  Ah!  I can smell a Lizard around here. 

    

TOM BRADY (MICHIGAN "WOLVERINES")  

        

                Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph one time he likes the Michigan "Wolverines" helmet design.  That was the College team Tom Brady played for after moving to the "Midwest" from the Bay Area.  Aha!  I just noticed the Lizard standing to the right of the Mulberry tree.  

           The Lizard is being totally still.  It knows any motion might attract the attention of things that would want to kill and then eat it.  Ah!  Seeing that Lizard makes me think of last year when I was smelling Libby while watching another Lizard standing near the Mulberry tree.

           I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve thinks, even though he's only seen him play on tv a few times; "objectively" Tom Brady must be the best Quarterback in history.  To have won so many Super Bowls seems to prove it.  And he's won them with different "types" of teams.        

                

                                                                       WOLVERINE       

                                                                                     

               Mentioning how Tom Brady's College team was called the Wolverines made me want to look up real Wolverines in this Encyclopedia.  In the pictures you can see how they have really long claws.  The caption says they also have "sharp" teeth and very "powerful" jaws. 

            I guess Wolverines will fight and kill much bigger Animals.  Daisy says she and Millie saw a tv show that said they're like those "Tasmanian Devils" who live down there in Australia.  That Lizard ducked under one of the boulder's around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.

            Daisy thinks Wolverines must also be kind of like those "Badgers" I've mentioned a few times over the last two days.  They also have short but extra powerful legs which can dig down into the ground fast.  Dawn's barking and I smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to her.

    

                               "SPARTANS"                                  MICHIGAN STATE "SPARTANS"                                                  

            Tom Brady went to the "University of Michigan," but Daisy heard our boss tell his mom  the other College from the State of Michigan is "Michigan State University."  Their sports teams are called the "Spartans," like in ancient Greece; or Sylmar High.  I like Blinky's smell.

           Daisy says Mr. Steve did a line drawing of the Michigan State logo, which shows a Spartan helmet from the side; or "In Profile."  He's also drawn the Sylmar High emblem too I guess.  A line of Grease Ants is marching bye on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's coffee table. 

           One time our boss and Miss Babette talked about how, after retiring from Football; John Elway bought Auto Dealerships they've sold things too.  Before the economic recession Mr. Steve sold things to his "Chrysler" dealer in "Greeley."  Greeley is a "Suburb" of Denver.  

                                                                                                                                          HORACE GREELEY (1811-1872)     

         

              I guess, from what Daisy heard; Greeley, Colorado was named for a man named Horace Greeley.  This Encyclopedia says he was the "founder and editor" of a 19th century New York City Newspaper called the "Tribune."  Boy!  That man Horace Greeley had messy hair. 

            A few years ago Mr. Steve and his father made a business trip to Denver, so drove up to Greeley; to see the house they lived in for a short time in the mid-1950's.  Horace Greeley I guess was famous for saying, "Go west young man."   Max the Hummingbird flew bye. 

           Horace Greeley served one term as a "Congressman" representing New York State in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C.   In 1872, seven years after the Civil War ended; I guess he ran for the Presidency but lost to Ulysses S. Grant.   I smell some Arborvitae.    

                              

                                                                                      "DENVER," COLORADO   

     

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about the city of "Denver," and how it's called the "Mile High City" because it's located up in some tall mountains.  This is interesting.   I guess that guy Horace Greeley helped "found," and "may have" named; the "Republican" party.

            I wrote yesterday how the Republican party began in the year 1854, six years before the Civil War broke out.  That one famous Explorer John C. Frémont was the very first Republican candidate for the U.S. Presidency.  Until 1854 Republicans were called "Whigs."

           As I said in my first book, in the mid-19th century it was mostly Democrats who wanted to keep the "Institution of Slavery" alive.   But Republicans like Horace Greeley, and also Abraham Lincoln; didn't want it to "Expand" into new areas of America.   Andy's looking at me.

                                                     

  ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865)       

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER                

                

            President Lincoln's "primary focus" was to "preserve the union," and not to "outright ban slavery."  As I said yesterday, his "Emancipation Proclamation" during the war did not free the Slaves in Maryland, Delaware, Missouri and Kentucky.  They never left the Union.

            In 1862, the second year of the Civil War, President Lincoln wrote Horace Greeley that  letter.  It said; "If I could save the Union without freeing any Slaves I would do it.  If I could preserve the Union by freeing all the Slaves I would do it."  Heathcliff is crowing.  

           Hey Lord!  I just thought about the “Four Points” area of "Littlerock, where Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family lives. "Day Laborers" looking for work go there.  In 1985 the Tour Guide Haim said You and Your dad, and Your four brothers; were "probably" Day Laborers. 

    

SAINT JOSEPH TEACHING HIS SON

           

                  Hey St. Joseph!  That Tour Guide Haim told Mr. Steve's Group, you were described as being a "Tekton" in the original Greek New Testament.  That means "One who works with his hands," so You and Your brothers were not just Carpenters Lord.  A Train whistled.   

             In Sylmar Day Laborers stand in front of a Store called "Home Depot" hoping for work.  In 1985 Lord, Haim said a Roman town called "Sepphoris" is where You and Your brothers most likely went with Your father Joseph to find work.  The mid-afternoon air is so clear.

            All of a sudden I just thought of those ruins near us, all that's left of that one early 20th century "Socialist Utopian" community "Llano del Rio."  As I've said before, our boss's father thinks there are good things about both Capitalism and Socialism.  I smell Heathcliff.

              

                       SEA OF "GALILEE"                                        WALKING ON WATER

PHOTO BY ALLAN LEE                                                                                                                          

              Hey Lord!  I just thought of that Israeli Kibbutz Mr. Steve visited, located near the "Sea of Galilee.  Boy!  If we could borrow Mr. Peabody's Way Back time machine I know for sure Dais and I would want to see You walk on the Sea of Galilee.  That would be so great! 

             Dais says our boss's dad thinks Llano del Rio failed because Socialism, where everyone is supposedly equal; sounds good "On Paper."  But, in "Real Life;" it seems necessary that some "Outrank" others.  And most people usually want to acquire "Material Possessions."

               In a Socialist society "Individuality" is also discouraged and "Frowned On."  The good of the "Group" is way more important, and everyone "Shares" everything.  Hey!  In a way you could say we're kind of Socialist around here as our boss always shares things with us.  

  

                       MAO ZEDONG (1893-1976)                     JOSEPH STALIN (1878-1953)

            I've mentioned those guys Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin a few times.  As "Communist" Socialists, they believed in Karl Marx's ideas; so saw 19th and 20th century Capitalism as a very bad thing for all of the "Common People."  I've written about that subject before.  

           Mr. Steve and his father admit that, "Industrialism," since the late 18th century; has been "Exploitive" of the poor.  They use the "Masses" for "Cheap Labor" and then throw them away and replace them with other inexpensive Workers.  Those Workers died young.

          During the late 19th century, at the time of those rich "Robber Barons;" Mr. Steve's dad says "unbridled greed" existed.  Emma Goldman saw that, and wanted to let everyone know.   Mr. Steve's dad joked the Robber Barons called themselves "Captains of Industry."     

                       

                          EMMA GOLDMAN (1869-1940)               

                                                                                    

             Mr. Steve says that girl Emma Goldman didn't like "willfully ignorant and uninformed" people.  He feels now in 2014 too many Americans are "shallow, superficial and weak-minded."  Mr. Grant joked it's "ironic" how "Smart" phones have "made people dumber."  

             Some now are "easily tricked" by Politicians, or people trying to "separate them from their money" as they say in the "Gaming" Industry our boss thinks.   The average American is not informed on "even the most basic" of issues.  Samson and Delilah flew bye. 

             Daisy saw a tv show where that guy Winton Churchill jokingly said, "The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter."  I still have a little bit more to write about what they call "Laissez- Faire" economics.  Heathcliff crowed.  

                      

         MARGARET THATCHER'S FAMILY                       MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

    

             I wrote down another quote Daisy heard our boss tell his father on the phone one time.  It was by Margaret Thatcher who I'm named after.  She said, "The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."  Mr. Steve's dad thought that was funny.

                According to this French Dictionary, the phrase Laissez-Faire would be; "Let them go" or "Let go."  In English it's, "An economic system where business between private individuals or entities is completely free from any government interference."  Daffy's quacking.  

           Mr. Steve's father thinks Laissez-Faire produces periods like the second half of the 19th century where those American Robber Barons "Got away with Murder" as they say.  From the year 1865, when the Civil War ended; waves of poor migrants were "Worked to Death."

                            

16TH-18TH CENTURY "SLAVE ROUTES"                              AFRICAN SLAVES                        

               

           Greed and Slavery have always existed but, by the 16th century when sailing Ships were getting way better; it became "Big Business" in the "Western" world.  So countries like Spain, Portugal and England used their navies to make more money.  They sold African Slaves.

           Daisy says our boss thinks Europe, when the Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century; "benefited most."  The ability to work with metals allowed them to make a lot better weapons and things like that.  Two Crows are now  fighting out there in the desert.

           I've said before how since ancient times, a culture with better weaponry will "Vanquish" another group; then make the survivors Slaves.  For all of human history "Might is Right" has been true.  Like Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha said, "It's just not fair that life is not fair."

     

                      KING LOUIS XVI EXECUTED                       NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE

  

           I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's father thinks, when the "gap between rich and poor gets too wide" in a modern society; "bad things can happen."  Many "Upper Class" people  were killed by the poor during the French Revolution.   Then that guy Napoléon took over.           

             That painting shows King Louis XVI's cut off head being shown to the crowd during the French Revolution's "Reign of Terror."  Someday I'll see that little miniature "Guillotine" on the divider separating the kitchen and dining room.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.                      

            Daisy heard our boss's dad say, in 2014 the U.S. "still has" the biggest "Middle Class" in the world, but it's "getting smaller" every year.  Because "greed is often encouraged," the "gap    between rich and poor is growing."  Hopefully there will won't be a revolution in America.                                 

                            "COLONIAL" ERA                   AFRICA                    MODERN NATIONS

      

                 A good map shows which areas of Africa the European countries came to control.  Over the last two days I've learned a lot about "Colonialism" or "Imperialism," made possible mainly as the result of Europe's "Superior Technology" our boss thinks.  I smell some Mesquite. 

           Having modern weaponry, since the 16th century; European countries could just come in and do whatever they wanted because no one could stop them.  Bravo Company, with their new babies; are going out into the back desert through the gate slots.  Libby whinnied.

          All of a sudden I just thought about how Germany and Italy weren't even countries until the mid-19th century.  Germany was created in 1871, six years after the American Civil War; by that "Prussian" German man Otto von Bismarck.  He "United" the German speakers.

    

   NAPOLÉON III (1898-1873) /  OTTO VON BISMARCK (1815-1898)      

 

              I like that painting of "Bismarck" sitting with a "defeated" Napoléon III after beating  France in that 1871 "Franco-Prussian" war.  I wrote before how Napoléon Bonaparte's Nephew had to surrender with one hundred thousand French Soldiers.  Cleo and Leo flew bye. 

            Oh!  I just noticed how that guy Napoléon III was born on the 20th of April, which I know is also Adolph Hitler's birthday too.  Napoléon III and Hitler were both "Dictators" but, under Napoléon III the city of Paris was rebuilt.  Hitler never rebuilt Berlin like he planned. 

            Mr. Steve one time talked with Mr. Ivan about how Germany had a few African colonies at the beginning of the 20th century, but wanted more.  England, France and Belgium had a lot of them so Germany thought it deserved to have more too.  I can smell Andy over there.

                   

                                                                                "BATTLE OF "JUTLAND" 

                                             ("SKAGERRAK" STRAIT / MAY 31-JUNE 1, 1916)                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY CLAUS BERGEN                           

           

              I remember Mr. Ivan saying how, by the 20th century the new German Nation had a strong Navy; which to the British was a threat.  During Queen Victoria's time in the 19th century the British Navy, as I've said before; was the strongest in the world.   Dawn's barking.  

                  When World War I began in 1914 the British Royal Navy blockaded and "Bottled Up" the German Warships in port.  But then, on May 31, 1916; the Germans went out to meet them and a big battle took place.  Mr. Steve's Niece Raqquel was born on May the 30th.

            My Encyclopedia says the "Battle of Jutland" was the "largest" First World War Naval battle.  That "engagement" was the only "full scale clash of Battleships" in that war.  There were about 10,000 of those "Casualties" I've written about.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.  

      

                                                                                          "BATTLE OF JUTLAND"

                         PAINTING BY RONE EMBLETON                                                                                                                                                               PAINTING BY CLAUS BERGEN

                                                                               

            Wow!  My Encyclopedia says, between the two "Fleets;" two hundred and fifty Warships took part in the Battle of Jutland.  Over that two day battle the British lost fourteen Ships while the German's had eleven sunk.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye way up there.   

                Mr. Ivan thinks Germany, at the turn of the century; looked around and saw a system of "exploitation."  European "Have" countries got to "Take advantage Of" the "Have  Not" areas like in Africa or over in India.  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left.

           European countries had "Industrial Revolution" technology, so their weapons gave them the "Right" to do whatever they wanted.  The Battle of Jutland was a "Draw" so, from then on; the Germans shifted to using those underwater Submarines.  I smell some Mesquite.      

                                                         

                                      THEODORE "TEDDY" ROOSEVELT (1858-1919)

             The next thing on my outline to learn about is that guy named Teddy Roosevelt, who was the President for a few years.  In College at C.S.U.N., Mr. Steve met a girl who knew a lot about the Roosevelt family; especially Teddy Roosevelt.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

             Daisy says that girl, who he met in the school cafeteria; told him Teddy Roosevelt was a "bundle of contradictions."  I guess, Mr. Steve thinks; to some extent everyone is like that.  She said Teddy Roosevelt was a rich Conservative who "advocated" for the poor. 

            Teddy Roosevelt hunted Animals but was one of the first "Environmentalists."  He liked war but was given the "Nobel Peace Prize."  Teddy Roosevelt didn't drink alcohol but drank a lot of coffee.  "Larger than Life," his energy "sucked all of the oxygen out of a room." 

                

            TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND FAMILY                                    MR. IVAN

            

              Our boss and Mr. Ivan talked about how Teddy Roosevelt's family were from the State of "New York; and he and his wife had five kids.  He was not one to "mince words" in calling a "Spade a Spade" Mr. Ivan joked   Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye in front of the Sheds.

              I guess, as a boy Teddy Roosevelt was "sickly," but he overcame it through exercise and "will power."  Looking at desert behind the Sheds makes me think about how Teddy Roosevelt really loved the "Outdoors," especially the "Grand Canyon.  I smell new Sage.  

             From 1865 when the Civil War ended, until the 20th century; a few were rich but most were poor.  John D. Rockefeller got wealthy from drilling oil, Andrew Carnegie by making steel; and J.P. Morgan in Banking.  Daisy says there are guys like Robber Barons in 2014.

    

"ROBBER BARONS"

             I've mentioned before how those rich American "Robber Barons" made their employees work in really dangerous conditions for long hours.  When they all died young they just went out and got some more poor guys to do the hard work for low pay.  Two Crows are fighting.

             The Robber Barons didn't like Teddy Roosevelt, because when he became the President he helped take away their power in a Capitalist system.  He didn't worship money the way they did.  Now a few Crows fighting out there so it must be over food and not a girl Crow.

             One of the things Mr. Steve's father lectured on in his school for Stockbrokers was "Anti-Trust" law.   During Teddy Roosevelt's time the Robber Barons lost their ability to create those "Monopolies" in business.  From then on they had to "share" some money Daisy thinks.  

   

                                                                                                 "TEDDY" BEAR

             Daisy says, in the guest bedroom Mr. Steve has "Stuffed Animals" sitting on one of the beds; one a "Teddy" Bear named after Teddy Roosevelt.  Boy!  What an honor to have a stuffed Animal named for you.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are now flying bye.

            Mr. Ivan agrees with Teddy Roosevelt that after the Civil War ended in 1865, all those "Industrialist" Robber Barons took "unfair advantage" of the poor Workers.  They used waves of immigrants for "Cheap Labor."  But Teddy Roosevelt didn't like that I guess.

            It says here Teddy Roosevelt was New York State's "Governor" before being President later.  He was a friend of that man named John Muir, who showed him how beautiful some of the areas in California are.  Some of the Ducks are quacking, with Daffy of course louder.

