It’s the birthday

… of Jean Stapleton. Edith Bunker is 82.

… of Tippi Hedren. The actress in The Birds is 75. As it’s her birthday NewMexiKen won’t say how bad she was in that role.

… of Phil Everly. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (with older brother Don) is 66.

… of Shelley Fabares. Donna Reed’s television daughter is 61.

… of Desi Arnaz Jr. Little Ricky is 52.

… of Katey Sagal. The Married…With Children mom is 48.

… of Drea de Matteo. The actress who was whacked on The Sopranos last season is 32.

Paul Cezanne was born on this date in 1839.

Ei Baa Hashne’

From the Flagstaff Arizona Daily Sun:

Tribal leaders lashed out Tuesday at efforts by some state lawmakers to enact English as the official language of Arizona.

Vivian Juan-Saunders, chairwoman of the Tohono O’odham nation, told a special joint session of the Legislature that English will continue to be the primary language of this country.

“Our children learn it in our schools and we have no desire to change that,” said Juan-Saunders, who also is president of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona. She said native Americans want their children to learn English.

“However, making people use only English in government-transacted business is reminiscent of the boarding-school era for American Indians when speaking one’s own language, which resulted in physical and verbal abuse administered by teachers and employees of the school,” she told lawmakers during the annual event at the Capitol.

Kathy Kitcheyan, chairwoman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was more blunt.

“In plain English … to the state of Arizona, we don’t like it and we don’t want it,” she said to legislators. “We as the first Americans never asked our visitors to speak a specific language.”

… [Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa,] said, it simply requires “official functions of the government” to be conducted in English. That, however, includes not only laws, public proceedings and regulations, but also publications, orders, actions, programs and policies.

“If you’re going to come here and be successful, you have to assimilate,” Pearce said. “You can’t come here from another nation and demand services in that language.”

Yeah!

From The Albuquerque Tribune:

A common and unruly trespasser might finally be chained in its own yard if an Albuquerque ordinance passes.

That intruder isn’t an animal, but light, which under vague laws can legally stray from the sides of backyard floodlights into the bedrooms and living spaces of disgruntled neighbors, said Josh Skarsgard, an assistant city attorney who just finished writing a proposed light pollution ordinance.

The ordinance would clamp down on that type of light, called “light trespass.” It will make it illegal for people to have outdoor lights stronger than 75 watts – unless they are fully shielded so the light doesn’t reach other’s homes, he said.

… “If this goes through, in about three years even places like Downtown Albuquerque will be significantly changed,” Skarsgard said. “People will be able to see more shooting stars, the Milky Way, the Big Dipper – all the things we used to see when we were kids on camping trips. You’ll even be able to see most of that Downtown. That’s the plan.”

Four backyard flood lights downslope distract from NewMexiKen’s view of the city lights. And I could read in bed by the light from the motion-activated floodlight in the driveway across the street. Why don’t people point these things toward the ground?

The ‘Vette

Dan Neil finds things to like in the new Corvette — once he’s past the legend.

[The Corvette has] always been a big, audacious slab of a car for an audience that can be fairly described likewise. It’s always been America’s Sports Car, for those who would sooner down a wine-tasting spit bucket than drive a foreign-nameplate car like Porsche 911 or Acura NSX.

… Build quality is excellent. Compared to Corvette interiors of a decade ago, which chirred and rattled like Ricky Ricardo’s percussion section, the new Corvette is as solid as a steamer chest.

… top speed is a very creditable 186 mph, should your commute include a dry lakebed.

… The new Corvette is an Ivy League education in driving at state college tuition: The test car priced out at $52,795, which puts it in a class of exactly one. Nothing can touch it at anywhere near that price. For another 20 grand or so you can own a Viper; should you feel such a masochistic impulse, seek professional attention.

A jury of your peers

From CNN.com, the jury pool from hell:

Right after jury selection began last week, one man got up and left, announcing, “I’m on morphine and I’m higher than a kite.”

When the prosecutor asked if anyone had been convicted of a crime, a prospective juror said that he had been arrested and taken to a mental hospital after he almost shot his nephew. He said he was provoked because his nephew just would not come out from under the bed.

Another would-be juror said he had had alcohol problems and was arrested for soliciting sex from an undercover officer. “I should have known something was up,” he said. “She had all her teeth.”

Another prospect volunteered he probably should not be on the jury: “In my neighborhood, everyone knows that if you get Mr. Ballin (as your lawyer), you’re probably guilty.” He was not chosen.

Link via Functional Ambivalent.

