Betty White is made an honorary forest ranger

Betty White is made an honorary forest ranger

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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After conquering Saturday Night Live earlier in the year, Betty White was made an honorary forest ranger by the U.S. Forest Service today.

White said in previous interviews that she wanted to be a forest ranger as a little girl, but that women were not allowed to do that then. During the ceremony at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell remarked that despite those challenges, she found ways to make a difference in conservation and animal welfare.

"I am sorry you couldn't join us before," said Tidwell. "Judging from your illustrious career, you would have made marvelous contributions to our agency and to the cause of conservation across the United States," he said. "Betty, you are a role model for little girls – for all of us – never to give up on our dreams."

So what's next for Ms. White? Secretary-General of the U.N.?

You can read the rest of the press release by clicking here.


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Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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The Kentucky Derby from Millionaire’s Row

The Kentucky Derby from Millionaire’s Row

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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For the second time in the last three years, my wife and I had the opportunity to go to the Kentucky Derby – in style! Since my wife works for one of the local media outlets she was able to score a couple of press passes for both of us, meaning we were free to go just about anywhere in Churchill Downs.

After spending a little time near the first turn, we made our way up to the 5th floor of the Skye Terrace, also known as Millionaire’s Row. Obviously we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to rub elbows with the rich and famous.

For anyone familiar with Louisville and the Kentucky Derby, the city goes all out for the biggest event of the year (and one of the biggest in the country). Each year the city kicks-off a two-week celebration with one of the largest fireworks/military aircraft shows in the country. That’s followed by parades, a steamboat race, mini-marathon, balloon race, concerts, festivals, and numerous Derby parties and balls.

The 153,563 fans that attended this year’s Derby dodged a major bullet in terms of the weather. All-day showers were expected, but fortunately the nasty weather passed just to the south of us. Although the sun wasn’t shining, at least it wasn’t raining.

Here are a few pictures of some of the sights from yesterday:

Mint Julep vendor - selling the "official" beverage of the Derby.

Race 7 of the day: coming around the first turn with the famous Twin Spires in the background.

John Calipari - recently named head basketball coach for UK.

The Infield - a lot of crazy stuff goes on here!

My wife and LeAnn Rimes, who sang the Star Spangled Banner.

View from the balcony.

Seth Myers from Saturday Night Live.

Parading the Derby horses before the big race.

Mine That Bird with a surprising victory in the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. The horse was a 50-1 longshot. A two dollar bet would have won you $103.20 - the second highest in Derby history.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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