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Blue Virginia: Danville Newspaper: Perriello Works a Double for the 5th

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:04:00 -0500

Posted by The Green Miles

Virginia's 5th Congressional district was drawn by Republicans for a Republican. But what are Republicans offering 5th district voters in 2010? According to last night's debate:
Drastically cut the federal government. Privatize Social Security. Finish building a wall to keep out illegal immigrants. [...]

SLANTblog: The long view of "change"

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:12:00 -0500

Sometimes, these days, it seems like mean habits die so slowly that we're standing stuck in the mud and there's no hope of change. The hyperventilating media have a way of making it appear true. So, when some of us get frustrated with the pace of' [...]

Armchair Generalist: Pulsers Say, "Bomb Iran Now"

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:57:34 -0500

SHORTER Arnaud de Borchgrave: "If we bomb Iran now, it will restore downtrodden American spirits and stop the impending Iranian EMP attack against the United States of America."

Now this might seem that only a really crazy person would say this, but Mr. de Borchgrave, a Belgian-born American "journalist," is [...]

Blue Commonwealth: New Tools for Politics

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:48:45 -0500

We all know by now just how feckless and ineffectual the campaign of Martha Coakley was in trying to hold the U.S. Senate seat of Ted Kennedy for the Democrats in Massachusetts, but the way Scott Brown won that election hinges on much more than that.

Brown's campaign bought Google ads [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Increasing Cadence for "Literacy Tests" Is Harbinger of Return to Jim Crow Politics

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:17:14 -0500

It has come to this. From the GOP-Mouthpiece-Fox-News hatemonger Glenn Beck to the vicious xenophobe (former GOP Congressman) Tom Tancredo , the language is clear. Their mission is to denigrate the "literacy" of some Americans, including our president. To the cheering of Teabagger attendees at Opryland, Tancredo called for the [...]

We will RockDem: We need another Turnip Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:54:00 -0500

Leading House Republicans raised the prospect Monday night that they might refuse to participate in President Obama's proposed health care summit if the White House chooses not to scrap the existing reform bills and start over.

'Turnip Day' was a special session President Truman called in his acceptance speech [...]

Blue Virginia: McDonnell's LCI Decision Doesn't Deserve the Applause It's Getting

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:39:00 -0500

In case you were focused on shoveling and missed the big news, here's what Governor McDonnell announced yesterday:
... he will support updating the Local Composite Index (LCI), the formula which determines state and local education funding responsibility, in the upcoming budget. His predecessor, former Gov. Timothy M. [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Quick look at bills of local legislators

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:56 -0500

Here’s a quick look at a few bills from legislators in Hampton Roads: HB570 related to real estate assessments, HB207 related to rules for lineups and SB185 related to menhaden fishing. More below the fold. HB 570 – Del. Sal Iaquinto (R-84th) – This bill changes the burden of proof for [...]

VB Dems: License Plate Games

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:34:09 -0500

What goes around, comes around!

For years, anti-choice advocates have been trying to muscle through the General Assembly a license plate that says “Choose Life”. They’re at it again this session. However this year, there is a “Trust Women, Respect Choice” license plate also trying to make [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Hester for Mayor kickoff Saturday

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:22:18 -0500

[...]

Vivian J. Paige: Quayle votes with Dems against discrimination

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:01:42 -0500

The Virginia Senate voted 23-17 to pass Sen. Donald McEachin’s SB66 Monday afternoon. The bill prohibits discrimination in public employment and includes sexual orientation. Senator Fred Quayle of Suffolk broke ranks with his Republican colleagues and joined the Democratic majority to pass this bill. According to The Virginian-Pilot, Quayle voted yea [...]

Armchair Generalist: John Murtha Dies at 77

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:30:00 -0500

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) passed away yesterday due to complications following gall bladder surgery. He was a controversial figure and a very powerful one, being the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's defense panel as well as a Marine veteran.

The passing of Rep. John [...]

VB Dems: Sen. Jeff McWaters Supports Workplace Discrimination

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:54:15 -0500

Number of comments: 3

Newbie Senator Jeff McWaters voted against SB66 which prohibits “discrimination in public employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a special disabled veteran.” The bill passed with a 23-17 [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Tuesday Morning

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:49:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Snowverkill Tuesday "Clips."

