Interesting Article From My New Friend in Texas

A Texas based blog that I have been reading on a regular basis posted this article today. It makes for interesting reading.

Will Obama & McCain be on Texas Ballots?

HT to Reverse Vampyr for breaking this one.

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Rumor Has It...

...A certain County Commissioner stood and faced the wrong direction during the Pledge of Allegiance at last evening's Commissioner's "On The Road" meeting.

I'm sure he was just confused. I'm wondering...was the flag behind Commissioner Castor? It very well may explain this lapse in cognitive thinking.

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Sorry to Disappoint...

...but, I came down with a wicked case of of the crud last night. I called off of work and went to bed, but still didn't get much in the way of rest.

I'm up though, feeling a little better, and will be posting late morning today, instead of early morning. Sorry if I disappointed you early-risers.

B.

P.S.: Sticks and stones, et. al.

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As Promised...

Hi, Guys!

B.



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A Compliment Well Received

I've been struggling with whether or not to post this. Mi lucha es más.

I was speaking this evening to Plymouth CommitteeWoman and PA State CommitteeWoman extraordinaire, Mary Shorley.

We were talking about my wife (Mary paid her a nice compliment..."She's a gem") and the subject soon turned to the impending nuptials for Mary's only child. I wished him good luck, asked Mary if she was happy with her future daughter in law, she responded resoundingly to the affirmative.

It was then that Mary waxed nostalgic about children, with her son being an only child, "you always have to do your best with them", and such...then she laid on the bombshell: "I think your kids are great, Bill...they're so well behaved and very cute" (OK, I added the "very cute" part, but still...).

What a nice thing to say, and unsolicited.

It's nice to hear that about your children. It reaffirms that my wife, "Gemmy" and I are doing something right (while most parents struggle through every day, not knowing), but, to be told is always, always a compliment well received.

Mary, you made my day!

B.


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If You Ask Me...

Who would you vote for?

The woman on the American-made V-Twin, or,


The geek on the Chinese-made bicycle?


Hmmm...if you ask me, it's a no-brainer.

HT to Chris From Springfield for the pics!


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Some Stupid Sh*t

By now, you all know that I ride a motorcycle. It took two years and a gas price crisis to finally convince my wife, Karen, that it was not a stupid decision for me to get a bike (Karen is not, nor has she ever been a fan of motorcycles...she hasn't even taken a ride on my bike).

The following news article, posted in Tuesday's online Times Herald, is just the thing that makes all motorcycle enthusiasts cringe...it's just more stupidity by inexperienced, thrill seeking miscreants that give us all a bad name. What's more, the guy was just a year younger than I am. He should have known better than to run that fast on the bridge:

Motorcyclist killed near Dannehower Bridge

By: KEITH PHUCAS, Times Herald Staff

09/17/2008

BRIDGEPORT - A Hatfield man was killed Monday after his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on Route 202 at the foot of the Dannehower Bridge.

Richard Casimir Werc, 43, was reportedly traveling northbound on 202 at a high rate of speed when he struck the railing adjacent to the Mascaro & Sons plant near the bridge and was thrown down an embankment, according to Bridgeport Police Department.

The Suzuki GSX-R 1300 hit the guardrail around 7:55 p.m., and witnesses told police that the cycle appeared to be going between 90 and 120 miles per hour just prior to the crash. [emphasis mine, B.]

[this is the type of bike Werc was riding.(ed.)]

After Werc was ejected from the speeding motorcycle, the Suzuki careened across the roadway, hitting the concrete barrier that divides bridge traffic, finally coming to rest on the bridge more than 500 feet from the point of impact, according to Bridgeport police Sgt. John Cane.

"There was debris all over the road," he said.

Werc's body came to rest in a wooded area 250 feet from where he struck the guardrail.

Werc drove tractor-trailer trucks for Consolidated Freight in King of Prussia, less than a mile from the crash site. Cane said the victim had been on his way home.

The accident closed down the bridge's northbound lanes from 8 to 10:45 p.m.

It's stupid sh*t like this that makes us shake our heads and wonder. Most would put this guy up for a "Darwin" award, but since I'm a firm creationist, I'd say this...two of the things that separate us from animals are inherent intelligence and the ability to reason, both of which this moron poor guy lacked profoundly.

I feel very sorry for his family. May G-d give them strength and comfort.


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Re: The County Republican Candidate's Rally

Rumors abounded at the Westover Country Club this evening. I'll get to them later.

