My Twitter Feed

December 19, 2024

Headlines:

No Time for Tuckerman -

Thursday, August 3, 2023

The Quitter Returns! -

Monday, March 21, 2022

Putting the goober in gubernatorial -

Friday, January 28, 2022

Open Thread – Aerial America Photo Contest!

If there’s one thing that all Alaskans are presented with on a daily basis, it’s this – the photo op. Whether it’s sweeping mountain vistas on the way to work, spectacular wildflowers, berries on the bush, a moose in the yard, or a fish on the hook, the beauty of The Great Land is impossible to ignore unless you have no poetry in your soul whatsoever.

I bring this up because the Smithsonian Channel and “Aerial America” are hosting a photo contest in which everyday people are invited to submit their favorite photos of Alaska. And the good news is that even if you are not in Alaska, you are still welcome to submit pictures from your own home state!

To celebrate and honor the beautiful splendor of America, the Smithsonian Channel and “Aerial America,” one of the most expansive TV projects about our nation, is hosting a national photo competition on Flickr. We want to encourage everyone to submit their best photos of anywhere in America, including their own hometowns!

The Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000 for their winning photo.

• All non-professional photographers can submit entries! They just have to be at least 18 years old at the time of entry and a legal resident of the 50 US states and Washington DC.

• Contestants can submit photos taken this summer on their family vacation or memorable photos they took in the past, into any of the 5 categories. All submissions MUST be photographs taken in the United States. There are no restrictions to the date the photo was taken.

• Categories: Landscapes, The People, Architecture, Food and Nature & Animals

• There is no submission fee required to enter the contest.

For more information about the “Aerial America” Flickr photo contest, please click HERE.

For more information about Smithsonian Channel’s “Aerial America,” please visit: HERE.

So, start digging up those great pictures! The contest ends on September 30, 2011.

Comments

comments

Comments
53 Responses to “Open Thread – Aerial America Photo Contest!”
  1. leenie17 says:

    Woo hoo, Kathy Hochul!

    My new Rep was chosen, in a surprising move, to give the Democratic closing argument in the House, right after the Sad Tangerine spoke and before the vote was taken on the debt ceiling bill.

    Apparently, it’s usually some top mucky-muck in the party who’s chosen to give this speech, so it was a bit unusual for someone so brand spankin’ new to be selected instead of Pelosi.

    For any of you who don’t remember, Kathy was elected to replace Mr Nekkid Chest Chris Lee after he got run out of Congress for his recent scandal. My district is rather oddly shaped and includes areas between here and Buffalo that are strongly red. I voted for Kathy, never expecting that she had a chance to win…but she did!

  2. Lacy Lady says:

    Lennie @ 24
    We have those pesky chipmonks at our house too. But I have never heard them bark.
    I had a funny think happen at our house the other night. While on the computer, I heard a noise at the window near my computer. I couldn’t not decide just what it was. Then I discovered it was a tree frog on the screen. They too make a funny sound. Poor thing was probably looking for a nice cool glass of water. It has been sooooo very hot and humid here.

  3. leenie17 says:

    I am losing my mind!

    (Yes, I know I’ve been pretty close to it for some time now, but today it might finally happen and send me running down the street, tearing my hair out in clumps and muttering unintelligible sounds.)

    One of the chipmunks that lives in the area has been sitting on my porch, or in the space between the porch and the foundation (where he has apparently set up his winter pantry), BARKING on and off (mostly on) for the past…let’s see…6 HOURS!!!! He’s never done that before on a continuous basis so I have no idea what prompted this new vocalization, but it’s really, really, really, REALLY annoying!

    If you’ve never heard a chipmunk bark, it sounds something like a wooden mallet hitting an empty wooden box (or a tempo block for those of you who are familiar with percussion instruments). Imagine listening to that for 6 hours!

