Solving Some Social Problems Quickly

I've been traveling around the United States a bit lately. Everywhere from Miami to Minnesota and some places in between. Did a bit of people watching and local paper reading. Saw quite a few underlying themes in the problems we face today.....First off was the (fairly obvious to me) exclamation from a local police department: that the number one reason kids are increasing petty crime, disrespect to authority and vandalism comes from "the kids are strangers to us". Bingo! Nice point. Our transient culture and anonymous lifestyles breed crime. When everyone knows everyone else's business people behave themselves. A very annoying way to live, yes. But also safer. It's a trade off...
Secondly, from California to the South, to right here in Alaska, there were quite a few "pissed off gunmen" Holiday shootings. They are pre-meditated and aggressive. Here too I see a chapter from the book of obvious. Video games and violent media. I know everyone HATES this scape goat. They deny it like crazy--because it threatens their entertainment. But study after study shows that like it or not the media, Internet and video games do affect us (at least some of us) to normalize otherwise deviant behaviors. I'm sick and tired of people defending their right to violent entertainment, and other perversions. The science is there buddies. Our brains do internalize the stuff--chemical changes happen during arousals and adrenaline peaks. We normalize what we see (real or not--it's still there). It's really no different than being in a war torn country--it's stuff we're not supposed to see. Humans can be quite boring creatures--but give them lots of sick ideas and a few individuals are likely to see a light bulb go off.
Of course violence has been around for a long, long time. But I'm not talking about wars and tribal battles here--I'm talking about these "extreme revenge fantasies" or playing gangster.
Glamorization of deviant lifestyles is certainly the media's problem. I mean come on--what recent movies, video games or rap videos celebrate good students? Working hard? Achievement? No. They glamorize revenge plots, violent shootings and figuring out how to keep your pants halfway on your ass. How do they keep those up by the way???
As long as our kiddos celebrate being bad over being good we are doomed. Enough said.

The Kids in America

Let me begin, by stating --yes, I know not all teens are ever the same. And for every bad seed, there are plenty of good citizens...But I can't help but tie three little news tid-bits together into one tidy rant & rave...
So here goes: In the past week three little news stories caught my eye. 1- The teen girls in Minnesota who got their jollies by taunting elderly patients in their care (including sexually). 2-The trend of "sextext" or whatever I spelled wrong there--but the "quaint" little hobby of sending naked pics of yourself to others, supposedly 20% of teens (admit) they have done so. And #3- That finally a bigger & better study came out saying what I knew all along--teens ARE in fact influenced by what they see on TV, movies, internet etc.. (duh)
These cute little news items are a pretty nice picture of what happens in a country like ours. A place where the media & internet are god and when kids have more disposable time and income than in any other time in history. (re: a license to be immature brats)
The parents of these kiddies have gone to school, worked hard and chased the American dream to raise their kids in prosperity--but why I ask? So they can become little snots who don't even care about their school work (96% admit to cheating at school) and obsess about each others sexual organs? In this age of Youtube, insta-porn and millions of TV & movie options, all we do is raise little perverts. I mean 20 years ago it was unimaginable that girls would sexualize the experience of working with Alzheimer's patients. Sure, there have always been deranged loons out there, but for girls to brag about it--has shown a strange "normalization" in teen society today.
So, I don't have the answer just yet. Maybe a ton of censorship would be a nice start-- and secondly, growing up a little. But that's wishful thinking.

The Economic Catch Many Americans Don't Understand

A few months ago I saw some interviews with "Average Joes" (what a cliche at this point) but anyway, they were asked about their economic concerns. Ironically, it wasn't their retirement funds, or job security that bothered them--it was high gas, heat and other prices.
The irony here is that the high gas prices are a sign of a GOOD economy, not bad. Thus when the average working man can't afford heating oil--it's really because our oil-based economy is doing so well (increased demand)!! So now that we are in a so called "economic down turn" average Jane is looking around and saying--well this isn't so bad, my gas prices are much better...
So when you start talking about "boosting the economy" what you are really saying is: get oil demand back up, so the working man gets pinched again. Never ending cycle isn't it??

The Quirks I Love About Alaska

We've been in a freakish cold spell now, since about last December. No joke, it's been colder and cloudier than you would expect--even for Alaska.
So when your fingers already have cold burns in November- from hitting the metal car grill while plugging in the engine block heater-- a fleeting flicker of warmer times come to mind.
However, these thoughts of living "outside" somewhere in the Lower 48 pass as quickly as gas.
Some of my favorite reasons to live in Alaska, have nothing to do with scenery and boat tours described by a touristy Frommers guide.
Instead they are as follows:
1-Standing on my roof while unplugging the sewer vent pipe in sub-zero weather. I have to do this every time a cold spell sets in--but that also means it is usually a very clear night. With stars everywhere, crystal white snow, the moon shining on the mountains and sometimes the unexpected treat of Northern Lights.
2-Radio Christmas music season begins in Mid-November . It sounds annoying to some, but for me it is not. The lights start going up at the same time and nobody bats an eye about keeping them on until mid-February.
3-Live and Let Live. This is Alaska's unofficial motto. That means you don't care what wackiness your neighbor is up to, what's in their yard, or if they have 72 sled dogs. Goes along with no zoning which I secretly love, and I have accepted the fact that my neighbors seem to need railroad cars in their yard.
4- Ice Fog. It's just beautiful and magically coats the trees with Ice magic--like out of a Christmas card.
5-No ticks, worms or dog licenses. I can't believe how difficult it must be to keep a dog in the lower 48. Yuck- ticks all the time and registration (how could you possibly keep 40 of them?)
6- Sled Dog trucks idling at the grocery store. There's really nothing more fun than seeing 12 Alaska huskies watching you put away your groceries.
7- People shopping while wearing extra-tuffs (rubber boots) bunny boots (military boots) and all sorts of bloody or dirty coveralls. Fashion can be brushed aside--no worries here!
8- Gourmet coffee available everywhere. Nowhere else do drive through coffee huts grow like weeds, and it's especially funny because Alaskans claim they are not snobs--but sure love their fancy coffee ;)

Boy shot vs. Criminal shot

Just a few minutes ago I was browsing Google News to read a bit about the 8 year old boy who recently shot his dad dead. I entered into the news search engine the words "boy shot". Of course the article I was seeking popped up, but so did tons of others: "Boy shot trick or treating", "Boy shot himself with uzi at gun show", "Boy shoots dad over fast food argument"..... The trick of treater died, the gun expo child perished as well. They were such shocking and sad articles, and only the tip of the iceberg--and these had all happened in the past few weeks!!!

So out of curiosity, I wanted to see the other side--as in why the hell do people advocate gun-ownership for safety and are they really used to shoot criminals ??
So with the same search engine I then replaced the word "boy" with the words "criminal" and "robber". Of course what I got were articles about criminals shooting others with their guns, a few about police injuring a criminal, and just one or two about a common citizen shooting a robber .
Nevertheless, the evidence spoke for itself and was overwhelming. I don't believe the "liberal" media only reports negative gun articles, because let's face it: "Joe six-pack shoots criminal" is actually a very compelling story to print. So they would be there if they were the overwhelming majority... Unfortunately they are not.

