First Lady Offends Mudflats Mascot With Insensitive Remarks. “Totally Not Cool,” Thinks Brian.
Until now, Brian the Moose has felt nothing but love and admiration for the Obamas. Of course, his ungulate status, lack of opposible thumbs, and wild nature made it impossible for him to engage in activities like phone banking, and registering voters, he has nevertheless done his part to cheer and encourage Obama supporters throughout the election cycle by providing needed moments of revelry, and amusing antics.
And we know that he is no fan of Sarah Palin for many reasons, three of the most important of which are: chili, burgers, and stew.
While not nearly so offensive to our four-legged friend as the ”harvesting and consumption” of his kind, he nonetheless suffered a surprising and stinging insult recently at the hands of First Lady Michelle Obama. The insult came during an interview with CNN about the Obama’s family dog. The first family has chosen a Portuguese water dog to share the White House with them. The choice of breed came because of the dog’s medium size, good disposition, and the fact that the breed is hypo-allergenic, essential for their daughter, who suffers from allergies.
All that can be said is that this interview went horribly wrong. One can only be thankful that Mrs. Obama was not chosen to be the Secretary of State, and that Brian and his kind can’t vote or hold high office in other countries. Otherwise, the breach of diplomacy could have had far-reaching consequences.
The only thing left to pick is the name, and Mrs. Obama said she is not a fan of her daughters’ choices.
“There are names floating around and they’re bad,” Mrs. Obama said in the interview. “You listen and you go – like, I think, Frank was one of them. Frank! Moose was another one of them. Moose. I said, well, what if the dog isn’t a moose? Moose. I’m like, no, come on, let’s work with the names a little bit.”
Brian’s command of the English language is definitely lacking, but we can be assured he was not pleased. While Brian agreed that Frank was indeed a silly name for a dog, he found the first daughters’ choice of Moose to be thoughtful, endearing, and showing a certain refined maturity uncharacteristic of children that age. Their mother’s critique, however, fell resoundingly flat.
Brian did have a comment, using the universal language of non-verbal communication. He said, and I quote:
You think Brian is upset? FDR (“Frank’) is rolling in his grave.
and Sinatra is equally insulted.
I have a small Bichon Frise named “Frank” and we are offended as well. I will join Brian in protesting the First Lady’s insensitive statement lol. Frank just got under the bed as he doesn’t want to hear any more about it.
If Michelle apologizes we will consider cutting her a little slack
i’d read about this fiasco yesterday, and hoped against hope that brian would never find out.
alas, my worst fears have come to pass.
my poor darling, moosepuppy.
Don’t worry Brian, those kids are smart and Mom is only one vote. They are a Democratic family after all, which I know is not something that moose really understand. Just take that to mean that the odds are in your favor, cause there are more kids than there are moms. Whose gonna break the tie? Well, Grandma of course! And good Grandmas always side with the grandkids, if for no other reason than revenge.
Frank would be a great name.
Revenge IS kinda’ sweet that way!
Oh, I think MO was think GINO’s icky-poo Moose burgers and not cute snow nosed Brian! Of course the Girls were just showing their love of wildlife, by asking for “Moose”!
AKM maybe you should send the Obama girls, “your morning Moose” article?
I’m sure MO would not purposelly offend Brian, unlike GINO who would…well I don’t want to even say what SHE would do to him!
We need to cut Michelle some slack here, how many Moose in Chicago?
I had sent them a picture of a shelter dog a White German Shepherd…They should of go one of those…!
purposely it should of been, sorry…
I love Brian the moose and Brian the name for pets of all kinds. My little pitbull is named Brian (after the Family Guy dog). He has not yet graduated to martinis and cigarettes but Brian he is and he gets all sorts of attention because of his name. When I’m at the park calling “Brian, Brian, come” or “Brian, come right now, I mean it” or “Brian you little bastard if you don’t come here right now you shall not have your dinner!” , people always think I am speaking to a human child and I get all sorts of weird glances. Not that I would not with hold dinner to a human child if they were not listening…..
My cat’s name is FRANK and a wonderful creature he is. I think I will write to Michelle on behalf of moose lovers and animals named Frank. I will request that she become sensitized to the feelings of mudpuppies everywhere.
Brian is so cute. You should publish a Brian photo coffee table book. You can donate the profits to Ann. just a thought.
AKPetMom….LOL ..you’re funny!
Would naming the dog “Brian” appease our Brian?
Yes. AKM
Perhaps the girls came up with “Moose” because they hang out at the ‘flats… hmmmm. Smart girls, indeed!
Poor Brian. . . . . Alas–he is a sensitive being.
Hahahahaahaahaha! Funny post, as usual, but this one tickled me pink!
Don’t worry, the Obamas will continue to do everything just right…including the naming of their dog. (And I for one hope the girls get a puppy!)
Brian–I hear they’re considering the middle name of Berger for their pet–after a beloved pet goldfish from Michelle’s childhood. She was concerned about the effect of putting the two names together. But, you know how sound bites can be–or perhaps you don’t. That part got cut. Anyway, I’m sure she was being considerate of your feelings, and also didn’t want to imply in any way that she is a supporter of SP!
LOL! I was wondering when you would comment on this AKM! Maybe Michelle just thought they should stick to the recommendation of two syllable names for dogs so they don’t get their name confused with a command. So Bri-an would be perfect!
Also, I just e-mailed this letter to Senator Begich regarding HR 1105 2009.
