May 27, 2014

William F. Cody: Buffalo Bill of the Wild West

William Frederick Cody who became known as Buffalo Bill, was a buffalo hunter (thus the name), United States Army scout, and an Indian fighter. He is best known in history as the man who brought the Wild West to the eastern United States and major European cities. The colorful show was called Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World – a long name that created a long historical reputation.
His life story is mixed with legend and fabrication, but it provided an insight for people who did not live in the West during the height of its notoriety and hailed a way of life that was disappearing in the Victorian and Industrial period of American history.


Annie Oakley: "Little Sure Shot" of American History

Annie's famous mirror trick shot
When mentioning the Wild West Show, two individuals pop in mind: Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. The story about Annie is not complete without Frank Butler.
Annie Oakley was born on August 13th, 1860 in Darke County, Ohio under the name Phoebe Ann Moses, which the family simply called her Annie.
Her parents (Susan Wise & Jacob Moses (Mauzy) were Quakers, immigrants from England who originally settled in Pennsylvania, where they married in 1848. They moved to Patterson Township in Ohio in 1855 where they rented a farm, which later they would mortgage. Annie's sister, Sarah Ellen, was born in 1857. Annie would be the sixth of seven children.

May 26, 2014

Memorial Day: Monday 26th 2014

The media and community organizers, once again, do not know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The latter is for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, unlike Veterans Day for living veterans who sacrificed their limbs and suffered other wounds not always visible in service of the US Armed Forces.

May 25, 2014

Weapons of Choice: Model 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun

Winchester-Browning Model 1887
In 1887, Winchester introduced the lever-action shotgun and again produced a model in 1901; designed by American gun designer/inventor, John M. Browning. It was the first successful repeating shotgun that was lever-action like the famous Winchester Model 1873 rifle.

Weapons of Choice: Colt Peacemaker - "The Gun That Won The West"

175th Anniversary Colt .45 Caliber Peacemaker
The Colt Peacemaker, Model 1873, is a single-action revolver that is designed to fire metallic centerfire cartridges and was adopted as the standard military service revolver from 1873 to 1892.

Weapons of Choice: Remington Model 1858 and 1875

The Remington Model 1858 was a secondary firearm issued by the United States Army of the Union until the Colt Manufacturing Company factory fire of 1864. While it is called Model 1858 for the year it was patented, it was not produced in full scale production until 1861. [Remington: America's Oldest Gunmaker, Roy Marcot Bequette, Primedia 1998]

May 24, 2014

Crooks and Liars Blog Lives Up To Its Name

Crooks and Liars is one website that practices what its name implies. When confronted with truth about their bias and racial comments about Allen West (after using profanity against me) they have blocked me out of commentary. They deem West as racist because he is against Obama policy; and especially that he is a member of the Tea Party movement; which defies both Democrat and Republican doctrine and promotion of acts against Constitution. 

May 23, 2014

Let's Talk About OUR Government and What It Has Become

Declaration of Independence
Government, those that operate our government, in the past five decades has progressively become an increasingly unlimited government; and voters are going along with their agenda of progressive socialism; and while one particular political party is clearly guilty, the blame falls on both traditional two parties who hinder any third party to form to provide true reformation back to the constitutional republic that was created by the wise founders of the United States.

May 21, 2014

I Love My Country, But ... Lest We Forget Reality

In 2008, news broke out concerning Hillary Rodham (Clinton) and her involvement on the Watergate scandal investigation, which led to the ultimate resignation of Richard M. Nixon. 

Recall: Remington Model 700, Model 700 BDL and Model Seven Rifles

Remington 700 BDL
Remington has announced a voluntary recall of Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with X-Mark Pro (XMP) triggers, manufactured from May 1, 2006 to April 9, 2014. Remington engineers have determined that some of the guns could, under certain circumstances, unintentionally discharge.

