Saturday, December 5, 2009
McWaters Nominated to Replace Ken Stolle
Apparently, it wasn't even close. Also, it doesn't appear that the Dems are going to even challenge this one. Considering that the Virginia Dems are focused on a much easier race (in theory) with the 37th District (and Stolle, a Republican, had a solid hold on this seat anyway), I can see why they would let it go in this particular special election.
Max Baucus Has Some Questions to Answer
Sen. Max Baucus (MT) apparently nominated his staffer-turned-mistress-turned-girlfriend to become the next United States Attorney in Montana. Supposedly, she was awarded this solely on merit. Somehow, my BS detector is going off at that statement.
Apparently, Melodee Hanes photos are hard to come by, as well. Slightly odd for someone who supposedly has had visibility in the public spotlight.
Apparently, Melodee Hanes photos are hard to come by, as well. Slightly odd for someone who supposedly has had visibility in the public spotlight.
Goodbye Mr. Monk
I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the series finale of "Monk". It was an example of how one can make a very good and intriguing show without always having to find new envelopes to push. Hats off to Tony Shalhoub for his wonderful performance as the title character over the past 8 seasons.
Speaking of "Monk"-related items. Today is the birthday of my favorite football player of all time, Redskins Hall-of-Famer Art Monk. :)
Speaking of "Monk"-related items. Today is the birthday of my favorite football player of all time, Redskins Hall-of-Famer Art Monk. :)
Another Case of Personal Property Rights Being Violated
A man arrested for trespassing on his own property. All he was doing was going after the people who were violating an easement on the property.
(h/t The Contemporary Conservative)
(h/t The Contemporary Conservative)
Someone Explain this "Ex-Gay" Thing About Steve Hunt
For instance, Ben mentions this multiple times over at NLS.
Someone care to explain this whole "ex-gay" deal? He's an ex-gay? He knows ex-gays? He believes gays can become ex-gays?
I don't know much about the guy, so a little info would be appreciated.
Someone care to explain this whole "ex-gay" deal? He's an ex-gay? He knows ex-gays? He believes gays can become ex-gays?
I don't know much about the guy, so a little info would be appreciated.
Comcast to Purchase NBC/Universal from GE?
Interesting.
The political ramifications from this would be intriguing, as GE has been a strong advocate of the Democratic Party (this is pretty well-documented), and NBC has promoted such things as "Green Week" and other subtle pushes of items that are on the left's agenda. NBC has been a friend to the Obama administration thus far.
The question that I ask is, "Will this continue with Comcast overseeing operations?" I know nothing of any political slant from Comcast, so who knows.
UPDATE
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts just came out today to endorse Obamacare. I guess that was part of the deal...?
The political ramifications from this would be intriguing, as GE has been a strong advocate of the Democratic Party (this is pretty well-documented), and NBC has promoted such things as "Green Week" and other subtle pushes of items that are on the left's agenda. NBC has been a friend to the Obama administration thus far.
The question that I ask is, "Will this continue with Comcast overseeing operations?" I know nothing of any political slant from Comcast, so who knows.
UPDATE
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts just came out today to endorse Obamacare. I guess that was part of the deal...?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Palin's "Birther" Controversy...Or Lack Thereof
Just because Sarah Palin said it's a "fair question" for the public to ask whether or not Obama was born in the United States, that does not mean she is a "birther". She even stated herself that she would not make a big issue of it.
There is a difference between saying "it's a valid question, but I'm not going to make a big deal of it" (which is basically what Palin said) and saying "He's obviously not an American citizen, he can't prove it, let's get him!!!" (which is how her comments are being portrayed in the mainstream media).
Perspective, people! Let's get serious. I'm in the same boat. I think it's a valid question to ask when there have been so many challenges (and so few responses from the White House) regarding Obama's validity as a natural-born citizen. That doesn't mean I'm going to make a big deal of it either.
(h/t Below The Beltway)
There is a difference between saying "it's a valid question, but I'm not going to make a big deal of it" (which is basically what Palin said) and saying "He's obviously not an American citizen, he can't prove it, let's get him!!!" (which is how her comments are being portrayed in the mainstream media).
Perspective, people! Let's get serious. I'm in the same boat. I think it's a valid question to ask when there have been so many challenges (and so few responses from the White House) regarding Obama's validity as a natural-born citizen. That doesn't mean I'm going to make a big deal of it either.
(h/t Below The Beltway)
Eastern Seaboard Snowfall Expected Tomorrow...
Be careful out there. This is the latest from the National Weather Service regarding the upcoming storm for the Central Shenandoah Valley...
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC 217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009. LOW PRESSURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO WILL MOVE OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST SATURDAY AND THEN EAST OF LONG ISLAND SATURDAY NIGHT. THIS WILL BRING SNOW TO THE MID ATLANTIC STATES ON SATURDAY.
