Open Thread – Space Needle
On my recent flight to the east coast, I got a great view of the Space Needle before I changed planes in Seattle.
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Very cool picture! I have actually been in the restaurant at the top of the needle and watched planes approach just where you took this picture from. It is unnerving to see big planes fly so close to downtown and over the stadiums. I love this picture!
This has GOT to hurt:
Palin is only polling 1 point ahead of President Obama…in TEXAS!!!
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/ppp-president-palin-barely-edging-obama—-in-texas.php?ref=fpi
I have been out of touch lately and must have missed the announcement, so just heard Keith Olbermann give his farewell to Countdown. He didn’t say anything about why or future plans, I certainly have enjoyed his show and his brutal honesty. Had anyone else heard about this?
Keith O just announced this is his last show tonight?
Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Fri, January 21, 2011 — 9:06 PM ET
—–
MSNBC Says It Has Ended Keith Olbermann’s Contract
In a statement, MSNBC said, “the last broadcast of ‘Countdown with Keith Olbermann’ will be this evening.”
Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na
It’s rather sad but perhaps he will move on to where most people get their news now; the internet, and be done with this TV thing that many don’t bother with any longer.
Mudpups beware,there is a tsunami(not a real one) headed your way from Hawaii all because state senators decided to end daily prayer sessions in gov’t. The religious right and Obama haters are out in full force talking all kinds of garbage about atheists,ACLU.Libs and anyone else who stands in their way. Some want a constitutional amendment to put an end to the ACLU,because they are communist and anti-American. One young lady said if Hawaii suffers an earthquake or hurricane it will be because she prayed for it to happen. Can California be very far behind? Have a nice day..
Those wing-nuts can be so cute when they are all riled up – and so predictable.
“Some want a constitutional amendment to put an end to the ACLU”
A constitutional amendment to put an end to American civil liberties, is what they mean, but they don’t dare say so. Yet.
We on the CA coast are quaking in our birkenstocks 🙂 from laughter!
Dearie me. If this happens, it won’t be my God that did it, I can assure you. My God is the one that’ll let all surf the wave in safety. 😀
Mike, you’re safe. The Sierra Nevada will stop the wave before it inundates Iowa and floods your high point.
ATTN: Twitterers!
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/01/21/5892766-twitter-worm-leads-users-to-fake-and-malicious-site
Since it’s not February yet…Douthat writes another column about the strange media obsession with Palin and how the public (primarily the public that detests the woman) can’t get enough of her. He does make some excellent points:
“It’s her negative numbers that are off the charts: No politician, from Bush to Barack Obama to Nancy Pelosi, is hated so intensely by so many Americans.
“And this is what’s so problematic, to my mind, about much of the Palin coverage: The media often acts as though they’re covering her because her conservative fan base is so large (hence the endless talk about her 2012 prospects), when they’re really covering her because so many liberals are eager to hear about, read about and then freak about whatever that awful, terrifying woman is up to now.”
http://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/the-coverage-of-sarah-palin/
Interesting take on the phenom because that’s just how I feel: like it is some sort of wasillabilly hoochie rolled in caffiend pretending it’s a train wreck. I cannot look away. I cannot stop. I cannot get enough.
Another Beck target gets hate mail and death threats:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/21/glenn-beck-target-frances_n_812268.html
Sullivan weighs in on Palin-free February:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2011/01/a-palin-free-february.html
“Alaskan Legislators Seek to Repudiate Sarah Palin’s Failed Pipeline”
Posted on January 21, 2011 by Sarah Jones
http://www.politicususa.com/en/repeal-palin-pipeline/comment-page-1#comment-59598
?? link – I guess you’ll have to scroll up for the article ;-(
Hmmmm, interesting article, I so wonder what will become of all this. I don’t have a clue. But it sort of does look like the world is tumbling in around her.
Here’s the ADN article:
http://www.adn.com/2011/01/20/1659129/lawmakers-express-frustration.html
Different topic, I just read Les Gara’s newest newsletter and he states that Conoco Phillips shows $6 BILLION profit (PROFIT!!!) over the past 3 years and yet Gov Parnell wants to give the oil companies more tax cuts. Expletive Deleted here (or add your own). Can we get our legislature to get real? If I knew how to post Gara’s letter or Hollis French’s editorial in the Alaska Dispatch, I would, but will have to hope someone who is more computer literate than I will do so.
This just infuriates me. Sorry if it’s been posted before.
http://www.theawl.com/2011/01/our-government-funded-mission-to-make-haiti-christian-your-tax-dollars-billy-grahams-son-monsanto-and-sarah-palin
That’s why I won’t donate to faith-based charities. Too many strings attached for the benefits. I wish I knew more about charities that were not founded for the purpose of proscelitizing.
