Sky Dancing

a place to discuss real issues

Friday Night Festivities!!!

Tonight, we’re celebrating 21 days of the little blog that could!

First, Saturday night Treats will feature BostonBoomer and some New England Recipes that sound great for a chilly autumn eve.ย  Be sure to come and share!!!ย  I think I’m going to have to work up to sharing my best gumbo recipe just to keep the seafood competition up!!!

Second, we were adopted this week !!!!ย  I’m so happy that some of my fellow New Orleans Bloggers have decided to give Sky Dancing a try!!! Thank you Editilla!!!

~EPluribusPiem American Pie Party~Good Mornin’ America & Happy Hump Day! Today’s Humping Pie Party Adopt-A-Blog-rrr: @SkyDancer66http://bit.ly/aNqsoX#justdesserts#vajrapie

Third, the move from file cabinet to active community has increased our Alexa status!ย  We’ve broke the 10 million mark!!ย  We started in the top 18 million blogs so that’s quite a bump!ย  We’ve had some great link backsย  from HuffPo, Corrente, and this fun one from the WSJ (via Technorati)!

WSJ.com: Real Time Economics
Recent Influential Reactions
Inflation: Not a Problem

Sky Dancing โ€” Authority 439
economists as โ€œWilliam Kristol, Editor, The Weekly Standardโ€œ.ย  Actually, the signatories arenโ€™t distinguished economists at all.ย  Theyโ€™re mostly political hacks and conservative policy ideologues.

Look at that Team!! ย  We’re ‘influential”!!!ย  (It must be that 9,915,575 ranking, daggummit!!!)

Another shout out goes to Sima’s wonderful post on S.510:ย  Food Safety Modernization Act.ย  Sima got a link back from opencongress.org/bill/111-s510/show/ย  as well as a shout out on some other blogs.ย  Asย  you know, Sima’s venture into blogging is going well and we’re glad she’s joined the team!!! She provides an important voice to one more important set of issues!

Any more frontpagers in waiting in the wings out there?ย  Let us know!!!ย  Again, we interested in discussing issues here and any one with an important issue that they follow closely and would like to post on would be more than welcome!!!

So,we’re #9,915,575 and WE try harder!!ย  We’re hoping to goย  under 1 million in less than 3 months!!

(Hey, it’s a start!!! Right?)

This is an open festivity thread because you’re an important part of the little blog that could!!!ย  Keep on bringing up and commenting on real issues!!!

Comments

79 responses to “Friday Night Festivities!!!”

  1. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    If you feel like celebrating I just want to point out there is a Make A Donation button on the left side of the screen. dak never mentions it. I found out a couple of weeks back that it really does work.

    just sayin’ …

    Also, its my birthday. To mark this day I am wearing my Team Hillary t-shirt. Its the third year in a row. I plan to wear it every birthday for the rest of my life.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      Happy Birthday!!!!! Hope you’re having a great day!!!

      1. Dee Avatar
        Dee

        I’m having a great month. Thanks for the wishes.

        Congrats on everything to you, BB and Sima. Those link backs are particularly interesting.

        Awwwwh the internuts – ain’t it great.

        1. dakinikat Avatar

          MABlue’s been chipping in on the morning threads too!

          1. Dee Avatar
            Dee

            Sorry MABlue – did not mean to skip over you. Thanks everyone.

          2. Zaladonis Avatar
            Zaladonis

            Yikes — MABlue !! That’s what was knocking at the door I couldn’t find to open! I knew I was forgetting something important but senior moments are so good at hide-and-seek.

            Sorry for my omission and thanks MABlue, your links and front page commentary are obviously included in what I said first thing yesterday morning.

            And congrats to all aboard the little blog that could!

    2. bostonboomer Avatar
      bostonboomer

      Happy Birthday Dee!!

      1. Dee Avatar
        Dee

        Thanks BB.

        And thank you for your work.

        Are you still in Indiana?

