The Johnston family: reaping the benefits of a lucky sperm?

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Jan 04, 2009 at 16:49:17 PM AKST

(Photo of Sherry Johnston from AP's Al Grillo)

While I basked in the knowledge that my husband and I have signed papers saying we are soon-to-be-homeowners, many of my fellow bloggers were busy, busy, busy this weekend reporting on the Palin family's latest questionable act:  how did Levi Johnston get an electrician apprenticeship with the Arctic Slope Regional Native Corporation when he has neither a) a high school diploma/GED nor b) Native blood?

I first saw this on AndrewHalcro.com, then later in a post by Dan Fagan on The Alaska Standard.  Halcro and Fagan both discussed the requirements which appear for both union and non-union apprentices on the state website.  Both include requirements for a high school diploma or GED while the union also has an algebra requirement for electrical apprenticeships.

Dan Fagan was able to determine that Levi's apprenticeship was being conducted through Arctic Slope Regional (Native) Corporation and that program head, Bo Underwood, was unable to determine whether a high school diploma/GED was a requirement.

Really...so the Native Corporation would make their requirements different from every other program in the state?  Wouldn't that make their apprentices less qualified?

And besides that, how many Alaska Native kids are on that waiting list for an apprenticeship, only to be usurped by a white kid who happened to knock-up the Governor's daughter?

Wow...that's one lucky sperm!

But it doesn't stop there...this "luck" seems to have rubbed off on other members of the Johnston family.

After the drug bust of Levi's mother, Sherry Johnston, one wouldn't necessarily think of her as "lucky."  She was arrested on December 18th and charged with "second-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance" (usually manufacturing or delivering drugs) as well as "fourth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances" (possession).

It was then she encountered her first bit of "luck"...she was released that same day on $5,000.00 bail.  I know of folks who got more bail for shooting a moose out of season.

It wasn't until later that we found out the drug she was selling was OxyContin and that she was having a heck of a time dodging the media (and possibly the Secret Service) in order to make her "coffee" sales!

Troopers say that in the text messages, Johnston used the code words ''coffee'' and ''cup'' for OxyContin.

"... there's only so many times I can go for coffee a month. The rest of the time I need to have it at home!" read one message. Troopers said this meant Johnston was willing to sell only so many pills each month and the rest she would keep for her own use.

How sweet!

Immediately upon her arrest, there were rumblings about the low bail and questions as to how long the investigation had gone on.

Authorities say the case against Sherry Johnston began in the second week of September, when drug investigators intercepted a package containing 179 OxyContin pills. That led to the arrest of the suspects, who agreed to be informants.

The second week of September all the way to December 18th?

According to today's Anchorage Daily News, Alaska State Trooper Drug Officer Kyle Young wrote an email to all  members of the Public Safety Employees Association in regards to the Sherry Johnston case:

Young wrote that after it became clear who Johnston is, "this case became anything but normal."

"It was not allowed to progress in a normal fashion, the search warrant service WAS delayed because of the pending election and the Mat Su Drug Unit and the case officer were not the ones calling the shots," Young wrote.

DPS Commissioner Masters and Trooper Chief Audie Holloway absolutely deny there was any favoritism:

"We did everything we possibly could to ensure that the investigation progressed in a normal fashion as other investigations similar to this would proceed," Masters said.

The timing of the investigation was based on "when we could get Johnston to sell to us. We were entirely at her schedule," Holloway said.

(more below the fold)

VERY Funny Recap of 2008!

by: mkgafney

Sun Jan 04, 2009 at 13:42:04 PM AKST

Mary Kay from Florida
888-589-7769 (toll free)

Great news! (x 2)

by: monocot

Fri Jan 02, 2009 at 17:22:46 PM AKST

Pregnancy test yesterday was positive.  In honor of the happy news, here is a list of do's and don'ts for all upcoming mothers:

http://www.zimbio.com/Funny+Vi...

Note from Celtic:  Along with Monocot's good news yesterday, My husband and I found out that we are now homeowners!!!!!!  We'll be closing next week!

Hopefully, my landlord doesn't read my blog because we haven't told them yet.  We'll be telling them today.

YAY US!!!!!!!

The Blogger Bashing Bandwagon...it's not just for Politicians anymore!!!!