I hope everyone will write to their Senators and Alaska’s as well.
Dear Senator Begich,
First let me thank you on behalf of all Americans for your excellent lesson on what really went on behind closed doors during work on the stimulus package. Truth to power! Bless you!
I have just been alerted about HR 1105 which passed in the House and is now going to the Senate. My understanding is that Senator Murkowski with the backing of Gov. Palin is working to strip the provisions from HR 1105 that would allow the reversal of last minute rule changes that undermine the Endangered Species Act and protections for the polar bear.
Senator Begich, I only know about you what I have learned from the blog “Mudflats”. My understanding is that you are a good, just and thoughtful man. It is my hope that you believe we have a duty to future generations to be good conservators of our environment and the wildlife we share it with. We have no more right to deny future generations a healthy, clean and abundant environment than we have the right to saddle them with catastrophic debt. Ensuring Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar the ability to overturn the Bush/Cheney backdoor/out the door stripping of environmental and wildlife protections is essential to good stewardship.
I might not be an Alaskan Senator Begich but I am a citizen of the United States of America. When it comes to the environment and wildlife we are all dependent on each other to ensure every state is a good steward. Please Senator Begich, stand against Senator Murkowski and work to prevent her and others from stripping HR 1105 of the language and financing that will enable Secretary Salazar to protect our great and beautiful country.
Even though I reside in California, technology allows me to assist any politician that I believe in no matter where they reside. Please feel free to call on me.
Sincerely,
Thanks Maniac…my life is more than entertaining thanks to my 5 dogs and 7 cats! Brian also knows how to open the front door screen door by banging his paw into it and pushing it open. He just did that so now we have to do a kitty head count as night is falling….
Brian should not be insulted – Mrs O was merely pointing out that the name “moose” for a ‘mere’ dog is simply unacceptable – the name ‘moose’ speaks of greatness, stature, dignity, ricco suavayyyyy – such traits not normally associated with a mere canine (please don’t tell my dogs I wrote that – I really want to sleep in my own bed tonight)
So Brian, (Frank, et al) – be not afraid. Our First Lady was simply protecting your dignity from being subjected to the high-spirits of young girls and the silliness of the MSM
Anon blogger and Crystalwolf
Thanks for signing the petitions and sending e-mails to your Senators regarding HR 1105 2009!
BTW, I told Senators Feinstein and Boxer that I had alerted the pajama clad bloggers…
For you Alaska people from Les Gara:
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Want free pizza? Want to talk (that’s free too)? Want pizza but don’t want to talk? Then we’d love to see and hear from you this weekend.
This Saturday from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Senator Johnny Ellis and I will be home from the State Capitol for our annual mid-session legislative meeting. We’d like to hear your thoughts, and share news on the legislative session. If that didn’t hook you, maybe this will. For the 6th year in a row, the good folks at the Moose’s Tooth are donating pizza for the event, which will be held at the Fairview Recreation Center on E 10th and Karluk. So, we hope you’ll come, eat, and bring your family and friends.
Ummmm! I love pizza too bad Cali so far away
Anyway for all you Alaskan’s go for it. I like Les and would love to meet him sometime.
AKM and Brian, you’ve done it again!! Keeping us mudpups in stitches. I received my Brian mugs day before yesterday. Laughed to see his picture is placed slightly cockeyed, instead of perfectly centered and aligned, which is just so fitting for the World’s Most Famous Ungulate. I.Heart.Brian
@ Dr. Patois (19:16:28)
That was an EXCELLENT letter! I need to get busy and post one off myself. Thx.
Dr. Patois (19:24:43) :
Reference HR 1105 2009!
Why don’t you make sure this gets to Rachal, Keith, and Huffington post?
Dr. Patois, Excellent letter!
I have grown weary of writing Sen out of my district after the Dyson/Doogan Debacle….
But I do sign the petitions and they go to the persons, the petitions are directed to whether your district or PO!
@ Dr. Patois
Thank you for hearting our Junior Senator and for the great tone of the letter. You would make a good Alaskan. What’s up in CA? Besides IOUs?
Be nice now, AKM. You don’t want me to choose between you and Michelle….
I opened your web page and smiled when I saw Brian. I read “totally not cool” and then laughed out loud.
Thank you! You are a blessing and I appreciate your educated opinions, your thoughtful and well written essays, and most of all, your glorious wit. Well done Mudflats!
I seem to remember that not long ago Brian shed his antlers. This “non-verbal quote” is an old quote you are using out of context to smear the Obamas. Some of us are not amoosed. You can’t pretend to ask Brian questions when we know the antlers.
Still a great picture, AKM.
Responding to the bit about Joe the Plumber on the last thread — this is surreal. They appear to have set this guy up as a spokesman without knowing what he thinks, or if he thinks. Surely there are conservative, working-class men who are reasonably articulate who could have been identified through volunteer work for the RP or conservative groups.
Instead, this guy happened to be in the right place at the right time and looked the part, so, hey, go with him. He looks like a Joe Six-Pack. One working-class dude’s as good as another, right? Sound familiar, anyone?
Remember now that “Brian” is not one specific animal (although lately he has been), but represents a concept, a certain “Brian-ness” found in all male moose. Just as Brenda represents the feminine side. That said, you are correct that this picture was taken some time ago…back in November, I think. And I have posted it once before. But surely you will allow me, (and Brian) a little artistic license to make a point, and have a little fun, no?
