Classy Cole Endures Trashy Fans

ALWAYS the class act, our guy Cole Hamels had to endure another dumbbell Phillies fan running onto the field last night -- and this while Hamels was pitching a shutout.
This time, the stupid jerk even tweeted the world beforehand, writing, "turn on the phillies im about to be on the feild!!!!!!!!!!"
I'm sick of these disgusting fans and their antics.
And I'm incensed that this happened to my Phavorite Phillie, Cole Hamels.
Of course, Cool Cole refused to blame the ninth-inning incident for the run he allowed.
"I don't allow that to affect me," he said. "It's kind of like the weather. I have a job to do, and I have to make my pitches."
Spoken like a true gentleman.
When are Philadelphia fans going to grow up and start showing the kind of class that Cole routinely displays?
The answer is clear: Never.
Philadelphia fans will never be that classy.
I hate to have to say this, but it's true.
OK, they have no class. They. Have. No. Class.
But can't the fans at least try to be reasonably civil? Can't they at least exhibit behaviour worthy of a third or fourth grader? Must they always act like moronic imbeciles?
Must they continue to embarrass our city and our players and our teams?
My solution: the teams have to crack down on unruly behavior AND monitor drinking at the games.
And anytime a fan acts like this, prosecute that fan to the fullest extent of the law.
Disgraceful!

Britain Will Go Conservative

It sees quite clear that Thursday's elections in England will result in a new government.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Labor Party have dropped the ball.
Especially in recent weeks, Brown has come across as an officious prig and a hypocrite. He's a failure.
Also, The Instant Man Of The Moment, the Liberals Dem's Nick Clegg has peaked and his support has now dropped.
That leaves David Cameron.
Cameron is not the most appealing candidate that the Conservatives have ever offered. In fact, he leaves much to be desired. But Cameron has improved as the campaign progressed and he's managed to rally the Tories just when they needed it most. He's proved to be a quick learner with solid grounding. Indeed, nearly everyone agrees Cameron triumphed in the most recent debate. And there is much hope that Cameron will be the sort of principled new leader that Britain needs.
But don't go by what I say.
Though I am a devoted Anglophile, I'm not a British subject.
I'm sure you've heard of Simon Cowell, however. He is a British subject and he's very proud of that fact. Very proud.
And Cowell is also a very successful businessman.
Plus, he has met and spoken with all three candidates.

Here's what Simon Cowell has to say about David Cameron and the Tories:
I have met David on two occasions. I liked him immediately. I trust him and he was very quick to commit to helping with a serious funding deficit for a children's hospice charity I am involved with.
I have always trusted my gut instinct - and this was a guy who I thought would do the right things for this country. I believe he is the Prime Minister Britain needs at this time. He has substance and the stomach to navigate us through difficult times.
Personally I think the worst result is a hung parliament. It ends in months of stupid arguments and then a dull compromise, which means nothing will ever get achieved. I have always hated celebrities lecturing people on politics. So forgive me. But I am passionate about this country and I am equally passionate about the potential of the people who live here. My proudest achievement has been the success of the shows and artists I have been involved with, because they were made in Britain. I believe everyone has the right to be heard and the right to make a better life for themselves. I have seen that the American Dream is a reality - and I would love to feel the British Dream is also a reality. To enable that, we have to bring back some common sense and encourage family values, a proper sense of justice and make people believe they have a decent chance to build a business or career for themselves. I see this moment as a fantastic opportunity to restore this, because I believe Britain Has Talent.

Conservatives Applaud Christie Decision

Americans for Prosperity is congratulating Governor Christie for his decision to not re-nominate Supreme Court Justice John E. Wallace.
Governor Christie announced [yesterday] that he would replace Justice Wallace with attorney Anne M. Patterson, a partner at the law firm Riker Danzig.
“The Governor deserves credit for making good on his promise to change the makeup of the court,” said Steve Lonegan, Americans for Prosperity State Director.
“The New Jersey Supreme Court has become one of the most activist courts in the nation. This is a court that routinely makes law from the bench, ignores our state constitution, and usurps the authority of the other branches of government.”
“The court’s outrageous Abbott and Mount Laurel decisions are a major reason for the state’s fiscal problems,” continued Lonegan. “The Governor’s decision to replace Justice Wallace, an activist judge who supported Abbott, with a more conservative judge bodes well for rolling back these rulings that have inflicted enormous damaged on our state.”
Lonegan credited the members of his organization for fighting the Wallace reappointment and called the Governor’s decision a victory for conservatives.
“Americans for Prosperity activists who have called their legislators and the Governor’s office over the past two weeks were instrumental in persuading Mr. Christie to make good on his promise to change the makeup of the court,” said Lonegan. “Make no mistake; this is a big victory for conservatives and a potentially historic change for New Jersey.”

