No matter which way you are voting it's always important. One of the most important things as a citizen, if you abstain, you lose your voice. It doesn't matter if it is a presidential election, or local, the issues are always pressing and important. The only thing worse than not voting, is voting uninformed. I knew someone who spent months researching every candidate, and all the issues before voting, he took it so seriously, he made himself sick with the responsibility and worry of it- but even if each person just took an hour a week to research the issues at hand, it would make such a huge difference.
Don't forget to watch the presidential debate on friday!!!!
Go to voteforchange.com to get registered or request an absentee ballot. Only a few days left!
23.9.08
18.9.08
Update one: No job, no house,
I moved to Portland recently, having only visited a few times in my life. It was a compromise city between Josh and me. I had grand dreams of San Francisco, while he wanted to stay put in ole' Anch.
So serendipitous as it may have been, I was unceremoniously LET GO from a job Anchorage just a mere 2 days before my birthday. So nice. I was briefly bitter, but let go of it pretty quickly, embraced not getting up early and slugging away at a thankless job. Pretty quickly after I pushed for us to sell our house and move. We put it on the market in May, had two offers, one was good, and we had our closing check in hand on June 26th.
Barring all the craziness with selling the house, we had the check, were camp-living in Homer, getting ready for a trip with Josh's family on our land in Seldovia (across the water), and glad to be done with that aspect. We camped and worked building a sauna and outhouse for our land. Went beachcombing, had campfires; all in all, pretty nice.
While camped out I had a phone interview with Portland State. It was pretty surreal, all things said. Me sitting on a camp chair in front of tent, battling mosquitos, watching eagles fly overhead and Josh chop wood, with my cellphone and civilization on the other end.
I flew to Portland while the guys were still working, and had a job interview the same day. I was a bit out of my head, having just hopped off the plane, but suprisingly they liked me enough to hire me. It is the lowest paying job I've had in at least 5 years, but it is still a good job, especially in this crisis time.
So serendipitous as it may have been, I was unceremoniously LET GO from a job Anchorage just a mere 2 days before my birthday. So nice. I was briefly bitter, but let go of it pretty quickly, embraced not getting up early and slugging away at a thankless job. Pretty quickly after I pushed for us to sell our house and move. We put it on the market in May, had two offers, one was good, and we had our closing check in hand on June 26th.
Barring all the craziness with selling the house, we had the check, were camp-living in Homer, getting ready for a trip with Josh's family on our land in Seldovia (across the water), and glad to be done with that aspect. We camped and worked building a sauna and outhouse for our land. Went beachcombing, had campfires; all in all, pretty nice.
While camped out I had a phone interview with Portland State. It was pretty surreal, all things said. Me sitting on a camp chair in front of tent, battling mosquitos, watching eagles fly overhead and Josh chop wood, with my cellphone and civilization on the other end.
I flew to Portland while the guys were still working, and had a job interview the same day. I was a bit out of my head, having just hopped off the plane, but suprisingly they liked me enough to hire me. It is the lowest paying job I've had in at least 5 years, but it is still a good job, especially in this crisis time.
Dinosaurs, really?
So, maybe it's a bit much to remember back to say, oh, third grade, whenever we learned about the t-rex, but even after years of recreational alcohol consumption, I still have some vague notion of dinosaurs...... be my memory as faulty as it may, I do cling to the notion that I have some sense of logic and reason. I came across this in my scouring of internet news sources, and had to share......
-again Seattle PI-
"I pushed her on the earth's creation, whether it was really less than 7,000 years old and whether dinosaurs and humans walked the earth at the same time. And she said yes, she'd seen images somewhere of dinosaur fossils with human footprints in them."
Munger also asked Palin if she truly believed in the End of Days, the doomsday scenario when the Messiah will return. "She looked in my eyes and said, 'Yes, I think I will see Jesus come back to earth in my lifetime.'"
