Bloggers Convention-Alton is The Man

Everyone needs to read this and this by Alton. He needs your feedback to make this the best event possible. I can tell you that the people that have already committed to attend will surprise and amaze you. The best thing is there is plenty of time to make it even better. Alton wants this conference to appeal to everyone and WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK. Dates, speakers, workshops. What would you bloggers and readers like to discuss? Ethics? How to network politically? Self Publishing? Software? Photoshop for Dummies? Podcasting? Setting up PACS? Let us know. We are open to all suggestions. There are some who want this effort to fail. That is not going to happen. It can be the biggest dang blogger event ever if everyone steps up and offers some comments and feedback. Everyone is invited. All comments and suggestions will be taken seriously. I will make this promise. To those who do not comment or offer suggestions, when the line up does become concrete and is announced, you will wish you had. Norman says the way to get a blogger is food. Alton has that covered with Pigs are Us. Best Bar B Que in the state. No little sissy plates here boy....We are talkin whole hog! Support this event because this event wants to support you and your interests in blogging. Come On!!

Technorati : Blogging

LG Bill Bolling

Bearing Drift offers up another great podcast. The guest is LG Bill Bolling. Podcasting does not get any better than this!

Technorati : Bill Bolling, Podcast, Virginia Politics

No Respect for the Fighting 9th

My few readers know that I always complain about SWVA not getting respect. A young democrat who runs the blog Neal 2028 tells of a good example. His post is titled "9th CD Convention...Webb and Miller No-Shows..." I read Neal's blog often. While I do not agree with his views I do respect his efforts in supporting his candidate. I have read about his adventures getting signatures and canvassing, working hard for his party. His reward, and for that matter the 9^th districts reward? The title of his post says it all. No Shows. Webb kicked of his campaign in Gate City. I shook his hand and thanked him for that. He was gone back to NOVA in under 3 hours. He has not been seen since. Miller is allergic to SWVA and as far as I know has not visited. If I was a democrat in SWVA I would take issue with that. The left pushes the absurd thing asking where is George Allen. I can tell you he was campaigning in Abingdon and he did attend the 9^th District Republican Convention. That is more than either democrat can say. Before this race is over Webb or Miller may wish they had supported us and visited with us. Most of us know that we in the 9^th are on the bottom of the list. Webb and Miller have shown that to be true. I would think attending this convention would have been the least thing they could do. But then again: what has either candidate done for this area to begin with? Damn straight I'm voting for Allen.

Technorati : George Allen, Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

ImNotEmeril gets a New Suit

Alton has made some changes to his site. The best part is he is posting daily as of late. Today's post is awesome so stop by and check it out.

Technorati : Blogging

Webb Email from Steve Jarding

I write to you with an urgent plea that I believe will be the difference between victory and defeat for Jim Webb and for Virginia on June 13.

It is a plea for money. The truth is, we need to raise $100,000 in the next seven days or Jim will not have enough funds to defeat the brutal, cynical, negative attacks of lobbyist Harris Miller.

Last week, Harris Miller spent $100,000 to run ads attacking Jim. We have all seen the lies, the distortions, the misrepresentations of Harris Miller. It is sad really. In all my 28 years of politics, I have seen nothing even remotely close to these attacks in a Democratic primary. (Bold Print by Me)

Webb is hurting and Steve Jarding knows it. Bloggers and parades do not replace TV and mailers. I am sure Miller has another 100k for a new round of ad's and mailers coming out soon. Those who say Miller is the biggest threat to Allen may be right. Remember I said it at his Gate City kickoff that the Webb campaign was not up to par.

Technorati : Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

The Virginia Blog Carnival

The VBC is online. This one inspires many emotions so click on over and check it out. Thanks to Spank the Donkey for a wonderful job.

Also take time to visit Cathouse Chat. R'cat is visiting Washinton DC and has some great posts up.

Technorati : The Virginia Blog Carnival

Memorial Day

I could never in my lifetime find words to express the debt owed to the men and women who served proudly so I can live free. Thank You is not enough.

Why?

Chad weighs in on why he will not attend. He gives many reasons like the genius date of Father's Day weekend for this event. That weekend I will spend with my Dad and my family. Chad also questions the agenda.

