The Old Blog in the Desert

In the winter’s crisp embrace, they play,
Three children are joyful in the snow’s array.
With laughter dancing in the chilly air,
They craft angels with utmost care.

Their giggles echo in the silent white,
As they spread their wings with sheer delight.
Each flake is a symbol of pure grace,
In this snowy sanctuary, they embrace.

With hearts aglow, they sing and cheer,
Praising Jesus, whom they hold dear.
For in this moment, beneath the sky so vast,
They find His love in each angel cast.

In innocence and wonder, their spirits soar,
As they honor Him forever more.
In the snow, their praises rise,
Three children, under winter’s guise.

My Cousin Elmos says, “If you suck on six racist’s toes and your teacher is trans nonbinary, how many genders will there be after decolonization?”

With the attacks on the beef industry in America by globalists, who else thinks the 33 thousand-acre Texas fires burning where 90 percent of the state’s cattle are is on purpose?

The massive Texas wildfire, the second largest in US history, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of cattle. Texas, the nation’s largest cattle producer, holds over 87 percent of its herd in the Panhandle region.

With 12 million cattle, as reported by the US Department of Agriculture, the losses are expected to be devastating for individual producers. The destruction of grasslands for feeding and farm buildings will worsen the situation for Texas officials.

JBS, a beef supplier, has lost over 6,000 cattle. Additionally, they are facing a lawsuit from New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit accuses JBS of misleading the public regarding a pledge to reduce its climate pollution over the next decade.

Texas officials have also warned that the state’s largest-ever fire could potentially intensify over the weekend as high winds are forecasted.

The East Walker River gracefully meanders eastward, making its mark on the rugged terrain of Lyon County. Originating approximately 12 miles south of Bridgeport, Cal., the waterway stretches for 50 miles before merging with the West Walker River, marking the birthplace of the Walker River.

Despite its crucial role in sustaining life in this arid region, access to the East Walker River has historically been limited due to private ranch ownership along its shores. However, an initiative by the Walker Basin Conservancy has brought about a welcome change.

Over the past decade, the Conservancy has acquired several ranches along the East Walker River, deeding them to Nevada to establish a state park. The primary section of the park, situated at the north end of the historic Pitchfork Ranch, has a visitor center, campgrounds with RV hookups and cabins, and a nature trail.

At the southern end, near the California border, lies the Elbow Unit, renowned for its fishing. The region features Bighorn Campground, equipped with vault toilets, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.

The ongoing expansion of the state park includes the future opening of the Rafter 7 and the Flying M Ranches along the mid-course of the river. Additionally, the historic Ninemile Ranch, along Rough Creek, is set to welcome visitors with a history dating back to the Pony Express era and luminaries like Mark Twain, who wrote of the place in “Roughing It.”

The Pitchfork Ranch Unit, at the southeastern edge of Mason Valley, is a straightforward journey from SR208, marked by a distinctive entry gate. To get to the Elbow Unit, travel about 30 miles as the crow flies south of the Pitchfork Ranch Unit and take SR208 through Wilson Canyon.

Exit onto SR338, through Smith Valley, and turn onto US Forest Service Road 028. From there, navigate along Lucky Boy Road, which offers various primitive roads accessing the river and leads to the Bighorn Campground, the historic Ninemile Ranch, and the turnoff to Aurora.

“First, they arrested rioters, and I didn’t say anything because I was not a rioter. Then, they apprehended attendees, but I didn’t attend. Now, they’re subjugating journalists, I am screaming, and no one is listening.” — Tom Darby

The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to use a heavy-handed approach towards journalists who “fail” to present the Deep State’s alleged facts about the so-called J6 insurrection and withhold news sources from the federal government.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between the press and the federal government, recent actions have raised serious questions about the erosion of press freedoms and the impartiality of law enforcement agencies. The latest unfolded as Steven Baker, a journalist currently affiliated with Blaze Media, was apprehended by the FBI for his alleged involvement in reporting on the Capitol riot of Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Baker, who had previously admitted to entering the Capitol to cover the incident as an independent journalist, now faces a litany of charges, including entering restricted grounds and disorderly conduct.

Critics continue to lambast the FBI for what they perceive as an overzealous pursuit of individuals connected to the riot, decrying the prolonged detention of suspects and the apparent selective charging of targeted individuals. Baker himself voiced concerns over what he described as “insane corruption” within the upper echelons of the Capitol Police, suggesting a level of unchecked power that surpasses even that of Congress.

