Open Thread – The Quilt Part IV
We’re back once again for our “four squares at a time” tour through the awesome Mudflats quilt that was so kindly made for me by thesneaky cypber-quilters on the Mudflats forum. There are so many nooks and crannies over there, that you never know what fabulous thing may be going on at any given moment!
But back to our tour.
The first block is from our quiltmistress herself – Quince who signed it! The classic yellow boots are sitting upon the sand of the New Hampshire sea coast.. I have spent countless hours on one particular beach in the northeast, and it’s the only thing I ever feel homesick for, other than family. The fabric is really lovely and has all kinds of seaweed and interesting shimmery ocean critters on it. The green fabric has subtle metallic golden waves printed on it, and the sand itself has little gold rivulets giving it a more three dimensional look than the photo does. And in each corner of the block is a little silver scallop shell!
Next is the “adult beverage” square! Those came in handy for things like the vice presidential debate, and election night, and on many occasions of celebration or head bangery that have arisen over the past year and a half. Thanks to Mudflatter Mike for coming up with the great fabric of bunches of grapes, and wine labels! There’s even a little appliqued tiger peeking out from under the border at the top of the square. The enclosed letter hinted that there was a Mudflatter’s screen name hidden in this square, and it hit me immediately! Tigerwine! The beautiful metallic green boots and the fabric behind are decorated in vines, and the block is signed by both Irishgirl AND Ayerishgirl. We’d better move off the adult beverage block…we’re seeing double!
The third square was one of several that made me burst out laughing. This one was dubbed the “Is it Safe Yet?” square. Yes, each shimmering golden boot has, peeking out of the top, a turkey! They’re quaking in their boots! Hard to believe it’s almost been a year since the infamous turkey-gate incident. The fabric in the back is covered in turkeys. And they all look alive and well. I’m pleased to say that there is no “cone of death” fabric to be found.
And finally, we’ve got another beautiful geographic block. This one is Seattle, with the glittering skyline including the Space Needle. The boots are silver on gold and gold on silver, and they do look extra-waterproof. The background fabricis covered in … wait for it … rain clouds! What else? And the block was signed by Mudflatters EnoughWithTheTrainWreck, System Bucker, and Eyes Wide Open in Pittsburgh, all of whom I got to meet at the Pittsburgh Mudstock! I’m not sure at what point, after looking at all the signatures from the Pittsburgh Mudstock that I thought, “Heyyyyyy!” and I remembered a couple people off in a corner with a pen, and a few shifty looks in my direction at that Mudstock! Skullduggery at its absolute finest!
Only four more blocks to go….
This whole quilt is just so inspired and artistic. What beauty!
just gorgeous
OMG!! I posted this in the forum, but Rep. Alan Grayson has stepped it up a MAJOR notch. He’s naming names and taking no prisoners. Gosh, I hope he stays safe! This is NOT going to be well received.
Calling out the Republican Congresspersons Name-by-Name with the predictions of next year’s deaths ‘Due to Lack of Health Insurance’ in EACH of their districts.
Grayson 2/3: Roll Call by Republican Rep # Constituent Deaths Due To No Healthcare Insurance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD4rOkq9fUo
The turkeys are mighty nervous, but I believe they’re just “peeking”out of those boots……
ROFL! That’s the best typo I ever made. I added the “k” but had to think about it…. AKM
Good thing the boots are liquid proof, eh Quince?
Quince – hahahaha! I noticed that too! Thought it was a typo but then again….Palin could make me pee my pants. I hope AKM doesn’t correct it (o:
The quilt is absolutely gorgeous, so impressed with you mudpuppies!
Oh gawd! you are going to love this. A vid mashup of Fox getting it all a$$upards on NY23.
OK, couldn’t link it, so will have to do it this way, go see, it will crack you up.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/4/800678/-Engineering-defeat
What a work of love!! You are truly blessed, AKM, and we are all blessed to have you.
Glad to see the next 4 squares. Still can’t pick a favorite! (tho the “peeing” turkeys gave me a chuckle. A agree, Michigander. that’s a freudian typo and it works!)
leenie17 @132 on yesterday’s open thread – Nope! So far there’s no word of $P trotting down to Buffalo after she stops by to see you in Rochester on the 21st. I’d be interested to see what the Bflo activist community would do with her.
I see there are many good links on the threads, since last night. Off to do some reading. Morning , all !