"Second, I wouldn't walk across the street, much less shell out fifty bucks, to hear keynote speakerJerome Armstrong speak. Being credited as the "blogfather" of Daily Kos is nothing of which one should be proud; the hate that emanates from that blog creates a stench rivaled only by the Democratic Underground. No thanks."

I have to agree. The line up seems one sided to me. Jerome Armstrong* , Claire Guthrie Gastanaga* , Kenton Ngo* , F.T. Rea* sounds like a liberal love fest to me. There is not a balance and for the life of me I cannot see why any conservative would want to attend. If anyone can justify this agenda in what is billed as a non partisan summit, I am all ears. I have no problem with the above speakers if say- Chad Dotson, Vincent, James Young were also speaking. Ben has some comments on NLS. I agree with Ben about misleading. I go back to this post from One Wise Girl and this comment.

I do not understand why ideas were not presented and explored throughout the Virginia blogosphere before the planning got underway this year. "Neither Kilo nor Alton nor Ben were at last year's event, so their input was not received" You are right that they were not in attendence last year but I find it rather exclusionary on your part to not include such fine writers in the planning process. Perhaps you choose to cater to those who hold your views???

I think the agenda proves Wise Girl is right. GOP Hokie has this post up also. If Sorenson wants to hold this agenda then at least have guts enough to call it what it is. The Bloggers Convention that does not include the 4 best bloggers and leans to the left.

Technorati : Blogging

“The Nearest Thing to Eternal Life We Will Ever See on This Earth is a Government Program.”

What do the Spanish American War, telephones, and my wallet all have in common?

In 1898, America's war chest was low on cash to fund the Spanish American War. Congress looked at the new technology of telephony and thought a small temporary tax on this newfangled thing would raise funds from the rich but today it effects everyone. As Ronald Reagan often said "the nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

House Majority Whip Roy Blunt points out that "The telephone excise tax has outlasted two world wars, the Great Depression, and the start of two new centuries, but the federal government continued to needlessly tax basic telephone services. The war lasted only 220 days, yet this tax on talking has finally expired after over 39,000 days." The war ended at a cost of $6 billion, but the excise tax lived on and Americans have shelled out $300 billion for the program.

U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow announced Thursday that the IRS would issue refunds of excise taxes on long-distance service for the past three years. "Today is a good day for American taxpayers; it marks the beginning of the end of an outdated, antiquated tax that has survived a century beyond its original purpose and by now should have been ancient history."

Last fall Senator Allen introduced S. 758 which would prohibit the government from applying the federal excise tax on telecommunications to Internet access service and also joined as a co-sponsor to S.1321 that would eliminate the federal excise tax entirely. According to Senator Allen "This tax is contrary to the national goal of having an advanced, highly efficient, low cost communications network to serve the American people. I am glad to see that the Department of Treasury will no longer continue to burden the American tax payers with this out-dated, unnecessary strain on their wallets and I will continue to support the termination of the federal excise tax on all communications services."

Now we can say that talk is cheap and really mean it.

Technorati : George Allen, John Snow, Roy Blunt, Spanish American War, Telephone Excise Tax

Jim Webb Speaks and I Agree!!!

While reading comments an Ben's Weenie of the Week post we find links to Jim Webb speaking about three things. (Thanks To Virginian)

Jim Webb on the Clinton.

Jim Webb on George Allen.

Jim Webb on Chuck Robb.

These speeches are worth a listen. It confirms many peoples beliefs that Webb is not a true Democrat, but just a mad anti Iraq war zealot. Be sure to listen to Webb's praise of George Allen closely. Webb say's "I admire and appreciate his style of leadership." Give them a listen and wonder where he stands today. We know Webb has said Allen should have been against the war but in this speech he praises Allen for many things. Just to show I am not anti Webb, I agree 100% with what he says here.

Technorati : Bill Clinton, Chuck Robb, George Allen, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

Senate passes Immigration Bill

No sir, I don't like it. The WAPO has this.

The Senate yesterday approved legislation that would trigger the biggest changes to U.S. immigration policy in decades, by strengthening border security, establishing a guest-worker program, and providing the means for millions of illegal immigrants to stay in the country and possibly become citizens.

Sounds like the Senate Amnesty Bill to me. Jerry breaks it down here. I will keep this post short. This bill, like Senators Frist, McCain, and Warner, is flaccid. I hope the House adds some Viagra to this legislation. I applaud Sen Allen for not supporting this impotent bill.