    I’ve had chipmunks in the yard for several years and have never experienced this type of behavior before. At first I assumed it was some kind of alarm call, but he seemed perfectly content about an hour ago when I spotted him sitting on the edge of the porch, alternately munching on lunch and barking between bites. I can only assume that he was peeking through the window when I was watching a PBS special a few weeks ago on prairie dogs, and he decided that their sophisticated system of communication sounded like fun.

    It’s not.

    It’s even worse when he sits in the space between the porch and house because the sound echoes from there and is even more annoying!

    I’ve tried chasing him a dozen times or more and he just keeps coming back. I don’t want to kill him, I just want him to S H U T U P ! ! ! ! !

    • bubbles says:

      Leenie that has to be the funniest thing i have read for months.
      i had no idea that chipmunks bark. i believe he is singing. do you often play music or listen to radio?
      yes. for sure he is singing or perhaps maybe it could be that he is in love with the prettiest lady in New York State and is courting you.

      • leenie17 says:

        Well, THAT figures…I FINALLY find a man and he’s three inches tall, has a tail, eats bird seed and lives under my porch!

        I’ve dated a few…ahem…also-rans in the Hot Prospect Contest, but this one’s gotta be the winner (or loser?)!

        As for your question…yes I do listen to music a lot but I was trying unsuccessfully to sleep this morning when he started the yapping so I don’t know what got his furry little knickers in a knot to begin with.

        I also just discovered that he stole and partially ate the first few grape tomatoes that were turning red on my plants and then had the nerve to leave the remnants on the front walkway, right near the porch where I couldn’t miss them. That is most definitely NOT the way to win this gardener’s heart! 😉

  4. Lacy Lady says:

    Sorry—the link to the Vietnam Wall should be—–

    http://www.virtualwall.org:80/iStates.htm

  5. Lacy Lady says:

    Vietnam Wall-this is amazing!!!!
    Just click on the link & find the city and State and look up the name and it will give you all the details.

    http: //www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm.

  6. Zyxomma says:

    Hey, all,

    Our dear Linda asked me to re-post this, because it got lost in moderation world. It’s crucial that Mat Su residents (as you know, I’m not; I live in NYC) get involved. Thanks.

    Mat Su residents, this is an email I got today from Mat Valley Coalition (which I think might be re-titled Mat Valley No-Coal-ition, but that�s just my viewpoint):
    Mat Valley Coalition [ http://matvalley.org ]
    A growing coalition of concerned community members committed to protecting our quality of life and property, and the economic future of the Matanuska & Susitna Valleys.
    _________________________________________
    â��Protect our Property, Say NO to Mat Su Coalâ�� we have cool yellow Yard Signs & Bumper Stickers: call 746-0128 or email [email protected] and we will install the yard sign for you.
    _________________________________________
    *State Fair Volunteers* needed 8/27-29, 9/1-2, and 9/4-5. Call Heather at 746-0128 to sign up (free entrance). _________________________________________
    *Community Advocacy Training* Monday & Tuesday August 8 & 9, 4-9pm, Palmer
    Do you to make a change in your community, but need some new tools or training? In this exciting two-day training, you will learn tools and tips of the trade that you can use to make powerful, lasting impact in Alaska. Join professional outreach staff with experience on a local and national scale how to: set concrete and achievable goals, participate in the political process, listen to and talk with diverse audiences, effectively work with media, and more!
    You will also have the opportunity to take action on important Mat Valley Coalition and community issues that need our help. The Citizen Advocacy Academy is FREE. Pizza is included, please bring a dish to share. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Heather at [email protected] or call 746-0128.
    _________________________________________
    The state Health & Social Services Department has decided to conduct a *Health Impact Assessment (HIA)* for the proposed Wishbone Hill Coal Mine. The Department of Natural Resources is paying for it. We are concerned. Listen to the recent radio interview, at minute 49 to hear some of the community concerns. http://www.alaskapublic.org/2011/07/22/state-of-alaska-health-impact-assessment-program/
    What will this mean for us? In June, the ADN published �Political Test May Apply to Health Research� an article about a recent policy change requiring health studies to follow and reflect political policy. We have heard our governor say that he wants to develop all our resources now. How do you think this will impact a Health Impact Assessment (HIA)? Local meetings are happening this week with the HIA guy. Bring your concerns to these meetings at your local community council.
    Alaska Community Action on Toxics has many informative Fact Sheets on Health issues from Coal mining & burning. http://akaction.org/Just_the_Facts/Publications.html#topics
    _________________________________________
    *Email your elected officials* and tell them you�re concerned about the impacts from coal trucks, constant blasting, and coal dust and want to know what they�re going to do about it.
    Mat-Su Borough: http://www.matsugov.us
    Mayor: Larry DeVilbiss [email protected] 745-9682
    Assembly Members:
    District 1 Warren Keogh [email protected] 440-1356 or 745-1161
    District 2 Noel Woods [email protected] 745-3027
    District 3 Ronald G. Arvin [email protected] 373-6685
    District 4 Mark Ewing [email protected] 864-0855
    District 5 Cindy Bettine [email protected] 892-8877
    District 6 Jim Colver [email protected] 746-5300
    District 7 Vern Halter [email protected] 355-1328
    Borough Manager Jon Moosey [email protected] 745-9689
    _________________________________________
    *Write Letters to the Editor*, tell everyone your concerns. Out of ideas? Call or email us and we can send some your way.
    *Local Papers*
    *Frontiersman Letter to the Editor: [email protected]
    * Anchorage Daily News Letter to the Editor: http://www.adn.com/help/letters/
    * Anchorage Press: [email protected]

