Richard Dreyfuss ... sorry for his liberal statements?

Richard Dreyfuss at CPAC? That liberal actor from Los Angeles ... surely he must be a spy?

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference that draws thousands of conservative activists began today in Washington, DC. Live coverage including Tweets are being covered at the Washington Examiner. If you're at CPAC, be sure to stop by and say hello at the WaEx booth.

I saw a Tweet earlier from someone who had seen actor Richard Dreyfuss working his way through the crowds. Now a surprising 24-minute interview with the actor has been posted at Pajamas Media.

From Pajamas Media:

You have to give Richard Dreyfuss credit. He is honorable enough to admit when he is wrong. But why did this supposedly liberal Hollywood veteran decide to do it CPAC? Dreyfuss sits down with Roger L. Simon to discuss politics, civility, Hollywood and education. Also hear about Richard's project, The Dreyfuss Initiative. You don't want to miss this PJTV interview.

Dreyfuss: "I was wrong, I overstepped my bounds"

Dreyfuss: "I said I am for civility and I broke my own rule"

Dreyfuss: "You should mistrust everything I am about to say"

Dreyfuss: "The mandate of education should be to make our children smarter…our mandate could be said to be I want my kids to be smarter on Friday than they are on Monday"

Dreyfuss: "The Bill of Rights is picture of our future moral character."

So is he a changed man ... or just peddling his new non-profit initiative? Hot Air has an interview with him, too. Lots of action going on at CPAC ... and the weekend has just gotten underway.

No rematch ... Jim Webb decides not to face George Allen

When I heard on the car radio Wednesday that Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) was not running for reelection, it was no surprise. The conservative bloggers had made the call months ago. I got most excited at the fact I was behind the wheel and not at my keyboard to write about the defining moment when Webb made it official.

I have not warmed up to Webb during the past five years even though he was a military veteran and anyone who knows me knows how much I adore and respect our military. His major achievement was that he was instrumental in pushing a GI bill that provided better benefits for veterans.

I have respect for his military service but could never get past the fact the man seemed to have a chip on his shoulder the size of Mt. Rushmore. He checked his manners at the door, something that began as soon as he entered the U.S. Senate in 2007 during the George W. Bush administration.

George W, a friendly, down-to-earth man who tried to find something good in those he met, tried to welcome the new Virginia senator to Washington, asking about his son who was deployed to Iraq. Did Webb smile and say, "Thank you for asking, Mr. President"? No. He growled, "That's between me and my boy." Mr. Webb must have needed an updated copy of "Miss Manners."

Tigrrrr Express had an accurate observation about the Webb-Allen issue with honest insight into what happened during the 2006 senate race:

Virginia Democratic Senator Jim Webb has decided not to run for reelection in 2012. After one term, he leaves behind a legacy of an asterisk.

His election in 2006 took place because the blogosphere torpedoed the campaign of George Allen.

(Full Disclosure: I did an event with Governor Allen recently. I am enthusiastically supporting his return to the Senate.)

Joe Biden gets to spout nonsense on a daily basis, but one comment blown out of proportion led to George Allen going from a top tier presidential candidate to an agonizingly close Senate loss. The vote was close enough for a recount, but George Allen is not Al Gore. He put the people over his own ambition and walked away honorably.

The man who defeated him entered just as dishonorably. When President George W. Bush tried to welcome Mr. Webb by asking about his son, Webb replied, “That’s between me and my boy.” Webb’s classlessness is one reason he will not be missed. As for why he is leaving, George Allen is making a comeback. For a man who loved attacking Republicans, [Webb's] cutting and running for shelter is a tad gutless. Either way, good riddance to Mr. Webb.

Webb's act of cutting and running for shelter in the reelection rematch is not a first. He did the same during the summer of 2009 when Virginians were begging for town hall meetings with Webb to hear and discuss the looming ObamaCare vote. Webb elected to travel overseas during his senate break instead of meeting with those he represented and, when the vote occurred in Congress, he voted with Obama and against the majority of Ameicans who did not want overreaching health care. Since that time, Webb has continued to duck from sight as far as being accessible to his constituents.

Due to his lack of engagement with Virginians, his votes as a loyal foot soldier to Obama, his vote for ObamaCare and the reaffirmation of that vote last week, many had already read the handwriting on the wall before Wednesday's announcement. Add to that the oft-reported fact that Webb's war chest was languishing from lack of fund raising and the fact that his perhaps most-feared nightmare came true -- George Allen stepping back onto the field for a rematch.

The time of Webb will soon be a thing of the past. Virginians are ready for a representative who will travel the Commonwealth and listen to the voices of the people instead of hiding behind closed doors.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

Rush: "Our money is on George Allen here at the EIB Network"

Rush Limbaugh on Wednesday's radio program said, "Our money is on George Allen here at the EIB Network." It came about as he talked about the news that current Sen. Jim Webb would not run for reelection:

RUSH: Jim Webb, ladies and gentlemen, the senator from Virginia, says, "No mas, no mas," not running anymore. They continue to shuffle the decks on the Titanic of the Democrat Party. Could this open the doors for George Allen to come back? He's making noises about that and I -- (interruption) same thing, Snerdley, he's making noise about that, he's running, same thing. Jeb Bush said he's not running, making noise about it. But he might. Who knows? Everything's wide open.

Well, look, poor old F. Chuck Todd up there on TV. The guy's in mourning over Jim Webb saying he's not gonna run anymore. It's amazing to watch these Drive-By Media people report the latest Democrat to announce he's not gonna run. I will never forget, I think it was in Sacramento, maybe I had just moved to New York, but late eighties, whenever it was that California Congressman Tony Coelho announced that he was no longer gonna seek office. He got involved in some kind of corruption scandal. I don't remember what it was. Barbara Walters was hosting Nightline that night, Ted Koppel was out, and Barbara Walters was literally asking all her guests, "Can the nation survive? Can we go on? Will the Congress survive?" And of course these people were answering it in that context, "I think so, Barbara. I certainly hope so." So now here's Jim Webb, he's getting out, F. Chuck Todd in mourning, and they're happily talking, "Hey, maybe get the eyebrow back in there, Tim Kaine. Maybe he could come back and seek this office." Our money is on George Allen here at the EIB Network. [emphasis added]

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2011

Prayers for Reagan....