<=Guess who got a happy little postcard from AKM!
That quilt is gorgeous, and a memory bank, to boot!
More great squares! I’m so glad to see the turkeys included – anytime Palin is mentioned around here, the turkey fiasco comes up and gives us renewed laughter.
Grayson is one brave guy! The right are already trying to make him out to be a whack-job. I hope he doesn’t back down and I wish more on the left would develop a bit more spine as well.
This anonymous crap they pull on some bills and blocking appointments shouldn’t be part of the rules. If they want to block someone, we should be able to know who it is, and the why.
BuffGal – If SP’s crowd follow this blog, they have a fair idea of what cities to avoid. I imagine the media will follow her from one little town to another and show us their version of ‘the real America’.
UK Lady – Good link! Question for you…….Is UK for University of KY or United Kingdom?
Dang! I was looking forward to Bill Clinton and GW debating, and now it has been called off. It was actually to be a moderated panel but was over-hyped, so someone nixed the whole idea…. cannot imagine which one would actually chicken out.
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/11/04/debate_of_the_century_called_off.html
Democrat Ned Lamont of Connecticut had challenged Lieberman a few years back and is considering a run again, this time for Governor. He was rather a novice in his earlier campaign, so maybe he’s had time to learn what it takes to be in the game with the big boys like old Joe.
Ed Whitfield is my representative (Republican) here in KY. Got a lengthy email from him, urging transparency in the health care debate. He has submitted a bill, that not only requires a minimum of 72 hours, but wants all meetings to be open to the public so that anyone can attend and speak their mind. All he’s doing is delaying, and we don’t need any more of the town hall fiascos with the teabaggers dominating the day.
I will be watching to see how Bachmann’s march on the halls of Congress goes today.
GreatGranny2C
UK is for United Kingdom, glad you liked the link
There are only 11 comments on Geoff Dunn’s latest Palin post, and none pending. Would like to see more comments so that this post might jump a bit more forward. This was a disgraceful (but not surprising) attitude by Palin.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/palins-bob-mark-show-sham_b_346345.html
Thanks for clarifying it UK Lady!
GreatGranny
They have closed comments on that story.
Hm – crummy that they won’t allow more comments. Several have been mentioning thatHuffo seems to be leaning more right, and it seems they are beginning to protect Palin.
I wonder if Palin will de-friend Carrie Prejean now that she has dropped her lawsuit against the Miss CA Pageant, seeing as a naughty video of her has surfaced. Humorous take on the situation at this link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/carrie-prejean-drops-laws_b_346609.html
yes there was quite a bit of fabric shuffling and creative writing going on in between the stories and laughter at the Pittsburgh Mudstock. that was a truly wonderful event and i am ever so glad so much effort was made to help get muddies together. the quilt is the bomb.
Loved the squares…perhaps the turkeys need to hop over to the adult beverage square and imbibe in some liquid courage
OH, WOW! Just read the description of Block #2, and I’m in it!
Didn’t have a clue this was going on, and am so proud to be included, as I am a quilter, too. Mike, Irishgirl, Ayerishgirl, and anyone else who may have had a hand in this, just know how tickled you have made me. The quilt is a work of art, and hugs to the one(s) who thought up this wonderful way to honor AKM!
Can’t wait to see the last blocks.
Anyone needing a good laugh? Mrs. Palin’s fellow beauty queen and republican woman role model has a sex tape:
http://www.cbs8.com/global/story.asp?s=11448747
oops Greatgranny I just saw your post!
Ok – in what kind of city, in the year 2009, with the availablity of social networking, television, radio and access to a photocopier , does the local water authority have a planned water shut-off to a number of city blocks and NOT tell the residents ahead of time?!
I just sauntered in to make a cup of tea and there’s no water! The pipes just made this sad, gurgling sound. At first I worried that my online preoccupations had made me miss a utility payment but when I called, they just calmly said, “Yeah. We’re merging water mains in the area. You’ll be shut down for the next few hours. ” When I asked why residents hadn’t been notified ahead of time I swear I could hear crickets in the background. Showers? Cooking? Baby formula ? Toilets? Allo!? we could’ve filled jugs w/ water , had we known. The irony? It just started raining cats n’ dogs!
