Alice Marshall - A Fine Example and The Spark It Up Arse of the last day in 2005

Update to this Story

It seems Alice linked to the story from Slantblog. Alice added the Republican insult to her post. Well Slantblog is not to happy and has some advice for Alice here. Here is a taste:

"So, to put the record straight SLANTblog in NO WAY approves of your labeling Mr. Barber as a 'Republican,' much less a, 'Republican who hurts children,' as you did originally. Furthermore, while your “GOTV blog regrets the error” apology may cover the silly mistake you made in your headlong rush to accuse a political opponent you know nothing about of a heinous crime, why are you failing to apologize for the outrageous tactic to use the story to tar all Republicans, in the first place?

Go read it all
I dont expect many leftie blogs to post and condemn her actions. Slantblog has class and deserves a big shout out for his reply!!!
Now on to my original post below

Alice Marshall was fast to jump on Ed Barbers arrest. Alice assumes Barber was a Republican and posted "Republicans who hurt children, Ed Barber"

I would link the post but she removed it. You see Barber is a Democrat! Alice retracts story but does she post Democrats who hurt children? No way.

Ed Barber

Chesterfield County police have arrested Edward B. Barber, 49, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, in connection with the aggravated sexual battery of a minor.

Edit-
Ed Barber is a Democrat. Post has been altered to reflect this. I looked at the Chesterfield Republican site and saw his name and incorrectly assumed he was Republican, even though they have indentified Barber as a Democrat.

GOTV blog regrets the error.

NLS is on the story and a few bloggers are spanking Alice in the comments. Alice Marshall is a women full of hate for the Republican Party and her credibility is shot. Her lust for headlines has bitten her in the arse. If she can post that about the GOP, then she should be moonbat enough to post it about her party. Do everyone on both sides a favor Alice..Break your keyboard. The Spark It Up Arse of the last day in 2005 is Alice Marshall and her blog GOTV.

Technorati : Blogging, News, Virginia Politics

Old Dominion Blog Alliance adds Brown Hound

The ODBA adds Brown Hound to the blogroll this week. His header reads:

Thoughts of a Father, Virginian, Mustang Coastie, conservative, Episcopalian and dog lover.

Welcome John! Feel free to enjoy all the benefits of the ODBA. With Chad gone and Will at the controls, he could post about you and start a "Chadalanche" on your traffic meter.

Technorati : Blogging, Virginia

Update on the BHC endorsement of Shea Cook

Brian Patton responds to the BHC endorsement of Shea Cook. I dont agree with Brian often, but I do respect his loyalty to his party. We both think our views are the right views and we both want a better SWVA. Brian is upset at the rumor statement by the BHC. I would be too if it was a news article. But it is opinion and endorsement. The BHC researched, talked to people, and conducted a forum, then gave their opinion as to what they learned and witnessed at the forum. They picked Shea Cook with nothing but praise. I will concede the Democrats have the advantage in the 3rd if you look at history. But with Jerry Kilgore turning Dickenson County red this past Nov ( I am still in shock) the tide could be changing. Shea Cook stands a good chance of winning. His fundraising efforts are tops according to this post by GOPHokie showing Cook with 41k to Bollings 27k. The GOP may pick up a seat.

Technorati : Blogging, News, Politics

Republican Shea Cook is pick in 3rd district

Cook is pick in 3rd district

Bristol Herald Courier

Dec 29, 12:06 AM EST

"Republican Shea Cook has impeccable credentials, energy to spare and a well-articulated, if a bit ambitious, platform.

In a crowded field of quality candidates seeking to replace retiring 3rd District Delegate Jackie Stump, he rises above the rest. He is eager to go to Richmond and fight for Southwest Virginia. Voters should give him that opportunity."

This article is better than the one yesterday. The BHC has nothing but praise for Cook. The article does say Democrat Dan Bowling

“didn’t distinguish himself at the forum, looking and sounding like he would rather be somewhere else. He is to be commended for offering himself as a candidate, but his lack of enthusiasm lends some credence to rumors that he was nudged into the race by party leaders rather than entering it of his own volition.”

The Democrats pounded their chests over newspaper endorsements a couple months ago. Brian had this a couple days back saying: “The word on the street is that Bowling will beat Shea Cook by at least 10 percentage points.” He also had this about the importance of a good showing at the forum: “A good showing at events like the forum could make the difference in quick campaign like this one.” If Brian is right, it could mean a Cook victory.

Raising Kaine has this.

Technorati : News, Politics, Virginia Politics

3rd District Forum

The Bristol paper had this review of the forum held for the special election. The article leaves much to be desired. It is incomplete on most issues. It only covers a few questions on transportation and of course abortion. When asked about abortion the article gives 3 candidates answers but not the 4th candidates response. One thing that stands out to me is Shea Cook's response on transportation revenue

The moderator, Emory & Henry College President Tom Morris, later asked the candidates how they felt about generating new transportation revenue. Cook said he supports an increase in the natural gas severance tax because Southwest Virginia now levies one of the lowest gas severance taxes in the nation.

"Over the years, with a reasonable tax policy, ... there's no reason there couldn't be a sidewalk up every hollow in Buchanan County," Cook said.

Bowling, Wright and Elkins all agreed with Cook's severance tax stance....

I love that!

