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Blue Virginia: Video: Bob McDonnell on How He Won the Election

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:35:00 -0500

Bob McDonnell on how he won the governor's election:

1. Identified the important issues (economy, "pocketbook") early and laid out "detailed plans" to deal with them.
2. "I brought in very, very good people..."
3. "We made a key focus on grassroots efforts."
4. "We used technology very" [...]

SLANTblog: Still Crazy

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 -0500

The avalanche of happy birthday wishes I received yesterday via Facebook, and otherwise, calls for an answer. After saying "thanks," my cousin Ray will supply the rest. [...]

Blue Virginia: Special Election Set for Cooch's Senate Seat: 1/16/10

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:51:00 -0500

From Roz Helderman at the Washington Post:Gov. Tim Kaine's office reports that it has now received a copy of a letter from Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, indicating that he will resign from the state Senate on Jan. 12, in preparation for his inauguration as state attorney general Jan. 16.
[...]

Blue Virginia: What's Mark Warner Talking About On Health Care Reform?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:05:00 -0500

Based on these tweets, I'm baffled.

*"Warner indicates he will vote FOR cloture tomorrow: 'moving to debate it simply starts the process'"

*"Warner, more: 'I think it's gotten better but I think it's still got a long ways to go before I can get to a" [...]

Armchair Generalist: Casual Fridays

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 -0500

I don't have any Lady Gaga songs on my iPod, but the visual image of Christopher Walken and Cartman singing with her is pretty damn funny. [...]

Blue Commonwealth: A Little Friday Fun from the Onion: Obama and the Teleprompter

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:26:35 -0500

(Hat-tip: LA Times).

Here's a little fun from the Onion. The best part is the ticker of fake news headlines running across the bottom.

Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
[...]

Vivian J. Paige: Opinion, please: “Black Fur-iday”

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:46:59 -0500

Number of comments: 9
It seems that animal shelters find black cats and dogs difficult to be adopted. In a play on words, the Norfolk Animal Care Center is holding a “sale” on the animals, to coincide with Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. The “sale” provides for adoption fees [...]

Blue Virginia: Jon Stewart: We Are Not a "Fragile" Country

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:38:00 -0500

That's the fundamental - albeit oversimplified - difference between Progressives and Conservatives right there. Progressives believe America is truly strong, particularly when it lives up to its highest values, and can do great things if it puts its mind to them. Conservatives fear that America is "fragile" and must [...]

Armchair Generalist: WMDs Are Never The Answer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:35:00 -0500

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VB Dems: Can You Say "Shellacked"?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:20:46 -0500

This is an interactive map produced by VPAP which even on its surface shows how Democrats got shellacked. "The analysis shows Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell carried 75 of 100 House districts and 29 of 40 Senate Districts", they write. Geez, in Virginia Beach Bobbo won by over 19%. [...]

VB Dems: Ten Things To Be Depressed About

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:19:01 -0500

1. Losing Joe Bouchard
2. Having Bob McDonnell as my Governor
3. Having Ken "Environmentalists are Watermelons" Kook as my Attorney General
4. Knowing Glenn Nye doesn't stand a chance in 2010
5. Knowing VB Mayor Will Sessoms is a puppet to Frank Wagner and Bob McDonnell
6. Knowing that' [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Friday Morning

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:17:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for another work week of "Clips."

1. VIRGINIA TAX COLLECTIONS REFLECT ECONOMY
2. VA. FACES $3.5 BILLION HOLE IN NEXT TWO-YEAR BUDGET
3. VDOT MUST TAKE ANOTHER AX TO ITS BUDGET
4. MARSDEN CANDIDACY NOW OFFICIAL
6. SENATE CANDIDATES EMULATE [...]

~ H O V ~: What? Burger King Was Busy?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:05:31 -0500

Reportedly, supporters of real estate developer and candidate for Congress from the Fifth District Laurence Verga munched roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, as he talked to them about his candidacy on Thursday. Brian McNeil of the Daily Progress reports that Verga stated that he would never raise taxes, serve no [...]

Blue Virginia: Video: Barack Obama Speaks to U.S. Troops at Osan Air Base in South Korea

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:51:00 -0500

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Armchair Generalist: Einfach Toll!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:31:00 -0500

In which I get to use the very little German I remember from high school...

