The Jersey-Texan

Havelock Aviation Museum

2013-05-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

I'm fortunate enough to have a job that many times takes me to interesting locations. This week, I had a work event in Havelock, NC. The event itself took place at Havelock's Tourist Center where the aviation hands on interactive exhibits and aircraft remind me of how lucky we are to live in the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave!

Here are some pictures from my iPhone so pardon any fuzziness.

If you're ever in this area, I recommend coming by ... especially if you have kids. Their eyes will light up at seeing the aircraft up close and they can sit in cockpit seats inside the center. Very cool. ;)

The 3rd Annual "Fly-In" Movie and Family Night will take place at the event center on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 1730 - 2030. That's 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., civilians. :) The family night will have all the interactive exhibits as well as demos, booths and photos with pilots and crew gear. Rawr! ;) The inflatable big screen movie sounds like a blast so bring the kiddos, a date, some blankets or lawn chairs and have fun. Oh, it's FREE too! ;)

The Havelock Tourist Center and Aviation Museum is a must-see when in the area. They get two horns up from me! \m/

Have you visited this museum? If you do after reading this post, let me know how it went. Thanks!

Below from F35 Lightning II video inside center:

So this just happened ...

2013-05-01T12:08:00.001-05:00

Every day, I share "Today in Texas History" tweets on Twitter and today in 1980, the Dallas Mavericks became the 23rd team in the NBA. A follower of mine @MikeLaJync RT'd (that's retweeted/shared for you non-twitters :)) and then so did MARK FRICKIN CUBAN.

I won the internet today with the help of Mike. Give him a follow! :)

Happy Anniversary Mavs!

p.s. If you're on twitter, follow my hashtag #txhx for daily "Today in Texas History" tweets too! Thanks! :)

My Conversation with Netflix over their #SarahPalinFilms Tweet

2013-05-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

This morning I read a post from Twitchy that Netflix participated in a hashtag game against Sarah Palin. I was surprised to see a corporation do this so I reached out to them directly to ask why. Below are screen prints from our live chat:

Umm, NO, the tweet did indeed come from the VERIFIED twitter account of Netflix.

Looking into the tweet further brought this:

So, the tweet DID come from Netflix, but it was to promote a new movie release and in no way reflects any political views. Yeah, right.

When asking Katie if I could have a response to my complaint, she informed me they don't do that ... but then said she'd notate I requested an email.

I'm not satisfied with the Netflix experience right now. We'll see if they respond or retract the tweet.

Do you think I'll receive a response to my complaint?

Moo Moo: Episode 1 of How To Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting To Kill You

2013-04-28T17:31:00.001-05:00

Facial Expression speaks volumes. Lemme go. Or else. :)

Meeting The Well Armed Woman #2A

2013-04-27T19:38:00.007-05:00

Last month I attended the inaugural Spring, TX shooting chapter meeting of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) - Where Feminine and Firearms Meet. TWAW is a resource to educate, equip and empower women gun owners founded by Carrie Lightfoot in Arizona. Reminds me of Smart Girl Politics where we engage, educate and empower women to get involved in the political process. To be armed and fabulous in knowledge is indeed empowering.

The Houston area TWAW has 3 chapters - Spring, Houston and Katy/West Houston. Dallas and San Antonio also have chapters, but we're not only in Texas. TWAW is nationwide in almost every state. Shooting Chapters can be found at the jump.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I attended last month, but am very happy I went. It was a welcome to be surrounded by like minded women like me. There were 11 women present, including Jamie, our Chapter Leader and an NRA Certified Instructor. We were together for two hours at Spring Guns and Ammo where the first hour we have a discussion item and the second hour is time at the range. The only cost is for range time which was under $20. Cost will increase if you need to purchase ammo or rent a gun.