Technorati : George Allen, Immigration

New Survey USA Poll

What is your opinion of George Allen?

47% Favorable

26% Unfavorable

18% Neutral

9% Unfamiliar

What is your opinion of Harris Miller?

7% Favorable

21% Unfavorable

36% Neutral

36% Unfamiliar

What is your opinion of Jim Webb?

11% Favorable

19% Unfavorable

34% Neutral

36% Unfamiliar

The crosstabs are here.

I am sure the Raising Kainer's and JC Wilmores will spin this positive but lets look at facts. The last Survey USA poll had Jim Webb at 55% Unfamiliar. Now he is at 36%. The great news is his favorable rating did not increase! His unfavorable increased by 7%. In plain talk this says the more people that learn about Jim Webb the more they don't like him. Both Webb and Miller have gotten the message out. 64% of people have heard of them. The good news is people don't like what they are saying. Heh

Technorati : George Allen, Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

Catching Up

I wanted the post to Will Vehrs to stand all day yesterday. It seemed like the only fitting thing to do. The post received no comments, but I did receive a email from Will that was copied, printed, and filed with some others that mean a great deal to me. Jerry covers how bloggers come and go. It is the nature of the beast. It is a great post that quotes John Keats epitaph. A must read!

Alton blogs again! His post about immigration can be found here.

Doug at Below the Beltway has some thoughts on immigration also. He speaks English!

Technorati : Blogging, Virginia

Will Vehrs

Robert Frost writes

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

As I read his 10^th post it became clear that Will's actions and attitude through this ordeal has been amazing. Will, you are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your words with us over the years. I do not think of this as a end for Will-But a beginning. I am sure there is more for him down the less traveled road.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep

Here is Will's last post.

Technorati : Blogging, Will Vehrs

Passion Flowers, Maypops and Wildebeests

Kilo and I have this ongoing game that we play with each other. It doesn't really have a name and I can't even remember who started it but it goes like this. One of us will find something we think is totally awe inspiring and say something along the lines of “man, if people don't believe in God they just need to look (taste, smell, hear or feel this. It is so much fun to rediscover the world that we have each known and to do it together. Last night Kilo discovered these flowers and now we wonder if we can find anything that speaks more of God's creativity although I still think the wildebeest is perhaps His greatest use of leftover parts. All we know is that we want them- lots of them. I especially want this one because I love strawberries!

Not only does this vine have breathtaking flowers, if cross pollinated it will bear fruit a bit bigger then a chicken egg. It is called a Maypop in some states because it just seems to pop up in May and it grows like a weed in some Southeastern states. Sure beats the standard dandelion as weeds go. Missionaries in the 1500's named it the Passion flower because They believed that several parts of the plant, including the petals, rays, and sepals, symbolized features of the crucifixion of Christ.

No matter what these plants are called I feel certain that Kilo and I can get pretty passionate about them. And “man, if people don't believe in God they should just check these out!”

Was Jim Webb Jewbaiting?

Shaun Kenney addresses the current uproar. Jewbaiting or not, calling anyone Antichrist is wrong. Antichrist in its simplest definition is "a enemy of Christ." Adding the words "of outsourcing" is oxymoron. Webb's comment did not appeal to Christians if that was his hope. I discussed this comment today at church and no one was impressed. It is offensive and hate filled. To use it during a political debate shows just how out of control the candidate is. Jim Webb told his opponent to shut up and called him the Antichrist. The only thing more offensive being the blogs and bloggers trying to justify Webb's words. There is no justification for it. It is hate speech and many blogs are endorsing it.

Update- NLS has this post up. Ben is “pissed” about Shaun's post and others. I can see his point. I want to be clear about this. My post concerns my opinion of any candidate from any party that calls someone the Antichrist. I think it is uncalled for, childish, and hateful. From what I have read on blogs and in comments, calling people the Antichrist is a popular thing. It is not for me. This could be because of the area I am from. I have a feeling that if you called anyone that around here you would get a fat lip-You would from me anyway.

Technorati : Harris Miller, Hate Speech, Jim Webb, Religion

Congratulations to Adam-The Smyth County Conservative! Adam received his degree yesterday from UVA-Wise. A bright future awaits this young man.

