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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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--Anchorage Daily News "Community Voices" column 7/9/08

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--Anchorage Daily News "Community Voices" column 4/30/08

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--Anchorage Daily News "Community Voices" column 3/26/08

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--Anchorage Daily News "Compass" column 10/24/07

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--Anchorage Daily News "Compass" column 08/06/07

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My daughter touched a Silver Medal!

USA Women's Olympic Hockey Team Star Kerry Weiland with our friend Isabella and my daughter Morrigan at St. Baldrick's Day



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******************************************************************************************

Records Request--Quickie Update

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:43:58 PM AKDT




I know you've all been waiting patiently for a number of things to happen:

--me to march down to the Governor's Office, check in hand

--your avatars to show up on your emails

--a post talking about all of the above.

However, here's the most pertinent information:

***THE MONEY IS IN THE BANK!!! It made it over from Paypal, WOOO HOOO!!!***

What I can tell you is that, after a three-week break, I'm now watching my friend's daughter again during the week.  As I don't want the kids' brains to rot while I'm constantly on the computer, I'm actually taking them places, doing things with them and working in the yard with them.

I'm also still waiting for the rest of the information to come in so I can do a complete post on all of this, including my response to their last letter and their "answers" to the computer questions.  (Still waiting for one of the "computer guys" to send me their response to ETS.)

Another thing I needed:  whose name is on the check?

I called Linda Perez yesterday then sent her an email today asking who I should make the check out to.  Here was her response this afternoon:

Hello Ms. Kellen,

I didn't receive a message yesterday, so my apology for not responding.  The check should be made payable to the State of Alaska and mailed to my attention at Office of the Governor, Division of Administrative Services, P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001.

Please call me at 465-3876 if you need any further information.

Thank you,

Linda Perez

So, they were quite clear about wanting the check sent to Juneau instead of bringing it to the Governor's Office here in Anchorage.

I talked to several people who are quite knowledgeable of records request issues.  While I was hesitant to put the check in the mail out of fear that it may be lost, they encouraged me to do that instead of taking it to the Governor's Office in Anchorage.  So, I'll be getting a cashier's check and mailing it certified, receipt requested.  That way, someone has to sign for it.

When I get the rest of the information I need (hopefully sometime late tonight) I can finish the letter I'll be sending with the check, get the check ready, take pictures of it, send it to Juneau and post all about it tomorrow!!!!

And regarding your avatars...they are coming along VERY slowly...the list is HUGE!  However, you should see some with more frequency very soon.  (Again, if you want a different one, email me with a screen name and let me know!)

 

Celtic Diva :: Records Request--Quickie Update
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Delay Tactic? (0.00 / 0)
So I would assume that you won't get the records until they mail them back to you?  Another week or so then before you get them?  Waiting drives me crazy...  Lucky you to have kids to entertain and take your mind off of it hopefully!

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst (0.00 / 0)
I know of cases where folks have been waiting for records requests for 6 months.


Celtic Diva


[ Parent ]
Even after paying big bucks? (0.00 / 0)
I know Andree still hasn't gotten the emails she requested months ago, but did she have to pay for them?  Never heard any mention of dollars regarding her request.

[ Parent ]
A lot of attention is on this request (4.00 / 1)
I know that your site must have been very busy for a day or two during the whole "iconic image" debacle from Meg Stapledtounge. LOTS more folks are AWARE of your request, and they will be keeping an eye on this development.

Palin has been caught lying so many times now that even the very casual political observers are shaking their heads, and snickering. I'm glad your request was brought to a wide audience this way!

You are doing the right thing in enjoying those kids - they won't be kids forever and summer is short!



Yippee (0.00 / 0)
Glad that the money made it there ok and that you are doing such a great job following through the process.  

It won't be quite as satisfying having you mail the check instead of in person drop off but oh well...as long as it gets the job done!!  

Stay strong!!


Thanks for the update (0.00 / 0)
You're the true definition of accountability! Thanks for all your hard work on this.  And as another mom occupying the kids this summer, yes, I agree, keeping them constructively engaged takes first priority.  (Although I can't wait to read the sentence or two I may have helped fund!)

Yes Thank You! (0.00 / 0)
Thank you for doing this Linda! Absolutely send the check so someone has to sign for it, you definatly want to be able to track it!

Enjoy the kids and the beautiful Alaskan summer, oh how I miss Alaska!

Did you happen to see this?

"Palin Emails Show Infighting With Staff"
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories...

I think I had heard about this previously, but I don't think it was so detailed.


[ Parent ]
Vacation (0.00 / 0)
Thanks for all the gorgeous pics..I feel like I've had an Alaskan vacation from my computer!

Spouse and I traveled as far as Petersburg in 2001, on our little 32 foot trawler.

It is so nice to see the inland places, flora and wildlife!

My father in law used to say he would come back as one of his wifes dogs or his sisters horses......I think your daughter and your charges are just as fortunate having you to expand their world.  


Motivation for delay (0.00 / 0)
I said months ago that one of Palin's motives for not releasing the e-mails was her concern that they would show her working on personal matters during the day, on the government's dime.  

And also, they would show her using government resources for personal business, such as arranging interviews, election stuff, book deals, photo shoots, etc.

But on the recent disclosures about the e-mails between her and the campaign staff, that is probably another reason, they are embarassing.

HA HA HA


Pssssssssssssssssssssssst... (0.00 / 0)
I'M HOLDING A CASHIER'S CHECK IN MY HAND RIGHT NOW FOR $5552.64 MADE OUT TO "STATE OF ALASKA!"

Post coming tonight!!!!!


Celtic Diva


great! (0.00 / 0)
Thanks for going through all of these steps to get these emails.  It's fitting that the 43 anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act is celebrated this month.  Too bad that the information isn't free.

[ Parent ]
Thank you. (0.00 / 0)
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to submit the records request.  It will be interesting to see what you get.  

I'm pretty disgusted that Andree still hasn't had her request filled.  This much delay sure doesn't look good for the gov.

Rumor has it she's still collecting per diem for living at home, too.  Does anyone have proof?  Pretty disgusting, if true, since none of the other state employees or non-state employees commuting to Anchorage from the Valley get paid to live there.  So much for fiscally conservative with other people's money and for ethical behavior, but then, when has she been known for either, except in her supporter's dreams.

No worries on the avatar.  I'm looking forward to it, but it's not high on my list of priorities at the moment.






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