Chinese Invasion Of Pennsylvania Continues Apace

Havre de Grace Patch, Northern Snakehead Spotted In Conowingo Reservoir: Local Anglers Key To Stopping The Invasive Fish

Sightings of the Northern Snakehead in the Conowingo Reservoir have prompted a call to action by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

According to the PFBC, both anglers and biologists from resource agencies have noted the increasing prevalence of the fish, indicating that they are reproducing within the reservoir. The commission is urging anglers to immediately kill and dispose of the invasive species upon capture.

The Northern Snakehead, native to China's Yangtze River, can grow over 33 inches, thrive in temperatures between 32-85°F, favors stagnant, muddy, vegetation-filled waters, and females can spawn multiple times annually, producing up to 100,000 eggs. Due to its wide temperature tolerance and rapid spawning, the predatory Snakehead outcompetes native species like largemouth bass and the American Eel, damaging the region's fragile ecosystem.

Once they're above the dam, there's really no stopping them from invading every suitable habitat in the Susquehanna River. They may not settle everywhere, but they certainly move through looking for new territory.  

"Northern Snakeheads are voracious predators and may cause declines in important sport fisheries, such as bass and panfish, and may inhibit recovery efforts for species of conservation concern in the region, such as American Shad and Chesapeake Logperch," said Sean Hartzell, PFBC Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator. "This is a critical time to protect the Susquehanna River from further expansion of invasive Northern Snakeheads by removing them to reduce adverse impacts."

The PFBC has been on alert for Northern Snakeheads in the Lower Susquehanna River since May 2020, when 21 of these invasive fish were observed crossing the Conowingo Dam during operations to facilitate the movement of native migratory fish.

The Maryland and Pennsylvania state governments are undertaking efforts to monitor the fish. Still, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), everyday anglers play a massive role in controlling the Northern Snakehead's spread.

"We have learned that harvest by anglers can remove over 25% of the local population, which goes a long way toward reducing snakehead numbers. For this reason, we encourage anglers to target and harvest Northern Snakehead when captured," the agency said in a news release.

It's so simple, even a child can do it. However, a 25% fishing mortality isn't going to eliminate Snakeheads. I say set commercial size and number limits, and let watermen fall all over themselves to break the rules and get every last one.

In both Pennsylvania and Maryland, keeping, transporting, and importing live snakeheads is illegal. Anglers catching a Northern Snakehead must kill the fish immediately because it can survive outside water for extended periods. The fish can be killed by removing its head, gill arches, or internal organs.

 

Beach Report 8/7/23 - Meg II - The Sequel

A pretty good day for August, in the mid 80s, a bit humid, with a rising east wind.

We hit the beach just a bit after low tide, but it was a high low tide, if you know what I mean. A good distribution of shell hash and gravel on the beach was offset some because the waves made it hard to spot and catch stuff in the surf zone.

We were pretty sure Georgia had the day won when she found this nice Mako lower tooth sitting dry on the high tide line.

But Skye let me take her up north of the big downed tree (there's now a tolerable path around the root to the cliffside).

Then, I spotted it, laying on some clay. A 3 5/8 inch Meg, my second for the year (not counting Fragalodons), not in the water, but still damp. This one is missing about half the enamel on both sides, but all things considered, it's not in too bad a shape for being 10 million years old, give or take a few million.

Flotsam and Jetsam - Barr, Pence Willing to Testify "Against" Trump?

Joe Klein at Front Page worries about Biden’s Assault on the Constitution. "The 2020 election indictment against Trump is just the latest example." From Da Caller, ‘Like Banana Republic Land’: Alan Dershowitz Says Biden ‘Urged’ Merrick Garland To ‘Indict’ Trump. Betsy McCaughey at NYPo says Trump prosecutor Jack Smith would rip up Americans’ right to free speech. Naomi Wolf at Front Page on Happy Indictment Day! "I am extraordinarily sad — at the thickheaded ignorance of history that those who are celebrating tonight, reveal; and at what has become of our country." Making lemonade, Joe Strader finds Five (Possibly) Good Things from the Trump Indictments "3. The Deep State™ proves its own existence."

Madeleine Hubbard at JTN reports  Trump plans to ask for recusal of federal judge overseeing 2020 election case and for venue change. "It is unclear whether Trump's efforts to change the venue or the judge will succeed." At TNP, ‘Crazy’ Trump Thinks a BLM-Loving, Obama Donor/Appointee Judge Might be Biased Against Him! From NewsBusters, MSNBC Spin Ruined? Ex-Garland Aide LOVES Rough-on-Rioters Judge in Trump's Jan. 6 Case.

Breitbart, Bill Barr: ‘Of Course’ I Would Testify Against Trump at January 6 Trial. Sundance at CTH, Sunday Talks, Bill Barr Says “Of Course” He Would Testify Against President Trump. Tony Gonzalez at PJM, Pence Says He Would Testify Against Trump in Jan. 6 Trial: 'We'll Obey The Law'. Read more carefully and you'll see neither used the word "against." Both said they'd testify if called, because, of course they would, it's not really optional. If they're not called by the prosecution, it's because their testimony can't be construed to help.

