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About

THE BLOG--HISTORY

"Blue Oasis" began in 2005 in its Blogger format (now an archive) and became possibly the first Alaska Blog on Progressive Politics. At the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis was honored to represent Alaska as the state blog.

Transition--Community Blog

In September 2008, Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis moved to a Soapblox Community Blog format. Readers can become full participants by registering on the blog to comment and write "diaries." Diary titles appear on the right sidebar for folks to read and provide comments. Blog editors may choose to move some of these diaries to the front page.

While this Community was formed specifically with Alaska in mind, all "friends of Alaska" are welcome as members!

**Note about registering** Scroll down the right side until you find the link to register. Then, just follow the instructions!

**Note about comments** To comment on a story, click on the heading and then look for the "comment bar" at the bottom (it's light grey, I can't seem to change it). I believe the font color NOW permits you to see the "post comment" text.

YOUR BLOGMISTRESS

My name is Linda Kellen Biegel and I am a former 15-year Federal employee. Thirteen of those years were spent working for the US Army Corps of Engineers. I am also semi-retired from the Alaska music scene (singer, sound tech, stage manager, logistics).

When the blog was chosen to represent Alaska in the DNCC State Blogger Pool at the Denver Convention, I attended with the help of Alaska Real blogmistress, Writing Raven and my daughter Morrigan. On August 29th, one day after Barack Obama's inspiring speech at Invesco Field , my life took another turn as it did for all Alaska bloggers when Gov. Sarah Palin was chosen to be John McCain's VP running mate. Since then, I've either assisted or have been interviewed by media from the UK, Italy, Australia and Germany as well as national media outlets such as Wall Street Journal, NY Times, ABC Good Morning America's Kate Snow, National Journal, Dallas Morning News, LA Times, and NPR.

Presently, I work as a freelance writer, PR, event coordinator, community organizer, wife to computer programmer Josh and mother to 11-year-old Morrigan. Our family especially enjoys our summers in Alaska where we get to subsistence set-net fish Sockeye salmon as well as halibut fish/whalewatch in the family's homemade aluminum boat, "The Neverdone" (when it's working). We reside in Anchorage, Alaska.

Origin of "Celtic Diva"

I've used "Celtic Diva" as a screen name since the early 1990's on Web TV.

"Celtic"

"Folks have asked about my Celtic heritage, especially in light of my name. What they don't realize is that I'm adopted. I was born Valerie Morehead of the Clan Muirhead. I was adopted at three-months-old by the Kellens. I always "knew" I was Celt even before really knew. I was drawn to all things Scottish, especially music. That's why my parents eventually told me at age 16."

"Diva"

"Linda is well-known in Alaska & beyond as the prominent progressive political blogger Celtic Diva of Celtic Diva?s Blue Oasis. But back in the day, the early 1990s, I knew her as Linda Kellen, a member of the local folk/rock band Sky is Blu, which amongst other things performed in at least a couple or so of the annual women?s show Celebration of Change, in which I also performed. And if you don?t already know, let me tell you: Linda is one fine damn singer."

I went on after the break-up of "Sky is Blu" to perform with various Alaska musicians and work with national folks like Bo Diddly, Coco Montoya, Debbie Davies, Taj Mahal, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bad Company, Creedence Clearwater, Carny Wilson, etc...

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Equality Works has a Fun-Raising party...more on Mike Method's show -- KBYR at 7:00 PM!

by: Celtic Diva

Sat May 16, 2009 at 12:42:08 PM AKDT




In an earlier post, I mentioned the group "Equality Works".  This coalition has come together in support of the rights of LGBT folks to equality in employment, housing, etc...

In a different post, I also mentioned how I'd received notice of many parties and outdoor events happening this weekend as a result of the beautiful weather we've been having.  Then, of course, Mother Nature laughed:

I had previously turned down an invitation to a party by my friend, David Shurtleff, because I wanted to show support for Equality Works.  This is especially important in light of the Ordinance and impending June 9th public testimony on it.  They need to know that they have allies everywhere and bloggers who want to talk about it!

I got to the party and was blown away by how many cars were parked up and down the street!  It was very hard to find a place to park so I wouldn't annoy one of the neighbors.  (I was actually grateful at that moment that I no longer had the "big truck")  I was also comforted by the fact that there were tiki torches, as it isn't a party without tiki torches!  (This was especially important since I forgot bug dope...mosquitoes hate them!)

Walking into the packed yard, one of the first sights I encountered was...David Shurtleff and his lovely wife!

It seemed that David cancelled his event because of the rain in the morning.  Of course, once again, Mother Nature laughed and the rain stopped in time!  He found another party and I was very glad he came!  


Equality Works Coalition member Brittany Goodnight and party-giver Ryan Lawton

While I'd attended many LGBT events in the past, I noticed that this one was well-mixed with folks of all sexual orientations and cultures.  I also ran into old activist friends, like Mel Green,  who was heavily involved in the fight for LGBT equality through the 1980s and 1990s.


Writer and blogger Mel Green and Equality Works member Tiffany McClain

If you want to hear more about Equality Works, what they are about, etc... you can listen to Mike Method's show on KBYR this afternoon when he will have EW spokesperson Jackie Buckley in the studio.  He comes on at 7:00 to 9:00 PM, after the Shannyn Moore Show which runs 5:00 to 7:00PM.

Here is a great shot of Mike with his brand new baby!


Radio talk-show host Mike Method and baby Max...who knew they made island shirts that small!

(NOTE:  All pictures are used with the expressed permission of the subjects.)

Celtic Diva :: Equality Works has a Fun-Raising party...more on Mike Method's show -- KBYR at 7:00 PM!
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Yo Linda, it was so good to talk w/ you last night ! (0.00 / 0)
Got my blog post up about the fundraiser up (finally!) too at Henkimaa-- was dealing with a lot of connectivity issues at the cafe I was at earlier today, dammit.

But to repeat -- so good to talk w/ you last night, it's been a looooong time.

Listening to Mike Method's show now -- go Jackie!

-- Mel

Mel Green
Henkimaa.com


I seem to have no troubles at Middle Way Cafe (0.00 / 0)
If I feel like getting out of the house, that's usually where I go.

And it was great seeing you again, Mel!  I hope we get to hang out more!  At the very least, let's do coffee!


Celtic Diva


[ Parent ]
Thank You Celtic Diva & Friends (0.00 / 0)
My brother who is gay, his partner of 16 years and I thank all who take this issue seriously and continue to work on LGBT issues!  I am amazed that in this day and age, as far as we have come in so many ways that this is still a HUGE fight for those who just want equal & fair treatment.

So thank you one and all who give their support!

And that is one heck of a cute baby, and I agree Diva, I did not know that they made island shirts that tiny or I would have gotten one for my grandson!  


It should be the priority of everyone... (0.00 / 0)
Half of discrimination is about perception.  There are a number of people who are discriminated against because they are stereotyped, no matter what their actual sexual orientation may be.


Celtic Diva


[ Parent ]
Thank You (0.00 / 0)
Linda - Thanks for coming to the party and for your voice to help support equality in Anchorage. I was overwhelmed by the turnout and glad to see so many people connected for this... It's funny to see the post about the party shared with the note about Mike. I didn't know he had a radio show. I used to work with that guy! Small town... - Ryan





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