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Anti-BVBL: Palin-o-phobia Footage

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:23:59 -0500

You folks knew this was coming. The media is aglow with Palin-o-phobia. Some of it is funny. Some pathetic. Some fair. Some not fair. On the other hand, if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch,

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / [...]

Blue Virginia: FDL Action Health Care Update: Thursday (11/19/09)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:24:00 -0500

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Thursday, November 19.

1. Jon Walker lays out "eight things wrong with the Senate health care bill," beginning with "Delays Start Until 2014" and including "Nationwide Plans Gutting State Regulation." Definitely a few things that need [...]

Blacknell.net: Finding the Law That Governs Us

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:49:27 -0500

From an email to a listserv I’m on:

[E]arlier this week, we extended Google Scholar to allow anyone anywhere to find and read full text legal opinions from U.S. federal and state district, appellate and supreme courts. We hope that this addition to Google Scholar will empower the average citizen by [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Public Trials and Military Commissions

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:25:45 -0500

In the near future, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM, if you will) will be tried for his alleged masterminding of the attacks on 9/11. Attorney General Eric Holder has come under considerable fire for deciding to try KSM and other terrorists in Federal court rather than relying on military commissions.

Why is [...]

Vivian J. Paige: How we did in Hampton Roads in November

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:56:33 -0500

Number of comments: 1
The Virginia Public Access Project today updated their website with the party performance data for statewide candidates for the House of Delegates and Senate districts. A lot of red on that house map to the left (click to enlarge). I took a look at the contested races in Hampton Roads where [...]

Blue Virginia: ACORN Is Truly Evil

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:43:00 -0500

Courtesy of #acornfacts, I bet you never knew that...

*"ACORN took the prizes out of Cracker Jack."
*"ACORN burned down the orphanage in Little House on the Prairie"
*"ACORN made #Oprah quit her TV show"
*"ACORN cost Charlie Brown the election for class president."
*"ACORN shot Mr." [...]

Where's Eric Cantor?: Doc Fits

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:07 -0500

Number of comments: 2
In case you weren’t paying attention, Congress today passed a “doc fix” for health care, preventing a 21% cut in Medicare payments to doctors. This is what’s considered “a good thing.” Unless of course you’re Eric Cantor and trying to make a political point. See, Eric Cantor supported it several months [...]

Blue Commonwealth: FDL Action Health Care Update: Thursday (11/19/09)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:55:07 -0500

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Thursday, November 19.

1. Jon Walker lays out "eight things wrong with the Senate health care bill," beginning with "Delays Start Until 2014" and including "Nationwide Plans Gutting State Regulation." Definitely a few things that need to be [...]

We will RockDem: Sarah Palin. Christian? Really?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:25:00 -0500

I see where Sarah Palin will be shilling her book at the Roanoke Barnes & Noble this Sunday at 10:00 am. Seems like she could give it a rest on the Sabbath. Guess I'm old school.' [...]

VB Dems: Frank Wagner and Uranium Mining

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:24:43 -0500

Always knew there was something wrong about Sen. Frank Wagner.

Rumor has it that the glowing Frank here is asserting pressure on VB Mayor Sessoms to overturn the City's resolution opposed to uranium mining in Virginia.

Mr. Glow Man here has been so far successful in getting a state [...]

Fred2Blue: Houck on the Way Out? (Then Hap better be on the way in)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:53 -0500

Number of comments: 5
Right now I’m hearing that Bob McDonnell will push very hard to convince Sen. Edd Houck to leave the Senate for a job in his upcoming administration, and Houck is seriously considering it. This means that control of the Senate probably hinges on either Democrats holding onto this seat or [...]

Blue Virginia: VPAP Maps: McDonnell Won 29 Senate and 75 House Districts

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:02:00 -0500

Excellent map, check out VPAP for more. In short, Bob McDonnell defeated Creigh Deeds in 75 out of 100 House of Delegates districts and 29 out of 40 State Senate districts.

In the 37th State Senate district, where Sen. Ken Cuccinelli is leaving [...]

Blue Virginia: ChChChChanges at the DPVA

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:46:00 -0500

Well, actually, there are some changes and some continuity, at least according to this report by Anita Kumar.Despite what a lot of politicos think, Levar Stoney, former executive director of the Democratic Party of Virginia, will not be returning to the party following his stint as political director [...]