There is no requirement to join The Well Armed Woman, but I did. My $25 annual membership gets me a baseball hat and discounts to their website which has great items for sale. Check out their videos. I've watched every single one. Carrie's review of various types of holsters and purses for conceal and carry are fantastic. There's a ton of information on her website from gun safety to gun gear and even instructional videos. I highly advise you check it out:

The Well Armed Woman

The shooting chapter meetings are once a month and our next one is this TUESDAY, 4/30 at Spring Guns and Ammo from 6-8 p.m. For the first hour, we'll be discussing what to do when choosing and purchasing a gun and then it's time to train at the range! I encourage all my fellow Smart Girls and women gun owners to attend. TWAW a great venue to ask questions, get training, advice, learn safety practices and see what guns from your fellow attendees are most popular and why. I hope to see you on Tuesday night! =)

“Aim at a high mark and you'll hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second time. Maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect.” ~ Annie Oakley

MEDAL OF HONOR ==> April 26: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-26T11:35:00.001-05:00

I'm honoring two great Americans in today's "Today in Texas History" post.

Remember and Honor our military always. Freedom isn't free.

Today in 1923, Cleto Rodríguez was born. A native Texan from San Marcos, he and John N. Reese, Jr., of Pryor, Oklahoma, killed 82 enemy soldiers thus facilitating the defeat of the Japanese at their strong point in WWII. Rodriguez became the first Mexican American GI to win the Medal of Honor in the South Pacific in WWII as he "materially aided the advance of U.S. troops in Manila."

Also today in 1968, PFC Milton Lee of San Antonio earned the Medal of Honor for heroism for overrunning enemy positions and providing covering fire for his platoon during the Vietnam War. He died that day from the wounds he had suffered. President Nixon presented the medal to his grandmother, Mrs. Frank B. Campion, on April 7, 1970.

Both Rodriguez and Lee are buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

“Give me an army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win the war.” ~ General George S. Patton

April 24 ==> Today in Texas History: Happy 50th Birthday To My Husband!

2013-04-24T07:59:00.000-05:00

When someone turns 50, the jokes begin immediately. Over the hill. Dentures. Walking Canes. Diapers. AARP. Well, no AARP since they support the Unaffordable Healthcare Act, so lets use AMAC instead, but you get my point. 50 is supposed to be OLD. Not when you're 50! ;) Truth is, turning 50 years old should be honored and celebrated.

And celebrate we did this past weekend. Thank you to everyone who joined us: Sue & Ed, Dave & Christine, Mike & Kassie, Andi & Jim, Jayne, Cristine (who flew in from TN), Pete & Pratibha, John & Karen, Kathleen & Daryl, and Rusty & Cindy. BIG thanks also to Greg Gordon for catering with the deliciousness that is the food from his restaurant La Vista in the Galleria. Never been there? Go! Nom nom!

So, in my "Today in Texas History" post, I honor my husband Steve. It was 50 years ago today that he was born in Dallas, Texas. The #1 song today in 1963 was "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March. Gas cost 29 cents a gallon and a new car around $3,200.00. One of the most popular TV shows was The Ed Sullivan Show and popular music? Well, a little band named The Beatles was about to change the world.

I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be Steve's wife. God was smiling down on me when he brought us together. I could go on and on about how handsome, brilliant and funny he is, but there's not enough room on my blog for that many words. So, I'll share some fun pictures to honor the Birthday King because ... life is better with him in it. Enjoy!

Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Indeed.

Happy Birthday my Chulo Handsomehub! I'm so happy you're in my life and I'm looking forward to 50+ more years with you! We have the best family EVAH! =)

LOVE YOU MUCHISIMO! xox

"You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake." ~ Bob Hope

#HappyEarthDay < My Birthday Today!

2013-04-22T17:39:00.001-05:00

Sharing with you the brilliance that is George Carlin on today, "Earth Day."

It's my birthday as well so turn on all your lights and eat cake. ALL DAY. I am!

Enjoy!

Thanks for being here on my blog with me for a little while.

xox :)

Today in Texas History: The Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836 #txhx

2013-04-21T11:15:00.001-05:00

It was today in 1836 that General Sam Houston led the volunteer Texian army to defeat General Santa Anna and the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto.

As Texas soldiers rushed into battle they shouted, “Remember the Alamo!” and "Remember Goliad!" And within around 20 minutes, our victory decided the independence of Texas and freedom from Mexico.