VAZ021-025>027-029-030-036>040-WVZ054-055-501-502-050330-/O.NEW.KLWX.WW.Y.0026.091205T1000Z-091206T0000Z/HIGHLAND-AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-PAGE-WARREN-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-PENDLETON-HARDY-WESTERN GRANT-EASTERN GRANT-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...FRONT ROYAL...CHARLOTTESVILLE...WASHINGTON...BAYARD...PETERSBURG
217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO7 PM EST SATURDAY. SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY BEFORE SUNRISE SATURDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURING THE EVENING. TEMPERATURES DURING THE DAY WILL BE IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC 217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009. LOW PRESSURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO WILL MOVE OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST SATURDAY AND THEN EAST OF LONG ISLAND SATURDAY NIGHT. THIS WILL BRING SNOW TO THE MID ATLANTIC STATES ON SATURDAY.
VAZ021-025>027-029-030-036>040-WVZ054-055-501-502-050330-/O.NEW.KLWX.WW.Y.0026.091205T1000Z-091206T0000Z/HIGHLAND-AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-PAGE-WARREN-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-PENDLETON-HARDY-WESTERN GRANT-EASTERN GRANT-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...FRONT ROYAL...CHARLOTTESVILLE...WASHINGTON...BAYARD...PETERSBURG
217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO7 PM EST SATURDAY. SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY BEFORE SUNRISE SATURDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURING THE EVENING. TEMPERATURES DURING THE DAY WILL BE IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
How Did Robert Gibbs Get His Job, Again?
Honestly, you would think that the press secretary of the White House would have a little more tact than this.
Stay classy, Robert.
Stay classy, Robert.
Gov. Kaine's Good Intentions
Apparently, Gov. Kaine is going to attempt to have state employee insurance cover same-sex partners as well, just like married heterosexual couples. This is great in theory, and I whole-heartedly endorse the idea. However, you will run into a problem with this, and Gov. Kaine may create an unintentional legal loophole with this should it pass.
See, if unmarried same-sex couples can get insurance benefits, then unmarried heterosexual couples can get those same benefits. I know that this is not the intention of the Governor's plan, he is simply trying to extend benefits to gay couples who may very well be married if they had the right to do so. Now, if gay couples were able to get civil unions/marriage rights, you would eliminate these tricky legal situations.
Realistically, this is why I'm convinced that the term "marriage" should be defined as a union under God (which each church should have the free will and right to decide if it should be so for gay couples). Define unions under law as just that, a civil union, and allow this for heterosexual and homosexual couples with equal legal rights. This would also create a lot less of a problem in terms of contract law and less problems with propositions such as Gov. Kaine's.
(h/t NLS)
UPDATE
Some have stated that this proposal would simply cover those who are all within the same household as a state employee. Not so sure about how this would not cost the state taxpayers more money, but Kaine claims it won't.
See, if unmarried same-sex couples can get insurance benefits, then unmarried heterosexual couples can get those same benefits. I know that this is not the intention of the Governor's plan, he is simply trying to extend benefits to gay couples who may very well be married if they had the right to do so. Now, if gay couples were able to get civil unions/marriage rights, you would eliminate these tricky legal situations.
Realistically, this is why I'm convinced that the term "marriage" should be defined as a union under God (which each church should have the free will and right to decide if it should be so for gay couples). Define unions under law as just that, a civil union, and allow this for heterosexual and homosexual couples with equal legal rights. This would also create a lot less of a problem in terms of contract law and less problems with propositions such as Gov. Kaine's.
(h/t NLS)
UPDATE
Some have stated that this proposal would simply cover those who are all within the same household as a state employee. Not so sure about how this would not cost the state taxpayers more money, but Kaine claims it won't.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
New Market Mayor Faces Fraud Charges...From His Own Family
Once in a while, small-town politics can be home to something of interest or amusement.
New Market mayor Larry Smith is being accused by his brothers of stealing from their share of the inheritance left to all three of them by their mother when she passed in 2001.
Apparently, there were 2 trust accounts that were to be divided up so each brother would inherit $994,568. Instead, one trust paid the brothers $3000/month, and Smith kept the money from the other trust (if I'm reading this correctly).
"I was getting the majority of the value on the outset and there was a distribution to my brothers," Larry Smith said in a Dec. 9, 2008, examination with an attorney for Farmers and Merchants Bank, according to a transcript of the examination. "Because I was serving as the trustee, the understanding I was serving as the trustee and it was my sole source of income."
That statement, from the previously-linked Northern Virginia Daily article, cannot be true. Smith owns and operates the Cross Roads Inn which is a bed and breakfast here in New Market. Obviously, he has more than one source of income.
Smith also claims that he needs the money more than his brothers do. While that may be true (Smith is in the midst of his second bankruptcy filing in less than 16 months), he was not properly executing the distribution of the funds. Also, Smith claims that his has a right to the money as a fiduciary fee. Given that his brothers claim that Smith has paid himself over $2 million from the trust, I find a 60+% fiduciary fee hard to believe as reasonable.
Smith has also used the trust as a guarantor for many loans (both personal and business), and there is now $1.25 million in claims against the trust.
