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Thursday, February 25, 2010
Recognizing Historic U.S. 1
When my grandparents arrived, Fairfax County produced more dairy products than any other county in Virginia and U.S. 1 was the commercial heart of the county to the extent that there was one.
U.S. 1 is 2376 miles long, traverses 17 states, running from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida, and goes through 16 cities and counties in Virginia. It was originally named the Quebec-Miami International Highway in 1911 and then Atlantic Highway in 1915. You can read more about the history and importance of U.S. 1 to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth in the resolution I introduced this year regarding the creation of a special U.S. 1 transportation district by clicking here.
This year, Delegate Sam Nixon introduced legislation to designate part of U.S. 1 in Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights as "Historic U.S. 1" as part of an economic development project that their localities are undertaking to redevelop U.S. 1 in their communities. Tourism advocates in the City of Richmond are exploring a publicity campaign to promote the upcoming 100th anniversary of U.S. 1. The U.S. Highway system was created in 1926 to promote auto tourism and economic development.
Designating U.S. 1 is good idea not just for two counties, but for the entire Commonwealth. Therefore, I have written a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton asking him to have Governor McDonnell amend the legislation we passed to apply to the entire road and not just U.S. 1 in two jursidictions. You can see the letter here. It was signed by the 20 Delegates and 11 Senators whose districts touch U.S. 1.
Given Governor McDonnell's roots in the Mount Vernon community and the support for this idea from every legislator along the route, I am hopeful that Governor McDonnell will favorably consider our request. Recognizing U.S. 1's historic character throughout the Commonwealth will raise its visibility not just within Mount Vernon and Northern Virginia, but the entire state.
Working to Transform U.S. 1
Transportation has barely been on the agenda in Richmond this session, but our federal elected officials are coming through for us. Last week, Senators Webb and Warner and Congressmen Moran and Connolly announced $30 million in Northern Virginia transit funding including monies for transit on U.S. 1. Most importantly, Congressman Moran announced that he had secured approximately $150 million to improve access to the new $800 million Dewitt Hospital on Fort Belvoir in December. Aside from intersection improvements there has not been a single new lane of asphalt paved in my delegate seat since I was born in 1971. This funding is the best opportunity we have to improve the transportation infrastructure inside the Mount Vernon community in four decades.
The Army has 90 days to recommend how to invest the money. There is some risk the money could get spent south or west of Mount Vernon. Therefore, I have sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army asking that the monies be invested between Woodlawn and Hybla Valley consistent with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.
Today, there are 12-16+ lanes feeding eight lanes between Woodlawn and Hybla Valley from all directions. The Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan calls for that section of U.S. 1 to be widened to six lanes with two additional center lanes dedicated to transit or light rail. Widening U.S. 1 north of Woodlawn is absolutely critical to get traffic moving, make transit services more reliable, and to stimulate economic development in our community. Otherwise, U.S. 1 will become utterly gridlocked and Fort Belvoir traffic will shift to the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
You can read the full text of my letter along with maps on my blog, The Dixie Pig (scottsurovell.blogspot.com), or my Web site, http://www.scottsurovell.org/. All interested parties should also write to Secretary John McHugh at the Pentagon.
This week, I also put together a bipartisan coalition of 19 delegates and 11 senators asking the Governor to amend legislation to designate all of U.S. 1 as "Historic U.S. 1." This designation would confirm the road's historic significance in the Commonwealth, stimulate its tourism potential and enhance visibility as a community asset.
Finally, the second half of the legislative session moves us into the budget debates. This year's budget is horrific. It is the worst budget cycle since the Great Depression with the largest General Fund revenue decline in 70 years. It is the first time revenue has gone down in consecutive budget cycles since the 1930s. I will write more about the budget situation next week, but our community has more to lose from decreased state funding than any other part of Northern Virginia. We have significant populations of at-risk children, Medicaid recipients, and families in need of government services. The Stimulus Act papered over these losses last year and it is now time to pay the bills. The proposed budget reductions will push our local schools, hospitals, justice system, local governments, and charities to the limit.
In the meantime, please visit my blog, The Dixie Pig, at scottsurovell.blogspot.com for three to four more articles per week and many of my floor speeches. I need your input so please communicate with me. It is an honor to serve as your state delegate.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Cutting The Arts Cuts Jobs
However, the government can do a lot to create jobs using very little money. One of those ways is through investing in the arts. The House Budget offered on Sunday proposes to completely eliminate funding for the Virginia's Commission for the Arts. The Virginia Commission for the Arts has a proven track record in economic development and has helped revitalize local economies across the Commonwealth.
In the Mount Vernon Community, the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre (MVCCT) has created opportunities for our community's children to participate in theatre productions - including my own children who have participated in MVCCT productions for three years. This organization also stimulates the arts in lower income communities of Mount Vernon as well.
Just to the north in the City of Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Art League, MetroStage, Signature Theater, Del Ray Artisans, and numerous other arts organizations and programs supported by the Commission over the years have strengthened Alexandria's economy and created a tourism destination, creating jobs and contributing to tax revenues that support core services like education, health care, and public safety. People from all over the Mount Vernon Community benefit from these programs on a daily basis.
We also have a thriving arts community just to the South of us in Lorton. The Workhouse Arts Center helped redevelop the former Lorton Prison site and turn a blighted property into a thriving community resource.
In a year where economic development -- and especially job creation -- has been a paramount concern in the General Assembly, I believe it is economically shortsighted for the House to pass a budget that will completely eliminate funding for an activity that is currently returning $7 in investment by private citizens, businesses, and local governments for every one dollar of state money invested. Moreover, House Republicans have found room in their budget for investments of similar scale in tax incentives for movie stars, despite the fact that the conservative Tax Foundation's recent comprehensive study of these incentives call into question any purported return on that investment.
Elimination of this relatively modest investment in our local programs that actually benefit our communities in favor tax credits for millionaire movie producers is risky and irresponsible.
Gerry Hyland's 2010 Bus Tour
The Mount Vernon Magisterial District was the first part of the County that was tamed from wilderness and has unique historic resources, it has the Potomac River, is one of the most diverse districts in Fairfax County, contains a military base, the most land area, and has been the fastest growing district in Fairfax County over the last decade. Leading community development in this area is a real challenge and we have a real professional in Gerry Hyland who has now led our community for over 20 years.
That is why Gerry's annual Town Meeting is always such an interesting event. The highlight of the meeting is Gerry's "Bus Tour" which discusses changes that have occurred and will be occuring in the future in our community. You can view Gerry's Bus Tour here:
There are a lot of changes coming to our community.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Fighting for the Future of U.S. 1
The Department of Army was given 90 days to make recommendations as to how to invest these monies. U.S. 1 needs to be widened south of Lorton and there are also needs for other transportation improvements to improve access to Fort Belvoir from Interstate 95.
However, the biggest transportation priority in our area is improving U.S. 1 between Hybla Valley and Woodlawn. Right now, we have 12-16 lanes on either side feeding into 4. This map below demonstrates the problem.
It is clogged with traffic during the week and especially on weekends. Lack of accessibility has prevent our area from attracting investment and being redeveloped. Congestion in the U.S. 1 Corridor is a major quality of life problem in Mount Vernon.
The changes bring brought by the BRAC process are going to be massive. The Pentagon is spending $6 billion on the base and shifting over 12,000 jobs to Fort Belvoir. The Fort Belvoir BRAC project is the single largest BRAC realignment in the United States. The Mount Vernon community stands to be significantly impacted by it.
Yesterday, I sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army. You can see my letter by clicking here. Here is the text.
February 21, 2010
Secretary John McHugh
Department of the Army
1400 Defense
Washington, D.C. 20301-4000
Colonel Jerry L. Blixt
Department of Army
U.S. Army Garrison,
Fort Belvoir
Command Group
9820 Flagler Road
Fort Belvoir, VA
Re: $150 Million BRAC Dewitt Access Improvements
Dear Secretary McHugh and
Colonel Blixt:
Since the beginning of the announced changes to Fort Belvoir caused by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), I have been very impressed by your team's engagement in the community, willingness to listen and effort to communicate as we move through the changes coming to Fort Belvoir.
I am writing to express my recommendations on the use of the funds secured by Congressman James Moran for transportation improvements needed because of the BRAC changes. My delegate seat effectively consists of everything north of Ft. Belvoir along U.S. 1 and the Potomac River.
It is my understanding that you are considering recommending the widening of U.S. 1 along with numerous interchange improvements. I have lived in this community my entire life and my family moved to the Mount Vernon area in 1941. U.S. 1 has not been widened north of Telegraph Road since the year I was born – 1971 – and we are seeing the adverse impacts of that today.
After the state of our economy, U.S. 1 and the future traffic impacts caused by the BRAC process was the number one issue on people's minds as I went door-to-door last summer and fall. The U.S. 1 corridor is our business community, the key to future economic development in southeastern Fairfax County and the heart of my delegate seat.
If you look at the attached map you can see that the problem is fairly simple. The central part of U.S. 1 is a small collector road for dozens of lanes.