    Alaskans, there is little on this Earth that’s filthier than mining coal. I hate mountaintop removal more than just about anything, but at least the coal in Appalachia is top quality. This is because the Appalachian mountains are the oldest on the planet. Geologically speaking, Alaska is much younger. From what I’ve read, Alaska coal is real garbage: sub-lignite. Why anyone would want to burn such crap is beyond my comprehension. Please do everything you can to keep the mines out of Mat Su, or Lake Lucille will not be the only Dead Zone. Wherever there’s a coal mine, there are sick people, ruined waterways, and contaminated air. This is not the future you want for your children.

  7. OMG says:

    Sarah Palin almost makes a point but she kind of got it backward and oops she even did a flip-flop on her own position on TARP:

    http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/07/sarah_palin_nearly_makes_a_sol.html

  8. Moose Pucky says:

    Read the fine print on all photo contests. Generally, photo contests are used to gain free rights to excellent photography that really should be paid for. It’s okay if you want to give away your rights, but know what you are doing before hopping on the bandwagon.

  9. Lacy Lady says:

    JoJOBo @ 15
    I have received this same e-mail.
    However, I find that writing to the Iowa Senators —Grassley (Rep) and Harkin (Dem) is more productive. I tell them what I think on bills in the Senate—-and why I think they should vote for or against them. I always get a reply from Tom Harkin (Dem). Grassley—-same old same old. Even when I told him the way they vote against women’s rights are the way the women are treated by the Taliban. I received a very nice letter from Tom Harkin on the debt crisis. Don’t think Grassley will be of any help in this department.

  10. merrycricket says:

    AKM, please tell us you are sorting through you amazing collection and choosing a few submissions of your own.

  11. beth says:

    Speaking of emails, we got an interesting one from one of our credit unions (Pentagon Federal) this afternoon; quite incredible, really, when you think about it.

    I certainly hope all the One-Note Johnnys who’re getting their collective [sounds like:] ‘socks’ off by throwing temper tantrums over raising the debt ceiling, are enjoying themselves. Do they seriously *not* know what the consequences of their games to ‘do anything and everything to discredit Obama, the individual’ will be to the *entire* NATION?

    I also certainly hope that IF *any* One-Note Johnny, their family, and/or friends, happen to have ANY money due them from the gov’t, that *their* financial institutions are being as pro-active to this asinine predicament *THEY* have put us in, as our PenFed is.

    My Land!, what myopic, self-center prigs they are — cutting of their noses to spite their faces…and royally screwing the citizens in the process.

