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America First News
9 Jun 2023
#politics
The Epoch Times: Smith's New Cabinet Slightly Smaller, Includes All of Her Re-Elected Party Leadership Rivals
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has appointed a smaller cabinet than before, with all of her re-elected party leadership rivals included. The new cabinet has 25 people and many prominent ministers come from Calgary. Brian Jean, Todd Loewen, Rebecca Schulz, and Rajan Sawhney all ran against Smith for the UCP leadership and were reappointed to cabinet.
Daily Wire: Tennessee Isn’t Backing Down From Trans Surgery Ban Even If A Federal Judge Imposes An Injunction
Tennessee is planning to defend its law against child sex changes from a Biden administration challenge by arguing that an injunction doesn't actually strike down the law. Even if a judge imposes an injunction, VUMC should resume treatments at its own peril because if the injunction is later overturned, the state may retroactively prosecute it. The result is that an injunction could have little effect, because VUMC and others who might perform gender surgeries are likely to believe conservative appeals courts will side with Tennessee, and may be afraid of costly litigation and punishment after the fact. The maneuver could provide a blueprint for other states that ban gender surgery but then face an injunction.
The Tennessee law, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, was triggered in part by The Daily Wire’s exposés on Vanderbilt University Medical Center's genital mutilation of children, which top doctors acknowledged were done "with little evidence but a lot of love." The state law doesn't allow random citizens to sue, but it allows children who underwent surgeries to sue decades later if they conclude that they were taken advantage of when they did not have the ability to consent. Even if an injunction is eventually lifted, whether through a ruling by District Court Judge Eli Richardson, the Sixth Circuit, or ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, Tennessee could resume enforcement, including retroactive prosecution for the period in which the law was in place but the injunction was in effect. The Tennessee law takes a cue from the Texas Heartbeat Act, which largely succeeded in banning abortion in Texas even before the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs. Wade.
Human Events: BREAKING: Former British PM Boris Johnson resigns as MP
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson steps down as an MP due to allegations of misleading Parliament about lockdown-breaking parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. Johnson denies deliberately misleading the Commons but admits to having misled it. He resigns and triggers an immediate by-election.
Spectator USA: Boris gives parting honor to hairdresser
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has included his hairdresser, Kelly-Jo Dodge, in his honors list, granting her an Order of the British Empire. This announcement, alongside almost forty other honors and seven peerages, has raised eyebrows. Johnson is stepping down as a Member of Parliament after being implicated in the "Partygate" scandal.
The American Spectator: Knife Attack on Babies in France: All the Media’s Dirty Lies
A Syrian refugee stabbed babies in a French playground, an attack with no clear terrorist motive, but one that highlights the danger of mass migration. The left-wing media tried to justify the crime and it is disgusting that many fear it will strengthen the "extreme right." European politicians have to put a stop to this, but they are the same ones that led the "refugees welcome" movement. The intolerant and submissive agreement that has allowed the mass migration has mostly affected the humble middle classes of France who were the ones out that morning in the park with their families. .
Fox News: Special Counsel Jack Smith points to 'gravity' of crimes Trump is charged with
Former President Trump faces felony charges of violating national security laws and participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to the 37-count federal indictment unsealed on Friday. Special Counsel Jack Smith stressed the gravity of the alleged crimes and called for a speedy trial while noting the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Smith thanked the FBI for their dedicated work upholding the rule of law and called his prosecutors among the most talented and experienced in the DOJ.
Breitbart: Watch Live: Special Counsel Jack Smith Speaks About Indictment of Donald Trump
Special Counsel Jack Smith to hold a press conference on Friday regarding Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents.
Fox News: Nancy Mace hits back at Biden for calling bribery allegations 'malarkey': It is 'legitimate and very credible'
Rep. Nancy Mace said that a whistleblower report about President Biden’s involvement in a bribery scheme is “credible” and should be investigated fully. Biden called the allegations “malarkey” when asked about them by a reporter on Thursday. The document alleges that Biden received $5 million from a Burisma executive as part of a bribery scheme.