Senators Praise Christie Court Selection

New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean responded to today’s announcement by Governor Christie that he has nominated Anne Patterson to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court:
“I fully support the nomination of Anne Patterson to the New Jersey Supreme Court. She is an extraordinary person who is eminently qualified to serve on our state’s highest court. “Governor Christie has consistently stated that he believes the Court needs a change. The Governor’s decision was based on the merits, and his constitutional authority to appoint his choice. “I urge the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate as a whole, to consider this nomination based on the merits of the candidate in a fair and timely manner. I know that upon review, my colleagues will find that Anne Patterson is well-qualified and capable of serving on the New Jersey Supreme Court.”

Senator Kip Bateman (R-16), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Governor Christie’s selection of Anne Patterson to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
“The Governor’s nomination of Anne Patterson to the Supreme Court shows that he is serious about putting the most qualified individuals on the bench. Ms. Patterson has a rock-solid reputation as one of the brightest legal minds in our state. Governor Christie could not have picked a more qualified individual to serve on the Supreme Court.
“As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I look forward to reviewing this nomination with my colleagues. I am certain that once Ms. Patterson’s record is reviewed, the committee will agree that she is more than qualified for the job.”
Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-13), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas Scutari to schedule hearings to consider the nomination of Anne Patterson to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
“Anne Patterson is an exceptionally strong candidate who will serve people of New Jersey well on the Supreme Court. She is highly respected by her peers in the legal community, and is more than qualified to serve on the Court.
“With this nomination, Governor Christie has begun to fulfill his promise to change the Supreme Court and make New Jersey more affordable by nominating justices who understand the limited role of the Court in deciding whether laws are constitutional or unconstitutional.
“Governor Christie has fulfilled his obligation to nominate a qualified candidate to the Court, and now it’s time for the Senate to act. I am sure that enough information on Ms. Patterson will be available shortly to allow for prompt and timely hearings to consider her nomination. I hope my colleagues, Senate President Sweeney and Chairman Scutari, will not delay and schedule hearings and a fair up or down vote.”

Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39), the ranking Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced his support for Governor Chris Christie’s decision to not reappoint Associate Justice John Wallace to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Cardinale stated:
“I would like to express my support for Governor Christie’s efforts to reform the New Jersey Supreme Court.
The people of our state elected Governor Christie to change New Jersey, and that change cannot succeed without making changes in the Supreme Court.
“The Supreme Court was the engineer behind some of the most expensive and misguided policies that now plague our state, resulting in tens of billions of taxpayer dollars being wasted on continually failing Abbott schools and unnecessary COAH developments. This extrajudicial policymaking has resulted in skyrocketing property taxes, without the realization of any discernable benefit.
“Like many of us, I believe that Governor Christie realizes that we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the Supreme Court any longer. Quite simply, today’s actions are necessary if our efforts to make New Jersey more affordable are to succeed.”

Christie Moves To 'Rebalance' NJ High Court

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today nominated Morris County resident Anne Murray Patterson to become an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, following through on his pledge to rebalance and set a new direction for the state’s highest court.
In selecting Patterson, Governor Christie decided not to re-appoint Associate Justice John E. Wallace, Jr., whose seven-year initial appointment expires on May 20. Under the New Jersey Constitution, the power and authority to appoint and re-appoint justices of the Supreme Court rests solely with the Governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, which is responsible for considering nominees on their merits.
“I wish to thank and commend Justice Wallace for his seven years of dedicated service on the Supreme Court,” said Governor Christie. “Before and since becoming Governor, I was unambiguous in my intention to bring balance and change to the Supreme Court. My selection today is not a commentary on Justice Wallace. It is a fulfillment of my promise to turn the Court away from its history of using legal precedent to set social and tax policies in our state – a role which belongs squarely with the Legislative and Executive branches of state government.”
“In Anne Patterson, I believe we have a future associate justice who understands at a principled level what it means to be a member of a co-equal branch of government, with its powers and its limitations. I also see in her the high level of legal intellect, character and compassion that I will require of any nomination I have the privilege to make to our highest court.”
Patterson, 51, is a partner with the law firm Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP, of Morristown. There she practices primarily in the areas of product liability and commercial litigation in state and federal courts, class actions involving product liability and pharmaceutical pricing, intellectual property litigation, restrictive covenant litigation, closely held corporation litigation and appeals.
“This is the highest honor I could ever imagine, and I am more grateful to Governor Christie than I can express,” said Patterson. “I look forward to meeting with members of the Legislature over the coming weeks as they consider my nomination.”
Patterson has been a member of the New Jersey bar for 27 years and has practiced before the state’s Supreme Court, appellate and trial courts. In 1989 and 1990, Patterson served as a Deputy Attorney General and Special Assistant to then-New Jersey Attorney General Peter N. Perretti, Jr.
Patterson, who was born in Trenton and is a lifelong New Jerseyan, graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1980, and received her law degree from Cornell Law School in 1983.
Patterson is married to James E. Patterson, an attorney with the law firm Graham Curtin of Morristown, where he specializes in labor and employment law.