Ok – I feel better now. Shifting in to “Glass Half Full” gratitude mode momentarily. ( I have heat, food, a roof , internet access and Palin is not coming to Buffalo. Everything is juuuuust fine. )
Turkeys peeing out the top of the boots? (Sorry Quince, it is funny!) And the job you did with this quilt is nothing short of amazing. I love the stories behind each square. I don’t want the peeks AKM gives, 4 squares at a time, to stop!
I am beyond impressed by this quilt. You can tell that it was an act of love by creative and caring people from around the world.
I love the fact that you have a memory of some pen holding folks in PA. So, you, were in the midst of something bigger than yourself and didn’t quite realize it at the time.
Meanwhile, I just found out that last night Conan had William Shatner (backed up by cello and bongo)
do some Levi Johnston “tweet poetry”. Oh, my!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/william-shatner-reads-lev_n_346624.html
This quilt is awesome! A real treasure.
I would like to remind everyone to focus good energy, prayers, etc., for the meeting today between Obama and the Native Americans in Washington. I pray for a great healing in our nation.
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/11/04/04greenwire-obama-to-attend-summit-with-american-indian-tr-77503.html
….as well as for Health care Insurance Reform…
Make the calls ~ send the emails. Now is not the time to become complacent in our “well-doings”…
Enjoy the day,
Has the naughty video gone viral yet? lol
I agree with Bob Cesna about President Obama needed to brag up the changes he’s brought about so far. It’s been a year since we elected him, but he’s only been in office effecting change for 9 months. I think he deserves far more credit than he is getting.
I am not discouraged at all with our President or the work he’s accomplished so far.
People need to remember the brink of disaster we were on!
They also need to realize he has been fought against by those who want him to look bad and fail every. step. of. the. way. since. he. took. office ! And Scarah has been an irritating distraction, she needs to go down, we have wasted precious time with her damn divisiveness stirring the pot of hatred creating a huge distraction, I am sick of her drama.
Be patient with our President. Don’t give up hope. Believe! HELP the process! Support him.
Is the glass half empty or half full? He’s a human being for goodness sake, not a miracle worker, or fictional super hero.
I love our President and I am very proud of what he is TRYING to accomplish. I believe in him. I love his family. I trust he is attempting to do the best he can. He certainly doesn’t need those who voted for him to abandon ship and cry mutiny.
He has been in office 9 short months. Extremely busy and some of the most seriously complicated 9 months of our country! Good grief, I cannot believe people expect more out of this man. Seriously.
Now, that being said. I am more than disappointed in ALL of the Republican leaders, with perhaps the exception of Snow, I’m also disappointed some of our Democrat officials. If anyone wants to bitch, it should be about these people! GAH.
I am most proud of Grayson, he’s the man of the hour right now.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/hope-change-and-the-long_b_345734.html
“But expectations have been unnaturally high, mainly because it’s so damn easy to project both our highest hopes and greatest fears onto this president.
In terms of the wingnut right, they’ve shoehorned literally every boogie man into Obama’s loafers. He’s both Carter and Nixon. He’s both a Marxist and a fascist Nazi. He’s both Hitler and Chamberlain. Teabaggers have gone so far as to paint a Hitler mustache on a man who the real-life Hitler would probably have killed with his bare hands — a mixed-race liberal with a Muslim name.”
What’s up with HP closing comments? I’ve never seen this happen before. It can get pretty funny on some of these stories. I’m going to click on contact us and complain. This is more like faux than a susposed liberal site.
I wonder why Palin hasn’t come out with a facebook support of Ms. Carrie Prejean and her XXX rated sex tape. Those are some “real” family values.
What a hypocrite.
I wonder if they will cross her face out of that new Conservative Women calendar or if they still think Carrie is a positive role model and good representative of their righteous “Christian” values? I am sure the Devil (Liberals) made her do it. bwwwhahahaha!
Oh well, Fox will hire her in 3..2…1
What is up at huffingtonpost? Any story that has Sarah in it, the comments are monitered they close the comments. What is the deal?
Oh, I hope the peeing turkeys don’t come anywhere near the adult beverage block!
Tigerwine, I only signed it. Unfortunately I can’t claim credit for having done any of the quilting, but I am delighted to be a part of the quilt.
Ok, this is just nutz:
Palin accused reporters of ’stalking’ her, tried to ‘intimidate them’ out of Alaska:
http://trueslant.com/michaelhastings/2009/11/05/palin-accused-reporters-of-stalking-her-tried-to-intimidate-them-out-of-alaska/
Somehow, your first two blog entries on the quilt squares completely escaped my notice, AKM, but I saw the 3rd, and am reading about these here, obviously.