The Epoch Times: Overlooked Details in Durham’s Report Reveal Why Clinton Foundation Investigations were Closed | Truth Over News
FBI opens 3 investigations into Clinton Foundation in 2016 after article reveals flow of cash donations and Uranium One deal with Russian government.
Fox News: WI GOP proposes giving Gov. Evers less than 25% of new state licensing jobs he requested
Wisconsin's Republican-controlled finance committee has voted to give the state's professional licensing agency only 17.75 new positions instead of the 80 requested by Democratic governor Tony Evers in a bid to improve application turnaround times. The Republicans also approved an additional $6.2m for technology and equipment improvements, blaming Evers for delays in processing license applications and answering calls. Democrats criticised the decision, saying more than 17 new positions were needed to improve the department's performance. The committee also approved a move to provide $15.3m annually for workers within the state Corrections Department.
Newsbusters: Stephanopoulos Feigns Outrage When (Now Former) Trump Lawyer Brings Up Biden Docs
Former President Trump's attorney Jim Trusty sparked a heated exchange with Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos over the Biden classified documents probe. Trusty defended Trump and suggested that there were investigations in Delaware, which were 1,000 times more serious, involving a sitting President who has authorized his DOJ to try to sink the candidacy of his prime opposition. Trusty claimed that Joe Biden had stolen documents out of a SCIF dozens of years ago and cited the Delaware document scandal of Joe Biden that had a special counsel investigating it to support his point.
Forbes: Trump Indictment: Why A Conviction—Or Imprisonment—Wouldn’t Prevent Him From Being President
Trump has been indicted by the Justice Department on charges of mishandling classified documents, including obstruction, false statements, and violation of the Espionage Act. Despite this, experts say that a conviction would not prevent Trump from running for and potentially serving as president again, introducing unprecedented logistical and security challenges. As president, Trump could potentially evade a conviction by using his executive authority to fire the attorney general or pardon himself. A second grand jury is also considering additional charges against Trump in the classified documents case and the January 6 Capitol riot.
National Review: The Corner: The Comey Precedent Should Be Observed, But It Doesn’t Apply Here
Republicans should resist using the Comey precedent, even if it serves their political interests. If Trump violated the law, he should face the consequences. Applying the precedent to Trump's case might exculpate him despite suggestive evidence of guilt, demonstrating Comey's failure to fulfill his duties. Others argue that the Comey precedent should apply to all in similar situations for a time, regardless of party affiliation. The case against Trump is stronger than Clinton's, and he should be held accountable for his actions.
Breitbart: 49-Page Indictment of Donald Trump Unsealed
Former President Donald Trump and his aide, Waltine Nauta, were indicted for allegedly conspiring to hide boxes containing classified documents and obstructing efforts to reclaim them. The federal government released a 50-page indictment consisting of 38 counts of alleged crimes and 31 separate counts of alleged willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act. The indictment also alleges that Trump stored classified documents carelessly and misled his lawyers about the whereabouts of some boxes.
The Epoch Times: Opposition to Federal Spying Practices Bipartisan and on the Rise: Poll
A new poll shows that bipartisan skepticism of federal spying practices is on the rise, making the Biden administration's push to renew certain powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) more challenging. Overall, 48% of respondents said they believed it was "sometimes necessary" for the government to sacrifice some rights and freedoms to combat terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and 64% in 2011. Republicans' willingness to forfeit some liberties for safety has significantly declined over the last decade; for Democrats, the shift was more minimal. Section 702 of FISA has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress who question whether the government can be trusted with such invasive investigative powers.
