Bits and Pieces and Catching Up…
There’s a passage from the Lewis Carroll poem The Walrus and the Carpenter that seems to sum up the last couple of days. If you substitute “things AKM wanted to blog about” in place of “oysters” it’s right on the money.
Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more–
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore.
So here is my attempt to corral just a few of those oysters…because I have a feeling that tomorrow will bring more and more and more…
Palin vs. Legislature
Governor Sarah Palin may be a day late and a dollar short for some bills she was looking to get passed this legislative session. Part of the problem is that Alaskans voted in 2006 to cut the length of the legislative session from 120 days to 90 days. The other part of the problem is that SOMEbody wasn’t prepared….
Top lawmakers said Tuesdaythey aren’t likely to pass the governor’s bills dealing with an in-state natural gas pipeline and consolidating the six Railbelt utilities to pursue mega-projects like the Susitna River dam.
“They are very big issues. I personally do not believe we will complete those before the end of the session,” said Senate President Gary Stevens, a Republican from Kodiak.
Lawmakers from both parties say Palin introduced the bills too late — about halfway through the 90-day session of the Legislature. [snip]
“Those are pretty heavy lifts for one session and having them introduced right in the middle of session makes it difficult to do,” said North Pole Republican Rep. John Coghill.
Anchorage Democratic Rep. Mike Doogan was doubtful the market would support both an in-state pipeline and a Susitna hydro project. Doogan said it’s highly unlikely that Palin’s gas pipeline and utility plans will pass under the circumstances.
“If they were really serious about those things, they would have had their ducks lined up on the first day of the session,” he said.
Hmmm….(stroking chin)…perhaps the Governor had her mind on other things…
Other Things (aka SarahPAC)
SarahPAC, new home to Palin mouthpiece Meg Stapleton, has sent out it’s first “please give us money” email. Now that the state doesn’t want to pick up the tab for Palin & First Family’s travel, the new PAC will be picking up the tab. And I hear the RNC has some old second-hand clothes they might be looking to dump. Maybe SarahPAC can pick ‘em up cheap!
But it looks like SarahPAC has not only a dark side, but a DARKer side, reported on by Geoffrey Dunn at the Huffington Post.
SarahPAC has also been caught up in some controversythat’s gone mostly unreported this week. It’s treasurer, Tim Crawford, of Arlington, Virginia, and a longtime conservative operative, was unceremoniously forced out of his position last week as the Republican National Committee’s finance director, apparently because of his overt ties to SarahPAC. Moreover, SarahPAC is being coordinated by the conservative Donatelli Group, aka Campaign Solutions, also of Arlington, which raised money for the McCain-Palin ticket in the 2008 race, and to which McCain has been connected since his 2000 presidential bid.
A much more soiled legacy of Campaign Solutions was its role in the “swift boating” of John Kerry in the 2004 presidential contest. It also played a significant role in the behind-the-scenes campaignto secure confirmation of Sam Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.
And at the end of the article he gives Mudflats a nice shout out, calling it a “superb” website! (Looking at the ground and scraping toe in the dirt) We think Geoffrey Dunn is pretty superb himself!
Bob Poe on KUDO!
Gubernatorial candidate Bob Poe (D) will be on Cary Carrigan’s show tomorrow morning on KUDO 1080am at 8am Alaska time (9am Pacific, Noon Eastern). Tune in for live streaming HERE.
Welcome Functional Design!
Welcome to our newest advertiser, Functional Design! These folks are really clever. They’ve designed a variety of perfect little zip in pieces for a “mummy” style sleeping bag. Originally developed while guiding couples on Denali, it also works for campers who are pregnant, or who just love snuggling with kids, or significant others, and sharing a little body heat (for practical purposes of course). The company is a true “mom & pop” outfit and they work from home, handling all inquiries personally. This lovely couple also donates what they would normally spend on marketing to charitable organizations they believe in. That cute little ad in the sidebar is their first advertising, and their way of throwing a little support to Mudflats! So do check out their clever and functional products for yourself, or as a great gift. Just click on the ad!