    Gads, but I’m p-oed at the whole ruddy lot of Baggers and Republicans – every last sorry one of them. beth.

    ““““““““““““““““““
    Important Member Notices from PenFed

    Due to the uncertainty surrounding the national debt ceiling, PenFed would like to assure our membership that in the event the issue is not resolved in August and causes a disruption in federal government payments, PenFed members who regularly have their pay direct deposited to PenFed that are military or civilian employees and retirees of the federal government, as well as Social Security recipients, will have their August deposits advanced as scheduled in anticipation of receiving the actual deposit once the debt ceiling issue is resolved.

    Should it be necessary, PenFed will be advancing these August deposits to provide assistance to our valued members. Members who have deposits advanced will need to repay the amount of funds advanced within 90 days from the date funds are advanced.

    Click here to read PenFed’s plan for if the government falls into default this coming August.
    ““““““““““““““““““

    • yukonbushgrma says:

      Reminds me of something I read today — can’t remember where now, or I’d give a link.

      With all the angst over the debt ceiling deadline, a conservative economist suggested that everyone make sure to have $1000 cold hard cash in their wallet, and try to move their funds out of money markets.

      I can understand having the cash on hand (always a good idea), but why money markets? — any bankers out there?

  12. Ivan says:

    while it has some good points in it , it is missing to much to insure that stamps out corruption.
    it does not address congress persons being bought and owned before , during or after holding office.
    it does not change to system of needing millions of dollars to become a congress person.
    it does not address lobbying.

  13. jojobo1 says:

    I have totally cleaned this e-mail from all other names, sending
    it to you in hopes you will keep it going and keep it clean. This is
    something to fight for and I hope you read it all the way
    through. You will be glad you did.

    The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds)
    took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people
    demanded it. That was in 1971…before computers, before e-mail, before
    cell phones, etc.!

    Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year
    or less to become the law of the land…all because of public pressure.
    I’m asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty
    people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

    In three days, most people in The United States of America will
    have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

    Congressional Reform Act of 2011

    1.
    No Tenure / No Pension – A Congressman collects a salary
    while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
    2.
    Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social
    Security – All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the
    Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the
    Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American
    people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
    3.
    Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as
    all Americans do.
    4.
    Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.
    Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
    5.
    Congress loses their current health care system and
    participates in the same health care system as the American people.
    6.
    Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on
    the American people.
    7.
    All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void
    effective 1/1/12.

    The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
    Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in
    Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned
    citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home
    and back to work.

    If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will
    only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the
    message. Maybe it is time.

    THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

    If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete.

    • beth says:

      Might want to check out: “28th Amendment” at Snopes.com, jojobo1.

      A lot of times, these ‘facts’ that fly across the ether from inbox to inbox, are a total mishmash of a kernel of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s truths pretty much overwhelmed by a boatload of Sarah Palin-esque truthinesses. 😉 beth.

      HERE: http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/28thamendment.asp

    • Zyxomma says:

      This email, in one version or another, has been around almost as long as the internet.

  14. teutonic13 says:

    Laura Ingram is Displeased with Palin ?

    OMFG

    Though Palin didn’t explicitly say that pro-Boehner Republicans
    should face challenges from the right, Ingraham argued in her broadcast
    that Palin’s note was unhelpful to the GOP — and to the tea party.

    “Well, just, watch out, ‘Everyone I talk to still believes in
    contested primaries.’ God bless her, Sarah Palin’s saying that in a
    message she put out,” Ingraham said.

    She proceeded to run through a list of conservatives who have
    endorsed Boehner’s plan, quipping sarcastically: “I guess we’re
    threatening, implicitly, explicitly, Paul Ryan, Col. Allen West, Mike
    Pence is gonna be out of the House of Representatives. He’ll be the
    governor of Indiana. Maybe we can run someone else as governor of
    Indiana, to run for the governorship, ’cause Pence is obviously a
    sellout. Can I have the whole list of sellouts? I need the list so I can
    make sure I understand who’s going to get the primary challenge.”

