POPE FRANCIS, BEN CARSON, BUDDY GUY, GEORGE THOROGOOD, WINE COOL

HARD CHOICE

     Before we jump into high energy personality and wine country cool a couple of ironies that define the complexity of your world.
      How long before American political and military leaders have to address our compliance in pederasty.  American troops have complained they have been told to "look the other way" as Afghani police and military men sexually abuse young boys. The New York Times, among others, reports American troops have been told it is part of the Afghani culture.
       My colleagues and I learned of this cultural practice when we were reporting on the Mujaheddin, the US supported Afghanis fighting the Russians. I was repelled. This is not consensual same gender sex. It's called bacha bazi "boy play" and in truth is tantamount to rape. 
       How long do we look the other way for the sake of cultural respect and political alliances? Is looking the other way immoral? Do we condone child sexual abuse by acting as though it's their culture and we should stay out of it? How many other "blind eyes" and trade offs must we engage in and to what end?
         What brings "boy play" to the front page is the growing number of US Marines and others who are sick of condoning the often violent assaults.

Another Trick Bag

     Pope Francis and Ben Carson, two men who profess faith as Christians. The Pope embraces the outcast and in an act simulating Jesus, he washes their feet. Carson who speaks of his belief says on the political stump no Muslim should be President.Carson is a Seventh Day Adventist, a Christian denomination that believes in the imminent second coming of Christ. 

       Makes you wonder what Jesus would think, huh?

       It's a hard world and our choices are complex.

A BLUES GUY AND ROCK HARD

coming up-but first

PICK UP DEFINED

   You're looking at a pick up-actually a multiple pick up party.

   After we moved to California our mid western friends would say "What?" when we told them we were going to a pick up party.  

   Wineries stage parties for wine club members to "pick up" their wine.

 Though the temperature was near 90 in the Paso Robles West Side wine region, the old barn was cool and provided a breeze.

 The new public tasting room at Halter Ranch is almost ready to open.

  The Members Tasting room and offices were closed on this pick day as harvesting and processing is underway in the work area and acres of underground caves.

    Storage barns were makeshift check out lines and still
offered a gorgeous view.

       Harvest is underway in Paso. Members pick up and harvesters pick.

FACES OF BUDDY GUY

   It's always a thrill to see the great blues guitarist Buddy Guy.

 The six time Grammy winner and member of the Rock and Roll hall of fame lit it up at Vina Robles Amphitheatre. 

   The 79 year old virtuoso is a beloved legend.

BOOGIE BLUES DESTROYER

  George Thorogood and the Destroyers may be the ultimate bar band. 

 The Wilmington Delaware native is 65 and still kicks it up as much as he did back in the early 80's when he burst onto the scene, touring with the Rolling Stones.

 High Velocity Impressions

  He electrified the audience.  

   See you down the trail.