Sundance watches Sunday Talks, President Trump Attorney John Lauro -vs- Major Garrett and John Lauro -vs- Chuck Todd.

Jonathan Turley says Remember that Biden Dinner That Joe Biden Never Attended? Well, he did. John Solomon at JTN reports Jim Jordan has big questions about Hunter Biden probe, wants answers from 11 DOJ officials. At Da Caller, Video Resurfaces On Social Media Of Ukrainian Prosecutor Joe Biden Bragged About Having Fired. RARE reports New Texts Reveal Chinese Energy Firm Sought Access To Biden Family’s Influence In Hunter Biden Deal. Roger Kimball at Am Great sees through Joe Biden’s Weather Report. "Unfortunately for The Narrative, folks aren't buying what they're selling." Clarice at Am Think thinks The Machinery of Government is Coated with Gunk. "The juxtaposition of the Department of Justice’s handling of Hunter Biden with its outrageous treatment of Donald J. Trump justifies Scott Adams's view: "We can now see all of the machinery of government, from influence peddling to fake news to intel-supported hoaxes to political persecutions.” 

Jon Levine at NYPo, Hunter Biden sold himself as powerbroker when he was actually an easily manipulated low-life: ex-stripper. From Da Caller, ‘He’ll Never Be Perfect’: Former Stripper Alleges Hunter Biden Craves Approval From Father. Da Fed's Elle Purnell thinks The ‘Loving Father’ Excuse For Joe Biden’s Role In Pay-For-Play Biz Is Gross. At NewsBusters Burgum Angers Stephanopoulos by Refusing to Discuss Trump, Brings Up Hunter Instead. The Babylon Bee snarks Biden Makes Things Up To 7th Grandchild By Appointing Her Head Of Ukrainian Shell Company. Hunter is a sort of smart, troubled guy who made a poor father selection.

Town Halls Sarah Arnold hears Nancy Pelosi Snap At MSNBC Reporter After Being Asked About Biden Impeachment. At WaEx, Paul Bedard finds Voters think Biden’s a crook but not worth impeaching. On the other hand Ted Noel at Am Think thinks it's The Essential Impeachment. At Town Hall Kurt Schlichter seriously wonders Will The Biden Administration (sic) Let Trump – Or Any Republican – Take Office In 2025?

At Twitchy, Let's commemorate Joe Biden's 365th day of vacation. Hat Hair reads TwitterX, Joe Concha points out a problem with Biden's "Summer at the White House" picture. From Paul Bedard's White House Report Card: Even on vacation, crushing American traditions. My question is who's minding the store? It can't be Kamala. 

Atop Da Summit, Biden Energy Secretary Secretly Consulted Top Chinese Energy Official Before SPR Release, Sales To Hunter Biden-Linked Chinese Energy Giant and from Fox, Biden energy secretary torched after Fox News Digital reveals secret talks with top CCP official "'Why does communist China have more input on US energy policy than the American people under the Biden administration?' GOP Rep. Mike Collins asked." Because they pay better, silly. Christian Datoc at WaEx, Biden attacks GOP on economy after US credit downgrade. There's plenty of blame to be shared. Addison Smith at JTN reports Power companies ask Biden to end war on fossil fuel plants as EPA comment deadline looms "Both at home and on the road, Americans are being forced to grapple with higher energy costs, and the EPA will soon stop accepting public comment on new anti-fossil fuel rules."

ET reports US Judge Orders Former Fox News Reporter to Reveal Sources for Story Involving FBI. The courageous Catherine Herridge. At WaEx, White House braces for FBI spy tool fight. They want a clean reauthorization of Section 702. House Republicans are unlikely to go along. Sundance reposts a REMINDER – The Parliamentary Motive Behind the J6 Fedsurrection.

Atop Da Summit, Videos: CNN Admits Joe Biden’s Poll Numbers “Stink” And Trump Is In “Historically Strong Position”. Althouse sees The top story in the NYT right now is: "Kamala Harris Takes on a Forceful New Role in the 2024 Campaign." "What has been "forceful" — or "new" — about anything Kamala Harris has done?" mrcTV notes Pain at the Pump: Nat'l Avg. for a Gallon of Gas Up 30 Cents in a Month. Atop Da Hill, Democrats worry young people souring on party, the party of Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Diana Feinstein? Tom Knighton at Tilting at Windmills says There ought to be a law. "We need to figure out a way that these fossils can be removed from office when they’re showing such serious signs of decline. Feinstein missed quite some time, then claimed she’d been working the whole period. That’s not a woman I want deciding, well, anything more technical than what flavor of pudding she wants with her dinner. And yet, she’s a United States senator."

