Open Thread – White Thanksgiving
Anyone in Anchorage who was dreaming of a white Thanksgiving got their wish today. There’s about a foot of fresh snow at my house. It’s that great snowman-type snow that we get early in the season.
Hope everyone enjoyed the day, and best of luck to you who will enter the Black Friday mayhem tomorrow!
I found it interesting that when I lived in Maine for a few years, there were not snowmen, no sledding and not ice skating. Though there was plenty of snow, hills and mountains, and even the bay with its fresh water river, tidal saltwater mix froze solid for at least two months.
Those months of having to hack you way out of your driveway in the subzero pitch black so you could slide or slop your way to work does something to the joie de neige that apparently infects youngsters as well.
Andrew Sullivan has a great response to Palin’s complaints during the recent Glenn Beck interview that her poor children are being persecuted by the media. Even Beck questioned why they’re so constantly in the spotlight since he keeps his kids far away from the media. Sullivan calls her on the hypocrisy of constantly waving the kids in front of the cameras and then complaining when the media covers them unflatteringly.
“What Palin has done is use her children, having failed to actually rear them. She is still doing it on her reality show. That she has gone so far as to use and thereby abuse a child with Down Syndrome whose interests are clearly in seclusion, careful nurturing and care, and constant parental attention, tells you a huge amount.”
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/11/sarah-and-the-kids.html
That was a great article. More people need to call her out on this.
I thought I had seen all of the Palin parody videos back during the 2008 elections. Here is one I missed.
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/trish-sie-people-didnt-dislike-my-video-for-the-reasons-i-thought-they-would_b7399
Enjoy!
Since this is an open thread… Poor President Obama and his 12 stitches! Glad to see him still getting out there and playing though! Everyone needs some down-time!
My favorite comment from the Huffpo story on the incident:
“Obama now has more combat experience than Rove, Bush, Rice and Cheney combined “
“There’s a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy,
when they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie”
If you can catch it in your area, there is a wonderful Tavis Smiley interview with Peter, Paul though sadly, minus Mary. Seriously, if you can find it on tv or online, you’ll enjoy it. Excellent points about progressive politics were made. Beautiful music was made. And, I could be wrong , but I swear to goodness that Peter made a veiled commentary on Palin. I’d enjoy hearing anyone else had the same take. They also did a lovely folk version of The Night Before Christmas. If you’re a fan, it’s not to be missed.
First honest-to-goodness snow has arrived in Buffalo / Western New York. Very pretty from inside the home looking out. Quite terribly slippery out IN it though. Tried toddling out to buy cat food but decided better of it. The kittehs will be eating leftover chicken and I will be happy not to have fallen on my butt , trying to cross the road.
How’s it up your way Leenie ?
And so it begins, BuffaloGal!
Nothing here yet because the winds are still too much from the direct west. Because I’m only about 4 miles from Lake Ontario’s southern shore, we tend to get lake effect when the wind is more from the northwest. We’re supposed to get some flurries starting tonight but no accumulation to speak of. Now, northeast of me in the Tughill is another story!
I wondered how you were doing when I saw all the pretty purple-y colors in Buffalo on the snow accumulation map on the news tonight. After your recent scare, make sure to stay inside where it’s safe, and the kittehs will be thankful for someone warm to snuggle with!
This is an excellent post about the real importance of Palin’s North Korea gaffe:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitchell-bard/why-sarah-palins-north-ko_b_788647.html
Thanks for the link. This article is SO right. We are all missing the point – her gaffe is minor in comparison to the idea that she is even trying to comment on a complex issue of which she has zero knowledge. And people are reporting it as if she’s a policy expert. It’s ludicrous and dangerous.
A good idea from Melia Litman to stop the B.S.
…”In an effort to raise awareness of the danger of electing the Half-Term Ex-Governor to the office of the President, every week a new video will be posted on you tube. The video will be a montage of people who are willing to speak out against Sarah Palin. Your personal contribution is essential. Whether you are a celebrity or simply an individual voter, hoping to make a difference, we need your help. By submitting your signs or videos to [email protected] your voice will be heard.”