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/377955_palinenvir07.html
She wants to teach creationism in schools. Ummmmm...... Scientists, hello? Be afraid!!! Is anyone on my side here! Be realistic, cross your fingers, say republicans aren't in the white house four the next 4-8 years, even so- this lady is not going away. She has had her taste of the spotlight, of power, look at how fast things have gone for her, she is going to keep at it.
-again Seattle PI-
"I pushed her on the earth's creation, whether it was really less than 7,000 years old and whether dinosaurs and humans walked the earth at the same time. And she said yes, she'd seen images somewhere of dinosaur fossils with human footprints in them."
Munger also asked Palin if she truly believed in the End of Days, the doomsday scenario when the Messiah will return. "She looked in my eyes and said, 'Yes, I think I will see Jesus come back to earth in my lifetime.'"
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/377955_palinenvir07.html
She wants to teach creationism in schools. Ummmmm...... Scientists, hello? Be afraid!!! Is anyone on my side here! Be realistic, cross your fingers, say republicans aren't in the white house four the next 4-8 years, even so- this lady is not going away. She has had her taste of the spotlight, of power, look at how fast things have gone for her, she is going to keep at it.
Palin versus Polar bears
There are so many reasons to dislike the running mate of McCain, but her narrow-mindedness is so overbearing, it glaringly outweighs anything else. She's been photgraphed with a shotgun, with a bearskin rug, she's pro-airial wolf hunting, boasts about bagging a few dozen caribou, claiming the bou are plentiful and she was doing us a favor. In addition to these interesting notes, she also believes global warming isn't important, and apparently, that polar bears aren't endangered.
Now, I'm not one of those freaks, taking things to an extreme, but I like to think of myself as open minded, and morally centered.
Exerpt from NY times-
Rick Steiner, a University of Alaska professor, sought the e-mail messages of state scientists who had examined the effect of global warming on polar bears. (Ms. Palin said the scientists had found no ill effects, and she has sued the federal government to block the listing of the bears as endangered.) An administration official told Mr. Steiner that it would cost $468,784 to process his request.
When Mr. Steiner finally obtained the e-mail messages — through a federal records request — he discovered that state scientists had in fact agreed that the bears were in danger, records show.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/us/politics/14palin.html?bl&ex=1221624000&en=afcd714ae3b553ae&ei=5087%0A
Reading this, along with many articles about her, I am baffled she has survived in the spotlight this long. I feel as if I am living in a country that enjoys have the blinds pulled down, that prefers to not see what is going on outside the comfortable shell.
Just a little note about the bears......
-Exerpt from National Geographic_
Polar bears live only in the Arctic, the northernmost region of Earth (see Arctic photos).
The bears, which can grow to about 8 feet (2.5 meters) long, depend on sea ice for their survival. They hunt their primary prey, the ringed seal, from the ice. They also travel, mate, and sometimes give birth on the ice.
But the ice is melting.
If the melting trend continues, the Arctic could see ice-free summers by 2040, according to a Canadian climate model. Other models suggest open Arctic waters by the end of the century. (See "Arctic Ice Levels at Record Low, May Keep Melting, Study Warns.")
Bears in some areas spend the summer months on land. They fast until the ice forms in the fall, when they can use the ice as a vast platform from which to hunt the seas.
Studies of the polar bear populations around the western coast of Canada's Hudson Bay (map) show that this wait, and the bears' period of fasting, has increased by three weeks since the 1970s.
The population there is noticeably skinnier now, scientists say, and has declined by 15 percent in the last decade.
In northern Alaska the U.S. Minerals Management Service has concluded that some polar bears are drowning as they try to swim increasingly long distances between the ice and land.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0210_060210_polar_bears.html
And here's some climate info.....