At Racket, Matt Taibbi calls Campaign 2024, Officially Chaos. "America enters an unprecedented political unknown, and our leaders appear helpless to find a way out." WaEx reports Trump bashes Nancy Pelosi after she said he looked like a 'scared puppy'. CJ, Minds or Hearts? "Donald Trump is winning the hearts of Republican primary voters, but his challengers may find success in appealing to their minds." 'Fuzzy Slippers' at LI likes, DeSantis At NH Town Hall: Trump “running in 2024 on the things that he promised to do in 2016 and didn’t do” “I’m not going to insult somebody’s looks or somebody’s dress or something like that,” DeSantis added. “I wouldn’t teach my kids to treat people like that.” Shawn Fleetwood at Da Fed claims the NBA Fouls Out With Attack On Orlando Magic’s Donation To A DeSantis Super PAC, they don't object to donations to liberal causes. Da Wire thinks Newsom Team Appears Agitated That DeSantis Accepted Debate Challenge. The 'B' Team battle. Never-anybody-but-Trump sundance on DeSantis, We Are Beyond Seeing the Strings, We Are Looking at the Puppeteers’ Hands Now. Phil Wegman at Am Great sees a Ramaswamy Donor Memo: ‘Vivek on Track To Eclipse DeSantis.’ Declan Leary at Am Con says simply Not Scott. "You could do worse than the South Carolina senator, but do you really want “a George W. Bush-style conservative” in 2024?" PJM's Matt Margolis calls Chris Christie The Biggest Loser. Cami Mondeaux at WaEx hears Pence spar with Trump supporters confronting him on campaign trail and TNP reports Perry Johnson, Whoever That Is, Beats Mike Pence to RNC Debate Threshold. Brady Knox at WaEx believes Youngkin's resolve to stay out of GOP presidential race got harder following new poll.

At Am Think, Mike Konrad is Still Doubting the 2020 Election. From CJ, Migrants Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Vote. "Extending the franchise to noncitizens will distort New York City’s politics" and that's the idea.

Tomi Lahren

OutKick's Tomi Lahren Doesn't Appreciate White House Trying To Censor Her. Tristan Justice at Da Fed wonders Is NPR Trying To Start A Race War? Naw, just a few selectively helpful riots. From the College Fix, Ninth Circuit rules Calif. community college suppressed conservative students’ protected speech. At Campus Reform, Texas A&M president resigns amid fallout over woke journo prof hiring debacle. "Texas A&M's president abruptly retired following controversy over the school's attempt to hire a progressive NYT editor to direct its journalism program. Professor Kathleen McElroy said in a 2021 interview that journalists 'can’t just give people a set of facts anymore' and should disregard 'illegitimate' perspectives."

Also from the College Fix, Oregon university clinic bans patient after she criticized trans flag. Sue! A modern headline from the Messenger, Trans Woman Informs Court Her Ex Keeps Her Testicles in His Refrigerator; She Wants Them Back. They should be in the freezer. At Da Caller, LGBTQ Activist Org Awards Thousands To Schools Across The Country To Promote Gender Ideology and buy dirty books. mrc TV, Iowa School District Reviews 374 Books Flagged For Inappropriate Content. Front Page reports on a Chicago Public Schools Employee Fired for Objecting to Student Drag Show, "An assistant principal accused her of not supporting “equal opportunity.”" Hat Hair's Jazz Shaw reports on the The Cinnabon Pride strike, is that a diet plan?

Herr Professor Jacobsen at LI is pleased to report Oberlin College Sues Insurers For Refusing To Cover $36 Million It Paid Gibson’s Bakery For Defamation And Other Torts (Update). "Four insurance companies have told the college to pound sand. Have you ever rooted for insurance companies ever? There’s a first for everything."

At Am Think, J.R. Dunn sees Raymond Chandler in trouble in The big woke. "Evidently, Marlowe used terms other than “person of color,” failed to utilize the proper pronouns, and identified some characters as “women,” whatever that is."

 

The Monday Morning Stimulus

At HE, UK coffee chain tries to fight off boycott over mural of nude woman with double mastectomy scars, claims it 'celebrates inclusivity' I'm not likely to be able to participate in this boycott soon.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Potato On The Beach ready for prime time at the Other McCain.

Beach Report 8/6/23

It's warming up here again, about 80, with a bit of humidity under partly cloudy skies.

We managed to start the walk right around low tide, and got all the way up past the big tree.

Despite the tide, the beach was stingy, yielding only 7 teeth and the customary crab claw. However, on of the teeth was exceptional, this 1 3/8 inch Snaggletooth, which I found north of the big tree. It's not quite big enough to replace this year's biggest on the kitchen window sill.

Flotsam and Jetsam - Jack Smith Files for Protection

A very lax Sunday morning, headed into the Dog Days of summer. Stacy McCain notices Everybody Keeps Indicting Trump, Without Regard for Consequences 

"One might notice a historical pattern here, and then — since we’re speaking of ominous auguries — contemplate America’s future once Our Leaders save us from Trump’s alleged threat to “subvert democracy.” But these people seem to have no proper sense of history, no more than they have any sense of irony or self-awareness, which explains the latest entry in John Hoge’s “I’m Not Making This Up, You Know” files: Secretary Antony Blinken@SecBlinken "The United States strongly condemns Russia’s conviction of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny on politically motivated charges. The Kremlin cannot silence the truth. Navalny should be released."