Read more @
http://malialitman.wordpress.com/2010/11/25/announcing-just-say-no-to-b-s/
I bet this will make the rounds pretty fast! They seem to be able to capture the inner mean-girl essence of Sarah. I keep thinking she cannot behave or speak more bizarrely than she does each time she goes off the deep-end, but she seems to be able find new lows to stoop to every single day. Amazing.
Thanks for the link, bubbles!
Aleshia posted this last thread: i thought those hadn’t seen would like it. thanks Aleshia/
AleshiaNo Gravatar says:
November 26, 2010 at 8:27 AM
International media are now witnessing the meltdown..check out around the 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQLD0Kpmsk&feature=channel
I loved the part where she’s beating the monkey to keep writing her book! LOL! Thanks for the laughs.
Once again, Palin opens her mouth and shows her ignorance of all things. She’s now complaining (again) about members of Congress who are against drilling in the Arctic Refuge.
However, two Representatives (Democrat Inslee from WA and Republican Inglis from SC) have both been recently quoted as saying that more drilling will do little to ease our nation’s energy situation BUT we are rapidly falling behind China in development of new green energy technology. Already, China is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels and wind turbines, and has invested vast quantities of money into developing new technologies.
Palin pushing for more drilling is like complaining that factories aren’t making enough typewriters, steam engines, Edsels and Model-Ts. We should have the BIGGEST and BEST Pony Express in the world, dammit!!!
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/26/inslee-energy-china-lunch/
eyup…agreed leenie…Palin opens her mouth and shows her ignorance of all things
also too…
http://alaskawtf.com/2010/11/24/palin-redefining-stupid-one-sentence-at-a-time/
There is going to be an upcoming interview by Greta (FOX), of Toad and sister Sarah, about the pipeline and oil industry in Alaska. Should prove to be interesting….Toad answers some of the questions…remember, he was the ‘fill in’ governor of Alaska while Sarah wasn’t doing the job or showing up to do it!
Didn’t Her$elf read the American Petroleum Institute’s page that the actual remaining volume of extractable product is much less now than ever estimated?
It really was only five percent of the national volume (as published 25 years ago) rather than the falsely-advertised 20 percent. Yup, Grisley Mama, it’s dang near all gone. Lucky your hubby got a job carring your bag, because he’d a been laid off soon.
I looked at the article; this struck:
“”The former GOP half-term Alaska governor argued that the U.S. needs “to drill and fill up the pipeline again.” “”
Evidence she wasn’t paying attention as WGE. The pipeline (the TransAlaska Pipeline System, TAPS) can’t be filled more than 50 percent anymore because it is too full of corrosion!
The caretaker, Alyeska Pipeline Company (a consortium of BP, Conoco Philips, et al) did not do the required maintanence and upkeep lo these many years, so… the nature of crude oil has done what it will do, it ate the pipe from the inside.
But they didn’t think they had to keep it good, because they knew all along there wasn’t as much oil on the North Slope that they wanted people to believe was there.
The volume of extractable crude and the life expectancy of the TAPS was not supposed to go the 30 plus years it has been in existence.
Sarah, the door is open for you. Yes, the one under the EXIT sign.
LOL!
Hitler Plans To Save Ireland
Just to warn you, there is some pretty stronge language in this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm-q8F4t74g&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Feckin’ brill there, Irishgirl. Good woman, yerself.
I posted it for you. I knew you would know the characters involved and ejoy it. 🙂
Here is another one for you.
Ethical Test
This test only has one question, but it’s a very important one. By giving an honest answer, you will discover where you stand morally.
The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation in which you will have to make a decision.
Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous. Please scroll down slowly and give due consideration to each line.
Here it comes…
You are a photo-journalist for a major Irish Newspaper.
You are in Ireland , working around Dublin .
There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding.
This is a flood of biblical proportions.
You’re trying to shoot career-making photos.
There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing into the water.
Nature is unleashing all of its destructive fury.
THE TEST:
Suddenly, you see a man in the water. He is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken down by the swirling flow.