- U.S. 1 is fed from the South by (a) four lanes of U.S. 1 (dark blue), (b) 2 lanes from Telegraph Road (light blue), and (c) 2 lanes from Fairfax County Parkway (VA 7100) (light blue).
- U.S. 1 is fed from the North by (a) 6-8 lanes of U.S. 1, (b) 2 lanes of Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway (VA 235) via G.W. Parkway, (c) Mulligan Road (light blue), and (d) dozens of 2-lane local roads.
Four lanes simply cannot handle eight lanes from the south and twelve-plus lanes from the North. This will be catastrophic once the volume from Dewitt Hospital, the BRAC changes, and the U.S. Army Museum is added. The part of the road I highlighted in bright red is in desperate need of widening and improved transit facilities.
If U.S. 1 is not widened north of Woodlawn, the new hospital at Fort Belvoir will only be truly accessible from the south or west. The U.S. 1 bottleneck just south of the Multiplex property currently forces traffic to substantially back up in Hybla Valley. My constituents avoid it. Without widening, emergency medical and other vehicles will be seriously hampered in trying to get to the new hospital.
In addition, if U. S. 1 is not widened, hospital users travelling from Maryland or through Alexandria from the north will be forced to use the Davidson Gate or Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (VA 235) via George Washington Memorial Parkway because of traffic bottlenecks on U.S. 1. The parkway, a highway designed in the 1930s, already has far more traffic than it was designed to handle and it is already unsafe. It was never designed to be a major thoroughfare or a commuter route. The parkway was conceived as means to conservation. It is part of a national park. In other words, it is a road running through a park. It was intended to conserve the natural and scenic values of the Potomac River and not as an "entryway" to the first President's home or a military base. All trucking traffic is illegal on the road.
Every entrance to the parkway that has been added since construction – Belleview Boulevard, Tulane Dive, Morningside Lane, Waynewood Boulevard and Stratford Lane -- has increased traffic and accidents as people attempt to access a high-speed road without modern-day merge lanes or exits. Moreover, increased southbound traffic on the parkway will simply cause significant backups at the Mount Vernon Estate and where the parkway goes from four lanes to two or north back into the city of Alexandria.
The Mount Vernon Estate is the largest private employer in my district, has over 1,000,000 visitors and is also planning a $38 million library that will attract
even more visitors. In the summer, there are already significant backups around Mount Vernon.
Additionally, by widening U.S. 1 north to the Multiplex property, the dedicated transit lanes called for in Fairfax County's Comprehensive Plan can be constructed and mass transit will operate much more reliably. Better mass transit will further mitigate traffic impacts through, to, and from the post all the way to Lorton. As long as the dedicated transit lanes are not built, buses will not be able to adhere to their schedules because of traffic delays. This will discourage people from using mass transit.
Finally, widening the red section of U.S. 1 would dovetail perfectly with the $58.8 million of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) stimulus funding that was awarded under the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government just last week to enhance transit service in the U.S. 1 Corridor.
We are currently presented with an opportunity to make a significant long-term impact on our community, one that will generate significant synergies for our area. The most logical investment of these transportation funds to improve access to Dewitt is to widen U.S. 1 as far north as possible – to the Multiplex bottleneck if at all possible.
I appreciate your considering my recommendations and the views of the community that I represent. I look forward to your decision and working closely with you toward a solution that is best for our community.
Sincerely Yours,
/s/ Scott A. Surovell
Delegate Scott A. Surovell
44th District
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Why We Live in Mt. Vernon: Hollin Hall Automotive
My neighborhood, Tauxemont, was one of the first modern subdivisions built in Fairfax County. Because there were nothing but farms around when it was built, it also has its own water system and we avoided our system being bought out when the Fairfax County water system was created in the 1950's.
Membership does have its privileges. When Hurricane Isabelle hit, we lost electricity for five days and along with it - water. We purchased a generator. Right before Snowmageddon hit, we needed a battery. Here's the story from one of my neighbors.
Many thanks from the Tauxemont Water Committee to the Hollin Hall Automotive Chevron Service Station and specifically owner Tom Harvey for their generous contribution of an industrial quality battery for the community's emergency diesel well electric generator.
This neighborly gesture came about when the water committee decided to replace the old diesel generator battery with a new one in anticipation of the coming snow blizzard. Upon discovering that we were representing the Tauxemont Community, Tom tore up the invoice with the statement that Tauxemont residents had been strong and loyal customers to his families' business for 50 years and that the battery was a small repayment for that community loyalty.
And finally we know that shortly after the new battery was installed the diesel generator helped supply the community water during the power outage. The water committee salutes Tom Harvey and the employees of the Hollin Hall Station for its good neighbor generosity.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Speaking Out for Mason Neck
Congressman Gerry Connolly and I have both sent letters to Governor McDonnell protesting this. Here is my letter. Here is Congressman Connolly's letter.
Here is the text of my letter:
Governor Robert F. McDonnell
Commonwealth of Virginia
P.O. Box 1472
Richmond, VA 23212
Re: Proposed Closure of Mason Neck Park
Dear Governor McDonnell:
Thank you for providing your list of proposed budget cuts. The Commonwealth's fiscal situation is certainly dire and will require many difficult choices. I have concerns about many of your proposals, but there is one specific proposal that would significantly affect the business community in my area – your proposal to close the 1,800-acre Mason Neck State Park.
Given your roots in the Mount Vernon Community, I am sure you are familiar with the park. After two decades of development battles, it was opened when I was a freshman in high school in 1985. Many of my constituents use the park for its hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Congressman Connolly cites statistics that 88,000 people use the park per year. Those statistics do not include cyclists. I personally cycle to the park on weekends along with Mt. Vernon's "Over the Hill" cycling team – The Lardbutts – who have adopted the road leading into the park.
I have also reserved Mason Neck's gazebos on numerous occasions for group events. Families also use the park for large gatherings. There are limited venues for these kinds of activities in the Mount Vernon community and closing this park only puts additional pressure on our overbooked county and regional parks. This is also the only state park that is easily accessible to Northern Virginia's two million residents.
Being an area native, I am also sure that you are aware that the need for economic development is absolutely critical in the U.S. 1 Corridor. The business community on U.S. 1 consists mostly of retail establishments and hotels. Visitors to Mason Neck Park spend over $500,000 at local businesses sustaining jobs and creating tax revenue. The Commonwealth is receiving a $5 return on every dollar spent. Given your administration's focus on creating jobs through tourism, I would have thought this was exactly the kind of decision your
Administration would not have made.
I wholeheartedly agree with Congressman Connolly that closing this park will not save the Commonwealth money on a net basis. It will only harm our community. Please reconsider your decision.
Sincerely Yours,
Delegate Scott A. Surovell
44th District
Friday, February 19, 2010
Hurting The Poor & Leaving Money on the Table
This seems to be a trend. This year it is Medicaid. Medicaid is the state's health insurance for the disabled and low-income people. We have one of the most restrictive Medicaid programs in the country in terms of eligibility - we are 48th in per capita spending in 2007 even though we have the 8th highest median family income in the United States ($70,894). Who receives Medicaid? In 2008, Virginia's program beneficiares were the following:
142,180 carents, caretakers & pregnant women
81,541 elderly people
182,636 blind and disabled persons
There are several ways to qualify for Medicaid, but generally speaking you must be incredibly poor in Virginia - 80% to 130% of federal poverty level (e.g. $10,830 for one person or $22,050 for family of four). Some states provide Medicaid for persons who are as much as 300% of the federal poverty level (but not Virginia).
The federal government matches most Medicaid spending pursuant to the FMAP ratio (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage). In Virginia, the ratio is 50% - in other words the federal government matches most Virginia Medicaid spending dollar-for-dollar (it was increased to 61.58% for two years under the Obama Administration's stimulus bill).
Therefore, if Virginia "cuts" Medicaid spending by $400 million, we actually reduce Medicaid spending $800 million - deepening the effects on the health care industry which employs tens of thousands of Virginians, further reducing taxable incomes, and taxes even further. The health care industry is estimating 6,000 job losses under the Kaine-McDonnell "cuts."
Former Governor Kaine already proposed "cutting" Medicaid by $482 million. Governor McDonnell has now proposed health care spending "cuts" of an additional $684 million including $316 million of Medicaid cuts.
Because of the federal match that would be lost, the healthcare industry is estimating that these cuts will collectively result in Virginia losing about $700 million of federal funds. They further estimate that these "cuts" will reduce tax revenue by $140 million (taxed economic activity lost). One of my fellow freshman, Del. Patrick Hope, spoke to this on the floor earlier this week and had some great comments.
The above numbers also do not even begin to address the broader effects - that when people don't go to the doctor for preventative care they can't afford, they can end up in the hospital requiring significantly more expensive hospitalization or they might end up dead. The other big side effect is that when you drive down provider reimbursements for Medicaid (what doctors and hospitals are paid for care), the providers drive up costs on everyone else. We all pay for the uninsured. This is part of what drives massive inflation on health care costs and increased costs for private insurance.
What's the bottom line? Our former and new Governors have proposed to cut care to poor elderly, blind and children, leave $700 million of federal money on the table, cause quite a few healthcare workers to lose their jobs, lose $140 million in state and local tax revenue, run up health care expenses and insurance over the long term. Is this a wise public policy choice?
Maybe this bill we passed giving movie stars tax credits will make up for it?
State Budget Crisis Looms
