tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44136373343369291042024-03-14T01:13:13.919-08:00Part 1: AlaskaWedding and honeymoon in the sunny tropics, and now Alaska, our next great adventure. I created this blog to keep everyone updated with all that Andrew and I are up to in the Arctic. Laugh at the Floridians in Alaska, enjoy the pictures, leave some comments and visit often ...Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-87297724007244871692011-07-09T15:27:00.001-08:002011-07-09T15:27:13.726-08:00CopybyChelsea.com - where I'm posting these daysI landed in my Google Analytics account the other day and found out that I'm still getting a few visits back here from time to time. The last post I wrote takes you to a blog that isn't active.<br />
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These days you can find me writing at <a href="http://copybychelsea.com/">CopybyChelsea.com</a>.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-21360097444506333792009-08-31T18:21:00.000-08:002009-08-31T18:21:08.007-08:00New blog: Lone DroneMy blog has moved to:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lonedrone.com/"><b>LoneDrone.com</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that we're back in Florida, the Alaska title doesn't quite fit and I want to concentrate my efforts in one place. My LoneDrone blog began while I was working from home in Anchorage - one woman's story of how to work from home in Alaska without going crazy or getting fat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, it's a blog about working toward more telecommuting opportunities and a self-employed career one day. So, jump over to <a href="http://lonedrone.com/">LoneDrone.com</a> and start reading. See you there!</div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-50914387845989979222009-07-29T18:31:00.000-08:002009-07-29T18:31:14.465-08:00We're baaack...Yep, that's right, we're back. Back in Florida enjoying the afternoon thunderstorms, obnoxious drivers and unbearable humidity. And we're loving it.<br />
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Our road trip from Alaska to Florida was incredible. It took us two weeks, about a hundred cups of coffee, about a case of Red Bull and one jar of gumballs to complete.<br />
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Here are some of the photos from our trip:<br />
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<table style="width: 194px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat scroll left center; height: 194px;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/duran.chelsea/AKToFL2009?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="160" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SnEBPxDQZ0E/AAAAAAAAHTA/BUS8emhEACQ/s160-c/AKToFL2009.jpg" style="margin: 1px 0pt 0pt 4px;" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/duran.chelsea/AKToFL2009?feat=embedwebsite" style="color: #4d4d4d; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">AK to FL 2009</a></td></tr>
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So, now we're back in South Florida and on to Part 2 of our adventure. Stay tuned for updates...Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-50502971509188298742009-07-14T08:15:00.000-08:002009-07-14T08:15:37.157-08:00Trip updateHi everyone! I haven't been able to get back to everyone's messages, so I wanted to post a little update here to let you all know how we're doing. <br />
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We made it through the ALCAN in about 48 hours. (Crazy, crazy drive)<br />
Spent one night in Vancouver, then headed on to Portland. We're leaving Portland today for San Francisco. <br />
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That's about it. Talk to you all soon!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-22927459383085309282009-07-08T07:21:00.003-08:002009-07-08T07:26:00.679-08:00Leaving Alaska on a hot noteWe're hitting record high temperatures up here in the great state of AK. It got up to 80 degrees yesterday, breaking the 79 degree record set in 2005.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/anchorage/story/857223.html">the ADN</a>:<br /><blockquote><br />The weather in Southcentral has been experiencing a curious phenomenon in recent days that was largely missing last year.<br /><br />Weather experts are calling it "summer."<br /><br />Elsewhere in the city, temperatures crept even higher, though the marks were recorded at sites considered unofficial by the weather service. The Upper Hillside hit 82 degrees, and East Anchorage logged 83 degrees. The Campbell Creek Science Center hit 86.<br /><br />Last summer, only two days broached the 70-degree mark at the weather service's Sand Lake station, setting a record for the fewest such days. On average, Anchorage sees 16 days that hit 70 or higher.</blockquote><br /><br />Andrew refuses to drive without the windows down and calls me a wimp when I beg for air conditioning. My argument: I'd still have the AC on if it were 80 in Florida.<br /><br />So, we're moving out at the only time I've ever wished we had air conditioning up here. One of the movers asked me to turn it on yesterday and I chuckled. None of that up here. Even worse, we let them take our only fan.