What a fabulous idea that Quince came up with (have I got that right?), and what a wonderful job everybody did on creating beautiful unique squares!
I’m a sometimes-quilter myself, when I’m not doing what I’d rather do (beading), or what I must do (caregiving), and I think you are so fortunate to be the recipient of such love from so many Mudflatters. What a great gift!
watching MSNBC right now with the Teabaggers and Bachmands descent on the White House…i hope Dem’s will not let themselves be intimidated.
See anything amusing in this article?
Republican Senate candidate Mark Kirk of Illinois is reportedly trying to get Sarah Plain to endorse his candidacy, which is not surprising considering the formidable sway the former Alaska governor seems to hold on the conservative movement.
But there’s good reason to think Kirk will come up short in his efforts. And its not simply because the tea-party set feels he lacks the ideological bonafides.
Kirk was one of the first elected Republican officials to raise concerns about Palin’s selection as John McCain’s vice presidential candidate. Back in October 2008, the Illinois Republican told the Chicago Tribune that he “would have picked someone different.” Asked later whether he thought Palin was qualified to be one heartbeat away from being commander in chief, Kirk replied: “Quite frankly, I don’t know.”
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/04/kirk-seeks-palin-endorsem_n_345811.html
Let’s all help Anthony Weiner by signing his petition at
http://countdowntohealthcare.com/
BTW, it seems like the rethug congress critters and staff may out number the “patriots” at the Capital steps.
I love that Irishgirl and Ayerishgrl are together on the alcohol square! How apropos of the NYC Mudstock!
Again, a job well done. I just love good talent like this.
The creativity that has gone into that quilt is awesome. I continue to be impressed by the thought and love that went into each block.
Here’s a really good opinion piece about schools shunning Obama’s speech. Talk about hypocritical.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1030/p09s01-coop.html
Another thing having Obama around has done is make us more safe. Our friends are more friendly and our enemies are seeing someone who isn’t a cowboy diplomat ridin’ in with guns ablazin’. I’d say that’s something.
dang it… ya alls beat me to the prejean sex tape.
TMZ has it but apparently isnt in a sharing mood.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/05/sex-tape-carrie-prejean-miss-california-usa-cnn-fox-today
ohhh… and poor Levi.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/05/levi-says-tonight-show-shat-on-him/
Twitter twatter matters:
Well, the first Rethug head has rolled in the fake Twitter accounts…
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/story/1317147.html
GOP official fired due to fake Twitter account
A Twitter account that impersonated the chairman of Brevard County’s Republican Party was linked to a state GOP official, who has been fired.
By ADAM C. SMITH
St. Petersburg Times
A fake Twitter account aimed at discrediting a prominent critic of state GOP leaders has been linked back to a senior official at the Republican Party of Florida.
This week, the party fired Tim Nungesser, who was director of the field operations department, and insisted that no one else knew about it.
The victim, however, says that top party officials were aware of what was going on and did nothing until law enforcement identified the culprit. He urged Gov. Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum to investigate and then demand the resignation of the party’s executive director and state chairman.
And here comes another cannibalism exhibit, courtesy of the Rethugs.
tigerwine!!! of course you was in it. how not?
ripley in ct!! that nyc mud meet was great. like tigerwine, i was amazed to be included in this wonderful gift of love. i am grateful to have been a part of this kaleidoscope of intellect, scholarship, artistry, wordsmenship and just plain good, loving, curious pups.
Sarah sees her fellow beauty contestant Carrie Prejean back in the news, and Sarah wants to make her own sex tape! Good thing Toad is out of town!
Say NO @28 – I couldn’t agree more. He’s been in office 9 months. What did people expect? As I’ve said before, the very fact that POTUS hasn’t run screaming across the White House lawn and off in to the distance is enough for me. I was of the belief that he was a bit young and perhaps inexperienced but we only had two candidates and he was clearly the only sane choice. He’s got my support until he proves unworthy by way of something blatant. Right now I feel my job is to keep watch on the wingnuts and do my small part in getting info out there.