May 20, 2014

Getting a Handle on Crime and Securing Our Borders

Before I get to the crime part of this article, I would like to quote what President Obama recently stated about the political opposition and generally, any individual or organization that demands a limited government in accordance with the US Constitution …
We’ve got one party in Congress right now that has been captured by ideologues whose core premise is “no” — who fundamentally believe that the problem is government; who don’t believe that we as a community, as a country have any serious role to play in giving people a hand up; whose budget reflects an interest in cutting back commitments to the most vulnerable and freeing the most powerful from any constraints; and whose principal focus at any given point in the day is trying to figure out how can they make people sufficiently cynical, sufficiently angry, sufficiently suspicious that they can win the next election. I hate to be blunt about it, but that’s the play. And, by the way, when I say a party has been captured, it’s because I actually want an effective, serious, patriotic, capable, sober-minded Republican Party. And we’ve had that in the past.

Intolerant Demands Tolerance, Those Crying for Equality Do Not Seek It

Islamists expect tolerance from others but provides none, indeed their doctrine not only forbids tolerance but encourages violence (Jihad) against "unbelievers". The only law is Sharia Law, which clearly is NOT tolerant. The progressive left continues to tolerate their demands and ignore their transgressions against Christians and Jews; but fail to realize that Sharia Law demands that homosexuals be put to death and women be covered in public. What say you Hollywood hypocrites?

May 19, 2014

Adrian von Zieglar: Epic Neoclassical Composer of the 21st Century

I enjoy Celtic music along with Scottish bagpipes immensely, as well as some of the Neoclassic Gothic style music that have been used in the film/video game genre; as well as great film soundtracks like Braveheart  [ James Horner] and Dances with the Wolves [ late John Barry ].

May 18, 2014

Sagebrush Rebellion Renewed: Bundy Ranch Incident Before and Beyond

The Bundy Ranch incident was not the first time westerners living the Western states stood up to federal unconstitutional authority. First a short recap ...
The sheriff of Clark County, Nevada did not stand up for the constitutional rights of Bundy and those who supported him. You can see pictures of physical abuse at the Bundy website.

May 16, 2014

Weapons of Choice: Franklin Armory F17-L

F17-L, bipod optional
Franklin Armory has introduced the F-17-L, the first successful gas-operated semi-automatic rimfire in .17 HMR, using .17 Winchester Super Magnum rimfire ammunition, it will meet the standards of every state in the Union – even those that do not recognize the Second Amendment, like California, Colorado, Connecticut, and New York. The rifle was featured in the 2014 SHOT Show and many were interested. 

May 15, 2014

Wanted: Erick Julian Ortega

WANTED FILE

Erick Julian Ortega

Wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and murder charges.
An alleged member of the North Side Redondo street gang, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man in Redondo Beach, California on June 21, 2013. Ortega allegedly shot the man multiple times as the man left a family member's home, then fled in a silver Chrysler 300 which was found abandoned five blocks from the scene.

Passing Thoughts ...

Did you ever notice when people are interviewed as to why they have chosen a candidate for public office or are interviewed with questions about why they think an elected person is so great by just what they say?

Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes

Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes
4 large tomatoes
¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ tablespoon chopped basil
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Parsley for garnish

Slice off top of tomato and hollow out with melon scoop or tomato core tool, leave 1.2-inch thick shell. Chop pulp or puree pulp and set aside. In medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, butter, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese and tomato pulp. Fill each tomato shell and wrap each tomato individually in aluminum foil.
Grill or bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is completely melted. Garnish with parsley and serve as side dish, like with burgers or pulled-chicken sandwiches. This dish is easier to create than the Old World Stuff Tomatoes.

May 14, 2014

Nigerian Kidnap Tragedy - Not Our Business

To demonstrate what a moron Senator John McCain is, he pounded the table in demand for action to find Nigerian girls kidnapped – none of which were American and stated:
If they knew where they were, I certainly would send in U.S. troops to rescue them, in a New York minute I would, without the permission of the host country . . . I wouldn’t be waiting for some kind of permission from some guy named Goodluck Jonathan.
Thank goodness HE didn't get elected as president. I think he has been suffering a long time from being a prisoner of war, a person who certainly should not bear responsibility of being a senator in US Congress - a life career, and a career with little or no accomplishments always siding with the side of unconstitutionalists.

