Its time for a new open thread. These are the new cherry blossom stamps, especially made for the centennial birthday of our gift from Japan. Has anyone seen them yet? They appear to be mirror image stamps.
What’s in bloom in your yard?
95 Thoughts to “Open Thread…………………………………………………….Saturday, March 31”
Comments are closed.
Archives
Categories
Blogroll
- 9500Liberty
- Bacons' Rebellion Blogspot
- Bearing Drift
- Blue Virginia
- Citizen Tom
- Counts of Monte Cristo. The
- Derecho, The
- Dixie Pig, The
- My Side of the Fence
- My Star Journey
- NARAL Pro-Choice VA Blog
- New Dominion Project
- Nova Common Sense
- NovaTownHall Blog
- One Libertarians's Point of View by Al Alborn
- Pete Candland's Blog
- Potomac Local
- Prince William Muckraker
- PW Conservation Alliance
- PWC Moms
- PWCPolitics.com
- PWCPolitics.com
- Red NoVA
- Shad Plank, The
- She the People
- State of NoVA, the
- The Jeffersoniad
- Townhall
- VEA Daily Reports
- VivianPaige
- WDGolden.com
- You, Me and the Lamp Post
All contents copyright Moonhowlings.net
Blogroll
- 9500Liberty
- Bacons' Rebellion Blogspot
- Bearing Drift
- Blue Virginia
- Citizen Tom
- Counts of Monte Cristo. The
- Derecho, The
- Dixie Pig, The
- My Side of the Fence
- My Star Journey
- NARAL Pro-Choice VA Blog
- New Dominion Project
- Nova Common Sense
- NovaTownHall Blog
- One Libertarians's Point of View by Al Alborn
- Pete Candland's Blog
- Potomac Local
- Prince William Muckraker
- PW Conservation Alliance
- PWC Moms
- PWCPolitics.com
- PWCPolitics.com
- Red NoVA
- Shad Plank, The
- She the People
- State of NoVA, the
- The Jeffersoniad
- Townhall
- VEA Daily Reports
- VivianPaige
- WDGolden.com
- You, Me and the Lamp Post
Today’s allergy levels for MANASSAS, VA:
Saturday – 8.3/Medium-High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Poplar/Aspen/Cottonwood.
Olbermann’s success continues!
This time he will sue. Are you surprised?
“Local economist point to the difference in recovery for
Prince William County in Virginia and Prince George’s County
in Maryland – both suburban communities hit hard
by foreclosures.
Prices in Prince William peaked around December 2005, when
the median house sold for $420,000, according to the RBI.
Three years later, the median price dropped to $175,000 as
the surge of foreclosures hit the market, but it is now at
$250,000 – nowhere near the peak but on a steady pace.
In PG, prices peaked later, in June 2006 at $340,000 …
the median sale price in February 2012 was $152,000… .”
WaPo Real Estate section (3-31-2012)
The article notes the main difference was Maryland chose
to try and slow down foreclosures while Virginia allowed them
to take place a normal pace and, consequently, cleaning
up more of the market quicker to allow for new growth.
http://www.earthhour.org/
Tonight is apparently the big night.
(Of course, had really hoped last night would be the BIG NIGHT
but, alas, my once cherised lottery ticket is now a worthless
slip of paper).
I would have missed it if you hadn’t said something. So what do we do?
Women’s strike force
https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=1jJiPNso1TzOXib5dTS8+QrZh+JaDF1ctoTKQi4geaA%3d&b=674890
Donation time. End of the quarter. Bye bye Side Show Bob.
Thanks, Moon. Just sent a few $s.
Today’s allergy levels for MANASSAS, VA:
Sunday – 10/High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Poplar/Aspen/Cottonwood.
@Punchak, I am sure they appreciate it!
Apparently, the POTUS thinks the Supreme Court is superfluous:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-remains-confident-supreme-court-will-uphold-health-care-law/2012/04/02/gIQA9HIOrS_story.html?hpid=z2
This guy was a Constitutional scholar?
Supreme Court? We don’t need no stink-in Supreme Court! We have the all mighty at the wheel, and I’m not talking about the guy above the clouds. It’s getting a little scary.
Gee, wasn’t California’s Prop 8 passed by an overwhelming majority, too? By Obama’s logic yesterday, that should have been allowed to stand, too. Then we could watch the left fall all over themselves trying to defend denial of civil rights, because Obama says a majority wants to do that.