    “It’s a very odd way to go about things if we have a common goal,”
    Ingraham continued, urging tea party-aligned Republicans to seek a “real
    and meaningful” role — “not just, ok, I’m the spoiler here. I stood on
    principle, everybody else is impure.”

    “You can stand on that soapbox and it might make you feel good in the
    moment. It make might you feel good to put out these Facebook
    postings,” she said. “But in the end, does it actually advance your
    cause? And does it advance the cause of fiscal restraint, which I think
    we all have?”

  15. Lacy Lady says:

    Sorry for the big mess-up with my post. Blame this dmmmmm computer!

    • fishingmamma says:

      That was utterly awesome! But I had the distinct feeling that just watching it would make my artificial hip pop out of joint!

    • thatcrowwoman says:

      oh my goodness!
      Such strength and grace and power and gentleness and beauty…
      I still have chills.

      One of my current projects is improving my posture and strengthening my core (with huge assist from my sister the physical therapist). Now I have a head full of new images to visualize on my journey, to remind me to stand tall and to be flexible.

      Thank you for sharing, Lacy Lady.

  16. Lacy Lady says:

    Just received this video—truly a thing of beauty!

    this one is really good. —– Original Message —–

    Subject: FW: Exquisite

    this one is really good. —– Original Message —–

    Subject: FW: Exquisite

    Just received this from a friend. Truly a thing of beauty.

    ——————————————————————————–

    This performance is truly exquisite! Wow!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GsTqmEeBKhw&vq=medium#t=41

    ——————————————————————————–

    This performance is truly exquisite! Wow!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GsTqmEeBKhw&vq=medium#t=41

    • bubbles says:

      i can do that. watch. lifting left leg to my ear…uh oooooohhhhhhhh. ouch. ARGGGGgggh!!!!
      somebody call a ambulance.

  17. Alaska Pi says:

    some great Alaska pics here

    http://alaskaimagery.zenfolio.com/f445623595

    by one of our young and upcoming photographers

  18. OMG says:

    It looks like the best thing to ever happen to Lisa Murkowski was to tangle with Tea Party Joe. That little scuffle taught her that she is not beholding to the right-wing loons that Palin unleashed on her in her primary battle. Critical of the extremists in the House who have put the country “on the brink”, she has said that she supports the bi-partisan proposal put forth by the Gang of Six to deal with the debt ceiling while reducing the deficit. That proposal has also earned Obama’s support.

    http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2011-07-29/-absolutist-tea-party-backers-put-u-s-on-brink-alaska-s-murkowski-says.html

    • Ivan says:

      you can put lipstick on that pig but it is still a pig, bought and paid for by big business who wants no EPA regulation in order to rape the environment.

  19. OMG says:

    Me-ow! Conservative Laura Ingraham didn’t like Sarah’s threat against GOPers and told her audience a thing or two:

    http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/60238.html

    Pass the popcorn while we wait for Palin’s response.

    • yukonbushgrma says:

      Oh, my …….. I read it, and some of the comments. It’s truly astonishing how many people are just gushing over $P and can’t wait for her to throw her hat in. Comments like she’s the only true conservative, fiscally responsible, honest …….. Ick!

      (Although there were quite a few who shared Ingraham’s view.)

  20. leenie17 says:

    And for any of you who may have missed this little tidbit:

    “Tea Party freshman Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL), who has spent months lecturing President Obama and Democrats on fiscal responsibility, owes $117,437 in child support to his ex-wife and three children.”

    He’s been on the news a lot lately (apparently he loves to see himself on camera), berating the President and Democrats for their “reckless spending” and screaming about the debt we’re leaving to our children and grandchildren. He didn’t seem to care so much about the financial security of his children when they were growing up!

    But don’t worry – it’s not just the children of his first marriage that he cares nothing for.

    “Walsh also rejected the congressional health insurance plan for his family on principle, much to the chagrin of his current wife, Helene, who had a preexisting condition and needed surgery while the couple was uninsured.

