Did You Feel It?
7 04 2009I’ve had two phone calls and three emails asking that question.
The answer is Yes!
And the question, as anyone in Alaska will know, means we had an earthquake. It felt pretty strong here in Anchorage. Earthquakes have personalities, and this one was kind of an in-your-face sudden jolt, followed by just a bit of low rolling. It was over very quickly, and everything stayed on shelves….at least in Anchorage.
It measured about 4.7 on the Richter scale, and the epicenter was in the Matanuska Valley.
Details for earthquake wonks at The Alaska Report.
Alaska’s got it all! Volcanoes, and Earthquakes, and Corruption – oh my!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:41 PM
@ SMR:
The sponsors are (not surprisingly) Reps. Kelly, Johnson, Keller, Harris, Gatto, Johansen, Dahlstrom, & Wilson. Ghostwriter would appear to be um… let’s see… Mark Chryson? What is the deal with this bill?? Is this a joke?
Here’s a link to the Legislature’s “Basis” website, where you can follow it:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HR%20%20%209
April 7th, 2009 at 6:45 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090408/music_nm/us_palin_1
maybe the celebrity road will appeal to palin and she can forget politics for her millions…she can exercise her diva rights in the entertainment world, also too.
April 7th, 2009 at 6:47 PM
SMR:
http://www.therightsideoflife.com/?p=4217
April 7th, 2009 at 6:51 PM
@SMR:
Thanks for the link. That’s some funny reading. It offers the Legislature of the State of Alaska the opportunity to demonstrate that they are legally illiterate (or maybe not so).
I have no idea what Federal laws the author(s) is/are wired up about, but the “bill”, amongst all its “Whereas”s, ignores the fact that the Constitution grants pre-eminent authority in many areas to the Federal government, and explicitly authorizes the Federal government to compel the states to comply with Federal law in those areas.
This bill is so badly written that it doesn’t even matter that it is un-Constitutional on its face: it is either pointless, or — if one takes the assertion of state sovereignty as meaning the state is superior the Federal government — seditious.
The question of whether the Federal Union is the servant or the master of the States was resolved extrajudicially (Lee v. Grant) some years back.
April 7th, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Here’s an editorial from my local rag that could give some insight to the Guv’s problems. (can’t post a link because it is subscription).
Not unlike the federal bailout money for Detroit’s automakers, the economic stimulus money targeted for education comes with strings attached. And the leverage that those strings provide is expected to give the federal government the power to improve education standards, student outcomes and teacher quality across the nation.
The New York Times reported last week that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has told governors that he wants detailed information from them before they can qualify for the second helping of federal stimulus money targeted for education.
The first round of federal money for education, amounting to about $44 billion, is being made available to schools immediately. A second phase of funding, however, amounting to about $54 billion, comes with strings attached.
The Times article notes that some, maybe most, governors will have a problem with Duncan’s requirements for receiving phase-two money. That’s because Duncan is demanding detailed performance data much of which could reveal embarrassing information before the second phase of money is released.
The Times article suggests that the information Duncan wants is expected to reveal that most states have dumbed down academic testing so that their students’ test scores are higher than when those same students take more rigorous tests administered by the federal Department of Education.
As evidence that dumbed-down tests and grade inflation are rampant across the country, the Times article noted that millions of high school graduates are being forced to enroll in remedial courses when they enter college. That fact, which was documented recently in Pennsylvania, is a clear indication that many public high schools are failing not only the students, but also the taxpayers funding the system.
The Times article also notes that the education data to be provided by the 50 governors are expected to show that most states have such a meaningless system of evaluating teachers that 99 percent of all teachers will be ranked as outstanding. Clearly, that’s not realistic.
In teaching, as in any other profession, people have a range of skills and effectiveness. And just as it’s true that not all accountants or all lawyers are excellent not all teachers are excellent. To suggest otherwise damages the credibility of state education departments, school districts and teachers unions.
For years, there has been speculation that state governments have dumbed down tests to make their students and teachers look better.
There also is solid evidence that states play games with their graduation figures to hide shockingly high dropout rates.
If Duncan’s inquiries reveal the truth, and explode the notion that public schools are doing a uniformly good job, he could be taking a first step toward raising talent in the classroom something President Barack Obama has pledged to do.
