Guest: George Rodriguez, South Texas conservative...Governor Abbott signed the new maps so what happens next..Secretary Rubio to Mexico...Katrina 20 years later.....Plus other stories.....
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Talking red diaper babies again
Talking red diaper babies again: Back in 2004. David Brooks wrote about all of those babies that Republican women were having and Democrat women were not, i.e., “natalism,” as he called it. Brooks was explaining the Bush re-election victory and his success with married….
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So who is going to tell the progressives that they are getting old and running out of people? I don’t know if they understand just how serious their problems are, but don’t be surprised if the protesters get older and older.
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 31, 2025
Talking red diaper babies again - American Thinker…
We remember Frank Robinson (1935-2019)
We remember Frank Robinson who was born on this day in 1935. He died in 2019 at age 83.
Frank was the MVP in both leagues: 1961 with the NL champs Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore 1966. As an Oriole, he led the O's to 4 AL pennants and the World Series in 1966 & 1970.
Frank's career was more than numbers. He was the team leader and a credit to the game of baseball. In 1982, Frank was selected to The Hall of Fame.
We remember Peggy Lipton (1946-2019)
She played "Julie" in "The Mod Squad" on TV. I did not know that Peggy was married to Quincy Jones, 1974-90.
1959: Koufax and 18 strikeouts!
On August 31, 1959, a young Sandy Koufax struck out 18 Giants. It set a new National League record for most strikeouts in a single game.
By the way, Jane Leavy's book about Koufax is one of the best baseballs I've ever read/
1970: “Close to you" was # 1 this week
Richard Carpenter was 24, and younger sister Karen was only 20, when they recorded "Close to you" many summers ago. It was another great song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who also wrote songs for Dionne Warwick!
"Close to you" was their first # 1 song and became one of the biggest hits of the 1970's.
Have you listened to the radio lately? It is still one of the most requested pop songs on the radio.
According to songfacts, "Close to you" was recorded by a couple of artists before The Carpenters. It became a hit when the song met Karen's beautiful voice and Richard's awesome arrangement!
'Close to you" turned out to be one of the most popular songs of 1970 and the entire decade. It's still a popular selection in various radio formats, from oldies to Top 40 to soft-rock. This is one of those pop songs that you need to download!
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
1970: Blues Image's "Ride Captain Ride" was a big hit in the radio
In the summer of 1970, we were listening to the last 45 by The Beatles ("The long and winding road") and introduced to "Close to you" by The Carpenters & "Make it with you" by Bread.
We were also introduced to Blues Image their big hit: "Ride captain ride".
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Katrina 2005 and more maps coming
Katrina 20 years later. Minnesota shooting and why didn;t the legislature provide security for private schools? Texas maps and more maps coming. Ted Williams )1918-2002)
Katrina is 20
Katrina is 20: Twenty years ago, we drove our first son to Texas A&M to start his college career. We also had Katrina news on the radio all the way back home. At one point, I remember President Bush warning residents to obey their local officials. Well, many….
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Many things went wrong 20 years ago, especially a corrupt mayor and totally incompetent governor. The thing that went well is that Americans are a wonderful and generous people. The family that our church helped never stopped thanking us for what we did. That's what I remember…
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 30, 2025
August 30, 1965: The day that Casey Stengel retired
Let’s remember Casey Stengel, who retired on this day in 1965.
Along the way, he managed the Brooklyn Dodgers (1934-1936), Boston Braves (1938-1943) and took over the New York Yankees in 1949 when he replaced the retiring Joe McCarthy.
It was his time with the Yankees that reminds me of my late father and his generation sitting around watching the TV or catching the sports pages about those great teams of the 1950’s. Casey won 1, 149 games (696 losses) over 12 seasons with the Yankees, including 10 AL pennants and seven World Series rings. Back then, my father would tell me that you were either a Yankee fan or cheer for whoever they were playing in “La Serie”.
He was quite a character as well as an amazing manager. Stengel’s critics say that he was a “button pusher” because of great teams. In fact, he was the first manager to use the platoon system (lefty batter vs right handed pitcher) and was a great judge of talent.
As my father said, Casey managed great teams but he was also a great manager. He was also the author of a lot of wonderful lines that transcend baseball such as this: “There comes a time in every man’s life, and I’ve had plenty of them.”.
So we remember Casey today and baseball conversations that I had with my late father over the years.
We remember Ted Williams (1918-2002)
The great Ted Williams was born on this day in San Diego in 1918.