1. MCDONNELL DIRECTING MORE EDUCATION MONEY TO N.VA.
2. NORTHERN VIRGINIA OFFICIALS, MCDONNELL MEET ON SCHOOL FUNDING
4. CHANGE IN SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA MAY COST RICHMOND AREA MILLIONS
7. GOP PLAN EMERGES TO FIX VA. SHORTFALL
[...]

Blue Virginia: NLS: "Mark of the Beast Bill" Debated Today

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:43:00 -0500

This should be fun! :) [...]

Armchair Generalist: "Chuck" Fails Chemistry Test

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:30:00 -0500

On the television series "Chuck" last night, the team stole a Greek mask that was on display at the museum, because the bad guys (the Ring) wanted it for some reason. So they take the statue, which is mounted on a base, to "the [...]

Blue Virginia: Another Day, Another Blizzard

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:16:00 -0500

Click here for more from the Washington Post's "Capital Weather Gang," including the phrase, "very gusty winds bring the potential for blizzard conditions, and unfortunately, power outages." Ugh. If you want to read even more about the coming storm, click here for the National Weather [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Unemployment Inequality

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:28:48 -0500

You did NOT misread the title. That is an accurate description of the contents of Bob Herbert's column this morning, which the NY Times has labeled The Worst of the Pain. Let me present it simply, but I will give the figures he offers from the bottom income level' [...]

Anti-BVBL: Meghan McCain–A Breath of Fresh Air

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:05:31 -0500

Number of comments: 2

One of the best things about Election 2008 is that Meghan McCain is still around, on the TV talk shows and lecture circuits. Meghan McCain is just a breath of fresh air. She is a Republican who isn’t afraid to disagree with her dad and she is unafraid to speak [...]

SLANTblog: ODU at VCU video highlights

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:35:00 -0500

Playing in the Siegel Center on Saturday, VCU defeated ODU, 70-58. It was as lively inside the arena as it was cold and snowy outside.

Still, the game was a sell-out, when some other area games were canceled, due to the weather. Click here to view [...]

Anti-BVBL: LCI to be Unfrozen by Governor McDonnell

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:23:13 -0500

Number of comments: 4

Good news! I just received the following from Delegate Jackson Miller:

Today, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that he will undo the freeze to the Local Composite Index that former Governor Tim Kaine proposed before he left office. Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park City Schools would have suffered greatly had [...]

We will RockDem: Let's hope ...

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:04:00 -0500

Let's hope the American people don't buy the propaganda of anti-government groups calling for the overthrow of the very institutions that protect all of us from tyranny...If the rhetoric coming out of the Tea Party Convention was coming from the lips of the left wing,' [...]

Coarse Cracked Corn: Cheat notes

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:55:00 -0500

I taught school for 30 years and caught plenty of cheaters. Some were creative and innovative (almost wanted to reward their smarts), others crude and juvenile. Sarah Palin's crib notes fall in the latter category. Most 17 year old Virginia rednecks could do better. Tea party wingnuts should swiftly [...]

What IS Right for Virginia: Governor McDonnell Updates Existing State of Emergency Ahead of Additional Snowfall

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:32:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0
Potential Exists for New Round of Accumulating Snow and Ice in Regions Still Recovering from Historic Winter Storm
Virginians Can Check Road Conditions by Calling 511 or by Visiting 511Virginia.org; More Information About Winter Weather Preparedness Available at [www.vaemergency.com]; Call 211 for Local Shelter Information

RICHMOND – [...]

Blue Ridge Data: Manufacturing Monday - Caveat Emptor, Made in China

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0500

MADE IN CHINA

Buyer beware. A familiar concern returns. Products made in China can be hazardous to your health. This systemic pattern of data, does not bode well for China.

Melamine: Product adulteration... again in China - Reuters

With a renewed [...]

Blue Virginia: Sen. Janet Howell: Past Time for McDonnell to Do the Job He Was Elected To Do

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:35:00 -0500

The other day, it was Sen. Donald McEachin (D-9) delivering an excellent speech on the budget and Bob McDonnell's lack of leadership. Today, it was Sen. Janet Howell (D-32). The last minute of Sen. Howell's speech is particularly good, here's the transcript.
I implore Governor McDonnell to give [...]

