Sep 30, 2014

Who Will Be the New US Attorney General?

After five and a half years of a record of scandals as the US Attorney General, Eric Holder resigned. He was dubbed the 'Obama Enforcer', who committed perjury and led the Fast-N-Furious program that caused the death of a Border Patrol agent and untold number of Mexicans. No prosecution involving Benghazi, National Security Agency wiretaps, press infringements, and the Internal Revenue Service scandals. Still nothing about the Marine reservist, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi's wrongful imprisonment in Mexico (or from Secretary of State John Kerry, for that matter). Since race baiting is a part of his career legacy, maybe it is because Andrew is white. Recently it has been reported that Tahmooressi is “highly despondent” because of the drastic deterioration of his mental health.
He did brag about his part in the Ferguson race riots and sending a special investigating team concerning the shooting of Michael Brown.

Ian Fleming: Creator of James Bond, 007

Ian Fleming 1954
Ian Fleming (1908-1964) was the novelist who created the world famous James Bond.
The series of novels and short stories began in 1953 with the novel Casino Royale. He continued the adventures of British Secret Service agenda, 007, in twelve novels and two collections of short stories, all written from his estate in Jamaica he named Goldeneye. Two of his books were published after his death in 1964. Since his death, several authors have written continuing works. Ian Fleming Publications were copyright holders and kept the novels and short stories going.
Fleming was born in London, England on May 28, 1908; one of four sons, growing up in an affluent and influential family. His father, Valentine Fleming, served in Parliament before fighting in World War I. Fleming was nine years old when his father died in combat.

Crusted Chicken Breast Dinner with Sage Butter Sauce

The secret of breaded chicken breasts is to have a browned crust but still retain the juices. Boneless, skinned chicken breasts are great for crusting and cook quickly. Whole breasts are too big and the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked, so they must be halved lengthwise.
This recipe is for four servings, so if you double the recipe, be sure to sauté the chicken in two pans so the pieces are not touching.
When preparing the breasts, pound the pieces evenly to about 1/2-inch thick, doing so gently so your chicken pieces do not turn into cutlets. Best way is to pound the chicken in a plastic bag, dampened inside to prevent sticking and tearing. Use a smooth meat pounding tool. I learned this cuisine technique from Cuisine At Home.

Sep 29, 2014

Your Tax Dollars: Funding Illegal Immigrant Children's Education and Welfare

Children who came here illegally in the tens of thousands, that Obama allowed to remain and kept the operation shrouded in secrecy, not even allowing congressional members to investigate are now being clothed, fed, and educated with our tax funding. Some are dropped off in the city streets, according to some reports. Some require special care because of health issues. Meanwhile, American families and veterans are struggling in a poor economy that Obama promised to get better back in 2008. See NBC-Los Angeles.

AR Rifle: Comparison Between Piston-Driven and Gas Impingement Systems

Comparison between the gas impingement and piston-driven AR rifles ...
  • Piston-driven firearms operate cleaner.
  • Piston-driven firearms operate cooler.
  • Piston-driven firearms are less accurate, generally, than gas impingement systems.
  • Piston-driven firearms cost more.
  • Suppressors work better with the gas impingement firearms, especially those with an adjustable gas block that allows control of the amount of gas directed back through the gas tube.
  • Both systems are reliable.
  • Parts for gas infringement system rifles are easier to find and less expensive.
Gun Digest photo

Sep 28, 2014

Bill of Rights: All States of the Union Required To Obey

The states of the northeast coastal United States is collectively called New England, originally a part of the thirteen colonies that became united under one national flag and one constitution, but with separate state governments, have transcended into the reasons why an American revolution began.

Sep 27, 2014

Religion of Peace and American Policies

Progressives in the United States continue to insist that Islam is a religion of peace. That is echoed by the so-called 'moderate' conservatives. The liberal-progressives-socialists, who invented political correctness, is against the death penalty, but sanctions the murder of millions of unborn children via abortion; caters to the Islam religion, while suppressing and oppressing Christianity. 

