"Hite Hollow" Augusta Springs Fire...

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I was headed out to the shooting range in Augusta Springs located in the area "Hite Hollow" at which time we came along units from the Dept of Forestry and local fire fighting units headed the same way...

Upon arrival to the "Rifle Range" we found the above units fighting a brush fire on the hill behind the range. Estimated the wind at 5 to 10 knts at times resulting in several flare-ups and increased activity. Rifle and Pistol ranges were closed due to the activity of fighting the fire but we were allowed to watch the fire fighting efforts...

After stopping in Craigsville to observe some of the local color there we noted the use of at least one helicoptor dropping water on the active "Hot-Spots"...

Bob McDonnell touts the "Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy" Independent report on Virginia's offshore energy resources...

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"This report demonstrates that offshore exploration and development is clearly in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia and our citizens. We can utilize our offshore oil and natural gas reserves in an environmentally safe manner, leading to thousands of new jobs, hundreds of millions in new revenue, and a further step towards energy independence and security. The public supports offshore development, it is time we began this effort"...

"I am equally committed to making Virginia a leader when it comes to research, development, and production of alternative sources of energy like solar, biomass, and wind"...

Link to Powerpoint presentation provided by the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy...



Link to fact sheet...

No Alternative Energy "Wind~Farm" here...

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The U.S. Forest Service has denied a proposal to build a windfarm in the George Washington National Forest by a company based in Harper's Ferry WVA...

The Daily News Record has the story here...

Marine Mammal Stranding Center ~Easter Seals~

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I was up in New Jersey for Easter weekend training with the Rescue Dive team and responded to another Seal rescue on the beach...

Photos and info available here at the Pt. Pleasant Rescue Dive website...

They are at it again?....

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The post that never saw the light of day...

"This post has been removed by a blog administrator"....

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Yankee Philip has always been good in the past to post on many interesting and current topics in the news with his blog and is usually open to comments and differing viewpoints. In fact he usually puts in a good amount of research into the topics that he posts about and incorporates numerous media formats including "You-Tube" and others...



There is no doubt that "Yankee Phil" has also lead the way in reporting by volume regarding the recent dismissal of committee members from the local Republican committee. These people who were dismissed from the committee had not attended at least three (3) of the last called committee meetings and were thus removed as per ACRC committee by-laws. These members were notified and advised of their removal by the Chairman Bill Shirley in proper form. Shirley is a well know local football coach and the best phrase I have heard is "If you are on the football TEAM and miss the last three (3) TEAM practices don't expect to be on the starting TEAM on Sunday"...



Several of those dismissed were also members of the "Executive" committee of the ACRC and took those positions understanding the importance of attending called meetings. Going into the recent mass meeting, where the ACRC elected Delegates to go to the upcoming Republican convention in May to elect candidates for the Republican ticket in November, many of these same ACRC members failed to attend called meetings preparing for the mass meeting. Even before these meetings there were several instances where some of these same members continued to disrupt and distract the proceeding's and efforts of the ACRC to move the local party forward...



Yankee Phil has obviously taken the lead in bringing this topic and debate to the blogworld with his numerous postings on this topic. This I believe is the choice of several hiding in the background of this incident. In fact it is interesting how the vice-chairwoman of communications, Lynn Mitchell (a.k.a. SwacGirl) has been silent on this issue while also being one of those dismissed because of not attending the last three (3) consecutive meetings. Yankee Phil with his numerous posts also routinely places high in the Blognetnews ratings something that he has replaced SwacGirl in doing so...


In the past Yankee Phil has been good at allowing comments to his posts that offer a different viewpoint or addition of other facts to the issue. In one of his original posts about this issue: http://yankeephilip.blogspot.com/2009/04/letter-from-swacgirl-to-augusta-repubs.html ... he even allowed comments regarding this original post by Spank That Donkey and myself, RightsideVA, which provided more information, facts, and question of the motive of this post. One of the facts\question brought up by Spank was why Lynn Mitchell (SwacGirl) and 6th district representative to State Central Committee, would not come before numerous Republican committees in the 6th district to discuss the Jeff Frederick issue before she cast her vote for removal of the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Refusing to appear before those which she claims to represent....


I then followed up with a posted comment that provided additional information in regard to the actions and antics of those dismissed in prior meetings. Specifically I posted first hand observations and facts regarding the actions and antics of the prior ACRC chairman, Kurt Michael and his obvious attempts to disrupt, detract, and prevent the present ACRC from moving the local Republican Party forward in its efforts to support and elect Conservative representatives to office. Over the course of several ACRC meetings Kurt Michael continued to disrupt and prevent the ACRC meetings from conducting business by claiming parlimentary procedures and continued outbursts. This resulting in Michael and some of his followers walking out of called meetings and carrying on loudly into the halls of the Government Center where the meetings were being held. This has resulted in the ACRC now being required to hire a off-duty officer whenever the ACRC holds a meeting at the government center. Interestingly we have NOT had a use for this off-duty officer at anytime since Dr. Michael has missed at least three (3) consecutive meetings and the meetings have all been productive for those attending....


