tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113252442012-02-18T23:23:22.068ZA blog for the masses. Come. Read. Enjoy. Comment.Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-42557689790218711142008-09-24T15:55:00.003Z2008-09-24T16:00:37.672Z

In an already nasty political re-match for the Washington gubernatorial race, things seem to be getting worse. No, I am not talking about the two candidates duking it out on the racetrack with sponsored super stock cars in Monroe; I mean the recent articles about the Washington State Democrats suing Secretary of State Sam Reed over how Dino Rossi chooses to list his partisan preference on the

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-86301227192508162692008-09-19T23:14:00.003Z2008-09-19T23:22:29.796Z

I saw this commercial for the first time last night. By far, one of the best advertisements I have seen – especially as a come back to the Mac ads which has cleverly assailed Microsoft for so long (since 2006).It looks like MS has ditched Jerry Seinfeld in favor of this new strategy. The ad features a variety of people from all walk claiming that they are a "PC". I love Mac, and will likely

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-83857652327316956382008-09-17T21:41:00.001Z2008-09-17T21:43:09.086Z

A must listen to band is The Classic Crime. No kidding, these guys could single-handedly rejuvenate the rock scene. I emceed a concert they headlined on Monday night alongside A Current Affair and Theories of Gabriella. Good bands are always good live. Especially those who bring energy and full sound to the stage. My true test is to see if you can always tolerate listening to a band’s music at

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-28254799415425805172008-09-16T17:21:00.004Z2008-09-16T23:18:54.591Z

I am not a terribly huge fan of domestic cars. The 80’s did everything it could to destroy my generation’s perception of Detroit heritage. Cars made by GM, Ford and Chrysler have a notorious reputation for producing ugly cars, with poor quality and horrible resale value. In recent years we have seen some of that turn around. Chrysler revamped the Dodge lineup by introducing the Magnum, Charger

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-68673049867825775182008-09-15T17:29:00.002Z2008-09-15T17:49:01.990Z

Many of you may have watched Charlie Gibson interview Sarah Palin the other night. Many more of you heard about it in the succeeding days. Gibson was praised for being a tough journalist, asking hard pressing questions about Palin's experience and questioning her qualifications to be VP.Back in June, Gibson also interviewed Barack Obama. Today the American Thinker just released a comparison of

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-7539204282251313372008-09-12T17:36:00.004Z2008-09-12T17:48:25.638Z

I have been researching a lot of video demos lately in order to develop our own for PIER. In that process you see a lot of good and a lot of bad video demos. I think the tenancy of some companies is to be too self-absorbed in their products, especially in the Software as a Service biz (SaaS). They make the demo that's too lengthy, too full of jargon, too....boring. Then I found Angelsoft's video

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-28211887937824410362008-08-11T18:52:00.002Z2008-08-11T18:59:44.633Z

This website was on Time's 50 Best Websites 2008 list. For those of you in the design biz, I highly recommend it. COLOURlovers provides oodles of color combos for you and even free swatches and patterns. For design neophytes, this is also a great source if you don't know what looks good together.Check them out at www.colourlovers.com

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-77535964883745908852008-06-30T19:55:00.005Z2008-08-11T19:05:18.018Z

Northern California is seeing largely some of the most complex wildfires to date. As I write, there are 1,420 fires burning across approximately 364,600 total acres of land. Response is substantial with more than 19,000 state and federal personnel responding. And for such a large area of land, surprisingly only 28 residences, 1 commercial building and 19 outbuildings have been destroyed.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-24718675347800192852008-06-13T19:52:00.002Z2008-06-13T19:58:02.449Z

NBC has just reported that "Meet the Press" producer and anchor Tim Russert died today of a heart attack while prepping for this Sunday's edition of his show. I am speechless. Russert was a great reporter and I will forever remember him for the "whiteboard" role he played covering the 2000 presidential election. Journalism has today lost one of its greats. My condolences to his family and

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-10488954111349954522008-05-29T16:09:00.007Z2008-05-29T16:42:08.827Z

It’s nothing new for warriors to write about their experiences in battle. Soldiers have done this for thousands of years. David wrote poetically about his battles with the Philistines, Homer wrote of Troy and Sparta, Dick Winters wrote of his Band of Brothers in WWII, and on and on. We know about these because the experience has been written, documented and passed on for generations.In my

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-58887393962558530832008-05-27T20:07:00.001Z2008-05-27T20:27:43.290Z

Even better than a crafty headline is Bill Clinton’s increasing insanity. What happened to him? He went from moderately successful POTUS, to a philanthropic change-the-world gospel to angry husband of a presidential candidate. Type in ‘Angry Bill Clinton’ on You Tube and you’ll see what I mean. That query is loaded with clip after clip wherein The Comeback Kid is talking stern to reporters,

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-42498515054881173292008-05-22T19:12:00.007Z2008-05-23T17:26:30.865Z

