Gesture of respect, or political fubar?

I'm curious to know who is giving the President advice on protocol.

Seeing as how he also bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia back in April at the G20, this seems to fit in with his 'idiom' thus far.

I understand what the conservatives are saying (as the President, he shouldn't do anything other than offer the firm handshake of equals), but surely we might consider that he is making gestures of respect to his fellow heads-of-state. I think it's quite generous of him.

For heaven's sake, he's the "leader of the free world" - what's that line from Henry V... ?

Henry: "O Kate, nice customs curtsy to great kings. Dear Kate, you and I cannot be confined within the weak list of a country's fashion: we are the makers of manners, Kate; and the liberty that follows our places stops the mouth of all find-faults..."

I wonder if others (in Saudia Arabia and Japan, for instance) think he's being condescending or do they find the gesture gracious?

I seem to recall being told, somewhere somewhen, that Americans especially and specifically shouldn't bow or curtsey to the Queen of England. Being a 'monarchist' in my hobby, I would find it impossible not to curtsey ~ it's habit, now.*

* Actually, when the King and Queen of Sweden visited the American Swedish Institute some years ago, I couldn't help but dip a small curtsey as they passed me in a doorway ... the King actually looked as if caught by surprise (which, perhaps, he was).

Back to blogging

Um, yeah. So, now that I've remembered my login and password... More to come!

Including:
- prepping for a scrapbooking retreat
- work and school updates
- recent activities (see "scrapbooking")
- thoughts about family (also see "scrapbooking")
- how I don't have time for anything, even laundry
- and other things that will hopefully be absolutely riveting, thought-provoking... or at least amusing (well, to me, anyways)

Oh! and thoughts on a recent endeavor (From Tummies to Toddlers 2009 Expo) - and how media showed up (OMG!) because I sent out press releases.

In search of ... chips

OK, so I'm planning food for my upcoming birthday bash (how can I possibly be that old?)...

I've got a hankerin' for some chips that I remember from my childhood. They're maybe not around anymore - I've been looking for quite some time now.

I recall that they are "taco" flavored, but maybe they were just really strong nacho? They were definitely round tortilla chips. And very salty over the flavoring. I'm sure they're horrible for me, but I just couldn't stop eating them!

I *think* they were Old Dutch brand... I think...?? [No, they're not the "old" Doritos.] Maybe Tostito's?

Anyone seen these in recent memory? I've been surfin' the intarwebz for nearly an hour, trying to find 'em... no luck yet.

Why I prefer swords

Also from Fark.com:

Confederate re-enactor pleads not guilty in shooting

Oh, my. And this is why I play in a re-creation group that uses blunts on our rapiers (schlagers, actually)... because I'd rather not actually hurt my opponent.

OK, so here's the wierd thing from that website...
The Associated Press © April 9, 2009 ISLE OF WIGHT

Huh? The Isle of Wight? Isn't that in England? And the accident happened in Virginia - as in, formerly one of "the colonies." And the website is run by The Virginian Pilot... so why is the article being posted from the Isle of Wight?

I'm confused! But also somewhat amused.

? 50 Years of Stupid Grammar Advice ?

Why I love Fark.com:

A smack-down to cheer every English major who had to read that silly little book: The Elements of Style is "by a pair of authors so grammatically clueless that they don't know what is a passive construction and what isn't"

Uh... hmm... I just got my very own copy of EoS for Christmas from my folks. Guess I'll keep some salt handy... besides, I much prefer Grammar Girl's cool website.

for knitters

I used to work at The American Swedish Institute - here's a tidbit from their latest e-news:

===
Knit-Out in the Turnblad Mansion
Sunday, March 15, 2009 — 1–5 p.m.
After a fantastic turn out for the Knit-out in January over the Radiant Knits opening weekend, the American Swedish Institute will host a second Knit-out on Sunday, March 15 during regular museum hours, 1–5 p.m. The Minnesota Knitters’ Guild will donate door prizes, too, so be sure to register when you arrive. Bring your knitting project and join fellow knitters all around ASI’s Turnblad mansion for a relaxing and fun Sunday afternoon! The Knit-out is included with museum admission (free for ASI members).
===
Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition
January 23rd – March 29th, 2009 Now extended through April 5th!
The exhibit Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition will be on display at the American Swedish Institute from Friday, January 23rd through Sunday, March 29th, 2009. The exhibit focuses on the history of the Swedish Bohus knitting style and the Bohus Stickning industry (1939–1969), and will feature original garments knitted in the Bohus style. This will be the first time that Bohus couture garments have been on exclusive exhibit in the U.S. since the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. The Bohus Stickning organization came into existence in the province of Bohuslän, Sweden, during the Depression era of the 1930s. During this time of financial hardship, a group of women—most married to unemployed quarry workers—sought out Emma Jacobsson, the wife of the governor of Bohuslän, hoping to find a means of supporting their struggling families.
Bohus Sticking was thus born out of need and produced beautiful hand-knitted garments while helping the women support their families financially. From Sweden, the fine knitwear designs spread internationally, including to the U.S., before the operation ended in 1969. Bohus Stickning had grown from the home-based industry of its origin to become a successful business of international reputation.
During the opening weekend, a variety of opportunities to learn about Bohus knitting and its history will be offered at the ASI, including workshops, lectures, guided tours, and a film premiere. A number of special guests from Sweden and the U.S. will be present to share their expertise.
The Minnesota Knitters’ Guild is a proud sponsor of this exhibit.
===

Why there's hope for the future

12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash

From the article:
This isn’t his first big win. “When I was six,” Max said, “I won an invention contest that included a trip to Chicago. While there, I saw homeless people living on streets, and beneath highways and underpasses. I felt very sorry for these people, and ever since then, felt that my goal and obligation was to find a way to help them. My invention improves the living conditions for homeless people, refugees, or disaster victims by giving them easy-to-assemble shelter.”


YEAH! Rock on, Max, and keep up the good work.

Feb 3: The Day the Music Died

1959 – Hours after appearing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, USA, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed when their plane crashed shortly after taking off from the nearby Mason City Municipal Airport.

r.i.p.