Military Veterans and Patriots

Category: The Melting Pot

  • Today Is The Ides of March

    Today Is The Ides of March

    Ides of March – March 15, 2025

    Beware the Ides of March, or at least, be aware of when “the Ides” even takes place (March 15). The word “Ides” is derived from the Latin word “idus,” which refers to the middle day of any month in the ancient Roman calendar. The Ides are specifically the fifteenth day of the months of March, May, July, or October, and the thirteenth day of the remaining months. The Ides were the designated days for settling debt each month in the Roman empire and generally included the seven days preceding the Ides for this purpose. No doubt debtors who could not pay their debts considered the Ides to be unlucky days as they were typically thrown into prison or forced into slavery.

    WHEN IS IDES OF MARCH 2025?

    As the word ‘ides’ refers to the middle of the month, the Ides of March is on March 15. Contrary to popular superstitious belief surrounding its origins, Ides simply marks the first day of the full moon in every month.

    HISTORY OF IDES OF MARCH

    The unlucky pall over the Ides of March has a more portentous tie to ancient Rome. Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was famously unlucky on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. when he was assassinated by his senators, fearing their ruler was becoming a dictator.

    Movies often distort historical events to make them more entertaining for the sake of drawing bigger audiences and better reviews. The same was true when English playwright William Shakespeare wrote his famous tragedy “Julius Caesar.”

    Much of what we commonly believe to be true about the demise of the unlucky emperor on that fateful Ides of March is based more on Shakespeare’s play than historical evidence, according to author Barry Strauss. His book “The Death of Caesar” dismantles the half-truths about the ruler’s tragic end on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. Here are three myths he calls out about the Ides of March killing of Emperor Julius Caesar:

    Myth #1:
    Julius Caesar was admonished to “Beware the Ides of March” by an unknown Soothsayer.


    False: The omen was actually “Beware the next 30 days” and was prophesied on February 15, 44 B.C. by an Etruscan Soothsayer named Spurinna. 

    Myth #2:
    Brutus was Caesar’s best friend and led the assassination plot.


    False: There were in fact three conspirators: Brutus, Cassius, and Decimus. Decimus was known to be most trusted by Caesar and is considered to have been the leader of the murder conspiracy.

    Myth #3:
    Caesar nobly uttered “Et tu, Brute” (you too, Brutus) with his dying breath.


    False: Caesar singling out Brutus as he lay dying was an invention of the Renaissance movement. The emperor was a trained soldier who fought for his life, tried to escape the ambush, and never uttered these words.

  • Friday Fun

    Friday Fun

    It’s FriYAY! It is also Paddy’s day weekend.

    Pearls Before Swine

    Political Commentary

    Dad Jokes

    Memes

    In honor of the Patron Saint of Eire, St. Patrick, this week’s musical selection is my favorite version of the Fields of Athenry, the unofficial national anthem of Ireland. Happy St. Paddy’s day!

  • National K9 Veterans Day

    National K9 Veterans Day

    National K9 Veterans Day

    Are you excited for National K9 Veterans Day this March 13, or are we barking up the wrong tree? Our little furry friends are already awesome as it is. But dogs who have been trained to serve our country are even more heroic. Plus, they look so cute and serious in their little uniforms. K9 dogs have been around ever since 1942, when an organization called Dogs for Defense was founded to train dogs to be sentries for supply depots. The program was approved by the U.S. Army in March 1942, the U.S. Army K9 Corps was founded on March 13, 1942, and the rest is history (literally). Get ready to celebrate America’s patriotic puppers!

    WHY NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY IS IMPORTANT

    • They’re here to protect us
      Dogs already bring us such joy by being lovable and loyal. However, they bring us even more joy when they’re working toward justice. From the first sentry dogs in Dogs of Defense to dogs that are trained to sniff out contraband or follow criminals, K9 dogs can do it all. And they have. Historically, K9 dogs have comprised Search and Rescue teams at Ground Zero, served as Security Dogs, and more. We thank them for their service!
    • They’re adorable as anything
      You know the expression “there’s nothing cuter than a man in uniform?” We’d like to adapt that, because whoever coined it was clearly talking about dogs. We have two points to back up this argument. Firstly, there’s something so precious about how serious K9 dogs gets when they’re doing their jobs. Secondly, they get tiny little police vests. Case closed.
    • They’re incredibly well-trained
      In a time where some parents can’t even get their own children to regularly take out the trash, K9 dogs are impeccably trained. Don’t believe us? Some K9s are trained to bite down on the arms of criminals to keep them in place upon command. However, the dogs are not allowed to draw blood. So they know exactly how hard to bite down to hold without being violent. That’s incredible! K9 dogs, we salute you.
  • Today Is National Baked Scallop Day

    Today Is National Baked Scallop Day

    National Baked Scallops Day

    Few things can compare to the sweet, rich taste of scallops. It’s easily one of America’s favorite seafood dishes today. But you’ll be surprised to know that this wasn’t always the case.