Photo and graphic courtesy of Bob Kirchman Associates at The Journey.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD
"To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." -- George Washington

Many folks in the Shenandoah Valley know Tara and Daryl Bowman who own a well-known farm in Shenandoah County, and their daughter Reagan, 6, and son Walker, 9. These good folks need your prayers.

Last week Reagan was involved in an accident on the farm and has spent the past week in Univerity of Virginia's pediatric Intensive Care Unit with a serious head injury. There has been an outpouring of well wishes from all over Virginia and beyond and, today, little Reagan needs your prayers even more. After enduring surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain, her little body is now fighting pneumonia.

A "Get Well Soon Reagan Bowman" Facebook page was set up by her Uncle Shannon and Aunt Christy so if you're so inclined, please add a get-well wish for her. And please keep Tara, Daryl, and Walker in your thoughts, too. They are salt-of-the-earth American patriots.

The photo above was taken by Bob Kirchman during a patriotic rally in 2010 and features the George Washington quote on the back of Walker's shirt. To the right in the photo you can see Reagan's little red, white, and blue patriotic outfit.

Prayers for a full recovery are being sent up for Reagan....

 

Big brother reads to little sister.

Boomergeddon birthday

 Jim Bacon, author of Boomergeddon. October 2010 in Richmond

Who knew? Author, blogger, numbers cruncher Jim Bacon and I share the same birthday ... but what year? He doesn't look a day over 39! The photo above was taken in Richmond at the tea party convention in October where Jim was selling his book, Boomergeddon.

Jim has worn many other hats over the years ... publisher and editor-in-chief of Virginia Business magazine ... editor of Generational Advisor newsletter ... well-known for the Bacon's Rebellion blog and now the Boomergeddon blog .. and much more.

A word about Boomergeddon: It's not an easy read but it's an important read as Jim warns my generation of what is ahead in these treacherous financial times:

Boomergeddon is the day investors stop buying U.S. Treasuries — the day the U.S. government goes into default, the global economy is thrown into turmoil, the American empire begins to crumble, and the social safety net starts to unravel.

Following the main themes in “Boomergeddon” the book, this blog chronicles the melt-down of federal finances and the demise of the democratic welfare state. (Read a free sample here.)

If you’re looking for a laugh or a warm, fuzzy feeling, go somewhere else. In “Boomergeddon,” we explain why there’s a good chance you’ll spend your golden years eating dog food and recycling beer bottles.

Well, okay. He's not that intense in person ... in fact, he smiles quite a bit for someone who is raising a red flag. Check out his website, check out his book, and most of all send him birthday wishes on his day. Happy birthday, Jim ... enjoy your trip around the sun!

Controversial issue?

I've got a post up at the Washington Examiner about a bill for year-round schools in Virginia that I cross-posted to Facebook where a discussion is going on about this issue. "Year-round schools coming to Virginia?" begins:

The pros and cons of year-round schools have been debated in this country for years. In Virginia, the possibility of year-round schools just took a step closer to reality.

House Joint Resolution 646, sponsored by Del. Steve Landes (R-25th House), vice chairman of the Education Committee, unanimously passed the Virginia House of Delegates, and must now go to the State Senate for passage. The study directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to conduct a two-year study on the efficiency of year-round schools by reviewing educational systems locally, nationally, and abroad that have already implemented them. The study would also evaluate instructional costs, transportation and special education services, and the need for additional classroom teachers, staff, and support services.

And ends:

There are literally dozens of pros and cons on this issue, and some school systems have actually tried it and then returned to a traditional school calendar including the Salt Lake City public schools that just this month made the decision to abandon the year-round schedule for a variety of reasons.

If the bill passes in the Virginia legislature, there will be much to study and hopefully, will include input from parents and teachers who will be directly impacted by whatever decision is made by those in Richmond.

More to come....

Who said this?

"I’m an immigrant myself. It was a tough road to come to America and work. The American Dream is seductive, but there is a legal way to do it and there would be more jobs here for people if it was honored," she wrote. "There is something about the process that has to be honored—and respected."

Who said this? Canada native Pamela Anderson.

H/T to Fox News

From the desk of Sen. Mark Obenshain

By Sen. Mark Obenshain

On Sunday afternoon, the Senate Finance Committee and House Appropriations Committee met to adopt the preliminary budgets of the respective chambers. The myriad of documents released by the two committees is a little overwhelming, so I wanted to provide you with a "cheat sheet" my office prepared, which outlines the basic provisions of each budget side-by-side.

Now, don't mistake this for a list of every budget amendment the two money committees adopted; it's not even close. Instead, it's a quick guide to the significant features of the committee amendments.

Of course, budgets are layers atop layers. Our original baseline is a biennial budget the General Assembly adopted last session. Back in December, Governor McDonnell then proposed a series of amendments for us to consider this session, most of them proposed revisions for the second budget year. This amended budget was introduced as SB 800 and HB 1500 (now reflecting the committee amendments), and that is what we have been working from ever since.

Now, the two money committees have adopted their own amendments to those bills, making changes to the Governor's proposals (though both committees accepted the majority of his amendments). The Governor's budget is what you've heard reported on for the past few months; my "cheat sheet" is designed to show you how the Senate and House budgets differ from the Governor's budget, and from each other.