First and foremost, the rally was fun. There was an Irish band that played (go figure) Irish music and a Johnny Cash song. The hors douv...er, appetizers were the typical fare, nothing to get excited over, but filled the void. The open bar meant that your humble blogger was kept in mucho Coca Cola all night long (I never drink alcohol when I have the bike out).

The highlights of the evening? MCRC Chairman, Bob Kerns was fantastic. He spoke about the campaign, spoke of the need for us to pull together and make this a banner year for Montgomery County. Then, the candidates got up and spoke, and to my surprise, I wasn't bored to tears. They all spoke of the elections, the hard work that they were doing to get elected, and the need for volunteers and money.

The highlight of my evening? Politics notwithstanding, I'd have to say that the highlight of my evening was finally meeting (face to face) fellow blogger and Times Herald columnist, Lisa Mossie (Bluftoonie, and PAWaterCooler.com). (To read Lisa's 9/18/08 column, click here)

Rumor time

Jim Matthews. He wasn't there, but the rumor mill was doing a rather brisk business on his behalf.

Rumor #1: J-Turd has been asked, and has accepted the role of treasurer in his brothers non-committed run against Arlen Specter for U.S. senator in 2010.

Rumor #2: James Rex "ai-ai-ai" has been asked by certain powers that be in PA politics to start his own version of the "Chairman's Club", to try and siphon money away from MCRC fundraising efforts, but will hold off until after the election in November to do so. (Keep your eyes especially on this one folks, and please, don't give in. Our county chairman is doing a fantastic job and needs your support in order to bring Montgomery County back to it's former glory as a Republican county.)

Neither rumor has been corroborated, but they're out there.

Also noticably absent was the contingent from Abington. It seems that a certain Muni-Chair decided that his meeting was more important than MCRC business, instead of changing location to the Country Club, chose not to attend.

Quorum was not met and the bylaws were not voted on. Pity, because the old bylaws are seriously outdated and the new ones are quite good.

There's always January.

B.


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MCRC Candidate's Rally

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT: Robert J. Kerns, MCRC Chairman
215-872-1958

September 17, 2008

MONTCO GOP KICKS OFF FALL CAMPAIGN WITH McCAIN/PALIN GOP RALLY

The Montgomery County Republican Committee will hold a rally and meeting tonight to kick off the fall campaign for McCain/Palin and the GOP ticket. Most GOP candidates will be in attendance and will participate. The rally begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a brief business meeting of the Montgomery County Republican Committee members.

The rally is open to members of the media.

The event will be held at:

Westover Country Club,
401 S. Schuylkill Ave.
Jeffersonville, PA.



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It's Always Nice to Be Appreciated

I don't get paid to do this. I love the creative outlet that blogging affords me and sincerely appreciate when I get positive feedback on the subjects I post.

One such "comment" hit tonight, and I felt compelled to let that person know just how much a mere few words can be the bright spot in ones day. The comment is as follows, in it's entirety:

Roslyn Resident said...

"I'm not a blogger.
I don't like bloggers.
I'm not an activist.
I think most activists are misguided.
I am a Republican.
But I am a Social Liberal.

I guess that I am part of the 90% that hate neither Fox News or MSNBC.

That being said, I really enjoy reading your blog. Your Sightings Series is a great blend of humor, local reporting and strategic influence. Your other entries ring of honesty and personal experience.

If your goal is to infuence the masses rather than preach to the choir, you've hit your mark.

Keep writing."

"Keep Writing". To me these two words mean more than you could possibly imagine, and I sincerely thank you, "Roslyn Resident". Your humble blogger is inspired by your kind words of praise.

I sincerely appreciate that your wish for me is to continue...so I will.

Have a fantastic day! You've made mine!

B.

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***UPDATE***-Sightings: XIII

Perception is not always reality...Your humble blogger always admits, then corrects when he is mistaken when it comes to the facts.

It has come to my attention, through a very reliable source, that, in fact, Carolyn Carluccio did not arrive with James Rex the Turd (at yesterday's Whitemarsh Brunch), rather coincidentally, arrived at the same time as King James.

Apparently, King James attached himself to Carluccio's hip, reminiscent of my "shake-rape" incident with El Rejo Diego la Tercera.

I apologize to Ms. Carluccio, as I know how she must have felt...knowing she had to stay at the event, uncomfortably, as any close proximity contact with the man makes one feel like they need a shower...but I digress.