Looks like you don’t have to donate to the cause, America does it for you, through your tax dollars.
Yes, those are involuntary donations.
Totally in agreement GA Peach. I could have gone alot longer before seeing this. But thanx for another heads-up.
According to Franklin Graham, in Haiti “…the biggest need is the spiritual need.”
Clearly he was not paying attention to the people living in filth and devastation, the cholera epidemic and the increasing occurrences of violence and rape.
People like him, who twist and desecrate the teachings of Jesus for their own glorification and financial benefit, and take advantage of people who are in desperate circumstances, are truly despicable.
Right. And besides, how are Haitians’ spiritual needs NOT being met by their own spiritual traditions and human resilience? The ridiculous arrogance that people in any country somehow can’t meet their own spiritual needs, let alone a country where people have survived so much that they are probably in a position to teach us a few things that would spiritually enlighten us, is pathetic.
I can only hope that if the Rapture comes, that the F. Graham types get divinely accidentally-on-purpose transported to the high heavenly Haitian section, or even better, to an everlasting silent-practice monastic corner where they can praise to their servant hearts’ content, silently, forever.
I’ve been railing for years about our tax dollars being used by faith-based orgs *overseas*– alas, to no avail.
When these orgs go Jesusing into Africa, Asia, and particularily the Middle East, is it any wonder elements of those populations get upset? Really, really upset?
What would you do if the only school for your village/town children, the only ‘modern’ hospital in your dirt-poor country, the only clinics and visiting medical personnel in your area, etc. were being staffed and run by members of a [insert non-xian religion here] whose _avowed_ mission was/is to convert you and your fellow countrymen/women to [non-xian religion] *and* their activities were being funded by the peoples of a country that practices, overwhelmingly, the [non-xian] religion?
Is it any wonder so many of these ‘radicals’ see the US as waging a war on *their* religion(s) and way of life? Any wonder how they see the US as waging an all-out, no-holds-barred Crusade against them? Accch…don’t even get me started! beth.
Founding Father John Adams was not alone in his support of government health care; it turns out that Thomas Jefferson was as well. Take a look at The Plum Line’s “Historian: Thomas Jefferson supported `government run health care'”
By Greg Sargent
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/
Thanks AKM for the view of the iconic Landmark that just about all around the world knows represents Seattle. As I was born the year it was revealed in the 1962 World’s Fair it has always been a favorite landmark of mine! (and that I was born,raised and continue to live in its shadow..well not literally but close enough within a 45 min. drive). I have eaten at both the restaurants and have been to the observation deck multiple times to show visiting friends and family from out-of-state.
One of my most memorable visits was during Seattle’s Seafair Festival in 1986 (which is just about a month long fest during summer that includes Torchlight Parade, Seafair Pirates, Fleet Week, Marathons, Airshows and ends with Hydroplane races on Lake Washington) anyway the Blue Angles always perform during the festival and I was at the top of the needle and they were performing their glory and parts of their show was viewable and it was like they were at eyeball level … it was just…thrilling!
A tid bit of history, the Millennium New Years Eve Celebration was cancelled at the Needle by then Mayor Paul Schell following info. obtained after “Millennium Bomber” Algerian Ahmed Ressam was captured at our border crossing in Port Angles which followed just on the heels of our “infamous” WTO Riots on the streets of Seattle.
Also, too, Seattle has a lot of ties with the great state of AK- Gold Rush, Cruise Industry, Fishing Industry, Alaska Airlines Headquarters, Ferry Services, to name just a few.
For anyone interested a link of fun facts to the Space Needle:
http://www.spaceneedle.com/discover/funfacts.html
I grew up near Seattle. My Father worked for U-Dub, as he called it. I remember the space needle being built, the World’s Fair and the beautiful fountains. My younger sister was just learning to talk, and she called it the “deet-deetelio”. We still call it that in our family.
“…Seattle has a lot of ties with the great state of AK…”
I know one of the first Iditarod mushers who claims if it weren’t for Alaska there wouldn’t even be a Seattle. LOL – I just had to bring that up.
Also, too, I remember visiting the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 – I have a one-ounce silver round that was minted as a commemorative.
Good comment. And in like fashion, if it were not for rural Alaska there would not be an Anchorage. The great photo of the Space Needle and the Seattle waterfront in the background reminds us of what a long thin path of supply we have to Seattle. Seattle, I think, understands how we depend on them and they on us. Do we in Anchorage understand how rural Alaskans depend on us and we on them, I wonder?
I don’t think ANC, in general, understands it’s dependence on rural Alaska very well , if at all.
It is one of the most important things we need to work on here.