Wise County News-Jack Kennedy endorses Harris Miller

The most influential democrat in the area has endorsed Harris Miller. Jack Kennedy's endorsement is in todays Kingsport Times print edition and it is not available online. Turn out the lights for any real support of Jim Webb in my area. Kennedy is well respected here by both parties and his endorsement will carry weight with primary voters. The democrats who hang around the voting sites will support the candidate Kennedy endorses. I don't care if a 100 smelly hippies with Webb signs are there. When the old timers say Jack Kennedy endorsed Harris Miller it is a done deal. I predict Miller will get at least 75% of the votes cast here. The down side is that with Kennedy supporting Miller there will be a good grassroots campaign against Sen Allen...not that it will really matter.

Technorati : Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics, Wise County Virginia

Jim Webb-Harris Miller Debate? Now Children.....

They called it a debate but it looked more like two school kids fighting. "You shut up! No, You shut up" I kept waiting for the host to say now children and give both a good whack with a ruler. You can watch this so called debate here. I will say I loved watching these two wannabees tear into each other. Harris hit Webb hard about his Republican past. Webb never recovered. He got mad plain and simple. Just like he did after Vietnam when he did not like the democrats and got mad and became a republican. Then he got mad at Reagan and quit, but still supported the party. Then in 2002 he decides he is mad again and goes back to the democrats. I see a pattern of if I don't like the game I will take my ball and go home. Today we all saw it. This was the first time I ever read where a grown man in a debate tell someone to shut up. The articles state the debate continued after the TV coverage. That will teach Harris to challenge me! Now I will drop the bomb by calling Miller the "Anti-Christ of outsourcing." Miller quickly comes back with a reason for free trade and outsourcing and uses Vietnam as a example. The Anti-Christ thing was ugly.

His use of a hot-button New Testament term on Miller, who is Jewish, may haunt Webb, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. "It means he's getting a lesson in what you can and can't say," Sabato said. (LINK)

As I said- Now children. I think Harris did give a good response about education and how the US is way behind. It was the closest thing to a plan in this whole episode of romper room on crack. The WAPO has a good article here. Today proved what I have said all along. Sen Allen will destroy either of these two on stage with ease. There was no class shown today and to argue that is futile. Who won the debate today? Sen George Allen did.

Shaun Kenney has his thoughts. If you really want some fun, watch the debate then visit any of those Webb loving blogs and read. Vivian Paige has a good post also. She writes " Based on what others have said about hearing Webb speak, I was expected to be blown away. Well, I wasn't."

The RTD- "Both men oppose the war in Iraq, although neither offered a way to get out." Miller ask's Webb- "What did he not like about the Clinton administration, was it the peace or the prosperity?" Miller asked.”

I want more debates !!!

Technorati : Debate, Democrat, Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

Nextel All-Star Challenge Could Help Victory Junction Gang Club

This is going to be a great NASCAR weekend. Tomorrow night is the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge. My first and I can't wait. Racing at it finest from all I hear from Kilo. As you know by now I am a big Jamie McMurray fan which can cause problems with that Jeff Burton fan of mine. Anyway, I am going to vote for Kyle Petty to be included in the race tomorrow night.

From the campaign office of
"VOTE KYLE, REWARD VICTORY JUNCTION":
You can help Kyle Petty and his new MyCokeRewards #45 Dodge land a spot in the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge on May 20. Visit www.votekylepetty.com and vote Kyle into this year's All-Star race, and help one of NASCAR's most-beloved drivers raise as much as $1 million for the kids at Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Kilo's blog sister the Red Queen wrote about the Victory Junction Gang Camp here. This camp deserves all the support we can offer and it can't be more simple then voting for Kyle Petty.

And now I have to like Kurt Busch slightly because of his big donation to the camp. He has donated $1,000,000 to build the Kurt Busch Superdome. A 28,000 square foot climate controlled structure to be used for sports. You can read all about it here.

Illegal Aliens calling collect on Our Social Security

Warning!!! This post will make you spew your coffee, blow your mind and pretty well set up a bad mood all day long but it needs repeating. I know, because it had this affect on Kilo and me.

Jerry, at From On High, has a very informative if not difficult post to stomach about how illegal aliens will now be able to collect on OUR social security program. That same program that is going to be running out soon enough with only American citizens drawing on it. Of course, if we bankrupt it sooner then we won't need illegals to work here as our parents will be picking tomatoes and mowing lawns just to live and eat and provide for their families. Maybe there is a madness to their methods? "Their" being the turncoats, McCain and Spector and those that they voted with.

