Any fellow bloggers/ blog readers have rooms for rent in NOVA!?

As I stated the other day, the reason for my seldom posting lately is mostly due to the fact that I'm getting ready to move to Arlington to finish out my BA. I've posted on several different sites, but so far haven't found too much. If any of you know of anything, or happen to have a room for rent in Northern Virginia around the Rosslyn/Courthouse/Clarendon/Ballston areas (preferably on the orange line, but I'm willing to locate along the blue or yellow lines as well, AS LONG AS IT'S WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO A METRO RAIL STOP), please let me know! I can be reached on AIM at carolina26canes, my personal email is the same name @yahoo.com, and obviously a comment with a way to contact you will suffice as well. Thanks!

Awesome Saturday Night Live parody of Hillary Clinton, and Chris Matthews

I looked for this the other day, but couldn't find it, thankfully though, it has turned up on YouTube (where else?). It's a parody of Hillary Clinton appearing on Hardball with Chris Matthews after announcing that she will be running for President in 2008. Enjoy...

[Cross posted on Capitol Talk, and Raising Kaine!]

Videos of O'Reilly on Colbert, and Colbert on O'Reilly!

Stephen Colbert (also the official mascot of The Ditzocrats) appears on The O'Reilly Factor:

And Bill O'Reilly appears on The Colbert Report:

Hmm, which segment did you like more?

Video of Bill O'Reilly accusing kidnap victim of enjoying his circumstances!

This is truly pathetic. On Monday, January 15, 2007 during his show on Fox News, Bill O'Reilly accused a kidnap victim, who had been held captive for four years of "enjoying" his circumstances.

MoveOn's new ad against McCain

Saw this on TV yesterday, MoveOn.org's new ad against John McCain. It's a great ad and is obviously aimed at getting people to associate McCain (the leading Republican Presidential candidate for 2008), with the grossly unpopular plan to send 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq:

A break from politics; A smart move by Cooperstown

Now for a break from politics, I bring you this bit of excellent news from Major League Baseball. Mark McGwire's Hall of Fame bid came up just short SOME 300+ VOTES SHORT today!!!

McGwire, whose 583 home runs rank seventh on the career list, appeared on 128 of a record 545 ballots in voting released Tuesday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

The 23.5 percent vote McGwire received represented the first referendum on how history will judge an age when bulked-up players came under suspicion of using performance-enhancing drugs.

To be fair though, Major League Baseball didn't ban steroids until 2002, however, I personally LOATHE the fact that McGwire still denies to this day ever using them. When called before Congress in 2005, he lied through his teeth UNDER OATH to try and "protect" his legacy.

While Mark McGwire was rightfully DENIED entry into Cooperstown, two DESERVING PLAYERS, Cal Ripken, and Tony Gwynn, were both easily voted into the Hall. I think we can ALL agree, that the world of baseball will never view Mark McGwire as HALF the player that Ripken, and Gwynn were, nor does he deserve the RESPECT that those two men do.

Tim Kaine's transportation plan; VA Republicans propose a tax increase

Kaine to House: OK new road funds or tell voters why not

RICHMOND, Va. - Bolstered by growing Democratic electoral might, new Republican Party leadership and powerful resentments over worsening traffic gridlock, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is seeking new taxes and fees for new roads and rails for the second year in a row.

With all 100 House seats and 40 Senate seats up for grabs, the Democratic governor confronts conservative tax hawks, particularly in the House of Delegates, with a dilemma: approve a new stream of money to ease traffic congestion or answer to restive voters this fall.

On Thursday, Governor Kaine asked for nearly $1 billion a year in new taxes and fees to be earmarked for the transportation backlog which is currently estimated at about $100 billion. Kaine also DEMANDED a source of permanent revenue increase.

At the center of Kaine's proposal is a two percent increase on the sales tax on new cars in Virginia. The increase would put the car sales tax at five percent, the SAME amount Virginians pay on other merchandise, and would generate about $360 million in its first year. The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association says the new tax would increase the price of a new car by about $500 (depending on the price of the car, of course). That number can be trusted too, coming from a group which would have an obvious bias against the new revenue. WRONG. That $500 mark is based on a buyer PAYING MORE THAN THE NATIONAL RETAIL AVERAGE FOR A NEW CAR.