Left of the Hill: Dave Marsden Announces for State Senate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:27:00 -0500

Number of comments: 3
I just received a press release stating that Marsden will indeed be running for senate from the 37th district. I have known Dave Marsden for years and have seen him work extremely hard on behalf on his constituents. I strongly support his candidacy because I believe we need more leaders [...]

Armchair Generalist: Queen of Idiot America

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:13:27 -0500

I sincerely wanted to resist any comment on Sarah Palin and her book tour (sponsored in part by Faux News), but I just have to say, now I recognize that her fan base really does like the fact that she is just like them - completely devoid of [...]

Left of the Hill: Should Dickie Cranwell Resign As Chair of DPVA?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:00 -0500

Number of comments: 2
Even before Election Day there were some discussions about whether McDonnell's landslide victory would result in Dickie Cranwell resigning as Chair of DPVA. There have been rumors about various people who might be interested in taking over the position and earlier today Lowell provided some updates on who is [...]

Blacknell.net: Idiocracy on the March: Poll Says Majority of Republicans Believe ACORN Stole Election for Obama

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:49:09 -0500

Number of comments: 4

From TPM:

The new national poll from Public Policy Polling (D) has an astonishing number about paranoia among the GOP base: Republicans do not think President Obama actually won the 2008 election — instead, ACORN stole it.

[ . . . ]

The poll asked this question: “Do you think that [...]

Anti-BVBL: 9500Liberty Interviewed By Fox Business News

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:23:56 -0500

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Blue Virginia: Faux "News" Caught Lying Yet Again

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:19:00 -0500

Once again, as Jon Stewart said, we have the "literal manifestation of what we feel is the metaphorical methodology of the entire Fox network...the subtle altering of reality to sell a preconceived narrative." Or, to put it another way: "Fox Distorts. We Deride." Ha.

h/t: Daily [...]

We will RockDem: Huge Cuts at VDOT

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:05:00 -0500

The next round of VDOT funding cuts are under consideration today:

Roadway maintenance ($277 million), highway construction ($255 million), administrative services ($115.2 million) and mass transit ($46.3 million) are among the areas slated for major cuts to achieve the $851.5 million [...]

Armchair Generalist: How Many More for Afghanistan?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:46:00 -0500

Spencer Ackerman has done a yeoman's job digging into the details as to whether the 40-44,000 troop estimate by Gen. McChrystal is even realistic to consider, when one counts the number of troops still in Iraq and Gen. Odierno's glacially slow deployment out of that country, the number of [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Nye community discussion Saturday

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:34:58 -0500

Number of comments: 4
I won’t be able to make this (because I’ll be at the Blogs United conference) but here’s your chance to talk to Rep. Glenn Nye. [...]

Blacknell.net: The Grand Old Pity Party

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:28:40 -0500

Colbert nails it:

The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c The Word – Grand Old Pity Party www.colbertnation.com [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Reminder: Blogs United Saturday

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:25:50 -0500

Number of comments: 2
Just a quick reminder that the Blogs United conference is coming up this Saturday, November 21. The event will be held from 9am-4pm at the David Student Union Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Among the media personnel scheduled to attend are Anita Kumar of [...]

VB Dems: Another Question for Jeff McWaters

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:32:28 -0500

Another question for my "Get in, sit down and shut up" and "Suck it up, little Democrat" file...

Jeff McWaters is CEO of AMERIGROUP, "a Fortune 600" company. (I thought it was Fortune 500... weird...)

Does his company offer health and life insurance benefits to the domestic partners of his [...]

Armchair Generalist: Winning Afghanistan - Just Like Winning Vietnam

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0500

Rob Farley points to a Small Wars Journal article by COL Gian Gentile, where he proposes a "better understanding of the Vietnam War." Gentile is concerned that the COINdanistas are using the Vietnam conflict as an excuse to say "if they let us [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Seven Score and Six Years ago

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:01:36 -0500

a president addressed an audience for approximately 3 minutes with words that have since become an essential part of America's understanding of itself.

It was at the dedication of a cemetery honoring the dead of both sides, at the site of a battle a little more than 4 months earlier, a [...]

Coarse Cracked Corn: Beware unintended consequences

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:53:00 -0500

Delegate Lacey Putney (I-19th District) is chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He has a suggestion for the upcoming session of the General Assembly, an intermission of sorts: The possibility of coming into session, maybe recessing, let the members go back, except the money committees working on the budget, [...]