AKM
Brian’s slighting by the First Lady is rather trivial compared to the ignominy of Bobby Jindal’s new moniker…….”Slumdog Squarepants.”
Think on this, Brian…and be comforted. You, as a Moose, have a better chance to be on the top GOP ticket in 2012 than Slumdog Squarepants or the Hillbilly from Wasilly.
Chaim
Instead, this guy happened to be in the right place at the right time and looked the part, so, hey, go with him. He looks like a Joe Six-Pack. One working-class dude’s as good as another,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry….JTP looks like a natz! to me or cheney, pick either one.
Sorry, I was off feeding my menagerie.
Thanks everyone! I am glad you liked the letter, hopefully Senator Begich will too. I just realized I wrote Mudflats instead of themudflats but I have a sneaking suspicion that Senator Begich is very familiar with the reference.
mmboucher Florida, good suggestion. I would love to expose those who are undermining this.
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign, well, we do have a budget and I am sure the Gov. is eagerly awaiting the stimulus funds…the good news is Senator Feinstein has been instrumental in HR1105 (it’s the Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009). I feel honored you think I would be a good Alaskan! I am a native Floridian so I might not survive…
I believe that Senator Begich will very much appreciate the letter. He likes hearing from people, and as one of only 100 U.S. Senators, I am reasonably sure he realizes that although his primary responsibilities lie with Alaska, his influence and stewardship extend to those outside as well. It’s a very good letter. AKM
sorry should of been naz!
Sorry AKM, n Brian, but there was a time when being called a moose was not a term of endearment in my life. Being taller than most of my peers in junior and senior high, I have some very painful memories of those, “move over moose,” “how’s the weather up there moose?” or “look at the size of those shoes, don’t you just feel like a moose?”
I have done the forgiveness work, moved on and can now embrace my mooseness, as I share the prospective from up here…I mean from recovered moose abuse. Misfit mooseness does make you stronger so any dog named moose could certainly grow up to be top dog. Or who knows may even start out as one, If the Obama children out vote Mom and Pop.
Dr. Patois – thank goodness for a California budget! I left there as my home state 30 years ago, just when the infamous Prop 13 was passing. I was from Northern CA, which was already depressed economically with fishing and logging dying as sustainable livelihoods. It’s a huge state, and no one seems to agree on anything (gee that sounds familiar!).
Peaceful Granny – that hurt! I promise to be nice to my tall, big, huge, monster size friends from now on no matter what.
Strange as it seems, we used to call my mother “Moose.” It originated with my brother’s calling her “Mom-oooo” which morphed into “Momoose” and eventually shortened into simply “Moose.”
You should have seen the milkman’s face when I called her to the door…
Anyway, “Moose” has good associations for this Mudpup; it would be good for an Obama pup, too methinks
It seems to me that maybe MO rejected the ‘Moose’ moniker for the girls’ dog because wing-nutters might be offended.
Living in the nutter parallel universe where Sarah reigns, they might infer that the First Family was insulting GINO. Oh, really? Think about lipstick on that pig…
Wonderful picture of Brian. I hope that his most sensitive feelings are okay after all the good ‘flatters who care about y’all.
South Side Chicago
@crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar (20:12:38) :
I’m sure there were Nazis who looked like JTP — there were a lot of Nazis — but he doesn’t look particularly evil to me, which is what most people mean by it. As for Cheney, what does he have in common with JTP except being white, male, unattractive and Republican? Cheney would have a hard time passing for working class. He looks wealthy (and used to it), upper-management, arrogant and ruthless. The Republicans already have that demographic sewn up, but unfortunately for them it’s what — .003%?
What bothers me is that the Republican Party has become completely marketing-driven, it’s all advertising and packaging, with no thought that the quality of the “product” might influence voters’ decisions. Some voters may buy garbage just because it has the brand name “Pro-Life” or “Evangelical” on it (although I think they’re starting to wake up), but it sure didn’t work when they tried to put the “Woman” brand on incompetence and ignorance, and I don’t think it will work to slap the “Working Class” label on an empty box, either. At least I hope not.
Good night, all.
Well, we love the Obamas, but we all know that no one is perfect….not even our wonderful first family. We can only hope that the name the pup receives will demonstrate an appropriate consideration of all Franks and Mooses everywhere.
Perhaps it was just too many allusions to Alaska – after all, we had Frank Murkowski. On the other hand, we could split the difference and ask them to name their dog Frank Moosekowski in the spirit of bipartanship.
If not Gino, then Maverick has a nice ring to it.
I believe an apology is in order. Pres. Obama said he planned to visit Alaska at some point. So, somebody in the know needs to pass on Mudflatters’ thoughts to the FL. Perhaps, she will be able to apologize to ‘our’ Brian in person.
When I first heard MOOSE for the dog’s name , Sorry everyone, My first thought was Sarah Palin, she would have thought he was in some direct bestowing honor on her. Every time you would hear about Moose the dog Palin would come to mind.
Wonderful article, AKM!! I think Brian is big enough to let it roll off his back…he is a remarkable animal.
My brother really never cared for cats…but then one showed up at his doorstep one day. Well, she needed food so he took her in and started putting out flyers to find the owner. Never did…my brother named her Dog. Years later, she passed away and my nephew gave my brother another cat, yep, his name is Dog.
