Saw this in the ADN Newsreader today, originally from the Capital City Weekly:
Dancing to the White House
Yaaw Tei Yi Native dancers to perform during Obama's inauguration festivities
A Tlingit group from Juneau will be traveling down to take part of the inauguration celebrations, including the American Indian Inaugural ball. There even seems to be a representative from my house crest, though I have to do some investigation to find out who.
Go Tlingits!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Favorite Blog Updates
Being so long (yes, a week and a half is actually pretty long!) out of the blogosphere and news in general, I find most of my time has been spent catching up on what's been going on. And there's LOTS. So instead of trying to comment on way old news, I'm going to show you some of my favorite blogs and sites (mostly Alaskan) and what they're writing about:
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis
Celtic Diva's seems to be keeping the coals hot under Palin's feet, and I think one of the more under-reported (lately) is the continued story of Palin's clothes. It is the most easily dismissed - Palin herself dashes those attacks aside like they are frivolous to talk about her clothes in times of such trouble. But we're talking about $250,000 here! Which is just the amount they went after (and convicted) Ted Stevens for. I won't argue about who maybe wore a single jacket, or even who gave who a designer handbag. Still corrupt, but whatever. But $250,000!? It's not the only issue Diva's talking about, but she definitely updated me on some possible big repercussions.
Progressive Alaska
Latest post: Walt Monegan refuses to rule out run for governor
One word: YEAA!!!
Mudflats
Mudflats gives some of the most thorough reporting of Ted and Palin news, and caught my attention to something I've kind of forgotten about. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I remember, when hearing about it, that I thought Palin was one of two things after the birth of her baby:
1) Totally lying. Really? You were "leaking" in Texas, still gave a speech, boarded a plane, flew for eight hours, drove past three hospitals (and the fact that she could have gone to ANMC is a sore point I will cover soon!) to go to the Valley and have her baby?
2) Incredibly irresponsible. You already know your baby is likely to have some troubles right off the bat, but you do all of the above anyways? If I have children, I'd like to have them be born in Alaska too, but I'm not willing to put he or she at risk - not to mention putting everyone on board the plane to some pretty serious inconvenienve - just so that can happen.
Meet Sarah!
One of the sites created to make sure everyone really gets to know our dear governor, this site is both funny and unfortunately true. One of the more important posts (I think) lately is the coverage of the Alaskans for Truth. Many Alaskan blogs are taking part (I've been lately negligent on my own) but this is a great post for an overview and "What can I do?" answered.
Own the Sidewalk
Maia bemoans her seeming role as "Gossip Girl," but it's an important role! How else would I learn about these things and begin to have hope!? This rumor is about the potential for two democratic gubernatorial candidates - Hollis French and Les Gara. That would be too tough a primary for me, so they would have to work it out beforehand. Really. Though there's a possibility, if Palin were to take on Murkowski, it would be VERY beneficial to vote on the Republican ballot in the primaries. Ugh. I already have a headache two years in advance.
Kodiak Konfidential
A bit serious of late, Ishmael can usually make me laugh, no matter what horrors have been in the news. He gives them a true, and humorous, spin. But I really liked his Thanksgiving post - again both true and humorous, and (dare I say it?) touching.
Change.gov
I know, I know. You all know about the official Office of the President Elect's site. RIGHT? But it is taking shape more and more, and I'm hopeful as to what is going to develop here for a real citizen involvement in the government.
Presidential Pup
All right, don't take this one too seriously. Especially because the AKC is taking this VERY seriously. The funny part about this site is that it's not being funny at all. They have some very serious considerations for Obama on his PUREBRED choice. I hope they are able to get a rescued mutt, but cute puppies are fun to look at! And as Ms. Palin reminded us, we all need a little bit of levity...
Not a site, but WOOHOO!! Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary! So far, it's going to be a GREAT cabinet. Now just one more push for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles as Interior Secretary....
And by the way, I really want to thank everyone who has commented, called and e-mailed recently. I don't really know how to respond "correctly," but believe me, it is appreciated, and felt. It was a bit of a sad day - the first of the memorials at work - but I really was lifted up when I got home and actually started reading what has been left.
Thank you.
_
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis
Celtic Diva's seems to be keeping the coals hot under Palin's feet, and I think one of the more under-reported (lately) is the continued story of Palin's clothes. It is the most easily dismissed - Palin herself dashes those attacks aside like they are frivolous to talk about her clothes in times of such trouble. But we're talking about $250,000 here! Which is just the amount they went after (and convicted) Ted Stevens for. I won't argue about who maybe wore a single jacket, or even who gave who a designer handbag. Still corrupt, but whatever. But $250,000!? It's not the only issue Diva's talking about, but she definitely updated me on some possible big repercussions.
