Our open thread is late this week. There is just need for some tidbit room today.
First off, did anyone catch the hearings regarding the oil leak? The families who spoke of the 11 who were killed on the was just heart breaking. Those 11 lives lost have been overshadowed because of the magnitude of the ecological disaster. Meanwhile these families and friends mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Speaking of rolling thunder, that storm last night was horrific. I got wind, lightning, and lots of hail. I thought the hail was going to break the windows.
There is a superior interactive section about those who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afganistan at CCN. Please check it out. Very worthwhile. I found the soldiers from Prince William County there also.
I’ve got something locally from yesterday at the Post Office on Sudley Rd.
I’m absolutely livid that the man that sits on his a$$ in front of automated postage machine at our post office. He told my mom(73) and grandma(90) they could NOT use a phone when mom’s car wouldn’t start to call for the “mechanic Chris”. They walked a block to use the phone at the doctor’s office. It’s 90 degrees. UFB!!!
I would give the manager Mr. Magee a big THANK YOU for immediately speaking to this moron, and then coming outside to help me with the car. I am most grateful to him. However, I’ll be working on a letter to the Post Master General and elected officials. I’m still trying to determine if I should fire a letter off to the editor. When several read this on my FB page yesterday they know exactly what useless POS I was talking about.
Why does the Post Office need a human to man the automated machine? If the PO is closed he’s not there and people do just fine. The postage vending machine is VERY user friendly.
I’ve seen this man in action before he will set you up with the most expensive way to get your mail to it’s destination. WTF is wrong with people?
He’s probably protected by the Postal Union. G’luck trying to get rid of him – you’ll have it easier trying to cure cancer.
I expect we have a mutual friend who could tell us the best way to file a complaint that would get to the heart of the matter, Lafayette.
The PO is going broke. He wants to bring in cash. Just kidding. He needs to be reported for not helping the seniors.
@marinm
I don’t think he could be fired. It takes a lot for the PO to fire one of their employees. However, I do think some light needs to be shed on this type of inhumane behavior.
@Lafayette
That’s terrible!!! What a mean human.
I received the notice below. Don’t know how true it is, but thought I would pass it along just in case.
—————
Date: Thu, May 27, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Subject: [labs-157] POISONING ALERT IN CENTREVILLE VA
To: [email protected]
All–
We thought that we should pass on this info to all of you!
Meghan
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=101853
Attention Centreville residents:
We wish to make you aware of a serious situation that came to our attention yesterday.
Poisoned meatballs were placed in at least three yards in the Sully Station II neighborhood in Centreville, on/near Kamputa Drive and Olddale Road. PLEASE be cautious when taking your dog outside! If you live near this area, we recommend leash-walking your dog (do not leave them unattended outdoors), being alert to anything on the ground, and closely inspecting your yard. The meatballs have been fatal in at least two cases, and we hope this gets to you in time to prevent any more tragedy. Symptoms caused by these poisons include seizures and trouble breathing, and usually begin within 15 minutes to two hours after ingesting the meatball. If you are concerned that your pet may have eaten a poisoned meatball, please bring him/her in immediately.
Fairfax County Animal Control and Police will be conducting an investigation. If you know anything about this case, please contact Animal Control at 703-691-2131, or the animal shelter at 703-830-1100.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital
5659 Stone Road
Centreville, VA 20120
(703) 830-5700
Today’s USA Today website has a link to “County Sin Rankings”.
Prince William County ranks close to “good” in comparison to other counties
on income inequality, unemployment, violent crime, poor health and
Chlamydia rate. PWC dropped to the middle of the pack on school drop-out
rate and adult obesity.
DADT Repealed
http://www.diversityinc.com/article/7725/Congress-Approves-Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Repeal/
with review contingency that is
@Posting As Pinko
THIS IS TRUE! Please be careful with not only your dogs but small children as well.
@Posting As Pinko
Of course, Congress still hasn’t DONE anything. DADT let homosexual service members serve. DADT was an executive order. Not a law.
For one thing, sodomy is still illegal under the UCMJ. If DADT is “repealed” with nothing replacing it, the law just returns to the previous HARSHER conditions.
Congress has to ACTIVELY state that the law now allows homosexuals to serve without penalty.
Besides, what was the rush? Why didn’t they let the military finish the review? I believe that the Democrats will lose enough seats and become the minority party. And the GOP has shown that they, too, may “repeal” DADT. The Democrats want the “credit” for doing so. Except, of course, nothing has actually changed.
