WAR ... Alors, darlings, wasn't that an interesting vote? (see adn.com for who voted how).
Ear is distressed to lose Wayne Anthony Ross as attorney general for several reasons. One was the promise of metaphors like this, from a NYT story Thursday about post-VIP Sarah: The governor needs to smile more and stop acting like she's been cowed by her (presumably unworthy) critics, Wayne said. In other words, stop looking like she's been "treed by Chihuahuas."
And, just to be fair to those who may not be WAR fans, here's the best printable smart remark sent in by an earwig: "Wayne Ross is proof that the Second Amendment is no protection against loose cannons."
QUESTIONS ... Is it true some lawmakers supporting Ross expected the vote to be so close, they were planning to stall until Rep. Richard Foster got back from his dialysis treatment around 3:30 with his yes vote?
And, what is the answer to the question Ross asked when it was all over? Does his picture get to hang on the wall in the Department of Law with all the other ex-attorneys general? After all, he was on the job for a couple of weeks.
VERBATIM ... Best line from a newspaper story about the Wednesday Tea Party protests against the Obama stimulus program -- by ADN Valley reporter Zaz Hollander:
"The direction our leaders are taking us is not the direction we citizens prefer," wrote (Rep. Carl) Gatto, who, like nearly all House members, voted earlier this year to accept nearly $1 billion in federal stimulus money for Alaska."
AND WHO WASN'T ... Based on the subject line on a press release from the governor's office announcing Joe Nelson's decision to withdraw as a candidate for the empty State Senate seat, Joe was having a physical reaction to the whole mess: "Joe Nelson Withdrawals from Consideration."
A REAL STIMULUS ... A Steven B. Porter of California, who has a contract with Legislative Budget and Audit, is being paid $54,102 for professional services rendered in March, to wit: "Provide technical support and analysis regarding impacts to the State of Alaska and potential opportunities from receipt of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009." That's $250 an hour plus $84 per diem. Plus travel costs one assumes.
So, they couldn't lend him to the governor for a while and save us all a lot of trouble?
EAR TO THE GROUND ... Appendages who play in real dirt are all wow over a new guide for "greenhousers" -- you know, gardeners who spend weekends visiting plant places, buying everything they can stuff into the SUV. It's a map of greenhouses in Anchorage/Eagle River/Girdwood, Indian, Wasilla, Palmer and Big Lake. It's got a list of plant sales, ads for a bunch of nurseries telling what they specialize in, a log of helpful Web sites and a calendar of events. It's beautifully designed and, OMG, it's free.
The brainchild of long-time gardeners Lynne Opstad and Anna Denis, the "Garden Snaps Map" should be available at Cooperative Extension offices, the Alaska Botanical Garden, farmers' markets, and participating businesses, said Anna. Check www.gardensnapsmap.com.
ON THE MOVE ... ADN's recent staff reduction was well-timed for longtime reporter Tom Kizzia. He just signed a contract with Random House's Broadway Books to do a non-fiction book about McCarthy, the coming of the Alaska national parks and the Pilgrim Family.
Tom's been writing about the Pilgrims for ADN since 2003. The book will take the story a step further, looking at the history of access and community in that part of the great Alaska wilderness. His first book, "The Wake of the Unseen Object," also grew out of his reporting for ADN.
PROOF THAT IT'S SPRING ... Time to pencil in the Alaska Native Art Auction, the hot springtime fund-raiser that scoops up support for Koahnic's public broadcasting operation, which includes National Native News, Native America Calling. It's on Thursday, April 30. Earwigs whisper that Iditarod winner Lance Mackey is this year's special guest, along with his wife Tanya.
No word on whether he'll bring Larry the wonder dog with him.
OOOOPS ... A local earwig reports Sarah had an impressive presence at the annual Pollie Awards conference in D.C. last week -- a big SarahPAC booth with a startlingly lifelike cut-out of the lady herself, and the always hilarious Capitol Steps comedy group did a long Sarah routine.
The Pollies is basically a big national trade fair for political consultants.
In a Republican caucus meeting there, the Sarah presence allegedly moved local pol Art Hackney to tell a story on himself: Several years ago, when the Hackneys still lived in D.C., a friend brought Sarah to his Capitol Hill office to discuss how to help her gain a national political profile.
They told the friend that they couldn't see any national political role for her.
HARMONIC CONFLUENCE ... To see what happens when the Alaska Folk Festival and the end of the legislative session coincide, check out
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA2gNmyLUMQ.
AND FINALLY ... Happy birthday to Trig, who just turned one.
Compiled by Sheila Toomey. Find Ear online at adn.com. Contact Sheila at stoomey@adn.com.