“For love of country they accepted death.” President James GarfieldAs Memorial Day approaches, I have reason this year to be especially observant. Last year at this time I was in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Shortly before my arrival there, a good college friend of mine, First Lieutenant Forrest Ewens, was killed in the Pech River Valley in the northern part of the

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-57491467430847794282008-05-05T22:47:00.005Z2008-05-05T23:00:40.321Z

This is the greatest story ever: A local mom was outraged when recently visiting an Urban Outfitters store at the Alderwood Mall near Seattle. The mother, Marci Milfs, said the store had on display books that she believes are inappropriate to the tween audience the store caters to. Among the racy books were “Pornogami: A Guide to the Ancient Art of Paper-Folding for Adults” and “Porn for Women”.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-80930202371106361332008-05-01T22:55:00.000Z2008-05-01T22:56:31.704Z

If you have not read about it in the news you have no doubt felt it at the pump and in grocery store lines. Food and gas prices are soaring. For me, this sharp increase over the last year seems a bit more shocking. When I left for overseas in early summer 2006 groceries seemed to be somewhat stable. Since returning last November after being gone nearly a year and a half, the difference is more

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-14318558202287938842008-04-30T16:17:00.001Z2008-04-30T16:21:23.651Z

Of late, the news here in Bellingham has been consumed with the disappearance of Ferndale High School Assistant Track Coach Jeremy Scully. Last Thursday, Scully was reported missing and on Saturday his car was discovered alongside a road near Lake Samish, just south of Bellingham. The keys were still in ignition and the door was ajar. On Sunday, several hikers stumbled upon a body on Blanchard

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-56816981337924610872008-04-21T17:55:00.001Z2008-04-21T17:58:35.209Z

African policymakers have begun discussions on building what could be the biggest and most powerful hydroelectric dam in the world……Actually, I got nothing. I just thought that the pun in the headline was rather awesome. But, coming from the Pacific Northwest where dams are plentiful, this is a remarkable show of progress for the African nations. Dams, remarkable in their ability to deliver

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-91979388871026316102008-03-28T22:41:00.004Z2008-03-28T22:48:09.745Z

The BrandPromise book is Duane Knapp's continuum of his last work, The BrandMindset. In his most recent brand philosophy, Knapp concentrates on how your brand can deliver a distinctive experience to all stakeholders and customers by making a Brand Promise.It's not enough to make a promise, Knapp says, you must truly live that promise; and he shows you how in ten easy to read chapters. Knapp

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-61552902447520027772008-03-22T17:56:00.006Z2008-03-22T18:11:10.052Z

This week Nissan debut the next generation Maxima. For those of you who know me, know also that I am a car guy and love Nissans – the Maxima in particular. At first glance the new Max is stunning. It seems to fall in line with the European sport saloon styling while staying true to Nissan’s design and heritage.It’s good to see that Nissan has also reintroduced the “Four Door Sports Car” (4DSC)

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-62213841097548350992008-03-17T20:34:00.001Z2008-03-17T20:38:01.113Z

As a follow up to my previous post, Character Really Is King, I just read this news story on CNN.com: Controversial minister off Obama's campaign.The relationship between Senator Obama and Rev. Jeremiah Wright was referenced by Sowell in his recent column. It appears that now that relationship, at least in the political sense, has dissolved – likely due to political pressure. It should be noted

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-82647279227860978882008-03-17T16:31:00.001Z2008-03-17T16:33:44.999Z

There is no doubt that Thomas Sowell is one of my favorite modern political philosophers. He has a way of bringing issues down to the core – explaining in plainsong prose how something really works.This weekend, my mother of all people sent me his latest commentary. While nothing new in revelation, it was a great refresher on the impact of character and a reminder that in these modern times, the

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-89028439550620073982008-03-14T19:38:00.000Z2008-03-14T19:40:19.251Z

It’s 0330 on a Tuesday morning. I need to drive from my home in Anacortes to catch a flight out to Charlotte from Seattle. The airport, an hour and a half away, requires me to be there at least an hour before my departure time if not longer. I am a speed traveler and like to push it. Don’t leave me in a crowded terminal at 0600 with crying babies and crabby travelers waiting for my flight to

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-10512625952779170672008-03-11T19:42:00.005Z2008-03-11T19:52:35.850Z

Nearly 20 months ago (wow, that long?) I called the blog quits for a while. Many know that I was deployed by the US Navy to serve a 12 month combat tour in Afghanistan. That tour was extended to 15 months and only five months ago I returned. I have used the latter time to catch my breath, reflect on the experience and decide what's next for me in the blogosphere. The options are limitless. I am

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1155162066106683612006-07-17T10:00:00.000Z2006-08-09T22:21:06.160Z

