Red, White and Blue, those were the colors of this holiday. Carolina Red BBQ sauce for the perfectly turned out ribs that I served alongside the White Potato Salad and Blueberry Pie ala mode for dessert. Finished those ribs off on the grill while listening to a compilation of patriotic tunes and drinking beer. Of course having gotten your mouths watering for BBQ, what is this week's recipe? Well it comes by way of Food TVs Alton Brown and Good Eats. I made this grilled salmon yesterday and was skeptical about it but call me a convert. This was the tastiest salmon I've ever had and being a seafood fanatic, I've had salmon about every which way you can cook it. So knowing that this weekend is heavy on ribs, hot dogs, burgers, and what you call your regular barbecue, and knowing that reader Terry Garcia is always looking for a new salmon recipe...I give you grilled salmon...serve it up with a nice green salad and roasted in husk corn on the cob...good eatin' on ya...

4 salmon steaks 1-inch thick (You can substitute fillets as well.)
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
1 teaspoon whole coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seed
1 teaspoon dry green peppercorns
Sea salt or kosher salt
Canola or olive oil to coat steaks


Prepare grill by lighting 4 quarts of charcoal (1 starter chimney's worth), or turning gas grill to medium-high.
Examine steaks for pin bones by rubbing fingers over surface of meat. If found, remove with bone tweezers or pliers reserved for culinary uses.
Using a sharp paring or boning knife, trim bones from the cavity side of the steak. Trim the stomach flaps so that 1 side is missing about 2 inches of skin and the other, 1 inch of meat. Roll the skinless section up into the hollow of the cavity, then wrap the other around the outside to form a round resembling a filet mignon. Tie in place with 2 passes of butcher's twine. (Do not tie it too tight or fish will pop out during cooking.)
Combine cumin, coriander, fennel and peppercorns on a double thick piece of aluminum foil and toast over grill, shaking gently until seeds become fragrant. Crush seeds in mortar and pestle or pour into spare pepper grinder. Coat steaks lightly with oil, season with salt, then liberally grind toasted seeds on both sides of steaks.
Quickly wipe hot grill grate with a rag or towel dipped in a little Canola oil, then grill fish to medium rare, about 3 minutes per side. (Fish should be well colored on the outside and barely translucent at the center. I actually cooked it until it flaked easily..)

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Happy Memorial Day. As I have observed in the past, it's nice having so many diverse readers out there and so many friends willing to read the blog and send in items of interest. On this Memorial Day, when we remember the sacrifices of so many in the Armed Forces, I thought a snippet about a Marine Capt. in Iraq would be appropos. Thanks to reader and frequent contributor Dan Lynch for this.

Meet Marine Captain Brian R. Chontosh:

While leading his platoon north on Highway 1 toward Ad Diwaniyah,
Chontosh's platoon moved into a coordinated ambush of mortars, rocket
propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire. With coalitions tanks
blocking the road ahead, he realized his platoon was caught in a kill zone.

He had his driver move the vehicle through a breach along his flank, where
he was immediately taken under fire from an entrenched machine gun. Without
hesitation, Chontosh ordered the driver to advanced directly at the enemy
position enabling his .50 caliber machine gunner to silence the enemy.

He then directed his driver into the enemy trench, where he exited his
vehicle and began to clear the trench with an M16A2 service rifle and 9
millimeter pistol. His ammunition depleted, Chontosh, with complete
disregard for his safety, twice picked up discarded enemy rifles and
continued his ferocious attack.

When a Marine following him found an enemy rocket propelled grenade
launcher, Chontosh used it to destroy yet another group of enemy soldiers.

When his audacious attack ended, he had cleared over 200 meters of the enemy
trench, killing more than 20 enemy soldiers and wounding several others.

- - -

And nothing in the major media. What media bias?

Be sure to check back later tonight for some Memorial Day BBQ tips. It's been a busy grillin' weekend around here and I tellya, I made the best grilled Salmon ever yesterday. Recipe posted later...

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Ok, before I get lynched for being late on another edition of the Friday Featurette, I've popped in just to avoid getting my neck stretched. I'll have to suspend general political commentary until tomorrow since I don't have a lot of time right now and describing the antics of the left is time consuming. Think about it, first off doing any justice to the seditious and nefarious activities of your average lefty/democrat/America hater requires lots of adjectives and those in turn are often large words which require more time to type and more reflection to adequately employ. In any event, my recent research has indicated yet another Hollywood Starlet intelligent enough to proclaim that the President is her man, hopefully she will still be able to find work now that she has thumbed her nose at the Socialist dominated Tinseltown. I give you the lovely and talented, Lara Flynn Boyle...


Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

First of all I want you all to take a look at the face of the modern democrat party and then seriously ask yourselves why he isn't arrested and tried for treason. And you wonder why I call them the Party of Sedition?
>
This bloviating anger-management dropout was seen today at NYU loudly, shrilly and seditiously stating that President Bush had betrayed the country. This overstuffed blowhard demanded the resignations of the Secretary of Defense, Assistant Secretary of Defense and the National Security Advisor. According to this pathetic, sizable mass of protoplasm, the case for war was trumped up and the American people lied to. Of course this hypocritical, hysterical has-been made no mention of his repeated assertions that the expressed policy of his administration was the removal of Saddam Hussein and his repeated assertions that Hussein represented a threat based on his possession of WMD. Well now, seems Mr. Gore that President Bush merely carried out the expressed policy of your administration. I suppose some of this could just be sour grapes from the ex-vice president since he wasn't around to implement the EXPRESSED POLICY OF HIS ADMINISTRATION.

Do any of you really require more evidence that the modern democrat party is nothing but a shill for the far left, appeasenik, hate-America crowd? This man would have done nothing in the wake of September 11, 2001 and the record of the previous administration demonstrates that. Blow up two of our embassies and kill hundreds will you? Well we'll see about that Osama, there, now you're missing a tent. Declare war on us will you? well, you can't really be taken seriously. Oh wait though, I've got more important issues to dedicate my time to, like accepting campaign donations from Chinese Peoples Liberation Army operatives who just happened to acquire ICBM Missle Technology during YOUR WATCH!

As if my blood pressure isn't high enough, I had to come home from work to the spectacle of Algore making a scene and giving aid and comfort to our enemies. Lord to be President for one day, I'd pick up the phone to the Attorney General and say something along the lines of "John? yeah...Smilin' Paul here, get Mueller on the line at the Bureau and haul this traitor in, charge him and book him."....Sure I'd probably never be re-elected but gawd would it be fun to read the howls from the liberal press the next day when they had the ex-vice president's booking mug on the front page and some silly headline about the President being unbalanced...Just one day....

Well back to reality and the reality is we are at war, remember that? I guarantee that the Marines and Soldiers in Iraq remember. How about an actual moment or two to remember their sacrifices this Memorial Day and while you're enjoying your cold beer and hot dog, in other words, your freedom, remember who it was that provided that freedom. Lastly, I include here a link to an article on freerepublic about our gallant Marines in action in Iraq....until next time...

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Great speech tonight by the President. Although I personally didn't need to be reminded about why we are in Iraq and the need to conduct the War on Terror, I understand that most Americans don't possess my attention span to matters of national security. Let's hope that the message got through, this war is worth fighting, we didn't ask for it but by God, we are going to finish it and the best means to ensure that is re-electing President Bush this November.

OK, this is a quickie post as my son requires some attention and I need to hit the rack. Tired and sore after a day spent working on the golf game. Still waiting on the new sticks so I can bring Sheep Hills to it's knees....Anyway, I was fortunate enough to have my sainted Mother visit this weekend and I got her to show me the secret to truly great salsa verde...here it comes...direct from Mama Villa's Cocina...

Ingredients:
One bunch of fresh cilantro
Four cloves of garlic
Beer
Salt
Six Anaheim Chilis
Three Serrano Chilis
Six small or medium tomatillos

In a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat, roast the chilis until the skins are blackened and the chilis become soft. Remove them from the heat and wrap them in moistened paper towels and put them into a plastic bag or ziploc. Close it up and leave them to cool. While the chilis cool, peel the leaves from the tomatillos and then boil them in a saucepan. When softened they are ready to add to the blender. Once the chilis cool, peel the blackened skin from the chilis and transfer them to the blender along with some of the cilantro, the garlic and a pinch of salt. Blend on chop setting until the mixture begins to get liquid. Now add a small amount of beer for additional liquid or water as you prefer. Continue to blend until the mixture is only slighty lumpy or smooth to your taste. Sample the product. It should be slightly hot from the serranos. Now some people prefer jalapenos but I think they tend to overshadow the Anaheims instead of complimenting them with a little heat. Once again, taste it and add salt or beer to taste. This recipe will produce enough salsa to supply 6 for tacos at supper or a like number of enchilada servings. It is also a wonderful base for chili verde pork. Good eatin' on ya!!!