Today’s allergy levels:
Tuesday – 9.9/High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Poplar/Aspen/Cottonwood.
The Obama administration explained recently that he has the right to drop a bomb on your head and kill you without trial if you engage in anti-American hate speech. Now, the Supreme Court says the government also has the right to shine a flashlight up your butt if you get arrested for the most minor offense, even when it turns out that the only thing you did wrong was get up that morning and leave the safety of your home (or at least you think your home is safe, don’t you?). The case was decided 5-4 along party lines with the Republican appointees giving the thumbs up (pants down) to strip searching everyone including those arrested for a noisy muffler, failing to use a turn signal or riding a bicycle without an audible bell. The Court described the strip search procedures the improperly arrested man in the case endured, which included having to “lift his genitals, turn around, and cough while squatting.” May liberty and due process rest in peace.
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/10-945.pdf
It won’t be for long once jurisdictions start bringing in the crime drones to spy on you.
Good show on Harry’s Law on crime drones. Harry blasted it out of the sky with a shotgun. She thought it was a UFO.
Kidding aside, that was a perfectly horrible story. The man even had paperwork with the seal of NJ on it in his wallet stating that he had paid his debt and that the problem was a computer glitch.
I can’t believe that ruling.
Yes, in the same way John McCain is a Republican.
Why do you all do that?
@Second Alamo What makes it even worse is that delivered this lecture in front of two foreign dignitaries. Didn’t his mom teach him to be on his best behavior when company came over?
Well, Obama’s Justice Department has a homework assignment! Three pages, single-spaced. Obama should have to write it himself, since he obviously doesn’t know the first thing about the law (but that’s been obvious, hasn’t it).
Slow, do you follow my Facebook profile?? I called it a “book report”. 😉
“”I would like to have from you by noon on Thursday — that’s about 48 hours from now — a letter stating what is the position of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice, in regard to the recent statements by the president,” Smith said. “What is the authority is of the federal courts in this regard in terms of judicial review?”
Smith made his intentions clear minutes after the DOJ attorney began her argument, jumping in to ask: “Does the Department of Justice recognize that federal courts have the authority in appropriate circumstances to strike federal statutes because of one or more constitutional infirmities?””
–CBS News
I hope DOJ still knows a picture is worth a thousand words and raises its middle finger.
Steve R. Will the bulls return tomorrow?
If something is unconstitutional, then it’s unconstitutional and must be struck down. I know Obama has a problem with an age old document written by a bunch of old white men, but hey it’s the best set of rules on the globe, and even he must follow them. Luckily his pain will only last four more years at the most.
I’m with you 100%!! That would be contempt of court.
Some things are worth it. Think Judge Smith would arrest Eric Holder?
The DOJ has been raising its middle finger for years now.
I have always appreciated a well flipped bird.
I was politely confronted with a copy of your guest post, “The Great Wartime Taxpayer Heist” by a member of the American Wartime Museum. The staffer accused me (in a very polite way) of writing it. Of course, I did not. I scratched my head a bit because I have never published a word or commented in public on the American Wartime Museum and only expressed some concerns with a couple of people I “trusted”.
The staffer wouldn’t let me keep a copy, so I came over to see what I was accused of writing (and now understand why that staffer would prefer I not see it). As I browsed a bit, I noticed a lot of good budget questions on various posts. I don’t agree with all of them; however, they are all reasonable taxpayer concerns.
I’m surprised Mom didn’t direct you to the Prince William County Office of Management and Budget website. The answers to most of your questions are out there (if you look around a bit). Those questions that remain (or are just too hard to look up, the budget is an obscure document) may be asked directly via the Budget Questions Database. Think what you will of staff; however, I have found they will honestly answer any question with the facts. Just search on any topic to see if its already been asked and if it hasn’t, just send your question to [email protected] (identifying your magisterial district) and it will quickly show up for all to see.
I have found that PWC Office of Management and Budget will answer any question you may pose with the facts with “ruthless honesty” (which I admire)… but you have to ask. Asking the “right” question is important as OMB is very specific in parcing them to allow for the narrowest answer. Yes, if you search on Discretionary Funds, you’ll find most of my questions.
Like I said, I may not agree with all of the opinions expressed here regarding the budget; however, I recognize good questions and the taxpayer’s right to know. So don’t guess… ask.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the suggestion. For the record, this blog’s administration has never criticized the staff. We have fairly strong rules about doing so. they work for a living and cannot fight back. Several of our regular contributors do not agree with us but they don’t buy the ink.
