Monday, June 25, 2007

Quote of The Day

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Winston Churchill~

This Day In 1876

On this day in 1876 the Battle of Little Bighorn was fought. Native American warriors led by Chief Crazy Horse and Chief Sitting Bull defeated the U.S. Army troops of Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. It was a bloody battle fought in southern Montana near the Little Bighorn River. Custer and some 200 men in his battalion were attacked by about 3,000 Native Americans from the Sioux nation. After an overwhelming and bloody battle, one hour later Custer and all of his men lay dead in the Little Bighorn Valley. This battle is also known as "Custer's Last Stand" and marked the most decisive Native American victory and the worst U.S. Army defeat in the Long Plains Indian War. Within five years, almost all of the Sioux and Cheyenne would be confined to living on reservations.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Illegal Immigration Solution By Pat Boone

Here is a perspective on the illegal immigration problem as seen by Pat Boone. You can read the full story here.

(My opinion)
I am completely outraged by the prospect of anyone being able to come into this country illegally! It would seem that our Congress would reward this illegal behavior with the amnesty bill that will once again rear its ugly head. And pretend to impose some insignificant fine on law breakers in hopes that it will make them look good and us feel better. We must continue to fight at the grass roots level as the life we know in this country hangs in the balance. (
get involved)

We have heard all the projected numbers of 10 to 20 million with current illegal status living here. I think the number may be much higher. When we were fighting for the passage of proposition 187 (
history here) in California it was estimated that about 5,000 were coming over the border each night at the three major crossing points of California, Arizona and Texas. If you surmise that this has only been going on for the past 15 years (more like 35) then given those stats you would currently have around 40 million illegals who have entered the U.S. just from the southern border alone. It is such a gigantic social and economic problem in Southern California that we had lost over 20 medical facilities due to financial closure by the end of 2005.

Do employers really need this "cheap" labor (how about implementing low level prisoner labor) that the government keeps preaching or do the politicians just need a larger voting base to pander to? Our political correctness trends have made it impossible to state the truth or the facts without being called a racist. But the truth is that the rise in illegal immigration has brought with it the gang population, an increase in childhood diseases that had been erradicated, higher car insurance rates from uninsured motorists and an increase in all types of crimes. These issues effect and cost all of us. We can no longer filter, mask or sugar coat this issue. Illegal immigration must be stopped! So close our borders, enforce our laws (we already have plenty on the books) and put an end to this nightmare! We are either a nation of laws and enforcement that applies to everyone, or the civil society we once enjoyed will become a distant memory.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Do We Have A Stealth Government

According to George Putnam in a May 24Th article for News Max we do have a stealth government. Mr. Putnam, in his "One Reporter's Opinion", states that we are witnessing the undermining of our Constitution and our accepted government procedures by a new maneuver called stealth government.

George Putnam is an astute and well informed journalist, reporter and syndicated talk radio host. He has graced the airwaves of Southern California for more years than I can remember. He is well respected and delivers a common sense approach to the issues. He has been a champion against illegal immigration for more than 35 years and was one of the first to bring it to the public's attention. He stood with the voters when we passed prop. 187 in California (to stop illegal immigration) and has never tired of keeping this issue in the forefront, although he has taken a lot negative comment for his stance.

He is to be greatly admired for his courage in speaking out on all issues that affect our nation. He served in the Marine Corp. and has interviewed countless news makers, presidents and world leaders throughout his long and illustrious career.

George Putnam will be 93 in a few weeks and that will also mark the anniversary of his start in radio broadcasting. Quite a career those 73 years. He is currently the oldest syndicated broadcaster still on air.

Get to know him and listen to the wisdom and balance of his words while we still have him with us. The full article about stealth government is here. And if you'd like to read more on his bio and background you can find it here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

America Is Mad As Hell

In his latest book, Outrage, Dick Morris lists the many reasons Americans are fed up and mad as hell! We have been let down, deceived, and sold a political bill of goods on a daily basis.

Wouldn't it be a novel thought for anyone serving in Congress to actually go to Washington with the attitude of service instead of, caving to special interests and being tempted away from their purpose. Perhaps they could also be required to live under the same laws they pass for the rest of us. I am one of those Americans Dick Morris is talking about...I am mad as hell! ( and so she rants)

I don't want Nancy Pelose, Harry Reid or any of that ilk telling me what kind of a car I can drive or how they think my children should be educated. I might take their opinions more seriously if I didn't see them acting more like royalty than the servants of the people they profess to be!