I love the Space Needle. We went to the World’s Fair. My parents weren’t rich, but they saved up to go. We drove there in a VW bug and stayed with friends. I was so well behaved that my parents decided they could take me to the grown-ups restaurant at the top (I was 6) without me acting out. They were right. I was so proud to be able to go. I wore my favorite dress and saddle shoes (tan and brown, not black and white). I remember watching the view as we turned. I had a salad–Mom probably ordered a side salad for me with thousand island dressing. I loved the whole thing. I sure got to do some great stuff when I was little, all because I was well behaved.
Thanks for the memories, AKM. I hope to get back to Seattle some day and eat on the Space Needle. Bet it’s not nearly as tall as I remember.
Fantastic photo, AKM. We’ve had a lot of rain lately – I’m glad you had at least some clear weather when you flew into Seattle.
“Beck’s call to violence: “Shoot them in the head””
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/1/21/937651/-Becks-call-to-violence:-Shoot-them-in-the-head
“Fox’s Megyn Kelly Pretends Her Fellow Fox Hosts Have Never Invoked Nazi Imagery”
“Being willing to lie and carry water for Republicans pays pretty well over at Fox and Kelly knows where her bread is buttered.”
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/foxs-megyn-kelly-pretends-her-fellow-fox
No H8. No Fear. Fox off.
Beck really is a horrible person and the rest of the Fox crew….
So Who’s Still Advertising On Beck? January 21 Edition
At least 100 advertisers have reportedly dropped their ads from Glenn Beck’s Fox News program since he called President Obama a “racist” who has a “deep-seated hatred for white people.” Here are his January 21 sponsors, in the order they appeared:
• EnergyTomorrow.org
• SkiUtah.com
• Lifestyle Lift
• Merit Financial
• EnergyTomorrow.org
• News Corp. (Fox News’ Geraldo at Large)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (BoosterSeat.gov)
• Pulaski & Middleman
• InvestmentRarities.com
• MySolarBackup.com
• MyLife.com
• ChristianMingle.com
• News Corp. (FX’s Archer)
• Cramp 911
• NewMexicosBestLandBuy.com
• News Corp. (Fox News’ Special Report)
• Rosland Capital
• AmericasPower.org
• Zero Technologies (Zero Water)
• Visiting Angels
• LifeLock
• News Corp. (Fox News’ Hannity)
• Lear Capital
• News Corp. (Fox News’ Hannity)
• RepealHealthCareAct.org
• Sokolove Law LLC
• Goldline
• News Corp. (The Wall Street Journal)
• Lifestyle Lift
ALL credit: http://mediamatters.org/blog/201101210037?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MediaMattersForAmerica-CountyFair+%28Media+Matters+for+America+-+County+Fair%29
What a shite list of advertisers. Ugh. I wouldn’t buy anything from any of them.
I been in and around Seattle since the Space Needle was built, and I’ve never seen such an interesting picture of it. You are a wonder AKM!
On a recent trip to Seattle I traveled on light rail, commuter rail, and public transit. No need to drive or rent a car there.Great system. And I got exercise by walking, too. Great I walked past a city vehicle that was repairing something and the motto on the door went something like this: ” Striving to make Seattle America’s most accessible city.”
When is Anchorage going to wake up?
What an incredible photo! The city of Seattle should buy it from you for promotional purposes. 😉
i got this from Common Cause
Should Scalia and Thomas Have Recused Themselves?
Common Cause is asking the Justice Department to investigate the apparent involvement of Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas in political strategy sessions hosted by Koch Industries, the nation’s second largest privately held company. Common Cause contends that these activities, if substantiated, constitute a conflict of interests that would require the Court to vacate its judgment in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a landmark ruling that ended restrictions on corporate and union political spending.
Decided one year ago tomorrow on a 5-4 vote, Citizens United provided a political advantage to Koch Industries and its corporate allies, many of whom helped pump nearly $300 million into the 2010 elections. Common Cause believes that if sufficient grounds for disqualification of either Justice exist, the Solicitor General should seek to vacate the Citizens United judgment.
http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4741359
Lighting candles
Burning sage
Four Directions Prayer
All of the above
Me too.
In general, judges should not be involved in political groups!!! ESPECIALLY THE SCOTUS. We all need to trust that the high court, the last word, is fair to all and as neutral as human beings can be. Good Grief! Without that trust, we could have civil war.
May it be so.
Please, please, oh pleeeease!!!!
good news pups. who says Barack ain’t on the case? here we go:
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, that opened the floodgates for unlimited corporate spending on election campaigns. We speak with Bob Edgar, the president of Common Cause, which has filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Justice urging it to investigate whether Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas should have recused themselves from the case last year because of a conflict of interest.
http://www.democracynow.org/
i hope they get investigated up one side and down the other. p.s. i got this from a ‘gator.
Go, Gators!