  

       TEDDY ROOSEVELT / JOHN MUIR (1838-1914)   

             

            The caption below a picture of Teddy Roosevelt standing next to John Muir says they're in Northern California at that place "Yosemite."  I guess John Muir is now called the "Father of Conservation."  Teddy Roosevelt fought in that "Spanish-American War" of 1898. 

           Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show that said Teddy Roosevelt was very important in helping to protect parts of the American "Wilderness."  So I guess, in that way; he was "Ahead of his Time" as they say.  I like the hats people used to wear back in those days. 

          In 1900 that man William McKinley was elected as the U.S.'s 25th President, with Teddy Roosevelt being his "Vice President."  From the State of "Ohio," McKinley had fought for the Union during the Civil War.  Fred, Ed and Ted are all flying over Libby's Corral.

                                                                                                                                              WILLIAM MCKINLEY (1843-1901)                                               

                  

            In 1901 William McKinley was assassinated so Teddy Roosevelt, like Andrew Johnson after Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson in 1963; became President.  The Robber Barons had paid to get McKinley elected.  They all thought Teddy Roosevelt as V.P. would be powerless. 

            When Teddy Roosevelt became President he was only forty two years old so that means, when he went down to Cuba to fight in 1898's Spanish American War; he was thirty nine.  Rudy the Roadrunner, with Andy watching; just ran bye.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.  

           Mr. Steve over the years has made those "Collages" I've mentioned before.  A collage in this Encyclopedia shows two of the four U.S. Presidents who have been "Killed in Office,"  and the two men who replaced them.  I can smell that new baby Cholla cactus over there. 

                                    

FOUR AMERICAN PRESIDENTS

           The caption below the collage says it's a "coincidence" that, after Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865 and J.F.K. died in 1863; both men who "stepped into" the Presidency had the last name of "Johnson."   Boy!  That is a coincidence!  Mr. Steve has known some "Johnsons." 

           Before President Roosevelt those rich Robber Barons got what Mr. Ivan that time called "obscenely wealthy."  He also used the phrase "morbidly rich" Daisy and I both noticed.  But their "monopolistic" power ended when Teddy Roosevelt "curbed" their power.  

           I guess, Teddy Roosevelt, a liberal Republican like President Lincoln; offered the poor a "Square Deal."  I've said before how our boss's dad, and Mr. Ivan; are "Fiscal" progressives but "Socially" conservative by 2014 standards.  Theodora ran bye in front o the Sheds.  

                                  

                                                     U.S. ARMY "ROUGH RIDERS"      

                                                        ("SPANISH-AMERICAN" WAR / 1898)

          

           Before he became the 26th President Teddy Roosevelt fought in that "Spanish-American War" down there in Cuba.  He raised one of those "Volunteer" Regiments, which was called the "Rough Riders."  Daisy heard that many of those volunteers were from New Mexico.   

          My Encyclopedia says the Rough Riders "performed bravely" against the Spanish in Cuba at the "Battle of San Juan Hill."  Intended to be a Cavalry Unit, they ended fighting on foot as Infantry; like William Wing Loring's Regiment in the Mexican War.  I smell Sage.

          As I've said before, by the end of the 19th century Spain was very weak.  What in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries had been one of the most powerful countries in the world in 1898 was an "Empty Shell" as they say.  I can hear some Crows squawking out there in the desert.

         

                                                    "DECLINE" OF SPANISH EMPIRE

      

            Wow!  A map shows how far down Spain's Empire went from the late 18th century to the period of the Spanish American War a century later.  The caption uses the word "disintegrating" to describe the Spanish Empire in 1898.  Frida and Diego flew over top of the house.

           So, the United States had no problem in easily beating all the Spanish forces in what would turn out to be a very short war.  Daisy says a few years ago our boss met an older man from the State of Oklahoma.  He said his Grandfather was a member of the Rough Riders.

           Mr. Steve and the man from Oklahoma discussed how some of Teddy Roosevelt's "people" who "Served" in the Spanish-American War were from Arizona.  I guess, at the "Battle of San Juan Hill" the only one on a Horse was Teddy Roosevelt.  Dawn's barking over there.

                                                                                                      "BATTLE OF SAN JUAN HILL" (JULY 1,1898)  

                                                                  PAINTING BY FREDERICK REMINGTON

                               

                 A good painting by that guy Frederick Remington shows Teddy Roosevelt leading his men in a charge against Spanish Soldiers defending San Juan Hill.  Boy!  No wonder Mr. Steve and his mom like Frederick Remington's paintings so much.  A Train whistled faintly.

           Because in 1898 the Rough Riders were volunteers they didn't have to fight in that war if they didn't want to.  In the 1960's, during the "Vietnam" War; they had that "Draft" where you had no choice about going in the military.  Our boss still has his "Draft Card." 

           In 1967 that Boxer Muhammad Ali refused to be Drafted so got "Stripped" of his World Heavyweight Title.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve came within about a year of being drafted in 1973.  I just noticed Libby over there to my right walking around very slowly in her Corral. 

                 

                                                                            LIBBY

                                             ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTINS BEHIND TO THE SOUTH)

 

            I guess, because the Rough Riders, or "First Volunteer Cavalry Regiment" were meant to fight on horseback; the members had to be good "Cowboys" and "Handlers" of Horses.  All of them were used to living outdoors.  Boy!  Libby's pleasant scent makes me feel good.

           Daisy jokes Libby's slow and careful way of walking makes it looks like she doesn't want to fall and get injured.  One time on the phone Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick talked about how some older Baseball players run "Flat-Footed" so they won't get hurt.  I run really fast!

           By the end of the 19th century Spain had lost most of its Colonies, Mexico having broken away in 1821 and then; one by one many of their other New World areas also did the same.  And in 1898 the U.S. took Cuba, Guam and the Philippines too.  A Lizard went running bye.

     

                     SIMÓN BOLIVAR (1783-1830)               MR. JULIO / WIFE ROSARIO                                          PAINTING BY ARTURO MICHELEÑA                                                                                                                                                                                     

    

               I just looked up that Venezuelan guy Simón Bolivar, called the "George Washington of South America" because he helped "liberate" parts of Spain's New World Empire.  Daisy says one time she heard our boss and Mr. Julio talk about him.  A vapor trail is up in the sky.

              Boy!  I love the fancy Napoleonic type uniform Simón Bolivar is wearing in the painting of him.  Mr. Steve's customer Mr. Bob, who grew up in Antelope Valley; is a Parts Manager at that one Ford Dealership in "Bolivar," Missouri.   The scent of Mesquite floated in.

             Mr. Bob and our boss have talked about Simon Bolivar.  And they've also discussed the American Civil War when General Grant fought for the Union while his friend Simon Bolivar Butler fought for the Rebels.  Ah!  I really love breathing fresh air just through my nose.

             

         ULYSSES S. GRANT (1822-1885)                     SIMON BOLIVAR BUTLER (1823-1915)  

               

           General Grant's friend Simon Bolivar Butler was from the State of "Kentucky;" and after the Civil War became a Politician.  I've mentioned how Mr. Bob went to "Antelope Valley" High School, where Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart also went to.  Heathcliff crowed.

            According to my outline I still have more to learn about the Spanish-American War.  My Encyclopedia says it was "ignited" in 1898 when an American Ship, the "Maine;" mysteriously blew up while "docked" in Cuba's "Havana Harbor."  Cleo and Leo flew bye. 

           The U.S. Government accused the Spanish of "sabotage," they totally denied any what's called "Culpability" or "Liability."  That just means they said they were "Not Guilty" like in a court case from what Daisy heard.  I smell the Joshua trees behind Andy over there.   

         

                                                        "U.S.S. MAINE" EXPLODES 

                                                           ("HAVANA" HARBOR, CUBA / 1898)    

PAINTING BY JOSEPH BOGGS BEALE        

               

              The caption below a painting of the U.S.S. Maine exploding says over two hundred Sailors were killed.  I guess, Mr. Steve's father thinks the U.S., like before the Mexican War, World War II and Vietnam War; was "probably looking for an excuse to go to war."  I smell Sage.     

               Our boss jokes the Spanish-American War was the kind of "short and sweet" war every country likes, "against a weak opponent."  Many wars expected to be short have turned out to be those "long and bloody wars of attrition."  A flock of Birds flew over Libby's Corral.    

           I wrote yesterday how Mr. Steve thinks President Polk "Lured" Mexico into war in 1846, by getting them to fire "The first Shot."  And the Spanish-American War is another example of a strong America against a way weaker adversary.  The Mexican War lasted for two years.

                 

                                                      "MEXICAN WAR" (1846-1847)  

PAINTING AT MCLEAN COUNTY MUSEUM                                                                                                                                                                                        

       

              Mr. Steve told his father at least Santa Anna's Mexicans "put up a pretty good fight" in the Mexican War.  But, the Spanish-American War was what they call "One-Sided;" so Spain's military was "No Match" in any way.  Max the Hummingbird just went whizzing bye.

              In 1898 the Spanish said the explosion that blew up the U.S.S. Maine came from within the Ship but it didn't matter because the United States wanted war "No matter What."  War was quickly "Declared" with "little or no debate."  A Train whistled over to my right.   

             At the time of the Spanish-American War that really rich man William Randolph Hearst owned American Newspapers.  My Encyclopedia says they used "sensationalism," or "Yellow Journalism;" to sell more Newspapers.   I guess they "fanned the flames" for a war.     

 

                                         WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST (1863-1951)

   

            "Hearst" Newspapers got people like Teddy Roosevelt mad at Spain.  Cuba was invaded and within ten weeks all the Spanish Ships in Cuba and the Philippines were destroyed.  William Randolph Hearst used to go Santa Barbara's "Miramar" Hotel like Mr. Steve's family.

           Daisy says our boss and his dad think the American Constitution's "First Amendment" guarantees of "Free Speech and Press" are important.  The Founding Fathers felt they were both necessary to insure a "Free Society."  Newspapers can also be a government "Watchdog." 

               Those guys Aldous Huxley, and his Student George Orwell; warned in their books of what may happen if Newspapers and things like that are not "Objective" in their coverage.  They can even become "Propaganda" for the government or other groups.  Andy's looking at me. 

     

                                             "CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (1787)

PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY                                                                                                                                                                              

             I guess, the Founding Fathers thought a Free Press makes it "more likely" you'll have a population of "informed voters."  George Orwell's "New Speak," like what happened in Russia, China and Germany; "Manipulates" how people think.  And now there's the "Internet."  

            Mr. Steve thinks Adolph Hitler was good at "Propaganda" and "Organization," so was able to convince many Germans he could solve their problems.  And, for a few years he did; but then he went and started World War II.  That smart man Joseph Goebbels helped him.

           Joseph Goebbels wrote a Diary and Mr. Steve and his father read parts of it.  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about Joseph Goebbels which said his enemies hated him because he, as a writer of propaganda; was "so good" at what he did.   Donald and Daisy are quacking.                                                                  

JOSEPH GOEBBELS (1897-1945)

       

               Our boss says many people, "begrudgingly;" now think Joseph Goebbels was the best "Propagandist" of all time.  Even his Second World War British opponents "had to admit" how really talented he was.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over the Sheds and going east.

            The Soviet Union's propagandists admired Joseph Goebbels and wished they could be as good as he was at "Spinning" the news and things like that.  Daisy told me a tv show said he was short and had a "Club" foot.  So it always bothered him that he couldn't be a Soldier.

            Dais says the tv show said Joseph Goebbels, like Hitler; was a good speaker who "could "use his voice" as well as his pen to motivate and influence others.  Oh!  I'll bet that was kind of like Rhêma.  Daisy remembers she and Millie noticed how he and his wife had many kids.   

                    

     JOSEPH GOEBBELS "ORATOR"      

        COLORIZED BY JULIA KOTERIUS                   

                                                       

            Mr. Steve and his dad think Joseph Goebbels is still influencing people, but they "just don't know it."  Using some of his ideas for selling Hitler and Nazism; nowadays a "Product" is sold.  This Encyclopedia has a good painted black and white picture of him speaking.    

           I just thought of a black and white movie Daisy told me about called "Citizen Kane."  It came out in 1941, just before Imperial Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.  Supposedly, it's "secretly" about William Randolph Hearst Dais heard.

          One time our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about a man named Orson Welles.  He "Directed" that movie Citizen Kane, which Daisy says was filmed in a "very artistic way;" but lost money in 1941.  It's now thought of as being one of the best movies "Of all Time" Daisy told me.        

                            

                                                           "CITIZEN KANE" (1941)       

             

                  This one Encyclopedia describes that movie Citizen Kane as being about a "Newspaper Magnate's ruthless pursuit of power," which does kind of sound like William Randolph Hearst alright Daisy heard.  In the movie the man's dying word was "Rosebud."  I smell Sage.

               It says here, back in 1941 Movie Critics "praised" Citizen Kane and, even though it was "unprofitable;" it was "Nominated" for nine "Academy Awards."  Mr. Steve says Orson Welles knew how to use light, or "lack of it;" to "his advantage."  Rudy just zoomed bye.

            Orson Welles was "influenced" by that earlier Director D.W. Griffith, who in 1915 made that "Silent" called "Birth of a Nation" about the Ku Klux Klan.  That's what it says here in this one Encyclopedia.   Dust Speedy raised is still lingering and floating around in the air.

             

            D.W. GRIFFITH (1875-1948)                               "BIRTH OF A NATION" (1915)                                                            

            Daisy heard and our boss tell Mr. Ralph one time how he thinks D.W. Griffith was "very scientific" in how he used film equipment.  Dais says that Dog Millie noticed in Citizen Kane the Newspaper owner's big mansion was named "Xanadu."  A Train just whistled faintly.

            In book one I wrote about that Italian guy Marco Polo who, in the 13th century; went to the Chinese city of Xanadu.  Kublai Khan, China's Emperor in those days; was Genghis Khan's Grandson; in the 1200's Xanadu being his capitol city.  Andy's sniffing the air. 

            Not only did Orson Welles Direct Citizen Kane, he also wrote, acted and "Produced" it too.  He's described here as having been "innovative," and Dais noticed how Citizen Kane had some "pretty good music" in it too.  A little gray Sparrow carrying a twig just ran bye.  

          

                             ORSON WELLES (1915-1985)                                MR. RALPH  

    

           Mr. Ralph likes how Orson Welles used "Flashback" techniques to "Narrate" his movie Citizen Kane.  In 1938, when Mr. Steve's father was six and his mom three; Orson Welles did a    "Radio Broadcast" called "War of the Worlds."  I guess our boss has a cassette copy of it.            

            Daisy heard War of the Worlds, which panicked people because they thought it was real; is about Martians invading Earth.  It was originally broadcast on October 30th, the day before    Grandma Trujillo's twenty fourth birthday.   Orson Welles "was made to" apologize.                    

          The Great Depression was still going in 1938.  That was was a year before World War II began when Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia made that surprise "Alliance of Convenience" to    divide up and conquer Poland.  Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral.                       

                                                     "WAR OF THE WORLDS"  (2005)         

      

             Daisy saw this scary picture taken from a 2005 movie of War of the Worlds, which was based on that 1938 Radio Broadcast.  It showed a giant monster, or some type of "three-legged machine" walking towards the shocked people looking up at it.  Heathcliff is crowing.  

           I remember Miss Susan saying her friend's Grandparents in New Jersey "fell for" Orson Welles broadcast.  They'd missed the beginning when it was explained to the audience, and there were no commercials so it seemed like a real "News Bulletin."  I smell Manzanita.    

          Some people got really mad at Orson Welles in 1938 but, "in the long Run;" it turned out alright as at least he "got attention" our boss thinks.  All of a sudden, for some reason I just now thought about William Randolph Hearst's Granddaughter.  An orange boy Finch flew bye. 

                                 

        PATRICIA HEARST   

                                                                                                               

             Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show about William Randolph Hearst's Granddaughter named Patricia Hearst.  I guess people just called her "Patty."  Dais thinks our boss thought she was pretty and, in some pictures; even kind of looks a little bit like his dead sister Celina. 

           Mr. Steve met a girl from "Modesto" in Northern California, who knew a lot about Patty Hearst; and what happened to her in the 1970's.  I guess, because of her famous family; she was "Kidnapped."  Boy!  If I were ever kidnapped I'd try to escape and come back here.

           An extreme "Left Wing" group, the "Symbionese Liberation Army; in early 1974 broke in and stole Patty Hearst.  Daisy says our boss was at Valley Junior College in that year.  He thinks "Symbionese" may have something to do with "mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships?" 

