Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Why we'll have a hard time bringing down the debt

Governor Bob McDonnell and virtually all of the Commonwealth's elected leaders of both parties have unwittingly demonstrated why getting a handle on the federal deficit and debt will be so difficult. The governor and Virginia's congressional delegation are lobbying the Pentagon and taking to the air waves to argue against plans to close/downscale military bases and cut military jobs in the state. Those same leaders, almost to a person, talk of the need to cut federal spending and to reduce the debt... but like political leaders everywhere, they don't want to take the hit.

The governor talked about protecting national security (hey, that's the Pentagon's job, not the governor's) and the impact on the Virginia economy. But, the real reason is likely their own job security and political futures.

The USA will never fix our budget imbalances until those who scream loudest for spending cuts are willing to take willing to take some cuts themselves. It can't always be tax the other guy and spend the money on me. Where are politicians who will look beyond their immediate needs to the bigger picture of our common good? Where are the American people willing to do so? Don't tell me it is tea partiers... the one I know best is already screaming "don't touch my Social Security or Medicare... don't raise my taxes...."

Friday, November 19, 2010

Promises Kept

The Promise is kept (once again) by Bruce Springsteen.

Vast. Elegant. Tender. Mysterious. Fierce. Beautiful. Raspy. Fearless. Stimulating. Great. Boundless. Exciting. Jagged. Heavenly. Acrid. Amusing. Loving. Dramatic. Robust. Painful. Reflective. Complex. Exultant. Luxuriant. Witty. Expansive. Guttural. Encouraging. Combative. Heartbreaking. Gutsy. Victorious. Faithful. Ubiquitous. Knowing. Stormy. Nostalgic. Lonely. Spiritual. Wise. Outstanding. Lyrical. Tearful. Serious. Romantic. Ruthless. Punk. Sweet. Vigorous. Upbeat. Young. Old. Illuminating.

Turn it up. Absorb it. As "old" as 1977, as relevant as today... and tomorrow. Enjoy. The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story.


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tipping the bottle water guy



There's more on WVEC's Bottled Water Leaves Bad Taste in Taxpayers Mouth. Wonder if the taxpayers are paying for delivery of Keurig coffee, too? So much could be said about this one.... wasting tax dollars, plastic in landfills, it isn't what you know but who you know.... Gotta head to the kitchen tap to refill my glass. Cluck! Cluck!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Veterans Day

I received the following info about local Veterans Day events, however, I have not confirmed the details so if you plan to attend please check in advance. Even if you are not a Vet, take time to honor the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation.
  • (This one appears to be for all seniors) Staunton/Augusta County residents: Free Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon@Augusta County Government Center. For more information, call 245-5727.
  • Thursday, Nov. 11, Applebees Restaurants will be honoring Active duty, Reservists, and Veterans with a free entree among 3 specific selections. Outback Restaurants will honor the same group of people on Nov. 11 with a free blooming onion and beverage.
  • Monday, Nov. 15, Golden Corral Restaurants will honor the same group with a free dinner buffet from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Please call ahead to confirm that your area restaurants are participating and the specific hours.)
  • Residents of Staunton/Augusta County: On Thursday, Nov. 11 Subway will give a Free 6" fresh value meal to the above mentioned group.
  • The Old SchoolHouse Restaurant in Stuarts Draft will honor Active Duty, Reservists and Veterans with a Free lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14. Please remember to bring proper I.D. to show your status.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The morning after... or afternoon after... pill

We took a lickin' but, just like the storied wristwatch, we Dems will keep on tickin'. While the news was bad, it wasn't as bad as many pundits predicted. We're here and we'll keep fighting for the principles that will move America forward. But, on this morning after, a chill pill.  ;>)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Old Man Winter will eventually arrive

It has been a mild, many would say warm, fall in the Shenandoah Valley. We've only used the wood stove a couple of times and the furnace remains silent. This morning was the first time the pet water bowls have sported a skiff of ice. But, even with the reality of global warming, the leaves are falling and we all know Old Man Winter will find his way to the Valley. Are you ready?

The Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club's next program, Home Weatherization - Are You Ready for Winter? will feature Benjamin Meredith of Building Knowledge, an experienced professional building inspector and energy rater. Benjamin has conducted numerous energy audits on homes and is familiar with the common problems of weatherization and how to deal with them. He will explain how energy audits work, and will provide practical advice that you can put to use right away to better insulate your home. Learn how you and your family will be more comfortable, save money, and conserve our natural resources.

Date/time: Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00 PM
Place: Clementine Cafe (downstairs), 153 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA