Hey everyone...
Sorry about the lack of promised updates. Things have gotten crazy with my health again and I need to take a short break to wait for the latest test results, which could either be good, not so good, or very bad. I'm going to be taking a break from blogging until Monday, March 3. Then, depending on what I decide, I'll either continue with the What We Should Have Learned: Wars Edition, or I'll go back to current political coverage. If you have the time, let me know which you want to see, either with a comment on this post, or send me an e-mail @ purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thanks for understanding!
~Mer
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
World War I: What We Should Have Learned
World War I (also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Wars) was fought between the Entente Powers (initially consisting of France, the UK, and Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and their associated empires. By the conclusion of the war, only the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, and the Scandinavian nations remained officially neutral among the European countries.
The chain of events that set off the war was a case of “one thing led to another,” due to the treaty alliance system. The match to the fuse was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Ferdinand’s death was at the hands of the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist secret society, which set into motion a mindlessly mechanical series of events that culminated the world’s first global war.
Austria-Hungary’s reaction to the death of their heir was three weeks in coming. They opted to take the opportunity to stamp its authority upon the Serbians by issuing an ultimatum to Serbia, which, in the extent of its demand that the assassins be brought to justice effectively nullified Serbia’s sovereignty. Austria-Hungary sought the help of their ally, Germany, that she would come to her aid should the unthinkable happen and Russia declared war on Austria Hungary.
A summary of the main countries and the part they played in the sequence of events that led to World War I.
Austria-Hungary- unsatisfied with Serbia’s response to her ultimatum, declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
Russia- bound by a treaty to Serbia, announced mobilization of its vast army in her defense, a slow process that took about six weeks to complete.
Germany- allied to Austria-Hungary by treaty, viewed the Russian mobilization as an act of war against Austria-Hungary, and after scant warning declared war on Russia on August 1.
France- bound by treaty to Russia, found itself at war against Germany, and by extension on Austria-Hungary, following a German declaration on August 3. Germany was swift in invading neutral country Belgium, so as to reach Paris by the shortest possible route.
Britain- allied to France by a more loosely worded treaty which placed a “moral obligation” upon her to defend France, declared war against Germany on August 4. However, Britain was obligated to defend neutral Belgium by the terms of a 75-year old treaty. Britain committed herself to Belgium’s defense later that day. Like France, she was by extension also at war with Austria-Hungary.
United States- Woodrow Wilson declared a U.S. policy of absolute neutrality, which would last until 1917 when Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare- which threatened America’s commercial shipping- forced the U.S. to enter the war on April 6, 1917.
Japan- Honoring a military agreement with Britain, declared war on Germany August 23, 1914. Two days later Austria-Hungary responded by declaring war on Japan.
Italy- Was allied to both Germany and Austria-Hungary, was able to avoid entering the fray by citing a clause enabling it to evade its obligations to both countries.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, this war, which should have been a disagreement between two countries, was turned into a World War by old treaties and obligations. What did it get us? They estimate that over 40 million people died because of this War.
So what’s the lesson to be learned here? When two countries have a disagreement, sometimes it’s better to leave it to them to figure it out.
~Mer
The chain of events that set off the war was a case of “one thing led to another,” due to the treaty alliance system. The match to the fuse was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Ferdinand’s death was at the hands of the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist secret society, which set into motion a mindlessly mechanical series of events that culminated the world’s first global war.
Austria-Hungary’s reaction to the death of their heir was three weeks in coming. They opted to take the opportunity to stamp its authority upon the Serbians by issuing an ultimatum to Serbia, which, in the extent of its demand that the assassins be brought to justice effectively nullified Serbia’s sovereignty. Austria-Hungary sought the help of their ally, Germany, that she would come to her aid should the unthinkable happen and Russia declared war on Austria Hungary.
A summary of the main countries and the part they played in the sequence of events that led to World War I.
Austria-Hungary- unsatisfied with Serbia’s response to her ultimatum, declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
Russia- bound by a treaty to Serbia, announced mobilization of its vast army in her defense, a slow process that took about six weeks to complete.
Germany- allied to Austria-Hungary by treaty, viewed the Russian mobilization as an act of war against Austria-Hungary, and after scant warning declared war on Russia on August 1.
France- bound by treaty to Russia, found itself at war against Germany, and by extension on Austria-Hungary, following a German declaration on August 3. Germany was swift in invading neutral country Belgium, so as to reach Paris by the shortest possible route.
Britain- allied to France by a more loosely worded treaty which placed a “moral obligation” upon her to defend France, declared war against Germany on August 4. However, Britain was obligated to defend neutral Belgium by the terms of a 75-year old treaty. Britain committed herself to Belgium’s defense later that day. Like France, she was by extension also at war with Austria-Hungary.
United States- Woodrow Wilson declared a U.S. policy of absolute neutrality, which would last until 1917 when Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare- which threatened America’s commercial shipping- forced the U.S. to enter the war on April 6, 1917.
Japan- Honoring a military agreement with Britain, declared war on Germany August 23, 1914. Two days later Austria-Hungary responded by declaring war on Japan.
Italy- Was allied to both Germany and Austria-Hungary, was able to avoid entering the fray by citing a clause enabling it to evade its obligations to both countries.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, this war, which should have been a disagreement between two countries, was turned into a World War by old treaties and obligations. What did it get us? They estimate that over 40 million people died because of this War.
So what’s the lesson to be learned here? When two countries have a disagreement, sometimes it’s better to leave it to them to figure it out.
~Mer
The American Civil War: What we should remember
Well, the American Civil war kicks off the weeklong series on Wars: What We Need To Know So We Don't Keep Making the Same Friggin Mistakes. I'm fairly sure that most of you know the saying, "History repeats itself." Well, unfortunately for us, most politicians seem to be absent when you should have learned that. (Actually, most seem to have missed history all together, and simply live in their little fantasy worlds where the world revolves around them. So, I decided to put together this series so that hopefully, if any one that reads this blog ever becomes a politician, they won't screw up the world so badly.
The American Civil War- while most people think the war started on the issue of freeing the slaves, it actually started as a dispute about the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired territories.
I have to admit, that this war is the hardest for me to wrap my head around. This war put a straight-line split between pro-slavery Americans, and anti-slavery Americans. This war was fought over a difference of opinion. A difference of opinion was strong enough to rip the country apart down to the family level. Brothers, fathers, and neighbors fought against each other, and even killed each other.
The sad thing is, there are fault lines almost as deep as those during the Civil War which divide this country today. Between the political party lines, the controversial wars, as well as the issues of race and gender that still divide this country; we must remember something in order to prevent the lines from going deeper. We are all Americans.
This country was founded on the belief that all men are created equal. If we focus on the things that we have in common, rather than the differences, we can overcome the final boundaries, to become the country that our founding fathers intended.
We will be truly, the land of the free.
~Mer
The American Civil War- while most people think the war started on the issue of freeing the slaves, it actually started as a dispute about the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired territories.
I have to admit, that this war is the hardest for me to wrap my head around. This war put a straight-line split between pro-slavery Americans, and anti-slavery Americans. This war was fought over a difference of opinion. A difference of opinion was strong enough to rip the country apart down to the family level. Brothers, fathers, and neighbors fought against each other, and even killed each other.
The sad thing is, there are fault lines almost as deep as those during the Civil War which divide this country today. Between the political party lines, the controversial wars, as well as the issues of race and gender that still divide this country; we must remember something in order to prevent the lines from going deeper. We are all Americans.
This country was founded on the belief that all men are created equal. If we focus on the things that we have in common, rather than the differences, we can overcome the final boundaries, to become the country that our founding fathers intended.
We will be truly, the land of the free.
~Mer
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Contest Update and Writer's Block+ Anti-Valentines Day *UPDATED*
Well, you know how the DVD contest was supposed to end today? Well, I have two problems- the DVD hasn't arrived yet, and I didn't get any entries. Therefore, I'm turing the contest into a raffle. All you have to do is drop me an e-mail @ purplepineappletown@hotmail.com with your name (or nickname or whatever). When I recieve the DVD, I'll stick pieces of paper with the names on them into a bowl, and randomly choose one. If you win, I'll contact you for your address, and ship the DVD as soon as I recieve it. So please, enter. It'll take 1 minute of your time, and you can win a DVD.
And you know that "big thing" i'm working on? Well, I have writer's block on it. It's about Major Wars in America's history and what we should have learned from them. So hopefully the writer's block will go away soon.