                  
     PATRICIA HEARST

           HUTTON ARCHIVE / GETTY IMAGES

                     

            That girl from Modesto thought, "at first " those "Terrorists" probably just wanted to "ransom" Patty Hearst for money.  But then Daisy says, Patty Hearst began to "sort of like" her  kidnappers; so after that even helped them to do bad things.  Daffy's quacking over there.            

           Symbionese Liberation Army is a long name so, they just shortened it down to the three letters "S.L.A." I guess.  The tv show said some think they "Brainwashed" Patty Hearst to be a    terrorist just like they were already.  Jack sprinted bye right in front of the Sheds.                          

              Dais saw this picture of that girl Patty Hearst holding a gun in front of the S.L.A. logo, which our boss drew one time.  Mr. Steve showed the girl from Modesto a 1974 "Wanted Poster" with Patty Hearst on it.  He was given it by this friend who worked at the Post Office.

         

     F.B.I. "WANTED" POSTER 

                     

             Daisy says the Patty Hearst poster is actually a "Flyer," sent to the Sylmar Post Office by the F.B.I.  I guess, over the years our boss has given "Copies" of it to people interested in that subject; which that girl really was so he gave her one too.  Daffy's quacking over there.

           The girl from Northern California also took an extra copy for her father.  In that tv show about Patty Hearst, it said she seemingly eventually "willingly" became one of the S.L.A.; until many of them were killed by Police in a huge "Shoot Out" here in L.A.  I smell Sage.

           Mr. Steve says he remembers the early 1970's as being really violent and, in those days; it was the "Left" who were doing it and hated the Federal Government.  Dais says, now it seems to be the "Right" who hate government; and want revolution.  The Dragonfly zipped bye.     

     

S.L.A. BANK ROBBERY (1974)

ARTWORK BY QATHI GALLAHER HART         

              

          Daisy saw a cartoon where Patty Hearst carried a gun when the S.L.A. robbed a bank.  The S.L.A. began in Northern California but, when the "Heat" got too much; moved down here.  During the bank robbery Patty Hearst's gun "Jammed."  A Train whistled to my left.                    

           The girl from Modesto said after she was "accepted" into the S.L.A., Patty Hearst's new name became "Tanya;" just like an Ice Skater Dais told me about.  That girl "Debra" who Mr.    Steve dated had a daughter named "Talia."  Two Pigeons are flying over the Sheds.                       

             Patty Hearst had to go to prison as an "Accessory" in crimes where some innocent people died Daisy says.  She "Served" almost two years until her long "Sentence" was what they call      "Commuted" by President Carter.  So that means she was then able to be totally free.                                                                

           PATTY HEARST            

                       

                Patty Hearst is the only person whose sentence was not only commuted by a President; in the 1990's she was "Pardoned" too by President Clinton.  She now raises "Show" Dogs I guess.  Our boss's Nephew Sammy Jr. raises those "Yorky" Dogs like Mr. Mark's Dog Karma.   

               One time a man from India told our boss the S.L.A.'s seven-headed "Cobra" Snake logo was taken from an ancient "Sri Lankan" symbol.  Mr. Steve told the girl what that guy said, and gave her a copy of the line drawing logo he did of it.  Dawn and Blinky are barking. 

             Daisy heard, up in Northern California; Patty Hearst's famous Grandfather built this big house called the "Hearst Castle."  I guess Mr. Steve's mom's Girl Scout troops drove up there to visit it a few times.  That guy Huell Howser had a segment on "San Simeon" Daisy says. 

                

                                            "BATTLE OF MANILLA BAY" (MAY 1, 1898)

                 PAINTING BY ALBERT J. WERNER                                                                                        LITHOGRAPH BY RAND MCNALLY                        

                   

           Oh!  I still have a little bit more to write about the Spanish-American War, which the U.S. won easily in 1898.  Daisy said one time Mr. Ralph joked it was "like a Heavyweight fighting a Lightweight."  A small flock of Birds, which look like Pigeons; is going bye way up there.

           The U.S. took a lot of land from Spain in 1898, the U.S. Navy sinking most of the Warships in their Naval Fleet in Cuba and the Philippines.  The American Navy totally slaughtered all the Spanish Sailors I guess.  Some Crows are fighting out there in the eastern desert. 

          Ah!  This Encyclopedia says the term "Rough Rider" comes from that guy Buffalo Bill's "Wild West" show.  As I said earlier, in that "one-sided war" against Spain the U.S. took Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines; and that Pacific Ocean island "Guam."  I smell Mesquite.

                   

                                                  "CORONATION OF NAPOLÉON"

                                               ("NOTRE DAME" CATHEDRAL / DECEMBER 2, 1804)

PAINTING BY JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID

                

            I just thought of how that guy Napoléon Bonaparte was so arrogant he crowned himself as Emperor.  Mr. Steve thinks he "took advantage" of French Revolution's violence and political chaos for his own purposes.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve has a miniature Guillotine.                  

         Mr. Steve's father thinks in 1898 Teddy Roosevelt knew Cubans "wanted" independence from Spain anyway so, like Napoléon I; "exploited" the situation in 1898 for "selfish purposes"    or "personal gain."  There are two vapor trails way up in the mid-afternoon sky.                            

     Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and his dad talking about how influential the Roosevelt family were in the 20th century.  During the presidencies of Teddy, and then later his    Cousin Franklin; many important events took place.  Libby just neighed over there.                      

                                                    

                                             TEDDY /ELEANORE / FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

  

            Mr. Steve and father think Franklin Roosevelt, and his wife Eleanor; in some ways were even "more influential" than their Cousin Teddy.  They were in power during the 1930's Great Depression and then World War II.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

            I've written about how the second President Roosevelt, or "F.D.R.;" helped beat Fascism in World War II.  Daisy told me his wife "Advocated" for black people, which made her enemies who really hated her for doing that.  I smell Bravo Company out in the desert. 

           Hey God!  Dais says, through money; if people make it into that "Upper Class" things get easier.   So it must be true for their Dogs too she thinks.  Our boss isn't rich but, at least we don't have to worry about food, water and shelter; which we're so thankful for of course.     

           

                                          WITH "CHIEF"                           F.D.R.                         WITH "FALA"

      

                    Daisy heard President "F.D.R." liked Dogs.   He gave people "Hope" during the 1930's Great Depression, then helped save the Democratic form of government.  So, like Daisy says; no wonder he's the only President in American history ever to be elected to four "Terms."

              A picture shows F.D.R. in a Car with his Dog "Chief," which is what Dais and I are now starting to call Mr. Steve.  A tv show said President Roosevelt really couldn't drive a Car because his legs were skinny and weak because of that sickness "Polio."   Heathcliff crowed.  

             I'm glad Mr. Steve keeps extra food and water up there in the garage, where we have that second refrigerator and freezer.  He also has tools, ropes and things like that too.  Right now the economy is slow but if we ever do go into a big depression we'll be able to survive.  

                             

                                                                                  "LLANO DEL RIO" RUINS  (2014)   

                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                             PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                                                                                                                                                    

            I just thought of that Utopian Socialist community "Llano del Rio," which Mr. Steve was told failed partly due to a lack of enough water for nine thousand acres.  For a time raising their own food worked but, I guess it didn't last.  I see our steel silver water bucket over there.

           Daisy and I heard Miss Susan talk with our boss about how Llano del Rio was going in 1914, the year after the California Aqueduct was built; and a year World War I began.  I guess, in 1914 the "average" wage was about two dollars a day.  I smell the baby Cholla.  

           Mr. Steve was told, when the U.S entered World War I in 1917, the Government offered to pay four dollars a day.  For married men at Llano del Rio with kids it was "hard to resist," and ended up being a "big factor" in many leaving Miss Susan said.  Heathcliff crowed.  

                   

                            FEMALEWARRIORS              ISRAEL (1948)                   "KIBBUTZ"   

                     

                   In 1985, as they ate lunch at that Kibbutz; the St. Ferdinands Tour Group were told how in 1948 when Israel became a "Nation" or country.  The Arabs attacked so even the girls, called "Kibbutznikiyot;" had to fight too.  There's a long vapor trail up there in the high sky.  

            World War I ended in 1918, and by then there weren't many people left at Llano del Rio I guess.   And those still there decided to move the community east to "Louisiana."  Daisy saw a tv show about huge Alligators with big teeth who live out in the humid swamps there.  

            Sadly, Miss Susan said that community in Louisiana "also later failed" during the Great Depression; partly due to "jealousy and backbiting."   Mr. Steve has worked for big and small companies, and thinks there's more "politics" at bigger companies.  Libby whinnied.

                                                       ISRAEL ATTACKED (MAY, 1948)                             

                       

           Mr. Haim the Tour Guide said he met women and Orthodox men who fought in 1948.  My Hebrew Dictionary says "Kibbutzim" is "Plural" for "Kibbutz," which means a "gathering."      In 1909 "Kibbtz Degania" was the first "Zionist" settlement in Israel Mr. Haim said.                    

           I like looking at this good map of what happened back in 1948, when modern Israel was born.  I've mentioned before how Zionists are the Jews who wanted to return to their "ancient homeland" of Israel.   Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye. 

          Hey Lord!  During Your lifetime the Romans were "Occupiers" of Israel.  As of course You know, if you didn't do what they said they just beat you up or killed you; the way modern Nazis or some Communists do now Daisy says.  I smell Bravo Company behind the Sheds.  

                                  

KING HEROD'S TEMPLE                                 "TEMPLE MOUNT"    

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                            

        

            Well Lord, You predicted correctly when You said that second Jewish Temple would also be destroyed.  About eighty years after the Romans killed You, they burned Jerusalem in putting down that big rebellion.  The Jews didn't like having to always pay such really high taxes.

            Daisy says, if you paid your taxes; the Romans let you practice your religion.  But, if they got mad at you they said, "Give them the boot."  That meant to push you down onto the ground, hold you with a foot on the chest; then use their "Gladius" sword to stab your throat.

           I guess, the World War II era Japanese Soldiers used bayonets on the end of rifles to kill people in the same way the Romans used swords.  I wrote about that "Bataan Death March" of 1942 where American and Philippino prisoners were "Killed for Practice."  I smell Sage.  

                          

                                                 THREE "FLAVIAN" EMPERORS  

                                                                                     

             Yesterday I wrote about that Jewish revolt, where King Herod's Temple was destroyed by the Romans under Vespasian and then his son Titus.  This Encyclopedia says in 79 A.D., they "brutally crushed" the Jews; making Slaves of the survivors.  A Lizard went running bye.  

            Hey Lord!  I guess some think Your whole story is fake, created by guys like Josephus to help the "Flavian" Roman Emperors "Pacify" the Jews.  Instead of a Warrior "Messiah," You were non-violent leader the theory goes but; we don't want to believe it.  I smell Sage.

            As You know Lord, if we could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine Daisy and I would want to smell You and Your Disciples like St. Peter or that girl Mary Magdelene; who some think was Your wife.  This French lady our Mr. Steve's father met one time thought she was. 

                   

                             VOLCANO ERUPTION                      CRISTINA / MR. STEVE'S MOM

                                                      (79 A.D.)                                                                              (U.S.C. CAMPUS)

  

             Also in 79 A.D. that big "Mount Vesuvius" volcano in Italy exploded.  Mr. Steve took his mom and Niece Cristina to see the exhibition on "Pompeii" and "Herculaneum" at the "Science Center" in downtown Los Angeles, near U.S.C.   Boy! I'd like to go to College someday.

             When they walked around the U.S.C. campus our boss and his mom told Cristina what it was like going to College, and how much study there is to do.  But they said, if you're interested in the things you're reading about then College isn't so hard.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.

            Once Vespasian and Titus beat the rebellious Jews in 79 A.D., they did that "Diaspora" I've written about; spreading Jews out all over the place, many going back to Italy as Slaves.  In my first book I wrote about the "Siege of Masada."  Daffy's quacking over there.

                                             

                   CHAIM WEIZMANN (1874-1952)             THEODOR HERZL (1860-1904)

                                                                                

                I just thought about how many times in history Jews have been forced to move from wherever it is they happen to be living.  Mr. Steve and his father both think all of those "forced" Diaspora's eventually created those late 19th century "Zionists.  I smell Cholla cactus.

               Hey God!  Back in 1985 the Tour Guide Haim talked with our boss and his sister Celina about those Zionist Jews Chaim Weizman and Theodor Herzl, who lived in the late 1800's when there was a lot of anti-Semitism in Europe.  Benjamin the Cow Bird just ran bye. 

              Zionists, after two thousand years of persecution; decided they wanted to go back to live in Israel.  After that "Diaspora" of 79 A.D., for about two thousand years; Jews went from place to place that wasn't theirs.  In that way they were sort of like 19th century Mormons.  

                                           

                                           THE MODERN "LEVANT" MIDDLE EAST REGION

          

            I like this map that shows the "Middle East" in 2014.  Hey Lord!  I guess the area where You and Your followers lived is now part of the "Golan Heights," but in 1985 Mr. Steve's Group went to the "Galilee" region where You grew up.  Grandma Córdova enjoyed that.  

          Yesterday I wrote about the Tour Group visiting the "Sea of Galilee" and later the "Dead Sea."  Hey God!   Daisy and I have wondered if  You destroyed those two towns of "Sodom" and "Gommorah," or turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt.  I smell Beavertail cactus.

         Mr. Steve and his mom have talked about visiting "Tel Aviv" on Israel's coast, or the Sea of Galilee where they ate some of those St. Peter's Fish at the "Kibbutz."  In Tel Aviv they also had really good food to eat too.  I've mentioned before how the word "Tel" means "Hill." 

  

THEODORA    

        

           Theodora's over there standing on her favorite Creosote bush, just to the left of Jack the big Shed.  My left nostril just now picked up her scent, which came floating over here to me sitting in the Patio.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert to my left. 

            Daisy says Mr. Steve's parents met a man who fought, and was wounded in; Israel's 1948 "War of Independence."  He believed that often in history "things must be "paid for in blood." About six million Jews were killed in the "Holocaust" by Nazi's during World War II.

          From the day Israel was born in 1948 Arab countries tried to destroy her.  Egypt, Jordon, Syria and Lebanon, who surround Israel, all attacked so the Jews had to "Fight for their lives." Theodora is running around the northeast corner of the house at the far end of this Patio.

                                      

                                                   MESSERSCHMITT BF-109 (1948)  

                                                                                                                                   PAINTING BY RUDY AUGARTEN

   

              One of the World War II model Airplanes Mr. Steve built as a kid was that German "Me Bf-109," which battled British Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes over England in the "Battle of Britain."  In 1948 the new nation of Israel was desperate.  So they bought some "Me-109's."

          This painting shows a "109" in 1948 with Israeli markings.  Over the years Mr. Steve has shown that painting to some people, just to see if they notice the missing Nazi emblems; and if they do they laugh and think it's "Ironic."   Blackbeard and Anne are now flying bye.  

       Daisy heard that the man who fought the Arabs in 1948 knew about the Me-109's but said "beggars cannot be choosers."  Those first modern Israeli's were desperate and had to take what was available, like those Me-109's.  All the shadows are leaning further away from me.                       

WORLD WAR II "SOVIET UNION" FORCES

               I'm looking at that picture of the Russian women who fought the Germans during World War II.  They were defending "Mother Russia" from the Nazi's, who I've mentioned before call Germany the "Fatherland."  Sister Rita Joseph said females can "fight or be leaders." 

            Mr. Steve thinks "overall" that lady Margaret Thatcher was a good Prime Minister for England.  This other lady named Indira Ghandi led India for a few years and seems to have been a good leader too.  I see Bravo Company out there in the desert behind the Sheds.  

            As I've mentioned before, from 1988 through 1991 our boss worked for "Pace," before it became "Sam's Club."  One time, based on a "One Day Pass;" he went on this appointment in Northridge to sign up a man to be a business member.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

                               

                                                                                        MOSHE DAYAN (1915-1981)

 

             When Mr. Steve was in the man's office at his house in Northridge, to sign him up for Pace; he noticed pictures on his wall.  Two were of a man named Moshe Dayan, a famous Israeli General who wore an eye patch.  One showed the man standing with Moshe Dayan.      

            On the phone making the appointment, our boss had seen how the man's first name was "Chaim" just like that guy Chaim Weizmann.  They talked about how in 1985 the Tour Guide's name had been spelled "Haim."  A small Garter Snaked crawled into the desert. 

           Mr. Steve told his dad it turned out that man had been an "Arab Interpreter" for Moshe Dayan during 1967's "Six Day War."  Our boss usually doesn't drink coffee, but ended up sitting with the man for an hour; talking about things like those Me-109's.   Libby whinnied.