This is an unofficial document - an internal working paper I've chosen to share with you. There are still a lot of questions about what the committees adopted the other day, and some of these numbers could change. There are limits, moreover, to simplification. At best, this should be considered a quick sketch of the budget actions, not a complete account.

With those caveats aside, however, I do think that many of you might be interested in this glimpse at the first step of our budget process. You'll find the document here - and remember, these are the committee recommendations, not my recommendations! It won't be hard to figure out that I oppose at least a few of the decisions my colleagues on the money committees have made.

Let me know what you think, and if anything is unclear, or you think you've spotted an error, tell me!

Gov. McDonnell's transportation bill passes state senate

NBC-29 reported that the state senate passed Gov. Bob McDonnell's transportation bill:

The state Senate voted to approve Gov. Bob McDonnell's omnibus transportation bill Monday, ensuring a major legislative victory for the GOP administration.

Senators voted 34-6 in favor of the proposal, a version of which has already cleared the House of Delegates.

Those who voted for and against was interesting, proving no vote is a sure thing. According to WHSV TV-3, Valley legislators were split on their support of the Governor's bill:

... Democratic Sen. Creigh Deeds raised concerns about the reliability of federal highway aid that would repay about $1.1 billion of the bonds.

Republican Sen. Emmett Hanger, from Mount Solon, also voted against the bill, saying he is worried about the state taking on so much debt.

"The real issue that I could not resolve," said Hanger, "was the plan doesn't involve any new funding, other than just accelerating the use of funds that are already available to us through bonds."

Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain, from Harrisonburg, voted in favor of the transportation bill.

The proposal passed the House of Delegates last week with a vast majority.

Most delegates from the Valley supported it, including Republicans Dickie Bell, Steve Landes, Tony Wilt, and Todd Gilbert.

However Republican Del. Ben Cline, who represents part of Augusta County, voted against the bill.

That presents an interesting split in the Valley representatives.

The Governor, naturally pleased that long overdue transportation projects can now be funded, commented on its passage:

“With each new vote in the General Assembly recognizing the merits of our transportation program, we are moving closer to jumpstarting needed transportation projects that will reduce congestion, create jobs and open additional parts of the Commonwealth to economic development while creating a rail operating and capital fund to ensure the continuation of Virginia's passenger rail system.

"This fiscally conservative plan leverages our available resources and bonding authority to expedite the important transportation improvements we need. It also saves taxpayers money by capitalizing on some of the best interest rates and construction bids in modern history.

"This measured, prudent and responsible plan has been supported by nearly 50 cities, transportation and business organizations and groups, and was approved by the House of Delegates on Friday. Today the Senate has voted in support of the plan. We look forward to final passage of the measure by the entire General Assembly. Working in a bipartisan manner we are going to get new roads, bridges and mass transit projects started immediately, and our entire Commonwealth will benefit.”

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

Leader's schedule for Tuesday, 2/8/11

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. 
Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 514 - To extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform of Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011 (Sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner / Judiciary Committee)

2) H.R. __ - To extend trade adjustment assistance and the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Dave Camp / Ways and Means Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution Hearing on
“H.R. 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act”
(Tuesday, February 8th at 4:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Webb (D-VA) votes against ObamaCare repeal

Cross-posted at the Washington Examiner....

Many in Virginia are questioning the votes Wednesday (or lack thereof) of their Democratic Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner when the U.S. Senate took a vote on whether to repeal the health care law known as ObamaCare. It was defeated, falling along party lines and ending up 51-47 against repeal.
 According to the Wall Street Journal:

In a debate reshaped by this week's court strike against the law, the Senate voted 51-47 against repeal. All of the chamber's Democrats who were present and one independent who caucuses with them voted against it, and every Republican voted for it.

Jim Riley at Virginia Virtucon blog noted Warner was a no-show even though he was in Washington that day to address the centrist think tank Center for American Progress. So the question begs to be asked ... where was he for the Senate vote? Could he have skipped it, as some have suggested, to avoid a record of voting against the people of Virginia -- again -- or to avoid showing his lemming status voting lockstep with the Democrats?

Meanwhile, Webb lined up against repeal despite the outcry from Virginians who were for it, despite two election cycles that saw the Commonwealth's citizens vote overwhelmingly for Republicans while throwing out Democrats, and despite two federal judge rulings declaring ObamaCare as unconstitutional.

Webb's vote against repeal was noted by former U.S. Senator George Allen who recently announced his candidacy for the Senate seat now held by Webb:

"Jim Webb has once again ignored the voices of Virginians outraged by the federal health care law to side with his liberal friends in Washington. By voting against the repeal of the government run health bill he has ignored the concerns of the courts, the American people and Virginia’s job creators who believe this bill needs to be repealed and replaced with common sense reforms."

He added that Americans would be better served by "reforms that will deliver on the promise to make health care more affordable and accessible, including personal health savings accounts, and expanding competition to allow health insurance to be acquired across state lines."

With this latest round, Webb and Warner continue to show that adhering to party lines is more important than listening to all the citizens they represent.

Update: Virginia Virtucon noted that a Warner spokesman later said Warner was detained by a family emergency.

Augusta County looking for opinions with online budget survey

Augusta County has posted an online budget survey asking for input about county services, taxes, fees, and more. The question heard most in the community has been whether the county intends to pay attention to a survey after the tax payer revolt from two years ago when many residents felt they were ignored.

In Loudon County, Lovettsville Lady at Virginia Virtucon reveals there are similar issues between citizens and the supervisors.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

Al Gore claims global warming caused last week's historic blizzard

Listening to Al Gore explain that the current round of turbulent winter weather is really an off-shoot of global warming brings a grin to the faces of many while others just shake their heads in disbelief.

Consisting of ice, record snow fall, bitter temperatures, and blizzard conditions of historic proportions, one-third of America was affected this week in a 2,000-mile swath of Old Man Winter's fury as frigid and deadly conditions stretched south into Mexico and north to Maine. How could global warming be real with all this winter weather?