GAH!!! You know those days that never seem to go right? I'm having one of those days. First the laptop conks out on me, my older sister is pissed off at me for something that happened three years ago that I didn't cause, and the world map I added that tracks hits all around the world isn't working AND I was only two continents away from having readers from every continent!!! (I needed South America and Antartica.)
Plus, my least favorite holiday is tomorrow, Valentines Day. It's the one holiday that really makes me angry. It gives those oh-so precious couples a day to make us singles feel bad, and rub our noses in it. You go from getting lots of (albit required) Valentines in elementary school to getting little to NONE as the couples develop in junior high and beyond.
Well, my little rant is done now. Hopefully starting next Monday will be the 7-part series on wars and what you should remember. It'll include: the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Veitnam War, Cold War, and the current War on Terror. If you want to see one covered drop me a line through the e-mail.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Angry Rants? E-mail Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
And you know that "big thing" i'm working on? Well, I have writer's block on it. It's about Major Wars in America's history and what we should have learned from them. So hopefully the writer's block will go away soon.
GAH!!! You know those days that never seem to go right? I'm having one of those days. First the laptop conks out on me, my older sister is pissed off at me for something that happened three years ago that I didn't cause, and the world map I added that tracks hits all around the world isn't working AND I was only two continents away from having readers from every continent!!! (I needed South America and Antartica.)
Plus, my least favorite holiday is tomorrow, Valentines Day. It's the one holiday that really makes me angry. It gives those oh-so precious couples a day to make us singles feel bad, and rub our noses in it. You go from getting lots of (albit required) Valentines in elementary school to getting little to NONE as the couples develop in junior high and beyond.
Well, my little rant is done now. Hopefully starting next Monday will be the 7-part series on wars and what you should remember. It'll include: the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Veitnam War, Cold War, and the current War on Terror. If you want to see one covered drop me a line through the e-mail.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Angry Rants? E-mail Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mitt Romney drops out of the Race and Space Shuttle Atlantis!
Well, Mitt Romney dropped out the Presidental race today- Here's a copy of parts of his announcement for anyone who hasn't seen or heard it.
In this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror. This is not an easy decision. I hate to lose." "If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."
I had really thought that Mike Huckabee would have dropped out before Romney, but sometimes you just can't predict those politicians. They're sneaky little devils.
Also, in some super exciting news, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off without a hitch today! If you missed the launch, later today there will be video up at www.nasa.gov
Just a short update for today- I'm working on something big at the moment.
-Mer
In this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror. This is not an easy decision. I hate to lose." "If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."
I had really thought that Mike Huckabee would have dropped out before Romney, but sometimes you just can't predict those politicians. They're sneaky little devils.
Also, in some super exciting news, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off without a hitch today! If you missed the launch, later today there will be video up at www.nasa.gov
Just a short update for today- I'm working on something big at the moment.
-Mer
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
SUPER TUESDAY!
For anyone who lives in a Super Tuesday state, and maybe hasn't made up their mind yet, (like me.) I thought I'd give a rundown on the candidates of both parties, along with their positions on popular issues. For those not in a Super Tuesday state, or is lucky enough to live outside of this political mess, I hope that you get a laugh. (Note: all information used came from http://ontheissues.org/ as well as candidate’s official web sites)
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Monday, February 4, 2008
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Before we return to the regularly scheduled political programming coverage, I thought I would show you the craziness that is the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Here's the legend of the St. Paul Winter Carnival- really it's just an excuse for people to get drunk and party-
As the "King of the Winds," Boreas assigned to each of his brothers a permanent grant of great force and power. To Titan was assigned the blustery North Wind. To Euros was granted control of the irresponsible East Wind. To Zephyrus was given custody of the bountiful West Wind. To Notos was presented the balmy but unstable South Wind. The brothers cavorted gaily over land and sea. Boreas, while on his extensive travels, came upon a winter paradise known as Minnesota. He paused to behold the enchanting beauty of a magnificent group of seven gently sloping hills in whose embrace nestled a beautiful city. Boreas whistled in sheer ecstasy, "Historic Saint Paul and her seven hills! An ideal place. I will make Saint Paul the capitol of all my domains. It will henceforth be emblazoned to the world as the winter playground of the Realm of Boreas." Meanwhile, Vulcanus Rex, the god of Fire, and the implacable enemy of Boreas, crackled in defiant disdain. "By the great sword of Mars I will temper the blusterings of Boreas with the heat and roar of my forces." He was tireless in his bitter resistance to all the festivities of Boreas. Undaunted, Boreas proclaimed a celebration in the spirit of gay Carnival. "So be it!" shouted Boreas, "There will be a Carnival in old Saint Paul!" Boreas selected a Prime Minister to coordinate preparations in all the Principalities, Provinces and Royal Houses within the realm of Saint Paul. And so, for ten glorious days, there was Carnival and joyous celebration in St. Paul -- feasting, dancing, fun and frolic reigned over by Boreas and the Queen of Snows, the fairest maiden of the realm, along with the four Winds, who were each accompanied by a lovely Princess from the realm of Boreas. Klondike Kate, a lady of song and merriment, added her sassy but enchanting voice to the festivities by singing songs of desire and sentiment. Senior King Winter, Queen of the Northlands, and their court contributed good will and wisdom, while Junior King Frost and Queen of the Snowflakes with their court, add youthful exuberance to the festival.On the 10th day of celebration, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe stormed the magnificent ice castle and confronted the King's Guard. Upon the good counsel of the Queen, Boreas bade farewell to the people of his winter capitol in the interest of peace and goodwill, and returned to dwell among the gods of Olympus. Boreas and his court looked forward to the time when summer's warmth would once again relinquish its hold on the realm and the frosty atmosphere of winter would prevail.
