I found these photographs on "The Best of Photo Journalism 2004" site.  Go there for more excellent photos capturing the news, events and other features from 2004.

Photo by Michael Lutzky, the Washington Post:  Jalen Tate (left) and Corey Rogers III pretend jam with the group the Madison Livelystones as they perform outside the new convention center during the grand opening celebration.

Photo by Jeff Hutchens, National Geographic Channels International:  Vhevenda tribe virgins dance the serpentine domba dance in a ritual designed to help the king find a new bride outside of Venda, South Africa.  [Hmm... wonder if it worked?]

Photo by Gary Porter, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:  Mason, 6, and Melena, 7, Steffes take "Trixie" out for a "leap" in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Trixie, a Jack Russell terrier, has a hard time staying on the ground like normal dogs, and commonly performs a three foot vertical when she's excited. Neighbors have been known to come by when she's outside just to watch her leap.

Photo by Patrick Tehan, the San Jose Mercury News:  A U.S. Marine helps hold up a giant flag during the national anthem before an Oakland Raiders game in Oakland, California.

Photo by Chris Oberholtz, the Kansas City Star:  As the sun begins to set, children and adults of all ages begin to play in the man-made rain – that is, rain produced for the occassion by Consolidated Fire District No. 2. Residents joined together on Saturday at Broadmoor Park for their annual mission family summer picnic.

Photo by Eric Mencher, the Philadelphia Inquirer:  An urban steamy setting, trenchcoat, hat and a person disappearing into the distance, looks like a film noir still. It's actually people contending with rain and wind and the steam from a vent on the streets of Philadelphia.

2:41:40 PM    comment []

Move On California is gaining a lot of attention.  It's the official website of the Committee to Explore California Secession.  Their assertion is... "By itself California would be one of the leading economic superpowers in the world capable of self-determination in the development of global trade.  California would also be free to establish laws and rights that embrace liberty, freedom and opportunity for all citizens regardless or ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation."  Hmm... somehow I don't see the guy back in DC being okay with this.  And didn't the Civil War prove that this is one union where exiting is not allowed?

Amend for Arnold is another movement started in California.  It aims to change the U.S. Constitution to allow for naturalized Americans to run for President.  According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5:  "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States."  The group is airing its second television commercial in California, hoping to generate support.  Amending the Constitution will require supporting votes from 2/3 of the U.S. House of Representatives and 2/3 of the U.S. Senate.  Then 3/4 of the states would have to vote in suport of ratifying the amendment.  Possible?  By 2008?  Hmm... perhaps Amend for Arnold and Move On California should join forces.

Finally, I'm thrilled to report that JibJab is back with a hilarious holiday animation titled "Santa Claus!"  They are reportedly working on a new animation on the upcoming inauguration -- can't wait!  Their other political works "This Land" and "Good to be in DC!" were the only good outcomes of the recent presidential campaign. 

2:03:22 AM    comment []