Blue Commonwealth: Some Extremist Misreading and Misusing Bible to Imply Hate, Threats

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:51:50 -0500

Dear Fellow Progressives:

Please watch this video. We proudly voted for President Obama. We said we'd have his back and defend him. He has taken a number of positive steps. For example, just this week, he formed a new team within government to bring Wall St. criminals to justice and just' [...]

Armchair Generalist: Afghanistan Corruption - Out of Control

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:48:00 -0500

So let's talk about this great government in Kabul that we're trying to prop up with the billions of dollars from the US treasury. First we can talk about the mansions in Kabul, where simple government officials making a few hundred dollars [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Thursday Morning

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Thursday "Clips."

1. GOV. KAINE CITES CONCERNS ON VIRGINIA’S BUDGET, ROADS
2. CAIR ASKS MCDONNELL FOR MORE ON ROBERTSON, AS CONNOLLY WEIGHS IN
3. KAINE, HOUSE GOP HEADED FOR SHOWDOWN?
4. KAINE WANTS HAMILTON INQUIRY TO CONTINUE
5. [...]

Blue Virginia: Rumors on the DPVA Chair and Other Matters

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:08:00 -0500

I'm hearing all kinds of rumors from Democratic sources on the Democratic Party of Virginia chair situation and other matters. With regard to the first issue, current chair Dickie Cranwell was reelected (for another 4-year term) in June, but after Virginia Democrats got crushed a couple of weeks ago,' [...]

Fred2Blue: Not Larry Sabato Rewrites History?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:41:18 -0500

Oh….my….blog…. The Webbys top 10 internet moments of the decade includes: (emphasis mine): Online video revolution (2006): Faster bandwidth, cheaper camcorders and YouTube’s use of Adobe’s Flash 9 video player combine to make online video explode. “The trifecta led to a boom in homemade and professional content – the Diet Coke and [...]

Blue Virginia: Brian Moran, CCA Attempting to Re-Write History

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:37:00 -0500

In a statement released by Harris Miller's Career College Association, it appears Brian Moran may have fudged on his resume. While Brian may have finished in third place in a three way race, losing to Creigh Deeds by 26 points, that hasn't stopped him from [...]

Blue Virginia: Bob McDonnell Refuses to Disavow Pat Robertson's Bigotry

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:07:00 -0500

Not surprising, but still pathetic.
Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell on Wednesday would not disavow Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson’s recent claim that Islam is not a religion, but “a violent political system.”

[...]

“I’ve got probably 15,000 donors to the campaign and I can’t stand and defend [...]

Blue Virginia: Senate Health Care Reform Bill Released

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:34:00 -0500

To read the Senate's health care reform bill, click here (warning: 2,074-page PDF file). For some analysis of the bill, see:

*Reuters, which reports:
After weeks of closed-door talks to merge two Senate bills, Reid told Democrats the Congressional Budget Office pegged the plan's 10-year cost [...]

Blue Virginia: Senate Health Care Reform Bill Released

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:34:00 -0500

Blue Commonwealth: Early News on Senate Health Care Bill

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:12:58 -0500

The Senate Health Care Reform bill is out, and preliminary reports from the Congressional Budget Office say it will have a 10-year cost of $849 billion, slightly lower than the House bill, and that it will cut the deficit by $127 billion over that 10 years and by $650 billion [...]

Mosquito Blog: Oh Obama!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:09:00 -0500

Mountain Music to help Star pack. :) :) :)

Buzz....Buzz.... [...]

Mosquito Blog: Psalm 109.8; Trolling for Assassins

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:45:00 -0500

When I was young I learned that yelling fire in a crowded theatre was not only irresponsible but illegal.

Criticism of a President is something I have no problem with. I am very critical of how Obama is NOT representing the progressive base who fought so hard [...]

Too Progressive: Video of the decade

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:43:40 -0500

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Blue Virginia: "Teabagger": Finalist for New Oxford American Dictionary's 2009 Word of the Year

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:00 -0500

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Blue Virginia: "Teabagger": Finalist for New Oxford American Dictionary's 2009 Word of the Year

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:00 -0500

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Anti-BVBL: “George Mason University Study Shows Deep Anti-Immigration Sentiment in Pockets of Prince William County”

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:02:03 -0500

Number of comments: 10

This report came out November 5th. I am not going to post the entire report, but you can click here to read it in full.

What jumped out at me, immediately, was the fact that overall, the sudden demographic change, i.e. the influx of Latinos, to specific neighborhoods, resulted in [...]