AKM, I’m sure the First Lady felt that calling the dog Moose would only remind the President and herself of the long months of campaigning opposite GINO. In her wifely manner, she may have thought it a possible distraction to the Pres Hubby or the cause of possible nightmares of hearing over and over the Repug rhetoric. So she probably thought it better to find a new name. You certainly would’t want Mr. President distracted or not sleeping well.
Now, I have to say, personally, when I scrolled down and saw the picture of Brian with his tongue out, I started laughing. So hard in fact, I started choking. I then could not move to get up. That being said, I had to change my pesky blogging pj’s. I now return to regular scheduled blogging with my sides sore!!
we used to call our dog moose, but she was a 120 pound Akita..what a dog!!!
anon blogger,
Love the calling the cat Dog!!
My father named one of his dogs “Get Down”. When people visited and saw him the first time, Dad never called him by name. When the visitors paid attention to him and he jumped up, they would say Get Down, so he would jump up. They again said Get Down. Jump. My father by about the sixth time was almost rolling on the floor laughing. He would finally say Get Down and the dog ran to him. Most visitors had a puzzled look on their face so Dad would ask them a question “What do you say when he jumps up”. They would answer Get Down and the dog ran to them. They then realized and called my father a few names and they weren’t him given name. We had fun with this for 11 years.
Lee323 (20:10:31) : Slumdog Squarepants! I googled to see where that moniker started (with you?) and oddly enough came across this article from last May….McCain’s frontman in Juneau to meet Palin????? Wonder if that was a case of “my ship came in (to Juneau) but I was in Wasilla”? I thought she knew nothing about it until August.
I read this blog religiously…. but hardly ever post. This was funny as hell! Love and peace to you all!!!!
Wouldn’t it have been a kick if Mrs. Obama said that the names they were considering were Moose and Brian?? Then we would have known that the Obamas read this website regularly.
Brian is an excellent name (of course, I’m biased). Moose would be great too. I know in the end they will make a good choice with everyone in the family getting a say in the matter.
Any chance that picture of Brian will added to Brian’s section of the store? I’m personally envisioning a t-shirt with the picture and on the back inscribed “I call MooseShit”
A strong mascot must endure ridicule and insults in the name of mascot-dom. This recent gaffe by the first lady perhaps only elevates Brian’s moose-cot status. Embrace it. If that doesn’t work, keep writing slam pieces on the Obamas. It will confuse most Palinbots.
Thank you for this, my nothing like a chuckle in the morning to start the day off!
Coming from an Italian American family with many cousins, a father, and grandfather named Frank, I like it! My own first name is the feminine version of Frank in Italian!
I like Moose too, but it is more appropriate for a larger dog. I say let the kids pick the names even if they do sound ridiculous!
I’ve had that the name Frank for 55 yrs. It’s been bety bety good to me.
If the girls want to borrow my name, I would be happy to use Moose for the time being.
Years ago, i had a dog named Moose. He was a humungous german shephard-mixed with something that made him blonde and tall with the largest head you ever saw on a dog. but with a heart of gold……..it takes a mighty big dog to hold the moniker of moose. FLMO is right – kids need to keep thinking.
Hey ya’ll you need to read this for those that live in Alaska: especially towards the end ya’ll are going to see red
Palin’s settlement doesn’t address tax issues
2/27/2009 1:29:15 AM
By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and ANNE SUTTON Associated Press Writers
Gov. Sarah Palin’s agreement to reimburse the state for trips her children took at government expense does not address potential tax problems she might face for charging Alaska thousands of dollars for their travel, lawyers handling the settlement said.
Palin already is drafting changes to her 2007 and 2008 tax returns, spokesman Bill McAllister said. This comes after learning that she is responsible for taxes on personal use of a state vehicle and nearly $18,000 she improperly collected as expenses from the state while staying at her Wasilla home about 40 minutes from Anchorage.
Palin now will show those benefits as income for tax purposes. Lawyers negotiating a settlement over state payments for her children’s travel said Thursday they did not consider whether Palin also should include that benefit as income in her taxes.
“That’s not anything I examined,” said Timothy Petumenos, a lawyer hired by the Alaska Personnel Board to investigate an ethics complaint filed against Palin after The Associated Press reported in October that she charged the state for her children’s travel.
Instead, Petumenos focused only on issues related to the state ethics law, and whether the payments to Palin amounted to an inappropriate personal benefit.
Palin said Thursday she hasn’t considered whether state payments for her children’s travel should be part of a broader review of her taxes.
“I haven’t even looked at it. All I know is there isn’t a need for an audit of that,” she said.
McAllister said the governor already has committed to paying all back taxes owed if there are problems with state payments she received. He said he was not aware of any tax issues she faces because of the travel payments for her children. But if payments are required, she will make them, McAllister said.
When Palin released her family’s tax records as part of her vice presidential campaign last fall, some tax experts questioned why she did not report the children’s state travel reimbursements as income.
The Palins at the time released a review by a Washington, D.C., attorney who said state law allows the children’s travel expenses to be reimbursed and not taxed when they conduct official state business.
But now those expense payments have come under question following Petumenos’ finding that some of the trips did not meet the definition of official state business.
Palin is expected to pay the state about $10,000 for 10 trips as part of the settlement reached in a state ethics complaint filed against her, Petumenos said.
Palin’s lawyer, Tom Van Flein, initially estimated her reimbursement to the state for the children’s travel at just under $7,000. On Thursday, though, Petumenos said he completed a more accurate tally, and added another trip Palin will pay for that was not included in the settlement announcement earlier this week.