As many of us remember, the GA spent nine months arguing back and forth (almost shutting down the Virginia government), before rejecting Kaine's long term plan. Things may be a bit different this time around, though:

Kaine calculates it's still an issue so potent in the state's fastest-growing areas that, facing November's elections, it will either force Republicans to go along or force those who don't out of office.

The Democrats only need to pickup four seats in the state Senate to have their first majority since 1995. The Dems have already gotten challengers in place for three GOP state Senate seats in Northern Virginia. The AP article which appeared on the Richmond Times Dispatch website also points out that control of the state Senate is extremely important to both Democrats and Republicans because whichever party wins a majority will be able to protect and/or expand it's dominance when state congressional and legislative districts are redrawn in 2011.

Republican state Senator Jay O'Brien of Fairfax (who won't have a job come 2008) said the following (and even though no one cares what a doomed state Senator thinks, I'll post it anyway):

"I was a little surprised he's going back to what failed before. It makes you wonder if he's looking for a success this year or looking for something to blame Republicans for at the end of the day."

Nope, Mr. O'Brien, actually Governor Kaine just wanted to watch you cry, and he succeeded.

Apparently, state GOP leaders including new state party chairman Ed Gillespie, Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis are urging senior Republicans in the state House, and Senate to reconcile their differences in private discussions WITH those state leaders. Of course, because as we're all well aware, the Republican party has proven time and time again that a difference of opinion within the party is unacceptable.

Last month you may remember I wrote about the ineffective and worthless proposals made by Republicans, but I failed to mention the fact that they're already proposing what amounts to a tax increase. One of their proposals to increase revenue is to replace the per-gallon state tax on fuel (a dwindling source of revenue), with a SALES TAX ON GASOLINE THAT WOULD KEEP PACE WITH PRICES. Fine by me, but to all you Republicans still buying into the scum bags' LIES, please remember this next time they start harping on how they never raise taxes.

Some facts about minimum wage

Since raising the federal minimum wage is more than likely to be a hot topic in Congress during the current session which began yesterday, I thought I'd post some interesting (and disturbing) facts about the minimum wage in this country. I received this in my email this morning from MoveOn.org:

- In the decade since the min wage was last raised, (the longest stall in history) Congress has increased it's own pay by $31,600 dollars.

- A full time min wage worker earns just $10,712 a year, less than half the poverty rate for a family of four.

- Raising the min wage would help approximately 13 million wage earners and their families.

- Real world studies have consistently found that cities and states with higher minimum wages generally retain or even increase employment levels.

- 86% of small business owners report raising the minimum wage would not effect them.

- The average CEO makes 821 times the average min wage worker.

So much for that "we'll run small business' into the ground" argument from the Republicans. Although in the face of truth, I expect them to do what they've always done: IGNORE IT. I don't doubt at all that they'll continue to cite the same ridiculous argument, even though it's been disproved. I challenge George Bush to veto a federal minimum wage increase if when the 110th Congress sends it to his desk.

Midwest citizens suffering because their National Guard is in Iraq

That's right! We knew it would come back to haunt us, and it has, AGAIN. George Bush's decision to send National Guard members to fight his illegal war in Iraq is hurting residents of the Midwest tonight as they recover from a devastating snow storm. The National Guard has struggled to keep up with the demand for aid across the region because, well, their simply aren't enough of them left behind in the U.S., as most of the National Guard's members have been shipped off to Iraq.

Humans aren't the only ones suffering either, as hundreds of thousands of cattle have gone missing in the region, while the National Guard struggles to provide them with food (they've been attempting to drop hay from helicopters). For those who will undoubtedly say "oh, they're just animals" consider this: In 1997 a blizzard that killed 30,000 cattle cost ranchers about $28 MILLION. Ranchers have said that the current one affecting the area is worse. Wow. WAY TO GO BUSH!

Supreme Court nominee leaving White House

Creepy "cat lady" seen at Wal Mart at midnight Failed Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers has submitted her resignation to the White House. No one really cares, except George Bush who "reluctantly" accepted her resignation.

UPDATE: Actually, I take that back, I might actually care about this. Apparently, the White House is looking for someone more aggressive than Harriet Miers (known as mild mannered), to combat "investigations" expected to be launched against the White House by the new Democratic majority on the Hill.