I have just received word from the Navy that I will be recalled to active duty for one year in support of theatre operations in Afghanistan. My deployment begins in July 21 and will take me first to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for 60 days of combat and weapons training, and then in-theatre where I will work to provide critical intelligence to troops on the ground. While this will obviously will be

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150999399761293892006-06-22T17:46:00.000Z2007-02-25T16:44:40.360Z

Blogger Ken Germer has a great idea. On his site, Not that you asked me, but… he has begun a running list of rules to live by. I am inspired. So much so, I have begun my own list of life’s rules. These are things I have long thought, so I am pleased to able to rip Ken’s idea and share my own. I will add as I see fit, and these are in no particular order.The first 20:1. Men should never curse in

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150935403492867012006-06-22T00:14:00.000Z2006-06-22T00:18:06.686Z

KXLY: Whitworth ROTC graduate killed in combat in Afghanistan Whitworth College Press ReleaseForrest was a friend of mine in college. We lived on the same hallway in Stewart Hall my first year at Whitworth and kept a friendship throughout our years there. I have always held him and his twin brother Oaken in the highest esteem.Forrest died for America’s cause, and in the service of his country; I

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150933362036584692006-06-21T23:30:00.000Z2006-06-21T23:47:45.220Z

Video clip of dude trying to cancel his AOL serviceThe world needs more Vincent Ferraris. Talk about sticking it to the Man, this guy went through all the hoops with AOL just trying to cancel his account. Speaking from personal experience, this is what really peeves me about big companies.Ever try to cancel your phone service with Verizon? Or try to actually get that rebate that was promised by

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150565788601379312006-06-17T17:29:00.000Z2006-06-19T21:10:29.456Z

The name of the White Witch in Disney's version of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was: 1. Jadakiss2. Jadis3. Jamiroquai4. Jaleel White

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1148494874103485812006-05-24T18:17:00.000Z2006-05-24T18:25:42.276Z

As published in The Columbian newspaper 5/24/06Sometimes I think the citizenry is too anxious to be assured that their elected officials are making things better. The Columbian recently published an editorial that, once again, praised Secretary of State Sam Reed for his work to reform Washington state elections. Back in February, Reed released to the public the new and much anticipated statewide

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1147986336632290862006-05-18T21:04:00.000Z2006-05-18T21:05:36.653Z

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1146770799286741182006-05-04T19:24:00.000Z2006-05-04T19:27:51.763Z

Here are the three mitigating factors the federal jury used in deciding the sentence of Zacarias Moussaoui:1. He had a dysfunctional upbringing.2. He was abused by his father.3. He was subjugated to racism as a Muslim youth growing up in France.While these three factors may bring to light Moussaoui’s modus operandi, they do not by any means excuse him from the grave significance of his

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1146695757639839292006-05-03T22:35:00.000Z2006-05-03T22:35:57.656Z

Today a federal jury ruled-out the death penalty for 9/11 co-conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui deciding instead that he serves a life sentence.This is by far the most dishonoring act in the post-September 11 era.It has been nearly five years since that awful Tuesday morning when America awoke to the most horrid of tragedies. A federal trial apparently found that Moussaoui was guilty enough to be a

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1146674838281596922006-05-03T16:42:00.000Z2006-05-03T18:49:05.340Z

As reported by one of my colleagues...For truth in advertising, the below story should have read:Olympia: $2.56 gas + 18.4 federal tax + 31 cents state tax (increasing 3 cents 7/1/06, 2 cents 7/1/07 & 1.5 cents 7/1/08) = $3.05 per gallonSeattle: $2.59 gas + 18.4 federal tax + 31 cents state tax (increasing 3 cents 7/1/06, 2 cents 7/1/07 & 1.5 cents 7/1/08) = $3.08 per gallonTri-Cities: $2.48 gas

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1145308166941268502006-04-17T19:05:00.000Z2006-04-17T21:10:41.793Z

I have been reluctant to join in the anti-Islam overtures that have paraded many conservative columns lately like that of Ann Coulter. Admittedly, I think that Coulter and the like have made a valid argument that contradicts Islam’s slogan as a “religion of peace.” My voice on that matter has largely been diplomatic. I am hesitant to call Muslims names and beat on their religion. I don’t think

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1144687239185272632006-04-10T16:36:00.000Z2006-04-10T16:42:09.266Z

I'll gladly borrow from WSJ's Best of the Web to publish my own 'Bottom Story of the Day' This headline is worth it:Ben Affleck: Bush Can Be Hung for 'Leaks' in Plamegate

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1143503080693500302006-03-27T23:41:00.000Z2006-03-27T23:44:40.706Z

A common voice of disdain for the Evergreen Freedom Foundation’s recommended policy to require an update (see here) of all Washington’s voter registrations is that the objective is to “get a Republican majority by default.”This objection to the policy I have seen numerous times in editorials, letters to the editor and liberal blogs.Do liberal-minded opponents then concede that if it weren’t for