And, speaking of the nut factory, here’s an interesting piece writting by a conservative who is actually calling out the fringe and telling them to STFU.
http://rightwingnuthouse.com/archives/2009/11/02/the-anti-reason-conservatives/
****If you wish to deny membership into your ever shrinking club of “true” conservatives to those who you think don’t live up to your narrow, parochial, rigid definition, that is your problem. But if you care one whit about the United States of America, you would swallow your excessively ideological outlook on politics, take off the blinders, and realize that a party made up of lockstep righties who think like you is not only impossible, but the effort to realize that goal would be monumentally stupid. ***
I don’t know anything about this guy but in this article, he’s dead on. Would love to hear more coming like this.
Those teabaggers seem to have a lot of free time on their hands.
I would ask them to raise their hands if they have Medicare, Medicaid or vetern’s insurance.
Then see how many are left.
Bet a lot of these idiots are retired and on GOV healthcare now.
Shooting – Fort Hood TX –
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33678801/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
*** At least seven people are dead and 12 wounded in a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas, the base’s public affairs office told NBC News on Thursday.
The official would not give his name nor additional details. It was unknown whether victims are soldiers or civilians. One gunman was reportedly in custody and another was on the loose, NBC News said. A third shooter may be involved ***
i hope they get the rest of the shooters, what a tragedy, my heart goes out to the families of the victims
Teabag Party Capitol Hill
The Tan Man fails 5th grade civics…………….
The republican leader of the House of Representatives really IS dumber than a 5th grader! What a proud day for the republican party…………………
If you want a laugh, this is a must see. John Bohner holding up his copy of “the constitution” and declaring to quote from it, then proceeds to recite the Declaration of Independence ! !
AND
Nancy Pelosi is sooo powerful she is “killing God” with “death panels”:
Todd Akin (R-MO) treating today’s Teabachle to the Pledge of Allegiance. Akin led off with a brief oration on the importance of the words “under God” in the pledge, because someone has to stop Nancy Pelosi from killing God, with death panels.
Perhaps the overemphasis on that mid-20th century drop-in was what led Akin to leave out another important word of the pledge:
“indivisible.” Though the setting strongly suggests that this may have been a Freudian slip.
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/bungled-pledge-of-allegia_n_347278.html&cp
here are some pictures…the Dachau picture is truly disgusting and offensive , specially to those victims in this picture, these people are a bunch of idiots !!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/the-12-most-offensive-sig_n_347398.html?slidenumber=YQKSlGc5xDU%3D#slide_image
Anyone watching msnbc?? WOW sooo many crazies out there.. 12 dead, 31 wounded so far..
If we have any folks here with family at Ft. Hood, here’s the Red Cross link to report them safe or to check on them. http://tinyurl.com/3gj8ul Maybe pass it along if you have twitter. I don’t see it showing up online yet.
Re: today’s insanity w/ Bachmann – The footage you see showing the specter of death roaming around, reports are that it’s Randall Terry.
People who were live “tweeting” from within the bldg said the whole thing had a carnival air to it.
The Holocaust images are just appalling. This wasn’t a spontaneous grass roots event – this was organized by GOP elect. Someone should have spoken out about those images. ( Perhaps it’ll end up being Grayson ? )
GlobalVillage posted this link last night but I thought it was worth moving up to today’s open thread to give it a little more exposure. It’s an awesome video of one of my favorite songs (Stand By Me) done by musicians around the world. I sing in a local choir and know how hard it is to get 100 people in the same room to sound like we’re singing together. I can’t imagine the blood, sweat and tears that went into coordinating this performance. I’ve watched this video a dozen times and it still brings tears to my eyes…while I’m simultaneously grinning from ear to ear!
One year into the Obama presidency, I think it’s a good time to remind ourselves that we all need to ‘stand by’ each other. We have a long way to go to repair the extensive damage the previous adminstration inflicted on this country, and the majority of politicians on the right are doing everything they can to obstruct and halt the process, regardless of the impact on the American people. As frustrated as we get sometimes with the slow pace of change, we have to be patient and give this president and the smart people surrounding him time to turn things around. Of course, we still need to let them know we’re watching and will hold them to their promises!
Take a few minutes to watch this and be inspired:
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
BuffaloGal~ my daughter just stopped by..Granddaughter and her husband are on that base..She did get a call that they are o.k. but scared…
#
53
Star Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Anyone watching msnbc?? WOW sooo many crazies out there.. 12 dead, 31 wounded so far..
————–
watching right now…they are saying the shooters where military, one a Major. I wonder what possessed them, such a horrible tragedy !!