We happened to be there the weekend of the Vulcan Victory Parade- here's a video mash-up. I apoligize for the quality, it was dark.
And a few still shots of the parade-
Minnesota's "Unnoficial State Bird"
One of the two State Fair Gophers- they were nice enough to stop and let me get a shot.
And the glorious flames.
~Mer
Friday, February 1, 2008
Purple Pineapple Town's FIRST contest
Hey Everyone-
My friends at Crew Creative advertising asked me to help out with their latest project by holding a DVD giveaway contest.
It's a movie called Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary. Even though I’m not a big fan of rap, this movie looks pretty hilarious.
Description: The hardest group you've never heard of is back! Like a hip-hop version of the mockumentary classic Spinal Tap, Gangsta Rap tells the story of the rap group who ran the west coast underground in the mid to late eighties. With such classics under their belt as "Beat Yo Mama with a Hammer" and "In My House Shoes", gangsta rap fell into obscurity after several run-ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases. But now, they’re back! The DVD hits stores Tuesday, February 5th!
Here's the "In My House Shoes" music video to give you a taste.
THE CONTEST
Rules Are: Write a 25-100 word (or more, this is just a guideline) rap about an object. The object can be anything. Some examples would be one about cheese, a cell phone, a printer... I don't care. (Feel free to use any of those examples listed- I simply listed things near me. Except the cheese. I just really like cheese.) Entries will be judged on creativity and humor. There is no limit to who can enter or how many times you can enter. If you live somewhere outside the US, feel free to enter, just remember I can't guarantee that the DVD will work in some players.
The deadline for entry is Feb. 10th. Please e-mail all entries to purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The decision will be made by me the next day, and the DVD promptly shipped to you. There is only one winner.
Good Luck!
~Mer
My friends at Crew Creative advertising asked me to help out with their latest project by holding a DVD giveaway contest.
It's a movie called Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary. Even though I’m not a big fan of rap, this movie looks pretty hilarious.
Description: The hardest group you've never heard of is back! Like a hip-hop version of the mockumentary classic Spinal Tap, Gangsta Rap tells the story of the rap group who ran the west coast underground in the mid to late eighties. With such classics under their belt as "Beat Yo Mama with a Hammer" and "In My House Shoes", gangsta rap fell into obscurity after several run-ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases. But now, they’re back! The DVD hits stores Tuesday, February 5th!
Here's the "In My House Shoes" music video to give you a taste.
THE CONTEST
Rules Are: Write a 25-100 word (or more, this is just a guideline) rap about an object. The object can be anything. Some examples would be one about cheese, a cell phone, a printer... I don't care. (Feel free to use any of those examples listed- I simply listed things near me. Except the cheese. I just really like cheese.) Entries will be judged on creativity and humor. There is no limit to who can enter or how many times you can enter. If you live somewhere outside the US, feel free to enter, just remember I can't guarantee that the DVD will work in some players.
The deadline for entry is Feb. 10th. Please e-mail all entries to purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The decision will be made by me the next day, and the DVD promptly shipped to you. There is only one winner.
Good Luck!
~Mer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