He was probably the greatest hitter ever, although his numbers were impacted by military service in World War II and Korea: .344 career batting average, a .482 On Base Average, 2,654 hits, 2,021 walks, 521 HR and 1,839 RBI.
He hit .406 in 1941, the last hitter to do so, and flirted again in 1957 with .388!
Williams was a bit temperamental with fans and the media. However, there was not a better hitter once the game started.
Friday, August 29, 2025
The week in review with Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda...
Guest: Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda...The Minneapolis shooting and protecting schools. NY City election and can anyone stop the Democrat socialist...........plus other stories..
Dear Dems: Nobody longs to be close to you
Dear Dems: Nobody longs to be close to you: Are the Democrats fading away? To paraphrase the Carpenters (Nobody longs to be) Close to you. They have….
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Dear Dems: Nobody longs to be close to you — A lot of Americans look at the party and wonder where their father's Democrat Party ran to. https://t.co/g72WkxliYb
— American Thinker (@AmericanThinker) August 29, 2025
We remember Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982)
The beautiful and talented Ingrid Bergman was born on August 29, 1915 and died on the same day in 1982.
Her film debut was David O. Selznick’s Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939). In 1942, she made "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogart. Then came "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in 1943 and few others.
Her movies were great! Watch one today.
Her film debut was David O. Selznick’s Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939). In 1942, she made "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogart. Then came "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in 1943 and few others.
Her movies were great! Watch one today.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Cracker cracked, the Minneapolis shooting and other stories
Cracker cracked, the Minneapolis shooting and other stories
Cracker Barrel cracking would have pleased my late father
Cracker Barrel cracking would have pleased my late father: Beware of going woke because it may break you. It didn't take long for the marketing geniuses at Cracker Barrel to reverse their decision and bring back the logo. I feel sorry for the poor telephone operator who had to take all those protest….
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So thanks for putting the old man back in the logo. It means a lot to some of us who are reminded of our late parents who loved the breakfast special.
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 28, 2025
Cracker Barrel cracking would have pleased my late father - American Thinker https://t.co/zvAANFH1Ai
Happy # 82 to the great Lou Piniella
Lou was the kind of guy that you wanted on your side and specially at the plate when the tying or winning run was at second base. Piniella broke with Baltimore in 1964, traded to Cleveland in 1966 and was Rookie of the Year with the 1969 expansion Kansas City Royals: .282, 11 HR & 68 RBI.
In 1974, Lou became a Yankee and was an integral part of those winning teams: .295 over a 11 years and one of the toughest outs in the AL.
After playing, he managed Cincinnati to the 1990 World Series and took Seattle to the ALCS twice.
Frankly, I always cheered for whatever team he was playing for or managing.
1774: We remember St. Elizabeth born in New York City
Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born in New York City on this day in 1774. She founded the first Catholic school in the US and became the first US-born saint beatified by the Roman Catholic Church
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A chat about Venezuela, Bolivia and the elections in NY City with Mailyn...
Guest: Mailyn Salabarria, Public Speaker. We will discuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela, the elections in Bolivia and the Mandami candidacy in New York City and other stories..
Why didn't the trucking company hire an English teacher?
Why didn't the trucking company hire an English teacher?: Over the last few years, some companies in the North Texas area have hired English teachers for their employees. They usually hold the class during lunch time or early in the morning, depending on shifts. Why? The response is sensible. We need them…
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The real story is beyond immigration. This is another example of politically correct ideas meeting no enforcement of immigration laws. Anyone with common sense would understand that driving one of those rigs require an understanding of the language.
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 27, 2025
Why didn't the trucking…
Happy # 74 Buddy Bell
We say happy birthday to Buddy Bell, one of our favorite Texas Rangers, who was born on this day in 1951.
Bell broke with the Indians in 1972 and traded to the Rangers after the 1978 season. He enjoyed some great seasons in Texas, 1979-85: .293 batting average. In 1989, He came back to Texas and retired here. I recall watching him on opening day that season.
Overall, Buddy Bell hit .279 with 2,514 hits in 2,405 games. He also won 6 Gold Gloves during his time in Texas.
Just a great player! His father Gus Bell played major league baseball and hit .281 over 15 seasons.
1967: Brian Epstein was found dead
We remember Brian Epstein who died on this day in 1967.