    And here’s the kicker: He claims that he didn’t pay over $100 THOUSAND in child support because he “didn’t have any money”. However, during that same time period he was somehow able to take his then-girlfriend on vacations to Mexico and Italy AND he loaned his campaign $35,000.

    What a piece of…work.

    http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/07/28/281570/rep-joe-walsh-defends-not-paying-117000-in-child-support-this-is-where-real-america-is/

    • leenie17 says:

      Lawrence O’Donnell called Walsh out tonight in a blistering rebuke for being a deadbeat dad. He banned him from the show until he pays what he owes and said he was “disgusted” by what he had done (or failed to do). It was over 8 minutes of wicked slam.

      Thank you LOD!

  21. Ann Strongheart says:

    ok Question….already posed this in the forum but decided to ask here because I am quite curious about this.

    Background first… So my 20 year high school reunion is this weekend and I noticed that every event they had planned, even the family ones, involved alcohol. I have never had an issue with alcohol rarely touch the stuff, but I know that there are probably people that have/do.

    So I am curious..

    Is this the “norm” for class reunions? Do they always involve alcohol?

    I brought the “alcohol” observation up on the reunion webpage and let’s just say it wasn’t completely well received LOL The ever present former popular girl clique wasn’t pleased LOL But others have thanked me for addressing it, of course not publicly LOL

    Thoughts?

    • Ann Strongheart says:

      ooh yeah and the reason that I brought it up on the reunion webpage was because some of my former classmates were commenting that they didn’t understand why people weren’t attending/coming. Not even 1/3 of our class is going to attend. I know that the economy and expense of the reunion with traveling costs was prohibitive for some but thought that it probably had more to do with the events.

      The main event is going to be at a winery and I told them I thought that it was cheesy and insensitive! And explained why.

      • beth says:

        The main event is at a winery? Whoa! That is rather, ‘in your face’, isn’t it?

        All of the HS reunions DH and I have attended have had alcohol, but it’s always been there for the individual to purchase…if they wanted it.

        Soft drinks have always been included in the price of admission to the kick-off event — along with the cost of the printed program for the weekend’s activities, nametags, and rental cost (if any) of the hall/space for the gang to gather for THE Dance (always held on the first night amid squeals of “You haven’t changed a bit!” and “I’d never in a million years have recognized you!”) Second night is always The DINNER — where much sedate silliness abounds at a really nice restaurant. All beverages are purchased by the individual at The DINNER — both soft and hard…except for iced tea and water.

        We always have a list of activities we might want to join others in [like wine tasting or river running] during the day, but the two nights are reunion time. Oh, and Sunday morning, too…for Brunch. I’ve noticed that the older we’ve gotten, the less sloshed we tend to be at said reunions. beth.

        • Ann Strongheart says:

          yeah all the comments on the reunion page and even the schedule for the weekend keep talking about alcohol. It seems to be the focus of the weekend. I thought it was rather insensitive to not only NOT offer/have an alcohol free even but also they don’t have any free events. It’s all or nothing. You pay to go to all three days or you don’t go at all.

          Quite sad in my opinion.

          • merrycricket says:

            That sounds like an exclusive party for alcoholics. My 35th reunion is tomorrow night. I haven’t been to any of them before this one. It is at a sports bar/cafe and admission includes 2 drinks and finger food. I haven’t had a drink for 21 years so it’s really not an issue being around alcohol, I just wish I didn’t have to pay for something I won’t be consuming.

            I certainly see your point. I don’t care much for being in a group where it appears the primary purpose is to consume alcohol. It could very well be that a large number of the people who aren’t attending are doing so for that reason alone.

            Isn’t there a high incidence of alcoholism in AK?

      • slipstream says:

        Wine and cheesy?

    • CO almost native says:

      Maybe you’ll see this– my high school reunions have had the opportunity to imbibe, at dinners and/or happy hours, but not all events were in those locations. One of the most popular, well-attended ( so it’s offered at each gathering) is a tour of the school and picnic on the grounds. One rainy year we were in the cafeteria- it was a hoot!