Energy Bill Passes House - Senator Reid Holding It Up. Again

Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, has been notorious for being against proposed energy bills that would boost the economy and actually create more jobs, passing the House of Representatives, but languishing or failing to pass the Senate. The proposed bills would also reduce the cost of energy for Americans. Of course, Reid was instrumental in approval of a Chinese solar company that his son set up to sell land in the American West to them, part of Harry Reid's long list of ethical scandal- mostly over real estate transactions.

Finally: Eric Holder to Resign

This news-breaking announcement hit the wire from the Morning Edition with Carrie Johnson. It is certainly news that is way overdue. NPR and AP confirmed the report, through the White House.
ERIC HOLDER TO RESIGN
Yeah!

Holder would most likely be impeached if he did not resign, for his perjury about IRS and Fast-N-Furious. In other matters, he is a race-baiter, stating that anyone who is against Obama policies and actions are given the title "racist".
But, who is taking his place?

Woman Beheaded in Oklahoma by Islamic Convert

Alton Alexander Nolen
Another beheading occurred by an Islamic Jihadist on September 26th, but not in an Islamic state in Middle East. It occurred in Moore, Oklahoma.
30-year-old Alton A. Nolen (mug shot above) walked into the Vaughan Foods plant, after driving into the company parking lot and hitting another vehicle, entered the building, decapitated Colleen Hufford, 54, with a knife and then attacked a second woman, Traci Johnson, 43. He was then shot by the chief operating officer of Vaughan Foods, who is an Oklahoma County reserve deputy. Mrs. Johnson and Nolen were treated for wounds in a local hospital.

Sep 26, 2014

Volcanic Pistol

Before there was the Smith & Wesson firearms manufacturer, there was the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company formed in 1855 by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson. Volcanic made an improved version of the Rocket Ball ammunition developed by Walter Hunt and a gun to fire it with called the Volcanic Pistol that incorporated the lever-action design. It was offered in .31 and .41 calibers. 

Odd Historical Firearm: Dardick 1500 Revolver

At the top of my list of the odd firearms in the American firearm industry, is the Dardick Model 1500 revolver.

EV-D68 Virus in Wisconsin

A serious respiratory virus that has affected mostly children in 40 states has now been confirmed to be in Wisconsin.
A child in Door County was admitted to Ministry Door County Medical Center and tested positive for the Enterovirus D68. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the test. People who have asthma are higher risk for the disease, as well as children suffering from reactive airway disease.
Prevention includes: wash hands often, especially after changing diapers; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid kissing, hugging, sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are ill; disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is ill. Hand sanitizer is not recommended, but soap and water is, according to the CDC.
Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected; mainly because they have no immunity from previous exposures. People are most affected in the summer and fall.
Symptoms are: fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, body/muscle aches; severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing. The virus was first identified in California in 1962. It has infected people in Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.
There are no vaccines available to prevent EV-D68 infection.

Sep 25, 2014

Border States of America: Documentary Available in DVD in Early October

This video shows what is happening, something that Obama has never investigated first hand. When Senator McCain went to investigate Arizona, while he was being filmed and interviewed, an illegal alien was jumping the fence in the background. Incredible and definitely a problem long ignored by the federal government and congressional members on BOTH sides of the political aisle.
Produced by Tea Party Patriots organization, get your documentary DVD for only $10 donation.
This organization is also fighting against bureaucrats in Congress to pass the Fair Tax Act and repeal the 16th Amendment. Support the advocates who want a flat, fair tax rate and no longer have government interfering with wages we earn, annuities, retirement funds, et cetera. It's all about reforming the federal government back to a constitutional limited government. Reduce the IRS from a powerful unconstitutional federal Gestapo agency to a much smaller auditing department.

FBI Public Service Announcement: Cyber Criminals Using Fake Government Emails

Victims report that the unsolicited e-mail sender is a representative of the IC3. The e-mails state that a criminal report was filed on the victim’s name and social security number and legal papers are pending. Scammers impersonate an IC3 employee to increase credibility and use threats of legal action to create a sense of urgency. Victims are informed they have one to two days from the date of the complaint to contact the scammers. Failure to respond to the e-mail will result in an arrest warrant issued to the victim.
Read more at FBI website.
There is also an ongoing telephone scam going on. 