Again, my most sincere apology to Carolyn Carluccio. No innocent person should ever feel the grip of "the Matthews Effect"...ever.

Mi dispiace, è stato interamente colpa mia.

B.

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Sightings XIII

King James had the audacity to pretend he was a Republican today, by attending the Whitemarsh Republican Committee Brunch.

I'm sure that someone tipped him off that Republican Commissioner, Bruce Castor, was not able to attend, as he showed up (almost late) as the presentation was starting, accompanied by none other than Deputy county solicitor, Carolyn Carluccio.

Hmmmm. They seem pretty cozy, now that she's "not allowed" to speak to "other commissioners" (read "Bruce Castor") without getting her boss, Barry "the jester" Miller's permission.

Anyway, James Rex sat a table away, with only the barrier of my good friend, "X", between he and I..."X" was able to get these pictures of nobody talking to J-Rex:

Rex was recognized by our master of ceremonies, much to my chagrin. Not many people took the time to speak with "his turdliness", and I gave him the "stinkeye" all morning for his having the nerve to come into my house.

There were about a half-dozen "writemarsh!" buttons floating about the room...I hope having to see them gave him the heebie-jeebies. I'm sure they reminded him to check in, later today, for a new "sighting" post.

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Matthews has "Jumped the Shark"

With the news of Jimbo openly supporting a democrat against Senator Specter in 2010, the time has come to say "enough is enough.

Matthews sides with democrats 100% of the time in his role as chairman of the County Commissioners. 100% of the time.

He now has handed down a directive to solicitor, and personal court jester to the chairman, Barry Miller that his staff not talk to any of the commissioners without first getting permission from Miller.

Castor, in an email letter to Miller on 8/29, requested permission to speak to Carolyn Carluccio-who was involved with the situation that caused this directive to be implemented in the first place. Castor has not yet received any response from Miller.

On Thursday, when confronted on the issue, his Turdliness repeatedly shouted "the solicitor and all the senior staff work for ME! They work for ME! They work for ME! It went on and on, ad nauseum.

Later, on 9/11, I attended the ceremony on the plateau at the courthouse, honoring the fallen heroes of Montgomery County who have died as a result of the 9/11 attacks and subsequent war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ceremony was very moving, (except for when J-Rex spoke, as his equipment failed and he resorted to shouting his remarks...which were laced with misquotes by Abraham Lincoln, extolling the virtues of Government by and for the people–which, by the way, he hasn't prescribed to that theory/practice since he was sworn in on 1/7/08–does he even hear himself when he speaks?)

After the ceremony, I stood talking with Sheriff John P. Durante and Republican Commissioner, Bruce Castor, both of whom I consider great Republican leaders. During my conversation with both of them concerning the ceremony (and an intellectual conversation on the health benefits of good wine) at least three citizens/residents of Montgomery County approached Commissioner Castor to tell him what a great job he is doing, and what a real TURD Jim Matthews has turned out to be. After introducing the residents to yours truly, Castor graciously thanked them for their support and kind words.

One of these residents was there to see his cousin's banner dedicated at the ceremony and was a little irate that King James was a speaker.

It's still baffling to me that, only in Montgomery County, can "third" actually become "first". But, then again, we used to be a Republican majority in the commissioners office, too.

Fortunately, El Rejo Diego la Tercera is poison to the Republican Party and will not run as one next time around. Unfortunately, the state does not allow for recall votes, which I'm certain is the only thing J-Rex can find consolation in for the next three years.

Enjoy your Saturday!

B.



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Sightings: XII

King James was not sighted at the Chairman's Club Dinner last night.

Figures, though...why would the Turd give $1000.00 to an organization that would be supporting Arlen Specter for Senator (against his brother, Chris "Tingles" Matthews) in 2010?

Let's face facts: J-Rex is so far off the reservation, most of us really don't care if he ever comes back.

I, for one am glad he "missed" the dinner...no chance of getting "shake-raped" again. And, my surf and turf tasted somewhat better without him in the room.


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Smoking Ban Starts Tomorrow

I smoke cigars. I used to smoke cigarettes. There are many places that until today allowed cigarette smoking, but banned cigar smoking.

Given that I have been discriminated against by business owners, as a cigar smoker, I still have a serious issue with the new, nanny-state smoking ban.

I think that it is up to the individual business owner as to whether or not to allow smoking in their establishment, just as it is up to the consumer not to patronize these businesses that allow smoking. Period. The end.