    In the 17th century, people in America didn’t like the flavor of scallop meat. Its oddly sweet taste was unappealing to the general palate back then. Fishing communities in the Northern Atlantic preferred oysters, lobster, and clams over scallops. Although people harvested wild Atlantic scallops for food, their shells were far more appealing, not the meat.

    Tastes evolved with time, and scallops began receiving more appreciation in the U.S. by the 19th century. The earliest written recipe for scallops was published in “Miss Beecher’s Domestic Receipt Book” in 1846. The recipe called for lightly stewing or sauteing scallops.

    In the decades that followed, scallop recipes and dishes were everywhere. Recipe experimentation called for frying, stuffing, pickling, and steaming. However, the versatile, easy-to-cook scallop lent itself well to most cooking methods. By the 1930s, scallops were an inseparable part of the U.S. diet. Expectedly, they were a favorite of the people in coastal cities and towns. Delicious fried scallops at seaside shacks became regular fare.

    Scallops soon began featuring in menus of French restaurants by the mid-20th century. Around this time, the Coquille St. Jacques found a massive fan following in fine dining restaurants across America. The dish combines scallops in its shell with butter, shallots, herbs, cream, and cheese.

    A fine-dining seafood restaurant without scallops seems almost inconceivable today. Every establishment has its own take — provencal, pan-seared, or even ceviche. But baking scallops are an excellent way to elevate this shellfish at home. So if you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner with none of the hassles, baked scallops are the way to go.

    Baked Scallops

    Ingredients

    1 lb. scallops
    Kosher salt
    Freshly ground black pepper
    4 Tbsp. butter, melted
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    Juice of 1/2 a lemon
    1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
    1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
    4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
    Pinch red pepper flakes
    Lemon wedges, for serving

    Directions
    Step 1
    Preheat oven to 425°. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and place in a small baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. 
    Step 2
    In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Pour all over scallops.
    Step 3
    In another small bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, oil, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle mixture on top of each scallop. 
    Step 4
    Bake until tops are golden and scallops are translucent, 12 to 15 minutes. 
    Step 5
    Spoon butter over tops and serve with lemon wedges.

  • Photos of the Week

    Photos of the Week

    An F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., for the 2025 Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course, March 1, 2025. The Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course is an annual event where military and civilian pilots train together to fly in formations to showcase both modern and vintage military aircraft. These flights are often performed at airshows across the country to honor U.S. military aviation history and service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)

    Army

    U.S. Army Cavalry Scouts Pvt. Ronaldino Amisial, below, and Spc. Jesse Picket, above, assigned to 3rd Brigade, 67th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, stay ready to conduct military training missions with an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland, February 25, 2025. 1st Armored Division, one of V Corps’ warfighting elements on NATO’s eastern flank, leverages the credibility of the U.S. Army’s ready combat formations to deter aggression in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Devin Klecan)

    Navy

    Capt. Ethan Rule, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), observes an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 take off from the ship’s flight deck in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 17, 2025. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeadan Andre)

    Marine Corps

    U.S. Marine Corps recruits with 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, carry out dynamic warm-ups before a pugil sticks training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 25, 2025. Recruits learned Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques that instill basic self-defense to build a warrior ethos and Esprit de Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)

    Air Force

    Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, is greeted with a celebratory spray of water from his daughter and niece, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. As an instructor pilot with the 56th Fighter Wing, Alley played a key role in its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. Surrounded by loved ones, he embraced the moment, marking the end of his active-duty service while looking ahead to his next journey in the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

    Coast Guard

    The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) stand for a photo while the cutter is hove-to in McMurdo Sound during Operation Deep Freeze, Jan. 7, 2025. Polar Star is conducting ice-breaking operations in Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, a joint service, inter-agency support operation for the National Science Foundation, which manages the United States Antarctic Program.  (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter)
  • Some Ying & Yang

    Some Ying & Yang

    Trying to stay positive in a world of negative waves man isn’t easy

    Many thanks go to Spider Woman

    The Ukraine isn’t anything even close to a democracy. Seen this lady a couple of years back, have wondered how she faired.

