Thursday, July 26, 2007

Two Very Special Animals

These are two special animals. Jake the dog and Oscar, the cat. Jake, a beautiful 12 year old black Lab was one of the ground zero heroes on 911. He walked over the hot metal and smoking ashes of the twin towers searching for human survivors. Jake had been adopted as an injured 10 month old puppy and was trained to be a world class rescue dog...and a true hero. He since developed cancer that over took his body and his battle was ended on Wednesday out of mercy for his suffering.

Oscar, the cat resides in a nursing and rehab center in Providence, RI. He seems to have an uncanny ability to sense when someone is close to death. He makes his rounds and when he senses a patient who is in their final hours, he curls up next to them. He has become so accurate that nursing home staff will call in family members when Oscar finds the next resident who is close to death. Family members are grateful to have those last moments to say good bye to their loved ones. Oscar has become for some, the furry little grim reaper!
If you appreciate animals as I do, you will enjoy their stories and can check out their pictures
here.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Happy 93rd Birthday - George Putnam

I wrote a few weeks ago about this legendary, iconic journalist and radio talk show host. And today I want to honor him by wishing him a wonderful 93rd birthday celebration!

George Putnam is truly in a class by himself. He is a straight and well spoken man, never seeming to be concerned about popular opinion but always giving an honest one. We could all learn a lot from a man like George Putnam. His life has been remarkable, and he can now look back on his own history and see the amazing changes that have transpired in his lifetime to the world we live in.

I have been an avid listener of his radio broadcasts for many years and I cannot imagine the air waves without his strong, confident voice. As he looks forward to continuing his 73 year career of enlightenment on the radio and writing articles for News Max, I personally wish him the best of good health and time for making more wonderful moments and memories.

There is much to be learned from George Putnam and I hope you will take the time to find out a little more about his legendary life and career. His contributions to journalism and the bits of wisdom he has shared from a life long and well lived will remain in the hearts and minds of all who knew, and admired him for many years to come. George, you are truly loved!

He has always been known for mentioning an inspiring quote to emphasize a point. This is one of my favorites.....

"Character is doing what is right when no body's looking".

Happy 93rd Birthday George Putnam and thank you for everything you have given us!



You can read his birthday article for News Max here.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Senate To Examine Border Guards' Case

For U.S. Border Patrol Guards Ramos and Compean, July 17Th could be a very important day. If you recall their case, these men were guarding the Mexican border near El Paso, TX in February of 2005 when they encountered and intercepted a van smuggling marijuana. Although they were successful in detouring the illegal entry, they were later convicted for allegedly firing their weapons, hitting the would be drug-smuggler in the buttocks and not reporting the firearm discharge. Both agents are now serving lengthy prison sentences on what should have resulted in an administrative reprimand.

The U.S. Senate is now taking up the matter of a pardon for these agents to examine the circumstances leading to their unjust prosecution and imprisonment. Please get the full story here at Eagle Forum.

After you are informed about this injustice, contact your Senator and voice your opinion. Ramos and Compean deserve your support and a Presidential pardon.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

The Passing Of Lady Bird Johnson

Born Claudia Alta Taylor in 1912 and raised in a small east Texas town. Known to our nation as Lady Bird Johnson, age 94, passed away today at her home in Austin surrounded by her family.

Politics aside, I and many others share her love of wildflowers. She was a passionate spokesperson about the beauty of wildflowers and the joy that they bring to the human spirit. I couldn't agree more. Wildflowers show us not only the circle of life but in their season bring us some of the most interesting mix of shapes and colors to delight the eye. Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes founded the National Wildflower Research Foundation near Austin in 1982 and it was later renamed for Lady Bird Johnson.

I have learned there is a different spirit about the people here in Texas. And I believe that Lady Bird Johnson is a fine example of that resilient and pioneering spirit. The LBJ ranch and museum is located on highway 290 just a few miles west of Johnson City, Texas and the LBJ Presidential library is in central Austin. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Foundation is located in south Austin. There is beautiful driving to be enjoyed throughout the Hill Country so stop and take in some of these sites if you are ever in the Austin or Hill Country area.
Please read the article on the passing of Lady Bird Johnson linked here.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

July 4th ... Hot Dog!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful 4Th of July celebration. Happy Birthday America!

Well folks, hold on to your gag reflex because the annual Nathan's hot dog eat off has a new champion! Congratulations to 23 year old Californian, Joey Chestnut. He was able to consume 66 hot dogs and buns in the 12 minute time limit. He proudly walks away with the Nathan's Championship belt! Get the
rest of the story here.

At our house, we have made fried chicken a tradition on this day! But any other day of the week I could go for a Nathan's hot dog...they are by far my favorite! I hope you all are enjoying your celebration with family and friends.

Don't forget to take a moment out of your celebration today to be grateful for all of our fallen heroes past and present who represent the very best of America! It is because of their sacrifice that we enjoy each and every day!


Also, stop by Texasfred.net to see a really beautiful holiday display.....and a very interesting and informative blog!

Monday, July 2, 2007

What's So Great About America...An Immigrant's View

Have you ever wondered just what it is that attracts would be immigrants to come to this country? As Americans we often take the small things in life for granted. Our choices here are, without a doubt, abundant. In my former state there was a group of hard working immigrants who not only drove the large, expensive cars to show their status but often displayed a "designer" box of facial tissue in the back window. I was told that as odd as it seems, coming from a third world country where choice is often nonexistent, the facial tissue would be a luxury and thus a further symbol of financial success! Read from an immigrant's perspective just 'what's so great about America!'