        This is for you from the Music Man –

        1. Dee Avatar
          Dee

          oh oops – on my screen this is over-sized

          1. dakinikat Avatar

            better to see it with, my dear!!! For those of us that have readers!!

            and BB’s still i Indiana until here birthday on the first!!! (shhh, I spilled it!!! so now we have to get her a cake!!!)))

        2. bostonboomer Avatar
          bostonboomer

          Yes, I’m still in Indiana. I’ll be here until around Dec.4-5.

    3. grayslady Avatar

      Happy birthday, Dee. I’m so glad you’re commenting here.

    4. Seriously Avatar
      Seriously

      Happy Birthday! Do you have one of those Andy Warhol style Hill shirts? Love those!

      Congratulations, y’all. Great job, very well deserved.

      1. dakinikat Avatar

        I still wear my “This is for all” T shirt that was designed by a Hillraiser!!!

    5. Sima Avatar
      Sima

      Happy Birthday! I will wear my Hillary shirt tomorrow, in your honor! I only take it out on special occasions, don’t want it to wear out :).

  2. Pat Johnson Avatar
    Pat Johnson

    Happy Birthday, Sky Dancing, and to all the great Front Pagers who make this site a daily “must read” for people like me who need all the info they can get in these troubled times!!

    And many, many more to follow I hope!

    1. Dee Avatar
      Dee

      Ditto.

    2. dakinikat Avatar

      These certainly are confusing and troubling times!! I’ve never seen so many civil liberties and rights be attacked in such a short period of time!

      1. Sima Avatar
        Sima

        It’s scary. I wonder what the late 1920’s and early 1930’s felt like?

  3. dakinikat Avatar

    Jake Tapper has an interesting one up tonight.

    Huh? President Obama Tells Volunteers That In Midterms “You Guys Turned ‘Yes We Can’ Into ‘Yes We Did’

    Considering that President Obama himself called the election โ€œa shellacking,โ€ with Democrats losing control of the House of Representatives, six Senate seats, 20 state legislatures, one might be forgiven for wondering exactly he thinks his volunteers did โ€“ other than valiantly trying but failing to get enough voters to the polls.

    and Tapper gets a two point penalty for gratuitous use of “a shellacking”

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      Meanwhile, over on Politico, Senate Democrats get feisty!!!

      Senate Democrats โ€” including typically mild-mannered Bill Nelson of Florida โ€” lit into President Barack Obama during an unusually tense air-clearing caucus session on Thursday, senators and staffers told POLITICO.

      Nelson told colleagues Obamaโ€™s unpopularity has become a serious liability for Democrats in his state and blamed the president for creating a toxic political environment for Democrats nationwide, according to two Democrats familiar with his remarks.

      Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45393.html#ixzz15mpiKtvQ

      Ah, yes, Must be the season of the Blame!!

      1. Dee Avatar
        Dee

        I can’t figure out if Obama was in the room. Don’t know if they were talking to him or just talking about him.

        1. dakinikat Avatar

          It says that they met with Obama earlier in the day so I assume not.

          1. Dee Avatar
            Dee

            The sad part is the Senators apparently think he actually cares what happens to them. Perhaps they should have given it a little more thought before they decided to kick Hillary down the drain.

            OBAMA IS A JUDAS GOAT.

    2. Sima Avatar
      Sima

      From Tapper:

      Andy Smith, director of the UNH Survey Center, told Politico that political activity on campus was โ€œnonexistentโ€ฆThere is absolutely no interestโ€ in politics at UNH. โ€œWe have this idea that students are really interested in campaigns and elections, but for the most part, they donโ€™t pay attention to this stuff.โ€

      Is this a change in more recent years? Back in the 80’s campuses were pretty politically active. Certainly every student wasn’t, but I remember voting on campus, waiting in a long line, and all the political and fringe parties were organized and recruiting for weeks before the elections.