<br /><br />It looks like I'll be more prepared for the Florida heat than I thought.<br /><br />Unlike <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/08/top-ten-messages-on-sarah_n_227583.html">Mrs. Palin</a>, we welcome the heat. (Along with a little AC, of course.)Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-75391298879931284192009-06-26T19:52:00.001-08:002009-06-26T19:52:58.982-08:00Florida, here we come...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SkWVRu6bZZI/AAAAAAAAGZc/QFeNh3j_gBE/s1600-h/AKtoFL.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SkWVRu6bZZI/AAAAAAAAGZc/QFeNh3j_gBE/s400/AKtoFL.bmp" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The papers are signed, we've got our orders and we'll be moving out of Alaska on July 11. Yep, two weeks from tonight Andrew and I will be preparing to drive out of here - all the way back to sunny South Florida.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We've mapped out the trip and it's going to take us about two weeks to get from Anchorage, AK, to Miami, FL. Factoring in all the little stops we want to make, it's going to be one great adventure.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't wait to see everyone when we get there! </div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-4349743098279679712009-06-16T20:53:00.002-08:002009-06-16T20:57:09.917-08:00I heart New York, but not these folksSo, I haven't said anything about the Sarah Palin/David Letterman tiff (mainly because I think it's silly), but I just can't hold back from posting this video from New York Magazine.<br /><br />They say two wrongs don't make a right, though somehow I don't think this group of Manhattan protesters have ever heard of the idea. Call me crazy, but calling someone's kid a bastard and his wife a slut won't erase anything the guy may have said last week.<br /><br />I'm just sayin'...<br /><br /><iframe allowtransparency="true" src="http://videos.nymag.com/embed/player/?content=YKXYT72XSBFSB56B&widget_type_cid=svp&title_height=24" scrolling="no" width="416" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br />My favorite quotes:<br /><br />Lady in yellow: "This schmuck has nobody! You know what schmuck means in Jewish?"<br /><br />Reporter: "How do you feel about Jay Leno?"<br />Protester: "I only watch Fox News channel."<br /><br />Protester: "Go home and take care of your kids! They could be next!"Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-87745866893145008472009-06-04T18:45:00.000-08:002009-06-04T18:45:06.658-08:00Memories of D-Day documented on videoAndrew and I heard about this awesome website, <a href="http://www.witness-to-war.org/">Witness to War</a>, while watching the CBS Evening News tonight and haven't been able to pull ourselves away from the videos since. <br />
<blockquote>The Witness to War project is not about the set piece movements of armies, the military strategies of generals, nor the geo political nuances that led to war. Instead, it is about the ‘foxhole’ view of combat as seen by the soldiers who experienced it. It is about the fear, the emotions, the training, and the previously untapped wells of personal strength that enabled ordinary individuals to survive, and in some cases thrive, under extraordinary pressures and almost unimaginable danger.</blockquote>This Saturday, June 6, is the anniversary of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Normandy">Invasion of Normandy (D-Day)</a>. Visit the <a href="http://www.witness-to-war.org/content/view.php?g=e&c=DD">D-Day section</a> of Witness to War and spend a few minutes listening to first-hand accounts of what happened. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.witness-to-war.org/content/view.php?g=e&c=DD" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SiiEn00eqDI/AAAAAAAAFhI/euyYKgrkUlk/s320/dday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I know war stories and birthday's don't make a great pair, but I still want to say <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Kyle</span> anyway. We hope you're having a fantastic girls' weekend in Naples with all of your friends. <br />
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(My apologies go out to Charlie Gibson for watching CBS, but the basketball game was on. Sorry.)Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-3095637212170243962009-05-24T13:36:00.000-08:002009-05-24T13:36:06.296-08:00Wow, that's one fancy moustache...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adn.com/photos/story/804376.html?/1521/gallery/804377-a804368-t3.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Shm87_QJdLI/AAAAAAAAFgI/kovFOOok-BY/s320/moustache.jpg" /></a></div>Because Alaska may have the largest concentration of bearded and moustached men in the country, I didn't think twice when I saw a number of guys on Thursday walking around downtown with big twisty-ended moustaches. So, they take pride in their over-abundance of facial hair, no big deal. Later that night, I found out what a big deal it was... <br />
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This weekend, Anchorage hosted the <a href="http://www.adn.com/life/story/806428.html">2009 World Beard and Moustache Championship</a> (yes, there is such a thing), where nearly 300 competitors from around the world showed up to display their fantastic facial hair creations. <br />