The Blaze: 'Confused': Bill Barr knocks top Democrat spreading false info about Biden doc, explains what really happened
Former Attorney General Bill Barr explained why Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is "confused" about Justice Department actions taken to investigate claims of a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden. Raskin dismissed the allegations, claiming the Justice Department had investigated the allegations in 2020 but decided not to move further because then-U.S. Attorney Scott Brady "found no evidence to corroborate" them. Barr assigned Brady the task of vetting the document to determine its credibility. This "intake process" was established to avoid "proliferating investigations around the country going in to the election year, all related to the Bidens," and to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
Barr also disputed Raskin's claim that the document contained information provided by Rudy Giuliani. He said it was stuff that was developed within the department and the FBI from a confidential human source. The investigation into Hunter Biden, which is being led by U.S. Attorney David Weiss, has been ongoing for more than four years, and its lack of conclusion is leaving Barr personally "flummoxed" and "impatient." Barr said, "I think it's time to fish or cut bait and find out what actually happened in that investigation."
Daily Wire: ‘North Korean Puppetry’: Biden, White House Reporter Ripped For ‘Scripted’ Question On Child Gender Surgery
At a recent press conference, President Biden was asked a softball question by a pre-selected PBS reporter about anti-LGBTQ laws in Republican-led states, while ignoring pressing issues such as inflation, drug abuse, crime, and immigration. The exchange has drawn criticism and accusations of a scripted and pre-screened question. With printed lists of reporters he must call on, and cheat sheets for answering questions, the White House press conference may be nothing more than pointless kabuki theatre.
Spectator USA: The most amusing parts of the Donald Trump federal indictment
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted by the Department of Justice for improperly taking classified documents from the White House. The unsealed filing lists 37 counts against Trump, including willful retention of national defense information, withholding documents, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Trump's body man, Waltine Nauta, has also been named as a co-conspirator. The classified documents include information on defense and weapons capabilities, nuclear programs, and intelligence collection methods.
The indictment details several moments of levity, including Trump referring to the classified documents as "his papers," and jokingly considering declassifying them. In one instance, Trump showed a classified map of Country B to a PAC representative and told them not to get too close. Trump is set to appear in a Miami courthouse on Tuesday to face the charges.
#society
The Right Scoop: Woke California to make NOT affirming child’s gender identity CHILD ABUSE
California may make not affirming a child's gender identity a crime of child abuse, allowing courts to remove a child from his or her parents if they disapprove of LGBTQ+ ideology. The amendment rewrites California’s standard of child care and requires schools, churches, hospitals and other organisations interacting with children to affirm "gender transitions" in minors by default—or risk charges of child abuse. If implemented, the law means that churches and organisations which refuse to endorse a child's transgender identity could also be accused of child abuse.
Newsbusters: The View: Pro-Lifers Against Trans Surgeries Are ‘Killing Our Children'
The View hosts went on angry tirades defending drag shows and "gender-affirming" surgeries while attacking pro-lifers. Whoopi Goldberg accused opponents of "killing our children" and scaring them, while Ana Navarro claimed drag queens don't even like children and ridiculed parents for not taking their kids to drag shows. The hosts also downplayed the number and impact of "minor surgeries" on minors and insisted on parental choice while demonizing those who refuse to placate to a mental illness.
Fox News: 'The View' explodes over criticism of drag queens: They 'don't even like children!'
"The View" co-hosts criticize conservatives for their legislative efforts against drag queen performances and gender-affirming care. They accuse GOP bills on these issues of promoting "fear," "paranoia," and "hysteria." Co-host Ana Navarro defends the transgender community and drag queens, stating that the Republican Party is passing bills to antagonize them and drive people to the polls through fear. The conversation then turns to LGBTQ youth and "gender-affirming care." Co-hosts argue that conservatives are making a bigger deal of it than they should and that such healthcare is nobody's business. Goldberg accuses anti-woke conservatives of making LGBTQ kids feel like "they don’t deserve to live." Alyssa Farah Griffin claims the Republican Party is "alienating the LGBTQ+ community."
Red State: Cracker Barrel Participates in the Pride Month Wave, Suicide Watch May Be Imminent
Cracker Barrel faces backlash over inclusion of LGBTQ+ decor. Though some boycott, others approve of the move. Locations have option to choose whether or not to display decor. Company's website outlines initiatives to be more diverse, inclusive employer. Corporate values criticized by some, while others see it as necessary progress.