      1. Seriously Avatar
        Seriously

        I think it depends on the school, there are definitely some that have a reputation for being more or less active. But, even the more active ones may be less so than in the past. Someone was just telling me he went all over from campus to campus looking for a protest on Inauguration Day 2000 and came up with nothing.

        1. Seriously Avatar
          Seriously

          Or, Inauguration Day 2001. Oy. ๐Ÿ™‚

      2. bostonboomer Avatar
        bostonboomer

        I was teaching in both 2004 and 2008. In 2004, I don’t college students didn’t seem interested at all. In 2008, there was more interest, but I don’t think it was about issues–just The One.

  4. bostonboomer Avatar
    bostonboomer

    We are the little blog that could!

    h/t Dakinikat

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      Did you see Joanelle found us? She left an email if you want to see it!

      1. bostonboomer Avatar
        bostonboomer

        Yes, I’m so glad Joanelle showed up today.

        1. Joanelle Avatar
          Joanelle

          Am I’m thrilled that I found you all – I didn’t catch this thread until this morning so I missed the cork popping but will pop in and out myself – happy birthday Dee!

    2. Sima Avatar
      Sima

      I’m really honored to be able to write with you two! Next month, spot number 999,999 or lower!

  5. Boo Radly Avatar
    Boo Radly

    “We are the little blog that could!” May I add will.

    Undeniably true. Really appreciate the combined efforts of all FP’ers and commenters. The information provided is like oxygen for me.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      I’m enjoying the camaraderie and I have this great feel of freedom and relief!!!

  6. grayslady Avatar

    Was it only 3 weeks ago? So many good posts, so much real meat–and a nice crowd, to boot. Congrats, dakini; and thanks, BB, for helping to make it a team effort.

    1. bostonboomer Avatar
      bostonboomer

      Thanks, grayslady. When are you going to write something about gardening?

      1. grayslady Avatar

        Well, I do a fair amount of writing about gardening on my own blog, but what I’d like to do (not singlehandedly, mind you, but with the help of other front pagers) is a series of posts on the writings of David Degraw. I think he’s doing some of the most important political writing of anyone right now on his website, amped status (http://tinyurl.com/38uza6j). Read some of his background and his articles (actually part of his book) and see if it isn’t worth examining here. Maybe we could even get him to come over here for a blog “chat”.

        1. bostonboomer Avatar
          bostonboomer

          Interesting. I will check it out.

        2. dakinikat Avatar

          That does sound interesting. And I need to add your site to the left. Can you give me the link again? A lot got lost in the harddrive crash.

          1. dakinikat Avatar

            oh, never mind I just saw it on your info in the dashboard.

  7. affinis Avatar
    affinis

    Congrats!

  8. Boo Radly Avatar
    Boo Radly

    I’ve had a rotten three days – my son got ran over(on his motorcycle – he is OK) by one of the local drunk at noon time and he dragged the cycle quite aways and drove off – now charged with attempted murder. So, have not been reading let alone commenting but was delighted to hear James Carville’s latest comments re:Hillary and WH says he is a PUMA ad they are outraged! James told them to deal with it.

    Would post link but maybe you all ready have discussed this. If so, please delete this. Score one point for a little truth this week. Almost put a smile on my face.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      I am so glad that your son is okay!! People just do not take cycles seriously !

      Some one told my Carville called into CNN
      to tell them he wasn’t about to apologize. I haven’t see the latest brouhaha on it actually. Didn’t know the White House said anything.

      He reacted to the comment on CNN’s “John King, USA” Thursday.

      “If I offended anybody, I am not sorry and I do not apologize,” Carville told CNN’s Chief National Correspondent John King.

      But he also said he intended the comment to be a joke.

      “Of all the things people say about the president, I think this is fairly mild,” Carville said. “I repeated a joke I made in the campaign.”

      One thing I will say about folks down here in Cajun country is they do not hold back.

      1. Woman Voter Avatar

        I think the Reagan Teflon thing growing thin on Obama and the media clapping at every speech is ending too.