I can assure everyone that Al Alborn did not write the guest post regarding the war museum.
Hopefully we will call attention to demands for tax payer money that might otherwise go unnoticed. There are many. we will highlight a few.
The idea of Holder being locked up for contempt made me as giddy as a schoolgirl.
I echo Al’s comment. The BOCS may spend money like bleeding heart liberals but the county budget staff are good people. Always answer my questions faithfully and fully.
@Al Alborn
Al, we know you didn’t write that piece and in fact are a big supporter of the Wartime Museum. You appear in at least one of the photos on the museum’s website at the groundbreaking ceremony. You’ve backed Corey, John J. and Marty on this from the beginning.
I, however, agree completely with “The Great Wartime Taxpayer Heist” story and added a couple of comments of my own. News is starting to leak of the Wartime Museum’s 2011 tax return so watch for more information soon. I hope the information in the Moonhowlings guest post convinced you already to back off your earlier support and oppose this huge waste of taxpayer money, and development rights scam.
Today’s allergy levels:
Wednesday – 10/High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Poplar/Aspen/Cottonwood.
For those of you keeping up with boycotts, Color of Change and Democratic Party leaders are calling for a boycott of Coke products and Wal-Mart due to voter registration laws. On a related note, the Wal-Mart near my work has 32-pack Dasani (Coke product) for 4.98. Time to stock up!!
I can’t boycott coke regardless of who wants it. Walmart, that has been in place for years.
So Keith Olbermann refers to himself as a $10million chandelier. Who wants to break the news to him that $15 crack-whore with an adam’s apple is closer to the truth!
You can have the job, Pokie. He bores me too much. Too arrogant for me.
@Moon-howler
Moon, I agree with you about criticizing rank-and-file staff. I agree with Al’s point also. For the most part they do their jobs well and care about the citizens of this County.
Our disagreement centers around certain members of senior staff, especially those whose jobs have a large political component whether appointed directly by the BOCS, or some other senior staffers who really have their jobs at the mercy of the goodwill of the BOCS also. That’s where you find the incompetence, cronyism and bloated salaries.
I expect that is pretty much true of all places. I think it is fine to criticize policy, regardless who is doing it. I think it is bad to take pot shots over other things.
If you are an employee, you do what you are told to do, if you want to keep your job.
@SlowpokeRodriguez
@Moon-howler
I’ve been to Walmart twice. Each time I felt totally lost. Way too vast for me.
Besides, I don’t think anybody in his right mind would drink Coke or the like.
What’s wrong with fizz water? Add some fruit juice and you have any kind of soda drink you’d ever want. Well – I guess Coke doesn’t have any fruit juice in it.
My one and only boycott was against the grape growers in California when Cesar Chavez was the leader of the farm workers.
Coke is wonderful.
Did you see the picture in today’s WashPost showing a 9 year old making
phone calls for Santorum?
@Moon-howler
Tastes like the iron tonic I was forced to drink as a kid 🙁
Maybe you are getting a different coke. I mean classic coke.
Today’s allergy levels:
Thursday – 10.3/High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Poplar/Aspen/Cottonwood.
From Newsleader.com
Waynesboro is having an epidemic of teen pregnancy. 44 out of ever 1000 females between the ages of 10 1nd 19. Neighboring jurisdictions are about half that.
While legislators and values folks are being stupid about the reality of pregnancy, they need to look at the cost in financial terms and in human terms.
From a health perspective, I’m pretty sure both Coke and Pepsi are the devil. Actually, if I have a choice, I like RC. Coke caved into the “boycott” almost immediately, showing an almost complete lack of character. Maybe I can get my wife to agree to a switch to Deer Park from Dasani.
HAHAHA.. Now this is FUNNY.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/05/latino-boy-scout-troop-border-patrol_n_1405605.html
LOVE that patch.
LOVE the patch!!
M-H, After a great first quarter the bulls deserve a rest for a few days
thrust they will be back soon.
Of course, with the weather messed up, perhaps it is now
March showers bring April flowers and sell in April and go away?
One problem with 401Ks is you aren’t able to be a day trader
even if you wanted to be.
A great Obama ad would be showing where the market was
the last day the Republicans left the WH and where it is now
Millions of Americans have 401ks that are looking far, far better
now than under the last GOP President.
Why Steve, you rascal. That would be a great ad, for sure.
Markets are closed tomorrow. Maybe they will come back with a vengence on Monday. I actually made money today. Not sure how but I did ok.