Progressive Alaska
Latest post: Walt Monegan refuses to rule out run for governor
One word: YEAA!!!
Mudflats
Mudflats gives some of the most thorough reporting of Ted and Palin news, and caught my attention to something I've kind of forgotten about. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I remember, when hearing about it, that I thought Palin was one of two things after the birth of her baby:
1) Totally lying. Really? You were "leaking" in Texas, still gave a speech, boarded a plane, flew for eight hours, drove past three hospitals (and the fact that she could have gone to ANMC is a sore point I will cover soon!) to go to the Valley and have her baby?
2) Incredibly irresponsible. You already know your baby is likely to have some troubles right off the bat, but you do all of the above anyways? If I have children, I'd like to have them be born in Alaska too, but I'm not willing to put he or she at risk - not to mention putting everyone on board the plane to some pretty serious inconvenienve - just so that can happen.
Meet Sarah!
One of the sites created to make sure everyone really gets to know our dear governor, this site is both funny and unfortunately true. One of the more important posts (I think) lately is the coverage of the Alaskans for Truth. Many Alaskan blogs are taking part (I've been lately negligent on my own) but this is a great post for an overview and "What can I do?" answered.
Own the Sidewalk
Maia bemoans her seeming role as "Gossip Girl," but it's an important role! How else would I learn about these things and begin to have hope!? This rumor is about the potential for two democratic gubernatorial candidates - Hollis French and Les Gara. That would be too tough a primary for me, so they would have to work it out beforehand. Really. Though there's a possibility, if Palin were to take on Murkowski, it would be VERY beneficial to vote on the Republican ballot in the primaries. Ugh. I already have a headache two years in advance.
Kodiak Konfidential
A bit serious of late, Ishmael can usually make me laugh, no matter what horrors have been in the news. He gives them a true, and humorous, spin. But I really liked his Thanksgiving post - again both true and humorous, and (dare I say it?) touching.
Change.gov
I know, I know. You all know about the official Office of the President Elect's site. RIGHT? But it is taking shape more and more, and I'm hopeful as to what is going to develop here for a real citizen involvement in the government.
Presidential Pup
All right, don't take this one too seriously. Especially because the AKC is taking this VERY seriously. The funny part about this site is that it's not being funny at all. They have some very serious considerations for Obama on his PUREBRED choice. I hope they are able to get a rescued mutt, but cute puppies are fun to look at! And as Ms. Palin reminded us, we all need a little bit of levity...
Not a site, but WOOHOO!! Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary! So far, it's going to be a GREAT cabinet. Now just one more push for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles as Interior Secretary....
And by the way, I really want to thank everyone who has commented, called and e-mailed recently. I don't really know how to respond "correctly," but believe me, it is appreciated, and felt. It was a bit of a sad day - the first of the memorials at work - but I really was lifted up when I got home and actually started reading what has been left.
Thank you.
_
#47 Top 100 Bush Moments
47 days to go... I think we might make it...
In another fine example of Bush's international leadership, he drives home the point that Mandela is dead. And apparently Saddam Hussein killed him. Now, if I knew that, I might have supported the war! Imagine Saddam traveling all the way down the continent of Africa to go kill Mandela. In fact, Saddam killed ALL of the Mandelas. Wow. I need to keep up on the news.
Though ten bucks says Bush doesn't know who Nelson Mandela is.
In another fine example of Bush's international leadership, he drives home the point that Mandela is dead. And apparently Saddam Hussein killed him. Now, if I knew that, I might have supported the war! Imagine Saddam traveling all the way down the continent of Africa to go kill Mandela. In fact, Saddam killed ALL of the Mandelas. Wow. I need to keep up on the news.
Though ten bucks says Bush doesn't know who Nelson Mandela is.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
#48 Top 100 Bush Moment
With 48 days to go, I think we have come to the most ironic moment in the Iraq/Bush relationship.
You remember that big statue of Saddam that was pulled down in 2003? Everybody celebrating? Iraqi people stomping on it?
Well, the Iraqi people replaced the statue about a week ago - an effigy of Bush. They they pelted THAT one down too.
Yikes. You know you're popular when people are symbolically burning you into their nation's memory as equivalent to Saddam Hussein.
You remember that big statue of Saddam that was pulled down in 2003? Everybody celebrating? Iraqi people stomping on it?
Well, the Iraqi people replaced the statue about a week ago - an effigy of Bush. They they pelted THAT one down too.
Yikes. You know you're popular when people are symbolically burning you into their nation's memory as equivalent to Saddam Hussein.