Blue Virginia: Meghan McCain Attacks Palin, Tea Party

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:05:00 -0500

Click here to watch Meghan McCain on ABC's "The View" earlier today. Here are some highlights:

*What Tom Tancredo said at the Tea Party convention about Obama voters supposedly being illiterate buffoons is "innate racism, and I think it's why young people are turned off by this" [...]

Anti-BVBL: Another Perfect Storm Headed our Way?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:41:12 -0500

Number of comments: 10

*****UPDATE****

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS WARNING OF 7 TO 14 INCHES OF SNOW. 4:07 PM 2/8/10

The weather forecast is becoming more ominous for our area. 2 storm systems are converging. One storm is coming in from the north and the other from the south. They are predicted to meet over [...]

Blue Virginia: Snoverkill! Make That 10-20 Inches, On Top Of What We've Got.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:22:00 -0500

After reading this forecast - 10 to 20 more inches of snow! - how many of you want to move to Florida, Arizona, or Hawaii? MeMeMeMeMeMeMe!

UPDATE: The Capital Weather Gang writes that "With the impending storm for tomorrow and Wednesday, we have a legitimate chance for" [...]

Article XI : To Preserve and Protect: Virginia's Misguided Rush to Drill Offshore

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:42:48 -0500

As published in yesterday's Daily Press:

In the heated debate over offshore drilling, policymakers have only addressed "how much": how much gas and oil, how much tax revenue, and how many new jobs they think it would create. Yet, from the standpoint of healthy oceans, they've largely ignored' [...]

The Shockoe Literary Messenger: Pat Robertson "deeply disappointed" by Saints' win

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:03:00 -0500

According to sources close to the aging televangelist, Reverend Pat Robertson was "deeply disappointed" by the New Orleans Saints' victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

"Reverend Pat made a big deal about how Katrina was a punishment for the sins of New Orleans; he was kind of'" [...]

Blue Virginia: Eric Cantor: My Way Or The Highway!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:03:00 -0500

This pretty much sums it up regarding the Can'tor/Boner-(mis)led Republican Party.
Eric Cantor’s office responds to Obama’s announcement of a bipartisan summit on health care with the most explicit and direct assertion I’ve seen yet that the only way Dems can win bipartisan cooperation is to fully embrace' [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Rightwing Interprets Obama

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:21:28 -0500

I know we thought Obama at long last made some great, fighting speeches recently. To the Righties, obsessed with despising Obama, those speeches were ridiculous, ego-driven lies strung together by a supreme egoist---- and, therefore, easily deprecated, ignored, and belittled. See this clip from PowerLine, a conservative blog, and the [...]

Blue Virginia: State Senate Passes Nondiscrimination Bill

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:42:00 -0500

A few minutes ago, the Virginia State Senate passed Donald McEachin's nondiscrimination in state employment bill by a 23-17 vote. Unfortunately, it now goes to die in the flat-earth-Republican't-controlled, homophobe-dominated House of Delegates. Hey, perhaps Pat Robertson's Manchurian Governor might intervene on the bill's behalf, especially since he said' [...]

X Curmudgeon: Arlington Schools Need To Get Their Storm Priorities Straight

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:38:00 -0500

Memo to Dr. Patrick Murphy, Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools:

Today is the sixth day of school missed SO FAR due to this winter's storms. DC schools, in contrast, have missed only ONE full day of school (today).

We're not upset about today, but' [...]

Blue Virginia: Snow No! Another 10 Inches On The Way

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:04:00 -0500

From our friends (?) at the National Weather Service. Fun times! LOL

P.S. Check out thousands of snow photos here. [...]

X Curmudgeon: Schools Need To Help Prevent Boys From Failing

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:49:00 -0500

Here's an interesting report, from today's Wash. Post, on a new book called "Why Boys Fail," which explores a theory on the growing achievement gap between boys and girls in school.

The stats are depressing--for boys. Women now account for 57% of bachelor's degrees [...]

X Curmudgeon: Storm Saver: Washington Post on Kindle

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:35:00 -0500

With Snowmageddon still crippling Washington and environs--and another storm on the way tomorrow night (!)--our trusty Washington Post delivery boy hasn't made it down the rutted single snow/ice lane of North Edgewood Street since Friday.

Fortunately, our Amazon Kindle (allegedly soon to be outmoded by the Apple Ipad) allows' [...]