                         

                 DAVID BEN-GURION (1886-1973)                   GOLDA MEIR (1898-1978)

 

               Daisy says Mr. Steve and that man in Northridge ended up "Staying in Touch" as they say, and our boss's dad and Mr. Ivan even talked on the phone with him a few times too.  He met  those Politicians David ben Gurion and Golda Meir.   He really admired both of them.  

              Hearing Dawn barking makes me think of "Bella" and "Rosie," our boss's parents girl Dogs down there in Sylmar.  They're both kind of young like me, Bella being a white and gray "Staffordshire" Pit Bull; Rosie a German Shepherd.  A Lizard went running bye.

             Rosie in Sylmar is related to a brother named "Tito," who lives in Littlerock with Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family.  Tito's best friend is "Ozzy," just like BLACK SABBATH'S first Singer.   Both, like Bella and Rosie; are really good guards in protecting their land. 

                                                                        ROSIE CÓRDOVA                                              BELLA CÓRDOVA

                                 

               Mr. Steve's mom rescued Bella just like Mr. Steve did with Daisy and I.  On her walks she kept seeing Bella homeless and could tell she was hungry, so started to bring food and water to give her; like that nice lady did with me when I was homeless.  Oh!  Dawn's barking.    

          Bella and I are about the same age of two and, even though Daisy is nice and we get along great; sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a friend from my generation.  Mr. Steve calls Bella and I "Dog Millennials."  I smell Blinky and Rosie standing near Dawn.

          Daisy says one time she and Millie heard our boss talking to Mr. Dave about how so many males now have no friends; and prefer it.  Mr. Steve has had wives or girlfriends lately thank him for "being the only friend" of their husbands or boyfriends.    

                 

CALIFORNIA INDIGENOUS NATIVE CULTURES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

             Well, according to my book two outline it looks like I have to learn a little bit about some of the American Indian groups here in "Alta" California before the Spanish arrived back in the second half of the 18th century.   One group was called "Tataviam."   I smell Mesquite.

             Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Dave tell our boss the name Tataviam means; "People who face the Sun."  Mr. Steve told him that older Shoshone man over at the Phelan Library said the Chumash called them "Alliklik," or "Grunters" or "Stammerers."  Heathcliff crowed.

            It's so interesting how that guy Winston Churchill overcame stuttering.  Over the years Mr. Steve's family have known people who were able to get over stuttering, like one of our boss's mom's Girl Scouts for example.  That kid Mike on the old neighborhood stuttered.   

     

      GABRIELINO VILLAGE OF "SA-ANGNA"                   "HUPA" INDIAN                                                     MARY LEIGHTON THOMSOM                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

             I really like looking at this good painting of the California Indian "Tongva" village.   Mr. Dave told our boss some of his Hupa people lived near the Ocean for fishing, others near fresh water.  They adapted to the particular environments in California in order to survive.

            Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Dave he and his parents, as Tour Guides; read that the Spanish called Tongva people near the San Fernando Mission "Fernandeños."  Indians around the San Gabriel Mission were "Gabrielinos."   Daffy's quacking over there.          

           All of a sudden I just thought of how, in the early 20th century; Sylmar was known for the "Olives" grown in the San Fernando Valley's northeast corner.  The first olive trees planted in Alta California came from Spain to San Diego Mission.  That was in the mid-1770's I guess.   

                  

       OLIVE GROVE                        SYLMAR                      FROM ABOVE      

                                                                                                                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

           According to this Encyclopedia, in the early 19th century this Franciscan Priest named Father Iballa was assigned to the San Fernando Mission.  The soil in what is now Sylmar, or the  foothills of the San Gabriel mountain's; reminded him of Spain.  I smell Andy over there.              

          I guess, Father Iballa asked the government back there in Spain for permission to have olive tree cuttings sent to him.  They said yes so he started growing olive trees, which Daisy heard sometimes take a long time to make olives.  Heathcliff's Hens are cackling happily.                         

               Towards the end of the 19th century, when Railroads connected California to other parts of the country; those Businessmen thought Sylmar would be good for creating big "Grove's  of    olive trees.   There's still that old olive tree surviving in Mr. Steve's parent's back yard.                       

 OLIVE SALES BUILDING                  SYLMAR                       OLIVE TREE              

 

             Daisy says Mr. Steve told his sister Susan how in Sylmar, near the corner of "Roxford" and "San Fernando Road;" used to be an olive storage building.  It was right next to the railroad track, which could then distribute olives to all the other areas.  A little Lizard just ran bye.           

            By the early 20th century, I guess some pretty big olive groves were growing down there in Sylmar.  They're all gone now but in some areas olive trees are still alive, like the street next to Sylmar High's campus for example.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.                            

        In 1913, at the ceremony to open the water gates of the California Aqueduct; that man William Mulholland saw the olive groves in Sylmar from up on the mountain.  I've mentioned      before how "Sylmar" means "Sea of Trees" in Latin.   A Train just whistled faintly.                            

                       "THE ODD COUPLE"                                  RESEDA COUNTRY CLUB

     

            Hearing Heathcliff crow right now makes me think of that morning last year when Mr. Steve and Miss Susan talked about a tv show called "The Odd Couple."  Daisy says it's about      two unalike roommates, one sloppy and the guy really neat.  We're clean around here.                   

           As he watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard our boss told Miss Susan he took pictures of the Actor who played the messy guy on The Odd Couple.  That was at a Boxing    match in "Reseda," in that place called the "Country Club."  Cleo and Leo flew bye.                     

             Sometimes Mr. Steve calls us his odd couple.  Reseda is located is near "Tarzana," where in 1994 the big "Northridge" earthquake destroyed his sister Susan's "Condominium."  A lady once told told our boss how Tarzana was named after the fictional character "Tarzan." 

                                 

                                                                                                         TARZAN (1930'S)  

      

            Someday I really want to see those 1930's Tarzan movies Mr. Steve likes, about that guy Tarzan who was raised by Apes; and later lives in an African jungle.  Daisy told me he made his    wife "Jane" and their son "Boy" a really, really good tree house.  He's a good provider.                 

        Dais says also living with Tarzan's family is this smart Chimpanzee named "Cheetah," who's just as intelligent as Mr. Ed the Horse or Arnold the Pig she thinks.  Cheetah seems to even be as smart as Roy Roger's Horse Trigger too.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.                         

         I guess, those Tarzan movies are based on books written by this man named Edgar Rice Burroughs.  Daisy heard our boss and his mom one time talk about those old Tarzan movies,        which have been made into plays and things like comic books too.  Heathcliff crowed.                                

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS (1875-1950)

           Miss Susan read that Edgar Rice Burroughs' father fought for the Union during the Civil War, and he himself was in both World Wars.  Daisy told me Tarzan is so smart he knows where  all the vines are, which he uses to swing on and travel around the jungle.  I smell Sage.                  

         This Encyclopedia says that man Mr. Edgar wrote "Science Fiction" and also "Fantasy" books, and for many years lived on a "Ranch" with his wife and kids in what is now the town of  Tarzana.  A Motorcycle just whizzed bye, going north out there on Primavera Road.                     

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom how one time he, Miss Sandy and their friends walked around the area where Mr. Edgar used to have his ranch.  Dais says Tarzan has a unique yell he does to tell others he's around.  Even the Animals know it and come running if they hear it.               

ANGUS / BETTY    

        

               Daisy told me, for a long time Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie, Mr. Rich and their daughter Cristina lived in "Granada Hills;" in the San Fernando Valley like Reseda and Tarzana.  They're Dogs "Angus" and "Betty" are friendly Staffordshire Pitbull Dogs.  Dawn's now barking.

              I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Sylmar is in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley.  Steph, Rich and Cristina also have a little Dog named "Sparky," a "good name" for him because he has "so much energy" our boss says.  I smell Dawn.  

             Granada Hills is near "Northridge" and the C.S.U.N. campus, where Mr. Steve's family went to College.  "To this day" our boss told his mom, he still "likes the atmosphere" of being on a College campus.  Heathcliff crowed and he and his Hens scents just floated over here. 

        

                                      C.S.U.N. CAMPUS                               SAMANTHA /  MISS PEGGY

     

             I just thought of that time when Mr. Steve and his Niece Samantha walked around the C.S.U.N. campus.  Mr. Steve showed her the Engineering Building Mr. Rick's company repaired after the 1994 earthquake.  That earthquake destroyed our boss's sister's condominium.

            Mr. Steve told Samantha in 1995 he "spent a lot of time" working around the Engineering Building.  Walking around C.S.U.N. they discussed how her Grandma raised five kids and then went back to college.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird ran bye in front of the Sheds.

                 Samantha knows her Grandma is a special person.  When she went back to College she was always the oldest person in her classes, at Mission College and then C.S.U.N.; but graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and earned a degree in Art History.  I smell Arborvitae.

  

                           NANCY CARTWRIGHT                                             THE SIMPSONS

   

             The reason why Mr. Steve and his Niece Samantha were at C.S.U.N. was to see the show by that really nice girl named Nancy Cartwright.  Daisy told me she does the voice of that kid      named "Bart" on that cartoon "The Simpsons."  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.                       

             I've never seen the Simpsons but Dais has, and says it's about this funny family.  "For a time" our boss was on Nancy Cartwright's "mailing list" he says.  She was "very friendly" to he and Samantha that time when they saw her perform all the cartoon voices she does.

            Back in the 1980's Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet were assigned to cover concerts at a place down in Hollywood called the "Dianetics Center."  It's operated by the "Church of Scientology," which I guess that girl Nancy Cartwright belongs to.  Now the other Pigeons flew past.

                     

      "HOLLYWOOD" SIGN                                       "GRIFFITH PARK"               

                                                                                                                                                PHOTO BY TRACY DONALDSON 

              

             One time Mr. Steve and his brother talked about when, back in the 1970's; Rock worked as that "Camp Counselor" at the "Boy's Camp" in "Griffith Park."  Their friends Armando and Dave were also Camp Counselors there too.  Both became really good Photographers.

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Grant about a time when he and Miss Sandy visited his brother at the Boy's Camp.  It was a warm day so they went swimming in a pool, then hiked over the top of a mountain to walk down to that famous "Hollywood Sign."  I smell Sage. 

           I guess, that girl Nancy Cartwright not only does the voice of Bart Simpson; but is also the voice of a "Rugrat" character too.  One of the few Simpsons episodes our boss did happen to see a few years ago had that one Punk band the RAMONES in it.  Andy's sniffing the air  

  

                       THE RAMONES                 HUELL HOWSER                       QUIET RIOT 

   

                  Mr. Steve was told Huell Howser was shown on the Simpsons, and so was that band from Van Nuys QUIET RIOT.  Daisy heard Miss Susan at work use the phrase "irreverent humor" to describe all the Simpsons cartoons.  Miss Susan likes that type of humor Dais can tell.  

            As they walked around C.S.U.N. that time I guess our boss told Samantha he "wishes he'd appreciated better" his time as a Student there.  But, at the time he really "didn't think much of it;" and "took things for granted" without a "second thought.  I smell Arborvitae.    

          This nice lady once told Mr. Steve Nancy Cartwright, like the SPARKS Mael brothers too; went to U.C.L.A.  He then told her how the DOORS Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek also went  there.  Theodora, with Andy watching; just ran bye in front of Manny, Moe and Jack.                   

    

                                             MISS EMILY                                                       U.C.L.A. CAMPUS

              I just thought of how Miss Emily grew up in New York City's "Long Island" area, but now lives out here in Southern California.  As I've said before, she's been working in the Athletic Department at U.C.L.A. for a long time.  Miss Emily has a good sense of humor I guess

             As I've mentioned a few times, Mr. Steve and Mr. Grant met Miss Emily when they were all in Law School; before that Miss Emily having gone to San Diego State.  Daisy says our boss told his mom Miss Emily is a "friendly and intelligent" person."  I smell Mesquite. 

             Mr. Steve has walked around a few different College campus's, and told his mom he's at times had "pleasant" dreams about it.  Daisy one time heard Mr. Ralph talk with our boss about walking around at Valley Junior College.  The mid-afternoon air is so clear right now.   

      

                                    "GARTER" SNAKE                               NEW MEXICO GARTER SNAKE

                                                                                                                                                                  PHOTO BY DAVE KOZIOL     

   

           I just glanced up in time to see a Garter Snake using the left vertical gate slot to go out into the back eastern desert behind the Sheds.  Daisy says one time Mr. Dave took a picture of a    baby Garter Snake in New Mexico.  Daisy has told me how Garter Snakes are "harmless."           

          On my second bigger break after chapter eight Daisy told me she hopes, because of the unusually warm weather for the second day of Spring; Snakes and things like that "might" be      coming out of hibernation earlier this year.  Oh boy!  I want to agree with her.                                 

         Back in the late 1970's Mr. Steve and some of his friends spent a lot of time studying at C.S.U.N.'s "Oviat" Library.  People joked they might as well just sleep in a tent outside because they had to come back early the next morning anyway.  Our boss likes "Librarians."                    

    

                                                       "OVIAT" LIBRARY / C.S.U.N.  

       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA            

       

           Mentioning that Oviat Library makes me think about my idea of starting a Library for us Cats and Dogs.  Daisy thinks it "might" be a "viable idea" but who knows?  But it would cost a  lot of money she says, so the "gamble" or "risk"  would be big and "may not be worth it."           

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell him mom, who has studied at the Oviat Library; how one time when he and this girl named Olivia were studying there they filmed an  "episode" of a tv show called "Battle Star Galactica."   There are now two vapor trails up there in the sky.

           I guess, Battlestar Galactica was sort of like a tv version of "Star Wars."  Mr. Steve told his sister Susan, who was a Set Decorator; the makers of Battlestar Galactica set up these really big "Props" in front of the Oviat Library.   A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.

        

     "ICE PALACE"           "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA"            (1979)                 

    

            Daisy says Mr. Steve told his sister he'd like to see that episode of Battlestar Galactica, but has been told the use of the Oviat Library looks "pretty good."  They used dry ice to look like fog, to create what they called an "Ice Palace" out in Space.  Heathcliff's crowing.  

           Our boss says, "from a distance" the film effect "worked" but, from "up close" you could see how the "Props" were "not that good."  That girl Olivia noticed too how they ware made of "cheap" plastic materials.  The scent of Heathcliff and his Hens just floated in. 

           Mr. Steve and Olivia took a break from studying.  Going down one of those moving stairs called an "Escalator,"  Actors in white "Storm Trooper" type costumes, with full face helmets; came up the other side.  As they passed Mr. Steve and the Actors nodded at each other.  

    

 "STAR WARS"

 

          Someday I want to see that movie "Star Wars," which Daisy says has Space Soldiers in it.  Tomorrow she has me scheduled to write about how Mr. Steve thinks there's "Fascist" influence  in some areas of Popular Culture entertainment.  People "just don't realize it" he says.                  

         On Saturday mornings, when we watch cartoons in the living room; I've noticed one of the helmets sitting near the fireplace.  It's a shiny black Nazi "SS" helmet and looks like the one the  bad guy in Star Wars wears according what Dais told me.  Two Pigeons flew bye.                           

     Daisy says, before he played the "Commander" of Battlestar Galactica's Space Ship; the Actor was the father on this 1960's tv Western show called "Bonanza."  It was one of Mr. Steve's Grandparents favorite shows, and is about a Ranch called the "Ponderosa.  I smell Andy.             

  

"BONANZA" (1960'S)

    

        I guess that tv show Bonanza was about a father and his three sons who live on that big Ranch.  Mr. Steve shook hands with Lorne Greene who played the father, and his parents met      Dan Blocker the son "Hoss;" Grandma Trujillo's favorite character.  Libby neighed.                     

         This Dictionary says the "bonanza" means "extra good fortune."  Daisy heard Mr. Julio tell our boss "ponderosa," in Spanish "slang;" is "heavy."  She says there's a dirt road near us    called "Ponderosa."  Max the Hummingbird just went zooming out into the desert.                        

         Dais heard, on that tv show Bonanza the dad and three son's last name is "Cartwright;" like Nancy Cartwright who does Bart Simpson's voice.  There was a family in Sylmar whose last name was Cartwright, their son played Little League at S.I.B.L.  I smell Arborvitae.                                                                          BEECHCRAFT "A36 BONANZA"                                AUSTIN, SUSAN, DALTON                                                                                                                                                              

         One time Mr. Vic the Videographer, who was also a Pilot; told our boss about this small single engine Plane called a "Bonanza" like the tv show.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's    Nephew Dalton wants to get a Pilot's license like his father.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.          