From- Seattle PI
Climate change. Although Alaska is ground zero in the crisis of global warming, Palin has done virtually nothing to address the problem except hold meetings and appoint a "climate sub-cabinet" that likewise has done little. Lots of talk, no action. Although in the past two years the Arctic summer sea ice shrunk to the lowest levels ever recorded, Palin apparently does not believe it is human-induced or cause for alarm. She was asked to establish an Alaska Office on Climate Change, an Alaska Climate Response Fund (based on a tax on Alaska oil production) and emissions reduction targets for Alaska, but has taken no action on those requests.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/377955_palinenvir07.html
I am really just suprised that more people aren't talking about this. People, this person is scary, scary in a way even Bush can't touch.
Now, I'm not one of those freaks, taking things to an extreme, but I like to think of myself as open minded, and morally centered.
Exerpt from NY times-
Rick Steiner, a University of Alaska professor, sought the e-mail messages of state scientists who had examined the effect of global warming on polar bears. (Ms. Palin said the scientists had found no ill effects, and she has sued the federal government to block the listing of the bears as endangered.) An administration official told Mr. Steiner that it would cost $468,784 to process his request.
When Mr. Steiner finally obtained the e-mail messages — through a federal records request — he discovered that state scientists had in fact agreed that the bears were in danger, records show.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/us/politics/14palin.html?bl&ex=1221624000&en=afcd714ae3b553ae&ei=5087%0A
Reading this, along with many articles about her, I am baffled she has survived in the spotlight this long. I feel as if I am living in a country that enjoys have the blinds pulled down, that prefers to not see what is going on outside the comfortable shell.
Just a little note about the bears......
-Exerpt from National Geographic_
Polar bears live only in the Arctic, the northernmost region of Earth (see Arctic photos).
The bears, which can grow to about 8 feet (2.5 meters) long, depend on sea ice for their survival. They hunt their primary prey, the ringed seal, from the ice. They also travel, mate, and sometimes give birth on the ice.
But the ice is melting.
If the melting trend continues, the Arctic could see ice-free summers by 2040, according to a Canadian climate model. Other models suggest open Arctic waters by the end of the century. (See "Arctic Ice Levels at Record Low, May Keep Melting, Study Warns.")
Bears in some areas spend the summer months on land. They fast until the ice forms in the fall, when they can use the ice as a vast platform from which to hunt the seas.
Studies of the polar bear populations around the western coast of Canada's Hudson Bay (map) show that this wait, and the bears' period of fasting, has increased by three weeks since the 1970s.
The population there is noticeably skinnier now, scientists say, and has declined by 15 percent in the last decade.
In northern Alaska the U.S. Minerals Management Service has concluded that some polar bears are drowning as they try to swim increasingly long distances between the ice and land.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0210_060210_polar_bears.html
And here's some climate info.....
From- Seattle PI
Climate change. Although Alaska is ground zero in the crisis of global warming, Palin has done virtually nothing to address the problem except hold meetings and appoint a "climate sub-cabinet" that likewise has done little. Lots of talk, no action. Although in the past two years the Arctic summer sea ice shrunk to the lowest levels ever recorded, Palin apparently does not believe it is human-induced or cause for alarm. She was asked to establish an Alaska Office on Climate Change, an Alaska Climate Response Fund (based on a tax on Alaska oil production) and emissions reduction targets for Alaska, but has taken no action on those requests.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/377955_palinenvir07.html
I am really just suprised that more people aren't talking about this. People, this person is scary, scary in a way even Bush can't touch.
16.9.08
Important info
Just read this.
http://www.ugaliberal.com/
what?
this....
http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html
Now, there is a dispute as to the validity of some of this woman's points, but it's also hard to ignore.
Plus more ranting..........