Good News: Eric Holder To Announce His Resignation

This news-breaking announcement hit the wire from the Morning Edition with Carrie Johnson. It is certainly news that is way overdue. NPR and AP confirmed the report, through the White House.
ERIC HOLDER TO RESIGN
Yeah!

Sep 24, 2014

Springfield Armory Range Officer: Great M1911 Platform Available in Compact

SA Range Officer - M1911
Springfield Armory is an historical American firearm manufacturer, one of the oldest, serving the public and United States armed forces. For decades, Springfield has provided quality M1911 handguns from the standard GI model to top-end competition sports models.
The tried-and-proven Range Officer model is now available in a compact platform available in 9mm Luger. The RO is what professional shooters demand for the range or concealed carry out of the box.

Sep 23, 2014

The Great Imposter: Hypocrisy and Fabicration - Legacy of 'Hope and Change' Obama

GW Bush was painted as evil by the progressive, democratic-socialists who call themselves Democrats for short.
Despite the Benghazi fiasco and scandal of September 2012, months before that November's presidential election, American voters, afraid of Mitt Romney because he represented evil and was a devout Mormon Christian who spent and spends millions of dollars to charitable organizations while the Great Pretender, his Vice President and congressional minions donated a pittance; but that did not stop their propaganda with the help of mainstream media to continue their destruction of

Sep 22, 2014

Josie the Outlaw: The End of Oppression - Activism Against an Unlimited Government

Josie Outlaw is a YouTube phenomenon who presents great presentations in the genre of Bill Whittle - about returning rights and liberties and limiting government like the US Constitution dictates.
I, and well as the Oath Keepers, would like to know who writes her script for her videos - is it herself or someone else? Her Facebook page, previously shut down, like her website, shows she does her own dialogue as well as editing. Kudos to Josie!

Pan-Fried Asparagus

This garlic asparagus dish is a side dish of Northern Italy. It makes 4 servings and compliments several dinners, not just Italian meals.
1/4-cup butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
Fry in pan with ingredients until heated on medium heat. 

Holsters: Retention and Styles - Concealed or Not

My first shoulder holster was a Bianchi 'skeleton' model made of soft and durable leather with a 2-magazine pouch on the opposite side that counterbalanced the weight of the Taurus 9mm sidearm that I carried on the left. Bianchi, of course made all types of holsters, belts and accessory leather products – and still do. 

Sep 20, 2014

Our Federal Government Treats Illegal Aliens Better Than Our Veterans

There are organizations that support brave men and women of the armed forces to get help navigating the bureaucracy of the Veterans Administration - but they are privately funded with no help from feds.

Shallots, Scallions and Chives

Familiar Site in Herb Gardens
For some reason, as yet unknown to me, onions do not agree with my digestive system; meaning that I like onions but they do not like me – whole traditional onions especially, even mild red onions.
But I have learned that scallots and scallions ('green' onions) digest better, and thus does not produce uncomfortable gastric results. Many recipes call for onions, and rightfully so, because they add flavoring. 

Epidemics Surfacing: A Testament of a Broken Immmigration Policy, Federal Infrastructure, and Endangerment of National Security

One of the major reasons for immigration laws and control is prevention of immigrating communicable diseases. Because this administration, and federal administrations previously, major epidemics can be a threat to people of the United States.
Thousands of illegal immigrant kids in detention facilities, ushered in a major spread of diseases, like those that have become rare, like tuberculosis in Texas. Federal authorities have denied and tried to hide these things under the command of President Obama. Lice seems to be a major problem in those facilities as well as other health problems unheard of in the United States.
Investigation has been prevented and the detention centers are guarded by men with M16 rifles.