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Participants competed in about 20 different beard and moustache style categories, including the Freestyle Beard, Alaskan Whaler, the Fu Manchu and the Musketeer. You can find a description of each category and a list of winners <a href="http://www.adn.com/life/story/806428.html">here</a>. <br />
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David Traver of Anchorage became a hometown hero by taking first place as the World Beard Overall Champion. His snowshoe-like beard style (photo <a href="http://www.adn.com/1745/story/794789.html?/1522/gallery/794784-a806967-t3.html">here</a>) won first place in the Freestyle Beard Category and gave him the overall victory.<br />
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Sometimes I think it's crazy that I live in a place where the World Beard and Moustache Competition makes the front page news. Only in Alaska...Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-54022492979154803172009-05-20T22:28:00.001-08:002009-05-20T22:29:30.896-08:00Why Adam Lambert didn't win tonightThough no one can be absolutely sure, the video below may quite possibly be the reason behind Adam Lambert taking second place tonight in the American Idol finale.<br />
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I guess all those wholesome Midwest folks just don't understand the power of the boa. What a shame...<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pNjrDzu4aUk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pNjrDzu4aUk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-90489420125520855362009-05-18T19:35:00.009-08:002009-05-18T20:26:05.374-08:00I'm sure it was a great idea at the time...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/ShI0gurYxBI/AAAAAAAAFgA/5RjVeJBFNfI/s1600-h/kid+driving+car.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/ShI0gurYxBI/AAAAAAAAFgA/5RjVeJBFNfI/s400/kid+driving+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337386245277926418" border="0" /></a><br />Sure, the bar was less than a mile from her house, but using her seven-year-old as her designated driver was probably not the best idea that night.<br /><br />Along with the father in Fresno, CA, who forcibly <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/23/national/main4964565.shtml">tattooed his son</a> with a gang sign, I'd like to nominate Karen Koch of Fairbanks, AK, for the worst parent of the year award.<br /><br />Last week, Koch was charged with reckless endangerment and permitting an unauthorized person to drive (both misdemeanors) after letting her seven-year-old drive her home, because she was too drunk to do it herself.<br /><br />When the boy almost took out her parked car, a neighbor made the wise decision to call police and alert them of the situation.<br /><br />From the <a href="http://newsminer.com/news/2009/may/14/intoxicated-fairbanks-mom-puts-7-year-old-behind-w/">Fairbanks Daily News-Miner</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p>Troopers were able to trace the plates to Koch’s nearby residence and arrived just as the boy was exiting the driver’s seat. Koch, who had leaned back in the front passenger’s seat, woke up a few minutes later and identified the child as her son.</p> <p>She told the trooper that she let her son drive the car from a nearby stop sign and did not see what the problem was, according to a criminal complaint filed in court.</p> <p>Trooper Sgt. Brian Wassmann said the child probably drove about a half-mile before reaching his destination. Troopers occasionally get reports of parents allowing teens to drive unlicensed, but it’s rare to get a report of an elementary school student behind the wheel.</p></blockquote><p></p><br />Koch, who already has three drunken driving convictions under her belt, failed the officer's sobriety test and admitted to drinking <span style="font-style: italic;">two shots</span> of alcohol before her arrest.<br /><br />She posted bail (a whopping $250) and was released from jail Wednesday. No word yet on whether she still has custody of her little designated driver, but she's still got my vote for worst parent of the year.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-34228179690585201952009-05-05T13:04:00.000-08:002009-05-05T13:04:00.588-08:00When's the last time you had a moose on your street?A few days ago, I was leaving the house and before I could make it to the end of the street I saw this guy:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SgB163MVSoI/AAAAAAAAFfg/C8_jd70JLZ8/s1600-h/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SgB163MVSoI/AAAAAAAAFfg/C8_jd70JLZ8/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" /></a></div><br />
(With the sun going down and my fear of getting too close, this is the best shot I could get with my iPhone. Note to Apple: Add zoom and a flash to the next generation. Thanks.)<br />
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I was happy to be snapping pictures from the Jeep, because this moose would have towered over the little Corolla. Either way, he was too busy nibbling on tree branches to care about the paparazzi. <br />