I can imagine they are scared Star…this is just so senseless to me
Thank God, Star. Good to hear. Locals are being asked to donate blood per twitter post: http://tinyurl.com/y894xjb
POTUS just made the standard “Keep them in our prayers” commentary . Unfortunately, he started off the press bit with a light hearted mention about the Native American conference that was held today. I can see the right jumping on that immediately. Poor choice, me thinks.
Buffy, POTUS was actually speaking to those who attended the conference and began his remarks by recognizing a Medal of Honor winner in the audience.
It was an already scheduled event for short remarks.
I think he did as well as could be expected under the circumstance and no matter what he said or how he said it, the right would be all over it.
Justa – I know he was speaking to the conference members but it just struck me that a passing chuckle might’ve been left out. But you’re totally correct – the right will tear him apart no matter what. If he had come out ready to give blood to the Red Cross right there at the podium, they’d have found a reason to go nuts.
ABC is reporting that the shooter was an officer , Malik Nadal Hasan. There is buzz that he was a new convert to Islam but that could just be nothing other than buzz.
For those in the area that can donate:
Blood Donor Center 311 E Avenue D Killeen, TX 76541-5240 (254) 519-7766
They’re putting out a statement saying that blood is urgently needed
Buffy, the snarky comments are already starting.
some saying POTUS was disrespectful by giving a “shoutout” (it was to the Native American Medal of Honor winner; I suppose only Little Prissy Miss Quittypants is allowed to give “shoutouts”)
And, the right is going over the top about the shooter having a “Muslim” name… OMG, OMG!!!! The Muslims are coming! The Muslims are coming! Protect yer wimmin and children!!!
sigh…….
they are now saying he was a mental heath professional, getting weirder by the minute.
I think someone reported that the shootings happened at or near a ‘reset’ center (awful name for mental health and evaluation after coming back from war))
63
justafarmer Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 2:30 PM
And, the right is going over the top about the shooter having a “Muslim” name… OMG, OMG!!!! The Muslims are coming! The Muslims are coming! Protect yer wimmin and children!!!
____________________
I hope there will be no vigilantism
twain, I agree..I still remember the vigilantism after 9/11.
Justa – I’m watching the twitter posts. Are you catching it there? You sure get a view of the underbelly of America. They don’t even bother to self-censor , in the least. There is a running thread of “thank God it finally happened so people can finally see HUSSEIN Obama for what he really is”.
Even if it turns out that this guy was suffering from all levels of PTSD and that he was a “never miss Sunday mass” Christian, you know the right is going to say that “the truth was hidden”. They’re going to make it a terrorist attack on American soil and from there, we’re off! ( it won’t make a lick of difference that this guy is a major which means he’s been in the service for years and wasn’t ushered in by POTUS) .
Oy. and – *sigh*
This was sent to me and I thought I would share. It’s a link to pictures of the Naubinway, MI moose that was born on someone’s front yard. Too cute!
http://www.fleetfiretimbers.com/FFT/Collages/Fun%20Stuff/BabyMooseBornDowntown.htm
that moose is so cute…hope they made it save out of the city
I guess he was a psychiatrist , just promoted in May and stationed from Walter Reid to Ford Hood. He dealt with a lot of PTST….i’m starting to think he snapped. But of course the bigots will spin it their way.
Tragic none the less and no excuse for shooting all these people.
Trini, thanks for the very cute pix….I just LOVE the mom & baby “kiss”,
Really outranks & overcomes all of today’s insanity.
leenie17
Thanks for posting that. It is inspiring.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/nine-arrested-protesting_n_347039.html
Way to go CT protesters! This coulda been me in the news!! LOL
I talked to a friend of mine who is a psychologist at a VA clinic. She said that the vets who come in are just ravaged by PTSD. They relive the sounds and smells of the war and are devistated and debilitated. They are angry too. The anger is directed to the government for the constant redeployments and lack of adequate equipment and vital needs. She agreed with me when I suggested that this incident sounded like “suicide by police.”
Sad, sad day. Must go look at the baby moose again.
