Ania Egland, who grew up under communism and who is now the mother of two boys and the wife of Major Eric Egland, responds to MoveOn.org's recent anti-military (and nonsensical) ad in this YouTube clip.
H/T WTW
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
AFP Rally in Richmond - Part 5: News interviews
Trixie Averill is interviewed at the Americans For Prosperity rally by TV-5 out of Roanoke.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch (left) listens to Suzanne Curran of Shenandoah County.
Tim Phillips, AFP's nationwide director.
Jim Parmalee of Northern Virginia, a longtime proponent of lower taxes, being interviewed.
AFP Rally in Richmond - Part 4: The people ... the signs
Ben Marchi speaks.
Del. Brenda Pogge speaks.
Sen. Steve Martin speaks.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Bob McDonnell: "Audit VDOT"
Attorney General Bob McDonnell Monday outside the General Assembly Building in Richmond just before start of Special Session.In Monday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, the AG's op-ed piece explaines why he feels this step is necessary. He begins by saying:
"I am advocating, along with other Republican leaders, a full external performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation to be done in two phases. It will be patterned after the successful audit of the same nature that was done in Washington state, with good results. It must be immediately approved and signed into law so the audit can commence promptly."At Monday's Americans for Prosperity luncheon, he emphasized the point. Read the entire op-ed piece here.
Photo by SWAC Girl
Democrats Kaine, Saslaw at odds over transportation issue
"We have a governor who talks about bipartisan cooperation but has not led effectively even within his own party."
House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (R-Salem)
House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (R-Salem)
The Washington Post wrote:
Senate Minority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City) said Republicans, who have joined with Democrats in the past in support of some tax increases, will not be supporting any statewide tax increase unless they first receive assurance that it also stands a chance in the House.Maybe having groups like Americans For Prosperity who are for responsible spending rallying on the Capitol grounds helps get the message through to Republican legislators. Maybe being opposed during primaries and elections helps get the message through. Maybe the fact that so many citizens are speaking up to ask government to rein in its spending just as those citizens have had to do is getting the message through.
...
Last year, two moderate Senate Republicans lost to conservative GOP challengers in legislative primaries over their support for tax increases.
...
The continued strength of the anti-tax movement in Virginia was evident at last month's GOP convention. Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), a fierce critic of taxes, nearly upset former governor James S. Gilmore III for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
"The party leadership is starting to get that message," Marshall said. "They are not going to support a tax increase."
Whatever it is ... let's hope citizens continue to speak up and speak out.
Democrats don't support Kaine's tax hike either?
Will Democrat Governor Tim Kaine be left standing along holding the bag of transportation tax hikes he had hoped to impose on the state? Feedback from his Transportation Townhall meetings around the state have not been good ... both Republicans and Democrats have balked.
Now it will be tested in the General Assembly. This from House Speaker Bill Howell who threw the transportation ball into the Democrat-controlled state senate's court:
Now it will be tested in the General Assembly. This from House Speaker Bill Howell who threw the transportation ball into the Democrat-controlled state senate's court:
"It is obvious to everyone that, since a Democrat governor called this special session, the body controlled by his party should act first on his legislation. When the governor's allies in the Senate send us a bill that they have passed and that he will sign, then we will give it full and fair consideration."Hear, hear!
AFP Rally in Richmond - Part 3: Tim Craig, Washington Post reporter
The sheer number of media at Monday's Americans For Prosperity rally was amazing. With the first day of the specially-called session of the General Assembly set to start at noon, they were readily available for the 11 am rally on the Capitol grounds.
Jeff Schapiro from the Richmond Times-Dispatch I automatically recognized ... but there was one young man, dressed nicely in a suit, hovering around the outside of the crowd, notepad in hand, that I kept glancing at. As I walked around taking photos during the remarks of elected officials, I noticed him again and again.
Something looked familiar about him ... so I finally screwed up my courage, walked over, and placed my hand on his arm. He turned, and I asked if he was, by any chance, Tim Craig with the Washington Post? He smiled and said, "Yes." His photo in the newspaper was an exact likeness.
Tim Craig's coverage of yesterday's first day in session is here.
Jeff Schapiro from the Richmond Times-Dispatch I automatically recognized ... but there was one young man, dressed nicely in a suit, hovering around the outside of the crowd, notepad in hand, that I kept glancing at. As I walked around taking photos during the remarks of elected officials, I noticed him again and again.
Something looked familiar about him ... so I finally screwed up my courage, walked over, and placed my hand on his arm. He turned, and I asked if he was, by any chance, Tim Craig with the Washington Post? He smiled and said, "Yes." His photo in the newspaper was an exact likeness.