Last week we had a big victory in protecting funding for Fairfax County's Public Schools. Governor Bob McDonnell announced his opposition to former Governor Kaine's proposal to "freeze" the "rebenchmarking" or readjustment of the local composite index (LCI), part of the funding formula that determines state funding of local schools. If Kaine's decision goes into effect, it will cost us about $61 million or $438,000 per Fairfax County school. I am working to prevent these cuts and enact Governor McDonnell's proposal.
I have been consistently clear in opposing freezing the LCI. Hundreds of Fairfax County residents, including a particularly dedicated group of parents from the Stratford Landing area, have lobbied the Governor and state legislators to prevent these cuts. While the existing formula does not benefit Fairfax County, it does avoid biennial regional warfare and provides some measure of predictability. Governor McDonnell's decision was the right decision for Virginia and I applaud him.
However, preliminary reports are that budget negotiators are discussing a $700 million cut from elementary-secondary education. These cuts could generate opposition from other localities that are more dependent on the state's money (really mostly Northern Virginia's money) and these jurisdictions will start to face the same kind of pain Fairfax County has been discussing recently. Do not be surprised if the rebenchmarking issue gets put back on the table.
The Fairfax County schools' budget hole is still massive — over $100 million — with more state budget cuts about to hit. Nearly 60 percent of the Mount Vernon families who responded to my survey said that their number one priority is protecting elementary-secondary education funding. I will fight any effort to reduce our public school funds and continue to look for ways to fund our schools and do so without relying so heavily on residential real estate taxes.
This week, we start work on the Senate's bills and the state budget. This budget is the worst we have seen since the Great Depression and the 44th District has some of the highest concentrations of people most likely to be affected. I expect proposals like massive "cuts" in Medicaid, the federal-state program providing health care to disabled and low-income people, and even more proposals to cut college funding.
These changes are not "cuts" but are simply shifts of government responsibilities to Mount Vernon's middle-class families in the form of higher tuition, higher insurance costs and a raft of fees for students' tests, sports and activities. I will fight as hard as I can against these efforts to dismantle what have traditionally been community responsibilities.
Finally, please visit my blog, The Dixie Pig, at scottsurovell.blogspot.com for three to four more articles per week and many of my floor speeches. You can also comment on legislation, set up a meeting or request a Capitol tour at http://www.scottsurovell.org/. Good government requires your input so please communicate with me so I can best represent your concerns in the General Assembly. It is an honor to serve as your state delegate.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mt. Vernon's Gum Springs: An Historic Community
Gum Springs is probably the oldest historically black community in Mt. Vernon. There are a few other communities such as Quander Road, Lorton and Mason Neck. Growing up, I had many friends from that area and the Gum Springs Football team used to absolutely destroy us every year.
Gum Springs: A Slave's Legacy, Part I
Gum Springs: A Slave's Legacy, Part II
Gum Springs: A Slave's Legacy, Part III
Gum Springs: A Slave's Legacy, Part IV
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
"Cutting Expenses" or Passing the Buck?
This trend really started with the last "bad" recession in the early 90's. Under Former Governor Wilder, the state balanced its budget by cutting higher education, law enforcement, and courts. To avoid cutting back essential services (like prosecuting criminals, teaching children, or having colleges), most local government stepped in and funded the state's responsibilities.
For example, in Fairfax County the county actually pays for many of our courthouse staff or supplements their salary, pays the entire salaries of 15 Circuit Court law clerks to keep Fairfax County's complex dockets moving, and supplements the salaries of clerks and prosecutors - although these are state responsibilities. If they did not, the Courthouse and Commonwealth's Attorney would have an even more difficult time retaining qualified personnel and our dockets would be a disaster. The $700 million of education cuts under discussion are also going to result in all of the Commonwealth's localities picking up more of the tab on education than they have in the past.
Other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth have started to complain about this as well. The real problem is that by shifting state responsibilities to local responsibilities, the practical effect is for more services to be funded by residential real estate taxes and less funded by income and sales taxes. Residential real estate taxes are not progressive - one way or the other, you pay them whether you rent or own and they are not progressive at all. Residential real estate taxes also put disproportionate burdens on elderly living on fixed incomes.
All of these "cuts" are not cuts - they are cost shifts. "Cutting" higher education increases tuition and pushes costs onto middle class families. "Cutting" Medicaid pushes health care expenses to private insurance payers. "Cutting" homeless funds pushes expenses onto charities. "Cutting" mental health pushes people into the criminal system. People still get sick, are mentally ill, are homeless, and go to college. Most of these "cuts" do not make government more efficient, they simply defer our responsibilities.
Our existing government and tax structure is the round peg of an increasingly diverse urban and suburban state being shoved into the antiquated square hole designed for an non-existent homogenous agrarian state. Avoiding this reality just exacerbates inequality and unfairness. This budget crisis presents an opportunity to step up and have an honest discussion about our Commonwealth and move towards long-term fixes, not stop gap budgetary efforts that will prolong regional conflicts, inequity, and maximize the amount of time legislators are focused on solutiuons intractable problems. I hope that discussion starts very soon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Crossover Approaches
We have a ton of bills up today for Second Reading - or in layman's terms, debate. You can see the docket if you click here. Lots of bills about guns, concealed weapon permits, and hunting.
I also have one on my bills on the floor for debate. HB 831 requires the Commonwealth and all localities to confirm that an out-of-state corporation has properly qualified to do business in Virginia before they can bid on a public contract. While practicing law, I have found that most companies do not qualify to transact business when they should. I had one case involving a company that had been doing business with a locality for 10 years that hurt 13 people. It cost my client $1,500 to serve them with a lawsuit instead of $12 to the Sheriff because they had not qualified. My bill will level the playing field for Virginia companies and bring more revenue for taxpayers. I am hopeful that it will pass.
If you have any comments on any legislation, please use the tool on my website here.
After Crossover, the Budget will begin to take center stage. Things are going to get interesting once the budget cuts are announced. I expect the rest of the Commonwealth will start having to confront the same kinds of school cuts we have been discussing in Fairfax County for the last three month, and services for our most needy are probably going to take a body blow. I am gearing up for the fight.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Washington Examiner: Waynewood Rocks
Among the neighborhoods south of Old Town Alexandria off the George Washington Parkway, Waynewood stands out as an affordable and well-established community. Constructed in the late 1950s on 300 acres of the original Mount Vernon estate known as River Farm, the neighborhood defines the epitome of an American suburb.Waynewood is a great place to live. It is teeming with kids. It has zero crime. It is stable. No one leaves. Waynewood Elementary School is my alma mater, it is where my kids go to school, and is one of the top elementary schools in Fairfax County.
"Our homes hold value here, and not because they are architecturally superior, but because it's a great place to call home," said long-time resident and Coldwell banker agent Lyssa Seward. "It's a wonderful neighborhood, due to its schools, wonderful location, and strong sense of community."
Congratulations to Waynewood and thanks to the Examiner for featuring our community.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Legislature's Pace Quickens
The work of the General Assembly is intensifying, as we approach this session's mid-point. Several of my bills will be considered soon.
HB 831 requires out-of-state companies to establish that they are qualified to transact business in Virginia before they bid on government contracts. Most non-Virginia corporations do not pay the filing fees ($250 to $2,500) or annual fees ($100 per year) required of Virginia-based companies. Non-Virginia companies can take business away from law-abiding Virginia companies because the state and localities do not confirm that our law is being followed before they award a company a contract. If passed, my legislation would net millions for taxpayers and create more Virginia jobs.
I have talked to Governor McDonnell three times and urged him to block former Governor Kaine's proposal to freeze the "Local Composite Index," the school funding factor that could deprive Fairfax County of $61 million. Governor McDonnell assures me that he is focusing on it. He always reminds me that he grew up in the Mount Vernon communities of Hollin Hall and Riverside. We'll see if he also remembers the high expectations we have for our schools and our schools' many compelling needs.
We need people in decision-making positions who understand our region. That's why I'm pressing for my bill to reallocate seats on the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), the group that decides which major transportation construction projects to fund (when we actually have money). The Governor makes these appointments based on Virginia's 1930 population patterns. My bill, HB 818, requires representation using current congressional districts. So far, the majority has refused to act on my bill. I am working to change that.
I have talked to Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton twice about U.S. 1. Mr. Connaughton lived in the Sequoyah Condominiums in Janna Lee on U.S. 1 and also represented Woodbridge, so he knows firsthand the importance of revitalizing the Route 1 corridor.
My bill modifying civil penalties for tobacco tax stamps passed the House of Delegates. The Department of Taxation requested this bill because they have problems enforcing penalties when machines fail to affix stamps to cigarette packs. The fines were out of proportion to the stamp costs and resulted in appeals in 42 of 50 of actions. For instance, $30 of missed stamps required a $25,000 assessment and missing stamps cannot be discovered, if at all, until packs are removed from cartons by inattentive stockers or cashiers. Innocent retailers, such as those who provide many of the jobs on U.S. 1, bear the brunt of the enforcement actions. This bill will result in fewer appeals, more fines paid and better results for taxpayers and for businesses.