Where's Eric Cantor?: Eric the Hypocrite

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:32 -0500

So, yeah, basically what I said yesterday. The DCCC is leveling a new attack on Cantor for his “hypocrisy.” I would throw in “liar” but you know, different strokes. The Washington Post reports that, once again, a showpiece job fair drummed up for a cushy Cantor photo op, is featuring a [...]

Where's Eric Cantor?: Eric the Hypocrite

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:32 -0500

Blue Virginia: FDL Action Health Care Update: Wednesday (11/18/09)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:54:00 -0500

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Wednesday, November 18.

1. Jane Hamsher reports that voting is now open for the Public Option Please (POP) art contest. There are six finalists, vote now!

2. Jon Walker writes that "it" [...]

VB Dems: Question for Jeff McWaters

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:19:52 -0500

I've stopped counting all the mail pieces I've gotten so far from Jeff McWaters. He has obviously money to burn mailing to a hardcore Dem who has never and will never sully her clean record by voting for a Republican or in a Republican primary. But I did look over [...]

VB Dems: Question for Jeff McWaters

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:19:52 -0500

Blue Virginia: "Macaca" One of the "Top 10 Internet Moments of the Decade"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:04:00 -0500

George Allen's 2006 "macaca moment" - captured by S.R. Siddarth of the Webb campaign, first reported by Ben Tribbett of Not Larry Sabato, ultimately one of the decisive factors in bringing down George Allen and electing Jim Webb to the U.S. Senate - is one of the Top [...]

Blue Virginia: "Macaca" One of the "Top 10 Internet Moments of the Decade"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:04:00 -0500

Blue Commonwealth: FDL Action Health Care Update: Wednesday (11/18/09)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:55:03 -0500

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Wednesday, November 18.

1. Jane Hamsher reports that voting is now open for the Public Option Please (POP) art contest. There are six finalists, vote now!

2. Jon Walker writes that "it seems [Senator Thomas] Carper" [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Hamilton latest: subpoenas, ethics rules overhaul

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:01:42 -0500

The Virginian-Pilot has been all over the latest information on the Phil Hamilton situation. In an article on the front page of Tuesday’s paper (strangely buried on the website here), the cancellation of the ethics probe is causing concern. Frustrated by the halt to the inquiry, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, [...]

Waldo Jaquith: The Hamilton case has gone federal.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:30:17 -0500

Number of comments: 2

Del. Phil Hamilton lost his reelection bid earlier this month, I was relieved to see–voters saw fit to hand him his hat for lining his own pockets with taxpayer dollars (or so it appears). Democrat Robin Abbott won the Peninsula district with 54% of the vote. Like every other [...]

Fred2Blue: Blue Virginia Interviews Scott Robinson

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:18:42 -0500

Lowell Feld: The other day, I sent out questionnaires to both Democratic Congressional candidates – Krystal Ball and Scott Robinson – in the 1st Congressional District (currently misrepresented by Rob Wittman) Here are Scott Robinson’s Q&A’s; Krystal Ball’s are here. After this, having spoken in person with both candidates, I will [...]

Left of the Hill: Will Keith Fimian Force Even More Moderates Out of a Republican Primary?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:03:00 -0500

Number of comments: 1
Since his supporters didn't want to have a moderate Republican potentially defeat the tea party activist Keith Fimian during the Republican primary, they were able to create enough pressure on moderate Republican Paul Miller that he dropped out of the race. According to a statement released by Miller,' [...]

Blue Virginia: Thank You John Warner...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:47:00 -0500

......for stopping this guy!
Oliver North is using climate change denialism to fundraise for his non-profit group Freedom Alliance. In a six-page stream-of-consciousness fundraising letter, North warns of the "liberty killing 'Cap and Trade' boondoggle" that socialists are plotting in response to the "phony climate 'crisis.'" The [...]

Armchair Generalist: William Kristol is a Huge Asshat

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:05:40 -0500

Now I am probably not telling you anything new in this title, but when I saw this op-ed by William Kristol in his Weekly Standard magazine (hat tip to Matt Y), I just suddenly got this pounding headache and resulting furious reaction.

In areas [...]