Box Store Blow Out

The local news headlines are clear--Costco may be coming to Wasilla, Alaska! The box-store-happy mayor has now died and gone to heaven. I do not know what Wasilla's obsession with box-stores is. It's one of those materialistic complexities that elude me.
Wasilla could be a weird game show. On a cloudy day (so you can't see the mountains)a blind-folded person could be dropped there and asked to guess -where in America are you?
And you know what? They wouldn't know. Every suburban town in the USA looks the same now. Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target.... It's utterly disgusting. Wasilla does not care for local character or small businesses (it is a well documented fact). Just boring conformity, so we can all own the exact same jacket. I don't get it at all.
Wasilla just a few years ago had more stores with character. Outdoors and More was an outdoor store filled with military bunny boots, strange European slipper shoes, and Alaskan odd and ends. Now it has gone out of business to be replaced with the giant Sportmans Warehouse. No originality there. Just stinky cheap sporting goods from China stuffed into a giant square. The Valley already has their own "small business" versions of Alaska Costcos. One of them: Three Bears, is an Alaskan owned business, catering to the Costco crowd. Why is it important to plow them out of business, in favor of what?? Just more of the same.

Sarah and the Media

I remember it was not too long ago, during her speech at the RNC in Minneapolis, that Sarah Palin pointed out her disdain for the media. I don't remember her quote, but it was something akin to - I don't give a flying fig about the media.
At that moment I thought to myself--silly lady, you will need the media on your side. Oh well.
Fast forward 2 months and we are now post election, and I keep reading that Sarah is complaining that the media did not treat her well. True enough, the poor woman has been plowed over by anonymous sources and sensational headlines. But I can't keep from asking-so why did you alienate them at your first major public appearance?
Another learning experience I suppose....

How to Shatter the Glass Ceiling With Good Looks!!

Anyone with half a brain can see that the whole Sarah Palin phenomena underscores one simple fact: good looks will get you far baby!!
The simplicity of this factoid has been reflected in numerous Saturday Night Live skits--how less beautiful accomplished ladies have to fight, work and work some more, while an exceptionally pretty one can sail along on the breeze of good looks. It's no secret that in Alaska, our Sarah was elected by many a man who simply stated they voted for the "hot one".
Thus the secret is out: any articulate and sassy woman can break through the proverbial "glass ceiling" simply by avoiding ugliness.
The irony of this simplicity is that two other pretty ladies were actually instrumental in bringing down Sarah P's popularity--Katie Couric and Tina Fey...No man would have been brave enough.

Let's Blame Wal-Mart for the Economic Woes

Ok, so I put a few common sense factoids together and came to the conclusion, that essentially Wal-Mart can be blamed for the common Americans sense that the economy is faltering.
Before the "economic mortgage-driven" crisis, most Americans already claimed they felt an economic pinch. The press likes to talk about "the economy, worries about the economy" blah, blah--but often don't articulate what that actually means to a middle class American.
Scanning a few recent interviews--you can easily see that most Americans (before the mortgage nonsense) cited their biggest concern was fuel prices. Cost of gasoline, heat and then general goods rising, because of those costs.

After scanning some newspaper articles, one can easily stumble upon the general info that one of the main reasons that our gasoline is so expensive (and now has come down a bit in price) is due to the demand in China. Now why is demand up in China?? Well their economy is growing & manufacturing is up. Who is growing China's economy? Well the average American addicted to cheap Chinese goods from Wal-Mart, that's who. Wal-Mart loves China and as long as nobody is checking their labels or buying American made, why do they even bother worrying about gas prices? Not to mention when companies are forced to move to other nations to remain competitive....What comes around, goes around.

Rinnai 1004F compared to Toyo Laser73

I wanted to throw my opinion out there about this obscure topic (but very important in Alaska) simply because I haven't seen much written about it, even on the vast Internet....
Simply stated, the Toyo stove and Rinnai are similar units--stoves or "mini-furnaces" that produce enough forced air heat to comfortably heat a small home.
The primary difference is that your Toyo is powered by heating oil (diesel) and the Rinnai is a propane or natural gas system. Needless to say, everyone preferred oil up to a few years ago-and that's mostly because of cost.
Now these two units cost about the same brand new and the energy used to run them is equal as well. So the other pros and cons???? Well there are quite a few die hard Toyo enthusiasts up here and I mean big time enthusiasts who would sell their first born before criticizing a Toyo stove. I can somewhat see why as the benefits are: reliable workhorse, pretty efficient, puts out the heat and we loved the programmable options. However, a badly insulated house will still run up your oil bill past $1,000 per season at today's prices. (speaking from experience)
The main cons that I have to say are: the thing produces some exhaust, which always managed to seep back into our home. The other problem is that a 10 year old unit starts gunking up and having a few maintenance issues--like possible leaky valves, seals, etc.. mostly resulting in diesel odor, but a worse case scenario could be a hazard. Needless to say--a new Toyo shouldn't have that.
So we just switched over to a Rinnai 1004F (with propane). Basically in anticipation of it becoming more cost-effective and less stinky (yet the Toyo crowd has scolded us for this move). So with one month of the Rinnai, here are the pros I have seen: no more exhaust smell (!), really fast, forceful heat production and cool to the touch. The cons are there too: it is a bit louder than the Toyo, and sometimes mysteriously whistles. I also believe it has a somewhat drier heat, and thus comes with a vaporizer which constantly needs to be filled (but that's not a big deal). It's too bad our unit doesn't have a computerized thermostat, so each morning we have to switch it back up.
Needless to say, we are very happy with the Rinnai, mostly because our Toyo had become a stinky little guy and we are glad to be oil free. I honestly don't know what the new cost breakdown will be--but we'll see at the end of the winter!

Where Will They Go???

I have to admit, I am extremely pessimistic that everyone in the world can not achieve an American middle class sustainable existence without significant resource depletion. I know there are those nutty optimists out there who think you can just plug everyone's car in, put solar panels on skyscrapers and be done with it.
Be it my negative nature, but I just don't see it working. Western societies are currently labeled "success stories". But they are where they are by being resource hogs. Face it, by global standards, Americans have large houses, use tons of water, drive too much, fill their homes with disposable wooden furniture and then blast the AC. You can't just reverse this type of lifestyle. Nor can you convince the MILLIONS and MILLIONS of citizens of the developing world that this is no good.
Are we going to tell the Chinese they can't heat their homes, drive cars? India can't build lavish subdivisions? That a sound economy isn't based on BUILDING MORE and more and more....."
In Alaska, everyone screams bloody murder if their right to "develop" land is somehow infringed. Majority of folks want to plow down the trees and place a "beautiful" huge house there instead. Needless to say, then the bears wander around the new suburbs, freak everyone out, then get shot.
There just isn't enough room on this earth for the animals, trees and people. Of course, so many people say---so what? I don't need no polar bear, I got Vegas and a Ford Taurus.
I don't even know how to articulate that I need those wild places and animals, not even to see them--just to know they are there...
The most I can hope for is to be proved wrong!

In Defense of Elitism

It's pretty obvious that the dirty word of this political season is "Elitist". As in "elitist candidate", "elitist media"and so on.....
Well the definition of elite is to be the best. So being the best is now not politically correct?? Fears of being an elitist should make us all into Budweiser swigging, TV watching, chip chomping couch potatoes?? I don't get this new form of quasi-socialism perpetuated by the Republican party. (The former elitists)
Eating an interesting veggie, say arugula, instead of iceberg lettuce makes you elitist. Why- because it has more vitamins?? Then a friend of mine called me elitist in reference to my opinion that a political candidate should go to a top notch university. Again, a better education is somehow snobby. We should all be drop outs then.
I'm certain that one of the reasons the Europeans don't understand Americans is this strange cultural socialism. That we all want to be Joe six-pack, and our kids want to be "bad-asses" not nerds.
When I think of a few examples of items considered "elitist", what comes to mind is-- classical music, literature, fine wine, art museums, ethnic foods, exotic greens. Of course one could say fine wine is expensive--but greens at the farmers market are usually the same price in Alaska, museums are cheaper than sporting events, libraries and classical music on NPR are free!! So what are we really talking about???? Besides, so many "elitist" foods are healthier--so good health is now wrong too??
Lastly, I speculate that some folks just associate snob with elitist. As elitist technically means the best--does that also mean that people who win awards, medals, contests, etc...are all snobs too?? That we can no longer "be all we can be" ?? In my opinion that is what is most un-American about this debate. If we all continue to embrace the opposite of the best we will simply wind up collectively driving our country downward--in a spiral of unhealthy eating, lackluster education and a loss of interest in classical pursuits. If we don't have the elite to look up to, we can only look down.

