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!

I love old-school beach pictures more than almost any sort. I think it's that the shift in fashions are so fascinating.

Loving everyone's family pictures. Tossing my measly few into the mix: [link]

her gift of the glittering generality

I keep hearing this, and I just don't get it. Same as I didn't get it when people were saying it about Bush.

I love this picture, because if the UK had a Sears catalogue, it'd be in it.

I don't think most people here have seen this haircut on me. Ah, good times.

Speaking of hair - check out this awesome album cover: The Faith Tones: "Jesus Use Me" LP cover