“Texas will again lift it’s head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.” ~ Sam Houston

CHANCLA ALERT: @SenTedCruz Introduces Legislation Targeting Criminals, Safeguarding #2A

2013-04-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

Today Senators Grassley and Cruz introduced comprehensive legislation that targets violent criminals and safeguards the Second Amendment. Please see the press release below explaining the bill and a link to the text of the amendment.

Press Release of Senator Cruz Grassley, Cruz Introduce Comprehensive Legislation That Targets Violent Criminals, Safeguards Second Amendment

Contact: (202) 224-5922 / press@cruz.senate.gov
Wednesday, April 17, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are introducing an alternative amendment to gun legislation pending on the Senate floor. Their “Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act” would preserve the Second Amendment while providing important fixes to existing law.

The Grassley-Cruz proposal would reauthorize and improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), increase resources for prosecutions of gun crime, address mental illness in the criminal justice system, and strengthen criminal law by including straw purchasing and illegal firearm trafficking statutes.

“When people study our amendment, they’ll see a sensible alternative that was developed from the ground up. It’s got wide-ranging, broad-based support and takes a responsible approach to fixing problems with the current background check system,” Grassley said. “We’ve put together an amendment that can effectively address some of the problems we’ve seen while protecting Second Amendment rights. I’ve been very interested in the mental health aspect of this debate, so we include provisions to study and address that issue. My oversight of Operation Fast and Furious highlighted some serious flaws within the gun trafficking and straw purchasing area, and Senator Cruz has done an exceptionally good job of helping develop that portion of our alternative. In addition, we both understand the importance of ensuring that Second Amendment protections are in place for veterans, along with every other American.”

“I am glad to work with Sen. Grassley on this important amendment, which presents a reasonable alternative to the current legislation being considered while placing top priority on preserving Americans’ inalienable right to bear arms,” Sen. Cruz said.

“Rather than restricting the rights of law-abiding Americans, we should be focusing on keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals, which this legislation accomplishes. While the Obama Administration continues to politicize a terrible tragedy to push its anti-gun agenda, I am proud to stand beside my fellow senators to present common-sense measures that will increase criminal prosecutions of felons who try to buy guns, criminalize straw purchasing and gun trafficking, and address mental health issues.”

Sponsors of the Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2013 include Senators Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, John Thune of South Dakota, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Dan Coats of Indiana, John Cornyn of Texas, Pat Roberts of Kansas, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, James Risch of Idaho, Marco Rubio of Florida, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, John Boozman of Arkansas, Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Rob Portman of Ohio, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

This legislation will:

Improve and reauthorize grants for NICS database;

Require federal courts to submit relevant information to NICS;

Ensure that relevant mental health records are submitted by states to NICS;

Condition federal grant money for states on their submission of mental health records to NICS;

Increase federal prosecution of gun violence by establishing the Nationwide Project Exile Program and establishing a high level federal taskforce;

Study of the causes of mass shootings;

Responsibly addresses gun violence by criminalizing straw purchasing of firearms and gun trafficking;

Second Amendment Protections for Veterans;

Require the Department of Justice to explain to Congress why it has or has not been prosecuting gun cases;

Place Limitations on Fast & Furious type operations by DOJ;

Authorize FFL’s to utilize the NICS database to for voluntary background checks of employees;

Authorize FFL’s to access the FBI’s National Crime Information Center stolen gun database to ensure that a firearm is not stolen prior to acquisition;

Reauthorize the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) with amendments;

Address school safety by Reauthorizes the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Secure our Schools Program through 2023.

A section-by-section summary of the bill and a copy of the text of the bill can be found at the link below.

http://www.cruz.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=341424

CHANCLA ALERT: Red Is The Center @rare

2013-04-14T07:32:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited for the launch of Rare.us tomorrow!

News, entertainment, culture and politics for conservatives all in one place?

Sign. Me. UP!

Check out this video and join me there mañana!

"It's not what I do, but the way I do it. It's not what I say, but the way I say it." ~ Mae West

Knights of Columbus ==> April 13: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-13T21:02:00.001-05:00

Today in 1902, the first council of the Knights of Columbus of Texas was founded in El Paso.