I'm Just Like You!--Struggling on $200,000 a Year

In their new found embrace of populist (ahem, Socialist) ideals the new Republicans love to demonize anything 'elitist' or uppity. Anything to do with fancy food, higher education, etc.. is bad, bad, bad...They just want the voter to think--we are like you, you, you!
Hence the new Republican star--Mrs. Sarah Palin. The "everyday hockey mom", who shops at Wal-Mart and knows all the working mans woes.
The last time I checked, median salary for a US family was around $50,000. The Palins on the other hand, usually live on a $200,000+ salary. Before she was governor, her Oil & Gas commissioner job paid $125,000 annually. Not to mention her husband's good oil field "slope" salary and fishing income. They own various properties, a plane (or two?) and reside in a $500,000 house in Wasilla. Not too shabby considering half a million buys you A LOT in that part of Alaska.
So how can she be considered "common"? I have no idea why on earth she even shops at Wal-Mart. Either it's a political ploy, or she doesn't have a clue. There is also the bizarre Alaskan Wasilla custom, where everyone with money likes to pretend "I'm just like you--common Joe". They love to deny that they are rich and stick to burgers & T-shirts.
Even with money bulging form their pockets, big houses, new trucks and RV's out front. These people will brag--"I'm no snob!"
Just look around at Wasilla, any decent restaurant collapses in favor of fast food joints or IHOP, just because nobody wants to be seen eating at an "elitist" restaurant.
It's really a shame though. Because it perpetuates the American ideal that greed is good, but culture is "snobby", hence the dumbing down cycle continues. Meanwhile the rich folks of Wasilla march around self-righteously proclaiming, "I am one of you--the common American, pass the Bud!"

The Lost Souls of the Alaska Playground

I know juvenile delinquents exist everywhere. But there's a special breed of lost boys running around Alaska. A co-worker and I coined them the "lost souls". You see them in the Mat-Su Valley parking lots, with skate boards in hand, dirty black clothes and anger in their eyes. It's not the clothes or the boards that bother me--it's that angry "devil may care" look. You know they are going home to unhappy homes in turmoil when these kids (ages 8-12, no joke) have so much hate in their eyes. I know the difference between bratty posers and real trouble, but these are the real deal.
Today I was at a park in Alaskan suburbia-- a.k.a Eagle River. I was surprised that two of these lost souls were at the playground in this otherwise more gentile region. The two lost boys proceeded to pick on a nicer boy, first by taking his bike helmet, then his bike. They told the boy he could get his bike back for twenty dollars. (Did I mention the tormentors were not a hair over 9 years old)??? I had had enough when they pushed the poor kids bike down a small embankment. So I proceeded to intervene--at least it gave the picked on child a chance for a graceful exit. I sternly told the punks that their attitudes were disturbing and they should go home to their parents--one looked me in the eye and angrily said--wish I could! Of course the bleeding heart liberal inside of me (or is it the old fashioned conservative?)knew that was the case. But what to do?? These kinds of kids are just gone already. If a nine year old is that mean and the parents aren't around, they are just doomed to delinquency. But I don't have the answer.

Is Our Presidential Race just like High School??

I am confused, puzzled and in a state of disbelief as to the number of normal white women who have told me that they support Sarah Palins run to become v.p. Many know nothing about her except that '"I like her" "she's personable" and "well-spoken" or "just like me".
Now when did being "just like me" make you a good candidate for president?? Does that mean everyone thinks they can be president too??
The thing is that Sarah Palin has this undeniable magnetism, that somehow hooks and draws people in. It's like the most popular cheerleader or girl at school and everyone wants to be her friend. It's a sad day for women, when they care so little about their candidates stance on issues, experience, but just want to like the person!! (or vote for a woman)
Again, I too find her a likable person, and had no problem with her being Governor of Alaska. But is she ready to lead the Nation? Or the prom queen parade?

When Did the Republican Party Become Socialists?

So listening to the Republican National Convention speeches last night, you could see that the obvious theme was how the McCain/Palin ticket is not "elitist" and understands the common man. Of course that is the big appeal of Palin--she's just a Wal-Mart shopping hockey mom with her blue-collar husband. Doesn't know much about the upper class and prefers to keep it that way. Her most popular move in Alaska has been the promise of oil money "kick-backs" to make sure all Alaskans share in the wealth of high oil prices.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to see that these populist attitudes reflect the policies of the South American socialist leaders much more than typical Republican banter....Power to the proletarian! is the new Republican slogan...We come from the masses and hate the elite! Down with the big oil monopolies! Down with the status quo!
What gives?? I'm actually no socialist hater, but the Republicans need to get their message straight. For years and years it has been love the big oil, big business and corporate America keeps us all employed...
The Republican "think tanks" FUNDAMENTALLY believe that common people power is toxic--as their philosophy is very simply based upon the notion that wealth is an earned right to those that are chosen from the "better, industrious, smarter, prettier" gene pool. And that these wealthy folks will rent enough golf carts and eat at enough restaurants to keep the rest of us employed through the beauty of trickle down economics...yeah right.
I mean if the Republicans really took the people seriously, they would have gotten rid of the electoral college and allowed the candidate that won the polular vote to win in 2000-wouldn't they?? But no, they know that our forefathers specifically created the electoral college to make sure that the common (re: uneducated) man would not have the final say in who was elected president. They feared this notion that they now so eagerly embrace>>>

Wasilla Alaska Rednecks 101

There has been a shocking amount of interest in the love drama between Sarah Palin's daughter and her baby daddy, Levi. Looking at all the media hype, many like to refer to the boy's apparent redneck pride.
Well let me tell you folks a few quick factoids about Wasilla:
1st- Many, many residents of Wasilla wear their redneck label as a badge of honor. Instead of "redneck" the other favorable term of endearment is "Valley Trash", as in "Proud to be Valley Trash" bumper stickers. (this term was actually coined by Ben Stevens, Senator Ted Stevens son)
2nd- Wasilla is the duct tape and Wal-Mart capital of the world. Don't know the exact standing as of today, but record amount of folks congregate at the Wasilla Wal-Mart and spend many of their purchasing dollars on Duct tape.
3rd- Wasilla high school has been called a "drop out Factory". There is not much stigma at all attached to dropping out of school in some parts of Alaska. Note that the baby-daddy himself may not have graduated.
4th- Wealth in Wasilla is measured purely by the size of your truck tires.
5th- It's hard to relate to the rest of the country as a born and bred Wasilla person. Note how Bristol's baby daddy was chewing gum on stage at the RNC! Yikes! I actually felt bad for him and just wish someone had told him to spit it out!!
Lastly: Some folks drive around with "Lord Help Me Get Through Wasilla" bumper stickers. I still haven't figured out if that means--help me avoid pulling over at the local meth lab, or please don't let me get struck by a monster truck....