Brian signed The Beatles to a management contract on January 24, 1962. He cleaned up their image and eventually got them a recording contract with Parlophone Records. Later in October, the band issued their first 45 "Love me do", a top 20 hit in the UK.
In 1963, the band hit # 1 with "Please please me" and "She loves you". Along with producer George Martin, Brian Epstein was a key player in the development of The Beatles.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Wonder what LBJ would think of the Democratic Party today
About ten years ago, our family was driving in South Texas, and we a saw a sign about the birthplace of Lyndon B. Johnson.
It was a reminder that LBJ was born here. He was born August 27, 1908 not far from Johnson City, a place that his family had settled.
It was an even bigger reminder of how irrelevant he’s become to the Texas Democratic Party.
The legend of LBJ is a lost memory in Texas politics.
In 1948, a young LBJ performed a miracle to win the U.S. Senate election.
In 1960, Texas Democrats voted for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket in a controversial election.
In 1976, Texas voted for Carter in another very close contest. Texas gave then-governor Carter the 26 electoral votes that helped him get to 290 and victory.
What a difference for today’s Democratic Party.
Not long ago, there were Texas Democrats like Senator Lloyd Bentsen, a conservative Democrat. He defeated then-businessman George H.W. Bush for the U.S. Senate in 1970.
The history of Democrats in Texas makes for very enjoyable reading, as you can see in this rather lengthy but fascinating history of the party. I found this part on recent Texas history so important:
Factional infighting in the Democratic party declined during the 1960s. First Johnson’s presidential ambitions and then his presidency dominated Texas politics in that decade. In 1959 the state legislature authorized a measure moving the Democratic primary from July to May and permitting candidates to run simultaneously for two offices, thus allowing Johnson to run for the Senate and the presidency. (This measure, dubbed the LBJ law, also benefited Lloyd Bentsen’s dual run for the vice-presidency and the Senate in 1988.)Despite efforts by the Democrats of Texas to secure the support of state convention delegates and power within the party machinery, conservative Democrats retained control. Through the work of LBJ and the Viva Kennedy-Viva Johnson clubs, the Democrats narrowly carried Texas in 1960, reversing the direction of the 1952 and 1956 presidential elections in Texas.Similarly, the 1961 special election to fill Johnson’s Senate seat had a lasting effect on Democratic party organization in Texas. After Yarborough’s unexpected victory in the 1957 special election, conservative Democrats in the state legislature amended the election laws to require a run-off in special elections when no candidate received at least 50 percent plus one vote. In 1961, within a field of seventy-two candidates, three individuals made a strong claim for the liberal vote, thus dividing liberal strength and opening the way for a runoff between William A. Blakley, the interim senator and a conservative Texas Democrat, and John G. Tower, the only viable Republican candidate in the race.Liberal Democrats thought Blakley as conservative as Tower and opted either to “go fishing” during the run-off or support Tower, thinking it would be easier to oust him in 1966 with a more liberal Democratic challenger. Tower, however, easily won his next two reelection bids and eked out a third in 1978. Liberals also hoped that a Republican victory would encourage the development of an effective Republican party in the state and allow moderates and liberals to gain control of the state Democratic party. Indeed, Texas Democrats statewide remained divided between liberals who supported Ralph Yarborough and moderates who backed LBJ. The two factions waged war over the gubernatorial contest in 1962, when John B. Connally, a moderate to conservative Democrat associated with the Johnson wing of the party, was elected.As governor, Connally concentrated his efforts on economic development but received criticism from liberals who thought he neglected minorities and the poor.The Kennedy assassination on November 22, 1963, which traumatized the citizens of Texas, also deeply shook the state Democratic party since it propelled Johnson into the White House and created the need for a greater degree of accommodation between moderate and liberal Texas Democrats. In the 1964 presidential race Johnson carried his home state with ease.In the middle to late 1960s, however, Connally’s iron rule of the State Democratic Executive Committee further weakened the liberal forces within the state Democratic party.The results of the 1968 presidential election in Texas also emphasized the sagging fortunes of the Democratic party in Texas, as Hubert Humphrey barely managed to carry the state.
My guess is that most of today’s Texas Democrats do not have a clue of this history or the names mentioned.
Texas Democrats all sound alike today. There is no ideological diversity as you saw in the state party that produced a man like Lyndon Johnson and others.
There are no conservative Democrats – just very liberal Democrats who subscribe to the same message of income redistribution and identity politics. They are Obama Democrats rather than Texas Democrats.
