Open Thread and Diary Rescue

This evening's Rescue Rangers are jlms qkw, mem from somerville, shayera, Got A Grip, dadanation, and joyful, with watercarrier4diogenes at the wheel of the Editmobile, slippin' and slidin' through the snow.

Tonight's diaries cover a variety of interesting issues not covered by the 'traditional media' (tm Kos) with the kind of research, perspective and analysis we see here every day. Is it any wonder even WaPo and the Grey Lady are sliding into oblivion?

• While other topics are generating tremendous heat, bobswern reminds us about certain economic realities that the incoming administration faces in That "Oh, sh*t!" moment... (mem from somerville)
• A Siegel takes a look at Cabinet choices and finds some things that surprised him in Obama Administration: Moderate or Reality Based (thus "progressive" or 'radical') re climate change. (shayera)
• EcoProfessor proposes some constructive actions around an otherwise disappointing outcome in Thank Raul Grijalva: Support Repair of Public Lands with the Stimulus. (mem from somerville)
• A front-page tip sparks some memories and DaNang65 shares them in of One Take on the Works Progress Administration. (jlms qkw)
• EmperorHadrian finds an historical illustration of the role and dangers of "centrism" in Hadrian's Forum: DLC-Style 'Centrism' in the Roman Republic. (dadanation)
• FireCrow plumbs his childhood memories for the proper metaphor to explain why it's our responsibility to grasp the stick of power and wield it with authority as he urges us to Follow me to the Field. (Got a Grip)
• First-time diarist Redbear tries to patiently explain why emotions are so high right now in How many times do I have to go through the Five Stages of Grief? (YADAME/RW) (mem from somerville)
• First-time diarist scottishlass comfortingly compares the USA with one of our mother countries in Gay Rights & Obama - A UK Perspective. (jlms qkw)
• HGM MA offers up a beginner's primer for anyone trying to navigate the bureaucratic nightmare of disability assistance in Benefits info: SSDI Work Rules. (Got a Grip)
• In a diary where the updates are as compelling as the story itself, Words In Action explains why we should Remember This Name: Tim DeChristopher (Update5X). (dadanation)
• The plight of the residents of Huerfano County is the subject of Brahman Colorado's gripping Onshore Drilling- A Colorado Tragedy. (dadanation)
• rserven shares her favorite things in Stories at the Inn. (jlms qkw)
• Nescio offers an unique plan of advocacy and success for the LGBTI communities in Winning Marriage Equality by Living Them to Death. (dadanation)
• PoliSigh hopes that the last days of her friend's life were brightened by the sight of The Teddy Bear Tree. (Got a Grip)

jotter has High Impact Diaries: December 20, 2008.

carolita has Top Comments 12-20-08 -- Festivus Edition.

Enjoy and please promote your own favorite diaries in this open thread (even if you're the author! Here's where that's actually appreciated). And, of course, since it's an open thread, PLAY NICE, OK? 8^)