That said, I really don't want to engage in too much Palin bashing, after all she is freakishly likable. But people really need to to get a better picture of what Wasilla really is. And is the world ready for it??

Black Bear, Brown Bear, Dead Bear

The new craze in Alaska is bear attacks. Ok, I guess I can't call it a craze, but it is an increasingly common phenomena. Usually the story is very similar--someone is jogging or biking in the twilight hours near a bear & cubs--then gets attacked. Almost always this is a grizzly (brown bear).
Now, the argument is--are the amount of bears increasing in the city areas? Or are the amount of people increasing?? Interestingly these two arguments are nicely sliced between the "greenies" and the "hunters". The greenies claim there are too many people in bear territory, but the other "hunter" group thinks bears should be hunted and prohibited/eliminated from living in city limits.
What makes it a little funny, is that the group claiming the bears should be shot--isn't the one getting attacked. As these outdoor hikers & joggers are often greenies--they don't necessarily "blame the bear" when interviewed afterwards. And thank goodness that everyone has survived this year, otherwise it would certainly be a different story.
My own personal bias, is that more and more people are becoming "bear phobic". Especially towards the more common, smaller and shy black bears. For some reason everyone likes to use the term "bear" without differentiating between the two species. The end result being innocent black bears get shot on sight (like the poor guy who was roaming our neighborhood) or folks become afraid to go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors. It's really a shame.
Bottom line: everyone should always practice good bear behavior. Make noise, wear bells, stay away from salmon streams at dusk. And most of all --watch your rear when jogging!!!

Economics -- is it all in our Heads??

Recently there has been some talk in the media-- that US economic turmoil is actually a psychological phenomena. Needless to say, I sometimes agree with them.
First of all, everyone seems to have forgotten that 50-60 years ago we were spending a bigger percentage of our paycheck on food than now, nobody owned more than one car and everyone was happy as a clam to live in their tiny one bathroom Levittown-type house. Fast forward to 2008 where many "middle-class" Americans live in homes with 3 times the square footage, teenagers drive themselves to school in their own cars, and everyone is busy buying "storage solutions" for all the crap they have accumulated at Wal-Mart.
Bottom line, is the economy declining--or are we expecting it to grow at unrealistic rates?

I do know that in a place like Alaska, high fuel costs are enough to have people worried--simply because of the lack of public transportation and need to heat their homes. However, I'm not sure if that is an "economic problem" in so much as an "energy problem". Many will argue that fuel costs trickle down and affect all costs--but according to the experts we're still spending less of a percentage of our income on food than 50 years ago, but more on items like big screen TVs.

Or, same as in Alaska, throughout the midwest--especially near Chicago, I saw recently built development after development. Not tiny little dwellings, but giant beige architecturally inept monster homes. Add to that the box-store corrals located down the street from all the beige enthusiasts, and you have to wonder--who are all these people? And are they really worried? And if they are, is it only that they can't buy their kiddies 16 new pairs of back-to- school jeans?

What is probably happening is that the bigger problem of income disparity between the rich and poor is becoming more exaggerated. But is that really an economic problem or a long-standing problem of our lightly regulated capitalistic system?? And lack of decent public transportation??
So if the economic debate is to continue in this country, then Americans need to ask themselves--what is a good economy? How much is enough? Should every American really be able to afford a Hummer and live in a McMansion? What are we really entitled to? And at what point do we realize that our grandchildren can not sustainably all be millionaires??

Political Misconceptions

I just recently read some guys personal mantra regarding his seriously strong bias against "liberal democrats". It was a truly bizarre rambling, but something like this:" All liberal kooks are welfare sucking, unemployment loving, hemp wearing, granola eating hippies that support the Humane Society and tree hugging". He also mentioned that these kooks are the idiots that want the polar bear listed as "threatened'--(this is just an Alaska issue). Very weird over-generalization from my point of view. Where in the world did he meet someone on welfare or unemployment who could afford expensive hemp clothes??? Or even granola for that matter?? Obviously he's never met such a person, as he would see it is an impossibility. Why do I know this?? Well from 4 years working in social services, explaining government programs. Trust me, folks collecting their $12 a month worth of food stamps aren't wearing hemp! Most don't even give a flying rats ass about politics--or either party. Very rarely have I even met a so-called "tree hugger" in the group. This poor soul also doesn't seem to realize that people with good jobs and educations listed the polar bear as endangered (not through some sort of weird vote at the public assistance building)--did I mention it was listed under a conservative administration??Yes, weird stuff indeed. Where do these misconceptions even come from??

Send the Jersey Deer to Alaska

With some amusement I recently read an article about folks in New Jersey protesting the hunting of excessive suburban deer populations. Having been a former Jersey girl myself, I have witnessed first hand how the deer populations just seemed to explode in the past 15 years and with them the disturbing increase in deer ticks and Lyme disease. Where once any hoofed creature would have been a rare sight, roving gangs of suburban deer wander the streets in Northern New Jersey.
I can sympathize with the protesters point of view--after all, the deer can be considered a success, considering that there is no such thing as wild habitat left in Northern New Jersey. And lets face it-- hunting is just not something that happens out there, nor is anyone comfortable with the concept. Of course these quasi-wild deer could best be managed with their own natural "wild managers"--coyotes and wolves. But even the Jersey bunny huggers probably draw the line at wolf hugging. It seems everyone back East is convinced that a coyote will simply eat their baby, right off their suburban porch.
Meanwhile, here in Alaska, all the hunters bitch and moan that there are never enough ungulates (moose, caribou) to hunt and chase. Thus the wolves and bears are always blamed as unfavorable competition, and "predator managed" to boost the hoofed critter populations.
I don't want those nasty deer ticks , but maybe the Alaska hunters would appreciate a giant jumbo jet filled with Jersey deer dropped and parachuted over interior Alaska. Should be plenty to go around--for the hunters plate as well as the neighborhood wolves. In exchange we could send some wolves back East- to help those guys out naturally as well.
Somehow, I don't think my wildlife management ideas will roll with anyone, but it's a shame that humans are so short-sighted that animal populations always seem to be at the mercy of local politics, and not the natural ecology....

Two Girls Lost in Denali Alaska

Recently two young ladies in their 20's unintentionally extended their hiking trip, i.e. "disappeared" in Denali National Park. Of course, by now everyone knows the happy outcome-- a lucky phone call was made and they were found alive and well.
The more unfortunate part was reading the Anchorage Daily News "comments" section, where some opinionated & grumpy Alaskans had quite a lot of negative things to say. Mostly the writers were upset that the search operation cost a lot of money and volunteer time. Then, after the ladies were found they seemed much too giddy about their situation. I guess everyone wanted to see them injured and weeping--especially since so much "money" was spent.
I personally didn't really like the aloof attitude of the girls on the TV news either, however, it did highlight an overlooked point--the girls didn't ask for a giant rescue operation and obviously didn't feel it was necessary.
So how can you blame the girls if they felt they were safe (it was summer after all). It's as if the critics want them to pay back the money and apologize for the rescue they never requested. But is that really fair? That people should fear hiking or mountain trips in case somebody else decides to "rescue" them and send a bill??
Overall the wilderness isn't always the "dangerous" place so many fear. Winter can be tricky in Alaska, but summertime hikers and campers should be given the benefit of a doubt. They can come out unscathed after all, and maybe shouldn't be blamed for being able to do so.

Why is PTSD Stigmatized as a Disorder?