Jack Hellner at Am Think thinks This. Is. Rich. Biden condemns Russia's jailing of opposition leader Navalny. At Althouse, "It’s a sign of how acrid things have got that Biden’s main tactic is simply to put his opponent in prison." ""I don’t like Trump any more than the next person, but hauling him up in a criminal court is Third World stuff. Who cares he said the election was 'stolen'? . . . Writes Camilla Long (in the London Times). I thought that was nicely concise." Sundance at CTH is not shocked when Bill Barr Refuses to Say if He Assisted the Jack Smith Targeting of Donald Trump. The Redoubtable Julie Kelly on TwitterX, Julie Kelly 🇺🇸@julie_kelly2 "I know you'll be shocked to hear this. The 2 DOJ lawyers handling the case against Trump for J6 and attempts to "overturn" 2020 election are the same DOJ lawyers who declined to prosecute Andy McCabe for lying under oath--never mind his own role in 2016 election interference." Prosecutorial judgement is for Democrats and Deep Statists. Hat Hair's KT reports Special Counsel Jack Smith seeks emergency protective order against Trump

Trump posted on Truth Social Friday night the following statement: ‘IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU’ That was the entire post. One statement in all caps. Smith entered it into evidence Friday night shortly after Trump posted it. This is an indication that Smith’s team is actively monitoring Trump’s social media posts. They struck gold with what Smith considers a threat to himself, though Trump didn’t name any names.

Smith alleges the post is a threat to potential witnesses while Team Trump claims Smith is attacking political speech used by Trump. Trump faces allegations of trying to intimidate witnesses. Defendants are provided with evidence against them (discovery) but they cannot publicize it.

I think the rules are pretty clear that "threats" have to be somewhat specific as to the person threatened, and what the actual threat is (death, harm, legal trouble, etc). I think Trump's goal is goad Smith in to acts that seem biased. Mission accomplished. At the Victory Girls DOJ Prosecutors Want A Protective Order For Evidence On Trump "The real question is, if their charges are justified under the law, and their evidence is so airtight and solid, then why would they be so concerned if Trump talked about it? Hmmmm?" At the Daily Fetched, Joe Rogan Rages Over Trump Indictments: The “Actions of a Banana Republic.”  Althouse "Joe Rogan could be reversing course on his decision to not have former President Donald Trump on his podcast." ""In years prior, Rogan has been vocal about not wanting to interview Trump and has even admitted to turning down several opportunities to do so. But... [o]n the Thursday edition of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan sat down with political commentator Patrick Bet-David to discuss entrepreneurship and politics. 'When are you having Trump on,' Bet-David asked. 'I don’t know... I don’t know – maybe.'  From Twitchy, Dem Rep says the quiet part out loud about Republicans who support Trump. Tom Elliott@tomselliott, "Rep. @JasmineForUS (D-Texas): Republicans defending Trump "are getting dangerously close, in my opinion, to criminal culpability in and of themselves, as well."" 'Becca Downs at Town Hall, Here's the 'Democrat Dream Scenario' for the Trump Trial Ted Cruz Warns to Be Mindful Of. "they don't want the voters to vote on Biden's record. Because if we vote on Biden's record, Biden loses. Instead, they want to use the Department of Justice to steal the election," also speaking once more to news coverage in that "they're trying to steal it by dominating the headlines by bringing the full force of the federal government to bring case after case after case." At the Independent, Trump demands cameras in courtroom for potential election fraud case. "The problem for Mr Lauro is that courtroom photographing and broadcasting are banned in federal court under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure."

At Red State, 'Manic Contrarian' (I assume that's a pseudonym) asks (and answers) Does Trump's Shutdown Decision Disqualify a Future Presidency? "Trump has disqualified himself from ever being elected president again simply by virtue of that single, solitary decision while in office. And this I believe in the marrow of my bones." I disagree. Trump is not a doctor or a scientist at any level. He had to chose advisors for this purpose, and Fauci and Brix stood out as leaders. Both, with good intentions, suggested a lock-down policies, that probably did, in the beginning, save some lives (remember, many medical institutions were overwhelmed in the beginning), but were carried out far too long, and resulted in untold damage.

 ET, Joe Biden's Claim of No Involvement in Son's Business Affairs 'Categorically False': Devon Archer. Nick Arama at Red State has That Video of Ukrainian Prosecutor Viktor Shokin That Blows Up Joe Biden's Claims About Firing. NYPo reports Liberal media bends over backward to dismiss new Joe Biden revelations. I don't think WaPoo has had a single article on the Biden corruption scandal in at least two weeks, meanwhile, their coverage of Trump troubles is non-stop. 

Like a broken clock, Politico gets around to agreeing with me, Don’t Blame the Dog. Blame Joe Biden.

The Babylon Bee "reports" the White House Says Bidenomics So Successful The Average American Has Twice As Many Jobs As They Had Two Years Ago. Twitter, cited by Hat Hair, Your Kamala argle-bargle lesson for today RNC Research@RNCResearch "Kamala Harris: "As the name suggests, community banks are in the community!" It would take less time and trouble to report when she says something not stupid or circular. '

Hat Hair's KT wants to know Where has THIS Ron DeSantis been? Salena Zito at WaEx explores The riddle of JD Vance. Also at WaEx, Republicans get behind preferred pick to challenge Sen. Jon Tester's reelection bid, Tim Sheehy, a businessman and former Navy SEAL.