            I remember that morning last Summer, as he watered the Mulberry trees; when our boss told his parents and Mr. Ivan about that one Plane ride he and Miss Sandy took back in the late  1970's.   He "wouldn't do it again" he says.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.                       

          Mr. Steve said Miss Sandy was scared riding in that single engine Plane, holding onto his arm so tightly it "almost stopped the circulation."  Hearing the motor made him uncomfortable, it "felt like a Car driving in the air.  "You can't just pull over if something goes wrong."                                              

                         "BRISTLECONE" PINE TREE                          

PHOTOS BY WILL PEDRO

  

            One of Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customers in the Colorado knew about the different types of "Pine" trees.  One was the "Ponderosa," just like the Ranch on the tv show Bonanza;      another type called a "Bristlecone."  Mark Ritter studied Bristlecone pine trees too.                       

          This Encyclopedia says what Mr. Dave's customer told him.  "Bristlecones" in Northern California, Nevada, Colorado and Utah "could be" some of the "oldest trees on Earth;" some      "possibly 5,000 years old."  Wow Lord!  That's three thousand years older than You.                     

          It says here how Bristlecone trees live at a "high altitude," which makes their wood grow slower than other types of tree; and "produces a denser" wood.  Mr. Dave's customer said this      makes the wood "resistant to bugs, fungus and rot."  I smell the Mulberry tree over there.            

  

"FRUITLESS MULBERRY" TREE

   

           Looking at the big Mulberry tree over there is making me think of that guy Mark Ritter.  Daisy says our boss and Mr. Doug talked about Mark Ritter's interest in the Bristlecone trees in    Nevada, because they grew in hard "Limestone" and "Dolomite" rock.  I smell Mesquite.           

       Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer told him the Bristlecone's "gnarled and twisted" shapes come from so many centuries of adapting to wind, rain and snow effecting them.  Some      are thirty feet tall I guess.   Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.                              

        Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Doug talk about how Mark Ritter wanted to visit Nevada's "Lehman Caves"  and "Area 51," which are close to the area where the Bristlecone's live.  Too    bad he never got to do it before dying.  But, at least he got to see the "Galapagos Islands."                      

"GREENLAND" SHARK

           

           I just thought of those deep Ocean "Greenland" Sharks I've mentioned before.  Because they live in such extreme conditions of cold and dark water, their bodies and metabolisms have    adjusted to age slowly.  They can be over twenty feet long and weigh two thousand pounds.           

          Wow!  I just read again in this one Encyclopedia how, some Scientists think it's "possible" there are "five hundred year old" Greenland Sharks; way deep down there in freezing water.  In High School Mr. Steve's friend "Alex" was interested in Sharks.  A Lizard ran bye.                        

          Daisy says in 1969 Alex's family moved from New York City to Granada Hills, where John Elway lived too; a year later our boss meeting Alex at Alemany High.  Granada Hills is near to    Northridge.  Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie, Mr. Rich and Cristina lived in Granada Hills.                                     

FLOCK OF BIRDS                                                      BENJAMIN        

                     

          Glancing up from working down here on you Elvira, I see a flock of Birds flying toward the north; or my left.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird, with Andy watching him; is running bye in  front of Manny, Moe and Jack.  Alpha Company's scent just floated into both of my nostrils.        

             I remember that morning last Summer when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan visited us.  As he watered the Mulberry trees our boss and his parents talked about his friend Alex, who was five foot nine; his mom using the word "stocky."  He was physically strong.  

            Alex made Alemany's "Junior Varsity" Football team as a blocking "Tight End."   When Mr. Steve and his brother Rock used to play "Street Hockey" with him in Granada Hills he was a very good "Goaltender."  Just Like Mr. Rick's, his family were "Italian-American." 

         

                                                   MR. RICK                                                       SON GINO  

                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

      

                 I just thought of Mr. Rick's son Gino who died. Boy!  It's too bad because many people thought he would've made it all the way up to the Baseball Major League's if he hadn't gotten killed in that Car crash at the Street Races.  A Motorcycle went bye out in the desert.  

             Mr. Steve's friend Alex's family, like Miss Emily's family too; are originally from "Long Island" in New York City.  He first met our boss when they were both in the 9th Grade.  Up in the sky are thin and wispy cloud formations, which reminds me of last Summer.  

            Later, in 1972 when Mr. Steve transferred to Sylmar High; Alex went to Granada Hills High.  But they stayed friends for a few years after that Dais says, until Alex moved to the State of Kansas.  He taught our boss how to keep his fresh water Fish tanks Daisy's heard.   

   

  DRAGPIPE   (2002) 

  

         Mr. Steve told Mr. Rich about his friend Alex who, "for a short time" played a Fender "Stratocaster" like the ones Dick Dale, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan used.  When he      was in DRAGPIPE a lot of times Mr. Rich used Gibson "Les Paul's."  Dawn's barking.               

            I've mentioned before how Mr. Rich's family came from Cuba to live in New Jersey.  Mr. Rich works on those "Cell Phone Towers."  Daisy told me about that "Coffee Cup" he painted    for our boss in the "Pinstriping" style of that guy "Big  Daddy" Roth.  I smell Blinky.                    

            Daisy told me our boss has a collection of coffee cups, some gotten at "Sports Banquets" or events like that.  There are a few Oakland A's and 1984 Olympic cups and plates in there too, some given to him as gifts.  I guess one coffee cup has the image of Jimi Hendrix on it. 

                                                         

                                            ERNESTO "CHE" GUEVARA (1928-1967)

                                                                                                       PHOTO BY ALBERTO KORDA

       

                Mentioning how Mr. Rich is Cuban makes me think of that guy "Che" Guevara.   This one Encyclopedia says his "iconic image" has now become the "symbol" for "counter culture," or "rebellion in general."  Mr. Steve has bought and sold things with his picture on them.   

              Che Guevara has been called a "Heroic Guerrilla Fighter," or "Guerrillero Heroico" in Spanish.   But, Daisy heard "Che" enjoyed "personally" executing his enemies; just like Albert Anastasia did in running the Mafia's "Murder Inc.  I can smell Andy over there. 

             In 1959 Che Guevara helped Fidel Castro overthrow that one Dictator Florecio Bautista.   Before being a "Revolutionary," he was a Medical Doctor; Fidel Castro being a Lawyer.   They eventually became "anti-capitalist Communists," and big enemies of the United States.

           

 SOUTH AMERICA   

    

              It says here Che Guevarra died down in South America, while trying to "export" Cuba's Socialist or Communist revolution.  But, he and his men were caught in "Bolivia" and executed. Daisy told me in Mr. Steve's collection of T-shirts is a red one showing Che Guevarra on it.  

              Yesterday I wrote about that failed 1962 "Bay of Pigs" invasion, and the "Cuban Missile Crisis" a year later.  Dais told me a Cuban customer in Florida told our boss he doesn't like Fidel Castro, and thinks it's wrong to turn Che Guevarra into a "Martyr."  A Crow cawed.

                 Daisy heard the Parts Manager, whose family lost a lot to the Cuban Revolution; say he thinks  Castro was "secretly happy" Che was killed.  He was becoming even more popular than Castro and he didn't like it.  Andy's sniffing the air over there, guarding their burrow.

                

 CHE GUEVARA DEAD (BOLIVIA / 1967)     

   PHOTO BY BRIDE LANE                  

          

               Oh wow!  If Mr. Steve doesn't know this he'll be so interested to find out the last things Che Guevara said to his executioner were, "I know you're here to kill me.  Shoot me coward!  You're only killing a man.  Tell my wife to remarry and try to be happy."  Dawn's barking. 

               All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, who Mr. Rich admires so much.  I guess, he has a chalkboard where he wrote Big Daddy Roth's "Goals" or rules on it.  The first two are "Listen to your father," and always "Be on Time."  I smell Blinky.

               Big Daddy Roth's third rule is to always, "Play it Straight."  He thought it important to "Pray, Read and Study," to "Ask for Strength," to "Thank People for their Help;" and "Define your God given talents and use them."  He said God to "Ask You for Your Guidance." 

        

             ED "BIG DADDY" ROTH (1932-2001)                       MOTORIZED "TRIKE"

    

            Daisy says Ed Roth, being the first person to make bodies out of "Fiberglass;" created unbelievable vehicles.  As a kid Mr. Steve built models of some of them, and over the years he's    bought and resold Big Daddy Roth T-shirts; two in one of the hall closets.  I smell Sage.                 

            Our boss told Mr. Rich he's heard Ed Roth, who converted to Mormonism; was the first person to actually "print images" on T-shirts.  I guess, he was like Mr. Steve in enjoying teaching to a "Receptive" audience.  Cher jogged bye carrying a dead Mouse in her mouth.                         

              I just thought of how, when twelve; Mr. Steve drew Ed Roth's "Rat Fink" character and showed it to him at the San Fernando Drag Strip that time.  He complimented it and then used a pen to add a few things, to make it even better.  Big Daddy Roth died a few years ago.                       

        NEW MEXICO                                                              MR. DAVE              

                   PHOTO BY DAVE KOZIOL                                                                                                           

          Smelling the yellow flowers over there on Theodora's Creosote bush makes me think of how Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Dave tell our boss he loves Spring when flowers "start coming    out."  He's taken pictures of New Mexico flowers.   Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.                        

          All of a sudden I just thought of  the "Economy," which was way better before the 2008 recession.  Mr. Steve and his dad one time talked about how, for many years a lot of those "Day    Laborers" were around; like in front of Sylmar's Home Depot.  Libby whinnied.                            

             Our boss and his brother Sam one time talked about a "Street Intersection" called the "Four Points."  It's near Littlerock, and a "Swap Meet" is on the same corner.  Before the 2008 recession there were a lot of Day Laborers hanging around there, but not anymore I guess.

  

"FOUR POINTS" SWAP MEET ("LITTLEROCK")

            Daisy says Mr. Steve's father at times goes to a Home Depot Shopping Center in Sylmar,   sometimes feeding Day Laborers at McDonalds.  Hey Lord!  He does that because he thinks it's  what You would want us to do by helping out those who are so poor.   I can smell Andy.                 

            When the Workers' recognize our boss's father's Car they begin chasing it while calling out loud “Patron, Patron” which is Spanish for “Boss.”  Daisy jokes Mr. Steve is our Patron so, if he says "jump," we have to just say "how high."  He's our "Benevolent Dictator."

                 Mr. Mike says in 2014 California is an "expensive" place to live, what's called the "Cost of Living" high.  Our boss's customer from Georgia came to California for a wedding and he and his wife couldn't believe how much "Sales Tax" is.  They noticed the cost of gas too. 

  

 "RENAISCANCE FAIR"

     

             I just thought of 1977, the first year Mr. Steve went to C.S.U.N.   He met that girl Susan,   who I've mentioned before was interested in Medieval history; so they went to the "Renaissance Fair."  Our boss was not interested in dressing up in "European Middle Ages" clothes.

            Mr. Steve saw the Boxing movie "Rocky I" with Miss Susan, where that Boxer Rocky Balboa who's not that good; is given a "Shot at the Title."  Daisy told me he was of course the big "Underdog."  As I've said, his Dog "Butkus" and girlfriend "Adrian" are so nice.

            Dais says, in that movie Rocky the Champion named "Apollo," as one of those gimmicks; decides to give an unknown fighter a chance.  And it turns out, by pure luck; that Boxer is Rocky Balboa from the city of "Philadelphia."   Blackbeard and Anne are flying to the east.      

  

   "ROCKY I" (1976)                                                MR. GARY            

       

         Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Gary talk about that movie Rocky I, and how the Actor Sylvester Stallone who played Rocky Balboa; wrote the story too.  One time in the mid-1980's, at a Boxing match at the Forum; Mr. Steve met him and took his picture.  He was really nice.           

            I guess, Sylvester Stallone got the idea for his story when watching Muhammad Ali fight against thist other Boxer Chuck Wepner.  Even though Chuck Wepner lost, he showed so much    courage and "Heart" it inspired Sylvester Stallone.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.                       

        Mr. Gary knows that Chuck Wepner was from the State of "New Jersey," just like Mr. Rich.  Like Rocky Balboa in the movie, he's described as being a "Journeyman" fighter; which    Dais says probably means "not very good."  A Motorcycle went bye on Primavera Road.                      

        ALI / WEPNER                        1975                            WEPNER / LISTON

                                                                 

           Mr. Gary heard Chuck Wepner's joke nickname was the "Beyonne Bleeder," because he was from a town called "Beyonne;" and often got cut a lot in his fights.  Muhmmad Ali's left jab cut his face, Mr. Gary used the phrase "carved up."   Andy's sniffing the air over there.                 

          I guess in a fight against Sonny Liston, who Muhammad Ali beat for the championship; seventy two stitches were needed to fix all of the cuts on Chuck Wepner's face after  the fight.      Dr. Sakaguchi had to sew up cuts on Mr. Steve a few times.  A Train whistled faintly.                      

           Daisy has me scheduled to write about Boxing later this afternoon in chapter eleven, but I just kind of feel like doing it now too.  One time our boss and his father talked about this man      named Nat Fleischer, the "Editor" of "Ring Magazine.  That's a magazine on Boxing.                                          

                 NAT FLEISCHER (1887-1972)                            MR. RALPH

           

         Our boss and Mr. Ralph, as well as Mr. Gary; have discussed Nat Fleischer's book "The Pictorial History of Boxing."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad jokingly call it the "Bible of Boxing."  For years Nat Fleischer had an office in "New York City" near "Madison Square Garden."          

            Nat Fleischer died in 1972, when Mr. Steve was in the 11th Grade at Sylmar High.   He has at times wondered what Nat Fleischer would have thought of that movie "Rocky I," which came out in 1976.  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and going east. 

           Dais and I want to be as brave as that guy Chuck Wepner!  We'll have to fight hard like he did if someone ever tries to invade our two acres and we have to defend our land.  Hey God!   As You know of course, sometimes I've wondered how courageous I'd be if that happens.

  

"TAXI DRIVER" (1977)

 

          Daisy heard that movie Rocky I won some of those "Academy Awards," but there were some other good movies too from 1977.  One was about President Nixon and another on that guy Woody Guthrie.  We once heard Mr. Eddie and our boss talking  about "Taxi Driver."                   

             Mr. Eddie, who has a one man "Cab" service over there in Lake Los Angeles; liked that movie Taxi Driver and so did Miss Emily I guess.  Dais says it's mainly about about a Vietnam War veteran who's a Taxi Cab driver in New York City.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

            In the movie Taxi Driver the guy, who has one of those "Mohawk" haircuts like the 1970 Punks; rescues this young girl from having to be a "Prostitute."  Daisy explained to me what a prostitute is, which doesn't really make sense to me.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

      

 NEW YORK CITY 

       

          Daisy and I both noticed Mr. Eddie's accent.  He grew up in that area of N.Y.C. called "Staten Island," but now rents a spot for his Trailer from Miss Helena over there in Lake L. A.   Looking at the new baby Cholla cactus is suddenly making me feel really good right now.            

           Mr. Rich also has an accent, but in his case it's because he grew up in New Jersey; to the west of N.Y.C.   I just thought of Mr. Steve's High School friend "Alex," who he met in 1970 as a classmate at Alemany High; and also had an accent from back east.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

          One time our boss and Mr. Rick talked about Alex's family who, like Mr. Rick's family; also came to America from Italy as poor immigrants.  I guess, Alex was once described as being a "real character."  Heathcliff's scent, and the scent of his Hens; came into my right nostril.                

       "STATUE OF LIBERTY"                                     "ELLIS" ISLAND                 

          Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rick talking about how so many poor people came into the U.S. through that place called "Ellis Island."  That's in the harbor where the Statue of Liberty is located.  Miss Emily had that one good job raising money to fix up the Statue of Liberty.               

         I guess, that guy Alex's parents were "good, decent people;" how Mr. Steve's father once  described them.  Dais heard our boss say Alex's younger sister was "very pretty."  A while back    Mr. Steve had a "pleasant" dream in which he and Alex shook hands and hugged.                          

         Alex, and his dad too; had "strong handshakes" or a a "Firm Grip" as they say.  When he first met Alex's father Alex warned him that his father's handshake was like a "Vice Grip," his    dad thinking it funny to see a guy's reaction to his hard handshake.  Dawn's barking.                    

"WHITE CROWNED" SPARROW

PHOTO BY BRUCE GATES

          I just glanced up and see one of those "White-Crowned" Sparrows over there standing on a log Mr. Mike cut up with his chainsaw.  For some strange reason seeing it right now is making me feel really happy and hopeful about the coming year.  Ah!  That Sparrow just flew away.       