In times of war, discussions regarding PTSD make the news headlines. Civilians experiencing tragedy and disaster most definitely experience the same affliction, making it a fairly common human experience. My quandary however, is the last part of the acronym- the word "disorder".
I am assuming that it is considered a disorder, because feelings of depression, rage, fear or guilt that interfere with everyday functioning are a no-no in normal society. But what then is the acceptable response to tragedy & death?
Do we want a society where it is healthy to watch others be blown to pieces and the citizens witnessing such an event can brush it off and just move on? Why is there shame when a human being experiences an obvious biological response to unspeakable violence and destruction?? Isn't it actually better for a society's survival to over-react to death and gore instead of ignore it? I say, label it Post Traumatic Stress Response, drop the 'disorder' stigma and accept that humans just might not be able to experience brutality and then live happily ever after...

No Money, No Time

I am learning that a dent in finances significantly reduces leisure time. Probably one of the reasons so many folks are vegetating in front of the TV may be simply because they outsource their problems. If one decides that "I will fix, build, grow" everything I need without outside assistance, then one is a busy beaver indeed.
I have found that the luxury of becoming fat in front of the TV is impossible, once we try to do everything ourselves. The time commitment is incredible--yet no one seems to understand.
The short list of our time suckers just this spring:
--Repairing the old garden tractor engine (can never be brought anywhere for repair as we don't even own a trailer)
--Chopping fire wood without renting a pesky log-splitter
--Maintaining veggie and herb garden
--Building a rustic door from scratch
--Varnishing moldings and shelves
--Eliminating carpenter ants with bizarre and non-toxic methods
--cleaning up after way too many dogs and cats
--installing and finishing tongue and groove flooring
The only "problem" we outsourced to another professional was the porcupine quill removal from the dogs nose. And that was simply way beyond our expertise, but I am sure others would scoff at that expense as well...
There you have it! No leisure time, but we are quite content after all! Good night.

Complacency vs. Contentment

Recently I heard someone complain that complacency was one of the worst human characteristics one can have. Being complacent suggests smugness, laziness, aloofness and other negative connotations. But whenever I hear the word "complacent" I always think--but isn't that also contentment?? And contentment brings out warm and fuzzy feelings of happiness, love and general well being.
So what's the deal??? I looked both words up in my mini Websters dictionary, and alas, no clarity was achieved. Complacency means smug, which by definition is: self-satisfied. Content is simply defined as "satisfied". Huh? In other words being self-satisfied is bad, but being satisfied is good, yet they technically mean the same thing. (ok, so maybe a smug person brags about it--but when is bragging a bad thing in our society?)

So that's what I was afraid of. These words are so similar that nobody wants to admit that -hey contentment isn't really a good thing either. These two words fascinate me so, because our whole western civilization is driven by the fear of complacency. By being complacent , (i.e. content) one would be satisfied with their small house, older car, outdated jeans and ragged lawn....and that would be bad for the economy and even worse, your neighbors would laugh at you behind your back.
Of course, I can't say I recommend contentment with bad hygiene, deviant behavior and such, but economic contentment would be a relief! Not only to our environment but help curb some stress to boot. But with economic contentment, comes a stagnant economy--which is a shame, that we can't develop a whole new system--based on people actually being satisfied and that being a good thing.

Luxury Creates Weakness and Boredom

One of our Founding Fathers, (and I can't remember whom at the moment) was once quoted as saying that he feared the American capitalistic society would become so wealthy and successful that the citizens would become weak.
Weak, as in unable to do the physically taxing activities one may need in order to survive. Some things he may have thought of: haul water, walk twelve miles, chop firewood, farm...
Now if only he would see many of the average citizens of today. Obese, inactive, stuck at the mall with a soda in one hand, cell phone in the other. Whining about the thread count of their bed sheets and that there are only 99 stations on the big screen TV.... (It is interesting to note that many citizens are so fixated on the luxury of the automobile that we have allowed whole cities to be built without considering for public transportation or bike and walking paths..)
But I regress. To the fear of the citizens becoming too weak to care for themselves, I wanted to add my own observation--they become unable to amuse themselves as well!!
The luxury of having a brand new house, new car, clothes galore, heat on demand, dishwashers and clothes dryers, riding mowers and a leaf blower, leaves many U.S. citizens scratching their inactive little heads wondering what to do with all this free time. (of course they don't admit it, and claim they are busy, busy--but the truth is TV viewing time is up, up, up..)
I have known those that admit they are "bored" all weekend. And I do all I can to refrain from strangling them. Let them lament about all the movie rentals, channel surfing and senseless cell phone calls they make all day. Or look at the teens and tweens and inbetweens. Roaming the materialistic malls, with a phone in one ear, ipod in the other...miserable in their own boredom.

Too bad nobody recognizes this. That if they just replaced the leaf blower with a rake, parked the car and walked, tried to sew their own dress, or grow a vegetable-instantly the boredom and even some of weakness would disappear!

"Outside is Boring"

I recently hosted an outdoors children's event along our river bank. The kids could explore, pick rocks, play in puddles and sand. Many of the little Alaskan tykes literally dug right in and enjoyed themselves immensely.
What concerns me though are the ones that did not. A few of the children (even in Alaska!) had trouble walking on uneven non-paved surfaces or complained about the elements. But worst of all was the comment I heard from one little girl: "outside is boring". She was looking for toys and video games.
One obvious solution is to expose the kids to more outdoor play (a huge societal problem to say the least) so they become more comfortable. But the less obvious problem is living with material excess. The little girl who found rocks and sand boring, actually has an 'outdoorsy' mother, but also a house packed to the brim with more toys and video games than Toy r' Us.
I read a quote somewhere that too many toys hamper a child's creativity and makes them into boring children. How true that rings. Having to figure out how to amuse oneself without the help of 65 items from China takes more thought and imagination! Yet, in the end a much better result and an appreciation for nature to boot. The next generation of children will never enjoy being outdoors if they haven't developed the attention span to appreciate it. So I challenge parents everywhere--stop buying so many crappy toys and tell your kids to create their own experiences instead!!! It's not as dangerous as you may think....

The Perks of High Fuel Costs

First of all, my family is not in a favorable financial position. Secondly, we also require to commute by car for work. --On that note, I feel entitled to continue with my positive take on higher fuel costs...
From my experience, the United States has actually been spoiled for many years, because whenever you travel to anywhere else, for example Canada--the prices of gasoline are shockingly high. And what do these higher prices bring?? They bring innovation. Realistic public transportation and more consideration to pedestrian & bicycle friendly urban planning.
Here in Alaska an unintended perk of the high fuel costs has been less recreational snowmachine and ATV traffic. Amazing! The wilderness has gotten a bit of a break, because folks can't afford the gas to tear it up....
It's no secret that people are planning their travels more, car pooling, looking for smaller cars (even hybrids) considering alternative energy, all good stuff!
Of course the cost of importing goods has increased--but again, what's wrong with fishing around for more ways to buy local & boosting the local farmer or craftsman?? Our over-reliance on cheap imported goods hasn't made us a better nation.
I am sure plenty of poorer countries are even more substantially affected by fuel costs than us. Often with grave consequences. There too, I can only hope that this period of economic turmoil will help boost innovation and self-sufficiency!!

Alaskans Waste Not

Our local Borough is in the process of widening the main road. Alas, quite a few trees have perished in the process and left dead by the roadside. What is unique is how quickly my local Alaskans discovered this "waste" and went to work securing the valuable resource.
Almost a day later the pick-up trucks began arriving. Chainsaw yielding ladies and girls on ATV's with trailers are all busy loading up the valuable firewood left behind.
Even some artisans seem to be at work, slicing up beautiful, fat, old cottonwood for some sort of interesting purpose. Needless to say, Alaskans always see value in securing free resources.
As urbanites all over the Nation discuss how to save energy and be thrifty, they only need to look at the ingenuity of their Northern neighbors!