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Jan 02, 2009 at 23:48:12 PM AKST

Amanda saw it, but blamed it on the dark, cold Alaska weather:

Everything feels portentous and doomed under the dark Alaska night. I wake up feeling both drugged and itching for a fight.

Look at how Alaskans are fighting each other right now. On blogs. On the radio. A cursory search on the Internet finds the progressives and state Rep. Mike Doogan going at it for some indefinable reason. The editor of the Anchorage Daily News, Pat Dougherty, is having at it out on his blog with progressive blogger Philip Munger over a little photo in the Anchorage Daily News that Munger either did or didn't post with the paper's permission.

While I agree that the weather and the darkness play a roll in people's moods, I'd say that the Anchorage Press demonstrates the reason why "blog bashing" is the newest journalistic sport.  

Krestia from the Anchorage Press:

This is the point in the conversation where someone usually pipes up about blogs and the democratization of media and the Long Tail, and so forth.  True, the web has spawned some decent journalism-check out the Alaska Dispatch, a group blog run by former Pressers.  But for every solid blog like the Dispatch there are a dozen other bloggers who'd rather pick a fight than pick up a phone and do some actual reporting.

So what we have here is a virtual version of the cycle of abuse:  angry person has a bad day (job insecurity), comes home and kicks the dog...or in this case, the blogs.

I know that it's terrible out there...from bankruptcies to layoffs to flat out closings, paid journalists are facing some deep trouble.  No one (other than those it effects in the pocketbook) is more upset than bloggers.  We depend on print journalism as much as anyone for  information...probably more.  I was incredibly sad to find out that my old home town, Chicago, may lose the stalwart Tribune as it filed for bankruptcy.  I already know about the vultures circling over McClatchy; I've known a number of  those hardworking folks at the ADN and I hate to see Anchorage's only daily newspaper hanging on by a thread.

But while some of you are mourning your losses and the teardrops are falling into your beer, could you please leave us out of it?

Seriously, if ripping bloggers is a newsroom relaxation exercise...something to do during your coffee break...go for it!  If it makes you feel better I'm all for it!  However, since you are actually writing about it publicly, let's shatter a couple of illusions:

I did not start my blog to compete with the news media and I believe that most other bloggers would say the same thing.  While I have a journalism degree, I discovered that I didn't much like folks telling me what to write about.  In 2005, I was spending a lot of time writing comments on blogs and websites when a friend suggested, "Why don't you start your own blog?"

Hey, what an idea!  

When I began Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis, I knew it would have a Liberal/Progressive slant because I have a Liberal/Progressive slant.  I didn't know for sure what I was going to write about.  At the time, I was fully engulfed in planning my wedding and I love taking photos.  So, this could just have easily turned into a fluff blog.  

However, politics won out; it has always been my passion and the blog seemed to mostly stay in that territory.

(more below the fold)

TPM Golden Dukes for 2008, Sarah Palin Wins!!!!!

by: sweetlucy47

Fri Jan 02, 2009 at 15:57:04 PM AKST

Scary when you think about it that we have once again become infamous for corrupt or even just laughable politics. But, when I see and read some of the articles in the Kansas City paper and on the TeeVee machine about our own Funk in KC, I can't help but be reminded of another Politician and the "Shadow" she has in her office.

Yet, I don't think any of the members of the council or the population in KC who are complaining see any comparison. Maybe because they don't want to. Maybe because they have never bothered to look beyond the surface of the Governor of Alaska and her Shadow.

But, enough of that. Here are the TPM Golden Duke Awards for 2008. I hope you enjoy them. I did. We earned our time in the spotlight.

More after the fold

New Year's Resolutions, Hopes and Wishes

by: Celtic Diva

Thu Jan 01, 2009 at 21:43:35 PM AKST

I'm not very good at New Year's Resolutions...quite frankly I suck at them.  This is the reason I haven't actually made any for more years than I can count.  (I think it was when I discovered a direct correlation between vowing to lose weight and finding I'd actually gained throughout the year.)

This year, I'm going to try something a little different.  I'm going to list a number of things I resolve to do regarding the blog and the community.  However, I will look at them in the same way I look at my sobriety...one day at a time.  Otherwise, my little brain hits overload.