"It makes no sense to reward millions of illegal immigrants for criminal behavior while our Social Security system is already in crisis," said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican. "Why in the world would we endorse this criminal activity with federal benefits? The Senate missed a big opportunity to improve this bill, and I doubt American seniors will be pleased with the result." (link)

There are many juniors out there who will not be pleased either- count me as one!

Technorati : Illegal Aliens, McCain, Social Security, Spector

Bill Carrico vs Rick(feckless) Boucher – Update

The Mason Conservative has this great post up over at Redstate about Bill Carrico and Rick Boucher. He gives some history I omitted in my post about Carrico here. One fact is that feckless Rick is ranked 246th in the power rankings at Congressdotorg. At 246^th it looks like I am not the only one who views Boucher as Feckless. The left thinks Boucher is unbeatable. With all the plant closings and layoffs and Boucher's asinine bike trail and call center cures people are fed up. If you live in the 9^th district you know it is time for a change. Bill Carrico needs your support. He is asking for that chance and if we ignore him expect the same status quo from feckless Rick. I for one am tired of it.

Jerry says Bouchers tourism mantra may be working.

Technorati : Bill Carrico, Rick Boucher, Virginia Politics

Jim Beam, The Stuff Inside Matters Most

February 14, 2006 was a historic day, but the reality of how great it was will not be discovered until 2009. You see that was the day that the 10 Millionth barrel of Jim Beam was ceremoniously sealed by Jim Beam's great grandson, Fredrick Booker Noe III and then racked to enable it to cure to perfection.

In 1795, Jacob Beam, farmer and grain-mill operator, sold his first barrel of "Old Jake Beam Sour Mash." In 1894, James Beauregard Beam, Jacobs grandson, takes over the family business and runs it until 1919 when prohibition begins. During this time Jim moves to Florida and raises citrus, then becomes a coal miner and later runs a limestone quarry. Prohibition is the only time that Jim Beam Bourbon was not distilled.

Prohibition was repealed in 1933 and in 1934 at the age of 70, Jim Beam rebuilt his distillery by hand in just 120 days. It is said that he was so dedicated to protecting the family recipe that Jim would take a jar of the yeast home with him each weekend.

For a spirit to be called "bourbon" it must be made from a mash mixture of at least 51% corn and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Jim Beam is the only American whiskey that has been distilled and sold by the same family for seven generations, and throughout these 211 years the family recipe has remained the same.

As whiskey ages in the barrel a portion evaporates. 6^th generation Beam family distiller, Booker Noe referred to this portion not as a loss but as the "Angel's Share- the portion that the angels would get to enjoy.

Next time you sit and enjoy some Beam you can appreciate that it was made by hard working men for hard working men. Me, I will be waiting for that 10 Millionth barrel to be opened and available for purchase because I will want to raise a glass of it for my hard working guy Kilo and toast him with one of the official Jim Beam toasts- The stuff inside matters most.
Indeed it does!

To read more about Jim Beam click here.

Technorati : Jim Beam, family, tradition, whiskey

Bill Carrico is asking for a chance...

The more I learn about Bill Carrico the more I like. I first posted about him after my local paper published some info about his views. I said then it was refreshing to see a candidate state his views so clearly. On issues like abortion and gay marriage he is clear where most candidates give muddied responses. Carrico is fast to say:

"I will fight to protect the institution of marriage as only between a man and a woman, and I will fight against the terrible act of abortion. I will protect our children's right to pray in public schools."

While some will argue about this stand, I think most people in the 9^th district support every word of that statement. Is that enough to beat the feckless Rick Boucher? To me it is. Boucher has long held the 9th's support. But after years and years of promises people are growing tired of Rick. His tunnel vision to success for us has been tourism and call centers. Lackluster low wage jobs with companies who locate here because of tax incentives then leave as fast as they came. Empty shell buildings litter our district while promises of hiking trails and artisan centers are preached as our salvation. Bill Carrico's vision is broader. This message will carry well in the coalfields when Bill says

"We must increase our efforts to capitalize on our bountiful supply of coal and natural gas. We should focus national attention on our coalfield regions to help solve the energy problems in this country."