And properly identifying teacher talent could lead to merit pay for the most outstanding teachers, something else Obama has pledged to do.
And with merit pay for the best teachers as well as an exit path for the least-effective teachers something else Obama has promised, the quality of work done in the nation’s classrooms, will improve.
Obama has listed energy, health care and education as the pillars of his ambitious reform agenda. It’s encouraging to see Duncan taking early action that could lead to the kind of education reforms that are long overdue.
J.L.W.III
April 7th, 2009 at 6:53 PM
…is that ‘bill’ a JOKE?
April 7th, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Looks like a conservative dogwhistle/ shot across the bow re: state’s rights. Will make the AIP & “conservatives” very happy, but I’m sure it won’t stop them from taking stimulus money, no matter what strings are attached.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:01 PM
@Lainey, IMHO, the fact the Eminem is lampooning Palin just shows how people in his target demographic think she’s an old joke….
April 7th, 2009 at 7:03 PM
It is so tempting to say that Alaskan Republican senators & representatives are completely and utterly insane, except that I really looooove Hawker.
That Kelly has been listening to too much Limbaugh. I mean serious crazy time. I hope that the Feds give Alaska a HUGE smack-down on House Res 9 and that Alaska gets slapped with a lawsuit.
I need a big countdown clock to our moving day. A huge one, 6 feet high. And a dartboard that I can stick different faces up on. Kelly’s face would go on it, as well as the rest of the tinfoil wearing yahoos whose names are on that resolution, and our dear gov.
How in the world did that get passed?
Alaska seriously needs to get rid of the 90-day session, if that sort of shite is what is getting passed. The dems have to get on board with that one in order to get some money for schools and starving children, or something?
April 7th, 2009 at 7:21 PM
@ Professor Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 7:01 PM
@Lainey, IMHO, the fact the Eminem is lampooning Palin just shows how people in his target demographic think she’s an old joke….
_________
As much as I can’t stand her, that was a cheap shot by Eminem and it’s nothing to be proud of on our end.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Are you sure that was a real earthquake and not just the AIP rumbling?
This State Sovereignty bill sounds as though the AIP are on the marach. And, in all her posturing lately, Palin is showing her true loyalty. Her choice of WAR as AG would bring a whole new level of legal interpretations out. Make way for the Queen of the Independent Nation of Alaska.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Quoth Jimmy Buffett,
“Shake ‘n bake life with the quakes, the secret’s in the crust.”
It’s from a song called “Fruitcakes”, about how nutty everyone is. I think that might aptly describe Seam Tarah…
Hope you all are ok up there.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Re: the Eminem song…
Well, I’ve not listened to it. I’ve got an 18-yr old, so I really really had a thing against Eminem when he first became popular. It seemed to me that his songs glorified all of the worst of everything — violence against women, women as objects, drugs, guns, etc. Then I heard the song “Cleaning out my Closet” and I had to re-think that, it’s definately a soul-baring song.
As to his latest song, still not having heard it, but seeing something on HuffPo or Alternet or some site like that, it looked to me like it was satyrical or some such — a lot of popular people, popular for no discernible reason (say Paris Hilton or the Kardashians) or because they incite the angry mobs (Palin & Ellen DesGeneres (sp?)). The name of the song is “We Made You” and you must agree that SP is a perfect example of someone who has no credible thought or deed or anything of substance or value to add to the national equation, she has the popularity that she has because she appeals to the lowest common denominator &/or far-right wingnuts.
I think he was making a statement about our country, he was right on target, and so I have to like that about the song, whether or not it sounds good!
April 7th, 2009 at 7:56 PM
@WaCalGal, Sourdough & MonaLisa –
My first response to you all was eaten by spam. I don’t think my curse word was on the approved curse word list.
Anyway, thanks for the links. I’ve emailed my local senator (dyson, ick) and rep (Fairclough) asking for an explanation as to how it benefits Alaska, among other things.
I hope that our state gets sued. I would think that this is unconstitutional. What a dangerous precedent, and what a shameful bit of legislation to have to our state’s credit. It smacks of Confederate b.s., next step secession?