PJ Media: Red Sox Pitcher Cut Loose After Offending the Thought Police
The Boston Red Sox cut pitcher Matt Dermody loose after discovering his tweet from June 2021, in which he posted "Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. They will go to hell." Red Sox team president, Chaim Bloom, apologized and stated that Dermody's words were hurtful and not the right use of his platform. Bloom also added that the Red Sox cannot dictate the religious beliefs or political views of their players. The incident highlights the eroded freedom of speech in America.
#war
National Review: The Corner: Ukraine on Offense
Ukrainian forces launch counter-offensive against Russia in Crimea. Noah suspects Russian involvement in dam explosion causing logistical problems.
Fox News: ICJ lets 32 countries back Ukraine in genocide case against Russia
The International Court of Justice has allowed a record 32 countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to back Ukraine in its genocide case against Russia. The case claims that Russia violated the 1948 Genocide Convention by falsely accusing Ukraine of genocide, using it as a pretext for the 2022 invasion. The UN's highest court rejected the United States' request to participate on a technicality. This move demonstrates the countries' support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia's war.
#foreignaffairs
Fox News: 11 UN peacekeepers accused of sexual exploitation, abuse in Central African Republic
Eleven U.N. peacekeepers from a Tanzanian unit in Central African Republic have been accused of sexual exploitation and abuse of four victims, some believed to be minors. Investigations are ongoing, and the entire unit of 60 peacekeepers will be repatriated once the investigation is complete. The country has been facing intercommunal fighting and violence since 2013
#economy
Red State: Yet Another Gut Punch for San Francisco/California as Park Hotels Pulls out of the City
California is facing a string of announcements of major corporations shutting down operations or leaving the state entirely due to economic conditions. The city of San Francisco has seen a mounting list of major store closures and is facing corporate flight due to concerns over street conditions, lower return to office than peer cities, and weaker than expected citywide convention calendars through 2027 negatively impacting business and leisure demand.
The Epoch Times: IRS Warns Time Is Running out for Americans to Get Their Unclaimed Tax Refunds
Over 1 million American taxpayers could miss out on $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds for the tax year 2019, warns the IRS. Taxpayers have until July 17, 2023 to file their taxes and claim their refund, but if they miss that deadline, the refunds will become the “property” of the U.S. Treasury Department instead. Taxpayers seeking a 2019 refund should file as soon as possible, gather the necessary documents and communicate with their employer, bank, or another payer for any possible missing documents.
The IRS has apologized for a bill error that was sent to taxpayers in California, incorrectly stating that payments were due in three weeks. Instead, those taxpayers have until later in 2023 to pay. The agency also warned taxpayers that it continues “to see a barrage of aggressive broadcast advertising, direct mail solicitations, and online promotions involving the Employee Retention Credit,” which could lead to time-consuming and costly audits. Companies promoting the pandemic-related credit present misleading claims that could leave those claiming the credit at risk.
Daily Wire: ‘Shark Tank’ Star Pushes Back On Martha Stewart’s Remote Work Comments: ‘Economy Has Changed Radically’
Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" disagreed with Martha Stewart's call for Americans to return to the office, citing a changed economy and safety concerns. O'Leary revealed that data showed 40% of employees would not be returning to the office, with many citing a fear of crime. He added that sectors like accounting, compliance, financial services, and logistics were seeing fewer office returns, which meant that many vacant offices might need conversion into condos or storage units. The economy has changed radically, and requiring everyone to work in an office would make it hard to hire the best talent.
#military
The Epoch Times: Ottawa Could Speed Up Military Procurement by Reducing Ministerial Oversight: Budget Officer
Canada could speed up its military procurement process if it reduced the number of ministers and departments involved, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. Procurement contracts currently go through the Department of National Defence and Public Services and Procurement Canada before approval. Giroux told the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence that having a “single point” of ministerial accountability would accelerate the process, favourably enhance its speed and efficiency. Giroux added that either PSPC or National Defence, or even someone else, could take responsibility for purchasing military equipment.