I am waiting for the black ice to melt so I can get up our hill and out to the highway. I love The Bloggess, and here is today’s entry.
http://thebloggess.com/2011/01/omg-look-what-just-came-in-the-mail/
I read her everyday. She is so fabulous. Did you get the book by chookalooks (spelling?) that she was in? I posted a link on an open thread ages ago, it’s called “The Beauty of Different.” It’s fabulous, and I’ve already given two copies to wonderful women in my world.
I wish that she was my neighbor here in Texas…
Let’s all chip in and buy Palin a ticket to Australia. Why? Because of this:
“Robert Stary, Assange’s Melbourne-based lawyer, thinks his client’s defense should be pretty straightforward, because he considers Assange to be a journalist, protected by U.S. First Amendment guarantees of free speech.
“But Stary is worried about some possibilities: “Our main concern is really the possible extradition to the U.S. We’ve been troubled by the sort of rhetoric that has come out of various commentators and principally Republican politicians — Sarah Palin and the like — saying Mr. Assange should be executed, assassinated.”
“On her Facebook page, Palin suggests that Assange should be “pursued with the same urgency as al-Qaida and Taliban leaders.”
“Anyone who incites others to commit violence against his client, even outside Australia, Stary says, is violating Australian law, and can be held accountable for it.
“Certainly if Sarah Palin or any of those other politicians come to Australia, for whatever purpose, then we can initiate a private prosecution, and that’s what we intend to do,” Stary said.”
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/21/133102953/wikileaks-assange-finds-support-in-native-australia
Oh, yes–let’s!
*claps hands in glee and jumps up and down*
“On her Facebook page, Palin suggests that Assange should be “pursued with the same urgency as al-Qaida and Taliban leaders.
*********************************************************************************************************************
thus sayeth the chief Tea Leaf of the al-kkkkaida baggers of Amerikkka.
oh joyous day! please somebody in Australia. please offer her a speaking gig in Melborne. hook her rear end up and tow it to the nearest maximum security cell.
I heard the interview this morning on NPR and had the same reaction than Dagian. Also loved the way the Australian lawyer pronounced the name “Paylin”.
Didn’t hear the interview, but now I have an Australian in my head saying “pie-lynn”. Thanks a bunch.
OMG
Here is one for you.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/20/AR2011012004349.html
It is a Palin-free for a month in Feb! I am hoping that CNN joins and MSNBC too!
AND we readers should join too to make it effective! As the author suggests, posts with the SP name get more hits. It’s worth admitting that we are some of the ones contributing to that. I’m going to go out on a limb and say we here at Mudflats should challenge ourselves too. Look how many times some of our regulars have asked for a moratorium on mention of the name and were not able to accomplish it. So, how about it guys? Can we commit to no mention of ‘sit down and shut up’ for the month of February, EVEN IF SHE THROWS HER HAT IN THE presidential RING ? Can we? After all, if she does declare her intention in February we’d still have lots of time to comment in March and thereafter! If we agreed to this as a family, we’d all know about it ahead of time, so even if we just dropped into the middle of a thread there’d be no excuse to mention her. Actually, I think it would be interesting to see if we really want to, and can, forget this person, and her family problems, for 28 days!
I say we go for it! NOTHING would PISS her off more than being ignored! Just think of all the great things we can do if we stop spending any energy on her. As soon as she pops into your mind, change the thought to something positive instead. Imagine the last soldier coming home from Afghanistan, or everyone in the country having access to healthcare. What do you say AKM? Can we SHUN her for a month?
I’ll try it…I always feel better when I take a break from reading about her (even if only for a day or two).
Andrew Sullivan isn’t biting.
“My view is that the reason Palin gets so much attention from readers is not that they are shallow or petty or deluded. It is because they, unlike the MSM, actually see the radical danger of a Palin presidency, and the corrupt state of our politics that such a person could have ever gotten so close to power and even now is the one to beat in the primaries. They are concerned in a climate of polarization, recession and war that a far right cult-figure could easily go further than would normally be the case. Now, as Palin’s star has faded somewhat – entirely because of her own missteps, not media scrutiny – these pundits want to move on because they think of this story as fluff. They want to pretend this never really happened. Or that it is still happening. All I can say is: There is as total a Beltway consensus on Palin’s prospect’s for the GOP nomination today as there was on Obama’s as late as December 2007. They dismissed Obama then just as surely as they dismiss Palin today.
And what is their proposal now? To stop even the pretense of seriously scrutinizing someone who is still one of the most popular figures on the right. Well, I guess most of us won’t miss much. But if news breaks in February that further exposes this person’s haplessness, narcissism and endless odd lies, the Dish will be there. And, I suspect, the National Enquirer.
No surrender.”
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2011/01/a-palin-free-february.html
Thanks Irishgirl! Headed there now.