“Whether your destination is heaven or hell, you always have to change planes in Dallas.” ~ Richard (Kinky) Friedman

Happy Happy Happy Anniversary to me! =+> April 12: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a lucky girl to be married to my Chulo Handsomehub. Great anniversary of cards, flowers, range time and dinner! Ah, AMOR. :)

"Never follow good whiskey with water, unless you're out of good whiskey." ~ Texas Bix Bender, Author "Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On"

#MLB ==> April 11: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-11T20:42:00.001-05:00

Today in 1994 the Texas Rangers played their first regular season game in the new Ballpark in Arlington. The season opener had Van Cliburn play the National Anthem on a grand piano on home plate and the former Ranger legend, Nolan Ryan, threw out the first pitch.

"Maybe the heat…maybe the jalapenos…maybe the cowboys…something ignited my passion to move to Texas.” ~ Rose Potter

Colt 45 ==> April 10, 1961: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-10T18:52:00.001-05:00

Today in 1961 the Houston Colt 45s opened their first season playing against and beating the Chicago Cubs 11-2. They later changed their name to the Astros.

Here's hoping today's Astros can channel their inner Colt 45s from that opening game and win the rest of the season this year. Have faith! =)

Now if I could only find a vintage T-shirt with this logo too.

"In Houston everyone owns guns and uses 'em - sometimes just for the hell of it." ~ Shelley Duvall

The 8th Wonder of The World ==> April 9: Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-09T20:27:00.001-05:00

The Houston Astros played the New York Yankees at The Astrodome today in 1965.

It was the first event to be held at the stadium.

“I am forced to conclude that God made Texas on his day off, for pure entertainment, just to prove that diversity could be crammed into one section of earth by a really top hand.” ~ Mary Lasswell

Today in Texas History: April 8 ==> Happy 21st Birthday, My Son! #txhx

2013-04-08T16:02:00.000-05:00

It's funny how life works. I've had friends freak out over getting older, but I've really had no problem turning 30 or even 40. And I oddly welcome turning 50 in a few years as I'll be wiser and will hold my "get off my lawn" attitude with even more pride. HA!

HOWEVER. My son turning 21 today has sent me into deep reflection of life with a few tears. Where we've been, where we are and where we're going crosses my mind.

It was 21 years today at 2145 hours that my life changed forever with my 9 lb 6 oz son at Darnell Army Community Hospital on Fort Hood, TX. How can it be my baby boy is this "old" already? Yeah, yeah, whatever, he'll always be my baby boy.

But it does seem like only yesterday he was so small and fragile and now he towers over me, has a job, is about to go away to school, is driving his own car and pays his own bills.

Where did the time go?

So, in honor of his birthday, I thought I'd share a trip down memory lane with 21 pics I love of him. Okay. There are more than 21. :) He'll surely be annoyed I'm putting these out there for the world to see, but I'm his Mom. I love him more than words can say and I'll scream it from the rooftop!

My life is more blessed with him in it. ;)

Happy 21st Birthday Jacob! LOVE YOU MUCHISIMO!!!!! xox

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." ~ Agatha Christie

LISTEN TONIGHT ===> The Return of #MatchGame #MGMN

2013-04-08T12:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight #MatchGame returns to @The405radio starring @GayPatriot @brodigan @VodkaPundit @CnservativePunk @KiraAynDavis @GaltsGirl ... oh, and lil ole me too! =)

I loved this show in the 70's and can't wait to play tonight! For you younguns, here's a clip from a funny episode. Hell, they were ALL funny. p.s. My answer was "Meat." Yes, TWSS. ;)

Hope you'll listen in tonight at 9PM EST for guaranteed laughter and fun. :)

Click here for the livestream and choose Match Game!

Also, join in on twitter by following hashtag #MGMN.

It'll be groovy, man! :)

Texas Hero: PFC Milton A. Lee ==> April 7 Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

It was on this day in 1970 that Texan PFC Milton Lee of San Antonio was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War.