Most Valuable Progressives of 2006

As reported by The Nation. The winners were as follows:

MVP – U.S. SENATE
Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold cinched the title in March when he proposed that Senate censure President Bush for repeatedly authorizing domestic wiretaps on American citizens without first obtaining a legally required court order.

MVP – U.S. HOUSE
Barbara Lee (D-CA) and her co-chair and fellow California Democrat, Lynn Woolsey who renewed the Congressional Progressive Caucus by hiring an able full-time staffer, staking out a clear set of stances that defined the left wing of the possible, holding forums and hearings on the Iraq War and developing strategies for aiding progressive contenders in House races around the country.

MVP – EXECUTIVE BRANCH
David Kuo, a Bush administration staffer who condemned the administration for failing to deliver on its promises to the poor, noting that when issues related to the supposed compassionate-conservative agenda of the President arose: "The White House legislative affairs office rolled their eyes while others on senior staff yawned." In the end, Kuo explained, "From tax cuts to Medicare, the White House gets what the White House really wants. It never really wanted the ‘poor people stuff.'"

MVP – STRATEGIC VISION BRANCH
Progressive Majority, the five-year-old multi-issue political action committee (PAC) that was established to enhance the political effectiveness of the progressive movement (I myself did a rather extensive review on how Progressive Majority helped Progressives take control of the Pennsylvania state house).

MVP – ACCOUNTABILITY BRANCH
AfterDowningStreet.org coalition - who have been pushing for the better part of a year for a congressional inquiry into the administration's warping of intelligence to fit its Iraq War goals – but adjusted their focus to promote an even broader and more aggressive critique of the Bush presidency.

MVP – CITIZEN BRANCH
Jimmy Carter, who (as a citizen) continues to make profound contributions to the nation. Increasingly frustrated by the failure of both the Bush administration and Democrats in Congress to take seriously the duty of U.S. officials to operate as honest brokers in the festering dispute between Israel and Palestine, Carter penned the most important book ever written by an ex-president: Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid (Simon & Schuster).

Happy New Year!: Top stories of 2006

The top stories of 2006 - Richmond Times Dispatch. Stories of note include the death of 100 Virginians in Iraq, Macaca, and transportation.

2006: A Look Back - Top Stories - Danville Register and Bee. This one covers top stories from the Danville area including the Goodyear strike, Henry County Sheriff H. Frank Cassell being indicted on charges of stealing drugs from evidence rooms, and Danville's unemployment rate being highest in Virginia.

Top stories of 2006 - Charlottesville Daily Progress. The top stories from the Charlottesville area including Jim Webb defeating George Allen, the opening of John Paul Jones Arena, and several other stories involving UVA.

Tiger Woods selected male athlete of the year by the Associated Press.

Potshots, pork chops and photo ops make 2006 an especially juicy crop. Annual awards for the silliest, stuffiest and goofiest actions of the year also known as the Raspberry Awards.

And finally, a look ahead shows Americans see gloom, doom in 2007.

VB Dems brings us the 2006 song of the year.

AP Poll: George W. Bush named biggest villain of 2006

In a new AP poll out tonight, President George Bush received a vote of "Biggest Villain" from 25 percent of Americans. Bush's 25 percent topped Osama bin Laden by three times the percentage points. Saddam Hussein, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong Il and even SATAN received FAR LESS votes than Bush.

As proof of just how polarized the U.S. is right now, thanks mostly to the President himself, Bush also topped the list of biggest heroes in 2006, however he only received 13 percentage points, far less than the 25 he received for biggest villain. The troops in Iraq finished second in the biggest hero category with six percentage points.

For those interested, Oprah Winfrey received "Best Celebrity Role Model" honors with 29 percent of the vote. Oprah was followed by Michael J. Fox with 23 percent, George Clooney with 12 percent, and Angelina Jolie with 8 percent. On the opposite end, Britney Spears was awarded "Worst Celebrity Role Model" with 29 percent of the vote. Spears was followed by Paris Hilton with 18 percent, Mel Gibson with 12 percent, and Tom Cruise with 9 percent.

SeattlePi breaks down the poll by Demographics, for anyone interested.

Only 3 more days 'til Christmas...

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone know I've been extremely busy the past two days trying to finish Christmas shopping and getting ready for the "big day." Updates will be infrequent over the next week or so, I likely won't be posting on a daily basis again until after the new year. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, whichever one it may be that you celebrate, and a happy new year. :)

Anyone looking for an internship?