School Vandalism

Once again there has been an incident of school vandalism in Southcentral Alaska. A pair of pre-teen boys claim they were "bored", so they destroyed $150,000 worth of school property, by smashing computers & breaking windows.
Now comes the name calling, where the conservatives blame the liberals, some blame the parents and many blame the kids. I have a different perspective on this situation, because unfortunately this is not the first time I have seen Alaskan kids vandalize a school.

My perspective comes from the simple little fact that schools back East don't get ripped apart by local kids--especially kids that know the school!!! Schools still enjoy some respect by the community and the families that are linked to them.
Yet, in Alaska, certain neighborhoods and parental types seem to think education is a joke. There is quite a bit of mockery regarding higher education, and a large drop out rate. Meanwhile the more affluent families bitch and moan that their taxes should never be raised in order to increase school funding.
This anti-school attitude is pretty easy in a state where the best occupations require little or no education. Nevertheless, even if you have no use for an education, I assume respecting property should come from somewhere.
That is certainly a harder nut to crack, as I have seen all kinds of kids commit vandalism--the rich kids who have no idea that replacing stuff really hurts, and poor angry kids who just like to smash shit. I guess my dog likes to dig a giant hole for no reason at all as well.....

The Law of Unintended Consequences

I have been reading about a very depressing topic, namely biofuels. Here's something that should be a happy solution to our energy needs, proposed by green minded individuals, yet the whole thing has spiraled out of control.
You can blame "agribusiness" or the commodities market or even just the law of unintended consequences, but the result is the same--terrible. Instead of recycling used oils or grain waste, whole rain forests are being eliminated to plant soy for biofuel. Palm oil, traditionally used for cooking has spiked to such high prices (to be used as motor fuel), that the poor can no longer afford it. Mexico is having tortilla protests due to the prices of corn, Indonesia & Brazil is plowing rain forests, the list just goes on and on.........
Meanwhile governments really can't stop this crazy biofuels snowball--because they are the ones who just pushed it over the cliff in the first place!!!!!!!! (i.e. ethanol mandates )
So here I am, depressed again as the wilderness disappears in the name of progress. As I read one quote "the rain forests are just junk to many people". In other words: money talks and bullshit walks. So as we continue to provide energy to more and more earths inhabitants, we loose our wild places. Will there be anything left? Where is a nature lover supposed to live?? Am I on the right earth? Is there another one??

Wolf Politics

I have received news that there will be a protest against "predator control" a.k.a. aerial wolf hunting in downtown Anchorage on April 7th. It is certainly a commendable cause and it is always good to rouse support and awareness, yet I fear the Alaska Fish & Game Dept. will just continue their tricks.
As aerial wolf hunting enters the public eye, the Alaska Fish and Game folks (practically a pro-hunting lobby) does two predictable things.
#1--they blame "outside influences" for bringing about the pro-wolf movement. As they like to claim that "real Alaskans know that wolves are not cuddly dogs". This of course is a really insulting assumption, not only for those in the lower-48 who probably know that wolves hunt and dogs eat dog food. But also to thousands of Alaskans who actually vote against these hunts and sign petitions for this cause.
#2--the new trick is to simply change the hunting and trapping laws. So in anticipation to a public backlash against aerial wolf control, they have already boosted the hunting and trapping limits for wolves. And regular leg-hold traps and what have you, are actually much crueler to wolf family units than the winged gunmen.

I actually really do support looking out for our Bush communities and Native inhabitants and their right to a proper harvest of game meat. Yet, there is a vocal and strong group of urban and suburban Alaskans claiming the same rights. In effect: that predator control is needed to ensure their own successful hunts. In my opinion, these more wealthy Alaskans could easily support some Valley farmers and purchase excellent natural grass fed beef, or even raise their own Angus. If it's a thrill kill they seek, then raise and strangle your own chickens. You can chase them around the yard and woods too, to really get the whole hunting experience!

The Snowmachine and the Dog

The big news in the world of sled dog racing is Lance Mackeys recent encounter with a snow machine near Nome, Alaska. (In Alaska snow mobiles are called snow machines) His most prized racing pooch, Zorro, has been seriously injured.
The obvious issue is how and when to mandate limitations of snow machine use near sled dog races and this is causing some spirited arguments. In effect: who owns the trails- the local residents on their machines or the "visiting mushers". Then all sorts of venom gets spewed about drunks, racing, common courtesy, safety, etc...Obviously at least attention has been brought to this issue. Some defend the locals right to zoom around in the middle of the night (Mackeys dog was hit around midnight) But where in the world are they going that is so important at that time & why can't the sled dogs take temporary priority?? In my opinion, nighttime use is the primary concern.
The other interesting topic that stems from this controversy is why do so many people become so concerned over an injured sled dog?? Here in Alaska it was front page news, so of course some sour-pusses needed to point out that everyone cries over a dog, but ignores all the suffering of human kind blah, blah....
So I put some thought into this. It is no secret that people often have more sympathy towards animals than humans, so what gives? I have two theories.
One is that animals are perceived as innocent victims, subject to all of our "top of the food chain" nonsense, so we naturally throw some additional empathy their way.
Second theory: there are BILLIONS of human beings on this earth. Just too many for our little heads to even begin and sympathize with. Meanwhile, so many animals are rare and in limited supply. Like in Alaska: 8,000 wolves vs. 600,000 residents, which is more interesting from a rarity point of view? Same goes for whales or sled dogs, just not that many around, which increases our interest. Again, these are just my theories...

That Pesky Oil Addiction

A few days ago, I saw an interview on PBS with the head of Shell Oil. His predictable spin was also sprinkled with quasi-green statements, such as "It will be a slow process to ween Americans from their addiction to oil". I can't guarantee if he used the word "addiction", but it was something similar. Yet I just couldn't believe he was suggesting that he somehow wanted Americans to use less oil ?!? This from the man who stated in the same interview, that there would be mass Urban riots if domestic oil drilling isn't increased soon....
So I thought more about this oil addiction we all have. It's not as if the obvious pusher of our consumption problem wasn't big oil themselves. They have made sure that the American public really wouldn't know where to begin without oil--I mean petroleum is in our plastics, gasoline, heating oil and even moisturizers. Not to mention the fuel requirements needed to ship all our classy Wal-Mart supplies from China & our frequent flights to Disneyland.
I'm just as guilty as anyone, and feel sick to my stomach thinking--how could I reduce oil consumption personally?? In Alaska, public transportation is looked upon as socialist, and nobody wants to fund it. Thus unless you go by dogsled, I'm doomed to the car. Even walking is pretty difficult when many walking paths are run over with crazy ATV traffic.
Next there's the heat question: we have switched to half time wood heat, but I'm not sure if chopping down 50 year old birch trees for fuel is really any kind of solution. And our personal geographical situation makes wind & solar impossible .
So here's my personal "To Do list" (challenge) to reduce oil consumption.
1- Eliminate plastics in packaging, housewares, etc... (not too hard since we prefer glass anyway)
2- Don't buy domestic items with petroleum, like synthetic moisturizers or even synthetic fibers.
3- Our next car should be a hybrid SUV
4- Buy local when possible, especially produce and other food.
5- Stick to a small house, look into gas heat (is that any better in the long run...?)
6- Advocate for more bus/rail options and real sidewalks.