There were other trips taken by her children at state expense that could have been challenged as inappropriate if the matter had not been resolved, Petumenos said. But he agreed not to pursue those. Palin also agreed not to challenge his claim that the travel payments were inappropriate because the children’s trips did not meet the definition of “an important state interest.”
Van Flein said he was not familiar with possible tax issues Palin faces for the expense payments made on behalf of her children. He said that issue was not reviewed in his work on the ethics complaint.
But Van Flein said he believed Palin’s reimbursement to the state of travel expenses would correct any federal tax problems she might face. He also noted that Palin followed the advice she received from the state that such expenses are not considered taxable. However, tax experts said in October that incorrect state government advice would not trump IRS regulations.
The ethics complaint related to her children’s expenses was filed after The AP reported that Palin charged the state for her daughters to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.
In all, Palin charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters’ 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights after taking office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.
Alaska law does not specifically address expenses for a governor’s children. The law allows for payment of expenses for anyone conducting official state business, but Petumenos concluded in his review that state rules don’t clearly define what family trips should be paid by the state.
He has asked the attorney general to develop clearer rules outlining when the state should pay for the travel of a governor’s family.
———
Associated Press writer Brett J. Blackledge reported from Washington.
Can you believe that this sentence made me spit out my coke…………There were other trips taken by her children at state expense that could have been challenged as inappropriate if the matter had not been resolved, Petumenos said. But he agreed not to pursue those.
I am sorry my Alaska friends her day will come, keep the faith, keeped cocked, locked and ready to rock..
re Brian. I just love animal stories because they leave you feeling warm and fuzzy – so thanks for that.
It is obvious that Brian has had the last say on the matter.
TewiseNo Gravatar (05:22:14) :
Thanks, I was just about to post that.
All I can say is, there’s much and many more to pursue re:Sarah. But we can’t get all bogged down in kids travelgate. I mean, gosh, we’ve still got housegate, ethicsgate, not to mention dairygate. And she thought those were ‘doors’.
Tewise (05:16:
Palin said Thursday she hasn’t considered whether state payments for her children’s travel should be part of a broader review of her taxes.
“I haven’t even looked at it. All I know is there isn’t a need for an audit of that,” she said.
…………………………………
The Queen has spoken ( No NEED for an Audit ) WTF
“Moose” is a terrible name for a dog. And “Dog” is a terrible name for a moose.
Well what would you expect from a communist, terrorist facist? They hate all that is good and just and kind in the world.
(is that about Brian or Michelle?)
C. Rock, unbelievable isn’t it… Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble……….i believe they have turned into floodgates now….
Going to have to agree with Janet Carter on this one…
“Dog”‘s a terrible name for a moose. Brian should take it in stride. Very long stride.
Relax, Brian!
I am certain our gracious and lovely First Lady meant no offense to Brian or any other of the moose persuasion. I have a friend who has a very large Maine Coon cat named Moose. I would suggest Portuguese names for their dog such as Bento, a form of Benjamin, meaning blessed if the dog is male, or Chica, a form of Francisca meaning French if it’s a female.
And I have a beagle named Charlotte(cause she’s sweet, trusting, and uncomplicated just like Charlotte York of Sex and the City.
And here we have “her” attorney general making the rules more clear for “a” (aka Palin) governor family, yeah, good grief. Here we go changing the rules to benifit Sarah.
No need to audit me, LOL…….
Dr. Patois (19:24:43) :
BTW, I told Senators Feinstein and Boxer that I had alerted the pajama clad bloggers…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It’s ironic to me that, since 2004, my company’s motto has been “Work from home in your pajamas!” In light of the blank looks, i now feel so validated. If i had to change into street clothes (i get dressed up to go to the grocery store), i wouldn’t have time to do my work AND read AND blog [grin].
Excellent, excellent letter, Dr. Patois! I keep reminding my fellow Tennesseans that we are citizens of the world (and we have our own, horrible Robin Smith to deal with in TN http://eyeontn.com/?p=603).
And thank you all, in advance, for allowing me to vent:
1) In my humble opinion, the Obama’s should heal America and name the dog ‘Brian’.
2) As a long-time fan of SpongeBob (since 1998, and i used my grandson as a cover), i resent America sliming his name to indicate that someone is a cartoon character.
3) As a loving mother of an adorable ferret, whom we lovingly call “You Little Sh*t” or “Fuzzy”, please make note that even though his name is Inky, we mostly call him “Weasel” and he greatly resents his ilk being associated with GINO.
4) AKM: Thank you for giving me the inspiration to vent my own rage against the machine: http://hammerandafeather.blogspot.com. I’m fixin’ to start following the money; it makes me really appreciate your research acumen, and it gives me the impetus to believe i will be able to defend where i am about to go…
I am sure, Brian, a raging liberal anti-gun moose, understands Michelles distaste for the reference due to Mz. Palins disgusting actions and not Brian and his kind. My guess is, after the trail, the Obamas probably adopted a moose, a wolf, a whale, a polar bear and Ashley Judd.
…holding her accountable, does not mean doing a half @$$ job PET!
…there are other cases when she should have paid back the state…so…why not…because she aggreed to pay back a small amount…
get this knucke-head! she does nor have to agree….the investigation should have included all the tripd taken since her 1st day in office, and not just ‘what seems to me to be a ‘ ramdon samplenig….
eeeewwwww eeewwww
..is this agreement legal, can it be challegened?
as I said before…INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
Say No TO Palin In PoliticsNo Gravatar (06:38:32) :
No need to audit me, LOL…….