I am disappointed that this was able to pass, to say the least. It gives me a thorough disgust of our legislators, all of them. Did the Dems have to go along with this to get children & senior citizens fed? It is time for the 90-day session to go away. Too many back-door deals & compromises, going along to get along to get things passed.
Alaska politics sucks more and more every single day.
Oh yes, have also emailed it to Andrew Sullivan, hopefully it will make it to his list, perhaps qualify for either the Malkin or Hewitt award.
Sending it to Keith O and Rachel next. Bet they’re jumping all over the sovereign thing, and this is right up their alley…
April 7th, 2009 at 8:00 PM
I remember the 1964 Anchorage earthquake from the front page of my paper in California. I was 8. They had a picture of a broken store front window with Easter stuff in disarray–you know. Stuffed bunnies and such. I was so concerned that, if stores and stuffed animals could be smashed, that kids might have gotten hurt. My parents told me everyone was OK, but today I started thinking that maybe they just told me that because I was so young and also worried about my aunt and uncle and their baby in Alaska. They were fine, though. They lived in Fairbanks. Not being a geographic wunderkind, anywhere in AK was too close to the earthquake for me. I dreamt about that newspaper photo off and on for years.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:02 PM
@Karin in CT: As much as I can’t stand her, that was a cheap shot by Eminem and it’s nothing to be proud of on our end.
”””””””””””””””’
I don’t see it as a cheap shot at all…she earns every negative comment with her words and actions, by us here on Mudflats or from Eminem.
I’m hoping @Professor is correct that “his target demographic think she’s an old joke”.
I think it’s funny and helpful to get the word out.
@SMR: SP is a perfect example of someone who has no credible thought or deed or anything of substance or value to add to the national equation, she has the popularity that she has because she appeals to the lowest common denominator
””””””””””””””””””’
you all know my opinion of the palin…I couldn’t agree more
the fact she appeals to ANYONE scares the H outta me!
April 7th, 2009 at 8:04 PM
From Andrew Halcro’s blog:
……..Salazar’s authority over federal lands and waters makes him a key player when it comes to Alaska issues due to the fact that 60% of Alaska is under federal ownership…..
Does this mean that Sarah’s Sovereign State is only 40% of Alaska?
April 7th, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Oops — I should have clarified about Ellen De. I love her, I think she’s great. However, she really gets those religious types riled up, you know, SP’s friends & fans… I actually think that she’s got a lot that she brings to the table, so I’m not sure why she’s included in that song/video, but there you go… I’d have to listen to watch the video to figure it out, maybe some day in the future.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:15 PM
OT – at Redstate – catch the last paragraph
http://www.redstate.com/josh_painter/2009/04/07/its-alive-the-first-sarah-palin-defense-fund/
We shall see; we shall see.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:16 PM
@ Rop Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
4.7 on 4/7…Go figure!
””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Those were my thoughts exactly! There’s a distinct message up there somewhere…
April 7th, 2009 at 8:19 PM
I think it’s funny about the other Palin story on Huffpo…
“Sarah Palin Used To Attack GOP Candidate In Virginia”
The Democrats are using Sarah’s name and words in commercials to turn people off to get the Dems. elected. Too bad there is no one who will interview her and ask her to comment about this new tactic. Meg…?… what do you say…?
April 7th, 2009 at 8:24 PM
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1608698/20090407/eminem.jhtml
hilarious…catchy tune…palin is a riot….nobody can degrade better than Em.
palin belongs in this video!
April 7th, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Oh that bill! Is this George Wallace in Alabama revisited? States’ sovereignty sounds more appealing than states’ rights.
Whatabunchanuts.
I wish I had known decades ago that I could be a complete idiot and still get elected Somewhere. (Not that I am an idiot or want to be elected . . .)
April 7th, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Dragon Lady (#118)
I had never been to that website but since you linked it I was curious and checked it out. Funny Stuff. (Red state)
I liked the fact that they were quoting a PEW Poll that said Obama had the ‘highest’ disapproval rating EVER…? Sounds bad… Except…
The logic: Based the the fact that Most people vote him so High…. and yet GOP people vote him so Low… the difference between the two gives Obama a record disapproval number. (scratching my head…?)
It’s all ‘our ‘ fault then…. because we vote him so High. I would be sooooo embarrassed trying to explain this flawed thinking. Someone tell Sarah about this poll ‘ Obama’s highest disapproval ‘… and she may repeat it.