I would like the vacation. Can we have a political women’s month, besides the one-whose-name-should-not-be-mentioned? I vote for Kirsten Gillibrand, she got some amazing things done prior to Christmas break.
Irishgirl (update)
He has a better point for sure!!!
Despite Sullivan’s position, IrishG and Hope, I really can’t see that 28 days without mentioning that ‘politician’ on this site would alter her danger to the presidency. It was the recognition of that danger that drew some of us to this site in the first place, so we may have been way ahead of Andrew in that respect. IMO our psyche would greatly benefit from the vacation! Several times over the last months I’ve seen mudpups begging for a respite, and being frustrated because we can’t seem to let go. Talking about her does not feed our better selves – in fact her actions stir real anger in so many of us here. The choice of February is a good one as it is the shortest month. Let’s face it, stuff about this person is so prevalent on the internet that those who are so inclined would have no difficulty catching up at the end of the month. Others might find that after the 28 days withdrawal, they could actually go without info on her for longer periods of time. And as Hope suggests, we could fill the space (if space there develops) by talking about other political women who are making a positive change. This is such a vibrant community, thanks to AKM’s leadership, that I can’t imagine there wouldn’t be lots of other topics to talk about. This appeals to me because for the first time we’d all be warned up front and could therefore support each other (like recovering addicts?). Can’t we at least try?
“I vote for Kirsten Gillibrand, she got some amazing things done prior to Christmas break”
That’s MY rep…and we love her in NY (well, at least all of the SMART people do)!!! 🙂
The NY Times has the wedding announcement for Gabrielle Gifford’s 1997 wedding in the current style section.
I thought some here might enjoy reading it.
http://tinyurl.com/45roesa
This brought tears to my eyes, knowing what a hard road to recovery is ahead of them. She stood on her own two feet and looked out her window. Health and peace, Gabrielle.
Thanks, Laurie. They seem well-grounded adults. I like ‘It teaches you not to sweat the small stuff’. May they come through this current not-‘small stuff’ stronger than ever.
fed up already with the republican controlled House? they repealed health care? let’s insist they give up their health benefits. this only took a moment.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/repeal_form/letter.html?registered=1&referring_file=index.html&x=55&y=23&posted=1&id=-2235159-9PR4BAx&country=United States&referred_by=&petition_id=780&Q_test_grou
No, no. The House may have voted to repeal health care, but it has to be passed by the Senate AND the President would have to sign it.
It’s not going to happen, not this time. Not next year either. By 2012, or beyond, I suspect people will feel less frightened (?) by it because they will have had actual experiences with it. They won’t all be terrific, naturally, but that is health care in GENERAL.
Insisting that elected officials give up their health care would only lead to the mandate that all federal employees give up their health care (which we DO pay for in the form of premiums, co-pays, etc. Just like everyone else). I doubt you want to throw out the baby with the bathwater, bubbles.
well dang. you are right Dagian. i just want Boehner et. al. who voted to repeal it to give up their benefits voluntarily. they want to talk the talk. i want them to walk the walk. you know. be for real. i want the teabagger congress to get nothing to take home to their constituents. no earmarks. no new roads, bridges. nothing. not one thin dime. i want these welfare states to suffer for the idiots they send to congress. i want them to get what they deserve. nothing but what they put in the kitty.
i know Dagian i am being hard on them but enough is enough. New York sends a dollar. New York gets 70 cents back. that is not fair. there is no reason a state like Arizona can’t take care of its sick and elderly. Arizona is a wealthy state. it’s got multimillionaires all over the place. tax them.
for Dagian with love:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hinisc/4970956720/sizes/l/in/set-72157622213288405/
sweet ain’t it?
Ooohhhh….
Thanks so much Bubbles!
♫ ♪ ☼
Magnificent, bubbles!
WOW!
Dagian – I believe that is the point…the reps would *never* give up *their* coverage!
I believe the petition is a not-so-subtle -ahem– reminder to the reps that there are millions in the US who do not have/cannot get coverage and that it’s highly hypocritical of them [the reps] to be sitting on their hc privileges while others, their fellow citizens, do without.
IOW: If it’s perfectly acceptable for millions to be shut out of the hc system for whatever reason, they [the reps] shouldn’t mind being amongst those uncovered –or under-covered– millions. If the reps believe Obamacare [yes, I’m taking that name as a Good thing!] is so horrible, then they [the reps] shouldn’t mind, in the least, giving up all the provisions and protections contained in it.
In my immediate family of 5, we have 4 covered by health insurance and one covered by zip. Spouse and I are well covered with govt hc ins, DS1 is so-so covered by his work, DIL is covered through marriage! to DS1 (she’s a PhD student), and college-graduate DS2 is sol…being without a job, too old to be listed on DHs coverage, and everyone too broke to pay his sky-high premiums and deductibles — not to mention his multiple pre-exisiting conditions — we all hold our breath that he has no major med expenses. It’s about all we can do to cover his monthly dr appts and meds.