———
She says. And she’s been SO honest up ’til now.
We have friends with a pitt bull named kitty. Funny as hell to see them hollaring “here, kitty, kitty,” and along comes this big tuff pitt bull. Lots of fun.
OT, don’t know if this has been posted before.
http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/4983
Looking very Alaskan in bunny boots and insulated overalls, Graham spoke loudly before the food was distributed.
Read on, it’s just sickening.
Sorry Brian……going OT……I think a very good point is made below, non personal traveling with the family “within” the state could be shown as beneficial to state business……..but “out-of-state travel for the kids? how can that be shown to benefit Alaska? so did all the out of state travel get busted?
And since when can an ethics investigation not be fully completed? is that called a plea bargain or what? lol
And WTF, he overlooked something in his investigation? the 10th trip, just how good of an investigator is he? or is this throwing him under the bus simply because public outrage and observation created an embarrassing situation.
……………………………..
http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/704172.html
“Gov. Palin and investigator Petumenos agreed she would repay some items and that no further penalty was warranted.”
“Exoneration, he said, would require a fully completed investigation.”
” There are times when it’s entirely appropriate for the governor’s family to travel with her at state expense. The governor is a ceremonial figure in Alaska, besides serving as the state’s chief executive. In the spirit of Alaska hospitality, ceremonial invitations may legitimately include the governor’s family.
But when the governor is traveling out of state, the bar for reimbursing the travel of family members is a lot higher. The spouse or children’s attendance would have to be an integral part of the official function the governor is attending.”
Why does the city of Wasilla need to build a shooting range, why doesn’t someone build it as a private business?
I don’t shoot guns, but I can understand the sighting in thingy. Seems like a money making opportunity for someone, rather than local government taxes paying for it.
just askin
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/matsu/story/701212.html
Hey Alaskans……..what are these projects about?
…………………………………………
http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/702775.html
During the stimulus debate, Republicans made a huge fuss over the possibility that the federal money might be used for recreation projects or museums or other alleged frills.
The new federal spending bill includes $380,000 for recreation and fairgrounds work in Kotzebue and $475,000 for the same purpose in Wrangell. “Adaptive and therapeutic” recreation efforts in Alaska stand to get $571,000 of federal money.
@ Say No to Palin in Politics….Why does the city of Wasilla need to build a shooting range, why doesn’t someone build it as a private business?…………….it should only be a private business in my opinion. There is so much liability with shooting ranges, indoors and outdoors the tax payers should really vote against this measure. There is and can be a lot of money that comes from ranges. But I would be willing to bet you that if the taxpayers said no to the city and the range, the city will not approve for anyone to build one.
Chaim-I’m so happy you don’t find JTP “evil” looking, but I do. Perhaps its the lies coming out of his mouth from day one? You know the day Obama just happened to pick him out of a crowd? (repub plant) The day he said he was a plumber and make $258K and wanted to buy a business, which was a complete lie? Then the Repub spin machine went into effect, b/c the media “vetted” jtp and found out all that was a complete lie! Everything. The he whined like GINO how the Dems and the MEDIA made him lose (his job) sound familiar???
Maybe that why I think he’s evil and Cheney well lies come out of both sides his mouth too….And he will have his day. And yes, JTP looks and talks llike a skinhead. Most of them are pro-Nazi and racist.
JMO.
How could Mrs. Obama be soooo insensitive? Tsk.
Never mind, Brian. At least there is no prospect of any moose (or Moose) being field-dressed in this White House.
not sure what that means but maybe “therapeutic recreation” could mean therapeutic horseback riding for the disabled, I couldn’t think of any thing else. But we don’t know what kind of spin it is so it could be called anything.
After reading the news this morning and then swinging on over to the immoral minority blog…..I want to SCREAM! AKMuckracker we need a new thread, we need to figure out how to stop her and her madness. Some of us parents take raising our children very seriously and talk to our sons and daughters about sex and using contraceptions.
Anyone can just about make a baby, but not “everyone” can be a caring and loving parent, who puts their children first….As Queen Taliban Gino has demonstrated to the world…her children don’t come first. I am a busy mom, but I am NOT too busy to talk to my children about sex, and I don’t appreciate anyone trying to take my rights away as not only a female, but as a parent. My children, if in a position of getting pregnant, will talk to me, BUT as a parent who realizes teenagers do and will have sex, then it’s my responsibility to make sure they know everything there is to know about birth control and to use birth control. I am so mad, I could just SPIT!
NOT every child has caring parents, NOT every child have a stable home enviroment, mistakes happen, rape happens, incest happens….how dare she thinks she has the right to take away my daughters choice, my sons choice or my choice in deciding how to deal with an un-wanted pregnancy. My new name for her is now, Taliban Gino.
Michelle Obama really says stuff like “you go” and “I’m like”???
@ Women Who Run With The Wolves…. calm down sweetie I agree with everything you stated. Isn’t it maddening that she thinks she knows best for everybody. Isn’t it crazy that she has not realized her own child was to scared to confide in her, especially since she has all those famous parenting skills. She is truly ignorant and I for one think her days are really starting to narrow down, on several levels. I think they are starting to lose it because now they are just blurting and acting out before really considering what they are doing. We just have to keep up all the pressure and not let up.
kinda on topic, it’s about moose……..and yet another Palin family friend appointment that I hadn’t heard about that concerns Brian………more fireworks folks!