Congratulations Dana Stabenow!
Speaking of our wonderful advertisers, Dana Stabenow, Alaskan author of Whisper to the Blood announced that this, her 16th book in the Kate Shugak series, has already made it to the NY Times best seller list!! Congratulations, Dana! We doff our collective cap to your tremendous achievement!
Good News for Bristol Bay (for a change!)
On ONE side of the aisle, we’ve got some great news for residents of rural Alaska. On the OTHER side of the aisle, they’re undoubtedly yelling, “PORK! EARMARKS! UNNECCESSARY SPENDING! AAAAAA! EEEEEEEEK! GET ME SOME SMELLING SALTS!”
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich announced March 4 that the Bristol Bay Area Health Corp. will receive $1.3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Dillingham Community Health Center.
The White House announced the release of $155 million supporting 126 new health centers across the country.
“This additional funding for the Dillingham Community Health Center will have a major impact to the residents of the Bristol Bay region,” Begich said. “This is great news, and it will allow the health center to better serve the thousands of Alaskans who rely on the medical services provided there.”
According to the project description, the Dillingham Community Health Center provides comprehensive primary health care services to residents in the Bristol Bay area which has a population of more than 8,200 living in 34 villages.
The funding from the Recovery Act will be used to expand primary care services at the center, and is expected to create up to 15 new jobs.
“Improving health care and creating jobs are two important pieces to improving the quality of life in rural Alaska,” Begich said. “Funding for the Dillingham Health Center is truly a win-win for the region and our state.”
They Go Cheap in Alaska
As anticipated, former State Rep. Beverly Masek pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to accept a bribe, before U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline.
According to the charging document, Masek sent an emissary to a vice president of the oil-field service company Veco Corp., Rick Smith, asking for a meeting with him or his boss, Bill Allen, to complain about her financial condition. Her plea to the Veco executives, known for their generosity to lawmakers who supported their positions, was made during the legislative session in 2003.
Two days later, an Allen relative handed her at least $2,000 in cash, the charge said.
The next month, she introduced a bill that would have eliminated a big tax break for oil companies on Alaska’s North Slope. A day later, Allen came to her office and told her it was a terrible idea. She withdrew the bill and accepted another $2,000 in cash.
That’s going to be a pretty expensive $4000 by the time all is said and done. Masek faces 18-24 months in prison, and a $4,000 – $40,000 fine.
And now, goodnight Mudflatters! We’ll see what comes “hopping through the frothy waves” tomorrow.
…sounds like $4000 is just the start…and just forget SarahPACK of lies…
I’m do not liking her
Lots going on huh? How did these corrupt politicians come into power?
AKM: your reference reminds me of more Lewis Carroll…..”twas brillig and the slithy toves didst gyre and gymble in the wabe……” Seems like there are lots of slithy toves gyring and gymbling in these parts……’scrambling to the shore’ (as it were). We just have to be watchful lest the ‘frumious bandersnatch’ lurks around, seeking tickets for a world tour, you betcha (so to speak).
Congrats for the recognition from Huffpo. You deserve it.
We think Mudflats is superb too.
You’ve been a busy blogger, so g’night, and see you when the next oysters hit the shore …
My take on some of the political shannanigans – however that is spelled – is that Alaska politicians are just kind of out of touch with the consequences of their actions when it comes to the bribe business.
It is almost like they need take coyurses, like How to be a Good Legislator for Your State, 101A . And/or they are just too far away from the rest of the country to think anyone will notice, or perhaps it was a tradition from territorial days, when the state was even smaller and everybody really knew each other and it just degraded into overt bribery – ?? Whatever it is, it sure is a mess.
Oh, that is COURSES not Coyurses – sounds like Coyote College.
Remember!
What the Doormouse said!
Feed your Head!
Feed your Head!
Feed your Head!