Bill Clinton Progressive Majority is seeking qualified interns! .....

With the typical December news hole upon us (See: CNN pretending that someone actually cares about Miss USA and company), and in honor of IMPEACHMENT DAY, I bring you this:

Progressive Majority is currently seeking qualified applicants for a full-time paid internship with our Development Department. Stipend is $500/month and starting date will be in mid-January. All applicants must support a broad progressive agenda and be committed to using the electoral political process to effect social change. Please review Progressive Majority’s web site at www.progressivemajority.org before applying.

Job Description/Duties – Works with the Development staff to increase donors/donations to Progressive Majority and endorsed candidates, communicate with current members and donors, and to help cultivate new and potential funding.

Responsibilities include:
• Helping to organize fundraising and network-building events across the country;
• Identifying outreach lists and opportunities for Progressive Majority events and national networking;
• Researching prospective donors;
• Helping to maintain donor and contact database;
• Communicating with donors and contacts;
• Compiling relevant news articles and information to keep Progressive
Majority members and supporters informed of key events;
• Working on special projects as needed; and
• Other administrative duties as assigned by the Development Staff

To Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, and 2 references to:

Joshua Collins, jcollins@progressivemajority.org

Subject Line: Development Intern

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Verified voting for Virginia

Vivian Paige has been all over this. The "Verifiable Voting Coalition of Virginia," a seven member Coalition of citizens' groups, plans to to push for legislation in the 2007 Virginia G.A. that will require all voter machines to provide voter verified paper audit trails.

In an article which appeared in today's Richmond Times Dispatch, Jeremy Epstein, a co-founder of the coalition and a member of two legislative panels that studied the machines said:

"Every independent study of paperless electronic voting systems has shown that they are insecure; vulnerable to attack from insiders and outsiders; and preclude meaningful recounts or audits."

Epstein went on to say that the best approach would be to switch to optical-scan machines (which have paper trails). Locally, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties already have the optical-scan machines.

According to the RTD, the State Board of Elections has been reluctant to recommend paper audit devices until better technology evolves, because of cost.

Better technology? How hard can it be to setup a printer, or some sort of paper trail to have a hard copy of each vote cast that a voter can verify before leaving their polling station? The article went on to say:

"Lisa Wallmeyer, of the Division of Legislative Services, said there was a feeling that the state should wait before deciding whether to recommend adding printers or other technology."

Exactly what they're waiting for? I'm not sure. Hopefully though, this piece of legislation will pass, allowing voters to VERIFY (but not keep), a hard copy of their vote.

Time Magazine Person Of The Year: You!

BREAKING: Time Magazine chooses you, me, and everyone else as their 2006 Person Of The Year. The decision was announced just minutes ago on CNN. The cover of the magazine has a computer with a glossy mirror type 'image' as the screen so that it reflects the readers image back at them. The magazine's chief editor told CNN that he felt something had profoundly changed in 2006. He also mentioned that while YouTube was considered, he felt the USERS of such websites were better suited as the winner because they are what helped YouTube and other such websites become what they are, with the influence that they have.

The Magazine's "Cover Story" website says "Yes, you. You control the Information Age. Welcome to your world."

UPDATE: Here is an image of the magazine's cover...

I should also mention for any of you that missed the show tonight on CNN, the whole "Macaca" incident was mentioned during the segment on YouTube. One Time staff member even said she thought if not for YouTube, George Allen might still be a member of the U.S. Senate.

Time Person Of The Year; Open thread

As some of you may already know, Time Magazine's 2006 Person Of The Year will be announced tomorrow. I've thought about it a bit and I'm stumped, my brain keeps coming back to Virginia politics. My best guess would be Nancy Pelosi, Donald Rumsfeld, or PERHAPS Hillary Clinton. Last year's PERSONS Of The Year were Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Bono.

So, I was wondering what everyone else thought. I'd be interested to hear who other people pick, and why.

Keep in mind though that the "Person(s) Of The Year" is a person who has affected the news, for BETTER OR FOR WORSE. You can visit Time Magazine's Person Of The Year website to see a list of potential winners which include: George Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Kim Jong Il, Chad Hurley and Steve Chen (The YouTube guys), Al Gore, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez, and Nancy Pelosi.

Time will announce the winner tomorrow at 8pm ET on CNN.