Exactly! With gas prices at a high now is the time to implement clean coal technology and coal gasification. That is what I want to see, not call centers and bike trails. I have always believed that West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and SWVA should be the energy hub of this nation. I want a congressman who believes this also. That man is Bill Carrico. I hope my few readers will take time to read about Bill's vision on his new website. Check out the issues page and I think you will be surprised. If you are not laid off or suffering from the recent loss of a job from the countless plant closings in our district, maybe you can contribute to his campaign. If you are jobless then tell your friends that there is a new man with a good vision asking for a chance to serve us. I for one think Feckless Rick's time has run out. It is time for a change. Tell your friends!

Technorati : Bill Carrico, Coal, Rick Boucher, Virginia Politics

Commonwealth Conservative on the Radio

Tugboat Phil, in the comments here has this transcript saying:

"Here is a paraphrased version of the interview. These words are mine, as I don't do shorthand, I was writing as I was listening. I also taped it and played it back for clarification."

Thanks Tugboat Phil! Chad covers a lot of territory from the Webb-Miller race and Carrico-Boucher. Check it out.

Technorati : Blogging, Radio, Virginia

Marcus Vick signs with the Fish

I am not surprised.

MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins saw enough potential in Marcus Vick - both on- and off-the-field - to believe he deserves a chance as a free agent. Vick, the brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, signed with the Dolphins on Monday, agreeing to a free-agent deal after his many problems at Virginia Tech cost him a chance to be selected in the NFL draft.(LINK)

There was no mention of $$$ in the report. Am I the only one who thinks Miami + Vick = Trouble?

Technorati : Football, Free Agent, NFL

The Virginia Blog Carnival is up!!!

The VBC is online now at The Jefferson Mammoth. Hurry and get yours before they run out!

Technorati : Virginia Blog Carnival

Will Vehrs

I have not posted about Will's ordeal. I can say that I see both sides of the story. Will gives a great interview on Bearing Drift. This podcast is a must for all bloggers. I was saddened by his choice to quit blogging. What keeps crossing my mind is this all started with a contest that was categorized under Dumb Stuff. Damn.......

Technorati : Blogging, Virginia, Will Vehrs

Mother's Day

A mother takes twenty years to make a man of her boy, and another woman makes a fool of him in twenty minutes. (Robert Frost)

Thank you Mom for always being there for me. Today will be spent honoring our Mothers. One day is not enough.

Technorati : Mom, Mother's Day

Reports from the 9th District

Adam has the article and Chad has the pictures.

I have a friend who attended also. He shares Adam's views about Bill Carrico. He said Carrico gave one of the best speeches ever. Chad said he will post his thoughts later. I can only hope Bill Carrico visits Wise County soon. Bill's website is still under construction. The link is here. Be sure to check out his Issues page.

Technorati : Bill Carrico, George Allen, Republican, Virginia Politics

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Veggies

This is a recipe Kilo got from his Godmother. Dare I say that I got a hold of it and made it better- NOT!!! We will just say that I took a great recipe and then made it my own. Ziti, a starting place to get creative.

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Veggies

1 lb, ziti pasta

5- 8 links sweet Italian sausage cut into ¼ inch thick rounds

4 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup onions, thinly sliced

3-4 Carrots sliced ¼ inch thick

8 oz. sliced mushrooms

½ Cup chopped red peppers

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 25 ounce jar/can Tomato Sauce

½ lb ricotta cheese

1 Cup heavy cream- I just use ½ and ½

1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano- dried is fine

¼ teas. rosemary

¼ tsp. Ground black pepper

½ lb shredded mozzarella- I use that 4 cheese Italian blend

Cook ziti in salted, boiling water until al dente, drain and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 Tbsp. olive oil over pasta. Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring often until sausage is well browned. Remove from pan and add onions, carrots, peppers and mushrooms. Pour in 1 cup white wine ( remember, if you wouldn't drink it don't cook with it) steam veggies till tender reducing the wine. Combine sausage with veggies, blend with pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, oregano, salt and pepper. I also add about 6 dashes of Tabasco sauce. Pour into 2 9x12x2 inch pans. Bake at 350 for 30 -40 minutes then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake till cheese is browned.

