Yesterday, Flag Day doubled as President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, and he marked it in classic fashion: with high-energy action on the South Lawn of the White House. While the Iran peace framework grabbed headlines (as I noted yesterday), the evening delivered something unforgettable — UFC Freedom 250, a full fight card right at the People's House.
The Spectacle Unfolds
President Trump, alongside First Lady Melania and UFC CEO Dana White, hosted seven mixed martial arts bouts under the lights of a massive temporary arena called "The Claw." Over 4,000 fans packed in for what’s being called the first major professional sporting event on the White House grounds. The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to the President, and the energy was electric as American fighters went toe-to-toe in the iconic octagon.
As I reflect on another birthday for me, I reflect on the train rides. I like riding the trains especially on a vacation. To reflect on the number of places I've arrived on trains allow me to offer some destinations.
By Amtrak, I've been to Washington, Memphis, Detroit, Dallas, & Los Angeles. With the exception of Detroit all of those have been multiple trips and often to visit family in all of those places. Without a doubt Los Angeles have been the most interesting of these trips as I don't go out west often enough. And sometimes I wonder why with the issues they seem to have out there with immigration and wildfires.
All the same it's exciting to see the parts of America that I don't always see. It's cool to go out east and see those sites that I normally won't see. Which reminds me, I would like to go back to DC in the future. It's such a great place to see historical sites of great political importance. I'm not done with that town yet!
Also it's cool to head out west and see the landscape of this country go from midwestern farmlands, to grazing lands, to mountains, and deserts. To look at dry riverbeds, buttes, sands, bushes, etc. Doesn't matter where my train passes through it's a treat to see some of these small towns and stop in them to see how much simpler it can be outside of our major metropolitan areas.
As you probably can tell of all the years I've taken the train the highlights of them have been going out west to Los Angeles. I've only done so twice in the first two decades of this century and had been waiting to do so for years. And at that one time doing so with a sleeper car berth which is recommended by me if you do at least two overnights on a train.
This comes to mind because I've been watching a lot of train videos lately. Especially those that involve the Southwest Chief. Look forward to a few more train rides as long as I remain in good health and finding places to go in the meanwhile.
As an extra treat, here's one my favorite pics from my trip in 2016 taken in Mendota, IL from the train. Had a nice rainstorm as we were leaving the state on the way to the Mississippi River to cross into Iowa.
Mendota, Illinois
Also, this is the shortest and best video I could find about taking the Southwest Chief. It's under 10 mins although find any video you want about any train. These are only for if you want to educate yourself. [VIDEO]
[VIDEO] Why is this video being shown, because today is my birthday. Historic events happened on my birthday including the death of our 1st Prez George Washington. And I also learned King George VI of the UK was also born. So hey I have something of an history birthday but realizing this day is not the only day of historic events. :)
[VIDEO] Just cross posted this music video over to Electric Moleskine. 50 Cent's "In Da Club" not exactly a birthday song, but hey the lyrics does start off with partying like it's your birthday. That's close enough for me! :)