Sep 19, 2014

Heroes: John G.B. Adams

John G.B. Adams
John Gregory Bishop Adams (1841-1900), born in Groveland, Massachusetts, enlisted as a private when the Civil War started in the 19th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. When the unit departed he obtained the rank of corporal in Company A. He served with the 19th in the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Antietam. He was given a field commission as Second Lieutenant in Company I and one of 18 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for valor at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Adams recovered the regimental and national colors as a corporal and a lieutenant carrying them fell, mortally wounded. With a flag in each hand, he advanced and the regiment was reformed on him. He was one of seven soldiers of the 19th Regiment to receive the Medal of Honor during the war.

SoundGear Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is optimal for shooters and eye protection is also a good practice to get into. Shooting ranges will not allow shooters to fire without hearing protection. The earmuff-style hearing protection seems to be popular, but now the old standby ear plugs, issued to military personnel has gone high-tech. Hunters are concerned with not being aware of important sounds they need to hear when tracking game, and the high-tech hearing protection systems is important to them.
SoundGear is a renowned hearing aid manufacturer who has come up with ear plugs that provides shooters quality ear protection and yet be aware of other sounds. It is the digital earplug revolutionary product.
The digital earplugs compresses all sound waves more than 93dB, but allows lower sound waves to come through, and clearly. This means that gunshots are dampened, but the snap of a twig is not. It is performed by the utilization of universal double and triple flanged silicone sleeves, which ensures a proper seal with the ear canal, and designed to be comfortable, no matter how long you are out in the field or on the shooting range.

Geoshooting: An Addition to Defense Firearm Training and Sport Shooting

GunSite Academy photo
Geoshooting is a new outdoor sport that combines skills in navigating with a GPS and target practice. Someone gives you a set of coordinates, which you plug in to your GPS and go to each of the coordinates to find a target which your fire at and hit. It is an offshoot of a navigation sport called geocaching, where coordinates are given to find “treasure” or significant landmarks. Inside a waterproof box there is a logbook that each seeker signs into when found.

Sep 18, 2014

Senate Navy Bean Soup

Here is a recipe that is a traditional American side dish, entree or for lunch on a cool fall day or cold winter day. Senate Navy Bean Soup has been served in the US Capitol cafeteria for more than 100 years, there being a debate as to its origin.
Senate Navy Bean Soup
[Serves 6 to 8]
Use whole cloves or your soup will turn a weird gray color if you use ground cloves. The texture should be creamy, but not thick.

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz: An Embarrassment to the US Government and Citizens

Debbie Wasserman Schultz is the Chair of the Democratic National Committee, the first Jewish congresswoman elected in Florida. She has been an embarrassment to her political allies, her Jewish ancestry, and frankly an embarrassment to Americans in general. Her vicious and untruthful statements in her endeavor to assassinate the character of political rivals has become well known.

Obama Administration: Insane Plans

The Obama administration and indeed now Congress are apparently dead set on “arming” Syrian rebels to fight against ISIS. These are the same folks to which the president referred to as doctors, farmers, and pharmacists and said any endeavor to arm them was a “fantasy.” Well, looks like that fantasy is about to come true.

Sep 17, 2014

Wisconsin Fishing-Hunting Report - September 2014

Despite the strange weather cycle, angling has been pretty good this season with still a couple of months to go before bitter cold sets in and local fisherman put their boats in storage for winter; some will then prepare for ice fishing expeditions.
  • Denise Dombeck-Kalscheur, caught and released her first Muskie, 46-inches, using a bucktail lure on the Wisconsin River near Wausau, July 1st. Her husband, Dan Kalscheur, caught and released a 44-inch Muskie with a bucktail as well on July 1st

Constitution Day, September 17th 2014

Today, September 17th, is Constitution Day, celebrating the historical document that created a nation with rules of law, guaranteeing in writing freedom and liberties in its amendments, signed by 39 men:

Sep 16, 2014

Sioux Nation: One of the First American People

Chief Bone Neck, 1899
The Sioux became famous in American history for their effort to retain their lives and culture in the Black Hills of a region of what would become South Dakota, when Plains native tribes consolidated and fought against George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Italian Roast Beef Panini

Another recipe for the sandwich lovers, one of my favorite quick lunches  ...