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1142636984508889932006-03-17T23:06:00.000Z2006-03-17T23:09:44.526Z

The cover of the February 27 TIME magazine featured Vice President Dick Cheney, questioning his influence over presidential policy in the Bush White House. Here’s what the teaser line said:From the Iraq war to torture to energy policy, DICK CHENEY stubbornly clings to what he believes. But how much does he still have the President’s ear?Wow. I wish those darned elected officials would quit

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141326467603152282006-03-02T22:30:00.000Z2006-03-03T21:45:02.356Z

An editorial in the Seattle PI today is headlined, “King County Elections: Coming up short.” This headline should come as no surprise to anyone…except election officials.It is interesting that while the public and the media understand that elections in this state are a mess, political figures have yet to grasp that.Last month in a press conference, Ron Sims said, “We don't need an overhaul. They

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141260559143878462006-03-02T00:48:00.000Z2006-03-02T00:50:59.806Z

You can now catch my posts on the blog, Respectfully Republican. I will be contributing exclusives there periodically and will cross-blog my posts from here.Respectfully Republican has traditionally been a College Republican blog maintained by the Pacific Lutheran University CRs. It recently underwent a facelift and is now branded as a Young Republican blog, with new contributors and a wider

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141259644633089092006-03-02T00:29:00.000Z2006-03-02T00:39:25.563Z

Reuters reports that the AFL-CIO rejects the US guest worker program. This is none too surprising; though I am a little shocked that it took them so long to decide this...aren’t they two years late on this?Actually, this union policy makes sense. If immigrant workers are allowed in the country under this program, they can’t really join unions and pay dues. This means there are jobs being filled

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141244036239157022006-03-01T20:12:00.000Z2006-03-01T20:13:56.290Z

The Democrat controlled legislature does not like limits. It doesn’t care for the vox populi or the mandates imposed on them by citizens. This session, Democrats in the legislature have tried their best to stifle opposition to their rash agenda. No, I am not talking about their heinous success in censoring Republicans from criticizing their budget, though that counts, too. I mean that they have

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1140810710126921312006-02-25T19:49:00.000Z2006-02-27T16:42:10.306Z

While perusing the liberal blogs the other day for amusement, I came across several disturbing posts. Not that their content was of any great controversy or that the ideas were x-rated, but because I have become more and more amazed at the lack of rational thought displayed in most liberal commentary.Just this week, the Evergreen Freedom Foundation held a press conference on the job performance

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1140806252865105002006-02-24T18:22:00.000Z2006-02-24T18:41:18.656Z

Just when you think House Democrats could not be more ludicrous in their majority rule, they have taken their arrogance of power to a new level.Now House Republicans are banned from using certain phrases when talking about the Democrat supplemental budget, including “tax and spend” and “shell game.”Heaven forbid anyone oppose them openly.This reminds me of, say….totalitarianism. I seem to

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1140807036234731842006-02-23T18:45:00.000Z2006-02-24T18:54:54.126Z

This is awesomely bad. The whole thing speaks for itself, so my own commentary is unnecessary.Smart, Sassy and UnemployedChalk it up to "being quite full of oneself," but a would-be lawyerette lets fly and the poo-poo hits the Boston legal community fan.Angry would-be employer sends young lawyer's email far and wide:Two weeks ago, newly minted young Boston attorney Dianna Abdala e-mailed a

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1140215418741261342006-02-17T22:26:00.000Z2006-02-23T20:00:57.333Z

Today the senate passed its version of the supplemental budget. This budget takes a $1.4 billion surplus and turns it into a spending increase by more than 17 percent since the 2003-05 biennium.This supplemental budget also spends $120 million more than the projected supplemental budget forecast and is in complete disregard for the I-601 spending limit.The legislature has forgotten that the

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141324717727660722006-02-16T21:00:00.000Z2006-03-03T16:10:40.206Z

Bellingham Herald print editionBy Matthew Cole, Guest ColumnistFebruary 16, 2006Have you ever experienced déjà vu?It was February 2, 2005, when Secretary of State Sam Reed was touting his new election reform package, claiming, “The lessons learned from [the Governor’s race] will make our state's election system even stronger.”Flash-forward to today: Reed is promising again to solve Washington’s

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141326176757532682006-02-15T17:57:00.000Z2006-03-03T16:11:26.086Z

Lynden Tribune print editionBy Matthew Cole, Special to the TribuneFebruary 15, 2006In classic political fashion, Secretary of State Same Reed spun the arrival of Washington’s version of the statewide voter database as “a breakthrough for the state” in election reform. Don’t do the happy dance just yet.While Reed’s office claims that the new database is one of the most significant election

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1139597596629650122006-02-10T18:49:00.000Z2006-02-10T18:54:14.760Z