Left of the Hill: Gerry Connolly Calls On Pat Robertson to Apologize

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:55:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0
In the time since Pat Robertson made his hate-filled comments about Islam, it's become clear that Bob McDonnell won't called Robertson out for his disgusting rhetoric. Gerry Connolly, on the other hand, has made it clear that he doesn't believe that type of hatefulness should be promoted. That is [...]

Blue Virginia: Frank Wolf's Franking Frankly a Waste of Your Money

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:39:00 -0500

Frank Wolf's at it again, complaining about the debt (which, I would point out, was run up mostly under Republican presidents) while wasting taxpayer money on glossy mailers touting his latest spiel.This is an expensive piece of propaganda. It's four colors, printed on heavy, coated paper, complete [...]

Anti-BVBL: Maersk Alabama Attacked Again

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:26:40 -0500

Number of comments: 10

The US merchant vessel Maersk Alabama was attacked again by pirates off the coast of Somalia in the early hours on Wednesday. This ship was attacked last year and their captain was held for 5 days. He was freed by Navy Seals and three of the pirates were shot and [...]

Blue Virginia: New TV Ad: "Keep Fighting, Rep. Perriello"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:14:00 -0500

According to Americans United for Change, this ad is running in the Charlottesville and Roanoke media markets starting today. Good to see; keep fighting, Tom! [...]

SLANTblog: Psalm 109 as a weapon

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:46:00 -0500

Some of my readers aren't old enough to remember when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Well, I am. Here's something most of the TV documentaries don't dwell on -- some people openly expressed their pleasure that Kennedy was dead.

And, before Nov. 22, 1963 there were plenty' [...]

Anonymous Is A Woman: Further Testing

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:26:00 -0500

This is an old picture of Dan.

- I am testing to see if this works better for posting pics than Blog It or Blogger's mobile posting via email, neither of which worked very well.

If this little experiment works, it will be [...]

Anonymous Is A Woman: Stupid Blog Tricks

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:00 -0500

In my continuing effort to find new and annoying apps for my iPhone, I just bought a new blogging app and now I want to test it.

Now the thing about these little experiments - my adventures in mobile blogging series - is that they have the distinction [...]

Anti-BVBL: Senator Byrd Achieves Senate Milestone

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:42:11 -0500

Number of comments: 10

On Wednesday, the Senate honored Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) for being the longest serving member of Congress. Byrd was elected to Congress in 1952 and 6 years later, was elected to the Senate.

Byrd made the following remarks about his long tenure:

“I look forward to serving you for the next 56 [...]

Blue Virginia: Virginia Democrats' 2010 Strategy: Be Nice to Bob?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:14:00 -0500

Posted by The Green Miles

I'm hearing the same disturbing news from multiple sources in multiple places -- both directly from delegates and from people who've heard it themselves from the delegate.

Apparently Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates plan to go out [...]

Great Blue Heron: Who Would Jesus Assassinate?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:43:22 -0500

Number of comments: 1
Once again, the so-called “christian” right has it wrong. Now, along with t-shirts portraying President Obama as The Joker or as Chairman Mao, you can buy bumper stickers, coffee mugs and t-shirts (even teddy bears!) with the seemingly innocent message “Pray for Obama: Psalm 109:8.” What’s wrong with urging people to [...]

Vivian J. Paige: Democracy in action in Norfolk

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:45:23 -0500

Number of comments: 2
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” — Margaret Mead The quote above is one of my favorites. And Tuesday, we got an opportunity to see it happen. It started with a phone call that I received [...]

Mosquito Blog: Getting a Move On

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:43:00 -0500

I'm going on hiatus through Thanksgiving holidays. We are moving our household to Virginia's Blue Ridge mountains. I'm looking forward to living in a one stop light town that is filled with folks of differing beliefs who are able to create a community that is active, artistic and compassionate. What [...]

Armchair Generalist: "WMDs" in Australia

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:02:00 -0500

Australian government officials announced the discovery of a World War 2-era cache of mustard-filled 105-mm artillery shells last week. It's causing a bit of a stir, but then again, it's just mustard agent and they're not leaking. Still, a bit of historical interest here as to where they came [...]

Blue Virginia: "Casual bigot" Pat Robertson is Bob McDonnell's "albatross"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

For once, I agree 100% with the Washington Post editorial board. It's unfair to expect politicians to be held accountable for every asinine thing that a supporter happens to say. But in this case -- when the supporter is among Mr. McDonnell's most prominent associates, and the level [...]