#religion
The American Spectator: First State Religious Charter School Is Ready to Go to the Supreme Court
The Oklahoma Virtual Charter School Board approved St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School's request to become the nation's first public religious charter school, sparking a national debate about church-state relations. Advocacy groups, including the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, are threatening litigation, arguing that state funding for religious schools is unconstitutional. Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma's attorney general, tweeted his disapproval, saying that members who funded religious schools with tax dollars have exposed themselves and the state to potential legal action that could be costly. The Catholic Conference of Oklahoma, which serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Oklahoma on matters of public policy, intends to provide Catholic education to students in rural areas of Oklahoma who are unable to attend in person. The school plans to accept students for the 2024–25 school year.
#culture
Forbes: ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’ Looks To Dominate The Charts Like It’s Ruling The Box Office
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse dominates the box office with an impressive $120 million in ticket sales domestically, but the associated soundtrack, curated by Metro Boomin, may not reach the same heights as the film. Despite featuring a star-studded lineup of artists and heavy promotion, the album is expected to fall short of the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. However, it has a strong chance of debuting at No. 1 on several rap-focused lists and yielding some of the most-consumed hip-hop tunes in the U.S. next week.
Forbes: Joan Rivers Honored By The National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center in New York will open an exhibit honoring the late comedian Joan Rivers on what would have been her 90th birthday. The exhibit will include her file cabinet containing over 65,000 original jokes from throughout her career, as well as her earliest hand-written jokes, scrapbooks, correspondence with peers, pre-show notes, guest books and a selection of her famous gowns, boas and jewellery. The center will also debut an interactive exhibit featuring the comedian in 2025, which it says will “offer a deep dive into the artistic process of a culture-shifting innovator whose singular body of work exemplifies extraordinary craftsmanship and professional resilience”.
#health
Fox News: Ex-Italian PM Berlusconi readmitted to hospital for routine leukemia checks
Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has been readmitted to a Milan hospital for planned medical checks related to his chronic leukemia. The tests being conducted at San Raffaele Hospital had been moved up "as part of normal practice in medicine" and his doctors said the timing didn't signal "any criticality or alarm." Berlusconi's doctors, Alberto Zangrillo and Fabio Ciceri, said his condition is progressively improving.
#education
The American Spectator: Exclusive Interview With Kyle Reyes: Parents Take a Stand Against ‘Pride’ in Schools
Connecticut parents protest after school showed video on gender identity during Pride Month to elementary students without parental consent.
#crime
The Blaze: 3 mothers charged after three 2-year-olds overdose on fentanyl in separate incidents in Albuquerque just days apart
Multiple parents have been charged in Albuquerque after their 2-year-olds overdosed on fentanyl. One mother was charged after her son overdosed and needed CPR to be revived; investigators found a blue pill and black foil with residue. Another set of caretakers was arrested after a 2-year-old allegedly overdosed on fentanyl that they got from a nearby bag of drugs. A third mother was charged with child abuse resulting from the death of her daughter due to a fentanyl overdose.
Fox News: Former North Carolina legislator sentenced to 5 years probation for homeless shelter spending
Former North Carolina legislator Derwin Montgomery has been sentenced to five years probation and monetary penalties after pleading guilty to fraud for using money from a homeless center for personal reasons. Montgomery, who served as executive director for six years before his resignation in early 2021, illegally spent roughly $38,618 and placed the center into debt. At least $10,000 of the center's funding came from the US Small Business Administration in 2020. Montgomery claimed full responsibility for his actions in court and was sincere in his apologies.
Many of Montgomery's crimes included spending center funds for personal use, including advertising, a car lease, and travel expenses. Montgomery charged the center about $23,000 for marketing and media services already performed as a charitable donation. The indictment further accused Montgomery of using the center's funding for a vacation with a romantic partner in Cancun, stays at luxury hotels, and expenses at a strip club in Las Vegas. US District Judge Loretta Biggs ordered Montgomery to pay $60,000 in fees, including $38,618 in restitution to the Bethesda Center for the Homeless and $22,270 for probationary supervision. Montgomery is now on home detention for 120 days.