“I worked around cattle all my life and I guess I learned all there is to know about it, and I think I can sum it all up in one thing: You can’t drink coffee on a running horse.” ~ Samuel Brenner

Immigration Halts from The U.S. ==> April 6, 1830 ... Today in Texas History #txhx

2013-04-06T23:29:00.001-05:00

It was on this day in 1830 that relations between Texans and Mexico reached a new low when Mexico would not allow further immigration into Texas by Anglo settlers from the United States.

This law helped lead to the Texas Revolution.

"The enemy never sees the backs of my Texans!" ~ General Robert E. Lee

Vintage Social Networking

2013-04-06T11:10:00.001-05:00

Looks about right. :)

Today in Texas History: April 5

2013-04-05T23:08:00.001-05:00

Today in 1917 in San Antonio, Kelly Air Force Base began operations.

April 4: Today in Texas History ==> First Artificial Heart #txhx

2013-04-04T07:17:00.001-05:00

Two Houston surgeons, Dr. Denton Cooley and Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, pioneered heart transplant techniques.

It was today in 1969 that Dr. Denton Cooley and his surgical team at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston implanted the first complete artificial heart into a human.

Cooley and his surgical team also performed the first heart transplant in the U.S. in May 1968. In August of that same year, DeBakey and his team performed the first simultaneous multi-organ transplant.

Back during this time, the heart implant was a temporary measure in order to keep the cardiac patient alive until a heart transplant could be completed. It wasn't until 1982 that the first artificial heart implant intended for permanent use was made when the surgical team headed by Dr. William DeVries at the University of Utah performed the procedure with the Jarvik-7.

"The heart is really a fascinating organ. It's about the only organ in the body that you can really witness its function. Doing things. And so on. Some of the other organs you can witness, like the intestines, will have this sort of peristaltic motion. But nothing that can compare with the activity of the human heart." ~ Dr. Denton Cooley

The first artificial heart is now in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

“In Texas, years ago, almost all of the oil came from surface operations. Then someone got the idea that there were greater sources of supply deeper down. A well was drilled five thousand feet deep. The result? A gusher. Too many of us operate on the surface. We never go deep enough to find supernatural resources. The result is, we never operate at our best. More time and investment is involved to go deep but a gusher will pay off.” ~ Alfred A. Montapert, Author

Senator Ted Cruz Defends Second Amendment

2013-04-03T11:24:00.001-05:00

Must listen to Senator Ted Cruz on The Ben Ferguson Show on WBAP this morning regarding our Second Amendment rights and the recent UN passing of their Arms Trade Treaty:

"I indeed to lead the fight in the U.S. Senate" for US sovereignty says Cruz.

Take THAT, UN. You're not the boss of us.

I'm happy to have my Senator Cruz on our side. Send him a tweet, email or phone call of THANKS for all that he's doing to keep our government of the people, by the people and for the people.

My Family. My Right. My Choice.

April 3: Today in Texas History ==> Bigfoot Wallace! #txhx

2013-04-03T00:30:00.001-05:00

Today in 1817, William Alexander Anderson "Bigfoot" Wallace was born in Lexington, VA. He arrived in Texas during the Texas Revolution after hearing that his brother and cousin had died at Goliad in 1836.

He settled in Texas in 1837 and was misidentified as an Indian named "Bigfoot,” who had robbed a home. He was cleared as innocent, but the nickname stuck ... especially since he was 6'2" and 240 pounds. That was big back then!

Bigfoot fought the invading Mexican army near San Antonio in 1842 and volunteered for the Somervell and Mier expeditions. He was a lucky man surviving the "Black Bean Lottery" in 1843 by choosing a white bean in the 1:10 ratio against him. After his release from a Mexican prison prison, he joined the Texas Rangers under Jack Hays and fought in the Mexican War. He later commanded a Ranger company of his own.

He spent his "retirement" years in Frio County near a hamlet named Bigfoot (his namesake), sharing stories of his life until he passed away in 1899. Bigfoot is buried at the State Cemetery in Austin, TX.

"Never drop your gun to hug a grizzly." ~ Texas Bix Bender, Author "Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On"