I feel very strongly that this election, and this time in politics is huge for us, huge for our future, huge for our generation. And, it's not in a cheesey way, I just have been thinking about my own lack of interest in politics over my life, and how critical it really is to stay tuned in to some things. I know I did say when I lived in Alaska that my voting never counted because of where I lived and the mindset, the majority. But I did realize just in the last few weeks, that it never counts because I never make it count. And I think that is huge. I think that because people don't care enough, and aren't excited, aren't following along with politics because it has become such a money-power game, that we all tune out- and that's exactly what the "old boy's club" wants. But this really is a time that we need to make a difference- so crucial really- if you and I don't stand up, don't say what we want, then the next four yearsWILL turn into the next 8...just like the last 8. I firmly believe if there isn't a positive change now, there isn't going to be one for a long time.
http://www.ugaliberal.com/
what?
this....
http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html
Now, there is a dispute as to the validity of some of this woman's points, but it's also hard to ignore.
Plus more ranting..........
I feel very strongly that this election, and this time in politics is huge for us, huge for our future, huge for our generation. And, it's not in a cheesey way, I just have been thinking about my own lack of interest in politics over my life, and how critical it really is to stay tuned in to some things. I know I did say when I lived in Alaska that my voting never counted because of where I lived and the mindset, the majority. But I did realize just in the last few weeks, that it never counts because I never make it count. And I think that is huge. I think that because people don't care enough, and aren't excited, aren't following along with politics because it has become such a money-power game, that we all tune out- and that's exactly what the "old boy's club" wants. But this really is a time that we need to make a difference- so crucial really- if you and I don't stand up, don't say what we want, then the next four yearsWILL turn into the next 8...just like the last 8. I firmly believe if there isn't a positive change now, there isn't going to be one for a long time.
what is going on
Seriously. What is going on with us today? Us as in, the collective people. I was driving home from work when my query began. I was feeling rather sheep like; getting up at the same time every day, going to my job, driving home, all because our culture and society deem it necessary to succeed in life.
I was looking around realizing that I see something cool, or amazing, or special in every day- Magnificent sunsets really never do get old. But I don’t mean this in the corny - everyone-love-each-other-way. I just was thinking as I was enjoying the coincidence of a song I loved coming on the radio at this perfect time in sync with my mood, looking around at other people who looked angry, frustrated, tired.
I asked myself what the secret was. Because everyone knows I ain’t no barrell of sunshine every day either. I decided that to regain the ounce of wonder and suprise we have to be kids again. Kids are the only group of people who continuously see the world as a special magical place. Everything is New! Cool! Exciting! Kids aren’t burnt out because the lines are too long- it only builds excitement up more!
I’m only half-kidding.
Look around at people next to you- we’re lazy, frustrated, angry, lying, cheating, scheming, trying to one up another. We don’t say hey, what can I give back, what can I do to make this a better place. Hell, I don’t trust 1% of the people I meet because I can see them in a moment of interaction- selfish and deceptive. We’ve become so power and money driven that all good intentions have fallen to the wayside, and the only thing left is getting ahead of the guy next to you, making sure you aren’t as big of an ass as someone else, so you come out in the middle.
I’m not suggesting we all sit and hold hands, I just am commenting on how I have percieved most people’s priorities as backwards and/or crazy.
But really, life isn’t supposed to be a series of stressed out jobs and relationships- you’re supposed to get something out of it- and if wonder, excitement, and fun aren’t in the grab bag, then heck, I don’t know what is.
I was looking around realizing that I see something cool, or amazing, or special in every day- Magnificent sunsets really never do get old. But I don’t mean this in the corny - everyone-love-each-other-way. I just was thinking as I was enjoying the coincidence of a song I loved coming on the radio at this perfect time in sync with my mood, looking around at other people who looked angry, frustrated, tired.
I asked myself what the secret was. Because everyone knows I ain’t no barrell of sunshine every day either. I decided that to regain the ounce of wonder and suprise we have to be kids again. Kids are the only group of people who continuously see the world as a special magical place. Everything is New! Cool! Exciting! Kids aren’t burnt out because the lines are too long- it only builds excitement up more!
I’m only half-kidding.