        Knowing Alex's father was going to do a hard handshake, before he could do it; Mr. Steve grabbed his hand first and squeezed it really hard.  And, as Alex had told him to do; with his left hand he slapped hard Alex's dad's shoulder, which his father did.  I smell Dawn.                             

          Squeezing his hand hard and hitting him on the shoulder caught Alex's father totally "Off Guard" as they say.  Alex got such a "kick out of it," his dad chuckled and said "Alex!"  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Rick how he and his father used to like talking to Alex's dad. 

      

"LAKE LOS ANGELES" 

PHOTOS BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

     

            I remember that morning when our boss and Mr. Eddie talked about how one adjustment you have to make living in a desert is driving further for everything.  Lake L.A. where Mr. Eddie and Miss Helena live is called our "neighbor.  But it's about twenty miles from Piñon Hills.

           When you live in a city if you need something you " just go get it" Mr. Steve said.  But, in our case Phelan, which has that Stater Brothers store; is about eight miles away.  So you have to "plan more in advance" when buying groceries or things like that.   Heathcliff crowed.  

           Mr. Steve told his Nephew Sammy Jr., where they live over in Littlerock is about twenty seven miles away; longer than the distance of a "Marathon."  It would be a long run to go all of the way from Pinon Hills to Littlerock.   Libby's over there walking around in her Corral

            

 "SON OF SAM"                      ELVIS DIES                       REGGIE JACKSON     

 1977      

                      

            As I've mentioned a few times in these first two books, 1977 was an eventful year here in the United States.  That was the year Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited and stayed in New York City, when our boss was twenty two years old; his brother twenty.  I smell Sage.  

           It was during that back east trip in 1977 when the N.Y.C. killer "Son of Sam" was caught, and driving to Gettysburg Mr. Steve and his brother heard "Elvis" died.  During 1977's "World Series" Reggie Jackson hit three Home Runs in just one game.  Daffy's quacking.    

           Daisy and I have wondered what "Humidity" is like.  One time we heard our boss tell Mr. Randy 1977 was when he and his brother Rock "found out about it," and "did not like it at all." Dais has told me she thinks we're so lucky we live in California which has "Dry Heat."

                      

                                                               "REVOLUTIONARY WAR"          

                  "MORRISTOWN" WINTER (1779-17980)                                                   "BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND" (1776)

              

           On that 1977 back east trip Mr. Steve and his brother visited their Uncle Marty's family in "Morristown" New Jersey, across Hudson Bay from N.Y.C.  During the Revolutionary War the American army spent a "miserably cold" Winter there Uncle Marty said.  I smell Sage.  

           A lot of Cubans like Mr. Rich's family live in New Jersey, and also down there in Florida too.   Our boss and his friend Armando visited Florida in 1995, and Mr. Steve and Miss Babette, Susan and Karin have customers in both New Jersey States.  A gray Lizard ran bye.  

          Many Cubans "fled" when Fidel Castro's Communists  came to power in 1959, some being "Capitalists" whose money and property was taken by the government.  I've mentioned how that Gangster Meyer Lansky's gambling Casino's were "Confiscated."  Sage smells good.   

                                          

             GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)                 UNCLE MARTY

                                          PAINTING BY CHARLES PEALE POLK                        

     

              In 1977 Mr. Steve and Uncle Marty talked about George Washington.  Not only was he a General during the Revolutionary War, he became the first U.S. President too; and "could have been a King if he'd wanted" Uncle Marty thinks.  But he said no and retired instead.

             I guess, Uncle Marty also thinks, influenced by 18th century "Enlightenment" ideas; the Founding Fathers thought religion and government should be separate.  Daisy and I heard Mr. Ivan say the same thing that one time.  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye.  

             Mr. Ivan, who's a "Freemason;" also agrees with Uncle Marty in believing some of the Founding Fathers, like George Washington for example; were thinking of Masonic ideas in the "experimental" government they created.  Heathcliff crowed.  His Hens sound happy.   

           

                             VOLTAIRE                       MONTESQUIEU                     ROUSSEAU

                                  (1694-1778)                                                     (1689-1755)                                                    (1712-1778)

       PAINTING BY MUSÉE CARNAVLET                                           UNKNOWN ARTIST                                              PAINTING BY MAURICE DE LA TOUR                  

              

            In my books I've written about those three French 18th century Philosophers Charles de "Montesquieu," Francois-Marie Arouet or "Voltaire;" and Jean- Jacques "Rousseau."   Voltaire died on May 30, which is Mr. Steve's Niece Raqquel's birthday.   A Train whistled.

           Mr. Steve's father read Montesquieu's book the "Spirit of Laws," and he parts of it.  The concept of "Separation of Powers" came from that book, where there are three "Branches" of our government which act as a "Check and Balance" for each other.  I smell Sage. 

           I remember that morning when Mr. Ivan said, even though George Washington believed in the "Separation of Church and State" he said; "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable."   He was in the Masons.  

                 

                               "VAPOR" TRAIL                                                    MR.IVAN

            

             A vapor trail is slowly extending toward the south up there in the sky.  That reminds me of last Summer when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan visited and everyone watched that vapor trail.  You can really tell how Mr. Ivan has studied about the Revolutionary War period.  

           Many people know about the horrible Winter the American Army had at that place called "Valley Forge.  But not as many know George Washington said the 1789-1790 Winter his army    spent at Morristown was even worse in the suffering.  Ah!  I feel good right now.                             

         This Encyclopedia says at Morristown Soldiers "died of disease" or "froze to death" and, most almost starved; causing some to "dessert" the army before given permission.  They kill you for that Dais says!  And I guess George Washington did execute some of them alright.                      

DAISY CÓRDOVA

         I'll bet Daisy's sitting below Mr. Steve's office window, watching to see when he stands up from his desk.  Then she can bark and tell me he might be coming outside but, so far over these    first two days he's been really busy working I guess.  Andy's over there sniffing the air.                  

         Dais jokes, because of her thick fur; she may've had a "much better chance" of surviving  that Morristown Winter.  But I would've needed you Elvira, and also Barry, Robin and Maurice, my really warm blankets.  I'm so grateful to Mr. Chris for getting you guys for me.                        

         Miss Sandy's mom told our boss George Washington died of "Pneumonia," his last words to his family before dying; "I die hard but I'm not afraid to go."  Being a Nurse, Miss Sandy's      mom said pneumonia is the "greatest killer of all time."  Some of the Ducks are quacking.               

    JOHN GREENWOOD (1760-1819)                          MISS SANDY                         

              Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking about Miss Sandy's mom, who read about George Washington's "False Teeth."  Many think they were made of wood but actually they were made out of Horse, Cow and other people teeth.  Miss Sandy's mom knew about "Dentures."

             Miss Sandy's mom read about John Greenwood, George Washington's New York City "Dentist."  Like almost everyone else back in those days, I guess George Washington had bad teeth.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and going to the north.

       Wow!  This Encyclopedia says by twenty six George Washington had "only one tooth" left.  John Greenwood made him four "sets" of  teeth," even using "Tusks" of Hippopotamus's.    His father was the first "American-born" Dentist and his brothers were Dentists too.                                    

"SPIRIT OF 1776" 

   PAINTING BY ARCHIBALD MACNEAL WILLARD            

          

                  I'm looking at that painting of the three Revolutionary War marching Musicians, made in 1876 for the 100th Anniversary of the "Declaration of Independence."  It says here, at the age  of fifteen, John Greenwood was a "Fife" player in the Revolutionary War.  I smell new Sage.            

           Daisy says the guy on the right is playing a fife, which is like a flute so I'd probably like it she thinks.  Mr. Steve's mom read how the Artist did a few versions of this painting I guess.  I've  mentioned a few times how Dais says to chew lightly in order to preserve your teeth.                      

         The caption below the paintings says the Painter "superimposed" his father's face on the middle Drummer.  Mr. Steve's mom used his face in her tall painting of Saint Ferdinand III, the  one hanging in that dining room near the kitchen entrance.  Heathcliff crowed over there.             

   

KING / SAINT FERDINAND III (c.1200-1252)

 PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

              I really like that big painting of King Ferdinand III, and not just because Mr. Steve's face is on it; even having that dream about it.  Daisy says that image was taken from a picture our boss took of a statue on the altar at the San Fernando Mission Church.  I like Sage.

              Boy!  The San Fernando Valley, Mission and Saint Ferdinand's Parish were named "In Honor" of Ferdinand III.  He was King of the Spanish areas of "Castile" and "Leon" back in the early 13th century.  Oh!  He died on May 30, Mr. Steve's Niece Raqquel's birthday.  

             When we go inside the house on Saturday mornings, to watch our cartoons; I always go over to the painting of Saint Ferdinand III.  Looking up at it makes me like our boss even more,  Daisy saying "to a certain extent" Mr. Steve is sort of like our King.  Libby neighed.

             

          GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER (1839-1876)            CUSTER / BROTHER TOM / WIFE LIBBY

      

           Smelling Libby is all of a sudden making me think of that guy George Custer, whose "7th Cavalry" were slaughtered by the Sioux, Cheyanne and Arapaho Indians in 1876.  Before this recession Mr. Steve had a customer in the State of "Montana."  He knew about "Custer."   

        My Encyclopedia says during the Civil War Custer, who grew up in Ohio and Michigan; was called the "Boy General" because he was a General at age twenty three.  His brother Tom,    who won two of those "Medals of Honor," died with him in 1876.  A Lizard ran bye.                      

         Daisy heard, during the Civil War some thought Custer "brave," others "reckless;" and joked about "Custer's Luck."  His Michigan "Wolverine" Cavalry did really good in 1863 on      that third day at Gettysburg.  Dais thinks there must be a lot of Wolverines in Michigan.               

               

                    CUSTER ("WEST POINT" / 1861)             CAVALRY CHARGE (1863)                                                                                         PAINTING BYMARK MARITATO

                                   

             Boy!  In the photo of George Custer wearing a gray "West Point" uniform he looks totally different without a beard.  I wrote how, in 1861 during that first battle near Washington    D.C.; both sides wore blue and gray.  In that battle "Stonewall" Jackson got his nickname.           

       Hey God!  Was it You as Daisy thinks, to teach a lesson about not being arrogant; who caused Custer's 7th Cavalry to be massacred in 1876?   Or did You have nothing to do with  it      because You gave "Free Will."  Did You create the Universe then leave it alone?                             

         Yesterday I wrote about how, it was Custer's wife Elizabeth who designed his "Swallow-Tailed" shape flag; like the one used in Ohio.  Most flags are square or "Octagonal," but Dais      says Mr. Steve has a few that aren't.   I smell Bravo Company out there behind the Sheds.             

  

SURRENDER AT "APPOMATOX" COURTHOUSE

 (APRIL 9, 1865)     

PAINTING BY ED VEBELL       

     

          I'm looking at the painting of Robert E. Lee, with Custer in the background; surrendering his Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant at that "Appomattox Courthouse."  It, "for all  practical purposes;" was the end of the Civil War the caption says.  Heathcliff just crowed.           

         As I've said before, "Lee's Surrender" happened on April the 9th of 1865, April the 9th also being Miss Emily's birthday too.   The Civil War did not "Officially" end on that day, but it was a "Knife to the Heart" so to speak.  I smell Alpha Company out there in the back desert.               

     Smelling Libby right now is making me think about this sixteen year old girl named Sybil Ludington.  She lived during the Revolutionary War; and her father was a Militia Officer who      had fought in the "French and Indian Wars."  Frida and Diego flew over Libby's Corral.                 

SYBIL LUDINGTON (1761-1839)

   STATUE BY ANNA HYATT HUNTINGTON                                                                                                         PHOTO BY ED DILB                         

 

          I'm not actually scheduled to write about that girl Sybil Ludington until tomorrow, but just feel like doing it now instead.  Wow!  Pictures show how there's an actual statue made of        her for what she accomplished back in 1777.  Mr. Steve's family saw it in 2008 I guess.                   

       A tv show Daisy and Millie saw said what my Encyclopedia says too, how in 1777 Sybil Ludington was the oldest of twelve kids.  The British were on their way to fight the Americans      and Sybil's father needed to "alert" his Soldiers.  Thin clouds are up in the sky.                              

      Sybil's dad told her to use her Horse "Star" and go out at night, in really bad cold and stormy weather; to warn everyone the British were coming.  A robber even tried to attack her I    guess.  But she made her family proud, and George Washington later thanked her.                         

                                                                                                       HENRY WADSWORH LONGFELLOW            PAUL REVERE RIDE                                          (1807-1882)                                                   (1775)                   

                 

            I guess, two years before Sybil Ludington made her Horse ride, Paul Revere did his way more famous ride; warning that British troops were coming.   Later, in his famous 1861 poem;      that Writer "Longfellow" wrote a poem about it.  Mr. Steve's mom memorized it as a kid.            

              When in Washington D.C. in 2008 our boss and his parents were told how what Sybil Ludington did in 1777 was "more impressive" than what Paul Revere had done.  She rode forty miles in nine hours in pouring rain; twice the distance.  And he was captured too.  

           Daisy's so right!  We're lucky there's no war going on here in Piñon Hills, even though in 2014 the U.S. is still fighting in Afghanistan; and since 2003 American Soldiers have been sent to many places around the world.  Theodora ran bye in front of Manny, Moe and Jack.                     

           

  MR. STEVE'S FATHER         "KOREAN" WAR           105 MM "HOWOTZER     

    

           Mr. Steve's dad thinks there will always be war.  His time "Spotting" for artillery during the Korean War was good and bad, he made lifelong friends; but has permanent injuries.  His      feet were saved from amputation by that Canadian Corpsman.  And he has bad dreams.               

            I just thought of how, after being allies to beat the Nazis in World War II; the U.S. and Soviet Union became "Mortal" enemies during the "Cold War."  And, because both sides have Nuclear bombs; life on Earth has been threatened ever since.  Crows are fighting.  

           The Soviet Union collapsed 1991, so now the U.S. is the only "Super Power" left.  Our boss and his father both think, "whether we like it or not;" America has to be the "Policeman of the World."  America also has to help the really poor countries financially they believe.

   

 "KOREAN WAR" 

("BATTL OF CHOSIN" / 1950)

      

                      I just thought of how, after World War II ended in 1945; the Korean peninsula was divided.  Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union backed "North" Korea, while the U.S. supported "South" Korea's democratic government.  But then, in mid-1950; North Korea invaded South Korea. 

                My Encyclopedia says Japan's "Meiji" government beat "Czarist" Russia in 1905, then  conquered the Korean peninsula five years later.  The "vacuum" left by a defeated Japan in 1945 was "filled" during the Cold War by Communist and Democratic forces.  I smell Sage.

         As I've said before, the Korean War wasn't a "Declared" war for America; but a "Police Action" by the "United Nations" organization.   So, the U.S. led a "coalition" of nations against    North Korea; and a lot of people then died.  That guy General MacArthur led that force.                          

"KOREAN" WAR MEMORIAL

(WASHINGTON D.C. / JULY, 2008)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

             I just thought of how in 2008 Mr. Steve's family visited the different "War Memorials" back there in Washington D.C.   So, of course they walked around the one devoted to the Korean War.  Our boss's father got a little emotional in thinking about his friends who had died.               

                 Even though it wasn't a declared war the Korean War was still big, the U.S. losing about forty thousand men from 1950 through 1953; when an "Armistice" was declared.   And, to this    day; North and South Korea still don't like each other I guess.  The Dragonfly flew bye.                

                   The border between North and South Korea was established along the "38th Parallel" in 1953.   While in the Air Force, Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob was for a time stationed in South Korea near to the "Demilitarized Zone;" along that 38th Parallel.  I can smell Beavertail cactus.   

           

                     NORTH / SOUTH KOREA                                NEPHEW JACOB

          

                    Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob was later sent from South Korea over to Italy.  I guess he's now living back there in Texas, working for a store called "Costco;" which is like "Pace" who from 1989 through 1992 our boss worked for.  Daisy heard how it's now "Sam's Club."

                   This Encyclopedia says 1950, the first year of the Korean War; was a year of "dramatic reversals."  South Korea's Capitol city "Seoul" even "changed hands" four times, and at first the North Koreans "overran" and conquered most of South Korea.  I smell Sage.

              In late 1950 that guy Douglas MacArthur, who since World War II had been ruling over a defeated Japan; led that invasion force I've written about.  He took a big risk in landing his Soldiers behind the North Koreans at that place called "Inchon."  But it worked alright.