Fox News reported that Gore had an explanation:

"As it turns out, the scientific community has been addressing this particular question for some time now, and they say increased heavy snowfalls are completely consistent with what they have been predicting as a consequence of man-made global warming," Gore write in a blog post. The Nobel Prize-winning former vice president was responding to a question posed by Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, who wondered on air why global warming was such an urgent science policy priority when the New York City area had become a “tundra” this winter.

Now comes word that a Greenpeace member fears Gore may have done untold damage to the environmental movement. Fred Pearce at Short Sharp Science attended a three-day conference in Portugal last week consisting of 28 bloggers, climate scientists, and what he called "professional contrarians" who gnawed over the looming issue of climate. He revealed:

The meeting was the brainchild of University of Oxford science philosopher Jerry Ravetz, an 81-year-old Greenpeace member who fears Al Gore may have done as much damage to environmentalism as Joseph Stalin did to socialism.

Interestingly enough, no meeting of the minds was made at the conference as it was decided that the make-up of those attending was "too lopsided in favour of the sceptical camp."

Meanwhile, Fox News reported that meteorologist Art Horn noted a long history of devastating weather over the generations that had nothing to do with global warming:

“The last 2,000 years is full of incredible weather events that dwarf what we see today,” said Horn. “Nature isn't cooperating with the global warming camp and theory.”

He points to a New York Times story from the 1970s, which said the planet was getting so cold that humanity was in danger of starving to death. The article argued that the world’s weather would soon be so frigid that it could no longer permit the cultivation of crops for food. The Times’ headline on August 8, 1974, was simple enough: “Climate changes Endanger World’s Food Output.”

“First we were told the world was cooling. Then it was getting hotter,” Dan Gainor, a spokesman for the Media Research Center, tells FoxNews.com. “Then cooling again. Then hotter. Now it’s just climate change -- so they can’t be wrong no matter what change occurs.”

Is all that evidence enough to change Gore's mind as the winter of 2011 continues and he moves forward with selling his idea of global warming by its new name, climate change?

Cross-posted at the Washington Examiner

Green Bay Packers ... Super Bowl Champions XLV!

Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers on being the new Super Bowl Champions of 2011! Final score: 31-25.

From Arlington, TX ... Super Bowl XLV

Green Bay Packers versus Pittsburgh Steelers ... it's Super Bowl XLV.  A singer from "Glee" opened with  "America" and the camera flashed to former President George and Laura Bush with a cheer from the crowd.

Christina Aguilera had a little goof with the lyrics to the National Anthem....

Get ready for some of the best commercials of the year....

Oh, yeah ... and some football, too.

7:00: Touchdown Green Bay! Score: 7-0.
7:06: Touchdown Green Bay! Score: 14-0.
7:23: Field goal Pittsburgh! Score: 14-3.

Commercials of note so far....
- Doritos: The pug dog that knocked the plate glass patio door down on the guy who teases the dog with Doritos.
- Amheiser-Busch: Western saloon with Clydesdales delivering beer; outlaw's thirst is quenched and he breaks out in song joined by everyone else in the saloon.
- Volkswagon Passat: Little Darth Vader who doesn't have the power of the Force until he tries it on his dad's Passat and it "comes alive," much to his surprise ... cutting to the dad standing in the house pushing the car remote button. Cute.

7:42: Second interception by Green Bay.
7:45: Touchdown Green Bay! Score 21-3.

Update on Volkswagon Darth Vader commercial: Here's the YouTube link to the commercial, thanks to RC.

7:56: Touchdown Pittsburgh! Score 21-10 with only 39 seconds until half time.

See all the commercials after the game at www.FoxSports.com/ads.

8:08: Black-Eyed Peas for NFL half time show: They are starting with "I've Got a Feeling (Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night)" ... that was the song played at the Richmond Marriott the night Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell won in a landslide in November 2009. Good memories....


Reading Facebook comments ... the half time show was not that great a hit with a number of people... Maybe a nice patriotic half time show next year?

Second half ... was that a bad call against Green Bay for holding face mask? Replay appears to show Green Bay player's hand was not on the face mask....

8:42: Touchdown Pittsburgh! Score 21-17.

8:45: A salute from the NFL to our American military troops.

- Coke: Border guards redrawing the border line so one can pass along a Coke to the enemy guard. Cute. Shades of Snoopy and the Red Baron.... :)
- Carmax "We Believe In Customer Service" ad: The guy who pulls into a service station and thinks he's being car-jacked when service includes cleaning windows, jumps out and runs into the milk delivery guy.

8:55: Cameras just showed George W. and Laura along with Condi Rice and a number of others. That's a ticket I wouldn't turn down for a million dollars....

-NFL "Best. Fans. Ever." ad: Snippets of various TV shows throughout the years.

9:30: Touchdown Green Bay! Score 28-17.

- Pepsi Max ad: "Not a chance." "Wait ... which one?"

9:42: Touchdown Pittsburgh: Score: 28-25.

- Bridgestone Tire ad: Beaver returns favor. Driver swerves to avoid beaver in the road; next time beaver drops a tree in road to prevent driver from disaster with a washed-out bridge and raging river. I liked it ... Beaver a double-thump heart salute that was returned by the driver.
- "House" ad: Mean Joe Green take-off on Coke commercial from a Super Bowl of many years ago.

9:56: Field goal Green Bay! Score 31-25 with about two-plus minutes left in the game.

10:05: Incomplete throw from Steelers with less than a minute left in the game. Final score: Green Bay 31 ... Pittsburgh 25. Congratulations, Green Bay Packers!

A salute to President Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan

40th President of the United States

1911-2004

"Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time,

that in our time we did everything that could be done.

We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith."