Stacy McCain, First Person Plural Pronouns starts with the DOJ dropping some election charges against Sam Bankman-Fried, and digresses from there. "Meanwhile, take note of how David Brooks uses first-person plural pronouns — “we,” “us,” “our,” etc. — in speaking of the decadent elite." Jazz Shaw reports Mississippi's ban on felons voting is struck down... for now. 

Campus Reform predicts The battle over affirmative action is just beginning. "Campus Reform lays out the field of play as universities try to outflank the Court, and conservatives work to rein them in." At the College Fix, Appraiser can sue black professors who accused him of racism, judge rules. 

On TwitterX Elon Musk makes an interesting offer, Elon Musk@elonmusk "If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill. No limit. Please let us know." Wow, but that could create a rather strong disincentive for doing so.

Riley Gaines

At Da Wire, Alabama Library Reverses Decision After Canceling Kirk Cameron, Riley Gaines Faith-Filled Story Hour Event

An Alabama public library reversed its decision to cancel a Moms for Liberty book reading event featuring actor Kirk Cameron and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines. It will now allow it to take place on Saturday.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library System announced Wednesday that the Madison Public Library could no longer hold the event after the scope of attendees quickly grew from approximately 30 to 300, citing concerns about security and capacity. After backlash and a letter from law firm First Liberty Institute, the library system reverted back to allowing the event, Fox News reported.

At Hair Hair, When even hardcore vegans aren't falling for the guy-is-a-girl trick from The Trans Rights Issue: Equality Claims and Belief Claims at  Animal Rights The Abolitionist Approach. Beege Wellborn titters "Frankly, this is hilarious. The guy is trying to be as affirmatively polite as he possibly can while still saying, “Nope.” His essay has also been banned repeatedly for “hate speech” and “undermine the dignity and rights of transgender and/or binary individuals."

Palm Sunday

 Featuring this week's Rule 5 winner, Aarika Wolf:

CBS 13  Sacramento, Activists worry for health of 141-year-old palm trees uprooted for California Capitol Annex Project

San Diego Union-Tribune, Moonlight Beach palm tree wins heritage status in Encinitas

Euroweekly, Young Woman Dies After Being Hit By Falling Palm Tree in Barcelona.

Linked at the Pirate's Cove in the weekly Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup and links. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Potato On The Beach ready for prime time at the Other McCain.

Oregon, My Oregon

 Jazz Shaw at Hat Hair, Oregon bravely allows people to pump their own gas

This story has been around for as long as I can remember but I still find it somewhat amazing that we’re still talking about it in 2023. Self-service gasoline stations first showed up in the United States in 1947 and they immediately became very popular. But some states refused to approve the practice, leaving everyone to pay more at full-service stations instead. Now, after more than half a century, Oregon has freed its citizens to pump their own gas if they wish, leaving New Jersey as the only state where self-service is still prohibited. But will Oregonians be able to figure out the vexing mysteries of the gasoline pump? Do most of them even know where their gas cap is located on the car? It’s a brave new world to be sure, but hopefully, they will get the hang of it sooner or later. (NBC News)

For the first time in more than seven decades, drivers in Oregon are allowed to pump their own gas.

Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill on Friday that lets drivers choose between dispensing fuel themselves or having an attendant pump the gas for them.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, leaves New Jersey as the only state that prohibits self-service gas stations. Still, stations in Oregon will not be allowed to have more self-service pumps than ones designated for full service.

Amazingly, one news station published a video “how to” guide on pumping your own gas. Check it out.

Oregon had justified its ban for 72 years citing an “increased risk of crime and the increased risk of personal injury resulting from slipping on slick surfaces.” These days they might have a point about the risk of crime when you consider the number of carjackings taking place at gas stations. But slippery surfaces can show up anywhere, and if you can’t figure that out, perhaps you shouldn’t be driving.

A different rationale was offered by one Democrat who opposed the bill. He said that the new law could “make it more difficult for the elderly to get help pumping gas and lead to job loss.” His first argument shouldn’t be much of a concern, however. Oregon’s new law makes self-service legal, but gas stations will not be allowed to have more self-service pumps than full-service ones. If anything, the self-service pumps should reduce the workload of the station attendants, allowing full-service customers to be attended to more quickly.

When I first moved to Oregon, this didn't seem that odd (I hesitate to say how long ago that was), because California still had plenty of full service gas stations. By the time we left, and drove across the country to Florida, and then Maryland, self serve was by far the norm.

Every time we visited Oregon subsequently I was amazed that you still needed to wait for a gas attendant. No more! Now when you need gas for your Molotov cocktails, you can pump it yourself, and save a few cents a gallon!

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Potato On The Beach ready for prime time at the Other McCain.

Flotsam and Jetsam - The Saturday Assortment

Nothing really stands out. So, I suppose you've already heard, Trump Indicted For A Third Time (Dana Loesch, cited by the Wombat in In The Mailbox: 08.04.23 (Albuquerque Afternoon Abbreviated Edition). Also via the Wombat, Vox Popoli, Banana Republic USA and Don Surber, Biden Indicts Trump To Hide USA’s Credit Rating Drop. 