Where are the Texas Democrats calling on the party to be more centrist? They don’t exist, and that’s why the party is so boring and cannot compete statewide in a dynamic state.
Yes, there is calm in the Democrat ranks – the kind of calm that happens when nothing is going on.
Wonder what LBJ would say of his party today, especially the ones who want to take down symbols of the old South?
To say the least, LBJ would not recognize his party on another anniversary of his birth in 1908.
Sadly, most of these liberal Texas Democrats would not identify him, either.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
We remember Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-73)
We remember Lyndon B. Johnson who was born in Texas on this day in 1908. He became president on the day that President Kennedy was assassinated, and then went on to win one of the biggest landslides ever in 1964. By 1968, LBJ declined to run again because of the difficulties with the Vietnam War.
Before 1960, Johnson was a very powerful US Senator and Majority Leader.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Democrats and big city problems, Illegals driving commercial trucks,...
The Democrats and big city problems, Illegals driving commercial trucks, and Chicago 1968.
The Democrats should work with Trump in Chicago
The Democrats should work with Trump in Chicago: The Democrats have a couple of choices these days. They can be anti-Trump 24-7 and reject everything he does. Or they can look for opportunities to work together, a win-win situation. Enter Chicago and the opportunity to clean up the crime in that…
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The Democrats have a couple of choices these days. They can be anti-Trump 24-7 and reject everything he does. Or they can look for opportunities to work together, a win-win situation. Enter Chicago and the opportunity to clean up the crime in that city.
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 26, 2025
The Democrats should work…
Chicago 1968 and the Democrats
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Mexican Senator vs President of Mexico. Chicago and crime. Kilmar Obre...
Mexican Senator vs President of Mexico. Chicago and crime in big cities. Kilmar Obrego Garcia back to ICE. The Beatles 1968.
Is Claudia Sheinbaum a narco?
Is Claudia Sheinbaum a narco?: Down in Mexico, one lady is calling out another lady over narco participation in the Mexican government. I am talking about Senator Lilly Tellez calling out President Claudia Sheinbaum. Here is the story from my friend Allan Wall:
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Down in Mexico, one lady is calling out another lady over narco participation in the Mexican government. I am talking about Senator Lilly Tellez calling out President Claudia Sheinbaum.
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 25, 2025
Is Claudia Sheinbaum a narco? - American Thinker https://t.co/ExE08sODCm
August 1967: Dean Chance pitched his second no-hitter of the month
Chance broke with the Angels in 1964: 20-9, a 1.69 ERA, 11 shutouts and 15 complete games. Later, he was traded to the Twins and had a great 1967 season: 20-14 and 2.73 ERA.
My biggest memory of Chance was pitching for the Twins, specially when Boston and Minnesota played for the AL pennant in the last day of the 1967 season.
Overall, he won 128 games with a 2.92 ERA!
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Happy # 79 Rollie Fingers
We salute Roland Glen Fingers, who was born on this day in 1946 in Ohio.
Rollie Fingers broke with the A's in 1968 and became their closer in 1971.
Fingers and the A's won the AL West in 1971, The World Series in 1972, 1973 & 1974 and one more division in 1975.
Charlie Finley blew up the team in 1976 and Fingers went to San Diego. He pitched for Milwaukee in the 1982 World Series.
Fingers saved 341 games and was one of the key reasons for the A's incredible run in the 1970's. He was selected to The Hall of Fame in 1992.
We remember Sean Connery (1930-2020)
Thomas Sean Connery was born in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh on 25 August 1930, the son of a Catholic factory worker and a Protestant domestic cleaner.
His father’s family had emigrated from Ireland in the 19th Century; his mother traced her line back to Gaelic speakers from the Isle of Skye.
The area had been in decline for years. Young Tommy Connery was brought up in one room of a tenement with a shared toilet and no hot water.
He left school at 13 with no qualifications and delivered milk, polished coffins and laid bricks, before joining the Royal Navy. Three years later, he was invalided out of the service with stomach ulcers. His arms by now had tattoos which proclaimed his passions: “Scotland forever” and “Mum & Dad”.
In Edinburgh, he gained a reputation as “hard man” when six gang members tried to steal from his coat. When he stopped them, he was followed. Connery launched a one-man assault which the future Bond won hands down.
He scraped a living any way he could. He drove trucks, worked as a lifeguard and posed as a model at the Edinburgh College of Art. He spent his spare time bodybuilding.