Chris Christie's Next Career: The Movies?

Could it be that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will find his next career in the movies?
Stranger things have happened.
Look at Chris Christie (left) and movie star Oliver Platt (right). No one would ever confuse Platt with Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt. But Platt has snagged quite a few choice roles and built a thriving career on stage, TV and in the movies.
Like Platt, Christie is funny, gregarious, entertaining and, some might even say charismatic.
From Newark and Trenton to Hollywood and Beverly Hills?
Well, it wouldn't be the first time it ever happened.
But for now, let's give Christie a chance to carry out his ambitious agenda in Trenton first.

Hat Tip To Matt Rooney, Others

We've been so busy of late that we haven't had a chance to tip our hats to some of our fellow bloggers and others who have earned our thanks and admiration.
But now it's time to catch up.
We recently attended a Camden County GOP event where we had a chance to meet Matt Rooney, the founder and driving force behind the Save Jersey blog. Save Jersey is one of our favorite blogs and Matt is a dedicated young man who gives us great hope for the future. Save Jersey played a huge role in the election of Chris Christie and the revitalization of the Jersey GOP and Matt's work is really just beginning. Of course, when we met and spent some time talking to Matt's parents, Tom and Wendy, we understood why he is such an impressive young talent. Bravo to the parents and to Matt!
At the same event we chatted with Camden County GOP Chair Rick DeMichelle. Rick's Chairman's Blog is always a lively read - revealing and informative. And you've got to give Rick a lot of credit for leading the Republican Party with pride and determination in a traditionally Democrat county. Bravo to Rick!
Again and again we find ourselves crossing paths with Camden County Freeholder candidates George Zallie and Scot DeCristofaro. We're impressed by both of these guys and, if this is a year of upsets the revolution could start in Camden County. These two candidates are smart, accomplished fresh faces that deserve the attention of the voters.
We also want to give a big "hello" to our old friend Jeff Land who remains a mainstay of the local GOP -- the type of guy that you want to have alongside you when you take on the enemy.
In fact, if people would simply look beyond the same old/same old they'd find an abundance of riches in South Jersey -- people who are part of a refreshing, knowledgeable, committed alternative to the sort of entrenched regime that inevitably stifles democracy.
So, in the name of democracy (and decency) isn't it time we gave two-party rule a chance?

Cool Cole At Iron Hill Brewery

Star Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels is keeping cool while dining al fresco at Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester with his wife, Heidi.
Cole's enjoying a turkey burger (Iron Hill's T-burgers are the best) and an iced tea while Heidi is enjoying hummus. Their new baby is there with them as well.
The residents of the tony suburban borough give Cool Cole plenty of space and allow him to enjoy small town living just like anyone else.
Cole is an MVP anywhere he goes.
BTW: We understand Cole's been texting Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay and playing Scraball on his iPhone.

Christie And Oliver Platt: Separated At Birth?

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has freely admitted that he's no matinee idol.
OK. Sounds fair enough.
But look at the photo of Chris Christie on the left. Then look at the photo of actor and movie star Oliver Platt above. Am I crazy or do these two guys look more than a little bit alike?
And let's not forget that Platt has a successful career as a star of movies, TV and the Broadway stage. So, in a manner of speaking, he is a matinee idol.
Which means that Christie may yet be a matinee idol as well.
Eat your heart out, Brad Pitt.

Sen, Diane Allen Back At Work

We're so happy to present this special message from New Jersey State Senator Diane Allen:
I wanted to take a moment to update you on my recent battle with cancer. I am excited to share with you that yesterday was my first official public event back since my diagnosis and it went very well.
Although I do still have a long road ahead of me (I do have one more surgery pending this summer), I am energized, enthusiastic and ready to transition back into the schedule I kept prior to beginning treatment.
On a personal level, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your prayers, well-wishes and support. The outpouring of care and concern from the residents of the 7th District was awe-inspiring. I can’t really find the right words to tell you just how much it meant to me, and how it helped keep me focused on getting better.
I am genuinely grateful.I have been able to work from home for a number of hours most days for the last few months. I am now back in the office, and next week I will be attending Committee hearings at the Statehouse in Trenton. I am looking forward to resuming a full schedule on behalf of the residents of the 7th District.
My doctors tell me no 10-14 hour days, so I won’t be back to that schedule for some time!
As always, if there is anything my staff or I can do to assist you do not hesitate to contact us and please stay in touch; I truly value hearing from you.