    Hmmm… in 2014… let’s see… who was in the White House then?

    Oh yeah, the Nobel Prize for Peace recipient, one Barack H Obama, a warmonger if ever there were one. He and his administration and Congressional co-criminals set it all up for the purpose of ramping up the corruption, the money laundering, and setting the stage for WW III. Heard tell, wherever islam goes, trouble soon follows

    There’s your real enemy.

    What’s really cool about the 1st Amendment we can Agree or disagree without wanting to kill each other, shame there are many here that don’t believe in such an idea

    Tosses another old video

    They use our money, weapons, equipment, training, intelligence, etc. The only thing that makes the Ukrainian army Ukrainian, is that they are using Ukrainian bodies instead of American ones. Thats it. Everything else in the Ukrainian military is a US/NATO product.

    Ukraine’s military is an army that the US/NATO built for fighting Russia indirectly. They are a pawn on a chess board, and the US/NATO view them as dispensable.

    Ever thought our “allies” would turn against US as they have, we’re the bad guys because we want peace.

    Way back, like way way back, Athens & Sparta were like kinda sorta, they’d trade stuff, Athens needing some help now and then, Sparta would show up, kick some ass and go home. Sometimes Athens would piss off Sparta, so Sparta would go and give Athens an asskickin, sometimes Athens would do some damage on Sparta.

    So what’s new under the sun, not much

    Bring on the Yang

    Some sled dogs are hanging up their harnesses and waiting for forever homes. Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures now have retired Alaskan huskies up for adoption.

    The dogs range from 2 to 8 years old. Bonk says they’re not as crazy energetic as you’d expect. She says these dogs would love an active family but also make good lounge dogs.

    “I’ve never heard but good things about retired sled dogs as pets,” Bonk said. “They’re clean dogs, they learn really fast, they’re very smart, they’re typically food motivated as well and easy to train.”

    Ever eat in Marine Corps chow hall

    hell, you’d be food motivated to

    Bonk says they’ll ask about your background. Such as lifestyle, family, if your landlord allows dogs and what type of dog you’re looking for. She says they can usually match you with an available retiree. Potential adopters can try a trial at home, and if it doesn’t work, Bonk says the kneel will take the dog back. She says the dogs will always have a home at Otter River Sled Dogs forever.

    You can find a list of adoptable dogs here. If you’re interested, call owner Tom Bauer at (906) 231-0024.

    If people weren’t so mean and dogs lived longer, the world would be a much nicer place.

  • To The Editor

    To The Editor

    Those of us with vision issues wish to

    for revamping the site and ridding us of the black background.Our eyes thank you greatly!!!!!

  • MVAP PSA: Daylight Savings Time Starts Tonight

    MVAP PSA: Daylight Savings Time Starts Tonight

    Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Savings Time starts at 0200 your time tonight.

    Daylight savings started in 1918 as a way to conserve energy during WWI. It proved exceedingly unpopular and was rescinded after the war. Congress overrode a Wilson veto to get rid of it because of the popular dislike.

    It wasn’t readopted nationally until the Uniform Time act of 1966. Beginning in 1967, the act mandated standard time within the established time zones and provided for advanced time: Clocks would be advanced one hour beginning at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in April and turned back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October.

    There is a move afoot to end Daylight Savings Time. With any luck, one of the bills ending DST will pass and be sent to the President for his signature.

  •  Lodewijk

     Lodewijk

    Ever hear the term, Rock and Roll will never die, let’s hope so. Know anything about South Africa, was nothing there until the Dutch went there, now look what taking place there. Eddie Van Haven was Dutch, born in Amsterdam, came here and became American. Eddie was always smiling, always

    ACB, she’s got a real problem with our Constitution (Clint Squint) big time, it’s not the first time I heard such talk.

    With South Africa hating on Elon, pay no mind to such ignorance, you have stuff to do.

    blending the high-tech mission to Mars with the underlying flow of human connection, even here as they approach Mars orbit. Brings a vital reminder of humanity with some Eddie and the boys

    You know Eddie is smiling at this kid

    If you like Rock and Roll, you should be smiling too 🙂

  • Friday Fun

    Friday Fun

    It’s FriYAY!

    Pearls Before Swine

    Political Commentary

    Dad Jokes

    Memes