Yikes! Even this ideal list isn't a perfect solution, but I don't know if there is a twelve step plan out there??

The Riches of the River

At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I feel the need to muse about my river. Our family lives on a magnificent glacial river, that actually turns wicked and grey all summer long, but for the rest of the year is a beautiful greenish blue, with rocky outcroppings.
This river provides little ponds, that make three ice skating rings right in front of our home. I can't think of a greater luxury than private ice skating with mountain and river views.

Yet, when city folks visit us, their closed-minded view of wealth only sees our old dilapidated house--the sagging roof, one tiny bathroom, and crooked doors. They assume we are somehow suffering, or haven't made it professionally. But I know that so often these folks in their perfect 3 bathroom house are quite depressed or bored. They don't even know why--because they've "made it"after all.

In the meantime, I will continue to appreciate the beauty I have--the woods, abundant berries, and river sand bars. These riches can't be bought at your local mall, making them the most valuable of all...........

Iditarod Dog Days are Ending

The top ten mushers of the Iditarod sled dog race have already crossed the finish line in Nome today. So the last great race is coming to an end, although it will take many more days for the final dog teams to wrap it up.
I am blessed that in Alaska they show about an hour of news coverage (twice this time!) of the crowds in Nome waiting for the mushers, the final sprint to victory and then interviews with the winner. As I do every year, I sat glued to the TV as the crowds cheered Lance Mackey, the governor made the ceremonial congratulatory phone call and the media jumped up and down. Meanwhile, the dogs looked pretty joyous as well and Mackey's dogs kept licking the frozen snot off his whiskers during the interviews--good stuff.
I wondered to myself-- why in the world does watching this race, and the excitement it creates, such an incredible experience for me???
So I have come to the conclusion that this great sled dog race (the one so many animal groups actually hates) represents everything I love about Alaska and why I am here. So many Alaskans come here for jobs, family or marriage, but we came here for Alaska alone. I wanted to see adventure and unique experiences and that's what the Iditarod is.
From the beginning in Anchorage when they squeeze over 1,000 dogs into downtown, to the news reports from quirky and remote Native villages, to reliving the drama of the hazards that I read about years ago in "Winterdance".
It is so very unique and Alaska's own.
I don't know why I can't enjoy what the masses do, why do I only seek the other? How come I hate Sam's Club and CSI and block buster movies?? Why don't I care about Steve Madden shoes, Applebees or Gucci bags?
This bizarre and crazy sled dog race is simply my version of the Super bowl. May they mush on!

Who Can be a Pregnant Governor?

I really have no choice but to comment on the most interesting piece of Alaskan news--well besides the Iditarod that is. As all the inhabitants of the great North know by now, the governor is with child, at 44 years, and nobody even knew!
It shocked me like it did everyone else, and then I immediately began following the message boards to see what other Alaskans or poser-Alaskans had to say about this tid-bit. Fortunately most folks are kind and simply wish the family well. Yet, the hate-mongers have to get their venom out too, and it is always such a surprise. From these message Boards I have learned that Palin is secretly a liberal (?) , pregnant women can't be taken seriously and that Senator Obama loves Osama. Whatever that has to do with pregnant Palin I don't know.
I wish I didn't know the disturbing thoughts of my fellow citizens, but alas I ventured forth and received.
But enough about the idiots. I feel sorry for our Republican Governor. I didn't vote for her, but I certainly can empathize that she is stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter what she does now she will be criticized. Too much baby in the office- not a serious worker, too much time working sans baby--then she is a bad mother! Poor woman. And it is interesting to note that most of this criticism will probably come from her own party. I hope she just has the opportunity to hide out and work from home without anyone even knowing what's going on. In my opinion, she is already amazing to be 7 months pregnant, flying all over the country and giving speeches, holding on to a stressful job, yet looking calm & rested.

IDITAROD 2008 - Off They Go!!

Every year we sincerely enjoy watching the Iditarod mushers launch off for their adventure into the great Alaskan Wilderness. This year an unprecedented amount of mushers have begun the race: 96 teams. Also I noticed an increase in the amount of Europeans competing with representatives from Germany, England, Norway, Belgium and Italy.
Of course with the excitement of Iditarod comes the complaints of the naysayers. I just did a quick Google search to read up on some of the doomsayers impressions of this sport and what I found was utterly amazing. Comments like all mushers beat their dogs, the dogs are dragged to their death and even made into mittens!! Incredible stuff.
I can only imagine that the Iditarod critics have never seen the race in person. The crazy way the dogs leap with joy to begin running, the obsessive veterinary care, or the HUGE public outcry when a musher gets caught hurting a dog. Maybe sled dogging years ago was a more brutal sport, but these days great care is taken to keep it humane.
Off the top of my head, here are just a few of the positives this race brings:
1- Interest in an outdoor sport, with minimal environmental impact. Just come to Alaska and see how many people love to "tear shit up" on ATV's and snowmachines and you'll be begging for more dog teams.
2- History and tradition. The Iditarod keeps the public interested and financially supporting an ancient arctic tradition. It is a great experience for the youths in small villages with a proud history.
3- The only gender and age neutral sport I know of. The humans are incredible athletes when they run Iditarod, and they literally run. Many mushers spend most of the race running behind or in front of the sleds to motivate the dogs. And I have never seen a more varied pool of human athletes, where 18 year old boys compete in the same competition as 62 year old women and vice versa!
4- Mushers are dog lovers and some dogs just love to run. I'm sorry, but why is keeping an obese cock-a-poodle on a couch more humane than running a dog through the snow?

I just wish the energies of the anti-sled dog people could be used for better things. So many nations treat dogs much worse that the Unites States or so many dogs are euthanized daily in this country. Even worse, what about the treatment of pigs, waiting to become bacon? They are about as smart as dogs, but not many people care about the poor pig.

Running of the Reindeer

I am a sucker for a good old fashioned festival. Luckily in Alaska, people are always dreaming up more and improving the oldies. One of these is the Fur Rondy festival, historically a way to welcome back the miners and trappers venturing into Anchorage after a hard winter. Now, it still remains as a showcase for sled dog races, snowshoe softball, dances and a carnival. To spruce up the festival ,the past two years they have brought in the reindeer.
As legend has it, reindeer races were a part of the Fur Rondy about 10 years ago, but then somebody in the crowd got gouged, so bye-bye Rudolf.
Luckily, humans have short memories-- so to revive the festival the reindeer were welcomed back. Then to up the stakes even more, some local radio DJ's dared Alaskans to "run with the reindeer". I don't think anyone predicted how wildly popular it would be, and how all 1,000 slots to run with these tamer caribou, filled up quickly.
Yes, it was an exhilarating event to behold. The fun of humans in costume being beaten in a foot race by cute hoofed creatures. I'm sure plenty of Alaskans in attendance were hoping to witness a good antler poke or two as well.
Whatever the reason for each individual to participate, for me it is simply the fun of attending these weird Alaskan festivities. They are always unique. I have seen outhouse races, moose dropping contests, more sled dogs than I can count, and ice water plunges. The list goes on.

I love the community feeling of zany events, but there are many more people who would rather just stay home and watch a movie. It is beyond me how so many Americans feel that leaving their couch and doing anything more physical or interesting than shopping is too difficult. I guess that's their loss though. Crowds of people just block the view anyway--but three cheers for the folks who still know how to get out of the house and have some fun!!!!

So How Much do we NEED?

