So Why the Yeti???

I feel the time has come to justify (at least to myself) why I chose the address of this blog to be "the Yeti speaks". I hope I have not accidentally implied that I am in some form a Yeti expert. However, I do hold this creature in high regard. Not knowing much about the reclusive Yeti I assume that he actually might have many thoughts in common with a cranky lady living in Alaska. I'm sure the Yeti is pro a simpler life, better environment, but might perhaps enjoy a fine glass of wine with his/her cheese. As a loner living in the far North it would not be presumptuous to assume that this creature is also subject to bouts of irritability and general misunderstanding.

Zoning Zealots and Land Use

First of all, I am most certainly a libertarian at heart. However, as much as I love my unzoned land parcel I can sense that the times, they are a changing. As more folks move into our part of Alaska, more homes get built. As the boring subdivisions pop up, so do the propositions to zone for commercial vs. residential land use. Of course all the old timer Constitutionalists start kicking and screaming whenever they hear the word zoning.
Somehow "Zoning" is the dirtiest word known to Alaskans (actually Environmentalist and Vegetarian are pretty mush cuss words as well) Zoning invokes fears that "snobs" are trying to keep the good old boys from waving their blue tarps of solidarity or keeping a small junk yard on private property. Even more fearsome is that the pro-zoning zealots will stop the right to host a small business on private land.
Unfortunately, the anti-zoning folks live only for today, and don't see the bigger picture--the Greedy will come and they will build--not small mom and pop shops, but strip malls, warehouses and gas stations...And they might say--"but that's good-- more jobs.." but alas, do these country folks recognize that their quiet life will become a congested mess of autos, highways, apartment buildings , etc?? Say goodbye to your slow, peaceful life. Goodbye to your yard chickens and burn barrels.....
I am not a realty expert, but having lived on the East Coast, I am a congestion expert. So I know one thing--if you don't start labeling land (or zoning it) soon, only time separates peace and quiet from an industrial nightmare.

The Unspeakable Ways to Save the Planet

Yada yada finally president Bush has conceded that his cronies couldn't keep the truth about Global Warming under wraps any more. Even the Bush dynasty is now proclaiming half-assed ways to help the planet.
I admit, I haven't listened to his drivel or suggestions yet-but I can assume it's going to be more of the same --destroy forests to plant more corn for ethanol, or buy those mercury filled light bulbs....
Nobody as of yet has come forth with the radical ultimatum to all Americans: "Your homes are too big! You drive too much! Why do you engage in 'fast fashion'? stop shopping!"
I am still waiting when the economically suicidal movement of consuming less will bloom.

How about building up mass transit, so the obsession of owning the three car garage will end??
And why are we slaves to dumb looking fashions, plastic toys and endless kitchen gadgets?
Obviously there is no easy resolution to the economic collapse that would happen when we start consuming less. But I ask why isn't there? Why can't Americans be convinced to pay more for a smaller home built with local materials? Or stop watching the TV, and start growing your own food!
I get especially peeved when I see good, solid wood furniture at the Salvation Army--but any American would rather pay triple for a piece of particle board crap, then throw it out when it breaks. Why can't we just fix good furniture, appliances, shoes? Why did everyone buy the myth that it is a matter of status to throw things out instead of fixing them??
These are my unpopular suggestions to really help the planet.

Does the Third World even exist?