When Germany invaded Europe, it was America that brought the people freedom. When Communists built a wall, it was America that brought the people freedom. When Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein tortured and butchered thousands of their own people, it was America that brought the people freedom.

Ronald Reagan clearly understood freedom and the role America plays in preserving it throughout the world.

When America preserves the freedom of others, it preserves its own freedom.

Freedom is the spirit of America, and it is this spirit that Ronald Reagan communicated so well.

Thank you, President Reagan, for keeping the torch burning. You will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of all time.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

Today: Community outreach at Fishersville's Preston Yancey VFD

The community comes together this afternoon from 1-6:00 to showcase local small businesses while reaching out to help the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank with donations of cans of food or small donations. The fun will take place at the Preston Yancey Volunteer Fire Department located on Rt. 250 in Fishersville.

Area businesses that will be highlighted at today's event will be:

- Miche Purses
- Avon
- Dazzling Jewels
- Pampered Chef
- Scentsy
- Tupperware

Homemade crafts will be sold and activities for the kids will be available as well as live music by Chad Steven and food provided by Dull's Catering.

More snow headed to Virginia?

The groundhog predicted an early spring but was Old Man Winter listening? Reading the weather sites around the internet, the "s" word seems to be creeping back into the Virginia forecast with the possibility that two winter storms may be headed this way.

AccuWeather's expert senior meterologist Alex Sosnowski is warning that winter is not over yet.

The Weather Channel is predicting the possibility of snow on Thursday which seems to be the target day.

WxRisk, the Richmond area meteorologist who predicted the 10-inch snow in the Shenandoah Valley a week ago, is watching the computer models line up for a possibly big winter event in parts of Virginia.

WeatherBug has a chance of frozen precipitation for Virginia, also on Thursday, as does Harrisonburg's WHSV TV-3 and Charlottesville's NBC-29.

Some are ready for spring but others -- and I'm one of them -- would like to see winter play out a bit more. It is, after all, only February. If another snowstorm came through on Thursday, we'd welcome it with open arms.

It's winter in the Shenandoah Valley....

Super bowl predictions and more

To get in the spirit of Sunday's Super Bowl game ... from George Allen....


As you know, tomorrow marks two exciting events in this country: the 100th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's birth and the Super Bowl. We'll honor 'The Gipper' with a fun contest to predict the outcome of the biggest sporting event of the year!

Make your predictions on my Facebook page under the "Super Bowl Challenge" post for your chance to win a personalized, autographed copy of my book, "What Washington Can Learn from the World of Sports."

Entering is easy - just post the following four predictions for Super Bowl XLV on my Facebook page:

· Winner
· Final Score
· Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
· Tie Breaker: Predict the passing yardage for the winning quarterback

We'll announce Monday which fan came the closest and who was the best prognosticator for Super Bowl XLV.

And just so you know, here are my predictions:

· Final score: 24-21, Green Bay, in Overtime
· MVP: Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson

Thank you for joining our contest and standing strong for freedom!

George Allen

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2011

Today in Raleigh: Krispy Kreme 4-mile run

College students at North Carolina State University dreamed up the idea of this unusual race in 2004 to raise money for North Carolina Children's Hospital, and it has grown in popularity ever since the first race brought out 12 competitors.

This morning at 8:30, the first of 7,500 runners and walkers took off in Raleigh to take on the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Included in the pack are two runners from Blacksburg, Va, and it will be fun to get the up-close-and-personal details of the race from one of them later today after his adventure.

The challenge is simple: Run two miles, eat a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and then run back the same two miles to the start line.

Oh, wait! There's one more challenge: it all has to be done in an hour.

With sponsors like Skybound Designs, ESPN Radio: 99.9 The Fan, 620 AM The Buzz, Bay6, Webassign, Visit Raleigh!, Precision Race, Athlete’s Foot, Articulon, Park Scholarships, Planet Fitness, Red Hat, and DSI Comedy Theater, the event is sure to, once again, be a success.

Great young people coming together for a great cause. Can't wait to hear about how it all went!

Saturday: Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Richmond

Central Virginia Lincoln-Reagan Dinner
With Speical Guest Speaker

Bill Kristol 

Editor of The Weekly Standard

February 5, 2011 ~ 6-9:00 pm

Richmond Marriott - 500 East Broad Street, Richmond

 
(click for driving directions)
Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Republican Committee

Don’t delay in getting your ticket today!

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!

Print your Save the Date Flyer

Our Keynote Speaker:
Bill Kristol Remarks & Introduction byGovernor George Allen, Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar
 

Tickets - $100 each
Sponsorship levels available
Click for more info and to RSVP
Reception - 6:00pm
           Dinner - 7:00pm          Business/Formal Attire

William Kristol is editor of  The Weekly Standard, which, together with Fred Barnes and John Podhoretz, he founded in 1995. One of the nation's leading political analysts, Kristol regularly appears on Fox News Sunday and on  the  Fox News Channel.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US: Freedom comes with a price.  Few figures in American history understood that more than Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.  Bill Kristol will guide us in an exploration of the contributions of these great men as we celebrate 100 years of Ronald Reagan and 202 years of Abraham Lincoln.The upcoming elections will shape the future of our state and nation like none other in recent history. In local, state, and national races - the activism and important role of Republicans is needed more crucially than ever. Please join us in supporting this event to help us urge the Republican Party to victory!

Come meet and greet fellow Republicans from Central Virginia and beyond. This will be a five star event -- an evening to remember!

Snow day in Austin, Texas!

 Ah ... the joy of snow! It's a rare snow day for Texas Niece after 3" of the white stuff fell overnight in Austin. She posted on her Facebook page, "(S)no(w) school!"

 Wonder how many times the live oaks have experienced snow on their branches?

 Dang, she dropped snow on my head.

 Snow in the canyon behind my sister's house.

 Snow-covered trail into the canyon with snow-covered live oaks.

Enjoy your Snow Day!