Have always thought the man at the P.O. was a special case and
assumed there was a back story, but never asked. There seem to be
physical and mental issues that may have merited “limited duty” –
perhaps a P.O. work related injury? In any event, I’m sorry your mother
and grandmother had such a negative experience.
@Cargo, What do heterosexual couples do about that sodomy ban since I am assuming that means everything but ‘missionary?’
My son and I had an argument about DADT last night and what repealing it mean in reality.
So what does it mean? Yea or Nay as far as gays serving in the military?
I saw that dog poisoning story on TV last night. I would kill someone who did that to my dogs if I caught them. That is not hyperbole.
Poor Richard, many thanks. I would like to what his deal is too. Either way a teenager would have exercised better common sense. Perhaps, we better stick the PO in Old Town. 🙂
Where is Al Alborn these days? I didn’t always agree with him, but I miss his commentary.
At the moment, Art. 125 is used when it can be, when servicemembers are busted on related charges, such as fraternization. Sodomy, defined by the military is, oral or anal. Since that is all that is possible for homosexual members, they would be at increased jeopardy even if it were legal to be open.
I’m not sure what Congress is doing. DADT was an EXECUTIVE DEFENSE DIRECTIVE, not a law passed by Congress.
I am ambivalent. Personally, as BlackFive stated on his blog: http://www.blackfive.net/main/2010/05/dadt-statement-from-milbloggers.html, “If I am lying by the road bleeding, I don’t care if the medic coming to save me is gay. I just hope he is one of those buff gay guys who are always in the gym so he can throw me over his shoulder and get me out of there.”
There were gay guys in my units. I know of one each in different units. No one cared. Because it was discreet/hidden.
I’m ambivalent because this could lead to thorny questions that will not add to unit cohesiveness. I’m still waiting for answers to how privacy issues can be handled. Berthing is separated because of sex, in addition to gender. Yes, we must all be “tolerant.” Really? Why can’t questions of tolerance go the other way? The armed forces may lose many that are opposed to homosexuality because of any repeal. Furthermore, if its ok for homosexuals to be able to live and shower with members that they are attracted to, then is it ok for straights to have mixed berthing? Why not? If not, apparently, privacy issues matter.
The problem is how do we compromise on conflicting requirements. For one thing, no one has a ‘RIGHT’ to serve in the military. Membership by large amounts of homosexuals may be enough to disrupt unit cohesiveness. Or not.
The overriding goal is, “Will any major changes affect combat readiness? If so, is it still worth it to make the change?
Apparently we might be close to finding out. People whose opinion I’ve grown to respect favor the open service by homosexuals. Personally, as I am retired, I really don’t have a dog in the fight any longer. I just hope that whatever is decided, does not harm the country.
Just when my mauled 401K had climbed modestly back into the black,
Greek and Spanish debt worries slice it down again. If wild spending
and lavish living are going to ruin my retirement — by darn, let it
be MY wild spending and lavish living!
I understand about not having a dog in that fight…although not on that subject. I still find myself leaping into ‘giving a damn mode’ however. Then I have to tell myself to calm down, that I don’t really give a damn, its just a reaction.
I guess my feeling about DADT is that Clinton issued that order/directive as a compromise to keep from losing the entire thing. Certain members of Congress were attempting to pass a bill that ban gays from the military. Some were saber rattling about Constitutional amendment. I don’t approve of how the gay community responded to Clinton either….marching all around with Pinoccio noses on. grrrrrr…
There are gays in the military whether acknowledged or not. Most modern armies don’t seem to care. Since I am not in the military and never have been, it is just not the sword I am willing to fall on.
What makes me wonder is…if buying gold is the way to go, why are the experts that bought that gold in the first place selling it to me for those dollars that are going to inflate? Shouldn’t all that gold that they have in the first place be more valuable than my money?
Hmmmmmm……
I agree, PR. Enough is enough.
MIne got all kicked to hell, came back to live, and now it has been KO’d again.
cargosquid — Glen Beck is pushing gold – it has to be a smart
investment, right?
So how about Obama and Clinton trying to bribe that guy to get out of the race so the turncoat Specter wouldn’t have to face a challenger?
I love Obama’s defense. I didn’t try to bribe him, I asked Bill Clinton to do it. And since I wasn’t going to pay him, then it’s OK anyway.
At least Clinton’s lies were better.
I didn’t realize it was a state furlough day today, mandated last year. State workers went unpaid.
@Visitor
Yawn! That’s politics. That sort of thing happens all the time. I don’t know that I believe any of them. The one I trust the least is the one whose name I can never remember. Sestak, that it! He was sure the little rat fink in the first place.
