First off, let me emphasize that all Kossacks are cordially welcome to the Kula Krew! Last week, we had a couple of new commentators ask if they could celebrate the Krew's anniversary party since they were new to Morning Feature. The unanimous response, was, "Welcome to this wonderful, inspiring, funny, and intelligent virtual community!"
All are certainly welcome, and if you've never read or participated in Morning Feature, please join us. Our only "rule" is that participants are courteous and reasonable in their comments. There is nary an HR at Morning Feature, but plenty of mojo for all.
For a succinct background of how Morning Feature and the Kula Krew came to be, please read NCrissieB's diary from yesterday.
When I first came to Morning Reaction, which preceded Morning Feature, I was a physical debacle. Just out of a six month stint at a physical therapy inpatient center (nursing home), I was in a hospital bed at home with a full-time IV hooked to me. I really needed something positive, and had missed out on most of the pre-election festivities. (You can read about my trials and tribulations during that time at the diary I posted here.)
Then, alas, on September 15, 2008 (one year ago today) came Kula 2316's first Morning Reaction. MR became a daily diary filled with the newest of new political news (Kula was in S. Korea at the time with her military hubby.) Kula offered an intelligent take on the tone of the day, and an open invitation to comment. (Kula, I do hope you will join us in celebration today, since it is YOU who started this whole thing and we all so appreciate you!!)
I remember NCrissieB was a frequent commentator at Morning Reaction. I was blown away by Crissie's thoughtful, insightful, and really SMART comments. Many of the Kula Krew were there from the beginning too, and, as a newbie then, I remember feeling very comfortable with the friendly, authentic, neighborly, intelligent dialogue which was never rude, and still isn't. After being locked up for such a long time, I learned. so. much!
Kula took a sabbatical from MR in January 2009 because she and hubby were moving back to the States. By then, we had such a wonderful community, we didn't want to let it go. In the middle of our floundering around looking for each other in the early A.M., Crissie picked up the torch (temporarily, or so we thought), and started Morning Feature. Of course, we will have another celebration party in January on the anniversary of MF, because we Kula Krew, well, we just like parties!
With Crissie at the helm since January, Morning Feature has founded the (virtual fictional) Blogistan Polytechnic Institute (where by writing just two guest diaries, you can become a Professor!) We also have seen the emergence of the staff of BPI, including the Chef (who offers delicious Sunday Bruch entrees while Crissie receives letters from the "other side" in "Ask Ms. Crissie".) Then we have the Professor of Astrology Janitor, a permanent staff member who lives and works among his two selves. We also have Professor Plum, whose whereabouts are unknown right now, and many other characters. Again, if you're not familiar with all the fictional and funny antics that happen at BPI, please read Crissie's diary from yesterday, linked above, or go back and read some entries. The Friday Kossascopes, recipes, letters, poker games, and research in the wine cellar library are well renowned.
But, before the party begins, let me get serious for a moment. (Sshhh, don't let Crissie hear this because she blushes easily.) While Crissie has the finest sense of humor of any author I've ever read, her real strength is in providing Pulitzer-quality essays about politics, the history of politics, politics in the community, and what we as Kossacks can actually do to make the world better. And we, the Krew, are fortunate enough to explore these essays every. single. day. (Didja know Crissie gets up at 3:30 every a.m. to write MF, and that she spends at least eight hours a day preparing, publishing, and commenting?) I know we all appreciate her beyond words.
I've had the pleasure of spending a week in person with Crissie, and I'll tell you she is even smarter and funnier in real life than she is at MF, as if that were possible. (I also spent a week with winterbanyan, who is just as loving, authentic, smart, and kind as all of you see here, only more so.) So, I am a lucky duck, eh?
So now, on with the PARTY!! I have provided plenty of party hats (the ones with the tassles on top and the elastic strings under your chin that won't fall off when you jump up and down), balloons with the BPI/Kula Krew logo, and really long and loud noisemakers. So, please feel free to make a lot of noise in the form of mojo to each other!
Lots of other Krew members have brought treats to the party: From Hoghead, cookies baked with that green tobacco the groundskeepers grow out back. A large batch to keep us giggling. Such a naughty treat! From addisnana, the "Pin the Tail on the Elephant" game. Ooh, some ouchy fun!
BlueStateRedhead is leading our new Blogistan Anthem, to the tune of "Home on the Range". I believe/hope Crashing Vor will be the guitar accompanist for the anthem.
MinervainNH has kindly provided the coffee, along with the Amaretto and Kahlua to put in the coffee. Also fruit scones. How generous of you, Minerva! BlueStateRedhead is also offering tea and crumpets for our tea bagger lover friends.
Rick in Oz is offering Aussie chips. (Krew, please don't mix them up with the poker chips or else the staff....) Oh, and Shuruq has provided her whole wheat blueberry pancakes WITH her special raspberry syrup. And of course the Chef and staff at BPI is, as usual, providing delicious virtual treats. Yummm. None of us will go hungry or thirsty!
Oh, and of course there are GIFTS! I will be presenting a lot of virtual gifts to my good friends here at MF in the comments, and I welcome you to give gifts to each other.
For now, I have a few staff gifts: To the BPI Chef in appreciation of all his/her delicious recipes, a new apron emblazoned with the BPI/Kula Krew logo. Also, a new big Chef's hat that he/she can wear during poker games to show his/her authority as Chef. Both apron and hat are wine-proof for those visits to the wine cellar library.
To the Professor of Astrology Janitor, I give you a body sized vice, to keep the two of yourselves together. Also, I'm throwing in a big bag of poker chips for your gambling habit. Other staff take note: these are new chips and the Prof. did not steal recycle them from your stash.
As for Professor Plum, wherever you are, I'm still so unsure of you that I'm giving you a rather wrinkled old plum in my fridge. See, you have to come here to pick it up and I will see if you are as slimy as the plum, or if you are really hot, which you say you are.
As for Kula, Crissie, and the Kula Krew, I do have some funny gifts for you in the comments, but you need not give me any gifts. I have already received the most intangible, important gifts from you: your friendship, your intelligence, your kindness, your support, your insight, your ideas, and your love.
And the party continues tomorrow as our beloved theKgirls expresses her feelings about the Kula Krew, and continues the celebration. Don't miss it!
LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!