Somehow, the man looks familiar…You suddenly realize who it is…
It’s Brian Cowen!
You notice that the raging waters are about to take him under forever!
You think to yourself, you can save the life of Brian Cowen, or you can shoot a dramatic Pulitzer Prize winning photo, documenting the death of one of the country’s most powerful men!
THE QUESTION!
Here’s the question, and please give an honest answer…
Would you select a high contrast colour shot, or would you go with the classic simplicity of black and white?
I’m a B&W fan myself. 🙂
Oh – classic, stark, epic back and white, no question. 🙂
Oh, it would take such a teeny, tiny adjustment to make that choice so delicious (kidding) regarding a certain screechy someone (again, just kidding —- maybe).
B&W then print in sepia to give that “of-the-ages” timeless feel. As long as we’re goin’ over the top.
*strong* but maybe stronge is right?
I love the snow! Tranquil, clean, refreshing. Hope everyone is having such a day, after yesterday’s festivities. Unless, you are out shopping. I decided to check out online sales instead.
Palin’s book tour will be in full gear soon. Wonder how many books she will sell this go around?
I had a smile, remembering last year when someone threw tomatoes at her!!
What an amazing picture. Love it!!!
Sarah didn’t correct her statement —-N-S Korea until Beck corrected her. If he hadn’t—–I don’t think a correction would have been made.
We made it thru Thanksgiving without snow, but the temps are getting colder and sure we will be getting the white fluffy stuff anyday now, but better than ice.
QUESTION!! It was brought up on IM that SP was telling a tall Alaskan tale in her interview with Greta recently. When Greta mentioned the roaring fire in back of her, and asked about the weather in AK, SP said she had given an interview at 3 AM that morning and that it was below zero.
Well, folks from the Mat-Su valley all chorused that it had’n’t been that cold. Then others did some investigating and found 2 things: One, wasn’t she spending Thanksgiving in AZ? Another checked her schedule and found out she was probably in VA? Any mudpups have a clue? Just think in less than 30 seconds into the interview, she had started to fabricate.
My theory is this. It was below 32 degrees. In her mind, 0 and 32 (freezing) are the same. Stupid idiot, methinks.
Y’know – I can actually see that being the case. Good theory.
One could hope, but centigrade measures are not ‘Merikan, doncha know? I think she couldn’t do the math even.
Great pic !!!….
But has someone who spent most of his young adulthood in warm tropical places ( Fla, PI, Hawaii).. It’s JUST the way I like to see snow… in a picture ! it’s 32 degrees here at the moment, and the fire is roaring as I sip my morning coffee, with a slice of pumpkin pie.
“as”, not “has” …proof read , doofus, proofread ! 🙂
🙂
Beautiful photo! I was raised in Wisconsin but never acclimated to cold weather & snow, hence my move to Florida. But I do think it’s beautiful!!! And, sometimes…..I long to be sliding down a hill in the snow or catching snowflakes with my tongue!
At this moment though I am enjoying 74 degrees, sunny and I’m wearing shorts/tank/flip flops!
Keep those wonderful photos coming for those of us not able to “enjoy” the beauty. We can live vicariously through YOU!
To my fellow Anchorage mudflatters – Happy White Black Friday. I am probably staying home all day, practicing the art of not spending money. 🙂
What an art it is, too! At the best of times, I am nothing more than a bumbling amateur – but I keep practicing. Hehe
Irishgirl, you’re the best! That was great article and left me laughing at a very scary possibility. Maybe the laughter will banish the fears and drive away the reason for it. Thanks for sharing. It gives me hope that we all share a desire to see her madness put aside.
(((ks sunflower)))
Here’s some more on Palin…
“But the trick she plays is to express her anger with a smile. Somehow this disguises the ugliness underneath. The trick has worn thin. Below the surface, she is a furious, even, at times, vicious individual, whose beatific expressions or fixed grins or “you betchas” can’t disguise the nastiness and ignorance at work. But why does the media give her so much exposure? It bewilders me. Yet one curious result from the vast press coverage is that it has driven her unfavorable rating up to Paris Hilton levels among the American public. If she ever gains the Republican presidential nomination, she will bring ruin to the party. Maybe, after all, the free press is doing us a favor. ”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-schlesinger/the-palin-trick-anger-wit_b_788443.html
True, how absolutely true.