X Curmudgeon: Storm Saver: Washington Post on Kindle

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:35:00 -0500

SLANTblog: SLANTblog's VA Top Five: Feb. 8

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:00 -0500

Each Monday morning during the men's college basketball regular season, SLANTblog will publish its new Virginia Top Five. For the third consecutive season this feature will attempt to rank what seems at the moment to be the best five teams from among the 14 Division I programs in the Commonwealth.' [...]

SLANTblog: SLANTblog's VA Top Five: Feb. 8

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:00 -0500

Armchair Generalist: What is a "Person"?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:32 -0500

I missed this treasure... via "Of Mule and Dung." [...]

Armchair Generalist: What is a "Person"?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:31 -0500

I missed this treasure... via "Of Mule and Dung." [...]

Vivian J. Paige: AP/VP: Oops

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:07:46 -0500

The headline was right, but there was a little problem with the score. Colts 31, Saints 17 I wish! The story was from the AP so I don’t know whether it was wrong in the story or whether somebody at the Virginian-Pilot messed up. In any case, it’s not Dewey defeats [...]

Armchair Generalist: Charges of Russian Chemical Dumping

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500

The Swedish government is announcing that it intends to inquire into the possible dumping of toxic chemicals and nuclear waste by the Russian navy into the Baltic sea about fifteen years ago. The notice talks to the possibility that chemical weapons might have been dumped [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Time for electronic filing of all campaign reports

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:44:14 -0500

Number of comments: 4
Virginia’s campaign financing rules are pretty loose – pretty much anyone can donate to whomever they choose without limitation. Disclosure of the contributions and expenditures is supposed to be enough. The problem is the form that the disclosure takes. The State Board of Elections provides, for free, software that allows candidates [...]

Armchair Generalist: Nuclear Mondays

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:30:00 -0500

From yesterday's strip. [...]

Blue Commonwealth: They're killing women.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:11:33 -0500

Those words were spoken by a fictional character, C. J. of West Wing, to National Security Advisor Nancy McNally. The complete line is "They're killing women. They hate women. The only reason they keep women alive is to make more men." The Quirini of that episode were bad. ' [...]

VB Dems: Love This Super Bowl Ad!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:55:09 -0500

Number of comments: 2

Green is mainstream – as evidenced by this funny ad run during last night’s Super Bowl. If only this conscientiousness would infiltrate Virginia Beach’s Parks and Rec department where all those gazillion plastic water bottles are tossed in the trash and not recycled. Can the Green Police please arrest Mayor [...]

Anti-BVBL: The New Political Correctness and Rahm Emanuel

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:54:44 -0500

Number of comments: 10

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has come under fire from all corners over his mouth flashing…again. This time it is not over your usual F-bombs, but over the use of the word ‘retarded.’

According to the LA Times:

In an unguarded moment, Emanuel had referred to a group of [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Monday Morning

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:38:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Dig-Out-From-Snowmageddon Monday "Clips."

1. NORTHERN VIRGINIA STATE OFFICES TO CLOSE MONDAY
2. WEEKLY ROUNDUP FOR VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS CROSSOVER APPROACHES
4. MEDICAID FUNDING FOR DISABLED ON CHOPPING BLOCK
8. GOP TAKES ON SNOW
11. U-VA. STUDENTS PROTEST [...]

Anti-BVBL: Is it Real or is it SNL?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:06:27 -0500

Number of comments: 6

No one has taken a good swipe at Fox News in about a week. Everyone has been too consumed with the weather. So is SNL fair and balanced or has FN been unfairly treated in spoof?

[...]

Blue Virginia: "What the Dems should Learn from the Saints"

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:04:00 -0500

So true!
The Onside Kick cemented that message [that "they weren't afraid of going big and failing"] and even if they blew that too, they could still come away with a lot of respect for even calling that play.

We'll never know what would have happened if [...]

Armchair Generalist: Not Going to Work Today

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:35:00 -0500

There's nothing so discouraging than clearing a 30 foot driveway and realizing that you're still not going anywhere with two feet of snow in the unplowed street.

[...]