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Now that spring is here, I hope to be posting lots of new wildlife photos. Stay tuned...Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-67751106980983766232009-04-22T23:01:00.001-08:002009-04-22T23:02:44.977-08:00Oh! It's a cake!<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr align="center"><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZbsnZsM0jB_LchFd9DvkYA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSJy8vAv4S6Bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SfACqkVwRgI/AAAAAAAAFcU/rWNqc1t2lLY/s288/IMG_0217.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/duran.chelsea/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSJy8vAv4S6Bg&feat=embedwebsite">Blogger Pictures</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Nope, not a bunt. Instead, a Texas sheet cake (aka. fantastically delicious chocolate cake) for Andrew's birthday.<br /><br />Since it's already April 23 on the east coast, I can happily say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!<br /><br />I'd like to send out a big 'thank you' to my Grandma Ruth Daughenbaugh for the recipe. She's been making Texas sheet cake ever since I can remember and I hope to pass the recipe on to my grandkids one day. Tomorrow we'll put some candles in the cake, sing a little song and dig in (my favorite part of birthday celebrations).<br /><br />Unfortunately, hearing my name in the same sentence with the phrase "baking a cake" once had my loved ones cringing in fear. If I recall correctly, my Grandma Singiser and my sister Sarah were at home during my most famous cake disaster.<br /><br />It was the day I learned to pay closer attention to the pictures on the back of the Duncan Hines box. When they show two circle pans, they mean two circle pans. Sadly, the pictures didn't register and I proceeded to pour the entire cake mix into one circle pan.<br /><br />What happens when you put an entire batch of cake batter into one small circle pan? A big mess.<br /><br />Lesson learned. But I don't think I'll ever live down that story ...<br /><br />I'm happy this cake was a success, and I just want to say it one more time ... Happy Birthday Andrew!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-8646712040439757922009-04-19T21:56:00.003-08:002009-04-19T22:06:10.561-08:00O Canada ...Last weekend we took a quick trip to Vancouver and had a blast, to say the least. If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest, we highly recommend checking it out.<br /><br />Vancouver is a beautiful city full of great food and great fun. Take a look at the pictures below for a snapshot of our trip ...<br /><br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/duran.chelsea/Vancouver?authkey=Gv1sRgCKvLr5e3g8HZCg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Seqy-FubFYE/AAAAAAAAFZA/9qd9_wKj1hM/s160-c/Vancouver.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/duran.chelsea/Vancouver?authkey=Gv1sRgCKvLr5e3g8HZCg&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Vancouver</a></td></tr></table>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-70382099369052018942009-04-19T20:30:00.000-08:002009-04-19T20:30:13.274-08:00Sex and the ... seniors?I. Love. Florida.<br />
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... and the Daily Show for producing quality television like this:<br />
<br />
<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>M - Th 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=223898&title=dirty-bird-special'>Dirty Bird Special</a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:223898' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/tagSearchResults.jhtml?term=Clusterf%23%40k+to+the+Poor+House'>Economic Crisis</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-77968116972409718702009-03-26T23:00:00.002-08:002009-03-28T18:49:14.162-08:00Mt. Redoubt continues to rumble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/ScxzwpnXtnI/AAAAAAAAFPI/18eOdBVPcs4/s1600-h/dantespeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/ScxzwpnXtnI/AAAAAAAAFPI/18eOdBVPcs4/s320/dantespeak.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: <a href="http://tntonline.co.uk/gallery/p/69.aspx">TNT Online</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118928/">Dante's Peak</a> may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a volcano eruption, but it paints a really bad picture of what's going on up here in Anchorage right now.<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mount Redoubt erupted twice this morning, including a "huge" explosion around 9:30 a.m. that blew ash 65,000 feet high. The activity this morning brings the total number of eruptions for the week up to eight, since the volcano started erupting on Sunday night.<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flights out of Anchorage were canceled, but </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">so far, everything is pretty much business as usual. Here's a little <a href="http://www.adn.com/volcano/story/737146.html">clip from the ADN</a>: </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div class="story_readable">No ash is expected to fall in Anchorage, but it may reach the upper atmosphere just south of city, Weather Service meteorologist Amy Bedal said. But those higher winds will probably be too strong and the ash particles that attain that height too light to reach the ground, she said.<br />