After a short time my posted comments of this above incident(s) was removed from the comment section of Yankee Phil's post and now all that appears is "This post has been removed by a blog administrator"... It is probably unfortunate that Yankee Phil has chosen to "Air this Laundry" in the public view of the BlogWorld but if this is the venue of choice lets get all of the facts out there to be seen...

Shad Planking 2009 ~Virginian's for Energy Independence~

. The 2009 "Planking of the Shad" event held in Wakefield, VA by the Wakefield Ruritan Club was once again a political season highlight for those of us involved in the political environment and campaigns. This being evident with the thousands of campaign signs on the route leading up to a small clearing in the woods where the Wakefield Ruritan Club has been hosting this event for 60+ years...

Numerous other then campaign booths were set up and attracted the attention and support from those walking the grounds. Virginia Citizens Defense League is a very impressive group working to protect citizens rights to defend themselves...

Campaign for Liberty group...

NRA association..

Virginia Energy Independence Alliance...

With this came the opportunity for our small group of Virginia buisnessmen and citizens to set up a display and information booth to encourage discussion regarding the numerous energy sources available here in Virginia. With no association or link to the Virginia Energy Independence Alliance (photo above) we had interesting conversations with this group and encourage all to visit their website...

Along with several visual displays we had numerous "info planks" with energy facts and sources for visitors to review and discuss. These planks provided information on the many energy sources that need to be implemented and reduce our dependence on foreign sources. Energy sources including: Windpower, Offshore Oil and Natural Gas, Solar, Tidal hydro electric, Coal, Cellulose, Nuclear, Hydro-electric, and several other forms brought up during discussions including Algae oil production...

As with any gathering of people involved in politics the conversations and debates can and will cover wide ranges of topics. This included the benefits and risks associated to each form of energy sources... With offshore drilling being a hot topic in the news and the campaigns, the debate of benefits and (environmental) costs was a frequent topic. We have a proven source of oil and natural gas off the shores of Virginia and with that many have concerns of environmental impacts but we also have a proven track record of this energy source...

Lt. Governor candidate Patrick Muldoon and Chris Green

Annie C. The hardest working campaign person I know...

Waynesboro Republican Committee Chairman Chris Darden and Americans for Prosperity Virginia State Director Ben Marchi

For any of you Guinness lovers out there...

By far one of the most sought after stickers was the Drill Here-Drill Now-Pay Less bumper stickers from American Solutions and thanks to Suzanne who unfortunately was not able to attend this years "Planking of the Shad"...

Chris Green and "Pablo" with interesting conversation I am sure...

Scott Sayre

Chris Green with Governor Jim Gilmore...

Patrick Muldoon, Chris Green, and Senator Ken Cuccinelli...

Please note the "Tea-bag" earrings....

~Shad Planking 2009~ "Virginian's for Energy Independence"...

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Attended the "Planking of the Shad" in Wakefield yesterday and was part of a group of concerned Virginian's regarding the energy situation both here in Virginia and nationwide... It was a very good event even with the overcast weather and some rain. The booth and displays were well received and this resulted in numerous conversations about the energy resources available here in Virginia and nationwide....

Wakefield Ruritan Club did another great job....

Bob McDonnell comments at the Shad Planking...

Very popular bumper sticker and many requests for extras for many knew that friends would be asking for one... Off to work now and will post additional photos and info when possible...

IOWA floods: Where was "Hollywood"?...

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Where are the Hollywood celebrities holding telethons asking for help in restoring Iowa and helping the folks affected by the floods? Where is good old Michael Moore?
(This is from a email that has been passed around and the statements ask a very important question and data seems accurate)...




Why is the media NOT asking the tough questions about why the federal government hasn't solved this problem?


......Asking where the FEMA trucks and trailers and food services are?

Why isn't the Federal government moving Iowa people into free hotels in Chicago and Minneapolis ?

When will Spike Lee say that the Federal government blew up the levees that failed in Des Moines ?

Where are Sean Penn, Bono, and the Dixie Chicks?

Where are all the looters stealing high-end tennis
shoes, cases of beer and television sets?

When will we hear Governor Chet Culver say that he wants to rebuild a 'vanilla' Iowa .. because that's what God wants?

Where is the hysterical 24/7 media coverage complete with reports of shootings at rescuers, of rapes and murder?

Where are all the people screaming that Barack Obama hates white, rural people? My God, where are Angelina Jolie and
Brad Pitt, Oprah, and Ray Coniff Jr?

How come you will never hear about the Iowa flooding ever again? Where are the governmentbail out vouchers? The government debit cards?

There must be one hell of a big difference between the
value of the people of Iowa and value of the the people
of Louisiana . Pass this unedited, un-doctored, factual
information forward ..... to get Americans thinking.

President Obama makes the correct call...

I applaud President Obama for making the correct call and approving the plan of using our highly skilled military (SEAL) forces to take out the pirates who were holding a American citizen off the coast of Somalia.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama twice authorized the military to rescue a U.S. captain held by Somali pirates and whose life appeared to be at risk.


Like many I hope President Obama follows through and goes after the numerous camps and locations on land to pursue the "Terrorists". And they are just that, TERRORISTS, and needed to be treated as such. I just hope he does not look at this incident as a "Criminal offense" and treats it as one the same way President Clinton treated the first attack on the World Trade Center...