      They’ve also planned golf tournaments, or fun runs… and people go, even in the summer in Omaha.

      • Ann Strongheart says:

        Oh I won’t see any of it. Simply too expensive to pack up two lil girls and fly to WA state. Even if I could attend I wouldn’t with what they have planned for this weekend. But I guess to each their own.

    • leenie17 says:

      I went to both my 10th and 25th reunions and the main events were the dinners themselves (no daytime activities except for those planned by groups of friends). There was alcohol available for purchase but the focus was the dinner and seeing people you hadn’t seen in years.

      What I remember very clearly was that several of my classmates looked extremely old and worn compared to the rest of the group, especially at the 25th reunion. Those few were recovering (or not so recovering) from alcohol or drug addiction. I graduated from high school in 1978 so it was at the tail end of the ‘bell bottoms and marijuana’ era. The drinking age was also 18 at the time so many of my peers got started with both while still in high school. Sadly, the addictions of a few of them came as no surprise to me.

      (On a lighter note, I also remember discussing with several friends how the girls had changed the most at the 10th year but the guys had definitely aged far more quickly by the 25th!)

      • benlomond2 says:

        I attended my 20th reunion – out of a class of 135 grads, 115 showed ( 5 had died) The Friday nite dance at the old Lions Club, day at the high school- picinic, family event items, most of us stayed in the Gym with the AC – Fla in August is MISERABLE, especially after years in Cal no humidity weather – with a Prom type dinner /dance that nite. We also had members of class of 70 and 72 attend, as we were pretty close to people on both sides of us. The girls looked more worn than the guys, with myself the exception – inherited “bags under the eyes” with years of hospital stress for daughter..( she’s still with us , so all good ! ) The surprising thing to me was how fwe HS sweethearts were still together – only 3… chuckle, and the fact that I knew the correct tally of girls that graduated in the family way ( including the head cheerleader !)

  22. leenie17 says:

    One of the best comments (from Think Progress) I’ve seen regarding the Tea Party members of Congress who will not accept ANY bill that raises the debt ceiling:

    “Rather like the terrorist who is willing to blow himself up along with his ‘enemies?’ To make a point.”

    They don’t care if they unnecessarily throw the entire country (and perhaps the world) into financial chaos as a result of this manufactured crisis, as long as they get to ‘make their point’ and refuse to compromise in any way.

    Seem to me that their actions are coming awfully close to the definition of treason: “the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance”. (courtesy of merriam-webster.com)

  23. Zyxomma says:

    AKM, submit some of your photos!! I have some beautiful photos of vacations past (Newport, RI, many places in MT, WY, SD, and NE from a 2,200 mi. trip after a wedding on Flathead Lake), but they don’t hold a candle to your “everyday” photos. These days, wandering around NYC, I mostly shoot flowers w/my iPhone.

    Speaking of NYC, I found out that if the population density on my island of Manhattan were applied to the entire human population on earth, we all could fit (although not LIVE) in Texas! (Apologies to any and all TX mudpuppies; I just don’t like the place. Yes, I tried it. I lasted 15 months.)

    Health and peace.

  24. Thomas says:

    Does it have to be a landscape? What if our best Alaskan photo is of, say, the tipsy Managing Editor of a popular blog holding court at happy hour? 🙂

  25. Ann Strongheart says:

    I hope you, AKM, are submitting some! You have taken some outstanding pictures!!

  26. marlys says:

    cool news we can use, at the start of a sunny weekend:) thank you!
    *~~~ (sunny skies, gentle waves)

  27. OMG says:

    Enjoy this Hardball clip of Bruce Bartlett, a former policy adviser to Presidents Reagan and H.W. Bush, lambaste House Republicans by saying:

    “I think at this point, there’s nothing that can pass the House of Representatives. … I think a good chunk of the Republican caucus is either stupid, crazy, ignorant or craven cowards, who are desperately afraid of the tea party people, and rightly so.”

    http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/07/29/282859/voinovivh-tea-party-playing-russian-roulette/