Truthfully, under ‘regular’ circumstances, I’d be a bleeding-heart liberal pushing for hc coverage for all just because doing the right thing is what b-h libs do; with DS2s situation, though, comprehensive, afforable hc is not some nebulous concept, it is real and it is urgent. When something touches you up close and personal, it truly takes on a whole different light.
I signed the petition yesterday in hopes that maybe, just maybe, my reps (head-up-their-nether-ends Rs and T-Baggers, all) would stop for half a second and think about what it would mean if they -or their family members- did *not* have hc coverage. I know they will never give up *their* coverage, I just want them to think! about millions and millions they represent who have piss-poor, bank-breaking, or no coverage at all. I want them, as reps of ALL citizens (not just those citizens with ‘extra’ money and/or with employer-provided hc coverage) to do the right thing. beth.
I’m a fed too–I think everyone should have health insurance. I also think regular dental care is not a luxury, despite what many of the One-Term Wonder Congress may believe.
DS2 broke a tooth a month ago. An incisor, just about down to the nub. He went in to have it fixed today before it broke even further, causing further damage; $625.90 for today’s visit/work and an equal amount due when the permanent cap is placed. Yikes!
The dentist –as a courtesy– gave DS2 a listing of what work needs doing…reminding DS2 that all of the ‘needs to get done’ will only get worse as time goes on, so the pricing listed will probably only be good for 12ish months. Excluding today’s work and the cost of the permanent cap withing the next month or so, DS2 is looking at $4,675 worth of dental work. Double yikes!
DS2 takes extraordinary care of his teeth because he knows he can’t affort dental ins (and he’s a perpetual ‘smiler’ — there’s someting about his non-stop charm that makes him that way) …unfortunately, his teeth are all weak and crumbling as a side-effect of one of the meds he had to take for a medical condition — for which he also has no insurance. If it ain’t one thing, it’s another. beth.
The reps who voted IMO are only voting for one side of the coin they are not representing the states as a whole they seem to be only wanting to have the republican side not both sides decided on. No state is all republican or all democrat. That’s why IMO President Obama has to watch carefully that he tries to be for all not just one side.
I did this one yesterday and added a long personal note to Mr. Boehner. I hope he gets a lot of those. I want him to stop saying the repubs have a mandate. I don’t think that’s what the republican wins were really all about. People were frustrated but many voters who voted those nitwits into office didn’t bother to find out about the candidates real views – at least I hope not. I hope people aren’t really that stupid.
I added a long note to Boehner, too, P,WS. My main beef was his inclusion of a pejorative (“job-killing”) in the title of the bill. I mean, how play-ground juvenile is that? …never mind that it is incorrect (along the lines of “death panels” and other gems.) It was a very polite note, if I do say so, myself –and I do — but it was something I feel needed to be said. We elected adults to conduct the business of the People, they need to Act as adults; adding cutesy little pejoratives to a bill’s title is not an indication of maturity, respect FOR the People, or a sincerity of purpose in doing the work OF the People, imho. beth.
They do not have a mandate, if you check the latest polling!!!
People do like the President though.
Camden, NJ. There is a fine example of smaller government. they are laying off police and firefighters for budget reasons. Around the country, schools are cutting budgets and local governments are laying off workers. It won’t take long for people to realize that “the government” is not an evil monster that has risen up to destroy America. They will soon realize that “the government” is made up of the people that sweep the streets, put out fires, clean the park restrooms, and fill the potholes in the streets. It will take some inconvenience to get people to act. (I hope)
What a neat photograph!
Reposting from yesterday when JuneauMissesAnchorage says:
“I don’t know if anyone has posted this or not: http://www.samsung.com/solvefortomorrow. The school in Kokhanok is competing for a million dollar grant and a trip to New York City. They’re one of ten finalists and are competing against some really wealthy schools. They created a video about math and science in their community. The decision of who wins is based partly on public voting, and I thought the power of Mudflats might help them out a bit.”
I voted 5X yesterday and 5x this morning. Let’s go, mudpups! 🙂
Thanks for the reminder. One vote down, 4 to go.
Come on mudfriends, vote vote vote!
Okay, done with my 5 votes.
We lived near Seattle for our first year of marriage. Never got to see the Space Needle back then except from a distance (budget didn’t allow enough for gasoline even at 22 cents a gallon!). Sadly, our budget still doesn’t allow for many things like that even now. Sigh.