Technorati : News, Politics, Virginia Politics

Thomas Jones - Chicago Bears

The Bears recieve a first round bye by defeating the Packers Christmas night. Everybody knows I am a Chicago sports fan, a Bear fan. The Bears also are sending 6 players to the Pro Bowl. What is really cool is seeing Thomas Jones from Big Stone Gap, Virginia - have a great year on a good team. It is awesome to see a player from Wise County playing for a NFC champion team. Wait!! This has happened before. Carroll Dale from Wise did it more than once. A little history about Thomas Jones.

In High School

Held the Virginia High School League state records for yards rushing in a season (3,319 in 1994), touchdowns scored in a season (49 in 1995) and touchdowns scored in a career (104, 1992-95) when he graduated from Powell Valley (Big Stone Gap, Va.) High...Ranked second in career yards rushing (7,193) and yards rushing in one game (462 yards against J. I. Burton in 1994)...Team captain as a senior, carrying the ball 338 times for 3007 yards and 49 touchdowns...As a junior, he rushed 337 times for 3319 yards and 44 touchdowns...Had 54 carries for 482 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore and rushed 40 times for 385 yards and six touchdowns as a fresh-man...Had six two-point conversions during his high school career...In addition to rushing for 462 yards against J.I. Burton in 1994, he rushed for over 300 yards in a game on two other occasions...More

at UVA

Psychology major, graduating in May, 1999...Earned his degree in three years. (WOW added by Kilo).Ranks fourth on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s career-record list with 3998 yards rushing, breaking the school’s all-time mark of 3389 yards by Tiki Barber (1993-96)...His 18 100-yard games rank second in Cavalier annals while his string of 34 consecutive starts is a record for Virginia offensive backs...Ranks tenth in the ACC and third in school history with 4698 all-purpose yards...Also holds the ACC career-record with six 200-yard rushing performances...Established Virginia all-time records with 809 carries, 36 touchdowns rushing and 40 total scores...Set an ACC record with 16 consecutive games scoring at least one touchdown (1997-99). More

Now he is breaking records at Chicago and his 100 yrd games have carried the Bears to success this season. I dont think they can go all the way this year. I wish they could with the White Sox winning the Series and all, but I can't have everything. It is football and on any Sunday any team can win. My fingers are crossed! May the 2005 version of the Monsters of the Midway march on!

Christmas thoughts

Christmas 2005 will go down in my memory as a special event. It was a new awakening for me as I experienced the day with out the baggage of the past few years. With out that baggage a better time was had by all. There were no worries of hard feelings and I stayed with family and friends as long as I wanted to. The past couple years were full of unwanted comments by my baggage and me just not getting to enjoy my family and friends. It is sad as I recall and regret the past couple hoilidays. I was very foolish to let that happen. Never again! Not one person asked about my past companion, not one. That say's it all about her and so have I.

I recieved a kitty from a new friend....A very special friend. She knew how much I missed the Boobie Doo and gave me a tabby gal that seems to be nothing but fur, teeth and claws. My kind of cat. The eye contact between us was instant. A bond was born. She is very satisfied sitting on my shoulder and I am sure that she will learn to attack everyone but me. Thanks Babe!

The day started at church, then was spent talking, looking at pictures, and of course eating. A good time was had by all. The night was capped off at a good friends house till the morning hours watching the snow fall and acting like I was twenty years old again. I have so much to be thankful for. I am blessed by a great family. I have a tight knit bunch of friends that accept me for who I am. I live in the greatest country in the world, in the greatest state in the country, in the best area in the state. Most of all I have an awesome God who protects me.
The mountains this morning are covered with snow. The coffee is hot and life is very good. Ole Kilo is enjoying it and I hope you are too.

Technorati : Blogging, blogs, weblog

Merry Christmas

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us. - Matthew 1:23

Christmas 2005: A Message From The President

'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us. - Matthew 1:23

More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and will remain with us forever.

Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We have much to be thankful for in this country, and we have a responsibility to help those in need. Jesus calls us to help others, and acts of kindness toward the less fortunate fulfill the spirit of the Christmas season.

On Christmas, we pray for freedom, justice, and peace on Earth. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace. Our entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe return.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Christmas Eve

They came from near, they came from far
Following a distance star to where He lay
Not being sure of what it meant, but
Knowing it was their way

And the creatures gathered 'round
And didn't make a sound
And the angels cried

The angels knew what was to come
The reason God had sent His son
From up above
It filled their hearts with joy to see and
Knowing of His destiny
Came tears of love

I've often thought about that night
And wondered if they realized
That star so bright
Was sent to tell all the land
The Son of God would soon become
The Son of Man

And the creatures gathered 'round
And didn't make a sound
And the angels cried
(Alan Jackson)

22 Democrats say no to protect and respect Christmas

I was alerted to this by the GOPHokie.

From NewsMax

On December 15 the House of Representatives passed a resolution "protecting the symbols and traditions of Christmas" by an overwhelming 401-22 vote. Representative JoAnn Davis (R-VA), the resolution's sponsor, said the resolution was necessary to counter "political correctness run amok." "No one," she said, "should feel like they have done something wrong by wishing someone a Merry Christmas."

Twenty-two Democrats played Scrooge and disagreed.

Thats right, all 22 voting NO were Democrats. The 22 included Robert Scott (D-VA) and Jim Moran (D-VA). Here is what the bill said:

Whereas Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on December 25; and

Whereas the Framers intended that the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States would prohibit the establishment of religion, not prohibit any mention of religion or reference to God in civic dialog: Now, therefore be it resolved, that the House of Representatives -

(1) Recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas;
(2) Strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas; and
(3) Expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions, for those who celebrate Christmas.