I would also like to hear from all of you as to your resolutions, hopes and wishes for 2009.  If you'd like to suggest improvements to the blog or directions you'd like to see some of the stories go, include that as well.  Remember, however, that everyone who is registered can post diaries as well as comments, so I may suggest that "you be the change you are looking for!"

This leads me to my first resolution:

RESOLUTION:

I will work harder to make this blog even more of a community

My intention with moving to Soapblox has always been to make this a place where a variety of folks can share their opinions.  I'm grateful for the folks who have written diaries and I know that some (like Elstun) have gone on to do more writing for the ADN and other venues.  If there is anything I can do to help folks either with the mechanics of the blog or with encouragement holding folks back, please let me know either in comments or by email.

Bloggers:  it is PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE to cross-post an article from your blog and put a link back to the original article...I'd just prefer that you post the entire article here along with the link.  BTW, many of you may not realize, but if you have an established blog, I've probably already set you up with "Guest Blogger" status which means you can automatically post to the front page.

RESOLUTION:

I resolve to make advertising available on Blue Oasis starting today!

There are several reasons for this:

1)  I've put more energy into not only the blog, but also research and grass-roots organizing than I had ever planned.  

It's basically become my full-time job.

Realize I'm terribly grateful for the donations I have received; they often could not be better timed.  However, I see the stress the amount of time I spend places on my husband.  In order for it to balance out, I need for this avocation to contribute more to the household.  

2)  The blog has now garnered a fairly regular readership of approx. 400 visitors/600-700 page views daily...give or take depending upon the day, the season, breaking stories, etc...  According to my estimates, Alaskan readership bounces back and forth between 45% and 60%, which would be about 200 visitors a day.  

I've come up with some advertising fees I feel are competitive based on a variety of others I've researched while also taking into consideration the size of the market and the nature of the blog.  

Because of the split in my readership between Alaskans and our friends from the lower-48, the blog is ideal for both Alaska businesses and folks whose businesses are web-based.

(more after the fold)

Our CC gets a nod from "The Nation Magazine!!!!" WOOOOOT!

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Dec 31, 2008 at 16:19:54 PM AKST

Through the events leading up to the Democratic Convention, the Convention itself and the Palin circus of 2008, I was swamped with tons of national media. I can honestly say that, while many of them were great, one magazine impressed me more than any other...The Nation.  Their coverage of the election was right-on and while I don't always agree with them, I still use their writers as a resource even when I think they are wrong.  I have always been impressed with the magazine and it's employees...now, I'm also impressed with their taste!

They did a 2008 wrap-up called "Most Valuable Progressives of 2008".  The list has some great names on it, including pick for the Most Valuable Union:  IBEW (woo hoo!!!), Most Valuable National Media Personalities:  Rachel Maddow and Ron Reagan (double "woo hoo!")

Then, last but not least, Alaskans (and especially those of us who love her) got a real treat:

"MOST VALUABLE LOCAL MEDIA PERSONALITY: CC (Camille Conte)

When Sarah Palin stumbled onto the national stage, after her selection as John McCain's running-mate, everyone scrambled to figure out what was up with Alaska's governor. A lot of the lower-48 blogosphere (and the major media that followed its lead) obsessed about Palin's family life. But Anchorage radio host Camille Conte, who is universally known in Alaska as "CC," steered the discussion toward Troopergate--the scandal that proved Palin was not the reformer her supporters claimed but a Cheney-esque abuser of power. CC's daily "Cutting Edge" show on Anchorage's Air America affiliate, News-Talk 1080/KUDO: Alaska's Progressive Voice became required fare for journalists visiting the state--she had better access than anyone else to the key players, who trusted the veteran local host--and CC turned up on radio stations across the U.S. No one else contributed as much to 2008's Palintological studies.

I've known for years what an important voice CC was for Alaska long before she knew who I was.  Her show on the Alaska Native station KNBA back in the 90s was probably the first actual Progressive Talk Show in Alaska...before that was even a title.

Now, I'm just proud to be able to work together with her on that "evil" community organizing stuff!

Bill McAllister, Mike Doogan and Alaska State Income Tax...wait, there is a connection!

by: Celtic Diva

Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 23:00:55 PM AKST

Many of you have read the story about the Bill McAllister emails to PETA.