I am gathering up my pennies to buy some shares of facebook. FB and it will be on the nasdaq. I heard it was going to IPO at around 43 a share. Not sure if I heard right. I think the institutions will get first crack. grrrrrrrr.
And discretionary spending once more in the news:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-state-of-nova/post/nonprofit-dinners-come-with-side-of-politics-taxpayer-dollars-in-prince-william-and-manassas/2012/04/05/gIQAM8kByS_blog.html?hpid=z6
Ray, thanks for posting this information. I would say the timing is awfully suspicious for this article to come out, especially if one tips an ear toward Manassas City politics. Let’s see…could it be a back door to taking Mr. Wolfe out because of his stance on other issues? Methinks perhaps. Could it be that much of what has been stirred up at Mr. Wolfe has been stirred up in another councilman’s church, by that councilman? Methinks perhaps.
On the other hand, this is the time of year when budgets are solidified for yet another year. This is the time that some of these high ticket budget items need to be looked at closely. The people of PWC need to decide just how much of their money they want to go to some of these endeavors. I don’t recall ever being asked or polled how I feel about a lot of these things.
Let’s all start making a list of all the charities or programs that get more than $10,000 annually from the County. City folks, same thing. I don’t even know. I think its important for municipalies to support the arts. That would include music, art, dance, and parks. These quality of life issues attract others to our community. People want to live here because of the outdoor music events at Harris Pavillion, not because of the County Fair. 30 years ago, not so much so.
I want to know what we are supporting. I think all such funding should go through the budget where every citizen can view it ahead of time. Discretionary funds–not so sure. I think its time to find a better way.
@Ray Beverage And in the meantime, my street is STILL the lonely orphan that is long past due for being repaved. Eat, drink and be merry, Mr. Wolfe! I’d hate to see my money squandered on something that might actually benefit ME!
Why is this all coming out right before the election? If you all get rid of Mr. Wolfe, you will still be paying for the ballet.
i would consider this a more honest discussion if it weren’t right before the Manassas City elections.
All budget work session in the City are open to the public. The ones I have attended rarely have more than 5 or 6 citizens in attendance. The ballet has been in Manassas for more than 14 years, long before Mr. Wolfe was elected to the council. The City has supported the ballet and other Arts groups for at least that long and will do so long after Mr. Wolfe is off the council. BTW, the total amount for Arts funding in this years budget proposal is around $80,000 out of a total budget of close to $100 million. The Hylton Center is another issue. It is part of GMU and therefore must be looked at differently.
@Ivan,
I am absolutely not saying that citizens shouldn’t be looking at where their money goes. However, the timing on this one for exactly what it is….dirty politics.
“The ballet has been in Manassas for more than 14 years, long before Mr. Wolfe was elected to the council. The City has supported the ballet and other Arts groups for at least that long “@IVAN
Your point would be taken if you didn’t leave out the very significant fact that Mr. Wolfe is married to the owner of the Manassas Ballet Theatre. There’s a been a built-in conflict of interest, and I don’t really care whether the school gets $8 or $80,000 when a public servant gets a private benefit from taxpayer dollars. There are a lot of starry-eyed parents who want their kids onstage front and center, and are the first to rush to defend any benefits the Wolfe’s accrue from taxpayer money.
And this is the first I heard about the gala events that my tax dollars are funding. Thanks for the link, Ray. The hits just keep coming with the City Council.
My kids are all nearly grown now, but if I were a parent of a child in one of the other fine dance schools in the City, I’d sure be asking Ms. Bass and Mr. Wolfe how my school might also benefit from those discretionary funds. Do they have an equal shot?
@Emma
Any non-profit group may apply for grants from the County or City. The amount is based on the total operating budget of the organization. BTW, funding for the Manassas Ballet was not an issue for the first three years Wolfe was on the council. It wasn’t until he cast several votes that certain political factions in the City disagreed with that this issue was brought up. The whole thing is about the election on May 1.
Forecast for MANASSAS, VA (on a scale of 1-12):
Today’s allergy levels:
Friday – 10.2/High
Today’s predominant pollen:
Maple, Elm and Cedar/Juniper.
@Emma
Why would you wait this long to start asking? Wasn’t Manassas Ballet getting this same money this time last year? Where was the uproar?
Why does Mayor Parrish get a pass?
Then there is that rascally vote where Mr. Wolfe didn’t vote the way some folks thought he should.
@IVAN
Is this where I ask what church is leading the charge and what its REALLY about?