Original Slick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quhj6PEboCU
Slick Re-Mix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tSV_HgUDWQ&NR=1
Original Slick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quhj6PEboCU
Slick Re-Mix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tSV_HgUDWQ&NR=1
29 WHISPER TO THE BLOOD, by Dana Stabenow (St. Martin’s Minotaur)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/books/bestseller/besthardfiction.html
Of shoes and ships and sealing wax,
and whether pigs have wings.
Well, this pig aint gonna fly.
So besides being a grifter…………Sarah is a slacker !! Cirque de Palin runs 24/7 – the business of the people – never !!
Wow, a whole lot in that post! SarahPAC, haha. She’s like a mouse on a wheel, running in circles and getting no where. Loved reading that they tabled her not-so-important as to have them in on time projects. Kick. Slap. Slam. Was that God?
Corruption… it’s everywhere and yet amazes me everytime. I would think one would want more than 4 grand to sell their soul, but what do I know?
I love these catch-up blogs.
Me too.also.
Question: Has anyone ever seen a pic of Bristol with the baby that was allegedly born the end of December 2007?
and, did you notice………An article about the Bristol/Levi breakup in the NYT, today, Friday, March 13th.
EEK, meant to write 2008, or was there a birth in 2007?
It’s so confusion keeping the palinesque cavorting date factual….lol….
And then all the little oysters followed for a mile or so and then they stood in a row and listened to this…
“The time has come,” the Walrus said,
“To talk of many things:
Of shoes–and ships–and sealing-wax–
Of cabbages–and kings–
And why the sea is boiling hot–
And whether pigs have wings.”
Those little oysters in Alaska who are blindly following Ms. Walrus around had better be careful. Remember how the story ends?
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! We have the beamish AKM with your vorpal blade ready to go snicker snack at a moment’s notice. SP is the Jabberwock.
Love all the Lewis Carroll references! Nice way to start my day. I chortle in my joy!
AKM
Wow, so many stories in such a short time frame. Guess sickness makes the creative juices flow!
Now go out and buy some girl scout cookies. Anyone see that? I’m off to the kittybox to read more on it.
The pig not only has lipstick but wings also? So why does she need airplanes or brooms?
godensteinNo Gravatar (05:28:56) :
The pig not only has lipstick but wings also? So why does she need airplanes or brooms?
———
Or a taxpayer-paid Suburban or a wolf-drawn sleigh or a $30,000 makeup artist, too, also, even?
Jane in Miami:
Those little oysters in Alaska who are blindly following Ms. Walrus around had better be careful. Remember how the story ends?
———
When my son was little I used this poem to teach him about stranger danger. Monsters often disguise themselves as friendly, you-betcha people. Monstrous politicians, also, too.
Good morning,mudpups!
Love the catch-up posts. Hmmm…perhaps Friday the 13th won’t be so lucky for Alaska’s (not-so)fair Governor:-) At the end of the AK legislation session, SP will have accomplished- very little.
Palin is being challenged by her own party, lol, is that egg on her face? crow in her mouth?
http://www.adn.com/2548/story/720703.html
Two Alaska lawmakers have introduced a resolution that would call on Gov. Sarah Palin to re-evaluate the natural gas pipeline license awarded to TransCanada Corp.
The resolution was introduced Thursday by Republican Reps. Jay Ramras of Fairbanks and Craig Johnson of Anchorage.
“When my son was little I used this poem to teach him about stranger danger. Monsters often disguise themselves as friendly, you-betcha people. Monstrous politicians, also, too.”
;D
So I’m still lousy with code!
Why is she going to Auburn, NY?
To personally thank Seward’s relatives?
Hopefully not to back any politician here.
This is my backyard and I don’t want her here.
Say NO:::Did you say “re-evaluate the natural gas pipeline license awarded to TransCanada Corp” as if she every really evaluated it [fairly] in the first place…
And they think she’s gonna ‘change’ her mine or something?