Stranger than fiction
Imagine this -
For a truly historic election, a new candidate goes up against the "obvious" choice for the democratic primay. Young, a minority, too "idealistic," maybe naive, he's considered a long-shot. His major campaign problems are his family problems, his race, and even his religion. But he surprises people by taking over, inch by inch. The Republican candidate is decided pretty early on - an old, white Senator - so old many think this is his last shot at the Presidency.
The democratic primary is rough and long - neither candidate will give up, and the delegates are more of a deciding factor than ever. But this minority candidate comes out on top - and many consider that his great speeches are the deciding factor. So the dem candidate is thrown against the old guy Republican candidate many think will be impossible to beat.
The two choose VP's - for the democratic candidate, another old, white guy, longtime politician. For the Republican, a younger, up-and-coming leader in the GOP. The Republican senator pretty much had to pick someone like him - the old guy is considered a bit too moderate, and needs someone much more right wing that will get him in with the ultra-conservatives.
It seems the republican strategy is working. The polls put him just too far out, with little time left. But a catastrophic national event, seen by many as - if not caused, then certainly not helped - by the republican senator - vault the underdog democratic candidate into the lead. Despite some unusual debate surprises - forced by the repub candidate - it's just not going to happen. More and more in the waning of his run, the repub seems to go against his true, more moderate leaning nature, and into strong right-wing statements, at the advice of his campaign. None of it works. Even the big lead up to the VP debate, in which the low expectations of a certain VP candidate are used to their advantage, does little for either campaign.
Just hours from election day, a death close to the democratic candidate makes election day not quite as happy as it should be, but the dem takes the White House, and big adjustments to his life, and the life of his young wife and two young children, are the news of the day. Well, that and the potential pardons of the outgoing president.
One of the more unusual appointments, the incoming president appoints his former candidacy rival as his Secretary of State.
Welcome to the election during the last season of "West Wing."
As an unabashed fan of the West Wing, this past year has been part entertaining, part conspiracy theory. I mean, have you ever seen "Wag the Dog"? Did Aaron Sorkin write this election?
The funny part is, the "you can't make this stuff up" things about this election. Because people actually did make this stuff up. Political shows, interest in the election, all were beating away any previous elections for the amount of news made in any given week regarding the craziness of the campaign. Does anyone wonder why? We were living in an NBC drama show!
Okay, okay. It's all said with a bit of humor. Obama was even supposed to be the inspiration for Matt Santos (West Wing candidate), so maybe not totally surprising (though really, that show aired last in spring of 2006). In fact, some of the writers couldn't imagine some of the stuff that happened this election just for the unusualness of it.
In one episode, the democratic candidate is facing finance problems, and his wife comments that don't they have a strong Internet campaign? His chief of staff comments that yeah, but it's only small donations, not enough to make a difference. I'm guessing that line would be rewritten today.
Speaking of chief of staff, one of the eerier bits to come out of this - the inspiration for Josh Lyman, one of the key characters, is Rahm Emanuel. Both Josh and Rahm, after stints as key advisor to the last dem president - become chief of staff.
Yeah. There's a big possiblity we are all living in some wierd bubble, "Truman Show" style.
For a truly historic election, a new candidate goes up against the "obvious" choice for the democratic primay. Young, a minority, too "idealistic," maybe naive, he's considered a long-shot. His major campaign problems are his family problems, his race, and even his religion. But he surprises people by taking over, inch by inch. The Republican candidate is decided pretty early on - an old, white Senator - so old many think this is his last shot at the Presidency.
The democratic primary is rough and long - neither candidate will give up, and the delegates are more of a deciding factor than ever. But this minority candidate comes out on top - and many consider that his great speeches are the deciding factor. So the dem candidate is thrown against the old guy Republican candidate many think will be impossible to beat.
The two choose VP's - for the democratic candidate, another old, white guy, longtime politician. For the Republican, a younger, up-and-coming leader in the GOP. The Republican senator pretty much had to pick someone like him - the old guy is considered a bit too moderate, and needs someone much more right wing that will get him in with the ultra-conservatives.
It seems the republican strategy is working. The polls put him just too far out, with little time left. But a catastrophic national event, seen by many as - if not caused, then certainly not helped - by the republican senator - vault the underdog democratic candidate into the lead. Despite some unusual debate surprises - forced by the repub candidate - it's just not going to happen. More and more in the waning of his run, the repub seems to go against his true, more moderate leaning nature, and into strong right-wing statements, at the advice of his campaign. None of it works. Even the big lead up to the VP debate, in which the low expectations of a certain VP candidate are used to their advantage, does little for either campaign.
Just hours from election day, a death close to the democratic candidate makes election day not quite as happy as it should be, but the dem takes the White House, and big adjustments to his life, and the life of his young wife and two young children, are the news of the day. Well, that and the potential pardons of the outgoing president.
