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!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, February 25, 2008
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!!!!
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!!!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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......
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......
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