There it is ... the snow my Texas sister has been wishing for this winter. (I'm thinking she was missing Virginia a bit more than usual.)

A rare winter storm dropped ice and 3" of snow on many parts of Texas including Austin where the canyon plants and live oaks were perhaps a bit startled at this twist in the weather. My sister said she could hear tires spinning on the icy road surface as vehicles tried to make it up the hill. With schools closed for an almost-unheard-of snow day, it's a great opportunity to take some time off and enjoy!

Happy "(S)no(w) School" Day!

Photos by SWAC Sister
4 February 2011

Now that George Allen's been drafted ...

Graphic compliments of Fishersville Mike.

... the "Draft George Allen" Facebook page wants to know what their new name should be. Add your ideas and join in the fun! You may then want to check out the George Allen for Senate page for updates on the race....

Washington Examiner opinion headlines for Thursday afternoon

The latest ... first one is mine ... be sure to check it out at the Washington Examiner....

Webb (D-VA) votes against ObamaCare repeal ... Warner (D-Va) a no-show
Many in Virginia are questioning the votes Wednesday (or lack thereof) of their Democratic Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner when the U.S. Senate took a vote on whether to repeal the health care law known as ObamaCare. It was defeated, falling along party lines and ending up 51-47 against repeal.

Another Maryland energy tax

Two Montgomery County state Senators, Rob Garagiola and Roger Manno, both Democrats have introduced legislation that will increase Maryland utility bills. SB 304 establishes a $0.0013 per kilowatt hour renewable energy surcharge on residential retail utility customers who exceed 1,000 kilowatt hours of usage a month. The Public Service Commission would authorize utilities to place the surcharge on customer bills and place the funds in the Maryland Renewable Energy Benefit Fund.

Are our biofuel mandates fueling Islamic extremism in Egypt?

Food revolts? Massive popular protests in Egypt demand the removal of the country’s pro-American dictator, Hosni Mubarak. But no one can predict with certainty whether his removal after 30 years in power would lead to a constitutional democracy, or a theocratic despotism. The likelihood of an even worse regime replacing Mubarak is real, and has been increased by the widespread diversion of cropland to produce biofuels rather than food. That in turn has led to rising food prices that have fueled unrest among the poor in the teeming slums of Egypt’s capital city of Cairo.

iPhone 4 coveting starts with Verizon, not Apple

The new Verizon-powered iPhone 4 became available this morning, and it's the Verizon website, not Apple's, that's swamped with orders. This might reflect Apple's preparedness for the launch, but Verizon launched the hugely popular Droid just over a year ago. Verizon knows what web traffic a launch entails.

I'm such a history geek and other thoughts....

I'm a born-and-raised Virginian. I think that has something to do with my inner history geek. We in the Commonwealth live in the midst of history ... our nation's birth was on our soil ... many of the Founding Fathers lived and governed here ... eight U.S. presidents were Virginians.

See what I mean? History, pure and simple. Monticello, Mt. Vernon, the Virginia state capitol and executive mansion, Revolutionary and Civil War battlegrounds, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown. We have Atlantic Ocean beaches and mountains ... Shenandoah National Park and proximity to DC ... and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Besides, Virginia is for lovers and I've got to ask ... what's not to love?

This morning I attended an education meeting at the Frontier Culture Museum located in Staunton. A gem in the Shenandoah Valley, this outdoor teaching museum is home to original and recreated farmsteads from the Old World countries of Ireland, Germany, England, and Western Africa, and the New World American farms from the 1820s and 1860s that includes houses, barns, outbuildings, gardens, and a one room school house. With plans to expand and grow, the Frontier Culture Museum will be a hands-on learning experience for generations to come.

As I listened to staff discuss ways to reach out more into the community and schools and flesh out offerings for the communities with SOLs and summer camps, I saw a dedicated group of historians desiring to provide the best opportunity to reach as many people as possible. It's our history ... it's the story of America. The fact it is located right here in Virginia adds to the historical significance of our Commonwealth.

I thought again about what a history geek I am....

While out and about....

It's a mini heat-wave outside today on this Groundhog Day of 2011. Well, it's mid-50s which isn't exactly a heat wave except it feels like it after snow and cold. We could hear last night's rain pounding on the roof as it poured down and, surprisingly, there was still snow on the ground this morning. However, most has since melted in the mid-afternoon warmth.

The central Shenandoah Valley is under a wind advisory until midnight and, indeed, the wind is b-l-u-s-t-e-r-y out there, whipping against my vehicle as I drove the loop around Staunton. Garbage cans can be seen rolling across streets and leaves are swirling into the air as branches dance and sway in the 20-30 mph winds with occasional gusts up to 50 mph especially along the mountain ridges. The wind is whistling around doors and widows ... our "Let It Snow" flag blew down (or maybe my spring-loving neighbor Vonda hid it behind the bushes!).

Community awareness ... there's a fire and rescue input meeting tonight for Augusta County residents at 7:00 at the Government Center in Verona. The Waynesboro News Virginian wrote in today's paper, "A state study group charged with evaluating fire and rescue services in Augusta County will hear the public’s input tonight at 7 at the Augusta County Government Center. A seven-member panel put together by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs is visiting all fire and rescue facilities in Augusta County today through Saturday." 

The groundhog didn't see his shadow this morning so he proclaimed an early spring. We'll see if Mother Nature was listening. I'm sure there is plenty more winter left in the Shenandoah Valley because, after all, it's only the second day of February which can be one of the volatile months of the year. Don't put those mittens away yet ... the groundhog may not have the last word on winter 2011.

It's winter in the Shenandoah Valley....

Groundhog Day 2011 ... Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring

The annual event in Pennsylvania high atop Gobblers Knob brought out Punxsutawney Phil who did not see his shadow on an overcast morning. Therefore, he proclaimed an early spring.