Pssstt….. can we email the Poll to her…anonymously..?
April 8th, 2009 at 1:35 AM
#114 @SMR et al:
re: HR 9
“I hope that our state gets sued. I would think that this is unconstitutional. What a dangerous precedent, and what a shameful bit of legislation to have to our state’s credit. It smacks of Confederate b.s., next step secession?
“I am disappointed that this was able to pass, to say the least. It gives me a thorough disgust of our legislators, all of them. Did the Dems have to go along with this to get children & senior citizens fed?”
———————
What TOTALLY DISGUSTS me the most is why we Alaskans never heard a word about this sh%t !!! This has the power to change the very fabric of my life as an Alaskan! — and what, I don’t even hear a word about it? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE????? and they REPRESENT us???
April 8th, 2009 at 1:54 AM
re: HR 9
Looks like most of you have long since gone, but just have to get this said.
I think it went something like this. WAR starts advising GINO. She has this nasty ARRA thing to deal with, and she doesn’t want to even look at it. He says, “hey, we’ll just pass a resolution to declare Alaska a sovereign state, and make sure our resources are all ours and nobody else’s. And then, if they try to get our oil or gas, we can just take ‘em to court! So go ahead, Sarah, it’s OK, sign the d@mn thing.”
Not sayin’ that makes any sense, of course ….. but wouldn’t be surprised if something like that might have happened!
April 8th, 2009 at 4:21 AM
My thoughts this morning regarding HR 9 are first how the people who wrote it would address SP: ALL HAIL SARAH!
Of course the rest of the country uses a different address: AWWW HELL, SARAH!
Wow. The chaos theory is definitely in affect in Alaska!
April 8th, 2009 at 4:21 AM
And ADN appears to have nothing on the issue…
April 8th, 2009 at 6:53 AM
I just posted this on the wrong thread (this may be also, but at least it’s currently under discussion).
Would someone tell me if I’m reading this incorrectly? On that “Amendment 10″ idiocy… lines 17-19: “…all compulsory federal legislation that directs states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties or sanctions or requires states to pass
legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed.”
Could that be a ploy to get the stimulus funds, but without the “strings attached” – ? As in “we’ll take the money, but we’ll use it the way we want & you can’t stop us”
And Yukonbushgrma – you’ve probably hit the nail on the head.
wow
April 8th, 2009 at 8:30 AM
We who live in Cobb County, GA beat you to it…we had an earthquake earlier this week, and it was very faint, but like a very big rumbly freight train’s effect on your home.
Heck, when I lived in NYC in the early/mid 80’s we had one there too. That was at the time of all the cars having audible alarms go off if you touched the car or it got “moved”. Needless to say, every car alarm was blaring loud & clear, since everything shook a bit…
April 8th, 2009 at 6:28 PM
A person I talk to who is a republican made a remark about the new constitution party from the old GOP ??????? I still think if and thats a big if North Korea launched a rocket at anyone it would be at one of our west coast big cities.They have more people then the whole of Alaska,GINO is just looking for media coverage.If AIP took over all protection from the US would be gone along with the Base then where would she be.Just a thought.Another thought before I leave for the night if anyone is from or near Wallasa or Eagle river tell the whole Johnson family to watch their backs and remember what she did to her ex brother-in-law,Maybe that is why he is speaking out now to protect himself and his family from both her and the GOP!!!
April 9th, 2009 at 4:22 PM
@yukonbushgrandma –
It has passed the House (What the he##?) and is on its way to the Senate for voting. Contact your legislators! I did, got an interesting reply from mine, said it was likely to do with stimulus funds, then backtracked w/another email that said no, it was about the management of game, blah blah blah…
I have no hope for my rep & senator, they are in the can for any sort of craziness. The downside of life in my little pocket of Alaska crazy.
I agree that it’s infuriating that we heard nothing about this. I’m mystified as to why there is not some sort of public document that gets published as an insert in the local papers or available to be picked up at local government offices that explains each Resolution or Bill that is to be proposed, as well as the sponsor statement. The sponsor statement for HR 9 is just plain nuts. Sounds like something written by WAR (which actually wouldn’t surprise me if it were).