But, the PA legislature knows better, people:

PA's Smoking Ban Should Filter Into Homes and Cars Too, According to Temple University Expert

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On September 11, the Pennsylvania smoking ban will filter into public places.

"Now it is up to individuals and families to make their homes and cars smoke-free too," said Jennifer Ibrahim, Temple University assistant professor of public health."

Ibrahim was co-author of a recent report on smoking bans in Lancet Oncology from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

She and her colleagues reviewed the global body of peer-reviewed published research and government reports regarding the health, economic and social impact of exposure to secondhand smoke.

They concluded:

Voluntary smoke-free home and car policies decrease exposure to secondhand smoke for children, as well as decrease adult smoking.

Despite arguments to the contrary, there is no evidence anywhere in the world to support claims regarding negative economic consequences of such a policy on the restaurant and bar industries.

There are significant health benefits to reducing exposure to secondhand smoke

There is good compliance and minimal opposition once a smoke-free policy has been passed.

Already a few states, including Maine, Massachusetts, and California, ban smoking in a car when a minor is present. Nationwide, there are at least 36 public housing authorities that have smoke-free public housing, following guidelines provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Smoke-free Homes and Cars Program (http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/).

"It is important to keep in mind that smoke-free policies are not prohibiting smokers from smoking. The policy is intended to protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke. Period. Smokers may continue to smoke outside," said Ibrahim.

Yeah. Right. "Smokers may continue to smoke outside" until the government says they can't anymore.


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9.11.01

Writemarsh! is less than a year old, so this is the first opportunity I've had to write about 9/11. What I will never forget is where I was and what I was doing that fateful day:

Seven years ago, I was working second shift at my dream job at Pomco Graphic Arts (where my father had worked for most of his 49 years in printing, and has recently retired from).

As was the norm, I would go to bed at about 2 a.m. and get up in the morning to see my son off to school. As was my practice at the time, I would turn on the TV and watch what my wife, Karen, would tape for me the night before. Afterwards, I would "try" to get to the "honey-do" list.

Before I could finish my coffee and get the tape turned on, I caught a news flash on the bottom of the TV...The world trade center had been hit by an airliner that had flown off course!

Forgetting my "shows", I turned on Fox News and flipped back and forth between it and CNN. It had not been an accident!

For the next four or five hours, I sat, stunned...alternating between anger and sorrow for what has become the single most deadly attack by foreign nationals on American soil.

I watched, live, as the second jet hit the second tower. I was aghast. I got angry. I wept.

I went so far as to call our local Army recruiter to find out if I could still enlist. I had turned 37 years old that year, too old to enlist, according to whomever I spoke with.

So I sat, for the next four or five hours, the honey-do list and taped shows forgotten, while my wife and I watched the spectacle that would be the starting point of our "war on terror".

A lot of time has passed and the war on terror is still being waged. I am attending a memorial service later today at the Montgomery County Courthouse to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the attacks, and honor 13 local heroes who have been killed in action during the war. The service starts at 12 noon on the courthouse steps. If you can, attend.

(The monument on the Swede Street plateau is made from beams salvaged
from the World Trade Center)

We should, however, all take a moment out of our busy day and silently remember the innocent people whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001, as well as for the many good servicemen and servicewomen who have lost life or limb to protect our country from future attacks, by rooting these terrorists out at the source, and eliminating them.

Finally, we should say a silent prayer of thanks for G-d granting us the wisdom to elect a president in George W. Bush, who stood up to the terrorists and said "no more!".

G-d Bless America. G-d bless or troops. G-d bless the memory of those who perished on 9/11/01, and G-d bless those who have died fighting the war on terror. G-d bless our president for having the nerve to stand up to the terrorists. And, as you take time for a moment of silence, may G-d bless you all...and may we never forget where we were when we first heard, 7 years ago today, that our country was at war.

B.



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If the Bus Fits...

I was on my way to the William Jeanes Memorial Library (in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County) to pick up a couple of books that my son, Scraps, had reserved.

As is the norm, I took the bike, as I love to ride when...well, I just love to ride!

As I sat waiting for a light to change, I heard (faintly, but growing louder) some young teens chanting, "O-Ba_Muh!, O-Ba-Muh!", over and over. For the record, I have a McCain/Palin sign on the luggage rack (see photo below).

I turned around to see where the the "noise" was coming from...first thing that went through my mind (and I'm going to hell for thinking it) was "figures". You see, the chanting was coming from a "short bus"...

