When Gov. Timothy Kaine called a special session of the legislature to discuss transportation many observers thought it was a political ploy. The Democrats want to make transportation their wedge issue for 2009 and a special session is a good way to keep it in the headlines.

So my basement got wet. But I’ve got insurance, which covered...nothing. So next time I’ll merely add a flood clause, pay a little extra and sleep well. But wait.
Not so fast. Even the cheapest deal, offered via government flood insurance (and I guess nobody else) costs about $150 a year for my non-flood-prone property.

Hey, turn off that water…

We know that it is important for companies to track the behavior of consumers. We know that with this information, they are better able to target customers and “meet their needs.” But when video cameras get involved, we think marketing research has gone too far.

If thoughts of Independence Day ring a little hollow now at the gas pump, that’s understandable. For the outrageous gasoline prices reflect our outrageous dependence on foreign oil. And it’s of our own design. 

News about flooding or potential flooding along the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois, just as the vacation season is in full swing, reminds me of a great vacation my family and I took many years ago to that precise location.

In my opinion, this is such a true statement, “Dogs will never go without the best!” Being an owner of a rescued doggy who was abused for years just makes me feel that a dog deserves the best of treatment, having gone through all of the hard work the puppy mills put them through, it is time to treat and give the best that you can for the time they are here. 

Is that a relative she’s sleeping with?

The ongoing campaign against grey squirrels in the UK is grossly unfair and doesn’t stack up factually.

Tim Russert, a long-time host of “Meet the Press” had a heart attack at age 58 on Friday, June 13, 2008. He had a long list of accomplishments after his name; he interviewed many guests, actors, comedians, politicians and many others. Just name it; he did it!

Right now, businesses across our nation and our Commonwealth are facing very challenging times. Stafford County’s businesses are not immune from the uncertainties that are affecting companies large and small across America. Indeed, the pressures of difficult economic times are keenly felt by every Stafford business.

So the housing market has plunged and people are having economic difficulties. Many people are losing their homes and other people can’t get loans. That doesn’t mean that the government needs to step in. 

Once in a while in Fredericksburg we have an opportunity to see a world-class performing act. The Kingston Trio, that famous folk group, performed in April at the University of Mary Washington, and it was such a fabulous performance that two months later my foot is still tapping and I’m still listening to the CD and watching the DVD that I purchased that evening.

On June 19, Gov. Tim Kaine hosted a meeting in Fredericksburg to promote his transportation agenda that would raise taxes by $1.1 billion.  Can it be a coincidence that he chose to end his “Transportation Town Hall Tour” in Speaker Bill Howell’s legislative district? 

If close Drew and Stafford Middle School’s we could save 1.5 million bucks per year…

The state’s latest report on the quality of Virginia rivers and streams contained more good news than bad.

The American Gray Squirrel, is, as anyone who reads this column knows, is my favorite of the woodland animals that live with us in the suburbs. 

Maybe it’s because local politics has become so dysfunctional, with our county board of supervisors now dominated by those hock-tooey Democrats.

The article, “Tornado, heat invade county”, with all its information, should alert us to stay cool and be very careful taking good care of ourselves in the excessive hot weather. 

A BPOL tax will cost Stafford residents, not businesses.

“Did you know the county is considering a business tax?”

Many law enforcement personnel have been sworn in for duty over the years, but what must they think when they step out each day or night on the job?

Say there, Barack and John, “Will you love me in December as you do in May?” — and June?

Conditions converged to create some extreme turbulence in the skies last week, bringing home the importance of preparedness.

It is incredible to hear just how many “little patients” have been admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, 50,000 (as of 2008) since it opened its doors in 1982. 

Stafford taxpayers beware. When you received your tax assessment for 2008, you were elated to see that the assessment on your home was reduced, but the assessment on your land was increased. 

Every little bit helps…

There is hardly anyone who watched TV as a kid in the 1960s who can’t sing the theme song of the “Beverly Hillbillies.”

Obama and Clinton should be on the Democratic Party ticket together this fall. They both lasted through the June primaries; they both won many victories and garnered many votes.

Barack Obama has been much maligned for an incident in 2007 where he did not put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem at a campaign event.