Look around at people next to you- we’re lazy, frustrated, angry, lying, cheating, scheming, trying to one up another. We don’t say hey, what can I give back, what can I do to make this a better place. Hell, I don’t trust 1% of the people I meet because I can see them in a moment of interaction- selfish and deceptive. We’ve become so power and money driven that all good intentions have fallen to the wayside, and the only thing left is getting ahead of the guy next to you, making sure you aren’t as big of an ass as someone else, so you come out in the middle.
I’m not suggesting we all sit and hold hands, I just am commenting on how I have percieved most people’s priorities as backwards and/or crazy.
But really, life isn’t supposed to be a series of stressed out jobs and relationships- you’re supposed to get something out of it- and if wonder, excitement, and fun aren’t in the grab bag, then heck, I don’t know what is.
He is so smart
John Mccain. S-M-A-R-T.
Obama beats Hilary for the Dem ticket, and Mccain grabs a chick to run on his ticket. Oh US don't fall for it! She's not that great! Just because she's attractive does not make her votable. I swear, if this country elects another republican after Bush there will be a mass exodus to Canada. And I ain't comin' back until there is a damn good reason. Vancouver is cool.
All I'm sayin' is watch your back- don't let them wrangle a vote from you! It is a trick!
Obama beats Hilary for the Dem ticket, and Mccain grabs a chick to run on his ticket. Oh US don't fall for it! She's not that great! Just because she's attractive does not make her votable. I swear, if this country elects another republican after Bush there will be a mass exodus to Canada. And I ain't comin' back until there is a damn good reason. Vancouver is cool.
All I'm sayin' is watch your back- don't let them wrangle a vote from you! It is a trick!
My first Palin Rant
What century are we in?
Now that we are down to only 50 some + days before voting for the next pres, I'm tuning in as much as possible. Is it really that hard to say no to a nominee because his running mate has allegations of Book Banning in her past? No? Well, how about trying to fire a librarian who stood up to Palin, trying to preserve the little town library? Who is this person? Someone who abuses the per diem fund at the cost of tax payers? Someone who uses her baby with down syndrome as a sympathy vote? Hmmm... Somone who tries to take books away from the public. What is this about? Christianity? Really? This doesn't sound very friendly, very Christian-like to me.
In the past few years I've had the fairy-tale dream of living in another country, how neat it would be. The last few weeks I have realized how real that will become if this person steps in the white house. It is so close to a possibility, everyone should be scared. Get away from all the things I mentioned, and just realize this woman has no experience. Period. Sure, Mayor of a few thousand people, now gov of AK, but she has as much expeience in politics to make her qualified for the top spot as my mom. Right. Maybe not that extreme- but my mom grew up in Alaska, her paents homesteaded on flattop, I grew up there, but just because I would be a novelty, or she would, or you would, does not make us qualified, or even responsible individuals if we accepted such a position.
Maybe I'll stop for now.
Now that we are down to only 50 some + days before voting for the next pres, I'm tuning in as much as possible. Is it really that hard to say no to a nominee because his running mate has allegations of Book Banning in her past? No? Well, how about trying to fire a librarian who stood up to Palin, trying to preserve the little town library? Who is this person? Someone who abuses the per diem fund at the cost of tax payers? Someone who uses her baby with down syndrome as a sympathy vote? Hmmm... Somone who tries to take books away from the public. What is this about? Christianity? Really? This doesn't sound very friendly, very Christian-like to me.
In the past few years I've had the fairy-tale dream of living in another country, how neat it would be. The last few weeks I have realized how real that will become if this person steps in the white house. It is so close to a possibility, everyone should be scared. Get away from all the things I mentioned, and just realize this woman has no experience. Period. Sure, Mayor of a few thousand people, now gov of AK, but she has as much expeience in politics to make her qualified for the top spot as my mom. Right. Maybe not that extreme- but my mom grew up in Alaska, her paents homesteaded on flattop, I grew up there, but just because I would be a novelty, or she would, or you would, does not make us qualified, or even responsible individuals if we accepted such a position.
Maybe I'll stop for now.
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