Therefore, this photo goes a long way in satisfying that desire. I mean, how many folks get to see it from that perspective? All too often, people coming in or leaving on planes aren’t concentrating on the sights or don’t have either a great camera or enough talent to capture it the way you did. Thanks!
Oooooh, very evocative photo, AKM.
I’m thinking Science Fiction…there’s a story in there somewhere…
*wheels turning, mind humming*
L’Shalom, all, and Happy Friday.
thatcrowwoman
On a more somber note here are the lyrics to a prophetic song written years ago by the now deceased songwriter, John Stewart, of Kingston Trio, Daydream Believer, Runaway Train, Gold fame:
Title: IRRESISTIBLE TARGETS
Songwriter: John Stewart
Copyright: © John Stewart, All Rights Reserved
Recording: Bullets in the Hour Glass (Shanachie, 8005, 1992)
The Secret Tapes II (Homecoming, 650, 1987)
Lyrics:
Shoot out the moon in a midnight sky.
Shoot out the sun in a blackbird’s eye.
Shoot out a dream and don’t say why.
So it’s up to you and I
To beat our arms against the sky
And keep it flying.
Maria had a store on the boulevard.
For the barrio boys she worked real hard.
When the bullets fly in East LA
A bullet took her out today, out today.
Chorus:
Are they shooting down the Angels, yeah?
You can bet your life they are.
They’re irresistible targets
They’re irresistible targets
They’re irresistible targets
For any shooting star
1968 it has that ring
Of RFK – Martin Luther King
Where a dream went down
On a hotel floor
Dreams are what we’re living for, living for.
(Repeat Chorus)
Shoot out the moon in a midnight sky.
Shoot out the sun in a blackbird’s eye.
Shoot out a dream and don’t say why.
So it’s up to you and I
To beat our arms against the sky
And to keep it flying.
Keep it flying.
*shiver*
Beautifully powerful. Thank you for sharing, London Bridges.
Keep it flying. Yes We Can.
Whoof. Those words. Thank you!
awww London. you have gone and made me cry.
Thanks London. I was lucky to see John at a small venue on the east coast back in 94-5? a magical evening i will never forget. If i remember right he was writing music for Bobby Kennedy’s campaign? Must go play “the pirates of stone county rd”
The Experience Music Project is right next door to the Space Needle, a music museum dedicated to Jimi Hendrix. I visited there 10-11 years ago when it first opened. Cool museum!
http://www.empsfm.org/exhibitions/index.asp?categoryID=19
Today I meet with the eldercare specialist at the hospital to see what we can do for Mother. The specialist is such a nice young lady, and Mother likes her very much. The specialist thinks she can find some funding that will allow Mother to stay home and receive services that she needs instead of moving to assisted living, which Mother would rather avoid. So, we will see.
Wish us luck!
Oh, good grief. No brain. Thank you, AKM. The picture is fun!
I say keep her home as long as possible. Good on you for helping her.
I agree – elders do much better at home than in an institution. She is eligible for Medicare’s Home Health program (state or county administered) and possibly more extensive services. My mom also gets 40 hours a month of a personal care assistant through Hospice of Anchorage. You don’t have to be terminal to benefit through some Hospice programs (usually volunteer).
If you have any questions, I’m full of advice. Some people think I know a lot and some people think I’m a know-it-all. LOL. Good Luck, Jimzmum!
That program is a state grant (senior in-home grant through Health and Social Services) so services like that are available statewide. If you are not in Anchorage, you can contact the Department and find out who is providing similar services in your area.
Good Luck, and Bless you for taking such good care of your mom.
Thank you!
Home Health services are pretty good in Anchorage – I understand there are three to choose from. I use Providence. The RN has taught me the basics of waste management (catheter and digestive), plus I’ve gotten training in Range-of-Motion, bathing, and wound specialty care (bedsore prevention).
Elder care of a quadriplegic is different than baby-care – for one, your baby grows up; two, elder skin is more fragile.
{{{{{jimzmum, Mother, and specialist}}}}}
Sending positive thoughts your way. Almost always to stay home and get care there. Glad to see the system changing to accommodate that need. Good luck indeed!
Isn’t it nice? We are both so relieved. Mother loves to cook. In the AL residences here, there is a “kitchenette” in the apartment, but it doesn’t have a stove. Just a microwave. Can’t have a toaster over, just a toaster. There is a full kitchen on each wing for residents to use when they want to cook, but it is always being used, you know? Plus, it isn’t hers. So, we will see what we can come up with today. As long as she can safely be in her home, that is where she should be! I go everyday to visit, and when I am not in town, a friend goes, or our DD2, or Himself. Sometimes I go visit and there are already people there.
Our elderly need to be given the option to be at home if that is where they want to live. They need that dignity. That hook to memories. Mother has been diagnosed with dementia, and both of us know that in time she will no longer be able to live at home. However, she does very well now.