Edgar Allan Poe …

was born in Boston on this date in 1809 but moved to Richmond as a small child. According to the Poe Museum

After attending schools in England and Richmond, young Poe registered at the University of Virginia on February 14, 1826, the second session of the University. He lived in Room 13, West Range. He became an active member of the Jefferson Literary Society, and passed his courses with good grades at the end of the session in December. Mr. Allan [Poe’s foster father] failed to give him enough money for necessary expenses, and Poe made debts of which his so-called father did not approve. When Mr. Allan refused to let him return to the University, a quarrel ensued, and Poe was driven from the Allan home without money. Mr. Allan probably sent him a little money later, and Poe went to Boston. There he published a little volume of poetry, Tamerlane and Other Poems. It is such a rare book now that a single copy has sold for $200,000.

The Poe Museum biography continues the story.

Robert E. Lee …

was born in Stratford, Virginia, on this date in 1807, the son of Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and Ann Hill Carter Lee.

In 1810 the Lee family moved to Alexandria, then in the District of Columbia. The Lee’s lived first at 611 Cameron, but from 1811 or 1812 at 607 Oronoco.

Lee graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1829, second in his class and reputedly the only cadet to this day to have no demerits on his record. Lee married Mary Anna Randolph Custis, great granddaughter of Martha Washington, at Arlington House in 1831. Arlington House was in the District of Columbia from the time it was constructed until 1847 when the Virginia portion of the District of Columbia was receded to Virginia.

So, although Lee supposedly supported preservation of the Union that his father and uncles had helped create and opposed slavery, and although his residence had been in Virginia no more than 17 of his 54 years, in 1861 he turned down command of the Union forces to remain loyal to Virginia. I suggest that nullified his record of no demerits.

Appropriately enough Lee’s strategic vision was limited to the Virginia theater. This shortcoming, common among the Confederate leadership, contributed significantly to the rebellion’s ultimate failure.

After the surrender at Appomattox Court House Lee was a prisoner of war but paroled. He returned to Richmond. He was indicted for treason but, with the support of Grant argued that the parole superseded any prosecution. On June 13, 1865, Lee wrote to General Grant about the parole and to President Johnson to request a pardon under the requirements of Johnson’s amnesty proclamation.

Richmond, Virginia, June 13, 1865.

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Commanding the Armies of the United States.

General: Upon reading the President’s proclamation of the 29th ult., I came to Richmond to ascertain what was proper or required of me to do, when I learned that, with others, I was to be indicted for treason by the grand jury at Norfolk. I had supposed that the officers and men of the Army of Northern Virginia were, by the terms of their surrender, protected by the United States Government from molestation so long as they conformed to its conditions. I am ready to meet any charges that may be preferred against me, and do not wish to avoid trial; but, if I am correct as to the protection granted by my parole, and am not to be prosecuted, I desire to comply with the provisions of the President’s proclamation, and, therefore, inclose the required application, which I request, in that event, may be acted on. I am, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE.

Richmond, Virginia, June 13, 1865.

His Excellency Andrew Johnson,
President of the United States.

Sir: Being excluded from the provisions of the amnesty and pardon contained in the proclamation of the 29th ult., I hereby apply for the benefits and full restoration of all rights and privileges extended to those included in its terms. I graduated at the Military Academy at West Point in June, 1829; resigned from the United States Army, April, 1861; was a general in the Confederate Army, and included in the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, April 9, 1865. I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE.

Possibly due to clerical error concerning the requirement for a loyalty oath (Lee’s 1865 oath was lost until 1970) Lee was never individually pardoned. Nor was he prosecuted for treason. His citizenship was restored in 1975 in conformance with his original appeal to Johnson.

Lee was offered and accepted the presidency of Washington College (now Washington and Lee) and served from September 1865 until his death in October 1870.

Lee’s letter accepting appointment to United States Military Academy.

Matthew Brady photo of Lee a few days after the surrender.

From Douglas Southall Freeman’s 4-volume biography of Lee.

General Lee was returning to his camp and was close to it when he met a cavalcade in blue and was greeted with a cheery “good morning, General” from a bearded man, who removed his cap as he spoke. For the moment Lee did not recognize the speaker, but the latter recalled himself as none other than George Gordon Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac, and an old friend of kindly days.

“But what are you doing with all that gray in your beard?” Lee asked.

“You have to answer for most of it!” Meade magnanimously replied.

There is a crisis

From the Rolling Stone interview with Paul Krugman:

But you need to have some perspective on the seriousness of this whole thing. On the day the trust fund is exhausted, Social Security revenue will cover about eighty percent of the cost of benefits. Right now — today — if you look at the U.S. government outside of Social Security, revenue covers only about sixty-eight percent of total government spending. So on the day the trust fund is exhausted, forty-seven years from now, Social Security will be in better financial shape than the rest of the U.S. government is today.
…

It’s hard to understand why anyone would want to return us to the days before the New Deal, when millions of elderly people lived in poverty. But if you really dislike the notion that the government provides a safety net for the poor, then Social Security is the prime target. The U.S. government is a big insurance company, with a side business in national security. Social Security is the biggest social-insurance program that we have. It’s been highly successful, and it’s extremely popular. It’s one of the things that makes people feel somewhat good about government — and so, therefore, it must go.