</div><div class="story_readable"></div><div class="story_readable">Ash began falling in Homer shortly before 2 p.m. The city sent workers home early, said City Manager Walt Wrede, before a purplish plume blocked the view across Cook Inlet and the smell of sulfur wafted into town. Businesses closed up, he said. By 4:45, skies had cleared and a small sprinkling of ash covered the snow.</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the volcano last acted up in 1989, eruptions occurred over a span of four months. Nobody knows how long the current activity will last.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We just don't know how much magma is down there that needs to get out," said AVO geophysicist Stephanie Prejead. </div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-4494827947871812692009-03-17T21:31:00.003-08:002009-03-17T21:38:59.031-08:00Leprechaun or crackhead stuck in a tree?The people of Crichton, Alabama are still debating whether it was a real leprechaun up in that tree, or maybe it's a druggie high on crack. Doesn't matter to me who's right or wrong, I just think the fact that the debate even exists is hilarious. Watch the news report and you be the judge...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5vi35H9H4Og&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5vi35H9H4Og&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I can't believe they never caught the creature, even with such a detailed police sketch and a magic flute. Well, Happy St. Patrick's Day and I hope the leprechauns stay out of your trees.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://wheredagoldat.com/">WhereDaGoldAt.com</a> for more information on the legendary Mobile, Alabama leprechaun sighting. <strong></strong>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-46513479855069925172009-02-27T00:57:00.003-09:002009-02-27T01:00:02.223-09:00This is why you're fat<a href="http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/">This is why you're fat</a> is my new favorite blog and here are just two (out of many) reasons why:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Sae4I0icHII/AAAAAAAAFOI/77_jyn8vMpA/s1600-h/corndogpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Sae4I0icHII/AAAAAAAAFOI/77_jyn8vMpA/s320/corndogpizza.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Corn Dog Pizza<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Sae4R9Do7pI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/AvsiWZigs5E/s1600-h/chickenbacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/Sae4R9Do7pI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/AvsiWZigs5E/s320/chickenbacon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Fried Bacon With Gravy<br /></div><br />Yeah, a lot of it is pretty gross, including the 30,000 Calorie Sandwich, McNuggetini and Candy Pizza.<br /><br />However, I wish I could sample a few of the dishes, specifically the Deep Fried Cupcake With Chocolate Syrup And Sprinkles and the French Fry-Encased Hot Dog On A Stick.<br /><br />Just take a look and you'll agree that <a href="http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/">this is why we're fat</a>, but a lot of it looks absolutely delicious. Yum.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-12505198695158278642009-02-27T00:24:00.002-09:002009-02-27T00:28:11.299-09:00Woah! Nobody messes with Alaska’s volcanoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://faithmouse.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SaexAbZT-EI/AAAAAAAAFOA/y9iSBZSQFeY/s320/bobby_jindal_painting.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:x-small;">Photo: http://faithmouse.blogspot.com</span></div><br />Alaskan’s are fuming, fuming mad over Louisiana <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2009/02/jindal_comment_on_volcano_moni.html">Gov. Bobby Jindal’s comments</a> in his official Republican response, calling out “volcano monitoring” as unnecessary spending included in the stimulus package.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Their legislation is larded with wasteful spending," Jindal said. "It includes ... $140 million for something called 'volcano monitoring.' Instead of monitoring volcanoes, what Congress should be monitoring is the eruption of spending in Washington, D.C."</blockquote><br />Bad timing, dude. Volcanoes are big news up here right now. Located right outside of Anchorage, Mt. Redoubt is rumbling and ready to create a giant mess in town in the form of volcanic ash.<br /><br />I’ve talked to people up here who work in offices where they have to cover their entire workspace with plastic before leaving for the day. Why? The last time the thing blew up, ash went everywhere and destroyed hundreds of computers when it made its way inside city buildings.<br /><br />From the <a href="http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/702875.html">Anchorage Daily News</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Jindal's comments provoked an eruption of their own. Alaska politicians, liberal bloggers and some scientists began pointing out how useful it is to let people know when a volcano in their neighborhood is about to explode.