May 13, 2014

Weapons of Choice: Conceal Carry S&W SD40

SD40-VE
The Smith & Wesson SD40 is clearly a statement by the American heritage firearm company against the popularity of the Austrian Glock.
The SD-40 is a striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame that is between the Sigma and the M&P models in reference to features and price. It is chambered for .40 S&W and the SD9 is chambered for the 9mm, for those who prefer the latter. Both models are available in the standard capacity magazine or low capacity magazine (for states that limit magazine loads).
The SD40 holds 14 cartridges and its magazines are allegedly (I did not personally try it) interchangeable with the Sigma. Melonite coating is on the stainless steel slide, just like the M&P models. Thus far no complaints about how much the coating can take.

Bundy - Benghazi: It's Not Over Yet

The BLM, the arm of the federal government, released the cattle of Cliven Bundy and a battle was won. The battle was not the issue of non-payment of grazing fees or the protection of a desert turtle – it was that the federal government refused to recognize that the Bundy family had that ranch and grazed those lands since 1873 or 1877 (sources not sure which). In 1877, the federal government issued an act that allowed ranchers like Bundy in 1877 to establish themselves. The battle was won, but the war protecting constitutional law, rights and liberties continues.

May 12, 2014

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan
Makes 4 servings.
4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
1 egg
½ cup milk
seasoned bread crumbs
2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 or 4 garlic cloves, minced or sliced thinly with razor blade
8 slices mozzarella cheese, or more to preference
1 jar of spaghetti sauce (16 oz), suggest Emeril brand. Or scratch sauce thickened
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  1. Whisk together the egg and milk. Dip the chicken breasts in milk and egg mixture and then in bread crumbs.
  2. Heat the olive oil with sliced or minced garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown chicken in hot oil on both sides until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Set chicken in baking dish.
  4. Slice 8 pieces of mozzarella cheese and put two slices on each breast. Pour your favorite spaghetti sauce over all. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese either hand grated (¼ cup) or from jar and more mozzarella slices to taste.
  5. Bake at 35o°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with spaghetti or rotini pasta (spoon sauce from pan on pasta, & sprinkle with Parmesan - top with chicken), garlic bread, and green salad. 

     

May 11, 2014

Journeycakes and Johnnycakes

Journeycake or Johnnycake
This is a recipe that is as old as North American colonization learned by early American settlers from Native Americans. The name of the cake is English, so named because the natives would carry this bread with them in their deerskin bags when they had to travel. After the Revolutionary War, the cakes were renamed by New Englanders to “Johnnycake”, so named from the nickname of American colonial soldiers. 

Mother's Day 2014: Featuring Attraction Shadow-Dancing Troupe

Today is when we celebrate motherhood, an important role in all aspects of life and, as with fatherhood, elemental in the survival of humanity; we honor the person who nurtured us from the womb throughout their lives.
Children are the treasure of a nation and parenting ensures that that treasure that is the future of any nation makes it great, thus their guidance, nurturing and encouragement of parents is equally important; but the mother's bond is beyond description and special.
The following video is from a British television show and features a shadow-dancing troupe [Attraction] that made a performance in honor of motherhood in the semi-finalist appearance in 2013. If this does not touch your heart, nothing will. There was not a dry eye on the judging panel. Of course, they won the finals. In 2012, Attraction performed a shadow dance in honor of Passover. The troupe also performed shadow-dancing in honor of the nation that adopted the Bulgarian troupe as their own.
A Special thanks to Joan B. in Illinois for sending me this video to share with you on Mother's Day.
To mother's across the globe ... thank you.

May 10, 2014

Obama and Sharpton: On the Political Racist Road Again

Al SharptonDaily Caller: [one year ago]
First of all, if the government were to come to disarm you, you would not be able to use an automatic weapon to defend yourself. Let’s be serious. We’re in a world of drones now so the Second Amendment would not help you in that area. It is absurd to try to cite that. … People do not have the right to unregulated rights in this country. And I think that for those that use the Second Amendment [they] are conceding that they have no argument on why you need a magazine with 100 rounds of ammunition or 30 rounds of ammunition.

Weapons of Choice: Law Enforcement Favorites

Law enforcement firearms must be dependable, accurate, and provide the firepower necessary for protection of life. More often than not, law enforcement weapons issued by a department are chosen by the administration. However, many officers choose to purchase their own weapons and their choices provide an image of the law enforcement profession as a whole. Part of the determination as to what is the issued weapon by the administration is the cost per firearm.