Wayward Angel

From NPR, another new singer:

When Kasey Chambers was dubbed the “the freshest young voice in American roots music” by Rolling Stone magazine, it was quite an achievement — especially considering that the singer-songwriter hails from the Australian outback. Her clear tone evokes a whole history of country, with shades of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and the Carter Family.

At the moment NewMexiKen is blogging to Chambers’ album Wayward Angel and finding it a pleasure.

Thanks to Veronica for the pointer.

Trying too hard to be the next Norah

There’s another full page ad in today’s New York Times promoting the singer Katie Melua. NewMexiKen bought Melua’s CD a couple of weeks ago and gave her a mention here.

It’s a fun CD, but as I’ve read elsewhere in the desperation to market Melua they had her sing every type of song. Some she does well and are worth playing again and again. Some she does OK. Some suck.

The first college basketball game …

was on this date in 1896. The Library of Congress has the details, beginning with:

On January 18, 1896, H.J. Kallenberg, an instructor of physical education at the University of Iowa, welcomed Amos Alonzo Stagg, athletic director at the recently founded University of Chicago, to Iowa City for an experimental game in a new sport. The contest, refereed by Kallenberg, was the first college basketball game played with five players on each side. The University of Chicago won by a score of 15 to 12.

Never have your photo taken and then become famous

Bill Gates Strikes a Pose for Teen Beat Photospread (ca. 1984).

Or take a look at this mug shot from NewMexiKen’s very own Albuquerque Police Department. Surely you will recognize Albuquerque’s most famous short-term resident. The arrest in 1977 was related to a traffic violation.

Update. From the Santa Fe New Mexican via dangerousmeta, the original Microsoft team in Albuquerque (1978). Story here.

A personal financial crisis

Joshua Marshall also points out:

One thing we tend to take for granted, if nothing else, is that the 43rd president is a wealthy man. After all, that’s the reward of a lifetime’s work running companies into the ground and then handing them off to your dad’s cronies.

But if you look at his most recent federal financial disclosure form from May 2004, you’ll see that a good percentage of President Bush’s personal wealth is tied up in (horribile dictu!) US Treasury notes, i.e., a worthless stack of paper/IOUs.

Fun with numbers

From Talking Points Memo by Joshua Micah Marshall:

We were curious to find out which congressional districts had the largest number of Social Security beneficiaries.

Here’s what we came up with …

FL 5 (250,771) Brown-Waite, Ginny (R)
FL 19 (184,624) Wexler, Robert (D)
FL 13 (182,035) Harris, Katherine (R)
FL 14 (181,094) Mack, Connie (R)
FL 16 (178,715) Foley, Mark (R)
AZ 2 (167,294) Franks, Trent (R)
MT (163,655) Rehberg, Dennis (R)
MI 1 (163,632) Stupak, Bart (D)
VA 9 (162,005) Boucher, Rick (D)
FL 15 (160,986) Weldon, Dave (R)

Hubris time

From The Washington Post:

President Bush said the public’s decision to reelect him was a ratification of his approach toward Iraq and that there was no reason to hold any administration officials accountable for mistakes or misjudgments in prewar planning or managing the violent aftermath.

“We had an accountability moment, and that’s called the 2004 elections,” Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post. “The American people listened to different assessments made about what was taking place in Iraq, and they looked at the two candidates, and chose me.”

It’s the birthday

… of Kevin Costner. Costner won the Oscars for Diretor and Best Picture for Dances With Wolves and was nominated for the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Lt. John Dunbar. He’s 50 today.

It’s also the birthday of Cary Grant (Archibald Alexander Leach, 1904-1986) and Danny Kaye (David Daniel Kaminski, 1913-1987).

White Sands National Monument …

was proclaimed by President Herbert Hoover on this date in 1933. From the National Park Service:

At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain ringed valley called the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico.

White Sands.jpg

Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing. Slowly but relentlessly the sand, driven by strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. Within the extremely harsh environment of the dune field, even plants and animals adapted to desert conditions struggle to survive. Only a few species of plants grow rapidly enough to survive burial by moving dunes, but several types of small animals have evolved a white coloration that camouflages them in the gypsum sand.

White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.

Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?

A Christmas gift intended for NewMexiKen has visited more states than a well-travelled RV. Intiially promised by the vendor for Christmas Eve delivery, the original shipment didn’t even leave their facility until December 27. My daughter refused delivery when it arrived at her house in Virginia long after I had returned to New Mexico.

When the refused package finally got back to the vendor 10 days later, they agreed to ship it to Albuquerque. Leaving North Carolina a week ago the package is now in Sacramento, California. I’ll keep you posted.