This news brief is in today’s USA Today:Seattle - King County Executive Ron Sims says the elections department has made so much improvement that it no longer needs an overhaul by an outside turnaround team. The team was hired on the recommendation of a task force looking into problems exposed in the close 2004 race for governor.http://www.usatoday.com/news/states/wamain.htmRon Sims must be

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1141325030500773202006-02-09T18:40:00.000Z2006-03-03T16:11:05.646Z

Walla Walla Union Bulletin print editionBy Matthew Cole, Special to the U-BFebruary 9, 2006The advent of the new statewide voter database has brought with it the assurance from Secretary of State Sam Reed that all of our election woes will soon be remedied. However, a database can only be as good as the data it contains.In the aftermath of the messy 2000 presidential election, the federal Help

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1139353530576042142006-02-07T23:04:00.000Z2006-02-07T23:05:30.596Z

The advent of the new statewide voter database has brought with it the assurance from Secretary of State Sam Reed that all of our election woes will soon be remedied. However, a database can only be as good as the data it contains.In the aftermath of the messy 2000 presidential election, the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) required all states to create a statewide voter registration database

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1138925204556153582006-02-03T00:01:00.000Z2006-02-03T17:44:27.023Z

The Secretary of State’s office should have heeded election reform guidance when it was first offered by the many groups that desire true election reform. Now Secretary Reed is caught up in a boondoggle of mediocre measures to implement Washington’s new statewide voter database.The federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) required all states to create a statewide voter registration database by

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1138838761777171612006-02-02T00:01:00.000Z2006-02-02T00:08:10.216Z

I came across this statement on WEA’s website. For a group who consistently touts the mantra, “it’s for the children,” it is ironic that pay is the WEA’s most important political goal. Here’s what is straight from the WEA website:Compensation remains WEA members' top priority· Voters passed Initiative 732 by nearly 63 percent in 2000. WEA was the major force behind the initiative. It provided all

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1138821047828435572006-02-01T19:09:00.000Z2006-02-01T23:12:31.153Z

Gee…how about an award for most overused buzz word of the day? Today’s SOTU Headlines:· Washington Post: Bush Warns Against Shrinking Global Role· NY Times: President Warns About Dangers for Nation in Isolationism· Drudge: BUSH WARNS OF MIDEAST OIL DEPENDENCY· UK Telegraph: Bush warns of America's oil addiction· WBNS Ohio: Bush warns against economic 'complacency'· News24.com Bush warns Hamas·

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1120766760714220722005-07-07T20:03:00.000Z2005-07-07T20:06:36.770Z

It appears that eminent domain has a very broad boundary. Based on a recent Supreme Court decision, the high court ruled in a brief written by Justice David Souter (See the "Kelo vs. City of New London" decision) that local governments may seize private property if the government will generate greater tax revenue or other economic benefits when the land is developed – all under the umbrella of

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1120760350136709212005-07-07T18:18:00.000Z2005-07-07T18:19:10.146Z

It wasn’t the end of the world. Not even close. I thought a two month hiatus would only give me time to rejuvenate myself with ideas for Spike, apparently my readers thought different. I have received demand after demand to return from alcoves of the easy life. So it is with this demand that I fulfill those who frequent this site.There is much to be said of the last two months. Politically

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1118171974457503822005-06-07T19:16:00.000Z2005-06-07T19:19:34.460Z

You may have noticed that there hasn’t been a post on the Underdog since late April. For that, I do apologize. This lack of blogging warrants at least an explanation to those who read my thoughts. I have been on hiatus for the last month; traveling, relaxing, and pondering many thoughts as well as experimenting with a new workout regimine so that I my improve my honeymoon physique.I assure all of

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114552698056175182005-04-26T21:56:00.000Z2006-09-21T00:21:17.726Z

Maybe it’s because of jealousy. Maybe I am star struck. Or maybe this is just plain amusing to me as a shameless political hack. Below is an email I received from my buddy Logan summarizing part of his day while in between Senate meetings on the Hill:-----Original Message-----Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 1:45 PMTo: Matthew ColeSubject: My meeting on the HillToday I saw Jim Angle from Fox News.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114537008833189392005-04-26T17:30:00.000Z2005-04-26T17:37:47.480Z

In his homily during his installation mass, Pope Benedict XVI gave a blunt criticism of the evolution theory, calling it ‘meaningless.’ This is a good day for science as it has found a powerful public ally. The new Pope may set the stage for a full assault on materialism, according to the Center for Science and Culture's blog Evolution News and Views. The Pope’s remarks are quoted below.Today too

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114370323147817042005-04-24T19:13:00.000Z2005-04-24T19:18:43.150Z

Yesterday the Democrat’s transportation budget failed miserably in the House after a party line vote in the State Senate last Wednesday. The bill received a 45-53 vote with many Democrats voting against it. Freshman Democrats from swing districts voted ‘nay’ in a spirit of self preservation.One of my favorite comments from House D’s of the day came from the Cruella De Vil-like majority leader,