Ouch, Mr. Mayor. Business loans? I thought this trust was your sole source of income?
New Market mayor Larry Smith is being accused by his brothers of stealing from their share of the inheritance left to all three of them by their mother when she passed in 2001.
Apparently, there were 2 trust accounts that were to be divided up so each brother would inherit $994,568. Instead, one trust paid the brothers $3000/month, and Smith kept the money from the other trust (if I'm reading this correctly).
"I was getting the majority of the value on the outset and there was a distribution to my brothers," Larry Smith said in a Dec. 9, 2008, examination with an attorney for Farmers and Merchants Bank, according to a transcript of the examination. "Because I was serving as the trustee, the understanding I was serving as the trustee and it was my sole source of income."
That statement, from the previously-linked Northern Virginia Daily article, cannot be true. Smith owns and operates the Cross Roads Inn which is a bed and breakfast here in New Market. Obviously, he has more than one source of income.
Smith also claims that he needs the money more than his brothers do. While that may be true (Smith is in the midst of his second bankruptcy filing in less than 16 months), he was not properly executing the distribution of the funds. Also, Smith claims that his has a right to the money as a fiduciary fee. Given that his brothers claim that Smith has paid himself over $2 million from the trust, I find a 60+% fiduciary fee hard to believe as reasonable.
Smith has also used the trust as a guarantor for many loans (both personal and business), and there is now $1.25 million in claims against the trust.
Ouch, Mr. Mayor. Business loans? I thought this trust was your sole source of income?
NY Senate Strikes Down Gay Marriage Bill...
Really, does government need to legislate such things? What consenting human adults do in their private sexual lives is really none of the government's business. Also, I really don't see the harm in gay marriage under law. As far as under God, let the individual religions handle that on their own.
Nonetheless, I love the "objective" reporting in this article. For example...
"The State Assembly passed it, but the dysfunctional Senate could only muster 24 of the 32 votes it needed."
Hmm, I wonder what this reporter was looking for in an outcome...c'mon, let's just report the news instead of injecting commentary. It would be greatly appreciated.
Nonetheless, I love the "objective" reporting in this article. For example...
"The State Assembly passed it, but the dysfunctional Senate could only muster 24 of the 32 votes it needed."
Hmm, I wonder what this reporter was looking for in an outcome...c'mon, let's just report the news instead of injecting commentary. It would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thoughts on the Smoking Ban
This is a comment I left over at NLS on this topic (which he supports with great fervor)...
I am a former cigarette smoker (and occasional cigar aficionado), but I'm not one of these self-righteous fools who believes that only those they agree with have rights. They don't like smoking, so they believe a smoker should not have the right to enjoy a meal and a cigarette in the same place. Especially in bars and nightclubs, where getting in and out of the establishment to have a smoke can be a hassle.
Lest we forget, a lot of tobacco companies do business in Virginia...they could very well take their business, their jobs, and their tax revenue to another state if we keep demonizing innocent civilians who happen to enjoy cigarettes.
I believe that the property owners and restaurant managers should make the decision regarding whether or not they will allow smoking, and the free market (meaning us, the patrons) will decide if we will go to a non-smoking or a smoking-permitted establishment. Unfortunately, there are those who feel that the state should provide legislation that bans everything that they don't like, no matter how ridiculous it may be.
I am a former cigarette smoker (and occasional cigar aficionado), but I'm not one of these self-righteous fools who believes that only those they agree with have rights. They don't like smoking, so they believe a smoker should not have the right to enjoy a meal and a cigarette in the same place. Especially in bars and nightclubs, where getting in and out of the establishment to have a smoke can be a hassle.
Lest we forget, a lot of tobacco companies do business in Virginia...they could very well take their business, their jobs, and their tax revenue to another state if we keep demonizing innocent civilians who happen to enjoy cigarettes.
I believe that the property owners and restaurant managers should make the decision regarding whether or not they will allow smoking, and the free market (meaning us, the patrons) will decide if we will go to a non-smoking or a smoking-permitted establishment. Unfortunately, there are those who feel that the state should provide legislation that bans everything that they don't like, no matter how ridiculous it may be.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Return...?
It's been quite a while, but the Podium may be seeing a return to action.
Yours truly has been off finishing up his Bachelor's Degree program, and will be done by mid-December, thus leaving me with the free time that I did not have previously. So right now, I'm simply contemplating the idea of coming back to blogging. The time seems right, and I've talked plenty of politics with people during my hiatus, so I've stayed pretty much up-to-date regarding most of the shenanigans that are Virginia politics.
Will I or won't I, that's the question I have to wrestle with at this time. We shall see...
Yours truly has been off finishing up his Bachelor's Degree program, and will be done by mid-December, thus leaving me with the free time that I did not have previously. So right now, I'm simply contemplating the idea of coming back to blogging. The time seems right, and I've talked plenty of politics with people during my hiatus, so I've stayed pretty much up-to-date regarding most of the shenanigans that are Virginia politics.
Will I or won't I, that's the question I have to wrestle with at this time. We shall see...
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