Let's get one thing straight...I am NOT  a fan of PETA.  I support PETA in their quest to spay and neuter to reduce the pet population but I think that's as far as the organization and I go together.  I'm a carnivore, I wear fur and I like fishing.

That being said, Bill McAllister's emails actually made me feel a twinge of empathy for PETA.  Being on the receiving end of the Palin Administration's bizarre, crazy-making behavior is...well...bizarre and crazy-making!  While it can be argued that both Ingrid from PETA and Bill from Alaska acted like junior-high students, it could also be argued that Bill McAllister is the spokesperson for the Governor of Alaska.  He should be on the high-road at all times, not diving into the depths of snarkiness and insults.

That's the territory of a campaign spokesperson, or does that mean that McAllister is once again wearing two hats and our Governor Sarah really is campaigning already?  Hmmmmm...

The very same day that story came out, my in-box filled-up with back-and-forth email traffic between Alaskans for Truth supporters and Representative Mike Doogan.  I was stunned!  The AFT supporters were responding to the email Doogan sent out to about 30 of them at once, which can be found on the Alaskans for Truth website.  It's hard to get beyond the first few paragraphs:

"Sorry this response took so long, but I wanted to make sure that all of your often-identical emails had reached me, and to do a little research on a couple of points you made.

First, let me thank you for writing. Citizen participation is important to this process, and I'm glad you took the time to make your views known.

Second, there is not much that can be done to satisfy your requests or demands or whatever they are. More on that in a moment."

Mudflats has done excellent reviews of the Doogan email process, starting with that initial response.  Then there was the Mudflats story on the email chain started by that response...the same emails that filled my in-box. (and a number of other Alaskan bloggers).

There were several things about McAllister and Doogan's seperate email wars that blew me out of the water:

1)  Both men are long-time journalists who worked for professional media outlets for many years.  Of all people who should know how to control themselves and act appropriately with the public, it should be them.

2)  Both men have jobs where they are supposed to be spokesmen or statesmen...either putting someone else or themselves in a positive light with the public.

3)  Both men are answerable to the public either directly or indirectly.  McAllister is indirectly responsible to the public as his boss, the Governor, is supposed to be answerable directly.  Doogan is an elected legislator and theoretically is directly answerable.

4)  Both men have shown repeatedly (and I suspect, will continue to show) that they don't care if they are answerable or not.

Sadly, among all of that disrespect and snark, Doogan actually showed potential for generating some decent legislation during the session:

"...I intend to move forward with legislation to prevent a re-occurrence of some of the problematic behavior that has arisen from the mess commonly called Troopergate. That legislation will define more closely what is a public document and seek to prevent public officials from shielding their communications by using private email accounts, and the state from stifling public access by charging an arm and a leg."

(I'd ask him more about it, but others have reported that he's now refusing to discuss issues with people who are not in his district.  I find that facinating as whatever legislation he proposes effects ALL Alaskans quite directly.)

I've watched all of these developing McAllister and Doogan stories on the blogs and/or on the ADN.  I've discovered that each one inevitably contain comments from the lower-48, where the commenter is disgusted by either or both McAllister's and Doogan's email behavior.  The commenter goes on to explain that if either gentleman were in the same positions in the commenter's state, folks would have drummed them out of their jobs long ago.

I thought long-and-hard about those comments and realized that lack-of-respect may be the result of a pattern in Alaska.  There was so much vehemence reflected in both men's reponses it was clear they believed they would not be held accountable for their juvenile behavior.  It was also clear that they were unused to a group of people actively calling them on it.  Doogan showed so much resentment for what he called an "organized campaign," he actually called Alaskans for Truth supporters "coreligionists."

Wow.

So I thought about what group of Alaskans ARE ALWAYS vocal and ARE taken more seriously and I came up with one group we hear from incessantly...

...those who pay property taxes!

Property taxpayers are invested in what happens to the money they pay directly to the city/municipality.  Taxpayers have voted as a block very effectively for or against various Anchorage proposals, bonds, for or against Municipal candidates, etc...  Property tax payers always make their Assembly representatives...and their Mayor...aware of their presence every time their taxes go up.

Property taxpayers directly write checks so they have a tangible dog in the fight.

Not so with our state legislature...while the oil money that funds our state does technically belong to each Alaskan, it's not like we ever take posession of it and then pay it back for state expenses.  The only time we DO take posession is when we get to keep it...once a year at dividend time.