[and I used MINE instead of MIND, cause she takes so many things to that level]…
Change & GINO do NOT go together…you wanna talk greenbacks, well thats a diff’ story…
Memphis, NY (06:25:33) : “Why is she going to Auburn, NY?”
it’s part of her ‘TO HELL & BACK BY 2 THOUSAND 12′ tour….
Milk Chocolate Cigars FOR EVERYONE!!!!
…Just got that call I’ve been waiting 4-years for….my oldest son and his wife are expecting their 1st child…WWWHHHOOOPPPEEE! I’m gonna finally be a ‘grandma!!!!
Kmart Palin Blue Lite SpecialNo Gravatar (06:45:40) :
Milk Chocolate Cigars FOR EVERYONE!!!!
…Just got that call I’ve been waiting 4-years for….my oldest son and his wife are expecting their 1st child…WWWHHHOOOPPPEEE! I’m gonna finally be a ‘grandma!!!!
—————-
Congratulation! You’re gonna love it!
Oh, and add an ‘s’ to that Congrat!
Bob Poe came down to Homer last week for a meet and greet. He presented himself as a clam, very well spoken, passionate about Alaska, bright, organized in thought, and clear with delivery of his message.
Bob Poe was grilled for over 3 hours and didn’t flinch on any tuff questions or break a sweat. His knowledge about Alaskan issues is deep and balanced. Bob strikes me as someone that has work hard for Alaska at many levels, with great responsibility, and many leadership rolls. I like his unified approach for moving Alaska forward, with a clear professionalism that only comes from being earned.
I know Bob Poe, and I like him!
Congratulations, Kmart — in celebration, why not add future grandma to your name?
Kmart Palin Blue Lite Special (06:45:40) :
Milk Chocolate Cigars FOR EVERYONE!!!!
…Just got that call I’ve been waiting 4-years for….my oldest son and his wife are expecting their 1st child…WWWHHHOOOPPPEEE! I’m gonna finally be a ‘grandma!!!!
______________________________
Congratulations to you and your family! Doing the happy mudpuppy dance:-)
team AlaskaNo Gravatar (07:06:15) :
Bob Poe came down to Homer last week for a meet and greet. He presented himself as a clam, very well spoken, passionate about Alaska, bright, organized in thought, and clear with delivery of his message.
——
Because of the oysters, I giggled hysterically over your typo.
They Go Cheap in Alaska
It’s possible that former State Rep. Beverly Masek was desperate and/or stupid enough to ‘sell out’ for a mere four thousand clams. Maybe the Feds are too busy to be snooping around, looking for vibrating Lazy-Boys and exotic sculptures, or checking to see if Masek’s house has magically morphed into a two story residence.
Or maybe the Feds are investigating other politicians’ chalets. Practice makes perfect!
Woot-Woot! Functional Design!
and clams. love clams.
“No longer a slave of ambition,
I laugh at the world and its shams,
And I think of my happy condition,
Surrounded by Acres of Clams,
Surrounded by Acres of Clams,
Surrounded by Acres of Clams.
And I think of my happy condition,
Surrounded by Acres of Clams.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Settler's_Song_(Acres_of_Clams)#Version_1
Heyyyy….You are on~a roll AKM! So glad you’re feelin’ better and obviously makin’ up for some “down-time.”
Happy Friday everyone…for CHANGE is in the air!
Congrats to the future Grandma-to-be….Wuhooo, that’s pretty exciting news indeed!
Is there a Dennys in Auburn , NY ??
womanwithsardinecan (07:35:24) :
My bad. Spelling kills me……. was kind of funny.
BigPete – re: practice makes perfect……..Sarah always comes in second……..she’s an also ran maverick.too.
Kmart – Congrats !!
on second reading, gotta say……what a great collage of news here…..comparing word salads, if one we often read about is iceberg lettuce, this ~no offense intended~ is a happy concoction of a master chef’s salad, complete with a side of oyster stew! Welcome back, AKM!
not so OT, I noticed a few decks of Outlaw Cards at Title Wave……maybe they would be good to have in the Mudflats store? A bit of a hoot, there.