Yet, perhaps even more alarming is the deafening silence from mainstream media outlets regarding journalists ensnared in the dragnet. Despite approximately 60 journalists reportedly facing arrest or investigation for their presence at the Capitol on January 6, the media establishment has largely remained mum on the issue. Critics argue that this silence underscores a broader narrative control, one that is enforced not just by federal agencies but also by complicit media entities. Oddly, not one journalist from the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Associated Press, or the Atlantic Journal is among the number taken into custody.

The DOJ’s heavy-handed tactics haven’t stopped there.

In a separate but equally troubling development, veteran investigative reporter Catherine Herridge is being held in civil contempt by a federal judge for refusing to disclose her source regarding a series of Fox News stories. Herridge’s investigative work had delved into the case of a Chinese American scientist investigated by the FBI, raising questions about governmental overreach and the protection of confidential sources.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling, imposing hefty fines on Herridge until she reveals her source, has sparked outrage among Constitutional media advocates who argue that such actions undermine the fundamental role of journalism in holding power to account. The decision, they say, sets a dangerous precedent that could deter potential whistleblowers from coming forward with vital information.

The case has further highlighted the precarious position of journalists caught between the demands of federal law enforcement and the imperative to protect their sources. Herridge’s refusal to compromise her journalistic integrity underscores the importance confidentiality has in investigative journalism, particularly when exposing government wrongdoing.

However, the DOJ’s relentless pursuit of Herridge and the judiciary’s complicity in enforcing punitive measures raises troubling questions about the state of press freedom in the U.S. Critics warn that unless decisive action to rein in the excesses of Federal law enforcement agencies and safeguarding the rights of journalists are made the very bedrock of our Constitutional Republic is at risk.

As legal battles over press freedoms continue to unfold, the outcome of these cases will not only shape the future of journalism but also serve as a litmus test for the resilience of Constitutional Republic institutions in the face of encroaching authoritarianism.

Dominion Voting Systems is at the center of controversy again, stemming from testimony before the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

John Poulos, CEO of Dominion Voting Systems, faced questions regarding the integrity and security of the Dominion Voting machines utilized in Michigan during the November 2020 election. As the hearing unfolded, discrepancies emerged, raising doubts about Poulos’s testimony.

Senator Ed McBroom led, probing whether Dominion’s machines could link to the internet. Poulos contended that while the machine’s design is for connection to tabulators, the responsibility for ensuring security rested with local authorities, leaving questions about potential vulnerabilities, particularly in cases where individuals with ulterior motives might gain access.

Further scrutiny came from then-MI Senator Pete Lucido, who questioned Poulos about remote access to Dominion’s equipment. Poulos initially denied such access but later conceded its existence in some touchscreen voting machines, likening them to “expensive fancy pens” without vote tabulation capabilities.

Attorney Michael J. Smith lodged a criminal complaint, alleging perjury against Poulos based on discrepancies between his testimony and subsequent findings. Smith’s assertions have also prompted calls for investigations into Dominion’s conduct and the broader issue of election security.

Complicating matters, a report by NBC News shed light on vulnerabilities within election systems concerning the modems used to relay unofficial results. Despite assurances from voting machine manufacturers, experts warn of potential breaches and manipulation risks associated with internet connectivity.

Kevin Skoglund, a senior technical advisor, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that online election systems pose a significant threat to democratic processes. Echoing Skoglund’s concerns, Princeton computer science professor Andrew Appel highlighted the potential for future election manipulation if voting machines remain susceptible to external interference. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s guidelines also caution against wireless network connections in voting systems.

Beyond the warnings and cautions, the question remains: why are Dominion Voting machines still being used? Answer: to cheat during elections.

A new paid family and medical leave requirement for companies seeking tax breaks in Nevada has sparked debate among economic development officials, who argue that the policy is impeding efforts to attract and retain businesses in the state.

Under the mandate, companies with over 50 employees must offer paid family and medical leave to workers who have completed at least one year of service. This requirement, which took effect as part of a session bill in June, mandates that employees receive at least 55 percent of their salary for up to 12 weeks, surpassing the federal standard set by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which is unpaid.

Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (GOED), expressed concerns about the impact of the new requirement. He cited a specific case where a company opted against relocating its headquarters to Southern Nevada due to the obligation to provide paid leave, stating that they were unwilling to offer the benefit selectively across different states of operation.

Burns emphasized that the requirement was starting to influence relocation decisions negatively. Tina Quigley, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, echoed these concerns, noting that the policy surpassed California standards, making it challenging to attract businesses from neighboring states.

The move aligns with a broader trend, with thirteen states and the District of Columbia already having mandatory paid family and medical leave laws for private employers. However, the stringent nature of the Nevada policy has raised eyebrows within the business community.