Italian Roast Beef Panini

[Serves 4]
 10 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 slices Italian bread
8 ounces roast beef
1 red onion, sliced
6 ounces roasted or sport peppers
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Olive oil, as needed

Roast Beef Panini

It has been an unseasonably cool summer here in Wisconsin and after last week's storm that brought flooding and winds on the peninsula gusting to 48 miles an hour, 6,000 residents were without electricity. Temperatures went down to the lower 40s. So, it looks like fall is going to usher in with colder temps than normal. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a bitter cold winter with arctic temperatures as well.
But that will not stop the die-hard folks who like grilling.

Sep 14, 2014

Hillary Clinton in Iowa: "I'm Back"

Indianola, Iowa: Annual Harkin Steak Fry, an event to honor Democrat Senator Tom Harkin, who is retiring. It will be the 37th and final steak fry event. Attending was Hillary and Bill Clinton, who told the Iowa Democrats enthusiastically, who were present, “Hello, Iowa. I'm back”. Claiming that she was there just for the steak, she also hinted she was considering the 2016 election. 

Lady "Princess" Diana: August 31, Anniversary of Her Death

Diana, Princess of Wales, who captured the heart strings of people of many nations, especially to those in the United Kingdom.
Born, Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, she died tragically in an auto accident on August 31, 1997, the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II.
Diana was born into an aristocratic English family with royal ancestry, the fourth child of John Spencer and Frances Roche, daughter of the 4th Baron Fermoy. When her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975, Diana became Lady Diana Spencer.

Greek Sirloin Steak with Pita Bread

This recipe for sirloin steak is the Greek style complete with Pita bread and makes 4 servings.
1 pound beef Sirloin Tip steaks, cut 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil
3/4-cup plain or seasoned hummus
4 whole wheat or white pita breads, cut crosswise in half
  1. Stack beef steaks; cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1-inch wide strips. Combine beef and lemon pepper in medium bowl.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add ½ of beef; stir-fry 1 to 3 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. [Do NOT overcook]. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining beef, adding remaining oil to skillet (1 teaspoon).
  3. Spread hummus evenly in pita pockets. Fill with equal amounts of beef and toppings, such as sliced or green stalk onions and lettuce, as desired.

Star-Spangled Banner: 200th Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of our National Anthem, adapted from a poem written by an attorney, Francis Scott Key a witness to an event that took place at Fort McHenry on September 14th, 1814. The title of the poem-lyric was originally, “Defence of Fort M'Henry'. Ironically, the poem was set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society in London. Key's poem was renamed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and would become America's patriotic song; although difficult to sing because of its range of one octave and one fifth semitone more than an octave and a half. The song became the national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931, signed by President Herbert Hoover.

Protecting Our Natural Resources in Wisconsin

Landfall of Jean Nicolet, painting by Edwin Willard Deming, 1904
In 1634 Jean Nicolet was seeking a shortcut to Asia when he led the first European expedition through the Great Lakes and landing on the western shore of Lake Michigan. The peninsula jutted out from the mainland that would be one day become the state of Wisconsin and the treacherous waters between that peninsula and what would be named Washington Island was given the ominous name of Porte des Morts [Death's Door]; the littered shipwrecks being a testament to its name. 

Sep 12, 2014

Obama Delivers 9/11 Address: Continued Denial

John Kerry wanted the American people to vote for him to be their president. Today, as Secretary of State, he shows what kind of president he would have been … certainly not better than the person in the White House today. John Kerry started his socialist career early, helping the progressive Democrats in his 'testimony' before Congress, committing perjury - all under the guiding arms of Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy. Today his credibility and worth is no different than in the 1970s.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes
[Makes 3 cups]
¼ cup olive oil
4-5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
2 pounds Yukon gold OR red potatoes, unpeeled, sliced into large chunks
Salt and pepper to taste

Sep 11, 2014

Remember Benghazi

Two years after the Benghazi attack and torture-murder of Ambassador Stevens – no one responsible for not providing security and aid to Benghazi personnel have been brought to justice. Shame on Congress for not pushing investigation and bringing those responsible to trial and impeachment.
TIMELINE
In first week of June of 2012 there were IED attacks on Benghazi embassy, Ambassador Stevens asks Hillary Clinton for more security forces.