Baby critters are all so cute and I hope the baby moose can survive. You Mudpuppies are all so right, I mean correct. The right would find something wrong with how our President puts on his trouser – my goodness he must put his left leg in first. Before I heard of the tragedy at Fort Hood, here in Texas, I was laughing so much about those paragons of patriotism, Boehner and Adkins, messing up at the big Teabagging assembly in Washington. Those who constantly wrap themselves in our flag and purport to represent the people should be better educated on our country’s founding documents. I bet our President wouldn’t make those mistakes. Of course, the Teabaggers probably didn’t notice the mistakes, just as Palin won’t acknowledge that her protegee was wrong to make that XXX video.
http://www.americablog.com/2009/11/wall-street-is-getting-h1n1-vaccine.html#disqus_thread
Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asked Health and Human Service (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to investigate why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved the distribution of the H1NI vaccine to Wall Street firms at a time when the vaccine is unavailable to most Americans.
Recent news reports indicate 13 companies, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and Time Warner, have been cleared to receive the vaccine.
The CDC is distributing the much sought-after vaccine to Wall Street firms despite reports of vast shortages. In fact, just yesterday CDC Director Thomas Frieden informed Congress that only 32.3 million doses are available, far less than the 159 million needed to cover those at the highest risk. Given the scarce supply, the CDC has recommended the vaccine be directed only to those at highest risk: pregnant women, infants and children and those up to 24 years, those who care for infants, health and emergency services personnel, and adults with compromised immune systems or other chronic health problems.
Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW said today, “Although CREW has been unable to uncover the demographic makeup of Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and JP Morgan Chase, it seems safe to assume the vast majority of their employees are not pregnant women, infants and children, young adults up to 24 years old, and healthcare workers.”
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/43232
Los Angeles County’s three public hospitals ordered 110,000 vaccines, but have received only about 18,000 doses, and UCLA’s two hospitals received 1,000 doses for 10,000 staff and 35,000 patients.
This situation is echoed around the country, leaving most of those seeking the vaccine unable to receive it with no remedy in sight. Frieden admitted, “It is quite likely the current wave of influenza will peak, crest and begin to decline before there are ample supplies of the vaccine.”
Sloan said, “In what world do Wall Street employees deserve to be vaccinated ahead of high-risk children, pregnant women and health care workers? Unfortunately, for the thousands being turned away in clinics across America, the CDC has decided to prioritize the millionaires over the masses. The public has a right to know how and why this has happened and when it will stop.” Sloan continued, “First, the bailout, then the bonuses, now the vaccine. When will Washington start putting the needs of Main Street above those of Wall Street?”
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(Incidentally, LA County is the country’s most populous county.)
awww Trini~ sweet baby, momma too..
The trauma of serving in a war zone never goes away. My husband is a Viet Nam vet and after all these years, he still experiences flashbacks and is startled by loud and unanticipated sounds. Our daughter works at the Army hospital near us and she mentioned that extra precautions were taken today, but no total lockdown. Her clinic sees many soldiers with PTSD, as well as their family members. There are more people in need of care than there are providers for them. Amongst those who are trained, the training is often not adequate to properly deal with many of the cases. So much of it is a whole new sphere, with the repeat tours and so many cultural differences for most of our soldiers.
Many enlisted in the last few years because of the bad economy and few job opportunities, then the military services offered large enlistment bonuses. Young, limited education, and often from a poor background – and we send them off to these wars but don’t have the resources to take care of them when they do make it home.
Regardless of the shooter’s name or religious background, the bottom line is he was a well-educated officer, and his training was in mental health. Reports are that he has been exhibiting anger about repeat tours and the war, yet no one seems to have followed up on the probability of his needing care. As someone else said, he probably just snapped. With security as tight as it is on most posts nowadays, if he had preplanned some sort of terrorist activity, it would seem more logical that he had additional people to go along with him, and that his target would not have been on a post where he knew he would never get away.
What is it at Fort Hood that soldiers go postal? Last year, an Alaska soldier back from Iraq deployment went violent. Of course, Sarah Palin probably didn’t issue press releases and attend his services:
ADN – “Eagle River resident Spc. Jody Michael Wirawan, 22, killed his lieutenant and then turned the gun on himself on Sept. 8, 2008, according to police in Killeen, Texas.”
And DON YOUNG hangs out with the folks waving inappropriate Dachau signs. That’ll do it for me. Even if he is a “Corrupt Bastards Club” member, I’ve given him brownie points and extended him respect and courtesy he doesn’t deserve. First, because he married into a Native family; his wife and children are indigenous Alaskans. Second, because I felt sorry for him with her recent death. But that’s it, Don.