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Lemme see if I can get this straight. Gas prices are outta sight and we're at war in the Middle East. Demand is outstripping production throughout the world and the dems answer to gas price woes? The same tired (and seditious) answer they foisted off on us in 2000. Release the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Of course, in 2000, in a shameless political ploy, IMPEACHED ex-president Clinton and his bagman Algore conspired to release oil from the SPR in response to increased gas prices. Of course, this is a placebo as releasing part of the SPR does nothing more than temporarily slake the thirst of the American economic engine. Additionally, the resulting savings in gas prices amounts to no more than a few pennies on the gallon.

Let's not forget the purpose of the SPR. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve exists in order to provide the United States with a LIMITED supply of oil in the event of a catastrophe or all out war. This supply is supposed to carry us through the emergency until new supplies are discovered or engaged. The SPR is NOT a rainy day fund all though the way the Party of Sedition cavalierly treats it, you'd think we need to release the reserves each time the price of gas rises more than a nickel. Don't get me wrong, I don't like paying high gas prices anymore than the next man or woman. I pine for the days of under a buck gas and frankly I wish the President would tell the Saudis, "We'll give you $20 scoots a barrel, take it or leave it..." Of course he can't do that because thanks to the democrats, or more accurately as they are known around here, The Party of Sedition, we can't supply our own oil.

Of course the answer to the problem is exactly that. America needs to collectively thumb it's noses at the tree huggin', Hillary lovin', Birkenstock wearin' kooks in the Sierra Club and begin to develop our own vast oil resources. Begin drilling in the ANWR and the sooner the better. If you truly want lower gas prices, then vote Republican in November and send the people to Congress who will open up our natural resources to exploration and development. Stop electing those traitorous ones who would handcuff our prosecution of the war and arrest our development of our own petroleum fields. I can hear the lefties among you howling already, "We went to war for oil", "Big oil is making billions off Bush's war", "the war is a marketing campaign for Halliburton"...et cetera. Please, get some professional counseling. America remains the most altruistic nation in history. If we wanted to go to war for oil, the war would be over now, the pumps would be open wide and we'd be paying a buck a gallon. Come up with a new argument commies, or better yet, don't argue at all and let us get on with the business of saving Western Civilization...

Ooooooppps...almost forgot the Friday Featurette. As my more faithful readers will already know, I believe that the 2nd amendment is perhaps the most crucial element of the Bill of Rights. That said, this weeks Featurette is known for her stalwart and unyielding defense of the Right to Bear Arms. Without further ado...Mrs. Shemane Nugent...


Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Obviously I've had a lot on my mind and truth to tell, the blog hasn't been one of them. That said, it's time to get some semblance of normalcy going on around here so to that end I have managed to research some new Friday featurettes and throw together some vittles. I also paid a bit of notice to the news that Chemical Artillery shells rigged as roadside bombs have been located in Iraq. The outcry from the seditious ones has been somewhat less than deafening. In fact, the left and their media allies have all but ignored the find. That would destroy the canard about Saddam being clean and of course take away the dems chant about the lies of G.W. Bush.

I love commies, really I do. They provide endless entertainment with their convoluted reasoning, lack of integrity and lets not forget, the shameless desire to deconstruct the Constitution. Back in my single days, debasing leftist women was also good sport. The irony here is that the so called "progressives" have failed to progress. Careful examination of the beliefs of any socialist, progressive, commie or democrat reveals that they are still mired in the demonstrably failed political theories of Marx and Mao.

In any event, I promised my newest reader, Mrs. Donna Bloom, Sparks Nevada my recipe for potato salad and so here it is. Pancho's Picnic Potato Salad.

Ingredients
6-8 small or medium white potatoes. (Red spuds also work) Quarter and then slice the spuds into pieces about 1/4" to 1/2" thick.

