LobsterCam

Seems like everyone has a favorite livefeed webcam these days. I need to step up to the trend. The most enthusiastic following I've seen so far is for the GrizzCam, at University of Montana. Check it out.

You can also watch Old Faithful on a webcam, as well as many National Park sites.

But the most controversial webcam this year is the LobsterCam, mainly because a certain Senator put the webcam on his list of "Worst Waste of the Year" for federal spending. Maine's Lobster Institute wrote a response, saying that the camera is run by volunteers and over the years the camera has cost them around $200. (article is on E&E Daily).

The Worst Waste of the Year is a great read, actually. I liked the entries for:

• Training for casino workers, Kansas City (p.9)
• Voicemail for the Homeless (p.9) (if you search the news, you'll see there's a reason why this is a good program).
• Program that teaches teens to make salsa, Cleveland (p. 10)
• Microchips in cactuses, Arizona (p. 16)
• IRS mailing stating that you'll receive your rebate, $42 million (p.14)
  

Transition Memo

The hot document to write in December, in DC, is the "transition memo" for the next Administration. It was fun to be a part of this process with my job.

I wish I had a "transition team" and briefing documents from experts to help me adjust. I guess I probably did, in a way. You know who you are.

If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together.
- African proverb

If you need a quote for your next motivational talk, use this one. It's really been on my mind for the last 6 weeks, after hearing it in a speech. After looking it up online, I realize that a bunch of speakers have used it...but I decided to not let that stop me from posting it.

Maybe DC has taken a bit o' the individualism out of me, since this is a place where ppl have to work together to get anything done, despite the blatant divisiveness. This quote resonates with me because I'm connecting more with the 2nd half, although during most of my life I've valued the first line.

Well, I could write more about "what this quote means to me," but I'm going to go "all Augustine" on you and try to be somewhat vague. (so you can think about how it applies to your own life.) Peace.

ReinDog Parade, McLean, VA

Today was ReinDog Parade, a McClean, VA celebration and competition. The Hoang's kept up their tradition by borrowing a dog, adding a lot of bows to their son & wagon, & inviting a friend who looked like a turkey. It was a winning recipe to win the "group" prize from the McClean Board of Commerce & Channel 9 News. Congratulations!


Beckham Hoang

William the Turkey

The point of the parade is a competition for the dog, but this entire family dressed up as the Nativity, with their dog as baby Jesus.

The winners!

(Anthony H was out of the photo, filming.)

IntLawRvw

I've had a dearth of international law interactions, due to my new consumption of everything conservation.

Like any American, I decided the best way to connect back to the subject would be through a source with 3 tones of pink and a title composed with extrrra consonants, & abbrev's.

If you need the same, try:

IntLawGrrls

voices on international law, policy, practice

http://intlawgrrls.blogspot.com/

Cotter Family Christmas Photo!

Those 2 lil' bookends to this photo are the newest editions to the Cotter family! (Paul & Owen) They did a good job wearing "grandchild red," providing a poinsettia affect to what would otherwise look like a funeral theme.

I'm most impressed with how the Waterford entrance awning makes us look like we're wearing one giant crown/halo. The Cotters are angelic & perfect. Rulers, really. Merry Christmas from Leawood, KS.