And another thing...I wish Congress would simply vote the peoples' will. I am tired of hearing their 'opinions' on everything just to get face time on camera. We didn't put them in office to get their personal opinion. We put them in office to represent us! After all, you all know about opinions they are like -------- and everybody has one!

On many issues, I agree with Dick Morris. We need to get out of the "United Nations", close and protect our borders and do a major corruption house cleaning in Congress and throw the bums out! (and here comes that ugly immigration amnesty bill again) Are we ever going to wake up as a nation or just continue on the downhill decline? I believe talk radio is seen as a threat because of its power on free air waves. I also believe that the 'blogosphere' will become a bigger threat in the upcoming national elections. It is yet another way to give power to the people...imagine that! I bet someone in Washington D.C. is trying to figure out how that power can be diluted at this very moment!

NewsMax has Dick Morris' book and other offerings and specials. If you are interested please check it out!

Monday, June 18, 2007

From Country Music To State Politics

Sammy Kershaw announced on June 13Th that he would be running as a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor in his home state of Louisiana. Although I have enjoyed his music career over the years I would suggest that he put on some industrial strength cowboy boots as he wades through the over sized swamp of Louisiana politics! Perhaps Sammy can bring a new perspective to his home state...goodness knows they could certainly use one! If you're not familiar with his "George Jones" style or have never heard of him or his music.
You can check out a video here and more about his political bid.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Remembering Fathers

Sunday, June 17Th will be the annual celebration of Father's Day. This tradition we now observe was the brain child of a lady from Spokane, WA named Sonora Smart Dodd. After hearing a sermon on Mother's Day in 1909 she thought it a fitting tribute that children should have a day set aside for honoring their fathers as well.
A few months ago I came across a book by Louise Betts Egan called, "I Remember When Dad...". It is an endearing collection of memories and stories about fathers contributed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Their stories are tender, inspiring ,funny and of course, personal. Perhaps you can take a moment to remember something that your father did or said that made an impact or impression on your life. Whether living or passed, they have left their unique footprint on our lives that time or distance cannot erase. Here is a remembrance of my father, Gene Scarbrough. (1923 - 2003)

It was the summer of 1963. I was 12. School was out for summer vacation so our days began a little later. Although it was Sunday, there were still the usual chores to be done around the farm. But on this day as I went about my duties I didn't see my dad working out in the field or in the machine shop or anywhere for that matter. Our car was in the driveway, but no dad. I asked mom where he was and she just smiled, and said he'd gone to Indiana with a friend and would be back soon. Now that really sparked my curiosity as it was completely out of character for my dad to go to another state (although Indiana was only about 40 miles away from our farm in east/central Illinois) especially without taking us along. As the hours poked by I became more and more curious as to what he was doing and when he would return! I watched for a long time from our front porch looking right and left down each long, vacant mile. And finally, I saw a cloud of dust rising from the gravel road indicating an approaching vehicle from the east. As it drew closer I could see it was a truck hauling a trailer behind. My curiosity was satisfied at that point that it wasn't dad as I was thinking he had gone in a car. But the truck began to slow down as it approached our house and I wondered, "who could that be". As the truck came closer I recognized the driver to be my dad's friend, Delford. And there was my dad riding shotgun! Delford pulled the rig across the drive and dad jumped out and said, "hey Peg, come and see what's in the back". I ran over to take a better look and what I saw left me speechless! I stood there, stunned and then I heard dad say, "it's yours"! Mine? This big, beautiful horse standing in the trailer was mine? It was exactly what I had begged and nagged (no pun intended) for endlessly! And here it was...my freedom! Now, anyone who knew my dad would also know that he wasn't outwardly the most soft hearted person when it came to something he considered frivolous. The horse that was now mine was 14. A Morgan/Quarter Horse mix who was a trained and seasoned parade horse. He was bay with a white blaze and four white stockings. His name, of course, was Boots! It was indeed one of the best summers of my life! I will always remember with great fondness that day, knowing the lengths dad had gone to in bringing this special gift home for me. Boots represented the level of my dad's love for me on that day! And I made many treasured memories with him and my friends from that day on. Thanks, dad!