    2. bostonboomer Avatar
      bostonboomer

      Boo Radley,

      I’m so sorry about your son’s nightmare experience. Hope the perp gets what’s coming to him.

    3. Joanelle Avatar
      Joanelle

      People just don’t pay attention behind the wheel. A retired neighbor who has been a substitute crossing guard was hit as he pushed some kids out of the way last week and died two days later. The woman said she didn’t know she had hit him!

      So sad. He was in his early 70’s, active in the community – he just stepped down as a councilman. We are all in a state of shock and will miss him.

  9. Branjor Avatar
    Branjor

    Happy Birthday to Sky Dancing and Frontpagers! This little blog’s come a long way in a short time! ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. CB Avatar
    CB

    What happened at The Confluence? I totally missed the upheaval and am sorry that there is a division. Received an email that about this blog.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      It’s hard to explain but if you look back a few threads to here, you can see part of that discussion. That’s all that’s left of the conversation.

      1. Pilgrim Avatar
        Pilgrim

        I am not sure about what happened over there, have some idea from what I read.

        I did like going there before Dak left. But then….

        The my-IQ-twice yours…now he seems to be doing a lot of writing, and most of it is rather coarse and getting coarser all the time. A real turn-off. I take a quick look and leave. I go less and less, not very much now.

  11. grayslady Avatar

    A final anniversary thought before I head off for a good night’s sleep (I hope):
    In pure business terms, the first entrant into a market always has an immediate advantage in terms of gaining market share. Remember when everyone thought that the future of computers was with IBM? Turns out it was the software that was important, not the box that contains the software. Or think of the auto industry, and how many manufacturers have disappeared, either due to poor management of a previously successful brand or an inability to read what the market wanted.

    From little acorns….

    May Sky Dancing turn into a sturdy, long-lived oak tree.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      We’re going to nurture and feed the roots ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. TheRock Avatar
    TheRock

    Looks like a lively Friday Night! Some interesting stuff in the news, but I’m just going to post a recipe! ๐Ÿ˜€ (can you put the recipe in block quotes, please)

    Spice Rubbed Pork Chops with Peach Salsa
    Peach Salsa (makes about 4 cups)

    2 1/2 cups peaches, diced
    3/4 cup red onion, finely diced
    1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
    1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
    1/2 tsp Serrano or jalepeno pepper, seeded and diced
    2 tbsp lime juice
    1 tbsp sugar
    2 tsp honey
    1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

    In a large mixing bowl (non-metal) combine all ingredients. Chill at least 15 minutes before serving.

    Spice Rubbed Pork Chops (serves 2)

    2 bone in pork chops
    1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
    1 1/2 tsp cumin
    1 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
    1 tsp paprika
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp pepper

    Place all spices in a mixing bowl and combine thoroughly. Sprinkle spice mixture generously over pork chops (which should be at room temperature) and rub pork chops until fully covered.

    Preheat the grill to medium heat (350o – 400o). Place pork chops on the grill cooking about 5 minutes on one side. Flip and continue cooking on opposite side approximately 5 more minutes (for about medium rare). Remove from grill and cover with aluminum foil. Let rest for about 5-10 minutes. Serve with peach salsa.

    1. Sima Avatar
      Sima

      My partner makes something like this, but with apricot-ginger preserves that I make for him to use. It’s marvelous. Now we’ll have to try this recipe!

    2. dakinikat Avatar

      Oh, that sounds wonderful!!!! Especially during Georgia Peach Season!!!

      1. TheRock Avatar
        TheRock

        Thanks for the block quotes! I also dice some mango in the salsa and the last time I made this, I substituted the mango with banana (saw it on Iron Chef and I had to try it! Boy was it good….). Enjoy!

    3. bostonboomer Avatar
      bostonboomer

      That sounds yummy!

  13. song Avatar

    Thank you Dak and BB. I read this wonderful blog everyday!