Many people have visited me in Richmond. I welcome these meetings. If possible, call or e-mail in advance so we can arrange a tour of your historic Capitol, where the famous statue of Mount Vernonite George Washington is the centerpiece . Amtrak has three trains daily from Alexandria to Richmond's Main Street Station.
Please share your views on my website, www.ScottSurovell.org or by calling 571-249-4484 and read about my work at ScottSurovell.Blogspot.com.
Friday, February 12, 2010
More School Cuts Are Coming
However, the Governor has also refused to support any revenue adjustments so there are another $2 billion in cuts that need to happen. People have started to ask me what that means for Fairfax County. The budget is a fluid document and these things are hard to calculate. Additionally, when you are in the minority party in a Chamber, it is hard to get good information.
Here's an idea of how you can start to get at the numbers. Governor Kaine's Budget says the State and Fairfax County are budgeted for the following Direct Aid to Public Education:
|Fairfax County
The Washington Post is reporting that the McDonnell Administration is discussing a $700,000,000 cut to K-12 Education. If this cut were only to Direct Aid to Public Education, this would equate to about 6% cut ($700M/$11.6B). A 6% cut to Fairfax County's funds would be $26 million per year, $150 per Fairfax County student per year. My guess is that we are heading for at least $20 million or losing about a third of what Governor McDonnell just proposed to restore in by changing the LCI rebenchmarking decision.
On the other hand, these cuts will be much more significant to other jurisdictions that are more dependent upon state funding for their local education. When these cuts hit, the rest of the state is going to be looking at cuts similar to what Fairfax County has been talking about for the last three months.
We will see the final numbers in about one week. These budget cuts are significant, unprecedented, and very serious business.
Poll Taxes Circa 2010
HB 498 provides that a voter must present a valid government-issued ID. If they cannot produce an ID, then they must cast a provisional ballot. The voter must then drive to the Electoral Board meeting the day after the election and provide evidence in support of their right to vote so that their ballot can be cast.
This requirement has become a trend in legislatures around the country after the U.S. Supreme Court found that requiring ID was not an unconstitutional restriction on voting in Crawford v. Marion Board of Elections in 2008.
I opposed this legislation because it disenfranchises people who do not have driver's licenses including the elderly, the poor, the blind, religious objectors, or even people who have simply lost their license. I also oppose it because I believe that any voting requirement that involves the payment of money amounts to a poll tax - a practice that the U.S. Supreme Court had to step in to stop in Virginia in 1966 in Harper v. State Board of Elections. For decades, the poll tax was used in Virginia to disenfranchise voters including my grandparents when they first moved here in 1935.
The Mount Vernon area is a very diverse community. We have one of the highest concentrations of elderly in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. We also have large numbers of mass transit users and people who do not have vehicles. This law would potentially affect many voters in the 44th. I think it is bad public policy.
My comments are below along with some floor speeches of my colleagues who were very moving. The bill is moving on to the Virginia Senate - click here to contact your Senator.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
VDOT Plowing Update
VDOT has been working around the clock since Friday's storm to clear roads throughout Northern Virginia. Monday and Tuesday, VDOT was able to focus on residential streets and secondary roads.
With the new snow accumulation from last night and today, VDOT is now refocusing efforts on keeping primary thoroughfares and the interstates open. As the main arteries are cleared, VDOT staff and contractors will return to clear subdivisions and side streets. More information from VDOT is available at the link below.
If you have questions or concerns about the plowing efforts, please call my Legislative Aide, Christopher Bea, at 804.698.1044 and we will call VDOT to see what the status is on your street.
Again, here is information regarding problems with electricity service.
Service Restoration Updates
Speaking Out Against Corporate Welfare
The Washington Post ran two stories about this here and here, and the Virginian Pilot ran a story here.
The House of Delegates considered legislation that was drafted to limit Crown Cork & Seal's liability to money they had already paid. I always have concerns any time we limit anyone's liability or change the law, especially for injuries that have already been caused.
I also have concerns about passing legislation that limits liability for a specific company. From my point of view, this company made a bad business decision and was asking the legislature to bail them out of a bad business decision.
This sets a bad precedent. My comments are below.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Snowpocalypse Help
Here is information regarding problems with electricity service.
Service Restoration Updates
If your street has not been plowed yet, please call my Legislative Aide, Christopher Bea, at 804.698.1044 and we will call VDOT to see what the status is on your street.
I have also begun discussions with elected officials down here about legislatively shortening the mandated school year so that school does not extend into July. We will keep you posted.
UPDATE: Michael & Son is offering free snow removal service for area residents over 65. Please contact them at 800.948.6453 if you are over 65 and need assistance with snow removal.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Right Decision for Virginia
Governor McDonnell should be commended. While the LCI disadvantages Northern Virginia, it is an arrangement that Virginia's jurisdictions agreed upon after negotiations, litigation, and hours of work by hundreds of people. It is at least an impartial and predictable method of determining education funding on an annual basis.
When the Former Governor proposed to use old historically inaccurate data to calculate Fairfax County's school transfer, it harkened back to the days before Baker v. Carr when Fairfax County was denied fair representation in the General Assembly and Congress due to the Assembly's refusal to apportion representation based on actual population.
Governor McDonnell's decision signals to all jurisdictions in the Commonwealth that the existing formula will not be manipulated to benefit regional preferences. I am certain that given that many Hampton Roads jurisdictions and other parts of the Commonwealth will not stand to benefit from reversing Former Governor Kaine's decision, it was a difficult decision for the Governor. I applaud Governor McDonnell for doing the right thing.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Working to Save Taxpayer Dollars
We are lucky to live in a forward-looking county that is an international technology leader. Technology — the computer revolution — can help all of us be more efficient and Virginia's government needs to catch up. Technological approaches can streamline service to the public, and be part of the answer to balancing the budget. As I promised in my campaign, I have introduced several "fixes" that would bring new technologies to state operations and cut state expenditures.
Fairfax County generates over 270,000 traffic and criminal citations each year. Today, officers in police cruisers write out citations by hand in triplicate on carbon paper. One copy goes to the accused person, one to the Police Department and one to the Court. Each of the 270,000 summonses then is entered into a computer.
I introduced legislation with bipartisan support to authorize a $3 fee for an "E-Summons" system enabling officers to laser scan a driver's license bar code and generate a ticket using a computer and printer in their cruiser. The information would be automatically uploaded to the court's system, avoid the need for 10 data entry personnel, minimize mistakes, avoid hand-carrying papers to court, speed up payments, and police officers on the street instead of pushing paper.
I also introduced legislation to foster electronic filing of pleadings in Virginia Courts. These systems, used in federal courts and the District of Columbia, eliminate the need for paper pleadings, couriers and filing and data entry clerks. The Courts of Justice Committee in the House of Delegates will consider this legislation this week along with three other bills. Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in the Commonwealth with some of the most complex litigation and heavy court dockets. This system would also save tax payers millions.
I also introduced legislation to authorize our courts to install electronic recording systems in every courtroom in the Commonwealth. Currently, courts have either no one keeping a record during the proceeding or in most cases, courts must hire court reporters costing $350 per day. Electronic recording would bring savings to the state and to litigants, and create a record in all proceedings. U.S. District Court in Alexandria has used these systems for over 10 years. My legislation was tabled for this year, but I am working with Fairfax County's Circuit Court Clerk and Attorney General Cuccinelli to implement these systems in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Electoral Board asked me to introduce legislation requiring the same envelope for absentee voters who vote in the United States and those who vote abroad. Federal law requires a simplified envelope for absentee voters abroad. The existing system results in confusion when counting votes, lost time, unnecessarily printed envelopes and many disqualifed votes. A subcommittee rejected my bill last week because they did not want to conform Virginia law to federal requirements. I will try again next year.
Good government depends on your involvement and you can contact me, comment on legislation or request a meeting on my Web site – http://www.scottsurovell.org/ or read more of my views on my blog "The Dixie Pig" at ScottSurovell.Blogspot.com. Also, don't hesitate to call me at 571-249-4484.
Mt. Vernon Voice Endorses Fairfax Meals Tax Option
This option coupled with reversing Governor Kaine's decision to "freeze" the Local Composite Index could cover $140 million of Fairfax County's $176 million school budget hole.
The bill was killed by a subcommittee of the House of Delegates Finance Committee on a 5-2 vote. However, there is other legislation supported by Senator Toddy Puller that passed the Senate on a 25-15 vote that accomplishes the same result.
This week, the Mount Vernon Voice endorsed my efforts and legislation in a lengthy editorial. I have quoted the last few paragraphs below.
None have us HAVE to eat out (although I might argue this point on a personal level). If we want to go to a restaurant, it is our choice not a necessity. And let's be honest. We have never chosen a restaurant in Fairfax over a restaurant in Alexandria becaues that city has a meals tax.
Have you?
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland has been trying to make this point with his fellow supervisors for some time. Now we are running out of time.
We strongly support Del. Scott Surovell's (D-44th) bill to allow the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to unanimously approve enacting a meals tax without a referendum seeking approval of voters. Sometimes you just to take action.
THIS is the time.
Thank you to the Mount Vernon Voice for stepping up and standing with me on this issue.