Kilo really likes this with sausage. I like it with hamburger. Either way we make it with lots of meat and veggies. It freezes very well so you should always have a spare on hand for an easy meal. A small salad, some good garlic bread and the rest of that bottle of wine. Oh Baby, life is good especially after a meal like this!

This was posted by One Wise Girl

Technorati : Cooking, Food

The Virginia Blog Carnival

This week The Jefferson Mammoth is the host. The guidelines are here.

Technorati : Virginia Blog Carnival

Senator Allen to Attend Sixth, Ninth District Conventions

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator George Allen (R-VA) will speak at the Republican Conventions for the Sixth and Ninth Congressional Districts this Saturday, May 13^th.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

9:30 a.m.

Ninth District Republican Convention

George Wythe High School

1 Maroon Way

Wytheville, Virginia

Senator Allen will give remarks shortly after 10 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

Sixth District Republican Convention

Northside Middle School

6810 Northside High School Road

Roanoke, Virginia 24019

Senator Allen will give remarks shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Adam and Chad will be there so we should have good reports from the event. Chad makes great pictures. Me....I will be working.

Technorati : George Allen, Republican, Virginia Politics

The Fix

The Wapo's blog The Fix by Chris Cilliza mentions the Virginia Senate race even though he thinks it is not worth mentioning at the moment. Chris feels as of now that Sen Allen is in no danger of losing.

The Fix remains skeptical that the Virginia race merits mention in the top-tier of takeover opportunities. First, it's not apparent that first-term Sen. George Allen (R) is particularly vulnerable -- regardless of who Democrats nominate to oppose him.

I think that is what I have been saying. There are no nightmares for Allen. Sure it will be a competitive race but nightmare is a stretch. As we have discussed before the anti war talk will not cut it. The run for the White House wont either. Chris agrees saying

But a potentially distracting White House run isn't going to dissuade voters from reelecting Allen. Democrats will almost certainly try to cast Allen as a clone of President Bush (both politically and stylistically), but Virginia voters have elected Allen to the state House, the U.S. House, the governorship and the Senate over the past decade -- a sign that Allen has found a winning formula in the state.

The bottom line is expect more name calling from the left because neither of the democratic candidates have any real experience in the legislative or executive fields. The lobbyist and the ex republican who got mad and quit working for Reagan. A nightmare indeed.

Technorati : George Allen, Harris Miller, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics

Nancy Pelosi-Rep. William Jefferson - Honesty in Politics

If you watched Nancy Pelosi on Meet the Press she promised to call for an ethics investigation of fellow democrat Rep. William Jefferson (La.) for receiving $450,000 in bribes. On Meet the Press:

REP. PELOSI: No, no. This-you're talking two completely different things. You're talking about some Democrats who have an ethical challenge. Mr.Jefferson-I've asked for the Ethics Committee to investigate Mr. Jefferson.

Was that true? It does not look like it was. From The Hill Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C.) is helping her keep that promise.

McHenry has prepared an ethics complaint for Pelosi to file against a fellow Democratic lawmaker, Rep. William Jefferson (La.), who is under investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly having received more than $450,000 in bribes. "We're taking paperwork off her desk - who doesn't appreciate that?" quipped McHenry, who plans to send the complaint to Pelosi today. McHenry was spurred to produce the complaint after Pelosi said last week that she thinks the House ethics committee should investigate the Louisianan."In the spirit of fairness and bipartisanship, we're helping her keep the promise she made on [NBC's] 'Meet the Press' to request an ethics committee investigation of Jefferson," McHenry said.

You really should read the rest of this story. This is politics at its very best. The reason Pelosi's staff give for her not filing this is unbelievable.

Technorati : Bribes, Nancy Pelosi, William Jefferson

Howard Dean with Pat Robertson

This is funny. Dean reveals on the 700 club that democrats are against gay marriage. Is Dean God's gift to Republicans or what.

Dean declared: "The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman. That's what it says. I think where we may take exception with some religious leaders is that we believe in inclusion, that everybody deserves to live with dignity and respect..."

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force leader Matt Foreman say's

"Governor Dean is wrong about what the Democratic platform says about marriage equality. Disturbingly, this is not the first time he has misrepresented this important and affirming plank, and he has been asked before to correct the record and to cease making these misleading statements."

The reason Dean was on Pat Robertson show was to gain support of Christians.