And then we're so busy spending it, we ignore everything else.

This year, the oil money has taken a nose dive.  The Alaska budget is facing a crisis (no matter what fantasy land Gov. Palin may be living in)  and those suggestions of various state taxes have come up once again in discussion.  There are many who lean on the side of a sales tax which would take one of various forms.  However, the tax I believe to be the most fair and may also solve a number of our problems is an Alaska State Income Tax.

1)  An AK State Income Tax would be a write-off on Federal Income Tax,

2)  AK State Income Tax would be fair, as it is usually on a sliding scale based on income,

3)  AK State Income Tax would finally hit those folks who come to Alaska to work and then take all of that income out of the state to spend

4)  AK State Income Tax would make us less dependent on oil for our state budget,

And the reason that motivated this post:

5)  AK State Income Tax would make every Alaskan more motivated to pay attention to their Governor, their legislators, the budget, new legislation, state spending habits, etc...

I don't believe it's a coincidence that those "comments" questioning the lack-of-respect from our politicians are from folks who reside in states where they pay state income tax.

So this is my proposal to bring accountability back into government--forcing politicians to respect their constituents as those same constituents demand more from them.  

Oh yeah...it will also reduce Alaska's dependence on oil money.  

Establishing an income tax may actually have a prayer; I think it's going to be hard for the legislature NOT to pass SOME kind of tax this time, as the economy shows every sign of getting worse rather than better.

It's a boy named Tripp...Bristol gives birth and Sarah makes it a People exclusive

by: Celtic Diva

Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 15:11:21 PM AKST

Bristol Palin, the 18-year-old daughter of former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, gave birth on Sunday to a healthy 7 lb., 4 oz., baby boy in Palmer, Alaska.

"We think it's wonderful," said Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother Sally Heath, who confirmed the news. "The baby is fine and Bristol is doing well. Everyone is excited."

The baby's name is Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, according to Jones.

Baby Tripp takes his surname from his dad, Levi Johnston, an apprentice electrician and former Wasilla High School hockey player who has been dating Bristol for three years.

Bristol Palin is currently residing in Wasilla and completing her high-school diploma through correspondence courses.

Johnston is studying to become an electrician. He told the Associated Press in October that he and fiancée Bristol plan to wed in 2009 and raise the child together.

Anchorage Daily News had to find out from the People Magazine website. Anyone still questioning whether she gives a damn about her Alaska constituents anymore?

Note:  A friends wrote me in an email, "Couldn't they give him a name that wasn't a drug reference?"

Just a chip off of the old Grandma Sherry block?

Between-Christmas-and-New Year--catching up on what I've missed

by: Celtic Diva

Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 08:50:40 AM AKST

- that Santa Clause was going to leave pipeline financing in Governor Sarah's stocking and that Gov. Sarah is only letting Santa Uncle Sam give money to the projects SHE chooses...the ones that will save her bacon or make her look good

- That Bill Wielechowski and Hollis French left many Alaskans perplexed and scratching their heads at the motivation...and timing...of their joint Compass piece.  The editorial welcomed all the help and support we can get from the Obama Administration with the pipeline. (Question:  Which one?)

"We need your administration's help to make this pipeline a reality. Help with permits, with rights-of-ways, and with completing the complex bureaucratic steps necessary for putting the federal loan guaranties to work."

**raised eyebrow** Do these "federal loan guaranties" also include the subsidies pushed by Palin?

Gov. Sarah Palin also caught the spoor of massive federal project handouts, but -- to the chagrin of road builders at the state Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities -- she directed officials to focus all the state's efforts on getting a massive federal subsidy for the TransCanada gas pipeline. Dept. of Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marcia Davis explained to me on Friday why her department is in the process of retaining consultants to help with the subsidy proposal. "If you ask the rest of the nation to build the ... line they may have a lot of questions, about the carbon effects, for example."

(Hat tip:  AndrewHalcro.com)

- That Sherry Johnston, mother of Levi "possibly-daddy-of-Bristol's-so-far-absent-baby-and-maybe-future-son-in-law-of-the-Guvna" Johnston, enjoys her "Coffee Time" like Dan, but for a totally different reason.