Wonder if Mother Nature was listening....

Goundhog Day, anyone?

Space shuttle Columbia tragedy eight years ago

Saturday, February 1, 2003. America had been watching the space shuttle Columbia, concerned for the safey of the crew upon reentry after learning heat shields had been lost during takeoff two weeks earlier.

On that cold morning in the Shenandoah Valley, many of us were preparing to meet in downtown Staunton for a Support the Troops rally, carrying our signs and American flags to show support for our military men and women fighting terrorism around the world and on the homeland.

Hearing the sad news that Columbia had been lost, we added one more sign: "Our prayers are with the Columbia families."

President George W. Bush addressed the nation after the tragedy:

This day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country. At 9 o'clock this morning, Mission Control in Houston lost contact with our space shuttle Columbia. A short time later, debris was seen falling from the skies above Texas. The Columbia is lost. There are no survivors.

On board was a crew of seven: Col. Rick Husband; Lt. Col. Michael Anderson; Cmdr. Laurel Clark; Capt. David Brown; Cmdr. William McCool; Dr. Kalpana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon, a colonel in the Israeli Air Force.

These men and women assumed great risk in the service to all humanity.

In an age when space flight has come to seem almost routine, it is easy to overlook the dangers of travel by rocket and the difficulties of navigating the fierce outer atmosphere of the Earth. These astronauts knew the dangers, and they faced them willingly, knowing they had a high and noble purpose in life.

America's space program took a hiatus but came back to continue leading the world in space travel.

McDonnell transportation plan overwhelmingly approved by Senate Finance Committee

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Senate Finance Committee Approval of Transportation Plan ... Committee in Democratic State Senate Votes 11-2 in Favor of Plan

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following approval of his transportation plan by the Senate Finance Committee. The Committee voted 11-2 in favor of the proposal, which was co-patroned by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Colgan (D-Manassas) and Senator William Wampler (R-Bristol). Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw (D-Springfield) among the majority voting in favor.

“I am pleased by the growing bipartisan support for our comprehensive transportation funding plan. Yesterday the majority-Republican House Appropriations Committee approved our proposal.

Today, the majority-Democratic Senate Finance Committee did the same. Both Committees approved the plan by wide margins. This plan will get 900 critically important road, rail and transit projects underway across the Commonwealth.

Among the projects that will be jumpstarted with this new funding are the Midtown Tunnel tube in Norfolk, the extension of HOV/HOT Lanes on I95/395 and the widening of I-66 in Northern Virginia, work on the Coalfields Expressway in Southwest Virginia, and the widening and improving of multiple sections of Route 58 in southern and western Virginia.

The work made possible through this legislation will be seen in every region of our state, and it will allow our citizens to get to work a little quicker in the morning, and home to their families a little sooner in the evening. Good new jobs will be created in the process, and these projects will help spur our economic recovery.

For far too long the Commonwealth has failed to invest in transportation. We cannot afford to wait any longer. I thank the members of the Senate Finance Committee for their work today. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the full General Assembly in the next few weeks, and transportation projects getting started all across the Commonwealth in the months ahead. Together, we will get Virginia moving again.”

Saturday: Central Virginia Lincoln-Reagan dinner in Richmond

Central Virginia Lincoln-Reagan Dinner
With Speical Guest Speaker

Bill Kristol 

Editor of The Weekly Standard

February 5, 2011 ~ 6-9:00 pm

Richmond Marriott - 500 East Broad Street, Richmond

 
(click for driving directions)
Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Republican Committee

Don’t delay in getting your ticket today!

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!

Print your Save the Date Flyer

Our Keynote Speaker:
Bill Kristol Remarks & Introduction byGovernor George Allen, Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar
 

Tickets - $100 each
Sponsorship levels available
Click for more info and to RSVP
Reception - 6:00pm
           Dinner - 7:00pm          Business/Formal Attire

William Kristol is editor of  The Weekly Standard, which, together with Fred Barnes and John Podhoretz, he founded in 1995. One of the nation's leading political analysts, Kristol regularly appears on Fox News Sunday and on  the  Fox News Channel.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US: Freedom comes with a price.  Few figures in American history understood that more than Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.  Bill Kristol will guide us in an exploration of the contributions of these great men as we celebrate 100 years of Ronald Reagan and 202 years of Abraham Lincoln.The upcoming elections will shape the future of our state and nation like none other in recent history. In local, state, and national races - the activism and important role of Republicans is needed more crucially than ever. Please join us in supporting this event to help us urge the Republican Party to victory!

Come meet and greet fellow Republicans from Central Virginia and beyond. This will be a five star event -- an evening to remember!

Webb seeks do-over on economy-stifling energy vote

- Supported Job-Crushing EPA Regs, Now Backs Delay -

Press release....

Mt. Vernon, VA – Senator Jim Webb is obviously attempting to distract attention away from his past support for burdensome regulations harmful to American jobs, competitiveness, and affordable electricity.

In June 2010 , Webb sided with the Obama Administration and fellow Washington liberals Harry Reid, John Kerry, and Barbara Boxer to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases and knowingly inflict damage to employers, manufacturers, and Virginia families.

Now within his reelection cycle, Webb has cynically signed onto a bill to delay for two years the very regulations he voted to allow.

George Allen issued the following statement today:

“Jim Webb is seeking a legislative do-over after turning his back on Virginia families by siding with Washington liberals like Harry Reid and Barbara Boxer by voting in favor of costly and burdensome regulations. When it mattered, he cast a vote that was severely harmful to coal-related jobs, manufacturers, and all employers and families in Virginia and across America. It eroded America’s competitive position in the world and set back efforts to supply affordable electricity to families and businesses. It was a vote for American economic unilateral disarmament. Further, it was a vote in favor of ceding legislative responsibility to unelected bureaucrats.