    1. song Avatar

      And Sima!

      1. bostonboomer Avatar
        bostonboomer

        Thank you, song!

      2. dakinikat Avatar

        hi song!!! thank you!!

      3. Sima Avatar
        Sima

        Thanks Song! I’m late chiming in, as usual :).

  14. HT Avatar
    HT

    Happy birthday (I guess it was yesterday) to Dee. Sorry, I fell asleep literally with my head on the desk around 8 and just woke up. I immediately came to Sky to lurk as usual and voila. Dak, BB, MaBlue, Sima you all do a wonderful job, and I really appreciate your efforts – I’m here every morning and although I rarely comment (other than the food nights) I want you to know that you are terrific. And if you can get Grayslady to post, so much the better (she really is terrific – her blog a must read).

  15. paper doll Avatar
    paper doll

    21 days? Amazing…thanks and congrats !

  16. Woman Voter Avatar

    Dak, check this out:

    Obama: On the Brink Of Losing Progressive Support Forever
    http://newsjunkiepost.com/2010/11/19/obama-on-the-brink-of-losing-progressive-support-forever/

    via Emperor Bob on Twitter.

    If you check out the graphs, it is amazing…and the bubbles that represent the tax cuts, that make it clear it is a tax cut for the ultra rich (GOP special interest group). And it also debunks the Reagan worship (voodoo economics) that is so Obama and the graph shows how under Clinton the deficit went down and the stability it brought.

    Wow, this is the first time I have read a piece that wasn’t within our little hub of people/blogs we know of and has taken aim at the war and tax cuts for the rich and the effects on the deficit.

    What do you think Dak?

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      I’m not sure WV. They said that about Bill Clinton after Monicagate and 94 and he wised up and brought himself back. Obama is no Bill Clinton but he has been able to charm people and seems adaptive. I wouldn’t count him out.

  17. Pips Avatar
    Pips

    Even though the following might stem from a “my enemy’s enemy is my friend” kind of calculation, I still like it. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    You know whoโ€™s got a fun, informative little blog? Dakinikat and BostonBoomer.
    Not my cup of tea, policy-wise, but theyโ€™re really kicking ass over there!

    Congratulations on the first 21 days “โ€ฆ and maaany mooore!”

  18. mablue2 Avatar
    mablue2

    Way to go Sky Dancers!

    Here’s one to all o you!!!!!! ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€

  19. Delphyne Avatar

    Love the blog and the front pagers – so glad for each of you and your postings!

  20. soupcity Avatar
    soupcity

    Congrats any may you be 21 forever! I certainly am ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Anyhoo, thanks for being here dak, BB, MAblue and sima. I love the diverseness of topics and the comfortable feeling. Keep up the excellent work!

  21. Joanelle Avatar
    Joanelle

    Yes, Dak I love the “feel” here – and the lack of foul language.

  22. LJSNAustin Avatar
    LJSNAustin

    Congratulations, Kat! Sky Dancing is one of my daily reads. Thanks for all you do!!

  23. foxyladi14 Avatar
    foxyladi14

    Happy Birthday Dee..
    and Congratulations.to Sky Dancers
    thanks to all the front pagers and commenter s.. :mrgreen:

  24. Outis Avatar
    Outis

    I missed this thread last night but I wanted to add my thanks for this wonderful community. It feels like a breath of fresh air and a nice place to hang out. Thanks for all the hard work as this is where I get my news each morning.

    But I missed the famous seafood recipes…can we schedule that for next week? Really looking forward to it.

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      Saturday night!!!!! TONIGHT!!!

  25. Delphyne Avatar

    Bring on those recipes, BB!

    1. dakinikat Avatar

      She’s working on it right now ๐Ÿ˜‰

  26. NW Luna Avatar
    NW Luna

    Late to the party….But congrats!

    Wonderful blog, wonderful atmosphere, intellectual, fun, written with heart and brain. Thanks to all the FPs and a big TY to Dak.