- That Bristol's December 20th due date having come and gone without a peep...and that she's now presumably nine days overdue...is a point of:

...contention at TeamSarah.org:

Reply by haiyaku 1 day ago

jennabee said:

I think it was because there were a few postrs were having some questions and raising the Trig issue again. ALthough I didn't see the end of the thread before it went poof! :)

I don't knwo how I feel about this. There was actually one nice poster who I don't think was a troll at ALL, some might have been, but I don't think she was. SHe was on another group I beong to here and she seems to have been banned completely. You know what, I think that is a serious problem, the same way I thought that turning a completely blind eye to the fact that Bristol has not had her baby yet is a problem, too. It doesn't matter how I feel or how you feel about Sarah, it's going to be about what the world out there feels, and if you can't think ahead to see how it mght not hurt to be prepared for the quesitons at least if the baby isn't born soon, then I don't know how I feel about this site. Banning evryone who doesn't agree is not a solution. Just my 2 cents again, feel free to flame because I can take it (unless i get banned, then who cares! :) )

As I understand this site, it was created to help promote and support Sarah Palin. It should be a place where the Palin family might even feel comfortable to visit - we're their "Team Sarah."

When a poster/thread deteriorates to the level of gossip and rank speculation, it should cease to exist. There are plenty of general purpose sites out there that will fit your need.

...well-deserved glee by the blogs who always questioned:

I have been checking everyday since the 20th and so far there is no blessed event reported from the Palin household. Which has caused even those with less conspiratorial minds to start asking WTF?

When Gryph says "those with less conspiratorial minds to start asking WTF," he means me and any woman who has ever had a child.

Yes...I've promised more catch-up and that will happen after I call more contractors...

Discuss: How wrong is this picture? **UPDATE**

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Dec 28, 2008 at 15:12:59 PM AKST

I believe that some folks have gotten the wrong impression...

The TeamSarah.org person who sent me this picture explained that this was the picture associated with one of the members...I think she calls herself Sarah_is_a_goddess, or something like that.

Todd Palin's picture was photo-shopped out and the painting of Jesus edited in.

My point was that the fans of Sarah Palin are just wayyyyyyy overboard with their "leader's" importance and THEY are the ones equating her as "up there" with the almighty.

That's scarier than Sarah thinking that way of herself, in my opinion.

I apologize that I wasn't clear enough.

*************************************************

This was sent to me by a member of "TeamSarah.org" and is an avatar of one of the other members (something about Sarah being a "goddess").

Errrr...blas...blas...oh what is that word the Christian right is so fond of?  

Posting will be sparse the next day or so. The owner sent a counter-offer!

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Dec 28, 2008 at 15:04:46 PM AKST

I've been very busy since Christmas.  We've been having dinner every night with my in-laws while they are in town and now, we are just that much closer to purchasing a house!  It will need about $12,000-15,000 worth of work done on it before we move in but it looks like we may be getting it for a price where that will happen!

Yes, we are very excited!

I have stuff to say about McAllister, Doogan and the responses I got back from the Governor's office on my records requests but they'll have to wait a day or so for contractor phone calls, trips to Lowes about flooring and paint, and discussions with our fabulous realtor.

Did I mention that we are very excited?

I have visions of the interior painted in cottage colors, my dream-lavendar garden in the front, veggies to the south of the house, and flower boxes everywhere.

**sigh**

I'll let you know how it goes!

Post-Christmas catch-up on events--first the personal

by: Celtic Diva

Sat Dec 27, 2008 at 00:42:54 AM AKST

And there were definitely more than their should have been!

But before I get into all of that, I'll catch you up on our Christmas, which started with Christmas Eve family dinner at my sister-in-law's house.  

Activities:  We caroled, we did gift exchange and we ate, ate, ATE!  

Dinner:  Main dish--ham; Dessert--cheesecake

As for a count--there were 12 adults (including one now-college-age kid), 14 kids, 1 cat and 2 dogs.  

On Christmas Day, in what turned out to be an arduous trip to Palmer (and an arduous email day--yes, I was part of all of the Doogan emails...will get to that later), we stopped first to see "Snowzilla" (as the Anchorage blizzard was starting).

Yes, he was BIG!

We FINALLY made it to Palmer...but called ahead because halfway there we knew we'd need to spend the night, it was snowing buckets and the visibility SUCKED!