$P continually denounces the press as the lame stream media, yet they lap after her like dogs in heat…refutigurgitational if you ask me.
ROFL
I don’t understand her charisma, either, Irishgirl – but it is a very real fact.
I went to her first Governor’s picnic in 2007 – I stood in line two hours to be served a hamburger by her.
She truly has a glim-glam, a charm, a bewitching pull.
But the enchantment was broken for me when her unethical actions began to come forward. The whole cliffside fell out of it when she started her Tri-G fakery and then the shenanigans on the 2008 campaign; the idiocy goes on and on.
I think I hate all she stands for because she has broken the promise of what she could have been – she isn’t what she said she was; she’s a cartoon, a buffoon, and worse.
Ah, the inspiration!
Also, too, a fluffoon, a quittoon, a glamoroon, a refudioon.
And you are right about the “broken promise of what she could have been”. A lot of people thought (and some still think) that she would actually deliver something better than the other politicians before her. But she never cared to make that effort, from Wasilla on up. She’s been consistent in disappointing those who thought she would somehow rise to the occasion and actually use the platforms she’s gained through the years to do something that made life better for people.
Her career is kind of like a giant Ponzi scheme using voter’s hopes instead of money. She pays back the believers from her previous political wins with the promise of an even greater prize, and just keeps the focus forward so that her earlier supporters wouldn’t notice that they’d been paid back in promissory notes. Only some of them do notice. They just haven’t convinced all the late investors that the bubble’s going to pop before the promises materialize, and that what the believers are hearing is just a lure, a sales pitch.
I think that’s one part of the reason she was so excruciatingly sensitive about interviews that showed she was lightweight and couldn’t really govern, and why she took the million-dollar exit from office rather than have to work hard to actually demonstrate that she could do something for the public (even if you just limit that to the right-leaning portion of public).
Bretta and North of the Range, I really liked both of your comments. I think you both nailed it, and also too, have helped me to understand how she ever came this far.
“Surely, it can only be a matter of time before American and Britainshire invade North Korea?
I don’t have a problem with this, as I believe in forcible regime change and the imposition of freedom on countries who don’t want it.
After Iraq, we should have gone into Iran, North Korea and any other joint ruled by what, objectively speaking, can only be considered nutters.
The only real problem will come if America elects Sarah Palin as leader. Then it will become incumbent upon Britain to cross the Atlantic and invade the States.
That would probably be a long, drawn-out conflict, but we all know that wars make the world a safer place, except perhaps for those involved in them.
People are the first casualty of war, and that’s the truth.
I personally would be willing to serve but, unfortunately, have a bad knee from playing five-a-side football. Also, I have lost my reading glasses.”
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robert-mcneill/robert-mcneill-itrsquoll-be-no-tea-party-if-sarah-palin-gets-in-15013652.html#ixzz16OF2nh9g
That was great.
Should things transpire as Mr. McNeill writes and it becomes incumbent for Britain to come over and liberate us, I will be waiting for them with a plate of sandwiches and lashings of hot tea.
The President used his Thanksgiving message to inspire and reflect, Palin used her FB post to attack and whine.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45604.html
We all know it, but I cannot resist saying it: that woman is an unpleasant piece of work. Even as the rest of us reach out and embrace and create love, she is driven towards the negative. How unhappy she must be. I guess she needs our pity more now than ever. If only I can rise above the anger she generates to feel sorry for her . . . . Still, her continued presence in our midst be for some purpose, some lesson. I hope we master it so she and her kind can retreat into the shadows from whence they came.
I was puzzled to see that she regards herself as a news anchor – or was I misreading or misunderstanding her comment. News anchor, indeed. She is more appropriately characterized as a heavy anchor pulling down the morale of the country. Bah, humbug to her mean, little spirit. I wish for her a kinder heart, a more open mind, and a moment or two of true self-awareness.