Email Circuit: Sifting Through Misinformation

Rumors in the military are frowned upon because it can have an impact upon morale. In the US Navy rumors are still referred to as “scuttlebutt”.
When people spread rumors and falsehoods via the email circuit in a form of “Chain Mail”, they are not only creating unfounded or not completely truthful information/rumor – but hurting the very cause they represent. It is called credibility. 
Politically, it occurs on both sides of the fence, just more often with the progressive socialists that is called the Democratic Party. It is part of the platform of Marxism (and Fascism) to perpetuate lies and then tell them often enough until believed. If an entity controls information, they control the people, like information from media elements. The email circuit is no exception.

May 9, 2014

US Diagnosis: A Weak Pulse

Immigration laws were passed some time ago when Ellis Island was still operational. It was meant to provide medical examination, prevent criminal elements from entering, and an annual quota was established to ensure there were jobs for immigrants coming in and do not become wards of the government. Despite restrictions, the United States has one of the most passive immigration laws in the world – and yet, the executive branch of the federal government has not fully enforced those laws for decades. This problem is not just with one particular political party. Why bother to make laws no one enforces?

Congressional Elections 2014: Some Republicans Need To Go Along With Democrats

Edward Royce (R-CA) sponsored a bill in the House (H.R. 2548) called the "Electrify Africa Act of 2014. Keep in mind that California is an economically screwed up state, once the fifth wealthiest in the world. Now it is nothing more than a socialist welfare state, constantly on the verge of bankruptcy and still not learning from their mistakes. California, by the socialist method of gouging those that produce, chasing away corporations to other states because of high taxation, have just about turned the state over to Mexico; once a Republic in itself.
Now coming from this state in the form of a bill presented to the House, and most disconcertingly, PASSED, despite a majority in the House of Representatives of Republicans who constantly pretend they are trying to balance the budget - an act that will funnel still more taxpayer funding (and money our government doesn't have) to Africa. I guess California wants to drag the rest of America into bankruptcy as well.
Folks, it doesn't matter what political club a congressional member belongs to, it is about time We the People start putting responsible and constitutional officials in Congress and the federal government as a whole. Examine the bill and see who in your state voted for this - and let them know that if they signed this bill or any bill that sends money needed here to somewhere else, it is time to send them back to what they were doing in the private sector. This bill, this program needs to be repealed. What has Africa ever done for us; and mentioning that - a Democrat has put in a bill to use federal facilities to celebrate
Save the Republic - Vote responsibly - Vote for constitutionalists and true reformers.

May 7, 2014

Common Core: What It Really Is

Common Core State Standards is not set by the states, but by the federal government, further strengthening its agenda of centralization and in charge of something that is important to any civilized nation – education. Our government, and society, thinks that it just takes an increase in funding to solve the problems of education that has pushed us behind leadership in global educational standards. They keep changing the name of their socialist agenda – but the results is always the same: failure. It has become a method of indoctrination and distracting what schools are for – preparing them for the adult world armed with knowledge, but only that which is approved by the state. Logic has given away to emotion, which the state uses to control its populace.

May 6, 2014

Galati Gear Pocket Holster

Pocket pistols have been around for a long time, even before the American Revolution, here and in Europe. Progressing from flintlock to modern cartridges, the pocket pistol is a small way to carry concealed firearms. Of course, the term “pocket pistol” originated in America. Of course, do not look to see a .45-caliber chambered pistol to be a pocket pistol, although some derringers have been made in that caliber, normally they are not greater than 9mm or .38 caliber, and most often in .380 or .22 magnum.
Grip-It Galati Gear pocket holster
Galati Gear has come up with a pocket carry holster that solves the solution of actually carrying a small pistol in a pocket. For those who wear tight jeans, they will have to come up with some other conceal carry method. It is constructed of a single piece of tricot material with fabric edging and has a non-slip granular exterior. They provide for more comfortable conceal carry and also the exterior is a moisture barrier to protect your investment. It is made to fit snugly in almost any pocket. The holster is ambidextrous, fitting in either left- or right-hand pockets. The Grip-It can also be used as an inside waistband holster that does not require a belt.
Three models are available that work with ten different handguns and even compatible with laser sights, if you do not have the type that is in the gun grip. MSRP of the holster is $19.95, so it fits in with affordable conceal-carry holsters.