It is too bad the 22 Democrats cant understand how important this is. Robert Scott (D-VA) said Republicans "were more concerned with the symbolism rather than the substance of Christmas." Heh.

The Democratic blog Raising Kaine had this post by Rob saying

"Looks like we have some others in the Virginia congressional delegation that support wasting the tax payer's time and money on meaningless resolutions endorsing religion and defending candy canes."

Thats good to know how you feel Rob. I am sure Rick Boucher will appreciate your support along with the other 171 Democrats who voted for it. It is clear Raising Kaine supports the lowly 22, the left of the left, over the 171 who are to quote Rob: "wasting the tax payer's time and money on meaningless resolutions endorsing religion and defending candy canes."

Technorati : Life, News, Politics

The Return of Bearing Drift

The crew over at Bearing Drift have returned. I had wondered what was wrong and why they were not posting. I was sorry to read the reason why. The Bearing Drift crew has been through tough time this season. My heartfelt condolences go out to them.

Technorati : Blogging, Life

Patriot Act Extended One Month

The US House of Representatives voted to extend the Patriot Act for one month. This is not what President Bush wanted, but that is what he gets. With the wire tapping issue ringing loud and even Republicans questioning his actions, some are predicting a huge battle next month. I think there will be grandstanding in the House, but in the end the Act will pass. I don't believe many Congressmen or Senators would take that chance. We have made progress under the Patriot Act and have not been atttacked since 9/11. If the Act is weakend or abolished and we are attacked again political heads would roll. That is a big gamble for our elected reps to take.

Hennessy has this scenario of a political add after such an unfortunate attack:

News stock shot of the disaster scene. Voice over of a child talking about missing her mother and father. Fade to b&w head shots of key Senators who filibustered the Patriot Act extensions. Announcer says: "This disaster proudly sponsored by the Democrats." Fade to Bush standing on the rubble of the Towers, bullhorn in hand, retired firefighter at his side.

I support the Patriot Act. I could care less if they wiretap as long as it saves lives. This war on terror is the biggest battle we have ever faced. Extreme measures are needed and needed quick. I really dont see how I have lost any freedom under the Patriot Act, but I do see what could be lost without it. Maybe another 9/11. I have not forgotten and I know I never will.

Technorati : News, Politics, War

Two Brigades of Combat Troops in Iraq coming home

Sec of Defense Rumsfeld on his visit to Iraq anounced this good news.

On his surprise visit to Iraq US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has announced the United States' withdrawel of two combat brigades (totaling between 5,000 and 9,000 soldiers) from the country by next spring....."The adjustments being announced are the recognition of the Iraqi people's progress in assuming added responsibility for their country," Rumsfeld said speaking of the withdrawal. "We anticipate future coalition force-level discussions at some point in 2006, after the new Iraqi government is in place and is prepared to discuss the future," he added.

This is good news that should serve the President well. The draw down shows that the Iraqi's are gaining control of their country. It will take some time to make the change, but this is a start. I believe we have a long way to go and it will take a few years to completely get out of Iraq. I also agree with Rumsfeld that it wont be easy:

"Let me be very clear: The challenges ahead, military, political, economic, will not be easy. The United States as all you know did not come to Iraq for oil, not to occupy. We came here only to help,"

With the turn out of voters on the last election and the recent polls in Iraq showing good progress, there is no doubt democracy is being born. It is amazing to watch.

Technorati : News, War

Va. Governor Warner Pardons Two Men Cleared by DNA

Gov Warner pardons Phillip L. Thurman, 50, and Willie N. Davidson, 49. Thurman was convicted in 1985 of rape, and Davidson was convicted in 1981 of sexual assault. Both had already received parole after serving long sentences. Mary Jane Burton was responsible according to this article

"Burton, who died in 1999, worked in the state crime lab from 1974 to 1988 and habitually saved pieces of the evidence she handled - even before DNA testing had been invented. Over the years, she inserted into case files such things as cotton swabs and clothing fragments smeared with blood, semen and saliva. The files eventually landed in a storage facility. The samples were forgotten until 2001 when the head of the state Department of Forensic Science discovered a case file with an old cotton swab."

This amazed me. This lady saved evidence long before DNA testing was invented. Her career was not with out problems. You can read about that in this article from 2004. This highlight concluded her career. From a 2003 article

One of her last big cases was that of serial killer Timothy Spencer, the "South Side Strangler" whose chilling crimes were the basis of Patricia Cornwell's best-selling book, "Postmortem." Spencer, executed in 1994, was the first person sentenced to die as a result of DNA evidence. Cornwell worked in the state lab at the same time as Burton.

"According to what Mary Jane told me, when Patricia Cornwell refers to 'the lab,' she's talking about Mary Jane," Jan Betscher said.

I am not an expert, but it seems to me that Mary Jane Burton was way ahead of her time. I guess the handling and preserving of evidence standard has changed since OJ Simpson. Remember the cop kept evidence in his car trunk instead of turning it in right away. Heh.

Warner grabs the Headline, but it was the insight of science getting better by Mary Jane Burton that these men are cleared. I found these three articles interesting and I hope you do as well.

Technorati : News

Arlington

R'cat sends us to Arlington this season. Take a look...Say a prayer...and NEVER forget.

Technorati : News

Chaplains' Rights-Update-ODBA adds another member

I posted this about Chaplains not being able to use the name of Jesus in prayer. Drudge has picked up the story and sends us here. There is nothing concrete in the article, but it seems strange to me. Beyond strange...