<br /><br />"Volcano monitoring is a matter of life and death in Alaska," Democratic Sen. Mark Begich said in an open letter to Jindal.<br /><br />Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski quickly agreed, noting in a press statement how "absolutely appropriate" it is to spend money on volcano monitoring. However, said Murkowski, Jindal raised "a legitimate question about funding volcano monitoring in legislation that's supposed to create jobs for unemployed Americans."</blockquote><br />As it turns out, the $140 million Jindal said volcano observatories will be receiving actually breaks down to about $14 after all of the funds are distributed to other U.S. Geological Survey projects.<br /><br />I’ve never been through a volcanic eruption up here before, so my opinion on the topic is pretty weak. The most I’ve heard is that the eruption makes a big mess, but it doesn’t seem like too many people are worried about it.<br /><br />Whether it’s frivolous spending or not, I really don’t know. The next time I come across a professional geologist I’ll ask his or her opinion on the subject.<br /><br />Until then, the only advice I have for Jindal is to have his interns do some better research. Don’t make harsh comments about volcano monitoring when it’s the top story on the nightly news up here.<br /><br />Am I really writing about volcanoes? … Really? Only in Alaska. Really.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-18320404307688500522009-02-19T22:50:00.003-09:002009-02-19T22:53:23.086-09:00Just when you think your toilet paper is safe ...Just when you think your toilet paper is safe, you find a crime scene like this ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZ5bC1g47kI/AAAAAAAAFMo/srvmJ4eMJ6M/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZ5bC1g47kI/AAAAAAAAFMo/srvmJ4eMJ6M/s320/photo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main suspect? Simone. (Mug shot below.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZ5ccGxQvxI/AAAAAAAAFNY/JHTiBmp0JCY/s1600-h/simone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZ5ccGxQvxI/AAAAAAAAFNY/JHTiBmp0JCY/s200/simone.jpg" style="cursor: move;" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, so she likes to tear up my toilet paper (she really loves to destroy the extra cushy and extra costly Charmin Ultra Soft), but who could yell at a face like that? <br /><br />Well, truthfully I do yell. I yell and clap while chasing her out of the bathroom, like the cat will actually learn a lesson from it.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She's got the last laugh though, because I know she's going to do it again. When I catch her, I'll yell and clap and the neighbors will wonder why they live next to a crazy person. Then after all the yelling and clapping, Simone will smile and start plotting her next attack.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, next time you come over our house and wonder why our bathroom doors are locked, please don't ask - we have a cat with a toilet paper fetish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-5713213892448458022009-02-12T17:15:00.025-09:002009-02-12T17:27:12.332-09:00New GLR podcast and upcoming event info<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZTZxoSpqwI/AAAAAAAAFMA/vli8eayHdvU/s1600-h/m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SZTZxoSpqwI/AAAAAAAAFMA/vli8eayHdvU/s320/m.jpg" border="0" /></a>The latest Good Life Reggae podcast is up at <a href="http://goodlifereggae.com/">GoodLifeReggae.com</a>, listen to it <a href="http://goodlifereggae.com/2009/02/09/good-life-reggae-radio-feb82009.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br />For any Anchorvillans who may be reading ... You can catch Good Life Reggae tonight at SubZero. Come on by and listen to Andrew's latest set of favela beats.<br /><br />Mark your calendars for the <a href="http://goodlifereggae.com/2009/02/02/bob-marley-celebration-2.aspx">Bob Marley Celebration</a> on Friday, February 20, kicking off at 8 p.m. at Humpy's. See you there!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-10395954924812728722009-02-04T14:22:00.017-09:002009-02-04T14:32:28.556-09:00Sorry Florida, no sympathy hereI’ve been trying really hard (actually, not very hard at all) to be sympathetic to the <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn-0204wed-wx,0,6816089.story">low temperatures South Florida is feeling</a> these days. Tonight it’s supposed to dip into the mid 20s and everyone is wondering where they cand find a pair of gloves, maybe a scarf, too.<br /><br />So, I’m sorry if I don’t sound very sympathetic when you call and say it’s “cold” in South Florida because I’d be happy for it to be in the mid 20s up here. Here's today's forecast for Anchorage:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SYokFncB6gI/AAAAAAAAFI4/J65ggz1iUDc/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SYokFncB6gI/AAAAAAAAFI4/J65ggz1iUDc/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />I know I’ve only been up in Alaska for a year now, but here’s my advice:<br /><br /><ul><li>Cover your flowers</li><li>Put on a sweater</li><li>Turn on the heat</li><li>Call the A/C guy when your heat won’t work because it hasn’t been used in two years</li><li>Try the heat again</li><li>And have a bowl of soup</li></ul><br />Well, I think that’s enough bitterness for one day... Try to send some of that "warm" 20 degree weather up here and maybe my mood will lighten up a little.