                   

            "INCHON" INVASION                   DOUGLAS MACARTHUR (1880-1964)  

       

             By late 1950 the North Koreans had pushed all the way down to the bottom of South Korea.  Only a "surrounded pocket" was left unconquered but, General MacArthur surprised those North Korean troops by landing behind them at Inchon.  A good map shows it.  

            As I've written before, successfully landing at Inchon forced the North Koreans to make a "hasty retreat" back up to their country; with MacArthur's armies chasing them.  This got the Chinese Communists under Mao Zedong to come into the war.   Heathcliff crowed.  

             Mr. Steve and his father have both noticed over the years how people either "love or hate" Douglas MacArthur.  His "supporters" think he's the "greatest" American General, while his      "detractors" call him a "Prima Donna."  I do like the shape of that pipe he smoked.                                                 SURRENDER OF JAPAN                                     EMPEROR HIROHITO

  (SEPTEMBER 2, 1945)                                                                              (1901-1989)             

  

             General MacArthur conducted Japan's "formal" surrender ceremonies on September the 2nd of 1945, Miss Maria's birthday.   He was then appointed as what Mr. Steve's dad jokes was the "De Facto" King of Japan.  He "had more power" than even Emperor Hirohito.              

           The surprise landing at Inchon "turned the tables" on the North Koreans, as they then had to "make a run for it;" trying to escape back up to North Korea.  General MacArthur was "overconfident," saying the war would be "over by Christmas."   He was wrong.                            

            When Mao Zedong's Chinese Communists "intervened" in the Korean War in late 1950, General MacArthur told President to use nuclear bombs; but he said no to that.  There was a lot of fighting for the rest of 1950 and into 1951, when Mr. Steve's dad got there.  I smell Sage.                 

KOREAN WAR (1950-1953)

 

           The Korean War turned into a "stalemate" like World War I, where both sides "dug into trenches;" with a "no man's land" or "killing zone" created in between.  For the next two years the United Nations forces bombed North Korea.  The mid-afternoon air is so clear right now.      

         Wow!  This Encyclopedia says,  during the Korean War about thirty percent of the North Korean population ended up dying; many through the "aerial bombardment" which began in      1951.  The first ever "Jet to Jet" dogfights happened in 1951.  Libby whinnied.                               

         In 1951 Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union sent Fighter Pilots to help the North Koreans.  I just thought of how that Baseball player Ted Williams piloted "F-9F Panther" Jets in the Korean        War.  I guess, Mr. Steve thinks he was made a Pilot in part because of his really good eyesight.            

                 "MIG-15" VS. "F-86 SABRE"                      TED WILLIAMS DURING KOREAN WAR            PAINTING BY JAO BASILONE                                                                                                                                                                              

 

            I like that painting of an F-86 Sabre shooting down one of those Soviet Mig-15's.  A photo from 1951, the same year Mr. Steve's father was in Korea;  shows Ted Williams in the cockpit of a "Grumman" Panther Jet.   He was one of the greatest Hitter's in Baseball history I guess.        

       One time our boss and Mr. Rick talked about how it's said Ted Williams had such good eyesight could see the stitches on a spinning baseball as it came out of the Pitcher's hand.  He's    the last Batter ever to hit over .400 for a full season.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.                 

        Mr. Steve inherited his "Near-Sightedness" from his dad so can appreciate Ted Williams good eyesight.  I've mentioned before how Ted Williams' rival was that guy Joe DiMaggio who,    later married Marilyn Monroe.  He hit right-handed, while Ted Williams swung left-handed.              

TED WILLIAMS                        JOE DIMAGGIO

    

           Mr. Steve and his brother Rock have talked about 1941, the year the Japanese attacked the U.S. at Pearl Harbor; and Ted Williams hit .400.  In that same year Joe DiMaggio had a fifty six game hitting streak.  Daisy heard many people think that record will never be broken.            

         Both Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio were in the military during World War II, so lost playing seasons.  Our boss's dad thinks Ted Williams would have set a lot more records had it      not been for the Second World War and later Korean War.  Andy's sniffing the air.                         

           Anyway, I'll come back to the Korean War; which ended up in a stalemate truce; with the DMZ zone separating the two Korea's.  I guess, to this day there's a lot of barbed wire and many armed guards cautiously watching each other.  It's one of the most dangerous borders.                           

MARCHING TROOPS         "POST" KOREAN WAR            GUARD TOWER       

                                                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY JOHN TROUT

         

             Daisy says in North Korea they do that precision type "Goose Step" marching, just like what the Nazi's used to do.  But overall North Korea is a really poor country and is cut off from  the rest of the world.   But they do have nuclear bombs and things like that Dais told me.              

          Well, it looks like I need to write more about our boss and his brother Rock's 1977 trip back east; when they visited New York City and their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey.  I've    mentioned how, that "Son of Sam" killer was caught when there.  Dawn's barking.                        

            1977 is now called the "Year the Bronx Burned" I guess, because of all the rioting which happened the month before Mr. Steve and his brother were there.   That was after a big blackout of N.Y.C., when people looted and stole things from the stores.   Some buildings burned up.                             

    NEW YORK CITY    

                   

          One time Mr. Steve told his sister Susan about that 1977 trip.  Uncle Marty took them to see the newly built "World Trade Center," and then the "Stock Exchange."  In their rented Car our boss and his brother Rock drove around places in N.Y.C. such as "Central Park."                   

           I just looked up the word "loot" and Daisy was right because it means to "take something by force."  That's what happened back in July of 1977, when there was that one huge "Power        Outage."  Dais and I would never ever steal anything.  No way!  Absolutely not.                            

           As I've said before, during the Vietnam War Uncle Marty was a "Medic," which Daisy thinks is like that Korean War Canadian "Corpsman" who helped our boss's dad save his feet.  They're supposed to help you if you get hurt or wounded.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

     

     "HARVARD" UNIVERSITY                                                            UNCLE MARTY

     

               I just thought of how, when Uncle Marty returned from the Vietnam War; he used his "G.I. Bill" to get his "M.B.A." from "Harvard" where Mr. Peabody went to as well.  I remember when Daisy told me M.B.A. means "Masters of Business Administration."  I smell Sage.     

             As I've mentioned, while in N.Y.C Mr. Steve and his brother saw that Baseball game at "Yankee Stadium;" between the Yankees and Chicago "White Sox."  In walking toward Yankee Stadium they noticed what looked like "bombed out war zones."  Libby whinnied.

          N.Y.C. was near "Bankruptcy" in August of 1977, and that garbage strike was going on.  As they walked toward Yankee Stadium, Mr. Steve's brother said; "I wonder if anyone lives in      those buildings?"  Just then a lady stuck out of a window and hung some clothes to dry.                             

  "WORLD SERIES"                1977 N.Y. YANKEES             MARTIN / JACKSON       

            

            As I've mentioned a few times, 1977 was an eventful year for New York City.  That was the year Reggie Jackson, after coming from the A's; began playing for the Yankees.  He fought      with his Manger in the dugout and hit three home runs in one gamed in the World Series.             

               In 1977 that garbage strike was going on, the Workers wanting more money; so there were piles of trash around and it smelled bad.  As they were walking toward Yankee Stadium a guy yelled "New York!  Love it or leave it," which made everyone laugh.  I smell Sage.

              Managers seldom fight with players but, as I wrote about yesterday; Billy Martin was the "exception" as Mr. Rick said one time.  He had a bad temper, and in 1977 thought Reggie Jackson had not "hustled" enough on a ball hit to him in right field.  Sage smells good.

        

                                            REGGIE JACKSON           OAKLAND A'S           BILLY MARTIN

      

           I just thought of how Reggie Jackson played for the A's and then the Yankees, while Billy Martin managed the Yankees and then the A's.   Daisy heard Mr. Rick say it was a "big deal"      when they fought in the dugout that time.   Billy Martin "liked to fight" Mr. Steve thinks.             

            Even though Reggie Jackson fought with Billy Martin that time, the Yankees ended up beating the Dodgers in the World Series in 1977, with Reggie Jackson hitting those three home runs in that single game.  Speedy Gonzalez, with Andy watching; just now ran bye.

            Dais heard our boss and his brother Sam talk about the 1977 "Dodgers."  Even though they lost to the Yankees in the World Series, they also had a "really good team" too Mr. Steve thinks.  1977 was the first year Mr. Steve's father bought season seats at Dodger Stadium.  

  

1977 LOS ANGELES "DODGERS"

            As I wrote yesterday in my first book, back in 1977 the Dodgers had four players who hit over thirty home runs in one season.  They also had four players on the "Infield" who ended up playing together for many years, a "rare thing now" Mr. Steve says.  A Lizard ran bye.                

        Having been a Kansas City and later Oakland "Athletics" fan our boss had "followed" Reggie Jackson, who went to the Yankees as a "Free Agent;" before 1977.  It was "weird" to see  him in anything other than one of the A's green and yellow uniforms.  I smell Sage.                       

             The A's Irish Owner Charles Finley liked bright green and yellow, so had the A's in many types of untraditional uniforms; or wearing white shoes.  The Yankees, on the other hand; have worn the same traditional uniforms since the time of Babe Ruth.  A Train just whistled.

          

       MISS MARIA / MR. RICH / STEPHANIE                       THEIR FOOD   

     

                 Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve and his Niece Stephanie talking about her and Mr. Rich's Catering business that Miss Maria helps them with.  Our boss jokingly asked her why Hot Dogs "seem to taste better" at Dodger Stadium?   It's because of the "atmosphere" he thinks.

              I guess, in 1972 when Mr. Steve was in the 11th Grade at Sylmar High; Reggie Jackson "popularized" wearing "facial hair" in professional Baseball.  He came to Spring Training with a beard, and some "Traditionalists" like the Yankees didn't like it.  Libby whinnied.

             Since the early 20th century for some reason being "clean shaken" in Baseball was the "norm" my Encyclopedia says.  One exception was this one Philadelphia A's Catcher named Wally Schang who, in 1914, wore a mustache.  That was the year World War I started.

        

"HOUSE OF DAVID" BASEBALL TEAM  (1930'S)    

               

            One time Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about the the 1930's "Great Depression."  The man mentioned a "traveling" or "Barnstorming" Jewish Baseball team called the "House of David" who, as one of those "Gimmicks;" wore beards and long hair.  Daffy's quacking.

            Because almost everyone was poor in the 1930's, those Jewish Baseball players "eked out a living" playing local teams in each town.  They were in this "Commune" from Michigan, like the Israeli "Kibbutz" Mr. Steve visited.  "Barnstorm" means "to tour" I guess.  

           The tv show mentioned how the House of David team once offered that guy Babe Ruth a job, but he said no joking; "It gets hot under them whiskers."  Daisy says our boss has worn beards at different periods of his life.  Right now he just ha one of those goetees.

  

"BABE" RUTH (1895-1949)     

     

            The tv shows said Babe Ruth once wore a fake beard for a joke, and dressed up as Santa Claus for Christmas.  Mr. Steve told his sister Susan it's said the Yankees started to wear their      home uniforms with vertical pin stripes to make Babe Ruth look thinner.  He liked to eat.             

         Babe Ruth was one of the best Baseball players ever; even though he never "faced" or played against black players like Satchel Page or Jackie Robinson.  But he did play at a time, the 1920's and 1930's; when "competition was fierce" the tv show said.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

              Daisy thinks what "sets Babe Ruth apart" from other players is, not only was he a great Hitter; at first he was also a great Pitcher too.  For five seasons he pitched for the Boston "Red Sox," setting records.  Mr. Rick mentioned how some of those records "still stand."

    

"BABE" RUTH    

    

            After those first five years the Red Sox, "traded" Babe Ruth to their rival the Yankees, one of the "worst trades in history" Mr. Steve thinks.  For many years his 714 career home runs was the record, but now Henry Aaron Barry Bonds have passed him. 

             I just thought about how, in his 1971 trip to "Atlanta" with his father; our boss saw that game where he was lucky enough to see "Hank" Aaron hit that home run.  Hey God!  His mom    joked "maybe" it was a "Gift of Grace" from You up there.  Daisy thinks it was.                            

              Mr. Steve has also seen that guy Barry Bonds hit home runs, one when he was on Mr. Rick's favorite team the Pittsburgh "Pirates;" then another one later as a member of those San Francisco "Giants."  All were at Dodger Stadium.  Andy's over there looking at me.    

              

WALTER JOHNSON (1887-1946)       

            

              Daisy says a few years ago Mr. Steve met a lady from "Orange County"  who's family knew the family of a famous Major League Pitcher named Walter Johnson.  Both families were "Swedish."  Walter Johnson threw right-handed and also what they call "Side Arm."

             This one Encyclopedia says Walter Johnson holds records for "Strikeouts," and his 110 "Shutouts" is the best ever.  That means the other team didn't even score one run in the nine innings Dais told me.  Cleo and Leo flew over the house going west, or  behind me. 

            I guess Walter Johnson, who's nickname was "Big Train;" threw really fast.  Just like that guy Sandy Koufax he had only  two pitches, "Fastball" and "Curve;" but that's "all he needed" our boss jokes.  During his career with the Washington "Senators" he won 417 games.

            

"TY" COBB (1886-1961 / DETROIT "TIGERS")

     

             Daisy saw a tv show that said how Walter Johnson played against  Ty Cobb who, unlike himself; was mean" she says.  In his day they couldn't measure a pitch's speed but some think  Walter Johnson threw in the high 90's miles per hour.  Ty Cobb called him "Hayseed." 

           The lady from Orange County told Mr. Steve one time at "Fullerton High School" Walter Johnson  struck out all 27 batters he faced in the nine innings.   He pitched in twenty seasons for the Senators," who were really bad except for him I guess.  Heathcliff crowed.                                

           The tv show said Walter Johnson, for losing teams; twice won thirty games in one season. "Even more impressive" Mr. Rick thinks, was his record in 1-0 games; one season winning 38 of them and in another 21.  Two Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral over there.

    

STEVE CARLTON (PHILADELPHIA "PHILLIES")

     

              In 1972, when Mr. Steve was in 11th Grade at Sylmar High; Steve Carlton had "one of the best seasons a Pitcher ever had" he says.  His team the Philadelphia "Phillies" were bad, only winning 59 games that season.  And of those wins Steve Carlton himself won 27 of them.

             Steve Carlton's "Earned Run Average" in 1972 was an amazing "1.97," which Mr. Rick joked was "almost unhittable. "  With his "Slider" pitch, his 27 wins as the "Starting" Pitcher means he won 46% of the Phillies victories that season.  I smell Bravo Company.

            When he worked for that company "Pace," our boss signed up this girl named Bonnie Carlton's "Tack" Shop in San Fernando to be a member.  Tack means the food for Horses, and Mules like Molly when she was still alive.  Libby's walking around slowly over there. 

               

                                                          MID-AFTERNOON SKY  

   

          Oh!  I just glanced up and see how some puffy clouds have formed up in the sky over the eastern desert.  That reminds me of last Summer when our boss and Mr. Mike talked about that company Pace, and how Bonnie Carlton was Steve Carlton's Cousin.  Dawn's barking.                 

           I've mentioned before how Pace in now called "Sam's Club," owned by "Walmart." Back in Texas Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob worked for that company "Costco," which is the same type    of store as Sam's Club I guess.   I can smell Blinky standing next to Dawn over there.                     

          Another person our boss signed up to shop at Pace was the Actor Patrick Swayze, who had an Arabian Horse Ranch in "Lake View Terrace."  Like with Bonnie Carlton, Mr. Steve got his    name from a "One Day Pass" they'd filled out and used to visit Pace.  I like Blinky's scent.                             

PATRICK SWAYZE WITH WIFE

 

            I'll mainly write about that guy Patrick Swayze tomorrow, but will say now how I guess Mr. Steve went to his Ranch and they ended up talking for over an hour.  You could tell he and    his pretty wife were friends I guess.  They discussed Horses and other things like that.                   

             Daisy says when Mr. Steve mentioned he saw Steve Carlton pitch it turned out Bonnie Carlton was his Cousin.  She said she knew "how good he was" when they were growing up in Florida but she hadn't even seen him in many years.   Libby whinnied over there.

            This one Encyclopedia says, after eighteen "losing" seasons; in 1924 Walter Johnson's "American League" team the Washington "Senators" finally made it to the World Series.  Their opponent from the "National League" was the New York "Giants."   Boy!  I feel good.