One of the more unusual appointments, the incoming president appoints his former candidacy rival as his Secretary of State.
Welcome to the election during the last season of "West Wing."
As an unabashed fan of the West Wing, this past year has been part entertaining, part conspiracy theory. I mean, have you ever seen "Wag the Dog"? Did Aaron Sorkin write this election?
The funny part is, the "you can't make this stuff up" things about this election. Because people actually did make this stuff up. Political shows, interest in the election, all were beating away any previous elections for the amount of news made in any given week regarding the craziness of the campaign. Does anyone wonder why? We were living in an NBC drama show!
Okay, okay. It's all said with a bit of humor. Obama was even supposed to be the inspiration for Matt Santos (West Wing candidate), so maybe not totally surprising (though really, that show aired last in spring of 2006). In fact, some of the writers couldn't imagine some of the stuff that happened this election just for the unusualness of it.
In one episode, the democratic candidate is facing finance problems, and his wife comments that don't they have a strong Internet campaign? His chief of staff comments that yeah, but it's only small donations, not enough to make a difference. I'm guessing that line would be rewritten today.
Speaking of chief of staff, one of the eerier bits to come out of this - the inspiration for Josh Lyman, one of the key characters, is Rahm Emanuel. Both Josh and Rahm, after stints as key advisor to the last dem president - become chief of staff.
Yeah. There's a big possiblity we are all living in some wierd bubble, "Truman Show" style.
Back again.
I've been out of the blogger loop for awhile, and hopefully my post from Nov. 21 (two posts down) will explain why. But between all the funerals, memorials services, bad news and more bad news, there's been time for laughs as well.
I've been staying out of most of the news for awhile (the last thing I needed was extensive coverage on more bombings and people getting killed during shopping) but have picked up a few nuggets.
The most slow "bombshell" of which has been Clinton being named to Obama's cabinet. I mean, the "official" announcement yesterday was... well, it lacked the "surprise" that a bombshell generally gets. If there was one person who didn't know about it yet, that would have been the bombshell.
I also got my first Christmas decoration of the year today - a bright red tree. Oh yes. If I could, I would drape the walls in deep red and call it good, but for now, a gaudy, half-foil red Christmas tree is the best I can manage. The "Christmas spirit" hasn't quite caught on, as it has in the past (I think some Obama-celebration hangover is mostly to blame,) but promises of peppermint ice cream and secret Santa's will probably take care of that soon enough.
So, the memorial/remembrance services aren't over yet - neither of them are, actually - but it seems many of us have rediscovered one of life's truths. That it does, in fact, go on.
I've been staying out of most of the news for awhile (the last thing I needed was extensive coverage on more bombings and people getting killed during shopping) but have picked up a few nuggets.
The most slow "bombshell" of which has been Clinton being named to Obama's cabinet. I mean, the "official" announcement yesterday was... well, it lacked the "surprise" that a bombshell generally gets. If there was one person who didn't know about it yet, that would have been the bombshell.
I also got my first Christmas decoration of the year today - a bright red tree. Oh yes. If I could, I would drape the walls in deep red and call it good, but for now, a gaudy, half-foil red Christmas tree is the best I can manage. The "Christmas spirit" hasn't quite caught on, as it has in the past (I think some Obama-celebration hangover is mostly to blame,) but promises of peppermint ice cream and secret Santa's will probably take care of that soon enough.
So, the memorial/remembrance services aren't over yet - neither of them are, actually - but it seems many of us have rediscovered one of life's truths. That it does, in fact, go on.
#61 - #49 Top 100 Bush Moments
Only 49 days to go!
Obviously, I've been gone awhile, but hopefully my last post will explain why.
Since I've been gone so long, the countdown has really piled up! Fortunately, one of the funnier compilations out there of short 'n' funny Bush moments is the one below. Two of the standouts:
Another of Bush's surprised/dumbstruck looks. He's got a lot of them, but when the crowd starts cheering when he actually speaks the truth about something (in this case, black people and the Republican party), it's a priceless look.
The other, his "ec-ul-ec-tic" reading habits. I love it when they give him big words to use.
Obviously, I've been gone awhile, but hopefully my last post will explain why.
Since I've been gone so long, the countdown has really piled up! Fortunately, one of the funnier compilations out there of short 'n' funny Bush moments is the one below. Two of the standouts:
Another of Bush's surprised/dumbstruck looks. He's got a lot of them, but when the crowd starts cheering when he actually speaks the truth about something (in this case, black people and the Republican party), it's a priceless look.
The other, his "ec-ul-ec-tic" reading habits. I love it when they give him big words to use.
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