The Newest member of the Old Dominion Blog Alliance is The Redstater. CR UVA's profile reads: "I am a conservative, Christian male (don't read too much into that, I am not a complete stereotype). I currently attend the University of Virginia, where I am working on a degree in the sciences (yeah, very far from politics) and am an active member of the College Republicans."

CR has his opinion on the Chaplain subject here. Welcome CR !!

Technorati : News

Blogger Julie Whitt passes away 12/19/2005

The SWVA Law Blog informs me that a blogger from SWVA has passed away. Julie Whitt of Marion died 12/19/05 of complications from a recent lung transplant. Her family is in my prayers. Her blog was Breath of Heaven. You can also learn more about her here.

I had never read Julie's blog untill tonight. I went back and read every post she made and I will say is powerful to read. I was moved by her post on Terri Schiavo and living wills. You can read it here. Julie posted this on 10/18/05 about her up coming surgery:

"The way I see it, I can't lose. Surviving this
transplant means a whole new life for me. Dying from
this transplant means a whole new life for me. I've
never been so at peace with something. This is my
time to shine, so whether that light shines on Earth
or in Heaven, may God's will be done"

If you take the time to read her blog, you will know what it means as I write: Julie danced all day today and she ran every step at Red Rock and never lost her breath. There is no doubt she is in Heaven. I am sure her family is in need and her husband Matt is crushed. Send up a prayer for them.

Technorati : Blogging, Life, News

Freedom House Declares 2005 A Success

It seems that Murtha and Kerry got it wrong on Americas direction. Freedom House is made up of all parties and is non partisan. You can read about them here.

In this release on the 19th things are looking good. An excerpt

"The Global Picture Thus Suggests That 2005 Was One Of The Most Successful Years For Freedom Since Freedom House Began Measuring World Freedom In 1972. ... While The Precise Impact Of Democracy Promotion Policies Is Often Difficult To Measure, It Is By Now Clear That The Efforts By The Established Democracies To Expand Freedom's Reach Are Paying Dividends. Democracy Promotion Has Always Had Its Critics, And The Critics' Objections, As Might Be Expected, Have Been Amplified During A Controversial War. But If The Gains For Freedom Revealed In This Survey Tell Us Anything, It Is That The Policies Of The United States, Europe, And Other Free Societies Are Achieving Some Crucial Goals. These Efforts Should Be Strengthened, Not Diminished."

The efforts should be stregthened.......I hope the Democrats hear that.

Technorati : Bush, News, War

Recount

Chad has some great info up on the recount. The GOPHokie is also posting info.

So far so good for McDonnell.

Waldo has some notes to share after his duty at the recount. Waldo had some complaints, but in the end he writes "It's too bad that Creigh lost a couple of votes in the recount of Fluvanna, but the good news is that we got the count right, and that's the most important thing."

Raising Kaine as of 6:15 has nothing.

That really surprises me. I would of thought they would be all over every precinct today. Guess not.

Technorati : News, Politics, Virginia Politics

The Virginia Blog Carnival December 19, 2005

Sons of the Republic have the Virginia Blog Carnival up. There are some good posts there so click here to check it out.

Technorati : Blogging

Beverly Young

Thanks to Ramblin Ed for this great post about Beverly Young. She is the wife of Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Florida. We could use more people like her for sure. The article can be found here, but as Ed states, who knows for how long.

Mrs Young is a live wire.

"This is not how congressional wives are supposed to act. They are not supposed to curse at Pentagon officials, write angry letters to President Bush or say that members of Congress take bribes."

OUCH!!

"But Beverly Young, the wife of Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores, doesn't play by those rules. Spend a day with her visiting wounded Marines at the National Naval Medical Center and you'll hear a few expletives. When she sees a photograph of a former hospital official, Beverly says: "See this b----? If she were here, I'd deck her."

".. compassion for the Marines who lie in the surgical ward, wincing from their injuries. Many have had arms or legs amputated. She holds their hands and tells each of them, "We love you, Marine." She asks one if he needs chewing tobacco or whiskey. She slips $200 to the fiancee of another."

If you read one article today, make it this one. It is that good. Both politcal parties need slapped when it comes to our vets. Yes, we need more Beverly Youngs in the world. I just emailed my Reps and you should too.

Technorati : News, Politics, War

War-Michael Crook

I wish I had not read this on Hennessy's View. Michael Crook is a very disturbed young man. So if you have had a good day and want to get mad........check it out. I would advise you to stay away from breakable objects while reading his post.

Now something to cheer you up, from Don Surber. The Littlest Marine.

Technorati : News, War

Blogging-Christmas

Inspired by my two wonderful blog sisters, R'cat and The Red Queen I wanted to post a lyric that is special to me. But first things first. R'cat has this post titled Expectation. Yes Sis, very well put! The Red Queen has her wonderful testimony titled Jesus Has Arrived. There is not a dry eye in Spark It Up HQ. Please check them both out.

This lyric may not be a traditional CHRISTmas song...but to me it says it all. It is by Paul Williams and the Victory Trio and is a blessing to me.

He Paid the Debt

In the town of Bethlehem;

That’s where the angels spoke of Him,

They told of how God would send down

To us his pure love.

They said that a child would soon arrive,

That he’d make the dead to come alive,

How through His name we all could ascend to Heaven above.

Chorus:

From the beautiful garden where He prayed;

To the Halls of Pilate on that day;

He bore my grief; He bore my sin;

He bore my shame.

From the lonely cross along the way,

To the borrowed tomb where Jesus lay;

He paid the debt; He did it all.

Oh praise His dear name.