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114280258420810242005-04-23T18:11:00.000Z2005-04-23T18:20:01.553Z

"My sense is that most in the caucus are extremely reluctant to walk in with a new majority and start passing new taxes." Senator Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver) following his election to the Senate last fall. Pridemore voted in favor of the operating budget with $500m in new taxes.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114276739959968882005-04-23T17:11:00.000Z2005-04-26T22:07:04.366Z

Below is a press release from the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. Their remarks are sufficient enough that I need not add my own:PRESS RELEASEApril 22, 2005 Contact: Booker Stallworth, Communications Director (360) 956-3482Gregoire highlights state's nomination for award for no-new-taxes budget written by Sen. Dino Rossi OLYMPIA—On April 20, Governor Christine Gregoire issued a press release

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114276110642906392005-04-23T17:07:00.000Z2005-04-23T17:08:30.643Z

Last Friday, the House voted narrowly (and twice) to pass legislation that suspends I-601. If you remember, this is the famous voter initiative that requires a supermajority (two-thirds) vote of the legislature to increase taxes.Among the Democrats voting against this bill were Representative Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham), Rep. Tami Green (D-Tacoma), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) and Reps.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114191252133331982005-04-22T17:27:00.000Z2006-12-01T05:52:38.953Z

If you are looking for a good read today, I refer you to the Center for Responsible Politics. Today's post is about the Democratic Party's new strategy to get involved in the values debate. While Conservatives have successfully captured that demographic, and while the religious voice seems to matter more in public discourse than it has in the last decade, Democrats are seeing the need to jump on

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114105446513155822005-04-21T17:43:00.000Z2005-04-22T23:29:06.306Z

To quote State Senator Dale Brandland (R-Bellingham), “We’ve had an awful session.” Brandland uttered those words just before storming off the Senate floor last week infuriated by anonymous calls to his office making lewd character accusations.Bawdy phone calls aren’t the only reason this session has been awful. Democrats have run amok with their majorities in both houses and with their so-called

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114101233911859822005-04-21T16:30:00.000Z2005-04-22T23:39:27.133Z

You may notice periodic face lifts to this blog. I apologize if it confuses anyone. Spike the Underdog is still searching for an aesthetic appeal appropriate for its audience. Having a graphic design background, this type of thing becomes a never-ending quest. Bare with me through these interval changes.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114031716557323802005-04-20T21:04:00.000Z2005-04-22T23:29:44.013Z

Today’s favorite read comes from the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute. It’s no secret that I have strong leanings toward DI’s work. I am even a member of the organization. This is not in vain. DI has some great stuff to be said.This week a debate on Intelligent Design and Evolution was hosted by the Discovery Institute at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1114022075416209322005-04-20T18:33:00.000Z2005-04-22T23:31:43.863Z

I realized on my way to work this morning that I have never heard of or seen a Toyota Prius before I moved to Olympia. Here at the state capital, those cars are all over. Even state agencies buy them for fleet vehicles.I have no problem with hybrid vehicles. They are energy efficient, and economically sound. They are even making them up to standards with normal cars. A colleague blogged a while

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113926253236216052005-04-19T15:51:00.000Z2005-04-19T15:57:33.236Z

This is a great bit from Taranto’s Best of the Web. I plan to blog about this subject a little more later today:Democrats Against DemocracyThe Seattle Times reports on the latest goings-on in the Washington state Legislature in Olympia:House Democrats yesterday cleared the way for tax increases by passing a bill that would let lawmakers raise taxes with a majority vote instead of the two-thirds

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113532919110744622005-04-15T02:02:00.000Z2005-04-15T03:27:04.500Z

Today, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced the “one sentence marriage amendment”. The amendment is geared to advance the debate on the marriage issue more quickly. Several times before the marriage act has been stalled in Congress, but Brownback is hopeful that his new amendment will simplify the definition of marriage.According to his Senate staff, Brownback “feels very strongly that in

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113455401823994922005-04-14T14:30:00.000Z2005-04-15T06:53:09.600Z

At first even I was fooled. Republicans in Congress are trying to abolish the time-honored filibuster? Of course, then I had to bone up on my research and get the facts straight. This was just Democratic hoopla and minority bickering. Hill insiders tell me that we will begin seeing Republicans hammer the liberal rhetoric on this issue in the coming weeks.The truth is that Senate Republicans are

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113417996965273272005-04-13T18:43:00.000Z2005-04-13T21:24:45.393Z

Headline: “Wisconsin Gov. Dampens Cat Hunting Hopes” Fox News.com, April 13"I don't think Wisconsin should become known as a state where we shoot cats," said Gov. Doyle, a Democrat who neither hunts nor owns a cat. "What it does is sort of hold us up as a state that everybody is kind of laughing at right now." The Gov is right, we're all laughing. Hysterically. Wisconsin is still above the fray