If you'd like to read about the history of Father's Day and enjoy some other ideas, poems etc. to add to your celebration with your father, please go here.
Wishing all the fathers I know, a blessed and happy Father's Day!
Until Next Time...

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Remembering Flag Day

Today, June 14Th is Flag Day! Earlier on the radio I heard the song entitled, "Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash. The neighboring acre has a huge Old Glory on a 20 foot pole, so I moved over to the window to look at it as the song played. In that moment I was drawn into the story and almost felt as if I were there viewing the scenes it described. As the wind swept the flag up and down in heaving rhythm I could just imagine that the flag was reacting to the words I was hearing. And in that moment it spoke to me. That silent symbol of strength, courage and honor under which many of our sons and daughters have given their all, waving freely and proudly in the Texas wind. I lived in the Midwest until my early teens where the mention of God, flag and country were a big deal. And now, in this small Texas town I look forward to 12 noon each day as the National Anthem is proudly played. Quite a contrast from the apathetic California lifestyle that surrounded me for the past 40 years. It's just one of the reasons I like it here. A dear friend and fellow Texan by the grace...gave me a bumper sticker that reads..."American born...Texan by the grace of God". And to that I say...Amen!
If you'd like to read the rest of the lyrics to "Ragged Old Flag" or a good piece on the History of Flag Day click on these links.
P.S. - Don't forget to tell your children and your Grandchildren that today is Flag Day and remind them of why we should honor it.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

What's For Supper...

Well Folks, tonight I thought I'd just share what I made for supper. It's a dish I made up and call "Taco Chili Corntillas". Takes about 15 minutes to put it together and it's very tasty!
1 pound ground beef ( have also used chopped chicken or turkey)
1 small can mexican seasoned tomatoes
chopped onion, peppers (about 1/2 cup)
1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
3 T. chili powder
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. black pepper (I use course ground)
1 t. seasoning salt (or not)
shredded cheese
sour cream

salsa
Brown the ground beef ,add everything else, stir well and simmer.
Then...fry some flour tortillas (about taco size) in hot oil (I use Lou Ana coconut oil - available at "Wally World") just brown on both sides (flat) until they puff up and are golden brown. Place on paper towel.
Then grab a plate and a browned tortilla, pile it up with the meat mixture, add some grated cheese on top and a dollop of sour cream. Finish it off with some chopped green onions, jalapenos or salsa and "supper's on"! Serves 4-6

Any leftover meat mixture works great in an omelet or on a pizza!
Hope you'll give it a try when time is short and you want to spice it up a bit!

Until Next Time...

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Air Powered Car From India

It may not be India's answer to the muscle car, but after ten years in the making they have completed an air powered car. It resembles a mini, mini van and seats six people. Looks to be tight quarters for anyone of size or height. But for around $2 a tank you can head down the road for about 125 miles. I don't expect to see it in the U.S.A. anytime soon. Over here we're still trying to figure out how to grease palms and fill pockets over the ethanol craze! I also understand that Mexican farmers are opting to plow under the cactus used in making tequilla in order to plant corn for ethanol. Soon you'll be digging a little deeper in your wallet for both tequilla and anything made from corn.....the list is endless! Kinda makes you wanna grab a bowl of cornflakes and a cool margarita and forget about it! You can read the Air Car article here.
Until Next time...

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Welcome to Brain Sizzle!

Check out Brain Sizzle whenever you feel the need for a little brain workout. Together we can experience and share the free expression of thoughts and ideas. This blog will cover a melange of subjects. My interests are varied so I may write opinions about issues involving politics, business, home and family, history, current events or just a thought or recipe of the day.
By the way, since it is June the 10th, I would be remiss not to mention that today would be my mother's 80th birthday. Ironically, I find myself at the same age of her passing. I now realize just how young she was and what a huge vacancy her passing has left in my life. I often wonder what she would think about the internet, atm machines, bar codes and so many other technical wonders that have come on the scene in the past 25 years.
One thing is for certain as I honor her memory and welcome you to this blog I would like to share this thought with you. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.....that why it's called the present". I hope you will think of each day as being a gift in your lives as well!
I invite your comments (clean and civil please) and active participation. Come back anytime and let your Brain Sizzle!
Until Next Time...
Peg