And from the shore of Galilee;

He walked the waves of the raging sea,

He came to see(k) and to save that which was lost.

And from His throne in Heaven above

God commended to us His love.

He paid the cost; He did it all

Oh praise His dear name.

Repeat chorus

Virginia Politics-Rick Boucher vs

Chad has this post informing us Jerry Kilgore will not run against Rick Boucher. The Roanoke Times says Bill Carrico will announce his run against Boucher on Monday.

La Shawn Barber uses a WAPO article about the Day labor Center in Herndon and how the Minute Men are watching.

News-Chaplains' Rights

This was news to me. It seems that "proposed military guidelines are restricting some Christian chaplains' abilities to pray" I thought that is what chaplains do. Pray. It seems that the use of Jesus Christ could be restricted.

• They said some Christian chaplains throughout the military have complained their right to pray by specifically mentioning Jesus Christ is at risk. The lawmakers want Bush to issue an executive order protecting chaplains' right to pray according to their faith.
• "I truly believe the president of the United States - if he understands the realities of this situation - will respond in a decisive manner," said Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz.
• The four House lawmakers said the petition was signed by more than 150,000 people across the country. Read All

How can a Christian pray without using Jesus Christ's name? Absurd. In Virginia yesterday we had this reported by SST. The GOPHokie added this.

News-Mom drops baby from 3rd floor

A mother in the Bronx drops her baby 3 floors to a crowd below.The mother was

"trapped in a burning third-floor apartment prayed and then dropped her 1-month-old son out a window to the crowd below. The infant was caught safely by a man who plays catcher for his employer's baseball team." READ ALL+Pix from Fox News.

I believe the prayer helped.

Local News-CGI-AMS.Warner cuts deal with company famous for outsourcing jobs.

I received this email about the CGI-AMS jobs in Russell County

"Did you read the editorial in Saturday's Bristol paper about CGI-AMS.
The guy went to the job fair and found that the only thing the people would admit was they intended to hire most employees outside the region, paying far below industry standards.
According to the Pasadena Star this company had a similar deal with California, then outsourced the jobs to India. The guy asked about use of H1b visas to bring in foreign workers and the representative got agitated. These type visas are used to bring in cheap foreign labor to replace American workers. He said from their reaction he didn't think they have any intention of hiring 300 people."

Thanks Mat. You should blog!

Mat is a buddy of mine, more like a brother. He is the son my parents always wanted. We had talked about the CGI jobs Warner touted and our feelings that that something was not right about it during his last visit. We talked about how our tax dollars were used to bring this company to the area. How we both believed locals could not fill the jobs.I posted about that here. After reading about CGI-AMS outsourcing jobs I am even more discouraged. Warner tosses us another bone after his own party slammed CGI-AMS in California. I guess we will continue to build that horse trail here......

Blogging-E-Mail Icon Generator

If you like my spiffy e-mail icons on the right, you can get them here. The generator will produce icons for GMail, Hotmail, MSN, Yahoo!, AOL and many more!

News-Bush- Katrina deaths

With all the racist talk after Katrina, the numbers show a greater percentage of whites died than any other race. Lets not forget what some people said:

• Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in October said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency wasn't fit to help the storm's victims because "there are not enough blacks high up in FEMA" and added that, "certainly the Red Cross is the same."
• "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Rapper Kanye West
• Damu Smith, founder of the National Black Environmental Justice Network, in September said that the federal government "ignored us, they forgot about us ... because we look like we look."

But this report shows all the racist remarks aimed at Bush were not founded. All the racist statements made were a slap in the face to rescuers, firemen, and police.

News- More on the Death Penalty

The heated discussion following my Tookie posts, I want to link this post from LSB about the subject. She covers it well.

Virginia Politics-News- Recount

With the recount in the McDonnell-Deeds race getting started, Roanoke.com had this article full of deceptions. Of course the left jumped on this instantly. The ODBA's own Steve Minor fills us in on the process and takes the Times piece and the rant by Lowell down.

If you take the time to read the three links in the order I posted them......I promise you will smile.

Blogging-Sic Semper Tyrannis One Year Blogiversary

The Commonwealths Ultimate Blog and Old Dominion Blog Alliance member celebrates its one year blogiversary. I have read Sic Semper Tyrannis since it opened. Old Zach, Addison, Lighthorse Harry, Goodwin, Wyatt Coleman, and  Madisonian have a great blog. Their unique style covers everything from politics to sports. One of my favorite posts is "Let The Dean Era begin." Happy B-Day SST bloggers!

News-Local news-Imagination Library

This is cool. We are lucky here in Wise to have a great library. They have been participating in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library . It seems the program is a hit. From the Coalfield Progress:

Most communities that join country music artist Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program are only serving about 20 percent of their population by the end of the first year.

Since March, about 1,000 children in Wise County and the city of Norton have signed up for the program. That's about 50 percent of the children who are eligible. And they've done it all in just seven months, since the program began locally in March. Monday, an Imagination Library lunch was held at Mosby's Restaurant in Wise to celebrate the enrollment of the 1,000th child, Gabriella Katherine Grace Wyatt of Norton. Gabriella, the daughter of Tonie and Donald Wyatt, was presented with a signed picture of Dolly Parton and a set of bookends to hold the books she'll soon start getting for free in the mail. Although Gabriella, who is 7 months old, probably doesn't realize it yet, she's getting a pretty good deal. The program, which is open to all children under the age of five, will provide her with one hardcover book per month by mail until her fifth birthday. And it's all for free. The Imagination Library is funded fully through donations. Gabriella's parents and the parents of other children who are enrolled in the program don't have to pay a penny. And sponsoring a child is cheap, at just $27 per year. That is a good deal. I am sponsering a child and you should too. What a gift that will make to any child this season. If your library is not participating in this program, they should. Tell them about it! I chose this charity because it benefits the kids. To give a child 60 hard cover books in 5 years is awesome. The great thing about books is they are often shared. I was lucky to have a 5th grade teacher, Ms. Popp, in Chicago who gave this rowdy boy a copy of S.E. Hintons 'The Outsiders." That is when my lust for books began and continues till this day. One person and one book changed my life. We all have that power.