Oh well, maybe Bill Clinton will get impeached.
If you are old line Warrenton, you cannot separate Captain Quincy Marr,
Warrenton Rifles, 17th Va. Reg., and former mayor of the town, from
Memorial Day. He was the first Confederate casualty of the War Between
the States, killed in a skirmish at Fairfax CH on June 1, 1861.
Honored as the First Martyr of the Lost Cause, the loss of the most
prominent man in Warrenton, at the dawn of the struggle to defend
Virginia, had a profound impact of the town. He was buried June 3,1861
with full military honors. Wept over by all, hundreds of flowers
were placed on his grave. So, Warrenton observed the first
Memorial Day on June 3rd. and observed that date for over 100 years.
Warrentonians observed the “original” Memorial Day
until 1966 when the observance became a national holiday
to be celebrated at the end of May.
Captain Marr:
– VMI graduate and, later, assistant math professor
– First Supt. of schools in Fauquier County.
– County commissioner
– Commonwealth’s attorney
– Justice of the Peace
– Voted against secession, but after the vote of Virginia’s Secession
Convention, returned home to organize the Warrenton Rifles.
– And his spare time, John Quincy Marr managed to have father
12 children, six with his wife and six with his Cherokee mistress.
(Based on Fauquier Times-Democrat article – May 28, 1997)
Sestak is a retired Vice Admiral (3 Star!) Some of his decorations include:
Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Meritorious Service Medal (2)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
This is the guy you are calling a “rat fink”? On Memorial Day weekend too! Way to support the troops, there!
Why would this Democrat Congressman lie about this anyway? And while would it take so long for President O’briber’ to deny it. (If you want to call it a denial.)
I mean, Bill Clinton would never lie about something would he? “I did not have sex with that Admiral, Joe Sestak.”
You’ve got to love a scandal where the best the Dems can do is say that one of their Congressmen is a liar.
Would you defend distinquished Vietnam vet John Murtha quite so vigorously? How about Max Cleland? How about Distinguished Vietnam vet Max Cleland? THIS Mac Cleland?
From Politics Daily.
Natually NO ONE would criticize anyone veteran, or would they?
Visitor, screw you. Sestak is not one of the troops. He is a politician. Go to Hell and find another blog. You have crossed the line. Don’t you or anyone else EVER question my support of our troops. [major profanity removed by the author]
Apologies to everyone else. I am just not going to have someone pull that crap on me–suggesting that I don’t support our military personnel. You don’t do that to people of my era.
Just because a person was in the military doesn’t make them God. However I will always support and respect their service if they were honorably discharged.
Oddly enough, No one was that thoughtful of John Kerry, Max Cleland, or John Murtha, or John McCain just to name a few. I might not like everything they do or did after discharge but that has nothing to do with their service. In fact, I can remember going toe to toe with someone who questioned John McCain’s patriotism on another blog.
I saw Bill Clinton in Little Rock today. Really. I posted pictures from the NUSA Awards luncheon on Facebook. He was the keynote speaker. A group from Roanoke, VA won the Neighborhood of the Year.
Al is on Facebook, too, Emma.
@ Cindy, were you in Little Rock today? headed to facebook to see Cindy’s pics.
Ok, I am back from the facebook wars and there she is, right there in the presence of Bill Clinton. Congratulations Cindy. I can’t think of a person who deserves the neighborhood honors more than you. Thank you for all you do for your community, and I don’t just mean the city of Manassas!
I saw Cindy’s picture of Clinton too. Way to represent Manassas, Cindy.
@Poor Richard
Sure, Beck is pushing gold. One, he believes that gold is good protection for HIS wealth. Two, if you started a few years ago, its a great investment. Three, it might still be a great investment or it might be at its peak. Don’t know. Four, Beck admits that he gets paid to push gold. But, he also stipulates that it might not be for everyone.
Me? Don’t know. $1200 an ounce is steep. But, then again if if rises to $2k then I’ll kick myself. Again.
I just find it curious that gold companies like paper money enough to sell gold that is rising in price.
I have heard silver is a good buy also.
I think it might be at the top of its game right now. Who knows though.
Bad thing about gold…where do you keep it. Safe deposit box? bank? In your wall? Under your mattress?
I like to lurk at Kitco.com. Its a precious metals commodities site. Their gold forum is where all the discussions take place. Most of it is over my head, but, I find some nuggets of information…..(yes. I absolutely had to go there…..)
According to them, silver has not risen as expected. In fact it has dropped. But they keep expecting it to shoot up……….any minute now…………….