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113338880010744522005-04-12T20:44:00.000Z2005-04-12T20:48:00.010Z

If you have ever heard a politician tout the virtues of bipartisanship, you should know that it means nothing.Oh, it’s true that “bipartisanship” comes in some forms. Usually it arrives on a meager bill like designating the Potato Commission, or to authorizing a special theme for a license plate. But that’s not true bipartisanship. Those are nonpartisan issues – how can you be bipartisan on an

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113259809525194472005-04-11T22:47:00.000Z2005-04-11T22:53:47.533Z

No doubt, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s travel practices have raised some ethical questions. Were there violations of House Ethics Rules in DeLay’s travels abroad? Did DeLay knowingly and intentionally violate these rules?But further, the public (namely those who reside in DeLay’s district) should consider the character assailing by DeLay’s foes suspect. Sen. Rick Santorum (R–PA) said

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113252421626017422005-04-11T20:45:00.000Z2005-04-11T21:12:26.830Z

Wall Street Journal’s John Fund writes today of the ongoing election debacle here in the state of King County…er…Washington. Fund’s column appropriately summarizes the events over the last 5 months. Again, KC Election officials are growing increasingly weak in their arguments that this was a legit election.[Dean] Logan admitted it had been "a messy process."He wasn't kidding. During the two

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113252850102779552005-04-11T20:44:00.000Z2005-04-11T23:38:32.240Z

Props to Stefan Sharkansky for his surge of good press in days of late. Shark appeared on Robert Mak’s Up Front on King 5 as well as receiving a mention in Fund’s column.If you haven't done so already, check out SoundPolitics.com. It's one of the most informative blogs on Washington State politics.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113018593734076682005-04-09T00:20:00.000Z2005-04-11T15:54:25.156Z

The incompetence of the King County Elections division keeps growing, one ballot at a time. Last week they found 93 previously uncounted ballots. Just yesterday, one more surfaced.I am going to go ahead and make the obvious prediction: Inductive reasoning* says that there will be more, oh yes, there will be more.*I was corrected by Banks when I originally said this was deductive rather than

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1113002907981759992005-04-08T23:27:00.000Z2005-04-08T23:28:27.983Z

Today John Paul II was laid to rest in a beautiful ceremony. Up until now I have refrained from joining in the chorus of blogging about the Pope’s passing. However, today I feel it is appropriate to blog my respects to the late Pope.Having Irish heritage (no, really), we have a benediction; the Old Irish Blessing that I think is a fitting farewell to a great man: May the road rise up to meet

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112912401169103882005-04-07T22:30:00.000Z2005-04-08T02:01:51.680Z

Council Chairman Larry Phillips, D-Seattle, said it would be ‘premature’ to call for Logan’s resignation.” Seattle Times, April 5, 2005

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112894798823210362005-04-07T17:25:00.000Z2005-04-07T18:17:44.133Z

King County should fire Dean Logan. You’ve heard that one before. But now, Ron Sims should really, really fire him. It is safe to say that King County probably has the poorest election management in the country. I echo Slade Gorton on that.Just yesterday, the KC Elections division found another 93 ballots. Are you kidding me? Even after election officials found 83 ballots just lying around after

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112838315602867092005-04-07T01:44:00.000Z2005-04-07T01:45:15.603Z

Here’s a shameless plug: Hands down the best new show on television isn’t another reality piece of garbage. No The Donald, no skanky biznitches in hot tub scenes, no cast feuds. Though all that has been quite amusing in the last 5 years, it’s now grown trite and old.Quite possibly the funniest thing since Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office is the TV’s best new comedy and proves you don’t have to

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112837240834711562005-04-06T21:10:00.000Z2005-04-07T05:23:43.876Z

“Seattle police restrict Taser use” – headline, Seattle PI, April 4

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112821180355901732005-04-06T20:54:00.000Z2005-04-06T21:03:01.286Z

Democrats in the Senate, as well as the current governor have proposed significant increases in taxes for the coming biennium. This week, the House is also expected to release its proposed budget where tax increases are expected to mirror the Senate’s proposals.While Washingtonians await the final verdict on what taxes new taxes they will pay, they should keep in mind that the legislature has

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112744991076258762005-04-05T21:30:00.000Z2005-04-05T23:52:35.416Z

Today I was surprised to learn that I am still financing a war we fought over 100 years ago.In 1898 Congress enacted an excise tax on telephone service to help finance the Spanish-American War. Now, five generations later, Americans are still paying for that war. Today our phone bill includes a 3% Federal telecommunications tax – the same tax imposed to pay for our war with the Spaniards.Peter J.