We will RockDem: True. True.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:25:00 -0500

"we are wounded by fear, injured in doubt.. we scorch the Earth, set fire to the sky, we stoop so low, to reach so high."-Bono
It is truly sad that this uncaring, and ever increasingly selfish world listens more to the hate-filled, self-promoting, anti-american, demagoguery of Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, [...]

Blacknell.net: This Is How We Lose

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:55:21 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Inspired by a couple of commenters in a previous post:

Click here to view the embedded video.

[...]

Armchair Generalist: Bands Who Shouldn't Play Live Anymore

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:31:18 -0500

Two of the original four members of "The Who" are dead, and the remaining two don't have the voice or the moves that they used to. Guys, loved you in the 1970s and 1980s, but really...

Enough pandering for the baby boomer crowd, NFL. Get [...]

Lee District Democratic Committee: President Obama Speaks to the Democratic Party

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:57:19 -0500

President Barack Obama addresses the Democratic Party’s 2010 Winter Meeting in Washington, DC on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

[...]

X Curmudgeon: Blame It On El Nino!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:30:00 -0500

[...]

Blue Commonwealth: Budget Deficit Burns; McDonnell Fiddles

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:20:04 -0500

It looks like even the Republicans in the General Assembly are pretty sick of Gov. Bob McDonnell's refusal so far to commit to amendments to cut the state budget by over $4 billion. In two weeks the budget committees in each house must have bills ready to adopt, but without [...]

VB Dems: My Op-Ed in Today’s Daily Press!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:07:15 -0500

Mixing business with pleasure as I toot my own horn…

The Daily Press in today’s print and online paper has an op-ed penned by yours truly. Check it out!

While I’m at it… mark your calendars for Tues., Feb. 16th for “Oceans Under The Gun: Living Seas or [...]

Blue Virginia: Capitals Win 14th In A Row

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:55:00 -0500

Make that 14 in a row, this win coming in overtime over the Pittsburgh Penguins (the final score was 5-4). Nice job!

P.S. Just in case you were wondering, I think hockey is about a million times better sport than football. Always have, pretty much. How [...]

Blue Virginia: Tom Perriello Live Blogging At Open Left (4 PM)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:38:00 -0500

Check it out here. [...]

Blue Virginia: Super Bowl Sunday: Who You Got?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:38:00 -0500

Posted by The Green Miles

If you're not rooting for the Saints tonight, it means you're a bad person.

I mean, how can you not root for New Orleans? After all the city's been through? With a great guy like Drew Brees as their [...]

We will RockDem: Understanding is the first step toward solving.

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:48:00 -0500

Here are some video lessons which enable us to literally see the various elements and how they all fit together.

[...]

Vivian J. Paige: Super Sunday

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:21:32 -0500

Number of comments: 1
The New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts face off today in Super Bowl XLIV. It’s been two weeks since the teams won their respective conferences and I have to say, the least hyped Super Bowl I can remember. Or maybe it’s because my attention has been focused elsewhere. In any [...]

Great Blue Heron: A Texas Mess

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:13:51 -0500

An unqualified doctor with a foreign medical degree performs a failed skin graft in the emergency department of a small hospital in rural Texas, without surgical privileges. He improperly sutures a rubber tip to a patient’s crushed finger “for protection.” He e-mails patients about herbal supplements that he peddles on [...]

Blue Virginia: Video: "Snowmageddon" in Time Lapse

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:27:00 -0500

h/t [...]

Blacknell.net: Not Another Teleprompter Joke. Ever.

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:24:31 -0500

Number of comments: 10

I always thought that the teleprompter thing was a little silly – politics is often performance, and prompts are always part of performance. But, like so much else from the right, I ignored it. Now? Seriously, I don’t ever want to hear another joke about Obama needing a teleprompter.

[...]

Anti-BVBL: The Aftermath: Digging out and other war stories (Sunday)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:29:28 -0500

Number of comments: 10

And Now the Fun Begins

Tell us your war stories of how you survived the blizzard of 2010. What harrowing escapades did you have? What news do you have? What people need help? What places should be avoided? Closings? Spill it all here.

Mystery question: [...]

The Richmonder: Don't like politicians who use teleprompters? How about crib notes?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:05:00 -0500

Too funny. [...]

We will RockDem: We All Need to do this NOW!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:59:00 -0500

Fury at Wall St. Banks Fuels Public Action for Move Your Money CampaignThe banking behemoths have used our dollars to destroy our economy. The Move Your Money campaign says we don't have to wait for financial reform to fight back. Continued..[...]