Mayonnaise
2 dill pickles
2 cans large pitted olives, drained
2 large stalks of celery
4 hardboiled eggs
paprika

In a large pot, boil the cut up potatos until the pieces are tender and fall off a fork when speared. Drain and let cool. While cooling, chop or slice the celery as you prefer. I like to split the stalk lengthwise and then cut it into pieces about 1/4" thick. Quarter and slice the dill pickles. Chop the eggs. Once cooled some, add the eggs, celery, olives and pickle. Fold the ingredients into the potatoes. Once mixed, begin folding in mayonnaise until a creamy texture is obtained. This is difficult to quantify as it will vary with the amount of potatoes and your taste on coverage. I like a more creamy potato salad so I add a lot of mayonnaise. Play with it until you like the texture. Once you obtain the texture to your taste, level the surface with a large spoon and sprinkle generously with paprika. This potato salad is a wonderful compliment to just about anything, fried chicken, ribs, pulled pork, steak, hot dogs, hamburgers, you name it....just don't ever let me catch you adding sweet pickles, relish, radishes or onions to this recipe. Such a transgression will result in violence being visited upon you. Good eatin' on ya!!!

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

I have been struggling since the news of John's death to decide whether to publish the Friday Featurette or not. It seems a trivial thing and terribly immaterial. Then I began to recall the times I spent in John's company. The many nights out honky-tonkin' and enjoying adult beverages. The parties and his ever-present smile. Ultimately, John made the decision for me. John was a cowboy and he loved country music and he would have wanted the republicandy to go on. I can't think of a finer tribute than to include a couple of country songstresses on this week's Friday Feature in order to salute my friend. After this I will get back to the business of politics around here, I had hoped to write so much during my trip to D.C. Seeing how things work and meeting with lobbyists and elected officials in Sodom-on-Potomac was an eye-opening experience. Of course, I also hope that you my readers will indulge me a little. I assure you all that I have many observations to commit to the blog about my trip. Until I can, I give you...Martina McBride and Sara Evans..for John....


Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Last night, at 0331 PST Washoe County (Reno) Sheriff's Deputy John Wiberg gave his life in service to his country and community. While responding to a report of an armed robbery in progress, in a snowstorm and whiteout conditions, Deputy Wiberg lost control of his vehicle which drifted into oncoming traffic. Deputy Wiberg was struck and killed, the driver of the van which hit him is in serious condition. Efforts to resuscitate John failed. John is survived by a wife and 4 children and I ask you all for prayers for them in these tragic times. John was a friend of mine since our Academy days and I will miss him keenly. John had originally asked for the day off but the request was denied due to critical staffing levels. When John reported for duty he was told he could go home as staffing had been met. John elected to work anyway. That was the kind of man my friend was. A 14 year veteran who could have worked any shift he wanted, John elected to work graveyard because he loved his job and putting crooks in jail and he wanted to be where the action was. Please remember that while you sleep, there are cops like John out there, laying it all on the line so that you may sleep in peace. Please remember his sacrifice and if so inclined say a prayer for him and his family. St. Peter has added another good cop to the beat....

Washoe to all units....
Deputy John Wiberg is 10-42...

Paul

Today I tread the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery. As it does each time it left me deeply moved. It was my sad honor to stand in silent respect as three more souls were committed to honored eternity in those grounds. I stood in reverence as the mournful notes of "Taps" echoed across the rolling hills of that sacred piece of Virginia and was privileged to see things I had not previously witnessed. I saw a Sentinel bark at a misbehaving child that silence and dignity were expected at this site. I saw private citizens lay a wreath at the tomb and express their thanks to the guards in a small ceremony. We visited the Custis Lee Mansion and looked on in awe at the sitting room overlooking Washington wherein Robert E. Lee agonized over his resignation from the United States Army. The next day he became Commander of all Virginia forces committed to the Confederate cause. I was gratified to see so many schools sending their students to learn firsthand the history contained at Arlington. Schools from Alabama, Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvannia were noted. I was particularly pleased to observe a history teacher from Alabama instructing his students about Audie Murphy whose gravesite we also visited. Who can visit Arlington and not come away with a deep sense of gratitude? I look forward to the day when my son accompanies me to that hallowed ground and I hope that he too feels the gratitude and reverence that I do for that piece of ground.