Blogging-Christmas

Fellow ODBA member Jerry at the Blog From On High has a great post called the W in Christmas. A good feeling will come over you when you read it.

Another ODBA member R'cat over at the Cathouse Chat page has the best Christmas theme going so far. She posts a new lyric or scripture everyday. Todays is here. I am not linking them all, so just go to her page and scroll. What a way to start your day this season.

And Non-ODBA member The Red Queen has this post about the one true gift in life.

Blogging-A part of my youth is no longer used

Thanks to Appalachian Gun Trash for this.

Fire Halls were big time fun for me as a kid in Chicago. I hate to read this about the brass polls disappearing from fire halls today. Whats next? The Bat polls to the Bat Cave?

• Jack Flesher, a 16-year veteran of the department, said as older stations are replaced, the fire pole will probably completely disappear with them.

  "The biggest thing is that insurance companies are making fire departments get away from them because of accidents and things like that. The newer stations just didn't bother to put them in because of the insurance," Flesher said.

Fireman in Chicago were as popular as the Cubs and Bears. Sad to see this piece of Americana go. Maybe my dream house will have a brass poll.

News- Tookie Williams UPDATE- Feds deny stay

9:34pm-Fox news is reporting the Federal Courts have rejected Tookies requests. That the last straw. At 3:01 my time, Tookie gets his reward.

ImNotEmeril has his view here. Projected riots, and a memory.

It started here
"Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God He made man" (Genesis 9:6).

The Law of Moses included this command, "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13). The Hebrew verb "to kill" is qatal. It is in the hiphel stem, which is an intensive, active verb form meaning deliberate, violent action. So it means "to murder." This is recognized by the fact that God commanded a duly organized court to "kill the killer." The Law of Moses commanded, "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:12).

Lets add
Jesus Christ gave new insight into this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount: "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell" (Matthew 5:22).

Proceed to this
"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil" (Romans 13:1-4).

News- Tookie Williams gets rewarded with one last fix

Tookie is getting his just reward. Bearing Drift has a good post about it and The Squeaky Wheel does not hold back. I agree with what Squeaky is saying. I will add this goes beyond the 4 murders he was convicted of. This is about the genocide of his brothers and sisters, who died or ruined their lives using the dope Tookie and the Crips sold to fund the gang. Millions of lives were changed because of Tookie and not many for the good. For every suck up like Snoop or Foxx, there are millions that were not so lucky. He touched lives across this nation. Tookie wannabees sprouted up everywhere. That is his legacy, not the 300 books he sold. Enjoy your last fix Tookie. Feel the burn, take the ride. Taste some of the sh** you sold to millions. You deserve it.

Blogging- Virginia Blog Carnival XV

The 15th installment of the Virginia Blog Carnival is up at Below The Beltway.

Doug has done an exceptional job this week and the posts are top notch.

News-New Poll shows most Iraqis living good lives as the voting begins

The BBC has this article about a recent poll showing that 71% of Iraqis are living good lives.

• Interviewers found that 71% of those questioned said things were currently very or quite good in their personal lives, while 29% found their lives very or quite bad.

  When asked whether their lives would improve in the coming year, 64% said things would be better and 12% said they expected things to be worse.

  However, Iraqis appear to have a more negative view of the overall situation in their country, with 53% answering that the situation is bad, and 44% saying it is good.

  But they were more hopeful for the future - 69% expect Iraq to improve, while 11% say it will worsen.

How can that be when the  whole Democratic party say we are losing in Iraq? Murtha? Kerry? Please- someone ask them how this can be. I hope a good reporter asks them this the next time they spout their "We cant win" BS.

It seems the people of Iraq understand their condition better than most of the media, and all the democrats. They also seem to understand change does not happen over night. This poll shows exactly what President Bush has been saying.

• The BBC News website's World Affairs correspondent, Paul Reynolds, says the survey shows a degree of optimism at variance with the usual depiction of the country as one in total chaos.

  The findings are more in line with the kind of arguments currently being deployed by US President George W Bush, he says.

Heh

 

 

Blogging-Old Dominion Blog Alliance numbers increase

After my timely post about the ODBA, things are looking up! We have added Too Conservative as I posted here.

We have also added James Young, who has the blog Skeptical Observor. James has a great blog and his bio reads:"James Young is a Staff Attorney with the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, in Springfield, Virginia, and is a nationally-recognized expert in labor and constitutional law in the context of individual rights." Welcome James.

Next we have Elephant Ears by the GOPHokie, " I am a 20 year old finance student at VT. I am an avid Hokie football fan and I also enjoy politics and the stock market." Welcome GOPHokie.

Below The Beltway is a great blog ran by Doug. Doug's profile can be found here. His intro states: "I'm a 37 year old attorney living in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. Those of you who know Washington know that it is surrounding by an eight-lane highway called the Beltway. My homestead is about 30 miles south of the Beltway, hence the admittedly unoriginal name for my blog, Below The Beltway" Welcome Doug.