Tim Craig's coverage of yesterday's first day in session is here.
Monday, June 23, 2008
AFP Rally in Richmond - Part 1: The Rally
Three busloads of tax protesters from around the state arrived in Richmond Monday morning for an Americans For Prosperity rally to show disapproval for Governor Tim Kaine's proposed tax hikes for transportation.
Gathering around the Bell Tower on the Capitol Grounds, ralliers held signs during a press conference that was covered extensively by the press corps ... among then Richmond Times-Dispatch's Jeff Schapiro, Washington Post's Tim Craig, and TV stations from around the state.
More photos and commentary coming....
Photo by SWAC Girl
Waynesboro ... P. Buckley Moss Museum
Artist Pat Moss resides in Waynesboro and has her museum/store on Rt. 340 about 0.5 mile from I-64. On gorgeous grounds that invite one to sit and enjoy a view of the mountains, the classic building is a work of art itself with a wrap-around porch that overlooks the Blue Ridge.
Inside are samples of the artist's work along with works for sale, framing, and more. Experienced workers can help with what you need.
If you like P. Buckley Moss art ... the geese, the Amish, the unique style of painting that is P. Buckley Moss ... be sure to stop by the museum when you are in the area.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Inside are samples of the artist's work along with works for sale, framing, and more. Experienced workers can help with what you need.
If you like P. Buckley Moss art ... the geese, the Amish, the unique style of painting that is P. Buckley Moss ... be sure to stop by the museum when you are in the area.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sierra Club against off-shore drilling
So the Sierra Club is against off-shore oil drilling. Was there news in that?
Vets for Freedom....
"You want to know who wants you to come home more than anybody? Al Qaeda because you're kicking their ass."
It's hay season in the Shenandoah Valley
Augusta County farmers working to get in hay....
They may look small from a distance but these round hay bales are huge. One would fill up the back of a pickup truck. The going rate, I believe, is about $90 a bale.
Entrance to Valley Crest Farm.
All over Augusta County round hay bales can be seen where farmers are getting in hay. The Alleghany Mountains are in the background of this field in the western area of the county.
Blue Ridge Mountains behind this field in eastern Augusta County.
They may look small from a distance but these round hay bales are huge. One would fill up the back of a pickup truck. The going rate, I believe, is about $90 a bale.
Entrance to Valley Crest Farm.
The field is finished as you look out over the Alleghany Mountains.
There is something special about hay season when the farmers are out working against time as summer thunderstorms threaten ... farmers are trying to bale hay before the rain gets to it. No matter where you drive in the central Shenandoah Valley right now you can see hay bales everywhere in the fields. It adds to the beauty of the area.
It's summer in the Valley....
Photos by SWAC Girl
It's summer in the Valley....
Photos by SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore: "Drill here. Drill now. Pay less."
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, a candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, issued a statement today commending Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain for favoring the lifting of the federal offshore drilling ban:"As working families across the Commonwealth of Virginia and across our country face financial hardship due to soaring gasoline prices, I commend Senator John McCain for speaking out on the need to decisively begin to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and increase American oil production. As President and U.S. Senator respectively, we will work together to lift the federal ban on offshore drilling that has kept us from tapping into this vast resource of American oil.Drill here. Drill now. Pay less. Jim Gilmore gets it unlike Mark Warner who is against domestic oil exploration.
"Drill here, drill now, and pay less. This is our path to quickly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower prices.
"We are a nation of almost 200 million automobiles, and although conservation and alternative energy sources such as wind and solar should be part of a comprehensive plan, we must find immediate solutions that will allow us to increase production of American oil. Increased exploration and drilling for gas and oil off our coasts would make a dramatic difference in the price of gas and the price of everything else that is being driven upward by skyrocketing energy costs, from a gallon of milk to the food on our dinner table.
"We currently only explore about 15 percent of our nation's coastline for oil and gas. Recent studies estimate that about 86 billion barrels of untapped oil exist in federally restricted areas, Virginia's coastline being one of them. Yet, when Mark Warner was governor of Virginia, he vetoed legislation in support of lifting the federal moratorium on offshore drilling.
"The issue of energy independence is becoming more and more pressing as its effect on our economy and national security increases. Now is the time to take action. We can no longer allow America's working people to financially struggle to purchase an indispensable commodity from foreign enemies such as Iran and Venezuela when our own country has vast untapped amounts of it as well."