I apologize for being OT on this, but I thought mudflats immediately when I saw this.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/cartoons/20090309inktank?pg=16
They Invited he to Auburn
Palin’s only other planned travel so far is a June trip to the Auburn, N.Y., home of William Seward, the former Secretary of State responsible for the purchase of the Alaska territory from Russia. The foundation that maintains the house has invited Palin to a celebration of the state of Alaska’s 50th anniversary also to be paid for by SarahPAC.
Yes there is a Denny’s But I don’t get the Joke?
El Jefe { Charlie } (08:14:10) :
Is there a Dennys in Auburn , NY ??
———————————————
Auburn is the Stapletongue family seat. They can meet in the pantry.
Totally OT for this post, but I wanted everyone to know that an Iditarod update has made the “front page” of the NYTimes website! http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/03/13/sports/AP-Iditarod.html
AKM: Thanks for the “heads up” on Dana Stabenow. I’m an avid mystery fan and always looking for new female mystery writers. I have one of her books reserved at my local library. I love my library. They have all the new books and have a great on-line system where I can sit at my computer and reserve books. Then I just go to the reserve shelf and pick them up and check out.
Aussie – I suppose the pantry is the size of a Dennys booth. Maybe even smaller.
Kmart @ 6:45
I feel your joy all the way over here!!! Congratulations!!
team AlaskaNo Gravatar (08:22:37) :
womanwithsardinecan (07:35:24) :
My bad. Spelling kills me……. was kind of funny.
———
It was VERY funny, and perfect complement to the oysters.
congrats to Kmart!
Congrat Granny Kmart!!!
From ADN Letters:
Good judge will make a fine justice
All Alaskans should be pleased to see that Gov. Sarah Palin has chosen Superior Court Judge Morgan Christen as our newest Supreme Court justice.
In over 40 years of practicing law, I’ve appeared before many kinds of judges, good and bad. Judge Christen was one of the good ones. I have always enjoyed appearing in her courtroom and my clients and I have always felt we got a fair hearing from her. While Judge Christen didn’t always rule in my favor, that fact just shows she is only human and makes mistakes.
But our governor did not make any mistake in picking Judge Christen for the Supreme Court. Judge Christen is a delightful young woman who is smart as whip. She knows the law, she knows people, she listens carefully, and she does what she believes is right and fair. She is kind and personable. Come to think of it, I guess that makes Morgan Christen a lot like Sarah Palin.
– Wayne Anthony Ross
Anchorage
Locals will only need to see the name Wayne Anthony Ross to put this comment in context. He’s rather notorious. Not that one’s vehicle and vanity plates necessarily define’s one’s personality, but in this case it’s pretty close. He drives a giant Hummer with the license plate WAR. AKM
Regarding the GINO’s bills, guess old GINO is in deep do now! And GINO thinks she can be a president…hahahahahahahahaha
It should be obvious that old GINO is a flunky when it comes to being a leader.
Much congrats to KMart Palin
Just got that call I’ve been waiting 4-years for….my oldest son and his wife are expecting their 1st child…WWWHHHOOOPPPEEE! I’m gonna finally be a ‘grandma!!!!
Better start shopping & stim the economy !!!!
dear k mart. i am so happy for you. i too, am hoping someday to hear some great news but today is your day so shake those tail feather sweet girl..love b
THANKS Everybody!
Now Paula, you know I need another nick name…ready for the child, not the “Granny” part – where s/he is calling me granny….
Shoot, I’m still so YOUNG & just a little bit vain!
……..and so full of sass !! In a good way !!
NEW THREAD!
I think SarahPAC has a karma problem.
Congrats Kmart!
I got sidetracked by the new thread – I want to say Congrats to the new granny!
Congrats! You’re going to love being a granny (the youngest one of course)