We will RockDem: The Newest Diet Trend: What Would Jesus Eat?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:52:00 -0500

The Newest Diet Trend: What Would Jesus Eat?Whether you call it the Hallelujah Diet, the Maker's Diet or the Lord's Diet, the holy spirit is driving one of America's biggest weight-loss fads. Continued.. [...]

We will RockDem: How Corporations Are Secretly Moving Millions to Fund Political Ads

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:46:00 -0500

How Corporations Are Secretly Moving Millions to Fund Political AdsGaping legal holes allow corporations to spend enormous sums on politics without leaving a paper trail. Continued.. [...]

VB Dems: VB City Council Picks A Minority?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:32:39 -0500

Number of comments: 10

The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee issued a petition calling for the Virginia Beach City Council to pick a “highly qualified minority” to replace Ron Villanueva. They argued that such a large city as Virginia Beach should be inclusive and therefore reflective of the city’s rich diversity.

[...]

Coarse Cracked Corn: Chesapeake Clean Water Act

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:16:00 -0500

The Chesapeake Clean Water Act (HB 3852 and SB 1816) will require all seven jurisdictions whose waters flow into the Chesapeake to implement specific plans for reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution over the next 15 years. The bill is not just a mandate, it provides the necessary resources [...]

Blue Virginia: Swift Boat Boy Gets Frustrated, Lashes Out At 5th CD Tea Partiers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:34:00 -0500

Our old friend Chris "Swift Boat Boy" LaCivita is at it again.Among the most tested will be the winner of the Republican primary in Virginia's 5th District, a conservative-leaning region where six candidates are running for the chance to face freshman Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello, who narrowly won' [...]

Blue Commonwealth: On gays in the military - two columnists, two arguments ... and more

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:15:39 -0500

From liberal Frank Rich in the New York Times, repealing DADT is the right thing to do, and besides, at this point most conservatives know better than to make an issue of it, because the politics, especially among independents, is against them. Look at new Senator Scott Brown, who may [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Sunday Morning

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:30:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Snowmageddon Sunday "Clips."

1. ASSEMBLY SEEKS BUDGET GUIDANCE FROM MCDONNELL
2. VIRGINIA GOVERNOR EXTENDS MODERATE APPROACH TO CABINET PICKS
3. MCDONNELL: DANGEROUS STORM HAS EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
5. GOV. BOB MCDONNELL DISCUSSES HIGHER EDUCATION AT WILLIAM AND MARY'S CHARTER DAY' [...]

~ H O V ~: The End of the TelePromTer Joke

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:40:15 -0500

Number of comments: 5
President George W. Bush uses a TelePrompTer when he erroneously claimed that the mission was accomplished. Why no jokes and derisive comments about people like Bush and others that use that device? Because Republicans who make those comments are hypocrites. [...]

Blue Virginia: "D" vs. "R": Any Further Questions?

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:00:00 -0500

No more questions about whether to vote Democratic or Republican't? Not after these graphs!

Case closed.' [...]

DemRulz: DNC Snobama Meeting – Day 3

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:21:21 -0500

The DNC held its meeting this morning and had a surprisingly large and enthusiastic crowd. President Obama spoke about the economic frustrations of the American people and the continuing need to change the way Washington works. Chairman Kaine spoke about the 2012 elections and the need to encourage turnout [...]

Blue Virginia: Video: Barack Obama Speaks at DNC Meeting

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:21:00 -0500

[...]

Blue Commonwealth: Open Thread

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:05:51 -0500

Use this to comment on what you are seeing, doing, and thinking as we struggle through this mammoth storm. In Fairfax City the snow began yesterday about 10 AM, big fat, sloppy snow which came down but turned instantly to slush, and then it gradually changed to smaller, sharper pellets [...]

Anti-BVBL: Good-bye to Gridiron Great William ‘Bullet Bill’ Dudley

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:19:20 -0500

Number of comments: 7

William ‘Bullet Bill’ Dudley (far left, carrying the ball) has often been called the University of Virginia’s greatest football player and the greatest football player to come out of the State of Virginia. He died Thursday, at the age of 88 in Lynchburg.

Dudley grew up in Bluefield, [...]