Cross-psoted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate
Monday ... Jim Gilmore campaigns in Lynchburg
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, Virginia candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, will be taking his Working Families Tour to Delta Star, Inc. in Lynchburg on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 2:00 pm. Delta Star is located at 3550 Mayflower Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501.Delta Star is a leading manufacturer of quality electrical products and has been in operation since 1908. Delta Star is a major employer in the Lynchburg area and ships products to customers around the world. It is an example of the kind of Virginia companies that have continued to provide good jobs and opportunity to working families during this time of economic stress.
In addition to touring Delta Star, Gov. Gilmore will be visit with a number of Lynchburg area leaders to discuss his efforts to help reduce the price of gasoline by increasing America's domestic oil production.
Cross-posted at Bloggers 4 Jim Gilmore
Scouts will repair VA national forest trails
About an hour west of Staunton is the Goshen Scout Camp located outside Goshen in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It is a sprawling complex of cabins, lodges, and service buildings surrounding the huge Lake Merriweather and bordering the Maury River ... all donated to the Scouts by one of the Rockefellers.An army of 750 Scouts is assembling there today -- members of the organization's honor society known as the Order of the Arrow -- preparing for tomorrow when they will begin to tackle their largest service project in 50 years.
The Scouts are there to provide help to the U.S. Forest Service which is understaffed and under-financed when it comes to keeping trails maintained and building new ones. Working in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the Scouts will clear 63 miles of existing trails, build 12 miles of new trails, and construct new camp sites.
These are the best of our youth ... future leaders in America.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Shenandoah Valley deer
I came upon this deer Saturday in the middle of the day trying to cross the road near my house. It finally turned around and high-tailed it up the mountain behind it. Nice pose....
Photo by SWAC Girl
First day of summer in the Shenandoah Valley
It was a typical summer day in the Shenandoah Valley as we ushered in summer with 88-degree weather and higher humidity than we've seen the past week. A beautiful sunny day had thunderheads building behind the Alleghanies and the Blue Ridge Mountains and, by mis-afternoon, rumbling thunder signaled storms were approaching. The rain was welcomed and the storms dropped the temperature 15 degrees. There are more to come as we enter the three hottest months of the year.It was not quite as memorable as previous first days of summer....
It's summer in the Valley....
Photo by SWAC Girl
Staunton ... old R.E. Lee High School sold to developers
Most recently owned by Guardian Angel Regional Catholic School, the old Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton has been sold to a Charlottesville developer. Octagon Partners purchased the property with the intention of renovating it into senior independent living apartments.
The old school sits on Churchville Avenue two blocks west of the Staunton public library and half-a-dozen blocks from the historic downtown area. It is situated on the corner of Thornrose Avenue which runs beside Gypsy Hill Park so its close proximity to the park and its location on the trolley line will make it convenient for residents.
Read more in the Waynesboro News Virginian.
The old school sits on Churchville Avenue two blocks west of the Staunton public library and half-a-dozen blocks from the historic downtown area. It is situated on the corner of Thornrose Avenue which runs beside Gypsy Hill Park so its close proximity to the park and its location on the trolley line will make it convenient for residents.
Read more in the Waynesboro News Virginian.
Waynesboro welcomes Appalachian Trail hikers
Waynesboro, sitting in the shadow of Afton Mountain and the Skyline Drive that runs along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has always opened its doors to Appalachian Trail hikers throughout the years.
From the fire station allowing camping on its premises to the local YMCA offering shower facilities to the hospitality of locals who give rides into town or help in other ways, Waynesboro is a hikers' town. "Through" hikers from the Trail know it is a refuge on their journey north or south.
Today's Waynesboro News-Virginian has an article by Cleve Wiese that tells the story of a Waynesboro resident who continues the tradition of reaching out to Trail hikers.
From the fire station allowing camping on its premises to the local YMCA offering shower facilities to the hospitality of locals who give rides into town or help in other ways, Waynesboro is a hikers' town. "Through" hikers from the Trail know it is a refuge on their journey north or south.
Today's Waynesboro News-Virginian has an article by Cleve Wiese that tells the story of a Waynesboro resident who continues the tradition of reaching out to Trail hikers.
What's brewing in Augusta County....?
What's brewing in Augusta County? Perhaps it's the beer brewed at Queen City Brewing Company in historic downtown Staunton where tours are available as well as free samples of what's on tap.Or perhaps it's the beer brewed at Blue Mountain Brewery up on Afton Mountain where you can get a cold one, a bite to eat, and listen to music all while taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Or maybe it's the Coors Brewery East located north of Waynesboro (as opposed to Coors Brewery West located in Golden, Colorado).
Or is it this seasonal pumpkin ale ... recipe located at The Brew Site.
Whatever it is ... there's always something brewing in and around Augusta County!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)