Next it was a hike across the Potomac and a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and then the various War Memorials, especially the newly opened WW2 Memorial. I believe the newest addition is beautiful, moving and fitting tribute to those like my father who were part of that "Greatest Generation". A short stroll later we were at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. What a wonderful end to a sightseeing day, to revel in the glorious history of freedom and progress that are the hallmark of our National story. I shed a tear to see the original Star Spangled Banner now undergoing restoration and was much impressed by the sheer size of the flag. With the National Anthem playing in the background and the story of Francis Scott Key and the Battle of Baltimore echoing in the chamber, it was nothing less than spine tingling.

With all this going on, I am loath to discuss politics although we did observe the Presidential motorcade on it's way to the Pentagon where today the President offered a spirited defense of Secretary Rumsfeld. I also saw Marine One standing by to pick up the President. Along the lines of politics, we also dined with some lobbyists tonight as we have meetings scheduled tomorrow at Sodom on Potomac with our Congressional delegation. I am pleased to report that one of the lobbyists was the very conservative daughter of a distinguished California Republican. More on that in tomorrow's notes, now it's time to hit the rack....until then I remain,

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

Well after much agonizing, I am going to indulge my brother Rick and post his favorite Fox News infobabe as the Friday Featurette. Yeah I know it's a day late but I've been busy at work and at home. School work is done for the semester so I should be having some extra keyboard time shortly. Once again, I will be in Washington this next week and I am taking the laptop so I will try mightily to get some commentary and perspective posted. Don't know how much free time I'll have but I do plan on visiting Arlington and the new WW2 Memorial. I am scheduled to meet with that icon of the party of sedition, Harry Reid but in deference to Association business, I will have to let my compatriot do the talking and I'll mind my tongue. Boy, to think I decried Dale Bumpers and John Stennis when they were in the Senate as being too liberal. Whatever happened to democrats like them? Hell they would be kicked out of Teddy "Breaststroke" Kennedy's democrat party.

In any event, I need to start packing so I have to wind this up shortly. I have plenty to say about the ongoing prisoner scandal but I don't reckon the Party of Sedition is going to let this pass anytime soon so I will address it later this week from D.C. In the meantime, a day late, I give you the Friday Featurette, the lovely and talented FNC Infobabe, Laurie Dhue, a proper Southern Belle who hails from the Tarheel State, we should all have been so lucky if they produce beauty and brains like this in Dixie....



Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family

The good thing about having your own blog and a whole bunch of buddies who are like minded is that every now and then one of them steps up and literally writes the blog for you. Such is the case with the following missive I received from talented reader Shaun "Hooter" Daniels, Alameda Ca. Kudos and thanks to Shaun who is absolutely correct in his assessment about the sophmoric and supremely irritating MTV get out the vote effort. Am I against people exercising their right to vote? When the voter is an ill-informed, pot-smoking, Hillary-loving, tree hugging, Birkenstock wearing teen I am. The Founding Fathers would be horrified to see who exercises the franchise in this modern era. In any event, a shout out to Hooter for the effort and apologies to those tuning in this week and finding no posts. Here is Shaun's assessment in italics...

You want to know what the greatest threat to our democracy is right now?

It's not the terrorists.

It's the whole "get the teenagers out to vote" MTV Rock the Vote type movements, pumped up by flashy teen-oriented TV ads. The problem is, most 18 year olds don't know shit about anything of weight or importance. They don't read the newspapers or watch politically oriented television because it's boring and then will vote emotionally - "War is bad, Bush wants war, Bush must be the antichrist" or " Kerry protested the war in Vietnam, let's all be like the Hippies we see on TV and vote for him!"

I tried to talk a little politics with a 19 year old and she knew nothing of the history of the middle east, nothing about arab culture, nothing about the political stances of the candidates, nothing about the rise of Islamofascism or their motivating issues. In short, nothing - other than she wanted to vote.

I'd much rather see an ad campaign that urges our teenagers to read a few newspapers - the front page instead of the comics - so they won't base their decisions on fucking Doonesbury.

Mark my words - Bush can be thrown out of office by a nation of stupid kids.


Sadly,

Hooter

A passionate point made by the astute Mr. Daniels. Obviously I survived my sojourn into enemy territory and the People's Republic of California. I did receive much input while there. Seems the Friday Featurette has been much missed the past couple weeks so she will make a return tomorrow. Also, I will continue to link interesting news items and the recipe will be staying but won't return for a couple weeks. I will be in Washington D.C. this Monday and still don't know whether I will be taking a computer with me or not. If I do, look for trenchant commentary and historical asides from our Nation's Capital.

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family