Gold, on the other hand, is rising. And other countries, banks, and George Soros keep buying. The biggest concerns right now seems to be that the gold market is being artificially kept down and that the firms that hold gold, seem to have more on their books than they actually have as physical.
If you buy gold, most keep it in a safe deposit box or a safe at home. Remember, thousands of dollars worth is only a few ounces. Silver can take up a lot of space at $17 an ounce. Some firms will hold it for you, for a fee. Other ways is to by “paper gold.” The firms state that you own such and such amount in the pool, and that they will send you that amount in physical if you ask for it. See my comment above about the actual amounts that they seem to have.
Caveat Emptor.
Lafayette, we need to figure out a way to get more neighborhood leaders from Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park to these state and national conferences because you do learn so much. Houston, Texas has “Super Neighborhoods” and the seminar was given by a woman who started out as a neighborhood activist and is now a Council member. Talk about citizen involvement — they form these alliances that bring businesses, churches, civic groups, schools and neighborhood leaders together to work toward solutions. Can you imagine Stonewall Middle’s principal, the manager of the Westgate Giant, the CEO of NOVEC, the pastor from Hope Lutheran Church, members of the county’s Neighborhood Leaders for your neighborhood and your county supervisor all sitting down together to come up with solutions for the WestGate Super Neighborhood? Doesn’t sound like the dumping ground of the county anymore.
Maybe writing grants to businesses is the way to help fund going to these conferences. I’m bringing back information I learned in the grant-writing seminar. I know some people attended because they had received funding from grants to do so.
The next statewide neighborhood conference is in Roanoke, VA, Sept 24-26. (www.vsnc.org) The award applications for Neighborhood of the Year are due July 16. WestGate/Sudley should apply because of your efforts to keep that elementary school being built in that congested area and all the cleanups and coordinated mowing efforts.
“Dow has worst May since 1940” – WSJ – 5-29-2010
Arrrgh!!!
Cindy,
You’ve got my mind thinking on a Saturday morning! I can’t wait to talk to you when you get back. Thanks for the information, and support of WestGate.
County community pools and waterparks open today. We hear plenty of sirens from the SJVFD on any given day, but for those of that live near BenLomond(SplashDown) the frequency is about to increase. Hello, summer!!!!
I hope all have a fun and safe holiday weekend, and remember the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day.
NEVER take financial advice from anyone who is being paid to push a particular “investment.” Beck advocates survivalist nonsense on his show. People who are attracted to that sort of idiocy think gold, guns, land and canned food are the only assets they should hold. The gold companies know that and advertise with people like Beck.
No one knows what will happen in the future, but indicators point now to prices remaining under control for a while. Inflation will not pick up steam until the economy resumes strong growth. High inflation is almost always a prerequisite for gold to do well over a long period of time. Another axiom of smart investing is don’t join the crowd buying an asset when it’s peaking in price. Many amateur investors make the mistake of getting greedy and buying high, and then panicking and selling low. Doesn’t work.
If you want to stake your retirement and your kids’ education on what Beck’s sponsors are telling him to say to you, go ahead. I’ll stick with my long-term diversified investment strategy.
@cargosquid
Warren Buffett reduced his exposure to gold week before last.
NTK,
Survivalist nonsense, that’s a great description of GB. I can’t stop laughing.
Check your email. 🙂
@Lafayette
Got it. Thanks. Replies on the way. Darth Vader and the Empire start to fall now!
I say that if some of the people that buy gold with the idea that they will need it to buy necessities when it all comes crashing down, should invest in lead, instead. If things get THAT bad, no amount of gold will get you what you need and will make you a target.
Hooah Cargo.
Since I lack the skills to reload my friend manufactures his own ammo in his basement and is stocking me up as long as I provide him the raw materials. Ammo is very hard to get a hold of at most major suppliers and the gun shows sell out pallets so fast and at a high markup.
I was thinking about going 5.56 AR but ammo prices and possibility of ammo ban is pushing me towards 2.23. I just need enough to hold off the horde and GTFO of Dodge..
Thank God for finding friends with various hard skills.. Doctor, carpenter, etc.. We figure we could hold out for awhile, protect our women and children and rebuild when things settle.
🙂
Yesterday Gary Coleman, and today a true icon Dennis Hopper has passed. 🙁
Marin, have you stopped to think about who the real winners are with the scarcities? Sounds very much like contrived mark up to me. However, if you can get enough people believing in end times or whatever is being predicted, I am sure someone can make money off of it.