Thanks for the link, OMG.
if i remember right they did go after President Obama for his gaffe and also too with Joe Biden, they just had more class in how they handled it. She has no problem picking and taking out of context anything the president says. If she ever made it to the Presidency , settling scores on FB would become a full time job for hundreds of ghost writers.
Can you imagine if she was a moderate or liberal and not associated with Fox. Beck, O’Reilly, Hannity et al would have made mincemeat (tis the season) out of her.
That is all she knows and that is why the majority of people are revolted by her. There is nothing nice about her personality. I don’t see any “love” in her for anyone except for herself and the dollar. It is all me, me, me…and people are getting tired of it.
I’ve said this before, but I was shocked when she accepted the nomination from McCain knowing full well that her daughter was pregnant. That was not the act of a loving mother. That was the act of someone so consumed with herself that she would throw her own children under the bus.
The last few weeks have only solidified this in my mind. She says she is a Mama Grizzley and yet we have seen nothing but atrocious behaviour from her children on TLC, FB and DWTS. I’m not going to pick on the kids but what it does point to is the fact that she cares so little about her children, that she has not even bothered to teach them how to behave in public.
I’m so sick of her promoting her children in order to further her own agenda. I think a lot of people may have had their fill of her and her brand of hatred over the last few weeks. Even her book is full of hatred it seems.
There is nothing to Palin but hate and venom, and she doesn’t even have the self-awareness to keep her her poisonous mouth shut on Thanksgiving.
Exactly. She can’t lift people up without tearing someone else down. What a sad little person she is. And so are her army of flying monkeys. Sad, little people living sad, little lives in bitterness. Always worried that someone else is getting something they aren’t. And hating them for it.
Agreed Irishgirl and greetings from a Welshgirl, here’s a good one from Letters to the ED in today’s LATimes a writer comments…
“In all of my 76 years, I have never before been subjected to the rantings of such a stilted, pompous, self-important, peacocky, sensation-seeking person. Is there no escape?
As a dedicated citizen of the world we live in, I strive for fairness, open-mindedness, cooperation and understanding from those who represent me in government. Never before have I been more concerned for this country’s safe and sane future with the likes of Palin bombarding us in every medium.”
btw…love the term ‘peacocky’ think it would be a good inspiration for Flyinureye:)
Greetings SouthPaw. Are you living in Wales still?
Andrew Sullivan has gone after her today too and says much the same thing.
“There is no maturity here; no self-reflection; no capacity even to think how to appeal to the half of Americans who are already so appalled by her trashy behavior and cheap publicity stunts. There is a meanness, a disrespect, a vicious partisanship that, if allowed to gain more power, would split this country more deeply and more rancorously than at any time in recent years. And that’s saying something.”
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/11/why-america-wont-buy-palinism.html
Cyfarchion Irishgirl, my family on my Mum’s side is from Penarth but I grew up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and moved to SoCal 20 yrs ago.
AKM’s lovely picture reminded me the beautiful winter scenery of my childhood.
The fact that she couldn’t put her blind, irrational hatred of the President (and now the Vice President) aside for THANKSGIVING (!) and write a post about something – anything – positive, clearly demonstrates that the woman is seriously mentally ill and needs professional help.
Sadly for her and her family, she is so delusional that she will never admit that she has a problem and pursue therapy for it.
I love President Obama’s grace and fine examples. We are so fortunate to have him as our leader. I am also grateful for Jeanne Devon’s leadership in these political muckwaters. It keeps me going forward.
Yeah, I can’t take credit because a friend sent it to me. Figured everyone would enjoy as much as I did. Can you imagine what fun they had pulling this gig off?
Thank you, Scrappy. What a perfect way to start my day! Wouldn’t it be fun to see or participate in something like that?
AKM, we had snow as well. But, just a dusting. Today is start decorating for Christmas around here. The children and grandgirlies all pitch in, and we end up in the front yard with vats of hot chocolate and coffee in order to give unwanted advice on form and style to my husband and his small helpers as they work on the outside of the house. A fun day!