Herr Professor Jacobsen at LI asks Trump DC Indictment – Where is the crime? "My interview about the Trump DC Indictment: “let’s go on the assumption they think they can prove these things, that the allegations were made in good faith. The question is, is there a crime here? That’s what I think a lot of people are questioning.” Why should we assume good faith here?  George Parry at Am Spec calls Trump’s Third Indictment  Ludicrous, "The case should be dismissed for failure to state an offense." Matt Vespa at Town Hall points out a WSJ Columnist who Points Out the Obvious Flaw in Jack Smith's J6 Indictment Against Trump "Consider how many politicians might already be doing time had prosecutors applied this standard earlier. Both Al Gore and George W. Bush filed lawsuits in the 2000 election that contained bold if untested legal claims." Town Hall's 'Becca Downs suspects the Special Counsel May Not Have Reviewed Records Before Indicting Trump. "Parlatore said he was "stunned" when, after the indictment came down, the prosecutor contacted him asking for the records he said he had already provided. Parlatore said the "records are absolutely exculpatory."" My extensive experience with the government is that they would rather ask you for the same thing twice than to bother to look in their own records. PJM's Matt Margolis, suggests Jack Smith May Have Doomed His Case Against Trump. "Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team has acknowledged they incorrectly claimed that they had submitted all the necessary evidence as mandated by the law in the classified documents case against Donald Trump. That’s basically a euphemism for getting caught committing prosecutorial misconduct. Prosecutors “discovered” that a crucial video intended to be presented as evidence had not been appropriately processed and uploaded to the designated platform for the defense to review during the investigation." I don't see this judge tossing the case over this ooops. Maybe an appeals court, or the Supremes, if Roberts is looking for a narrow excuse to shit can the whole thing. At the Messenger, Trump Wants to Move His Jan. 6 Trial Out of DC – Here’s Why It Probably Won’t Work "The former president and his lawyers want a venue shift to MAGA-friendly West Virginia." Yeah, that won't happen, but somewhere more neutral, like VA outside the NOVA Democrat lands would fairer. Jim Thompson at Red State has a Prediction: Jack Smith Will Get a DC Jury to Convict Trump and SCOTUS Will Vacate It. In Fact, Smith's Counting on It. At RCP, another prediction, Dershowitz: Conviction Of Trump By DC Jury Will Not Survive Review By Supreme Court. Breitbart cites Mark Levin: Trump’s Lawyers Should Ask SCOTUS to Stop Unconstitutional Prosecutions. Unlikely, but does it hurt to try? PJM's Athena Thorne wonders What if Trump Stops Playing Along? "Make them send armed forces to arrest him like the thugs they are. Show the captivated world that yes, it’s true — America is gone, replaced by just another failing fascist state."

Althouse reads WaPoo, "Former president Donald Trump and some of his legal advisers see an upside to the latest criminal case against him: He can use his upcoming trial to further argue his false claims of a stolen 2020 election...." I'm reading "Trump plans to use charges to revisit 2020 election, a fraught topic for GOP/Strategists in both parties agree that having Trump talking about election fraud and Jan. 6 hurts Republicans" (WaPo). At Am Think Steve Young thinks they are Handing Trump the sword. Neil McCabe at Red State, Trump Lawyer Bobb: Jack Smith's New Indictment Empowers Trump Legal Team to Get J6 Answers. Already, at ET, Trump Subpoenas Unaired Tucker Interview with Ex Capitol Police Chief. YouTube, Trump Attorney EXPOSES Corrupt Justice Department Timeline:

Jonathan Turley, calls it Making History in the Wrong Way: The Second Trump Indictment is a Threat to Free Speech.  At Da Fed Dave Harsanyi also claims Jack Smith’s Jan 6. Indictments Are An Attack On Political Speech. But Althouse (who also reads the NYT) finds "The strength of the indictment is that it is very narrowly written. The government is not attempting to prove too much, but rather it went for low-hanging fruit." "Said Harvard lawprof and former public defender, quoted in "How Jack Smith Structured the Trump Election Indictment to Reduce Risks/The special counsel layered varied charges atop the same facts, while sidestepping a free-speech question by not charging incitement". At Da Mail, 69% of Republicans now believe Biden's 2020 win was illegitimate: New poll released before Trump's January 6 arraignment shows GOP supporters believe there WAS widespread fraud.

At Fox, Trump judge's greeting to former president sets social media abuzz, Mr. Trump. PM reports Judge threatens to hold Trump without bail if he violates strict conditions of release and Next hearing in Biden DOJ’s Jan 6 case against Trump set for August 28. Sundance at CTH thinks its Seriously Sketchy – Judge Boasberg Sits in Back of DC District Court During President Trump Appearance. From Breitbart, Biden Gloats in ‘Dark Brandon’ Video on the Day Trump Gets Arraigned. Hat Hair paraphrases the Peacock, Putin takes a page from Biden and piles on jail term for political opponent. Irony meter pegged as sundance notes Secretary of State Antony Blinken Condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin for Arresting Political Opposition. Cutie Pavlich at Town Hall, reports How Disgraced IRS Official Lois Lerner is Tied to Trump’s Latest Indictment, she conspired with Jack Smith in the IRS scandal. Matt Vespa is amused when he Reads the Replies: NBC News Reporter Gets Roasted Over Trump Tweet. 