WTF are you thinking, publically endorsing this garbage and this behaviour?! I think there should be recall action started on this basis alone. There has to be limits on what public representation will be countenanced by the Alaskan citizenry. This ISN’T about being Republican; this is about representing ALL of us. Don, buddy, you don’t have goodwill to spare.
WASHINGTON – Rep. Don Young doesn’t attend many big public events in Washington, so his presence was notable Thursday afternoon at a Republican rally at that drew thousands of people who oppose the health care legislation scheduled for a vote this weekend in the House of Representatives.
“I’ve been a big supporter of tea parties and public interest in government,” Young said of his attendance at the rally, staged by Republicans and organizations with ties to the conservative Tea Party movement. “I have quite a few Alaskans here that are interested in where we’re going and which way we’re headed.”
Uh, yeah, okay, Don. Good luck with that. I hope your daughters are very very very ashamed of you today.
Some of us have actually been to Dachau, know real history, and cannot articulate the burden and sorrow. It was so overwhelmingly bad that it makes you numb, like your brain can’t manage it, and renders one at a loss for words.
“April 19th 1945: Dachau, 16x16x12″
Bruises grip walls like moss;
white breath holds the air;
fog lulls our feet together.
We gather—hold our naked selves,
hands gripping arms and waists like twigs
sucking at the bitter nectar of new leaves.
Eyes close—fumigation flowers in wafts,
dews collect in the crevices of life—
The buzzing sings as a chamber choir.
Growing—clouds warm our thighs;
we sit so tight on this canopy.
Our gasping grabs at the sky,
but God throws his palm down;
storming rain flies ferociously,
our eyes flooding with prayer.
by Zarah Moeggenberg
Aquinas College’s The Sampler XXI (2009), Academy of American Poets Contest for Colleges and Universities (2009)
I was over at Daily Kos, reading comments on a video of Grayson listing the number of people to die next year in each district. Comments are very interesting and heartfelt.
This gave me an idea :
For those who feel up to it, why not send to your congressman a copy of a photo of a relative, family member, friend who died due to the lack of health care. The impact is, I believe, greater with a photo, more difficult to ignore and shred.
Or some type of “wall” of photos could be videoed and youtubed, sent out to the media.
I also recognize that it may be difficult for many to put out to the public view the image of their loved ones.
Any feedback ?
It has already started with the soldier a camp hood..Some seem to realize he worked at Walter Reed with those coming back from Iraq and had to listen to the horror stories and when he tried to get out of the army nothing was done.I think he just snapped.No matter what anyone says it could have been anyone of those people on the base that snapped,it just happened to be him and if I was a conspiracy theorist I might think he was pushed into it by his superiors to try and prove a point.
The Fort Hood shootings are tragedy for at least a dozen families. (Hopefully, for the wounded, it will eventually degrade into a colorful, scary story). What a terrible thing.
One part of me wishes (sorry, folks) that the shooter were actually dead, as first reported. It’s what he deserves.
On the other hand, perhaps we will be able to learn something useful from him. I mean, the guy is a psychiatrist. If I’m reading the stories right, he got his MD while in the Army, served his internship at Walter Reed, and had never been assigned out of the US. Personally, I have a little trouble with the idea that you can “catch” PTSD from those who have it; besides which, there are thousands of vets with PTSD, and very few of them gun down forty people at a whack.
What really bothers me is this. It has always been my understanding that psychiatrists (who are in a position to have major effects on the minds of their patients) are regularly analyzed by other psychiatrists (or, perhaps, meta-psychiatrists) to make sure that they are “stable”. I could be wrong about this; it’s just what I thought was the case. But if I’m wrong, and this isn’t standard practice, why the hell isn’t it? And if it is, how did the meta-analyst miss the clues of such a derangement?
I’ve never been able to put myself into the headspace of someone who thinks that the correct response to an offense (however nasty the offense may be) is to kill a bunch of uninvolved people. I can sort of understand the guy who decides to shoot the boss who fired him (understand, not condone), and that there may be “collateral damage” (not condoned). But how far out from the normal connection to humanity do you have to be to start out gunning down random people?
aggh. What a waste.
@51 Martha — On a much more trivial note, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Akin left out “indivisible” on purpose — not even a slip.
To be honest, I sometimes skip “under God”, since I remember when it was added, and it messes up the meter.
Ok i know hindsight is 20/20 but watching the news this morning it is clear that there where warning signs. He made comments ,had a blog etc. but they where still ready to send him overseas. It’ll be interesting to see how this will play out .