<br /><br />P.S. I’m writing this as I wait for the Jeep to thaw out in the garage before I go to the store. Give me a call when you can’t roll down the window because it’s frozen shut, until then, just go put on a jacket. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn-0204wed-wx,0,6816089.story" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SYokWyk8blI/AAAAAAAAFJA/CoTZlhYCbIs/s320/222-4151697.4495.original.standalone.prod_affiliate.7.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-31337438689093226192009-02-02T23:09:00.007-09:002009-02-02T23:26:24.626-09:00One busy week in reviewLast week would have been the perfect week to be back in Florida. Not only would we have escaped the chilly single-digit temperatures up here in Alaska, we could have helped Martha celebrate her birthday (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Birthday!</span>) and would have had an incredible time at Nick and Danielle’s wedding (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Congrats!</span>).<br /><br />From what we’ve heard and seen in Facebook photos, the wedding was beautiful and everyone had a great time. Andrew and I wish we could have been there to join in on the good times, but I’m sure there will be many more in the years to come. Congratulations from both of us and we hope to see you soon!<br /><br />To everyone up in Pittsburgh – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Go Steelers!</span> For anyone who was hiding in a cave over the weekend, the Steelers won their record sixth Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals in a 27-23 victory. With 35 seconds remaining, Santonio Holmes caught Ben’s pass, tapped his little toes in the end zone and scored the winning touchdown. It was pretty nice.<br /><br />We'd also like to send a little get well message to my <span style="font-weight: bold;">grandpap Chuck</span> Singiser. Only days after his back surgery on Friday, he was up and walking around. We hope you have a speedy recovery and are feeling great very soon!<br /><br />For us, we’re just doing our best to keep warm up here in Anchorage. Other than the cold and snow, the news around here is full of buzz about <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/watercooler-stories/story.aspx?guid=%7B0FD8E7A9-20CE-4899-B3A4-FAF33B604526%7D&dist=msr_3">Sarah Palin’s shoes</a> and a <a href="http://www.adn.com/front/story/676965.html">volcano that’s about to erupt</a>, but that’s about it.<br /><br />I’ll keep you posted on the volcano, Mount Redoubt. Scientists say it could erupt in days, weeks or maybe won’t even happen at all. It’s about 100 miles away from the city and the biggest danger it has in store for us is “several <span style="font-weight: bold;">millimeters</span> of ash.” Here’s what it looked like when it last erupted in 1990:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.adn.com/front/story/676965.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SYf8qgg6FQI/AAAAAAAAFIo/7aA112I2dsI/s400/redoubt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298481293837341954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Photo - ADN.com)</span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-5402726618483428122009-01-26T10:55:00.000-09:002009-01-26T11:07:29.487-09:00Dancing eyebrows, I want a pairCadbury's Dairy Milk (it's a UK thing) just released a new commercial featuring "two mischievous children performing bizarre "eyebrow dance moves" to an electro-funk soundtrack."<br />
<br />
Someone needs to make a commercial like this in the US: <br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TVblWq3tDwY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TVblWq3tDwY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413637334336929104.post-54093353892850753772009-01-20T21:53:00.007-09:002009-01-20T22:34:53.064-09:00How could I forget?Happy Inauguration Day!<br /><br />I know it's the 21st already on the east coast, but we're still celebrating Barack Obama's inauguration over here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SXbLlbStxOI/AAAAAAAAFD4/r_DnpVPhfK8/s1600-h/obamas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 173px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sgZ55_3Ospg/SXbLlbStxOI/AAAAAAAAFD4/r_DnpVPhfK8/s400/obamas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293642255862449378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My favorite part of the swearing-in ceremony was when Rev. Joseph Lowery gave the benediction, especially his colorful ending:<br /><br />"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for <span style="font-weight: bold;">that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.</span> That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. "<br /><br />It made me smile.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04244473418990981540noreply@blogger.com0