Althouse, "Could Trump face prison? 'Theoretically, yes and practically, no,' said Chuck Rosenberg, a former top federal prosecutor..."

"... and counsel to then-FBI Director James B. Comey. Rosenberg served briefly as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration in the Trump administration and notably said the president had 'condoned police misconduct' in remarking to officers in Long Island that they need not protect suspects’ heads when loading them into police vehicles. 'Any federal district judge ought to understand it raises enormous and unprecedented logistical issues,' Rosenberg said of the prospect Trump could be incarcerated. 'Probation, fines, community service and home confinement are all alternatives.'..." From "If Trump is convicted, Secret Service protection may be obstacle to imprisonment/Donald Trump can keep Secret Service protection for life, even if he were to be convicted and sentenced to prison or home confinement" (WaPo).

Insty,  EVERY INSTITUTION HAS BEEN CORRUPTED:

With yet another Trump indictment apparently coming soon from a left wing DA in Georgia, it seems worth reminding everyone that this individual was the foreperson on that grand jury
pic.twitter.com/Vn2fz3jOyR

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 4, 2023

Jude Russo at Town Hall simply says Trump Won, "It’s not a story you’ll see in the papers."

Nick Arama at Red State hosts Tucker With Devon Archer, Part 2, Lays out Real Story About Ukrainian Prosecutor, Blows up Dem Spin. Long. I'm listening long. At WaEx, Devon Archer says one Democratic claim about Biden business is ‘categorically false’. "Devon Archer, Hunter Biden’s former business partner, pushed back on claims by Democrats that President Joe Biden was never involved in his son’s foreign businesses in any way. “That’s categorically false,” Archer told Tucker Carlson in a lengthy interview published Friday. “He was aware of Hunter’s business. He met with Hunter’s business partners.”" Breitbart claims Devon Archer Partially Corroborates IRS Whistleblower Claims of How Hunter Biden Evaded Burisma Taxes. At Da Caller, Devon Archer Testimony Confirms Details From FBI Form That Contains Biden Bribery Allegations. Ace, Devon Archer: Hunter Biden Wouldn't "Overtly" Say That He'd Use His Dad's Power to Help His "Business" Associates, But That's Clearly What He Was Suggesting to Them, "Matt Margolis at PJ Media." John Solomon at JTN, Text messages given to FBI: Chinese wanted Biden family name to help acquire U.S. energy assets."“They will be the Goldmans of China,” one of Hunter Biden’s business associated boasted about the relationship with CEFC." Da Caller, Dem Rep Invokes Trump’s Kids While Questioning Hunter Biden’s Former Business Partner. Harold Hutchinson at Da Caller sees Josh Hawley Slam Biden Admin’s Response To Hunter Allegations As ‘Total Lie’: ‘He Himself Had The Contacts.’ Margot Cleveland at Da Fed, details why the  Media Talking Points About The Biden-Forced Firing Of Ukraine’s Prosecutor Are Laughable. From the Wombat in In The Mailbox: 08.04.23 (Albuquerque Afternoon Abbreviated Edition). Twitchy has Joe Rogan Tearing Sleepy Joe & His Degenerate Son Hunter A New One.  Biden News from an Australian outlook, Sky News, Unravelling: Hunter Biden’s demise sends CNN into total meltdown.

PJM's VodkaPundit, It Sure Looks Like the Saudis Are Playing Keep Away with Joe Biden. Hat Hair's KT, A mug of Dark Brandon is going to cost you $22.00. No thanks! And Jazz Shaw, Dem fundraising has significantly diminished in 2023. Breitbart has a Report that Obama Pulls the Strings in Joe Biden’s White House. Entirely believable. Insty, THE OBAMA FACTOR: David Samuels Interviews MLK Biographer David Garrow on Barack Obama.

Matt Wolfson at Am Think examines Gen-Z for Change: Biden’s Astroturf Youth Group. At Front Page Dan Greenfield sees panic as Biden Discovers Most Black People Aren’t Really Black “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” From Da Caller, a New CNN Poll Spells Big Trouble For Biden. Mish Talk, What Do Federal Tax Receipts and Total Receipts Suggest About Recession? "Federal tax receipts suggest GDI numbers, not GDP numbers, are accurate." They also hint at recession." I&I says Sorry Joe, But It’s Bidenomics That Has Never Worked. PJM's Stephen Kruiser sees Idiot Dems Want to Make the Economy an Issue. Republicans Should Let Them and VodkaPundit sees Gavin Newsom Just Took Another Huge Step in His Non-Campaign to Topple Joe Biden. The Free Bacon reports PAC Spending Shows How Gavin Newsom Is Positioning Himself for a Presidential Bid. 

At Am Think Douglas Schwartz thinks about RFK, jr. and Trump's Achilles Heel, would RFK Jr. siphon votes from Trump? PJM's Kruiser announces I'm Endorsing 'Generic Republican' for President in 2024. Breitbart reports Ron DeSantis on Nixing Deep State: ‘We Are Going to Start Slitting Throats on Day One’, metaphorically I assume, but I'm open to the alternative. Never-anybody-but-Trump sundance not happy that Megadonor Tells DeSantis to Get Moderate or Else, Within Hours DeSantis Dismisses 2020 “Stolen Election Theories” as False. The Babylon Bee snarks Mike Pence Tries Bold New Strategy Of Alienating The 80 Million People Who Voted For Trump. 