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http://www.adn.com/opinion/compass/story/702774.html
If all that wasn’t bad enough, Gov. Palin also created a brand new “leadership” position at ADFG — “assistant commissioner for abundance management.”
The man she chose to fill it is Corey Rossi, a Palin family friend and biologist formerly with the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Health Inspection Service.
In the past year Rossi has been a spokesman and board member for a radical new organization in Alaska that is seeking to privatize widescale predator control and turn Alaska into a game farm where bears and wolves are mostly absent and a moose and caribou are behind every rock and tree. ”
……………………………..
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/138500
The explosive predator-control debate is about to hit town, with a marathon Board of Game meeting launching Friday morning in Anchorage.
oh my! if mrs obama knew that she had hurt the feelings of our beloved moose i know she would apologize with a sincere and humble heart. we got to somehow let her know that she has offended poor brian. now “brian” would be an ideal name but if the dog is portughese maybe it would prefer to have a portughese name. what is the portughese word for dog? don’t you worry your handsome self dear brian, i intend to nick-name my first grandchild ‘moose ‘ in your honor…love you brian…b
btw.
we call our smallest cat, “dog”.
he loves to fetch.
and stands on his hind legs to beg.
and barks.
(teehee…gotcha on that one)
@ Tewise….Thanks. I am just so “flipped” because I live here in Alaska, and this Taliban Gino lives and breaths in the same State that I do. So does this have something to do with Franklin Gahram (sp) and his supplies going out to help the villages? Hey, I will scratch your back, give you funding and media exposure, BUT this is what we want in return. She is truly frightning, NOT because she is a savy individual, she is frightning becasue she is quite the puppet and the far far right are pulling the strings. Well, then again so is big business. If they can get her in the Whitehouse, it will be payback the dues and support they gave her. She can and will be bought, no doubt about that. Taliban Gino!
what the H does this mean? resource development? economies? to be revitalized? someone please decipher.
Will a reporter please ask her what she thought of the letter, I doubt she even read it.
I’m sorry to be so off topic, lol
http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/4983
Tucker’s letter
Throughout the day, Tucker listened and watched Palin. Not being from Russian Mission or Marshall, it would be rude to steal their chance for attention, he said.
But in the Russian Mission gym, he jostled his way through the crowd and caught up to Palin.
During a four-minute conversation, he thanked her for coming, and asked if she could provide help to create jobs in the villages.
She bent over to speak close, and said resource development can create jobs for young people.
“So working together — you and the local communities and state government — we’re going to be able to allow these economies to be revitalized,” she said.
He said what the Native people really want is “to get restored back to who we are. The Native people are very strong people and this is probably the only time they … cried out for help.”
Tucker gave her his letter and asked her to read it.
She said she would.
Brian, don’t fret. I love my dogs but moose are large, majestic creatures and using their name for something so much smaller is just a tad lese majeste. You are cool, dude!
OT but did anyone else notice that the “agreement” to pay back some of the expenses was NOT signed by Frank Gwartney? As the complainant, does he have no rights? I wonder what he thinks about this “resolution”? Has anyone asked him?
Why were only 40 claims examined? I’m betting that Pet went through about that many, and said to himself, “We’ve got a problem here, and I don’t want to find more. Better give that gov a good talking to and explain the facts of life to her. If she won’t promise to pay back what I have already found, I’ll have no choice but to go through the rest.”
Lance the Boil
The King Air’s propellors weren’t the only thing spinning …………**SNORT**
fawnskin – Sweetie, lovey, I’ll try and break it to you gently!……….
That’s a blooming Yorkie.
http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=yorkshire+terrier&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=WyqoSc3AHYSJjAeVyZXgDw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title
oh, okay……I think I got it now.
resources development = mining or oil jobs
So working together — you and the local communities and state government = we ALL tell the young people to get off their butts and go work those jobs because government aint gonna do nothin
we’re going to be able to allow these economies to be revitalized = only in doing this will your villages survive
madeinalaskaNo Gravatar (08:08:28) :
How could Mrs. Obama be soooo insensitive? Tsk.
Never mind, Brian. At least there is no prospect of any moose (or Moose) being field-dressed in this White House.
—-
If it was going on the whitehouse, wouldn’t it be “housedressing”? *snort*
New thread, for those who have been missing hearing from Ann Strongheart!
This morning Anderson Cooper was co-hosting on Regis and Kelly. He mentioned the name thing and said that of the names mentioned for a WH dog, he liked “Moose”.
So, Mudpuppies, Anderson Cooper is Brian’s friend!
Dam, here goes that witch again lurking for bears…http://community.adn.com/adn/node/138500
Can you please check this link both me and Dr. P posted:https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1325&s_einterest=C3C4&JServSessionIdr006=v15k8bbwd3.app20a…………..thank you again you don’t have to donate money but the really need the names…
Now I’m a little confused, was not troopergate the reason for the investigation? was there more to it from the beginning?
and why the heck did it take so long for this to come out? when the report was finished so long ago? was this some little private deal that wasn’t supposed to come out?
does this have anything to do with Talis Colberg resigning?
more importantly, was else hasn’t he revealed?