So, dinner in Palmer was wonderful.  Visiting with Ross and Paula was wonderful...they are Morrigan's first godparents when I was a single mom.  The best part of visiting them for Morrigan is the animals.

My not-so-little Christmas elf is now my height!

The dogs begging for a cookie

Activities:  Gifts exchange, computer games, movies (Jumpers...good flick!), chatter, more eating!

Dinner--Main dish--Ham; Dessert--Dutch Apple and Pumpkin Pies

Breakfast--Ham and (not green) eggs, home fries

Count:  4 adults, 1 kid, 3 dogs, 2 cats

So, we left Palmer this afternoon and knew we made the right decision when we saw all the ditch-divers lining the road.  We stopped by Josh's work for a bit, just in time for the 3:00 PM-ish sunset.

Tonight we ended up having split pea soup, homemade bread, pumpkin pie and cheesecake with my in-laws, who are in town until Monday when they fly down to see two of my other sisters-in-law and their families.  (My husband is the youngest of 9 kids!)  It was a good excuse to play penochle!  (They killed us in both games!)  We get a rematch when they come over here for chicken parmesan tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'll do my political catch-up.  I've got a number of things to share, including responses from the Governor's office I need to scan-in for you!

Silent Night

by: Celtic Diva

Thu Dec 25, 2008 at 08:18:32 AM AKST

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah, everyone!

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards all of you this morning.  We had a leaner (which I think is good, actually) Christmas than in past years and it's thanks to the donors on this site that I was able to buy several of the gifts for my daughter and my husband. (I told my husband every time he wears his new shoes, to think of the wonderful folks at the blog!)

A thousand times...Thank you!

We'll soon be off to church and then in the pie-making process for our trip out to the Valley (Palmer, not Wasilla) to have Christmas dinner with my long-time friends Ross and Paula.  I wanted to leave you with a written Christmas gift...a column from one of my favorite religious leaders, Jim Wallis, that touched me when I first read it several years ago and still brings tears to my eyes as I reprint it for you here.

My wish is that the soldiers spending Christmas on the battlefield this year are with their loved ones for the Holidays next year.  Many blessings to you all on this day!

Christmas in the Trenches

We first published this reflection by Jim Wallis in 2002. It has since become our Christmas tradition, kind of our own Charlie Brown Christmas special, if you will. With the ongoing conflicts raging during each passing year, it remains tragically relevant.

Silent Night, by Stanley Weintraub, is the story of Christmas Eve, 1914, on the World War I battlefield in Flanders. As the German, British, and French troops facing each other were settling in for the night, a young German soldier began to sing "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht." Others joined in. When they had finished, the British and French responded with other Christmas carols.

Eventually, the men from both sides left their trenches and met in the middle. They shook hands, exchanged gifts, and shared pictures of their families. Informal soccer games began in what had been "no-man's-land." And a joint service was held to bury the dead of both sides.

The generals, of course, were not pleased with these events. Men who have come to know each other's names and seen each other's families are much less likely to want to kill each other. War seems to require a nameless, faceless enemy.

So, following that magical night the men on both sides spent a few days simply firing aimlessly into the sky. Then the war was back in earnest and continued for three more bloody years. Yet the story of that Christmas Eve lingered - a night when the angels really did sing of peace on earth.

Folksinger John McCutcheon wrote a song about that night in Belgium, titled "Christmas in the Trenches," from the viewpoint of a young British solder. Several poignant verses are:

"The next they sang was 'Stille Nacht,' 'Tis 'Silent Night'," says I.
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky
"There's someone coming towards us!" the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one lone figure coming from their side
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright
As he bravely strode unarmed into the night.

Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own
Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone for evermore."

My prayer for the new year is for a nation and world where people can come out of their trenches and together sing their hopes for peace. We here at Sojourners will carry on that mission, and we invite you to continue on the journey with us.

Blessings to you and your families.