Despite criticism from economic development officials, supporters of the policy, including State Sen. Edgar Flores, argue that it promotes a balance between pro-business initiatives and family-friendly practices. Flores championed the bill during legislative sessions, framing it as a means to attract socially responsible businesses to the state.

However, further concerns about the healthcare coverage provided by companies benefiting from tax breaks are also in question. State Sen. Fabian Donaté asked whether companies are covering their employees adequately, pointing to statistics showing a significant number of employees enrolled in Medicaid despite working for companies receiving substantial tax breaks.

GOED’s tax abatement programs mandate that businesses cover 65 percent of employee health insurance premiums, exceeding the Affordable Care Act requirement of 50 percent. Despite this, concerns persist about the affordability of healthcare for some workers, leading to reliance on Medicaid.

in the heart of nowhere, where the dust
kisses the sky, and the sun sets slowly,
there’s a whisper in the wind,
the kind that carries tales of old.

live by the dirt road code,
etched in the lines of time,
where the rhythm of life
moves to a simpler rhyme.

here, where the trees lean close,
their secrets shared in whispers,
and the stars above
watch over with ancient eyes.

it’s a place where time slows down,
and worries fade away,
where the measure of a person
is the kindness in their gaze.

live by the dirt road code,
where honesty is currency,
and a handshake seals a bond
stronger than any decree.

in these fields, where the earth
holds the stories of generations,
we learn to walk with reverence,
and listen to nature’s invitations.

for in this humble expanse,
where the dirt road winds and bends,
we find the essence of living,
and the code that never ends.

Representative Mark Amodei and Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen have issued a letter of opposition to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy against a proposed plan by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to relocate mail operations from Reno to Sacramento.

The decision follows concerns voiced by various organizations, including a unanimous vote against the move by the Washoe County Commissioners earlier this week. Additionally, Washoe County Interim Registrar Cari-Ann Burgess expressed apprehensions, particularly regarding the potential impact on the upcoming general election’s mail-in ballots.

Last week, Burgess spoke of being worried about the move’s implications for election integrity. She cautioned that the transfer of mail processing operations to California could severely disrupt the electoral process, urging voters to consider alternative methods of ballot submission.

The bipartisan delegation’s letter underscores the significant repercussions on mail service reliability, local economies, and employment prospects within the community. Moreover, it criticizes the USPS for its lack of transparency in the decision-making process, citing the absence of substantial data and analysis regarding the local ramifications of the relocation.

The USPS’s Initial Finding of its Mail Processing Facility Review for the Reno P&DC, released on Tuesday, February 6, outlined plans to downsize the facility to a Local Processing Center (LPC) and transfer outgoing mail operations to Sacramento. However, the document failed to furnish adequate justification or detailed assessments of the proposed changes.

Of particular concern are the potential delays in mail delivery, especially for the over 220,000 Nevada veterans reliant on mail-order prescriptions. Furthermore, the delegation highlights the adverse impact of winter weather conditions between Reno and Sacramento on meeting USPS’s two-day mail delivery standard.

The officials echo Burgess’s apprehensions regarding mail-in voting, emphasizing the logistical challenges of routing ballots out of state before returning them to Northern Nevada. Washoe County Commissioner Mike Clark denounced the USPS’s decision as ill-timed and lacking sufficient public engagement, drawing parallels to a previous unsuccessful attempt.

Meanwhile, a winter storm is hitting the Sierra Nevada with up to 10 feet of snow, causing crashes over Donner Pass, forcing roadway closures, and stalled traffic as chains are required, with blizzard warnings in effect through Sunday, March 3.

Recent revelations shed light on concerning practices in the food industry, particularly regarding the labeling and pricing of eggs.

The high price of “cage-free” or “free-range” eggs is a scam by American regulatory agencies.

There is a significant increase in the price of these eggs at the local supermarket, with the cost skyrocketing from $1.79 to a staggering amount. And the only discernible change in the product is the addition of the “cage free” label.

But what do “cage-free” “and “free range” really mean?

According to industry standards, “cage-free” implies that hens can go outdoors. However, there is no guarantee that the hens actually do or can even reach the outdoors in the first place. Similarly, the label “free-range” carries a similar ambiguity, with consumers paying premium prices for eggs that may not differ significantly from conventional options.

Then, there is the disparity in pricing between the special-labeled eggs and more affordable alternatives. For instance, eggs labeled as “cage-free” or “free-range” can fetch prices ranging from seven dollars to $10 per dozen, compared to the mere two dollars per dozen for plain white eggs at certain retailers.

Moreover, there are limited options available, with grocery stores setting a minimum price of four bucks per dozen for eggs, eliminating affordable choices for budget-conscious consumers. The difference raises questions about the transparency and fairness of pricing in the egg market.