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Two Kids Couldn't Afford Pokemon Cards, So They Created Their Own Game
It looks like disappointment can really inspire creativity. Redditor one23abc has revealed that he and his little brother couldn't afford card games like Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh when they were younger (probably because they were fucking extortionate). But where most kids would have given up and moved on, these guys decided to start their own game.
Creature Cards is a series of 300 hand drawn cards, each with a unique monster. Highlights include "Volcano Man" and the sinister sounding "Cheese Boy". It's currently unclear whether Nintendo will attempt to get them with a retroactive cease and desist order.
Anyway, one23abc explains the rules on Reddit. There are 3 types of card: creature, evolution and item. You use MP to attack to try and take some of your opponents HP. There's a lot more to it than that, obviously, but we won't go into it here. Needless to say, it's astoundingly well thought out.
one23abc, currently 22, just completed a degree in mechanical engineering. His brother is 'planning on doing a PhD in biotech. All thanks to Creature Cards? We doubt it, but it clearly helped two creative and smart kids fuel their passion, so good for them.
Topics: Gaming

subset: commoncrawl


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Here we will add photos that do not exist elsewhere on the internet. Items will be added as they are found, and as time allows. If you have anything you would like to contribute to this section, or any part of the website, please do Contact Us.
* The Naval History and Heritage Command's section on CV-5 is extensive, and there's no need to recreate it here. So, a link: USS Yorktown (CV-5), 1937-1942.
* USS Yorktown Builder's Model – Photos of the 1/48th scale builder's model that now resides at the Virginia Air and Space Center.
* Webb Series U.S.S. Yorktown Plans – model plans drawn with the model builder in mind.
* USS Yorktown (CV-5): A Study in Blueprints – Original CV-5 plans in bound book format.


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Pressreader delivers an endless stream of top news stories to read, discuss and share. Get full issues of thousands of top newspapers and magazines just as they appear in print.
Download the App for Apple, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices, or visit the website at pressreader.com
Access to Pressreader is FREE if you sign-in with your Midlothian Libraries membership account!
The Summer Reading Challenge is back!
We've got lots of digital resources you can read, audio books you can listen to, as well as comics and magazines that you can read online too! All the information, including how to make a new account, is included on the 'Get Started' page. So what are you waiting for? Let's get silly and let's get started!
Libraries reopening on July 27th
Latest update on COVID-19
The Library service will be returning on July the 27th with Dalkeith Library the first branch to be reopened. We will open other branches as we can.
Initially we will be operating with a reserve and collect service, meaning that you can order a selection of materials (via phone, email and online) to collect at an assigned time and you will also be able to return items to open branches.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for updates and information will also be posted on the main council website.
There will be more information about social distancing measures and other details to follow, including any changes to opening hours etc.
Reserve and Collect
Some information for Reserve and Collect customers.
Staff begin working on your request as soon as they can. They will then collect your items before contacting you to arrange a collection time, so be aware that this is not an immediate reply.
Also, if you select specific items then this will take longer and as we cannot access closed branches, there is no guarantee that we will be able to supply all individually specified items. So, to avoid disappointment and to help speed the process, please also detail a general list of items that you would be happy to receive.
You can select Dalkeith Library as well as Mobile Library stops as a collection location, we will be adding other branches and locations as we can. Look for announcements here.
The Mobile Library visits; Lasswade Centre on Mondays, Newbattle Centre on Tuesdays, Penicuik Centre on Wednesdays, and Loanhead Centre on Thursdays. It is at these locations between 10-1 and we will contact you to confirm which day you can collect your items.
No Late Fines
Don't worry about late fines - there will be no additional fines from 18 March until further notice.
Please ignore any overdue emails you receive, we are working to stop these.
You will be able to return items to open branches from July the 27th (intially Dalkeith Library)
Online resources
We still offer a range of free online services including:
- eBooks
- eMusic
- eAudiobooks
- eMagazines and newspapers
- eComics
- Online Learning - Hoonuit
Services usually available in libraries
Hearing aid clinics
Hearing aid clinics are suspended.
- More hearing aid information is on our health updates page.
NEC bus passes
We will be updating this page with information about how to apply for bus passes.
Arena Catalogue
Sign in with your library card number and PIN to:
- search the catalogue
- view and renew loans
- request items
You can also upgrade your account to:
- find ideas on what to read, listen or watch
- create wishlists
- write reviews
- share your recommendations by email or social media
If you are not already a library member you can complete the online form here.
Hoonuit offers a wide range of online how-to training modules on many different software applications, platforms and devices such as; Adobe Dreamweaver, Apple iMovie, Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, programming languages C++ and lots more beside.
It comes under the 'Education' banner on the RB Digital App.


text: Just a simple page I setup for Legions. We've hit the front page a few times, though I'm not sure how that has affected traffic to this website or in-game. http://www.moddb.com/games/legions-overdrive It does have a downloads section where you can upload stuff(rets, soundpacks, maps, etc), though an account is required.


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Imagine: it's August, sneaking up to triple digits, and your air conditioning unit dies. It just dies. Quits working. No more air conditioner, no more cool air to combat the summer heat and keep your home comfortable. It's finished.
So you call a heating and cooling company to come take a look and they tell you what you already knew – you have to buy a new system. And then they tell you something you didn't know – it's going to cost anywhere from $7,000 to $70,000, factoring in the type of air conditioning system(s) you desire, the type of home(s) you have, and the type of energy source you'd like.
It's time to make a decision. Spend your summer soaking in sweat and blowing fans over ice? Or shell out all your savings (and maybe sell an organ) to cover the cost of a new system?
Or option three? Financing.
Did you know that 70% of people taking on a home improvement project plan on financing it? When you remember that the average consumer in the United States has under $5,000 they can access, it makes perfect sense. So when life happens and things malfunction, and unexpected expenses such as an air conditioner repair or replacement is mandatory, it is essential that we have affordable financing options available.
At Barlow Service Experts we have a variety of financing options for consumers looking to replace their HVAC systems. The first category of options would fall into our promotional financing programs, which include no interest or deferred interest. Promotional buyers are those that will most likely have the available dollars to pay off the loan short term, typically within twelve months with no interest charges, so long as the amount financed is fully paid off during or before the promotional period lapses.
Barlow Service Experts also offers financing alternatives with a lower monthly fixed payment and a decent interest rate. This is for consumers who may not have the full amount as quickly but can afford a lower monthly cost. A common program includes a 7.99% APR for either 60 or 120 months. A new, high efficiency heating and air conditioning system can cost upwards of $10,000. Choosing the 7.99% 120 month loan program can cost as little as $121/month. This payment schedule makes a new heating or air conditioning system more affordable, while also getting an efficient system that will help reduce energy bills while supplying home comfort.
The financing programs at Barlow Service Experts are included below:
With so many programs, what's stopping you? Call Barlow Service Experts today for a complimentary in-home home comfort analysis and we will help you determine which heating and cooling system is right for your home AND which financing option works best for your life. We can't wait to work with you!


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Now do I want somebody to come to me Week 14 and say, "look, the Broncos are 7-5. They have a chance!" Absolutely... I want to get proven wrong. But Kyle Orton's shitty attitude has rubbed off on me. If the starting quarterback of my team doesn't even care, why should I? I'd like the Broncos to prove me wrong when the undefeated Bengals come to town lead by Andy Dalton and Bruce Gradkowski, but I don't see it coming.
I'm making picks this year (with the spread, duh!) on ESPN.com's Pigskin Pick 'em. View my entry here: http://games.espn.go.com/pigskin-pickem/en/entry?entryID=400784
9-7 for week one ain't bad.