My apologies to any of you out there who have ever ridden on the "short bus", but, if the bus fits...

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Feds: Stephens OK to run in 151st House District

HT to Tony Phyrillas for this gem:

This just in from reporter Margaret Gibbons: The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has ruled that Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Todd Stephens did not violate the Hatch Act by running for state House in 151st District because his duties do not involve any federally funded programs.

Supporters of Stephen's Democratic opponent, freshman Democrat Rep. Rick Taylor, raised the phony issue earlier this year.

“A little over a month ago, political operatives on behalf of Rep. Rick Taylor chose to make false, politically-motivated attacks against Todd Stephens that besmirched not only Todd's reputation, but the reputation of the entire Office of District Attorney here in Montgomery County,” District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said in a statement released by her office. “I am happy to report that the federal government has concluded that Mr. Stephens is not in violation of the Hatch Act as falsely claimed by Mr. Taylor's political operatives.”

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., the former county district attorney, said the timing of Taylor's accusations coincided with the Bonusgate scandal in Harrisburg.

“This attack against Todd and the District Attorney's office was a coldly calculated attempt by Taylor and his campaign to draw attention away from Taylor’s own ethical issues surrounding the Bonusgate scandal,” Castor said in a statement.

Taylor's 2006 campaign manager was one of 12 people indicted in the Bonusgate scandal, and Taylor himself is referenced as having received benefit from the scandal, with that same manager receiving a bonus paid with taxpayer dollars, according to Castor.

Taylor is obviously running scared. Stephens should win the 151st seat and help return a GOP majority in the state House.



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Obama is a Sonovabitch

Whiskey-Tango_Foxtrot?



Stay Classy, Barry, you a$$hole!

HT to John Lewandowski at PAWaterCooler.com

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The Case for Working Moms

In a post way back in March, I sparred a bit with Alex at the PAWaterCooler about Sarah Palin's ability to be an effective VeeP, given that she was very pregnant at the time (7 months).

The case I made is that good families make it work. My mom worked, my bride of 16+ years works, and her mom worked. For the most part, we come from fairly well-adjusted families, with some cracks in the proverbial china (but who's family doesn't have some "cracks"?).

What the looney-bin left would have you believe is that a woman has to make the choice between being mom or being a career woman. They can't seem to let the two meld into one super being, unless they are floating a woman candidate for some office...then all bets are off.

Sarah Palin has been on the receiving end of some very poisonous statements, ranging from the sublime to the utterly ridiculous. (I'm not going to repeat any of them here, as I have too much respect for the Palin family not to continue spreading conjecture)

And yet, when it was suggested (years ago) that Chelsea Clinton was pretty much raised by nannies, the moonbats went ballistic. That McCain even joked that she was the result of a relationship between the Hildebeast and Janet Reno was considered in such poor taste that Senator McCain spent months apologizing.

But, for some reason, even baby Trig is not immune to the lefty-loonies audacious attacks. There is a blog (started by a leftie called "the Daily Kos") that pokes fun at baby Trig's Down's Syndrome...it sickens me to no end that the lunatic fringe of the left, those who claim to be compassionate and caring, would stoop so low.

All this in an attempt to discredit a successful, working mom of five.

Where am I going with this? For starters, Gov. Palin grew up in the dawning age of feminism, raised in a traditional family, with traditional values. She pretty much missed the feminist demagoguery that permeates our public schools today. That these traditional values in which she was brought up are so inherently wrong, in the eyes of the dems, baffles me.

You see, even though my wife works, we share the responsibility of raising our children. It's not always a picnic for either of us, as I chose to work a shift that puts my kids first and my marriage a close second. But, one of us is always home with the kids. Not a sitter, not a nanny...a parent.

A. Parent. That's important.

We have a nice home, eat well, buy stuff, own several computers, a gaggle of musical instruments, an SUV, and a Minivan, and have a fairly active social life (scouts, orchestra, politics, etc.). We just don't need the expensive toys, like the Mercedes, the yacht, the summer home in the Hamptons...it'd be nice, but we don't need them at the expense of our children.

We're not rich and certainly do not "keep up with the Joneses". And yet, we live the "American Dream" every day!

There are so many accomplished women who are able to balance a family and a career, mostly with the support of their spouse and family. They, too, realize that it's not wrong to be successful and a mom. Unless, of course, you happen to be a Republican!



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