Does your state have an In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program? It’s one of the best and most cost-effective way to keep people in their own homes, independent and productive.
See my comment above.
One of the best holistic treatments for anyone with a dementia diagnosis (and it’s good for all the rest of us, too) is a slant board (like the ones used for sit-ups in gyms) that accommodates the entire body. For at least 15 minutes out of every 24 hours, the entire body should be on the incline, with the feet a minimum of 14″ (18″ is even better) higher than the head. There’s no need for the extreme inclines that practically turn the body upside down; just 14″ will do it. It’s called AIR, for aging in reverse. Dr. Bernard Jensen (of blessed memory) wouldn’t accept new patients unless they agreed to use the slant board every day. Above the heart, blood is being pumped against the force of gravity. The slant board uses gravity to assist getting sufficient blood to the brain, and it’s very good for internal organs, too. The transverse colon is prolapsed in most of our elders, and that’s not a good thing. Ask mom if she’d use it, and if so, buy one for her. Sage tea is good, too, and quite tasty. Health and peace.
What a wonderfully reasonable suggestion, thanks!
excellent sugestion Zyxomma. really good. thank you.
Could a regular hospital bed be used? Mom’s has the motor to raise feet and/or head independently. That is, does it have to be a slant or is getting the feet well above the head for a certain amount of time the part that is effective?
Mom doesn’t have dementia, but preventative is always good in my book.
If you have not already thought of it, check into the alert/necklace/panic button services. They can literally be a life saver and give you both another level of assurance. Good for even when someone panics themsleves, to know people are just a push of the button away.
Its useful for someone who falls too. Because it is always on them, help is always available.
Plus she can answer the phone with it because the main unit is like an intercom coming thru the phone line. Easier for my mom than trying to find the phone in time.
Our Hospice of Anchorage grant pays for it, I think it is $15 or $30 a month (not sure) – in WA, the Home Health service provided it.
GCI (phone company) installed the phone line for free with the doctor’s documentation of need.
GCI also provides a basic cell phone for $1 per month which I think includes a “small world” free long distance plan. We just showed mom’s social security stub – that way she can call her friends in the Lower48 so she’s not lonely.
I have to stonily agree. I know I am trying to make sure I can stay at my home as long as I can.I have some family that live with me and help at least to some extent( they have their own lives and family).My dad made sure he stayed at home till he passed but that was accomplished with Hospice care and my nephew who was living there but not working.So we just had to make sure he stayed home more instead of running around(not job hunting by the way) That worked out well.The evening before he passed I just had a funny feeling so I stayed at his homed and watched,had to call the hospice lady to come check him once,The next morning he did pass on.I was glad I was there to talk to him when he said he couldn’t breath and help as much as I could.That was five years ago and seems like yesterday.
sorry strongly agree
I’m so glad you could be with your father at the end. You were a great comfort to him, I’m sure.
wishing you and mama all the very best. it would be well if she can stay at home surrounded by her own bits and pieces. i did the same for my own mama and she blessed me for it.
Good Luck.
Push for all services your mother is entitled to. Keep her home as long as she is safe and comfortable.
Agreed. A good advocate is very worthwhile. So the Nurses tell me, even if I am pushy.
Good luck, and I hope the appointment goes well.
At some point, you might have to get mom moved into assisted living. I did that on 12-31, hurt like hell to do that, but I could not physically care for her. I’ve heard that God gives us mulitple miracles daily and if we recognize a fraction of them, it’s a blessing. The assisted living home I found for mom was a series of miracles. The first time I stepped in the building, I was struck by how clean it smelled. No, it’s not perfect as nothing is but it is so far superior to the care I as one person could give mom, it’s such a relief for both of us. She still wants to come home and I still want her to come home, but physically, can’t be now. Good luck, hope you have the miracles as I did.
ditto “miracles” ((((((jimzmum))))))
Bless you for making the best possible choice for both of you, Carol. I know it’s hard not to feel guilty – my thoughts are with you.
My family was able to arrange for my father to spend the last months of his life with home care. It lifts my spirits to know this option is accessible to so many others. When it is feasible, it brings peace to the family caregivers, the person being cared for, and the family members far away. I am grateful too, to each of the many people who work in this field of service. Their work is some of the most important, and socially undervalued, that there is.
That’s amazing! My kid goes to college in Seattle and has taken a LOT of plane photos during her trips to/from home. However, they’re of the mountains, and never the needle- because she’s never flown north from Seattle!
I will pass this on to her; she’ll love it. She can add it to her facebook collection of the pics of views from her room, which looks on the lake on one side and has a view of Mt. Ranier on the other. Yeah, I’m jealous.
Thanks for that pic.
Hagget Hall?