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To know me is to know that I put the "mess" in domestic. So I should not have been surprised when my mother-in-law sent me these as a "just because" gift:
I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it, she's actually a very loving person, so I'm doing my best not to take offense or to take it as a hint. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a thoughtful gesture in light of my recent clean sink resolution (which is actually going pretty, kinda sorta okay).
At any rate, I do love the retro Wonder Years vibe of these dishwashing gloves. And I've found that if I have the proper cleaning tools — i.e. they're fun and/or cute — it makes the drudgery of desmudging and scrubbing all the more bearable.
Now all I need is a bubble flip and an oppressive husband and it will be just like Mad Men!


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Please note images are for illustration purposes and may differ from the product(s) you receive
Seamlessly blend your roots with the rest of your colour, without the need to redye with Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up Permanent Dark Ash Brown 4A.
Nice N Easy Root Touch Up in Dark Ash Brown perfectly matches shades from several leading brands, allowing you to touch up your roots without over-colouring the rest of your hair. This permanent hair dye covers greys and blends new growth seamlessly into previously covered hair.
The views expressed are those of our customers. If you require advice on a condition or treatment, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. For any questions regarding the products, please contact us. Please note: due to advertising regulations, not all product reviews can be displayed. Please be advised that people respond to products differently and you should always read the label.


text: Is senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was deputy national security advisor in charge of Middle Eastern Affairs in the George W. Bush Administration. From 1996 until joining the White House staff, Abrams was president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. He was the assistant secretary of the state for UN Affairs, Human Rights and Latin America in the Reagan Administration.


text: Jang (L) could not have been dismissed without the approval of Kim Jong Un (R), analysts say [File: Reuters]North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's uncle, considered the power behind the throne, is believed to have been dismissed from his posts, a South Korean lawmaker has said, suggesting a huge upheaval in one of the world's most secretive states. Jang Song Thaek was likely sacked as vice chairman of the North's powerful National Defence Commission and as a department head of the ruling Workers' Party, the lawmaker, Jung Cheong-rae, said on Tuesday, citing a senior South Korean official with the National Intelligence Service (NIS). "The briefing by an NIS senior official was that they believe Jang Song Thaek has lost his posts," Jung told a news briefing. Two close aides to Jang in the Workers' Party had also been executed for corruption, Jung said, also citing the briefing. "Following that, the NIS said it believes Jang Song Thaek has not been seen and has lost his posts," Jung added. There was no immediate mention of Jang's fate on North Korea's KCNA news agency, the primary source of information on the country for outsiders. Jang, who is married to Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kyong Hui, has been the central figure in a coterie of top officials and family members who worked to ensure the young and untested son of Kim Jong Il took over power when his father died in 2011. Jang, who is widely seen as an advocate of economic reform, was previously purged in a power struggle in 2004 under Kim Jong Il's rule but was reinstated two years later. Analysts who watch the North's power structure say Jang's removal would not have been possible without leader Kim Jong Un's approval. SOURCE: Agencies Human Rights Asia Pacific North Korea


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Transitioning over from meat to beans? With this play on Tuna/Chicken salad, you won't even notice the difference! My dad couldn't believe it was actually chickpeas! Beans are very high in fiber and low in fat- so if you're looking for that beach body, beans are the way to go.
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 chopped celery stalk
- 1/2 chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 chopped red onion
- 2 Tbs mustard
- 4 Tbs vegan mayo (hellman's has vegan mayo!!)
- 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
- lemon juice
- salt & pepper
- Mash chickpeas in a bowl to the consistency of what tuna would look like
- Add all veggie ingredients and stir to combine
- Add vegan mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, mix it up until dressing is throughout, add salt/pepper if desired
- Eat out of the bowl, add to a wrap and roll it up, or take crackers and use it as a dip! (also great for parties as a dip too!)


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Her motto is: "A girl has to do what she can to get by."
Usagi first meets Kitsune in the story Kitsune where she is working as a street performer. He makes friends with her, but later finds out that she picked his pocket when he finds he can't pay for a meal, and is forced to wash dishes to pay his debt. When they meet the next time, Kitsune considers giving Usagi his purse back, only to find the ronin has already stolen it back. Since then, they have met many times, usually when Kitsune is plotting some scheme and Usagi helps out when things go wrong. She has also met Gen, who is initially smitten with the beauty, making him a perfect target. Despite that, the two become friends and temporary traveling companions in The Shrouded Moon, and at the end of the story Kitsune's Tale, is it hinted that there might be a romantic attraction between the thief and the bounty hunter. Aside from Usagi and Gen, Kitsune only had three friends in the world, each having a profound impact on her: Sachiko, Noodles, and Kiyoko.
Close associatesEdit
Kitsune was the daughter of a wealthy fabric broker; he was a spineless jellyfish of a man, so it was her mother who was the brains of the outfit. When her mother died, her father remarried, hoping his new wife could continue the family business; but she had no business sense at all and little love for her new stepdaughter. When the business started to fail, her stepmother convinced her father to sell Kitsune to an inn, to make some money and eliminate one extra mouth to feed. The innkeeper was tough on young Kitsune, but fair. It was possible that she'd spend the rest of her life there, but when she blossomed into a fine young woman, she caught the eye of the local brothel owner. When Kitsune overheard him buying her from the innkeeper, intent on making her a prostitute, she ran away.
Kitsune made her way to Edo, hoping that she could find work in the big city; but she found herself a street urchin, stealing what she needed to survive. She was a very poor excuse of a thief until she ran into a street performer named Sachiko. Sachiko saw promise in the young girl and helped her evade the police, then brought her home where she made Kitsune a proposition; she revealed that she was also a master thief, and would teach her everything she knew. Kitsune accepted, and with her new life, Sachiko gave her the name she is now known by—they also called each other "big (Sachiko) and little (Kitsune) sister" (Kitsune's real name has never been revealed).
Kitsune learned fast and became a skilled street performer and thief, and the pair created a crime wave in the city. After a while, the police were clamping down, so they switched to pick-pocketing where Sachiko would steal someone's purse and pass it off to Kitsune before anyone would catch them; if Sachiko was caught, she would no longer have the purse and could not be charged. Although the plan was effective, Kitsune eventually suggested that they move to another city to avoid suspicion, Sachiko arrogantly dismissed the concern. She eventually paid for that basic mistake of underestimating her victims when she stole from a samurai; the samurai had seen them in action before and snatched Sachiko off the street. Even though she didn't have his purse, he didn't care, he knew she took it, and that was enough cause for him to execute her in a back alley as was his right of his social class. When Kitsune found Sachiko's body, she left Edo and never returned.
Noodles was a soba (buckwheat noodles) dealer that Kitsune found; he was mentally handicapped, never spoke, and was huge, and also made the worst soba anywhere. Kitsune felt sorry for the poor childlike giant and took him under her wing; while she never teaches him how to be a thief, she does use him as a cover by hiding in his soba stand.
When Usagi finds them, there was a crime wave going on, and the magistrate was ordering his yoriki (police chief) to find the culprit. Unfortunately, yoriki Masada had a gambling problem and was in over his head in debt to the local crooks. In a desperate move, he framed and arrested Noodles for the crimes, and had him sentenced to death. At his execution, Kitsune tried to save him by admitting that she was the thief, but her cries were drowned out by the crowds.
The gamblers started to pressure Masada, telling him that they need money; he initially refused, knowing that the magistrate would come down hard on him if the crimes didn't subside for a while. Masada came up with a plan to send the crooks after Usagi, hoping that he'd deal with them, stopping the crimes once and for all and freeing himself of the debt he owed. They confronted Usagi and Kitsune, thinking they had money, but Usagi quickly dispatched the lot. When the last gambler realized that they were had, he told Usagi that Masada had set them up, as well as framing Noodles. With that information, Kitsune swore vengeance on yoriki Masada.
Kitsune started her own crime wave, and put Masada in even more trouble; one, for not stopping the crime wave, and two, for apparently executing the wrong man. Things got worse when the magistrate was robbed, and he summoned Masada to explain himself. On the way there, he ran into Kitsune and nabbed her, accusing her of being the thief; but without solid evidence he was forced to let her go. When he met with the magistrate, the magistrate's purse dropped from his coat. As a result, the yoriki was ordered to commit seppuku. Kitsune used the rest of her money to have a gravestone erected for Noodles. As she never knew his real name, an image of a bowl of soba was etched upon it instead.
While travelling with Gen, Kitsune had a run in with a small girl named Kiyoko; she was a run-away who was living off the street, stealing what she needed to survive, not unlike Kitsune herself at one point. Kiyoko was easily caught by Gen when she tried to steal his purse, but Kitsune asked him to let her go. After a while, Kitsune left to go find Kiyoko, intent on taking her in and making her an apprentice.
Later, Kitsune met Usagi and Jotaro while plotting a blackmail scheme against a local gangster; a price of 100 ryō (gold coins) for the return of his private records. In truth, she was the decoy, leaving a clue at the robbery to lure the crooks to her, while Kiyoko made the switch unnoticed. When the gangster's men moved in on Kitsune, Usagi and Jotaro kept her safe and dispatched the thugs. When Kiyoko came with the money, she immediately makes friends with Jotaro, much like Usagi and Kitsune. When they parted ways, Jotaro found that his purse was gone, and Usagi started telling him about women, specifically women like Kitsune and Kiyoko.
Stories in which Kitsune has appearedEdit
- "Kitsune"
- "The Return of Kitsune"
- "Noodles"
- "The Shrouded Moon"
- "Kitsune's Tale"
- "Komainu"
- "After the Rat"
- "The Thief and the Lotus Scroll"
- "Traitors of the Earth"
- "The Thief and the Kunoichi"


