The outside of my work building isn't clogged thick with tourists.

That doesn't make any sense!

ION, I was thinking this morning how much TV news b-roll I've probably become a part of this week.

Shir, your grandmother was seriously stunning! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Shir, you made me go and look at my flickr account again, and I noticed that someone had requested I add a picture of my father to the Vintage Jamaica group--so thanks for the bout of nostalgia.

And then I re-stumbled upon this bathing beauty, also known as my mother. I don't think I have the one of her flashing her six pack. Must continue browsing.

Wow, ita. Your mom is stunning!

Sexy parents and grandparents! Buffistas are swimming in a lovely and deep gene pool.

Wow, ita. Your mom is stunning!

So much this! Just, wow.

I've got to pull out my scanner again and start uploading some more family photos, both recent and older (I fear a fire would wipe out what I've got, and would feel much better if I had them backed up online).

My mom doesn't look like she 69 years old, does she? I hope I look that good at that age.

My Uncle Phil, Aunt Dorothy, and Grandpa were all pretty good-looking in their youth.

From an Opinion piece from the Anchorage Daily News:

"Andrew, I watch you at these debates with no notes, no papers and yet when asked questions you spout off facts, figures and policies and I'm amazed. But then I look out into the audience and I ask myself, 'Does any of this really matter?' " Palin said.

While public policy wonks might cringe, the fact was that Sarah Palin was simply vocalizing her biggest campaign strength without realizing it. During the campaign, from January to November, Palin's message on important public policy issues never evolved -- because it didn't have to. Her ability to fill the debate halls with her presence and her gift of the glittering generality made it possible for her to rely on populism instead of policy.

In one debate, a moderator asked the candidates to name a bill the Legislature had recently passed that we didn't like. I named one. Democratic candidate Tony Knowles named one. But Palin used her allotted time to criticize the unpopular incumbent governor, Frank Murkowski. Asked to name a bill we did like, the same pattern emerged: Palin didn't name a bill.

And when she does answer the actual question asked, she has the canny ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. For example, asked to name a major issue that had been ignored during the campaign, I mentioned the health of Alaska communities, Mr. Knowles talked about affordable health care, and Palin talked about the need to protect hunting and fishing rights.

Quite possibly one of the smartest beagles evah!

My Uncle Phil, Aunt Dorothy, and Grandpa were all pretty good-looking in their youth.

Great picutre!