In an effort to drum up support in the Christian community before the 2006 midterm elections, Dean also stated on the show: "One of the misconceptions about the Democratic Party is that we're godless and that we don't have any values.

I wonder if honesty ever crossed Dean's mind as a way to gain support.

Technorati : Democrats, Funny, Pat Robertson

Good News-Power Plant to be Located in Wise County

As I revealed here on Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Power Plant in Wise County?? Could it be? My sources are saying yes. A brand new power plant located in Wise county.

This afternoon it was made official. From the press release:

LEBANON, Va. - Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest energy producers, Virginia State Sen. William Wampler of Bristol and Southwest Virginia officials announced Thursday that a reclaimed surface coal mine site in Wise County has been chosen for final evaluation for a clean coal power station.

The selection of the Virginia City site near St. Paul, Va., is consistent with a 2004 Virginia General Assembly initiative, which Wampler sponsored, encouraging the development of a coal power station in Southwest Virginia to provide energy for Virginians. A consortium of energy companies, led by Dominion, studied several sites before selecting the Wise County location for further evaluation.

This is great news for Wise County. Of course this being an election year Rick Boucher showed up. No one was fooled as this was Sen. William Wampler's day. Boucher did say "I will work with Dominion to ensure all federal regulatory requirements are resolved as expeditiously as possible." I should add that Boucher also stirred interest in a bike trail for tourists circling the power plant. That project will cost $500,000 and create one job. Tourism is our future! Heh

Technorati : Coal, Mining, Virginia

Family Cemetery

Click Pictures to Embiggen
Yesterday after work I went to my family cemetery to mow and weed eat. There are about 75 graves here. All are my family. They date back to the early 1800's. There are elaborate stones on some and simple rocks or bricks on others. Many coal miners are resting there. There are also soldiers from every war up to Vietnam represented. Many are from 1860-1865.

That catalpa tree on the left of the picture above is the center of this hollowed place. In my youth great dinners were held here. All day preaching and singing was accompanied by many tears and many smiles. I take great pride in visiting this place. As my father who is in his 70's rides his mower, I trim around each stone then wipe them with care. My fore fathers home place lies just over the hill. Grown up now, over taken by black locusts and maples. I was going to take pictures of some of the headstones. As I focused my camera I paused thinking this is not right. It is hard to explain but somehow it was made clear to me those who rest here now would not want that.

The picture below shows where I will rest. At the top of the hill under those lonesome pines. On land cleared by my ancestors, on top of a mountain in remote Dickenson County Virginia 15 miles from any main road. I can not think of a better place. I wonder who will mow and honor this place then.

I was asked in the comments about the location. A few miles off Brushy Ridge. It is The Long Family Cemetery. Mostly made up of Long, Rose, Smith, and McCoy.

ImNotEmeril Cooks

Alton has some questions for Waldo. Good questions indeed.

Technorati : Blogging, Sorenson

Serenson vs. Martinsville Blog Summits

There is no arguing with him, for if his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it. Robert Frost

Kilo and I talk (I never argue, see above) about everything. He has brought me up to speed on NASCAR, has helped me to whip up some awesome foods and since Kilo does not live by food alone we talk politics, lots and lots of politics where he is teaching me to see all sides of each issue. I have never met anyone as passionate about his home and his state as Kilo is.

I have to admit though that I wish this blogging conference conundrum would find resolution. I personally don't see a big deal about having more then one or two conferences in a year and they should be spread across the state so it is easy for different bloggers to attend. Kilo is always pushing for bloggers from each county to post on the VBC and join the ODBA. What better way to get bloggers involved then to first make it easy for them to attend a conference?

That said, I don't think that this concept that Kilo, Alton and Ben are torpedoing the Serenson Blogging summit is correct at all. They believe that this summit does not fit their needs as bloggers and believe that in taking the idea to the bloggers themselves they will have a better understanding of what is important to the blogger and what will further the Commonwealth of Virginia. Apparently they are not wrong in this idea as they are getting great support in hosting something in Martinsville. See here and here. Me, I am pretty certain I will not be attending either because I get my politics by the Kilo already!

The Virginia Blog Carnival Is Up

Check out the best of the Old Dominion! This weeks Virginia Blog Carnival is up at NovaTown Hall. Hats of to Sophrosyne for doing a great job hosting!

Technorati : Blogging, Virginia, Virginia Blog Carnival