Fox News: Federal appeals court allows lawsuit by Philadelphia officers fired over racist, violent social media posts
12 Philadelphia police officers fired or suspended for offensive social media posts have won the right to sue the city for First Amendment violations. A database of active-duty and former police officers' offensive and violent posts across multiple states led to disciplinary action against almost 200 officers in Philadelphia, with 15 being terminated. The 12 officers filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city, alleging the police department had retaliated against them for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Fox News: MI woman withdraws plea, will stand trial for 3 young sons' drowning deaths in pond crash
Leticia Gonzales, the Michigan woman charged with causing the death of her three children in a car crash into an icy pond while under the influence of methadone, withdrew her no-contest plea after a judge rejected a plea deal that called for her to serve only a year in jail. Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing rejected the plea agreement and would sentence Gonzales to four to 15 years in prison. She will now face trial.
Fox News: Prosecutor seeks death penalty against Kansas man accused of killing 2 sons
Kansas man faces possible death penalty for killing his two sons and fleeing to Oklahoma with his two daughters.
Washington Free Beacon: Unsealed Indictment Shows Trump Faces 37 Charges in Classified Docs Case
Former President Donald Trump is facing criminal charges for mishandling classified documents after his presidency, risking some highly sensitive U.S. security secrets. Walt Nauta, a former aide who worked for Trump in the White House and Mar-a-Lago, faces charges as well. The documents came from the Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other intelligence agencies, including some of the country's most sensitive military secrets, such as information on the U.S. nuclear program and potential domestic vulnerabilities. The charges include showing another individual a Defense Department document described as a "plan of attack" against another country as well as conspiracy to hide and keep classified documents from a federal grand jury. Trump made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in a Miami court before his 77th birthday. The unauthorized disclosure of the classified documents could risk U.S. national security, foreign relations, and intelligence gathering.
#sports
Fox News: Jets’ will ‘turn the stones over’ on running back Dalvin Cook, Robert Saleh says
The Jets are considering adding former Vikings running back, Dalvin Cook to their roster. Cook was released by Minnesota after six seasons to save $9 million in cap space. The Dolphins and Broncos are also expected to be interested in signing Cook.
#outdoors
On The Water: Striper Migration Map – June 9, 2023
Big striped bass are biting from New Jersey to Maine, and ocean water temperatures have dropped slightly due to a Noreaster last weekend. Anglers are having success with live bait, trolling, topwater plugs, and soft plastics. The Striper Cup is ongoing, and summer striped bass fishing regulations are in effect in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay.
#other
The Epoch Times: Alberta Bringing in Outside Arson Investigators to Probe Wildfires
Arson investigators from outside Alberta will be brought in to trace the cause of wildfires plaguing the province. Premier Danielle Smith said the decision had been taken following multiple suspicious blazes. Concern is growing that climate change is exacerbating the risk and that a failure to build proper fireguards is to blame. More than 10,000 square kilometres of forest have been burnt since March after the province declared a state of emergency.
The Epoch Times: What Goes Into a Home Appraisal?
Home appraisers value homes based on the overall condition of the house, total square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, quality of landscaping and outdoor features, roof and foundation condition, state of lighting, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, and appliances, number of functional fireplaces, status of the basement, and condition of other features. To determine the value, appraisers compare it to similar houses in the area through recent home sales and prices. The cost of appraisal is around $350 and takes between 7 and 10 days to complete, and it's important to look for certifications and continuing education when hiring an appraiser.
The Epoch Times: Chicago’s Favorite Barbecue Sauce Titan Makes It Into Hall of Fame
Dave Raymond, founder of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, has been inducted into The American Royal Association's Barbecue Hall of Fame, for his catchy and popular product, which is second only to A.1 sauce in popularity in the US. Raymond started his career in the pharmacy business, but was introduced to the barbecue world by a salesman, leading to his participation in Mike Royko's Ribfest and the eventual founding of Sweet Baby Ray's with his brother and Mike O'Brien. Raymond aggressively marketed the product by hitting the pavement and giving out samples, ultimately leading to his product becoming one of the most popular bottled barbecue sauces in the country.