Lawyers negotiating a settlement over state payments ? negotiating??? I thought this was an investigation??? for facts??? just facts…….
and what about all the “get over it, move on, that’s the past, investigations over, she was found innocent of ANY wrong doing…….
I LIKE the name FRANK…….
AKM, are you aware they are posting a link to this article/blog at ADN? In the Alaska newsreader section. Perhaps that is where the random trolls are coming from???
I don’t think that she said anything that offensive. That being said, we had a wire-haired dachshund name Moosie. Moose or Moosie are good names, in my opinion.
WakeUpAmericaNo Gravatar (11:19:56) :
I don’t think that she said anything that offensive. That being said, we had a wire-haired dachshund name Moosie. Moose or Moosie are good names, in my opinion.
~~~~~~~~~~
Oh no not AKM! Just that this is the second time I’ve seen it and we’ve been getting visits from “the voice” (that haunts ADN) and some TS wingnuts, lately…
OT
OT, but in the lighthearted vein presented by our own Brian-the-Moose, here’s a fun thing to see:
http://www.gardendesk.com/2009/02/political-statement-rare-on-garden-desk.html
It addresses just *how* do you know when you’ve truly reached “political success.” What is the ultimate honor that signifies you’ve attained the pinnacle? (just go read the thing – it’s for fun)
Nan
from HuffPo:
The Wingnut Revolution
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/the-wingnut-revolution_b_170361.html
After nearly three decades of Reaganomics in which the wealthiest two percent have grown exponentially wealthier while middle class wages have remained stagnant, a growing faction of super rich Americans is seriously pissed off — and their Wingnut Revolution is upon us.
Boy the Big babies are kicking and screaming! Wahhhhh! American tea party, led by no other than JTP
That’s rich…. 
Ok wingnuttery……
@ Lance the Boil
I read the article and only wish I was speechless.
“She’s noticed that community leaders and parents aren’t letting young people know about the “vast opportunities” for work in Alaska.”
Okay, *now* I’m speechless…
Nan
Oh that made me laugh! Thank you so much!
Brian…don’t you worry honey…I’m sure if FLOTUS met you, she’d change her tune!
rotflmao!!!
Brian fan club on Facebook?
Pleeezzze?
Say No TO Palin In Politics(10:33:14) :
Now I’m a little confused, was not troopergate the reason for the investigation? was there more to it from the beginning?
———
Troopergate was separate; a separate complaint. The Board just asked the same investigator to look at both complaints.
My theory is that Michelle thought the girls said “Moose,” when they really meant “Mousse,” a chocolate mousse (girl’s best friend), that rather resembles the dark brown curly coat of a Portuguese waterdog.
Though this interpretation might be a disappointment to Brian, it might at least soften the controversy. Even so, I have hope the first lady will have a change of heart, and see what a sweet name it is.
the problem child (an aunt, also) (09:20:59) :
Why were only 40 claims examined? I’m betting that Pet went through about that many, and said to himself, “We’ve got a problem here, and I don’t want to find more. Better give that gov a good talking to and explain the facts of life to her. If she won’t promise to pay back what I have already found, I’ll have no choice but to go through the rest.”
——————————————————–
There were other trips taken by her children at state expense that could have been challenged as inappropriate if the matter had not been resolved, Petumenos said. But he agreed not to pursue those.
from Google: Palin’s settlement doesn’t address tax issues
A “Moose” in the White House would be so cool. Stick to your guns, girls.
Absolutely no offense towards Brian, but why would the Obama’s want their dog named Moose. Afterall, it’s a wild animal associated with Alaska and your governor was the one who relentlessly called our President someone who pals around with terrorists. I wouldn’t touch “that one” with a 10 ft pole!
My Maine Coon Cat/ Siamese mix’s given name is Bilbo Baggins ( for the tufts of fur between his toes) but on occasion I call him Moose. That’s when he is pulling himself up to his most majestic height, while blocking the thorofare between rooms! He does that A LOT!
@Canadian Neighbour
we’re on the same wavelength…sorry I didn’t scroll up that high before commenting.
Now, now, Brian. I think you are getting all worked up over nothing.
Moose is not an appropriate name for the Obama’s future probably Portugeuse water dog. (Especially if it turns out to be a girl.)
How would you feel if someone had named you “Dog”? Or “Bunny”?, “Whale”? or “Turkey”?
I’m not sure what she has against Frank, except maybe that the dog is going to be a female. Or maybe she prefers something more poetically doglike. My parents prefer their dogs not have people names. I don’t like naming my animals after another animal.
I wouldn’t name my dog “Cougar” or my cat “Mustang”. I also wouldn’t name my dog “Max” (one of the most popular pet names along with “Bear”) or “Badminton” or even “Poopsie”.
(Frasier’s Eddie’s real name was “Moose” BTW. TV’s Wishbone’s real name was “Soccer”.)
I think animals name themselves. I tried naming one of my dogs Ramses, Geronimo or Attila. (I like warrior names so it strikes fear into my neighbors). He didn’t like any of them. He finally decided on Goliath. That’s what he answered to. My first dog was Caesar. My current dog is Ramses.
I wouldn’t take the rejection of Moose too hard. I expect those were just two examples among many bad names the girls are coming up with that just happened to jump to Michelle’s mind at the moment. “Poopsie” and “Fido” may also be among the rejected.
BTW I think Brian is a handsome name. I would never think of calling you…..”Bear”.
Hope you feel better.
I have a nine year old lab/mix who is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever had, and his name is………………FRANK.