Blue Virginia: While Economy and Infrastructure Crumble, House of Delegates Tackles...Involuntary Microchipping?

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:02:00 -0500

Today's Virginian-Pilot has an editorial, "Tinfoil hats are not enough." The subject is legislation by Del. Mark Cole (R-Spotsylvania) that would "put an end to a disturbing threat to public safety...Virginians are in danger of having top-secret microchips implanted against their will." Yes, this is nuts. And no,' [...]

Blue Commonwealth: A Social Security Grandstand Which Toys With Seniors

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:05:12 -0500

It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions (which often backfire). What I write about today isn't even euphemistically qualified under the label of "good intentions." It is far more convoluted than that. Instead our House leaders have conjured up a reckless ploy. They' [...]

VirginiaDem.org: Winter Saftey Stressed by Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:41:35 -0500

Note: This advice comes by way of a press release … “Let’s be careful out there” RICHMOND, VA – The approaching winter storm will bring hazardous conditions to Virginia, ranging from freezing rain and high winds to sleet, snow and ice. Residents should take the time now to look at their [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clips Dozen: Saturday Morning

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:55:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Saturday Snowpocalypse "Clips."

1. MCDONNELL: SNOW STORMS EATING INTO STATE BUDGET
2. MCDONNELL HAS NOW CLOSED STATE OFFICES
3. ASSEMBLY DISPOSES OF HUNDREDS OF BILLS
4. TAX CUT PLAN WOULD COST LOCALITIES
5. SASLAW'S UNWELCOME BIRTHDAY PRESENT: SENATE' [...]

Anti-BVBL: Monster Snowstorm – Day 2 – Still Snowing

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:24:43 -0500

Number of comments: 10

According to the Associated Press, “A record 2 1/2 feet or more was predicted for Washington. As of early Saturday, 10 inches of snow was reported at the White House, while parts of Maryland and West Virginia were buried under more than 20 inches. Forecasters expected snowfall [...]

Blue Virginia: Bob McDonnell Jokes About Global Warming

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:12:00 -0500

I can't embed the video, so click here to watch (at about 1:20 into it) as Bob McDonnell "jokes" with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce about global warming. It's sooooo funny, can't stop laughing, hahahahahahahahahaha. On second though, perhaps not.
It's great to be back [...]

Blue Virginia: The Snowcapolypse Continues

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:49:00 -0500

As of 5:14 am Saturday, snowfall totals in the DC Metro area were around 15-19 inches, with another 5-8 inches expected today. If you've got a sled or cross-country skis, now's the time to use them!' [...]

Blue Virginia: President Obama: "Opening Doors for Small Business"

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:07:00 -0500

The full transcript is here. [...]

DemRulz: DNC Winter – and we do mean Winter – Meeting Day 2

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:50 -0500

NOTICE: President Obama will speak to the DNC tomorrow at 10:30 am, and you can see it here.

The fun continues – in the midst of snow worries and actual snow flurries – the DNC had a number of meetings today, including the DNC Executive Committee; the four regional (Southern, Eastern, [...]

Blacknell.net: Empire

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:43:06 -0500

Visualizing empires decline from Pedro M Cruz on Vimeo.

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SLANTblog: Reid: The sour face of Democratic impotence

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:27:00 -0500

Sen. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the Senate: The sour face of Democratic impotence

Art by F.T. Rea
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Blacknell.net: Friday Music: Outsourced

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:07:24 -0500

Unholy Rouleur Jim’s feeling darkly – go check it out, and try not to feel guilty about enjoying the fruits. And in case you need some prompting, here’s some of what he’s digging up:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Blue Virginia: Caps Win 13th In A Row

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:36:00 -0500

The Washington Capitals defeat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-2 for their 13th win in a row. Not too shabby! [...]

Sisyphus: U.S. Senate action on nominees blocked because of a Senator’s pet pork projects

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:29:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0
The distinguished Republican Senator from Alabama, Richard Shelby, has put a blanket hold on all of President Obama’s nominations before the United States Senate. This affects approximately 70 nominations and their respective agencies. The reason for Shelby’s unprecedented holds, according to Evan McMorris-Santoro [...]

Blacknell.net: Leave Your Guns At Home

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:56:28 -0500

Dupont, 2pm.

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