            

1924 "WORLD SERIES"       

(PRESIDENT COOLIDGE / WALTER JOHNSON)    

          

             I'm looking at that 1924 picture of Walter Johnson shaking hands with President Calvin Coolidge at the World Series.  The caption says, both being "understated" men; they "hardly said a word" to each other.  Theodora just ran bye in front of Manny, Moe and Jack.

            All of a sudden I just thought of that one story about the lady at party saying to President Coolidge she'd bet her husband she could get him to say more than three words.  He shook her hand saying "You lose."  Daisy says Mr. Steve had a customer named "Calvin."

           The tv show Daisy and Millie watched said sometimes in "Less Competitive" situations, Walter Johnson "let up;" so Hitters who needed help could get a hit.  This really got that guy Ty Cobb mad as Walter Johnson always pitched him hard.  I smell Bravo Company.

                                                                                   TY COBB                                                   MR. PEABODY                            

              

         A "Leadoff Hitter" too, Daisy thinks if our boss could use Mr. Peabody's time machine; he'd go watch Ty Cobb play for the Detroit Tigers.  Before Babe Ruth's 1920's "long" home runs changed Baseball, they played "Small Ball," which is more like Chess I guess.  I smell Sage.         

          Ty Cobb was like Bert Campaneris who I wrote about earlier in this chapter, getting "On Base" in any way he could; even by "Walking" if necessary.  Then, he tried to get to second base or "Scoring Position;" for other Hitters to knock him in.  He also "Stole" a lot bases.                     

     Dais says in Baseball, unlike other sports; there is no "Time Clock."  Mr. Steve told his brother Sam he, like Ty Cobb and Bert Campaneris; was a good "Bunter."  Instead of swinging hard, you "Square Around," letting the ball hit your bat and drop softly on the ground.                                          

                                     BERT CAMPANERIS IN "BUNTING" STANCE

                                                                                                                                                                     

                   A diagram shows bunting, which Mr. Steve did right and left-handed.  The "situation" tells you where to try to "lay the ball down," if no one's on base, you do a "Drag" bunt in trying to get on base.  Bert Campaneris was really good at doing a "Running" but Daisy heard.

            Our boss has taught a few kids how to bunt.  If there's "already a runner on base," then  "the object is" to do a "Sacrifice" bunt; "giving yourself up" in "making an out" allowing the runner to "move up" to the next base or scoring position if there's a hit.  I smell Sage.

            I've mentioned before how some think Babe Ruth "saved" Baseball.  After that big 1919 "Black Sox Scandal," where Arnold Rothstein paid members of the Chicago White Sox to lose the World Series on purpose; many stopped going to the games.  Heathcliff just crowed.

          

                            1919 CHICAGO "WHITE SOX"       ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN (1882-1928)

            

               I'm looking at that team  photo of the 1919 White Sox team.  Circles are around the players who "threw" the World Series.  I've mentioned before how that guy Arnold Rothstein, the "Brain;" paid them to lose.  He was "Lucky" Luciano and "Dutch" Schultz's mentor.

              World War I ended in 1918, and in 1919 the huge "Spanish Influenza" pandemic was still going on.  Daisy and Millie saw that movie about how some of the White Sox "fixed" the World Series mainly because the team owner was so cheap.  A Lizard ran bye.  

             As I wrote before, the eight White Sox players "in on" the conspiracy to lose World Series games ended up all being kicked out of Baseball "for life."  Attendance at the games went way down in the early 1920's, but then Babe Ruth came in.   Dawn's now barking. 

        

    LOU GEHRIG / BABE RUTH                  GRANDPA / GRANDMA TRUJILLO 

        

        I just thought of that German guy Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth's teammate on all of those powerful 1920's and 1930's New York "Yankees" teams.  Like Grandpa Trujillo, Lou Gehrig        never ever missed a day of work.  Some people say he was the Yin to Babe Ruth's Yang.                 

           Over these last two days I've mentioned a few times how the German word "Zeitgeist" is translated as meaning "Spirit of the Times."  And, just like now the BEATLES are associated      with the 1960's, Babe Ruth symbolizes the "Roaring 20's"  The economy was good.                       

            As I've said before, Babe Ruth's nickname was "Bambino;" or "Boy Baby" in Italian. Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Ivan talk about that "Curse of the Bambino," where the Boston Red Sox never won a championship after trading Babe Ruth.  His Yankees won a lot. 

THEODORA

               I glanced up and see Theodora standing on her Creosote bush to the left of Jack the big Shed.  She's now looking over here in this direction, and is probably wondering why I'm always over here on the Patio now.  There are three little gray Wrens standing on top of Manny. 

             When Babe Ruth was traded from the Red Sox to the Yankees, he was "switched" from being a Pitcher to an "every day" Right Fielder; mainly because he was such a good hitter.  He "ushered in" the era of the home run.  The Wrens flew away and so did Theodora.

              Daisy says Mr. Ivan thinks one reason Babe Ruth got so "well known" is because of the "Radio."  In Germany that guy Joseph Goebbels also "took full advantage" of its invention and "widespread availability" to "advertise" Adolph Hitler.  And "it worked" Dais thinks.

              

    PHILADELPHIA "ATHLETICS"        

(TY COBB SECOND FROM LEFT / 1921)         

           

             I'm looking at that picture of Ty Cobb.  A "Hall of Famer" who played mostly in Detroit, at the end he was on Philadelphia A's.  He exchanged an Old English "D" on chest for an Old English "A."  He set "numerous" Records, some which have to this day never been broken.

             Daisy saw this tv show which said for most of  20th Ty Cobb was the "all time" career "Hits" leader.  But, he was an "unfriendly" person who "played angry;" even sharpening the spikes on his cleats.  Cleo and Leo are flying over Libby's Corral, going eastward.

             Ty Cobb "resented" Babe Ruth for changing Baseball from being more of a Chess match into hitting "prodigious" home runs.  Walter Johnson joked, when Babe Ruth hit a ball it "Got smaller quicker."  When he "connected squarely" it sounded like a "cannon blast."    

                   

   RED SOX                "BABE" RUTH                 YANKEES                         

                        

             Daisy says our boss and Mr. Rick talked about Babe Ruth's "forty" ounce bat.  I guess, many bats weigh "thirty two" ounces; like some of those in one of the hall closets.   Mr. Steve has held a forty ounce bat and told his dad Babe Ruth "must've been very physically strong."             

             My Encyclopedia says as a kid Babe Ruth's parents put him in "Reform School," which is really bad Dais told me.  It was operated by the Catholic Church, and in there Babe Ruth met "Brother" Mathias, a "strict disciplinarian."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.                             

          Yup!  Just like Daisy told me that time, when Babe Ruth saw how hard and far Brother Mathias could hit a baseball; he right away wanted to do that too.  His real name was "George    Herman" Ruth.  Daisy says a Catholic Brother is not a Priest but is kind of like one.                      

                                                                                                         1970 OAKLAND A'S                                    

                                                                        

               One time Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talked about how, in the 1970's; the A's broke that traditional "Dress Code" against facial hair I mentioned before.  As a "Gimmick," owner Charles Finley encouraged his players to grow beards and mustaches.  I smell Mesquite.

            As I've said, in the 1960's hair styles changed from being conservative to having more variety; those Hippies and also the BEATLES influential in that.  Our boss thinks it's "normal" for kids to "rebel" against their parents. authority or status quo.  Libby neighed.

           I guess, in 1970 when that guy Reggie Jackson showed up at Spring Training with a beard, it gave Charles Finley the idea to pay the other players to grow facial hair too.  Then players on other teams began to grow longer hair and have facial hair.  Libby has a nice voice.  

                         

                           OSCAR GAMBLE                                               DICK ALLEN 

                               (CLEVELAND "INDIANS")                                          (CHICAGO "WHITE SOX")

                 

        In the 1970's black Baseball players began to wear those "Afro" hair styles, to the point where it was "almost impossible" to wear a hat Mr. Steve jokes.  He has a Magazine showing        Dick Allen in the dugout with long sideburns and a mustache.  He's smoking a cigarette.               

           Our boss and Mr. Rick, in 1971; met Dick Allen in Pasadena when he was on the Dodgers.  He had a reputation for being unfriendly but, that was "not the case at all" on that day.  He had a strong handshake, and just like Babe Ruth; used a heavier than usual bat too.                              

           Mr. Steve told his sister Susan it wasn't until he transferred from Alemany to Sylmar High that he saw an Afro.  At St. Ferdinands there had been only one black person and everyone had to wear the same uniforms and have conservative hair styles.  Heathcliff just crowed.

                       

                       BLACK SABBATH                               MR. STEVE / MISS PEGGY   

                                                                      

              It was at Sylmar High when Mr. Steve first grew his hair long, and a few people joked he resembled BACK SABBATH'S Bassist "Geezer" Butler.  I've mentioned how he didn't go to his "Prom" but took Miss Peggy and then Miss Peggy to theirs.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.

             Daisy says Grandma Trujillo was so surprised the first time she saw our boss with long hair.  After she died he and Samantha cleaned out her room at the Retirement Center.  They used to push her in a wheelchair to his parents house whenever there was a holiday.  

             As They cleaned Grandma Trujillo's room this Filipana Nurse came in and said, "Mr. Steve, you'll be happy to know Grandma Lupe watched both Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune the night before she died."  Her "mind was still good" he says, but her body "gave out." 

           

 AMBROSE BURNSIDE (0000-0000)      

                                                                                                      

                   I've written before how the term "Sideburns" originated with that Civil War Union General Ambrose Burnside 

     Civil War broke out1861.   once Lee took over  Army of Northern Virginia  beat five  Generals in battle. Burnside  one

     Lee "trounced" Burnside  December  1862 Fredericksburg.  

     At Fredericksburg Burnside kept sending soldiers up  hill against  Lee's "well entrenched" troops.  "Irish Brigade" started with 1600 men  256 survived 

      Burnside shares  birthday with  Sam  May 23.

     Lee, watchingcarnage  "Marys Heights" said; "It is well that war is so terrible or we should grow too fond of it."  Mr. Steve said Lee  seemed like  flawed but basically decent 

  Lee's family attended Mass.  black man walked up  knelt at rail to take "Communion." No one wanted to kneel next to him until  Lee walked up  knelt beside him.  Then everyone took Communion.  

     Mr.  sells  dealership  Fredericksburg.  He's discussed battle  with"Parts Manager" talked aboutway men wore hair  beards  then  

      boss jokes "what hair I have left"getting longer because he's  lazy about it  all  life he's gotten his hair cut by Joe  San Fernando.  But Joe's older now and  sometimes out sick; like now.  

  Mr.says  looks forward to a day when  drives past Mr. Joe's Barber Shop  sees  sign "Open."  

           Richie Allen, like Reggie Jackson later, got away with  facial hair because good hitter.   White Sox even let him take  Batting Practice only when felt like it!    

       In Pasadena that day Mr. Rick were surprised Richie Allen was not as big as  looked on tv.   

                      women's hair styles change one year to  next.  1955,  year Mr.  born; many like  Jayne Mansfield wore  "Barrel Curls."

      1957, year  Rock  born;  Elizabeth Taylor wore hair with "Soft Full Curls."   Elizabeth Taylor  Pharaoh named "Cleopatra."  

                        I'm getting good at hiding or "stashing" my materials under the cushions and blankets on this couch.  Even if our boss were to suddenly appear I can hide things fast.  

       "Gettysburg" when  Radio announced  Elvis  died.   

      "Elvis" dying  big news everyone talked about  for days.  Elvis  as big as BEATLES  1950's 

      thinks  Elvis's original guitar player Scotty Moore  important in the 1950's.   helped create a style "Rockabilly."   

       other than Chuck Berry, Scotty Moore  most important  making  electric guitar main instrument  "Rock 'n' Roll."  

     Scotty Moore's guitar playing  1950's influenced  Keith Richards George Harrison studied Scotty Moore

    can be argued  even some   1970's "Punk" like X  CLASH  influenced by  Scotty Moore.  

     Scotty Moore's influence in many of  1960's British bands; including LED ZEPPELIN'S Jimmy Page   

        Elvis's original band "Middle of the Road" musicians  mainly played "Country"  "Western"  1954,  played behind Elvis on"That's All Right." 

      Elvis' song That's All Right important.  new "hard-driving"  "innovative" form  "R & B"  influenced by  "Blues" Scotty Moore was listening to at that pointR & B means "Rhythm and Blues."    

              Elvis born  same year as Mr. Steve's mother.  But she's still healthy Elvis was "not in good shape" when died 1977.  

       mid-1950's Elvis band played Rockabilly; now considered  one of  earliest forms  Rock and Roll.   "Pioneers"  

      early 1980's  were  local Los Angeles bands played Rockabilly 

      "Roots Rock" band early 1980's  JIMMY AND THE MUSTANGS.  One of  styles they played  Rockabilly.  Robert Plant,  Bruce Springsteen liked their music.  Another band  BLASTERS.

                                                                          Mr. likes Rockabilly   STRAY CATS  drummer stands up  only one drum.   "Snare." 

    STRAY CATS  from New York City but in  mid-1970's went  England where  blended Punk  Rockabilly.  At first  called TOM CATS 

      STRAY CATS  influenced by 1950's Rockabilly recorded  "Sun Records."      run by   Sam Phillips"Memphis;" "Tennessee." 

          Elvis,  from Mississippi, in early 1950's went to Sun studios to start recording   Some Rockabilly musicians  Eddie Cochran, Carl Perkins  Gene Vincent made records there too.

  has records    by Elvis some of other Sun Records musicians  1950's.                                     

       shows  musicians who recorded Sun Records besides Elvis.   some  "discovered" by Sam Phillips.  

       1956,  Sam Phillips sold Elvis's contract  $35,000  bigger company  RCA."   Some  think  made  huge mistake.  Boy!  I'd love to have $35,000!  

       was after 1956  Elvis had  biggest hits  later made movies too.   boss used to watch at  Grandparents house.         Sam Phillips ran "virtual one man operation"  Sun Records  in 1956 was "struggling financially."  "simply wasn't able to keep up with the demands of a hit record."

   some think Sam Phillips deserves credit for "inventing" Rock and Roll.  blend of Folk, Country  Bluegrass with  "Rhythm and Blues" 

      some  say Rock 'n' Roll  "born"  Sun Records in 1950's.  in 1951, when Mr.father g in Korean War,  "Rocket 88" came out.

     some  consider Rocket 88  first Rock 'n' Roll song.  Rocket 88  a Car  "Oldsmobile."   song  recorded  Sun Records  Sam Phillips "Produced"

       Rocket 88 was at first "credited" to  JACKIE BRENSTON AND HIS DELTA CATS.  But  was actually done by IKE TURNER AND THE RHYTHM KINGS.  

   interview with Ike said Rock 'n' Roll began with  Rocket 88.  Mr. thinks good bass 

         Steve met  lady who knew  Ike said  had  temper.  In the mid-1980's Mr. Harriet saw  movie about how he at times beat up  wife Tina    

       IKE & TURNER late 1950's early 1960's  He Sandy used to listen to those old 

                 Tina Turner.  Mr. thinks she's talented; pretty  Until  started being mean  were good musical team.  

     late 1980's  Harriet got  tickets for  Tina Turner concert "Greek Theater."   below  Observatory where Laser Images  Laserium  Both part of Griffith Park.  

      By time of concert Tina  not with Ike   had  own band   during  concert  thought  Rocket 88.  

      he Harriet  impressed at how well Tina Turner  other girl dance in high heels.   boss noticed  nice legs Tina Turner has.  

                                                                 "MAD MAX, BEYOND THUNDER DOME" (1985)

       "Dystopian" "Utopian" books  movies   Tina  in  "Mad Max, Beyond Thunder Dome."   about dystopian world of future like  described by  Huxley  Orwell.  

      Beyond Thunder Dome  makes you appreciate living in  peace  Australia of the future  shown.   a nuclear war or something like that has happened 

      lives of surviving Australian people in Beyond Thunder Dome has been turned into  brutal struggle for survival.   people  had "Punk" haircuts.  Even Tina  wore  hair in  unusual way. 

      Mel Gibson,  Australian,  also in Beyond Thunder Dome.   in  movie Mad Max, Mel  is living in Australia when modern civilization  gone and it's "Dog eat Dog"  

       Mad Max goes to  town  "Bartertown."  Tina  plays  leader of  town.  But has to share power with  Midget  "Master."  Tina tells Max  can stay in  town as long as he does her favor.

      the Midget Master sits on  shoulders of  big muscular giant wears  helmet.   name is "Blaster."  Master rideson Blaster's shoulders  tells him what to do.  Together called by  people "Master Blaster."