I guess that bodybuilding probably boosted his chances to play James Bond. His first movie was in 1963, and you know the rest of the story.
Yes, he was my favorite James Bond, but it was the movie Hunt for Red October that always comes to mind when I think of Connery. I’m sure you remember the story of the Soviet submarine captain trying to defect to the West. It was a great book and fabulous movie.
I remember this movie so well because I watched it one Sunday night, loved it, went to bed, and then woke up with the story of the coup and arrest of Gorbachev in the USSR. Watching those Soviet Politburo members explaining the coup reminded me too much of the movie, especially when the official at the Kremlin got the news that the submarine was defecting.
RIP, Sean Connery. Loved you as Bond but will forever remember you as Soviet naval officer Marko Ramius!
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
August 1914: The Panama Canal opened for traffic
August 25, 1968: "Hey Jude" was released in the US
How likely is it that a 7-minute song would end up as one of the biggest hits of the 1960's or released on a 45 rpm vinyl disc? Not likely unless you are The Beatles.
"Hey Jude" was the first Apple single and released this week in 1968. The B-side was "Revolution", a song that also got lots of airplay. In fact, I remember a DJ saying that the B-side was often doing better than the A-side.
The song was a very nice ballad for about 4 minutes. The second half of the song went on and on with McCartney "screaming" between Lennon & Harrison singing the chorus.
It was very different and became a rock classic. It was the quintessential single of the age of "45's and singles". In fact, the song was not released in an album until 2 years later. A clean digital version was included in the CD "Past Masters".
Wonder how many people saved their copy of the "Hey Jude" single? I did not and that's a shame.
Click for "Hey Jude" and "Revolution", both sides of a classic 45!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
We will review the Crackel Barrell logo story with Frank Burke, businessman
Guest: Frank Burke, author & businessman. We will review the Crackel Barrell logo story.
NFL cheerleaders, and now Cracker Barrel?
NFL cheerleaders, and now Cracker Barrel?: What did my late Cuban parents do after my father retired? Well, they traveled to see their kids and grandkids. I guess that’s pretty normal. They also had breakfast on the road at “Cracker,” ...
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Who is running these companies? I don’t know, but maybe the people responsible should ask grandparents eating breakfast about that logo or sit in the stands and ask fans about the cheerleaders. They may learn something, or at least understand the outrage. Of course, maybe they…
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 24, 2025
Happy # 65 Cal Ripken
We say happy birthday to the great Cal Ripken, Jr. who was born in Maryland on this day in 1960.
He will always be remembered for "the streak" but his career stats are worth recalling: 431 HRs, 1,695 RBI, 3,184 hits, 603 doubles and a .276 average. Cal was named Rookie of the Year in 1982, American League MVP in 1983 & 1991 and the Hall of Fame in 2007. And he was a great shortstop to go with it!
He will always be remembered for "the streak" but his career stats are worth recalling: 431 HRs, 1,695 RBI, 3,184 hits, 603 doubles and a .276 average. Cal was named Rookie of the Year in 1982, American League MVP in 1983 & 1991 and the Hall of Fame in 2007. And he was a great shortstop to go with it!
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
August 1968: "Classical gas" and other great songs on the radio this week
Mason Williams & others had a big hit on the radio this week in August 1968:
1. People Got to Be Free - The Rascals (Atlantic)
2. Classical Gas - Mason Williams (Warner Brothers)
3. Turn Around, Look at Me - The Vogues (Reprise)
4. Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano (RCA)
5. Hello, I Love You - The Doors (Elektra)
6. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream (Atco)
7. Stoned Soul Picnic - The 5th Dimension (Soul City)
8. Hurdy Gurdy Man - Donovan (Epic)
9. Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf (Dunhill)
10. Dream a Little Dream of Me - Mama Cass (Dunhill)
11. Pictures of Matchstick Men - The Status Quo (Cadet Concept)
12. Love Makes a Woman - Barbara Acklin (Brunswick)
13. Soul-Limbo - Booker T. & the MG's (Stax)
14. You're All I Need to Get By -
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (Tamla)
15. Journey to the Center of the Mind -
The Amboy Dukes (Mainstream)
16. I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell & the Drells (Atlantic)
17. Stay In My Corner - The Dells (Cadet)
18. The House that Jack Built - Aretha Franklin (Atlantic)
19. Mr. Businessman - Ray Stevens (Monument)
20. The Fool On the Hill - Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M) P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
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