Whenever I hear about American consumers demand for cheap goods like $15.00 dollar jeans or plastic junk I beg to ask the question--why doesn't anyone realize why everything is so cheap? And I certainly have the right to say stuff is cheap--especially if you compare prices of consumer goods from 3o years ago.
Of course there are plenty of hard working American folks who really don't have the luxury to question their purchases--but my anger is at those who can. I have heard a few people actually buy the Wal-Mart lie that "they cut out the overhead and buy in bulk". Whatever. As if those executives don't get rich & fat on someone else's toil like any other company. Meanwhile, what cheap prices really mean is: producing in countries that have no environmental regulation, safety hazards are ignored and products are manufactured in sweat shops. Why can't an American consumer understand why stuff isn't Made in USA anymore? Simply because our standards--put in place to protect health & safety cost too much money!! It's as if these consumers are living in disbelief: "as long as I know nothing about China or Indonesia" maybe they are just fantasy places where everyone lives well."
This suspension of third world reality extends to our corporations exporting our evils to these same countries. Cigarettes are the obvious example, but lately there is a surge in obesity in poorer countries as well! Thanks to the American influence of cheap vegetable oils, refined sugars and mimicking our habits like watching too much television!!
Well if we don't notice sweat shop conditions, at least it's nice to know that McDonalds cares enough to bring double cheeseburgers to the rest of the world.

Wilderness--is it for the Birds??

Many folks in Alaska hate anything that has to do with protecting wilderness areas. They simply believe that land "locked up" as protected wilderness wastes opportunities for economic growth and development. Today, I heard a comment by an Alaskan that wilderness advocates and environmentally minded folks simply care "more about birds than people".
What I find interesting about this comment is that environmentalists, greenies, bunny-huggers--whatever you may call them are PEOPLE after all. So, if people are the ones passionately fighting for the wilderness, doesn't that easily make environmentalism a people issue??
It's ridiculous to believe that Alaskans will simply fall over and starve to death if their land is not developed. But what they really want is the opportunity to build bigger houses, drive more ATV's--to feed their wants and desires. Yet the poor environmentalist and his need to feed his soul with the wilderness is mocked. If one can not come to Alaska in order to live & experience the wilderness--what else is left for them ???

The Big House Can't Be Green

I am getting pretty sick of all the news programs and magazines listing their little "become more green" tips all the time. Those tiny tidbits of feel good eco-nonsense, like replace your light bulbs, turn down the heat, combine errands....yadda, yadda. Sure those ideas are better than "screw it, I'm entitled to idle my hummer all day long". But the big lie is simply that the media is afraid to actually say "it".
What is "it", you ask?
The economy, stupid. We still haven't figured out how to live in the United States without growing the economy. Currently, growing the economy always means: purchasing more and developing more. Just listen to the financial reports talk about the market for new homes as an indicator of economic well-being. And these "new homes" aren't exactly solar powered yurts. They are good-ole American McMansions. Built with toxic particle board, and requiring a small power plant just to keep all the square footage heated, cooled and lit. Not to mention the forest of trees required to furnish the monster.
Nobody tells you: stop purchasing new furniture, shoes, cars and houses- which all require raw materials, chemical emissions and electricity to produce.....no, they keep focusing on those stupid light bulbs!

How to Spot a Tourist in Alaska

Tourist season is upon us once again in Alaska. I honestly have nothing against tourists, but find it funny that they have no idea how much they stick out in Alaska.

Tourist clues:
1- Wearing warm coats in 60 degree weather. (Alaskans know that's shorts weather!)

2- Fancy outdoor gear including never before worn hiking boots. Many out-of-townees seem to think you need rugged gear to stroll the mall in Anchorage....

3- Constantly calling friends in the lower 48 on their cell phones at 10:00pm, simply to say "I can't believe it's still light out!"

4- Wearing perfume while hiking. Wow! some folks just don't get what makes the mosquitoes tick...

5- Unrealistic fishing expectations & throwing a line into the wrong waters. Hey-as new comers we were guilty of this one too. Alaska has great fishing--but most folks sit at fishing holes for hours (if not days) just to catch "the big one".

6- Wearing hats & T-shirts that say only "Alaska" on them. Actual Alaskans love the word Alaska too--but it must be in a broader context: as in "Alaska Arctic fence post repair" or "Alaska girls kick ass"....

7- Inability to comprehend the beauty of duct tape.

8- Lastly, tourists don't believe the Moose poop earrings are made of real moose poop!! Yes, they are and no, it's not gross>>>.