Im Not Emeril is a blog by Alton Foley from Collinsville. My 10 readers know I dig his blog. Altons profile has this: "I am an Electrical Engineer for a small manufacturing firm in Stuart, VA. We are in the start-up phase, hoping to begin production in early October. I am a native of Henry County, but have only recently returned. I most recently lived and worked in the Coalfields of Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Southern W. Virginia. I lived in Hurley, VA and worked in Kimper, KY for a company whose products were electrical equipment for the mining industry, both underground and surface." Welcome Alton.

Long time favorite Jerry Fuhrman's Blog From on High "Wisdom from high atop Big Walker Mountain" rounds out the new additions. Jerry is one of the best and has been a daily read of mine for a while. Welcome Jerry.

This has been a good week for the ODBA. A very good week in fact. The talent added this week is powerful to say the least. Chad should be proud! I have a feeling this was all that was on his mind this weekend, as it should have been. Happy Birthday to your Princess.

Blogging-Calling on Lady Bloggers

I do a lot of reading on Sundays. It is a day spent at church, reading, watching Nascar or football ( Go Bears!!! ) and of course eating! I have decided this Sunday to ask about "Lady Bloggers." This was inspired by my Blog Sis R'cat. Who has her own ODBA round up posted here. She explores the talent of the alliance with great style. She also brings up this point:

"And, suddenly I realized: I think I'm the only lady on it! *gasp, shock* C'mon, lady Virginians - you know you're out there!"

Good point R'cat! Time for Kilo to do a little chest pounding and grunting. As the powerhouse talent of the ODBA churns out great post after post, I noticed that my blog has something the others usually do not have: Women Commenting..Heh!! No man love zone here guys. While I would love to think it is because of my great and grammatically correct posts, or that wonderful image at the top right of the page. I think it is really because they see I am sweet, sincere, and humble. I can see the Red Queen cringe as she reads that. It could be that I post about my cat, who I have no visitation rights ( a lesson learned), or my great recipes here and here. It could also be my gardening and canning skills shown here and here. It may be my tearful sentiment shown at the loss of a legend. Who knows? I am glad they stop by and that leads back to R'cats statement. I would like to see more lady conservative bloggers. With the growing ODBA blogroll, we need the ladies to show up and give us some insight and views on politics and life in Virginia. What a blessing that would be. Maybe Flora McDonald would be interested. If there are any lady bloggers in Virginia who are interested, please let any ODBA member know. I hope we get some response. Until then, you will have to read my comments. Heh!

I am off to celebrate my fathers 71st birthday. A little get together all planned by the most loving and intelligent person I know..My mother. We men would be all the wiser to surround ourselves with smart ladies. We all can learn from their insight  and knowledge. Thanks ladies!

Politics-News- Pruden on Pelosi

Does anyone ever read this guy? I enjoyed this article called "White flags on the road to 'peace'".....Heres a taste

• It's easy to mock Nancy Pelosi, to dare the San Francisco Democrats to say something sensible. They're determined to resurrect the '60s, with all that noise, dirty hair, B.O., and the strategy that George McGovern employed to drive the party into exile for a generation.
  The white-flag Democrats want to get America out of Iraq at any price, to give "peace" a chance. But a summer of love is particularly risky now in San Francisco, where the Age of Aquarius has morphed into the Age of AIDS

Pruden has a good style and humor with his op-ed page. I enjoy his work, and this is a good one.

Blogging Christmas

The tree is done, The oreo's are fried , and the egg nog is cold. It is starting to feel like Christmas.

News-Richard Pryor passes away at 65 years of age

Richard Pryor Dies at 65

• LOS ANGELES  — Richard Pryor, the caustic yet perceptive actor-comedian who lived dangerously close to the edge both on stage and off, died Saturday. He was 65.

  Pryor died shortly before 8 a.m. of a heart attack after being taken to a hospital from his home in the San Fernando Valley, said his business manager, Karen Finch. He had been ill for years with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the nervous system

I hate to hear this. In his prime, no one was better. I still listen to an old album called That N****** Crazy...Classic.

Rest in Peace Richard and thanks for the thousands of laughs.

Blogging-Christmas

Did the table this morning and now working on the tree.

Blogging- Tag

I got tagged by Gunner. I have to list my 5 weirdest habits. I am fighting the urge to take my ball and go home and not play!

Here goes

1) I dont sleep in a bed alone. Since I was 18 this is a fact. Alone=couch, floor, chair. Except hospital, and who sleeps there. I know that is strange, but ask anyone.

2) I only eat square lunch meat, no round, yet only round crackers....go figure. Square meat and round crackers taste better.

3) I tag my socks left and right. Why? The toes knows.

4) I will loan her my tooth brush, but if she uses my razor it goes in the trash. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! So I leave my tooth brush out, but hide my razor.

5) I like my finger nails manicured. After years of nail biting, I like seeing nice looking nails. I have taken a lot of teasing about this. Dang, I just broke a nail.

I guess I should tag 5 people, but that will wait till morning.

Alito- The Two views of Alito

One of my daily reads Southern Appeal has this great cartoon and a good post about Alito. The post has some info from Jeffrey Wasserstein, a democrat who worked closely with Alito and states

• When we worked on cases, we reached the same result about 95 percent of the time. When we disagreed, it was largely due to the fact that he is a lot smarter than I am (indeed, than most people) and is far more experienced.

Good stuff so check it out.

Blogging-Shaun Kenney picks his Daily reads.