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112741365761997982005-04-04T18:32:00.000Z2005-04-05T22:51:22.576Z

"No one has ever raised taxes and solved the problem, nor will we solve the problem. We don't have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem."Gov. Arnold SchwazeneggerIf I didn’t know any better I’d swear the Governator plagiarized Ronald Reagan on that one. I’d like to see someone provide me evidence that disproves this. Even the current governor of Washington has admitted that her new taxes

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112313849208408512005-04-01T00:00:00.000Z2005-04-01T00:07:15.106Z

Here’s an idea: To create a budget, decide on everything you are going to spend, and then decide how you are going to pay for all you have spent. Sound a little backwards?Senate Democrats have done just that. Only days after releasing their proposed budget, the Senate rushed to vote yesterday on its spending programs. All told, the new budget has $26 billion in spending.Next week Senators are

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112311100838524632005-03-30T23:16:00.000Z2005-04-01T01:30:12.036Z

The new trend making its mark on the state budget is sin taxes. In recent years, boosting the”big three” (property, sales, and B&O taxes) has become an increasingly unpopular idea. Democrats have since strayed from the “tax and spend” moniker since the days Reagan used to blast them for it and since “new Democrats” like Bill Clinton have become more fiscally moderate.In Washington State, sin

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112136256205248512005-03-29T19:30:00.000Z2005-03-30T05:20:49.773Z

If you haven’t acquired your daily vitriolic diatribe, I recommend you read this senate staffer’s email response to a state senator’s announcement of Washington’s annual Prayer Breakfast.-----Original Message-----From: Sen. Joyce MullikenSent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 8:55 AMSubject: Your Invited!This coming Friday, April 1 is the annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast. Please come and enjoy the

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1112127378464153942005-03-25T20:07:00.000Z2005-03-29T21:07:53.890Z

As blogged previously here, the Washington legislature’s passage of the stem cell bill undoubtedly allows for human cloning. Seemingly innocent now, this is what I might humorously call “gateway science” that could lead to all sorts of unethical and gratuitous experimentation with our newfound legalized science.Republican arguments in the House floor debate on this bill cast comparisons of

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1111430155057965222005-03-21T18:31:00.000Z2005-03-21T18:35:55.056Z

"he is so political, silly guy. but bright, for a republican...lives with undeniable conviction. has a dog named bella. i wish i had a dog..." - welshrats"You guys are tools." - rfb

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1111018371738610572005-03-17T00:09:00.000Z2005-03-17T01:18:43.796Z

Last night, the Washington State House approved House Bill 1268 to provide guidelines for embryonic stem cell research. Despite explicit language, the bill is supposed to strictly prohibit human cloning, that is exactly what this bill allows.The bill’s authors have been clever with their definitions. While they forbade human cloning in one breath, they permitted it with the next. The bill’s

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1110519093223210902005-03-11T00:20:00.000Z2005-03-11T05:31:33.226Z

Apparently being an angry democrat will land you jail time these days. According to a Florida news report, a man was arrested for trying to run a woman off the road whose SUV sported a BC’04 sticker.Alan Winkler told police officers he got upset with the woman, 35-year-old Michelle Fernandez, after she made an obscene hand gesture, Durkin said. Fernandez was taking her 10-year-old son

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1110409647747351572005-03-09T23:02:00.000Z2005-03-10T01:31:36.326Z

LPG: Has to ask any co-worker in the office when was the last time they French Kissed someone. MLC: Has to introduce himself to someone in a public restroom and offer that person his business card.Current score: Even

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1110393139974794662005-03-09T18:29:00.000Z2005-03-09T19:54:45.680Z

Last Friday, the Washington State House passed a bill that enacts a top-down mandate on sex education in local schools.House Bill 1282 would require school districts to adopt state Department of Health guidelines for comprehensive sex education as well as to teach an abstinence program. If the bills goes through the requisite next steps of Senate passage and a gubernatorial signature, school

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1110338004749635262005-03-09T03:07:00.000Z2005-03-09T03:45:57.716Z

So I have this daily book that I follow religiously. Each day it gives me something that will supposedly change my life. Many of them have in some way or another alterted the world around me. I'll post more of the things I have to do each day as time goes on, but today I want to share one task in particular.I once had to a letter to a mass murder...so I did. I wrote Robert Lee Yate, aka "The

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1110337435954569672005-03-09T02:57:00.000Z2005-03-09T03:03:55.970Z

For those of you who didn’t catch Meet the Press Sunday, it featured a debate on the President’s Social Security plan between Sens. Dick Durban (D-IL) and Mitch McConnel (R-KY). You can get the full transcript here. The Dems are stonewalling the president on his Social Security plan, but they seem unable to derive any thoughts of their own this. MR. RUSSERT: Senator Durbin, if the president took

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150868475052076832003-06-02T05:37:00.000Z2006-06-21T05:43:44.826Z

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-66913735124729953732003-01-02T23:47:00.000Z2007-12-15T23:48:49.608Z

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325244.post-1150828906382940832003-01-01T18:40:00.000Z2006-06-20T18:41:46.400Z

Matt Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190539920281967842noreply@blogger.com0