VirginiaDem.org: Are Virginia Democrats Behaving Like This Turtle?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:22:28 -0500

The turtle wasn’t going anywhere … it had walked part way across the road and had stopped moving … it had pulled in it’s legs and was hiding in it’s shell … is this what happened to Virginia Democrats in 2009? [...]

VB Dems: Economists support health care reform

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:47:01 -0500

The Senate health care reform bill "will reduce long-term deficits, improve the quality of care, and put the nation on a firm fiscal footing. It will help transform the health care system from delivering too much care, to a system that consistently delivers higher-quality, high-value care." - Letter submitted by [...]

Mosquito Blog: Caroline Herring: Music for the Writer's Soul

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:40:00 -0500

Writers don’t exist in a vacuum, but sometimes we are forced to do so. I struggle with this on a daily basis as stories and press releases and pleas from Africa stream across my desk. In this day and age there is a melding of blogging and journalism that can [...]

Coarse Cracked Corn: Collision Course... maybe, maybe not

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:08:00 -0500

As Governor Tim Kaine enters his final months in office and Bob McDonnell prepares to take office, the Virginia budget situation continues to deteriorate because of the nationwide economic downturn that started in 2008. The Commonwealth will cut $250 million, or more, from the current budget to balance the books. [...]

Left of the Hill: Chinese Detain CNN Reporter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:36:00 -0500

Number of comments: 1
There is no doubt that we need to work with China on some economic issues considering the fact that they hold so much of our debt, but the president's visit to the country has also helped to illustrate some of the basic issues of freedom that [...]

Armchair Generalist: I Want a New Drug

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:45:00 -0500

Story in the Washington Post yesterday talks about a new anthrax drug, intended for treatment after exposure to the disease. Only problem is that the FDA is taking its own sweet time in approving the drug. But that hasn't stopped the DHHS from [...]

Blue Virginia: Whipple Clip Dozen: Wednesday Morning

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0500

Thanks to Tom Whipple, as always, for his excellent "Clips" service.

1. VA. MIGHT HAVE TO CUT $2.9 BILLION MORE BY '12
7. NATIONAL ISLAMIC GROUP CALLS FOR MCDONNELL TO DISAVOW ROBERTSON
8. ALL EYES TURN TO FAIRFAX'S 37TH DISTRICT
10. JOHNSON, MALEK AMONG MCDONNELL [...]

Armchair Generalist: The Real "Breaker" Morant

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:32:00 -0500

Courtesy of Kings of War, I find the original source of the movie "Breaker Morant" is this book, Scapegoats of the Empire. The full text is available at the link. The movie is actually quite faithful to the screenplay, which surprises me for [...]

Armchair Generalist: Professionals Discuss Logistics

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:24:00 -0500

Paul McLeary points out a little problem with the Afghan army - they never developed logistics and combat service support units for their combat brigades.

Most troublesome for the ability of the ANA to operate independently of NATO forces is the issue of logistics. [...]

Blue Virginia: Richmond Crusade for Voters Backs Tax Credit Change for School Renovations

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:22:00 -0500

I started off intrigued but leery about this proposal to fund school renovations, but the more I hear about it (including a conversation with Terry McAuliffe yesterday), the more I'm starting to like it. It certainly has a wide array of supporters, including George Allen (yes, our old' [...]

Blue Virginia: Exclusive Blue Virginia Interview: Scott Robinson (D-1st CD)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

The other day, I sent out questionnaires to both Democratic Congressional candidates - Krystal Ball and Scott Robinson - in the 1st Congressional District (currently misrepresented by Rob Wittman) Here are Scott Robinson's Q&A's; Krystal Ball's are here. After this, having spoken in person with' [...]

Blue Virginia: FDL Action Health Care Update: Tuesday (11/17/09)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:23:00 -0500

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Tuesday, November 17.

1. Jon Walker reports that a new ABC/Washington Post poll indicates the country "nearly divided" on the overall health care reform effort, but "very high popular support [for] the public option and" [...]

Anti-BVBL: Old Sparky Still Operational

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:16:10 -0500

Number of comments: 10

The State of Virginia executed Larry ‘Bill’ Elliot tonight around 9 pm. Elliot was the oldest person on death row in Virginia. He was convicted of killing 25-year-old Dana Thrall and 30-year-old Robert Finch in a capital murder charge. Both victims were killed inside Thrall’s Woodbridge townhouse on Jan. 2, [...]