“I will always stand with the people of Virginia and for unleashing our plentiful resources to allow the creativity and ingenuity of Americans to move our country forward with economic opportunities for all. I continue to advocate for a positive, productive, and diverse American energy policy that will free people from the costly burdens of government intrusion into their daily lives, entrepreneurial efforts, and free market enterprises. You shouldn’t need an election cycle makeover to take that stand for American jobs, competitiveness, and national security.”

Common sense simplicity from Judge Vinson's health care ruling

"It is difficult to imagine that a nation which began, at least in part, as the result of opposition to a British mandate giving the East India Company a monopoly and imposing a nominal tax on all tea sold in America would have set out to create a government with the power to force people to buy tea in the first place. If Congress can penalize a passive individual for failing to engage in commerce, the enumeration of powers in the Constitution would have been in vain for it would be ‘difficult to perceive any limitation on federal power’ and we would have a Constitution in name only." -- Judge Roger Vinson, 1/31/11

News from every direction

Chaos in Cairo. Florida federal judge declares ObamaCare unconstitutional. Snowstorm of historic proportions sweeps across America.

ObamaCare is inching closer to the Supreme Court after Monday's ruling by Judge Roger Vinson of Florida in a case representing 26 states. The White House appears to be leaning toward the toppling of Egypt's Murbark regime. A wide band of the U.S. from Dallas to Maine is handling or bracing for wicked winter weather including ice, snow, extreme cold, and blizzard conditions.

Those stories plus more have me glued to my laptop reading and pulling together threads of thought about what is going on in America and the world. It's a very interesting news day....

Goodlatte reintroduces legislation to scrap tax code

Washington, DC - Congressman Bob Goodlatte reintroduced bipartisan legislation, the Tax Code Termination Act, to abolish the Internal Revenue Code. He has been joined by over 40 members, both Republicans and Democrats, who have cosponsored his legislation.

“It has become abundantly clear that the tax code is no longer working in a fair manner for our nation’s citizens,” said Goodlatte. “Americans devote a total of 7.4 billion hours each year to comply with our current tax code. It is unfair, discourages savings and investment, and is impossibly complex. What we need is tax simplification.”

Congressman Goodlatte continued, “Last week in his State of the Union Address, President Obama said ‘the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to simplify the individual tax code’. The President stated he was prepared to join both parties in simplifying our tax code. My bipartisan legislation, the Tax Code Termination Act, can be the impetus for overhauling our tax system.”

This legislation will repeal the entire tax code, except portions that deal with Social Security and Medicare, by December 31, 2015, and calls on Congress to approve a new Federal tax system by July of the same year. This legislation has already been passed twice by the House of Representatives, first in 1998 by a vote of 219-209 and then in 2000 by a vote of 229-187.

The National Taxpayer’s Union (NTU) reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now lists more than 1,700 publications, forms and instructions on its website. The complexity of the Internal Revenue Code is often reported as one of the most serious problem facing taxpayers today. To further illustrate this point the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service recently noted about 60 percent of individual taxpayers pay practitioners to prepare their returns and another 29 percent use tax software to assist them.

“Although many questions remain about the best way to reform our tax system, I am certain that if Congress is forced to address the issue we can create a tax code that is simpler, fairer, and better for our economy than the one we are forced to comply with today,” said Goodlatte.

Goodlatte continued, “America's future depends on overcoming the handicap of the current tax code. There is a widespread consensus that the current system is broken, and keeping it is not in America’s best interest. The Tax Code Termination Act will force Congress to finally debate and address fundamental tax reform. Whichever tax system is adopted, the key ingredients should be: a low rate for all Americans; tax relief for working people; protection of the rights of taxpayers and reduction in tax collection abuses; promotion of savings and investment; and encouragement of economic growth and job creation.”

The Tax Code Termination Act has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.

National Journal: 2012 candidates lining up nationwide

From the National Journal's Hotline OnLine:

Most troubling for national Democrats, however, is that Rehberg gives Republicans another top tier contender. Even though it's only the beginning of February, Republicans have strong recruits running against sitting senators in Montana (Rehberg), Virginia (George Allen), and Nebraska (Jon Bruning) with solid Republican fields forming in Missouri and Florida. Sen. Kent Conrad's retirement gives Republicans another great pickup opportunity in North Dakota.

There's more on nationwide candidates lining up....

Then there is this from LifeNews comes this:

The pro-life movement has the opportunity to pick up pro-abortion seats in the 2012 elections and there are also Senate seats with pro-life senators, or those who tend to vote pro-life, in play that pro-life advocates should monitor.

On the whole, the chance of making further gains in the Senate from the successful 2010 elections is a real possibility. Republicans could find themselves with a majority control of the Senate and the ability to approve judges from what the pro-life community hopes will be a newly-elected pro-life president.

Virginia: Incumbent pro-abortion Senator Jim Webb (D) is vulnerable after refusing to cast one pro-life vote in a state that trends pro-life. Senator Webb currently holds a dismal 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. Pro-Life former senator and governor George Allen entered the race this month, presenting a formidable challenge to Democratic control of the seat. Early polling puts the two neck-in-neck.

Stay tuned....

Ambulance to be added to Fishersville's Yancey VFD

After months of meetings, public hearings, and uncertainty, an agreement has been made that will put an ambulance in Fishersville's Yancey Volunteer Fire Department, cutting down on response time for citizens in the Wayne District of Augusta County. Service is expected to begin February 20, 2011.

More on the background of this story is available at the Waynesboro News Virginian.

Fuhrman: "ObamaCare in flames"

I got a kick (as usual) out of Jerry Fuhrman's post at From On High. He concludes the update with the words:

In the mold of John Kerry, Obama was against it before he was for it.

And now a federal judge has used Obama's argument against a portion of Obamacare to toss out all of Obamacare.

I love the smell of napalm in the morning.

Good for a chortle over a cup of coffee....