Often I hear quite a few figures about how the typical American house has doubled in size, we own 2 cars per family, there are more TV sets than individual Americans.... yada, yada...This is the so called "normal" American lifestyle of today.
Yet without a hint of irony, the owners of the two cars, multiple TV's and lavish house will tell you how, "you just can't get by on one income anymore...." It's bizarre to say the least. I don't believe that it is a National secret that we aren't any HAPPIER than we were 50 years ago. But we sure have accumulated bigger houses, more cars, and TV's since then. Or how about closet space? Ever notice how old homes have small closets? Now everyone dies without multiple walk-in storage spaces for their piles of goods.
I suppose the Joneses' or marketing campaigns can be blamed for all this. As we try to impress our neighbors or prove our self-worth we just can't figure out how to do it without maximizing our stuff quotient. Yet the saddest thing is, that the idea of "necessity" has become so abstract.
I have quite a few friends who swear that they just can't afford to shop without utilizing Wal-Mart. But are these same folks starving? Wearing rags? Riding the horse and buggy? I don't believe so. It's just the weird notion once again, that they need more new DVD's, seven Barbie doll sets and a halloween costume for the dog. Go figure, we'll always need more.

What Defines Us

As I enjoy my life of Alaskan bliss, I am also uncomfortably aware of the scourge growing amongst us. It is not a disease, or beast, but humankinds need for well-known box stores. I know there are other Alaskans who live or moved here to enjoy the wilds of the North , however, I am increasingly seeing another breed of Alaskan--the suburban conformist.

Mostly these types come from the lower 48, usually spouses dragged along to Alaska because of a good job offer for their other half. The result is bizarre comments like, "if only Costco were closer I would be complete" or "Can't wait for the New Home Depot" and "It's about time we got an Appleebees"....

Even the long-time Alaskans can't resist the good deals once they step into a Sam's club or Wal-Mart. Their thrifty eyes just can't look away!

It just isolates me even more, as I can't relate to their excitement. I am perfectly happy with the local shops, lumber and food vendors. It's why I am here. To escape the conformity of the rest of the Nation. Yet it follows me & makes sure that anyplace you live eventually looks the same. This overwhelming need for these boxy places just makes me fear that it really is one of the things that defines the modern American. It used to be: food & shelter, but now we need Wal-Mart.

The Earth is Flat

Just the other day, I listened to a local woman explain to me that the phenomenon of global warming is simply caused by planetary realignment. There really wasn't much we could do as Alaska would be shifting to the equator in just four years. She stated this was a known fact as her husband heard it on TV.
Yes, this fascinating tid-bit was brought to me by a college educated female, living an upper-middle class lifestyle. What surprises me more than the improbability of the information, was the fact that it is very easy for an American to become "educated" and successful in this country without the slightest ability to understand basic scientific principles or care to fact check their information. I understand that books are now for suckers--but come on, at least use the internet!
Political hate-mongers and other folks seeking power relish this void of knowledge amongst our population. They absolutely prey upon the typical American's inability to think or concentrate on anything that isn't spoon fed to them. So the radio, TV and easy internet sites love to spit out quick sound bites for these people to absorb.
Thus these weird messages get spread amongst the masses, leaving the real scientists, thinkers and intellectuals to waste endless energy defending information that is easily understood as logical fact in other developed countries around the world.
Next we'll be reconsidering the moon's capability to be made of cheese......

The Glorification of Stupidity

Who really benefits from the dumbing down of society?? Does corporate America love dummies?? Do they buy more junk??
Whoever wants it to happen is doing a mighty fine job. In the not so distant past, a sign of status was a grand library or bookshelves full of books. Now the "must have" item has become the big flat screen TV. It has become the grand center piece of many American living rooms-- the bigger the better. Nobody seems the slightest bit embarrassed that not even the best educational programs provide any serious cognitive benefit or mental exercise the way a book does. It used to be considered low-class to even admit you had a TV in the living room, now it's the status quo.

As the adults in our society embrace easy entertainment over educational pursuits, their children are inundated with messages from music and videos glorifying only parties, gang-banging and money. Is it any surprise that "nerds" get bullied? They are seen only as weak and futile, while some rapper with a bullet wound is something to aspire to.
Even our presidential elections are screwed by nerd-phobia. Didn't most people admit that Al Gore came across as too stiff and nerdy?? While good old "Dubya" was the people's man, never held accountable for his inability to articulate simple thoughts.

Alaska Wolf Pups in Peril

A very disturbing article was recently printed in the Anchorage paper (1/19/2008). It seems that a remote Native community is advocating for its right to kill wolf pups in their dens. There is even a term for this activity- "denning". The Alaska department of Fish and Game has begun seriously considering such proposals as well.
The argument is two fold: again, folks are concerned about low moose populations. And secondly, this particular Native community is claiming that "denning" is actually an old cultural tradition.
Native I am not, so I can not factually confirm or deny the history of this activity. However, various sources report that this a stunning new claim, without much credibility.
Regardless of the historical significance, wildlife management and hunting practices have evolved and changed dramatically in recent years. The most significant change being the relative ease with which one can hunt via snowmachine (snowmobile) or ATV. This leads to more access and higher kill rates. Of course how many moose are actually killed in remote areas is often under reported. This is definitely a more serious threat to moose management than the wolves.

I do hope that the story of the wolf pups makes the national media. A ton of outrage is needed to stop this barbaric activity from returning to Alaska. The Alaska Wildlife Alliance (www.akwildlife.org) is a good contact for more info, as are letters of complaint to the Governor of Alaska (www.state.ak.us)

Buy, Buy, Buy....

So they say we'll save the economy if we just get off our butts and buy some more crap. Of course in a perfect world that is a beautiful concept--I go to Smith's General Store, buy some of Farmer Bob's wheat and Mary's ribbon candy, and we all win right? I have my goods, and they make some money.

Too bad the General store and farmer Bob's fields were all plowed over to plop the mega Wal-Mart down. And our Wal-Mart dollars go where--to China?? That's good for the Chinese economy of course. It may also support the truly American concept that your status is defined by the square footage of your house. Because you certainly need all those square feet to stuff reams of plastic kiddie toys, multi colored sweater sets, and flimsy furniture.

The biggest loser in the economic pyramid scheme is actually the environment. All these items we are encouraged to buy are made in Third World countries fueled by coal powered energy. Not to mention the lax environmental laws (like in China) that do not discourage dumping chemical waste or who knows what got logged to make that $29.99 end table... Then on top of it all, your giant McMansion needs to be continuously cooled & heated to protect all that fantastic stuff you've acquired.

At what point will the president simply say: " my administration has invested in national storage units. It is each American's responsibility to fill it up with Payless shoes, Little Tykes bikes, salad spinners, lazy boy chairs and big screen TV's. Thank you and good night. "

Again With Those Lightbulbs

I really can't get over the push for compact fluorescent light bulbs. As someone who cares about Global Warming I should applaud these sickly, dim inventions. But I can't and I won't. First off, the Libertarian in me can't believe a law can be passed banning incandescent bulbs in 2012. Secondly, this isn't even a good ban--for the alternates are actually slightly dangerous. Halogen lights are ok, but fire hazards. And those compact fluorescents contain mercury, not to mention their visual ghastliness.

I still can't believe the logic that somehow the happy, warm lightbulb is to blame for brutal storms, floods and famine. How did coal-fired power plants get off the hook so easily?? Isn't every freakin sweater or toy purchased in this country made in a Chinese factory powered by coal????? And what about our obsession with three car garages and heating McMansions?? But of course we don't really want to disrupt the economy, just annoy consumers with weird lightbulbs until they start lashing out at those darn greenies....