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Power is the best alibi
A taut and alluring suspense thriller about love, loyalty, and high finance, ARBITRAGE stars Golden Globe winner Richard Gere (CHICAGO), Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon (THELMA & LOUISE) and Academy Award® nominee Tim Roth (ROB ROY, PULP FICTION)
On the eve of his 60th birthday, New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller (Gere) is the portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen (Sarandon) and brilliant daughter and heir-apparent... More »
Special Features
- Behind the Scenes Featurettes: "A Glimpse Into Arbitrage" and "Who is Robert Miller?"
- Interviews with Director Nicholas Jarecki and actors Nate Parker and Richard Gere
- Theatrical trailer


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Get More Power from Your Brain with
"10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy"
The information included in this chapter of Get More Power from Your Brain is in order of effectiveness to get and keep your brain as healthy and productive as possible. The most important thing to understand about your brain is that it can continue to grow new neurons and dendrites throughout your life.
When you sign up below for Dynamic Learning's monthly newsletter, you'll get this handy reference guide as a bonus.


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On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination, the focus will understandably be on the death of the 35th president of the United States, allegedly at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald. But there was another victim that day. His name is James Tague, and he is the only man -- other than JFK and Texas Gov. John Connally -- who was wounded at Dealey Plaza in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.
At the time, Tague was a 27-year-old car salesman who was driving to a lunch date when traffic stopped in front of him due to the presidential motorcade. He got out of his car and stood by the triple underpass at the south end of Main Street in Dealey Plaza.
As the Daily Mail points out, Tague was interviewed by FOX 4 in Dallas to discuss his memories on the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination.
"I'm standing there maybe four or five seconds, and somebody throws a firecracker," Tague said. "And I'm thinking, 'What kind of idiot would be throwing a firecracker with the president going by?' Of course, that was the first shot. Then the crack, crack, quick shots in a row, and something stings me in the face."
According to FOX 4, Tague's wound was so superficial that he didn't even realize he had been hit. He and a deputy sheriff nearby were trying to figure out what had just happened.
"We walked across the street just in time to hear this man sobbing, 'His head exploded. His head exploded,'" Tague said. "And the policeman said, 'Whose head?' And he said, 'The president's.'"
As FOX 4 reports, the deputy sheriff was the first person to notice the wound on Tague's cheek.
"[The deputy sheriff] says, 'You have blood on your face,'" said Tague. "And that's when I remembered something had stung me in the face. And I reached up, and there was three or four drops of blood on my hand."
It was eventually determined that James Tague had been wounded from the ricochet of a bullet that missed JFK's limousine and struck the curb nearby.
"That evening, I set down and wrote in a spiral notebook everything I could remember about that day," Tague said. "And I've kept it all these years."
According to FOX 4, Tague's wound didn't make national headlines until six months after the JFK assassination, when the Associated Press picked up the story. Until then, investigators believed three shots had hit either Kennedy or Connally.
Tague was eventually called to testify before the Warren Commission, which concluded that the first shot missed the presidential limousine and struck the curb, wounding Tague. The second bullet, according to the Warren Commission, wounded both JFK and Connally, and the third was the head shot that killed JFK.
"They had to go back and rewrite the Warren Commission," Tague said. "That's where the magic bullet came from. That's the only thing they could come up with. That's the only thing they could come up with. That one bullet went through two people."
According to the Daily Mail, Tague, who is now 77, has been researching the JFK assassination for more than three decades. He now believes JFK was killed as a result of a conspiracy spearheaded by then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson.
"Finding this was no big deal. It's like a crossword puzzle — you just got to start putting the pieces together," Tague told TimesDispatch.com. "Kennedy's assassination was not a conspiracy; it was a coup."
Tague is now retired and living outside of Bonham, Texas, according to FOX 4.


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Manufactured from 100% reclaimed and recycled solid woods and created to add elegance to your home office, the Raffles range is crafted to show off the natural features of the wood by hand rubbing high performance polishing oils to offer a genuine aged patina and complemented by shell style handles. This ranges offers 2 sizes of desk, and numerous storage options.
Not all of our stores carry every range. If you wish to view a collection please phone 0333 200 1552 or email email@example.com


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I thought I had blogged broccoli soup before but I don't see a post on my timeline about this particular version so I am blogging it now. This is super easy to make and tastes great. Can be a meal, a side or even served as an appetizer in a small shooter style glass. I have been seeing this from time to time served at dinner parties where you don't want to fill up on soup. A small amount of soup is served in a shooter or other style of small glass, it is literally just a mouthful or two – that way the guest gets a taste. It is something different and they don't get full on soup before the meal).
Here is the recipe for this easy and versatile soup.
2 small onions diced
1 large or two small sweet potatoes cut into small pieces
6-8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (if made with vegetable broth it can be vegetarian and or gluten free)
1 head of broccoli cut into small pieces
1 cup shredded old cheddar cheese
Dash of oregano
Salt and pepper to taste ( I don't add salt but you can if you like)
Sauté onions in a pot with some olive oil. When softened add the small pieces of broccoli and sweet potato and the oregano. Stir and cover for a minute or two then add the broth. Stir everything, cover and let cook with a slight boil but not a strong boil for about 15 minutes until the potato and broccoli are soft.
Using a blender put small batches in the blender and add some cheddar to each batch. Mix until puréed but still slightly thickened. Pour into a large bowl and keep the process going until all the soup has been blended. Serve with a nice crusty bread and there you have lunch, dinner, appetizer or side dish!


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A Charitable Month
September is here! The first two weeks are quite full for my family. Not only do we have various Labor Day festivities, but we also have a number of charity events coming up:
Friday, September 4th, The Greene in Beavercreek is hosting a Night at the Greene… Vegas Style! block party for the Family Violence Prevention Center. The Family Violence Prevention Center is a full service domestic violence shelter, offering free housing, meals, clothing, and other care items as well as ongoing treatment for victims of abuse in the local area. Dice will begin to roll at 7 pm with full Vegas fare: gambling tables, impersonators, live music, street performers, drinks, great food, prizes, and more. All alcohol proceeds benefit the Family Violence Prevention Center! This event is open to the public, but participants must be at least 21 years of age. I'll be trying my hand as a dealer at one of the various game tables. Its sure to be a great night!
The following weekend, Saturday, September 12th, The Corner Cone Dairy Bar & Grill, in Yellow Springs, is hosting the Music for Medicine Benefit Concert in honor of The Luke Commission. Various Dayton area bands will be playing every hour on the outdoor deck and The Corner Cone will donate $1 to TLC for every REGULAR ICE CREAM CONE sold that day. Festivities kick off at 11:30 am and the music will be flowing until at least 9. The musical itinerary is as follows:
11 am Full Circle
12 pm FOG
1 pm Blueboy
2 pm Bettina Solas
3 pm Kaleb Perrin & Mark Beerse
4 pm Windblown
5 pm Herb & Fil
6 pm Smilin' Gray
7 pm Six Cents
8 pm Peggy Welty
Volunteers with the area TLC office will be on hand throughout the day to share TLC's mission, accept donations, and plenty of Evening in Swaziland Gala & Silent Auction tickets will be available for purchase throughout the day. (The Gala will be held on Saturday, November 7th at Cedarville University, tickets are $25, $200 per table)
The following Wednesday, September 16, La Rosa's Pizzeria is hosting a family dinner night out for The Luke Commission. La Rosa's will donate 20% of all customer totals that present a TLC flier with their bill. (Carry out, dine in, and delivery orders apply) La Rosa's will accept TLC fliers for benefit from open to close (11 am to 10 pm), so come on out for lunch or dinner, bring your friends, family, co-workers, or even a date! * The flier (attached via link) is required for TLC to receive the donation from a customer's bill!
Feel free to share these events with your friends and family. The Family Violence Prevention Center and The Luke Commission help tens of thousands of women, men, and children every year. Community support is their livelihood!