Shaun has some good picks here.

One of his picks is Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and he adds: "Heavy traffic Yahoo list, but I know everything that is going on hours before anyone else."

I went to this site and it says:Activity within 7 days: (No Activity)

Love It!!! To be fair there were new posts up, so check them out. Thanks Shaun.

Virginia Politics-News- Tim Kaines Inaugural Parade

Norman at OMT is in rare form with his float entry. I wonder if they need a good driver..lol

News-War- Cindy Sheehan takes it overseas

Via LGF

Cindy goes to Britan to call Bush and Blair terrorists, off course the Guardian fluffs it up

• “I don’t blame the people who killed Casey but the people who brought us into this, who lied and deceived the world,” she says. “But the anti-war movement is growing at all levels. Congress is starting to talk about bringing the troops home and you never saw any of that before.”
• The non-stop campaigning has taken its toll, she says, and Cindy feels in need of a good massage: “I really feel I’m carrying the whole world on my shoulders,” she says.

She should of taken John Kerry and Howard Dean with her, and the Dixie Chicks for entertainment. The "carrying the whole world statement" speaks volumes about this women.

Blogging-More on the Old Dominion Blog Alliance

It is good to see the members stepping up. Chad has this post about the ODBA and we welcome Too Conservative to the fold.

Cathouse Chat has a good post that I enjoyed. She also has some good thoughts in the comments at Chads.

SST has this post and some invites too! Old Zach also some thoughts on Kilgore vs Boucher...I am smiling too Zach!

Norman has this short post (Is that a pun?:), but a great comment here.

Thats a good round up for now. I had to spend the day at the hospital for a needle biopsy, a 4 poker....ouch. I have a lot to say, but I am taking it easy tonight.

Anyone interested in joining the ODBA should email Chad.

Blogging- The Old Dominion Blog Alliance

I have removed Brandon Meyers because his site is shut down for a "Few Years." Whats up with that? Who noticed?

Cries in the Night is now a porn blog, so it is gone. Yes ODBA members, we link to porn. Who noticed?

The ODBA blogroll is shrinking and I dont understand why. The rules are not over the top or hard to follow. Chad really makes no demands.

I wish the ODBA would link together the way other Alliances do. Hell, Brandons site has been down for several days and no mention of it anywhere. I have not read a link to Q&O in a while. I am the only one to link to posts at Cathouse Chat, (not that she needs it) which in my opinion is the cream of the whole dang crop if you looking for a total package blog.

So before Chad lays the smack down on me, I want everyone one to understand I am not bitter at the ODBA members. But to call ourselves an Alliance is irony at best. We need to rethink this. With all the new Virginia blogs out there, why are they not joining the ODBA? That is a question we must ask.

News-Torture Ok with most Americans

61% of Americans say torture is ok in rare cases.

• AP Poll
• In America, 61 percent of those surveyed agreed torture is justified at least on rare occasions. Almost nine in 10 in South Korea and just over half in France and Britain felt that way.

I agree with the 61%, no matter what John McCain says.

News- PEARL HARBOR BOMBED

PEARL HARBOR BOMBED:

December 7, 1941
At 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, a Japanese dive bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings appears out of the clouds above the island of Oahu. A swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes followed, descending on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in a ferocious assault. The surprise attack struck a critical blow against the U.S. Pacific fleet and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II. With diplomatic negotiations with Japan breaking down, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his advisers knew that an imminent Japanese attack was probable, but nothing had been done to increase security at the important naval base at Pearl Harbor. It was Sunday morning, and many military personnel had been given passes to attend religious services off base. At 7:02 a.m., two radio operators spotted large groups of aircraft in flight toward the island from the north, but, with a flight of B-17s expected from the United States at the time, they were told to sound no alarm. Thus, the Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base. Much of the Pacific fleet was rendered useless: Five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan's losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers. These giant aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan six months later at the Battle of Midway, reversing the tide against the previously invincible Japanese navy in a spectacular victory. The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1. The sole dissenter was Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a devout pacifist who had also cast a dissenting vote against the U.S. entrance into World War I. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war against the United States, and the U.S. government responded in kind.

The American contribution to the successful Allied war effort spanned four long years and cost more than 400,000 American lives.

We should remember those who served. For a local take read this. There is a reason they are called The Greatest Generation. I am thankful for them.

Local News- High Tech Jobs......In a low tech area...Now thats a plan!

We all know about the High Tech jobs coming to Russell County. The Mark Warner Hoopla and all that follows. I posted we did not have the work force trained and now the MSM has confirmed that. Give this a read.

• Two high-tech companies have announced plans to move to Russell County, and the region must supply the work force they need to do business, state Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, said Tuesday.

  “Now the hard work begins,” he said. “How do we prepare the work force that meets the demand for these two companies?”........Both companies have said they need employees skilled in information technology. Wampler and UVa-Wise officials have been developing the degree program since the late 1990s, about the same time they began negotiating with the companies about locating here.

Bottom Line.

• Last year, the General Assembly wrote its appropriations bill to allow the college to approach the Council of Higher Education for Virginia about developing the program.

  The courses the college offers now don’t give students the sufficient education to get jobs with either company, said Sim Ewing, vice chancellor for finance and governmental affairs at UVa-Wise.

If this was started in the late 90's and we still have very few qualified people to fill the jobs, it is not looking good. They could have placed these centers in Wise, less than 2 miles from UVA-Wise. They could of offered internships and work study programs to students. This much praised plan sounds like sure failure to me. I hope I am wrong.