Love the scene you describe! Love and delight abound!
Enjoy your day of holiday festivities and hot chocolate!
We have bright sun here in western NY but the wind is a brisk 25 mph sustained with 30 mph gusts (which brings the wind chill down to a balmy 18 degrees!). Don’t think any outside decorating is going to happen here today! The poor birdies in the yard look like they had a little too much to drink as they try to navigate a course to the birdfeeder!
I was thinking about going up to the lake and walking off some of the stuffing and pumpkin pie I ate yesterday, but the wind might just blow me right off the pier that goes out to the lighthouse…and the water of Lake Ontario is VERY cold this time of year!
I posted this in the last open thread, but just in case it got lost in the shuffle this is a real booster. Just plain beautiful and not even a conductor.
If this doesn’t get everyone into the Christmas Season spirits, nothing will. Fantastic YT!
Christmas Food Court Flash Mob
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE
Oh, Gawd, why am I siting here with tears streaming down my face? Because this link really got to me, I guess! Thanks, Scrappy – gotta send this on to everyone I love!
Thanks, thanks! Heart-warming, indeed.
Wonderful…thanks for posting it.
I saw and loved your link earlier, but am so glad you re-posted it! I always tear up with joy when I see people come together to share simple joy. Thank you.
Saw this when you posted it yesterday and passed it on to family and friends. I sing this every year with my choir. It always lifts my spirits and starts the holiday season off right.
Thanks for sharing!
What a marvelous way to start the day. Thanks so much for posting the link.
Did anyone notice the tiny little boy who jumps to his feet at the opening notes? Already a seasoned music lover.
I recently saw a similar clip featuring singers performing one of the big festive songs from “La Traviata” in an open marketplace in Spain. The shoppers were much more participatory, joining in on the dancing, singing, and chapaigne toasting. But then again, Spaniards do that kind of thing!
I am all in favor of getting great music out into public life, just as Scrappy has done with all of us. Thanks!
Just beautiful Kath…there was a similar one at Macy’s.
Just wish this would happen while I was out shopping 🙂
Brings back such wonderful memories of being in the Christmas Chorale Choir in high school way back in the 60’s.
Totally Beautiful! Tears in eyes. Thank you.
beautiful picture…i love the first snow
Me too… but anchorage’s first snow was back in October!
Gobble Gobble!
(Love to peeps who gobble) Gobble gobble….
It is very beautiful. Glad I put up lights at Halloween – they glow under the snow. This is my quadriplegic mother’s first year in Alaska – I brought her here in March. Now we have a nice house with windows she can watch the snow fall and the neighbor kids play and a squirrel trying to score sunflower seeds off of the bird feeders.
But last March, April and May, we had to stay at a hotel that housed many homeless people in Anchorage because housing for the wheelchair-bound elderly is not available in Anchorage. I finally had to buy a house to meet her needs.
Anyway, I was thinking about the homeless tonight. It’s not just the public inebriates that fall through the cracks. There are many who are at the mercy of family issues, mental or physical health.
I was thinking about all the crap I’ve survived and I am flying through those cracks. Gobble gobble.
What a wonderful outlook, dreamgirl! “Flying through those cracks” – I love it!
(((dreamgirl))) You made me smile.
I will resolve to fly through cracks. Thank you!
((Bretta & Mom))
I’m hoping you can have a more settled household and peaceful holidays.
What a beautiful spirit you have, Bretta. Not only do you provide care for your mother, but you have heart enough to spare for those even less fortunate. How rare and wonderful you are. You are a blessing to so many. May your blessings return triple-fold to you.
Thank you for giving voice to those who live on the periphery of our consciousness and who need to be remembered. I am humbled by your loving example, and will carry your post forward with me in hopes it keeps my own heart more open.
(((Bretta))) I have no doubt what your mother is thankful for this year…she raised her child well!
May the coming year bring peace, health and happiness to you both.
lovely Bretta. hugs for you and your mom.