Sep 10, 2014

Beretta USA Moving From Maryland to Tennessee in 2015

Is it not utterly sad and ironic that the New England states that participated in the American Revolution, separating from Britain for liberty and high taxation (taxation without representation) – now the most oppressive in terms of liberty, taxation and constitutionalism.
In light of that epiphany, in July 2014, Beretta USA announced it will move its manufacturing capabilities from Maryland to the new production facility in Gallatin, Tennessee; a phenomena where tax and legislation oppressive states moving to less oppressive state towards business.
Originally the plan was to use the Tennessee facility for new machinery and production of new products only, scheduled to open its doors in the middle o f2015.

Trigger Control and Pistol Review by Fate of Destinee

Fate of Destinee has provided a YouTube instructional video that provides help in techniques in developing better marksmanship and shooting habits and skills. She is a leading firearm proficiency expert and has been beneficial in introducing new firearm owners with helpful information, especially the female gender.

Sep 9, 2014

Farewell to Joan Rivers

True to her personality and zest, Joan Rivers asked for jocularity and a party at her funeral/memorial. She passed away at age 81, living a full life with no apologies. A great lady who entertained people for decades.
Farewell Joan
The following video is a reading of Joan's letter to her daughter, Melissa - written in the style that made her famous ...

Senator Cruz to File Amendment to Expatriate Legislation and Ferguson Justice Still on Hold

On September 8, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), introduced legislation that would revoke US citizenship who is found guilty of joining ISIS. He explained on the Senate floor why the legislation was necessary …
ISIS is a study in oppression and brutality that is conducting ethnic cleansing against religious minorities in the region, that is targeting and persecuting Christians, and that is attempting to subject the local population to the strictest forms of Sharia Law. And ISIS has gruesomely murdered US civilians and, indeed, journalists on the public stage. It is beyond time for us to secure our borders. Representing the state of Texas, which has a border nearly 2,000 miles long, I know firsthand just how unsecured the border is right now. This week of all weeks with the anniversary of the September 11th attacks upon us, we can have no illusions that terrorists won't try to make good on their specific threats to attack America. And as long as our border isn't secure, we're making it far too easy for the terrorists to carry through on those promises. … That is why I have today filed legislation which would amend the existing statute governing renunciation of United States citizenship.

Sep 8, 2014

Orange County California: Concealed Carry Permit Applications Doubled After Ruling

Last February, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California's concealed carry law was unconstitutional – which means, like any other state in the Union – it must comply with the US Constitution and its amendments, specifically, the Second Amendment.

Sep 5, 2014

Grilled Turkey Pitas with Cucumber Salad

Cook's Country image
Healthier eating and the price of beef and pork per pound skyrocketing (especially beef) more folks across America are grilling turkey burgers and eating turkey bacon.
So here is a recipe from Cook's Country kitchens that might appeal to grillers with a salad that compliments the food as gardeners begin to see their cucumber crop ripening that serves four …
Grilled Turkey Pitas with Cucumber Salad
1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced thin
4 ounces feta cheese, crumpled (1 cup)
½ cup pitted black olives, chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
4 scallions, white and green parts separated and sliced thin
Salt and black pepper
Garlic, powdered or flakes
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
2 tablespoons chopped oregano
2 (8-inch) pita breads, halved

High School: Preparation For Higher Learning?

My memories of high school is not as special as my days attending the university, not necessarily academically, but socially and personally. Sadly, today's academic standards are less than what was demanded in my high school days; except when it comes to language where Spanish (no choice of other language like French/German or whatever) is required. Latin is relegated to the university and college students; entirely depending upon what they choose for their major.