Wisconsin Statutes: Knowing the Law is Important and So is Accurate "Reporting"

There seems to be confusion about the Wisconsin state concealed-carry permit; mostly as to when or where one with a permit can carry. So here it is from the Wisconsin Bar website:
Concealed Carry Restrictions (Wis. Stat. Section 175.60):
  • Residence: Owner may prohibit firearms on property, either oral or posted. There is no law prohibiting either way.
  • Multifamily Residence (condos & apartments): No posting is required & notice may be oral. Common areas must post any restrictions by owner of building & property; but does not include parking area on grounds. Conceal Carry with permits is allowed in parking area.

While Movement in US is Against Guns, Russians Are Moving to Their Own Second Amendment

Rumors are circulating that the executive branch federal financial service regulators are on a mission to harass and/or intimidate banks and financial service providers which are designated as “high risk” merchants or businesses. It is an indirect way for the executive branch, led by BH Obama to indirectly impose their doctrine and progressive agenda.

May 5, 2014

Grill Sergeant: Cooking with Cast-Iron Cookware

Since I have written several articles about chuckwagons, early American and Pioneer cooking, it would be good to discuss cast-iron cookware.
I like Lodge brand cast iron cookware, mainly because it comes pre-seasoned, which is important when first obtaining your cast-iron skillets and dutch oven. At the Lodge website it gives you good information about how to properly clean and take care of what could end up a family heirloom; if the trend to return to old style cooking continues.

May 3, 2014

Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World

The Wild West Show originated by famous William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, in the late 1800s and continues to this day in its tradition. The next Wild West Show is scheduled January 10th through 25th in 2015. It will be held in Denver, Colorado at the National Western Complex.

Door Peninsula Spring Fishing Report: May 2014

ClipArt Graphic
If you planned to enter the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament, May 16th to May 18th, 2014; you missed it because entry acceptance closed on May 2nd.
The Door Peninsula holds two tournaments each year: the biggest event in the Spring the weekend after Mother's Day while the Fall tournament is held the weekend after Labor Day.
The spring tournament is limited to 200, 2-person teams and the fall tournament is limited to 100 2-person teams. This year will be the 24th anniversary of those events. The fall tournament has been changed to a one-day event and is a cash payout tournament.
Moon phase and climatic conditions predict that 6-7am and 4-6pm are the best times to fish this weekend.
The record-breaking cold winter from December 2013 to May 2014 was caused by what meteorologists call the North Polar Vortex. This certainly affected Canada, but also extended from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern Atlantic Ocean seaboard. The record low temperatures was lower than the previous record set in 1979. The cold wave spread as far as Dallas, Texas. Such temperatures occurred in 1884 and again in 1988. The American Plains and Canadian prairie areas were hit with strong winds and heavy snowfall that included the Great Lakes region. 

May 2, 2014

EMP or HEMP: Federal Government Not Prepared - Are You?

EMP was briefly covered in military training in late 1980s and on into 1990s. The media reports that the federal government is not really prepared to confront the use of EMP weapons or the side affects of a nuclear explosion.

May 1, 2014

Old World Stuffed Tomatoes

Old World Stuffed Tomatoes
Couscuous is used in this recipe by Christie Morrison, Cook's Country (June/July 2014). It is a traditional Berber dish of North Africa of granules of durum wheat, cooked by steaming. It is traditionally served with meat or vegetable stew. It is used like barley here in United States. In Sicily, it is served with fish and it is the third favorite dish of French people according to a survey in 2011.

TALOS: Combat Uniform and Equipment of Future Soon a Reality

Camo development
In February 2014, at a National Defense Industrial Association symposium, Stars and Stripes reported that TALOS is on its way to be the new combat uniform that looks like something from a futuristic role-playing game. No it is not the Talos of the Elder Scrolls role-playing series; and as someone once stated, in so many words: What is science fiction today is reality tomorrow.