Althouse, I'm amused by the combination of the headline and "at least somewhat correctly." "I'm reading "Joe Rogan Irresponsibly Suggests Kari Lake Has a Point About Election Fraud/Joe Rogan quickly veered into conspiracy territory in his most recent podcast" (Daily Beast).  Am Greats Hayden, Ludwig claims Democrats’ ‘Freedom to Vote Act’ is the Death of Free Elections. "The Left wants to 'save' democracy by fundamentally transforming it." From Da Caller, County In Crucial Swing State Abandons Plans To Hand-Count Ballots In 2024 Election, Mohave. Jordan Boyd at Da Fed worries about  Ohio, Voters To Decide How Easily They’ll Let Pro-Abortion Interest Groups Change Their Constitution.

At RCP the great Victor Davis Hanson worries about Two Sets of Laws for Two Americas. Hat Hair's Jazz Shaw sees the AP is very worried someone might clean up the Justice Department. Ace wakes up and gets annoyed by Paul Sperry: The FBI Hid The Full Extent of Its Serial Frauds Upon the FISA Court By Redacting Details of Its Deceptions in FOIA Documents. "It claimed the redactions were to protect "sources and methods." In fact, they are denying information the public has a right to to protect the FBI's criminal leadership." At TNP, EXC: Chief Capitol Cop Told Tucker ‘It’s Not Crazy’ to Wonder About Ray Epps in Hidden Fox Interview. I&I observes, Anything Democrats Don’t Like Is Now A ‘Threat To Democracy.’

 At Da Wire, Jim Jordan Releases New ‘Facebook Files,’ Highlights How Biden Admin Sought To Suppress Daily Wire Content. It got personal. Bob Spencer at Front Page, Biden Regime Pressured Facebook to Ban Jokes. "Wipe that smile off your face, peasant!" Da Caller, Biden Admin Told Facebook That Censoring ‘Bad Content’ Was ‘Our Primary Concern.’ Am Thinks Greg Salsbury thinks Government’s Collusion With Social Media Is Worse Than You Realize. Not if you've been keeping up with the reading.

Hat Hair cites the NYT, Pediatricians’ group plans evidence review to inform care for transgender youth “We are making strong recommendations based on weak evidence.”

mrcTV wants you to WATCH: Wisconsin Bible Reader Stuns Council Meeting After His Arrest. 

At Ace's Morning Rant Buck Throckmorton looks towards Incentivizing Woke Activists to Self-Deport from Conservative States and Institutions. 

Linked at the Pirate's Cove in the weekly Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup and links. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Potato On The Beach ready for prime time at the Other McCain.

Rule 5 Saturday - Aarika Wolf

This weeks Rule 5 wonder is model and Instagram star Aarika Wolf

Aarika Genette Wolf is an American model and Instagram star. She became famous after she was spotted by an agent from Vision Model Management at a modelling convention in Palm Springs. She embarked on her modeling career at the age of 18 and travelled to Athens and London to shoot with famous brands and companies. Later, she moved to California and decided to settle there as Los Angeles offered many more modeling opportunities. Her clients grew exponentially, and she was seen modeling for Lurelly, Volcom Women, and Jeremy Scott among others. She also featured in the pages of Maxim and other magazines.

In 2014, she was seen in Calvin Harris’s music video ‘Blame’ and later started appearing in other music videos as well. At the same time, she decided to join Instagram and her luck struck gold there, too. She became a social media influencer as her follower count increased dramatically by the day. Today, she boasts a follower count of almost 200,000. She was recently in news after being spotted with her ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris. The couple is rumored to be back and living together now.

At Da Mail, from March '22. Calvin Harris, 38, 'splits' from model girlfriend Aarika Wolf, 27, 'after his regular trips to Ibiza caused strain in their relationship'

Popsugar, Vick Hope Seemingly Confirms Engagement to Calvin Harris: "It Was . . . Perfect" Hmmm.

Linked at the Pirate's Cove in the weekly Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup and links. The Wombat has Rule 5 Monday: Public Benefactors and FMJRA 2.0: On The Road up and awaiting your digital delight. Linked at the Right Way in the weekly Rule 5 Saturday LinkOrama.

US Selects Wind Energy Sites Off Atlantic Coasts

 Offshore, BOEM finalizes wind energy areas offshore Delaware, Maryland and Virginia

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced three final wind energy areas (WEAs) offshore Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, which were developed following extensive engagement and feedback from states, Tribes, local residents, ocean users, federal government partners and other members of the public.

If fully developed, the final WEAs could support between 4 GW and 8 GW of energy production.

I guess they're not really worried about whale migrations routes.

North Atlantic Right Whale - Endangered species 

Beach Report 8/4/23

A cloudy cool (for August), misty morning, with no wind.

Georgia and Skye, way ahead of me.

A pretty decent haul of teeth, 20, including these.