I stopped by the Governor's Office Monday and submitted some requests for records

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Dec 24, 2008 at 05:00:00 AM AKST

The first letter is in regards to Meghan Stapleton's alleged "volunteer" employment with the McCain/Palin Campaign and now with the Governor herself:

Linda Perez
Administrative Director
Office of the Governor
Third Floor - State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0001                

December 22, 2008

Re: Public Records Request

Dear Ms. Perez:

Pursuant to Alaska Statute 40.25.110, I request the Office of the Governor to duplicate and provide me with a copy of every contract and/or agreement the State of Alaska or any entity or agency of the State of Alaska awarded to Meghan Stapleton and family members and/or any company related to Meghan Stapleton and family.  

If there are public records that are described in this public records request that the Office of the Governor does not maintain, please let me know the name of the public agency that maintains those records and the name and address of each State of Alaska employee who is a custodian of the records.

If there is any public record, or portion thereof, described in this public records request that the Office of the Governor determines is exempt from disclosure, in whole or part, pursuant Alaska Statute 40.25.120, for each such record or portion thereof, please provide a written explanation that identifies the specific exemption in Alaska Statute 40.25.120 on which the Office of the Governor relies to withhold or redact the record, and sets out the legal rationale that the Office of the Governor believes supports its determination so that the determination may be the subject of judicial review.

Pursuant to Alaska Statute 40.25.110(d), the Office of the Governor may waive the fee associated with its processing of a public records request if it determines that a waiver would be in the public interest. Because I am submitting this public records request in order to make the public records that are described in the request available to all members of the general public so that they can gain a greater understanding of the operation of their state government, I request that the fee involved to process this request be waived.

And finally, pursuant to Alaska Public Records statutes, copies of these public records may be supplied electronically.

Sincerely,

Linda Kellen Biegel

Let's just say I'm rather dubious about her volunteerism.

The second request is in regards to the racist emails that were sent 'round the state government.  Alaskans need to know if these folks inappropriately using the email system also hold jobs that require direct contact with the public and/or hold positions that influence which members of the public may benefit from state resources.

Governor Sarah Palin
c/o Linda Perez
Administrative Director
Office of the Governor
Third Floor - State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0001

December 22, 2008

Re: Public Records Request

Dear Governor Palin:

Pursuant to Alaska Statute 40.25.110, I request your office to duplicate and provide me with a copy of every email communication document of a "racist" nature that Department of Administration Commissioner Annette Kreitzer has in her possession so far. These would be the inappropriate emails that, according to media reports and an Associated Press article, have been circulated by state employees on state servers recently. The article is attached. http://www.adn.com/news/alaska...  

The State Policy Regarding Personal Use of State Office Technologies states that contents of state employees' computers are subject to public records requests. While I am not requesting the names of the individuals, I am requesting the employment title, department and division of each state employee involved in the circulation of these offensive emails.  

If there are public records that are described in this public records request that the Office of the Governor does not maintain, please let me know the name of the public agency that maintains those records and the name and address of each State of Alaska employee who is a custodian of the records.  

If there is any public record, or portion thereof, described in this public records request that the Office of the Governor determines is exempt from disclosure, in whole or part, pursuant Alaska Statute 40.25.120, for each such record or portion thereof, please provide a written explanation that identifies the specific exemption in Alaska Statute 40.25.120 on which the Office of the Governor relies to withhold or redact the record, and sets out the legal rationale that the Office of the Governor believes supports its determination so that the determination may be the subject of judicial review.

Pursuant to Alaska Statute 40.25.110(d), the Office of the Governor may waive the fee associated with its processing of a public records request if it determines that a waiver would be in the public interest. Because I am submitting this public records request in order to make the public records that are described in the request available to all members of the general public so that they can gain a greater understanding of the operation of their state government, I request that the fee involved to process this request be waived.

And finally, pursuant to Alaska Public Records statutes, copies of these public records may be supplied electronically.

Sincerely,

Linda Kellen Biegel

I don't trust that the same person whose judgment is so poor that they share their racial biases with their coworkers on State time using government equipment has the ability to put aside those biases when making important decisions affecting the lives of individual Alaskans.

As the Governor has a recent history of using every means possible to avoid turning over emails, I hope for the best but expect the worst.

This has been a hot topic nationally and while there have not been definitive rulings by high courts on some of the issues (i.e. should state employee emails from private addresses dealing with public issues be considered part of the public domain?)  Other states HAVE set precedents considering private emails sent on state email accounts to be public information (on a case-by-case basis).

Think I'll start getting that same "special treatment" that she gave Andree McLeod?