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What's Your Higher Purpose? Do You Still Have One?
Think back a few years ago to the moment when you decided what your career path or life work would be. Perhaps it was the day you declared your college major or when you were offered your first job. Is what you are doing now what you expected to be doing two or five or ten or more years later? Did you set out with a purpose—with a higher purpose? Has that changed? You may now work for a nonprofit (a for-purpose) organization, and, on a daily basis, be involved in helping to meet their ... Read more
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Tag Archives: marijuana
4-20: Pot Party Forgotten Memory Days
Woooh happy 4-20! April 20th folks! Wake and bake! Or whatever. Potheads are lame. And we don't condone them unless we know them, and they share. But most of them don't, so our logic fits. I could use this space … Continue reading
Posted in Politics Tagged ....what?, 420, alcohol, alcohol is a drug, alcohol is not a drug, almost a good idea, booze, candy, drugs, drugs are bad, drugs are bad mmkay, drugs are.... fun, hot, liquor, marijuana, marijuana advocacy, marijuana affects the memory, marijuana and me, marijuana laws, marijuana..... what?, mary jane, mary jane and not in spiderman, michael jackson, michael jordan, mj, pot, pot party, sex, the common man is my bitch, untargeted nonrage, weekend orgy Leave a comment
A Note On Our Alternative Editor, John M. Keller
That fucker went to rehab!
Posted in Open Letter Tagged alcohol, binging, candy, cocaine, drinking, drugs, hot, hugh jackman, liquor, marijuana, porn, sex, the common man is my bitch Leave a comment
Willie Nelson Stars In "Pothead Prison"
Imagine driving through Texas, just across from the Mexican border with half a pound of the dankest Blue Diesal on the planet. Now there's only two possibilities. Either you're my favorite drug dealer and you're late, or you're Willie Nelson … Continue reading
Posted in Art Tagged america loves willie nelson, candy, free willie, free willie nelson, hot, jesus loves willie nelson, law, liquor, magic bus tour, marijuana, marijuana law, nelson, norml, pot, pot law, sex, the common man is my bitch, willie, willie nelson, willie nelson for freedom, willie nelson's magic bus tour Leave a comment


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a big kahuna(redirected from a grand kahuna)
big kahuna
The most important or powerful person in a group, organization, business, or movement (e.g., the boss, leader, etc.). Primarily heard in US, South Africa. I think it sounds like a great idea, but you'll have to ask the big kahuna first.
a big kahunaor
a grand kahunaAMERICAN, INFORMAL
A big kahuna is a very important person in an organization. Suncorp Metway big kahuna Steve Jones may be thinking twice about his plans to start a business in North Queensland. Note: The word `kahuna' is from Hawaiian and means `wise man'.


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You have such a wonderful family. God bless you all". ~Gina Taylor
Presenting the gift of love in song in three countries and over 15 states.
The Balyeats...
... are on a tour traveling around the country singing and sharing their faith in God at fairs, festivals, churches and clubs. Their warm, versatile style of family fun has been a blessing to many events, bringing the sunshine of hope and the freshness of laughter.
Nancy is the mom of the Balyeat family, nurturing them in their gifts, as well as enjoying singing and playing guitar. She has written several songs that share their faith in Christ and love for their family.
Charity enthusiastically sings, plays fiddle, mandolin, piano and cajon! She is also an author, having published four books, and is almost done with the fifth.
James, age 25, will amaze you with his accomplished bass skills and versatility, flat picking guitar & singing. His sweet wife, Amanda is a favorite, adding her enthusiasm for music on fiddle, banjo, and more. James, Amanda & their children David, Matthew, Ellynette, and Luke , enjoy traveling around in a big truck and trailer they call the polar bear. (Because it's big and white, and it pulls they're trailer.)
Altogether, they pack and unpack, set-up and set-down, troubleshoot and run sound. The rigors of life on the road has served to draw us closer together to serve Jesus and the communities where He has sent them.
Jesus if you don't know Him... Let us introduce Him! Our Savior, Lord & Best Friend. He is the most important member of our family! He loves you very much and stands at the door of your heart.
If you would like to know Him personally, we invite you to pray right now:
"Jesus, I want to know you as my Savior and Lord, my best friend...the only one I trust fully with all my life, its past failures and unknown tomorrows. I give them all to you. Come into my life and change me."
We encourage you to take time to pray everyday, that is, talk with Jesus! Read the bible and fellowship with the rest of His family, the Church...Welcome to the Family!
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Phil 1:1&3
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Some people put a smile on your dial in an instant. Samantha is one of those people!
She's also a total babe.
We met at The Very Vintage Day Out 2015, in the fruit smoothie queue – as ya do- and struck up a conversation over our outfits. Samantha's enthusiasm and humour over the glories and pitfalls of pinup style was contagious, and I was thrilled when she contacted me about a custom dress.
Sam needed a dress for a family wedding. She was doing the flowers, so she needed to retain an easy range of movement, but still look amazing ( obviously). Inspired by her vivacious nature, I designed something bright that showed off her stunning tattoos. I really wanted to make her feel special.
The Dress
The resulting swing dress combined elements from the 50's style gowns she loved, mixed with the modern comfort of a stretch cotton sateen. As always I tailored the dress to Sam's shape for a perfect fit ( Well fitting clothes are so important but can be hard to find for our curvy pinups! ).
The bodice is fully boned for support and shaping, and while bright floral print is colourful it doesn't clash with her fiery red hair. Stretch mesh allows movement in the folded cowl around the wide neckline. A feminine bow and a line of sassy cobalt blue covered buttons finish the back.
For the Very Vintage Day Out 2016 Sam accessorised her dress with the most gorgeous jewel green hat, green shoes and a wide white belt.
Sam was stoked with her dress and we're excited be working on another gown later this year!
" Velvet is such a star! We bumped into each other at the very vintage day out in 2015 and early 2016 she finished off a beautiful custom dress for me! She was a dream to work with, a very clever lady and such a sweetheart. "
– Samantha Keen
Photos of Samantha | Fran Robertson – Taken at VVDO 2016
If you're interested in having your own dream garment made, you can contact me here for more information and to discuss your ideas. More happy clients and their stories can be found on my Fashion Design Page for your viewing pleasure!
With Style and Sass,


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The French word ombre refers to a gradual change in color from light to dark or from one color to another. Click on the links below for some ombre inspiration for your wedding.
Floral Wedding Centerpieces {Martha Stewart Weddings via The Bride's Guide}
Ombre Bridesmaid Dresses & More {Elizabeth Anne Designs}
Ombre Tableskirt and Marbled Topper {Rit Dye}
Teal Silk Ombre Ruffle Ring Bearer Pillow {EmiciBridal on Etsy}
Maggie Austin Cake via Wedding Inspirasi


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Super Early Bird Fee*
Early Bird Fee**
Regular Fee
Student Fee***
Patient Representative Fee****
Daily Registration
Registration fees include admission to all conference sessions, two (2) continental breakfasts, four (4) refreshment breaks, two (2) luncheons and the Chairs' Reception. Members of the Canadian College of Health Leaders and HealthCareCAN are entitled to a $100 discount with the exception of the student and patient fee.
Join the College today for only $160 for the first year, and receive a $100 discount on the NHLC conference registration fee. CCHL membership details available here.
Find out if your organization is a HealthCareCAN member here. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact email@example.com.
*Applicable to the first 150 registrations received (first-come, first-served). Registration fees must be received or postmarked no later than February 14, 2020 to qualify for the super early bird rate.
**Registration fees must be received or postmarked no later than April 24, 2020 to qualify for the early bird rate.
***To access the student rate, contact email@example.com with the required proof of full-time student status.
****To access the patient representative rate, contact email@example.com with the required proof of your patient advocacy involvement.
Don't forget to have a look below at our registration policies:
Registration must be submitted online and paid in full to qualify for the early registration rates. If payment is not received by the deadline date, attendees will be invoiced at the next deadline rate. Registrations received without full payment are considered incomplete.
Conference cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Conference Secretariat at email@example.com and received no later than April 24, 2020. Registration fees will be refunded minus a $250 (plus tax) administrative fee. There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received after April 24, 2020. Tickets for optional events are non-refundable. No-shows occur when individuals register but do not attend the conference. No-shows are not eligible for a refund. The NHLC Planning Committee reserves the right to make changes in programs and speakers, or to cancel the conference if registration targets are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. If the conference is not held for any reason, the NHLC Secretariat's liability is limited to the refund of the registration fee only.
If you are unable to attend the NHLC, you are welcome to send a colleague in your place. There is no fee to make this change.
The NHLC Secretariat will take photographs and some video at the National Health Leadership Conference and utilize them in NHLC news or promotional material whether in print, electronic, or other media including the NHLC website. By participating in the National Health Leadership Conference, you grant the NHLC the right to use your photograph for such purposes.
The National Health Leadership Conference (NHLC) collects information through registration forms for planning purposes, for providing information to delegates about the conference, and for completion of registration, name badges and delegate lists. In delivering this conference, the NHLC is supported by sponsors. As part of that support, if a delegate consents during the registration process, then his/her complete contact information will be made available to the sponsors.